Halcyon Neighborhood Association: September 2006

HNA News: Party in Park Sunday 1-4 p.m.; website meeting Sun. 10 a.m.; night-time safety walks

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Halcyon Neighborhood Association E-Newsletter*

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In This Newsletter

1. Tenth Anniversary Celebration of Halcyon Commons Park, This Sunday, Oct. 1, 1-4 p.m.

2. Halcyon Commons Rejuvenation Project: Design Charrette, Sunday, October 8, 2:30-5:00 p.m.

3. No Dog Required: Schedule of Night-Time Safety "Dog" Walks, including 2:30 a.m. walk, Sunday, Oct. 1

4. Listserve and Possible Web Page Meeting: Sunday, Oct. 1, 10 a.m.

Tomorrow (Sunday) is our Tenth Anniversary Celebration in Halcyon Commons Park. We have some great food and beverages being donated by Whole Foods Market , coffee from Mokka (the new cafe on Telegraph at Dowling), and some scrumptious items being provided by talented (and generous) neighbors. So join us tomorrow afternoon for refreshments, music, and kid's activities (along with a brief program around 2 p.m.). Hope to see you there!

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

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1. Tenth Anniversary Celebration of Halcyon Commons Park, This Sunday, Oct. 1, 1-4 p.m.

TENTH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION of HALCYON COMMONS PARK

Sunday, October 1, 1-4 p.m.

* Block Party in the Park and Halcyon Court (from Prince to Webster)

* Music from Forreal foreals (a Brazilian inspired jazz-rock-reggae band) and other local musicians to be announced

* Festive Light Refreshments courtesy of neighbors, Whole Foods Market, and Mokka cafe

* Brief Program at 2 p.m. on Creation of Halcyon Commons with words from the founding organizers

* Proclamation from the City of Berkeley delivered by Councilmember Kriss Worthington

* Special guests who used to live in the neighborhood and helped with the park

* Fun Activities for Kids organized by Dawn Rubin & Friends

Come one, come all, for a fun time on a Sunday afternoon, celebrating the park and the role it has played in bringing our neighborhood together. It now looks like we have plenty of tables and chairs lined up, so you only need to bring them if you're one of the people who signed up to do so.

Please bring cameras & camcorders: A committee is currently working on a DVD documentary on the creation of Halcyon Commons (using footage, photos, and interviews from ten years ago). It would be great to include some current footage and interview people from the current perspective. If you'd be willing to serve as a "camera person" for some interviews, please contact John Steere at <jsteere@eipassociates.com>. Michelle Thelen-Steere will be conducting the interviews, but we need someone to record them.

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2. Halcyon Commons Rejuvenation Project: Design Charrette, Sunday, October 8, 2:30-5:00 p.m.

Halcyon Commons Rejuvenation Project

Design Charrette Open to the Community

Sunday, October 8, 2:30-5:00 p.m.

Halcyon Commons Park (Halcyon at Prince)

In case of rain, charrette will be held at 3044-A Halcyon across from the park.

Refreshments donated by Whole Foods Market.

A chance to help plan features funded by the UC Chancellor's Community Partnership Grant to Halcyon Neighborhood Association (fiscal sponsor: Berkeley Partners for Parks), including Animal Cutout Entry Arbor at north end of park, Redesign/Replanting of south end of Park, and Halcyon Bird Sculpture. All are welcome to participate!

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3. No Dog Required: Schedule of Night-Time Safety "Dog" Walks, including 2:30 a.m. walk, Sunday, Oct. 1

Calendar of Upcoming "Dog" Walks:

* Saturday, Sept. 30, 9 p.m. (meet at Halcyon Commons Park, corner of Prince/Halcyon)

* Sunday, Oct. 1, 2:30 a.m. (very early Sunday morning following Sat. 9/30 night) (meet at Halcyon Commons Park)

* Friday, Oct. 6, 10 p.m. (meet at Chochmat Halev, corner of Prince/Fulton)

* Sunday, Oct. 15, 9 p.m. (meet at Halcyon Commons Park, corner of Prince/Halcyon)

* Friday, Oct. 20, 10 p.m. (meet at Chochmat Halev, corner of Prince/Fulton)

* Thursday, Oct. 26, 9:30 p.m. (meet at Halcyon Commons Park, corner of Prince/Halcyon)

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; minimum attendance required, especially for the 2:30 a.m. walks), contact Pamela Dameron <usasleigh@sbcglobal.net>. (Remember: No dog required to participate!)

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4. Listserve and Possible Web Page Meeting: Sunday, Oct. 1, 10 a.m.

Listserve and possible Web Page Meeting

10:00 am @ 2320 Webster St. (corner of Halcyon)

Come discuss possible list server solutions (for use by those coordinating on night-time safety walks, among other things. We'll also discuss the possibility of a Halcyon Neighborhood Association website.

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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: Please help in park at 5:30 today (Weds.)!, Park Celebration 10/1, 1-4 p.m., Ashby BART Task Force, Tues. 10/3, 7 p.m.

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Halcyon Neighborhood Association E-Newsletter*

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In This Newsletter

1. Pre-Party Clean-up of Halcyon Commons: TODAY, Wednesday, Sept. 27, 5:30-6:30 p.m.

2. Tenth Anniversary Celebration of Halcyon Commons Park, This Sunday, Oct. 1, 1-4 p.m.

3. Halcyon Commons Rejuvenation Project: Design Charrette, Sunday, October 8, 2:30-5:00 p.m.

4. Ashby BART Task Force Meeting, Tuesday, Oct. 3, 7-9 p.m., St. Paul AME Church

5. No Dog Required: Schedule of Night-Time Safety "Dog" Walks, including 2:30 a.m. walk, Sunday, Oct. 1

Our big celebration in the park is fast approaching. Please come on out on Sunday for an Indian Summer afternoon of music, festive finger foods, and a chance to hear about the birth of the park -- and Halcyon Neighborhood Association. We're still short of chairs, so please see item 2 and respond if you can loan some (if not, please bring a blanket to sit on -- or at least a chair for yourself if you'll be more comfortable in one).

On a final note, I'd like to pass on to you a sentence from an email I received from the neighbor on Wheeler Street whose husband chased after the mugger described in the last newsletter: "The good news about the purse snatching was that after the man who initially saw it yelled "Call the police," almost all our neighbors came out with cell phones right away and tried to help. We've got great neighbors but too much criminal activity." By pulling together as a community, we can make a difference. Even if we can't stop every crime, we can make sure that none of us ever stands alone! Sunday is our chance to celebrate the invisible but powerful web of connections that makes a community.

