Heartfelt Gathering at Palisades Park Marks Summer Solstice and Honors Tree-Loving Activist
Santa Monica, June 21, 2023 - Today, Palisades Park witnessed a poignant gathering of tree enthusiasts led by Jerry Rubin, as they came together to commemorate the Summer Solstice. The event, filled with heartfelt moments, showcased their profound connection with nature and marked the beginning of the summer season. The highlight of the gathering was the embrace of the "Children's Tree of Life," symbolizing the participants' deep reverence for trees and their vital role in our ecosystem. In a touching tribute, the attendees extended their affection to the neighboring "Tree of Gratitude," planted in memory of Marissa Rubin, a beloved tree lover who recently lost her battle with pancreatic cancer.
The event, which drew a diverse group of attendees, featured a range of engaging activities designed to celebrate and promote environmental awareness. Environmental speakers, musical performances, poetry readings, and, of course, the collective act of tree hugging were all part of the day's program. The focal point of the gathering was the magnificent New Zealand Christmas Tree, originally planted during a public peace rally on Earth Day in 1983. This iconic tree holds the distinction of being one of Santa Monica's earliest Heritage Trees and was officially recognized as a "living monument to world peace" by former Mayor Ken Edwards through a City Council proclamation in 1984.
Jerry Rubin, a prominent advocate for tree hugging, passionately called for global participation in this age-old practice on Earth Day. He emphasized the critical role that trees play in environmental preservation and climate change mitigation. Rubin's message resonated strongly with the attendees, which included esteemed figures such as former Santa Monica mayors Judy Abdo and James Conn. Inspired by Rubin's words, they pledged their support for nurturing, protecting, and increasing the planting of trees in their communities.
The "Tree of Gratitude," planted in memory of Marissa Rubin, stands as a sister tree to the Children's Tree of Life. It serves as a tribute to Marissa's profound impact as an artist, art therapist, environmental activist, and lover of trees. Marissa's unwavering love for Santa Monica and her belief in expressing gratitude amidst life's challenges made her a true friend of both Mother Nature and Mother Earth. Her legacy will forever inspire the Santa Monica community to cherish and safeguard the environment in her honor.
In a heartwarming display of community spirit and environmental activism, Jerry Rubin, a long-time Santa Monica resident, took the stage to share his story. Jerry, a dedicated peace and environmental activist originally from the East Coast, recounted the story of the tree planted four decades ago on Earth Day, affectionately named the "Children's Tree of Life" by his late wife, Marissa. He fondly remembered their shared commitment to peace and the environment, including their public peace rally wedding held in Santa Monica forty years ago. Jerry expressed the deep sorrow that still lingers within him and the community over Marissa's passing almost a year ago due to pancreatic cancer.
Undeterred by this loss, Jerry and a group called the "Tree Hugging Friends" have continued the tradition they started twelve years ago, hosting an annual tree hugging day. This special day of celebration, coinciding with the summer solstice, symbolizes the vital importance of trees for our environment and the future of our planet. Jerry emphasized the need for public involvement and urged people to proudly become official tree huggers, encouraging them to embrace the positive emotions it brings without any sense of embarrassment.
Jerry expressed his appreciation for the efforts of the city's Urban Forester and Urban Forest Task Force in caring for Santa Monica's trees. However, he also expressed concern about the devastating disease affecting some of the trees and highlighted the city staff's dedication to saving as many trees as possible and preventing the spread of the disease.
Former mayors Judy Abdo and James Conn took to the stage, sharing fond memories of Marissa and voicing their support for Jerry and his ongoing efforts. They stressed the significance of peace, environmental conservation, and the transformative power of community action.
Kathy Knight from the Sierra Club also addressed the audience, praising the importance of preserving nature and highlighting the ongoing fight to protect the Biona Wetlands. She recognized Jerry's substantial role in the campaign to save the Ficus trees in downtown Santa Monica and expressed gratitude for his unwavering dedication to trees and nature.
The event culminated with a heartfelt group tree hug around the Children's Tree of Life, followed by a collective walk to the Tree of Gratitude, planted in Marissa's honor. The community united, embracing the trees and one another, with hopes of spreading positive energy and love.
Jerry concluded the gathering by expressing his gratitude to Lawrence Cohen for his efforts in raising funds for pancreatic cancer research through the Hershberg Foundation. He urged everyone to remember the importance of supporting such causes.
This heartfelt gathering served as a powerful testament to the enduring spirit of activism, love for nature, and the immense power of community in Santa Monica.