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City Manager's Update | September 19, 2025

Post Date:09/19/2025 10:30 AM

Good morning, Monrovians!

Yesterday, many of us noticed a street closure near Foothill and Myrtle Avenue...I'm so sorry for the inconvenience. We had a film production crew in town, filming a fight scene for an upcoming film...how exciting! For those of you who like to learn more about Monrovia's presence in cinematic history, be sure to check out this KGEM production titled Anytown USA - Monrovia.

There's a reason filmmakers are attracted to our town. Monrovia takes great pride in maintaining the qualities that make our community an All-America City. From our beautiful parks, trees, safe and well-lit streets, to our welcoming public spaces, we work hard to ensure our City is being taken care of. To ensure these essentials continue to be maintained at the high standard we expect, the City is proposing the formation of a new assessment district: the Monrovia Citywide Lighting, Landscaping, and Parks Maintenance District. This assessment district will replace two existing districts. We are also proposing to increase the cost of assessments to ensure sufficient funds are collected to maintain this important infrastructure. The proposed increases would impact every parcel owner in Monrovia, making it imperative to learn more about these districts, their impact on your property, and the City's efforts to reduce cost burdens on property owners. 

An assessment district is a way for property owners to fund improvements that directly benefit their neighborhoods collectively. Since the 1990s, Monrovia has relied on two districts: the Lighting and Landscaping Maintenance District (LLMD) and the Park Maintenance District (PMD) to support this work. These districts have funded street lighting and traffic signals, the care of street trees and landscaping, and the upkeep of parks and recreation areas. But while costs for electricity, maintenance, and staffing have steadily increased, revenues have not kept pace. For decades, the City has had to spend additional funding to cover the remaining costs required to maintain consistent levels of service.

If approved by voters, the proposed new district will replace the outdated LLMD and PMD, creating a stable and self-sustaining structure to fund these critical services. This change will allow the City to continue investing in improved safety and accessibility, while promoting economic resiliency and preserving property values.

 

To ease the transition, the new assessment rates will be phased in gradually over five years, with the City subsidizing costs during the early years. In the first year, Fiscal Year 2026-27, the assessment rates will be phased in at 50% of the rate needed to meet the budget in Fiscal Year 2026-27, with additional increases each year, until 100% of the rate is phased in by Fiscal Year 2030-31. 

In the coming weeks, every property owner will receive a ballot packet in the mail that includes:

  • A parcel-specific fact sheet showing both current and proposed assessment amounts
  • A notice of public hearing
  • An official ballot with instructions for voting

Ballots will be mailed by September 26, 2025, and must be returned by November 18, 2025. Additional information will be available through upcoming utility bill inserts and City Manager’s updates.

To learn more, we have published a new webpage on our website with background information, timelines, an interactive proposed rate map, as well as reports and documentation related to the new proposed assessment district. Please become informed, reach out with questions, and consider the importance of maintaining our parks, parkways, street trees, and streetlights when you consider how to cast your ballot. 

Sincerely,

Dylan 

Highlights in this Update: 

  • Renovated Recreation Park Poppy Mural
  • Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month in Monrovia - Tomorrow!
  • Pasadena Humane Society Pet of the Month
  • Canyon Park Parking Fees & Annual Passes
  • Upcoming Changes to Credit Card Payments
  • Monrovia Area Partnership Leadership Academies - Registration Still Open!
  • Safe Streets for All Survey - Extended through September 30
  • Artists Wanted: 2025 Holiday Tree Ornament Contest
  • Historic Walking Tour - Tomorrow!
  • Chamber of Commerce Upcoming Events
  • A-Line Extension from Glendora to Pomona Opens Today, Alongside Enhanced Safety Features
  • MOHPG Historic Walking Tour - Tomorrow!
  • Rotary Club of Monrovia to Host Casino Night - Tomorrow!
  • Monrovia Garden Club Meeting - Tuesday, September 23⁠⁠
  • MPWR: Handel's Homemade Ice Cream Fundraiser - Tuesday, September 23
  • Monrovia Chamber of Commerce Upcoming Events
  • Fall Garden Workshop at One Earth Community Garden -  Saturday, September 27
  • Bradoaks PTA Parents' Night Out - Saturday, September 27
  • Halloween Tour of Live Oak Cemetery - October 25, 26
  • Boys & Girls Club of the Foothills Launches Fund the Bus Campaign 
  • Peck Road and Mountain Avenue Infrastructure Improvement Project Updates
  • Work Around Town
  • Job Opportunities with the City of Monrovia 

Renovated Recreation Park Poppy Mural

We're excited to announce the completion of the recently renovated Recreation Park Poppy Mural! The mural is centrally located in Recreation Park, 620 S Shamrock Ave, just north of the tennis courts, and has long been a community favorite!

