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City Manager's Update | May 22, 2026

Post Date:05/22/2026 10:30 AM

Good morning, Monrovians!

We're so glad everyone could join us last weekend for the 2026 Monrovia Days Community Festival! Monrovia Days is always one of our highlights of the year, and this year's celebration was no exception. Thank you to everyone who came out, whether you lined the parade route, stopped by the festival, or simply soaked in the weekend with family and friends. None of it would be possible without the hard work of our staff and City Council, the School District and their staff, Keely Milliken and her Centre Stage team, the dedication of our community partners and volunteers, and the generosity of so many community sponsors. We hope that you enjoyed celebrating Monrovia just as much as we did! 

 

But summer fun hasn't even started yet! This Sunday, May 24, we kick off another Summer Concert Series in the Park and it runs all the way through August 9! Stone Soul opens the season at Station Square Park with a Motown set starting at 7 p.m. From there, the series spans everything from funk and Latin to reggae, rock, and Old School, with performances split between Station Square Park and the Rotary Club Bandshell at Library Park.

Bring a low-back lawn chair or a blanket, pack a picnic, and plan to arrive a little early,  the lawn fills up once the music starts! For more information, visit our website or call the Monrovia Community Center at (626) 256-8246!

Have a great Memorial Day weekend,

Sincerely,

Dylan 

Email: dfeik@monroviaca.gov

Highlights in this Update: 

  • Memorial Day Closures and Service Changes | Monday, May 25
  • Mobile Voting Center at the Monrovia Friday Night Street Fair & Market | Friday, May 29
  • Parking Enforcement Update
  • Library Strategic Plan Update
  • Summer Pool Program at Monrovia High School
  • Summer Program Opportunities for Teens – SPOT Program
  • Council Member Spicer Completes WELL Academy
  • Small Business Property Tax Relief Coming July 1
  • Now Hiring: Viola's Bar & Bistro Coming Soon to Old Town
  • Calling all Monrovia Walkers and Cyclists! Bike and Pedestrian Project Survey Opens
  • Garden Tools Workshop at Monrovia Community Garden South | Saturday, May 23
  • Watercolor Workshop with MAFA | Wednesday, May 27
  • Boys & Girls Club of the Foothills Family Carnival and Youth of the Year Rally | Sunday, May 31
  • Monrovia Garden Club Beautiful Garden Awards | Monday, June 1
  • Irrigation Workshop at Monrovia Community Garden North | Thursday, June 4
  • Peace Camp Returns to the OASIS | June 22-26
  • Work Around Town
  • Job Opportunities with the City of Monrovia

Memorial Day Closures and Service Changes | Monday, May 25

City Hall, Public Works, Library, and Police and Fire Administration offices will be closed on Monday, May 25, in observance of the Memorial Day holiday, including the e-waste recycling drop-off site at the Public Works Yard. All normal City operations will resume on Tuesday, May 26.

Additionally, there will be no residential street sweeping or parking enforcement from Monday, May 25 through Friday, May 29. Trash collection will also shift by one day for the week — if your regular pickup day is Monday, collection will occur Tuesday, and so on.

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

Mobile Voting Center at the Monrovia Friday Night Street Fair & Market | Friday, May 29

The LA County Mobile Voting Center will be at Monrovia's Friday Night Street Fair & Market on Friday, May 29, starting at 5 p.m. Stop by to register to vote, cast your ballot, or pick up election information — all while enjoying the market! You'll find the Mobile Voting Center on the 800 block of Myrtle Avenue, between Olive and Chestnut.

Visit lavote.gov to check your voter registration status, plan your vote, and more.

Parking Enforcement Update

The City is making a change to how street sweeping parking restrictions are enforced — one worth knowing about if you park on a residential street.

For years, residents have been allowed to move their vehicles back into posted "No Parking" areas once the street sweeper passed, even while the parking restriction period was still in effect. This practice created inconsistency, and the Monrovia Police Department is moving to enforce posted signage as written. Moving forward, citations will be issued for the full posted no-parking window, regardless of whether the sweeper has already come through.

No changes are being made to posted times, signs, or routes — only to how the hours are applied and signage is enforced. The City will share more about the transition in the coming weeks through the City Manager's Update, the City website, and social media.

 

Library Strategic Plan Update

This week, we presented our Monrovia Public Library 2026 Strategic Plan update to the Monrovia City Council, offering a look back at five years of growth and a look ahead at priorities for the next five.

The numbers reflect a library that's been busy. Since 2021, circulation has grown 126%, outreach visits are up 176%, and the number of people reached through those visits has increased by 276%. Library programs have nearly tripled, with attendance rising more than 300%.

