Tree-sitters Descend
Starting at 8:00 a.m. on September 9, 2008, contractors hired by the university began constructing a 90 feet (27 m) scaffolding around the tree occupied by the tree-sitters. At the same time the UCPD began to move cherry pickers into position around the tree. The cherry pickers were topped with fabric panels to shield the contractors against anything thrown by the tree-sitters as the scaffolding was constructed. While the scaffolding was under construction, UCPD Chief Victoria Harrison and Assistant Chief Mitch Celaya negotiated with the tree-sitters from a large metal basket suspended from a crane. At noon the scaffolding reached the level of the tree-sitters platform, at which time the tree-sitters platform was dismantled and thrown to the ground to allow the scaffolding to continue. At 12:42 p.m. the scaffolding was completed, with a railing around the highest platform. The UCPD then mounted the scaffolding and began to remove the protesters' supplies. The tree-sitters agreed to come down at 1:01 p.m. after the university agreed to involve the community in addressing future land use issues.
The four tree-sitters were arrested once they came down, although the university said they did not expect to file felony charges. Five protesters were also arrested on the ground and charged with offenses including battery and resisting arrest.
After the tree-sitters were removed, the university denied that it had made any concessions. The tree which the protesters had occupied was cut down around 5:00 p.m.
Read more about this topic: Berkeley Oak Grove Controversy, Tree-sit
Famous quotes containing the word descend:
“Modern man must descend the spiral of his own absurdity to the lowest point; only then can he look beyond it. It is obviously impossible to get around it, jump over it, or simply avoid it.”
—Václav Havel (b. 1936)