Monrovia City Manager's Update | June 25, 2021

Press release from the City of Monrovia:

06/25/2021 12:35 PM

Hello Monrovians,

This update has been prepared to share with you everything that is taking place in Monrovia. Have a wonderful and safe weekend!

Sincerely,
Dylan

Email: dfeik@ci.monrovia.ca.us
Phone: (626) 932-5585

Highlights in this Issue

• Reopening LA County
• Monrovia Area Partnership Celebrates 15 Years
• Monrovia Police Department Recognizes Employees
• Monrovia Street Fair & Market Returns
• Monrovia Towneplace Suites by Marriott Groundbreaking
• EV Charging Station Pilot Program Construction to Begin in Old Town Monrovia
• Fireworks are Prohibited in Monrovia
• Athens Services Requests 4.61% Rate Increase
• 2021 Virtual Junior Researcher Academy is Underway
• Library Park Fountain Not Operating
• California COVID-19 Rental Relief Program
• Foothill Unity Center Hosts Back to School Drive

Reopening LA County

June 15 marked the reopening of the State of California, including Los Angeles County. Advancing beyond the County’s reopening tier system, businesses and organizations may return to normal operations. The guidelines for capacity limitation and physical distancing are no longer in effect. In Monrovia, over 69% of the 16+ population are fully vaccinated and over 85% of the 65+ population are fully vaccinated.

Masks
Los Angeles County has aligned with the State's masking guidance. For those who are fully vaccinated, masks are no longer required. Masks will still be required in the following settings, regardless of vaccination status:

• Public transit and in transportation hubs
• Indoors in K-12 schools, childcare and other youth settings
• Healthcare settings, including long term care facilities
• State and local correctional facilities and detention centers
• Homeless shelters, emergency shelters and cooling centers

Masks will be required for unvaccinated individuals in indoor public settings and businesses, including but not limited to, retail, restaurants, theaters, family entertainment centers, meetings, and state and local government offices serving the public.

Visiting City Facilities, including the Monrovia Public Library & Community Center
All City facilities have returned to normal operations with no capacity limitation and physical distancing. Following the Los Angeles County of Public Health’s guidelines, those who are fully vaccinated are not required to wear a mask. Masks are required for those who are unvaccinated when entering a City facility.

For the health and safety of our community, selected services are available online.

Monrovia Area Partnership Celebrates 15 Years!

The Monrovia Area Partnership celebrates 15 years of serving the community! The MAP Block Party will take place on July 31, 5 p.m. - 8 p.m., at Julian Fisher Park. MAP is inviting the entire community to come out for some fun and games. The Block Party will have City Department booths, raffles, free BBQ, food trucks, and games. Come enjoy a cool evening with your neighbors!

We are also excited to invite our local businesses and non-profits to host a booth by contacting MAP at map@ci.monorovia.ca.us. Follow us on social media to stay updated on future events. You can start to register for the MAP Block Party on June 28. We look forward to seeing you there!

Monrovia Police Department Recognizes Employees

On Thursday, June 17, the Monrovia Police Department held its annual awards ceremony to recognize and reward the outstanding work done by its officers and staff. If you happen to see any of our award winning officers around town, we are sure they would appreciate it if you congratulate them!

2019 Awards

Distinguished Service Medal
Agent Juan Huerta
Agent Cody Wilkins
Detective Damien Bartholomy
Senior Officer Seth Hermes
Senior Officer (Ret.) John Jefferson

Life Saving Award
Sergeant Gerald DeHart
Sergeant Yolanda Juarez
Agent Travis Ortega
Officer Joshua Granger

2020 Awards

Distinguished Service Medal
Officer Joshua Granger
Communications Operator Erin Maller

Medal of Merit
Officer Rosendo Ramos
Officer Ian Vanderburg

Monrovia Street Fair & Market Returns

The FULL Monrovia Street Fair & Market will return on Friday, July 2, including the kids’ play area, entertainment, and food services!

During the summer, the Monrovia Street Fair & Market is open, on Fridays, 5 p.m. - 10 p.m. Spend your Friday evenings on Myrtle Avenue browsing purveyors selling unique foods, custom artisan crafts, and fresh from the farm produce.

We look forward to seeing you at the Monrovia Street Fair & Market!

Monrovia Towneplace Suites by Marriott Groundbreaking

On Wednesday, June 23, Tharaldson Hospitality broke ground on the future TownePlace Marriot Suites, coming to Monrovia in Fall 2022. The 109-room, 5-story building will welcome visitors to Monrovia and provide extended stay travelers a place that feels like home. This hotel will have one-bedroom, double queen and king studios available and will offer unique amenities like an indoor exercise room, breakfast room, community table and lounge area, outdoor swimming pool and seating area.

