June 26: This Date in Los Angeles Transportation History

1937:  California Governor Frank F. Merriam, officials from the State Department of Public Works, prominent Los Angeles County officials and civic leaders join the citizens of Downey in formally dedicating the completion of Manchester-Firestone Boulevard.

A ceremony is held at the intersection of Firestone Boulevard and Downey Avenue.

Manchester-Firestone

More information can be found in the July, 1937 issue of California Highways and Public Works.

2010:  Metro breaks ground on the Gold Line Foothill Extension.

Approximately 200 people came out to hear community leaders tout the first Measure R rail project.  It is slated to extend the Metro Gold Line 11 miles east from Pasadena to Azusa.

Another extension to Montclair is under study.

Metro Board Director and Glendale Mayor Ara Najarian notes during the ceremony that “this whole County is going to change.”

Numerous Metro Gold Line Foothill Extension construction photos can be found here.

More information can be found in the June 30, 2010 MyMetro employee news digest and the June 26, 2010 post on Metro’s The Source.