Protestors Attack Cal Chancellor's Home

University of California at Berkeley's chancellor today is urging the community and protesters who are angry about budget cuts and fee hikes to find more productive ways of expressing their feelings after some of them vandalized his home on campus Friday night.

At about 11 p.m., 40 to 70 protesters stormed Chancellor Robert Birgeneau's home on the north side of the campus and smashed planters, windows and lights while shouting, "No justice, no peace," according to the school's Web site. They also reportedly threw flammable objects into the home.

Eight people were arrested for rioting, threatening an education official, attempted burglary, attempted arson of an occupied building, felony vandalism, and assault with a deadly weapon on a police officer, according to UC Berkeley. At least two of the eight arrested are thought to be Berkeley students.

"These are criminals, not activists. The attack at our home was extraordinarily frightening and violent. My wife and I genuinely feared for our lives," Birgeneau said in a statement posted on the university's Web site.

Earlier Friday, 66 protesters who had been occupying Wheeler Hall for several days were arrested for misdemeanor trespassing or resisting arrest.

By the 2010-11 school year, undergraduate fees will increase by more than $2,500, or 32 percent.

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