Mission-to-Mission Recap: Thousands Connect for Car-Free Event Across Alhambra, San Gabriel, and South Pasadena
For a third time in recent history, five miles of car-free streets linked the cities of Alhambra, San Gabriel, and South Pasadena on Sunday, April 28th, 2024. Now dubbed “Active Streets,” the beloved Open Streets event was made possible by Metro and hosted by the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments (SGVCOG) in partnership with the three cities and Active San Gabriel Valley.
Local dignitaries, including CA State Senator Anthony Portantino, Assembly Member Mike Fong, South Pasadena Mayor Evelyn Zneimer, SGVCOG President Tim Hepburn, and the unmissable Gabe the Sasquatch, kicked off the event on Mission Street in South Pasadena.
A community 5k organized by Aztlan Athletics and benefitting the My My Nhan Legacy Fund directly followed the opening ceremony, with runners chasing a flock of doves-in-training, courtesy of White Dove Release. The young doves took about 25 minutes to return to their Hacienda Heights home.
The event route featured an activity hub in each downtown district, with free games, live performances, and vendor booths. The City of Alhambra hosted its annual Earth Day festival in conjunction with the event, allowing participants to connect with a wide range of local environmental groups.
Thousands of attendees also had a chance to explore the many small businesses on Main Street in Alhambra and the two Mission Districts. Several businesses activated their storefronts with booths to engage the parade of people walking, biking, and skating along the event route, showcasing the potential for increased foot traffic and customer engagement that Active Streets can bring.
Residents of all ages and backgrounds came together, united by the opportunity to experience a section of historic Route 66 and some of the San Gabriel Valley’s most iconic streets. Families could be seen walking and rolling the event route on all manner of wheeled devices, from wagons to one-wheelers, creating a vibrant tapestry of community spirit.
Young cyclists in training were also a common sight across the event route. Car-free streets allowed young families to train the next generation of bicyclists safely.
With two young riders under ten years of age and as a parent who did not spend many hours behind the handlebars, Kellee O’Rourke and her two daughters were among those who bicycled from South Pasadena to San Gabriel (and back). “I would ride my bike more if I felt safer on the streets. The event allowed us to explore our neighborhood in a new and exciting way. It’s fun to see families and friends recreation in great numbers and supporting the local businesses! We’re eagerly looking forward to the next Active Streets, ready to create more cherished memories and strengthen our community bonds”.
Two Active Streets events are planned for 2025: a return of Mission-to-Mission and a new route - Corazón del Valle - connecting the cities of El Monte and South El Monte in the Fall. To receive announcements about upcoming dates, sign up for notices at www.activesgv.org/get-involved.
