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City Manager's Update | April 4, 2025

Post Date:04/04/2025 10:30 AM

 

Good morning, Monrovians!

Exciting news! On Tuesday, April 1st, the City Council accepted a property donation from the Monrovia Historical Society. The George H. Anderson House, located at 215 E. Lime Avenue, now belongs to the community! What better way to cherish and showcase our community's history than owning and maintaining one of the first and oldest homes constructed in Monrovia. Because the house sits on the flat dirt ground and needs new utilities, we will begin work on a new foundation and underground plumbing, hopefully to begin before year's end. The Monrovia Historical Society will continue to be involved in the stewardship of this community gem!

 

At the same meeting, the City Council approved a resolution which helps a non-profti developer acquire the Oak Park Apartments and convert all 156 units into 100% affordable units! The new owners will also pass along significant rent savings to the current tenants and will even undertake exterior improvement projects including new paint and some landscaping. None of the current tenants will be relocated or required to move...so sit tight and watch out for more information on the newest, 100% affordable housing project in Monrovia.

And the previous proposal to demolish the property and construct a 6-story, 296 unit housing project, will not proceed further. 

And to cap off a busy week, the Monrovia Old Town Advisory Board and your Old Town merchant community will host the 8th annual Wine Walk this Saturday, April 5th, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Those who are 21 or older should join us for an evening of strolling through Old Town while shopping at your local businesses and sampling various wine offerings! Registration is required so purchase your tickets ASAP! Wine Walk guests will receive a tasting glass, a map of the participating businesses in Old Town, 12 wine tastings, access to the photo booth, and appetizers. Tickets can be found online and will can also be purchased at the event. 

Have a great weekend,

 

Dylan 

Email: dfeik@monroviaca.gov  
Phone: (626) 932-5585

  Highlights in this Update

  • Honoring the Memory of Soldier Edvin F. Franco, MHS Class of 2018
  • Street Fair and Farmers Market Update
  • Main San Gabriel Basin Watermaster
  • Monrovia Historical Society Presents "It Will Cause a Sensation in a World of Aviation Someday": The Brief History of the Safer Aeroplane Company of Monrovia, 1914
  • Proclaiming April 2025 as DMV/Donate Life Month
  • Fire Hazard Severity Map Update - Local Responsibility Area (LRA) 
  • Second Opportunity for Public Input: Submit Your Comments on the Environmental Study Prepared for the Proposed Residential Development and Debris Basin at 347 Highland Place
  • 15th Annual Monrovia Area Partnership (MAP) Conference
  • Nominations Open for 2025 Older Monrovian of the Year Award
  • Monrovia Youth Commission April 2025 Calendar
  • Spring Bunny Photos at Library Park 
  • 2025 Spring Egg Hunt & Healthy Kids Day
  • Historic Walking Tour
  • Centre Stage: The Addams Family Musical
  • 41st Annual Historic Homes Tour
  • Volunteer Opportunities at Monrovia Historical Museum
  • Free Compost & Mulch Event - April 12
  • Work Around Town

Honoring the Memory of Soldier Edvin F. Franco, MHS Class of 2018

Earlier this week, the names were released of the four U.S. soldiers who lost their lives last week in Lithuania while conducting a training mission. Unfortunately, one of the soldiers was a Monrovian. Edvin F. Franco, a proud member of Monrovia High School's Class of 2018, lost his life during a training mission. 

Edvin's dedication to service, sacrifice for our country, and his bravery will not be forgotten. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and all who knew him, as well as with the loved ones of the other fallen soldiers. 

On behalf of the City of Monrovia, we extend our deepest condolences to the families of their loved ones lost and express our deepest gratitude for their sacrifices. 

 

Street Fair and Farmers Market Update

Some exciting changes are coming to the Friday Night Street Fair and Farmers Market! Beginning in May, the Street Fair hours will be extended to 10 p.m. to allow more time for nighttime strolls, especially as the summer heat approaches. The Monrovia Association of Fine Arts will aim to host the Summer Art Walk in conjunction with the Friday Night Street Fair to draw more attention to their artists, taking place on the last Friday of June, July, and August.

