Blog archive
September 2023
Rumor of Humor # 24
09/22/2023
Various Perspectives on Racism
09/16/2023
Rumor of Humor # 23
09/14/2023
A DIfferent Perspective
09/10/2023
Racism I Have Experienced
09/05/2023
1619 " Rump" Session
09/04/2023
August 2023
1619 Project Discussion Group explores the Arroyo Seco
08/28/2023
Beyond the Village - Judith Harris
08/28/2023
Board of Directors: Strategic Planning Updates
08/28/2023
Men's Time Brunch
08/28/2023
One Village, One Book
08/28/2023
Pasadena Racism, Past and Present
08/28/2023
Profile of a Leader: Ron Stoffers
08/28/2023
Remember John and Thelma Orr
08/28/2023
Volunteer & Leadership Training
08/28/2023
Gardenias
08/21/2023
Current Events Including the RICO Indictment of Mr. Trump
08/19/2023
Shining a Light on Current Racial Inequities
08/07/2023
Shining a Light on Current Racial Inequities
08/07/2023
RofH#22
08/06/2023
July 2023
Arroyo Seco Development, Past and Present
07/24/2023
From the President
07/24/2023
Rumor of Humor #20
07/23/2023
VMC Conference 2023
07/21/2023
Strategic Plan Progress: Program Teams
07/17/2023
From the Executive Director
07/14/2023
Reflections from Villager Monica Hubbard
07/14/2023
SCOTUS: Rulings on Cases with No Standing
07/10/2023
History and Future Development of Arroyo Seco
07/09/2023
What I Like About Being a Villager
07/09/2023
June 2023
Dick and Sharon, Mixed Race Marriage
06/19/2023
Conversations with West African Art
06/09/2023
Bridget Brewster Discovers Village Benefits
06/04/2023
Communications Project with Cal State LA
06/02/2023
Creative Aging
06/01/2023
May 2023
One Villager's Story
05/31/2023
Pasadena Area Liberal Arts Center
05/31/2023
Pasadena Village Responds to Rainbow Flag Burning at Pasadena Buddhist Temple
05/31/2023
Plan Ahead - And Be Prepared
05/31/2023
Tuesday, May 23 Pasadena Celebrated Older Americans
05/31/2023
Reparations, Social Justice Activity
05/24/2023
Rumor of Humor #14
05/19/2023
Rumor of Humor #13
05/12/2023
Issue #12
05/09/2023
Science Monday - Review of Meeting on April 10, 2023
05/09/2023
Conversations Re African American Artists Before 1920
05/08/2023
Beyond the Village – Suzi and Phil Hoge
05/01/2023
Congratulations Wayne April! Honored at UNH
05/01/2023
Table Topics
05/01/2023
Volunteer Appreciation at the Village
05/01/2023
“ACCIDENTAL HOST—The Story of Rat Lungworm Disease”
05/01/2023
April 2023
Jumbo Joy
04/24/2023
Pasadenans Recent Experience With Racism
04/23/2023
Recent Events Reflecting Racism
04/23/2023
Fig and Goat Cheese Bruschetta
04/18/2023
Photography for Social Justice
04/11/2023
Issue #8
04/07/2023
BEYOND THE VILLAGE - Catherine Deely
04/06/2023
Creative Writing in Older Adults
04/06/2023
Gifts of Love
04/06/2023
March 2023
February 2023
2023 DEI Progress
02/27/2023
BEYOND THE VILLAGE - Doug Colliflower
02/26/2023
CONVERSATIONS WITH ART
02/26/2023
GREAT DECISIONS
02/26/2023
OLDER ADULTS RESOURCE FAIR
02/26/2023
The Important, Influential Books in our Lives - Revisited
02/26/2023
History, Resolution of the 710 Freeway
02/19/2023
Eminent Domain, 710 Highway
02/13/2023
Bernard Garrett, 710 Freeway
02/06/2023
Men's Times Gatherings
02/03/2023
January 2023
Pasadena's Senior Commission
01/30/2023
BEYOND THE VILLAGE - JIM HENDRICK
01/27/2023
GRATITUDE - IT'S GOOD FOR YOU!
01/27/2023
JEFF GUTSTADT - FORENSIC PATHOLOGIST
01/27/2023
Bernard Garrett, Incredible Black Entrepreneur
01/17/2023
What is the "Spirit Talk" Group About?
