Grandmothers Take to the Trees

Resident and activist Sylvia McLaughlin, 90, relaxes with a book 40 feet above the ground to support the preservation of an oak grove the university may level to build an athletic facility near Memorial Stadium.

City Councilmember Betty Olds, 86, and former mayor Shirley Dean, 71, joined McLaughlin in the oaks to demonstrate their opposition to the proposed location of the facility.

“We’re all three grandmothers. We want the world to be a decent place for our grandchildren,” Olds said.

The three senior civic leaders climbed a ladder to reach a platform built in the tree specifically for their ascent.

The three women proposed the climb, said Doug Buckwald, an organizer for Save the Oaks at the Stadium.

McLaughlin, co-founder of the Save the Bay movement of the 1960s, characterized the oak grove as a peaceful oasis, a beautiful natural resource, and a location where multidisciplinary courses could be taught.

“I hope the decision-makers will see the wisdom of preserving the oaks and putting the field somewhere else,” she said.

Dean, who said she is afraid of heights and has not climbed a tree in more than 60 years, climbed into the oaks because their preservation is important to her and the community, she said.

Several local activists applauded the women and condemned the university for failing to live up to its reputation as a leader in sustainability and environmental activism.

“This is the perfect place for the university to practice what they preach,” Buckwald said.

As part of plans for the construction of the athletic center, UC Berkeley officials have said there will be three new trees planted for every one removed.

The oak protesters hope the university will choose to relocate the planned athletic center.

“The win-win solution I propose is to build the training facility at another location and save this irreplaceable oak grove for the students and the community,” he said.

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