HNA E-News: Yard Sale Sunday 4/26; meeting re 3001 Telegraph Weds. 4/22; crime watch; 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. Sunday April 26th Multi-Block Yard Sale, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. (Sign-ups Due by Thursday 4/23)

2. 3001 Telegraph (at Ashby), Preliminary Design Review at DRC, Thursday, April 16, 7 p.m. and Neighborhood Meeting with the Architect at Claremont Library, Wednesday, April 22, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

3. Prince Street Neighbor Facilitating Free Tai Chi Chih Practice at Halcyon Commons This Saturday, April 25, 10 a.m. for World Tai Chi/Qi Gong Day

4. Earth Day Events at Whole Foods Market This Wednesday and Thursday

5. Crime Watch Reports: Another Truck Stolen 2100 Block of Prince 4/13; Plus Follow-Up

6. Step Confidently Ahead: A Walk to Support the Families of the Four Fallen OPD Officers: Sunday, April 26

7. Hidden Gems Ride & Walk to Treasures of Central Berkeley, Saturday, May 2, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

* 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:

There are two great community-building events HNA is sponsoring this weekend: First, on Saturday, consider coming over to Halcyon Commons for World Tai Chi/Qi Gong Day (item 3). Prince Street neighbor Judith Schwartz has generously offered to lead a group Tai Chi Chih practice, but it would also be great to have others engaged in their preferred practices (whether Qi Gong, other forms of Tai Chi, yoga, meditation, swinging on the tire swing, or just sitting on one of the benches watching it all go by). The purpose is to bring positive energy (aka "Chi" or "Qi") to our park and neighborhood, as people will be doing all around the world.

The second great community-building event is a multi-block yard sale this Sunday (item 1), organized this year by Wheeler Street neighbor Rosalind Harder. While spring cleaning and a desire to raise some cash are prime motivators for participating households, there are other benefits to our neighborhood. So whether you plan to sell items yourself or not, be sure to wander around the neighborhood from Telegraph west toward Adeline, and from Ashby south toward Woolsey to check out the sales. You're bound to meet new folks who live nearby as well as renew acquaintances with neighbors you haven't seen in a while.

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

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1. Sunday April 26th Multi-Block Yard Sale, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. (Sign-ups Due by Thursday 4/23)

Neighborhood-Wide Multi-Block Yard Sale
Sunday, April 26, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. (rain reschedules)
To participate, sign up and pay by end of day, Thursday, April 23rd!!!

(email by reply to <halcyon92@gmail.com>)

If spring cleaning has you motivated to reduce clutter (and the economy has you wanting to earn a little cash), consider participating in the HNA-sponsored multi-block yard sale being organized by Wheeler Street neighbor Rosalind Harder (Ros). To sign up to be included on the map of participating households, email <halcyon92@gmail.com> by the end of the day on Thursday 4/23 and drop off a check to help cover expenses (in an envelope, please) for $5.00 made out to HNA c/o HNA Treasurer Susan Hunter, 3044 Halcyon Court. Include your address and contact information, which will be passed on to the yard sale coordinator, Ros.

Note: Essex Street neighbor Lisa Romo is in training with Team in Training to run a half marathon on 5/3 to raise money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Rather than a yard sale, she'll be having a bake sale on Essex near Wheeler, so be sure to stop by to purchase something tasty!

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2. 3001 Telegraph: Neighborhood Meeting with the Architect at Claremont Library, Wednesday, April 22, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Neighborhood Meeting with the Architect for 3001 Telegraph Project

Wednesday, April 22, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Meeting room at the Claremont Branch of the Berkeley Public Library (at 2940 Benvenue in the Elmwood)

The application is to construct a 5-story mixed-use building with 38 dwelling units, 4,039 square feet of ground floor commercial space, and 42 parking spaces. (The application allows for a fifth story where only four would be otherwise permitted, and additional height, to accommodate the project's density bonus. It requests a use permit to provide 4,081 sq. ft. of open space where 7,6000 are otherwise required, and a use permit to provide 42 off-street parking spaces where 47 are otherwise required.)

The use permit application, which contains more details, may be downloaded at the following link (scroll down for this project):

http://www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/ContentDisplay.aspx?id=360

[Editor's Note:  HNA has not yet taken a formal position on this project, and according to our Guiding Principles, reproduced at the end of each E-News, we only take positions on such issues when there is near-unanimity among neighbors. We are thus unlikely to take a position on height/density issues because of a range of opinions in the neighborhood, but we will pass on comments from neighbors and do our best to encourage a quality design and appropriate commercial uses, and we have requested that the developer/architect hold an informal meeting for neighbors in the surrounding areas: Halcyon, Bateman, Willard, and Le Conte neighborhoods all border this anchor corner (the April 22nd meeting with the architect was scheduled in response to our request as well as to inquiries from Councilmember Worthington's office).]

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3. Prince Street Neighbor Facilitating Free Tai Chi Chih Practice at Halcyon Commons This Saturday, April 25, 10 a.m. for World Tai Chi/Qi Gong Day

Editor's Note: Judith Schwartz of Prince Street will be guiding a free Tai Chi Chih Practice in the park as part of World Tai Chi/Qi Gong Day this Saturday.

On World T'ai Chi/Qi Gong Day, Practice in the Park!

Saturday, April 25, 10-11 a.m.

Featuring T'ai Chi Chih at Halcyon Commons (Halcyon at Prince)

Practice will take place even with light rain (but heavy rain cancels)

On Saturday, April 25th, participants in all 50 states and over 60 countries around the world will be doing their T'ai Chi or Qi Gong practice beginning at 10 a.m. From New Zealand and Australia, to Asia, to Africa, to Europe, to the U.S. and Canada and South America, a wave of Chi will flow over the planet. Join us at Halcyon Commons in Berkeley at 10 a.m. to participate in this worldwide event, where we'll do our T'ai Chi Chih practice. For students new (or returning) to T'ai Chi Chih, there is a free refresher practice on Sunday, April 19, at Halcyon Commons at 11 a.m. Contact Judith Schwartz at 510-843-2062 for more information.

Note:  While the Tai Chi Chih practice has a facilitator, and all are welcome to join, others are also welcome to come out to the park at 10 a.m. to engage in other practices, such as Qi Gong, other forms of Tai Chi, yoga, meditation, etc.

