tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-284546122024-02-18T18:42:41.876-08:00Historic Roads in Los Angeles CountyMy interest in Route 66 has grown to other historic roads of interest (Lincoln Highway, Ridge Route, Yellowstone Trail, US-6, etc.), but as I learned at my first "Preserving Historic Roads" Conference in 2002, I am most fond of the "home highway." So, my concentration here is on exploring historic roads in the area I live, Los Angeles County.66 Productionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06403879260313212058noreply@blogger.comBlogger293125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28454612.post-10086032215436117812014-09-30T22:03:00.001-07:002014-09-30T22:03:27.485-07:00Not Much LatelyYou may think not much has been happening lately along 66 in LA. You may be right. Or not. But what's really happened is that I've migrated most of my posting over to the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/Route66LA/">Route 66 Los Angeles page on Facebook</a>. And I've begun working on the <a href="http://www.route66losangeles.com/">new website</a>, the basis of which is now up and running.<br />
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Most importantly, I'm here to say if you are interested in staying in touch with 66 in Los Angeles, those are now going to be the places to go. Hope to see you there on the virtual road, or somewhere like <a href="http://www.chickenboy.com/">Future Studio</a> on the real thing!<br />
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(Just one little tease only for here ... the next version of the book may take some people by surprise.)66 Productionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06403879260313212058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28454612.post-63287643016492651032014-08-28T13:53:00.000-07:002014-08-28T13:53:28.857-07:00200,000"Two hundred thousand what?" you may ask.<br />
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Followers? I wish.<br />
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Residents along the road in LA? Way more.<br />
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Miles? Yes, this one. Today, as my third big Route 66 event of the day, just as I was approaching a Historic Route 66 sign in Highland Park, CA, my 2000 Saturn SL1 hit the 200,000 mile mark. This baby of mine has traveled the length of the road. It's been on the Lincoln Highway in at least three states. It's been up and down large portions of 99 and Pacific Coast Highway.<br />
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Until today, my single-most proud moment with my "little girl" was in Arizona, for it was her that decided to get off the road and follow old Santa Fe right of way west of Williams. I still have no idea how I coaxed her along, down into that hole and back out, but she never flinched. I knew she would keep edging along for quite some time. But today my little girl is all grown up, and I am very proud of her.<br />
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To mark the occasion I've now had three different Route 66-related events today (her hitting 200,000 was the third) and I am waiting for a fourth. And tomorrow is another day, and her and I start down the road again for another 200,000.<br />
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Happy Travels, everyone, from my Saturn to you and whomever gets you where you are going!66 Productionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06403879260313212058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28454612.post-29960560937578562302014-08-21T07:33:00.003-07:002014-08-21T07:33:54.783-07:00FacebookFor those of you that don't know, I moderate a group over on Facebook called "<a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/Route66LA/">Route 66 Los Angeles</a>." Since I have been finding a lot of information on FB that pertains to 66 in LA lately, I felt that was a good migration point for dissemination of information. I'll still post here at times just not as frequently as you are likely to see things over there.<br />
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For example, over there I recently asked the question "who here would be interested in attending an International Route 66 festival if it were to be held in Downtown Los Angeles?" Not surprisingly, the feedback has been positive.<br />
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Over there was also a link to the first EV charging station at a public parking space in DTLA. And there was a photo of Lincoln Heights' Broadway (Route 66) from 20+ years before the highway would wind its way through that community.<br />
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So there is a lot going on over there and if you are reading this and are not a part of that group, I would highly recommend joining.<br />
