Rally and March – Saturday, November 16, 2024
Open Mic 2–3 pm
3 pm: Meet at the People’s Park Triangle at Dwight and Telegraph
March at 3:30 pm
Long Live the Spirit of Resistance! Long Live People’s Park!
Come together to stand against the privatization of common land.
For more information, email info@peoplespark.org
Or call (510) 390-0830
This event is wheelchair accessible.
Download flyer (PDF)
We Will Write the History of People’s Park, Not UC!
The outrageous paramilitary occupation and destruction of People’s Park proceeds each day behind a fortress of barbed wire, 24/7 security guards and a giant Trump-style border wall. With little regard for the displaced community, the history that is being erased or the gentrification that is being furthered, the University and its functionaries make no apologies. In a tiny gesture of recognition, the University has hired Walter Hood, a UCB professor and renowned Black artist to create a “commemorative monument” to serve as a reminder of the space that was retained by the people for almost 55 years. Turns out, nobody who actually used, cared for and supported People’s Park wants anything to do with this whitewashing of history.
PRESS RELEASE: Farewell, Carol Christ
For Immediate Release, July 23, 2024
From the People’s Park Historic District Advocacy Group
Response to Chancellor Lyons from People’s Park Historic District Advocacy Group
Dear Chancellor Lyons:
We are disappointed that you will not meet with us. Your predecessor
also never deemed it necessary to meet with those who support the
preservation of People’s Park. Because she was not able to achieve total
destruction of the park before she left her position, you will inherit
that distinction. We do not know how aware you are of the background
that led us to this point, but we’d like to explain that like the Free
Speech Movement and other controversial issues at Cal, the battle for
People’s Park will not disappear once the heavy equipment rolls onto the
site…
Daylight Derby Creek at People’s Park
UC has acted in collaboration with People’s Park activists in the past, such as working with the People’s Park Advisory Board to fund a feasibility study for daylighting Derby Creek, which runs through the park.
According to Measure L passed in 1986, we should have about 10 times the park and open space than we do in District 7. People’s Park originated with the public’s reaction to UC’s 1960’s land grab. UC used Eminent Domain to bulldoze the actually-affordable housing that was on that piece of land.
For years, we’ve had a goal of rematriation of the land, and daylighting the creek could be a step toward that possibility, in recognizing Berkeley’s colonizing history. UC has dragged its feet in releasing the bones of indigenous ancestors to local Ohlone tribes. For over a century, UC has disrespected the descendants of those whose bones sit on UC’s shelves.
This is a golden opportunity for the new chancellor to create a win for the environment by daylighting the creek (studies already done) and collaborating with the city, park activists, and local tribes to rematriate this land with ongoing maintenance support.
To move this plan into action contact the following, and write letters to editors of media you follow:
- UCB Chancellor’s Office: chancellor@berkeley.edu (510) 642-7464
- UCB Chancellor Designate Richard Lyons: lyons@berkeley.edu (510) 642-2708
- UC Office of the President: president@ucop.edu
- UC Regents: regentsoffice@ucop.edu
- Berkeley Mayor and City Council: mayor@berkeleyca.gov, council@berkeleyca.gov
Download printable flyer (PDF, 2-up)
People’s Park Last Stand? The Struggle Continues! Save the Heart and Soul of Berkeley
Panel Discussion
June 19, 2024, 7pm
1939 Addison Street, Berkeley
Featured speakers include:
Jovanka Beckles – State Senate Candidate
Joe Liesner – People’s Park Historic District Advocacy Group
Margot Smith – State Assembly Candidate
Moni Law – Affordable Housing and Police Accountability Activist
Jonah Gottlieb – office of District 7 Councilmember Lunaparra
Aidan Hill – Longtime People’s Park Gardener
Video of the Panel Discussion
https://fb.watch/sQvoIa2bEY/?mibextid=cr9u03
The False Narrative of People’s Park
by the People’s Park Historic District Advocacy Group
An analysis of the nonfactual presentation in UC Berkeley’s flyer “A Renewed People’s Park for All” reveals the irrationality of the People’s Park project and the venality of UCB administration in pursuing it. This is amplified by the undercutting of park proponents’ win in the State Court of Appeal by AB 1307 and its subsequent impact on the recent State Supreme Court decision reversing that win.
Moreover, an immediate concern is whether UC has done an adequate archeological investigation of the park. Given a recent official filing with the Northwest Information Center of the State Office of Historic Preservation showing evidence of Native American artifacts in or near the park, UC should present information to the public describing what steps it has taken to ascertain it will not continue its long history of destruction of historic Native sites, graves and objects.
Second Campaign (1970) | Norman Yonemoto, Nikolai Ursin — Restored by UCLA Film & Television Archive
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zo2cGOdxwXk
In May 1969, UCLA film students Norman Yonemoto and Nikolai Ursin traveled to Berkeley, California, in the midst of the now-historic People’s Park Protest. Following upheaval over the potential destruction of a nearby community park, then-Governor Ronald Reagan famously called in the National Guard. In documenting the ensuing protests, the filmmakers capture important and unseen moments, focusing on the sense of joy and community found amongst the students, community members and supporters.
