Okay folks I am stuck in SoCal for the weekend for work. I need some recommendations. I have spent the last 4 night in the gas lamp. Any hot rod stuff up the coast for the weekend? Sent from my iPhone using H.A.M.B.
Cruisin for a Cure is going on Saturday at the Orange County Fairgrounds in Costa Mesa. http://www.cruisinforacure.com/ You can also check out Donut Derelicts on the corner of Adams and Magnolia in Huntington Beach. But I have a feeling this Saturday will be light since there is the above mentioned car show going on at the same time.
Hey R, Wavecrest is very cool, right on the beach/sand. The weather should be rather chilly at 76 +- on the shoreline. But, up the coast from there, in Costa Mesa just off of intersection of the 405 Freeway North and the 55 Freeway South, there is a big time event if you like lots of different hot rods/cruisers and people. It should take you about 1 hour 30 minutes if you leave in the early morning. (assuming you mean the Gaslamp Quarter in San Diego) If you stop off at the Wavecrest event, then the traffic will be a little heavy even on a Saturday, coming up the coast and on towards Orange County. For a fun drive, take the 73 freeway (toll road) just past San Juan Capistrano. It will cost you about $7.50 for a one time fee ONE WAY, but the time it saves, the less traffic, and the direct route to the 55 freeway South is so much better than taking the I-5 North/405 West/55 South route. You will see Orange County in all stages of development and open areas like it was way back then...except you are going 75 mph. So, watch out for the CHP just around the blind spot bend past the Catalina Toll Station going North and the Aliso Viejo Ramps going South. HAVE FUN... IT IS NICE TO BE "STUCK" IN SO CAL... Jnaki Note: There is usually a "slow down" traffic area in the Encinitas area just north of San Diego. There is also a "slow down" area in San Clemente. All due to freeway construction, up and down hills and tail gating drivers braking at the wrong times, causing a chain reaction for miles backwards. That happens almost everyday during normal driving hours. At night and early morning, it is 75-80 mph for miles and miles in the fast lane and car pool lanes.
Check out this website --> http://www.socalcarculture.com/events.html This lists all of the car-related events in SoCal. There are several close by to where you are staying. Tonight 9/21 is a cool event --> Cruisin' Grand in Escondido. For sure hit up the Cruisin' for a Cure event. It is billed as the " world’s largest one-day charity car show" with over 3,500 vehicles on display and over 200 vendors and exhibitors. You won't disappointed. They do allow ALL makes, models and years, so expect to see new Camaros, Mustangs, Challengers, rice-rockets, PT Cruiser, Jeeps, etc. Wavecrest is cool --> All woodies.
Donut Derelicts is all done by 8am or so, and is a short hop to Costa Mesa. Early start, easy traffic, donuts. Chris
That's a great idea for him! Cruisin' Grand will have a shit ton of woodies this evening (It's officially woodie night there), so he could forego Wavecrest tomorrow. and then he could do Donuts first thing, and then Cruisin' for a Cure, in the late morning. We should probably become activity directors, huh?
Southern California places to visit, (2018 update). They are: Donut Derelicts Car Show, Huntington Beach, CA. Corner of Adams and Magnolia. Every Saturday morning from 5:30am-8:30am. Best FREE car show on the West coast. 200 vintage cars and trucks every Saturday morning. Trust me; it's worth your time to see this car show. NHRA Drag Racing Museum, Los Angeles County Fairplex. 1101 West McKinley Ave. Pomona, CA. More than just drag racing, this is an excellent museum. Automobile Driving Museum. 610 Lairport St. El Segundo, CA.90245. Don't be put off by the funny street name or the plain drab brick facade. This is a great museum that is non-profit. They ask for a modest $5.00 donation. It's worth it. Very close to LAX Airport. Peterson Museum. 6060 Wilshire Blvd. $15 entry plus $12 parking. Autobooks-Aerobooks bookstore. 2900 West Magnolia Blvd. Burbank, CA. 91505. Outstanding selection of automotive and aircraft books. Closed on Sunday & Monday. Irwindale Speedway. 500 Speedway Drive. Irwindale, CA. 91706. Freeway off ramp is Live Oak Ave. Starting March 10th, every 2-weeks on Saturday night there is NASCAR short track racing with 5 different divisions on the paved ½ mile & 1/3 mile oval track. On-track autograph session and freebies at 5:45PM, racing at 7:00PM. Great entertainment. $15.00 plus $5.00 parking. Also at Irwindale Speedway, NHRA drag racing every Thursday night starting February 15th on the 1/8 mile drag strip, starting at 5:00PM until 10:00PM. $10.00 to watch and FREE parking. In-N-Out Hamburger. Mighty tasty burgers, fries, and shakes. The Habit Burger Grill. Great burgers and the best shakes on earth! Krispy Kreme Doughnuts. Get the warm glazed doughnuts and bring plenty of cold milk. It's a great experience!
