Councilwoman Park Calls For Assessment of Storm Damage to Street Trees and Sidewalks

LOS ANGELES, CA (March 17, 2023) – Councilwoman Traci Park has introduced a motion calling for an assessment of the damage caused to Los Angeles street trees and sidewalks during the recent cycle of storms that have caused flooding, destabilized hillsides and roads, and substantially damaged the city’s public resources.

 

“The loss of street trees to storm-related damage is counteractive to the City’s work to expand tree canopy coverage and improve our sidewalks,” said Councilwoman Traci Park. “It is imperative that the City understands the full scope of damage to the city’s street trees and sidewalks and uses this data to minimize damage from future storms.”

 

The motion instructs the Bureau of Street Services’ Urban Forestry Division and the Bureau of Engineering to provide a report on the number of street trees damaged and uprooted and any damage to adjacent sidewalks, as well as recommendations for protecting the City’s tree canopy and sidewalk system in advance of future storm events.

 

The impacts of the storm events have been felt on the Westside, where downed and uprooted trees have blocked streets, damaged power lines, and created safety hazards for residents. This motion aims to better protect the City’s tree canopy and sidewalk system, which are crucial for residents’ safety and quality of life.

 

“Our tree canopy and sidewalk system are crucial components of our infrastructure, and we must take steps to better protect them for the benefit of our residents’ safety and quality of life.”