The City Council Tuesday asked city counsel to update and strengthen penalties for individuals who harm trees in Los Angeles — a move that comes after a man used a chainsaw to cut down a dozen trees in downtown earlier this year.

In a 13-0 vote, council members approved a motion introduced by Councilwoman Ysabel Jurado, who represents downtown neighborhoods. Council members Adrin Nazarian and Marqueece Harris-Dawson were absent during the vote.

City officials have proposed tiered penalties based on the age, extent of injury and percentage of tree canopy lost, as well as the creation of an outreach plan to boost awareness of the city’s regulations protecting trees.

Council members requested the report within 15 days for their consideration.

In May, Jurado joined conservation groups and

See Full Page