Halcyon Neighborhood Association

Wednesday, January 23, 2008

HNA E-News: Attn. Neighbors West of Shattuck!; Disaster Prep Mtg. Sunday; Shattuck Corridor Merchants' Meeting Today; Crime Watch reports; Etc.


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Halcyon Neighborhood Association E-Newsletter
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Items appearing in the HNA E-Newsletter are deemed to be of general interest to neighbors but do not necessarily reflect the views of Halcyon Neighborhood Association (HNA), its Steering Committee, or the Editor. The Editor's introductory comments express her personal viewpoint.
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1. Attention Neighbors West of Shattuck! Please Read!
2. Disaster Prep Planning Meeting, Sunday, January 27, 4-6 p.m., 3049 Wheeler Street
3. Shattuck Corridor Merchants' Watch Meeting Today, Wednesday, Jan. 23, 5:30-7:00 p.m., 6525 Shattuck
4. Crime Watch Follow-up: Safety Analysis in Vicinity of Chochmat HaLev
5 Crime Watch Report: Robbery on Ashby at Deakin, 2:30 p.m., Monday, Jan. 21
6. Crime Watch Report: Burglary at Woolsey and Wheeler
7. Lost & Found: Items Left at Potluck Households
8. UC Berkeley Sponsoring Global Warming Forum, Thursday, January 31, 8 a.m. to 4 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:

Please leave your porch lights on at night! This is one small but significant step we could all take toward greater neighborhood safety. At the safety analysis/walkthrough of the neighborhood around Chochmat HaLev with City personnel (see report in item 4), which was a follow-up to the armed robbery late last year of two women coming out of Chochmat HaLev, we found that around 55 to 60 percent of the surrounding households had the porch lights on. While almost all City lights were working as intended (i.e., light not blocked by surrounding trees), the neighborhood could do better in showing a more visible presence in terms of household lighting. If we could get the percentage keeping their porch lights on at night up closer toward 100 percent, we'd really make a difference in the feeling of light and safety on the blocks in our neighborhood. (Lights added in areas where shadows pool, on the sides of building or fences facing toward the street would also help.) There are now many energy-efficient and even solar-powered lights available. Please do your part for neighborhood safety by ensuring adequate lighting near your household. While light alone won't keep us safe (witness the in-broad-daylight robbery reported in item 5), it will help some, and it's something that's within our power to achieve if we keep reminding one another (the next HNA flyer will include this reminder along with other prevention tips, so that those who don't get the E-News will also receive the message).

Thanks and be well!
-Nancy Carleton, HNA Co-Chair and E-Newsletter Editor

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1. Attention Neighbors West of Shattuck! Please Read!

The second half of the disaster preparedness planning meeting this Sunday (see item 2, regarding the part from 5 to 6 p.m.) relates directly to you and your family's safety in the aftermath of a big earthquake. Because of the need to get more supply caches into District 3 neighborhoods and because of HNA's respected track record with disaster preparedness planning, we have an opportunity to get a supply cache early this year to go in the part of our neighborhood west of Shattuck and east of Adeline (up to the Oakland border on the south and Ashby to the north). This is a great chance for those of you west of Shattuck to have a cache nearby enough that you and your neighbors will have some of the supplies needed (which you can supplement over time) to get organized, take effective action, and save lives following a big quake (the cache supplies aren't geared toward individual/family preparedness, but toward making it possible for neighbors to take action to help one another, for example, disaster first aid supplies and light search & rescue tools).

If you're able to come to Sunday's planning meeting (again, see item 2), please do, but even if you can't come to the meeting for whatever reason, please let us know that there is indeed a critical mass of neighbors west of Shattuck interested in neighborhood-wide disaster response efforts who are willing to be stewards of the cache once it's there. (And if anyone knows of someone with a deep driveway or spot in their backyard for locating the cache, please pass that information on before Sunday! We have one likely spot on Woolsey at Tremont, but if there's a better site, let us know.) What being a steward of the cache means is that you're willing to be one of the neighbors with the code to the lock who will show up at the cache (once you've secured the safety of your own household) to open it and start getting neighbors organized to utlize cache materials. For our HNA cache on Halcyon Court, two dozen neighbors have made this commitment. It's also helpful to know who has taken any or all of the City's CERT trainings and any other thoughts you might have on this project.

Your neighbors east of Shattuck are willing to help you realize this opportunity for obtaining a supply cache in the the near future  by sponsoring the application to the City for a free cache through the Halcyon Neighborhood Association, and to mentor you in setting up a West of Shattuck neighborhood disaster response plan, but your willingness to participate is crucial to our moving forward with this! Contact <halcyon92@gmail.com> if you support the idea of a neighborhood disaster supply cache west of Shattuck!

