iDriveSoCal

Bad guys get busy during travel season. Whether it’s summer vacation, spring break, end-of-year holidays, or anywhere between crooks are always on the lookout for homes without occupants.

Before you get set to head out – on an extended summer vacation, or weekend road trip – it’s important to make sure your home is protected and secure while you’re away.

For this iDSC Podcast, Doug Shupe, from the Auto Club of Southern California, shares with me several vital tips for home-owners and road-travelers on how to safeguard your house against burglars.

Click play below to learn how to return to your home exactly the way you left it!

***Transcript***

Recorded July 11, 2018, Los Angeles, CA

Doug Shupe: Every 15 seconds in the nation, there is a home that is burglarized. Before you head out, make sure that you prepare your home. Don’t post on social media when you’re leaving for vacation. Share that content after you’re home, and you’re there to protect your house.

Tom Smith: Welcome to iDriveSoCal, the podcast all about mobility from the automotive capital of the United States, Southern California. Tom Smith here with Doug Shupe of the Motor Club of Southern California, a.k.a AAA. Doug is the Senior Public Affairs Specialist, and, geez, becoming a frequent guest here on iDriveSoCal. Doug, thanks for joining me again.

Doug Shupe: Thanks for having me again, Tom.

Tom Smith: So, the topic du jour is keeping your home safe as you head out for vacation. In this case, we’re in the depth of summer. So, we’re talking about a summer vacation. But, really, this applies to any vacation, any time you’re going to be leaving home. And, you know, you plan the trip diligently, make sure you pack the swimsuits, or the skis, or whatever kind of trip it’s going to be. And while you’re thinking about going and having fun, you’ve got to make sure that the homestead is safe and secure.

Doug Shupe: That’s such a great point, Tom, because a lot of people do just as you said. They put so much thought and detail into packing the bags for the vacation, or, you know, if they’re taking a road trip, they’ve done everything to their vehicle to prep the vehicle for that road trip to prevent a breakdown. But they forget simple things to protect the home while they’re away. And, you know, so-

Tom Smith: I remembered my mesquite flavored almonds and my extra caffeine soda, but I forgot to lock the side door.

Doug Shupe: But you forgot to lock the side door to the garage. I mean, unfortunately, it happens across the nation. A home burglary happens every 15 seconds. I mean, it is incredible.

Tom Smith: Every 15 seconds?

Doug Shupe: Every 15 seconds in the nation, there is a home that is burglarized. And these types of crimes tend to rise during peak travel seasons and holidays. So, before you head out for Labor Day, or for Thanksgiving, or for the year-end holidays, which will be here before you know it, make sure that you prepare your home for when you’re gone. You know, one recent technique that we’ve been hearing about is that the thieves will actually turn off the electricity to a house at the breaker box to check whether anyone is at home. So, it’s a good idea. The Auto Club suggests that you-

Tom Smith: Well, that actually serves two purposes, right? If I turn the electricity off, I’m assuming, I’m not a thief, but I’m assuming, one, as you just point out, it will alert me to whether or not somebody comes out and tries to figure out what the problem is. Two, it will kill the alarm, right?

Doug Shupe: Right. So, what we suggest is add a lock to that breaker box outside because, you know, if someone can gain access to the side of the house where the box is located, put a lock on that box. Some other simple things that you want to do is walk around, and close, and lock every single door and window. Slide locks are recommended for those sliding glass doors. Really, check those doors that you don’t use that often, like the door to the garage.

Tom Smith: What do you mean? What’s a slide lock?

Doug Shupe: You can use those certain kinds of simple little things that you can get at any hardware store.

Tom Smith: Like a broomstick handle that I put in the thing?

Doug Shupe: You’ve got those dowels that can be used in the sliding glass door.

Tom Smith: So, you can’t open it?

Doug Shupe: Right. And you’ve also got those little pins that you can use-

Tom Smith: Okay, sure.

Doug Shupe: … for the sliding glass doors as well.

Tom Smith: So, that’s a slide lock?

Doug Shupe: Yes, exactly. And they’re very affordable and really can-

Tom Smith: Sure,

Doug Shupe: … protect you. Leave your blinds and your curtains in their normal position, so your house doesn’t appear empty. If possible, move expensive electronic equipment, like televisions or computers out of the way from the windows.

Tom Smith: All right.

Doug Shupe: If someone’s outside, I recommend going outside of the house, look in the window, and see if there’s anything that could entice a crook to break in.

Tom Smith: Sure. Get that crook’s perspective.

Doug Shupe: Crook’s point of view. Right, his point of view.

Tom Smith: Or her point of view.

Doug Shupe: Or her point of view, right.

Tom Smith: You never know.

Doug Shupe: You never know who’s going to take that opportunity to commit a crime. You know, don’t post on social media when you’re leaving for vacation. I mean-

Tom Smith: That’s a big one, right?

Doug Shupe: It is a big one. We all want to share-

Tom Smith: Look at me on vacation. Look at me. Oh my gosh. I’m 3000 miles from home.

Doug Shupe: Exactly, or two days away, and I’m heading out here.

Tom Smith: Yeah.

Doug Shupe: Don’t do that. And, you know, a lot of people think. “Well, I’ve got so many protections and privacy settings on my Facebook,” but you just never know.

Tom Smith: Right.

Doug Shupe: And so, just don’t do it. Post after you get home those photos, and share that content after you’re home, and you’re there to protect your house. You know, ask a neighbor to pick up your mail or have the post office put it on hold.

