California man wants to save 100-year-old tree
MANHATTAN BEACH, Calif. (CBS, KYMA/KECY) - A giant tree that's been standing for more than a hundred years could be in danger, and one neighbor is hoping to save it.
When Paul Sterba chose his Manhattan Beach home more than 40 years ago, he says the magnificent 100-year-old pine tree was one of the biggest appeals.
“My arms only go part-way around," Sterba detailed.
But he’s afraid his beloved tree is about to be killed. It all began a little over a month ago when the 92-year-old found city markings in front of his driveway.
“This is the root," Sterba described.
Writing to the city
The City of Manhattan Beach is planning to repave area streets. That means these roots peeking through the asphalt would be covered up. Concerned for the tree, the retired aerospace engineer began writing to the city, hoping it save it.
“It's not rocket science. I don't think. It's just common sense. If you take the food water away and water away from any living thing including us, we're not going to survive," Sterba declared.
In response to Sterba's mission to the save the tree, Manhattan Beach Mayor Richard Montgomery released a statement saying, “The City has no plans to remove the tree on 27th Street. However, the roots are in the public right of way and have caused damage to the roadway. The work planned to remediate this issue will improve the safety of the roadway while ensuring that the tree’s roots are impacted to the minimum extent possible.”
Sterba said there has to be something that can be done to save this tree, especially to see the essence of this part of town.
“This is a tree section of Manhattan Beach…There has been an effort over the years to try to preserve it. That's part of the beauty," Sterba remarked.
Offering suggestions
Sterba says he even offered the City suggestions.
"My background in engineering...They can lower the roots if they needed to keep the level of the roadway and install a great that is very safe," Sterba spoke.
According to the city, a small grate wouldn’t provide a long-term solution. Officials say it’ll fill up with debris, and result in frequent roadway failures. So, it will continue with the repaving schedule, which starts at the end of the month.
In a last-ditch effort, Sterba put up fliers hoping to get the support of his neighbors to save his beloved tree.
“I think the tree is going to have a slow or a fast death. I don’t know what. But I think that’s sad," Sterba said.
