🌟 Hey MAD Community, Happy November 19th, 2025! 🍂

It only takes a moment to make a difference. Share this newsletter with a friend and help keep the San Gabriel Valley’s heartbeat strong. This is your free local digest—built by locals, for locals.

From weekend events and school fundraisers to neighborhood gems and heartfelt community stories, The MAD Insider brings you the latest from Monrovia, Arcadia, and Duarte—delivered straight to your inbox.

Thank you for showing up, staying curious, and investing in the place you call home. Your support is what keeps this community thriving. 💛

And remember: kindness doesn’t cost a thing, so spread it far and wide.

Quote Of The Day

"It’s okay to have bad days. Rest, reset, and rise again." 

National Play Day With Dad invites fathers to put aside daily demands and truly connect with their kids.

Whether tossing a ball in the park or bonding over a favorite board game, the day encourages dads to be present and involved, creating memories kids will cherish for years.

Fatherhood shapes futures — the love and guidance a dad gives helps build strong, confident children who grow into capable adults.

This special day is a celebration of laughter, conversation, and the simple joys families share together.

National Play Day With Dad is a reminder to set aside time and embrace the adventure of being a parent, one meaningful moment at a time.

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.

FlightAware’s Live Cancellations and Delay Tracker is a free real-time tool for travelers, showing exactly how many flights are delayed or canceled by all major airlines and airports, with up-to-the-minute numbers and percentages.

This makes it an essential resource whether you’re flying from LAX, Ontario, or just sipping your morning coffee and checking the skies.

The tracker displays nationwide totals, breakdowns by airline and airport, and real-time percentages of affected schedules.

As holiday travel ramps up, chaotic conditions from weather, staffing, or sheer volume can hit at any time.

Instead of scattered alerts, this tool gives you a clear nationwide snapshot instantly, letting you spot issues early, adjust your plans, or avoid long airport waits.

Bookmark the page and share it with fellow travelers—you’ll arrive smarter and likely much less stressed.

A deepening food crisis is putting immense pressure on cherished Thanksgiving giveaways across Pasadena and Monrovia in the San Gabriel Valley.

Local organizers like Union Station Homeless Services and Foothill Unity Center are facing an unprecedented surge in demand.

Rising grocery prices and cuts to federal food benefits have driven a dramatic spike in clients, many of whom are seeking assistance for the very first time.

Both nonprofits report a severe shortage of donations, particularly turkeys.

For the first time ever, there is a genuine fear that families may be turned away from beloved events like the annual Dinner in the Park.

These organizations have issued an urgent plea for nonperishable food, monetary contributions, and volunteers to help ensure no one goes without a holiday meal.

Without immediate community support, these vital local traditions are at serious risk.

A significant structure fire sent thick smoke billowing over Monrovia on Saturday, November 15.

The blaze broke out in the 500 block of W. Duarte Road, with first responders finding a building already fully engulfed in flames.

The intensity of the scene prompted the Monrovia Fire Department to immediately call for backup.

Crews from the Arcadia Fire Department and Los Angeles County Fire provided crucial mutual aid, helping to contain the destructive fire and prevent it from spreading to nearby properties.

Thanks to the swift, combined efforts of all agencies, officials confirmed that no injuries were reported among civilians or firefighters.

The cause of the fire is now the focus of a meticulous investigation as authorities work to determine exactly how it started.

(Image courtesy of The Walt Disney Company)

Hope is on the horizon for Altadena as the community prepares to rebuild from recent wildfires.

The Walt Disney Company has announced a transformative $5 million pledge to reimagine the beloved Charles White Park, which was devastated by the destructive Eaton fire.

Disney's legendary Imagineers are volunteering their creative talents to design the new space.

The park, a cherished local landmark, honors the influential Black artist and former resident Charles White.

This donation is a promise of renewal for a community that has lost so much.

Plans include nature-inspired playgrounds, a splash pad, a new amphitheater, and a sculpture celebrating White's legacy.

Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger praised the partnership as a gift of hope and healing for local families.

Groundbreaking for the revitalized park is expected in March 2026, marking a new chapter for the Altadena community.

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November 19th - November 25th

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

📅 Nov 19 – National Play Monopoly Day
🎲 Dust off the board (or fire up a digital version), grab some snacks, and see who becomes the property tycoon in the house.

📅 Nov 20 – National Peanut Butter Fudge Day
🍬 Treat yourself by picking up a piece from a local bakery or making a small batch at home to share with friends or coworkers.

📅 Nov 21 – National Gingerbread Cookie Day
🍪 Bake (or buy) some gingerbread cookies, decorate them with the family, and stash a few for upcoming holiday gatherings.

📅 Nov 22 – National Cranberry Relish Day
🍇 Test-drive a cranberry relish recipe ahead of the holidays, or grab a local deli version and taste-test it with dinner.

