The YMCA of West San Gabriel Valley

By Glenn Barnett

The Alhambra YMCA, as it was called then, was housed in the building that still sits on the Northeast corner of Almansor and Main St. I learned to swim there in 1954 and swam there regularly for many years. There was also a weight and exercise room. On the top floor was a basketball court, and besides pickup games, there was a league of local YMCAs from Pasadena to Long Beach that fielded teams of high school students who played basketball against each other. After all, basketball was a YMCA invention. There was also a banquet room at that “Y.”

For me, my favorite YMCA experience was at Camp Ta Ta Pochon. In a local Native American language, that means “everlasting friendship.” This beautiful camp in the San Bernardino Mountains is surrounded on three sides by the San Gorgonio Wilderness area. It is the highest camp in the mountains and is refreshed by a year-round mountain stream. The tallest old-growth pine trees on the mountain are contained on the campgrounds.

I spent a part of five summers there as a camper and then as a counselor. Activities included archery, crafts, and hiking to Jenks Lake for swimming and canoeing. There were day hikes to other places, too, but when I got to the end, I had no idea where I was. There were campfires with storytelling, singing, and lots of camaraderie. I have lots of good memories from those days.

As time passed, the grand old building that housed the Y became increasingly challenging to maintain. Alhambra joined with other cities to create the YMCA of West San Gabriel Valley. Money was raised for a new and modern building at 401 E. Corto St. in Alhambra.

Community needs changed, too. More emphasis has been placed on after-school and summer programs for kids, including swimming in the 6-lane, 25-yard indoor heated pool. All lifeguards are Red Crosstrained and certified, and safety around the water is emphasized. Swimming lessons are available for pool newcomers.

There is homework assistance in the after-school programs. Fitness training and lots of free time on two state-of-theart playgrounds. Fitness programs are available for people of all ages through group water exercise classes.

A growing national need is having enough to eat. Our Y has teamed with Tzu Chi, an international Buddhist service organization, to distribute food to families with pre-determined needs. Alhambra and our surrounding areas are blessed with the service of the YMCA.

There is so much more going on at the YMCA. Check out details of activities they may have available for you.