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MUST READ LETTER, PART TWO GOLD LINE AN ECONOMIC CATALYST FOR THE by ED SAALIG, PRS DIRECTOR : GUEST COMMENTARY I have some good news to report since my last LETTER. On by HABIB F. BALIAN the recommendation of Steve Crise, an outstanding bookkeeper When a transportation infrastructure project as robust as the was hired to bring our financial accounting up to date. I'm happy Foothill Gold Line is discussed, it's usually in terms of improving to say ALL outstanding checks have been October 31, 2014. We mobility certainly a major need in the semi-regular traffic jam are still working with her on streamlining our accounting system that is Southern . but all accounts have been updated. I'm sorry to say that Richard Too often lost but not forgotten by planners, economists Weigle, Treasurer has resigned, therefore, his position will be and the business community — is the economic impact an open to the membership. If interested please contact Virginia investment such as this will have on our region as a whole. Grupp, President. Because of time conflicts Richard has found it Throughout the San Gabriel Valley, signs of this economic necessary to resign. We all thank him for his many years of transformation can already be seen in the form of transit-oriented service to the PRS. With our books in order Marti Ann and the and related developments. Excursion Committee will be able to keep the National Forum Last month, ground was broken on the Station Square Transit running for the foreseeable future. Will Walters is in the process Village in Monrovia, the largest public works project in the city's of finding some outstanding homes for our rolling stock. As history and a direct investment of more than $40 million into the difficult as it is to part with these cars, I believe the Board is local economy. excited in knowing that they will go to good homes. OERM has A month later, on Oct. 18, the Foothill Gold Line held a track expressed a high degree of interest in our Santa Fe RDC car and completion ceremony a short walk from a two-story Target store have assured us that restoration will begin at once if an agreement in downtown Azusa one of several transit-oriented is reached. They have indicated they are already in the process of developments planned for that city. Recent months have seen obtaining missing parts for the car. They see this car as "highly Glendora and Pomona both moving forward with their own desirable" and want to preserve it for future generations. We projects tied to next phase of the light rail line currently should have some agreements reached within the next two undergoing advanced design. months. These and otherretail, housing and commercial developments Our Museum Committee reports that donations and sales will pump billions of dollars into the local economy. According continue to range between $400 and $900 per month. This has all to a study funded by the Federal Transit Administration, every come about because of the countless hours that David Housh and public dollar invested in the Foothill Gold Line will return $43.50 the Museum Committee have volunteered. This has helped our in private investment and economic development. financial situation very much. A special "Thank You" goes to Another study, by the Economic Development Steve Crise for cleaning out and condensing one of our storage Corporation, projected that construction of the Pasadena to units. The money saved in rent will Azusa phase alone would generate $930 million in direct and almost pay for the monthly utility bills at the Museum. indirect business revenues, create 6,900 jobs and result in $39 Charles Varnes is our new editor of Wheel Clicks. We can not million in state income taxes, sales taxes and local fees. thank Dick Finley enough for the years he served. Dick has been The notion of transportation infrastructure as an economic worth his weight in gold to the PRS. Good news is he still will be engine is not a new one. Postwar investment in highways, rail hosting the monthly mailing parties at his home. In future issues lines and bridges created millions ofjobs, expanded our ability to you will see more reports from your PRS committees and move goods from one end of the continent to the other, and directors. helped