HNA E-News: Halcyon joining East Lorin Walk, 8 p.m. tonight; Crime Watch updates; announcements; 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 Walkers to Once Again Join Up with the East Lorin Walk, Tuesday, Dec. 4, leaving Halcyon Commons at 8 p.m.

2. Talk by Gary Brechin on New Deal Legacy in Berkeley's Parks and Recreational Facilities, Weds., Dec. 5, 7:30-9 p.m., Theatre in Live Oak Park

3. Update on Neighborhood Research into Solar Possibilities (and Undergrounding) from Tony Hill

4. Crime Watch Report: Car Break-in on Deakin near Ashby

5. Crime Watch Report: Robbery on 2000 Block of Prince with Arrest of Suspect

6. Crime Watch Report: East Lorin/BART Flea Market Incident with Flower Thief

7. Crime Watch Report: Attempted Robbery on Tremont at Woolsey

8. Crime Watch Report: Attempted Late-Night "Out of Gas" Scam on Fulton near Ashby

9. Perspective: "I Really Like This Neighborhood!" by Wheeler Street Resident

10.  Prince Street Neighbor Contacts Traffic Engineer Concerning Prince/Shattuck Pedestrian Safety

11.  Celebration of Publication of Karl Linn's Book on Creating Commons, Sunday, Dec. 9, 3-6 p.m.

* For Your Calendar: HNA Dates Scheduled for 2008

* Disaster Prep Supply Cache Wish List

* City of Berkeley: Useful Contact Information

* Halcyon Neighborhood Association's Guiding Principles

Editor's Introductory Note:

Many thanks to those from the Steering Committee and Disaster Preparedness Committee who attended HNA's Sunday planning meeting and mapped out HNA dates for 2008 (some tweaking may occur as the new year unwinds, so check the E-News for updates). Looks like we have a great year ahead  nurturing community, moving disaster preparedness and our neighborhood watch structure forward, and taking care of Halcyon Commons and the surrounding area. The calendar is posted in a placeholder toward the end of each E-News. You might want to jot dates of interest into your calendar for the coming year, and especially save the evening of Sunday, January 13, to join one or all of the stops at our fabulous Post-Holiday Progressive Potluck (we'll progress from house to house enjoying four courses on Wheeler, Deakin, Halcyon, and Webster; details on addresses to follow in flyers and E-News going out in the new year) and the afternoon of Sunday, May 18, when we're planning an exciting hands-on Disaster Preparedness Drill using some of the supplies in our neighborhood Disaster Supply Cache.

Happy Hanukkah to those who are celebrating this week! And to everyone, please stay safe during the holiday season. As you'll see, there have been robberies and attempted robberies nearby (see crime watch items). I also hope you'll keep in mind what a great neighborhood we live in (see Item 11 for a brief reminder). I'm grateful to each one of you for choosing to stay connected through HNA!

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

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

1. Halcyon Walkers to Once Again Join Up with the East Lorin Walk, Tuesday, Dec. 4, leaving Halcyon Commons at 8 p.m.

The East Lorin Neighborhood Association sponsors monthly safety walks meeting at Nomad Cafe at 8:30 p.m. on first Tuesdays (i.e., tonight). Presuming it isn't raining heavily, a few of us will be meeting at Halcyon Commons (Halcyon and Prince) at the picnic table and walking over to meet the East Lorin folks at Nomad. We anticipate being back at Halcyon Court by 9:15 p.m. Please email <halcyon92@gmail> if you'd like to join us. Crime along the Berkeley/Oakland border affects both of our neighborhoods, so it's a great chance to network.

And if you'd like to sign up for the Halcyon Safety Walk listserve, please send your email, name, address, and phone number to <halcyon92@gmail.com> and you'll receive an invitation to join a list where we can plan impromptu walks.

