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.

New Video – Piru Gorge and Pyramid Lake

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Check out our new video on Piru Gorge and Pyramid Lake. See what lies beneath the surface of Pyramid Lake and the many other features of Piru Gorge!

99 Alert – Red Bluff Chinatown Structure

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One of our Highway 99 Partners needs your help! For reference, they gave a wonderful presentation in July 2022 on the historic Red Bluff Chinatown. Help show them the 99 Association is there for them by signing their petition to save this historic building! From The Helen & Joe Chew Foundation: Dear Beloved Friends and … Read more

New Video – The Grapevine

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The first video in our new series “History along US 99” is now available for viewing! Come check it out on our YouTube channel.

Highway 99 History Series

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Greetings All! In an effort to promote Historic US 99 and the history along the way, we are in the process of producing a new web series covering various topics about the road including the Ridge Route, historic route signs, border crossings, and more. Our first video will cover “The Grapevine” in Southern California. If … Read more

Ridge Route Preservation Organization Begins Pothole Project

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From the Ridge Route Preservation Organization: The Ridge Route Preservation Organization was cleared by the Angeles National Forest to repair potholes along the north section of the Old Ridge Route from the 138 to the Tumble Inn. The intent is to preserve the road and make it more accessible to the public as well as … Read more