City Of Monrovia: City Manager's Update | August 6, 2021

Press release from the City of Monrovia:

08/06/2021 9:57 AM

Hello Monrovians,

I'm excited to announce that the unveiling of the fifth Neighborhood Treasure honoring Leroy "Buster" Criss will take place on Saturday, August 7! To commemorate this moment, a block party will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at 200 E. Maple Ave., and the entire community is invited to attend.  

Dylan

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

Highlights in this Issue  

• Upcoming Monrovia Area Partnership Events & Programs
• Free COVID-19 Testing at Foothill Unity Center 
• Etch & Catch, A Catalytic Converter Theft Prevention Event 
• Pasadena Humane Society Presents Coexisting With Coyotes and Peafowl 
• 2020 Water Quality Report Now Available 
• Exotic Fruit Fly Infestation in Arcadia
• Parking Enforcement Resumes for Timed Parking 

Upcoming Monrovia Area Partnership Events & Programs

Virtual MAP-edu – Saturday August 21 - On Saturday, August 21, the Monrovia Area Partnership will be hosting a virtual MAP-edu from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. This MAP-edu will have speakers from San Gabriel Valley Metro Water District, Vector Control, and Code Enforcement. They will discuss the drought, water restrictions, lawn maintenance, and mosquitos. Be sure to register for the virtual MAP-edu. Register at: MAP-edu Tickets, Sat, Aug 21, 2021 at 11:00 AM | Eventbrite

MAP Youth Leadership Academy, Beginning September 8 - The MAP Youth Leadership Academy is an opportunity for those in grades 6-12 gain education, skills, and resources that will help prepare them for the outside world and to be a leader in that world. The first step towards being an exceptional leader is by taking advantage of opportunities like this to learn different ways to be a better version of yourself. A version that can reflect unto others and make a positive impact throughout the community and world! This free opportunity is held annually from September to October for eight consecutive Wednesdays and gives youth a chance to get out of their shells; practice public speaking, learn about their local government, how to be a leader, the importance of volunteering, building their resumes, practicing mock interviews, and what to expect upon High School graduation. MAP Youth Leadership Academy graduates become MAP Leaders - key component of our Monrovia Area Partnership (MAP) program. We consider ourselves a family, so join us on this wonderful journey in becoming the best leader you can be! The 8-week Youth Leadership Academy starts on September 8 and goes until October 27. Every class is held on Wednesdays from 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM. Register at: MAP Youth Leadership Academy Tickets, Wed, Sep 8, 2021 at 3:30 PM | Eventbrite

MAP Adult Leadership Academy, Beginning September 9 - The MAP Adult Leadership Academy was formed to educate our residents about City Government and how it functions, to provide leadership skills and resources to assist them in becoming connected and active in the community. To be part of positive solutions.  This academy is held annually and provides graduates with a solid foundation of knowledge to jump-start their work in the community. Many MAP graduates (MAP Neighborhood Leaders) have and/or are currently serving in the community in various roles in their neighborhoods, in various organizations, on boards and commission and City Council. Today, our MAP Adult Leadership Academy boasts over 250+ graduated adult leaders and you can be one of those - join us in the positive change! The 8-week Adult Leadership Academy starts on September 9 and goes until October 28. Every class is held on Thursdays from 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM. Register at: MAP Adult Leadership Academy Tickets, Thu, Sep 9, 2021 at 7:00 PM | Eventbrite

Free COVID-19 Testing at Foothill Unity Center 

Foothill Unity Center is partnering with the Community Organized Relief Effort (CORE) to provide free COVID-19 testing. The test site is open to the public, every Friday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., at 790 W. Chestnut Ave., Monrovia, 91790. Appointments are not required, and test results are available in 24 to 48 hours. For more details, please contact gaby@foothillunitycenter.org.

Etch & Catch, A Catalytic Converter Theft Prevention Event  

Ward's Service Auto Repair and the Monrovia Police Department will host a free catalytic converter etching event on August 28, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. at Ward Service Auto Repair (130 Railroad Ave., Monrovia, CA 91016). This is a free event, open to Monrovia residents only. Reservations are required and space is limited.

