By Caroline Jacobs Santa Monica
I’m writing this letter to ask the Santa Monica citizenry why they think City Hall cut down 23 ficus trees on Second and Fourth streets. Diseased? Please go to YouTube and type in “Santa Monica Treesavers.” You will see a video showing close-ups of the cut-up trunks and branches. They are perfectly healthy, but see for yourself. Next reason — they were leaning toward the street.
Oh, really? If so, it was caused by the city pruners who don’t know a thing about correct pruning. Knowledgeable pruners would notice the tree’s tendency toward leaning and deftly prune the branches and/or, perhaps a root or two.
I’m guessing here, but reason calls for just such practical solutions, not the ultimate act of irreversible destruction of these trees.
No, the sad bottom line is that some hair-brained higher-ups at City Hall got the notion that it would be “nice,” or look more attractive to have dappled sun on Second and Fourth rather than the solid shade provided by the ficus.
Then, forces were mobilized to make it appear that somehow the trees themselves were at fault and for the good of the people, must be dealt with sternly. And, so, the subterfuge was carried out. I do believe that that’s how it went down.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on May 30, 2008. Read the original PDF.