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Caltrans to Open I-5 at Buttonwillow Before Memorial Day Weekend

Webmaster — Sun, 20 May 2012 22:56:38 +0000

This is temporary, as construction will resume in mid-June and one lane will be closed each way through the summer. Q We were returning from a trip to Los Angeles and on the way down the Grapevine on I-5 we got pulled over by a California …

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Caltrans Announces Closures For I-5

Webmaster — Sun, 20 May 2012 22:56:38 +0000

Caltrans plans to close the lanes, ramps and connector listed below as part of a $140 million improvement project to construct High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV or carpool) lanes and a direct HOV lane connector at the I-5/SR-170 interchange. Ramp closures will …

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AAA Projects 1.2 Percent Increase in Memorial Day Travel as Americans Stay Closer to Home

Webmaster — Wed, 16 May 2012 17:59:31 +0000

AAA projects 34.8 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from home during the Memorial Day holiday weekend, an increase of 1.2 percent – or 500,000 travelers – from the 34.3 million people who traveled one year ago. The Memorial Day holiday travel period is defined as Thursday, May 24 to Monday, May 28.

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California I-80 Lane Closures Ahead for Truck Scales Project

Webmaster — Wed, 16 May 2012 12:20:57 +0000

Starting Monday, crews will prepare for construction by installing safety barriers and adding temporary traffic striping along eastbound I-80 between the weigh station exit and the eastbound Highway 12 and eastbound I-80 interchange, according …

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California I-15 Lane Closures Planned This Week in Temecula Area

Webmaster — Wed, 02 May 2012 11:34:51 +0000

Area motorists who are out late at night may want to steer away from Interstate 15 on the south side of Temecula this week.

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Legoland: Too Many Bucks, Too Little Blocks

Webmaster — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 15:19:56 +0000

We recently visited Legoland in Carlsbad, California (just north of San Diego), and the results were a bit mixed. Kind of like nuts.

The good: It is all about Legos, which are, obviously, awesome. The bad: the rides are awful. The majority of rides are geared towards children under the age of six, because personal experience has shown that Lego-obsessed kids around 8-years-old were barely able to hold back a yawn. Sure, it’s great that the younger kids have fun — it’s for them, I get it, but there should be something for kids of other ages, not to mention an occasional block thrown to the adults.

The good: The park itself is quite beautiful. Most of the walkways are wide and clean, and the landscaping is lush and pleasant. The bad: The lines are really long and do not have any sort of theme or interactive components that might keep kids occupied or entertained.

The good: The food served is pretty tasty by theme park standards. The bad: The food is expensive, which is to be expected, but the admission is really expensive — it’s not much cheaper than a day at Disneyland, and it offers about a tenth (if that) of the experience.

The good: It’s close to the ocean. The bad: You actually need to have something else to do, because there isn’t enough to do in the park to last a full day, and even if there was Legoland closes on most days before the sun sets (that includes stores and dining, when they say they’re closed they aren’t messing around).

The good: The Star Wars exhibit is really cool. The bad: It’s basically a museum of things to look at, which would be fine IN A MUSEUM. It’s a theme park about Legos featuring Star Wars things created with Legos, offer something for kids to do that combines the two. Peanut butter and chocolate, people.

We wanted to like Legoland. My wife and I love the San Diego area. Our whole family loves Legos — seriously, there are an embarrassing amount of Legos in our house. We had a fun time at Legoland, but that was despite the park, not because of it. We were on vacation and we made the most of it. Also, we wouldn’t talk bad about something that the kids were enjoying, however, even they noticed the park’s many shortcomings, and when we asked them if they were ready to leave they didn’t hesitate to say “yes.” That’s never a good sign.

Photo: W. Honea

Disneyland’s Pirate Island is Swashbuckelin’ Fun

Webmaster — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 15:19:56 +0000

Just across from New Orleans Square in Disneyland is an island that be circled by ship and canoe, or reached via ferry. It used to be all about Tom Sawyer, but now it is about Tom Sawyer and his encounter with the pirates. There are caves to explore, treasure to plunder, and interactive skeleton fun (don’t worry, not your skeleton).

It’s a great place to let kids run wild and burn off some energy — just make sure you have a place to meet should you become separated, and understand that there is only one way on and off of the island.

Have fun!

This post is part of the Uptake Family Friday Series.

Photo: Whit Honea

Caltrans Announces Closures For Carpool Lane Construction On I-5, 118, 170

Webmaster — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 10:54:29 +0000

Caltrans plans to close the lanes, ramps and connectors listed below as part of a $140 million improvement project to construct High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV or carpool) lanes and a direct HOV lane connector at the I-5/SR-170 interchange. Ramp closures will …

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Expect Delays on California I-5 Through August

Webmaster — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 12:01:28 +0000

Caltrans says paving job will close one lane each way, advises drivers to take Highway 99 or Highway 101.