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

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1. Pre-Party Clean-up of Halcyon Commons: Weds. Sept. 27, 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Weeding and Trimming in Halcyon Commons Park (Halcyon Court at Prince St.)

Please join us for a final late-afternoon hour of weeding and trimming in Halcyon Commons to ensure the park is in tip-top shape for our big celebration on Sunday!

Bring weeding and/or trimming tools if you have them (we'll have a few extra available for those who don't).

Graffiti removal from recycling can and bulletin board also needed if anyone's up for the task!

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2. Tenth Anniversary Celebration of Halcyon Commons Park, This Sunday, Oct. 1, 1-4 p.m.

TENTH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION of HALCYON COMMONS PARK

Sunday, October 1, 1-4 p.m.

* Block Party in the Park and Halcyon Court (from Prince to Webster)

* Music from Forreal foreals (a Brazilian inspired jazz-rock-reggae band) and other local musicians to be announced

* Festive Light Refreshments courtesy of neighbors and Whole Foods Market

* Brief Program at 2 p.m. on Creation of Halcyon Commons with words from the founding organizers

* Proclamation from the City of Berkeley delivered by Councilmember Kriss Worthington

* Special guests who used to live in the neighborhood and helped with the park

* Fun Activities for Kids organized by Dawn Rubin & Friends

Come one, come all, for a fun time on a Sunday afternoon, celebrating the park and the role it has played in bringing our neighborhood together.

Chairs Still Needed: We've only managed to round up half the chairs we estimate we'll need. So if you have some lawn furniture or folding chairs you can loan for the event, please email Kate Day <katherin.day@sbcglobal.net> (with cc to John Steere <jsteere@eipassociates.com>), or consider bringing a blanket to sit on, or chair for yourself if you think you'll need one.

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3. Halcyon Commons Rejuvenation Project: Design Charrette, Sunday, October 8, 2:30-5:00 p.m.

Halcyon Commons Rejuvenation Project

Design Charrette Open to the Community

Sunday, October 8, 2:30-5:00 p.m.

Halcyon Commons Park (Halcyon at Prince)

In case of rain, charrette will be held at 3044-A Halcyon across from the park.

Refreshments donated by Whole Foods Market.

A chance to help plan features funded by the UC Chancellor's Community Partnership Grant to Halcyon Neighborhood Association (fiscal sponsor: Berkeley Partners for Parks), including Animal Cutout Entry Arbor at north end of park, Redesign/Replanting of south end of Park, and Halcyon Bird Sculpture. All are welcome to participate!

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4. Ashby BART Task Force Meeting, Tuesday, Oct. 3, 7-9 p.m., St. Paul AME Church

Meeting Announcement:
October 3 Public Meeting of the Ashby BART Task Force

What
A public meeting to discuss a proposed process to create a Vision, Goals, Objectives and Criteria to be used in a 2007 planning grant application for a community process to plan and implement potential development of the west parking lot of the Ashby BART Station

When
7 p.m. (sharp) to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, October 3, 2006

Where
Community Room of St. Paul's AME Church
2024 Ashby Street (between Adeline and Shattuck)

The Ashby BART Task Force invites you to attend and participate in this meeting.

The meeting will include:

* A review of the charge to the Task Force from the Berkeley City Council

* A review of the planning area and planning steps so far

* Presentation of the proposed Task Force Work Program to create the Vision, Goals, Objectives, and Criteria

* Questions and comments from the public

* Task Force deliberation and decision whether to amend the proposed Work Program and whether to forward the proposed Work Program to the City Council

Note: The public is invited to comment on any subject relevant to potential development of the site; however, the Task Force intends to focus discussion at the October meeting on the proposed Work Program.

The following materials will be available at the meeting and are also available for download at http://www.southberkeley.org/ :

* Charge to the Task Force from the City Council

* Frequently Asked Questions about the Ashby BART Task Force

* Proposed Work Program and Proposed Budget

* Potential Work Groups (each composed of Task Force members and members of the public) to examine and discuss Issue Areas

* Community Issue Areas (identified from public input to date)

Comments may also be emailed to <soba@southberkeley.org> or mailed to the Ashby BART Task Force at 1767 Alcatraz Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94703

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5. No Dog Required: Schedule of Night-Time Safety "Dog" Walks, including 2:30 a.m. walk, Sunday, Oct. 1

Calendar of Upcoming "Dog" Walks:

* Saturday, Sept. 30, 9 p.m. (meet at Halcyon Commons Park, corner of Prince/Halcyon)

* Sunday, Oct. 1, 2:30 a.m. (very early Sunday morning following Sat. 9/30 night) (meet at Halcyon Commons Park)

* Friday, Oct. 6, 10 p.m. (meet at Chochmat Halev, corner of Prince/Fulton)

* Sunday, Oct. 15, 9 p.m. (meet at Halcyon Commons Park, corner of Prince/Halcyon)

* Friday, Oct. 20, 10 p.m. (meet at Chochmat Halev, corner of Prince/Fulton)

* Thursday, Oct. 26, 9:30 p.m. (meet at Halcyon Commons Park, corner of Prince/Halcyon)

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; minimum attendance required, especially for the 2:30 a.m. walks), contact Pamela Dameron <usasleigh@sbcglobal.net>. (Remember: No dog required to participate!)

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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: Crime Watch: Purse Snatching on Wheeler, Upcoming Night Walks, Clean-Up Park Weds., 5:30 p.m., Sustainability Conference 10/6, etc.

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Halcyon Neighborhood Association E-Newsletter*

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In This Newsletter

1. Pre-Party Clean-up of Halcyon Commons: Weds., Sept. 27, 5:30-6:30 p.m.

2. Reminder: Ways to Help with Tenth Anniversary Celebration, Sun., Oct. 1, 1-4 p.m.

3. Crime Watch Report: Purse Snatched Saturday at 1 p.m. on Wheeler Street

4. No Dog Required: Report on Night-Time Safety "Dog" Walks, including upcoming 2:30 a.m. walk, Sunday, Oct. 1

5. Protecting Our Cars from Catalytic Converter Thieves: Ron's Berkeley Muffler to the Rescue

6. Forwarded Message about Bicycle Thefts

7. Ecology Center's Berkeley Sustainability Summit, Friday, Oct. 6, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Please consider helping out in Halcyon Commons Park this coming Wednesday afternoon in preparation for our big party Sunday. If you haven't already signed up to help with the Tenth Anniversary Celebration in other ways, it's not too late. In particular, finger foods and chairs (plastic lawn furniture would be great) are still needed.

