ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION IMPROVING THE MELROSE DISTRICT

 

Friends of the Pacific Electric Trail

Hats off to the City of Los Angeles for focusing on active and safe public space in the Melrose district.   StreetsLA, formerly known as the Bureau of Street Services, is focused on making LA Streets safe, mobile, and sustainable through innovation, inclusion, and integration.  Their key programs address pavement preservation, street tree and median maintenance, StreetsLA builds streetscape improvements that enhance the safety, accessibility, mobility, and community satisfaction. This is inspiring news especially during this COVID-19 pandemic when more people are riding bikes for transportation, exercise, and fun. Working with neighbors, business owners, Council District 5, and others in the community around Melrose Avenue, StreetsLA has identified exciting and transformative improvements to the streetscape between Fairfax and Highland Avenues, to Uplift Melrose and activate safe public space on the streets of LA.  They hope that these improvements could be funded through a competitive Caltrans grant program, the Active Transportation Program (ATP).

 

 

Uplift Melrose is a “Complete Streets” roadway reconfiguration plan that seeks to encourage an increase in active modes of transportation such as bicycling and walking by creating a safe and comfortable pedestrian realm which includes room for bicycles, by disincentivizing pass-through vehicular traffic, and by increasing the overall square footage of the pedestrian portion of the Public Right of Way. The project area is the 22 blocks of Melrose Ave. between Fairfax Ave. and Highland Ave. This stretch of Melrose falls within the City’s High Injury Network and is slated for separated bikeways per the Los Angeles Mobility 2035 Plan.

 

The City of Los Angeles High Injury Network spotlights streets with a high concentration of traffic collisions that result in severe injuries and deaths, with an emphasis on those involving people walking and bicycling. The network consists of the 6% of LA’s streets where 65% of all deaths and severe injuries take place. People walking and bicycling are the most at risk of being hurt or killed while moving about the city. Nearly half of all traffic fatalities involve people walking and bicycling. Our youth and older adults are particularly vulnerable. 30% of those killed or severely injured while walking or bicycling are under 18 or over 64 years of age. Of the 35 collisions in the project area within the last 10 years which resulted in severe injury or fatality, 17 involved car and pedestrian/bicycle. LA’s Mobility Plan 2035, an update to the City’s General Plan Transportation Element, provides the policy foundation for achieving a transportation system that balances the needs of all road users. The Mobility Plan 2035 calls for Separated Bikeways on Melrose Ave.

Some of the Uplift Melrose project include Activated Pedestrian Public Space Separated Bikeways at sidewalk grade Sidewalk Curb Extensions (AKA “bump-outs” at corners which will reduce pedestrian crossing lengths for increased safety Average of approx. 8000 square ft of new pedestrian space per block (from approx. 3 acres to 7 acres within entire project area) Raised East/West Crosswalks (AKA “speed tables”) for pedestrians walking and riding Space for pedestrian amenities including more lighting, trees, wayfinding signage, outdoor dining, landscaping, etc. Significant reduction in the health hazards associated with urban heat due to increased tree canopy cover Reduction in air pollution project pollution tradeoffs, Roadway reconfiguration (fewer vehicular travel lanes) No left turns off of Melrose for vehicles except at Fairfax, La Brea, and Highland Street parking reduction.

 

 

In line with Mayor Garcetti's goals to create a safe, livable and sustainable, prosperous and well-run city, StreestLA performs a wide range of planning, construction, maintenance, and enforcement activities to maintain the City’s public works infrastructure and enhance the experience and quality of life of City residents, visitors, and stakeholders.  Street improvements include curb ramps, sidewalks, pedestrian and bike facilities, bus landing facilities, hardscaping and landscaping, and concrete construction to create a more livable and sustainable city. As part of the Mayor's Complete Streets Program, Complete Streets Program will improve the safety of corridors in areas with the greatest need for repair, StreetsLA provides street reconstruction, sidewalk repair, and damaged curb and gutter repair to enhance the safety of motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists on city streets.

 

In line with the Mayor's Great Streets Initiative to transform streets into corridors of open space, StreetsLA will improve pedestrian crosswalks, construct concrete curb extensions and median islands, install street furniture, and plant trees to make City neighborhoods safe, more accessible and beautiful for all to enjoy.  Congratulations to the city of Los Angeles and District 5 for recognizing the need for active transportation improvements for your community to safely thrive.  What are some improvements you would like to see in your neighborhood? Please comment below.

