Monrovia Public Library’s Veterans Resource Center will host a Veterans Pumpkin Carving Night Tuesday, Oct. 13, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the Library Community Room. Pumpkins and supplies will be provided. Call 256-8294 to register.
- Brad Haugaard
Pumpkin carving for veterans at Library, Oct. 13
Monrovia Public Library’s Veterans Resource Center will host a Veterans Pumpkin Carving Night Tuesday, Oct. 13, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the Library Community Room. Pumpkins and supplies will be provided. Call 256-8294 to register.
Statement of Monrovia Unified School Board candidate Abby Veltman
I've offered all Monrovia city and school district candidates who are running in contested elections the opportunity to make a statement. I'm publishing them in the order I receive them. This is the statement of Abby Veltman, running for the Board of Education. - Brad Haugaard
My name is Abby Veltman, and I’m running for the Monrovia Unified School District Board of Education in Trustee Area 5 this November. I’m an educator and a parent of children currently attending Monrovia schools, and I believe both perspectives are needed on our School Board.
Today, there are no educators serving on the Board, and we need more representation from parents who are experiencing our schools alongside their children every day. As an educator, I know how important it is that the expertise of teachers and principals informs the decisions being made at the district level. As a parent, I also understand how those decisions are experienced by students and families.
That perspective shapes my priorities. I want us to focus relentlessly on student learning, use data to strengthen programs that are working, and give teachers and principals a meaningful role in decisions about curriculum and instruction. I also want to find creative ways to expand opportunities like art and music and strengthen the specialized programs that make families want to stay in Monrovia Unified.
We also have to confront declining enrollment with a real long-term plan. After more than a decade of enrollment decline, our district has faced increasingly difficult financial decisions, including the closure of Santa Fe and the movement of sixth grade to our elementary schools. We cannot continue moving from crisis to crisis. We need transparent, forward-looking enrollment and budget planning that protects classrooms and ensures structural reductions begin as far away from students as possible.
Finally, I believe our district should make much greater use of partnerships across Monrovia. I was a strong advocate for getting the Monrovia High School pool operating again for our student athletes and our broader community. That became possible through collaboration between the City and the school district. I want to bring that same spirit of partnership and creativity to finding resources and opportunities for our schools.
Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions about my candidacy, background, or priorities. I would be happy to connect.
Thank you for your consideration and for your continued engagement in our community.
abbyformusdschoolboard.com
abbyformusdschoolboard@gmail.com
Statement of Monrovia Unified School Board candidate Maritza Travanti
I've offered all Monrovia city and school district candidates who are running in contested elections the opportunity to make a statement. I'm publishing them in the order I receive them. This is the first, Maritza Travanti, running for the Board of Education. - Brad Haugaard
Maritza Travanti, Monrovia Unified School Board, Trustee Area 5
For nearly eight years, I have had the privilege of serving on the Monrovia Unified School District Board, twice serving as Board President. I have brought proven leadership, sound judgment, fiscal responsibility, and a commitment to putting students at the center of every decision.
Public education has faced extraordinary challenges during these years. I helped lead our district through the pandemic, declining enrollment, leadership transitions, fiscal stabilization, difficult organizational decisions, and implementation of Measure MM.
Effective governance requires experience, institutional knowledge, thoughtful decision-making, and the willingness to make difficult decisions.
Leadership also means bringing new ideas forward and turning them into action. Working collaboratively with district leadership, I helped establish counseling support at every elementary school, our beloved Grad Walk tradition, and the State of the Schools Address to increase transparency and community engagement.
While declining enrollment remains a challenge, we must also give families compelling reasons to choose Monrovia Unified by promoting our outstanding schools, innovative programs, academic achievements, arts and music, college and career pathways, and student success stories while supporting teachers and staff.
Fiscal responsibility is critical. We must plan for the future and ensure public resources provide students with an excellent education.
I bring 35 years of federal government leadership, culminating as IRS Chief of Operations, where I led large organizations, managed complex operations and budgets, implemented policy, and navigated organizational change. My experience directly aligns with my role as a school board member.
My commitment extends beyond the Board room through years of school volunteerism and community service, including leadership with the Monrovia Rotary Club.
As a parent of a recent MHS graduate, daughter of immigrants, and Spanish speaker, I have built relationships with families throughout our district and advocated for additional Special Education funding. I listen and work to ensure all voices are heard, including through periodic Coffee Ed Chats with parents, staff, and community members.
I remain committed to stable leadership, accountable governance, strong schools, and ensuring every student can thrive.
