South LA Tree Coalition https://southlatrees.org Protect Our Urban Forests. Mon, 14 Oct 2024 20:24:57 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.2 https://southlatrees.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/cropped-slat-tree-32x32.jpg South LA Tree Coalition https://southlatrees.org 32 32 LA Times article: Study reveals attitudes about lack of trees in South L.A. https://southlatrees.org/lat_article_study_reveals_attitudes/ Sat, 12 Oct 2024 20:27:07 +0000 https://southlatrees.org/?p=340524 Los Angeles Times
‘There is no easy fix’: Study reveals attitudes about lack of trees in South L.A.

Lila Seidman reports for the Los Angeles Times on a new study by USC and the South L.A. Tree Coalition (SLATC) about the unequal distribution of trees in LA. Participants in the study expressed an awareness of the harms caused by tree disparity and the value of a cooling canopy. Theresa Maysonet, SLATC Co-Founder, mentions that interviewing South L.A. community leaders and stakeholders is what makes this study really unique. Ultimately, the article conveys the importance of city funding to achieve tree equity in LA. According to Dan Halden of StreetsLA, partnerships with nonprofit and community organizations are necessary for the city to achieve its “goal of a healthy, maintained tree canopy that provides much-needed shade, particularly in disadvantaged communities.”

Read the article at LATimes.com
or download a PDF version here

]]>
New USC Study Examines Urban Forestry from the Perspective of South L.A. Community Leaders https://southlatrees.org/new-usc-study-examines-urban-forestry-from-the-perspective-of-south-l-a-community-leaders/ Fri, 11 Oct 2024 19:03:55 +0000 https://southlatrees.org/?p=1585 Findings highlight barriers to achieving shade equity and the importance of community involvement in tree-related initiatives

LOS ANGELES – October 2, 2024A new study released from the South LA Tree Coalition (SLATC) – in partnership with USC Dornsife Public Exchange and USC Price School of Public Policy – explores South Los Angeles community leaders’ views on the urban forest and tree equity issues in South L.A. While prior research has documented patterns of injustices leading to urban canopy inequalities in South L.A., this study was developed and conducted in partnership with a community-based organization in South L.A.

The research team conducted interviews with community leaders to explore perspectives, needs, and challenges around urban forestry in South L.A. The findings aim to inform advocacy efforts and increase representation of the area’s diverse communities in tree-related policy and decision-making processes.

“The study shows that community leaders are aware of tree canopy disparities in South L.A. compared to other parts of the city, as well as the health risks associated with the lack of trees,” said Theresa Maysonet, co-founder, South LA Tree Coalition. “Study participants emphasized the importance of local policy makers correcting these systemic inequities. We hope the study’s findings ignite community-led tree planting efforts and lead to a thriving, more equitable urban canopy across Los Angeles.”

USC-SLATC-report-statistics

Compared to L.A.’s average of 21% tree canopy coverage, South L.A. communities average only about 13% – with some areas falling as low as 5% [TreePeople, Loyola Marymount Center for Urban Resilience (2019). 2016 Tree Canopy Coverage Dataset. Data provided by authors]. This lack of trees contributes to the environmental injustices experienced daily by South L.A. residents. As the City and local decision-makers pledge to expand the urban canopy in high-need communities, the report highlights the importance of elevating the voices of historically underrepresented and marginalized South L.A. residents in tree planning and policy-making.

“Public Exchange has been connecting researchers with community partners to grow a more equitable urban forest in Los Angeles since our work began in 2020. This latest project with SLATC represents a new chapter in our USC Urban Trees Initiative, providing new insights into community member’s diverse perspectives of trees and enabling us to prioritize future research that addresses their needs,” said Monica Dean, Climate and Sustainability Practice Director, USC Dornsife Public Exchange.

Key findings from the report include:

  1. Trees in South L.A. play a role in community leaders’ perceptions of neighborhood identity, environmental conditions, as well as public health and safety.
  2. Competing priorities, limited resources, and lack of awareness present barriers to tree-related planning efforts in the community.
  3. Community leaders value healthy tree canopy in South L.A. and envision a future with equitable and intentional greenery supported by community initiatives and proper maintenance.

