Gem City Images

Image For A Rainy Day

2012-01-23T08:56:00.000-08:00

Salon Cheo

2012-01-17T00:30:00.000-08:00

New sign for a new business on the exterior of the building at 147 East Foothill Blvd.

Formerly the home of California Electric Bike Co.

Library Bear

2012-01-16T00:30:00.000-08:00

One of the bears from the 2011 Monrovia Day celebration resides in the Monrovia Public Library.

Monrovia Wildcat Football 2011 CIF Championship Rally

2012-01-13T00:30:00.000-08:00

Some of the team in the parade arriving at Library Park.

Back to back champions team photo with city council and school board.

Coach Maddox holding the championship plaque.

Players with the championship plaque.

Parade and rally held last night (January 12, 2012) at Monrovia Library Park.

B-2 Spirit Flyover- Bonus Image

2012-01-12T00:30:00.000-08:00

I had an extra photo of the B-2 Stealth Bomber "Spirit" from the Rose Parade flyover on January 2nd. This one was taken prior to this photo posted on the 2nd as the B-2 is just starting to make the bank that made the 2nd photo possible.

Sunset Silhouette

2012-01-11T00:30:00.000-08:00

Meanwhile, Back At The Depot...

2012-01-10T17:39:00.000-08:00

Shovels, a wheelbarrow, lots of portable lights and a couple of portable restrooms. Depot looks the same.

Monrovia Petsmart Opens On January 16th

2012-01-03T00:30:00.000-08:00

The shelves still need to be stocked but the sign in the window announces the opening date as Monday, January 16th, 2012.

Air Force B2 Spirit Flyover

2012-01-02T09:11:00.000-08:00

The B2 catching the morning sun just after flying over the Rose Parade route.

Opening Day At Santa Anita Race Track

2011-12-26T13:43:00.000-08:00

Today is opening day of the 75th winter/spring meeting at Santa Anita Race Track. If traffic is any indication, they should have a big crowd on hand today.

Photo taken from the Ben Overturff trail above Monrovia Canyon Park.

Merry Christmas 2011!

2011-12-25T00:01:00.000-08:00

Candy Cane

2011-12-24T00:30:00.000-08:00

Something's Up

2011-12-22T13:30:00.000-08:00

An additional fence has been set up around the Monrovia train depot. This new fence keeps you further away and blocks the view of the depot.

Monrovia High School - Arch And Murals

2011-12-21T00:30:00.000-08:00

Home of the Wildcats.

Monrovia Travel With Christmas Light

2011-12-20T00:30:00.000-08:00

Monrovia Travel Service: 401 S Myrtle Avenue, Monrovia.

Noir Theatre

2011-12-19T00:30:00.000-08:00

A very different look for the Krikorian Theatre in Old Town Monrovia.

Rudy's Mexican Food Restaurant At Sunrise

2011-12-15T07:56:00.000-08:00

Rudy's Mexican Food: 602 S. Myrtle Avenue, Monrovia. Corner of Myrtle Ave. and Colorado Blvd. in Old Town Monrovia.

Planet Cookies - Tree Display

2011-12-13T10:11:00.000-08:00

The Christmas Tree set up inside Planet Cookies at 342 S. Myrtle Avenue, Monrovia.

Christmas Bench

2011-12-12T00:30:00.000-08:00

Make a day (and evening) of it in Old Town Monrovia.

You can check out the holiday window displays, do your Christmas shopping, see a movie, check out the library, enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants, listen to musicians and carolers or just relax on a bench and enjoy the lights and people watch.

All in one place.

First Tech Challenge LA Championship Robotics Tournament

2011-12-10T20:36:00.001-08:00

37 teams took part in the championship tournament held in the new Monrovia High School gym.

This is from one of the semi-final rounds. Monrovia High School's robot is on the far left, next to the blue ramp. Monrovia's alliance did a great job making it all the way to the end, losing in the final match for a 2nd place finish.

Working The 2011 Monrovia Holiday Parade

2011-12-09T14:03:00.001-08:00

Not everyone got to just hang out with friends and family and watch the parade. Some were out there working hard Wednesday night.

I showed you KGEM from a distance yesterday. Here's a closer look as they record the festivities.

