HNA News: "Dog" Walk Sunday 2:30 a.m., Tenth Anniversary Planning, Owl Box, Disaster Supplies, etc.

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Halcyon Neighborhood Association E-Newsletter*

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In This Newsletter

1. Nighttime Neighborhood-Safety "Dog" Walks Continue: 2:30 a.m. Walk Sunday

2. Tenth Anniversary Celebration Planning Committee Meeting, Thursday, August 31, 7:30-8:30 p.m.

3. Crime Watch Report: Shoulder Bag with Battery Charger Found Near Prince Street

4. Owl Box Project: Volunteer(s) Needed

5. Halcyon Neighborhood Selected to Receive Emergency Supply Cache! 

Following on the heels of the exciting news that our neighborhood received one of the UC Chancellor's Community Partnership grants, yesterday I received word that we've been awarded one of the emergency supply caches the City Council funded in this year's budget.

Receiving the emergency supply cache is both an honor and a responsibility: I hope it will help inspire all of us to take disaster preparedness to the next level, both as individual households and as a neighborhood. You'll be hearing more later about drills so we can learn to use the cache effectively -- and to the maximum benefit of the entire neighborhood -- in the event of a disaster.

The first cache will be located close to Halcyon Commons Park (our neighborhood "command center" in the event of disaster). In future years (presuming the City Council keeps funding this important program), we will apply for additional caches to cover more of the neighborhood. Our success in future applications will depend on our increasing level of organization -- and your participation.

Many thanks to all who sent back the questionnaire during the summer, which allowed me to complete the application as accurately as possible. What better time than the anniversary of Hurricane Katrina to make sure we each "take the next step" in our personal preparedness!

-Nancy Carleton, HNA Co-Chair and E-Newsletter Editor

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1. Nighttime Neighborhood-Safety "Dog" Walks Continue: 2:30 a.m. Walk Sunday

Pamela Dameron, who has been organizing the regular (and irregular) nighttime "dog" walks to improve neighborhood safety, reports:

"Early next Sunday morning, Sept. 3 2006, at 2:30 a.m. [following Saturday night Sept. 2], we would like to make another early morning dog walk. For those uncomfortable walking so early to Halcyon Commons Park (Halcyon at Prince), the group will meet you at your house; send me an email with your address. Anyone who can make it please send me an email.  We need at least 4 to 5 people to make the walk safe for everyone.  The Halcyon patrol officer will also be cruising the neighborhood as his/her time permits. I hope to see you next Sunday morning at 2:30 a.m."

For more information and to get the schedule for the future (plus to confirm the dates listed here and let us know you're coming), contact Pamela Dameron <usasleigh@sbcglobal.net>. (Remember: No dog required to participate!)

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2. Tenth Anniversary Celebration Planning Committee Meeting, Thursday, August 31, 7:30-8:30 p.m.

HNA Co-Chair John Steere sends the following announcement:

Join us to plan the 10th anniversary Party of Halcyon Commons (late September). By spending a couple of hours between now and the event, you can help make this a truly memorable celebration!

Planning Meeting

When: Thursday, August 31 , 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Where:  Home of John and Michelle Thelen Steere, 2329 Webster

What:  Scope out program and needs for the 10 -year celebration (music, speakers, invitees, kids' activities, food, etc.)

Call John at 849-1969 or email <jsteere@igc.org> to confirm.

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3. Crime Watch Report: Shoulder Bag with Battery Charger Found Near Prince Street

A neighbor at Prince and Deakin reports:

"While I was doing some gardening the other day, I found what looked like a stolen bag thrown into some bushes: Yellow and black small nylon shoulder bag (for carrying camera's or small accessories). Inside: LG Fast Battery Charger base and plug. I'll hang onto it for a bit to see if anyone will claim it. If you wouldn't mind posting this to the list, maybe it can be returned to its owner. I can be contacted by email: <kopslaurel@yahoo.com>"

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4. Owl Box Project: Volunteer(s) Needed

As part of our Tenth Anniversary Celebration of the completion of Halcyon Commons Park, HNA hopes to install an owl box in the palm tree across from the south end of the Commons (this tree is in the City right-of-way median strip in front of the Model School).

Palm trees are ideal sites for barn owls, and the owls perform a wonderful service in keeping the local rodent population (i.e., the rats we occasionally spy scurrying around) under control. In fact, the City of Berkeley has recently adopted the barn owl as our official city bird.

