Monrovia Old Town Report (3/16/17 Issue)

– Courtesy photo

Who is the mysterious Easter Bunny? Pam has a few ideas…

By Pam Fitzpatrick

While the rest of California is getting used to the time change, I, on the other hand, am getting used to my brand-new laptop and its wonky keyboard, which is my excuse if this column contains one or two lines of gibberish. So, here we go …

First – remember that this Friday, March 17, is FUZZFEST at our Monrovia Street Fair. The event will be located on E. Colorado between the Monrovian and Rudy’s, and is sure to be a huge success. Come on down and watch your friends get their heads shaved in the name of Childhood Cancer Prevention Research!

And, speaking of Street Fair, there are more possible changes coming. There is a proposal on the table to move the entire show north to Library Park and the 300 block of Myrtle Avenue (plus maybe east and west Lime). This is a big move, and there are mixed feelings about its success or failure. The City is just in the planning stages right now, working with our Street Fair contractor, Raw Inspirations, but merchant and public input is really going to be valuable on this issue. Please send your comments either to me, or one of our merchant representatives (Diane Balsamo, Prime Lending; Kristin Miller, Charlie’s House; Ricky Jurado, Merengue; Soren Loft, Old Town Bistro, or Millie Olivas, Teles Properties). You can also comment via this newspaper.

The future of our “atmospheric” street music in Old Town is still in limbo with no decision being made at this morning’s MOTAB (Monrovia Old Town Advisor Board) meeting. The comments from the MOTAB representatives as well as from the public were supportive of music in general, as well as the idea of spreading more music around town. Wednesday nights still seem to be the favorite day. I for one hope this issue is settled soon …

Upcoming events include Spring Bunny Photos in Library Park on Saturday, April 15 from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. The Guest of Honor will be none other than Old Town’s resident “Easter Bunny” who wishes to remain anonymous, but she is a member of the MOTAB team and her initials are DB … Photos will be free of charge and will be emailed to our guests – or, they may choose to take their own photos with their cell phones or cameras. And, yes, pets are welcome. I’m bringing my Bearded Dragons …

Next on the list is the Monrovia Old Town Wine Walk (first ever for us) to be held the evening of Saturday, August 26. During my last discussion of this event I reported that MOTAB had decided to purchase the wine outside of Old Town, but I am extremely pleased to report that the wine will be purchased in Old Town. Thank you, MOTAB – now you can count me in!

The Annual Old Town Car Show, presented by Street Rods Forever almost every year since 2002, was approved by MOTAB this morning. Street Rods and the City have been working closely together to ensure the safety of our visitors, and the plan looks good. So – September 9 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., from Palm Ave. to Walnut Ave., Street Rods Forever will bring us approximately 300 classic cars and a DJ with music to liven up the crowd.

There will be a special presentation from the Monrovia PD tonight (Tuesday, March 14th) on Homelessness and Park Conduct (I believe with emphasis on Library Park in Old Town). Special thanks to Council Member Becky Shevlin who prompted this report to the Community Services Commission in response to major concerns expressed by the community at City Council meetings and on FB. I’ll report back on any updates in next week’s column.

And one more comment: Thank you, City of Monrovia, for deciding to send out group emails to keep us all informed!

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