Problems With Street Trees

Re “Street Trees,” Letters to the Valley Edition, Jan. 2.

I am responding to Francine Oschin’s letter concerning the city’s street tree problem. As a resident of the San Fernando Valley, I am also very concerned about this problem and agree with much of what Oschin had to say. However, I was astounded to read that she, of all people, was complaining about the city being 17 years behind schedule for tree trimming when she, herself, works for Councilman Hal Bernson, a 21-year veteran of the City Council!

To whom exactly is Oschin referring when she demands that the council “reassess its priorities” and then states that “we don’t want to hear any more excuses?” Indeed, I’m curious to know what Bernson has done in his two decades of service to help resolve this serious problem, and furthermore, what has Oschin done as a member of his staff to address her own sense of urgency in this matter? I cannot help but feel shocked and dismayed by Oschin’s letter, when she herself serves as a deputy for one of the very individuals to whom her complaint is directed. That is, unless she is excusing herself and her own boss for the city’s lack of service through the course of his tenure in office. I wonder what excuse she would give the residents of Los Angeles and the west San Fernando Valley whom they represent?

SETH ROSEN

Northridge