Monrovia Now: News and Comment about Monrovia, California

School Board votes to close Santa Fe as a middle school, but it will still be a school

Santa Fe Computer Science Magnet School will close as a middle school starting with next school year, 2026-2027, and middle school students will attend Clifton Middle School. At a special meeting last night the school board reversed an earlier decision to postpone closure in order to study the issue.

The closure is being implemented to address the expenditure reductions required by the Los Angeles County Office of Education in June 2024.

Though Santa Fe will close as a middle school, it will still be used as a school. The district does not plan to sell the property, but rather plans to move the smaller staff and students from Canyon Oaks High School and Mountain Park School to this location.

- Brad Haugaard

State of the City event moves to Monrovia High School

With the closing of LOOK theaters, the State of the City event is moving to the Louise Taylor Performing Arts Center (aka, the auditorium) at Monrovia High School. Tuesday, Feb. 10, reception at 6 p.m.; City Council presentation 7 p.m. More seating, plus food and popcorn. Open to all residents.

- Brad Haugaard

Lenten fish fry at Knights of Columbus, Fridays, Feb. 20 to Apr. 3

- Brad Haugaard

Mellow Arlow is a sweetheart - but not a fan of rainy days

Arlo is a calm, loving pup with a soft heart and an easygoing spirit. He may get a little stressed in new situations (car rides and rainy days aren’t his favorite!), but he handles it all with quiet patience and a gentle outlook. Once he settles in, Arlo loves to relax, explore, and soak up the peaceful moments.

In his foster home, Arlo is a total sweetheart — respectful, well-mannered, and happy to simply be near his people. He enjoys sniffing around new spaces, naps on soft carpets, and meeting new friends with a calm, steady confidence. He’s also a great student: he’s started practicing crate time, learning loose-leash walking, and adjusting beautifully to new routines.

Arlo is the kind of dog who just wants to feel safe, warm, and loved. If you’re looking for a mellow, affectionate companion who will quietly brighten your days, Arlo might be the perfect match. And, he is available for a 10-day adoption trial!

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: A city map of 1908 - Recognize Banana Avenue?

Map of Monrovia from February 1908. Click to enlarge. If it's still too small, try this link. Do you recognize Banana, White Oak, JIC, Orange, Falling Leaf, or Santa Fe avenues? They have new names now. Map compliments of C.E. Slosson, Real Estate Dealer. Shows southern subdivisions with alphabetical streets Alta, Bonita, California, Diamond, El Dorado, Fano, Genoa. Also Pottenger Sanatorium Co., Sawpit Canyon, Sawpit Wash, Gold Hill. 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

LOOK Theater closes Monrovia location

Monrovia’s LOOK Theatre has closed. The management wrote, “Thank you Monrovia, We will miss you” on the marquee and this sign on the door:

Valued Guests,

LOOK Dine-In Cinemas has closed this location.

We would like to sincerely thank our guests for making this theater a meaningful part of the community. Your loyalty, support, and shared movie moments have meant a great deal to our team, and we are truly grateful for the memories created here over the years.

While this location has closed, we invite you to continue enjoying the LOOK experience at our nearby theater:

LOOK Dine-In Cinemas - Glendale
128 Artsakh Ave, Glendale, CA 91206

All LOOK Gift Cards and Infinity Club memberships will continue to be honored at our LOOK Glendale location. Any existing ticket purchases will be fully refunded. If you would prefer a refund for a gift card or Infinity membership, have questions, or need assistance, please contact our Guest Services department at: guest.services@lookcinemas.com.

Thank you again. We truly appreciate your support and look forward to welcoming you soon in Glendale.

- Brad Haugaard

Fruit tree pruning workshop Feb. 7

Fruit tree pruning workshop at the EARTH Commons, hosted by the Maryknoll Sisters with Master Gardeners of the University of California Cooperative Extension. Saturday, Feb. 7, 9 to 11 a.m., 300 Norumbega Drive. Hands-on instruction under supervision. Wear sturdy shoes, hat, gloves; goggles recommended. Bring clippers, loppers, pruning saws, pole pruners. Space limited. RSVP by Feb. 2 to Faye Ybanez, 358-1825 or fayeybanezmks@gmail.com.

- Brad Haugaard

Wine, beer and painting for veterans at Library, Feb. 12

Veterans, service members, and guests (21+) can enjoy a guided painting session with wine or beer on Thursday, Feb. 12, 5:30 to 7 p.m., in the Library Community Room. Must present photo ID. Registration required, here.

- Brad Haugaard

Lego free play at the Library, Feb. 11

Drop in for LEGO Free Play on Wed., Feb. 11, from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. in the Library Story Room. Kids ages 2 to 12 can build with library-provided blocks. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Reading and nature for children to age 5, Feb. 7

Nature-themed literacy event for children to age 5. Includes story time, sensory play, and take-home book (while supplies last), Feb. 7, 12 to 1:30 p.m. in the Library Story Room. Registration required. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Black History Month kickoff film at Monrovia High

There will be a Black History Month centennial kickoff and documentary screening at Monrovia High auditorium Sunday, Feb. 1, 2 to 4 p.m. Features a community screening of "100 Years from Mississippi." Open to the public.

- Brad Haugaard

'Wonders of the Universe' exhibit opening at Canyon Park, Feb. 1

The Old Town Sidewalk Astronomers will share their passion for astronomy and the night sky at the debut of a free “Wonders of the Universe” exhibit at Canyon Park Nature Center, Sunday, Feb. 1, 10 a.m. to noon. The exhibit will be on display through April.

- Brad Haugaard

Retired city librarian Mabel Cross dies

Retired Monrovia librarian Mabel Cross has died. She retired at the end of 2025 after years supporting programs and helping establish the Veterans Resource Center. She assisted veterans with benefits and recorded stories through the Library of Congress Veterans History Project.

- Brad Haugaard