Rancho Cucamonga, California, USA

The Pacific Electric Railroad fueled development of California's Inland Empire beginning in the late 1800s. It ran from Los Angeles to San Bernardino. Now, in concert with a national trend, the old right-of-way has been turned into a public bike trail that parallels the unparalleled Route 66. [2013]

Julian, California, USA

Julian's past is tied to gold. Julian's present is tied to apples. They've given the town its signature dish: apple pie. They may also have given the town its signature color: red.  This duo is destined for the Julian Pie Company. [2013]

Ramona, California, USA

The tentacles of southern California's megalopolis are stretching ever further east into canyons and valleys that were once rural realms of their own. The Santa Maria Valley used to be devoted to avocados and citrus. Now, pumpkins (for the kids) and grapes (for the adults) are taking their place: both grown for their entertainment value. [2013]

Merida, Yucatan, Mexico

Fancy cast iron fences are part of Mexico's architectural heritage. Find the plaza in any Mexican town and you will see fences being used as aesthetic resources. In one sense, they glorify the industrial arts that turned urban architecture away from its rural antecedents. [2013]

Hamilton, New Zealand

If it weren't on a music store, it would almost qualify as fine art. Since it is on a music store, it becomes commercial art. Where is the line between the two? It makes a difference to cities as they try to regulate signage and advertising. Your assignment: 'Name that tune'! [2006]

Hong Kong S.A.R., China

Bilingual signage is typical of Hong Kong. So is Closed-Circuit TV. The pictogram in the middle might as well be the logo of the urban world in which we live. Anyone want to move back to the country? [2011]

Agra, India

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The golden rain tree is the pride of India.  If it were not, you wouldn't find it on the grounds of the Taj Mahal.  Its showy yellow flowers and long seed pods comprise a conjugate pair.  They symbolize perfectly the heavenly beauty and the earthly productivity of Bharat.  [2011]