A Magnolia tree, one of the neighborhood's many, on Ray Drive. Photo © Danica Hodge
A host of efforts is being made to protect Burlingame’s trees into the future. Local governance works hand-in-hand with the California State Highway Authority (Caltrans), which is responsible for maintaining the state highway El Camino Real, in implementing a responsible tree management system.
Nonetheless, the ongoing debate over preservation versus progress continues in the current discussion over the high-speed rail that is planned to run through Peninsula cities, including Burlingame. Some citizens are concerned about how this project will affect the historic Jules Francard Grove that currently lines the tracks near the Burlingame train station. This clash demonstrates that the history of civic debate over the trees is far from ended.
A Leafy Legacy: Trees of Burlingame 