We need a volunteer or two or three to guide this project (the usual suspects already have too much on our plates). LeConte Neighborhood Association (LNA) and HNA Co-Chair Nancy Carleton have volunteered to cover the costs of either purchasing a pre-made owl box from the Hungry Owl Project in Marin (would need to arrange for pickup) or paying for supplies to build one. The volunteer(s) would need to:

1. Obtain permission from the City of Berkeley Forestry Department for placing an owl box in the palm tree (cc: to Councilmember Kriss Worthington and Neighborhood Liaison Jim Hynes (HNA can follow up with a letter on our letterhead to email as a pdf), or consider alternate placement of box (if on Model School grounds, would require permission from the property owner, which may be the church on the corner).

2. Research proper means of installing box in palm tree (boxes need to be cleaned annually) and locate volunteer(s) who could help with both installation and maintenance.  Research would include whether the box would best be on the palm itself -- often a "natural" habitat for barn owls in this area -- or simply nearby on a post (it's hard to imagine annual cleaning of a box forty feet up!).  Part of the research would include looking into local groups that might help with the project (the attached links provide some leads), including City of Berkeley resources.

3. Get in touch with the Model School to let them know about the project (it could be a great educational tool for their students as well as neighborhood children in general).

Some excellent articles by Joe Eaton have appeared in the Berkeley Daily Planet about barn owls and their benefits:

"In Defense of the Sometimes Annoying Barn Owl"

http://www.berkeleydailyplanet.com/article.cfm?archiveDate=10-25-05&storyID=22614

"Introducing Berkeley's New City Bird"

http://www.berkeleydailyplanet.com/article.cfm?archiveDate=04-25-06&storyID=23990

More information can be found at the Hungry Owl Project's website:

http://www.hungryowl.org

To sign up to help with this project, please send reply email to Nancy Carleton <ngc2@mindspring.com>.

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5. Halcyon Neighborhood Selected to Receive Emergency Supply Cache! 

HNA Co-Chair Nancy Carleton, who wrote the HNA application for two emergency supply caches for the neighborhood, received the following letter dated August 28:

Dear Nancy,

Congratulations! A selection panel, consisting of staff from the Office of Emergency Services, City Manager's Office, and Neighborhood Services liaisons, has reviewed the applications for the emergency supply caches. Your neighborhood has demonstrated a high level of achievement, and will be awarded a cache.

This cache is intended to bolster the City's emergency response and provide greater protection for all residents. The City is extremely appreciative of the time and effort your neighborhood has invested in community emergency preparedness and your sincere willingness to become a partner in these crucial activities.

The equipment was ordered for the caches in June, but some of it will not be here until late September. We will be in touch with you then to let you know when the equipment will be available for pick-up.

Again, congratulations, and thank you for your enthusiastic support.

Sincerely,

Gil Dong

Assistant Fire Chief

City of Berkeley Department of Fire and Emergency Services

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The Halcyon Neighborhood Association E-Newsletter:  The HNA E-Newsletter forwards occasional crime watch notices as well as announcements about events of interest to neighbors in the Ashby/Telegraph/Woolsey/Adeline area of south Berkeley, including community-building potlucks, greening projects, disaster preparedness meetings, and work parties in Halcyon Commons Park. If you're receiving this email, either you signed up at a neighborhood event or a neighbor may have forwarded it to you. Please note that to prevent spam, HNA always uses bcc and does not share your email address with third parties. If you wish to be removed from this list, please reply to HNA Co-Chair Nancy Carleton/Halcyon Neighborhood Association <ngc2@mindspring.com>. Please feel free to pass the HNA E-Newsletter on to other neighbors you think might be interested.

HNA Listserve:  If you would like to receive messages (and participate in discussions) on the HNA Listserve, please reply to Halcyon Neighborhood Association <ngc2@mindspring.com> indicating your interest, and you will receive an invitation to join.

HNA Blog:  If you would like to view previous newsletters online (and comment via a blog format), please visit http://halcyoncourt.blogspot.com/

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HNA News: "Dog" Walks Continue, Celebration Planning, Crime Watch Reports, Etc.