I respectfully ask for your vote to provide continued experienced and stable leadership for Monrovia Unified. For more information about Maritza www.maritzaformusd.com/
Maritza Travanti, Monrovia Unified School Board, Trustee Area 5
For nearly eight years, I have had the privilege of serving on the Monrovia Unified School District Board, twice serving as Board President. I have brought proven leadership, sound judgment, fiscal responsibility, and a commitment to putting students at the center of every decision.
Public education has faced extraordinary challenges during these years. I helped lead our district through the pandemic, declining enrollment, leadership transitions, fiscal stabilization, difficult organizational decisions, and implementation of Measure MM.
Effective governance requires experience, institutional knowledge, thoughtful decision-making, and the willingness to make difficult decisions.
Leadership also means bringing new ideas forward and turning them into action. Working collaboratively with district leadership, I helped establish counseling support at every elementary school, our beloved Grad Walk tradition, and the State of the Schools Address to increase transparency and community engagement.
While declining enrollment remains a challenge, we must also give families compelling reasons to choose Monrovia Unified by promoting our outstanding schools, innovative programs, academic achievements, arts and music, college and career pathways, and student success stories while supporting teachers and staff.
Fiscal responsibility is critical. We must plan for the future and ensure public resources provide students with an excellent education.
I bring 35 years of federal government leadership, culminating as IRS Chief of Operations, where I led large organizations, managed complex operations and budgets, implemented policy, and navigated organizational change. My experience directly aligns with my role as a school board member.
My commitment extends beyond the Board room through years of school volunteerism and community service, including leadership with the Monrovia Rotary Club.
As a parent of a recent MHS graduate, daughter of immigrants, and Spanish speaker, I have built relationships with families throughout our district and advocated for additional Special Education funding. I listen and work to ensure all voices are heard, including through periodic Coffee Ed Chats with parents, staff, and community members.
I remain committed to stable leadership, accountable governance, strong schools, and ensuring every student can thrive.
I respectfully ask for your vote to provide continued experienced and stable leadership for Monrovia Unified. For more information about Maritza www.maritzaformusd.com/
Shy Liz Taylor just needs a treat or two to come out of her shell
Liz Taylor may be a little shy at first, but once she knows you're her friend, she's ready for her close-up! This cutie at Pasadena Humane can be hesitant in new situations, but a few tasty treats and some encouragement help bring her out of her shell. Once she's comfortable, Liz Taylor will happily settle in beside you for pets and may even rest her head right in your lap.
Liz Taylor is learning that the world can be a pretty great place, especially when there are treats and kind people around. With a little patience and a lot of love, Ms. Taylor is ready to find her forever home and live happily ever after!
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 Sevier Family's Burro Train on Myrtle Avenue
In 1894, S.M. Sevier and his family gathered their burro train in front of the J.T. Milligan, C.H. Locke Dry Goods, and Henry Canoll & Co. Dry Goods stores at Myrtle and Colorado, packing supplies for their trip to the family's summer home at Deer Park in the mountains above Monrovia. From the Bushnell 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
Terray Therapeutics to Host Talk on AI-driven drug discovery
MADIA Tech Launch will host a talk and tour at Terray Therapeutics in Monrovia on Wednesday, Oct. 14, featuring CEO and co-founder Dr. Jacob Berlin on using artificial intelligence to develop medicines. Networking and dinner at 6:30 p.m., followed by the presentation at 7 p.m. Details and registration here.
- Brad Haugaard
Job Fair at Monrovia Community Adult School Sept. 24
Monrovia Community Adult School will hold a job fair Thursday, Sept. 24, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 920 S. Mountain Ave. Details here.
- Brad Haugaard
Foothill Unity Center's Bids to Meals Virtual Auction Now Open
Foothill Unity Center's Bids to Meals virtual auction is now live. The fundraiser, held during Hunger Action Month, features items donated by local businesses and organizations, including the Arthur Blair Inn, GO Kart World, Courtyard by Marriott, Arcadia Fire Department, and others. Auction here.
- Brad Haugaard
Old Town Fall Festival will be held Saturday, Oct. 10
Monrovia’s Old Town Fall Festival returns Saturday, Oct. 10, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Library Park and in Old Town, with wagon and train rides, face painting, crafts, pumpkin painting, photos and hourly library storytimes. Some activity fees may apply. Details here.
- Brad Haugaard
Chipotle Monrovia Fundraiser to Benefit Survivor Justice Center Oct. 21
There will be a fundraiser for Survivor Justice Center on Wednesday, Oct. 21, from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Chipotle on Huntington. Twenty-five percent of sales will support free legal aid for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and trafficking. Show this flyer or use code 972ZJTQ for online pickup orders.
