Community Corner

Monrovia City Manager's Update - October 23, 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:

October 23, 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 week!

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

Sincerely,
Dylan

Highlights in this Issue

  • Monrovia Canyon Park Update
  • Monrovia City Council Proclaims October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month
  • Cancellation of November 3 Council Meeting
  • National Red Ribbon Week in Fight Against Drug Use
  • MAP Youth Academy Leaders in Action
  • Monrovia Public Library Receives Crisis Collection Grant
  • Southern California Gas Company to Install a Mainline on Mountain Avenue
  • Apply for the LA Regional COVID-19 Recovery Fund
  • 2020 Income Limits and Maximum Affordable Rental Rates
  • Monrovia Community Garden Winter Workshop
  • California Ecosystems Protection Act

Monrovia Canyon Park Update

Now that severals weeks have passed and the smoke has cleared, the burn areas at Monrovia Canyon Park are much more visible.

As we've mentioned, in total, about 278 acres of Monrovia Canyon Park is damaged while much more land area is damaged above the park, but still within the watershed area. With the need for ongoing damage assessments, insurance reviews and repairs, Monrovia Canyon Park will remain closed. The community can view the aftermath of the Bobcat Fire in the video attached. Special thanks to Community Media of the Foothills for capturing the footage!

Domestic Violence Awareness Month

With the rise in stress due to the COVID-19 crisis, domestic violence cases began to rise, as well. The Monrovia City Council is proud to proclaim October 2020 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month and encourages all to work together to eliminate domestic violence from our community.

For people experiencing domestic violence or suffering from mental health illnesses, there are services and resources available 24/7. You are not alone.

Cancellation of the November 3 Council Meeting

The Monrovia City Council Meeting on November 3 will be cancelled in lieu of the elections.

As the election gets closer and voting materials start to hit mailboxes, a lot of questions are coming in regarding how exactly to vote during this pandemic. California and the County of Los Angeles have taken precautions to be sure everyone can vote safely from home by mailing a ballot to every registered voter, regardless of whether they’ve requested to be a permanent vote by mail voter. This may come as a surprise to voters who still want to vote in person, which is still an option!

Visit cityofmonrovia.org/vote for information on:

  • Vote by Mail
  • Ballot Drop Box
  • Vote in Person

National Red Ribbon Week in Fight Against Drug Use

Red Ribbon Week takes place each year from October 23 through 3. Since the 1980s when National Red Ribbon Week was first started, the City has participated in this event, along with hundreds of other cities across the country. By this weekend, residents and visitors will see red ribbons tied to trees and light poles on Myrtle Avenue.

To highlight the history of how National Red Ribbon Week came to be, we wanted to pass along a story that our Community Activist Policing Bureau shared.

The Story Behind the Red Ribbon

Enrique "Kiki" Camarena grew up in a dirt-floored house with hopes and dreams of making a difference.

Camarena worked his way through college, served in the Marines and became a police officer. When he decided to join the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), his mother tried to talk him out it. "I'm only one person, BUT I WANT TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE" he told her.

The DEA sent Camarena to work undercover in Mexico investigating a major drug cartel believed to include officers in the Mexican army, police and government. On Feb. 7, 1985, the 37-year-old Camarena left his office to meet his wife for lunch. Five men appeared at the agent's side and shoved him in a car. One month later, Camarena's body was found in a shallow grave. He had been tortured to death.

Within weeks of his death in March of 1985, family and friends launched Camarena Clubs in Calexico, California, Camarena's hometown. Hundreds of club members pledged to lead drug-free lives to honor the sacrifices made by Camarena and others on behalf of all Americans. These coalitions began to wear red badges of satin and red ribbons, as a symbol Camarena's memory. The Red Ribbon Week campaign emerged from the efforts of these clubs and coalitions. By wearing a red ribbon or red wristband during the last week in October, Americans demonstrate their passionate opposition to drugs and drug addiction.

MAP Youth Academy Leaders in ACTION!

The current Leaders in the MAP Youth Academy recently participated in a drive-by parade for two local senior living communities. This was an opportunity for them to get out in the community in a safe and socially distant way. The seniors of these communities are often unable to interact with family or friends because of the current pandemic. Cars were decorated and horns were honked, and the kids and seniors greeted each other from afar! This was a fun experience that will be a memory for a lifetime!

Crisis Collection Grant

The Monrovia Public Library has received $5,000 from the California Public Library through the Crisis Collection Grant! Through this grant, the Monrovia Public Library will have the opportunity to purchase e-books to add to the online catalog.

Southern California Gas Company to Install a Mainline on Mountain Avenue

Starting on Monday, October 26, Southern California Gas Company (SoCal Gas) and National Pipeline (NPL) will begin working on the installation of a new distribution line on Mountain Avenue just north of Lemon Avenue. Due to reduced traffic in this area, SoCal Gas and NPL are allowed to begin working at 7 a.m. until 4 p.m. in an effort to expedite the project and mitigate the traffic impact. Motorists can expect lane closures on the shoulders north and south bound on Mountain Avenue. Motorists are expected to be mindful and adhere to construction and traffic control signage. The majority of the construction work is anticipated to be completed by November 6. The work will be completed with a temporary pavement patch and crews will return at a later date to complete final pavement restoration. SoCal Gas has begun the notification process to the residents in the area and will be posting “No Parking” signs by the end of the week.

