Last week’s decision by UC Berkeley officials to end a maintenance agreement with the city for People’s Park has led to some controversy in the city and left community members questioning the park’s future. 

City officials say the decision is another of its recent disputes with the university, while UC officials insist they are just trying to save some money. 

“This is not part of any major plan for the park,” said Irene Hegarty, university director of community relations. “We have (simply) taken full responsibility to maintain the park. This was more cost effective for the university.” 

In 1991 the university leased portions of the park to the city and shared costs for park maintenance. When that lease agreement ran out in 1995, the University started a new contract where it paid the city to take care of maintenance. 

UC owns the land but has paid the city an annual fee of $195,000 to clean the bathrooms, maintain landscaping and coordinate youth programs. This year the city suggested increasing the contract to $248,000 to hire more staff. UC officials decided not to pay the fee and, instead, take over all maintenance duties when the four-year contract expired July 1. 

Hegarty said that the university has been mowing the grass and pruning the trees for the last four years. 

Councilmember Dona Spring considers the decision a “great disappointment.” 

“We had a peaceful contract for nine years with co-management of the park,” she said 

The city and university have clashed recently over land-use issues. In the last few months, controversy has arisen about a question of lighting at Memorial Stadium, traffic created by the Haas Pavilion, plans to build a parking structure and offices on the Underhill block and more. 

“It has all come to a breaking point and People’s Park is the nail in the coffin,” Spring said. 

The university said it will not change the use of the park – it will remain public and the community gardens will still exist. The city’s youth programs offered in the park are likely to end, however, as the university has stopped funding them. 

Spring said that the university has always wanted more of its students to use the park - in place of homeless people - and that it does not want to fund existing programs for the homeless. Spring also said that she had noticed first hand that litter had not been picked up in the park since the university took control and that the rest rooms were not furnished with toilet paper. 

“The University said it would maintain the park and so far it hasn’t stepped up to the plate and taken that responsibility,” Spring said. 

Hegarty said that UC does not want to kick the homeless out of People’s Park but that it would like to see more students using the space. Hegarty also said she was unaware of any maintenance problems in the park and that even during the years that the city maintained it, it went unkempt at times. 

Mayor Shirley Dean said she was disappointed with the decision and said that she would like to meet with Chancellor Robert Berdahl to mend relations with UC Berkeley. 

“I want to sit down with him and find some area of agreement,” she said. 

Lisa Stephens, a parks and recreation commissioner for the city, said that she was not in favor of the university terminating the contract. 

“One of the reasons why we’ve maintained peace over the years is because the city has been involved in the park’s maintenance,” she said. “It’s what the city does best. The university’s business is education.” 

Stephens has also been skeptical about what maintenance UC has taken over in the last two weeks. She said she received three reports last Thursday from homeless people that UC police officers threw out their possessions in the park, which she considers signs of deterioration in the relations between the university and community over People’s Park. University police deny the accusation.

Tuesday, July 11

Free computer class for seniors 

9:30-11:30 a.m. 

South Berkeley Senior Center, 2939 Ellis St. 

This free course offers basic instruction in keyboarding, Microsoft Word, Windows 95, Excel and Internet access. Space is limited; the class is offered Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. Call ahead for a reservation. 

510-644-6109 

Easy Tilden Trails 

9:30 a.m. 

Tilden Regional Park, in the parking lot that dead ends at the Little Farm 

Join a few seniors, the Tuesday Tilden Walkers, for a stroll around Jewel Lake and the Little Farm Area. Enjoy the beauty of the wildflowers, turtles, and warblers, and waterfowl. 

510-215-7672; members.home.com/teachme99/tilden/index.html 

“Tell the Children: Letters to Miriam” 

1:15 p.m. 

North Berkeley Senior Center, 1901 Hearst Ave. 

Hear about the experiences of a physician during World War II and the Holocaust in Eastern Europe, with Dora Sorell. 

510-644-6107 

Berkeley Farmers’ Market 

2-7 p.m. 

Derby Street between Martin Luther King Jr. Way and Milvia Street 

510-548-3333 

City Council executive session 

5:30 p.m. 

1900 Addison St., Third Floor Conference Room 

Consider initiating validation action on Measure G bonds. 

Computer literacy course 

6-8 p.m. 

James Kenney Recreation Center, 1720 Eighth St. 

This free course will cover topics such as running Windows, File Management, connecting to and surfing the web, using Email, creating Web pages, JavaScript and a simple overview of programming. The course is oriented for adults. 

510-644-8511 

City Council meeting 

7 p.m. 

Council Chambers, Old City Hall, 2134 Martin Luther King Jr. Way 

Berkeley Camera Club 

7:30 p.m. 

Northbrae Community Church, 941 The Alameda 

Share your slides and prints with other photographers. Critiques by qualified judges. Monthly field trips. 

510-531-8664 

Wednesday, July 12

West Berkeley Redevelopment Projects  

8 a.m.  

James Kenney Community Center, 1720 Eighth St. 

City staff will discuss the planned improvements in the area, including the Berkeley rail stop, Aquatic Park, bike routes, and streetscape work throughout the neighborhood. The meeting will be of specific interest to business owners and commercial/industrial property owners in and adjacent to the West Berkeley Redevelopment Project Area. 

Ice Cream Day 

Noon-2 p.m. 

Lawrence Hall of Science, Centennial Drive, above UC Berkeley campus 

This is part of the Summer Science Fundays series at the Hall. Children and parents will have the opportunity to make, taste and compare ice cream. Included with regular admission to the museum. 

510-642-5132 

Deaf Issues Subcommittee 

1 p.m. 

Public Works Administration Office, First Floor Conference Room, 2201 Dwight Way 

The subcommittee will review potential projects and will make a recommendation to the Commission on Disability for a subcommittee work plan for the coming year, as well as hear a presentation on the screening of newborns for hearing loss by Alta Bates and other hospitals. 

“Dealing with the Opposite Sex” 

1:30 p.m. 

North Berkeley Senior Center, 1901 Hearst Ave. 

510-644-6107 

Baby Bounce and Toddler Tales 

7 p.m. 

West Branch Berkeley Public Library, 1125 University Ave. 

This storytime program is designed for families with children up to 3 years old. The free, participatory program features a half hour of multicultural songs, rhymes, lap jogs and stories to give very young children a lively introduction to the magic of books. 

