By Bruce Barton

Joe hu/town crier The Rotary Tree, a fixture in the Community Plaza and location for the annual tree-lighting ceremony, is scheduled for replacement.

The Los Altos Rotary Club’s board of directors last week voted to remove the longstanding “Rotary Tree” in the center of the downtown Community Plaza in favor of an alternative plaza centerpiece.

Rotary Club President Sam Pesner confirmed the board’s decision Thursday, noting, “The club has been in favor of removing the current tree because of its dilapidated state.”

Some Rotary members have openly lobbied for the tree’s removal the past several years, suggesting such alternative centerpieces as a fountain or flower bed.

John Hamblin, the club’s “resident architect,” has been in contact with Los Altos City Manager Phil Rose about removing the tree.

According to Rotary members, Rose seemed willing to follow through on the tree’s removal, although a specific timeline has yet to be determined. Rose was away from City Hall and could not be reached for comment last week.

The Rotary Tree’s origins date back 40 years, when the first tree was planted in the center at the intersection of State and Main streets in 1966. The first tree was removed in 1993 during renovation of the Community Plaza, prompting an outcry from supporters who petitioned to keep the tree. Rotarians replaced the original deodara tree with a Colorado spruce, the first of which wilted away in the summer heat. Members replaced that tree in 1997 with a second spruce, but now this one appears to be dying.

“The tree is in real bad shape,” Hamblin said, noting it leans to one side as if ready to fall over. “It’s a hazard. I’m here to fix the problem.”

He said those with suggestions for a replacement are welcome to call his office, 917-1000.

The tree most notably receives attention during the Los Altos Village Association’s annual tree-lighting ceremony in November, marking the start of the downtown holiday season.