Opinion

The new Old Town Monrovia report: Highlighting City Manager Dylan Feik’s work thus far

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Dylan Feik. | Courtesy photo

Shawn SPENCER

shawn@girlfridaysolutions.net

In September 2019, Monrovians found out that City Manager Oliver Chi was resigning. Oliver was moving onwards and upwards to manage the City of Huntington Beach. Oliver was given credit for his creativity in spearheading Monrovia’s GOMonrovia project with Lyft, addressing homelessness, rising pension costs and local development. Oliver was well liked by the City Council, staff and by many residents. I will forever remember him for his infectious, boisterous laugh and for saying the word robust more than any other person I’ve ever met.

In October 2019, we met our new city manager, Dylan Feik. Dylan resigned his position as city manager of Calistoga, Calif. in April of 2019. Dylan quickly became popular with Monrovians. He was charming, responsive and seemed to really care about his new home and his position managing it.

When did Dylan Feik steal the hearts of all Monrovians? During the Bobcat Fire. Dylan took to social media on the local community Facebook pages and shared vital information. He gave people updates, evacuation information and answered their most basic questions. He took his monthly update to a daily update. As a community that has many homes nestled in the foothills, this basic act of communication touched the hearts of many. As the fires were extinguished with not one home lost, residents praised the many fire fighters and police as the heroes they are. Dylan joined the hero category as well. He was responsible for extinguishing a lot of fear and worry, especially for those that live in the hillside.

How lucky were we to get a city manager that had ample experience dealing with wildfires? Dylan’s management of the Tubbs fire showed that he is a true leader, one that can be sensitive and show compassion and empathy when his residents need it most. The Tubbs fire was the most destructive fire in California history, at that time. Sadly, 15 people lost their life. Dylan also addressed the public at a hearing held to address the 60,000 residents that did not have any power due to PG&E cutting off power to reduce the risk of sparks. Residents did not have power for approximately 48 hours. Dylan spoke to the tough decision that the utility company had to make, the fact that the city and residents were not prepared for it and the new set of issues that decision caused.

During his management of Calistoga, Dylan developed a 10-year capital infrastructure plan, he created new initiative to address pensions and met the city’s goals for affordable housing. His job, here in Monrovia, is not an easy one, either. The affordable housing issue alone is a tough one. Especially in a city that is steeped in rich history, such as Monrovia. Like many cities in California, we also see the issues facing the unhoused, and those who could become unhoused based on one or two missed paychecks. I am completely confident that Monrovia will grow and thrive under Dylan’s leadership, while still maintaining the quaint charm that lured us all here.

Dylan has not had the opportunity to meet many Monrovians. One of his first challenges in office was the pandemic. Until you get the chance to meet him in person, tune into the City Council meetings, on KGEM or YouTube, held on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. You might see him around town these days; out with his lovely wife Kira and their three beautiful children. Make sure you thank him for the excellent work he does on our behalf.

Courtesy photo

Reader responds to another reader’s letter

While I agree with much of what David Q. wrote about his concerns for wildlife, I was very troubled that he was aware of a "badly injured young doe who lived for a few days, unable to eat, after her face was mauled, likely by a mountain lion." Did he not think to contact a wildlife society or other agency that could have euthanized the doe? While he is haunted by that memory, I will be haunted by the fact he apparently did nothing.

- Trudy S. SOUTH PASADENA

The shameful history of Huntington School (currently called Canyon High School) will come to light when the City of Monrovia unveils is the seventh Neighborhood Treasure.

Almera A. Romney, an educator from Utah and of Mormon faith, taught at segregated Huntington School with its deplorable conditions in which Black, Mexican and Asian children were expected to learn. Huntington Elementary was segregated for 50 years.

Almera Romney proved to be a formidable force in breaking down the various barriers that tried to impede the progress of Black folk in particular.

Almera’s granddaughter, Jane Bradford, shared an intimate story of her grandmother's battle.

Catch this intriguing interview on "Conversations with Ralph Walker" on your local cable station, KGEM, or on YouTube. - Ralph W.

MONROVIA

Reader share insight into Monrovia’s 7th Neighborhood Treasure