A belated Tu Bishvat to all of Chicken Corner's tree lovers. It happened a few days ago, but better late than never -- Tu Bishvat is the Jewish new year for trees. It take place on the 15th day of the Jewish month of Shevat, which was Feb. 8.

Chicken Corner is lobbying for a Valentine's Day for trees.

This said, despite the holiday, it hasn't been a happy new year for tree lovers in Echo Park. About two dozen were cut down on the site of the former Semi-Spiritualists' tract and adjacent lots (near Alessandro and Moran), and according to some residents permits hadn't been granted for their removal. Which doesn't mean they're not gone.