HomeMy WebLinkAboutD-1 Staff Report - Route 66SCHEDULED ITEM
D-1
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
VIA: SERGIO GONZALEZ, CITY MANAGER
FROM: JOSE D. JIMENEZ, DIRECTOR OF ECONOMIC & COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT
DATE: July 15, 2024
SUBJECT: DISCUSSION ON POSSIBLE RENAMING OR HONORING OF ROUTE 66
ALONG THE CITY OF AZUSA SEGMENT OF ALOSTA AVENUE
BACKGROUND:
A request was made during the June 3, 2024 City Council Meeting to study the possibility of
honoring Route 66’s upcoming 100-year anniversary in 2026 by renaming Alosta Avenue as it
runs through the City of Azusa.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Staff recommends that the City Council take the following action:
1)Consider ECD Staff’s Presentation on how to best honor Route 66 along the portion of
Alosta Avenue within the City of Azusa and provide further direction.
ANALYSIS:
Route 66 had its official beginnings in 1926 when the Bureau of Public Roads launched the
nation’s first Federal highway system. Like other highways in the system, the path of Route 66
was a result of the use or consolidation of existing local, State, and national roads. The highway
quickly became a popular route because of the active promotion of the U.S 66 Highway
Association, which advertised it as “the shortest, best and most scenic route from Chicago through
St. Louis to Los Angeles.”
When fully operational, Route 66 stretched 2,400 miles from the shores of Lake Michigan across
through Illinois, as it continued through Missouri, Kansas, across Oklahoma where the woodlands
Approved
City Council
July 15, 2024
Route 66 Discussion
July 15, 2024
Page 2
of the East met the open plains of the West, then continuing through Texas, New Mexico, Arizona,
until meeting its Western terminus at the shores of the Pacific Ocean in Santa Monica, California.
Within the City of Azusa, Route 66 covers approximately 2.8 miles. Commencing on the East at
the intersection of Alosta Avenue where it meets Barranca Street, Route 66 extends approximately
a mile to Foothill Boulevard (Alosta and Foothill) where Route 66 continues for an additional 1.7
miles to the western city boundary of the City.
Flanked by historic buildings and diverse cultural resources, Route 66 still offers a unique
collection of historical markers and monuments. There are many examples of how other
communities have recognized the historic route and include; Monument and Gateway Entry Signs,
Unique Street Name Signs and Public Art Pieces.
In 2026, Route 66 “Mother Road” will celebrate its 100-Year Anniversary. Staff is seeking
direction from the City Council on how to best recognize the upcoming milestone to provide ample
time for planning and budgeting purposes.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There are no fiscal impacts with this report. Staff would return with potential financial impacts
based upon Council direction.
Prepared by:
Jose D. Jimenez
Director of Economic &
Community Development
Fiscal Review by: Reviewed and Approved:
Talika M. Johnson Sergio Gonzalez
Director of Administrative Services City Manager