Halcyon Neighborhood Association: November 2006

Wednesday, November 22, 2006

HNA News: Night-time Safety "Dog" Walk Tonight 11/22, 10 p.m.; Nov. 30 Disaster Prep Drill, etc.

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Halcyon Neighborhood Association E-Newsletter*

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1. Nighttime Neighborhood-Safety "Dog" Walk Tonight, Weds., Nov. 22, 10 p.m.

2. Citywide Disaster Preparedness Exercise, Thurs. Nov. 30, 9:15-11:30 a.m.: Neighborhood Volunteers Needed

3. Reminder: Please Keep Sidewalks Clear on Trash Pickup Days

4. Links to Articles on Downtown Hotel Plans

5. HNA Dates for the New Year: Progressive Post-Holiday Potluck Sun. Jan. 21; Neighborhood Watch Meeting Sun. Feb. 4th

6. Muggings in North Oakland Not Far from our Neighborhood (and Some Valuable Safety Tips)

At last Sunday's potluck, we gathered to bid fond farewell to Judy, Joel, and Sandy as they prepare to move to New Zealand in early December. Kate Dillon, the UC student who was our Berkeley Project contact, stopped by and we were able to thank her once again for the students' phenomenal help. John and Michelle created a warm and welcoming setting, and we set a couple of dates for the new year (see item 5, and mark your calendars now).

Thanks to neighbor Pamela Dameron for continuing to host the nighttime neighborhood safety "dog" walks (see item 1). There will be a quick one tonight to set the tone for neighborhood safety over the holiday weekend. Feel free to show up and join your neighbors, with or without a dog!

Also, if anyone is available Thursday morning November 30 (see item 2), Susan and I could use company as we participate in the citywide test of our disaster preparedness communication system. (We have now received the supplies as well as the shed for the disaster preparedness supply cache our neighborhood won, but we'll definitely be needing help to get it fully set up and operational, including adding shelving, doing a test run with the generator, etc., so please watch the E-Newsletter and pitch in when you're able.)

Wishing you all a very Happy Thanksgiving!

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

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1. Nighttime Neighborhood-Safety "Dog" Walk Tonight, Weds., Nov. 22, 10 p.m.

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

"It's been a while since our last organized walk. A listserve has been set up to ease communication, but we are still working out the kinks. Until I get all the kinks worked out, I'll do things the old-fashioned way. For those interested in a 'dog' walk: We will meet on Wednesday, November 22, at 10 p.m. in Halcyon Commons Park (Halcyon at Prince Street). We will walk for about 15 to 20 minutes through the neighborhood. I hope see you all there!"

For more information, to get the schedule for future walks, or to ask to be included on the listserve announcing the nighttime neighborhood safety walks, contact Pamela Dameron <usasleigh@sbcglobal.net>. (Remember: No dog required to participate!)

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2. Citywide Disaster Preparedness Exercise, Thurs. Nov. 30, 9:15-11:30 a.m.: Neighborhood Volunteers Needed

On November 30, the City of Berkeley will be holding a Disaster Preparedness Exercise, which will include quite a few of the neighborhoods with Disaster Supply Caches. This will be a chance to practice using the walkie-talkies that came with our cache. Nancy Carleton and Susan Hunter (hosts of the cache shed) would appreciate a couple of neighbors to volunteer to be present on Halcyon Court that morning to keep them company during the test. While it would be ideal to have some folks who have had some level of Disaster Preparedness training, you can participate even if you don't yet have the training. Please reply to Nancy Carleton <ngc2@mindspring.com> if you're free that morning and want to come. You'll get a chance to see the contents of the cache and get a sense of how communication will take place in the event of a disaster.

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3. Reminder: Please Keep Sidewalks Clear on Trash Pickup Days

HNA Co-Chair (and E-Newsletter editor) Nancy Carleton sent the following email to City Manager Phil Kamlarz yesterday (he replied promptly that he would pass on the requested reminder to staff -- thanks, Phil!):

"Recently I've noticed that the refuse pickup workers for both black trash containers and green yard debris containers have been getting sloppier about returning the containers to the edge of the curb to avoid blocking the sidewalks post-pickup.

This morning when I left on my dog walk, I saw that neighbors had neatly left their containers curbside as usual. When I returned half an hour later, empty trash and yard debris containers were blocking the sidewalk in several places (I've attached four photos in illustration, all taken on Halcyon Court this morning).

As a friend of Fred Lupke -- who, as you know, was an incredible activist for full accessibility for people with disabilities as well as a tireless advocate for our parks, libraries, and schools -- I feel compelled to speak up and remind all concerned that blocked sidewalks can endanger lives! Fred himself was tragically killed by a car when he diverted the path of his wheelchair into the street to avoid a sidewalk that was difficult to negotiate.

I would very much appreciate it if City management could once again remind City staff of the importance of following the protocol of returning containers curbside so that our sidewalks remain accessible to all.

Wishing everyone a happy and safe Thanksgiving!"

Note to Neighbors: You can help by placing your containers curbside in preparation for trash pickup and putting them away promptly once they've been emptied. And if you notice something blocking sidewalk accessibility, please move it to keep the passageway clear. We have many neighbors with disabilities who need all of us to be mindful about keeping our public sidewalks accessible. -NC

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4. Links to Articles on Downtown Hotel Plans

A Prince Street neighbor passes on this link to the following article describing plans for a nineteen-story hotel in downtown Berkeley:

"Downtown Hotel Plan Awaits City Approval"

http://www.dailycal.org/sharticle.php?id=22350

Editor's Note: This story has also received extensive coverage in the Berkeley Daily Planet, including:

"Downtown Hotel Plans Call for 19 Stories"

http://www.berkeleydailyplanet.com/article.cfm?archiveDate=11-17-06&storyID=25631

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5. HNA Dates for the New Year: Progressive Post-Holiday Potluck Sun. Jan. 21; Neighborhood Watch Meeting Sun. Feb. 4

Details still to come, but mark your calendars now for the following:

Fabulous Post-Holiday Progressive Potluck

(we progress to three or four households for the various courses; this is one of our most popular events of the year!)