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But one other thing happened over there. I was in a group called SoCal Historic Architecture. There were a lot of posts of locations along the Mother Road and I nmoticed and mentioned the correlation. I mentioned on the group the possibility of doing a tour of 66 and several people expressed interest. Then the moderator messaged me that it was inappropriate as the site was not commercial. (I'm not sure where all of the ads fit into that structure, but that's a different discussion.) He deleted the post. A little while later I posted again, just mentioning the correlation between the two groups and linking to my group. He deleted that post. I've left that group. So if anyone is in that group, please let me know if anything interesting happens on it. I'd hate to miss out because I tried to relate my knowledge to them.<br />
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One thing good that came out of it was the interest in doing a tour. So I am thinking about putting a couple together again. These will probably be walking tours, and will certainly be in the Arroyo Seco area. Anyone interested should <a href="mailto:rt66prods@yahoo.com">email me</a>. 66 Productionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06403879260313212058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28454612.post-80671896975910943392014-05-21T23:02:00.001-07:002014-05-21T23:02:26.356-07:00Los Angeles Route 66 FortressSometimes I disagree with Steve Lopez. Sometimes I agree with him. Usually I find him extremely opinionated. I have a feeling I'd like this man if I ever met him in person. Or I'd hate him. It could go either way.<br />
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But say what you will about him and his writings and opinions, he most definitely <a href="http://www.latimes.com/local/la-me-0521-lopez-palmer-20140520-column.html">hits this one square on the head</a>. A few of our local developers and politicians could use that same strike I believe.<br />
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The beginning of the article complains about The Orsini, which has pretty well devastated Sunset and Figueroa, an intersection of bisecting alignments of Route 66. Here's what this fortress of hell looks like:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOSvICpcfNFdi7N-JL2xdMU4Z4lUAcI5WZA6bGSi-IsZ0Yh0EB3JQ6RpLeR1hVmgvrIPbM_lPx0ugLVqUlkHuVqivmwVBlBvHQZ5T1KmxlAZX6UxgNy8dFA_fAR-_OTgPyNK-P/s1600/Orsini_North+Side3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOSvICpcfNFdi7N-JL2xdMU4Z4lUAcI5WZA6bGSi-IsZ0Yh0EB3JQ6RpLeR1hVmgvrIPbM_lPx0ugLVqUlkHuVqivmwVBlBvHQZ5T1KmxlAZX6UxgNy8dFA_fAR-_OTgPyNK-P/s1600/Orsini_North+Side3.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
I believe that one of the best comments Lopez makes is this: "Note to the City Council: You don't plan for what's there now. You plan for 10, 50 and 100 years down the line..." What I think Lopez misses in that standpoint is the need to also reflect back on what's been there for 10, 50 or 100 years. Maybe not 10 so much. But you get the point.<br />
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As I posted on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/Route66LA/">Route 66 Los Angeles Facebook</a> page, the best quote, however, is from Will Wright of the <a href="http://www.aialosangeles.org/">LA Chapter of the American Institue of Architects</a>: "If it's something that can survive anywhere in the United States, then it's a Holiday Inn, it's a strip mall. It becomes a lost opportunity." This is so true of those that tour 66 but ignore Chicago, St. Louis, Los Angeles, and even Tulsa, Amarillo, and Albuquerque to some extent. It's a lost opportunity. For every Orsini that you see in the metropolitan areas of 66, there's also Los Angeles' Broadway corridor - the Mother Road's original terminus. It's worth seeing both if you really want to see the road. (Likewise, Council, for every Broadway that we <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BringingBackBroadway">Bring Back</a>, can't we pass on some of those Orsini's and da Vinci's?)66 Productionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06403879260313212058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28454612.post-9415723235075656282014-05-14T21:32:00.001-07:002014-05-14T21:32:28.619-07:00Make Me HappySome of you know me pretty well. You know am an amateur historian, with accuracy at the forefront of my agenda. You know that I love to tout the virtues of the Mother Road in Los Angeles - virtues that are frequently ignored or overlooked (intentionally or otherwise).<br />
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But sometimes, I just need to be made happy. I am not particularly fond of eating red meat, so burger stands are not my cup of tea. But every single time I have seen Sonia Hong, I've been met with a bright and smiling face, and one of recognition. She always seems to remember me, no matter how infrequently I am there. One of the last times I was there, my doodle including a "66" on the plate. Yep, she knows my allegiance.<br />
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<a href="http://www.laweekly.com/squidink/2014/05/14/sonia-hong-irvs-burgerista">This little article about</a> Sonia and her family has it spot on. This is a place for nothing but happy times. Not feeling well? Go to Irv's and get cheered up? In a great mood and want to celebrate that feeling? Go to Irv's and let the good times keep rolling. Yes, if you want to feel a small sphere of good times on the Mother Road in Los Angeles County, Sonia and Irv's is the place for you!66 Productionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06403879260313212058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28454612.post-46485420644476031912014-05-09T07:30:00.002-07:002014-05-09T07:30:59.455-07:00Union StationAlthough it's not directly on Route 66, Union Station's importance and relationship to the Mother Road is pretty undeniable. Many people discuss the history of the railroad while discussing the history of automobile travel in the United States. And Union Station geographically is a mere blocks from Route 66.<br />
