Photos+

South Pasadena activists didn't want their city split in 1/2 like Lynwood

Passed & then deemed unconstitutional; sought to protect rights of white home owners to NOT sell to minorities. 

Designs for Angeles Field; far-fetched effort to bring the NFL to Lynwood

Abandoned home in Lynwood

Homes being cleared for Century Freeway

Evelyn Wells, former Mayor

Abandoned homes in Lynwood

Ads such as these were common in The LA Times

Lots of apartment buildings were in the demolition path

More abandoned apartments

Installation from Transitional Use art exhibit

More "art" from Transitional Use

"Pink Paths" from Transitional Use art exhibit

Abandoned home

Timeline:

• 1902 - Charles Sessions acquires 400 acres and creates The Lynwood Dairy and Creamery
• 1905 – Pacific Electric Railroad line comes to Lynwood (bring new residents)
• 1913 - The Lynwood Company begins driving people to the city and selling land lots
• 1920 – First census taken
• 1921 - City Incorporated (07/21/1921), City nearly went bankrupt shortly after incorporating – September 21, 1921
• 1925 – Pop Whitaker begins publishing the Lynwood Tribune. 
• 1926 – Contract with Southern California Edison to install street lighting. 
• 1929 – Pacific Electric installs the Pacific Electric Depot at corner of Long Beach and Fernwood
• 1931 - Lynwood Press and Tribune created as official publication of Lynwood
• 1931 – Addie Kimble first female councilwoman. (Recalled same year)
• 1954 – 710 Freeway opens
• 1956 - The Federal Aid Highway Act of 1956. Created $31 billion over 13 years. Increased Federal share of costs to 90%, up from 60%. 
• 1956 – US Olympic swimming team trains at Lynwood’s Natatorium
• 1959 - Century Freeway included in the California Freeway and Express System, originally slated to run all the way to San Bernardino, but ultimately reduced to 17 miles. 
• 1960s - Also boasted the arrival of several Clean Air acts. 
• 1962 - The Federal Aid Highway Act of 1962 authorized supplemental funds and specified federal participation in payment to displaced people and/or businesses. 
• 1965 - Watts Riots
• 1968 - Federal Aid Highway Act of 1968 Further requirements for the contracting process and looked to preserve natural beauty
• 1968 - Citizens to Preserve Overton Park v. Volpe
• 1969 – City Council signs initial agreement to authorize construction of Century Freeway
• 1970 - 98% of Residents Identify as White; lands beginning to be acquired for Century Freeway
• 1970 - Federal Aid Highway Act of 1970
• 1970 0 Uniform Relocation and REal Property Acquisition Policies Act - Required state to assure “fair and reasonable” relocation payments, operate a relocation assistance program and assure that adequate relocation housing is available. 
• 1970 - Clean Air Act Amendment
• 1977 – Lynwood Police Department disbands
• 1980 - In the 80s, Black residents came in while white residents went elsewhere; Century Freeway ongoing, Consent Decree in 1981
• 1983 – Robert Henning elected as first African American mayor
• 1985 – Evelyn Wells elected as first female African American
• 1986 – Paul H. Richard, II elected (California’s youngest mayor)
• 1988 – Dedication of Lynwood Towne Center
• 1989 – Armando Rea election marks first Latino on city council; plans for renaming Century Blvd to MLK Jr Blvd underway
• 1990s - Gangs continue to take hold in the city
• 1993 - 105 Freeway Opens
• 1994 - Cesar Chavez Lane dedicated