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Dear Editor: Nov. 11, 1995


The U.C. Regents are planning to ram another sports court into People's Park, and kick Food Not Bombs and the Free Clothing Box out of the Park. This new sports court will consume the entire green grass area of the Park in spite of Chancellor Tien's promise: "The University does not intend to build any further recreational facilities at People's Park..." (Jan. 27, 1992). The U.C. Regents rammed a volleyball court into People's Park on July 11, 1991, and it caused three days of rioting.. Their current plan has no community support (as the last one didn't) and will most assuredly cause a confrontation with Park lovers, neighbors, students, and human rights activists.

Five entities have already voiced their opinion on U.C.'s current plan: 1. The Landmarks Preservation Commission voted 5 to 0 to:
a) reaffirm the landmark status of People's Park for its historic, cultural, and open space importance,
b) have the City of Berkeley have equal decision-making power with U.C. in governance of the Park
(no more advisory commissions with the Regents retaining full power),
c) that the proposed sports court "is a departure from the historical role of the Park".
2. Telegraph Area Association - This is a U.C. and City funded Group. There was so much dissention from neighbors opposed to intramural sports at night in the Park, and the expulsion of free food and clothing, that the Group would not even vote on the plan - a resounding non-endorsement of U.C.'s plan.

3. The Public - In a survey of over 100 neighbors, students and Park users at a design workshop the survey showed the public wanted a) to enhance the social services offered at the Park b) to bring up the north fork of Derby Creek which runs right under the volleyball court in the Park c) to tear out the volleyball courts d) to create a formal entrance to the Park recognizing the history of People's Park e) to enlarge the tot lot and f) the eventual transfer of ownership of the Park to the City of Berkeley - no talk of sports courts!

4. Sensing that public opinion was going against U.C.'s plan, U,C. officials organized a secret meeting of conservative students and Park neighbors to get their opinion. Park supporters were not invited to or informed of when or where the meeting was to be held. What did this conservative group want? a) leave the Park primarily as it is b) restore Derby Creek c) keep the Free Clothing Box d) tear out the volleyball court.

5. The Use Standards Commission for People's Park is an advisory body with 9 seats coming from City appointments (one from each Councilperson) and 9 seats coming from the Chancellor's appointments. They tried to operate with a consensus process on this plan. At the meeting only 7 of 10 present signed onto the plan. A majority of this commission reot get consensus, it didn't even get a simple majority! (Will Harper's story in the Berkeley Voice 11/9/95 saying "an overwhelming majority of the commission endorsed the plan"is simply inaccurate.)
You too may give your opinion on U.C.'s current attempt to desecrate People's Park at a crucial vote of the City Council on this plan Tues. November 28, 1995 6:45 p.m. at Old City Hall, MLK and Center St.

[Check out>Bulldozer Alert !! for current news.]

Food and clothing are human rights! Every park in the world should dispense food and clothing. Free Speech is a civil right. People's Park is known world wide for Free Speech. Stand up for human and civil rights! Stand up for People's Park! U.C. Out of the Park! Democratize the Regents!

David Nadel

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