Students disappointed by small crowd on 4/20 at UCSC
A crowd gathered at UCSC when the clock struck 4:20 p.m., Saturday, but less than an hour before, Porter Meadow was nearly empty. For those who have made this their 4/20 tradition, the turnout is a disappointment.
“It doesn’t really look like a lot of people are coming,” said UCSC Senior, Nikki Teymouri.
“I expected a couple more people. I guess we still have an hour,” said UCSC Freshman, Lucas Riker.
“People are coming in and turning away because it’s not what it was before,” said UCSC Junior, Maddy Cross.
Each year, UCSC Police bring in backup from UC’s all over the state. In the past, police have responded to medical emergenices, arrested drunk drivers, and confiscated weapons. Saturday, they came prepared. “We’re worried about public safety. Often times, people indulge a little too much. They don’t know how potent the marijuana is, or they’ve been drinking, or they’re mixing. We want to make sure they’re taken care of,” said UCSC Police Chief, Nader Oweis.
Drivers were stopped at a DUI checkpoint on their way out of campus, but what startled students most was the large number of law enforcement patrolling their popular smoke spot. “I just think this is kind of excessive, but this is what they want. They want people to be intimidated. They want people to turn away,” said Cross.
Police said at the celebration’s peak, 10 years ago, nearly 8,000 people showed up for 4/20. Less than 1,000 people showed up, Saturday. “There are events at dispensaries. There are events in San Francisco, San Jose, Oakland, and other places. We’re hoping that the draw to come to UC-Santa Cruz may diminish,” said Oweis.
Some attendees said they’re still determined to keep the tradition alive. “Everyone is still here for the same reason. People have good vibes still, but it’s definitely a little different,” said UCSC alumni, Natalie Hobson.
