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South Pasadena: A Dialogue On Dialogue, Steve Zikman

Pepperdine Dispute Resolution Law Journal

In the last half century, South Pasadena has fought many land use related battles-from efforts to stop the extension of the 710 freeway (710) through the heart of the city, to the recent ballot measure (Measure SP) that sought to overturn the City Council's approval of the new Downtown Revitalization Plan. The pattern of engagement continues to be one of "us versus them," with locals assuming extremely polarized positions, escalating the level of mistrust and demonization, and further dividing the city's civic and social fabric. Mediators are typically called in to help stakeholders resolve specific land use conflicts. However, there …