It wouldn't be the same without the announcers, in silhouette against the neon and lights of the Krikorian Theatre.

A couple of bonus photos can be found on my Google+ page.

2011 Monrovia Holiday Parade

2011-12-08T16:08:00.001-08:00

The wind can slow us down but it can't stop us. The parade goes on, and it looks like people were more than ready. A big crowd last night.

Pre-parade.

This is just before the start of the parade. On the right is KGEM, Monrovia's local community television station, set up with extra lighting to record the parade. The crowd was like this the entire length of the parade.

Sid Garcia.

The 2011 Holiday Parade Grand Marshall was Sid Garcia from ABC7 Eyewitness News.

MHS Band.

Extra lighting effects mixed in among the Monrovia High School Band.

Restored Life Fellowship.

A band of a different type. A live rock band played their way through Old Town.

Monroe Unicycle Club.

Always a favorite, the Monroe Unicycle Club rode up Myrtle Avenue.

Santa Candy

2011-12-07T00:30:00.000-08:00

Love the window displays around town this time of year. This one is at the Candy Connection candy shop at 521 S. Myrtle Ave. in Old Town Monrovia.

The Monrovian Restaurant At Sunrise

2011-12-06T00:30:00.000-08:00

The Monrovian - 534 S. Myrtle Ave. Monrovia (Corner of Myrtle Ave. and Colorado Blvd.) in the heart of Old Town.

Old Town Gateway At Night With Holiday Lights

2011-12-05T08:39:00.001-08:00

Recovery from the windstorm is moving right along. Power is not completely back on around town but it's close. They continue to work on it. The major street obstructions have been cleared. The last time I was out, most of the traffic lights were working again. City offices are open again today. The Holiday parade will go on this Wednesday, December 7th at 7pm.

Individuals hit hard by the windstorm will take longer to recover. Find a friend and take them to lunch today.

Windstorm

2011-12-02T16:43:00.001-08:00

I meant to post this yesterday, but technical difficulties prevented that from happening. Let's take a look around at a very small part of the damage from Wednesday night's windstorm.

This first photo was the city's 50-foot Christmas tree in Library Park. It was knocked down...

...bringing the star on top crashing to the ground. This cancelled the tree lighting ceremony that was to have taken place last night. The holiday parade was postponed to a date yet to be determined.

This scene could be found at many intersections. This is Foothill and Shamrock.

Double whammy here. A downed tree blocking the street and downed wires. Dangerous situation.

This tree fell across Wildrose, just east of Mountain.

Here's another situation that happened far too many times. Tree crushes car.

A few of the trees down at Recreation Park. That's the YMCA building in the background.

And finally, try as the wind might, this Christmas tree held tough and refused to fall completely over.

Cleanup continues and many homes and businesses are still without power.

Check this post from MonroviaNow.com for some stats on the damage.

Color And Lights

2011-11-30T14:43:00.001-08:00

One of the many trees along Myrtle Avenue in Old Town Monrovia decorated for the holiday season.

A Krikorian Sunrise

2011-11-29T00:30:00.000-08:00

Taken early while the lights are still on and the sun starts to brighten the morning sky.

Christmas Window Display - The Irish Gardener

2011-11-28T00:30:00.000-08:00

Monrovia stores have so many great holiday window displays. This Christmas display can be found at The Irish Gardener in Old Town Monrovia. Very well done!

The Irish Gardener: 504 S. Myrtle Avenue, Monrovia.

Inside The Big Top

2011-11-27T15:21:00.001-08:00

Inside the big tent of Circus Vargas now appearing in the south parking lot of the Santa Anita Race Track in Arcadia through December 5th.

This photo was taken during the 15 minute intermission. They're setting up the net for the trapeze artists about to perform.

It's a good show. Very family oriented and no animals. If you have kids, get there early. The kids are invited into the center ring before the show to take an active role in learning how to be a circus performer.

If it's cold out, dress appropriately. There's no heat inside and it can get pretty cold.

Parking is $4.00.

Library Lights

2011-11-25T00:30:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving 2011!

2011-11-24T09:42:00.001-08:00

Myrtle Avenue, Monrovia. Early Thanksgiving morning.

Crisp, Cool, Clear

2011-11-22T11:51:00.001-08:00

This morning on Myrtle Avenue.

