710 Northern Stub (Photo – cityofpasadena.net)
California lawmakers are calling for an independent state audit of the California Department of Transportation’s handling of properties tied to the now-defunct State Route 710 extension project, citing years of alleged mismanagement and unsafe living conditions.
By News Desk
State Senator Sasha Renée Pérez and Assemblymember Mike Fong are leading the effort, urging a closer examination of how California Department of Transportation, commonly known as Caltrans, has overseen homes acquired for the canceled freeway extension.
The properties are part of Caltrans’ Affordable Sales Program, which was designed to return state-owned homes to the community as affordable housing. However, residents and local officials say the program has fallen short of its mission.
Pérez said her office has received numerous complaints from constituents describing serious maintenance issues, including pest infestations, mold, and structural hazards. She also pointed to a lack of transparency and inconsistent policy enforcement that she said has negatively affected tenants’ health and financial stability.
“State government should function to serve the people,” Pérez said, adding that an audit is necessary to fully understand the scope of the problems and ensure accountability.
Fong echoed those concerns, noting that residents along the 710 corridor have endured unsafe conditions and a confusing path to homeownership. He said repeated attempts by his office to obtain clear answers from Caltrans have been unsuccessful.
“The level of frustration from residents is undeniable,” Fong said. “This audit is critical to restoring accountability.”
Tenants have also voiced concern. Page Phillips, a South Pasadena resident who has lived in a Caltrans-owned home for more than three decades, said her family now fears losing their home due to what she described as an inequitable sales process.
Local leaders have joined the call for action. South Pasadena Mayor Sheila Rossi said families were promised stability but have instead faced uncertainty and shifting rules.
Pasadena City Councilmember Steve Madison pointed to past audits that also found mismanagement of the properties, arguing that Caltrans is not equipped to function as a landlord. He urged the agency to comply with state law requiring the transfer of these homes to qualified tenants and nonprofits.
The request for an audit will be considered by the Joint Legislative Audit Committee, chaired by Assemblymember John Harabedian, during a public meeting scheduled for March 24.
Harabedian said tenants are simply seeking safe housing and a clear, lawful path to homeownership. He emphasized that Caltrans has a responsibility to maintain the properties and provide transparency in the sales process.
“Anything less than that is simply unacceptable,” Harabedian said.
Leave a Reply