NorthPrimrose

Some Thoughts on Democracy And Neighborliness

Election season is upon us! In just four weeks Monrovians will go to the polls to elect a new mayor and choose among a field of council candidates. Whatever your preference of candidates, research the field and GO VOTE! 

You can get information at www.monroviacitywatch.com and www.thefcblog.com as well as in your sample ballot.

But the real purpose of this post is to address not April 14, but rather April 15 (and we don't mean tax day or even your authors' dating anniversary).  On April 15, regardless of who wins. Regardless of who takes the reins, we are still neighbors.  A variety of campaign signs have already popped up, and more will surely follow.  But when they come down (and even while they are up) we should be able to break bread, and share burdens without annimosity.  Frankly, even if we stand in opposite camps, we should still be able to do these things.

With this in mind, we'd also like to do a little planning.  We've had requests to have the Second Annual all-Street Yard Sale.  We were thinking of April 18 or April 25.  On top of that, perhaps we can kick-off the warm season with a social event.  Any ideas? Thoughts on the Yard Sale dates?  northprimrose(at)gmail.com!

   

  

   

2000 Words

 

 

Santa Visits Primrose

It was a cold and blustery night on our street, but that didn't stop ol' Saint Nick from making a visit.  With rain pounding the pavement, and the few brave souls who rode in Santa's Sleigh, the traditional holiday procession rolled North up Primrose just before 6:00 last night.

As always, elfs young and old heard not a clatter but sirens, then dashed from their doors not to see what was the matter, but one of the many great things about this town.  Angie and Dominic from the 100s got stuck behind the procession and barely missed out on the fun.  But, they dashed over to Magnolia, and caught him on the next trip!

Santa, it seems, didn't want to risk getting a cold before his big Christmas run, so he rode in the cab of Fire Engine 702, "ho ho ho"ing his way from the loud speaker. He was no doubt warmer than those who dashed out to see him.  Teddy ran with Robert as far at they porch, then thought better of it.

A parade of Monrovia Police Vehicles, including a patrol car with a bright assortment of extras made up the  rest of the entourage, scouting far enough out that folks would know he was coming.

Bringing up the rear was Santa's sleigh and a small handful of very cold, wet and brave carolers.  They weren't making a lot of music, and frankly we don't blame them. Well, maybe we'll have better luck next year and get to hear them sing.

It's funny how the simple, silly things make you appreciate what you've got. This is a tradition that could never be pulled off in most cities in our area.  Can you imagine the LAPD escorting Santa to every street in LA?

It's yet another special attribute of Monrovia, and something we shuold all cherish, whether we are little kids, big kids, or little kids who just got big.

Santa Clause is Coming, To Primrose!

Folks-

One of the great traditions of Monrovia is the annual Santa Claus tour.  The Jolly Old Man cruises the streets of the Gem City every night this week, tossing candy canes to little boys and girls, and those who forgot they no longer are so little.

Tonight is the night St. Nick and his entourage of Monrovia police and fire units will roll around the streets north of Foothill and west of Myrtle.  Why that's us!

The excitements starts around 5:30, so if you hear a lot of sirens on the street, get in your warm clothes and stroll outside to say  Ho Ho Ho!

Update From MPD On Burglaries and A Crime Prevention Tip

Neighbors:

We just got a call from CPT Hunt of MPD who was nice enough to give us a ring on his day off.

While he could only release limited information on the recent burglaries in the Scenic/Canyon area, he said there does not appear to be a tie between them, and there is no statistically unsual trend or a "rash" of crimes.  The most recent crime was investigated and that investigation is ongoing.

Apparrently some leads have been developed in the previous case in that area (involving a local realtor's family) and the two appear to be unrelated.

Special Crime Prevention Tip

CPT Hunt wanted to remind all of you that the holidays are coming, and that means special crime prevention measures are in order.  Primary be extra careful about leaving valuables in plain sight in your car during and after Christmas shopping.  In his words: "Crooks need presents too"

MPD usually sees a major spike in such crimes around the holidays, 99% of them involving items in plain site and/or un-locked cards.  He added that GPS systems, Ipods and cell phones are tempting targets, and should be hidden away when you park, lest they should be hidden in a thief's pocket when you return.

Thanks, always, to CPT Hunt for going the extra mile on his day off!

SURVEY SAYS: Primrosians Mostly Like The Bells

Neighbors:

Here's the latest on the survey of the Presbyterian church bells.  I think one or two responses actually came from off our street, but, bottom line, two-thirds of those who responded like the dulcimer tones.

