Planting Trees in San Diego But Losing Equity, Science, and Respect

Parallels and pushbacks from national and local politics — Comments on Ready, Set, Grow San Diego, City of San Diego

By Anne S. Fege, Urban and Community Forester / March 27, 2025 

The first 60 days of this Administration have diminished and dismantled equity, science, and respect, and there are parallels to the local “Ready, Set, Grow San Diego” (RSG) project.   Even as the $10 million urban forestry grant will contribute modestly to climate action, it could have gained so much more in community engagement and equity. Seeing and hearing the national impacts in these 60 days now shows me great parallels. I will continue offering suggestions and advising community groups and I will not be silent, afraid, or withdrawn.

Diminished equity. 

• As this Administration attempts to “erase DEI,” I am reminded that “climate equity” was approved and celebrated by the Mayor and Council, yet this RSG grant falls short in several ways.
• The grant application designated census tracts, without inviting and integrating needs and interests of communities. Even the CFAB was unaware and was not asked to advise the City.
• No funds were requested for capacity of community groups to participate in the planning, planting and care of trees (to implement “procedural equity”).  In the two areas where trees have now been planted, community groups are slowly organizing but are not informed or consulted about RSG plans.
• Decisions are made by City staff, as a project done “for” or “to,” not “with” communities. Many public meetings and Tree Steward workshops have been poorly attended (sometimes only 2 or 3 community members), perhaps indicative of limited connections, communications, and trust.
• Tree watering could be done by Southeast SD businesses (to implement “distributional equity”) but trees will be watered by a business based in Orange County (the City’s tree care contractor).

Disregard for science:

• Research social scientists have evaluated “urban tree campaigns” for two decades, identifying key social and tree care factors that determine tree sustainability and project success.
• Suggestions for planting “climate-ready” trees have been ignored, even from state and local experts.
• Tree conditions have been surveyed for City tree projects planted in 2016, 2020 and 2023. Although it’s hard to look at this data, it’s better to learn from local monitoring and adapt young tree care practices, rather than deny that funds and public trust are “wasted” when tree survival and health are low.
• The aspirational, unachievable 35% tree canopy goal in the Climate Action Plan is admittedly a lie.

Deference and disrespect:

• Legislators, law firms, universities, and civic leaders are deferring instead of speaking out and standing up together. Are we locally denying and silencing climate change, equity, and science?
• I have read, learned, spoken, written, encouraged, coached, organized–and have been told to “stop sending emails” and “we don’t need any of your assistance.” Why would I be threatened?
• I’m a resident and taxpayer for 34 years. I’m a longstanding urban and community forestry professional, former chair of the CFAB and now co-leader of Kate Sessions Commitment nonprofit (katestrees.org).

Planning and pushback can partly remedy this RSG project.

• Be aware and be prepared that these Federal grant funds can still be frozen, and staff laid off.
• Coach and expect staff to be more transparent, collaborative, and committed to genuinely learning and leading together with communities. Requests and suggestions have been sent, spoken, and can be adapted by the recently-hired competent young professionals.
• Start communicating with all interested community members and groups. There are robust community groups in the four areas that will be planted next year, thanks to state grants that build capacity and climate resilience—and their collective learning can transform this RSG project.
• Welcome and support the modest community efforts (in areas where trees are now planted) to build capacity with schools for stewardship and celebration of trees and shade.

Anne Fege is the Urban Forester, Kate Sessions Commitment (Kate’s Trees) and the Retired Chair, Community Forest Advisory Board, City of San Diego