PRESS RELEASE: Delay in Revealing Potential Findings of Native American Significance in the Vicinity of People’s Park
Supreme Court Oral Argument April 3, 2024 – Session One – Make UC A Good Neighbor v. Regents of University of California, S279242
Condensed Review of the Supreme Court Briefs for Housing Project #2 at People’s Park
Viewing the Oral Arguments at April 3, 2024 Supreme Court session opens at 8:30 am here:
https://supreme.courts.ca.gov/case-information/oral-arguments/webcast-library
Read the review (or download the PDF)
Spirit of the Park
People’s Park 55th Anniversary Festival
Saturday, April 20, 2024
Set up 10-12; official start time 1 PM till sunset 💚 followed by movie
night
Telegraph and Bowditch (from Haste to Dwight)
Although our Park has been seized, for the time being, we will continue
to plant seeds. Spirit lives on forever. Please join us in whatever
capacity you can! We will be centering BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and
People of Color) and LGBTQ+ identifying folks, through our performers,
vendors, and activities. However, EVERYONE gets a blister! We want
EVERYONE involved.
Although we are applying for permits, we may be rejected and this will
continue as an UNPERMITED event. Please keep that in mind!
We will have safety liaisons from community conducting traffic either
way.
http://tinyurl.com/SpiritofthePark
March for People’s Park, Friday, April 26, 5 PM – 7 PM
Starts at Willard Park, ends at Sproul Plaza.
Friday marches will continue May 3. The march on May 3 will
be in Commemoration of Bloody Thursday.
Come out and join the Berkeley community in a march advocating for
People’s Park to remain a green space! Show your support as we declare
to the UC Regents that People’s Park is a cornerstone of Berkeley’s
countercultural legacy and values.
The march will begin at Willard Park, and end at Sproul Plaza.
Accessibility accommodations (vehicular transport) can be available upon
contact (email info [at] peoplespark.org).
Reducing any piece of People’s Park is in direct violation of Berkeley’s
Measure L, passed in 1986, which requires the Berkeley City Council to
preserve and maintain the public parks and open space which exist in
Berkeley, as well as to acquire and maintain public parks and open space
in the census tracts and neighborhoods of Berkeley having less than the
minimum amount of open space relative to population (2 acres per 1,000).
Rather than reduce People’s Park, we need to increase parks and open
space in this high density area, and we call on the University to
cooperate and facilitate such expansion. Measure L noted “there exists a
clear and present emergency in that the threatened loss of open space,
parks and recreational opportunities in the neighborhoods in Berkeley
will cause irreparable damage to the health and welfare of Berkeley
residents.” This has escalated dramatically over the past 35 years,
especially in light of the global climate crisis.
We also call on the University to honor the recognition of People’s Park
as a nationally significant site, included on the National Register of
Historic Places. Every effort needs to be made to insure it continues as
an open space for world citizens to congregate, share thoughts, music,
poetry, art and inspirations, celebrate free speech and community, offer
mutual aid, and plant and nurture seeds, as we have done for over 50
years.
This protest unifies us in our plea against the commercialization of our
park and demands that UC Berkeley opt for alternate locations for
development, such as the numerous parking lots and vacant buildings that
UC itself documented as potential sites for student housing – or perhaps
the vacant chancellor’s mansion! People’s Park stands as a beacon of
community empowerment, environmental stewardship, and social justice. To
fight climate chaos, we need all the green space we can find.
The march is a declaration against the militarization of our shared
spaces, supporting peace and the rematriation of Ohlone land. We
denounce UC’s financial motives and call for investments that truly
enrich our community. We urge the Regents to acknowledge the cultural
and environmental importance of the park, returning it to the community
that maintains it.
GET INVOLVED:
People’s Park Council is open to the public, and meets every Saturday at
1pm at the Grassroots House (2022 Blake Street). If you are interested
in organizing for the park, please join us!
MORE INFORMATION:
Website: peoplespark.org
Email: info [at] peoplespark.org
Instagram: PeoplesParkBerkeley
People’s Park Council Meeting
SATURDAYS 1PM
Grassroots House
2022 Blake Street, Berkeley, CA 94704
Supreme Court of California hears arguments on People’s Park CEQA case April 3, 2024
The Supreme Court of California will hear the Oral Arguments in our People’s Park CEQA case in Los Angeles on April 3, 2024 at 9 am. The attorneys will make points and respond to questions posed by the justices.
An important area of discussion is how the new CEQA regulations (21085 and 21085.2) created by AB 1307 affect the decision of the Court of Appeals (COA) that the Supreme Court is reviewing. For one example, 21085.2 can be seen as making the return of the EIR for Housing Project #2 at People’s Park back to the trial court, as the COA has ruled, a moot point. On another point it could be argued that the criteria for enactment of 20185.2 was not met and the COA decision is still enforceable. The issues in the case are quite complex due to AB 1307.
See the People’s Park Documents archive for information on the case.
Michael Delacour – a radio memorial
Compiled from video footage taken by Aidan Hill, and audio from KPFK
On April 23rd, 2023 the long embattled People’s Park community in Berkeley California celebrated its 54th Anniversary, and paid tribute to one of its founders, Michael Delacour, who passed away on March 9th, 2023.
