The Grapefruit Tree

The Grapefruit Tree

On December 8, 2012 at the corner of Azusa Street and San Pedro Avenue, a ceremony to remember united the Japanese Americans, Azusa Street Pentecostals, Skid Row, and Native Americans communities.  The last remaining citrus tree from the old agricultural fields had passed away in 2006 at the ripe age of 125 years old due to an accident in the bustling downtown streets.  The tree was beloved by the local community, who still ate its fruit; and in the tree’s passing, the community came together.  To commemorate the tree that several communities cherished, a new tree was planted in its place through a planting ceremony. Inviting everyone to participate by adding a scoop of soil to the newly planted grapefruit tree, the community recommitted to the tradition of natural landmarks: to allow a new tree to be witness to the growing city and to come together in the spirit of peaceful coexistence under the tree’s shade.

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