Monrovia Association of Fine Arts

 

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We are two weeks into April, and we've already had wonderful events like the Old Town Wine Walk, Free Compost & Mulch Event, and Photos with the Spring Bunny. Join us tomorrow for more fun at the Spring Egg Hunt & Healthy Kids Day event. Be sure to stop by Recreation Park (620 S. Shamrock Avenue) from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for fun activities, arts and crafts, and, of course, an egg hunt! Last year, the event was canceled due to rain, but we have nothing but sunshine and a great weather forecast this weekend, and we can't wait to host our event again! Parents and kids...please be mindful to follow the rules and remember "no cheating" when it comes to hunting down 40,000 eggs at Rec Park!

Registration for the Egg Hunt begins at 9:30 a.m., and egg hunts will vary by age group. For additional information, please get in touch with Community Services at (626) 256-8246. We look forward to seeing you all!

 

Mark your calendars for the 15th Annual Monrovia Area Partnership (MAP) Neighborhood Conference happening next weekend on Saturday, April 26th, at Second Baptist Church (925 S. Shamrock Ave) from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. This year's theme, "Mapping the Course for Community Connection," reflects our shared goal to build connections and make Monrovia a wonderful place to live. The event will feature a complimentary continental breakfast, information booths, workshops, lunch, an information fair, a youth fair, and raffle giveaways. And the best part? It's all FREE! We'll have workshops on various topics, including Monrovia Street Improvement Updates, Public Comments 101, Preparing for Emergencies Together, and Collaboration with Local Organizations. There will also be sessions for ADUs, learning how to keep our teens engaged, and more! We hope to see you there to learn more about MAP and the incredible work being done in Monrovia. 

Don't forget, the MAP Neighborhood Conference is open to all, not just MAP Leaders! And in honor of Arbor Day, we have a special treat for you. We will be giving away 150 free trees during the conference, including 100 Englemann oak trees! You don't want to miss it! 

I hope you all have a safe and happy Easter weekend, 

Dylan 

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

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  Highlights in this Update

•  222 E Cypress - Project Plans and Updates
• Contract Awarded to RG General Engineering for the Satoru Tsuneishi Park Project 
• City Council Proclaims Earth Day and Arbor Day for 2025
• New Campaign Finance Limits Adopted by City Council 
• Street Fair and Farmers Market Updates
• Monrovia Fire & Rescue Pancake Breakfast
• Firescaping: Reducing the Vulnerability Workshop
• Monrovia High School Presents the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
• Small Space & Container Gardening - Earth Day Plant Party 
• Monrovia Garden Club: April 2025
• Monrovia Association of Fine Arts
• Clifton Middle School Spring Concert
• Honoring Two Pioneering Monrovia Sisters
• MOHPG Historic Home Tour Just 2 Weeks Away
• Monrovia's History Through Architecture! 
• So All May Read Fundraiser
• Work Around Town 

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222 E Cypress - Project Plans and Updates

On Tuesday night, the City Council approved the City's participation in the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments (SGVCOG) Affordable Housing Incubator Program to evaluate options related to the 222 E Cypress Avenue Project. The top priority is to preserve the original Victorian-style home constructed in 1892. The City, in its commitment to affordable housing, is also evaluating how to add affordable housing to the property to complement the historic home.

This portion of the project is funded by the Regional Early Action Program (REAP) grant program in the San Gabriel Valley. 

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Contract Awarded to RG General Engineering for the Satoru Tsuneishi Park Project 

Exciting news! On Tuesday, the City Council awarded a contract to RG General Engineering, Inc. to construct the park improvements, which include:

• A 1,975 square foot playground area with 1,330 square feet of turf and 4,517 square feet of drought-tolerant/native landscaping
• New lighting and perimeter fencing
• Public art, including 4 haiku footnote poems, 3 interpretive signs, Big Belly solar trash compactors, 2 murals, and a Little Library
• Picnic tables, benches, drinking fountains, and bike rack
• Monument sign
• New 6-foot block wall at the park’s southern property line to help facilitate space for the public art mural

We're excited to break ground on this new project soon and will keep you all updated on all the work! Stay tuned! 

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City Council Proclaims Earth Day and Arbor Day for 2025

In 1872, J. Sterling Morton proposed to the Nebraska Board of Agriculture that a special day be set aside for the planting of trees known as Arbor Day! 

The Native Plant Society of the San Gabriel Valley accepted the proclamation and have been longtime partners with the City of Monrovia and they're always looking for volunteers and members. Interested in helping? Join them at their monthly meetings in the Library Community room on the third Thursday of every month at 7:30 p.m. 

