Victor Espinoza Tangos into Sierra Doughnut

Pasadena -- American Thoroughbred jockey and 2015 Triple Crown winner, Victor Espinoza, stops by Sierra Doughnut near Sierra Madre for his favorite, morning muffin.

Victor's most recent fame, however, was not only his appearance on Dancing with the Stars, but the excitement he drew from the pastry shop owners.

Heroes of Sierra Madre

  

Sierra Madre -- Three Supers pose with pride. 

Happy Birthday America

Sierra Madre -- "Thank you, all you Vets out there!"

 

G3 Academy Celebrates 1 Year Anniverasy

 

Sierra Madre -- G3 Academy of Martial Arts celebrates their 1 year anniversary.

Why Not?

Sierra Madre, CA -- Some may think, "Why?" I think I am endeared to the scene. I love LA!

Veterans Day

Los Angeles -- "As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them." -John Fitzgerald Kennedy

Happy in Red

Sierra Madre, CA -- Older folks are irresistible to shoot, especially when they are either real happy or especially angry. Snapping shots of happy elderly people is a pleasure, yet shooting a sour old man who is mad at the world is just plain ol' fun.

I think it's safe to say these two are among the first group I mentioned.

Sierra Madre's St. Rita

Sierra Madre -- Winter in LA usually means a beautiful sky and cool temperatures. Today was another perfect example. Pictured above is Saint Rita's Catholic Church built in 1969.

...And He Loved Tobasco

What say you?

Expression on the Fence

Sierra Madre -- Most artist like to show their work. After work, I am a musician and photographer and I express my art through voice, guitar and making images available to the public via this blog and other sites. However, this artist shows their work in their front yard. From left to right, we see the famous ferris wheel on the Santa Monica pier, ( which is also the end of Route 66), Colorado Street Bridge in Pasadena, and the Hollywood sign overlooking "Tinsel Town." Yet I'm not sure what is on the far right. One common theme dominates: Southern California sunshine.

Walking The Line

Sierra Madre, CA -- Sandbags line the streets of LA's foothill communities due to recent flash flooding and mud slides. Meanwhile, three boys take advantage of a break in the storm after their baseball game was rained out.

Refuge From The Storm

Sierra Madre, CA -- A reluctant vehicle takes shelter from the rain. The 24-hour storm total: 2-inches (5.1cm).

The Ghost of Sierra Madre

Although this is a mere snapshot of an overgrown bush on a power line, look long enough and the image begins to take on a creepy nature.

Brown Stones for Birds

The housing inventory seems to be a bit abundant for our feathered friends. Fancy row housing comes cheep in the foothills of Los Angeles. One simply has to put up with advertising--that's all....

Another Discriminating Sign Discovered

You would think by now someone would have complained enough for the store owner to remove any sign of discrimination! What's next, the Yuppies?

The Playhouse

Sierra Madre, CA -- In the Summer 1970, my buddies and I went to see the Disney film, The Boatniks at the local theater. We paid our two bucks (I'm guessing) and choose our seats from a selection of about 50 velour fold-down chairs with bubble gum stuck to the bottom. Those were the days when our mom's would set us kids free all day to play. Of course we didn't have cell phones, only walkie-talkies that had a range to Ronnie's house--maybe Brad's at best.

After a full day of roaming the city sidewalks, toy stores and dirt lots, we wandered back home in time for Mom's Hamburger Helper, Craft Macaroni and Cheese and a tall glass of whole milk. Of course the conversation centered around the movie we watched at the Sierra Madre Theater.

The theater house became The Sierra Made Playhouse nine years later, featuring fantastic productions from the local talent pool.

Snaggletooth

Certain dogs have a way of making our spirits a little brighter. Others remind us our sadness. But some simply make us grin.

Old North Chuch

Sierra Madre, CA -- Built in 1890, the Old North Church still stands proud on a hill with the San Gabriel Mountains as a backdrop. I used to attend a large singles Bible study in the 90s (not to be confused with the 1890s...). Although the interior has been modified and is devoid of pews, an organ and elderly church ladies with too much makeup and perfume, it still serves a noble purpose. I drive by the antique house of worship at least three days a week and still marvel at it's charm.

Farther up The Canyon

Sierra Madre, CA -- I went back to The Canyon today, talking to people, trying to capture the mood of this foothill village on film. The license plate above tells me people here have a sense of pride of their town.

I spoke to a couple (left) who I met last August on a night hike to Echo Mountain. They are affiliated with The Nature Friends here in Sierra Madre and invited me to a poetry reading up the road. Unfortunately, I had other commitments--hopefully next time!

I also chatted with a homeowner while working on the roof of his home. He gave me a bit of history of the area while painting his 1904 clapboard house.

In yesterdays entry, Haven for the Uncommon, I mentioned the interesting and somewhat eclectic homes. Words were not enough to describe so I brought back a few examples. Enjoy.