Removal of decades-old olive trees in Bakersfield sparks community debate over homelessness

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — Last month, the City of Bakersfield cut down two olive trees at 21 and Eye streets as part of its downtown renovation project.

The trees have decorated that corridor into the Arts District since between the 1960s to mid-1970s, as the city estimated. Some homeless people accuse the city of taking down the trees to discourage them from gathering in that area, saying the trees were a refuge that provided shade in the relentless summer heat.

The city actively denies the tree removals had anything to do with the homeless population.

“People are just running towards shade to save their own selves and heat strokes are real,” said Brian Ginn, who has been homeless for two years now.

From Northern California, Ginn said he’s unfamiliar with Bakersfield summers.

“I keep myself wet, my shirt’s always wet…I pour water on myself,” said Ginn. “I drink a lot of water and just make sure I’m hydrated, That’s the best you can do.”

He said by cutting down the olive trees, the city isn’t making the heat any easier to manage.

“It’s obvious why they did it, even if they won’t admit it or not,” Ginn said, with a chuckle.

Ginn also added that these specific olive trees served as a memorial for Bakersfield’s homeless community.

“It was more of like a memorial spot and remembrance spot for a couple of our loved ones around here,” said Ginn. “[The city] realize they weren’t just taking down the shade for the homeless here.”

Cody Dijkstra, who has spent the last 16 years on the streets, voiced his opinion on the city’s actions.

“If we don’t have shade, how are we supposed to live?” asked Dijkstra. “[The city] cut it down because we’re sitting there every time. We had a whole group of people sitting there underneath that tree outside.”

Dijkstra said before the olive trees were cut down, he frequented the area for shade.

“I’m trying to get by. I’m sleeping more because it’s hot, but I’m trying not to sleep in the sun because I could really pass out,” Dijkstra explained. “They should not cut down no more trees. Let homeless sit where they can get shade.”

The City said the trees were cut down as part of its Keep Bakersfield Beautiful project, a series of downtown renovations adopted in 2021.

City officials added that prior to removing the trees, they consulted with an arborist to determine if the trees could be repurposed.

The verdict was a no.

In a statement to 17 News, the city wrote:

“ The City of Bakersfield wants everyone to enjoy the Downtown area and the amenities it offers. A project to update the aesthetic of the area is currently underway. That project includes replacing outdated above-ground planters with ground-level planting areas.

The existing trees were removed since they would not survive after their root systems were established in the above-ground planters. The Recreation & Parks Department will be planting new, mature trees in the new planting areas in the coming weeks. The trees are expected to be 36” box or larger in order to restore the shade canopy as part of the update project.

The City understands that the shade provided by the previous trees was enjoyed by many of our Downtown residents, visitors and business owners and we appreciate their passion for wanting the area to be as inviting as possible. We thank the public for its understanding and patience as we complete these improvements to the Downtown area. “

As for the timeline of this specific project, the city confirmed new, mature trees will be planted in the coming weeks.

At last week’s City Council meeting, Bakersfield Recreation & Parks Director Rick Anthony said, “Every tree that was taken out will be replaced and we will choose the largest species, the most drought-tolerant species, and obviously species that will provide the most shade.”

In that same meeting, Bakersfield Vice Mayor and Ward 2 Councilmember Andrae Gonzales engaged in a back and forth with the city’s public works director:

Gonzales: “[The Eye Street project] actually includes elements including street furniture, is that correct?”

Public Works Director Gregg Strakaluse: “It does.”

Gonzales: “Okay, so we actually will be enhancing the area for all of our citizens to find refuge under shade in downtown, correct?

Strakaluse : “I think that’s correct.”

In a Friday interview with 17 News, Bakersfield Mayor Karen Goh said, “It certainly was not an action taken to hurt our homeless brothers and sisters. We want to connect homeless persons to services.”

When asked if the enhanced facilities will be available to all residents, including the homeless, Goh responded, “Our city is open to our public.”

The city further clarified that in addition to olive trees, other planters, shrubs, as well as trees have already been removed as part of the citywide beautification efforts.

And on the topic of shade, the city emphasized, “We are committed to increasing our tree canopy in Bakersfield, not decreasing it, and will update our tree palate to have consistent, appropriate, drought-tolerant species.”

Businesses in the 21st and Eye Streets corridor told 17 News they’ve long struggled with homelessness.

Just on a day-to-day basis, it’s people coming in, yelling, bringing drugs in here, trying to steal,” said manager of Dagny’s Coffee Co., Kelsey Nickell.

She added, “They were a nuisance.”

On the removal of the trees, Nickell commented, “It has improved the situation here for sure. You want the best for them, but you also want the best for your business.”

The city said businesses such as Dagny’s were not notified prior to the tree removal, as “most planters effected were in common areas.”

Yet, for the affected homeless population, an angry and distraught sentiment remains.

“They’re trying to be against the homeless more than with the homeless,” said Dijkstra, who also alleged that over the years, he continues to have negative experiences with city officials and law enforcement.

In response, Mayor Goh underscored the importance of seeking resources.

“We don’t want our homeless community to wither in the heat,” she said, adding that the city will make “every effort” to get those seeking a bed a bed.

“I understand why the homeless community gets ridiculed and hated on a lot because the vandalism, [but] not everyone out here on the street is doing all that,” Ginn said of his community.

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