 

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New Campaign Finance Limits Adopted by City Council

At Tuesday's City Council meeting, the City Council approved Ordinance No. 2025-04, which limits campaign finance contributions to $1,000. This adoption of local campaign finance limits comes as Government Code Section 83013 permits local agencies to adopt additional campaign finance restrictions as long as the additional restrictions do not prevent compliance with the California Political Reform Act. View our Tuesday Night Council Meeting to learn more about this new ordinance. 

 

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Street Fair and Farmers Market Update

Just a reminder of the new changes at the Friday Night Street Fair and Farmers Market! Beginning in May, the Friday Night Street Fair hours will be extended to 10 p.m. to allow more time for nighttime strolls. The Monrovia Association of Fine Arts will host the Summer Art Walk on the last Friday in June, July, and August in conjunction with the Friday Night Street Fair, drawing more attention to local artwork and its artists.

There are also exciting updates at the Farmers Market at Station Square. Though participation may seem low, it can take years for a market to begin thriving. Our own Friday Night Street Fair took 35+ years to become what it is today!

Summer Concert Family Festival at Station Square 

The Family Festival is a new addition to Station Square Park in conjunction with the Summer Concerts 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 that coincide with the Summer Concerts. It will be more family fun while you enjoy your Summer Concerts at Station Square!

Have you noticed the new bandshell lighting system? If not, start planning your Summer Concert attendance now—you won't want to miss it!

 

Composting at the Farmers Market

Interested in learning more about composting? Stop by the Food Scrap Drop-Off Station! It's as easy as 1-2-3.

1. Collect your food scraps and accepted materials
2. Bring your materials to the Monrovia Farmers Market every Saturday from 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.
3. Your donated materials will be used to make compost for communities! 

At this station, they'll collect food waste, have a fun compost sorting game for kids to learn about what goes and doesn't go into the compost bin, and you can walk away with small bags of compost for your own garden!! 

About 10-50 lbs of food scraps are collected weekly for the community compost bins to create a nutrient base for all gardens! 

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Monrovia Fire & Rescue Pancake Breakfast 

To celebrate Fire Service Day, Monrovia Fire & Rescue is hosting its annual pancake breakfast! Please join us on Saturday, May 10, 2025, from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Fire Station 101 (141 E. Lemon Avenue) for delicious pancakes and fun activities! There will be a Jr. Firefighter challenge, raffles, displays, and live demonstrations.

$8 tickets will be sold at the event, and proceeds will benefit local Monrovia charities. If you have any questions, please contact our Fire Department at (626) 256-8181.

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Firescaping: Reducing the Vulnerability Workshop

The Upper San Gabriel Valley MWD and City of Monrovia are hosting a free in-person workshop on Firescaping: Reducing the Vulnerability on Thursday, June 12, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. at the City of Monrovia’s Library Community Room. Learn ways you can make your home less vulnerable to fires:

1.    Determine key points of vulnerability

2.    Understand the role of soil moisture balance

3.    Review landscape maintenance practices for protection

4.    Plan a fire-resistant landscape

The workshop is free, but you'll need to register.

Register now: upperwater.org/water-smart-workshops-2

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Monrovia High School Presents the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

Join Monrovia High School for the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee musical! Shows continue tonight, Friday, April 18, at 7 p.m. and tomorrow, Saturday, April 19, at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. at the Louise K. Taylor theatre (845 W Colorado). Please visit their site to purchase tickets today. The show contains songs from the original Broadway production, including songs rated PG-13, so be mindful when buying tickets for little ones.

 

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Small Space & Container Gardening - Earth Day Plant Party

Come celebrate Earth Day and learn all about small space and container gardening!  This workshop will be held at our newest garden location, Monrovia Community Garden South (1650 S Magnolia).  No cost and open to all.  Dwarf fruit trees will be raffled at 10:15 a.m. & 11:15 a.m. You must be present to claim your prize!  Parking at the free Park & Ride lot (168 W Pomona) is recommended.

For more information, please contact the Monrovia Community Garden at info@monroviacommunitygarden.org. 

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Monrovia Garden Club: April 2025

Join the Monrovia Garden Club on Tuesday, April 22, at 6:30 p.m. for their monthly meeting at the First Presbyterian Church (101 E Foothill). This month’s featured program, “Rooted in History: Garden Tales at the Huntington” by Sandy Masuo, explores plant stories and horticultural history captured in The Huntington’s botanical collections. The program begins at 7:00 p.m. and will be followed by a Q&A session. 