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California I-5 Closures Begin Wednesday Night

Webmaster — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 11:54:47 +0000

Overnight I-5 closures begin Wednesday as construction crews work on adding new lanes between Valley View Avenue and Carmenita Road in La Mirada and Santa Fe Springs. The southbound and northbound closures will be in effect between 11:59 p.m. and 4 a.m. on …

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Coming Soon: A Wider I-5 Freeway

Webmaster — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 12:29:23 +0000

A groundbreaking ceremony in Santa Fe Springs marked the beginning of the second phase to widen a major congestion zone of I-5 from Orange County to the 605.

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California I-10 Construction Back On For Next Week

Webmaster — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 19:17:31 +0000

INDIO — Interstate 10 will close in both directions between Jefferson and Monroe streets next week after all. The closure from 11 p.m. Monday to 5 a.m. Tuesday is to install a utility pole and power lines. Drivers were warned Tuesday afternoon …

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Disneyland Birthday Party!

Webmaster — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 02:56:43 +0000

Little boys and birthdays are full of fun and cake. That’s a fact. Nowhere is this more evident than a Disneyland birthday celebration at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California. Seriously, go there and see for yourself if you don’t believe me. There is cake everywhere.

We took our now 6-year-old bundle of joy and adrenaline to a Disney character breakfast at Storytellers Cafe in Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel. The hotel is awe-inspiring. The breakfast was fantastic. I love it when that happens.

We bought the buffet, which was fresh, amply stocked, and moved along quickly (unless you waited for a personal omelet, but that’s all you). The buffet was just under $24 per person for adults and slightly under $12 for kids. Smaller kids (0-2) are free.

The breakfast was hosted by Chip and Dale, of Chip and Dale fame, and with some of their other Disney animal friends they visited each table in turn and spent a good amount of time with each child (and adults, too).

Then came singing and cake (an optional addition for $15.99 of a pirate treasure chest or princess-themed box filled with said cake), and the smiles were worth every penny. And then some.

We went into Disneyland full and happy, first stop was Town Hall on Main Street, U.S.A. for free birthday buttons and a character phone call, then it was into the magic and the memories made there.

My son said it was the best birthday ever. I am inclined to believe him.

There is a character breakfast in each of the Disneyland Resort Hotels and one in each park (Disneyland, Disney’s California Adventure). Reservations are recommended (call (714) 781-DINE or (714) 781-3463). If you are celebrating a special occasion let the host or server know.

Speaking of special occasions, Town Hall has buttons for everything — anniversaries, first visit, birthdays, button wearers… you name it!

We paid for our own stay on Disney property, park ticket admission, and buffet. Disney was kind enough to provide the birthday pirate chest for the purpose of this review. Opinions are my own (and everyone that was with us).

Photo by W. Honea

California I-15 Exit in Victorville Construction

Webmaster — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 14:16:18 +0000

The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of highlandnews.net.

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Caltrans Seeking to Finish Massive I-5 Corridor Project Early

Webmaster — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 14:15:55 +0000

commuter traffic moves slowly on the I-5 through Burbank in 2011. ( Raul Roa/Staff photographer ) State transportation officials say they are offering contractors millions of dollars in incentives to finish a massive construction project along the Golden State (5) Freeway ahead of schedule.

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More Bay Area Express Lanes to Offer Toll Access

Webmaster — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 19:15:15 +0000

Eastbound and westbound express lanes on Interstate 580 in Pleasanton and Livermore are under construction and scheduled to open … the westbound approach to the Bay Bridge toll plaza on I-80, 580 and 880; the Highway 92 westbound San Mateo …

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Traffic Relief Only Weeks Away at California I-5 El Toro Exit

Webmaster — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 18:40:08 +0000

LAGUNA HILLS – Been waiting for that new lane to open on Avenida de la Carlota off the southbound exit ramp from the I-5?It should only be about three more weeks before the project is finished, said Ken Rosenfield, city engineer and director of public services. The holdup has been traffic signal…

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Groovy Brews In The City By The Bay

Webmaster — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 18:50:18 +0000

A trip last year to San Francisco for the Craft Brewers Conference gave me an opportunity to explore the city’s bustling craft beer scene and I took full advantage of it. Meeting many of the brewers from the area gave me new places to check out. Stopping by the famed Anchor Brewing Co, as well as hidden gem Beach Chalet, was phenomenal.

When most folks think of San Francisco, they get visions of the Golden Gate Bridge, the Grateful Dead, Alcatraz Island, riding the trolley into Fisherman’s Wharf and the smoke filled hippie days of the late 1960?s. Smack dab in the middle of these wonders of the West Coast, in San Francisco’s famed Haight-Ashbury district, sits Magnolia Pub and Brewery.

Photo Courtesy of iNeTours

After a day of walking around Fisherman’s Wharf and strolling through Golden Gate park, it was time for a quick visit at Magnolia before the evening events related to the Craft Brewers Conference. I stopped in with a couple of friends and quickly found a seat at the bar. After ordering their Robust Porter named after American songwriter, Cole Porter, we had the chance to take in the atmosphere. Magnolia’s decor will strike you as a mixture of a neighborhood pizza parlor and the psychedelic vibes of the Grateful Dead. Deep mahogany colored tables, benches and walls make up most of the place, with plenty of murals doused in psychedelic colors. Peeking out from the kitchen area I could even see the brewing equipment. The decor was not as surprising when I found out that the Dead were, founder and Brewmaster Dave McLean’s, favorite band. In fact, McLean credits his intro to craft beer to the times he tried it at Dead concerts.

