By Jonathan Mann Santa Monica
Whoever wrote the editorial “Make like a tree and leave it alone” (page 4, Feb. 21) should sign their name, so I know who I am addressing. I beg to differ with your assessment that our urban forest is in good hands with Walt Warriner. Replacing these fully grown Ficus trees with saplings is like replacing your newspaper with smoke signals We are not going to drop our efforts to save all the Ficus trees slated for destruction, or removal (which is the same thing as killing them). These trees are too mature to be transplanted, and the ones that are damaged by excessive root pruning (by the city!) need to be kept where they are so they can finish out their shortened lifespan, and then replaced. How would you like to be replaced in the prime of your life, because your toes were amputated?
There are many other ways to limit liability and make the sidewalks pedestrian friendly without murdering trees that absorb automotive toxins and replenish oxygen downtown.
This city is already doing far too much to attract more commercial development, which in turn creates more traffic and parking chaos. Business and tourism have had a far higher priority than the residents for too long. Higher rents have created more inflation, and driven out the neighborhood establishments that added character to our city. Enough is enough.
Removing these living specimens of arboreal magnificence does not enhance our streetscape. It does the opposite and creates a sterile streetscape, exactly as has been done to Pico Boulevard, which also once had a lush canopy. It is nothing less than mass arbor-cide of our downtown urban forest.
If this foul deed is carried out then prepare for an electoral recall to remove every elected official responsible.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on February 23, 2008. Read the original PDF.