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Old Town Report (8/11/16 Issue)
Monrovia Weekly Aug 08, 2016
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Old Town Monrovia. – Photo By Monrovia Public Library (CC BY 2.0)
By Pam Fitzpatrick
A friend of mine started our morning coffee break the other day with, “I read your column last week.”
Before I could say, “hope you enjoyed it,” she responded with, “and I have a bone to pick with you.” It seems I left out some very important information.
So, this one’s for Doreen: did you know that the community center across from Library Park (119 W. Palm) has incredible exercise classes for seniors each and every Wednesday (1 p.m.) and Friday (9 a.m.)?
As for me, I did know that, because I hear about “Will,” the instructor, after every class. If you are a senior and want to meet the famous Will and get in shape, contact the Monrovia Community Center at (626) 256-8274 and fill up the classes. Make Doreen happy.
The extent of my exercise routine is still just walking around Old Town. I get to see firsthand what’s happening (if it’s visible) and then I can walk over to city hall to see what’s not visible.
It’s that brown paper syndrome – sometimes no matter how you try to peer through the rips and around the edges, you can’t really see what’s going on. So, per city staff, I learned that Jake’s Roadhouse has gone through all the pre-approvals and is now in Plan Check for their expansion (into the old Army/Navy space).
Frost My Cake (where Monrovia Bakery used to be) is still working inside and is going through the process of signage and awning approval. The 4th Dimension building up in the 300 block of South Myrtle is being considered for a possible restaurant use in the front and there is still no activity on the shell of a building at 316 S. Myrtle.
I see the planning commission will consider a new child-family friendly business in the 400 block of South Myrtle (west side) and I’m really excited about that one!
No word on the long-empty space where Los Guerros once was (and way back, where Wang’s was located), but I can’t tell you how many questions I get each week about the sign on the window that says “E Sports.” I haven’t got a clue what that means, but the city says no present activity at that location and no present plans submitted.
Seng and Carla Sim have taken over the Cold Stone Creamery location (just north of Krikorian) and they are very interested in getting involved with our community. I had a chance to sit down and talk to Carla last week and it’s clear that we’re going to see some wonderful improvements in that business.
Bottega at Bella Sera is finally open! They expect to be in full-swing this week, with their offerings of deserts, gourmet foods, deli items, and frozen entrees (from their restaurant next store) to take home.
The Saltner on East Colorado clearly specializes in fine wines, but they have added a few fine beers to their menu, as well. I picked up a menu from Myrtle Tree Café and it looks like they have started offering breakfasts and dinners, in addition to their original menu.
And, one more treasure I found on my walk around town – a hypnotherapist! Elvie Diaz-Sanchez, C.Ht., is brand new to Old Town at 101 E. Lemon Ave. I picked up a flyer which talks about reducing stress, losing weight, changing habits, managing pain, among other things. Sounds intriguing (and – she’s very personable!).
Some last minute changes to this month’s Traditional Music Gathering (held for almost 11 years in the Lemon Courtyard, behind the 400 block businesses): the last event of the season will be moved up to Library Park (in front of the fountain) due to a sound conflict in the courtyard. See you up at Library Park on Saturday, Aug. 27 at 7 p.m.!
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