Halcyon Neighborhood Association: July 2008

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

HNA E-News: Work Party in Park This Saturday morning; Crime Watch Reports; Walkable Neighborhood; 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. In Memoriam: City Councilmember Dona Spring

2. Halcyon Commons Work Party, Saturday, July 26, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

3. Crime Watch Report: Car Break-ins and Cars Stolen on 2100 Block of Prince

4. A Walkable Neighborhood: Halcyon Scores 96%!

5. Major Road Improvements Planned to Ashby Avenue

6. Neighbor Pat Cody & Others Exploring Ways to Revive Cody's

7. Enhancing Neighborhood Lighting: Order Deadline July 31st

8. National Night Out Against Crime, Tuesday, August 5, 6-7:30 Potluck at Halcyon Commons; 7:30-8:30 Safety Walk

9. Crime Watch Update: Series of Sexual Assaults in North Berkeley

10. Crime Watch Update: $17,000 Reward Offered in Emerson Street Homicide Case

* 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:

Thanks to John and Michelle Thelen-Steere for hosting a delightful garden party attended by several dozen neighbors on the beautiful Sunday afternoon of July 13th. After the meal, a number of neighbors shared interesting tidbits about life in the neighborhood in the 1960s, 70s, 80s, and 90s. We'll have another chance to socialize and build community, while shifting the focus to preventing crime, as part of our annual participation in National Night Out Against Crime on August 5th (see item 8), which will include a safety walk through the larger neighborhood.

And coming up this weekend, please plan to participate in this Saturday's work party in Halcyon Commons (see item 2) if you possibly can. Even twenty minutes of your time makes a big difference, and your participation is heartening to those of us who work so hard to keep our neighborhood association going and our shared common space in good shape (plus, delectable fare from Whole Foods and delicious coffee from Mokka will keep us well fueled). Hope to see you Saturday!

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

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1. In Memoriam: City Councilmember Dona Spring

Editor's Note: On Sunday, July 13, Berkeley City Councilmember Dona Spring died of pneumonia at the age of 55, after many decades of contending with a very severe, degenerative form of rheumatoid arthritis. Dona Spring was elected to the Berkeley City Council in 1992, the same year Halcyon Neighborhood Association was born. Although she didn't officially represent the districts that cover our neighborhood, she was a strong and consistent friend of our greening efforts, the founding (and funding) of Halcyon Commons, and our crime watch efforts (including coming to an emergency rally held in Halcyon Commons following a violent sexual assault on Telegraph Avenue near Prince Street in 1997). During my years as a volunteer on behalf of our neighborhood park and parks in general, I got to know Dona as a friend, and she was incredibly kind and offered gentle wisdom after I was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disorder in 1999. I will remember her always as a dedicated champion of peace and justice, as well as a woman of uncommon courage and conviction. Here are some links with information about her remarkable life:

http://www.berkeleydailyplanet.com/issue/2008-07-17
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/07/14/BAT611OT04.DTL
http://www.dailycal.org/article/102098/city_remembers_dona_spring

http://www.donaspring.com/
http://www.donaspring.com/donaspringmoviepg.htm

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2. Halcyon Commons Work Party, Saturday, July 26, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Meet at Halcyon Commons (Halcyon Court at Prince Street)
Delicious refreshments (& water) courtesy of Whole Foods Market

Fresh coffee courtesy of Mokka Cafe (Telegraph at Dowling)

Chat with neighbors while we weed, trim, pick up trash, and remove graffiti in the park and surrounding neighborhood. Please bring weeding and trimming tools (with labels) if you have them (extra tools will be available if you don't).

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*3. Crime Watch Report: Car Break-ins and Cars Stolen on 2100 Block of Prince

A Prince Street neighbor sent in the following report (which has also been posted on poles on Prince Street):

Automobile Theft
Multiple Auto Break-Ins

2100 Block of Prince

(7/15/08) In the last week there was a Maroon Jeep Cherokee stolen from its parking place on our street. In addition, there were multiple car break-ins. In each case a side window was smashed in and radios/stereos taken leaving wires protruding from the dashboard. Valuables left in the cars were also taken. Don't let this happen to you. Neighbors in this block are tired these crimes and we know not to leave anything of value our cars. If you are visiting our block you should do the same. Take valuables with you or at least leave them in the trunk or out of sight.

