(A 154-year-old pepper tree is shown on the property at 119 East Beach St. Discussions are underway to possibly remove the historic tree. Photo by Tarmo Hannula/Pajaronian)
WATSONVILLE — Droves of cars and pedestrians make their way along East Beach Street every day, but many are likely unaware that they are passing by one of the oldest living things in Watsonville.
A large, gnarled pepper tree stands outside the law office at 119 East Beach St., with its leaves hanging over the small patch of earth surrounded by a parking lot. The tree has a plaque built right into its trunk, dedicated to the first president of the Pajaro Valley Historical Association.
The tree was planted in 1864, and it has remained in its original location ever since.
According to Lou Arbanas of PVHA, the property’s current owners are worried about the tree’s stability after a large limb broke off recently, and may be planning to remove it.
But Arbanas believes that the tree is healthy enough to remain. He says that the PVHA is currently working to find an alternative solution.
“Obviously we don’t like getting in someone else’s business,” Arbanas said. “But preserving history is what we do.”
Arbanas said they are hoping to bring in an arborist from Cabrillo College to see if anything can be done to save it, such as specialized pruning and/or cordoning off the area underneath.
PVHA President Chuck Allen also weighed in on why he believes the tree holds significance.
“Many people don’t automatically recognize trees as being historic,” Allen said. “We’re trying to promote an appreciation for these amazing landmarks.”
Allen noted that a list of trees located throughout the city had recently been submitted for historical consideration, including a few willow trees on Brewington Avenue and a set of palm trees in front of the Tuttle Mansion.
The owners of the 119 East Beach St. property did not return calls for comment, and as such there is no official confirmation of when the pepper tree might be removed.
Arbanas expressed hope that an agreement could be made that will be beneficial to everyone.
“It is tremendous to have something like this still alive in our community,” he said. “Hopefully we can keep it going.”
It’s gone (looking at Google Maps,) and I’m hoping it was replanted and able to survive. The ‘Mission San Luis Rey’ has one that’s several decades older, and they have a ‘Pepper Tree Day’ to celebrate it. A lot of interesting history, with trees in California.