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

2. Talk by Gary Brechin on New Deal Legacy in Berkeley's Parks and Recreational Facilities, Weds., Dec. 5, 7:30-9 p.m., Theatre in Live Oak Park

Editor's Note: HNA Co-Chair John Steere also serves as President of Berkeley Partners for Parks (and HNA Co-Chair Nancy Carleton was a founding board member and past president of BPFP). John passes on the following announcement:

Wed. Dec. 5, 7:30 to 9 p.m.  "Honoring Our Peacetime Veterans: The New Deal Legacy in Berkeley's Parks and Recreational Facilities."  Presentation by Gray Brechin, PhD, Author (Imperial San Francisco, etc.) and Urban Geographer at the Live Oak Park Center - Theatre in Live Oak Park, 1201 Shattuck Avenue, and the last event in the Berkeley Parks Centennial Calendar sponsored by the Berkeley Partners for Parks (BPFP).

 

Within less than a decade, New Deal public works agencies such as the Works Progress Administration and the Civilian Conservation Corps put millions of men to work creating and improving the nation's public parks and recreational facilities, but their contributions were quickly forgotten after WWII killed those agencies. Gray Brechin will vividly recall them in this talk. He is the Project Scholar for the Living New Deal Project, a collaborative effort to inventory, map, and interpret the great legacy of these agencies on California. He is also a fascinating and engaging speaker, who will reveal the invisible landscape of New Deal accomplishments in Berkeley and seek recollections of long-time residents in the parks so improved. $5-10 donation (benefit for BPFP) at the door.  Contact: John Steere  jsteere@igc.org

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

3. Update on Neighborhood Research into Solar Possibilities (and Undergrounding) from Tony Hill

Editor's Note:  Prince Street neighbor Tony Hill sent along reports on some research on solar installations and undergrounding of utility wires. Here are some excerpts (for Word documents of the full reports, contact Tony Hill  <thill94703@gmail.com>; there's a lot more interesting information there, so be sure to contact him if you'd like to track this issue and receive invitations to future meetings):

Summary of Solar Power Estimates And Undergrounding
     Five estimators came by.
     Big versus small installers
     Government regulations changing and only marginally predictable.
     Payoff in 10 to 15 years
     Guaranteed by everyone for 10 years-especially those in business for 2 years
     Quality of their equipment and installation touted by all.  Info on bad installations not          available.
     All estimators where charming and wanted to help environment.
     Some companies seem to contract everything out.
     Getting Thermal water estimates from same companies problematical.  One problem is that they compete for the same roof area.
     Some companies do roofing others do Solar Thermal still others want to reduce your energy use by more traditional means like fluorescent bulbs and insulation.
     Fancy detailed estimates given showing power and money saving and how calculated.
     No one really wanted to comment meaningfully on the change in technology in the future.

     There is some savings for doing several jobs through one company, but the saving is on the order of 5-10%.  One company just offered me $4000-$5000 discount per job if I got 4 or more homes to sign up.  What does that mean? . . .

Second Summary of Investigation of Neighborhood Solar Power and Utility cable under grounding

        Since our neighborhood meeting in August and my email on that more has developed, and it's time to talk about those developments.  You've all probably seen the articles about city financing of solar power.  For those who haven't seen the articles it's briefly that the city seems all for solar power including the possibility of financing it through increased taxes in the area where the solar hookups are done.   All of this seems good if you like solar power.  Nothing is absolutely settled yet, but it seems like stuff will happen this year. 
    As I mentioned in the previous email whether you do solar photovoltaic or not seems like a strictly personal call.  It's hard to tell if it's a profit motive project, but it seems close.  If $15,000 to go solar seems worth it,  then you should definitely get together with like minded people in the neighborhood as you will get more attention and maybe 20% off the price.  Solar water heaters are also an option and maybe cheaper.

     As I mentioned in the previous email undergrounding of utility cables has about the same cost.  The city seems less likely to pay for this, but they are talking about financing it though raising assessments for the houses in question.  So far there aren't any definite rules, but people claim to be working on them in the Berkeley Public Works Dept.  Lauren Jensen may be in charge. . . .

    It's been fun looking into this.  I think we are right on the edge of some big solar changes around here, and $90/ barrel oil doesn't hurt.
         Captaine Solar

         Tony Hill  548-2306

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

4. Crime Watch Report: Car Break-in on Deakin near Ashby

An Ashby Avenue neighbor reports:

"On  Saturday 11/24/07, my car was broken into (they broke small back window to get in) and a couple of items were stolen out of my glove compartment.  My car was parked on Deakin near Ashby Ave. It's an old Toyota, and there was nothing of value visible within my car; they just seemed to be taking their chances that there might be something of value after going through it it!!  I was out-of-town when it happened, but i noticedother glass on the curb nearby indicating that another car was also broken into."

