The Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) and the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) are facing growing legal scrutiny over their handling of an emergency CEQA exemption - and with no meaningful community engagement so far, Pasadena residents are left wondering what's really driving the planned removal of 195 trees across PUSD properties.

One emerging concern is whether PUSD has private plans to sell off some of its properties. Removing mature trees significantly increases the resale value of a parcel, since future developers would otherwise be constrained by Pasadena's strict municipal tree ordinances. By framing these removals as emergency actions, Michael Dunning, PUSD's Director of Facilities, has been able to fell trees without obtaining permits or consulting the city's Forestry Division.

If you have inside information about any PUSD plans to sell off district properties, please email wecare@pasadenaroots.org. You may remain anonymous and are protected under the whistleblower laws cited below.

  • California Whistleblower Protection Act (Government Code §§ 8547–8547.12) - protects state employees who disclose improper governmental activity.
  • California Labor Code § 1102.5 - protects employees who report suspected violations of law to a government agency, supervisor, or in the course of their duties; prohibits retaliation.
  • California Education Code § 44113 - whistleblower protections specific to school district employees.