The surf pig

The K-Earth 101 Surf Pig was also on hand for last Sunday's Ride and Stride event, where he oversaw the playing of much 70s and 80s music (that is, songs I recognized). The van was parked in the YMCA parking lot, which was one of several locations set up for kids to take a break and play.

Farmer John mural

About 8 miles from Downey is the city of Vernon. Vernon is an odd city. It is 5.2 square miles and has industry instead of residents. Although it is devoid of residents, it does have lots of employees. Approximately 55,000 people travel into Vernon for work each day.

One of the original  manufacturing businesses that still remains is Farmer John's, located at the corner of Soto and Bandini. It is the one remaining meat packing company, operating from this site since 1931,

My favorite part is the wall. The entire plant that spans from Vernon to Bandidi has a mural-covered  wall that has been maintained as long as I can remember. When I was little, I remember my mom driving past it on our way to Glendale. It was a familiar, homey sight,  

This little piggy...

The Orange County Fair had a farm animal section. The piglets were contentedly nursing as hundreds of people milled past their enclosure. They really were adorable. Look at the face of the little one at the bottom. I swear he's smiling.

“I am fond of pigs. Dogs look up to us. Cats look down on us. Pigs treat us as equals.”
~Winston Churchill