Hearing Set Over Fine for Destruction of Oaks Near Ojai

A Feb. 2 hearing has been set for an Ojai Valley property owner accused of failing to make payments on a $500,000 court-ordered fine imposed after he was found guilty of razing oak trees on his land two years ago.

William Kaddis, 58, recently asked the appellate division of the Ventura County Superior Court to delay compliance with the financial terms of his probation. A three-judge panel rejected the request last month.

Now, Ventura County probation officers are recommending that Kaddis serve a month in jail for violating his probation.

At a hearing Friday, Kaddis’ new attorney, Charles U. Odiase, said his client was not able to pay the fine and would ask the court for eight more weeks to comply.