City News & Highlights

Print
Share & Bookmark, Press Enter to show all options, press Tab go to next option

City Manager's Update | March 6, 2026

Post Date:03/06/2026 10:30 AM

Good morning, Monrovians!

This past Tuesday, the Monrovia City Council held a study session to review four Capital Improvement Program (CIP) projects and discuss potential funding strategies to help advance these improvements for the community. The projects discussed included improvements to the Community Center, Recreation Park, City Hall, and Fire Station 102. Staff presented project scopes, estimated costs for each project, and potential funding options.

Community Center Renovation — Estimated Cost: $32 million
Renovation of nearly 20,000 square feet of the Community Center, including a new entrance and meeting spaces, upgraded restrooms and kitchen facilities, improved ADA accessibility, and modernized furnishings and audiovisual systems. 

Recreation Park Improvements — Estimated Cost: $20 million
Park-wide upgrades including new walking paths, improved playground and restroom facilities, upgraded sports field lighting and amenities, and other infrastructure improvements throughout the park. 

City Hall Renovation — Estimated Cost: $20 million
Building upgrades to improve accessibility, reconfigure office and customer service areas, replace aging building systems such as lighting and HVAC, update furnishings, and add a backup generator to strengthen operational resilience. 

Fire Station 102 Renovation — Estimated Cost: $4 million
Improvements to modernize the station’s living and operational areas, including the addition of a dedicated paramedic restocking space to better support emergency response operations, replacement of the station's original HVAC system, and enhancements to the building's layout, including a dedicated public entryway and kitchen remodel.

Together, these projects represent significant investments in key community facilities and public spaces that support our services, recreation, and emergency response. The City will issue bonds to help complete these projects and will utilize funds from Measure K, a general sales tax approved by Monrovians in November 2019, to pay the outstanding debt obligations. This means an existing revenue source will be used to pay for these projects and residents will not see any additional tax or fee increase to pay for these projects. 

While there is still much work to do, staff will spend the next few months preparing bond documents, financial plans and debt schedules for Council's future consideration. I'll be sure to share more information as it becomes available in the coming months!

Tomorrow, Compostapalooza returns at the Monrovia Community Garden from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.! Hosted by Food ED, this free community event highlights the benefits of composting and sustainable gardening through a variety of interactive activities. Attendees can pick up free bulk compost donated by Athens Services, participate in worm compost bin workshops (while supplies last), explore live composting demonstrations and soil micro-organisms, and enjoy garden-themed arts and crafts! Several of Food ED's partner organizations will also be on site sharing resources, and registered attendees will be entered into raffles and giveaways - register online today! We hope to see you there!

Have a great weekend,

Sincerely,

Dylan 

Email: dfeik@monroviaca.gov


Highlights in this Update: 

  • Monrovia Earns 2025 Tree City USA Recognition
  • Living with Wildlife Presentation | Saturday, March 7
  • Women’s History Month 
  • American Red Cross Month 
  • Boards and Commissions – Now Accepting Applications! 
  • Spring Veggies Workshop | Saturday, March 21 
  • One City, One Story - What's Coming Up 
  • Historic Walking Tour | Saturday, March 7 
  • Monrovia Wine Walk Ticket Sales Live 
  • Upcoming Monrovia Chamber of Commerce Events 
  • Counted Out Film Screening at Monrovia High School | Tuesday, March 10 
  • Sewer Improvement at Duarte Road and  
  • Peck Road Set to Begin 
  • Los Angeles County California Avenue Street Repair Project 
  • Huntington Drive Improvements Project Continues 
  • Sewer Cleaning Project 
  • Work Around Town
  • Job Opportunities with the City of Monrovia 



Monrovia Earns 2025 Tree City USA Recognition

The City of Monrovia has once again been recognized as a Tree City USA for 2025 by the Arbor Day Foundation. The Tree City USA program celebrates communities nationwide that are committed to growing healthier, greener, and more resilient urban forests.

Tree City USA recognition is awarded to cities that demonstrate a strong commitment to urban forestry by maintaining a tree board or department, adopting a tree care ordinance, investing in their community tree program, and celebrating Arbor Day each year. Monrovia’s continued recognition reflects the City’s long-standing dedication to preserving and enhancing our local tree canopy.

The benefits trees bring to urban environments are endless. Trees help to:

  • Mitigate the urban heat island effect
  • Reduce stormwater runoff
  • Improve air quality
  • Enhance property values
  • Support mental and physical health

The City continues to actively expand and maintain tree canopy. Currently, the city maintains a total of 8,390 trees and is in the process of planting 200 new trees between Huntington Drive and Foothill Boulevard. If you are a Monrovia resident who lives in this area and would like to have a city tree planted in the public right-of-way in front of your property, please contact Brittany Jasso at bjasso@monroviaca.gov or 626-932-5562.