Friends of the Pacific Electric Trail

VOLUNTEER HEARTBEAT

 

What draws us to volunteer in our community?  One of the more well-known benefits of volunteering is the impact on the community. When we are generous of spirit and give back to our community, something wonderful happens, we become connected in ways that we never imagined.  Sometimes it happens naturally or in some cases, by accident, but once you make the commitment, the rewards far outweigh the hours of hard work.  For me, I was just a curious resident 16 years ago when I learned that the City of Rancho Cucamonga was in the beginning stages of planning to convert the abandoned Pacific Electric Red Car Railway into a multi-use bike and pedestrian trail. We attended the first community meeting and jumped in with both feet to form the Friends of the Pacific Electric Trail, a non-profit volunteer organization. Managing a non-profit volunteer organization for 15 years has opened my eyes to the benefits of collaboration, commitment, and cooperation.  When I shared the good news with my Father, he was so proud of me and I’ll never forget his guiding words:  “Sis, it’s passionate people like you who roll up their sleeves and see what needs to be done and find a way to build a volunteer team that will change your community, it doesn’t come from top down, the good work comes from the grassroots level and goes up.” The valuable lesson that I have learned is that you are only as good as your volunteer team.  Volunteers are our heartbeat and without them we could never dare to dream big. Volunteers share our vision and participate in the big picture and contribute towards every milestone.

 

 When the networking partnerships support your mission and interpersonal friendships develop, your community grows organically.  Volunteering is one way to make a difference in the world. The main things people hope to experience when they volunteer are cultural immersion, a feeling that they are giving back to a community, the feeling of being part of a team, and finally for educational reasons. Our schools require a certain number of volunteer hours for graduating students, this then is a living civics class.  Volunteers give without expecting anything in return, yet they are rewarded in personal growth and development. Approximately 25% of U.S. citizens volunteer and half of those who become volunteers do so because someone asked them; about half begin volunteering on their own initiative. Individual volunteers annually serve up to 40 hours in their volunteer position on average. Volunteers appreciate periodic, proportional, and modest recognition for their work. According to the Corporation for National Community Service, 25.3 percent of Americans volunteer, which is 62.8 million volunteers.

 

Volunteering allows you to connect to your community and make it a better place. Even helping with the smallest tasks can make a real difference to the lives of people, animals, and organizations in need. Volunteering is a two-way street: It can benefit you and your family as much as the cause you choose to help. Volunteering gives you the opportunity to practice and develop your social skills, since you are meeting regularly with a group of people with common interests. Volunteering provides many benefits to both mental and physical health. I have volunteered on the Healthy RC initiative since 2008 as part of the Steering Committee and was delighted to see that The National Civic League presented the City of Rancho Cucamonga as one of the 10 All-American City award winners on August 20, 2020.  This honor recognizes Rancho Cucamonga's work in inclusive civic engagement to address health and well-being and create stronger connections among residents, businesses, and nonprofit and government leaders.

Volunteering helps counteract the effects of stress, anger, and anxiety. The social contact aspect of helping and working with others can have a profound effect on your overall psychological well-being. According to huffpost.com, nothing relieves stress better than a meaningful connection to another person.  Volunteering combats depression and keeps you in frequent contact with others by helping you develop a solid support system, which in turn protects you against depression.  Volunteering makes you happy. By measuring hormones and brain activity, researchers have discovered that being helpful to others delivers immense pleasure. Human beings are hard-wired to give to others.  Remember when we were taught to be good neighbors and do an unselfish deed such as take in your neighbors trash cans without being asked, bring over a meal for a neighbor who is ill or rake the leaves for a neighbor who is elderly? The more we give, the happier we feel.  Volunteering increases self-confidence when we are doing good for others and our community, which provides a natural sense of accomplishment.

 

Maël BALLAND

Volunteering provides a sense of purpose, especially for older adults, who have retired or lost a spouse, many can find new meaning and direction in their lives by helping others. Whatever your age or life situation, volunteering can help take your mind off your own worries, keep you mentally stimulated, and add more meaning to your life. Volunteering helps you stay physically healthy. Studies have found that those who volunteer have a lower mortality rate than those who do not. Older volunteers tend to walk more, find it easier to cope with everyday tasks, are less likely to develop high blood pressure, and have better thinking skills. Volunteering can also lessen symptoms of chronic pain and reduce the risk of heart disease.  Whether due to a disability, a lack of transportation, or time constraints, many people choose to volunteer their time via phone or computer. In today’s digital age, many organizations need help with writing, graphic design, email, and other web-based tasks. If you are considering a new career, volunteering can help you get experience in your area of interest and meet people in the field. Even if you are not planning on changing careers, volunteering gives you the opportunity to practice important skills used in the workplace, such as teamwork, communication, problem-solving, project planning, task management, and organization.

