Angelo Gladding
The National Arbor Day Foundation, a non-profit education organization dedicated to tree planting and environmental stewardship, officially recognized South Pasadena as a Tree City U.S.A. during last week's city council meeting.
Kevin Johnson, deputy forester from the Department of Forestry, represented The National Arbor Day Foundation and presented outgoing Mayor Paul Zee and Norma LaValley, a South Pasadena Beautiful board member, with a plaque and a Tree City U.S.A. flag that will fly over city hall.
Community signs proclaiming South Pasadena as Tree City U.S.A. will also be constructed as part of the special declaration.
Communities entering the nationwide program receive the Tree City U.S.A. designation upon recommendation by state foresters, who co-sponsor the program. Communities qualify by establishing a city tree ordinance, providing a legal tree governing body, putting a comprehensive urban forestry program in place and observing Arbor Day each year.
"Tree City U.S.A. is a distinct honor for our community that serves to reinforce the value we place on our natural resources," said Zee. "It's the first time the city has received this national recognition."
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