-Nancy Carleton, HNA Co-Chair and Coordinator of the Halcyon Disaster Supply Cache Team <halcyon92@gmail.com>
 
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2. Disaster Prep Planning Meeting, Sunday, January 27, 4-6 p.m., 3049 Wheeler Street

Your participation is needed and appreciated to help move our emergency preparedness forward at a planning meeting on January 27th! It looks like we have the likelihood of getting an additional disaster supply cache for the part of the neighborhood west of Shattuck, especially if enough folks from that end show up to help move things forward.

From 4 to 5 p.m., we'll begin the process of planning a big neighborhood-wide disaster preparedness drill (scheduled for May 18). We'll also discuss logistics for another 55-gallon water barrel order and other ways we can move our disaster prep efforts forward step by step.

From 5 to 6 p.m., we'll brainstorm about getting another disaster supply cache located  in the area west of Shattuck and east of Adeline. We especially invite the participation of those who live west of Shattuck! Agenda topics will include getting clear on the best location for the cache (the likeliest possibility so far looks like the corner of Tremont and Woolsey) and getting started filling out the required City application. If you have another location to suggest or want more information, contact <halcyon92@gmail.com> or come to the meeting!

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3. Shattuck Corridor Merchants' Watch Meeting Today, Wednesday, Jan. 23, 5:30-7:00 p.m., 6525 Shattuck

This message was received from Christopher Waters, owner of Nomad Cafe, who is helping organize merchants in responding to crime along the Shattuck Corridor:

Just a friendly reminder about the Shattuck Merchant Watch meeting this evening - residential neighbors are invited, and I hope some of you will come.  It will be an opportunity for us to get to know each other, exchange emergency phone numbers (there will be a contact list circulating at the meeting), and get a very useful, informative safety training from the Oakland Police Department.

Shattuck Merchant Watch meeting #1:
Wednesday, Jan. 23
5:30- 7:00 p.m.
6525 Shattuck Avenue (the "Shattuck Muse" building -- across the street from Nomad Cafe)
Presented by:  Eddie Simlin, Oakland Police Services Technician
This initial meeting will help the neighborhood merchants to become more organized and to establish communication with each other.
Training will include:
-How to survive an armed robbery
-The "No Trespass" statement (stay away order)
-Protect your business from crime and nuisances
-Learn to work together to create a safer commercial district
-Access city departments to report and solve problems

"Your concerns will be heard and addressed.  If you have any topics that you want discussed at the meeting or want more information, call 238-6200 or email esimlin@oaklandnet.com.  Please leave a detailed message."

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4. Crime Watch Follow-up: Safety Analysis in Vicinity of Chochmat HaLev

Jeffrey Kessler of Chochmat HaLev wrote up this report of our safety walkthrough in the area around Chochmat HaLev last Wednesday:

Here are my notes from the safety walkabout:
 
Present were Jerry Koch from Berkeley Parks and Waterfront, Andrew Frankel from Berkeley Police Dept, Jim Hynes from the city manager's office, Nancy Carleton from the Halcyon Neighborhood Association, and Cheryl Bartky and Jeffrey Kessler from Chochmat HaLev (CHL).
 
The high shrubbery on the Prince side of CHL needs to be removed or severely pruned down.  Officer Frankel suggested that shrubbery should be less than 2 feet and the limbs on trees should be cleared up to 7 ft (defensible space).  Lots of pruning is needed on the Fulton side of CHL as well.  Severe pruning or removal of the juniper at the western edge of our property (on Prince Street) is highly recommended.
 
More lighting suggested for CHL:  light on the Prince side of main sanctuary (on timer, then with motion detector); light on west-most corner of facility; question about the lighting on the Fulton side of sanctuary - do the two sets of lights work?; need to repair and/or improve lighting on ramp area leading to the back door.
 
Suggestion that we move the gate on the Prince side (at west end of property) closer to street; suggestion that gate into ramp area on Fulton  (at north end of property) be locked.
 
Halcyon Neighborhood Association will encourage all in our area to increase lighting on front of private property:  to use porch lights, possibly to install low lighting or fence lights.  Generally, the City lighting is quite good.  Where this is augmented by good property lighting, areas seem much safer (no dark spaces for predators to lurk).  it was pointed out that such auxiliary lighting can be installed facing the street (the public area) and need not shine into anyone's window.  Some suggestion was made that the City of Berkeley and/or PG&E might subsidize some new low-tech lighting for private properties.
 
All incidents, however trivial seeming, should be reported to BPD and City of Berkeley [and reported to the editor of the HNA E-News at <halcyon92@gmail.com>]
 
Any City lights that are or become nonfunctioning should be reported, and will be fixed in timely manner.
 
