A Moment in Monrovia History: A 1905 panorama of Monrovia

A panorama of Monrovia from around 1905, from a Monrovia Board of Trade brochure showing the foothills and orange groves. From the Rehrman 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

New summer program begun for children

Starting this July Calvary Chapel Monrovia’s Solid Ground Academy will begin offering a summer program for second through sixth graders that runs from July 7 through August 21, Monday-Thursday, from 8:30 a.m - 12:30 p.m., with a break the week of July 21 for the church’s free Vacation Bible School.

Program includes…

• Worship sessions and Bible teachings, with a focus on spiritual growth.
• Theatre and music, fostering individual talent and teamwork in music and acting. Children will showcase their skills in a performance at the end of the summer program. 
• Educational experiments and creative art projects with a focus on exploration and discovery. 
• Learning healthy eating habits and simple meal preparation. 
• Outdoor activities, including water games and team building.

Cost for the six-week program is $600 with a 10% discount for siblings. There is a $100 non-refundable deposit to reserve a spot. Registration here.

- Brad Haugaard

LEGO free play at Library May 22

LEGO Free Play in the Library Story Room on Thursday, May 22, from 3:30 to 5 p.m. For children 2-12. Parents and kids can drop in to build with library-supplied blocks, exercising creativity in an informal setting.

Brad Haugaard

Library Storytime for children to age 5 at Library, May 14

Storytime for children 2 to 5 in the Library Story Room on Wednesday, May 14, from 10 to 11 a.m. Children will enjoy interactive stories and songs, then complete a sensory craft that boosts vocabulary and  motor skills.

Brad Haugaard

School board to finalize layoffs of staff

The Monrovia School Board will hold a special meeting Monday (agenda here ) to lay off 25 certificated employees. Their last day will be July 1. "Certificated" employees include teachers, site and district administrators, counselors, librarians, school nurses - any position that requires certification. Details. The layoffs are a result of declining enrollment.

- Brad Haugaard

Old Town Pizza loses its lease; plans to move

Monrovia Old Town Pizza has lost its lease and will have to close, but owner Jake Benitez hopes to reopen at another location. He has started a Go Fund Me page to help with the transition. Details. 

- Brad Haugaard

Street safety survey now online

Monrovia is doing a survey (here) to figure out how to improve street safety for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians.

- Brad Haugaard

Workshop on garden irrigation May 22

Practical tips for garden irrigation will be the focus of a free workshop and demonstration hosted by Monrovia Community Garden. Scheduled for Thursday, May 22, from 7 to 8 p.m. at the community garden at corner of Magnolia Colorado. Open to all, with ample free street parking available.

- Brad Haugaard

Career Fair at Community Adult School May 13

More than 40 employers will attend the Monrovia Community Adult School Job Fair on Tuesday, May 13, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 920 S. Mountain. Job seekers can explore career options, attend free workshops, and receive a free In-N-Out lunch by applying for at least three jobs. Registration available here. 

- Brad Haugaard

Brush clearance inspections coming up in July

Monrovia Fire and Rescue will start its annual brush clearance inspections on July 15, 2025. Residents can prepare by using roll-off bins provided by Athens Services to get rid of brush. Letters to affected households will be mailed next week. Details. 

- Brad Haugaard

Summer Reading kickoff event set for June 7

The Library's Summer Reading Kickoff takes place Saturday, June 7, with a full day of free family fun. Events include a magic show, bubble dance party, crafts, Family Feud, and lawn games. The Summer Reading Program runs June 2 to July 31 for all ages, with prize books and rewards available for completing reading goals. Sign-ups open June 2. 

- Brad Haugaard

Volunteer hours available for teens this summer

Teens in grades 7–12 can earn volunteer hours this summer by joining the Library’s Teen Advisory Board. Students will assist with Summer Reading events, prep crafts, and support children's programs. Applications (available here) must be submitted before registering for orientation sessions, held Monday, May 12 at 5 p.m. and Friday, May 30 at 4 p.m. 

- Brad Haugaard

Sheila Spicer-Batice named Older Monrovian of the Year

Sheila Spicer-Batice has been named the 2025 Older Monrovian of the Year for her decades of community service. A lifelong resident, Sheila has spent more than 40 years serving the city in community development and civic organizations. She will be honored at the Monrovia Days Parade on May 15 and the Holiday Parade on December 4.

- Brad Haugaard

Pay your water bill automatically

You can pay your water bill automatically each month by enrolling in Electronic Funds Transfer AutoPay, here. Submit the EFT application by mail or in person at City Hall. No charge for using the system. Bills will still be mailed for record keeping and other payment methods will remain available.

- Brad Haugaard

Dinner at Max‘s Mexican Cuisine

Dinner at Max‘s Mexican Cuisine, on the north side of Huntington right across from Target. Got the enchilada and taco combo for $19.75 and a beer for $7.  Good and filling.

- Brad Haugaard