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4. Earth Day Events at Whole Foods Market This Wednesday and Thursday

[Editor's Note: Here are some upcoming events at Whole Foods Market during "earthweek." You can find the full calendar at  http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/berkeley/storecalendar.php ]

Wednesday, April 22nd

Organic Earth Day Celebration!

11 a.m.-7 p.m. FREE

This Earth Day celebrate Organics with Whole Foods Market in Berkeley. All day long we will have educational classes and tastings of organic foods that are good for you and the planet. Our main event will be our Organic Product Exchange!!  Bring us any conventional product, and we will exchange it for a FREE 365 organic product! (Organic product value must be under $5. While supplies last. Limit 1 per customer.)  Our goal is to get more people eating affordable organics! All conventional goods will be donated to the Alameda County Food Bank.

Thursday, April 23rd

Green Cleaning Event

3-7 p.m.  FREE

Join the Green Cleaning Revolution! Discover why choosing all natural chemical-free cleaners is better for you and the environment. Learn from our amazing vendors about the benefits of cleaning products free of toxic chemicals. We will have information, education, samples and more. Join us as we continue our Earthweek Celebration!

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5. Crime Watch Reports: Another Truck Stolen 2100 Block of Prince 4/13; Plus Follow-Up

[Editor's Note:  The report of the 1993 white Nissan Truck stolen on Monday, April 13, turned out to be part of a pattern. See the reports below for news of another truck stolen around the same time, as well as good news about recovery of the first truck, plus some cautionary advice to owners of Japanese cars from the late 1980s and '90s.]

A Woolsey Street neighbor reported the following:

"Thank you very much for your e-news updates.  It is always helpful to have an idea of what is going on in the neighborhood.  Unfortunately, I have a crime update to submit.  Our 1989 black Nissan pickup truck was stolen from in front of our house (on Woolsey between Shattuck and Wheeler) on Monday 4/13 between 10 am and 12 noon.  The cab was locked and luckily had nothing of value in it.  In reading today's e-news, I see that another Nissan pickup was stolen at almost exactly the same time just a few blocks away!  How very interesting!"

The neighbor on Prince Street who reported a white 1993 Nissan truck stolen (also on April 13) submitted the following update:

"Good news! Last night [4/15] at about 2 a.m. our beat officer knocked on our door to tell us that my '93 Nissan truck had been found. She drove me over to Emerson at Tremont. Officers on patrol spotted it and apparently it had been parked there earlier last night because they didn't see it on earlier patrols.  I called the auto theft dept. of the BPD this morning to thank them for their thorough work. The truck is in good condition. The exhaust system is really loud indicating that the thieves took the catalytic converter to sell for scrap. These things contain precious metals (Platinum or Palladium). Anyway, the officer recommended that I get a club for my steering wheel because the locks on Japanese cars from the late '80s and early '90s are a joke. They can be easily opened with a screwdriver. You might want to pass the information along to our Halcyon neighbors."

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6. Step Confidently Ahead: A Walk to Support the Families of the Four Fallen OPD Officers: Sunday, April 26

[The following announcement was forwarded by Dawn Trygstad Rubin, HNA's Neighborhood Watch Coordinator.]

On April 26th, join Berkeley Firefighters and Police Officers as they escort members of the Vacaville Police and Fire Department through Berkeley on their fundraising journey from Vacaville to Oakland. All interested parties should be prepared to meet at the intersection of San Pablo and Harrison at approximately 173 0hrs on April 26th and then to walk as far as you feel comfortable. To get to the end of the walk from our starting point is 2.5 miles (67th and San Pablo).

For more information:

http://stepconfidentlyahead.com

Any questions or RSVPs can be sent to info@bffa1227.org

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7. Hidden Gems Ride & Walk to Treasures of Central Berkeley, Saturday, May 2, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

[Editor's Note: The bicycle portion of the Hidden Gems tour is led by HNA's own Co-Chair John Steere of Webster Street! This annual event continues to draw raves year after year. Check it out!]

Hidden Gems of Berkeley Ride & Walk - Treasures of Central Berkeley

Saturday May 2, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

 

Ride and walk begins at Civic Center Fountain (Allston between Milvia and Martin Luther King Jr. Way) and concludes at the meadow by the No. branch of Strawberry Creek (in front of the Life Sciences Building on Campus).

 

The 7th annual Hidden Gems of Berkeley Ride & Walk will feature the unique and vernacular treasures and grassroots' greening initiatives around Central Berkeley. As in the past, we'll have vivid interpretive tours - by bike and by foot. This year we'll explore the fabric of gardens, paths, strange and familiar culture and natural features and buildings of Central Berkeley (by bike) and Downtown (by foot). Ride and walk start will be at Civic Center Fountain. Bring lunch and water. The event is family friendly (over the age of 10). Undated Hidden Gems of Berkeley maps will be available for a nominal fee.

 

Bike tour to be led by John Steere and John Coveney; Walking tour to be led by Jen English and Georgia Silvera. Check out www.bpfp.org for more information. Cosponsored by Berkeley Partners for Parks (BPFP), Livable Berkeley, and the Bicycle Friendly Berkeley Coalition.

 

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* For Your Calendar: HNA Dates Scheduled for 2009

Dates set as of  April 2009 (verify a couple weeks before event by checking HNA E-News):

Saturday, April 25,  2009, 10 a.m., T'ai Chi Chih Practice in the Park with Judith Schwartz on World Tai Chi and Qi Gong Day, Halcyon Commons (Halcyon Court at Prince Street); this will be the beginning of free ongoing neighborhood practice (days/times TBD)

Sunday, April 26, 2009, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Multi-Block Yard Sale

Saturday, May 9, 2009, 9:30  a.m. - 1 p.m., Work Party in Halcyon Commons (Halcyon at Prince)

Sunday, May 31, 2009, 2-4 p.m., Training in Urban Self-Defense Strategies with Wendy Schlesinger, Halcyon Commons (Halcyon at Prince)

Sunday, June 14, 5:30-8 p.m., Community Potluck, 3052 Wheeler Street (on patio)

Sunday, July 26, 2009, 10 a.m. - 12:30, Work Party in Halcyon Commons (Halcyon at Prince)

