Party Sunday in the Park, 5-7:30 p.m.!; Night-time Safety Walk Tuesday; Yard Sales This Weekend; 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 personal viewpoint.

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

1. Halcyon Community Potluck/Celebration with Live Music at Halcyon Commons, Sunday, September 30, 5-7:30 p.m.

2. Halcyon Night-time Safety Walk to Join up with East Lorin Walk, Tuesday, October 2; meet 8 p.m. at Halcyon Commons

3. Community Alert from Berkeley Police Department: Description of Murder Suspect

4. Yard Sale, Saturday, Sept. 29, 10 a.m. on, 3044 Halcyon Court (across from park)

5. Multi-Family Yard Sale in the Fulton-Russell Street Neighborhood, Saturday, Sept. 29, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

6. Meeting on the Public Commons for Everyone Initiative (PCEI), Sat. Sept. 29, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

* For Your Calendar: HNA Dates Scheduled for 2007

* Disaster Prep Supply Cache Wish List

* City of Berkeley: Useful Contact Information

Editor's Introductory Note:

Here are some reminders about events this weekend and in the near future. Hope to see you Sunday at our big party with live music in Halcyon Commons Park!

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

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

1. Halcyon Community Potluck/Celebration with Live Music at Halcyon Commons, Sunday, September 30, 5-7:30 p.m.

Halcyon Commons Community Potluck/Celebration with Live Music

featuring Rodeo Victory (acoustic folk) and the Zazous (Cajun-jazz fusion)

Sunday, September 30, 5 to 7:30 p.m.

Celebrating 15th Anniversary of Halcyon Neighborhood Association and 100th Anniversary of Berkeley Parks

at Halcyon Commons park (Halcyon Court at Prince St.)

with birthday cake to celebrate HNA Co-Chair Nancy Carleton's 50th Birthday

Come celebrate the life in and around the newest park in the City's park system (dedicated in 1996)  - and the only one designed and built and maintained through the partnership of  the neighborhood around it. Bring food and drink to share with others (see suggested guide below). Lively musical offerings by Rodeo Victory, an acoustic folk band, and The Zazous, a Cajun-jazz fusion group. Come share in the good vibes and vittles.

Please bring a dish to share (and also a beverage if you're able).

Appetizer:  U-Z * Salad: I-O * Main Dish: A-H * Dessert:  P-T

(If not obvious, kindly attach a label with ingredients for your dish to alert those with vegetarian and other diets.)

Volunteers needed to help set up before the event and clean up after. We also need someone willing to purchase and donate paper plates, cups, and napkins as well as plastic forks to replenish Halcyon Neighborhood Association's supplies so we're stocked for this event. Loan of additional lawn chairs also appreciated! Please contact John Steere for more information or to volunteer: 510-849-1969 or <jsteere@igc.org>

In addition to the aforementioned volunteer opportunities, HNA Neighborhood Watch Coordinator Dawn Rubin is looking for a couple of folks willing to help organize some fun activities for kids. Please contact her at  at your earliest convenience if you'd be willing to help out: <familyrubin@comcast.net>.

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

2. Halcyon Night-time Safety Walk to Join up with East Lorin Walk, Tuesday, October 2; meet 8 p.m. at Halcyon Commons

The East Lorin Neighborhood Association hosts a monthly walk on first Tuesdays. A few of us from the Halcyon Safety Walk Group intend to join them this coming Tuesday. Our neighborhood borders overlap, although their territory extends a little into north Oakland while including the mutually shared area to the east of the Ashby BART station. We're all affected by the larger picture, and the more we support one another's efforts, the more effective we'll be.

if you'd be interested in walking over from Halcyon Commons Park next Tuesday evening (meet at the picnic table), we'll be leaving promptly at 8:00 p.m., with the goal of meeting the East Lorin folks at 8:30 p.m. at the Nomad Cafe and walking with them for half an hour, returning to Halcyon Commons by around 9:20.

Whether or not you can make it Tuesday, if you'd like to be included on the listserve for the Halcyon Safety Walk group to receive notification of impromptu walks and meeting places, send your name, email address, street address, and phone number (all required so we can be safe) to <halcyon92@gmail.com>, and you'll receive an invitation to join. Remember, no dog required!

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

3. Community Alert from Berkeley Police Department: Description of Murder Suspect

Berkeley Police Department

Detectives Identify Suspect Wanted in Connection With Homicide on 8th Street

José Cristian Vera Flores

Berkeley, California (Wednesday, September 26, 2007)

City of Berkeley Police Department (BPD) Homicide detectives have identified the suspect wanted in connection with the death of a man in the 1800 block of 8th Street in West Berkeley. At 4:36 am, on Saturday morning, September 22, 2007, BPD got a 911 call from a resident who told the dispatcher that a friend had fallen and hit his head on the cement. When officers arrived, they found Isaac Castro, 37, lying lifeless outside his home. Berkeley Fire Department paramedics arrived and pronounced Castro dead at approximately 4:42 a.m. A team of BPD detectives has been working on this investigation throughout the last days, and has yet to locate the suspect. (See website link below for photo.) Detectives are asking the community's help in locating and arresting Flores, who may be using another name or variations of the name noted. The suspect is a member of the day laborer community and may work in various cities in the Bay Area. Anyone who sees the suspect should call 911 and mention this case. Anyone who may have any information regarding this suspect or the crime is urged to call the BPD Homicide Detail at (510) 981-5741 (office) or (510) 981-5900. (Non-emergency dispatch line)

http://www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/police/crimestats/policebulletins.html

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

4. Yard Sale, Saturday, Sept. 29, 10 a.m. on, 3044 Halcyon Court (across from park)

HNA Treasurer Susan Hunter's roommate Roxann is holding a yard sale this Saturday, including an eclectic mix of household items, such as brand-new 10-inch lampshades, in-box exercise ball, manual citrus juicer, wine barrel with insert for fish pond/water garden, baskets, old-fashioned toaster, Guatemalan/Mexican items, and much more.

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

5. Multi-Family Yard Sale in the Fulton-Russell Street Neighborhood, Saturday, Sept. 29, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Fulton-Russell Street Neighborhood Association announces the following:

The Fulton-Russell Neighborhood Assn. (FRNA) will be having a multi-family yard sale on Saturday, September 29, 10-4. Anyone who would like to bring

stuff to sell may do so, or just come on by for a glass of lemonade at the kids' stand! Oh! Come shopping, too!

