Comments on: Trial update

By: Jonathan Okanes

Jonathan Okanes — Fri, 22 Jun 2007 22:33:06 +0000

Hi, Calfan. There are a lot of theories about the city’s motives. It looks pretty clear that the safety issue is off the table. But I’m not going to start talking about the city and morality. Mayor Bates stated publicly what his issues are. There may be other issues he doesn’t want to talk about.
I will say this: I’m far from a lawyer. But just as an observer, I’m not sure the city has much in terms of a strong case. I wouldn’t be surprised if it is settled before it goes to trial, but I would bet the city would wait until the last moment possible before “giving in.”

By: Calfan

Calfan — Tue, 19 Jun 2007 05:27:20 +0000

JO,
First of all let me say I loved your article on the HPC on Sunday. It was the best article I have read by a journalist on the subject yet. Just wondering why the city is so bull headed about the project and will not budge? It really makes sense for them to try to get something out of this rather than lose in court, no? The only real downside for the city is maybe traffic will be affected on Piedmont when construction is taking place. But maybe it won’t, I’m sure the university has plans to mitigate that as well. How can an elected office not support a life safety project that they won’t have to pay for? I’m sure you are going to say money and votes but still how can they make this stand, especially because it’s a local issue not a national issue and everyone who cares about UC and Berekely will be in the middle of this. The project is a home run and I wish you would help explain how the people who brought this lawsuit can sleep at night. Hope it’s over sooner rather than later. Please keep us informed.
Thanks!

By: Tony Richards

Tony Richards — Sat, 16 Jun 2007 18:25:17 +0000

The three groups that have brought these three wasteful lawsuits should be forced to pay for the cost of the proceedings when this is all over. Their selfish and shortsighted decision to try and block these improvements which are a) much needed and b) inevitable is costing the UC system and the California state justice system thousands of dollars that could otherwise be spent on facilities for students and court cases that really matter. Shame on them!