Mayor Becky Shevlin reports that the street fair has been cancelled for this evening. She doesn't say why but a good guess would be the possibility of rain.
- Brad Haugaard
Retired Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna has died
Announcement from Monrovia Fire and Rescue...
It is with great sadness that we share the passing of retired Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna. Chief DiGiovanna dedicated 26 years to the City of Monrovia, serving with distinction in every role he held—Firefighter, Fire Captain, Battalion Chief, and ultimately Fire Chief—before retiring in 2006. His commitment to the fire service did not end there. He went on to spend more than 15 years shaping future generations as Chief of the Verdugo Fire Academy at Glendale Community College.
His legacy lives on through the countless firefighters he led, mentored, and inspired. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and all who had the honor of serving alongside him.
Rest in peace, Chief. Your service and impact will not be forgotten.
Update: NBC4 remembers DiGiovanna's career and his service as a regular contributor to NBCLA's coverage of wildfires, earthquakes, floods and more. Here.- Brad Haugaard
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
Current Local Job Opportunities - January 2026
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 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
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