HNA E-News: Night-time Safety "Dog" Walk Tomorrow, Sunday, May 27, 9:30 p.m.

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Halcyon Neighborhood Association E-Newsletter*

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Items appearing in the HNA E-Newsletter are deemed to be of general interest to neighbors but do not necessarily reflect the views of Halcyon Neighborhood Association (HNA), its Steering Committee, or the Editor. The Editor's introductory comments express her own personal viewpoint.

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Items in This E-Newsletter

1. Night-time Safety "Dog" Walk Tomorrow, Sunday, May 27, 9:30 p.m. (Meet at Halcyon Commons Park, Halcyon at Prince)

 

Editor's Introductory Note:

In response to last night's armed robbery on Prince, we have planned a night-time safety "dog" walk for tomorrow evening (see below). I recognize many of you are away or have commitments over the holiday weekend, but for those who are in town, this is a chance to set a clear boundary in our neighborhood, and let the Police Department know that we want to work with them in partnership to keep our neighborhood safe.

While I don't have details, I've heard rumors since reporting last night's incident that there have been two other armed robberies in the past couple of weeks in the Telegraph/Prince and Telegraph/Woolsey vicinity. We frequently see an upswing in crime in the late spring and summer. It's important that we pull together and do what we can toward prevention. Again, please remember to call the Police Department if you notice anything or anyone suspicious. They will come by and check it out, and just having them drive through our neighborhood more frequently helps send a message. In the case of an emergency or urgent report, call 911 from a landline or  981-5911 from a cell; the police nonemergency number is 981-5900.

Hope to see some of you tomorrow tonight (remember, no dog required!)

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

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1. Night-time Safety "Dog" Walk Tomorrow, Sunday, May 27, 9:30 p.m. (Meet at Halcyon Commons Park, Halcyon at Prince)

Prince Street neighbor Pamela Dameron started HNA's night-time safety "dog" walks; while we haven't taken as many walks this year, we're ready to start up again. HNA Neighborhood Watch Coordinator Dawn Rubin and I (Nancy Carleton, HNA Co-Chair) are organizing this weekend's walk.

We'll meet tomorrow evening (Sunday) at the south end of Halcyon Commons Park (on Halcyon Court at the Prince Street end) at 9:30 p.m. Please arrive promptly if you're planning on joining us, as we want to cover as much of the neighborhood as possible in a 30- to 40-minute walk.

Again, you don't need to have a dog to participate; we only walk if we have at least three or four people signed up in advance (which we do), and there are typically at least a couple of dogs. The beat officer will be alerted ahead of time that we'll be out there, and we'll have a cell phone with us in case there's anything to report; we don't intend to get in dangerous situations, and we'll use appropriate caution. Please join us in working toward greater neighborhood safety!

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HNA E-News: Armed Robbery Prince St. 7 p.m. This Evening

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Halcyon Neighborhood Association E-Newsletter*

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Items appearing in the HNA E-Newsletter are deemed to be of general interest to neighbors but do not necessarily reflect the views of Halcyon Neighborhood Association (HNA), its Steering Committee, or the Editor. The Editor's introductory comments express her own personal viewpoint.

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Items in This E-Newsletter

1. Crime Watch Alert: Armed Robbery 2100 block of Prince at 7:10 p.m. This Evening

 

Editor's Introductory Note:

This is a rare case of a second E-Newsletter in one day because I just received this report concerning an armed robbery on Prince Street this evening. The suspect at last report was still at large, so be careful and call the police immediately if you see someone matching the description below.

A couple of us are talking about holding an impromptu night-time safety "dog" walk (dogs optional, not required), so if you're around this weekend, watch your email for a follow-up E-News.

Please stay safe.

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

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1. Crime Watch Alert: Armed Robbery 2100 block of Prince at 7:10 p.m. This Evening

A single woman walking along the 2100 block of  Prince away from BART toward Chochmat Halev (Prince at Fulton) was robbed at gun point. The police are hunting for the suspect. A neighbor who witnessed the event provided this description of the assailant:

"I witnessed the armed robbery in front of my house (2131 Prince) this evening at approximately 7:10 p.m. The suspect is a young black male, age 16-18, 5'10"-5'11", dark complexion, twisty shoulde- length dreads and medium to slender build. He was wearing baggy camouflaged (green) cargo style pants and an drab olive overcoat that was canvas weave and baggy."

[Editor's Note: In the case of an emergency or urgent report, to reach the Berkeley Police Department call 911 from a landline or  981-5911 from a cell; the police nonemergency number is 981-5900. Do not hesitate to call  if you notice suspicious behavior; even if it's not an immediate emergency, the dispatcher will send someone by to check it out as soon as possible.]

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HNA E-News: Sign up NOW for Yard Sale 6/9, Work Party 6/2, Potluck 6/24, etc.

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Halcyon Neighborhood Association E-Newsletter*

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Items appearing in the HNA E-Newsletter are deemed to be of general interest to neighbors but do not necessarily reflect the views of Halcyon Neighborhood Association (HNA), its Steering Committee, or the Editor. The Editor's introductory comments express her own personal viewpoint.

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Items in This E-Newsletter

1. Work Party in Halcyon Commons Park, Sunday, June 3, 10 a.m.  - 2 p.m.

2. HNA's HUGE Multi-Block Yard Sale, Saturday, June 9, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. (sign up by June 3)

3. Halcyon Community Potluck, Sunday, June 24, 6-8 p.m., 2116 Emerson

4. Webster Street Neighbor Lupe Alcala Participating in AIDS/Life Cycle Fundraiser

5. Meeting on 3100 Shattuck Proposed Development, Tuesday, May 29, 7-8:30 p.m.

6. Community Forum on South Branch Library (and Possible Relocation to Ed Roberts Campus), June 9, 10:30 a.m. - noon, AME Church, 2024 Ashby

7. AC Transit Workshop on Bus Rapid Transit Proposed for Telegraph Ave., Thurs., June 14, North Berkeley Senior Center

8. Southside Student Move-Out Trash Removal: Drop-off Point This Weekend and Hotline Number

9. Upcoming ZAB Items Affecting Shattuck Avenue

10. Link to Chronicle Front-Page Article on Berkeley's Plans to Reduce Greenhouse Emissions

* For Your Calendar: HNA Dates Scheduled for 2007

* Disaster Prep Supply Cache Wish List

* City of Berkeley: Useful Contact Information

Editor's Introductory Note:

Thanks to all who are helping to distribute flyers over the coming week concerning our upcoming June events (see items 1, 2, and 3). This gives new neighbors a chance to sign up for the E-News and to keep posted on our activities.

Thanks to Tory Finn for picking up C and D new batteries for our Disaster Supply Cache (an easy way to contribute to the cache is to grab something needed on the placeholder Disaster Supply Cache Wish List toward the end of the E-Newsletter the next time you're at a hardware store). And thanks to Claudia Polsky and Ted Mermin for donating a printer and cartridges to the Cache. Now if some folks decides they're ready to retire a still-usable laptop and donate it to the neighborhood, we'll be able to produce flyers in the wake of disaster! Communication is one of the most crucial factors in preventing panic after something catastrophic has happened, so we're planning for ways to keep people informed.

The upcoming Multi-Block Yard Sale may be prompting some of you to clean out your closets and garages. If you find items that might be usable for our Disaster Supply Cache (again see the list at the end of the E-News), please consider donating instead of selling them!  And whether or not you're participating in the sale, your financial contributions toward the Supply Cache will help make sure we have what we need to act together to save lives in the event of a major quake. So look out for the form on the back of the flyer you'll be receiving over the next week.

Have a safe and fun holiday weekend!

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

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1. Work Party in Halcyon Commons Park, Sunday, June 3, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Meet at Halcyon Commons Park (Halcyon Court at Prince Street).
Refreshments courtesy of Whole Foods Market.

Chat with your neighbors while we all help weed, trim, pick up trash, and remove graffiti. Please bring extra weeding and trimming tools if you have them (extra tools will be available if you don't).

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2. HNA's HUGE Multi-Block Yard Sale, Saturday, June 9, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. (sign up by June 3)

Sat. June 9 Yard Sale: Set up in Front of Your Home or Apartment

(set up by 9 a.m. recommended; when multi-block yard sales are advertised, dealers come early)

In years past, HNA has sponsored several hugely successful multi-block yard sales; it's time to do it again! HNA now includes neighbors living in the area bordered by Ashby, Telegraph, Woolsey, and Adeline. Households in this area are encouraged to participate, but preregistration is required.

* Sale will be advertised widely in local newspapers and on the web; we expect a huge turnout.

* Sign up now - $5 checks to HNA required to participate (goes toward ads and flyers). To sign up for the Yard Sale, please make check payable to Halcyon Neighborhood Association (HNA) and drop off with form through the slot in the front door or mail to: Susan Hunter, Treasurer, HNA, 3044 Halcyon Court, Berkeley, CA 94705. Questions? Email Susan Hunter <huntersec@gmail.com> [note new email!] or call her at 517-0241. Sign up by June 3 to be included on map (include your address, phone, and email with your check).

* In addition to being a chance to clear out closets and garages, this event is a fundraiser for the HNA Disaster Preparedness Fund; on the day of the event, HNA reps will ask you to contribute 5-10% of your proceeds (or more, if you're feeling generous); all of these funds will go directly toward purchasing supplies for the Halcyon Disaster Supply Cache, which contains materials to support setting up a Command Center in Halcyon Commons Park following a major disaster.

* Volunteers needed to help post flyers on poles in this and/or nearby neighborhood the week before; help paint posters for intersections the week before; help set up signs at major intersections Saturday morning, June 9. Email Susan Hunter <huntersec@gmail.com> or call her at 517-0241 if you're willing to help.

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3. Halcyon Community Potluck, Sunday, June 24, 6-8 p.m., 2116 Emerson

Halcyon Community Potluck Sunday, June 24, 6-8 p.m.

at the home of Jessica and David

2116 Emerson (between Wheeler & Shattuck, two blocks north of Prince)

A chance to socialize and share neighborhood news. Please bring a potluck item to share. If so inspired, it's really helpful if you can also bring a beverage to share. Children welcome.

Potluck suggestions: Appetizer: A-F k Main Dish: G-N k Salad: T-Z k Dessert: O-S
(If not obvious, kindly attach a label with ingredients for your dish to alert those with vegetarian and other diets.)

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4. Webster Street Neighbor Lupe Alcala Participating in AIDS/Life Cycle Fundraiser

Editor's Note: Webster Street neighbor (and amazing cyclist) Lupe Alcala sends the following message (looks like a great opportunity to support a good cause and get your own bike tuned up at the same time!):

" I am riding the ALC (AIDs/Life Cycle: 545-bike ride from SF to LA) this year (June 3-9)!  I signed up late and have to raise $2,500 dollars in 2.5 weeks! I have already raised $1,076.16. Yay!  My profile link for neighbors to support this worthy cause is http://aidslifecycle.org/6270. I am offering to do repairs to people's bikes for those who donate.  I can do minor wheel truing, brake adjustments, and derailleur adjustments.  I was a bike mechanic in college. Thanks!"

 -Loops (Lupe Alcala)

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5. Meeting on 3100 Shattuck Proposed Development, Tuesday, May 29, 7-8:30 p.m.

We received the following announcement:

Dear Halcyon Neighbors,

You are welcome to an informational meeting for neighbors of 3100 Shattuck Avenue to learn about the co-owners plans for a building with three small, environmentally friendly residences and a small commercial space on the corner of Prince and Shattuck.

