Community Corner

Monrovia City Manager's Update | April 23, 2021

In this update, you will even find information about our upcoming Monrovia Days Event, Yard Sales and much more.

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Press Release Desk, News Partner

Press release from the City of Monrovia:

April 23, 2021

Hello Monrovians,

Find out what's happening in Monroviafor free with the latest updates from Patch.

I cannot express how excited and grateful I am to share the City is preparing to reopen public facilities including the Library, Community Center, and City Hall in the coming weeks. We are finalizing plans to reopen to the public, welcome you back to public buildings, while still protecting staff and the public. On Tuesday, April 20, the City Council awarded one of several contracts to make emergency repairs in Canyon Park after the Storm Season (October 15 thru April 15 each winter). Our goal is to make those repairs, reevaluate Canyon Park conditions so there may be a chance of reopening this summer. In this update, you will even find information about our upcoming Monrovia Days Event, Yard Sales and much more.

Sincerely,
Dylan

Find out what's happening in Monroviafor free with the latest updates from Patch.

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

Highlights in this Issue

  • 2021 Monrovia Days Celebration
  • Monrovia Public Library Reopening
  • Apply for a Position on a City Board or Commission
  • DMV / Donate Life Month
  • Yard Sales Now Allowed Under Updated Health Officer Order

The City of Monrovia, in partnership with Monrovia Unified School District and Centre Stage, is excited to announce the return of the 3-day Monrovia Days Celebration for the city’s 135th birthday!

With ongoing concerns around COVID-19, the Monrovia Days celebration will look different this year. Although the annual parade and carnival will not take place, all are invited to participate in the reimagined activities. All programs are subject to the guidelines as established by the LA County Department of Public Health, including maintaining physical distancing and wearing a face covering. Additional restrictions and / or cancelations may apply.

Community Festival

From May 14 through May 16, the community is invited to grab a meal from a restaurant in Old Town Monrovia and join the Picnic Pavilion Celebration at Library Park. Throughout the day, entertainment will be provided by students of the Monrovia Unified School District and Centre Stage. Participants will be required to sit at a table or in a designated park pod and are encouraged to bring their own seating. While at Library Park, the community can also take a free horse drawn carriage ride through Old Town Monrovia or capture memories with the free photo booth.

Community Art Project – Monrovia Rocks!

To celebrate and memorialize the City of Monrovia’s 135th birthday, Monrovia residents are invited to paint a rock and donate it to be a part of a permanent installation at Library Park. To participate, locate a rock that is no more than 3” in length and paint it. When the rock is dry, drop-off the rock at the Monrovia Community Center (119 W. Palm Ave.). All rocks must be received no later than 4 p.m. on May 7. The rocks will be placed prior to the Monrovia Days weekend at the installation in the north-east portion of Library Park.

Special Monrovia Days Story Times

Gather the family and enjoy a few birthday celebration stories by tuning into the Monrovia Public Library’s YouTube Channel. During the Monrovia Days weekend, a new video will be released each day.

Old Town Window & Home Decorating Contest

Old Town Monrovia businesses and residents are invited to decorate their business store front and home for Monrovia’s birthday! Registration is required and is now open. The judging will take place from May 6 to May 9, and winners will be announced on May 14.

Monrovia Days Family Adventure at Home

The City of Monrovia is excited to present Monrovia Days Family Adventure at Home, a three-day challenge. Registered participants will receive special activity kits that includes arts and crafts, special games, challenges and activities. Upon completion of each challenge, participants will earn limited edition birthday badges. Registration is required and limited and is now open.

Sponsorship Opportunities

The City of Monrovia would like to recognize and thank the Monrovia Old Town Advisory Board, PrimeLending, Sierra Family of Dealerships and Baja Ranch Market for sponsoring Monrovia Days. To give back to the community, interested businesses, service clubs, organizations and individuals may consider sponsoring the Monrovia Days celebration. For information or to become a sponsor, please contact Tina Cherry at (626) 256-8226 or email tcherry@ci.monrovia.ca.us by April 30.

