Lunch at Grey & Cash


Lunch at the Grey & Cash coffee shop, on the west side of Myrtle just north of Lemon. Got the Jive Turkey sandwich for $15.50 and a latte for $5.50. Very nice!

- Brad Haugaard 

Rain ends New Year’s Eve on Myrtle, changes Noon Year’s Eve


Because of expected rain, the New Year’s Eve celebration on Myrtle is canceled. Also, the Noon Year’s Eve celebration in library Park is being modified.

It is now Noon Year’s Eve Grab & Go. The Community Center will offer a commemorative photo, party supplies, and craft kits for at-home celebrations, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.  at 119 W. Palm Ave.

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia shop owner in charge of inspecting all Rose Parade horseshoes


Ada Gates Patton, who owns Harry Patton Horseshoeing Supplies on Maple, in Monrovia, is also the Rose Parade’s official horseshoe inspector, ensuring every mount meets safety standards before the parade. Photo courtesy of PasadenaNow.com. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Goofy Dorito loves exploring with his big nose


Dorito is a lovable, larger-than-life Labrador Retriever mix at Pasadena Humane, who is just over a year old. Despite a rough start as a stray, Dorito hasn’t lost his joyful spirit. He’s goofy, affectionate, and absolutely adores playtime – especially chasing balls and exploring with his big nose. He’s also smart, responsive, easily directed with a good treat, and sweetly self-soothes once he’s given the chance to slow down.

Because Dorito feels everything big, he can get overstimulated and will thrive in a low-traffic home with a confident handler who can help him take breaks, build calm routines, and keep life balanced. He’d do best as the only dog and with space to burn off his puppy-like energy. If your New Year’s resolution is to welcome more joy, laughter, love, and maybe a few more walks, Dorito is ready for a fresh start by your side!

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 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. 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: Happy New Year from Monrovia's founder!

A Happy New Year from Monrovia founder, William Monroe. This is his Happy New Year business card. From the Monrovia Historical Museum 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

Tinkering and exploring for kids, at the Library Jan. 12


Pop-Up Makerspace, hands-on tinkering and exploration for kids ages 5-12, Jan. 12 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. in the Library Story Room. Includes a variety of materials and tools for creative play and learning. No registration required. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Storytime for young children at Library, Jan 7


Storytime for ages 2–5 on Jan. 7 from 10 to 11 a.m. in the Library Story Room. Stories, songs, and a craft or sensory activity to build vocabulary, comprehension, and fine motor skills. Adult participation required. Details

- Brad Haugaard

City looking for accomplishments to highlight for State of the City Address

The city is prepping for the State of the City address and is looking for accomplishments to highlight. Residents may submit noteworthy accomplishments from local schools, non-profits, churches, or other organizations. Milestones, awards, recognitions, and completed projects are welcome. Email submissions to Jocelyn Casas at jcasas@monroviaca.gov by Jan. 8, 2026.

- Brad Haugaard

New Year's Eve in Old Town

- Brad Haugaard

New California law will permit taller residential buildings near train station

A new California law will override local zoning beginning July 1, 2026 and require many cities to allow taller residential development near train stations. For Monrovia that could mean buildings up to seven or eight stories next to the train station.

The law provides two tiers, with Monrovia falling under Tier 2, which allows buildings up to:

  • 85 feet (about 7 or 8 stories) on properties immediately adjacent to a station.
  • 65 feet (about 5 or 6 stories) within a quarter-mile of the station.
  • 55 feet (about 4 or 5 stories) between a quarter-mile and half-mile of the station.

The Monrovia station is "light rail," not "commuter rail," a distinction drawn in the bill, and therefore does not fall in the Tier 1 category, which allows even higher buildings.

The law also requires that approximately 7 to 13 percent of units in residential projects of 10 units or more be reserved for lower-income households. Full details in the bill, here

- Brad Haugaard

Coming Up in Monrovia

Free adoption for big dogs and adult cats through Dec. 31

Noon Years Eve in Library Park, Dec. 31

New Year's Eve in Old Town

Craft a stuffed bear, for adults, at the library, Jan. 6

Trivia Night for adults at Library, Jan. 9

Auditions for San Gabriel Valley Choral Company Jan. 6, 13

Ribbon cutting for the city’s 9th park set for Jan. 13

- Brad Haugaard

Merry Christmas, Monrovia!

Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.  (Luke 2:8-11)

- Brad Haugaard

Calm, steady Achilles wants his own family for Christmas


Achilles is a 4-year-old black German Shepherd whose calm confidence and gentle nature make him the perfect companion for both winter adventures and cozy days at home! Whether he’s hiking, riding calmly in the car, or soaking up attention from admirers, Achilles brings a steady, comforting energy wherever he goes.

On a recent field trip, he handled a very busy trail like a pro — calmly walking alongside another dog, ignoring bikes, kids, crowds, and even a horse, all while happily taking treats and responding to verbal cues. He’s affectionate and gentle, leaning in for pets and chest scratches, and truly lives up to his reputation as a big cuddly bear.

This holiday season, Achilles would love nothing more than a family to call his very own. If you’re hoping to celebrate the holiday season with a loyal, loving best friend by your side, consider adopting Achilles and giving him the forever home he deserves. There’s no better time to adopt: during the Home for the Holidays campaign (Dec. 14-31), adoption fees for large dogs, like Achilles, will be waived.

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.

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.

- Brad Haugaard

A Moment in Monrovia History: A bright and happy Christmas from 1899!

An 1899 Christmas gift card with gifts noted on back: "Mrs. Dexter = apron. Yetta = Handkerchief. Emma = Handkerchief." The card is tradmarked "Raphael Tuck & Sons Ltd. Publishers to Their Majesties the King & Queen." 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 gets 5.9-acre hillside Christmas present from Pokrajac family

Showing the Big M on the Monrovia hillside.

The City Council will consider accepting a gift from the Pokrajac family, which wants to give Monrovia a big Christmas present - 5.19 acres of hillside property which includes the "Big M" on the hillside that is lit for Monrovia High games. The M was constructed by Monrovia High Class of 1952.

The property, part of a larger parcel of about 26.09 acres, is near the Hillside Wilderness Preserve and would be incorporated into the preserve. The staff report says that the city will "develop a maintenance and repair plan for the M to ensure this local landmark is well maintained into the future, and will continue discussions with the Pokrajac family to potentially acquire additional property that could be added to the City’s HWP." Details.

- Brad Haugaard

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