Good morning, Monrovians,

Earlier this week, we were informed that Monrovia was recognized as a 2022 Tree City USA. Given Monrovians' passion for our trees and natural landscapes, this recognition is indicative of all the work and programs that exist across our community. Did you know there are over 200 species of trees in our public right of ways for a total of 8,500 trees? And this doesn't even include all of our trees within City parks or the Hillside Wilderness Preserve. This past February, City Council approved tree planting as part of our annual Capital Improvement Program. Later this year, in October, we will celebrate OAKtober to highlight the importance of oak trees and the protections around them, which can also be found in our Municipal Code (Section 17.20.040).  

In the coming months, we have some exciting projects that will be underway. We will begin our brush removal program, in which our Fire Department works closely with over 1,400 property owners in the northern portion of the City to remove weeds, brush, and debris that fuel wildfires. We are also making our initial plans to study our damaged hillsides with the help of botanists, biologists, ecologists, and even some specialized arborists to help us design our vegetation management and reforestation plan. So while we are finalizing our construction plans to repair damaged infrastructure at Canyon Park, we are developing the plan to guide the restoration of the hillsides with native vegetation and trees to ensure the regrowth and rejuvenation of our beloved mountains and hillsides is done appropriately. As we celebrate Earth Day and Arbor Day in the coming weeks, let us all remember the stewardship we have. Join in the fun and plant a tree! Take advantage of our lawn removal rebates, remove that water-intense grass lawn, and plant some beautiful native plants or an oak tree. And if you need help with what to do, we have a long list of activities and events for you to consider...show up to any one of them and have a great time with friends and neighbors! 

Have a great weekend!

Sincerely, 

Dylan

Email: dfeik@ci.monrovia.ca.us 
Phone: (626) 932-5585

Highlights in this Update

• Earth Day & Arbor Day Celebration 
• Ride Free on Metro for Earth Day 
• Boards and Commissions Application 
• MAP 13th Annual Neighborhood Conference 
• Monrovia Days is Back! 
• Clifton Middle School Annual Spring Concert 
• Boys and Girls Club of America - Youth of Year Program
• Monrovia Public Safety Sensory-Friendly Event
• SCAG - Connect SoCal Pop-Up at 626 Golden Streets
• Grow Monrovia Garden Beds Available and Earth Day Event!
• Solemates Shoe Drive
• Fundraiser for Stefin Bank's Eagle Scout Project
• MAFA Art Exhibit 
• Earth Day and Arbor Day Proclamation 
• National Library Week Proclamation 
• Sexual Assault Awareness Month Proclamation 
• Professional Municipal Clerks Week Proclamation
• Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Celebration 
• The Return of the Historic Home Tours

Earth Day and Arbor Day Celebration

We hope you will join us as we help celebrate Mother Nature by celebrating Arbor Day and Earth Day tomorrow, Saturday, April 22, 2023, from 3 p.m. – 6 p.m. at Library Park (321 S. Myrtle Avenue).  We will have fun and FREE activities for all ages, such as general information booths, arts & crafts, face painting, story times, giveaways, and more!

For more information, please call the Community Services Department at (626) 256-8246.

Ride Free on Metro for Earth Day, April 22

Celebrate Earth Day by riding free on Metro's buses, trains, bike shares, and Micro Transit. Free rides begin this Saturday, April 22, 2023 at 4 a.m. until Sunday, April 23, 2023 at 3 a.m. Using Metro's transit system helps us reduce greenhouse gas emissions in LA County! 

Here's how to access free rides: 

1. Metro Bus: No tapping required; simply board the bus as usual.

2. Metro Rail: No tapping required; the turnstiles will be unlocked for underground stations and for above ground stations, just board the train.

3. Metro Bike Share: Redeem a free 30-minute bike share ride by selecting ‘1-Ride’ at any Metro Bike Share kiosk, online or in the Metro Bike Share app and enter the promo code 042223. This code can be redeemed multiple times throughout the day. A credit or debit card is required. The first 30 minutes of all rides are free. Rides longer than 30 minutes are just $1.75 each additional half-hour. Electric Metro Bike unlocking fees are waived. Temporary credit card holds may apply.

4. Metro Micro: Redeem unlimited free rides by using the Metro Micro app and enter coupon code EarthDay23. The coupon code is valid this Saturday, April 22, 2023.

