Letters to the Editor: Playgrounds function as many families’ backyards. They need shade trees

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Santa Monica school officials are removing shade trees from campuses and replacing green spaces with artificial turf to accommodate new building projects.

For many families, school playgrounds and green spaces serve as essential outdoor gathering spots and recreational areas.

The school district’s removal of nearly all 18 trees planted by parent volunteers in 2008 raises concerns about student access to cooling shade.

To the editor : Thanks so much for the article about lack of shade on California’s K-12 campuses ( “Most of California’s public K-12 students go to school on campuses with virtually no shade,” Oct. 29).

I live in Santa Monica and our school board is busy cuttin