Community Corner

Monrovia City Manager's Update - October 30, 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 30, 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

Highlights in this Issue

  • Halloween Home Decorating Contest Winners
  • Helpful Halloween Celebration Suggestions
  • Voting During a Pandemic
  • Primrose Avenue Reduced to One Lane from Maple Avenue to Huntington Drive for SoCal Edison Equipment Replacement
  • FEMA Disaster Assistance
  • Consideration of Posthumous Pardon for Steven Kiyoshi Kuromiya
  • Enhanced Outdoor Dining - 400 block Myrtle Ave. - Now Expanded to Saturdays!
  • Monrovia Old Town Advisory Board Vacancy
  • City of Monrovia Job Alerts
  • Annual Tree Trimming to Begin on November 9
  • Staff Working with SoCal Edison to Launch LED Retrofitting of Street Lights

Halloween Decorating Contest Winners

Congratulations to all the winning homes and businesses! The map is available for families to take a driving tour through the city and see all the festive Halloween displays.

Home Contest Winners

  • Best Inflatable Display - 309 N. Madison Ave.
  • Best Light Display - 746 Ocean View Ave.
  • Best Pumpkin Display - 802 S. California Ave.
  • Judge's Award - 516 E. Foothill Blvd.
  • Haunted House Display - 848 Ridgeside Dr.
  • Most Creative Display - 125 Acacia Ave.

Business Contest Winners

  • Best Pumpkin Display - Puff Monkey, 427 S. Myrtle Ave.
  • Judge's Award - Law Offices of Mauro Fiore, Jr. 136 E. Lemon Ave.
  • Haunted House Display - Douglas Elliman, 517 S. Myrtle Ave.
  • Most Creative Display - Art Time Classes, 162 W. Foothill Blvd.
  • Spookiest Display - Hop Secret Brewing at Myrtle Tree Café, 405 S. Myrtle Ave.

Thank you to everyone who decorated their homes for the entire community to enjoy!

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…

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.

Voting During a 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! Here’s some information you should know about casting your ballot for the November 3 election.

VOTING BY MAIL – vote safely from the comfort of your home or office

  • No postage necessary
  • Ballot Return Checklist
    • Place voted ballot card(s) inside Official Return Envelope
    • Securely seal the Official Return Envelope
    • SIGN AND DATE the back of the Official Return Envelope
  • Ballots postmarked by Election Day will be processed, verified, and counted if received within 17 days (Nov. 20)
  • If the signature does not match voter records or is missing, the County will mail a Signature Verification Statement or Unsigned Ballot Statement, which must be received back up to 28 days after Election Day for the ballot to be processed, verified, and counted
  • Ballots may also be dropped off at Vote Center (see below for locations), including by an authorized person designated by the voter on the back of the return envelope

BALLOT DROP BOX – a secure option if you’re concerned about safe mail delivery

  • Located at the Monrovia Public Library on Palm Avenue, across from the Community Center
  • Open from October 5 through November 3 at 8 p.m.
  • Securely bolted into cement and in view of 2 security cameras
  • Ballots are securely collected every 3 days by LA County Registrar-Recorder staff, then every day as the election gets closer
  • Don’t forget!
    • Place voted ballot card(s) inside Official Return Envelope
    • Securely seal the Official Return Envelope
    • SIGN AND DATE the back of the Official Return Envelope

VOTE IN PERSON – Yes!! You still can!

  • Vote Centers located in Monrovia include:
    • Monrovia Community Centers, Kay Dalton Room 119 W. Palm Avenue
    • Monrovia High School, South Gym, 845 W. Colorado Boulevard (entrance of Madison Avenue)
    • October 30-November 2, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., November 3 from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Want to vote even earlier?
    • Calvary Grace Church, 2520 Peck Road, Monrovia
    • LA County Arboretum, Ayers Hall, 301 N. Baldwin Avenue
    • October 24 – November 3 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., November 3 from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Early voting available now at the LA County Registrar-Recorder headquarters in Norwalk
  • You can vote at ANY Vote Center in LA County – to find the one closest to you visit www.locator.lavote.net/locations
  • COVID-19 protocols will be in place, including social distancing, hand sanitizer, and sanitizing machines
  • Use your phone or computer to mark your ballot electronically, then scan the QR code for faster, nearly hands free voting at the polls
  • LA County uses electronic Ballot Marking Devices which still print paper ballots that are then counted at the County Registrar headquarters on election night and the days following