 

Volunteering is a fun and easy way to explore your interests and passions. Doing volunteer work you find meaningful and interesting and can be relaxing, energizing escape from your day-to-day routine of work, school, or family commitments. Volunteering also provides you with renewed creativity, motivation, and vision that can carry over into your personal and professional life. Many people volunteer to make time for hobbies outside of work as well. For instance, if you have a desk job and long to spend time outdoors, you might consider volunteering to help plant a community garden, walk dogs for an animal shelter, or help out at a children’s camp. You will have a richer and more enjoyable volunteering experience if you first take some time to identify your goals and interests. Think about why you want to volunteer and go after it. What would you enjoy doing? The opportunities that match both your goals and your interests are most likely to be fun and fulfilling.  Please comment below.

 

Friends of the Pacific Electric Trail

-Victoria Jones Friend of the Pacific Electric Trail

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CAN A PLANT-BASED DIET IMPROVE YOUR HEALTH?

 

Friends of the Pacific Electric 

Plant-based food is incredibly delicious and if you're wondering whether cutting out more animal products can work for you, the answer is almost certainly yes -- assuming you're eating a varied diet with plenty of whole grains, fruits, vegetables and plant protein sources. While a plant-based diet will not turn you from an occasional tennis player to a professional athlete, you may see athletic performance gains stemming from quicker recovery times. Plus, you have a good likelihood of enjoying other outcomes like lowered cholesterol and a healthier heart. Start with just one day a week where you eat a vegetarian diet, like a "Meatless Monday," and see how your body responds. Or, just try cutting out junk food in your diet and replacing empty calories with plant-based foods like nuts, legumes, or veggies.  We all look forward to holiday gatherings when we see a bowl full of mixed nuts containing cashews, almonds, filberts and brazil nuts on the coffee table.  Why wait for the holidays to treat yourself to a delicious, healthy snack?  Consider the long-term health effects when you reach for the empty calories when buying snacks such as chips vs. dried fruit and nuts.  Treat yourself to delicious healthy snacks because you’re worth it.  The bottom line is that if you're interested in the benefits of a plant-based diet, you should experiment with what you're eating, try to add more plant-based whole foods and figure out what makes you feel best.  Just by reducing the amount of animal protein in your diet to occasional consumption can reap health benefits you can feel quickly.

 

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 We have all read that the Mediterranean diet is generally accepted that people in countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea live longer and suffer less than most Americans from cancer and cardiovascular ailments. The not-so-surprising secret is an active lifestyle, weight control, and a diet low in red meat, sugar, and saturated fat and high in produce, nuts, and other healthful foods. The Mediterranean Diet may offer a host of health benefits, including weight loss, heart and brain health, cancer prevention, and diabetes prevention and control. By following the Mediterranean Diet, you could also keep that weight off while avoiding chronic disease.

There is not a standard Mediterranean diet, per say. Greeks eat differently from Italians, who eat differently from the French and Spanish. But what they do have in common is that they share many of the same principles of consuming more fruit, legumes, vegetables, grains, nuts, and olive oil daily or the Mediterranean way.  According to us news

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More and more professional athletes are embracing plant-based diets as a healthy choice that not only tastes good, but provides the necessary vitamins and nutrients for endurance, performance, and energy. Researchers were intrigued as athletes in a wide range of sports announced they were following vegan diets to boost performance. Professional athletes who have gone public about going vegan, at least during training, include tennis superstars Venus and Serena Williams, several members of pro football's Tennessee Titans, arm wrestler Rob Bigwood and Formula One racer Lewis Hamilton.  Compared with meat-eaters, people on vegan diets consume more antioxidants: vitamin C, vitamin E, beta carotene." Onions, garlics, and leeks – members of the allium vegetable group – also have antioxidant properties.

Patrik Baboumian is the world's strongest man, and he is vegan.

