1. Send a new email using this link. There is a template provided; if you have troubles with the link the text is pasted lower on this page.
    The email has been changed and will now go to State Senator Sasha Perez, State Assembly Member John Harabedian, DTSC Director Katherine Butler, and PUSD Director Michael Dunning. If you previously emailed DTSC, re-use the link and send another email to your representatives.
  2. Email DTSC. They are legally obligated to respond. An automated response is not legal acknowledgement of receipt. If you do not receive a response from DTSC, please let us know at wecare@pasadenaroots.org
    Zhilan Zhang, Project Manager: zhilan.zhang@dtsc.ca.gov
    Anita Chun, Public Participation Specialist: anita.chun@dtsc.ca.gov
  3. Report a bird nest found on a tree being felled by Tree Smith Enterprises to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW).
    The tree is located at PUSD Education Center, 351 S Hudson Ave, Pasadena, CA 91101
    CDFW's dedicated tip line: 1-888-334-2258
    Or you can report online here
    You can also text "CALTIP" followed by your message to 847411 for an anonymous two-way conversation with officers.

Template Email Text


TO:
senator.perez@senate.ca.gov senator.perez@senate.ca.gov; assemblymember.harabedian@assembly.ca.gov assemblymember.harabedian@assembly.ca.gov

CC:
Katherine.Butler@dtsc.ca.gov Katherine.Butler@dtsc.ca.gov; dunning.michael@pusd.us dunning.michael@pusd.us

Dear Senator Sasha Renée Pérez and Assemblymember John Harabedian,

I am writing to express serious concern regarding the planned removal of 193 trees beginning June 15 across 11 Pasadena Unified School District properties in connection with a California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) remediation project. Ten trees were already removed on June 10. I respectfully urge you to request an immediate pause to this project in order to allow for public review and a transparent public meeting.

Clear scientific justification for the removal of 193 trees has not been provided to the public. The only publicly available testing data appears to predate the August 2025 remediation, and the public meeting held on April 16, 2026 did not disclose the full scope of the tree removal project. To date, no public explanation has been provided demonstrating why widespread tree removal is necessary to address soil contamination.

Trees provide significant environmental and public health benefits, including sequestration of certain contaminants, improved air quality, urban heat reduction, stormwater management, erosion control, and wildlife habitat. The removal of 193 trees, including mature and native trees, warrants careful scientific review and meaningful public engagement before irreversible actions are taken.

I respectfully request that your office contact DTSC and PUSD immediately and urge a temporary pause to the project until the public is provided with a full explanation of the proposed tree removals, supporting scientific documentation, and an opportunity for public review and comment.

Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter.

Sincerely,
[Name]
[ZIP Code]