These are the comments folks have recently left in our Guestbook. Note that we do not validate any of the information entered into our Guestbook by third parties, so take any information presented below with the appropriate "grain of salt". Entries left here that do not conform to our rules and regulations will be deleted without warning.

See here, we are not "foggies!" We are fuddy-duddies and we don't cotton to your views of things. Go back to Orange County you don't like it.

Get with the times you old foggies! Those opposed to the 710 completion have little idea how many commuters would benefit from this. Back in the early 90's, I looked upon the fwy at Valley from King Hall at CSULA, I'll never forget the site I saw: cars backed up half way to the 10 fwy, two lanes of cars waiting for the light at Fremont/ Valley backed up to the "exit" at Valley -- all idling, all delayed 20 minutes. We didn't want the 210 completed back in '69, but today we can't live without it!! Those opposed should be asked to walk across the intersection of Valley/Fremont -- all around it 4 times and see the anger and chaos up close -- 'big new intersection' or not!!! Complete the 710 NOW!!!!!!

SOUTH PASADENA FIREFIGHTERS NEED YOUR HELP!!

I live in El Sereno and the last thing I want is to live right next to a freeway with all the problems that come with one. I'm running for State Assembly in the 45th District for the Republican Primary and I will running againsted Assemblywoman Jackie Goldberg in the November general election. I want to help stop this freeway from breaking up our community. I would like to find out how I can help in any future efforts. Anyone interested in contacting please feel free to call me at 323-221-2864 office or 909-896-5675. http://www.voteoscar.com

Why can't the northern section of the 710 freeway in Pasadena be connected to the 110 freeway (Pasadena Freeway)? The southern section of the 710 freeway could also be connected to the 110 freeway. The 110 freeway could then be upgraded. And South Pasadena will be advoided.

Reply to "Stuff" Would you like to breathe the exhaust of a bulldozer in your living room as it tears your house down? Don't build your road here, I have a musket and will defend my home.

What do you guys think about the expansion of the 710 freeway in the Long Beach area? Is it different because of population and home values? Or is this the same situation?

Do you people love traffic on your morning commute? Do you people love seeing idling cars dumping pollutants into the atmosphere, stop this silly campaign and think of the greater good!

I can't tell you hoiw much I admire those that keep up the good fight to stop he 710 extension... for more years than I can remember there has been other routes that would bring the traffic situation under control for the short period that any freeway has in the Los Angeles area...remember the 210 going through beautiful Pasadena/Arcadia and on and on and the grid lock they face every morning and evening. Good luck from a former S.P.H.S.Tiger and resident. Someone please let me and all the others that would like to help know if there is ever a way we might get involved again?

Hey folks, keep up the good fight while I'm gone. I'll be back in South Pasadena in November!

I moved from San Diego to Monterey Park nearly 10 years ago. I have nearly always worked in the South Pasadena area, either near Foothill Ave. or Colorado Blvd. This of course forces me to take Atlantic Blvd North (which turns into Los Robles Ave.) Initially, I could have cared less about the 710 freeway expansion. In the early days Los Robles Ave. had only one (1) Stop sign therefore, getting to and fro to work was relatively easy. Then things gradually started to change. Over the years, Los Robles Ave. has added STOP signs and at times moved them from different street corners in an almost hilarious fashion. NOW some traffic engineer decided to put up a traffic circle. In short, my attitude has since changed. I believe that a 6 mile tunnel to join up the 210 to the 710 expansion is not only possible but feasible. The fella that mentioned the Tunnel Boring Machine is absolutely correct and the others who want further earthquake studys need to look no further then the B.A.R.T. in San Francisco. We live and work in earthquake areas period. Dividing a city in half with a freeway is not the answer. In as far as pollution goes.....I still can't see the San Gabriel mountains from a 8th floor office building on Colorado. I beg the residents of South Pasadena to atleast consider this alternative. Truth be told if the 710 wasn't proposed to run through such a "well to do" area, it would have already existed years ago. Search for a compromise and then focus your philanthropy to the down trodded areas of this fine city. After all, Old Town Pasadena rose from the ashes.