Sunday, January 21, 2007, 6-9 p.m.

[Hosts still needed for some of the courses; please contact Nancy Carleton <ngc2@mindspring.com> if you'd be willing to open your home to your neighbors for one of the courses (which take about 40-45 minutes each).]

Neighborhood Watch Meeting (focusing on Crime and Disaster Preparedness)

Sunday, February 4, 2007 (exact time to be determined, either late afternoon or early evening)

Location TBA

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6. Muggings in North Oakland Not Far from our Neighborhood (and Some Valuable Safety Tips)

A nearby North Oakland resident passes on the following notice received from one of his neighbors:

"A few people I know have been mugged nearby recently, and I wanted to pass along incident descriptions and a few safety tips to our neighbors.

In one incident, two women were mugged around Telegraph and 57th. On their way home from dinner (between 8 and 9 p.m.), they were followed for about a block on 57th St. by one man. Just before Telegraph, three other men jumped out of the bushes and started chasing them. One woman threw her purse down, and they both ran into Telegraph. Cars stopped and started honking, and they attackers ran the other direction. In a second incident, a women who lives at 58th and Telegraph was attacked as she was opening the door to her house (around 9:30 p.m.). One man grabbed her from behind and another took her keys and opened the house. They stole her earrings (off her ears), her purse, and her landline phone. Besides being shaken up and the loss of some property, no one was hurt in either incident.

The victims and police believe that the muggers are young, unemployed men who live near Telegraph and Shattuck between 56th and 60th. They have been targeting anyone vulnerable, especially non-Black females who are alone or in small groups.

I also want to pass along a few tips from the police that my friend emailed around:

First, if you feel like you're being followed, you probably are. Trust your instincts and cross the road or go somewhere where there are lights and/or people. If you're carrying something, throw it in the opposite direction you're running. Criminals will have to make a choice whether to get you or your stuff. Call 911 from a landline, since it is easier for the police to track landline calls. If you're not near a landline and have only a cell, find the cell phone emergency no. for your city and program it into your phone. Today. For Oakland, the emergency number for cell phones is 510-777-3211 [for Berkeley it's 510- 981-5911]. Also, program in an emergency contact number so that if you are hurt, rescuers will have a better chance of knowing who to call. Of course you should also follow safety tips such as don't walk alone at night, walk in a bigger group, etc, but we may often find ourselves in an imperfect situation, in which case we must have our wits about us.

Please pass this notice around to the other tenants, especially the other women.

Thanks and please do stay safe and aware."

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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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Friday, November 17, 2006

HNA News: Potluck Sunday 11/19, 6-8, Crime Watch Report, Elmwood Matinees, Holiday Pies, Labyrinth Walk, etc.

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Halcyon Neighborhood Association E-Newsletter*

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1. Community Potluck Honoring Judy & Joel, Sunday, November 19, 6-8 p.m., 2329 Webster

2. Crime Watch Report from LeConte Listserve: Pickpocket on Deakin near Russell; Recommendation of Express Articles on Youth Crime

3. Elmwood Merchants Offer Low-Cost Weekend Matinees for Kids to Benefit South Berkeley Schools

4. Prince Street Neighbor Offering Homemade Holiday Pies

5. LeConte Neighborhood Association President thanks UC for Police Report at meeting

6. Labyrinth Community Peace Walk, Sun. Nov. 19, 3 p.m., Willard Middle School

Hope to see you at our Community Potluck Sunday evening honoring Judy Lightstone and Joel Hildebrandt, as well as Cal students who helped in the Berkeley Project volunteer day (see item 1)!

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

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1. Community Potluck Honoring Judy & Joel, Sunday, November 19, 6-8 p.m., 2329 Webster

What: A chance to gather with neighbors over shared food as we bid farewell to longtime neighbors Judy Lightstone, Joel Hildebrandt, and their daughter Sandy before they move to New Zealand, as well as to thank some Berkeley Project volunteers who may join us.

When: Sunday, November 19, 6-8 p.m.

Where: John & Michelle's house, 2329 Webster (2nd house west of Whole Foods Market).

Who: Those who live in the Ashby-Telegraph-Woolsey-Adeline quadrant are welcome, including children. We've also invited Cal student volunteers who helped in the Berkeley Project day last Saturday.

Agenda: We'll share food and socialize for the first hour-plus, say goodbye to Judy, Joel, and Sandy, and then have a brief informal meeting where we brainstorm our HNA calendar for the coming year, including arranging hosts and locations for our fabulous Post-Holiday Progressive Potluck in January (we progress to four households for the different courses); setting a date for a community-wide Neighborhood Watch meeting to address crime and disaster preparedness; setting date for next Steering Committee meeting; planning Halcyon Commons work party dates for 2007; etc.

Bring: Please bring a potluck item to share. Potluck suggestions: * A-H: Main Dish * I-L: Appetizer * M-S: Salad * T-Z Dessert (if it's easy, please also bring a beverage to share). Please make a little extra so we'll have enough to feed any Berkeley Project volunteers who may join us!

Volunteers Needed: John and Michelle request two volunteers to come half an hour early (5:30) to help set up; please email John at <jsteere@igc.org> if you can help in this way.

