‘Oaks Are Dying’

* Re “Researchers Struggle to Save State’s Oak Trees,” Sept. 28: The evidence is steadily mounting that there is a terrible epidemic attacking oak trees in coastal California. Yet this epidemic has been ignored by the Legislature, which recently turned aside a bill providing $5 million in funds to fight the disease that is killing the trees. Contrast this action with the $30-million-plus pledged by lawmakers to stop the spread of Pierce’s disease, which is attacking the state’s vineyards.

These beautiful trees provide 11 million acres of wildlife habitat and watershed. As a wildlife activist and someone who would prefer the shade of an oak to the buzz of chardonnay, I urge our lawmakers to act quickly. The oaks are dying.

ANN CROZIER

Ojai