Tom Smith: Sure.

Doug Shupe: And suspend the newspaper subscription. If you still get the newspaper, suspend it while you’re away as well.

Tom Smith: If you still get the newspaper, stop wasting your money.

Doug Shupe: Well, stop. Stop. Definitely stop those because that’s the thing is, you know, these thieves will look for those newspapers in the driveway.

Tom Smith: Sure, sure.

Doug Shupe: They’ll look for the mail piling up.

Tom Smith: And I’m sorry newspaper friends out there, I don’t mean to cut into your business. If you get the newspaper, keep getting it if you want to. If you don’t want to, then, you know, you could pretty much get everything you need on your mobile device.

Doug Shupe: And if you get it, stop it temporarily while you’re away.

Tom Smith: See, that’s the nice thing about listening to iDriveSoCal Podcast is that, you know, you can subscribe, and the podcasts can be delivered to your inbox, and thieves won’t know whether or not your home or on vacation.

Doug Shupe: Right.

Tom Smith: I’m just saying.

Doug Shupe: And you develop that good relationship with the friend or the neighbor, someone who can inspect your house regularly, and ask them to turn on the outdoor lights at night.

Tom Smith: Sure.

Doug Shupe: Or put your lights on a timer.

Tom Smith: Yeah, yeah, yeah.

Doug Shupe: That’s an easy way to do it.

Tom Smith: Timers are good.

Doug Shupe: Whoever is watching your home should have a key to your car in case that it needs to be moved during an emergency. And, also, let them know who may be visiting your home while you’re away, like a maintenance worker or perhaps a pool cleaning service. Let them know, so that they’re aware. You know, just making sure that you’re not also keeping spare keys hidden outside the house. Just like you wouldn’t put a spare key outside of your car, you don’t want to put a spare key underneath the flower pot or underneath the doormat because thieves will search for them.

Tom Smith: The old fake rock’s not dead not/

Doug Shupe: It’s not going to cut it.

Tom Smith: Was it a news story I saw about some kids? I don’t think it was a news story. I think it was … What was it? It’s a little documentary, or something, or like some kids broke into a celebrity’s house. And they caught it on … It was right up here in Hollywood Hills. They caught it on closed caption. I almost want to say someone was breaking into Paris Hilton’s house.

Doug Shupe: Well, we know the story. We have heard of those.

Tom Smith: And it was on … They were caught on security camera coming in numerous times. And the way they were getting in was a key under the mat on the side door.

Doug Shupe: Yeah, yeah.

Tom Smith: And they stole like thousands of dollars of jewelry.

Doug Shupe: It’s very unfortunate. And, you know, there has been a rash. We’ve heard about it the last year of celebrity homes that have been burglarized. And if you imagine all of the security that they have, and thieves can still get in, just imagine what they can do at your house if you don’t take those those preparations. And so, you know, if possible, install a monitored alarm system in your home. And, you know, you may be eligible for a discount on your insurance premium after the system is installed.

And, finally, you know, make sure that your home insurance is updated and provides adequate coverage for any valuables in your home. If you own expensive jewelry, high-priced electronics, or other luxury goods, you may need an additional writer to your insurance policy or a floater insurance policy to be adequately covered in the event of a loss. So, really make sure that before you go on vacation, you have that conversation with your insurance agent. Make sure you’re covered.

Tom Smith: Think about that moving forward trip, but don’t forget about the old homestead.

Doug Shupe: The old homestead.

Tom Smith: That you’ll come back to.

Doug Shupe: You know, that movie we always see, Home Alone. We always see it at the holiday season. Those criminals are smarter than those guys in that movie, right? They, unfortunately, can get into your home. And so-

Tom Smith: Yeah, and Macaulay Culkin, he always gets the best of them.

Doug Shupe: He held his own. Yeah, he did. But, you know, that’s the thing is everybody’s so excited, especially in the holiday season, and the hustle and bustle of the holidays. But, you know, that most wonderful time of the year can turn out to be not so wonderful if you don’t take those steps to protect your home

Tom Smith: Yup, yup. Doug Shupe, thank you so much as always. Doug’s the Senior Public Affairs Specialist here at the Auto Club of Southern California, also known as AAA. Doug, thanks again. For iDriveSoCal, I’m Tom Smith. Thank you for listening.

Southern California & Summer Time: Somethings just go perfectly together, hand-in-hand.

The sun, the beach, and the fun – it all involves hitting the road.

Whether you’re in the Inland Empire, Ventura, Los Angeles, Orange County or San Diego, every good driver and automotive lover knows the importance of passenger safety and careful summertime vehicle maintenance.

Doug Shupe, from the Auto Club of Southern California, shares helpful precautionary tips for summertime driving and road trips in this iDSC Podcast.

***Transcript***

Recorded July 11, 2018, Los Angeles, CA

Doug Shupe: Here in Southern California, we know that within minutes, the interior temperatures of cars parked in direct sunlight can reach up to 133 degrees Fahrenheit when the outside temperature is 90 degrees.

Tom Smith: That’s crazy.

Doug Shupe: That’s an incredible hot box. It’s a tragedy waiting to happen. Summer’s high temperatures can take a toll on everything in your vehicle. Extreme heat can push your car past its limits

Tom Smith: Welcome to iDriveSoCal, the podcast all about mobility from the automotive capital of the United States, Southern California. Tom Smith here. And today, I am joined by Doug Shupe, who’s the Senior Public Affairs Specialist for the Auto Club of Southern California. Most of us know that as AAA. Doug, thanks for joining me.

