Posted on 06/17/2008 9:00:40 AM PDT by cdbull23
The tree-sit that has been going on for more than 18 months in the oak grove near Memorial Stadium may have reached its end now that UCPD officers are attempting to take the sitters out.
In the latest of several developments, an arborist harnessed on the end of a crane was mobilized onto one of the trees where he was attempting to cut down a structure in the tree when a tree-sitter began hitting him with a plastic bottle. The workman was pulled out of the tree by the crane.
Two cherry pickers are also on the site, one of them carrying two police officers who have cut some of the ropes that the sitters use to travel between the trees.
At least 20 UCPD officers in hard hats are currently at the scene. Beginning at approximately 6 a.m., they erected a third barrier around the oak grove that blocks pedestrians from using the sidewalk on the west side of Piedmont Avenue.
Some of the tree-sitters yelled from the trees while a few of them have poured excrements down to UCPD officers below.
"Don't worry, we're ready for this," said protest leader Zachary RunningWolf.
At least 15 pedestrians have stopped to watch the ongoing scene.
The actions come one day before a lawsuit ruling will determine whether or not the campus can proceed with the construction an athletic center. Alameda County Superior Court Judge Barbara Miller is expected to issue a ruling in the case tomorrow.
TIMBER!!!
One word. Firehoses.
I’m thinking tear gas and rubber bullets would get them out of that tree relatively quickly.
I do like beavers
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