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