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Indybay Feature

Thousands Attend Annual 420 Celebration at UC Santa Cruz

by Bradley Allen (bradley [at] bradleyallen.net)

Thousands of people, though not as many as in previous years, returned to Porter Meadow at UC Santa Cruz on April 20, 2014 (also Easter Sunday) to celebrate 420, the unorganized annual counterculture holiday. All these people have at least one thing in common; a love for smoking cannabis.

Although cannabis is widely consumed throughout California, only medicinal use is legal under state law. 420 (pronounced "Four Twenty") celebrations at UC Santa Cruz, and cities throughout the world, are public demonstrations in support of cannabis.

ucsc-420_1_4-20-14.jpg
[Photo: University of California Police walk past 420 attendees in UCSC's Porter Meadow.]

Similar to 420 in 2012 and 2013, many people preferred to be under the forest canopy bordering the meadow. In addition to smoking cannabis and socializing, people enjoyed live marching bands as well as music bumping from speakers under the trees, slacklining, hula hooping, and taking pictures with friends.

As in previous years, UC police officers surveilled the celebration, and men in orange vests documented attendees with video and still cameras.

If you would like more information about 420 at UCSC, please see:

Coverage of 420 at UC Santa Cruz

2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, & 2013
§UC Surveillance on 420 at UC Santa Cruz
by Bradley Allen
ucsc-420_2_4-20-14.jpg
§UCPD on Motorcycles at the Porter Meadow
by Bradley Allen
ucsc-420_6_4-20-14.jpg
§Slacklining on 420 at UC Santa Cruz
by Bradley Allen
ucsc-420_9_4-20-14.jpg
§Celebrating 420 at UC Santa Cruz
by Bradley Allen
ucsc-420_10_4-20-14.jpg
Add Your Comments

Comments (Hide Comments)
by Robert Norse
There's a joy throughout most of the photos, then comes "UCPD on Motorcycles at the Porter Meadow" and the chill hits the air.

Thanks, Bradley.
by Samuel P. Slug
healthy-high.pdf_600_.jpg
Student Response to April 20th
To: UCSC Undergrads
From: Shaz Umer, Chair, UCSC Student Union Assembly

April 18, 2014
UCSC was recently named second in the nation for research influence, as well as being voted a vegan friendly school, an environmental friendly campus, and an LGBT friendly community. However, it seems that it's 4-20 that we are best known for. Over the years this event has diminished UCSC's reputation.

We cannot let this culture continue; it is our responsibility to look out for our campus. The 'stoner' stereotype and image exists because we, the students, allow it to exist. We need to work hard to promote a new vision for UC Santa Cruz.

That's why I am asking all of you to not attend 4-20; instead, I'm encouraging you to attend a festival from 2 to 6 p.m. at OPERS East Field. This event includes a 5K race, soccer, Frisbee golf, volleyball, a climbing wall, a bounce hall, and more.

Don’t go to 4-20; it ruins our reputation.

Respectfully,
Shaz
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