Clearly Veg

 

Why are so many athletes following plant-based diets? Reducing the amount of meat you consume could actually help your overall health goals  Andre Patton, a wide receiver who plays in the NFL, has said that he feels the difference from eating a vegan diet, and that he wakes up in the morning more energetic and ready to go.  American tennis legend Venus Williams eats a vegan diet to reduce fatigue and joint pain. Patrick Baboumian -- who once carried the heaviest weight ever recorded -- has said that he has lowered his blood pressure and increased his recovery time by avoiding all animal products. Tom Brady reportedly eats a diet that's 80% plant-based. Everywhere you turn, there seem to be more and more elite athletes going vegan, or at least vegetarian.

 

Harvard Medical School says that a vegan diet reduces heart-damaging inflammation, and a meta-analysis of various studies concluded that vegetarian diets are helpful in managing long-term inflammation. Multiple other outlets have echoed the same thing -- eating more plants and less animal products will help lower your inflammation.  Medical researchers are thinking more and more about inflammation as a root cause of a lot of our ailments. Inflammation is a necessary immune response.

On a day-to-day level, inflammation can cause swollen and painful joints, chronic bloating and fatigue -- three things that would make any athlete's performance suffer. Therefore, it makes perfect sense why so many people say they feel better when they switch to a more plant-based diet.  By simply combining two sources of plant protein -- like beans and rice -- will also give you all the amino acids you need.  Glycogen is essentially the fuel your muscles use to perform, and more readily available fuel means a higher energy output. So, a higher intake of healthy carbohydrates allows athletes to perform at high intensity levels. A plant-based diet filled with whole grains, fruits and vegetables typically gives people the fuel they need when exercising.  If a plant-based diet is something you have been considering, now is the time to try it for yourself and discover how much energy you’ve been missing.  Please comment below

Friends of the Pacific Electric Trail

-Victoria Jones Friend of the Pacific Electric Trail

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THE GREAT AMERICAN BIKE BOOM

 

Friends of the Pacific Electric Trail 

The popularity of cycling has grown expediently recently during the covid-19 pandemic.  With new cases still climbing, businesses struggling to stay afloat, and schools are weighing the risks of reopening, more and more of us are turning to our bicycles for a convenient way to commute and still abide by safe distancing.  Bike sales have skyrocketed with back orders upwards of 3 months.  Bike repair has also increased over 200% for those who want to tune up their old bikes and take them for a ride.  Retailers and businesses that include amenities for the cyclists by offering additional bike parking, will benefit in the long run.  When a shopping destination converts just one auto parking stall into a “Bike Parking Hub”, it can fit up to 10 bikes which translates to 10 more shoppers or restaurant guests.

 

According to the League of American Bicyclists, during the recent bike boom, roadways have become more dangerous for all road users.  The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that the number of pedestrians killed annually in motor vehicle crashes in the US has increased from about 4,400 in 2008 to almost 6,300 in 2018, a roughly 43 percent increase with bicycle fatalities climbing more than 6% in the past year alone.

 

 

TOP BICYCLE FRIENDLY CITIES BICYCLE ORDINANCES NATIONWIDE

According to GROUND CONTROL SYSTEMS

 

DAVIS, CA  Platinum Level Bicycle Friendly Community.  Staff has thoroughly investigated bicycle parking standards and have examined standards from several peer cities, including some European cities, Cal Green, and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED).  PORTLAND, OR  Platinum Level Bicycle Friendly Community.  Bicycle parking is required for most use categories to encourage the use of bicycles by providing safe and convenient places to park bicycles. These regulations ensure adequate short and long-term bicycle parking based on the demand generated by the different use categories and on the level of security necessary to encourage the use of bicycles for short and long stays. MADISON, WI  Platinum Level Bicycle Friendly Community. On March 1, 1988, the Madison Common Council passed an ordinance requiring the provision of off-street bicycle parking for new developments, expansion of existing developments, and changes in use that would require additional parking.  CAMBRIDGE, MA  Gold Level Bicycle Friendly Community.  For new development and redevelopment projects, bicycle parking must be provided in accordance with zoning requirements. Locations and types of bike parking must be shown in building site plans and approved by the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department and the Community Development Department. Ensure that your bike racks are approved and well-used by following these guidelines

 

