Fox News regular Grant Haber cuts down neighbor's trees for better view. Facing HUGE penalties

[Hortensis]

52. When we lived in SoCal, $50,000 was the maximum fine for

illegally removing an indigenous, native tree. Trees are much rarer and slower growing in CA's Mediterranean climate areas than temperate, and even modest work on them, such as trimming, is regulated, often requiring a permit.

A new resident in our mountainside neighborhood of small lots had a mature native oak removed in one day which had overhung, shaded, and was precious to the devastated owners of four adjacent properties. He was fined the max, $50,000, plus other penalties. This was $50K 30 years ago when middle class incomes and RE values were significantly lower than now.

These basic fines in this context aren't impressive. If the court doesn't require replacement with like, agree a nice pig pen upwind of this guy's pool and home would be appropriate.