PRESS RELEASE
Conservancy Files Lawsuit on Suspension of Tree Manual
Re: Case Filed (Click “Case Filed” to Open PDF)
Filed May 18, 2026
The Whittier Conservancy has filed a lawsuit objecting to the City of Whittier’s elimination of provisions for the maintenance and protection of Whittier’s street trees, parks, and trails. The City’s recent action violates state law and has stripped protection for vital natural resources that belong to the people.
Despite public outcry, at the last City Council meeting prior to the recent municipal election, the previous Council rushed to pass an ordinance to “replace” the city’s Tree Manual with a new document to be revealed in 2028. Until then, removal of healthy city trees falls to the discretion of the city manager, without the public input or oversight that has existed for decades.
A previous vote by the City Council in the fall of 2025 had suspended protective tree provisions until June of 2026. Instead of waiting until after the election to allow the publicly-chosen representatives time to determine whether that suspension should be extended, the City Council voted on March 24, 2026 to eliminate those protections for another year and a half.
The March 24, 2026 vote by the previous City Council has left the newly-elected Council in the unprecedented position of upholding their stated commitment to the community while managing the aftermath of the illegal action of their predecessors. The ball is now in the court of our new representatives.
“The March 24th vote was a last gasp attempt by the incumbents who had tried for years to gut the Tree Protection Ordinance,” said Conservancy President Mary Gorman-Sullens. “Whittier’s environmental community has been trying to hold the line against such efforts for a long time,” Sullens said. “A reconstituted council, including a new mayor, will have to lead the way to clean up this mess left behind by their predecessors.”
"We strive to keep the community informed and connected as we work to protect Whittier’s trees, parks, and open spaces for today and future generations. These places are more than scenery. Once these natural spaces and mature trees are lost, they cannot simply be replaced. We appreciate that the community is standing with us in protecting the character, beauty, and environmental legacy that make Whittier so special.”
Mary Gorman-Sullens
President
Click on Tree Manual image to open and read the eliminated Tree Ordinance.
Why Trees Are So Cool!
Fall, 2024
City trees play a vital role in urban environments. They improve air quality by filtering pollutants, provide shade that reduces heat and energy consumption, and enhance aesthetics, contributing to mental well-being. Trees also support biodiversity by providing habitat for various species and can help manage stormwater, reducing flooding risk. Additionally, they can increase property values and promote community engagement, making urban areas more livable and sustainable.
Whittier Conservancy Gifts Trees to Ocean View Elementary School
Summer, 2024
Over the last 10 to 15 years, The Conservancy has gifted more than six figures to the city to plant trees throughout Whittier, including street trees, the Greenway Trail and the Hadley Street medians.
The Conservancy is now shifting its attention to Whittier’s school yards, where the effects of climate change present an opportunity for meaningful teaching moments and renewed commitment to the stewardship of our fragile environment.
At Ocean View Elementary School tree branches were growing into and impeding the utilitiy lines. Instead of trimming the trees, they were cut down and unnecessarily removed by the utility company.
The Conservancy donation of $3500 to Ocean View School goes towards tree planting to restore their canopy. It will help enable the planting of three to four mature trees on the school grounds.
The Conservancy has received donations and joint grants from Southern California Edison, to fund these gifts. These generous donations come from Conservancy members, supporters within the community and local officials.