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[agentsteel53]

I think Sacramento gets some preference as it is the state capital. 

Don't ask me about Indio; it is signed as a control city from places as seemingly random as I-15 northbound to CA-79 southbound (!) in Temecula, which is about as unintuitive a way as can be imagined to get from Point A to Point B - unless one has a map and can see that, there, 79 south heads almost due east, and from there 74 takes off and heads similarly east as well.

but why Indio?  it's not that important of a city.

[myosh_tino]

And yet on I-5 northbound, Portland was listed as a control city as far south as Red Bluff at the CA-36 interchange, a good 150 miles south of the California-Oregon border.  I said "was" because that particular sign bridge was removed and replaced with a new structure that does not include an I-5 pull through.  According to what I've seen in the AARoads Gallery, the next I-5 pull through is at the CA-89 junction north of Mt. Shasta at which point, the only control city shown is Portland.

Reno does not appear as an I-80 control city until just outside of Sacramento a good 120 miles west of the California-Nevada border.  If Caltrans wanted to "stay local", they could have used Auburn and Truckee as control cities for I-80.

[CenVlyDave]

Local control cities seem to be preferred for some routes (i.e. why 60 is not signed for Indio until Riverside) - CalTrans practice tends to emphasize the nearest major destination first, before any longer-distance ones.  (i.e. Route 85 is signed for primarily Gilroy, not Los Angeles, southbound)

Only exception to this is the usage of Sacramento for 405 and 170.

Sacramento is seen on 210 as well for similar reasons.  

California has a special aversion to out-of-state destinations (Blythe or "other desert cities" before Phoenix, despite Blythe having no appreciable population, certainly not anything giving rise to a need to sign it from 200 miles away) and as for international destinations, I can think of some distance signs for Ensenada and San Felipe, but as for an actual control city... Caltrans would rather leave it blank, as in the case of 805 southbound, which could certainly be signed Tijuana, BC.

A couple other exceptions I can think of...

I-15 at the I-40 split is NB control city "Las Vegas", as well as the CA-58 interchange 3 Miles South.  I also recall I-80 in the Sacramento area is EB control city "Reno".  Both cities are in NV.  IIRC, NB 5 has a control city of "Portland" at the CA-44 Jct in Redding too.

[myosh_tino]

A couple other exceptions I can think of...

I-15 at the I-40 split is NB control city "Las Vegas", as well as the CA-58 interchange 3 Miles South.  I also recall I-80 in the Sacramento area is EB control city "Reno".  Both cities are in NV.  IIRC, NB 5 has a control city of "Portland" at the CA-44 Jct in Redding too.

I-15 northbound in Barstow is not really an "exception" due to the fact there are no cities left in California along I-15 after Barstow.  I guess Caltrans could have given I-15 the "silent treatment" like I-805 but Las Vegas is such a major destination for Californians, leaving it off would do more harm than good.  With regards to I-80 in and around Sacramento, they could have used Auburn or Truckee.  Maybe Caltrans has a if-you-have-casinos-then-you-get-listed-on-guide-signs policy. 

[agentsteel53]

  Maybe Caltrans has a if-you-have-casinos-then-you-get-listed-on-guide-signs policy. 

I'm trying to remember where Phoenix is first signed on I-10, but it is, I believe, just after the "other Desert Cities" cluster around Indio.  So, maybe 150 miles from the Arizona state line?

I'll be heading out that way tomorrow, so hopefully I'll remember to keep an eye out.

[Interstate Trav]

Local control cities seem to be preferred for some routes (i.e. why 60 is not signed for Indio until Riverside) - CalTrans practice tends to emphasize the nearest major destination first, before any longer-distance ones.  (i.e. Route 85 is signed for primarily Gilroy, not Los Angeles, southbound)

Only exception to this is the usage of Sacramento for 405 and 170.

Sacramento is seen on 210 as well for similar reasons. 

California has a special aversion to out-of-state destinations (Blythe or "other desert cities" before Phoenix, despite Blythe having no appreciable population, certainly not anything giving rise to a need to sign it from 200 miles away) and as for international destinations, I can think of some distance signs for Ensenada and San Felipe, but as for an actual control city... Caltrans would rather leave it blank, as in the case of 805 southbound, which could certainly be signed Tijuana, BC.

