News in Brief

Stanford Tree Rendered Cyclopic, Returned

After disappearing during a Cal-Stanford band competition Thursday, the Stanford Tree costume is back across the bay-one eye short.

Stanford Band Manager Stella Cousins said the tree had initially been held for a ransom payment.

But an anonymous phone call at 1:30 a.m. Friday tipped off Cal Band Manager James Bosch to the Tree's whereabouts.

By 4 a.m., Bosch received confirmation that the Tree had been returned.

Its disappearance has left a mark on Stanford's mascot. Chuck Armstrong, the Stanford Tree in 2001-2002, said it was returned with only a few leaves and one eye missing.

Stanford students destroyed the old costume and rebuilt another one with just one eye.

"We'll never use (the old costume) again because it was adulterated by Cal," said Will Rothacker Jr., this year's Tree.

Stealing the tree is a tradition in the Cal-Stanford rivalry, achieved most recently by the Phoenix Five in 1998.

Emma Schwartz

City Employees Take

Retirement Benefits Cut

Berkeley's management team-comprised of city department heads and the city manager-has responded to the City Council's proposed Budget Crisis Recovery Plan by accepting a 3 percent cut in their retirement benefits.

Totaling approximately $100,000, the cuts will affect more than 24 city employees.

Following a hiring freeze, a restriction in the use of temporary employees, a delay in one-time capital costs and a refinancing of long-term debt, the city hopes its newest move will stem the tide of the potential $15.4 million deficit.

"City staff members throughout the organization have voluntarily surrendered portions of their employee benefits," said Acting City Manager Phil Kamlarz. "That's a good start, but we will examine all possible options for further reductions."

The most recent move aside, the city must still finalize a set of budget priorities going into February 2004 in preparation for the special tax ballot measure to be voted on the following month.

Sam Schramski

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