In its heyday, before the advent of the interstates, historic US 66 ran from Chicago to LA, passing through the plain states and the desert before arriving at the blue pacific.

A young GI returning from a combat area was assigned to a station in Victorville, Ca, in the middle of the Mojave desert. Route 66 passed through Victorville, almost midway between what was then a blooming desert oasis called Las Vegas and Los Angeles.

The GI and his hormone-surging buddies with weekend passes sought adventure and young ladies by hitch-hiking on route 66 south over the Cajon pass to the nearest city, San Bernardino.

San Bernardino (we called it San Berdoo) was a gorgeous city.
Immaculate white mission-style buildings were widely spaced along streets lined with orange trees.
The women, like the city, were beautiful and friendly.
We couldn't wait to get there and returned grudgingly to the base.
The jazz was awesome. I saw Earl Bostic and Illinois Jaquet at concerts there.
That GI has wonderful memories of that city, as do all the GI's of that era who happened to pass through.

The interstate that replaced 66 bypassed San Berdoo.
The city has changed a lot since then.
It's not as affluent but its natural charm remains.

If you pass by on the interstate head into San Berdoo and spend some time with the people there.

The city needs a boost after the recent episode.