build the American middle class. With all this good news there is still some sad news to report. It's no coincidence that our major economic centers have, at We have received no response for help since the last Wheel their core, highly effective transportation networks. Even Los Clicks. All of our committees need YOU to help them. If the PRS Angeles County, as maligned as we are for our congestion, is is to continue to grow we need your help. Please donate your home to the world's largest, most sophisticated goods movement time. and please sign up for the Excursion to San Diego on system and voter-approved, locally funded transit network in the Saturday, December 20 and our annual Christmas Dinner on state's and nation's history. Saturday, December 13. Economic conditions are more complicated now, but the Ed Saalig broader impact of sound transportation investment has never Director, Pacific Railroad Society GOLD LINE >> Page 6 Wednesday 210 W. Bonita Ave.. San Dimas, CA 91773 December 6, 13, PRM Open Saturday, 10:00 a.m. — 4:00 p.m. 20, 27 210 W. Bonita Ave.. San Dimas, CA 91773 December 6, 13 Saunders Yard Open Saturday, 8:30 a.m. — ? 20, 27 Noakes St. & Herbert Ave., Commerce December 23 January Wheel Clicks Mailing, 10:00 a.m. Tuesday 1240 Dominion Ave., Pasadena. Railroads-The Backbone of America (626) 794-0783

WHEEL CLICKS PRS HOLIDAY BANQUET DECEMBER 2014 VOLUME 78, NO. 12 There is still room for you at our annual holiday event to be held at Ruby's Diner Orange Depot on Saturday, December 13. EDITOR. CHARLES VARNES The deadline to sign up is December 5, 2014. The depot is MAILING COORDINATOR. DICK FINLEY accessible for Metrolink patrons, please consult a current MAILER. JOHN STALLKAMP schedule for times. There will be door prizes and a railroad trivia quiz with a prize for the winner. The program will include a Opinions expressed in unsigned articles are those of the editorial board, current video regarding restoration of the National Forum and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Society, its officers or passenger car and a brief presentation on the new Arctic directors. Opinions in signed articles are those of the author only. All rights reserved. ISSN: 0043-4744. Transportation Center which is having its grand opening on the morning of December 13. You are urged to attend this event as Published monthly by PACIFIC RAILROAD SOCIETY, INC. well. If you haven't made your reservations, please email Larry Address and telephone are the same as for Pacific Railroad Museum. Aandahl at coinreturngaol.com. We look forward to seeing you PARTICIPATING MEMBER. $45.00 per year on the 13th. SUSTAINING MEMBER $60.00 per year CORPORATE MEMBER. $110.00 per year FROM THE EDITOR — THE WHEEL CLICKS LIFE MEMBER $500.00 TRANSITION CONTINUES by CHARLES VARNES PACIFIC RAILROAD MUSEUM is operated by Pacific Railroad Society at The editor thanks those who offered helpful comments and 210 W. Bonita Ave., San Dimas, CA 91773. Telephone: (909) 394-0616. suggestions following the publication ofthe November 2014 issue Museum e-mail: [email protected] Open Mondays: 12-5 p.m.; of Wheel Clicks. Several offers of help that were offered are Wednesdays: 12-5 p.m.; Saturdays: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. MUSEUM CURATOR DAVID HOUSH appreciated. EXCURSION DIRECTOR MARTI ANN DRAPER The editor's vision for Wheel Clicks is to place PRS news and WEBMASTER. RUSSELL HOMAN committee reports at the front of the publication, followed by INTERNET Home Page: http://www. pacificrailroadsociety.org articles and news items of interest to the organization's Pacific Railroad Society, Inc. is a non-profit 501 (e)(3) social membership. The return to an eight-page issue is anticipated, also. organization staffed by volunteers. The Society supports rail car Photographs related to articles in Wheel Clicks will be preservation and restoration; railroad excursions; a museum which included. preserves and displays railroad literature, photos, artifacts and a resource library; railroad related education; social events; and publications. The If you, a member, have an article, story, or photograph you public is welcome to participate in the Society's events, operations, and wish to submit for publication, an email address will be available facilities. The Society is