City Of Monrovia: City Manager's Update | October 15, 2021

Press release from the City of Monrovia:

10/15/2021 10:34 AM

Hello Monrovians,

During the months of October and November, I will be visiting different community groups to share an update on Measure K, the Keep Monrovia Revenues Local Sales Tax Measure. As you may recall, Measure K ensures that new sales tax revenues stay in Monrovia and are reinvested into our community. On April 1, 2021, the new sales tax measure went into effect, and based on projections, the estimated revenue generated by Measure K is $10.8 million for Fiscal Years 2021-23. Measure K funds are put towards projects that align with the Monrovia City Council’s goals of Financial Management, Infrastructure, Customer Service and Relationships. So far, the Monrovia City Council has only approved $3,574,916 towards: one-time infrastructure improvement projects, increasing financial reserves, battling cages at Barney Glenn Baseball Field, and the American Disability Act Transition Plan. 

Residents, along with in-town business owners, are encouraged to fill out a form on the City's website with spending suggestions for the new sales tax revenue received from Measure K. 

Also, on Tuesday, October 19, staff will be presenting the initial draft of our very first, Capital Improvement Program known as the CIP. The 5-year program is a tool that staff has developed to maintain City infrastructure into the future. The CIP will become a complimentary part of the annual Budget process. So as Council considers and approves over $130m in spending, they will review the CIP and prioritize projects, replacements and annual programs to ensure we are maintaining streets, parks, trails, water systems and all City infrastructure into the future. I encourage you to view the draft and share your thoughts.  

Sincerely, 
Dylan

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

Highlights in this Update  

• Scheduled Power Outages in the Northeastern Section of Monrovia
• SoCal Gas Conducting Aerial Methane Mapping
• Joe Callahan, Volunteer at Veterans Resource Center
• Access Digital Newspapers & Magazines with your Library Card 
• Virtual Neighborhood Watch Interest Meeting
• Old Town Monrovia Walking Tour
• Biking for Bucks, GoMonrovia   
• International ShakeOut Day 
• National Prescription Drug Take Back Day
• MAFA Presents Gallery Artist Reception
• New Monrovia Reads Van Launch Party

Scheduled Power Outages in the Northeastern Section of Monrovia   

Southern California Edison (SCE) has planned power outages to take place in  certain sections of Monrovia. SCE will continue to upgrade aging infrastructure, make needed improvements, and complete other repairs. SCE and their contractors will perform work in the following locations:

• Tuesday, October 19
  • 300 block of East Hillcrest Boulevard (8 a.m. – 2 p.m.)
  • 300 block of Bradbury Road (8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.)
• Tuesday October 19 - October 20 (9 p.m. – 5 a.m.)
  • 200 block of North Mayflower
• Saturday, October 23
  • 600 block of Terrado Drive (8 a.m. – 3 p.m.)
  • Shamrock Ave between Valley View and Ocean View (9 a.m. – 1 p.m.)

Customers that will be impacted by this outage have received notifications from SCE. During a power outage, SCE customers can view current information regarding the outage and the estimated restoration time by visiting SCE Online. 

Should you have any questions, please call SCE outage phone number at 888-759-6056.

SoCal Gas Conducting Aerial Methane Mapping

Pipeline safety and maintenance is of top priority for SoCalGas. As such, SoCalGas will be conducting methane emission mapping over SoCalGas infrastructure in the Cities of Monrovia, Arcadia, Temple City, Rosemead, El Monte as well as over the community of South San Gabriel.
 
This new technology allows SoCalGas to detect methane emissions from the air at 500 ft altitude (within normal FAA flight operations regulations). SoCalGas will use a helicopter for the operation:

• Weather permitting, the project will take place on Wednesday, October 20, and Thursday, October 21
• Hours of operation will be from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• The Bell JetRanger helicopter will be going back and forth in a lawnmower pattern at 500 ft
• There is no threat to the community. On the contrary, detection of methane emissions is another method in helping keep the communities SoCalGas serve safe and is part of the SB 1371 Natural Gas emissions reduction program.

If you have any questions regarding the helicopter activity, please contact SoCalGas Customer Contact Center at 1(800) 427-2200. Company representatives are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 

Joe Callahan, Volunteer at Veterans Resource Center

City of Monrovia volunteer, Joseph Callahan, was recognized by ABC7 for his generosity!  Joe published two books, 1972: My War Story and Navy Diver, and donated all proceeds to the Veterans Resource Center at the Monrovia Public Library. Since 2016, Joe has served as a volunteer Adult Literacy Tutor and Veterans Resource Benefit Coach at the library. Joe and his wife, Sheryl, reside in Monrovia and have four children and nine grandchildren. 

