UPDATE: The Whittier City Council has just suspended its tree manual, igniting fierce backlash from residents who fear this move will enable the city to cut down healthy trees throughout Uptown Whittier. The council’s decision, made during a session on October 28, 2025, passed with a 4-1 vote, with many seeing it as a direct threat to the urban forest.
This emergency ordinance is effective immediately and will temporarily suspend the manual for an eight-month period, a decision that critics argue prioritizes development over environmental preservation. The council is under pressure to facilitate the removal of more than 160 trees in Parnell Park, linked to the controversial Greenleaf Promenade project.
Residents expressed outrage during the council meeting, suggesting that the city’s justification of public safety is a guise for advancing construction plans. “We’re seeing a blatant dismissal of public oversight,” said Mary Gorman-Sullens, president of the Whittier Conservancy. This sentiment was echoed by numerous speakers who fear the loss of Whittier’s iconic urban canopy.
Councilmember Cathy Warner, the lone dissenting vote, voiced concerns over the lack of transparency regarding discussions with legal counsel that led to this decision. Meanwhile, Mayor Joe Vinatieri emphasized that the ordinance aims to balance public safety with tree and sidewalk care, yet failed to clarify the specific safety concerns involved.
The decision comes amidst a backdrop of ongoing litigation. The Whittier Conservancy has filed a lawsuit against the city over the Greenleaf Promenade project, which could go to trial on February 20, 2026, just two months before the next city council election. Critics like Conny McCormack, founder of SaveOurTreesWhittier.com, argue that the timing raises questions about the city’s true intentions.
The Parkway Tree Manual, established in 2016, was designed to protect Whittier’s trees through strict procedures governing inspections and removals. With the suspension now in effect, authority has shifted to City Manager Conal McNamara, allowing him to approve tree removals without public appeal.
“Will there be any Greenleaf Avenue trees left to save by February 20?” McCormack asked, highlighting the urgency of the situation. The city’s current policies typically allow for less than 1% of trees to be removed annually, raising further suspicions about the motivations behind this abrupt policy change.
Public outcry is escalating, with over 7,380 signatures gathered for a petition opposing the ordinance. The emotional impact is palpable, as residents like Jessica Jewell stress the trees’ role in enhancing community well-being, stating they are vital for public health and environmental defense.
As the city embarks on a sidewalk maintenance program, the spotlight is on how tree removals will affect the community’s landscape. The council’s next reading of a proposed permanent ordinance is set for November 18, 2025, leaving residents anxious about the future of Whittier’s urban forest.
The implications of this decision are significant, not only for the local environment but also for the community’s identity. Whittier’s trees are more than just greenery; they symbolize the city’s character and commitment to sustainability. The council’s actions will be closely monitored as residents rally to protect their urban forest from what they perceive as a “fake emergency” engineered for development.
Stay tuned for updates as this developing story unfolds.
