Altercation Reported at John Muir High School at Blocked Entry to Cleanup Work Area

A physical altercation broke out Thursday at the John Muir High School campus when unidentified individuals attempted to enter a restricted soil-removal zone, Pasadena Unified School District said in a statement. The confrontation occurred as PUSD continued tree-felling cleanup work tied to fire-related contamination discovered after the Eaton Fire.

According to the district, one person who tried to access the work area became involved in a physical fight with an on-site Pasadena City College staff member. 

The district reported law enforcement was contacted. No arrests or injuries were reported.

School officials said no students were involved, and PUSD said summer programs at John Muir continued without disruption.

PUSD emphasized that trespassing into active cleanup areas “creates safety risks and cannot be allowed.”

Earlier Thursday, the city of Pasadena reported “active tree felling activity at Muir High School.”

“We sent City officials to the site where they were told to leave,” City Chief Communications Officer Lisa Derderian told Pasadena Now. “Fines can result in thousands of dollars for continuing operations and additional legal implications. We have made several attempts to gain cooperation via PUSD leadership.” 

Pasadena Unified said Thursday’s work at John Muir included removing non-protected trees in areas where contaminated soil must be excavated. Wildlife biologists confirmed no migratory nesting birds were present, and PUSD said no protected native or mature trees were removed.

PUSD said it is working with the California Department of Toxic Substances Control to complete cleanup before the 2026-27 school year.