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This past Saturday, Union Station turned 75 years old. <a href="http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/arts/la-et-cm-architecture-of-union-station-20140503-column.html#page=1">This article</a> was a good read regarding the history of Union Station. And the Los Angeles Times followed with <a href="http://www.latimes.com/opinion/commentary/la-oe-0502-waldie-union-station-los-20140502-story.html">this article as well</a>.<br />
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There are 58 National Register of Historic Places landmarks along the Route 66 corridor in Los Angeles County, making a journey along the Mother Road here potentially slow going already, taking time out of the trip to see this jewel of Los Angeles is well worth the added time.66 Productionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06403879260313212058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28454612.post-52326203522851097672014-05-06T22:27:00.003-07:002014-05-06T22:27:43.960-07:0066 in LA on FacebookFor those that are not already aware, I have started a group on Facebook for Route 66 in Los Angeles. It can be <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/Route66LA/">found here</a>. If you are interested in joining, please drop me an <a href="mailto:rt66prods@yahoo.com">email here</a> or a message via <a href="https://www.facebook.com/scott.piotrowski.5">Facebook</a>.66 Productionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06403879260313212058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28454612.post-15615043709693055172014-04-30T17:53:00.000-07:002014-04-30T17:53:21.787-07:00Braodway and 1st, 1928I found <a href="http://framework.latimes.com/2014/04/30/1928-parade-on-broadway/">this link</a> to a brief description of two photos of the area around Broadway and First Street in Los Angeles from 1928. In the bottom photo, the current Los Angeles Times building's original structure can clearly be seen. This building is easily visible southbound on Broadway today, but it has been largely expanded with an additional structure over and extending the original. 66 Productionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06403879260313212058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28454612.post-49735216576424444442014-04-24T21:32:00.000-07:002014-04-24T21:32:53.962-07:00Old is New AgainI've been talking a lot about Broadway and the original terminus lately. By lately I really mean the last 10 or so years, but that's another story.<br />
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We all know that Route 66 is a living, breathing, CHANGING highway. Today I feel reminded of that more than I have been recently.<br />
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For starters, there's the issue of solar power in the deserts of California, and in particular along Route 66. I'll preface this by saying that I have not read the details of <a href="http://www.vvdailypress.com/articles/helendale-46317-plant-route.html">this proposal</a>, but I have a hard time signing on with an appeal based on the little bit that I have read and the knowledge I have of the area.<br />
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But the crux of my discussion today is Broadway, the heart of Los Angeles. The original western terminus of the Mother Road as everyone knows was at 7th and Broadway, smack dab in the middle of the Broadway Theater District. At the time, this was Hollywood before Hollywood.<br />
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I've learned recently that this was considered the busiest intersection in the country, rivaling Times Square. Today that hardly seems possible. Looking at its recent past, one could question the appeal of this part of Los Angeles. <a href="http://www.ladowntownnews.com/news/the-lulling-buy-of-broadway/article_d4c3e620-c97f-11e3-ac31-0019bb2963f4.html">But things have been changing here lately</a>.<br />
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However, today, one can also look at 7th and Broadway and see the future of an ever-changing highway. One can look here at the original end and see a new beginning. It is quite easy to picture oneself standing at 7th and Broadway, watching a 21st century street car roll by, see a sign that says "End of the Trail," and remember an extravaganza of epic proportions, in which all of the names of Route 66 past, present, and future come together in one spot. And this new Broadway may in fact speak of a new beginning for Route 66.66 Productionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06403879260313212058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28454612.post-12619514073980929282014-04-22T07:16:00.001-07:002014-04-22T07:16:43.488-07:00HISTORY on 66 in Los Angeles the Zanja MadreYep, some of the history along Route 66 in Los Angeles DOES go back more than 90 years! Check out <a href="http://www.laobserved.com/archive/2014/04/legendary_zanja_madre_rev.php">this location</a> immediately adjacent to the Mother Road. (In the picture, Broadway - the original alignment of 66 here - is to the left.)66 Productionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06403879260313212058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28454612.post-86970185234829024202014-04-18T18:33:00.000-07:002014-04-18T18:33:10.128-07:00Figueroa bridgeReceived this information in my inbox today and thought I would pass it along:<br />
