🌟 Hey MAD Community — Happy December 3rd! 🍂
Hope you had an amazing Thanksgiving weekend and a little time to recharge.

The MAD Insider is growing because of you. When you share this newsletter, you’re not just spreading information, you’re strengthening the heartbeat of our three cities. If you know someone who loves local stories.

Every week, we round up what matters most across Monrovia, Arcadia & Duarte.

✨ weekend events
✨ school fundraisers
✨ neighborhood gems
✨ inspiring community wins

Thanks for showing up, staying engaged, and supporting the place we call home. Our community is better because you care. 💛

Let’s make this season brighter together, kindness doesn’t cost a thing, so let’s flood the SGV with it. 👉

Give the gift of local pride, please share this newsletter with a Monrovia, Arcadia, or Duarte friend.

Quote Of The Day

"A better day starts with a better cup. Upgrade your coffee, and suddenly life feels 20% easier.

The City of Duarte is transforming its stretch of historic Route 66 into a dynamic, open-air art gallery.

In anticipation of the upcoming 2026 centennial, the 2025 Utility Box Art Program is now inviting local artists to help beautify the community.

Twenty-one utility boxes along Huntington Drive are slated to become vibrant public artworks, celebrating Duarte's deep connection to the iconic highway.

The program’s theme is “Duarte’s Route 66: Past, Present & Future.”

This opportunity is open to all artists over 18 who live or work in Los Angeles County.

Selected creators will receive stipends ranging from $400 to $950 for their designs, which will be professionally printed onto durable vinyl wraps and installed for all to see.

The deadline for artists to submit an application online is February 2, 2026.

The cherished holiday tradition, Enchanted Forest of Light, has returned to transform Descanso Gardens into a luminous wonderland.

This immersive nighttime experience guides visitors along a one-mile path through the botanical gardens in La Cañada Flintridge.

Breathtaking light installations are designed to highlight the area's natural beauty, featuring a field of colorful, shifting tulips and a mystical, mist-filled “Ancient Forest.”

Popular interactive art from creators like HYBYCOZO and sculptor Tom Fruin also makes a welcome return.

Widely considered a sophisticated and magical alternative to more chaotic holiday events, it remains a beloved staple for Southern California families seeking a unique and unforgettable celebration of the season.

(Photo courtesy of Big Bear Mountain Resort)

The wait for winter is over for Southern California skiers and snowboarders.

Bear Mountain is officially set to open this Thursday, December 4, with its sister resort, Snow Summit, welcoming guests on Friday, December 5.

This much-anticipated opening signals the true start of the winter recreation season in the San Bernardino Mountains.

While recent warm weather raised concerns, the resorts’ powerful snowmaking systems made the opening possible.

Crews worked around the clock during recent temperature drops to blanket the runs for the holiday rush.

Visitors planning a trip must be aware that Highway 38 remains closed indefinitely due to storm damage.

Travelers should use alternate routes like Highway 330 or Highway 18 and anticipate potential delays.

To celebrate the launch, a “kids ski free” promotion will be offered from December 6 through December 12.

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.

December 3 - December 9th

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

📅 December 3 — International Day of Persons with Disabilities
Today is about inclusion, accessibility, and remembering that every person deserves to belong. Be the kind of human who makes the world wider, not smaller.

📅 December 4 — Wildlife Conservation Day
Celebrate the animals we share the planet with — support a sanctuary, watch a nature documentary, or simply refuse to scroll past that cute snow-leopard video today. Mother Nature approves.

📅 December 5 — World Soil Day
Yes… dirt has its own holiday. But it’s the reason literally everything grows. Plant something, buy from a farmer, or just acknowledge the ground has been doing the heavy lifting since forever.

📅 December 6 — National Miners Day
A day to honor the people who work beneath the surface — literally. Hard work, grit, and the kind of courage most of us will never fully understand. Appreciate someone who keeps the lights on… even if it’s just the barista who fuels your mornings.

📅 December 7 — National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
A moment of honor and reflection. Remember the courage, sacrifice, and history that shaped our world. Gratitude is the theme today.

📅 December 8 — National Brownie Day
Whether you bake them, buy them, or steal one from the office breakroom — today is about chocolate therapy in square form. Zero guilt. Maximum satisfaction.

📅 December 9 — National Pastry Day
Croissants, danishes, turnovers, muffins — carbs don’t judge and neither should we. Treat yourself to something buttery and delicious, and don’t apologize for enjoying every crumb.