funded by membership, donations, grants, and soon for that purpose. Watch for it in the January 2015 issue of fundraising activities. Wheel Clicks. News items, articles or photographs for publication BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF PACIFIC RAILROAD SOCIETY, INC. in Wheel Clicks may be mailed to Wheel Clicks at the Pacific PRESIDENT VIRGINIA GRUPP Railroad Museum, 210 West Bonita Avenue, San Dimas, CA VICE-PRESIDENT. WILL WALTERS 91773, also. SECRETARY. RICK REYES TREASURER. VACANT DIRECTOR (2012-2015). DAVID ABBOTT PRS VOLUNTEERS PUT NATIONAL FORUM IN SHAPE DIRECTOR (2014-2017). STEVE CRISE On October 25, 2014, five PRS volunteers undertook the DIRECTOR (2012-2015). MARTI ANN DRAPER DIRECTOR (2013-2016). ANDY NOVAK renewal of the brake valves on the National Forum on the site of DIRECTOR (2014-2017). ED SAALIG the former AT&SF Roundhouse at Amtrak's Maintenance Facility in preparation for a required periodic brake test and Starting November 5, 2014, the meeting of the PRS inspection. This involved swapping out some heavy equipment for Board of Directors moved to the Pacific Railroad Museum newly outshopped replacements. Russell Homan, Chester Olson, in San Dimas, California. The time and date are 7:30 p.m. Paul Petersen, Marti Ann Draper and Rob Markowitz did the on the first Wednesday of each month. transporting and lifting, carefully replacing the needed gaskets and fittings. PRS MEMBER MEETINGS During the week commencing on November 8, the Forum December 1, 8, PRM Open Monday, 12:00 p.m. — 5:00 p.m. underwent an extensive inspection which is required ofall private 15, 22, 29 210 W. Bonita Ave., San Dimas, CA 91773 cars operating on Amtrak each ten years following its 40-year December 3, 10, PRM Open Wednesday, 12:00 a.m. — 5:00 rebuild. This inspection was done at Amtrak's 8th Street Engine 17, 24, 31 210 W. Bonita Ave., San Dimas, CA 91773 December 3 PRS Board Meeting, West Room, 7:30 p.m. WHEEL CLICKS DECEMBER 2014 3

servicing facility, where the up to date facilities included jacks and to help me out. Another tour was for a group of mentally drop tables which made removal of the trucks and inspection of challenged adults. Both of these tours were successful because we them and above them relatively simple. The inspection pinpointed adapt our tour to fit the group. We give many tours to school several maintenance items which need to be done to run the car, groups and Boy and Girl Scout troops at one end of the age and helped us to know specific jobs to schedule. spectrum and to senior citizen groups at the other end. If you We have an excellent crew of volunteers and we look forward know of a group seeking a destination for an outing, our tour to upcoming jobs to be done on the Forum in the next few weeks. seems to satisfy. Contact Excursion Director Marti Ann at The Museum was fortunate in donations and acquisitions [email protected] if you would like to join in the effort! during October. Board member Steve Crise loaned the Museum a fully functional Baltimore and Ohio color-position light railroad signal. It is in pristine condition. We also received a very generous gift from the Ralph J. Staunton Family Trust in the amount of $17,625.00. We plan to use this to create an endowment for our Library. And then, thanks to the sharp eyes of Wheel Clicks editor Charles Varnes and a case of being at the right place at the right time, we were given two bells from the crossing gates adjacent to the Museum. They had just been replaced with electronic devices of decidedly inferior sound. The big surprise was a check from Augustine D. Gomes in the amount of $481.75. This was restitution for damage inflicted when he broke into our Museum last year. He even included a note of apology. What's more, the check appears to be good! Several months ago we reported getting a sizeable collection of railroad books, models, artifacts and furniture from member James Opel. Included in the furniture was a rack obviously Russell Homan and Marti Ann Draper inspect a control valve designed to display time tables. On recent inspection we found a service portion before applying a new gasket and installing it small brass plaque attached which reads as follows. onto the National Forum. OWNED AND SERVICED BY EASTERN TIME TABLE DIST. CO. NEW YORK, N.Y.