Doug Shupe: Thanks, Tom. for having me.

Tom Smith: So, the topic that we’re going to be talking about today with Doug is, as we hit the summer temperatures here in Southern California, the extreme heat, we’re talking about those temperatures, and how that impacts our drive, as well as those that we drive around. So, the two umbrella items that we’re going to cover here are, of course, our listeners would never leave their kids or pets in their hot vehicle. But we are going to touch on that. And then, we’re also going to talk maintenance, about what to do to assure that you have no issues while tooling around the highways and byways of Southern California yourself.

Tom Smith: So, the first thing, and this was just in the news, what, a day or two ago. Doug. Someone in the Inland Empire left their couple of young kids in a hot car. And Inland Empire temperatures are what? Three digits, to begin with.

Doug Shupe: Triple digit heat, Tom, yeah. And, you know, you think that you wouldn’t have to talk about this, but, unfortunately, we hear about these types of incidents occurring every single summer. That’s why the Auto Club is just committed to reminding people about what could happen if you leave people or pets in hot cars during these summer months. And, really, here in Southern California, all year long.

Tom Smith: Now, I schmooze our listeners, my listeners, you, the listener listening on the treadmill, on your bicycle, in the plane, in your car, wherever you’re listening right now, and say, “We would never do that,” collectively, you and I, podcast listener. Thank you for listening. However, the reality is I’m sitting here with Doug, and I was just explaining that there’s this one takeout restaurant that my wife and I love Ramen.

As you know, I have a 9-month-old at home. That is … It keeps us from … He keeps us from going out very often. So, when it’s time to grab a bite, I go and grab something. And, oftentimes, Mr. Jake, our dog, comes with me. And I’m very careful about leaving him in the car. And I do leave the air conditioning on. But Doug was just telling me even when being careful, that is a no-no for a number of different reasons. Doug, take it away.

Doug Shupe: Yeah, Tom. A lot of people think that they can crack the windows, or they can leave the AC running while-

Tom Smith: Which I’ve done.

Doug Shupe: … they do that errand. But, unfortunately, there have been cases where the AC in the vehicle has stopped working while the driver, while the person was away, and they came back to find a tragedy. And, you know, a lot of these cases where we see or we hear about children being left inside of a vehicle don’t necessarily happen intentionally.

In fact, the research shows that about 52% of child deaths as a result of being left in a hot car happened when a caregiver or a parent forgot about them. This happens when somebody changes routine. Dad is going to take the child to the daycare and completely blanks out.

They’re thinking about what’s ahead or coming up at work that day, and they completely forget about the child in the back of the car. About 29% of child deaths in hot cars happen because the child’s playing inside of an unattended vehicle. And then, about 18% of children who die in hot cars, that happens because they were intentionally left by an adult. And then, about 1% are circumstances unknown, you know.

But the vast majority are these that are happening because of that switch in routine. And we really encourage people to create reminders for yourself. If you are going to have somebody else take your child to the daycare, to school, you know, especially these young children that they’re in the child safety seats, you create reminders for yourself. Simple things. Put a small toy in the dashboard in front of you. Tie your ribbon to your steering wheel. Put something that you use that you’re going to need at your next-

Tom Smith: Right.

Doug Shupe: … stop in the back, a mobile device, your cellphone, your laptop. And this may sound extreme, but, you know, take the shoe off of the foot that you’re not using to drive, and put that shoe in the back. You’re not going to get out of the vehicle and go too far with just one shoe on.

Tom Smith: Yeah, yeah. Some of those sound extreme, to put it lightly, but the point is is very well-made. And now, the flipside of that is we don’t do that, but we’re running through the Costco parking lot, and see a child or a pet in a car, in a hot car. And, I guess, two situations. One, they look like they might be in distress. Two, they don’t look like they’re in distress. What’s the play there? I mean, is there … Because it seems that maybe there’s just more media, more of us, talking about it. Is it that, that there’s more media talking about it, or is it that law enforcement is getting more attuned to it, and taking a more proactive approach as well?

Doug Shupe: Well, what we’re seeing nowadays is more people taking a cellphone video of it. And you’re seeing that on social media a lot where somebody will be walking through a parking lot of a discount store or a grocery store. They see a pet, or they see a child in a car, and they pull out their mobile device, and they’re taking video of it. And so, your best bet is to call 911 immediately because you don’t know what the condition is of the child or the pet inside of the car. So, you want to alert first responders right away because you don’t know what kind of condition they’re in and what they’re going to need when they’re pulled out of the car.

So, a lot of people wonder, “Well, should I break this window? Should I help get this person, this child, or this pet out?” The best thing to do is call 911, and then follow the directions of the operator because they’re going to be able to ask you questions based on their training, and they’re going to be able to gauge what kind of condition the child or the pet is in, and be able to guide you appropriately. But, regardless, you’re going to want to have those first responders already en route.

Tom Smith: Right, right, yeah. And some kind of authority figure because I know with my luck, I’d break a window, and just be in the process of helping when the vehicle owner and caretaker of the child and/or pets come, and then I’m in trouble, and there’s a situation.

