Community Corner

Monrovia City Manager's Update - August 21, 2020

"If you have any questions or like specific updates on matters important to you, please reach out and let me know."

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Press Release Desk, News Partner

Press release from the City of Monrovia:

August 21, 2020

Hello Monrovians,

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

This past week has been very unpredictable. From wildfires and excessive heat, to rolling blackouts and Lyft, Inc. possibly “going dark,” it’s been another unique week as a city manager. This update has been prepared to share with what is taking place. If you have any questions or like specific updates on matters important to you, please reach out and let me know.

Have a wonderful weekend and stay safe, Monrovia!

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

Sincerely,
Dylan

Highlights in this Issue

GoMonrovia Update

Due to an emergency stay that was granted by an appeals court, Lyft operations are expected to continue meaning GoMonrovia will continue without interruption of service.

In accordance with AB5, rideshare companies including Lyft and Uber are required to reclassify their contract workers as employees. According to Lyft, the costs associated with reclassification are extreme and cost-prohibitive. Since the passage of AB5, these ridesharing companies have been in a legal battle with the State of California to exclude their companies from this law. Lyft requested a stay extension on the ruling to allow for their business to continue to operate during the appeal process and was granted an extension.

DUI / Driver's License Checkpoint

Monrovia Police Department will be conducting a DUI / Driver's License checkpoint on Saturday night, August 29. Vehicles entering the checkpoint will be stopped. Drivers will then be evaluated for being under the influence of alcohol and checked for having a valid driver’s license. Monrovia Police Officers will also be out in force through the end of summer conducting DUI Patrols.

Over the course of the past three years, there have been 336 DUI investigations, with 32 of those resulting in collisions with injuries, harming our citizens and neighbors of Monrovia.

Monrovia Police Department offers these reminders to ensure you have a safe night of fun without a DUI:

  • Always use a designated driver – a friend who is not drinking or other transportation
  • See someone who is clearly impaired try and drive? Take their keys and help them make other arrangements to find a sober way home
  • Report drunk drivers – Call 911

Funding for this checkpoint is provided to the Monrovia Police Department by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Learn more about the DUI/Driver's License Checkpoint.

LISC Neighborhood Business Grant

As you know, small businesses in Southern California have been hit hard by the pandemic. These enterprises are the lifeblood of our communities, and Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) is working hard to provide the resources they need to stay afloat.

Through the Neighborhood Business Grant Program, funded by Lowe’s, LISC will award $20,000 grants to 75 businesses in LA and OC. Designed to help small business owners meet their most immediate needs, grant funds may be used to pay rent and utilities, meet payroll, and take care of other operational costs.

The Neighborhood Business Grants program will prioritize:

  • Businesses owned by people of color
  • Businesses owned by women
  • Businesses located in low-income areas
  • Businesses in these sectors: Construction, Manufacturing, Retail, Transportation, Warehousing, Real Estate Renting or Leasing.

Applications must be submitted by Sunday, August 23.

There is Still Time to Rent a Garden Bed at the Monrovia Community Garden!

If you are a Monrovia resident or family in MUSD and are interested in renting a plot for year two of the pilot program, remember the deadline for applications is August 28. The program runs October 2020 to October 2021. The cost is $60 annually; scholarships are available on an as-needed basis.

Beginners to Experts are welcome!

For more information visit the Monrovia Community Garden online or send an email to info@monroviacommunitygarden.org for an application.

Census Bureau Home Visits Began In LA County

What Households Can Expect

  • The Census Bureau (CB) will provide face masks to census takers and requires that census takers wear a mask while conducting their work.
  • They will follow CDC and local public health guidelines when they visit.
  • Census takers must complete a virtual COVID-19 training on social distancing protocols and other health and safety guidance before beginning their work in neighborhoods.
  • Census takers are hired from local communities.
  • All census takers speak English, and many are bilingual.
  • If a census taker does not speak the householder’s language, the household may request a return visit from a census taker who does.
  • Census takers will also have materials on hand to help identify the household’s language.
  • If no one is home when the census taker visits, they will leave a notice of their visit with information about how to respond online, by phone or by mail. People are encouraged to cooperate with census takers and ensure that everyone who was living in their household as of April 1, 2020, is counted.

How to Identify Census Takers

  • Census takers can be easily identified by a valid government ID badge with their photograph, a U.S. Department of Commerce watermark, and an expiration date on the badge.
  • Census workers may also carry Census Bureau bags and other equipment with the Census Bureau logo.
  • Census takers may also deliver a paper questionnaire by hanging it on the front door in a water-resistant plastic bag.
  • To confirm a census taker’s identity, the public may contact their regional census center to speak with a Census Bureau representative.

