There are moments in every community when ordinary citizens discover that their voices matter. Not because they hold elected office, possess wealth or influence, but because they decide that something important to them is worth protecting.
For months, a relatively small but determined coalition of residents, arborists, environmental advocates, parents and students had been challenging Pasadena Unified School District’s plan to remove approximately 193 mature trees during ongoing soil remediation projects at district campuses.
What began as an isolated concern gradually evolved into organized public testimony, educational outreach, peaceful demonstrations and hours of volunteer work documenting Pasadena’s urban forest…