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City Manager's Update | January 16, 2026

Post Date:01/16/2026 10:30 AM

Good morning, Monrovians!

Earlier this week, the City Council hosted a ribbon cutting and dedication ceremony for Satoru Tsuneishi Park, which is now open for all to enjoy! The park's opening reflects years of planning, collaboration, and a shared commitment to delivering high-quality recreational spaces across our community. Bringing Satoru Tsuneishi Park to life truly took a "village," and we're so thankful to the many incredible people in helping make our 9th public park a reality, including but not limited to:

  • The Tsuneishi Family - Over the last several years, the Tsuneishi family not only worked with our staff to help design the park, but also shared so many cherished stories about Satoru Tsuneishi and his life's journey. The stories they shared, along with family photos and copies of Satoru's life's work, allowed us to properly honor the legacy of the Tsuneishi family and the many Japanese American families in Monrovia, just like them.
     
  • Dick Hale and the Hale Corporation - The City is deeply grateful for their generous land donation in 2021, which made Satoru Tsuneishi Park possible, and brought much-needed green space to a part of Monrovia that has long welcomed one!
     
  • Monrovia-based community organizations, such as the Monrovia Parks, Wilderness, and Recreation Foundation (MPWR), Monrovia Historical Society and Legacy Project, Monrovia Historical Museum, Monrovia Preservation Group, and Monrovia Community Garden, all of which donated their time and expertise throughout the project.
     
  • Our project development team, Merrell Johnson Engineering, RG General Engineering, RHA Landscape Architect-Planners Inc., Rec West and Landscape Structures, and Tot Lot Pros, who all contributed to the construction of the park!
     
  • Our "next door" neighbors at the park site, including Chick-Fil-A, The DoubleTree, Starbucks, and residents for their patience and collaboration throughout construction!

 

Throughout the park, you'll find boulders and plant materials salvaged from Monrovia Canyon Park, carefully set aside during the Canyon Park renovation with the intention of being repurposed at Satoru Tsuneishi Park! These materials, shaped by fire and floods, now form part of the park’s landscape, symbolizing resilience and our commitment to sustainability.

The park also includes several special historic elements that connect Monrovia to the broader region and to the Tsuneishi family’s legacy. An obelisk originally installed in Monterey Park in honor of Satoru Tsuneishi’s 80th birthday and lifetime of work in haiku poetry has been generously donated by the City of Monterey Park, and now stands as a permanent feature of our park! You'll also find a living connection to Satoru Tsuneishi himself through a cutting from a plant he brought from his native Kochi, Japan, which has been cared for by generations of his family and is now planted in Satoru Tsuneishi Park

Together, these features ensure the park is not only a place for recreation, but a space that preserves history, honors partnership, and reflects the values that continue to shape Monrovia. We hope you get a chance to visit the park soon! 

Have a great weekend!

Sincerely,

Dylan 

Email: dfeik@monroviaca.gov

Highlights in this Update: 

  • City Facilities Closed - Monday, January 19
  • One City, One Story: Monrovia Connects Through the Power of Story
  • Valentine's Day Romantic Carriage Rides | Sales Begin Tuesday, January 20
  • Nominations Open for Older Monrovian of the Year Award
  • Share Your Achievements! | State of the City 2026
  • City of Monrovia Recognized as Energy Champion
  • Volunteers Needed for Point-In-Time Homeless Count | Wednesday, January 21
  • Monrovia Community Job Fair | Thursday, January 22
  • First Lutheran Church Celebrates 100 Years | Sunday, January 18
  • Monrovia Chamber of Commerce Upcoming Events
  • Monrovia Community Garden | January Workshops
  • Cisneros Institute Summer Program at George Washington University
  • Spring 2026 Landscaping Workshops | Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District
  • Street Sweeping Cancelled for Martin Luther King Jr. Day
  • Huntington Drive Improvements Project Continues
  • Los Angeles County California Avenue Street Repair Project
  • Work Around Town
  • Job Opportunities with the City of Monrovia 

City Facilities Closed - Monday, January 19

City Hall, Public Works, Library and Police and Fire Administration will be closed on Monday, January 19, in observance of the Martin Luther Jr. holiday. All normal City operations will resume on Tuesday, January 20. 

 

 

 

Surplus IT Equipment Available

The City has surplus inventory of IT equipment and is making it available to local organizations or non-profits. 

