Drought-tolerant plants

The US Bank on the corner of Florence Ave. and Brookshire recently redesigned their parking lot. They installed parking canopies with solar panels on top and they landscaped their flower beds with native drought-tolerant plants and rocks.

I went by after work to take this picture to show the dedication some Downey businesses have to be proactive during our current drought. The moon just got in the way.

Out to dinner

What do these two delicious meals have in common? Nothing, except that both are available on the same corner location in Downey, at Firestone Blvd. and Brookshire Ave.

The Chipotle Mexican Grill serves gourmet burritos, stuffed with my choice of organically grown ingredients. Next door at Panda Express, orange chicken and chow mein are our ingredients of choice.

Where do you go for a fast-food dinner out?

Life imitates art

The Farmers' Market is always a fun place to take pictures, with all its colorful fruits, veggies, and flowers.

But what struck me ths last weekend was all the activity going on. The weekly market is a beehive of activity, reminding me of a Bruegel painting.

1920s Craftsman home

I have walked past this house dozens of times. Somehow I never noticed the Historical Society sign. It's a charming little home.

The Craftsman home was an architectural style that began around the end of the 19th century. The style was a single-story home with sloping roofs, deep front porch with rectangular pillars. Typically the living room is open and large with exposed beams.

It was part of the Arts and Crafts movement that emphasized handiwork over mass production. The movement continued into the 1930s. Interestingly, the bungalow style originated from India.

California Club

This past week I was honored to be a guest at the California Club. Located in the heart of LA, it is an oasis of elegance a mere 14 miles from Downey.

The beautifully maintained building designed by Robert Farquhar in 1887 gives you the sense you are stepping back in time. We started on the third floor patio, which looks out over the city. The lights were just starting to come on in the buildings around us and the effect was impressive.

It was an amazing experience. The food was superb and the service top notch. If you ever get the opportunity, don't pass it up.

Time to blossom

Even the trees are confused about the seasons this year. "Is this spring? Is it time to blossom?"

The results are beautiful, even if they're a little disconcerting in February.

A night at the theater

This past Saturday, the Downey Civic Theater was host to the world-renown violinist Elizabeth Pitcairn and the infamous Red Violin. She performed Vivaldi's "Four Seasons" and was accompanied by the entire string section of the Downey symphony. Check out their web site here.

The Downey Art Coalition took the opportunity to showcase many local artists' work with the theme of "red." The above photo is of Jorge del Toro and his version of the Red Violin. Mr. del Toro always incorporates animals into his work, so you'll see the white bridge is an elephant and the scroll is an alligator's head.

Pizza time

In 1984, some local residents opened "The Downey Pizza Company" on Stewart and Gray Ave. We discovered them shortly after moving here in 1986. We have always enjoyed their thick crust style pizza and the convenience of home delivery. Eleven years ago, they moved to their current location on Florence Ave. just East of Lakewood Blvd. They serve pizza, calzones and specialty pastas. Check out their web site here.

One slow evening they played around with some different ingredients and came up with a new signature pizza, the pastrami pizza. It is awesome. You have got to try it. Make sure you get mustard on it.

Business is good. They employ around 25 staff.