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Free Rides, Energy Rebates… and a Toaster Recall?! Only in This Week’s MAD Insider

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Free Rides, Energy Rebates… and a Toaster Recall?! Only in This Week’s MAD Insider

Free Rides, Energy Rebates… and a Toaster Recall?! Only in This Week’s MAD Insider
Exciting updates in the San Gabriel Valley: free Class Pass program, energy-saving assistance, LEGO building, Small Business Expo, karaoke comedy event, and more! Plus, new Maydan Market in West Adams! 🎉

Mirko Spinella

Oct 8, 2025

 
 

Trivia Question❓

What popular pop culture TV show filmed multiple scenes in Arcadia, California, including the fictional town of Stars Hollow?

Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

 
 
 
 

For college students across the San Gabriel Valley, the daily commute just got significantly cheaper.

 

A partnership now provides free, unlimited rides on Foothill Transit buses for students at both Cal Poly Pomona and Mt. SAC. The program, known as the Class Pass, saves students hundreds of dollars on gas and campus parking.

 

What began as a pilot program in 2021 is now permanent due to overwhelming success, with CPP students taking nearly 600,000 rides since it started.

 

This fall, access is expanding even further with the new Line 295.

 

This dedicated route will offer an express connection from the Metro A-Line San Dimas station directly to both campuses, running every 20 minutes on weekdays. The initiative creates a seamless link for student commuters and aims to reduce regional traffic congestion for everyone.

 

Read More...

 
 
The Energy Savings Assistance Program offered by Southern California Edison (SCE) provides assistance to income-qualified residents in Monrovia, Arcadia, Duarte, and the San Gabriel Valley.

This program helps eligible households save money by providing free energy-saving improvements such as weatherization, LED lighting, and energy-efficient appliances.

Participants can also receive education on energy conservation and tips on reducing energy usage.

By offering these resources, SCE aims to help low-income families reduce their energy costs and improve the efficiency of their homes.

Residents in these areas can apply for the program and take advantage of these beneficial services to lower their energy bills and increase their home's energy savings.

Read More...
 
 

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.

 
 
 

Looking for some fun with LEGO?


Join your community at the Monrovia Public Library for a free play session with LEGO bricks.

Let your imagination run wild as you build and create to your heart's content.

This event is perfect for LEGO enthusiasts ages 2 to 12.

Gather your friends and family and come enjoy a day of hands-on creativity at the library.

For more information...


Read More...
 
 

The Small Business Expo Los Angeles is the premier business networking event in the city, bringing together small business owners, entrepreneurs, and startups looking to grow and succeed.

With thousands of professionals attending each year, the expo provides a dynamic and diverse networking environment where connections can be made and resources discovered.

Attendees can expect to gain actionable insights from expert-led workshops, hear from top keynote speakers, and connect with new vendors and partners to help scale their businesses. Located in a global hub of innovation, technology, and small business growth, the Los Angeles Small Business Conference offers sessions designed to keep participants ahead of the curve.

Success stories shared by speakers who have experienced the LA hustle firsthand provide valuable insights and strategies to apply to their businesses immediately.

The event also offers ample networking opportunities with industry leaders, potential collaborators, partners, and clients. Exhibiting at the expo provides a platform for businesses to showcase their brands to thousands of attendees, offering visibility in a competitive city like Los Angeles.

Sponsorships and exhibitor opportunities allow businesses to strike new deals and grow their network.

Don't miss the chance to attend one of the top networking events in Los Angeles and take your business to the next level.

 

Small Business Expo - Los Angeles

October 8, 2025

Pasadena Convention Center

 
 

Newsletter Sponsored by BrewFitApparel.com where coffee culture powers fitness. Gear up with bold, comfortable apparel made for those who lift hard, sip strong, and live energized. Stay motivated, stay stylish, and rep your grind. ☕💪

 
 

Get ready for a night where the punchlines hit just as hard as the high notes! Hosted by FOX’s I Can See Your Voice “Karaoke King” Erick Esteban, this high-energy show brings LA’s funniest comedians to the stage for stand-up sets followed by karaoke performances.

 

Expect big laughs, surprise vocals, and sing-alongs that’ll have you belting right along with the comics. It’s part comedy show, part concert, and 100% unforgettable.

 

🎤 Erick Esteban’s Karaoke Comedy All Stars
📅 Saturday, October 11, 2025

  • 🎭 Arts • Comedy • Live Performance

  • 🍹 Full bar available

🎶 Don’t just sit back, get ready to laugh, sing, and be part of the show!


Read More...
 
 

🗓️ This Week Around Town (Oct 8–14, 2025)

Discover local fairs, farmers' markets, and community happenings across Monrovia, Arcadia, and Duarte.

 


 

🌻 MONROVIA

🎡 Old Town Fall Festival
📍 Library Park, 321 S. Myrtle Ave., Monrovia, CA. 91016
🕓 Saturday, Oct 11 | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Enjoy a day of family fun with hayrides, a trackless train, pet costume contest, crafts, and live music.

 

 

🌙 Monrovia Street Fair & Market
📍 Old Town Myrtle Avenue
🕔 Friday, Oct 10 | 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
A lively night market with local food, vendors, and community vibes. Perfect Friday night stroll.

 

🍅 Monrovia Farmers Market
📍 Station Square | 1629 S Myrtle Ave., Monrovia, CA 91016
🕗 Saturday, Oct 11 | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Shop fresh local produce and artisan goods while supporting small farms.

 

 

🌿 Community Compost Event
📍 20 W Duarte Ave, Arcadia
🕗 Saturday, Oct 11 | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Hosted by Food ED — stop by for sustainable living tips and a chance to win a compost bin.

 


 

✨ Insider Tips

  • Arrive early at farmers' markets for the best produce.

