I first started out gold hunting by the San Gabriel mountians North of Irwindale. I was suprised to find the Sand & Gravel Company off the 405 freeway was number 3 gold producing in USA! It's funny the sand & gravel company considers the GOLD is a by-product.(Hummm). Now I went and found the East fork and I was looking for a old saloon/bar from the gold mining days. I tried my hand at the"East fork" and could not find a thing. But I was at the Mater Del Rosa Catholic retreat with my father when I was 17 rears old. Durring the retreat we had a break, my day asked me to hike with him up a dry stream he showed me a piece of quartz with gold in it. This was the first time I saw gold found. I never went back but If you go there and ask permission, I am sure the priests would give you the go ahead. Google the Catholic retreat area and it is at the foothills.
I hope this helps, I think it may be good for finding "Luvial Gold".
The dry streams have "Benches" like little shelves where Gold can rest and you can get lucky hitting in a small nugget field or so there. I don't think it has been worked due to the Priests & Brothers being on the property and they are good people. With a little bit of kindness and if you offer a % of your find to contribute to their
"retreat", from your "HOBBY", they just might let you check out the area. (Be sure to use the word "Hobby".)
The place is kinda Mystical being away from everything with all the Olive trees of Old. It's worth a try.
Good Luck friend, hopes this helps.