NBCU Fined Only $250 Over ‘Tree-Gate’ as It Was a ‘First-Time Offense’

NBCU has been fined a mere $250 in the tree-trimming scandal that’s been dubbed “Treegate.”

The media company didn’t get the required city permit to cut the ficus trees along Barham Boulevard in Burbank, California. Striking actors and writers shared their suspicions on social media that depriving picketers of shade during 90-degree weather was the only reason for the unscheduled trimming.

As this is a “first-time offense,” NBCU received a minimal fine, according to StreetsLA. L.A. City Controller Kenneth Mejia noted on Twitter, “Outdated laws limit penalties the City can issue.”