Southern California Regional Rocks and Roads - Los Angeles County

New Video – The Three Ridge Routes

Michael F Ballard — Fri, 22 May 2026 00:45:18 +0000

Did you know that three roads have held the title of “Ridge Route” between Los Angeles and Bakersfield? Check out this video which shows where you can see all three at the same time.

Antelope Valley Poppy Bloom Website

Michael F Ballard — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 23:32:48 +0000

Bloom prediction website showing bloom areas with aerial / satellite photograhy. https://antelope.leaftime.net

Mystery Streetcar near Acton, California

Michael F Ballard — Sat, 28 Feb 2026 23:12:40 +0000

Back in 2004, I noticed something odd about a structure I saw alongside Sierra Highway (former US 6) in Soledad Pass just east of the summit. The building looked like an old gas station, possibly a Mobil Oil station, which made sense for the location. However, upon closer inspection, I saw something very unusual inside. ...

New Video – Palomas Creek Bridge

Michael F Ballard — Sat, 01 Nov 2025 23:46:49 +0000

Did you know there is a bridge from 1930 in Castaic? It was the first built along the Ridge Route Alternate and, after all the upgrades and bypasses, it is still there. Learn about its history and more from the Historic Highway 99 Association of California.

New Coaster Video

Michael F Ballard — Mon, 20 Oct 2025 22:58:31 +0000

I’ve been working on another video series, CoasterTalk, which will discuss all aspects of amusement parks throughout Southern California. The first episode covers a recent discovery at Six Flags Magic Mountain. Other videos will showcase some of the other rollercoasters in the park as well as various bits of history that you can find, if ...

New Videos!

Michael F Ballard — Mon, 06 Oct 2025 01:14:19 +0000

Two new videos have come out recently. The Historic Highway 99 Association of California has produced a video on the North Burbank Underpass, a structure removed in 2014 along old US 99 in Burbank, California. The second video is on the Cronese Cat near Baker, California along the 15.

New Video – Ridge Route Basics

Michael F Ballard — Wed, 17 Sep 2025 21:42:26 +0000

The Historic Highway 99 Association of California, in conjunction with the Ridge Route Preservation Organization, has produced a video on the basics of the Ridge Route and some of the features that make the road unique. Learn about the curbs, rails, footprints of all types, tire tracks, and more that can be found on the ...

New Video – Castaic Creek Bridge

Michael F Ballard — Mon, 08 Sep 2025 16:40:05 +0000

The Historic Highway 99 Association of California has posted a new video on the history of the Castaic Creek bridge near Santa Clarita, CA. Come check it out!

New Video – Garvey Ave in Alhambra

Michael F Ballard — Sat, 30 Aug 2025 00:44:05 +0000

Join the Historic Highway 99 Association of California and explore a section of Garvey Avenue, which was part of the first “freeway” in California.

LADOT Bicycle barrier survey

Michael F Ballard — Fri, 29 Aug 2025 00:43:14 +0000

The City of Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT) is conducting a survey regarding the implementation of concrete barriers instead of bollards along 3rd Street in Downtown Los Angeles. Make your voice heard and let them know what your opinion is, as well as any experience you may have had either way. Use the link ...