The meeting will be held on the evening of Tuesday, May 29th from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. The discussion will begin at 7:15 p.m. with a presentation of the project plans that is expected to take 30 minutes. Community conversation will begin at 7:45 p.m.

The meeting will be held at the Ashby Stage at 1901 Ashby Avenue at the corner of Ashby and Martin Luther King. The MLK entrance to the theatre is handicap-accessible.

Please note that this is a City-required but not a City-sponsored meeting. The City of Berkeley has its own process for gathering neighbor comments after the project application is submitted. We plan to submit the application soon after this meeting.

To ensure that as many voices are heard and as many questions are answered as possible, the meeting will be facilitated by Sabrina Klein, http://www.creativeeducationconsulting.com. If large forums are not useful or pleasant for you to participate in, or if this meeting time is not good for you, please feel free to contact me by email at brian42@lingerhere.org to arrange a time to view and discuss the plans privately.

Finally, to make reviewing the plans more convenient, shortly after the meeting, scans of the current version of the building plans will be placed on-line at http://picasaweb.google.com/brhill/3100ShattuckPlans.

Best wishes,

Brian Hill

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6. Community Forum on South Branch Library (and Possible Relocation to Ed Roberts Campus), June 9, 10:30 a.m. - noon, AME Church, 2024 Ashby

Community Forum on South Branch Library: Identifying Library Needs of South Berkeley

*AND* Exploring Relocating to the Ed Roberts Campus

http://www.berkeleypubliclibrary.org/weblog/2007/05/community_forum.php

The public is cordially invited to a community forum to discuss possibilities for addressing library needs in South Berkeley. The forum will be hosted by the Berkeley Public Library and will be held on Saturday, June 9, 2007, 10:30 am to noon at St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church (A.M.E.), 2024 Ashby Avenue, Berkeley.

Download PDF flyer for event:  http://berkeleypubliclibrary.org/weblog/files/CommunityForumflyer.pdf

Download PDF press release:  http://berkeleypubliclibrary.org/weblog/files/CommunityForumPressRelease.pdf

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7. AC Transit Workshop on Bus Rapid Transit Proposed for Telegraph Ave., Thurs., June 14, North Berkeley Senior Center

AC Transit Bus Rapid Transit Public Hearing, June 14,5:30 p.m. (Open House), 7:00 p.m. (Public Hearing)

North Berkeley Senior Center, 1901 Hearst St.

Public Hearing on the Draft Environmental Impact Report

AC Transit and the Federal Transit Authority have released the Draft Environmental Impact Report for Bus Rapid Transit in the East Bay (http://www.actransit.org/news/articledetail.wu?articleid=42622c20&PHPSESSID=943e42ff8d0d244657dfa99b6571e9c1#online). The project proposes to implement transit-only lanes on Telegraph Ave. in order to increase the speed and on time rate of buses between Berkeley and downtown Oakland. The Draft EIR describes the potential environmental impacts of the proposed alternatives and a no action alternative.

This is the opportunity for Berkeley residents to voice their opinions about the Bus Rapid Transit system. You can speak for or against the project,  or ask for specific mitigations to the expected negative impacts. All comments must be received by July 3, 2007

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8. Southside Student Move-Out Trash Removal: Drop-off Point This Weekend and Hotline Number

 

Editor's Note: The following item is reprinted from the WIllard Neighborhood Association (WNA) eNews. While our neighborhood doesn't fall within the half-mile radius of campus covered by this year's program, we have many students living in our neighborhood, and often experience similar issues with debris being left behind when students move. Note at the end of the article that there is a drop-off site open this weekend  for students, and also numbers you can call if student move-out leaves debris on our streets.

Move Out program  (written in part by UC Government & Community Affairs Office)

As spring semester ends at the University of California, Berkeley, the campus and the city of Berkeley are launching a new effort to make sure students vacating their apartments, fraternity and sorority houses, and co-ops properly dispose of furniture, mattresses and trash - items that in previous years were left on city sidewalks.

"This is a problem in most university or college towns," said Jim Hynes, assistant to the city manager. "And it has been costly for the city to continually pick up discarded material and haul it away."

The campus has partnered with the city in the past on this issue with some success. But the problem continued in private housing areas, prompting this more sweeping plan that now encompasses a much larger area in Berkeley neighborhoods where students rent apartments and live in cooperative housing.

The first step was to see the problem from the perspective of students as well as from their Berkeley neighbors, said Irene Hegarty, director of UC Berkeley Community Relations. "When we studied the problem, we realized that many students do not have easy ways to dispose of their surplus items, especially if they don't own a car or truck to transport furniture."

In addition, students are often busy studying for their final exams right up until the required move-out date for their apartment or campus room. "Students often don't plan ahead for move-out, and many are unaware of how or where to take large items," Hegarty said.

The campus-city plan gives students several options. Beginning in mid-May, very large debris bins [was] placed for student use in areas near campus, from Oxford to Prospect streets and from Bancroft Way to Derby Street on the south side, and from Hearst Avenue to Cedar Street on the north side of campus. Trash of any size can be deposited in the bins, including furniture.

Here are the Debris Box locations:
     1.  Corner of Parker/Regent (on Regent)
     2.  Derby between College/Benvenue
     3. Benvenue:  2500 block, mid-block (large debris bin)
     4. Hillegass: 2500 block (northern end)
     5. Regent: 2500 block (southern end)
     6. College: 2500 block (at top of Parker)
     7. College: Between Garber and Stuart

Toward the end of the month, after the bins are taken away, city refuse compactor trucks will do area-wide "sweeps" to pick up any stray items.

For those who are moving out and don't know what to do with your unwanted furniture, appliances, mattresses, clothing, and non-perishable food items.  Bring them to the Cal Student Move-Out Center! Your items will be recycled, reused, donated or properly disposed of.

Location: Clark Kerr North St. Parking Lot, near intersection of Dwight Way & Prospect

The center will be open:
Saturday, May 19th - 10 am to 4 pm
Sunday, May 20th - 10 am to 4 pm

Saturday May 26th - 10 am to 4 pm

Sunday, May 27 - 10 am to 4 pm

UC Berkeley is setting up a hotline at (510) 643-5309 for local residents to call if they spot items left on the sidewalks. Refuse staff from UC Berkeley and the city of Berkeley will pick up reported trash within 48 hours of a report. The hotline will operate through the end of May.

The move-out campaign is funded jointly by UC Berkeley and the city with the goals of reducing waste, cleaning up Berkeley neighborhoods, and setting a precedent for future years. "We will learn through this effort what works and what needs to be improved," said Hegarty. "We also hope that students will learn they can't just leave their stuff behind."

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9. Upcoming ZAB Items Affecting Shattuck Avenue

Editor's Note: Robert Lauriston of a nearby neighborhood sent the following announcement.

"I just noticed a couple of Shattuck Ave. projects on the Zoning Adjustments Board's list of pending items:

2996 Shattuck, the Chevron station--maybe they want to add a convenience store? It's not clear. That's tentatively scheduled for a hearing on July 27.

2999 Shattuck, Roxie Food Center, wants to waive nine parking spaces, not clear for what purpose. That building's on Gordon Commercial's list of properties they sold in recent years."

http://www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/planning/PermitStatus/LU%20Projects%20Quick%20View.pdf

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10. Link to Chronicle Front-Page Article on Berkeley's Plans to Reduce Greenhouse Emissions

Editor's Note: In case you missed it, a link to yesterday's Chronicle article on Berkeley's plans to reduce greenhouse emissions:

"It Won't Be Easy Being Green"

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/05/24/MNGJSQ0N671.DTL&hw=It+won%27t+be+easy+being+green&sn=001&sc=1000

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* For Your Calendar: HNA Dates Scheduled for 2007

Dates set as of May 2007 (verify a few weeks before event by checking HNA E-Newsletter):

Sunday, June 3, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Work Party in Halcyon Commons Park

Saturday, June 9, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Giant Multi-Block Yard Sale, throughout the neighborhood

Sunday, June 24, 6-8 p.m., Halcyon Community Potluck, location TBD

Saturday, August 4, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Work Party in Halcyon Commons Park

Tuesday, August 7, 6-8:30 p.m., National Night Out Against Crime, Potluck in Park 6-7:30 p.m., walk through larger neighborhood 7:30-8:30 p.m.

Sunday, September 30, 4:00-5:55 p.m., Disaster Supply Cache Drill, including Fire Drill, driveway of 3044-B Halcyon and Halcyon Commons Park

Sunday, September 30, 6-8 p.m., Halcyon Community Potluck, location TBD

Saturday, October 27, Fall Mulching in Park with help from Cal volunteers of Berkeley Project

Sunday, October 28, 4-6 p.m., Big Neighborhood Watch Community Meeting, Chochmat HaLev (location to be confirmed)

Sunday, January 13, 2008, 5-8:30, Post-Holiday Progressive Potluck, four locations TBD

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* Disaster Prep Supply Cache Wish List

HNA's Disaster Prep Supply Cache contains items intended to benefit the entire neighborhood in the event of disaster. You can help us have what we need on hand in two ways: (1) Make a tax-deductible financial contribution to Berkeley Partners for Parks (BPFP, our nonprofit fiscal sponsor), earmarked Halcyon Disaster Prep, which will go toward purchasing additional supplies, and mail or drop off to HNA Treasurer Susan Hunter, 3044 Halcyon Court, Berkeley, CA 94705. (2) Contribute any of the following items in-kind (supplies MUST be new or in GOOD condition):

Batteries (AA, C, D), regular & rechargeable; Battery Recharger for AA, C, D; Quality Walkie-Talkies with 8-mile range, 22 channels (i.e., Motorola Talkabout T5500 two-way radios); Axes; Crow Bars, Hard Hats; Other Tools for Search & Rescue; Head Lamps; Heavy-duty Flashlights; Bullhorn; Laptop Computer with rechargeable power supply & USB port; Flashcard (for storing neighborhood database to transfer to laptop); Sheets (freshly laundered or new; good for first aid); Blankets; First Aid Supplies; Gas Siphon (for extracting gas from cars to run generator); 5-Gallon Drums for long-term gas storage; Work Gloves; Large Camping Tents (with all parts!); Coleman or similar Gas or Propane Stove; Shelving for Shed.

Contact HNA Co-Chair and Cache Coordinator Nancy Carleton at <ngc2@mindspring.com> or 644-0172 to contribute supplies.

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* City of Berkeley: Useful Contact Information

Police

Police Emergency Number:  911 (from landline); 981-5911(from cell; preprogram with this number)

Police Nonemergency Number: 981-5900

Link to beat maps and a list of beat officers:

http://www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/police/department/beatinfo/beatlineup.html

In Halcyon neighborhood, west of Fulton is Beat 10, east of Fulton is Beat 9.