- Brad Haugaard
Sales and use tax rate rises to 11 percent Oct. 1
Monrovia's combined sales and use tax rate will rise from 10.5% to 11% starting Oct. 1. The increase reflects Measure ER, the Essential Services Restoration Act, a 0.5% countywide tax approved by LA County voters in June.
A bit of background:
In 2019 Monrovians voted themselves a .75 sales tax increase, to raise the rate to 10.25%, which was the maximum allowed by law, because city leaders figured if we didn't tax ourselves, the county would, but if we raised the tax to the legal maximum then other taxes wouldn't apply to us because we were already paying the maximum, and paying it to ourselves.
So how is it we will be paying 11 percent? I asked City Manager Dylan Feik if the state has raised the tax limit.
He said it has.
Feik writes that "when Monrovia presented Measure K to the community in 2019, one of the key reasons to do this was that state law capped the local sales tax rate at 2.0%. Considering the rate was 1.25% in Monrovia at the time, many cities in the San Gabriel Valley proposed a 0.75 increase. Our measure was approved.
"LA County wanted to extend and increase their homeless tax (Measure H) and they lobbied the State to allow an increase in the sales tax cap to do so. The state legislature allowed them to do so and in November 2024, LA County voters approved Measure A which extended the homeless services tax but also increased the amount collected.
"Measure ER, which was approved by voters in June 2026, did the exact same thing and the cap was increased again."
- Brad Haugaard
Feik writes that "when Monrovia presented Measure K to the community in 2019, one of the key reasons to do this was that state law capped the local sales tax rate at 2.0%. Considering the rate was 1.25% in Monrovia at the time, many cities in the San Gabriel Valley proposed a 0.75 increase. Our measure was approved.
"LA County wanted to extend and increase their homeless tax (Measure H) and they lobbied the State to allow an increase in the sales tax cap to do so. The state legislature allowed them to do so and in November 2024, LA County voters approved Measure A which extended the homeless services tax but also increased the amount collected.
"Measure ER, which was approved by voters in June 2026, did the exact same thing and the cap was increased again."
- Brad Haugaard
Big Band Theory concert under the stars, Sep. 26
First Lutheran Church, 1323 S. Magnolia Ave., will host a free outdoor concert featuring Big Band Theory on Saturday, Sep. 26, with music starting at 6:30 p.m. Bring a lawn chair, picnic basket and your own food and drinks. For more information call 357-3543, ext. 1.
- Brad Haugaard
Bethel AME Church marks pastor's 10th anniversary, Sep. 27
Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church will celebrate the 10th pastoral anniversary of the Rev. Everett Bell Jr. on Sunday, Sep. 27, at 2 p.m. The "Steadfast Service" celebration will feature guest preacher, the Rev. Dr. Allen L. Williams Sr. Bethel AME's roots in Monrovia trace to the early 1920s.
- Brad Haugaard
Bird walk in Monrovia Canyon Park, Sep. 27
Monrovia Parks, Wilderness, and Recreation Foundation will host a bird walk in Monrovia Canyon Park on Sunday, Sep. 27, from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Local expert Karen Suarez will lead participants in search of local bird species. Binoculars will be provided, though participants may bring their own. RSVP at monroviapwr.org.
Plus, the busy organization will also hold ...
~ An evening fundraiser at the Canyon Park Nature Center and Picnic Area on Thursday, Oct. 22. Reception at 6 p.m., dinner at 6:45 p.m. Live music, a charcuterie table, a catered buffet, dessert and wine. Tickets are $80 and must be purchased in advance by Oct. 16 at monroviapwr.org.
~ A Yoga in the Park event on Saturday, Sep. 26, at 8 a.m. at Library Park. Arrive by 7:45 a.m. and bring a mat, water, sunscreen or bug spray, and a towel. Suggested donation of $5 or more.
~ A fundraiser at Max's Mexican Cuisine, 1101 Huntington Drive, on Wednesday, Sep. 23, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Mention the fundraiser flyer will have 20% of their purchase donated to MPWR.
- Brad Haugaard
- Brad Haugaard
City Council, school board candidate forums, Oct. 12
The Chamber of Commerce and League of Women Voters will host candidate forums Monday, Oct. 12, at City Hall Council Chambers. The forum runs from 6 to 7:30 p.m., followed by the school board forum from 7:45 to 8:45 p.m. The public may attend and submit written questions; viewers at home can call 932-5550 during the broadcast. Both forums air live on KGEM.
- Brad Haugaard
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