Mountain Views News, Pasadena Edition [Sierra Madre] Saturday, December 1, 2018

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2018

AROUND SAN GABRIEL VALLEY

CALTRANS RELEASES FINAL 710 NORTH PROJECT 
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT,

TUNNEL ALTERNATIVE NOT NAMED PREFERRED 
ALTERNATIVE

WINTERFEST HAS ARRIVED IN ARCADIA!


Pasadena (CA) – The California Department of 
Transportation (Caltrans) has released the Final 
Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Impact 
Statement (EIR/EIS) for the SR 710 North Project. 
The final report identifies the Transportation System 
Management/Trans-portation Demand Manag-ement 
Alternative as the Preferred Alternative out of the four 
build options, including a freeway tunnel.

 “The final EIR is a historic step in the right direction,” 
said Assemblymember Holden. “I look forward to 
working with all my colleagues in the legislature to 
support local efforts to improve mobility, and pass 
policies to affirmatively remove the tunnel option from 
any future consideration.”

 In April 2017, the Los Angeles Metro Board of Directors passed a motion recognizing the lack of funds 
needed to construct a single bore freeway tunnel, and instead recommended the Transportation System 
Management/Transportation Demand Management Alternative for the 710 North Study Area while 
allocating remaining measure R funds for new mobility improvement projects in the designated area.

 Assemblymember Holden first pursued a state level solution early in 2017, and advocated that LA 
Metro move away from the tunnel option. Legislation previously introduced by Assemblymember 
Holden included provisions that would give greater local control to future developments, and specified 
that State Route 710 is only from Route 1 to Route 10.


By Joan Schmidt 

 Santa Anita Park’s infield with its beautiful view of 
the San Gabriel Mountains has magically turned into 
a true Winter Wonderland for families to enjoy! This 
Winterfest lasts from November 23-December 23. 
Thursdays and Fridays from 3pm-10pm.; Saturdays 
from 11am- 10pm; Sundays from 11am-8pm. 
Admission is $5 and parking is free! (Please visit 
SANTAANITA.COM/EVENTS for special packages 
or further info.)

 The Media and their families were invited for 
Opening Day Festivities. It was mid-afternoon, still 
sunny outside so we enjoyed the Petting Zoo with 
sheep, goats, a camel, a llama, a cow, donkeys, and 
a mama pig with four precious piglets. The young 
goats followed us everywhere much to the small 
children’s delight. There were pony rides, also a train 
and horse-drawn carriage rides available.

 The kids got to tell Santa their wishes and all ages 
had their picture taken with him; also a giant snow 
globe photo booth, and a play area with giant slides.

 A skating rink, in spite of a balmy 75 temperature 
was a great hit! Later in the evening, snow fell and 
kids loved playing in it!

 Are you a hands-on crafty person? Would you like 
to make ginger bread or a Christmas wreath and 
ornaments? You could at Winterfest!

 About 5pm, the Opening Ceremonies began 
with Jay Cohen on his trumpet. Tim Ritvo, CEO, 
Racing Division, the Stronach Group welcomed us, 
and we heard from Odd Market and the Ice Rink 
representatives. Arcadia Mayor Sho Tay made a 
Presentation; the First Responders were thanked and 
recognized, and then the Christmas Tree Lighting.

 During the Winterfest, there will be a DJ, 
Christmas music and Christmas movies shown on 
the big screen. There will be all kinds of Holiday fare 
like roasted chestnuts and spiced Eggnog. 
However, there were all kinds of food trucks-even a 
Vegan one, and 80 vendors-you can get some holiday 
shopping done! Hope everyone has a chance to 
experience this awesome Winterfest!


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