A Bay Area couple in Oakland, California, is fined about $915,000 after officials say they illegally removed protected trees from their hillside property without required permits. Multiple outlets report that the landowners—identified as Matthew Bernard and Lynn Warner—cleared trees despite prior city warnings and in violation of Oakland’s protected tree rules. The Independent and Washington Times state the fine is $915,135 for cutting down 38 trees, and the Washington Times notes the Oakland City Council votes to impose the penalty. Other reports characterize the total as nearly $1 million, but all describe the same case and outcome. The outlets agree that the conduct involved removing 38 trees and that the lack of permits is central to the violation. The city’s action reflects enforcement of local tree protection laws, with the couple facing a substantial financial penalty following the council decision.