Internationally recognized environmental activistJulia Butterfly Hill travels to Pasadena to headline a public fundraiser supporting community efforts to preserve 193 trees slated for destruction and removal by the PUSD (Pasadena Unified School District).
Her appearance comes as the school district's tree-removal plans have drawn widespread public condemnation, concern, legal action, peaceful protests and demonstrations, and extensive regional media coverage.
Despite weeks of advocacy, the school district has not yet committed to permanently preserving any of the remaining trees slated for destruction and removal.
Trees at San Rafael Elementary School, including mature and protected trees, were removed during bird nesting season without city tree permits or on-site biological monitoring.
Pasadena is honored to welcome Julia Butterfly Hill. She is traveling here to support efforts to preserve the trees of the Pasadena Unified School District.
She is an internationally-recognized environmental advocate best known for her historic 738-day treehouse sit to protect an ancient, giant California redwood, an act of peaceful civil disobedience that inspired people around the world.
Join us for an evening hosted by the youth working to protect the PUSD trees.
WOOLPIT, England - The story of the green children of Woolpit concerns two [Fairy] children of unusual skin color who reportedly appeared in the village of Woolpit in Suffolk, England, sometime in the 12th century, perhaps during the reign of King Stephen (r. 1135–1154). The odd children, found to be brother and sister, were of generally normal appearance except for the green color of their skin. They spoke in an unknown language and would eat only raw broad beans. Eventually, they learned to eat other [surface human] food and lost their green color, but the boy was sickly and died around the time of his and his sister's baptism. More
In Malaysia there is a hill (Bukit Broga, near Semenyih and Kuala Lumpur), likely the entrance to an underground world (cavern, portal, tunnel system) called Alamaza, a name reminiscent of Agartha and Aztlan, references to a Hollow Earth civilization or levels of "heavens" in Hindu and Buddhist lore. This is a literal "fairy (féerie) kingdom" or alternate dimension as spoken of existing in woodland forests the world over.
In Malaysian, Singaporean, Bruneian, and Indonesian folklore, bunian people or Orang bunian [akin to the other humans, the Asian Bigfoot/Yeti creatures known as Orang Pendek).
They are suspected "supernatural" unseen beings said to be invisible to most humans, except for those who are born with or develop "spiritual sight." (In Buddhism, this is called the cultivation of dibba cakkhu or the "third eye" between the brows, likely corresponding to a DMT-oozing pineal gland).
If they live underground to remain unseen, these are the "hollow hills," cave systems, or burial mounds into which they retreat.
While the term Orang bunian is often translated as "elves," it literally means "hidden people" or "whistling people." (Bigfoot all over the world are known to whistle and mimic human sounds very well, as well as tossing stones and rustling in the foliage).
Orang bunian when seen are described as beautiful, dressed in ancient Southeast Asian style, and nearly identical to humans in appearance. [One might call the bhumi devas or "woodland fairies, sprite, the Fae or sidhe.]
Some mythological accounts describe the lack of a philtrum(the human "love charm" or lateral cleft above the lip below the nose).
Modern depictions of Orang bunian deviate from the traditional folklore by including elf-like features -- pointed ears, high fantasy-influenced attire, or modern Minangkabau long-coat clothing [1].
Orang bunian are said to inhabit the deep forests or high mountains in Sumatra, Borneo and Malay Peninsula, far from human contact [2], as well as near human communities, and are even said to share the same houses as human families [3].
According to legend, their social structure is similar to that of humans in the ancient Malay Peninsula, with families, clans, and royalty. As with other mythical beings in Indonesian folklore, Orang bunian often have supernatural powers [4] and must be appeased with certain rituals [or offerings] and customs before humans are allowed to trespass areas they inhabit.
Orang bunian are generally regarded as benevolent, befriending and assisting humans, particularly magicians (dukun or bomoh) and shamans (pawang) [5].
They are said to be able to intermarry with humans and bear invisible children [6].
Wake up, Rip Van Winkle! It's very late.
According to some tales, men married Orang bunian females but later decided to leave the bunian community and return to the human families they had left behind. However, after returning to human society, they found that many years had passed and everyone they once knew had died.
These narratives have been compared to Urashima Taro and Rip Van Winkle [7] [which would suggest that devas are much longer lived than humans but that "time" exists at different rates simultaneously everywhere all at once, such that one might experience an "eternity" somewhere then return to the human plane where an eternity had not yet elapsed and vice versa]. More
There is an organization that is currently doing something to save the remaining trees of Altadena, more than half of which were wiped out by the Eaton Fire. They are Amigos de los Rios ("Friends of the Rivers," referring to the Emerald Necklace).
ADLR offers free watering assistance for Altadena homeowners:
In the wake of the Eaton Fires, our local trees need our help. We’re offering watering assistance for Altadena’s homeowners to protect and preserve our community canopy.
By signing up, those in need give permission for ADLR's trained team to visit a property and water its trees.
Amigos de los Rios is an Altadena-based 501c3 urban greening non-profit that has served the community since 2003.
