McMillan, Acquanette (Netta)
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Dena Spanos-Hawkey
Sunday, June 21, 2026 9:37 AM
PublicComment-AutoResponse
710 Restorative Justice
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To the Honorable Mayor and Council Members -
I fully support the adoption of the 10 Point Restorative Justice Elements. I especially believe that the interactive museum piece of the plan is absolutely necessary to teach our history.
Thankyou,
Dena Spanos Hawkey
District?
Pasadena, CA 91101
06/22/2026
Item 19
McMillan, Acquanette (Netta)
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Erin Takeuchi <
Sunday, June 21, 2026 10:08 PM
PublicComment-AutoResponse
Comment on the 710 Advisory Body's 10 Restorative Justice Elements Some people who received this message don't often get email fromLearn why this is important [ I ] CAUTION: This email was delivered from the Internet. Do not click links or open attachments unless you know the content is safe. Report phish using the Phish Alert Button (PAB). For more information about the PAB view article "KB0011474" on the DolT portal.
Good evening, Mayor Gordo, Council Members, and City staff.
My name is ErinTakeuchi, and I am a memberofTheCenterfor Restorative Justice. I urge you to adopt the 10 Restorative Justice Elements recommended by the Reconnecting Communities 710 Advisory Body.
I believe all ten elements are essential to beginning the heating process for the communities that were displaced and harmed by the construction of the 210 Freeway and the incomplete development of the 710 Freeway. As a Japanese American woman whose family has deep roots in Altadena and Pasadena, I ask that you honor and remember the profound sacrifices that were made by generations of residents whose neighborhoods were disrupted, divided, and in many cases effectively dissolved in the name of regional development.
The impact extended far beyond the loss of individual homes and businesses. Entire communities were uprooted, social networks were fractured, and cultural and historical ties that had been built over decades were permanently altered. Families lost not only property, but also a sense of place, belonging, and continuity. These were thriving communities that contributed to the rich fabric of Pasadena and ALtadena, and their loss should be acknowledged and remembered.
I also believe this is an opportunity for Pasadena to demonstrate leadership by acknowledging the harms that were allowed to occur and by taking meaningful steps toward repair. Embracing these recommendations would set an example of transparency, accountability, and integrity, showing what it means to be a community that confronts its past honestly while working toward a more just future.
It is also critical that the Council approve the recommendation to establish a Restorative Justice Community Oversight Committee. Such a committee is necessary to ensure that the policies, commitments, and restorative actions developed through this process are implemented with accountability and sustained over time.
During a recent visit to the Legacy Museum in Montgomery, I experienced firsthand the power of a thoughtfully designed, interactive museum to educate the public, preserve history, and foster understanding. The experience left a lasting impression on me and demonstrated how transformative these spaces can be for individuals and communities alike. For that reason, I strongly encourage the Council to fund the interactive museum proposed as part of these restorative justice recommendations.
Thank you for your time, your leadership, and your thoughtful consideration of this important request.
Sincerely,
06/22/2026
Item 19
ErinTakeuchi
Member, The Center for Restorative Justice
McMillan, Acquanette (Netta)
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Michael Mckinney
Monday, June 22, 2026 1 1:56 AM
PublicComment-AutoResponse
To City Council Regard Caltrans Home Sales
235-A.jpg; 235-B.jpg; 235-C.jpg; 235-D.jpg; 235-E.jpg
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Dear City Council:
This year I will have lived in my home for 40 years. All during that time, I was living under the expectation that I would be able to buy this home under the Robert! bill as required by law when it was determined to sell these homes.
Unfortunately, Caltrans has taken it upon itself to ignore the law and act on its own. It appears that they can ignore California state law, and there is no one with the power or authority to stop them.
