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Roadside Characters Southern California

 

Santa Claus (Removed)
Carpinteria, CA
Photo by RoadsidePeek.com

A trip along the US 101 between Los Angeles and Santa Barbara was never complete without at least a brief roadside sight of the jolly Santa Claus waving from the Santa's Village near Carpinteria. Unfortunately, this jolly fellow was somewhat unceremoniously moved away from home and finally saved from some welcoming folks in Oxnard, CA. So, although Santa can still be seen off the 101 (Oxnard in this case), a trip passing by Santa Claus Lane / Padaro Lane will never be the same.

See Roadside Peek's featured Spotlight on Santa Claus.

 

 

Ballerina
Venice, CA
Photo by RoadsidePeek.com

The Ballerina Clown in Venice is an oft photographed image that, to many, depicts that L.A. scene. It's an interesting sight to see.

 

 

Toys R Us (Removed)
Rosemead, CA
Photo by RoadsidePeek.com

Here's a shot of Geoffrey the Giraffe standing guard over the Toys R Us in Rosemead, CA. Unfortunately, time has not been good to this giraffe, and he was unceremoniously removed when the store closed down a few years ago. A Levitz Furniture store currently occupies the site. 04-06

 

UPDATE 01/11 : The Levitz Furniture store has been closed for a few years and the large building off the I-10 remains vacant. 01-11

 

 

Steak Corral
Photo by RoadsidePeek.com

This little guy sits in front of the Steak Corral. Looking like a little cowboy with a steak balloon, this character is a familiar sight to many a steak eater.

 

UPDATE 02/13 : This little guy lost his steak. Wonder if it will ever return. 02-13

 

 

A&W Mascot
29 Palms, CA
Photo courtesy Adriene Biondo

Check out what could be an old A&W mascot. She's now a roadside greeter outside a Mexican restaurant in 29 Palms, complete with huge burger and mug. 01-03

 

 

Carl's Acres of Trailers
Ontario, CA
Photo by RoadsidePeek.com

This road sign for Carls Acres of Trailers in Ontario, CA is a huge sign that simply stands tall over the boulevard. Interestingly, another sign with what's looks to be Carl's twin was spotted in Northern California. That photo will be added here soon.

 

 

 

 

 

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© Copyright 1998-2021 Syd Nagoshi. All rights reserved. No portion of this document may be reproduced, copied or revised without written permission of the author.