Doug Shupe: You’re right. Call 911 first and foremost. And remember that animals are equally impacted by the summer heat. Dogs are not able to sweat like humans do, but instead cool themselves off by panting and by sweating through their paws. If they only have hot air to breathe, then they can collapse, suffer brain damage, and die of heat stroke.

So, prevention is key. Just avoid heat stroke by never leaving children, pets, elderly, anybody inside of a vehicle for any amount of time. A lot of people think, “Oh, I’m just going to run into the store for a couple of minutes.” But, you know, here in Southern California, we know that within minutes, the interior temperatures of cars parked in direct sunlight can reach up to 133 degrees Fahrenheit when the outside temperature is 90 degrees.

Tom Smith: That’s crazy.

Doug Shupe: That’s an incredible hot box. It’s a tragedy waiting to happen.

Tom Smith: Yeah. And I fancy myself pretty darn responsible, especially when it comes to all things getting behind the wheel. And even I, you know, raise my hand, within the last two weeks, guaranteed, my dog, our dog, who’s a family member, without a doubt, Mr. Jake, he’s waited in the car while I’ve run in for ramen. And I’ve been able to watch him the whole time, and he’s been able to see me. But, nevertheless, something that needs to stop happening. And thank you for that information.

So, okay. So, that’s hot temperatures. And on to hot temperatures as it pertains to maintaining our vehicles. You were giving me some pretty interesting stats about blowouts and a huge percentage of calls that you guys got for the first weekend in July due to the heat.

Doug Shupe: Yeah, that first big weekend just right after the Fourth of July, that Friday after the Fourth of July, when temperatures in the valley were about 115 degrees. We saw that our roadside, AAA Roadside Assistance calls here in Southern California increased by more than 30% during the peak daytime hours from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. The primary reasons were vehicles overheating, and then also flat tires and blowouts that were happening on these hot freeways all across Southern California. We had 3000 emergency roadside service provider trucks out there rescuing our members, getting people back on the road as quickly as possible. But, you know, a lot of people think that, really, the winter can take a toll. You know, if you’re in extreme winter conditions-

Tom Smith: Sure, sure.

Doug Shupe: … then, that really takes a toll on your vehicle. But summer’s high temperatures can take a toll on everything in your vehicle. Extreme heat can push your car past its limits. You really want to make sure that your battery is prepared for the high temperatures. Battery problems don’t always occur in the winter. Summer can have a more negative impact on your battery than freezing winter temperatures because heat and vibration are the battery’s two worst enemies. The heat’s going to happen. We can’t do too much about the heat, but what we can do is make sure that, you know, that our battery is securely tightened. It’s fastened down, that it’s not vibrating because that really does damage your battery.

And, also, you know, another problem is faster evaporation in the summer heat of battery fluid, which leads to corrosion on the terminals and connections. So, you need to make sure that you’re cleaning off those terminals and connections regularly. Any corrosive buildup from the battery terminals and the cable clamps, make sure that that’s cleaned up because if not, it’s just going to cause your battery to deteriorate.

Tom Smith: Now, battery, and fluids, and that kind of thing, those are going to pertain to older cars. Newer cars, not so much. But when we’re talking about air in the tires, which was actually a surprising stat to me, and I fancy myself, as I said, pretty knowledgeable about things on the road. The blowouts that you mentioned, that was a little bit surprising. And I have newer cars because I lease, but I notice having to put air in my tires just as it was starting to get warm again. And tell me, what was that set again?

Doug Shupe: Yeah, regular maintenance on those tires. On the whole vehicle, whether it’s a newer vehicle or an older vehicle, making sure that it’s well maintained before you travel is critical. And when it comes to tires, a lot of people are driving on underinflated tires out there. When you drive on underinflated tires, that can cause your tires to overheat and increase the likelihood of a blowout, especially when the temperatures are extremely high like they are in the summer.

You want to check your car’s tire pressures, at least, once a month because tires typically lose about one pound of pressure per month through normal seepage. And so, you want to make sure that you’re checking those tires when the tires are cold. Always follow the inflation pressure recommendations in your vehicle owner’s manual or on the tire information label located in the glove box or on the driver’s door jam. But, really, those hot roads out there and under-inflated tires can really cause a blowout very quickly.

Tom Smith: Doug Shupe, thank you so much. That’s Doug Shupe, the Senior Public Affairs Specialist here at the Auto Club of Southern California, a.k.a, most of us know you guys as AAA. Thanks so much for joining us. For iDriveSoCal, I’m Tom Smith. Thank you for listening.

Some of the most World Famous Scenic Drives is yet another reason Southern California is the Automotive Capital of the United States.  And the entire world!

In this iDriveSoCal Podcast, we continue adding to the long list of reasons Southern California is truly the “World’s Car Capital.” With Professor Clinton Quan’s help, we identify world-famous scenic drives and iconic stretches of highways, unique to Southern California.

To enjoy an exploration of the roadways that give Southern California its amazing reputation among drivers and automotive lovers, click play below. Find out if your favorite SoCal roads are the same the Professor shares on his top list!

***Transcript***

Recorded July 3, 2018, in Los Angeles, CA

Clinton Quan: Three of my favorite roads, but, also, three that are very, very well known to anyone who’s an automotive enthusiast. If you really enjoy driving, these roads you are very familiar with here in Southern California.

Tom Smith: Welcome to iDriveSoCal, the podcast all about mobility from the automotive capital of the United States, Southern California. Tom Smith here with our good buddy, pal, chum, amigo, the good Professor, Mr. Clinton Quan. Say hello, Clinton.

