Politics & Government

City Of Monrovia: City Manager's Update | February 4, 2022

Can you believe it is already February? It seems we just removed holiday decorations and are gearing up for Super Bowl and Valentine's D ...

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Press Release Desk, News Partner
(City of Monrovia)

Press release from the City of Monrovia:

02/04/2022 1:28 PM

Hello Monrovians, 

Find out what's happening in Monroviawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Can you believe it is already February? It seems we just removed holiday decorations and are gearing up for Super Bowl and Valentine’s Day activities! My how time flies? While there is a lot of great information in this week's update, I would like to spend more time addressing two important items –
 
Trees and Debris Cleanup Wrapping Up
Since the windstorm event on January 21 - 22, City crews have been collecting fallen debris, leaves, limbs and trees across town. They have been working continuously and in most cases have been to each street in the City (many times for some). We are ready to end storm debris cleanup on Wednesday, February 9, so after that date, we will no longer be making pickups. If you still have storm debris, please send an email to Public Works at [email protected] or you can call (626) 932-5575 so we can make the pickup prior to completion. And while there does remain storm-related debris out there, residents, contractors and landscapers are placing normal green waste, grass clippings, and “non-storm debris” items along the roadways for pickup. Please place your normal green waste in your green organics recycling bin and spare our amazing public works crews the extra work if you can. Thank you!
 
Phase II Drought Emergency “Excess Usage Penalty”
Since July, we have been providing outreach, education and free conservation kits to help Monrovians reduce and conserve water usage. In December, Council approved Phase II Drought Emergency conditions which includes application of an “excess usage penalty.” I’d like to explain how this works, as it is the first time Monrovia has applied this penalty charge for water customers using excess water during a period of drought.
 
Statewide, each water agency must reduce water consumption by 15% over 2020 water usage. The City Council approved an ordinance that established a mandatory 10% water reduction for most all water customers. So for example, when you receive a bill in February, your bill will compare February 2022 to February 2020 and show whether you are using more or less water. Customers that are not meeting a 10% water reduction will pay a penalty charge for each excess unit of water. The penalty is 2x the normal cost of water. The City is also using an appeal process where customers may appeal the penalty and explain why it should not apply.
 
We remain in a serious drought and must conserve water. Our future water needs must include better and enhanced water conservation practices and it is my hope that every Monrovian does more to conserve our water.
 
There is information about our the drought emergency, conservation practices and much more on the City’s website. As always, please don’t hesitate to reach out anytime.

Thank you,
Dylan

Find out what's happening in Monroviawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

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

Highlights in this Update

  • Celebrating Black History Month
  • Community Services Department Year End Report
  • Monrovia Library Book Drop Renovations
  • Red Cross Blood Drive at Monrovia Community Center
  • COVID-19 Testing at Second Baptist Church 
  • California Mortgage Relief Program Virtual Workshop
  • LA County Homeowners’ Exemption   
  • Rotary Club Food Drive for Foothill Unity Center
  • Monrovia Historic Preservation Group Walking Tour
  • Santa Anita Family YMCA Celebration to Reopen  
  • San Gabriel Valley Transit Study Community Workshops 
  • Neighborhood Tips for Sidewalk Vendors 
  • SB 1383 - Edible Food Recovery Information  
  • Be The Match, Bone Marrow Donation 

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.

Community Services Department Year End Report 

The Community Services Department is proud to share the 2021 Year End Review. Throughout the year, the award-winning department found ways to uplift families, enrich lives, create community and provide essential social services.

In 2021, the Community Services Department: 

  • 7,498 community members enjoyed 197 library programs from storytimes and Legos to book clubs and virtual concerts
  • Provided 48 families with $72,996 in financial assistance to support their immediate housing needs
  • The Monrovia Community Garden hosted workshops for 141 participants, while the garden itself diverted 7 tons of food waste
  • The Monrovia Reads Mobile Literacy Program provided library services to 2,706 students during 58 visits across the community
  • Invited 25,772 visitors to Canyon Park in 4 months between the reopening following the Bobcat Fire and the closing after the December 2021 Rain Event
  • Served nutritious hot lunches to 944 seniors
  • Provided Adult Literacy Services to 1,112 adult learners at 167 programs and workshops
  • The library's Veterans Resource Center assisted 614 veterans and their families to access the benefits and services they need
  • Provided life skill developments opportunities for Sunshine Co. participants, resulting in 705 points of contact

And so much more! The Community Services Department is excited to have even more chances to create community and provide essential social services in the new year. 