“As climate change intensifies, tree shade will become an increasingly important way to stay cool and avoid the worst effects of intense heat,” said Santina Contreras, an Assistant Professor at the USC Price School and the study’s Principal Investigator. “While these facts have been well understood, the voices of vulnerable communities have frequently been left out of the conversation on these issues. Our study works to contribute to this space by identifying key issues and recommendations for future improvement from the perspective of South LA residents. In this way, our findings contribute to efforts to create a robust urban forest in South L.A. in a way that protects and benefits the entire community.”

“It takes a village to get things done, no one agency can build the park, no one agency can maintain the park, no one agency can program the park, no one agency can do any of those things. Together, we can.”

– Study participant

The study’s sample audience focused on community leaders due to their extensive knowledge of broader community needs and interests across South L.A. communities. For the purpose of this study, Service Planning Area (SPA) 6, as defined by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, was used as the bounds for South Los Angeles, which includes the neighborhoods of Athens, Compton, Crenshaw, Florence, Hyde Park, Lynwood, Paramount, and Watts.

The in-depth report (“Rooted Connections: Understanding South Los Angeles Community Leaders’ Relationship to the Urban Forest) is available for download on the USC Dornsife Public Exchange website. The findings will be disseminated widely to local decision-makers, council districts, and neighborhood councils to amplify community voices and advocate for removing barriers to tree planting and planning efforts.

USC-SLATC-report-englishUSC-SLATC-report-Espanol

ABOUT SOUTH LA TREE COALITION
The South LA Tree Coalition (SLATC) was founded in 2021 in response to the removal of a grove of protected Sycamore trees in South L.A. for a development project. Their mission is to close equity gaps throughout LA’s urban forest and facilitate the preservation, protection, and growth of South LA’s tree canopy through progressive advocacy and community-based efforts.

ABOUT USC DORNSIFE PUBLIC EXCHANGE
USC Dornsife’s Public Exchange (PX) fast-tracks collaboration between academic researchers and the public and private sectors to define, analyze and move the needle on the world’s most complex issues. PX is delivering research that drives policy, programs & products to build a better future.

ABOUT USC PRICE SCHOOL OF PUBLIC POLICY
For more than 90 years, the USC Sol Price School of Public Policy has sought to improve the quality of life for people and communities worldwide through path-breaking research and scholarship.

# # #

Contact:
Nerissa Silao
NRS Public Relations
310-874-9230
nerissa@nrspublicrelations.com

]]>
SLATC and USC Report Reception Party Oct 2024 https://southlatrees.org/slatc_and_usc_report_reception_party_oct_2024/ Thu, 10 Oct 2024 03:45:53 +0000 https://southlatrees.org/?p=1649

Angelic Perez and Jonathan Diaz with KYCC

CFAC Boardmember Isabelle Duvivier, SLATC Board Member Brent Green, Community members Mark Oberholzer and Leigh Hopper sampling Johnny’s Pastrami’s delicious buffet

Neighborhood Council Leader Dolores Spears and West Adam Avenues Assn Chair Donna Jones

Community members

Guests

Councilwoman Heather Hutt sharing comments about SLATC Co-Founder Theresa Maysonet’s community leadership

South LA Tree Coalition Board Members James Maysonet, Dakota Maysonet and Liza Ameen celebrating release of SLATC/USC Research Study

Jonathan Lopez and Diane Lopez enjoying the evening

City Forest Officer Rachel Malarich and SLATC/USC Research Assistant Zoelli Ortiz

USC’s Steve Wesson, SLATC Co-Founder Theresa Maysonet, Councilwoman Heather Hutt, USC’s Public Exchange Marianna Bobbani

