Brownsville herald. [volume] (Brownsville, Tex.) 1910-current, 1928-09-25
California Beauties Highways

There i one factor which has done more to gain
fcr California the position she now holds as the
'touristr state than either climate or natural attrar-
tions, and that Is the state and civic pride and the
spirit III cooperation with which the major portion Of
the population is imbued.
California is one Of the best organized states in the
Union. The growers are organized 70 market their
products the entire state is organized to advertise its
resources, climate and advantages IL offers tourists.
Caiifornians have the organization habit to such an ex-
tent that any movement inaugurated for public i'm
provement Il quickly organized and the force Of the
organization exerted until the objective Is gained.
A statewide campaign to clean up and beautify the
rcsdsides Or California has been launched under the
leadership II the Automobile Club Of Southern Califor-
MIA. With their usual readiness to cooperate in any
public move. the various luncheon clubs, chambers u
commerce. women's declarations. and even the churches
and schools are joining. As a result the movement
has gained considerable momentum in the minimum Of
time. and California this winter will have clean road
sides, we'll kept lawns and innumerable beauty spots
70 greet the influx Of tourists.
Under the plan inuagurated BY the automobile as
ISOLATION. civic clubs. women's organizations, news
papers and officials o. the various communities are
entrusted with the job Of setting their own houses in
order" The campaign ~contemplates removal Of un-
tenanted. dilapidated. shacks. painting, cleaning and
otherwise improving all highway stands, residences and
premises along the main arteries of traffic; elimina-
tlon Of "post-mortem' circus posters, weather beaten
signs and rlacards; in fact, . statewide effort 70
make every highway in the state attractive and inter
esting to the throngs Of visitors.
Special committecs have been appointed 70 arrange
planting Of palms, flowers, shrubs and other orna-
mentals at points Of vantage. These committees have
enlisted the active cooperation az property owners.
and experts have been provided TO superintend the
paintings.
There has been practically no expense attached %
the campaign. The appeal to state, civic and individ-
ual pride has accomplished more in cleanup Of high
ways and practical identification than could re &C.
complished By the expenditure Of millions Of <ollars.
Organization has accomplished what could be attained
through no other medium.
The Herald is firmly convinced the Lower Rio
Grande Valley is neglecting one Of its most important
assets in failing 70 adopt a valIey-uide cleanup and
Identification program. Several communities and hun
dreds of individuals have devoted considerable time
and money to Identification. but their efforts have
been nullified to a great extent by failure Of other in
dividuals and communities 70 cooperate. Not until
the Valley adopts the California plan Of effective or
ganization and the campaigns made Nalley-Hide can
IL expect 70 achieve real results IN making the lower
border country more attractive for homeseekers and
tourists.
California Is developing this asset to the maximum
and this development is being accomplished through
organization That state has proved conclusively the
financial returns = semi-tropic region may secure
through well organized and systematic Identification.
With CALIFORNIA; example and experiences A. an index.
there should be no difficulty in enlistinE the cooper
alton Of every resident Of the Valley in a movement
which would have far-retthing results IN assuring
future development Of natural resources and the es-
Enlistment Of recreation csnters which would make
this region even more attractive for tourists than
California.