A day after the LAPD arrested a man who vandalized trees with a chainsaw throughout the downtown area, political and residential leaders are moving ahead with replacement efforts.
"Thanks to the generosity of various community organizations and community members that have reached out, we're replacing the trees 2 to 1," City Councilmember Ysabel Jurado said during a press conference Thursday.
Want to get caught up on what's happening in SoCal every weekday afternoon? Click to follow The L.A. Local wherever you get podcasts.
Jurado represents the 14th district, which covers the areas impacted by the chainsaw-wielding tree vandal Samuel Patrick Groft, 45.
During the conference at 9th and Hope St., where a mature ficus tree once stood 50 feet high, Teresa Y. Hillery with the Downtown LA Residence Association said the neighborhood's response to the attack is a sign that it will not take this as a setback.
"The more we invest in making downtown greener, safer, and more walkable, the more we will deter crime, build community, and also create a place where we can all be proud to call home," she said.
A definitive timeline for the tree replacement process and the size of the trees involved are details that are still to be determined.
Follow KNX News 97.1 FM
Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok
