The Race to Save "The Big Tree"

Constance Tillotson

Sept. 19 -- It is not farfetched to believe that before California became part of the U.S. and Los Angeles became a city, "The Big Tree" was already growing in Santa Monica.

But after standing at what is now 918 5th Street since the mid-to-late 1800s, the City's largest, and perhaps oldest, tree faces an uncertain future that could ultimately be in the hands of the Landmarks Commission.

After the death of the property's owner, Dorothy English, two month's ago, the giant tree, which served as a constant companion throughout her 90 years, was bequeathed with the land and two houses to a church group, which has reportedly sold the house to a local developer.

Photo courtesy of Greyling Gentry

Next month, longtime neighbors and admirers of the Cedrus Deodara -- "Cedar of the Gods" -- will urge the Landmarks Commission to protect the tree by declaring it historic.

"I have dreaded the day of Dorothy English's death my whole life," said Greyling Gentry, who grew up in one of English's houses and who is leading the effort to save the tree. "I have always known that no one would be left to protect 'The Big Tree.'"

Gentry said that she remembered English was "constantly offered huge sums of money for the prime adjoining lots." But English, who was childless, chose the solitude and simple peace she received being at home in her garden near her magnificent tree.

"She could have been a millionaire many times over," said Gentry. "Now she's gone. I am left to carry the torch."

Gentry's mother helped to take care of "The Big Tree" for the 42 years she lived on the property. She now resides just down the street and is still a visitor to the shady giant.

Before English's death, Gentry flew in from her current Seattle residence to say good-bye to her long-time friend.

"We talked about the tree," said Gentry. "She said she had registered the tree with the Historical Preservation Society. But it wasn't registered. The increasing value of the land in that part of town has led to the destruction of a whole way of life.

"That block is nearly solid with apartments and condos," she said. "The tree's location on a coveted double lot makes it all the more vulnerable."

Now Gentry worries that the race could be on between champions of designating the tree as "historic" and the anonymous new owner, whose bulldozers could soon begin to rumble.

Boardwalk Realty in Marina del Rey confirmed the property had been sold, but did not release the name of the new owner.

"I, myself, am trying to find out who purchased the property," said Liz Bar-El, the planning staff liaison to the Landmarks Commission. "The records don't reflect the sale yet because it's so recent. We would like to let them know that their property is being discussed at the Landmark Commission meeting."

"The Big Tree" may be as old, or perhaps older, than the Moreton Bay Fig planted by Santa Monica's founder, Senator John P. Jones, and which still stands in front of the Sheraton Miramar hotel just a few blocks from "The Big Tree."

City officials hope the tree will still be standing when the Landmarks Commission hears the item on October 14.