510-644-6870

Rent control hikes housing costs in Berkeley 

Housing costs have increased partially as the result of the regulations Ms. Stefanie Bernay (Perspective, July 8-9) enforces. Her Draconian system prevents leases with expiration dates.  

Landlords must protect themselves from the possibility of tenants who “homestead” units for decades locking rents at levels severely below market value and operating costs. Students are hurt most by this. If landlords could negotiate enforceable term leases (say one to four years) they could provide housing at lower rates knowing a rent increase could be had at leases end. Instead the rent board has supplanted the right and privilege of citizens to negotiate contracts with an Orwellian bureaucracy. 

Last year the rent board allowed a $6 monthly increase on controlled units. This absurd and punitive number further motivates landlords to push rents up when possible. We could have a reasonable system that allows a 3 or 4 percent annual increases commensurate with operating costs. 

Rent control has reduced the number of rental units in Berkeley. It adds to the housing shortage. We will not solve housing problems by punishing those who provide housing. 

Rent control privileges a small group while injuring the rest. The group it “helps” is random, not based on income or ability to pay. It is unfair, intrusive and reactionary. 

The rent board spends $2.5 million a year demonizing property owners and polarizing the community. Instead that money should be used to build housing and assist those who really need it. Ms. Bernay is part of the problem. 

John Koenigshofer 

Berkeley

It was a beautiful, sunny, blue sky afternoon Saturday in Berkeley’s Cedar Rose Park when the Tony Award-winning San Francisco Mime Troupe opened the East Bay leg of its 38th annual season of free outdoor theater with a production of the company’s new musical play “Eating It,” a cautionary environmental science fiction tale about genetically modified agriculture, known in some circles as “frankenfood.” 

“Eating It” is set 200 years in the future on a blighted earth where rich people live in protective domes and no one has seen the sun, sky or trees for years. Mother Earth has been destroyed by a genetically altered “supercorn” that got out of control, cross-pollinating with other plants to destroy the world’s biosystem and create a global wasteland. 

“Eating It” addresses the conflict between using cutting-edge science and engineering to do good for people, but doing it in an overly hasty way that doesn’t allow a clear understanding of negative consequences that may exist down the road. 

So when elderly supercorn designer Dr. Isaac Albright (Michael Gene Sullivan) gets a chance to travel back in time, he is able to reconsider his earlier invention of supercorn. Will he be able to change the future? You’ll have to go see the show. 

The Mime Troupe’s all-Equity cast turns in the strong, satirical, broad commedia-type performances that the company is well-known for. The acting under Dan Chumley’s direction in this show seems especially strong. 

Because this is the Mime Troupe, the politics are not subtle, and they are predictably P.C. Locally, the Mime Troupe tends to preach to the choir, and the company found an appreciative audience in the Berkeley crowd that turned out Saturday. 

Time-traveling back to the year 2000, Dr. Albright finds his ambitious youthful self developing a supercorn to feed the world. 

His staff is under pressure to make supercorn a financial success, because an earlier biotech project failed. That project was an attempt to combine cow genes and corn genes to create self-buttered corn. 

Trying to avoid some of the negative associations that go along with the word “bio-engineering,” young Albright’s marketing people come up with the concept “neo-natural” to describe his new supercorn. In ads, they describe themselves as “people against starving children.” 

Soon anti-biotech protesters take to the street. Two folk-singing Canadian corn farmers (Amos Glick and Victor Toman) sing a very funny song “Savin’ Seeds.” They ask why do they now have to pay for seeds that nature used to provide for free. 

Riot cops bust up a protest outside an international food conference (referred to by protesters as an international greed conference). Remarks biotech CEO Bob Murtaugh (Ed Holmes), “Free speech. That’s why we invented tear gas.” 

“Eating It” hits several different themes. It’s about cutting research corners for profit, with bad consequences down the road. 

The play also debates whether you should make a product just because you have the technological and scientific knowledge and skill to do it. 

The story is further complicated by the fact that the biotech entrepreneurs are black. And Albright’s wife and research partner Synthia (Velina Brown) is actually the smarter scientist of the two, doing the key creative work, although her husband is happy to take the credit for it. 

Music is a great part of Mime Troupe shows and the actors all sing well. The show’s lyrics were written by Bruce Barthol, a Country Joe and the Fish alum and long-time Mime Troupe musician. The music is by Barthol and Jason Sherbundy. 

A young Dr. Albright sings a heartfelt song about making it as a biotech entrepreneur, “This is My Time.” Battling anti-biotech forces in “Servant of Science,” Synthia sings of an opponent “I am Galileo and she is the Church.” 

In “5 D’s,” Albright and biotech CEO Bob do a humorous rap about their marketing strategies. 

And as always, the play is preceded by a half-hour of great jazz by the Mime Troupe Band (Sherbundy, Alex Budman and Mark Latimer). So arrive early! 

“Eating It” plays at various outdoor locations throughout the Bay Area through Aug. 27. For schedule information, call 415-285-1717, or visit the web site (www.sfmt.org).

A preliminary technical report on radiological monitoring at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, and its micro facilities nestled near the university campus, was released last week to fiercely divided reviews. 

The report conducted by the Institute for Energy and Environmental Research in Heidleberg, Germany, was designed to investigate tritium emissions at the facility and, though it stated there was no evidence of immediate damage on the environment, watchdog community groups are still crying foul. 

The report indicated a need for expanded ambient air monitoring for tritium. 

“The number of monitoring sites at the lab is well below the (Department of Energy) average,” according to the report. 

Another concern, according to the report, is the flawed method of measuring the release of tritium. 

“Releases of tritium are often in short burst. This renders the computer program used to determine compliance … to be inaccurate,” the report states. 

Due to these factors there is a large margin of error in the conclusions drawn in the report, which is the first in a three-part contract.  

“It was a very unfortunate statement,” said Gene Bernardi of the Committee to Minimize Toxic Waste, in response to the finding that “there was no evidence” to suggest that anyone had been exposed. “There was a lot said in that report, but the lab took that part and just ran with it,” Bernardi added. 

“The report said there is no evidence of damage. But there is also no evidence that it doesn’t cause any damage… When you are talking about cancer, you’re not talking about an immediate danger. It may take a generation to feel it.”  

High tritium emissions have been linked to low sperm count, cancer, sterility and mental retardation according to Bernardi. “What’s clear from this report is that you really can’t tell what the heck is going on.” 