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2. Crime Watch Report from LeConte Listserve: Pickpocket on Deakin near Russell; Recommendation of Express Articles on Youth Crime

A Fulton Street neighbor reports on the LeConte Listserve:

"On Monday evening around 6:30 or 7 p.m., there was a 'partial pickpocket' on Deakin near Russell. Bill Carpenter, who has a workshop behind 2926/8 Fulton, was loading his vehicle when one of three young men darted across Deakin and attempted to grab his wallet out of his back pocket. He didn't get Bill's wallet, but did get his day planner. Bill turned toward him angrily, using loud strong words, and the man noticed that he had a tool in his hand (a small bolt cutter). Either out of fear of being hit with the tool or because he realized he had missed the wallet and wouldn't get it now, he took off running, accompanied by his friends. All Bill knows by way of description is that the assailant and his companions were African American teens (or possibly a little older). Bill found the day planner this morning in nearby bushes. Probably the 'message,' if there is one, is to practice awareness of one's surroundings on the street, especially at night--doing visual sweeps of your personal vicinity, and the like.

And from a Stuart Street neighbor on the LeConte Listserve:

"It would be useful for LeConte residents to read the cover story in the East Bay Express this week [and last]. It discusses, amongst other things, apparently rising juvenile crime in the East Bay along with an apparent decline in police work that focuses on juveniles. It raises some questions relevant to Berkeley. Part of the street crime that occurs in LeConte does seem to involve juveniles looking opportunistically for people on the street to harass or rob."

[Editor's Note: The two-part Express series can be found online at http://www.eastbayexpress.com/Issues/2006-11-08/news/feature.html and http://www.eastbayexpress.com/Issues/2006-11-15/news/feature.html ]

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3. Elmwood Merchants Offer Low-Cost Weekend Matinees for Kids to Benefit South Berkeley Schools

Prince Street neighbor Yolanda Huang passes on the following:

"Elmwood Merchants have organized a fund raiser for the four south Berkeley elementary schools (LeConte, Emerson, Malcolm X, and John Muir). Elmwood Theatres will be offering 3 matinees each weekend from Thanksgiving through the holidays for children's movies at $2 a ticket (wow, what a deal!). All proceeds will go to the four schools. Parents and guardians will be able to drop off their children for a movie and then do some shopping around town while the children are watching the movie (movies will be chaperoned by parents from the 4 schools). Volunteers from the schools will serve as ushers."

[Editor's Note: There's an article on the front page of today's Berkeley Voice on the program (sorry, couldn't find link): "Matinees offer taste of long ago treats: Four elementary schools in South Berkeley to get financial aid from events." Contact information number is listed as 843-3794.]

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4. Prince Street Neighbor Offering Homemade Holiday Pies

A Prince Street neighbor announces:

"One of your Prince Street neighbors is selling homemade pies for the holiday season. My name is Veneita, and I can often be found in our sweet park with my two dogs, Simone and Diego. I will be offering the following varieties of holiday pies: sweet potato, apple & French pear, berry (strawberry, blueberry, etc.; berries will be out of season soon, so availability may be limited), lemon meringue, coconut cream, and the holiday favorite pumpkin. My pies are spicy, tart, and special. The price will range from $18 to $32. For Thanksgiving, the order must be placed by the 20th, and can be picked up at a Prince Street kitchen. The pies normally sell for a higher price, but I really wanted to do something for our neighborhood this holiday season, and for every 7 pies brought one will be donated to a local battered women's safe house. The delights will be for sale until January 2th, with some change in favor as the season progress. Recommendations are available."

Contact Veneita Porter <vlporter@sbcglobal.net> or 510-644-03252 (hm) and 415-516-0352 (w).

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5. LeConte Neighborhood Association President thanks UC for Police Report at meeting

Karl Reeh, President of LeConte Neighborhood Association (which includes neighbors south of campus to the Oakland border and west of Telegraph to Shattuck, overlapping with Halcyon Neighborhood Association south of Ashby), sends a copy of the following email sent:

TO: Irene Hagarty, UC Public Relations Office

Irene, thanks for helping arrange for Sgt. Milani to attend our LeConte NA meeting on Thursday evening. This was the first time we have had a UCPD representative report on crime and policing procedures that include part of our District borders (i.e. Dwight to Derby). There were many questions about Telegraph as well and we learned a lot concerning how the two police departments cooperate especially with bike patrols and party monitoring. Sgt. Milani made an excellent presentation and was well prepared with an up-to-date breakdown on the number and location of reported crimes on campus and south of campus. With frequent accounts of muggings and property crimes in our District, it is reassuring to know that we have the resources of both police departments working together.

Karl Reeh, LeConte NA

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6. Labyrinth Community Peace Walk, Sun. Nov. 19, 3 p.m., Willard Middle School

Community Labyrinth Peace Walk 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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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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Tuesday, November 14, 2006

HNA News: Berkeley Project a Success; Potluck Honoring Judy & Joel, 11/19; LNA meeting Thurs. 11/16

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Halcyon Neighborhood Association E-Newsletter*

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1. Berkeley Project Volunteer Work Party a Great Success! Thanks to All!

2. Community Potluck Honoring Judy & Joel, Sunday, November 19, 6-8 p.m., 2329 Webster

3. Halcyon neighbor Shael Barger's work in art show

4. New Halcyon neighbor Candice Johnson Reopens Her Private Practice

5. LeConte Neighborhood Association meeting Thurs. 11/16, 7:30 p.m.

6. District 7 Election Results: Councilmember Kriss Worthington Re-elected

7. Labyrinth Community Peace Walk, Sun. Nov. 19, 3 p.m., Willard Middle School

The Berkeley Project volunteer day was a huge success (see item 1). To celebrate that and to bid fond farewell to our dear community-minded neighbors Joel Hildebrandt and Judy Lightstone (and daughter Sandy), who are leaving soon for New Zealand, please join us for the Halcyon potluck this coming Sunday evening (see item 2).

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

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1. Berkeley Project Volunteer Work Party a Great Success! Thanks to All!