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Halcyon Neighborhood Association E-Newsletter*

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In This Newsletter

1. Nighttime Neighborhood-Safety "Dog" Walks Continue: Upcoming Dates

2. Tenth Anniversary Celebration Planning Committee Meeting, Sunday, August 27, 8-9 p.m.

3. Crime Watch Report: Bicycles Stolen on Wheeler Street

4. Crime Watch Report: Illegal Dumping on Webster Street & Response from Councilmember Worthington's Office

5. Crime Watch Report: Trash Rifled and Overturned on Webster Street

6. Crime Watch Report: Catalytic Converters Stolen in LeConte Neighborhood

7. Weed Whacker Found on Prince Street

8. Grant Award Letter from UC Chancellor Robert J. Birgeneau

9. Link to Article on UC Chancellor's Community Partnership Grants

10. Link to Article on Ashby BART Task Force/South Berkeley Planning

While the recurring cycles of trash and theft issues are frustrating, it's great to see new people getting involved and working together to make a difference! In addition to calling the police if you notice anything suspicious, consider joining some of your intrepid neighbors for one of the nighttime "dog" walks (see item 1 for upcoming dates).

And remember we have some fun, community-building events coming up this fall, including both the Tenth Anniversary of Halcyon Commons on Sunday, September 24th (see item 2 for ways you can help with the planning) and a design charette in early October (date tba) for the new features in Halcyon Commons Park being funded by the UC Chancellor's Community Partnership Fund grant HNA just received.

-Nancy Carleton, HNA Co-Chair and E-Newsletter Editor

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1. Nighttime Neighborhood-Safety "Dog" Walks Continue: Upcoming Dates

Pamela Dameron, who has been organizing the regular (and irregular) nighttime "dog" walks to improve neighborhood safety, reports:

"Four people made a 20-minute walk around the neighborhood [early last Sunday morning at 2:30 a.m.], which made a strong statement to those contemplating crimes on our streets.  I want to thank Adrian, Chris, and Dawn for joining me.

The officer (Mac) who patrols our neighborhood during the am hours also joined us.  He was pleased that we were making these walks and asked if we could make the 2:30 a.m. walk once a week. If enough people confirm, I will make another 2:30 a.m. walk next Sunday morning, Aug 20th. Mac sees our walks as a great way to prevent crime.

We also have a 10 p.m. walk scheduled for Friday evening Aug 18th (we will meet at Prince and Fulton), and Saturday evening at 10 p.m. Aug. 19th."

For more information and to get the schedule for the future (plus to confirm the dates listed here and let us know you're coming), contact Pamela Dameron <usasleigh@sbcglobal.net>. (Remember: No dog required to participate!)

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2. Tenth Anniversary Celebration Planning Committee Meeting, Sunday, August 27, 8-9 p.m.

Join us to plan the 10th anniversary Party of Halcyon Commons (Sunday, September 24, 2-5:30)

Planning Meeting
When: Sunday, August 27 , 8 to 9 p.m.

Where:  Home of John and Michelle Thelen Steere, 2329 Webster

What:  Scope out program and needs for the 10 -year celebration (music, speakers, invitees, kids' activities, food, etc.)

Call John at 849-1969 or email <jsteere@igc.org> to confirm.

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3. Crime Watch Report: Bicycles Stolen on Wheeler Street

A Wheeler Street neighbor reports:

"We live on Wheeler Street between Prince and Woolsey and our back yard was broken into and two bikes were stolen (around 7 p.m. Monday evening). I was only gone for about 20 minutes taking my dog on a walk, so I presume someone was watching our house.

We did call the police right after it happened but after hours of waiting for an officer to arrive we called them to to tell them to not come because we had to go to sleep :-(

 

The theft of bicycles is common in Berkeley  what disturbed me was that I was gone for such a short time (20 minutes) and that there were many people around in our neighborhood. So these guys were watching our neighborhood carefully and were very brazen in breaking in during daylight hours with other people around.

 

Something I should've written to the list earlier about: Earlier this week (Monday) I called the anonymous tip line on 2 guys that were staking out our neighborhood (Wheeler, Prince, Halcyon . . .) The police said they'd send an officer out. I assume they did."

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4. Crime Watch Report: Illegal Dumping on Webster Street & Response from Councilmember Worthington's Office

Neighbors on Halcyon and Webster report (copy of notification sent to Councilmember Kriss Worthington):

"[We] were going out for breakfast this morning and walked past 2321 Webster. Once again, someone (presumably someone moving out) has left a pile of garbage, including a trashy- looking sofa and mattress, monitor, and miscellaneous junk.

This has been a problem at this address in the past. Can the city get in touch with the landlord and/or manager to let them know that it is their responsibility to monitor and deal with this illegal dumping? (Perhaps dollars could be withheld from tenants' security/cleaning deposits to deal with carting off trash they leave behind?).