Gateway Sunset Christmas

2011-11-21T18:02:00.001-08:00

Monrovia Wildcat Pride

2011-11-17T12:01:00.001-08:00

The grand opening of the newly refurbished high school was held last night. I wasn't there but you can read about it and see lots of photos from the school tour on the Monrovia Patch website.

Happy 2 Year Anniversary

2011-11-14T15:13:00.001-08:00

To the great, great Market Grill.

525 S. Shamrock Avenue, Monrovia. Across from Recreation Park.

Getting their front window ready for the Thanksgiving holiday.

Stormy Weather

2011-11-12T00:32:00.000-08:00

Veterans Day 2011

2011-11-11T16:16:00.001-08:00

Thanks to all the veterans for their sacrifice, courage and service to our country. And especially...

...Thanks, Dad.

Ramp Closed...Maybe

2011-11-10T17:41:00.001-08:00

Myrtle Avenue onramp - 210 freeway

Nice sign. Maybe it could be replaced it with a clean and accurate sign. This photo was taken November 10th. The ramp also hasn't been closed every night.

A place online where the closure info is dependably correct would be good too.

The Couch

2011-11-09T17:18:00.001-08:00

A good place to watch the shadow move.

Monrovia Train Depot Reflection - Vertical

2011-11-08T00:30:00.000-08:00

Breaking Storm

2011-11-07T00:30:00.000-08:00

Pottery Ranch - Front View

2011-11-04T19:44:00.000-07:00

Since it is going to be torn down soon, here's another photo of the Route 66 landmark Pottery Ranch. This time a front view across Huntington Drive with some nice early morning light.

Filming "Crush" In Monrovia Canyon Park

2011-11-03T00:30:00.000-07:00

A lot of people saw the filming going on in Old Town last week and the beginning of this week, but they were also up in Monrovia Canyon Park filming for the movie. This was taken Monday afternoon and the location is the check dam at the start of the waterfall trail.

The movie: "Crush" by Intrepid Pictures.

Invasion Of The Little Monsters

2011-11-02T00:30:00.001-07:00

The trick or treating scene in Old Town Monrovia late afternoon on Halloween.

November 2011 City Daily Photo Theme Day: Fences

2011-11-01T00:30:00.000-07:00

Headed out of town to get this one. This is from a recent road trip to Red Rock Canyon in Las Vegas.

To see how other City Daily Photo bloggers from around the world interpret the theme of Fences, just click the link below:

Click here to view thumbnails for all participants

Happy Halloween 2011!

2011-10-31T17:40:00.000-07:00

Remember, always check the interior of your car before entering...

Antique Typewriter

2011-10-29T00:30:00.000-07:00

Another from the recent trip to the LA County Arboretum. A glimpse of the interior of the Queen Anne Cottage.

A Twist

2011-10-28T00:30:00.000-07:00

A Staying In Business sale.

Historic Lighting: 114 E. Lemon Ave. Monrovia, CA 91016

Lightpost Alley

2011-10-27T00:30:00.000-07:00

I'm sorry to see that Baldwin's Sidewalk Cafe appears to have closed up shop. I always liked this quiet little alley adjacent to Baldwin's where you could sit at a table under an umbrella and enjoy a sandwich or baked potato. One of the more unique outdoor dining locations in town.

Freeway Signs

2011-10-26T00:30:00.000-07:00

Strange sight. A couple of large freeway signs are being stored on the empty lot at the corner of Chestnut and Magnolia.

Use Caution On A Wet Morning

2011-10-25T10:46:00.000-07:00

The ground is wet and the yellow caution light is on, be careful out there today. Your tracks may be a little slippery.

The Flame Broiler Monrovia Is Now Open

2011-10-24T16:31:00.000-07:00

The Flame Broiler Monrovia: 400 W. Huntington Drive, Suite 446, Monrovia CA 91016 (In the Sprouts Farmers Market shopping center).

Website: http://www.flamebroilerusa.com/home.html

Film Trucks Near Downtown

2011-10-23T20:02:00.000-07:00

Lots of film trucks in town but I didn't see anything happening earlier this afternoon. The sign on the light post says "Crush", which may be for this, but that's just a guess.

