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Reducing the carbon footprint, mitigating the effects of global climate change and improving public health will be at center stage on Sunday, May 1, with the return of the 626 Golden Streets Mission-to-Mission event following a three-year hiatus on account of the pandemic.
The cities of South Pasadena, San Gabriel and Alhambra will all open to car free travel, connecting the three communities for the public to walk, run, bike, skate, scoot, dance and explore during the 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. free event.
Organized by ActiveSGV, its being presented by Metro Los Angeles those taking part can attend via the Metro Rail (L Line, Mission Station), which connects directly to the route and South Pasadena activity hub on Mission Street near the city’s Gold Line Station.
As always, children four or under ride free on Metro buses and trains, and bikes and scooters may be brought on board at no extra cost.
“ActiveSGV is excited to partner with the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments and the cities of Alhambra, San Gabriel, and South Pasadena to bring open streets back to the San Gabriel Valley,” said ActiveSGV Special Programs Director Wes Reutimann said in a statement. “The first Mission-to-Mission ciclovia in May 2019 was one of our most popular open streets events to date, bringing together people from all walks of life to explore and enjoy three unique communities and historic business districts via two feet or two wheels. Just be sure to bring a reusable water bottle, cup, or mug as we’ve increased our commitment to reduce single-use waste!”
Featuring three activity hubs, the day will include live music and performances, ‘zero emission zones’ providing all-electric mobility, play zones for kids of all ages, and an array of green vendors showcasing products.
In addition, there will be performances by the San Gabriel High School Marching Band, professional chalk artists, e-bike test ride zones, and a 5k fun run starting from the San Gabriel Hub at 9 a.m.
The 626 Golden Streets opening ceremonies kick off at 8:30 from the corner of Main and 2nd Street in downtown Alhambra starting at 8:30 a.m., as those in attendance will hear brief comments from the mayors of South Pasadena, Alhambra, and San Gabriel, as well as Congresswoman Judy Chu, State Assembly Member Mike Fong, Metro Board Member Tim Sandoval, State Senator Anthony Portantino, and Mayor Gabe the Sasquatch, the event mascot.
Among those talking to the crowd will be Michael Cacciotti, a five-time mayor since joining the South Pasadena City Council back in 2001. He’s also a strong advocate of clean air as a board member for the South Coast Air Quality Management District. “It will be an exciting day of fun, activities, and we encourage everyone of all ages to come out,” he said. “There will be no vehicles on the road and it will be a great chance to get some exercise, meet a lot of people as you go through our neighboring communities of Alhambra and San Gabriel while enjoying the beauty of our San Gabriel Valley cities. The event really highlights Metro’s and our effort as a clean air sustainable community to reduce vehicle miles traveled. We don’t always have to use our cars and can use other forms of transportation – especially a bike – to get around. The aim is to reduce pollution, encourage exercise and really protect our health from all the harmful pollutants that come out of fossil fuel vehicles.”
For more information about the car free open streets event, including the route connecting the three cities, visit www.626goldenstreets.com.