OTHER FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • Deadline to register to vote or update your registration is October 19 – visit www.registertovote.ca.gov to change or check your registration status
    • California has same-day Conditional Voter Registration, so if you miss the deadline, you can still go to a Vote Center to vote, and your information will be verified against the state voter database
  • Haven’t gotten your sample ballot or vote by mail ballot yet?
    • The LA County Registrar-Recorder began mailing materials last week, but with over 5 million voters, it takes some time so be patient a few more days. Still concerned? Call (800) 815-2666 to speak with someone at the county.
  • Where’s my ballot? Visit www.wheresmyballot.sos.ca.gov where you can track your ballot and sign up for text messages to know when it is mailed, received, and counted
  • Still confused? Call (800) 815-2666 and follow the prompts, or ask the Monrovia City Clerk’s Office at (626) 932-5550
  • You can find your electronic sample ballot, Vote Center and Ballot Drop Box locations, and other great information online at www.lavote.net

FEMA Wildfire Disaster Assistance

The FEMA Individuals and Housing Program is available to all eligible renters and homeowners in Fresno, Los Angeles, Madera, Mendocino, Napa, San Bernardino, San Diego, Shasta, Siskiyou and Sonoma counties, which are covered in the Oct. 16, 2020, federal disaster declaration. Federal monetary awards may help pay for temporary housing and other needs not covered by insurance. The initial rental award is for two months and may be reviewed for further assistance.

Renters may also qualify for an award under FEMA’s Other Needs Assistance Program for essential personal property and other disaster-related expenses. These may include replacement or repair of necessary personal property, such as furniture, appliances, clothing, textbooks or school supplies; replacement or repair of tools and other job-related equipment; vehicle repair; and medical/dental bills.

Those affected may register with FEMA:

  • Online, by visiting DisasterAssistance.gov;
  • By downloading the FEMA app to a smartphone or tablet; or
  • By calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585). Multilingual operators are available. The toll-free lines are open 7 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. PDT daily. Helpline operators are also available to answer questions about applications already submitted.

Primrose Avenue Reduced to One Lane from Maple Avenue to Huntington Drive for SoCal Edison Equipment Replacement

According to Southern California Edison (SCE), there was an overnight traffic accident that resulted in significant damage to an SCE Transmission Pole on Primrose Avenue, just north of Huntington Drive. At this time, there is a significant volume of SCE equipment on site preparing to replace the pole.

Motorists should expect Primrose Avenue to be reduced to one lane in the area between Maple Avenue and Huntington Drive. Please be mindful of all traffic control and construction signage when traveling in this area. Additionally, in order to make the needed repairs, SCE is anticipating that there will be a power outage in the area. If you have any questions or concerns, please call Public Works at (626) 932-5575.

FEMA Wildfire Disaster Assistance

The FEMA Individuals and Housing Program is available to all eligible renters and homeowners in Fresno, Los Angeles, Madera, Mendocino, Napa, San Bernardino, San Diego, Shasta, Siskiyou and Sonoma counties, which are covered in the Oct. 16, 2020, federal disaster declaration. Federal monetary awards may help pay for temporary housing and other needs not covered by insurance. The initial rental award is for two months and may be reviewed for further assistance.

Renters may also qualify for an award under FEMA’s Other Needs Assistance Program for essential personal property and other disaster-related expenses. These may include replacement or repair of necessary personal property, such as furniture, appliances, clothing, textbooks or school supplies; replacement or repair of tools and other job-related equipment; vehicle repair; and medical/dental bills.