 

   

New Neighborhood Survey: Dulcimer Tones (Update***: They Yays Have It!)

Neighbors:

As you might have noticed, the Presbyterian Church recently added a carrilon which fills our neighborhood with the sound of church bells.  Over at Living In Monrovia, there has been some discussion about the new ambiance.  We're curious what you feel.

So, we've created a quick SurveyMonkey.com poll with which to gain insights.

Please click here: CHURCH BELLS SURVEY to take it.

All of your answers will be anonymous, but feel free to add comments below if you'd like.

UPDATE:  As of 10:00 Friday night, the survey results show 5 in favor of the bells, and ZERO opposed.  So much for a neighborhood concern! If you haven't voted yet, please do so soon!

UPDATE: Now 7-0-1!

UPDATE: As of Saturday night, 9-0-1.

  

Bearly Mentioned, But Important to Know

Neighbors:

Sunday morning we learned of a recent visit by a bear on Primrose.  Karen McKenzie, at the corner of Hillcrest and Primrose, tells us that Friday evening, around 9:30, her family returned from the Monrovia Wildcats football game.  She was in the house and looked out the window to check on them when she saw an "enormous" bear wander across her driveway, between the car and her house, and lumber on to Primrose.

Monrovia has long been known for bear activity, most famously Samson "the hot tub bear."  And, last Thanksgiving weekend, Eric Wilkerson from the 100 block came face-to-face with one on his own porch, as we recounted when we only did emails (before the blog).  Having a bear so close to the foothills is obviously not news.  But, having out so early is a bit disturbing, especially with family members in the drive way.

We suggest that you all be very careful, especially with pets and little ones about!!!

And a Fun Time Was Had By All!

Saturday afternoon, about 30 Primrosians gathered at the Wilkerson's for the First Whenever Fire & Ice Barbecue.  Here's a bit of story, and some photos of the day.

While it turned out to be slightly more work than planned, Eric (cooking with Robert) and a veeerrrrrrry pregnant Monica flexed and accommodated everything, including new Primrosians Jeff and Katherine (far right) who brought the amazing 300% Sugar fudge!  Yummy!

In addition to Alyssa and Victoria, Dominic and his cousin Alyssa (yes, we got double Alyssas) split time between baseball and the swings, plus a couple of DVDs.

 

Maribel and Angie got to talking like neighbors should!

One of the most common phrases of the day was, "I'm so-and-so, I live next to/across from/behind you."

And, remarkably, lots of folks didn't know. 

Dennis and Kathy (white and blue shirts, below photo) live a few yards from Lauren & Jason (in between), and got to talking for the first real time.  That was the point. And a good time was had by all!  We look forward to doing it again, probably sometime around the holidays.

If you have a different perspective, we'd love to hear it.

Maybe you see things the way Domonic did!

EVERYBODY LOVES A PARADE!!

Wow!  What a Great Day!!

If you missed the Monrovia Day Parade this morning, you missed a great time.  Of course, if you missed it, you might also have been the only Primrosian who wasn't there, either in it or watching!  Here's a photo run-down of the Saturday morning fun.

Primrose Neighbor and School Board President Ed Gilliand was one of the many elected officials, of course, in the parade. He got to ride in a great Ford Fairlane!  Lucky him!

Ms. Omnipresent Monrovia, Becky Shevlin, brought along a Birthday cake-shaped hat as she joined the Monrovia Reads program.  That woman is everywhere!

Among the cutest entries in the whole parade was the Girl Scouts' Brownie Troop with Monica Wilkerson and Alyssa leading the way with the banner!

Of course, it's hard to have a parade without an audience, and Primrose was well represented.  At one point, we managed to gather the Luconis (yes, all three!), the Parrys and Oulettes in one spot! 

And, a parade also requires bands and flags and floats! the Monrovia Day Parade didn't disappoint!

The MHS Band was one of the leaders of the day!

 

Every good parade has a big red fire engine (or, so Robert says).  Got that covered too!

Oh yeah, you can't have a parade without the Mayor, either. And he gets a fancy convertible, too!!!

Monrovia is a flag waving kinda town, and some of the best presenters of the Stars & Stripes are the MPD Explorer Post color guard.  They looked really spit & polished, as always! Very impressive!

The Blue Star Families, getting started once again here in town were there, as well as many of their service-member families members in uniform, and looking proud.

 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MONROVIA!!!!!