Pardon Our Dust

Monrovia seems to be ablaze with renovations and new businesses lately. Seems you can't walk half a block and not run into a bit of broken up sidewalk. The Old Town sidewalk improvements have had local businesses up in arms, as many of them were not paying attention to what the city had in store for them and voiced their frustration after the fact. I, for one, am in favor of all types of upgrades, despite temporary inconveniences, but then again, my business does not depend on foot traffic.

The most anticipated opening in my neck of the woods is "California Wine and Cheese" which is a few doors down from Blockbuster on Foothill. The owners were hoping to have a "soft" opening on Saturday, but couldn't quite make it. They will likely be trying again this weekend. Right across Stedman is the little coffee drive-through, "Java Go-Go," which has changed hands recently. The new owner, Rosa, is expanding their services to include wrap sandwiches, and plans to call the place "Wraps 360," as soon as permits are approved and a new coat of paint goes up. I have not yet made it over to see what the new place is next to Starbuck's across the street, but I saw that the sign had changed and the Sushi place is now gone. I saw that coming, as it seems that everytime I wanted to eat there they were closed.

And then there is the Aztec Hotel. What is happening with that green facade? I'm dearly hoping that they don't keep the dark blue accent. But hey, I'm sure if they painted it pink and purple that the locals would embrace it in all it's kitschy glory. Up the street to the east is another building undergoing extensive rennovations, but I haven't yet seen any signs up. I'll try to snap a photo next time I'm passing by.