City Of Monrovia: City Manager's Update | August 27, 2021

Press release from the City of Monrovia:

08/27/2021 9:58 AM

Hello Monrovians,

Welcome back to Canyon Park! On Monday, the City will host residents again at Canyon Park. We are so excited to see you again and hope you will enjoy your upcoming visits to the park.

Since the Bobcat Fire, so many people have reached out and asked about donations to the park. The City has been working closely with many groups including FEMA, the State of California and our own insurance carrier to address the costs associated with the fire damage and cleanup. If anyone desires to donate to the park, I’d like to recommend a donation to the Monrovia Parks, Wilderness, & Recreation Foundation, Inc., also known as MPWR. MPWR has already been raising money for new park improvements and would welcome any donation.

Sincerely, 
Dylan

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

Highlights in this Issue  

• Reservations Now Open for Monrovia Canyon Park 
• September 11 Community Remembrance
• Veterans Connect @ the Monrovia Public Library 
• Monrovia Police Department Swearing-In Ceremony 
• Job Opportunities: Office Administrator, Police Services Representative, Recreation Specialist 
• Biking for Bucks Application Deadline EXTENDED 
• Friends of the Monrovia Public Library Kids Book Sale 

Make a Reservation to Visit Monrovia Canyon Park

Monrovia Canyon Park is excited to welcome you back on Monday, August 30! 

Since last September when the Bobcat Fire burned hundreds of acres in Monrovia, including Monrovia Canyon Park, the facility has been closed to the public. Staff and volunteers have contributed countless hours repairing trails, clearing fallen trees, painting facilities and aiding in regrowth. The community is invited to enjoy all hiking trails, including the Waterfall Trail, Nature Trail, Bill Cull Trail, and Cunningham Overlook Trail!

At this time, Monrovia Canyon Park will be open to visitors by reservations only.

Our park may look different, but it's still a gem in our community! 

September 11 Community Remembrance

On September 11, 2001, the nation stood still as it witnessed the most horrific terrorist attack in history. Twenty years later, with the images of that day still etched in our minds, our country has grown stronger to prove beyond a doubt, that terrorism does not have a grip on our unfaltering patriotism.

This Patriot Day, Monrovia Fire & Rescue encourages you to take a moment to remember the innocent lives lost and to honor the selfless service and valiant acts of the first responders. Please join us at the community remembrance, on September 11, at 8 a.m., at Fire Station 101.

Veterans Connect @ the Monrovia Public Library

The Monrovia Public Library welcomes Hayden Velasquez, a Los Angeles County Veterans Service Officer, to the Veterans Resource Center. Hayden will be on-site Mondays, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., & Thursdays, 12 p.m. - 4 p.m., providing in-person assistance to veterans and their families in preparing and submitting claims and in representing claimants before federal, state and local agencies. To make an appointment, please call 626-256-8294.

In addition, Rhaniel Miel, from the Veteran Peer Access Network will also be on-site at the Veterans Resource Center on Tuesdays, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. The Veteran Peer Access Network (VPAN) is the first-ever community-driven support network serving veterans and their families in the U.S. VPAN connects non-profits and the VA and helps veterans navigate complicated systems so that they receive the services they deserve. Stop by or to make an appointment call 626-256-8294.

Monrovia Police Department Swearing-In Ceremony 

The Monrovia Police Department welcomed new officers and employees to the department! These men and women are incredibly excited to serve our community. 

Job Opportunities with the City of Monrovia 

We're seeking an individual to join our team!

• Office Administrator 
• Police Services Representative 
• Recreation Specialist (part time) 

The City of Monrovia is actively cultivating and promoting employee engagement and internal communication strategies to help build camaraderie between team members. We are focused on building an inclusive workplace for all individuals focusing on advancing social and racial equity, where unique talents and different perspectives are valued, and creative thinking is encouraged. If you're interested in joining the Monrovia team, submit your application today!

Biking for Bucks Application Deadline EXTENDED

Thank you to everyone who have checked out the new Biking for Bucks program! If you have not yet completed your application for reimbursement, you’re in luck! The deadline to submit has been extended to September 30! Get up to $350 back on your purchase of a bike and/or bike accessories. 

Don’t forget! Once you have a bike, remember to track your activity with us to enter into a raffle for a $50 gift card to a Monrovia business of your choice. Every week, we have 3 lucky winners and there will be a grand prize drawing at the end of the pilot program in November. So far, winners have received gift cards to Domenico’s, Vons, Basin 141, The Dog Zone, Trader Joe’s, Mikomi Sushi and the Monrovian. The next winner can be you!

Friends of the Library Kids Book Sale

Start the school year off right! Build up your child’s home library by visiting the Friends of the Monrovia Public Library’s Kids Book Sale on Saturday, August 28, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., in the Library Community Room. You’ll find new titles and classics all at low prices, $0.50 for paperbacks and $1 for hardcover books. 

