April 20th (4-20) has become known nationwide as the date when people gather to communally smoke marijuana in an expression of support for the reform of marijuana laws. In recent years, thousands of people have gathered on the UCSC campus to participate in this event.
The University does not condone, support or otherwise sanction this event. The increasingly large crowds that have gathered in recent years present safety risks for participants, whether students or people not affiliated with the campus. This activity also violates a number of campus regulations designed to provide for the well-being of our campus and neighboring community.
In anticipation of this year's April 20 activity, I have authorized the implementation of a number of restrictions for this coming weekend, April 19-20. This communication is intended to alert the community of the transportation changes, parking restrictions, and other actions that will limit access to campus.
This advance notification is provided to enable those who have valid reasons for coming to campus this weekend to adjust their schedules and transportation plans accordingly:
o The West Entrance to campus will be closed to inbound vehicular traffic on Sunday.
o The Main Entrance will be open that day, but campus personnel will restrict vehicular access to people who have UCSC parking permits or who can show evidence they are attending sanctioned campus events that day.
o Parking permits will be required in all campus lots throughout the weekend, even in those that typically require no permits on weekends. The parking restriction will include evening hours on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights. (If you need to park on campus this weekend and do not currently have a permit, you will need to purchase one by 6 p.m. on Friday.)
o At our request Metro bus drivers will not bring riders onto campus on Sunday. The only "campus" stop, coming to and from UCSC, will be the one adjacent to the Main Entrance on Empire Grade. (If disability transportation is needed as a result of this restriction, special van service on campus can be requested at this one bus stop.)
o There will be no on-campus shuttle service during the day on Sunday.
o Empire Grade will be designated as a tow-away zone, and vehicles that illegally park on Empire Grade during the weekend will be ticketed and may be towed at the owners' expense. Extra patrols will be on duty to enforce these restrictions.
o Drivers and passengers who can't prove that they have a legitimate reason to be on campus on Sunday will be turned away at the main gate. People can anticipate that there will be delays at the Main Entrance's kiosk.
Please remember that all UCSC students, staff and their guests are expected to comply with University policy and federal and state law.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
