Woodland, California Development News

City Council Upholds Violation for Alleged Poisoning of 4th Street Trees

The City Council considered an appeal by Gabriel Ledesma regarding a notice of violation and stop work order issued for his property at 652 4th Street. The order was related to the alleged poisoning of two city-owned London plane trees. City staff presented evidence including drill holes smelling of herbicide, visual signs of tree distress, and Mr. Ledesma's prior requests for tree removal. Mr. Ledesma denied poisoning the trees, claiming he has lived with them for over 40 years and has never intended to harm them. He suggested other neighbors might be responsible or that a scam artist was involved. Several neighbors and members of the Woodland Tree Foundation testified, urging the council to uphold the violation and emphasize the importance of protecting the urban forest. The council voted to sustain the city's position and uphold the notice of violation and stop work order, citing a preponderance of evidence, and authorized legal counsel to prepare a formal resolution.