Rep. Matt Haney seems to be passionate about environmental issues, but there’s a question of whether he fully understands the challenges, particularly the tree shortage in his district.
Last month, San Francisco officials urged Attorney General Rob Bonta to investigate this tree deficit, seeming to shift attention from the city’s existing issues like homelessness and drug-related deaths. A letter linked to this was made public by the Post.
In the wake of his high-profile inquiries, Haney faced scrutiny for a previous $75,000 expenditure of campaign funds on a lavish sports event. In a recent community conversation, he heard from voters expressing concern about the lack of greenery in some neighborhoods, emphasizing the need for more street trees.
In his correspondence, Haney pointed out that the absence of new trees in East San Francisco stems from factors like vandalism and other limitations impacting their viability. He expressed his concern that these regions could be viewed as “containment zones” for various environmental and social issues.
His district, which includes the historically troubled Tenderloin area, hasn’t provided commentary on this matter to The Post.
Some observers, upon reviewing Haney’s letter, suggested that the head of the state housing committee might benefit from concentrating on more urgent local matters. David Ratterman, a political analyst, noted, “While I’m all for increasing tree coverage—it’s vital—Haney seems to be making a big deal out of something he could address more pragmatically.”
Haney opined in his letter that the shortage of trees might contravene SB 1000, a state environmental regulation. He argued that while resources are being allocated to bolster tree planting in other regions of the city, many “tree wells” in his area remain barren.
Residents in neighborhoods like Mission and South of Market find themselves at a disadvantage, often having to fund their own street trees, effectively compensating for the city’s inadequacies in safeguarding basic environmental health.
It remains ambiguous whether Bonta will initiate a comprehensive investigation into the tree situation. His office hasn’t responded to inquiries regarding this.
Given his current engagement in legal battles against the Trump administration, Bonta might question whether state resources should be diverted for Haney’s tree issue, especially considering California is facing a significant budget deficit that could escalate in the coming year.
In 2022, Haney had to backtrack on a planned $1.7 million celebration for public restrooms after backlash over the expense.
Republican Rep. Alexandra M. Macedo from Tulare commented that the letter exemplifies California’s misguided priorities. “It’s outrageous that concerns about vandalism can halt tree planting and also be a reason for a civil rights probe,” she remarked. “Meanwhile, if it’s about a bike lane, funding is readily available for trees.”