Other City Departments:

Neighborhood Services Liaison Jim Hynes <jhynes@ci.berkeley.ca.us> 981-2493

Public Works Customer Service: 644-6620 (streets, sidewalks, graffiti, sewers, litter, storm drains, street lights)

Tree Trimming/Planting (Forestry): 644-6566

Written Communication with City Council:

To comment to City Council, cut and paste the following email addresses:

City Clerk <clerk@ci.berkeley.ca.us>,

Mayor Tom Bates <Mayor@ci.berkeley.ca.us>,

Councilmember Linda Maio <LMaio@ci.berkeley.ca.us>,

Councilmember Darryl Moore <DMoore@ci.berkeley.ca.us>,

Councilmember Max Anderson <MAnderson@ci.berkeley.ca.us>,

Councilmember Dona Spring <DSpring@ci.berkeley.ca.us>,

Councilmember Laurie Capitelli <LCapitelli@ci.berkeley.ca.us>,

Councilmember Betty Olds <BOlds@ci.berkeley.ca.us>,

Councilmember Kriss Worthington <KWorthington@ci.berkeley.ca.us>,

Councilmember Gordon Wozniak <GWozniak@ci.berkeley.ca.us>

Representatives for Our Neighborhood:

Councilmember Max Anderson (District 3) 981-7130

West side of Wheeler Street to west (except for Woolsey between Wheeler and Shattuck)

Councilmember Kriss Worthington (District 7) 981-7170

East side of Wheeler to east (includes block of Woolsey from Wheeler to Shattuck)

Mayor Tom Bates 981-7100

Zoning Adjustments Board:

To comment to the Zoning Adjustments Board regarding projects on their calendar, email:

Zoning Adjustments Board <zab@ci.berkeley.ca.us>

(best to submit your comments 10 days prior to meeting for inclusion in the advance packet to board members, but late submissions will be distributed the evening of the meeting)

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The Halcyon Neighborhood Association E-Newsletter:  The HNA E-Newsletter forwards occasional crime-watch notices as well as items of general interest to neighbors in the Ashby/Telegraph/Woolsey/Adeline area of south Berkeley (HNA's borders), including announcements about community-building potlucks, greening projects, disaster preparedness meetings, and work parties in Halcyon Commons Park. If you're receiving this email, you probably either signed up at a neighborhood event or a neighbor 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>. Feel free to pass the HNA E-Newsletter on to other neighbors you think might be interested.

To submit items for the newsletter:   Email unformatted content or links (no graphics or attachments) to HNA E-Newsletter Editor Nancy Carleton <ngc2@mindspring.com>. Crime-watch reports and news about neighbors is especially welcome. Please note that due to the volunteer nature of the endeavor, the E-Newsletter does not typically include "letters to the editor" or "commentary," but will gladly include links to such items written by neighbors in the Ashby/Telegraph/Woolsey/Adeline area and published elsewhere (the Berkeley Daily Planet has a large section devoted to opinion).

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. [The HNA Listserve is currently inactive but can be revived if enough neighbors show interest.]

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

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HNA News: Magical Mystery Bike Tour Sunday, denise brown Celebration, Etc.

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Halcyon Neighborhood Association E-Newsletter*

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Items appearing in the HNA E-Newsletter are deemed to be of general interest to neighbors but do not necessarily reflect the views of Halcyon Neighborhood Association (HNA), its Steering Committee, or the Editor. The Editor's introductory comments express her own personal viewpoint.

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Items in This E-Newsletter

1. Hidden Gems of Berkeley Bike Tour This Sunday, May 20, 10 a.m. (starting at Halcyon Commons)

2. Field Trip Planned to Mike Vaughn's Play, "Sergeant Musgrave's Dance,"  Thursday, May 24th Evening Show

3. Meeting on 3100 Shattuck Proposed Development, Tuesday, May 29, 7-8:30 p.m.

4. Celebration of the Life of denise brown, Friday, June 1, 6:30 p.m., LeConte School

5. LeConte Neighborhood Association Meeting Tonight, Thursday, May 17, 7:30-9:00 p.m.

6. Link to Draft EIR on Bus Rapid Transit Proposed for Telegraph Ave. (and Elsewhere)

* For Your Calendar: HNA Dates Scheduled for 2007

* Disaster Prep Supply Cache Wish List

* City of Berkeley: Useful Contact Information

Editor's Introductory Note:

On my way out of town until the middle of next week, but wanted to pass on these messages before I hit the road!

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

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1. Hidden Gems of Berkeley Bike Tour This Sunday, May 20, 10 a.m. (starting at Halcyon Commons)

Hidden Gems of Berkeley
A Magical Mystery Bike Tour of South Berkeley's Vernacular Treasures
 

Sunday May 20, 2007

10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Starting at Halcyon Commons Park (Halcyon Court at Prince Street)

This is the fifth year of an inspiring tour of Berkeley's eclectic fabric of gardens, paths, strange and familiar cultural and natural features. . . . This year we'll explore the many and marvelous hidden gems of South Berkeley and the Elmwood: from hidden paths to a stream running through a house, from a butterfly garden to the topiary squirrel, from the fish house to the alligator bench, and many more.  We'll encounter a vernacular side of Berkeley that most people never notice and reveal traces of the former streetcar system that shaped Berkeley's form. 

John Steere and guest historians/guides will conduct this 3-4 mile ride, which will be mostly level and include only minor inclines.  Bring a lunch, snack and water.  The ride will begin at a hidden gem - Halcyon Commons, a small neighborhood-built park - on Halcyon Court, beside Prince Street, one block west of Telegraph.   

A bioregional map of Berkeley depicting scores of these "gems" along with the City's community gardens, parks, creeks, and historic transit system will be available for sale. Historical photos and vignettes will also be included

This Ride is co-sponsored by the Bicycle Friendly Berkeley Coalition (http://www.BFBC.org)  as a part of Berkeley Bike Month and by Berkeley Partners for Parks  (http://www.BPFP.org) and by Livable Berkeley (http://www.livableberkeley.org/).

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

2. Field Trip Planned to Mike Vaughn's Play, "Sergeant Musgrave's Dance,"  Thursday, May 24th Evening Show

Halcyon neighbors Nancy Carleton and Susan Hunter would like to invite interested neighbors to join us in attending "Sergeant Musgrave's Dance," which Webster Street neighbor Mike Vaughn is appearing in at TheatreFIRST. We plan to go to the Thursday, May 24th evening show, taking BART to downtown Oakland (box office opens for will-call pick ups at 7:15). If you're interested in ordering tickets to join us, please call the box office at 436-5085 at your earliest convenience (it's the final Thursday show, so tickets may sell out if you wait too long). Thursday tickets are $21, with a $3 discount for students, seniors, and TBA members;  there's no service charge. It's open seating, so we plan to get there a little after 7 to pick up tickets, and get in line for the doors opening at 7:30 p.m. Let us know if you'd like to join us at BART to attend together as a neighborhood contingent. Contact Nancy at <ngc2@mindspring.com> if so (you'll hear back next Wednesday night, May 23rd, re meet-up plans).

The play was recently reviewed in:

The Berkeley Daily Planet: "TheatreFIRST Presents Bold Sergeant Musgrave"

http://www.berkeleydailyplanet.com/article.cfm?issue=05-08-07&storyID=27023

The Chronicle "Ardin's anti-war 'Musgrave' well worth reviving"

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/05/08/DDG1FPLSNM1.DTL&hw=Robert+Hurwitt&sn=001&sc=1000

(with nice photo of Mike!) http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/object/article?f=/c/a/2007/05/08/DDG1FPLSNM1.DTL&o=0

From the announcement:

SERJEANT MUSGRAVE's DANCE

John Arden's anti-war masterpiece is a modern classic. Four soldiers arrive in a mining town in the grip of a strike, and in the dead of winter. Their apparent mission - to recruit more soldiers for an unpopular foreign war - masks their actual intent: to confront its people with the realities of warfare. This is powerful theatre, laced with wit and passion.

SERJEANT MUSGRAVE's DANCE

TheatreFIRST

May 3 - May 27

Thursday - Saturday at 8 p.m.

Sundays at 3 p.m.

Preview Thursday, May 3

Opening Friday, May 4

Pay-what-you-can Thursday, May 10

at the Old Oakland Theatre, 481 Ninth Street (at Broadway)

Box Office and Information: 510 436-5085 or http://www.theatrefirst.com

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

3. Meeting on 3100 Shattuck Proposed Development, Tuesday, May 29, 7-8:30 p.m.

We received the following announcement:

Dear Halcyon Neighbors,

You are welcome to an informational meeting for neighbors of 3100 Shattuck Avenue to learn about the co-owners plans for a building with three small, environmentally friendly residences and a small commercial space on the corner of Prince and Shattuck.

The meeting will be held on the evening of Tuesday, May 29th from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. The discussion will begin at 7:15 p.m. with a presentation of the project plans that is expected to take 30 minutes. Community conversation will begin at 7:45 p.m.

The meeting will be held at the Ashby Stage at 1901 Ashby Avenue at the corner of Ashby and Martin Luther King. The MLK entrance to the theatre is handicap-accessible.

Please note that this is a City-required but not a City-sponsored meeting. The City of Berkeley has its own process for gathering neighbor comments after the project application is submitted. We plan to submit the application soon after this meeting.

To ensure that as many voices are heard and as many questions are answered as possible, the meeting will be facilitated by Sabrina Klein, http://www.creativeeducationconsulting.com. If large forums are not useful or pleasant for you to participate in, or if this meeting time is not good for you, please feel free to contact me by email at brian42@lingerhere.org to arrange a time to view and discuss the plans privately.

Finally, to make reviewing the plans more convenient, shortly after the meeting, scans of the current version of the building plans will be placed on-line at http://picasaweb.google.com/brhill/3100ShattuckPlans.

Best wishes,

Brian Hill

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

4. Celebration of the Life of denise brown, Friday, June 1, 6:30 p.m., LeConte School

We received the following announcement from a neighbor:

denise brown a community member, neighbor, playwright,teacher at Leconte, most recently a vice principal at BHS, and dear friend will be remembered in a celebration of her life at Leconte Elementary school, Friday June 1st at 6:30 p.m. There will be exerpts from her plays performed by her former students,dancers, music,food and a plaque dedication on the doors of the auditorium. All are welcome. LeConte School is at 2241 Russell St.

 Thanks, Deborah

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

5. LeConte Neighborhood Association Meeting Tonight, Thursday, May 17, 7:30-9:00 p.m.

This Thursday, May 17 at LeConte School from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. LeConte Neighborhood Association will meet:

Agenda items will include:
A. The proposed five story building at Shattuck and Derby.
(Negotiations currently underway to reduce to four stories.)

B. The proposed expansion of what had been a 903 sq ft single family dwelling into a nearly 4,000 sq ft consisting of 10 to 12 bedrooms at 2516 Ellsworth. An appeal has been made for the Administrative Use Permit and a hearing will be held soon.

C. The proposed 11 to 18 cell phone microwave emitters proposed for the UC Storage building at Shattuck and Ward. The City Council recently pproved a public hearing for later this year.

D. The current "Student Move-Out" debris collection and recycling effort jointly sponsored by UC and the City of Berkeley. This will continue through the weekend of May 26/27. (Volunteers are still needed for distribution of door hangers from Ward through Parker on the 2200 thru 2400 blocks.)

E. The proposed Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system for Telegraph is now ready for study since the Draft EIR has just been released. There will be several meetings and hearings in regard to this with special attention to be given as mitigation for possible "spill over" traffic onto neighborhood streets. Below is the address for the complete report.