There are also exciting updates coming to the Farmers Market at Station Square. Participation has been low and several factors, including construction and weather, all contribute. Please remember it can take years for a market to begin thriving and even our Friday Night Street Fair is over 30 years in-the-making. Here are some changes coming to the Farmers Market:

  • Changing the hours to Saturday morning, 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.
  • Increased advertisements around town and on social media 
  • Adding new vendors, including:
    • Prepackaged food like pastries and sourdough 
    • Prepared food such as Mexican food, a Bao vendor, and tamales
    • Adding more craft vendors 

Summer Concert Family Festival at Station Square 

After the Eaton and Palisades Fire, Raw Inspiration sought ways to support and assist the vendors who lost business. Raw Inspiration shared the challenges they were facing due to market closures in Altadena and other locations, and we decided to add a third seasonal market. The Family Festival will operate in conjunction with the existing Summer Concerts at Station Square beginning Sunday, May 25, through June 29, from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Summer concerts will continue to run from 7 pm. to 8:30 p.m. For more information, please visit their site. The Family Festival will add food, family activities and features which coincide with the Summer Concerts...more family fun while you enjoy your Summer Concerts at Station Square!

 

Main San Gabriel Basin Watermaster 

In the San Gabriel Valley, approximately 1.5 million people rely on the same groundwater basin for our water supply. Since 1973, the Main San Gabriel Basin Watermaster has administered, managed and protected the basin's water rights even during periods of drought. On Tuesday, Kelly Gardner, Executive Officer for the Watermaster, presented an overview of our water, usage and storage. 

One of the biggest takeaways was the report on the amount of rainfall we've had over the last couple of years. Despite receiving a large number of rainstorms in 2021-2023, from 2011 to 2020, we received less than 50% of historic average rainfall, and we've already received far less rainfall this year than in previous years, inching our way toward another drought. 

The Watermaster will continue to ensure that water is available to residents and is developing a contingency plan for alternative sources of new water. They recently updated their website and I encourage you all to learn more about our groundwater supply. To view the presentation please view our Council meeting here (18:00).

 Historical Society Aeroplane

Monrovia Historical Society Presents “It Will Cause a Sensation in the World of Aviation Someday”:  The Brief History of the Safer Aeroplane Company of Monrovia, 1914.  

Did you know this 1914 ‘aeroplane” company was in the barn of the La Vista Grande Hotel – where City Hall is today?  Come hear its (sometimes hilarious) story and learn more from Paul Spitzzeri from the Temple and Workman Family Homestead Museum.  You might even get to see a smaller scale model of the aeroplane itself!  

 To contact the Monrovia Historical Society . Email:  monroviahistoricalsociety1896@gmail.com. Phone or text: 626-675-8323.

Proclaiming April 2025 as DMV/Donate Life Month

On Tuesday, April 1, the City Council proclaimed April as DMV/Donate Life Month. More than 103,000 individuals nationwide and more than 23,000 in California are currently on the national organ transplant waiting list. Organ, eye, tissue, marrow, and blood donation are life-giving acts recognized worldwide as expressions of compassion to those in need. Organ donors saved more than 46,000 lives last year! Anyone can register as an organ donor, regardless of age or medical condition. To register, visit https://donatelifecalifornia.org/. 

Fire Hazard Severity Map Update - Local Responsibility Area (LRA)

On March 24, 2025, Cal Fire released updated Fire Hazard Severity Zone Maps (FHSZ) for Local Responsibility Areas (LRA), resulting in changes to Monrovia’s current Fire Hazard Severity Zones. This was done as part of a four-phased approach that included the entire state of California. The first phase began in February 2025 and included a significant portion of Northern California. These maps offer a more accurate evaluation of wildfire risks by utilizing the latest climate data, fire history, topography, and wildfire modeling to classify areas into Very High, High, or Moderate Fire Hazard Zones. Historically, only the Very High zone was identified in the Local Responsibility Area. Due to legislative changes, FHSZ classifications must include Moderate and High zones in addition to Very High, expanding fire hazard oversight.

The updated Fire Hazard Zones can be seen in the image below. More information about the FHSZ is available online at osfm.fire.ca.gov/FHSZ. Residents can check property status under the section Explore Fire Hazard Severity Zones and search by address. The map enables residents to compare the 2011 adopted maps to the newly updated maps.