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<div id="yui_3_13_0_1_1397870368356_2965">
The demolition of the Bridge slated for APRIL was delayed for at least 6 months! </div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_1_1397870368356_2967">
We need you to turn from a supporter into an ADVOCATE!</div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_1_1397870368356_2968">
Here are some Facts that help set the record straight. Use them the next time someone circulates a rumor:</div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_1_1397870368356_2969">
JUST THE FACTS:</div>
✔ Bureau of Engineering (BOE) issued a notice that demolition of the
Steel Bridge will be delayed by as much as 6 months. So let’s keep the
discussion going!<br />
✔ BOE told City Leaders to act before the end of December based on a
schedule to demolish the bridge in April. Will BOE inform City Leaders
there is more time to consider?<br />
✔ Now there is a real opportunity to develop bona fide information
and make well-informed decisions regarding the fate of the historic
bridge. Let a Scoping Study begin!<br />
✔ Rumors that demolition already occurred to existing bridge supports are false.<br />
<div id="yui_3_13_0_1_1397870368356_2970">
✔ Federal Highway Administration records confirm the bridge structure is SATISFACTORY
<br />
<br />
✔ The bridge structure was not deemed “unsafe” by the Federal Inspectors.</div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_1_1397870368356_2971">
✔ What was deemed “unsafe” was
the geometry of the bridge access; vehicles are forced to make a 90
degree turn before crossing the steel bridge.</div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_1_1397870368356_2972">
✔ The Bridge is LA City Historic Landmark #908 and protected by City organizations.</div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_1_1397870368356_2973">
✔ The original environmental approval to replace the bridge was granted to literally take the place of the historic bridge.</div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_1_1397870368356_2974">
✔ City Engineers relocated the replacement bridge and it no longer takes the place of the historic structure.</div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_1_1397870368356_2975">
✔ Because of this move, the
environmental justification for removing the historic structure is no
longer sound. BOE is required to revised their Environmental Report!</div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_1_1397870368356_2976">
✔ The Bridge was seismically retrofitted in 1987 despite what BOE tells us.</div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_1_1397870368356_2977">
✔ It is the last steel span bridge in Los Angeles crossing the Los Angeles River</div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_1_1397870368356_2978">
✔ It is the location of the
Juan Bautista de Anza Expedition’s crossing of the LA River and
commemorates the birth of the Pueblo that became Los Angeles</div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_1_1397870368356_2979">
✔ It is part of Route 66, a historic route known all over the world.</div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_1_1397870368356_2980">
✔ The Land Bridge park works in
keeping cars, trucks and all drivers safe on the new bridge by
providing a separate safe place for pedestrians, bicyclists and families
who want to connect with our parks and neighborhoods in the City of Los
Angeles</div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_1_1397870368356_2981">
Please circulate and re-post. Thank you!</div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_1_1397870368356_2982">
The Fig-Riv Team </div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_1_1397870368356_2982">
<br /></div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_1_1397870368356_2982">
<br /></div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_1_1397870368356_2982">
For those that do not know, the bridge (notated <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/2fLDf">on this map</a> as Figueroa Street crossing the Los Angeles River) was a part of the Alternate Alignment of Route 66. It also is located exactly at one of the points where Route 66 perpendicularly crossed itself twice in a row. (Both Figueroa and the Arroyo Seco Parkway were Route 66, as was San Fernando Road.)</div>
