🌟 Hey MAD Community — Happy November 12th, 2025! 🍂

It only takes one click to create connections. Share this newsletter with a friend and help keep the spirit of the San Gabriel Valley alive. This is your free local digest—made by locals, for locals.

From weekend events and school fundraisers to neighborhood highlights and community stories, The MAD Insider brings you the pulse of Monrovia, Arcadia, and Duarte, right to your inbox.

Thanks for being here, for staying curious, and for caring about where you live. We couldn’t do it without you. 💛

And don’t forget, kindness costs nothing. Spread it generously.

Quote Of The Day

"Your mindset is like a muscle - the more you exercise it, the stronger it gets. Approach each day with a positive outlook and watch how your life transforms. Let go of negativity and embrace the power of a growth mindset. Remember, the way you think determines the way you live. Choose positivity, choose growth, choose success. Your mindset is the key to unlocking your full potential."

The road to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games now officially runs through Arcadia.

This week, the Arcadia City Council approved a critical Venue City Games Agreement, cementing the city's role as a formal host partner for the global event.

The legendary Santa Anita Park will stage all Olympic equestrian competitions, reprising its celebrated role from the 1984 Games.

This creates a powerful sense of local history and legacy for the San Gabriel Valley.

In a significant first, Arcadia will also host the Paralympic Games' para equestrian events, marking a major milestone for inclusivity.

City leaders are celebrating the opportunity to showcase Arcadia's deep equestrian roots and diverse community on the world stage.

The partnership highlights LA28's commitment to sustainability by using existing world-class facilities to build a lasting impact.

Families across the San Gabriel Valley navigating a cancer diagnosis can find guidance through a new virtual orientation from City of Hope.

This free session is designed to empower patients and their loved ones from Duarte, Monrovia, and beyond as they begin their treatment journey.

Attendees will gain crucial knowledge on managing appointments, maximizing their time with doctors, and understanding their care team's roles.

The program highlights essential supportive care services and patient education resources available locally.

Participants will learn exactly who to call for help and where to find the tools they need.

This orientation provides a confident start, ensuring families have a clear roadmap for the path ahead.

Rendering courtesy of the city of Monrovia

The final environmental impact report for 701 Myrtle in Monrovia has been released, shedding light on the potential implications of the proposed development.

From traffic patterns to air quality, this report provides valuable insights for residents and stakeholders alike.

Dive into the details of this crucial document to uncover the stories behind the data and understand the lasting effects on the community.

Stay informed and engaged with the latest updates on this important project that will shape the future of Monrovia.

The Monrovia Unified School District is preparing to close a middle school by the 2026-2027 school year, a difficult decision aimed at balancing its budget amid declining enrollment.

District officials will choose between shutting down either Clifton Middle School or Santa Fe Middle School.

This consolidation is expected to save the district around $750,000 annually.

The move is part of a larger fiscal plan that also includes cutting 27 teaching positions and two administrative roles to trim $6 million in expenses.

Community members have voiced concerns over larger class sizes and the potential impact on students.

Superintendent Dr. Paula Hart Rodas is set to present her recommendation on November 19.

The Board of Education will make its final, decisive vote on December 17, a decision that will have a lasting impact on Monrovia families.

November 12th - November 18th

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

📅 Nov 12 – National French Dip Day
🥪 Celebrate with a warm roast beef sandwich and a side of au jus, or support a local diner serving the classic.

📅 Nov 13 – World Kindness Day
💛 Pay it forward, buy a coffee for someone, send a thank-you note, or just smile at a stranger.

📅 Nov 14 – National Pickle Day
🥒 Snack on your favorite pickles or try making your own spicy batch at home.

📅 Nov 15 – America Recycles Day
♻️ Take five minutes to sort your recyclables or drop off old electronics for proper disposal.

📅 Nov 16 – National Fast Food Day
🍔 Grab your favorite drive-thru meal, guilt-free, and enjoy a nostalgic comfort bite.

📅 Nov 17 – National Take a Hike Day
🥾 Explore a local trail in the foothills or enjoy a peaceful walk through your neighborhood park.

📅 Nov 18 – Mickey Mouse Day
🐭 Revisit your favorite Disney classic or wear a Mickey tee to share the nostalgia.

Help make a difference in the lives of our Warriors

Working Dogs For Warriors

🗓️ This Week Around Town (November 12 – 18, 2025)
Discover what’s brewing in your backyard, community events, local flavor, and fall fun across Monrovia, Arcadia, and Duarte.

