Let’s put some teeth into the city ordinance that’s designed to protect trees
Dear Editor,
Thank goodness the illegal removal of one huge ancient oak tree on Tea Tree Way does not signal an epidemic of tree destruction.
As tragic as that was, the important thing is that our community should acknowledge the importance of the big oak trees and state clearly that they are not entirely subject to the whims of private parties. Just as we are prohibited from certain activities (polluting water or operating an illegal business in our homes) for the safety and benefit of our neighbors, community and society in general, we should accept a restriction in order to preserve and protect the magnificent oak trees that grace the hills around our beautiful town.
The trees are not only essential to the character of this area, but they enhance the value of property, provide habitat for birds, mammals and insects, and contribute to air quality and erosion control. They have a hard enough time surviving lightning and natural decay. They should not fall victim to development, convenient subdivision boundaries, or short-sighted home design or placement. I appeal to all people in the area to protect these wonderful trees.
Specifically, I would like to see a city ordinance that would do the following: 1. Require a licensed arborist for any significant pruning of any oak tree larger than 6 inches in diameter.
2. Require a prominently posted permit to remove a healthy standing oak tree larger than 6 inches in diameter. The permit should only be issued after a public hearing and demonstration of compelling need (a streamlined process could be allowed for a documented emergency where a tree is in immediate danger of falling on a home). Punishment for violation should be a major fine, moratorium for any building permit for the property involved, and mandatory planting and maintenance of significant specimen trees to replace any tree removed.
3. Provide for an “emergency” response triggered by a 911 call to authorities to quickly stop people engaged in illegal removal of trees.
We have a “CITY OF GILROY CONSOLIDATED LANDSCAPING POLICY” as Adopted by the City Council Jan. 19, 1988 and amended Sept. 17, 1990, Oct. 18, 1999 that clearly states in section 6 that big trees are protected.
However, I could find no evidence in the city ordinances or building codes that do what is proposed above, and my calls to the building department were not returned. It’s time we put some teeth into the policy and made it clear to property owners, developers, contractors and prospective buyers that the big old oak trees are protected!
Dave Lima, Gilroy
Cheers to city for putting 12- and 13-year-old soccer players back on the field
Dear Editor,
I want to acknowledge and thank the City of Gilroy Recreation Department for reinstating the 12- to 13-year-old age groups for their youth soccer league.
My husband and I have been involved with the City of Gilroy soccer program for more than 15 years, and have loved watching hundreds of young children grow and develop their soccer skills. The recreation league is great for so many reasons including the community feel of game day, the affordability of the program, the openness to all skill levels, and a great way to keep kids active and away from electronics for a few hours.
Sign–ups are open until Feb. 14.
Denise Rubio, Gilroy
High praise for Gilroy High Principal Marco Sanchez from a coach/teacher
Dear Editor,
I have been teaching advanced mathematics and often coaching multiple sports for the past 33 years. I just brought some wrestlers down to Gilroy for the MidCals Tournament.
The Gilroy wrestlers and coaches were great, but I was in for the shock of my teaching life, finding out that Marco Sanchez is the principal. I coached against him in 1986 when the California State Meet was held at Independence High School. Marco beat one of my best wrestlers.
I could not believe your local principal was/is a great man of wrestling: All American, Olympian, high school state champion and more. I then thought this principal might just come and watch the kids, but no, he coaches, encourages, and even drills with your great kids, two of whom are undefeated and ranked number 1 in the state.
I watched your principle treat kids from Gilroy and other schools with great dignity, kindness, and respect. He is a class act, and he makes me so proud to be a public school educator.
This will be my last year of coaching and somehow watching this wonderful young man help individual students while leading a school will always be a cherished memory.
Gary Cavender, Math teacher and head wrestling coach, Ukiah High School