 

Monrovia Library Book Drop Renovations

In September 2021, Library staff reported that the book drops, located on Lime Avenue, south of the Library, were cracking and in need of repairs. Staff worked with the original artist, Donna Hargett, to restore the book drops to their original splendor.

The book drops, first painted in 2016, were created to beautify the standard metal book drops being utilized by library patrons. Due to the popularity of the design, the refurbished boxes were painted with the same artwork. The Library book drops are not only functional but also beloved by the community members. Staff continues to receive positive comments about the art and you can often find someone taking a photo with the book drops.

Red Cross Blood Drive at Monrovia Community Center 

2021 did not provide many opportunities to donate blood, which has left many local hospitals with an extremely low supply. The Red Cross has advised that the ongoing blood crisis is the worst blood shortage in over a decade, posing a concerning risk to patient care. That being said, the Monrovia Police Officers' Association is sponsoring a blood drive, on February 10, at the Community Services Center (119 W. Palm), from 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. 

To schedule your appointment please go to www.redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code “MONROVIA” or call 1-800-RED-CROSS. Those who donate will receive a $10 Amazon gift card.

Remember that the need for blood is constant and only volunteer donors can fulfill that need for patients in our community. Nationwide, someone needs a unit of blood every two to three seconds and most of us will need blood in our lifetime. Your single donation can help save up to three lives!

 

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.

California Mortgage Relief Program Virtual Workshop

The State of California has launched the California Mortgage Relief Program to provide a one-time grant to qualified homeowners who have fallen behind on their housing payments. Senator Portantino is hosting a California Mortgage Relief Workshop on Thursday, February 10, at 5 p.m. for those who are interested in learning more.

Zoom link: https://casen.zoom.us/j/89029109436

To submit questions, please email [email protected] with the subject line "mortgage relief." The deadline to submit questions is February 7.

LA County Homeowners’ Exemption 

The Homeowners’ Exemption was first enacted in 1974 and it is easy to qualify. The only requirements are that you own the home and live there as of January 1. For qualified applicants, which are most homeowners, your home’s assessed value will be reduced by $7,000 for property tax purposes; that translates to a reduction of $70 annually to a homeowner’s tax bill. 

To apply - fill out the application online, print, and mail or email it to [email protected]. 

The deadline to file for the full exemption is Feb. 15.  However, you will receive a prorated reduction if you apply at other times throughout the year. Homeowners only need to apply once to receive annual savings, which continue until the property is sold. 

Proposition 19 changed the rules that apply to transfers between parents and children. The child receiving the home MUST apply for the Homeowner’s Exemption within 12 months of the transfer to receive any Prop. 19 parent-to-child transfer benefits. 

Rotary Club of Monrovia Food Drive 

The Rotary Club of Monrovia is hosting a food drive, February 1-13, 2022, with donation sites across the city to benefit the Foothill Unity Center. You can drop off non-perishable food items at sites across town, including: the Monrovia Public Library, Monrovia High School, Century 21 Adams & Barnes, Dr. Domotor’s Animal House, and Ward Service Auto Repair.

 

Monrovia Historic Preservation Group Walking Tour

What circumstances led to this house, deemed the finest house in all of Monrovia when it was built, being torn down in the 1960s? There is so much to learn about the city in which you live, and you will have an opportunity to acquire some of that history on Saturday, February 5, at 10 a.m. The Monrovia Historic Preservation Group will lead another two-hour journey tracing the town’s history from its origins to the present day. Cost is $5 per person. Those who are interested can meet at the southeast corner of Myrtle and Palm Avenues.