F. Other items and announcements.

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

6. Link to Draft EIR on Bus Rapid Transit Proposed for Telegraph Ave. (and Elsewhere)

Now is the time to get informed and get involved if you want to know what's happening with (and/or have strong opinions regarding) the proposals for major changes on Telegraph Avenue to improve bus transit. Comments on the draft EIR are due by July 3, and an AC Transit Public Hearing will be held  June 14 at the North Berkeley Sr. Center.

http://www.actransit.org/news/articledetail.wu?articleid=42622c20&PHPSESSID=943e42ff8d0d244657dfa99b6571e9c1#online

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

* For Your Calendar: HNA Dates Scheduled for 2007

Dates set as of May 2007 (verify a few weeks before event by checking HNA E-Newsletter):

Sunday, June 3, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Work Party in Halcyon Commons Park

Saturday, June 9, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Giant Multi-Block Yard Sale, throughout the neighborhood

Sunday, June 24, 6-8 p.m., Halcyon Community Potluck, location TBD

Saturday, August 4, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Work Party in Halcyon Commons Park

Tuesday, August 7, 6-8:30 p.m., National Night Out Against Crime, Potluck in Park 6-7:30 p.m., walk through larger neighborhood 7:30-8:30 p.m.

Sunday, September 30, 4:00-5:55 p.m., Disaster Supply Cache Drill, including Fire Drill, driveway of 3044-B Halcyon and Halcyon Commons Park

Sunday, September 30, 6-8 p.m., Halcyon Community Potluck, location TBD

Saturday, October 27, Fall Mulching in Park with help from Cal volunteers of Berkeley Project

Sunday, October 28, 4-6 p.m., Big Neighborhood Watch Community Meeting, Chochmat HaLev (location to be confirmed)

Sunday, January 13, 2008, 5-8:30, Post-Holiday Progressive Potluck, four locations TBD

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

* Disaster Prep Supply Cache Wish List

HNA's Disaster Prep Supply Cache contains items intended to benefit the entire neighborhood in the event of disaster. You can help us have what we need on hand in two ways: (1) Make a tax-deductible financial contribution to Berkeley Partners for Parks (BPFP, our nonprofit fiscal sponsor), earmarked Halcyon Disaster Prep, which will go toward purchasing additional supplies, and mail or drop off to HNA Treasurer Susan Hunter, 3044 Halcyon Court, Berkeley, CA 94705. (2) Contribute any of the following items in-kind (supplies MUST be new or in GOOD condition):

Batteries (AA, D), regular & rechargeable; Battery Recharger for AA, D; Quality Walkie-Talkies with 8-mile range, 22 channels (i.e., Motorola Talkabout T5500 two-way radios); Axes; Crow Bars, Hard Hats; Head Lamps; Heavy-duty Flashlights; Bullhorn; Laptop Computer with rechargeable power supply & USB port; Basic Printer (for producing flyers) with Ink Cartridges; Flashcard (for storing neighborhood database to transfer to laptop);  Sheets (freshly laundered or new; good for first aid); Blankets; First Aid Supplies; Gas Siphon (for extracting gas from cars to run generator); 5-Gallon Drums for long-term gas storage; Work Gloves; Large Camping Tents (with all parts!); Coleman or similar Gas or Propane Stove; Shelving for Shed.

Contact HNA Co-Chair and Cache Coordinator Nancy Carleton at <ngc2@mindspring.com> or 644-0172 to contribute supplies.

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

* City of Berkeley: Useful Contact Information

Police

Police Emergency Number:  911 (from landline); 981-5911(from cell; preprogram with this number)

Police Nonemergency Number: 981-5900

Link to beat maps and a list of beat officers:

http://www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/police/department/beatinfo/beatlineup.html

In Halcyon neighborhood, west of Fulton is Beat 10, east of Fulton is Beat 9.

Other City Departments:

Neighborhood Services Liaison Jim Hynes <jhynes@ci.berkeley.ca.us> 981-2493

Public Works Customer Service: 644-6620 (streets, sidewalks, graffiti, sewers, litter, storm drains, street lights)

Tree Trimming/Planting (Forestry): 644-6566

Written Communication with City Council:

To comment to City Council, cut and paste the following email addresses:

City Clerk <clerk@ci.berkeley.ca.us>,

Mayor Tom Bates <Mayor@ci.berkeley.ca.us>,

Councilmember Linda Maio <LMaio@ci.berkeley.ca.us>,

Councilmember Darryl Moore <DMoore@ci.berkeley.ca.us>,

Councilmember Max Anderson <MAnderson@ci.berkeley.ca.us>,

Councilmember Dona Spring <DSpring@ci.berkeley.ca.us>,

Councilmember Laurie Capitelli <LCapitelli@ci.berkeley.ca.us>,

Councilmember Betty Olds <BOlds@ci.berkeley.ca.us>,

Councilmember Kriss Worthington <KWorthington@ci.berkeley.ca.us>,

Councilmember Gordon Wozniak <GWozniak@ci.berkeley.ca.us>

Representatives for Our Neighborhood:

Councilmember Max Anderson (District 3) 981-7130

West side of Wheeler Street to west (except for Woolsey between Wheeler and Shattuck)

Councilmember Kriss Worthington (District 7) 981-7170

East side of Wheeler to east (includes block of Woolsey from Wheeler to Shattuck)

Mayor Tom Bates 981-7100

Zoning Adjustments Board:

To comment to the Zoning Adjustments Board regarding projects on their calendar, email:

Zoning Adjustments Board <zab@ci.berkeley.ca.us>

(best to submit your comments 10 days prior to meeting for inclusion in the advance packet to board members, but late submissions will be distributed the evening of the meeting)

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

The Halcyon Neighborhood Association E-Newsletter:  The HNA E-Newsletter forwards occasional crime-watch notices as well as items of general interest to neighbors in the Ashby/Telegraph/Woolsey/Adeline area of south Berkeley (HNA's borders), including announcements about community-building potlucks, greening projects, disaster preparedness meetings, and work parties in Halcyon Commons Park. If you're receiving this email, you probably either signed up at a neighborhood event or a neighbor 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>. Feel free to pass the HNA E-Newsletter on to other neighbors you think might be interested.

To submit items for the newsletter:   Email unformatted content or links (no graphics or attachments) to HNA E-Newsletter Editor Nancy Carleton <ngc2@mindspring.com>. Crime-watch reports and news about neighbors is especially welcome. Please note that due to the volunteer nature of the endeavor, the E-Newsletter does not typically include "letters to the editor" or "commentary," but will gladly include links to such items written by neighbors in the Ashby/Telegraph/Woolsey/Adeline area and published elsewhere (the Berkeley Daily Planet has a large section devoted to opinion).

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. [The HNA Listserve is currently inactive but can be revived if enough neighbors show interest.]

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

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

HNA News: Disaster Prep, Free CERT classes June schedule, & Other Neighborhood News

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

Halcyon Neighborhood Association E-Newsletter*

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

Items appearing in the HNA E-Newsletter are deemed to be of general interest to neighbors but do not necessarily reflect the views of Halcyon Neighborhood Association (HNA), its Steering Committee, or the Editor. The Editor's introductory comments express her own personal viewpoint.

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

Items in This E-Newsletter

1. Disaster Prep Report on Supply Cache Drill and Barrel Delivery

2. Free Community Emergency Response Training Classes for June

3. Field Trip Planned to Mike Vaughn's Play, "Sergeant Musgrave's Dance,"  Thursday, May 24th Evening Show

4. ZAB to Consider Demolition Permit for Abandoned Gas Station at 3001 Telegraph (at Ashby) Tonight, Thursday, 7 p.m.

5. Sign Up Now to Participate in Huge Multi-Block Yard Sale, Saturday, June 9, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

6. Hearings Set for Bus Rapid Transit Plan (Berkeley Hearing June 14)

7. Inkworks Releases Visions of Peace and Justice Poster Book

8. Crime Watch Report: Car Break-in on Deakin Street

9. Pools for Berkeley Discussion, Tuesday, May 15, 7 p.m., North Berkeley Senior Center

10. City of Berkeley's Budget Process: Community Meeting, Tuesday, May 29, 7 p.m., North Berkeley Senior Center

11. Berkeley Climate Action Kick-Off, Saturday, May 19, 10 a.m. to Noon, Ashby Stage

* For Your Calendar: HNA Dates Scheduled for 2007

* Disaster Prep Supply Cache Wish List

* City of Berkeley: Useful Contact Information

Editor's Introductory Note:

Tracking 84 water barrels and getting them delivered had its chaotic moments, but last evening, with the help of over a dozen volunteers, we managed to make the deliveries in just a little over two hours (see item 1). And our Disaster Supply Cache Drill last weekend went really well too! We're taking important strides forward as a neighborhood. Thanks to everyone who has been getting involved, on whatever level makes sense for you! There will be many more opportunities as the year goes on!

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

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

1. Disaster Prep Report on Supply Cache Drill and Barrel Delivery

Supply Cache Drill

The Supply Cache Drill last Sunday was attended by 26 neighbors and City Firefighter Sam Hoffman (thanks for coming, Sam!). It was a great success, and some of us even had fun in the process! On a hot day, we took a giant leap forward in our preparedness. We practiced dividing into an Incident Command System structure and Teams for Communications, Support/Logistics, Disaster First Aid, Light Search & Rescue, and Fire Suppression. We successfully set up an Incident Command Center in Halcyon Commons Park, tested all the walkie-talkies and practiced using them, and successfully ran the generator and set up a canopy and light in the park. We learned that getting organized takes time and patience and a certain amount of waiting around! As our Supply Cache Coordinator, Nancy Carleton took in both observational and verbal feedback so we can improve our plan for the next drill. Special thanks to all who attended, and to those who showed up early to inventory supplies! The next drill will be in the fall, and will include role-playing for each of the teams, as well as a "fire drill" using hoses, presuming we can work out the logistics with the city. Watch the E-News for the debriefing Disaster Prep Committee meeting we'll be scheduling in June, and email Nancy at <ngc2@mindspring.com> if you'd like to be on the Disaster Prep Committee list.

Supply Cache Wish List

Please see the WIsh List at the end of each HNA E-Newsletter for items you can donate in-kind to fill out our Disaster Supply Cache contents, which will help the neighborhood get organized and save life in the event of a major quake. Picking up an extra item the next time you're at Orchard Supply, Ashby Lumber, or Costco is a relatively easy and painless way to do your part for neighborhood preparedness. One  generous (and anonymous) donor has already left big packages of C and D batteries  to add to the cache! Thank you!

Water Barrel Delivery

Despite some logistical hurdles, including a trucking company that couldn't quite "get" the needs of a neighborhood as opposed to a business, we have successfully received and distributed 84 water barrels and pumps for disaster preparedness, thanks to the organizing efforts of Susan Hunter and Nancy Carleton. Much gratitude to neighbor and landscape contractor Scott Parker, who brought his flatbed truck enabling us to deliver 20-plus of the barrels as well move stock to Halcyon for hand deliveries by push cart (and who waited patiently so I could sort out what still needed to be delivered after first sending out orders with others), and to Bob and Christina, who both took two trips with their smaller trucks, and to Dawn, Pam, Susan, Will, Irene, Leah, Lisa, Scott Mace,  Bruce, Bob, Peg, and a couple of folks whose names we're probably forgetting to mention who also helped with offloading and/or making deliveries by foot or car. Thanks as well to the folks who had signed up for Tuesday but couldn't make Wednesday. It was great to see how people were flexible and pitched in! A few people also came by to pick up their own orders, and waited patiently for us to make sure we were keeping track of everything. We're still working out some logistical issues regarding removing the buttress caps, many of which were on quite tight, but overall everything went incredibly smoothly given the complexity, last-minute change in delivery time from Tuesday to Wednesday, and the learning curve of doing this for the first time. If all goes well, we'll place another in the fall, hopefully in combination with other neighborhood groups in South Berkeley. We've learned a lot from this experience and are making notes so we can improve our system for the fall order. So if you missed out this time, you'll get another opportunity to get a barrel and pump!

