Calabasas Oak’s Survival Is Threatened by Cutting

So, The Times finally printed a correction (July 28) stating that “Tree Boards Cut No Slack” (July 22) omitted to mention that the tree the Schargs cut wasn’t even on their property. It was on mine.

They didn’t “trim a few branches.” Because of their actions the tree’s survival is now threatened.

In an extreme hillside area like this, these trees serve a crucial function. Their root systems help to keep the hillside stable. If this tree does die as a result of the Schargs’ actions, the ramifications are enormous. This large old oak tree is on the hill above my house. There is a safety issue, with potential problems for my property and those below us.

I feel that The Times was in search of a suitable “victim” for its story about tree boards punishing citizens. It chose the wrong case as an example. I don’t know which is currently in worse shape--my butchered tree or your journalistic integrity.

Patrick Seymour

Calabasas