Community members attended the city council meeting last week to address concerns with the Rancho Tree Trimming contract.
Several community members were concerned about the removal of trees in Kern County and addressed these concerns during the public portion of the meeting. Their main argument was that restoring the tree canopy through new plantings is essential because it helps reduce heat and improve air quality. A motion was made to vote on the staff recommendation to approve the contract with Rancho Tree Service. Vice Mayor Manpreet Kaur voted no, and Council member Andrae Gonzales abstained due to campaign contributions received.
Lori Pesante, director of the Sierra Club, presented a petition with 500 signatures to protect and restore the Bakersfield Urban Tree Canopy…