Apply for the LA Regional COVID-19 Recovery Fund

The LA Regional COVID-19 Recovery Fund is making $100 million in grants available to micro-entrepreneurs, small businesses, non-profits, and diverse owned enterprises throughout Los Angeles County. Led by the County and City of Los Angeles in partnership with LISC LA and other partners, the LA Regional COVID-19 Recovery Fund was designed to provide a much-needed wave of financial relief to businesses due to COVID-19.

Applicants can apply for grants ranging from $5,000 - $25,000 during the remaining application period:

  • Round 6: October 26 – October 30

For all eligibility requirements and to apply, visit the LA Regional COVID-19 Recovery Fund website.

Please note that grant winners will be chosen through a randomized application system, but applications who meet certain criteria will be weighted more heavily in the system in order to support the most vulnerable Angelenos. These include: veteran-owned small businesses, and city and county districts that have a higher unemployment rate, lower education rate, lower median household income, and lower jobs-to-population rate.

If you have any further questions and/or need assistance, please email: lacovidfund@lisc.org.

2020 Income Limits and Maximum Affordable Rental Rates

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) sets income limits that determine the eligibility for HUD assisted housing programs. This has become the standard for a number of other programs that are based on income levels. These income categories are based on the area Median Family Income (MFI). The 2020 chart, which provides an estimate of maximum monthly rent levels based on family size by income level is now available for viewing.

Monrovia Community Garden Winter Workshop

The Monrovia Community Garden is excited to host the Winter Vegetable Workshop on November 14, 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m., through Zoom.

Did you know Monrovians can grow vegetables year-round in this climate? Join us as we discover what makes a winter garden successful in San Gabriel Valley. We will cover different vegetables and what they require as well as off season maintenance for your winter vegetable garden. To register, email us at: info@monroviacommunitygarden.org and let us know you would like to sign-up.

California Ecosystems Protection Act

As we're all very familiar with, Monrovia is home to an array of wildlife. Earlier this week, staff was made aware that a rodent box was placed at the Sawpit Spreading Grounds, North of Kiwanis Park. Anticoagulant rodenticides, commonly used to eliminate rodents and other unwanted insects, have been found to have a deadly effect on wildlife that prey on small mammals that have ingested the rodenticides. Wildlife that have been effected include mountain lions, bobcats, foxes, coyotes, and various endangered species. The City has been in contact with LA County Public Works, Flood Control, and the County has since removed the rodent box.

To protect California wildlife, on September 29, 2020, Governor Newsom signed the California Ecosystems Protection Act into law, which prohibits the use of second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides which are known to poison mountain lions and other wildlife.Through the California Ecosystems Protection Act, further research will be accomplished to access the negative impacts of anticoagulant rodenticides to determine whether they should be restricted or banned permanently.

Landlord Outreach Survey

The San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments (SGVCOG) is developing a regional landlord outreach, education, and incentive program in the San Gabriel Valley. This program will build on the Los Angeles County Development Authority's existing Homeless Incentive Program. In order to hear directly from landlords and property owners, SGVCOG has released a landlord survey.

This survey is intended to help local policymakers understand the needs and desires of landlords with residential properties in the San Gabriel Valley area. The survey typically takes no more than 5 minutes to complete and responses are completely confidential. Participate in this survey before October 31 for a chance to win a $25 Visa gift card! Take the survey.

Helpful Halloween Suggestions

Halloween is a favorite holiday for so many Monrovians! While we might not be able to do the traditional Trick-or-Treating in our neighborhoods or attend the Halloween Spooktacular at Library Park, there are some fun ways to celebrate! Here are a few suggestions…

  • Check out our Halloween Home Decorating Contest! Download a map of the participating homes, pack your popcorn and goodies, and tour Monrovia!
  • Decorate your own home as a Halloween Haunt and wave to all the visitors as they drive by to see your masterpiece!
  • Check out a Flashback Halloween Costume Contest! Tune in to see the extended version of the 2019 Halloween Spooktacular Costume Contest!
  • Go Old School and carve your pumpkin Halloween day! Or do it early and submit a photo to be a part of the City of Monrovia Jack-o-Lantern Contest, then watch a video of all the entries and celebrate the winners!

To learn more about these programs, visit cityofmonroviarecreation.org.

The LA County Department of Public Health recommends that we do not participate in door to door (or trunk to trunk) trick-or-treating, as ensuring physical distancing and sharing food can be risky.

As a reminder, gatherings and events are not currently allowed under DPH's Health Officer Order. Additionally, block parties, carnivals, festivals, live entertainment, and haunted house attractions are not allowed.

National Community Planning Month

It is National Community Planning Month, and in honor of the event, the Community Development Department has new blog posts to share!

Take a look at the Over the Counter Blog and join in on the National Community Planning month celebration!

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…Samantha Noor! Since June 4, we have received 2,094 reports for abandoned bulky items! Thank you for reporting these items!

COVID-19 At a Glance

Latest Facts & Figures

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 October 26, work will include:

  • Concrete pouring, restoration, and fine grading 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.
  • Concrete removals on the following streets:
    • Valley Vista, Grand Avenue, and Poinsettia 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

Neighborhood Watch Report

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 355 service events, resulting in 67 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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