Twenty-five UC Berkeley students came to Halcyon Commons Park this past Sunday to join a dozen neighbors, including five or six neighborhood children, in weeding and heavy mulching of Halcyon Commons, three nearby landscaped features, and one problem corner at Ashby and Fulton, in addition to picking up litter and removing graffiti. The Cal volunteers (some of them accompanied by middle school mentees they are mentoring, and some of them from Delta Gamma Sorority, where neighbor Susan Hunter is House Manager) were part of the first annual Berkeley Project Day, which involved 1,100 volunteers citywide. The day was a great success. Many, many thanks to the students for volunteering to make such a big difference in our neighborhood! Thanks, too, to Whole Foods Market for the delicious food; to City of Berkeley staff Bob Maron, Shallon Allen, and Jim Hynes, who coordinated logistical supplies; to Susan, Nancy, Bruce, Dawn, and Matthew for helping to coordinate the volunteers on Saturday (and to John for pre-event logistical help); and to all the neighbors -- adults and children -- who pitched in to work with us at some point during the day! Stop by and check out the results of their labors at Halcyon Commons (Halcyon Court at Prince).

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Note from our student liaison Kate Dillon:

Nancy, Dawn, and Susan:

Thank you for all of your coordinating efforts in the weeks before Berkeley Project and for your tremendous leadership during the entire day yesterday. Working alongside neighbors was one of the most important aspects of the day for me, and I'd imagine for many of the students and mentees as well. Thank you so much for all of your hard work and for sharing your beautiful park with us! Here are a few photos that I took through the day. Please be sure to add my email to the E-Newsletter, and I look forward to getting to stay in touch with you!

Love, Kate

[Note from the Editor: I hope to post some of these photos on the web; if I manage to do so, I'll post a link in a future newsletter.]

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Note from City Staff:

So pleased everything worked out so well and the students all seemed to have a great time. Many of them told me how tired they were!! Thanks for your participation and have a great holiday season if I don't get a chance to see you!!!

Shallon Allen, City of Berkeley

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Note thanking students:

Dear Student Volunteers:

Thank you so much to each and every volunteer who helped out this past Saturday in the Halcyon neighborhood! Your hard work weeding, mulching, picking up trash, and removing graffiti made a huge difference in beautifying our neighborhood and getting Halcyon Commons Park ready for the winter. We deeply appreciate your help! It was wonderful to work by your sides and get to know you a bit.

By participating in the Berkeley Project's first annual work day, you've provided an inspiring example for others to follow in what we hope will become an annual event -- and a wonderful way for UC Berkeley students to participate in the larger community and really make a difference.

As a neighborhood, we would like to invite you to a community potluck taking place this coming Sunday, November 19, 6-8 p.m. at neighbors John & Michelle's house, 2329 Webster (2nd house west of Whole Foods Market on Telegraph). Although it's a potluck, no need for you to bring food -- neighbors will make sure there's plenty.

Also, if any of you would like to stay informed about what's happening in our neighborhood (including neighborhood work parties, potlucks, crime watch, disaster preparedness, and other news), please let me know by email if you'd like to be on the bcc list to receive the Halcyon Neighborhood Association E-Newsletter, which comes out on an occasional basis every week or two.

Again, a million thanks!
Nancy Carleton, HNA Co-Chair and E-Newsletter Editor

<ngc2@mindspring.com>

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2. Community Potluck Honoring Judy & Joel, Sunday, November 19, 6-8 p.m., 2329 Webster

When: Sunday, November 19, 6-8 p.m.

Where: John & Michelle's house, 2329 Webster (2nd house west of Whole Foods Market).

Volunteers Needed: John and Michelle request two volunteers to come half an hour early (5:30) to help set up; please email John at <jsteere@igc.org> if you can help in this way.

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3. Halcyon neighbor Shael Barger's work in art show

Halcyon neighbor Shael Barger, who many of you see walking her two beautiful dogs Chaco and Adobe, makes exquisite, artistic jewelry. Her work was selected to appear in an art show taking place now through January 20 at the Collectors Gallery at the Oakland Museum.

The Collectors Gallery, run by the Oakland Museum Women's Board, offers contemporary California paintings, graphics, photographs and crafts for sale. Paintings and graphics are also available for rental. Gallery hours are Wednesday through Friday, 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. The Gallery is staffed by volunteers; please call to verify hours (there will likely be longer hours during the holiday season) if you are planning a visit: 510-834-2296. The Oakland Museum of California is located in downtown Oakland, one block from the Lake Merritt BART station and a few blocks from highway 880. Go to http://www.museumca.org/visit/index.html for directions.

Shael's work is also represented at the ACCI Gallery on Shattuck Avenue at Lincoln in North Berkeley.

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4. New Halcyon neighbor Candice Johnson Reopens Her Private Practice

Candice Johnson, a new neighbor on Halcyon Court, sends the following announcement:

Greetings! By way of introduction, let me mention that I am originally from the Midwest, having two children and now five sweet grandchildren. Before moving to the welcoming seasons of your Berkeley neighborhood, I lived in San Francisco for the last twenty years. I've had the good fortune of finding office space on College Avenue in the Elmwood district, where I have reopened my private practice. Beyond my years of service to church, school, and community, I am trained/licensed as a social worker. My own pilgrimage to self-belonging includes interests in depth psychology, contemplative spirituality, metaphysics, astrology, and intense spiritual awakenings through relationships. I offer individual, couples, and group facilitation. I welcome your questions, referrals, and your energetic greetings. Thank you!

Peace,

Candice Johnson

candice5@sbcglobal.net

510- 845-5151

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5. LeConte Neighborhood Association meeting Thurs. 11/16, 7:30 p.m.

Our Nov 16th meeting with be at the LeConte School starting at 7:30 p.m.

