April 2004

News from: Current | June '04 | May '04 | April '04 | Jan-Mar '04 | 2003 | 2002 | Main

City of Industry, CA - First the Main Screen Tower and Now the Marquee? What's Up With the Vineland Drive-in Theatre?

More news from the City of Industry, home of the last remaining open drive-in theatre in Los Angeles County. Yes, we're talking about the Vineland.

The Fall of 2003 brought worries that the Vineland was on its last legs as the main screen tower was brought down. The news was a bit better when it was discovered that the screen tower was being replaced and the drive-in would see another day, although the loss of the main tower was still a loss of character.

Well, here we are in good ol' April and now the marquee has been replaced. Yes, the drive-in is still open, but now both of the Vineland's main signature pieces, the main screen tower and marquee, are replaced with generics. The "after" vs. "below" rollovers should tell it all.

What's next? I hate to even ask...

Many thanks to Sal Garcia for tip on the Vineland marquee replacement.

Alert! Looks like the Tower Theatre in Sacramento is also in grave danger. A large sign posted at the theatre site states "Save the Tower Theatre from City Hall." More info on the sign alerts that there will be a press conference in front of the theatre on Thursday, April 29th at 5pm. Word on the street is the city is planning to build a large theatre complex somewhere downtown which will endanger the Tower site. Not sure how it all relates, but if you're in the area, you may wish to show your support. Photos to be posted here soon.

Also received info that the 1928-era Firestone store on L and 15th Streets in Downtown Sacramento just closed about a month and a half ago. It will be replaced with a high-rise building. (Many thanks to Chris for this Firestone info)

More photos to be added soon, hopefully to sections other than lost treasures.

Oh, don't forget the petitions.

The Parasol Petition
Java Lanes Petition

What an April...

April has been a rather busy month for Lost Treasures and Preservation Alley . The San Gabriel Valley alone has seen much activity with roadside landmarks disappearing at an alarming rate. Please keep supporting the petitions. The delicate balance between preservation and modernization must be maintained, otherwide there won't be much left from the modern era other than content in publications and books.

Anything that can be done to help preserve what's left in the community is vital.

The Parasol Petition
Java Lanes Petition

Rumors abound that more of your neighborhood roadside treasures are endangered to various degrees. If you're in the Los Angeles area, it wouldn't hurt to send a message of support to the Los Angeles Conservancy or to the Conservancy's Modern Committee.

City of Commerce, CA - Yet another roadside landmark is down.

We just got word that the historical Firestone sign at the Firestone Distribution Center has been removed. A landmark from the 1950's the vertical sign has been a familiar sight to travelers along Telegraph Blvd and Washington. The roadside world mourns the loss of yet another lost treasure.

Seal Beach, CA - Save The Parasol Restaurant before its too late.

Built during the space age era, the Parasol is the sole remaining survivor of the Parasol restaurants, with the demise of the Dinah's Parasol in Torrance in the late 1990's. Yes, you guessed it. The Parasol is now in danger of being demolished and your help is needed. New development nearby now threatens this roadside treasure.

Please take a moment to add your name to this online petition or contact Adriene Biondo at ASTROLUXE@MINDSPRING.COM for info on how to help. Let's keep the Parasol from the same fate as many other former Southern California treasures.

Many thanks to Adriene Biondo for the latest news on the Firestone marquee and fight to save The Parasol.

More recent roadside news at the Roadside Peek News Archive.

San Gabriel Valley, CA - More roadside treasures fall.

The pace continues as more notable roadside sights disappear. 2004 has not been good to the old roadside establishments thus far.

The Ostrom Chevrolet marquee in Montebello has been removed as the dealership undergoes its remodeling.

A couple of single screeners in the Covina area, the Covina and the Fox were recently demolished.

A whimsical donut stand called the Donut Kitchen no longer stands up in San Gabriel.

San Gabriel also hit the radar as the Fiesta Roller Rink closed down in 2003 and is now gutted.

What's wrong with this picture?

Montebello, CA - Chalk the Beverly Bowl signage up as another lost treasure.

The fantastic neon marquee has been removed and AMF has now put up its standard lettering on the side of the Beverly Bowl. One of the last great bowling alley signs in Southern California is now GONE.

Yet again... Unbelievable.

Long Beach, CA - Tiki bowling palace doomed?

The fabulous Java Lanes may soon see the wrecking ball. Yes, you heard that correctly. Java Lanes. One of the last tiki bowling alleys left in Southern California. Why? For new development. Condos to be exact. Unbelievable.

Please join Adriene Biondo of the Los Angeles Conservatory's Modern Committee as she spearheads a last ditch effort to save Java Lanes. More information can be found at The Recent Past Preservation Network.

Please take a moment to sign this online petition to save Java Lanes.

The demolition permit has already been pulled. Please contact Adriene at ASTROLUXE@MINDSPRING.COM for an updated flyer if you are able to help copy and post in order to get the word out. Also see Lotta Living for further updates.