Thanks fellas. I had already thought about doughnut derelict. We went there when we were out here for vacation a couple years ago . Loved it also toured chip fooses shop and met him. I think I will hit the cruisin for a cure. Sounds great. Will probably lay low tonight . 4 nights in the gas lamp district and walking across the border everyday to work kicked my butt. we had to change hotels and are now at old town San Diego. All the gas lamp area hotels are full. Too bad I had a ball there. Sent from my iPhone using H.A.M.B.
Hey R, After a hard time at the border, and being inundated in the Gaslamp Quarter, driving up the coast for hot rod events, take the extra night for one last fabulous meal at the newest waterfront restaurant in San Diego. "Costerra" on the Eastern (downtown city view side) end of Harbor Island. It was built on the spot where an old paddle wheeler was docked for years. But, the new restaurant is upscale and has the best harbor/city views in San Diego...IMHO. The views from the restaurant? ...can't get any better in the harbor. If you want an excellent restaurant closer to the downtown, city harbor waterfront, try Puesto. It has great food, atmosphere and plenty of things to do after dinner in the general area. The official name is Puesto at "The Headquarters at Seaport." Jnaki
Made it to cruisin for a cure. Wow thanks for that. Awesome event. Met several woodies on the interstate on the way back. That was cool Sent from my iPhone using H.A.M.B.
Hello, It is strange what this pandemic has done for neighborhoods all over the USA. In So Cal, we used to see hot rods customs, trucks, and woodies of all kinds rolling around on the weekend. Even a trip to the local grocery store brought up a 1946 Ford convertible, a 32 roadster, a 36 Ford sedan delivery, and a gaggle of Ford trucks, randomly appearing on any weekend day. There was a 40 Ford woody that used to cruise by our house on those sunny weekend days going somewhere. If we were outside doing some yard work in our succulent front yard, we would see those hot rods cruise by. But, the "stay at home" crisis has created some odd situations. A neighborhood Corvette that lit up (with rumbling motor exhaust sounds) the quiet streets is no where to be seen or heard for a least a month or more. The woody, no sighting at all. Prior to the local huge Cars and Coffee event closing, the other 57 Chevy and 32 Ford roadster are, I am sure, just sitting in the garage patiently waiting the OK to hit the roads, again. Jnaki So Cal is/was a hopping place to see and hear hot rods cruising everywhere, but not so anymore. Now, the latest is not just a "locked in place", but the next two weeks is a total lock down with no trips anywhere for all of us. Being as old as we are, we can adjust to just about anything. But as a teenager back in the late 50s and early 60s, this lock down would have erased all So Cal hot rod history for us. Stay safe and healthy...
That is very unique, I would like to know more about the engine, the pictures are great. To me from the pictures, it appears that this was originally a V-8 that has had some major engineering and modification, I would assume that Jnaki can maybe shed some light on this and possibly provide some technical information about the engine. Thanks for sharing. Glad you had a great time in SoCal. My wife's family lives in Costa Mesa pretty close to JohnWayne airport.
