Billionaire's Wife Sues City for 25 Grand

Del Mar City Council ordered T. Boone Pickens' wife to prune plants

The wife of a Texas oil tycoon is taking on the city of Del Mar.

In December, the City Council told T. Boone Pickens' wife, Madeleine, to prune plants at her $35 million Del Mar home. The order came after a neighbor complained that the plants blocked a view.
   
Pickens has sued, saying the order infringes on her property rights. She is seeking more than $25,000 in damages, arguing that no one disclosed the property had restrictions on the height of landscaping when she bought the home in 2007.
   
Del Mar enacted an ordinance in 2002 that allows residents to seek restoration of views dating back 10 years.
   
The Pickens split their time between San Diego and Texas.

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