Westminster City Council
SUBJECT
Title
Resolution to Commemorate the 250th Anniversary of the United States and to Plant a Liberty Tree in the City of Westminster.
End
From: Christine Cordon, City Manager
Requested by: Council Member Amy Phan West, District 1
Prepared by*: Ryan Salz, Senior Management Analyst
*Staff reports prepared by staff on behalf of members of the City Council do not reflect the opinions of staff and are generated in collaboration with the requesting council member(s).
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RECOMMENDED ACTION
Recommendation
A. Consider adoption of a Resolution entitled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA, COMMEMORATING THE 250TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA”; and
B. Consider the request to plant a Liberty Tree and provide direction on approval of location and tree species.
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BACKGROUND
On February 25, 2026, District 1 City Council Member Amy Phan West requested staff to draft a resolution to commemorate and honor the 250th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. In addition, she requested staff to consider appropriate locations for the planting of a Liberty Tree and provide a recommendation to the City Council for its implementation.
Across the country, federal, state, and local governments, civic organizations, and community groups are planning commemorative activities in recognition of the historic milestone that will take place on July 4, 2026. One symbolic initiative gaining national attention is the revival of the historic “Liberty Tree” tradition. The original Liberty Tree was an elm tree planted in Boston in 1646. Nearly 120 years later, it became a gathering place for American colonists protesting British taxation and policies prior to the Revolutionary War. The tree served as a powerful symbol of unity, civic engagement, and the pursuit of liberty. Although the original tree was cut down by British loyalists in 1775, its symbolism endured, and the concept of Liberty Trees spread to other colonies during the Revolutionary era.
In anticipation of the 250th anniversary, various patriotic and civic organizations have encouraged communities nationwide to plant commemorative Liberty Trees as living symbols of civic pride and democracy. These programs typically encourage:
• Planting a long-living native or regionally appropriate tree species.
• Installing interpretive signage explaining the historical significance.
• Incorporating educational programming for schools and youth groups.
• Hosting a ceremonial planting event.
The Public Works Department conducted an analysis to determine which City parks would be appropriate locations for a Liberty Tree and which tree species could be planted. Bolsa Chica Park and Westminster Village Park were identified as ideal location candidates, specifically due to their lack of tree coverage. The Liberty Tree will result in a commemorative fixture and historical landmark for the community, as well as an amenity that provides shade in parks that would otherwise lack adequate shaded areas. The “Southern Magnolia” is one of several recommended tree species appropriate for placement in either of the aforementioned parks. The species was chosen based on its suitability to the Southern California region.
Council Member Amy Phan West would like the City Council to consider two “Southern Magnolia” trees planted as part of the Liberty Tree tradition: one at Bolsa Chica Park and one at Westminster Village Park.
Participation in the Liberty Tree tradition is voluntary and locally driven. There is no federal mandate requiring local government participation for this celebratory project.
FISCAL IMPACT
There will be costs incurred by the City related to the planting and maintenance of the proposed Liberty Trees. The cost of two “South Magnolia” trees is approximately $500 ($250 each) and is already budgeted under the Public Works Street Tree Maintenance Account. The two interpretive panels are approximately $2,000 ($1,000 each) and are proposed to be paid out of the Public Works Street Tree Maintenance Account.
LEGAL REVIEW
The City Attorney’s Office has reviewed as to form.
CONCLUSION
Council Member Amy Phan West requested staff to take two separate actions. First, draft a resolution to commemorate and honor the 250th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. Second, consider appropriate locations for the planting of a Liberty Tree and provide a recommendation to the City Council. Staff recommends that the Mayor and City Council consider adoption of the Resolution and consider approval of the Liberty Tree planting, as requested by City Council Member Phan West.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Resolution Commemorating 250th Anniversary of USA
REVIEWED BY
Erin Backs, Finance Director
City Attorney’s Office
Christine Cordon, City Manager