Take the 2020 Census today!

LA County COVID-19 Rent Relief

In an effort to assist renters with limited means affected by the COVID-19 crisis, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has provided $100 million in CARES Act funds to create a COVID-19 Rent Relief program, operated by the Los Angeles County Development Authority (LACDA). The program launch on Monday, August 17, and will remain open for a two-week period, closing on August 31. The program’s goal is to assist between 8,000 to over 9,000 households.

The emergency rental assistance provided is intended to meet the needs of low-income renters who have struggled to pay their rent and/or who are behind on paying rent due to the economic impacts caused by the pandemic. Those who are most at need will be targeted with more assistance.

The program is available to all residents of the County who qualify, with the exception of residents living in the City of Los Angeles, as the City also received its own allocation of CARES Act funds. A W-9 and participation agreement are needed from the property owners to receive rental income on behalf of their qualified tenant; property owners must agree to the terms of the participation agreement. Citizenship documentation will not be requested from any party (renter or property owner).

A list of Frequently Asked Questions with more program detail is available at rentrelief.lacda.org

Support an Eagle Scout Project

On August 22, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Nathan Schwandt will be hosting a donation drive at Methodist Church at 140 E. Palm Ave., Monrovia . He will be collecting blankets, sleeping bags, tents, and brand new socks for his Eagle Scout Project. The blankets and sleeping bags can be used, but they must be washed before brought to the collection day.

For those who would like to assist but don't have blankets, Nathan will also be collecting monetary donations. The money will be used to purchase new items that are still needed after the collection day. All items will be donated to Foothill's Kitchen.

If you would like to donate prior to the collection day, please contact Nathan at 626-253-0185 to arrange a drop-off time.

LA County Cooling Centers

The Los Angeles County has designated cooling centers to provide the public relief from the heat. Residents who do not have access to air conditioning are encouraged to take advantage of these free cooling centers. To find a location near you, visit ready.lacounty.gov/heat or call 211.

The health and safety of staff and visitors at cooling centers is priority. When visiting a cooling center, the following are recommended:

  • Staff and visitors are instructed to stay home if they do not feel well. Any person reporting or exhibiting signs of illness is advised to seek appropriate medical care.
  • Staff and visitors are required to wear a face covering at all times.
  • Staff and visitors are advised to practice social distancing by standing at least six feet away from other persons, except for family members. Tables, chairs and other physical layouts are arranged to ensure appropriate distancing. Occupancy is reduced by more than half to prevent crowding.
  • Signage is posted throughout cooling centers reminding staff and visitors of key protective actions, including the proper way to wear face coverings, washing hands, covering sneezes and coughs, and to avoid touching their faces.
  • Cooling centers follow cleaning and disinfecting procedures. Frequently contacted surfaces like door handles, handrails, counters, seating, bathrooms, and floors are cleaned more often. Trash is collected and disposed of regularly.

Elevated temperatures may cause heat-related illnesses, which can occur suddenly. During the heat, please take the following precautions:

  • Drink plenty of water and keep hydrated throughout the day.
  • If you must go out, plan your day to avoid going out during the hottest hours, and wear sunscreen.
  • Cars get very hot. Never leave children or pets in cars and call 911 if you see a child or pet in a car alone.
  • Beware of heat-related illness, like heat stroke and call 911 if you see these symptoms: high body temperature, vomiting, and pale and clammy skin.
  • Check on those at risk, like those who are sick, older adults, pregnant women, and children.
  • Avoid strenuous work outs wearing face coverings or masks not intended for athletic purposes; this means avoiding contact with others while you work out.

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. Staff is working to with our maintenance contractor to source the needed parts but we are anticipating that the fountain will be down for about the next 4 weeks. If you have any questions or comments, please call the Public Works Department at (626) 932-5575.

Bulky Item Pick- Up Program

Due to COVID-19, Athens Services discontinued bulky item pick-ups in some cities, but have continued in Monrovia. During the pandemic, Monrovia's regular daily average went from 30 items per day to 90 items per day.

Athens Services provides two (2) scheduled bulky item collections, at no cost, for residential customers. To arrange for a bulky item collection, please contact Athens Services at (855) 557-1007. Bulky items include any nonhazardous, household items (furniture, appliances, and large boxes, mixed waste) that will not fit into your cart of bin.

Please schedule these collections at least two-days prior to your normal collection day. Once schedule, please place these items out with your normal trash for collection.

To schedule a bulky item pick-up, please call Athens Services at (855) 557-1007. For any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Public Works at (626) 932-5575

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.