Hello, When we are all able to drive to where ever we want and not be locked in place, a visit to the now closed Outlets of San Clemente will be open again with the huge Cars and Coffee event. It has been noted that this event is the largest of its kind that meets on a weekly basis. (currently, closed due to covid-19 rules) Coming to the Outlets has several ways to get there. Of course, the easiest being the I-5 Freeway North or South, exiting at Avenida Vista Hermosa. The other, is the revamped Avenida Pico off ramp just one exit South. Originally, this was the only main exit in this portion of San Clemente. But the planners decided that a major off ramp was necessary for the Outlets and the Northern entrance to the San Clemente beaches. When exiting the Avenida Pico off ramp and heading for the ocean, one will come up to a stop light for a small shopping center, next to a gas station. On the wall facing the beach going traffic is one of the largest murals in San Clemente or even the South Coast area. “The Avenida Pico gateway into San Clemente from I-5 has a new landmark that is hard for visitors to miss. Drivers heading toward the coast from the freeway may feel a wow factor on first sight as they discover a theater-sized mural on what used to be the blank wall of an organics food store, Hanson’s Market. The mural depicts another San Clemente landmark, located down the street by the beach – the city-owned Ole Hanson Beach Club.” “The city encourages murals but requires design review before issuing a permit. Originally it was a surf mural with a lot of bright colors. Because it is in the historical district, the city suggested a historical mural.” “Creating the mural took five days, working 10 to 12 hours daily. Artists Meghann Nelsen, Tierney Moses and Andi Goud finished mural of San Clemente’s historic Ole Hanson Beach Club on the giant wall of Avenida Pico. The 16-by-23-foot mural evokes the beach club as it might have looked in 1928.” Jnaki For most locals, the Avenida Pico is the standard thoroughfare, as it runs from the ocean, past the high school, back to the modern industrial area and other homes/businesses.
Timeline photos from 1930 to the present. Forest Avenue on the left and Park Avenue on the right. "V" Hello, With the pandemic upsurge in all of the cities everywhere, there is no need to go outside or drive. But, for all of those that just have to drive in So Cal, whether it is for the weekend or in the middle of the week, there is one big change in South Orange County. Laguna Beach has now closed off the major downtown street (Forest Avenue) and a short portion of the Park Avenue that makes a “V” with PCH. 2020 The Park Avenue “V” has been closed for a while and now just last week, Laguna Beach has closed off the portion of Forest Avenue through downtown to Glennerye St. So, as one drives South toward Dana Point and San Clemente, on PCH, there is no left turn at this famous intersection. Parking is provided, around the block or just past the library. As one drives down the big PCH hill toward the Main Beach section, it should be a freer flowing traffic pattern, going South, with a no left turn at Forest Avenue. “This is an example when business and community can work hand in hand. The street is closed to create the promenade to help local businesses and restaurants impacted by the coronavirus pandemic shutdown with more space to spread out…” 2020 Despite the number of Covid cases rising drastically, everywhere since last Friday, the cities are still trying to cope with the partial reopening of their business sections. But, there still is a war going on without no ending in sight. So, what is the rush? With a big name city taking the first giant step, other local So Cal cities have taken the idea and are now considering closing off portions of their small downtown area to help out the businesses and economy. It is nice, but a little too soon? Jnaki Before the pandemic hit the scene in So Cal, Laguna Beach did close off a short portion of Park Avenue. At the time, the short street was perfect for closure and setting up for a quiet reserve just steps away from the Main Beach. It was a preliminary trial run on street closure making it into a neighborhood gathering place to serve everyone. With that in mind, the latest street closure is the main thoroughfare in downtown, just steps nearby, Forest Avenue. looking at the "V" down Park Avenue toward the ocean. “The 5,200-square-foot area in the 200 block of Park Avenue between Laguna and Forest avenues off South Coast Highway has colorful powder-coated metal tables and chairs and bicycle racks. Lights hang from boxed Ficus Trees amid Park Plaza markers. Views from the plaza include the bustling downtown at Coast Highway and Forest Avenue and Main Beach.”
