Newport City Manager Removes Himself From Eucalyptus Tree Decision

The removal of unsafe eucalyptus trees has become a huge in recent weeks, and City Manager Dave Kiff has been a key decision-maker in the process.

But he's bowing out on the fate of 14 trees along 23rd Street, near his own house. Arborists have recommended chopping down eight of the trees. Normally, it would be up to the city manager to pull the trigger on any flagged trees that aren't designated as "special," which means they define the neighborhood.

But in a letter to residents, Kiff said he has "done my best to stay out of discussions about the 23rd Street trees – out of respect for the process and my neighborhood - and believe I have been somewhat successful."

He said he asked the city's municipal operations director to discuss the issue with the assistant city manager, and "they will ultimately make the decision."

He added: "I will support whatever decision they arrive at, but I would miss the trees if they have to come down. I fully understand, however, that the city’s main duty, its purpose, is to serve and protect its residents and visitors."

According to an inspection report by contract arborist R. Dan Jensen & Associates, which was released Tuesday, four of the trees on 23rd Street suffer from sulfur fungus. A eucalyptus in front of Kiff's home leans over the road and was rated 10 out of 12 on a hazard scale, and another tree was rated 9. Jensen usually recommends removing trees rated 9 or above. 

The city began chopping down trees in September, after was killed by a eucalyptus that fell onto her car as she drove along Irvine Avenue. The city quickly removed more than 100 eucalyptus trees from the Irvine Avenue median between Westcliff/17th Street and Dover Drive. Since then, arborists inspected another 250 trees citywide. In Corona del Mar, along Fourth Avenue in October after inspections deemed them a threat to public safety.

Earlier this month, 18 blue gum eucalyptus trees along the 2200 block of Holiday Road were also placed , but the Newport Beach Park, Beaches and Recreation Commission decided against cutting them down.