The Committee to Minimize Toxic Waste has been advocating the closure of the lab. 

On the other side of the coin is the lab itself and the Environmental Protection Agency. “We were very pleased to see the words that there was no real damage,” said Shelly Rosenblum, environmental engineer for the EPA. It is an ongoing contract and we will continue to take further recommendations but “generally we are very pleased,” Rosenblum added. 

The lab’s Community Relations Officer Terry Powell said the lab has done ongoing monitoring since the 1970’s, and there have been no indicators that there are any significant damages. The existing monitors show that the lab is well below acceptable levels, she said.  

In addition to the discrepancy in interpreting the report is the issue of citizen representation, or the lack there of, on the Laboratory’s Environmental Sampling Project Task Force. The Task Force was established to involve a broad array of stakeholders in the review of and comment on a draft-sampling plan, according to Powell. 

“We were totally against the task force,” said Bernardi. “They were in total control of who would be on task force. Only two neighborhood groups were represented. Most of them are from regulatory agencies, not the community, and not at all from concerned citizens.” 

The list of complaints waged against the lab by Bernardi include manning its Task Force with people with conflicting interest, working in collusion with the EPA to cover up past, current and future problems at the facility and ignoring the concerns of citizens in an effort to appease big business. 

“The lab is managed by the university. The university is run by the regents who are very pro-corporate. Big business doesn’t like to be told they have to spend money on waste cleanup,” Bernardi said. 

“At Melvin Calvin facility they found Tritium in 54 percent of the samples. And that place is within 90 meters to a child day care facility in Girton Hall. Keeping it open in criminal really,” Bernardi said.  

Powell argued, however, that the EPA “is not at all in collusion with us. They’ve been double checking on us through their own split sample program. In both samples, the lab has been reporting very low emissions,” Powell said in reference to the allegation of collusion. “You should ask [Rosenblum] what he thinks about that, I don’t think he will like that very much.” 

“We take the whole issue very seriously. Safety to the public is a highest priority. To me, my family, my neighbors, it is very important. I consider it a personal responsibility to reduce hazards,” said Rosenblum in reference to the allegation that the EPA is making light of the potential threat of tritium. 

After hearing a bevy of complaints from the public and the press about the length of council meetings and the deferral of issues until later dates, City Auditor Ann-Marie Hogan and Councilmember Margaret Breland have recommended methods to control the madness in which the City Council conducts business. 

But Mayor Shirley Dean opposes Breland’s strategy, noting “critical differences” in their approaches. Dean has proposed a few amendments to complement Hogan’s plan, which may delay hopes to streamline the city government, adding to the irony. 

Hogan’s plan calls for items that are primarily ceremonial or advisory to be consent calendar items and all other council-initiated items to be placed on the action calendar. It also asks for action calendar items to be sent to staff 20 days before a council meeting for review. 

Herein lies the disagreement. 

Dean says that it would be “wasteful” for all action calendar items to be reviewed and suggests that council use a two-vote system to implement action items. 

The first vote would be preliminary and signify the council’s interest in an analysis of the item, which would be returned to council by staff within 30 days. Then the item would be up for the second and final vote. 

Both hope the recommendation, its amendments by Dean, and Breland’s proposal to limit the agenda items get addressed tonight on an agenda. 

Tonight’s agenda currently has 85 items on it. Dean said getting to the discussion “doesn’t seem likely.” 

“I hope they make these items a priority,” Hogan said. She wants the council to vote tonight so the rules would be implemented on Sept. 19, the first meeting after the council’s summer break. 

Breland’s recommendation, the first of the three, suggests that the council adopt a policy limiting the number of items each member is allowed to three. The recommendation would also mandate that no further items be allowed onto the agenda until the original items have been addressed. 

The current system allows members to put an unlimited number of items on the agenda. 

Breland said that Hogan’s plan “is more complicated and takes more action to implement.” 

She said, however, that the council can take from Hogan’s plan and add to hers. 

Hogan said that most councilmembers are in favor of Breland’s proposal, but Dean is opposed. 

“This is a way that the majority could control what the minority does,” Dean said. 

“If someone submitted three items, they could be removed and held on the calendar,” she said. “And they couldn’t submit any more until those were addressed. It can be used to stop people who are not part of the so-called council majority.” 

Despite all the differences, all three agree something should be done. Dean suggests a “clean-up meeting” some time during the month where the agenda can be completed, though there isn’t much support, she said. 

Dean and Hogan are also in agreement that it is important not to send the proposal to the Council Rules Subcommittee. Hogan’s report calls this “unrealistic” because the City Council is essentially a two-party system and the rules committee is divided between the two factions.

At tonight’s meeting, the City Council will chew over a big list of items, including an amendment to curb the circumstances in which a landlord can boot a tenant out and move in. 

The amendment would stop landlords from removing a tenant if any other comparable units they own become vacant. It would require that the landlord offer any available non-comparable unit to the tenant. In addition, it would extend the time period landlords or their relatives must live there from 24 to 36 months. 

Also it would forbid a landlord from evicting a tenant who is 60 years old or over or disabled. If the landlord is considered a large property owner, defined as one who owns 10 percent or more of the property, and the tenant has been living there for five years or more, the tenant cannot be evicted. But the landlord, who owns just one unit or is trying to place a relative who is 60 or older, can still evict the tenant. 

It would also allow tenants to recover attorney’s fees if they have won a wrongful evic case. The council, however, is likely to argue about the age of the tenant – is a senior 60, 62 or 65? They may also debate whether they should exempt a landlord who owns only a duplex and lives in one of the units. 

Also on tap is the decision to revoke the permit of Kragen Auto Parts, the culmination of a five-year-old battle between the store and its neighbors. 

Nearby residents of the business at California Street and University Avenue contend that Kragen allows customers to work on their cars outside the store, resulting in improper disposal of fluids and parts. In April, the Zoning Adjustments Board voted to revoke the 12-year-old business’s license. The city held a public hearing last month, and will make its decision tonight. 

The council will also consider: 

• The adoption of an ordinance to prohibit smoking in designated children’s play areas. 

• The recommendation to appoint Mayor Shirley Dean and Councilmember Dona Spring to negotiate issues concerning UC Berkeley’s proposed seismic replacement building on the Oxford Tract. 

