New home construction near California’s oldest living plant approved by Jurupa Valley leaders

Jurupa Valley city leaders have approved a development plan that environmentalists say puts California’s longest-living plant in danger.

The Jurupa Oak, located in Jurupa Hills and estimated to be at least 13,000 years old, resembles a bush more than a tree, standing just 3 feet high and sprawling to cover more than 80 feet.

The Jurupa Valley City Council voted 3-2 last week to approve the Rio Vista Specific Plan, which would bring a residential, commercial and industrial development to the area near the oak, leaving a 450-feet buffer around the ancient plant.

The development will span more than 900 acres and include nearly 1,700 residences, an elementary school and several community parks, sports fields and open trails, according to city officials.

During a presentation at the meeting Thursday, Sept. 5, city officials said they would convey the land around the tree to the Kizh Nation, a group of people indigenous to the greater Los Angeles area who run a nonprofit conservation entity, along with a $250,000 endowment.

However, a coalition of environmental advocates argue the oak requires a buffer of at least 550 feet.

The construction of the development, as well as the homes, warehouses and commercial buildings that will be in place once Rio Vista is finished will bring air and water pollution, increased fire risk and off-road vehicle use which could put the oak in harm’s way, according to a statement issued by the coalition Friday.

“It’s shocking and sad to see the city fail to protect an ancient plant that is truly a wonder to behold,” Meredith Stevenson, an attorney at the Center for Biological Diversity, said in the statement. “Buildings come and go but the Jurupa Oak is a one-of-a-kind gem that can offer lessons about our natural heritage for generations to come. This development plan is no way to treat an international treasure.”

Laura Jaime, a member of the Shiishongna Tongva Nation Corona Band of Gabrielino Indians, said the oak is an important part of her culture.

“The Horuuvunga Oak is not just a tree, it is a living symbol of our ancestral connection to this land, estimated to be between 13,000 and 18,000 years old,” Jaime said in the same statement. “This ancient oak represents our rich cultural heritage and serves as a reminder of the time when our ancestors thrived along the Santa Ana River.”

Many residents and coalition members turned out for last week’s meeting to express concern for the oak’s conservation.

“This issue concerns not only the oak but the entire landscape and ecosystem, many of whose species are rare and endangered and threatened by this development,” resident Alicia Drevdahl said during public comment.

Others, however, supported the development and the economic benefits it could bring to the area.

“This project represents thousands of jobs and hundreds of millions of dollars for our city. I want to … support my generation and our future … with this project,” resident Israel Corales said during the public hearing.

City leaders estimated the development would bring in more than $20 million in economic revenue for the city.