Good morning, Monrovians,

We're all waking up after a busy week for the region's firefighters and emergency workers. Wednesday's large commercial fire in Boyle Heights was perhaps a harbinger for our own crews who, last night, responded to a large commercial fire at 144 E. Chestnut. Crews worked through the night to extinguish the  fire which resulted in total loss to the primary building. A secondary attached building also received water damage and there are other adjacent buildings which will need to be inspected. Fortunately crews were able to evacuate the area and there are no reported injuries. Investigators will spend the next several days determining the cause of the incident, extinguishing any remaining hotspots, and assisting with preventative work to secure the damaged areas (such as helping knock down any walls and clear debris). Crews are also working to reenergize electricity in the area.

We have an amazing team in our Fire Department! Earlier this week firefighters received a special award from USC Arcadia Hospital for their swift action taken to respond, treat and transport a 76 y/o patient who sustained a stroke. From the time Monrovia firefighters arrived on scene to when the patient received life-saving surgery was 90 minutes...the fastest time in all of Los Angeles County! 

While last night's incident is on all our minds, so too are those who lost a beloved family member, friend and coworker. Ed Cunningham, who served our community as Monrovia Canyon Park's Trail Boss for 28 years,  passed away on Thursday, June 11.

Ed came to Canyon Park in 1998, and what he built over the following decades shaped the park into what many of us enjoy today. He helped establish and maintain the trails that thousands of residents walk each year, designed the park's maps, patches, and outreach materials, and helped develop the interpretive tours and hands-on exhibits that continue to welcome visitors at the Nature Center.

His greatest legacy, though, may be the people he mentored. Ed trained generations of volunteers and park staff, teaching not just how to care for a trail, but how to care for one another. Our entire trail crew community was recognized in 2021 by the California Park & Recreation Society with a "Champion of the Community" Award of Excellence, a reflection of the culture Ed helped build.

I'm beyond grateful for Ed's 28 years of dedication to Monrovia Canyon Park and to Monrovia as a whole. Our community's outdoor spaces are better because of Ed Cunningham, and his legacy lives in the trails, the programs, and the people he leaves behind. My thoughts are with the Cunningham family, his friends, and all who had the pleasure of knowing Ed.

Have a great weekend.

Sincerely,

Dylan 

Email: dfeik@monroviaca.gov

Highlights in this Update: 

• Juneteenth National Freedom Day | June 19
• Monrovia Receives National Endowment for the Arts Big Read Grant
• World Cup Watch Party in the Park | Thursday, June 25
• National Mosquito Control Awareness Week | June 20-26
• Pasadena Humane Society Pet of the Month
• Monrovia Music Fest | Sunday, June 28
• Monrovia Pride Book Festival | Saturday, June 20
• Monrovia Community Garden Summer Solstice Garden Party | Saturday, June 20
• Monrovia Today Summer Issue Now Available | Summer Class Registration Now Open
• Induction Cooking & Wildfire Preparedness Workshops @ Monrovia Library
• MPWR Fundraiser at BJ's Restaurant | Wednesday, June 24
• Community Rising Dinner | Wednesday, June 25
• Monrovia Canyon Park Family Hike and Campout | June 27-28
• Grand Opening & Charity Soiree: The Arthur Blair Historic Inn | Saturday, July 4
• Monrovia Public Library's Annual Patron Survey | May 29 – June 30
• Summer Concerts in the Park
• Monrovia Chamber of Commerce Upcoming Events
• Work Around Town
• Job Opportunities with the City of Monrovia

Juneteenth National Freedom Day | June 19

Earlier this week, the Monrovia City Council proclaimed June 19, 2026, as Juneteenth National Freedom Day. The proclamation marks the anniversary of June 19, 1865, when enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, learned of their freedom two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed.

The City Council formally recognized June 19 as Juneteenth National Freedom Day through Resolution No. 2020-58, adopted on July 7, 2020. The community is encouraged to honor and reflect on the role African Americans have played in Monrovia and our nation's history, as well as their enduring contributions to unity and equality.

