City Of Monrovia: City Manager's Update | February 25, 2022

Press release from the City of Monrovia:

02/25/2022 10:00 AM

Hello Monrovians, 

The Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) has launched an Electric Vehicle Charging Station Needs & Barriers Questionnaire.

Please take this quick survey to help SCAG obtain a better understanding of Southern California’s EV knowledge. You'll be asked to share your thoughts on whether you think Monrovia needs more charging stations, if more incentives would encourage use of EVs, if you plan to purchase one, what would help you make the switch to an EV, and much more. 

Your responses will help SCAG better understand how they can help residents select an electric vehicle as their next vehicle purchase or lease. The results of this survey will also be used to help identify priority locations for future EV charging stations. 

Thank you,
Dylan

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

Highlights in this Update

• COVID-19 Update, Post Winter Surge 
• Monrovia Rocks Art Display at Monrovia Public Library
• Monrovia Today Spring Edition 
• Neighborhood Treasure Unveiling for Almera Romney
• Household Waste That CANNOT Go Into The Trash 
• SB 1383, What Goes Where Guide
• How to Read Your New Water Bill

COVID-19 Update, Post Winter Surge

The Los Angeles County Responding Together at Work and In the Community Health Officer Order has been updated and will take effect at 12:01 a.m., on Friday, February 25.

The Health Officer Order will allow establishments, businesses, or venues two options for removing masking requirements for fully vaccinated individuals.

Option 1: Starting this Friday, establishments, businesses, or venues that want to allow fully vaccinated customers and workers to unmask while indoors must:

• Verify that 100% of customers (5 and older) and workers prior to, or upon, entry to indoor spaces:
  • Provide proof of full vaccination against COVID-19, or
  • Provide proof of a recent negative COVID-19 viral test result. Tests for customers must be taken within two days of entry if a PCR test, or one day if an antigen test. Employees will be allowed to submit a negative test result every three days.

Those who are not fully vaccinated or do not show proof of vaccination, are required to provide a negative test, and continue wearing a well-fitting mask while indoors (as required by the state), except when actively eating or drinking.

Option 2: Starting this Friday, establishments, businesses, or venues that want to allow their fully vaccinated customers to unmask indoors while all onsite workers remain masked, must:

• Verify that 100% of customers (5 and older) prior to, or upon, entry to indoor spaces:
  • Provide proof of full vaccination against COVID-19, or
  • Provide proof of a recent negative COVID-19 viral test result. Tests for customers must have been taken within two days of entry if a PCR test or one day if an antigen test.
• Adhere to the following regarding customers and masking:
  • Fully vaccinated customers may be unmasked in the indoor setting.
  • Customers that are not fully vaccinated must continue to wear a well-fitting mask while indoors (as required by the state), except when actively eating or drinking.

To allow the time to evaluate and determine next steps in implementing the new guidelines in the Health Officer Order, the City of Monrovia will still be requiring those who visit city facilities to continue to wear a mask regardless of vaccination status.

Monrovia Rocks Art Display at Monrovia Public Library

EK (Connie) Noll is a Monrovia freelance artist who works primarily with watercolor. For many years she has had her stories and artwork published in local papers. The Monrovia Public Library is proud to display her rock collection entitled: Monrovia Rocks for Monrovia that Rocks! Feel free to stop by, from now through May 16, and see her small rock painted replicas of Monrovia buildings such as the Library (including fountain), City Hall, Merengue, Copper Still Grill, the Fire Station, Jake's Roadhouse, LOOK Dine-In Cinemas, and so much more. Follow Monrovia Rocks, the Kindness Rocks Project!

Monrovia Today Spring Edition

Fitness classes, dance lessons, academic support programs and much more will be offered to residents and community members to participate in during the spring months!

This season, the Monrovia Today will be a digital version so residents can have quick access to all programs. Residents can contact the Monrovia Community Center at (626) 256-8246 to be placed on a mailing list for a physical copy. If you have already received your postcard with the QR code, hang onto it! The digital Monrovia Today will be available for browsing on March 1.

