A Moment in Monrovia History: The Pottery Ranch

A postcard showing The Pottery Ranch, at 249 W. Huntington Drive, where the Jack in the Box is now at the southeast corner of Huntington and Magnolia. The Pottery Ranch specialized in factory and seconds and closeouts in dinnerware, ceramic giftware, gardenware, and glassware. From the Steve Baker 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

Monrovia Plunge opened 100 years ago today

Today, 100 years ago, on June 22,1925, the doors opened to the Monrovia Municipal Plunge for swimmers of all ages. The Plunge closed in 1983 and was reborn as the Monrovia Historical Museum. Museum will be dry and painted for the reopening on June 29th. That according to Mike Andrews of the Monrovia Historical Museum.

- Brad Haugaard

School district to consider policy on immigration

At a June 24 meeting (agenda here) the School Board will consider these policies regarding immigration:

• Ensure safe and welcoming environment regardless of citizenship or immigration status.
• Prohibit collection of immigration status information.
• Prevent discrimination based on immigration status.
• Prohibit the use of district resources or data to create lists, registries, or databases based on immigration status, national origin, religion, or other protected characteristics.
• Inform parents/guardians about their children’s right to a free public education regardless of immigration status, and their rights concerning immigration enforcement.
• Create protocols to handle requests from law enforcement officers for access to district records, school sites, or students related to immigration enforcement.
• Offer training to staff on immigration issues, including how to respond to law enforcement requests to visit school sites or access students.
• Require timely reporting of any law enforcement requests for information or school site access for immigration enforcement purposes to the board.

Details. 

And ...

• Staff will submit timely reports to the board on officer requests and district responses, and email the California Department of Justice’s Bureau of Children’s Justice about any immigration enforcement access attempts.
• Urge parents/guardians to keep emergency contact information current.
• Encourage families to memorize emergency numbers and know the location of key documents (e.g., birth certificates, passports).
• In cases of parent/guardian detention or deportation, release students to individuals listed in emergency contact information.
• Refer students or families to resources like ICE detainee locators, legal assistance, or consulates/embassies if a parent/guardian is detained or deported.

Details.

- Brad Haugaard

All Monrovia school sites have physical problems

At its June 25 meeting (agenda here) the Monrovia Board of Education will receive an update on Measure MM bond money. The staff report notes that "All school sites have issues related to accessibility, and require upgrades to meet compliance."

• Parking is not available at all school sites
• Dedicated student drop – off
• Main entrance access
• Site access gates
• ADA parking
• Accessible paths or route of travel including site ramps
• Toilet rooms, Student and Staff
• Drinking fountains
• Audible systems

Details.

- Brad Haugaard 

Creative play for children to age 11 at the Library, June 23

Imagination Station in the Library Story Room; Monday, June 23, 3 to 4 p.m.; children to age 11; creative play with toys, props and sensory items. Details. 

- Brad Haugaard

Teen Makerspace June 25 at Library

Pop‑up Makerspace for teens (grades 6–12)  in the Library Teen Area; Wednesday, June 25, 3:30 to 5 p.m.;  drop‑in crafts, zines, bracelets, buttons, coding with Sphero, 3D pen. Details. 

- Brad Haugaard

Game Night for adults at Library, June 27

Game Night for adults at the Library Community Room; Friday, June 27, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.; Adults (18+); enjoy board games, puzzles, Nintendo Switch or bring your own. Details. 

- Brad Haugaard

Nineteen cats rescued from stolen U-Haul truck in Monrovia

Nineteen adult cats were found living in filthy conditions inside a stolen U-Haul truck in Monrovia today. The non-feral cats were taken by Pasadena Humane for evaluation and seemed to be in generally good health and if the owner(s) cannot be located, they'll be available for adoption. Details. More details.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia drinking water meets all state and federal standards

Monrovia’s 2024 Drinking Water Quality Report reports that all state and federal water standards were met. Also, the city report says, "The City is currently in the process of designing increased water treatment facilities to remove additional contaminants found in the groundwater..." The report is available here. 

- Brad Haugaard

Chamber of Commerce mixer June 26, and ribbon cutting for Pet Care of the Foothills June 30

The Chamber of Commerce will host a networking mixer at Courtyard by Marriott, 700 W Huntington, on Thursday, June 26, from 5 to 7 p.m. Free for Chamber members; $10 for non-members. A ribbon cutting for Pet Care of the Foothills, 620 S Myrtle, will follow on Monday, June 30, from 4 to 6 p.m. For details on both events, contact kr@monroviacc.com.

- Brad Haugaard

Fourth of July fireworks in Library Park

4th of July Concert and Fireworks Show on Friday, July 4 at Library Park. Live music by Blue Breeze Band (Motown) begins at 7 p.m., followed by a 20-minute fireworks display at 9 p.m. Spectators can reserve a 10 x 10 foot space in the park starting at 6 a.m. The Library and Friday Night Street Fair will be closed July 3 and 4.

- Brad Haugaard

Garden Club meeting June 24 - drought tolerant plants

Monrovia Garden Club will conclude its season with an ice cream social and gardening talk on June 24. Social time begins at 6:30 p.m., followed by a 7 p.m. meeting at Fellowship Hall, First Presbyterian Church, at Myrtle and Foothill. Karen Edmon of Armstrong Garden Center will discuss drought-tolerant plants. The event is open to community members.

- Brad Haugaard

Community Center Passport Office to stay open later on Tuesdays

The Community Center Passport Office will offer extended hours every Tuesday from 5 to 8 p.m. starting July 1. Regular appointments available Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call 932-5598 to make an appointment.

- Brad Haugaard

Motown music this Sunday, June 22, at Station Square

Blue Breeze Band, Motown soul music, this Sunday, June 22, 7-8:30 p.m. at Station Square Amphitheater. Also, same location, Family Festival, from 4-9 p.m.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Historical Museum to reopen June 29

The Monrovia Historical Museum (742 E. Lemon Avenue) will reopen Sunday, June 29. Public Works has repaired the water damage and visitors are invited to explore new exhibits from 1 to 4 p.m. The museum showcases the people, places, and stories that define Monrovia history.

- Brad Haugaard