Horchata latte at new coffee shop

Had a medium size Horchata Lover Latte for $7.50 at the new San Fernando Coffee Company in the Vons shopping center today (Myrtle and Foothill). The store is having a soft opening so there is not much in the way of pastries (I was told they will increase the number of pastries they carry shortly). They also have sandwiches, crepes and waffles.

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia graduation and promotion ceremonies

Monrovia Community Adult School - Thursday, May 29; 6 p.m.

Santa Fe Computer Science Magnet School - Tuesday, June 3; 8:30 a.m.

Clifton Middle School - Tuesday, June 3; 9 a.m.

Canyon Oaks High School/Mountain Park School - Tuesday, June 3; 6 p.m.

Monrovia High School - Wednesday, June 4; 5 p.m.

- Brad Haugaard

Citrus College Promise program increases access for first-time students

by Randa B. Wahbe, Ed.D.
Citrus College Governing Board Member for Monrovia

At Citrus College, free tuition for a student’s first two years on campus is not just a possibility, it’s a promise.

Through the Citrus College Promise program, first-time students who enroll in at least 12 units in the fall and spring semesters will receive financial assistance, personalized academic advising and access to exclusive campus resources designed to support their success.

Promise program students will enroll in English or mathematics every semester until their required courses in each are completed. Students will also need to meet Early Decision program requirements or go through the onboarding process for a student support program, like athletics, CalWORKs or the Veterans Success Center. Along with completing a student educational plan and attending a new student orientation, Promise program participants will also submit a FAFSA or California Dream Act application each year; however, eligibility for financial aid is not required.

Promise students need to maintain a GPA of at least 2.0 and complete 30 academic units before the start of their second year. If students satisfy these requirements, they can reap all the benefits, which also includes priority registration.

One of the thousands of Citrus College students who have benefited from the Promise program is Yadira Alvarez, a resident of Monrovia who is studying pre-allied health, a field that prepares students for careers in nursing, dental hygiene, medical laboratory technology and physical therapy, among others.

Alvarez first heard about Citrus College when her sister began attending in 2018. While Alvarez was still attending Monrovia High School, she began taking dual enrollment courses that would satisfy her high school requirements and general education college courses.

When it came time for Alvarez to decide where to go to college, the choice was simple.

“I decided on Citrus College once I heard about the Promise program,” she said.

For Alvarez, the financial benefits were enormous. In addition to no-cost enrollment and waived fees, Alvarez received $100 vouchers for textbooks every semester and other items, like free Scantrons and snacks from the Promise program office.

“Financially, it helped me out so much,” she said.

Beyond the cost savings, Alvarez also appreciated how the Promise program was focused on helping students succeed. In the program, Alvarez worked with counselors to go over her student educational plan, a roadmap of courses that align with her major.

“If it wasn’t for the Promise program, I honestly don’t think I would be attending a community college,” she said.

While at Citrus College, Alvarez has also become involved with the Student Ambassadors, a select group of students who serve as official hosts of the college, leading campus tours and assisting with hospitality activities.

“What truly made me feel good about being a student ambassador was working college fairs and being able to share my experience with incoming college students,” Alvarez said.

After earning her associate degree, Alvarez plans to earn her certified nursing assistant (CNA) license and then apply for the Citrus College Registered Nursing program. Ultimately, she hopes to work in a hospital in the labor and delivery unit.

As the Citrus Community College District Board of Trustees representative for Monrovia/Bradbury and portions of Duarte, I am grateful for the incredible work being done to ensure our first-generation students thrive.

For more information about the Promise program and how to enroll at Citrus College, visit www.citruscollege.edu/promise.

Laid back Peggy - low key dog with a lotta love

Peggy is a gentle sweetheart who has mastered the art of taking life at her own pace. While she may carry a few extra pounds, Peggy prefers to think of herself as plush—and who doesn’t want a little extra fluff in their cuddle buddy?

What makes four-year-old Peggy truly special is her laid-back, loving personality. She’s the kind of dog who doesn’t need constant action or stimulation—she’s content splashing around in her kiddie pool, soaking up the breeze under a shady tree, or curling up next to you for a quiet afternoon nap.

Peggy is great on a leash and enjoys walks, especially if they end in a shady spot where she can plop down and take in the view. She’s working on her fitness goals with some light activity and a balanced diet—and she would love to have a human cheerleader by her side.

