Jackson Stephens

A group of pro-Palestinian activists claimed responsibility for vandalizing an administrative building in Oakland on Sunday, leaving the office with broken windows and red paint daubed across its facade.&nbsp;

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A group of pro-Palestinian activists claimed responsibility for vandalizing an administrative building in Oakland on Sunday, leaving the office with broken windows and red paint daubed across its facade.&nbsp;

Identifying as “anti-colonial anarchists and communists,” the group asserted it attacked the University of California Office of the President via an Indybay <a href="https://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2024/05/14/18866217.php">post</a> on Tuesday morning, saying protest participants defaced the exterior and released hundreds of cockroaches inside the building. “Using a fire extinguisher filled with red paint, we covered the facade and smashed seven windows,” said the post credited to “sacred black and red.” “Then, with access to the building, we released 500 cockroaches inside and emptied a second fire extinguisher onto the interior.”

Identifying as “anti-colonial anarchists and communists,” the group asserted it attacked the University of California Office of the President via an Indybay <a href="https://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2024/05/14/18866217.php">post</a> on Tuesday morning, saying protest participants defaced the exterior and released hundreds of cockroaches inside the building. “Using a fire extinguisher filled with red paint, we covered the facade and smashed seven windows,” said the post credited to “sacred black and red.” “Then, with access to the building, we released 500 cockroaches inside and emptied a second fire extinguisher onto the interior.”

A broken window with paint across it at the UC President's Office in Oakland. Pro-Palestine activists are claiming responsibility for the attack on Sunday night. 

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/img_0828.jpg?w=1802" alt="A shattered glass window with white and red spray paint drips, showing a reflection of urban buildings and a passing car." class="wp-image-275673"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Vandals cracked a window and sprayed paint across it at the University of California&#8217;s President&#8217;s Office in Oakland on Sunday night. Pro-Palestinian activists claimed responsibility for the act on Tuesday.</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/img_0828.jpg?w=1802" alt="A shattered glass window with white and red spray paint drips, showing a reflection of urban buildings and a passing car." class="wp-image-275673"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Vandals cracked a window and sprayed paint across it at the University of California's President's Office in Oakland on Sunday night. Pro-Palestinian activists claimed responsibility for the act on Tuesday.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/img_0828.jpg?w=1802" alt="A shattered glass window with white and red spray paint drips, showing a reflection of urban buildings and a passing car." class="wp-image-275673"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Vandals cracked a window and sprayed paint across it at the University of California&#8217;s President&#8217;s Office in Oakland on Sunday night. Pro-Palestinian activists claimed responsibility for the act on Tuesday.</figcaption></figure>

Oakland police confirmed officers responded to an act of vandalism at the building early Sunday morning. Officers said multiple people used an object to break windows before throwing paint on the walls and then walking away from the area. Police are investigating the incident as a “hate-related crime.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Oakland police confirmed officers responded to an act of vandalism at the building early Sunday morning. Officers said multiple people used an object to break windows before throwing paint on the walls and then walking away from the area. Police are investigating the incident as a “hate-related crime.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

The president&#8217;s office confirmed there was graffiti and other damage to its building but did not confirm evidence of cockroaches. The office said it is working with law enforcement to investigate the incident.&nbsp;

The president's office confirmed there was graffiti and other damage to its building but did not confirm evidence of cockroaches. The office said it is working with law enforcement to investigate the incident.&nbsp;

The president&#8217;s office confirmed there was graffiti and other damage to its building but did not confirm evidence of cockroaches. The office said it is working with law enforcement to investigate the incident.&nbsp;

Washed off red paint runs down the sidewalk on 12th St. in Oakland after and attack on the UC President's Office Sunday. A Pro-Palestine activists have claimed responsibility.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/img_0831.jpg?w=1802" alt="A sunlit city sidewalk, lined with green trees, leads past a building with boarded-up windows and bike parking signs." class="wp-image-275674"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Red paint runs down the sidewalk on 12th Street in Oakland after graffiti was washed from the UC President&#8217;s Office.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/img_0831.jpg?w=1802" alt="A sunlit city sidewalk, lined with green trees, leads past a building with boarded-up windows and bike parking signs." class="wp-image-275674"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Red paint runs down the sidewalk on 12th Street in Oakland after graffiti was washed from the UC President's Office.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/img_0831.jpg?w=1802" alt="A sunlit city sidewalk, lined with green trees, leads past a building with boarded-up windows and bike parking signs." class="wp-image-275674"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Red paint runs down the sidewalk on 12th Street in Oakland after graffiti was washed from the UC President&#8217;s Office.</figcaption></figure>

The Indybay writer posted photos, apparently after the incident, showing an empty water jug in front of the smashed windows with the word “BONK” written on it.

The Indybay writer posted photos, apparently after the incident, showing an empty water jug in front of the smashed windows with the word “BONK” written on it.

The phrase “sacred black and red” refers to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/apr/30/water-jug-meme-university-protest-palestine">a pro-Palestinian student protestor</a> at Humboldt’s California State Polytechnic University who hit a police officer on the head with an empty water jug in April, which made a “bonk” sound.

The phrase “sacred black and red” refers to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/apr/30/water-jug-meme-university-protest-palestine">a pro-Palestinian student protestor</a> at Humboldt’s California State Polytechnic University who hit a police officer on the head with an empty water jug in April, which made a “bonk” sound.

Cockroaches and vandalism: Pro-Palestinian group claims attack on UC President’s Office

George Kelly

Garrett Leahy

Joel Umanzor

Pushing forward with plans to build a controversial student housing complex, officials at the University of California Berkeley directed law enforcement, private security forces and contractors to clear homeless people from People&#8217;s Park early Thursday, blocking off public access and spurring vigorous protests that led to multiple arrests.

Pushing forward with plans to build a controversial student housing complex, officials at the University of California Berkeley directed law enforcement, private security forces and contractors to clear homeless people from People's Park early Thursday, blocking off public access and spurring vigorous protests that led to multiple arrests.

