Petition Statement:

Time is critical—under the Ralph M. Brown Act, we have only 11 days remaining to request a “cure and correct” action regarding the council’s August 20, 2024, meeting. We, the residents and supporters of Whittier, demand immediate action from the Whittier City Council to preserve our mature ficus trees on Greenleaf Avenue and to honor our RIGHTS to participate in decisions that impact our community. 

Petition Details:

The $20 million Greenleaf Promenade project includes plans to remove 83 mature ficus trees that provide our community with shade, air quality benefits, and a unique character. The tree removal alone is estimated to cost between $60,000 and $228,000, yet the city has proposed a $20 million budget for the entire project. This discrepancy raises serious concerns about financial transparency and accountability but that’s a petition and conversation for another day due to the urgency of this.

We, the people, demand a more fiscally responsible approach: redesigning the sidewalks with root barriers or rerouting around the trees, which would reduce costs by millions, keeping the total under $228,000 and saves taxpayers millions. These are not requests; they are demands for transparency and the preservation of our rights.
Why This Matters Now:

Our rights to public participation under the Brown Act were infringed upon when the Whittier City Council proceeded with decisions on this project without proper public notice. With only 11 days left to demand corrective action, we must act swiftly to ensure our voices are heard. Without public input, Whittier risks an irreversible loss of our environmental and cultural heritage.

By supporting this petition you stand for: 
Upholding Our Rights Under the Brown Act: Public participation and transparency are our legal rights, not optional considerations.

Protecting Whittier’s Environment and Community Character: Preserving our trees means preserving the character and well-being of our neighborhood.

Ensuring Transparency and Public Participation: We demand open, accessible decision-making.

Supporting Responsible Use of Taxpayer Funds: Fiscal responsibility is essential, and we will hold our council accountable for it.

We urge the Whittier City Council to act responsibly, transparently, and in full alignment with the rights of the community they SERVE. Together, we can hold our city council accountable and remind them that they serve us, not the other way around. Please join us in supporting a future for Whittier that values both its people and its natural heritage. SIGN BEFORE ITS TOO LATE 💔