Nearly 20 years have passed since Mentryville and Pico Canyon were deeded to the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority. Part of the agreement was to restore the buildings and open them for tours to the public. Like I said, it has been 20 years.

It appears the public has been treated to the old bait-and-switch scheme when it comes to preservation of the Pico Cottage, Felton School, the barn, chicken house, and garage. We still can’t get into any of those.

And then there is the subject of historical trees and the use of herbicides. Again, since I didn’t see it happening, it appears that brush clearance around the school was accomplished by some sort of weed killer using something like Roundup. That goes along with the trail up the hill behind the school (Mustard Hill), which few folks use. They still prefer the path up to the top that runs straight from the base.

I really love it, how the stories about eucalyptus tree removal have changed in the years since they were cut down. Do I get to pick my favorite? Disease, fire hazard, falling-limbs-a-danger-to-buildings have all been used, along with my favorite tale, “non-native.” So the eastern or white oaks that were planted are native?

And how were the eucalyptus trees a danger to a building at the bakery site? The old Cochem’s bakery was torn down in the 1920s.

Alex Mentry’s 13-room mansion: Closed for filming.

You know, I just love to go visit a piece of state-owned parkland and be told I can’t go because the film crews cannot be disturbed. Speaking of that, there was the time a “rattlesnake wrangler” was being filmed for a movie, and he was using a snake native to Texas. What if it had escaped? I know the chance was slim, but do we need more snakes in Pico? Snakes from Texas are not as aggressive, I’m told, so I guess that could be a plus.

Has anyone seen the full financial statements for the MRCA? I keep asking, and I’ve yet to get an answer. I only ask because some of the park bond money was to be used for restoration.

Someday and somehow, we’ll get the place restored and tours started.

New subject: I’m going to start doing an article once a week on some of the street and place names here in our little valley. Pole Canyon? Bear Canyon? Lyon’s Station and Lyons Avenue? Why is Valencia called that? American Beauty tract? North Oaks?

Then there is the ever-popular “Honby.”

Maybe all y’all could let me know if there is any place or street you’d like to know about. There are so many places and streets that have changed so many names that if we don’t get a handle on them now, we never will. It is a part of the SCV Historical Society research.

On top of that and in my retirement mode, I’m going to be starting a new job today. I’m looking forward to it. I know I need a little more structure in my life. That I get a few dollars at the same time is good, too.

So the week begins. I’ll let you know how it goes on the job. Looks to be fun. It is in an air-conditioned environment. Considering the heat yesterday, that is also good.

This is short today. Please think of those street and place names you might want to know about, or do know about. That is always a huge help.

Be well. Be safe. Have a great day.

Darryl Manzer grew up in the Pico Canyon oil town of Mentryville in the 1960s and attended Hart High School. After a career in the U.S. Navy he returned to live in the Santa Clarita Valley. He can be reached at dmanzer@scvhistory.com and his commentaries, published on Tuesdays and Sundays, are archived at DManzer.com. Watch his walking tour of Mentryville [here].