Although food wasn’t in the cards for us that day, I had noticed the extensive lunch and dinner menus available. Regret is what I felt once we left for not having tried their Grilled Goat Cheese Sandwich, or their Short Rib French Dip, for everyone I noticed seemed to be tripping on the flavors of the food they’d ordered.

Look at those taps!

Although it was quite crowded while we were there, you wouldn’t have known if it ever fazed any of the wait staff or bartenders. The servers were whizzing in and out of the kitchen bringing in orders and taking them out, while the bartenders expertly poured every beer, both without missing a beat. My only regret was not bring able to talk with McLean, or Head Brewer Ben Spencer, to thank them for the tasty brews and the great atmosphere in which to enjoy them.

A trip back to San Francisco is definitely in the future.

New I-15 Express Lanes in California Shave 5 Minutes Off Commute

Webmaster — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 13:58:41 +0000

The average rush hour commute on I-15's regular lanes (those open to all drivers) dropped by five minutes from Escondido to Mira Mesa after the January opening of new car-pool lanes, said Gustavo Dallarda, I-15 corridor director for the California Department of Transportation.

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Cal Oaks Road at California I-15 Scheduled for Overnight Closure

Webmaster — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 14:11:20 +0000

Removing the temporary structures means the bridge widening portion of the project is complete, Napier said, and that the next phase of construction is set to begin. Once complete, there will be new loop onramps at the interchange and Cal Oaks Road and an …

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I-5 Drivers In California Face Construction Slowdowns Beginning Today

Webmaster — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 14:10:55 +0000

STOCKTON – Efforts to improve Interstate 5 are expected to cause traffic delays today and overnight Friday into early Saturday morning.

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California I-5 Drivers Face Construction Slowdowns Beginning Today

Webmaster — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 14:42:09 +0000

STOCKTON – Efforts to improve Interstate 5 are expected to cause traffic delays today and overnight Friday into early Saturday morning.

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Valentine’s Day Family Getaways

Webmaster — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 12:46:57 +0000

Of Mice and Moments

Sure, Valentine’s Day is more about romance of the couples variety — and it’s on a Tuesday, but that doesn’t mean you can’t use the excuse of a candy-filled holiday to take a mini-vacation. Am I right?

Personally, I’m a fan of the family theme park outing. Disneyland and Walt Disney World (dinner at Victoria and Albert’s, anyone?) always have something up their, um, glove(?) for Valentine’s Day, which means fun for the whole family. What? Disney is totally romantic.

If theme parks aren’t your thing how about a cabin stay in one of our many state and national parks? It may be brisk out, but a few hours of hiking or mountain biking will warm up the family in no time.

Of course, there is always the option of getting a babysitter and, hopefully, a reservation at some restaurant with a special holiday menu (see, pricy) and being one more sucker in a suit — don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing wrong with that, but why wait until Valentine’s Day to do it? Go out on any Tuesday, it will be less crowded and a lot more meaningful. Spend Valentine’s Day with the entire family, that’s the love, people.

Photo by W. Honea

Stockton Road Work Would Ease Congestion On California I-5

Webmaster — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 14:46:59 +0000

On a busy day, more than 130,000 drivers will use Interstate 5 in Stockton. In the works now are about $200 million worth of overlapping projects to relieve traffic congestion, build smoother pavement or otherwise improve the major thoroughfare between south Stockton and the Sacramento County line.

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Go West, Harry Potter

Webmaster — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 19:25:06 +0000

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, the enormously popular and magical addition to Orlando’s Universal Studios Resort, is coming to Universal Studios Hollywood in Los Angeles, California. It’s like Manifest Destiny for wizards and the muggles that love them (you know who you are).

Don’t worry, Florida, your version of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is going to be significantly expanded. It is unclear if the new Hollywood version will include the pending Orlando expansions.
From the good people at Universal Studios:

“The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood will be as impressive as what has been created in Orlando – and is expected to transform tourism in Los Angeles for decades to come. It will be a fully immersive environment for the entire family that brings the stories of Harry Potter to life and is faithful to the visual landscape of the films, including a majestic Hogwarts castle to serve as the centerpiece of the themed environment. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood will be created with the same commitment to authenticity and the same level of talent and resources as its Orlando counterpart.”

From the good person that created Harry Potter, author J.K. Rowling:

“I am delighted that The Wizarding World of Harry Potter has been so popular with fans since the opening in Orlando last year and I am sure that the teams at Universal and Warner Bros. will bring their expertise and attention to detail to Hollywood to make this new experience equally as exciting.”

I’m pretty excited about the news. I haven’t been to the Orlando version (there’s a story there), but I live in L.A. and that increases my chances of visiting by about a billion percent (give or take).

Now who do I talk to about getting a Hollywood version of the Spider Man ride?

Have you been to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter? What do you think?

Photo Credit: Kevin Kolczynski, Universal Orlando Resort