HNA E-News: New Yahoo "Dog" Walk Group, Crime Watch Update, Drilling at Whole Foods, 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. Night-time Safety "Dog" Walks: Sign Up for the Yahoo Group/Listserve

2. Drilling at Whole Foods Market Tuesday-Thursday

3. Yard Sales Raise Funds for Disaster Supply Cache Supplies

4. Labyrinth Community Peace Walk, Sun., June 17, 3 p.m., Willard Middle School

5. Crime Watch Alert: Burglary on Prince Street Saturday Night

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

7. Link to Halcyon Court Neighbor's Commentary in the Daily Planet

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

* 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 expressed concern regarding the threat  I received as described in last week's E-News. I am deeply appreciative of the support I've received by email and in person, and especially gratified as I see more neighbors spending time in Halcyon Commons in answer to HNA Co-Chair  John Steere's call for us to engage in positive uses of  our park, which will naturally drive out antisocial uses. While it's unpleasant to receive a threat, the reality is that this is a very well-organized neighborhood, and many people are involved in our efforts, even if I'm particularly visible because of leadership roles I've played over the years. If anything were to happen to me, it's clear that this would only motivate everyone else to work that much harder. You may not realize just how many people are involved: The HNA E-News now goes to over 300 households in the neighborhood -  as well as reaching dozens of public officials (from beat officers to our city councilmembers) and is also posted to an additional 100-plus households on the LeConte Neighborhood Association list. As we act together, we represent an incredibly powerful force. So keep those calls going in to the police if you notice anything suspicious. Consider joining the new night-time safety "dog" walks Yahoo group (see item 1), and come to our community-building activities when you're able (including a potluck later this month, as described in item 6, and work parties and the National Night Out Against Crime in early August, as described in the For Your Calendar placeholder at the end of the E-News). Let's keep looking out for one another and sending a clear message that we will not tolerate intimidation or violence in our neighborhood, and we will work to protect both the beautiful park we created ourselves and our larger neighborhood.

A recent article in the Chronicle (http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/06/10/LVG7MQAG9B1.DTL&hw=shark+Gandhi&sn=001&sc=1000) contained an inspiring concluding paragraph: "I love the quote by Gandhi, 'Be the change that you want to see in the world,' " said Kathrein. "What it's all about, to me, is taking a look at your life and your surroundings. If you see something wrong, fix it. It's not up to anyone else to fix it; it's not someone else's responsibility. It's your job to make the world a better place for you and for everyone else." 

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

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

1. Night-time Safety "Dog" Walks: Sign Up for the Yahoo Group/Listserve

 

Many thanks to all who attended last Friday's night-time safety "dog" walk, including a number of first-time walkers. Now that we've started walking again, HNA Neighborhood Watch Coordinator Dawn Rubin is in the process of creating a Yahoo Group to allow us to communicate with one another easily so we can all share in the planning of  scheduled walks, as well as suggest spontaneous or impromptu walks and find out quickly if at least three or four people are available. This Yahoo Group is focused  on scheduling walks to keep our eyes on the neighborhood while we build community and get to know one another, so we'll all try to stick close to that theme so no one's in-box gets flooded with extraneous or off-topic emails (as with any Yahoo group, you can choose to receive the emails in the form of daily or weekly digests if that works best for you).  This will be a by-invitation group only; if you'd like to participate, please contact Dawn Rubin at  <familyrubin@comcast.net>, and be sure to provide your full name, your email, your address, and your phone number for verification purposes (for our safety, we all need to know who we're walking with).

Here's Dawn Rubin's description of the purposes of the Halcyon Walks, in case you missed it in the last E-News: We've started the evening "dog" walks around the neighborhood again over the past several weeks. We generally meet in the evening to walk, talk, and get to know one another, catch up on news, and see what's going on all over Halcyon neighborhood (from Telegraph to Adeline, and from Woolsey to Ashby). The walks build community and let everyone in our neighborhood know that we care about what goes on here. We'll greet everyone we see, going out of our way to say hello to people we don't yet know. With youth, we will be particularly aware of the fact that these are "our kids" and our future  -  it's up to us to look after them in a loving way to help them make wise choices. We follow some general guidelines for safety. Fewer than three people may not be safe, so we only start if there are at least three or four people who've committed.  Under no circumstances will we do anything that would endanger us or anyone else.  We always have a cell phone with us, in case something needs to be reported, and we notify the beat officer beforehand so the police know we're out there. People bring dogs if they have them (for fun, dog exercise, and safety), but NO DOG IS REQUIRED. Come join us!

