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Are you free this Tuesday, July 12, from 5:00 to about 7:30 pm? I’d like to convene an informal public meeting to discuss development plans for the site of the West Berkeley Shell Mound and to explore possible options. The meeting will be held at the East Bay Media Center, 1939 Addison Street, Berkeley. 

Tentative Agenda and Topics for Discussion. 

1. An overview of the shell mound and village site from its founding 4,500 years ago to the present.
2. An overview of the terrain. Where exactly was the shell mound, how was the surrounding area used, and what is now being built or proposed for this area?
3. What meaning does this area have for Native people?
4. What would Berkeley lose if this physical link with the past, already severely damaged, were weakened even further?
5. Can commercial development be stopped? A review of applicable laws that protect private property and prevent seizure of land by the government. Could the City government derail the impending development, even if it had the will to do so? At what cost? What are the laws governing Indian burials? What tactics might convince a developer to withdraw? How much money would be needed to buy the land, put it into the hands of a trust or park district, and build an appropriate memorial? What kind of strategy would be needed to see this effort through? If there is sufficient energy, organizational ability, and passion, who will take the leading role in this?
6. Am I wrong about the magnitude of the effort? If there’s an “Achilles heel,” a point of vulnerability that can be taken advantage of, this would be a good time to present alternative tactics.
7. If we can’t stop the development, are there other options (i.e., mitigation)?

As I said, this is in no way an “official” gathering, and it is not sanctioned by any group, Indian or otherwise. If we reach a consensus—it’s fine if we don’t—that consensus will simply be an expression of those present, and will have no authority or standing. It’s a discussion, an opportunity to hear from members of the Native community, and to wed practical knowledge with emotional concern. It’s done with the hope that it will energize members of the community to do whatever we can, individually, in small groups, or in concert, before we lose entirely this unique and irreplaceable connection to the place where Berkeley was born and continue the grim practice of erasing Native people from our landscape and our consciousness. 

Thanks. I hope this leads to something great. I look forward to seeing you. 

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Malcolm Margolin Vincent Medina 

Founder and Publisher Emeritus, Heyday Outreach Coordinator, News fr Native Cal. 

margolinmalcolm@gmail.com vincent@heydaybooks.com 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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margolinmalcolm@gmail.com