  • Bring small bills or Venmo, some vendors are cash-only.

  • Check city websites or Facebook pages before heading out (sometimes change seasonally).

  • Parking in Old Town Monrovia fills up quickly, consider side streets or the Station Square lot.

 


 

📰 Want More Local Updates?

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

 
 
The MAD Career Board
Fresh job listings across Monrovia, Arcadia & Duarte
Updated Live Via Indeed.
 Monrovia Jobs Arcadia Jobs Duarte Jobs
Tip: Narrow by title inside Indeed (e.g., “barista”, “warehouse”, “dispatcher”).

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.

 

 
 

Get 50 Woodworking Plans & a 440-Page Guide Book Absolutely FREE!

  • Get access to 50 step-by-step woodworking plans
  • Download "The Art of Woodworking" - A 440 page guide book
  • Plus tons of tips, techniques, videos and guides for woodworkers
  • 100% FREE.

 

 
 

A massive recall has been issued for over a million Oster French door-style countertop toaster ovens due to a serious burn hazard.

 

The manufacturer, Sunbeam Products, warned that the spring-loaded doors can snap shut unexpectedly.

 

This dangerous defect has already led to 95 reports of burn injuries, with two incidents resulting in second-degree burns.

 

The ovens were widely sold at local stores like Costco and Walmart, and online through Amazon.

 

Residents are urged to immediately stop using the appliances and check for model numbers TSSTTVFDXL, TSSTTVFDDG, TSSTTVFDMAF, or TSSTTVFDDAF on the back label.

 

Sunbeam is providing a free repair kit with a simple safety clip to fix the problem.

 

Affected customers should contact the company directly to receive the kit.


Read More...
 
 

🍽️ New in West Adams: Maydan Market Opens Its Doors

After six years of planning, Rose Previte’s Maydan Market has finally arrived in Los Angeles. They opened their doors on October 1st. 2025.

 

The 10,000-sq-ft culinary hub in West Adams brings together her Michelin-starred Maydan, all-day Compass Rose, alongside five standout local restaurants.

 

Expect sizzling action from the shared live-fire hearth, a design that channels global night markets, and menus that range from <$20 bites to a full family-style tawle feast ($95).

 

Whether you’re after breakfast, cocktails, or a feast with friends, Maydan Market is set to be one of L.A.’s most exciting new gathering places.

 

📍 4301 W. Jefferson Blvd, Los Angeles

💲 Price Range $31–$50

🍴 Dining Style Casual Elegant

Hours Tue–Sun • 5:00 pm – 11:00 pm | Compass Rose (8 a.m.–10 p.m.)

🌐 Website meetatmaydan.com

💳 Payment Options AMEX • Discover • Mastercard • Visa

👔 Dress Code Casual Dress

🥘 Cuisines Middle Eastern • Lebanese • North African

🏙️ Neighborhood South Los Angeles

🚗 Parking Valet

🍷 Extras
Beer • Cocktails • Full Bar • Gluten-Free Options • Vegan • Wine

 

Reservations for Maydan are available on OpenTable

 
 
 

Duarte High School

 

DHS Band and Color Guard Fundraiser

 

When: 10/8/25 - From 4 pm to 8 pm

Where: Chopotle

608 W. Huntington Dr., Monrovia, CA. 91016

 

25% of all event sales go directly to support the cause.

 

Order Online for Pickup Using Code YMPMMDD or Show Flyer 

 

 
 

Monrovia High School

Supporting Monrovia High PTSA

 

When: 10/8/25

Where: Nothing Bundt Cakes

526 W. Huntington Dr., Monrovia, CA. 91016

 

20% of all event sales go directly to support the cause.

 

Flyer Required

 
 

Duarte High School

Falcon Band and Color Guard Fundraiser

 

When: 10/11/25

Where: Duarte High School Circle Driveway
            1565 Central Ave., Duarte, CA. 91010

Time: 8:30 am - 1:00 pm
Cost: $5.00

 

The car wash will be held rain or shine

 

🎉 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
(October 8 – 14, 2025)

 

Date

Avg High (°F)

Avg Low (°F)

Conditions

Wed, Oct 8

82° 61°

Partly Cloudy

Thu, Oct 9

85° 64°

Partly Cloudy

Fri, Oct 10

88°
62°

Partly Cloudy

Sat, Oct 11

81°
58°

Sunny 

Sun, Oct 12

80° 57°

Sunny

Mon, Oct 13

75° 56°

Mostly Sunny

Tue, Oct 14

73° 55°

Partly Cloudy

 
 
 
 

🌟 Showcase Your Brand to the Heart of the Community

Want to connect with hundreds of engaged locals every single week?

 

📬 The MAD Insider is the go-to newsletter for Monrovia, Arcadia, and Duarte, covering local news, events, and the businesses that make our community thrive. Our readership is growing fast, with new subscribers joining every week!

 

By sponsoring, your business gets more than exposure—you’re building trust and recognition with a loyal, community-minded audience that loves supporting local. It’s the smart way to grow your visibility, strengthen your brand, and bring new customers right to your door.

 

🚀 Ready to grow with us? DM us on our socials FB or IG

💡 Answer to Trivia Question:
Gilmore Girls
The MAD Insider

© 2025 The MAD Insider.

Welcome to The MAD Insider, your go-to guide to Monrovia, Arcadia, and Duarte, the heart of the San Gabriel Valley. From breaking city news and school board updates to must-try restaurants, family festivals, and outdoor adventures, we cover the stories that matter most. With upbeat community news, local events, and spotlights on the people and places that make our tri-city special, The MAD Insider keeps neighbors connected, informed, and inspired, delivered straight to your inbox.

© 2025 The MAD Insider.

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