OK, so we’re tired of tree-people news too, but this was too good to pass up: Apparently, arborists from the university are cutting down branches in an effort to make things “difficult, but not dangerous” for the tree-people.

We have to say, this is somewhat welcoming news. But enough of that, let’s analyze the supporters’ and tree-people’s reactions:

*Some tree-sit supporters accused the UCPD of being arrogant. What? How is cutting down branches being arrogant? Unless they were laughing maniacally while chopping down branches, in which case we would have little option but to chuckle.

*Ayr—spokesman for the tree-people—complains that the protesters feel threatened, saying the university agreed to warn them before being attacked. Well … we can’t really criticize this, since the tree-sit has been going on for so long that any distinction between tree-people and trees is starting to blur. Maybe Ayr’s right?

*The four remaining tree-people are in one tree, a redwood. That’s right: a redwood. Theoretically, the university could cut down all the oaks without physically affecting the tree-people. Wait, that gives us an idea …

*Another complaint is that the university is violating the injunction by beginning construction. Sorry chuckles, but the university is in fact destroying, not constructing (okay, that was a little lame, but someone had to point it out).

For a much better and in-depth coverage—including a history—of the tree-sit, read the special freshman issue of The Daily Californian.

Image Source: basswulf under Creative Commons
Campus Cuts Branches at Oak Grove [Daily Cal]
BERKELEY: UNIVERSITY TRIMS OAK GROVE TREES, SITTERS FEEL THREATENED [CBS5]

That’s what Fresh said this morning as more than 300 onlookers watched him continue to resist the orders of the UCPD. The cops attempted to ease him down at around 12 p.m. using a written statement that promised no arrest or identification if he descends from his post. Using ladders and sharp instruments, they also cut away Fresh’s hammock and supplies.

Naturally, he didn’t budge. He didn’t kick his “shitbucket,” either–much to the dismay of the people who skipped class in hopes of seeing drama unfold.

Obviously, the Fresh saga is not over. Based on what we heard today, however, the Clog compiled a short list of things you should say to your closest neighbor if you ever find yourself ogling at the drawn-out treewok spectacle.

“Is this where my tax dollars are going?”

“SHUT UP!” (Make sure you direct this in the general direction of anyone who expresses support for the sit.)

“Where is the accountability!”

“If you really support your cause, take off the mask!”

“We love you, Fresh!”

And if your name is Ayr, a.k.a. Erik Eisenberg, please wear that awesome Wicked t-shirt more often.

Also spied, at around 1 p.m.–Zachary RunningWolf, in the same outfit as yesterday, chalking right outside the police barricades. Didn’t he make it into a PoLo for chalking illegally a few months ago?

We would give you more pictures, but we left our camera phone USB connector at home. We saw a lot of you busting your cameras out, though, so feel free to share the love!

Image Source: Michael Kang, Daily Cal
UCPD Attempts to Remove Protester From Tree Outside Wheeler Hall [Daily Cal]
Earlier: We Spy: Kicking, Screaming and Power Tripping at Fresh’s Pad