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

5. Crime Watch Report: Robbery on 2000 Block of Prince with Arrest of Suspect

A neighbor forwarded the following:

This blurb comes from the Berkeley Daily Planet:

 

"At 7:58 p.m. on Wednesday (Nov. 28) a 17-year-old man was arrested for robbing two other men on the 2000 block of Prince St.  He took a wallet with cash, identification cards, and credit cards."

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

6. Crime Watch Report: East Lorin/BART Flea Market Incident with Flower Thief

An East Lorin neighbor reports:

"In our area we've had a "flower thief" operating, apparently for a few years. She steals flowers and potted plants from people's yards and goes and sells them at the Ashby Flea Market.  A couple weeks ago on a late Sunday afternoon I noticed two people pushing shopping carts down Whitney and Woolsey streets, filled with cut flowers and potted plants.  One of my neighbors recognized one of the pair, the woman, as the same person who'd stolen plants from her yard before. The woman is a short, thin, middle-aged black woman about 50-55 years old with short hair.  Her companion this time was a medium height, medium-build (5'10", 180 lb) black man about 45 years old.  Both wore black vinyl or leather jackets and baseball caps. I called police and a total of 4 police (1 BPD and 3 BART) dealt with the pair at the flea market. They weren't arrested since this time no one witnessed a theft, but hopefully the pair got the message that we're not going to just sit back and wave when they come down our street filling their carts with things they've stolen from our yards."

 

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

7. Crime Watch Report: Attempted Robbery on Tremont at Woolsey

An East Lorin neighbor reports:

"It was reported to me by a neighbor that on Tuesday November 27 at approximately 9:00 p.m. there was an attempted mugging/robbery on Tremont and Woolsey. A neighbor and a friend were walking from the Starry Plough and encountered four young black males on Woolsey. The individuals fanned out in a manner that precluded the neighbors from crossing the street to avoid them. The four followed the neighbors down Tremont and begin saying, "Let's take them, we can take them . . ." in a threatening manner. As the neighbors approached their home and accessed their steps, the four young men stopped and left rather quickly, apparently fearing that the police would be called. In the past, the Woolsey and Prince Street corridors as you leave the BART Station have had problems with muggings and attempted muggings. Please be careful in those areas at night and be aware of your surroundings."

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

8. Crime Watch Report: Attempted Late-Night "Out of Gas" Scam on Fulton near Ashby

[Editor's Note: This is a common scam, though the back stories often expand in different directions.]

A Fulton Street neighbor reports:

"I live on Fulton right off of Ashby and Prince. [Monday night 12/3] at about 11:30 p.m. I was walking to my home, on Fulton towards Ashby, when and a red Miata sport car (95 maybe) drove up next to me and apparently stalled. A medium-shade black man got out and surveyed the car and me. He was about 40-45 years old, 5'9-5'11, 160 lbs. He asked me if UC Berkeley was walking distance. I told him it would take awhile and then he asked me to use my phone to call for help. I told him that if he stood by his car I would make the call. He wanted me to call his parents in Marin and tell them that he would be sleeping in his car because he had run out of gas, and ask them to wire him money in the morning. He said he only had $6 because he was going through a bad divorce settlement. I tried the #, and it did not work. He then pulled out a piece of paper and started to read the "right" number to me. As he did he started walking toward me. I told him to stop and to return to his car. He apologized and said he had no pride right now, and that he was going to sleep in his car. I said I'd try the call again but that he had to keep away from me. He then asked if I could give him a couple of dollars to get gas. I lied and said I had none on me. "Change perhaps?" he said as he started walking toward me again. I backed away and told him to back off at which point he said, "Fine, never mind'

and got into his car, started it and drove away."