Hello, With all of the beaches being closed during this second wave of pandemic cases on the uptick, here is what Aliso Beach in South Laguna used to look like back in the 30s. Very cool cars parked/camped right on the beach. Yes, for the July 4, 2020 whole weekend, the beach, the parking lot on the beach and inland were closed to everyone. No social gatherings to speed up the pandemic cases was the reason. LB Historic Society In the background is Treasure Island and now the current home for the Montage Resort. It is a huge, coastal resort taking up quite a bit of space along the shoreline. The fairly new Montage has 250 rooms, 60 suites and 37 beach bungalows. They do not look like the “bungalows” our classes were held, when we all went to school back in the 1950s. But, it is a catchy nostalgic name for a nice place on the shoreline. The most recent event was recorded on video several days ago. A wedding party photograph session was interrupted by a huge wave and swept the bride off the rocks into the water. Luckily, the beach lifeguards were handy and made the rescue. Don’t people see that the waves have been rather large over the past few days? Or they just wanted to make the wedding photos memorable. Jnaki All of the places being closed for the whole weekend made this incident just odd. This wedding “accident” was definitely memorable and recorded on video for all to see. There will be stories to tell in the future. “Grandpa and Grandma, during the world wide pandemic got married and almost drowned in the ocean in So Cal.” That would be an eye-opener, for sure. https://abc7.com/oc-newlyweds-rescued-after-being-swept-away-by-giant-wave/6289934/ Once the pandemic is over and we are all safe again, this Montage Resort is a wonderful place to stroll, have a bite to eat and just sit to enjoy the vast coastline/ocean views. Bring your hot rods as there are plenty of great locations for wonderful photo shoots and if you stay long enough, a beautiful sunset is almost guaranteed. If you do not like the great food there and are the traditional hot rod style food fanatics, there is the famous, one and only, Ruby’s Auto Diner just across the street. Views and all, from the upstairs patio, while the parking lot is full of old 50s-60s hot rods and cruisers.
FLASH: One of the best new drives with outstanding views is postponed ... “Once expected to open this month, the nearly $1.5 billion Gerald Desmond Bridge replacement project has encountered delays due to the coronavirus pandemic, pushing the opening to around Labor Day weekend.” “The main span of the bridge has been completed and the approaches, which connect the bridge to land on either end, are still under construction. Safety features, including a final treatment of the suspension cables and seismic shock absorbers, are still underway.” Hello, So Cal hot rod cruisers will have to wait at least one month for the grand opening of the long awaited bridge span over the entrance to the LA Harbor industrial complex. It was supposed to be open this month, but it is now postponed until sometime in Sept. The pandemic is forcing such a detour to the finish. The view is one of the best from the highest elevation of the road. The old Gerald Desmond Bridge gave drivers plenty of high elevation viewing while driving over the bridge span. This new bridge will be one of the best drives for a 180 degree view on either side of the roadway one is traveling. the 180 degree ocean/coastline view on one side and the 180 degree view of the huge Los Angeles basin and mountains on the other side. But, don’t look straight down as it is one of the newest tall bridges on the West Coast. “The bridge, when completed, will be the second tallest cable-stayed bridge in the United States.” For all of So Cal residents that used to cross the Terminal Island Bridges from San Pedro to Long Beach (Vincent Thomas plus the old Desmond bridge), this new one is almost completed. It was scheduled to open in July, but has now been postponed until Labor Day or thereabouts. The old Gerald Desmond Bridge is still functioning, but will be torn down in sections as the new bridge is opened. But, for So Cal residents, the roadway travel either way will still have to use the old bridge and the super old Vincent Thomas Bridge in San Pedro. Gee, remember the old 1944 pontoon removable bridge that connected Terminal Island to Long Beach? That was a long time ago and so much fun as a little kid, let alone going over that bumpy span while on a date or two. The pontoon barges opened up to allow boat traffic through to the back areas of the harbor. It did hold up traffic. But, if by chance, you were the first one on the pontoon portion waiting, a ring side seat of the big boats and even little sailboats move across your windshield. It was as close to the water action as possible. Jnaki The new bridge is tall enough to allow the tallest, modern freighter boats with their huge cargo to travel underneath, easily, to get to the back port areas. The old Gerald Desmond bridge was very high and called for center lane driving on windy days. This new bridge will be taller yet, with the latest cable suspension technology in play. Taller, faster, wider, what more could one ask, except for a nice ride to and from San Pedro over the harbor to Long Beach shoreline activities. If you are in the area after Labor Day and happen to be going in that direction, take plenty of photos. For you So Cal old folks, the Gerald Desmond namesake has no connection to the great, downtown Long Beach Department Store back in the 1950s until closing in 1980s. It was called Desmond’s Department Store. This Gerald Desmond was the city attorney.
