HomeMy WebLinkAbout2/3/2026 Item 5g, Peluso
Marta Peluso <martap@charter.net>
Sent:Tuesday, February
To:E-mail Council Website
Subject:Keep That Beautiful Old Tree
Dear SLO City Council:
I’m writing to urge you to NOT approve the removal of a beautiful, old oak tree on the lot
that will house the SLO Repertory Theatre, in front of the new parking structure at Nipomo
and Monterey streets.
Over these past months I’ve watched in wonder at the building of the new parking
structure, and thought much about the changes that it brings to that part of our city. It was
gratifying to see that one large, old oak tree was being kept, connecting that place to the
history of that land. Thus, you can imagine my dismay at seeing a sign posted that it may
soon be removed.
When I taught photography at Cuesta College I’d often give my students an assignment to
photograph trees, quoting an important contemporary artist, Robert Adams, who wrote
with eloquence about their significance. Here are a few of his words.
“A tree is first of all wonderful as the particular tree it is…though eventually, yes, a tree
does point beyond itself. And our experience of it is enriched by associations and
intuitions.”
“A.J. Meek recently sent me an unforgettable view of the Union cemetery at Shiloh—rows
of gravestones beneath old trees. The picture brings to mind Thomas Worthington
Whittredge’s painting of a camp meeting under trees. And Stonewall Jackson’s dying
words: ‘Let us cross over the river and rest under the shade of the trees.’ And George
Barnard’s pictures of trees, broken by cannon fire. All those associations reinforce an
understanding that the trees in Meek’s picture are more than just landscaping.”
Like the oak tree that’s still standing on the corner of Nipomo and Monterey streets, it is
“more than just landscaping”. It is a witness, of sorts, to the history of the City of San Luis
Obispo. Change is inevitable, but keeping a connection to the past only enriches the
place in which we live.
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I whole heartedly support the building of the SLO Repertory Theatre, and I hope there can
be another solution to building it, than replacing an old tree which would serve as a
continuing reminder of our collective past.
Sincerely,
Marta Peluso
557 Stoneridge Drive
San Luis Obispo, CA
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