An Ill-considered Travesty

September 4, 2003

Dear Editor,

It has come to my attention that the City of Santa Monica has expressed the intention to destroy an entire neighborhood full of mature Ficus trees in the single family area on Yale Street between Montana and Wilshire ( 800 to 1100 blocks) all for the reason that these trees, in the nature of Ficus, have destroyed the curbs and sidewalks and cannot be root trimmed to remedy the situation.

This strikes me as an ill-considered travesty in support of an expedient rather than sensitive solution. The City is usually known for carefully considering and preserving the environment, especially the neighborhood environment. We have also taken the unusual step of declaring private trees historic.

This action, if implemented, will completely destroy the character of this neighborhood and the residents will have to wait at least 50 years for the scrawny replacements to mature to any hope of equaling the lovely canopy that is there today. In the mean time, the real value of every home in this neighborhood will diminish considerably.

I have similar trees on my block with the same remarkable canopy. Anyone who has ever visited us has always remarked on how lovely the trees are. So I write in self-interest and in solidarity with those who oppose this affront to common sense. Don't do it; find the creative solution that preserves these trees and their neighborhood.