The only problem was its rather delicate condition. But Steve Crise came to its rescue. It has been totally reconstructed and restored to look probably better than when new. It will soon find a place in our Museum doing what it was designed to do--display time tables. Steve will be providing photographs and perhaps a few more details for your enjbyment. Thank you Steve! Your Museum has developed a positive working relationship with the city of San Dimas and participates in city sponsored events. In October we were open for San Dimas Western Days Marti Ann Draper, Paul Petersen, Chester Olsen and Rob and welcomed many visitors during the weekend event. And then Markowitz at the National Forum on October 25, 2014. there was the annual Halloween tick-or-treat afternoon event when we joined the local merchants in distributing candy to the PACIFIC RAILROAD MUSEUM DOINGS young folk. It is during these events that I could use greater by DAVID HOUSH, Curator physical presence from our members. Don't be afraid to volunteer It is my goal to keep our membership informed in this monthly to help! article as to the happenings and needs at the Pacific Railroad I am happy to report that the city of San Dimas has finally Museum and Library. So here goes! approved and is moving ahead to install a sign advertising our Your Museum had a busy month in October. 198 visitors Museum at the street in front of our facility. This will let the signed in, and most opted for our guided tour. For a second public know that the train depot is not an empty shell and that consecutive month our Museum's on site donations and EBay there is indeed something inside that bright yellow building. sales approached $900.00. Your Museum is holding its own! Hopefully we will no longer be the best kept secret in San Dimas! Several special docent led tours took place, one being for 51 It has been a long and sometimes difficult process dealing with members of the Southern California Railway Plaza Association. the city planning department, but the city will actually be covering Member Tony Farst came over from his new home in Las Vegas part of the cost. There is hope that the sign might be in place by 4 WHEEL CLICKS DECEMBER 2014

the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in early December, but I ago!. If the membership isn't kept informed about PRS activities, am not holding my breath. what incentive is there for either a) volunteering, b) donating We have long been burdened with the expense ofmaintaining funds or materials, or c) paying $45 annually to renew up to four storage units to house the excess "stuff' that has been membership? accumulating from donations over the years. Some of it is of If the membership isn't kept aware of PRS activities, it should great value to the Museum and Library and will be kept, but a be apparent that there will be little or no incentive for members to great portion is of little value to our needs. Board member Steve get involved. A request simply to "come down and volunteer" Crise has taken on the thankless task of sorting through the isn't providing the incentive to members to forego their other multitude of publications and artifacts and, with the approval of activities in favor of PRS. Where specific projects are described the Museum Committee, is finding knew homes for what is along with a request for the donation of a finite amount of time deemed inappropriate to our needs and retaining what is relevant to see a specific project to completion, history has shown that to our collections. We now have just three units with a goal to members do volunteer. Witness the excellent crew of volunteers reduce this to two units by year's end. The monthly savings will which made the 75th Anniversary excursion to Bakersfield a be significant, and we will have a well organized and accessible success, or the group of volunteers now working to get the annex to our main facility. National Forum ready for the December excursion. But Each month I intend to give credit to those members giving volunteering should not be defined solely by one's physical valuable volunteer hours to the Museum. For October this list presence, at the Museum, Saunders Yard, or Board Meeting. Any includes Dennis Gilkey (gardening), Steve Crise (storage units member's time dedicated to PRS should count, whether it be by and much more), Tony Farst (EBay sales and tour help), Russ taking on a project at home, on the computer (as this writer is Davies (Photo and slide processing and program prep), Jim Baker doing), or by donation of funds. (which are tax deductible, by the (Photo and slide processing and electronics tech), and Harvey way). And don't forget to publicly acknowledge (in Wheel Clicks) Laner (photo and slide processing and program prep). Several the volunteers which devote their personal time to the benefit of members helped staff the Museum on the first day of Western PRS. They deserve recognition! days, but I fear listing them as I am sure to leave one or more out. A big thank you to all my October helpers. Finally, members are welcome to come visit the Museum and even give us a hand. Upcoming events include the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on Saturday, December 6. 2014. We will be staffing the Museum from 2:00 to 6:30 PM. Your help would be welcome.