Staff gathered input through feedback sessions this spring and identified six themes to guide the updated plan: technology and AI literacy, community connection, support for seniors and vulnerable populations, collections and programming, Library of Things expansion, and facility needs. A survey is planned for June, the Library Board will review the draft plan that same month, and updated goals will be incorporated into the plan in July.

 

Summer Pool Program at Monrovia High School

Starting June 8, the Monrovia High School Pool will be open to the public for eight weeks through a new partnership between the City, Monrovia Unified School District, and the Santa Anita Family YMCA! The program runs Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 1 to 3:30 p.m., through July 31.

Recreation swim and lap swim are free. Swim lessons are also available through the YMCA on a fee basis, with sessions offered once or twice a week. More details, including the full program calendar and swim lesson pricing, will be available through the City and YMCA as the program gets underway!

 

 

Monrovia Days Parade & Pie Eating Contest Winners

Congratulations to this year's Monrovia Days parade winners! Best Musical Entry went to Centre Stage Dance Academy, the Judge's Award to Clifton Middle School Marching Band & Color Guard, and Best Overall Entry to MHS Band & Color Guard. Monroe Elementary took home the Monrovia Days Spirit Award, the Low Riders Club earned Most Unique Entry, and Wild Rose Elementary claimed Best Float!

Over at the Pie Eating Contest, the All American City Finalists took first place, the Smarty Maxxers finished second, and We The People rounded out the top three. Congratulations to all the winners, and thank you to everyone who participated and made this year's celebration one to remember!

 

Summer Program Opportunities for Teens – SPOT Program

Calling all teens! Come join us for another fun-filled summer full of activities, arts and crafts, competitions, music, food, and a teen-only lounge area! Friday nights at Library Park is the place to be to create memories with your friends, build new friendships, and enjoy the summer!

The program runs Friday, June 5 to August 7 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. for 6th–12th graders! For more information, please call the Monrovia Community Center at (626) 256-8246 or visit our website.

 

Council Member Spicer Completes WELL Academy

Council Member Larry Spicer recently completed the Water Education for Latino and Elected Leaders (WELL) Academy, a statewide program dedicated to strengthening local leadership on California water policy. WELL's mission is to educate and train Latino elected officials on water policy to promote timely and equitable actions that support a robust economy, healthy communities, and a resilient environment for all Californians.

Through the academy, Council Member Spicer participated in sessions on water governance, infrastructure, affordability, drought resilience, and long-term sustainability. The program brings together elected officials from across the state to build shared understanding, develop regional partnerships, and strengthen decision-making on one of California's most critical issues.

Council Member Spicer's participation enhances Monrovia's capacity to engage in statewide water discussions and supports the City's ongoing commitment to responsible resource management and community well-being.

 

 

Small Business Property Tax Relief Coming July 1

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a change this month that will reduce the tax filing burden for tens of thousands of small businesses across the County, including those here in Monrovia.

The County's "Low Value Ordinance" sets the threshold at which businesses must report and pay property taxes on items like equipment, furniture, and fixtures. The Board voted to raise that threshold from $5,000 to $10,000 — the maximum allowed under state law — effective July 1. An estimated 43,000 small businesses countywide will no longer be required to file or pay taxes on lower-valued business property as a result.

If you own or operate a small business in Monrovia, this change may apply to you beginning with the July 1 assessment cycle. For more information, please contact the Los Angeles County Assessor's Office.

 

Now Hiring: Viola's Bar & Bistro Coming Soon to Old Town

A new dining destination is taking shape in Old Town Monrovia. Viola's Bar & Bistro is preparing to open at 512 S. Ivy Ave., inside a thoughtfully restored historic property, bringing a French bistro café experience to a space that's already part of Monrovia's history!

As Viola's gets ready to open its doors, they're building out their founding team and looking for talented, hospitality-minded people to join them. Open positions include restaurant managers, chefs, cooks, hosts, servers, baristas, bartenders, and porters.

If you're interested in being part of something new in Monrovia, send your resume to dine@violasmonrovia.com.

 

Calling all Monrovia Walkers and Cyclists! Bike and Pedestrian Project Survey Opens

The City of Monrovia is finalizing plans for the Monrovia Active Community Travel Vinculum (ACTV) Phase 1 project, which will create new walking and biking connections across the I-210 freeway at Central, Evergreen, and Magnolia Avenues.

You are invited to an upcoming virtual community meeting on June 4, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. to learn about the project, ask questions of the project team, and share what matters to our community. Register online today to join us!