From time to time there have been muggings on our block. People leaving the Starry Plough or returning from BART late at night should use extra caution. Be aware of surroundings, walk with a friend, change sides of the street, if you have problems make a lot of noise. The neighbors of this block are organized against crime and we immediately call the Berkeley Police. Our rapid reactions and the police's response has thwarted crimes in progress and resulted in multiple arrests. Thinking of burglarizing a car or robbing someone in our neighborhood? You'll find your ass in jail!

Prince Street Neighborhood Association

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4. A Walkable Neighborhood: Halcyon Scores 96%!

HNA Co-Chair John Steere submitted the following item:

Walkability as a Measure of Livability: One of the great things about Berkeley and our neighboring cities, like San Francisco, is how "walkable" they are -- meaning pedestrian friendly -- for close-at-hand access to goods, services, restaurants, and pleasant places to stroll. In fact, in the SF Chronicle recently, there was an article (http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/07/17/MN3J11Q3N8.DTL&type=printableabout) about how San Francisco was rated the most walkable city in the nation in a 40 city survey with an average score of 86 out of 100 among the diverse measures of walkability (better even than New York(!). That's a singular achievement, but our neighborhood does even better than that: According to the rating service that performed the survey, walkscore.com, the Halcyon Neighborhood is considered a "Walker's Paradise" with a score of 96 out of 100 for walkability. Walkability is an increasingly important measure of "livability," not to mention community, and serves as a great antidote for growing waste lines and gas prices. Check out why we score so high at: http://www.walkscore.com/get-score.php?street=2329+Webster%2C+Berkeley%2C+CA+&go=Go. Of course, the planting of street trees throughout our neighborhood in the past 15 years, and the creation of Halcyon Commons 12 years ago, only magnifies its pedestrian nature. Let's appreciate these qualities as we walk the dog, or stroll to the market, a restaurant, or to a local café -- and just by walking, we can help cultivate community, not to mention, meet our neighbors.

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5. Major Road Improvements Planned to Ashby Avenue

The City of Berkeley issued the following press release:

MAJOR ROAD IMPROVEMENTS PLANNED TO ASHBY AVENUE
Road-smoothing project to be done by early September

Berkeley, California (Monday, July 21, 2008) - CalTrans will be making improvements to Ashby Avenue in an extensive rehabilitation project beginning the week of July 20, 2008.

The Ashby Avenue project will improve road conditions from Telegraph Avenue to Tunnel Road and will be done by early September, according to CalTrans. Several things to be aware of during this time:

    * Construction will take place overnight, Sunday through Thursday, from 10:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m.;
    * Traffic will be able to travel through the project area however, occasional one-way traffic control may be necessary and flaggers will be on-site to regulate traffic during these times;
    * There will be some street parking limitations during the evening work hours. "No Parking" signs will be posted and your cooperation is appreciated.

It is necessary to grind out the existing broken pavement to facilitate the repairs. For safety purposes, work vehicles are required to use back-up alarms while conducting this work. We apologize in advance for the noise generated by this operation. Please excuse us as we work to improve your road. Please remember to proceed cautiously when driving through construction zones. We thank you for your patience and understanding as we perform this much needed rehabilitation work along Ashby Avenue.

If you have questions or concerns on this or any other Caltrans-sponsored project, please contact CalTrans Public Affairs at www.dot.ca.gov/dist4/13rehab or (510) 286-6445.

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6. Neighbor Pat Cody & Others Exploring Ways to Revive Cody's

Editor's Note: One of our illustrious neighbors, Pat Cody, co-founder of Cody's Books, was in the news recently:

http://www.berkeleydailyplanet.com/issue/2008-07-17/article/30604?headline=Could-Cody-s-Rise-Again-

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7. Enhancing Neighborhood Lighting: Order Deadline July 31st

Those households that received a copy of our HNA flyer recently may have noticed the order form for discount lighting fixtures on the back side. 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. ) If you didn't receive a copy of the order form, or have misplaced it, you can get a pdf of it by emailing jcf2525@gmail.com. Jill is collecting orders for a July 31st deadline approaching soon, so act now!

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8. National Night Out Against Crime, Tuesday, August 5, 6-7:30 Potluck at Halcyon Commons; 7:30-8:30 Safety Walk

National Night Against Crime, an annual nationwide and citywide evening to take back our streets, is held on the first Tuesday each August. Once again, HNA plans to participate. We need a couple of volunteers to (a) loan tables and/or chairs (please label them with your address and (b) to help set up a few minutes early. Please email halcyon92@gmail.com if you can help with either or both of these tasks. And please plan on showing up if you possibly can; it's a powerful way for us to let the police and our city representatives know our neighborhood is committed to doing our part to fight crime!

