East Hollywood Property Owners Cited for Tree Violations

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Historic pink trumpet trees enhance the beauty of East Hollywood, symbolizing community identity.

News Summary

Two property owners in East Hollywood have faced citations for illegally trimming historic pink trumpet trees, prompting community outrage and concerns for local green spaces. Despite Notices to Correct issued by StreetsLA, one owner has ignored the requirement to replant trees, risking criminal charges. The actions have sparked a broader discussion about the protection of green spaces in the community amidst budget cuts and increasing tree conflicts in the city.

East Hollywood

Two property owners in East Hollywood have been cited for illegally trimming three historic pink trumpet trees along Virgil Avenue, actions that have raised significant concerns among community members and local authorities. The Bureau of Street Services (StreetsLA) reported that the excessive trimming was deemed “beyond recovery,” leaving the trees with only stunted branches and unlikely to regrow.

According to senior advisor Daniel Halden, no permits were issued for the extensive trimming that took place. In response to this violation, StreetsLA issued Notices to Correct (NTC), which require the property owners to replant trees at a rate of two for every one that was improperly trimmed. One property owner at 868 North Virgil Avenue has reportedly ignored this notice, causing the case to be forwarded to the city attorney’s Administrative Citation Enforcement (ACE) program. An administrative hearing set for mid-April was missed by the property owner, and failure to address the issue could result in possible criminal charges from the city attorney.

Recent reports also highlighted an unauthorized trimming incident involving a singular trumpet tree at 718 Virgil Avenue. Authorities are hopeful for compliance from this property owner to avoid escalating the situation further.

The issue was brought to public attention following a complaint from resident Gary Benjamin, who witnessed the illegal trimming and documented the incident with photographs last August. Community concerns have emerged regarding unauthorized trimming practices, particularly the fear that such activities may be motivated by a desire to enhance storefront visibility, posing a threat to the community’s green spaces.

In addition to these incidents, April has seen a surge in tree-related conflicts, including instances of individuals illegally using chainsaws on trees in Downtown Los Angeles. This situation is coupled with the context of Mayor Karen Bass’s proposed budget that aims to reduce funding for tree maintenance, potentially slowing the city’s response to tree emergencies.

The pink trumpet trees, known for their striking pink flowers, were initially planted in the 1990s as part of a community initiative to enhance the neighborhood. The planting of these trees was facilitated through a Los Angeles Neighborhood Initiative (LANI) grant, driven by a collaborative effort among diverse residents. Over the years, these trees have become iconic symbols of the predominantly Latino neighborhood, contributing significantly to the transformation of Virgil Avenue into a lively area adorned with both trees and murals.

Despite the city’s requirement for a 2:1 replacement ratio for trimmed trees, many community members have expressed dissatisfaction with this measure. They argue that such replacements do not adequately address the historical loss of these trees, which have become integral to the neighborhood’s identity and overall quality of life. Concerns continue to rise regarding the long-term implications of the removal of these trees on the character and environment of the area.

As the situation unfolds, residents and city officials remain vigilant about protecting the historic pink trumpet trees that have become such an important part of East Hollywood’s community fabric.