Clinton Quan: Hi, Tom.

Tom Smith: Hey, hey, hey. Today’s podcast is about [World Famous Scenic Drives]… Well, it’s a continuation or justifications of that little rambling that I give at the open of each podcast, the automotive capital of the United States. But, again, not only is it the automotive capital of the United States, but Southern California is, in fact, the automotive capital of the world.

“Three of my favorite roads… three that are very, very well known to anyone who’s an automotive enthusiast.”

And now, that’s a big statement. I’ve had numerous calls, e-mails, snail mail from various entities in Detroit, cease, and desist, and whatnot.

And the mayor called, and they’re all up in arms. How can we possibly say Southern California is the automotive capital of the United States, much less the world? By the way, totally joking. I haven’t heard from anybody in Detroit.

So, at any rate, it is a big statement. And when I first came up with the statement, it was a little bit of showmanship flare, a little bit of, “What is a big headline, a big bold thing that I can say about our situation here in Southern California and driving?”

We know that it’s challenging to say the least when we’re in intense seas of cars and traffic. So, the good Professor was kind enough to reinforce that, “Yeah, man, you’re right, and for a number of reasons.”

So, this podcast is about one of those reasons. And categorically, that is beautiful stretches of scenic highways/roads.

Now, I’m not from Southern California. I’m from a teeny tiny town in Northern Illinois. By way of Chicago, came out here about 12-13 years ago. So, I’m pretty familiar with the roads that the Professor is about to talk about, but not as intimately familiar as he is.

“If you really enjoy driving, these roads you are very familiar with here in Southern California.”

So, Professor, what do you have for us? These stretches of highway/roads are famous scenic and further enforce the fact that Southern California is the automotive capital the world.

Clinton Quan: Well, we’re going to talk about three of my favorite roads, but, also, three that are very, very well known to anyone who’s an automotive enthusiast. If you really enjoy driving, these roads you are very familiar with here in Southern California.

And we’re going to start with number three, which is Angeles Crest Highway located in the Angeles National Forest, just north of the San Gabriel Valley. And that connects La Cañada Flintridge all the way out to Wrightwood. It’s about a 66-mile drive.

Tom Smith: Okay.

Clinton Quan: And it’s a-

Tom Smith: Sixty six-mile drive but that has no connection to Route 66, right?

Clinton Quan: No, it has no connection to Route 66.

Tom Smith: Okay, just making sure because that’s, you know-

Clinton Quan: Yeah.

Tom Smith: … something that … For those that might be listening outside of Southern California, when the Professor says San Fernando Valley-

Clinton Quan: Oh, San Gabriel Valley.

Tom Smith: Oh, San Gabriel. Okay, San Gabriel Valley.

Clinton Quan: Not San Fernando Valley.

“…Angeles Crest Highway located in the Angeles National Forest, just north of the San Gabriel Valley.”

Tom Smith: I take that back. I take that back. Go ahead.

Clinton Quan: Yes, just north of-

Tom Smith: Carry on, Professor.

Clinton Quan: It’s north of the San Gabriel Valley.

Tom Smith: I’m going to zip my lip.

Clinton Quan: You were going to ask me something, right?

Tom Smith: Nope.

Clinton Quan: Okay.

Tom Smith: Carry on. Angeles Crest Highway.

Clinton Quan: Yeah. So, this is Angeles Crest Highway. And when I go on this drive, I usually like to start out in La Cañada Flintridge, which is just north of Glendale. That’s where Highway 2, and it traverses through the Angeles National Forest. And you’ll reach some of the highest points in all of LA County along this drive. And it’s just… It’s an absolutely beautiful drive. It’s a two-lane road. A great place to go for a drive, especially in the springtime and summertime.

If you’re going to go in the wintertime, you might need a four-by-four. And some of the roads, they might be closed off.

Tom Smith: Really?

Clinton Quan: Well, yeah.

Tom Smith: So, two-lane road. The whole stretch?

Clinton Quan: From everything I can remember, it is a two-lane road, the entire stretch.

Tom Smith: Okay. So, lots of twists and turns, two-lane road. You got some altitude there.

Clinton Quan: Yes.

Tom Smith: So, that means that you have some tricky driving, and in altitude, and weather, and especially when you’re saying that it could be shut down from time to time.

Clinton Quan: Yes, it definitely could be shut down, especially during wintertime. I remember, I think, the last time I went for a drive, I actually got to drive a BMW 7 Series. It was a vehicle.

“…it’s a great place to go test drive a new vehicle.”

It was the latest 7 Series, which I’ve got to drive for three days, and I’ve decided to go for a drive. And I actually got to see the current, at the time, which was the brand new Infiniti Q60.

And there were a number of… I believe, they were journalists who were test driving the vehicle out there on Angeles Crest Highway. So, it’s a great place to go test drive a new vehicle.

Tom Smith: So, test drivers. And you’ve test-driven some of the vehicles from our dealer partners out on that highway, yeah? A little bit?

Clinton Quan: Not that highway.

Tom Smith: No?

Clinton Quan: No, I haven’t done that.

Tom Smith: I thought you did.

Clinton Quan: No, not that one.

Tom Smith: Okay.

Clinton Quan: Not that highway.

Tom Smith: Well, I’m batting. I’m betting a thousand here on my wrongness of commentary. So, when you say that part of the road is closed down in the wintertime, that’s because of snowfall?