EV Charging Station Pilot Program Construction to Begin in Old Town!

As you may recall, in April 2020, the Monrovia City Council approved a pilot project to begin installing EV charging stations at City facilities, including the first EV charging stations in Old Town Monrovia. Under the program, a total of 4 Level 2 EV charging stations will be installed at Public Parking Lot #4, located along the 100 block of East Lemon Avenue.

The Public Works Department anticipates that construction will break ground in early July. Additional information will be available in future editions of the City Manager’s Update. For more information about the EV Charging Pilot project, please contact Chris Castruita at (626) 256-8224 or email ccastruita@ci.monrovia.ca.us.

4th of July Concert & Fireworks Show

Fireworks are prohibited in Monrovia. As a reminder, the City of Monrovia, including both the Fire and Police Departments, would like to remind all residents and visitors that fireworks are not allowed in the City of Monrovia. Illegal fireworks are the primary cause of thousands of fires and injuries throughout the United States each 4th of July.

This year, we're excited to announce the return of the 4th of July Concert & Fireworks Show! This effort takes months to plan and prepare for, including ensuring sufficient fire suppression is on standby. All are invited to celebrate the Nation’s birthday with live music, entertainment, dancing and a fireworks show.

Spectators may reserve park space, at Monrovia Library Park, no earlier than the morning of July 4. The concert, featuring Night Owl, will begin at 7 p.m., and the fireworks show will begin at 9 p.m.

For more information on the 4th of July Concert & Fireworks Show, please view the FAQ.

In an effort to keep residents and visitors safe, the Hillside Wilderness Preserve will have modified hours for the 4th of July holiday.

• Open Saturday, July 3 – 6:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
• Open Sunday, July 4 – 6:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
• Open Monday, July 5 – 6:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
• Gates will be locked at 2:00 p.m.
• This schedule is subject to changes should the heat and fire risk be elevated.

4th of July Decorating Contest

Those looking to show their community pride are invited to enter 4th of July Home Decorating Contest and an Old Town Monrovia Window Decorating Contest. All Monrovians are encouraged to break out their bunting, American Flags, banners and balloons and show they are Monrovia Strong! Judging for the competition will take place from June 30 to July 1, with the winners announced and maps made available on July 2.

Athens Services Requests 4.61% Rate Increase

The City of Monrovia is reviewing a request for a rate increase to both residential and commercial solid waste collections. According to the franchise agreement between the City and Athens Services, solid waste rates may be adjusted based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) change which is calculated from April 2020 to April 2021, plus an additional 1.0%. Athens has requested a CPI adjustment of 3.61% for CPI, plus 1.0%, for a total rate increase request of 4.61%. Staff is reviewing this request.

2021 Virtual Junior Researcher Academy is Underway

The Junior Research Academy (JRA) returns with a modified virtual program! In partnership with Oak Crest Institute of Science, JRA is a two-week science experience where students learn and apply laboratory skills. Mixing hands-on experiments with science based field trips, this is ideal for students who want to know what a scientist’s daily life is like.

Students are introduced to a variety of scientific fields through hands-on experiments mentored by research scientists. They will be exposed to biology, chemistry, physics, and computer science in an engaging yet fun research environment. The Academy philosophy is ‘Learning by Doing’ where Oak Crest Institute of Science use scientific thinking to explore our world.

Library Park Fountain

If you have been by Library Park lately, you might have noticed that the fountain is not operating. Unfortunately, one of the fountain pumps failed and needs to be repaired. The City’s maintenance contractor has located the needed replacement parts and they have been ordered. At this time, we are anticipating that the fountain will remain out of service for the next three weeks. If you have any questions or comments, please call the Public Works Department at (626) 932-5575.

CA COVID-19 Rent Relief Program: Easier to Apply

Applications for rent and utility assistance through the COVID-19 Rent Relief program have been simplified and financial help is available to income-eligible households.

Income-eligible renters and their landlords who have been impacted by COVID-19 and need help with unpaid or upcoming rent or utilities can verify eligibility and apply immediately by visiting HousingIsKey.com, or by calling 833-430-2122.

Once your application has been processed, you will be notified about the application status and next steps. If you need assistance in another language or need help checking eligibility, filling out your application or uploading paperwork, schedule an appointment with a local organization near you by calling 833-687-0967.

Back to School Drive

The Foothill Unity Center needs your help to provide 2,000 students of low-income families with all the necessary backpacks and school supplies for this upcoming school year. Anything and everything counts! Helping our neighbors and ensuring that the students of our communities are equipped for success is the Foothill Unity Center's goal every year. Let’s achieve this together!