Since June 4, we have received 1,370 reports for abandoned bulky items! Thank you for reporting these items! The winner for this week’s drawing is…. Marisa Rojas!

August is “National Water Quality Month” and we are Participating National Mayor’s Challenge for Conservation

The EPA has designated August as National Water Quality Month! As the City of Monrovia is responsible for providing water to the community, water quality is a key priority for our organization! Every July, the City releases the Annual Drinking Water Quality Report, also known as the Consumer Confidence Report, for the preceding calendar year (2019). The report provides information related to the source of your water, what is in it, how we treat it and how it measures in comparison to all State and Federal drinking water standards. We are happy to report that, again, for 2019, the City of Monrovia has met all water quality standards. View this report (and the previous 10 years) and learn more about the City’s water quality online.

In addition to water quality, another key priority related to our water operations is conservation. As everyone is likely aware, the State of California and the San Gabriel Valley, in particular, have been in a fluctuating state of drought for the last several years. In order to sustain sufficient water resources for all of our needs, we need to work on making conservation a way of life. As we have in previous years, the City is again participating in the Wyland National Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation. To support the City’s participation in this and our commitment to water conservation, please visit www.mywaterpledge.com and commit to conserving water! The Challenge will recognize and award Cities with the highest level of pledges so please join us in doing your part.

If you have any additional questions about water quality or conservation, please visit the City website or contact the Public Works Department at (626) 932-5575 or pwcomments@ci.monrovia.ca.us.

COVID-19 At a Glance

Latest Facts & Figures

Jurisdiction

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

Monrovia Renewal Construction Updates

Work is underway in the Northeast Section of the Monrovia Renewal project. This represents the final section of work for Monrovia Renewal, which is the largest public works project in City history! The Northeast project section includes the area of the City that is bound by the City limit to the east, Myrtle Avenue to the west, Greystone Avenue and Hillcrest Boulevard to the north, Colorado Boulevard and Royal Oaks to the south.

  • Phase 1: May & June
  • Phase 2: July & August
  • Phase 3: September & October
  • Phase 4: November & December

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.

For the week of August 24, work will include:

Sawcutting concrete sidewalk, curb and gutter for removal on the following streets:

  • Streets South of Greystone: Poinsettia Avenue, Grand Avenue, Aspen Drive, Pearl Avenue, Sierra Vista Avenue, Heliotrope Avenue, Poppy Avenue, Shamrock Avenue, Mountain View Avenue, Poppy Avenue, Valley View Avenue, Ocean View Avenue, and Madeline Drive

No Parking Signs distributed for street grinding on the following streets:

  • Grinding is scheduled to take place August 27- September 9:
    • Streets South of Lemon Avenue: Sombrero Road, Vaquero Road, Terrado Drive, Ranchito Road, Hacienda Drive, Bradbury Road, Bradoaks Avenue, Park Rose Avenue, and Orange Avenue
    • Streets South of Foothill Blvd: Encinitas Avenue, Palm Avenue, Lime Avenue, Canyon Boulevard, Jasmine Avenue, Heliotrope Avenue, Wildrose Avenue, Shamrock Avenue, and Oakdale Avenue

The schedule for street paving goes as follows:

  • Friday, September 4:
    • Terrado Drive, Ranchito Road, Lemon Avenue east of Bradbury Road, Berry Avenue, Holly Avenue, and Woodacre Lane
  • Tuesday, September 8:
    • Bradbury Road, Winding Oak Lane, Circle Oak Drive, and Park Rose Avenue
  • Wednesday, September 9:
    • Orange Avenue, Park Rose Avenue south of Lemon Avenue, Bradoaks Avenue, Maurice Street east of Shamrock Avenue, Lime Avenue, Oakdale Avenue, Palm Avenue, and Wildrose Avenue
  • Thursday, September 10:
    • Lime Avenue, Oakdale Avenue, Palm Avenue, Wildrose Avenue, and Heliotrope Avenue
  • Friday, September 11:
    • Lime Avenue, Jasmine Avenue, Palm Avenue, and Encinitas Avenue

Please expect that there will be limited access while street work is taking place during the day. Residents will have be able to access the street prior to paving as well as access each night. Please be mindful of all posted signage and traffic control plans.

Excel Paving, the contractor for this project, will be circulating notices to impacted residents prior to initiating work and posting necessary park restrictions in the work area. Please keep a look out for any notifications and abide by any parking restrictions. Regular street sweeping will not take place in the work area during construction so please focus on the posted construction parking signage.

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

Neighborhood Watch Report

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 365 service events, resulting in 58 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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