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

9. Perspective: "I Really Like This Neighborhood!" by Wheeler Street Resident

[Editor's Note: Ardys, a long-time Wheeler Street resident, sent in the following paragraph, which offers some worthwhile perspective. While it's important to pass on information about criminal activities in our neighborhood so we can all be proactive in crime prevention and seeking solutions, it's also important to remind ourselves of the good things about where we live. Thank you, Ardys, for the reminder! -NC]

I Really Like This Neighborhood!

"I do appreciate hearing about various crimes or possible crimes occurring here. I hear about them due to this neighborhood association, which is one of the big things I love about this neighborhood. Other things I like are the beauty of the neighborhood (we have had tours of the interesting and lovely spots), the friendliness of the neighborhood, and its easy accessibility to public transit. Finally, I really hope that the news of possible crimes and disasters does not cause people to think it is scary here. In fact it is the opposite of scary. Friends of mine have remarked on how the neighborhood 'feels' good."

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

10.  Prince Street Neighbor Contacts Traffic Engineer Concerning Prince/Shattuck Pedestrian Safety

[Editor's Note: I'm passing on a copy of this letter in case others wish to weigh in with public officials concerning their thoughts on pedestrian safety at Shattuck and Prince.]

Dear Traffic Engineer:

I and my partner have lived [on] Prince Street for about 18 years. You can imagine how much the traffic has increased over the years. Today [11/27] at 11:30 a.m. I was almost run over by a woman driving a late model white car who wasn't paying attention. Thankfully, I jumped out of the way of her car just in the nick of time. (I made a police report seq # 1391, Tuesday 11/27/07, 11.30). It is time to make it safer for pedestrians trying to cross at the end of our block. Presently there is a single crosswalk on the south corners of Shattuck at Prince. I am making a case for an additional crosswalk on the north corners which is urgently needed.

Important facts to consider:

1). Prince Street is a major walk-route for people walking to and from Ashby BART and the neighborhoods east of the station. This is because the stairs at the end of the east BART lot lead directly to Prince Street. Further, Prince Street is a straight shot to Telegraph Avenue.

2). People cross Shattuck at Prince many hours of the day and night beginning in the early hours going to work, during the middle of the day, and the evening coming home and going to and leaving venues such as the Starry Plough and La Pena.

3). Having and additional crosswalk will highlight this intersection as a major crossing point and will make pedestrians more visible.

4). This intersection is the scene of several deaths and many injuries over the years and many many more close calls.

Please take into account this request as priorities are established for traffic safety projects on the Southside. I would like a response to this email as to when this request might be considered and beyond that when the work will be initiated. Thank you very much.

Sincerely,

Douglas Jame

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

11.  Celebration of Publication of Karl Linn's Book on Creating Commons, Sunday, Dec. 9, 3-6 p.m.

 [Editor's Note: Karl Linn inspired some of us on the core committee responsible for creating Halcyon Commons, as he inspired many nationwide. Webster Street neighbors John and Michelle Thelen-Steere are cited in the book for their role in getting Berkeley's Karl Linn Community Garden named after Karl, and HNA Co-Chair Nancy Carleton is listed in the Acknowledgments for offering consultant services to help Karl's widow Nicole Milner bring Karl's book project to fruition following his death part way through the process.]

Celebration of Karl Linn's Book "Building Commons and Community"

Sunday, Dec. 9, 3-6 p.m., Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists, Cedar at Bonita

Music and refreshments, program begins at 3:30 p.m.

In this lavishly illustrated book, Karl shares experience and practical wisdom to help people use the resources they find in their own surroundings to create welcoming shared spaces. Copies available at http://www.newvillagepress.net

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

For Your Calendar: HNA Dates Scheduled for 2007/Early 2008

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

Sunday, January 13, 2008, 5:30-8:45 p.m., Post-Holiday Progressive Potluck, four locations TBA

Sunday, January 27, 2008,  4-6 p.m., Disaster Preparedness Committee meeting  (4-5 p.m. plan spring disaster prep drill;  5-6 p.m., discuss supply cache for west of Shattuck), Wheeler St.