Sometime in March, UC Berkeley students will be participating in a weekend of community service work [and could help with trimming or replanting of shrubs].
 
Sometime in [May or June], Halcyon Neighborhood Association is planning a class in basic awareness for self-defense.
 
Nancy Carleton requested that CHL sponsor some neighborhood events.  Two ideas from JK:  a torah parade (at simchat torah? at purim?) a Tikkun Olam chorus chanting walkabout.  Nancy Carleton will be sending the association's e-newletter to CHL front desk.
 
in case anyone imagines we are not in a crime zone, please know that the group of us, including our formidable Berkeley police officer, was approached - in an aggressive and intimidating manner - by someone for money.  Someone who, when he finally realized he was "out of his league" /in the wrong place sauntered off into the night.
 
May we all be blessed with safety and peace,
Jeffrey Kessler

[Added note from HNA Co-Chair Nancy Carleton: The City officials were most generous with their time, and we walked many of the blocks surrounding Chochmat HaLev, including Fulton, Ashby, Deakin, Prince down to BART, Tremont, Woolsey, and Wheeler to circle back round to Chochmat HaLev. We found one City light in need of repair/replacement, and the fix order has been turned in, but most lights were functioning as intended and not obscured by trees, though pockets of dark from tree trunks could be alleviated by careful placement of light from private property along the way. All are encouraged to keep their porch lights on at night!]
 
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5 Crime Watch Report: Robbery on Ashby at Deakin, 2:30 p.m., Monday, Jan. 21

A LeConte neighbor reports (and LNA President Karl Reeh comments upon) the following incident:

"I was mugged at gunpoint on Monday 21 at 2:30 PM. I was on Deakin near Ashby. He took my purse and backpack. The robber is a young African-American, maybe early 20s, clean-shaven, about 5' 7", 150 pounds, brown eyes, short hair.  He had a black pistol, muzzle about six inches long, the handle at 90 degrees. I should add: The policeman-who came immediately-said that muggers wait near BART, follow or hide nearby, and then jump the person.  I suspect that they wait till the person is out of range of BART police.  The Berkeley policeman suggested having a decoy purse/bag to hand over.  Keep important items on your body where they are less likely to be taken.  In theory. I chose not to scream, with a gun pointed at my belly."
 
NOTE from LNA president Karl Reeh: I question the ethics of telling us that we should EXPECT to be robbed as we walk from Bart . . . during the day! Can't they give us better advice such as "stay on the main streets or wait and walk with somebody." By the way, what happened to the escort service that used to be available at the Ashby Bart a few years ago? -Karl

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6. Crime Watch Report: Burglary at Woolsey and Wheeler Tuesday, Jan. 22

A Woolsey/Wheeler neighbor reports:

"i regret to report yet another burglary in our area, this time at Woolsey and Wheeler.  A six- foot high fence and a locked access gate  could not prevent someone from getting into my backyard and stealing a weed eater gardening tool from the shed.   The immediate neighbors saw/heard nothing but a police report was made. These persons committing these crimes usually "scope out" the area well beforehand. Please DO NOT HESITATE to call the police nonemergency line to report "suspicious activity" or "suspicious persons" in the area.  Some examples would be someone riding a bike up and down the same street; walking down the street and ducking into driveways and back out; a person or persons that look like they don't belong to the neighborhood just "hanging out" on foot or in a vehicle;   persons walking down the street with a possession that looks like it just came from someone's home. Please let the police sort it out.  The burglary you prevent could be your own.  The mugging you prevent could be your wife or family.  Don't lament yours or your neighbors loss [after the fact] when it can be prevented."

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7. Lost & Found: Items Left at Potluck Households

The following items need to find their way home (if they haven't already):

"Someone left a white plate and cheese knife at my place from the appetizers course last Sunday. It's on my front porch (on Emerson)."

"We still have on hand is a red woolen women's shawl.  If you've heard or hear of anyone who's missing one . . . (from the salad household on Deakin Street)."

Contact <halcyon92@gmail.com> if you need to get in touch with either of these households.

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8. UC Berkeley Sponsoring Global Warming Forum, Thursday, January 31, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Irene Hegarty, Director of Community Relations at UC Berkeley, extended the following invitation:

You and your neighbors are cordially invited to attend a special event on the UC Berkeley campus on January 31, 8 a.m. - 4  p.m. Focus the Nation: Global Warming Solutions for America, is an educational and interactive forum to put the spotlight on institutional, community and individual action on climate change.  The morning session will feature individual and panel presentations from faculty, community members, and elected officials. The afternoon program includes breakout sessions led by UC Berkeley students, a presentation by Nobel Laureate Dr. Steven Chu, and remarks from Assemblyman Fabian Nunez, speaker of the California Assembly. The event is free. 
 
