I’m a native of Ventura and my family moved there in the late 1800s. My move to Monrovia was by chance, but I learned later that I had several relatives who lived here off and on. Although I love living in Monrovia, I miss the ocean and frequently visit Ventura and the central coast. My spouse, Holly and I love to kayak and love to get out on the water when we have time. It soothes both of us. I equally love the desert. I think the desert and ocean with unobstructed views is the thing that talks to by inner muse.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
Over the years we have had an array of dogs and cats. Currently we have three rescue dogs – Pontoon, Pedro and Olive. Yes I know, Pontoon is a weird name for a dog. It’s a long story.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I retired from the Pet Insurance industry in 2020 where I was an operations manager for 18 years. Retirement was fleeting, as my partner I started Michael’s Metals Inc. We are wholesale recycled metal brokers. This is a new industry for me, but not for Holly. I’m learning so much about the metals market and the ups and downs of recycling.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Sena, Mikomi, 38 Degrees, The Saltner, Cafe Mundial, Basin 141….yeah, I’m kinda done with cooking. LOL
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
Holly and I bought our home here in 1999.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Oh gosh, I’ve met so many. Being a member or the Rotary Club of Monrovia has introduced us to so many people. I think Bob Helbing fascinates me – he can always be counted on for a lively conversation.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Everywhere. I wish I could be everywhere at once. I love traveling overseas. It opens your mind to how much we are the same and yet how much we can learn from others. My sister lives in England, and I would love to see her new home in the Cotswolds.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
My taste in movies is all over the place. Hmmm, the King and I was my first movie as a kid and remains dear to me. Recently I was wowed by the new Elvis movie. I love Baz Lurhman! Moulin Rouge was also a favorite. TV? I like reruns of Escape to the Country. It’s a reality show from the UK.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Get off of social media. As much as I love it and the internet, I think it’s the downfall of civilization. Too harsh? OK, there is just too much fighting and too little understanding. Instead, go do something positive in your community. I guarantee it will be more rewarding.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
I can’t say I have a bucket list, per se. I would like to be able to travel more. The dogs, as much as I love them, hold us back at times. I would like to take the train across Canada, then Switzerland. We are going to Croatia next spring, which is a trip three years deferred due to the pandemic. We are sailing the islands on a large catamaran!
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
Well, there would be quite a few. Abba to make me happy and want to dance; Earth Wind and Fire for vacation road trips. I love all types of music and the list would be so long, Mamas and Papas, Beatles, Jazz, Blues, Patsy Cline, you name it. My go-to radio station in the car is Sirius XM First Wave….I love 80’s music, it reminds me of the 60’s. LOL
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
The Market at the corner of Alta Vista and Colorado. My grandparents owned it for a short time in 1948 – my mom graduated HS from MAD. It was a short-lived experience and they returned to Ventura. My mom did not talk about it much when I was young, and it’s only by chance that I ended up living here.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative, with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
The Barefoot Contessa, Ina Garten, I’d invite her to cook together for all my friends in the kitchen at Saute. LOL I do like to cook now and then.
Q: What is your favorite thing about Monrovia or something unique about our community that you like?
I like that it’s a small town, yet close to bigger towns.
Q: What is your greatest regret?
Not buying more property here.
Q: Even for friends or family, what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
A girt can’t tell all her secrets! Ok ok, many people know this but not all, I played bass for Melissa Etheridge in the 80s. It was a short-lived experiment, but boy I had fun.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Cadaques, Spain was beautiful. We were there towards the end of summer and the town had a festival. Fishermen sang on the beach and they had mulled wine. Oh and crepes on the beach!
Q: What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Being President of the Rotary Club. It was a wonderful experience.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
10! Or a Viking Cruise…I loved not having to lift a finger. Maybe the best vacation ever.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
Perhaps myself. I love irony and have a twisted sense of humor. Not everyone gets it. On occasion it inspires me to make comments that might makes others uncomfortable or offend those sensitive souls. Whenever I do that, I say, “Note to self: Not everyone needs to know what I’m thinking.”
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Sage, Musk, I’m a product of the 60’s!
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Comfort, love, sanctuary
