First published in the April 14 print issue of the Outlook Valley Sun.
I read with disgust and dismay about the proposed “removal” (i.e., “destruction”) of trees at Palm Crest Elementary, so they can complete a $30 million “modernization” project.
The article states that letters were mailed out or delivered in person to residents. I received no such letter. Amongst the trees slated for “removal” are a beautiful, majestic deodar and an albizia, but the true number of trees being slated for destruction is unknown.
This is disgraceful. Even one tree is too much. Superintendent Wendy Sinnette says they will be “adding trees” to replace the trees that are being cut down. Adding trees does nothing for the ones that are cut down. The trees cannot be “replaced.” They have lived here a very long time and this is their home!
Sinnette asserts: “There has been a lot of mindfulness in terms of the trees that are being taken out.” There is nothing “mindful” about this thoughtless project, which, among other things, will add a few more parking spaces, and a concrete retaining wall that will “fix” a “mixed use area” (i.e., parking lot, pickup and drop-off site).
Sinnette claims the parking lot “is a safety hazard and we can’t have students and mixed use.” Don’t fall for this fear tactic. Since the automobile was invented, children have been taught how to safely negotiate their way when crossing streets, and walking behind or beside cars. Likewise, drivers are taught to use extreme caution when children are present in school parking lots. Hundreds of thousands of schoolchildren have managed to attend school daily, making their way through parking lots unscathed.
Aside from their beauty and ecological importance, trees are Mother Nature’s gift to us. For Native Americans, they represent life, healing, peace and harmony. The Chinese people revere them for the healing power of Chi they provide.
The trees living at the school should not be cut down. The current drop-off location functions as is. If lack of parking spaces is an issue, park down a side street and walk.
Lori Abril
La Cañada Flintridge