66 Productionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06403879260313212058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28454612.post-64404909911900535512014-04-14T07:30:00.001-07:002014-04-14T07:30:35.716-07:00Broadway changesChanges to lane markings and pedestrian activity are finally coming to Broadway. 66'ers are advised to be wary of driving to the terminus over the next week or so, as <a href="http://www.ladowntownnews.com/news/work-crews-on-broadway-this-week/article_3203b022-c1c9-11e3-b58e-0019bb2963f4.html">indicated here</a>.66 Productionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06403879260313212058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28454612.post-88270676778987869192014-04-12T09:37:00.001-07:002014-04-12T09:37:30.705-07:00More Change at the EndThe <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BringingBackBroadway">Bringing Back Broadway</a> facebook page this morning <a href="http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-downtown-may-sale-20140412,0,6627247.story#axzz2ygoKzTSq">linked to this article</a> about further upcoming development near the end of the road at 7th and Broadway.66 Productionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06403879260313212058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28454612.post-55713578763154373612014-04-07T17:26:00.000-07:002014-04-07T17:26:02.100-07:00Palms Depot damagedThose of you who follow my blog will have an idea where the Palms Depot is, as I have <a href="http://route66la.blogspot.com/search?q=heritage+square+museum#!/2014/01/heritage-square-museum-gets-some-kcet.html">discussed this place previously</a>. Those that have toured with me - specifically along the National Register of Historic Places / National Scenic Byway <a href="http://www.arroyoseco.org/asparkway.htm">Arroyo Seco Parkway</a> - will have seen it.<br />
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The <a href="http://bigorangelandmarks.blogspot.com/2007/05/no-22-palms-southern-pacific-railroad.html">Palms Depot</a> is one of several historic structures that have been brought to the <a href="http://heritagesquare.org/">Heritage Square Museum</a>, which sits adjacent to the Parkway. Unfortunately, early Sunday morning, someone managed to <a href="http://www.theeastsiderla.com/2014/04/driver-plows-into-heritage-square-museum-building/">plow through the entry gate with their vehicle and end up in the Palms Depot building</a>, which serves as the entrance and gift shop.<br />
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Heritage Square Museum is one of the true gems along 66 in LA County due to its variety of events and its passion for historic preservation. I should add it was the location of the release of the first printing of "<a href="http://gocalifornia.about.com/od/topcalifornia/ss/route-66.htm">Finding the End of the Mother Road: Route 66 in Los Angeles County</a>" as well. <br />
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In light of the current situation at Heritage Square, I'd ask that any travelers coming through the area in the near future 1) call in advance to confirm that they are open, but more importantly 2) work hard to make sure that you save some time to get here and explore. Not only will the extra visitation help out a great museum, but I guarantee it will be worth the time!66 Productionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06403879260313212058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28454612.post-62770684540087651142014-04-05T07:38:00.000-07:002014-04-05T07:38:00.195-07:00Cable Cars on Route 66Well, call me surprised. This morning I saw this little tidbit on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BringingBackBroadway">Bringing Back Broadway facebook </a>page, and followed the link to <a href="http://southland.gizmodo.com/l-a-once-had-cable-cars-just-like-san-franciscos-1557233226">this article</a>.<br />
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What's interesting is that in reading the full article, I don't see any mention of a line on Broadway itself despite the photo indicating as such. However, that being said, the large viaduct referenced appears as though it could be near the <a href="http://route66la.blogspot.com/2014/03/cornfields.html">Cornfields</a> and the text written on the top of the card does reference North Broadway.<br />
<br />Also, while not taking <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=szlrNfuRVb0">Sunset (later 66)</a> to get their riders to Angelino Heights, the final destination of the Temple line should be noted. The location of Angelino Heights is just south of Sunset Boulevard and includes a bevy of beautiful Victorian style houses in the area that have been wonderfully restored,66 Productionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06403879260313212058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28454612.post-6825567660088888742014-04-01T07:15:00.000-07:002014-04-01T07:15:01.532-07:00Glendora Goes GargantuanIt seems that the City of Glendora is happily considering overburdening traffic on the Bypass Alignment of Route 66 through the city as they consider <a href="http://www.sgvtribune.com/government-and-politics/20140331/glendora-planning-commission-to-consider-development-on-route-66-corridor">yet another massive development</a> along Alosta Avenue / Route 66 through town. I personally would question their job growth and property tax analysis based on need, but even without those factors, the additional