Tuesday, August 4, 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, August 15, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. SNCPC Garage Sale at Bushrod Park, Shattuck side between 60th and 59th Streets (Neighborhood Rummage Sale to raise money for  Crime Prevention Council, with HNA's participation)

Sunday, September 13, 4-6 p.m., Neighborhood Celebration with Live Music and Potluck in Halcyon Commons (Halcyon at Prince)

Saturday, October 10,  9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Big Work Party in Halcyon Commons (Halcyon at Prince) and surrounding neighborhood in coordination with Cal student volunteers from the Berkeley Project

Thursday, October 29, 7 p.m., SNCPC Annual Meeting (elect sector representatives to Crime Prevention Council), North Oakland Sr. Center, 58th St. and MLK Jr. Way (with HNA's participation)

Sunday, December 6, 4-5:30 p.m., HNA Steering Committee meeting to set dates for 2010, John Steere's house, 2329 Webster

Sunday, January 24, 2010, 5:00-8:45 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:  http://www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/police

Link to police bulletins:

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

Other City Departments:

City Manager's Office: 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 at <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 at <halcyon92@gmail.com>. Crime-watch reports and news about neighbors (births, new jobs, announcements about home businesses or creative projects) is especially welcome. Please note that due to the volunteer nature of the endeavor, the E-News 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). Also, please note that the E-News is published as items accumulate and as the editor's time permits rather than on a regular schedule; submit your item early if it relates to a future event, and there's a greater chance it will be included.

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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HNA E-News: Multi-Block Yard Sale 4/26 (sign up by 4/23); 3001 Telegraph at DRC Thurs. 4/16 and Claremont Library 4/22; crime watch; 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. Sunday April 26th Multi-Block Yard Sale Sign-ups Due 4/23

2. 3001 Telegraph (at Ashby), Preliminary Design Review at DRC, Thursday, April 16, 7 p.m. and Neighborhood Meeting with the Architect at Claremont Library, Wednesday, April 22, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

3. Community Earth Day Clean-up in Bushrod Park, Sat. April 18, 9 a.m. (meet Shattuck side)

4. Prince Street Neighbor Offering Local Halcyon Hives Honey for Sale

5. Prince Street Neighbor Offering Free Tai Chi Chih Practice at Halcyon Commons Sunday, April 19 at 11 a.m. and Saturday, April 25, 10 a.m.

6. Is There a Doctor in the Neighborhood?

7. Crime Watch Reports: Truck Stolen 2100 Block of Prince 4/13; Burglary on Webster 4/8

8. Hidden Gems Ride & Walk to Treasures of Central Berkeley, Saturday, May 2, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

9. City of Berkeley's Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program

10. Upcoming Earth Day Events at Whole Foods Market

* 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:

One of the things I find most important as editor of the HNA E-News is ensuring that I pass on good news in addition to the inevitable bad news of crime watch reports and the anxiety-producing news of the need to prepare for a major earthquake. I especially enjoy passing on good news related to neighbors' projects. So I'm happy in this issue to pass on information about fresh local honey (item 4),  T'ai Chi Chih practice in the park,and another Hidden Gems Ride & Walk tour (item 8), just as in past issues I've passed on word of gallery openings, book signings, film showings, holiday pies, and other offerings directly connected to our creative, talented, and engaged neighbors. So in addition to emailing me at <halcyon92@gmail.com> with details of any crime incidents, please send along your good news and word of your home-business endeavors to share with neighbors as well (see the note at the end of HNA E-News for submission guidelines).

Happy spring!

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

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1. Sunday April 26th Multi-Block Yard Sale Sign-ups Due 4/23

Neighborhood-Wide Multi-Block Yard Sale
Sunday, April 26, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. (rain reschedules)
To participate, sign up by Thursday, April 23rd!!!

(email by reply to <halcyon92@gmail.com>

If spring cleaning has you motivated to reduce clutter (and the economy has you wanting to earn a little cash), consider participating in the HNA-sponsored multi-block yard sale being organized by a Wheeler Street neighbor. To sign up to be included on the map of participating households, email <halcyon92@gmail.com> by Thursday 4/23 and drop off a check to help cover expenses (in an envelope, please) for $5.00 made out to HNA c/o HNA Treasurer Susan Hunter, 3044 Halcyon Court. Include your address and contact information, which will be passed on to the yard sale coordinator.

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2. 3001 Telegraph (at Ashby), Preliminary Design Review at DRC, Thursday, April 16, 7 p.m. and Neighborhood Meeting with the Architect at Claremont Library, Wednesday, April 22, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Design Review Committee
Thursday, April 16, 7:00 p.m. on

North Berkeley Senior Center (1901 Hearst at MLK Jr.)

Hearing to consider preliminary design review for proposed development at 3001 Telegraph

Neighborhood Meeting with the Architect for 3001 Telegraph Project

Wednesday, April 22, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Meeting room at the Claremont Branch of the Berkeley Public Library (at 2940 Benvenue in the Elmwood)

The application is to construct a 5-story mixed-use building with 38 dwelling units, 4,039 square feet of ground floor commercial space, and 42 parking spaces. (The application allows for a fifth story where only four would be otherwise permitted, and additional height, to accommodate the project's density bonus. It requests a use permit to provide 4,081 sq. ft. of open space where 7,6000 are otherwise required, and a use permit to provide 42 off-street parking spaces where 47 are otherwise required.)

The use permit application, which contains more details, may be downloaded at the following link (scroll down for this project):

http://www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/ContentDisplay.aspx?id=360

[Editor's Note:  HNA has not yet taken a formal position on this project, and according to our Guiding Principles, reproduced at the end of each E-News, we only take positions on such issues when there is near-unanimity among neighbors. We are thus unlikely to take a position on height/density issues because of a range of opinions in the neighborhood, but we will pass on comments from neighbors and do our best to encourage a quality design and appropriate commercial uses, and we have requested that the developer/architect hold an informal meeting for neighbors in the surrounding areas: Halcyon, Bateman, Willard, and Le Conte neighborhoods all border this anchor corner (the April 22nd meeting with the architect was scheduled in response to our request as well as to inquiries from Councilmember Worthington's office).]