How to Stay Informed and Participate

We encourage residents and property owners to stay engaged as this process unfolds. Here's how you can get involved:

  • Review the Updated Map: Check if a property is affected. You can follow the link above to access the map.
  • Attend Meetings: We’ll announce public meetings where you can learn more and share input.
  • Follow Updates: Stay informed through City Manager Updates, social media, and city website updates.
  • Questions: Contact the Fire Department at 626-256-8181 or mfd@monroviaca.gov

 

Second Opportunity for Public Input: Submit Your Comments on the Environmental Study Prepared for the Proposed Residential Development and Debris Basin at 347 Highland Place

The City of Monrovia is re-circulating the Draft Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration (Draft IS/MND), an environmental study prepared for the proposed 347 Highland Place Residential Subdivision and New Debris Basin Project for an additional 30-day public review period.

The proposed development is located on the west side of Highland Place, between West Hillcrest Boulevard and Scenic Drive. The project involves subdividing a 7.8-acre hillside property into four separate lots to accommodate three new single-family homes, each with an attached garage, as well as a new flood control basin (Highland Desilting Basin) to help manage stormwater runoff.

As part of the required environmental review process under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), a public comment period is required to allow the public to review and comment on the Draft IS/MND. The first public comment period began on Monday, February 10, 2025, and ended on Monday, March 17, 2025.

The re-circulated 30-day public review opportunity will run from Monday, March 31, 2025, to Wednesday, April 30, 2025.

Written comments regarding the Draft IS/MND must be submitted to the City of Monrovia Planning Division by 5:00 PM on the last day of the public review and comment period (April 30, 2025). Any comments received during the initial 30-day public review period (Monday, February 10, 2025 – Monday, March 17, 2025) will be incorporated into the public record. Therefore, a resubmission of comments is not required.

The following are the links to the Environmental Study:

You may also review the document in-person at: Monrovia City Hall, Planning Division, 415 S. Ivy Ave.

How to Submit Comments:
Comments must be submitted in writing by 5:00 PM on April 30, 2025 via:

  • Mail: Monrovia City Hall, Attn: Planning Division, 415 S. Ivy Ave., Monrovia, CA 91016
  • Email: planning@monroviaca.gov

 

15th Annual Monrovia Area Partnership (MAP) Conference

Get ready for Monrovia Area Partnership’s biggest event of the year! The 15th Annual Neighborhood Conference will take place on Saturday, April 26, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Second Baptist Church (925 S. Shamrock Ave).

This year’s theme, "Mapping The Course for Community Connection," was created by our newest MAP leaders, and it means exactly what it says—building connections within our community.

Join us for a day filled with exciting workshops, information booths, a youth fair, raffle giveaways, and more. Workshop topics include a variety of trending and important community topics. For a full list and descriptions, visit our website at www.MonroviaAreaPartnership.com/conference.

In addition to the workshops, attendees can enjoy:

  • Free continental breakfast
  • Free information from booth vendors
  • Free lunch
  • Free information fair and youth fair
  • Free raffle giveaways

This event is free and open to the entire community. Workshop capacity is limited and on a first-come, first-served basis, so be sure to register early to secure your spot!

For more information or inquiries, contact the MAP staff at (626) 932-5525 or map@monroviaca.gov.

  

 

Nominations Open for 2025 Older Monrovian of the Year Award

Join the Community Center as they begin the search for the Older Monrovian of they Year Award! Do you know someone who is 60 years of age or older, working or retired, and provided service and community involvement during the 2024 year? Nominate them for the Older Monrovian of the Year award! Submit your nomination form to Lauren Pagliotti at the Community Center (119 W Palm Ave) or email to lpagliotti@monrovica.gov. We look forward to hearing about your submissions!

 

 

Monrovia Youth Commission April 2025 Calendar 

Teens are welcome to join the Monrovia Youth Commission next month for fun events! Youth Commissioners serve the community through volunteerism and advising the Community Services Commission on youth programming. If you know of any youth who are interested in the program, please have them contact  the Community Center at 626-256-8233

Here are the events for April:

  • April 9th - 4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. 
    • Group Activity - Bob Ross Painting 
  • April 15th - 4:30 p.m. 
    • Youth Commission Meeting at Rotary Park 
  • April 19th - 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. 
    • City Event - Spring Egg Hunt 
  • April 23rd - 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. 
    • Service event - Seeds of Service 

  • April 26th 

    • City Event - Arbor Day & Earth Day

 

Spring Bunny Photos at Library Park!

Join us for an EGG-citing spring event on Saturday, April 12, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at Library Park (321 S. Myrtle Avenue)! Take your photo with the Spring Bunny and enjoy other fun photo opportunities in the park. Other activities include arts & crafts, lawn games, photo opportunities and Library Storytime!

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

 

2025 Spring Egg Hunt & Healthy Kids Day

Unfortunately we printed an error in the Monrovia Today. On the back page it says the Spring Egg Hunt & Healthy Kids Day is April 12th...that is INCORRECT. The event will actually be held on Saturday, April 19th from 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. at Recreation Park (620 S. Shamrock Avenue). We look forward to seeing you there! The online version of the Monrovia Today has been corrected and we'll be sure to use the weekly City Manager's Update to ensure you all have the correct date. I'm sorry for the mistake which can certainly cause confusion! Please help us get the word out so no families miss out on this wonderful event.    

Registration for the egg hunt will begin at 9:00 a.m. on the morning of the event. For additional information, please get in touch with the Community Services Department at (626) 256-8246. Activities will be canceled in the event of rain, but we look forward to seeing you all out there!

Historic Walking Tour

The Monrovia Historic Preservation Group will conduct another walking tour and history lesson this Saturday, April 5, at 10:00 a.m. Meet at the SE corner of Palm and Myrtle Avenues. The cost is $5 per person. Attendees will receive an approximately two-hour introduction to Monrovia’s history and the forces that led to the creation of the charming city we see today.

 

 

The Addams Family Musical

Join the Monrovia Unified School District and Centre Stage as they present their rendition of the Adams Family on April 10, 11, and 12 at Clifton Auditorium. For more information on showtimes and tickets, visit their site. 

41st Annual Historic Homes Tour

The Monrovia Historic Preservation Group will host its 41st annual home tour of vintage Monrovia homes on Sunday, May 4. Complete ticket information can be found on the MOHPG website. If you need some enticement, watch their 5-minute video on YouTube. Hope to see you all on the 4th!

Volunteer Opportunities at Monrovia Historical Museum 

Join the Monrovia Historical Museum in preserving history by volunteering at the Monrovia Historical Museum! Whether you’re looking to contribute as a member or volunteer, there’s a role that suits your skills and interests. If you’re interested or would like more information, please contact them at info@monroviahistoricalmuseum.org. We’ll help match you with the perfect opportunity that aligns with your abilities and passions.

They're currently seeking volunteers for roles in research and archiving, as well as for creative skills such as painting, crafting, woodworking, writing, editing, IT, and technical support, and docenting.

 

Free Compost & Mulch Event - April 12

The City of Monrovia and Athens Services will host a free compost and mulch giveaway for Monrovia residents. Compost is a nutrient-rich mixture made from organic materials such as green waste, and food scraps, which can be used in potted plants or garden beds.

Mulch is tree trimmings or bark groundcover and is great for improving soil moisture retention, suppressing weeds, and adding a polished look to your landscaping!

  • Bring your shovels, dolly, and sturdy container. This is a self-service event.
  • No plastic bags allowed.
  • Gloves and eye protection are recommended.
  • Lastly, be sure to bring your ID with your Monrovia address or Athens bill with the Monrovia address

 

Work Around Town

For the week of April 7 – April 11, the following locations will have construction work that may alter traffic and/or sidewalk flow. Please follow all directional signage and worker instructions for your safety.

  • April 7 – April 11
    • Primrose Avenue and Evergreen Avenue near 127 West Pomona Avenue – Road closure down to one lane
      • 200 Block West Duarte Road – Intermittent traffic control
      • Contact: Monrovia Public Works, (626) 932-5575
    • 600 Block King Street – Gas main replacement
      • Contact: SoCalGas, (877) 238-0092
  • April 3
    • Peck Road between Clark Street and Live Oak Avenue – Traffic control for pole replacement
    • Contact: Monrovia Public Works, (626) 932-5575
  • April 9
    • 500 Block West Scenic – Traffic control for equipment replacement
    • Contact: SCE Customer Service, (800) 655-4555

Job Opportunities with the City of Monrovia 

 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.

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

  • Planning Technician 
  • YES Intern
  • Police Communications Operator (Part-time)
  • Police Officer (Lateral)
  • Police Officer (Recruit/Entry-level)

 

Key Dates, Programs & Virtual Events

 

Neighborhood Watch Report

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

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