City Of Monrovia: City Manager's Update | February 11, 2022

Press release from the City of Monrovia:

02/10/2022 4:01 PM

Hello Monrovians, 

This update has been prepared to share with you a few things that will be taking place over the next few weeks. At a glance, you’ll find details regarding the revised draft Housing Element, information on how to volunteer for the homeless count, job opportunities, and much more.

Thank you,

Dylan

Email: [email protected] 
Phone: (626) 932-5585

Highlights in this Update

• Monrovia Conserves, Water Conservation Plan 
• Revised Draft Housing Element
• Annual Homeless Count 
• Job Opportunity: Library Supervisor 
• Biking for Bucks Program EXTENDED to February 28! 
• Valentine's Day in Old Town Monrovia 
• Monrovia Chamber of Commerce to host Career Expo & Job Fair 
• SAVE THE DATE: Free Compost & Mulch 
• Neighborhood Tip: What is a Violation?
• Foothill L (Gold) Line Extension Update

Monrovia Conserves 

How do we know where in a drought? The Baldwin Park Key Well is located in the central portion of San Gabriel Valley within the City of Baldwin Park and is an indicator of our water levels throughout the San Gabriel basin. Groundwater levels have dipped considerably since 2011. The image above is a current representation of the Baldwin Park Key Well. The area between the green line and red line indicate the safe operating yield which means the level at which water retailers can pump out of the ground. As you can see, in 2020 the area is significantly low which is why we must continue to conserve.  

Water Conservation Plan, Phase II

In order to enhance our conservation efforts, City Council is implementing what is called Phase II of the City's Water Conservation Plan. As a result, violations of mandatory water conservation measures may result in administrative citations. Additionally, customers who fail to reduce their water usage by the required 10% will be billed a penalty of two times the cost of a water billing unit (748 gallons of water) for each unit in excess of what is permitted. For a typical residential unit, the standard penalty is $4.88 per unit in excess.

Moving forward, residents and commercial customers should not exceed 90% of their base period allocation. The base period allocation is defined by actual water usage during the same month in 2020. So for March 2022, every water customer is trying to use 90% of the water consumption used for March 2020. The City is including monthly conservation targets on each customer's utility bill and anyone can go to the City's website for more information not found on the bill.

Tools to Help You Conserve

• Save $$ when you save H2O with rebates! Check the latest rebates offered by the Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District. You may qualify for rebates for indoor and outdoor water-saving equipment for your home or business including turf removal or financial incentives for water efficient equipment or improvements!
• Upper District’s Water Smart Home Program offers qualifying residents an opportunity to choose a variety of water conservation items to be installed at their home, free of charge, by EcoTech Services. 
• The Water Conservation Kit is filled with tools, at no charge, to help make conserving water that much easier. 

Revised Draft Housing Element

Over the last year, City of Monrovia Planning staff has been diligently working on the Focused General Plan Update with the City’s land use consultant, MIG, Inc.  This project includes the adoption of a 6th Cycle Housing Element, an update to the Safety Element, and the preparation of a new Environmental Justice Element. Throughout this process staff has done extensive outreach to solicit feedback from the community through citywide surveys, virtual workshops, and stakeholder interviews. This community input has reaffirmed the critical housing issues facing Monrovia: housing availability and affordability.

The City Planning Division team is happy to report that the Revised Draft Housing Element is now available on the City of Monrovia's website for public review.  Your comments are welcome! 

The City’s Housing Element is one of seven mandatory elements of Monrovia’s General Plan.  It is a critical component of the City’s blueprint to providing an adequate supply of safe, affordable housing for all economic segments of the community, including individuals with special housing needs. The Housing Element is subject to detailed statutory requirements and mandatory review and certification by the State Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD).

If you or your organization would like to provide comment on the Revised Draft Housing Element, please submit your written comment on or before Tuesday, February 15, 2022, 5:00 pm PST to Sheri Bermejo, Planning Division Manager ([email protected]). Written comment may also be submitted in person or by mail to City of Monrovia Planning Division, 415 S Ivy Ave, Monrovia, CA 91016. 

All comments will be considered before the Draft Housing Element is submitted back to HCD later this month. 

We appreciate your participation in this important project!