Wedding Photos

2011-10-21T16:58:00.000-07:00

Went to the LA County Arboretum in Arcadia today to take some photos. Looks like I wasn't the only one.

Is It October Already?!

2011-10-20T14:20:00.000-07:00

Putting up the Christmas lights on a tree in Library Park. Or maybe these are "Holiday" lights.

Mon-Arc Center Facade Remodel Progress

2011-10-19T13:24:00.000-07:00

Click for larger image.

Checking back with this center to see how things are progressing. This is the shopping center at 915-949 W. Duarte Rd. The big store on the right was the former home of the Super A supermarket.

Halloween Webs

2011-10-18T00:30:00.000-07:00

The spiders in the canyon are busy building their Halloween decorations...the real kind.

Monrovia Canyon Park Stream

2011-10-17T07:46:00.000-07:00

Trying out some long exposure shots (this one is 27 seconds) to blur the water in the stream.

Sunday Road Trip - Santa Anita Race Track

2011-10-16T00:30:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Santa Anita Race Track! Try to find a parking space and come on in!

See, that's funny, but it's not. With off track and online betting available these days, not many people actually go to the track anymore. That's a shame because it's an exciting sport to watch in person and this track is absolutely gorgeous.

As we make our way to the grandstand entrance, let's take a look at the Club House entrance and enjoy this amazing Art Deco style.

We'll just walk around this fountain and head into the grandstand.

Here's a look inside. Beautiful, isn't it? This was early in the morning, well before the races started. That's why there's no one around.

Now let's go outside and take a look at the track itself. This is why Santa Anita is considered one of the most beautiful horse racing tracks, if not the most beautiful horse racing track in the world. Look at that backdrop with the San Gabriel mountains in the distance. This was a pretty nice day for a visit.

Moving down to the railing and looking west. The dirt track is on our right, the grandstand to our left. Early morning sun at our back.

The starting gate.

Now, what about the horses...

There's one. The photo confirms we're at the right place.

Apparently horses like to horse around. This one is sticking its tongue out at me.

Getting in a run during the morning workouts.

Okay. No more workouts, the races have started. This was one of several attempts at a panning shot: trying to follow the moving horses with the camera and take a photo with a slow shutter speed to blur the background but keep the horses in focus. Much, much harder than I expected. This is the only one where everything wasn't blurred. Neat effect when it works.

No more panning. This is a straight on shot of the horses coming around the last turn and taken with a fast shutter speed.

Unless you're in front, you eat dirt.

Time to head back home now. I'll end this trip with with a black and white of horse and rider looking very peaceful while keeping an eye on the activity around them.

As usual, there were far more things to photograph than would fit in a reasonably sized post. Santa Anita Race Track is one of those places you really should see in person. If you're not into racing, the tram tour is fun and really very interesting. And Free. I highly recommend it.

The details:

Mileage from Monrovia: Close. Arcadia is the city next door to the west. The distance from the Monrovia Public Library in downtown Monrovia to the track is about 3 miles.

Travel time: About 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic.

Prices: Anywhere from $5.00 (General admission) to $20.00 (Turf Club).
Parking ranges from $4.00 (General ) to $10.00 (Valet).

Food: Multiple locations from restaurants to food court.

Seabiscuit Tram Tour: FREE. 2 tours daily at 8:30am and 9:45am on Saturday and Sunday during the Santa Anita Autumn season.

No Monrovia Canyon Park Haunted Hikes This Year

2011-10-15T00:30:00.000-07:00

Photo: A tiny fraction of the atmospheric thrills and chills from the 2008 hikes.

Because I know a LOT of people are asking and wondering. Three years later and still so much interest. So very cool...

Survivor

2011-10-14T00:30:00.000-07:00

Monrovia Train Depot.

PetSmart Sign Is Up

2011-10-13T15:02:00.000-07:00

The signs for the new PetSmart at 745 W. Huntington Drive, former home to CompUSA/Circuit City/Spirit Halloween.

Photography Day At Santa Anita Race Track

2011-10-12T17:01:00.000-07:00

Straying from Monrovia again, this time to Arcadia, our neighbor to the west.

