Gentle Koda is a sweet senior cattle dog who just wants a calm home and sniff breaks

Meet Pasadena Humane's gentle guy, Koda! This sweet 8-year-old cattle dog is looking for a calm home where he can settle in and enjoy the simple things in life — easy walks, soft company, and plenty of sniff breaks.

While shelter life has been a little overwhelming for him, Koda truly shines once he's outside enjoying fresh air and quiet walks. He can be sensitive to loud noises and new environments, but he leans into his people for comfort and has such a kind, gentle nature. He enjoys treats, enrichment, and being close to his people.

Koda would thrive in a home where he can relax, decompress, and get the comfort and care he deserves. If you're looking for a loyal walking buddy with a sweet side, come meet Koda and give this deserving senior his next chapter.

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.E. Cronenwett's Orange Ranch

A.E. Cronenwett's Orange Ranch around 1896. A photo looking north from White Oak (now Foothill) shows palm and orange trees about five or six years old. An 1897 Monrovia Messenger article said Cronenwett bought 20 acres on the western edge of town about five years earlier and planted orange groves, including Valencias. He later worked in the East as a traveling agent for Phillips’ California excursions and planned to return to Monrovia as his permanent home. 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

Monrovia ranked 10th locally on replacing vehicles with Zero Emission Vehicles

The Pasadena Area chapter of the League of Women Voters Natural Resources Committee has issued a report on 13 local cities efforts to replace municipal vehicle fleets with hybrid and zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs). Monrovia ranked tenth on its list for the percentage of its vehicles that are ZEV or hybrid. Cities were ranked based on fleet data and compliance with California’s Advanced Clean Fleet mandate, which requires new municipal vehicle purchases to be zero-emission by 2027. The survey reviewed total fleets, hybrid and zero-emission vehicles.

- Brad Haugaard

Summer Reading Kickoff Party at the Library, June 6

Summer Reading Kickoff Party at the Library, Saturday, June 6, noon to 3 p.m. Activities include arts and crafts, lawn games, video games, inflatables, a bubble dance party, and a giant maze. Open to all ages. Accessibility accommodations available with 72 hours notice. Event may be photographed. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Family storytime at the Library, June 3

Storytime at the Library, Wednesday, June 3, 10 to 11 a.m. Stories, songs, sensory activities, and crafts for children ages 2-5. Siblings welcome. Program focuses on language, social, cognitive, and motor skill development through storytelling, music, props, and crafts. Children must attend with an adult; drop-offs not permitted. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Craft Night at the Library, June 2

Summer Adult Craft Night at the Library, Tuesday, June 2, 6 to 7 p.m. Adults will decorate rocks using dot painting during the monthly arts and crafts program in the Story Room. Registration required . Program for ages 18 and older. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Flags for Memorial Day on display at Library Park

Memorial Day is Monday and Library Park is ready - all decked out with flags.

- Brad Haugaard

Summer Concerts begin this Sunday, May 24

 

This Sunday, May 24, kicks off the Summer Concert Series, which runs through August 9. Stone Soul (Motown) opens at Station Square Park at 7 p.m. During the summer, everything from funk and Latin to reggae, rock, and Old School, with six performances at Station Square Park and then starting July 12, five more at Rotary Club Bandshell at Library Park. Bring a lawn chair or a blanket. Full information here.

- Brad Haugaard

Viola's Bar & Bistro plans to open at historic Monrovia property

Viola's Bar & Bistro is preparing to open at 512 S. Ivy Ave., at the restored historic property that belonged to former City Historian Steve Baker. The restaurant will offer a French bistro café experience and is currently hiring managers, chefs, cooks, hosts, servers, baristas, bartenders, and porters. Resumes to dine@violasmonrovia.com.

- Brad Haugaard

SPOT teen program at Library Park, June 5–Aug. 7

The city's SPOT teen program will run Friday nights at Library Park from June 5 to Aug. 7, 5 to 9:30 p.m., for students in grades 6-12. Activities include arts and crafts, competitions, music, food, and a teen-only lounge. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Street sweeping parking restrictions will be more strictly enforced

The cops are going to start giving tickets to cars that are parked illegally on street sweeping days, even if the cars are only parked there after the street sweeper has gone by. So if it says, "No Parking 10 a.m.–noon" that means no parking from 10 a.m. to noon, regardless of whether the sweeper has already passed. This week the cops will just post flyers on windows.

- Brad Haugaard

LA County raises small business property tax filing threshold to $10,000, effective July 1

Small businesses in LA County will no longer be required to file or pay property taxes on lower-valued equipment, furniture, and fixtures worth less than $10,000, effective July 1. Contact the LA County Assessor's Office, here, for more information.

- Brad Haugaard

Online community meeting on Monrovia bike/pedestrian project, June 4

There will be an online community meeting on the Active Community Travel Vinculum (ACTV) Phase 1 project on June 4 at 6 p.m. The project will create new walking and biking connections under the 210 freeway at Magnolia Avenue, and along Central and Evergreen. Register here to attend.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Public Library presents 2026 Strategic Plan update

The Monrovia Public Library's Strategic Plan says that since 2021, library circulation has grown 126%, outreach visits are up 176%, and program attendance has risen more than 300%. The draft plan focuses on technology and AI literacy, community connection, support for seniors and vulnerable populations, collections and programming, Library of Things expansion, and facility needs. A community survey is planned for June and the Library Board will review the plan that month, and updated goals will be incorporated in July. The draft plan is here.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia High School pool open to public June 8–July 31

The Monrovia High pool will be open to the public June 8 through July 31, through a partnership between the city, the school district, and the Santa Anita Family YMCA. Hours are Monday–Friday, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and Saturdays, 1 to 3:30 p.m. Recreation and lap swim are free. Swim lessons are available through the YMCA for a fee, with sessions once or twice a week.

- Brad Haugaard