Monrovia Public Library Reopening

Starting Monday, May 3 the Monrovia Public Library will be open for limited, in-person services by appointment only Monday-Wednesday, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., and Thursday-Saturday, 12 p.m. - 5 p.m. Call, text, email, or drop by to make an appointment to use a computer or get personalized support from a librarian. Curbside Service will still be available as will our virtual services and programs. During the first stage of reopening, browsing will be unavailable, but we look forward to expanding services as we move forward in reopening the library in a safe and responsible way this summer.

Apply for a Position on a City Board or Commission

We encourage residents to apply for positions on the Planning Commission, Historic Preservation Commission and Community Services Commission, and Old Town Monrovia business owners to apply for positions on the Monrovia Old Town Advisory Board. Applications are due no later than Monday, May 10. Interviews will be scheduled in the weeks following. The terms will begin on July 1.

Residents who are eager to get involved in the community can apply for the positions at the following link: Application for Boards and Commissions

Planning Commission - The Planning Commission oversees new development in the City to ensure that it complies with the City’s General Plan and Zoning Ordinance and has the authority to approve conditional use permits, variances, parcel maps and hillside development permits. As an advisory body to the City Council, they review and make recommendations on applications for tract maps and amendments to the Zoning and Subdivision Ordinances and the General Plan. The seven-member body meets on the Wednesday following the second Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m.

Historic Preservation Commission - The Historic Preservation Commission is responsible for administering the Historic Preservation and Demolition Review Ordinances. Included in their purview is the approval of exterior changes to historic landmarks and buildings in historic districts as well as building facades in Old Town along Myrtle Avenue. The Commission also reviews all applications for historic landmark designation and Mills Act Contracts and makes a recommendation to the City Council on the request. The seven-member body meets on the Wednesday following the fourth Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m.

Community Services Commission - The Community Services Commission acts in an advisory capacity to the City Council in all matters pertaining to the advancement of sound Community Services planning and programming. The seven-member body meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m.

Monrovia Old Town Advisory Board - The Board is comprised of not fewer than five and not more than seven Old Town merchants and is responsible for making recommendations to the City Council on programs and projects to advance the downtown area. Boardmembers must have a bona fide business in Old Town subject to the Business Improvement District (BID) assessment, and must be current on their BID assessment. MOTAB meets on the third Tuesday of each month at 9:30 a.m.

To find out more about becoming a Board Member or Commissioner, contact the City Clerk's Office at 626-932-5505.

DMV / Donate Life Month

On April 20, 2021, the Monrovia City Council proclaimed the month of April as DMV / Donate Life Month.

National Donate Life Month (NDLM) was established by Donate Life America and its partnering organizations in 2003. Observed in April each year, National Donate Life Month helps to encourage Americans to register as organ, eye and tissue donors and to honor those that have saved lives through the gift of donation.

In California, over 21,000 people are currently on the national organ transplant waiting list. A single individual's donation of the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, pancreas, and small intestine can save up to eight lives, donation of tissue can save and heal the lives of up to 75 others, and a single blood donation can help three people in need.

If you're interested in learning more about National Donate Life Month, please visit DonateLife.net.

Yard Sales Now Allowed Under Updated Health Officer Order

Guidance for Informal Social Gatherings is now available for reference in the updated Health Officer Order. This appendix outlines the safety measures to take during informal social gatherings, including those hosting yard sales. There are guidelines regarding attendance, location, and measures to lower risk of host and guests.

Please note that those who would like to host a yard sale in Monrovia must obtain a yard sale permit. To obtain a permit, please submit a Yard Sale Permit Application. If you have any questions, please contact the Neighborhood & Business Services Division at (626) 932-5582.

General Plan Environmental Justice Element

The City of Monrovia has launched efforts to update two General Plan elements, Housing and Safety, and prepare a new element, Environmental Justice.

Monrovia is committed to equity, community outreach and public engagement. Throughout the General Plan update process, there will be engagement opportunities that may include stakeholder/focus group check-ins, online surveys and community workshops all tailored to meet current COVID-19 guidelines.

