This Sunday, May 24, kicks off the Summer Concert Series, which runs through August 9. Stone Soul (Motown) opens at Station Square Park at 7 p.m. During the summer, everything from funk and Latin to reggae, rock, and Old School, with six performances at Station Square Park and then starting July 12, five more at Rotary Club Bandshell at Library Park. Bring a lawn chair or a blanket. Full information here.
- Brad Haugaard
Viola's Bar & Bistro is preparing to open at 512 S. Ivy Ave., at the restored historic property that belonged to former City Historian Steve Baker. The restaurant will offer a French bistro café experience and is currently hiring managers, chefs, cooks, hosts, servers, baristas, bartenders, and porters. Resumes to dine@violasmonrovia.com.
- Brad Haugaard
The city's SPOT teen program will run Friday nights at Library Park from June 5 to Aug. 7, 5 to 9:30 p.m., for students in grades 6-12. Activities include arts and crafts, competitions, music, food, and a teen-only lounge. Details.
- Brad Haugaard
The cops are going to start giving tickets to cars that are parked illegally on street sweeping days, even if the cars are only parked there after the street sweeper has gone by. So if it says, "No Parking 10 a.m.–noon" that means no parking from 10 a.m. to noon, regardless of whether the sweeper has already passed. This week the cops will just post flyers on windows.
- Brad Haugaard
Small businesses in LA County will no longer be required to file or pay property taxes on lower-valued equipment, furniture, and fixtures worth less than $10,000, effective July 1. Contact the LA County Assessor's Office, here, for more information.
There will be an online community meeting on the Active Community Travel Vinculum (ACTV) Phase 1 project on June 4 at 6 p.m. The project will create new walking and biking connections under the 210 freeway at Magnolia Avenue, and along Central and Evergreen. Register here to attend.
- Brad Haugaard
The Monrovia Public Library's Strategic Plan says that since 2021, library circulation has grown 126%, outreach visits are up 176%, and program attendance has risen more than 300%. The draft plan focuses on technology and AI literacy, community connection, support for seniors and vulnerable populations, collections and programming, Library of Things expansion, and facility needs. A community survey is planned for June and the Library Board will review the plan that month, and updated goals will be incorporated in July. The draft plan is here.
- Brad Haugaard
The Monrovia High pool will be open to the public June 8 through July 31, through a partnership between the city, the school district, and the Santa Anita Family YMCA. Hours are Monday–Friday, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and Saturdays, 1 to 3:30 p.m. Recreation and lap swim are free. Swim lessons are available through the YMCA for a fee, with sessions once or twice a week.
- Brad Haugaard
In the Monrovia Days parade, Best Musical Entry went to Centre Stage Dance Academy, the Judge's Award to Clifton Middle School Marching Band & Color Guard, and Best Overall Entry to MHS Band & Color Guard. Monroe Elementary won the Spirit Award, the Low Riders Club earned Most Unique Entry, and Wild Rose Elementary claimed Best Float.
In the Pie Eating Contest, the All American City Finalists took first place, the Smarty Maxxers finished second, and We The People third.
- Brad Haugaard
Peace Camp will be held at the OASIS (429 E. Wildrose Ave.) June 22–26, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily, for students in kindergarten through 5th grade. The program includes games, art, music, and nature activities, with a focus on leadership, cooperation, and conflict resolution. $300 for the week. Middle schoolers (6th–8th grade) may attend as leaders-in-training, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. High school students can volunteer for experience that counts toward college applications. Contact 482-2508 or peacecamprocks@gmail.com.
- Brad Haugaard
The Monrovia Garden Club will present its annual Beautiful Garden Awards on June 1 at Monrovia Community Church (at Foothill and Myrtle), in the Fellowship Hall (downstairs). Social time begins at 6 p.m., with the program at 6:30 p.m. The 2026 winners are Laura Lopez and Bob Shonborn, Debra Mathers and Christopher Mathers, the Feik Family, Stewart and Patricia Roy, David and Kimberly Van Horsen, Eddie Rogers and Carey McIntosh, Jennifer MacDonald, the Thomas-Patel Family, DeAnn Petteruto, and Norm Haley. Winner addresses will be shared at the meeting.
- Brad Haugaard
The Monrovia Community Garden is hosting a free irrigation workshop on June 4, 7 to 8 p.m., at Monrovia Community Garden North (at Colorado and Magnolia). The session covers efficient watering practices for home gardens.
- Brad Haugaard
The LA County Mobile Voting Center will be at the Friday Night Street Fair & Market on May 29, starting at 5 p.m. Register to vote, cast your ballot, or pick up election information. The Mobile Voting Center will be on Myrtle Avenue between Olive and Chestnut.
- Brad Haugaard
City Hall, Public Works, Library, and Police and Fire Administration offices will be closed Monday, May 25, for Memorial Day, including the e-waste recycling drop-off site at the Public Works Yard. Operations resume Tuesday, May 26. Residential street sweeping and parking enforcement are suspended May 25–29. Trash collection shifts one day for the week — if your regular pickup is Monday, it occurs Tuesday, and so on.
- Brad Haugaard
Free adult dog adoptions May 15-24
Game Night for Adults at the Library, May 22
Free garden tools workshop at Monrovia Community Garden South, May 23
Veterans meetup at Starbucks, May 26
Watercolor workshop at the Community Center, May 27
Trip to LA County Fair planned for May 28
Boys and Girls Club carnival May 31
Boys & Girls Club rally honors Youth of the Year, May 31
Teen activity at the Library, June 1
VFW Post 2070 BBQ & Car Show, June 13
Summer Solstice Garden Party, June 20
Fire Resilient Gardening workshop June 27
- Brad Haugaard