Went to the 2nd Photography Day at Santa Anita Race Track last Friday. The day is geared toward photographers of all levels and started at Clocker's Corner with morning workouts (pictured above). That was followed by a tram tour; breakfast; a couple of workshops with a Canon tech and a Q&A with Tom Abahazy of Benoit Photo, trainers John Shirreffs (Zenyatta) and Jeff Metz and jockey Chantal Sutherland (who also has a role in the upcoming HBO series "Luck" being filmed at the track).

Best of all, you are free the whole day to take photos to your heart's content.

Thomas Sargent: 1961 Monrovia High School Graduate, 2011 Nobel Prize Winner

2011-10-11T12:39:00.000-07:00

Monrovia High School

Congratulations to Thomas Sargent, a graduate of Monrovia High School, for winning the Nobel Prize in economics yesterday.

Mr. Sargent is currently a professor at New York University. He won the award with Christopher Sims, a professor at Princeton.

Full story: Pasadena Star-News - Monrovia High School graduate wins Nobel Prize in economics.

Halloween Window At Candy Connection

2011-10-10T00:30:00.000-07:00

Candy Connection: 521 S. Myrtle Ave. Monrovia (In the heart of Old Town).

2011 Walk To End Alzheimer's - Los Angeles

2011-10-09T14:18:00.000-07:00

Not Monrovia, but Century Park in Los Angeles. I went early this morning to take part in the 2011 Walk To End Alzheimer's event.

That's Steve Edwards on the left, here for his 16th year as emcee of the event.
In the center are newlyweds Lauren Miller and Seth Rogen, taking an active role in the walk and the fight against Alzheimer's.

Congratulations and thank you.

Celebrate The Arts In Monrovia Library Park This Weekend

2011-10-08T09:15:00.000-07:00

The Monrovia Association of Fine Arts is presenting the 48th annual fine arts festival this weekend in Library Park. The event will feature many kinds of art (photography, ceramics, glass, stained glass, jewelry, printmaking, line art, sculpture and fine crafts), student artwork, live entertainment and food booths.

The festival hours are from 10am to 6pm both Saturday and Sunday. I took this photo early this morning so you can see that the weather is going to be perfect. Get outside, celebrate the arts, support the arts and find something nice to purchase and take home with you.

The Featured Artist this year is Carol Curtis.

More info on the Monrovia Association of Fine Arts (MAFA) website: http://www.monroviafinearts.org

Framed By Leaves

2011-10-07T17:29:00.000-07:00

Fun With Puddles

2011-10-06T16:02:00.000-07:00

Monrovia train depot. The day after the rain.

"D" Is For Drive Carefully

2011-10-05T16:16:00.000-07:00

It's been raining pretty much all day out there.

Benches And The Bell Tower

2011-10-04T06:40:00.000-07:00

Monrovia High School.

Stretch

2011-10-03T00:30:00.000-07:00

At Monrovia High School.

Backside Of Bleachers

2011-09-29T00:30:00.000-07:00

A portion of the outer wall of new bleachers at Monrovia High School.

New Ranger Station Sign

2011-09-28T00:30:00.000-07:00

The new sign installed Monday at the Monrovia Canyon Park ~~Entrance~~ Ranger Station.

Young Bobcat

2011-09-27T00:30:00.000-07:00

Photo: Steve German

As promised, this is one of the 3 young bobcats that was out with what I would guess was its mother. (Featured in yesterday's photo) The youngster looks a little more wary.

Visiting Bobcat

2011-09-26T00:30:00.000-07:00

Photo: Steve German.

Thanks to my friend Steve German for sending along this photo he took of a bobcat that visited his home. I love photos of the local wild animals, and this one is particularly good. Bobcats really are beautiful animals.

Tomorrow, one of the bobcat youngsters that was also along for the visit.

Monrovia High School Football Field

2011-09-23T00:30:00.000-07:00

Facing north from one end zone to the other.

Home game tonight against San Dimas.

Monrovia Public Library - A Leed Silver Certified Building

2011-09-22T17:07:00.000-07:00

The plaque hanging in the library signifying that the library received LEED Silver certification.

From the City Managers report 1/29/2010:

"Monrovia Library - Receives LEED Silver CertificationThe new Library officially received LEED Silver Certification on January 25, 2010. The certification process typically takes up to a year to complete. Silver Certification is quite an achievement and was awarded based on the recycling of materials, energy efficient design, water conservation, and other conservation efforts. Once the certification plaque is received, it will be proudly displayed in the library. We extend our thanks to Gonzalez/Goodale Architects for their stellar design and efforts in the certification process."