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

2. Free Community Emergency Response Training Classes for June

The City Office of Emergency Services has announced its free trainings for the month of June. As we're getting organized around the Disaster Supply Cache and Neighborhood Disaster Preparedness Plan, it would be great to have some more folks with training! These fill up fast, so register soon if you're interested!

http://www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/fire/cert.html

Community Emergency Response Training
June 2007 Schedule

All classes are free and take place at the Fire Department Training Center,  

997 Cedar Street (between 8th/9th Streets)

Light Search & Rescue:

Saturday, June 16, 9:00-1:00 OR   

Saturday,  June 30, 9:00-1:00

 

Disaster First Aid:

Saturday, June 23, 9:00-12:00 OR

Saturday, June 23, 1:30 - 4:30

 

Fire Suppression:            

Saturday, June 9, 9:00-12:00

Saturday, June 9, 1:30 - 4:30

To register, please fill out form available online and mail to:

OES, 2100 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Berkeley, CA 94704 or fax to 510-981-5579

Or email: Dory Ehrlich

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

3. Field Trip Planned to Mike Vaughn's Play, "Sergeant Musgrave's Dance,"  Thursday, May 24th Evening Show

Halcyon neighbors Nancy Carleton and Susan Hunter would like to invite interested neighbors to join us in attending "Sergeant Musgrave's Dance," which Webster Street neighbor Mike Vaughn is appearing in at TheatreFIRST. We plan to go to the Thursday, May 24th evening show, taking BART to downtown Oakland (box office opens for will-call pick ups at 7:15). If you're interested in ordering tickets to join us, please call the box office at 436-5085 at your earliest convenience (it's the final Thursday show, so tickets may sell out if you wait too long). Thursday tickets are $21, with a $3 discount for students, seniors, and TBA members;  there's no service charge. It's open seating, so we plan to get there a little after 7 to pick up tickets, and get in line for the doors opening at 7:30 p.m. Let us know if you'd like to join us at BART to attend together as a neighborhood contingent. Contact Nancy at <ngc2@mindspring.com> if so.

The play was recently reviewed in:

The Berkeley Daily Planet: "TheatreFIRST Presents Bold Sergeant Musgrave"

http://www.berkeleydailyplanet.com/article.cfm?issue=05-08-07&storyID=27023

The Chronicle "Ardin's anti-war 'Musgrave' well worth reviving"

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/05/08/DDG1FPLSNM1.DTL&hw=Robert+Hurwitt&sn=001&sc=1000

(with nice photo of Mike!) http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/object/article?f=/c/a/2007/05/08/DDG1FPLSNM1.DTL&o=0

From the announcement:

SERJEANT MUSGRAVE's DANCE

John Arden's anti-war masterpiece is a modern classic. Four soldiers arrive in a mining town in the grip of a strike, and in the dead of winter. Their apparent mission - to recruit more soldiers for an unpopular foreign war - masks their actual intent: to confront its people with the realities of warfare. This is powerful theatre, laced with wit and passion.

SERJEANT MUSGRAVE's DANCE

TheatreFIRST

May 3 - May 27

Thursday - Saturday at 8 p.m.

Sundays at 3 p.m.

Preview Thursday, May 3

Opening Friday, May 4

Pay-what-you-can Thursday, May 10

at the Old Oakland Theatre, 481 Ninth Street (at Broadway)

Box Office and Information: 510 436-5085 or http://www.theatrefirst.com

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

4. ZAB to Consider Demolition Permit for Abandoned Gas Station at 3001 Telegraph (at Ashby) Tonight, Thursday, 7 p.m.

Thursday May 10 at the Zoning Adjustments Board meeting starting at 7 p.m. the ZAB has the vacant gas station at Ashby/Telegraph on the agenda (3001 Telegraph): Hearing to consider request by:  Mr. Harry Pollack, 1604 Solano Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94707 for Use Permit #07-10000029 to demolish an approximately 3,625-square foot two-story abandoned service station building and two dispenser pads, to allow for further testing and site remediation (General Commercial (C-1) District, CW). Staff's recommendation is approval.

This has long been a blighted corner. While the demolition itself isn't controversial -- so far as we've heard -- neighbors may want to pay attention to see what gets proposed for the site, as it will be an anchor building in our neighborhood.   

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

5. Sign Up Now to Participate in Huge Multi-Block Yard Sale, Saturday, June 9, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

HNA Multi-Block Yard Sale

Saturday, June 9, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

(set up by 9 a.m. recommended; when multiblock yard sales are advertised, dealers come early)

In years past, HNA sponsored several hugely successful multi-block yard sales. Several neighbors have said it's time to do it again! The date is set, but to move forward we need to have at least 20 households signed up in advance (so far, around 14 have); based on hands raised at the Neighborhood Watch meeting and potluck, there are that many of you out there, so please follow through with your $5 sign-up check (see  below). The reward for early sign-ups is . . . the satisfaction of knowing you helped your neighbors who are working hard to organize this event on everyone's behalf.

* Sale will be advertised widely in locals newspapers and on the web, and we expect a huge turnout.

* Sign up now - $5 checks to HNA required to participate (goes toward ads and flyers). Mail your check (or drop off) to: HNA Treasurer Susan Hunter, 3044-A Halcyon Court, Berkeley, CA 94705.

* In addition to being a chance to clear out your closets and garages, this event is a fundraiser for the HNA Disaster Preparedness Fund; on the day of the event, HNA representatives will ask you to contribute 5-10% of your proceeds (or more, if you're feeling generous); all of these funds will go directly toward purchasing supplies for the Halcyon Disaster Supply Cache, which contains materials to support neighborhood-wide Disaster First Aid, Light Search & Rescue, and a Command Center in Halcyon Commons Park following a major disaster (if you wish your contribution to be tax-deductible, you can make your check payable to BPFP -  Berkeley Partners for Parks -  earmarked for Halcyon disaster prep).

* Volunteers are needed to help post flyers and to set up signs at major intersections on the day of the event. Volunteers will also be needed the evening of Friday, June 8 to make the big signs to post at major intersections. Please call or email Susan Hunter <suze208@earthlink.net> or 517-0241 if you're willing to help.

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

6. Hearings Set for Bus Rapid Transit Plan (Berkeley Hearing, June 14)

The following brief article from the SF Chronicle is excerpted in full:

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/05/06/BAGUKPLT7U1.DTL&hw=Hearings+Set+for+%27Bus+Rapid+Transit%27+plan&sn=001&sc=1000

AC Transit has scheduled a series of public hearings on a proposed "Bus Rapid Transit'' corridor along a 17-mile stretch linking Berkeley, downtown Oakland, and San Leandro. The project is intended to speed up bus travel between the East Bay cities and increase capacity.

Bus Rapid Transit systems, which are gaining in popularity nationally, call for creating dedicated bus lanes and giving buses priority at signalized intersections. They also may include special boarding platforms and new payment systems to speed boarding.

AC Transit, working with the Federal Transit Administration, recently released a draft environmental impact statement/report on the proposed project. More information can be found at www.actransit.org.

The public meetings will be held in June, between the hours of 5:30 and 9 p.m. at the following locations:

June 7: MetroCenter Auditorium, 101 Eighth St., Oakland.

June 12: San Leandro Library lecture hall, 300 Estudillo Ave., San Leandro.

June 13: Fruitvale/San Antonio Senior Center, Fruitvale Transit Village, 3301 E. 12th St., Suite 201.

June 14: North Berkeley Senior Center multipurpose room, 1901 Hearst Ave., Berkeley.

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

7. Inkworks Releases Visions of Peace and Justice Poster Book

A neighbor forwarded the following announcement of a book published by a longtime Berkeley printer:

Friends and neighbors,

I'm very happy to announce that Inkworks' long awaited poster book is out! It's called Visions of Peace and Justice, and includes full color images of over 30 years of political posters printed at Inkworks plus several articles. 150 pages total. For us at Inkworks, it is really a celebration of collaboration with many marvelous poster artists and organizers in the Bay Area, from 1974 to the present.

It costs $30 plus tax and is available at Inkworks, online at AK Press, and soon at bookstores. If you can, please buy it directly at Inkworks so that can recover a little more of our production costs.

Online visit this link,

http://akpress.org/2007/items/visionsofpeaceandjustice

Thanks,

Erica

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

8. Crime Watch Report: Car Break-in on Deakin Street

Some Deakin Street neighbors report:

"We, alas, have a car break-in (and radio theft) to report - probably the night of the 29th.  This was a car radio ripped from the dash - so last century. . . . They left CDs, took change from the ashtray, didn't take anything else we candetermine.  The police are right:  Leave nothing in sight.  But, you know, catching these folks might also be nice. (And if someone keeps digging up and taking the flowers in front of our house, we are going to go to a security camera and guardhouse, or at least a watch raccoon.)"

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

9. Pools for Berkeley Discussion, Tuesday, May 15, 7 p.m., North Berkeley Senior Center

A neighbor sent the following announcement:

Pools for Berkeley is a group of Berkeley residents - parents, lap swimmers, and pool lovers - dedicated to improving Berkeley's public pools. Come hear and discuss the possibilities for improving Berkeley's public pools and swim programs, including the idea of an aquatic center.  Tuesday, May 15, 7 PM, North Berkeley Senior Center, 1901 Hearst at MLK.  Free. Wheelchair accessible.

More info at http://www.poolsforberkeley.org

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

10. City of Berkeley's Budget Process: Community Meeting, Tuesday, May 29, 7 p.m., North Berkeley Senior Center

The City Manager's Office sent the following announcement concerning the City's budget process.

Dear Community Leaders:

We need to hear from you!

On Tuesday, May 8, 2007, the Berkeley City Council received the proposed budget for the next two fiscal years (covering July 1, 2007- June 30, 2009).

The Council now has two months to study the budget, listen to residents' concerns, and make changes before it votes on Tuesday, June 26. Residents are an incredibly important part of this process, and we need you to be involved.

A great way for you and your organization to learn about the budget is to attend our community information meeting on Tuesday, May 29, 2007, at 7 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center.

At the meeting, you'll get to see a presentation about this year's budget from Budget Manager Tracy Vesely. Tracy and other City staff will also answer your questions, whether they're general ones about how budgets are written, or more specific ones about specific project areas. Comments collected during that meeting will be shared with the City Council, and of course you're invited to speak at one of the Council's public hearings.

The public may download a budget summary or a copy of the proposed budget from http://www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/budget/. In addition, the budget can be purchased for its printing cost, which is $25. Contact Tracy Vesely at (510) 981-7024 or via email at tvesely@ci.berkeley.ca.us.

In addition to the meeting schedule below, the public is invited to write, call, email and visit their representatives on the City Council during the budget process.

Budget Schedule

(All meetings are Tuesday evenings)

May 8, 5 p.m.:  Council receives proposed budget from City Manager (Council Chambers)
May 22, 7 p.m.:  Public Hearing #1 (Council Chambers)
May 29, 7 p.m.: Community Meeting at the North Berkeley Senior Center (Hearst and MLK, Jr.)
June 12, 5 p.m.:  Council Workshop (Council Chambers; no public comment)
June 19, 7 p.m.:  Public Hearing #2 (Council Chambers)
June 26, 7 p.m.:  Council to vote on proposed tax rates and budget (Council Chambers)

Please feel free to forward this message to friends and neighbors. If you have any questions about the community meeting, please call Mary Kay Clunies-Ross in the City Manager's office. Her phone number is (510) 981-7008 and her email is

mclunies-ross@ci.berkeley.ca.us <mailto:mclunies-ross@ci.berkeley.ca.us>.