The City  purchased a large commercial building in Old Town (324 S. Myrtle Ave.) which will be used as a temporary facility for the Community Center Renovation Project, scheduled to begin later this year. The City is making plans to relocate offices over into the temporary location. and as part of the City’s purchase, the building came fully equipped with a large inventory of IT equipment that was never used by the City and has been declared as “surplus IT property.” The property includes –

  • 62 desktop PCs
  • 1 HP Server
  • 15 desktop laser printers
  • 73 monitors with power supply. These range from 19”-25” wide

Here is a list of the surplus IT property. The City is offering this surplus property to local non-profits and service providers on a first-come, first serve basis. Please review the list and should there be any equipment you like to have, please send an email to pio@monroviaca.gov as soon as possible. The City will be arranging a time in later January for interested parties to stop by and look at the surplus property.  

 

One City, One Story: Monrovia Connects Through the Power of Story

The City of Monrovia, in partnership with Monrovia Reads and local organizations, is launching One City, One Story, a citywide reading and community program running January through March 2026. This initiative invites residents of all ages to read The Bear by Andrew Krivak, a thoughtful novel about nature, resilience, and connection, well suited for middle school students, teens, and adults. Younger readers can participate through age-appropriate companion books that explore similar themes.

The program kicks off with a community celebration on Saturday, January 24, from 1:00–3:00 pm in Library Park. Community partners will host booths featuring hands-on activities and demonstrations for all ages, creating a welcoming space to learn more about the program and connect with neighbors.

Monrovia Reads, the book sponsor for One City, One Story, has generously donated copies of The Bear and companion youth titles for Monrovia Unified School District students and the public. Free copies of The Bear will be available at the Monrovia Public Library beginning Saturday, January 24, while supplies last.

Throughout the season, residents are invited to take part in a wide range of programs held across the city’s parks and public spaces. These include weekly Saturday morning Park Read-Ins hosted by community partners in neighborhood parks, offering casual conversation, shared reading, and time to gather with neighbors. Additional nature-inspired programs will take place in Canyon Park, including guided hikes with Park Naturalists, stargazing nights, and mindfulness and meditation sessions that connect participants with Monrovia’s foothill landscape.

Together, these programs are designed to bring the community together through shared stories, outdoor experiences, and meaningful connections.

To learn more and get involved, visit the One City, One Story website to learn more.   

 

 

 Valentine's Day Romantic Carriage Rides | Sales Begin Tuesday, January 20

Celebrate love this Valentine’s Day with a magical experience in Old Town Monrovia! In partnership with Monrovia Old Town Merchants, we're bringing romantic horse-drawn carriage rides along Myrtle Avenue on February 14, from 4:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., starting at Library Park!

Each private ride is just $40, and tickets go on sale Tuesday, January 20, but hurry, space is limited! Beginning Tuesday, reserve your spot online or call (626) 256-8246. 

 

Nominations Open for Older Monrovian of the Year Award

The Community Center is now accepting nominations for the Older Monrovian of the Year Award. Do you know a Monrovian age 60 or older, working or retired, who has demonstrated outstanding service and community involvement during 2025? We invite you to nominate them for this special recognition.

Submit your nomination form to Lauren Pagliotti at the Community Center (119 W Palm Ave) or email to lpagliotti@monroviaca.gov by Thursday, January 29. We look forward receiving your nominations and celebrating the incredible contributions of our older adult community! 

 

 

Share Your Achievements! | State of the City 2026

As we prepare for our annual State of the City event, which highlights our community's achievements, we want to celebrate what our community members have accomplished! If your school, non-profit, church, or other organization has achieved a milestone, received an award, gained recognition, or completed a project, please share it with us so we can honor your efforts in our address!

Please email Jocelyn Casas at jcasas@monroviaca.gov to submit your achievements.

 

City of Monrovia Recognized as an Energy Champion

The San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments (SGVCOG) recognized the City of Monrovia as one of the 2024-2025 Energy Champions! The Energy Champion Award program recognizes public agencies for actions they take for reducing energy use and building stronger, resilient communities. Monrovia earned placement in the Champion Tier, the highest tier available in the program.

To learn more about the SGVCOG's energy programs, please visit their website. 