• The recommendation to work toward passing a law which would exempt densely populated urban streets from “speed trap” laws. 

• Review of plans submitted by the Claremont Hotel for its proposed expansion. 

• The recommendation to direct the staff to pursue funding sources to obtain $800,000 to restore amenities that were eliminated from the I-80 overpass budget. 

• A request to the city manager to implement a stepped-up enforcement plan for the removal of litter, debris and abandoned furniture from private property. 

• The recommendation that the city manager analyze whether the Berkeley Housing Authority should continue to be composed of members of the City Council plus two Housing Authority tenants or be restructured. The analysis will include how other cities structure their Housing Authority. 

• The adoption of a resolution asking local newspapers either to voluntarily decrease or eliminate tobacco advertising or place a free public service anti-smoking advertisement that is equivalent and adjacent to each and every page of tobacco advertisement. And to forward a copy of the resolution to the managing editors of area newspapers. 

• A recommendation that the City Attorney forward copies of the draft “Medical Marijuana Ordinance,” and a copy of the Oakland ordinance to the Health Commission. 

• Refer the Toward Utility Reform Network comments to the Task Force on Undergrounding Utilities and its subcommittee. 

• Adoption of a resolution requesting the Los Angeles District Attorney to drop all charges against Sara Jane Olson AKA Kathleen Ann Soliah and ask Gov. Gray Davis to pardon her during her period of alleged activities with the Symbionese Liberation Army. 

• Instruct a letter to be sent to the San Francisco Water Quality Control Board and the State Water Resources Control Board requesting they maintain the highest possible uses of groundwater in the Berkeley sub-basin in the amended Water Quality Control Plan. 

The council will also vote whether or not to adopt a resolution to increase the contract with ELS Elbasani and Logan Architects by $71,500 to add interior design services to the Civic Center Building, which includes the design for a cafe. The current contract amount is $2.5 million. 

The council will go into closed session at 5:30 p.m. to discuss validation actions in connection with the expenditure of the Measure G bond funds for acquiring and improving the Cragmont reservoir and acquiring a site for and developing a joint hills fire station. 

The City Council meets in closed session, after a 10-minute public comment period, at 5:30 p.m. at 1900 Addison St. 

The council meets at 7 p.m. at 2134 Martin Luther King Jr. Way. 

Meetings are broadcast on KPFB, 89.3-FM and telecast on TV-25.

Students, shoppers and UC Berkeley employees had their Monday morning disrupted when fire alarms went off in the Martin Luther King Jr. Student Union Building and Eshleman Hall, near the intersection of Telegraph and Bancroft Way. 

The fire alarms were not triggered by a fire, but by a broken fire sprinkler in the parking garage under Eshleman Hall. The broken sprinkler flooded a little section of the garage closest to Eshleman shortly after 11 a.m. 

“Yeah, I was down there clocking in, and then it (the alarm) started there and progressed up here (the ASUC),” said Juan SorIa, sales associate at Special Services and a junior at UC Berkeley. 

The sprinkler head was sheered off from its pipe as a California Overnight delivery truck tried to leave the garage after a delivery. The driver of the truck apparently thought that he would have enough vertical clearance to make it. He did not. 

“He got in and then he was backing out. The guy was bringing him out and the guy brought him into the pipe,” said Ken Robinson, service manager who was the attendant at the entrance of the parking garage. 

“The sprinkler head was down, but it was also too dark. When I hit it I stopped and got on top of my truck. On the back of my truck there’s like a little lip that hangs out, and so it caught the sprinkler and it popped off,” said Pete Gomez Jr., the California Overnight truck driver. 

The vertical clearance was marked at the entrance to the garage as being 11 feet 8 Inches, but there was another sign inside the garage stating that the clearance was 12 feet 8 inches. The California Overnight truck had a clearance of 12 feet 6 Inches marked on the side of the truck. 

The student union building was forced to evacuate, as well as the ASUC shops on the ground floor. Employees were told to sign off from their registers and escort their customers outside to weather the storm. 

“They are pretty good at it (getting people out). They just come through and tell you to sign off on your register and leave. You have to take whatever customer out with you, and you just wait out there,” said Beth Nelson, sales associate at Special Services and a junior at UC Berkeley. 

The UC Berkeley Extension English Language Program, which holds classes for student from around the world, had a class in the student union’s Pauley Ballroom that was forced to evacuate. The Communication Skills course was having its first day of class, when the alarm sounded. About 250 students were forced to leave and wait outside until the building was declared safe for them to return to. The alarm went off in the student union building as well because Eshleman Hall and the student union building are both on the same alarm circuit. 

Although the fire sprinklers had to be shut down in order to stop the flooding, the fire department said that they only had to shut down the parking garage sprinklers because they are on a separate line from the rest of Eshleman Hall and the student union. 

There are no official estimates on the amount of damage that was caused, and there is no indication as to who will end up footing the bill, but a maintenance official who was in the parking garage said that he thought that there would be about $2,000 in damage and that plumbers and fire alarm technicians would need to be called in.

Michael Sturtz, a Bay Area native, founded The Crucible in January 1999. After attending college and graduate school on the East Coast, he returned home with plans of opening a local arts studio and school like no other. 

“My family is here, my friends were here; there wasn’t a good arts school here for sculpture,” Sturtz said. “I went to School of the Art Institute of Chicago for two years of graduate school, and that experience – paying $36,000 for graduate school and I’m still paying it off – leaves me wondering what I got out of it.” 

Sturtz opened The Crucible – a crucible is a vessel used for melting a substance that requires a high degree of heat – to allow community members to teach others important and practical skills. Year round, The Crucible offers classes on the skills used in both manufacturing and in art. 

“We cater to the community,” studio manager and instructor Orion Fredericks said. The community helps us grow.” 

The Crucible originally rented 6,000 square feet of a warehouse on Murray Street, in Southwest Berkeley. Four months ago, the framing warehouse next door went out of business and moved out. The Crucible moved in, expanding its grounds to 22,000 square feet. 

The new space will allow The Crucible to offer more classes with larger enrollments, more intensive classes and room for more equipment, as well as performances. 

“This place is becoming more of a community space to use,” Fredericks said. 

It opened January 15, 1999 and taught over 300 students in its first year. Staff expects to serve nearly 500 students this year. 

“Staff is teaching the people of the community skills that the industry really needs,” Fredericks said.  

