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Berkeley City Council Meeting Tonight

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From a Berkleyans For Cal Email: According to the Daily Planet, the City Council will discuss in closed session (with a preceding open session) whether to appeal the lawsuit at a meeting today (Friday) at 5:00 pm and next Tuesday. I would expect the usual 30-50 people demanding that they "Stand up for Berkeley " and continue the fight. The accusations against the university with regard to the treesitters have become even more hysterical (and false) with each week and that will no doubt be part of the comments. These will be the last two meetings before the Council takes its summer break, although they can reconvene for an emergency meeting if needed. With 5 Council seats and the Mayor's seat in contest this fall, this is the time for B4Cal and others to put maximum pressure on the Council. I would suggest that at least a few people attend the public comment session, bringing a few others with them so that they can yield their time. Otherwise, generally speakers have only 1 minute each to speak. It is difficult to be part of that crowd and to sit through the jeers and shouting, but it is important that Council members not go into closed session with the impression that the only people who care about the issue want them to appeal. Another possibility is to present petitions, emails, or other proof of wide support. This is not time to mince words—it's important to let them know that you are residents and voters and will hold them accountable.

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