The Monrovia Public Library is one of over 60 libraries in California with a dedicated Veterans Resource Center. In partnership with the California Department of Veterans Affairs, the Veterans Resource Center helps service members and their families learn about benefits that may be available through their military service. The Veterans Resource Center specializes in enhancing the quality of life for those who have served by providing resources to reintegrate veterans into our communities.

Access Digital Newspapers & Magazines with your Library Card

The Monrovia Public Library introduces a brand new digital newspaper and magazine app called PressReader! With PressReader, Library card holders get instant access to more than 7,000 of the world’s top newspapers and magazines. From The Los Angeles Times, The Washington Post, The Guardian, The Globe and Mail, to Newsweek, Vogue, Bloomberg Businessweek, and People, PressReader delivers full issues of premium newspapers and magazines the moment they hit newsstands.

Key Features:

• Read publications and stories just as they appear in print
• Get your favorite publications auto-delivered so you never miss an issue
• Download full issues for offline reading
• Instantly translate stories in up to 16 languages
• Listen to stories with on-demand narration

Download the PressReader app or visit pressreader.com to get started. Need a Library card? You can register for free in person or online at monrovia.biblionix.com/catalog to get access to all of the Library’s print and digital content.

Virtual Neighborhood Watch Interest Meeting 

For those who are interested in becoming involved in the Neighborhood Watch Program, the Monrovia Police Department will be hosting a Zoom meeting to introduce the program and to be available to answer questions. The meeting will be on Tuesday, October 19, at 5:00 p.m. 

Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88694096685?pwd=MmhYa2UrOXdRVkRqZXErcHErNTduUT09 

Meeting ID: 886 9409 6685
Passcode: 369680

Old Town Monrovia Walking Tour

Monrovia Historic Preservation Group is hosting a historic walking tour of Old Town Monrovia! You'll learn about the history of Monrovia, from its founding in 1886 to the present day. Don’t miss this chance to discover more about the events and people who helped shape the town’s history! 

The tour will take place on Saturday, October 16, at 10 a.m., and the cost is $5 per person. Those interested in attending are asked to meet at the southeast corner of Palm Avenue and Myrtle Avenue. The two hour tour will cover eight city blocks.

Biking for Bucks 

We’re encouraging all those who work or live in Monrovia to ride their bike and track their mileage for a chance to win a $50 gift card to a local Monrovia business! Our Biking for Bucks program is to help encourage a healthier mode of transportation for our residents while also taking care of our planet.  You can register your bike and track your weekly trips by visiting our GoMonrovia website, and if you have any questions please feel free to contact our team at: GoMonrovia@ci.monrovia.ca.us. 

International ShakeOut Day

Thursday, October 21, is International ShakeOut Day! The Earthquake Country Alliance has developed a step-by-step guide for staying safe before, during, and after an earthquake.

1. Secure your space by identifying hazards and securing moveable items.
2. Plan to be safe by creating a disaster plan and deciding how you will communicate in an emergency.
3. Organize disaster supplies in convenient locations.
4. Minimize financial hardship by organizing important documents, strengthening your property, and considering insurance.
5. Drop, Cover, and Hold On when the earth shakes.
6. Improve safety after earthquakes by evacuating if necessary, helping the injured, and preventing further injuries or damage.

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day

October 23, 2021, is National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. The National Prescription Drug Take Back Day addresses a crucial public safety and public health issue. The DEA’s Take Back Day events provide an opportunity for the community to dispose of any unwanted, unused or expired prescription medications in your house. To locate a collection site near you, please visit takebackday.dea.gov. 

MAFA Presents Gallery Artist Reception

You're invited to the Artist Alley Gallery to celebrate a new three-month art installation of four MAFA artists, on October 24, from 2 to 5 p.m. The exhibit will feature paintings by Brad Haugaard, Melissa Ahaus, and Jeni Bate, as well as pen and ink and colored pencil drawings by Eric Watkins.

In addition, the event will feature displays of art from students of the Clifton Arts Academy at Clifton Middle School, as well as California School of the Arts—San Gabriel Valley. The students’ art from each school will be adjudicated by a professional artist and prizes awarded at the close of the reception at 5 p.m.

