Court Rules on 710 Freeway Extension Suit
A federal appeals court Thursday issued a ruling that will help the state and federal governments as they battle South Pasadena’s suit against extension of the Long Beach Freeway.
The U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals panel ruled that South Pasadena can sue the federal government in federal court, but it can’t sue the state in federal court.
The panel said states can be sued in federal court only when they consent to be part of that action.
The city is suing both the federal and state governments to block construction of the proposed freeway extension.
But South Pasadena’s attorney, Antonio Rossmann, said the decision means the city and its allies will refile the state claims in a separate lawsuit in a state court.
The Long Beach Freeway extension would fill a 6.2-mile gap between the Foothill and San Bernardino freeways.
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