Thank you and see you there!

Mary Kay Clunies-Ross
Public Information Officer
City of Berkeley
MLK Civic Center Building
2180 Milvia Street
Berkeley, CA 94704
(510) 981-7008- office

(510) 867-1622- cell

(510) 981-7099- fax

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

11. Berkeley Climate Action Kick-Off, Saturday, May 19, 10 a.m. to Noon, Ashby Stage

The Berkeley Mayor's Office sent out the following announcement:

Berkeley Climate Action Kick-Off
Saturday, May 19, 2007

 

Berkeley's own Josh Kornbluth will serve as Master of Ceremonies

 ** As our space is somewhat limited, please RSVP by emailing mayor@ci.berkeley.ca.us **

 

What:  Berkeley Measure G Climate Action Kick-Off

 

Purpose:  Hear concrete ideas and resources for reducing your emissions, take a pledge to do your part to meet our community's emissions reduction goals, brainstorm ideas on how we can meet our Measure G greenhouse gas reduction targets, and take home free stuff like energy-efficient light bulbs and gift certificates!

 

When: Saturday, May 19, 2007, 10am - Noon (with a light lunch afterwards)

 

Where:  Ashby Stage, 1901 Ashby Avenue in Berkeley

 

Directions:  The Ashby Stage is directly across the street from the Ashby BART station at Ashby and Martin Luther King. For directions, please visit: http://www.shotgunplayers.org/directions/directions.cfm

(We encourage you to ride your bike, walk or take public transportation to the event, if possible.)

 

Who:   All are welcomeŠ it's free, open to the public, and ADA accessible. The event's co-sponsors include: Mayor Tom Bates and the City of Berkeley, KyotoUSA, The Sierra Club, Sustainable Berkeley, Shotgun Players, The Ella Baker Center for Human Rights, The Ecology Center, Community Energy Services Corporation, StopWaste.org, the Transportation and Land Use Coalition and othersŠ

 

For more info: Visit the Measure G website at www.cityofberkeley.info/mayor/GHG/index.htm

Background: Last year, Berkeley residents issued a call to action on global warming by voting overwhelmingly in support of Measure G. Measure G sets an aggressive goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions in Berkeley by 80 percent by 2050 and directs the Mayor to develop a community-based climate action plan by year-end 2007.  Join us on Saturday, May 19th to get ideas, get motivated, and get involved!

 

Please refrain from wearing scented products.  To request communication accommodations please call 981-6342 (voice), 981-6340 (fax), or 981-6345 (TDD). At least one week's notice will ensure availability.

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

* For Your Calendar: HNA Dates Scheduled for 2007

Dates set as of May 2007 (verify a few weeks before event by checking HNA E-Newsletter):

Sunday, June 3, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Work Party in Halcyon Commons Park

Saturday, June 9, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Giant Multi-Block Yard Sale, throughout the neighborhood

Sunday, June 24, 6-8 p.m., Halcyon Community Potluck, location TBD

Saturday, August 4, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Work Party in Halcyon Commons Park

Tuesday, August 7, 6-8:30 p.m., National Night Out Against Crime, Potluck in Park 6-7:30 p.m., walk through larger neighborhood 7:30-8:30 p.m.

Sunday, September 30, 4:00-5:55 p.m., Disaster Supply Cache Drill, including Fire Drill, driveway of 3044-B Halcyon and Halcyon Commons Park

Sunday, September 30, 6-8 p.m., Halcyon Community Potluck, location TBD

Saturday, October 27, Fall Mulching in Park with help from Cal volunteers of Berkeley Project

Sunday, October 28, 4-6 p.m., Big Neighborhood Watch Community Meeting, Chochmat HaLev (location to be confirmed)

Sunday, January 13, 2008, 5-8:30, Post-Holiday Progressive Potluck, four locations TBD

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

* Disaster Prep Supply Cache Wish List

HNA's Disaster Prep Supply Cache contains items intended to benefit the entire neighborhood in the event of disaster. You can help us have what we need on hand in two ways: (1) Make a tax-deductible financial contribution to Berkeley Partners for Parks (BPFP, our nonprofit fiscal sponsor), earmarked Halcyon Disaster Prep, which will go toward purchasing additional supplies, and mail or drop off to HNA Treasurer Susan Hunter, 3044 Halcyon Court, Berkeley, CA 94705. (2) Contribute any of the following items in-kind (supplies MUST be new or in GOOD condition):

Batteries (AA, D), regular & rechargeable; Battery Recharger for AA, D; Quality Walkie-Talkies with 8-mile range, 22 channels (i.e., Motorola Talkabout T5500 two-way radios); Axes; Crow Bars, Hard Hats; Head Lamps; Heavy-duty Flashlights; Bullhorn; Laptop Computer with rechargeable power supply & USB port; Basic Printer (for producing flyers) with Ink Cartridges; Flashcard (for storing neighborhood database to transfer to laptop);  Sheets (freshly laundered or new; good for first aid); Blankets; First Aid Supplies; Gas Siphon (for extracting gas from cars to run generator); 5-Gallon Drums for long-term gas storage; Work Gloves; Large Camping Tents (with all parts!); Coleman or similar Gas or Propane Stove; Shelving for Shed.

Contact HNA Co-Chair and Cache Coordinator Nancy Carleton at <ngc2@mindspring.com> or 644-0172 to contribute supplies.

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

* City of Berkeley: Useful Contact Information

Police

Police Emergency Number:  911 (from landline); 981-5911(from cell; preprogram with this number)

Police Nonemergency Number: 981-5900

Link to beat maps and a list of beat officers:

http://www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/police/department/beatinfo/beatlineup.html

In Halcyon neighborhood, west of Fulton is Beat 10, east of Fulton is Beat 9.

Other City Departments:

Neighborhood Services Liaison Jim Hynes <jhynes@ci.berkeley.ca.us> 981-2493

Public Works Customer Service: 644-6620 (streets, sidewalks, graffiti, sewers, litter, storm drains, street lights)

Tree Trimming/Planting (Forestry): 644-6566

Written Communication with City Council:

To comment to City Council, cut and paste the following email addresses:

City Clerk <clerk@ci.berkeley.ca.us>,

Mayor Tom Bates <Mayor@ci.berkeley.ca.us>,

Councilmember Linda Maio <LMaio@ci.berkeley.ca.us>,

Councilmember Darryl Moore <DMoore@ci.berkeley.ca.us>,

Councilmember Max Anderson <MAnderson@ci.berkeley.ca.us>,

Councilmember Dona Spring <DSpring@ci.berkeley.ca.us>,

Councilmember Laurie Capitelli <LCapitelli@ci.berkeley.ca.us>,

Councilmember Betty Olds <BOlds@ci.berkeley.ca.us>,

Councilmember Kriss Worthington <KWorthington@ci.berkeley.ca.us>,

Councilmember Gordon Wozniak <GWozniak@ci.berkeley.ca.us>

Representatives for Our Neighborhood:

Councilmember Max Anderson (District 3) 981-7130

West side of Wheeler Street to west (except for Woolsey between Wheeler and Shattuck)

Councilmember Kriss Worthington (District 7) 981-7170

East side of Wheeler to east (includes block of Woolsey from Wheeler to Shattuck)

Mayor Tom Bates 981-7100

Zoning Adjustments Board:

To comment to the Zoning Adjustments Board regarding projects on their calendar, email:

Zoning Adjustments Board <zab@ci.berkeley.ca.us>

(best to submit your comments 10 days prior to meeting for inclusion in the advance packet to board members, but late submissions will be distributed the evening of the meeting)

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

The Halcyon Neighborhood Association E-Newsletter:  The HNA E-Newsletter forwards occasional crime-watch notices as well as items of general interest to neighbors in the Ashby/Telegraph/Woolsey/Adeline area of south Berkeley (HNA's borders), including announcements about community-building potlucks, greening projects, disaster preparedness meetings, and work parties in Halcyon Commons Park. If you're receiving this email, you probably either signed up at a neighborhood event or a neighbor 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>. Feel free to pass the HNA E-Newsletter on to other neighbors you think might be interested.

To submit items for the newsletter:   Email unformatted content or links (no graphics or attachments) to HNA E-Newsletter Editor Nancy Carleton <ngc2@mindspring.com>. Crime-watch reports and news about neighbors is especially welcome. Please note that due to the volunteer nature of the endeavor, the E-Newsletter does not typically include "letters to the editor" or "commentary," but will gladly include links to such items written by neighbors in the Ashby/Telegraph/Woolsey/Adeline area and published elsewhere (the Berkeley Daily Planet has a large section devoted to opinion).

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. [The HNA Listserve is currently inactive but can be revived if enough neighbors show interest.]

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

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

HNA E-News: Disaster Supply Cache Drill Sunday, 5/6, 4:30-6 p.m., Crime Watch Report, etc.

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

Halcyon Neighborhood Association E-Newsletter*

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

Items appearing in the HNA E-Newsletter are deemed to be of general interest to neighbors but do not necessarily reflect the views of Halcyon Neighborhood Association (HNA), its Steering Committee, or the Editor. The Editor's introductory comments express her own personal viewpoint.

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

Items in This E-Newsletter

1. Disaster Prep Supply Cache Drill, Sunday, May 6, 4:30-6 p.m. (set-up 3 p.m.)

2. Halcyon Neighborhood Disaster Preparedness Plan for BIG Earthquakes (Draft)

3. Sign Up Now to Participate in Huge Multi-Block Yard Sale, Saturday, June 9, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

4. Halcyon Commons Rejuvenation Project  Update!

5. Hidden Gems of Berkeley Bike Tour Sunday, May 20, 10 a.m. (starting at Halcyon Commons)

6.  Crime Watch Report: Car Break-in on Halcyon Near Webster

7. Community Involved Policing for Telegraph Avenue: Council Item from Councilmember Kriss Worthington

8. Free Solar Workshop, June 7, 7 p.m., Willard Middle School Auditorium

9.  Options for Recovery Tenth Anniversary Benefit, Saturday, May 19,  6 p.m., St. Johns' Presbyterian Church

10. Neighbor Mike Vaughn Appearing in Theatre First Play, May 3 - May 27 

* For Your Calendar: HNA Dates Scheduled for 2007

* Disaster Prep Supply Cache Wish List

* City of Berkeley: Useful Contact Information

Editor's Introductory Note:

Every time there's a perceptible jolt on an earthquake fault nearby, I hope it serves as a reminder and wake-up call to get more of us to take action NOW to prepare for a Big One on the Hayward Fault. How many of you felt Wednesday's 3.0, which was centered off Ashby Avenue near Aquatic Park and Emeryville? And of course the explosion of the truck carrying gasoline on 580 is another kind of reminder, giving us just a small taste of the infrastructure challenges our community will face in the event of a catastrophic earthquake on either the Hayward or San Andreas Fault.

The disaster prep water barrels and pumps we ordered in late April will be arriving sometime next week (volunteers are needed on short notice next week to offload the barrels from a huge truck onto our driveway on Halcyon Court; if you're around during the daytime and might be able to help, please respond by reply email --  we'll have half a day or a day's notice to mobilize a crew). Getting these 84 barrels full of water in our neighborhood is a good step forward in our disaster preparedness efforts.

