The tree called “Hope” or “Esperanza” still stands despite predictions of its demise on Monday, August 15, 2016.
‘Not so fast,’ some residents of Ocean Beach are saying – to any giving up of saving the historic Torrey Pine on Saratoga Street. There’s been some momentum against the sentiment expressed in a press statement sent out over the weekend from one group of residents saying that they’re ready to let the City chop down the tree called “Hope” (Esperanza).
There was some dissent within the group when it was decided to send out the statement. And that stance has led to the group enlisting the services of a second arborist just recently.
That arborist stated in a report issued today that the tree is of “low risk”. Based on this opinion, many on the grassroots are encouraged, yet again, to keep up the battle with the City to save the towering Torrey.
Meanwhile, the media had rushed in when it heard there were changes in OBceans’ attitudes on the tree, and today was filled with reports of how OB has given up on the tree.
Channel 10, ABC, published: Letting go: Neighbors to let Ocean Beach tree come down
Fox5 ran: Residents OK removal of historic Torrey pine in Ocean Beach
And Channel 8CBS: Ocean Beach Torrey Pine: Neighbors agree tree should come down
Meanwhile, on Sunday night, a vigil honoring the tree was held, and some left notes attached to a large heart.
Yet others, weren’t ready to say good-bye and redoubled their efforts in finding ways to help save the tree. Some are convinced that there is at least one live bird nest in the tree. Three raptors were seen Monday morning in the upper branches of Esperanza.
Also, this morning, “no parking” signs were no where to be seen along the 4600 block of Saratoga. Atlas Tree Service, the contractor for the chopping, has to place them out 48 hours before they can be enforced.
So, it goes on. There’s a certain understandable fatigue among some of the neighbors who have been leading the campaign to save the tree. This has been going on since the showdown on August 4th when a dozen residents and supporters circled the tree to prevent the Atlas crew from making toothpicks and when Crystal climbed up into its branches to dramatize the resistance.
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So what are the residents saying? Seems like there’s a diversity of tactics being employed by a range of tree-huggers. Don’t give up, y’all. Hang in there.
yo, landlubbers, get yer act together will ya? do you want to save the tree or do you want to capitulate to city hall? looks like its a war of reports. but isn’t there a higher or more universal issue here?
It’s painfully obvious – Mercury is going retrograde again!
http://bob-r-knaiver.blogspot.com/2016/04/mercury-retrograde-2016.html
If you hire enough arborists, you’re bound to find one that agrees with you.
Other people are experiencing the loss of neighborhood trees. At least their roads and sidewalks are being fixed and replacements put in rather than just butchering the block. But why can’t these city workers and subcontractors properly notify and communicate with residents/taxpayers before any work is implemented? It seems like some people should be fired if they can’t act responsibly