We would appreciate anything your office could do to bring the city's attention to this matter and to get our street clean again (otherwise, the trash attracts other trash, and the problem expands).

Thank you for your help!"

Councilmember Worthington replied:

"I will go look at this particular situation personally, and bring it to the attention of the property manager and company. [One of your neighbors] has proposed some policy suggestions which we are exploring to try to prevent these kinds of occurrences."

And later:

"Trish from North Berkeley Properties 849-0882 confirmed again today that they will remove the trash. If it is not gone in two more hours, we will remind them again." - Kriss W.

And on Thursday:

"We followed up with North Berkeley Properties AGAIN today. Talked to a third different person. Charlie assured us that their hauler Luis would get this today or tomorrow morning at the latest. We will call them in the morning if it is still there! Persistence can work. We might get rid of this faster if the city had picked it up, but my fear is that the company will not get the right message that it is legally their responsibility." - Kriss W.

Kriss Worthington
Berkeley City Council
2180 milvia Street
Berkeley; Ca. 94704
(510) 981-7170
kworthington@ci.berkeley.ca.us

Note to neighbors: Please contact Councilmember Worthington's office if trash is dumped again in front of 2321 Webster so his office can monitor the situation:  981-7170

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5. Crime Watch Report: Trash Rifled and Overturned on Webster Street

A neighbor on Webster Street near Halcyon reports:

"Someone rummaged through mikes and our garbage this morning [Tuesday]. The person was nice enough to put the garbage in our green bin.  Sadly

they dumped my neighbor's waste all over the side walk. I have called Officer Fombi about the recurring garbage dumping and will let you

guys know how it goes."

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6. Crime Watch Report: Catalytic Converters Stolen in LeConte Neighborhood

The following report was listed on the LeConte listserve by a LeConte neighbor (and given the prior report within the Halcyon neighborhood suggests a pattern):

"My neighbor told me that she had the catalytic converter stolen from her Toyota pickup recently and that another neighbor had the catalytic converter stolen off his Toyota.  The vehicles were parked on Carleton Street.  Are there other instances of catalytic converters being stolen in the neighborhood?

 There is a big demand for used catalytic converters for sale and recovery of the valuable platinum components, to replace defective converters on one's vehicle, and for sale to automotive repair and parts shops.  A catalytic converter costs up to $400.

 Toyotas are particularly vulnerable because the converters are bolted, not welded, and it takes only a few minutes to quietly remove the bolts that attach the catalytic converter to the vehicles exhaust system. 

 Neighbors are asked to be on the lookout for strangers working under vehicles, particularly at night, and report suspicious behavior to the police."

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7. Weed Whacker Found on Prince Street

A neighbor on Prince at Fulton asks:

"Anyone missing a gas powered weed whacker?  Found one left in front of my house. Email me with make and it's yours:  <infolist@comcast.net> "

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8. Grant Award Letter from UC Chancellor Robert J. Birgeneau

The following letter was received announcing HNA's successful grant application:

Dear Ms. Carleton:

I am pleased to inform you that Halcyon Commons Rejuvenation Project has been awarded a grant of $13,640 from the UC Berkeley Chancellor's Community Partnership Fund for 2006/2007.

In this first year of the Fund, we received 45 grant proposals, totaling over $1 million in funding requests and representing valuable partnerships between UC Berkeley and the community. Your project is among those that most closely meet the Fund's missions and goals.

We are happy to support your important work and are certain your UC Berkeley partners look forward to working with you and sharing in the success of your project. . . .

On behalf of the Fund's Advisory Board and UC Berkeley, I extend our admiration for your vision, goals, and project plan. We wish you and your partners success in your efforts as you serve the Berkeley community.

With warm regards.