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3. Community Earth Day Clean-up in Bushrod Park, Sat. April 18, 9 a.m. (meet Shattuck side)

[Editor's Note: HNA Neighborhood Watch Coordinator Dawn Trygstad Rubin has been participating with the Shattuck Neighborhood Crime Prevention Council (SNCPC)  to strengthen our crime-watch efforts along the Shattuck corridor. What happens in North Oakland, especially along the Shattuck corridor, has a huge impact on our South Berkeley neighborhood, so please consider pitching in to help out at this clean-up event at Bushrod Park. It's just a few blocks from here!]

Oakland EarthDay 2009

Community Clean-up

Bushrod Park and Sankofa School

Meet at 9 a.m. at Bushrod, Shattuck side (Shattuck Ave. at 60th St.)

Wear sturdy shoes, bring work gloves, and dress in layers that you can shed as the morning becomes warmer. Mineral water, snacks, and commemorative T-Shirts will be provided.

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4. Prince Street Neighbor Offering Local Halcyon Hives Honey for Sale

A fresh honey harvest is just in. Organic, raw honey made from the flowers of your gardens. For sale while it lasts: $6 for pints, $3.50 for half-pints. $.50 credit for returned jars. Limit: 3 pints per customer. The "Honey Store" is open every weekday 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. or all day Friday-Sunday. Phone before coming to get the address and to make certain we have not run out:  848-1797.

Bruce Wicinas & Noriko Nishizawa

Halcyon Hives "beekeepers"

bwicinas@pacbell.net

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5. Prince Street Neighbor Offering Free Tai Chi Chih Practice at Halcyon Commons Sunday, April 19 at 11 a.m. and Saturday, April 25, 10 a.m.

On World T'ai Chi/QiGong Day, Practice in the Park!

Saturday, April 25, 10-11 a.m.

Featuring T'ai Chi Chih at Halcyon Commons (Halcyon at Prince)

(and Refresher Practice the weekend before on Sunday, April 19, 11 a.m.)

On Saturday, April 25th, participants in all 50 states and over 60 countries around the world will be doing their T'ai Chi or QiGong practice beginning at 10 a.m. From New Zealand and Australia, to Asia, to Africa, to Europe, to the U.S. and Canada and South America, a wave of Chi will flow over the planet. Join us at Halcyon Commons in Berkeley at 10 a.m. to participate in this worldwide event, where we'll do our T'ai Chi Chih practice. For students new (or returning) to T'ai Chi Chih, there is a free refresher practice on Sunday, April 19, at Halcyon Commons at 11 a.m. These free events are facilitated by Prince Street neighbor Judith Schwartz; contact 510-843-2062 for more information.

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6. Is There a Doctor in the Neighborhood?

Editor's Note:  Tory Finn and Eric Roberts, members of HNA's Disaster Prep team, are working on an order to flesh out supplies in our neighborhood emergency supply cache using funds raised during last year's 55-gallon water barrel order. They're making good progress but need an M.D. with an active physician's license to help with purchase of additional sterile saline. Please reply to <halcyon92@gmail.com> if you can help in this way.

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7. Crime Watch Reports: Truck Stolen 2100 Block of Prince 4/13; Burglary on Webster 4/8

[Editor's Note: As warmer weather arrives and as summer approaches, the pattern of past years suggests that we may see an increase in crimes reported. So please pay watch out for your neighbors and report anything or anyone suspicious to the police nonemergency number (981-5900) given toward the end of each E-News. Of course, use the emergency number if there's a crime in progress (911 from a landline; 981-5911 from a cell).]

A neighbor on Prince Street reported the following:

"Thought I'd let you know that my 1993 white Nissan truck with a white camper top was stolen from in front of our house on the 2100 Block of Prince [on Monday, April 13]. I walked down to the post office about noon, and it was gone when I returned. Cab was locked. Nothing of value was in it."

A neighbor on Webster Street reported that his house was broken into (through a window he thought was "painted shut") on Wednesday, April 8 sometime between the late morning and early afternoon. Laptop and digital camera were stolen, and the burglary was reported to the police.

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

8. Hidden Gems Ride & Walk to Treasures of Central Berkeley, Saturday, May 2, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

[Editor's Note: The bicycle portion of the Hidden Gems tour is led by HNA's own Co-Chair John Steere of Webster Street! This annual event continues to draw raves year after year. Check it out!]

Hidden Gems of Berkeley Ride & Walk - Treasures of Central Berkeley

Saturday May 2, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

 

Ride and walk begins at Civic Center Fountain (Allston between Milvia and Martin Luther King Jr. Way) and concludes at the meadow by the No. branch of Strawberry Creek (in front of the Life Sciences Building on Campus).

 

The 7th annual Hidden Gems of Berkeley Ride & Walk will feature the unique and vernacular treasures and grassroots' greening initiatives around Central Berkeley. As in the past, we'll have vivid interpretive tours - by bike and by foot. This year we'll explore the fabric of gardens, paths, strange and familiar culture and natural features and buildings of Central Berkeley (by bike) and Downtown (by foot). Ride and walk start will be at Civic Center Fountain. Bring lunch and water. The event is family friendly (over the age of 10). Undated Hidden Gems of Berkeley maps will be available for a nominal fee.

 

Bike tour to be led by John Steere and John Coveney; Walking tour to be led by Jen English and Georgia Silvera. Check out www.bpfp.org for more information. Cosponsored by Berkeley Partners for Parks (BPFP), Livable Berkeley, and the Bicycle Friendly Berkeley Coalition.

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9. City of Berkeley's Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program

[Editor's Note: The following message was sent out by City of Berkeley's Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program Coordinator.]

My name is Katherine Brown and I am the program coordinator for the City of Berkeley Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program. I just wanted to share a bit about our program and offer lead poisoning prevention resources that may be helpful to you. We are located to 1947 Center St. 2nd Floor and Berkeley and can be reached at 510-981-5289. We provides services to Berkeley residents as they relate to reducing lead exposure in children. Services range from case management for children with blood lead levels above 10 ug/dL and health education for children with levels between 5-9.5 ug/dL.

We also provide information and linkages to resources for property owners on lead-safe practices that are offered through the Alameda County Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (such as free lead-testing kits  and In-Home Consultations for property owners, HEPA-Vac lending service, free lead-safe painting/remodeling classes, etc.). Lead poisoning prevention presentations and trainings for your group are available upon request. For more information on our program, or to refer a client to our services, please feel free to contact us or visit our website at http://www.cityofberkeley.info/ContentDisplay.aspx?id=11244

Katherine Brown, MPH
Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program Coordinator

City of Berkeley Public Health Division

Tel: 510-981-5289

E-mail: kbrown@ci.berkeley.ca.us

www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/publichealth

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10. Upcoming Earth Day Events at Whole Foods Market

[Editor's Note: Here are some upcoming events at Whole Foods Market during "earthweek." You can find the full calendar at  http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/berkeley/storecalendar.php]

Organic Earth Day Celebration!

