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City Manager's Update | October 10, 2025

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

Good morning, Monrovians!

This past Tuesday, the City Council held a study session to review the latest design concepts for the Monrovia Community Center Renovation Project. Since the last study session in July, City staff and the design team from Perkins Eastman have been hard at work refining the plans to preserve the building’s historic character while creating a more modern, welcoming space for the community. Highlights from the latest update include a redesigned Palm Avenue façade that better aligns with the original heritage entry, refreshed exterior finishes in warm, neutral tones, and interior upgrades such as new flooring, lighting, and updated layouts for key gathering spaces! We want the scale and massing of the building to be compatible within the neighborhood. Stay tuned over the coming months as the design continues to take shape and near completion! To view the full presentation shared at this week’s study session, please visit our website.

I’m also excited to share that during this week’s City Council meeting, artist Trinity Rivard was selected to create a new mural at Satoru Tsuneishi Park! Currently under construction, Tsunieshi Park will feature a playground, picnic areas, and beautiful landscaping for the community to enjoy. The mural depicts key moments and symbols from Satoru Tsuneishi’s life and legacy. It features Satoru as a young man with Monrovia High School in the background, his wife Sho following their wedding, and scenes representing the family’s 1930s fruit stand on Huntington Drive. Japanese-inspired patterns, motifs, and the Tsuneishi family crest (or "Mon") are woven throughout, alongside imagery of Route 66, Heart Mountain, and a Blue Star banner honoring the couple’s four sons who served in World War II. The mural concludes with Satoru in his later years and a red circle symbolizing his Order of the Rising Sun award, accompanied by a 1923 poem celebrating the beauty of spring. The mural's artwork looks absolutely incredible and I can't wait to see it come to life at Tsuneishi Park!

As we look ahead, I want encourage everyone who’s able to participate in Make A Difference Day on October 25! Hosted annually by the Volunteer Center of San Gabriel Valley (VCSGV), this event brings together hundreds of volunteers to help beautify our community...from improving public spaces and taking on landscaping projects to lending a hand with home improvements throughout town. This year, Make A Difference Day is dedicated to the memory of George Forbes, a treasured member of VCSGV's Board and a lifelong champion of community service. It’s a wonderful opportunity to show Monrovia pride and make a positive impact, so if you’re interested in joining, be sure to visit the Volunteer Center’s website for more information and to signup!

And finally, don’t forget...tomorrow is a big day in Monrovia! The Old Town Fall Festival and Monrovia Fire & Rescue Open House both run from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Enjoy arts and crafts, hay rides, train rides, and the popular dog costume parade at 12:30 p.m., then stop by Fire Station 101 (141 E Lemon Ave) for safety demos, educational booths, and a chance to meet our incredible firefighters. I'd like to extend a big thank you to the Old Town Advisory Board, merchants, Community Services staff, and Fire & Rescue team for bringing the community together!

Sincerely,

Dylan 

Highlights in this Update: 

  • Monrovia Fire & Rescue: Fire Prevention Week Open House -Tomorrow!
  • Old Town Fall Festival - Tomorrow!
  • Monrovia Unified School District Middle School Consolidation Information Meetings
  • Monrovia City Council - October Proclamations
  • Farmers Market at Station Square Update
  • Safe Streets and Roads for All Community Meeting #2 – Monday, October 13
  • City Landmarks Workshop - Thursday, October 23
  • Taste of Old Town Monrovia - Sunday, October 26
  • Save the Date: 59th Annual Community Prayer Breakfast - Friday, November 21, 2025
  • Proposed Assessment District: Monrovia Citywide Lighting, Landscaping, and Parks Maintenance District
  • 701 South Myrtle Development Project – Final EIR Now Available
  • Walk, Bike, and Roll to School - Wednesday, October 15
  • Pacific Clinics Monrovia: Noche de Familia - Wednesday, October 15
  • Upcoming Monrovia Chamber of Commerce Events - Ribbon Cutting at Boba Box  & Networking Lunch at Cafe Mundial
  • Halloween Tour of Live Oak Cemetery - October 25, 26
  • Girl Scouts' Hispanic Heritage Celebration Fundraiser - Sunday, October 26
  • SCE Inspections Using Drones & Helicopters
  • SCE LED Streetlight Retrofit Project
  • Los Angeles County California Avenue Street Repair Project
  • Peck Road and Mountain Avenue Infrastructure Improvement Project Updates 
  • Work Around Town
  • Job Opportunities with the City of Monrovia 

 

 

 

Monrovia Fire & Rescue: Fire Prevention Week Open House  - Tomorrow!

Tomorrow, Saturday October 111 the Monrovia Fire & Rescue will host the annual Fire Prevention Week Open House at Fire Station 101 (141 E Lemon Avenue) from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. where the community can enjoy games, explore the station, and learn about fire safety tips!

