Santa Rosa residents rally to save 70-foot redwood tree – Image for illustrative purposes only (Image credits: Pixabay)
Santa Rosa, Calif. – Residents in the city’s cherished McDonald Historic District have mobilized against a permit to fell a prominent 70-foot coast redwood tree, turning a routine sidewalk repair into a test of community resolve.[1][2] Their petition, bearing 109 signatures, prompted city planners to halt the process on May 4, 2026, just as approval loomed.[1] This standoff underscores the ongoing balance between urban maintenance needs and preserving natural landmarks that define neighborhoods.
The Roots of the Conflict
The towering redwood stands on 13th Street west of Spring Street, behind the property at 721 Spring Street, in a neighborhood known for its Victorian and Craftsman homes northeast of downtown.[2] Its expanding roots and trunk have uplifted the adjacent sidewalk over time, rendering the path nearly impassable for pedestrians and prompting safety concerns.[1] City records show officials warned the previous owners as far back as 2023, threatening fines if the issue went unaddressed.[2]
The property changed hands a few months ago, and the new owners submitted an over-the-counter permit application to remove the tree entirely.[1] An arborist inspection years earlier had deemed the tree healthy, free of disease or hazards, fueling residents’ belief that alternatives exist.[2] Neighbors describe it as a longstanding fixture, visible near local spots like Superburger and emblematic of the area’s heritage.
A Grassroots Push Takes Shape
Retired reporter Tom Murphy spearheaded the opposition, knocking on doors to gather signatures from fellow McDonald District residents.[1] The petition urged planners to deny the permit and instead install a sidewalk bulbout – a curved extension around the tree’s base, a solution used in at least a dozen similar cases citywide.[2] Signatories included former Santa Rosa Mayor Donna Born and ex-congressman Doug Bosco, reflecting broad local support.[2]
Murphy emphasized the practicality of preservation, noting that tree removal would prove costlier than adaptation.[1] He even approached the new owners directly, advocating for coexistence. The effort revealed unanimous dismay among those canvassed north, south, east, and west of the site.
Resident Sentiments Echo Loudly
Local voices framed the tree as more than foliage – a vital part of the community’s identity and environment. “Trees are the lungs of the planet. Why would you take out a healthy lung for no reason other than that it’s convenient for a few people?” resident Bernadette Fay remarked.[2] Mary Schexnaydre, who has lived nearby her whole life, called its potential loss “beyond horrible,” especially since viable fixes exist.[2]
Molly Black cited the arborist’s clean bill of health, pushing for precedent like bulbouts to safeguard this “heritage redwood.”[2] Joseph McNeany, speaking for the prior owners, agreed the street’s width and low traffic make a workaround feasible. Murphy captured the collective plea: “We love this tree, we want to keep this tree, and nobody is speaking for it except for us.”[1]
City Pauses Amid Public Outcry
Santa Rosa’s planning department had slated a decision for May 4 but opted to request additional details after the petition surfaced.[1] The streamlined permit process had advanced quickly, bypassing broader review, which shocked some observers. City planner Suzanne Hartman confirmed the delay, while past discussions with officials like Gabe Osburn had already floated bulbout sketches.[2]
The municipality’s Tree Ordinance bolsters the case for saving the redwood, stressing how such trees boost property values, curb erosion, and maintain scenic appeal – benefits lost through hasty cuts.[2] Murphy hailed the pause as evidence that “the city is listening,” and he stands ready to appeal or aid further inquiry if needed.[1]
As deliberations continue without a set timeline, the McDonald District’s campaign illustrates how organized residents can influence municipal choices. The redwood’s fate now hinges on whether infrastructure tweaks can prevail over outright removal, setting a potential model for similar disputes in growing cities.
