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'Treegate,' The Hollywood Strikes' First Conspirary Theory, Is Over
Before and after views of the street corner where WGA members were striking outside of Universal Studios.
(
Courtesy of Chris Stephens
)
The controversy over a line of mysteriously pruned trees along a Hollywood actors and writers picketing route has ended in a fine.
Universal Studios has been fined $250 for stripping the trees bare without a permit, according to L.A. City Controller Kenneth Mejia in a tweet on Friday.
INVESTIGATION 🌳 UPDATE:
— LA City Controller Kenneth Mejia (@lacontroller) July 21, 2023
StreetsLA has informed us that they are issuing a citation in the amount of $250 (first-time offense) to Universal Studios. The citation alleges a violation of trimming trees without a city permit.
Outdated laws limit penalties the City can issue. https://t.co/8ge7LElRao pic.twitter.com/T1jOWvXEB4
The amount is the highest for a first-time unpermitted tree-trimming offense.
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Members of the Writers Guild of America had been picketing outside Gate 8 at the corner of Barham Boulevard and Forest Lawn Drive, partially protected from the sun by a row of trees along the sidewalk.
It was discovered after last weekend that the trees were pruned, leaving some to wonder if the studio was behind the action.
The incident quickly came to symbolize the tension between the studios and striking writers and actors, leading some people to dub it "Treegate."
About The WGA and SAG-AFTRA Strikes
The Writers Guild of America (WGA) and the Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA) have been negotiating for new contracts with Hollywood's studios, collectively known as the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers.
The WGA went on strike May 2. It is the first WGA strike in 15 years; the last work stoppage began in November 2007 and lasted 100 days.
SAG-AFTRA went on strike July 13. It marked the first time Hollywood performers and writers have simultaneously walked off the job since 1960.
- What WGA wants
- What SAG-AFTRA wants
- What AMPTP has said in response
- Affected by the strike? Here are some resources.
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
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