October 30, 1998

STANFORD, Calif - Stanford's mascot, The Tree, was returned this afternoon. The Tree was returned to the Cal Police Department and is being transported to the Stanford Police Department this evening. Stanford will not pursue any further investigation into this matter.

The Tree was taken on Saturday, October 17 from Stanford's Band Shak. It had been held by the self-proclaimed "Phoenix Five" until today.

The Tree will be reunited with the Stanford Band upon their return from Saturday's football game at UCLA. The Tree returns to action on Saturday, November 7, when the Cardinal hosts USC at Stanford Stadium, on "Beanie Tree Giveaway Day." Bean bag Stanford Trees will be given to the first 7,000 kids 12 and under.