Boards and Commissions Application due May 1

Are you looking for ways to be more involved in your community? One way to do so is to serve in an advisory capacity on one of the City's various Commissions, Committees or Boards. From now through Monday, May 1, 2023, we're accepting applications for positions on the Planning Commission, Historic Preservation Commission, Community Services Commission, Library Board, and the Monrovia Old Town Advisory Board.

Boards and Commissions Recruitment/Appointment Timeline:

• Monday, May 1, 2023: Application Due
• Monday, May 15 -  Thursday, June 15, 2023: Interviews
• Tuesday, June 20, 2023: Appointments
• Saturday, July 1, 2023: Terms Begin

For any questions regarding Boards and Commissions, please contact the City Clerk's office at (626) 932-5599.

MAP 13th Annual Neighborhood Conference

Get ready for Monrovia Area Partnership’s biggest event of the year, the 13th Annual MAP Neighborhood Conference, which will take place next Saturday, April 29, 2023, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Second Baptist Church (925 S. Shamrock Ave)! If you are interested in learning about trending topics through our wide range of workshops, including SB1383: What You Need to Know, Landlord Tenant Rights, Active Shooter Training, and more – this is the event to attend! For a full list of workshops and descriptions, visit our website.

In addition to workshops, there will be information booths, free health screenings, raffle prizes, a keynote speaker, and breakfast and lunch will be provided! This event is free and open to the entire community. Workshop capacity is limited and first come, first served, so please register as soon as possible. If you have any questions, email the MAP team at map@ci.monrovia.ca.us!

For more information, please contact (626) 932-5525. 

Monrovia Days is Back! 

The City of Monrovia, Monrovia Unified School District, and Centre Stage are excited to announce the three-day Monrovia Days celebration, Friday, May 19 - Sunday, May 21, 2023! Throughout the weekend, celebration activities will include a Youth Performance from the Monrovia Unified School District and Centre Stage, a parade, live music, a beer garden, Merengue's Famous Pie Eating Contest, a carnival, and so much more!

If you're interested in joining the Pie Eating contest, please complete the application and return to the Monrovia Community Center (119 W Palm Ave). The contest allows teams of 5 members to participate, 1st place will win $300, 2nd place will win $150, and third place will win $50! 

The Monrovia Days Parade will take place on Saturday, May 20, 2023, at 10 a.m., featuring our local youth, "Scholars and Champions." If you or someone you know is interested in participating in the parade, please submit an application by Friday, May 12, 2023. Make sure you purchase your carnival wristband today! Please visit  www.monroviadays.org for more information. Check out this promotional video!

Clifton Middle School Spring Concert

Clifton Middle School students are excited to showcase their talents and invite you attend their Spring Concert scheduled for next Thursday, April 27, with early admission beginning at 6 p.m., general seating at 6:30 p.m., and concert starting at 7 p.m. The event will take place at Clifton Middle School (226 S. Ivy Avenue) in their school auditorium. Early admission tickets begin at $5. 

This year's students received accolades at the annual Southern California School Band & Orchestra Association (SCSBOA) Festival in San Juan Capistrano. The orchestra students received a superior score, and the advanced band students received an excellent score. 

If you cannot attend the concert, you may also consider donating to support Clifton Middle School's Instrumental Music Program which serves 125 students. The program introduces students in 6th through 8th grades to the performing arts by way of band or orchestra classes. In addition to classroom instruction, the school provides the opportunity to learn and enhance their skills through participation in concerts, parades, and competitions.  The school also helps pay for new instruments, uniforms, event fees, repairs, supplies and other support to the program. 

You can donate via the link below or by sending your donation through Venmo to @CliftonBoB. 

Boys & Girls Club of America Youth of the Year Program

Boys & Girls Club of America (BGCA) Youth of the Year Program has honored youth leaders and their incredible journeys for the past 75 years. Each year, one exceptional Club member is selected as the BGCF Youth of the Year, serving as an ambassador for our Club, as well as a voice for our young people.

The Youth of the Year event will take place this Sunday, April 23, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. This year, the BGCA is honoring a Monrovia High School Student, Ravyn Braford. BGCA will also be honoring Youth of the Year runner up, Brieana Pettway, and Distinguished Alumna, Christen Austin (Monrovia High School Class of 2011). Christen is an incredible artist. She will have some of her art displayed at our event as well (https://www.caustinarts.com/).

Additionally, Monrovia resident, Arlene Shirk, will be presented with our volunteer of the year award. This event allows us to celebrate our exceptional teen candidates and recognize community leaders who have been instrumental to our Club and our community. 

For more information, please contact Amanda Navar by anavar@foothillsbgc.org or call (626) 594-3258. 

