Pasadena Unified Responds to City’s Tree Inspection at John Muir High School

PUSD administration building on a hot summer day, July 10, 2026 (Photo – Colorado Boulevard Newspaper)

The Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) has responded after the City of Pasadena announced it had received authorization from the Los Angeles County Superior Court to inspect tree removal activity at John Muir High School Early College Magnet.

By News Desk

The city said it sought the inspection after alleging that PUSD continued removing trees despite posted stop-work orders.

In a statement, PUSD said city personnel arrived at the campus with an inspection warrant related to the city’s tree ordinance.

“City of Pasadena personnel arrived at John Muir High School Early College Magnet with an inspection warrant related to the City’s tree ordinance,” the district said. “PUSD is complying with the warrant and providing access as required, while ensuring appropriate safety protocols remain in place on campus and around active soil removal areas.”

The district reiterated its position that the ongoing state-overseen soil removal and restoration project is not subject to the city’s tree ordinance.

“The District continues to believe this state-overseen soil removal and restoration work is not subject to the City’s tree ordinance, a legal issue that remains under discussion between the parties,” the statement said.

PUSD said its priority remains completing the environmental restoration work so students, staff and families can return to safe, healthy and fully usable campuses.

“Our focus remains where it has been throughout this process: completing the work necessary to protect students, staff, and families and return them to safe, healthy, fully usable campuses,” the district said. “PUSD remains willing to work constructively with City leadership as the work moves forward.”

The district’s statement comes after the city announced it had obtained court authorization to inspect the tree removal activity as the dispute over the applicability of the city’s tree ordinance continues.