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# Treesavers endorse their own
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/treesavers-endorse-their-own/
- Published: 2008-09-17T15:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-24T21:02:30.000Z
- Author: Guest Author
- Tags: Government & Politics, Downtown, #archive-import

*By DAILY PRESS STAFF*

DOWNTOWN Activists opposed to City Hall’s plan to chop down 23 ficus trees and remove seven others on Second and Fourth streets have endorsed four residents involved in the effort, one of whom was recently arrested for chaining himself to a tree that was slated for replanting.

Santa Monica Treesavers, which boasts more than 100 informal members, are backing peace activist Jerry Rubin, vice chair of the Airport Commission Susan Hartley, Herbert Silverstein and Linda Piera-Avila for the four open seats on the City Council. All are members of the Treesavers. Rubin and Hartley co-founded the group.

The endorsement did not come as a surprise to those following the group given that members have been vocal in their desire to remove all council incumbents because of their decision to back the tree removal and streetscape improvement plan.

The election is Nov. 4.

“I certainly hope that people get out to the candidates forums and that everyone, including us \[Treesavers\] are asked the hard questions,” said Rubin, who is temporarily prohibited from visiting Fourth Street in Downtown after being arrested earlier this month for protesting the ficus removal.

Treesavers does not plan to raise or spend money on any candidates, Rubin said. Individual members are allowed to donate up to $250 to each candidate under the city’s strict campaign contribution law.

The endorsements were made on Sept. 15 — marking 50 days until the election — at a Treesavers meeting in Palisades Park as the group sat around a tree near the historic St. Monica statue.

It is a goal of the Treesavers to establish a tree commission recognized by City Hall, with members appointed by the City Council.

*Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on September 17, 2008.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/091708.pdf?ref=smdp.com)