Parks commission approves removals at Seacliff lot, conditions replacement for Braemar coral tree and updates street-tree species

The Santa Barbara Parks and Recreation Commission on Sept. 24 approved a set of street-tree actions that include removing 17 mature trees at a Seacliff property to allow required soil remediation, conditionally approving removal of a large South African coral tree on Braemar Drive with a three-tree replacement requirement, and adopting new street-tree species for several blocks along Calle Cesar Chavez and Channel Drive.

Commission staff and the Street Tree Advisory Committee told the commission that 3139 Cliff Drive — a parcel formerly used as a nursery — contains soil contamination from historic herbicide use and requires extensive excavation and off-site disposal of soil. That remediation, staff said, would prevent preservation of 13 weeping red gum eucalyptus, three lemon-scented gum eucalyptus and one Cook pine in the front setback and additional interior volunteer…