Similar forums are being held simultaneously at 1,000 universities across the nation.  For more information and to RSVP, see http://bie.berkeley.edu/ftn
 
Irene Hegarty
Director, Community Relations

Government and Community Relations
Office of the Chancellor
University of California, Berkeley
336 Sproul Hall #4208
Berkeley, CA 94720-4208

Ph: 510/643-5296, Fax: 643-0281
http://communityrelations.berkeley.edu

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For Your Calendar: HNA Dates Scheduled for 2008

Dates set as of  January 2008 (verify a couple weeks before event by checking HNA E-Newsletter):

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), 3049 Wheeler St.
Sunday, March 16, 2008,  6-8 p.m., Community Potluck, location TBD
Sometime in March, 2008, 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

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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 (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;  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 to reach Berkeley emergency from a cell)
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:

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)

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* 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.

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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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Wednesday, January 16, 2008

HNA E-News: City Safety Analysis on Prince at Fulton Tonight; Halcyon Singing Group Sunday; etc.


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Halcyon Neighborhood Association E-Newsletter
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Items appearing in the HNA E-Newsletter are deemed to be of general interest to neighbors but do not necessarily reflect the views of Halcyon Neighborhood Association (HNA), its Steering Committee, or the Editor. The Editor's introductory comments express her personal viewpoint.
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1. Crime Watch Follow-up: Safety Analysis by City Staff Outside Chochmat HaLev This Evening, Weds. Jan. 16, 6:30 p.m.
2. Disaster Prep Planning Meeting, Sunday, January 27, 4-6 p.m., 3049 Wheeler Street
3. Halcyon Singing Group Starting: First Meeting Sunday, Jan. 20, 5-6:30 p.m.
4 . LeConte Neighborhood Association meeting, Thursday, January 17, 7:30-9 p.m., LeConte Cafeteria
5. Community Labyrinth Walk, Sunday, January 20, 3 p.m., Willard Middle School
6. Low-Cost Used Bricks Available on Fulton Street

* 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:

Sunday's post-holiday potluck was a tremendous success, with over 60 neighbors attending among the four households. Thanks to all who came, as well as to those who passed out flyers and spread the word. Besides being good to see everyone, it was also a great opportunity to wish HNA Neighborhood Watch Coordinator Dawn Trygstad Rubin a very Happy Birthday and to thank her for all she does to make our neighborhood a wonderful place to live.

Another nice outcome of the potluck was that some of us set the first meeting date for a new Halcyon singing group (see item 3). A few of us had so much fun caroling with the East Lorin folks that some of our night-time safety walks in the coming year may incorporate singing as well (there are plenty of songs besides carols, and we observed that it wasn't likely that anyone would commit a crime while we were out there on the block singing!). We'll see what evolves!

Please do keep in mind that the E-News now goes to 350 households in the immediate neighborhood, and another 100-plus in the larger neighborhood, so if you have an idea about something you've been wanting to get started - a drumming circle, a book club, or the sky's the limit - keep this resource in mind to share your idea with the neighborhood. You'll find there are many convivial, like-minded people within a short walk. And a welcome side effect is that building community is one of the best (and most enjoyable ways) to increase neighborhood safety and create a healthy, thriving place to live.

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

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1. Crime Watch Follow-up: Safety Analysis by City Staff Outside Chochmat HaLev This Evening, Weds. Jan. 16, 6:30 p.m.

As part of a response to the mugging of two women affiliated with Chochmat HaLev at the end of last year, City staff will be meeting with members of Chochmat HaLev (Prince at Fulton) to evaluate logistical changes that could help prevent crime along the corridor leading to the synagogue (i.e., Prince Street to BART and surrounding blocks). This could include recommendations on changes to lighting, tree trimming to allow more light at night, bush trimming to prevent hiding places, and so on). Neighbors are welcome to attend, or if you have something you'd like brought to the attention of City staff relating to City infrastructure that might have an effect on safety, feel free to email <halcyon92@gmail.com> by 6 p.m. today and your idea will be passed on.

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2. Disaster Prep Planning Meeting, Sunday, January 27, 4-6 p.m., 3049 Wheeler Street

Your participation is needed and appreciated to help move our emergency preparedness forward at a planning meeting on January 27th! It looks like we have the likelihood of getting an additional disaster supply cache for the part of the neighborhood west of Shattuck, especially if enough folks from that end show up to help move things forward.

From 4 to 5 p.m., we'll begin the process of planning a big neighborhood-wide disaster preparedness drill (scheduled for May 18). We'll also discuss logistics for another 55-gallon water barrel order and other ways we can move our disaster prep efforts forward step by step.