Pushing forward with plans to build a controversial student housing complex, officials at the University of California Berkeley directed law enforcement, private security forces and contractors to clear homeless people from People&#8217;s Park early Thursday, blocking off public access and spurring vigorous protests that led to multiple arrests.

Around 1 a.m., police began using barricades to block off streets around the park, dismantling an ad-hoc kitchen and clubhouse, and using tools to tear down several trees in the park.

Around 1 a.m., police began using barricades to block off streets around the park, dismantling an ad-hoc kitchen and clubhouse, and using tools to tear down several trees in the park.

Several groups of protesters challenged officers&#8217; actions by chaining themselves to equipment and trees. At least two people refused entreaties to come down from a treehouse.

Several groups of protesters challenged officers' actions by chaining themselves to equipment and trees. At least two people refused entreaties to come down from a treehouse.

Several groups of protesters challenged officers&#8217; actions by chaining themselves to equipment and trees. At least two people refused entreaties to come down from a treehouse.

Police descend on People's Park as crews cut down trees and people are asked to leave in Berkeley, Calif., on Thursday, Jan. 4, 2024. Police officers in riot gear removed activists and crews put in shipping containers to wall off the historic park overnight as the University of California, Berkeley waits for a court ruling it hopes will allow it to build much-needed student housing.  

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/ap24004647518769.jpg?w=1024" alt="Riot police face a graffiti-covered building with protesters on its roof under a night sky. Text on the roof reads &quot;People's Park WILL REMAIN.&quot;" class="wp-image-237274"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Police descend on People&#8217;s Park in Berkeley as crews cut down trees and people are asked to leave early on Thursday. </figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/ap24004647518769.jpg?w=1024" alt="Riot police face a graffiti-covered building with protesters on its roof under a night sky. Text on the roof reads &quot;People's Park WILL REMAIN.&quot;" class="wp-image-237274"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Police descend on People's Park in Berkeley as crews cut down trees and people are asked to leave early on Thursday. </figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/ap24004647518769.jpg?w=1024" alt="Riot police face a graffiti-covered building with protesters on its roof under a night sky. Text on the roof reads &quot;People's Park WILL REMAIN.&quot;" class="wp-image-237274"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Police descend on People&#8217;s Park in Berkeley as crews cut down trees and people are asked to leave early on Thursday. </figcaption></figure>

By 9:30 a.m., 10 California Highway Patrol officers and five Allied Universal private security officers had blocked off Dwight Way near Telegraph Avenue with metal barricades. From Dwight Way, an excavator rolled into the park, with people in high-visibility vests and hard hats visible down the street.

By 9:30 a.m., 10 California Highway Patrol officers and five Allied Universal private security officers had blocked off Dwight Way near Telegraph Avenue with metal barricades. From Dwight Way, an excavator rolled into the park, with people in high-visibility vests and hard hats visible down the street.

Berkeley police arrested a woman around 1:10 p.m. on Telegraph Avenue near Dwight Way and booked her into Berkeley jail after she began moving barricades meant to block public access to People&#8217;s Park.

Berkeley police arrested a woman around 1:10 p.m. on Telegraph Avenue near Dwight Way and booked her into Berkeley jail after she began moving barricades meant to block public access to People's Park.

Berkeley police arrested a woman around 1:10 p.m. on Telegraph Avenue near Dwight Way and booked her into Berkeley jail after she began moving barricades meant to block public access to People&#8217;s Park.

Three other protestors, two women ages 23 and 25 and a 22-year-old man, attempted to remove barricades and were arrested around 4:40 p.m. after allegedly attempting to resist arrest, according to Berkeley police.

Three other protestors, two women ages 23 and 25 and a 22-year-old man, attempted to remove barricades and were arrested around 4:40 p.m. after allegedly attempting to resist arrest, according to Berkeley police.

A CHP officer at the scene told The Standard that a wall of metal shipping containers will be erected around People’s Park. The segment of wall stretching around the corner of Bowditch Street and Dwight Way appeared to be around 20 feet tall, made of shipping containers stacked on top of one another.

A CHP officer at the scene told The Standard that a wall of metal shipping containers will be erected around People’s Park. The segment of wall stretching around the corner of Bowditch Street and Dwight Way appeared to be around 20 feet tall, made of shipping containers stacked on top of one another.

Stacked shipping containers begin to surround People's Park in Berkeley, Calif. on Thursday, Jan. 4, 2024. Police officers in riot gear removed activists and crews put in shipping containers to wall off the historic park overnight as the University of California, Berkeley waits for a court ruling it hopes will allow it to build much-needed student housing. 

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/ap24004711224034.jpg?w=1024" alt="Aerial view of an urban area with a park, construction machinery, cargo containers, and city backdrop." class="wp-image-237277"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Stacked shipping containers begin to surround People&#8217;s Park in Berkeley on Thursday. </figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/ap24004711224034.jpg?w=1024" alt="Aerial view of an urban area with a park, construction machinery, cargo containers, and city backdrop." class="wp-image-237277"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Stacked shipping containers begin to surround People's Park in Berkeley on Thursday. </figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/ap24004711224034.jpg?w=1024" alt="Aerial view of an urban area with a park, construction machinery, cargo containers, and city backdrop." class="wp-image-237277"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Stacked shipping containers begin to surround People&#8217;s Park in Berkeley on Thursday. </figcaption></figure>

The three-acre park, a landmark in the city&#8217;s Southside neighborhood, has long served as a counterculture touchstone, political stepping stone and refuge for homeless people. It has also drawn attention since UC Berkeley first seized the land in 1968 and as university officials renewed efforts to pave it over for a $312 million project that includes sorely needed housing for about 1,000 students.

The three-acre park, a landmark in the city's Southside neighborhood, has long served as a counterculture touchstone, political stepping stone and refuge for homeless people. It has also drawn attention since UC Berkeley first seized the land in 1968 and as university officials renewed efforts to pave it over for a $312 million project that includes sorely needed housing for about 1,000 students.

