South Pasadena : Senate OKs Freeway Block

A bill approved by the Senate on Monday to raise the state’s gasoline tax 10 cents a gallon includes an amendment by Sen. Art Torres (D-Los Angeles) that could block efforts to build the Long Beach Freeway through South Pasadena.

The bill, by Sen. Quentin Kopp (I-San Francisco), was approved by a 27-11 margin and now goes to the Assembly, where further negotiations are expected on the controversial gas tax proposal.

One lawmaker who is close to the issue, but who asked not to be identified, said he doubts that the Torres amendment will remain in the measure, partly because of opposition in the Assembly.

The one-paragraph provision inserted into the 28-page bill would prohibit the state from spending its funds on any state highway in Los Angeles County built through a historically significant site or through parks or recreation areas. Several routes that have been proposed for the freeway through South Pasadena would either require moving historic buildings or would cut through a parkland.

Torres has said his goal is to force transportation planners to consider alternatives, including a light-rail line, increased utilization of surface streets or another freeway route.