Why else would a city that prides and promotes itself as a green urbanscape pledge to axe 50 of it's most mature, visible trees? Sure, trees evoke emotion and soulfulness that people go to great lengths to preserve but let's not forget about the one thing that is supposed to sway even the dourest of hearts. Love, you ask? Nope. Moolah.
Santa Monica's Ficus trees are its identity and identity brings tourists and tourist bring...well, you see where this is heading. Planned long ago to thrive on most every sidewalk, our trees create a memorable visual as they line Main Street, 2nd Street, 4th Street, 11th Street...again, you get the idea. Ever seen Santa Monica at Christmas? Yep. Gorgeous lights in trees. And don't memorable, comfortable, welcoming experiences bring people (and their wallets) back? Point is, the trees DIFFERENTIATE our downtown shopping core. Who the heck convinced City Council that we want to emulate The Grove?
Keep Santa Monica unique. Preserve the image that took 20 years to nurture and grow. Think some spindly, Rodeo-esque Ginkgos can do that. Just fix the darned sidewalks with that recycled tire stuff if everyone's so concerned for the trees' health.
Honestly, design is important (of course!) but important enough to exclude honoring the history of a place, the spirits of its forefathers, and the unique, sheltering experience it is to shop the downtown core? I think not. What do you think?
Sign the petition (before Oct 1) and let the people be counted:
Other and related resources:
Santa Monica Treesavers (OMG! Poor El Segundo!)
GreenLAGirl's Coverage
Treepeople
GlobalGreen (based in Santa Monica!)
Photo credit: The Santa Monica Mirror (click for Yale Street's Ficus Saga)
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