CORVALLIS, OR  Gold Level Bicycle Friendly Community. Bicycle use, particularly commuter use, is greatly influenced by availability of bicycle parking. Bicyclists need safe, well-lighted, dry, and convenient storage for their bicycles after arriving at their destination. EUGENE, OR Gold Level Bicycle Friendly Community. The City of Eugene is interested in the effectiveness of its bicycle parking standards, particularly as they relate to development in the Downtown area. The City of Eugene contracted with the University of Oregon’s Community Planning Workshop (CPW) to assess bicycle parking standards.  MINNEAPOLIS,MN  Gold Level Bicycle Friendly Community. Minneapolis is a popular city for bicycling, with an estimated 4.3% of commute trips made by bicycle in 2008 (U.S. Census Bureau). Having good places to lock bicycles is a key part of the bicycle transportation network, and Minneapolis is working toward providing more and better bike parking throughout the city. SEATTLE, WA  Gold Level Bicycle Friendly Community.  The requirements for Downtown Seattle are contained in the Seattle Municipal Code, and the requirements for areas outside of Downtown are included in the Land Use Code. The Plan recommends updating these requirements to provide additional bicycle parking spaces

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SAN FRANCISCO, CA Gold Level Bicycle Friendly Community. Provide parking facilities which are safe, secure, and convenient. 24 Bicycle parking facilities must provide reliable security, adequate bicycle support, 25 11 safety, and must be conveniently located. SANTA CRUZ, CA Gold Level Bicycle Friendly Community.  Bicycle parking facilities shall be provided for any new building, addition or enlargement of an existing building, or for any change in the occupancy of any new building that results in the need for additional auto parking facilities consistent with the parking variations allowed. AUSTIN, TX Silver Level Bicycle Friendly Community. Bicycle parking is an integral part of comprehensive bicycle planning. It is not enough to develop and maintain a bicycle-friendly road system. People cannot be expected to use their bicycles for transportation unless secure bicycle parking facilities exist at their destinations, not dissimilar to the motor vehicle system.  BURLINGTON, VT Silver Level Bicycle Friendly Community. Bicycle parking is required for most use categories to encourage the use of bicycles by providing safe and convenient places to park bicycles. These regulations ensure adequate bicycle parking based on the demand generated by the different use categories and the level of security necessary to encourage the use of bicycles for short and long stays.  CHICAGO, IL Silver Level Bicycle Friendly Community. Providing convenient, secure places to park is an inexpensive and effective way to encourage bicycling.

 

NEW YORK, NY Silver Level Bicycle Friendly Community. DOT’s City Racks provide free sidewalk bicycle parking racks throughout the five boroughs. Also, the availability of City Racks parking discourages cyclists from parking at mailboxes, parking meters, trees, and other sidewalk structures. SANTA MONICA, CA Silver Level Bicycle Friendly Community. The recommended number of bicycle parking spaces and amenities to be considered for adoption into the City’s Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance. WASHINGTON, DC Silver Level Bicycle Friendly Community  Bicycle parking spaces shall be provided for office, retail and service uses, except for retail and service uses in the C-3-C (Medium Density Office, Retail, and Housing), C-4 (Central Business District), and C-5 (Pennsylvania Avenue) (PAD) districts  LOS ANGELES, CA Bronze Level Bicycle Friendly Community. The Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals (APBP) publishes a guide titled Bicycle Parking Guidelines, 2nd Edition (2010). This is an excellent resource for planners, architects, and developers who are interested in providing quality bicycle parking. The APBP guide provides examples of preferred bicycle parking facilities and provides guidance for setting ratios for bicycle parking ordinances. PITTSBURGH, PA Bronze Level Bicycle Friendly Community Parking and Loading Access, to provide for and to incentivize bicycle parking in an effort to  reduce car-related congestion in the City by promoting bicycle commuting and by requiring  the provision of adequate and safe facilities for the storage of bicycles.