National Night Out Against Crime!

Tuesday, August 5, 6-8:30 p.m.

6:00-7:30 p.m. Potluck in the Park (Halcyon Commons: Halcyon Ct. at Prince St.)
7:30-8:30 p.m. Walking Safety Tour of the larger neighborhood (up to BART)

Potluck suggestions: Appetizer: A-F * Main Dish: G-N * Salad: T-Z * Dessert: O-S

(If not obvious, kindly attach a label with ingredients for your dish to alert those with vegetarian and other diets; bring
a beverage to share as well if you're able.)

Police, firefighters, and City officials will stop by this fun annual event. Children especially welcome! It's a great chance for them to meet our local police and firefighters!

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9. Crime Watch Update: Series of Sexual Assaults in North Berkeley

The Berkeley Police Department has issued a new, updated Community Crime Alert--see links below--regarding three apparently related incidents involving nighttime residential stranger sexual assaults in North Berkeley. This is a follow-up alert to one issued on July 8th. While these incidents have occurred in north Berkeley, the Crime Prevention measures apply everywhere. Note that the message below has also gone out to our Neighborhood Watch Group leaders, so some of you may have already received this. . . .

Please take the time to follow our Crime Prevention measures--these can make a difference, in prevention, and in your helping us apprehend the suspect. While the description is somewhat vague, anyone prowling on private property, in backyards, on the sides of apartment buildings or multi-unit buildings should be called in.

Folks who are moving around early in the morning may end up seeing someone prowling, emerging from a yard, or a similar circumstance. Please call BPD to report such a sighting at 9-1-1, or, from a cell phone, at 981-5911. Be prepared to give the dispatcher the suspect's location, description, and direction of flight--including street name, cross street, etc., so that responding officers have the best possible chance of responding and contacting that individual.

Please feel free to pass this information to family and friends whom you believe should know about this.

This information is also posted on the BPD website: http://www.cityofberkeley.info/PressReleaseMain.aspx?id=24028

Our earlier July 8 alert is also posted on the BPD website: http://www.cityofberkeley.info/PressReleaseMain.aspx?id=23230

Best Regards,

Lt. Andrew Greenwood
Berkeley Police Department

Community Services

510/981-5809

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10. Crime Watch Update: $17,000 Reward Offered in Emerson Street Homicide Case

The following news release was received from the Berkeley Police Department:

Berkeley, California (Wednesday, July 23, 2008) - The City of Berkeley is offering a $15,000 reward, and Bay Area Crime Stoppers is offering an additional $2,000 reward, for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspect or suspects responsible for the shooting death of a man in South Berkeley.

On June 20, 2008 at approximately 12:18 p.m., the Berkeley Fire Department (BFD) responded to a 911 caller requesting an ambulance for an unresponsive man inside a home in the 2000 block of Emerson Street. The fire crew discovered a male, identified as Charles Faision, 39 of Berkeley, suffering from a gunshot wound. Faison was pronounced dead at the scene.

Detectives spent that afternoon canvassing the neighborhood, interviewing family members and conducting a search warrant of Faison's home in an effort to secure all relevant evidence. Detectives are concerned about any potential compromise to their case, thus BPD will not be sharing any more details at this time.

Detectives are asking for the community's help with this investigation. Anyone who may have any information regarding this crime is urged to call the BPD Homicide Detail at (510) 981-5741 (office) or (510) 981-5900 (non-emergency dispatch line). If callers wish to remain anonymous they are asked to call the Bay Area Crime Stoppers Tip Line at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

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For Your Calendar: HNA Dates Scheduled for 2008

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

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, Sunday afternoon, 4-5:30 p.m., Steering Committee & Disaster Prep 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:

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

Link to police bulletins:

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

Other City Departments:

Neighborhood Services Liaison Jim Hynes <jhynes@ci.berkeley.ca.us> 981-2493

Public Works Customer Service: 981-6620 (streets, sidewalks, graffiti, sewers, litter, storm drains, street lights)

Tree Trimming/Planting (Forestry)/Parks: 981-6660

Written Communication with City Council:

To comment to City Council, cut and paste the following email addresses:

