School superintendent statement on proposed closure of Santa Fe Middle Scchool


Following is a letter from Monrovia Schools Superintendent Paula Hart Rodas announcing her recommendation to close Santa Fe Middle School.

The Monrovia Unified School District (MUSD) has reviewed all feedback from families, employees, and the community at large to prepare a recommendation regarding the consolidation of the district’s two middle schools - Clifton Middle School and Santa Fe Computer Science Magnet School. Input was gathered through a series of in-person and virtual informational meetings, a public survey, and direct communications. We recognize that discussions about school consolidation can be emotional and difficult, and we sincerely appreciate the thoughtful input and perspectives shared by our community.

During tonight’s MUSD Board of Education meeting, Superintendent Dr. Paula Hart Rodas presented her recommendation to keep Clifton Middle School open as part of the Fiscal Stabilization Plan. We understand closing a school brings sadness, uncertainty, and concern for many students, families, staff, and alumni. These feelings are real, and the district does not take them lightly. The Board of Education is expected to make a final decision at its next meeting on December 17, 2025.

The district is recommending that Clifton Middle School become the sole campus for all middle school students in 7th and 8th grade beginning in August, 2026. Our commitment moving forward is to support all students, families, and staff through this transition and ensure a positive, stable learning environment.

The district is seeking public comments regarding the repurposing of the campus of the school that may be closed.

“Thank you to the many parents and community members who engaged in our process as we worked carefully to determine the path forward to achieve fiscal stabilization. We appreciate your partnership and continued support.” 

-Dr. Paula Hart Rodas


School superintendent recommends closing Santa Fe Middle School

At tonight's Monrovia School Board meeting Superintendent Dr. Paula Hart Rodas recommended closing Santa Fe Middle School due to declining enrollment. This leaves Clifton as the only remaining middle school in the district. No vote was taken on the proposed closure; the final decision will be made at the board's Dec. 17 meeting.

- Brad Haugaard,


Max - a certified good boy and all-around good company


Meet Max, a four-year-old certified good boy at Pasadena Humane. Max is a gentle, affection Akita who loves nothing more than pets. He’ll even give you a soft nudge to remind you of that! After coming into the shelter when his owner could no longer care for him, he’s shown us just how calm and friendly he can be.

Max is great on a leash, takes treats very softly, is house trained, and has done well around other dogs out on several adoption events. He is consistently loved by staff and volunteers alike, and has been described as easygoing, easy to handle, and all-around wonderful company.

If you’re looking for a loving guy who’s ready to steal your heart in no time, look no further. Max is available for a 10-day adoption trial today!

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: The Monrovia Ration Board during World War II

The Monrovia Ration Board around 1945, toward the end of World War II. During the war various items, such as food, household, and consumer goods were rationed. Consumers got ration coupons to let them purchase limited amounts of these things. 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

Flash flood warning in effect until 9 p.m.

A flash flood warning has been issued by the National Weather Service for Monrovia and other foothill cities. It is in effect until 9 p.m. Details

- Brad Haugaard

Fire Department extinguishes blaze on Central Avenue



Monrovia Fire Department quickly put out a fire late Sunday night in the 200 block of W. Central Ave., with support from Arcadia LA County and Pasadena fire units. According to one report, several apartment units were damaged by the blaze, which was reportedly started by an electrical malfunction. Photos by @jamie_hn, Monrovia Fire Department.

- Brad Haugaard

'Let it Snow,' an evening of winter songs, Dec. 13

“Let it Snow,” an evening of winter songs by the San Gabriel Valley Choral Company, will take place Dec. 13 at 7:30 p.m. at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, at Foothill and California in Monrovia. Music from Beethoven to Whitacre. Tickets: $25 general, $15 children under 12. Season tickets: $60. Available online here or at the door.

- Brad Haugaard

Council to consider upgrading police communications system

At its next meeting (agenda here) the City Council will consider upgrading its Public Safety Communications Center for $790,447 plus 10% contingency, and an annual fee of $67,656. The project replaces the 17-year-old analog VHF system with a digital UHF network offering encryption, reliability and integration into the countywide Interagency Communications Interoperability (ICI) System. The plan includes new Motorola consoles, repeaters, routers, monitors, fiber work, and specialized dispatch furniture, and it brings the system into compliance with Department of Justice/FBI rules requiring criminal justice information or information that can identify individuals be encrypted. Details.


- Brad Haugaard

San Gabriel Valley Choral Company free caroling event Dec. 7

San Gabriel Valley Choral Company will host a free community caroling event of holiday favorites on Dec. 7 at 2 p.m. at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, at California Avenue and Foothill. Beverages and treats for sale.

- Brad Haugaard

Winter Adult Craft Night at the Library, Dec. 2


Winter Adult Craft Night on Dec. 2 from 6 to 7 p.m. in the Library’s Story Room. Participants will fold a book into a holiday decoration. Supplies provided; attendees may bring their own book. For adults 18+. Registration required, here.

- Brad Haugaard

Game Night for adults at the Library, Nov. 21


Board games, puzzles, and Nintendo Switch games featured for Adult Game Night, Nov. 21, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., in the Library Community Room. Attendees may bring games to share. For ages 18 and up. Details

- Brad Haugaard

Science for toddlers at the Library, Nov. 21


Hands-on science activities for preschoolers ages 2 to 5 at the Library’s Story Room on Friday, Nov. 21 from 11 to 11:45 a.m. Biology, physics, and more. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Registration required here

- Brad Haugaard

City Council to consider Route 66 signs and rules to support construction of bungalow courts; also will hold final hearing on assessment district proposal

Location of proposed Route 66 signs.

At its next meeting (agenda here) the Monrovia City Council will ...

~ Consider adding Route 66 signs on the old routes through town in anticipation of the road's 2026 centennial. The signs will mark the original 1926-1934 route along Shamrock and Foothill, with refreshed signage on Huntington Drive (Route 66 started along Foothill then was switched to Huntington Drive). There will be 16 signs, 12 replacements on Huntington, directional signs at key intersections, and "Historic Old Town" and bypass signs. Details

~ Hold a final public hearing on the proposed assessment district. This will be you last chance if you want to give the City Council your thoughts. Here is the city staff report on the proposed district and here is an earlier news report. 

~  Consider an amendment to zoning rules to support bungalow court development. Bungalow courts are defined as multi-family homes arranged around a shared landscaped courtyard. The amendment would set size limits for these structures - height, width, depth - and allows their placement in front and side setbacks when part of a bungalow court. Details

- Brad Haugaard

Coming Up in Monrovia!


Boys & Girls Club Festival of Trees on Dec. 6


The Boys & Girls Club of the Foothills will host its 15th annual Festival of Trees on Saturday, Dec. 6 at 5:30 p.m. at Annandale Golf Club in Pasadena. The event includes holiday displays and live and silent auctions. Proceeds benefit local youth programs in academics, arts, sports, and career readiness. Details

- Brad Haugaard

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