Former Commissioner Target of Arson, Police Say
A former Sierra Madre tree commissioner at the center of a recent controversy was the target of arson that damaged his truck and van, police said Thursday.
Police are investigating the Tuesday night blaze that damaged the vehicles of landscaper Lew Watanabe, said Police Chief Chris Christensen. “Someone was trying to send a message,” the chief said.
Last month, Watanabe was one of three former commissioners accused of conflict of interest in a complaint filed with the state. After this allegation, the City Council disbanded the Tree Preservation Commission.
A state inquiry is underway into allegations by attorney Linda Thornton that Watanabe went to work in 1994 for a developer whose project he had inspected as a tree commissioner. Watanabe has denied any wrongdoing.
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