Help make a difference in the lives of our Warriors

Working Dogs For Warriors

🎄 Old Town Monrovia Holiday Parade

📅 Thursday, December 4, 2025
⏰ 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
📍 Myrtle Ave, Old Town Monrovia

Kick off the season in classic Monrovia style! The annual Holiday Parade rolls through Old Town on Myrtle Avenue, traveling north from Chestnut Ave to Palm Ave starting at 7 PM.

Expect festive floats, community groups, holiday lights, and plenty of small-town charm. The parade is sponsored by the Monrovia Old Town Advisory Board.

📞 For more information, contact the Monrovia Community Center at (626) 256-8246.

🛍️ Monrovia Street Fair & Holiday Market

📅 Friday, December 5, 2025

🕔 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
📍 Old Town Monrovia — Myrtle Ave.

A festive holiday spin on Monrovia’s classic Friday Night Street Fair. Expect twinkling lights, handcrafted gifts, seasonal treats, and enough sugar cookies to keep the whole block buzzing.

❄️ Snow Nite in Duarte

📅 Sunday, December 7, 2025
⏰ 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 Beardslee Park, 2000 Buena Vista St., Duarte

Winter magic is taking over Beardslee Park! Bring the family out for an evening packed with snowy fun, sled runs, snow play zones, carnival rides, hands-on crafts, and plenty of delicious treats.

A perfect night to kick off the season and make some frosty memories.

Family-friendly • Free admission • Community favorite

🏛️ Regular Duarte City Council Meeting

📅 Tuesday, December 9, 2025
⏰ 7:00 PM
📍 City Council Chambers, 1600 Huntington Dr., Duarte

Stay informed and connected, Duarte’s City Council meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 7 PM.

Residents can participate in person or stream the meeting live online through the City’s Agendas & Minutes page. Recorded meetings are also available for viewing afterward.

A great way to follow local decisions, city updates, and community discussions.

🧩 Monrovia Community Services Commission Meeting

📅 Tuesday, December 9, 2025
⏰ 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
📍 Monrovia Community Center – Monroe Room
119 W. Palm Ave., Monrovia

The Community Services Commission helps shape Monrovia’s quality of life. This seven-member body reviews and makes recommendations on:

• Social services

• Recreation and leisure programs

• Parks and open space

• Street trees and related community amenities

The Commission meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 7:00 PM in the Monroe Room at the Community Center.

📞 For more information, contact the Community Center at (626) 256-8246.

📰 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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Local Hyundai Santa Fe owners should be aware of a significant safety recall impacting over 143,000 vehicles nationwide.

The action targets certain 2024 and 2025 Santa Fe and Santa Fe Hybrid models.

A critical defect in the rearview camera system can cause the image to fail without warning when the vehicle is in reverse.

According to federal regulators, this issue stems from a damaged wiring harness, creating a serious safety hazard.

This failure significantly increases the risk of a collision or backover incident due to reduced visibility.

Hyundai will provide a remedy at no cost to owners.

Local dealerships will replace the defective camera and properly secure the wiring.

Owner notification letters are scheduled to be mailed by January 19, 2026, but you can check if your vehicle is affected now by using the VIN lookup tool on the NHTSA's website.

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)

🏡 Real Estate Snapshot — November Market Update

Monrovia • Arcadia • Duarte

📍 Monrovia

New Listings (November): 18
Homes Sold (November): 14
Median Sold Price: ~$1.05M

Monrovia stayed steady this month. Craftsman homes near Old Town continued to attract multiple offers, while anything with ADU potential moved fastest. Inventory remains tight but active.

📍 Arcadia

New Listings (November): 32
Homes Sold (November): 21
Median Sold Price: ~$1.40M

Arcadia’s luxury market remained stable. High-end properties took a little longer to move, but condos and entry-level homes (sub-$1M) saw strong demand. Schools and larger lots continue to drive buyer interest.

📍 Duarte

New Listings (November): 12
Homes Sold (November): 9
Median Sold Price: ~$780K

Duarte continues to be the SGV’s “value pocket.” First-time buyers and move-up families gravitated toward quiet cul-de-sacs and updated homes near the foothills. A healthy pace, but still a low-inventory market.

🔎 Market Pulse

Monrovia and Arcadia held firm with competitive pricing, while Duarte maintained its reputation as the most accessible entry point into the foothill communities. Across all three cities, well-priced, move-in-ready homes saw strong buyer activity heading into the holiday season.

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