Committee backs landmarking coast redwood at 4 Montclair Terrace

The Land Use and Transportation Committee on June 17 voted 3–0 to recommend that the full Board of Supervisors designate the coast redwood at 4 Montclair Terrace as a landmark tree under the Public Works Code.

President Aaron Peskin, who introduced the item, said the Urban Forestry Council had unanimously recommended landmarking the specimen and noted the tree’s visibility on a popular tourist route near the Crooked Street area. Brian Wedenmeier, executive director of Friends of the Urban Forest, told the committee the tree was planted in 1962 by Mary Jay, is in very good health after an April inspection by an ISA-certified arborist, and is protected by a conservation easement. "It is a magnificent and beautiful and healthy specimen," Wedenmeier said.

Several members of the public urged the committee to act. Roland Jadriev, speaking for supporters, called the tree "an iconic, literally integral part of San Francisco history" and thanked the committee for moving the measure forward.

Peskin moved to send the ordinance to the full Board with a positive recommendation; the committee clerk recorded aye votes from Vice Chair Dean Preston, Member Aaron Peskin, and Chair Myrna Melgar. The motion passed and the item will appear on the Board of Supervisors agenda on June 25, 2024.

The ordinance would make findings that the tree meets criteria under the Public Works Code and direct the official acts necessary to complete the landmark designation. No opposition or competing motions were recorded at committee.

Next steps: the recommendation advances the ordinance to the Board of Supervisors for consideration on the Board’s June 25 agenda.