With an introduction by Michael Novick of Pacifica community radio station KPFK 90.7 FM Los Angeles, when it was aired there on Somethings Happening on June 6th, 2023.
UC Regents Meeting
WEDNESDAY and THURSDAY, MARCH 20 – 21, 2024
UCLA and by teleconference
Agenda: https://regents.universityofcalifornia.edu/meetings/agendas/march24.html
Sign up to provide public comment by 5PM the day before the public comment period:
https://regents.universityofcalifornia.edu/meetings/public-comment.html
Untold & Undertold Stories of People’s Park
Sunday afternoon, April 7th from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Art House Gallery, 2905 Shattuck Avenue, Berkeley
featuring Harold Adler, David Axelrod, Tom Dalzell, Carol Denney, Osha Neumann, Andrea Pritchett, Steve Wasserman and especially you.
Come tell us your story, sing your song, recite your poem. Everyone is welcome, potluck and beverages welcome.
Join us in storytelling, which has its own way of organizing.
Art House Gallery, 2905 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley, CA 94705, Phone: (510) 472-3170
“What’s Going On?” A Teach-In on People’s Park
The video from this February 26, 2024 event at the Maud Fife Room – 315 Wheeler Hall, UCB is now available on the People’s Park YouTube channel.
More details on the Video page.
People’s Park – Participatory Painting, Poetry & Music
There are many hearts buried in People’s Park, and part of my own as well. — Julia Vinograd
Sunday February 11, 2024
Bowditch St & Haste St, Berkeley
New People’s Park Event Calendar on Google and our Events page
https://www.peoplespark.org/wp/events/
Open the calendar in a new tab
People’s Park Barricaded In Berkeley As UC, Newsom, Berkeley Pols and Police Use Shipping Containers — laborvideo
UC’s War On People’s Park, The Defense & Destruction Of People’s Park
With Harvey Smith — laborvideo
Text SAVETHEPARK to 41372 — and share this number! If possible, disable your phone’s “Do Not Disturb” for the first week of January to ensure you get nighttime alerts.
People’s Park National Trust Letter – December 22, 2023
Read the letter from the National Trust for Historic Preservation about the national historic landmark People’s Park in Berkeley, California.
Donate: Support the legal actions to save People’s Park
To ALL who believe in preserving and growing the legacy and natural beauty of People’s Park: Now is the time to come to its aid. PLEASE DONATE, here or https://www.peoplesparkhxdist.org ALL DONATIONS WILL BE RECORDED AND REIMBURSED IF WE WIN THE CASE!
Support the effort to protect People’s Park with a contribution via GoFundMe https://www.gofundme.com/f/ahbjjq-save-peoples-park or Donate via Venmo to support the protection of People’s Park. Point your phone camera at the QR code, or visit https://account.venmo.com/u/pphdag.
Read more about supporting the legal efforts.
To donate to the People’s Park Council, visit:
https://account.venmo.com/u/PeoplesParkCouncil
EMERGENCY ALERT: TEXT “SAVETHEPARK” TO 41372 to get on the alert list to protect People’s Park.
People’s Park Police Use of Force Letter from Kate Harrison, Berkeley City Councilmember – Jan 1, 2024
Rally for Ceasefire at Israeli Embassy, San Francisco
Tuesday, January 23, 2024, noon to 1:30 pm
Rally at Israeli Embassy, 4456 Montgomery St., San Francisco
Berkeley City Council Meeting
Tuesday, January 23, 2024, 6:00 pm
at Berkeley Unified School District Boardroom, 1231 Addison Street , Berkeley, CA 94702, (Bonar @ Addison, one block south of University)
Rally for ceasefire in Gaza.
People’s Park Update – December 2023
Download full size PDF of this poster
Protecting People’s Park affirms Berkeley’s radical tradition and the park’s place in our hearts and social fabric. It is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places as a place of major historic and cultural significance and value, and is home to free daily food servings, basketball, and companionship of plants, animals, and humans.
Let a thousand parks bloom!
People’s Park Council
Read post: People’s Park Update – December 2023
Press Release: Wicks legislation may kill Berkeley low income housing project
Date: August 23, 2023
For Immediate Release
State Assembly Member Buffy Wicks (D, East Bay), a vocal backer of housing for the poor and unhoused, has introduced a bill that may likely kill a supportive housing project for the homeless proposed by UC Berkeley on People’s Park, a federally recognized historic site listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Revitalizing our precious People’s Park, a community resource
A misguided disaster struck People’s Park and many trees dear to us were chopped down, killed. We will continue to revitalize the park with resources anyone can contribute.
The dryness in summer is hurting trees, bushes, flowers, herbs and vegetables, and happens when UC keeps the water turned off. Park gardeners do what they can in transporting water bucket by bucket. Please contact us if you are able to help out. Every bucket makes a difference, and it can be a great group activity if you get your friends together to do a bucket brigade. Send us photos to post when you do this!