For more information, please contact the Monrovia Garden Club at martharund@gmail.com.

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Monrovia Association of Fine Arts

Join the Monrovia Association of Fine Arts on Friday, April 25 at the Community Center (119 W Palm Ave) from 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. to see the new work of artists! Art will be on display and for sale there will also be live musical entertainment, refreshments donated by the Rivans Baking Company and Wine of the Month Club! It's a free event for all ages, no need to RSVP. 

 

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Clifton Middle School Spring Concert

Join Clifton Middle School at their upcoming Spring Music Concert next Thursday, April 24 at 7 p.m. at the Clifton Middle School Auditorium (226 S Ivy Ave). Students are excited to showcase their talents and love for music under the guidance of Musical Director, Tim Weed. Be sure to show up and support this incredible group of students! 

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Honoring Two Pioneering Monrovia Sisters

Join the community in honoring the remarkable legacies of Anna H. Jones and Dr. Sophia B. Jones, trailblazing African American sisters whose lives broke barriers in education and medicine. Though their contributions were nationally significant, their final resting places at Live Oak Memorial Park have remained unmarked until now.

On Saturday, May 3, a special celebration of their lives will begin with a program and luncheon at 11:00 a.m. at Second Baptist Church (925 S Shamrock), followed by a grave marker dedication at 3:00 p.m. at Live Oak Memorial Park. The event is free and open to the public. Please RSVP by April 25 to (626) 664-6537 or spicerbatice@gmail.com.

Born in the 1850s, the Jones sisters made historic strides against racial and gender barriers. Anna was a visionary educator and civil rights leader; Sophia, the first African American woman to graduate from the University of Michigan Medical School, helped found the nursing program at Spelman College. Both called Monrovia home in their later years.

Come celebrate their enduring impact and help bring long-overdue recognition to two extraordinary women who shaped history!

For more information, please contact the Monrovia ChangeMakers at MonroviaChangeMakers@gmail.com

 

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MOHPG Historic Homes Tour Just 2 Weeks Away

Planning on attending the MOHPG 41^st Annual Historic Homes Tour on Sunday, May 4? If you need a little encouragement, watch our 5-minute video giving a preview of the homes and museums that will be open for viewing. Watch the video promotion here! 

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Monrovia's History Through Architecture!

The Monrovia Historical Museum is excited to announce the Grand Opening of their latest exhibit, “Monrovia’s History Through Architecture!” and the "Monrovia's Fire Department: Then & Now". Join the Museum on the same day as the 41st Annual MOHPG Historic Home Tour. Advance tickets for the Historic Homes Tour are now on sale, available at Charlie's House or through the MOHPG website. The event will take place on Sunday, May 4, 2025, and you can also purchase tickets at the Museum on the morning of the tour. Best of all, admission to the Museum is free!. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to explore Monrovia's architectural history before you visit the homes on tour! Can't make it on the 4th? Join them Wednesday, May 7 from 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. for a fun celebration of both exhibits! There will be FREE ice cream for kids! Hope to see you all there! 

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So All May Read Fundraiser

Interested in going to Greece? France? Italy? How about Scotland or Africa? Join the So All May Read Annual fundraiser, hosted by Monrovia Reads, for a chance to win a trip of a lifetime! The event will take place May 8, 2025, at the Doubletree by Hilton (924 W Huntington)! This year, Monrovia Reads will honor John Wilson with a Literacy Legacy Award for his contributions to the community and the organization. 

Tickets are on sale now for $75 per person and include a plated dinner and access to the live and silent auctions at the event! For more information or to RSVP, please contact Monrovia Reads at soallmayread@monroviareads.org. To purchase tickets, please visit MonroviaReads.org.

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Work Around Town

Potential Traffic Delays

For the week of April 21 – April 25, 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 21 – April 25
  • 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

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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:

• Senior Management Analyst
• Recreation Leader (Part-time)
• Police Cadet (Part-time)
• Police Officer (Lateral)
• Police Officer (Recruit/Entry-level)

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Key Dates, Programs & Virtual Events

• Make an Appointment for Passport Services at Monrovia Community Center 
• Monrovia Street Fair & Market | Fridays | 5 p.m.
• Monrovia Farmers Market | Saturdays | 9 a.m.
• E-Waste Drop Off at Monrovia Public Works Yard | Mon - Thu | 7 a.m. - 5 p.m. 
• 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

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