AGENDA to include:

1. Opposition to 18 Microwave antennas atop UC Storage, Ward @ Shattuck

Protests were given at ZAB on Nov 7th. A request was given to move our appeal hearing from Nov 27 to December or January. A lively demonstration was held last Saturday at the site. It was included on Channel Two newscasts that day. You are invited to the next Council Meeting to help bring further attention to our concerns, Tuesday, Nov 14.

2. Illegal Lawn Parking

This has been a major project led by Jerry Miller for the past several years. So far, the only results have been the identification of about 200 examples leading to a letter to the homeowner or landlord. Penalties have been hinted at but no enforcement has followed. We are looking for two or three task force members to carry this forward. This may seem like a minor issue until you realize that without effective control ALL our blocks may soon witness lawns and other landscaping disappearing into "temporary" or "permanent" parking. (We will have photos and background information to share at our meeting.)

3. Campaign Ethics & Accountability

While LeConte NA cannot directly support a candidate or an ballot measure, we can demand that lies and misrepresentations distributed to voters be addressed. Doesn't it seem ironic that a representative of the Berkeley Chamber of Commerce can say that their "PAC of Lies" is independent while admitting that the Chamber broke the election law by NOT having their name & address on their first "hit piece"? Likewise, all the candidates listed on these mailings should denounce this unethical tactic and help ensure that this not happen again. (Please bring samples of these mailings to our meeting.)

4. Violent Crime Increase South of Campus

Berkeley's Chief of Police gave a report at the recent Berkeley Safe Neighborhoods Committee meeting, warning of an increase in violent crime, especially that of muggings and armed robberies. The University also sent out a notice to students and alumni living in our area. We need to focus on this and work with Willard NA and other nearby groups to help deal with it. There are some positive trends, as well. Plus free steering wheel locks are available for some of the most vulnerable cars. We hope to have our Beat Officer in attendance to give us updates and guidelines.

5. Our annual membership drive ($10 per household) and Board Election are also scheduled.

We need your input and support to remain a strong voice for our District.
Cheers, Karl Reeh, President LNA (843-2602)

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6. District 7 Election Results: Councilmember Kriss Worthington Re-elected

With final absentee votes counted, District 7 Councilmember Kriss Worthinton has won re-election 53% to 47%. (There are still some outstanding damaged ballots and provisional ballots to be counted, but not enough to make a difference in the outcome of the race.)

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7. Labyrinth Community Peace Walk, Sun. Nov. 19, 3 p.m., Willard Middle School

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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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Saturday, November 11, 2006

HNA News: Volunteer today rain or shine; potluck 11/19; neighbor in art show

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Halcyon Neighborhood Association E-Newsletter*

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1. Rain or Shine: Please volunteer Today, November 11, 10:00-2:00, Mulching & Neighborhood Cleanup with Help from the Berkeley Project

2. Community Potluck, Sunday, November 19, 6-8 p.m., 2329 Webster

3. Halcyon neighbor Shael Barger's work in art show

Our work party today will be taking place rain or shine -- and it looks like there's a clearing trend in any case -- so come join us (see item 1 below). Refreshments will be served!

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

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1. Rain or Shine: Please volunteer Today, November 11, 10:00-2:00, Mulching & Neighborhood Cleanup with Help from the Berkeley Project

Meet at 10:00 a.m. at Halcyon Commons Park (Halcyon Court at Prince Street) or join us at some point along the way (come to Halcyon Commons to get an assignment).

Refreshments courtesy of Whole Foods Market.

Come help Cal student volunteers from the Berkeley Project!

Although we won't have quite as many Cal volunteers due to the weather, the majority of Berkeley Project volunteers will be showing up to help weed, mulch, pick up trash, and remove graffiti will be showing up rain or shine.

Susan Hunter, Bruce Wicinas, and I (Nancy Carleton) could use the help of a few more neighbors, so please consider stopping by and helping our student volunteers out. Your reward besides good company: delicious food donated by Whole Foods Market.

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2. Halcyon Community Potluck, Sunday, November 19, 6-8 p.m., 2329 Webster

What: A chance to gather with neighbors over shared food.

When: Sunday, November 19, 6-8 p.m.

Where: John & Michelle's house, 2329 Webster (2nd house west of Whole Foods Market).

Who: Those who live in the Ashby-Telegraph-Woolsey-Adeline quadrant are welcome, including children.

Agenda: We'll share food and socialize for the first hour-plus, then have a brief informal meeting where we brainstorm our HNA calendar for the coming year, including arranging hosts and locations for our fabulous Post-Holiday Progressive Potluck in January (we progress to four households for the different courses); setting a date for a community-wide Neighborhood Watch meeting to address crime and disaster preparedness; setting date for next Steering Committee meeting; planning Halcyon Commons work party dates for 2007; etc.

Bring: Please bring a potluck item to share. Potluck suggestions: * A-H: Main Dish * I-L: Appetizer * M-S: Salad * T-Z Dessert (if it's easy, please also bring a beverage to share).

Volunteers Needed: John and Michelle request two volunteers to come half an hour early (5:30) to help set up; please email John at <jsteere@igc.org> if you can help in this way.

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

3. Halcyon neighbor Shael Barger's work in art show

The Oakland Museum of California is located in downtown Oakland, one block from the Lake Merritt BART station and a few blocks from highway 880. Go to http://www.museumca.org/visit/index.html for directions.

