Thieves Steal Tree Honoring Cesar Chavez from Barrios Unidos

A bizarre theft at a Southeast Fresno non profit, after thieves get away with a tree.  Fresno’s Barrios Unidos recently organized a large community effort in honor of Cesar Chavez.  Dozens of volunteers planted nine trees along the sidewalk in front of the organization, to make the area more appealing.  Monday night, one of those trees were pulled out of the ground and stolen.

In front of Fresno’s Barrios Unidos, trees now line the sidewalk.

Executive Director Socorro Santillan says, "We wanted to bring this beautification to this neighborhood."

Nine recently planted trees symbolize beauty, hard work and hope. Tuesday, that hope was replaced  by a gaping hole, where thieves left their mark.  The tree had been uprooted leaving a community effort ripped away and a tribute to a celebrated leader completely disregarded.

Socorro Santillan, Executive Director at Barrios Unidos, says after shrubs were stolen three times, more than 70 volunteers decided to help plant the trees back in march to honor Cesar Chavez  during a day of service. Plaques were even mounted to each tree explaining it’s meaning.

The tree planting cost about $ 1,000 and Barrios Unidos also had to apply for permits and receive approval from Fresno city council. $ 250 from district funds were even approved by council member Clint Olivier, who says he’s outraged.

Olivier says, "My goodness, in Fresno we know there’s a lot of stolen cars and burglaries and all kinds of things, but really a tree?"

Santillan says the trees are more than just trees.  She says they are also a way to clean up and bring pride to the Southeast Fresno neighborhood.

"We’re trying to put some love and effort and to have somebody just take something from us is just heartbreaking especially when you’re trying to do good in the community," says Santillan.