The city of Berkeley also recently gave The Crucible $42,000 to fund staff salaries and programming. Of that money, $10,000 went to fund summer programs and resources at The Crucible’s youth arts program. It also is offering an accredited class in foundry for the UC Berkeley Extension summer program. 

As Crucible staff members note, industry has removed the community aspect from South Berkeley. 

The Crucible is trying to give back by linking industry to the community. 

“Arts, industry and community; that’s part of our mission statement,” Fredericks said. 

“We bring that all together in this place, which is The Crucible – the mixing pot of those aspects. And we then turn around and offer it to the community.”

Monday, July 10

“Ask the Doctor” 

10:30 a.m. 

North Berkeley Senior Center, 1901 Hearst Ave. 

Learn about ways to find and choose physicians, second opinions, treatment decisions and interacting with your doctor. 

510-644-6107 

City of Berkeley Rent Stabilization Board Meeting 

7 p.m. 

2134 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Council Chambers, Second Floor 

The meeting will include a discussion and possible action on the City Council’s recommendation about the use of language for ballot initiatives protecting senior, the disabled and long term tenants from owner move-in evictions and the first reading of proposed amendments to change the initial review of requests for waivers of late registration penalties to a Hearing Examiner from a Board Commissioner. The meeting is broadcast live on KPFB 89.3-FM and televised on Cable Channel 25. 

Tuesday, July 11

Free computer class for seniors 

9:30-11:30 a.m. 

South Berkeley Senior Center, 2939 Ellis St. 

This free course offers basic instruction in keyboarding, Microsoft Word, Windows 95, Excel and Internet access. Space is limited; the class is offered Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. Call ahead for a reservation. 

510-644-6109 

Easy Tilden Trails 

9:30 a.m. 

Tilden Regional Park, in the parking lot that dead ends at the Little Farm 

Join a few seniors, the Tuesday Tilden Walkers, for a stroll around Jewel Lake and the Little Farm Area. Enjoy the beauty of the wildflowers, turtles, and warblers, and waterfowl. 

510-215-7672; members.home.com/teachme99/tilden/index.html 

“Tell the Children: Letters to Miriam” 

1:15 p.m. 

North Berkeley Senior Center, 1901 Hearst Ave. 

Hear about the experiences of a physician during World War II and the Holocaust in Eastern Europe, with Dora Sorell. 

510-644-6107 

Berkeley Farmers’ Market 

2-7 p.m. 

Derby Street between Martin Luther King Jr. Way and Milvia Street 

510-548-3333 

City Council executive session 

5:30 p.m. 

1900 Addison St., Third Floor Conference Room 

Consider initiating validation action on Measure G bonds. 

Computer literacy course 

6-8 p.m. 

James Kenney Recreation Center, 1720 Eighth St. 

This free course will cover topics such as running Windows, File Management, connecting to and surfing the web, using Email, creating Web pages, JavaScript and a simple overview of programming. The course is oriented for adults. 

510-644-8511 

City Council meeting 

7 p.m. 

Council Chambers, Old City Hall, 2134 Martin Luther King Jr. Way 

Berkeley Camera Club 

7:30 p.m. 

Northbrae Community Church, 941 The Alameda 

Share your slides and prints with other photographers. Critiques by qualified judges. Monthly field trips. 

510-531-8664 

Wednesday, July 12

West Berkeley Redevelopment Projects  

8 a.m.  

James Kenney Community Center, 1720 Eighth St. 

City staff will discuss the planned improvements in the area, including the Berkeley rail stop, Aquatic Park, bike routes, and streetscape work throughout the neighborhood. The meeting will be of specific interest to business owners and commercial/industrial property owners in and adjacent to the West Berkeley Redevelopment Project Area. 

Deaf Issues Subcommittee 

1 p.m. 

Public Works Administration Office, First Floor Conference Room, 2201 Dwight Way 

The subcommittee will review potential projects and will make a recommendation to the Commission on Disability for a subcommittee work plan for the coming year, as well as hear a presentation on the screening of newborns for hearing loss by Alta Bates and other hospitals. 

“Dealing with the Opposite Sex” 

1:30 p.m. 

North Berkeley Senior Center, 1901 Hearst Ave. 

510-644-6107 

Baby Bounce and Toddler Tales 

7 p.m. 

West Branch Berkeley Public Library, 1125 University Ave. 

This storytime program is designed for families with children up to 3 years old. The free, participatory program features a half hour of multicultural songs, rhymes, lap jogs and stories to give very young children a lively introduction to the magic of books. Parents also will enjoy the new stories, rediscover old favorites and learn new songs and games to share. 

510-644-6870

Ignorance of U.S. history 

Twenty years ago this time, I was on a bicycle tour of England and France with my two youngest sons, John, then 16 and Mark, then 21, and just graduated from UCLA. The morning of July 4th, bright and sunny, found us on the outskirts of Cambridge, England, with the laboratory in which the first atom was first spilt on our left and an American national cemetery on our right. The following is an excerpt from our travel journal for that day. 

“Stopped at U.S. cemetery – mostly airmen from WWII; Superintendent Leland from Minn. had job since ’47, came back to states in ’54, not home, went back, had married British.” 

“Workers really scrubbed crosses – Schmidt, Bodenhoff, Edulstrin, Claude Lanphere from Kansas – 3000 still there, represented 40% of Original. Beautiful chapel, grounds, everything.” 

I read the responses to you inquiring photographer’s question, “What significance does the Fourth of July hold for you?” in your Sat., July 1, issue with concern. 

Whether the interviewees were born here or recently arrived, their acquaintance with U.S history seemed negligible. I wish that I could walk with them through a U.S. National Cemetery as I did with my own sons those 20 years ago. I suspect that those persons queries by your inquiring photographer never will appreciate that some one unrelated had to die for them. 

Bill Lutkenhouse 

Berkeley

ORINDA – California Shakespeare Festival opened a rich and vivid production last weekend of “Hamlet,” Shakespeare’s masterful meditation on the psychology and karma of revenge. 

Revenge plays were popular in Elizabethan England, and in “Hamlet” Shakespeare took the genre and pushed it many steps further. 

In the play, young Prince Hamlet plans revenge on the uncle who murdered Hamlet’s father the king, and married Hamlet’s mother the queen. 

