Monrovia Is Very Low on Water; Low-Water Medians; Native Plant Sale; Prayer Breakfast; Etc.

What a low-water Huntington Drive may look like.

In his weekly report ( https://goo.gl/erhZOw ), City Manager Oliver Chi reports that ...

~ We are REALLY low on water. He said the regional watermaster reports that the water level is at 172.2 feet, "the lowest point at which the water level has ever been measured." If it drops to 165 feet around 10% of all production wells in the Main San Gabriel Basin will be totally out of commission and the basin "will experience an estimated 30% reduction in water production capacity." Solutions? Import water, but that'll cost money, which will probably be raised as an assessment (i.e. "tax"), but Monrovia would like the tax to fall more heavily on "those who are not engaged in significant conservation efforts."

~ With the drought the city plans to replace the dry grass in the Huntington Drive medians with less thirsty plants. Above is a rendering of what that might look like.

~ There will be a Native Garden Plant Sale on Nov. 12 (this Saturday), from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Library Park.  In addition, the water conservation team from Public Works Division will provide Waterwise Gardening presentations.

~ The 51st annual Monrovia Community Prayer Breakfast will take place on Friday, Nov. 18, from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., at the Courtyard by Marriott Hotel (700 West Huntington ).  Father Randy Campos from Immaculate Conception Church will speak on "Peace that Lies Within." More info from the Chamber of Commerce: 358-1159.

~ Oops. The old Alberstons shopping site has not been sold, but Chi adds that, "Based on discussions that have occurred to date, it appears that the new owners are still finalizing lease discussions with two operators, including TJ Maxx / Homegoods and Aldi (the grocery store concept)."

~ The Annual Christmas Tree Lighting and Parade event will be held on Thursday, Dec. 1 (I assume it is shortly after dark, but the report doesn't say.) The Monrovia Historic Preservation Group will serve as Grand Marshal.

- Brad Haugaard