Lisa Bullwinkel
2934 Fulton St.
Berkeley, CA 94705
510.548-5335 Ph & Fax

<LBullwinkel@aol.com>

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

6. Meeting on the Public Commons for Everyone Initiative (PCEI), Sat. Sept. 29, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

The City of Berkeley forwarded the following announcement [Editor's Note: HNA does not take positions on controversial proposals such as PCEI but encourages neighbors to get informed and express their opinions.]:

GET YOUR VOICE HEARD! 

As part of the research and policy-making process for PCEI, the City is hosting a large public meeting to discuss our goals for our shared public areas, as well as our commitment to protecting people's civil rights and providing necessary services.

Saturday, September 29, 2007
10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
North Berkeley Senior Center, 1901 Hearst Avenue

The Public Commons for Everyone Initiative (PCEI) seeks to improve our City's common areas for everyone who lives in, works in, or visits Berkeley. Our parks, libraries, schools, cultural venues, and commercial districts are important gathering places for everyone, and the City wants to ensure that everyone feels welcome and safe. Integral to that goal is ensuring that people have a safe place to sleep at night, that their civil rights are protected, and that those with physical, mental, or economic disabilities are cared for and have access to essential services.

GIVE YOUR INPUT ON COUNCIL'S RECOMMENDED COMPONENTS

• Add more public bathrooms or expand the hours of existing bathrooms
• Expand supportive housing opportunities
• Develop services that help transition people towards meaningful work and educational activities
• Assess need for additional public seating
• Restrict smoking in commercial areas
• Plan superior diversion models, effective street outreach teams, and community monitoring
• Adopt laws regarding public urination and defecation, inappropriate street behavior, and determine fair and equitable enforcement options
• Increase the number of parking meters and parking meter fees to generate financial support for expanded and improved services created by PCEI

GET INVOLVED!

Please get your voice heard at the meeting, and take your friends and neighbors, too. If you can't make it to the meeting, please contact your City Council representative by email, phone, fax or regular mail. You may also email Lauren Lempert at <llempert@ci.berkeley.ca.us>, or write to her at the City Manager's Office, 2180 Milvia, Berkeley, CA 94704.

 

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

For Your Calendar: HNA Dates Scheduled for 2007

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

Sunday, September 30,  5:00-7:30 p.m., Halcyon Community Potluck with Live Music, 15th Anniversary of Halcyon Neighborhood Association and 100th Anniversary of Berkeley Parks, Halcyon Commons park (Halcyon Court at Prince St.)

Saturday, October 27, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Fall Mulching in Park with help from Cal volunteers of Berkeley Project

Sunday, October 28,  6:30-8:00 p.m., Big Neighborhood Watch Community Meeting, Chochmat HaLev (Prince at Fulton)

Sunday, January 13, 2008, 5:00-8:30 p.m., 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):

Duct Tape (this is a versatile supply that allows us to improvise with common household items in the event of a disaster: lots needed!); 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; Two-Foot Lengths of 2x4s and 4x4s (good for cribbing and creating fulcrums for removing heavy objects during search & rescue operations).

Contact HNA Co-Chair and Cache Coordinator Nancy Carleton at <halcyon92@gmail.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.

Link to crime stats:

Berkeley:  www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/police

Link to police bulletins:

http://www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/police/crimestats/policebulletins.html

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/)/Parks: 981-6660

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 <halcyon92@gmail.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 <halcyon92@gmail.com>. Crime-watch reports and news about neighbors (births, new jobs, announcements re home businesses) 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 Halcyon Safety Walk Listserve:  For those who'd like to participate in night-time and daytime safety "dog" walks (dogs not required) to build community and serve as eyes on the street, please reply  to Halcyon Neighborhood Association <halcyon92@gmail.com> indicating your interest, and you will receive an invitation to join. For everyone's safety, be sure to include your full name, address, email, and phone.

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: HNA Anniversary Celebration Sunday!; Crime Watch updates, 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 personal viewpoint.

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

1. Halcyon Community Potluck/Celebration with Live Music at Halcyon Commons, Sunday, September 30, 5-7:30 p.m.

2. HNA's Big Fall Neighborhood Watch Meeting, Sunday, October 28, 6:30-8 p.m. at Chochmat HaLev (Prince at Fulton)

3. Community Alert from Berkeley Police Department: Increase in Robberies

4. Crime Watch Report: Mugging at Tremont and Prince, Sunday, Sept. 16 at 1 p.m.

5. Crime Watch Report: Suspicious Individual Scoping Out East Lorin Neighborhood

6. Crime Watch Tips: Identifying Suspicious Persons and Activities

7. Crime Watch Report: Assault at the Ashby BART Station, Weds., Sept. 19, 8:45 p.m.

8. Crime Watch Report: Suspicious Individual Casing Wheeler Street near Ashby

9. Crime Watch Report: Attempted Breakin on Wheeler, Sept. 11

10. Hidden Gems of Berkeley Bike Tour, Saturday, October 13, 1-4 p.m.

11. Free Mulch Available next to Halcyon Commons Park

12. Multi-Family Yard Sale in the Fulton-Russell Street Neighborhood, Saturday, Sept. 29, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

* For Your Calendar: HNA Dates Scheduled for 2007

* Disaster Prep Supply Cache Wish List

* City of Berkeley: Useful Contact Information

Editor's Introductory Note:

I'm just back from two weeks in beautiful and inspiring Peru, where I was celebrating my 50th birthday. I was deeply moved by an impromptu fiesta put on for me by the Quechua people of the island of Amantani in Lake Titicaca. Their extension of community and celebration was infectious, and I'm looking forward to celebrating again with many of you at the 15th anniversary of Halcyon Neighborhood Association this coming Sunday, September 30th, which will include a birthday cake as well as live music and good company (see item 1).