Neighborhood Treasure Unveiling for Almera Romney

The City of Monrovia is excited to announce the unveiling of the sixth Neighborhood Treasure honoring Almera Romney. All are invited to attend the block party on Saturday, March 19, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., at Canyon Early Learning Center, 1000 S. Canyon Blvd.   

Almera Romney was a woman who believed her faith dictated that all children, regardless of their ethnicity, should be treated equally. Over her 17-year tenure at Huntington Elementary School as a teacher and then principal, she fought her supervisor (who was also the school superintendent), her church, and the local newspaper to draw resources and attention to give Huntington Elementary Students a good education. 

Huntington Elementary was the segregated school that children of color in Monrovia were forced to attend. From 1946 to 1963, Ms. Romney was the driving force that transformed Huntington Elementary School from an under-resourced and physically unsafe school to a place where students thrived academically and socially. She ensured students not only felt safe and valued, but no longer had cast-off books and unhealthy lunches. She disputed the belief that the children at Huntington Elementary were incapable of learning.

Neighborhood Treasures celebrates historically significant Monrovians through the installation of public art pieces in various neighborhoods throughout the community. The goal of the program is to enrich the lives of those who view the art and improve neighborhoods by its presence. When designing a public art piece for Neighborhood Treasures, artists include specialized artwork that visually represents the life and contributions of the honorees. 

Household Waste That CANNOT Go Into The Trash

There are certain household items that are toxic and require special handling when being disposed. These items must be taken to a special disposal center and should not be placed into curbside containers. Items include:

• Lightbulbs
• Batteries
• Televisions
• Printers
• Computers
• Cell Phones
• Stereos
• Paint solvents
• Pesticides
• Used Motor Oil
• Used Oil Filters
• Medical Waste
• Household Cleaner

See an item in the list above that you’re ready to throw away? Call or visit the locations listed below based on the type of item you wish to dispose. 

• City of Monrovia, Public Works Department, free e-waste self-service drop off located at 600 S. Mountain Avenue.
• LA County Household Hazardous Waste Collection Events and SAFE Centers, (888) CLEAN-LA
• Athens Services, (888) 336-6100

SB 1383, What Goes Where Guide

If you’re a businesses interested in learning about how SB 1383 will affect their operation, visit our website, which features new information on edible food recovery, organics recycling, resources for businesses and a “What Goes Where” guide for waste bins! Residents of Monrovia can also use the “What Goes Where” feature to help determine what items go into what bin. Also, keep an eye out for our Residential Edible Food Recovery program updates coming to the Monrovia City website soon!

How to Read Your New Water Bill

For this billing cycle, you'll notice that the utility bill has a new design! The bill now includes an update to the Consumption Details area of the bill and also provides you with your monthly Water Conservation Target.

1. Consumption Details - This area has been expanded and provides you with the Current Consumption amount, along with your Water conservation Target. If Excess Consumption amounts are listed, you've exceeded your Water Conservation Target. 
2. Excess Usage Penalty Amount - This amount is determined by subtracting the Water Conservation Target value from your Current Consumption, multiplied by your per unit water rate. 
3. Water Conservation Targets - This table provides you with the maximum quantity of units your property is allowed to use, per month, to avoid the Excess Usage Penalty. This number is based on 90% of your actual water usage for the same month 2020. 

Monrovia Conserves 

In a recent study conducted by Nature Climate Change, scientist found that the current drought is about 40% more severe than the previous driest stretch dating back to A.D. 800. This information has led scientist to predict that if we continue to go at this pace, our drought will likely continue through 2030. Even though we continue to see small amount of moisture in the air, it is not enough to replenish to soil or end the drought.

Water Usage Penalty

Excess water usage penalties will go into effect starting the first billing cycle in March 2022. The City has been expanding educational outreach for many months to ensure all Monrovians are aware of Phase II of the Water Conservation Plan and what that means for your water consumption and your water bill. 