That's what I mean, is Sacramento is signed on 210 Westbound on Mileage signs atleast and that's for I-5 north, yet East bound 210 isn't signed for the next major city along it's parent route I-10 where it is headed.

Also I think in regards to control cities, in California they base it on traffic counts and suburbs.  That's why on CA 14 north Palmdale and Lancaster are listed or Pomona on Ca 60.  I think on the 60 it's because of it being the Pomona freeway and that most traffic headed out of Downtown Los Angeles seems to not be headed to Arizona. 

One thing to note though is Indio does show up on CA 60 east, so why not have Indio on 210 East in San Bernardino.

Interesting difference between Los Angeles and San Diego control points.

Los Angeles

I-10 East, San Bernardino
I-5 North, Sacramento (only far city)
I-5 South, Santa Ana
US-101 North, Hollywood/Ventura (probably to avoid people using 101 to San Francisco)
CA-60 East, Pomona

San Diego

I-5 North, Los Angeles
I-15 North, Riverside
I-8 East, El Centro (Yuma is mentioned on a couple mileage signs)
I-805 North, Los Angeles

[Interstate Trav]

I think Sacramento gets some preference as it is the state capital. 

Don't ask me about Indio; it is signed as a control city from places as seemingly random as I-15 northbound to CA-79 southbound (!) in Temecula, which is about as unintuitive a way as can be imagined to get from Point A to Point B - unless one has a map and can see that, there, 79 south heads almost due east, and from there 74 takes off and heads similarly east as well.

but why Indio?  it's not that important of a city.

I think Indio gets some mention as it was the original US 99/60/70 split, and the Route to Yuma from Los Angeles, and is an important City to the Coachella Valley.
Post Merge: December 31, 1969, 06:59:59 PM

Local control cities seem to be preferred for some routes (i.e. why 60 is not signed for Indio until Riverside) - CalTrans practice tends to emphasize the nearest major destination first, before any longer-distance ones.  (i.e. Route 85 is signed for primarily Gilroy, not Los Angeles, southbound)

Only exception to this is the usage of Sacramento for 405 and 170.

Sacramento is seen on 210 as well for similar reasons. 

California has a special aversion to out-of-state destinations (Blythe or "other desert cities" before Phoenix, despite Blythe having no appreciable population, certainly not anything giving rise to a need to sign it from 200 miles away) and as for international destinations, I can think of some distance signs for Ensenada and San Felipe, but as for an actual control city... Caltrans would rather leave it blank, as in the case of 805 southbound, which could certainly be signed Tijuana, BC.

A couple other exceptions I can think of...

I-15 at the I-40 split is NB control city "Las Vegas", as well as the CA-58 interchange 3 Miles South.  I also recall I-80 in the Sacramento area is EB control city "Reno".  Both cities are in NV.  IIRC, NB 5 has a control city of "Portland" at the CA-44 Jct in Redding too.

Doesn't Portland get mentioned before Sacramento on I-5 north?

Also Las Vegas is mention on mileage signs all the way through the Cajon pass on the 15, and even in San Bernardino on the 215 after the 215/210 jct.  Caltrans does sign cities pretty well. 
Post Merge: April 28, 2012, 11:11:12 PM

  Maybe Caltrans has a if-you-have-casinos-then-you-get-listed-on-guide-signs policy. 

I'm trying to remember where Phoenix is first signed on I-10, but it is, I believe, just after the "other Desert Cities" cluster around Indio.  So, maybe 150 miles from the Arizona state line?

I'll be heading out that way tomorrow, so hopefully I'll remember to keep an eye out.

I know exactly where it get's listed, first on a Mileage signs right after Monterey Ave in Palm Desert, then on an overhead sign at Indio Blvd.

[agentsteel53]

thanks for the info on I-10 and Phoenix!

Doesn't Portland get mentioned before Sacramento on I-5 north?

nope.  the southernmost mention of Sacramento is at the East LA Interchange, and the first mileage sign for it is, if I recall correctly, somewhere around Burbank.  If not, probably by the Grapevine and definitely just north of the 5/99 split.

as for Portland, there used to be a 600+ mile sign for it near CA-12 in Stockton, but that is gone.  I believe the first mention of it is just north of Sacramento on a mileage sign, while the first use as a control city is likely the CA-89 junction as mentioned by myosh_tino.  Redding is the intermediate control city north of Sacramento.

