Category: 99 Alert

Palm and Pine Update – July 2024

Greetings All!

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.

Contact Information

99 Alert – The Pine And Palm

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The Pine and The Palm

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.

https://dot.ca.gov/caltrans-near-me/district-6/district-6-projects/06-0h220

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!

Contact Information
Donations

Contacts

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!

Caltrans District 6 Public Information Officer
d6.public.info@dot.ca.gov

Assemblymember Jim Patterson

Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil

99 Alert – Red Bluff Chinatown Structure

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.

Petition Link: https://chng.it/c7FxGKN2y8

please spread the word, no donation is necessary

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.

Your friends from The Helen & Joe Chew Foundation

https://www.redbluffchew.org/chewhistory

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Ridge Route Preservation Organization Begins Pothole Project

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 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.

For volunteer and donation info visit https://ridgeroute.org/pothole-project.

99 Alert – Mammoth Orange – Update

For Immediate Release  
Visit-Yosemite-Madera-County---Color_SQUARE_small.jpg  
Media Contact:
Kate Holden
Director of Public Relations
559-683-4636
kate@yosemitethisyear.com  
Mammoth Orange to Squeeze Back into the Spotlight at the Fossil Discovery Center of Madera County  Mammoth Orange.jpg   The historic structure was restored to its former glory thanks to the generous donation of time and materials by the Rotary clubs of Chowchilla, Madera and Madera Sunrise.    

MADERA COUNTY, CA – September 8, 2023 – Many long-time residents of California’s Central Valley will remember The Mammoth Orange as a local landmark. The Mammoth Orange was a refreshment stand located on Highway 99 and was known for its giant hamburgers, excellent fries, and out-of-this-world orange shakes.  

This historic building is set to make a juicy comeback on Saturday, September 23, 2023, at 6:00 PM, when the Fossil Discovery Center of Madera County invites the public to celebrate a piece of local history with a fundraising dinner and ribbon-cutting ceremony.   

The original Mammoth Orange closed in 2007 and was abandoned in a storage yard. Later, the 20-foot orange was brought to the Fossil Discovery Center and painstakingly revived. The structure was carefully restored to its former glory as a concession stand and a San Joaquin Valley attraction, thanks to the generous donation of time and materials by the Rotary clubs of Chowchilla, Madera, and Madera Sunrise.   

“We are thrilled to be reopening the Mammoth Orange at the Fossil Discovery Center,” said Michele Pecina, Director of the Fossil Discovery Center. “This iconic landmark is a believed part of our community, and we are excited to share it with a new generation of visitors. The Mammoth Orange is a great example of how history creates unique and memorable experiences.”   

The Fossil Discovery Center of Madera County is a museum that houses a collection of fossils, including ancient Columbian Mammoths. It sits adjacent to one of North America’s most extensive middle-Pleistocene fossil excavations, where discoveries continue to this day. The museum offers a variety of educational programs and activities for visitors of all ages.   

“The Mammoth Orange is a great addition to the Fossil Discovery Center,’ said Pecina. “It will help us attract more visitors to the museum and learn about our region’s rich history.”   

Tickets for the ribbon-cutting event are $25 for members of the Fossil Discovery Center and $30 for non-members. Tickets include a Smashburger meal served from the Mammoth Orange.   

The Mammoth Orange ribbon-cutting ceremony is an excellent opportunity to celebrate local and ancient history.   

Come one, come all to the Fossil Discovery Center of Madera County on Saturday, September 23, 2023, at 6:00 PM. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit www.maderamammoths.org or call (559) 665-7071.   

About Visit Yosemite | Madera County
Formed in 1985, Visit Yosemite | Madera County’s mission is to draw the millions of Yosemite National Park visitors to its gateway’s many businesses and attractions. We invite visitors to take a journey from the Fossil Discovery Center to the Madera Wine Trail and onward to the High Sierra. Discover incredible dining, talented tradespersons, four seasons of water sports at Bass Lake, the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad and mighty adventures right up to the massive Giant Sequoia trees. Madera County is the gateway to so much more.

Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau | 40343 Highway 41, Oakhurst, CA 93644