HNA E-News: Work Party This Sunday, 9-11; National Night Out, Tuesday, Aug. 4; and other neighborhood news

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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. Work Party in the Park and Surrounding Neighborhood, Sunday, July 26, 9-11 a.m.

2. Free Monthly Tai Chi Chih Practice at Halcyon Commons Sunday, July 26, at 11 a.m.

3. National Night Out Against Crime, Potluck & Safety Walk, Tuesday, August 4, Halcyon Commons, 6-8:30 p.m.

4. Crime Watch Report: Car Stolen at Prince & Tremont

5. Crime Watch Alert: Sexual Assaults in Berkeley

6. Celebration of Renewal of Ashby Flowers' Lease, Barbecue, Friday, July 31, 3-6 p.m., Ashby/Telegraph

7. Another Perspective on Pandemic Flu

* 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:

When Halcyon neighbors got together to propose the creation of a park in what was once a parking lot, we were approaching a Parks & Recreation Commission composed of members fully aware that the City's resources were already stretched in terms of taking care of Berkeley's existing parks. So from the beginning we indicated our willingness to help maintain Berkeley's newest park, Halcyon Commons, and we have honored that commitment in the years since the park was dedicated. And though it might have been easier to have left all the maintenance to the City, through working in partnership with the City we have continued to build community while we share ownership of this small but precious greenspace we helped create. So please help us continue to honor the commitment to share in the maintenance of Halcyon Commons by joining us this Sunday morning for one of our regular work parties (see item 1), even if all you can spare is half an hour. You'll leave with a deeper appreciation for this park's role in bringing our neighborhood together and giving it a name.

 

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

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1. Work Party in the Park and Surrounding Neighborhood, Sunday, July 26, 9-11 a.m.

Meet at Halcyon Commons (Halcyon at Prince)

Delicious refreshments courtesy of Whole Foods Market.

Fresh coffee courtesy of Mokka (cafe at Telegraph & Dowling)

 

Presuming we have enough volunteers, this work party will include:

* Weeding  in Halcyon Commons and some of the nearby landscaped islands.

* Picking up litter from streets in the larger neighborhood.

* Removing graffiti from as wide an area of our neighborhood as we can reach with available volunteers.

Many hands make light work: Please lend yours! Even half an hour helps. We have wonderful refreshments to fuel us, so come on out! Children welcome. Bring your own tools if you have them, or use ours if you don't. THANK YOU for helping give our park and our neighborhood some TLC! And if you've noticed graffiti in the public right-of-way in the larger neighborhood, let us know and we'll do our best to clean it up.

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2. Free Monthly Tai Chi Chih Practice at Halcyon Commons Sunday, July 26, at 11 a.m.

A neighbor submitted the following announcement:

"At the World Tai Chi/Qi Gong Day event in April, we made plans to gather monthly as a group for a Halcyon Commons Practice of Tai Chi Chih on the fourth Sunday each month at 11 a.m., including Sunday, July 26. At that point, we'll see what develops, with the possibility of more regular practice if the interest is there. This practice is free of charge and open to all who have some familiarity with the 20 Tai Chi Chih forms (19 movements and 1 stance). The intention we hold as we practice is sending chi and goodwill to the park, the neighborhood, our city, our country, and the world. Even if you don't yet know the forms or are in the process of learning them, you may enjoy stopping by and watching or joining in for the easier movements. Others are also welcome to come out to the park and engage in yoga, Qi Gong, Tai Chi Chuan, or whatever your favorite modality might be -- or simply sit in the park and enjoy the passing sights and sounds of summer. Facilitated by Prince Street neighbor Judith Schwartz, 510-843-2062; www.JudithSchwartz.com " [Editor's Note: Judith also offers ongoing classes to teach the Tai Chi forms in her Prince Street gardens; you can contact her for more information.]

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3. National Night Out Against Crime, Potluck & Safety Walk, Tuesday, August 4, Halcyon Commons, 6-8:30 p.m.

National Night Out Against Crime event

Halcyon Commons (Halcyon at Prince)

6:00-7:30 p.m. Potluck in the park

7:30-8:30 p.m. Walking Tour of the neighborhood

Please bring a food item (and possibly beverage) to share.

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

(if not obvious, kindly attach a label with ingredients to alert those with vegetarian and other diets)

We'll share a potluck meal and strategize to fight crime. Our Beat Officers and the Fire Department will stop by sometime during the eveing to answer questions and hear concerns, and afte dinner we'll take a walking tour of the larger neighborhood to identify trouble spots. Children especially welcome!

