Workshop on capturing rainwater for gardens, Jan. 29

Rain to Roots, a virtual landscaping workshop on Jan. 29 at 6 p.m., will discuss best rainwater capture methods, designing and maintaining rain gardens, managing water flow, and troubleshooting. Sponsored by Upper Water (Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District). Register here.

- Brad Haugaard

Max Parker promoted to fire captain

Monrovia Fire and Rescue engineer Max Parker is being promoted to fire captain. A post by the department says that, "Max has consistently demonstrated our core values through outstanding leadership, professionalism, and an unwavering dedication to both our department and the community we proudly serve."

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovians can vote on recipients for six Chamber of Commerce awards

The Monrovia Chamber of Commerce invites the public to vote (here) for six recipients of its annual awards. Voters can choose from its list of finalists for outstanding businesses and leaders. Voting is open until Friday, Jan. 9 at 5 p.m. Winners will be announced at the Annual Awards Dinner on Friday, Feb. 6.

- Brad Haugaard

Vocal lesson for adults and teens at Library Jan. 17

Introductory vocal class for adults and teens 16 and older on Jan. 17 from 2 to 3 p.m. in the Library Story Room. Basic voice exercises and simple songs. Registration and more information here.

- Brad Haugaard

Storytime with the Park Naturalists Jan. 10

Storytime with the Park Naturalists will be held Jan. 10 from 10 to 10:45 a.m. in the Youth Services Area at the Library. For children to age 5 and their caregivers. Stories, music, movement, and nature facts led by Library staff and Park Naturalists. No drop-offs. Register here. 

- Brad Haugaard

Street Fair cancelled for tonight

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

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