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Good morning, Monrovians!

We're sharing this weekly update a little early to catch you all before the holiday. On behalf of the City Council, staff and volunteers, we'd like to wish you a Happy Thanksgiving and sincerely hope you enjoy the holiday with your loved ones! 

This week's City Manager's Update has been prepared to showcase all of our holiday-themed events this season. These special events wouldn't be possible without the hard work and support of City staff, the Monrovia Old Town Advisory Board, countless merchants and business owners, event sponsors, volunteers, and all of YOU that join us!

While the festivities bring so much joy to our community, I’d also like to share a message for Monrovians who may be navigating a more challenging season. If this time of the year feels heavy for you or your family, please know you’re not facing it alone. Our community is full of kindhearted people who genuinely want to support one another...it's why this year's theme for the City is "A Welcome Place." From community partners and groups such as the Foothill Unity Center, the Volunteer Center of San Gabriel Valley, Food ED, to the Canyon Park Trail Volunteers, and so many more groups in town, there is always room  to welcome a new member, volunteer, and friend. If you’re looking for extra support, our partners at Care Solace can help connect you with services and resources tailored to your mental health needs.

As a reminder, City facilities will be closed tomorrow, November 27 and Friday, November 28 as we observe the Thanksgiving holiday. Regular operations will resume on Monday, December 1.

Have a great Thanksgiving and weekend!

Sincerely,

Dylan 

Email: dfeik@monroviaca.gov

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Highlights in this Update: 

• Annual Holiday Parade | Thursday, December 4 
• Holiday Home Decorating Contest | Applications due Friday, December 5
• Holiday Carolers in Old Town | Saturday, December 6 - Saturday, December 20
• Winter Carriage Rides | Sunday, December 7 - Sunday, December 21
• Santa Tour | Monday, December 8 - Friday, December 12
• Santa Storytime at Monrovia Public Library | Saturday, December 10
• Noon Year's Eve | Wednesday, December 31
• New Year's Eve on Myrtle | Wednesday, December 31
• Art in Public Places 2025 Holiday Ornament Now Available!
• Old Town Monrovia Historic District Designation Mixer | Tuesday, December 2
• Small Business Saturday | Saturday, November 29
• Monrovia Garden Club Annual Christmas Silent Auction & Potluck | Tuesday, December 2
• The Boys & Girls Club of the Foothills: 15th Annual Festival of Trees | Saturday, December 6
• Clifton and Santa Fe Music Annual Winter Concert | Wednesday, December 10
• Citrus Singers Christmas Concert – Thursday, December 11
• Holiday Waste Collection and Street Sweeping Schedule
• Know How to Dispose Fats, Oils, and Grease This Holiday Season
• Holiday Water-Saving Tips
• Job Opportunities with the City of Monrovia 

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Annual Holiday Parade | Thursday, December 4 

Join us for one of Monrovia’s most festive traditions! The Annual Holiday Parade will make its way through Old Town next Thursday, December 4, at 7:00 p.m. Enjoy an evening filled with music, cheer, and community spirit as Monrovia lights up for the season.We hope to see you there!  

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Holiday Home Decorating Contest | Applications due Friday, December 5

Our Holiday Home Decorating Contest is underway! Applications are still being accepted and must be submitted by Friday, December 5, at 5:00 p.m. Judging for all entries will take place on Tuesday, December 9, with winners recognized at the City Council meeting on Tuesday, December 16!

All entries will be featured on a public map, so be sure your decorations are street-visible and ready by Monday, December 8. Categories include:

• Best Still Display - decorations with no movement
• Best Outdoor Display - overall best outdoor decorations
• Most Effective Use of Lighting - best outdoor lighting display
• Children's Choice Award - best display  that depicts a youthful theme
• Best Neighborhood Effort - street(s) with many homes decorated in a similar theme
• Santa's Workshop Award - best use of homemade holiday decorations 
• Holiday Spirit Award - most festive display
• Judge's Award - judges' choice

Applications can be found on our website and submitted at the Community Center or via email to tpeterson@monroviaca.gov. For details, call (626) 256-8246.

 

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 Holiday Carolers in Old Town | Saturday, December 6 - Saturday, December 20

Visit Old Town on Saturdays in December, including on the 6th, 13th and 20th, to enjoy holiday carolers as their songs fill the streets with seasonal cheer. You can find them in Old Town between 3:00 – 6:00 p.m. on the dates shared above!