Clinton Quan: I think, yes, snow.

Tom Smith: Okay.

Clinton Quan: Yeah.

Tom Smith: So, do you know what altitude it gets up to?

Clinton Quan: I believe, it’s… If I remember correctly, I think, it’s 7900.

Tom Smith: Oh wow, okay.

Clinton Quan: Yeah.

Tom Smith: All right. All right. Well, very cool. Angeles Crest Highway, there you have it. One of the beautiful scenic roads that is well known to car lovers near and far.

And one of the feathers in the cap of why Southern California is the automotive capital of the United States and the world. So, that was number three in three of three. And we’re going… We’re counting up to one-

Clinton Quan: Yeah.

Tom Smith: …being your favorite.

“There’s nothing quite like taking a drive along the coast.”

Clinton Quan: Yes.

Tom Smith: So, what you got for two?

Clinton Quan: Number two got to go with the Pacific Coast Highway being in Southern California. There’s nothing quite like taking a drive along the coast.

Tom Smith: PCH.

Clinton Quan: Yeah, from Santa Monica out to Point Mugu right before you hit Camarillo in Oxnard.

Tom Smith: Yup.

Clinton Quan: It’s about a 35-mile drive.

Tom Smith: Point Mugu is just fun to say.

Clinton Quan: Yeah.

Tom Smith: Mugu.

Clinton Quan: It’s fun.

Tom Smith: I wonder if you remember the cartoon character, Mr. Magoo.

Clinton Quan: Yes, I do.

Tom Smith: What if that came from Point Mugu?

Clinton Quan: I don’t think so.

Tom Smith: Because he was a bad driver because he couldn’t see very well if I remember right.

Clinton Quan: Yeah.

Tom Smith: That would be one of my mom’s insults that she would throw at drivers.

Clinton Quan: And for all. I’m-

Tom Smith: Calling a bad driver Mr. Magoo or something. So, PCH. Now, PCH has made it into … And going back real quick to Angeles Crest Highway on the PCH point, lots of TVs and movies PCH has made it into.

Clinton Quan: Oh, yeah.

Tom Smith: TV shows and movies.

Clinton Quan: Yes.

“…really beautiful scenic roads that connect Pacific Coast Highway – Topanga Canyon, Kane, and Dune, Los Virgenes.”

Tom Smith: Angeles Crest Highway, same thing. Maybe we just don’t quite know about it.

Clinton Quan: Yeah, I’m sure. I’m sure there’s a good number-

Tom Smith: I mean-

Clinton Quan: …of commercials and…

Tom Smith: PCH got, you know… I mean, that’s commercials constantly. You got the beautiful Pacific Ocean on one side and…

Clinton Quan: Yeah.

Tom Smith: various things, various scenes…

Clinton Quan: Well, you’ve got-.

Tom Smith: …to the…

Clinton Quan: Along the way, you’ve got the beautiful Getty Villa in Pacific Palisades.

Tom Smith: Yeah, yeah.

Clinton Quan: And then, there’s all those other really beautiful scenic roads that connect Pacific Coast Highway, including Topanga Canyon, Kane, and Dune, Los Virgenes. So, there’s a number of other roads that connect in PCH.

Tom Smith: Okay.

Clinton Quan: And you’ve got Malibu, home to celebrities.

Tom Smith: The Bu.

Clinton Quan: Yeah, yes.

Tom Smith: The Bu. That’s like when we are talking about, is it Porsche or Porsche?

Clinton Quan: Yeah.

Tom Smith: If you own one, it’s Porsche. It’s Malibu if you don’t live there. If you do, it’s the Bu.

Clinton Quan: And speaking of Malibu, they also have their own cars and coffee.

Tom Smith: They do, don’t they?

Clinton Quan: Yeah. I think they do that twice a month.

Tom Smith: All right.

Clinton Quan: Yeah, it’s on a Sunday, early in the morning, 7:00 to 9:00.

Tom Smith: Okay.

Clinton Quan: Yeah.

Tom Smith: Number one?

Clinton Quan: Number one, it’s gotta go with Mulholland Highway.

Tom Smith: Mulholland.

Clinton Quan: Yeah.

Tom Smith: Now, Mulholland Highway in…

Clinton Quan: That is my favorite.

Tom Smith: But there’s also the Mulholland Drive.

“…there’s a lot of overlooks along Mulholland Drive… it’s a great place [to] get views of the San Fernando Valley, and the West Side, and Hollywood.”

Clinton Quan: There’s Mulholland Drive. So, Mulholland Drive is a more urban stretch. And that goes from the Cahuenga Pass, right by the Hollywood Bowl Overlook, all the way right pass 405-

Tom Smith: All right.

Clinton Quan: … in Encino. And that’s about a 20-mile stretch. However, it being in the urban area and with lot of where it’s so residential, there’s a lot of traffic, so you’re not going to be able to really take your car out and really enjoy it as you would out on Mulholland Highway.

But there’s a lot of overlooks along Mulholland Drive. So, it’s a great place where you can get views of the San Fernando Valley, and the West Side, and Hollywood.

Tom Smith: Now, again, you know, these roads much better than I. I believe I’ve been on all of them for sure. I don’t know that I’ve traversed the entire length of each one. With regard to Mulholland, specifically, I think, I may have been on part of it that you’ve never been on. And that is-

Clinton Quan: The dirt path?