And if you want an inspiring way to be "part of the solution" in fighting neighborhood crime, please consider joining the night-time safety walks (no dog required, though dogs are welcome). I went this past Friday night, and it was a fun way to spend time with neighbors while creating a visible presence on our streets at night. The beat cop drove by toward the end of the walk (and as Pamela Dameron reports, continued driving by over the following hour). The walks foster a positive relationship with the police who put their own lives in danger to protect us, and show we're stepping up to the plate to do our part. So thanks to Pamela for setting the idea in motion and to our beat cops who work so hard on our behalf, as well as to District 7 Councilmember Kriss Worthington, who joined us.

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

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1. Pre-Party Clean-up of Halcyon Commons: Weds. Sept. 27, 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Weeding and Trimming in Halcyon Commons Park (Halcyon Court at Prince St.)

Please join us for a final late-afternoon hour of weeding and trimming in Halcyon Commons to ensure the park is in tip-top shape for our big celebration on Sunday!

Bring weeding and/or trimming tools if you have them (we'll have a few extra available for those who don't).

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2. Reminder: Ways to Help with Tenth Anniversary Celebration, Sun., Oct. 1, 1-4 p.m.

TENTH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION of HALCYON COMMONS PARK

Sunday, October 1, 1-4 p.m.

* Block Party in the Park and Halcyon Court (from Prince to Webster)

* Music from Forreal foreals (a Brazilian inspired jazz-rock-reggae band) and other local musicians to be announced

* Festive Light Refreshments courtesy of neighbors and Whole Foods Market

* Brief Program at 2 p.m. on Creation of Halcyon Commons with words from the founding organizers

* Proclamation from the City of Berkeley delivered by Councilmember Kriss Worthington

* Special guests who used to live in the neighborhood and helped with the park

* Fun Activities for Kids organized by Dawn Rubin & Friends

Festive Finger Foods Needed

Please contact John Steere <jsteere@eipassociates.com> if you would be able to contribute a platter of finger foods (hors d'ouevres, snacks, or dessert items) to make the day special.

Logistical Supplies Needed

Please contact Kate Day <katherin.day@sbcglobal.net> (with cc to John Steere <jsteere@eipassociates.com>) if you can loan us some tables, chairs (we need about 60, so we'll most likely need chairs from several sources), or a speaker's podium for the day of the event.

Set-Up and Clean-Up Crews Needed

(Event itself is from 1-4 p.m., Sunday, October 1)

Please contact John Steere <jsteere@eipassociates.com> if you would be able to help set up an hour before the event or clean up the hour after.

Help Organizing Special Activities for Kids

Please contact Dawn Rubin <familyrubin@comcast.net> (with cc to John Steere <jsteere@eipassociates.com>) if you'd like to help plan some fun activities for kids on the day of the event.

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3. Crime Watch Report: Purse Snatched Saturday at 1 p.m. on Wheeler Street

A neighbor on Wheeler Street writes:

"There was just a mugging in front of our house on Wheeler Street between Woolsey and Prince (happened around Saturday, Sept. 23,1:10 p.m.). A woman had her purse taken by a kid who neighbors are describing as about 15 years old, African American, and wearing a white t-shirt. There was another kid on our street who was about the same age; as my husband was running after the mugger, this kid told my husband that he thought "the mugging was cool." And when my husband asked him why, he said that he'd sic his stepdad on my husband. The police have arrived and are taking a report. Thought the neighborhood should know."

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4. No Dog Required: Report on Night-Time Safety "Dog" Walks, including upcoming 2:30 a.m. walk, Sunday, Oct. 1

Pamela Dameron, organizer of our Night-time Neighborhood Safety "Dog" Walks, writes:

Friday night 12 people, including District 7 Councilmember Kriss Worthington, along with 4 dogs showed up for our impromptu walk, and we had a great time. Thanks to everyone for walking and supporting our neighborhood. Before I went in for the night, which was around midnight, the police rode through 3 more times (I'd talked to our beat cop at the end of the walk, around 11 p.m.). Our dog walks support the police in their efforts to keep our neighborhood safe. The police alone cannot stop all criminal activities; it takes a conscious community effort, which I feel we are strongly working towards.

Remember, if you would like to walk in the evening or any other time, join our list of walkers and then send an email to everyone, with the time, day, and a meeting place, and put Impromptu Dog Walk in the subject of your email.

Thank you all, and I hope to see some of you next Sunday morning, very early October 1, at 2:30 a.m. (this is following late Saturday night, Sept. 30). We'll meet at Halcyon Commons Park.

Currently listed "Dog" Walks:

* Saturday, Sept. 30, 9 p.m. (meet at Halcyon Commons Park, corner of Prince/Halcyon)

* Sunday, Oct. 1, 2:30 a.m. (very early Sunday morning following Sat. 9/30 night) (meet at Halcyon Commons Park)

* Friday, Oct. 6, 10 p.m. (meet at Chochmat Halev, corner of Prince/Fulton)

* Sunday, Oct. 15, 9 p.m. (meet at Halcyon Commons Park, corner of Prince/Halcyon)

* Friday, Oct. 20, 10 p.m. (meet at Chochmat Halev, corner of Prince/Fulton)

* Thursday, Oct. 26, 9:30 p.m. (meet at Halcyon Commons Park, corner of Prince/Halcyon)

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; minimum attendance required, especially for the 2:30 a.m. walks), contact Pamela Dameron <usasleigh@sbcglobal.net>. (Remember: No dog required to participate!)

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5. Protecting Our Cars from Catalytic Converter Thieves: Ron's Berkeley Muffler to the Rescue

Two different neighbors sent in word of neighboring business Ron's Mufflers offer to help prevent (and recover from) Catalytic Converter theft:

From "Dog" Walk Organizer Pamela Dameron:

After reading Dawn's email about the theft of catalytic converters, I had mine welded at the muffler shop at Shattuck and 65th; however, it can still be cut off. Any deterrent is a plus. The shop is replacing catalytic converters at a discounted rate for victim's of theft.

The name of the shop is Ron's & Daughter Abby's Berkeley Muffler

Address: 6432 Shattuck at 65th street. The entrance is off of 65th street.

