Monrovia Old Town report: Shooby Dooby Doooo

By Shawn Spencer shawn@girlfridaysolutions.net

Love is in the air, and what better way to experience it than a carriage ride through lovely Old Town Monrovia? This romantic ride is available for one night only on Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14. Rides are available from 5-9:30 p.m. The cost is $40 per ride and each ride is 15 minutes long. Call 626-256-8246 to reserve your spot before this lovefest sells out.

Speaking of love, as most of you know, our beloved Steve Baker, city treasurer, historian and all-around amazing man, passed away in April of 2022. Since his passing, many have been trying to find a way to honor him in the city where he was invaluable, completely irreplaceable and so loved.

A few weeks ago, I wrote about the upcoming development of his Ivy properties into a bed and breakfast. While I cannot wait for that project to move forward, there is more fantastic news. A group of organizations have found a wonderfully fitting way to honor Steve. A “Steve Baker Bear” will be added to our collection of citywide art in public places bears. The Steve Baker Bear will don a top hat and tails, which was Steve’s signature look, especially when giving his historic tours through town. A GoFundMe page has been set up to raise funds for the installation and long term maintenance of the bear. Placement of the Steve Baker bear is still under consideration. To donate to this wonderful cause, please visit www. gofundme.com/f/stevebaker-bear. This will be our best bear yet.

On Feb. 13, our annual State of the City will be held at LOOK Cinema. Join your city leaders and community members at 6 p.m., and learn about all of the wonderful things our city has accomplished on behalf of Monrovia and its residents in the past year. You will also get a peek at things to come for Monrovia in 2023. This is a great way to be “in the know” when it comes to important things happening in our city. This event will also be shown on KGEM and their YouTube channel, so you can watch it at your convenience in your PJs if you prefer.

On Feb. 5, the Monrovia Duarte Black Alumni Association will kick off Black History Month. The kickoff will be at the Duarte Historical Museum from 2-4 p.m., at 777 Encanto Parkway in Duarte. On Feb. 11, the MDBAA will hold a Black History Month Health Fair and Workshop from 10 a.m.–2 p.m., at the Monrovia Community Center. There will be workshops covering various health related topics, such as holistic living, cancer awareness, heart healthi - ness, life coaching and more. Don’t miss these free events. Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to your health!

Finally, on Feb. 19, join the Monrovia Historical Society from 2-4 p.m., for their open house and grand re-opening of the newly restored George H. Anderson House. The ribbon cutting is scheduled for 2:15 p.m. Admission is free and no RSVP is necessary. Light refreshments will be provided. If you have kept track of this project over the years, then you won’t want to miss this unveiling. For more information, call Sandy Burud at 626-675-8323.

Enjoy these beautiful, crisp Monrovia days! Our mountains look majestic and are so green and beautiful. Thanks to all of this rain, a.k.a. weather, we are going to have a gorgeous spring. Enjoy, but don’t go hosing down your driveway just yet!