Pacific Drive-Ins and Edwards Theatres announced in a Los Angeles Times ad on December 18, 1961, the opening of the Azusa Foothill Drive-In and its attractions Disney's "Babes In Toyland" and "Misty". This unique partnership would make it Pacific's 42nd location in the Los Angeles area. As to Edwards' contribution to this agreement, it was probably the land as James Edwards II had invested in real estate in the San Gabriel Valley since he opened his first theatre in 1930.
Let it be noted that when Pacific took over the Edwards Drive-In in Arcadia in 1954 it was always listed as Edwards Drive-In in Pacific's ads for more than 30 years. The 1510-car Azusa Foothill, despite Pacific's listings, was always listed in the International Motion Picture Almanac as an Edwards Theatre.
After more than 40 years the Azusa Foothill's last full night of operation began on December 28, 2001 with "Harry Potter And The Sorcerers Stone" and "Ocean's Eleven", with the swap meet closing early the next year.
The Los Angeles Conservancy says that the Azusa Foothill is the last remaining drive-in on Route 66 west of Oklahoma, and according to county records, its land on which Azusa Pacific College plan on expanding their campus is assessed at $6,372,000.
In February of 2002, the California Historical Resources Commission declared it a state landmark, despite a vote by the Azusa city council of 4 to 1 against it. The city of Azusa says that the university has a $20.9 million impact on Azusa. For it to be added to the California Register of Historical places the owner of the property, as required by law, would have to consent. The Los Angeles Times says that because of the landmark designation the owners now have to study environmental effects, examine alternative uses and produce evidence to justify the approval of any project by the city council.
As of December 2003, according to the city website, Azusa was still reviewing the specific plan for the future expansion of the university.
Contributed by Ron Pierce
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