Joan Baez, Julia Butterfly & John Quigley Begin Tree Sit at South Central Farm

LOS ANGELES, May 23, 2006 – Faced with possible eviction this week and the destruction of their farm, the farmers and their supporters are converging on the farm to defend it by any means necessary. Famous tree sitters, Julia Butterfly & John Quigley are currently sitting in the oldest tree on the farm, a large walnut tree. They have been joined by the world famous folk singer, Joan Baez.

Farmers are camped out at the farm around the clock to defend it. The farmers have exhausted all legal challenges to the eviction in the courts and a contract option deal with the Trust for Public Land to buy the property as expired. The mayor’s office which had promised 5 million in funds has failed to keep that promise. The judge at court hearing this comming Wednesday is expected to release the order for evictions. If so farmers could face eviction as early as midnight Wednesday (12:01 AM, Thursday)