Its office was destroyed in the Eaton Fire and many of our staff have been impacted by fire damage and loss, leading to a great deal of concern about the tremendous loss of trees thoughout this Los Angeles foothill community.
It is critical to protect the remaining trees in Altadena by watering them over the hot Indian summer months to help them survive.
As such ADLR has started a program to help all families provide water to surviving trees.
ADLR is working hard to raise grant funds for this endeavor. Support ADLR by donating to this effort or volunteering.
Amigos de los Rios is working to create the Emerald Necklace: a natural infrastructure network of green spaces, green schools, parks, and trails throughout under-served communities in the Los Angeles Basin. ADLR is connecting the mountains to the sea, helping to provide equitable access to nature, and protecting our environment and urban communities from the threats of climate change. More
Effort to save Altadena’s remaining trees after Eaton Fire
Highlighted by NBCLA, California Community Foundation, ABC7, and Pasadena Star News, after the devastating Eaton Fire, local groups are leading an urgent effort to save Altadena’s remaining trees. More
Creating an Emerald Necklace of parks in the Los Angeles Basin
with support from California Climate Investments funding through the California Natural Resources Agency’s Urban Greening Program, Amigos de los Rios expanded the green schoolyard project at Mary Jackson. Multilingual More
In the United States, the term "Black Irish" was initially used in the 19th century to derogatorily describe Irish refugees of the Great Famine [1] [a manmade event the British wrought on their hated neighbors].
It later shifted into a term used to describe people of Irish descent who have black or dark-colored hair, pale skin, dark or light eyes, or any other dark feature or coloration. This meaning is not commonly used in Ireland [1], where "Black Irish" more refers to Irish people of actual African descent [4].
The most common use of the term "Black Irish" is tied to the myth that they were descended from Spanish sailors shipwrecked during the Spanish Armada of 1588 [5][6][7][8][9][10] that came to attack England. However, no anthropological, historical, or genetic research supports this story.
Some theorists assert that the term was adopted in some cases by Irish Americans who wanted to conceal interracial unions with African Americans, paralleling the phrase "Black Dutch" which was also used in the United States to hide racial identity. More
You're invited: Prayer for the Earth – A Community Mural in Altadena
Join us in creating a powerful mural that brings our community together for healing, remembrance, and reconnection with Nature, especially in the wake of the recent Eaton and Palisades Fires.
This is a four-day community art build, and you’re welcome to join for one day or all of them:
This project was initiated through the invitation of John Hopkins Oh Happy Day Café and Grocery. Together, we’re building something that honors grief, invites hope, and reminds us of our deep connection to one another and the Earth.
This is for you if you care about Altadena, the planet, or the power of collective healing.
No experience needed — just bring your presence. Whether you come to build, paint, write a prayer, or simply witness, you’re welcome.
Supported by:
LA Climate Week @climatedesignersla
Collidescope Foundation @laclimateweek
Climate Designers LA @collidescopefoundation
Plant Based Treaty @plantbasedtreatyla @plantbasedtreaty
THE FILM is a journey of hope in the midst of crisis. In the heart of the Brazilian Amazon, thousands of people are unlawfully invading protected lands, devastating centuries-old forests for resources and fast profits.
Now as the health of the entire Amazon [jungle rainforest] teeters at the edge, will Brazil and the world take notice?
Indigenous forest guardian Marçal Guajajara and Indigenous leader Puyr Tembé stand at the frontlines of this fight, risking their lives to protect their ancestral lands from relentless invasions and deforestation.
On the other side -- Valdir, an illegal logger, is trapped in a desperate struggle to make ends meet and sees no other way than continuing to cut down the forest [that supports everyone].
This is the powerful narrative at the heart of We Are Guardians — a story of hope and resilience amidst an unfolding crisis.
Through a tapestry of voices, this award-winning documentary provides a raw and intimate look at the lives of those closest to the Amazon and peels back the layers of this critical situation to reveal a story that ultimately affects all of us.
Directed by Edivan Guajajara, Chelsea Greene, and Rob Grobman, and produced by Academy Award winner Fisher Stevens with Leonardo DiCaprio serving as executive producer, the film is an exploration of the human spirit and our collective responsibility to protect the fragile balance of our world.
Ultimately, it illuminates a path forward, where hope and unity can guide us toward a brighter future for the Amazon and our planet. More
He massacred trees: White man arrested in Downtown L.A. chainsaw tree mystery
(KTLA 5) April 23, 2025: A man has been arrested in connection with dozens of city-owned trees in Los Angeles that were cut down with [an electric] chainsaw over the Easter Holiday weekend. The suspect, Samuel Groft, 45, was arrested [on eight counts of] felony vandalism. [His crimes may cost the city more than $300,000 dollars to repair, but will a spend a penny of that on buying seeds to plant many additional trees to install in our concrete jungle?] KTLA's Mary Beth McDade reports. Details: DTLA chainsaw tree massacre suspect in custody
Broadleaf. Evergreen. Conifer. How well do we really know our trees? Now we have a goal for National Arbor Day. Visit the arboretum.org in Los Angeles (by boat, not plane, like Greta Thunberg).