Another important step is the Disaster Prep Supply Cache Drill this coming Sunday (see Item 1). Please come if you can!

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

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

1. Disaster Prep Supply Cache Drill, Sunday, May 6, 4:30-6 p.m. (set-up 3 p.m.)

Date: Sunday, May 6, 4:30-6 p.m.

(come early at 3 p.m. if you're interested in helping to set up and create the drill)

Place: 3044-B Halcyon Court, end of driveway (where supply cache is located) and Halcyon Commons Park

Purpose: Inventory contents; practice using walkie-talkies; practice setting up Command Center; including generator and light; create and run through a drill using Incident Command System structure. Sam Hoffman of the Berkeley Fire Department/Emergency Services will be present to answer questions about the equipment.

Who: All interested neighbors; you do NOT have to have prior disaster prep experience to participate (some people will even get to wear "Victim needing first aid" tags)!

This is a chance for our neighborhood to familiarize ourselves with the materials in the disaster supply cache won by HNA based on an application submitted by HNA Co-Chair Nancy Carleton last year. The main benefit of the cache (which contains neighborhood response supplies, not personal disaster preparedness supplies) is not just the rescue equipment, first aid supplies, and communications tools it contains, which we'll be adding to over time (see the Wish List at the end of the E-News), but the quality of greater organization that it helps us achieve. If we're organized and have even the simplest of plans (see Item 2), we'll save more lives in the event of a catastrophic earthquake.

The Disaster Supply Cache doesn't belong to Nancy Carleton and Susan Hunter, though it's located in their driveway. It's there for all of us, and the drill is an opportunity for the larger community to take ownership of this valuable asset. Come on May 6 to be part of a fun, informal, improvised drill.

Special thanks to Neal Rubin for having set up the generator in advance of the drill - and to Susan Hunter for donating the gasoline. And to Sam Hoffman from the City for offering to come to the drill and answer our questions!

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

2. Halcyon Neighborhood Disaster Preparedness Plan for BIG Earthquakes (Draft)

A) Household Emergency Preparedness (follows basic City plan):

1. Make a Family Plan on how to evacuate and where to meet.

2. Choose a Long-Distance Contact for everyone in household to notify.

3. Collect Family Emergency Supplies to last Five to Ten Days.

(Include a minimum of 1 gallon of water per person per day, nonperishable foods, fire extinguisher, first aid kit, flashlight with extra batteries, tools, cash, medications, food for pets, etc.)

4. Prepare Your Home to Survive an Earthquake.

(Learn to turn off gas and water; secure hazards such as water heater and heavy furniture; retrofit foundation; etc.)

5. Know Your Neighbors and Organize Your Neighborhood (see B).

B) Halcyon Neighborhood Plan following BIG Quake:

1. Each individual to secure personal household.

(Check safety of family; turn off gas if appropriate - i.e., if there's a fire or danger of fire, or if gas is leaking as detected by smell or gas meter moving faster than usual.)

2. Before leaving, indicate that premises are clear.

 (Indicate that residents are safe & no one needs immediate help by marking front door of house or individual apartment with a GREEN piece of cloth or GREEN paper [color subject to change].)

3. Report to Halcyon Commons Park (Halcyon Court at Prince Street).

(Members of the Disaster Supply Cache Team will have opened Cache at end of driveway at 3044-B Halcyon Court.)

4. Follow steps outlined in Disaster Command Binder for setting up an Incident Command System (i.e., batteries in walkie-talkies,  set up Halcyon Command Center near picnic table in Halcyon Commons Park, etc.).

5. Using instructions in Binder, assign Incident Command System Teams:
  * Communications
        * Light Search & Rescue
* Disaster First Aid
    * Support

6. Send teams to check on vulnerable folks and to address immediate needs.

To suggest revisions to this Draft, please contact HNA Co-Chair and Disaster Supply Cache Coordinator Nancy Carleton at <ngc2@mindspring> or 644-0172.

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

3. Sign Up Now to Participate in Huge Multi-Block Yard Sale, Saturday, June 9, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

HNA Multi-Block Yard Sale

Saturday, June 9, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

(set up by 9 a.m. recommended; when multiblock yard sales are advertised, dealers come early)

In years past, HNA sponsored several hugely successful multi-block yard sales. Several neighbors have said it's time to do it again! The date is set, but to move forward we need to have at least 20 households signed up in advance (so far, about a dozen have); based on hands raised at the Neighborhood Watch meeting and potluck, there are that many of you out there, so please follow through with your $5 sign-up check (see  below). The reward for early sign-ups is . . . the satisfaction of knowing you helped your neighbors who are working hard to organize this event on everyone's behalf.

* Sale will be advertised widely in locals newspapers and on the web, and we expect a huge turnout.

* Sign up now - $5 checks to HNA required to participate (goes toward ads and flyers). Mail your check (or drop off) to: HNA Treasurer Susan Hunter, 3044-A Halcyon Court, Berkeley, CA 94705. Or bring your check to HNA's Disaster Supply Cache Drill, Sunday, May 6, 4:30-6 p.m. (see Item 1).

* In addition to being a chance to clear out your closets and garages, this event is a fundraiser for the HNA Disaster Preparedness Fund; on the day of the event, HNA representatives will ask you to contribute 5-10% of your proceeds (or more, if you're feeling generous); all of these funds will go directly toward purchasing supplies for the Halcyon Disaster Supply Cache, which contains materials to support neighborhood-wide Disaster First Aid, Light Search & Rescue, and a Command Center in Halcyon Commons Park following a major disaster (if you wish your contribution to be tax-deductible, you can make your check payable to BPFP -  Berkeley Partners for Parks -  earmarked for Halcyon disaster prep).

* Volunteers are needed to help post flyers and to set up signs at major intersections on the day of the event. Volunteers will also be needed the evening of Friday, June 8 to make the big signs to post at major intersections. Please call or email Susan Hunter <suze208@earthlink.net> or 517-0241 if you're willing to help.

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

4. Halcyon Commons Rejuvenation Project Update!

Check out the bulletin board in Halcyon Commons Park (Halcyon Court at Prince Street) for site plans and conceptual sketches of the three elements that make up the Halcyon Commons Rejuvenation Project, for which HNA received a UC Chancellor's Community Partnership Grant last summer (and for which we have also submitted an application to this year's grant cycle, to provide the additional funding needed for the completion of the halcyon bird sculpture). Implementation of the three elements will get underway this summer, as soon as the final approvals for the City of Berkeley are in place.

Last week was a big one for the Rejuvenation Project. Both the Parks and Recreation and the Civic Arts Commission passed unanimous resolutions supporting the project and voted for similar resolutions: "The Parks & Recreation Commission recommends that the City Council accept the gift of the three elements of the 'Halcyon Commons Rejuvenation Project' - (1) archway at north end of the park with the words HALCYON COMMONS and animal cutouts related to park history; (2) bronze-cast sculpture of halcyon bird (a kingfisher associated with peace), which was planned as part of the original park design; and (3) refurbishment of the south end of the park, including in-fill planting from park plant palette and placement of boulders and flagstone - with a waiver of any permit fees that would otherwise be charged. This gift is funded by the UC Chancellor's Community Partnership Fund and made possible by the generous contribution of 'sweat equity' and professional services on the part of community volunteers, with nonprofit Berkeley Partners for Parks serving as fiscal sponsor." [The Civic Arts Commission resolution was nearly identical, but focused on the first two elements, which feature public art components.]

Many thanks to HNA Co-Chairs John Steere and Nancy Carleton for preparing the packets and making the presentations at the commission meetings last week;  to neighbor and landscape architect Michael Lamb for providing site drawings; and to Amy Blackstone and John Steere for providing sketches of the artistic elements. And special gratitude as well to all our other community and UC partners - including Christina Bertea, Berkeley Partners for Parks, LeConte Neighborhood Association, Halcyon Neighborhood Association, Whole Foods Market, Livable Berkeley, UC grad students Jennifer Natali and Sarah Syed, Delta Gamma Sorority, Susan Hunter, Kaye Bock, Malla Hadley, and the Department of City and Regional Planning, College of Environmental Design --  all of whom have helped move the project forward. Finally, thanks to the UC Chancellor's Community Partnership Fund for making this neighborhood-initiated project to improve our park possible!

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

5. Hidden Gems of Berkeley Bike Tour Sunday, May 20, 10 a.m. (starting at Halcyon Commons)

Hidden Gems of Berkeley
A Magical Mystery Bike Tour of South Berkeley's Vernacular Treasures
 

Sunday May 20, 2007

10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Starting at Halcyon Commons Park (Halcyon Court at Prince Street)

This is the fifth year of an inspiring tour of Berkeley's eclectic fabric of gardens, paths, strange and familiar cultural and natural features. . . . This year we'll explore the many and marvelous hidden gems of South Berkeley and the Elmwood: from hidden paths to a stream running through a house, from a butterfly garden to the topiary squirrel, from the fish house to the alligator bench, and many more.  We'll encounter a vernacular side of Berkeley that most people never notice and reveal traces of the former streetcar system that shaped Berkeley's form. 

John Steere and guest historians/guides will conduct this 3-4 mile ride, which will be mostly level and include only minor inclines.  Bring a lunch, snack and water.  The ride will begin at a hidden gem - Halcyon Commons, a small neighborhood-built park - on Halcyon Court, beside Prince Street, one block west of Telegraph.   

A bioregional map of Berkeley depicting scores of these "gems" along with the City's community gardens, parks, creeks, and historic transit system will be available for sale. Historical photos and vignettes will also be included

This Ride is co-sponsored by the Bicycle Friendly Berkeley Coalitio (http://www.BFBC.org)  as a part of Berkeley Bike Month and by Berkeley Partners for Parks  (http://www.BPFP.org) and by Livable Berkeley (http://www.livableberkeley.org/).

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

6.  Crime Watch Report: Car Break-in on Halcyon Near Webster

A Webster Street neighbor reports:

"A woman stopped by our house last night (her boyfriend lives across the street) to ask if we heard a car being broken into on the corner by our house, Halcyon side. Apparently, sometime after 9:00 on Sunday night and early Monday morning, someone threw a big rock through her passenger side door window and stole 2 toolboxes full of tools she uses to work on her car. Her car is a 1988 white BMW M3. She made a report with the police."

[Editor's Note: The police have advised us not to leave anything of value or possible value in view in our cars. In the past, we've noticed that if thieves "score" with one car they break into, they'll come back for more in the same neighborhood. Please be mindful about not leaving items visible in your car. If you notice anyone suspicious scoping out cars in the neighborhood, please call the police nonemergency number (see numbers at the end of the newsletter) or emergency number, depending on the situation.]

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

7. Community Involved Policing for Telegraph Avenue: Council Item from Councilmember Kriss Worthington 

District 7 Councilmember Kriss Worthington, who represents the eastern half of Halcyon neighborhood, forwards the following item on the City Council Consent Calendar for next Tuesday:

CONSENT CALENDAR MAY 8, 2007

To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council

From: Councilmember Kriss Worthington

Subject: Community Involved Policing for Telegraph Avenue

RECOMMENDATION:

That the Berkeley City Council refer to the City Manager the creation of a report evaluating funding and organizational changes needed to implement community-involved policing for the Telegraph Avenue Area including 1) creation of a foot patrol for Telegraph Avenue, 2) opportunities for assigned officers to initiate contact with businesses and residents, 3) designation of a cell phone or pager to provide prompt response from on-duty officers in the area, and 4) an estimate of any additional funding needed to implement community-involved policing for Telegraph. 

