Lenten fish dinners At Knights of Columbus Hall

- Brad Haugaard 

A Moment in Monrovia History: Biplane landing at Monrovia airport in 1940

The biplane NC 11490 landing at the north end of the Monrovia Airport in October 1940. The plane was blue with yellow wings. I seem to recall being told the airport was on the south side of Huntington just east of Shamrock. From the Gary Boen 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

Boston: 73 pounds of energetic cuddle bug


Boston is a 73-pound bundle of love, energy, and unwavering affection. At just two years old, this German Shepherd mix is searching for a home where he can share his passion for long walks, full-body cuddles, and, of course, plenty of kisses.

Boston is the kind of dog who melts into your arms, rolling onto his back for belly rubs and soaking up every ounce of attention. But don’t let his playful side fool you—he also has a relaxed, easygoing nature. After a satisfying walk, he’s perfectly content curling up for a nap while you go about your day.

Car rides are another favorite, especially when they lead to new places to explore. Whether it's rolling onto his back in the grass, on the carpet, or even on the bed, he finds pure joy in the simple things. Boston is a true cuddle bug, always ready to snuggle up and shower you with affectionate kisses.

Boston will thrive in an active household that loves the outdoors as much as he does. A spacious, secure yard where he can run freely would be ideal, and an experienced dog owner would be a great match to continue his training. In return, Boston will offer endless love, loyalty, and companionship. If you’re looking for a big-hearted, affectionate pup to share your adventures with, Boston just might be your perfect match.

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 2:00 – 5:00. For those who prefer, adoption appointments are available daily from 10:30 – 1:30 and can be scheduled online. 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 

New restaurant and store featuring vintage items planned for Monrovia

Proposed changes to building at Foothill and Mayflower.

A new restaurant and a store specializing in vintage items are planned for Monrovia. Both proposals will go before the Development Review Committee (agenda here) this Wednesday, Feb. 19

The restaurant is planned for the southeast corner of Foothill and Mayflower. The owner wants to put a new facade on the building with an awning for outdoor dining. No indication of the type of restaurant it would be. Details

Monrovia Vintage plans to locate at 512 S. Myrtle, on the west side of the street about a half block down from Lemon. It will specialize in modern and vintage collectibles including toys, sports cards, trading cards, figurines, modern and vintage vinyls, modern and vintage sterling and costume jewelry, stationary, postcards, stamps, letters, sheet music, magazines, photographs, cameras and vintage camera equipment. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Wilderness Preserve has been reopened


The Wilderness Preserve has been reopened. It was closed because of extensive fire-break grading by bulldozers.


West of Sunset Bench, the trail is marked as not recommended for bicycles, but not being very bright, I took it anyway.

The switchbacks are rutted but passable, although I walked my bike in quite a few places (I’m not totally stupid), and happily, quite a few of the hairpin turns at the corners of the switchbacks are intact.



West of the switchbacks the road is not too bad at all, although in places it is quite muddy, which makes it difficult going up and downhill. The road down along Arcadia Ridge is muddy and unstable, so I took it very slowly.

Regarding the dozer cut areas, Hillside Wilderness Preserve Supervisor Eugene Suk writes that, “we are looking to get those areas improved soon.”

The area just inside the Cloverleaf gate is essentially unchanged except for a couple fallen trees blocking one of the paths, and they took out all the palm trees west of Crudgington Station. :-(

The trail should get a lot better as it dries out.

- Brad Haugaard.

LEGO Free Play Feb. 22


LEGO Free Play at the Library Saturday, Feb. 22, from 1 to 3 p.m.  Children ages 2 to 12 can build and create with library-supplied blocks.

- Brad Haugaard 

Library of Things Grand Opening, Feb. 19


"Library of Things" Grand Opening at the Library, Wednesday, Feb. 19, from 4 to 5 p.m. Including guitars, keyboards, sewing machines, and  backpacks. Plus fresh treats.