Volunteers Needed for Point-In-Time Homeless Count | Wednesday, January 21

Our city is once again participating in the Point-In-Time Homeless Count, an annual event coordinated by the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA).  This year, the homeless count is scheduled to take place next Wednesday, January 21, at 8:00 p.m. starting at the Monrovia Community Center. 

On that evening, volunteers will be covering Monrovia, along with other areas of the San Gabriel Valley, to determine how many people in the area are homeless. The data collected is used to better design programs and deploy resources to serve the homeless population. For those interested in volunteering to assist with the homeless count in Monrovia, we would love to have your help! 

To register as a volunteer, please visit the Greater Los Angeles Homeless website online. Pre-registration is not required to volunteer, you may also simply join us on the night of the count. Similar to last year, volunteers will being using their own smart phones via a mobile app to conduct the count. A volunteer training and orientation session will be given, and representatives from LAHSA and the City’s Community Services Department and Police Department will be on hand to address any questions. 

 

 

Monrovia Community Job Fair | Thursday, January 22

The Monrovia Community Adult School will be hosting a Community Job Fair with over 40 employers expected in attendance. Meet employers across various industries and discover diverse career paths, job openings, and access to free workshops. 

The job fair will take place at the Monrovia Community Adult School (920 S Mountain Ave) from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. next Thursday, January 22. 

Businesses interested in participating may register by filling out the Employer Registration form online. Job seekers interested in attending can register by filling out the MCAS Job Fair form online. 

 

 

 First Lutheran Church Celebrates 100 Years | Sunday, January 18

First Lutheran Church is joyfully celebrating 100 years of faith and service and invites the community to join them in their historic celebration. For a century, First Lutheran Church and School has been a place of worship, support, and hope, serving generations of families and neighbor. 

Join First Lutheran Church (1323 S Magnolia Ave) for their centennial celebration on Sunday, January 18, with a celebration service beginning at 9:00 a.m., followed by a reception at 10:30 a.m.

For questions or to RSVP, please contact First Lutheran Church at (626) 357-3543 or by emailing firstlutheranchurch@outlook.com 

Monrovia Chamber of Commerce Upcoming Events

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

Filet Sushi 1-Year Anniversary and Ribbon Cutting
Filet Sushi is celebrating their 1-year anniversary! Join the Chamber for a ribbon cutting celebration next Wednesday, January 21, from 4:30 - 5:00 p.m. at Filet Sushi (618 S Myrtle Ave). To RSVP, please visit the Chamber website.

Lunch & Learn with Herbert Financial Group
The Monrovia Chamber of Commerce and Herbert Financial Group are hosting a Lunch & Learn on Tuesday, January 27, from 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. at the Monrovia Public Library Community Room (321 S Myrtle Ave). To RSVP, please visit the Chamber website. 

 

 

Monrovia Community Garden | January Workshops

Join the Monrovia Community Garden for this month's workshops!

Tree Pruning Work Shop | Saturday, January 17, 9:30 - 11:00 a.m.
Learn about how tree pruning can support tree health, fruit production and aesthetics by helping us prune our community fruit trees!  Prepare to roll up your sleeves and grab a pair of pruners for this hands-on workshop.  Tools and gloves will be provided. The event is free and will be held at the Monrovia Community Garden (303 W Colorado Blvd).

Pollinator Garden Workshop | Thursday, January 22, 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Learn how to grow a garden that attracts local pollinators.  Free plant giveaway while supplies last.  No RSVPs necessary. The event is free and will be held at the Monrovia Community Garden (303 W Colorado Blvd). 

 

 

Cisneros Institute Summer Program at George Washington University

The Cisneros Institute is now accepting applications for their Summer Program at George Washington University!

Caminos al Futuro is a fully funded, pre-college and residential summer program led by The George Washington University's Cisneros Institute. To be eligible, you must be a rising senior at a U.S. high school with a high-level of academic achievement and a demonstrated commitment to leadership.

During the three-week intensive program, Caminos scholars live on the GW campus and examine the social, economic and political transformations affecting the Hispanic/Latino community in a college-like environment.

Participants get a first-hand view of policymaking in the nation’s capital with visits to Congress, government agencies and leading non-profits. Scholars also participate in university-style lecture series, writing labs, and community action projects, meet with admissions specialists in a series of workshops to prepare them for the college application process. 

For more information and to apply, visit Caminos al Futuro online. 