The three-acre park, a landmark in the city&#8217;s Southside neighborhood, has long served as a counterculture touchstone, political stepping stone and refuge for homeless people. It has also drawn attention since UC Berkeley first seized the land in 1968 and as university officials renewed efforts to pave it over for a $312 million project that includes sorely needed housing for about 1,000 students.

After a judge sided with the university in a legal scrum over the project, construction finally began Aug. 3, 2022, only to abruptly stop a few hours later after a swarm of defiant protesters, who had been sparring with police, toppled fences surrounding the park.

After a judge sided with the university in a legal scrum over the project, construction finally began Aug. 3, 2022, only to abruptly stop a few hours later after a swarm of defiant protesters, who had been sparring with police, toppled fences surrounding the park.

<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-1 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-2 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img data-id="237235" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/20240401-peoplesparksweep-04a.jpeg?w=2500" alt="Workers move contains to block of Peoples Park. " class="wp-image-237235"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Workers install metal shipping containers around the permiter of People’s Park in Berkeley on Thursday.</figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img data-id="237072" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/20240104peoplesparksweep_0004.jpg?w=2500" alt="A police barricade blocks off people from entering the Peoples Park in Berkeley. " class="wp-image-237072"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Law enforcement officers keep guard as construction begins at People’s Park in Berkeley on Thursday.</figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img data-id="237092" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/img_8109.jpg?w=2500" alt="Two construction workers in high visibility vests and helmets walk and talk along a sidewalk beside a row of yellow double stacked shipping containers in a street." class="wp-image-237092"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Construction crews work at People’s Park, which was emptied of people camping there early Thursday by law enforcement and blocked off to the public.</figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img data-id="237064" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/img_8089.jpg?w=2500" alt="Multiple law enforcement personnel in tactical crowd-control gear gather near a parked patrol vehicle on the sunny side of a city street." class="wp-image-237064"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Nearly 30 CHP officers, some in riot gear, stand on Haste Street between Bowditch Street and Telegraph Avenue by 10:30 a.m. Thursday.</figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img data-id="237099" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/20240401-peoplesparksweep-03.jpeg?w=2500" alt="Construction workers stand to the left while a excavator digs up dirt on a plot of land." class="wp-image-237099"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Construction begins after the University of California Berkeley directed law enforcement, private security forces and contractors to clear homeless people from People&#8217;s Park early Thursday.</figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img data-id="237069" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/20240104peoplesparksweep_0001.jpg?w=2500" alt="An excavator can be seen in the distance as it begins construction at the Peoples Park." class="wp-image-237069"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Law enforcement officers keep guard as construction begins at People’s Park in Berkeley on Thursday.</figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img data-id="237073" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/20240104peoplesparksweep_0005.jpg?w=2500" alt="A person wearing a dark hooded sweatshirt sits in a chair in front of police on the other side of a metal barricade; behind the person, a cardboard sign reads &quot;we want the park.&quot;" class="wp-image-237073"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Law enforcement officers keep guard as construction begins at People’s Park in Berkeley on Thursday.</figcaption></figure>
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Workers install metal shipping containers around the permiter of People’s Park in Berkeley on Thursday, Jan. 4, 2024 after the University of California Berkeley directed law enforcement, private security forces and contractors to clear homeless people from the park early Thursday, blocking off public access and spurring vigorous protests that led to multiple arrests on Thurs. Jan. 4, 2024. Around 1 a.m., police began using barricades to block off streets around the park, dismantling an ad-hoc kitchen and clubhouse, and using tools to tear down several trees in the park.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/20240401-peoplesparksweep-04a.jpeg?w=2500" alt="Workers move contains to block of Peoples Park. " class="wp-image-237235"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Workers install metal shipping containers around the permiter of People’s Park in Berkeley on Thursday.</figcaption></figure>

Law enforcement officers keep guard as construction begins at People’s Park in Berkley, Calif. on Thursday, Jan. 4, 2024.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/20240104peoplesparksweep_0004.jpg?w=2500" alt="A police barricade blocks off people from entering the Peoples Park in Berkeley. " class="wp-image-237072"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Law enforcement officers keep guard as construction begins at People’s Park in Berkeley on Thursday.</figcaption></figure>

Construction crews work at People’s Park, which was emptied of  people camping there early Thursday by law enforcement and blocked off to the public.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/img_8109.jpg?w=2500" alt="Two construction workers in high visibility vests and helmets walk and talk along a sidewalk beside a row of yellow double stacked shipping containers in a street." class="wp-image-237092"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Construction crews work at People’s Park, which was emptied of people camping there early Thursday by law enforcement and blocked off to the public.</figcaption></figure>

Nearly 30 CHP officers, some of whom were wearing riot gear, were standing on Haste Street between Bowditch Street and Telegraph Avenue by 10:30 a.m.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/img_8089.jpg?w=2500" alt="Multiple law enforcement personnel in tactical crowd-control gear gather near a parked patrol vehicle on the sunny side of a city street." class="wp-image-237064"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Nearly 30 CHP officers, some in riot gear, stand on Haste Street between Bowditch Street and Telegraph Avenue by 10:30 a.m. Thursday.</figcaption></figure>