Foothill Unity Center – Food Distribution
📅 Tues, Nov 12 | 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM
📍 Monrovia (site for clients only)

Duarte Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast
📅 Thu, Nov 13 | 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM
📍 Cooper Auditorium, 1500 E Duarte Road, Duarte

Monrovia Friday Night Street Fair & Market
📅 Fri, Nov 14 | 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
📍 Myrtle Avenue (between Lemon Ave & Colorado Blvd), Old Town Monrovia

Monrovia Old Town Advisory Board Meeting
📅 Tue, Nov 18 | 9:30 AM
📍 City Hall, Old Town Monrovia

📰 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.

An urgent health alert is impacting California parents after ByHeart Inc. recalled two lots of its Whole Nutrition Infant Formula.

The action follows a frightening infant botulism outbreak that has hospitalized thirteen babies across ten U.S. states.

The specific lot numbers at the center of the recall are 206VABP/251261P2 and 206VABP/251131P2.

Infant botulism is a serious illness that attacks the body's nerves, leading to muscle weakness and difficulty breathing.

Parents are warned to watch for symptoms like a weakened cry, poor feeding, or loss of head control and seek immediate medical attention if they appear.

The FDA is conducting a full investigation into the source of the contamination.

Officials urge anyone who purchased the recalled ByHeart formula to stop using it immediately and dispose of the product safely.

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.

🎉 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 12 – 18, 2025)

🏡 Monrovia, CA

Market Overview:
Median listing price is around $1,000,000, relatively flat compared to last year.
Average home value is approximately $971,000, down about 0.7% year-over-year.
Median sold price is hovering near $920,000, roughly an 11% drop compared to a year ago.
About 85 active listings currently on the market, with around 7 new listings recently added.
Average days on market: 45.
Median price per square foot: $638.

- Seller Insight:
Inventory is tight, keeping conditions mildly in favor of sellers.
Homes priced realistically and presented well still attract attention, but buyers are more cautious and selective.
Expect near-asking offers, but be ready for negotiation.

- Buyer Insight:
Buyers have a bit more breathing room than last year.
Homes around the $950K–$1M mark are seeing slower turnover, giving room to inspect, appraise, and negotiate more comfortably.

- Trend Watch:
Days on market and price per square foot are the main metrics to watch.
If both rise together, buyer leverage increases heading into winter.

🏠 Arcadia, CA

Market Overview:
Median sale price is around $1,800,000, up about 17% from last year.
Median listing price holding steady near $1,800,000, up about 1% year-over-year.
The average price per square foot is approximately $695, slightly down around 3%.
Average days on market: 53.

- Seller Insight:
Arcadia remains one of the most sought-after luxury markets in the San Gabriel Valley.
Buyers expect top-tier presentation, modern finishes, and strong school district advantages.
While luxury homes are holding firm, the price per square foot slipping slightly means bigger properties are driving the averages.

- Buyer Insight:
Buyers face competition but have more leverage when homes linger past 45 days.
Be patient and ready to move quickly if something aligns with size, school zone, and amenities.

- Trend Watch:
Price per square foot decline is worth monitoring, it could signal a cooling luxury segment if inventory rises before the holidays.

🏘️ Duarte, CA

Market Overview:
Median sale price approximately $850,000, up 18% year-over-year.
Median price per square foot is about $593, up 4%.
Roughly 28 active listings, with 2 new listings recently added.
Average days on market: 33.
Median sold price in recent months was near $800,000.

- Seller Insight:
Duarte remains an attractive entry point for buyers priced out of Arcadia or Monrovia.
Low inventory and quick sales (about a month on average) favor sellers.
Homes in good condition can command strong prices and multiple offers.

- Buyer Insight:
Competition is tight, especially for single-family homes under $900K.
Pre-approval and flexibility on move-in dates make a big difference here.
Some data shows mixed year-over-year performance, suggesting a shifting market between starter homes and higher-end builds.

- Trend Watch:
Watch how new listings evolve, if inventory grows quickly, buyer leverage could increase before year-end.

📊 Corridor Summary: Monrovia, Arcadia, Duarte

Overall Takeaways:

• Inventory remains tight, keeping prices steady across most of the corridor.

• Buyers are more cautious, but serious offers still close quickly on well-priced listings.

• Sellers benefit from positioning, polished presentation, and accurate pricing are critical.

• Buyers should watch mortgage rate fluctuations and act quickly when favorable homes hit the market.