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# Planning Commission to hear Treesavers' appeal on downtown ficus removal
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/a-time-to-talk-it-out-citys-planning-commission-to-hear-treesavers-argument-at-tonights-scheduled-meeting/
- Published: 2007-10-03T15:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-24T03:09:23.000Z
- Author: Daniel Archuleta
- Tags: Government & Politics, Downtown, #archive-import

DOWNTOWN There they were, with their green “Save These Trees” signs held proudly, united in their support for saving the ficus trees along Second and Fourth streets.

But this time, something was different. As the self-appointed advocates for the city’s endangered tree population gathered at the corner of Broadway and Fourth Street Tuesday to begin their emergency march to try and save 50-plus mature trees in downtown, there was a surprise guest among their ranks.

Jay P. Johnson, one of the city’s planning commissioners, had news that was music to the ears of the hundred or so protesters gathered for the event. The city’s Planning Commission has added an item to their agenda for tonight’s meeting that would give the public yet another opportunity to voice their opinion on the city’s plan to uproot the trees as part of a district beautification project.

“It would be unlike Santa Monica to not have adequate dialogue,” Johnson said, just as the marchers began their trek north on Fourth Street toward Wilshire Boulevard. “A lot of people are upset over this issue. It is in the community’s interest to increase the awareness of what is going on down here.

“There are many people who really care about this.”

The Santa Monica Police Department was out in force to help guide the protesters along their approved route. While the crowd was relatively peaceful, there were disruptions, namely, a group of would-be bus riders being blocked from the stop at the busy intersection. Busses were opting to pass by the throngs before officers stepped in, flagging down the buses along Fourth Street.

Otherwise, the crowd was courteous, earning more than a few honks in support by passing cars. Drivers and passengers alike were leaning out of their windows, hooting and hollering in support of the Treesavers.

Jerry Rubin, the leader of the Treesavers, was rallying the troops in his typically upbeat manner.

“It’s a really good turnout,” Rubin said just as the march was about to begin. “I know we’re going to succeed. I hope it can be a win-win for Santa Monica.”

He wasn’t alone in that sentiment. Johnson piggy-backed on the theme of a win-win situation potentially solving the apparent standoff between city leaders and community activists. Johnson feels that the tree canopy could perhaps be thinned in such a way as to allow light through the dense leaves and branches — as was the nexus of the original complaint made by a few business owners along the effected streets. He cited a similar situation along 11th Street. The canopy was thinned along that street to allow for more light to shine through, which Johnson feels could be done along Second and Fourth streets.

Following the march, the Treesavers were to meet at Santa Monica Place’s community meeting room to further the discussion.

The Planning Commission is scheduled to meet tonight at City Hall at 7 p.m., during which time the public will be invited to add their voice to the rancor erupting from the controversial decision to remove the aged trees.

The city could begin removing the trees along Second and Fourth streets as early as Monday. There is no word on the exact date. Critics of the project have ratcheted-up their efforts in recent weeks. The Treesavers’ next meeting is scheduled for Oct. 10 at 7 p.m. at Santa Monica Place.

*Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on October 3, 2007.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/100307.pdf?ref=smdp.com)