A tribute as lovely as a tree

German Torres, a longtime Costa Mesa employee, died recently, and the city wants to plant a tree in his honor at Charles TeWinkle Memorial Park.

The Parks and Recreation Commission is expected to approve the request at a meeting Wednesday evening.

“He was a very nice gentleman and a helpful employee. Everyone liked him in the department,” said Public Services Director Peter Naghavi.

Torres worked on the Costa Mesa Golf Course for more than 10 years and in the city parks for about six years. Co-workers described him as congenial and easy to get along with.

“His strong work ethic, infectious sense of humor and his warm interactions with his fellow employees made him a favorite in the Parks and Parkways Maintenance Section,” wrote Maintenance Services Manager Bruce Hartley in his letter requesting the tree be planted.

— Alan Blank