I wasnt talking about a cut and fill tunnel, which is basically just a trench with a thin concrete cieling, and which will damage the same amount of houses and equally lay waste to El Sereno, South Pas and southern Pasadena as would a conventional freeway would. I'm talking about a real 150 fifty foot deep tunnel dug out tunnel boring machines like the ones that cut the Chunnel or the L.A. subway. And dont beleive CalTrans when they say that 6 miles is too long for a tunnel. There are tunnels cutting through the Alps that are 10, 20, even 40 miles long.

I'm glad this site is up. People need to stay involved with this issue so that this freeway NEVER goes through! I know it may cut down on the traffic a bit, but it's not worth the added pollution and destruction it would cause here. There are already too many freeways throughout this country. It's a shame more people don't walk, ride bikes, take the bus/train or even CARPOOL! There are SO many alternatives. We need trees, flowers, animals and people to be healthy and a freeway sure won't help any! Good site! Keep up the fight!!!

First: No on 710, of course, how stupid to ruin another cherished community. Second, look only to Boston to discover the true costs of making a tunnel. The "Big Dig" of Boston which was 10 years in the making went from 4 to 14 Billion, yes Billion. No quakes in Beantown either! Good Luck from a former resident.

Please notify regarding future city meetings and activities on this issue.

There needs to be more discussion of seismic impacts, groundwater issues, and liqui-faction issues since Caltrans is silent on these issues in their EIR/EIS, and they willfully mislead the public, the decision makers, and the Federal Court on these issues in the Century Freeway litigation 20 years ago.

If the people of South Pasadena agreed to a tunnel, they would be sacrificing the beautiful homes in the freeway path just north of their border, the homes in Pasadena, many of which are now (shamefully) owned by Caltrans. The only stance I will support will be a strong anti-710 stance.

Recently, I was perusing the Pro-710 sites, and to my surprise, on http://www.complete710.org/support/409a.htm, they stated that that there will be no through truck traffic on the completed section of the 710. This is an absolute lie!!! Its ridiculous. If that were the case, then trucks would still get off early or in Alhambra, thus negating the biggest reason for the 710 gap to be closed. Also, recently, I have been driving my daughter to her softball travel team practices, which takes me through Alhambra, so I have been adding to my knowledge of their traffic patterns. It seems to be that Alhambra has never tried to alleviate traffic by building more north/south through-ways. And the traffic is also much of their own doing. Remember that since the 70s, Alhambra has allowed developers to knock down single family dwellings and replace them with multi-storied apartments, thereby increasing the population density geometrically. Another concern is, that Caltrans, CRA, and other like organizations always try to swindle homeowners, especially the elderly, minorities, and homeowners who try and get a fair price for their property, with threats of eminent domain. If the supporters of the 710 freeway were truly honest, then they would seek to finish it the only way possible, to build the gap as a true tunnel, and not the ridiculous cut and fill alternative. It will certainly cost more, but as a taxpayer, I would gladly pay a little more to see that the beautiful communities of El Sereno, South Pasadena, and southern Pasadena are spared. I think, if I remember correctly, that a large TBM machine( Tunnel Boring Machine), like the one used to build the Los Angeles subway, could be had for as little as 20 million dollars. But of course it would have to bore two separate tunnels, one for northbound, one for southbound traffic, because a $20 million TBM would have a small cutting diameter ( relative to a more expensive TBM)and cut a hole about the size of the L.A. subway. A larger boring machine would cost about 40 million or so. The distance in the gap is about 6 miles, and these machines were made to bore this distance, and no houses would be harmed. This could be a bright shining lesson for the world of what can be done, when the sanctity of home is paramount over greed and commerce. What do you think? I'm sure if Caltrans decided to use a TBM, the peoples of South Pasadena would agree to the completion at once. I know I would. But only if they will guarantee that nothing above the surface would be touched...not a blade of grass nor a shingle. Nothing. Thanks. Rudy Martinez 408 Hawthorne st. South Pasadena, CA 91030

South Pasadena is a unique area with several unique and historical structures and a cohesive charm throughout. (Just wish the Rialto would play better movies!) Regardless, I am totally against the massive plowing-thru of established neighborhoods for those in SUVs to save 10 minutes in commuting. I've also heard about the Fair-Oaks widening idea, and I hope that didnt go thru either. Why cant people listen to John and Paul and 'Let It Be'???

thanks you, all you guys here.

