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2000- California Historical Landmark No. 20 located in Riverside (RXSQ)

Riverside’s navel orange

From a recent edition of the Los Angeles Times: The bronze plaque tells the tale: “The most valuable fruit introduction yet made by the United States Department of Agriculture.” And there, at Magnolia and Arlington avenues in Riverside, stands the last of California’s original Washington navel orange trees, enclosed by an iron fence, looming over…

951

Another layer of separation has descended upon Inland Southern California. Today, the era of 951 begins. The 909 shrinks today as Riverside and San Bernardino counties begin a slow separation that will give each its own numeric identity (with western Riverside County becoming 951). … San Bernardino County residents and businesses will keep their familiar…

Habitat portion of Riverside County’s comprehensive plan approved

Riverside County’s landmark Multi-Species Habitat Conservation Plan received federal and state approval this week. The plan, one part of the comprehensive Riverside County Integrated Project — AKA, “The Blueprint for Tomorrow” — sets in motion the county’s ability to better plan and manage expected growth while preserving much needed species habitat and open space: The…

2004 - Mural of Harada family on the side of 3643 University Avenue (RXSQ)

History vs. growth

The old debate — new vs. old, dynamic vs. stagnant, growth vs. preservation, etc., etc. Such is always a tricky and dicey situation for any town or city. And, of course, everything is indeed subjective and relative. In other words, what exactly makes a structure “old,” “historic,” and/or “culturally significant”? In Riverside’s case, the city…

2003 - High-rise living, downtown San Diego (RXSQ)
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Downtown SD part deux

An excellent article regarding the recent residential building boom taking shape in downtown San Diego (a not too distant topic here on this very site) appeared recently on the San Francisco Weekly Website. Writer Matt Smith surmises that San Diego and residents themselves are finally beginning to realize both the need and desirability of some…

High-end homes

With housing demand — and prices — shooting through the roof, it’s no surprise that a recent wave of high-end housing is taking root within the arroyos and valleys of Inland Southern California. The 580-acre Vellano project in Chino Hills will offer semi-custom homes priced between $900,000 and $1.5 million as well as 50 lots…

LA to ONT Maglev?

The Los Angeles City Council unanimously authorized $565,000 to help fund a study for an east-west maglev train between Ontario and Los Angeles. The 50-mile route would run from Ontario International Airport westward to an as-of-yet determined terminus on Los Angeles’ westside, with stops proposed for West Covina and Union Station in downtown Los Angeles….

AllianceCalifornia

After nearly a decade in the doldrums, the former Norton Air Force Base in San Bernardino is experiencing a rebirth. The airfield — since renamed San Bernardino International Airport — has struggled in its attempts to land passenger and cargo service. But a major Texas development company has recently brought in three high-profile tenants to…