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Monrovia Receives National Endowment for the Arts Big Read Grant

The City of Monrovia has been awarded a $20,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) to support the 2027 One City, One Story (OCOS) community reading program. The NEA Big Read brings communities together through shared reading experiences that inspire meaningful conversations, celebrate diverse voices, and foster connection through literature and the arts. In partnership with Monrovia Unified School District and local community organizations, this grant will support a variety of programs for all ages to celebrate the stories that connect us.

More information on OCOS 2027 will be shared in the fall with programs officially kicking off in January. Learn more about the 2026-2027 National Endowment for the Arts Big Read Communities.

World Cup Watch Party in the Park | Thursday, June 25

We're hosting a free World Cup Watch Party at Library Park next Thursday, June 25, at 7 p.m.! Join us in cheering on Team USA against Türkiye on the big screen, with fun for the whole family, such as face painting, games, and crafts on site.

Bring a lawn chair or blanket, and consider grabbing dinner from a nearby Old Town restaurant before heading over! The event is free and open to all ages.

For more information, contact the Community Center at 626-256-8246. View the World Cup Watch Party in the Park event page.

National Mosquito Control Awareness Week | June 20-26

The Monrovia City Council have proclaimed June 20-26 as National Mosquito Control Awareness Week. The proclamation recognizes the City's continued partnership with the San Gabriel Valley Mosquito & Vector Control District to protect residents from mosquito-borne illness.

San Gabriel Valley communities accounted for 41 percent of LA County's West Nile virus cases in 2021, and local Aedes mosquito populations carry the added risk of dengue fever, Zika, yellow fever, and chikungunya. Residents are encouraged to take steps around their homes to reduce mosquito breeding grounds and support these countywide control efforts.

Pasadena Humane Society Pet of the Month

Bagel, a 10-year-old beagle, is looking for his forever home! He's sweet-natured and loves being around people, making him a great companion for anyone who enjoys having him out and about.

Those interested in adopting Bagel can contact Pasadena Humane and reference ID# PHC-A-21857.

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Monrovia Music Fest | Sunday, June 28

Seven hours of live music are coming to Library Park on Sunday, June 28! Creative Being, a local nonprofit, is hosting the free, all-ages Monrovia Music Fest from 12 to 7 p.m., with performances spanning indie, Latin, Afrobeats, folk, funk, soul, classic rock, new wave, and 80s rock.

On site you'll enjoy an artisan market, food trucks, kids zone, and a 5,000-square-foot craft beer and wine garden for guests 21 and older! VIP Lounge access is available for purchase. Leashed dogs are welcome, and parking is free in Old Town!

General admission is free. VIP Lounge tickets are available on Eventbrite. More details are available on the Monrovia Music Fest website.

Monrovia Pride Book Festival | Saturday, June 20

Underdog Bookstore proudly presents the inaugural Monrovia Pride Book Festival on Saturday, June 20, from 12-6 p.m. at Monrovia Library Park!

Join Underdog Bookstore for a celebration of queer storytelling, featuring over 50 authors and vendors, performances, community building, and free activities for all ages to enjoy.

Community partners include the SGV LGBT Center, the Trans Queer Institute, and PFLAG San Gabriel Valley Asian Pacific Islander Chapter. Free books from Tardis Free Library and Underdog Bookstore will also be given out to promote access to banned and challenged LGBTQIA+ books. Mark your calendars and join our community for books and barks in the park! For more information, visit the Underdog Bookstore website.

Monrovia Community Garden Summer Solstice Garden Party | Saturday, June 20

The Monrovia Community Garden is hosting a Summer Solstice Garden Party on Saturday, June 20, from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. at 303 W. Colorado Blvd. The free, all-ages event features garden crafts, activities, live bug viewing, and more. Registration is appreciated, visit the Monrovia Community Garden registration page online.

Monrovia Today Summer Issue Now Available | Summer Class Registration Now Open

The Summer issue of Monrovia Today is out now! Pick up a copy at City facilities or read it online for a full look at what's happening in Monrovia this season.

Summer class and program registration is also open now. The City is offering a variety of options for all ages, including dance, arts and crafts, fitness, sports, and enrichment programs. Spaces are limited and fill quickly, so early registration is encouraged. Visit us online to sign up or call the Monrovia Community Center at 626-256-8246 for assistance.

