Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - Residents of Colonia Emiliano Zapata announced in a letter to the media their disregard for what they refer to as an attack on the magnificent rubber tree just west of the tunnel.

The document mentions that particularly residents of Calle Venustiano Carranza, between Camichin and Naranjo, "reject outright the construction of a cement slab in front of property number 512 of this street."

The letter further states, "We are asking for an intervention because building the slab will affect the roots of this beautiful, 60-year-old rubber tree, of which there are very few in the city. The tree provides wonderful shade and coolness, is aesthetically pleasing to the eye, and is a favorite with tourists who often stop to take pictures of the tree. We believe we have the right to protect this tree because it plays an important role in the ecosystem, and we feel it is our duty and right to protect it before it suffers further damage or possibly dies."

Neighbors argue that the concrete slab will suffocate the roots by not allowing enough water to penetrate, which will weaken it and accelerate its death.

"We want to thank the Urban Planning Department, which has stepped in and stopped the work and recommended a gardener, not a concrete slab. Because of this we demand that a box be built to protect the tree and not undermine it. According to the first settlers of this colonia the tree has value, not only ecological but also as the inspiration for the artist Manuel Lepe Vallarta, who painted the mural in the corridors of City Hall. This rubber tree is very important to us and to the general public. Therefore, we asked its ecological heritage be honored by naming the tree 'Old Vallarta.'"