Monday Essentials: Chanukah, Thanksgiving, and Black Friday This Week

Here are five things Monrovia residents need to know this week.

1. This is a reminder that gravel bags are available for residents living in the neighborhoods near the Madison Fire burn areas. Click here for more information. 

2. The eight-day Jewish holiday celebration of Chanukah begins at sundown on Wednesday. Jews light candles every night during the holiday to celebrate the religious freedom won after a battle that liberated the ancient temple in Jerusalem. The holiday comes unusually early this year, and some have dubbed it “Thanksgivukah” as a result.

3. Thanksgiving is Thursday. It’s hard to believe that anyone would be unaware of the quintessential American holiday, but just in case we’re mentioning it.

4. If you’re driving over the holiday, remember to buckle up and don’t drink alcohol. The California Highway Patrol will engage in a Maximum Enforcement Period from 6 p.m. Wednesday through midnight Sunday. Last year, there were 44 people killed in collisions during the Thanksgiving holiday in California. 

5. Black Friday is traditionally the day after Thanksgiving, but many retailers are starting early, before the turkey is even put away. Walmart, the nation’s largest retailer, is kicking off its Black Friday sales at 6 p.m. on Thanksgiving.