MAFA Summer Art Walks in Monrovia

Monrovia Association of Fine Arts (MAFA) is excited to present Summer Art Walks in Monrovia! Here’s a chance to stroll in the cool evening breeze, listen to musical entertainment, meet up with friends and visit the great shops and restaurants in Old Town Monrovia all while viewing art work from MAFA artists. The Summer Art Walks will take place in Old Town Monrovia this coming Saturday, June 26, as well as July 31 and August 28, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Conservation is a Way of Life

Water Conservation is a primary focus for Californians due to the extreme heat and dry conditions. Historically, summer creates the potential for higher water use.

To conserve water during these hot summer months, here are a few indoor tips:

• Don't Over-Water. You should only be watering outdoors every other day.
• Choose the Right Time. You should only be watering outdoors between the hours of 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. This reduces evaporation and can save 25 gallons each day you water.
• Use a Broom, Not a Hose. Put down the hose and pick up a broom when you want to clean your driveway and sidewalks, and save 150 gallons each time.
• Maintain Your System. Check your sprinkler system for leaks, overspray and broken sprinkler heads and save up to 500 gallons a month.
• Control What You Need. Install a smart, weather-based sprinkler controller and save 40 gallons a day.

We hope all Monrovians keep in mind these tools and tips to use water wisely. For rebate information on high- efficiency items and eligibility, please visit: www.bewaterwise.com.

Report Bulky Items around Town and Be Entered to Win a Gift Card

Have you seen bulky items around town? If you report them into Public Works, you will be entered into a raffle and could win a $50 gift card to a Monrovia Business! If you are out and about around town and see furniture, boxes, or other items in the Right of Way (not on Private Property), please report them to Public Works. In turn, Athens Services will pick these items up within about 48 hours.

How to Report Bulky Items:

• Call Public Works at (626) 932-5575; or
• Email bulkyitem@ci.monrovia.ca.us
• Be sure to provide our name and address to be entered into the raffle.

Raffle tickets will be pulled each Thursday and the winners will be notified by Public Works Staff.

The winner for this week’s drawing is… Lidia Nunez! Since June 2020, we have received 4,596 reports for abandoned bulky items!

COVID-19 At a Glance

Latest Facts & Figures

Residential / Non-Residential Settings in Monrovia

Residential / Non-Residential Settings in Monrovia

Facilities that have no reported positive COVID-19 cases for 14 days are considered to no longer have an outbreak and removed from the list. Confirmed cases of employees from residential/non-residential settings get counted under their home city.

Additional details on cases and deaths were not provided by the County of Los Angeles. View the Public Health Statement Regarding COVID-19 and Patient Privacy.

Stay Informed Resources

Monrovia Strong

Monrovia Strong

The Monrovia Strong webpage was created to share with the community different resources to help you and your family get through these challenging times.

Visit Monrovia Strongto explore the many activities and resources. We're in this together, Monrovia!

Development Spotlight

Several significant projects are working their way through the review process and stages of construction here at the City. Among these are the Adaptive Reuse of the Monrovia Market Building (approved on Oct. 1), the Overton Moore Pacific Self Storage Project in the former Verizon Building in Old Town (approved on Nov. 19), 127 Pomona Multi-Family Development with 310 units at Station Square (approved on Jan. 21), the Alexan Multi-Family Development with 436 units at Station Square (approved on Feb. 4), and the Arroyo at Monrovia Station Multi-Family Development with 302 units (Planning Commission approved on Feb. 12). For more details, visit the Development Spotlight webpage.

Key Dates, Programs & Virtual Events

• Monrovia City Council Meeting | July 6 | 7:30 p.m.
• MAFA Summer Art Walk | June 26, July 31, August 28
• Call for Artist: Neighborhood Treasure | application deadline July 1
• Summer Concerts in the Park | weekends in July & August
• Summer Movies in the Park | August 21 & August 28
• Make an Appointment for Passport Services at Monrovia Community Center
• Monrovia Street Fair & Market
• E-Waste Drop-off | Daily | Monrovia Public Works Yard
• Subscribe to e-Notifications for Meeting Agendas
• Submit a Tree Planting Interest Form
• Request a Bulky Item Pick-Up
• Request the 2021 Coloring Book Calendar
• Reserve Library Items for Curbside Pick-up | Monday - Saturday

Job Opportunities with the City of Monrovia

• Recreation Leader
• Park Naturalist

The City of Monrovia offers interested individuals a chance to keep themselves notified on our job openings through the job interest card. This card will help interested individuals receive notifications about positions that open within the city without having to continuously log on to view our employment opportunities page.

Neighborhood Watch Report

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 327 service events, resulting in 57 investigations. View the Neighborhood Watch Report.

This press release was produced by the City of Monrovia. The views expressed here are the author’s own.