Tree Preservation Activists Confront School District in Pasadena

Environmental Activists Chain Themselves to Trees

On the grounds of John Muir High School, named after the environmental preservationist John Muir, activists have resorted to chaining themselves to trees. Their cries did not prevent the cutting of limbs from an American sweet gum tree on the campus.

For several weeks, the group had kept vigil, wary of the Pasadena Unified School District’s intention to remove three American sweet gum trees grown for decades. This protest marks a recent development in a broader dispute over nearly 200 trees rooted in contaminated soil on public school grounds.

Arguments Over Tree Removal

Pasadena Unified School District, in collaboration with the California Department of Toxic Substances Control, asserts that trees must be removed, along with the soil, before August. Activists dispute this, advocating for alternative soil decontamination methods that retain the trees, many of which are safeguarded by a local ordinance. Pasadena has issued a stop-work order for tree assessments, yet the district contends that this cleanup effort is beyond the city’s jurisdiction.

“Trees located within fire-related contaminant impacted soil removal areas must be removed to allow for the safe and complete removal of fire-related contaminants,” declared a school spokesperson on May 29.

The Aftermath of the Eaton Fire

Eighteen months have passed since the Eaton Fire ravaged parts of Altadena and Pasadena, claiming 19 lives and destroying numerous structures. Toxic substances, including heavy metals, remain a concern for those still residing in the area.

Last spring, Pasadena Unified School District began testing soil across its properties. Earlier this year, in conjunction with California’s civic agency, it planned to remove 13,000 tons of contaminated soil and 193 trees at 11 sites, some of which are native species.

Public Reaction to Tree Removal Plan

The joint plan, unveiled in a public meeting on April 16, faced criticism when it emerged in late May that all 193 trees faced removal and replacement. Activists claim they learned of the full plan details post-comment period.

“They say they’re going to replace the trees one to one, but one-to-one replacement is a myth,” stated Jessica Richards, organizer for Pasadena Tree Preservation.

The first tree removal witnessed by activists was on June 11 at San Rafael Elementary School, prompting alerts for the group.

Community Action Against Tree Removal

Nina Raj, a naturalist at 36, acted upon learning of tree-cutting at the district’s headquarters, attempting to obstruct lead workers’ progress upon arrival.

Seventeen-year-old Paloma Muñiz-Ochoa, an incoming college freshman, took a stand by climbing into the canopy of a coast live oak she named Mary, spending eight hours in its branches.

Arborist Sabine Höppner, 58, embraced similar tactics, chaining herself to a pair of centuries-old western sycamores.

School District’s Response to Community Feedback

Following community pushback, the district stated in mid-June that up to 57 trees might be spared, seeking alternative soil cleaning methods. Specific criteria for preserving these trees remain unclear.

Pasadena’s urban forest ordinance from 2002 provides protection for native and mature trees citywide, reinforcing efforts against widespread cutting.

Local Government and Individual Reactions

On July 1, Pasadena issued a stop-work order, challenging assumptions made in closed-door plans between the district and state agency.

“Expecting no questions and no pushback was wildly unrealistic,” Pasadena council member Rick Cole commented.

Despite the city’s efforts, the district insists its soil remediation project falls outside municipal jurisdiction.

Activism and Legal Actions

By July 8, activists and students assembled at district headquarters, demanding a halt in tree-cutting pending assurances and assessments. Veteran tree sitters Julia Butterfly Hill and John Quigley supported their cause.

Monty Leaver, 17, highlighted the impact of tree loss on school identity, voicing his disapproval.

On Thursday, activists succeeded in halting the removal of three sweet gums at John Muir High School. A warrant from Los Angeles County Superior Court has been issued to enable city arborists to review these trees.

Pasadena Unified maintains their project bypasses the ordinance, while activists continue vigilance and resistance.

Sabine Höppner reflects on the resilience she observes in trees post-fire, advocating for recognition of their renewal.

“They’re not dead. They’re getting stronger,” Höppner said, emphasizing the lesson in nature’s recovery.