July to September 2007

Welcome to Roadside Peek News. This section will feature a news peek of what's happening out on the road. While not pretending to be comprehensive, we hope you'll visit this section from time to time to keep up on just a sample of issues that are roadside related. Don't forget to check out the Roadside Peek main page for the day's update.

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LATEST NEWS

Goodbye to the New Frontier

07.16.2007 Las Vegas, NV - The New Frontier Casino in Las Vegas was to have shut its doors one minute after midnight Monday morning July 16, 2007. According to the website lasvegasfocus.com, the implosion will be planned for sometime early next year. The new owners will then build a Plaza Hotel in its place, like the Plaza Hotel in New York.

This news is no real surprise after its neighbor, the Stardust, met its demise last year and was imploded earlier in 2007. The New Frontier is well known on the Strip and the huge marquee can be seen for blocks.

Felix Uses One of His Lives

07.16.2007 Los Angeles, CA - The giant Felix sign in downtown Los Angeles is a local icon, but even that status almost did not save Felix from escaping removal from its location where it has resided for almost 50 years. By a 4-2 vote, the Los Angeles City Heritage Commission declared the Felix Chevrolet sign in downtown Los Angeles a historical cultural monument on July 12. The Mayor and a Councilwoman had favored redevelopment at the corner where the dealership and sign currently stand. According to the July 14 Los Angeles Times article, the sign was moved to the Figueroa location in 1958. The landmark status now forces property owners, developers, and city officials to conduct a study before a demolition can take place.

Route 66 Abandoned Bowling Alley May Be History

07.16.2007 Rialto, CA - Just saw this on the Route 66 News blog. In the Route 66 town known for its Wigwam motels, the Orange Bowl may be an afterthought. The Orange Bowl along old Route 66 in Rialto, CA has been closed for about two decades, serving a reminder to the past when large tall bowling alley signs were almost common in every town. Unfortunately, the old abandoned building has also been graffiti, waste, drug paraphernalia, and unknown visitors. According to the July 10, 2007 article in the San Bernardino County Sun, the City of Rialto now wants the building brought up to code or taken down, which the property owner supports.

Change Continues in Vegas

07.02.2007 Las Vegas, NV - Las Vegas is known for constant change, and 2007 continues Sin City's evolution. In March, the Barbary Coast casino was renamed Bill's Gamblin' Hall and Saloon after Harrah's took over ownership. Fremont Street East continues its redevelopment and further down Boulder Highway, the Cimarron Motel lost its neon marquee. Photos to come soon.

Koopman's Closes Down After 66 Years

07.02.2007 Bellflower, CA - Koopman's Furniture closed down in June 2007 after having been open since 1941. The sign will come down and the showroom will be leased to a national furniture chain. According to the Long Beach Press Telegram, the company couldn't keep up with international retailers like Wickes and IKEA. Another mom and pop business shuts down after losing to the big box stores.