Yours sincerely,

Robert J. Birgeneau

Chancellor, University of California at Berkeley

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9. Link to Article on UC Chancellor's Community Partnership Grants

Berkeley Daily Planet (8/15/-06), "UC Gives 200K to Berkeley Groups to Compensate for Campus' Impact on City"

http://www.berkeleydailyplanet.com/article.cfm?issue=08-15-06&storyID=24867

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10. Link to Article on Ashby BART Task Force/South Berkeley Planning

Berkeley Daily Planet (8/11/06) "Ashby BART Project Spurs Rise of Community Groups"

http://www.berkeleydailyplanet.com/article.cfm?issue=08-11-06&storyID=24834

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The Halcyon Neighborhood Association E-Newsletter:  The HNA E-Newsletter forwards occasional crime watch notices as well as announcements about events of interest to neighbors in the Ashby/Telegraph/Woolsey/Adeline area of south Berkeley, including community-building potlucks, greening projects, disaster preparedness meetings, and work parties in Halcyon Commons Park. If you're receiving this email, either you signed up at a neighborhood event or a neighbor may have forwarded it to you. Please note that to prevent spam, HNA always uses bcc and does not share your email address with third parties. If you wish to be removed from this list, please reply to HNA Co-Chair Nancy Carleton/Halcyon Neighborhood Association <ngc2@mindspring.com>. Please feel free to pass the HNA E-Newsletter on to other neighbors you think might be interested.

HNA Listserve:  If you would like to receive messages (and participate in discussions) on the HNA Listserve, please reply to Halcyon Neighborhood Association <ngc2@mindspring.com> indicating your interest, and you will receive an invitation to join.

HNA Blog:  If you would like to view previous newsletters online (and comment via a blog format), please visit http://halcyoncourt.blogspot.com/

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HNA News: HNA Wins UC Chancellor's Grant, Nighttime "Dog" Walks, Planning 9/24 Celebration, Crime Watch, etc.

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Halcyon Neighborhood Association E-Newsletter*

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In This Newsletter

1. HNA Wins UC Chancellor's Community Partnership Grant to Rejuvenate Halcyon Commons!

2. Help Plan the 9/24 Park Party Celebrating the Tenth Anniversary of Halcyon Commons!

3. Nighttime Dog Walks to Increase Neighborhood Safety

4. Updates from Councilmember Kriss Worthington: News You Can Use

5. Willard Community Peace Labyrinth Walk, Sunday, August 20, 3 p.m.

6. Kitchen Democracy: Free Wi-Fi in Berkeley?

7. Crime Watch Report: Converter Stolen from Truck

Over 60 neighbors attended HNA's National Night Out Against Crime event in Halcyon Commons Park a week ago, along with representatives from the fire department, Mayor Tom Bates, Councilmember Kriss Worthington, and other city officials. See item 3 on an exciting idea that grew out of the event: nighttime "dog" walks (you don't have to have a dog to participate) to increase neighborhood safety. Thanks to everyone who came to the event -- and to flyer distributors for getting the word out!

-Nancy Carleton, HNA Co-Chair and E-Newsletter Editor

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1. HNA Wins UC Chancellor's Community Partnership Grant to Rejuvenate Halcyon Commons!

Tuesday the UC Chancellor's Community Partnership Fund announced the first of its annual grants to be awarded to neighborhood and community groups with UC partners. After two planning meetings noticed to the community through this E-Newsletter, HNA submitted a three-part proposal to rejuvenate Halcyon Commons Park on the occasion of its tenth anniversary (see excerpts from the grant application below).

We are thrilled that two of the three elements included in our application were selected to receive funding in the amount of $13,640: (A) a gateway arch at the northern entrance to the park and (C) a redesign of the southeastern corner of the park (see more detailed descriptions in the paragraphs below). While item (B) did not receive funding in this round of grants (there were over $1 million of funds requested and 43 applications submitted, with $200,000 available), we are determined to realize the long-held dream of a halcyon bird sculpture, and will be seeking donations from a variety of sources to make it possible.

Special thanks to the following groups and individuals who contributed to our proposal with letters of support and commitments of "sweat equity" or in-kind contributions of labor and/or expertise:  Nancy Carleton and John Steere (HNA Co-Chairs), Berkeley Partners for Parks (our nonprofit fiscal sponsor), Kaye Bock (UC Partner, Student Affairs Officer for the College of Environmental Design, City and Regional Planning), Susan Hunter (UC Partner, neighbor ,and House Director of Delta Gamma Sorority), Jennifer Natali (UC Partner, neighbor, and graduate student in landscape architecture), Sarah Syed (UC Partner, graduate student in the Department of City and Regional Planning), Michael Lamb (neighbor and registered landscape architect), Karl Reeh (President, LeConte Neighborhood Association), Whole Foods Market, Amy Blackstone (craftsperson), Christina Bertea (sculptor), Livable Berkeley, and Bruce Wicinas (neighbor and volunteer extraordinaire).