Read more and contribute help or photos if you can…
People’s Park on the Flashpoints show on KPFA radio
Joe Liesner (People’s Park Council) and Harvey Smith (People’s Park Historic District Advocacy Group) speak on behalf of People’s Park on the Flashpoints show on KPFA radio (94.1 FM), March 31, 2023
Listen to the program (starts at 39:50): https://kpfa.org/player/?audio=398545
Michael Delacour: a legacy of helping people, and a People’s Park founder
It is with great sadness that we’re sharing the news that Michael Delacour, one of the founders of People’s Park, died Thursday, March 9, 2023. Read tributes and view photos of Michael and friends in creating People’s Park over the decades. Read more
Appeals Court Decision, February 24, 2023
Congratulations People’s Park Supporters!!!
The Appeals Court issued their final decision today. We won the most important point in the case for the continuation of the Park. The court’s order, PDF link below, finds that UC’s Environmental Impact Report did not adequately analyze feasible alternative sites for Housing Project #2.
Read more
https://www.peoplespark.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Appeals-Court-Decision-February-24-2023.pdf
Legal Update on People’s Park – January 12, 2023
On January 12, 2023 the Court of Appeal heard Oral Arguments on the CEQA case of Make UC a Good Neighbor and People’s Park Historic District Advocacy Group VS the Regents of the University of California. There were not any points in the arguments of either side that were different than the briefs and supporting letters that had previously been submitted by the parties. The attorney/justices interaction was very interesting.
Read the full update (includes link to entire 82 minute hearing)
Opinion: Breaking the impasse on People’s Park
We suggest UC Berkeley commence construction of the student and supportive housing planned for the park on an alternate site as soon as possible.
By Shirley Dean and Gus Newport
Jan. 10, 2023, 8:01 a.m.
Although UC Berkeley has stated it wants to build 8,000 student housing beds as soon as possible, the university has picked a site, knowing it would be vigorously opposed, and now has caused months of delay. We suggest it commence construction of the student and supportive housing planned for People’s Park on an alternate site as soon as possible. Indeed, UCB has identified up to 15 alternative sites.
The National Register of Historic Places has recognized the value of People’s Park. The park has an over half-century legacy of cultural events; town, gown and political events; a biosystem of flora and fauna; a surround of highly significant architecture; and a role as an everyday community recreation site.
UC has been defeated in the courts in many of the California Environmental Quality Act challenges to its campus development plans. These court decisions have made it clear that UCB is not doing an adequate job of identifying and mitigating the impacts of its development in Berkeley.
Lawsuit Update, November 22, 2022
On PROGRESS (or lack thereof) in the Matter of MAKE UC A GOOD NEIGHBOR, PEOPLE’S PARK HISTORICAL DISTRICT ADVOCACY GROUP, and PEOPLE’S PARK COUNCIL vs. BERKELEY CITY COUNCIL, MAYOR JESSE ARREGUIN, CITY OF BERKELEY, and REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA d.b.a. UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT BERKELEY, Alameda County Superior Court Case No. RG21105966:
Our lawsuit on behalf of three (3) People’s Park groups commenced over a year ago, August 2, 2021, as a Petition for Writ of Mandate against the Berkeley City Council and Mayor for violation of the California open-meeting law (the Ralph M. Brown Act) and for violation of certain laws, including Berkeley Measure L and Measure N…
Read the full letter and view the attached documents
The Future of People’s Park: video of panel discussion, February 26, 2021
The Future of People’s Park panel discussion was presented online by the People’s Park Historic Advocacy Group with Berkeley community members on February 26, 2021. Here’s a video of the discussion, archived on the People’s Park YouTube channel.
View the video and read more
Appeal Filed to Preserve People’s Park!
Make UC A Good Neighbor and the People’s Park Historic District Advocacy Group (PPHDAG) filed their joint opening brief to the appellate court this week against UC Berkeley under the California Environmental Quality Act challenging UC’s Long Range Development Plan and construction of housing on People’s Park.
The appeal focuses on UC’s failure to analyze in its Environmental Impact Report (EIR) a lower-enrollment alternative or any alternative locations for the housing proposed at People’s Park. The lower-enrollment issue is similar to that at UC Santa Barbara, where the City of Goleta and Santa Barbara County have both sued the university for not complying with an agreement to build enough housing to keep up with its expanding student population. With the alternative location issue, UC is required to adequately assess alternative sites for student housing, which it has not done.
