Community Corner

PHOTOS: Historic Moment Captured During Murrieta Tree Delivery

In a 72-inch box, the living tree was shipped 400 miles from Bonfante Nurseries in Gilroy, Calif., arriving at 7 a.m. Friday to Town Square Park.

Now that the hard part—getting it here—is over, the hope is that a 35-foot tall Christmas tree planted Friday at Murrieta's Town Square Park will grow to be at least 80 feet.

The hope is also that a new holiday tradition will be sparked as Murrieta residents are asked to gather to celebrate its first lighting on Saturday, Nov. 30.

There are some key people who contributed to the behind-the-scenes work involved in the historic planting.

In a 72-inch box, the living tree was shipped 400 miles from Bonfante Nurseries in Gilroy, Calif. A Coastal Redwood was chosen because it is not vulnerable to the bark beetle.

At about 7 a.m. Friday, a flatbed carrying the tree pulled up to Town Square Park, where those key people were waiting. They included George Moring, city of Murrieta, parks maintenance supervisor; Charles Jancic with Big Trees; Joe Alfaro, supervisor with Excel Landscape; and resident Jim Perkins. 

The tree was provided by The Church of Latter-day Saints.

"The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints provided the tree so that residents of Murrieta from all denominations could come together to celebrate the birth of Christ this year as well as for years to come," said Richard Whittier, president of the Murrieta Stake.

Murrieta City Council took up the matter of sprucing up its holiday festivities several months ago and appointed Council members Randon Lane and Alan Long to serve on a subcommittee with a group of community members.

In September, Council voted in favor of a festival of trees at the park and to keep the Push Cart Parade.


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