 

Santa Anita Family YMCA Celebration to Reopen

On February 12, at 9 a.m.,  you're invited to the free Community Pancake Breakfast and Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony to celebrate the long awaited reopening of Santa Anita Family YMCA!

 

Be The Match, Bone Marrow Donation 

According to Be The Match, thousands of people are diagnosed every year with life-threatening blood cancers like leukemia and lymphoma. Over the past 30 years Be The Match, operated by the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP), has managed the most diverse marrow registry in the world. For those who have considered becoming a donor, Be The Match is a resource. On their website, you can find information on donating bone marrow, donating financially, or volunteering for the organization. 

San Gabriel Valley Transit Study Community Workshops

We need your input! The San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments (SGVCOG) is studying how to improve public transit service in the San Gabriel Valley.  They want to hear from you on how to make it easier to get around in the San Gabriel Valley. You are invited to attend one of their upcoming Community Workshops on Wednesday, February 23, from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m., or 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Share your thoughts on options for new transportation options – including connections and enhancements to existing transportation – that are being proposed to benefit SGV communities and the lives of residents, commuters and visitors. This Community Workshop will be a virtual event conducted via Zoom, with a presentation at the top of the hour, followed by a Q&A session.

Please RSVP for the Community Workshops here: 

Neighborhood Tips for Sidewalk Vendors

Our Neighborhood & Business Services team has received inquiries about sidewalk vendors and food trucks. In an effort to help share information about the regulations, we have launched our first Neighborhood Tip on “Sidewalk Vendors.”

The Sidewalk Vendor Bill (SB 946) took effect in California on January 1, 2019.  SB 946 made it unlawful for local agencies to prohibit sidewalk vendors from operating in their cities.  However, sidewalk vendors are required to get a City of Monrovia business license and submit a valid Los Angeles County health permit if they sell food. They are allowed, with these permits, to set up a stationary stand or roam with carts as long as they follow minor restrictions. Food trucks and trailers are not covered under “sidewalk vendors” and have different requirements. They are also allowed within the City of Monrovia with the proper permits and a city business license.

Code Enforcement has been interacting with different sidewalk vendors and food trucks within the City of Monrovia to verify that they have proper permits and are not violating any of the restrictions. Some of the restrictions include: no vending within 500 feet of a school during school operations, stationary vending in a residential zone is prohibited, no littering, and no blocking of ADA access on sidewalks.

If you have any questions related to sidewalk vendors or food trucks, do not hesitate to contact us at (626) 932-5582 or by email at [email protected]

SB 1383 - Edible Food Recovery Information

To address food insecurity and to reduce unnecessary food waste, California Senate Bill (SB) 1383 requires that by 2025, California will recover at least 20% of edible food that would have otherwise been sent to landfills. 

Who must comply and by when?
The law will be phased in, depending on the type of business, over the next two years. The first tier of large edible food generators is required to recover edible food for donation starting in January 2022. The second tier of large edible food generators is required to recover and donate starting in January 2024. 

Mandated food donors can help their communities now by starting to work with local food banks, food pantries and other food recovery services. Through the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments, businesses in each tier have access to technical assistance services for help in setting up a program.

To learn more about SB 1383 and request no-cost technical assistance, to find downloadable food recovery agreements, food donation forms, educational signage, and information about upcoming inspection visits, and to get more information on the impact of the requirements on your business, please visit: sgvcog.org/regional-food-recovery-program. 

Monrovia Conserves 

In order to enhance our conservation efforts, our City Council has recommended we move into Phase II of our water conservation plan, mandating a 10% decrease in water consumption in our community. 

As a result of establishing Phase II of the Water Conservation Plan, 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.

Tools to Help You Conserve

Work Around Town 

Oakglade Debris Basin Hauling
As a result of the recent Bobcat Fire, Los Angeles County Public Works will be hauling sediment from the Oakglade Debris Basin to City of Irwindale’s Kincaid Pit.  This public safety measure will maximize the basin’s capacity to capture mudflow from the burned canyons during storm events. Work will occur Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Saturdays, as needed.  There will be no hauling activities on Sundays. 

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.

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 

Jobs with the City of Monrovia 

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

  • Director of Public Works

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.

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