Money Doesn't Grow On This Tree In Larkspur

One tall redwood stands quietly, but it is generating a lot of noise.

"It's a very large tree and it shouldn't be cut down in order to favor the aesthetic of an architect who prefers to have ... customers go in the front of the site," argued Karen Kissler in favor of the heritage tree.

Larkspur citizens one by one spoke up in favor of a coast redwood tree at 1115 Magnolia Ave. that is in danger of being cut down to make room for a WestAmerica Bank. Residents appealed the decision by the Larkspur Planning Commission to allow the removal of the tree. Their pleas weren't enough to sway the Larkspur City Council, which upheld the Planning Commission's original decision.

"The findings are more than adequate. We must follow rules, we must maintain safe passage for (the handicapped)," Larkspur City Council member Kathy Hartzell said. 

The property owner, Dennis Gilardi, argued that the tree would limit handicap access to the front entrance and to the ATM when the bank opens. A study of the property also showed the tree is healthy, but that it is a potential danger to the property.

It seems like the debate isn't over yet, but rather it's moving from City Hall to the arena of public opinion.

"We haven't even started this. We haven't launched the Facebooks and the blogs and all of the stuff that's going to come out about the redwoods versus WestAmerica Bank," Ken Kramarz said. "I just really want (the City Council) to listen to the citizens."