Tom Smith: Exactly.

Clinton Quan: Yes, I’ve never been on the dirt path.

Tom Smith: I got you.

Clinton Quan: Yeah.

Tom Smith: I got you. There are a killer mountain bike trails up, I want to call… I want to say it’s the Westridge Trailhead, which you get into off a sunset. I’m forgetting the… But it’s up in the Palisades.

Clinton Quan: Yeah.

Tom Smith: And then, you take a fire road up to dirt Mulholland. And then, there’s some single track that drops down into the canyons in there. Oh my god, I used to love that mountain biking. And interestingly up there, it’s fire road. So, the only vehicles that get up there are, you know, county vehicles, Los Angeles County.

Clinton Quan: Yeah.

Tom Smith: But have you ever been to Nike Tower up there?

Clinton Quan: I have not been to Nike Tower.

Tom Smith: Have you heard of it?

Clinton Quan: No.

“…it’s a little bit of a landmark up there on Dirt Mulholland.”

Tom Smith: Okay. Nike Tower is actually a relic of the Cold War. And it was an old lookout point for, I think it was Nike missiles or something like that. I don’t know.

It’s been a long time since I’ve been up there. But it’s a little bit of a landmark up there on Dirt Mulholland. I’m so excited that I’ve actually been on something that you haven’t. That’s really cool.

Clinton Quan: Yeah.

Tom Smith: Although it’s not in a car, it’s on my mountain bike, but, hey-

Clinton Quan: Yeah.

Tom Smith: …iDriveSoCal on my mountain bike sometimes.

Clinton Quan: Yes.

Tom Smith: So, there you have it. You have Angeles Crest Highway. You have PCH.

Clinton Quan: Well, we didn’t talk about Mulholland Highway. That’s the big portion.

Tom Smith: Oh, I’m sorry, Professor. Please.

Clinton Quan: That’s big… That’s the portion that-

Tom Smith: Okay. That’s the portion that had you really excited.

Clinton Quan: Yes.

Tom Smith: Okay.

Clinton Quan: And that’s about a 30-mile stretch-

Tom Smith: All right.

Clinton Quan: …going from Calabasas all the way out to the Pacific Ocean Valley, Ventura County line.

Tom Smith: Okay.

Clinton Quan: And that is just an absolutely beautiful stretch of road. And the further west you drive, the more narrow the road gets, and you get these amazing views of the ocean the further west you go.

Tom Smith: Okay. So, you know what, they… Were you done?

Clinton Quan: Yes.

Tom Smith: Okay. Let’s be helpful to you, our listener. And Angeles Crest, PCH, Mulholland Drive/Highway, let’s break down. If somebody really wants to go and enjoy the scenic routes, when would be the best times to go and enjoy each where they can actually drive?

“…on Angeles Crest Highway, you want to go when the weather is nice.”

Now, maybe not, you know, push their sports car to the limit drive, but drive to take in the scenery.

Clinton Quan: Well, definitely, if you’re going to go on Angeles Crest Highway, you want to go when the weather is nice.

Tom Smith: Okay. So, we want to do a spring, summer, fall kind of thing, not summer.

Clinton Quan: Spring and summer, yeah. Winter, you just don’t. If it’s raining or if it’s snowing, then that’s maybe closed off.

Tom Smith: So, that’s the season.

Clinton Quan: Yes.

Tom Smith: But then, what time of the day, and what day or days?

Clinton Quan: I always recommend going as early as you can. Probably a weekday would be best, but if you’re going to go on a weekend, start at 8:00 in the morning when there’s less traffic.

But if you can go on a weekday, Monday to Friday, then those would be the best days. And definitely, on Mulholland, there’s going to be a lot more.

Tom Smith: Monday to Friday at 8:00 a.m.?

Clinton Quan: Well, like-

Tom Smith: Or like 4:35 a.m.?

Clinton Quan: Well, 8:00 should be fine. If you’re-

Tom Smith: 8:00, Monday through Friday in Los Angeles, I mean-

Clinton Quan: No, no. If you’re already out there, not driving at 8:00-

Tom Smith: Okay, get on the road.

Clinton Quan: Yeah,

Tom Smith: And get-

Clinton Quan: I mean, be at Mulholland Highway at 8:00.

Tom Smith: Okay.

Clinton Quan: Yeah.

Tom Smith: Well, we’re talking about Angeles Crest first.

Clinton Quan: Okay, yeah. Angeles Crest should be the same thing, same thing with Mulholland. Now, Pacific Coast Highway, that’s a whole different story.

Tom Smith: Okay.

“…Angeles Crest should be the same thing… same with Mulholland. Now, Pacific Coast Highway, that’s a whole different story.”

Clinton Quan: Yeah.

Tom Smith: So, Angeles Crest and Mulholland, 8:00 a.m., Monday through Friday. As well as Saturday and Sunday, then?

Clinton Quan: Yeah, Saturday and Sunday should be fine too.

Tom Smith: Okay, Starting points.

Clinton Quan: Yes.

Tom Smith: Not leaving your house-

Clinton Quan: Yeah, I don’t know-

Tom Smith: … commuting to there, whatever.

Clinton Quan: Everyone has a-

Tom Smith: Where are you coming from? You, podcast listener? No, really you. Yeah. You’re the one I’m talking to. You. I’m just kidding. Obviously, we’re all going to be coming from many different points.