Read the full statement and support our efforts
Briefs and Replys in the Legal Efforts to Protect People’s Park
Appellants Opening Brief – filed 2022-09-06.pdf
https://www.peoplespark.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Appellants-Opening-Brief-filed-2022-09-06.pdf
Respondents Opposition Brief – 2022-09-26.pdf
https://www.peoplespark.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Respondents-Opposition-Brief-2022-09-26.pdf
Lippe Rebut UC Reply – filed 2022-10-06.pdf
https://www.peoplespark.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Lippe-Rebut-UC-Reply-filed-2022-10-06.pdf
Response to Chancellor Carol T. Christ’s August 15 message to students about People’s Park
In the dead of night, UC moved on the park — barricading city streets, blocking access to sidewalks, and fencing the park. Protected by riot police, heavy equipment was brought in. Peaceful protesters sat in front of that equipment to keep the park open and prevent further deforestation of the trees, which UC last did in 2018. People peacefully demonstrated against the heavy machinery and destruction of the trees. They had already witnessed the changing climate in the park after much of the east side forest was demolished by UC just a few years before. Students — of UC Berkeley, local colleges, and high schools — and other community members, including Berkeley neighbors and former residents of the park were outraged by the violent closure and destruction of this community resource…
Read the full response
People’s Park — September 2, 2022
So we went by the Park, September 2. I was a bit surprised. I had been planting trees there in 1969. — Tom Coroneos
Aerial photos of People’s Park Eastside forest before and after destruction by UC Berkeley, 2018 and 2019
Ongoing Events
Related News
Please sign two petitions to save three beloved historic buildings targeted by UC for demolition. Signing these petitions also supports work to save People’s Park. Preserving our history matters for our future:
Anna Head School petition: https://annaheadschool.org/petition
Berkeley Architectural Heritage Association petition: https://www.change.org/p/save-julia-morgan-and-bernard-maybeck-s-magnificent-uc-gym-and-two-more-uc-landmarks
Join our email announcement list
Email us at info@peoplespark.org and ask to be added,
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People’s Park Gift, a huge collaborative art project in the park, Saturday, September 3, 2022
UC used a backhoe as a weapon of destruction in the recent massacre at People’s Park. A group of artists wrapped it up as a gift to give back to UC.
In the artist’s own words:
Saturday, September 3rd, 2022, exactly a month after the terrible events occured at People’s Park, the community of People’s Park is going to wrap up a special gift back to the UC Berkeley administration. We don’t want it! Spaniard artist 233 is leading an art project fruit of collective thought, sharing and work, promoted by People’s Park Council and supported by the whole community of People’s Park. The idea is to contribute through contemporary art with People’s Park’s struggle against the powerful unfair capitalist establishment in which every human being coexist.
Full story and photos
Osha Neumann on The Visionary Activist Show – “Demand the impossible, defend People’s Park!” August 18, 2022, 2:00 PM on KPFA.org
“Demand the impossible, defend People’s Park!” A rousing exhortation, by Osha Neumann, whom Caroline Casey hosts this hour: The tale of People’s Park in Berkeley – 1969 to now… humming…in ardent pertinence to our plight… Devastation into which flows Community Participation; destruction makes its move again, again – the garden roots and bloom and here we are. Honoring Parks…
Listen live or download the podcast: https://kpfa.org/program/the-visionary-activist-show/
People’s Park destruction by mobsters UC Berkeley and cohorts, in photos
Over 100 photos of the sociopathic and ecocidal destruction of beloved People’s Park, August 2022.
LEGAL UPDATE: No known court dates ahead, but the legal dates on the books are that our lawyers have to get their appeal briefs in by 9/6, UC has 20 days to cry about how unfair it all is, and then our lawyers have 20 days to get in our rebuttal. So we have some breathing room on the legal front but UC is UC and we have to be prepared for anything at all. We’re dealing with some of the biggest climate destroyers on the planet and they just killed so many trees in the park, actually changing the climate dramatically in the park and therefore in the neighborhood. It’s not like UC has a moral fiber anywhere to be found. So stay vigilant.
Other park news: The bathroom, at least one side, was liberated and has water once more. May the flush be with you.
Opinion: Demand the impossible, defend People’s Park
By Osha Neumann, in Berkeleyside
August 12, 2022, 10:46 am
I thought it was hopeless to try to defend People’s Park. But then, on Aug. 3, in the early morning hours, park defenders tore down fences UC Berkeley erected to begin construction on student housing, reoccupied the space and sat in front of the big yellow front loaders and excavators. That evening, they held a rally and as I listened to them speak I realized: They are the ones who will determine what is hopeless and what is not.
Each person who spoke expressed the need to protect open and unpatrolled space, a place for trees to grow large, and for housed and homeless people to gather and share what they have in common. They mourned that they had not been able to prevent the university, in its first act that morning, from cutting down a grove of redwoods, some with trunks 3 feet in diameter. Homeless people, who had sheltered in their shade, spoke of them as friends they had lost.
In the 60s, we had a slogan: “Be realistic, demand the impossible.” Today’s People’s Park defenders are demanding the impossible: That the park’s 2.8 acres be recognized as “commons,” a space that no one owns or controls. That was the vision in ’69. That’s their vision now.
Read the full article in Berkeleyside
50th Anniversary Free Speech Movement UC Berkeley — Diane Dwyer, Diane Sharp
An NBC special from 2014, a great recounting of the FSM. (23 minutes)
People’s Park 1969
My father made this 16mm film of the People’s Park protests in April-May 1969 at the University of California in Berkeley. If you recognize yourself or someone else in the film, please post a comment! — Fred Fischer
The battle to save Historic People’s Park goes to court – KPFA radio
https://kpfa.org/player/?audio=384040 (Starts at 23:10 in)
Legal update and Letters to Governor Gavin Newsom and Senator Nancy Skinner, August 5, 2022
For “Black” Berkeley’s Culture, The Fight For People’s Park Has A Special Meaning
by Paul Lee, historian
Those who are fighting to save People’s Park should know that it has a special meaning for “black” people, and not just those who find there a place to live safely amid nature wonders; eat free, healthy food; find clothing; get substance abuse and psychological counseling referrals; develop or rediscover the bonds of community that have always been a central part of “black” Berkeley’s culture; and help to heal their souls.
