San Juan Capistrano to Stop Pining for NorCal Xmas Trees

More than 2,000 ornaments and as many 4,000 twinkly lights will be strung by nightfall Wednesday on the pruned bows of a towering Christmas tree in .

The 50-foot fir from the Mt. Shasta area was trucked into downtown one week ago, and will likely be the last imported tree San Juan Capistrano uses in the years to come.

Instead, city leaders have said they want to decorate a homely perennial planted specifically for such a purpose, and that currently stands about 35 feet tall on the northeast edge of the park. 

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For the past four years, the city has partnered with Victor's Custom Christmas Trees, Inc. to bring a tree to town. In 2007, the tree and transportation services was donated, but since 2008, taxpayers have spent $5,000 a year on transportation costs.

This year, the cost ballooned to $7,500. CR&R Waste and Recycling Services donated $2,500 to make up the difference.

In October, the City Council said "it's time to start using our own Christmas tree."

The conifer is the star of the community's annual tree lighting ceremony. The event is scheduled for Dec. 3 this year, and typically draws about 10,000 people.