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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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Thursday, November 09, 2006

HNA News: Weeding Tools & Volunteers Needed Saturday; Community Potluck Sun. 11/19, Crime Watch reports

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Halcyon Neighborhood Association E-Newsletter*

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1. Weeding Tools & Volunteers Needed Sat. November 11, 10:00-2:00, Mulching & Neighborhood Cleanup with Help from the Berkeley Project

2. Community Potluck, Sunday, November 19, 6-8 p.m., 2329 Webster

3. Citywide Disaster Preparedness Exercise, Thurs. Nov. 30, 9-11 a.m.: Neighborhood Volunteers Needed

4. Crime Watch Report: Mugging on Woolsey Street

5. Crime Watch Report: Second Car Break-in on Wheeler Street

6. Crime Watch Alert: Series of Muggings, most recent on Prince Street

I'm personally very relieved to set aside the partisan politics of the election season and get back to the important nonpartisan work of building community and making our neighborhood safer, cleaner, and friendlier. I hope you'll join us either Saturday, November 11th, for our big Berkeley Project Volunteer Day (see item 1 for ways you can help, even if you can't be there in person) or Sunday, November 19th, for our Community Potluck (see item 2), or both. As you'll see below (items 4-6), three more neighbors have reported recent crimes, which include two muggings. If these reports concern you, remember that one of the most effective ways of making our neighborhood safer is by getting to know one another and looking out for one another -- along, of course, with calling the police immediately if you notice anything suspicious.

Working side by side and breaking bread together offer two golden opportunities to increase neighborhood safety and build community at the same time. Hope to see you at one of our upcoming events.

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

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1. Weeding Tools & Volunteers Needed Sat. November 11, 10:00-2:00, Mulching & Neighborhood Cleanup with Help from the Berkeley Project

Meet at 10:300 a.m. (time has been moved half an hour forward due to students' arrival time by bus) at Halcyon Commons Park (Halcyon Court at Prince Street) or join us at some point along the way.

Refreshments courtesy of Whole Foods Market.

Neighborhood volunteers and loan of supplies needed (see below)!

We'll be weeding thoroughly in Halcyon Commons Park and the three nearby landscaped islands/barriers (barriers at Webster near Whole Foods and on Prince near Deakin, and tree island on Halcyon), then mulching heavily in preparation for the winter months ("putting the park to bed," as we call it). Our 40 Cal volunteers from the Berkeley Project will also be helping with trash pickup throughout the wider neighborhood from Telegraph to Adeline and from Ashby to Woolsey, and removing graffiti from signs, etc. [Please let Nancy Carleton <ngc2@mindspring.com> know if there are public problem spots you think could use a little extra TLC and we'll do our best to get to them.]

But to make this day as successful as possible, we need your help!

Please email Nancy Carleton <ngc2@mindspring.com> if you can loan a wheelbarrow, your blue recycle box (good for moving mulch), a shovel, rake, or some weeding tools for the day, whether or not you can join us to volunteer (be sure to label them with name and address, so we can return them to the right place). Unless we have the right equipment, it will be hard to keep our volunteers "gainfully employed." So please, please, please loan us what you can! We especially need a few more weeding tools.

Also let Nancy know if you'd be willing to come for all or part of the event to help manage volunteers and/or to work beside them. Neighborhood-student collaboration is a key goal of the Berkeley Project, so it's important for us to participate too. And in order to get the most out of our volunteer labor, we need folks to direct their attention to specific needs (for example, one crew will work to weed and clean up the problem spot at Fulton and Ashby if we have a neighbor who can direct their efforts). This is an exciting chance to make a big difference in our neighborhood in under half a day! Please help out.

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

2. Halcyon Community Potluck, Sunday, November 19, 6-8 p.m., 2329 Webster

What: A chance to gather with neighbors over shared food.

When: Sunday, November 19, 6-8 p.m.

Where: John & Michelle's house, 2329 Webster (2nd house west of Whole Foods Market).

Who: Those who live in the Ashby-Telegraph-Woolsey-Adeline quadrant are welcome, including children.

Bring: Please bring a potluck item to share. Potluck suggestions: * A-H: Main Dish * I-L: Appetizer * M-S: Salad * T-Z Dessert (if it's easy, please also bring a beverage to share).

Volunteers Needed: John and Michelle request two volunteers to come half an hour early (5:30) to help set up; please email John at <jsteere@igc.org> if you can help in this way.

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

3. Citywide Disaster Preparedness Exercise, Thurs. Nov. 30, 9-11 a.m.: Neighborhood Volunteers Needed

The City of Berkeley will be holding a Disaster Preparedness Exercise, which they hope will include at least some of the neighborhoods with Disaster Supply Caches. This will be a chance to practice using the walkie-talkies that are coming with our cache. For Halcyon Neighborhood to participate, we need at least a couple of neighbors to volunteer to be present on Halcyon Court that morning (so far just one person has signed up). While it would be ideal to have some folks who have had some level of Disaster Preparedness training, you can participate even if you don't yet have the training. Please reply asap to Nancy Carleton <ngc2@mindspring.com> if you're free that morning and want to come. The Halcyon neighborhood will only be able to participate if we have at least a few people signed up soon!

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

4. Crime Watch Report: Mugging on Woolsey Street

A Woolsey Street neighbor reports:

"I would like to report a friend of one of our neighbors on Woolsey Street was mugged about 1:00 in the afternoon last week. A group of four or five juveniles robbed him of his wallet and then ran to the BART station."

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

5. Crime Watch Report: Second Car Break-in on Wheeler Street

A Wheeler Street neighbor reports:

"The same night as the car break-in reported in the last newsletter, our new neighbors on Wheeler, on the first night they parked on Wheeler, had a car window broken out during Saturday night. Apparently nothing was taken. This does seem to fit with the pattern of multiple events clustered in time and location."

[Crime-Watch Tip from the Editor (repeated from last newsletter): Car break-ins often come in waves. There was also a car break-in on Webster a couple of weeks ago. We can make an immediate difference by being mindful of the following: To prevent your car from being a likely target, do not leave anything of potential value in sight (i.e., cell phones, jackets, backpacks, etc.) Remind your neighbors to be careful not to leave valuables in sight (if thieves "score" with one car, they come back to the same neighborhood for more). This really does make a difference, particularly if the majority of people in the neighborhood put this principle into practice.]

