I live in Sacramento and went to an appeal hearing tonight at the Parks and Recreation Commission where they upheld a permit to remove a heritage tree. Not just any tree, but a 130-year old bunya bunya tree from Australia planted by Mrs. Crocker on the property of the Crocker Art Museum (in far right of picture).
This puts a whole new meaning to "they paved paradise and put up a parking lot . . . cut all the trees and put them in a tree museum, charge all the people a dollar and half to see them." Is this really where we STILL are in such a progressive community that touts its sustainability and its trees as their most prized posessions? Haven't we figured out YET that we cannot keep making these types of decisions? It's 2007 people, when will the madness stop?!
I must say that I am disgusted, ashamed, and appalled that such a decision could EVER be made, especially TWICE by the so called "leaders" of this community whom I must say I am ashamed to have as my community leaders. I was so enraged my this utter display of ignorance and complete disrespect for ALL things involved that I hardly wish to live here anymore. Really.
The Crockers would never favor such a decision to cut down a prized and notable tree that has cultural, historical, and community benefits unlike any other, just so that an expansion could be built for the museum, oh excuse me so that a drop off lane could be built for an expansion of the museum. Really? Seriously people, let's THINK about this for more than the thirty seconds.
And wouldn't you expect the Crocker Board Chair to support THEIR OWN PROJECT. Of course they are going to tell you the whole project will die, but come on, seriously, the project will not die just because a tree needs to be worked around. Besides it should be done in the first place. How can you just ignore a 130 year old tree when making plans for a project?
It is very clear where people's priorities are and that they can bend the rules which ever way they wish to get what they want. What is the point of having thee rules? All they are is a front so the City can claim they protect such prizes of the community and heritage, when they really don't. Why is this ordinance handled so differently than others like set back requirements? Those are not waived, those are respected, and what benefit do they provide? Is it more important than the benefit that a heritage tree provides? Especially a heritage tree that is located on a City-owned property that's sole purpose is to honor culture and heritage and art??? What person or people in their right mind could EVER consider this a valid decision to make? How can they sleep at night? What is going on here? I am utterly disgusted.