traffic being brought to the town on a regular basis just seems to me to have catastrophic congestive effects.66 Productionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06403879260313212058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28454612.post-82920132734451353162014-03-18T19:09:00.000-07:002014-03-18T19:09:21.373-07:00CornfieldsThose of you whom have traveled along original Route 66 into Chinatown may recognize <a href="http://www.kcet.org/socal/departures/lariver/confluence/river-notes/los-angeles-state-historic-park-gets-an-overhaul-community-concerned-about-future-programs.html">this location</a>. I'm looking forward to seeing a "finished" product here finally after years of uncertainty and inconsistency at this location near the <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tkksummers/sets/72157618363509419/">oldest remaining bridge</a> anywhere along Route 66.66 Productionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06403879260313212058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28454612.post-47337323758481768532014-03-13T19:20:00.000-07:002014-03-13T19:20:28.664-07:00Of the Road, But Not On ItI probably ignored <a href="http://smdp.com/historic-post-office-promenade-building-landmarked/132999">this </a>the first time through when the struggle just started, mostly because it is not actually on the Mother Road. In fact, it's <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Arizona+Ave+%26+5th+St/@34.0184908,-118.495874,21z/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x80c2a4cf1a22e0f9:0xd9f6cd7b92593964">one block north and three blocks west</a> of Route 66 and their closest official point (1936-1964).<br />
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But thinking about it, the <a href="http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/general-article/dustbowl-wpa/">WPA</a> and its connection to 66, and the timeframe of the extension of 66 to Santa Monica, this seems to become relevant historically.<br />
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Thoughts on the landmark status for the old post office?66 Productionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06403879260313212058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28454612.post-53291774125128164122014-03-05T19:20:00.000-08:002014-03-05T19:20:26.975-08:00Dramatic Change to the ViewshedI first heard <a href="http://www.dailynews.com/government-and-politics/20140304/designer-seeks-approval-for-giant-water-wheel-for-la-river">about this idea this morning</a>, and have spent the day letting it percolate. I'm still not sure how I feel about it.<br />
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On the one hand, the viewshed from the oldest still-in-use bridge anywhere along the Mother Road will be changing.<br />
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On the other hand, the change <a href="http://www.dailynews.com/government-and-politics/20140305/los-angeles-council-approves-water-wheel-on-la-river">will bring the addition of something similar</a> to what would have been seen in that area prior to the bridge's existence.<br />
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Overall, I want to take a wait-and-see approach on this one. After all, it really intrigues me.66 Productionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06403879260313212058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28454612.post-12769164101159434632014-03-05T17:05:00.000-08:002014-03-05T17:05:04.772-08:00It's Finally HappeningEl Sereno is next on the historic preservation bandwagon along Route 66 in Los Angeles. And it comes at a great time. Councilmember (CD14) Jose Huizar has <a href="http://www.theeastsiderla.com/2014/03/councilman-proposes-el-serenos-first-historic-district/">filed a motion to create a historic preservation overlay zone in the extreme northeast corner of El Sereno</a>, bordering South Pasadena, and virtually abutting the Historic Alignment of Route 66. This could be just the next step in a series of moves aligning all of 66 in NELA together! Way to go, Councilmember Huizar!66 Productionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06403879260313212058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28454612.post-56248957674485414162014-02-28T07:35:00.001-08:002014-02-28T07:35:41.317-08:00Somewhere to Stay on the WayWhile much has been made lately of places to stay along 66, for anyone couples or small families looking for a home away from home in Los Angeles right off of the Mother Road (literally four houses!), give <a href="http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p3669890">this one</a> a shot.<br />
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The home is close to many enjoyable <a href="http://www.chickenboy.com/">Route 66 attractions</a>, and within walking distance of a <a href="http://www.metro.net/riding/maps/gold-line/">Metro Gold Line</a> (light rail) stop to use to get to so many more, including Pasadena and Downtown Los Angeles. And you would have your own <a href="http://www.preservation.lacity.org/hpoz/la/highland-park-garvanza">historic home</a> to stay in for awhile.<br />