From 5 to 6 p.m., we'll brainstorm about getting another disaster supply cache located  in the area west of Shattuck and east of Adeline. We especially invite the participation of those who live west of Shattuck! Agenda topics will include getting clear on the best location for the cache (the likeliest possibility so far looks like the corner of Tremont and Woolsey) and getting started filling out the required City application. If you have another location to suggest or want more information, contact <halcyon92@gmail.com> or come to the meeting!

* * * * * * * * * * * *
3. Halcyon Singing Group Starting: First Meeting Sunday, Jan. 20, 5-6:30 p.m., 2127 Essex Street

Several neighbors have expressed interest in forming an informal singing group in the neighborhood, and at the progressive potluck, a core group of four set the first date!

The idea is for the group to be open to singers of various abilities and experience, and to sing as we build community and have fun. At the first meeting we can discuss what shape we'd like the group it to take (musical focus, how often to meet, whether to sometimes take our singing onto the streets as part of night-time safety walks, openness in terms of membership, etc.). Here are the details for the first meeting:

Halcyon Singing Group, First Meeting
Sunday, January 20, 5-6:30 p.m.
Irene Kessel's house
2127 Essex (between Wheeler & Shattuck)

Feel free to bring a song to lead us in singing.

* * * * * * * * * * * *
4 . LeConte Neighborhood Association meeting, Thursday, January 17, 7:30-9 p.m., LeConte Cafeteria

Karl Reeh, President of LeConte Neighborhood Association (which includes neighbors south of campus  to the Oakland border and west of Telegraph to Shattuck, overlapping with Halcyon Neighborhood Association south of Ashby), sends the following announcement of LNA's monthly meeting:

Thursday, January 17 is the date for our next LeConte Neighborhood Association. It will be held at the LeConte School cafeteria from 7:30 to around 9:00 p.m. Our agenda will include:

2516 Ellsworth: The architect who is planning this expansion will present the details. Chris Lien who represented LNA at the recent ZAB meeting got them to agree that we should have a chance to learn more about this project before their final vote.

Increased robberies and other crimes in our neighborhood: One or both of our BPD Area  coordinators is expected to be present to answer questions about recent events. We will then have a discussion about ways to work collectively to increase our personal and community safety.
Nancy Carleton will be presenting details of a group purchase of barrels for water storage for disaster preparation. Following a major earthquake, adequate drinking water will be top priority.)

Board Election: Most of our current board members have agreed to run again but we are always looking for additional help in carrying out association duties.

If you have announcements or other agenda items, please let me know. See you Thursday!

Cheers, Karl

P.S. Annual dues of $10 per household will help us pay for future meeting sites. (BUSD now requires us to pay for insurance at a minimum of $100 for up to 3 meetings.)

* * * * * * * * * * * *
5. Community Labyrinth Walk, Sunday, January 20, 3 p.m., Willard Middle School

SUNDAY, January 20

Community Labyrinth Peace Walk at 3 p.m., Willard Middle School (Telegraph Ave. between Derby & Stuart, Berkeley). Everyone welcome. Wheelchair accessible. Rain cancels. Contact  info@eastbaylabyrinthproject.org, 510-526-7377.

* * * * * * * * * * * *
6. Low-Cost Used Bricks Available on Fulton Street

Hey, neighbors! Looking to limit mud in your yard? Make a patio?

It's earthquake hazard reduction time and we're having our 3-story 1880 chimney taken down. The part above the roof line is already off. So far there are about 200 (very authentic, used) red bricks, most of them whole. What little mortar is left (in many cases none or nearly so) is very easily scraped off. These are ideal for rustic paving, and if you live in the 'hood, transportation is easy. (We even have a wheelbarrow you can borrow.) I'm thinking $60 for the 200 or so? E-mail me at: donna@lmi.net, or call me in the evening at home, 848-8744. (We'll put them on craigslist if no one around here wants them.)

Thanks,
Donna Mickleson
2926 Fulton Street

* * * * * * * * * * * *
For Your Calendar: HNA Dates Scheduled for 2008

Dates set as of  January 2008 (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 (see flyers and E-News)
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;  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 to reach Berkeley emergency from a cell)
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:

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/

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

Friday, January 11, 2008

HNA E-News: Post-Holiday Potluck Sunday! 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. Fabulous Post-Holiday Progressive Potluck, Sunday, January 13, 5-8:45 p.m.
2. Disaster Prep Planning Meeting, Sunday, January 27, 4-6 p.m., 3049 Wheeler Street
3. Crime Watch Report: Intruder on Fulton Street December 30th

* 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:

A reminder about this Sunday's post-holiday potluck: Feel free to attend one course or all four!

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

* * * * * * * * * * * *
1. Fabulous Post-Holiday Progressive Potluck, Sunday, January 13, 5:30-8:45 p.m.

