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City Manager's Update | August 8, 2025

Post Date:08/08/2025 10:30 AM

Good morning, Monrovians! 

It's back-to-school season! Teachers and staff across the Monrovia Unified School District (MUSD) are preparing for another year of educating our community and creating classrooms and spaces that inspire growth and curiosity. 

This past Monday, many of us welcomed Monrovia's newest educators at a welcome breakfast followed by a walking tour through Old Town. The event stopped by City facilities including City Hall, the Monrovia Public Library, and Police and Fire Departments. I'd like to give a special shoutout to MUSD's Board of Education, Superintendent Dr. Paula Hart Rodas and the Monrovia Teacher's Association for their work in developing  an amazing New Teacher Orientation. And please join me in wishing all MUSD teachers and staff an amazing school year!

Incoming educators during their orientation tour of city facilities, stopped in front of the Monrovia Public Library for a quick photo.

The 2025–2026 school year begins next Wednesday, August 13! As parents and students are gearing up for the first day, here are a few friendly reminders and safety tips to help ensure a smooth start. 

School safety is a shared responsibility in our community. Please remember to:

  • Use designated pick-up and drop-off zones
  • Respect bus lanes and drive carefully near them
  • Review bus routes and schedules if your child takes the bus
  • Drive carefully near schools, playgrounds, parks and residential areas. Please DO NOT double - and sometimes triple - park when dropping off your kids!

I'd also recommend reviewing MUSD's Safe Passageways presentation and sharing with your students who may walk to and from school, for the safe walking routes to all Monrovia schools.

As a parent, I'm very aware of how tricky it can get to get the kids back into routine after a long summer! We like to plan ahead for a successful first week by:

  • Checking school supply lists
  • Reviewing the school dress code
  • Checking the school calendar to stay in the loop about extracurriculars, back-to-school events, and other events that seem to always sneak up on us!

I'm incredibly thankful for everyone in the community who plays a role in educating our students, whether in the classroom or in sports and extracurriculars, and I wish everyone a successful year!

Sincerely,

Dylan 

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


Highlights in this Update: 

  • SiLC Technologies Honored with Innovation Award at Automate 2025
  • Online Utility Billing System: Temporary Outage - Saturday, August 16
  • Fountain to the Falls 10K Run/Walk - Saturday, September 6
  • Monrovia Area Partnership Youth and Adult Leadership Academies - Registration Now Open!
  • Monrovia Police Department Citizens Academy - Enrollment Now Open
  • 2025 Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count Results
  • Art in Public Places 2025 Footnotes Sidewalk Poetry Contest Winners
  • New Additions to the Monrovia Legacy Project Online Collection
  • Safe Streets for All Survey - Extended!
  • Summer Movies in the Park - Saturday, August 9
  • Summer Concerts in the Park- Sunday, August 10
  • MAP-EDU Community Meeting - Thursday, August 14
  • Jazz and R&B Festival at Station Square Park - Saturday, August 16
  • Monrovia Parks, Wilderness, and Recreation (MPWR) Foundation Fundraiser at Habit Burger & Grill - Tuesday, August 19
  • American Red Cross x PEANUTS Blood Drive at the Library! - Thursday, September 11
  • Peck Road and Mountain Ave. Infrastructure Improvements Project Update
  • Work Around Town
  • Job Opportunities with the City of Monrovia 

 

SiLC Technologies Honored with Innovation Award at Automate 2025

Did you know a Monrovia-based, SiLC Technologies, is leading the way in LiDAR technology and innovation? 

SiLC Technologies was recently named the winner of the Innovation Award at Automate 2025, the largest automation show in North America, for their breakthrough advancements in Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) LiDAR technology with the debut of its Eyeconic Trace. The Eyeonic Trace, is a compact, cutting-edge laser scanner that delivers incredibly precise measurements, even on hard-to-detect surfaces, and in any lighting condition. It's safe to use and easy to install on production lines or robotic arms, the Eyeonic Trace technology can scan everything from items as small as a few millimeters or as large as airplane panels, and could even be used in autonomous vehicles! 

Congratulations to SiLC and their entire team...we’re proud to be home to companies shaping the future of technology! To learn more, check out theLos Angeles Business Journal's feature on SiLC Technologies, along with the company’s official press release on the Eyeonic Trace.


