UPDATE: 9/19/25 This petition has been shared with local representatives from Councilmember Hugo-Martinez' office and our local Urban Forestry folks. There is an investigation on-going. Meanwhile, the tree that was illegally cut has been being watered regularly during the heatwave and seems to be doing OK. ON ANOTHER RELATED NOTE: You might not have heard (here's a good explainer), but, in a reaction to the devastating Palisades and Eaton fires, Zone Zero is pending legislation that would set state-wide rules to remove even healthy vegetation within 5 feet of any structure. This is a one-size-fits-all law that could lead to the loss of 2000 acres of tree canopy in LA, with no scientific proof that this will help in a fire. Local tree organizations, scientists, the City Council, and others are lobbying for local rules (urban vs. rural, for e.g.) to mandate requirements that could cost homeowners billions. The Advisory Committee is taking comments Monday, Sept 22 from the public.  TO REGISTER TO  BE ONLINE FOR THE  ZONE 0 ALL PUBLIC COMMENT MEETING MONDAY SEPT. 22  10-5:  
https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/7c0d6e38-a078-4344-bff0-dc2b08559785@447a4ca0-5405-454d-ad68-c98a520261f8 
TIP -  It is Microsoft Teams and the un-mute is in the upper right corner of the screen, not on the box with your name. ORIGINAL POST: Beautiful, shady, Golden Medallion trees are planted in the parkway along the block of Echo Park Avenue between Grafton Street and Delta street. There's retail on the ground floor (Canyon Coffee, Glowing Juices, Le Boudoir, Cookbook, Shout & About, Des Pair Books, Long Slow Distance, and the Chocolate Dispensary) and residences above (Edendale Crossing and The Del Mor). Recently at least one of the trees was "trimmed" illegally the day before a heatwave. Luckily, locals videotaped this while it was happening, and one local business called the police, who arrived, stopped the untrained workers, and confirmed that trimming was only legal by a certified arborist with a city permit. The company that requested their employees cut the trees illegally attempted to get permission from the city to remove the trees a couple of years ago, but were denied. They now claim that businesses, residents, and locals all want the trees trimmed and/or removed.  These trees were donated to the city by the Echo Park Historical Society and belong to the community, not any one person or company. With temperatures rising, fewer trees means less shade, more pollutants to breathe, and less beauty in the world. If you care about protecting these trees, please sign your support today. Your signatures will be presented to the city and Community Forest Advisory Committee to help in their investigation of the incidents detailed above, and will help avert future damage to these trees. The Lorax would be proud.