Sosa calls for comprehensive tree plan in Downey

Mayor Claudia M. Frometa and Councilmembers Hector Sosa and Dorothy Pemberton join local volunteers in planting a tree in Downey during the city’s Arbor Day celebration earlier this year. (City of Downey photo)

DOWNEY — Councilman Hector Sosa has asked city officials to explore a comprehensive urban forestry plan aimed at expanding Downey’s tree canopy, reducing heat and improving the appearance and environmental health of neighborhoods.

Sosa made the request during the July 28 City Council meeting, describing the proposal as a long-term investment that could accompany other major projects and anticipated revenue growth in the city.

“In the city of Downey, we have a lot of good momentum going,” Sosa said, pointing to the planned Costco development and the council’s recently approved residential streetlight program. “One thing that I’d like us to focus on — and this is a long-term play — is a community forestation plan.”

Sosa said the city should develop a strategy to plant, protect and manage trees throughout Downey, with particular attention given to underserved neighborhoods and public spaces.

He requested that a plan include an assessment of Downey’s existing tree canopy, measurable canopy goals, a long-term maintenance and replacement schedule, potential grant funding and performance benchmarks.

“When those things are implemented well, it provides economic, environmental and quality-of-life benefits,” Sosa said.

Those benefits, he said, could include improved air quality, reduced urban heat, better stormwater management, lower energy costs, wildlife habitat, noise reduction and improved public health. Tree-lined streets and business districts could also help strengthen community identity and economic development, he said.

Sosa emphasized that any program should be fiscally responsible and rely where possible on outside funding.

“I say this with caution because I’m big on fiscal stability and keeping a close eye and a tight purse,” he said. “But I know there are grants and funding programs available through state and federal programs that I’d like us to look at.”

Mayor Claudia M. Frometa seconded Sosa’s request but asked that city staff first report on the results of Downey’s previous urban forestry efforts.

Frometa said the city had an urban forest committee around 2018 and 2019 and partnered with the environmental nonprofit TreePeople to plant thousands of trees.

In 2019, the city announced that TreePeople planned to plant more than 3,000 trees along Downey streets and in parks. The work was part of a larger, five-year program to plant 11,000 trees in Downey, Norwalk, Santa Fe Springs, Commerce and La Mirada, with funding from the California Department of Transportation and oversight by the I-5 Joint Powers Authority.

The trees were planted in city rights-of-way rather than on private property, and TreePeople was responsible for caring for them during their first two years.

Frometa said the program encountered resistance from some homeowners who believed the parkway areas belonged to them, even when the land was within the city’s right-of-way.

“Many residents were unhappy that the city had chosen to plant a tree in what they considered their property, but that’s city property,” Frometa said. “Many folks ended up taking those trees out or not watering them.”

Frometa said the city could have done more public outreach and education before planting began.

“I think we could have done things differently,” she said. “More education and information, because all of the things that have been mentioned — they provide greater oxygen, shade, cooler asphalt and increased property values.”

TreePeople said the regional effort began through a 2019 partnership designed to address communities affected by pollution from the I-5 Freeway, with volunteers, residents, businesses and faith-based organizations helping plant and care for trees.

Neighboring Cerritos has maintained a more formalized urban forestry program for decades. In March, Cerritos was named a Tree City USA for the 27th year, an Arbor Day Foundation designation requiring a tree board or department, a tree care ordinance, a forestry program and an Arbor Day observance.

Cerritos officials said the city has planted more than 30,000 trees since its incorporation in 1956 and plants approximately 250 young trees annually to replace those lost to storms, age or accidents.

Sosa said a comprehensive plan could provide similar long-term benefits for Downey.

“It can be a cost-effective investment that improves public health, environmental sustainability, the aesthetics of our neighborhoods and long-term economic vitality,” he said.