Community Corner

Monrovia City Manager's Update - December 4, 2020

This update has been prepared to share with you everything that is taking place in Monrovia.

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Press Release Desk, News Partner

Press release from the City of Monrovia

December 4, 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 in Monrovia. If you have any questions, please feel free to let me know.

Have a safe and wonderful weekend!

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

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

Highlights in this Issue

  • California Governor Regional Stay Home Order
  • Post-Bobcat Fire Mitigation Efforts in Hillside Neighborhood and Canyon Park
  • Monrovia Canyon Park | Bobcat Fire Aftermath
  • Emergency COVID Housing Impact Program Update
  • Foothill Workforce Development Board Grants
  • Crosswalk at Intersection of Olive and Mayflower Avenues to be Removed
  • Keep LA County Dining Grant Program
  • Tax Exemption Resources
  • Holiday Happenings in Monrovia
  • 2020 MAP Youth & Adult Leader Graduates

California Governor Regional Stay Home Order

On December 3, California Governor Newsom announced a new Regional Stay at Home Order.

The Regional Stay Home Order would be in effect for 3 weeks in regions with less than 15% ICU availability. This Order instructs Californians to stay at home as much as possible to limit the mixing with other households that can lead to COVID-19 spread. It allows access to (and travel for) critical services and allows outdoor activities to preserve Californians’ physical and mental health. This limited closure will help stop the surge and prevent overwhelming regional ICU capacity.

At this time, LA County is not affected by this new Order. We will be sure to update the community if this status were to change.

Post-Bobcat Fire Mitigation Efforts in Hillside Neighborhood and Canyon Park

City Staff is currently working with Los Angeles County Flood Control and that Natural Resources Conservation Service on plans related to mitigation efforts for possible mud and debris flows that may result in the aftermath of the Bobcat Fire. The Bobcat Fire burned approximately 115,000 acres in September 2020, including much of the foothills above Monrovia and assessments of the burn areas have indicated there is the possibility of mud and debris flows in two areas as a result of the burning. The locations of concern are:

  • The Neighborhood of Ridgeside Drive and Oakglade Drive
  • Within Canyon Park

Residents in the impacted neighborhood have been notified by notices, both left at the residences and sent out by mail, that have laid out the preliminary plans for these efforts and provided contact and meeting information. A meeting will be hosted for residents in the impacted area (Ridgeside Drive and Oakglade Drive) this Wednesday, December 9. For more information, contact Public Works at (626) 932-5575 or by email at pwcomments@ci.monrovia.ca.us.

Monrovia Canyon Park | Bobcat Fire Aftermath

Monrovia Canyon Park remains closed indefinitely, but know that, in time, these beautiful open spaces will welcome you back! During this time, we'll continue to share photos and videos of the recovery progress.

Emergency COVID Housing Impact Program

Since 2018, the City of Monrovia has been working in partnership with the local faith community and specifically Mountainside Communion Church on the Housing Displacement Response Program (HDRP). The goal of the program is to prevent Monrovia residents from experiencing homelessness by providing a “hand-up” to support those in danger of displacement. Through relational connections between advocates and people facing immediate housing displacement, leaders of Monrovia's faith communities, schools, and nonprofit organizations have worked together to get vital resources to those in immediate danger of losing housing.

In August 2020, the City was awarded a grant by the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments (SGVCOG) to develop and implement a Pilot Program; the Emergency COVID Housing Impact Program (“eCHIP”) to address the immediate relief, needed by Monrovians who have been drastically impacted by COVID-19. The eCHIP program functions as a branch of HDRP, with the goal of preventing clients from facing imminent displacement, by awarding one time funds for vital expenses, while also aiming to prevent more Monrovians from facing displacement and becoming clients of HDRP in the future.

If you would like more information about the Housing Displacement Response Program, or the Emergency COVID Housing Impact Program, please contact your local faith community or email hgibson@ci.monrovia.ca.us.

Foothill Workforce Development Board Grants

The Foothill Workforce Development Board (FWDB) serves employers and job seekers in the San Gabriel Valley by making investments in workplace skills development and job-specific training to help workers gain skills or obtain education and credentials that employers value. In turn, FWDB build relationships with businesses to understand their hiring needs and match qualified workers. FWDB maintain close relationships with schools and colleges to communicate the needed skills in the labor market. Ultimately, FWDB support our region's economy by making sure businesses have access to qualified, employable talent and can compete successfully.