Construction begins after the University of California Berkeley directed law enforcement, private security forces and contractors to clear homeless people from People's Park early Thursday, blocking off public access and spurring vigorous protests that led to multiple arrests on Thurs. Jan. 4, 2024. Around 1 a.m., police began using barricades to block off streets around the park, dismantling an ad-hoc kitchen and clubhouse, and using tools to tear down several trees in the park.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/20240401-peoplesparksweep-03.jpeg?w=2500" alt="Construction workers stand to the left while a excavator digs up dirt on a plot of land." class="wp-image-237099"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Construction begins after the University of California Berkeley directed law enforcement, private security forces and contractors to clear homeless people from People&#8217;s Park early Thursday.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/20240401-peoplesparksweep-03.jpeg?w=2500" alt="Construction workers stand to the left while a excavator digs up dirt on a plot of land." class="wp-image-237099"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Construction begins after the University of California Berkeley directed law enforcement, private security forces and contractors to clear homeless people from People's Park early Thursday.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/20240401-peoplesparksweep-03.jpeg?w=2500" alt="Construction workers stand to the left while a excavator digs up dirt on a plot of land." class="wp-image-237099"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Construction begins after the University of California Berkeley directed law enforcement, private security forces and contractors to clear homeless people from People&#8217;s Park early Thursday.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/20240104peoplesparksweep_0001.jpg?w=2500" alt="An excavator can be seen in the distance as it begins construction at the Peoples Park." class="wp-image-237069"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Law enforcement officers keep guard as construction begins at People’s Park in Berkeley on Thursday.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/20240104peoplesparksweep_0005.jpg?w=2500" alt="A person wearing a dark hooded sweatshirt sits in a chair in front of police on the other side of a metal barricade; behind the person, a cardboard sign reads &quot;we want the park.&quot;" class="wp-image-237073"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Law enforcement officers keep guard as construction begins at People’s Park in Berkeley on Thursday.</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-1 is-cropped"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/20240401-peoplesparksweep-04a.jpeg?w=2500" alt="Workers move contains to block of Peoples Park. " class="wp-image-237235"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Workers install metal shipping containers around the permiter of People’s Park in Berkeley on Thursday.</figcaption></figure><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/20240104peoplesparksweep_0004.jpg?w=2500" alt="A police barricade blocks off people from entering the Peoples Park in Berkeley. " class="wp-image-237072"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Law enforcement officers keep guard as construction begins at People’s Park in Berkeley on Thursday.</figcaption></figure><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/img_8109.jpg?w=2500" alt="Two construction workers in high visibility vests and helmets walk and talk along a sidewalk beside a row of yellow double stacked shipping containers in a street." class="wp-image-237092"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Construction crews work at People’s Park, which was emptied of people camping there early Thursday by law enforcement and blocked off to the public.</figcaption></figure><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/img_8089.jpg?w=2500" alt="Multiple law enforcement personnel in tactical crowd-control gear gather near a parked patrol vehicle on the sunny side of a city street." class="wp-image-237064"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Nearly 30 CHP officers, some in riot gear, stand on Haste Street between Bowditch Street and Telegraph Avenue by 10:30 a.m. Thursday.</figcaption></figure><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/20240401-peoplesparksweep-03.jpeg?w=2500" alt="Construction workers stand to the left while a excavator digs up dirt on a plot of land." class="wp-image-237099"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Construction begins after the University of California Berkeley directed law enforcement, private security forces and contractors to clear homeless people from People&#8217;s Park early Thursday.</figcaption></figure><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/20240104peoplesparksweep_0001.jpg?w=2500" alt="An excavator can be seen in the distance as it begins construction at the Peoples Park." class="wp-image-237069"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Law enforcement officers keep guard as construction begins at People’s Park in Berkeley on Thursday.</figcaption></figure><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/20240104peoplesparksweep_0005.jpg?w=2500" alt="A person wearing a dark hooded sweatshirt sits in a chair in front of police on the other side of a metal barricade; behind the person, a cardboard sign reads &quot;we want the park.&quot;" class="wp-image-237073"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Law enforcement officers keep guard as construction begins at People’s Park in Berkeley on Thursday.</figcaption></figure></figure>

The delay was only supposed to last a few days, but the coalition fighting the university’s plans won an appeals court stay that prevented construction.

The delay was only supposed to last a few days, but the coalition fighting the university’s plans won an appeals court stay that prevented construction.

But university officials said this week they were within their rights to exercise their prerogative to clear and block access to the park. Accordingly, officials said streets around the park would be blocked off for several days while crews installed multiple double-stacked shipping containers around the park in hopes of creating a secure perimeter.

But university officials said this week they were within their rights to exercise their prerogative to clear and block access to the park. Accordingly, officials said streets around the park would be blocked off for several days while crews installed multiple double-stacked shipping containers around the park in hopes of creating a secure perimeter.

READ MORE: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/02/23/the-story-behind-ceqa-breaking-down-the-lefts-love-hate-relationship-with-californias-pioneering-environmental-law/">CEQA Saga: UC Berkeley Housing Battle Puts Environmental Law in the Crosshairs Again</a>

CEQA saga: UC Berkeley housing battle puts environmental law in the crosshairs again

READ MORE: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/02/23/the-story-behind-ceqa-breaking-down-the-lefts-love-hate-relationship-with-californias-pioneering-environmental-law/">CEQA Saga: UC Berkeley Housing Battle Puts Environmental Law in the Crosshairs Again</a>

&#8220;The existing legal issues will inevitably be resolved, so we are taking this necessary step now to minimize the possibilities of conflict and confrontation, and of disruption for the public and our students, when we are cleared to resume construction,&#8221; Chancellor Carol Christ said in a <a href="https://news.berkeley.edu/2024/01/03/uc-berkeley-launches-closure-of-peoples-park-construction-site" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">statement</a>.

"The existing legal issues will inevitably be resolved, so we are taking this necessary step now to minimize the possibilities of conflict and confrontation, and of disruption for the public and our students, when we are cleared to resume construction," Chancellor Carol Christ said in a <a href="https://news.berkeley.edu/2024/01/03/uc-berkeley-launches-closure-of-peoples-park-construction-site" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">statement</a>.

&#8220;The existing legal issues will inevitably be resolved, so we are taking this necessary step now to minimize the possibilities of conflict and confrontation, and of disruption for the public and our students, when we are cleared to resume construction,&#8221; Chancellor Carol Christ said in a <a href="https://news.berkeley.edu/2024/01/03/uc-berkeley-launches-closure-of-peoples-park-construction-site" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">statement</a>.

&#8220;Unfortunately, our planning and actions must take into account that some of the project’s opponents have previously resorted to violence and vandalism.&#8221;

"Unfortunately, our planning and actions must take into account that some of the project’s opponents have previously resorted to violence and vandalism."

