Urban Decay ....

This morning my husband and I had to head east into the "Inland Empire" specifically San Bernardino. At one time in the mid 1800's this city was a vibrant jewel in the Southern California desert. Nestled at the foot of the picturesque Cleveland National Forest San Bernardino quickly grew into the largest city in California. This city WAS the Empire of the desert, long before Los Angeles gained fame San Bernardino was rapidly growing. Rich in citrus crops, the Santa Fe Railroad would develop the largest railroad hub on the entire west coast.

In this early 1900's photo you can see how this city sprawled far and wide into the Inland Empire.

The stately Santa Fe Railroad station ... I can only imagine all the beautiful people who traveled through these doors on their way to fame and fortune or perhaps heartbreak and despair. 

 Before Railroads, houses and citrus crops the Mormons came into this fertile valley from Utah seeking shelter. On the actual site of the current San Bernardino Court House is posted a landmark marker of the Mormon Stockade built in 1831 to protect themselves from the local Indian Tribes.

 Along with the progress of trains came the automobile and Route 66. This historic highway was at one time the only route that actually connected the entire United States from coast to coast and it ran directly through the heart on San Bernardino. And what did every traveler need? Yep, food. The very first McDonald's restaurant would open it's doors on historic route 66.

  

15 cent burgers could be bought right here! Now a local museum ...

Another jewel the Grand California theater welcomed movie goers into her elaborate lobby.

Sadly, the founding fathers are all long gone and this one time jewel of the valley has fallen into what we now call "urban blight." 

I had heard people talk about it, the news reported that the city was bankrupt but it wasn't until today when Joe and I went deep into the city did I realize how sad the city had actually become. 

The museum has fallen into decay and has closed ....

Beautiful historic buildings are abandoned, windows broken and stand alone and neglected.

Street after street of decayed buildings have been torn down and empty lots reveal more crumbling buildings with boarded up windows.

 

Even newer buildings are vacant, landscaping left unattended ...

 And the once beautiful palm tree lined route 66 bares witness to a bygone era ...

 The homeless wander the streets, pushing their shopping carts filled with their belongings and finding shelter clustered in trees.

As my husband drove out of the city I blinked back the tears welling in my eyes and began to think about the State of the Union address delivered on Tuesday night by President Obama. He proudly reported "We are on the road to recovery, unemployment is down, health care is now available for everyone and our communities are thriving ....

Mr. Obama, come and see our jewel of the Inland Empire and explain to me how she is thriving ....