On Monday, Oct. 29, a judge ruled that UC Berkeley police can removetree-sitters from the threatened oak grove on UC Berkeley campus, where activists have been defending the grove from the University's development plans since last Dec. 2. There are two different actions that have been in court in recent months: Three lawsuits challenging the University's plans to level the oakgrove to build a sports training facility have been in court sincelate in 2006 (Those lawsuits were combined in one court action, but remain separate challenges, one filed by the City of Berkeley, one bythe Panoramic Hills Association and a third by non-profits includingthe California Oak Foundation). The long-awaited trial endedrecently, but a judgement is not expected until the second week in November at the earliest. This would determine whether the Universitycan legally go ahead with their plans. Yesterday's decision stemmed from a lawsuit filed by UC Berkeleyseeking more authority to remove and fine the tree-sitters, even if they don't know who they are. What the implications are for tree-sitsupporters on the ground is being determined by campaign organizers.But suffice to say, if UC law enforcement moves in against thetree-sitters, we will need to rally support for the brave andstalwart tree-dwellers, for the loyal ground support, and for thetrees themselves.Stay tuned. Check the website: http://www.saveoaks.com/. You can call the grove ground support at 510-938-2109. We will do our best to get an alert out on email if the situationarise where support is needed. But it is always a good idea to goby the grove with food, a donation or expression of support. It is located on Piedmont Avenue just north of Bancroft St. and theInternational House.
-- Bay Area Coalition for Headwaters (BACH)
2530 San Pablo Ave.
Berkeley, CA 94702
phone: 510 548 3113
email: bach@headwaterspreserve.org
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