Development Debate Branches Out to Historic Tree

A historic sycamore tree has become part of the controversy over the Irvine Co.’s plans to develop 7,110 acres in East Orange. Urban planners, City Council members and the Orange County historical commissioner are discussing whether it should stand.

The tree played a role more than 100 years ago in the biggest manhunt in Orange County. A posse chasing the bandit Juan Flores hanged two of his henchmen from its sturdy branches.

The Irvine Co. wants to build 12,350 homes and several commercial developments on the parcel, now outside the city limits, over the next 15 to 20 years. It would be the largest single development ever attempted by the Irvine Co. The land now consists of grassy slopes, and the tree stands in a ravine.

Earlier this month, the City Council approved the environmental impact report for the development.

Irvine Co. urban planner Steven Ross said the company plans to build high-tech research plants and office buildings on the spot where the tree is. He said the company is aware of the interest in the tree and that options for it are discussed in the environmental impact report.

The first option, he said, would be to photograph and otherwise document the tree for museums and historical societies before cutting it down. A second would be to preserve part of the trunk in a museum and to erect a monument in its place.

Ross said that the company and the city will be looking at other options but that he has no idea what they might be.

“We suggested to address the question of the tree in detail in conjunction with the general plan,” Ross said.

“We really haven’t precluded any options at this point. We’re trying to approach the tree issue with an open mind.”

“The city will play an important part in whatever happens to the tree,” said Vern Jones, administrator of the Community Development Division. “We’re looking at an area where specific planning will not be started for another 10 years or so. I think that there is flexibility in terms of saving that old tree.” Plans call for the development to be annexed as each phase is completed.

At the most recent public hearing, Jones said, Orange County Historical Commissioner Lecil Slaback spoke about the historical interest of the tree.

Slaback said in a phone interview: “Normally the commission gets copies of the environmental impact report so we can make our suggestions, but for some reason we were left out. I had to read about the redevelopment in the papers about a month ago. There was some mention of the tree, and they said they would take pictures of the tree and chop it down. That was not good enough.”

At the meeting, Slaback said, he tried to play up the importance of the tree’s role in Orange County.

“I would like to see them preserve that area and make a park,” he said. “It seems to me that would be a very appropriate. They have so much room.”