Pasadena Humane Society Presents Coexisting With Coyotes and Peafowl 

Concerned about neighborhood coyotes? What about peafowl? Interested in learning how to help keep them away? Then join this family-friendly webinar as Wildlife Manager Lauren Hamlett shares information about the urban coyote and peafowl. She will demonstrate humane hazing techniques so that you can safely and peacefully coexist with urban wildlife. Register for the webinar.

2020 Water Quality Report Now Available  

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and State Water Board regulate the amount of certain contaminants in all public water systems, including that provided by the City of Monrovia, for the protection of public health. As required by the Water Board, the City is required to test for a range of contaminants in both the source water produced directly from our wells and the treated drinking water that is delivered to you, the customer. The Annual Water Quality Report lists all contaminants detected in your water that have Federal and State drinking water standards. The presence of a contaminant in the water does not necessarily indicate that the water poses a health risk. All drinking water, including bottled water, may be reasonably expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants.

In July 2021, the City of Monrovia issued the 2020 Drinking Water Quality Report, also known as the Consumer Confidence Report. This document includes details about where your water comes from, what it contains, and how it compares to State and Federal standards. We are proud to report that the drinking water provided in 2020 meets all Federal and State drinking water standards. 

More information about drinking water standards and potential health effects can be obtained by visiting the US EPA’s website or calling their Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791.

Parking Enforcement Resumes for Timed Parking

Today, Friday, August 6, 2021, the Monrovia Police Department has resumed parking enforcement for Timed Parking. Please pay attention to all posted signs when choosing your next parking spot, especially noting the time allocated for parking.

Exotic Fruit Fly Infestation in Arcadia

Collected between June 16, 2021 and July 26, 2021, the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) confirmed that two oriental fruit flies (OFFs), Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) group, were trapped in Arcadia. 

Mated female OFF will deposit eggs into host fruits and vegetables, resulting in maggots and making the produce unfit for consumption. OFF targets over 230 different fruit, vegetable, as well as commercial agriculture, including apples, avocados, figs, and lemons to name a few. According to the LA County Department of Agricultural Commissioner/Weights and Measures, the diversity of trees and fruits targeted by OFF makes this exotic fruit fly a most serious and damaging agricultural pest.  

CDFA will be conducting treatments to eradicate the infestation OFF in and around Arcadia. During this time, residents may notice a specially equipped, marked pickup truck passing slowly by streetside trees.

If you have concerns or questions, you are welcome to call the CDFA Pest Hotline at 1 (800) 491-1899.

Work Continues on EV Charging Station in Old Town Monrovia

Construction continues on the EV charging stations in Old Town Monrovia. 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. To celebrate the inauguration of these new charging stations, the City will offer 30 days of free charging following the completion of the installation. We expect the charging station to be available for us by the close of the month.

We recognize that construction can be messy and inconvenient, and thank you for your cooperation and patience as we work through these improvements! All 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.

For more information about the EV Charging Pilot project, please contact Chris Castruita at (626) 256-8224 or ccastruita@ci.monrovia.ca.us.

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.

Indoor Tips

• Stop Running Water. Turn off the water when you are brushing your teeth and shaving. Doing so will save up to 2.5 gallons per minute.
• Limit your Showers to 5 Minutes. Spend only 5 minutes in the shower and save up to 25 gallons each time.
• Fix The Drips. Repair your leaks immediately and save up to 20 gallons a day.
• Wash Full Loads Only. Washing only full loads of laundry and dishes can save 15-50 gallons per load.
• Buy Efficient Appliances. Buy water-saving devices like high-efficiency toilets and clothes washers, and save many gallons per day.

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.  The winner for this week’s drawing is… Sarah Earll! Since June 2020, we have received 5,119 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 

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

• Summer Concerts in the Park | weekends in July & August 
• Summer Movies in the Park | August 21 & August 28
• Monrovia City Council Meeting | September 7 | 7:30 p.m. 
• MAFA Summer Art Walk |  August 28 
• 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 

• Recreation Coordinator
• Senior Development Services Technician   
• Library Associate 

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 349 service events, resulting in 54 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.