Since Hamlet is a stand-out college philosophy student, he thinks deeply about the implications of his actions, as he proceeds with his plans for murder. 

Hamlet feels driven by karmic forces, even though revenge doesn’t make sense in the rational world and leads to the destruction of humanity. He admits at one point that he doesn’t know why he is doing this, but feels unable not to. Hamlet feels he is pursuing revenge because it is in the nature of human passion to do so. The play’s deconstruction of these forces takes the audience into a meta-world of consciousness beyond the grave. 

Director Karin Coonrod has created a wonderfully clear and imaginative staging of this very complex play. In a production running more than three hours, she has broken the evening into its five original discrete acts, with a short break between each act. 

These breaks give the audience a chance to reflect on the most recent segment, and its relationship to the play’s whole. The breaks help make the play’s story very clear. 

Designer P.K. Wish’s costumes give the production the look of 20th century Europe between the World Wars, but it is a world made slightly off-balance by surreal touches of costume color and design. The women, for example, wear bizarre, asymmetrical, big-butt hoop skirts. 

There is much fine acting in this production from a relatively small cast of 11, most of whom perform in multiple roles. Steven Skybell’s Hamlet is alternatively rational and obsessive. His Hamlet’s madness at first seems a pose, then a behavior that has organic roots. When Hamlet’s anger takes over, the madness is full-blown. 

Under Coonrod’s direction, Hamlet’s usually introspective soliloquies are addressed not to himself, but outward to the audience. This effective device connects the audience to both his suffering and to his fast-paced mind and thoughts.  

Suddenly spotlit, Hamlet speaks his famous “To be or not to be” speech from a seat in the back half of the audience, addressing those around him. Skybell’s is an exciting performance and serves the play very well. He passes through a range of emotions and experiences, but the character is believable, and easy to follow. 

There are many other strong performances. James Carpenter’s calculating and increasingly wary usurper Claudius is a real human adversary for Hamlet, and not just a figurehead enemy. 

Gerald Hiken milks much humor from windbag court advisor Polonius. 

Stacy Ross’ rejected fiancee Ophelia is intelligent and thoughtful, then increasingly frightened by the unpredictable Hamlet. 

When she loses her mind, she overcomes her inhibitions to speak, and paradoxically is most honest in her thoughts and actions. 

Karen Grassle’s Queen Gertrude has several faces – at first a blowzy Gracie Allen sort, then a shame-faced mother and, at times, a bold marital philanderer. 

Patrick Kerr stood out in several roles, especially as a humorous, deadpan serving man of few words to garrulous Polonius. 

Jonathan Haugen’s tightly wound Laertes stood chest-high in Ophelia’s grave fighting with Hamlet over who loved Ophelia the most – summing up the madness of human revenge. 

The noteworthy acting in this production is not just in the spoken word, but in many vivid and exciting reaction moments where characters have no lines. 

Whiteface musician Odile Lavault effectively wanders the stage playing melancholy squeezebox music. 

Cal Shakes’ fresh look at the world’s most famous play makes its themes, motifs, storylines and subplots all seem new, and opens up this complex revenge story for fresh consideration by 21st century audiences. 

“Hamlet” plays Tuesday through Sunday, through July 22, at Bruns Amphitheater, just off Highway 24 in Orinda, one mile east of the Caldecott Tunnel. There is plenty of free parking, and a free shuttle from the Orinda BART station. For tickets call 510-548-9666, or visit the web site (www.calshakes.org). Dress warmly.

Gakunju Kaigwa took up sculpture in his native Kenya in 1983. Since then he has turned dozens of pieces of wood into detailed figures of people, faces and animals. 

Along with 20 or so other industrial arts’ teachers, Kaigwa demonstrated his skills and artwork Saturday evening at the second annual Fire Arts Festival. The event was sponsored by The Crucible, a nonprofit industrial arts training center, located on Murray Street in Southwest Berkeley.  

The teachers began the event at 6 p.m. with 15 demonstrations of classes taught at The Crucible, including cement work, blacksmithing, flame-worked glass and woodcarving. 

A growing audience wandered throughout the recently expanded 22,000 square-foot warehouse, talking to the artists about their displayed pieces and getting tips about how to make their own artwork out of metal, wood or stone. 

On display in a room towards the back of the warehouse was an exhibit of sculptures for sale that were executed by Crucible artists. 

“The Fire Arts Festival is one of demonstration,” studio manager and instructor Orion Fredericks explained. 

The purpose of the Fire Arts Festival is to promote The Crucible’s programs and for its artists to display their work. Last year’s festival attracted 1,500 to 2,000 people, and faculty estimated that between 3,000 and 5,000 people showed up for Saturday’s festival. 

At Fire Feast in January, a celebration of The Crucible’s first birthday, 3,000 people came and donated nearly $20,000 to the organization. 

This year’s Fire Arts Festival emphasized The Crucible’s growth to offer a larger variety of classes. 

“As we’re growing, we’re adding more and more,” executive director Michael Sturtz said. We’re going to have a whole glass facility for the next six months. We’ve just added things like wood carving, cement sculpture and jewelry.” 

“The Crucible is expanding a little bit from just metal,” said Berkeley artist Stan Huncilman, who is preparing to teach The Crucible’s first cement sculpture class. “I’m doing cement and you have Gakunju doing woodcarving, so the scope of work is getting larger. This class is going to be a fun challenge, people just have to be interested enough to take it.” 

Besides being just an open house for the public to learn about The Crucible’s programs and classes, the event was also stacked with entertainment. Performances – some musical, others involving The Crucible’s theme of fire – lasted until after 3 a.m. 

“So many people are interested in this idea, we are trying to bring them together and have a meeting place for that,” Sturtz said. “We are trying to bring the community together with all these events.”  

The Crucible’s next event is an outdoor film series titled Obsessive Creators on Sunday, July 15, put on in collaboration with Cricket Moon Cinema. 

Eight years ago, Berkeley votes approved a $158 million bond measure to pay for major improvements – seismic upgrades, renovations, reconstruction – at school sites throughout the community. 

This fall, they’ll be asked to continue their support for new classrooms and safer buildings through a $116.5 million school bond and a special tax that will finance maintenance needs in the Berkeley Unified School District. 

