Monrovia High Band and Choir Director, Jake Ferntheil, has passed away
A letter of condolence on the death of Monrovia High Band and Choir Director, Jake Ferntheil.
Dear Monrovia Unified Families, Staff, and Community,It is with deep sorrow that we share the passing of Monrovia High School’s beloved Band and Choir Director, Mr. Jake Ferntheil. Since joining Monrovia High School in 2023, Jake inspired our students and fostered a deep passion for the arts within our band and choir programs. His dedication helped countless students develop their musical talents, whether through their instruments or voices.
Jake was not only an outstanding educator but also a cherished member of the Monrovia High School staff. His enthusiasm, creativity, and commitment created an environment where students developed deep relationships with each other and has left a lasting impact on our school community. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing and working with him.
We understand this news may be difficult for many in our community. Counseling services are available to support students and staff during this challenging time. If you or your child need assistance, please contact our Director of Student Services, Dr. Reuben Jones, at (626) 471-2049, and we will connect you with our counseling team.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to Jake’s family, friends, students, and colleagues. We stand with them in this time of profound loss and offer our support in any way we can.
In solidarity,
Dr. Paula Hart Rodas
Superintendent
Monrovia Unified School District
- Brad Haugaard
Canyon Park and Wilderness Preserve openings
At the State of the City meeting tonight officials reported that Canyon Park is about 95% finished, however both the sewer and water lines need pumps, and only Southern California Edison can connect them, and Edison is very busy following the fires that hit the area.
Design for Satoru Tsuneishi Park
Here is the layout for Satoru Tsuneishi Park, on the south side of Chick-fil-A. Details. Construction should begin in two months.
Fun-loving Travis is both playful and cuddly
A Moment in Monrovia History: North Ivy Avenue around 1910
Make light-up Valentine’s Day cards at the library, Feb. 12
Make LED, light-up Valentine’s Day cards Wednesday, Feb. 12, 3 to 4 p.m., in the Youth Services Area at the Library. Open to ages 5 to 11.
- Brad Haugaard
Intro vocal lesson at library, Feb. 14
Beginner Vocal Class at the Library. Learn vocal exercises and simple songs in an introductory lesson for adults and teens 16 and older. Saturday, Feb. 15, 2 to 3 p.m., in the Community Room. Offered in partnership with Monrovia Music Academy. Register here by Feb. 14.
- Brad Haugaard
City asking for comments on planned three-home development in north Monrovia
The city is asking for comments on a plan to build three homes and add a flood control basin at 347 Highland Place, on hillside property north of Hillcrest . An environmental study for the proposed Hillside Subdivision at 347 Highland Place will be available for review starting Monday, Feb. 10. The project would subdivide 7.8 acres into four parcels, build three single-family homes, and add a flood control basin. You can see the Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration here or at the City Hall Planning Division through March 12. Submit written comments by 5 p.m. that day by ground mail (Attn: Planning Division, 415 S Ivy Ave., CA 91016) or by email at planning@monroviaca.gov.
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Canyon Park gets new sign
This new sign has been installed at the entryway to Monrovia Canyon Park. However, the park isn't open yet.
- Brad Haugaard
Poetry night at Monrovia High Feb. 20
Monrovia High Humanities Academy invites all ages to read poetry or just attend a coffee house on Feb. 20 at 6 p.m. in Room 210 at the High School. Priority given to original works. Minimum $5 donation at the door. Details and poem submission here.
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Parks, Wilderness, & Recreation Foundation fundraiser Feb. 20
A Monrovia Parks, Wilderness, & Recreation Foundation fundraiser will be held Feb. 20 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. at BJ’s (400 E Huntington Dr., Arcadia). Dine in, order online, or take out. Use code FEB088 for online orders. BJ’s will donate 20% of food and beverage sales to the foundation.
- Brad Haugaard
Clothing drive to benefit high school music programs, Feb. 8 and 22
Monrovia High School’s “Out with the Old” Clothing Drive is accepting gently used scarves, gloves, sweaters/coats, jeans/leggings, shorts/skirts, purses, textiles, blankets, handbags, wallets, shoes, bedding and linens to benefit the Musical Arts programs. Drop off at the teacher’s parking lot (845 S Madison) on Feb. 8 or Feb. 22 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Donations must be in 13-gallon trash bags.
- Brad Haugaard
Black History Month events scheduled
In collaboration with the Monrovia Duarte Black Alumni Association, the city will host these events to mark Black History Month:
- Children’s Art Festival: Thursday, Feb. 13 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Community Center (119 W Palm)
- Ina The Sunshine Storyteller with arts and crafts: Saturday, Feb. 15 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Library (321 S Myrtle)
- Annual Soul Food Luncheon: Sunday, Feb. 23 from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Community Center (119 W Palm)
- Brad Haugaard















