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 bridges being replaced. Los Angeles County announced that the work is finally funded and will commence soon. The 1929 Santa Clara River Bridge and Santa Clara Overhead will be replaced likely starting in the next year or so. The remaining section, a rare section of 1948 expressway with oleander in the median, will be replaced with a six-lane generic roadway.
Use this opportunity to get as many photos and video of what remains! We need to do what we can to preserve the history of US 99 for the future however we can.
I wanted to give some updates on the Pine and Palm. I recently had a meeting with Caltrans District 6 to discuss the project and what our intentions are for the landmark trees.
Signage
We explained that, while we appreciated and liked their idea of planting more trees along the southbound side of the roadway, we would like to see a marker or sign placed in both directions to help commemorate the site and increase public awareness of the landmark itself. They agreed this would be a good idea in concept but were uncertain if it could gain approval as the signs as proposed may not be MUTCD compliant. The main issue was with the graphics of the pine and palm itself, as they are not standard for signage. Should the sign be approved, that portion of the sign would likely have to be removed. There is precedent for such a sign in Oregon which marks the 45th Parallel along I-5. The Pine and Palm are similar in nature, though not as specific, so that should help us in our quest for approval. We look forward to finding a way to make this happen.
Median Barrier
Caltrans also is looking into putting something on the median barrier itself, which has been done in many other locations through the state. These, in addition to the signs and new trees, should help mark the site and its significance. We are confident we can make something happen at the Pine and Palm site, even if it takes longer than construction.
Existing Trees
The existing trees may not likely survive, unfortunately, due to the problems of moving such plants. If they are moved, those accepting the trees may have to bear the costs of the move, which can be prohibitive to some. Their disposition isn’t likely to be known for a while and we will try to keep everyone informed as to where they end up. For now, we have until early 2026 before they are torn down, so make sure to enjoy them while they last.
The Caltrans project calls for planting 15 new pine and palm trees along the southbound side of the roadway 330 feet south of the existing location.
Caltrans Proposal for new trees in relation to the existing trees
Design Help
As a side note, we are looking for an artist to design a “Pine and Palm” logo for placement on t-shirts and stickers which we’d like to sell. Let us know if you’re interested in helping us with this project. We are looking to get things started soon.
The historic Pine and Palm in the Heart of California is planned to be removed in the next year and we need your help to save them!
Caltrans is planning to widen Highway 99 through the area to six lanes, which will necessitate the removal of the historic site. As a mitigation, they plan to plan 15 pines and palms along the southbound side of the highway. While a nice gesture, the elimination of the historic site is alarming and problematic. They are not proposing any additional measures at this time.
We propose the trees be relocated and saved if possible. We also propose that signs be placed at the location to mark the historic site and bring it further into public view. They could be relocated to the shoulder or possibly to a local museum. These trees, in one form or another, have marked the transition between Northern and Southern California since the 1920’s and they must not be lost to “progress”. Help us save these historic trees by writing to Caltrans District 6 and tell them you want to see these trees saved as well as the location marked properly. You can also contact the state Assembly and Senate representatives to assist in this effort.
While we have a design for the sign already, we are open to additional submissions. We intend to hold a public vote on the sign design in the near future.
We need your help! Contact us or donate if you’d like to get involved in our efforts!
Reference the “South Madera Six-Lane Project” and the Pine And the Palm when contacting them. Tell them the Historic Highway 99 Association of California sent you!
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 Family, we have an update. We still urgently need your support, no donation necessary, just your kind signature, to protect a significant piece of California’s Gold Rush era heritage: 202-206 Walnut Street in Red Bluff, the Chew family’s birthplace and the last standing structure from their Historic Chinatown. This site is being purchased by the Resource Conservation District of Tehama County (RCDTC) which has communicated they are now in escrow to purchase the property for office use.
Despite RCDTC’s mission to manage and conserve Tehama County’s natural resources, this plan disregards the immense cultural and historical value of the Chew family’s birthplace. Following a face-to-face meeting with Joe Chew’s granddaughter on February 7th, the RCDTC submitted an offer to purchase the property on February 8th, coincidentally the same day she informed them via email of her intentions to submit an offer for her grandfather’s birthplace. We are rallying for your help to prevent this sale and ensure the preservation of this irreplaceable landmark goes back to the hands of the Chew family.
By signing our petition, you’re not just supporting a building; you’re honoring the legacy of a family that contributed immensely to the local community through their Traditional Chinese Medicine practice and cultural heritage. We aim to secure the right of first refusal for Joe Chew’s granddaughter, offering a chance to protect and celebrate our shared history.
Join us in this critical effort to preserve the Chew family’s birthplace and keep the story of Red Bluff’s Historic Chinatown alive for future generations. Together, we can make a difference.
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 emergency services. Filling the potholes can reinforce crumbling sections of the road as well as prevent further damage to the original road surface.
The Ridge Route Pothole Project will begin in spring of 2024.
These improvements don’t only serve to protect the history of the Ridge Route, the repairs will also serve everyone who passes through the area. It’s a large stretch of open land that provides recreation for hikers, cyclists and hunters as well as being a heavy fire danger area. It’s important that emergency vehicles have quick and easy access when mere seconds matter.
A donation of $15 buys a 50 pound bag of asphalt cold patch.