 

Online Utility Billing System: Temporary Outage - Saturday, August 16

Our online utility bill payment system will be temporarily unavailable for scheduled maintenance between 6:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 16th. Check payments may still by dropped off at the City Hall (415 S Ivy Ave) payment drop box during this time. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding.

Questions? Please contact our Utility Billing team at (626) 932-5517 or watercustomersvs@monroviaca.gov


 

Fountain to the Falls 10K Run/Walk - Saturday, September 6

Stretch those calves and lace up your shoes, the Fountain to the Falls 10K Run/Walk is returning for the first time since 2019 and registration is now OPEN

The Fountain to the Falls 10K Run/Walk will take you from the Library Park Fountain, up through the northern section of Monrovia, through Monrovia Canyon Park until you reach the waterfall and begin the trek back down to the Library Park Fountain! 

Pre-registration is $50 and closes Friday, September 5 at 6:00 p.m. Same-day registration is $60, if space is available. The race is limited to 350 participants, so don’t wait to sign up! You can register online or at the Community Center (119 W Palm Ave).

Want to join the fun without participating in the 10K? Volunteers are needed and will get a free event t-shirt for helping along the course! Please contact Eugene Suk at (626) 256-8281 for more information on becoming a volunteer.

Questions about the 10K? Contact us at (626) 256-8246. We hope to see you on race day!


 

Monrovia Area Partnership Youth and Adult Leadership Academies - Registration Now Open!

Get involved…Make a difference…Become a Leader! The Monrovia Area Partnership (MAP) is excited to announce that registration is now open for the annual Youth and Adult Leadership Academies!

These free, hands-on academies are designed to empower individuals who live, work, or attend school in Monrovia to become active, informed, and inspired community leaders.

The Youth Leadership Academy helps young leaders develop the skills and confidence needed to become the best versions of themselves. Participants will engage in leadership development, financial literacy, local government education, public speaking, resume building, and much more.  The Youth Leadership Academy is open to students in grades 8 – 12. The program is offered on Wednesdays from 3:30 - 5:00 p.m., from September 3 through October 15, 2025. Youth are encouraged to step out of their comfort zones, grow as individuals, and learn how to make a lasting impact in their communities.

The Adult Leadership Academy provides a behind-the-scenes peek into city government and equips participants with leadership tools and community-building strategies. Graduates often go on to serve on City boards, commissions, and community groups, including City Council! The academy is offered to adults 18 years and older. Participants will learn leadership development and strategies, get to know the City, engage with fellow residents and familiarize themselves with community assets. Hands-on activities include facility tours and team building games. The program is offered on Thursdays from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m., from September 4 – October 16, 2025.

MAP Leadership Academy graduates become part of a passionate, citywide network of leaders who are committed to making Monrovia better for all. This is more than a class,  it's a launchpad for leadership.

For additional information please contact MAP staff at Map@Monroviaca.gov or (626) 932-5564.


 

Monrovia Police Department Citizens Academy - Enrollment Now Open

The Monrovia Police Department is now accepting applications to the Citizens Academy! The Citizens Academy is an exciting, dynamic and informative 10-week program designed to provide participants with an interactive and comprehensive overview of the Monrovia Police Department.

The program is free and open to all applicants who meet the requirements:

  • Must reside, work, or attend college in the City of Monrovia
  • Have a clean criminal background
  • Open to adults 18 and over
  • Be able to attend sessions on Wednesday evenings between 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Classes begin August 20, 2025.

For more information and to apply, contact Sergeant D. Bartholomy at (626) 256-8020 or dbartholomy@monroviapd.org.


2025 Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count Results

The results of the 2025 Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count are now available. In Monrovia, the number of unsheltered individuals decreased from 22 in 2024 to 9 in 2025, reflecting the continued efforts of local outreach and regional housing programs. The data also showed a reduction in makeshift shelters, tents, and vans, while the number of individual vehicles such as cars and RVs saw a slight increase.

For full details and links to the Homeless Count Dashboard, please visit our Homeless Services webpage.

If you or someone you know needs assistance, the City of Monrovia, in partnership with Foothill Unity Center, offers Case Management Services at the Community Center four days a week. Services include assistance with eviction prevention, homeless/housing referrals, food insecurity, senior employment opportunities, health services, and financial literacy.

For more information, click here to view the Foothill Unity Center flyer for Case Management Services at the Monrovia Community Center.


Art in Public Places 2025 Footnotes Sidewalk Poetry Contest Winners

Congratulations to the winners of this year’s Art in Public Places (AIPP) Footnotes Sidewalk Poetry Contest! Footnotes features poems and fascinating historical tidbits, called Monrovia Moments, stamped into freshly poured concrete throughout the City.

In July 2025, the Art in Public Places Committee selected eight winning poems out of a record-breaking 30 submissions! This year's winners are:

  • Christiana Crook
  • Lindsey Lottie
  • Cory Sargeant
  • Lorena Ortega-Fahey
  • Joy Bushmeyer
  • Mary Quintero
  • Kristie Savage (2)

Visit our website to read their winning poems! 

For more information about the Footnotes Sidewalk Poetry program, please contact Art in Public Places staff at (626) 932-5564. 


New Additions to the Monrovia Legacy Project Online Collection

We’re excited to announce a major expansion to the Monrovia Legacy Project Online Collection: more than 2,500 new records added in Summer 2025! Dive deeper into Monrovia’s story through newly uncovered photographs, papers, and rare treasures. Whether you’re researching your family, your street, or Monrovia’s movers and shakers, there’s something for everyone.

This expansion is especially meaningful as it features materials from the extensive personal collections of Steve Baker, Monrovia’s beloved late city historian. Steve devoted his life to uncovering, documenting, and preserving the stories that define our city.

Highlights from What's New in 2025:

  • Personal treasures from local families like the Anna H. Jones & Dr. Sophia B. Jones Family, the Anson Family, and the Bartle Family
  • Nostalgic gems: Kim Anderson’s postcards, May (Mae) Baker memorabilia, and collections from “Monrovia’s Old Timers”
  • Historic telephone directories, Monrovia High School yearbooks, and more

Monrovia’s story grows with every addition. Visit the collection, explore its newest treasures, and celebrate the rich tapestry of our city’s history, made all the more vivid through the lifelong efforts of Steve Baker. 


Safe Streets for All Survey - Extended!

Submit your feedback through September 30, 2025! The City is continuing to collect feedback from all roadway users to improve traffic safety and expand bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure. In addition to reporting safety concerns, we encourage you to share other travel-related challenges or observations in Monrovia.

Here are a few examples of helpful feedback:

  • “I’d bike more often, but there’s nowhere to park my bike, so I drive instead.”
  • “I bike to work on [street name] and see others doing the same. It could benefit from a bike lane or other safety features.”
  • “Drivers often speed on [street name], which makes the area feel unsafe.”
  • “The bollards at [intersection] make pedestrians more visible. [Different intersection] could benefit from a similar installation, as it’s difficult to see when pedestrians are crossing the street.”

The survey will be available until September 30, 2025. Complete the survey using the following link: https://app.maptionnaire.com/q/monroviacsapbikeplan

Stay connected! Project updates will continue to be posted on the SS4A website. To receive email updates or meeting notices, contact ssousa@monroviaca.gov.


 

Summer Movies in the Park - Saturday, August 9

Join us for the last of our free family-friendly movie nights under the stars! Grab your blankets, lawn chairs, and snacks, and come to Library Park this Saturday for a free movie screening beginning at dusk!

Questions? Call the Community Center at (626) 256-8246 for more info!


 

Summer Concerts in the Park - Sunday, August 10

Join us at the Rotary Club Band Shell at Library Park (321 S Myrtle Ave) to close out our Summer Concerts in the Park series!

Don't forget - we will also continue to host our Station Square Family Festival from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Sunday at Station Square (1629 S Myrtle Ave)! There will be food, family activities, and a beer garden! Don't miss out on the fun! 


 

MAP-EDU Community Meeting - Thursday, August 14

Join the Monrovia Area Partnership (MAP) this upcoming Thursday, August 14, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Library Community Room (321 S Myrtle Ave) to learn about valuable mental health resources available to you and your neighbors.

A guest speaker from the City partner, Care Solace, will give a presentation on the importance of mental health and wellness, along with how to access mental health resources. Care Solace is a great way to find help, and we all can benefit from taking care of our mental well-being. 

This is a great opportunity to get informed, ask questions, and connect in an environment that's welcoming to meet your community, share ideas, and strengthen the relationships that make our neighborhoods thrive.

To RSVP or if you have any questions, please get in touch with MAP at map@monroviaca.gov

 


Jazz and R&B Festival at Station Square Park - Saturday, August 16

Join the Monrovia Duarte Black Alumni Association (MDBAA) on Saturday, August 16 at Station Square Park (1629 S Myrtle Ave) from 6:00 - 10:00 p.m. for a Jazz and R&B festival! 

Bring your favorite foldable lawn chair and enjoy live performances by Michael Haggins, Kolby Cordell, Lisa Marias, and Jazz Zone One mixing up Jazz, Funk, and R&B sounds.

Please note, this event is for guests aged 21 and over. No outside food or drinks allowed, but will be available for purchase.

For inquiries about sponsorships or vendor opportunities, reach out to mdbaainfo@gmail.com or visit mdbaa.org


 

Monrovia Parks, Wilderness, and Recreation (MPWR) Foundation Fundraiser at Habit Burger & Grill - Tuesday, August 19

Join the Monrovia Parks, Wilderness, and Recreation Foundation (MPWR) on Tuesday, August 19 from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., for a fundraiser at Habit Burger & Grill in Duarte (1155 E Huntington Dr)!

Your participation will help support parks and recreation in Monrovia, including youth scholarships! Just show the flyer in person or enter the code GIVEBACK when placing an order online, in the app, or at self-ordering kiosks on-site, and MPWR will receive 20% of the net proceeds!


American Red Cross and Monrovia Police Department Blood Drive on September 11. 2025 at the Community Room at 321 S Myrtle Ave.

American Red Cross x PEANUTS Blood Drive at the Library! - Thursday, September 11

The Monrovia Police Department and the Monrovia Police Officers' Association are collaborating with the American Red Cross for one final blood drive this year, scheduled for Thursday, September 11, in the Library Community Room (321 S Myrtle Ave).

Summer travel season presents challenges to the blood supply due to reduced donations. To tackle this, the Red Cross has partnered with the iconic PEANUTS®, to provide a special thank-you to donors who give between August 29 and September 21- a mystery bag containing one of four exclusive 75th anniversary t-shirts. Some may even find a Golden Ticket that grants them access to all four designs! Supplies are limited, so act quickly!

Let's spread the word and ensure this event is successful in saving lives!

Please visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter code: BOB25 or click the link below to schedule an appointment. 


Peck Road and Mountain Ave. Infrastructure Improvements Project Update

East Lemon Ave. will be closed at the Mountain/Lemon intersection. Turn movements will be restricted from Mountain Ave onto East Lemon. Detour routes and signage will be out to assist drivers. Please see the above map for detour routes.

East Lemon Ave closed at Mountain Ave from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on:

  • Saturday, August 9
  • Monday, August 10
  • Tuesday, August 11

Lemon Ave. will be reopened at the end of each work day. Public Works is authorizing work on Saturday, August 9, to ensure that major portions of the work are completed around the Mountain/Lemon intersection prior to the start of the school year on Wednesday, August 13.

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


  

Work Around Town

Potential Traffic Delays

From August 11 through August 15, 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.

  • Monday, August 11 - Tuesday, August 12
    • 900 Block of S Ivy Ave– Pole Replacement

Contact: Southern California Edison, (800) 655-4555

  • Tuesday, August 12
    • 1500 Block of S Mayflower Ave – Overhead maintenance
    • 100 Block of E Chestnut Ave – Overhead maintenance

Contact: Southern California Edison, (800) 655-4555

  • Wednesday, August 13
    • 900 Block of W Duarte Rd– Pole Maintenance

Contact: Southern California Edison, (800) 655-4555

  • Thursday, August 14
    • 700 Block of W Duarte Rd – Pad mount replacement and equipment upgrade
    • 1800 Block of Encino Ave and 700 Block of S Fifth Ave – Pad mount replacement and equipment upgrade
    • 300 Block of S Fifth Ave – Pad mount replacement and equipment upgrade
    • 400 Block of Norumbega Dr – Pad mount replacement and equipment upgrade

Contact: Southern California Edison, (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 log on to view our employment opportunities page continuously.

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

  • Police Officer (Lateral)
  • Police Officer (Recruit/Entry-level)


  

Neighborhood Watch Report

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


Key Dates, Programs & Virtual Events

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