I was never offered to buy the home at Bellefontaine St at any time under the Robert! Bill, as is my right by law. At the same time, they have neglected maintenance and safety issues, hoping that they will go away with the sale of the home to an NGO. I was told they would paint my home and repair the damage caused by not doing so. I was told that they would no longer deal with rats in the home or the destruction caused by a gopher infestation on the property. They ignored a leak on the main water line until I finally called the emergency number on a weekend, and they were forced to fix it.
I believe it would be prudent for the City of Pasadena to hold Caltrans accountable to the law of the land and formally advocate for the removal of Caltrans and Veterans Realty Group from the sale of Caltrans-owned homes in the 710 Corridor, and to support a moratorium on all sales until pending litigation is resolved and legitimate procedures can be restored.
Thank you,
Michael McKinney
Pasadena, CA91105
<
Photos attached.
06/22/2026
Item 19
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IVIcMillan, Acquanette (Netta)
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Miyoung Yoon Hammer
Monday, June 22, 2026 12:24 PM
Morales, Margo; PublicComment-AutoResponse
Comment on June 22nd Agenda item 19: Restorative Justice elements of 710 vision plan Some people who received this message don't often get email from,-t-?rn why this is important [ ;l ] CAUTION: This email was delivered from the Internet. Do not click links or open attachments unless you know the content is safe. Report phish using the Phish Alert Button (PAB). For more information about the PAB view article "KB0011474" on the DolT portal.
Dear Councilmember Rivas,
My name is Miyoung Yoon Hammer and I m a resident of District 5 and I serve on the Board of The Center for Restoradve Justice. I am writing in support of all 10 restorative jusdce elements being put forth by the Reconnecting Communities 710 Advisory Body. There are no words or actions that can completely equalize the violations committed against the families and communities who were displaced. They suffered profound losses at the dme as their homes were leveled, their communities uprooted, and their sense of belonging was discarded, but the impact has been ongoing and pervasive as they subsequently lost the visible and invisible benefits of economic, social, and psychological wealth for themselves and the generations to follow. Although it is impossible to fully reraediate the injustices committed against the individuals, families, and communides displaced by the 210/710 freeway projects, approving and implementing the 10 elements would be an important step in the direction of repair and am emblem of the City's acknowledgment of the wrongs that need to be righted.
As the current administration seeks to erase the history of this country's egregious acts of violence, racism, and discrimination of many stripes, he/they are also attempting to erase what makes our communities remarkable and beautiful, which is our rich diversity alongside our common pursuit of belonging. The community that was displaced by the freeway projects repfesented exacdy the kind of beauty that is trying to be annihilated by the current administration. Reject that agenda and boldy send a counter message that teUs the story of Pasadena as a city who is unafraid to confront the demons of the past, who chooses to seek restoration for the people in the present, and is courageous to envision a more just future.
I ask that you:
J
06/22/2026
Item 19
1. Approve the 10 elements
2. Approve the installation of a Restorative Justice Community Oversight Committee who will serve the purpose of accountability and providing input throughout the implementation process.
My hope and prayer is that we, as a city, will do the right thing to allow the healing to begin for the past, the present, and the future.
Peace
Miyoung
(District 5 Resident)
McMillan, Acquanette (Netta)
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Monday, June 22, 2026 12:56 PM
PublicComment-AutoResponse
Item #19
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Dear Mayor Gordo and City Councilmembers,
I am writing in support of compensation for those displaced and impacted by the 710 Freeway. As the current administration seeks to negate America's egregious history of racism and its impact today, Pasadena has an opportunity to stand up for racial justice and be an example to other cities. The 710 Freeway stub destroyed a neighborhood where people of color lived when it could have taken a different route. This was part of a nation-wide trend to build freeways through communities of color. It is clear that those displaced by the 710 Freeway were not only unfairly targeted, they were also unfairly compensated.
Many could not purchase a comparable property in Pasadena and had to relocate, Proper restitution should therefore be a priority, not an afterthought. Descendants and the impacted are owed just compensation. It is not a matter of charity, it's a matter of justice. On the 250 anniversary of the founding of our nation, we need to repent of our racist past and move forward into a future where all people are treated fairly.