There have been far too many crimes in the short time I was away (see crime watch reports below); although some took place just outside our neighborhood's boundaries, they affect all of us. These challenges to our neighborhood's well-being only convince me of just how important it is that we continue to get to know one another and take a stand for our mutual safety. HNA Neighborhood Watch coordinator, Dawn Rubin, is hard at work planning another informative annual Neighborhood Watch meeting on Sunday, October 28 (see item 2). Please mark your calendars now and make this event a priority.

I hope you'll take the time to get involved by participating in a few neighborhood events each year. I look forward to the possibility of seeing you on both September 30th and October 28th!

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

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

1. Halcyon Community Potluck/Celebration with Live Music at Halcyon Commons, Sunday, September 30, 5-7:30 p.m.

Halcyon Commons Community Potluck/Celebration with Live Music

featuring Rodeo Victory (acoustic folk) and the Zazous (Cajun-jazz fusion)

Sunday, September 30, 5 to 7:30 p.m.

Celebrating 15th Anniversary of Halcyon Neighborhood Association and 100th Anniversary of Berkeley Parks

at Halcyon Commons park (Halcyon Court at Prince St.)

with birthday cake to celebrate HNA Co-Chair Nancy Carleton's 50th Birthday

Come celebrate the life in and around the newest park in the City's park system (dedicated in 1996)  - and the only one designed and built and maintained through the partnership of  the neighborhood around it. Bring food and drink to share with others (see suggested guide below). Lively musical offerings by Rodeo Victory, an acoustic folk band, and The Zazous, a Cajun-jazz fusion group. Come share in the good vibes and vittles.

Please bring a dish to share (and also a beverage if you're able).

Appetizer:  U-Z * Salad: I-O * Main Dish: A-H * Dessert:  P-T

(If not obvious, kindly attach a label with ingredients for your dish to alert those with vegetarian and other diets.)

Volunteers needed to help set up before the event and clean up after. We also need someone willing to purchase and donate paper plates, cups, and napkins as well as plastic forks to replenish Halcyon Neighborhood Association's supplies so we're stocked for this event. Loan of additional lawn chairs also appreciated! Please contact John Steere for more information or to volunteer: 510-849-1969 or <jsteere@igc.org>

In addition to the aforementioned volunteer opportunities, HNA Neighborhood Watch Coordinator Dawn Rubin is looking for a couple of folks willing to help organize some fun activities for kids. Please contact her at  at your earliest convenience if you'd be willing to help out: <familyrubin@comcast.net>.

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

2. HNA's Big Fall Neighborhood Watch Meeting, Sunday, October 28, 6:30-8 p.m. at Chochmat HaLev (Prince at Fulton)

HNA hosts two big Neighborhood Watch meetings annually, with the spring meeting focusing on disaster preparedness and the fall meeting focusing on crime watch. We'll be inviting representatives from the Police Department, including our beat officers, as well as our elected Council representatives, the Mayor's office, and the City Manager's Office. In addition, Dawn is working on a surprise event to help hone our crime prevention skills.

Please contact HNA Neighborhood Watch Coordinator Dawn Rubin at <familyrubin@comcast.net> to help plan the meeting or if you're able to help set up before or clean up after the event.

Many thanks to our neighbor Chochmat HaLev for their generosity in once again providing us with a free meeting site, as well as for agreeing to donate use of their photocopy machine to produce neighborhood flyers six times a year!

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

3. Community Alert from Berkeley Police Department: Increase in Robberies

Editor's Note: The Berkeley Police Department is circulating the following community alert:

September 19, 2007

COMMUNITY ALERT

Increase in Robberies

In the months of August and September, the City of Berkeley has experienced an increase in robberies. Many Bay Area communities are also being challenged by this troubling crime trend. Detectives and patrol officers are aggressively responding to these cases and have made some recent noteworthy arrests.

The Berkeley Police Department (BPD) would like to remind community members of

the following crime prevention measures:

• Be alert and aware of your surroundings, particularly if you are
• alone or it is dark.
• Refrain from using cell phones and I-Pods in public, as they
• significantly limit your awareness and can attract a robber's
• attention.
• Whenever possible, travel with a friend or group.
• Walk confidently and at a steady pace.
• If you sense trouble, move to a populated, well-lit area.
• Do not respond to conversation from strangers on the street.
• Walk close to the curb. Avoid doorways, bushes, and alleys where criminals can hide.
• Program the local direct 911 - emergency number into your cellphone. In Berkeley, dial (510) 981-5911 from your cell.
• If you are the victim of a robbery, provide as much detail as you recall to the police officer. Robbers usually operate in the same areas each time and employ the same methods. The smallest details can often lead to arrests.
• Do not resist a robber.

For additional resources, visit the BPD website at http://www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/police. If you notice any suspicious individual(s) or activity, please contact BPD's nonemergency line at (510) 981-5900. For crimes in progress, dial 911 or (510) 981-5911 from your cell phone.

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

4. Crime Watch Report: Mugging at Tremont and Prince, Sunday, Sept. 16 at 1 p.m.

An East Lorin neighbor forwards the following report:

"Sunday Sept 16th at 1p.m. there was a mugging at Tremont and Prince St.  The perpetrator of the mugging was the very same guy I chased out of the area Thursday night (see item 5). While out driving I noticed two police cars on Prince and stopped and found out what happened.  The perpetrator, a husky black man on a bicycle with a t-shirt wrapped around his face, first approached two teenagers (at least one of whom lives on Prince between Shattuck and Tremont) saying he had pot to sell. Once he had engaged them, he told them he had a gun and robbed them. One of the teens had seen the guy bicycling around with the t-shirt on his face a half hour previous to the robbery and thought this looked suspicious but unfortunately did not follow through and call the police.

 

"If you see such a man bicycling around here with a t-shirt around his face, CALL THE POLICE IMMEDIATELY.  DO NOT let him approach you if you are on foot.  DO NOT respond to him; walk away. Notify all others around if possible so that others are not victimized. I myself have purchased a megaphone for possible use to warn nearby pedestrians in such cases."