Make sure your new year's gotten off to a good start by joining your neighbors for this fabulous post-holiday feast where we progress from house to house and sample a range of delicious courses. This is our most popular community potluck event of the year, so don't miss out! Feel free to join us for all four courses, or just for one or two (substitute a dish if your name doesn't match the course you're attending). And don't forget to bring something especially tasty to start the New Year right!

5:30-6:15 Appetizers at Sonya's, 2144 Emerson (corrected address)
6:20-6:55 Salads at  Ted  & Claudia's, 3048 Deakin (will include kid-friendly main dishes)
7:00-7:45 Main Dishes at Susan's, 3044-A Halcyon
7:50-8:45 Desserts at John & Michelle's, 2329 Webster

Potluck suggestions:
*  G-L  Appetizer * A-F:  Salad *  S-Z:  Main Dish * M-R:  Dessert

Please bring a festive dish to share, and, if so inspired, a beverage to share as well (it really helps if enough folks bring beverages too). Children welcome (some main dish fare for kids will be available at Ted and Claudia's for those who may not hold out for the later households). (If not obvious, kindly attach a label with ingredients for your dish to alert those with vegetarian and other diets.)

* * * * * * * * * * * *
2. Disaster Prep Planning Meeting, Sunday, January 27, 4-6 p.m., 3049 Wheeler Street

Your participation is needed and appreciated to help move our emergency preparedness forward at a planning meeting on January 27th.

From 4 to 5 p.m., we'll begin the process of planning a big neighborhood-wide disaster preparedness drill (scheduled for May 18). We'll also discuss logistics for another 55-gallon water barrel order and other ways we can move our disaster prep efforts forward step by step.

From 5 to 6 p.m., we'll brainstorm about how to get another disaster supply cache located in the larger neighborhood, this time to be located in the area west of Shattuck and east of Adeline. We especially invite the participation of those who live west of Shattuck! Contact <halcyon92@gmail.com> for more information.

* * * * * * * * * * * *
3. Crime Watch Report: Intruder on Fulton Street December 30th

A Fulton Street neighbor reports:

"I wanted to let neighbors know that we had an intruder enter our house on the day before New Year's. This occurred in a duplex building on Fulton St. near Prince.  It was about noon and our downstairs neighbors were packing and getting ready to leave on a trip.  They were just about to go out the rear door so it was left unlocked. (The rear yard is fenced and gated.) They found that a scruffy-looking African-American man about 55 years old had entered, walked through the kitchen, and into the home office. When confronted, he said, "I'm not stealin' nothin'."  He looked a bit disoriented, had no weapons, and nothing was stolen.  They yelled and chased him away.  I ran after him, and they called police, who arrived within minutes. Another neighbor saw me chasing him and also called the police.  The police caught the man, but my friends were about to miss their plane so they declined to press charges.  Police said they would run a check on the culprit and make a report. In this case he seemed more like a weirdo than a hardened criminal, but not someone you want in your home uninvited. We will be more careful about keeping doors locked, day and night."

* * * * * * * * * * * *
For Your Calendar: HNA Dates Scheduled for 2008

Dates set as of  January 2008 (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 (see flyers and E-News)
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:

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/

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Wednesday, January 02, 2008

HNA E-News: Post-Holiday Potluck 1/13; Stray Cat on Halcyon; Crime Watch reports, etc.


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Halcyon Neighborhood Association E-Newsletter
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Items appearing in the HNA E-Newsletter are deemed to be of general interest to neighbors but do not necessarily reflect the views of Halcyon Neighborhood Association (HNA), its Steering Committee, or the Editor. The Editor's introductory comments express her personal viewpoint.
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1. Fabulous Post-Holiday Progressive Potluck, Sunday, January 13, 5-8:45 p.m.
2. Animal Cutout Archway Coming Soon to North End of Halcyon Commons
3. Stray Cat on Halcyon Court: Respond by Friday Morning if You Know Where It Belongs!
4. Crime Watch Report: Burglary on Woolsey
5. Crime Watch Report: Roundup of Reports from Surrounding Areas
 
* 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:

Happy New Year to everyone! Please be sure to make participating in some of HNA's events one of your intentions for the coming year. By getting involved  where we live, we can actively create a safer, healthier, and friendlier neighborhood. The E-News will continue to inform you of neighborhood potlucks, work parties, neighborhood watch meetings, disaster preparedness drills, crime watch reports, and more. Remember to send news to <halcyon92@gmail.com>! Please note that good news is welcome along with the sadly likely crime watch reports! So feel free to send birth announcements, information about new jobs or services you (or your teenager) are offering, and news or links about community events you are directly involved in (while as a volunteer editor I can't open the floodgate to listing every interesting happening in Berkeley, the E-News gladly includes information on events that reflect the hard work of our neighbors).