Clinton Quan: Yes.

Tom Smith: So, that’s Angeles Crest and in Mulholland Drive/Highway both?

Clinton Quan: Yes.

Tom Smith: Okay. And then, Mulholland, is it the same thing? It’s just the Angeles Crest that you wouldn’t recommend doing the winter?

Clinton Quan: Correct.

Tom Smith: Mulholland is okay in winter, right?

Clinton Quan: Mulholland is fine in the winter, yeah.

Tom Smith: Okay. So, just-

Clinton Quan: Well, not if it’s raining hard. They might have some road closures.

Tom Smith: Well, if it’s raining hard, you probably don’t want to be driving anywhere in Southern California-

Clinton Quan: Yeah.

Tom Smith: …because our drainage stinks here.

Clinton Quan: Yeah.

Tom Smith: And it’s just like everything turned into a lake immediately.

Clinton Quan: Yeah.

Tom Smith: So-

Clinton Quan: But I did do that drive in the Elantra when it was raining pretty hard.

“…why Southern California is the automotive capital of the United States, as well as the automotive capital of the world.”

Tom Smith: Professor. Okay. So, Angeles Crest, Mulholland. We got the Mulholland Drive and Highway down, right?

Clinton Quan: Yes.

Tom Smith: Okay. So, now, PCH. Now, PCH, that is a massive commuter stretch.

Clinton Quan: Yeah, it’s-

Tom Smith: There’s really got to be … I’m one to say, you know what, seriously, if you want to enjoy it, get out there at 4:00 a.m.

Clinton Quan: Yeah.

Tom Smith: Right?

Clinton Quan: Yeah.

Tom Smith: Because …

Clinton Quan: Well, no. You probably don’t want to-

Tom Smith: Because it’s going to be dark. You’re not going to see the ocean, right?

Clinton Quan: Yeah, that’s too early.

Tom Smith: But okay.

Clinton Quan: I would say on a weekend, go early. If you’re going on a weekday-

Tom Smith: Yeah.

Clinton Quan: … you want to go after everyone’s out for rush hour.

Tom Smith: But weekend early, like 8:00 a.m. on a weekend, you’re going to be sitting in beach traffic-

Clinton Quan: Yeah, you could be.

Tom Smith: …pretty much year round because there are so many tourists out here that are trying to get to the beach thinking that, you know, in December it’s going to be comfy cozy on the beach in Southern California.

Clinton Quan: Okay. Well, 6:30 should be good.

Tom Smith: Okay. There you have it, folks. The Professor’s number three, two, one: Angeles Crest Highway, Pacific Coast Highway, Mulholland Highway/Drive. And, of course, I’ve chimed in a little bit there with Dirt Mulholland.

Clinton Quan: And, also, I want to add in, Mulholland Highway was named after the famous civil engineer William Mulholland. And it was designed as a scenic byway.

Tom Smith: As a? What is a scenic byway design?

Clinton Quan: A highway designed to-

Tom Smith: So, it’s designed to be scenic?

“Mulholland Highway was named after the famous civil engineer William Mulholland. And it was designed as a scenic byway.”

Clinton Quan: Yes.

Tom Smith: Okay.

Clinton Quan: Yeah.

Tom Smith: All right. And, of course, there’s a… Speaking of movies, Mulholland Drive was the name of a movie, wasn’t it?

Clinton Quan: I think it was the name of a… It was either a movie or a television show. Yeah.

Tom Smith: Okay.

Clinton Quan: And there’s been numerous movies filmed on Mulholland Drive or Mulholland Highway as well. There was one time I went on a drive, and I think they were filming, I believe, it was an Acura commercial.

Tom Smith: Fascinating.

Clinton Quan: Yeah, yeah. So, yeah, it’s a great place to go for a drive. Great place to film a commercial, especially with all the twists and turns.

Tom Smith: All right.

Clinton Quan: Yeah.

Tom Smith: Back to you, planning on filming a commercial area, Mulholland Drive, give that a try. Contact us at [email protected]. We’ll forward that over to the Professor. And he can be your consultant on the shoot. All right. Anything else?

Clinton Quan: I think that’s it, yeah.

Tom Smith: All right. Professor, as always, thank you so much. That was our continuation of justifying why Southern California is the automotive capital of the United States, as well as the automotive capital of the world. And this was… What are we calling this one? Beautiful Scenic Drives for Auto Enthusiasts.

Clinton Quan: Yes.

Tom Smith: Something like that.

Clinton Quan: These are the roads where you do want to … This is where you want to-

Tom Smith: You want to take it in.  You’re just as good being a passenger-

Clinton Quan: Yeah.

Tom Smith: … as a driver. Probably better being a passenger than a driver actually.

Clinton Quan: Either way, yeah.  Hands down, the very best World Famous Scenic Drives.

Tom Smith: I know I’ve been on PCH.

Clinton Quan: Yeah.

World Famous Scenic Drives

Tom Smith: And yes, but I’m so safety-conscious now that I have my son.

Clinton Quan: Yeah.

Tom Smith: Like I’m … Yeah. Well, I’m so safety-conscious that I’m not going to be driving and sightseeing.

And then, at the same time, I’m not going to be a passenger with my wife driving because I love you, babe, but I’m just a better driver than you. But that’s it.

Okay. Professor, thanks again. Thank you for listening. For iDriveSoCal, I’m Tom Smith. We will reconnect very soon.