Protestors Erect Barricades at Albany Bulb

Opponents of the planned eviction of the Albany Bulb encampments attempted to block vehicle access to the Bulb with two rock barricades erected Monday night, but they are were removed by authorities today, Tuesday, a protest representative said.

Low rock walls were placed across on the two unpaved roads, or wide trails, leading out to the Bulb, according to Lesley Haddock, one of the supporters of those living in makeshift shelters and tents on the Bulb.

Haddock said Albany police and a backhoe removed the barricades around 2 p.m. today.

Patch has requested information from Albany police about the police action.

Haddock said about 20-30 protestors spent Monday night on the Bulb and plan to spend tonight there as well. They set up tents and a tarp-covered shelter on the lower road, on the south side of the Bulb's "neck," and also a tarp over the "pit" area at entrance to the Bulb.

A report on the website Fireworks said, "A core group of people are camping on the Bulb to defend the barricades which have been put in place to stop police vehicles from coming into the area but need supplies and supporters." Fireworks is described on its website as "Anarchist Counterinformation Project for the Bay Area."

Haddock said the supporters marched to the Bulb last night following a U.S. District Court judge's rejection of an emergency injunction to block the impending eviction of the estimated 50-60 or so people living illegally on the Bulb.

Judge Charles Breyer refused a request for a temporary restraining order that is part of a lawsuit filed Nov. 13 by 10 Bulb residents and Albany Housing Advocates seeking to block the eviction.

The Fireworks website also has a photo of one of the barricades and a request for support in defending the encampments:

"Those that wish to help the encampment are encouraged to bring supplies of water, food, and toiletries out to the Albany Bulb... Consider coming by and donating time, exploring the space, and seeing what ways you can help. In the coming days, people will be making outreach materials to give out to the public and will need assistance talking with people and distributing materials. In the event of a police raid or arrests, people will also be asked to come out to the space and help defend it."

For more information on the Albany Bulb controversy, see our list with links of recent Patch articles and reader posts about the issue:

• News Articles & Community Posts about Albany Bulb