 

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 Winter Carriage Rides | Sunday, December 7 - Sunday, December 21

Winter carriage rides return to Old Town! Bring your friends and family on Sundays, December 7–21, between 3:00 - 6:00 p.m., for a horse-drawn carriage ride around Old Town!

Carriage rides are $5 per person; alternatively, spend $25 in Old Town and show your receipt to carriage ride staff for one free ride!

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 Santa Tour | Monday, December 8 - Friday, December 12

 

Mark your calendars because Santa Claus is coming to town! Beginning Monday, December 8, Santa and his friends will be touring Monrovia along with our friends at the Fire & Rescue, Police and Public Works Departments. Every night from Monday, December 8, through Friday, December 12, Santa will be touring different areas of the City with his entourage!

Stay tuned for more information and Santa's tour schedule!

 

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Santa Storytime at Monrovia Public Library | Saturday, December 10

Join us on Saturday, December 13, from 9:30 - 11:00 a.m. for stories, holiday crafts, and photos with Santa & Mrs. Claus!

Plus, the Friends of the Monrovia Library will be hosting a special kids book sale with all books priced at just $2 (all proceeds support library programs & collections). A perfect morning for family fun and lots of holiday spirit!

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Noon Year's Eve | Wednesday, December 31

Kick off the New Year a little early with a morning of family fun at Library Park (321 S Myrtle Ave)! Join us at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 31, for arts and crafts, face painting, a jumper obstacle course, entertainment, and photo booths. Then at noon, we’ll ring in the moment with a special “Noon Year’s Eve” celebration!

 

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New Year's Eve on Myrtle | Wednesday, December 31

Looking for New Year's Eve plans in town? Join us for a festive and family-friendly New Year's Eve Countdown on Myrtle Avenue! Gather with friends and neighbors in Old Town to welcome 2026 with music, dancing, and the lighting of the New Year's Eve Ball at midnight. The free celebration runs from 10:00 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. on Wednesday, December 31 in the 400 block of Myrtle Avenue.

For questions, please contact the Community Center at (626) 256-8246. 

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Art in Public Places 2025 Holiday Ornament Now Available!

The fourth ornament in our annual Art in Public Places holiday series is here! This year’s design, "Monrovia Merriment", by local artist Karen Drylie, highlights the Library Park fountain in a festive ceramic keepsake. Each 2.5" double-sided ornament comes boxed and ready for gifting. All proceeds from ornament sales directly support public art and help maintain more than 185 installations citywide.

Limited quantities are available, purchase today online at our Monrovia Store or at City Hall (415 S Ivy Ave)!. For more details, please call us at (626) 932-5564.

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Old Town Monrovia Historic District Designation Mixer | Tuesday, December 2

We invite you to a special morning mixer at the Community Center (119 W Palm Ave) on Tuesday, December 2, at 9:00 a.m., to learn about the proposed Historic District Designation for Old Town Monrovia! Hosted by the Monrovia Historic Preservation Group, the mixer will highlight efforts to preserve the city's architectural heritage and share details about the recent application to list Old Town Monrovia on the National Register of Historic Places.

Join us for coffee, conversation, and insights on the benefits of this designation. No RSVP required. For more information, please contact Tina Cherry at (626) 256-8226 or email tcherry@monroviaca.gov.

 

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Upcoming Monrovia Chamber of Commerce Events

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

Small Business Saturday in Old Town – Saturday, November 29
Support local businesses this holiday season during Small Business Saturday on November 29, from 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. at the corner of Myrtle and Lemon Avenues. For more information, contact Korrine Ramirez at (626) 358-1159 or by email. 

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Monrovia Garden Club Annual Christmas Silent Auction & Potluck - Tuesday, December 2

Kick off the holiday season with the Monrovia Garden Club’s Annual Christmas Silent Auction and Potluck on Tuesday, December 2, from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. at the Monrovia Community Center (119 W Palm Ave).

Enjoy an evening of food, fun, and festive holiday shopping featuring stocking stuffers, gift baskets, spa treatments, and gift certificates from over 30 local restaurants and shops! Proceeds will benefit local community projects, so come hungry, bring your holiday spirit, and support a great cause.

