University development on Hayward Fault

Petition to Chancellor Birgeneau of the University of California
The Regents of the University of California, and
Governor Schwarzenegger of the State of California

The undersigned are very concerned by the proposal of the University of California to initiate massive construction on the Hayward Fault in a high fire zone. Seismic experts agree it is one of the most dangerous sites in California with a 27\% probability of a magnitude 6.7 quake before 2032 causing significant damage to persons and property. The proposed project more than doubles the number of capacity events at Memorial Stadium and locates two structures in the Alquist Priola Earthquake Fault Hazard Zone specifically, a 158,000 sq.ft. Athletic training center and a multi-story 911 parking facility just north of the stadium

The Universitys SCIP draft environment impact review (May 8, 2006) confirms that there would be risk of loss, injury, or death from ground shaking and earth rupture and this loss cannot be completely mitigated by any (retrofit) design. This life-hazard risk only increases with the proposed increased usage and great density.

The development is to be located at the mouth of Strawberry Canyon near Piedmont Gayley Roads and Prospect Canyon Road in a high fire zone and in one of the least accessible parts of Berkeley. The location of the stadium in a boxed-in canyon with limited access and egress creates even greater risk both for those attending events and for residents in surrounding neighborhoods. Neither the City of Berkeley nor the University has the capacity or infrastructure to react to a major disaster. The situation will be exacerbated further by increased traffic and by ongoing construction in the area for years.

It is irresponsible to intensify development in this high risk area and not seriously consider alternatives. Exposing people to such risk of injury or death by building large capacity structures on the Hayward Fault repeat a serious error made more than 80 years ago. Today with greater knowledge of earthquake faults, we have a chance to avoid making that same mistake.

In the interest of public safety we urge the University of California to abandon this ill-advised plan and, as the California Environment Quality Act requires, seriously address alternative sites for the Stadium, the Student Athlete High Performance Center, and the parking structure.