Monrovia highlights CERT service and temporary fostering for pets displaced by fires

At the March 18 Monrovia City Council meeting, staff and presenters recognized Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) volunteers for their service during recent fires and shared information about a temporary foster program for animals displaced by wildfire.

Council recognized CERT volunteers and noted the team logged substantial volunteer hours supporting neighbors during the Eaton fire. The meeting highlighted that CERT training is optional to continue participating—graduates may complete the training and choose whether to respond in emergency activations.

Speakers also summarized a Pasadena Humane program introduced during the meeting: animals displaced when families lost homes in fires are being placed in temporary fosters until their families can return to stable housing. The humane society representative (name not captured in the recap) described an urgent need for pet food and supplies; the organization operates a drive‑through food pantry and accepts donated food for a wide range of animal types, including dogs, cats, birds and reptiles. The recap also noted an upcoming Pasadena Humane event at Brookside Park and the Rose Bowl—the Wiggle Wag Walk—scheduled for April 6, described by the hosts as a community event rather than a fundraiser.

The meeting’s recognitions and updates emphasized volunteerism, community support for displaced households and operational needs at the humane society as short‑term priorities.