Author: Michael Ballard

I am the founder of the Historic Highway 99 Association of California. I am also the author and administrator of the "Southern California Regional Rocks and Roads" website at 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.

PRESS RELEASE: New Book & Red Bluff Chew Christmas Newsletter

From The Helen and Joe Chew Foundation:

🎁Happy holidays. We are proud to announce that preorders are now open for our upcoming book, Images of America: Chinese in Tehama County, published as part of Arcadia Publishing’s Images of America series. 

📕The book is now available for preorder. Signed copies are available for purchase through our shop at Chinese in Tehama County — Helen & Joe Chew Foundation

📖Unsigned copies may also be purchased through Arcadia Publisher, Amazon, Walmart, and Target. Release date: January 6th

This long-anticipated book brings together rare photographs, family archives, and community stories, from early pioneers to multigenerational legacies that continued until WWII, that document our communities enduring contributions in Chinatowns throughout Tehama County. 

We extend our deepest thanks to all of the families who helped make this book possible by opening their personal archives and sharing their stories. We are eternally grateful for the photographs entrusted to us, many preserved across generations, which is the heart of this book and ensure these histories will live on.

Images of America: Chinese in Tehama County is more than a book—it is descendant led stories. We encourage you to purchase a copy for yourself, share the news with friends and family, and help us spread the word within your networks.

Again, we are deeply grateful to everyone who has contributed to this journey. Thank you for being part of this important moment.

🎄Fun Fact: the book jacket pictures Joe Chew holding a Christmas ornament around the time of his birthday, December 23rd.

🔔 Upcoming Events

Historic Chinatown’s Annual New Year – March 7th, 2026 

📍 Redding Library, 2nd Floor

🙋VOLUNTEERS NEEDED – signup now

Return of the Lim’s Café Exhibit – 2026
📍 Redding Library, 2nd Floor
Come see a video documentary along with the exhibit of one of the most iconic Chinese American restaurants in Northern California—Lim’s Cafe-(curated in partnership with our beloved Lim family).

Support Our Mission

Your support is essential to continue our work in preserving and celebrating Chinese American history. Consider making a donation today to help fund our ongoing projects and initiatives.

Donate Here: www.redbluffchew.org/donate

Merry Christmas,

Helen & Joe Chew Foundation

https://www.redbluffchew.org/chewhistory

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New Chat Channel

Greetings Highway 99 Fans!

We’ve created a new Telegram chat channel for Highway 99. All are invited to come over and chat about Historic US 99 in California. Share your stories and meet other Highway 99 enthusiasts.

https://t.me/+GX_xCta4DRQwNTNh

Stickers available for purchase!

We have new Palm and Pine stickers available for purchase. Other designs are coming soon. Price is $5 each.

If you’d like one, send us a message with Palm and Pine sticker in the subject and we’ll get back to you for payment details. We accept a few methods of payment.

Contact Information

New Video – North Burbank Underpass

We have produced a new video on the North Burbank Underpass, a structure along US 99 which was removed in 2014 in Burbank, California. Come join us and learn its significance as well as why it was removed.

New Video – Ridge Route Basics

The Historic Highway 99 Association of California, in conjunction with the RRPO, 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 road. You can also learn about the different pavement types on the road as well as how you can get up there and see the road yourself.