'25 Words or Less' Game at Library Jan. 5

The library will host the game "25 Words or Less," open to ages 13 and up, on Friday, January 5, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the Community Room. Register here. Work together, guess the secrets words and phrases before time runs out. For more information, contact cescobedo@ci.monrovia.ca.us or call 256-8265.

- Brad Haugaard

A Moment in Monrovia History: A New Year's Day Postcard

New Year Greeting Postcard sent to Miss Gay Grandy, Arcadia, Ca from Wilbur Hurd, back in the day when a person's name and city (and a 1 cent stamp) was a sufficient for delivery. Back of the card here. From the Grandy 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

Happy 'Noon' Year's Eve Monrovia

Apparently there will be no official New Year's Eve party along Myrtle this year - at least I can find no mention of it on the city website or the Old Town website.

There will, however, be a "Noon Years Eve" celebration with activities for families in Library Park, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

For adults, I find that The Pour House (405 S Myrtle) will hold a New Year's Eve party beginning at 6 p.m. Tickets required. Details here. Are there others?

- Brad Haugaard

Photo by Artem Kniaz on Unsplash

Officers Lopez and Garcia Honored at Monrovia Police Employee Recognition Luncheon

Two Monrovia Police officers were recognized at the department' annual employee recognition luncheon. Officer Marco Lopez (left) was honored as Safety Employee of the year, and Officer Mike Garcia (right) as Best All Around Officer. The officers were nominated by their peers and supervisors for being exceptional officers.

- Brad Haugaard

Trader Joe's Singing Broccoli Rose Parade Float

Singing broccoli and other vegetables will be the subject of Monrovia-based Trader Joe’s Rose Parade float this year. Details. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Celebration of Shades at Library Park

There will be a celebration for the new shades for the children’s playground at Library Park on Friday, Jan. 5 at 3:30 p.m. Shades provided by a donation from Monrovia Parks, Wilderness, & Recreation Foundation.  RSVP to Tina Cherry at tcherry@ci.monrovia.ca.us

- Brad Haugaard 

Extra Monrovia Cops to Check for Impaired Drivers Through New Year’s Day

The holiday season can be a dangerous time for people on the roads. In December 2021 alone, 1,013 people were killed in the U.S. in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Monrovia Police Department wants to remind the public of the dangers of driving impaired and celebrate the holiday season responsibly by not driving under the influence.

From Dec. 13 through New Year's Day, Monrovia Police Department will have additional officers on patrol looking for drivers suspected of being under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. The high-visibility enforcement effort is part of a national campaign, Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over, with the goal of stopping suspected impaired drivers who put others on the road at risk.

"Impaired driving isn't just dangerous, it's illegal," Lt. Chad Harvey said. "Let's make this a joyful and safe holiday season for everyone on the road. This enforcement period allows us to get the message out that it is essential to act responsibly and plan a sober ride home."

Monrovia Police Department encourages everyone to stay in for the night or have a "go safely" game plan by scheduling a ride or designating a sober driver if you plan to consume alcohol.

Impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Marijuana, prescription medications or over-the-counter drugs may also impair. Do your research and understand how certain drugs may affect your driving ability.

Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Source: Monrovia Police press release

- Brad Haugaard 

Dinner at Wendy’s

Dinner at Wendy’s, in the Vons shopping center at Myrtle and Foothill. I wanted something kind of light after the Christmas feasting, so I got the taco salad for $7.99 and a drink for $2.59.  Nice. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Sebastian Would Like in on All Your Adventures

If you’re looking for a fun companion to ring in the New Year, look no further than Sebastian! This handsome guy is sure to turn heads as you walk him down the street!

Sebastian is three years old and has a lot of playful energy. He loves playing in the yard, but is happiest out on the go. He’s been on a number of walks with Pasadena Humane volunteers and they rave about him. He knows several commands and is keen to learn more. He has favorite treats that are a good motivator for him!

Sebastian will thrive in an active home. He doesn’t mind being the center of attention as long as he is included in all the adventures! He would love hiking or camping, and he would probably also enjoy a training class to show off his skills.

Bring this stunner home with you today!

The adoption fee for dogs is $150. All dog adoptions include spay or neuter, microchip, and age-appropriate vaccines.

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. View photos of adoptable pets and schedule an adoption appointment at pasadenahumane.org. Adoptions are by appointment only, and new adoption appointments are available every Sunday and Wednesday at 10:00 a.m.

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: Christmas in Early Monrovia

Children around Christmas tree. From the Myron Hotchkiss 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

Merry Christmas, Monrovia!

Manger scene at First Presbyterian Church, Myrtle and Foothill.

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. (Luke 2:16-17)

For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich. (2 Corinthians 8:9)

- Brad Haugaard

Winners - And Locations - Of Christmas Home Decorating Contest

Here are the winners of the Holiday Decorating Contest.

- Brad Haugaard

Jr. Naturalist For a Day Jan. 6

- Brad Haugaard

Noon Year's Eve Family Event at Library Park

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Today Is Out; City Wins Conservation Award; Recycling; Etc.

In his latest report (https://goo.gl/aOqX7O) City Manager Dylan Feik reports:

~ The winter edition of Monrovia Today is online here.

~ Monrovia was recently awarded the Government Finance Officers Association's Program Excellence Award for its Drought/Conservation Program, including its Excess Water Usage Penalty Program. In three years citywide water consumption is down 20%, exceeding the state's 15% water reduction goal. Monrovia is one of six winners this year and is featured in the magazine, "Government Finance Review." See the article here.    

~ City Hall, Public Works, and Police and Fire Administration will be closed to the public Dec. 26 - 29. Essential services will continue as usual. Normal city operations will resume on Tuesday, January 2. 

~ Recycle your Christmas tree by placing it curbside on your regular trash collection day between Dec. 26 and Jan. 13. Remove ornaments, tinsel, plastic bags, nails, lights, and plastic or metal stands. Collected trees will be composted. For more information, contact Public Works at 932-5575.

~ The Monrovia Historical Museum will be closed on Dec. 24 and 31. 

- Brad Haugaard