Goofy, photogenic Rex is a blanket-toting pit bull with a lot of love to give

Looking for a best friend who's equal parts goofy and handsome? Meet Rex, a 1½-year-old red-brown Pit Bull Terrier at Pasadena Humane with a lot of love to give! He loves to play gently with his toys, but his favorite thing in the world is his beloved blanket, which he proudly carries around, keeps nearby, and loves to share with whoever is nearest to him.

When he's comfortable, Rex is happiest when he's leaning into you for pets, then settling down with a toy or chew for a cozy nap. And when the camera comes out, he's a natural model — it's almost impossible to take a bad picture of this extremely photogenic pup! Rex is the perfect mix of playful, affectionate, and irresistibly charming. If that sounds like the dog for you, come meet Rex 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 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: The Woman's Club House on Myrtle & Palm

This 1930 postcard shows the Woman's Club House, which once stood on the northeast corner of Myrtle and Palm Avenues, where the Bank of America is now. The back of the card carries a handwritten note to Hazel Bird about seeing the homes of Hollywood stars, postmarked 1930. From the Kim Anderson 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

Upper San Gabriel Water District hosting Smart Irrigation Month Landscape Contest

Monrovia-based Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District (Upper Water) is holding a Smart Irrigation Month Home Landscape Contest, open to Monrovia residents. Submit photos of your water-smart yard by July 24, for a chance to win a flow monitor device, irrigation controller, or $50 Home Depot gift card. Enter here.

- Brad Haugaard

Free Adoption Day for small animals at Pasadena Humane

Pasadena Humane will hold a Free Adoption Day on Saturday, July 18, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Adoption fees will be waived for all available dogs, cats, and small animals. Adopted pets are spayed or neutered, microchipped, and vaccinated as appropriate. Pets can be viewed at pasadenahumane.org. (This kitty is named Zeppelin.)

- Brad Haugaard

Philz Coffee to open a shop in Huntington Oaks shopping center

Rendering of proposed Philz sign.

A Philz Coffee shop will be opening in the Huntington Oaks shopping center, on the west side, at the site of the now-closed Loose Teas shop. Details. The city's Development Review Committee will consider the company's sign design at its next meeting, agenda here.

- Brad Haugaard

More poetry 'Footnotes' for city sidwalks

The Art in Public Places Committee will consider (agenda here) confirming five poems to be stamped into newly poured concrete throughout the city. Here are the proposed "Footnotes."

Don’t Tweet About It, BE About It
I left the town to chase my dreams, but things weren’t always as they seemed.
I learned, and grew, and saw what’s true.
Our city’s greatness starts with YOU.

Deer Graze by Trees, Neighbors Wave Hello
Deer graze by trees,
Bears wander through quiet streets –
Neighbors wave hello.

A Town Where Every Heart Feels Near
Craftsman porches warmly glow,
Victorian gables proudly show,
Main Street hums with timeless cheer
A town where every heart feels near.

Mother Road
Monrovia thrives along the Mother Road,
Where history and new adventures unfold.
Since Route 66 first crossed this valley floor,
Our premier city keeps an open door
Where every journey invites us to discover more.

Foothill Legacy
Under San Gabriel mountains we rest,
LA’s fourth-oldest city, truly blessed.
Where bears and bobcats share the shade,
Here in Monrovia, memories are made.

- Brad Haugaard

Historic walking tour of downtown Monrovia, July 11

The Monrovia Historic Preservation Group will host a two-hour walking tour of downtown Monrovia on July 11 at 10 a.m. Cost is $5 per person. Meet at the southeast corner of Palm and Myrtle. Topics include the story of the 1909 Library Park drinking fountain at Myrtle and Lime Avenues - how it was nearly destroyed and how it came to be rebuilt.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia municipal election nomination period opens July 13

The nomination period for Monrovia's Nov. 3 municipal election opens July 13 and runs through Aug. 7 at 5 p.m. Offices are: Mayor (2-year term), City Council (2 seats, 4-year terms), City Treasurer (4-year term), and City Clerk (4-year term).

If an incumbent does not file by Aug. 7, the deadline for that position extends to Aug. 12 at 5 p.m. Contact the City Clerk's office at 932-5505 for information or to schedule an appointment. Election information here.

- Brad Haugaard

Council approves bear statues for city's elementary schools

The Monrovia City Council has approved the Samson Goes to School Program, placing custom-designed Samson Bears at the five Monrovia elementary schools. Each bear's design will reflect its school's identity, based on concepts developed by students and staff. Local artist Traci Loving-Salazar will paint the bears.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia to acquire 8-acre property at 347 Highland Place to preserve open space

The City of Monrovia has agreed to purchase the 8-acre property at 347 Highland Place for $2 million, preserving it as open space rather than allowing a proposed residential development. The restricted funds used may only be applied to open space acquisition.

As a condition of the sale, the current owners will demolish the existing single-family home and restore the site to its natural condition. The property will be added to the Hillside Wilderness Preserve.

The acquisition will go through the Development Review Committee, Planning Commission, and City Council in the coming weeks.

- Brad Haugaard

July is Smart Irrigation Month; city offering water conservation rebates

July is Smart Irrigation Month and the city is offering residential and commercial rebates on outdoor water-saving devices, including rotating sprinkler nozzles, weather-based irrigation controllers, soil moisture meters, rain barrels, and turf replacement. Details on qualifying devices and the application process here.

- Brad Haugaard

City plans to purchase North Monrovia property and add it to Wilderness Preserve

347 Highland (property with orange dot). Wilderness Preserve is green section.

The city of Monrovia is definitely considering purchasing the 7.8-acre property at 347 Highland Place in north Monrovia and adding it to the Hillside Wilderness Preserve.

According to a staff report prepared for the Planning Commission, "the City would add the property to the Hillside Wilderness Preserve (HWP) and residential development would be prohibited on the property." Details. 

- Brad Haugaard

Coming Up in Monrovia

Summer Concerts in the Park, Sundays May 31–Aug. 9

SPOT teen program at Library Park, June 5–Aug. 7

Monrovia High School pool open to public June 8–July 31

Blue Breeze Band, Motown/soul music, at Library Park, Sunday, July 12

AI Awareness Workshop at Monrovia Library, July 13

Magic and Bubbles Show at the Library, July 15

Kids Craft in Canyon Park July 18

Veterans Family Feud at the Library, July 18

Families Read Together workshop at the Library, July 18

Paint, Sip, and Relax, at Chamber of Commerce, July 27

Foothill Unity Center Back-to-School event July 29

Free How to Draw Wolves workshop, July 29

Community bike ride, Aug. 1

- Brad Haugaard

Dinner at Cafe Mundial

Dinner at Cafe Mundial, on the east side of Myrtle, just north of Colorado. Got the Bolognese pasta (ground beef, pork, and Pappardelle noodles in a marinara sauce) for $24, and a beer for $7. Very nice. 

- Brad Haugaard

Think it's hot now? Just wait!

Following the current National Weather Service's Heat Advisory (with highs up to 105 degrees), which is expected to last through 10 a.m. Tuesday, comes not relief, but an Extreme Heat Watch, from Tuesday through Thursday evening. Temperatures could reach 112 degrees.

Officials warn of a high risk of heat illness, especially for young children, older adults, people without air conditioning, and those working or exercising outdoors. Stay hydrated, remain in air-conditioned places when possible, avoid strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day, never leave children or pets in vehicles, and watch for signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Details.

- Brad Haugaard