Lisa Teague

An unidentified female adult was found dead Tuesday in a tent at People’s Park, according to UC Berkeley spokesperson Dan Mogulof.

Michael Delacour, co-founder of People’s Park, died Thursday at the age of 85. 

An appellate court ruled Friday that UC Berkeley may not proceed with plans to build student and low-income housing at People’s Park, prompting calls from local and state officials to reform the California Environmental Quality Act, or CEQA, at the heart of the lawsuit.

After years of community advocacy, the city of Berkeley plans to launch a mental health crisis response team that is independent from law enforcement this summer.

2022 proved to be an eventful year for Berkeley’s historic People’s Park. In April, community members gathered to celebrate the 52nd anniversary of the park. In August, during an overnight operation, the University of California fenced off the park for the construction of a student housing site. Within hours, protesters halted construction, and the fight over People’s Park wages on.

Several large pieces of construction equipment were removed from People’s Park near UC Berkeley on Monday morning.

People’s Park has been a point of controversy within the Berkeley community as campus seeks to build housing on the park, while activists work to preserve it. But currently, the park is “chaos,” according to Nicholas Alexander, a resource coordinator who helps run the kitchen in the park.

A study published last month by UC Berkeley Public Health researchers found that access to public restrooms reduces reports of public defecation, especially in neighborhoods with people that experience houselessness.

In an unannounced overnight move, UC Berkeley began the process of fencing off People’s Park for construction of student housing Wednesday morning. 

Gov. Gavin Newsom signed legislation as part of a $22 billion package meant to address homelessness, mental health services and housing affordability.