Sunrise over the Palmer's oak in Jurupa Valley, California, estimated to be one of the oldest living plants on Earth.

Following hours of emotional public comment at the Jurupa Valley City Hall last week that divided one of California’s youngest cities into two, council members decided to approve a controversial development project that some argue will lead to the end of one of the oldest living trees on Earth.

On Sept. 5, Jurupa Valley city council members narrowly approved the Rio Vista development plan, voting three to two to allow the massive project to move forward. The development would transform Jurupa Valley, a city in Riverside County that was incorporated in 2011, by turning 918 acres of open land into homes, schools, parks and commercial properties.

During a two-hour public comment period, community members and interest groups were divided on how beneficial the project would be to the community. The Rio Vista plan would create jobs and new opportunities for the budding city, but locals were at loggerheads over what's lost when open space is folded into the city — especially........

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