COUNTERPOINT -- A View from Outside by ROLLAND GRAHAM, PRS member #15 Throughout America social organizations are experiencing a decline in membership and participation as the younger generation eschews group activities. Pacific Railroad Society is not exempt from this change in social behavior. Membership has been declining at a rapid rate, and is now only about 1/3 of the level of our peak in the 1970's. As our former president, the late Neil Bjornsen warned, if PRS is to survive, it must adapt to these PRS volunteer staff and AM.trak crew from Excursion 542, at changes. The concerns of this writer are not with the fact that Union Station April 3, 2011. Photo by Matt Wiles changes are needed, but that the membership has, effectively, been excluded from the discussion of the direction PRS should DISENFRANCHISING THE MEMBERSHIP take. Current PRS By-Laws permit changes to the By-Laws on the COMMUNICATION basis of a majority of members voting in person at a membership A major concern voiced by several Board and Committee meeting. The problem with this provision is immediately members is that very few members show any willingness to apparent: With only a small percentage of the membership able to volunteer to work on PRS projects. What is apparently being attend a membership meeting, as few as 10-15 members (based on overlooked is that there is very little communication with the recent attendance figures) could vote in changes to the By-Laws. membership on PRS activities. Most members do not attend the The large majority of members who are not able to attend have monthly membership meetings, so they must rely on other forms no opportunity to vote. The Board does not seem concerned of communication to be informed of PRS activities. A review of about this; the membership should be very concerned. past issues of Wheel Clicks reveals the last report of activity at PRIVATE CARS (aka Rolling Stock) Sunders Yard, where most of our rail cars are stored, was in PRS has owned (and preserved) railroad cars for most of its January, 2005 -- 10 years ago! Information on activities at the existence, starting with the acquisition of the Descanso in 1940, Pacific Railroad Museum is more recent, but the last report was followed by the streetcar, 1559 in 1959, and various passenger in January, 2012 -- 2 years ago! The last time a summary of the cars between 1969 and 2007. This activity is one of the Board of Directors meeting minutes was in June 2007, -- 7 years cornerstones of our existence. Today there is valid question as to WHEEL CLICKS DECEMBER 2014 5

the ability of the Society, with its declining membership and marking the permanent connection between the cities of finances, to adequate maintain and preserve this equipment. This Pasadena, Arcadia, Monrovia, Duarte, Irwindale and Azusa, via past July, the Board of Directors held an unannounced (to the this new light rail line. A sidewalk marker was also unveiled membership) meeting at Saunders Yard to discuss the future during the ceremony, recognizing importance of the day to these direction the Society should take with regard to the rolling stock. corridor cities. Without any presentation of options to the membership, it On Oct. 24, the Construction Authority announced that the appears from statements from certain Board members, that the agency has achieved another major milestone for the project — Board has decided to dispose of most, or all, of the rolling stock. completion of all 14 at-grade (or street-level) crossings for the One person even published an advertisement ofthe disposition of 11.5-mile light rail extension. The final grade crossing work, at the equipment in a railfan publication. Other organizations have Mountain Ave, was completed this week— three months ahead of been invited to tender offers for the PRS equipment -- again, schedule. without any announcement to the PRS membership. The only Work began on the grade crossings in February 2013, and presentation was an article in Wheel Clicks in October which required long-term closures of each street. Each grade crossing informed the membership that the decision to dispose of the received upgrades to underground utilities, the roadway, rolling stock had already been made! While the Board should be sidewalks, curbs and gutters, in addition to installation oflight rail commended for tackling a difficult issue, doing so without track, signals, and communications and safety equipment. consulting with the membership before making a final decision, is Construction took place at the following at-grade crossings: a serious breach of trust. Arcadia: First Ave. and Santa Clara St. PACIFIC RAILROAD MUSEUM Monrovia: Mayflower Ave., Magnolia Ave., Myrtle Ave. and From its earliest days, PRS has maintained an archive and library. California Ave. With the lease of the former Santa Fe station in San Dimas, PRS Monrovia/Duarte: Mountain Ave. was finally able to formalize and inventory our collection and Duarte: Buena Vista Ave., and Highland Ave. make portions of it available for public viewing. This is an Azusa: Virginia Ave., San Gabriel