The City Council of Oakland has imposed a fine of nearly $1 million on Nigerian medical doctor Matthew Bernard and his wife, Lynn Warner, over the alleged removal of 38 protected trees around their property on Claremont Avenue.
The decision followed a public hearing held on Tuesday, May 5, where residents reportedly urged city officials to strictly enforce local tree protection laws. Community members argued that the trees were important for wildfire prevention, environmental preservation, and public health.
During the hearing, Bernard defended the tree removal, stating that the action was taken based on advice from an arborist. According to him, the trees removed nearly four years ago were “dead, dying, leaning,” or otherwise considered dangerous.
Despite the explanation, city authorities disagreed and imposed a total fine of $915,135.40 on the couple. Reports also stated that the council placed a claim on the property, a move that could reportedly restrict the owners from selling or developing the land until the penalty is resolved.
Reacting to the matter, community tree specialist Erys Gagnez stressed that mature trees of that scale cannot easily be replaced.
According to Gagnez, even with replanting efforts, it could take decades or even centuries for the environmental and ecological value of the lost trees to fully recover.
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