Phone 510-655-6833

And from a neighbor on Prince Street:

Help for Toyota Owners

Ron's Berkeley Muffler, located just around the corner at 6432 Shattuck Avenue (655-MUFF) will weld your catalytic converter on, for FREE! And if your catalytic converter has been stolen, they will, as a community service, install a new one, for a discounted price of $200. I took my truck in yesterday; they were helpful, courteous, and welded my catalytic converter in 10 minutes. They are a terrific community resource. Plus they are a family-owned business.

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6. Forwarded Message about Bicycle Thefts

A Halcyon Court neighbor passes on this cautionary tale from a bike list he receives messages from:

"I wanted to pass the word along that there is an individual or group following cyclists home and stealing their bikes. I live in Piedmont near the intersection of Park Blvd. and Trestle Glen and typically come home from rides through Montclair and down Park. The thief broke into my rolling metal door garage in broad daylight (~ 2 p.m.) while I was home on Saturday September 16th and made off with all the items below. I had just returned from a ride so given the bold time that the crime was committed, I can only assume that I was followed home. The Piedmont Police indicated that there has been a rash of these burglaries recently targeting bikes.

"I also wanted to pass along the advice that if bikes are stored in garages [or sheds], they should always be locked down to deter theft if the garage door is compromised. Apparently garage doors are trivial to break into for experienced thieves. All they do is hook the emergency release cord from outside the garage, either by breaking a garage window panel and reaching through or hooking it through the top gap of the garage door. This takes about 30 seconds."

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7. Ecology Center's Berkeley Sustainability Summit, Friday, Oct. 6, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Halcyon Court neighbor (and Ecology Center Development Director) Amy Kiser is one of the people organizing the Ecology Center's upcoming Sustainability Summit and sends the following information. (Presenters include HNA Co-Chair and Berkeley Partners for Parks President John Steere, who will be speaking on upcoming projects on the Santa Fe right-of-way.)

Come join us at the first annual Berkeley Sustainability Summit!

Friday, October 6, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Krutch Theater

The summit includes an invigorating combination of short presentations on Berkeley-focused sustainability projects, structured networking, and a delicious lunch featuring regionally-grown organic produce. It is a chance for professionals, activists, and interested parties to:

Get exposed to the wide range of local sustainability endeavors currently underway in Berkeley,
Share your work with a broad cross-section of Berkeley leaders working on companion issues,
Develop strategic relationships and cross-pollinate with other innovators between and among sectors,
Increase the coordination of diverse efforts that will move Berkeley toward being the most sustainable city in the country, and
Reinforce a broadly shared civic passion for a vital, sustainable future.

The idea behind the Summit is to have a forum where a person who lives and/or works in Berkeley can get exposed to the very wide range of sustainability projects currently underway in town. The Ecology Center has long served as a hub, and we have noticed that many people don't know what is going on outside of their particular project, circle, or network. It will cover many issues and projects pertinent to residents in our neighborhood, such as the changes in school lunch, city transportation planning, residential energy efficiency programs, sustainability policies, etc.

For more information or to buy tickets, go to http://www.ecologycenter.org/summit or call Carrie at 510-548-2220 x235.

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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: LeConte District 7 Candidate Forum TONIGHT, Tenth Anniversary Celebration 10/1, Crime Watch Alert

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Halcyon Neighborhood Association E-Newsletter*

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In This Newsletter

1. Reminder: Tenth Anniversary of Halcyon Commons 10/1: Simple Volunteer Opportunities

2. LeConte Neighborhood Association Candidates' Forum Thursday, Sept. 21, 7:30 p.m.

3. Halcyon Commons Rejuvenation Project: Design Charrette, Sunday, October 8, 2:30-5:00 p.m.

4. Crime Watch Alert: Catalytic Converters Stolen

Our Tenth Anniversary Celebration in Halcyon Commons Park is fast approaching (Sunday, October 1, 1-4)! In addition to needing several more people to agree to bring festive finger foods and chairs, we could really use a few more folks willing to deliver flyers to some of our as-yet uncovered streets in the neighborhood. If you sign up to deliver one stretch, it's a half-hour job and really makes a difference. Some of our existing noble flyer deliverers cover two stretches, earning extra Brownie points. If you're willing to do one or two stretches on a regular basis, it's even more helpful (there are flyers to be delivered approximately five or six times a year, so it's not a huge commitment). I'd really, really appreciate it if we could get to the point where all blocks have regular coverage since it will greatly simplify my part of the job (making the flyers, duplicating them with Susan's help, arranging for distribution, and dropping them off to distributors, as well as dropping flyers on the blocks I cover). So please email me by replying to this email (<ngc2@mindspring.com>) to let me know if you're willing to help in this way!

Many thanks!

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

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1. Reminder: Tenth Anniversary of Halcyon Commons 10/1: Simple Volunteer Opportunities

TENTH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION of HALCYON COMMONS PARK

Sunday, October 1, 1-4 p.m.

* Block Party in the Park and Halcyon Court (from Prince to Webster)

* Music from Forreal foreals (a Brazilian inspired jazz-rock-reggae band) and other music TBA

* Light Refreshments donated by Neighbors and Whole Foods Market

* Brief Program on Creation of the Park with words from the founding organizers

* Special guests who used to live in the neighborhood and helped with the park

* Fun activities for Kids

Festive Finger Foods Needed

Please contact John Steere <jsteere@eipassociates.com> if you would be able to contribute a platter of finger foods (hors d'ouevres, snacks, or dessert items) to make the day special.

Logistical Supplies Needed

Please contact Kate Day <katherin.day@sbcglobal.net> (with cc to John Steere <jsteere@eipassociates.com>) if you can loan us some tables, chairs (we need about 60, so we'll most likely need chairs from several sources), or a speaker's podium for the day of the event. NOTE: We may also need help from someone with a van or truck to pick some of these up!

Set-Up and Clean-Up Crews Needed

(Event itself is from 1-4 p.m., Sunday, October 1)

Please contact John Steere <jsteere@eipassociates.com> if you would be able to help set up an hour before the event or clean up the hour after.

