How does one of the most beautiful, historical sanctuaries in all of Santa Barbara go from a lush wonderland to war-zone-looking devastation? A Saturday in June while in a soothing yoga class, we heard an earth-shattering noise (which lasted hours) directly next door. They seemed to be trimming the five magnificent coral trees at 1436 State Street. The next Saturday the same earth-shattering noise again interrupted our peaceful class, and for several following Saturdays.
Most employees of Village Properties and Merrill Lynch were shocked upon returning to work on Monday morning. After speaking with several employees, this is what I was told:
The owner, who doesn't live in Santa Barbara (absentee landlord) said the trees were too fragile and a limb might fall on someone. Not true! If a branch were to fall, it wouldn't hit anyone the trees were not over, or even near parking lot, sidewalk, or street. The general opinion is that the owner didn't want to pay for high water bills and landscaping costs, and was afraid of a possible lawsuit.