I was born and raised in Pasadena, served in the Army in what was then West Germany, and attended college at PCC and San Jose State University, majoring in journalism. After college, I worked as a reporter for various publications, including the Pasadena Star-News, the LA Times, the Arcadia Tribune, and others. My wife and I got married in 1982 and moved to Monrovia in 1988 because – then – it was more affordable, and doggone cute.
I then worked for Bill Gross – a serial entrepreneur in Pasadena – on a hard drive navigating tool called “Magellan” for Lotus Development, which made the old Lotus 123 spreadsheet program. Then I worked with him at a children’s educational software company called Knowledge Adventure, then at CitySearch.com, idealab, GoTo.com, and other of his companies, some successes, some not.
Now I spend my time mountain biking in the hills above Monrovia, working on MonroviaNow.com, SteveBakersMonrovia.com, painting, trying with little success to learn the harmonica, learning German – It’s insanely hard; I shoulda picked Spanish – and helping out when needed at my church, Calvary Chapel Monrovia.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My wife, Patti, and I attended the same high school at the same time – John Muir in Pasadena – and never knew each other. We met later in church. We have two children, Mark, who lives locally, and our daughter Kirsten, her husband DJ and our grandson Miles, who live in Tennessee. We also have two cats, Fishstick – he’s kind of the color of a toasted fishstick – and Cleo, aka “Cleocatra.”
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
What I loved about my career was the variety. I really enjoyed working at little companies because I got to do a lot of different things.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
For homey old-style red-sauce Italian, I like Domenico’s. For something more hip, I like 38 Degrees.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
My wife says we moved here in 1988 and I guess I believe her.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Steve Baker, hands down. We were good friends and went hiking together. I miss him.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Latin America, maybe Argentina. I’ve been to Europe several times. I’d like to see something new.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
I watch almost zero TV and see almost as many movies, so – um – uh – Casablanca?
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Life is short. Think beyond it, for yourself and for others.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
To be in Germany and be mistaken for a German for more than 35 seconds. That’s actually more of a pipe dream.
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
If I’m feeling kinda blah, early Steely Dan – “Can’t Buy a Thrill.” When feeling good, Beach Boys.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
The old Monrovian restaurant.
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?
My Army buddy, Chris, who lives in Illinois. We see each other so infrequently. I think we’d go to Mikomi.
Q: What is your favorite thing about Monrovia or something unique about our community that you like?
The Wilderness Preserve and Canyon Park.
Q: What is your greatest regret?
Harsh things I’ve said to people.
Q: Even for friends or family, what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I can touch my nose with my tongue. Not sure if I have a long tongue or long nose.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Bora Bora. You could almost dip a brush into the water in the lagoon and paint blue with it.
Q: What do you consider your greatest achievement?
I dunno. I guess biking up to Rincon Road.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Chatting with a friend over coffee.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
Jesus
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Chocolate and bacon.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Dinner, shower, bed.
