Ginkgo Trees Vandalized on Mission

Suspected vandals have severely damaged three or four ginkgo trees on Mission Street, and the South Pasadena Police Department is planning to step up patrols in the area in an effort to deter any further incidents of vandalism.

The police department first became aware of the damaged trees when Sgt. Mike Ness was walking up Mission during this past Sunday's South Pasadena Fire and Police Department Open House. 

"I don't know who it was, but one gentleman came up to me and said, Has anyone reported to you about the trees on Mission?" Ness told Patch Monday. "I said, No, and he said, Someone whacked the trees."

On Sunday, Patch reader Betty Jean posted a comment at the end of a photo feature about Sunday's Open House, suggesting that ginkgo trees had been vandalized on Mission, along with some businesses in the area. But Ness said "there are zero reports" about any recent harm to any businesses in South Pasadena.

According to South Pasadena Public Works officials Ness spoke to, one of the vandalized trees has been cut in half, one cut so low that it's been reduced to a stub, and one pushed over. All the damaged trees are near the Gold Line, Ness said, adding that none of the trees are big.

The total damage is estimated at $2,600, Ness said, quoting Public Works officials, who believe the damage occurred sometime between Friday and Sunday. The vandalism probably occurred at night, Ness said.

The Public Works department is planning to get the trees removed and replace them with new ones, Ness said.