CALIFORNIA IN BRIEF : SOLANA BEACH : Landlord Fined for Tree Trimming

A landlord who sparked a community uproar by ordering a tree-trimmer to strip a 50-foot eucalyptus tree, killing or stranding dozens of nesting black-crowned night herons, pleaded guilty to seven misdemeanor violations. Bruce Berend was fined $5,000, with $2,500 suspended and $2,500 to go to Project Wildlife. Berend also was ordered to perform 100 hours of volunteer work for Project Wildlife or a similar organization. The case received widespread attention after videotape of the tree-trimming, clearly showing baby herons falling out of the tree, was shown on local television. Neighbors protested Berend’s actions, but could not get him to stop.