Public Safety Sensory-Friendly Event

In celebration of Autism Awareness Month, Monrovia's first responders are hosting its first sensory event! Join us next Saturday, April 29, 2023, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Monrovia Community Center (119 West Palm Avenue) to meet and interact with first responders, interact with therapy dogs, and learn more about other vendors.

Reservations are required, so please email Kerry McQueen at kmcqueen@monroviapd.org or by calling (626) 256-8082.

SCAG - Connect SoCal Pop-Up at 626 Golden Streets

Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) updates its visionary plan every four years for the future of the region, Connect SoCal.  

SCAG's outreach team will be at 626 Golden Streets to hear from the surrounding communities. Stop by their booth to learn more about the plan, ask questions and provide your input. The next event will be held this Sunday, April 23, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the 626 Golden Streets Active Transportation Event. 

Connect SoCal outlines strategies to help our communities thrive when it comes to mobility, housing, economy, and the environment. This 2024 update of the plan will carefully consider the needs of our diverse population and expected challenges due to climate change. SCAG’s process to develop Connect SoCal is an opportunity for everyone in our six-county region to share their thoughts on important issues that affect their everyday lives. For more event dates and locations, please visit SCAG website.

For more information, please contact ConnectSoCal@scag.ca.gov.

Grow Monrovia Garden Beds Available and Earth Day Event!

Grow Monrovia's Maryknoll One Earth Community Garden is now accepting applications for garden beds. For more information, please visit the Grow Monrovia website. 

Grow Monrovia is also hosting a free Earth Day event this Sunday, April 23, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.! The celebration will take place at 300 Norumbega Drive (Greystone Avenue and Mountain Avenue Entrance). There will be free workshops, fun activities for kids, tree giveaway, live music, and raffles! There will also be a ribbon cutting ceremony event for the One Earth Community Garden and launch of the new seed library!

For more information, please contact Rosemary Gavidia at rosemary@growmonrovia.org.

Solemates Shoe Drive

The San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments (SGVCOG) invites you to join them for their Solemates Shoe Drive by donating new socks and shoes and distributing them to homeless service providers in the San Gabriel Valley. Donations will serve clients of God’s Pantry, LA CADA, MCAP, and Shepherd’s Pantry. Shoes don't just provide comfort and protection from the environment, they also inspire the confidence and empowerment to keep moving forward! Especially considering the recent inclement weather, these donations are one crucial step towards making sure our unhoused neighbors are taken care of.

If you are interested in participating, you can contribute: new shoes, new socks, gift cards / e-gift cards, Paypal, Amazon Wish List, or by sharing this information with your networks. Donations can be sent to: SGVCOG at 1333 S. Mayflower Avenue, Suite 360, Monrovia, CA 91016.

Please send all donations by this Monday, April 24! Find more information about Village 143 at sgvcog.org/village143. If you have any questions, please contact Victoria Urenia at vurenia@sgvcog.org.

Donate to Help Renovate the Monrovia Ranger Station

Eagle Scout, Stefin Bank, with Scout Troop 66 in Monrovia, is seeking donations to help renovate the Monrovia Ranger Station. Now 14 years old, Stefin has volunteered at the Monrovia Ranger Station since he was in the third grade.

Join Stefin next Wednesday, April 26, from 4 p.m. - 9 p.m., at Max's Mexican Cuisine (1101 E. Huntington Drive) for a fundraiser. 20% of your take-out or dine-in total will be donated towards Stefin's project. 

If you can't make it, please visit Stefin's GoFundMe page to learn more about this project. If you have any questions, please contact Stefin Bank at stefinbank08@gmail.com. 

Monrovia Association of Fine Arts Exhibit 

Come celebrate the new art display by four Monrovia Association of Fine Arts (MAFA) artists next Sunday, April 30, 2023, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., at the Monrovia Community Center (119 W. Palm Avenue). Enjoy the beautiful sounds of the String Quartet from the Pasadena Youth Symphony Orchestra while you savor tasty treats and beverages. Find out which Monrovia middle school students will win top cash prizes in the Student Art Competition.

There will be a MAFA instructor offering attendees the opportunity to create their own art in a Paint Your Pet class for $25. Make sure you register today! Free craft activities are available to kids ages 5 - 12 when you RSVP with  christine@monroviafinearts.org.

April 22, 2023 is Earth Day and Arbor Day  

On Tuesday, at their regular meeting Council meeting, the City Council proclaimed April 22, 2023 as Earth Day and Arbor Day. 