Veterans Stand Out Tuesday, August 31

Greater El Monte Veterans of Foreign Wars Post is hosting Veterans Stand Out, an event targeting our unhoused veterans population in the San Gabriel Valley. The Veterans Stand Out is hosted through the Greater Los Angeles VA Health Care System’s Community Engagement & Reintegration Services (CERS).  The event will take place on Tuesday, August 31, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Greater El Monte VFW Post 10218, located at 11126 Ramona Blvd El Monte, CA 91731-3149. 
 
Services available/organizations scheduled at the event include:

• Screening for HUD VASH & Nurse practitioner staff from CERS/ HUD VASH
• Staff from the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) for questions about claims, pensions, etc.
• Salvation Army Supportive Service for Veteran Families (SSVF) & Salvation Army Bell Shelter
• Volunteer of America (VOA)
• PATH (People Assisting the Homeless)
• Department of Public Social Services (DPSS)
• LAHSA (Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority)
• JVS-SoCal & their Veteran Peer Access Network (VPAN) staff

Santa Anita Family YMCA Campaign to Reopen 

The Santa Anita Y needs your support! With your help, the Santa Anita Y is set to re-open in January 2022. A fundraising goal of $90,000 has been set to provide state of the art fitness equipment and extended community resources. 

Additionally, the Santa Anita Y plans to launch community programming focused on fighting food insecurity, providing equity in education, making sure every child has the opportunity to experience the joy of sports, ensuring kids and teens have a safe place to grow, and learn and live a healthy lifestyle. 

Monrovia Chamber of Commerce Career Expo

The Monrovia Chamber of Commerce is excited to host the 2021 Career Expo! This is a wonderful opportunity to meet face-to-face with local businesses that are currently hiring. Whether you're a resident of Monrovia or of the San Gabriel Valley, all are welcomed to attend!   

This event will take place on Wednesday, September 8, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., at the DoubleTree Monrovia.

Work is Nearly Complete for the New EV Charging Station in Old Town 

Construction is nearly complete on the EV charging stations in Old Town Monrovia, and the charging station will be available for public use by the end of the month.

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. Thank you for your cooperation and patience as we work to complete these improvements! All remaining construction activity will be done between the hours of 7AM- 3PM. Fencing is up along the side walk to block off the construction site and access aisles will be provided for drivers to continue to have access to the other parking stalls in the parking lot.

To celebrate the inauguration of these new charging stations, the City will offer 30 days of free charging following the completion of the installation. The charging stations will utilize the PowerFlex Charging App, available on the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store.

Monrovia Community Garden Accepting Applications for Garden Beds 

Want to join the Monrovia Community Garden? We are now accepting applications for the third year of the program!

The garden is located at 303 West Colorado, and there are 21 raised garden beds available for rent on an annual basis. Garden beds are open to Monrovia residents and families enrolled in MUSD. If you're interested in renting a garden bed, please download an application and submit it by September 10, 2021. The fee is $60 annually and scholarships are available to those who qualify. The program will run from October 2021-October 2022.

To contact Garden Director for more information, please send an email to info@monroviacommunitygarden.org.

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. We hope all Monrovians keep in mind these tools and tips to use water wisely.

• When hand-washing dishes, never run water continuously. Wash dishes in a partially filled sink and then rinse them using the spray attachment on your tap.
• If you have an electric dishwasher, use it only to wash full loads, and use the shortest cycle possible. 
• When brushing your teeth, turn the water off while you are actually brushing.  

Water Smart Home Program

Upper San Gabriel Water District is proud to announce the debut of its Water Smart Home Program!  Qualifying Monrovia residents may be eligible to receive up to six types of water conservation items to be installed in their home, free of charge, by a licensed contractor.

Qualifying residents must either: 

• Reside within the designated program area (purple shaded area) of Upper District’s service boundaries, or 
• Be enrolled in an income- assisted water bill program with the City of Monrovia for an address within the Upper District’s boundaries.

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.

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.

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

• Summer Movies in the Park | August 28
• Monrovia Unified School District Presents Broadway Under the Stars | August 28
• MAFA Summer Art Walk | August 28
• Monrovia City Council Meeting | September 7 | 7:30 p.m. 
• MAFA Summer Art Walk |  August 28 
• Monrovia Chamber of Commerce Career Expo | September 8
• Make an Appointment for Passport Services at Monrovia Community Center 
• Monrovia Street Fair & Market | Fridays | 5 p.m. - 10 p.m.
• E-Waste Drop Off at Monrovia Public Works Yard | Daily
• Subscribe to e-Notifications for Meeting Agendas
• Request a Bulky Item Pick-Up

Job Opportunities with the City of Monrovia 

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 420 service events, resulting in 72 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.