Hi all,

We received the City of Oakland’s decision today at 3:30 p.m. As expected, the City has approved Sequoyah Country Club’s (SCC) tree removal request.

As you know, the public comment period was extended to allow time for a potential compromise. However, SCC never offered any alternative plan or compromise.

The decision itself is vague and differs from SCC’s original request. The permit now authorizes the removal of 166 Coast Redwoods, 2 Deodar Cedars, 1 Incense Cedar, and 1 Monterey Pine. Previously, the request submitted to the City listed 175 Coast Redwoods for removal. In addition, SCC originally cited “landscape redesign” as the reason for removal; the approved permit now cites “health and safety” and “proximity to existing or proposed structures.” 

In a final effort to reach a resolution before filing an appeal, we are meeting with Council Member Ken Houston and SCC representatives on Wednesday, August 20, to discuss whether a compromise is possible that could save trees. If no agreement is reached, we plan to file an appeal on Thursday, August 21—the official deadline. The final decision will then be up to the City Council after a hearing.

We are deeply disappointed by this decision. SCC has not met the criteria set forth in Chapter 12.36 of the Municipal Code, and the permit should have been denied by The City of Oakland. We have strong grounds for appeal and will present them if necessary.

We will post an update on this website by the end of the day on Wednesday, August 20—or sooner if there are developments.

Thank you all for your continued support.
Ana Vizzo