 

 

Garden Tools Workshop at Monrovia Community Garden South | Saturday, May 23

The Monrovia Community Garden is hosting a free Garden Tools Workshop on Saturday, May 23, from 9 to 11 a.m. at MCG South (1650 S. Magnolia Ave.). The morning will cover tool safety, maintenance, and choosing the right tool for the job — and SGV Best Cutlery will be on hand to sharpen your tools at no charge. Bring your own tools and come ready to learn. Parking is available at the free Park & Ride lot at 168 W. Pomona Ave.

 

 

Watercolor Workshop with MAFA | Wednesday, May 27

The Monrovia Fine Arts Association is hosting a free watercolor workshop on Wednesday, May 27, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Monrovia Community Center. Instructor George Liang will guide participants through foundational drawing and sketching skills and the distinctive qualities of watercolor, including its fluidity and translucence.

Participants should bring watercolor tube paints in three basic colors, round and flat brushes, 140 lb. cold press watercolor paper (10" x 14"), a palette, pencils, masking tape, a water jar, and a wood hardboard flat panel (16" x 21"). Admission is free, but registration is required by Monday, May 25 through the MAFA website.

 

Boys & Girls Club of the Foothills Family Carnival and Youth of the Year Rally | Sunday, May 31

The Boys & Girls Club of the Foothills is hosting a Family Carnival and Youth of the Year Rally on Sunday, May 31, from noon to 4 p.m. at Recreation Park! The free, public event celebrates outstanding youth and community leaders and includes inflatables, games, food trucks, a car show, and an open house.

A $20 all-access wristband covers inflatables, booths, games, and the open house exhibit. Parents and guardians who prefer not to participate in activities may enter free with their children. All adults must pre-register regardless of whether they purchase a wristband, and waivers are required prior to entry. Food and drinks are sold separately, and the event is cashless. Tickets purchased at the door will be $25.

Tickets, sponsorships, and congratulatory messages for honorees can be reserved online.

 

 

Monrovia Garden Club Beautiful Garden Awards | Monday, June 1

The Monrovia Garden Club will present its annual Beautiful Garden Awards on Monday, June 1, at Monrovia Community Church, 101 E. Foothill Blvd., downstairs in Fellowship Hall. Social time begins at 6 p.m., with the program starting at 6:30 p.m.

The awards recognize Monrovia residents whose front yards add beauty to their neighborhoods. City officials will join the Garden Club to present each winner with a Certificate of Recognition, followed by a video showcase of this year's honorees. The 2026 Beautiful Garden Award winners are Laura Lopez and Bob Shonborn, Debra Mathers and Christopher Mathers, the Feik Family, Stewart and Patricia Roy, David and Kimberly Van Horsen, Eddie Rogers and Carey McIntosh, Jennifer MacDonald, the Thomas-Patel Family, DeAnn Petteruto, and Norm Haley. Addresses will be shared at the meeting for those who'd like to visit the yards afterward!

 

 

Irrigation Workshop at Monrovia Community Garden North | Thursday, June 4

The Monrovia Community Garden is hosting a free irrigation workshop on Thursday, June 4, from 7 to 8 p.m. at Monrovia Community Garden North! The session covers efficient watering practices for home gardens and is free and open to all. Street parking is available nearby.

 

Peace Camp Returns to the OASIS | June 22–26

Peace Camp is returning to the OASIS for a week of games, art, music, nature, skits, and more! Open to students in kindergarten through 5th grade, camp runs June 22 to 26 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. The program weaves in leadership, cooperation, conflict resolution, and self-advocacy alongside all the fun, making it an enriching week for kids!

Middle schoolers (6th–8th grade) are invited to participate as leaders-in-training, attending from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. High school students can also apply to volunteer for experience that counts toward college applications.

Peace Camp is $300 for the week and held at 429 E. Wildrose Ave., with parking available at 122 S. California Ave. Register online today. To learn more, contact (626) 482-2508 or email peacecamprocks@gmail.com.

 

 

Work Around Town

Have you visited the City of Monrovia’s new Projects and Traffic Updates Page? This webpage provides timely updates on City construction projects, local traffic impacts, and utilities maintenance and emergency repairs.

City of Monrovia Project and Traffic Updates

For the week of Monday, May 25 through Friday, May 29, the following locations will have construction work that may alter traffic flow and/or sidewalk access. Please follow all directional signage and worker instructions for your safety.

Huntington Drive Project Continues
Drivers should expect traffic delays at the intersection of Huntington and California Avenue. In observance of the Memorial Day holiday, no construction activities will take place on Monday, May 25. Work is projected to last through June 2026.

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: 

  • Recreation Leader (Part-time)
  • Neighborhood and Business Services Division Manager
  • 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