Pasadena 710 oral history project seeks residents’ stories

Pasadena officials want to hear from the thousands of residents, businesses and organizations displaced by the 710 Freeway construction project in the 1960s and ’70s.

The oral history portion of the Historic Project for the City’s 710 Stub Master Plan is accepting submissions from former residents as well as family members of those personally impacted by the 710 construction. The oral history component features an online Community Input Tool and survey that are designed to record participants’ information, stories and experiences.

“These stories and perspectives are important to compiling a comprehensive narrative of experiences from residents who were impacted by the construction of the 710,” according to a city statement. “The City is committed to the inclusivity of its diverse community and understands that every story will contribute to the rich tapestry of the Historic Project’s oral history.”

The online survey is scheduled to start accepting submissions on April 29 and will end on June 30. The survey is available in English, Japanese and Spanish and covers topics that include:

• Family and personal experiences connected with the 710 Freeway construction;
• The historical significance of the freeway construction as it relates to Pasadena; and
• The construction’s environmental, social and economic impacts.

Officials will use the survey’s information to choose “candidates for preliminary interviews conducted by an experienced historian,” according to the city. The survey is available to start now at Bit.ly/OralHistoryInput.

A hard copy of the survey is available from the city’s project consultant by calling 626-405-4848 Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. A voicemail option will be available 24/7.