Roadkill Ranch

Sorry to report that our friend Julie Rasmussen is closing her doors on a business that has become a fixture on a very diverse stretch of Commonwealth Avenue. Julie has always been very supportive of efforts to grow our downtown business climate and Roadkill has been a unique and interesting retail store, exactly what Downtown Fullerton needed when she moved in and set up shop. It’s hard to imagine anyone filling that void, but fortunately, Julie has a positive take on the situation.

Mike Ritto, Miss Fullerton Salisha, Heidi, and Julie Rasmussen inside the Fox Theater.

Julie: “I’m so thankful for all of the friends, connections, and wonderful memories that were made over the past 28 years at Roadkill. Although part of me has died with the closing of the store, I’m so grateful to the community for helping me through the grieving process.

With so many beautiful messages, flowers, gifts, hugs, and tears, I’m able to enter my next chapter of life with strength, hope, and love. Thank you, Fullerton! I’ll always love you.”

Transport Us

Many years ago, an idea was hatched to extend the Monorail from Disneyland to Knott’s Berry Farm. Believe it or not, the ‘Walters’ were not rivals. They supported and helped each other at times, even getting ideas from each other for attractions that would make their businesses grow. Imagine if they had been able to pull that Monorail extension off. Perhaps it would have even branched out from there. No way it will happen now, for many reasons, especially $$$. Most know the Pacific Electric Red Car rail system extended all over Southern California but was destroyed under the premise that all we needed was more cars and freeways. Gas was cheap so what the heck? Big oops.

In my late teens, we augmented our bike riding with sidewalk surfing to have fun but also for another form of transportation. Did you find the skateboard in the bike path photo? We could carry our skateboards with us instead of locking up our bikes outside. Quite a few of us simply walk now, and many more have taken up bicycling not only for transportation, but for a fun way to exercise. In order to facilitate that, many bike baths have been designated and help keep enthusiasts off major arteries that pose hazards for anyone on two wheels. Currently, the bike path on Wilshire Walk is broken up just west of Harbor. Not sure how much longer that will be but we will, of course, keep checking in to see how our return to ‘normal’ will affect that part of the path. Until then, navigate around and of course don’t ride on the sidewalks.

Denials

Sort of. Maybe more like West Nile ‘denile.’ Have you seen these signs posted in various neighborhoods? This one is very near my house. We should do as indicated so the West Nile virus can be dealt with. There are some problems though. First, the phone number is incorrect, it is actually (714) 971-2421, according to the sign on the other side, which is printed in Spanish. Second, if you do call, they will not do anything. You need to call Animal Control at (714) 935-6848 if you see any of the situations printed on the sign. For me, it was a dead bird. Animal Control said “no” and I had to insist they come and pick it up, and eventually they told me they would do it so they could bring it to Vector Control for testing. If you find a dead bird, especially a crow, you may want to be insistent and hopefully they will come and get the bird and test it. Don’t we want to know if diseased birds are in our yards? Seems like that must have been the reason they bothered to print the (incorrect) signs and post them.

Hillcrest Update

Work has begun on the Korean War Memorial. The area has been fenced off and excavation has begun so monuments will be installed soon. We should have information regarding when the opening ceremony will take place by the end of the month and of course that info will be posted here.

Photo Quiz

Where is this lamppost and what is its story? Send your answer to Mike at AllMedia@sbcglobal.net.

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