HNA E-News: Meetings Tonight on Ashby BART and BRT! Also Crime Watch & Other Notices

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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. Community Meeting Tuesday, Dec. 16 at 6:30 p.m. Concerning Ashby BART Changes

2. Willard Neighborhood Association Q&A about BRT, Tuesday, Dec. 16, 6:30-8 p.m., Willard Middle School

3. Anti-Blight Blog Focused on South Berkeley/North Oakland

4. Reminder to Shop Telegraph!

5. Crime Watch: Attempted Assault on Woolsey Near Ashby BART

6. Crime Watch: U.C. Police Crime Alert - Armed & Strong Arm Robberies

7. Holiday Caroling in the Neighborhood: Weds. Dec. 17 in Lorin Neighborhood; Possible Weds. Dec. 23 in Halcyon/East Lorin

8. "Robin's Treasures": Ashby Neighbor Laura West Announces Free Puppet Workshops and a Unique Estate Sale

9. Hosts Needed for Post-Holiday Progressive Potluck, Sunday, January 11, 2009

10. Candle-Lit Solstice Labyrinth Walk at Willard School, Sunday, December 21, 6-8 p.m.

11. Halcyon Neighbor Helping Friend Locate Two-Bedroom Apartment in Our Neighborhood

* For Your Calendar: HNA Dates Scheduled for 2009

* Disaster Prep Supply Cache Wish List

* City of Berkeley: Useful Contact Information

* Halcyon Neighborhood Association's Guiding Principles

Editor's Introductory Note:

I wasn't expecting to put out another E-News quite so soon, but a number of new announcements were submitted in the last few days, and there are two meetings tonight that may be of interest to some neighbors. I also received a couple of crime watch notices. This serves as a good time to remind everyone: In addition to reporting crime to the Berkeley Police, please submit details to the E-News of any crimes in the neighborhood you're aware of, no matter how small; sharing this information reminds us to stay alert and aware and watch out for one another!

Once again, happy holidays to all!

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

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1. Community Meeting Tuesday, Dec. 16 at 6:30 p.m. Concerning Ashby BART Modernization

[Editor's Note: HNA received a postcard just yesterday announcing Community Meeting #3 about Ashby BART modernization; the postcard regarding Community Meeting #1 arrived after the meeting, and the postcard for #2 while I was away in August, so from my point of view, the publicity has been of dubious quality. The front of the postcard has a before/after photo where the chief change seems to be the addition of seven huge signs, with A/S/H/B/Y spelled out on five of them.]

Ashby BART Station Modernization Presentation

Community Meeting #3

Tuesday, Dec. 16, 6:30 p.m.

Phillips Temple CME Church, 3332 Adeline St., Berkeley

Contact: June Garrett, BART Community Relations, 510-464-6257

Come and hear BART plans to improve security, customer convenience, cleanliness, and other priorities at the Ashby BART station.

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2. Willard Neighborhood Association Q&A about BRT, Tuesday, Dec. 16, 6:30-8 p.m., Willard Middle School

[Editor's Note: From the WNA Flyer.]

Bus Rapid Transit on Telegraph Ave.
Question & Answer Session

When: Tuesday December 16 6:30pm to 8pm.

Where: Willard Middle School Library

AC Transit has proposed a new bus service for Telegraph Ave., Bus Rapid Transit (BRT). The new service is expected to provide faster more reliable bus service from Berkeley to downtown Oakland and on to San Leandro at a construction cost of $250 million and will require the dedication of two lanes on Telegraph Ave. and other major streets for bus only use. AC Transit's Deputy General Manager, Jim Gleich, will be available to answer questions about the current state of the BRT proposal Tuesday night, December 16th. The meeting is hosted by the Willard Neighborhood Association and coordinated through Singer Associates, AC Transit's outreach firm.

We encourage all Willard neighbors [other neighbors welcome] who are concerned about the future of the neighborhood to attend this meeting and learn about BRT. Questions for AC Transit can be sent over the next week to <ProBerk@aol.com> and the questions will be grouped into categories by the WNA Political Action Committee. Written questions will also be possible from the floor at the meeting and will be answered after those questions submitted earlier.

Moderated by: George Beier Willard Neighborhood Assoc. PAC chair

For more information:

AC Transit's BRT website: http://www.actforme.org/about/future.php

[Editor's Note: There's a video at the top of this page with a conceptual presentation of BRT buses traveling along Telegraph, including a quick glimpse of a station at Webster/Telegraph, etc.]

Opposition to BRT - discussion of Measure KK (Mary Oram & Bruce Kaplan):

http://district5diary.blogspot.com/2008/10/why-brt-is-on-berkeleys-ballot.html

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3. Anti-Blight Blog Focused on South Berkeley/North Oakland

Editor's Note: I ran across this blog address focused on neighborhood blight referenced on the political blog DailyKos:

"Fight Blight in South Berkeley/North Oakland"

http://wefightblight.blogspot.com/2008/12/significant-costs-of-blight.html

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4. Reminder to Shop Telegraph!

[Editor's Note: Steve Finacom posted the following announcement on the LeConte Chat list recently, and I thought it merited wider circulation.]