&#8220;Unfortunately, our planning and actions must take into account that some of the project’s opponents have previously resorted to violence and vandalism.&#8221;

Construction beings after the University of California Berkeley directed law enforcement, private security forces and contractors to clear homeless people from People's Park early Thursday, blocking off public access and spurring vigorous protests that led to multiple arrests on Thurs. Jan. 4, 2024. Around 1 a.m., police began using barricades to block off streets around the park, dismantling an ad-hoc kitchen and clubhouse, and using tools to tear down several trees in the park.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/20240401-peoplesparksweep-06.jpeg?w=2500" alt="Excavators began to dig and work on the Peoples Park after clearing homeless people in Berkley." class="wp-image-237101"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Construction begins after the University of California, Berkeley, directed law enforcement, private security forces and contractors to clear homeless people from People&#8217;s Park early Thursday, blocking off public access and spurring vigorous protests that led to multiple arrests.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/20240401-peoplesparksweep-06.jpeg?w=2500" alt="Excavators began to dig and work on the Peoples Park after clearing homeless people in Berkley." class="wp-image-237101"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Construction begins after the University of California, Berkeley, directed law enforcement, private security forces and contractors to clear homeless people from People's Park early Thursday, blocking off public access and spurring vigorous protests that led to multiple arrests.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/20240401-peoplesparksweep-06.jpeg?w=2500" alt="Excavators began to dig and work on the Peoples Park after clearing homeless people in Berkley." class="wp-image-237101"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Construction begins after the University of California, Berkeley, directed law enforcement, private security forces and contractors to clear homeless people from People&#8217;s Park early Thursday, blocking off public access and spurring vigorous protests that led to multiple arrests.</figcaption></figure>

Officials said they were closing off the park, bordered by Telegraph Avenue, Haste and Bowditch streets and Dwight Way, to limit disruption to the city and campus while students are still on winter break.

Officials said they were closing off the park, bordered by Telegraph Avenue, Haste and Bowditch streets and Dwight Way, to limit disruption to the city and campus while students are still on winter break.

Longtime Berkeley resident Lin-Rachel Altman told The Standard she remembered coming to People’s Park as a child and said it was a gathering place for the community.

Longtime Berkeley resident Lin-Rachel Altman told The Standard she remembered coming to People’s Park as a child and said it was a gathering place for the community.

“It’s a space to come together,” Altman said. “It represents democracy.”

“It’s a space to come together,” Altman said. “It represents democracy.”

Lin-Rachel Altman and her husband Peter Allen stand near People’s Park on Thursday.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/img_8082.jpg?w=2500" alt="Two people wearing sunglasses, hats and warm dark-colored jackets stand beside a metal police barricade not far from a mural in the shady side of a street under sunny blue sky." class="wp-image-237107"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Lin-Rachel Altman and her husband, Peter Allen, stand near People’s Park on Thursday. They expressed concern about homeless people who had previously been living at the park.</figcaption></figure>

Altman said a friend of hers is unhoused and depended on meals from Food Not Bombs, an organization that serves free hot meals five days a week. She was worried about how homeless people will get by without the park.

Altman said a friend of hers is unhoused and depended on meals from Food Not Bombs, an organization that serves free hot meals five days a week. She was worried about how homeless people will get by without the park.

Aidan Hill, 30, said he also was concerned about where homeless people will gather for free daily meals from Food Not Bombs, for which he has volunteered for nearly four years.

Aidan Hill, 30, said he also was concerned about where homeless people will gather for free daily meals from Food Not Bombs, for which he has volunteered for nearly four years.

“They didn’t give me warning I wouldn’t be able to serve my community,” Hill said.

“They didn’t give me warning I wouldn’t be able to serve my community,” Hill said.

Hill said that the park and the green space it offers is a respite from the urban area surrounding it, offering a place for unhoused people and residents to gather. Hill said the park, with its trees and grass, was particularly important for unhoused people during heat waves.

Hill said that the park and the green space it offers is a respite from the urban area surrounding it, offering a place for unhoused people and residents to gather. Hill said the park, with its trees and grass, was particularly important for unhoused people during heat waves.

“We need a civic commons,” Hill said.

“We need a civic commons,” Hill said.

Aidan Hill holds a sign that says "Let a thousand parks bloom" while joining dozens of protesters Thursday at Telegraph Avenue and Haste Street to express outrage over the blocking-off of People's Park in Berkeley.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/img_8121.jpg?w=2500" alt="A person holds a sign and chants next to other people standing near a city intersection." class="wp-image-237102"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Aidan Hill holds a sign that says, &#8220;Let a thousand parks bloom,&#8221; while joining dozens of protesters Thursday at Telegraph Avenue and Haste Street to express outrage over the blocking-off of People&#8217;s Park in Berkeley.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/img_8121.jpg?w=2500" alt="A person holds a sign and chants next to other people standing near a city intersection." class="wp-image-237102"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Aidan Hill holds a sign that says, "Let a thousand parks bloom," while joining dozens of protesters Thursday at Telegraph Avenue and Haste Street to express outrage over the blocking-off of People's Park in Berkeley.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/img_8121.jpg?w=2500" alt="A person holds a sign and chants next to other people standing near a city intersection." class="wp-image-237102"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Aidan Hill holds a sign that says, &#8220;Let a thousand parks bloom,&#8221; while joining dozens of protesters Thursday at Telegraph Avenue and Haste Street to express outrage over the blocking-off of People&#8217;s Park in Berkeley.</figcaption></figure>

UC Berkeley spokesperson Kyle Gibson said the university would construct two buildings inside&nbsp;People’s&nbsp;Park and preserve 60% of the park as public open space.

UC Berkeley spokesperson Kyle Gibson said the university would construct two buildings inside&nbsp;People’s&nbsp;Park and preserve 60% of the park as public open space.

One building will contain 100 supportive housing units and the other will be student housing for 1,100 undergraduates.

One building will contain 100 supportive housing units and the other will be student housing for 1,100 undergraduates.

Gibson added that the university is doing community outreach to develop ways to create features inside the housing projects or open space to honor the park’s history,&nbsp;but he could not provide details, saying outreach is still ongoing.

Gibson added that the university is doing community outreach to develop ways to create features inside the housing projects or open space to honor the park’s history,&nbsp;but he could not provide details, saying outreach is still ongoing.