Anthony Manousos
Resident of District 1
Co-founder of Making Housing and Community Happen
makinghousinghappen.org
06/22/2026
Item 19
McMillan, Acquanette (Netta)
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Bert Newton <
Monday, June 22, 2026 2:17 PM
PublicComment-AutoResponse
#19710 Restorative Justice
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Dear Mayor and City Council,
I am writing to urge the City to make restorative justice central to its plans for the land taken largely from communities of color for the 710 freeway extension through Pasadena—land that has now been returned to the City without the freeway ever being completed. This local history should be understood within a broader national pattern: throughout the twentieth century, federal, state, and local housing policies systematically denied Black families and other communities of color equal access to homeownership, neighborhood stability, and wealth-building opportunities.
Restorative justice must therefore be a core element of any plan for what is now called the 710 stub. The taking of these homes was not an isolated planning decision; it occurred in the context of redlining, racially restrictive covenants, discriminatory mortgage Lending, exclusionary zoning, and urban renewal policies that repeatedly treated communities of color as expendable when cities pursued development, infrastructure, or "progress." For decades, federal housing programs helped subsidize homeownership for many white families while denying comparable opportunities to Black families and other people of color. Redlining marked neighborhoods with residents of color as risky for investment, restrictive covenants barred nonwhite families from purchasing homes in many areas, and discriminatory lending practices made itfar harder for families of color to buy, keep, or improve property. These policies were not accidental; they shaped who could build equity, who could remain in place, and whose neighborhoods were vulnerable to removal.
Freeway construction and urban renewal intensified this harm across the country. Highways were often routed through Black, Latino, Asian American, and working-class neighborhoods, destroying homes, businesses, churches, and social networks while separating communities from schools, jobs, parks, and services. Even when compensation was provided on paper, families who had already been constrained by segregation and discriminatory lending often could not purchase comparable housing nearby or regain what was lost.
The Land comprising the 71 0 stub was never used for its stated purpose, has increased significantly in value, and has now been transferred to the City. Those who were displaced and harmed deserve compensation based on current valuations.
Although there is no documentation showing what residents were paid when their properties were taken, given this history of redlining, racially discriminatory housing markets, and government-sanctioned displacement, it is difficult to claim that residents received fair value. Many were unable to buy comparable homes in Pasadena and were forced to relocate, losing not only property but also neighborhood ties, access to opportunity, and the chance to pass accumulated wealth to future generations. 06/22/2026
Item 19
Restitution should be a priority, not postponed in favor of infrastructure development or further study (three historians have already provided a substantive history). Impacted residents and their descendants are owed just compensation; this is not charity.
Just compensation should be understood not as divisive or zero-sum, but as a path toward reconciliation.
The City should also Launch a broad, sustained education campaign so residents understand what happened and what is at stake.
Thankyou for considering my comments.
Bert Newton
Rev. Bert Newton
Making hlousing and Community Happen
MvPodcast
"Blessed are the poor, for they will inherit the land." Matthew 5:5 EWN Translation McMillan, Acquanette (Netta)
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Jill Shook
Monday, June 22, 2026 3:08 PM
PublicComment-AutoResponse
interfaithquaker; [email protected]
re: for #19 agenda item this evening. Jilt Shook
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We feel that the city of Pasadena should assure that the 710 story is told with education using public art, plaques and other means tell the history, both the glory days of once vibrant community and achievements by people of color of who lived in the 710 corridor, as well as the story of 710 freeway construction and other policies that so dramatically displaced and divided our city.
Although the City Council has limited jurisdiction over PUSD, it would be important to work with PUSD as much at you are able to follow the example of the city ofDuarte. In their high school ethnic studies course, students incorporated the local Black and Latino history of their town. They unearthed the history of Rock Town a historically Black and Latino town completely destroyed by the placement of the 210 and 605 Freeways. Students are interviewing fomier residents, making exhibits and more.
We need this here in Pasadena.