The Telegraph Avenue holiday crafts fair is underway. It will be back on Telegraph, between Dwight and Bancroft, next weekend (December 20 /21) as well as Tuesday and Wednesday, December 23 and 24th. Easy walking distance for all of us in Le Conte [and Halcyon] and a great source of handcrafted holiday gifts (for others, or for yourself!).  Over the years Le Conte residents have been among the artisans selling at the fair. It's also a good opportunity to visit the many shops along Telegraph-including the seven bookstores in the neighborhood-and have lunch or dinner at one of the multitude of restaurants and other eateries. Telegraph remains our neighborhood shopping district (although we share it with the campus community) and the holidays are a good time to support the businesses and artisans there.

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5. Crime Watch: Attempted Assault on Woolsey Near Ashby BART

[Editor's Note: A neighbor submitted the following information.]

"I just happened [Thursday, Dec. 11] upon an incident in the 2200 block of Woolsey Street: At 7:30 this evening, after hearing yelling, two of my neighbors and I rushed outside to find a shaken passerby (walking up Woolsey toward Telegraph Ave. from the Ashby Bart station), who had just been "attacked from behind" - punched in the back of the head by what he guessed to be a group of three high-school-aged individuals who had crept up on him quietly. The victim didn't get a good look at the assailants, but was luckily able to scare them away with loud screams (and a few well-chosen profanities). He was not talking on the phone, he was not wearing headphones, and he seemed like someone who was aware of his surroundings. Please remember that it's always important to keep your eyes and mind moving when walking alone, even if you know your route well."

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6. Crime Watch: U.C. Police Crime Alert - Armed & Strong Arm Robberies

From a City of Berkeley/UC Police Department Press Release:

A series of armed and strong arm robberies have occurred recently near campus in the City of Berkeley.  The robberies took place in the evening and early morning hours.  The locations of the robberies are as follows:  Parker & Telegraph, 2800 block of Hillegass, 2200 block of Haste, Fulton & Russell, Ellsworth & Ashby, Alcatraz & Shattuck, and Arch & Cedar.  Fortunately, there have been no reported injuries during these robberies.

UCPD cautions people to be alert and use common sense:

    * Walk with one or more companions whenever possible.

    * Plan the safest route to your destination, even if it means taking a longer route.

    * Choose well-lighted busy streets and avoid vacant lots or deserted areas.  See the Night Safety map for night-time walking routes (police.berkeley.edu/PDFs/NightMap.pdf).

    * Carry a cell phone pre-programmed with emergency numbers:  UCPD (510-642-3333);  BPD (510- 981-5911).

    * Call the Police as soon as you have been victimized or if you see anything suspicious as soon as you feel safe to do so.  The sooner the police are aware of a crime, the greater the chance the offender will be apprehended.

    * UCPD encourages you to use the various night safety programs servicing the campus and the community, including the Night Safety Shuttle and the BearWALK Service (510) 642-WALK (9255).

    * You can find out more about these programs by going to

http://police.berkeley.edu/programsandservices/campus_safety/index.html

PS: Carry and USE a bright flashlight when walking at night! No criminal wants to be identified.

 you have any information about any of these crimes, please contact:

Berkeley Police Department, (510) 981-5900 / 24 Hours

As with any emergency situation, if you see suspicious activity, call 911.

An Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) version of this alert will be available at: http://police.berkeley.edu/crimealerts.html?65,7

Directions for subscribing to ucb_police_news are available at: http://police.berkeley.edu/newselist.html

Information on Crime Prevention Strategies can be found at: http://police.berkeley.edu/programsandservices/campus_safety/guidelines.html

The University of California Police Department has launched a new way to receive crime alerts via ST&AR (Safety, Threats & Alerts Reports).  To receive crime alerts via ST&AR please visit http://police.berkeley.edu/STandAR/index.html to download it onto your PC.

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7. Holiday Caroling in the Neighborhood: Weds. Dec. 17 in Lorin Neighborhood; Possible Weds. Dec. 23 in Halcyon/East Lorin

[Editor's Note: Last year Halcyon and East Lorin neighbors joined together to sing Christmas carols. Some neighbors would like to make it an annual tradition.]

ANNUAL CHRISTMAS CAROLING PARTY, Lorin Neighborhood
Wed. December 17th,  1609 Woolsey Street
Meet at 6:30, Caroling around the neighborhood at 7. Dress warmly and bring a flashlight. I'll have caroling books, but you're welcome to bring other songs.
Snack/dessert pot luck to follow (I'll have hot apple cider with cinnamon warming on the stove). We'll be done by 10 - school/work day to follow. Kids are welcome and encouraged as long as they are not feral and you supervise them. 