11 a.m.-7 p.m. FREE

This Earth Day celebrate Organics with Whole Foods Market in Berkeley. All day long we will have educational classes and tastings of organic foods that are good for you and the planet. Our main event will be our Organic Product Exchange!!  Bring us any conventional product, and we will exchange it for a FREE 365 organic product! (Organic product value must be under $5. While supplies last. Limit 1 per customer.)  Our goal is to get more people eating affordable organics! All conventional goods will be donated to the Alameda County Food Bank.

Thursday, April 23rd

Green Cleaning Event

3-7 p.m.  FREE

Join the Green Cleaning Revolution! Discover why choosing all natural chemical-free cleaners is better for you and the environment. Learn from our amazing vendors about the benefits of cleaning products free of toxic chemicals. We will have information, education, samples and more. Join us as we continue our Earthweek Celebration! 

     

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* For Your Calendar: HNA Dates Scheduled for 2009

Dates set as of  April 2009 (verify a couple weeks before event by checking HNA E-News):

Saturday, April 18 , 2009, 9 a.m. Earth Day Clean-up at Bushrod Park,  Shattuck Avenue at 60th (Shattuck side)

Saturday, April 25,  2009, 10 a.m., T'ai Chi Chih Practice in the Park with Judith Schwartz on World Tai Chi and QiGong Day, Halcyon Commons (Halcyon Court at Prince Street); this will be the beginning of free ongoing neighborhood practice (days/times TBD)

Sunday, April 26, 2009, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Multi-Block Yard Sale (if enough households sign up)

Saturday, May 9, 2009, 9:30  a.m. - 1 p.m., Work Party in Halcyon Commons (Halcyon at Prince)

Sunday, May 31, 2009, 2-4 p.m., Training in Urban Self-Defense Strategies with Wendy Schlesinger, Halcyon Commons (Halcyon at Prince)

Sunday, June 14, 5:30-8 p.m., Community Potluck, 3052 Wheeler Street (on patio)

Sunday, July 26, 2009, 10 a.m. - 12:30, Work Party in Halcyon Commons (Halcyon at Prince)

Tuesday, August 4, 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, August 15, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. SNCPC Garage Sale at Bushrod Park, Shattuck side between 60th and 59th Streets (Neighborhood Rummage Sale to raise money for  Crime Prevention Council, with HNA's participation)

Sunday, September 13, 4-6 p.m., Neighborhood Celebration with Live Music and Potluck in Halcyon Commons (Halcyon at Prince)

Saturday, October 10,  9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Big Work Party in Halcyon Commons (Halcyon at Prince) and surrounding neighborhood in coordination with Cal student volunteers from the Berkeley Project

Thursday, October 29, 7 p.m., SNCPC Annual Meeting (elect sector representatives to Crime Prevention Council), North Oakland Sr. Center, 58th St. and MLK Jr. Way (with HNA's participation)

Sunday, December 6, 4-5:30 p.m., HNA Steering Committee meeting to set dates for 2010, John Steere's house, 2329 Webster

Sunday, January 24, 2010, 5:00-8:45 p.m., Post-Holiday Progressive Potluck, four locations TBD

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

* Disaster Prep Supply Cache Wish List

HNA's Disaster Prep Supply Cache contains items intended to benefit the entire neighborhood in the event of disaster. You can help us have what we need on hand in two ways: (1) Make a tax-deductible financial contribution to Berkeley Partners for Parks (BPFP, our nonprofit fiscal sponsor), earmarked Halcyon Disaster Prep, which will go toward purchasing additional supplies, and mail or drop off to HNA Treasurer Susan Hunter, 3044 Halcyon Court, Berkeley, CA 94705. (2) Contribute any of the following items in-kind (supplies MUST be new or in GOOD condition):

Duct Tape (this is a versatile supply that allows us to improvise with common household items in the event of a disaster: lots needed!); Batteries (AA, C, D), regular & rechargeable; Battery Recharger for AA (LOTS of these needed!), C, D; Quality Walkie-Talkies with 8-mile range, 22 channels (i.e., Motorola Talkabout T5500 two-way radios); Axes; Crow Bars, Hard Hats; Other Tools for Search & Rescue; Head Lamps; Heavy-duty Flashlights; Bullhorn;  Flashcard (for storing neighborhood database to transfer to laptop); Sheets (freshly laundered or new; good for first aid); Blankets; First Aid Supplies; Gas Siphon (for extracting gas from cars to run generator); 5-Gallon Drums for long-term gas storage; Work Gloves; Large Camping Tents (with all parts!); Coleman or similar Gas or Propane Stove; Shelving for Shed; Two-Foot Lengths of 2x4s and 4x4s (good for cribbing and creating fulcrums for removing heavy objects during search & rescue operations).

Contact HNA Co-Chair and Cache Coordinator Nancy Carleton at <halcyon92@gmail.com> or 644-0172 to contribute supplies.

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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:

City Manager's Office: 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)

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

* Halcyon Neighborhood Association's Guiding Principles

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

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

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

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

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

The Halcyon Neighborhood Association E-Newsletter:  The HNA E-Newsletter forwards occasional crime-watch notices as well as items of general interest to neighbors in the Ashby/Telegraph/Woolsey/Adeline area of south Berkeley (HNA's borders), including announcements about community-building potlucks, greening projects, disaster preparedness meetings, and work parties in Halcyon Commons Park. If you're receiving this email, you probably either signed up at a neighborhood event or a neighbor forwarded it to you. Please note that to prevent spam, HNA always uses bcc and does not share your email address with third parties. If you wish to be removed from this list, please reply to HNA Co-Chair Nancy Carleton/Halcyon Neighborhood Association at <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 at <halcyon92@gmail.com>. Crime-watch reports and news about neighbors (births, new jobs, announcements about home businesses or creative projects) is especially welcome. Please note that due to the volunteer nature of the endeavor, the E-News 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). Also, please note that the E-News is published as items accumulate and as the editor's time permits rather than on a regular schedule; submit your item early if it relates to a future event, and there's a greater chance it will be included.