From the application:

PROJECT DESRIPTION: The Halcyon Commons Rejuvenation Project brings three new elements to this neighborhood-designed park in South Berkeley: (A) a gateway at the north end with the words HALCYON COMMONS and animal cutouts related to park history;  (B) a bronze-cast sculpture of a halcyon bird (a kingfisher associated with peace); and (C) a redesign and replanting of the incomplete southeastern corner - all with community design input. Because of the significant contribution of professional and artistic skills and volunteer labor, the grant funds go directly toward implementation, helping to build community as well as adding beautiful new features to this unique neighborhood commons.

(A) A Gateway at the North Entrance to be forged by craftsperson Amy Blackstone (who created the wrought-iron decorative gates to the Peralta Community Garden in North Berkeley and the Art Tech building in downtown Berkeley, and who is giving us a significant donation of her labor to keep costs down). This will comprise a pergola/arbor-style entry with the words HALCYON COMMONS and animal cutouts to be designed with community workshop input. There is currently no sign letting people know they are entering Halcyon Commons at this most used entryway to the park, so this project will help anchor a sense of place, as well as honoring the animal, bird, and insect life that shares this greenspace, including animals with special ties to the park (such as Emma, the neighborhood dog who was present throughout the park's planning process, the bees that swarmed in the park and were relocated to a nearby neighbor's yard, and the barn owl neighbors are hoping to encourage to nest in a nearby palm tree). This project will likely necessitate some revisions to the concrete work at the entryway, with the added advantage that that entry will come up to current ADA standards.

(B) Halcyon Bird Sculpture (a halcyon bird is a kind of kingfisher) originally planned ten years ago for the oval in front of the "Father Sun" bench in the park's southwestern corner. The sculpture will be cast in bronze, and will be sculpted by local artist Christina Bertea, in collaboration with John Steere, both of whom are making a significant donation of their labor to keep costs down. It will be approximately three feet long and two feet high and sit on a pedestal in the middle of the existing planted oval. The bird will be shown on a nest, representing peaceful coexistence. The details will be worked out by the artists with additional input from a community design charette.

(C) Redesign of the Southeastern Corner of the park through a new landscape plan and planting, with the inclusion of either large, flat boulders esthetically arranged that serve the dual function as sitting areas, or possibly a rustic bench (final decision pending community input), along with the completion of the irrigation system, and attractive, drought-resistant plantings. We are intending that this feature be designed at a hands-on community design charette under the guidance of Michael Lamb, the neighbor and registered landscape architect who drew up the initial plans for the park based on community design workshops, resulting in an award-winning design (honored by Berkeley Design Advocates in 1997). This feature will allow neighbors, UC students (a couple of whom are already committed), and other community partners to participate in many ways, from the design process through the "sweat equity" involved in installing the landscaping features and planting the plants.

Keep an eye on the HNA E-Newsletter for announcements concerning community charettes to work out the details of these projects, as well as notices of our appearances before city commissions to secure approval of the final designs.

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2. Help Plan the 9/24 Park Party Celebrating the Tenth Anniversary of Halcyon Commons!

Join us in helping create a good time for our neighborhood on Sunday, September  24:  This is a chance to get to know some of your neighbors while planning a great party to celebrate the tenth anniversary of Halcyon Commons Park (and the recent receipt of  the UC Chancellor's Community Partnership Grant for selected rejuvenation projects).  We need your assistance in finding musicians, planning activities for neighborhood kids, inviting a few speakers, and figuring out a fun and meaningful program to recognize the value of our park to the community. The celebration is planned for Sunday, September 24 , from 2 p.m. to 5:30. Just a few hours of your time over the next few weeks for a lot of satisfaction!  Please call or email John Steere at 849-1969 <jsteere@igc.org>.

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3. Nighttime Dog Walks to Increase Neighborhood Safety

INVITATION TO ALL NEIGHBORS

Mark your calendars for upcoming "dog" walks around the neighborhood:

* Saturday night/Sunday morning, 8/13, 2:30 a.m. (start at Halcyon Commons Park, Halcyon Court at Prince Street)

   (RSVPs needed by email from five people for this walk to take place)

* Friday night, 8/18, 10  p.m. (start at corner of Fulton/Prince)

* Thursday night, 8/24, 9 p.m. (start at Halcyon Commons Park, Halcyon Court at Prince Street)

* Friday night, 9/1,10 p.m. (start at corner of Fulton/Prince)

NO DOG REQUIRED! Come meet neighbors, get some exercise, and make our neighborhood safer!