Annual Homeless Count 

We are pleased to share that the City of Monrovia will once again participate in the 2022 Point-In-Time Homeless Count, which is an annual event coordinated by the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA).  This year, the homeless count is now scheduled to take place on Tuesday, February 22, 8 p.m. - 12 midnight.  On that evening, volunteers will be covering Monrovia, along with other areas of the San Gabriel Valley, to determine how many people in the area are experiencing homelessness.  Ultimately, the data collected is used to better design programs and deploy resources to serve those who are homeless.

For those interested in volunteering to assist with the homeless count, we would love to have your help!  On the evening of February 22, those interested in volunteering are being asked to arrive at the Monrovia Community Center (119 West Palm Avenue) at 8 p.m. This year, volunteers will be using their own smart phones via a mobile app to conduct the count. A volunteer training and orientation session will be given, and representatives from LAHSA and the City’s Community Services Department and Police Department will be on hand to address any questions / concerns.  For more information, view the FAQ or please email Heather Gibson at [email protected]. 

Job Opportunity: Library Supervisor

We're seeking an individual to join our team!

• Library Supervisor 

The City of Monrovia is actively cultivating and promoting employee engagement and internal communication strategies to help build camaraderie between team members. We are focused on building an inclusive workplace for all individuals focusing on advancing social and racial equity, where unique talents and different perspectives are valued, and creative thinking is encouraged. If you're interested in joining the Monrovia team, submit your application today!

Biking for Bucks Program EXTENDED to February 28!  

Due to popular demand, the Biking for Bucks rebate program will be accepting applications for bicycle rebates up to $350! Those who live or work in Monrovia can purchase a bike, submit an application with the appropriate documentation and receive their rebate in a few weeks. With spring just around the corner and the weather warming up, it’s the perfect time to get active and bike to your favorite Monrovia spot. Please note that those who participated in the reimbursement in 2021 are not eligible to apply.

View the program guidelines and application. Questions regarding this rebate program can be sent to [email protected].

Valentine's Day in Old Town Monrovia

For one night only, on Monday, February 14, horse-drawn carriage rides will be available in Old Town Monrovia! Carriage rides are $40 per carriage and will be available, from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.

To make a reservation, please call (626) 256-8234. Each carriage holds up to four people. Reservations for the carriage rides may also be purchased at the check-in table, located in Monrovia Library Park at 321 S. Myrtle Ave. But this event may sell out so make your reservation today! In case of inclement weather, the event may be cancelled. 

All you need is love… and WATER!

Speaking of Valentine's Day... Love is in the air this February, but you know what’s not? Rain! Here are a few tips and tricks to conserve water. 

1. When you're at a restaurant, ask the waiter to not refill your glass with water until it's empty!
2. Stop the faucet when you’re brushing your teeth!
3. Skip the bubble bath, showers use less water!

2022 Career Expo & Job Fair  

The Monrovia Chamber of Commerce is excited to host the 2022 Career Expo & Job Fair! This is a wonderful opportunity to meet face-to-face with local businesses that are currently hiring. Whether you're a resident of Monrovia or of the San Gabriel Valley, all are welcomed to attend! This event will take place on March 10, 2 p.m. - 7 p.m., at the Sierra Auto Group (1450 S. Shamrock Ave., Monrovia).

SAVE THE DATE: Mulch and Compost Event 

The City will be hosting a Compost & Mulch event on Saturday, March 26, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., at the Public Works Yard. Enjoy free compost and mulch to add to your and garden today!

Reservations are required. To make a reservation, call (626) 932-5562 or email [email protected]. 

If you have a concern about a property or your living conditions, it might be handled by the Code Enforcement team or civilly with your landlord or neighbor. Generally speaking, Code Enforcement regulates adopted codes in the Monrovia Municipal Code, California Building Code, and California Health & Safety Code to name a few. These codes cover a wide array of issues at a property. Monrovia’s Code Enforcement is dedicated to enhancing the community and ensuring that residents live in safe conditions.