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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HNA E-News: Multi-Block Yard Sale 4/26???; 3001 Telegraph plans; ; Crime watch reports; etc.

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

Halcyon Neighborhood Association E-Newsletter

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

Items appearing in the HNA E-Newsletter are deemed to be of general interest to neighbors but do not necessarily reflect the views of Halcyon Neighborhood Association (HNA), its Steering Committee, or the Editor. The Editor's introductory comments express her personal viewpoint.

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

1. Spring Cleaning: Who's Up for a Multi-Block Yard Sale, Sunday, April 26?

2. New Development Coming to 3001 Telegraph (at Ashby), Project Review at ZAB, Thursday, April 9, 6 p.m., Old City Hall

3. Whole Foods Market: Meeting with HNA Reps and Monthly Report

4. Crime Watch Reports: Car Break-ins on Prince Street and Halcyon Court

5. Crime Watch Report: Possible Prowler Along Prince Street

6. Prince Street Neighbor Offering Free Tai Chi Chih Refreshers at 11 a.m. at Halcyon Commons on Sundays 4/12 and 4/19

7. Warm Water Pool Update, Including Meeting Thursday, April 2

8. A Few More Volunteers Needed to Help Deliver HNA Flyers

9. City Council to Consider Proposal to Prioritize Undergrounding of Wires on Ashby and Other Major Streets, Tuesday, April 21

* 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:

With spring, I'm noticing the pace of items being submitted (and events planned) is picking up, so the E-News will be coming out a bit more frequently again. There are also a number of HNA-sponsored events coming up this spring (see the calendar placeholder after the news items for a list of  events planned for the year). Please be sure to submit reports of both good news and any crime-watch incidents to <halcyon92@gmail.com> so we can keep the neighborhood informed.

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

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1. Spring Cleaning: Who's Up for a Multi-Block Yard Sale, Sunday, April 26?

A Wheeler Street neighbor who was intending to hold a family yard sale but heard about our very successful multi-block yard sales from past years (which draw much bigger crowds than individual sale) has expressed willingness to help organize a multi-block yard sale for Sunday, April 26, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. (individual households could set up later or end earlier, but that would be the announced time frame; note that for advertised sales, dealers often show up half an hour to an hour earlier than the official start time.)

For HNA to sponsor a multi-block yard sale that day, we'd need to know that there's interest from at least 10-12 households (and ideally 18-20, or even more). If you've been doing your spring cleaning and would welcome the opportunity to make a little cash selling it -- and you'd be able to participate on 4/26 -- please email back to <halcyon92@gmail.com> by next Thursday, April 9. If there's enough interest, we will list sign-up information in our April flyer, which will give more households the chance to participate. We will also need a few volunteers to help the Wheeler Street organizer with some simple tasks that help ensure customers (painting large signs for intersections on Shattuck, Ashby, Adeline, and Telegraph and putting them out Sunday morning of the sale; posting flyers on poles and bulletin boards in this and surrounding neighborhoods in the week prior; etc.).

If the sale goes forward, each participating household would need to contribute $5 toward HNA expenses in advance of the sale (ads and duplication of flyers), and someone from HNA would go around on the day of the sale to request voluntary contributions from your sales proceeds (to go toward our disaster supply fund). Households that signed up by the cut-off date (likely the week before the sale) would be included on a map of sales, which would be available at participating households.

The multi-block yard sales are a great way to build community as we walk around checking out one another's sale. Please reply as soon as possible (and no later than 4/9) to <halcyon92@gmail.com> if your household would like to participate; expressing your interest now is the only way we can no if the event will fly, so pleas don't put the decision off! (This multi-block would be open to households in the Halcyon territory bounded by Adeline, Ashby, Telegraph, and Wheeler.)

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

2. New Development Coming to 3001 Telegraph (at Ashby), Project Review at ZAB, Thursday, April 9, 6 p.m., Old City Hall

ZAB Project Preview for 3001 Telegraph Avenue

Thursday, April 9,  6 p.m. (note new time just announced)

Maudelle Shirek Building (Old City Hall), 2134 MLK, Jr. Way, 2nd floor

ZAB will hold a public hearing on the project preview of the use permit application for 3001 Telegraph (east across Telegraph from Whole Foods Market, in the vacant lot).

The application is to construct a 5-story mixed-use building with 38 dwelling units, 4,039 square feet of ground floor commercial space, and 42 parking spaces. (The application allows for a fifth story where only four would be otherwise permitted, and additional height, to accommodate the project's density bonus. It requests a use permit to provide 4,081 sq. ft. of open space where 7,6000 are otherwise required, and a use permit to provide 42 off-street parking spaces where 47 are otherwise required.)

The use permit application, which contains more details, may be downloaded at the following link (scroll down for this project):

http://www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/ContentDisplay.aspx?id=360

(This 54-page report includes discussion of various issues plus some small drawings; full plans are scheduled to be posted to the website Friday.)

Public comment may be made verbally at the public hearing and in writing before the hearing:

Email: zab@ci.berkeley.ca.us

Questions: Aaron Sage, Project Planner for City of Berkeley: 510-981-7410 or <asage@ci.berkeley.ca.us.

[Editor's Note: HNA has no formal position on this project, and according to our Guiding Principles, reproduced at the end of each E-News, we only take positions on such issues when there is near-unanimity among neighbors. We are unlikely to take a position on height/density issues because of a range of opinions in the neighborhood, but we will pass on comments from neighbors, and we will be requesting that the developer/architect hold an informal meeting for neighbors in the surrounding areas: Halcyon, Bateman, Willard, and Le Conte neighborhoods all border this anchor corner. If you have comments you wish to have considered at the 4/9 hearing, please email <zab@ci.berkeley.ca.us> and feel free to cc <halcyon92@gmail.com>. We'd like to have a sense of neighbors' thinking on what's proposed for this important corner.]

