Vigil-Protests for May in San Francisco & Berkeley...PS: Vigil Meeting Planned

May 12, 2004

Dear Animal Activists, Vigilers, Companions, Lovers, and Liberators, We have now passed the one-year mark in monthly protests at UCSF. And I am proud to announce that we are growing stronger in numbers and commitment - with East Bay Animal Advocates beginning regular vigils at UC Berkeley this month (see schedule below). Last month's World Week for Animals In Laboratories (April 17-25) was quite taxing, but committed Vigil activists kept their word and maintained presence at UCSF on 4 different days during that week. That's dedication, and I commend all who participated. Also Vigil for Animals had a table at Earth Day in Berkeley, and we generated about 25 PETA postcards (w/ quote "Imagine having your body left to science while you're still in it") - with various inspired thoughts (e.g., "stop experimenting on animals - start appreciating them.") addressed to J. Michael Bishop, UCSF Chancellor, and

Nigel W. Bunnett, Chair of UCSF's Committee on Animal Research (CAR). Another twenty postcards were taken by visitors to our table for them later to address their concerns to the Chancellor and/or Chair of CAR. Eventually, these unenlightened administrators will get the message - as we persevere - and, I contend - prevail!

Here is the schedule for Vigil-Protests for May; please note two different locations, one at UC San Francisco, and one at UC Berkeley: May 19, Wednesday - 11:30 AM till 1 PM - at UCSF, 513 Parnassus Av, S.F. (Please see below for directions re public transit.)

May 26, Wednesday - 5 PM till about 8 PM - at UCSF, 513 Parnassus Av, S.F. May 31, Monday - 8 PM till ? - at UC Berkeley, Corner of Oxford Street & Berkeley Way, UC Berkeley Info: Join East Bay Animal Advocates for an evening to honor the 40,000 animals harmed in research at UC Berkeley. Advocates will hold a silent vigil above the underground Northwest Animal Facility. Contact: 925-487-4419 or info.

And remember: As Henry James (so I am told) said, "Three things in...life are important. The first is to be kind. The second is to be kind. And, the third - is to be kind." Or, as "Uncle Rat" scratched on one of the postcards mentioned above: "Compassion is the key to humanity's harmonious existence with other life forms on the planet."

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION TO UCSF: UCSF is located at 513 Parnassus Avenue in San Francisco, easily reached by the 6-Parnassus bus or 43-Masonic bus, both of which stop in front of UCSF on Parnassus Avenue; or the N Judah streetcar (from East Bay, connects with BART at Civic Center, San Francisco) - exit streetcar at Arguello, enter UCSF via entrance on Arguello and take elevator up to Parnassus Avenue, or walk back one block and walk up the hill to Parnassus).

Bob O'Brien

for the Vigil (phone: 415-751-3756)

PS: If anyone is interested in coming to a Vigil meeting planned for May 16, Sunday, probably late morning or early afternoon in San Francisco - please let me know. We need help in various ways - e.g. networking w/ other sympathetic entities, reviewing/criticizing UCSF research protocols Involving animals, expanding the vigil-protests to other locations, or something else you would like to contribute - so we can make a significant (better substantial) difference re how animals are treated in our community.

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