CITY HALL
The Glendale Chamber of Commerce celebrated several outstanding members of the community Thursday at its annual awards luncheon at the Hilton Glendale. Attendees then heard about the state of the city.
Approximately 350 guests and dignitaries packed the Hilton ballroom to socialize, hear an update on the city and to recognize the city's civic leaders.
Milano's Cucina Italiana, on Brand Boulevard, was honored as Business of the Year for owner Harry Hall's contributions to the community, said Judee Kendall, executive vice president of the chamber.
Next on the awards list was Leonard La Bella of Verdugo Hills Hospital, who was named chief executive of the year.
La Bella has been instrumental in bringing financial stability to the hospital and giving back to the community, Kendall said.
Under the amended ordinance, if a protected tree is cut down without a permit, the violator will have to pay double the assessed value of the tree and will be charged with a misdemeanor — which could result in a fine or prison time.
Previously, a violator only had to pay the assessed value of the tree — not double the tree's value.
The amendments to the ordinance — which protects oak, bay and sycamore trees — also prohibit excessive pruning of trees and reduce the minimum size a tree needs to be in order to be protected.
Oaks, sycamores and bays with trunks measuring 6 inches or more in diameter are now protected. Diameter of the trees should be measured at a height of 4 1/2 feet from the ground, City Park Services Manager William McKinley.
The issue was originally brought up at Thursday's regular council meeting, but council members held off on the decision to consider if forming the committee would cross paths with another arts advocacy group — the Crescenta Valley Arts Council.