For more information about Fire Prevention Week, please contact the Monrovia Fire & Rescue at (626) 256-8181.

Old Town Fall Festival - Tomorrow!

Join us in Old Town tomorrow, October 11, from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. for the Old Town Fall Festival! Enjoy arts and crafts, face painting, merchant specials, hay wagon rides ($5/person), trackless train rides ($5/person), live music, and the adorable Pet Costume Contest at 12:30 p.m.!

There’s something for everyone to enjoy! If you have any questions, please contact the Community Center at (626) 256-8246.

 

 

Monrovia Unified School District Middle School Consolidation Information Meetings

Monrovia Unified School District (MUSD) is hosting a series of information meetings regarding middle school consolidation within the district. Community members are encouraged to attend and share their thoughts, ask questions, and learn more.

In-Person Meetings:

  • Clifton Middle School Auditorium
    • Thursday, October 23 at 1:00 p.m.
    • Tuesday, October 28 at 5:30 p.m.
  • Santa Fe CSM School Cafeteria
    • Tuesday, October 21 at 5:30 p.m.
    • Tuesday, October 28 at 12:00 p.m.
  • Virtual Meetings
    • Friday, October 24 at 11:00 a.m.
    • Monday, October 27 at 6:00 p.m.

For more information, please contact the Monrovia Unified School District at (626) 471-2000

 

 

Monrovia City Council - October Proclamations

Earlier this week, the City Council presented three proclamations highlighting important community initiatives for October:

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

The City recognizes October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month to call attention to a disease affecting over 316,950 women and 2,800 men annually in the US. The proclamation stresses early detection and support resources, encouraging regular screenings and community support for those battling breast cancer.

Domestic Violence Awareness Month

October is also Domestic Violence Awareness Month, attesting our commitment to education, prevention, and victim support. Working with partners like Peace Over Violence, the City provides advocacy and assistance while promoting dialogue on healthy relationships and connecting residents with resources to combat domestic violence. 

Make A Difference Day (MADD)

Saturday, October 25 is Make A Difference Day, this marks the 35th annual community service day organized by the Volunteer Center of San Gabriel Valley (VCSGV). This year's theme, "Helping Hands, Changing Lives," invites residents to volunteer with projects like park cleanups, senior home maintenance, and city beautification. These efforts aim to address social issues and build stronger community connections. Macy Gracia, VCSGV's Executive Director, accepted the proclamation.

Be a part of MADD by learning more here!

 

Farmers Market at Station Square Update

Gone for now, but not for long! The Farmers Market at Station Square is taking a winter break! Our final market day for 2025 will be Saturday, October 18. The farmers market will be back bright and early on Saturday, April 18, 2026, ready to fill your mornings with fresh produce, local goods, and community connection!

Stay tuned to the City Manager’s Weekly Update for news as we near spring and get ready to join us again next year for a fresh market experience!

Safe Streets and Roads for All Community Meeting #2 – Monday, October 13

Join us on Monday, October 13 from 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. for an update on the City’s progress with the Safe Streets and Roads for All project. Your participation is key to the development of the Comprehensive Safety Action Plan and Bicycle Master Plan update, so we hope to see you there!

During the meeting, we’ll review the following items:

  • Brief discussion of community survey results
  • Recommended traffic safety projects for all roadway users
  • Proposed solutions for expanding the City’s bike lane network

Staff will host the meeting in person at the Library Community Room, 321 S Myrtle Ave.

To register for the meeting, visit the following link here. To learn more about the project, visit our website or contact Sophia Sousa at (626) 932-5512, ssousa@monroviaca.gov.

 

City Landmarks Workshop - Thursday, October 23

The City of Monrovia and the Monrovia Historic Preservation Group (MOHPG) are partnering to present for the community a workshop on landmarking a home/building in Monrovia. The workshop is free and open to the public one day only – Thursday, October 23, at 4:00 p.m. in the Community Room of the Monrovia Public Library (321 S Myrtle Ave). Community Development Director, Sheri Bermejo, and Planning Division Manager, John Mayer, will be on hand to walk residents through the process of applying for landmark status and to answer questions about what it means.

If you have been thinking about landmarking your home, this workshop is for you! Get the information you need from the people who handle landmark applications.

Taste of Old Town Monrovia - Sunday, October 26

Mark your calendars for Sunday, October 26 for the 10th Annual Taste of Old Town Monrovia!

Stroll through Myrtle Avenue and enjoy unlimited tastings from your favorite local restaurants, sips of fine wine, craft beer, and signature cocktails, all while enjoying live entertainment all evening long! Tickets are $80 and include: a souvenir wine glass and plate, swag bag, and all food and beverage tastings. Enjoy a fun-filled evening of food, drinks, and community with 100% of the profits directly benefitting local youth programs!