Read the full article
Totem Pole Circle of Life Creation Ritual – All day, every day
We create spiritual monuments to overcoming challenges and delusions, carrying on the good work of our ancestors, binding all individuals of all species in peace, interspecies ecological harmony. Cherish and uplift the fallen bodies of our tree, bush, flower, grass, and vegetable kin. Rejuvenate paradise. All are welcome, in person and in spirit.
ALERT to Save People’s Park: UC Berkeley, Construction Businesses, and Police Move To Destroy Berkeley’s Landmark, Open Space and Community of People’s Park, August 3, 2022
UC is moving on the park NOW! Please go to the park if you’re able, and let others know! Police are closing the the Berkeley community’s precious park, installing surveillance light towers, fences and bulldozers. EMERGENCY ALERT: TEXT “SAVETHEPARK” TO 41372 to get notifications.
Ongoing updates here. Last updated, 1:52 PM August 3, 2022
1969 People’s Park Berkeley Photos by Harold Adler
Harold Adler’s vivid photos capture the intensity of the struggle to create People’s Park in 1969, with hundreds, sometimes thousands, of students and community members, also protesting against the Vietnam War, police brutality, UC Berkeley’s egregous support of imperialism, and the waste of the land that became the community developed People’s Park.
https://www.adlerphotovideo.com/1969-Peoples-Park-Berkeley-Photos-by-c-Harold-Adler/
Restoration of the Peace Pole in People’s Park in August 2022
In August 2022, the Peace Pole has been restored to People’s Park, thanks to the efforts of Berkeley community member Aurora and local Earth Church members and members of the Berkeley People’s Park community. The Peace Pole movement was started by Masahisa Goi, who made her first Peace Pole in response to the US atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and now has thousands of Peace Poles placed worldwide. See the Wikipedia article for a quick overview of the Peace Pole movement.
Read the full article, including historical photos of the original Peace Pole and more…
A Statement on Behalf of the Confederated Villages of Lisjan Nation to Protect People’s Park Natural Space
Confederated Villages of Lisjan Nation have made this land, currently called Berkeley, our home for thousands of years before colonization. Before the thought of private land ownership was a concept in this land, this land was taken care of by our ancestors. There was an abundance here. Imagine a few hundred years ago, there was no concept of hunger or homelessness, and you could drink fresh water out of “strawberry creek”. Our way of life was disrupted because people came to this land with the thought of “lording” over the land, rather than being in relationship to it.
Read the full statement
Letter from Dieter Müller-Greven, a People’s Park supporter from 1972
Coming from Germany in 1972, hitch-hiking across the USA to SF, I heard about Berkeley People’s park, about the history from 1969, which was still fresh in 1972 and helped to defend the People’s Park in May 1972. I still remember vividly the demonstration on Telegraph Ave and helped tear down the fence at People’s Park.
Read the full letter
Music, Art and Style in People’s Park
Check out this photo gallery of recent and past events in People’s Park, a creative tradition of user development and community.
View more Music, Art and Style photos
The new People’s Park Documentary by Señor Gigio
Premiered Thursday, July 21, 2022 at 8 pm
Link to the documentary where folks tuned into the premiere and joined the live chat:
Interview with Harvey Smith, public historian, educator, People’s Park Historic District Advocacy Group
Harvey Smith, author of the book Berkeley and the New Deal, was interviewed by Mitch Jeserich on the KPFA Letters & Politics program on July 13, 2022, and this informative podcast recording has fascinating history, and a detailed update on the current efforts to protect People’s Park. (1 hour audio podcast)
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/kpfa-letters-and-politics/id406769844?mt=2
March to Reclaim People’s Park
On Wednesday, July 6, 2022, a large number of people, students and Berkeley residents rallied to protect People’s Park at Martin Luther King Civic Center Park, Berkeley, then marched to People’s Park for live music and BBQ at People’s Park.
UC Berkeley has started taking over People’s Park, a historic center of community, resistance, and mutual aid. March with us to reclaim the space and tell the UC: NO DEVELOPMENT ON PEOPLE’S PARK!
More details with video clips…
On People’s Park, Democracy, and Politics
by Memory, Saturday, June 25, 2022, 5:46 PM
Berkeley city council-member Rigel Robinson released a recent article championing the UC’s proposed redevelopment project on People’s Park. This article was accompanied with a statement from council-member Lori Droste’s legislative assistant. The statement compared People’s Park activists to the January 6th insurrectionists.
Nationally significant People’s Park was officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places on May 24, 2022
To all our People’s Park Supporters:
We are very happy to report that after over two years of work we were able to send out this press release today. — Harvey Smith
Student housing can be built elsewhere: The city and campus community must prevent UC Berkeley and private corporations from decimating People’s Park precious public community green gathering space. There are several alternative locations to build student housing.
