The Region - News from Aug. 17, 1987

Opponents of a developer’s plans to cut down an oak tree believed to be more than 300 years old in order to build a convenience store held a “memorial service” to dramatize their position. The tree stands where a Circle K convenience store is scheduled for construction in the Santa Clarita Valley community of Canyon Country, and is not protected under a proposed amendment to the county’s oak ordinance, which bans the removal of heritage oaks except in instances of “compelling public need.” Under the amendment, an oak qualifies for heritage status if it has a girth of at least 36 inches at 4 1/2 feet above ground. Although the oak falls short of the requirement by some measurements, the county planning staff has recommended that it be retained and the matter is scheduled for hearing Tuesday.