tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7179311615101890268.post8593276925558587976..comments2023-11-05T01:14:14.295-07:00Comments on The Real Estalker: Let's Talk Larry Ellison: Trees and Other ThingsYour Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14600002907755148264noreply@blogger.comBlogger27125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7179311615101890268.post-86149316091616319592011-06-13T19:16:55.530-07:002011-06-13T19:16:55.530-07:00Larry needs to spend less time in SF and more time...Larry needs to spend less time in SF and more time on that fancy yacht of his...<br />But really, cut back the trees dear neighbor and stop the fighting. Larry has a right to the view and you're no doubt some too-rich snot that just wants to yank his chain.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7179311615101890268.post-69264932582972285912011-06-07T20:21:14.028-07:002011-06-07T20:21:14.028-07:00I'm convinced what Ellison really wanted was t...I'm convinced what Ellison really wanted was the von Bothmers' lovely, very private home with views and gardens with big old redwoods for himself. When he finally realized they were not going to sell to him at any price, he decided to go after their trees instead. Wonder how many days a year he really spends at this Broadway home anyway?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7179311615101890268.post-68497814561596322752011-06-07T19:43:10.256-07:002011-06-07T19:43:10.256-07:00Anon June 7, 2011 6:44 AM, kudos to you: your pos...Anon June 7, 2011 6:44 AM, kudos to you: your post is the first time I've seen "charitable" and "Ellison" in the same sentence. Just for fun, now I'll go google it & see what comes up. He might well be a major donor somewhere (Americas Cup doesn't count). Stranger things have happened.<br /><br />And thanks to other chirruns for pointing out that the vonBs have done more than many would've to please the lovely Mister E. They were there first, and the trees were there long before either they or Mister E, unless we are speaking of him in his alter ego, God, in which case he really was there first. <br /><br />Cranky Old FoopAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7179311615101890268.post-23783119057925239992011-06-07T14:06:40.533-07:002011-06-07T14:06:40.533-07:00To the anonymous commenter who called the neighbor...To the anonymous commenter who called the neighbors assholes who enjoyed pissing off Ellison:<br /><br />Did it ever occur to you that they have rights too, and that they loved their trees and privacy? It's not as if they haven't been topping their trees for Ellison for years now. <br />What this is really about is Ellison bullying the family because they wouldn't sell them their house.<br />I admire them for standing up to this bulldozer.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7179311615101890268.post-38768941704751163792011-06-07T13:11:01.219-07:002011-06-07T13:11:01.219-07:00In 2004, VBs purchased home with massive, mature t...In 2004, VBs purchased home with massive, mature trees (In 2004, 80-100 year old acacia was listed as largest in the state and is now 2nd largest, redwoods planted 1959. VBs had thinned and lowered trees over years, much per LE's requests, (spending over $18K and over 300 Certified Arborist hours), and offered to top them even further prior to lawsuit, but offers rejected. VBs decided it wasn't worth going to trial over trees, so redwoods topped to 2nd level floor + 2 feet of LE's house (topped 22+ feet) and acacia is 2nd level + 7 feet. All other trees on property must be topped/maintained bi-annually and/or annually to LE's the floor of LE's 2nd level. <br /><br />No money changed hands.Pat Johnstonenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7179311615101890268.post-35881394082799864332011-06-07T11:53:14.090-07:002011-06-07T11:53:14.090-07:00Ellison's got more money than he knows what to...Ellison's got more money than he knows what to do with. Maybe an offer of 100 million or so (loose change to him) would persuade his neighbors to relent. Why doesn't he try? I'd love to see Ellison pay 100 million for his view.chrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16656205857395104156noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7179311615101890268.post-66271765003082437632011-06-07T11:43:54.823-07:002011-06-07T11:43:54.823-07:00Proof positive that money is indeed the great equa...Proof positive that money is indeed the great equalizer. No one person's money is "better" than any others' ––– and some people cannot be bought at any price. Back in the dark ages in catechism class we called that "integrity"; the good Rebbe echoes my sentiments.<br /><br />Sticking to you guns, whether because you're a bona fide tree-hugger, a staunch property rights supporter, or just out of sheer cussedness, seems to me to be the quintessential Amercan Way ... (<i>cue "Stars and Stripes" here</i>)<br /><br />;-)<br /><br />On a business trip, this lil' gay boy was privileged, a decade or so ago, to attend a rather swish dinner party with Ms. Rosekrans; she was definitely of the old school, where one employed their breeding & manners in making others comfortable; something sadly archaic & anachronistic these days. And she was a hoot, too!<br /><br />Out of Gates, Jobs & Ellison (PCs, Macs & the networks that connect them), only Jobs seems to have been unaffected by billionairetiasis in opting for a sensible, 4 bedroom $8.5MM <a href="http://gizmodo.com/5649909/the-house-that-steve-jobs-will-build" rel="nofollow">home</a> (if he lives that long) ––– all the rest is just gravy, and nice if you can afford it; but without a certain discipline, you wind up with a rambling egofest like Gates or a private amusement park like Ellison's Japanese village.