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

5. Crime Watch Report: Suspicious Individual Scoping Out East Lorin Neighborhood

An East Lorin neighbor reports:

"On Thursday Sept 13th at 8:30 p.m. I received a call from an acquaintance on Whitney Street who told me that a black man on a 10-speed bicycle with a white t-shirt around his face, disguising his face, continually harassed him and ever more closely approached him.  My friend thought this man was scoping him out to rob him.  I got in my car and found the individual bicycling back and forth along Shattuck between Prince and 65th, and along Woolsey between Shattuck and Tremont.  He was in his 20s, somewhat stocky build, wearing jeans with embroidered rear pockets, blue shirtless t-shirt, white tennis shoes, and a white t-shirt wrapped around his head.  He rode his bike on the sidewalks and continually circled around, staying in this small area. I called Berkeley PD. I followed the individual. Because he turned so often, he eventually saw me following him, and threw down his bike and confronted me. I remained stopped, kept car windows closed, and ignored him. He made a motion suggesting that he was armed. He then took off at high speed south on Shattuck, and I did not see him again that evening. I believe that realizing he was being watched discouraged him from continuing.  The police had told me for my safety not to follow him, but they also said they were very busy and it could take them an hour to arrive.  Within that space of time this individual could easily have robbed someone and been long gone. I believe I was safer keeping tabs on this individual from my car than was any pedestrian out walking these streets with this masked man prowling here at that time. Ideally, especially when police response times are slow, as they often are, I envision a neighborhood alert type situation where neighbors can be called to come out and watch a suspicious character or prowler from different points.  Thus it could be conveyed to the prowler that he's being watched by the whole neighborhood, not just by one person. What do folks think of such a plan?"

[Editor's Note: For your safety, consult the police department regarding the safest way to deal with such situations. See the contact information at the end of the E-News.]

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

6. Crime Watch Tips: Identifying Suspicious Persons and Activities

A neighbor excerpted this information for a Berkeley Police Department handout and added some additional categories:

SUSPICIOUS PERSONS and ACTIVITIES:

1. When someone is paying an unusual amount of attention to the people or places around him or her.  The person may be preparing to commit a criminal act after making sure no one is watching.
2. Someone who is hanging out in dark or obscured areas.  Criminals do not want to be seen while waiting for an opportunity to strike.
3. When someone flees or runs away from a car or home when they notice you are watching or have seen them.

4. Someone going door-to-door in the neighborhood or wandering with no purpose.  Anyone can walk on our streets, but looking into cars, homes, and windows or down driveways is known as "casing."

5. If you hear any unusual noises that you cannot explain: breaking glass, prying or pounding noises.
6. Slow moving cars, cars repeatedly circling the neighborhood/block, cars driving without headlights on or someone conducting business from a car. 
7. Persons walking or bicycling down the street carrying property or household items in an awkward manner.
8. You see someone removing property or materials from a home or business at unusual hours.
9. A stranger entering a neighbor's home or business when your neighbor appears away at home or work.

To these might be added:

10. Persons loitering/circling in residential areas who are not known to live in these areas. 

11. Persons disguising their faces.
12.  Persons bearing a resemblance to descriptions of suspects in other neighborhood incidents. 

13.  Persons behaving oddly or aggressively, such as walking down the street yelling obscenities. 

A Berkeley Police officer said this:  "If you are uncomfortable about someone, there is a reason.  Never let someone tell you that you shouldn't call the police."  Do not allow anyone who you feel uneasy about to approach you.

 
To contact police:

To report suspicious persons/activities:  Berkeley  (510) 981-5900;  Oakland (510) 777-3333

To report crimes in progress:  in Berkeley call 911 from a land line or (510) 981-5911 from cellphone. 

In Oakland  call 911 from land line, (510) 777-3321 from cellphone.

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

7. Crime Watch Report: Assault at the Ashby BART Station, Weds., Sept. 19, 8:45 p.m.

An East Lorin neighbor reports:

"My housemate who the prior week experienced someone attempting to rob him on Whitney Street was assaulted at 8:45 p.m. at the Ashby BART Station on

Weds night, Sept 19th. He was riding his bicycle into the BART parking lot and was suddenly struck on his head. He fell unconscious to the ground, where he remained until police and ambulance came to him. He does not know how long he laid on the ground. His bicycle was not stolen. He did not see anyone attack him, and guesses he was attacked from behind. To me this sounds very much like the incident on 59th Street not long ago where a man on a bicycle was approached by a group of black kids and hit in the head with a metal pipe. My housemate is lucky to be alive and I am furious with anyone who says that Oakland does not need more police officers. Please be very careful walking to and from the BART station at night."

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

8. Crime Watch Report: Suspicious Individual Casing Wheeler Street near Ashby

A Wheeler Street neighbor reports:

"I live on Wheeler Street near Ashby.  My housemate saw the signs about the recent crimes and said that the description sounds quite a bit like the guy that comes up our driveway, ostensibly after the recycling, but lingers to look in our windows, as if he is checking out our place. My housemate said that he was a very thin black man, between 5'10 and 6 feet, had jeans, nondescript shirt, and wears a hat. He moved furtively, while  looking through our windows, and looked to be possibly in his forties.  She was not able to look closely at him, but she had seen him a number of times."

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

9. Crime Watch Report: Attempted Breakin on Wheeler, Sept. 11

A Wheeler Street neighbor reports:

"Someone tried to break into our house through an open window while we were home around 9:20 p.m. the evening of September 11. Our dog ent to the window and barked like crazy, and the person ran away. We didn't see them. They just left footprints, some broken branches, and an empty booze bottle behind. The window they tried to get into was right under our porch light (bright). And my husband and I were talking loudly one room away, so they might have known that we were home. Anyway we called the police and they looked around the neighborhood. We're on Wheeler between Woolsey and Prince. We thought the neighbors should know."

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

10. Hidden Gems of Berkeley Bike Tour, Saturday, October 13, 1-4 p.m.

HNA Co-Chair John Steere announces the following:

 

You're invited to participate in the fall edition of the Hidden Gems of South Berkeley Ride  on Saturday, October 13, 1 to 4 p.m.!  Last May we held the 5th annual Hidden Gems ride of Berkeley, a magical mystery tour of fascinating streetscapes, folk art, and whimsical features that grace our town - or in this case, the Elmwood, LeConte, and other sections of South Berkeley.  If haven't participated yet, here's your chance to go on a special edition ride (not advertised or posted as was this), and even if you have gone in years past, you'll find new delightful sites e nroute.  Join us for 3 hours or even 1 . . . Fun and learning on a bike parade are in store.

