The morning after Bird Rock Community Council board member Barbara Dunbar shared details this week of a tree trunk being vandalized with deep cuts in February, the same tree sustained even deeper cuts, she said.
According to Dunbar’s quarterly Maintenance Assessment District report, cuts were made in a Canary Island pine tree in the La Jolla Boulevard median between Colima and Midway streets on Feb. 13, and further damage was reported two days later.
On May 6, the day after the BRCC meeting, Dunbar told the La Jolla Light that she observed more cuts in the tree, adjacent to 5443 La Jolla Blvd., at about 7:40 a.m.
A suspect has not been identified.
A vandalized Canary Island pine tree along La Jolla Boulevard in Bird Rock is pictured from the east side on May 6. The same tree was similarly damaged in February. (Provided by Barbara Dunbar)
If the tree deteriorates or falls, it could pose significant danger to pedestrians and motorists in the area, Dunbar said May 5. She estimated that replacing the tree could cost more than $30,000.
Some who attended the meeting noted the tree damage was similar to overnight vandalism in June 2019 in which cuts were made to another Canary Island pine about six feet away.
In that case, the tree was irreparably damaged and was removed. A police report was filed, but a suspect was not identified.
Dunbar said several people have provided tips about the latest case and that some have speculated someone is vandalizing the tree to try to get a better ocean view.
Bird Rock MAD consulting manager Matt Mangano will follow up with authorities about the status of the tree, Dunbar said.
Anyone with information about the case can email Mangano at admin@manganoconsulting.com. ♦