Five Below grand opening set for April 18-19

Five Below will open its newest store in Monrovia on Friday, April 18, at Huntington Oaks Shopping Center. The grand opening weekend promises fun, music, kids' activities, and prizes. On Saturday, April 19, visitors can get a free drawstring bag (while supplies last) and free hot dogs from noon to 3 p.m. (two per person, while supplies last). The store offers products for tweens and teens, with most items priced $1-$5. Store hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia man sentenced to 30 years for child exploitation

A Monrovia man was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for producing and distributing child sexual abuse material involving a 2-year-old. David Lisandro Perez Figueroa, 23, pleaded guilty to federal charges last November. He was arrested in December 2023 after federal agents searched his home. Details. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Art committee to select utility box art designs

One of many utility box design proposals.

At its next meeting (agenda here) the Art in Public Places Committee will select four out of 27 designs to paint on the remaining four unpainted city utility boxes. The theme is Monrovia, All-America City, in honor of the city’s two-time All-America City Award. Submissions were from high school students, professional designers, and Monrovia Association of Fine Arts members. Winning artists will receive a $750 stipend upon completing the box. More art here.

- Brad Haugaard

K-Chicken and Beer to become Seoul Alley Korean Pub

The K-Chicken and Beer restaurant on Myrtle will apparently become Seoul Alley Korean Pub. The restaurant is requesting approval of its new sign from city's Development Review Committee at its next meeting. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Trail touch up complete in Wilderness Preserve

David Campbell rides the switchbacks below Sunset Bench. 

The city contractor has finished grading and taming the trails in the Hillside Wilderness Preserve. The switchbacks below Sunset Bench in particular have been well worked. Many of the steps at the hairpin corners have been removed and the corners smoothed and widened. Because of the grading the ground is still quite soft, especially near the edges.

- Brad Haugaard 

Teen Game Hangout April 18 at Library

Teen Game Hangout Friday, April 18, from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Library. Teens in grades 6-12 can hangout, eat snacks, play Nintendo Switch games, Beyblades, and board games. No registration is needed; drop-ins are welcome.

- Brad Haugaard

Veterans Meetup April 22 - free coffee!

Monthly Veterans Meetup, Tuesday, April 22, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Magnolia/Huntington Starbucks. Connect and share stories with free coffee on the fourth Tuesday of each month.

- Brad Haugaard

Beginner vocal class at Library April 19

Beginner Vocal Class for Adults and Teens 16+ Saturday, April 19, from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Library. The introductory lesson will cover easy voice exercises and simple songs. Registration required, here. 

- Brad Haugaard

Children read to therapy dogs, April 15

Barks and Books lets children 6 to 11 read to therapy dogs to boost their reading confidence. Tuesday, April 15, from 4 to 5 p.m. at the Library. Registration required, one seat remaining. See here.

- Brad Haugaard

Garden Tales at the Huntington - told at next Garden Club meeting

At its next meeting the Monrovia Garden Club will hear Sandy Masuo present “Rooted in History: Garden Tales at the Huntington,” a program on horticultural history and plant lore. The meeting will be at 7 p.m., Tuesday, April 22, at 6:30 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, at the corner of Myrtle and Foothill. Contact martharund@gmail.com for details.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Reads to honor John Wilson at fundraiser

Monrovia Reads' annual literacy fundraiser, this year honoring John Wilson, will take place May 8 at the Doubletree, 924 W Huntington. Wilson will receive the Literacy Legacy Award. Tickets are $75 and include dinner and auctions. RSVP at soallmayread@monroviareads.org or purchase tickets here.

- Brad Haugaard

Artist reception, free food and music, April 25

The Monrovia Association of Fine Arts will host a free artist reception on Friday, April 25 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Community Center, featuring new artwork, live music, and refreshments provided by Rivans Baking Company and Wine of the Month Club. All ages welcome. No RSVP required.

- Brad Haugaard

Historical Museum debuts 'Monrovia’s History Through Architecture'

The Monrovia Historical Museum will debut "Monrovia’s History Through Architecture" on Sunday, May 4, coinciding with the 41st Annual MOHPG Historic Home Tour. Tickets for the tour are available at Charlie’s House, the MOHPG website, or the Museum on the day of the event. Museum admission is free.

- Brad Haugaard

Container gardening workshop at Community Garden South

There will be a workshop April 19 on container gardening, and a tree raffle, at Monrovia Community Garden South, 1650 S. Magnolia. Dwarf fruit trees raffled at 10:15 and 11:15 a.m.; winners must be present. Recommended parking at 168 W. Pomona. Contact info@monroviacommunitygarden.org for details.

- Brad Haugaard

Farmers Market now has food scrap collection point

The Saturday Farmers Market at Station Square now has a drop-off point for food scraps. Bring them from 8 a.m. to noon and learn how to compost, play an educational sorting game, and receive compost.

- Brad Haugaard