Automotive Signs of the Times in Whittier, Cal.

Back in August I surveyed vacant auto dealerships.  Recently two more dealerships fell.  Whittier Daily News reported that Harris Buick Pontiac GMC at 13617 Whittier Boulevard closed on September 24th.

Along with its sister company, Saturn of Whittier at 13809 Whittier Boulevard, they are the sixth and seventh dealerships in the city to close in the last three years.

Back in Uptown Whittier at Pickering Avenue, a quirky VW Goldmine, seller of new and used Volkswagen parts, has been around more than three decades.  Its building would be nondescript if it weren't for the blue VW sticking out of the wall:

The V Dub has served as a stage for mannequins and props to provide cultural commentary on current events like OctoMom and the loss of the king of Pop - Michael Jackson.  Spotted this past summer was a bit of Lohan-ism:

Vacant Car Lots

Shuttered automobile dealerships are commonplace.  Here is a sampling along my routes:

On Las Tunas Drive, near the borders of San Gabriel and Rosemead, is an example of the state of the new century.
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In the city of Whittier, on the stretch of Whittier Boulevard between the two shopping centers, the Quad and Whittwood, there are indications of the city's four out of nine dealerships that have closed, including the Cadillac lot seen above.  The city is changing the zoning to allow non-automotive-specific businesses take over these parcels.
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Board Ford once operated at Whittier and La Serna, with homes of Friendly Hills just behind it.
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The building at 15311 Whittier Boulevard was built in 1970.

Board Ford now has security.