Battle over street tree removal and replacement plan continues; Pasadena, CA; 4/23/09

Tree war Pasadena Weekly - Pasadena,CA,USA
More than two months after the controversial removal of ficus trees in the Playhouse District provoked a wave of outrage, intense public debate over the future of Pasadena’s trees continues at City Hall.
On Monday, council members will pick up on a contentious April 13 discussion of whether to allow the planting of replacement ginko and palm trees in the Playhouse District, despite a March moratorium on tree planting and removal. Councilman Sid Tyler, who cast the lone vote to save the ficus trees from destruction, argues that the city should hold firm on its moratorium until a study of Pasadena street tree plans can be completed, allowing officials to consider what other types of trees could replace the ficus.
“I don’t believe [ginkos and palms] fulfill either the letter or the spirit of the United Nations Urban Environmental Accords in terms of helping to build a shade canopy over our urban streets,” Tyler said Tuesday.