The 710 needs to be completed! Refusing to conncect the 710 is hurting the social well-being of such towns as Alhambra, temple city, arcadia, monterey park, el monte, and the list goes on. Coming from a urban plan of view, refusing to grow and accept change is refusing to push los angeles in a positive direction

The I-710 could link into the I-110 (Pasadena Freeway). The I-110 could then be extended to the I-210. Why won't CALTRANS do that plan?

nice website

took my first walking tour of your quaint community today; truly a city of character ; I do hope that this inane 710 project never comes to be.

Watch the spelling, "none of your business" it illuminates your ignorance.

South Pasadena likes to pride itself on its "hometown" quality. However, this could not be further from the truth. South Pasadena, is in every way, a completly backawards city. Those living in South pas are compeltly deluded as to how real the world is outside. They beleive that they can fully live a complete life inside their silver-plated menagerie and ignore the greater needs of the area. Building the 710 would spurn a prosperity growth to North Los Angles, Pasadena, Alahambra and its surrounding areas. However, because the residents of South Pas seem content to rot in their plastic, disneyland, commercialized utopia (literal translation = nowhere) and scoff at people who really need to work to feed their children. Hopefully, the greater good of L.A. can defeat South Pas's rampant narcissim, and continue the growth of a beautiful area of Southern California. The benefit to the many outweighs benefits to the few.

Looking to purchase a house that is adjacent to the proposed 710 route. Any advice?

AS A FORMER SOUTH PASADENA RESINDENT IT HURTS TO HERE THAT A PART OF MY PAST IS GOING TO BE DESTROYD JUST BECAUSE THERES TO MUCH CONJESTION ON THE STREETS OF ALHAMBRA ,AND SOUTH PASADENA . WE COULD ALL LIVE LIKE THIS AS WE HAVE BEEN FOR YEARS!!! . SOMEDAY IN THE NEAR FUTURE WE ARE HOPING TO RELOCATE IN SOUTH PASADENA TO RAISE OUR KIDS IN SUCH A BEAUTIFLE CITY. WE LOVE SOUTH PAS!

Another freeway is not the answer....I remember the trollys that came to Sierra Madre (dating me!)We lived in Sierra Madre til 1964 and it is still very much like it was then - THE SAME WAY SOUTH PASADENA IS TODAY! Why do "they" think "their" idea is so good?? Hopefully, the residents and politicos of South Pas will fight til they have quashed this Paving Mania to smithereens!

A great web site! Very good resource center.

As a resident of South Pasadena, I am defiantly OPPOSED to the 710 Freeway! I feel it would cause massive congestion and unwanted traffic. I would hate to see that happen in such a beautiful city!

I was alarmed to hear that a house up the block in my El Sereno neighborhood was sold and boarded up, probably by Caltrans, it's hearsay, but I am concerned and hoping and praying this Freeway extension will finally be defeated, with an alternate plan put into work. I am interested in contributing to the effort to fight the Freeway extension. I live on Berkshire Ave. between Kendal and Huntington in a 1913 Craftsman house, which I love, value, and hope to stay in for years to come without the interference of the freeway extension.

Keep up the good fight. I am a former resident, lived on Prospect Ave. and check your site once in a while. My wife and I hope to live back in SP someday and cannot understand why anyone, or any government agency would want to ruin a cherished community.

What can we westsiders do to help?! We want to urge CalTrans to spend all available funds on mass transit - particularly to Santa Monica. Good luck residents of Pasadena and South Pasadena!