Route 66 Icon To Be Demolished For Jack In The Box

2011-09-21T16:54:00.000-07:00

A Jack In The Box! I drove from this spot to the other Monrovia Jack In The Box and it took 1 minute, at most. If it had to be a fast food drive thru, why couldn't it be In-N-Out? That's what a hamburger's all about.
Maybe a less popular chain was necessary so traffic didn't back up onto Huntington Drive.

Seriously, the Pottery Ranch is such an icon its image is on postcards that have become collectibles. When you send that next postcard showing off local pride to friends and family around the world, will it have a photo of Jack In The Box on it? I doubt it.

From the Staff Report:

"The improvement to this corner eliminates mixed uses and different styled buildings resulting in a visually appealing development."

Priceless. It's a drive thru fast food joint. A 24 hour one at that.

I have no problem with the owner being able to sell the property or that change is inevitable. But Jack In The Box? Put this one in the loss column.

h/t: MonroviaNow.com
Story: Monrovia Patch

FTC (First Tech Challenge) Kickoff Event At Monrovia High

2011-09-19T16:03:00.000-07:00

Went to check out the 2011 FTC kickoff (Robotics) event earlier this month at Monrovia High School. Several teams brought last year's robots to demonstrate out on the course. It was quite interesting to watch these robots, controlled wirelessly, try to pick up handballs or push a bowling ball up a ramp.

The next robotics event will be the 1st Annual Halloween Robotics Scrimmage on October 29, 2011 at the Monrovia High School Event Center. It will be held from 8am to 1pm and is open to the public. These are some very intelligent and talented kids. Come on out and support the Monrovia High School Robotics Team.

FTC website.

Update 12/8/2011:

Robotics Event - Saturday, December 10th - Monrovia High School. 845 W. Colorado Blvd.

First Tech Challenge. LA Championship Tournament.

10am - Opening Ceremonies
10:30am - Matches Begin
2:00pm - Semi Finals Begin
4:30pm - Awards Ceremony

Website: http://www.losangelesftc.org/

Sunday Road Trip - Disneyland

2011-09-18T14:41:00.000-07:00

The Sunday Road Trip posts are a chance to throw the photo a day from Monrovia rule out the window and head out of town. Not too far though, the road trips are all things that can be done in a single day when the starting point is Monrovia..

Today, the destination is more well known than any of the previous road trips. We're going to the original Disney Park, we're going to Disneyland!

It just happens to be HalloweenTime at the park, as you can see from this view along Main Street. That giant Mickey pumpkin head is a big clue. The fall is my favorite time of year, and not just at Disneyland.

Main Street facing back towards the entrance with the Main Street Station (Railroad) in the distance.

I wasn't sure how to approach this without the number of photos getting out of control. I think the best thing to do is just make a stop in each "land". So, let's move on to Adventureland and one of the original attractions:

Jungle Cruise.

An ever popular ride. Who knew that one of the Jungle Cruise skippers named John Lasseter would go on the become Chief Creative Officer at Pixar and come full circle back to Disney as Chief Creative Officer at Walt Disney Animation Studios and Principal Creative Advisor for Walt Disney Imagineering.

Next up, Frontierland...

Where you can visit an island with pirates or ride a runaway train. You can also, day or night, take a nice 14 minute cruise along the Rivers of America.

When you get back, take a walk along the water's edge to New Orleans Square...

Along the Rivers of America in New Orleans Square.

That's the River Belle Terrace restaurant in Frontierland in the distance under a full moon. While in New Orleans Square, you can visit more pirates or...

Holiday Haunted Mansion - based on The Nightmare Before Christmas movie. I have to slip at least one black and white into each road trip.

A Haunted Mansion. Now through Halloween, the ride has the Nightmare Before Christmas overlay both inside and out. Very well done and a little different each year.

Next to the Haunted Mansion, we'll make a quick trip to Splash Mountain in Critter Country...

Splash Mountain.

Then, we'll jump on the train...

