Author: Michael Ballard

From the President
Michael F Ballard

Things seem to be going well for the Association. In the short time since we were founded, we have completed our first project, obtained our 501(c)3 status, attracted members, got a proper bank account, raised funds, and have been in the news. We are still a small organization but we are growing. It has been a lot of work so far but it has also been a lot of fun. Reaching out to so many places throughout California and getting more ideas about what we can do to help has been quite a learning experience.

The part I enjoy the most is talking with so many different people about the highway. Some share their own memories and thoughts about the roadway while others get excited to learn about a bit of history that passes their way. This Association was founded for those people and more. We strive to help educate those along the roadway about what that strip of asphalt and concrete has meant to so many in the past and will mean to so many in the future. Historic Route signs are one method we can do while things are still not fully open. Perhaps later this year, we may start to hold public events starting in Southern California.

I want to thank everyone that has donated funds, became a member, or otherwise contributed in some way to this Association. We couldn’t do it without you!

Advocacy / Projects

We are currently working on the early stages of several projects. We will be reaching out to the cities in the Imperial Valley soon for new Historic Route signing projects. We are also looking into placing signs in the city of Madera. If you would like to help with any of these, or other projects, we can certainly use additional support from fundraising, outreach, and technical support.

We are also looking to add information about points of interest along US 99 throughout California on our website. Museums, bridges, old alignments of significance, restaurants, and more are planned to be covered. We need your help with this project. If you are interested in helping, contact us and let us know what you’d like to work on or add.

Events

Our monthly Zoom meetings have been a success so far and we intend to keep them going. On May 4, 2021 at 6 pm, we will have a Zoom presentation on “Finding Old Highways”. This presentation will cover topics such as concrete paving types, roadway striping, survey monuments, bridges, and more. Come join us, learn about how you can find the old highway, and share your knowledge with others! Registration is required for all Zoom meetings.

https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJwkdOutqD0rEtZNYty8yuvTMQFeelJrqNUc

Fundraising

On April 19, 2021, we finally received our IRS Determination Letter approving our application for a 501(c)3! As of 4/30/2021, we also have a bank account, which means we can finally accept checks. With these now in place, we hope fundraising will be at least slightly easier. With this new boost, we will be reaching out to a lot more places to get the word out. So far, we have raised $300 since our last project was completed. More is certainly needed and, now with our 501(c)3, your contributions will be tax-deductible. Funds so far have been raised through memberships and general donations.

Membership

I first would like to welcome all our new members. Your support is most appreciated. We are currently holding a membership drive with a 25% discount on annual memberships until June 30, 2021. Your tax-deductible membership dues go toward our efforts to promote and preserve one of California’s most historic roadways. We are currently up to 16 members since we started our memberships in March. Business members will be listed on our “99 Supporters” page and get a chance to be featured in our newsletter. Join now and save!

Featured Book

From Steve Newvine –

A two-hundred mile span of Highway 99 is the foundation of a book by California author Steve Newvine.  “9 From 99- Experiences in California’s Central Valley”, begins in Stockton and takes the reader to nine stops heading south on the historic highway.  Each location affords Steve the opportunity to explore the typical attractions as well as some “off the beaten path” stops all the way down to Bakersfield and beyond.  The book was first published in 2010, and then updated in 2013.  It’s available in printed formats through Lulu.com and as an ebook at BarnesandNoble.com

Lulu

9 From 99 – Experiences in the Central Valley|NOOK Book

Featured Image

This photo comes to us from one of our members – Carol Steele. The photo shows a very beaten US 99 shield, strangely without a Division of Highways or Auto Club logo. The back of the photo is handwritten in ink “Mike, May 5, 1939, Redding, Calif.”