CFAC Board Members Theresa Maysonet and Isabelle Duvivier

South LA Tree Coalition was joined by City Officials and community members as it celebrated the release of its research study with USC: Rooted Connections: Understanding South Los Angeles Community Leaders’ Relationship to the Urban Forest. Lauded by Councilwoman Heather Hutt as a “great community leader” and “a voice that cannot be ignored,” Co-Founder Theresa Maysonet also thanked the Councilwoman, who in 2022 appointed Mrs. Maysonet to the Community Forest Advisory Committee. “Councilwoman Hutt has shown steadfast commitment to the tree canopy in CD10 as evident by securing extra funding for additional tree trimming.” Mrs. Maysonet’s comments continued with thank you’s for the community leaders that participated in the study and gratitude for the partnership with USC Public Exchange and for their commitment to this original research study. “Marianna Babboni and Professor Santina Contreras took a chance on this unique study and we couldn’t be happier with the outcome.”

]]>
Our Urban Forest: Planning for Trees Workshop, February 10 https://southlatrees.org/our-urban-forest-planning-for-trees-workshop-february-10/ Fri, 02 Feb 2024 05:45:04 +0000 https://southlatrees.org/?p=1520 Join us at a Neighborhood Workshop

Our Urban Forest: Planning for Trees Workshop
Saturday, February 10
10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church, 3901 West Adams Blvd. L.A. 90018

Koreatown Youth and Community Center (KYCC), the South LA Tree Coalition (SLAT), and Council District 10 invite community members to a workshop where you can provide your thoughts on our neighborhood’s trees.

The workshop is part of an effort by the County and City of Los Angeles, who are partnering to create Urban Forest Management Plans (UFMP). These UFMP plans will outline the vision for how we can protect and maintain trees and identify necessary resources, policies, and programs to grow our urban forest and keep it healthy for future generations. Please consider being part of the process by joining in at this neighborhood workshop.

  • Everyone is invited, bring your friends and family.
  • Share your vision for the future of our urban forest and what your neighborhood needs to grow.
  • Snacks and refreshments will be provided and everyone who comes can enter a drawing to win a prize!

Tree Equity is part of the conversation.

Trees are an important part of the City’s infrastructure and a key strategy for protecting residents from urban issues of heat and poor air quality, especially in light of the climate crisis. In Los Angeles, the neighborhoods most impacted by these issues often also have the least tree canopy cover.

The Urban Forest Management Plans will include strategies for tree canopy equity throughout the City. This strategy will consider and include not only priority areas for tree planting and establishment care investments but also tree preservation and maintenance recommendations to ensure existing trees continue to grow and support the City’s tree canopy. Many Los Angeles neighborhoods with low tree canopy have physical limitations (such as narrow parkways or overhead wires) that impact the types of trees that can be planted in public spaces.

Logos
UNNC Logo
]]>
Saving Cornelius Johnson’s Olympic Oak https://southlatrees.org/saving-cornelius-johnsons-olympic-oak/ Wed, 03 May 2023 18:53:06 +0000 https://southlatrees.org/?p=1012 Real estate developers have drawn a bullseye around many of the most historic neighborhoods in Los Angeles, where they are displacing working class tenants, demolishing naturally occurring affordable housing, and getting parcels rezoned to build out-of-scale new projects that nobody who lives in these communities can afford.

They are aided in this harmful work by elected officials and civil servants operating under the shadow of a massive Federal racketeering investigation. Most of these property sales, land use hearings, evictions and demolitions happen quickly and are only observed by members of the “city family” and a small community of tenants’ rights advocates and historic preservationists.

But every once in a while, the forces of destruction target a Los Angeles landmark that’s so significant, the whole world takes notice.

by Kim Cooper, The Esotouric Blog

Full story here.

]]>
Official UNNC Tree Policy Report https://southlatrees.org/official-unnc-tree-policy-report/ Sun, 30 Apr 2023 04:10:17 +0000 https://southlatrees.org/?p=833 The development of the official UNNC Tree Policy was a collaborative effort that started early in the development process. The main goal of the policy was to retain as many trees as possible during any development or construction projects. This was achieved through a number of strategies and partnerships that worked towards preserving the tree canopy in the area.

