On February 6, the Confederated Villages of Lisjan officially became an intervenor in the lawsuit filed by the 1900 Fourth St. property owners against the City of Berkeley. This is good news, because it means that Lisjan (East Bay Ohlone) people and their legal team can reinforce and augment the City’s case for preserving the West Berkeley Shellmound and Village Site and denying fast-tracked permit approval for a retail and housing development project.
The motion to intervene by Confederated Villages of Lisjan was opposed by property owners Ruegg & Ellsworth and the Frank Spenger Company. However, Superior Court Judge Karin S. Schwartz issued a ruling granting the motion to intervene, stating that the tribe “presents satisfactory proof that it and its members have a direct and immediate interest in the City’s decision not to issue the ministerial permit pursuant to Section 65913.4” and that “the reasons for the intervention outweigh the opposing arguments.”
Unfortunately, the involvement of Confederated Villages of Lisjan in this litigation to protect their sacred grounds will result in substantial legal fees in the tens of thousands of dollars. If you are able, please make a donation today to the Shellmound Legal Defense Fund, which will directly help to offset these costs.
Thank you for staying in touch and connected with this matter of critical importance to the cultural survival of the Lisjan people.