Monrovia Canyon Park To reopen June 27

Monrovia Canyon Park will reopen to the public on Friday, June 27, at 8 a.m., according to an announcement from the Monrovia city government. There will be an invitation-only (to avoid overloading the park) ribbon cutting ceremony on June 26.

- Brad Haugaard 

A Moment in Monrovia History: Peggy Farmer Selling War Bond Stamps

In this 1942 photo, Peggy Farmer, who worked behind the jewelry and cosmetics counter at Woolworths in Monrovia's downtown, gained local notoriety during World War II selling War Bond stamps to her customers by signing them up for weekly purchases and delivering the stamps to them on her lunch hour. She said a local merchant bought $2 a day in stamps under her plan and a youngster working in a local vegetable market bought $1 in stamps every week. She signed up $100 worth of regular purchases in just three weeks. Mrs. Farmer's husband was in the army. "The more we do at home, the sooner our men can come back to us," she said. "So I'm doing all I can."

From the Dick Singer 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

School district responds to ICE activity

In response to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity in the Los Angeles area, Monrovia School District Superintendent Paula Hart Rodas sent an email stating that the district does not collect or share immigration status information and will not release student data without a subpoena or court order. All visitors, including law enforcement, she wrote, must check in through the main office. She added that the district will uphold student privacy and safety while monitoring developments and following legal guidance.

- Brad Haugaard 

City Manager: Monrovia PD not involved in immigration actions; Heavy phone calls have caused phone interruptions

City Manager Dylan Feik reports that Monrovia Police Department is not involved in recent ICE immigration actions and remains committed to serving all residents regardless of immigration status. He said Monrovia Police do not participate in immigration enforcement and are prohibited from doing so by state law. He asked residents not to contact the "incredibly busy" Police Department for immigration updates due to high call volumes which have led to phone service interruptions. 

- Brad Haugaard

Un-Maker Lab lets kids disassemble electronics, June 18

The Un-Maker Lab invites children 6 to 11 to take apart and explore electronic devices on Wednesday, June 18 from 3 to 4 p.m. in the Library Story Room. All materials provided. Registration and a library card are required. Adult participation mandatory; no drop-offs. Details. 

- Brad Haugaard

Wildfire protection seminar for seniors June 12

A free workshop for seniors 50+ on wildfire-resilient home design on June 12 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Community Center. This session will cover fire-resistant building strategies, defensible space, and energy-efficient upgrades. Lunch provided. Call 256-8246 for reservations. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

STEAM activities for children at Library June 11

Hands-on STEAM activity for children ages 6–11 in the Library Story Room. Innovation Lab's next session is June 11 from 3 to 4 p.m. No registration required. Adult participation required; no drop-offs. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Dungeons and Dragons Games at Library June 10

Dungeons and Dragons for ages 16+ in the Library Community Room, June 10 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Learn to play the classic tabletop fantasy game with the Library’s Dungeon Master. Five players per game; waitlisted attendees may observe. Register here. 

- Brad Haugaard

Hazardous waste collection June 7 at Citrus College

Free hazardous waste collection for toxic household items for items such as paint, used oil, car batteries, e-waste, and pharmaceuticals. Saturday, June 7, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Citrus College’s Stadium Parking Lot. Limit: 15 gallons or 125 pounds per trip. Some items, including tires and appliances, not accepted. Secure waste by itself in trunk.

- Brad Haugaard

Bugs and Pollinators Garden Party June 21

There will be a Summer Solstice Bugs & Garden Party on Saturday, June 21 at the Community Garden (Colorado and Magnolia). Free garden crafts, activities, workshops, and demonstrations. Waiver and registration required, here. 

- Brad Haugaard

Historic Walking Tour this Saturday

Learn about the site of the old Van De Kamps bakery and other Monrovia history on a guided Historic Walking Tour Saturday, June 7, at 10 a.m., beginning at the southeast corner of Palm and Myrtle. The two-hour tour costs $5 per person and is an easy walk.

- Brad Haugaard

Food ED offering five kitchen workshops

Food ED is offering these hands-on kitchen workshops:

• July 12, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Community Center - Fermentation 101
• July 19, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Station Square - Using Up Herbs
• September 3, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at St. Luke's Church- Kitchen Skill Building
• September 20, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Community Center - Foods of the Future
• November 15, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. St. at Luke's Church - Roasting Everything

Interest form here. 

- Brad Haugaard

Three public EV charging stations at water district offices

Three new public EV charging stations are now available at the Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District offices. Located at the corner of Foothill Blvd. and Canyon. Charging costs $0.55 per kWh and requires the Monta Charge app. For assistance, contact USGVMW at 443-2297.

- Brad Haugaard

Citywide block party June 21

The Monrovia Area Partnership Anniversary Block Party will be held June 21 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Julian Fisher Park. The free event features food, live music, carnival games, an information fair, raffle prizes, and more. Open to all. Sign up here.

- Brad Haugaard

Permanent poems for some local writers

Some local poets will have their work permanently stamped into city sidewalks. To submit your original work to be considered for the 2025 Footnotes Sidewalk Poetry Contest, contact Kerri Zessau at 932-5564 or kzessau@monroviaca.gov. Entries are due by June 27.

- Brad Haugaard