Rain and wind didn't stop a meeting between Santa Fe residents and city officials Thursday about the planting of new trees at Fort Marcy park after 12 Siberian elms were cut down earlier this month due to safety concerns surrounding the burning of Zozobra.

The elms became the subject of protest and discussions about city transparency after Zozobra chair Ray Sandoval in July said the event's insurance was contingent upon the removal of the trees. City Manager Mark Scott signed off on their felling, and the trees were cut Aug. 5.

This discontent could be still be felt at Thursday's park meeting, which was attended by about 40 people, including several city officials and candidates for city offices. Some members of the public expressed concerns about Fort Marcy park becoming an event space

See Full Page