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# Letter: Robert Barrett objects to plan to cut down downtown trees on Second and Fourth streets
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/save-the-trees-editor/
- Published: 2007-06-07T15:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-24T00:59:14.000Z
- Author: Guest Author
- Tags: Opinion, Downtown, #archive-import

*By Robert Barrett Santa Monica*

I write this open letter to the Bayside District to object in the strongest terms possible to the pending destruction of the trees along Second and Fourth streets in downtown Santa Monica (“Shedding light,” May 22). Because I feel this is an important matter that has not been given enough exposure, I am sending this letter in the hopes that a concerted effort by the citizens of our city can prevent this act of vandalism.

What exactly is wrong with these trees? All I have been able to glean is that some merchants along Second and Fourth streets have complained that the trees make it difficult to read their shop names. Difficult for whom? Certainly not pedestrians, which means that these beautiful old trees will be cut down to help make these streets more friendly to motorists. Is this really the message the Bayside District is trying to convey? These trees have been there far longer than the complaining merchants; their moaning about the blocked view is like someone moving next to an airport and then complaining about the noise.

And Santa Monica is the same city that recently made small merchants remove their signs along Pico Boulevard while they planted London plane trees, which are not exactly bonsai. Luckily for us, the Bayside District’s iron grip on our community does not extend up Pico Boulevard.

The trees on Second and Fourth streets are a fabulous addition to the city and should be preserved. They seem to be healthy and quite mature. Many a time have I had friends from out of town comment on how livable the streets of downtown Santa Monica appear to be. The trees on Second and Fourth streets have been specifically mentioned as a wonderful amenity. They provide shade in the summer and even do a little to help global warming. Mention has been made of the roots buckling up through the sidewalks. I have walked these streets often and never noticed a problem. And if this is an issue, may I suggest that you fix the sidewalk rather than uprooting the trees? If one has an ingrown toenail, one doesn’t amputate at the knee.

All in all, this wanton destruction of block after block of mature and beautiful trees, to be replaced by wimpy gingkoes, of all things, is short-sighted in the extreme. The city of Santa Monica and those of us who love living here will suffer if this chuckle-headed act of municipal violence is allowed to take place.

*Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on June 7, 2007.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/060707.pdf?ref=smdp.com)