Extra

Installing a portable toilet in front of any mural is a bad idea, but installing one in front of what is an historical mural commemorating the historic events of People's Park is especially wrong.

The mural stands for many things that are special to Berkeley - the commitment to free speech, the commitment to honoring the community that created this park, the dedication of community artists who undertook to honor the events that took place in the founding of People's Park and the sustained effort by these community artists to maintain the mural.

The events of People's Park are a special part of the history of Berkeley and in some ways best express the true dedication to freedom and equitable justice that Berkeley has become synonymous with. The founding of People's Park itself, after all the protest and struggle, is a testament to Berkeley's dedication to the fulfilling the promise of equal justice that America is supposed to be aiming for.

I join with Osha Neumann, and all reasonable minded members of our community, in calling on our Berkeley leaders to find another location for the public toilet. Please - do not be tone deaf - protect and respect a piece of art that is part of Berkeley's history.