California State University Bakersfield’s (CSUB) professors Dr. Antje Lauer and Dr. Gitika Commuri signed a letter to Mayor K. Goh and members of the City Council addressed and urged the council to implement stronger measures to the city’s new Tree Master Plan, which was discussed at the City Council meeting on Wednesday evening. 

Along with Dr. Lauer and Dr. Commiri, over 120 professors, students, and environmental advocates signed the letter. 

The letter to the council made several recommendations to the plan, including developing a timeline with short-, medium-, and long-term goals and introducing a monitoring framework to assess progress and outcomes, similar to Fresno’s Urban Forest Management Plan. 

“We are concerned that Bakersfield’s low tree cover is in part due to poor tree maintenance, particularly excessive pruning, which leads to stunted growth, premature death, and ultimately tree removal,” said the letter.

The letter also addressed the importance of sustainable policies, including proper pruning methods, preservation of mature trees, and planting drought-tolerant native species to adapt to climate change to create a healthier, more resilient urban environment for the city.

“We are deeply appreciative of the work accomplished by the functionaries of the city, but we need to recognize how we may do better. The fact that there is a community of signatories and potentially others show the level of support the city will receive for such an initiative. This will truly be a remarkable community-driven, and city-supported partnership for a better Bakersfield. While we have the award, we are now responsible for living up to its promise,” said the letter.

City Manager Clegg said they made adjustments based on community feedback in balance with their resources and the timeline.

During the City Council meeting, the council approved the motion to review, accept, and adopt the Recreation and Parks Master Plan Update.

Several community members also voiced their recommendations to the council during Wednesday’s meeting on the Plan.  

“Tree canopies and trees in the city of Bakersfield are important for our children,” said Dr. Chris Cruz Boone, the president of the Bakersfield City School District.

Dr. Cruz Boone shared the story about how the loss of a single tree affected her neighborhood and its sense of community. She explained that every morning and afternoon, she would pass a bus stop near her home, where the neighbors would gather—often in their pajamas, with coffee in hand—creating a small, informal gathering place. This bus stop was shaded by a tree that had stood for 20 years. However, when the tree was removed, something changed in the neighborhood dynamic.

Dr. Cruz Boone observed that, after the tree’s removal, the neighbors were no longer gathered in the same way. Instead of chatting with each other, they were isolated, staring at their phones, no longer connecting in the same warm and communal manner they had before. The loss of this tree, she noted, had divided the neighborhood.

“I hope that for our kids, you will consider adding more tree canopies into your plan,” she said.

Valentina Gutierrez, a student at Warren Junior High, shared that she hopes the city will plant native trees that are drought-tolerant and involve experts. 

“Together, we can create a healthier and more beautiful Bakersfield…We look forward to working with the city to provide a beautiful canopy of trees that will add beauty, help create healthier neighborhoods, and pave the way for a better Bakersfield,” said Gutierrez.

“I do ask that you amend your map or include a map that includes the disadvantaged Southeast communities as well,” said Emma De La Rosa, the regional policy manager with the Leadership Council for Justice and Accountability. 

She asked the council to also advocate for the inclusion of disadvantaged communities, particularly in Southeast Bakersfield, in the city’s tree canopy plans. 

Dr. Gitika Commuri shared the importance of making Bakersfield a “tree-friendly city,” noting that communities with fewer resources around the world are already restructuring their environments to adapt to the challenges of climate change. 

“[Bakersfield] is privileged in so many different ways, inhabiting the city we do and the country we do. So let us bend that way. Let us do the work that is necessary with our heart and soul in it,” said Dr. Communri. 

“We would like to see a real urban forest—not just on paper, but in reality,” said Dr. Lauer.