BACKGROUND:

On April 23rd, the Telegraph Merchants Association sponsored a delegation from Berkeley visit and listen to a presentation from the San Francisco Police Department on their efforts to revitalize the Haight Street commercial district in San Francisco.  The delegation included representatives from the Telegraph Merchants Association, Telegraph business owners, property owners, University representatives, members of the Telegraph Business Improvement District, Julie Sinai from Mayor Bates' office, and Amanda Bornstein from Councilmember Wozniak's office.  Participants were impressed by the public safety tools used by the San Francisco Police Department. 

The referral to the City Manager of the establishment of a community-involved policing program on Telegraph should include measures aimed at fostering closer relationships with area businesses and residents as well as improving response times.  Because of the budget vote coming up late June, the Council should receive an estimate for the amount of additional funding necessary to implement this policing model for Telegraph.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS: 
None for referral.  Additional funding uncertain.

CONTACT PERSON:
Councilmember Kriss Worthington  981-7170.

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

8. Free Solar Workshop, June 7, 7 p.m., Willard Middle School Auditorium

We received an announcement of the following event:

Solar Workshop, June 7, 7pm, Willard Middle School Auditorium, free
Program will discuss basics of solar power production as well as Federal, State, and installer rebate programs.

SolarCity's mission is to demonstrate leadership and forward-thinking in the East Bay by helping local communities to collectively make a substantial commitment to solar energy. We have chosen solar power because we believe that it is a financially sound decision, and because it is good for our environment: the ultimate "win-win."

The Berkeley and Rockridge Collective Power Program

At the June 7th workshop SolarCity will provide an overall presentation which includes information about Solar Power production and then the Collective Power Program details as well.  We will also have three Solar Consultants on hand to answer specific questions after the presentation.

Program Goals:
1) Convert Berkeley/Rockridge households and small businesses to solar power, totaling a minimum of 250kW
2) Offset a minimum of 3.5 million pounds of carbon over the next 20-30 years using solar power

You can register for the event at:
http://www.solarcity.com/Default.aspx?tabid=219

To take advantage of the special Berkeley and Rockridge Collective Power Program pricing, you must join before July 31, 2007! If you live in the Berkeley

or Rockridge areas and you already know you want to take part, call: 1-888-SOL-CITY (765-2489).

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

9.  Options for Recovery Tenth Anniversary Benefit, Saturday, May 19,  6 p.m., St. Johns' Presbyterian Church

We received word of the following event:

Options for Recovery Services, Martin Sheen hosts dinner to celebrate 10 year Anniversary

Saturday, May 19, 2007
St. John's Presbyterian Church, 2727 College Avenue, Berkeley
6:00 Reception, 7:00 Program

Tickets: $100, per person, $1,500 per table. Event sponsor $5,000.

Martin Sheen, award-winning actor and social activist is pleased to host a dinner celebrating Berkeley-based Options Recovery Services and their 10 years of

service to the community.  Judge Carol Brosnahan will be honored as the first recipient of the Father Bill O'Donnell Human Dignity Award.  Also in attendance will be Berkeley Mayor Tom Bates and Alameda County Supervisor Keith Carson.
 
The program will feature entertainment by Erica Clark and Kim Hart-Pointdexter and friends, plus a 10-year Historical Retrospective of the Options organization and the Options community, featuring Dr. Davida Coady and Options graduates.  A silent auction will follow.
 
Options Recovery Services is a Berkeley-based non-profit founded in 1997, which offers free walk-in drug and alcohol treatment programs, and related services such as housing, counseling, and mental health treatment.  In 2006 Options was honored with the Organizational Achievement Award from the National Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors (NAADAC).

One hundred percent of ticket income will benefit Options substance abuse treatment programs and the Options Mental Health Clinic.

For tickets or information, call Rob Lyons (ph: 510-666-9552 x 125 email: rlyons@optionsrecovery.org), or visit the Options website at

http://www.optionsrecovery.org. Book NOW, as seats are limited.

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10. Neighbor Mike Vaughn Appearing in Theatre First Play, May 3 - May 27

Webster Street neighbor Mike Vaughn is appearing in the Theatre First production of "Sergeant Musgrave's Dance" by John Arden, directed by Clive Chafer.

From the announcement:

John Arden's anti-war masterpiece is a modern classic. Four soldiers arrive in a mining town in the grip of a strike, and in the dead of winter. Their apparent mission - to recruit more soldiers for an unpopular foreign war - masks their actual intent: to confront its people with the realities of warfare. This is powerful theatre, laced with wit and passion.

SERJEANT MUSGRAVE's DANCE

May 3 - May 27

Thursday - Saturday at 8 p.m.

Sundays at 3 p.m.

Preview Thursday, May 3

Opening Friday, May 4

Pay-what-you-can Thursday, May 10

at the Old Oakland Theatre, 481 Ninth Street (at Broadway)

Box Office and Information: 510 436-5085 or http://www.theatrefirst.com

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* For Your Calendar: HNA Dates Scheduled for 2007

Dates set as of May 2007 (verify a few weeks before event by checking HNA E-Newsletter):

Sunday, May 6, 4:30-6 p.m., Supply Cache Drill, driveway of 3044-B Halcyon Court and Halcyon Commons Park

Sunday, June 3, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Work Party in Halcyon Commons Park

Saturday, June 9, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Giant Multi-Block Yard Sale, throughout the neighborhood

Sunday, June 24, 6-8 p.m., Halcyon Community Potluck, location TBD

Saturday, August 4, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Work Party in Halcyon Commons Park

Tuesday, August 7, 6-8:30 p.m., National Night Out Against Crime, Potluck in Park 6-7:30 p.m., walk through larger neighborhood 7:30-8:30 p.m.

Sunday, September 30, 4:30-5:55 p.m., Disaster Supply Cache Fire Drill, driveway of 3044-B Halcyon and Halcyon Commons Park

Sunday, September 30, 6-8 p.m., Halcyon Community Potluck, location TBD

Saturday, October 27, Fall Mulching in Park with help from Cal volunteers of Berkeley Project

Sunday, October 28, 4-6 p.m., Big Neighborhood Watch Community Meeting, Chochmat HaLev (to be confirmed)

Sunday, January 13, 2008, 5-8:30, Post-Holiday Progressive Potluck, four locations TBD

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* Disaster Prep Supply Cache Wish List

HNA's Disaster Prep Supply Cache contains items intended to benefit the entire neighborhood in the event of disaster. You can help us have what we need on hand in two ways: (1) Make a tax-deductible financial contribution to Berkeley Partners for Parks (BPFP, our nonprofit fiscal sponsor), earmarked Halcyon Disaster Prep, which will go toward purchasing additional supplies, and mail or drop off to HNA Treasurer Susan Hunter, 3044 Halcyon Court, Berkeley, CA 94705. (2) Contribute any of the following items in-kind (supplies MUST be new or in GOOD condition):

Batteries (AA, D), regular & rechargeable; Battery Recharger for AA, D; Quality Walkie-Talkies with 8-mile range, 22 channels (i.e., Motorola Talkabout T5500 two-way radios); Axes; Crow Bars, Hard Hats; Head Lamps; Heavy-duty Flashlights; Bullhorn; Laptop Computer with rechargeable power supply & USB port; Basic Printer (for producing flyers) with Ink Cartridges; Flashcard (for storing neighborhood database to transfer to laptop);  Sheets (freshly laundered or new; good for first aid); Blankets; First Aid Supplies; Gas Siphon (for extracting gas from cars to run generator); 5-Gallon Drums for long-term gas storage; Work Gloves; Large Camping Tents (with all parts!); Coleman or similar Gas or Propane Stove; Shelving for Shed.

Contact HNA Co-Chair and Cache Coordinator Nancy Carleton at <ngc2@mindspring.com> or 644-0172 to contribute supplies.

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* City of Berkeley: Useful Contact Information

Police

Police Emergency Number:  911 (from landline); 981-5911(from cell; preprogram with this number)

Police Nonemergency Number: 981-5900

Link to beat maps and a list of beat officers:

http://www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/police/department/beatinfo/beatlineup.html

In Halcyon neighborhood, west of Fulton is Beat 10, east of Fulton is Beat 9.

Other City Departments:

Neighborhood Services Liaison Jim Hynes <jhynes@ci.berkeley.ca.us> 981-2493

Public Works Customer Service: 644-6620 (streets, sidewalks, graffiti, sewers, litter, storm drains, street lights)

Tree Trimming/Planting (Forestry): 644-6566

Written Communication with City Council:

To comment to City Council, cut and paste the following email addresses:

City Clerk <clerk@ci.berkeley.ca.us>,

Mayor Tom Bates <Mayor@ci.berkeley.ca.us>,

Councilmember Linda Maio <LMaio@ci.berkeley.ca.us>,

Councilmember Darryl Moore <DMoore@ci.berkeley.ca.us>,

Councilmember Max Anderson <MAnderson@ci.berkeley.ca.us>,

Councilmember Dona Spring <DSpring@ci.berkeley.ca.us>,

Councilmember Laurie Capitelli <LCapitelli@ci.berkeley.ca.us>,

Councilmember Betty Olds <BOlds@ci.berkeley.ca.us>,

Councilmember Kriss Worthington <KWorthington@ci.berkeley.ca.us>,

Councilmember Gordon Wozniak <GWozniak@ci.berkeley.ca.us>

Representatives for Our Neighborhood:

Councilmember Max Anderson (District 3) 981-7130

West side of Wheeler Street to west (except for Woolsey between Wheeler and Shattuck)

Councilmember Kriss Worthington (District 7) 981-7170

East side of Wheeler to east (includes block of Woolsey from Wheeler to Shattuck)

Mayor Tom Bates 981-7100

Zoning Adjustments Board:

To comment to the Zoning Adjustments Board regarding projects on their calendar, email:

Zoning Adjustments Board <zab@ci.berkeley.ca.us>

(best to submit your comments 10 days prior to meeting for inclusion in the advance packet to board members, but late submissions will be distributed the evening of the meeting)

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The Halcyon Neighborhood Association E-Newsletter:  The HNA E-Newsletter forwards occasional crime-watch notices as well as items of general interest to neighbors in the Ashby/Telegraph/Woolsey/Adeline area of south Berkeley (HNA's borders), including announcements about community-building potlucks, greening projects, disaster preparedness meetings, and work parties in Halcyon Commons Park. If you're receiving this email, you probably either signed up at a neighborhood event or a neighbor 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>. Feel free to pass the HNA E-Newsletter on to other neighbors you think might be interested.

To submit items for the newsletter:   Email unformatted content or links (no graphics or attachments) to HNA E-Newsletter Editor Nancy Carleton <ngc2@mindspring.com>. Crime-watch reports and news about neighbors is especially welcome. Please note that due to the volunteer nature of the endeavor, the E-Newsletter does not typically include "letters to the editor" or "commentary," but will gladly include links to such items written by neighbors in the Ashby/Telegraph/Woolsey/Adeline area and published elsewhere (the Berkeley Daily Planet has a large section devoted to opinion).

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. [The HNA Listserve is currently inactive but can be revived if enough neighbors show interest.]

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

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