Other dates are also planned or will be announced. Sign up to receive confirmation of dates (contact Pamela Dameron <usasleigh@sbcglobal.net>).

 

As part of  Halcyon Neighborhood Association's National Night Out Against Crime event, we took a walk around the neighborhood to identify "hot" spots (e.g. areas where garbage was dumped, lights were out, crimes had been committed). Some of us liked the idea so much that we decided to continue at least once a week. . . .

 

We'll walk around the neighborhood -  talking (quietly), getting to know one another, and building community. Being out will also let potential criminals know we care about our neighborhood and we're paying attention to what happens here. The idea is to have at least three people on each walk. Not having enough people may not be safe, so we won't go if there aren't at least three people. Under no circumstances will we do anything that would endanger us or anyone.  We will greet everyone we see -  these are all our neighbors, whether they live here or not. With youth, we will be particularly aware of the fact that these are "our kids" and our future - it's up to us to look after them in a loving way so that they don't take a dangerous path. People will bring dogs if they have them (for fun, dog exercise, and safety). NO DOG IS REQUIRED; you can be like me and just enjoy others' dogs for the walk.

 

Our first "dog" walks were a huge success on Friday, 8/5.  We had about a half dozen people at 8:30 on Friday and about ten people at 10 p.m.  We were thrilled to see a police car drive by the park at about 10:15 as we gathered, although the officer was busy working and didn't have time to stop and chat. On our walk we met several "new" neighbors (who haven't been part of organized activities in the past) and cheered a street corner impromptu football game that some of our neighborhood youth were creating.

 

Building on the idea of improving neighbor relations, we will invite people from Chochmat Halev to join us. Each first and third Friday of the month, we will start at the corner of Prince and Fulton at 10 p.m.  Parking in the neighborhood on these Friday nights is an issue because that is when Chochmat Halev has their Celebratory Kabbalat Shabbat Services. If we have regular "dog walks" those nights, then we can walk the attendees to the BART station. This will make it safe for them to either take BART or just park in that lot. Coordinating our walks with Chochmat Halev will also help strengthen the relationship between this generous neighborhood resource (which is always willing to open their doors for us to have large meetings there free of charge) and our vibrant, diverse neighborhood. If you haven't been to one of Chochmat Halev's services, consider yourself invited. You don't have to be Jewish (I'm not) to enjoy the music, the service, and the wonderful Rabbis Sara and Avram Davis.

 

In addition to the regular first and third Fridays at 10 p.m., we're also going to take some walks at irregular, less predictable times on different nights of the week. Most of the crime issues seem to occur Thursday through Sunday nights. To start with, next Saturday night/ Sunday morning we'd like to take a walk at 2:30 a.m.  (since that's just after the bars close and when some past incidents have occurred). In this case, we feel a minimum of five people is necessary to make it safe for everyone. We also plan to walk Thursday night, 8/24, at 9 p.m.

 

The police love this idea, so we'll also let the beat cops know the schedule. They'll stop by as often as possible.  For more information and to get the schedule for the future (plus to confirm the dates listed here and let us know you're coming), contact Pamela Dameron <usasleigh@sbcglobal.net>.

Come join us! We look forward to getting to know you and our neighborhood better!

 

Ciao,

Dawn Trygstad Rubin

Halcyon Neighborhood Watch Coordinator

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4. Updates from Councilmember Kriss Worthington: News You Can Use

District 7 Councilmember Kriss Worthington (who represents the portion of our neighborhood from the east side of Wheeler Street to Telegraph) sent the following news:

NEIGHBORHOOD NOTIFICATION NETWORK (NNN)

If you want our office to keep you informed of what we hear about upcoming zoning cases, planning policies, streets, sidewalks, storm drains, sewers, Alta Bates, UC development, streetlights, and traffic calming in your neighborhood, just sign up for one or all topics. Ideally this service should be available for the whole City, but since it is not we are trying to do it right here in District 7.

Email or paper notification available. Sign up with Mike Sheen at 981-7170 or kworthington@ci.berkeley.ca.us or online at http://www.cityofberkeley.info/council7/

"COLLEGES MUST PAY LOCAL COSTS"
According to the San Francisco Chronicle, the State Supreme Court decided a City of Marina case (S117816) by unanimously overruling the lower court and finding that public colleges "must pay surrounding communities for increased traffic, firefighting, and other costs caused by campus expansions." This dramatic decision MAY allow us to approach the University administration and/or the legislature to seek funds to mitigate significant development being done right here in Berkeley.