<br /><br />As for the others, Ellison's daughter, with a leg up & daddy's seed money, is making an attempt <i>not</i> to lead the life of a dissolute wastrel, with a compound of homes that comprise an enviable workspace. Here on LI one may be surprised to find that Tepper's demolition of the <a href="http://www.bing.com/maps/?v=2&cp=qtk2dc8z9gzj&lvl=19.173536328958715&dir=355.8064862834565&sty=b&form=LMLTCCl" rel="nofollow">Corzine pile</a> has been met with anticipation; it was an architectural eyesore, and folks are eager to see if the new house is even <i>worse</i> than the one demolished.lil' gay boyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10115496241247504856noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7179311615101890268.post-80320346720265507212011-06-07T11:27:21.240-07:002011-06-07T11:27:21.240-07:00I love those trees, they are the ONLY things on th...I love those trees, they are the ONLY things on that street that don't smell like piss...Trixie von Trottnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7179311615101890268.post-30393307330557130422011-06-07T10:06:25.082-07:002011-06-07T10:06:25.082-07:00Mama:
A week ago I was going to suggest that you ...Mama:<br /><br />A week ago I was going to suggest that you critique the Ellison-von Bothmers kerfuffle in your own inimitable style, and am delighted that proceeded on your own. <br /><br />I am very familiar with San Francisco and with the Pacific-Broadway-Vallejo Street blocks of the featured Pacific Heights families and their residences. Let me concur with many of the Children in stating that views are not legally protected in San Francisco. New construction frequently blocks decades or even century-old views once accessible from older homes, and old trees gradually grow and eclipse views as well. Very infrequently, well-connected San Franciscan home owners are able to prevail in a special-use or site-review hearing and downscale proposed new construction. <br /><br />I find it equally surprising and refreshing that Ellison was unable to "buy" his Pacific Heights representative on the Board of Supervisors, or another well-placed City official to "influence and/or motivate" the von Bothmers to trim their trees, under the guise of preventing possible future damage from falling limbs. <br /><br />Rabbi Hedda LaTessAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7179311615101890268.post-10330821542003892652011-06-07T09:43:54.343-07:002011-06-07T09:43:54.343-07:00I wish that folks who tear down perfectly good hou...I wish that folks who tear down perfectly good houses, especially the show stoppers, would first dismantle and recycle all those doors and windows and tiles and appliances. Tear downs don't need to be such a waste. <br /><br />Also, topping trees does not kill them. <br /><br />A perspective -- EVERY historic house, mansion, castle, chateau, villa or pile ever built was once considered a exercise in ostentatious taste and too much money. History repeats itself. For a great read get Bill Bryson's AT HOME.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7179311615101890268.post-58001472428886208042011-06-07T09:40:09.879-07:002011-06-07T09:40:09.879-07:00The neighbors sound like assholes ... is a few ft ...The neighbors sound like assholes ... is a few ft off the top of those trees really going to have any impact on their lives? No! They probably just like the fact they're pissing off a billionaire. I'd have just chopped them, dealt with the consequences afterwards.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7179311615101890268.post-74219028895050047822011-06-07T06:53:55.396-07:002011-06-07T06:53:55.396-07:00What a load........super richies in a super snit o...What a load........super richies in a super snit over trees.<br /><br />My God, how will the world continue to spin?<br /><br />Welcome to the Left Coast.<br /><br />***midTNnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7179311615101890268.post-62487347023882252362011-06-07T06:48:36.955-07:002011-06-07T06:48:36.955-07:00The "horrifically expensive" link doesn&...The "horrifically expensive" link doesn't work for me, but the "wacky" one does. Just thought you'd like to know, Mama.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7179311615101890268.post-61567972399157563112011-06-07T06:48:31.090-07:002011-06-07T06:48:31.090-07:00angie - there is a difference between "trimmi...angie - there is a difference between "trimming" trees and "topping" trees. the latter will probably kill them.<br /><br />I'd be bummed if my view was being obstructed, but in this case I hope the trees and less-lawyered neighbors win. <br /><br />Guess money can't buy everything after all.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7179311615101890268.post-57689889027929357642011-06-07T06:44:50.230-07:002011-06-07T06:44:50.230-07:00Ellison makes Gates seem modest. As far as I know ...Ellison makes Gates seem modest. As far as I know Gates has one (big and lavish) house that he inhabits and that is enough for him. Of course Ellison has enough moola to buy a lot more houses if he wanted them, unlike Nic Cage who just imagined he was super rich. (BTW Oracle, Ellison's company, has done better long run than Microsoft that has gotten stagnant in the stock market with no appreciation much as all in the last ten years). Gates total wealth still tops Ellison I gather but not by much. I don't know how charitable Ellison is; Gates at least is very given to charity. I suspect Ellison is more into self indulgence (a la Paul Allen) and is probably a less admirable human being. I am not surprised he would be in a nasty conflict with his neighbors.