[CenVlyDave]

Local control cities seem to be preferred for some routes (i.e. why 60 is not signed for Indio until Riverside) - CalTrans practice tends to emphasize the nearest major destination first, before any longer-distance ones.  (i.e. Route 85 is signed for primarily Gilroy, not Los Angeles, southbound)

Only exception to this is the usage of Sacramento for 405 and 170.

Sacramento is seen on 210 as well for similar reasons. 

California has a special aversion to out-of-state destinations (Blythe or "other desert cities" before Phoenix, despite Blythe having no appreciable population, certainly not anything giving rise to a need to sign it from 200 miles away) and as for international destinations, I can think of some distance signs for Ensenada and San Felipe, but as for an actual control city... Caltrans would rather leave it blank, as in the case of 805 southbound, which could certainly be signed Tijuana, BC.

A couple other exceptions I can think of...

I-15 at the I-40 split is NB control city "Las Vegas", as well as the CA-58 interchange 3 Miles South.  I also recall I-80 in the Sacramento area is EB control city "Reno".  Both cities are in NV.  IIRC, NB 5 has a control city of "Portland" at the CA-44 Jct in Redding too.

Doesn't Portland get mentioned before Sacramento on I-5 north?

Also Las Vegas is mention on mileage signs all the way through the Cajon pass on the 15, and even in San Bernardino on the 215 after the 215/210 jct.  Caltrans does sign cities pretty well. 

I was thinking of Control City Mention mainly, but you are right on the mileage signs.  I am even thinking that the first mention of Las Vegas is possibly onsome signage on NB I-15 as it is approaching the split with I-215 in Temecula/Murrietta.  Anyone else remember this?

[Bickendan]

A couple other exceptions I can think of...

I-15 at the I-40 split is NB control city "Las Vegas", as well as the CA-58 interchange 3 Miles South.  I also recall I-80 in the Sacramento area is EB control city "Reno".  Both cities are in NV.  IIRC, NB 5 has a control city of "Portland" at the CA-44 Jct in Redding too.

I-15 northbound in Barstow is not really an "exception" due to the fact there are no cities left in California along I-15 after Barstow.

There's Baker... could qualify, as it does have an I-15 Business Loop... 

[agentsteel53]

I was thinking of Control City Mention mainly, but you are right on the mileage signs.  I am even thinking that the first mention of Las Vegas is possibly onsome signage on NB I-15 as it is approaching the split with I-215 in Temecula/Murrietta.  Anyone else remember this?

that is precisely right.  it is a control city, and I am drawing a blank as to whether it is for 15 or 215.  I know 15 has Los Angeles.

I forget where the first mileage sign is, but I know both 215 and the section if 15 bypassed by it have them.

[CenVlyDave]

I was thinking of Control City Mention mainly, but you are right on the mileage signs.  I am even thinking that the first mention of Las Vegas is possibly onsome signage on NB I-15 as it is approaching the split with I-215 in Temecula/Murrietta.  Anyone else remember this?

that is precisely right.  it is a control city, and I am drawing a blank as to whether it is for 15 or 215.  I know 15 has Los Angeles.

I forget where the first mileage sign is, but I know both 215 and the section if 15 bypassed by it have them.

Ok, just did a little checking via Google street view.  The control cities for the roads at the I-15/I-215 split in Murrietta are:

I-15: Los Angeles/Corona and I-215 Riverside/San Bernardino.  Las Vegas is mentioned, but on a smaller, rual design sign on the right shoulder, I am sure there is one in the median too, but when the street view vehicle took the photo, the median sign was hit and down for the count, I think.  Anyway, the sign(s) say: Barstow/Las Vegas left lanes.  So the sign is directing all bypass/thru traffic to use I-15.  Oh, and the signs are posted in TEMECULA, so that is technically the first mention of Las Vegas on NB I-15.

[Interstate Trav]

thanks for the info on I-10 and Phoenix!

Doesn't Portland get mentioned before Sacramento on I-5 north?

nope.  the southernmost mention of Sacramento is at the East LA Interchange, and the first mileage sign for it is, if I recall correctly, somewhere around Burbank.  If not, probably by the Grapevine and definitely just north of the 5/99 split.

as for Portland, there used to be a 600+ mile sign for it near CA-12 in Stockton, but that is gone.  I believe the first mention of it is just north of Sacramento on a mileage sign, while the first use as a control city is likely the CA-89 junction as mentioned by myosh_tino.  Redding is the intermediate control city north of Sacramento.