Even though I live in Alhambra, and would benefit somewhat by the 710. I am TOTALLY OPPOSED to the idea. South Pas is too beautiful. It just isn't right to destroy the community, to uproot families, to improve upon nature by digging it up and paving over it. Let crummy Alhambra build a community half as nice as South Pas instead and destroy that

CAN ANYONE OUT THERE GIVE SOME INFO ON THE RENTAL PROPERTIES CAL TRANS HAS IN SOUTH PASADENA EL SERENO AND ALHAMBRA SINGLE DAD IN NEED OF A GOOD PLACE TO RAISE MY CHILDREN. THANKS MR,Z.

CAN ANYONE OUT THERE GIVE SOME INFO ON THE RENTAL PROPERTIES CAL TRANS HAS IN SOUTH PASADENA EL SERENO AND ALHAMBRA /

I bought a house in South Pasadena one year ago. I love this town. I moved down from San Francisco, which is my favorite city in the world, so it was a big change for me. But this town has totally won me over. I would not live any where else. I have only become aware of the 710 issue over the last couple of months and I was appalled to find out that this great little town, and my backyard almost, was in danger of getting carved up by a freeway. I guarantee you that no neighborhood has ever been improved by a freeway.

Isn't there a way to build the freeway so that it doesn't rip straight through South Pasadena? In Oakland, CA, the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake destroyed a double-decker freeway that had done just what the 710 proposes - split many beautiful neighborhoods in half. Caltrans' initial plan was to replace the freeway in the same place as the old one. After negotiations with Oakland (and others, I'm sure), Caltrans agreed to re-route the freeway around the neighborhood, through an industrial area. The impact to neighborhoods was minimized. Is that possible here? Why does the freeway have to cut straight through the city? Isn't there a route that goes around the cities in question? If not, then I agree with South Pasadena - the 710 shouldn't be built.

Thank God there are laws out there, and people like you, protecting beautiful neighborhoods. Keep up the good work.

Keep up the fight!

Grew up in South Pasadena and learned to love the area with more of a passion than I think most people have for their families. Sadly, we moved to Glendale a few months ago...but I'm 18, off to USC, and after that I'm headed for something in South Pasadena. I still go back every night at really odd hours (1 am, 2 am) to jog in my old stomping grounds..Fletcher Ave, Marengo School, SPMS, Fair Oaks, ect ect...the trees and the lighted pink night skies are the thing I miss most. Right...all that being stated, I'd really like to know if there's anything (or the NEED for anything) I can do. From what I hear, things seem to be going fairly well, although I'm totally willing to help in anyway I can should anyone need me. Good luck, SP!

It's worth it!! Keep fighting to save So Pasadena!!

As a former resident of South Pasadena, I applaud your continued opposition to extension of the Long Beach Freeway.

How can I help?

I really enjoy your web site. The design is clear and easy to understand. The information presented is thorough, and the various authors' views make for a great read!!! I honestly can not understand how anyone could support the 710 Freeway Extension after reading the facts presented in your web site. Good luck in your efforts to quash the freeway!!!

Hi, I am new to the area, I am developing a private clinical practice in South Pasadena and I have been trying to learn what is happening with respect to the 710 situation. Coming from a master planned community i so appreciate the historical community appeal here, I hope it remains. Cynthia Zierhut

Hi, I think that any project that endangers the way of life of a whole city is unrealistic and should not be encouraged. Sincerely Shivdeep

The 710 does not need to be extended!

WE FIGHT!

Now what do we do?

Help!?

Here's the link.

I love the history of Los Angeles. I see too many beautiful old buildings being torn down. Therefore I drew the following for my weekly strip which appears on the Comics page of LA Weekly this Thursday. http://www.maakies.com/archive/m319.gif

I'm glad we're fighting to keep our town nice. Hopefully generations from now people will be able to see the same South Pasadena that we see now. KEEP FIGHTING!!!

im alumni from SPHS... and i hate the whole 710 freeway plan. NO ON 710!!!!

Please work together to build this critical leg of our LA Transportation network--the 710. The freeway is needed--South Pasadena should work with its neighbors in a constructive manner instead of selfishly trying to have its cake and eat it too.

Your site is really cool. I can see that you are very deticated to it. I am also a big fighter and I hope that this gets resolved.

Hi!

Hello from South Pasadena, the most beautiful (and endangered) city on earth!