One or the other California icon might be doomed
MONTEREY -- A classic struggle is playing out here in the first capital of California, and it's anyone's guess who the victor will be: God or nature.
On one side stands San Carlos Borromeo de Monterey, believed to be the oldest continuously functioning church in California, completed in 1794. On the other, a small stand of stately redwood trees, whose roots have made their way through the chapel's foundation and threaten its survival.
For this clash of California icons, there is no easy solution: Church officials have asked the city of Monterey for a permit to cut all of the trees down to preserve this landmark of California's Spanish colonial era. The city recommends that at least two of the four redwoods remain, no matter what.
"You have the classic conflict," said Robert G. Reid, urban forester for the city of Monterey, a historic building versus "rightfully magnificent native redwood trees that also have some serious standing in the community."
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On one side stands San Carlos Borromeo de Monterey, believed to be the oldest continuously functioning church in California, completed in 1794. On the other, a small stand of stately redwood trees, whose roots have made their way through the chapel's foundation and threaten its survival.
For this clash of California icons, there is no easy solution: Church officials have asked the city of Monterey for a permit to cut all of the trees down to preserve this landmark of California's Spanish colonial era. The city recommends that at least two of the four redwoods remain, no matter what.
"You have the classic conflict," said Robert G. Reid, urban forester for the city of Monterey, a historic building versus "rightfully magnificent native redwood trees that also have some serious standing in the community."