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.

Highway 99 Discord Channel

by

Greetings all! We’re starting a Discord server to help broaden our reach and increase discussion about Historic US 99 in California. Come join us on Discord on our server! https://discord.gg/DX3kmmXN

99 Alert – Santa Clarita

by

Development in some places is inevitable. How some have lasted as long as they have and being relatively untouched is rather amazing. A section of US 99 known as The Old Road in Santa Clarita between Castaic Junction (Route 126) and Magic Mountain Parkway will be widened in the very near future with two historic … Read more

New Video – Channel Change in Piru Gorge

by

In honor of the 95th anniversary of the opening of the Ridge Route Alternate, we have posted a video on the Channel Change in Piru Gorge. Learn all about it on our YouTube channel!

Palm and Pine Meeting

by

Greetings All! We are hosting a meeting on our Palm and Pine project as well as an update on the status of the highway widening project. There will be a short presentation followed by a question and answer period. If you’d like to get involved or learn more about the project, I recommend attending. The … Read more

Palm and Pine Design Contest

by

Greetings All! We are looking for volunteers to help create a design for a Pine and Palm shirt and stickers to help promote and spread awareness of the historic landmark before it goes away in early 2026. The design should incorporate both trees, a US 99 shield, and something to the affect of “Where the … Read more