>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.

..along with pretty much every other city in the USA - we've more mass shootings this year than days in the year so far! Pretty sad. I've been to San Bernardino- it's a nice town I hope tit doesn't get stuck with a bad rap for this mess.