Golden Tracks

Golden Tracks, originally uploaded by MarshmalloZ.

Dreamy photo of the railroad tracks by Joseph Stevenson.

OPEN THREAD: Focal Points

I've often thought about what, in addition to Old Town, Monrovia could create as a focal point for visitors and local residents to enjoy. If I could choose anything, it would be a lake with walking trails around it. Land being at a premium, I don't see that happening anytime soon.

What do you think would be a nice focal point for the city? A fountain? A fantastic building? A waterslide?

Finally, a decent bar in Monrovia!

Ok, I know it's not in Old Town, but at least we now have a decent bar to hang in when the need arises. I attended the opening gala of the "new" Doubletree Hotel on Huntington Drive in Monrovia.

Even in the rain, it left a favorable impression on me as a place to come on some warm evening and sit by the pool. They have made an effort to place lots of lounge furniture both inside and out, and hopefully they will have good food. I didn't bring my camera and so can't post a picture at the moment, but will try to remember to get over there and shoot some pictures later on.

Captain Hook on Dry Land

Captain Hook on Dry Land, originally uploaded by Living in Monrovia.

Ok...this is my last post of famous plastic figures for awhile. I think I'm going to pose next to this guy and get my picture taken one of these days.

ANNOUNCEMENT: Monrovia VFW Post To Honor Blue Star Families

I drive by the VFW Post all the time. I don't qualify to go in, but I'm happy to help them get their information out.

Arcadia-Monrovia Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2070, based in Monrovia, has announced plans to honor so-called "Blue Star Families" - the parents and siblings of service members currently in uniform.

The First Blue Star Dinner will be held February 29, at Post 2070 in Monrovia, and will honor the local loved ones of soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines and coast guardsmen currently serving, whether at home or abroad.

The term "Blue Star Families" refers to flags that families flew during World War II that marked homes with loved ones in service. Today, the City of Monrovia honors its military families with blue star banners on major streets.

The free dinner is being sponsored by Post 2070, with significant donations from the Monrovian Family Restaurant and Rudy's Mexican Food of Monrovia plus Paco's Mexican Restaurant of Arcadia. However, the Post is still seeking additional donations to make the event complete.

Families of currently serving military personnel from the Arcadia, Monrovia and Duarte area who would like to attend should RSVP to VFW2070@gmail.com. RSVPs are mandatory, though the event is free to Blue Star Families. Businesses who are interested in lending support can use the same email address.

For more information- Robert C. J. Parry (310) 651-0231, rcjparry@yahoo.com

Oh, the irony

Parking Lot Landscaping, originally uploaded by Living in Monrovia.

Something poignant about this particular bit of landscaping spotted in a Monrovia parking lot.

ANNOUNCEMENT: Colorado Commons Models Open Feb 23

The long-awaited Colorado Commons townhomes in Old Town Monrovia will be available for viewing on Saturday, Feb. 23.

The floorplans span up to 2,133 square feet and include one to three bedrooms and one to two and a half baths. Homebuyers aren't the only ones who are excited about experiencing the models for the first time; future homeowners at Colorado Commons are equally thrilled. Priscilla Harris has literally watched Colorado Commons being built from the ground upright from her own backyard. She says she can't wait to move into her one bedroom flat in March. "I've been excited about this community from the very beginning," said Harris, a long-time Monrovia resident. "I'm dying to move in. It's absolutely gorgeous inside and out. I've never seen another community like this before, especially not in Southern California."

Virtual tours are also available online at livecoloradocommons.com.

Quonset Hut

Quonset Hut, originally uploaded by Living in Monrovia.

There's something fun about spotting bits of history like Quonset Huts in the less traveled streets of Monrovia.

According to Wikipedia, "Between 150,000-170,000 Quonset huts were manufactured during WWII. After the war, the U.S. military sold the surplus Quonset huts to the public for $1,000 each." More on Quonset Huts here.

Man on Monrovia Rooftop

Man on Monrovia Rooftop, originally uploaded by Living in Monrovia.

I missed this guy last time I drove by the shop with the policeman...He's on the roof!

ANNOUNCEMENTS: Monrovia Learns

I have lately gotten more requests for posting announcements on my blog, and will do so under the "Announcements" heading. Here is the latest:

The Monrovia Adult School has an exciting new department! Monrovia Learns is offering some great classes that enrich and support family life in our community.

Located inside the Canyon Early Learning Center, some of the classes include:

* Sign Language With Your Child
* Music With Your Child
* Art With Your Child
* Exercise & Nutrition

This is only a partial listing. For more information contact the Monrovia Adult School at 471-3035, or Susan Hirsch, the principal of Monrovia Learns, at 471-3085.

Plastic Police

Plastic Police, originally uploaded by Living in Monrovia.

Ok...what's this guy doing and why is he pulling his gun?

A New Place to Rant

The website called "Outside.In" has just put up discussion boards that anyone can post to. I started the Monrovia board with one posting, so go ahead, start ranting!

Monrovia seagull

Monrovia seagull, originally uploaded by Living in Monrovia.

Who knew Monrovia had seagulls?

Local TV station needs YOU

Hey All,

This is a little note to let you know that you are wanted and needed by our local TV station ("Monrovia has a TV station?" I can hear some of you saying... "Who knew?"). Not only does Monrovia have a TV station, but this station has a full-time staff who are willing and ready to help you learn all about producing your own video. They have cameras and stuff to check out as well. So go ahead, put that grand ol' idea of yours in motion. What are you waiting for? For more info, contact KGEM.

Monrovia Press Conference

Most of you already know about the recent violence that has erupted in our city. I have posted the KGEM video of the press conference here.

OPEN THREAD: Fresh & Easy

Has anyone been to the new Fresh & Easy market on Foothill? Although their produce looked pretty good, the brands on the shelves seemed pretty standard. Where do you shop when there is no Farmer's Market?

Library Park Playground

Park Play Facility in Monrovia, CA, originally uploaded by claimsmantoo.

Good shot of the playground by claimsmantoo.