Help Organizing Fun Activities for Kids

Please contact Dawn Rubin <familyrubin@comcast.net> (with cc to John Steere <jsteere@eipassociates.com>) if you'd like to help plan some fun activities for kids on the day of the event.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

2. LeConte Neighborhood Association Candidates' Forum Thursday, Sept. 21, 7:30 p.m.

Karl Reeh, President of LeConte Neighborhood Association, which includes residents from Dwight south to the Oakland border, sends the following announcement:

Our meeting Thursday, the 21st, will be held in the LeConte School cafeteria (Russell St. entrance) beginning at 7:30 p.m. We will feature a candidates' forum between George Beier and District 7 Councilmember Kriss Worthington. Each will speak, and questions will then be asked by our members. We will also discuss some of the other items on our November ballot. A representative of the Good Neighbor Task Force will hand out a brochure and discuss how the University and local residents can work together to improve our neighborhoods.

Reminder: We will be having mayoral candidates talk and answer questions at our next meeting, Thursday, October 19. Same time and place. November 16: Board Elections.

P.S. Dues for 2006/007 at $10 per household will be appreciated.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

3. Halcyon Commons Rejuvenation Project: Design Charrette, Sunday, October 8, 2:30-5:00 p.m.

Halcyon Commons Rejuvenation Project

Design Charrette Open to the Community

Sunday, October 8, 2:30-5:00 p.m.

Halcyon Commons Park (Halcyon at Prince)

In case of rain, charrette will be held at 3044-A Halcyon across from the park.

Refreshments donated by Whole Foods Market.

A chance to help plan features funded by the UC Chancellor's Community Partnership Grant to Halcyon Neighborhood Association (fiscal sponsor: Berkeley Partners for Parks), including Animal Cutout Entry Arbor at north end of park, Redesign/Replanting of south end of Park, and Halcyon Bird Sculpture. All are welcome to participate!

* * * * * * * * * * * *

4. Crime Watch Alert: Catalytic Converters Stolen

HNA Neighborhood Watch Coordinator Dawn Rubin reports:

On Tuesday 9/19 early morning (while I was asleep from Monday night), the catalytic converter was stolen off of my 1995 4-Runner. Apparently, Toyota trucks are one of the few vehicles where the part is just bolted on, not welded; BMW's may also have this characteristic.

The police dispatcher said I was the third person he had taken the call for on Tuesday. The beat cop said she'd heard of 6 that day. Ron's Mufflers said they had heard of eight from the same night/early morning and over a dozen in a three-day span in mid-August; they had done a news story with Channel 2 10 o'clock news on August 11. In Berkeley I know some of the addresses were on Hearst Street, Russell Street, Stuart Street, Wheeler Street, as well as in Emeryville and north Oakland.

Two people saw the crime in action without knowing it in the early morning hours Tuesday. One reported being awoken and seeing a dark sedan with 3 young Latino males. That person got a license plate, which the police say was probably stolen. Another person called the police after hearing a loud noise (clunk of the part being moved) and seeing a dark blue sedan. The police showed him pictures of a heavy-set Latino male, which he identified as probably being the person he had seen.

Apparently, the parts are being stolen for the precious metals in them . . . worth over $100. The thieves seem to be working in a team, probably getting about $25 each. They cost $200 - $1,000 to replace. If you have a Toyota truck, or know that your catalytic converter is only bolted on, I suggest you get it welded on ASAP; several places are doing this free or at a reduced rate. Otherwise, your first warning could be turning on your engine and having it sound like you installed one of those LOUD motorcycle mufflers.

If you know anything about these crimes, please email me. I will share the collected information with the police property crimes detective.

Thanks!

Dawn <familyrubin@comcast.net>

* * * * * * * * * * * *

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/

* * * * * * * * * * * *

HNA News: Volunteer Opportunities; Meet the Candidates; 2:30 a.m. Walk Sunday, etc.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Halcyon Neighborhood Association E-Newsletter*

* * * * * * * * * * * *

In This Newsletter

1. Tenth Anniversary of Halcyon Commons: Simple Volunteer Opportunities

2. Two Opportunities to Meet the Candidates for City Council, District 7 (Councilmember Kriss Worthingon & George Beier): Sat. Sept. 16 & Thurs. Sept. 21

3. Council Item on Expanding Eco-Pass Program from Councilmember Kriss Worthington

4. Another 2:30 a.m. Neighborhood Safety "Dog" Walk This Sunday, September 17

5. Aquatic Park & Shorebird Park Clean-up Saturday, September 16, 9 a.m.-12 noon

Many thanks to all who helped with last Sunday's Weeding Work Party in the Park! Thanks, too, to Bob Maron and the Parks Dept. staff who were out cleaning up in the park yesterday and this morning. It's nice to see our park getting some TLC in preparation for our Tenth Anniversary Celebration October 1! We'll be doing another quick cleanup on a weekday late afternoon a week or so before the event.

Also, please consider helping with one of the simple volunteer tasks to help make the Tenth Anniversary Celebration a success (see item 1).

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

* * * * * * * * * * * *

1. Tenth Anniversary of Halcyon Commons: Simple Volunteer Opportunities

TENTH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION of HALCYON COMMONS PARK

Sunday, October 1, 1-4 p.m.

* Block Party in the Park and Halcyon Court (from Prince to Webster)

* Music from Forreal foreals (a Brazilian inspired jazz-rock-reggae band) [and possibly another local group]

* Light Refreshments

* Brief Program on Creation of the Park with words from the founding organizers

* Special guests who used to live in the neighborhood and helped with the park

Festive Finger Foods Needed

Please contact John Steere <<jsteere@igc.org> if you would be able to contribute a platter of finger foods (hors d'ouevres, snacks, or dessert items) to make the day special.

Logistical Supplies Needed

Please contact Kate Day <katherin.day@sbcglobal.net> (with cc to John Steere <<jsteere@igc.org>) if you can loan us some tables, chairs (we need about 60, so we'll most likely need chairs from several sources), or a speaker's podium for the day of the event.

Set-Up and Clean-Up Crews Needed

(Event itself is from 1-4 p.m., Sunday, October 1)

Please contact John Steere <<jsteere@igc.org> if you would be able to help set up an hour before the event or clean up the hour after.

Help Organizing Special Activities for Kids

Please contact Dawn Rubin <familyrubin@comcast.net> (with cc to John Steere <<jsteere@igc.org>) if you'd like to help plan some fun activities for kids on the day of the event.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

2. Two Opportunities to Meet the Candidates for City Council, District 7 (Councilmember Kriss Worthingon & George Beier): Sat. Sept. 16 & Thurs. Sept. 21

The Halcyon Neighborhood is represented by two City Councilmembers: Max Anderson in District 3 (west side of Wheeler Street and blocks to the west) and Councilmember Kriss Worthington in District 7 (east side of Wheeler Street and blocks to the east). Because City Council races are staggered, only District 7 is up for a vote this November. Councilmember Worthington and his opponent, George Beier, will be appearing at two upcoming events.