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I live near this area and frequent Highland Park often. This is most definitely a location worthy of anyone looking for an extended stay in LA to explore all that the Route has to offer!66 Productionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06403879260313212058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28454612.post-77003854123870305302014-02-28T07:29:00.001-08:002014-02-28T07:29:52.544-08:00Bigger on BroadwayI'm not really sure how I feel about <a href="http://www.latimes.com/business/realestate/la-fi-property-report-20140227,0,1145329.story#axzz2ud8kuWMQ">this proposed development</a> on Broadway <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Broadway+%26+W+4th+St,+Los+Angeles,+CA+90013/Broadway+%26+7th+St,+Los+Angeles,+CA+90014/@34.0470267,-118.2529767,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m13!4m12!1m5!1m1!1s0x80c2c64ba41cc3e7:0xff03eed16a5542c2!2m2!1d-118.2493575!2d34.0495195!1m5!1m1!1s0x80c2c7b557786deb:0xbee21be23c917078!2m2!1d-118.2533881!2d34.0452036">near the original western terminus</a> of Route 66. Reading the comments pretty much sums up a lot of the discussion that needs to be had. I like the idea of redeveloping the rather mundane property as it currently exists. I guess the devil will be in the details, and I have yet to see those.66 Productionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06403879260313212058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28454612.post-71045831472229278372014-02-22T07:31:00.001-08:002014-02-22T07:31:27.431-08:00Rail and Road IntertwinedTo paraphrase, "It's been a quiet week here in Los Angeles, my hometown." At least as far as Route 66 news goes. But <a href="http://www.kcet.org/updaily/socal_focus/history/la-as-subject/photos-many-la-boulevards-began-as-streetcar-lines.html">this is an update</a> that I think many will find interesting. This came across my inbox this morning, discussing how some of LA's roads came to be and why they are at odd angles with other portions of the more-grid-like Los Angeles. And yes, there are some photos. And yes, some of this is Route 66 (namely Santa Monica Boulevard). And yes, once again, road and rail are intertwined.66 Productionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06403879260313212058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28454612.post-29507876976785968842014-02-10T11:19:00.002-08:002014-02-10T11:19:35.771-08:00LA SidewalksNormally, I try to limit this blog specifically to things pertaining to Route 66 in Los Angeles County. But as an Angelino, I saw <a href="http://www.la15th.com/save_our_streets_poll">this survey</a> and thought it was a great opportunity to show our elected officials my thoughts about our corridors, including but not limited to Route 66.<br />
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Then I took the survey. As ludicrous as Councilmember Buscaino's idea of taxing us AGAIN to repair the infrastructure that the CITY has damaged, the survey was even more ludicrous. No opportunities to show our displeasure in the city's willingness to spend OUR tax money on the things that we want WITHOUT incurring additional costs. No option in the survey to state our desires on other options.<br />
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Of course, most telling, I think, is the quote by Buscaino in <a href="http://www.dailybreeze.com/government-and-politics/20140209/public-input-sought-for-solutions-to-los-angeles-broken-sidewalks">this article</a>: <i>“For those using more fuel-efficient cars we say, ‘Thank you,’ but you’re also adding to the problem by using less gas.” </i>Last I checked, our elected officials are supposed to resolve issues just like this themselves. That's why we elect them. Claiming the more fuel efficient vehicles are harming our sidewalks is just blatantly stupid. Glad he is not MY Councilmember. (By the way, for the record, I don't even have sidewalks where I live to complain about!)66 Productionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06403879260313212058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28454612.post-3786337626410165082014-01-31T09:19:00.001-08:002014-01-31T09:19:12.256-08:00Revitalization alongside PreservationAll of this recent talk about the revitalization in the Historic Core at the Western Terminus of Route 66 lately may make it seem like there is little remaining from a historical standpoint. This could not be further from the truth, however, as a simple glance along the streetscape would prove.<br />
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Further, the evidence in looking inside multiple historic theaters this past Saturday indicates a delicate and wonderful restoration that has transpired in many of them.<br />
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Today, however, is an example of pure preservation work for the sake of preservation. It may not seem like much, but in the context of where we are discussing, and how few examples remain, the <a href="http://www.ladowntownnews.com/news/historic-core-radio-towers-get-makeover/article_66e4f542-89d6-11e3-b3e2-0019bb2963f4.html">preservation of historic radio towers</a> seems to me to be a pretty darn big deal. And kudos to Mr. Hellen for being agreeable to the extra work.66 Productionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06403879260313212058noreply@blogger.com0