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

2. Drilling at Whole Foods Market Tuesday-Thursday

Whole Foods Market asked us to pass on the following message:

Dear Neighbors,

 

The City of Berkeley has requested an outside company (Delta Consultants) to come in and collect a series of samples from the eastern side of the Whole Foods Market parking lot along Telegraph Avenue [this is in connection with the possible development of the former gas station site across Telegraph]. The work will be done between the hours of 7-10 a.m. on Tuesday 6/12, Wednesday 6/13 and Thursday 6/14. It will include the saw cutting of pavement and possible drilling equipment.

 

We are very sorry for any inconveniences or disturbances this may cause.If you have any questions please direct them to Mr. Roger Hoffmore at 916-719-0156

 

Thank you,

Whole Foods Market Berkeley

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

3. Yard Sales Raise Funds for Disaster Supply Cache Supplies

In addition to helping many of us clear out closets and pass our no-longer-wanted items on to others at bargain prices, the HNA Yard Sale last Saturday raised over $225 for the HNA Disaster Supply Cache Fund. These funds will go directly toward purchasing needed items to make our response to a large earthquake more effective to benefit the entire neighborhood. Thanks to all of the sellers who chose to contribute 5 to 10 percent of their proceeds to the fund, and special thanks to Susan Hunter and Nancy Carleton for donating all the proceeds of their sale to the fund (plus to Susan for organizing the event, and to those who helped her with signs and posting flyers). Thanks as well to the several neighbors who donated clean used sheets to the cache, which can be used for bandages and slings. The Yard Sale was also a great social event, giving many of us a chance to visit with our neighbors and enjoy the community we've created.

If you were a seller and haven't yet contributed, it's not too late! Drop off or mail a check to HNA Treasurer Susan Hunter, 3044-A Halcyon Court, Berkeley, CA 94705. And even if you didn't participate, you can always help round out our Disaster Supply Cache materials either with direct donation of items or with a financial contribution (see the placeholder at the end of each E-News on what's needed and how to contribute).

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

4. Labyrinth Community Peace Walk, Sun., June 17, 3 p.m., Willard Middle School

Community Labyrinth Peace Walk at 3 p.m., Sun., June 17, Willard Middle School (Telegraph Ave. between Derby & Stuart, Berkeley). Everyone welcome. Wheelchair accessible. Rain cancels. Contact  info@eastbaylabyrinthproject.org, 526-7377.

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

5. Crime Watch Alert: Burglary on Prince Street Saturday Night

A neighbor on Prince near Deakin reports:

"Around quarter after twelve on Saturday night [June 9/early morning June 10], my roommate heard heavy steps outside her window, and called the police.  When they arrived, there was a new mess and some of my items had been stolen, so there had clearly been a break-in.

 

A neighbor on one of the corners -  we don't yet know who it was, but do want to thank them very much if we are able to find out -  was out when the police arrived, and thanks to him the intruder was quickly apprehended. Shortly thereafter, my things were found dumped and were returned to me. Due to good evidence proving that the burglar was in the house, along with the witness, the police sounded confident that he will be convicted.

I only saw the man when the police had us look at him from across the street to verify that we didn't know him, so it isn't a great description. He looked like he was in his late 30s,maybe early 40s.  African American, medium skin tone, looked like he wasn't very tall, but I really can't guess from a distance. He had a very closely shaved haircut, possibly actually bald on top, looked like the hair that I did see was grey or salt and pepper, but again, it was a distance. He was wearing a reddish long-sleeved shirt with jeans.  The cuffs of the jeans were folded up to mid-calf - sort of dressed young for his apparent age. He was wearing a id-type badge of some sort around his neck.  The backpack they recovered was a pretty nice one, silver and black with padded shoulder straps. He was not someone I recognized from around here at all.

 

I hope that this information helps in some way."

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

6. 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.)

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

7. Link to Halcyon Court Neighbor's Commentary in the Daily Planet

Editor's Note: The HNA E-News is happy to provide links to commentaries or letters to the editor written by neighbors. Please note that the opinions expressed are those of the writer only. HNA avoids taking stands on controversial citywide issues.

"Commentary: Public Commons Initiative Not for Everyone" by Nancy Carleton

http://www.berkeleydailyplanet.com/article.cfm?issue=06-12-07&storyID=27279

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

8. 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

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

* For Your Calendar: HNA Dates Scheduled for 2007

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

Sunday, June 24, 6-8 p.m., Halcyon Community Potluck, 2116 Emerson (between Wheeler & Shattuck)

Saturday, August 4, 9 a.m.-noon (note time change), 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, 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.

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

* 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/

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