26-7-30 Update on Soil Remediation

July 30, 2026

The Pasadena Unified School District today continued Eaton Fire soil remediation and restoration work across several affected campuses. Activities included removing and hauling contaminated soil, preparing cleared areas for clean replacement soil, planning landscape restoration and, where necessary, removing trees and vegetation that prevent access to impacted soil.

The work is proceeding under the oversight and in collaboration with the California Department of Toxic Substances Control and environmental professionals. PUSD’s goal remains to complete the necessary cleanup and restore as much safe, green and usable outdoor space as possible for students.

At John Muir High School Early College Magnet, crews removed several non-protected trees, small trees, and shrubs from areas where contaminated soil must be excavated. The work occurred near the A Building, south of the D Building, east of the track, and in the interior courtyard.

The District does not want to remove a single tree unnecessarily and continues to evaluate affected areas site by site and tree by tree. But where trees cannot safely remain while contaminated soil is removed, the District must complete the work necessary to protect students and return outdoor areas to safe and productive use.

“We know the loss of any tree is difficult, and we do not make these decisions lightly,” said PUSD Superintendent Elizabeth Blanco, Ed.D. “But our responsibility is to remove contaminated soil and return students to safe, healthy outdoor spaces. Where a tree cannot safely remain while that work is completed, student health and access to their campuses must come first.”

Some of the trees removed today have been the focus of protests. PUSD respects the right of community members to advocate, gather and protest peacefully in public areas adjacent to District campuses. At the same time, entering restricted campus areas or climbing campus trees—some of which are more than 80 feet tall—creates a serious risk of injury, particularly around active remediation areas, equipment and environmental controls.

Just as PUSD would not allow a student to climb a campus tree or enter an active work zone, the District cannot allow that activity as part of a protest. The safety standard does not change based on who is climbing or why. PUSD urges community members to express their views safely and peacefully without placing themselves, workers or others at risk.

The removal of impacted soil is only one phase of the remediation process. Excavated areas will be filled with clean soil, and affected landscapes and trees will be replanted as the District works to return students to safe, green and fully usable campuses.

Additional Campus Updates

• Octavia E. Butler Magnet: Crews began hauling contaminated soil from the campus today. Hauling is expected to continue through Tuesday.

• Washington Elementary STEM Magnet School: The District has received clearance to begin replacing excavated soil with clean soil. On Friday, District representatives will meet with the Audubon Society and a landscape architect to begin planning restoration of the school’s native garden, using its previous garden plans while accounting for current safety, building and fire requirements.

• Franklin Elementary site: The District has received clearance to begin backfilling excavated areas with clean soil next week.

• San Rafael Elementary School: The District is awaiting clearance based on soil sampling before proceeding with the next phase of remediation.

• Longfellow Magnet: No field activity took place today.

For more information, visit pusd.us/restoringourschools.