Monrovia Now: News and Comment about Monrovia, California

Advertising now available on MonroviaNow

Number of views on MonroviaNow - July 7 - Aug. 2.

MonroviaNow started as an experiment 16 years ago. I had been a newspaper reporter - including some time next door at the little Arcadia Tribune - but when the Internet came along it was clear that newspapers were in deep trouble and I was concerned about how people in smaller cities would learn what was going on in their communities. So I started MonroviaNow.

Part One of the experiment was to provide news. I've been doing that ever since and I think it has worked out fairly well.

But the other part of the experiment is financing. I enjoy doing it, even for free, but it is unclear if it can sustain itself as a business instead of just being a one-man charity. For that reason I'm introducing simple text-only ads as Part Two of the experiment.

These ads are intended to be family friendly (think "Leave it to Beaver" family friendly) and will be displayed in the left column of the desktop version of MonroviaNow; not on the mobile version or on social media. These are simple text ads, each in its own box, not the super annoying ads that appear between every paragraph of an article.

This last month, July, MonroviaNow had 909,537 page views, though that includes views from mobile devices. And, sorry, I don't have the percentage of desktop vs. mobile.

If you are interested in advertising (It's still experimental, so be patient), click HERE.

Thanks,

- Brad Haugaard

When 'The Doors' played at Monrovia High School Auditorium

In 1967 The Doors rock band played at an Arcadia/Monrovia High concert at the Monrovia High Auditorium. The Doors weren't the first choice, but they were cheaper. A few weeks later they would definitely not be cheaper be as their hit, "Light My Fire," hit the top of the charts. Full story at the Monrovia Historical Museum website, here.

- Brad Haugaard

Pool-loving pittie Rocco is a gentle, happy summer sidekick

If summer had a mascot, Rocco would be it! This 5-year-old pittie is pure love and has his summer priorities perfectly sorted: splash in the pool, eat some snacks, get plenty of scratches, and lounge around with his favorite people.

Rocco is a gentle, happy guy who knows how to sit and shake, loves a good treat, and will happily nudge you with his nose when you stop petting him before he's ready. Now all he needs is a summer sidekick of his own. Come meet Rocco at Pasadena Humane and make this hot dog part of your summer plans!

And there's no better time to adopt — now through August 9, adoption fees for dogs and cat 6 months and older, like Rocco, are waived at Pasadena Humane as part of the Hot Dog & Cool Cat Summer adoption promotion.

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: A Used Pontiac Car Dealership on Huntington Drive

This photo, from around 1960, shows a new and used Pontiac car dealership on Huntington Drive. 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

Grow Monrovia Hosts Tree Petition Party Thursday at the Library

Grow Monrovia is hosting a Petition Party and information session Thursday, Aug. 7, at the Monrovia Library community room starting at 6:30 p.m. The group wants to preserve city trees through a voter petition and collected 2,000 of the 3,000 signatures needed to place a measure on the 2026 ballot, missing the deadline. It needs 1,000 more signatures in the next five months to qualify for the 2028 election.

- Brad Haugaard

Current local job opportunities - August

Here are links to the latest job opportunities for Monrovia:

Monrovia School District

City of Monrovia

Private

Also, drop by America's Job Center of California at the Monrovia Community Adult School at 920 S. Mountain Ave., 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday or Wednesday, or from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday, or Friday.

And some more links for nearby:

USC Arcadia Hospital

Citrus College

CalState LA

LA County

And even more general:

Indeed

LinkedIn Jobs

CalJOBS (state employment)

- Brad Haugaard

Free home energy evaluations available through eSGV program

The San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments' Efficient San Gabriel Valley program is offering free home energy evaluations for Monrovia-area residents. Appointments include a 30–45-minute discussion with SGVCOG staff and a free, personalized energy-savings report. Free in-person and online evaluations are available. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police hosting National Night Out, Aug. 4

The Monrovia Police Department is hosting National Night Out on Tuesday, Aug. 4, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Library Park. Meet your first responders. The event will include food, local vendors, and raffles.

- Brad Haugaard

Jazz and R&B Festival at Station Square Park, Aug. 15

The Monrovia Duarte Black Alumni Association will present its 2026 Jazz and R&B Festival at Station Square Park, 1629 S. Myrtle Ave., on Saturday, Aug. 15, from 5 to 10 p.m. The event is for those 21 and over.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Library, Community Center open as cooling centers

The Monrovia Public Library and Community Center are available as cooling centers during summer heat. The Library is open Monday through Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Thursday through Saturday from noon to 5 p.m. The Community Center is open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

- Brad Haugaard

Historic walking tour of Old Town Monrovia, Aug. 1

The Monrovia Historic Preservation Group will lead a walking tour of historic downtown Monrovia on Saturday, Aug. 1, at 10 a.m. The tour starts at the SE corner of Palm and Myrtle Avenues, lasts about two hours, and costs $5 per person.

- Brad Haugaard

VFW Poker Tournament Fundraiser, Aug. 1

Monrovia’s VFW Post 2070 is hosting a Poker Tournament Fundraiser on Saturday, Aug. 1, from 5 to 9 p.m. at 825 Magnolia Ave., Monrovia. Only 40 seats are available; arrive early or pre-register during business hours. To reserve a seat or for questions, call (626) 359-9998.

- Brad Haugaard

Sierra Subaru of Monrovia collecting pet food and supplies for Skid Row animals

Sierra Subaru of Monrovia is partnering with Starts With One Today to collect wet pet food, harnesses, and leashes for animals on Skid Row. Donations can be dropped off at the Sales and Service Desk, 735 E Central Ave.

- Brad Haugaard

Movies and Concerts in the Park: Aug. 1, 2, 8, and 9

The city's Movies in the Park and Concerts in the Park continue in August. Movies: Aug. 1 — Lilo & Stitch (2025), Library Park, 321 S. Myrtle Ave.; Aug. 8 — Wicked: For Good, Recreation Park, 620 S. Shamrock Ave. Concerts at Library Park: Aug. 2 — Upstream; Aug. 9 — Bumptown. Events are free and open to all. For information, call the Community Center at (626) 256-8246.

- Brad Haugaard