Saturday, February 23, 2008, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (heavy rain reschedules), Work Party, Halcyon Commons (Halcyon at Prince)

Sunday, March 16, 2008,  6-8 p.m., Community Potluck, location TBD

Late March/Early April, date to be announced by Cal's Berkeley Project, Big Work Party in Halcyon Commons and surrounding neighborhood, Halcyon Commons (Halcyon at Prince)

Sunday, March 30, 2008,  4-6 p.m., Big Disaster Prep Planning Meeting, location TBD

Sunday, March 30, 2008, 8 p.m., Deadline for ordering 55-gallon water barrels, drop off order forms and payment to HNA Co-Chair Nancy Carleton 3044 Halcyon Ct.

Sunday, May 18, 3-5:30 p.m. (setup 2-3 p.m.), Outdoors Neighborhood Watch event with BIG Neighborhood Disaster Prep Drill, Halcyon Commons (Halcyon at Prince)

Saturday, May 31, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Work Party, Halcyon Commons (Halcyon at Prince)

Sunday, June 1 (tentative date), afternoon, Neighborhood Watch Self-Defense Training, Halcyon Commons (Halcyon at Prince)

Sunday, June 22, 6-8 p.m., Summer Community Potluck, location TBD (someone's backyard/patio)

Saturday, July 26, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.,  Work Party, Halcyon Commons (Halcyon at Prince)

Tuesday, August 5, 6-8:30 p.m., National Night Out Against Crime (Potluck 6-7:30; Safety Walk, 7:30-8:30), Halcyon Commons (Halcyon at Prince) and surrounding neighborhood

Saturday, September 20, 9:30 a.m.-12 noon, Work Party, Halcyon Commons (Halcyon at Prince)

Sunday, September 28, 4-7 p.m., Party in the Park to Celebrate Completion of Halcyon Commons Rejuvenation Project (with potluck and live music), Halcyon Commons (Halcyon at Prince)

Late October/Early November, date to be announced by Cal's Berkeley Project, Big Work Party in Halcyon Commons and surrounding neighborhood, Halcyon Commons (Halcyon at Prince)

Sunday, October 12, 4-5:30, Big Neighborhood Watch meeting, location TBD

Sunday, November 9, 6-8 p.m. Fall Community Potluck, location TBD

November/December, Sunday afternoon, 4-5:30 p.m., Planning meeting, 2009 dates, date TBD, location TBD

Sunday, January 11, 2009, 5:30-8:45 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 (LOTS of these needed!), 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:  981-6620 (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)

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

* Halcyon Neighborhood Association's Guiding Principles

HNA is a community group dedicated to stewardship of the Halcyon Neighborhood in South Berkeley (bounded by Telegraph, Ashby, Adeline, and Woolsey). We encourage positive, proactive, partnership-oriented approaches to improving the well-being of our neighborhood, with an emphasis on the following goals:

• Community building (such as regular potlucks, special events in the park, mutual support among neighbors, and multiblock yard sales);
• Ongoing care of Halcyon Commons (a park conceived of and created by the neighbors who founded HNA) under the nonprofit umbrella provided by Berkeley Partners for Parks and in partnership with the City of Berkeley;
• Continued greening and care of the neighborhood (planting trees, cleaning litter off streets, graffiti removal, and helping maintain public landscaped features);
• Strengthening neighborhood watch (crime watch, community safety walks, emergency preparedness, and disaster supply cache);
• Networking with the larger Berkeley community (nearby neighborhood groups, neighborhood businesses, City staff, and elected officials);
• Sharing information and empowering residents to become proactive in addressing neighborhood needs and in expressing individual viewpoints regarding civic affairs (spreading news through meetings, flyers, and the HNA E-Newsletter, and providing contact information).

        To fulfill these goals, HNA provides a sanctuary from partisan politics so that neighbors with diverse viewpoints feel welcome to participate. Thus, HNA only takes stands on larger issues when there is near-unanimity among neighbors. By focusing on immediate local concerns, we find we can have a greater impact and get better results from the time we invest.

       Guided by these principles, HNA invites neighbors who are willing to work together in a spirit of partnership to participate at whatever level makes sense for them. Opportunities for serving on our volunteer Steering Committee and project-oriented committees are available to neighbors who are willing to roll up their sleeves and work together in a nonpartisan spirit. Neighbors are invited to step forward into leadership positions defined by the work they do in accordance with HNA's primary goals and guiding principles.

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

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/

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