An HNA flyer will be be ready to go out this weekend and next week, and we could use a few more folks willing to take half an hour to distribute them for one of the stretches in the neighborhood. Please email <halcyon92@gmail.com> if you can help out in this way. Distributing flyers six times a year helps us reach people who haven't yet subscribed to the E-News and those who lack Internet access. It's an important part of our ongoing outreach and our intention to include everyone.

Here's to a prosperous, healthy, and safe new year to all! I hope to see many of you for HNA's Post-Holiday Progressive Potluck on Sunday, January 13th (see item 1)!

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

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1. Fabulous Post-Holiday Progressive Potluck, Sunday, January 13, 5:30-8:45 p.m.

Make sure your new year's gotten off to a good start by joining your neighbors for this fabulous post-holiday feast where we progress from house to house and sample a range of delicious courses. This is our most popular community potluck event of the year, so don't miss out! Feel free to join us for all four courses, or just for one or two (substitute a dish if your name doesn't match the course you're attending). And don't forget to bring something especially tasty to start the New Year right!

5:30-6:15 Appetizers at Sonya's, 2114 Emerson
6:20-6:55 Salads at  Ted  & Claudia's, 3048 Deakin (will include kid-friendly main dishes)
7:00-7:45 Main Dishes at Susan's, 3044-A Halcyon
7:50-8:45 Desserts at John & Michelle's, 2329 Webster

Potluck suggestions:
* M-R:  Dessert * A-F:  Salad *  G-L  Appetizer *  S-Z:  Main Dish

Please bring a festive dish to share, and, if so inspired, a beverage to share as well (it really helps if enough folks bring beverages too). Children welcome (some main dish fare for kids will be available at Ted and Claudia's for those who may not hold out for the later households). (If not obvious, kindly attach a label with ingredients for your dish to alert those with vegetarian and other diets.)

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2. Animal Cutout Archway Coming Soon to North End of Halcyon Commons

Remember the grant HNA (through fiscal agent Berkeley Partners for Parks) received for the Halcyon Commons Rejuventation Project from the UC Chancellor's Community Partnership Fund in 2006? After community design charrettes in late 2006 and a lengthy public process, the project has at last received the necessary sign-off from the City's Permit Office (after receiving the unanimous support of the Parks and Recreation Commission, the Civic Arts Commission, and the City Council in the spring of last year), and will be moving ahead over the coming months.

We already planted many new plants in our November work party (with the help of Cal students from the Berkeley Project). When spring arrives, many of the lilies will be blooming. In the meantime, sometime this January, with the cooperation of the weather, neighborhood landscape contractor Scott Parker will be installing the metalwork archway designed and build by artist Amy Blackstone, with cutouts of animals that live in the neighborhood and are associated with park history. Keep an eye out for this exciting new addition at the north end of Halcyon Commons! And watch as the year goes on for more work on the south end of the park as well as the halcyon bird sculpture that will be installed in the oval near the Father Sun bench in the summer.

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3. Stray Cat on Halcyon Court: Respond by Friday Morning if You Know Where It Belongs!

Neighbors Will and Amy of Halcyon Court sent in the following notice, which was included in the mid-December HNA E-News [Editor's Note: A photo of the cat has been posted in the bulletin board at Halcyon Commons]:

"A cat  has been living in our backyard at 3048 Halcyon Ct. It is cream colored, with grey-brown ears, grey-brown shading on the back, blue eyes, and a striped tail. The way it moves suggests it is an older cat. We are concerned that this cat does not have a home. If this is your cat, please contact Amy at 684-0327. The cat sneaks into our house several times a day (and night), and cries for food. We have seen it outside on cold, rainy nights, huddled on our picnic table under the canvas umbrella. Most cats stay inside on nights like that. If we determine that this cat doesn't have a home, we'll take it to the SPCA. If you know anything about this cat, please contact us."

UPDATE January 2: "We have not heard from anyone yet about this animal or its caretakers. If we do not hear from anyone before the end of the week, we will take it to the SPCA. Please call right away if you know anything about this cat!"

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4. Crime Watch Report: Burglary on 2100 Block of Woolsey

A neighbor on Woolsey reports:

"I am sorry to report that during the night of Friday the 21st, our home was burglarized. Somebody got into the basement through an unlocked window in the backyard. They managed to get away with some old camera equipment, a drill, and a tool box. We've taken steps to secure our basement, and reported this incident to the police.