One of the key partnerships that contributed to the success of the policy was with CIM Development. CIM Development visited with UNNC, the local Neighborhood group located at Western and the 10 Fwy. During the meeting, CIM Development showed their commitment to being a good neighbor and preserving the natural environment in the area.

As a result of this partnership, CIM Development made the decision to reduce 5 parking spaces and saved 10 live coast oaks as part of a development project. This decision not only preserved the natural environment but also supported the community’s desire to maintain a green and sustainable area.

The UNNC Tree Policy was officially adopted in March 2013 and has since served as a guiding framework for preserving trees during any construction projects. The policy has been successful in ensuring that potential developers are aware of the community’s commitment to preserving trees and the environment. Additionally, it has made it easier for UNNC to identify and work with developers who share the same values and principles.

The official UNNC Tree Policy can be viewed here: UNNC-Official-Tree-Policy-2023.pdf

]]>
A Battle to Save Beverly Hills’ Shady Ficus Trees is Underway https://southlatrees.org/a-battle-to-save-beverly-hills-shady-ficus-trees-is-underway/ Sat, 22 Apr 2023 13:46:20 +0000 https://southlatrees.org/?p=494 The city of Beverly Hills is in the process of cutting down scores of ficus trees to make room for a sidewalk project.
(Picture: Jason Armond / Los Angeles Times)
]]>
Los Angeles Reimagined https://southlatrees.org/los-angeles-reimagined/ Mon, 20 Mar 2023 05:37:08 +0000 https://southlatrees.org/?p=583 Photo by belboo / Flickr

The City of the Future has a chance to honor its promise of the past.

FULL STORY: https://www.sierraclub.org/sierra/1-spring/feature/los-angeles-reimagined

]]>
Ruling saves 12,000 LA Trees https://southlatrees.org/ruling-saves-12000-la-trees/ Wed, 15 Feb 2023 21:32:40 +0000 https://southlatrees.org/?p=261 From the Los Angeles Times:

More than 12,000 mature trees in Los Angeles may be spared the ax after advocates of tree preservation prevailed in court.

The recent decision by a Los Angeles Superior Court judge found that city leaders had failed to adequately consider the cumulative effects of removing thousands of trees along city streets during its 30-year sidewalk revamp project. The judge has effectively blocked further tree removal until the issue is remedied.

Celebrating their victory, plaintiffs are hopeful the city will work to find solutions that preserve such trees, especially as the plants become increasingly important in the face of more frequent and more extreme heat.

by Grace Toohey, LA Times

Read FULL ARTICLE: “L.A. wanted to cut down 12,000 trees. Advocates stood in the way” at Los Angeles Times online.

]]>
UNNC’s City of LA Urban Forestry presentation https://southlatrees.org/unnc-city-of-la-urban-forestry-presentation/ Mon, 14 Nov 2022 22:00:35 +0000 http://box5430/cgi/addon_GT.cgi?s=GT::WP::Install::EIG+%28wmsflmmy%29+-+10.0.87.10+%5BWordpress%3b+/var/hp/common/lib/Wordpress.pm%3b+589%3b+Hosting::gap_call%5D/?p=1 On November 3rd at 6:30 the UNNC will host Commissioner Mike Davis as he introduces the City Forest Officer Rachel Malarich and City of LA Urban Forestry Division (Bureau of Street Services). UFD will present the findings of the UNNC tree canopy inventory and demonstrate the TreeKeeper Program, which identifies and provides detailed information on trees in the public right-of-way.

Download our flyers here:

1. United Neighborhoods Neighborhood Council (UNNC) Tree Canopy Inventory [PDF] :

United Neighborhoods Neighborhood Council UNNC Tree information flyer

2. United Neighborhoods Neighborhood Council (UNNC) Treekeeper Flyer [PDF] :

UNNC Treekeeper Flyer

More info on the UNNC web site here: https://www.unnc.org/2022/11/03/treekeeper-program/

]]>