COSTA MESA : City Officials Vote to Chop Down 411 Trees
The City Council voted Tuesday night to chop down 411 ficus trees, despite the efforts of several residents who wanted the trees saved.
City officials said the trees must be removed because their shallow root systems crack sidewalks.
“We never take the issue of trees lightly, but at the same time, we have a very serious tree problem,” Mayor Peter Buffa said before the council’s 3-0 vote. “There’s no one up here (on the council) that is not absolutely chilled by the prospect of removing mature trees.”
But Paul and Rhonda Bozarth argued for saving the towering trees, some of which are 50 feet tall.
The Bozarths, who live near Paularino Avenue just west of Bristol Street, noticed X’s painted on trees near their home early last week. When Paul Bozarth learned the X’s marked trees the city planned to chop down, he decided to fight the effort and passed out several hundred flyers informing the neighborhood of the city’s plans. However, only one other resident showed up at the council meeting to complain.
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