Local Environmentalists Eager to Em-Bark on First-Ever Tree-Hugging Weekend

Believe it or not, Jerry Rubin was a bit self-conscious the first time he hugged a tree. The widely beloved community activist, perennial City Council candidate and devout wearer of shorts says that it was shortly before his first Tree-Hugging Day that he realized he actually hadn't ever hugged one before.

"I got the courage and, in the most lovely way I could, gave a hug to a tree on the ," he said on a recent Saturday morning, during an interview at his residence. "I lost all my inhibitions, and then I realized, why should I—or people in general—feel embarrassed? Would people feel embarrassed if they smelled a flower or watched a sunset?"

It's with that eternally sunny outlook that Rubin and his wife, Marissa, are encouraging tree-hugging virgins to participate in their first-ever Tree-Hugging Weekend. The event, which kicks off with a Mar. 18 gathering in , is an expanded version of the Rubins' annual Tree-Hugging Day, which celebrates the city's nearly 34,000 trees.

This year's event coincides with the spring equinox and will serve two purposes, Jerry Rubin says: to invite the public to show its appreciation for the city's bounty of trees, and also to inspire and reassure tree-huggers in their own right.

After all, tree-huggers need a hug, too.

"People are still saying 'crazy tree-hugger,' " he said, noting that Santa Monica is a relatively accepting community. "People get vilified and demeaned for speaking out for trees. We want to give each other a huge boost for our good work."

The one-hour Friday night event will take place at the Children's Tree of Life, which is situated near the large cannon just north of the entrance to the . Environmentalists will hug the tree and share support for one another as well. There will also be a moment of silence for former Santa Monica Mayor , who said he would support the establishment of an ongoing advisory Santa Monica Tree Commission. Music will likely be part of the program as well, and Marissa Rubin—who recently published Word Honey, a collection of her works—plans to read a couple of her poems about trees.

"If anyone wants to write a tree-loving poem, they can share their thoughts too," Marissa Rubin said.

Jerry and Marissa Rubin have a long history with the Children's Tree of Life. On June 12, 1983, they got married at the site. For the ceremony, TreePeople founder and President Andy Lipkis gifted the couple a baby New Zealand Christmas tree; with the city's approval, they planted it at the spot in the park.

The following year, on Earth Day 1984, then-Mayor Ken Edwards proclaimed the tree "a living monument to world peace." On their 25th wedding anniversary, the Rubins saw another civic leader make a similar proclamation: City Councilman Bill Rosendahl.

But everything hasn't come up roses for the Children's Tree of Life. Due to various acts of vandalism and a vehicular accident, the tree has had to be replaced multiple times.

Now, though, "No one can knock it over anymore, it's so big and sturdy," smiled Jerry Rubin, who has previously chained himself to trees.

He is also pleased at actions the City of Santa Monica is taking in regards to tree preservation and expanding the number of trees in town. He applauded the city's Urban Forest task force, which involves members of the public and has proposed that an additional 1,000 trees be planted.

"I think it should be even more," Jerry Rubin said, adding that he would like to see a tree commission as well.

Whether or not those wishes come to fruition, don't expect to see the Rubins lose any luster for hugging trees. After being interviewed, they gladly showed off their tree-hugging skills outside their residence, despite a rain shower.

"I try to hug a few trees every day, whether it's right in front of our house or in my travels anywhere," Jerry Rubin said. "Marissa and I are urging everyone to start practicing now to get in great tree-hugging shape."

For more information on Tree-Hugging Weekend, visit TreeHuggingDay.com or e-mail Jerry Rubin at TreeHuggingDay@earthlink.net. To buy a copy of Word Honey—proceeds of which are going to the Friends of Animals Foundation—contact Marissa Rubin at MarissaRubin@roadrunner.com.

[Correction made at 8:08 p.m.: "Santa Monica Mayor Ken Genser, who helped form the city's tree commission," has been changed to read "Santa Monica Mayor Ken Genser, who said he would support the establishment of an ongoing advisory Santa Monica Tree Commission."