If you’re looking for a mellow companion or a low-key dog with a lot of love to give, Peggy could be your perfect match.

From now until 5/25, all dogs over 40 pounds like Peggy have their adoption fee waived!

The normal adoption fee for dogs is $150. All dog adoptions include spay or neuter, microchip, and age-appropriate vaccines.  

Walk-in adoptions are available every day from 10:00 – 5:00. View photos of adoptable pets at pasadenahumane.org.

New adopters will receive a complimentary health-and-wellness exam from VCA Animal Hospitals, as well as a goody bag filled with information about how to care for your pet.  

 

Pets may not be available for adoption and cannot be held for potential adopters by phone calls or email.

- Brad Haugaard

A Moment in Monrovia History: A 1905 panorama of Monrovia

A panorama of Monrovia from around 1905, from a Monrovia Board of Trade brochure showing the foothills and orange groves. From the Rehrman 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

New summer program begun for children

Starting this July Calvary Chapel Monrovia’s Solid Ground Academy will begin offering a summer program for second through sixth graders that runs from July 7 through August 21, Monday-Thursday, from 8:30 a.m - 12:30 p.m., with a break the week of July 21 for the church’s free Vacation Bible School.

Program includes…

• Worship sessions and Bible teachings, with a focus on spiritual growth.
• Theatre and music, fostering individual talent and teamwork in music and acting. Children will showcase their skills in a performance at the end of the summer program. 
• Educational experiments and creative art projects with a focus on exploration and discovery. 
• Learning healthy eating habits and simple meal preparation. 
• Outdoor activities, including water games and team building.

Cost for the six-week program is $600 with a 10% discount for siblings. There is a $100 non-refundable deposit to reserve a spot. Registration here.

- Brad Haugaard

LEGO free play at Library May 22

LEGO Free Play in the Library Story Room on Thursday, May 22, from 3:30 to 5 p.m. For children 2-12. Parents and kids can drop in to build with library-supplied blocks, exercising creativity in an informal setting.

Brad Haugaard

Library Storytime for children to age 5 at Library, May 14

Storytime for children 2 to 5 in the Library Story Room on Wednesday, May 14, from 10 to 11 a.m. Children will enjoy interactive stories and songs, then complete a sensory craft that boosts vocabulary and  motor skills.

Brad Haugaard

School board to finalize layoffs of staff

The Monrovia School Board will hold a special meeting Monday (agenda here ) to lay off 25 certificated employees. Their last day will be July 1. "Certificated" employees include teachers, site and district administrators, counselors, librarians, school nurses - any position that requires certification. Details. The layoffs are a result of declining enrollment.

- Brad Haugaard

Old Town Pizza loses its lease; plans to move

Monrovia Old Town Pizza has lost its lease and will have to close, but owner Jake Benitez hopes to reopen at another location. He has started a Go Fund Me page to help with the transition. Details. 

- Brad Haugaard

Street safety survey now online

Monrovia is doing a survey (here) to figure out how to improve street safety for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians.

- Brad Haugaard

Workshop on garden irrigation May 22

Practical tips for garden irrigation will be the focus of a free workshop and demonstration hosted by Monrovia Community Garden. Scheduled for Thursday, May 22, from 7 to 8 p.m. at the community garden at corner of Magnolia Colorado. Open to all, with ample free street parking available.

- Brad Haugaard

Career Fair at Community Adult School May 13

More than 40 employers will attend the Monrovia Community Adult School Job Fair on Tuesday, May 13, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 920 S. Mountain. Job seekers can explore career options, attend free workshops, and receive a free In-N-Out lunch by applying for at least three jobs. Registration available here. 

- Brad Haugaard

Brush clearance inspections coming up in July

Monrovia Fire and Rescue will start its annual brush clearance inspections on July 15, 2025. Residents can prepare by using roll-off bins provided by Athens Services to get rid of brush. Letters to affected households will be mailed next week. Details. 

- Brad Haugaard

Summer Reading kickoff event set for June 7

The Library's Summer Reading Kickoff takes place Saturday, June 7, with a full day of free family fun. Events include a magic show, bubble dance party, crafts, Family Feud, and lawn games. The Summer Reading Program runs June 2 to July 31 for all ages, with prize books and rewards available for completing reading goals. Sign-ups open June 2. 

- Brad Haugaard