Living with Wildlife Presentation | Saturday, March 7

Have you ever wanted to understand the wildlife in our neighborhood and discover the best ways to live harmoniously with them? Join us and Pasadena Humane Society for a special presentation on safely and respectfully sharing our foothills with local animals on Saturday, March 7, 2 - 3 p.m. (with Q&A) at Monrovia Canyon Park Cabin.

We’ll explore wildlife behaviors, effective deterrence strategies, and practical tips for coexisting with the creatures that call our area home. Whether you’re curious about our mountain neighbors or looking for hands on guidance, this session is for you!

This is a free event (parking fees apply).

Register online today and join us for this informative afternoon!

This program is in coordination with One City, One Story, our City-Wide Literacy Program that brings our community together through a shared book, meaningful conversations, and winter long experiences inspired by nature, creativity, and community.


Women’s History Month

The Monrovia City Council has proclaimed March 2026 as Women’s History Month in the City of Monrovia. This annual observance recognizes the many contributions women of all backgrounds have made to our nation and community throughout history.

From leadership in movements for civil rights and equality to service in the military, philanthropy, education, and community life, women have played a vital role in shaping a more just and inclusive society. Women’s History Month provides an opportunity to reflect on these achievements and celebrate the lasting impact women continue to make in Monrovia and beyond.


American Red Cross Month

The Monrovia City Council has proclaimed March 2026 as American Red Cross Month, recognizing the organization’s longstanding service to communities across the nation and here in Monrovia.

For more than a century, the American Red Cross has supported individuals and families during emergencies by providing disaster relief, blood donations, and life-saving services. Volunteers throughout the San Gabriel and Pomona Valleys help ensure that residents receive assistance during fires, floods, and other emergencies. This month serves as a reminder of the critical role volunteers play and encourages the community to support the Red Cross and its mission of helping those in need.


Boards and Commissions – Now Accepting Applications!

Are you looking for ways to be more involved in your community? One way to do so is to serve in an advisory capacity on one of the City's various Commissions, Committees or Boards. From now through Friday, May 1, we're accepting applications for positions on the Planning Commission, Historic Preservation Commission, Community Services Commission, Library Board, and Monrovia Old Town Advisory Board.

Boards and Commissions Recruitment/Appointment Timeline:

  • Thursday, April 9: Informational Meeting @ City Hall, 6 p.m.
  • Friday, May 1: Application Due
  • Wednesday, July 1: Terms Begin

For any questions regarding Boards and Commissions, please contact the Sarah Godinez, Deputy City Clerk, at (626) 932-5599.


Spring Veggies Workshop | Saturday, March 21

Join us at the Monrovia Community Garden South on Saturday, March 21, and  learn all about how to plant and care for Spring veggies! FREE veggie starts will be made available while supplies last!   

This workshop will be held, 9 a.m. - 11 a.m., and is free to attend! Parking at the FREE Park & Ride lot located at 168 W. Pomona Ave. is recommended.


One City, One Story - What's Coming Up

One City, One Story continues into March with programs that invite neighbors of all ages to read, learn, and spend time together!

This weekend begins with a Park Read-In on Saturday morning, at 9 a.m., at Julian Fisher Park, hosted by Monrovia Area Partnership (MAP), followed by a Nature Craft-tastic program for kids at the Monrovia Public Library at 12 p.m. Looking ahead to early next week, join us for Mindful Meditation in Kiwanis Park on Monday, March 9, at 4:30 pm!


Historic Walking Tour | Saturday, March 7

MOHPG will be conducting a walking tour in Downtown Monrovia tomorrow, March 7, starting at 10 a.m. Monrovia has a long and varied history, and that will be covered during the tour. This is an opportunity for residents and visitors alike to learn more about the city and how it developed into the community it is today.

Join us for an informative 120 minutes of history and learn what role this contraption in the image above played in early Monrovia!  The cost is $5 per person, and the tour lasts approximately two hours. Meet at the SE corner of Myrtle and Palm Avenues.


Monrovia Wine Walk Ticket Sales Live

Monrovia’s 9th Annual Wine Walk will be held on Saturday, April 11, in Old Town Monrovia! Pre-sale tickets are on sale now for $50.00. Purchase your tickets at the following locations or online:

  • Monrovia Community Center – 119 W. Palm Avenue
  • Charlie’s House – 430 S Myrtle Avenue

 


Upcoming Monrovia Chamber of Commerce Events

The Monrovia Chamber of Commerce invites local businesses and community members to attend the following upcoming events:

AI for Small Business: AI Foundations & Practical Business Use Cases – Monday, March 9

This beginner-friendly seminar focuses on practical applications of Artificial Intelligence for small businesses. Attendees will gain a clear understanding of AI fundamentals, explore real-world business use cases, and receive ready-to-use prompts to improve efficiency, marketing, sales, and operations.

