UCB Tree-sitters dig in

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UC Berkeley has completed the construction of a second barbed-wire fence around the Memorial Oak Grove, costing $80,000, enclosing approximately ten tree-sitters inside, and can fine or arrest anyone acting "in concert" with the tree-sitters.

Exactly what constitutes "acting in concert" is debateable. Anyone handing anything up to the trees: food, water, or supplies (ex. buckets for human waste), is subject to a $1,000 fine and/or five days in jail. UCPD officers have alleged that talking to tree-sitters is a violation.

UC Police have not wasted any time in over-reaching their enforcement of this ambiguity. Police presence and harrassment has increased since the completion of the fence. UCPD officers are randomly threatening
supporters for simply being on site. They have intentionally provoked ground-supporters by stealing personal property. Zachary Running Wolf, Native American elder and one of the original tree-sitters, was illegally arrested twice this week by UCPD. Over the last week UCPD has been arresting one person per day on average.

Harassment of the tree-sitters has increased as well. Intense lights powered by noisy gas-generators are pointed upwards into the trees at the sitters every night, making a good nights rest impossible.

It appears that UC Berkeley has halted plans to forcefully remove the tree-sitters. Instead, UC is hoping a "starve-out" strategy will force them down by isolating them from ground support, depriving them of sleep, warm food, and water.

In addition, on Friday, Nov. 16th, UCB wrote a letter to Judge Barbara Miller asking her to amend her previous ruling prohibiting any cutting of the trees. UCB aims to further isolate the tree-sitters by cutting branches over the sidewalk where they can more easily interact with the ground support. UCB has already violated the injunction during the construction of the 2nd fence, by cutting trunks from two Bay Laurel trees in the Oak Grove.

We, who support the tree-sit and the preservation of the grove, ask the UC Berkeley administration to stop police harrassment, stop the use of bright noisy lights as night, allow the removal of human waste from the trees, and the continued open supply of food and water. The current conditions at the grove are inhumane, and casts a dim light on the UC administration in the public eye.

If the public would like to express their opinion to the UC adminstration, contact the Chancellor's office at:

Office of the Chancellor
200 California Hall # 1500
University of California
Berkeley, CA 94720-1500

Phone (510) 642-7464
Fax (510) 643-5499
chancellor [at] berkeley.edu