Gezi Gardens Press Release Re: hummingbirds

BREAKING: This mornings' cop-raided Gezi Gardens, former Hayes Valley Farm, has been found to be the home of The Allen Hummingbird, making it Federally protected land. Press Release "### FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ###

Press Statement - June 13, 2013

Former Hayes Valley Farm raided by police, Activists plan return tomorrow

The large open space formerly known as Hayes Valley Farm has been a site of peaceful protest for the last 11 days, as community and local urban farm activists call for a halt to the development of the farm into luxury apartments. The protest camp was raided by police this morning, leaving 2 activists hospitalized and 7 arrested.

Developers began bulldozing the gardens and cutting down mature trees within hours of the police raid, but paused midday, apparently due to new reports and photographs evidencing that the land is home to the Allen Humming Bird, a unique animal protected under The Federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918, (16 U.S.C. 703). A consultant biologist (hired by the development company) was reportedly called in to perform an adhoc survey of the nesting sites, but independent experts have expressed concern that such a hasty survey could not have been appropriately conducted.

Neighbors and farm activists have made numerous attempts to communicate concerns to the district supervisor, London Breed, but her office remains unresponsive. Supporters are encouraged to call her office to urge action, as well as the offices of Barbara Boxer, whose office has expressed interest in the issue.

Activists are calling for a reconvergence to retake the land tomorrow, Friday June 14th, at 6pm, meeting at Patricia’s Green on Octavia Street between Fell and Hayes.