Despite the absence of some key tree-sit supporters yesterday, negotiations concerning the well-being of the tree-sitters at the oak grove near Memorial Stadium began to take place between the two sides.

About seven protesters remain in the trees in the nearly 570-day tree-sit in the grove. The tree-sitters, who can come down voluntarily at any time, claim they have been running low on food and water since early Tuesday morning when UCPD secured off the grove and sent in arborists to cut down the tree-sitters' supplies.

Berkeley Mayor Tom Bates and Berkeley City Councilmember Laurie Capitelli met with Nathan Brostrom, the university's vice chancellor of administration, yesterday afternoon in an attempt to negotiate for the basic needs of the tree-sitters.

Capitelli said negotiations with the university were successful in that Brostrom agreed to supply some necessities to the tree-sitters in the grove.

"It's my understanding that the university is going to provide you with water and food," Capitelli told the tree-sitters at about 5:30 p.m. yesterday.

This announcement followed negotiations between members of Grandmothers for the Oaks and UCPD Police Chief Victoria Harrison to get the tree-sitters medical supplies.

A few hours prior, the tree-sitters had told "Redwood Mary" and "Anna River" of Grandmothers for the Oaks that they needed hydrogen peroxide, bandages, ganja, trash bags and Emergen-C.

Harrison reminded the grandmothers that the tree-sitters are there illegally, adding that since the injunction still stands the oaks will not be cut regardless. Harrison said she would be open to some negotiations in order to establish communication with the tree-sitters.

"We can't get anywhere until we agree to chat with each other," she said. "My decision could very well impact their stay in the trees ... I want to remind you that these are people who threw urine."

Harrison negotiated a deal to send up a bag containing hydrogen peroxide and bandages in return for tree-sit supporters getting out of the north-bound lane of Piedmont Avenue.

A tree-sitter who goes by the name "Dumpster Muffin" said that though the tree-sitters are thankful for the supplies, they are not sufficient.

"This is a very, very, very small concession," she said.

Harrison also said she would be open to having a Peace and Conflict Studies major, or another objective party, mediate between police and the tree-sitters.

Tags: OAK GROVE, MEMORIAL STADIUM, SAVE THE OAKS