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The Boys & Girls Club of the Foothills: 15th Annual Festival of Trees - Saturday, December 6

The Boys & Girls Club of the Foothills invites you to experience the magic of the holiday season at the 15th Annual Festival of Trees, taking place on Saturday, December 6, at 5:30 p.m. at the Annandale Golf Club! The Festival of Trees features exquisitely decorated Christmas trees, festive wreaths, and one-of-a-kind holiday décor, along with your chance at exclusive experiences available through live and silent auctions. Proceeds from the evening support vital Boys and Girls Club programs in academic enrichment, social-emotional development, arts, sports, and career readiness for youth across the San Gabriel Valley.

Festival of Trees - Call for Auction Items

 

In the spirit of giving, the Boys & Girls Club is also seeking donations of auction items to help make this year’s event unforgettable! Donate creative and memorable items including, but not limited to:

• Magical Holiday experiences
• VIP tickets to sporting events
• Gourmet dining experiences
• Amazing vacation homes
• Joyful travel packages
• Luxurious spa and wellness items
• One-of-a-kind treasures,
• Gift cards to your favorite spots,
• Private or group classes
• Wine, whiskey, or other festive spirits

 

To donate or learn more, please email fot@foothillsbgc.org or visit the Festival of Trees online. 

 

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Clifton and Santa Fe Music Annual Winter Concert | Wednesday, December 10

Clifton and Santa Fe Music invite you to their Annual Winter Concert on Wednesday, December 10, at Clifton Middle School Auditorium (226 S Ivy Ave)!

Enjoy an evening of music beginning at 7:00 p.m., with general admission entry beginning at 6:30 p.m. and early entry available at 6:00 p.m. for $5. Snacks and refreshments will be available for purchase.

For questions, contact cliftonmusicboosters@gmail.com.

 

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Citrus Singers Christmas Concert – Thursday, December 11

The Kiwanis Club of Monrovia is hosting their annual "The Citrus Singers" Christmas Concert on Thursday, December 11, at the DoubleTree Hotel in Monrovia!

The event begins with an 11:30 a.m. champagne social, followed by a noon luncheon and performance. Guests can also enjoy opportunity drawings throughout the afternoon. Tickets are $65 per person and may be purchased at the door (cash or check) or in advance through the Kiwanis Club of Monrovia.

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Holiday Waste Collection and Street Sweeping Schedule

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Know How to Dispose Fats, Oils, and Grease This Holiday Season

Did you know fats, oils, and grease (FOGs) will clog your pipes and may cause a sewage backup into your home or a sewer spill in the street that goes down the storm drain and into the ocean? Fats, oils, and grease can stick to the insides of sewer pipes when washed down the kitchen plumbing system, potentially solidifying and blocking pipes. 

Here are some quick Dos and Don’ts this holiday season:

• Do wipe down greasy pots and pans with a dry paper towel and dispose of it in your organics recycling container. 
• Do pour cooled FOG into a can or a container with a tight lid and dispose of it in the garbage.
• Do not pour FOG down the garbage disposal or sink drain
• Do not use hot water to wash the grease down the drain. 

If you are using a turkey fryer this holiday season and have a large amount of oil leftover, pour the cooled oil into a container and dispose of it in your trash container. 

If you have any questions, please contact Public Works at 626-932-5575.

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Holiday Water-Saving Tips

As the holiday season begins, it's easy to get caught up in all the festivities, but even during this busy time, there are ways to celebrate and conserve water! Here are a few tips to keep your holiday season water-wise:

In the Kitchen

• Run the dishwasher only when it’s full
• Scrape dishes instead of rinsing before loading
• Reuse cooking water when possible

Decorating

• Use drought-tolerant greenery in wreaths and decorations
• Choose native or drought-tolerant plants in holiday arrangements
• Avoid fresh cut flowers

Hosting Guests

• Fix leaks before guests arrive
• Remind guests to turn off the tap when washing hands and brushing teeth
• Wait for full loads before doing laundry

The City continues to offer rebates on water-saving devices for homes and businesses. Visit our website for more information.

 

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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 log on to view our employment opportunities page continuously.

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

• Police Officer (Lateral)
• Recreation Specialist (Part-time)

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Neighborhood Watch Report

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

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Key Dates, Programs & Virtual Events

• Make an Appointment for Passport Services at Monrovia Community Center 
• Monrovia Street Fair & Market | Returning Friday, December 5, at 5:00 p.m.
• E-Waste Drop Off at Monrovia Public Works Yard | Mon - Thu | 7 a.m. to 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