Gem City Images

Swallowtail Butterfly

2013-06-17T15:57:00.000-07:00

Buzz

2013-06-14T18:11:00.001-07:00

Mountain Biking The Sawpit Fire Road

2013-06-11T00:30:00.000-07:00

Above Monrovia Canyon Park.

Squirrel Lunch

2013-06-08T13:10:00.001-07:00

Bears aren't the only critters in the local foothills.

I Never Tire Of Seeing Wild Animals Roam Free

2013-06-06T12:49:00.000-07:00

Saw this bear on the Sawpit Fire Road above Monrovia Canyon Park this morning. The bear spotted me, I waved and took a couple of photos, then the bear disappeared down the slope off the road. There was a second bear, but it went down the slope almost as soon as I saw it.

Acapulco Must Go Go

2013-06-01T00:30:00.000-07:00

Tear down of the old Acapulco restaurant in the Huntington Oaks Shopping Center began yesterday to make way for a new 4 tenant building that so far is expected to include a Chipotle and a Smashburger.

Aztec Hotel Neon On An Overcast Morning

2013-05-31T00:30:00.000-07:00

So, what's happening at the Aztec these days? Does progress continue on the restaurant and building? Is everything on hold? Or...?

Brio Electric Bikes - Now Open

2013-05-28T00:30:00.000-07:00

A new electric bike shop is now open at 113 E. Olive Ave. Monrovia.

Website: http://brioelectricbikes.com/

Memorial Day - Flyover

2013-05-27T12:33:00.000-07:00

2013 Fountain To The Falls Race

2013-05-18T12:17:00.001-07:00

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

2013-05-14T07:32:00.000-07:00

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

2013-05-08T14:17:00.001-07:00

Address: 506 S. Myrtle Avenue, Monrovia.

Dr. George Fischbeck Includes Monrovia In His New Book

2013-05-01T16:31:00.000-07:00

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

2013-04-30T17:29:00.001-07:00

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

2013-04-23T10:07:00.000-07:00

A collection of signs near the burn area:

Monrovia Madison Fire - Part Two

2013-04-21T12:58:00.000-07:00

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

2013-04-20T23:25:00.000-07:00

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

2013-04-18T00:30:00.000-07:00

Three Words Short

2013-04-17T00:30:00.000-07:00

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

2013-04-16T10:34:00.000-07:00

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

The Aztec Hotel - Misc. Photos

2013-04-02T00:30:00.000-07:00

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.

Monrovia Train Depot Torn Down

2013-04-01T00:30:00.000-07:00

Update: Just kidding! Happy April Fools' Day!

Not the post I was planning on putting up today, but I was driving north on Myrtle towards the freeway when I saw that the depot was gone. I couldn't believe it. The last I heard they didn't yet know how the depot would be used, but I had no idea it was going to be torn down.

The Aztec Hotel - The Lobby

2013-03-29T00:30:00.000-07:00

Today we'll take a look around the lobby area. So many details just begging to be photographed. As always, click on any photo for a larger version.

First up is the entrance. Mural and barbershop on the right, entrance to the restaurant out of frame on the left. Lobby area straight ahead.

Lobby area. From left to right: stairs leading to the rear patio, door to the Mayan banquet room, front desk, doorway with a Toltec Coffee Shop mural (see last photo).

Stairway leading to the rear patio and upstairs.

Front desk on the right with a doorway to the non-existent Toltec Coffee Shop. Hopefully a coffee shop will be part of the future plans.

Coming up Monday, a mixture of photos from around the hotel.

Follow along on the Aztec Hotel Facebook page here.

The Aztec Hotel Monrovia - The Restaurant

2013-03-28T00:30:00.000-07:00

Got the chance to take a look around the Aztec Hotel and take some photos a couple of days ago. In fact, I ended up with so many I decided to split them up into three separate posts.

Tip: Click on the photos for larger versions.

Since there's a lot of interest and anticipation about the new Mexican restaurant soon to open, let's start there:

First up, somewhat of an overview of the restaurant. A lot of work needed to be done, but it's looking great. Won't be long now.

A closeup view of the bar in the center of the restaurant. Check out that ceiling.

New seating and tables line the walls

I love this spot. Nothing like an angry big black cat looking over your shoulder while you eat. Then again, you could face it and stare it down.

Pinball machines and neon beer signs. Appropriately enough, an Aztec pinball machine on the right.

Finally today, a couple of the many incredible murals that can be found throughout the building.

Many thanks to General Manager Art DeSautels for the tour and letting me roam around and take some photos. Thanks also to Chef Marisa for preparing that incredible food. When the restaurant opens, you all are in for a treat.

The Aztec Hotel is located at 311 W. Foothill Blvd. Monrovia, CA 91016.

To follow along with the progress on all the work being done and the status of the restaurant, check out the Aztec Hotel Facebook page.

Next up. the lobby...

Oscar Mayer Wienermobile In Monrovia

2013-03-21T16:02:00.000-07:00

A couple of photos of the visit from the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile in front of the Baja Ranch Supermarket this afternoon.