Damaged Sidewalks

I can truly relate and testify to “On Sidewalk Repairs, First Step Is Toughest” (March 17). I am 24 and have lived in the same corner house since 1976. My mother called the city of Los Angeles several times in the early 1980s requesting repair of breaks and protrusions in the sidewalk. The breaks are from three city trees planted along the sidewalk. They are so severe, children cannot skate, ride bikes or even pull wagons on the sidewalk.

I have contacted the city once every two weeks, sometimes once a week, attempting to get someone to at least put a Band-Aid on the problem. The city informed me that they do not repair sidewalks, they will only trim the trees, and that the city is not liable for damages to property or persons as a result of damaged sidewalks. I was told I could not remove the trees without a permit. I am not a murderer, but I am debating committing murder on three trees.

FELICIA NIGHTINGALE-LOOT

Los Angeles