Man Accused of Ruining Rare Species' Habitat

The city attorney filed vandalism charges Thursday against Robert Jan Vandehoek for allegedly cutting down plants that are part of endangered species' habitats in the Ballona Wetlands.

Vandehoek was charged with multiple counts for allegedly destroying myoporum shrubs, killing a ficus tree and violating laws prohibiting the cutting of plant life without city approval.

The vegetation that was destroyed was known to be home to several rare and endangered bird species, officials said.