From the desk of Will Wright, Hon. AIA|LA
Director of Government & Public Affairs

PLANT MORE TREES, PLEASE!

As we begin to prepare the region for the 2028 Olympics and Paralympics, there is much we need to do to repair, revitalize, and enhance our public realm.

In addition to addressing our housing and homelessness crisis, we need to prioritize the funding and resources that will restore the dignity and grace of our daily lives. We need to clean up all of the trash and keep our streets and sidewalks clean. We need to add hundreds of bathrooms and hygiene stations. We need to declutter our communities and remove unnecessary street ‘junk’ — the old newspaper wracks, the broken signs, plastic, tire-stained bollards, etc.

And we need to plant more trees!

Recently, Jeanette Marantos wrote an article for the LA Times about the need for more beautiful and fragrant plants, which I agree with!

In addition to lining our parkways with California natives, we need to amplify the campaign to plant more street trees and enhance our urban tree canopy.

A few ways to do that:

MODIFY TREE SPACING GUIDELINES

Let’s work with BOE, Streets LA, and the Urban Forestry Division to modify the tree spacing guidelines to allow more trees closer together, and for more trees to be in closer proximity to all of the other utility infrastructure on our streets and sidewalks.

ADD TREES TO ALL EMPTY TREE WELLS

I also think that matchmaking for the 230,000+ empty tree wells is a logical and vital next step, too. One that can be quite fun and ‘tangible’ in its approach, especially if we leverage technology, community outreach, the power of neighborhood-based organizations, etc.

I also think that we can examine ways that new development can provide for these trees in adjacent neighborhoods (rather than cram a bunch of smaller trees on rooftops, etc).

We need to prioritize the planting of these 230K trees between now and 2028 and I think it’s achievable.

FUND TREES AS “INFRASTRUCTURE”

Let’s rally to get another bond on the ballot, as well.  A measure that can replace Prop K and ensure that the bond language recognizes ‘trees as infrastructure’, may take a year or two to advance. Let’s further connect with Investing In Place and with BOE and CAO to see if we can get a Capital Improvement Plan (that includes tree canopy) on the books between now and 2026.

The recently released bond proposal from LAUSD was done rather quickly and we never got a chance to examine it in advance, so I’m not sure if it introduces the idea of tree canopy – but that would be an essential element, too.

I know that the Rec & Parks bond (Prop SP) that they introduced a few years ago (and failed) was a missed opportunity. But much like Measure W, which failed the first time around – it lacked the initial buy-in from the design community on how to shape project criteria, mission, and scope, etc.

PARTNER WITH INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

We can even leverage the Sister Cities of Los Angeles Association to identify 28 trees from other regions that would be climate-appropriate for Los Angeles.

Here’s a sample list of trees that are both representative of each sister city and suitable for the Los Angeles climate:

Europe

• Athens, Greece: Olive Tree (Olea europaea) – A classic choice, representing history, culture, and Mediterranean climate.
• Berlin, Germany: Linden Tree (Tilia spp.) – Known for its shade and urban adaptability, reflecting Berlin’s modern and green character.
• Bordeaux, France: Fig Tree (Ficus carica) – A versatile tree offering both fruit and shade, reflecting Bordeaux’s culinary and cultural richness.
• Ischia, Italy: Lemon Tree (Citrus limon) – A symbol of the Mediterranean, offering both beauty and utility.
• Kaunas, Lithuania: European Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus) – A hardy tree that can tolerate a range of conditions, symbolizing resilience.
• St. Petersburg, Russia: Russian Olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia) – Tolerant of drought and various soil conditions, reflecting St. Petersburg’s history and adaptability.
• Split, Croatia: Juniper Tree (Juniperus spp.) – A drought-tolerant evergreen, representing Croatia’s coastal beauty and resilience.

Asia

• Auckland, New Zealand: Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus spp.) – While not native, many Eucalyptus species thrive in Southern California and offer a similar aesthetic to New Zealand’s native flora.
• Busan, South Korea: Korean Pine (Pinus koraiensis) – While not a perfect match, it’s a pine species that can tolerate warmer climates and offers a nod to Korean heritage.
• Guangzhou, China: Chinese Pistache (Pistacia chinensis) – A versatile tree offering vibrant fall color, reflecting Guangzhou’s dynamic character.
• Jakarta, Indonesia: Mango Tree (Mangifera indica) – While tropical, it can be grown in Southern California and represents Jakarta’s vibrant culture.
• Makati, Philippines: Coconut Palm (Cocos nucifera) – Although not ideal for all of Los Angeles, it can thrive in coastal areas and represents the Philippines’ tropical character.
• Mumbai, India: Indian Laurel (Ficus religiosa) – A sacred tree in India, known for its shade and air-purifying qualities.
• Nagoya, Japan: Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum) – A beloved ornamental tree, representing Japan’s aesthetic and cultural values.
• Taipei, Taiwan: Taiwan Acacia (Acacia confusa) – A fast-growing tree that can tolerate coastal conditions, reflecting Taipei’s modern and energetic spirit.
• Tehran, Iran: Pomegranate Tree (Punica granatum) – A drought-tolerant fruit tree with cultural significance in Iran.

Americas

• Mexico City, Mexico: Mexican Sycamore (Platanus mexicana) – A large shade tree with deep roots in Mexican culture.
• San Salvador, El Salvador: Guanacaste Tree (Enterolobium cyclocarpum) – While challenging to grow in Los Angeles, it could be considered for microclimates with warmer temperatures.
• Vancouver, Canada: Giant Sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum) – A majestic tree representing the Pacific Northwest, though it requires specific conditions.

