government
After public outcry, PUSD Board votes to save some trees slated for removal
By Erin Stone at LAist (KPCC / Southern California Public Radio)
· June 19, 2026
· 1 min read
Tree advocates put up a banner in front of PUSD's headquarters on Tuesday. (Erin Stone / LAist)Pasadena residents fighting a school district plan to remove nearly 200 trees scored a win Thursday night.Pasadena Unified School District officials had said 193 trees across 11 campuses need to be cut...
Key takeaway Pasadena Unified School District officials had said 193 trees across 11 campuses need to be cut...
Why this matters in The Los Angeles
The Pasadena Unified School District's decision to attempt to save some of the trees slated for removal is a significant win for local residents who have been vocal about preserving the city's tree canopy. The unanimous vote by the board to explore alternative remediation methods for the contaminated soil around mature trees reflects a growing recognition of the importance of balancing environmental and health concerns. As the district moves forward with its evaluation, it will be crucial to consider the long-term implications of tree removal on the local microclimate, particularly in areas with limited shade and green space. The potential for increased heat islands and decreased air quality in already vulnerable neighborhoods is a concern that must be weighed against the need to remediate contaminated soil. By exploring alternative methods, such as phytoremediation, the district may be able to find a solution that prioritizes both student health and environmental sustainability.
About this story
Original reporting by LAist (KPCC / Southern California Public Radio) . The Los Angeles surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
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Category: government ·
Published: June 19, 2026 ·
Source: LAist (KPCC / Southern California Public Radio) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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What is this story about? Tree advocates put up a banner in front of PUSD's headquarters on Tuesday. (Erin Stone / LAist)Pasadena residents fighting a school district plan to remove nearly 200 trees scored a win Thursday night.Pasadena Unified School District officials had said 193 trees across 11 campuses need to be cut...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 19, 2026 by LAist (KPCC / Southern California Public Radio) and curated for The Los Angeles readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Erin Stone at LAist (KPCC / Southern California Public Radio). To learn more about how The Los Angeles selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more government coverage from The Los Angeles, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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