01/16/2023
Same Ol’ New Year, Brand New Me
01/12/2023
Review of 2022, Consideration of 2023
01/06/2023
BEYOND THE VILLAGE - PATTI LA MARR
01/03/2023
FROM THE CHAIR
01/03/2023
WALK WITH EASE
01/03/2023
History, Resolution of the 710 Freeway
By Richard MyersPosted: 02/19/2023
Brian Biery, the speaker, was introduced. After introductions, the meeting was recorded and can be found on the Pasadena Village website at this link, History of the 710 Project.
The meeting was centered on the topic of the recent return of 40 acres of property taken by the State of California, Department of Transportation in the 1960s using the eminent domain process. The purpose was to join the 710 freeway to the 134, 110 and 210 freeways to create a traffic corridor joining East Los Angeles, El Sereno, Alhambra, South Pasadena and Pasadena. The project had been controversial for many years with various alternatives being discussed, evaluated and dismissed. Finally, the idea was abandoned by the State. The City of Pasadena then entered into a series of court cases and talks until the 40 acres representing what is locally known as "the 710 stub" was returned to the city in 2022.
Framing the Discussion
In beginning the discussion and presentation, Mr. Biery asked participants to reflect on why the issue is important to the community and individuals participating. He then suggested Agreements for Dialogue which included:
* having an open mind
* notice what occurs as conversation unfolds
* be authentic
*accept none of us is perfect
* question, request, challenge
* share your experiences, enlighten others
Next, Mr. Biery discussed how freeways were used to divide communities in broad strokes. Using photographs he showed what the community looked like before families, churches, schools, and businesses were impacted.
Panelists and Hsitory
He then asked the participants to think about their role in the process before the community today and introduced 4 guests who were historians and/or affected by the 710 process. These included: Tina Williams, Dr. Gilbert Walton, Danny Parker and Jose Luis Carrera.
Mr. Biery then reviewed materials from the Federal Housing Authority going back to the 1930s recommending the use of freeways and transportation thoroughfares as a mechanism to separate races.
In 1964, the State determined it would be beneficial to connect the 710, 210, 134 and 110 freeways creating a transportation corridor. 4,000 people were displaced and 1,500 properties were destroyed as this process was begun. Questions asked for reflection included: where did the displaced go, how were they moved and what was compensation like. The area affected was primarily middle and working class families of color. This was due to "redlining". A description of the processes used can be heard on the recording of the meeting. The recording will also include the personal story of the family of Jose Luis Carrera and provides valuable insights into understanding the nature of the displaced community, schools, churches, and employment. Also on the recording are the memories of Tina Williams who addresses the human impact of not only losing a home, but, a school, a church, friends, and a neighborhood. Dr. Gilbert Walton shares similar experiences he had in Birmingham, Alabama when the I16 freeway was built, describing the outcome as fracturing and traumatizing.
Tina Williams then discussed the distrust that developed in the community as a result of the displacement. She shared that this must be addressed in order to bring trust back to communities of color.
Mr. Biery then turned to the present-day and the formation of the 710 Stub Work Group. The Group will need to ensure wise decisions are made, consider what reparations would look like, and establish the role of affected individuals in the work of the group. Ideas to be considered shared by the participants included:
* affordable housing
* community gardens
* museum
* Arroyo nature preserve
* venues for social integration
* development of a public marketplace
Jose Luis Carrera suggested affordable housing, options for the displaced to return and a memorial. Tina Williams suggested a just and equal plan that is repair based indicating it is important to hear from the displaced who lost the chance of developing generational wealth and other family impacts. Dr Walton's thoughts included talking to the displaced or their descendants, allowing the displaced to return, offering opportunities for business and manufacturing if not environmentally harmful, open green space and a museum.
Danny Parker, a historian, who grew up in Pasadena, shared the importance of the history of what happened being shared with the entire community and indicating local historians needed to be included in assisting the work group. A desired outcome would be mixed use of the land, environmentally friendly projects, and economic opportunities that would allow the displaced to benefit. He reminded the participants of the losses that came with this project, including community losses, 4 elementary schools and 4 churches.
In conclusion, Mr. Biery asked participants to consider how they could be involved, reminded everyone that this is a multi-year project of enormous importance.
Mr. Biery’s previous presentations to our group can be found here: Race in Pasadena and Early Black Pasadena History
The next meeting will be Friday, March 3rd at 10:00 PST.