Community Corner

Monrovia City Manager's Update - August 28, 2020

The 8-week Adult Leadership Academy takes place on Thursdays, 7 p.m. - 9 p.m., September 10 to October 29.

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Press Release Desk, News Partner

Press release from the City of Monrovia:

August 28, 2020

Hello Monrovians,

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

This update has been prepared to share with you everything that is taking place. At a glance, you’ll find information on exciting news, programs and events! If you have any questions, please feel free to let me know.Have a wonderful weekend and stay safe, Monrovia!

Sincerely,
Dylan

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

Highlights in this Issue

MAP-edu Community Meeting

MAP Educational workshops are offered to keep the community educated on current community events and to highlight opportunities for involvement. If you missed the MAP-edu Meeting, a recording is now available. Topics of this meeting included an update from Mayor Tom Adams on the Ad Hoc Committee on Equity and Inclusion, a Q&A with City Manager Dylan Feik and an introduction of Monrovia's two newest officers.

MAP Adult Leadership Academy

The Adult MAP 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 from September to October for eight consecutive Thursdays 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 commissions, and City Council. We have 250+ MAP Adult Leaders.

The 8-week Adult Leadership Academy takes place on Thursdays, 7 p.m. - 9 p.m., September 10 to October 29. Register today!

  • Class 1 | September 10 | Get to Know MAP & Each Other
  • Class 2 | September 17 | History of Monrovia
  • Class 3 | September 24 | How to be a Leader
  • Class 4 | October 1 | Local Government 101
  • Class 5 | October 8 | Achieving Community Trust (ACT) Program
  • Class 6 |October 15 | Community Tools & Resources
  • Class 7 | October 22 | Public Speaking in Local Government
  • Class 8 | October 29 | Action!
  • Virtual Graduation | November 17th during live City Council Meeting

MAP Youth Leadership Academy

Through education, training, networking, and activism, Monrovia Area Partners work together to make Monrovia a fun, safe, and vibrant place to live. MAP hosts workshops & events to train and guide community members who are ready to be community leaders. The MAP Youth Leadership Academy Program is designed specifically to help youth learn, develop and grow so they, in turn, can take active roles in the health of their community.

The 8-week Youth Leadership Academy starts on September 9 and goes until October 28. Every class is held on Wednesday's from 3:30 p.m. - 5 p.m. Participants must be in grades 6-12. Register today!

  • Class 1 | September 9 | Get to Know MAP & Each Other
  • Class 2 | September 16 | Caring for Yourself & Others
  • Class 3 | September 23 | How to be a Leader
  • Class 4 | September 30 | Virtual Tour of Monrovia
  • Class 5 | October 7 | Virtual Ride Along with Monrovia PD
  • Class 6 |October 14 | Public Speaking Do's & Don'ts
  • Class 7 | October 21 | Career Day
  • Class 8 | October 28 | Action!
  • November 17th | Virtual Graduation @ City Council Zoom Meeting

Locate and Access Free County WiFi Hot Spots

The ability to access the Internet has become a critical necessity during the COVID-19 pandemic.

How it works
To expand your digital connectivity and access during the COVID-19 health crisis, follow these simple instructions:

  1. Visit findwifi.lacounty.gov or dial 2-1-1.
  2. Search for internet related services based on your physical address.
  3. You'll find:
    • internet resources for students
    • free County WiFi hot spots
    • internet provider contact information
    • mobile internet providers

For instructions on how to prepare a printer-ready map & list of WiFi hot spots you can share with others, click here.

Monrovia Providers Group

Monrovia Providers Group (MPG) was founded by individuals dedicated to ensuring that local seniors have an exceptional quality of life, a collection of professionals whose concerns and businesses touch the lives of the aging population. MPG hosts seminars, fun events and outreach programs to help our senior citizens by keeping them informed and aware of the services available to them, including vital information to keep them safe and live their best lives.

Their goal is to work together with all available community resources to serve seniors and their families. The organization has members from all areas of expertise, focused on senior care and resources. MPG has a robust Mini-Grant program to assist at-risk seniors, supported by our fundraising events and enjoy making a difference in the lives of the families and communities we serve.

If you are a business, non-profit organization or retired professional that serves Seniors in any capacity then you will benefit and make a difference by becoming an MPG member.

Respond to the 2020 Census

Once every 10 years, the census counts EVERYONE living in the U.S. – regardless of age, race/ethnicity or citizenship status. The results of the 2020 Census will help determine how hundreds of billions of dollars in federal funding flow into communities every year for the next decade. That funding shapes many different aspects of every community, no matter the size, no matter the location.

There are customer service representatives in more than 15 different languages to help you complete your 2020 Census! Call (844) 330-2020 and complete your census.

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.

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 1469 reports for abandoned bulky items! Thank you for reporting these items! The winner for this week’s drawing is…. Andrew Cooper!

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 31, work will include:

Saw cutting concrete removal, root pruning, grading, and concrete pouring 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

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. This process will take part of one day to grind the surface and part of another day to pave the surface. This work will have a delay time of a couple of weeks between phases but will remain accessible at all times but for a few hours while work is taking place.

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 361service events, resulting in 89 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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