Clifton honored as a 'School to Watch'

Clifton Middle School has again been named a School to Watch. It was previously honored in 2020 and 2023. It is recognized for meeting students’ social, emotional, and academic needs through culturally relevant and inclusive practices. Schools to Watch demonstrate are models for educators at other campuses.

- Brad Haugaard

The Drowsy Chaperone, March 5, 6, 7

The Drowsy Chaperone at Louise Taylor Performing Arts Center at Monrovia High. Performance Dates: March 5 at 7 p.m., 6 at 7 p.m. and 7 at 2 and 7 p.m. Tickets and details here.

- Brad Haugaard

Council declares February Cholangiocarcinoma Awareness Month

The Monrovia City Council has proclaimed February as Cholangiocarcinoma Awareness Month and Feb. 19 as World Cholangiocarcinoma Day. Cholangiocarcinoma is a rare, deadly cancer affecting 10,000 Americans annually. The Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation’s efforts to improve patient care and find a cure.

- Brad Haugaard

Historical Museum hosts talk linking 'The Bear' book to Canyon Park, Mar. 1

On Mar. 1 at 1 p.m., the Monrovia Historical Museum, in Recreation Park, will present a talk connecting Andrew Krivak’s novel, The Bear, to Monrovia’s Canyon Park. Local historian Oliver Beckwith will share stories that enrich understanding of the book and local history as part of One City One Story.

- Brad Haugaard

Volunteers needed to green Monrovia High's outdoor spaces, Apr. 13

Join Amigos de los Rios on Apr. 13 at Monrovia High School for a volunteer day to add native plants and improve outdoor areas. Work in small groups, bring friends and family, and enjoy water and snacks while contributing to local green space. Register here.

- Brad Haugaard

3rd Annual House Party at the Park Set for Mar. 15 in Library Park

There will be a family-friendly 3rd Annual House Party at the Park on Sunday, Mar. 15, 1-5 p.m. at Library Park. Celebrate local heroes with food, music, youth activities, games, a car show, and community resources. Hosted by Community Reimagined and Chris Loos. Nominate a neighbor for an M-Town Award here.

- Brad Haugaard

Community Media of the Foothills wins 'Best of Show' at 2026 WAVE Awards

Monrovia’s Community Media of the Foothills took home “Best of Show” for the Eaton Fire CARE-A-Thon and earned finalist spots for eight productions at the prestigious 2026 WAVE Awards. The contest covers public programming across six western states. Details 

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Offers Free Sharps Containers Starting Feb. 23

Monrovia residents can pick up a free sharps containers beginning 12 p.m. on Mon, Feb. 23, at City Hall and the Public Works Yard. One container per household while supplies last, provided through LA County’s Clean LA program. Call Public Works at 932-5575 for more info.

- Brad Haugaard

Mountain Avenue median Restoration, Feb. 23-27

Monrovia’s contractor will restore the Mountain Avenue center median and adjust traffic signals near Lemon Avenue the week of Feb. 23-27, causing lane closures, turn restrictions, and increased noise from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Expect parking restrictions and no street sweeping during work hours. Additional road repairs on W Colorado Blvd Feb. 25 and W Duarte Rd Feb. 25-27 may disrupt traffic.

- Brad Haugaard

Whistle! screening and reception at Community Center, Mar. 1

On Sunday, Mar. 1 at 4 p.m., Creative Being hosts a private screening of WHISTLE!, a documentary about Monrovian Carole Anne Kaufman’s international whistling competition. The event includes a Q&A, live performance, wine, cheese, and a $10 suggested donation. Tickets available on Eventbrite. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Community Services Director Tina Cherry retires

Retiring Tina Cherry (left) with new Community Services Director Rebecca Sandoval.

At its last meeting the Monrovia  City Council honored retiring Community Services Director Tina Cherry for 30 years of public service and 12 years in Monrovia, including leading the Community Services Department. Council members praised her impact on library and recreation programs, parks, and youth services.

Councilmembers and the City Manager described Cherry as a leader of excellence, integrity, and contagious joy, known for meticulous attention to detail and a “give a damn” commitment to the community. They credited her with strengthening parks, including Lucinda Garcia Park, Julian Fisher Park, Satoru Tsuneshi Park, and Canyon Park, expanding programming, mentoring youth and interns.

Cherry thanked the Council, expressed pride in the department’s accomplishments and said she is confident in newly promoted Community Services Director Rebecca Sandoval-Riba, who she said is prepared and principled. 

- Brad Haugaard

Coming Up in Monrovia

Teen Game Hangout at the Library, Feb. 20

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

Food Ed to bestow Golden Gnomie Awards, Feb. 20

Electric guitar for beginners, Feb. 21

Workshop on preserving fresh citrus, Feb. 21

Black History Month events, Feb. 21, 22

Hum Out Loud poetry reading Feb. 24

Veterans and service members' coffee meetup, Feb. 24

Children's seminar on living with bears, Feb. 28

Monrovia High to screen math documentary, March 10

New exhibit coming on 'How Transportation Shaped Monrovia,' April 30

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovian Wesley Zucco donates really big bunny to Bunny Museum

Monrovian Wesley Zucco donated Scanner, this 14-foot-tall bunny, to The Bunny Museum in Altadena after the museum burned down in the Eaton fire. Here he is (on the right) helping to unwrap the rabbit. The Star-News reported that the giant bunny cost $14,100 and was created by Jesse Zhao of Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

School board to consider three new high school courses, letting 17 employees go

At its next meeting (agenda here) the Monrovia Board of Education will consider ...

~ Adding three new high school level courses:

AP Research, a year-long independent research project in which students design and conduct original investigations. Details. 

English 10: AP Seminar, emphasizing analysis of diverse texts, source evaluation, evidence-based argument, team projects, research essays, presentations. Details. 

World History in Spanish, a yearlong college-prep course taught primarily in Spanish. Covers global civilizations from ancient to modern times, aligned with state standards. Details. 

~ Letting 17 employees go and hiring one. Let go a school office manager and head custodian (details), two probationary certificated employees (details), 13 temporary certificated employees (details), and hire an athletic trainer to "support the health, safety, and supervision of student-athletes" (details). 

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia schools fall short in academic goals

The mid-year report required by Monrovia schools' Local Control Accountability Plan shows the district remained fairly steady, but a steady that fell short in meeting several of its academic goals. It also slipped significantly in the quality of its facilities, and in reducing chronic absenteeism, but met its goal of providing 100% access to materials, and increased the number of credentialed teachers to surpass that goal as well. Details. 

Some of the results in the image above.

- Brad Haugaard