No problem about the first Mention of Phoenix.  I live close to the "Other Desert Cities" sign, and have traveled I-10 in California a lot so I know it pretty well.

Oh I miss typed my question, I meant the sign you were talking about for Portland, the 600 plus mileage sign, I know it doesn't get mentioned in Los Angeles.  I had meant when is the first time it is even mentioned. 

Oh and your right, Sacramento is mentioned on a mileage sign on the 5 in Burbank, and on the 405 north of the 101 and on 210 west and I think even 170 North has one.

[Interstate Trav]

I was thinking of Control City Mention mainly, but you are right on the mileage signs.  I am even thinking that the first mention of Las Vegas is possibly onsome signage on NB I-15 as it is approaching the split with I-215 in Temecula/Murrietta.  Anyone else remember this?

that is precisely right.  it is a control city, and I am drawing a blank as to whether it is for 15 or 215.  I know 15 has Los Angeles.

I forget where the first mileage sign is, but I know both 215 and the section if 15 bypassed by it have them.

Ok, just did a little checking via Google street view.  The control cities for the roads at the I-15/I-215 split in Murrietta are:

I-15: Los Angeles/Corona and I-215 Riverside/San Bernardino.  Las Vegas is mentioned, but on a smaller, rual design sign on the right shoulder, I am sure there is one in the median too, but when the street view vehicle took the photo, the median sign was hit and down for the count, I think.  Anyway, the sign(s) say: Barstow/Las Vegas left lanes.  So the sign is directing all bypass/thru traffic to use I-15.  Oh, and the signs are posted in TEMECULA, so that is technically the first mention of Las Vegas on NB I-15.

That is correct, and that is the first sign for Las Vegas.  But when you pass that split, Los Angeles is only the control point for a couple of signs before Barstow takes over on mileage signs, and then is the control city on over head signs near the 91 in Corona.

Oh and on I-10 east at the I-15 jct, 15 North is signed Barstow, Las Vegas.  On the 60,91,210 it is only has Barstow listed.  So the first overhead sign for Las Vegas technically is on I-10 East at I-15 North

[Crewdawg]

I was thinking of Control City Mention mainly, but you are right on the mileage signs.  I am even thinking that the first mention of Las Vegas is possibly onsome signage on NB I-15 as it is approaching the split with I-215 in Temecula/Murrietta.  Anyone else remember this?

that is precisely right.  it is a control city, and I am drawing a blank as to whether it is for 15 or 215.  I know 15 has Los Angeles.

I forget where the first mileage sign is, but I know both 215 and the section if 15 bypassed by it have them.

Ok, just did a little checking via Google street view.  The control cities for the roads at the I-15/I-215 split in Murrietta are:

I-15: Los Angeles/Corona and I-215 Riverside/San Bernardino.  Las Vegas is mentioned, but on a smaller, rual design sign on the right shoulder, I am sure there is one in the median too, but when the street view vehicle took the photo, the median sign was hit and down for the count, I think.  Anyway, the sign(s) say: Barstow/Las Vegas left lanes.  So the sign is directing all bypass/thru traffic to use I-15.  Oh, and the signs are posted in TEMECULA, so that is technically the first mention of Las Vegas on NB I-15.

That sign dates to before NB I-15 was complete and it was quicker to use I-215 to Barstow and Las Vegas so the signs said to use the right lanes.

[bulkyorled]

  Stupid question, was the I-210 part ever just CA210? I can get a picture of these signs Glendale has, theyre the green shields but they look ancient.

[CenVlyDave]

Stupid question, was the I-210 part ever just CA210? I can get a picture of these signs Glendale has, theyre the green shields but they look ancient.

No, the current Interstate section of the 210 has always been signed as I-210 and never CA-210.  Now, prior to being I-210, the route was an extension of CA-118 from Lakeview Terrace to Pasadena.  The original route was Foothill Bl.  One of the first freeway/expressway bridges still runs parallel to I-210 Between Arroyo/Windsor and Berkshire exits accross the Arroyo Seco in front of Devil's Gate Dam.  From Pasadena east, the routing was part of US 66 along Colorado Bl, Colorado Pl, Huntington Dr, Foothill Bl, Alosta Ave, then Foothill Bl again.  Of course US 66 went all the way to San Bernadino via Foothill Bl, then turned North at Mt Vernon Ave to Cajon Bl and Cajon Pass along with US 91 and US 395.  Well, I am now way past the original 210 allignment, so I guess I better stop while I am ahead.  Sorry about getting carried away.

