My name is Larry, I am a long-time resident of Monrovia. My parents moved to Monrovia when I was six years old. The first home I bought was in Monrovia. My spouse and I currently live in the family home that I grew up in. We love our neighborhood and the community.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I live with my spouse, Bartolo. We have two cats. Their names are ChaCha and Coco. We enjoy living in Monrovia, and we are most grateful for the beauty of our foothills. The joy of waking up each morning and looking at our foothills and mountains gives us both joy and immense pleasure.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I work with people living with HIV and AIDS. I love my work and find it extremely rewarding. In listening to the stories of my clients, I find myself in awe, and grateful to be able to enter into and witness their tenacity and resilience.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
A couple of my favorite restaurants in our community include Café X2O and The Peach Café.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I have lived in Monrovia since I was a first grader. I attended Immaculate Conception School, and later attended Bishop Amat High School. My college years included Citrus Community College, Glendale Community College, Cal Poly Pomona, and La Verne University.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Steve Baker, of course.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
If I could travel anywhere in the world right now, it would be Thailand, and Vietnam. I would seek comfort and solace in some of the Tibetan Temples. I would also seek both peace and healing for our planet in these sacred places/temples.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
My favorite movie is “The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert,” and I love watching Jeopardy.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
I am not really one for giving advice. I prefer to listen to others and to learn about them and the details of their lives!
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
A couple things on my bucket list are traveling and making a pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela with my spouse.
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
My go to band is Depeche Mode.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
The Dollmakers/Kattywompus
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?
I would love to have lunch with former President, Barack Obama. We would have lunch here in Monrovia at Thai Thyme.
Q: What is your favorite thing about Monrovia or something unique about our community that you like?
The history of Monrovia has always fascinated me. I love the rich background that this city has. I also love the diversity of this city and the kindness of our citizens. I love that we have the Unity Center to feed families in need. We are a generous and kind community.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
In 5 to 10 years, I see myself retired and volunteering in some capacity!
Q: Even for friends or family, what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
Most people, including friends and family, do not know that I love silence and alone time.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
The most beautiful place I have ever been is here in our own state. Yosemite is one of the most majestic and sacred places on this planet!
Q: What is your favorite month? Favorite holiday? And what is the best single day on the calendar?
I love the fall months! My favorite holiday is Christmas!
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
I would rate humankind, 10 out of 10, when we are at our best!
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My husband is my inspiration.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
I love the smell of citrus blossoms and roses!
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Embraces, gentle touch and Syrian food cooking in my grandmother’s kitchen!