Taste of Old Town Monrovia is a 21+ event and tickets are limited and selling quickly! Purchase your tickets online today!

 

Save the Date: 59th Annual Community Prayer Breakfast - Friday, November 21, 2025

The Monrovia City Council and the Monrovia Chamber of Commerce will host the 59th Annual Community Prayer Breakfast on Friday, November 21, 2025, at 8:00 a.m., at the DoubleTree by Hilton Monrovia (924 W Huntington Dr). This year’s theme is “Resiliency Through Faith,” featuring main speaker, Brock Milhorn, Navy veteran.

Purchase your tickets online now through November 14 at the Monrovia Chamber of Commerce website! 

For sponsorship opportunities and questions, please contact Korrine Ramirez at KR@MonroviaCC.com or call 626-358-1159.

Proposed Assessment District: Monrovia Citywide Lighting, Landscaping, and Parks Maintenance District

Monrovia takes pride in our beautiful parks, tree-lined streets, safe lighting, and welcoming public spaces, and we’re committed to keeping them well cared for. To make sure these essentials continue to be maintained at the high standard our community expects, the City is proposing the creation of the Monrovia Citywide Lighting, Landscaping, and Parks Maintenance District.

This new district would replace the two existing assessment districts, which have funded streetlights, traffic signals, landscaping, and park upkeep since the 1990s but no longer generate enough revenue to cover rising costs.

If approved by voters, the new district will provide a stable and self-sustaining structure to maintain these services, protect property values, and allow the City to keep investing in safety, accessibility, and long-term neighborhood improvements. To ease the transition, new assessment rates will be phased in gradually over five years, with the City covering part of the cost during the early years.

Every property owner will receive a ballot packet in the mail beginning September 26, which will include a fact sheet with parcel-specific details, a notice of public hearing, and an official ballot with instructions for returning it by November 18.

We encourage everyone to get informed and ask questions. To learn more, additional resources, including background information, timelines, and an interactive map of proposed rates, are available on the City’s website.

 

701 South Myrtle Development Project – Final EIR Now Available

We want to keep you informed on the status of the 701 South Myrtle Avenue Development Project, a proposal to redevelop the Myrtle and Olive Business Park with a new five-story mixed-use building that includes 204 apartment homes and ground-floor commercial space.

Earlier this summer, the Draft Environmental Impact Report (Draft EIR) was released for public review as required by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The 45-day comment period ran from Thursday, July 3 through Monday, August 18, 2025. During that time, community members and agencies submitted comments about the project’s potential environmental impacts. 

Those comments, and the City’s responses to them, are now available in the Final Environmental Impact Report (Final EIR), which is posted online on our website.

In addition to the responses to comments, the Final EIR includes an update based on the results of the recently completed Water and Sewer Capacity Study.

Together, the Draft and Final EIR documents make up the complete Environmental Impact Report for the project. Both are available in full on the City’s website and will be used by decision-makers during the upcoming public hearing process. 

That process begins with the Development Review Committee (DRC), which will review the project and make a recommendation to the Planning Commission. The DRC meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, October 15, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall. Dates for Planning Commission and City Council hearings will be announced soon.

To follow the project and view all materials, we encourage you to visit the City’s Development Spotlight page. It’s the best place to stay up to date. 

 

 

Walk, Bike, and Roll to School - Wednesday, October 15

Join us in participating in Walk/Bike/Roll to School Day on Wednesday, October 15! This national event that Mayflower Elementary brings to Monrovia encourages students to choose active transportation! The event begins at Recreation Park (620 S Shamrock Ave) at 7:30 a.m. and heads west along Olive Avenue, allowing the 'caravan' of walkers, bikers, and rollers to pick up more parents and students along the way to school.

This is a great opportunity to walk, ride your bike, or roll on your scooters, skateboards, and inline skates to school with the community, and you might just find certain City Council members, the City Manager and even the Monrovia Unified School District Superintendent on bicycles too!

If you can't join but expect to travel through the area that morning, please note that traffic will be impacted at the following intersections in town to help slow traffic:

  • Mayflower Avenue and Concord Avenue
  • Mayflower Avenue and Court Street
  • Mayflower Avenue and Hillcrest Boulevard
  • Alta Vista Avenue and Hillcrest Boulevard
  • Alta Vista Avenue and Concord Street

We hope to see you out there with us walking, biking, or rolling to school!

For more information and to view interactive maps of the route, please visit the event website!

 

 

Pacific Clinics Monrovia: Noche de Familia - Wednesday, October 15 

Join Pacific Clinics Monrovia for an evening filled with fun games and activities for all!, as well as a resource fair featuring numerous community organizations!

This free, family-friendly event is open to the public and will take place on Wednesday, October 15 from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. at Pacific Clinics Monrovia (902 S Myrtle Ave).

This is a wonderful opportunity for families to come together, have fun, and learn about the resources available in our community. Whether you're looking to connect with local services or simply enjoy quality time with your loved ones, Noche de Familia has something for everyone.

For more information, contact Pacific Clinics Monrovia. We look forward to seeing you there!

 

 

Upcoming Monrovia Chamber of Commerce Events - Ribbon Cutting at Boba Box  & Networking Lunch at Cafe Mundial

Come join the Monrovia Chamber of Commerce and a few of your local Monrovia business owners by attending one of their upcoming events:

Ribbon Cutting at Boba Box - Tuesday, October 14
Come grab your favorite boba tea and participate in a ribbon cutting ceremony at Boba Box (101 W Foothill Blvd) on Tuesday, October 14 from 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. All are welcome to attend. 

Chamber Networking Luncheon at Cafe Mundial - Thursday, October 16
Want to mingle and share ideas with fellow business owners? Or if you'd rather just get to know your local business leaders, come join the Chamber for a networking lunch at Cafe Mundial (514 S Myrtle Ave) on Thursday, October 16 from 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. The cost is $20 and registration is available online. Hope to see you there!  

 

 

 

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.

Girl Scouts' Hispanic Heritage Celebration Fundraiser - Sunday, October 26

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with the Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles Monrovia–Duarte Service Unit on Sunday, October 26, 2025, from 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. at the Duarte Elks Lodge (2436 Huntington Dr)!

Enjoy a special performance by the California State University, Los Angeles Mariachi Ensemble: Aguila de Oro, hands‑on cultural crafts, as well as cultural snacks and food! Registration is $25 for Girl Scouts (includes patch and all activities), and $20 for non‑Girl Scouts, tag-alongs, and adults. All proceeds from the event go toward Girl Travel opportunities!

Register online by October 17 to secure your spot!

 

 

SCE Inspections Using Drones & Helicopters

Southern California Edison (SCE) will be conducting aerial inspections in neighborhoods throughout Monrovia over the next few weeks as part of their wildfire prevention and mitigation program.

These inspections, performed by drones and/or helicopters, allow SCE to view equipment from multiple angles, including overhead, for a complete 360-degree assessment. The goal is to identify any damage or potential hazards on poles and towers that may need repair to help keep our community safe.

Inspection times will vary depending on the number of poles or towers being checked, generally lasting between 30 to 60 minutes. For more information, please visit Southern California Edison online.

 

SCE LED Streetlight Retrofit Project

During the month of October, Southern California Edison will perform a project to retrofit utility-owned streetlights to LED. LED light bulbs can produce light as much as two times more efficiently than traditional street lights leading to lower electricity use, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and lower electricity costs. Through the project, SCE will transition all street lights that are owned and maintained by the utility to LED. 

For the week of October 13 through October 17, work will take place in portions of the City north of Colorado Boulevard from Fifth Avenue to Mountain Avenue.

Residents should expect on-street parking restrictions and increased noise during construction hours. Schedules are subject to change. We appreciate your flexibility.

Contact: Southern California Edison, (626) 815-7256

 

Los Angeles County Public Works to Perform California Avenue Street Repairs this Fall

The County of Los Angeles is performing street repairs along California Avenue south of the Monrovia City limit.

During the week of October 13 to October 17, work will take place from Hurstview Avenue to El Norte Avenue.

Drivers should expect temporary lane closures for both north and southbound lanes of California Avenue during the construction hours of 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Please plan for delays, and we appreciate your understanding.

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

 

 

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 October 13 through October 17, work will include:

  • Peck Road from Duarte Road to Longden Avenue
    • Repair of gutters
    • Repair of sewer manholes
    • Grind of roadway
  • Peck Road from Live Oak Avenue to Foothill Transit Driveway
    • Replacement of striping and signage
    • Mountain Avenue from Foothill Boulevard to Huntington Drive
    • Replacement of striping and signage

Residents should expect on-street parking restrictions and increased dust and noise during construction hours. Regular street sweeping will not take place in the work area during construction hours, so please take note of posted construction parking signage.

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

Work Around Town

Potential Traffic Delays

For the week of Friday, October 10 – Friday, October 17, 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, October 13 – Friday, October 17
    • 200 block of W Duarte Rd – Intermittent lane closures.
    • Primrose Avenue and Evergreen Avenue at 127 W Pomona Ave – Road closure down to one lane.

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

  • Wednesday, October 15 – Friday October 17
    • 300, 600, and 800 blocks of E Central Ave – Groundwater sampling.

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

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:

  • Firefighter
  • Maintenance Worker (Part-time)
  • Police Officer (Lateral)

 

  

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