“Measure A (in 1992) was partly necessitated by the need to upgrade buildings which hadn’t been so well maintained over the last 10, 20 years of their life, prior to Measure A, and we shouldn’t want to see that history repeated,” Bruce Wicinas, a member of the Citizens Construction Advisory Committee, said during last week’s school board meeting. At that meeting, directors unanimously approved placing both measures on the November ballot. 

The $116.5 million school bond would pay for construction of new classrooms and upgrades of existing structures around the district. The special tax would provide an ongoing source of revenue for maintenance needs at school sites. That tax would charged homeowners 4.5 cents per square foot, and commercial properties would be charged 6.75 cents per square foot. 

According to a staff report presented last month, the special tax would yield more than $3.8 million annually for maintenance needs around the district. 

Right now, the BUSD spends about $2.4 million each year on maintenance personnel, supplies and equipment. A report prepared by the Facilities Maintenance and Security Advisory Committee in April advocated significantly increasing allocations for maintenance, citing serious safety issues around the district and an overall trend toward facilities in disrepair. 

If approved by voters, the special tax would allow the BUSD to increase maintenance spending to around $4 million annually. In addition to the $3.8 million in revenue from the tax, the district projects income from the Hillside School site maintenance and food service maintenance. 

“It’s important to have good teachers in the classroom, it’s important that their lights work, it’s important that the heat works, that the windows don’t leak, that they have the proper outlets to plug in their computers, that the floors are clean, the baskets are emptied, the toilets are clean, the playgrounds are safe,” Stephanie Allan, chair of the Facilities Maintenance and Security Advisory Committee, told the board last week. 

“It’s part of the whole fabric – you can’t separate it out.” 

The ballot language for the school bond will give the BUSD flexibility in how it would spend its $116.5 million, but it does specifically mention two campuses in need of classroom repair, improvements and expansion: Berkeley High and King Middle. 

Catherine James, associate superintendent for business services, told the board that the ballot language would allow the district to spend funds on a variety of capital projects, including such grounds improvements as gardens, playground equipment and athletic facilities. 

But it’s clear that the top priority is providing more classroom space at several sites, and upgrading schools that were unable to be funded through Measure A, including the Franklin School site and Berkeley Adult School. 

School board members, who had heard several presentations on the bond and tax from district staff and community members over the last few meetings, were optimistic that voters would approve both measures. 

“I believe we have the correct position on our side, we just have to get the word out so people really understand what we’re asking of this community and what the benefits will be to this community,” Board Vice President Terry Doran said during discussion on the tax measure. 

Director Ted Schultz, who worked for the passage of Measure A in 1992, said he was pleased with the way district staff was able to structure the proposed bond for this fall. The tax level would not pass the peak reached under Measure A. 

“These projects are needed, and we can do it without increasing people’s taxes, and that’s really a terrific deal, I think,” he said just before the board’s vote on the school bond. 

A survey conducted by Santa Monica-based GLS Research, presented to the school board last month, found that nearly 80 percent of Berkeley voters surveyed would be willing to support a $125 million bond, and about 70 percent would support a special tax. 

If both measures appeared on the ballot, 47 percent would support both, 12 percent would vote against both, 21 would support only the bond, and 9 percent would support only the tax. 

Current state law requires a two-thirds approval for any bond or tax measure. 

The survey of 600 randomly selected registered voters was conducted May 29 through June 1, and has a margin of error of plus or minus 4 percent. 

The nomination period for City of Berkeley elected offices to be voted on in the November election opens Monday, July 17, 2000.  

Anyone wishing to take out nomination papers for the offices of Council Districts 2, 3, 5 and 6, School Board Director, two positions, or Rent Stabilization Board Commissioner, four positions, may come to the City Clerk Department at 1900 Addison Street, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., or call 644-6480 to make an appointment. 

Nomination papers and related paperwork must be completed and filed with the City Clerk no later than 5 p.m., Friday, August 11, 2000.  

The filing period will be extended by five calendar days only for an office where the incumbent does not file by Aug. 11.  

Candidates must be City of Berkeley registered voters and Council District candidates must have resided within the district for a minimum of 30 days. 

All terms are for four years. 

***  

The Berkeley City Council will place a number of measures on the November 7, 2000 General Election Ballot. Anyone wishing to submit arguments for consideration in support or in opposition to any measure should contact the City Clerk Department, 1900 Addison Street, 644-6480, to receive an argument package.  

City Clerk Sherry Kelly has established the following as the argument period:  

• 8 a.m., Wednesday, July 26, 2000, argument period begins. 

• 12 p.m., Friday, August 4, 2000, argument period ends.  

• 4 p.m., Friday, August 4, 2000, rebuttal period begins.  

• 12 p.m., Friday, August 11, 2000, rebuttal period ends.

Gallery holds MFA exhibit 

Traywick Gallery in Berkeley has announced its annual Introduction exhibition, East Bay MFAs 2000, which opens July 26 and continues through Aug. 19.  

The exhibition features the work of three recent graduates from two of the East Bay’s Master of Fine Art programs and highlights the strong tradition of art education in the Bay Area. 

Barbara Campbell, a featured artist who graduated from UC Berkeley, paints large-scale landscapes from fragments of sites and objects she walks and drives by. Alissa Haller, a Mills College graduate, uses photography to document the empty spaces of new suburban development; interior details such as vacant corners and shelves of new houses, or street signs standing alone in grassy spaces. Tony Tredway, also of Mills College is a sculptor who uses ordinary objects and materials as sources for his spare, minimal work. 

There will be a reception for the artists on Wednesday, July 26 from 6-8 p.m. Traywick Gallery’s summer hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. It is located at 1316 10th Street. 

For more information, visit www.traywick.com. 

Residents can call if they smell odors 

Pacific Steel Casting (PSC) launched a tracking system to help improve its odor mitigation program last week. Neighbors of PSC are encouraged to call their 24-hour hotline number to report any odors believed to be originating from the PSC facilities. The hotline number is (510) 558-2256. 

Emergency class offered 

Berkeley’s Office of Emergency Services is offering free CERT classes (Community Emergency Response Training). The classes are open to anyone who lives or works in Berkeley and give basic, practical information and hands on training in the case of a disaster. 

The next class will be held July 15 on “Light Search and Rescue.” 

All classes are held at the Emergency Operations Center, 997 Cedar Street. For a class schedule or for more information, call the Office of Emergency Services at (510) 644-8736. 

People can also register online at the OES web site (www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/fire/oes.html). 