📅 Nov 23 – National Espresso Day
☕ Swing by a neighborhood coffee shop for a shot (or two), or experiment with making a café-style espresso drink at home.

📅 Nov 24 – Celebrate Your Unique Talent Day
✨ Share a hidden skill, sing, sketch, cook, organize, whatever you’re good at with family, friends, or on social media to spread some joy.

📅 Nov 25 – National Play Day With Dad
👨‍👧‍👦 Plan dedicated playtime, board games, park time, or a simple walk ,  and give kids (and dads) some focused, memory-making time together.

Help make a difference in the lives of our Warriors

Working Dogs For Warriors

🗓️ This Week Around Town (November 19 – 25, 2025)
Discover what’s brewing in your backyard, community events, local flavor, and fall fun across Monrovia, Arcadia, and Duarte.

• 50+ Sing-Along with James
  📅 Wed, Nov 19 | 1:00 PM
  📍 City of Arcadia Recreation & Community Services — 50+ program. 

• Monrovia Department of Health Services – Mobile Clinic (Unhoused & Wildfire Victims)
  📅 Wed, Nov 19 | 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
  📍 Monrovia (mobile site)
  Details: Free primary & vaccine services for unhoused / wildfire victims. 

• Monrovia Chamber of Commerce – Board of Directors Monthly Meeting & Evening Mixer at Fred’s Monrovia + Boys & Girls Club of the Foothills
  📅 Wed, Nov 19 | Evening (time tbd)
  📍 Fred’s Monrovia, 525 S. Shamrock Ave., Monrovia
  Details: Listed under Chamber events list for Nov 19.

• Foothill Unity Center – Food Distribution

📅 Wed, Nov 19 | 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM
📍 790 W Chestnut Ave., Monrovia
Details: Weekly food distribution for clients.

• “Connect & Prosper – LIVE” Networking Event (via Arcadia Chamber of Commerce)
  📅 Thu, Nov 20 | 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM
  📍 Arcadia Chamber of Commerce event. 

• Children’s Storytime on Thursdays – At the Arboretum
  📅 Thu, Nov 20 | 10:30 AM – 11:00 AM
  📍 Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden, Arcadia.
  

• Monrovia Street Fair & Market

📅 Fri, Nov 21 | 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
📍 500–800 S. Myrtle Ave., Old Town Monrovia

A beloved weekly community tradition featuring fresh produce, local vendors, artisans, snacks, music, and family-friendly activities, the heartbeat of Friday nights in Old Town.

• Autumn Trees Walking Tour – Arboretum
  📅 Fri, Nov 21 | 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
  📍 Arboretum, Arcadia. 
  📅 Sat, Nov 22 | 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM 

• Autumn Nature Camp – Arboretum
  📅 Mon, Nov 24 | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  📅 Tue, Nov 25 | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  📍 Arboretum, Arcadia.
  

📰 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.

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.

🎉 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. 

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.

Weather Forecast:
Monrovia, Arcadia, Duarte
(November 19 – 25, 2025)

🏡 Monrovia, CA

6

Market overview

• Median sale price (approx as of late 2025): ~$920,000, which is down ~11.3% year-over-year. Redfin

• Median listing/home value index: ~$971,000 with a modest drop of ~0.8% over the previous year. Zillow

• Homes take longer to sell: ~103 days on market per one source. Redfin

• Active listing snapshot: ~92 active listings, median list price ~$1,028,000. Movoto Real Estate

Monrovia remains a high-value market but showing some cooling—prices have dipped from peak levels, and time on market is stretching. For someone in the resale business (or buying/investing), this may suggest more room to negotiate or be selective about location/condition.

🏠 Arcadia, CA

6

Market overview

• For the all-home types median sale price: ~$1,797,000 (Oct 2025) — up ~17.1% year-over-year. Redfin

• Median price per square foot reported ~ $695/sq ft, slightly down (~3.7%) year-over-year. Redfin

• Another source: Q2 median sale price ~$1.5M, up ~1.8% YoY, while transaction volume dropped. PropertyShark

Arcadia is a premium sub-market: expensive, high end, and still showing significant year-over-year price gains in the median sale figure. However, moderate signs of plateauing in per-sq-ft pricing and volume reduction indicate caution.

🏘️ Duarte, CA

6

Market overview

• Median sale price ~$880,000 (Oct 2025), up ~14.0% year-over-year. Redfin

• Median sale price per square foot ~$593/sq ft, up ~4.4% YoY. Redfin

• Another snapshot: median list price ~$799,900 (Oct 2025), median days on market ~33 days. Movoto Real Estate

Duarte is more moderately priced compared with Arcadia, but showing strong growth in recent year. Fast sales, increasing value per square foot—solid for value buyers.