Residents of Santa Rosa’s McDonald Historic District are rallying to prevent the removal of a healthy 70-foot coast redwood.
Per the Press Democrat, neighbors, led by retired journalist Tom Murphy, submitted a petition with over 100 signatures to city planners Monday, opposing an expedited permit to cut down the heritage tree. While the tree’s roots have damaged the adjacent sidewalk, advocates argue the city should instead install a “bulbout” to curve the walkway around the trunk—a solution used frequently in other parts of the district.
The tree’s fate became a flashpoint after the property’s new owners sought a removal permit, sparking concerns that the loss of mature trees is undermining the neighborhood’s historic character. Planning officials are currently reviewing the application as the community calls for a formal public review.
For many residents, the redwood is a landmark that provides essential shade and “lungs” for the city that cannot be easily replaced.