Contact:  halih@yahoo.com

POSSIBLE CAROLING in EAST LORIN/HALCYON

Would you be interested in holiday caroling through parts of Halcyon and East Lorin neighborhoods on Tuesday, December 23, 5-7 p.m? Emphasis would be on Christmas caroling, but we could also do a couple of Hanukkah or other songs if there's interest and someone can teach the tunes. If you'd like to carol, please reply to <halcyon92@gmail.com> and your email will be passed on to the organizer. Men are especially encouraged to participate so we have the full vocal range!  Also, if you'd be willing to offer your house for a practice(s) or for an initial gathering point for caroling, please reply to <halcyon92@gmail.com>, and, again, your email will be passed on to the organizers. UPDATE: Carolers are encouraged to join the Lorin neighborhood caroling on December 17th.  During this night of caroling we'll assess whether there are enough participants to organize a 2nd night of caroling on the 23rd in the East Lorin and Halcyon area.  We can be certain about the 17th, but the 23rd we won't know for sure about until the 17th.  Hali (the organizer of the Lorin caroling) said she is open to possibly caroling with us in our area on the 23rd.

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8. "Robin's Treasures": Ashby Neighbor Laura West Announces Free Puppet Workshops and a Unique Estate Sale

ROBIN'S  TREASURES

Teacher and neighborhood resident Laura West invites you to attend FREE PUPPET WORKSHOPS and a unique estate sale. Her mother,  Robin Gorton, was a Berkeley teacher, storyteller, and puppeteer. Come to 2218 Russell Street (Berkeley, by Telegraph and Ashby, and you'll walk into the wonderland of her vast and marvelous collections: magical PUPPETS (from finger to life-size animals, people, and whole story kits); glistening ORNAMENTS (miniature instruments, birds, and fruit); and gorgeous DISHES (in cobalt blues and emerald greens).

SALE: Saturday, Dec. 20,  10-4:00 p.m.

PUPPET WORKSHOP

Sunday, 12/21: Laura will show multicultural people puppets and give away handouts, patterns, and felt.

REFRESHMENTS AND WORKSHOP: 1:00-3:30 p.m.

To register for the workshops or more information, contact Laura West, 845-4754 or Lauragortonwest@yahoo.com

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9. Hosts Needed for Post-Holiday Progressive Potluck, Sunday, January 11, 2009

[Update: At least two of the courses for the potluck are covered; Tory needs at least one more host, possibly two. Please email her if you can help. And please let her know if you'd be interested in hosting one of the quarterly potlucks later next year.]

Dear neighbors,

My name is Tory Finn, I live on Wheeler Street. Our January Post-Holiday "Progressive Potluck" is one of my favorite  neighborhood events, and lucky for us it's just around the corner on January 11th. Unlike the rest of our quarterly potlucks, we move from house to house for each course. It's a great way to meet our neighbors and enjoy the community we so value in Halcyon.

 

If you have not hosted before, please consider being a host for one course. We've had the chance to go to some houses many times,  and it would be nice to involve more people. We need a total of THREE or possibly FOUR hosts (Appetizers, Salad, and Main Course need hosts; Dessert will be at John and Michelle's house unless someone else would like to do it).  Hosts usually provide paper plates, cups, napkins, etc., but other people can help with those resources if needed.

 

Please contact me if you are interested in hosting one of the courses on January 11  -- even if you are not sure whether you can or if you want more info. Also let me know if you'd like to be on the list as a potential potluck host for one of our quarterly potlucks later in the year. Thank you, and I look forward to seeing you all on January 11.

 

Tory Finn

tory_finn@yahoo.com

c. 415-505-8160

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10. Candle-Lit Solstice Labyrinth Walk at Willard School, Sunday, December 21, 6-8 p.m.

[Editor's Note:  Last year's candle-lit Solstice Walk was a very special evening. Here's a good way to unwind some of that holiday stress.]

East Bay Labyrinth Project
SUNDAY, December 21, 2008

Winter Solstice Community Labyrinth Walk by Candlelight, drop by from 6 to 8 p.m., Willard Middle School (Telegraph Ave. between Derby & Stuart, Berkeley). Hot mulled cider & refreshments.  Everyone welcome. Wheelchair accessible. Rain cancels. Contact info@eastbaylabyrinthproject.org, 510-526-6032.

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11. Halcyon Neighbor Helping Friend Locate Two-Bedroom Apartment in Our Neighborhood

HNA Treasurer Susan Hunter has a good friend who's looking for an apartment to rent in our neighborhood (or the larger area):

A friend of mine is looking for a two-bedroom apartment in our neighborhood (she will be working at the Ed Roberts Campus currently under construction):  2 bedrooms, close to bus line or BART, and close to a food store. Looking for something safe, clean, and well-kept.   Willing to pay $1500-1700 per month if it is in good condition. Friend is professional woman with no pets. She's quiet and has excellent references. She'd prefer not to rent in a complex unless it is really nice and not falling apart. Please contact <huntersec@gmail> to send info, and I will forward it to my friend.

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* For Your Calendar: HNA Dates Scheduled for 2009

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

Sunday, January 11, 2009, 5:30-8:45 p.m., Post-Holiday Progressive Potluck, four locations TBD

Sunday, February, 8, 2009, 4-5:30, Joint Steering Committee/Disaster Prep Committee meeting to plan dates/events for 2009 (email <halcyon92@gmail.com> if you'd like to participate)

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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:  http://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 Jesse Arreguin <JArreguin@ci.berkeley.ca.us>,

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

Councilmember Susan Wengraf <SWengraf@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 please!) 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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