Landscape Architecture Lecturer James Becerra, chair of the Whittier Historical Resources Commission, jointly filed an appeal with a resident opposing the removal of 10 of 13 designated Aleppo pine trees to complete the city’s Palm Avenue Improvement Project. “Each tree situation needs to be individually assessed where mitigation is possible,” Becerra told city councilmembers. “Support a healthy environment. Direct staff to explore civil engineering options for each tree. Your charge is to protect our habitat now and for the future. Please do not destroy these trees in an act of engineering madness.”
This article was originally published by on May 14, 2025.