UCLA’s Redwoods Won’t Be Deadwood After All

A tree still grows on Stone Canyon Drive. In fact, several trees do, and will continue to do so now that UCLA has reconsidered its plan to cut several down to widen the street.

The university won’t say it, but two homeowners associations believe the buzz they made about the plan led to the decision to halt the chop job, which would have felled several large, old coast redwoods and California sycamores near the intersection with Sunset Boulevard. The trees, neighbors said, muffle noise and add beauty to the area.

The $1.5-million project would have included the widening of Stone Canyon Drive near the Sunset Boulevard intersection, construction of a median and installation of a stoplight. Engineers were expecting an increase in traffic after new buildings and parking lots are completed by spring, 1995.

The university had tried to ease tensions by reducing the number of trees to be felled from 21 to 18, then to five. Officials also proposed adding 15 new trees. But the neighbors balked at those ideas and earlier proposals to replant the trees on campus (it wasn’t certain the trees would survive).

“We don’t think it’s necessary to remove any trees,” said Sandy Brown, president of the Holmby-Westwood Property Owners Assn., which along with the Westwood Hills Homeowners Assn. mobilized against the project when it came to light three weeks ago.

Campus architect Charles Oakley said this week that although plans are not final, it appears the project can be completed without removing the trees or building the median, which some residents deemed dangerous. The new plan awaits the approval of the city Department of Transportation.

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LAST CHANCE: If you’re a Beverly Hills or Culver City voter who has tuned out your municipal races, there’s still time to look over the candidates.

In both cities, candidates forums are being offered so voters can see their would-be leaders in action at least once before Tuesday’s election.

In Beverly Hills, the League of Women Voters is sponsoring a live television call-in show tonight in which residents will be able to question the candidates from 7 to 9:30 p.m. The program, to air on BHTV Channel 3, is moderated by former Mayor Charles Aronberg. Residents may call (310) 284-8012.

In Culver City, voters can see politicians make their pitch at one of two locations.

The Culver City Chamber of Commerce has scheduled a candidates forum for noon Friday, during the chamber’s monthly luncheon at the Red Lion Hotel, 6161 W. Centinela Ave. For reservations call (310) 287-3850.

Meanwhile, the Heather Village Condominium Assn. will hold a candidates forum and champagne brunch Sunday, from noon to 3 p.m., at 6443 Green Valley Circle, in Fox Hills. For information call (310) 649-0247 or (310) 649-3611.