REINSTATING AUTO PARKING ON TELEGRAPH (from Dwight to the Oakland border)

The City Council on July 25, approved $65,000 to correct the colossal blunder which removed dozens of parking spaces on Telegraph in front of our small businesses, and stuck in so called motorcycle parking instead. After months of fighting to get this reversed, the money is there. Now we just need to get a date set to actually get the work done.

TELEGRAPH AVENUE

On June 27 in the City budget, with the help of Mayor Tom Bates, the City reinstated funding for social workers and police for Telegraph that had been removed in prior years' budget cuts. I voted against those cuts in the first place, and I am especially gratified to see these important services restored.  The City is also beginning to go to the Planning Commission to fix the permit process just for Telegraph. I support making it easier for locally owned, neighborhood serving small businesses, but maintaining clear community involvement for controversial proposals.

THANK YOU to those who participated in the important gatherings that occurred for National Night Out. I believe Crime Watch is so effective at building community and preventing crime that I have worked to expand it dramatically. This fall we will be kicking off an exciting New Neighborhood Watch in the Campus area, where we have our highest crime rates. Thank you to the folks from BPD and BFD, who are willing to risk their lives everyday to try to keep us all safe.

Kriss Worthington
Councilmember, District 7
City of Berkeley
2180 Milvia St., 5th Floor
Berkeley, CA 94704
p. 510.981.7170
f.  510.981.7177
e. kworthington@ci.berkeley.ca.us

http://www.cityofberkeley.info/council7/

<<News You Can Use.doc>>

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5. Willard Community Peace Labyrinth Walk, Sunday, August 20, 3 p.m.

Community Labyrinth Peace Walk, SUNDAY, August 20, at 3 p.m., Willard Middle School (Telegraph Ave. between Derby & Stuart, Berkeley). Everyone welcome. Wheelchair accessible. (Rain cancels.) Contact  info@eastbaylabyrinthproject.org, 526-7377.

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6. Kitchen Democracy: Free Wi-Fi in Berkeley?

The Kitchen Democracy folks just sent the following announcement:

Should the City of Berkeley provide free Wi-Fi to all residents? The City Council is evaluating whether to provide free Internet access to all residents.  Wireless as well as fiber optic technologies are being evaluated. Do you think this is a good allocation of city resources?  Go to http://www.KitchenDemocracy.org/issue/14

Learn what the experts and your neighbors are saying; vote and post your own opinion.

Sincerely,
Robert and Simona

Kitchen Democracy

P.S. Kitchen Democracy is a public service available to everyone in Berkeley. Feel free to tell us about an issue important to you. Whether it is a citywide issue described in the local newspapers, or an issue involving just your immediate neighborhood, email your proposed yes/no question to us. We will work with you to put your issue on Kitchen Democracy.

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7. Crime Watch Report: Converter Stolen from Truck

A neighbor reports:

"I wanted to let you know - in case you would like to notify others in the neighborhood - that the converter was stolen from our truck last weekend, sometime between midnight and 8 a.m. Saturday night. Whoever stole it unscrewed all the bolts and left them under the car. It cost $250 to replace - Don's Muffler on Shattuck spot-welded the bolts to try and prevent it from happening again. Apparently there's a market for used  converters, so neighbors might want to keep their eyes open for late night 'car repairs.' "

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The Halcyon Neighborhood Association E-Newsletter:  The HNA E-Newsletter forwards occasional crime watch notices as well as announcements about events of interest to neighbors in the Ashby/Telegraph/Woolsey/Adeline area of south Berkeley, including community-building potlucks, greening projects, disaster preparedness meetings, and work parties in Halcyon Commons Park. If you're receiving this email, either you signed up at a neighborhood event or a neighbor may have forwarded it to you. Please note that to prevent spam, HNA always uses bcc and does not share your email address with third parties. If you wish to be removed from this list, please reply to HNA Co-Chair Nancy Carleton/Halcyon Neighborhood Association <ngc2@mindspring.com>. Please feel free to pass the HNA E-Newsletter on to other neighbors you think might be interested.

HNA Listserve:  If you would like to receive messages (and participate in discussions) on the HNA Listserve, please reply to Halcyon Neighborhood Association <ngc2@mindspring.com> indicating your interest, and you will receive an invitation to join.

HNA Blog:  If you would like to view previous newsletters online (and comment via a blog format), please visit http://halcyoncourt.blogspot.com/

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