I happened to come across this article online today and was frankly so shocked by it that I had to share it with everyone. In the name of “sanitation,” the university has ordered part of People’s Park to be bulldozed. Trees planted back during the free speech movement of the 1970′s were uprooted. Besides sanitation, another incentive for this action will most likely be to ensure that the students of the new housing units (currently under construction) will have better views.
Many of our clients live in People’s Park. For the university to destroy the place that many people call home is callous and inconsiderate. According to the article, part of the destroyed area included the garden that was maintained by people in the park.
Any thoughts on the matter?
The timing of this maintenance project is rather suspect. This is just speculation, but it seems as though they may have purposely timed this project to coincide with the middle of winter break when students and other activists were least likely to oppose the bulldozing. While the park is UC property, the least they could have done was first consult with park activists and community members.
The University definitely purposefully tore down some vegetation and structures in the park when students weren’t there, but I can honestly say that most students wouldn’t be able to tell the difference. “Bulldozing” is a complete exaggeration. The part of the park that was torn down isn’t an area where people usually sleep. I’ve heard that it did actually help alleviate the rat problem though. However, this is not all to say that the University was insensitive in that they didn’t consult People’s Park advocates about what could be done instead of just tearing everything down without notice.
What about the hippies? There has already been a fire on telegraph. Day by day it’s becoming more of a commercial district! yours truly. Angry resident!