City Clerk <clerk@ci.berkeley.ca.us>,

Mayor Tom Bates <Mayor@ci.berkeley.ca.us>,

Councilmember Linda Maio <LMaio@ci.berkeley.ca.us>,

Councilmember Darryl Moore <DMoore@ci.berkeley.ca.us>,

Councilmember Max Anderson <MAnderson@ci.berkeley.ca.us>,

Councilmember Dona Spring <DSpring@ci.berkeley.ca.us>,

Councilmember Laurie Capitelli <LCapitelli@ci.berkeley.ca.us>,

Councilmember Betty Olds <BOlds@ci.berkeley.ca.us>,

Councilmember Kriss Worthington <KWorthington@ci.berkeley.ca.us>,

Councilmember Gordon Wozniak <GWozniak@ci.berkeley.ca.us>

Representatives for Our Neighborhood:

Councilmember Max Anderson (District 3) 981-7130

West side of Wheeler Street to west (except for Woolsey between Wheeler and Shattuck)

Councilmember Kriss Worthington (District 7) 981-7170

East side of Wheeler to east (includes block of Woolsey from Wheeler to Shattuck)

Mayor Tom Bates 981-7100

Zoning Adjustments Board:

To comment to the Zoning Adjustments Board regarding projects on their calendar, email:

Zoning Adjustments Board <zab@ci.berkeley.ca.us>

(best to submit your comments 10 days prior to meeting for inclusion in the advance packet to board members, but late submissions will be distributed the evening of the meeting)

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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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Thursday, July 10, 2008

HNA E-News: Summer Garden Potluck This Sunday; Home Invasions and Sexual Assaults in Berkeley; Drought; etc.

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Halcyon Neighborhood Association E-Newsletter

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1. Halcyon Garden Potluck Party and Neighborhood History Gathering, Sunday, July 13, 5:30-8:30 p.m.. 2329 Webster

2. Community Crime Alert: Detectives Looking at Similarities in Recent Home Invasions and Sexual Assaults

3. EBMUD Adopts Drought Rates

4. Crime Watch Report: Incidents in the Area from North Oakland to Tremont and Essex Near BART

* 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:

This E-News comes with a reminder to be very careful about not leaving your windows or doors open and to be cautious about letting strangers into your house for any reason; there has been a disturbing series of sexual assaults in Berkeley recently (fortunately none in our immediate neighborhood), and most seem to be related to entryways left unsecured. Don't let the hot weather make you complacent about basic security precautions! See item 2 for Police Department reports on a number of incidents.

On a lighter note, a very special thanks to neighbor Mark Foy for his recent generous donation in response to HNA's Summer Fundraising appeal. Hopefully others will be also be inspired to contribute, perhaps by bringing a check to one of our upcoming events, such as the Garden Potluck Party this Sunday in John and Michelle's lovely garden and house, where we'll also get to hear some interesting tidbits about neighborhood history. Hope to see you there!

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

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1. Halcyon Garden Potluck Party and Neighborhood History Gathering, Sunday, July 13, 5:30-8:30 p.m.. 2329 Webster

Halcyon Garden Potluck Party and Neighborhood History Gathering at the home of John and Michelle Thelen Steere;, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. 2329 Webster (2nd house west of Whole Foods Market).

Come and appreciate the fruits of the summer and the spirit of our community and hear stories of what our neighborhood was like years ago!

5:30 to 7:00 p.m.: Potluck in the Garden: Meet and enjoy the company of your neighbors in the English Garden backyard of John and Michelle.

Potluck suggestions:

Appetizer: T-Z * Mail Dish: L-S * Salad: A-F * Dessert: G-K

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

If so inspired, it's really helpful if you can also bring a beverage to share.

7:00 to 8:30 p.m.: History of the 'Hood: The program moves indoors, where we'll share conversation and stories of where we live, whether we arrived last month or thirty years ago. Old timers are especially encouraged to show up and share their memories of what it used to be like here long ago. Come and hear how much has changed over the years and see images of the community efforts that created Halcyon Commons.

Please call HNA Co-Chair John Steere if you can help with preparations of this event: 849-1969

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2. Community Crime Alert: Detectives Looking at Similarities in Recent Home Invasions and Sexual Assaults

[Editor's Note: The Berkeley Police Dept. issued the following press release.]

