Michael F Ballard

Michael F Ballard is the author and administrator of the Southern California Regional Rocks and Roads website, https://socalregion.com, since 1995. I have been studying the geology and highway history throughout southern California for most of my life. I am also the President of the Ridge Route Preservation Organization. Founder of the Historic Highway 99 Association of California, https://historic99.org .

Image of the Week – 4/9/2016

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Downtown Los Angeles and the Hollywood Bowl from Mulholland Drive.
Downtown Los Angeles and the Hollywood Bowl from Mulholland Drive.

Original railroad bed near Del Mar, CA

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The railroad line that runs from San Diego to Los Angeles has seen many changes since it was originally constructed the early 1880’s. One of those changes was at the Los Penasquitos Marsh, otherwise known as Soledad Marsh. Originally, the railroad went around the marsh, passing along the hills to the north instead of going … Read more

US 99 in Indio, CA

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Old US 99 still has some gems remaining in the Coachella Valley. On of these is a set of railroad overpasses dating from 1936 and 1956 (56-09R/L). These structures may be replaced in the near future, so I took the opportunity to take some photos of them before they are gone. Each structure is different … Read more

Site Updates

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In the interest of “filling in gaps” in the site, I’ve added some photos to my San Diego Mission Valley Bicycling page as well as updated my Fairmount Avenue page. My Fairmount Avenue page also includes photos in addition to updated information about the expressway.

Image of the Week – 2/24/2016

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Cruising US 99 near Beaumont, CA.
Cruising US 99 near Beaumont, CA.