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ARCADIA -MONROVIA-DUARTE

Mountain View News Saturday, March 2, 2024 

Here’s What’s Going On Around Town in March!
Brought to you by Sue Cook 
DRE# 02015404
MONROVIA CALL FOR ARTISTS

 

Artists are encouraged to submit qualifications for 
the Route 66 Pedestrian Bridge Art Installation.

 

The City of Monrovia is seeking an artist to create an art installation on 
the pedestrian bridge located between 602 and 605 Huntington Drive. The 
installation can be comprised of various art mediums including a mural, 
metal panels, etc. The theme of the art is Celebrating Route 66. Qualifications 
will be accepted through March 29.

 

Established in 2004, Art in Public Places is an integral part of Monrovia’s 
diverse and prosperous community. It brings people together and encourages 
meaningful connections. Monrovia has a robust art collection comprised of 
various pieces that humanizes the built environment and is freely accessible.

 

For questions regarding Art on the Box or Art in Public Places, please 
contact Kerri Zessau at 626.932.5564 or kzessau@ci.monrovia.ca.us. 

 

About City of Monrovia

All the warmth of Southern California and the advantages of a gorgeous 
natural environment unite to create a place that is beautiful, historic, 
cultural, economically diverse and inviting. The City of Monrovia is 
home to nearly 40,000 active and engaged residents. This growing city 
distinguishes itself from other communities with its dynamic small-town 
charm and collection of high-tech industry. A world of amenities is available 
here: everything from world-class cultural facilities to glorious recreational 
outlets to top-rated education. The City’s vibrant economy fosters enhanced 
job creation while a commitment to revitalization and development ensures 
that Monrovia maintains its attractive neighborhoods.

For more information about the City of Monrovia, visit cityofmonrovia.org, 
“Like” City of Monrovia on Facebook and follow the City on Instagram @
cityofmonrovia.

MONROVIA LAUNCHES LED 
STREETLIGHT PILOT STUDY 

Last December, the City launched a streetlight pilot study that will last 
through mid-March with new streetlights located along:

• Almond Avenue from South Canyon Boulevard to California 
Avenue, California Avenue to East Maple Avenue, East Maple Avenue to 
South Shamrock Avenue

 

• West Duarte Road from Encino Avenue to Alamitas Avenue

The City replaced the streetlight bulbs in the above areas with warm-white 
LED bulbs, which are closer in appearance to the amber glow of conventional 
streetlights, unlike the bright white of a common LED light. The new LED 
streetlights are substantially more energy-efficient than the previous lights, 
using only 30 to 70 percent less electricity. In general, LED streetlights are 
also more reliable, last longer, and are less expensive to operate.

We urge everyone to see the lights for themselves and help us select the best 
bulb for our city. Drive, walk, or bike along our pilot streets when the lights 
are on (evening and early morning) and check out the new LED lights! Then, 
take the survey linked below.

Responses are due by Friday, March 8, 2024.


DR. SEMEEN ISSA TO ILLUMINATE FIRST 
AVENUE MIDDLE SCHOOL'S OFFERINGS 
AND COLLABORATIVE EFFORTS WITH 
ARCADIA COMMUNITY COORDINATING 
COUNCIL


Dr. Semeen Issa, an esteemed educator with 39 years 
of dedicated service to the field of education, is set 
to share insights into the enriching educational 
environment offered at First Avenue Middle School. 
As the Principal of First Avenue Middle School in 
the Arcadia Unified School District, Dr. Issa brings 
a wealth of experience and a steadfast commitment 
to fostering academic excellence and holistic 
development among students.

Dr. Issa embarked on her illustrious career in 1985, 
serving as an educator at Hobart Blvd. Elementary 
School in the Los Angeles Unified School District. 
After 15 years of shaping young minds at the 
elementary level, she transitioned to First Avenue 
Middle School, where she continued to inspire 
and empower students as a middle school teacher. 
Recognizing her dedication and leadership abilities, 
Dr. Issa assumed the role of Assistant Principal at 
First Avenue Middle School, subsequently ascending 
to the position of Principal six years later.

