Let’s just say that Dutton Hall is not a pretty sight these days. What with the Occupation grinding on with no end in sight, it must be getting a bit tense inside Dutton’s hallowed halls.

It’s becoming clear that things are not entirely peachy for those UC Davis employees who continue to try to do their jobs inside the Occupied Dutton Hall, with no apparent help in sight and very little guidance from officialdom.

What’s also clear is that since the pepper-spraying incident that focused worldwide attention on our once tranquil campus just before Thanksgiving, the Occupiers can do no wrong. Still, it appears the good will that was sent the way of the Occupation encampment is beginning to wear thin.

I simply can’t imagine going to work every day inside a building where people are living day and night. I mean, the last time I checked, Dutton Hall is not on the list of National Parks, despite all those campers and tents. But woe be to any UC Davis administrator who would dare now to tell the Occupiers it’s time to move along.

Writes one of the employees held hostage by the Occupation while trying to do her daily chores: “Many of us in Dutton Hall wonder if we’ve been left to the wolves. The Occupiers are still camping inside Dutton Hall, and yet we’re still trying to offer academic assistance to help students pass their classes.”

Yep. Keep your head down, your chin up and don’t ask any questions. At this point, you have no rights. You’re either part of the Movement or you’re not. You, after all, were not pepper-sprayed. Hopefully, though, you’re at least getting hazardous duty pay.

‘We have been given no information, so we can only imagine that, since we are more than 100 yards away from Mrak Hall, we have been pretty much forgotten by everyone.”

But maybe if you send some cell phone video of your workplace conditions, the folks at the Top of the Mrak will have some sandwiches sent over.

Unfortunately, there’s more.

“We’ve had horrible graffiti, we’ve had locks broken by bobby-pins. The lobby carpets are stained, and the main corridors are blocked with empty and occupied tents.”

One presumes that if somebody decides to build a campfire and roast marshmallows, the fire department will at least be allowed to monitor the flames. But who knows anymore?

“A few staff still sympathize with the cause, but many more of us are just plain tired of the imposition.”

The age-old problem of a once-beloved acquaintance finally wearing out his welcome. Then again, given the overnight temperatures the last few nights, it’s hard to blame someone for wishing to camp indoors.

“I, for one, am allergic to whatever has been happening in the building after hours, and I’ve sneezed more this week than I have in my whole life. There are rumors of a large dance party on Friday night.”

One hopes you have the proper shoes, my friend.

“The building is a health hazard and possibly a death trap now. Even without tents blocking the main corridors and lobbies, we’ve had a hard time evacuating staff and students from the building when the alarms sound. I cannot imagine the horror if a fire breaks out now.”

While not likely, no need in taking unnecessary chances. And obviously, the longer this goes on, the greater the chance a major mishap will occur.

“Some staff, especially new hires, will have to continue coming to work in a building that is no longer clean, safe or truly accessible for all students. If you get the chance, please add an extra prayer for the staff of Dutton Hall and the students we serve.”

I have my Rosary out even as we speak.

— Reach Bob Dunning at [email protected]

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