Hey MAD Community — Happy November 26th! 

Happy Thanksgiving! Wishing you a day filled with good food, warm company, and moments that make you grateful to call this community home.  

Your support is what keeps our hometown heartbeat strong. Share this newsletter with a friend and let’s keep the San Gabriel Valley connected.

From weekend events and school fundraisers to hidden gems and uplifting stories, The MAD Insider delivers the best of Monrovia, Arcadia, and Duarte straight to your inbox.

Thanks for showing up, staying curious, and caring about the place we call home. 

Kindness is free, let’s spread it everywhere.

"Life is better in flip flops and sunshine. - Unknown"

Every year, over 37,000 units of blood and platelets are needed by local patients—especially those facing cancer treatment. Each donation is a selfless act from volunteers who give time, compassion, and hope.

The City of Hope Blood Donor Center at the Duarte campus welcomes walk-ins and appointments, offering hours to suit busy schedules.

Blood donated here stays local, going directly to patients in the San Gabriel Valley and Greater Los Angeles.

It is critical for those undergoing surgery, recovering from trauma, or fighting cancer, since there is no substitute for human blood.

If you can’t donate, spreading the word or hosting a drive is just as important. Every voice and action matters.

Giving blood offers a genuine, immediate way to make a difference—because every drop saves lives and brings hope close to home.

The Duarte Public Safety Department has announced a temporary pause on certain parking enforcement for the upcoming holiday season.

This welcome gesture is designed to accommodate residents hosting family and friends.

Enforcement of street sweeping and overnight parking restrictions will be suspended from Monday, November 24, through Sunday, November 30.

A second grace period will be in effect from Monday, December 22, through Sunday, January 4, for the Christmas and New Year's holidays.

Residents should be aware that not all rules are suspended.

Citations will still be issued for critical safety violations, such as parking at red curbs or blocking fire hydrants.

Furthermore, parking regulations for recreational vehicles will be strictly enforced, and permits are still required throughout both holiday periods.

Permits are available at the Duarte Public Safety Office.

Thanksgiving week has arrived in the San Gabriel Valley, bringing a gift of spectacular weather for local residents.

Communities from Monrovia to Arcadia and Duarte can expect a stretch of beautiful, sunny days perfect for holiday preparations.

The week kicks off with a comfortable high of 69 degrees on Monday.

Temperatures will continue to climb, hitting a warm 75 on Tuesday and peaking at a toasty 77 degrees by Wednesday.

For Thanksgiving Day...

The Pasadena Unified School District is facing a severe fiscal crisis, forcing the Board of Education to consider slashing nearly $25 million from its budget.

This momentous vote could reshape the future for local students and staff across the city.

The district’s financial trouble stems from years of deficit spending, declining enrollment, and the end of one-time relief funds.

Officials from the Los Angeles County Office of Education have warned that failure to make decisive cuts could trigger county intervention.

Proposed reductions would hit high schools hard, including a devastating 50% reduction to the athletics budget.

Key positions like assistant principals at Pasadena High School, Muir, and Marshall are also on the chopping block, along with crucial counseling and custodial staff.

While Superintendent Elizabeth Blanco calls it a chance to “reinvent” the district, many parents and teachers fear a profound loss of essential education services.

The San Gabriel Valley is buzzing with activity as the holiday season officially gets underway.

The region’s most spectacular events are the massive holiday light displays at local landmarks.

In Arcadia, Santa Anita Park has been transformed by Enchant Christmas, featuring what is billed as the world's largest light maze and an ice skating trail.

Nearby, Descanso Gardens presents its beloved annual tradition, Enchanted: Forest of Light, an interactive walk through stunning, artistic illuminations.

Tickets for these popular events must be purchased online in advance.

For a quieter outing, explore world-class art at the Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena or The Huntington’s impressive gardens and library exhibitions in San Marino.

Families can also catch the final days of the Spider Pavilion at the Natural History Museum before it closes for the season on November 30.

Proudly serving the San Gabriel Valley, Duarte Tile has been helping homeowners and builders create beautiful spaces that last a lifetime. Whether it’s a kitchen backsplash or a full remodel, they do it all with care and quality.

November 26th - December 2nd

Because life’s too short not to celebrate something every day!

📅 November 26 — National Leftovers Appreciation Day

Because microwaving yesterday’s feast tastes suspiciously better than the original meal. Celebrate with zero cooking and maximum joy.

📅 November 27 — Random Act of Kindness Wednesday

Buy someone coffee. Compliment a stranger. Hold the door. Karma’s watching, let’s rack up some points.

📅 November 28 — Couch & Chill Day

Whether you’re recovering from family time or pretending you’re still full, today honors blankets, snacks, and zero productivity.

📅 November 29 — Treat-Yourself Friday

Black Friday? More like Back-to-Buying-for-Yourself Friday. If it sparks joy… add to cart.

📅 November 30 — Support a Small Dream Day

Hit a local shop, farmer’s market, or online small business. Someone’s passion project depends on us showing up.

📅 December 1 — Reset Sunday

Fresh month, fresh mindset. Today is for light cleaning, organizing, goal-setting… or just thinking about doing those things. Effort counts.

📅 December 2 — You’re Doing Amazing Day

Life is hard. Adulting is harder. Today is a reminder that you’re crushing it, even on the days you don’t feel like it.

Help make a difference in the lives of our Warriors

Working Dogs For Warriors

Wednesday, November 26

🥫 Foothill Unity Center – Food Distribution
🕘 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM
📍 790 W Chestnut Ave., Monrovia
Weekly drive-thru style food distribution supporting local families. Volunteers welcomed!

🚐 Mobile Clinic – Health Services for Unhoused
🕘 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
📍 Monrovia (mobile site; check city calendar)
Vaccines, basic health checks, and wellness care provided for unhoused and wildfire-impacted residents.

Thursday, November 27 (Thanksgiving Day)

🦃 Turkey Trot 5K – Duarte
🕘 8:00 AM
📍 Duarte Recreation Trail (start at Royal Oaks Park)
Work off that pie early! Family-friendly 5K with t-shirts, medals, and warm-up yoga. Pre-reg typically required.

📚 Children’s Storytime in the Garden
🕥 10:30 AM – 11:00 AM
📍 LA County Arboretum, Arcadia
Yes, even on Thanksgiving—nature and stories go together. Relax with a short storytime under the oaks.

Friday, November 28

🛍️ Monrovia Street Fair & Holiday Market
🕔 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
📍 Old Town Monrovia, Myrtle Ave.
A holiday twist on the beloved Friday market—more lights, more crafts, and more sugar cookies.

🍁 Autumn Walking Tour – Arboretum
🕙 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
📍 Arboretum, Arcadia
Soak in the fall foliage with a guided tour through colorful tree groves and nature trails.

Saturday, November 29

🎄 Holiday Tree Lighting – Arcadia
🕕 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 Arcadia City Hall Lawn
Live carols, cocoa, and countdowns! Celebrate the start of the holiday season with festive cheer.

🧘🏽‍♀️ Yoga in the Park – Duarte
🕘 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
📍 Duarte Park, 1600 Huntington Dr.
Stretch and unwind with the community under crisp fall skies. All ages welcome.

🎨 Kids Holiday Craft Workshop – Monrovia Library
🕚 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
📍 Monrovia Public Library
DIY ornaments, festive coloring, and free hot cocoa. No registration required.

Sunday, November 30

🌳 Family Nature Walk – Arboretum
🕙 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
📍 Arboretum, Arcadia
A casual family stroll with garden educators sharing fun facts about seasonal plants and critters.

Monday, December 1

🌲 Winter Nature Camp – Arboretum
🕘 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
📍 Arboretum, Arcadia
All-day holiday camp for ages 6–10. Think outdoor games, animal encounters, and crafts. (Runs all week.)

Tuesday, December 2

🤝 “Connect & Prosper – LIVE” Networking Lunch
🕛 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM
📍 Arcadia Chamber of Commerce
Chamber members and local business owners connect over lunch. RSVP via Arcadia Chamber.

📖 Bilingual Storytime – Duarte Library
🕓 4:00 PM – 4:45 PM
📍 Duarte Library, 1301 Buena Vista St.
Spanish/English storytime and sing-alongs for toddlers and young readers.

📰 Want More Local Updates?

Stay in the loop with community events, new businesses, and local spotlights every week, right here in The MAD Insider.

**Always check your local community calendars

to make sure the events are still active.**

Local Openings

City of Monrovia

City of Arcadia

City of Duarte

Does your business have open positions? 
Send us a link or information about the position, and we will add it to our FB page and next week's newsletter.

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American Honda has issued a major recall affecting over a quarter-million vehicles, including many right here in our area.

The action covers 256,603 Accord Hybrid sedans from the 2023 to 2025 model years.

A critical software flaw can cause the car’s control module to reset during operation, leading to a sudden and dangerous loss of drive power.

This malfunction significantly increases the risk of a crash.

The problem was traced to improper software programming by a supplier.

While over 800 warranty claims have been filed, thankfully no injuries or deaths have been reported.

Honda dealers will reprogram the faulty software at no cost to owners.

Although official notices will be mailed on January 5, 2026, the updated software is already available, and concerned drivers can contact their local dealer immediately to check their vehicle and schedule the fix.

The CSArts-SGV Foundation has launched its vital 'Pick Your Passion' fundraiser to support the talented students at the California School of the Arts – San Gabriel Valley.

This campaign is a crucial call to action for the Duarte community and beyond, as the public charter school relies on private donations for its renowned arts training.

A special 'Hearts for the Arts' matching gift challenge is now active, doubling the impact of every dollar contributed.

Donations directly fund essential needs, from classroom supplies and equipment to unique opportunities like the Master Artist Series.

These funds bridge the gap where the school’s budget falls short.

Supporting this fundraiser is an investment in our local young artists, ensuring they have the resources needed to pursue their dreams and continue a legacy of artistic excellence in the San Gabriel Valley.

🎉 Attention Schools!

Do you have an exciting fundraiser coming up? 

We want to help spread the word and make your event a success! 🚀

📢 Let Your Community Know:

Simply DM us your event details and we'll share them with our community superheroes. 

This is a fantastic opportunity to increase your event's visibility and engage with more supporters. 🤝 Get the word out and watch your school's fundraising efforts soar!

Your success is our priority, and together, we can make a significant impact. 

Weather Forecast:
Monrovia, Arcadia, Duarte
(November 26 – December 2, 2025)

Next Snapshot December 3rd.