 

What does a post COVID-19 recovery plan look like?  It must include adding bike parking for restaurants and businesses who want to capture more customers.  Now, more than ever, is the time to flex those advocacy muscles to speak out on behalf of cyclists and pedestrian safety.  Reach out, speak out, write about it, talk with your city planners about including safe transportation and parking for cyclists.  Ask your favorite business owner about adding bicycle parking so that on your next visit, you can arrive at a bike with your family or friends.  Let your voice be heard by reaching to your city and county official about what you want to see in the plan to emerge successfully from the COVID-19 pandemic.  The important things going on in your community today are a direct result of someone else speaking up yesterday.  The squeaky wheel gets the oil. Become a  friend of the Pacific Electric Trail by becoming  a guest author of a future blog article by submitting your article to Victoria.Jones@petrail.org

 

Friends of the Pacific Electric Trail

-Victoria Jones Friend of the Pacific Electric Trail

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LOCAL STORYTELLERS

Friends of the Pacific Electric Trail

In last week's Blog, we reached out to our community to submit their suggestions of our local history and help us tell our story.  Come to find out, there are several talented storytellers out there who had amazing memories that they still cherish and wanted to share with us.  Just as a reminder, the Friends of the Pacific Electric Trail have a goal to design, build and donate a new sign/monument at the Route 66 Trailhead that will feature key elements of our rich history in the Inland Empire. 

 

Our first story was submitted by a local resident, Joseph who has lived in the IE for over 70 years and watched the region grow by leaps and bounds.  “As a kid, I remember riding east on Foothill Blvd., with my grandpa in his old red pick-up truck on our way to Cucamonga to buy cases of Aunt Virginias favorite wine from one of the local wineries."  “I knew that when we got to the place where we drove under the train crossing, we were almost there.”  “Now that train trestle has been moved to the Route 66 Trailhead and a new pedestrian bridge occupies that space.”

 

 

Our next story was submitted by another resident in the Inland Empire, Anthony who lived here with his family since the 50’s.  “We used to hunt for jack rabbits in the wine vineyards and orange orchards that surrounded our neighborhood.”  “Seems like as far as you could see, there were miles and miles of vineyards and orchards.”

 

 

Another storyteller surprised us with her story of her uncle who worked at the Alta Loma Packing House.  Olivia lived close to Ramona St. and remembers hearing the trains roll by.  “My Uncle E.J used to be the foreman at the Alta Loma Packing house where the local farmers would deliver their fresh picked citrus for sizing, packaging and transport.”  “I remember that sweet smell of orange blossoms was the perfume of spring.”

 

 

The next interesting story was submitted by Teresa who has deep roots in this area.  “As important as it is to me and all of us to leave a record of my time on this earth or my family legacy as it were.”  “There seems to be a vacuum of information about the original inhabitants of this region that is relevant to the true origins of this land and no acknowledgement of the indigenous people who lived here before the arrival of the settlers.” “My ancestors date back thousands of years and occupied hundreds of villages in the greater LA basin, from the mountains to the Channel Islands in the Pacific Ocean and is bordered by Ventura County and the western portions of San Bernardino and Riverside counties.” “There once was an Indian village on this very site: Kuukaamonga that sustained a village with abundant hunting and year-round water from Cucamonga Creek.” “Led by Captain Juan Batista de Anza, Spanish Conquistadors arrived in this area in 1774 and were invited by the local tribe to rest at the oasis of plentiful water in thick groves of cottonwoods, willow and giant sycamore trees.”  The name is attributed to the relatively friendly and numerous bears that shared the area with the Indians.” The Spanish called this location Arroyo Los Osos, which later became known as Bear Gulch and is now the site of this trailhead.” The nearby Sycamore Inn, (originally named the Mountain View Inn was a Butterfield Stagecoach stopover on the Santa Fe Trail leading into Los Angeles.  In 1864, President Abraham Lincoln granted the Butterfield Stagecoach stop an official Post Office.”  “I would really like our Indigenous story told as part of this proposed new sign in the monument at the Route 66 Trailhead.” Generations of descendants from these tribes still live in and around southern California and this story is a significant part of our history to be preserved for generations.”

 

 

 

Our last story was submitted by Elizabeth who has fond memories of the nearby John Rains Museum, which is just around the corner on Vineyard Ave.  “Our family has a holiday tradition of visiting the John Rains Museum during the Christmas season to experience the wonder of what life was like over a hundred years ago.” “Our grandchildren still remember the way the house was decorated and how people dressed during that era.”

 

Thank you all for sharing some of your favorite memories with us and for helping the Friends of the Pacific Electric Trail tell the rich story of our corner of the Inland Empire.  If these stories inspired you to contribute to this project, it is not too late to submit your story.  Thanks in advance for your collaboration, please email your story to: Victoria.Jones@petrail.org.

 

Friends of the Pacific Electric Trail

-Victoria Jones Friend of the Pacific Electric Trail

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