Los Angeles no Longer a Tropical Paradise

aka YOU DONE TOOK MY PALMS.

L.A. to replace iconic palms

LOS ANGELES, California (AP) -- It's official: The tall, skinny palm trees that have come to define Los Angeles will be replaced with native species as they die of old age and disease.

The City Council on Monday agreed to replace the trees with oaks, sycamores and other native species that provide more shade and are native to Los Angeles.

The news will likely disappoint legions of fans who say the palms have become synonymous with the city's beaches, warm weather and movie stars. The palms were brought here 100 years ago or more from Latin America and other exotic locales.

Large numbers of palms are dying of a fungal disease, and tree surgeons don't know how to stop the bacteria that gets into the soil. Because new palms will likely fall victim to the same ailment, it doesn't make sense to replace dying palms with more palms.

The change goes into effect as the city begins Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa's goal to plant 1 million trees in Los Angeles.

Residents and business owners unable to stand the thought of Los Angeles losing its palms can still buy their own and plant them on their property.