Sounding Off About 710 Freeway Extension

How ironic--Jerry B. Baxter, a fellow La Canada Flintridge resident and state official in charge of freeways in Los Angeles and Ventura counties, spouting off about knowing what it is like to live in a community torn over a freeway (Los Angeles Times, Aug. 6).

“The road came through,” he said, “and we survived.” Next time he comes home, his neighbors will be waiting to give him an earful and to set him straight.

Maybe he is unaware that La Canada Flintridge’s City Council has passed a resolution against completion of the 710 Freeway that “will create more traffic and therefore more noise in La Canada Flintridge”--a resolution that will stand until sound walls are constructed to buffer their community from their freeway. And maybe he is unaware that La Canada Flintridge has been stuck with an earful of freeway noise throughout its ongoing, yet-to-be successful, 20-year quest for sound walls. But it’s hard to imagine.

If the state can find enough money to build the 710 Freeway in these tough budgetary times, there surely must be enough money to build our sound walls.

MARGARET SARTAIN

La Canada Flintridge