Meet the Candidates' Coffee

Saturday, September 16, 7-9 p.m.

2221 Prince Street (corner of Fulton), home of Dan & Yolanda

Meet the candidates for District 7 over dessert and coffee at the home of Dan & Yolanda. Councilmember Kriss Worthington, the incumbent, and George Beier, President of Willard Neighborhood Association, are both running for the District 7 seat. Come meet them, hear about their plans for our district, and let them know your concerns. Wheelchair accessible.

LeConte Neighborhood Association Candidates' Forum for District 7

Thursday, September 21, LeConte School, 7:30 p.m., including Q&A

Councilmember Kriss Worthington and challenger George Beier will be present to answer questions focused on our South Berkeley neighborhoods.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

3. Council Item on Expanding Eco-Pass Program from Councilmember Worthington

Councilmember Kriss Worthington, who represents the eastern half of our neighborhood, sent word of the following Council item his office is sponsoring on the September 26 Consent Calendar to expand the EcoPass program aimed at reducing traffic:

SUBJECT: Exploring the expansion of the Eco-Pass program to U.C. B. ,Alta Bates/Sutter and other businesses along the Telegraph Avenue Corridor.

RECOMMENDATION: That the Berkeley City Council support exploring the expansion of the Eco-Pass program to U.C. B. , Alta Bates/Sutter and other businesses along the Telegraph Avenue Corridor through actively researching the possibility of matching funds from federal, state and regional funds.

BACKGROUND: For many years there has been discussion and a few meetings and rallies promoting the idea of Eco-Pass for U.C. and other area employees. The idea has not yet achieved sufficient organizational support, other than the City of Berkeley doing a program for city employees. The time has come to move from rhetoric to reality by actively exploring the feasibility of gaining matching funds from federal, state, and regional funding sources. Changed circumstances which might contribute to greater success include:

A.C. Transit is currently implementing Rapid Bus on Telegraph scheduled for this November. They are also considering various proposals for Bus Rapid Transit for the Telegraph corridor through Berkeley, Oakland, and San Leandro. Considering the Eco-Pass as part of that project or as an alternative to part of that project would be timely in the coming months.

U.C. has a new Chancellor and a new head of Parking and Transportation, neither of whom has publicly expressed hostility to this idea. In fact, when I mentioned that I wanted the city and university to join forces to seek additional funding, the Chancellor personally came over and said we should work together on such ideas. There may be a way to gain greater results from re-programming the money currently used for the Bear Pass into a more effective Eco-Pass.

Alta Bates/Sutter is spending increasing amounts of money on transportation, and has not yet met their goals for reducing parking and driving needs. If there were matching founds secured, they might well be willing to try a model program of an Eco-Pass to see if that improves their success rate.

The next stage of this research involves bringing together representatives of the Mayor and Council, with U.C. administration and employees, Alta Bates management and employees, A.C. Transit, and other interested business people and residents.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS: NONE to the city currently

CONTACT PERSON: Councilmember Kriss Worthington 981-7170.

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

* * * * * * * * * * * *

4. Another 2:30 a.m. Neighborhood Safety "Dog" Walk This Sunday, September 17

Pamela Dameron, organizer of our Nighttime Neighborhood Safety "Dog" Walks, writes:

This is just an update on our next scheduled 2:30 a.m. walk,which is late Saturday night, early Sunday morning, September 17. We will meet in Halcyon Commons Park (Halcyon at Prince). Please let me know if you can make it, because we need at least 4 people to confirm for the walk to take place.

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

* * * * * * * * * * * *

5. Aquatic Park & Shorebird Park Clean-up Saturday, September 16, 9 a.m.-12 noon

An involved neighbor asked us to spread the news about this:

The 22nd Annual Shoreline Cleanup

The trash on our shorelines is dangerous to us and to the animals that live there. You can make a difference! We need more volunteers, so please join us and bring your family and friends.

FOR SHOREBIRD PARK/ BERKELEY MARINA:

Staging area is behind the Seabreeze Market at University & Frontage Rd. Ride your bike or take the 9 bus.

FREE DROP OFF OF ELECTRICAL & COMPUTER PARTS FOR CLEANUP VOLUNTEERS.

For more information: http://www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/marina/marinaexp/cleanup.htm

See http://icobweb/press/release.asp?relid=2365

for more info,, contact Patty Donald <pdonald@ci.berkeley.ca.us> or 981-6720

FOR AQUATIC PARK:

Those who want to clean along Berkeley's "inner bayshore" in Aquatic Park should sign in at 9 a.m. at the table at the north end of the main lagoon, where Addison St. meets the ramp for the Addison St. Bike/Ped Bridge.

FOR EITHER CLEANUP:

Bring gloves, hat, sturdy shoes & sunscreen.

Want to learn more about Berkeley Partners for Parks? Visit our website at www.bpfp.org

* * * * * * * * * * * *

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/

* * * * * * * * * * * *

HNA News: Reminder: Weeding in Park/Kids' Play Date Sunday a.m., New Date for Tenth Anniversary, etc.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Halcyon Neighborhood Association E-Newsletter*

* * * * * * * * * * * *

In This Newsletter

1. Reminder: Work Party in Halcyon Commons Park, Sunday, Sept. 10, 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

2. Reminder: Kids' Play Date, Sunday, Sept. 10, 10 a.m.- Noon at Halcyon Commons (and Note re Babysitting Club)

3. Tenth Anniversary of Halcyon Commons: Sunday, October 1, 1-4 p.m. (NEW DATE and volunteer opportunities)

4. Nighttime Neighborhood-Safety "Dog" Walks: Upcoming Schedule (with addition)

5. Free Kitty or Small Animal Litter

6. Next Kitchen Democracy Issue: Traffic Mitigation Fee

7. Save the Date: Design Charrette in Halcyon Commons, Sunday, October 8, 2:30-5:00 p.m.

Please come help out with weeding and trimming in Halcyon Commons Park this coming Sunday morning if you possibly can! Many thanks!

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

* * * * * * * * * * * *

1. Reminder: Weeding Work Party in Halcyon Commons Park, Sunday, Sept. 10, 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Please join us for late summer weeding in Halcyon Commons Park (Halcyon Court at Prince Street) this Sunday. If we have enough helpers, we'll also do trash pickup in the surrounding neighborhood and weed the landscaped barrier at Prince and Deakin.

