Calm, steady Achilles wants his own family for Christmas

Achilles is a 4-year-old black German Shepherd whose calm confidence and gentle nature make him the perfect companion for both winter adventures and cozy days at home! Whether he’s hiking, riding calmly in the car, or soaking up attention from admirers, Achilles brings a steady, comforting energy wherever he goes.

On a recent field trip, he handled a very busy trail like a pro — calmly walking alongside another dog, ignoring bikes, kids, crowds, and even a horse, all while happily taking treats and responding to verbal cues. He’s affectionate and gentle, leaning in for pets and chest scratches, and truly lives up to his reputation as a big cuddly bear.

This holiday season, Achilles would love nothing more than a family to call his very own. If you’re hoping to celebrate the holiday season with a loyal, loving best friend by your side, consider adopting Achilles and giving him the forever home he deserves. There’s no better time to adopt: during the Home for the Holidays campaign (Dec. 14-31), adoption fees for large dogs, like Achilles, will be waived.

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 10:00 – 5:00. 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.

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 10:00 – 5:00. View photos of adoptable pets at pasadenahumane.org.

- Brad Haugaard

A Moment in Monrovia History: A bright and happy Christmas from 1899!

An 1899 Christmas gift card with gifts noted on back: "Mrs. Dexter = apron. Yetta = Handkerchief. Emma = Handkerchief." The card is tradmarked "Raphael Tuck & Sons Ltd. Publishers to Their Majesties the King & Queen." From the Steve Baker 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

Monrovia gets 5.9-acre hillside Christmas present from Pokrajac family

Showing the Big M on the Monrovia hillside.

The City Council will consider accepting a gift from the Pokrajac family, which wants to give Monrovia a big Christmas present - 5.19 acres of hillside property which includes the "Big M" on the hillside that is lit for Monrovia High games. The M was constructed by Monrovia High Class of 1952.

The property, part of a larger parcel of about 26.09 acres, is near the Hillside Wilderness Preserve and would be incorporated into the preserve. The staff report says that the city will "develop a maintenance and repair plan for the M to ensure this local landmark is well maintained into the future, and will continue discussions with the Pokrajac family to potentially acquire additional property that could be added to the City’s HWP." Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Auditions for San Gabriel Valley Choral Company Jan. 6, 13

San Gabriel Valley Choral Company will hold auditions on Jan. 6 and 13 for its 2026 season. Auditions are 10 minutes and include:

• Vocal exercises and range check
• Brief sight singing and part learning exercise
• Prepared song (up to 2 minutes, a capella)

Held at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 122 S. California Avenue. Information and sign-up here.

- Brad Haugaard

Christmas on Valmont

If you haven’t seen the Christmas lights display on Valmont Drive, it is well worth a visit. It’s almost like going through a tunnel of lights. Drive north on Norumbega from Foothill until you see Valmont on your left. It’s hard to miss but, if you cross a bridge, you’ve gone just a little bit too far.

- Brad Haugaard 

Trivia Night for adults at Library, Jan. 9

Movie Trivia Night for adults, Jan. 9 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the Library Community Room. Test your knowledge on pop culture, science, and movies. Includes snacks, prizes, and a raffle.  Registration required. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Free play for young children at the Library Dec. 23

Stay and Play offers an open playtime for children to age 5 and their caregivers with educational toys provided by the Library. Dec. 23 from 10 to 11 a.m. in the Story Room. Adults must participate with their children. Registration not required. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Tree planting through central Monrovia in January and February

Tree planting will begin in early January and last through February. Amigo de los Rios will plant trees along the area between Huntington Drive and Foothill Boulevard, including sites requested by residents. For questions, contact Brittany Jasso at bjasso@monroviaca.gov.

- Brad Haugaard

How to recycle Christmas lights and Christmas trees

If you want to discard old Christmas light strings, don't do it in the trash, as they damage recycling equipment. Nor can you put them in the electronic recycle bin at the City Yard on Mountain. Instead, you can mail them to Holiday LEDS  or Green Citizen.

Christmas trees, on the other hand can be placed curbside - ornament-free - between Dec. 27 and Jan. 10. 

Comment: I still think its foolish to make the Postal Service a trash disposal mechanism. How about the city have a collection bin and then ship all the lights in one big box. It'd probably save a lot on postage.

- Brad Haugaard

Elf on the Shelf at the Historical Museum - See if you can find it

The Monrovia Historical Museum has placed an elf on one of its shelves. There's a prize if you find it while exploring exhibits about the city’s past, from daily life to key events and figures. Free admission. Open Thursdays and Sundays, 1 to 4 p.m., at 742 E Lemon Ave.

- Brad Haugaard

Music and carriage rides in Old Town this weekend, Dec. 20, 21

Celebrate the season in Old Town with festive music and carriage rides. Holiday carolers will perform on Dec. 20 from 3 to 6 p.m., while horse-drawn carriage rides will take place on Dec. 21 during the same hours. Rides cost $5 per person, or are free with a $25 purchase in Old Town (receipt required).

- Brad Haugaard

Nominations open for outstanding Monrovians

Nominations are open for the Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards, recognizing exceptional individuals, businesses, and organizations. Submit nominations for the 2026 Stars of the Community, to be honored at the annual dinner on Feb. 6. Deadline for submissions is Tuesday, Dec. 30 at noon. Details. 

- Brad Haugaard

Ribbon cutting for the city’s 9th park set for Jan. 13

The dedication ceremony for Monrovia's ninth and newest park, Satoru Tsuneishi Park, will be held Tuesday, Jan. 13 at 3 p.m. The park is just behind the Chick-fil-A, at 1111 Encino Ave.

- Brad Haugaard

'Hands-on' trade fair at church parking lot

Girl Scout Caitlynn Cass will host Trade Fair Day on Dec. 19 from 6 to 8 p.m. in the parking lot of Monrovia Community Church (formerly First Presbyterian) to introduce teens and adults to hands-on job trades. The event, Cass' Girl Scout Gold Award Project, will provide information on construction, electrical, welding, nursing, and other trades. Booths from United Education Institute, North-West College, Mt. SAC, Rio Hondo, and Welding Certification Center. Experts will be available to answer questions. The church is at the corner of Myrtle and Foothill.

- Brad Haugaard

Gravel bags and gravel available starting Dec. 22

With rain predicted for next week, the city is providing gravel bins and bags at Recreation Park (620 S Shamrock Ave) beginning Monday, Dec. 22 at 3 p.m. First-come, first-served.

- Brad Haugaard