Cities are deeply spiritual and theological and called to repentance in the Bible. This is golden opportunity to make things right. <div> Dr. Jill Shook, D-Min Bakke Graduate University
Co-Founding Visionary, Workshop Leader/Speaker: makinflhousinghappen.orfl Author/Editor: Making Housiny Happen: Faith Based Affordable Housina Models Chair of CLP-Congregatoinal Land Partners: https://www.conglandpartners.org/ [email protected] Phone:
My zoom raom link
"If your dream is big enough to complete in your lifetime, then it's too small." 06/22/2026
Item 19
McMillan, Acquanette (Netta)
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< Jeffrey Hammer
Monday, June 22, 2026 4:48 PM
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710 Freeway
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Dear Mayor Gordo and Councilmembers:
My name is Jeffrey Hammer and I live in District 7. I am writing encourage you to adopt the Restorative Justice Elements recommended by the Reconnecting Communities 710 Advisory Body.
I believe all their recommendations are critically important to promote healing for the communities that were displaced and harmed by the construction of the 210 Freeway and the incomplete development of the 710 Freeway.
It is also critical that the Council approve the recommendations for a Restorative Justice Community Oversight Committee to ensure that the policies and commitments established through this process are implemented and upheld. I also believe that monetary compensation and other forms of redress are necessary components of meaningful healing and restoration.
These recommendations are not only the right thing to do, as an attorney and litigator who focuses my career on making parties whole, I also believe they are the legally correct measures to take.
Thank you for your time, leadership, and consideration.
Sincerely,
Jeffrey Hammer
Sent from my iPhone
06/22/2026
Item 19
^4cMillan, Acquanette (Netta)
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Libby Curiel
Monday, June 22, 2026 4:57 PM
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[email protected]
STOP CALTRANS' & VRG's ABUSE OF POWER!
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I am writing to demand that the representatives for the city of Pasadena and its elected officials take imediate action to hold the state of California, Gavin Newsom, Caltrans and its contractor, Veterans Realty Group (VRG), accountable for the injustices they continue to inflict through their mishandling of the 710 home sales process.
Please take the following actions immediately:
1. Pause all home sales for any tenant who requests a pause,and take action to protect those tenants before anything further is done with the properties in question.
2. Remove Caltrans and VRG from the sales process entirely, and replace them with an independent party with no self-interest in the outcome, following the precedent set in 1979, when home sales were handled through the Department of Housing and Community Development and completed within two years.
These actions are necessary because:
- The market sales process and contracts make clear that Caltrans is trying to offload onto tenants, and anyone else who purchases these homes, all the risk and responsibility it has evaded for decades, compounding the weight of unchecked abuse of power tenants have already endured for decades. - The market sale prices do not reflect the law, nor do they reflect the fair market value of these properties in their current condition.
- Several tenants have been unjustly and illegally denied eligibility to purchase their homes and are being railroaded into market sales.
-Sales of comparable properties to HREs and cities, some of which were used ascomps in market rate appraisals, prove that these homes require significant investments beyond any reasonable expectation to meet basic safety and habitabitity codes, let alone any standard of aesthetic quality or livable comfort. - The stress this process is causing tenants alone justifies reparations and compensation. Yet most tenants would accept simply being offered a fair market price, one that reflects the property's actual condition and accounts for the cost of bringing it up to safe, habitable code Or in the case of the affordable tenants, their rights afforded to them under the Law.
CaltransandVRG have both demonstrated undue prejudice and acted in discriminatory ways usingtheir discretion against tenants to deny them a fair and legal sales process. As such Caltrans and VRG cannot be trusted to conduct these sales. They have proven, again and again, that they cannot be trusted to act in tenants' interests. We do not need another audit or lawsuit to tell us what we already know.
Take action now! Pause all home sales for tenants who request it, and remove Caltrans and VRG from the sales process altogether so that justice can finally prevail. 06/22/2026 Item 19
- Libby