Along with offering their services, FWDB also offers grants to support businesses and individuals. View the full list of Project Summaries and Grant Terms for FY 20-21.

For additional information contact:
Foothill Workforce Development Board
1207 E. Green Street, Pasadena, CA 91106
info@fwdbworks.org
(626) 796-5627

Crosswalk at Intersection of Olive and Mayflower Avenues to be Removed

During the week of December 7, Public Works will make some changes to the intersection of Olive Avenue and Mayflower Avenue that will result in the elimination of one crosswalk. In May of 2020, stop controls for traffic moving northbound and southbound along Mayflower Avenue were installed in response to concerns from residents in the area and the Monroe Elementary School community. The concerns were aimed at making it safer for pedestrians in the area accessing both the school and Lucinda Garcia Park to cross Mayflower Avenue. Although there was a crosswalk, there were no stop controls which created safety concerns.

While these changes have improved the overall pedestrian safety in the area, there was one unintended consequence created for the residents who live on the southern cul-de-sac of Olive Avenue. The installation of the stop controls and crosswalks did not leave sufficient room for motorists to make a left hand turn from Olive Avenue onto Mayflower Avenues. Under these conditions, these motorists were struggling to make the stop appropriately and would often find themselves obstructing southbound traffic, creating unsafe conditions.

In reviewing the intersection, the engineering team recommended the removal of the southern crosswalk as it is used considerably less than the one on the northern end of the intersection. In addition, when school is in session, there is not a crossing guard provided for the southern intersection.

On Monday, December 7, staff will eliminate the southern crosswalk and relocate that stop sign to allow for full turn movements and improved visibility. In addition, signage will be placed directing pedestrians to the other crosswalks to ensure safe pedestrian crossings of Mayflower Avenue.

Please contact Public Works at (626) 932-5575 or at pwcomments@ci.monrovia.ca.us if you have any questions or concerns about these improvements.

Keep LA County Dining Grant Program

In an effort to assist restaurants affected by the COVID-19 restrictions, Los Angeles County is launching the Keep LA County Dining Grant Program. Eligible businesses can receive $30,000 for working capital assistance.

Application period opens Thursday, December 3, 2020, at 12:00 a.m. and is available through Sunday, December 6, 2020, at 11:59 p.m., or until 2,500 applications are received, whichever comes first.

Your business is eligible if:

  1. You have a fixed brick and mortar location with a full-service kitchen. (Pop ups and food trucks are NOT eligible).
  2. You have less than 25 employees.
  3. You are located within Los Angeles County, but NOT in the Cities of Los Angeles or Pasadena.
  4. You do not have more than five business locations. Those with multiple locations, but with five or less, may only submit one application.
  5. You are NOT a corporate-owned franchise.
  6. Your restaurant has a current inspection grade of “C” or better.
  7. Your restaurant was established and operating no later than March 4, 2020.

Businesses that have already received assistance from other Los Angeles County CARES Act or COVID-funded programs, are not eligible for this Program.

Tax Exemption Resources

LA County Assessor’s Office Homeowner’s Exemption
If you own a home and it is your principal place of residence on January 1, you may apply for an exemption of $7,000 from your assessed value. The result is a $70 savings on the annual tax bill. The homeowner has to file by February 15 to receive the full year-long savings. If a homeowner files after the February 15 deadline, they will receive a prorated reduction this year only, and receive the full amount in subsequent years. Further instructions are included with the claim form. Apply of the Homeowners’ Property Tax Exemption.

Property Tax Exemption for Hillside Wilderness Preserve and Monrovia Public Library
In July 2000, the voters of Monrovia passed a special property tax to fund the purchase and maintenance of the hillside open spaces (wilderness preserve), and in March 2007, the voters passed a measure approving a special tax related to building a new Monrovia Public Library.

Eligible low-income Monrovia seniors and low-income disabled residents may be exempted from the community’s special parcel taxes for the Library and Wilderness Preserve by filing a simple form by June 30. To receive an exemption, a qualified resident must file a form with the City each year. A form will be mailed in April to those who have filed previously. For more information on the property tax exemption and to see if you qualify, visit the city's website.

Holiday Happenings in Monrovia

Monrovia is the place to be this holiday season! There are so many reimagined programs happening, including the Winter Wonderland Family Adventure at Home, an opportunity to see Santa’s Workshop and an expanded Santa Tours Holiday Parade.

Registrations are required for most programs and fees may apply.