Ave., Azusa Ave., Alameda ongoing project, spearheaded by a small, but very dedicated Ave., Dalton Ave. and Pasadena Ave. group of volunteers. Like other PRS projects, it is seriously The Construction Authority implemented targeted public limited by a dearth of volunteers. Again, communication with the outreach campaigns for each crossing that included door-to-door membership comes up: the last mention of Museum activities and walks, text message noticing, e-alerts, interactive construction projects in Wheel Clicks was in January, 2012 -- 2 years ago! In map updates, online and print advertisements in regional news the interim, a decision was made by the Museum committee to publications; public banners and signs; and presentations to de-access a portion of the collection with does not meet the schools and community groups. To assist residents and criteria PRS has for retention (generally, duplicate articles, businesses, the Construction Authority also sponsored shuttle articles which do not pertain to Southern California railroading). service when pedestrian access was unavailable, advertisements Few would take issue with that policy. A significant amount of for local businesses, among other measures. the de-accessed documents were taken to a paper recycler to be On Nov. 6, the Foothill Gold Line joined city of Arcadia destroyed. No communication of this was made to the officials in dedicating the new transit plaza, which sits adjacent to membership, nor any opportunity for members or others to the future Arcadia Gold Line station and parking facility. The acquire these irreplaceable documents. Persons who donated this plaza was a multi-year project that was made possible by a material to the Museum likely did so with the understanding that generous grant from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), it would be preserved--not sent to a recycler. This is another with local funding coming from the city of Arcadia and the example of lack of communication with the membership, and a Foothill Gold Line. The plaza which includes bus and bicycle breach of trust. facilities, artwork, brick and concrete paving, drought tolerant In summary, PRS is facing a serious crisis. To meet this landscaping, and a centerpiece clock tower — is located in challenge, it is imperative that the members be given the downtown Arcadia and is the city's newest gathering space. opportunity to be involved in deciding the future of the Society. While the Board of Directors can give direction to this process, ANAHEIM REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION the ultimate responsibility must lie with the membership. INTERMODAL CENTER GRAND OPENING The public is invited to 'Explore ARCTIC' at its Grand FOOTHILL GOLD LINE ACTIVITIES Opening Celebration from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, On Oct. 18 the Foothill Gold Line Construction Authority December 13, 2014. Attendees will enjoy food, music, activities, (Construction Authority) from Pasadena to Azusa held a Track tours and giveaways at this fun, family-friendly event. On this Completion Ceremony which celebrated construction completion day, all are invited to tour the iconic landmark to experience the of the light rail track systems needed for the 11.5 mile Foothill unique architecture and learn how ARCTIC employs sustainable, Gold Line light rail project from Pasadena to Azusa. The event green efforts at every level. The transportation providers will also took place near the future Azusa Downtown Station in the City be present to provide additional information about services. of Azusa with more than 300 community members, project ARCTIC is located at 2626 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim. stakeholders, and elected officials in attendance. The event On opening day, ARCTIC services will include Metrolink, culminated in the installation of the last of nearly 300,000 e-clips Amtrak, OCTA bus, Anaheim Resort Transportation (ART), permanently attach the steel rail to the concrete railroadties), Coach USA, Greyhound, shuttles, taxis, bikes, and tour and 6 WHEEL CLICKS DECEMBER 2014 charter buses. Amenities will include transit oriented retail, unique a repeat of copycats stepping in front of trains. dining establishments, Wi-Fi and plug in stations, plenty of Caltrain has been addressing suicide prevention for many years parking, bike racks and lockers, as well as community space for with limited results. Now, as part ofRailroad Safety Month, it has the public to enjoy. launched a special page on its website dedicated to suicide Amtrak trans will begin stopping at the ARCTIC on Dec. 6, prevention and outreach. The page includes a crisis hotline 2014. number and links to local, regional, and national resources. On October 31, roughly a million people attended the San NEW LOSSAN CORRIDOR TIMETABLE Francisco Giants World Series victory parade in San Francisco. The LOSSAN Rail Corridor Agency Issued a new Southern When the parade and ceremonies ended around 4:00 p.m., California Passenger Rail System Map and Timetables effective thousands of people