Gold Line Expansions Opens Today !

Here's the video from yesterday's official dedication ceremony at 9 am. Today it officially opens and all rides on the Gold Line are free plus there's opening day activities at various stations !

East L.A. Civic Center Station
Where: Third Street and Civic Center Way (near the East L.A. Public Library)
What: Live performances of Chicano rock, a spectacular farmers' market, tasty food booths, healthy cooking classes, children's activities, local artisans and special exhibits from the County Bike Coalition and Metro Bike programs.

Mariachi Plaza Station
Where: First Street and Boyle Avenue
What: The First Annual Boyle Heights Block Party and Mariachi Festival on First Street, between Boyle Avenue and State Street. Two stages of live Mariachi, Latin and contemporary music -- including Jahnny Wallz, Domingo Siete, UmoVerde, Dirty Hens and Quito Sol. The bands will play a mix of music inspired by the Americas, the Caribbean and Africa. Mariachi performances will include local and internationally recognized musicians: Mariachi Sol del Mexico, Mariachi Reyna de Los Angeles, Mariachi Mexicapan, Mariachi Voz de America, Mariachi Santa Cecelia and Mariachi Conservatory. They will play a mix of mariachi music inspired by the different regions and styles of Mexico. There will also be free giveaways, a free kids corner, art exhibits and lots of food.

Little Tokyo/Arts District Station
Where: Alameda and First streets
What: Live karaoke on stage, delicious cuisine from dozens of nearby restaurants, special family activities and booths representing businesses and organizations from the area.

Union Station
Where: East Portal, Union Station stop on the Metro Gold Line and Metro Red Line, corner of Cesar Chavez Avenue and Vignes Street
What: A special pre-holiday visit from Santa, who will appear with the Caroling Company, 1 to 1:30 p.m., in anticipation of his first holiday appearance in the 2009 Hollywood Santa Parade on Sunday, Nov. 29.Also at Union Station will be a display from Madame Tussauds Hollywood, as well as bands, guitarists and food booths.


Over at the LA Times, Christopher Hawthorne , the architecture critic writes about the new extension line plus Al Seib photographs the various artworks at these stations.