James,

I can answer two of the questions:

-Metrolink I-10 segment-former PE mainline to San Bernardino was used by SP freights until the early 90 when it was sold to LACMTA for Metrolink (SCRRA) use. It has seen occasional freight due to the SP (now UP) operating rights, but ML charges for the privilege, so it is not commonly (if ever) done. This line has some tough grades and was almost always a secondary freight main after it was rebuilt and the El Monte flyover connection to the Alhambra main was constructed during 1974.

UP tends to use the UP (LA&SL) mainline to Pomona and former SP "Sunset Route" from Pomona to West Colton because it is shorter and has less gradient (the hill from Pomona to Alhambra-the hill from the Shops (LATC) to Alhambra. The Alhambra mainline is being double tracked however, and it is being grade separated with the extension of the Alhambra trench through San Gabriel, so it will continue to be a major freight route.

The San Berdoo depot and museum (UP, BNSF, Metrolink, Amtrak), the Fullerton depot (BNSF, Metrolink, Amtrak, Beer and Burgers), Riverside Depot (BNSF, UP, Metrolink, Amtrak), or the Santa Fe Avenue overpass (UP, BNSF-Alameda Corridor trench entrance), all remain excellent train watching sites, accessible, and generally open to photography from the "public" areas. The first three are operating pasenger stations with good views of passing passenger and freight activities, and you can get there on the commuter trains, with nice choices for more rail action via either Fullerton or the San Gabriel Valley lines.

The Harbor is another great railfanning location, lots of action, but also lots of security, so be aware of where your not supposed to be.

Welcome to Southern California-have a great trip.