 

For a sneak preview of the hidden gems map and brief commentary on several features on this tour, please check out the John English's blog site "walking Berkeley," which is a treasure trove itself of the quirky and enigmatic visual character that makes up our town:

 

http://walkingberkeley.wordpress.com/2007/05/16/hidden-gems-of-berkeley/

 

Trust this will whet your appetite to join us. . . .

 

Where and when: Meet up in Halcyon Commons (one block West of Telegraph between Prince and Webster) at 1 p.m.

What (it is and to bring): Ride is 4 easy miles on fairly flat terrain.  Bring water  and snack.  Family friendly!

 

Call if you have questions or to RSVP:  510-849-1969 (or just show up)

 

Cheers,

-John

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

11. Free Mulch Available next to Halcyon Commons Park

A Halcyon Court neighbor announces that he received a bigger-than-expected delivery of mulch for his landscaping needs. There is plenty of extra mulch on the street just north of Halcyon Commons Park (between Prince and Webster on Halcyon Court). Feel free to bring a wheelbarrow and help yourself.

Thanks to the neighbor for placing some of the mulch around the park so we can spread it at our work party October 27; we'll also make use of any remaining mulch at that time.

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

12. Multi-Family Yard Sale in the Fulton-Russell Street Neighborhood, Saturday, Sept. 29, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Fulton-Russell Street Neighborhood Assocation announces the following:

The Fulton-Russell Neighborhood Assn. (FRNA) will be having a multi-family yard sale on Saturday, September 29, 10-4. Anyone who would like to bring

stuff to sell may do so, or just come on by for a glass of lemonade at the kids' stand! Oh! Come shopping, too!

Lisa Bullwinkel
2934 Fulton St.
Berkeley, CA 94705
510.548-5335 Ph & Fax

<LBullwinkel@aol.com>

 

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

For Your Calendar: HNA Dates Scheduled for 2007

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

Sunday, September 30,  5:00-7:30 p.m., Halcyon Community Potluck with Live Music, 15th Anniversary of Halcyon Neighborhood Association and 100th Anniversary of Berkeley Parks, Halcyon Commons park (Halcyon Court at Prince St.)

Saturday, October 27, 9 a.m. on, Fall Mulching in Park with help from Cal volunteers of Berkeley Project

Sunday, October 28,  6:30-8:00 p.m., Big Neighborhood Watch Community Meeting, Chochmat HaLev (Prince at Fulton)

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):

Duct Tape (this is a versatile supply that allows us to improvise with common household items in the event of a disaster: lots needed!); 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; Two-Foot Lengths of 2x4s and 4x4s (good for cribbing and creating fulcrums for removing heavy objects during search & rescue operations).

Contact HNA Co-Chair and Cache Coordinator Nancy Carleton at <halcyon92@gmail.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.

Link to crime stats:

Berkeley:  www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/police

Link to police bulletins:

http://www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/police/crimestats/policebulletins.html

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/)/Parks: 981-6660

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 <halcyon92@gmail.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 <halcyon92@gmail.com>. Crime-watch reports and news about neighbors (births, new jobs, announcements re home businesses) 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 Halcyon Safety Walk Listserve:  For those who'd like to participate in night-time and daytime safety "dog" walks (dogs not required) to build community and serve as eyes on the street, please reply  to Halcyon Neighborhood Association <halcyon92@gmail.com> indicating your interest, and you will receive an invitation to join. For everyone's safety, be sure to include your full name, address, email, and phone.

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: Small Dog Found; HNA 15th Anniversary 9/30; Lorin Safety Walk Tonight 9/4, 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 personal viewpoint.

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

1. Small Dog with Curly Tail Found on Ashby Near Wheeler

2. Halcyon Community Potluck/Celebration with Live Music at Halcyon Commons, Sunday, September 30, 5-7:30 p.m.

3. Monthly Safety Walk in East Lorin Neighborhood Tonight, Tuesday, Sept. 4,  8:30 p.m., Nomad Cafe

4. Two Labyrinth Walks: September 16 (Willard) and September 23 Marina)

5.  Berkeley Partners for Parks Fundraiser in Aquatic Park, Sunday, Sept. 23, 3-5 p.m.

* For Your Calendar: HNA Dates Scheduled for 2007

* Disaster Prep Supply Cache Wish List

* City of Berkeley: Useful Contact Information

Editor's Introductory Note:

Despite the recent wave of crime-watch oriented reports, there are plenty of positive things happening in our neighborhood as we build community and work together to make our neighborhood safer. I hope to see you at one of these events, especially at our big September 30th 15th  Anniversary Celebration, which I've just learned will include birthday cake from HNA Treasurer (and chef) Susan Hunter to help me celebrate my fiftieth birthday - along with great music from local groups and potluck items we'll all share!

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

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

1. Small Dog with Curly Tail Found on Ashby Near Wheeler

Small dog with curly tail, possibly a Chihuahua mix, on Ashby near Wheeler, male with no easily discernible other equipment.  He is in our yard, under the deck now. Contact 510- 540-8721 or <firedeer@california.com> if you know where this dog belongs.

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

2. Halcyon Community Potluck/Celebration with Live Music at Halcyon Commons, Sunday, September 30, 5-7:30 p.m.

Halcyon Commons Community Potluck/Celebration with Live Music

featuring Rodeo Victory (acoustic folk) and the Zazous (Cajun-jazz fusion)

Sunday, September 30, 5 to 7:30 p.m.

Celebrating 15th Anniversary of Halcyon Neighborhood Association and 100th Anniversary of Berkeley Parks

at Halcyon Commons park (Halcyon Court at Prince St.)

including special birthday cake to celebrate HNA Co-Chair Nancy Carleton's 50th Birthday

Come celebrate the life in and around the newest park in the City's park system (dedicated in 1996)  - and the only one designed and built and maintained through the partnership of  the neighborhood around it. Bring food and drink to share with others (see suggested guide below). Lively musical offerings by Rodeo Victory, an acoustic folk band, and The Zazous, a Cajun-jazz fusion group. Come share in the good vibes and vittles.

Please bring a dish to share (and also a beverage if you're able).

