2013 Fountain To The Falls Race

Ruben Hernandez of Los Angeles approaches the waterfall in Monrovia Canyon Park near the half way point in the race.  He finished first with a time of 40:36:44.

Top female finisher out on the trail, Heather Huggins from Monrovia, came in with a time of 49:20:42.

Construction Begins On New Olive Avenue Condominiums

Work has begun on the future site of an 18 unit condominium complex in the 100 block of East Olive Avenue.  Adjacent to the Paragon Apartments.

Monrovia Bakery Reopens Under New Ownership

Address: 506 S. Myrtle Avenue, Monrovia.

Dr. George Fischbeck Includes Monrovia In His New Book

A version of this photo, from the 2010 Monrovia Day Parade, is in his new book: Dr. George: My Life In Weather by Dr. George Fischbeck and Randy Roach.

I grew up watching Dr.George do the weather on channel 7, as did a lot of others.  He was unlike anyone else and the weatherman to watch.  I can still remember him, hand over heart, like it was yesterday.

Pick up the book and see why he's a local legend.  Read about his life, his accomplishments, the millions of dollars raised for multiple charities and see the photo of his visit to "his friends" in Monrovia.

Aztec Hotel Monrovia - Mayan Bar And Grill

If you haven't been following along on the new chapter in the life of this iconic Route 66 hotel, head over to their Facebook page right now and "Like" them.

There's a benefit to this.  As they prepare to open the new Mayan Bar & Grill Restaurant, they are having a food tasting this Friday at 12:30 pm.  Just email the General Manager Art DeSautels - info and email is on their Facebook page.

BUT, you must "Like" them first.

If you don't get into this tasting, keep checking.  They've been holding these on a regular basis.

https://www.facebook.com/AztecHotel

Thank You Firefighters

A collection of signs near the burn area:

Monrovia Madison Fire - Part Two

As of this morning, the fire is about 55 percent contained and the estimate of area burned has been lowered to 125 acres.  The firefighters and all involved in fighting this fire did an extraordinary job.

Today's photos are from the east (looking west) to see what was happening behind that front ridge above the Big M.  Click on any of the images for a larger version.

An indication of how close the fire came to homes.

A couple of residents heading back with a water dropping helicopter working nearby.

Spotted this firefighter (on the ridge, just left of center in the photo) standing tough against the fire.  There are flames on the ridge top to his right and more reaching up from below to his left.  The helicopters were dropping water all around.

Helicopters weren't the only aircraft.  The airtanker was on hand dropping Phos-Check on the fire.

The airtanker dropping Phos-Check.

The sun was going down but the helicopters kept going as long as they could.

Finally had to call it a day and head back.  A job well done.

Monrovia Madison Fire

Some photos from the Madison Fire today in the hills above Monrovia.  The firefighters have been attacking this blaze relentlessly all day by air and ground.  As I write this, the fire is 50% contained with no structures lost.

All of these photos are of the front (south) facing slope, the slope facing the city.

L.A. County Fire with a water drop behind the Big M.

A large section of the burned area just west of the Big M.

This is a closer look at the little triangle area that hadn't burned at the bottom of the 2nd image above. You can see several of the firefighters up on the slopes.  Not an easy job.

Some of the flames visible on the hillside.

And the L.A. County Fire helicopter coming in again to drop water on the flames.

More photos tomorrow from a different area...

Light Post Lineup

Three Words Short

The last part of those instructions on the side of the Mutt Mitt box could use just three more words.  It should read:

Grab It     Turn It     Toss It In The Trash

Believe me, there are people that follow the current wording literally.


h/t Ed C.

Bearly A Drizzle

The tail end of the storm early this morning.  Seems to be clearing up beautifully now.

The Aztec Hotel - Misc. Photos

Back today to the Aztec Hotel with one more set of photos.  This time, four images from around the hotel.

Click on any image to see a larger version.

For more info and progress updates: The Aztec Hotel Facebook page.

Follow along on Twitter: @AztecHotel

First up, a stairway leading upstairs with another of the many murals.  Another angle on the same stairway previously posted with the lobby photos.

The Mayan Room.

The patio area with fountain.  I had no idea the patio was this large.

Finally, a suggestion for when the restaurant opens.

Thanks to everyone for stopping by Gem City Images to have a look at the photos of the Aztec Hotel.  There's been more interest in these posts than anything I've posted before.  In fact, last Friday set a new one day page view record for the website.

Thanks again, hope you enjoyed the images.