In articles included within the newsletter, readers also are promised improved air quality and congestion relief, if/when the tunnel is built.
Those statements were contested in a letter written to Rena Salcedo of Caltrans by La Cañada Flintridge City Councilman Steve Del Guercio.
“I am shocked and dismayed to see that Caltrans and Metro have published a propaganda piece touting the 710 extension proclaiming that ‘Extending the SR-710 means congestion relief and improved air quality’ when in fact there are currently no credible studies that come to this conclusion,” Del Guercio wrote to Salcedo.
Del Guercio called Caltrans and Metro’s attempt to use the “discredited 2006 Metro Study” to validate the project and its feasibility “nothing short of amazing.”
However, what Del Guercio said he found most “astounding” about the newsletter, was the use of his name “in a manner that implies my endorsement of the content of the newsletter.
“I object to Caltrans’ and Metro’s unauthorized use of my name to promote the 710 extension project. Moreover by doing so, Caltrans and Metro have damaged my reputation,” he wrote.
Del Guercio further demanded that the duo “cease and desist” from using his name in connection with any publication relating to the 710 expansion project, unless he approves content in advance.
The newsletter includes names of other officials from local cities as well, including La Cañada Mayor Laura Olhasso, who has been outspoken on her opposition to the tunnel project.
However, in the newsletter, Olhasso’s stance on the tunnel is omitted and the newsletter states: “In Mayor Laura Olhasso’s opening and closing remarks, she urged residents to stay informed and involved in the study.”
