SCENE ON THE STREET : Amazing Grace
Whether it’s a museum rooftop in Pasadena, a Buddhist temple in Hacienda Heights, shopping centers and even private residences from Monterey Park to Arcadia to Diamond Bar, the architectural icons of Asia abound throughout the San Gabriel Valley.
Just as they did on imperial palaces long ago and far away, today in Southern California, dragons and ferocious dogs anchor roofs and doorways. The dragons represent the creative power of the universe and bring thunder, lightning and rain in times of drought. The dogs bark like early warning radar systems to ward off intruders.
As an added protection--the ultimate in form and function--the sharply pointed, lilting and lifting roof edges sweep away evil spirits that might venture thereon.
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