This vibrant work of art, beautifully created by local artist Donna Hargett, stretches an impressive 133 feet wide by 8 ½ feet tall. The brilliant colors showcase sweeping fields of California Poppies intertwined with depictions of local pollinators and insects against a clear blue sky. The refreshed design also incorporates inspirational words of encouragement, including “be honest, be nice, be a flower, not a weed.” The renovation was made possible through the City of Monrovia’s Art in Public Places Program, which continues to invest in public art that celebrates local culture, enhances shared spaces, and inspires residents and visitors alike.

For information on the Recreation Park Poppy Mural or Art in Public Places, contact (626) 932-5564 or email kzessau@monroviaca.gov.

 

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month in Monrovia - Tomorrow!

On Tuesday, the Monrovia City Council proclaimed September 15 through October 15 as Hispanic Heritage Month, recognizing the many contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans to Monrovia. First enacted in 1988, the proclamation honors the lasting cultural impact of Hispanic residents through art, music, service, and leadership. It also highlights the work of groups like the Monrovia Latino Heritage Society, as well as community leaders such as Lucinda Garcia, for whom Olive Avenue Park is named after!

Join us in celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month at the Monrovia Public Library (321 S Myrtle Ave) tomorrow, September 20, from 12:00 - 2:00 p.m.!

Enjoy a live Mariachi band (starting at 12:00 p.m.), hands-on arts and crafts, and cultural book displays that showcase the rich traditions of Hispanic Americans.

This free, family-friendly event is open to all. We hope to see you there!

Pasadena Humane Society Pet of the Month

Meet Boogie, a sweet 3-year-old Pit Bull Terrier looking for her forever home! While she hasn’t had any formal command training just yet, she’s eager to learn and already wins hearts with her adorable personality and love of belly rubs. Boogie is one of many dogs, cats, and kittens waiting to meet you at Pasadena Humane Society. 

Looking ahead, mark your calendars as next month is Wildlife Day! Join the Pasadena Humane Society on Sunday, October 12, from 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. for a free, family-friendly event featuring vendors, educational talks, and presentations, including “Living with Bears” from California Fish and Wildlife.

For more details about Boogie, Wildlife Day, or any of the wonderful pets available for adoption the Pasadena Humane Society online!

Canyon Park Parking Fees & Annual Passes

Parking fees were temporarily suspended when the park reopened this summer as a gesture of appreciation for visitors' support during the park's closure.

Effective as of this week, Monrovia Canyon Park has paid parking. Annual passes are also available for purchase at Monrovia Canyon Park or the Monrovia Community Center.

  • Weekday Parking: $5 per vehicle
  • Weekend & Holiday Parking: $6 per vehicle
  • Bus Parking: $30
  • Annual Passes: $65
  • Annual Pass for Disabled Vehicles: $45

Please contact us if you have any questions at (626) 256-8155. Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to seeing you in the park!

 

Upcoming Changes to Credit Card Payments

The City of Monrovia will soon begin applying a convenience fee for credit card payments. This fee helps to cover the cost of providing this payment option, which the City has previously absorbed on behalf of customers. The convenience fee is equal to the actual amount charged by credit card processors used by the City, and will take effect within the coming weeks.

Customers will continue to have access to no-fee payment options, including paying by cash or check. For water bills, customers may also enroll in the City’s EFT (Electronic Funds Transfer) Program. To enroll in the EFT Program, please visit our website.

 

Monrovia Area Partnership Leadership Academies - Registration Still Open!

The Monrovia Area Partnership (MAP) is still accepting applications for this year's 2025 Leadership Academies! These popular programs offer residents an opportunity to develop leadership skills, learn about city operations, and engage with their community. 

Applications are still being accepted and can be submitted online. Last day to register is September 25!

New Fall 2025 Academy Schedule:

Youth Leadership Academy: For students in grades 8–12.

  • Dates: Wednesdays, October 1 – November 5, from 3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Adult Leadership Academy: For adults aged 18 and over.

  • Dates: Thursdays, October 2 – November 13, from 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Don't miss the opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look at city governance as you become equipped with leadership and community-building skills! Graduates of the academies often go on to serve on City boards, commissions, and other community groups!

For additional information, please contact MAP staff at map@monroviaca.gov or (626) 932-5564.

Safe Streets for All Survey - Extended through September 30!

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.

  

Artists Wanted: 2025 Holiday Tree Ornament Contest

We invite artists of all ages to submit designs for this year's Art in Public Places Holiday Tree Ornament Contest! The winning design will be featured on ceramic ornaments with this year's theme of Monrovia Merriment. The selected artist will receive a $500 stipend and have their name featured on the ornament!

Submissions are due by Sunday, October 5. Proceeds from ornament sales will support Monrovia's public art programs. View the application online and submit your design today!

For questions, contact Kerri Zessau: (626) 932-5564 or kzessau@monroviaca.gov

A-Line Extension from Glendora to Pomona Opens Today, Alongside Enhanced Safety Features

The A-Line (formerly Gold Line) extension officially opens today, adding nine miles of track and four new stations in Glendora, San Dimas, La Verne, and Pomona! Passenger service begins at 12:00 p.m., with community celebrations at each station from 11:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. (no RSVP required).

The new stations provide modern design features, public art, and convenient connections to schools, shopping, jobs, and regional transit.

As part of the opening, enhanced safety systems are now active at all street-level crossings along the extension from Glendora to Pomona. These quad gate systems with pedestrian barriers, advanced sensors, and coordinated traffic signals are designed to reduce accidents and improve safety for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians. Warning bells will also be silenced once gates are down to minimize noise impacts for nearby residents.

To learn more about the new enhanced safety systems visit the Foothill Gold Line Website

New station locations:

  • Pomona North Station, 241 Santa Fe St, Pomona, CA 91767
  • Glendora Station, 194 W Ada Ave., Glendora, CA 91741
  • San Dimas Station, 200 S. San Dimas Ave., San Dimas, CA 91773
  • La Verne Station, 2327 Fairplex Dr., La Verne, CA 91750

For details about service, fares, and schedules, visit Metro's official website.

MOHPG Historic Walking Tour - Tomorrow!

The Monrovia Historic Preservation Group (MOHPG) will conduct another historic walking tour tomorrow, September 20, at 10:00 a.m.!

Learn about the early history of Monrovia and how it evolved into the community it is today. Meet at the SE corner of Myrtle and Palm Avenues. The cost is $5 per person, and the tour lasts about 2 hours. Prepare to walk about 6 city blocks total during the tour!

To learn more, visit the Monrovia Historic Preservation Group online.

 

Rotary Club of Monrovia to Host Casino Night - Tomorrow!

The Rotary Club of Monrovia will host their Casino Night tomorrow, September 20 from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the Monrovia Community Center (119 W Palm Ave)!

This year's theme is "Rock and Roll Will Never Die." Guests will enjoy live entertainment by The Doo Drops, along with casino games, an auction, food, and an open bar.

Tickets cost $75 in advance or $85 at the door. Please visit their website to purchase tickets. 

Monrovia Garden Club Meeting - Tuesday, September 23⁠⁠

The Monrovia Garden Club will host its next meeting on Tuesday, September 23. Social time starts at 6:30 p.m., and the program begins at 7 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, Fellowship Hall (101 E Foothill Blvd).

Guest speaker Orchid Black will present on rainwater harvesting with swales and earthworks, a 45‑minute talk followed by discussion. Attendees are encouraged to bring a snack or appetizer; coffee, tea, and water provided. The popular opportunity table of plants returns at $5 for 6 tickets.

Interested in joining? Ask the Monrovia Garden Club President about membership and dues at martharund@gmail.com 

MPWR: Handel's Homemade Ice Cream Fundraiser - Tuesday, September 23

Cool off with a delicious frozen treat at Handel's Homemade Ice Cream (3405 E Foothill Blvd) and Monrovia Parks, Wilderness, and Recreation Foundation (MPWR) will get 20% of the net proceeds!

On Tuesday, September 23, from 12:00 - 10:00 p.m. simply present the flyer when ordering in person or enter the code MPWR in the instructions section if ordering online. Giving back was never so sweet!

For more information, contact MPWR by emailing empower@monroviapwr.org 

Monrovia Chamber of Commerce Upcoming Events

Join the Monrovia Chamber of Commerce for upcoming events and ribbon-cutting ceremonies!

Thursday, September 25 from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Wednesday, September 30 from 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

  • Lunch & Learn with Guest Speaker Lisa Cumes from CORE Copywriters at the Monrovia Library Community Room (321 S Myrtle Ave). Topic: "5 Marketing Mistakes Business Owners Make - and 1 Fix That Solves Them All." Limited spots available with Early Registration Discount before September 12th. Members: $15, Non-Members: $20. RSVP online.

For any questions, please contact kr@monroviacc.com or call (626) 358-1159.

Fall Garden Workshop at One Earth Community Garden - Saturday, September 27

The One Earth Community Garden (777 Greystone Ave) will host a Fall Garden Workshop on Saturday, September 27, at 10:00 a.m.! This hands-on event is presented in partnership with Armstrong’s Nursery and will provide tips and inspiration for growing seasonal fruits, vegetables, and herbs.

All are welcome to join and learn how to make the most of fall planting!

Bradoaks PTA Parents' Night Out - Saturday, September 27

The Bradoaks Elementary PTA invites you to an adults-only evening of food, drinks, fundraising, and fun on Friday, September 27, from 6:00 - 10:00 p.m. at the Monrovia Historical Museum (742 E Lemon Ave)! All proceeds benefit the Bradoaks Elementary PTA.

Guests must be 21 or older to attend, and valid ID will be required at the door. Tickets are available now online!

 

Halloween Tour of Live Oak Cemetery - October 25, 26

Our Halloween favorite returns! Join Jim Wigton as he carries on Steve Baker’s tradition of storytelling among the graves at Live Oak (200 E Duarte Rd). Hear tales of notable burials, local history, and just enough spookiness to set the mood!

This year, Halloween Tours will be offered on Saturday, October 25 and Sunday, October 26 from 3:30 - 5:00 p.m.! Tickets are available now at the Community Center (119 W Palm Ave) for $25, with all proceeds benefitting the Monrovia Historical Society. Each tour is limited to 25 guests, so purchase your tickets now before spots fill up!

For more information, please visit the Monrovia Community Center or call (626) 256-8246.

Boys & Girls Club of the Foothills Launches Fund the Bus Campaign

The Boys & Girls Club of the Foothills needs our community's help. Their reliable 20-year-old bus, which has faithfully transported local kids for two decades, has finally broken down for good. With only two small vans left, the Club is struggling to get students to the programs they depend on.

The Club is working to replace that one old bus with two new 24-passenger buses, which would double their capacity to serve even more kids safely and reliably. For over 30 years, the Club has been a cornerstone of our community, providing a safe haven where children find mentorship, friendship, and opportunity after school.

Right now, transportation is the biggest barrier keeping kids from accessing these life-changing programs. When children can get to the Club, amazing things happen - they participate in evidence-based programming, build lasting relationships with caring adults, and develop into the leaders our community needs.

Every donation helps fuel not just a bus, but a child's future.

Visit the Boys & Girl's Club of the Foothills online to donate and help change lives by the busload!

Peck Road and Mountain Avenue Infrastructure Improvement Project Updates

The City’s contractor All American Asphalt will continue the Peck Road and Mountain Avenue Infrastructure Improvement Project.

For the week of September 22 through September 26, work will include:

  • Myrtle Avenue at Novice Lane
    • Repaving north-bound lanes
  • Peck Road from Live Oak Avenue to Foothill Transit Driveway
    • Repaving roadway
  • Peck Road from Camino Real to cul-de-sac south of Longden Avenue
    • Posting of “No Parking”
    • Removal of Damaged Curb, Gutter, and Sidewalk
  • Mountain Avenue from Foothill Boulevard to Huntington Drive
    • Replacement of Striping

Drivers should expect a single driving lane open for traffic for both north and southbound lanes of Peck Road and Mountain Avenue during the construction hours of 7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

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

Work Around Town

Potential Traffic Delays

From Monday, September 22 through Friday, September 26, 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, September 22 – Friday, September 26
    • Primrose Avenue and Evergreen Avenue at 127 W Pomona Ave – Road closure down to one lane
    • 200 Block Duarte Road – Intermittent lane closures

Contact: Monrovia Public Works, (626) 932-5575

  • Monday, September 22
    • 300 Block Highland Place and 500 Block Scenic Drive – Pre-dig for pole hole
    • 800 Block Ridgeside Drive – Pre-dig ground

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

  • Tuesday, September 23
    • 400 Block W Scenic Drive – Pole replacement/maintenance
    • 300 Block N Mayflower Avenue – Pole replacement/maintenance
    • 300 Block Highland Place – Pole replacement/maintenance

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

  • Thursday, September 25
    • 400 Block Highland Place – Pole replacement
    • 1000 Block Norumbega Drive – Pole replacement/maintenance

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:

  • Assistant to the City Manager
  • Hazardous Materials Fire Inspector
  • Maintenance Worker (Part-time)
  • Office Aide
  • Police Officer (Lateral)
  • Police Officer (Recruit/Entry-level)
  • Recreation Manager

 

  

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