The five-member band Lobo Reese will provide live musical entertainment, and the reception will include delicious refreshments from Rivanis Baking Company and beverages from Wine of the Month Club. 

Interested art buyers can purchase art from the four featured MAFA Artists (via check only) at the front desk of the Community Center. Purchased items will be tagged as sold and the proud new owners may take the art home at the end of the current three-month show. 

After October 24, the public can still view and purchase art from this installation until January 29, 2022, during the Community Center’s businesses hours: Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. – 9 p.m., Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., and closed Saturday and Sunday except for special events (during which the gallery will be open).

Artists interested in participating in this gallery should contact Eric Watkins, Gallery Coordinator, at eric.redrose085209@yahoo.com. Participating artists must be active MAFA Artist Members. For more information and to RSVP for the gallery receptions, contact Christine Geltz at christine@monroviafinearts.org.

New Monrovia Reads Van Launch Party

Join us in Monrovia Library Park on Wednesday, October 27, at 4 p.m., for the launch of our brand new, electric Monrovia Reads Van! Speakers from the City and Monrovia Reads will help us celebrate this new vehicle that will be bringing library services to local schools and community events throughout the year. This customized vehicle was funded by a grant from the California State Library.

Celebrate OAKtober with Free Oak Saplings 

In celebration of “OAKtober” and the benefits that our oak trees provide, Grow Monrovia will give six varieties of oak saplings (Scrub, live, cork, Englemann, black, valley) to residents of Monrovia who would like to grow oak trees in their own yards. When planted young, oak trees develop healthier root systems and grow at a faster rate.

On October 16, 21 and 28, presentations will be given by different oak experts/advocates, discussing everything from oak tree planting to oak tree care to the ecological and environmental benefits of planting oak trees. There will be representatives from the LA Arboretum, The Huntington Library and Metabolic Studio to name a few. The events will last about an hour with an opportunity for the community to ask questions at the end.

California Native Plant Sale 

The California Native Plan Society, San Gabriel Mountain Chapter, will host a Native Plant Sale on Saturday, November 6, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., at the Monrovia Historical Museum. 

A good variety of reasonably priced California native plants and wildflower seeds appropriate for gardens in the Los Angeles basin will be available, including plants for attracting birds and butterflies to your home garden. Knowledgeable chapter members will also be on hand to answer questions.

Grid Tree Trimming 

West Coast Arborists (WCA), the City’s contracted tree trimming company, will continue tree trimming in Grid 3 this week as they work between Colorado and Foothill from Mayflower through 5th Ave.

Grid 3 is the area between south of Foothill Blvd to the southern City limit, between Mayflower Avenue and 5th Avenue.

All City trees are pruned on a regular basis using best practices from the international society of arboriculture. Trees are trimmed in a manner that will encourage good development while preserving their health, structure, and natural appearance. During the trimming, traffic control will be in place and minor traffic delays may occur. Please be mindful of all posted signage.

Should you have any questions, please contact the Public Works Department at (626) 932-5575.

Water Conservation is a Way of Life 

As we continue to remain in this California Drought, it’s important we continue to preserve water but also keep our trees healthy. Trees offer many benefits such giving us oxygen to breathe, reducing the amount of storm water runoff, and providing shade! Our trees also help our wildlife by providing habitats for many of our birds and small critters. 

It’s crucial we continue to take care of our trees and preserve them for future generations to enjoy! 

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.

Since June 2020, we have received 5,833 reports for abandoned bulky items!

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.

Since June 2020, we have received 5,930 reports for abandoned bulky items. This week’s winner is…Christine G.! 

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

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

•  Virtual Military Academy Day | October 16 | 9 a.m. 
• Monrovia City Council Meeting | October 19 | 7:30 p.m.
• Make a Reservation for the Compost & Mulch Giveaway | October 23 | 8 a.m. 
• Make a Difference Day | October 23 | 8 a.m.  
• Centre Stage's Be Our Guest Annual Fundraiser | October 24 | 5 p.m. 
• Household Hazardous and Electronic Waste Drive-Thru | October 30 | 9 a.m.  
• Trick-or-Treat & Halloween Bash | October 31 | 3 p.m. 
• 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
• Request your Water Conservation Kit

Job Opportunities with the City of Monrovia 

• Principal Accountant 

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 422 service events, resulting in 74 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.