Monrovia High debate team earns awards

The Monrovia High School Debate Team earned multiple awards Saturday at the International School of Los Angeles, including first place overall team. Mia Sketeris received the Gavel Winner award.

- Brad Haugaard 

A Moment in Monrovia History: New Homes in Hidden Valley

New homes being built in Hidden Valley in 1979. (North on Alta Vista, left on Cloverleaf and you'll run into Hidden Valley.) From the Myron Hotchkiss collection. See full details here.

For more historic photos and papers, see the Monrovia Historical Society’s complete Legacy Project collection here. Learn more about the Monrovia Historical Society here.

- Brad Haugaard

Water district March workshops - Native Plant Landscaping, and Outdoor Leak Detection

The water district also has this new logo.

The Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District is offering two workshops in March.

A virtual workshop on California Friendly Native Plant Landscaping, Tuesday, March 4 from 6-7 p.m. Register here. 

An in-person workshop on Outdoor Leak Detection, Thursday, March 20, 6-7 p.m. at water district office, 248 E. Foothill Blvd. #100, in Monrovia. Register here.

- Brad Haugaard

Here is what is planned for the renovation of Recreation Park

Here's what the city is planning for the renovation of Recreation Park (on Shamrock). The proposal (here) will come up before the Development Review Committee at its March 5 meeting (agenda here).

Improved access and usability.

New amphitheater/outdoor classroom.

Beginner’s skate park.

Fitness area with permeable surfaces and bench seating.

ADA-accessible path.

Tennis courts reconfigured with new pickleball courts, improved lighting, and a shade structure.

Basketball courts enhanced.

Baseball field to receive new fencing, bleachers, shade structures, field lighting, scoreboard, and a soccer/baseball overlay.

New walking/running loop and interpretive garden featuring native, drought-tolerant plants.

Resurfaced and reconfigured parking lot with EV chargers, bioswales,.

Redesigned Constitution Circle with more picnic areas and parking.

Upgraded restrooms.

Upgraded playground equipment with a new shade structure.

Renovated picnic area with full coverage.

More benches, tables, wayfinding and interpretive signs, trash enclosures, walls, and fencing.

Landscaping and accessibility improvements park-wide.

Better access to the museum and all amenities.

- Brad Haugaard

Spring Adult Craft Night March 4 at Library

On March 4, from 6-7 p.m., adults and teens can participate in a monthly arts and crafts program at the Library. Participants can use a variety of supplies such as planters, jars, picture frames, canvases, yarn, and paint. Register here. Email afisher@monroviaca.gov or call 256-8273 for more information.

- Brad Haugaard

Children's Storytime at Library March 5

Storytime for children March 5 from 10-11 a.m. at the Library. For children ages 2-5. Stories, songs, sensory activities, and a craft project. An adult must accompany children; drop-offs not permitted. Email asimpson@monroviaca.gov or call 256-8269 for details.

- Brad Haugaard

Trivia Night at the Library March 7

The Monrovia Public Library will host a trivia night on March 7, from 5:30-7 p.m. Questions about pop culture, history, science, and movies, as well as snacks. Register here. Email cescobedo@monroviaca.gov or call 256-8265 for details.

- Brad Haugaard

Current Local Job Opportunities - March

Here are links to the latest job opportunities for Monrovia:

Monrovia School District 

City of Monrovia 

Private 

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Today magazine is out

The new Monrovia Today magazine is out. Here is the digital version. All sorts of activities and programs.

- Brad Haugaard

Volunteers sought for city boards and commissions

Monrovia is looking for volunteers to serve on the Planning Commission, Historic Preservation Commission, Community Services Commission, Monrovia Old Town Advisory Board, and Library Board. Detailed descriptions here.  Application deadline is May 1. Call City Hall at 932-5599 for further information.

- Brad Haugaard

Historic walking tour of downtown Monrovia Saturday, March 1

The Monrovia Historic Preservation Group will host another historic walking tour of downtown Monrovia tomorrow, March 1, at 10 a.m. Meet at the southeast corner of Palm and Myrtle Avenue. The tour lasts about two hours and costs $5 per person.

- Brad Haugaard

Centre Stage Summer Theatre Camps Registration Opens

Registration for Centre Stage's Summer Theatre Camps opens March 1. "All Shook Up" Teen Camp begins June 6, and "Finding Nemo Jr." Youth Camp starts July 7. Email centrestageinc@yahoo.com or call 297-4758 for details.

- Brad Haugaard

SCE to Inspect Monrovia with drones and helicopters

Over the next few weeks Southern California Edison will conduct inspections in Monrovia using drones and helicopters to assess electrical equipment as part of its wildfire prevention program. Inspections typically take 30 to 60 minutes.

- Brad Haugaard

Free parking in train station garage ends for Farmers Market

Starting March 1, the Monrovia Station parking garage will resume charging a daily fee of $3. Free parking will no longer be available during the Station Square Farmers Market.

- Brad Haugaard

Foothill Unity Center names Jhoana Hirasuna as executive director

The Monrovia-based relief agency, Foothill Unity Center, has named Jhoana Hirasuna as its new Executive Director. Hirasunahas experience in social services and non-profit management. She previously served as Executive Director of Shepherd's Pantry and director of social services at the Salvation Army. She has degrees in sociology and social work. She will begin her new position in early March.

- Brad Haugaard