To be involved and provide comments and feedback on the Environmental Justice Element, the community is encouraged to participate in the following:

Environmental Justice Workshop (online)
Thursday, April 29, 2021
6:00 pm
Register (English): https://bit.ly/MonroviaEJWorkshopEng
Register (Spanish): https://bit.ly/MonroviaEJWorkshopEsp
Two workshop participants will be randomly selected for a Monrovia Swag Bag

Environmental Justice Online Survey
April 15, 2021 – May 6, 2021
Link (English): https://bit.ly/MonroviaEJSurvey
Link (Spanish): https://bit.ly/MonroviaEJSurveyEsp
Two survey participants will be randomly selected Thursdays for a Monrovia Swag Bag

A general plan is a long-range visionary document establishing a framework for how a city will grow and change over the next two decades. It establishes goals, policies, and actions guiding growth, conservation and enhancement. In California, general plans serve as a “constitution” or blueprint for all future development. General plans are required to have chapters or “elements” that discuss land use, circulation/mobility, open space, conservation, noise, environmental justice, air quality, safety, and housing.

Public Comment Period Now Open Regarding Monrovia Switching to LA County Workforce Development Board

At the request of the City of Monrovia, an application was filed to add Monrovia to the Local Workforce Development Area administered by the County of Los Angeles. The filed application serves as a “Notice of Intent” to switch from the Foothill Workforce Development Board to the Los Angeles County Workforce Development Board, in accordance with the State of California Employment Development Department’s (EDD) Workforce Services Directive WSD20-04 Local Area Modification Process. The County currently provides services to residents of unincorporated Monrovia and other surrounding areas. On August 4, 2020, the Monrovia City Council convened and agreed in favor of the boundary modification request. On April 9, 2021, the Los Angeles County Workforce Development Board was advised of Monrovia's request.

Pursuant to WSD20-04 Local Area Modification Process and the Sunshine Provision [WIOA Section 107(e)], the public must receive notice of the request and allow at least 30 days for public comment. Accordingly, the Los Angeles County Workforce Development Board is opening a 30-day public comment period from April 9, 2021, to May 9, 2021. Public comments may be sent via email to PIO@ci.monrovia.ca.us.

Free Compost and Mulch Drive-up Event

At this time, all reservation spots have been filled for the free compost and mulch at the Public Works Yard (600 S. Mountain Avenue) on Saturday, May 22. For more information or to be placed on a waitlist should any spots open up, please contact Jamie Bumia, at (626) 932-5579 or email jbumia@ci.monrovia.ca.us.

The 2021 MOHPG Historic Homes Tour: A Virtual Experience

The Monrovia Historic Preservation Group will be hosting a virtual home tour this year in lieu of the in-person experience tour goers have enjoyed since 1983. Seven homes will be featured, each with its own video 5-10 minutes long plus an introductory video. The videos can be viewed anytime from May 1-9, 2021.

In order to watch the videos, you must register ahead of time. MOHPG is requesting a donation of $20 but that is optional.

Register on the MOHPG website and view a trailer video (3 minutes long) to give you a taste of what is to come. We hope you will join us for this special event - an opportunity to view seven of Monrovia’s vintage homes in the comfort of your own home.

City Tree Planting Program

The City of Monrovia has a few trees remaining to be planted as part of our Tree Planting Program. Staff has been working closely with residents to inquire about their desired planting locations in parkways and public spaces. The remaining trees available are small and medium-sized native trees such as Red Bud, Crape Myrtles, and Strawberry Marina. Here's your opportunity to request your tree before tree planting season is over!

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:

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… Sue Lamb! Since June 2020, we have received 3,706 reports for abandoned bulky items! Thank you for reporting these items!

COVID-19 At a Glance

Latest Facts & Figures

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 Renewal Construction Updates

Work is nearing completion in the Northeast Section of Monrovia! In the coming weeks, Excel Paving Company will complete the final sections of concrete improvements and begin preparing for road reconstruction activities.

For the week of April 26, various punch list items and approvals will be completed.

We appreciate your patience and support while we work to execute these improvements throughout our community! Should you have any questions, please call the Public Works at (626) 932-5575 or email monroviarenewal@ci.monrovia.ca.us.

We appreciate your patience and support while we work to execute these improvements throughout the community! If you have any questions regarding Monrovia Renewal, please feel free to contact Public Works at (626) 932-5575 or monroviarenewal@ci.monrovia.ca.us.

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 or Building Monrovia webpages.

Key Dates, Programs & Virtual Events

Job Opportunities with the City of Monrovia

  • Fire Cadet (Volunteer)
  • Director of Public Works

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 380 service events, resulting in 80 investigations. View the Neighborhood Watch Report.

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

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