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

6. Crime Watch Alert: Series of Muggings, most recent on Prince Street

A Prince Street neighbor reports:

"There have been a series of muggings in the neighborhood. The most recent was Monday night, Nov. 6, on the 2100 block of Prince at approximately 8:20 p.m. A neighbor heard the screams of the victim and came out of the house, confronting the muggers, who then ran off. She was not injured seriously. Her cell phone was stolen. The attackers: 3 African-American youth (two boys and one girl), all aged approximately 14 to 16 years old. The girl was wearing jeans and a light blue puffy nylon jacket with a fur-lined hood. One of the boys was wearing a dark hoodie and jeans. If you see any suspicious activity, CALL THE POLICE!"

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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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Monday, November 06, 2006

HNA News: November 11 Berkeley Project Volunteer Day, Crime Watch, Disaster Prep, Election Info

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Halcyon Neighborhood Association E-Newsletter*

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1. Sat. November 11, 10:30-2:00, Volunteer Mulching & Neighborhood Cleanup with Help from Cal Students with the Berkeley Project

2. Disaster Supply Cache Shed Arrives!

3. Citywide Disaster Preparedness Exercise, Thurs. Nov. 30, 9-11 a.m.: Neighborhood Volunteers Needed

4. Crime Watch Report: Car Break-in on Wheeler Street

5. Election Information: District 7, Mayor's Race, and City Measures

6. Lost and Found: Watch found at Halcyon Commons Park

7. Labyrinth Community Peace Walk, Sun. Nov. 19, 3 p.m., Willard Middle School

8. Free Parrot of Prince Street: Neighbor's Article Featured in Chronicle

I've returned from a lovely two weeks in the Southwest, back to computer problems and an intense election season, so this has been the first chance I've had to send out an E-Newsletter.

Two bits of exciting neighborhood news: First, UC Berkeley students are starting an annual Berkeley Project Day. Citywide, over 1,000 will be volunteering to help with projects all around town. I was able to sign our neighborhood up for 40 of these volunteers. They will be helping with our annual mulching in Halcyon Commons Park and nearby landscaped features, as well as doing a trash pickup sweep through the entire neighborhood. But to make this day as effective as possible, we need some help from the neighborhood (see item 1 for more information).

Second bit of wonderful news: The first part of the Disaster Supply Cache won by our neighborhood has been delivered (see item 2 below)!

Finally, don't forget to vote Tuesday (see links concerning the election in item 5)!

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

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

1. Sat. November 11, 10:30-2:00, Volunteer Mulching & Neighborhood Cleanup with Help from Cal Students with the Berkeley Project

Meet at 10:30 a.m. at Halcyon Commons Park (Halcyon Court at Prince Street) or join us at some point along the way.

Refreshments courtesy of Whole Foods Market.

Neighborhood volunteers and loan of supplies needed (see below)!

We'll be weeding thoroughly in Halcyon Commons Park and the three nearby landscaped islands/barriers (barriers at Webster near Whole Foods and on Prince near Deakin, and tree island on Halcyon), then mulching heavily in preparation for the winter months ("putting the park to bed," as we call it). Our 40 Cal volunteers from the Berkeley Project will also be helping with trash pickup throughout the wider neighborhood from Telegraph to Adeline and from Ashby to Woolsey. If we end up with the right supplies (we're waiting to hear what the City can provide), we will also be removing graffiti from signs, etc.

But to make this day as successful as possible, we need your help!

Please email Nancy Carleton <ngc2@mindspring.com> if you can loan a wheelbarrow, your blue recycle box (good for moving mulch), a shovel, rake, or some weeding tools for the day (be sure to label them with name and address, so we can return them to the right place). Unless we have the right equipment, our volunteers won't be able to function efficiently. So please, please, please loan us what you can!

Also let Nancy know if you'd be willing to come for all or part of the event to manage volunteers and/or to work beside them. Neighborhood-student collaboration is a key goal of the Berkeley Project, so it's important for us to participate too. And in order to get the most out of our volunteer labor, we need folks to direct their attention to specific needs (for example, one crew will work to weed and clean up the problem spot at Fulton and Ashby if we have a neighbor who can direct their efforts). This is an exciting chance to make a big difference in our neighborhood in just half a day! Please help out.

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

2. Disaster Supply Cache Shed Arrives!

This past Saturday morning, three firefighters, including Deputy Chief Gil Dong, came by our neighborhood to set up the shed that will hold the disaster supplies HNA won in the latest round of applications for a Disaster Supply Cache. It's at the end of the driveway at 3044 Halcyon across from the park -- feel free to stop by and take a look! Next Saturday the firefighters will be back to stock it fully with equipment and supplies that will help save lives and treat people who are injured in the event of an earthquake or other disaster.

We will be holding regular drills to involve neighbors in practicing how to use these supplies effectively. Please see item 3 for information on our first opportunity. We hope having the shed will encourage even more people from our neighborhood to take the City's free emergency preparedness trainings and to get involved in our neighborhood's disaster prep plans.

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

3. Citywide Disaster Preparedness Exercise, Thurs. Nov. 30, 9-11 a.m.: Neighborhood Volunteers Needed

The City of Berkeley will be holding a Disaster Preparedness Exercise, which they hope will include at least some of the neighborhoods with Disaster Supply Caches. This will be a chance to practice using the walkie-talkies that are coming with our cache. For Halcyon Neighborhood to participate, we need at least a couple of neighbors to volunteer to be present on Halcyon Court that morning. While it would be ideal to have some folks who have had some level of Disaster Preparedness training, you can participate even if you don't yet have the training. Please reply asap to Nancy Carleton <ngc2@mindspring.com> if you're free that morning and want to come. The Halcyon neighborhood will only be able to participate if we have at least a few people signed up soon!

