Wind-felled trees cost RBUSD thousands
The Redondo Beach Unified School Board voted unanimously to approve $100,000 in emergency funding to remove more than a dozen trees on the campuses of Franklin Elementary and Parras Middle schools, following incidents caused by strong, tree-felling winds. However, in balking at the high price tag invoiced by their tree-cutting vendor, board members created a payment compromise that might cost the district more than originally estimated. “But if that’s the case, so be it,” said board member Michael Christensen. ”I don’t think this can wait.” The motion was forced when high winds on April 15 caused two trees to fall — one onto a car. The vehicle was parked at Franklin Elementary when a pine tree fell on top of it. According to district staff reports, the tree was so large, covering so much of the car, that responders from the Redondo Beach Fire Department couldn’t tell if the vehicle was occupied. The owner of the car, a parent of a preschool student, walked out and claimed his vehicle shortly after. Later that day, around 1 p.m., a tree on the Parras Middle School property fell across the sidewalk in the direction of the Lucia Avenue and Emerald Street intersection. Removal has…
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