Appetizer:  U-Z * Salad: I-O * Main Dish: A-H * Dessert:  P-T

(If not obvious, kindly attach a label with ingredients for your dish to alert those with vegetarian and other diets.)

Volunteers needed to help set up before the event and clean up after. We also need someone willing to purchase and donate paper plates, cups, and napkins as well as plastic forks to replenish Halcyon Neighborhood Association's supplies so we're stocked for this event. Loan of additional lawn chairs also appreciated! Please see following contact information to volunteer.

Contact John Steere for more information or to volunteer: 510-849-1969 or <jsteere@igc.org>

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

3. Monthly Safety Walk in East Lorin Neighborhood Tonight, Tuesday, Sept. 4,  8:30 p.m., Nomad Cafe

Halcyon neighbors may be interested in joining the East Lorin Neighborhood Association's monthly walking group (East Lorin boundaries overlap with HNA's territory, and we hooked up for the National Night Against Crime Watch in early August. Contact Jeffrey Jensen (contact info below) if you'd like to be added to the ELNA walk list.

From: "Jeffrey G. Jensen" <jeffreygjensen@yahoo.com>

Subject: Monthly Walking Group

Yes, once again it is time for our monthly walking group.

 

The ELNA walking group meets at the Nomad Cafe one night per month to walk as a small group. We are endeavoring to walk the first Tuesday of each month starting at 8:30 p.m. This Tuesday, September 4, 2007, we will continue that tradition. Our walking group has been very successful, and we encourage you to join us. Not only is it good for your health, but it's a great way to learn about the neighborhood and meet your neighbors.

As we have agreed, we will only walk if at least three people are willing and ready to walk starting at the Nomad at 8:30 p.m. Otherwise, we will cancel (we want to make sure everyone is safe). If you want to get there 5 or 10 minutes early to order some tea or to chat, that would be great, but please be ready to walk at 8:30 p.m. sharp. We will end our walk at the Nomad at approximately 9:00 p.m. Several of us will commit to a rotating lead on this for the next several months in the hope of achieving a critical mass of interest. We hope to see you this coming Tuesday, September 4.

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

4. Two Free Labyrinth Walks: September 16 (Willard) and September 23 Marina)

Sunday, September 16

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

Sunday, September 23

Facilitated Labyrinth Walk, 12 noon to 3 p.m., at future site of Berkeley Community Peace Labyrinth, East Lawn of Berkeley Marina (off University near Marina bus stop, just south of Marina Blvd. turnoff, across water from ped/bike bridge). Free to the public.  Stop by anytime 12-3 on your way to the BPFP fundraiser in Aquatic Park at 3 [Editor's Note: See item 5]. Contact  info@eastbaylabyrinthproject.org, 526-7377 for more information.

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

5.  Berkeley Partners for Parks Fundraiser in Aquatic Park, Sunday, Sept. 23, 3-5 p.m.

[Editor's Note:  Not all neighbors may be aware that the citywide parks organization Berkeley Partners for Parks came into being to serve as a nonprofit sponsor of a range of adopt-a-park groups across Berkeley. Halcyon Neighborhood Association was the first to adopt a park not yet created - Halcyon Commons - and HNA Co-Chair Nancy Carleton was a founding member (and past president) of the original group incorporating BPFP as a nonprofit 501(c)3. HNA Co-Chair John Steere was also one of the early active members, even prior to incorporation, and is now serving as BPFP's  president. HNA still benefits from the nonprofit umbrella of BPFP, with which our Friends of Halcyon Commons efforts are affiliated.]

Berkeley Partners for Parks (BPFP Fundraiser in Aquatic Park

Sunday, Sept. 23, 3-5 p.m.

(At the EGRET Center/clubhouse, on Bolivar Drive just north of Ashby)

BPFP invites you to an afternoon of food, drink, music, and camaraderie by the lagoon. Support the next 100 years of parks, community gardens, creeks and open space in Berkeley as we celebrate the Centennial of Berkeley's park system. Suggested donation:  $30. Bring family and friends!  RSVP to info@pbfp.org or call 510-540-7223.

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

For Your Calendar: HNA Dates Scheduled for 2007

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

Sunday, September 30,  5:00-7:30 p.m., Halcyon Community Potluck with Live Music, 15th Anniversary of Halcyon Neighborhood Association and 100th Anniversary of Berkeley Parks, Halcyon Commons park (Halcyon Court at Prince St.)

Saturday, October 27, 9 a.m. on, Fall Mulching in Park with help from Cal volunteers of Berkeley Project

Sunday, October 28,  6:30-8:30 p.m., Big Neighborhood Watch Community Meeting, Chochmat HaLev (location and date/time 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):

Duct Tape (this is a versatile supply that allows us to improvise with common household items in the event of a disaster: lots needed!); 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; Two-Foot Lengths of 2x4s and 4x4s (good for cribbing and creating fulcrums for removing heavy objects during search & rescue operations).

Contact HNA Co-Chair and Cache Coordinator Nancy Carleton at <halcyon92@gmail.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.

Link to crime stats:

Berkeley:  www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/police

Link to police bulletins:

http://www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/police/crimestats/policebulletins.html

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/)/Parks: 981-6660

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 <halcyon92@gmail.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 <halcyon92@gmail.com>. Crime-watch reports and news about neighbors (births, new jobs, announcements re home businesses) 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 Halcyon Safety Walk Listserve: For those who'd like to participate in night-time and daytime safety "dog" walks (dogs not required) to build community and serve as eyes on the street, please reply  to Halcyon Neighborhood Association <halcyon92@gmail.com> indicating your interest, and you will receive an invitation to join. For everyone's safety, be sure to include your full name, address, email, and phone.

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: Safety Dog Walk Tonight & Holiday Weekend Crime Watch Update, 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 personal viewpoint.