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

3. Whole Foods Market: Meeting with HNA Reps and Monthly Report

[Editor's Note: John and I, Caleb, Shael, and David met with Whole Foods Market Team Leader Mike Howard and Community Relations Rep Nick Heustis to continue tracking neighborhood concerns about parking, trash, graffiti, noise abatement, lighting, crime watch, and other issues. It was a very productive meeting. Thanks to David's participation, we were able to bring up issues relevant to Ashby neighbors and Webster Street neighbors whose backyards face Ashby. In addition to tracking progress on the concerns raised with an Excel spreadsheet, Nick has agreed to submit a monthly report, which I'll pass on in the E-News, with friendly news from Whole Foods. If you have issues or concerns (or praise) related to Whole Foods, feel free to submit them to <halcyon92@gmail.com> and we will pass them on, either with your contact information or anonymously, as you prefer.]

Hello, Friends,

Things have been going well over the last few months. The feedback from yesterday's neighborhood meeting conveyed a sense of progress and appreciation for communication on all sides. I definitely feel that we can all be assets to each other as neighbors and look forward to expanded conversations on this topic.

 

Crime Report:

The only report of criminal activity occurred 4/1/09, where an individual stole both license plates off a team member's car parked on Webster. Police were notified.

 

New recycling of plastic #5-

Through our partnership with Preserve, Organic Valley and Stonyfield Farms we now have "Gimme 5" bins at our store where you can recycle #5 plastic containers, such as sour cream tubs. They are turned into new preserve products such as toothbrushes and razor blades.

 

New organic certifier- CCOF  

We now have a new Organic certifier for our store- California Certifed Organic Farmers. Being a certified organic grocer insures that organic integrity is maintained from farm to basket.

 

Whole Planet Fundraiser

We just concluded our Whole Planet Fundraiser for March. We were able to raise approx. $15,000 through customer and store-based donations for this amazing cause. Many thanks to all that supported. This will allow many more people in developing nations to receive micro-credit loans for entrepreneurial projects. Our goal at Whole Foods Market is that we support all the communities around the globe where we source products with this program.

 

Wellness for Life FREE Cooking Classes are taking off

Our new program for FREE cooking classes was initiated last month to a very positive response. The classes take place 2x per month on Tuesdays at the Alta Bates Cardiac conference room. Please check out our website or in-store calendar for info (http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/calendars/BRK.html). These are short 1-hour classes that are fun, accessible and showcase easy ways to be healthy without spending a lot of money.

 

Raw Food Classes

Our community has been asking for raw food classes and we have been very happy to deliver. We have had informal talks, presentations and intensive cooking classes. This month we have classes on sprouting, juicing and a 2-hr. living foods cooking class.

 

Last month Whole Foods Market Berkeley supported the following non-profits/local schools with donations:

East Bay Community Scholarship Fund, Lunafest, Lifelong medical Care, Emerson Elementary, Peralta Elementary, Oxford Elementary,Montessori School, Berkwood Hedge School, MESA- sustainable agriculture, California Center for Public Health Advocacy, Jack and Jill of America, CAL cooking Club, Whole Planet Foundation

Nick Heustis

Whole Foods Market

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4. Crime Watch Reports: Car Break-ins on Prince Street and Halcyon Court

Editor's Note: Two reports (see below) were submitted from neighbors living in the 2300 block of Prince Street. Past experience indicates that car break-ins come in waves. If thieves are successful in scoring valuable items, they keep coming back. Here are some ways to break the cycle: Do not leave any valuables in your car (especially ones that are visible). Call the police if you notice anyone suspicious appearing to case your car or neighbors' cars. Post hand-made signs reminding visitors that there are car break-ins in the area and telling them not to leave valuables in their cars. Call the police to report any incidents (even if it seems like they can't do much, it does help them track patterns and results in beat officers coming by more often to patrol our neighborhood).

"Thought you might include this in your Crime Watch in the next HNA email: My car was broken into, actually while parked [in the middle of Halcyon Court on the evening of March 16th]. I have had a number of break-ins over the years in this neighborhood. This

one was a little different. The interior was in great disarray. They were determined to find something. Alas, there was nothing of value to take. I'm always grateful they don't steal the car registration."

"My neighbor suggested that I would drop you a note to let you know that 2 cars (from our building) were broken in to  one, a couple of weeks ago and the other Saturday [April 4]. Please let people from the neighborhood know."

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

5. Crime Watch Report: Possible Prowler Along Prince Street

A neighbor submitted the following report:

"At 11 a.m. on Thursday March 26th I observed a person walking down Prince Street west from Deakin, who appeared to be casing the area, walking slowly and looking into people's yards and down driveways.  He was a black male, about 40 years old, short hair, medium build, about 5 ft 10 or 6 ft, wearing light-colored pants, black sweatshirt-jacket, gray baseball cap, who when I looked at him returned with a hostile gaze. I called police and then followed him from my vehicle, observing him go into the backyard of a house in the 2100 block of Prince St.  I called police again with this update and BPD officers arrived in about one minute.  The BPD dispatcher told me that the officers performed a "stop,"  locating this person.  I was told by a neighbor that when officers find someone in someone's yard, they cannot arrest him/her unless there is a "no trespassing" sign on the property (especially if the home owner isn't home), so they may have let the person go, but not without first making identification of the individual.  Good reason for us all to put "no trespassing" signage on our fences/gates, to help facilitate arrests."

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

6. Prince Street Neighbor Offering Free Tai Chi Chih Refreshers at 11 a.m. at Halcyon Commons on Sundays 4/12 and 4/19

Free Tai Chi Chih Refresher Practice with Judith Schwartz

Sunday, April 12, and Sunday, April 19, 11 a.m.

Halcyon Commons (Halcyon Court at Prince)

In preparation for World Tai Chi Day on Saturday, April 25 (which will be celebrated with Free Tai Chi Chih practice at 10 a.m. in Halcyon Commons park, and at locations around the world), Prince Street neighbor Judith Schwartz has offered to lead two Sunday morning refresher practice sessions featuring Tai Chi Chih. After the April 25 event, some neighbors along with Judith may decide to schedule regular free Tai Chi Chih  practice at Halcyon Commons.

The refresher practice (as well as the World Tai Chi Day event on April 25) would be for those who already know the twenty basic forms (i.e., not appropriate for beginners) and who want a refresher or just a chance to practice while we build community and anchor good energy in our common space. If there are people who are totally new to Tai Chi Chih, they can contact Judith to see about attending a class (for a fee) in her Prince Street backyard this spring or summer.