Throughout her tenure at First Avenue Middle 
School, Dr. Issa has remained a steadfast advocate 
for all students, spearheading initiatives and 
programs designed to cultivate leadership skills and 
enhance the middle school learning experience. 
Her educational philosophy centers on ensuring 
that students from diverse cultural backgrounds 
feel valued and empowered to become leaders. Dr. 
Issa firmly believes in the potential of adolescents 
and has worked tirelessly to create innovative spaces 
where students can unleash their creativity and 
excel in various disciplines, including technology, 
performance arts, computers, and coding.

"I am deeply passionate about creating a supportive 
and inclusive learning environment where every 
student can thrive," remarked Dr. Semeen Issa. "At 
First Avenue Middle School, we are committed to 
nurturing the talents and potential of each student, 
equipping them with the skills and confidence they 
need to succeed in an ever-changing world."

In addition to her professional endeavors, Dr. Issa is 
a proud parent to three adult children and a doting 
grandmother to her grandson, all of whom reside in 
Southern California.

During her upcoming presentation, Dr. Issa will 
not only showcase the exceptional offerings of 
First Avenue Middle School but also shed light 
on the collaborative opportunities with the 
Arcadia Community Coordinating Council. This 
partnership aims to facilitate student participation 
in the school's yearly camp activities, ensuring 
that all students have access to enriching and 
transformative educational experiences outside the 
classroom.

Members of the press and community are invited 
to attend Dr. Issa's presentation to learn more 
about First Avenue Middle School's offerings 
and its collaborative initiatives with the Arcadia 
Community Coordinating Council.

Event Details:

• Date: Monday, March 4, 2024

• Time: 11:30 am

• Location: Villa Catrina, 

 251 N. Santa Anita Blvd., Arcadia

About First Avenue Middle School:

First Avenue Middle School is a leading educational 
institution committed to fostering academic 
excellence, personal growth, and community 
engagement among its students. With a rich 
tradition of educational innovation and a dedication 
to nurturing the whole child, First Avenue Middle 
School prepares students for success in high school, 
college, and beyond.

About Arcadia Community Coordinating Council:

The Arcadia Community Coordinating Council is 
dedicated to promoting collaboration and resource-
sharing among community organizations, schools, 
and residents to enhance the quality of life for all 
members of the Arcadia community. Through 
its various initiatives and programs, the Arcadia 
Community Coordinating Council strives to build 
a stronger, more vibrant community where every 
individual can thrive.

NEW! BARKS & BREWS AT THE ARBORETUM

You and your canine friend are invited to 
our first-ever dog event in the garden!

Sunday, March 10; 11am-4pm

Imagine you and your canine buddy 
taking a leisurely Sunday walk in a 
127-acre garden. Oh my, what a nature 
adventure! That’s what our first-ever 
Barks & Brews experience is all about: 
A day of happy dogs and relaxed owners 
enjoying craft beers and delicious bites.

Barks & Brews, presented by Fera Pets, 
is about dogs, their well-being and companionship. The Arboretum is 
partnering with Pasadena Humane, which will have its mobile adoption 
truck onsite and offer helpful pet information. Enjoy food trucks and craft 
beers from Mt. Lowe Brewing Company.

The Barks & Brews event is included in garden admission. The fee for 
a dog is $10, which benefits Pasadena Humane and L.A. Arboretum 
Foundation. Reserve tickets now. Our garden etiquette requires that dogs 
always remain leashed.

 What: Barks & Brews at the LA County Arboretum

 When: Sunday, March 10, 2024

 Time: 11am-4pm

 Where: Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden

 301 North Baldwin Avenue

 Arcadia, CA 91007 www.arboretum.org

Tickets: Regular admission+$10 fee per dog; members free+$10 dog fee.


Dr. Semeen Issa,


Mountain Views News 80 W Sierra Madre Blvd. No. 327 Sierra Madre, Ca. 91024 Office: 626.355.2737 Fax: