Halcyon Neighborhood Association

Monday, April 28, 2008

HNA E-News: Water Barrels Delivered!; Crime-Watch Reports; Hidden Gems Tour; 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. Report on Disaster Prep Water Barrel Delivery: Nearly 10,000 More Gallons Stored in Berkeley!
2. Parks & Recreation Report on State of City's Street Trees, Tonight, Monday, April 28, 7 p.m. (& Request for Comments)
3. Hidden Gems of Berkeley Bike & Walk Tour, Saturday, May 10, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. (including Halcyon Commons)
4. Lighting Project: An Opportunity to Improve Neighborhood Lighting for Greater Safety
5. Update on Proposed Moth Spraying in Northern California
6. Crime Watch Report: Copper Pipe Stolen from Halcyon Court House
7. Crime Watch Report: Car Theft and Break-ins on Fulton and Prince
8. Crime Watch Report: Armed Robberies Near BART
9. Crime Watch Report:  Attempted Robbery at Woolsey and College, April 21
10. Neighbor Nina Lyons Featured in Sonoma Spring Exhibition at A New Leaf Gallery

* 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:

I haven't been able to put out as many editions of the E-News this spring for a variety of reasons, including a flare-up of an autoimmune condition that has meant I've had to cut back some. In addition, the disaster prep water barrel order (see item 1) turned into a much bigger project than I'd ever anticipated just at the time I was also having to take steps to deal with my health. In any case, this edition provides some catchup, and I apologize for missing the chance to forward some interesting items people submitted. I'll always make sure to pass on news of major crimes in our neighborhood promptly (fortunately, none have been reported in quite a while) and property crimes when the next E-News comes out, and to get out newsletters prior to neighborhood events, but I may not always be able to include all items submitted about other events, unless they coincide with the E-News coming out anyway.

Meanwhile, several other members of the HNA Steering Committee have had major life challenges to deal with, including illnesses and deaths of parents, other family members, and close friends, so we've had to cut back on some of our spring plans. There will still be plenty of opportunities to participate over the rest of the year, and I hope that if you value what we've been able to accomplish as a neighborhood you'll consider stepping forward to help with our various projects. We now have listserves set up for night-time safety dogs walks, disaster preparedness, and the HNA Steering Committee. If you'd be interested in joining any of these, email me back at <halcyon92@gmail.com>.

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

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1. Report on Disaster Prep Water Barrel Delivery: Nearly 10,000 More Gallons Stored in Berkeley!

Following our successful water barrel order in 2007, I agreed to manage another order this year. Because of rising prices (mostly related to fuel), in order to hold down the costs we had to order a minimum of 70 barrels to receive a good price. We were happy that LeConte and Willard Neighborhood Associations agreed to participate, but the week before the cutoff, we still hadn't gotten close to  the 70-barrel threshold. So I put out the word more widely, to another neighborhood groups working on disaster prep.  A couple of days before the order was due, we finally reached the 70-barrel threshold. Then, in the final two days before the deadline, orders flooded in, for a total of 174 barrels (over 55 in our immediate neighborhood, over 105 in our South Berkeley neighborhoods, and the rest in other neighborhoods in North and Central Berkeley).

Thus began a saga of arranging logistics to get all those barrels delivered from a central drop point to all the various neighborhoods and then to the individual neighbors. In the end, it all worked out, but there were some exciting twists and turns along the way (including the delivery ending up happening on the one day the shipping company said it absolutely wouldn't happen, meaning we had to revise our plans and rush into gear at 7 a.m. with three minutes' notice). Too many people helped to name them all here, but I would like to thank everyone by categories, with just a few names mentioned. First,enormous thanks to Dave, Patrick, and Andy, our three stalwart all-day laborers. Dave Blake heroically saved the day by realizing we needed to rent a truck and hire one laborer to have any chance of getting the barrels delivered when they arrived so last-minute. I'd also like to acknowledge Deputy Asst. Fire Chief Donna McCracken as well as Kevin Lewis of Public Works, for allowing us to use the City's Corp Yard as a staging area, and to extend  thanks to Councilmember Kriss Worthington, whose office helped greatly with logistics. Finally, thanks to all who ordered barrels to move disaster preparedness forward, thanks to all of our neighborhood drop point hosts, and thanks to everyone helping on the neighborhood level to get the barrels to their final destinations! Because of all of you, close to 10,000 more gallons of water are stored in Berkeley in preparation for a major quake. In addition, many of the folks ordering barrels kicked in small donations to HNA's disaster supply cache fund, meaning we have around $500 to use to supplement our supplies, which have to cover one of the largest numbers of households of any supply cache in Berkeley.