Bulldozer Alarm: Text SAVETHEPARK to 41372
Text SAVETHEPARK to 41372 to get on the text message alert list. You will be notified via text of urgent calls to defend the park in the case of attacks and destruction.
Let us know about upcoming events: Send email to info@peoplespark.org with complete details about the event and we’ll get it posted ASAP.
Support the People’s Park Gardens with a contribution via GoFundMe
https://www.gofundme.com/f/peoplesparkgardens
Project Roomkey – An Independent Review of Abode Services and the Rodeway Inn, Berkeley, California
A new report by Where Do We Go Berkeley has been released, and is a comprehensive analysis of the living conditions and grievances of unhoused residents currently and formerly occupying the “Rodeway Inn” hotel.
Download the full report:
https://www.peoplespark.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Project-Roomkey-Review-of-Abode-and-Rodeway-v.1.3.pdf
The People’s Park 53rd Anniversary concert and celebration was wonderful!
People’s Park 53rd Anniversary Weekend April 23 and 24th.
Concerts noon, on each day, and celebrate the Berkeley Student Co-ops also under threats from UC. Music, food, speakers, festivities, and workshops…
People’s Park 53rd Anniversary, April 24, 2022
Yukon/drummers • Free Speech speakers • Ed Monroe • Hali Hammer & Friends • Carol Denney • Michael Delacour/Suitcase Clinic • Joe Liesner – Food Not Bombs/Workers Community Kitchen • Driftwood Dave and Jorie • Dan Siegel • Evelie Posch • Yesica (homeless issues, civil lawsuit) • Russ (Copwatch) • Funky Nixons • Max Ventura/Diggers Song • Dayton Andrews (gentrification/anti-war activism) • Andrea Prichett and Shelley Doty • Marika Sage • Andrea Mallis (astrology of the Park) • Aidan Hill (State of the District) • Dapper Shindig Band (Stevie B) • Lynn Gottlieb/Berkeley Student Coop • Uromastyx
PRESS RELEASE – Community groups continue fight against secret, illegal agreement between the City of Berkeley and UC Berkeley – January 31, 2022
The Ever-Expanding University of California: Property Claims and the Battle Over People’s Park
Download:
Newer version with images:
https://www.peoplespark.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Ever-Expanding-U.-of-California-Property-Claims-and-the-Battle-Over-Peoples-Park-Pamphlet-v4.pdf
Let’s Stroll Along Derby Creek in People’s Park
Imagine the beauty of the sun on sparkling water of Derby Creek running through a wooded glade in People’s Park. This can become reality as we all get involved in caring for our precious open space in Berkeley.
This very detailed and informative report looks the process of daylighting Derby Creek in People’s Park, restoring a beautiful riparian Berkeley habitat with native plants and flowing water and the restorative power of nature in our neighborhood and town. Read more
National Guard in Berkeley in 1969, at the time of the creation of People’s Park
A newly released set of striking photos shows Berkeley under National Guard military occupation in the wake of creation of People’s Park in 1969, taken by Stephen L. Golden, the father of August Nicky Golden who served with Food Not Bombs at the park in the early days.
There are one or two of the actual park, people planting trees etc., though its mostly just the National Guard around town. According to the back of the slides they were developed May 1969. They represent a moment of one lifelong Berkeley resident’s experience at the protests. – View the collection of photos
A Park for the People
A conflict over the future of a historic Berkeley park reopens an old battle between radical city activists and expansion-minded university officials — by Jonah Raskin – Read the article
“… a good article that adds historical background and has some juicy quotes.” — Joe Leisner
DefendThePark.org is a new online resource for information about current threats to People’s Park. Visit the website to learn more and connect to efforts to grow and protect the park.
People’s Park and Neighborhood Groups Challenge UC’s 2021 LRDP
In a lawsuit claiming the nearly total inadequacy of the University of California’s Environmental Impact Report (EIR) on its 2021 Long Range Development Plan and Housing Project #1 and Housing Project #2 (LRDP) a team of lawyers representing Make UC a Good Neighbor and the People’s Park Historic Advocacy Group (PPHDAG) are seeking to void approval of the LRDP and the EIR, and thereby stop all activities proposed in that LRDP. This legal action is of great importance to supporters of People’s Park since it would mean significant delays for any attempts to destroy the Park by erecting three buildings on that beloved site. It would also keep our friends at 1921 Walnut Street in their rent controlled homes for the time being. — Read more and get the full text PDF…
Max Ventura, Leon Rosselson, The World Turned Upside Down, aka The Diggers Song, A Mural, and People’s Park
Leading up to the 50th anniversary of People’s Park, in 2019, Max Ventura wrote to Leon Rosselson to let him know that in spite of UC’s continual threats for half a century, we’re still here holding down The Commons. Max had sung his song, The World Turned Upside Down, aka The Diggers Song, on the Free Speech Stage since 1986. What follows is the interchange between them in 2019. While the one quote from him was so inspiring, Greg suggested that we share the whole interchange about the history of the making of the mural bearing the words to his song, The World Turned Upside Down. It is based on The Diggers in England in 1649, and some of Gerrard Winstanley’s words. The Diggers’ history and Leon’s song is such an important part of People’s Park History. — Read full story…
Demand of People’s Park Council Regarding Status and Protection of the Park
On behalf of the people of Berkeley and the claimant People’s Park Council, Attorney at Law David L. Axelrod has delivered the Demand of People’s Park Council Regarding Status and Protection of the Park to Carol T. Christ, Office of Chancellor, University of California Administration, Hon. Gavin Newsom, Governor of California, and Hon. Michael V. Drake, M.D., President, University of California. — More information >>
Berkeley students and community reject UCB construction in People’s Park, removing chain link fence
An account of the Rally to Save People’s Park on January 29, 2021. Read more >
Alert: Berkeley park community open space at risk of destruction, January 2021
An update and appeal to Berkeley and the University of California, Berkeley
Letter to Chancellor Christ, University of California – March 25, 2020
Read the letter signed by many members of the People’s Park and Berkeley community.