“It’s&nbsp;not just going to be a plaque,” Gibson said. “We hope&nbsp;it’ll be more than that.”

“It’s&nbsp;not just going to be a plaque,” Gibson said. “We hope&nbsp;it’ll be more than that.”

Crews work to remove debris from People's Park in Berkeley, Calif. on Thursday, Jan. 4, 2024. Police officers in riot gear removed activists and crews put in shipping containers to wall off the historic park overnight as the University of California, Berkeley waits for a court ruling it hopes will allow it to build much-needed student housing. 

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/ap24004711467559.jpg?w=1024" alt="Aerial view of construction: machinery, debris around a mural reading &quot;I AM PEOPLES PARK&quot; on a rooftop." class="wp-image-237273"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Crews work to remove debris from People&#8217;s Park in Berkeley on Thursday. </figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/ap24004711467559.jpg?w=1024" alt="Aerial view of construction: machinery, debris around a mural reading &quot;I AM PEOPLES PARK&quot; on a rooftop." class="wp-image-237273"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Crews work to remove debris from People's Park in Berkeley on Thursday. </figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/ap24004711467559.jpg?w=1024" alt="Aerial view of construction: machinery, debris around a mural reading &quot;I AM PEOPLES PARK&quot; on a rooftop." class="wp-image-237273"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Crews work to remove debris from People&#8217;s Park in Berkeley on Thursday. </figcaption></figure>

Gibson told The Standard that University of California police detained, cited and released seven people from custody Thursday. He said that no initial estimate on operational costs for the day&#8217;s actions was immediately available, and added that today was the first time the university had arranged to deploy shipping containers as barricades.

Gibson told The Standard that University of California police detained, cited and released seven people from custody Thursday. He said that no initial estimate on operational costs for the day's actions was immediately available, and added that today was the first time the university had arranged to deploy shipping containers as barricades.

Gibson told The Standard that University of California police detained, cited and released seven people from custody Thursday. He said that no initial estimate on operational costs for the day&#8217;s actions was immediately available, and added that today was the first time the university had arranged to deploy shipping containers as barricades.

Hill, a UC Berkeley graduate and seven-year Berkeley resident, said he is aware of UC Berkeley’s plan to retain 60% of the park as open space but takes issue with the design. Hill said the two buildings being erected in the park will cast shadows over the park and make visitors feel fenced in.

Hill, a UC Berkeley graduate and seven-year Berkeley resident, said he is aware of UC Berkeley’s plan to retain 60% of the park as open space but takes issue with the design. Hill said the two buildings being erected in the park will cast shadows over the park and make visitors feel fenced in.

“It’s a glorified front porch,”&nbsp;Hill said.

“It’s a glorified front porch,”&nbsp;Hill said.

Protesters gathered Thursday at Haste Street and Telegraph Avenue in Berkeley to protest construction of housing in People’s Park. Law enforcement emptied the park of people camping there early Thursday and blocked off public access.


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/img_8117.jpg?w=2500" alt="Several mask-wearing people in dark colored clothing stand and hold signs at a city intersection under sunny blue sky." class="wp-image-237108"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Protesters gathered Thursday at Haste Street and Telegraph Avenue in Berkeley to protest the construction of housing in People’s Park. Law enforcement emptied the park of people camping there early Thursday and blocked off public access. </figcaption></figure>

UC Berkeley clears People’s Park, sparking arrests. What’s behind the protests?

Annie Sciacca

For weeks, more than 500,000 Anthem Blue Cross enrollees who receive health care from the University of California were held in suspense. It wasn’t clear whether they would have to find new doctors or switch plans as the health system and one of its largest insurance partners struggled to reach agreement on a new contract.

For weeks, more than 500,000 Anthem Blue Cross enrollees who receive health care from the University of California were held in suspense. It wasn’t clear whether they would have to find new doctors or switch plans as the health system and one of its largest insurance partners struggled to reach agreement on a new contract.

UC Health accused Anthem of not negotiating in good faith, while Anthem leaders retorted that UC Health had demanded too much and rebuffed the insurer’s request for administrative efficiencies. In fact, roughly 8 million Anthem members in California were at risk of losing in-network access to UC Health’s vast network of prestigious hospitals and medical facilities, which could have left them with much higher out-of-pocket expenses. While not all patients were made aware of the situation, Anthem notified some enrollees they would be reassigned to new primary care doctors if no deal was reached.

UC Health accused Anthem of not negotiating in good faith, while Anthem leaders retorted that UC Health had demanded too much and rebuffed the insurer’s request for administrative efficiencies. In fact, roughly 8 million Anthem members in California were at risk of losing in-network access to UC Health’s vast network of prestigious hospitals and medical facilities, which could have left them with much higher out-of-pocket expenses. While not all patients were made aware of the situation, Anthem notified some enrollees they would be reassigned to new primary care doctors if no deal was reached.

But even as the parties announced an eleventh-hour agreement on Feb. 5, industry analysts say the conflict has become part of a trend in which patients are increasingly caught in the crossfire of contract disputes. Amid negotiations over rising labor and equipment costs, it’s often patients who are ultimately saddled with higher bills as the health industry continues to consolidate.

But even as the parties announced an eleventh-hour agreement on Feb. 5, industry analysts say the conflict has become part of a trend in which patients are increasingly caught in the crossfire of contract disputes. Amid negotiations over rising labor and equipment costs, it’s often patients who are ultimately saddled with higher bills as the health industry continues to consolidate.

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“This type of contract dispute is a routine feature of the health care system,” said Kristof Stremikis, director of market analysis and insight at the California Health Care Foundation. “At the same time, from a patient’s perspective, it’s an unfortunate feature of our health care system because it creates uncertainty and anxiety.”

“This type of contract dispute is a routine feature of the health care system,” said Kristof Stremikis, director of market analysis and insight at the California Health Care Foundation. “At the same time, from a patient’s perspective, it’s an unfortunate feature of our health care system because it creates uncertainty and anxiety.”

