Coming Up in Monrovia

Craft a stuffed bear, for adults, at the library, Jan. 6

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

Storytime for young children at Library, Jan 7

Trivia Night for adults at Library, Jan. 9

Tinkering and exploring for kids, at the Library Jan. 12

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

- Brad Haugaard

Happy New Year, Monrovia!

Have a wonderful 2026, everybody!

- Brad Haugaard

Current Local Job Opportunities - January 2026

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.

- Brad Haugaard

Lunch at Grey & Cash

Lunch at the Grey & Cash coffee shop, on the west side of Myrtle just north of Lemon. Got the Jive Turkey sandwich for $15.50 and a latte for $5.50. Very nice!

- Brad Haugaard 

Rain ends New Year’s Eve on Myrtle, changes Noon Year’s Eve

Because of expected rain, the New Year’s Eve celebration on Myrtle is canceled. Also, the Noon Year’s Eve celebration in library Park is being modified.

It is now Noon Year’s Eve Grab & Go. The Community Center will offer a commemorative photo, party supplies, and craft kits for at-home celebrations, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.  at 119 W. Palm Ave.

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia shop owner in charge of inspecting all Rose Parade horseshoes

Ada Gates Patton, who owns Harry Patton Horseshoeing Supplies on Maple, in Monrovia, is also the Rose Parade’s official horseshoe inspector, ensuring every mount meets safety standards before the parade. Photo courtesy of PasadenaNow.com. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Goofy Dorito loves exploring with his big nose

Dorito is a lovable, larger-than-life Labrador Retriever mix at Pasadena Humane, who is just over a year old. Despite a rough start as a stray, Dorito hasn’t lost his joyful spirit. He’s goofy, affectionate, and absolutely adores playtime – especially chasing balls and exploring with his big nose. He’s also smart, responsive, easily directed with a good treat, and sweetly self-soothes once he’s given the chance to slow down.

Because Dorito feels everything big, he can get overstimulated and will thrive in a low-traffic home with a confident handler who can help him take breaks, build calm routines, and keep life balanced. He’d do best as the only dog and with space to burn off his puppy-like energy. If your New Year’s resolution is to welcome more joy, laughter, love, and maybe a few more walks, Dorito is ready for a fresh start by your side!

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: Happy New Year from Monrovia's founder!

A Happy New Year from Monrovia founder, William Monroe. This is his Happy New Year business card. From the Monrovia Historical Museum 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

Tinkering and exploring for kids, at the Library Jan. 12

Pop-Up Makerspace, hands-on tinkering and exploration for kids ages 5-12, Jan. 12 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. in the Library Story Room. Includes a variety of materials and tools for creative play and learning. No registration required. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Storytime for young children at Library, Jan 7

Storytime for ages 2–5 on Jan. 7 from 10 to 11 a.m. in the Library Story Room. Stories, songs, and a craft or sensory activity to build vocabulary, comprehension, and fine motor skills. Adult participation required. Details. 

- Brad Haugaard

City looking for accomplishments to highlight for State of the City Address

The city is prepping for the State of the City address and is looking for accomplishments to highlight. Residents may submit noteworthy accomplishments from local schools, non-profits, churches, or other organizations. Milestones, awards, recognitions, and completed projects are welcome. Email submissions to Jocelyn Casas at jcasas@monroviaca.gov by Jan. 8, 2026.

- Brad Haugaard

New Year's Eve in Old Town

- Brad Haugaard

New California law will permit taller residential buildings near train station

A new California law will override local zoning beginning July 1, 2026 and require many cities to allow taller residential development near train stations. For Monrovia that could mean buildings up to seven or eight stories next to the train station.

The law provides two tiers, with Monrovia falling under Tier 2, which allows buildings up to:

• 85 feet (about 7 or 8 stories) on properties immediately adjacent to a station.
• 65 feet (about 5 or 6 stories) within a quarter-mile of the station.
• 55 feet (about 4 or 5 stories) between a quarter-mile and half-mile of the station.

The Monrovia station is "light rail," not "commuter rail," a distinction drawn in the bill, and therefore does not fall in the Tier 1 category, which allows even higher buildings.

The law also requires that approximately 7 to 13 percent of units in residential projects of 10 units or more be reserved for lower-income households. Full details in the bill, here. 

- Brad Haugaard

Coming Up in Monrovia

Free adoption for big dogs and adult cats through Dec. 31

Noon Years Eve in Library Park, Dec. 31

New Year's Eve in Old Town

Craft a stuffed bear, for adults, at the library, Jan. 6

Trivia Night for adults at Library, Jan. 9

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

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

- Brad Haugaard

Merry Christmas, Monrovia!

Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.  (Luke 2:8-11)

- Brad Haugaard