A couple weeks ago, we reported that UC Davis threatened to close its affordable, family-friendly housing for graduate students. In their place, expect privatized apartments with high rent and high-end tanning salons.

If the story compelled you in some way, you might be interested in Party for the Parks on Thursday, May 22. Residents and supporters will meet for a potluck, barbeque and brainstorm session on how to move forward.

Since the story ran, residents sent a list of demands to Chancellor Linda Katehi: rebuild Orchard and Solano Park on the same sites; maintain the building-to-green-space ratio; continue UC management of the Parks; keep up family-friendly programming and guarantee that rent will meet the federal definition of affordable. (That’s 30 percent of salary, which current rent at $906 doesn’t meet either.)

On May 13, Katehi responded. The takeaway is expectedly vague: exact plans for the new developments still aren’t in place, but the complexes will probably still close in July.

While we will be embarking on a new planning process to envision what a new Orchard Park should become, we will continue to work with current residents to ensure they have a successful transition plan. We then intend to demolish the facility to remove any safety concerns that may result from a vacant facility.

On Thursday, meet the Parks people at the Memorial Union flagpole at noon. Follow @SaveTheParksNow on Twitter for updates.