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

4. Crime Watch Report: Car Break-in on Wheeler Street

A Wheeler Street neighbor reports:

"Our car was broken into in front of our house on Wheeler St (between Woolsey and Prince) sometime between about 9 p.m. Saturday night and 5 p.m. Sunday afternoon. CDs, etc.,were stolen, everything rifled through."

[Crime-Watch Tip from the Editor: Car break-ins often come in waves. I've heard anecdotally about a car break-in on Webster Street too (without details being passed on). We can make an immediate difference by being mindful of the following: To prevent your car from being a likely target, do not leave anything of potential value in sight (i.e., cell phones, jackets, backpacks, etc.) Remind your neighbors to be careful not to leave valuables in sight. This really does make a difference, particularly if the majority of people in the neighborhood put this principle into practice.]

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

5. Election Information: District 7, Mayor's Race, and City Measures

The District 7 Council race to elect the councilmember for the part of our neighborhood from the east side of Wheeler street up to Telegraph (and including Woolsey all the way to Shattuck) is one of the tightest races in the city, and has received a great deal of attention lately due to one of the candidates spending more money than has ever before been spent in a Council race. In addition, the Chamber of Commerce is getting heat for spending tens of thousands of dollars in last-minute hit pieces on Measure J as well as on Councilmembers Spring and Worthington. See the links below for more information.

"Chamber of Commerce Spends Big Bucks to Stop Landmarks Update"

http://www.berkeleydailyplanet.com/article.cfm?issue=10-31-06&storyID=25444

"Other Campaign Efforts Dwarfed by Chamber PAC"

http://www.berkeleydailyplanet.com/article.cfm?issue=10-31-06&storyID=25445

"Money Talks In Berkeley City Council Campaigns"

http://www.berkeleydailyplanet.com/article.cfm?issue=10-31-06&storyID=25447

"Candidates Outraged by Chamber Hit Pieces"

http://www.berkeleydailyplanet.com/article.cfm?issue=10-31-06&storyID=25448

"More Last Minute Chamber Mailers Hit Mailboxes"

http://www.berkeleydailyplanet.com/article.cfm?issue=11-03-06&storyID=25500

"Rally Slams Chamber PAC's 'Big Lies' "

http://www.berkeleydailyplanet.com/article.cfm?issue=11-03-06&storyID=25496

"Political Hit Pieces" [jpg's of the most egregious hit pieces this election season]

http://www.berkeleydailyplanet.com/controversy/index.cfm

Daily Cal links of interest on District 7 and Mayoral races:

"Candidates Tailor Race to Students" [District 7 race]

http://www.dailycal.org/sharticle.php?id=22128

"Development Issues Feature Strongly in Mayoral Race"

http://www.dailycal.org/sharticle.php?id=22161

Oakland Tribune articles of interest:

"District 7 Race Spotlights Telegraph Avenue Problems"

http://www.insidebayarea.com/localnews/ci_4546559

"Runner, planner, professor try to unseat Berkeley mayor"

http://www.insidebayarea.com/search/ci_4509986

District 7 Council candidates have the following websites with information pertaining to their records, positions, and endorsers:

http://www.GeorgeBeier.com

http://www.KrissWorthington.com

http://www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/council7 [Councilmember Worthington's City of Berkeley page]

Mayoral candidates have the following websites:

http://www.tombates.org

http://www.zeldaformayor.com

[couldn't find links for the other two candidates in the race: Christian Pecaut and Zachary RunningWolf]

The City of Berkeley has information on all of the candidates running for various offices, as well as on the local measures on the ballot. You can view candidate statements and ballot arguments concerning the measures, as well as the campaign finance statements from each candidate and committee to see where their money is coming from and what their expenditures have been (with reports through 10/21 in addition to reports on late donations of $100 or more since 10/21) at:

http://www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/elections

The Berkeley Daily Planet has been running extensive election coverage. It's worth checking out their website to see the many commentaries, news articles, and letters to the editor on the various candidates and measures published over the past month:

http://www.berkeleydailyplanet.com

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

6. Lost and Found: Watch found at Halcyon Commons Park

A neighbor from Webster Street asked me to announce that she'd found a watch left in Halcyon Commons Park. Please email Nancy Carleton <ngc2@mindspring.com> with a description of the watch, and it will be returned to you.

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

7. Labyrinth Community Peace Walk, Sun. Nov. 19, 3 p.m., Willard Middle School

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

8. Free Parrot of Prince Street: Neighbor's Article Featured in Chronicle

Prince Street neighbor Marilyn Pon had an article featured in the Chronicle in late October:

"Winnie the parrot's new name fits the bill: Decadelong bird visitor is a fussy eater, jealous too" (by Marily Pon)

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2006/10/28/HOGE5LVT981.DTL&hw=Marilyn+Pon+parrot&sn=001&sc=1000

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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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Halcyon Neighborhood Association

Wednesday, November 22, 2006

HNA News: Night-time Safety "Dog" Walk Tonight 11/22, 10 p.m.; Nov. 30 Disaster Prep Drill, etc.

Friday, November 17, 2006

HNA News: Potluck Sunday 11/19, 6-8, Crime Watch Report, Elmwood Matinees, Holiday Pies, Labyrinth Walk, etc.

Tuesday, November 14, 2006

HNA News: Berkeley Project a Success; Potluck Honoring Judy & Joel, 11/19; LNA meeting Thurs. 11/16

Saturday, November 11, 2006

HNA News: Volunteer today rain or shine; potluck 11/19; neighbor in art show

Thursday, November 09, 2006

HNA News: Weeding Tools & Volunteers Needed Saturday; Community Potluck Sun. 11/19, Crime Watch reports

Monday, November 06, 2006

HNA News: November 11 Berkeley Project Volunteer Day, Crime Watch, Disaster Prep, Election Info

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