Earth Day is annual reminder of the constant need for environmental activism, stewardship commitments and sustainability efforts. Arbor Day also serves as a reminder that trees can reduce the erosion of our precious topsoil by wind and water, lower our heating and cooling costs, moderate the temperature, clean the air, produce oxygen, and provide habitat for wildlife. 

April 23-29, 2023 is National Library Week  

On Tuesday, at their regular meeting Council meeting, the City Council proclaimed  the week of April 23-29, 2023 as National Library Week. 

National Library Week is a way to recognize librarians as information professionals who provide expertise, services and guidance for patrons to access credible sources and material, making their own informed decisions about the world today. 

April 2023 is Sexual Assault Awareness Month and April 26, 2023 is Denim Day 

On Tuesday, at their regular meeting Council meeting, the City Council proclaimed April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month and designated April 26, 2023 as "Denim Day."

Sexual Assault Awareness Month and Denim Day were instituted to call attention to misconceptions and misinformation about sexual violence, and the problem that many in society remain disturbingly uninformed with respect to issues of sexual misconduct.  

April 30 - May 6, 2023 is Professional Municipal Clerks Week

On Tuesday, at their regular meeting Council meeting, the City Council proclaimed April 30 - May 6, 2023 as Professional Municipal Clerks Week. 

Professional Municipal Clerks have pledged to be ever mindful of their neutrality and impartiality, rendering equal service to all, and serve as the information center on functions of local government. 

Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Celebration 

Join us on Saturday, May 6, 2023, from 2 p.m. - 4 p.m., at the Monrovia Public Library (321 S. Myrtle Avenue) as we celebrate the culture and history of Asian, Melanesian, Micronesian, and Polynesian immigrants who have come to America. This special program will pay tribute to a thriving culture and highlight the contributions generations have made to American history. Their heritage spans thousands of years and shaped the world we live in. Learn about hula dancing and musical instruments. Create a Paper Lei and discover the story around this traditional garland. Listen to stories and absorb many beautiful customs in person. No registration is required.

For more information, please contact the library at (626) 256-8274.

The Return of the Historic Homes Tour

The Monrovia Historic Preservation Group (MOHPG) is proud to announce the return of in-person touring after three years of drought due to the pandemic. On Sunday, May 7, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., five well-appointed vintage homes will be open for viewing, and the town's two museums. Please click here to view a short video trailer on the tour.

Ticket information and photos of the homes, and other tour particulars, can be found on the MOHPG website

Work Around Town

Construction Begins at Lower Cloverleaf Reservoir

Beginning the week of April 24, the City of Monrovia will begin work on a project to install new drainage facilities and a staff parking area at the Lower Cloverleaf reservoir. The project will include the installation of an improved drainage system for the reservoir and improved parking around the site.

The City’s contractor, Sol Construction, is expected to begin mobilizing this Monday, April 24, with work continuing through July 2024.

Members of the public who use the Cloverleaf Access Point to the Hillside Wilderness Preserve should expect potential temporary relocation of the trail during the project and are advised to follow all signs and directions to ensure safety.

Contact: Monrovia Public Works, (626) 256-8224

Monrovia's Organic Waste Recycling Program 

Senate Bill (SB) 1383, or the short-lived climate pollutant reduction strategy, was passed as an unfunded statewide mandate to reduce methane emissions. California has set a goal to reduce the amount of organic waste disposed of in landfills by 75% by 2025 and recover at least 20% of disposed edible food by 2025 to redirect the food to those in need.

Our first step towards achieving these goals is the creation of our new Organic Waste Recycling Program! Public Works staff is currently working on new and exciting outreach efforts to educate our residents on the requirements of SB 1383.

Please visit www.cityofmonrovia.org/SB1383 for more information and request your FREE Countertop Compost Bin. For any questions, please contact the Public Works Department by emailing pbeglarian@ci.monrovia.ca.us or calling (626) 932-5562. 

• City Council Meeting | May 2 | 7:30 p.m. 
• MAP - EDU Community Meeting | May 13 | 11 a.m. 
• The Love LIFE Festival | June 10 | 2 p.m.
• 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.
• E-Waste Drop Off at Monrovia Public Works Yard | Daily
• Subscribe to e-Notifications for Meeting Agendas
• Request a Bulky Item Pick-Up
• Traffic Safety Request Application
• Report an Issue for Public Works
• Shop the City of Monrovia Official Store
• Smoke Detector Program

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