The Redondo Beach Public Works and Sustainability Commission convened on September 22, 2025, to discuss critical issues surrounding the city's tree canopy and urban forestry management. The meeting highlighted the urgent need for a comprehensive tree protection ordinance, particularly focusing on trees on private property, which currently lack regulation.

Commissioners and community members expressed concerns about the declining tree canopy in Redondo Beach, emphasizing the importance of trees for environmental health, property values, and community aesthetics. Laura Duke, a local advocate, urged the commission to collaborate with the newly formed Citizens for Redondo Trees, which aims to raise awareness about the benefits of trees and promote community involvement in tree planting initiatives.

The discussion included examples from other cities, such as San Diego's landscape point system and Sacramento's tree protection measures, which could serve as models for Redondo Beach. These programs require developers to meet specific criteria regarding tree preservation and planting, ensuring that urban development does not come at the expense of the city's green spaces.

Commissioners acknowledged that while the city has made strides in protecting public trees, the majority of Redondo Beach's land is privately owned, complicating efforts to enhance the urban forest. The current ordinance only addresses trees on public property, leaving a significant gap in protection for mature trees on private lots. This lack of regulation allows for the removal of healthy trees without consequence, raising concerns about the long-term sustainability of the city's tree canopy.

The commission discussed potential strategies to incentivize tree preservation on private property, including the possibility of requiring developers to plant new trees when removing existing ones. Education was also identified as a crucial component in changing public perception about trees, encouraging residents to view them as valuable assets rather than burdens.

As the commission prepares to report back to the city council by November 1, 2025, there is a growing consensus on the need for a more robust and enforceable tree management plan. The meeting concluded with a commitment to further explore options for protecting Redondo Beach's urban forest and engaging the community in these efforts.