John Muir High School

The City of Pasadena used a court-ordered warrant to inspect trees at John Muir High School after the school district denied access. The inspection followed the district's refusal to allow city officials to assess which trees might be protected under Pasadena's tree-protection ordinance.

Pasadena officials began court-authorized inspections at John Muir High School after the Pasadena Unified School District continued removing trees at multiple campuses despite stop work orders. The city had attempted to resolve the issue cooperatively, but PUSD violated the orders by proceeding with the removals.

The Pasadena Unified School District faces opposition from the city and protesters over plans to remove nearly 200 trees, citing soil contamination from the Eaton Fire. City officials claim the district lacks required permits under the Pasadena Tree Ordinance, while critics argue the decision harms historic canopy and environmental preservation.

A physical altercation occurred at John Muir High School after individuals attempted to enter a restricted soil-removal zone during cleanup work linked to fire-related contamination from the Eaton Fire. The confrontation involved one person and a Pasadena City College staff member on-site.

Crews resumed tree removal at John Muir High School despite City-issued stop-work orders. The action is part of an escalating legal dispute between Pasadena officials and the Pasadena Unified School District over whether the work violates the City’s Tree Protection Ordinance. City officials were sent to the site and told to leave, with potential fines for continuing operations.