A Moment in Monrovia History: The Police Department personnel in 1974

Monrovia Police Department members in front of City Hall on Jan. 12, 1974. 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

Cava restaurant planned for Huntington Oaks Shopping Center

A new Mediterranean restaurant called Cava, part of a nationwide chain, is planned for the former Hart House restaurant next to Panera in the Huntington Oaks Shopping Center. Here is the restaurant's website. The Development Review Committee will consider its facade design at its next meeting. Details. 

- Brad Haugaard

Republik Coffee plans to open on Myrtle

Another coffee shop is planned for Monrovia; Republik Coffee, which plans to locate at the now-closed Sunday's Old Town Bistro on the east side of Myrtle just north of Colorado. The company has two other locations, in Pasadena and Burbank. Its slogan is, "Life is too short to drink bad coffee". Here is its website.

- Brad Haugaard

Rigo's Mexican Food plans to reopen across the street

Image courtesy of Google Maps.

Rigo's Mexican Food, a long-time restaurant on the northeast corner of Foothill and Mayflower, has been closed for years but plans to reopen directly across the street, at the southeast corner of Foothill and Mayflower. The restaurant is currently applying for an alcohol permit. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Poems in concrete planned for Monrovia sidewalks

At its next meeting (agenda here) the Art in Public Places Committee will consider adding these eight new poems to Monrovia sidewalks as they are repaired or replaced. Annual cost of the program is about $5,000.

Urban Garden
Violet, Mayflower,
Magnolia, Primrose, Myrtle –
Monrovia’s blooms.

Toasting the Moon
Bears in bowties bake moon pies,
Juggle jellybeans beneath starry skies.
They sip on tea with honey toast,
And toast the moon they love the most.

Let’s Walk
Take my hand, let’s walk
Take my words, let’s talk
Take my dreams, let’s wish
Take my heart, let’s love
Take my soul, let’s be

Wilderness Preserve & Canyon Park
Wilderness, you lack some shade but that’s okay
You offer much more than the sun’s glare
Canyon Park, how I’ve missed you
I hear you’re reopening soon, and I’ll be there
To pause, breathe, stroll, hike and be

Listen
In our corner of this metropolis
Listen to the shady oak, canyon falls,
Birds, bears, history preserved
In these mountain foothills
We call home

All-American City
Santa on his fire truck
Mark Twain in the park
Samson in his hot tub
Monrovia in our hearts

Monrovia!
A city for all
Spring, winter, and fall.
And, on sweet summer days
A soft, golden haze
Falls on hillsides and singing birds call.

I will be happy
Today I will be happy come what may
Come rain, come shine, it’s a new day
And each day I will raise my face to meet the sun
Yes, today I will be happy

- Brad Haugaard

Clothing drive to support Monrovia High musicians

Monrovia High's Musical Arts Program is trying to gather 3,000 pounds of clothing in its Clothing Drive Challenge to support student musicians. Donate gently used clothes, shoes and household textiles in 13 gallon trash bags only. Drop off days are Saturday, July 26, Saturday, August 2, and Saturday, August 9.  9 a.m. to noon in the teachers' parking lot.

- Brad Haugaard

Teen Trivia game at the Library July 12

Teen Trivia, game for students in grades 7–12, held Saturday, July 12 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. in the Library Story Room. Participants must register individually; team sizes limited to five. Individual registrants will be grouped. Register here.

- Brad Haugaard

Children make sun catchers at Library, July 14

Kids 6 to 11 can enjoy summer crafts and social time at Monday Funday on July 14 from 3 to 4 p.m. in the Library’s Story Time Room. Participants will make ocean-themed sun catchers. No registration required. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Play with Legos at the Library, July 17

LEGO Free Play lets children ages 2 to 12 and their parents build and play with library-provided LEGO blocks. Held in the Story Room on Thursday, July 17 from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Yoga class for teens and adults July 19 at Library

Gentle yoga session for teens and adults focusing on movement, stretching, and breathing, at the Community Room on Saturday, July 19 from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Walk-ins welcome. Mats and water provided; bring a towel. Designed to relax the body and calm the mind while improving strength and flexibility. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

ABC7 reports on Monrovia's block party trailer

ABC7 did a report on the block party trailer that Monrovia has available for residents. See it here. 

- Brad Haugaard

Teens can learn about Youth Commission and enjoy lemonade and games, July 16

Teens are invited to enjoy free lemonade and games while learning about the Youth Commission at Library Park on Wednesday, July 16, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.. The Commission will host a booth with Jenga, Connect 4, Spike ball, and Corn hole. The event encourages teens to get involved, plan events, and represent their peers. More about Youth Commission here.

- Brad Haugaard

Historic walking tour this Saturday

A walking tour focusing on Monrovia history will take place this Saturday at 10 a.m., led by the Monrovia Historic Preservation Group. The tour will last about two hours and cover six short city blocks. Cost is $5 per person. No RSVP, just  meet at the southeast corner of Myrtle and Palm Avenues.

- Brad Haugaard

Artist wanted for mural at new Tsuneishi Park

The city is looking for an artist to create a mural at Satoru Tsuneishi Park, now under construction, to highlight Asian American history in the city, including their agricultural contributions, and to celebrate Historic Route 66. The park will feature a playground, recreation space, picnic areas, and landscaping. Applications are due by July 31 at 6 p.m. Details. 

- Brad Haugaard

Council to consider 9% salary boost for City Manager; receive Community Center update

At upcoming Tuesday meetings the Monrovia City Council will  evaluate in closed session the performance of City Manager Dylan Feik (agenda here), then at its regular meeting (agenda here) consider removing the 5% annual raise limit to give him a 9% raise, and also to remove limits to enable him to receive a one-time payment for up to $30,000 of his unused sick time.

The staff report says the current 5% per year salary increase limit for the city manager's position "has become unworkable, and does not allow the City to keep up with the market for City Manager salaries." Feik's salary, the report says, is "significantly below market." Details. 

Also, the council will hold a study session (agenda here) to receive a Community Center project update.

- Brad Haugaard