The NEW GERALD DESMOND BRIDGE late August 2020 Hello, As of today, those of us that were planning on a “once in months” car cruise over the newly constructed Gerald Desmond Bridge in the LA/LB Harbor, will have to wait at least another month. We were planning on taking a longer road trip for the day after Labor Day as usual, but the new bridge just will not be open for the Labor Day weekend. Sorry… it was to be the first long road trip for us to visit some old sites/friendly places. We have been really good in following the social distancing and staying locked in place. Our only car trips have been to the bank and gas stations. So, we were looking forward to seeing and driving over the new bridge span for months. Now, it will have to wait for another two months. The views will still be there and the nervousness of being so high in elevation driving, while looking down on either side will be also still be there. So, we will wait until it officially opens in a few months. Jnaki We grew up in this whole LA/Long Beach Harbor coastal area and it never disappoints as far as views and new things to see/do. The cruise back to our house in the OC will take us down the same coastal route that we used to take back in 1960-70. One of the great drives through the complete OC coastal highways, now that the construction in Laguna Beach is completed. Back to being in our house to wait out the pandemic and perhaps one day we will be able to take that long drive to the LA/LB Harbors. Plus, the weather has turned to the hot end of the scale and it is leading up to being a boiler this whole weekend. Despite the winds that always show up in that Long Beach-Terminal Island-San Pedro corridor, it will be a hot weekend in the high 80s and into the 90s. “Initially expected in July, the opening of the yet-to-be-named Gerald Desmond Bridge Replacement was first delayed until Labor Day weekend. Further delays have pushed the opening once again to, at the earliest, October.” “The new bridge is the first cable-stayed bridge for vehicle traffic in California and has many firsts for bridges in the U.S. Unique features include dampers to control movement and specially designed expansion joints that can move up to 6 feet in three directions in the event of a major earthquake.” “Installation is still underway on the cable stay dampers and more than 70 seismic sensors throughout the structure. Additionally, the bridge still requires a final concrete overlay on the main span and the installation of dampers under the bridge where the main span meets the approaches.” SEPT 2, 2020
Looking from San Pedro toward the Long Beach shoreline and downtown. From bottom to top, the new bridge over the Back Channel, the L.A. River, then, downtown Long Beach with the Sports Arena, ocean and shoreline. "Seven years, $1.46 billion and engineering solutions that didn't exist when construction began. Now the second-largest cable-stayed bridge in the country is ready to carry traffic. A big ceremony that could only be viewed online took place Friday, Oct. 2." Hello, We So Cal locals have been waiting for a drive to ease the pain of locked in place and the pandemic. Now, here is your chance to stay in your cars while you go over the newest bridge in California. It it tall enough to create a huge opening for the tallest shipping container vessels to get to the back harbor unloading faster and easier. The construction took plenty of years and replaces the original Gerald Desmond Bridge. The new bridge is yet to be named. In the coming year, the old Gerald Desmond Bridge will be dismantled and will have served the harbor area and all shipping for the years of service. In 1968, we thought the bridge was tall enough for the biggest ocean going freighter ships. The drive was a little scary as it was so high. Now, this new bridge is taller and the roadway is also higher off of the water and harbor area. Jnaki We have driven over the old bridge a hundred plus times over the years. But, this new bridge is just waiting for the old folks to make the crossing both ways. The views are the same, just from a taller advantage point, and a better road surface. What a better way to celebrate the opening with a tour of old hot rods and cruisers. There is a pedestrian walkway on the side of the lanes, but is closed for now. Besides, it is a long way down when viewing the whole complex. When the pedestrian walkway opens, it shouldn't be too windy. Although in the sailing circles, "Hurricane Gulch" is just under the next bridge on the San Pedro main channel area. It is a great place to sail, but one has to be prepared for the onslaught of high winds in the harbor area. A cool attraction for So Cal locals and definitely should be placed on "A Cool Roadside Attraction" thread when the pandemic is over.
