CPA Supports the Appeal to Save the Stone Pines

Dear Santa Barbara Mayor and City Council Members,

Citizens Planning Association is very concerned about the fate of the individually landmarked Stone Pine trees that grace the six block stretch of Anapamu Street. These trees and the majestic canopy have been a part of Santa Barbara City history since the early 20th century and are considered so important that they each became a city landmark in 1997 by action of this very same City Council. Now, via some convoluted process, these trees might be de-landmarked, or un-landmarked, by a lower level commission and the Parks Department who want to remove the trees. It is very rare for a community to destroy a landmark. Why start now!

CPA supports the position of the appellants and we strongly commend them for providing more than adequate proof that the intent of the original landmarking was to preserve this stand of trees as a whole entity. The Council in 1997 knew these trees would need adequate care and even replacement with the same species. We are sure they could not have foreseen that these landmarked trees would not be cared for by the urban forestry staff and now the landmark will be removed.

CPA urges the Council to follow the recommendations in the appellants’ attachment with 78 pages of details about the trees, their history and the care necessary to preserve the elements of this landmarked cityscape. The appellants prove that with appropriate and adequate attention, the trees will stay healthy. Replacements, when necessary, should be the same species so the stone pine canopy can be preserved. That is why they were landmarked in the first place.

In closing, CPA has a history of supporting a transparent and robust planning process that follows city charter guidelines and that includes public input. So far, this issue has not had the benefit of a strong public process. Please do not fool around with the stated process in this case; do not set a precedent of letting a lower level commission override the important work of the Historic Landmark Commission and your own City Council.

Marell Brooks, President

Citizens Planning Association