Tree cut in Dimond Park without permits, local resident asks 'Was this necessary?'
Local resident's snapshot of tree removed on Jan. 28, 2011 in the am as a hazard
Friday afternoon, an email from an upset Oakland resident landed in our mailbox that said:
"Today, Friday AM, the City's Tree Services removed an alder from creek side of the Sausal Creek in Dimond Park that leaned toward the tot lot.
No permit was posted because of a determination of imminent threat (presumably). This allowed a cut without consultation. How was a public risk determination made to justify the imminent threat?
The attached website photos shows the tree on the right side. This tree leans into the southern light and has always leaned. It was not about to fall and could have been trimmed.
This is action without consultation with FOSC is not new. This is exactly how the Dimond Oak was cut down in 2005- without regard for public process, under the cover of public safety.
This non-communication with FOSC is very discouraging, and disrespectful to all the work we do in Dimond Park."
What do you think? In your experience, do city workers check before cutting down trees, or it is slash now, apologize later?
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This is a RIDICULOUS article. If the tree hadn't been cut and killed someone, I bet Susan would say, why didn't the city address this immediately?
Civic involvement isn't micromanagement, Susan.
I suggest that everyone who reads this blog try to solve this problem: crime.
What do we do with repeat offenders, young black men involved in street crime/gangs/murders/armed robberies, latino gangs in East Oakland, prostitution, etc?
How do other countries deal with it? Swiftly.
We should too. Call Jean Quan and your local rep to advocate for terrorism charges and more frequent use of the death penalty. I am serious. This city (country) is a running joke abroad. No one gets murdered like we Oaklanders do just by being in the wrong place at the wrong time (which apparently means anyplace at anytime in Oakland)
Joni, first of all, Oakland Local reported on what a group of residents were saying, which is a core part of our mission--you are free to form your own conclusion.
Secondly, I'm concerned if due process isn't followed to cut down trees that are supposed to be permitted to be cut under city law. Did any of the trees in that photo look like there was an immediate hazard that justified just cutting them down? If yes, the photos sure dont show it.
And you want to give the death penalty to young men in Oakland who are repeat offenders for street crime or belong to a gang? WOW. You might want to check your facts about violence in Oakland. Sadly, most of the violence that results in death happens in poor neighborhoods where many of the young men you are suggesting we slap with the death penalty reside..not in the more affluent neighborhoods.
Susan, criminal justice should never take into account "socio-economic" objections. As a city, we must always favor the victims.
Yes, crime mostly happens in poor neighborhoods. But that fact is irrelevant in criminal proceedings. Third world countries that are much, much poorer treat homicide as deserving of the death penalty. Do you know that America is one of the top countries in terms of homicides between strangers, bystanders and others?
I'm offended by your apologist answer. It's outrageous to victims.
As for the trees: they don't have to "look" dangerous to be dangerous. They don't have to "precariously lean" over to be dangerous. They just have to be dry, overgrown, and in danger of collapsing in high winds or oversaturated soil. No one can tell if a tree is dangerous just be looking at a picture, Susan. How incredibly shortsighted. I suggest you tell the people who complained that they should consult with an arborist to get some basic info. I have no doubts that if that tree had fallen and killed someone, you and everyone who notified you about this tree would complain that our city didn't do a good job and someone would sue taxpayers.
Our city government is doing a fine job.
Oaklanders: Please contact our fed and state reps for tort reform, drastically cutting financial damages in cop-related lawsuits, use the death penalty more frequently for murders and armed robberies, and support John Russo.
So the city can just cut down any tree without a permit? Yeah, right, good idea.