Good morning, Monrovians!

After nearly 23 years of service to our community, our very own Buffy Bullis will retire as Administrative Services Director. Buffy began working for the City of Monrovia in 2003 as an accounting supervisor and eventually became the department director in 2017. Over the course of her career, she has been instrumental in strengthening Monrovia’s financial foundation, leading efforts that increased the City’s net position, reduced debt, and secured voter approval of Measure K, which now generates millions annually for community priorities. Buffy’s leadership has guided the City through some of our most challenging moments, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the Bobcat Fire, and storm recovery at Monrovia Canyon Park. We are deeply grateful for Buffy’s 23 years of exceptional service, her expertise, and her thoughtful, community-first approach. While she will be greatly missed, her lasting impact and strong legacy will continue to benefit the City for years to come!

I'm also excited to share that Rae Bowman will serve as the next Administrative Services Director. Rae has over 13 years of finance and accounting experiencing, and has served in several financial roles here in Monrovia, the City of Huntington Beach, and in commercial real estate and advertising organizations. Rae currently serves as our Deputy Administrative Services Director and holds a Bachelor's degree in Economics and Accounting from the University of Santa Barbara, a Master's degree in Public Administration from California Baptist University, and is a Certified Public Accountant. Rae is also an MHS WIldcat and I'm excited to see Rae's expertise and leadership guide our Administrative Services team!

Have a great weekend!

Sincerely,

Dylan 

Email: dfeik@monroviaca.gov

Highlights in this Update: 

• 2026 Monrovia Chamber of Commerce Awards Gala | Friday, February 6
• 2026 State of the City | Tuesday, February 10
• One City, One Story: Monrovia Connects Through the Power of Story
• Bugs & Composting with the Monrovia Garden Club | Monday, January 26
• Paint Your Pet | Wednesday, January 28
• Hum Out Loud Poetry Night | Tuesday, February 24

2026 Monrovia Chamber of Commerce Awards Gala | Friday, February 6

The Monrovia Chamber of Commerce will host their 2026 Awards Gala on Friday, February 6, at 6:00 p.m. The evening is themed "Step Into the Spotlight" and Old Hollywood Glamour attire is encouraged!

Tickets include dinner and are currently on sale now for $100 through January 28 on the Monrovia Chamber of Commerce website. For more information, please contact Korrine Ramirez at kr@monroviacc.com or (626) 358-1159. 

2026 State of the City | Tuesday, February 10

The Monrovia City Council invites you to the 2026 State of the City event at LOOK Cinemas (410 S Myrtle Ave) on Tuesday, February 10. The evening will kickoff with a reception at 6:00 p.m., and the State of the City address begins at 7:00 p.m. 

There is much to recap from 2025, and even more to look forward in the months and year ahead, and we hope to see you there!

If you have questions, please send to pio@monroviaca.gov. 

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 tomorrow, Saturday, January 24, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m., 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 tomorrow, Saturday, January 24, while supplies last.

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

 Monrovia Garden Club Monthly Meeting | Monday, January 26

The Monrovia Garden Club invites you to their next program and speaker session! Come learn all about the fascinating world of bugs and composting with their special speaker, Gio from FoodEd!

The meeting takes place on Monday, January 26, at the Fellowship Hall of the Monrovia Community Church (101 E Foothill Blvd). Social time begins at 6:30 p.m. and the meeting begins promptly at 7:00 p.m. 

MAFA: Paint Your Pet | Wednesday, January 28

Learn how to make a colorful keepsake portrait of your pet! Instructor Sally Weiss from MAFA will help attendees create an acrylic painting - just bring your favorite color photo of your pet and a black and white paper print out of the same photo in the size you'd like for the finished painting. The class is free and no experience is needed. MAFA will provide the paint, brushes, canvas, easels, and refreshments!

To RSVP, please email cgeltz@monroviafinearts.org 

 Hum Out Loud | Tuesday, February 24

Calling all poetry writers and lovers! Join the Monrovia High School Humanities Academy for its 3rd annual Hum Out Loud event featuring poetry, art, and coffee, on Tuesday, February 24 at 7:00 p.m.! Hum Out Loud is open and free to all Monrovia students, faculty, and community members. 

Interested in reading an original or existing poem at the event? Contact mhshumanitiesacamdey@gmail.com for more information!

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!

 Valentine's Day Romantic Carriage Rides On Sale Now

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, 4:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., starting at Library Park!

Each private ride is just $40, and tickets are on sale now! Space is limited, reserve your spot online or call (626) 256-8246. 

Huntington Drive Improvements Project Continues

The City’s contractor, Gentry Brothers, will continue the Huntington Drive Improvement Project. For the week of January 26 through January 30, residents should expect the contractor to perform the following activities:

• Westbound lanes of Huntington Drive from Magnolia Avenue to Ivy Avenue
  • Complete concrete sidewalk repairs at Myrtle Avenue
• Eastbound lanes of Huntington Drive from Magnolia Avenue to Ivy Avenue
  • Repair damaged sidewalk and potholes
  • Replace southwestern curb ramp at Magnolia Avenue
  • Replace southern curb ramps at Primrose Avenue
  • Replace southeastern curb ramp at Myrtle Avenue
  • Repair median curb at Myrtle Avenue

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.

We recognize that construction can be messy and inconvenient, and thank you in advance for your cooperation and patience as we work through these improvements! 

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

E-Waste Drop-off Closure

E-Waste drop-off reached full capacity on Thursday, January 22 and had to be closed. It will reopen on Tuesday, January 27 at 12:00 p.m.

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

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

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 26-30, 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

Work Around Town

For the week of Monday, January 26 through Friday, January 30 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 26 – Friday, January 30
  • 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

• Wednesday, January 28 - Thursday January 29 (8:00 p.m. - 6:00 a.m.)
  • 100 Block South Madison Ave – Pole installation with traffic control

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)
• Police Communications Operator (Part-time)
• Police Officer (Lateral)
• Recreation Supervisor

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

• Monrovia Today | Winter Activity Guide
• Make an Appointment for Passport Service at Monrovia Community Center 
• Monrovia Street Fair & Market | Fridays | 5 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