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Residents ask council to pause planned Arroyo tree removals, cite owl habitat and cultural concerns
Summary
Multiple speakers urged the council to halt or delay plans to remove 17 large arroyo trees, warning that the work threatens owl habitat protected under Fish and Game Code and asking for better public notice and site visits.
Several residents urged the council to reconsider or pause a plan to remove 17 mature trees in the Arroyo Seco, raising ecological and cultural concerns. A speaker representing Gabrieleno tribal interests said the owls in the arroyo are culturally important and warned that the project could permanently impact habitat. "The owl is a very important part of the Gabrieleno culture," the speaker said, citing protections under the Fish and Game Code.
Other commenters noted the overall loss of trees after recent fires and clearance work and asked for on-site inspection before removal. A speaker advocating for broader public notice urged the council to table votes until people who use the Arroyo daily can be alerted and heard. The council accepted the public comments into the record; several members asked staff to ensure adequate notice and review options before further action.