Letter to the UC Regents – Do Not Build on People’s Park – Ivar Diehl
Read Ivar Diehl’s letter to the UC Berkeley Regents on behalf of People’s Park.
Send comments to UC Regents NOW! Protect People’s Park!
UC Regents – Finance and Capital Strategies Committee is meeting with an agenda item about People’s Park Housing on March 18, 2020 via a teleconference. Please send comments and help protect People’s Park!
More info on how to send comments to the UC Regents >
Photos from People’s Park Protest at Pauley Ballroom, UC Berkeley campus on February 10, 2020
UC Berkeley removes ‘FreeBox’ in People’s Park despite student support
Rachel Barber | Staff – Berkeleyside
Weekly People’s Park Campus Discussion
Continuing every week; stay tuned for details…
The Continuing Struggle at People’s Park in Berkeley
A presentation and discussion at the Niebyl-Proctor Marxist Library
Sunday, February 10, 2019
Audio (MP3, Duration: 1:38:47, 59MB)
Download MP3
Posters to help protect Peoples Park >
Color poster, 17 x 11 paper horizontal, PDFs. Print at 100%.
poster-PeoplesParkMapCherishGreenSpace-01-preview.pdf
People’s Park – An open letter to the University of California Regents and the Berkeley community
from Darin Allen Bauer
Details on Tree Killing in People’s Park – December 28, 2018
Over 22 trees killed by UC Berkeley in sneak attack. Includes 70 photos.
41 Trees Destroyed in People’s Park by UC Berkeley in Early Morning “Deferred Maintenance”
Wtf 15 to 20 trees 🌲 chopped down & entirely removed early today from historic #PeoplesPark while students & others are out of town. No! Clearly an attack on both homeless people and radical history + closing down the Commons.
— ★ Revolution Books ★ (@RevolutionBksB) December 28, 2018
Thomas Lord and Michael Delacour advocate for People’s Park on KPFA Radio
People’s Park Berkeley video channel
Our video channel features many events, rallies, music events, DeCal class talks about park history and social value by Berkeley community members.
Make the Park Better
Sennet Williams presents multiple points to make the People’s Park better. Read more…
Op-Ed: People’s Park is a historical monument worth fighting for
Friday, September 14, 2018 — The Daily Californian
Letter to Chancellor Christ
by Joseph Liesner — As the 50th anniversary of the first creation of People’s Park approaches it seems you have chosen to mark that anniversary by rolling out the same deception that Chancellor Heyns used in 1969. Let me be clear: Roger Heyns did not take the 30 to 35 homes that stood on lot 1875-2, now People’s Park, by eminent domain for the purpose of building student housing, or soccer fields, and neither is the need for student housing the reason you have declared your intention to build on that lot before any of the other pieces of land upon which the University could build. — Read more…
Protect People’s Park
by Ed Monroe, August 2018 — Chancellor Christ has determined that Berkeley needs to double its capacity in ten years adding 7,500 beds. She states, “Whatever anyone thinks of the ideals that motivated the creation of People’s Park, it is hard to see the park as embodying those ideals…” — Read Ed Monroe’s response highlighting a wide-ranging set of historical events and park benefits to the student and Berkeley community.
How much would it cost to replace the services People’s Park provides?
by Terri Compost — This is open letter to City of Berkeley Mayor and Councilmembers, and University of California at Berkeley administration, Daily Californian, Berkeley Daily Planet, and members of the Berkeley community. — Read the letter.
Historic People’s Park mural restoration
The historic People’s Park mural on the North side of Amoeba Records is undergoing a restoration led by Osha Neumann. Read and see more…
A view of the history from the legendary park elder Michael Delacour
Read Michael Delacour’s letter covering the history of the creation of People’s Park >
People’s Park Community Gardens
People’s Park: Still Blooming
edited by Terri Compost
This incredible book is packed with photos, history and people!
Celebrate the past, present, and future of People’s Park! Support local bookstores: Book Zoo, Pegasus, Moe’s, Pendragon, Ancient Ways, Mrs. Dalloway’s, Diesel Bookstore, Walden Pond, Analog, Other Avenues, Modern Times, Bound Together, Green Apple, Needles & Pens, Ecology Center, or online at slingshot or Whoop!