Detectives Look At Cases For Similarities

Berkeley, CA. (July 8, 2008) - The City of Berkeley Police Department (BPD) is urging the community to employ the following crime prevention measures in response to several home invasions and sexual assaults:

** Despite the warm weather, community members should always lock and secure their doors and windows
** Be aware of locations and situations which make you more vulnerable to crime, such as traveling alone, and when walking through alleys,doorways, parking lots and stairwells

** Call BPD to report suspicious persons or activity

Detectives are investigating a sexual assault that occurred the morning of July 8 before dawn on the 1200 block of Milvia St. in north Berkeley. The victim described the suspect as: Black male, late teens early 20s, 5'6 to 5'8, thin build

On Tuesday, June 17, 2008, in the late morning hours, a woman was sexually assaulted in her home on the 2300 block of Derby St. The victim described the suspect as: Black male, 20s, dark complexion, 6'2, thin build

On Saturday, June 21, 2008, in the early morning hours, a residence on the 1800 block of Vine St. was burglarized. This burglary is suspicious given the proximity and the suspect description. The victim described the suspect as: Black male, 20s, dark complexion, tall, muscular build

In all three cases the suspect was armed with a deadly weapon. Investigators are looking into the possibility these cases are related. If you have any information regarding these cases, please call the BPD Sex Crimes Detail at (510) 981-5735.

The BPD is working in partnership with Bay Area Crime Stoppers who are offering up to a $2,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the involved suspect(s). Callers may remain anonymous by calling Bay Area Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). For crimes in progress, call 911 or (510) 981-5911 from your cell phone. To report suspicious persons or activity, call the BPD non-emergency line at (510) 981-5900.

[Editor's Note: And Sgt. Kusmiss sent the following update.]

Thank you for your continued interest in the sexual assault that happened yesterday, July 8th at approximately 4:25 a.m. in the 1200 block of Milvia Street. We appreciate your patience with respect to further details. In addition, it is not uncommon in cases for a detailed suspect description to be a challenge for victims. The emotional impact/trauma in such crimes makes it difficult.

Our greatest focus/interest in sharing the incidents and that fact that there may be similarities is to alert the community, heighten awareness, urge community members to call in any suspicious activity or people and most importantly, lock/secure windows and doors day and night. Historically, over 50% of burglaries in the City of Berkeley are accomplished through unlocked windows/doors, open windows/open doors.

Stranger sexual assault, those committed by a stranger who enters a home or grabs a woman from the street are very, very rare in Berkeley. We average 2 per year. The bulk of the rape statistics sent to CA.DOJ are acquaintance/date rape incidents: year 2006-22; 2007-24

It is customary/protocol to complete a SART exam if the victim is willing, take items of clothing, bedding, if relevant, and anything that remotely may have evidentiary value in sexual assault cases. All of these are examined and sent to the lab for analysis. This takes time. Detectives are scouring previous cases, sexual offender databases, recent parolee releases and all other avenues.

[Editor's Note: And please also note the following announcement also from the Berkeley Police Department, though not related to the incidents described above.]

Sex Crimes Detectives Warn Community of Fake Newspapermen

This is an unusual case of a man exposing himself after talking his way into the woman's home, on the pretext of trying to sell newspapers. We have some pretty good leads on this case and hopefully will have the suspect identified soon. I am sending this out is to remind everyone to think carefully before you let two uninvited strangers into your home.

-Sgt. Stephen Burcham

Berkeley, CA. (July 4, 2008) - City of Berkeley Police Department (BPD) Sex Crimes Detectives are cautioning the community about a recent incident involving a man posing as a newspaper subscription salesperson. On June 28, 2008, two men were allowed into the home of a female adult on the 1900 block of Berkeley Way under the pretense of selling newspaper subscriptions for a local periodical. After a brief discussion one of the two men left the apartment. The remaining individual exposed the victim to his genitals before leaving.

Detectives are sharing the details of this crime to keep the public informed and to better protect themselves.

The suspect is described as: White Male, 20s, 5'8 to 5'10, heavy build, with dark hair

In the company of another: White Male, 20s, 5'10, 170 lbs, with short black hair

Community members are reminded to employ crime prevention measures whenever possible. By taking a few precautions, you reduce your risk as well as discourage those who commit crimes.

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3. EBMUD Adopts Drought Rates

[Editor's Note: Our area's director on EBMUD, Andy Katz, forwarded the following information related to water rates during the ongoing drought.]

The East Bay Municipal Utility District adopted drought rates yesterday, a major component of a Drought Management Plan to conserve 15% overall water use throughout the District. EBMUD is the first district in California to respond to the drought with a forward-thinking effort to plan for potentially low supplies if next year is dry like this year and last year.

Single-Family Homes are asked to conserve 19 percent, and apartments by 11 percent.

