Sidewalk Jones

There doesn't seem to be a structural reason for it to be there. We don't get snow or ice here, so it's not for traction. It's too big to be a thumbprint.

To give context:

It joins its fellows on South Raymond Avenue, in front of Jones Coffee Roasters. Could it be they're just for decoration? Whimsy? Superfluous details?

Update, 8/1/11: Robert Montano of the City Manager's Office sent some info! Very cool info. 
"TommyW has pretty much hit it," he says. "The imprints were part of a streetscape/art program for the Innovation Corridor that were meant to symbolize the “seeds” of innovation. In addition to the stamped symbols were to be solar powered "seeds" that would glow. The Seeds, stamped and installed, were to have culminated in a large, permanent art installation at the Power Plant, as the gateway to Pasadena from the south."

Here are two links to the project:

[you'll need to copy and paste into your browser]
http://indexaward.dk/index.php?option=com_content_custom&view=article&id=266:powerplants-and-powerseeds&catid=12:finalists-2007&Itemid=19&Itemid=19

http://c-wagner.de/proj/1off/ru/img/070921_Powerplant.pdf

When I told Robert it sounded like the project never happened, he said, "Correct. The last I heard, the seeds were being engineered AND, once complete, will be installed as development projects occur within the Corridor. We have one, power dependent seed in our office for demonstration."

Mystery solved! Thank you, Robert.