City program invites residents to read the book, 'The Bear', Jan. 24

Monrovia's One City, One Story program invites residents to read The Bear, by Andrew Krivak, and join in citywide conversations, workshops, and nature-themed events.  One City, One Story is designed to foster community through shared reading, with this year’s selection exploring legacy, survival, and nature. The program launches Jan. 24 with free book distribution.

- Brad Haugaard

Blood drive at Santa Anita Family YMCA Jan. 13


There will be a blood drive at the Santa Anita Family YMCA (501 Mountain) on Jan. 13, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Maybe win a trip for two to Super Bowl LX. Sign up here. (Enter Zip 91016, then click on "By Distance".)

- Brad Haugaard

Quietly confident Cinco loves long walks and exploring her world


Cinco is a stunning 3-year-old husky at Pasadena Humane with both beauty and heart. This foster field trip veteran loves getting out and about. She especially loves going for long walks, taking in the world around her, exploring, and showing off her calm confidence with new people and environments. Cinco also rides well in the car, settles quickly, and takes treats very gently. While out and about several people couldn’t help but comment on how beautiful she is - and we couldn’t agree more!

She is also very affectionate and enjoys leaning in for pets and attention whenever she can. Cinco would love an adopter who can help her gain confidence, and in turn, she will be a wonderfully devoted companion.

If you’re looking for a sweet, active, and loving dog, Cinco may be your perfect match.

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.

- Brad Haugaard

First 2026 baby born at USC Arcadia Hospital is a Monrovian


The first baby to be born in 2026 at USC Arcadia Hospital is a Monrovian. Carmelo Sebastian Mireles was born on Thursday, Jan. 1 at 5:38 a.m. to parents Sebastien Mireles and Hannah Green, residents of Monrovia. Carmelo weighed 8 lbs. and 3 oz. at birth. Mother and baby are doing well. Photo courtesy of Sebastian Mireles.

- Brad Haugaard

A Moment in Monrovia History: MHS class of 1896

Monrovia High School class of 1896. It's grown a bit since then. The fellow with the beard looks as if he may be the teacher. 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

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

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