Woman climbs Ocean Beach Torrey Pine tree, saves it for now

OCEAN BEACH (KUSI) — A 19-year-old woman from Ocean Beach climbed a Torrey Pine tree scheduled to be removed Thursday from the 4600 block of Saratoga Ave.

The company set to trim and bring down the long-standing tree was forced to abandon their assignment as the New York University student refused to leave her perch.

The City planned to tear it down because it was considered to be unstable. Residents of the neighborhood were outraged at the possible destruction of the iconic tree, questioning whether it was truly unstable, and if alternate opinions had been sought. 

Councilmember Lorie Zapf released the following statement regarding Thursday’s protest:

“Multiple arborist inspected and tried to stabilize the tree, unfortunately the tree was determined to be unsafe.  It’s a loss to the community, however, the safety of the public must come first.”