A Moment in Monrovia History: Almera Romney and her Huntington School class

Almera Romney and her Huntington Elementary fifth grade class in 1946. Romney was teacher and then principal at Huntington Elementary from 1946-1963. She fought for better conditions for the segregated school and advocated for integration. Standing next to Almera with a butterfly on her dress is Mimi Luvenia Martin (Mency, 1936-2011) who would be the first African American on the Monrovia school board in 1972. From the Susie Ling 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

City Council to discuss planning for 2028 Olympics

The City Council will hold a special meeting at 10 a.m. on May 21 at the Canyon Park Cabin to discuss planning for the 2028 Olympics. That, and to perform the standard evaluation (in closed session) of the performance of City Manager Dylan Feik. Source.

- Brad Haugaard

Boys & Girls Club rally honors Youth of the Year, May 31

The Boys & Girls Club of the Foothills will honor its 2026 Youth of the Year winners and community advocates at a Rally and Family Carnival at Recreation Park on Sunday, May 31

Aidan Gee, a Monrovia High sophomore, was selected as Youth of the Year; Kristy and Todd Bowden will receive the Mary Wilcox Youth Advocacy Award; and The Berns Team will be recognized as Corporate Partner of the Year. The public event features food trucks, inflatables, games, and a classic car show. Tickets.

- Brad Haugaard

City to consider issuing $76 million bond for renovations, consolidating elections

At its next meeting (agenda here) the Monrovia City Council will consider ...

~ Beginning proceedings to issue up to $76 million in bond financing to renovate the Community Center, Recreation Park, Fire Station 102, and City Hall. Details. 

~ Consolidate the municipal elections with the statewide general election, on Nov. 3, 2026. Details. 

- Brad Haugaard

City interested in property on north edge of Monrovia

The city is apparently interested (see here) in acquiring a parcel of land at 347 Highland Place in north Monrovia (marked with orange dot). Comment: It would make a nice addition to the Hillside Wilderness Preserve. Details. 

- Brad Haugaard

Veterans meetup at Starbucks, May 26

Veterans meetup at the Starbucks at Huntington and Magnolia, May 26, 6 to 7 p.m. Veterans and military service members can receive free coffee, meet other veterans, and schedule appointments with a Veterans Service Officer or a representative from Veterans Peer Access Network. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Teen activity at the Library, June 1

Teen Activity Hour at the Library’s Community Room, Monday, June 1, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Teens in grades 7-12 can participate in an activity planned by the Teen Advisory Board leadership team. No registration required. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Days is on

Carnival today in Library Park until 10 p.m., then again tomorrow and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

- Brad Haugaard

Harbaugh named schools' Classified Employee of the Year

Plymouth Elementary office manager Desiree Harbaugh has been named Monrovia Schools' Classified Employee of the Year for 2025-2026 after 13 years serving the school community in volunteer, PTA, library, and office roles. Harbaugh said she was "1,000% surprised to be selected." She said her favorite part of the job is greeting students and families each morning and helping create a welcoming school culture. 

- Brad Haugaard

Summer Solstice Garden Party, June 20

RSVP here. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Library book sale Saturday, May 16

Tomorrow, Saturday, May 16, the Friends of the Monrovia Public library will hold its Spring Book Sale, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. All proceeds benefit the library.

- Brad Haugaard 

Viola's Bar & Bistro Now Hiring as Monrovia Opening Approaches

Viola's Bar & Bistro, a new French bistro café set in a restored historic property at 512 S. Ivy in Monrovia, is now hiring. The restaurant, in the residence of former City Historian Steve Baker, is expected to open soon.

- Brad Haugaard

Coming Up in Monrovia

Monrovia Days, May 14-17

Free adult dog adoptions May 15-24

Special seat belt enforcement campaign begins May 18

Game Night for Adults at the Library, May 22

Free garden tools workshop at Monrovia Community Garden South, May 23

Watercolor workshop at the Community Center, May 27

Boys and Girls Club carnival May 31

VFW Post 2070 BBQ & Car Show, June 13

Fire Resilient Gardening workshop June 27

- Brad Haugaard

School Board to consider summer pool program for public; contraband sniffer dogs

At its next meeting  (agenda here) the Monrovia School Board will ...

~ Consider an agreement with the City of Monrovia and the Santa Anita Family YMCA for a summer pool program at Monrovia High. The 8-week program (June 8-July 31) would offer open swim, lap swim, and recreation. The city would contribute $8,000 and the YMCA would provide staffing and management. Details.

~ Consider paying $200 per visit for sniffer dogs on district campuses to detect contraband, "to include, but not be limited to, all drugs of abuse (in the broadest terms), alcoholic beverages, firearms and ammunition." Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Dinner at Taisho Teriyaki Grill

Dinner at Taisho Teriyaki Grill, in the shopping center at the northeast corner of Huntington and Fifth. Got the Chicken Teriyaki Bowl (#5) for $11.95. It came with a drink and the bill had no space for a tip!. Tasty and filling.

- Brad Haugaard