The drought rates include a 10 percent increase in volume charges for all customers and a $2 surcharge for each 25 gallons per day of water used above a customer's individual allocation. The allocation for single family homes is a 10 percent reduction below the past 3 years consumption, and the allocation for multi-family residential is a 7 percent reduction. All residential customers using less than 100 gallons per day are exempt from the increased rates and surcharges.

Self-Audit Kits and Allocation Adjustments

For customers who are already conserving or complete a self-audit kit to conserve all they can, EBMUD will adjust your allocation. Answers to frequently asked questions are here: http://www.ebmud.com/drought/drought_rates_and_allocations_faqs.htm

Improving Equity and Encouraging Conservation in the Plan

I joined the Board in unanimously supporting the plan. I initially found the original draft unfair, because the sole criterion was a customer's past consumption, and I think it is critical to implement a plan that encourages long-term conservation and will not punish customers who are already setting good examples for their neighbors by conserving.

First, the Board changed the first draft to exempt customers using less than 100 gallon per day to reward customers who are exceptional in conserving water.
Second, EBMUD developed a self-audit kit that will allow for individualized assessments so that customers who are conserving all they can can apply for an adjustment to their allocation. The check-list will take less than a half-hour to complete, and will be available at http://www.ebmud.com/drought/default.html or 1-866-40-EBMUD. The adjustment process will allow for individual factors such as household size, lawn size, local weather, medical conditions, changes in occupancy, and other factors to be considered so that customers are treated fairly but must still conserve within a reasonable water budget.

Fix Leaks, Reduce Outdoor Water Use

The most important ways we can fight the drought is by fixing toilet and plumbing leaks, and by reducing outdoor water use 30% by watering 3 or fewer times a week, and never on consecutive days. Our drought help center also has information on useful tips, rebates, and incentives.

Ongoing Public Process Needed

I supported an ongoing public process to evaluate the drought management plan and future alternatives to the current plan. I heard from many residents who proposed alternatives such as using standardized, fixed allocations for every customer, integrating stronger conservation pricing signals in our rate structure, and creating a new customer class for "water-smart" customers. The Board's resolution included direction to our staff to recommend a process for further review, which may include study of the alternatives suggested by the public, and formation of a citizens advisory committee.

I agree that the current plan did not have the benefit of extensive study, but Proposition 218, passed by California voters in 1996, now requires water districts to follow a strict notification process that effectively delays any rate changes, even responses to drought emergencies, by up to 3 months, and precludes the Board's flexibility to incorporate public input once public notices are mailed. If EBMUD did not approve a plan in time for the summer, we would face serious budget shortfalls, and inadequate water supply for future years.

I invite your continued feedback on this issue while EBMUD strives to conserve 15% water consumption this year, and continues to investigate a more effective and equitable system.

Drought Help Center - http://www.ebmud.com/drought/default.html

News Links on the East Bay Drought:

ABC 7 - http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=news/local&id=6251479

East Bay Express - http://www.eastbayexpress.com/news/the_water_wars/Content?oid=780931

Oakland Tribune - http://www.insidebayarea.com/oaklandtribune/ci_9803551

SF Chronicle - http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/07/09/BAOC11LN5L.DTL&hw=EBMUD&sn=001&sc=1000

Andy Katz

Director, East Bay Municipal Utility District

510-848-5001; Andykatz@sonic.net

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4. Crime Watch Report: Incidents in the Area from North Oakland to Tremont and Essex Near BART

An East Lorin neighbor reports:

(1) On Friday July 4th at 12:30 p.m. one of our area residents noticed a man who appeared to be going into people's side yards, near 65th and Whitney, and called the police, following the man who went towards Tremont and Essex. A half hour later I happened to be walking down the street and witnessed BPD apprehend an individual carrying an open container of alcohol, who later conversations revealed to likely be the same person, at Essex and Adeline at 1p.m. The man was a thin black man of indeterminate age, wearing a knit cap and oversize large black coat, inappropriate to the weather conditions (warm).

(2) At 10 p.m. Saturday July 5th, I noticed two BPD patrol cars and a Crime Scene Unit van parked on Essex street between Adeline and Tremont. Earlier I had heard a helicopter in the area.

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For Your Calendar: HNA Dates Scheduled for 2008

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

Sunday, July 13, 5:30-8:30 p.m., Summer Community Potluck, 2329 Webster (in the garden, then indoors for some neighborhood history)