People’s Park is internationally known for its rich history of struggle and resistance. From the Ohlone Indians to the current drive to build housing on it, the Park has raised important questions about who has a right to the land and who it should serve. This class will examine the history of the Park including the Native American period, the Mexican Cession and Gold Rush period as well as the exercise of eminent domain that turned the developed city block into first a parking lot and then a park. We will examine crucial concepts such as “user development”, open space, “Everyone Gets a Blister” and land “ownership” itself. Students will meet activists, park users and city officials who can discuss the significance of this controversial piece of land.