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]