8:30 – 10:00 a.m. | $20 Members | $25 Non-Members | RSVP 

Networking Lunch – Wednesday, March 11

Connect with fellow business professionals at this monthly networking event.

12:00 – 1:30 p.m. | $30 Members | $35 Non-Members | RSVP.

Coffee Social – Thursday, March 12

A casual morning networking opportunity for members and guests. Raffle prize donations are encouraged; donors will have one minute to introduce their business and draw the winning card.

8:30 – 10:00 a.m. | Free Members | $10 Non-Members | RSVP.


Counted Out Film Screening at Monrovia High School | Tuesday, March 10

Join the Monrovia Unified School District on Tuesday, March 10, for a free community screening of the documentary film Counted Out at Monrovia High School. Food and games start at 5 p.m. with the film screening from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Counted Out explores how math shapes so much of our world, from the news we see to the jobs we get, and why numeric literacy is a critical driver of social and economic opportunity. Through personal stories and expert interviews, the film highlights how access to math affects political polarization, economic and racial inequity, climate change and more, inviting viewers to rethink who gets counted in and who gets left out.

RSVP today on the Counted Out film website!


Sewer Improvement at Duarte Road and Peck Road Set to Begin

The City of Monrovia will begin the Sewer Improvement at Duarte Road and Peck Road Project on Monday, March 9. The scope of work will include repair of sewer manholes and construction of a new connection to the Los Angeles County sewer line located in the middle of the intersection of Duarte Road and Peck Road.

For the week of March 9 through March 13, residents should expect the contractor to perform the following activities:

  • Intersection of Duarte Road and Peck Road – Mobilization and Repair of Manhole
    • Duarte Road
      • Single Lane of westbound traffic
      • Turn restrictions in effect
    • Peck Road
      • Turn restrictions in effect

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 7:00 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.


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 March 9, work will continue from Pamela Road to Shrode Avenue. Drivers should expect closures of the northbound and southbound lanes of California Avenue within this area.

Please plan for delays along California Avenue and surrounding streets for the duration of the week.

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


Huntington Drive Improvements Project Continues

The City’s contractors will continue the Huntington Drive Improvement Project. For the week of March 9 through March 13, drivers should expect the following activities and impacts:

  • Intersection of Huntington Drive and Shamrock Avenue – Repair of concrete in roadway
    • Shamrock Avenue 
      • Northbound traffic diverted to southbound lanes
      • Single lane of traffic in each direction
      • Multi-day closure 
      • Turn restrictions in effect
    • Huntington Drive
      • Single lane of traffic in each direction
      • Multi-day lane closure
      • Turn restrictions in effect
  • Intersection of Huntington Drive and California Avenue – Repair of water valves in roadway
    • California Avenue
      • Single lane of traffic in each direction
      • Turn restrictions in effect
    • Huntington Drive
      • Single lane of traffic in each direction
      • Turn restrictions in effect
  • Intersection of Huntington Drive and Primrose Avenue – Repair of concrete in roadway
    • Primrose Avenue
      • Single lane of traffic in each direction
      • Turn restrictions in effect
    • Huntington Drive
      • Single lane of traffic in each direction
      • Turn restrictions in effect
    • Various locations along Huntington Drive – Pothole Repairs
      • Single lane of traffic

Drivers are asked to avoid Huntington Drive and Shamrock Avenues if possible. Residents and drivers should expect multi-day lane closures, increased traffic, increased noise, and on-street parking restrictions. Driveway access will be maintained throughout the duration of the project.

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.


Sewer Cleaning Project

The City’s contractor, Houston & Harris, will continue a sewer line cleaning project. For the week of March 9 through March 13, drivers can expect temporary lane closures within the project area from Hillcrest Avenue on the north to Royal Oaks Avenue on the south, and from Myrtle Avenue on the west to Terrado Drive on the east.

Work is expected to last through May, and will be phased so that as few streets are affected as possible at any one time.


 Work Around Town

For the week of Monday, March 9, 2026, through Friday, March 13, 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, March 9 – Friday, March 13
    • 200 Block West Duarte Road – Full road closure

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: 

  • Maintenance Worker
  • Fire Cadet (Part-time)
  • Police Officer (Lateral)
  • Police Cadet (Part-time)

  

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