Whittier council adopts urgency ordinance to suspend parkway tree manual through June 2026 after heated public comment

The Whittier City Council on Oct. 28 approved an urgency ordinance (No. 3171) to temporarily suspend application of provisions in the city—s Parkway Tree Manual and municipal code section 12.4.100(d) through June 30, 2026, saying staff needs time to review procedures tied to public safety and the city—s liability exposure. The ordinance passed on a 4-1 roll call vote: Councilmember Warner, Councilmember Dutra, Mayor Pro Tem Martinez and Mayor Joe Vinatieri voted yes; Councilmember Pacheco voted no.

City Manager Mr. McNamara told the council the suspension is intended to give staff time to conduct a "comprehensive review of the Parkway Tree Manual and chapter 12.4" and to "promote efficiency by streamlining the processes related to city trees to better protect the city's urban forest and preserve public safety." He also said staff will update standard operating procedures, expand sidewalk inspection work and communicate with long-standing community stakeholders during the review period.

The item drew lengthy public comment, with dozens of residents and local advocates urging the council not to…