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

1. Nighttime Safety "Dog" Walk Sunday, Sept. 2, 10:30-11:20 p.m.

2. Crime Watch Report: Suspicious Person Casing Larger Neighborhood

3. Crime Watch Report: Muggings on Shattuck  and Suspects Seen in East Lorin Neighborhood, Thurs. Aug. 31

4. Crime Watch Report: Incident on Telegraph and Woolsey, Thurs. Aug. 30

5. Wheeler Street Neighbor Shares Ideas on Getting More "Eyes on the Street"

6. Report from Tony Hill on Neighborhood Meeting on Solar Power, Cable Undergrounding, etc.

* For Your Calendar: HNA Dates Scheduled for 2007

* Disaster Prep Supply Cache Wish List

* City of Berkeley: Useful Contact Information

Editor's Introductory Note:

If you're in town this holiday weekend, keep a special eye out; there have been several reports of  suspicious characters casing the neighborhood, as well as a couple more muggings late Thursday night on Shattuck between the Starry Ploug and Nomad Cafe (see items 2 and 3). Please be sure to report suspicious behavior to the police. And please consider joining us for tonight's dog-optional safety walk.

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

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

1. Nighttime Safety "Dog" Walk Sunday, Sept. 2, 10:30-11:20 p.m.

Meet at the picnic table at Halcyon Commons park (Halcyon at Prince Street)

Sunday, September 2, 10:30 p.m.

Halcyon Safety Walks typically last 40-50 minutes (with the option of taking longer to cover more of the neighborhood if some of the group so desire).

Note that the HNA Halcyon Safety Walk Listserve enables members to plan impromptu walks (most aren't listed in the E-News).

To sign up for the HNA Halcyon Safety Walk Listserve: For those who'd like to participate in nighttime and daytime safety "dog" walks (dogs not required) to build community and serve as eyes on the street, please reply  to Halcyon Neighborhood Association <halcyon92@gmail.com> indicating your interest, and you will receive an invitation to join. For everyone's safety, be sure to include your full name, address, email, and phone. This listserve exists solely to plan walks; you will not be exposing yourself to random spam, political notices, etc. Please join us!

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

2. Crime Watch Report: Suspicious Person Casing Larger Neighborhood

A nearby neighborhood leader reports:

A Prince Street neighbor reports: This late afternoon while stopped at the light on the corner of Alcatraz and Shattuck, I noticed a person that appeared to be out of place and somewhat suspicious. I watched him peer into the windows of the closed beauty shop and the closed nail shop and then look down the driveway of the apartment building just south of 65th and Telegraph. I continued to monitor him as he went down Shattuck past the Nomad to 66th. I got the feeling that he noticed me watching him and became a little uncomfortable. At that point he turned east onto 66th Street heading for Telegraph. I then returned home to get my bicycle and headed towards Elmwood for a little shopping.

While pedaling along Telegraph, I noticed this person again at Telegraph and Woolsey near the burger place. I stopped at the burger place and pretended to look at menu, but continued to monitor this individual through the reflection of a window. He then began to case the property next door. After looking in several directions, he proceeded into the driveway and disappeared behind the house. At that point, I called the Berkeley Police. This person was acting quite nervous when he came out and was looking around to see if anyone saw him. At that point, he crossed Telegraph and continued down the street towards Ashby casing various properties, stopping to hid in a doorway, before sitting down at Webster and Telegraph near Whole Foods. I continued to monitor his location and update the Berkeley Police.

The Berkeley Police did finally stop him, but did not arrest him. This individual was in fact on probation so they were able to do a search but only came up with a small knife which the Officer informed me was legal. The Officer was clearly happy that I had called and informed me that this person was definitely not associated with the neighborhood and that he felt he was looking for trouble. The Officer noted that because they were able to identify this person it would give them a better opportunity to link him to burglaries in the area if he is involved.

The individual in question was a black male, 30-35, approximately 6 feet to 6 feet 3 inches tall, short black cropped hair, dark blue shirt, dark blue pants, with reflective/mirrored sunglasses.

With the rash of recent muggings and burglaries, we really need to be cognizant of who is coming into and out of our neighborhoods. We all need to get to know our neighbors and their regular visitors, and if someone appears suspicious and you do not recognize them as being part of our neighborhood, call the Police-- Berkeley PD 981-5911 and Oakland PD 777-3211.

Jeffrey G. Jensen

Co-Chair, East Lorin Neighborhood Association

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3. Crime Watch Report: Muggings on Shattuck  and Suspects Seen in East Lorin Neighborhood, Thurs. Aug. 30

From a North Oakland listserve forward:

On Thursday night 8/30, between 11 and 11:30 p.m., a group of three 16-17 year olds, one armed with a gun, mugged two separate people.  both victims reported "negotiating" with them:  one took his sim card out of his phone and asked for his bag back after they took stuff from it; the other gave them his money but got his wallet back.  Both incidents happened on Shattuck between Nomad and the Starry Plough.

An East Lorin neighbor (just over the Oakland border) reports (concerning that same evening):

Thursday night (8/30-8/31/07):  I was just awakened at 11:30 p.m. by one of my motion detector alarms and I heard a noise as well. I saw a young man in a sort of peacoat emerging from my neighbor's yard.  One of my housemates saw two men jumping over our neighbor's fence.  (Location:  Woolsey street near Whitney.) We checked to make sure no one was in our yard and then got in our car attempting to follow the individuals.  We found three police cars in front of the Nomad Cafe, where there had just been a mugging, and we learned there had also just been an incident, perhaps a mugging, at the Ashby BART station.  The two men jumping over our neighbor's fence very likely were perpetrators of one of these incidents and had likely ran through our neighbor's yard to escape.  We weren't able to spot and follow anyone, but we gave a report to the Berkeley PD who were in front of the Nomad cafe.

 

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4. Crime Watch Report: Incident on Telegraph and Woolsey, Thurs. Aug. 30

A neighbor reports:

On Thursday morning [Aug.30] while walking near Telegraph and Woolsey I observed a suspicious character toting what looked like a stolen garbage can down Telegraph Avenue.  I confronted him asking him what he was doing and he became angry and ended up approaching me and then running after me as if he were going to assault me.  I ran toward a bystander, figuring that this would prevent him attacking me. He retreated.  I unfortunately couldn't call police as I had forgotten my cellphone.  Description of man:  black man, about 6 ft tall, 40-50 years old, short hair, medium build, somewhat gap-toothed, wearing black tee shirt and short blue pants.