Induction Cooking & Wildfire Preparedness Workshops @ Monrovia Library

Learn practical skills and discover new ideas at Monrovia Public Library this month. On Saturday, June 20, from 12 to 2 p.m., join us for an Induction Cooking Workshop to explore how this safe, energy-efficient technology can help you prepare healthier meals with ease. Enjoy samples from the Latin-Asian fusion menu and learn how to borrow an induction cooktop through the Library of Things collection. The induction cooking workshop is open to ages 18+. Register online today!

Then, on Monday, June 22, from 5 to 7 p.m., return for Wildfire Ecology, Evacuation Readiness, and Your Community. This family-friendly workshop presented by CORE (Community Organized Relief Effort) will cover wildfire ecology, evacuation planning, and practical steps you can take now to help keep your household and neighborhood prepared. Visit the library's events calendar to learn more or register online. Both programs are free and open to the community!

MPWR Fundraiser at BJ's Restaurant | Wednesday, June 24

The Monrovia Parks, Wilderness, & Recreation Foundation (MPWR) supports local recreation programs, parks, facilities, and open spaces that enrich our community. Help further their mission by participating in their fundraising event:

BJ's – June 24, 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. Present the flyer at the BJ's located at 400 E. Huntington Dr., Arcadia, or enter code JUN317 when ordering online, and 20% of your purchase will be donated to MPWR.

Learn more about MPWR and explore additional events and programs.

Community Rising Dinner | Wednesday, June 25

LA Fire Justice and the Honorable Chris Holden are hosting a Community Rising Dinner on Wednesday, June 25, for residents impacted by the Eaton Fire. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., with dinner and programming beginning at 6 p.m.

The evening will feature remarks from Secretary of State Dr. Shirley Weber, legal updates from the LA Fire Justice lead litigator, and a presentation by Michael Ocon, Executive Director of the Eaton Fire Collaborative, on service opportunities available to Eaton Fire survivors. The event is free to attend and open to anyone affected by the fire or with questions about their options and next steps.

RSVP and additional information are available online.

Monrovia Canyon Park Family Hike and Campout | June 27-28

Family Hike & Campout Returns to Canyon Park! Join us Saturday, June 27, 12 p.m. to Sunday, June 28, 12 p.m. for Canyon Park's Annual Family Hike & Campout at Fireman's Flat Picnic Area.

Enjoy an unforgettable overnight adventure featuring campfires, s'mores, guided day and night hikes, story time with the Monrovia Library, and fun filled activities for all ages. A barbecue dinner will be provided by Canyon Park staff, and guests will wake up to a delicious pancake breakfast hosted by City staff.

Registration is now open for $123 per 10' x 10' campsite space, with a maximum of 4 people per space. Space is limited, so register today! For more information, please contact Canyon Park Staff at 626-256-8282.

Grand Opening & Charity Soiree: The Arthur Blair Historic Inn | Saturday, July 4

A restored 1887 Victorian estate in Old Town Monrovia is opening its doors to the public this Fourth of July. The Arthur Blair Historic Inn, located at 512 S Ivy Ave., will host a Grand Opening Charity Soiree on Saturday, July 4, from 6 to 10 p.m., featuring self-guided tours, fine refreshments, and live chamber music.

The event honors the late Steve Baker, whose family home the property once was. Following his passing, co-owners worked with the Monrovia Old House Preservation Group to restore the Victorian estate over three years. The inn also includes a new cottage and bar and bistro.

All proceeds from the soiree will benefit the Monrovia Historical Society's Anderson House, supporting its ongoing restoration and Steve Baker's vision of an immersive home tour experience set in 1887 Monrovia. Tickets are available now online at Eventbrite.

Monrovia Public Library's Annual Patron Survey | May 29 – June 30

The Monrovia Public Library invites community members to take part in our Annual Patron Survey from May 29 through June 30. The survey takes less than 5 minutes to complete and helps the library better understand community needs, improve services, and plan for the future. Whether you visit the library every week or only occasionally, your feedback is valuable. Plus, you can enter a prize drawing at the end of the survey (the winner will be notified in July). Take the survey online.

