THOUSAND OAKS : Fallen Oak Prompts Claim of $79,705

An insurance company that had to compensate a Thousand Oaks auto dealer for 12 cars smashed by a falling oak tree is seeking $79,705 from the city.

Stan Matalon, an attorney representing the Truck Insurance Exchange of Los Angeles, said Thousand Oaks was responsible for maintaining and protecting the 60-foot oak that dented or destroyed the new cars when it fell at Neftin Westlake Volvo June 23.

The carrier has filed a claim against the city for the damages it had to pay auto dealer Howard Neftin.

Neftin said Thousand Oaks had denied him permission to chop down the 300-year-old tree after he filed plans to expand his dealership on Duesenberg Drive. Oaks are protected under an ordinance that requires builders and landowners to obtain a permit from the city before chopping down or trimming the majestic trees.