Disneyland railroad pulling into New Orleans Square station.

and head over to Tomorrowland.

Star Tours.

While here, we can take a ride through space on the newly updated Star Tours attraction or...

Finding Nemo Submarines and the Monorail.

Take a ride under water on a submarine, now with a Finding Nemo theme. Of course, there's always above ground transportation on the classic Monorail. Tomorrowland also has the other ride with a Halloween overlay: Space Mountain becomes Ghost Galaxy.

Our final "land" today is Fantasyland...

Fantasyland Skyline.

I've always liked this skyline view with the Matterhorn in the distance.

Okay, that concludes today's road trip. I know I left out a lot of rides, attractions, shows, live music, even an entire land (Toontown). That just leaves open the possibility for a return trip. Thanks for coming along!

The details:

Distance from Monrovia: about 35 miles.
Travel time: Anywhere from 40 minutes to 1.5 hours depending on traffic.
Ticket prices: Many options. Click here for current options and prices.

Latino Heritage Exhibit and Art Show

2011-09-17T17:13:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow: Sunday September 18 from 1pm to 5pm at the Monrovia Historical Museum.
742 E. Lemon Avenue.

Monrovia Latino Heritage Society Facebook page.

Santa Anita Wash

2011-09-16T18:07:00.000-07:00

The City of Monrovia looks about to take another step in the process to get a portion of this wash covered. Covering the wash means greater possibilities for the utility of the land.

This photo is facing north to Huntington Drive (corner of Huntington and Fifth). That's the self storage building (obviously) on the left (west), with the Red Lobster just out of frame to the right (east).

-The details:

-City of Monrovia (.pdf file) Thanks to www.MonroviaNow.com for the heads up.
-Cordoba Corporation web page.

I took this photo a couple of months ago and just held on to it. I knew this story would come around again sooner or later.

Smoke From Southwest Grinding Building Fire

2011-09-15T00:30:00.000-07:00

The sun filtered through smoke from the fire that destroyed the Southwest Grinding building on Shamrock Avenue last evening.

Story on Monrovia Patch.

Green

2011-09-14T13:10:00.000-07:00

Photo tip: Shooting lots of leaves on a breezy day is not the best idea.

Monrovia High School Clock Tower

2011-09-13T13:00:00.000-07:00

Water Strider

2011-09-12T16:25:00.000-07:00

The shadow is much easier to spot than the bug itself.

9/11 Memorial Ceremony

2011-09-11T15:20:00.000-07:00

Monrovia Fire Station 101.

Saturday Soccer

2011-09-10T18:47:00.001-07:00

Oak Tree - Monrovia High School

2011-09-09T17:09:00.000-07:00

In black and white.

"M" Replaced With DoubleTree Logo

2011-09-08T17:05:00.000-07:00

So, when did this happen? When did the large "M" on the top of the building get replaced with the DoubleTree logo at the hotel on Huntington Drive?

Evening At Monrovia High School

2011-09-06T00:30:00.000-07:00

Sunset Tracks

2011-09-05T07:53:00.000-07:00

This is the last of this particular series of "Sunset at the Depot" shots. ( The first two are here and here). This one doesn't show the depot building at all. Just the tracks extending into the glow to the west.

Super A Foods Shopping Center Rehab Begins

2011-09-02T18:20:00.000-07:00

Work has begun on the shopping center on Duarte Road that was the former home of a Super A Foods supermarket.

First Water

2011-08-31T18:31:00.001-07:00

Monrovia Canyon Park.

The first water crossing you'll come to if you start your hike to the waterfall from behind the nature center.

Waterfall

2011-08-30T08:54:00.001-07:00

First Day Of School

2011-08-29T00:30:00.000-07:00

Today is the first day of school in the Monrovia Unified School District.

Here's a shot of Monrovia High School showing off some of the improvements to the grounds at the front of the school. The temporary fencing still needs to come down and the new grass needs its first mowing, but that's minor. This is the beautiful curb appeal I mentioned the other day.

New Sprouts Farmers Market Sign Is Up

2011-08-27T18:12:00.000-07:00

The transition from Henry's to Sprouts took a very visible step.

Through The Rocks

2011-08-26T00:30:00.000-07:00

You can see a small part of the waterfall behind the rocks just left of center in the photo.