Summer Concerts in the Park

Our Summer Concert Series is underway! The series will run each Sunday through August 9, starting at 7 p.m.! Come on out and enjoy music from salsa and jazz to Old School and Top 40s, there is something for everyone!

Concert Dates & Locations

Station Square – 1629 S. Myrtle Avenue
Sunday, June 21 – Suave the Band
Sunday, June 28 – Cold Duck
Library Park – 321 S. Myrtle Avenue
Sunday, July 12 – Blue Breeze Band
Sunday, July 19 – Funk Station
Sunday, July 26 – The "ACE" Band
Sunday, August 2 – Upstream
Sunday, August 9 – Bumptown

For more information, please call the Monrovia Community Center at (626) 256-8246, or visit the Summer Concerts in the Park page.

Monrovia Chamber of Commerce Upcoming Events

• Ribbon Cutting | Pie Life Pizza
  • Wednesday, June 24 | 4:30 p.m.
  • 338 S. Myrtle Ave., Monrovia
  • RSVP
• Lunch & Learn | California Accessibility Requirements
  • Monday, June 29 | 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
  • Monrovia Public Library, Community Room
  • Free for members / $15 non-members | RSVP
• Coffee Social | Upper SGV Municipal Water District
  • Thursday, July 9 | 8:30 – 10:00 a.m.
  • 248 E. Foothill Blvd., Monrovia
  • Free for members / $10 non-members | RSVP
• Ribbon Cutting | Sourdough & Co.
  • Monday, July 13 | 4:30 – 5:30 p.m.
  • 144 W. Foothill Blvd., Suite E2, Monrovia
  • RSVP
• Networking Lunch | Jakes Roadhouse
  • Wednesday, July 15 | 12:00 – 1:30 p.m.
  • 622 S. Myrtle Ave., Monrovia
  • $30 members / $35 non-members | RSVP
• Ribbon Cutting | Comfort Keepers
  • Monday, July 20 | 4:30 – 5:30 p.m.
  • 517 Falling Leaf Alley, Monrovia
  • RSVP
• Grand Opening | Home Instead
  • Tuesday, July 21 | 4:30 – 6:00 p.m.
  • 436 W. Foothill Blvd., Monrovia
  • RSVP
• Evening Mixer | Lead the Way Fitness
  • Thursday, July 23 | 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
  • 232 W. Maple Ave., Monrovia
  • $10 members / $15 non-members | RSVP
• Paint & Sip | Monrovia Chamber & MAFA
  • Monday, July 27 | 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
  • Monrovia Chamber Office, 620 S. Myrtle Ave., Monrovia
  • $40 per person (includes painting materials, refreshments & appetizers) | 21+ / Limited to 20 | RSVP
• Ribbon Cutting & Grand Opening | The Arthur Blair Historic Inn
  • Thursday, July 30 | 4:30 – 6:00 p.m.
  • 512 S Ivy Ave., Monrovia
  • RSVP

Work Around Town

The City of Monrovia's Projects and Traffic Updates Page provides timely updates on City construction projects, local traffic impacts, and utilities maintenance and emergency repairs.

Job Opportunities with the City of Monrovia

 The City of Monrovia offers interested individuals a chance to keep themselves notified on our job openings through the job interest card. This card will help interested individuals receive notifications about positions that open within the City without having to log on to view our employment opportunities page continuously.

The City of Monrovia is now recruiting for the following positions: 

• Police Officer (Recruit/Entry-level)
• Police Officer (Lateral)

Neighborhood Watch Report

This report lists the total number of calls for service received over the last seven-day period.

Key Dates, Programs & Virtual Events

• Make an Appointment for Passport Services at Monrovia Community Center 
• Monrovia Street Fair & Market | Fridays | 5 p.m.
• E-Waste Drop Off at Monrovia Public Works Yard | Mon - Thu | 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. 
• Subscribe to e-Notifications for Meeting Agendas
• Request a Bulky Item Pick-Up
• Traffic Safety Request Application
• Report an Issue for Public Works
• Shop the City of Monrovia Official Store