Prior to my city council statement, Mayor Jim Light opened with a proclamation proclaiming April 21, 2026, as Redondo Beach Arbor Day.
Mayor Jim Light stated, “It is my pleasure to recognize Arbor Day, a celebration that reminds us of the vital role trees play in the health, beauty, and overall quality of life in our community.
Here in Redondo Beach, our urban forest is something truly special. The City cares for more than 11,000 trees across over 200 species, creating a diverse and vibrant canopy throughout our neighborhoods. These trees are more than just scenic — they are essential infrastructure.
Our urban forest is valued at approximately $54 million, providing measurable benefits such as cleaner air, shade, climate resilience, improved property values, and enhanced quality of life for our residents.
That is why the City remains committed to growing and maintaining this important resource. Each year, Redondo Beach plants at least 100 new trees, helping ensure that future generations inherit a greener, healthier city.
I am also proud to share that Redondo Beach has been recognized as a Tree City USA for three consecutive years, a designation that reflects our ongoing dedication to responsible urban‑forest management and environmental stewardship.
This weekend, the City will continue that commitment in partnership with Citizens for South Bay Trees, planting five new trees at Ensenada Park. This effort highlights how community involvement strengthens our shared responsibility for environmental sustainability.
Arbor Day is not just about planting trees — it is about planting the future. I encourage all residents to participate by planting a tree, caring for the trees we already have, or simply taking a moment to appreciate the natural beauty that surrounds us.
Now, therefore, I do hereby proclaim April 24, 2026 as Arbor Day in the City of Redondo Beach, and encourage everyone to join in celebrating and supporting our urban forest.”
🌿Andre Leroux’s City Council Statement April 21, 2026
Good evening Mayor and Councilmembers. My name is Andre Leroux. I’m a life‑time Redondo Beach resident, and I am here tonight to raise concerns about a ordinance that no longer reflects the city we are today — or the direction the City itself is taking.
Redondo Beach has become far denser over the last 50 years. Homes are closer together, lots are smaller, and residents rely more than ever on trees and landscaping for privacy, cooling, and quality of life.
Yet the City is still enforcing rules written for a much less dense city, without modern definitions or standards.
Today, City staff met on‑site with the City arborist, code enforcement, and fire officials to review my property. What became very clear in that meeting is this: there is no clear, objective definition in the municipal code that distinguishes a “tree” from a “hedge.” Even the City’s own arborist explained that vegetation can function as either depending on spacing, density, and maintenance — not based on a measurable legal standard. That lack of clarity leaves residents guessing, and enforcement becomes subjective and complaint‑driven.
At the same time, the City is actively advancing urban‑forest planning and tree‑canopy expansion, and proudly holds the designation of Tree City USA.
And, Jim, you explained it very well today. And, as you know, the city needs more trees so set the goals to include residential private properties especially since three quarters of Redondo Beach is privately owned so when you are talking about expanding trees and planting trees, you are only talking about public land. Why not utilize what we already have? We have all this private land Let’s make our neighborhoods more beautiful.
Those goals depend on residents maintaining healthy trees on private property — especially since roughly three‑quarters of Redondo Beach is privately owned land.
Yet the very ordinance being enforced today undermines those goals. City inspectors continue approving new construction projects — many valued at over $2 million…the one’s by my house $2.8M — with landscaping plans that include the same types of trees later cited under this ordinance. That means the law is so broad that a significant portion of the city, including City‑approved properties and City‑maintained landscaping, could be considered in violation.
This is not a demonstrated safety issue. City records show no pattern of fires, accidents, or injuries caused by residential trees on private property. Fire officials today confirmed there is no immediate hazard — only a need for reasonable vegetation management.
Tonight, I’m not asking you to weigh in on enforcement actions or individual cases. I’m asking for policy leadership.
Specifically, I urge the Council to:
- Update the ordinance with clear, arborist‑based definitions,
- Align vegetation rules with urban‑forest planning goals,
- Grandfather existing landscaping approved in good faith, and
- Consider pausing enforcement while these updates are underway.
As a Tree City USA, Redondo Beach should be preserving and expanding its tree canopy — not eroding it through outdated and ambiguous rules.
Thank you for your time and consideration.”
