Old Town Report (7/28/16 Issue)

Old Town Monrovia. – Courtesy photo

By Pam Fitzpatrick 

Being the owner/operator of a small business is like being a bartender or a hairdresser: people tell you face to face what they’re thinking and what’s going on in their lives. So my theory is this: if you’re depressed or sad or lonesome, go out and mingle. Get your hair cut, have your nails done, shop a little, wine and dine a little, talk a little: see if you can’t change that “down” to an “up.” We here in Old Town are a friendly bunch and we’re good listeners …

Talking about friendly, I want to give a special call out to a few folks in Old Town who have exceptionally friendly faces: Dana from Bella Sera (and the soon-to-open Bottega at Bella Sera, where they almost ready to open, by the way) is a good example of a relaxed, smiling face; Diane Balsamo from Prime Lending (on Palm) who is the chair of our merchant city commission (MOTAB) has earned the nickname “Smiley” around here; of course, Julie Kalicki from The Saltner is charming, as is Jennifer Grattan (oh yes, and Chief Chris Grattan) from the Peach Café – and Rosa Castrellon from Rudy’s is a star.

But I can’t leave out what is probably the most important component of Old Town’s character – that’s the guests walking up and down our historic district. Test it out: take a walk around town and smile at folks: they smile back, say “Hi,” right? That seriously doesn’t happen most other places.

Now, in the “Opening Soon” category, I’ve already mentioned Bottega at Bella Sera: I peeked in the door today and they are doing staff training. I know Joe and Dana want to make sure the service is perfect, so we’ll have to be patient here … The good news on the north end of Old Town is that FasanaRock is open as of last Saturday. Owners John and Christina Fasana have transformed the little shop up at 114 S. Myrtle (used to be Posh LA, then before that, Six2Six) into an intriguing assortment of gorgeous polished rocks, crystals, minerals, and assorted gifts and jewelry. The shop also has books on rock collecting and identification for both adults and the kiddies.

No updates yet for the old 4th Dimension site in the 300 block of N. Myrtle and the infamous 316 building shell is still there, gathering dust and broken windows. As for Copper Still Grill (where Sam’s Deli/Kabob Room was), they’re still sawing and hammering and the outside of the building still looks like a war zone, so no good news there.

Event-wise, this coming Saturday, July 30, we have our Saturday night music on Myrtle provided by The Lance and Gary Show, then starting at 7 p.m., the MAFA Art Walk and Adult Art Night celebration at Paint ‘N’ Play, as well as the Monrovia Traditional Music Gathering.

The Art Walk will be in the 400 and 500 blocks of Myrtle and the Music Gathering will be, as usual, in the Lemon Courtyard behind the 400 block east side of Myrtle. Just a reminder: all alcoholic beverages must remain inside the local restaurants or the Adult Art Night event (which features Craft Beer from Pacific Plate), with no carryovers into the Lemon Courtyard or onto Myrtle Avenue. Sunday’s concert in Library Park from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. will feature “The Answer.”

Watch for a brand new event called “9.10.16 Celebrate Monrovia” which will be held up in Library Park on Saturday, Sept. 10 (get it?) in conjunction with the Annual Old Town Car Show on that same day. For more info check out the Monrovia Chamber Facebook page.

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