Hum Out Loud poetry reading Feb. 24

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia race horse trainer dies at age 80

Monrovia resident and veteran horse trainer, James Cassidy, known for his success with fillies and long service to the racing community, died yesterday at age 80 at his Monrovia home. During a career spanning decades, Cassidy won 442 races with $30.7 million in purses and served multiple terms as president of the California Thoroughbred Trainers organization. His last racehorse, Pure Chaos, ran Jan. 11 at Santa Anita. Details. 

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia arts group has paid opening for project manager

Monrovia Association of Fine Arts has an opening for a part-time project manager. The position pays $25 per hour, about 10 hours per week, with a hybrid schedule: remote work plus in-person support for events and outreach. The project manager assists with administration, membership communications, fundraising, social media, marketing materials, written communications, and event coordination. Candidates should have strong writing, interpersonal, and social media skills, comfort with public engagement, and a demonstrated interest in the arts. Fundraising and nonprofit experience preferred. Send a brief cover letter and resume to christine@monroviafinearts.org with the subject line "MAFA Project Manager Application."

- Brad Haugaard

Dutchie is a well-behaved, cuddly and kindhearted dog

Dutchie is a 2-year-old brindle bulldog at Pasadena Humane with a whole lot of love to give! Playful but not over-the-top, Dutchie is always ready to enjoy a nice game of fetch followed by plenty of lounging and cuddles. She’s very affectionate, thrives on praise, and loves being close to you. Not to mention, Dutchie is potty trained, well-mannered indoors, and walks nicely on a leash.

An easygoing companion, Dutchie has shown herself to be calm around kids and people in her foster home. She’s quiet, rarely barks, and can be left alone without issues. While she may need a brief moment to warm up in new situations, she quickly blossoms into a trusting, sweet, and devoted friend. Available for a 10-day adoption trial, Dutchie would thrive in a loving home — especially with a family looking for a well-behaved, cuddly, and incredibly kindhearted dog.

And there’s no better time to adopt — adoption fees for dogs 6 months and older are waived at Pasadena Humane as part of the Dog Days of Winter adoption promotion, now through January 25.

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

2025 Monrovia School District accomplishments

A list of Monrovia School District successes in 2025:

 

• Bradoaks Elementary School teacher Dr. Heather Povinelli was selected as District Teacher of the Year, then Los Angeles County Teacher of the Year, and ultimately recognized statewide. She was honored as one of five California Teachers of the Year.
• Monrovia High School was awarded the Gold Medal AP School Honor Roll.
• Mayflower and Plymouth Elementary Schools were selected for the 2025 Honor Roll by the Educational Results Partnership.
• Plymouth Elementary School was also recognized among the Best Schools nationwide by U.S. News & World Report.
• The Monrovia High School Debate Team brought home multiple trophies from an invitational competition at Claremont Mckenna College.
• Debate Team senior Caleb Watson earned second place overall in the competition.
• The Monrovia Marching Wildcats & Color Guard earned 7th Place Field Show Championships, competing among the top programs across Southern California and the Percussion Division won 1st Place.
• The MHS Cross Country girls team became League Champions, and both the boys’ and girls’ teams advanced to the Playoffs. Isla Terrill earned a spot in the State CIF XC competition.
• Clifton’s Robotics Team placed in the top 10 in their league.
• Sophia Lim and Carissa Morales each earned medals for finishing in the Top 15 of their division at the World’s Largest Cross Country Meet.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia High wins Gold Medal status from College Board

Monrovia High School has been awarded Gold Medal Status overall with Platinum Status in College Optimization, earning it a place on the College Board's Advanced Placement School Honor Roll for the 2024-25 school year.

At Monrovia High 70 percent of seniors took at least one AP Exam during high school, 44 percent scoring a three or higher (5 being the highest score) on at least one AP Exam. Nineteen percent of seniors took five or more AP Exams.

For 2025-26 the school offered 17 AP courses of study with 42 AP classes, with 16 teachers teaching AP.

Breakdown by Department:

Social Science
Thirteen classes in: European history, US history, psychology, human geography, comparative government.

English
Seven classes in English Literature and English Language.

Math
Seven classes in Calculus AB, Calculus BC, Statistics, Physics 1.

Science
Nine classes in Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Science. 

World Language
Five classes in Spanish Literature, Spanish Language, French Language.

- Brad Haugaard

A Moment in Monrovia History: Mary Jane Monroe, wife of Monrovia's founder

Studio picture of Mary Jane Monroe, wife of Monrovia founder William Newton Monroe, taken in 1884, when they settled in Monrovia and built their cottage. From the Monrovia Historical Museum 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

Lunar New Year celebration at Library, Jan. 31

Celebrate Lunar New Year on Jan. 31 at the Library. Lion Dance at noon by Field Elementary team in front of the Library. Crafts from 1 to 3 p.m. in Youth Services (while supplies last). Guqin Chinese instrument demonstration at 1:30 in the lobby. Families welcome. Designed for children with accompanying adults. No drop-offs. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

One City One Story kickoff at Library fountain, Jan. 24

Kickoff for One City One Story on Jan. 24, 1 to 3 p.m., at Library Park fountain. Community invited to read The Bear by Andrew Krivak. Activities include crafts, raffles, read-ins, and workshops. Companion books available for kids while supplies last. All ages welcome. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Council to consider how to implement pay raises

At its next meeting (agenda here), Monrovia City Council members will consider how to give themselves a raise. The options are a cost-of-living increase based on the Consumer Price Index, most recently at 3.2 percent, or a 5 percent per year increase, which would make their compensation increase at the same rate as other city employees. The staff report estimates council members spend 20 to 30 hours a week (80 to 120 a month) on city business and currently make $1,275 per month. The pay changes would take effect at the beginning of new council terms. Details. 

- Brad Haugaard

Low-fee dogs at Pasadena Humane Jan. 16-25

Pasadena Humane is offering $26 dog adoptions for animals 6 months and older during its “Dog Days of Winter” promotion, Jan. 16–25. The program includes spay/neuter, microchipping, vaccinations, a wellness exam, and pet care info. Standard adoption procedures apply. Details here. 

- Brad Haugaard

First Lutheran Church celebrates 100th birthday

Monrovia's First Lutheran Church, at 1323 S. Magnolia, will celebrate its 100th anniversary with a special service and reception on Sunday, Jan 18. The service begins at 9 a.m., followed by a 10:30 reception. RSVP by calling 357-3543 or emailing firstlutheranchurch@outlook.com.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia wins top energy efficiency award

Monrovia has been named a 2024–2025 Energy Champion by the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments. The city received the highest honor—Champion Tier—for its efforts to reduce energy use. The Energy Champion Award recognizes public agencies committed to sustainability and energy efficiency. 

- Brad Haugaard

Nominations open for Older Monrovian of the Year

 Nominations are open for the 2025 Older Monrovian of the Year Award. Residents may nominate individuals 60 or older who have shown exceptional service and community involvement. Submit nominations to Lauren Pagliotti at the Community Center or email her at lpagliotti@monroviaca.gov by Thursday, Jan. 29.

- Brad Haugaard

Valentine's Day carriage rides from Library Park Feb. 14

Romantic horse-drawn carriage rides along Myrtle on Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14 from 4 to 9 p.m., departing from Library Park. Tickets are $40 per ride and go on sale Tuesday, Jan. 20. Call 256-8246 to reserve a spot.

- Brad Haugaard