Note to all: I learned a lot about making a multi-neighborhood order work, and I hope neighborhoods concerned about disaster prep will consider participating in such orders on a regular basis; it's a great focusing tool to raise awareness about disaster prep, in addition to saving everyone money. Next time, we'll build in a small surcharge to cover the final delivery (everyone would still save big dollars off ordering individually, but it would be more realistic in terms of the logistics of moving barrels from a central location to neighborhood drop points). Please watch the E-News for information about future orders.

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2. Parks & Recreation Report on State of City's Street Trees, Tonight, Monday, April 28, 7 p.m. (& Request for Comments)

Prince Street neighbor Yolanda Huang, who serves on the City's Parks & Rec Commission, sent the following notice:

The Parks & Recreation Commission will have its April Meeting on Monday, April 28th at 7 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center.  The head of our City's Forestry will be giving a report on the state of our City's trees.  I have heard from a number of people regarding their concerns over how repaving streets [such as Deakin] has damaged or may damage our street trees.  I will relay these concerns to the Commission,  but would also encourage people to either write and send in their comments to the commission secretary: Virginia Aiello,  " VAiello@ci.berkeley.ca.us"  or to myself: <yogreening@comcast.net>. You can also attend the public comment period (at 7 p.m.) and share with us your observations and concerns.

It is a constant conflict, between trees and sidewalks, streets, and buildings. Berkeley was designed with very little space along our streets for trees, and  trees rarely can thrive by confining themselves to 3 by 4 concrete boxes.  So, we welcome your comments.

Yolanda Huang
Parks & Rec Commissioner

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3. Hidden Gems of Berkeley Bike & Walk Tour, Saturday, May 10, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. (including Halcyon Commons)

HNA Co-Chair John Steere spearheads the wonderful Hidden Gems of Berkeley tour each spring:

Hidden Gems of Berkeley
Two Interpretive Tours - by Bike and by foot - of West Berkeley's Vernacular Treasures and Grassroots' Greening Efforts
 
Saturday May 10, 2008
10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (bike); 10 a.m. to 12:30 (walk)

Join us for the 6th annual tour of Berkeley's eclectic fabric of gardens, paths, strange and familiar cultural and natural features...This year we'll explore the many eclectic hidden gems of West Berkeley and the Westbrae --  from the "fish house" to an outdoor gallery in a community garden.   We'll encounter a vernacular side of Berkeley that most people never notice, reveal traces of buried creeks and the former streetcar system that shaped Berkeley's form. 

John Steere, Georgia Silvera, Susan Schwartz, John Coveney and guest historians/guides will conduct this 4 mile ride through curiously historic and creative features of the flatlands.  Discover exciting citizen-led projects near the old Santa Fe rail route. Community members will introduce you to a new volunteer-built park, a playground transformed by young artists, native plantings, gardens, public art, plans for a exciting new plaza, and more.  Bring a lunch, water, and your curiosity

The bike tour begins at a hidden gem - San Pablo Park at its southwest corner (by Russell and Mabel) and will end at Codornices Creek's restoration (day-lighting) at 9th Street.   The walk tour begins at the Ohlone Greenway's bridge over Codornices Creek just north of Gilman and opposite 1200 Masonic.  Both events will meet for lunch in Strawberry Creek Park. 
 
For more information, go to
www.bpfp.org; or call 510 848 9358 (walk), or 849-1969 (ride).  En route you can purchase the Hidden Gems Map ($5) which depicts scores of these "gems," along with bike routes, community gardens, creeks, parks and the historic transit system.

This tour is sponsored by Berkeley Partners for Parks  (
www.BPFP.org)
And is co-sponsored by the Bicycle Friendly Berkeley Coalition (
www.BFBC.org),  as a part of Berkeley Bike Month,  by Livable Berkeley: (www.LivableBerkeley.org, and by Whole Foods Market .

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4. Lighting Project: An Opportunity to Improve Neighborhood Lighting for Greater Safety

From the LeConte Neighborhood Association, a block captain is stepping forward with a great opportunity to get group discounts on lighting to brighten dark corners of our respective neighborhoods:

Jill Finn, the Block Captain of  2100 Oregon has launched a project to help residents obtain motion sensitive lights for the front of their homes. She has gotten a quantity discount at $30 for a flexible two bulb unit plus an estimate for installation. Her goal is to have such lights installed throughout LeConte [including Halcyon south of Ahsby] with the result that the sidewalks and driveways will "light up" when people walk by. (The Police Department confirms that "Street Lights" are not intended to prevent dark spots on sidewalks, so our additions will make a difference. )To get a pdf order form or more information please contact jcf2525@gmail.com
 
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5. Update on Proposed Moth Spraying in Northern California

As many of you may have heard, the protests about moth spraying plans have resulted in delays being placed on the project. See, for example:

"Santa Cruz County Wins Stay on Moth Spray Plans"
http://www.berkeleydailyplanet.com/issue/2008-04-25/article/29813

Also, remember that there are two groups working to halt the spraying (you can sign petitions there, which will be more effective than petitions funneled through a candidate's website):

California Alliance to Stop the Spraying
http://www.cassonline.org/

Stop the Spray
http://www.stopthespray.org/

There's also useful information in this article:

Ask the Bugman (Richard Fagerlund), "Moth Spraing Efforts's Risks Outweigh Potential Benefits"
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/02/23/HO4OUNNC6.DTL&hw=Richard+Fagerlund+moth+spraying&sn=001&sc=1000

Also, a neighbor sent an announcement about the following events sponsored by the Berkeley Fellowship of the Unitarian Universalists coming up related to moth spraying:

Friday, May 16  7 p.m.
California Dept.of Food and Agriculture plans to continue spraying. What are the Facts?
Thursday June 5 7 p.m.
Don Harder Santa Cruz Expert on Light Brown Apple Spraying. Followup on May 16 program.

All Welcome. Sponsored by the Berkeley Fellowship Unitarian Universalists Social Justice Committee
1924 Cedar @ Bonita Wheelchair Accesible. Donation requested. Info. www.bfuu.org 510-528-5403

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6. Crime Watch Report: Copper Pipe Stolen from Halcyon Court House

A Halcyon Court neighbor reported verbally that two weeks ago someone removed copper piping (which took some tools to unscrew) from the back of their house, far off the street down a long driveway - apparently for resale. Be aware, and please call the police if you see anyone loitering in your neighbors' yards.
 
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7. Crime Watch Report: Car Theft and Break-ins on Fulton and Prince

A Fulton Street neighbor reported the following car break-ins (Editor's Note: I have also heard of similar break-ins in LeConte north of Ashby and in the Bateman neighborhood):

I live on Fulton St. and I wanted to let you know that on Saturday April 20 my friend/neighbor's car was stolen from Prince Street, north side of the street, right at the corner with Fulton. His car is a silver Toyota truck, 2004, and has a shell. The crime occurred sometime after 12:30 a.m. and before 2:30 p.m. on April 20th. He had a number of belongings in the truck, musical instruments (upright bass and guitar), as well as fishing equipment and CDs. If you see any of these items around the neighborhood or see the car, please let me know [email <halcyon92@gmail.come> and I will forward your message].

Also on the same night my friend's van was broken into, Fulton near the corner of Prince, west side of the street. The CD player was stolen (very cheap model), but nothing else seemed to be missing. This would have occurred sometime after 9:30 p.m. and before 10 a.m. on the 20th. My friend uses a club for the van.

I don't know if the two crimes are related, but I thought I would mention them so you could put this in the neighborhood newsletter. I would advise everyone without an alarm to use a club on their car, especially older cars and cars that can easily be stolen, I've heard that Hondas and Toyotas are vulnerable. There is also a way to put a switch in that disables the ignition; my friend was telling me about that.

The neighbor also sent this update:

My friend got his truck back, but the shell and the gear inside are all gone. And, he says that the perpetrator left some things in the car; one of them is a car stereo. We're going to see  if it is the stereo from my other friend's car! It sounds like the police did a good job catching this person. Apparently he was out on parole.

For me this underscores the lesson of "Don't leave anything in your car that you wouldn't be sad to part with." It is unfortunate, but we do live in an urban area. Our neighborhood is okaymuch of the time, and I have accidentally left things in my car before and been relieved when they were still there the next day. I think people get used to the good times and then get out of the habit of being careful. For every night when someone is out roaming around looking for easy things to steal, there are probably ten nights where our neighborhood cars are left as they are.

