Temple Accepts Students’ Apology

UCLA fraternity members caught cutting palm fronds for party decorations from a tree at a Pacific Palisades synagogue Friday apologized and were forgiven by temple officials.

“We feel this was just mischief--no other motive,” said Peppy Stern, a Kehillath Israel Synagogue spokeswoman.

Police said the 30 fraternity members would not be charged, and temple officials accepted their offer to replace the damaged tree. Patrolling officers caught the fraternity members before dawn chopping down the fronds in front of the temple on Sunset Boulevard. The fraternity members, who had arrived in a large flat-bed truck, told police they were gathering the fronds for a weekend party.