Those affected may register with FEMA:

  • Online, by visiting DisasterAssistance.gov;
  • By downloading the FEMA app to a smartphone or tablet; or
  • By calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585). Multilingual operators are available. The toll-free lines are open 7 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. PDT daily. Helpline operators are also available to answer questions about applications already submitted.

Consideration of Posthumous Pardon for Steven Kiyoshi Kuromiya

Governor Gavin Newsom launched a new clemency initiative to pardon people who were prosecuted in California for being gay. On behalf of the Monrovia Community, a letter was sent to Governor Newsom to request that he consider whether a posthumous pardon is appropriate for Steven Kiyoshi Kuromiya.

According to published biographies, Mr. Kuromiya was arrested by Monrovia Police in 1956.

Although Mr. Kuromiya passed away over 20 years ago, he still remains a nationally recognized Asian-American civil and LGBT rights activist. From his collegiate days at the University of Pennsylvania leading an anti-war movement to his final year as the lead plaintiff in Kuromiya v United States which fought for the use of medical marijuana, his contributions to society are what makes him a prominent Monrovian.

Read the Letter of Support for Steven Kiyoshi Kuromiya

Monrovia Old Town Advisory Board Vacancy

We encourage those who have a business in Old Town Monrovia to apply for a position on the Monrovia Old Town Advisory Board (MOTAB) to fill an unexpired term of a Boardmember. The new appointee will serve until June 2022. The deadline to apply is Monday, November 9, 2020.

Subscribe to City of Monrovia Job Alerts

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.

Visit the Job Interest Card page and select categories of interest to you. If positions becomes available within the categories you have selected, the system will automatically send you an email to notify you about the position available and directions on how to apply.

Once you have selected all of the categories that interest you, click on the subscribe button and the system will save your information for one year (12 months).

Enhanced Outdoor Dining - 400 block Myrtle Ave. - Now Expanded to Saturdays!

The outdoor dining experience in Old Town Monrovia will now be expanded to Saturdays! Beginning on Saturday, October 31, at 5 p.m., the 400 block on Myrtle Avenue will be extended onto the Old Town streets so restaurants can offer outdoor dining.

Annual Tree Trimming to Begin on Monday, November 9

Beginning, Monday, November 9, West Coast Arborists will be back in town to resume tree trimming activities in the area of the City between Mayflower Avenue and Myrtle Avenue from Foothill Boulevard to the south of City limits. This work is expected to take four weeks. Please be mindful of all posted parking restriction signage.

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

At the November 17 meeting, the City Council will consider a proposal from Southern California Edison to retrofit nearly 1,700 streetlights to LED bulbs, replacing old high-pressure sodium lights. LED bulbs use less energy and last longer. The typical LED light can last anywhere from 2 to 8 times as long as the typical high-pressure sodium bulb. LEDs can also shine clearer and with less glare, reducing light pollution along local streets.

If approved, the conversion is projected to save the City around $14,000 per year in energy costs, and would begin to see savings on electricity costs within the first year of installation. Based on the proposal, Edison could begin work on the project as early as February 2021. Please contact Public Works at (626) 932-5522 or at pwcomments@ci.monrovia.ca.us if you have any questions or concerns about the proposal.

Southern California Gas Company to Install a Mainline on Mountain Avenue

Over the coming week, Southern California Gas Company (SoCal Gas) and National Pipeline (NPL) will continue working on the installation of a new distribution line near the intersection of Mountain Avenue and Lemon Avenue. Working hours are from 7:00am until 4:00pm daily and work is anticipated to be completed by Friday, November 6. Motorists should expect Mountain Avenue to be reduced to one lane in each direction in this area as well as other traffic control measured. Please be mindful of all traffic control and construction signage when traveling in this area.

If you have any questions or concerns, please call Public Works at (626) 932-5575 or email pwcomments@ci.monrovia.ca.us.

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.

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.

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…Mark Gebhardt! Since June 4, we have received 2,158 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 November 2, work will include:

  • Concrete pouring 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.

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 348 service events, resulting in 54 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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