URBAN PERSPECTIVE - The space shuttle’s retirement to the California Science Center is not a sensational spectacular event as it is being reported in the news. Behind the hype of its departure to its new home here in Los Angeles is the untold story of the loss of 400 trees in South LA and angry stakeholders who are on the last-to-know list and opposing side of its elected officials.
Angry residents have been meeting regularly to discuss the decimation of mature trees. With many reporting a violation of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), which may have been skirted over to fast track the space shuttle’s move to the Center.
South LA Neighborhood Councils and other local leaders are crying ecological genocide because there is no transparency to inform them of the environmental, health, and economic impacts. And, the tight lips are forcing stakeholders to do their own research to follow the space shuttle information trail, starting with the LA City’s Council File Index and news outlets.
As a consolation, there is an offer to replace two trees for every one cut by the Department of Forestry. Although on face value this might look like a fair exchange, there is no equitable value. It takes more than 25 years for seedling trees to mature; and the carbon dioxide absorption to produce oxygen is far less than with mature trees.
Like the Enquirer, inquiring minds are asking all the right questions. What will be the dioxin levels for heavily congested thoroughfares like Crenshaw Boulevard with new trees compared to the existing ones? Will South LA intake higher levels of pollutants because of less mature trees? What are the health risks associated with tree removals, such as increased heating and sun exposure or respiratory problems?
South LA is not falling for the Okie Doke!
This is a high stakes battle for fair treatment and acknowledgment that South LA’s voice matters once again. The lack of sharing the space shuttle’s route and requirements; and public process to determine the best course with little local neighborhood impact has been ignored.
As proposed plans and tree removals appear to be moving forward, there are also plans for a lawsuit and injunction to halt any tree cutting until there are negotiations. These negotiations include reviewing the alternatives. Additionally, it includes worst case scenarios, such as negotiating for local job creation opportunities, social service programs, or other enhancing community and economic improvements along the tree cutting path.
To get rid of the space shuttle controversy, the space shuttle can be dismantled and transported to the California Science Center without removing any trees. However, it’s been reported that the dismantling could cause damage to delicate tiles and increase costs.
On the flip side, no one is talking about the cost to South LA where its trees have cultural, personal, and economic value. A 400 tree loss is a hard pill to swallow since the space shuttle will retire and no longer be in use, except as a trophy prize and spectacle for visitors to see – and no payback to South LA.
The hand –clapping welcome for the shuttle is on hold. South LA leaders are rebuking the California Science Center, its foundation, and all who have shot gunned the planning of the space shuttle’s travel path without local community input and environmental mitigations.
(Janet Denise Kelly is a CityWatch featured contributor. She offers more than a decade of accomplishments in the housing and nonprofit sector. Janet brings valuable insight in the areas of community and economic development. Additionally, she brings knowledge regarding the leadership and management challenges faced by large and small nonprofits that are struggling or growing organizations. She blogs at jdkellyenterprises.org and can be reached at: [email protected]) –cw
CityWatch
Vol 10 Issue 73
Pub: Sept 11, 2012