Old Route 66 now is open between Barstow and Ludlow

A section of old Route 66 between Barstow, California, and Amboy, California, that was closed for several years due to bridge washouts is open again. The Facebook accounts of the California Historic Route 66 Association and Roy’s Motel & Cafe this week both reported the road being reopened by San Bernardino County, which holds jurisdiction. … Continue reading Old Route 66 now is open between Barstow and Ludlow

Albert Okura, a restaurateur who owned the town of Amboy, dies

Albert Okura, longtime owner and founder of the Juan Pollo restaurant chain who purchased the Route 66 town of Amboy, California, in 2005, died last week. Okura also owned the first original McDonald’s — also a popular Route 66 stop in San Bernardino, California. He purchased that location in 1998, stocked it with McDonald’s memorabilia … Continue reading Albert Okura, a restaurateur who owned the town of Amboy, dies

Bridge failure closes Route 66 indefinitely from Ludlow to Amboy

More bridges on Route 66 apparently have failed in recent days east of Ludlow, California, closing the historic highway to the hamlet of Amboy, California. That’s on top of the closed portion of Route 66 from Essex, California, to Amboy. That leaves no direct Route 66 access to Amboy the east and west of the … Continue reading Bridge failure closes Route 66 indefinitely from Ludlow to Amboy

Train derailment near Ludlow closes Route 66 indefinitely

The derailment Wednesday of a freight train east of Ludlow, California, has closed National Trails Highway (aka Route 66) “for an unknown duration” due to a hazardous liquid spill. The Victorville Daily Press reports the accident just east of town shortly after noon involved 25 to 35 railcars. San Bernardino County Fire Department spokesperson Tracey … Continue reading Train derailment near Ludlow closes Route 66 indefinitely

Section of Route 66 in Mojave Desert will remain closed for several more years

Those who’ve waited for San Bernardino County to reopen a lengthy, storm-damaged section of Route 66 in the Mojave Desert will have to wait a while longer. ROUTE Magazine reported in a Facebook post Wednesday part of the historic highway likely will remain closed likely through at least part of 2023: According to the Department … Continue reading Section of Route 66 in Mojave Desert will remain closed for several more years

Daredevil “Mad” Mike Hughes killed in rocket crash near Barstow

Daredevil “Mad” Mike Hughes, probably best known for his homemade rocket launch near the Route 66 town of Amboy, California, two years ago, died in a rocket crash Saturday near Barstow after its parachute apparently separated from the craft after liftoff. Hughes, who resided in Apple Valley, California, was 64. The San Bernardino County Sun … Continue reading Daredevil “Mad” Mike Hughes killed in rocket crash near Barstow

County OKs redevelopment plan for Lake Dolores waterpark in Newberry Springs

The San Bernardino County board of supervisors approved a plan that would allow the redevelopment of the long-abandoned Lake Dolores waterpark north of Newberry Springs, California. The Victor Valley News reported: According to a newsletter from Robert Lovingood’s office, “the Board on Tuesday unanimously approved a general plan amendment and conditional use permit to establish … Continue reading County OKs redevelopment plan for Lake Dolores waterpark in Newberry Springs

Trees to honor veterans planted along Route 66 in Upland

Dozens of trees recently were planted along Route 66 in Upland, California, as living tributes to military veterans. The trees were planted along Upland’s Memorial Park on Foothill Boulevard (aka Route 66) in late April. According to The Daily Bulletin: Volunteers and city officials helped plant 79 trees in the park April 21, as part of … Continue reading Trees to honor veterans planted along Route 66 in Upland

How not to treat Route 66 tourists

This strange and unfortunate incident happened in Amboy, California, in November, but it surfaced earlier this week on the Historic Route 66 page on Facebook. The incident also largely was confirmed by Carlos Aceves, who was the town’s manager, including at Roy’s. Here’s the Nov. 5 story by KCDZ, a community radio station that states … Continue reading How not to treat Route 66 tourists

Tumbleweeds invade Route 66 town of Victorville

The Route 66 town of Victorville, California, has been beset by so many tumbleweeds rolling in, some residents found themselves trapped inside their homes by the sticky weeds. The Victorville Daily Press first reported on the unusual phenomenon last week: A mass invasion by the High Desert’s infamous rolling hazards besieged a series of home … Continue reading Tumbleweeds invade Route 66 town of Victorville