The OAKS remain strong! And so do the tree-sitters!

As some of you know, there has been an effort afoot to save the oaks from a university-carried out clearcut, since the university's intention to expand their sports stadium was announced. On December 2, activists put platforms in the branches of these beautiful grandmother oaks, and sitters remain aloft, through the wet and cold weather we have had. The people coming to the defense of the oaks has grown and diversified, with neighbors, students, city of Berkeley officials, Humboldt county tree climbers and many others bringing their voices, strong spirit and love of the trees.

There will be a SOLSTICE GATHERING at the grove at 5 pm (dusk) on Thursday, Dec. 21. Bring candles and dress warmly!

There are several lawsuits filed against UCB, including one just field by the City of Berkeley, that argue that seismic safety issues have not been adequately adressed, given that the stadium and the planned expansion site squarely on the Hayward fault. Other litigants include the Panoramic Hills Neighborhood Association, Save the Oaks and the California Oak Foundation. There is a story in today's Oakland Tribune about the City's lawsuit, and frequent stories in the Berkeley Daily Planet, including one in the current issue about last Saturday's wonderful day-long support rally.


SUPPORT NEEDED FOR THE TREE-SITTERS

With students leaving for holiday break, more people are needed to help with ground support for the sits. There is a tarped area with information, friendly people to greet the public, and musicians dropping by to serenade the arboreal activists. You can be one of those friendly people! The grove is on Piedmont Avenue, just north of Bancroft Ave. and visits short and long are encouraged. Needs at the moment include warm hats and gloves, and long johns, particularly fabric that is good in wet weather. You can get more information from http://www.saveoaks.com, or better yet, by visiting the grove. See you at the oaks!
--

Bay Area Coalition for Headwaters (BACH)

2530 San Pablo Ave.
Berkeley, CA 94702
phone: 510 548 3113
email: bach [at] headwaterspreserve.org

http://www.HeadwatersPreserve.org