During public comment at the Planning Commission meeting, several residents urged the city to preserve longstanding ficus trees along Greenleaf, Wardman, Philadelphia and Bailey streets, saying the canopy provides shade, reduces heat and contributes to neighborhood character. One speaker said, “We have over 7,000 petitioners that don't want that to happen,” and asked commissioners and the mayor to halt tree removal plans.

Speakers stressed that shade from trees helps residents who do not have air conditioning and that removal would leave a “bare building look.” Remarks appeared repeatedly in public comment; residents asked commissioners to represent neighborhood preferences to the city council and mayor.

Commissioners and staff did not take action on the topic at the meeting. Chair Luis Rodriguez noted the commission’s role is to review projects against code and conditions of approval; public comment items outside the agenda were recorded. The city attorney reiterated that under the Brown Act the commission cannot act on non-agendized items but may refer them to staff for follow-up or a future agenda.

The transcript contains multiple appeals from residents on tree preservation and at least one public speaker’s claim of a petition with more than 7,000 signatures; the commission did not verify that number during the meeting. Staff told the public that written comments were received and would be added to the record.