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5. Wheeler Street Neighbor Shares Ideas on Getting More "Eyes on the Street"

A Wheeler Street resident submitted the following comments:

Since this recent spat of crime seems to be happening all around me, I've been thinking about it and looking around our neighborhood for ways to counter act the situation.  One thing I've noticed when I walk on Prince between Wheeler and BART and on parts of Wheeler too, is that many of the windows facing the street are either blocked by vegetation or closed by window blinds.  This means there are no "eyes on the street"  or even the illusion of eyes on the street.  With all of the windows covered, I know I feel that no one in those homes might see me if a problem does occur.  Some additional thoughts:

 

Encourage people to spend time in their front yards and porches.  I've been trying to make it more of a habit to sit on my front porch and  read or go through my mail.  (As an added benefit, spending time in front yards and on porches has also been shown to decrease vehicle speeds.)

 

Encourage people to open or partially open their window blinds, especially when they are home.  This allows us to informally monitor the activities on the street and may make the street less desirable for criminal activity.

 

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6. Report from Tony Hill on Neighborhood Meeting on Solar Power, Cable Undergrounding, etc.

Prince Street neighbor Tony Hill submitted the following report of the neighborhood meeting on Solar Power, Cable Undergrounding and other topics  held on Thursday Aug. 23:

A meeting of Prince St. , LeConte chat, and Halcyon neighbors was held, with Councilmember Kriss Worthington showing up at 8 p.m. to give info on cable undergrounding.  First topic was solar power, with an aim towards getting a number of people to sign up for free estimates on their houses the idea being we would bring the price down by having 20 houses done rather than one.  The initial idea was to have a number of houses get estimates, but it was felt that we could get pretty much the same info by having a few companies give estimates on one house.  The house of Tony Hill was chosen as the trial house.

I (Tony Hill)  called a number of companies thanks to the info given me by Jennifer Dolan and have set up appointments for estimates. One thing I discovered after getting my PG&E electric bills at 800-743-5000, operator is that I hardly use enough to pay off the investment in a reasonable time.  Of course, paying off the investment may not be the primary reason for doing this.  Some neighbors with higher electric needs may also be interested in getting estimates. I don't have recommendations at this point for different companies but will send them out if I get some. If anybody out there has any recommendations please send them to me or the groups.

 Some attending pointed out that Solar Electric power gets better every year and that one might want to wait until some of the research on the horizon becomes commercial. I've been saying that about home computers for years. It is true though that research on photovoltaic conversion does get a little better every year. It was also pointed out that if you wanted to invest in photoelectric energy, it might be better to invest in an array out in the valley which would be cheaper to set up and would feed into the same electricity grid. Looking at photovoltaic strictly as an investment has its problems.

 Another thought brought up was what about solar thermal water?  Why aren't the same companies doing both?  I haven't got a straight answer yet, but one company coming by my house claims to do both. A website that Jennifer sent me is http://www.gosolarcalifornia.ca.gov/. You can check it out for yourself. There is a list of Solar people on it. I'll be sending out the info I get on this at the end of next week.   I'll also send this info to NABART and the Lorin district group.

 Kriss Worthington gave us lots of info on the progress of Undergrounding of Power, Phone and TV Cable wires which is briefly the following:  The City gets about $1,000,000 per year (which does about 6 blocks) from PG&E (who gets the money from you) to spend on undergrounding. The list of what streets to do is up to the City.  he City gets a list of suggested streets from the Public Works Commission.  The last list was drawn up 10 years or so ago and a new list will come out in the next few months. The last list had streets like downtown Shattuck and University Aves and then streets in the hills.  Some people were outraged by this spending of the money on the hills on not on the flatlands where it should be cheaper to do it. At any rate the Public Works Commission is having meetings on this now, and it seems like it's time to ask the hard questions like why there and why there and why there? Kriss should be sending me info about when they meet.  I will send it to you. If you have this information, let's spread it to the neighborhoods. The above money pays for the undergrounding of the PG&E cables down the street.  It does not pay for the hooking up to the houses. Estimates of that house hook up run around $8,000/ house. If the street costs are $15,000/ house, that's a total of $23,000/ house.  This is not a small chunk of change although it's pointed out that a street with the cables undergrounded makes all the houses on the street more valuable.   Of course, if the city is paying for $15,000 of that $23,000 it does make it more reasonable.  And, of course, you're already paying for it through your utility bills-including the poor who can't afford this. And maybe the city could give loans for paying off this hookup.  There's lots of possibilities for financing. If you have info on this, pass it on to me.

 We also talked briefly about City Car Share rentals for your neighborhood, but people pointed out that you can pick up a car a UC storage on Shattuck or at Alta Bates. The rates they say are $4/hour with a monthly fee of $10.

 Send me info   at thill94703@gmail.com. Or call 548-2306.

 Tony Hill

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For Your Calendar: HNA Dates Scheduled for 2007

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

Sunday, September 30,  5:00-7:30 p.m., Halcyon Community Potluck with Live Music, 15th Anniversary of Halcyon Neighborhood Association and 100th Anniversary of Berkeley Parks, Halcyon Commons park (Halcyon Court at Prince St.)

Saturday, October 27, 9 a.m. on, Fall Mulching in Park with help from Cal volunteers of Berkeley Project

Sunday, October 28,  6:30-8:30 p.m., Big Neighborhood Watch Community Meeting, Chochmat HaLev (location and date/time 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):

Duct Tape (this is a versatile supply that allows us to improvise with common household items in the event of a disaster: lots needed!); 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; Two-Foot Lengths of 2x4s and 4x4s (good for cribbing and creating fulcrums for removing heavy objects during search & rescue operations).

Contact HNA Co-Chair and Cache Coordinator Nancy Carleton at <halcyon92@gmail.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.

Link to crime stats:

Berkeley:  www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/police

Link to police bulletins:

http://www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/police/crimestats/policebulletins.html

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/)/Parks: 981-6660

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 <halcyon92@gmail.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 <halcyon92@gmail.com>. Crime-watch reports and news about neighbors (births, new jobs, announcements re home businesses) 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 Halcyon Safety Walk Listserve: For those who'd like to participate in night-time and daytime safety "dog" walks (dogs not required) to build community and serve as eyes on the street, please reply  to Halcyon Neighborhood Association <halcyon92@gmail.com> indicating your interest, and you will receive an invitation to join. For everyone's safety, be sure to include your full name, address, email, and phone.

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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