Santa’s Workshop Family Photos
This holiday season, take a sneak peek into Santa’s Workshop while he is out preparing for the big day! Enjoy the festive and free family photos in our holiday themed rooms. Registration is limited and required. To visit Santa’s Workshop, families will be able to sign up for a 15 minute time slot. This program is free for Monrovia families and $15 for non-Monrovia families. To view the schedule and to register, visit the City's website. To ensure the health and safety of the community and COVID-19 guidelines are met, families participating in this program must keep six-feet physical distance from other families and face masks are required.

Winter Wonderland Family Adventure at Home
The City of Monrovia is excited to present Winter Wonderland Family Adventure at Home. During this six-week family adventure, participants will have the opportunity to explore and celebrate different Winter Holiday traditions through crafts, activities and family challenges. The program begins on Dec. 5 and runs through Jan. 23. Registration is limited and required. This program is free for Monrovia families and $15 for non-Monrovia families.

Old Town Carriage Rides
Horse-drawn carriage rides will be available in Old Town Monrovia on Sunday evenings in December! The horse-drawn carriage rides are $5 per person or free, for every $20 spent in Old Town Monrovia on that day. To ensure everyone’s health and wellness, the carriage rides will be offered for one family at a time. The horse-drawn carriage rides will be available on Dec. 6, 13, 20 and 27, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., and are first-come, first-serve. Those interested in a carriage ride can register at Monrovia Library Park the day-of.

12 Days of Recreation
During the 12 Days of Recreation, Recreation Elves will deliver gifts to inspire you to participate in your very own winter season recreation activities! The gifts will be delivered daily from Dec. 7 to Dec. 18. This program is free and only open to Monrovia families. Registration is limited and required.

2020 MAP Youth & Adult Leaders

The MAP Team is happy to announce 36 new Youth Leadership Academy & Adult Leadership Academy members joining the MAP family!

As you all already know, this year the MAP Youth and Adult Leadership Academies had to be re-invented so to speak. It went virtual and guess what?! In true MAP and Monrovia fashion, it worked. The new leaders were able to experience an 8-week long program that took place on Zoom. Each class was provided with amazing guest speakers and presentations that included resources and information related to that particular class. There was even a Google Classroom created to stay connected and try to create that sense of community, but this time virtually. Congratulations, MAP graduates!

2020 Holiday Home Decorating Contest

Submit your application for the 2020 Holiday Home Decorating Contest. What better way to celebrate the spirit of the holidays then by decorating your home!

  • Contest registration will close on Monday, December 7 at 5:00 p.m.
  • Judging will take place on December 10 - 13
  • Addresses of all entered homes will be included on the Holiday Home Decorating Contest Map

Come join in on the fun by decorating your home for the community to see!

Santa Tours Holiday Parade at Home

We invite you to enjoy this year’s Santa Tours and Holiday Parade from your home! This ever-popular program is set to take place during the week of December 7, when Santa Claus will be driving down every street in Monrovia.

Since we cannot gather for the Annual Holiday Parade in Old Town Monrovia, we are expanding Santa Tours to bring the Parade to you. Be sure to check the schedule and prepare your chairs, blankets, holiday sweets and hot cocoa!

Due to COVID-19, we are unable to invite families to ride on Santa’s Sleigh.

Gravel (Sand) Bags Available for Residents as We Approach the Winter Rain Season

As you begin to prepare for the winter rain season, the City has made gravel (sand) bags available for the resident use this season. Gravel and bags are available at Recreation Park in the parking lot off of East Olive Avenue, near the skate park and Barney Glen Baseball Field.

  • Recreation Park - 620 S Shamrock Ave, Monrovia, CA 91016

Please note that the gravel bags are self-serve. The City will provide the needed bags and gravel and residents must provide their own shovels, gloves and eye protection.

To ensure that there is enough for all of the resident who may use them, we ask that you please take only what you need.

Traffic Signal Timing Improvements in the Works for “L” Line (formerly Gold Line) Intersections

Over the last several weeks, City staff, LA County Public Works, Metro and Caltrans have been implementing and testing updated traffic signal timing at the intersection of Duarte Road and Myrtle Avenue. These efforts have been undertaken in response to the traffic issues and delays that have been an issue in this area since the Metro Gold Line (now known as the “L” line) went into service in 2016. The improvements are focused on upgraded hardware and software within the traffic signal controllers that have allowed for enhanced changes to be made to the signal programming. Some of the notable improvements include reducing the gate down time for when the rail crossings are activated by nearly half. In addition, these improvements will better control the cycling of the traffic signals to ensure that no traffic direction is waiting longer than the others when the signal cycles are interrupted by train traffic.