Africa and Middle East

• Beirut, Lebanon: Atlas Cedar (Cedrus atlantica) – A close relative to the Lebanon Cedar, it can tolerate warmer climates and offers a similar majestic appearance.
• Eilat, Israel: Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera) – While primarily a desert tree, it can be grown in oases and specific microclimates in Los Angeles.
• Giza, Egypt: Egyptian Sycamore (Ficus sycomorus) – A historical tree that can be grown in warm, sheltered locations.
• Lusaka, Zambia: African Mahogany (Khaya senegalensis) – A fast-growing tree that can tolerate warmer climates and offers valuable timber.

Or, an alternative list that focuses on FRUIT TREES, so that we can nourish ourselves:

Europe

• Athens, Greece: Olive Tree (Olea europaea) – A classic choice, representing the heart of Mediterranean cuisine.
• Berlin, Germany: Apple Tree (Malus domestica) – A symbol of autumn and traditional German culture.
• Bordeaux, France: Fig Tree (Ficus carica) – Renowned for its sweet and versatile fruit, reflecting France’s culinary heritage.
• Ischia, Italy: Lemon Tree (Citrus limon) – A staple of Italian cuisine and a symbol of the Mediterranean.
• Kaunas, Lithuania: Apple Tree (Malus domestica) – A hardy fruit tree that can withstand colder climates.
• St. Petersburg, Russia: Apple Tree (Malus domestica) – Another option for a colder climate, offering a taste of home.
• Split, Croatia: Fig Tree (Ficus carica) – A Mediterranean staple that thrives in warm climates.

Asia

• Auckland, New Zealand: Feijoa (Acca sellowiana) – A unique fruit with a tropical flavor, representing New Zealand’s diverse flora.
• Busan, South Korea: Persimmon Tree (Diospyros kaki) – A popular fruit in Korean cuisine, offering a sweet and unique taste.
• Guangzhou, China: Lychee Tree (Litchi chinensis) – A tropical fruit with a delicate flavor, representing Guangzhou’s subtropical climate.
• Jakarta, Indonesia: Mango Tree (Mangifera indica) – A tropical delight, symbolizing Indonesia’s rich biodiversity.
• Makati, Philippines: Mango Tree (Mangifera indica) – Another tropical option, representing the Philippines’ tropical climate.
• Mumbai, India: Mango Tree (Mangifera indica) – A versatile fruit with numerous varieties, representing India’s diverse culture.
• Nagoya, Japan: Japanese Plum (Prunus salicina) – A sweet and juicy fruit, representing Japan’s rich culinary heritage.
• Taipei, Taiwan: Lychee Tree (Litchi chinensis) – A tropical fruit that thrives in Taiwan’s climate.
• Tehran, Iran: Pomegranate Tree (Punica granatum) – A symbol of Persian culture and a source of delicious fruit.

Americas

• Mexico City, Mexico: Avocado Tree (Persea americana) – A staple of Mexican cuisine and a symbol of the country’s rich biodiversity.
• San Salvador, El Salvador: Mango Tree (Mangifera indica) – A tropical fruit that thrives in El Salvador’s warm climate.
• Vancouver, Canada: Apple Tree (Malus domestica) – A hardy fruit tree that can withstand colder climates.

Africa and Middle East

• Beirut, Lebanon: Pomegranate Tree (Punica granatum) – A symbol of Lebanese culture and a source of delicious fruit.
• Eilat, Israel: Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera) – A quintessential desert fruit, representing Eilat’s arid climate.
• Giza, Egypt: Fig Tree (Ficus carica) – A historical fruit with deep roots in Egyptian culture.
• Lusaka, Zambia: Mango Tree (Mangifera indica) – A tropical fruit that thrives in Zambia’s warm climate.

Much to explore here…..

(TO BE CONTINUED)

AIA|LA CITY LEADERS BREAKFAST RECEPTIONS

For September, we have confirmed three more breakfast receptions.  These roundtable discussions allow architects & designers and other community stakeholders to meet directly with key individuals transforming Los Angeles in a roundtable setting to discuss innovative ideas to ensure a healthy, sustainable, and economically competitive future.

We highly encourage your participation!

Deputy Chief David Perez – Fire Marshal, Los Angeles Fire Department

Friday, September 6 (8am – 9:30am) = RSVP HERE.

Ray Sosa – Chief Planning Officer, METRO

Thursday, September 19 (8am – 9:30am) = RSVP HERE.

Peggy M. Quijada de Franke – Associate Vice Chancellor (AVC) of Facilities, Planning and Sustainability, Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD)

Friday, September 20 (8am – 9:30am) = RSVP HERE.

AIA|LA & LACP DESIGN REVIEW SESSIONS

In 2024, we will coordinate thirty-six virtual design review sessions, which will serve as opportunities for architects and designers to help the Los Angeles City Planning’s Urban Design Studio critically review upcoming projects throughout the City.

Upcoming sessions include:

Tuesday, September 3 (10am – 12pm)

Tuesday, September 10 (10am – 12pm)

Join us here w/ RSVP to gain zoom access.

Reach out and get more involved!

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Will Wright, Hon. AIA|LA
Director, Government & Public Affairs
t: 213.639.0764
e: will@aialosangeles.org
www.aialosangeles.org