Stremikis noted that as mergers occur in the health industry, patients are left with fewer choices. Any time there are disputes, disruptions are felt more widely. And such fights rarely result in lower costs for consumers long-term across California.

Stremikis noted that as mergers occur in the health industry, patients are left with fewer choices. Any time there are disputes, disruptions are felt more widely. And such fights rarely result in lower costs for consumers long-term across California.

A <a href="https://www.kff.org/health-costs/issue-brief/what-we-know-about-provider-consolidation/#:~:text=A%20wide%20body%20of%20research%20has%20shown%20that%20provider%20consolidation%20leads%20to%20higher%20health%20care%20prices%20for%20private%20insurance">KFF analysis</a> found widespread evidence that consolidation of health providers leads to higher health care prices for private insurance. The same brief from 2020 found some evidence suggesting that large, consolidated insurance companies are able to obtain lower prices from providers, but that has not necessarily led to lower premiums for patients. And a 2022 report from the <a href="https://hcai.ca.gov/">California Department of Health Care Access and Information</a> found that health care costs have grown “at an unsustainable rate” and noted that between 2010 and 2018 “health insurance premiums for job-based coverage increased more than twice the rate of growth for wages.” State regulators also found that health plans <a href="https://www.dmhc.ca.gov/Resources/Newsroom/December26,2023.aspx">spent nearly $1.3 billion more</a> on prescription drugs in 2022 than in 2021.

A <a href="https://www.kff.org/health-costs/issue-brief/what-we-know-about-provider-consolidation/#:~:text=A%20wide%20body%20of%20research%20has%20shown%20that%20provider%20consolidation%20leads%20to%20higher%20health%20care%20prices%20for%20private%20insurance">KFF analysis</a> found widespread evidence that consolidation of health providers leads to higher health care prices for private insurance. The same brief from 2020 found some evidence suggesting that large, consolidated insurance companies are able to obtain lower prices from providers, but that has not necessarily led to lower premiums for patients. And a 2022 report from the <a href="https://hcai.ca.gov/">California Department of Health Care Access and Information</a> found that health care costs have grown “at an unsustainable rate” and noted that between 2010 and 2018 “health insurance premiums for job-based coverage increased more than twice the rate of growth for wages.” State regulators also found that health plans <a href="https://www.dmhc.ca.gov/Resources/Newsroom/December26,2023.aspx">spent nearly $1.3 billion more</a> on prescription drugs in 2022 than in 2021.

In trying to slow growth, California in 2022 set up an&nbsp;<a href="https://hcai.ca.gov/affordability/ohca/">Office of Health Care Affordability</a>, which has proposed a 3% spending growth target for the industry for 2025-2029. But enforcement will start in 2028 at the earliest, using spending data from 2026.

In trying to slow growth, California in 2022 set up an&nbsp;<a href="https://hcai.ca.gov/affordability/ohca/">Office of Health Care Affordability</a>, which has proposed a 3% spending growth target for the industry for 2025-2029. But enforcement will start in 2028 at the earliest, using spending data from 2026.

Cathy Jordan, 60, a social worker in Yuba City, California, has been a patient at UC Davis Health for two decades. Jordan was diagnosed at the end of 2021 with aggressive small cell carcinoma, a rare form of cancer. She has undergone surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and other treatments since then, yet her cancer has returned twice.

Cathy Jordan, 60, a social worker in Yuba City, California, has been a patient at UC Davis Health for two decades. Jordan was diagnosed at the end of 2021 with aggressive small cell carcinoma, a rare form of cancer. She has undergone surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and other treatments since then, yet her cancer has returned twice.

“I don’t have the luxury of time—my cancer comes back fast,” Jordan said.

“I don’t have the luxury of time—my cancer comes back fast,” Jordan said.

She is among the group of Anthem-insured patients at UC Health who were at risk of losing access to in-network care there, and when she got a notice from Anthem, she grew alarmed, she said.

She is among the group of Anthem-insured patients at UC Health who were at risk of losing access to in-network care there, and when she got a notice from Anthem, she grew alarmed, she said.

Jordan’s oncologist, Rebecca Brooks, said in an interview prior to the agreement being reached that it would be “incredibly disruptive” for cancer patients to have to switch providers in the middle of their treatments.

Jordan’s oncologist, Rebecca Brooks, said in an interview prior to the agreement being reached that it would be “incredibly disruptive” for cancer patients to have to switch providers in the middle of their treatments.

“It’s a detriment to their care,” said Brooks, director of the gynecologic oncology division at UC Davis Health. “It’s going to disrupt treatment and cause worse outcomes.”

“It’s a detriment to their care,” said Brooks, director of the gynecologic oncology division at UC Davis Health. “It’s going to disrupt treatment and cause worse outcomes.”

Jordan said she appreciates that UC Davis Health has a National Cancer Institute comprehensive cancer center designation; the only other cancer center of that caliber in Northern California not part of UC Health is at Stanford University, several hours away in Santa Clara County.

Jordan said she appreciates that UC Davis Health has a National Cancer Institute comprehensive cancer center designation; the only other cancer center of that caliber in Northern California not part of UC Health is at Stanford University, several hours away in Santa Clara County.

Jordan was worried that she and other UC Health patients would have to compete for treatment elsewhere. She was also uncomfortable with the idea of adjusting to a new setting and routine while undergoing intensive medical treatment.

Jordan was worried that she and other UC Health patients would have to compete for treatment elsewhere. She was also uncomfortable with the idea of adjusting to a new setting and routine while undergoing intensive medical treatment.

“Someone needs to say, ‘We need to think about these patients.’ Someone needs to step up and say, ‘What’s going to be best for our patients?’” Jordan said. “This is my life.”

“Someone needs to say, ‘We need to think about these patients.’ Someone needs to step up and say, ‘What’s going to be best for our patients?’” Jordan said. “This is my life.”

