SLO City Council Criticized for Approving Removal of Cherished Oak Tree

Longtime resident Richard Schmidt calls out the council's decision to allow the San Luis Obispo Repertory Theater to remove a 'much-cherished' oak tree despite a lease agreement to preserve it.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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The San Luis Obispo Repertory Theater (SLO REP) struck a deal with the city of San Luis Obispo to lease public land for $1 per year for 99 years, with a provision to 'preserve, protect and maintain' a large coast live oak tree on the site. However, SLO REP recently went before the City Council seeking permission to remove the tree, citing an arborist report claiming construction would destroy 86-95% of the tree's roots. The City Council voted 4-1 to allow the tree's removal, despite concerns from the community and a former planning commissioner that the tree could likely be preserved.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing tension between development and preservation of urban trees, as well as questions around the transparency and motivations of both private developers and local government when it comes to managing public resources. The decision to remove the tree despite a contractual obligation to protect it has drawn criticism from the community and raised concerns about the city's commitment to its urban forest.

The details

According to the lease agreement, SLO REP was required to 'preserve, protect and maintain' the large oak tree on the public land they were leasing for their new theater. However, the theater company obtained a private arborist report that claimed 86-95% of the tree's roots would be disturbed or destroyed by construction, dooming the tree. City staff sided with SLO REP's claims, and the City Council ultimately voted 4-1 to allow the tree's removal despite objections from the community and a former planning commissioner who argued the tree could likely be preserved.

  • SLO REP struck a 99-year, $1 per year lease deal with the city in an unspecified year.
  • Last week, SLO REP went before the City Council seeking permission to remove the oak tree.
  • The City Council voted 4-1 to allow the tree's removal.

The players

San Luis Obispo Repertory Theater (SLO REP)

A local theater company that struck a 99-year lease deal with the city of San Luis Obispo to use public land for a new theater, with a requirement to 'preserve, protect and maintain' a large oak tree on the site.

City of San Luis Obispo

The local government that leased public land to SLO REP for $1 per year for 99 years, with a requirement to preserve the oak tree on the site.

Richard Schmidt

A longtime San Luis Obispo resident and former planning commissioner who criticized the City Council's decision to allow the removal of the oak tree despite SLO REP's lease agreement to protect it.

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What they’re saying

“The council must not let this SLO REP TreeGate unfold. It must immediately reconsider and withdraw permission for removal. It must enforce the lease.”

— Richard Schmidt, Longtime San Luis Obispo resident and former planning commissioner (sanluisobispo.com)

“As for SLO REP, their reputation has been tarnished by their bad behavior. Their board must reconsider how to proceed. They have no right to execute our tree. I request them to call off the tree butchers and make every effort to do as they promised in order to get their lease — to preserve and protect this wonderful public tree.”

— Richard Schmidt, Longtime San Luis Obispo resident and former planning commissioner (sanluisobispo.com)

What’s next

The City Council is expected to reconsider its decision to allow the oak tree's removal at an upcoming meeting.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges cities face in balancing development needs with preserving urban trees and green spaces. It raises questions about the transparency and motivations of both private developers and local governments when it comes to managing public resources, and the importance of holding all parties accountable to contractual obligations and community values.