Issuu

QUAKER CAMPUS Sept. 12, 2024

Volume 23 — Issue 2

The voice of Whittier College since 1914

Sara Martinez / Quaker Campus

Hopeful Whittier residents rally to save their beloved Ficus trees.

Fate Set for Uptown’s Historic Ficus Trees? Sara Martinez

CO-NEWS EDITOR On Aug. 20, the Whittier City Council announced its plan to continue the Greenleaf Promenade Project after a 3-1 vote. The plan to move the project into its construction phase did not come as a shock but did hit the hearts of the 60+ Whittier residents who have been protesting against the City Council decision for months. Beginning in December 2023, the Whittier City Council voted to approve the final Greenleaf Promenade Project, which involved the removal of 83 Ficus trees in Uptown Whittier. According to Whittier Daily News, the decision was made in part due to the “dire need to renovate Uptown.” Construction was set to begin this fall, but due to a large amount of public opposition, it was set back. Members of the Whittier community, including allies from CodePink of Southeast LA and the Whittier Conservatory, led marches, created petitions, and even created a “compromise” plan. According to the Save Our Trees Whittier website, plans to remove the trees began back in 2019. The initial plan had a $3.5 million budget and proposed a phased tree removal to keep the canopy of shade. The current budget is set at $20 million and does not include any

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Sara Martinez / Quaker Campus Whittier residents show up to protest peacefully. plans to gradually remove the trees. the air, help reduce stress in the The opposing arguments to the community, and provide a habitat plan have taken multiple angles. for birds and other wildlife,”—to Amongst those fighting for the political—“Please speak up; we trees, reasons range from environ- people have the power!” Those in mental—“The trees cool and clean support of the Promenade Plan—

including business owners and city council members—the Project would increase foot traffic in Uptown through new lighting and much-needed repairs to sidewalks. In June, there was hope to reach a compromise for the Greenleaf Promenade plan after opponents asked the Whittier City Council to reevaluate their decision and consider the original “phase-in” plan. That hope was shot down by a 3-1 vote to proceed with the Promenade plan despite public outcry. Since then, community members have not given up. A string of protests continued to take place, most recently on Sunday, Sept. 1. On Sunday at approximately 10:30 a.m., a group consisting of Whittier residents, Codepink activists, parents and children gathered in front of Mimos Cafe before beginning their march up and down Greenleaf Avenue. According to an anonymous resident, the group has become quite familiar with one another, as they have taken part in the series of marches together. “This is our city, and we like it this way. Our reason to gather here today is to educate residents on the fate of these beloved trees,” says the Whittier resident. Before the protest, the group gathered in prayer, something new that was recently integrated. The anonymous resident confirmed the groups’ prayer and ex-

plained their new effort to save the trees, “In fact, every Friday night for the past three weeks, our group gathers in front of Mimos and places the Image of the Virgin of Guadalupe on the ficus tree in front of the restaurant. We place electric candles and invite people to share prayers, regardless of their religious beliefs. So far, we have read psalms, tree poetry, and have had representation from at least four religious groups.” The agenda called for the group to march up Greenleaf towards Aunties, owned by Whittier City Mayor Joe Vinatieri, who was recently named in a complaint with the California Fair Political Practices Commision for his involvement in the Promenade Project. As the group reached Aunties, they took a stance and began to chant, “Shame on Joe!” as customers watched from their outdoor seating. Despite the strong heat, the protest continued as the group passed out information flyers and handed out chant sheets that included “Change the City council, not the trees!” and a fiery “Boiling streets or big tall trees, think about your legacy!” It is clear that although the city council has committed to continuing the Promenade Plan, the residents of Whittier are committed to being the voice for the 108 ficus trees of their historic Uptown.