Demonstrators block paths to UC Berkeley and UC Santa Cruz; local schools picket
Protests, rallies mark "Day of Action" for education funding
Teachers and students from schools of all levels are fanning across the state today as part of a "day of action" that started with discussions at UC Berkeley and spread across the country.
Rallies are scheduled around California, as well as in some other states. The protests follow months of growing unrest throughout the state's educational institutions.
Check back regularly for updates to this story. E-mail your rally photos topix@bayareanewsgroup.com.
9:45 a.m.
BERKELEY — An on-campus demonstration has swelled to more than 100 and has led to some minor skirmishes between protesters and students trying to get to class.
The demonstrators have blocked Sather Gate, a main access point, and have been encouraging their passing peers to join their efforts, calling for a student strike.
"Don't go to class. Join our protest," one demonstrator was heard saying.
Students trying to walk through the picket have been met with physical resistance, which has resulted in some tussles.
OAKLAND — Hundreds of students from Allendale Elementary School in East Oakland are marching along 35th Avenue and have pooled together at the Interstate 580 overpass.
The students made the half-mile trek to the overpass, where they are garnering the attention of passersby and freeway motorists.
8:15
a.m.BERKELEY — About 80 students are blocking Sather Gate on campus, holding signs bearing slogans including "Instruction not Construction," "Spanish students for public education," and "Reclaim our university."
A Japanese student brought to the rally six Japanese students who traveled from Japan representing the All-Japan Federation of Student Self Government Associations.
CONCORD — Dozens of parents, teachers and students showed up outside Monte Gardens Elementary in Concord this morning to hear a representative of the California Teachers' Association, local legislators and other officials speak about the importance of education in California. Cuts leave California schools with $2,000 less per student than those in other states, they said.
State Assemblywoman Joan Buchanan and Senator Mark DeSaulnier both said they have voted against cuts to education. Emergency legislation being pushed forward today in Sacramento could threaten another $800 million in funding for K-12 education, DeSaulnier said.
"Public education is the priority," he said. "We have horrible choices. But in these tough times, you've got to protect the kids, because if we're ever going to get out of this, we've got to have a well-educated workforce."
Steven Lawrence, Superintendent of the Mt. Diablo school district, said schools will conduct emergency drills at 8:30 a.m. to demonstrate the disastrous effects budget cuts are having on education. He said principals informed parents through automated phone messages last night that students were encouraged to participate in before- and after-school activities, but were expected to stay in class during the day. The teachers' union has also stressed to educators that students are not supposed to leave school. Some students had said they planned to walk out after lunch.
Estelle Portugal, the mother of a 7-year-old second-grader at Monte Gardens, said she showed up at the early morning rally because she has seen how much harder it is for her child to receive individualized attention in a class that has swollen from 20 to 33 students.
"We need more teachers so the kids can get a better education," she said.
8 a.m.
SANTA CRUZ — Students have blocked both entrances to the UC Santa Cruz campus and began marching near the base of campus as the March 4 Day of Action began.
Western Drive is blocked as dozens of students have lined the road stopping traffic. At Western and High drivers and students interact as drivers make their plea to gain access through their neighborhood and onto campus. Those wishing access and onto campus are mostly denied including a sobbing health care worker, though those who say they live in Bonny Doon are allowed through. A contractor at the UCSC arboretum was denied access, which resulted in a strong exchange of words. He vowed to never hire any of the students again. He parked his vehicle and walked ont