[bulkyorled]

  no its all very interesting really.

And I guess Glendale just was cheap with it or booboo'd on it to start with. I'll get a pic of it next time I'm out there's a lot of them actually. I noticed it today when I was coming off Honolulu, the fwy onramp off Lowell has a green shield, as it does in all the other spots.
Glendale = 

[JustDrive]

I think Sacramento gets some preference as it is the state capital. 

Don't ask me about Indio; it is signed as a control city from places as seemingly random as I-15 northbound to CA-79 southbound (!) in Temecula, which is about as unintuitive a way as can be imagined to get from Point A to Point B - unless one has a map and can see that, there, 79 south heads almost due east, and from there 74 takes off and heads similarly east as well.

but why Indio?  it's not that important of a city.

CA 79 south (east) of I-15 was once CA 71, as was CA 371, which links 79 to 74 east of Idyllwild.  Although 74 doesn't go to Indio, it connects to CA 111, which heads east towards Indio.  This is also why NB 111 at WB 74 is signed towards San Diego.

Also, as was previously explained here, Indio is where US 60 and 70 split from US 99.

[JustDrive]

no its all very interesting really.

And I guess Glendale just was cheap with it or booboo'd on it to start with. I'll get a pic of it next time I'm out there's a lot of them actually. I noticed it today when I was coming off Honolulu, the fwy onramp off Lowell has a green shield, as it does in all the other spots.
Glendale = 

I remember there being a CA 210 shield on WB Montrose Avenue at Pennsylvania.  Don't know if there's any more in Glendale.

[CenVlyDave]

no its all very interesting really.

And I guess Glendale just was cheap with it or booboo'd on it to start with. I'll get a pic of it next time I'm out there's a lot of them actually. I noticed it today when I was coming off Honolulu, the fwy onramp off Lowell has a green shield, as it does in all the other spots.
Glendale = 

I remember there being a CA 210 shield on WB Montrose Avenue at Pennsylvania.  Don't know if there's any more in Glendale.

Got any pics of the sign in question?  I would like to see it.

[JustDrive]

no its all very interesting really.

And I guess Glendale just was cheap with it or booboo'd on it to start with. I'll get a pic of it next time I'm out there's a lot of them actually. I noticed it today when I was coming off Honolulu, the fwy onramp off Lowell has a green shield, as it does in all the other spots.
Glendale = 

I remember there being a CA 210 shield on WB Montrose Avenue at Pennsylvania.  Don't know if there's any more in Glendale.

Got any pics of the sign in question?  I would like to see it.

Here you go:

http://maps.google.com/maps?q=34.221366,-118.248828&ll=34.220958,-118.248811&spn=0.005962,0.013078&sll=34.220981,-118.248978&layer=c&cbp=13,296.02,,0,-4.87&cbll=34.221354,-118.248833&t=m&z=17&panoid=XKOG-g9n8xTdbpsb8hrh9g

[bulkyorled]

Anywhere that there's a direction sign for the 210 in Glendale it has a green shield

[CenVlyDave]

no its all very interesting really.

And I guess Glendale just was cheap with it or booboo'd on it to start with. I'll get a pic of it next time I'm out there's a lot of them actually. I noticed it today when I was coming off Honolulu, the fwy onramp off Lowell has a green shield, as it does in all the other spots.
Glendale = 

I remember there being a CA 210 shield on WB Montrose Avenue at Pennsylvania.  Don't know if there's any more in Glendale.

Got any pics of the sign in question?  I would like to see it.

Here you go:

http://maps.google.com/maps?q=34.221366,-118.248828&ll=34.220958,-118.248811&spn=0.005962,0.013078&sll=34.220981,-118.248978&layer=c&cbp=13,296.02,,0,-4.87&cbll=34.221354,-118.248833&t=m&z=17&panoid=XKOG-g9n8xTdbpsb8hrh9g

Thanks.  The sign looks like an erroneous one, arrow faded and no "California" on the 210 shield.  Probably a city/county install.

[bulkyorled]

City installed most definitely. They're no where but Glendale, even in La Cresenta or La Caņada doesn't have them. They're ancient too, most of them are horribly oxidized or the paint is peeling.