How did this happen? How did a majestic 200- to 300-year-old oak get removed with nary a blink? Or so it seems. 200-300 years … that’s two to three centuries — centuries! — of continuous growth! Growing all through the formation of these United States of America.
Yes, many trees have been removed in preparation for a sound wall placement between Salisbury Court/Salisbury Road and the 210 freeway. And many trees will be planted in replacement. We are grateful for the sound wall. But one tree was special — it was a huge, beautiful oak. It had survived so many changes in this community — and it was healthy. There are many beautiful old oaks in LCF, but not as many north of the 210 Freeway, so we cherish every one of them.
During the informational meeting with the project designers and City Public Works representatives, the “big oak” was known and discussed. Those of us in attendance from the neighborhood were promised the oak would not be removed. Then, on Friday, Oct. 13, it was indeed taken down.
You begin to get this sinking feeling that you have been “hoodwinked.” Maybe not, but if the tree was in the way [of] that wall it should have been allowed for and adjusted in the planning phase. Honestly, it also looks like the wall trench was dug in the wrong place. It’s been dug barely a foot from the old Caltrans fence line instead of the four feet required in the plans. Perhaps the fence may have missed the tree roots or been easier to adjust from the correct placement.
I’m disgusted and heartbroken by the lack of care and honesty demonstrated in the handling of this beautiful tree. It’s demoralizing, it mattered, and it’s too late for it to be fixed.
I’m asking the city, or whoever else is responsible, to replace the oak with one that is as large as reasonably possible, to be placed on the north side of the wall so it can be enjoyed by the residents. Additionally, 10 oaks, for every century the tree lived, should be replaced on the north side along the sound wall on the path and in other public places around LCF. The Theodore Payne Foundation can guide the city with this project; they have the expertise for placement and care of young California live oaks.
We (collectively) have to make changes; our children and grandchildren deserve better from us. Always remember that one person can make a difference. Let’s do it!
Annette O’Brien
La Cañada Flintridge
First published in the October 19 print issue of the Outlook Valley Sun.