- Brad Haugaard 

City Council to consider what to do with historic Anderson House


At its next meeting (agenda here) the City Council will consider whether to move the historic Anderson House to Recreation Park, next to the Historical Museum, or preserve it in place, at 215 East Lime. City staff recommends the in-place option. In both cases the city would assume ownership and responsibility for maintaining the property from the Monrovia Historical Society. Cost for a new foundation would be about $80,000, and $120,000 for other repairs. $163,179 has been set aside for the project. Details

- Brad Haugaard

City interested in five properties in north Monrovia


The city is negotiating with Cleve B. Crudgington regarding five adjacent properties on Myrtle Avenue, 218, 222, and 228 North Myrtle, along with two small properties located at the rear of the two northernmost properties. There is no indication why the city is interested in these properties. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Help for Altadena fire victims

If you know victims of the Altadena fire who need assistance, there will be a Wildfire Relief Distribution event at the Pasadena location of Foothill Unity Center, at 191 N. Oak Ave., on Wednesday, Feb. 19 from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Supplies include groceries, water, clothing, shoes, diapers, toys, lasagnas from Lasagna Love, new pans from HexClad. Caseworkers on-site for rental assistance.

- Brad Haugaard

Where to recycle used oil in Monrovia


Recycle your used oil (limit 5 gallons) and oil filters here:

  • Homer’s Auto Service - 148 E. Lemon Ave. Phone: 358-6259
  • Sierra Nissan - 1125 Central Ave. Phone: (626) 303-1000
  • Oilstop Drive Thru Oil Change - 746 E. Huntington Dr. Phone: (626) 357-6711
  • O’Reilly Auto Parts - 723 E. Huntington Dr. Phone: 303-2637
  • Pep Boys - 201 W. Huntington Dr. Phone: 303-3906

No contaminated oil. Call 1-888-253-2652 to  dispose of contaminated oil.

- Brad Haugaard

Garden Club talk on post-fire gardening


There will be a program on Post Fire Gardening on Tuesday, Feb. 25, 6:30 p.m., at First Presbyterian Church (Foothill and Myrtle) hosted by the Monrovia Garden Club. Gio Leos of Food ED will discuss wildfire effects, soil and garden contamination from ash, edible garden safety, and fire-safe landscaping (mulch and plant choices).

- Brad Haugaard

Compostpalooza March 8 at Community Garden


Food Ed will hold a free “Compostpalooza” event on Saturday, March 8 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Monrovia Community Garden (Colorado and Magnolia). Workshops and booths about food waste and the new composting law. RSVP at explorefooded.org.

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia High students protest ICE crackdown


About 110 (I counted) young people, apparently Monrovia High School students protesting the ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) crackdown, marched along Foothill Boulevard this morning.

- Brad Haugaard 

Superintendent responds to possible student walkout

Superintendent Paula Hart Rodas has notified parents that students who participate in an expected student walkout on Friday (no indication what the walkout is about) should follow state law and realize that they are only entitled to one excused absence per academic year. Here is a clip from her letter to parents:

Due to social media postings, we are aware of a potential student walkout on Friday, February 14, at 11 AM. Students have First Amendment rights, including freedom of speech and the right to participate in peaceful protests. However, if students choose to participate in the walkout, we encourage parents and guardians to follow the guidelines outlined in California Education Code 48205. To have an absence excused for participation in a civic or political event, parents or guardians must notify their child’s school office and provide an explanation prior to the absence. Please note that, per California Education Code 48205, students may only have one excused absence per academic year for participating in a civic or political event. Absences without prior notification will be marked as unexcused.
Monrovia Unified does not take a position on participation in the walkout but remains committed to upholding the law and ensuring student safety. We hold the position that student safety is best maintained when students remain on campus. Additionally, we believe there are more constructive ways for students to express their concerns, such as organizing on-campus discussions or forums. We encourage students to work with their school administration to explore meaningful and productive ways to engage in dialogue and civic engagement.
If your child is going to participate in the walkout, we strongly encourage them to be safe and abide by all laws. Our top priority is student safety, and we thank you for your partnership in keeping our students safe.
- Brad Haugaard
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