$1 million fine for a landowner who chopped trees? Oakland officials can't decide

"Property owners Matthew Bernard and Lynn Warner may face close to $1 million in fines for chopping down 38 trees there between 2021 and 2022 despite multiple warnings from city staff, police, and neighbors that they needed permits."

"The no-voters later tried to approve a smaller fine of around $417,000, representing only the trees that were outside of the exact area the couple might develop a house on. That motion failed, with four officials unwilling to reduce the full amount."

"Councilmember Janani Ramachandran, who represents the district where the property is located, reprimanded her colleagues in a press release, calling the Claremont cuttings 'the most egregious tree removal violation case in the city's history.'"

The Claremont Avenue property in Oakland, once covered in oak trees, is now under scrutiny after owners Matthew Bernard and Lynn Warner cut down 38 trees without permits. Despite warnings, they face fines nearing $1 million. The City Council is split on whether to enforce these fines, with some members supporting the full amount while others propose a reduced fine. Councilmember Janani Ramachandran condemned the tree removal as a significant violation, emphasizing the need for accountability to prevent setting a dangerous precedent.

Read at The Oaklandside