USC Arcadia Hospital's physical rehab service ranks among top in country


Newsweek has ranked USC Arcadia Hospital as one of the top 320 physical rehabilitation services in the country. The hospital also placed tenth out of 24 in California. Rankings here.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia In-N-Out Burger now open


The In-N-Out Burger in the Huntington Oaks Shopping Center opened today, and the traffic lane, which wraps around the building, appeared to be handling the number of vehicles without difficulty. There’s a nice outdoor seating area as well.

- Brad Haugaard 

Brunch at Troy Donuts & Burgers


Had brunch at Troy Donuts & Burgers, on the west side of Myrtle a bit south of Duarte Road. Got a nice sausage and egg bagel for $7.99 and an orange juice for $7. Note: The restaurant closes at 3:30 p.m. and 1 p.m. Sundays. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Waffles is a quiet soul who prefers life at an easy pace


Meet Waffles, a handsome German Shepherd at Pasadena Humane whose toasty, golden-brown color truly lives up to his name! At 10 years old, this senior gentleman is looking forward to spending the rest of his days curled up on a comfy couch in a calm, cozy home.

Waffles is a quiet soul who prefers life at an easy pace. While he may take some time to warm up to new people, he walks politely on leash, knows his “sit” command, and perks up when treats are around (which he can still catch mid-air with a gentle toss!). He's not a dog who craves too much activity but would love a nice evening stroll with his humans, and a peaceful environment to call home.

Because of his history, Waffles would do best in a low-traffic home without young children or other pets. He would thrive with a patient, understanding adopter, and in return, he’ll be a steady, loyal presence.

If you’re ready to open your heart and home to a senior pup who just wants a soft place to land, Waffles is waiting to be yours! Adopt Waffles today and make his golden years truly special.

The 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: Bringing home Christmas presents

Bringing home Christmas presents for Jimmie Rogers, from 1903. From left: Agnes Sutton and May Baker. From the photo album of May Baker, an avid photographer who took many photos. 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

Adult game night at library Sept. 26


Game Night for adults at the Library Friday, Sept. 26 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Community Room, for ages 18 and up. Board games, puzzles, and Nintendo Switch games or bring your own.  Details

- Brad Haugaard

Lotería Night at Library, Oct. 3


Free Lotería Night Friday, Oct. 3 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the Library Community Room, for all ages to enjoy the traditional Mexican bingo game with friends, family, and prizes. Registration is required. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Fall gardening workshop set for Sept. 27


One Earth Community Garden will host a Fall Garden Workshop on Saturday, Sept. 27, at 10 a.m. at 777 Greystone Ave. Presented in partnership with Armstrong’s Nursery, the hands-on event offers tips and inspiration for growing seasonal fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Open to all interested in fall gardening.

- Brad Haugaard

Rainwater harvesting presentation at Garden Club meeting

S


peaker Orchid Black will discuss rainwater harvesting with swales and earthworks at the Monrovia Garden Club meeting, Tuesday, Sept. 23⁠⁠​. Social time starts at 6:30 p.m., and the program begins at 7 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church's Fellowship Hall, at the corner of Myrtle and Foothill.

- Brad Haugaard

Historic walking tour tomorrow, Sept. 20

There will be an historic walking tour tomorrow, Sept. 20, at 10 a.m., starting at the southeast corner of Myrtle and Palm. Attendees will learn about the city’s early history while walking approximately six blocks. The tour lasts about two hours and costs $5 per person.

- Brad Haugaard

City looking for Christmas tree ornament artists


Artists can submit Christmas tree ornament designs for the 2025 Holiday Tree Ornament Contest with the theme "Monrovia Merriment." The winning design will be featured on ceramic ornaments, and the artist will receive a $500 stipend and name recognition. Details

- Brad Haugaard

Celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month at Library Saturday


Live Mariachi, crafts, and cultural displays will highlight a library celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month tomorrow, Sept. 20, from noon to 2 p.m. The City Council has proclaimed September 15 to October 15 as Hispanic Heritage Month.

- Brad Haugaard

Poppy mural at Recreation Park has been renovated


The newly renovated poppy mural at Recreation Park, created by local artist Donna Hargett, spans 133 feet and features vivid California poppies, pollinators, and inspirational phrases. Located just north of the tennis courts, the project was funded by the city’s Art in Public Places program.

- Brad Haugaard

City wants voters to approve replacement assessment district with higher fees to keep up with increased costs


Monrovia is proposing an increased assessment fee on properties citywide. If approved, the proposal - which will be voted on by residents - will replace the old Lighting and Landscaping Maintenance District and the Park Maintenance District into a single new Citywide Lighting, Landscaping, and Parks Maintenance District. The new district would provide funding for streetlights, traffic signals, street trees, landscaping, and park facilities. To see what you would owe, click on your property on the map here

The city reports that the reason for the change is that the old districts are outdated and revenue is not keeping up with costs for electricity, maintenance, and staffing. Assessment increases would be phased in over five years beginning in Fiscal Year 2026-27, starting at 50 percent of the needed rate, with the City covering the shortfall until Fiscal Year 2030-31.

Ballot packets with parcel-specific information, fact sheets, and ballots will be mailed by Sept. 26, and must be returned by Nov. 18. A public hearing is scheduled for Nov. 18 at City Hall, with ballot tabulation on Nov. 19 and 20. If approved, the new district will be formed and assessments levied beginning in Fiscal Year 2026-27; if not, the existing districts will remain in place.

Comment: I find it a bit odd that the public hearing is scheduled just a day before ballot counting takes place. I'll see if I can get further information on this.

I asked City Manager Dylan Feik the point of the hearing and he said:

The final public hearing is a formality. We’ve had at least 4 previous meetings where public comment was allowed. 

It’s just one more….final…5th or 6th time…last chance.

- Brad Haugaard

Bradoaks Elementary teacher to be honored today as LA County Teacher of the Year

Dr. Heather Povinelli, a second-grade teacher at Bradoaks Elementary Science Academy, has been named Teacher of the Year by both the Monrovia School District and the Los Angeles County Office of Education and will be honored today during the 2025-2026 Teacher of the Year Banquet at the Universal City Hilton.

Povinelli has served in the district for 25 years, teaching kindergarten through second grade and serving as an interventionist, helping students who are struggling academically or behaviorally. Superintendent Dr. Paula Hart Rodas praised her research-driven approach and adaptability, citing her quick response after a classroom fire last year forced her class to relocate midyear.

Bradoaks Principal Calvin McKendrick called Povinelli "a once-in-a-generation educator" who not only teaches content but builds character.

Update: Dr. Povinelli was one of 16 honorees, selected from 70 district-level Teachers of the Year across 65 L.A. County school districts. Each honoree received a $1,000 award from California Credit Union. The selection process included essays, lesson plans, and interviews by former state honorees. Five California Teachers of the Year will be announced in October, and one will advance to the 2026 national competition.

- Brad Haugaard

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