Despite the objections of some neighbors and a “tree whisperer,” the Santa Cruz City Council has allowed the removal of a 120-foot twin-trunked coast redwood.
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Tuesday’s denial of the appeal ended a months-long attempt to save the heritage tree near Santa Cruz High School.
Keelan Franzen, who filed the appeal, spoke at the public hearing. “Even with all of the stress and worry that it’s given me, it’s still been worth it,” said Franzen. “Because our leaders know that we care.”
At the hearing, City Attorney Tony Condotti elaborated on the specific issue: Whether the sequoia sempervirens at 339 Walnut Ave. can be removed by the property owner under the city’s heritage tree ordinance.
The ordinance allows removal if the tree has, or is likely to have, an adverse effect on the structural integrity of a building or right of way.
In their application of March 2023, the property owners stated: “Redwood tree is causing sidewalk to uplift and very close proximity to building.” The city’s urban forester, Leslie Keedy, approved the application the following month.
At the meeting Tuesday, Keedy gave evidence to support the claim that the tree has compromised the structural integrity of the building and further damage could not be mitigated.
Franzen then gave a presentation about the tree’s importance, and structural engineer David Bolger of Cascadia Engineering provided three engineering avenues that could be taken to mitigate any damage to the building while keeping the tree where it stands. Franzen mentioned that the property owner would not allow him or Bolger onto the property.
Self-described tree whisperer Andrea Ruiz spoke during the comment period. She said the tree’s name is “Thom” and that the tree is 254 years old and a guardian of the city.
After deliberation, the council voted to deny the appeal. Voting against the denial was Councilmember Sandy Brown.
“I don’t believe there is substantial evidence to make the findings today,” Brown said. “I don’t believe that mitigation measures were considered at all really, by the city. I am disappointed. The city seems to have spent more time working to affirm the justification for cutting this tree than looking at the space and the circumstances more holistically.”
After the meeting, Ruiz, who said she can communicate with the redwood, expressed her sadness for the council’s decision.
“A lot of people think that you can just replace the tree,” she said. “But it’s like losing a family member. If you lose an uncle, you can’t replace him with more people. It’s impossible. There’s always a gap and it never heals.”
Ruiz said the public is invited to a farewell ceremony for the tree at 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 25, at Lincoln Street and Walnut Avenue.
