Scaled-Back Tree Removal By Power Company Is OK, City Officials Say
Written by 991KBU on May 14, 2019
Removing some trees … and trimming branches that get too close to power lines … has begun in western Malibu.
Southern California Edison tree trimmers are working to reduce fire dangers.
City council members said last night they are satisfied that the company is now taking proper steps … including consulting with botanists and property owners.
Edison community relations director Rudy Gonzalez said the company really does not want to cut down any tree that it can save.
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“Removal would be a last resort to comply with the law and to ensure public safety .
“And one thing that maybe many folks are not aware of is what will remove or discard an old tree and replace it with a new tree at no cost to the customer.
“We will make sure that we work with residents and we eliminate problem trees and plant trees that’ll be less intrusive.
When Edison first announced plans to cut or trim as many as 3 thousand trees in Malibu … communjty activists flew into action.
The city negotiated terms with the power company … and Edison promised to follow city rules.
City council member karen Farrer said she was impressed by the Edison effort.
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“I felt like, wow, you guys are really trying.
“And you are aware and you are not just topping trees /
“And you’re not just cutting down everything down … to suit your purpose.”
And so far … so good.
It does not appear that any large number of residents are complainIng about the scaled-back tree trimming project.
