Kids Empire Monrovia (shopping center at Huntington and Shamrock) will host a spooky party from 3 to 7 p.m. on Friday, October 30. Staff will dress as Mickey and friends, and children are welcome to come in costume. The event will include free ice cream and lollipops and a dance party with Huggy the dragon.
- Brad Haugaard
Celebrate International Games Month at the Library on Saturday, Nov. 14, from noon to 3 p.m., with gaming-themed crafts, Nintendo Switch free play, Super Smash and a Mario Kart tournament. All ages are welcome; no registration is required. Details.
- Brad Haugaard
The Library and city park naturalists will share stories, music, movement and nature facts for young children at Tsuneishi Park, 1111 Encino Ave. (behind Chick-fil-A), on Saturday, Nov. 14, from 10 to 10:45 a.m. Children should attend with an adult; no registration is required. Details.
- Brad Haugaard
Children ages 6–11 can learn, experiment and explore STEAM activities at the Library's Innovation Lab on Wednesday, Nov. 18, from 4 to 5 p.m., in partnership with Wow! That's STEM. An accompanying adult is required; registration is required and remains open. Register.
- Brad Haugaard
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Monrovia’s Hannah Jung-Bauer won the Doo Dah queen title Sunday at Pasadena’s Old Town Pub, beating out a field of 25 contestants, Pasadena Now reports. Performing to Chuck Mangione’s “Feels So Good,” she hoisted a googly-eyed hoop skirt over her head and spun into a human tornado.
- Brad Haugaard
Los Angeles Police Department officer Leonardo Arturo Ruiz was arrested Oct. 22 in the 300 block of West Olive Avenue in Monrovia on suspicion of arranging to meet someone he believed was a minor for lewd purposes, FOX 11 reports, citing a Monrovia Police statement and jail records.
Ruiz was released without charges. The investigation continues, and LAPD says it is cooperating. The allegations have not been proven.
- Brad Haugaard
For the Love of Paper Fest will bring more than 50 vendors selling journals, notebooks, fountain pens, inks, stamps, washi tape and illustrated paper goods to the Courtyard by Marriott Monrovia, 700 W. Huntington Drive, on Saturday, Nov. 14, from noon to 6 p.m., according to organizer Brenda Estrada of Paradise Stationery.
General admission is $25. Choose an arrival time of noon, 1:30, 3 or 4:30 p.m.; attendees may stay until closing. Children 12 and under receive free general admission, and parking is free. Tickets and details.
- Brad Haugaard
Meet Ella, a distinguished 11-year-old German Shepherd with a soft spot for snacks and a knack for hide-and-seek! This sweet senior loves sniffing out treats tucked into a towel, enjoying a good brushing, and spending time with her favorite people.
Although she is thoroughly enjoying her time in foster, she’s looking for a loving, forever home where she can settle into a cozy routine and share all the companionship her big heart has to offer.
Ready to fall for Ella? Adopt during Pasadena Humane’s Trick or Treat adoption promotion, running October 29–31, where all adult dog adoptions (dogs 6 months and older, like Ella) are just $31!
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
Monrovia Public Library’s Veterans Resource Center helps veterans navigate benefits and connect with housing, mental health and employment resources. With Veterans Day coming up, we asked Library Supervisor Kurt Gally about common requests the Center gets, barriers to getting help, and plans for the coming year.
What brings veterans to the center most often, and what gets in the way of prompt help?
Gally: The most common reasons veterans and their family members visit are assistance navigating VA benefits, including disability compensation; college fee waivers for eligible family members; and a veteran designation on their driver’s licenses.
The timeline for receiving assistance often depends on factors beyond the center’s control, including the availability of a Veterans Service Officer and response times from the federal Department of Veterans Affairs.
Many older veterans are unfamiliar with the VA mobile app, making it harder to check claims and receive updates. The center has a Veterans Peer Access Network representative on-site every Tuesday who can assist with this process, no appointment needed. The network also helps with housing, mental health and employment inquiries.
Which veterans are least likely to use the center, and how are you reaching them?
Gally: Based on feedback during veterans’ programs and events, younger veterans appear to be among the least likely to use the center. Work schedules, family responsibilities and the feeling that they are taking opportunities away from older veterans can be barriers.
The center offers monthly programs for veterans of all ages and their families. These informal gatherings introduce visitors to the center and its resources without the pressure of a formal service appointment.
Staff also visit local Veterans of Foreign Wars posts and attend community events, including the Annual Congressional Veterans Forum hosted by Representatives Gil Cisneros and Judy Chu. Our monthly e-newsletter shares a calendar, announces programs and recaps past events. Sign up here.
What should veterans expect over the next year?
Gally: We plan to continue programs that bring veterans and their families together and connect them with community resources.
A trip to the American Military Museum in El Monte is planned for Jan. 30, 2027. Registered participants will receive free transportation from the library and a free guided tour, with an opportunity to connect with fellow veterans.
The center is also planning a spring 2027 program with the Veterans Peer Access Network to help veterans learn to navigate the VA mobile app. Hands-on guidance will focus on checking claims, accessing information and receiving updates, particularly for older veterans who need help using online services.
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia City Council campaign committees reported monetary contributions this year of $10,949.92 for Larry Spicer, $6,451.84 for Tamala Kelly and $1,510 for Jesus Rojas, according to their Form 460 statements covering activity through Oct. 17 and filed by Oct. 22.
Rojas also reported a $10,000 loan from himself and Spicer reported $450 in nonmonetary contributions. Those amounts are separate from the monetary-contribution totals above.
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
The plans retain the building’s arches and marquee structures while replacing Look’s identification with Starlight lettering and Art Deco fan logos. Staff recommends approval with conditions requiring indirect, halo-style sign lighting and no flashing or animated illumination.
The Historic Preservation Commission will review the plans Wednesday, Oct. 28, at 7:30 p.m. at City Hall, 415 S. Ivy Avenue (agenda here).
- Brad Haugaard
Tickets are still available for the Live Oak Cemetery tour Saturday, Oct. 24, from 3:30–5 p.m., according to Sandy Burud, president of the Monrovia Historical Society. Jim Wigton, president of the Monrovia Historic Preservation Group, will lead the tour. Tickets are $25, benefiting the Historical Society; the tour is limited to 25 guests. Register online or at the Monrovia Community Center, 119 W. Palm Ave. Information: 626-256-8246.
- Brad Haugaard