There are some items that must be worked out between a landlord and tenant. The best approach is to communicate respectfully between parties and explain the concern. Avoid threats and aggressive behavior. If you are a tenant, your landlord or manager has a responsibility to prevent substandard living conditions and make repairs. We always advise you to review your lease or rent contract and seek legal advice before withholding rent or taking any other action. You can contact the Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles County for free at 1 (800) 433-6251. You can also reach out to the Housing Rights Center by phone or email for help. 

There are a few situations that are handled civilly between neighbors. This involves issues near the property line and any property damage caused by the other property. Again, positive and calm communication with your neighbor is the best first approach. Feel free to seek legal advice as well.

To contact Code Enforcement regarding an issue or to ask a question, use the following methods. Call us at (626) 932-5582

• Email us at [email protected]
• Submit the issue online 
• Watch this informational video. 

Foothill Gold Line Construction Update 

The Metro Gold Line Foothill Extension Construction Authority held a meeting to present an update on the extension project from Glendora to Montclair. Those interested in receiving additional updates can sign up to receive construction alerts atwww.foothillgoldline.org. 

Celebrating Black History Month

The Monrovia City Council is honored to proclaim February 2022 as Black History Month! To celebrate, the Monrovia Duarte Black Alumni Association (MDBAA) has planned a few programs for the community.

The Monrovia Public Library will also host weekly, virtual Black History Month storytimes introduced by a MDBAA member that we'll be posted on the Monrovia Public Library's YouTube Channel every Monday in February.

Here's what you can look forward to in the month of February! 

• Community Health Fair at the Monrovia Community Center | February 12, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. 
• Children’s Art Festival at the Monrovia Community Center | February 17, 5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m.
• Music and Movement with Rhythms of the Village in Monrovia Library Park | February 19, 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.  
  • Informational booths from Day One, a nonprofit that promotes health and wellness, and a local holistic health coach
  • Display celebrating African-American icons of medicine and science to align with this year’s BHM theme of health
  • Interactive play area celebrating doctors and health workers
  • Fun craft activity for kids in the Youth Services Area at 3 p.m.
• Conversation with Chris Loos Monrovia Alum, Leader and Mentor for youth and popular broadcasting personality and Brian Richie Alum from Duarte and Loos’ former student at the Duarte Historical Museum | February 20, 2:30 p.m - 3:30 p.m.

COVID-19 Testing at Second Baptist Church

Second Baptist Church of Monrovia is hosting free COVID-19 testing for the Monrovia community, at 925 S. Shamrock Ave. Testing is available Monday through Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. No appointment is necessary, but those who would like to be tested must bring a valid I.D.

Work Around Town 

Power Outage - Southern California Edison will be conducting schedule work this upcoming week that will result in several power outages. All customers who will be affected have been notified. 

• Monday, February 14, 400 block of West Hillcrest – Pole Replacement, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
• Wednesday, February 16 - 17, 900 block of Mayflower Avenue, 9 p.m. – 6 a.m. 

Contact: SCE Customer Service, (888) 759-6056

COVID-19 At a Glance 

Latest Facts & Figures 

Residential / Non-Residential Settings in Monrovia 

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.

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 webpage.

Key Dates, Programs & Virtual Events 

• Santa Anita Family YMCA Celebration to Reopen | February 12 | 9 a.m. 
• Valentine’s Day Carriage Rides in Old Town Monrovia | February 14 | 4 p.m. 
• City Council Meeting | February 15 | 7:30 p.m. 
• LA County Homeowners’ Exemption | Application due February 15
• San Gabriel Valley Transit Study Community Workshops | Februa
• Art on the Box Program | Application due March 31
• Join the Bobcat Fire Clean-Up Crew
• Make an Appointment for Passport Services at Monrovia Community Center 
• Monrovia Street Fair & Market | Fridays | 5 p.m. - 10 p.m.
• E-Waste Drop Off at Monrovia Public Works Yard | Daily
• Subscribe to e-Notifications for Meeting Agendas
• Request a Bulky Item Pick-Up
• Report Abandoned Bulky Item 
• Shop the City of Monrovia Official Store

Jobs with the City of Monrovia 

The City of Monrovia is now recruiting for the following position:

• Director of Public Works
• Library Supervisor

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 

This report lists the total number of calls for service received over the last seven-day period. View the Neighborhood Watch Report. 

This press release was produced by the City of Monrovia. The views expressed here are the author’s own.