According to ABC, the city of Los Angeles has ordered Universal Studios to pay an exorbitant fine for cutting down trees without a permit during the Writers Guild of America strike.

The City of Los Angeles has launched an investigation into Universal Studios and found it responsible for illegally cutting trees between Lakeside Drive and Barham Boulevard on July 15. A group of actors and screenwriters gathered there as part of ongoing protests. according to to ABC.

Protesters in Los Angeles interpreted the company’s actions as a tactic to prevent rallies due to high temperatures. But NBCUniversal said this was just “routine landscaping.” according to to KTLA. (Related: Universal Pictures, the trim tree used by striking writers for shade, is arguably one of the dumbest acts ever.)

City Controller Kenneth Mejia explained: Tweet The fine was $250, but the fine could reach $1,000 if the studio felled the tree again without a permit.

Universal Studios has been fined by the city of Los Angeles after trees were cut down near an area where actors and screenwriters were picketing. https://t.co/6M1a0P7ZaQ

— ABC 7 Chicago (@ABC7Chicago) July 22, 2023

“Currently, an investigation into unauthorized tree cutting is being conducted based on complaints,” Mejia wrote in multiple tweets. “We have also learned that permits to cut trees are issued immediately by the city.

Mejia added that the Street Service Authority, known as StreetsLA, is “underfunded and understaffed” and the city is unable to effectively protect the trees.

“Our findings indicate that the system is not working as intended,” he continued. “Our job as city guardians is to bring transparency and accountability to the systemic issues facing our city. The information we uncover empowers policymakers and the public to make a difference.”