What to See When Gold Line Extension Opens March 5

Gold-Line Foothill Extension Stations

A wealth of destinations throughout San Gabriel Valley will be available when the Gold Line Foothill Extension project opens on March 5.

Prepared by Marc Corti

The 11.5-mile rail line (cost of $1 billion) will travel between East Pasadena and Azusa and provide a transit alternative to the busy 210 freeway.

The new light rail will offer access to shopping, sports, recreation, medical and educational destinations:

Arcadia Station

Arcadia Station (Photo – thesource.metro.net).

201 N. 1st Ave.
Arcadia, CA 91006

• Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden
  

  Home to 127 acres of plants, historic buildings and peacocks galore.
  (Transfer to Foothill Transit Bus 187 to easily reach the Arboretum.,

• Santa Anita Park

  Opened in 1934, Santa Anita Park is home to numerous prestigious races including the Santa Anita Derby and the Santa Anita Handicap, and has hosted the Breeders’ Cup multiple times.

• Westfield Santa Anita
  

  The largest shopping mall in the San Gabriel Valley, the Westfield Santa Anita is home to Coach, Michael Kors, Free People, Swarovski, Beard Papa, Dave & Buster’s, AMC Santa Anita 16 and – coming soon – Din Tai Fung’s flagship restaurant.

Monrovia Station

Monrovia Gold Line Station Rendering (Photo – foothillgoldline.org).

1651 S. Primrose Ave.
 Monrovia, CA 91016

• Old Town Monrovia

  A charming, small-town district to many, with popular local restaurants, shops and a movie palace.
  (Transfer to Metro Line 270 and quickly reach Old Town Monrovia.

• Mt. Sierra College
  

  Founded in 1990, this college offers degree programs in information technology, media arts and business.

• Historic Santa Fe Depot
  

  Former Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway depot is currently closed to the public. Built in 1926. the City of Monrovia has plans to restore and renovate the depot into a transit-oriented plaza.

Duarte Station

Duarte Station (Photo – thesource.metro.net)

1777 Duarte Rd.
 Duarte, CA 91010

• City of Hope National Medical Center
  

  This cancer treatment center, and hospital, is also a clinical research center and graduate medical school.
  (It was ranked as one of ‘America’s Best Hospitals’ in 2010 by U.S. News & World Report).

• Justice Brothers Racing Museum
  

  The Justice Brothers – Edward Ray, Sr., Lawrence Milton and James Russell – were figures in motorsports and the founders of Justice Brothers, Inc., a worldwide manufacturer of car care products. The museum is a great place to learn about the evolution of motorsports and is home to vintage circle track race-cars, restored classics, Indy cars and more.

• Duarte Bike Path
  

  A class 1 bike path that parallels Royal Oaks Drive from Buena Vista Street to Royal Oaks Park for about 1.6 miles.

  (The trail was built on an old Pacific Electric Railway track and connects to the San Gabriel River Bicycle path).

Irwindale Station

Irwindale Station (Photo – thesource.metro.net)

16017 Avenida Padilla
 Irwindale, CA 91702

• Santa Fe Dam Recreational Area
  

  Recreational opportunities (including a nature center) that offer cycling, fishing, boating, and hiking. The area also hosts the annual Renaissance Pleasure Faire of Southern California.
  (Bike or transfer to Foothill Transit Bus 185 to visit the Santa Fe Dam Recreational Area).

• Sriracha Hot Sauce Factory

  Visit the factory that makes the popular Southeast-Asian style hot chili sauce. The best time to visit is during chili-grinding season: mid-September to late October. Tours are free but must be booked in advance.

  (Transfer to Foothill Transit Bus 185 to visit the factory.)

Azusa Downtown Station

Azusa Station (Photo – thesource.metro.net).

780 N. Alameda Ave.
 Azusa, CA 91702

• Downtown Azusa
  

  There’s a Target store right next to the rail station. A short walk away leads to numerous places to eat and drink. Notables include Max’s Mexican Cuisine, Congregation Ale House, City Café, Tardino Bro’s Italian Kitchen and Canyon City Barbeque.

• Historic Santa Fe Depot
  

  This former Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway depot was built in 1931. Though currently closed to the public, the City of Azusa plans to rehabilitate and reuse the depot and turn the area into a fully functioning transit plaza.

APU/Citrus College Station

APU/Citrus College Station (Photo – thesource.metro.net).

905 N. Citrus Ave.
Azusa, CA 91702

• Azusa Pacific University
  

  Founded in 1899, Azusa Pacific is a leading Christian university in California with more than 6,500 students.  The university offers Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctorate degree programs.

• Citrus College
  

  The oldest public community college in L.A. County, Citrus College has numerous Associate degree programs and continuing education courses.

Source: thesource.metro.net