descended on Fourth and Townsend station Oct. 6, 2014. The new timetable contains Coaster and Metrolink for the ride home, just as rush hour was starting. To say Caltrain schedule changes. was overwhelmed is an understatement. At one point, the line to The 12-page document contains a system map, LOSSAN board trains stretched for about a half mile down Townsend Train Information, northbound and southbound timetables, and Street, and Caltrain announced that they were unable to LOSSAN connecting transit information accommodate all those wishing to ride. Finally, schedules were No printed version was produced. The timetable is available discarded and trains were immediately turned and departed as on the Internet at http http ://www.octa.net/pdf/ soon as full, making all peninsula stops. Eventually, everyone got LOSSANSchedule_ 1 0614.pdf home, and though the official passenger count hasn't been The LOSSAN Rail Corridor Agency (Agency) is a joint announced, it had to have been a record. powers authority originally formed in 1989 that works to increase ridership, revenue, capacity, reliability, coordination and safety on GOLD LINE the coastal rail line between San Diego, Los Angeles and San FROM PAGE 1 Luis Obispo. It is governed by a 11-member Board of Directors wavered. In its most recent Regional Transportation Plan, the composed of elected officials representing rail owners, operators, southern California Association of Governments reported that and planning agencies along the rail corridor. The LOSSAN every dollar spent on highway and transit projects over the next Agency is staffed by the Orange County Transportation 25 years would return $2.90 in increased worker productivity, Authority. improved air quality and business opportunity. The Gold Line is a true example of how public investment in CALTRAIN NEWS by MIKE GONDRON transportation creates bigger opportunities for our region as a Caltrain has announced the 2014 schedule for its popular whole. Since the project's first phase, to Pasadena, opened 11 Holiday Train. This year's train will operate on Saturday years ago, more than 1,800 residential units and 175,000 square December 6 and Sunday December 7. It will depart San feet of retail and commercial space have been built within an easy Francisco's Fourth and King Station at 4:00 p.m. each day and walk to Pasadena's six stations. In South Pasadena, the Gold Line make selected stops on the Peninsula. On December 6, stops will has helped transform the downtown into a vibrant shopping be made at Burlingame, Redwood City, Mountain View, and district, filled with higher density housing, restaurants and Santa Clara. On December 7, the train will stop at Millbrae, San boutiques. Mateo, Menlo Park, and Sunnyvale. The train will spend about Similarly, the 11.5-mile Foothill Gold Line from Pasadena to twenty minutes at each stop where representatives from the Azusa, which is on budget and more than 80 percent complete, Salvation Army and United States Marine Corps Reserves will be offers built-in economic devejopment opportunities between and on hand to collect toys for the Toys For Tots program to around its six new stations in Arcadia, Monrovia, Duarte, distribute to underprivileged children in the Bay Area. After each Irwindale and Azusa. evening's final stop, the train will deadhead nonstop back to San As subsequent phasing takes the Gold Line further east to Francisco. Montclair, the possibility of connecting centers of learning, On October 27, Caltrain marked the tenth anniversary of its technology and health research throughout the corridor will popular Baby Bullet service. When the service began, Caltrain become a reality, creating opportunities that visionaries could was carrying about 24,000 people per weekday and trying to stay only dream of a decade ago. relevant. Today, weekday ridership stands at 61,000, and instead In the coming months, as the Station Square Transit Village of trying to attract more riders, the problem is trying to find takes form and the Pasadena to Azusa light rail segment of the enough capacity for all who do want to ride. The situation is only Foothill Gold Line edges closer to completion, the region's vision going to get worse. With electrification coming in 2019, ridership and insight will be realized. is projected to climb to well over 70,000. This is not simply a transit project. It's an economic catalyst On October 15, a 23 year old man was struck and killed by for the region. Train No. 370 at Charleston Road in Palo Alto, resulting in major Habib F. Balian is chief executive officer of the Foothill Gold delays to trains in both directions. The incident was ruled a Line. suicide and has prompted Palo Alto officials to step up patrols at all city railroad crossings. In 2009 and 2010, five teenagers with This article appeared in the Pasadena Star News and the San ties to nearby Gunn High School committed suicide at the Gabriel Valley Tribune. It appears in Wheel Clicks courtesy of Charleston and East Meadow crossings, and officials don't want the Foothill Gold Line Construction Authority. Ed.