LAGUNA BEACH, CA — After announcements of Ruby's Diner closing pier locations in Oceanside and Huntington Beach, residents, friends, and fans have been bombarding the original Balboa Pier location, and Ruby's Diners across Orange County with the number one question: "Are you staying open?" According to the management, that answer is "yes." The original location at Balboa Pier is to remain open, as are the Ruby's Diner locations in Anaheim, Carlsbad, Citadel, Corona Del Mar, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, Mission Viejo, Orange, Palos Verdes, San Clemente, Tustin, Whittier, Brinton Lake, and the airport locations. "We are so incredibly grateful for the overwhelming support we have received (in the time) since announcing the closure of our HB and Oceanside locations," they wrote on Facebook. "The memories and photos shared have truly warmed our hearts and we will cherish them forever." "The mile-or-so stretch of the Balboa Pier is a great walk for young lovers and families, and one with a reward at the end. Ruby's Diner has sat at this location since 1982. It is the place of milkshakes and sunsets, of a reward for tired little feet, or a chance to ask local fishermen how the fish are biting." Ruby's Diner first opened its doors on December 7, 1982, on Balboa Pier in Newport Beach, California. "Who would have thought a small shack sitting on the end of a pier surrounded by the Pacific Ocean would be the start of something truly magical?" they wrote on their website. Indeed, it is a small, white shack that was converted to look like an "old-timey diner." Ruby’s Auto Diner in South Laguna Beach, CA on Coast Highway Hello, Our favorite beach in So Cal is the clean white sand on both sides of the Balboa Pier. (although the water is a little dangerous with the steep drop off) When our granddaughter was a toddler, we used to go to the south side of the Balboa Pier. The parking was on the sand's edge, so the short walk to the top of the berm was short. We would have our lunches packed and the massive collection of beach sand toys was always with us. The umbrella was up and the view to the ocean was always punctuated with the view of the Ruby’s Restaurant at the end of the pier. The stroll on the Balboa Pier was a lot different than the larger piers in So Cal. In reading the above information splashed all over the So Cal news outlets, we were shocked and in awe. Shocked that those end of the pier restaurants were closing and in awe that our own local Ruby’s Restaurants were still going to stay open. The most famous of all of the Ruby’s Restaurant chain, IOHO, is the Ruby’s Auto Diner in South Laguna, CA. So, it is with some relief that the news is that location of the Auto Diner will still be open for business. We had just taken a short drive to see our old neighborhood and had some business to attend to in Laguna Beach proper. We drove right by the famous restaurant on the Coast Highway location. Having eaten their many times when it was not a Ruby’s Auto Diner, we, as well as other locals, were sad to see the original family restaurant go. But, the Ruby’s Auto Diner became a hot spot for all of us as the year’s rolled into the present. If anyone parked their hot rod on the outside parking row, it could be seen from either direction on Coast Highway. It has always been that way and the location is still doing fabulous business during the pandemic with their outdoor dining. The food at most Ruby’s Diners is about the same, but, it is the location of the coastal restaurants that adds a little extra to the dining experience. Across the street is the famous Montage Resort and that draws a lot of people to this small part of the coastal area of South Laguna. Once the pandemic is over and we are all safe again, this Montage Resort is a wonderful place to stroll, have a bite to eat and just sit to enjoy the vast coastline/ocean views. Bring your hot rods as there are plenty of great locations for wonderful photo shoots and if you stay long enough, a beautiful sunset is almost guaranteed. If you do not like the great food tat the Montage and are the traditional hot rod style food fanatics, there is the famous, one and only, Ruby’s Auto Diner just across the street. Views and all, from the upstairs patio, while the parking lot is full of old 50s-60s hot rods and cruisers. So, it still could be part of... "The hot rod capital of the USA..."
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