Arthur Blair Historic Inn Grand Opening July 4 in Monrovia

The Arthur Blair Historic Inn at 512 S. Ivy Ave. will hold its grand opening on Saturday, July 4, from 6:30 to 10 p.m.

The property consists of two original historic Monrovia homes once owned by Steve Baker, former city historian, along with a third building constructed in compatible historic style. The site has been developed into a combined inn and soon-to-open restaurant called Viola’s Bar & Bistro.

Steve Baker (1941–2022) served as Monrovia’s city historian for 30 years and as president of the Monrovia Historical Society. A fifth-generation Monrovian, he lived in the family home built by his great-great-grandfather in 1887. Baker was widely recognized as the primary authority on local history, known for his detailed research, public speeches, and graveside tours at Live Oak Cemetery.

Proceeds from the grand opening event, which includes light refreshments, live music, self-guided tours throughout the restored property, will support the acquisition of period furnishings for the Historic Society's George H. Anderson House Museum.

Tickets for the event are available here.

- Brad Haugaard

Charming Jon Snow is a Siberian Husky who loves adventure, couch naps, and giving kisses

Meet Jon Snow, a 4-year-old Siberian Husky at Pasadena Humane who is ready for his second chapter! This handsome boy is the perfect mix of adventure buddy and couch companion. He loves his daily walks and can get excited when it's time to explore, but once he's had some exercise, he's calm, relaxed, and happy to lounge nearby. According to his foster, Jon Snow is house-trained, thrives on a consistent routine, and is known for his sweet habit of giving kisses to the people he loves.

Jon's friendly personality shines wherever he goes. At a recent adoption event, he charmed everyone he met. Treat-motivated and eager to connect, Jon Snow is a wonderful companion looking for a home where he can share both his playful spirit and his loving nature.

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 auto dealerships of Huntington Drive

Auto dealerships lined Huntington Dr. in Monrovia through the 1980s, the last one leaving in 1991 for a freeway-adjacent auto mall created by the Monrovia Redevelopment Agency. From the Dick Singer 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

Smoothie Social at the Library for children, June 15

Smoothie social at the Library’s first Monday Funday, June 15 from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Children ages 6-11 can enjoy smoothies, games, music, and time with friends in the Community Room. No registration is required. Details. 

Talk on forefathers of Spiritualism on Father's Day

The Spiritualist Church of Revelation, at 200 W. Colorado,  will present a talk on the history of Fathers Day and on the forefathers of Spiritualism at 11 a.m. on June 21. The service begins with a healing service and laying of of hands. Attendees will receive a free spirit greeting.

- Brad Haugaard

Grow Monrovia petitioning for city to hire arborist and expand protections for trees

The organization, Grow Monrovia, is collecting signatures for two petitions, one to hire a city arborist/urban forester, and one to strengthen tree protection standards. Following are summaries provided by the organization.

First petition

• Create the position of a city arborist/urban forester
• Improve long-term tree planning
• Review development impacts to trees
• Help enforce tree protections
• Improve accountability for city tree management

Second petition

• Expand protections for significant trees
• Improve replacement requirements
• Require better planning around mature trees
• Help preserve long-term canopy coverage

- Brad Haugaard

Some Monrovia Frontier Communications customers have been without service for a month

The Pasadena Star-News is reporting that some Monrovia residents using Frontier Communications for their land line connections have been without service for a month and without information from Frontier. The city has also been unable to get in touch with the company. The outage was apparently caused by the theft of some of the company's copper wiring. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Stories from Latin America at the Library, June 13

Families Read Together: Stories from Latin America, will be held at the Library on Saturday, June 13, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. The event features an English-Spanish bilingual performance by Olga Loya, presented by The Music Center of LA County, with stories, folktales, and legends from East Los Angeles and Latin America. Registration required for children ages 0-5 and closes June 13 at 11 a.m. Free books available while supplies last. Details and registration here.

- Brad Haugaard

Reptiles and Friends, at the Library, June 11

Reptiles and Friends, presented by the Wildlife Learning Center, will be held June 11 from 2 to 3 p.m. in the Library Park Fountain Area. Children to age 11 can see animals such as a tortoise, walking stick, and Madagascar hissing cockroach while learning about reptiles and other wildlife. Details. 

- Brad Haugaard

Wildfire ecology and evacuation workshop, June 22

Wildfire ecology and evacuation readiness workshop at the Library, June 22 from 5 to 7 p.m. The family-friendly program will cover wildfire ecology, evacuation planning, community preparedness, and interactive activities focused on wildfire readiness. Registration is encouraged, here.

- Brad Haugaard

Commemoration ceremony for Santa Fe school June 9

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia Garden Club 2026 Garden Award winners

Here are the winners on fhe Monrovia Garden Club's annual Garden Awards:

• Laura Lopez and Bob Shonborn, 339 Stedman Place
• Debra and Christopher Mathers, 264 N. Primrose Avenue
• The Feik Family
• Stewart and Patricia Roy, 608 W. Hillcrest Blvd.
• David and Kimberly Van Horsen, 620 Bradbury Road
• Eddie Rogers and Carey McIntosh, 737 E. Lime Avenue
• Jennifer MacDonald, 324 W. Lime Avenue
• Thomas-Patel Family, 1922 Graydon Avenue
• DeAnn Petteruto, 1035 E. Huntington Drive
• Norm Haley, Harding Court, 401 E. Foothill Blvd.

- Brad Haugaard

Photography exhibit 'Birds of Monrovia Canyon Park' opens June 7

A photography exhibit, "The Birds of Monrovia Canyon Park" by Karen Suarez, opens at the Canyon Park Nature Center on June 7 at 10 a.m. The exhibit showcases bird species in the park and will remain on display through September. For information, call 256-8282.

- Brad Haugaard

Summer Solstice Garden Party at Monrovia Community Garden, June 20

The Monrovia Community Garden will host a Summer Solstice Garden Party on June 20 from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the corner of Colorado and Magnolia. The free, all-ages event includes garden crafts, activities, and live bug viewing. Registration is appreciated. Details and registration here. 

- Brad Haugaard

Summer Reading Program kickoff at Library Park, June 6

The Monrovia Public Library's Summer Reading Program kickoff takes place at Library Park on June 6 from noon to 3 p.m. Activities include inflatables, a bubble dance party, crafts, and lawn games. Sign up at the Library for a free prize book. The program runs through July 31 and is free and open to all ages. Details.

- Brad Haugaard