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7179311615101890268.post-67721422131830645302011-06-07T05:48:17.204-07:002011-06-07T05:48:17.204-07:00Their trees and property, not his. Screw these bil...Their trees and property, not his. Screw these billionaires. Ellison thinks he is god. god in the lowercase suits him just fine.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7179311615101890268.post-5643239249479161052011-06-06T21:53:16.883-07:002011-06-06T21:53:16.883-07:00I wouldn't top those beautiful trees. He would...I wouldn't top those beautiful trees. He would just have to get over it.nursedebnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7179311615101890268.post-27270190668226576492011-06-06T21:17:20.169-07:002011-06-06T21:17:20.169-07:00I love that neighborhood.I love that neighborhood.micanichihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18354737194319469634noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7179311615101890268.post-40830919126754655872011-06-06T20:56:32.719-07:002011-06-06T20:56:32.719-07:00Cranky, I understand what you're saying. Still...Cranky, I understand what you're saying. Still, the von Bothmers have stubbornly refused any compromise, ruining Ellison's view, negatively impacting the enjoyment of his home and it's value, and maintaining a 10 year long protracted battle with their neighbor - all over some trees which they are only being asked to trim. All things considered, it's a reasonable request. <br /><br />Their repudiation of a reasonable resolution makes them unreasonable by default, which begs the question, Why? There is more going on here than just trees. They are enjoying the control they are able to exert over a mega rich billionaire on some level, and for less than noble reasons.angienoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7179311615101890268.post-89585464021847723502011-06-06T18:22:25.505-07:002011-06-06T18:22:25.505-07:00Angie, I don't think the von Bothmers are the ...Angie, I don't think the von Bothmers are the jerks in this case. The estimable Mister Ellison offered to buy their house, presumably so he could then legally top the trees, and when they refused to sell he filed the lawsuit in a towering snit at not getting his way. The vonBs also found a tree trimming crew in their trees one fine day, which of course they hadn't requested, but Mister E is rumored to have done. <br /><br />Does Mister E not have eyes with which to see? Did he miss the presence of great big redwood trees when he toured the property before he bought? I'd guess he never toured the property; he undoubtedly has people to do that for him, so a head or 2 has probably rolled on Mister E's discovery that trees, yes, grow taller. All by themselves. He has been, after all, busy the past few years overseeing the construction of a Japanese village in otherwise quiet and low key Woodside.<br /><br />His lawsuit is basically a nuisance since it's pretty well established in California law that there is no such thing as the "right to a view." Particularly if that which is "blocking" the view already existed when the complainer bought the property.<br /><br />-- Cranky Old FoopAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7179311615101890268.post-52990914037485467682011-06-06T17:39:03.645-07:002011-06-06T17:39:03.645-07:00Dodie Rosekrans was a most remarkable woman. Quic...Dodie Rosekrans was a most remarkable woman. Quick wit, generous, quirky, refined, lovely intelligent and most of all, fun.<br /><br />Her passing created a great void in the lives of those who knew her. Thanks Mama for your wonderful post today.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7179311615101890268.post-26207789434972869142011-06-06T16:45:51.309-07:002011-06-06T16:45:51.309-07:00the Picasso in question is "Couple a la Guita...the Picasso in question is "Couple a la Guitare". Last month Sotheby's auctioned Mme. Rosekrans' collection, the painting brought a "disappointing" $8.5 million. Faring better was another piece from her collection, "16 Jackies" by Andy Warhol, which fetched $20.2 million, just about half the reported sale price of her SF house.<br /><br />very interesting read today, Mama.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7179311615101890268.post-82132746660770219402011-06-06T16:14:47.195-07:002011-06-06T16:14:47.195-07:00The lady and the $40M house next door to Larry Ell...The lady and the $40M house next door to Larry Ellison is featured in the article linked below. I think the picture in Mama's blog is of the back of this mansion. <br /><br />http://www.thestylesaloniste.com/2010/05/private-realm-glamorous-philanthropic.htmlAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7179311615101890268.post-80055646231896170042011-06-06T16:06:56.155-07:002011-06-06T16:06:56.155-07:00Mama.. you are simply fabluous and keep us well in...Mama.. you are simply fabluous and keep us well informed for cocktail party chit chat on fabulous realestate! xxooAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7179311615101890268.post-56953949807669143402011-06-06T16:00:23.741-07:002011-06-06T16:00:23.741-07:00The von Bothmers are unwilling to budge an inch to...The von Bothmers are unwilling to budge an inch toward reaching a neighborly compromise, which tells me they are 1st rate jerks. They are probably secretly jealous that they can't afford $40MM for a home with a view like Mr. Ellison's, so they enjoy ruining his view. Disgusting.angienoreply@blogger.com