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4. Crime Watch Report: Car Stolen at Prince & Tremont

A Prince Street neighbor submitted the following report:

"On Friday July 17 sometime before 10:30 p.m. my Jeep Cherokee was stolen from Prince Street at the corner of Tremont.  I had been out of town for about five days at the time. It was parked in front of my neighbor's house, and he noticed it missing around 10:30, but not earlier in the day, so we suspect it was taken that evening.  I contacted Berkeley police when I returned on Saturday night the 18th, and they told me that the car was impounded in Oakland on a hit and run. I later learned that the car was wreaked, presumably by the people who took it, sometime Friday night or early Saturday morning."

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5. Crime Watch Alert: Sexual Assaults in Berkeley

Editor's Note: The following crime alert was later followed by the release of two sketches of the suspect involved in the sexual assaults. If you would like the sketches forwarded to you, please reply to <halcyon92@gmail.com> with that request.

Fellow Community Members,

The Berkeley Police Department has just released a Crime Alert concerning two sexual assaults that took place early this morning; one of the incidents occurred in North Central Berkeley on the 2100 block of Cedar St.  Below is the text from the alert.  Please take note that in both cases, the suspect entered through an unlocked door or window.

Community Crime Alert

Detectives Investigate Two Early Morning

Sexual Assaults

Berkeley, California (Thursday, July 16, 2009) - This morning at approximately

2:32 a.m., Berkeley Police Department (BPD) Patrol Officers responded to a report of a sexual assault which occurred on the 2100 block of Cedar Street in North Berkeley. 

The high-school aged victim who was asleep in her bed woke to find the suspect straddling her and lifting her shirt.  The victim?s mother (who was also asleep in the same bed) awoke and fought the suspect off until he fled the residence.

The suspect was described as:
Unknown race male, 16-20 years old
5?07-6?0 tall

Wearing a gray, hooded sweatshirt

At approximately 7:24 a.m., Patrol Officers responded to the 2600 block of Hillegas Avenue for a report of a sexual assault.  The college-aged victim woke to find the suspect on top of her.  She resisted and the suspect fled the apartment. 

The victim described the suspect as:
Black male, 19-22 years old
5?-5-5?-6 tall

Wearing a gray non-hooded sweatshirt and blue jeans

In both cases the suspect(s) entered the ground floor residences through unlocked doors and windows.

The community is encouraged to employ the following Crime Prevention measures as summer temperatures climb:

*    Always lock and secure doors and windows.

*    Immediately call BPD to report suspicious persons or activity.

BPD needs the community's help in catching this suspect.  Anyone with information with regard to this case is encouraged to call the BPD Sex Crimes Detail at (510 ) 981-5734.   If the event has just occurred or is in progress, please immediately report it to the BPD Dispatch at 9-1-1 or from your cell phone at (510) 981-5911.

If you wish to remain anonymous, please call the Bay Area Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.   All Bay Area Crime Stoppers calls are completely confidential.

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The actual Crime Alert will be available shortly at the following web address:

http://www.cityofberkeley.info/ContentDisplay.aspx?id=11120

I will pass along any additional information that becomes available regarding these cases.  Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions, comments, or concerns.

Respectfully,

Officer Casimiro Pierantoni #96 
   Area Coordinator-Area 1 
   Community Services Bureau 
   Berkeley Police Department 
   Phn: (510) 981-5773

   Fax: (510) 981-5819

  <mailto:cpierantoni@cityofberkeley.info>

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6. Celebration of Renewal of Ashby Flowers' Lease, Barbecue, Friday, July 31, 3-6 p.m., Ashby/Telegraph

Editor's Note:  Ashby Flowers and Whole Foods Market are jointly hosting a barbecue on Friday, July 31st to celebrate the renewal of the lease for Ashby Flowers. The following invitation to neighbors was forwarded by Ashby Flowers with their appreciation to the neighborhood for its support:

Thanks to You, Ashby Flowers is Here To Stay!

In appreciation of your continued support, Ashby Flowers and Whole Foods Market, Berkeley, invite you to a BBQ on Friday, July 31st, from 3 to 6 p.m. Join in celebrating Ashby Flowers' new lease and continued presence at the corner of Ashby and Telegraph avenues.

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7. Another Perspective on Pandemic Flu

Editor's Note: An Essex Street neighbor forwarded the following recommendation.

"The Homeopathic Treatment of Influenza by Sandra J. Perko is an eye-opener and a valuable resource."

 

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* For Your Calendar: HNA Dates Scheduled for 2009

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

Sunday, July 26, 2009, 9-11 a.m., Work Party in Halcyon Commons (Halcyon at Prince) and Surrounding Neighborhood

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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