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Residents urge council to halt removal of mature trees in Lower Arroyo; critics call notice process inadequate
Summary
Several Pasadena residents and neighborhood advocates implored the council to preserve about 19 mature trees in the Lower Arroyo, saying removal threatens native understory, wildlife and lacks adequate public notice or an appeal process.
Dozens of residents used the meeting’s public‑comment period to press the Pasadena City Council to stop removal of roughly 19 large trees in the Lower Arroyo and to improve public notice and appeal procedures for tree removals.
Speakers described the eucalyptus and other mature trees as important habitat — including nesting great‑horned owls — and said recent notices appeared after decisions were already made. Lisa Quinn and others urged the city to phase in any changes, preserve mature trees while planting native replacements, and to provide earlier public outreach and an appeal mechanism for “healthy tree” removals.
“Leave the mature trees and continue to plant native trees alongside them,” Quinn said. Residents also raised technical questions about species flammability and said evidence presented to the public was incomplete. Several speakers asked that council members visit the site before final decisions are made.
The council did not take action on the tree removals during the meeting; the item was discussed during broader public comment and staff were asked to coordinate public engagement and follow‑up.
