San Marino

This classic Mini was shot by Bernardo Alps, a photographer for the San Gabriel Valley Tribune, at the Huntington Library in San Marino on Feb. 26, 2006.

Pasadena

Komen Race for the Cure in Pasadena was on Feb. 26, 2006. Mini owners are healthy, active and philanthropic. So it's no surprise that I saw this Mini parked at the Rose Bowl.

Or this one.

Santa Monica

Get ready for a slew of Mini Photos, all in Santa Monica. Every one of these Minis in this post were photographed in Santa Monica on Feb. 25, 2006. It was an amazing day. Santa Monica must be the mecca for happy, zippy cars. Sun, surf, shopping, food: what can be better?

This blue Mini was seen in one of the public parking garages.

Another Mini in the same garage.

Another Mini, same garage. I didn't find any parking in that garage, but I saw three Minis. Now that's time well spent.

Since I didn't find any available spots in the public garage, I parked in a private garage off of Second Street. And look what was there: a Mini!

This Mini was driving east and I had to run to catch up with it. Yes, it is a bit silly to chase after a car for a photo, but when I look at the picture, it's entirely worth it.

This Mini was parked on Fifth Avenue.

This was definitely my most amazing find of the day. Walking on the overpass above Pacific Coast Highway, I wondered whether I would see a Mini and whether I could spot it. About five minutes passed and I didn't see a Mini. I was a bit discouraged, and as I was about to leave, I saw this. So yes, I did and I can. Can you? It's on the right side of the photo.

I was about to cross the street on Ocean Boulevard when I saw this Mini make a speedy left turn.

Another Mini parked along Ocean Boulevard.

A Mini racing by on Ocean Boulevard.

A Mini parked in a parking lot nearby Third Street Promenade.

A Mini parked on Wilshire Boulevard. This was my not my last Mini Sighting of the evening, but it was the last one I could photograph. I later saw a Mini coming down the off-ramp of the 405 Freeway, but it was too quick (they often are) for me to photograph.

West Covina

I wasn't the first to see this Mini, which was parked at In-N-Out in West Covina on Feb. 24, 2006. I received a call alerting me of this sighting and I went out to photograph it. It's a Mini Cooper with 16-inch wheels, spoiler and sunroof. Look how it just pops (!) around all those other boring cars.

San Dimas

Somehow, I ended up on a very residential street in San Dimas on Feb. 24, 2006 and miraculously found this silver Mini parked on the street.

Hacienda Heights

When I saw this green Mini on Feb. 19, 2006, I thought it could be the same one I saw a few months ago. Same car color and same place -- Ranch 99 in Hacienda Heights. But there's no way to be sure since I didn't photograph the license plate last time.

San Dimas

Parked outside Trader Joe's, what do you see? A Mini! We're in San Dimas on Feb. 19, 2006.

Mini Sightings

Keep your eyes open. You never know when you'll see a Mini Cooper. On the road, they'll come racing down the street, flashing everyone with a distinctive "I'm a Mini, look at me!" attitude. Or, they're stealthy, instantly appearing out of nowhere. When parked, Minis can sometimes be hard to spot among the oversized SUVs and pickup trucks. But when the timing is right, a Mini Sighting is an immeasurably rewarding experience.

Montrose

Montrose, Feb. 12, 2006.

Montrose

Montrose, Feb. 12, 2006.

Angeles National Forest

My first checkered Mini, and boy was it a treat. Owners said they bought this beauty on a whim. They were shopping for a couch and instead bought a Mini Cooper S. The checker package includes two-tone upholstery (cloth and leather), special rims and special stripes. Saw this Mini on Feb. 12 on Highway 2, going through the Angeles National Forest.

Pomona

What a beautiful day for the top to come down! This red convertible Mini was parked at near the entrance of the Pomona Raceway on Feb. 10, 2006. It was the day of the National Hot Road Assocation races.

Diamond Bar

This pepper white Mini Cooper was parked at the head of a newly improved trail head in Diamond Bar. The trail head is a 0.6 walk through Sycamore Canyon Park. This photo was taken Feb. 9, 2006.

Highway

This Mini owner flashed me the peace sign while speeding by on the 10 Freeway on Feb. 9, 2006.

Rancho Cucamonga

Sorry for the blurry photo. Was in a hurry when this photo of a red Mini at Victoria Gardens in Rancho Cucamonga was taken. Mini spotted on Feb. 4, 2006.

Rancho Cucamonga

This silver Mini has tinted windows. Saw this Mini at a parking garage in Victoria Gardens in Rancho Cucamonga on Feb. 4, 2006.

Rowland Heights

A recently purchased Mini! Saw this one off of Otterbein, just south of Colima, in Rowland Heights on Feb. 1, 2006. Was leave Rowland High School and when this Mini was seen.

Diamond Bar

Spotted this silver Mini Cooper S in Diamond Bar in front of Saigon Noodle House at Grand Ave. and Diamond Bar Blvd. on Feb. 1, 2006.