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8. Crime Watch Report: Armed Robberies Near BART

An East Lorin neighbor passed on this information gleaned from the recent OPD/BPD/BART PD and neighborhood meeting:
 
At a recent neighborhood crime prevention meeting, a BART police officer stated that there have been 3 robberies at the ASHBY Bart since the beginning of March, and a Berkeley Police officer stated that there have been 4 robberies in the Berkeley streets adjacent to Ashby BART recently, which have been solved (robbers caught). This is a good reminder that just robberies are still happening even if we're not hearing about them.

Also, while walking at 10:30 at night last week near the Nomad cafe, I was approached by someone who fit the profile of area robbers, and feeling wary when he aggressively and inappropriately attempted to engage my attention at this late hour ("Hey, miss, excuse me, excuse me!"), I walked out into Shattuck basically right in front of cars, and rapidly crossed the street, before he could approach me and so I may have averted being robbed. (Though I had intentionally brought nothing with me so that if I was robbed there would be nothing to get.) [Editor's note: Some advise having at least a small amount of "robbery money" with you, as some perpetrators will beat a victim who provides nothing at all.]

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9. Crime Watch Report:  Attempted Robbery at Woolsey and College, April 21

A neighbor reported seeing this on a Bateman neighborhood flyer (although not directly in our neighborhood, it's certainly in an area many of us frequent regularly so good to be aware):

There was an attempted robbery at the corner of Woolsey and College Ave on April 21 Monday at about 9 p.m.  A local woman was accosted by one black woman while two black males waited in a car parked on the corner.  The woman had attempted to snatch her backpack and escape in the waiting car.  The robbery was thwarted due to loud yelling and struggling by the would be victim, drawing attention and quick response by neighbors.  The attackers fled and no arrest was made.

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10. Neighbor Nina Lyons Featured in Sonoma Spring Exhibition at A New Leaf Gallery

[Editor's Note: I try to spread positive news from neighbors whenever possible, a good balance to the unpleasant task of passing on crime watch reports. Here's a nice press release about one of our Prince Street neighbors. Feel free to pass on your own good news!]

For Immediate Release. Sonoma Spring Exhibition at A New Leaf Gallery at Cornerstone; Featuring Artist Nina Lyons. May 10th, 2-5pm, 2008. A special installation of Sculpture and Works on Paper by Nina Lyons will be featured in the gallery.

In addition, Lyons new book "The Poetry of Form; Selected sculptures and works on paper," will also be on exhibit. With inspiring design and beautiful layout, published by Edition One Studios in Berkeley, CA. Each limited edition volume is signed and numbered by the artist.

For an opportunity to meet the artist and acquire a signed copy of this limited edition Book, please visit A New Leaf Gallery on May 10th, 2pm-5pm, during this Spring exhibition.

Brigitte Micmacker, Owner of A New Leaf Gallery, will be conducting an interview with the artists.

The exhibition will also include the Northern California Premier of Lyons' new Short film entitled "Works in Process". The film offers a glimpse into the creative process of artist Nina Lyons. Produced by the award winning JOG9 productions, with Lyons daughter Joslyn Lyons. Music in the film is an original score, composed by Cava Music Group. Composer Cava Menzies hails from a long line of musical talents. Cava is the daughter of New York based Eddie Henderson, an accomplished jazz trumpeter and member of the Herbie Hancock Sextet.

Lyons' new short film "Works in Process" will screen through out the day and will also be available on DVD at the Sonoma exhibition at Cornerstone on May 10th.

The May 10th exhibition exhibition, will also feature a special Q & A interview with both the artist Nina Lyons and her daughter, filmmaker Joslyn Rose Lyons, which will be hosted by gallery owner Brigitte Micmacker.

Presented by A New Leaf Gallery at Cornerstone.

A Book Signing, A Film Premiere and an Artist Exhibition. Featuring the 2008 works by artist Nina Lyons. May 10th, 2-5pm, 2008 at A New Leaf Gallery at Cornerstone 23588 Arnold Dr.  Sonoma, CA www.sculpturesitegallery.com

Contact: Website http://www.ninalyons.com | Email ninablyons@earthlink.net

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For Your Calendar: HNA Dates Scheduled for 2008

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

Sunday, June 1, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Work Party, Halcyon Commons (Halcyon at Prince)
Sunday, July 13, 5:30-8:30 p.m., Summer Community Potluck, 2329 Webster (in the garden, then indoors for some neighborhood history)
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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