7-9-26 Today's Events at Muir High
July 9, 2026
Message from the Pasadena Unified School District Regarding
Today’s Events at John Muir High School Early College Magnet
July 9, 2026
The Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) remains focused on one overriding responsibility: protecting the health and safety of our students, staff, families, and school communities.
Following the Eaton Fire, PUSD families raised concerns about soil safety on school campuses. In response, and following the Pasadena Public Health Department’s Guidance for Schools and Early Childhood Education Centers to Prevent Lead Exposure, PUSD conducted environmental testing that identified fire-related contaminants, including lead, arsenic, and other substances, in soil at multiple District campuses. PUSD and the California Department of Toxic Substances Control are aligned in their commitment to oversee safe soil cleanup and restoration, and the District is working carefully and urgently to complete the removal of more than work before students return for the 2026-2027 school year.
Today at John Muir High School Early College Magnet, PUSD continued work necessary to remove contaminated soil from impacted areas of campus. This work included the removal of non-protected trees in areas where soil removal is required. No protected native or mature trees were removed today, and wildlife biologists confirmed there was no migratory nesting bird activity before work proceeded.
PUSD understands and respects the community’s deep concern for campus trees. We share this concern. The District does not want to remove a single tree unnecessarily, and we continue to review impacted areas site by site and tree by tree to preserve as many native and mature trees as can safely remain. But where contaminated soil must be removed to protect students and staff, PUSD has an obligation to complete this work.
During today’s work, individuals entered, or attempted to enter, the campus work area without authorization. One individual became involved in a physical altercation with an on-site Pasadena City College personnel, and law enforcement was contacted. Students participating in summer programming at John Muir remained safely in their programs, and there was no disruption to student learning.
PUSD honors and respects peaceful, lawful expression. We also have a responsibility to maintain safe school campuses and secure work areas, particularly when environmental removal is underway. Trespassing into restricted campus work zones creates safety risks and cannot be allowed.
City of Pasadena personnel also arrived at the John Muir campus today requesting access to inspect trees. Because this removal work is being conducted on District property in alignment with a state regulatory agency, the City’s request is being addressed through District and City leadership and legal counsel. PUSD has been in ongoing communication with the City and has shared information regarding the District’s testing, findings, and removal plans, including the District’s July 6 letter.
PUSD will continue to act with urgency, transparency, and care as we complete this important work and return students to safe, healthy, and fully usable campuses.
For more information, please visit: pusd.us/restoringourschools.