NOTE: National Arbor Day always falls on the last Friday in April, but many states observe Arbor Day on different dates throughout the year based on their best tree planting times, which varies widely. For example:
What one madman did in LA, we can all undo by getting out and helping nature (arborday.org).
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Plant a tree, preferably one native and appropriate to the region.
May we suggest using an acorn to produce an oak? And avoid watering its stem, but rather water around it to encourage it to grow strong roots far and wide.
What better way to celebrate Arbor Day than to plant our very own tree? It's an incredible experience watching a tree grow over the years.
Why did the Buddha love trees so much?
One mark of goodness (Buddhist skillfulness, wholesomeness, unselfishness, selflessness, nongreed, letting go, generosity, loving-kindness, giving, dana, compassion, thoughtfulness) is "planting trees the shade of which we will never sit under" because they take so long to grow. Why should we be unselfish? One good reason might be to look around and realize that we have shade because of the kindness of others (Native Americans, land caretakers, and bhumma-devas or woodland fairies and angelic light beings) who came before us. That should be reason enough. But this reflection may also help: Just as we cannot harm others without simultaneously harming others, we cannot help others without simultaneously helping ourselves. It may not be obvious, but that's just the way it is by a natural regularity we can call karma, the law of receiving back in kind what we put out into the world, not only immediately but also after a long time.
It's an unbelievable feeling knowing that we made it happen. Don't print this article! Deforestation is a huge problem with many implications, and reducing our paper usage is the most immediate way to make a difference.
We can go a step further by seeking out brands with sustainable business practices (not just greenwashing by corporations and the PR firms they hire to sell sell sell), and by adopting strong composting and recycling habits.
Siddhartha awakened with the help of this Bo tree
EDITOR'S NOTE: Let's not just recycle the way they do in Hollywood. Let's precycle the way they have been doing in Berkeley for decades. What's that? It's considering where something is coming from, what waste it is producing by reducing, reusing, and recycling. Pre-cycling is thinking ahead of time, maybe even thinking out for seven generations like the Indigenous peoples of America, the Native American tribes, and the Buddha spoke of doing. The Buddha said that? When asked about benefiting the deceased by the "transfer of merit," the Buddha explained that we have relatives. And if we do something for one who is not in a place able to receive it, it will still benefit our other relations out for seven generations. It's an odd coincidence to mention seven if the two are not related, so either they both knew something or the Buddha's teaching reached the Americas just like American historians like Edward P. Vining (An Inglorious Columbus) and Rick Fields (How the Swans Came to the Lake) have documented happened centuries ago. How can we "transfer" good karma because isn't "karma" one's own doing? Yes, it is, but it can be transferred in this way, according to the Buddha. There are worlds one may be reborn into that provide little to no opportunity for doing good. If one has a deed done on his or her behalf AND one appreciates, approves, applauds, and rejoices on account of that, then that one so doing is producing lots of skillful (good, meritorious) mental karma. And that will be of benefit there in that place. Only some places allow for this transfer to take place, but the Buddha said that our "relatives" extend out for seven generations, and with so many beings involved, it is impossible that we would be without being in just such a place to receive our transferred karma. So it will not go to waste, and who knows? It may be that we find ourselves reborn in such a destination needing help and overflowing with gratitude (like the "grateful dead") when a relative does something good on our behalf.
Take a hike -- the good kind! Hiking is a great escape from the doldrums of everyday life, and it's an activity that's great for people across a wide age range.
Where better to do it than out in nature? "Forest bathing" is a practice of doing it in the buff or at least scantily clad to absorb the dappled sunshine and negative ions as the trees and green environment exhales after breathing in what we exhale. It's an opportune time to be mindful rather than worried all full of discursive thoughts.
Why We Love National Arbor Day
The Buddha, ready to pass away into final nirvana and make an end of all rebirth, walked faraway until he came to twin sal trees, reclined between them, and bid the simulation farewell.
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Natural beauty is one reason. With so much of our population living in big cities, it's easy to lose sight of nature's greatness and splendor. Sniff a frangipani. Inhale the sappy ooze of a pine. Behold a cherry blossom.
Our planet needs love. Despite some disagreement about whether or not global warming is real and the fault of irresponsible corporations and thoughtless consumerism, there's no debating that keeping our planet healthy helps to keep us healthy. We avoid polluting, so let's avoid over-consuming.
There's a lot to love about a holiday that helps make our planet a better place. There's a global movement with over 40 nations having their own version of Arbor Day. Therefore, it's safe to say that this holiday is worldwide.
We've got a lot to be thankful for when it comes to trees, so it's only natural that so many cultures have their own day to celebrate. Source: National Arbor Day
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MyOutdoorLife, April 19, 2025; KTLA 5 News, Los Angeles, April 23; 2025; NationalToday.com, April 25, 2025; Eds., Wisdom Quarterly
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