 

Spring 2026 Landscaping Workshops | Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District

Monrovia residents are invited to take part in a series of free Spring 2026 Landscaping Workshops, offered by the Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District (Upper Water), focused on water-smart, sustainable gardening!

Rain to Roots: Water for Your Garden
(Virtual) Thursday, January 29, from 6:00 - 7:15 p.m.
Learn practical ways to turn rain into a resource.

Landscape Design Seminar
(In-person) Saturday, February 21, from 10:00 - 11:45 a.m.
Learn how to design a watershed wise landscape.

Outdoor Leaks Waste Water
(Virtual) Thursday, March 19, from 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Learn how to spot and prevent outdoor leaks.

Protect the Pollinators
(Virtual) Thursday, April 16, from 6:00 - 7:15 p.m.
Learn how to create a pollinator-friendly garden.

To register for the workshops, please visit Upper Water online. For any questions, please contact Katherine Vazquez at katherine@usgvmwd.org or (626) 443-2297 ext. 404.

 

 

Residential Street Sweeping Cancelled January 19-23

Residential street sweeping and street sweeping parking enforcement is cancelled January 19-23, 2026, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday.

Street sweeping and parking enforcement will resume on Monday, January 26.

For more information, please contact Public Works at (626) 932-5575.

 

Sharps Containers Temporarily Unavailable for Pick-Up

In partnership with Los Angeles County’s Clean LA program, the City of Monrovia is one of several locations that distributes sharp containers that are supplied by the County. At this time, both the City and the County are currently out of stock of sharps containers. However, containers are available by mail through CalRecycle’s Sharps Take Back California partnership. Mail-back packages are provided at no charge to residents and come pre-addressed with prepaid postage.

Visit CalRecycle's website to or call (844) 482-5322 to order your container today. 

 

 

 

Monrovia E-Waste Drop-Off Closed January 19

The Monrovia e-waste recycling drop-off site will be closed on Monday, January 19, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr Day.

Please plan your e-waste drop-off accordingly to avoid any inconvenience. 

For questions or more information, contact Public Works at (626) 932-5575. 

 

 

Huntington Drive Improvements Project Continues

The City’s contractor Gentry Brothers will continue the Huntington Drive Improvement Project.

In observance of the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday, no construction activities will take place on Monday, January 19.

For the week of January 19 through January 23, residents should expect the contractor to perform the following activities:

  • Westbound lanes of Huntington Drive from Magnolia Avenue to Ivy Avenue
  • Complete asphalt driveway repairs
  • Replace northern curb ramps at Myrtle Avenue
  • Replace northern curb ramps at Magnolia Avenue

The contractor will phase work as much as feasible to impact a single direction of traffic along Huntington Drive at any given time. Driveway access will be maintained throughout the duration of the project. Residents and drivers should expect increased traffic, temporary lane closures, increased noise, and on-street parking restrictions between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Regular street sweeping will not take place in the work area during construction hours, so please take note of posted construction parking signage. Work is projected to last through April 2026.

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

 

 

Los Angeles County California Avenue Street Repair Project

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

During the week of January 19, work will take place from Camino Real Street to Novice Lane.

Drivers should expect closures of the northbound and southbound lanes of California Avenue, and detours at the following intersections:

  • Camino Real Street
  • Shrode Avenue
  • El Sur Street

Traffic will be diverted to Myrtle Avenue and Mountain Avenue. Please plan for delays along California Avenue and surrounding streets.

We appreciate your understanding, as the County works to make critical repairs to local roads. The County of Los Angeles forecasts work to be completed by February 2026. Schedules are subject to change. We appreciate your flexibility.

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

 

Work Around Town

For the week of Monday, January 19, 2026 through Friday, January 23, 2026 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, January 19  – Friday, January 23
    • Primrose Avenue and Evergreen Avenue at 127 W Pomona Ave – Periodic street closures and detours.
    • 200 Block of Duarte Road – Intermittent lane closures.

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

  • Tuesday, January 20
    • 300 Block Alta Vista Avenue – Traffic control for lane shift.

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

  • Friday, January 23
    • 1700 Block Mountain Avenue – Lane closure.

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:

  • Fire Cadet (Part-time)
  • Hazardous Materials Fire Inspector
  • Police Officer (Lateral)

  

Neighborhood Watch Report

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

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