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Stremikis said such concerns are ever more urgent as the health care industry consolidates. UC San Francisco recently announced it would&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/s-f-ucsf-100-million-acquisition-18642896.php">acquire two struggling hospitals</a>&nbsp;in San Francisco, and it is joining Adventist Health in making a new effort to purchase a bankrupt&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kvpr.org/local-news/2024-02-08/ucsf-health-and-adventist-health-join-in-plan-to-purchase-madera-community-hospital">community hospital in Madera</a>. And UC Irvine recently&nbsp;<a href="https://www.modernhealthcare.com/mergers-acquisitions/tenet-healthcare-uci-university-of-california-irvine-hospital-sale">agreed to buy four hospitals</a>&nbsp;in Southern California.

Stremikis said such concerns are ever more urgent as the health care industry consolidates. UC San Francisco recently announced it would&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/s-f-ucsf-100-million-acquisition-18642896.php">acquire two struggling hospitals</a>&nbsp;in San Francisco, and it is joining Adventist Health in making a new effort to purchase a bankrupt&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kvpr.org/local-news/2024-02-08/ucsf-health-and-adventist-health-join-in-plan-to-purchase-madera-community-hospital">community hospital in Madera</a>. And UC Irvine recently&nbsp;<a href="https://www.modernhealthcare.com/mergers-acquisitions/tenet-healthcare-uci-university-of-california-irvine-hospital-sale">agreed to buy four hospitals</a>&nbsp;in Southern California.

“There is consolidation vertically up and down the supply chain and horizontally,” he explained. “So when there are disputes between these large entities, it has a larger and larger impact because there are fewer choices for patients.”

“There is consolidation vertically up and down the supply chain and horizontally,” he explained. “So when there are disputes between these large entities, it has a larger and larger impact because there are fewer choices for patients.”

While contract disputes between health care providers and insurers are nothing new, there is some evidence that they are increasing, at least in public view. FTI Consulting&nbsp;<a href="https://fticommunications.com/q3-update-medicare-advantage-under-the-spotlight-in-payer-provider-disputes/">published data</a>&nbsp;last year that found a steady increase in media coverage of rate negotiations between providers and insurers from 2022 to 2023. In addition to the fight with Anthem, UC Health narrowly avoided a break with Aetna last year by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sacbee.com/news/local/health-and-medicine/article274603136.html">reaching an agreement</a>&nbsp;in April. And regional hospital systems, including&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sonomavalleyhospital.org/svhblueanthem/">Sonoma Valley Hospital</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.montereyherald.com/2023/11/28/salinas-valley-health-anthem-blue-cross-reach-contract-agreement/">Salinas Valley Health</a>, have been at odds with Anthem within the last few months.

While contract disputes between health care providers and insurers are nothing new, there is some evidence that they are increasing, at least in public view. FTI Consulting&nbsp;<a href="https://fticommunications.com/q3-update-medicare-advantage-under-the-spotlight-in-payer-provider-disputes/">published data</a>&nbsp;last year that found a steady increase in media coverage of rate negotiations between providers and insurers from 2022 to 2023. In addition to the fight with Anthem, UC Health narrowly avoided a break with Aetna last year by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sacbee.com/news/local/health-and-medicine/article274603136.html">reaching an agreement</a>&nbsp;in April. And regional hospital systems, including&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sonomavalleyhospital.org/svhblueanthem/">Sonoma Valley Hospital</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.montereyherald.com/2023/11/28/salinas-valley-health-anthem-blue-cross-reach-contract-agreement/">Salinas Valley Health</a>, have been at odds with Anthem within the last few months.

UC and Anthem have now agreed to extend the current contract to April 1 while terms of the new agreement are being finalized. UC Health spokesperson Heather Harper said the rate increases were below the inflation rate.

UC and Anthem have now agreed to extend the current contract to April 1 while terms of the new agreement are being finalized. UC Health spokesperson Heather Harper said the rate increases were below the inflation rate.

Anthem spokesperson Michael Bowman said the new contract would allow Anthem members to access care at UC Health for years to come.

Anthem spokesperson Michael Bowman said the new contract would allow Anthem members to access care at UC Health for years to come.

“This underscores our mutual commitment to providing Anthem’s consumers and employers with access to high quality, affordable care at UC Health,” Bowman said in an email.

“This underscores our mutual commitment to providing Anthem’s consumers and employers with access to high quality, affordable care at UC Health,” Bowman said in an email.

This article was produced by&nbsp;<a href="https://kffhealthnews.org/about-us" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">KFF Health News</a>, which publishes&nbsp;<a href="http://www.californiahealthline.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">California Healthline</a>, an editorially independent service of the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.chcf.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">California Health Care Foundation</a>.&nbsp;

This article was produced by&nbsp;<a href="https://kffhealthnews.org/about-us" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">KFF Health News</a>, which publishes&nbsp;<a href="http://www.californiahealthline.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">California Healthline</a>, an editorially independent service of the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.chcf.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">California Health Care Foundation</a>.&nbsp;

Faceoff between major insurer, health system shows hazards of consolidation in California

The Standard Staff

University of California academic student workers and graduate student researchers officially ended the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/education/university-of-california-and-graduate-student-workers-reach-breakthrough-deal-to-end-strike/">six-week strike</a> on Friday that had caused <a href="https://sfstandard.com/education/chaos-at-uc-colleges-as-strike-wreaks-havoc-ahead-of-finals-week/">disruptions across the system</a>.

University of California academic student workers and graduate student researchers officially ended the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/education/university-of-california-and-graduate-student-workers-reach-breakthrough-deal-to-end-strike/">six-week strike</a> on Friday that had caused <a href="https://sfstandard.com/education/chaos-at-uc-colleges-as-strike-wreaks-havoc-ahead-of-finals-week/">disruptions across the system</a>.

The strike included four different groups of workers, each with their own set of grievances largely tied to wages and benefits. The coalition was represented by the&nbsp;United Auto Workers&nbsp;union.

The strike included four different groups of workers, each with their own set of grievances largely tied to wages and benefits. The coalition was represented by the&nbsp;United Auto Workers&nbsp;union.

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Faceoff between major insurer, health system shows hazards of consolidation in California

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Faceoff between major insurer, health system shows hazards of consolidation in California

University of California strike officially ends

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