These improvements were implemented at the intersection of Myrtle Avenue and Duarte Road on November 19. Since these improvements have been implemented, staff from both Monrovia Public Works and LA County Public Works have observed the traffic signal operations and traffic flow during morning, afternoon, and evening peak hours. As a result of these observations minor adjustments continue to be made but overall, staff is satisfied with the improvements that have resulted from these changes. Staff will continue to monitor this intersection and will respond to any feedback received from the community on the traffic flows. It is important to note that although the Metro L Line (formerly Gold Line) is running at reduced operations, staff has kept this in mind when implementing the new programming.

Over the next two weeks, similar improvements will be implemented at the intersection of Duarte Road and Mountain Avenue. As with Myrtle Avenue, the improvements will be implemented, monitored and adjusted. Staff will continue to monitor them regularly and will respond to any feedback received from motorists and the community. Once these improvements are up and running, it is anticipated that similar improvements will be made to the intersections of Duarte Road and California and Duarte Road and Buena Vista (within the City of Duarte) in early 2021. Should you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact Public Works at (626) 932-5575 or PWcomments@ci.monrovia.ca.us.

Annual Tree Trimming to Continue

West Coast Arborists (WCA) has been in town, conducting annual tree trimming activities for the past few weeks. During this period, the activated have been focused in the area of the City between Mayflower Avenue and Myrtle Avenue from Foothill Boulevard to the South City Limit. This work is expected to wind down within the next two weeks.. Please be mindful of all parking restrictions, traffic control and construction signage in the work area as work is taking place.

Staff Working with Southern California Edison to Launch LED Retrofitting of Street Lights

Over the past several months, staff has been in discussion and coordination with Southern California Edison (SCE) related to a proposed LED Retrofit Project for Streetlights. SCE owns and maintains approximately 1,700 street lights throughout the City and is proposing to upgrade all of their existing high-pressure sodium lights to LED. LED bulbs use less energy and last significantly longer than the existing high pressure sodium bulbs. In addition, the LED light is a cleaner light that shines clearer with less glare, reducing light pollution along local streets.

Under the SCE Program, known as Option E, the City would enter into an agreement with SCE that funds the retrofit of the lights with an Energy Efficiency Premium Charge (EEPC) that would be added to the existing City street lighting bill. Being that the LEDs will utilize less energy, the reduced electricity costs would fund the EEPC and provide an estimated additional $14,000 per year in street lighting electrical cost savings.

The light generated by LED lamps look different, and we believe the best way to understand the difference in lighting is to see it. Staff has installed a sample of LED light fixtures along the 400 block of South Ivy Avenue, directly across from Monrovia City Hall. In addition, the City of Arcadia staff has provided us with some locations of street lights that were retrofit through the Option E Program with SCE for interested folks to visit and observe the appearance of the LEDF lighting. The locations are outlined below:

  • 1000 block of Bungalow Place - Arcadia
  • 1000/1100 block of Loganrita Ave - Arcadia
  • 1100 block of Magnolia Lane – Arcadia

Staff presented the program to the City Council for discussion and feedback at the City Council Meeting on November 17. Based upon the discussion, staff anticipates returning to the Council for further discussion on this item, and possible approval of the agreement, at the City Council Meeting on December 15. While staff is continuing their review in preparation of further discussion with the City Council, we welcome any and all comment and feedback on the proposed project. If you have any questions or concerns about this proposed project, please contact Chris Castruita at (626) 256-8224 or ccastruita@ci.monrovia.ca.us.

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. The winner for this week’s drawing is…Naomi Kishimoto! Since June 4, we have received 2,401 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

  • Burger King Monrovia - 4 staff cases

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 - September
  • Phase 2: July - September
  • Phase 3: September - November
  • Phase 4: October - 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 December 7, work will include:

Concrete pouring and restoration the following streets:

  • Streets North of Foothill: Encinitas Avenue, Ivy Avenue, and Canyon Boulevard between Foothill Boulevard and Greystone Avenue

We appreciate your patience and support while we work to execute these improvements throughout the community! If you have any questions regarding Monrovia Renewal, please feel free to contact Public Works at (626) 932-5575 or monroviarenewal@ci.monrovia.ca.us.

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

Job Opportunities with the City of Monrovia

  • Budget / Finance Administrator
  • Police Officer (Lateral)

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 323 service events, resulting in 45 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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