By Ted Bonnitt Santa Monica
I am a business owner on Second Street — where our sidewalk trees are to be chopped down as part of a supposed “improvement” project. Myself and every other business owner I’ve spoken with along Second Street are opposed to cutting down these beautiful trees.
Regarding Santa Monica City Manager (Lamont) Ewell’s guest commentary (“See the forest for the trees,” Oct. 4), I ask: If we are being asked to take your word that the targeted trees are diseased, then why were we told initially that the reason the trees were to be killed was merchant complaints?
If Mr. Ewell claims to respect the First Amendment rights of the people opposed to cutting down mature trees at a time of global warming, then why were over 100 “Save these trees” signs placed on trees on Second and Fourth streets during a recent peaceful protest removed within 24 hours of being posted?
Our “environmentally green” city officials’ sudden rush to cut these trees down as opposition grows makes me wonder that, when it comes to bagging grant money, even if it involves killing mature shade trees, city officials cannot only sleep at night, but at times, behave like the Bush administration.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on October 5, 2007. Read the original PDF.