ORANGE : School Given Tree to Replace Stolen One

Although thieves struck Prospect Elementary School in Orange three times in one month, taking mostly video recorders, everyone figured the 4-foot pine tree planted for Earth Day last month would be safe.

Wrong.

The sun had not even set on the day of the tree-planting ceremony when two students saw a man dig up the tree on the school field between the backstops, put it into a blue and white full-size pickup truck and drive off.

“The tree was like the straw that broke the camel’s back,” said Principal Carol Stiff. “You can’t even plant a tree without somebody stealing it.”

Unable to find the thief, police detectives were as disappointed as the children.

“They feel bad for these kids,” said Orange police Sgt. Bob Gustafson. “Our detectives said, ‘This is a shame.’ ”

The detectives met with the Orange Police Assn., which decided to seek a tree donor. They found their philanthropist: a man with the unlikely name of Joe Grumbles. He is owner of the Tustin Meadow Nursery.

Grumbles agreed to give the school a $200, 2-foot Brazil pepper tree, which will be dedicated in another ceremony at 9 a.m. on Monday.

But this time, the tree will be planted inside the wrought iron gates of the school.

And, according to Gustafson, “Chaining down the tree this time will definitely be a consideration.”