As a recap, Phase II of the Water Conservation Plan stipulates a 10% mandatory reduction in water consumption from each households same month billing period in 2020. For example, the first billing period in March will compare your usage from February of 2022 to your usage in February of 2020. 

Tools to Help You Conserve

• Water Rebates - Save $$ when you save H2O! 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. 
• The Water Conservation Planner, designed in collaboration with Smitten on Paper and BeWaterWise.com, is filled with native plants and water conservation tips.

48th Assembly District's Canned Food Drive

In honor of February being #NationalCannedFoodMonth, the Office of Assemblywoman Blanca Rubio is hosting a Canned Food Drive in partnership with Shepherd’s Pantry.

National Canned Food Month is celebrated each year to dispel myths surrounding the nutritional value of canned food and to help combat food insecurity in our most vulnerable populations. From February 14 - 28, residents will have the opportunity to drop off canned goods and other non-perishable items at various locations throughout the 48th Assembly District. 

Apply for a Position on the Monrovia Old Town Advisory Board

The City of Monrovia encourages merchants to apply for a position on the Monrovia Old Town Advisory Board (MOTAB) to fill an unscheduled vacancy due to the resignation of a Boardmember. Applications will be accepted through March 1, 2022, at 6 p.m.

Those who are eager to get involved in the community and have a bona fide business in Old Town can apply for the position at the following link: Application for Monrovia Old Town Advisory Board (MOTAB) Vacancy

The seven member Board is comprised of Old Town merchants and is responsible for making recommendations to the City Council on programs and projects to advance the downtown area. Must have a bona fide business in Old Town subject to the Business Improvement District (BID) assessment, and must be current on their BID assessment. MOTAB meets on the third Tuesday of each month at 9:30 a.m.

To find out more about becoming a Board Member or Commissioner, contact the City Clerk's Office at 626-932-5505.

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].

Work around Town 

Power Outage - Southern California Edison will be conducting scheduled work this upcoming week that will result in a power outage, on Thursday, March 3, on the 200 block of East Hillcrest Boulevard,9 a.m. -1 p.m. . All customers who will be affected have been notified.
Contact: SCE Customer Service, (888)759-6056

Water Line Improvements Project - Beginning in March, the City will be replacing water lines along South Magnolia Avenue and West Pomona Avenue. The proposed developments of the Station Square Transit Village is set to bring up to 1,400 new units of housing. As part of the development review process, the Public Work Department has identified the need to upgrade approximately 980 feet of water pipeline on Magnolia Avenue from 8 inch to 12 inch pipeline and to replace an additional 340 feet of water line along the 200 block of West Pomona Avenue. To fund the project, the City Council has adopted a “fee-in-lieu” program that assesses a fair-share for each of the developments based upon the number of proposed residential units each will bring to the area.

The City’s contractor for the project Excel Paving Company, will begin potholing, marking of utilities, and mobilizing for the construction activities the week of February 28 through March 1. The project is scheduled for 110 work days, and is projected to be completed by August 2022.

The work plan for the coming month is as follows:

• Week of February 28: Mobilizing, and marking utilities along Magnolia nave Pomona Avenues
• Week of March 7: Surveying, and potholing for underground utilities throughout the project area.
• Weeks of March 14 and March 28: Replacement of water line and customer service connections along the 200 block of West Pomona Avenue.

We recognize that construction can be messy and inconvenient, and thank you in advance for your cooperation and patience as we work through these improvements!  Please check back in the coming weeks for further updates on the project and its potential impacts.

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.

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.

Stay Informed  Resources

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 

• City Council Meeting | March 1 | 7:30 p.m. 
• Monrovia Chamber of Commerce Career Expo | March 10 | 2 p.m. 
• FREE Mulch and Compost Event | March 26 | make your reservation 
• 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.