Light refreshments will be served.

Please bring weeding and pruning tools if you have them (some extra tools will be available for those who don't have them).

Children welcome (and note the Kids' Play Date listed in Item 2).

* * * * * * * * * * * *

2. Reminder: Kids' Play Date, Sunday, Sept. 10, 10 a.m.- Noon at Halcyon Commons (and Note re Babysitting Club)

We'll be having a kids' play date during the next gardening event Sunday, Sept. 10th, from 10 a.m. to noon in Halcyon Commons Park (Halcyon at Prince). So far I know of over 20 kids aged 1-11 in our neighborhood, and I bet there are more! Come meet other kids and families for impromptu play dates that don't require getting in a car! Bring Frisbees, balls, art supplies, or whatever sounds fun for your kids. Families with older kids who are potential babysitters are encouraged, too. We'll also be gathering ideas for kids' activities at the upcoming Halcyon Commons Tenth Anniversary Party.

For those of you who are interested, ask about a babysitting club. The idea is to get about 8 families together. Each Saturday we'll have the parents of 2 families watch all the kids while the parents of 6 families get to go out on dates. Bottom line, in exchange for committing to babysit once/month (hosting once every other month), you'll get free babysitting for a date night 3 times/month. We'd probably start about 4:30 p.m. and pick up all the kids by 9:30 to get them to bed. Our daughter is 7, so ideally we're looking for kids near that age, but can be as flexible as other families want to be on ages.

For questions or to RSVP on either the play date and/or the babysitting club contact Dawn Trygstad Rubin, familyrubin@comcast.net, 510/843-6306.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

3. Tenth Anniversary of Halcyon Commons: Sunday, October 1, 1-4 p.m. (NEW DATE and volunteer opportunities)

We needed to avoid conflicts with the second day of Rosh Hashanah on 9/24, so we've rescheduled our Tenth Anniversary Halcyon Commons Celebration to 10/1. Be sure to mark your calendars now for:

TENTH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION of HALCYON COMMONS PARK

Sunday, October 1, 1-4 p.m.

* Block Party in the Park and Halcyon Court (from Prince to Webster)

* Music from Forreal foreals (a Brazilian inspired jazz-rock-reggae band)

* Light Refreshments

* Brief Program on Creation of the Park with words from the founding organizers

* Special guests who used to live in the neighborhood and helped with the park

We still need help with some specific tasks:

* Someone to obtain permit from the City for a block party on Sunday, Oct. 1, 1-4.

* Someone to pick up street barriers from the City's Corp Yard (on Allston) the Friday before the event (9/29), and to return them to the City the Monday after (10/2) (having a truck or van useful).

* Several volunteers to make and donate festive light finger foods (desserts, snacks, or hors d'oeuvres).

* Someone to organize special activities for the kids attending.

We want to make this a special day. If you appreciate the community-building aspects of the park, if your children play there, or if you like to bring your dog there, now is a chance to take on one task and help us celebrate! If you can participate in this way, please email the event organizer, HNA Co-Chair John Steere <<jsteere@igc.org>

* * * * * * * * * * * *

4. Nighttime Neighborhood-Safety "Dog" Walks: Upcoming Schedule (with addition)

Pamela Dameron, organizer of our Nighttime Neighborhood Safety "Dog" Walks, writes:

"I want to thank everyone who showed up last Sunday morning [in the wee hours]. The walk was very successful, andwe may have averted criminal activity just by being seen by those checking out our neighborhood.

On Sunday Sept, 17, 2006, we will do our next 2:30 a.m. walk (that is late Saturday night and early Sunday morning). Please email me if you can make it (Pamela Dameron <usasleigh@sbcglobal.net>). As always, I need at least 4 people to commit for the walk to take place.

Thank you all for your patience and your effort in protecting our neighborhood."

And to remind people of the dates announced by Dawn Rubin:

The next few "scheduled" walks are:

* Sunday, Sept. 10, 9 p.m. (meet at Halcyon Commons Park, corner of Prince/Halcyon)

* Friday, Sept 15, 10 p.m. (meet at Chochmat Halev, corner of Prince/Fulton)

* Sunday, Sept. 17, 2:30 a.m. (that's early in the morning following Sat. night 9/16) (meet at Halcyon Commons Park) NEW

* Thursday, Sept. 21, 9:30 p.m. (meet at Halcyon Commons Park, corner of Prince/Halcyon)

* Saturday, Sept. 30, 9 p.m. (meet at Halcyon Commons Park, corner of Prince/Halcyon)

* Friday, Oct. 6, 10 p.m. (meet at Chochmat Halev, corner of Prince/Fulton)

* Sunday, Oct. 15, 9 p.m. (meet at Halcyon Commons Park, corner of Prince/Halcyon)

* Friday, Oct. 20, 10 p.m. (meet at Chochmat Halev, corner of Prince/Fulton)

* Thursday, Oct. 26, 9:30 p.m. (meet at Halcyon Commons Park, corner of Prince/Halcyon)

Come walk for exercise, chat to get to know your neighbors, and learn what is going on in our neighborhood (no dog required)!

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!)

* * * * * * * * * * * *

5. Two Opportunities to Meet the Candidates for City Council, District 7: Sept. 16 & Sept. 21

The Halcyon Neighborhood is represented by two City Councilmembers: Max Anderson in District 3 (west side of Wheeler Street and blocks to the west) and Councilmember Kriss Worthington in District 7 (east side of Wheeler Street and blocks to the east). Because City Council races are staggered, only District 7 is up for a vote this November. Councilmember Worthington and his opponent, George Beier, will be appearing at two upcoming events.

Meet the Candidates' Coffee

Saturday, September 16, 7-9 p.m.

2221 Prince Street (corner of Fulton), home of Dan & Yolanda

Meet the candidates for District 7 over dessert and coffee at the home of Dan & Yolanda. Councilmember Kriss Worthington, the incumbent, and George Beier, President of Willard Neighborhood Association, are both running for the District 7 seat. Come meet them, hear about their plans for our district, and let them know your concerns. Wheelchair accessible.

