Introducing Treegate: City Controller Kenneth Mejia is on a mission to uncover the truth behind the newly pruned Ficus trees outside Universal’s Gate 8. It all started when picketers, braving scorching 90-degree heat, noticed the thinning branches and raised the alarm. Surprisingly, the pine trees on the other side of Barham remained untouched, as did a row of pepper trees near the production gate.
In a series of fiery Tweets, Mejia declared that his office would launch an investigation into the Ficuses on Burham Boulevard, emphasizing that they are “LA City managed street trees.” The WGA picketers had brought attention to the dwindling numbers on Monday. Universal admitted to trimming the trees but claimed it was for “safety reasons,” although they acknowledged the unintended challenges it posed for the demonstrators.
“Trees are vital for providing Angelenos with environmental and public health benefits, especially during a heatwave,” Mejia passionately stated on Twitter. He further explained that the responsibility for maintaining the city’s 700,000+ trees in public spaces lies with the Public Works’ Bureau of Street Services (StreetsLA).
Mejia continued his thread, highlighting that the StreetsLA Investigation and Enforcement Division is responsible for enforcing codes related to street trees, including pruning or removal without a permit. Violations can result in code enforcement citations, he warned.
Meanwhile, the battle over the studio’s construction on Lankershim Boulevard and its impact on the ongoing strike has escalated. The WGA and SAG-AFTRA jointly filed a complaint with the National Labor Relations Board, citing the lack of safe pathways for union members to picket.
The Writers Guild of America, West, accused NBCUniversal Media of interfering with employees’ rights under Section 7 of the National Labor Relations Act. The interference allegedly included designating picketing locations where public sidewalks were covered with construction fencing, forcing picketers onto busy streets with heavy car traffic. The employer also refused to provide K-rail barriers for pedestrian walkways, despite the Los Angeles Police Department’s recommendation for public safety.
In response to the complaints, an NBCUniversal spokesperson released a statement asserting that the company had fulfilled its legal obligations under the National Labor Relations Act. They pledged to cooperate with any inquiries from the National Labor Relations Board and expressed their commitment to working with public agencies to improve access for demonstrators. They also affirmed their support for the unions’ right to demonstrate safely.
The WGAW filing concluded by condemning the employer’s “egregious and flagrant” illegal conduct and highlighting the irreparable harm caused by these violations. Treegate continues to unfold, and the truth behind the pruned Ficus trees and the safety of picketers hangs in the balance.
[RELATED: Dispatches From The Picket Lines: David Duchovny Joins ‘The X-Files’ Reunion As Rosario Dawson, Kaitlyn Dever & Hilary Duff Strike For “Fair” Deal On Residuals & AI]
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