All posts by Michael F Ballard

Michael F Ballard is the author and administrator of the Southern California Regional Rocks and Roads website, 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. Founder of the Historic Highway 99 Association of California, https://historic99.org .

July Presentation

On July 6, 2021 at 6 pm, I will be giving a presentation for the Historic Highway 99 Association of California on the history of US 99 through the San Gorgonio Pass. The route will be covered from Thousand Palms to Calimesa. Photos of the route, new and old, as well as maps showing the various alignments will be shown. Come join us!

https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJEqd-moqj4vHdJw6RL5SEOPiOfdgV2J3M4G

Bicycling Guide – Caltrans District 9

Caltrans District 9 – Covering Mono and Inyo Counties as well as a portion of Kern County, has come out with a new bicycling map which details many of the routes in the region and alternates to roads closed to bicycling. The region is a great place to ride when the weather is conducive. Just beware of high winds and high heat at times.

https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/4bcd2ab33819484596004b2a13c3a06c

Geology Phone App

There is a very cool phone app I have been using for a while. It is called “Rockd” and has access to geological maps and information throughout the US. In addition to the maps, it also has references to the sources, which is very helpful for geologists. Think of it as a geological map for anywhere you go. There are social aspects to the app as well, which can be fun, but I still find the maps and data to be the best. It is available for both Android and Apple phones. It is also free, developed by the University of Wisconsin. Try it out!

https://rockd.org

Featured Image – 5/21/2021

From the Archives –

This map of the Lake Elsinore area comes to us from San Diego County dating from November 1883. At the time, Elsinore was a part of San Diego County. In 1893, this area became a part of Riverside County.

June Highway Presentation

On June 1, 2021 at 6 pm, I will be giving a Zoom presentation for the Historic Highway 99 Association of California on US 99 in Lake Shasta with photos of the exposed highway and information about reservoir levels. Come join us!

https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJItduuuqDkoGtYW7kV9Mcxa3QI4FOGQLFCR