LeConte Neighborhood Association Candidates' Forum for District 7

Thursday, September 21, LeConte School, 7:30 p.m., including Q&A

Councilmember Kriss Worthington and challenger George Beier will be present.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

5. Free Kitty or Small Animal Litter

A neighbor announces:

Free: Kitty or small animal litter. I've got 25 pounds of dried corn cobs - good litter material for kitties or small cats. Email me and it's yours: yogreening@comcast.net

* * * * * * * * * * * *

6. Next Kitchen Democracy Issue: Traffic Mitigation Fee

Robert and Simona of Kitchen Democracy (a growing website allowing Berkeley and East Bay residents a chance to cast electronic votes on issues affecting us) announce their next issue:

* Should developers pay a fee to mitigate the additional traffic generated by their development?

This is an important issue. It could reduce both traffic and greenhouse gas emissions - or it could merely drive business out of Berkeley. Go to: http://www.KitchenDemocracy.org/issue/15

Read what experts and neighbors are saying, tell City Hall what you think, and influence their decision.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

7. Save the Date: Design Charrette in Halcyon Commons, Sunday, October 8, 2:30-5:00 p.m.

As part of implementing the Halcyon Commons Rejuvenation Project for which we won the UC Chancellor's Community Partnership Grant, we will be holding a design charrette in Halcyon Commons Park (Halcyon at Prince) in early October. This will give everyone in the neighborhood a chance to give input concerning the entry gateway with animal cutouts, the redesign of the south end of the park, and the halcyon bird sculpture. It should be a fun, creative afternoon with a chance for interested UC students in landscape architecture and urban design to participate along with us. Please mark your calendars!

* * * * * * * * * * * *

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/

* * * * * * * * * * * *

HNA News: Work Party Sun 9/10, Play Date, A's Baseball & Fireworks, "Dog" Walk Schedule & More

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Halcyon Neighborhood Association E-Newsletter*

* * * * * * * * * * * *

In This Newsletter

1. Work Party in Halcyon Commons Park, Sunday, Sept. 10, 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

2. Kids' Play Date, Sunday, Sept. 10, 10 a.m.- Noon at Halcyon Commons (and Note re Babysitting Club)

3. Neighbor Organizing Ticket Block for A's Baseball and Fireworks on Friday, Sept. 22 at 7:05 p.m.

4. Nighttime Neighborhood-Safety "Dog" Walks: Upcoming Schedule

5. Tenth Anniversary Celebration Planning Committee Meeting, Thursday, Sept. 7, 7:30-8:30 p.m.

6. Crime Watch: Direct Dial Numbers for Police

The weeding work party happening this coming Sunday morning is a chance for you to "give back" if you appreciate what we've been doing to improve our neighborhood. It's also another great way to meet your neighbors in a relaxed setting. Please come out and pitch in: "Many hands makes light work." Your help, even for half an hour, is very heartening to those of us who organize these efforts. (Also note the Kids' Play Date being organized in the park for the same time frame, making it easy to help out even if you have active children.) Hope to see you Sunday!

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

* * * * * * * * * * * *

1. Weeding Work Party in Halcyon Commons Park, Sunday, Sept. 10, 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Please join us for late summer weeding in Halcyon Commons Park (Halcyon Court at Prince Street) this Sunday. If we have enough helpers, we'll also do trash pickup in the surrounding neighborhood and weed the landscaped barrier at Prince and Deakin.

Light refreshments will be served.

Please bring weeding and pruning tools if you have them (some extra tools will be available for those who don't have them).

Children welcome (and note the Kids' Play Date listed in Item 2).

* * * * * * * * * * * *

2. Kids' Play Date, Sunday, Sept. 10, 10 a.m.- Noon at Halcyon Commons (and Note re Babysitting Club)

We'll be having a kids' play date during the next gardening event Sunday, Sept. 10th, from 10 a.m. to noon in Halcyon Commons Park (Halcyon at Prince). So far I know of over 20 kids aged 1-11 in our neighborhood, and I bet there are more! Come meet other kids and families for impromptu play dates that don't require getting in a car! Bring Frisbees, balls, art supplies, or whatever sounds fun for your kids. Families with older kids who are potential babysitters are encouraged, too. We'll also be gathering ideas for kids' activities at the upcoming Halcyon Commons Tenth Anniversary Party.

For those of you who are interested, ask about a babysitting club. The idea is to get about 8 families together. Each Saturday we'll have the parents of 2 families watch all the kids while the parents of 6 families get to go out on dates. Bottom line, in exchange for committing to babysit once/month (hosting once every other month), you'll get free babysitting for a date night 3 times/month. We'd probably start about 4:30 p.m. and pick up all the kids by 9:30 to get them to bed. Our daughter is 7, so ideally we're looking for kids near that age, but can be as flexible as other families want to be on ages.

For questions or to RSVP on either the play date and/or the babysitting club contact Dawn Trygstad Rubin, familyrubin@comcast.net, 510/843-6306.

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3. Neighbor Organizing Ticket Block for A's Baseball and Fireworks on Friday, Sept. 22 at 7:05 p.m.

Neighbor Dawn Rubin sends the following announcement:

Do you have any baseball and/or fireworks fans in your household? After the game, bring a blanket down to the field, lay on your back, and watch a terrific fireworks show! I've reserved a block of 60 tickets to the game on Friday, 9/22 starting at 7:05 p.m. So far I have 10 "reservations" from friends and neighbors; we need 25 confirmations to get the deal described below.

Details include:

Friday, Sept. 22, 7:05 p.m.

Oakland Athletics vs. Angels

McAfee Coliseum, Oakland, CA

Section 104, rows 30-33

$27/ticket cash or check (sorry, no kids discount)

For questions or to RSVP contact Dawn Trygstad Rubin, familyrubin@comcast.net, 510/843-6306. If you want tickets, RSVP to me NO LATER than this Sunday, Sept. 10. I need to confirm the final number and pay on Monday, Sept. 11. So far I have 10 reservations.

This is a "friend raiser" event for BMS (Berkeley Monessori). There will be an announcement on the score board saying "Welcome Berkeley Montessori and Halcyon fans." You'll get the tickets at the same cost that the A's are selling them to me/BMS. Come meet other families and enjoy a fun evening out at the ballpark.

Also: Is anybody interested in a tailgate party beforehand and/or going together on BART?

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4. Nighttime Neighborhood-Safety "Dog" Walks: Upcoming Schedule

Dawn Rubin, HNA Neighborhood Watch Coordinator, who has been working with Pamela Dameron on the Nighttime "Dog" Walks reports:

Pamela Dameron is doing a great job of organizing our "dog" walks several times each week! We really appreciate the support we are getting from the Berkeley Police Department. The next few "scheduled" walks are: