There is a sometimes forgotten little corner in downtown that now has the locals’ attention. It is the site of the long proposed new replacement SLO REP theater on Monterey and Nipomo. It’s also the site of possibly the last remaining grand oak tree in the area. And it is grand.
The long-standing agreement was that the theater would include the untouched tree in the construction design. There could be a direct link between the inspired inclusion of the tree in the theater design and getting the grant money. Regardless, the decades-long agreement was to include the heritage oak as a centerpiece.
Surprise!! The latest City Council vote reaffirmed 4-1 (Jan Marx dissenting) that this fabulous heritage oak was to be cut down. This is an awful, dreadful, unacceptable decision, SLO City Council.
I propose two alternate choices: Return to the original plan (which received the funding) and proceed with extra caution around the tree; or second, look for an alternate location or building and proceed.
What comes to mind is one of the two abandoned Rite Aid buildings. Certainly the Rite Aid on Johnson next to Smart and Final has a spacious interior with 25,000 square feet and lots of free parking. That by its very nature is tempting, as SLO REP would be reinvigorating an empty building.
Certainly, either option is a huge improvement over the present direction the council has approved.
Fitzgerald Kelly
SLO
This article appears in April 23-30, 2026.