As an aside, the house next door to us, 2139 Woolsey, is boarded up and empty until the spring when the house will get a facelift.  We have heard reports of squatters in the backyard and underneath/basement of the house - although we have not witnessed anything ourselves. The contractor who purchased the house is aware of this and has been doing what he can to secure his property. Because this house is empty, it provides good cover for people wishing to access our yard - as well as the yard to its east. If anybody in the neighborhood happens to see any unusual activity during the day or ANY activity at night in the house next door to us (2139), please call the police. Nobody should be there at night."

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5. Crime Watch Report: Roundup of Reports from Surrounding Areas
 
Editor's Note: Ian Martin, who's active in North Oakland crime watch efforts, compiled the following list highlighting crimes that have taken place along the Shattuck corridor in North Oakland and surrounding neighborhoods (including Halcyon incidents as reported previously in the E-News). His list gives a sense of the series of crimes happening within close range of us, with he area near Nomad Cafe especially hard hit. Shattuck Corridor merchants have organized a Merchant Watch meeting with the Oakland Police Department on January 23, 5:30-7:00 p.m. p.m., at 6525 Shattuck (full announcement to follow in an upcoming E-News).

Recent Crime along the Shattuck Corridor
compiled by Ian Martin <ianmartin@earthlink.net>
last updated: 1/1/08

This is a partial list of crimes committed between mid-July and December 2007 along the Shattuck Corridor and immediately adjacent areas between Alcatraz and Ashby. These crimes all occurred within a quarter-mile of each other. There are 13 muggings, armed robberies, or assaults listed here in addition to burglaries, car thefts, and other crimes. December has been the worst month for crime by far. The incidents on this list are gathered from the OPD Yahoo group, the OPD crime mapping web site, the Halcyon Neighborhood Association newsletter, the North Oakland Neighborhood (noak)
Yahoo group, and firsthand accounts of victimized neighbors. This concentration of crime underscores the need for the police departments of Oakland, Berkeley and BART to all work together to quell this criminal activity and return our neighborhood to the relative safety it has recently enjoyed.

1/1/08 Nomad Cafe burglarized 6 a.m.
12/29/07 Car broken into on 65th Street across from Nomad Café.
12/29 Don Perata car-jacked at gunpoint 51st and Shattuck. (Not north of Alcatraz, but it's certainly not far away. Because of then seriousness of the crime, it goes on the list. It'd go on the list even if the victim weren't a State Senator.)
[Editor's Note: see http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/12/29/BANLU6QS3.DTL and note that this crime apparently originated with Senator Perata's car being specifically targeted as a souped-up SUV with 22-inch rims, with perpetrators following him from a gas station at Broadway Terrace.]
12/27 Car burglarized 600 block of 65th St. Interior defaced and Xmas gifts and other belongings stolen from trunk.
12/25 Two cars' windows smashed in Nomad Café bldg parking lot.
12/23 Burglary at 6429 Shattuck apartment bldg
[addition: 12/21 Burglary 2100 block of Woolsey]
12/21 Mugging on 6500 block of Shattuck near Nomad
12/18 Mugging on Shattuck in front of Nomad
12/18(?) Window broken on house at the corner of Raymond and 66th
12/16 Roving kids break window on Raymond Street home
12/13 Rock breaks window on Tremont home
12/11 Roving kids break window on 65th Street home
12/10 Kids throw rock at two 66th Street residents when confronted
12/10 Roving kids break window on 65th Street home
12/10(?) Roving kids break window on 66th Street Home
12/10 Roving kids break window on 66th Street home
12/09 Mugging on 6600 block of Shattuck
12/06 Mugging on Tremont near Ashby BART
12/05 Mugging on Prince near Wheeler
11/27 Mugging at Tremont and Woolsey near BART
11/20 Vehicle theft on Tremont
11/19 Vehicle theft on Fairview
11/08 Aggravated assault Alcatraz and Shattuck
10/30 Vehicle theft on 65th Street east of Shattuck
10/16 Home burglarized Tremont and 65th Street
09/19 Assault at the Ashby BART Station
09/16 Mugging at Tremont and Prince near BART
08/30 Mugging on 65th in front of Nomad
08/30 Mugging on 6500 block of Shattuck near Nomad
08/28 Mugging on 2100 block of Prince near Starry Plough
08/20 Home burglarized on Tremont
08/13 Attempted break-in at Ron's Muffler at Shattuck and 65th
07/19 Robbery at Jump'n Java
Recent Laptop Jackings
03/15/07 Laptop jacking at the Nomad
11/21/06 Laptop jacking at the Nomad
07/11/06 Laptop jacking at Jump'n Java
06/18/06 Laptop jacking at the Nomad

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For Your Calendar: HNA Dates Scheduled for 2008

Dates set as of  January 2008 (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 (see flyers and E-News)
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

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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 (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.

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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:

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)

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* 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.

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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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