Judith would appreciate getting some sense of who intends to show up on April 12 (11 a.m.), April 19 (11 a.m.), and April 25 (10 a.m.), so please email or call her in advance if possible (but feel free to show up on any of the dates if you know the Tai Chi Chih forms):

Judith Schwartz <juditte44@yahoo.com>

510-843-2062

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7. Warm Water Pool Update, Including Meeting Thursday, April 2

Prince Street neighbor Yolanda Huang forwarded the following information:

The Pools Task Force has agreed on the Preferred option, which calls for the construction or 3 new pools and the renovation of Willard Pool and locker room. The Willard dive pool would be changed into a shallow pool for younger kids. A new competition size 25 meter pool would be built at King, and West campus would house 2 indoor pools, one warm/therapy pool, ad a second 84 degree instructional pool. The price tag is close to $30 million, and the costs of maintenance significantly exceed the current budgeted amount. The proposal is for the construction costs to be placed as a bond measure on the 2010 ballot. The pools task force is now grappling with less costly alternatives, and are considering closing either West or Willard and replacing it with the warm/therapy pool. The following are the public meeting times. Anyone interested is invited to provide comments and suggestions.

Upcoming Meetings

 Thursday April 2: King Neighborhood Meetings - Live Oak Community Center 7 - 9  p.m. - Arts and Crafts Room

Meeting Purpose: To take comments on the Task Force Recommended Plan for King Pool

School Board Review of Draft Master Plan - April 15

City Council Work Session - April 21 - 5 p.m.

City Council Meeting - May 5

Task Force Meetings, as needed

Financial Subcommittee Meetings, as needed

E-Mail Updates to Task Force

Tina Stott, Planning/Outreach/Project Management

work: 510/420-0803    cell: 510/459-0399

tinastott@gmail.com

The link to the pools master plan page is:

http://www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/ContentDisplay.aspx?id=28522

Scroll down the page until you come to the Draft Master Plan link.

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8. A Few More Volunteers Needed to Help Deliver HNA Flyers

Many thanks to the two neighbors who volunteered to help out with flyer delivery after the announcement in the last E-News. Because of neighbors moving or dealing with health issues, we need a few more new folks to help with this important communication link in our neighborhood. It's a simple task but makes a big difference. Flyer distribution takes place five or six times a year (the next flyer will be going out mid-April). We've divided the neighborhood into territories, each of which takes about half an hour to cover. Our flyer distribution system allows us to highlight HNA-sponsored events and to invite those who don't have email (there are still some!) as well as those new to the neighborhood to participate. We especially need more distributors for the western side of the neighborhood (Wheeler west to Adeline). Please email <halcyon92@gmail.com> if you can help out by regularly dropping neighborhood flyers! (You'll receive advance notice and the flyer packets will be dropped off to you to be distributed over the next five to seven days.)

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9. City Council to Consider Proposal to Prioritize Undergrounding of Wires on Ashby and Other Major Streets, Tuesday, April 21

[Editor's Note: I recently received the following announcement (which I've abridged here). Note that HNA has not taken a position on this issue but encourages neighbors to share their views with elected officials (contact information can be found at the end of each E-News). Visit http://www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/ContentDisplay.aspx?id=9868 for Council agenda packets as the 4/21 meeting date approaches.]

City Council Meeting

Tuesday, April 21, 7 p.m.

Old City Hall (2134 MLK)

Berkeley City Council will consider a proposal to prioritize undergrounding the telephone/electric poles and wires on Ashby, Sacramento, and Dwight at its April 21st meeting. The City's Share of Public Utility Funds (collected as fees on all our utility bills) should be used to underground  the major, most traveled streets, which are most important in a disaster both for citizen emergency hospital access and safety evacuation and for first responders' access to danger or restoring basic services. . . .  For forty years the City has allotted these public funds through a cumbersome system of first come, first served. This proposal streamlines the process, confirms the City's determination of greatest public benefit in street selection and most importantly, sets the most traveled major streets connecting hospital services as the City's first priority.

Friends of Public Benefit undergrounding (<shumer3@comcast.net>)

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* For Your Calendar: HNA Dates Scheduled for 2009

Dates set as of  April 2009 (verify a couple weeks before event by checking HNA E-News):

Saturday, April 18 , 2009, 9 a.m. Earth Day Clean-up at Bushrod Park,  Shattuck Avenue at 60th (Shattuck side)

Saturday, April 25,  2009, 10 a.m., T'ai Chi Chih Practice in the Park with Judith Schwartz on World Tai Chi and QiGong Day, Halcyon Commons (Halcyon Court at Prince Street); this will be the beginning of free ongoing neighborhood practice (days/times TBD)

Sunday, April 26, 2009, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Multi-Block Yard Sale (if enough households sign up)

Saturday, May 9, 2009, 9:30  a.m. - 1 p.m., Work Party in Halcyon Commons (Halcyon at Prince)

Sunday, May 31 (tentative date), afternoon (2-4 p.m.), Training in Urban Self-Defense Strategies, Halcyon Commons (Halcyon at Prince)

Sunday, June 14, 5:30-8 p.m., Community Potluck, location TBD

Sunday, July 26, 2009, 10 a.m. - 12:30, Work Party in Halcyon Commons (Halcyon at Prince)

Tuesday, August 4, 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, August 15, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. SNCPC Garage Sale at Bushrod Park, Shattuck side between 60th and 59th Streets (Neighborhood Rummage Sale to raise money for  Crime Prevention Council, with HNA's participation)

Sunday, September 13, 4-6 p.m., Neighborhood Celebration with Live Music and Potluck in Halcyon Commons (Halcyon at Prince)

Saturday, October 10,  9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Big Work Party in Halcyon Commons (Halcyon at Prince) and surrounding neighborhood in coordination with Cal student volunteers from the Berkeley Project

Thursday, October 29, 7 p.m., SNCPC Annual Meeting (elect sector representatives to Crime Prevention Council), North Oakland Sr. Center, 58th St. and MLK Jr. Way (with HNA's participation)

Sunday, December 6, 4-5:30 p.m., HNA Steering Committee meeting to set dates for 2010, John Steere's house, 2329 Webster

Sunday, January 24, 2010, 5:00-8:45 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:  http://www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/police

Link to police bulletins:

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

Other City Departments:

City Manager's Office: 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 at <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 at <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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