Book event set 

SAN FRANCISCO – Northern California Independent Booksellers Association will sponsor Books by the Bay, the fifth annual outdoor book fair at Pier 32 in San Francisco, July 15 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The fair, free to the public, will feature 45 bookstore booths, 50 author readings and signings, a poetry hour and a children’s activity corner. 

For details, call (415) 927-3937 or visit www.booksbythebay.com.

Construction to ameliorate traffic congestion at the Gilman Street exit of Interstate 80 is still some two years away, but the City of Berkeley hopes two “roundabouts” will fix the traffic problem by the end of 2002. 

The plan is to install a modern roundabout solution to control Gilman Street at the intersections with Eastshore Highway, the West Frontage Road, and on- and off-ramps for northbound and southbound I-80. Only in the preliminary stages of planning, the city is anticipating building roundabouts, but has not yet determined what the final result will be. 

This will be a joint effort between Caltrans and the City of Berkeley. 

“It has been much needed,” Councilmember Dona Spring said. “That is a dangerous traffic congestion where four or five major streets converge onto the freeway and there is confusion about who is supposed to go first.” 

The city just received a $100,000 grant from Caltrans to do preliminary design and environmental analysis projects. The City Council is expected to pass a resolution to secure this grant at Tuesday’s meeting. 

Spring said she is pleased that the grant has been awarded, since it will free up money to build a mural dedicated to Cesar Chavez and Doris Adurta at that location, a plan of hers that will add some color to the intersection. 

“This roundabout solves multitudes of traffic problems,” said Councilmember Linda Maio, whose district includes the future construction area. 

Maio explained that it is currently dangerous and inconvenient to merge onto the freeway from Frontage Road. 

The ramps and frontage roads are currently controlled by stop signs at their Gilman Street intersections, while Gilman Street traffic is uncontrolled. This creates congestion for cars entering Gilman Street, which peaks during rush-hour traffic. 

This intersection can get crowded with traffic heading to and from the Golden Gate Fields horse-racing track. The Gilman Street undercrossing of I-80 also serves as one of two ways bicyclists and pedestrians can access the Berkeley Marina and waterfront. 

“It’s a perfect place for roundabout,” said Director of Public Works Rene Cardinaux. “Most places don’t have enough room for a roundabout but there is enough room there so that people will not get in each others’ ways.” 

In 1998, the City of Berkeley had DKS Associates conduct a preliminary study of traffic problems and possible solutions. Eighteen different ideas were narrowed to three final recommendations – one traffic signal option and two concepts for roundabouts. These recommendations are just candidates for detailed study. 

In the same year, the city was also given a price estimate between $500,000 and $770,000 for total construction costs. However, this was just a rough estimate and the price range is expected to change as preliminary design work gets under way, said Traffic Engineer Reh-Lin Chen. 

The City of Berkeley is in the process of finding a transportation consultant who will develop a detailed preliminary design for installing the roundabouts. Proposals are due on July 12 and an interview process will follow until a consultant is hired by August. 

According to Chen, the chosen consulting firm will do preliminary work on the site this fall, as will Caltrans. The rest of the timeline is still being worked out, but a project bid is scheduled to take place in June 2002 and construction should be finished by December 2002. 

Saturday, July 8

Berkeley Farmers’ Market 

10 a.m.-3 p.m. 

Center Street between Martin Luther King Jr. Way and Milvia Street 

510-548-3333 

West Coast Live 

10 a.m. 

Freight and Salvage, 1111 Addison St. 

Join the studio audience as Sedge Thomson hosts musical guests, authors and others for his live radio broadcast. This week’s scheduled guests include Duck’s Breath Mystery Theatre, Dr. Science, Ian Shoales, Karl and Carl, Vagabond Lovers, Erik Tarloff. Tickets are $12. 

415-664-9500 

“Sushi Workshop” 

11 a.m.-2 p.m. 

Tilden Regional Park, Canon Drive off Grizzly Peak Boulevard 

Learn the natural history of many plants and animals used in the making of sushi while preparing and tasting seven different types. Registration required. Admission is $25 to $29 general; $20 to $22 seniors; $15 to $17 children.  

510-636-1684 

“The Jungle Book” 

1 p.m. 

Strawberry Creek Park, Allston and Bonar 

The Shotgun Players will present a free performance of this play, based on Rudyard Kipling’s classic book. The play is being shown in parks throughout the East Bay through Aug. 13. 

510-655-0813 

San Francisco Mime Troupe 

2 p.m. 

Cedar Rose Park, 1300 Rose St. 

The troupe presents a performance of a musical satire titled “Eating It.” Admission is a donation. 

www.sfmt.org 

The Second Annual Fire Arts Festival 

6 p.m. 

The Crucible, 1035 Murray St. 

The Crucible presents a fund-raiser featuring hands-on projects, a faculty exhibition, demonstrations, dance performances, live music, and more. Tickets are $10. 

510-843-5511; www.thecrucible.org 

Pedestrian “Bike-In” Movie Night Party and Protest 

9 p.m. 

Underhill parking lot (Channing and College) 

This week’s features: “Neighbors” and “Suburbia,” plus video activist shorts. Help transform a parking lot into a paradise every Saturday night this summer in protest of the University’s plan to build a parking lot on the site, instead of student housing. 

510-CREW-CUT; 

www.geocities.com/rickisyoung 

Sunday, July 9

Berkeley Hiking Club Mini-Hike: Joaquin Miller Park 

9:30 a.m. meet at Shattuck Avenue and Berkeley Way 

Participants will reconvene at the ranger’s station on Joaquin Miller Road. The walk will ramble along five miles of shaded trails. 

510-234-3436 

Berkeley Hiking Club: Urban Hike in San Francisco 

9:30 a.m. meet at Civic Center BART station 

This walk will travel seven to eight miles through San Francisco. Bring your own lunch, or eat at a restaurant. 

510-663-0263 

“Tilden Toddlers” 

10 a.m. 

Tilden Regional Park, Canon Drive off Grizzly Peak Boulevard 

A hike for the little ones – age 2 to 3. 

510-525-2233 

“The David Story” 

11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. 

Berkeley Richmond Jewish Community Center, 1414 Walnut St. 

This free presentation, part of the Authors’ Series in the Library, will featured Robert Alter discussing a new translation of the two books of Samuel. 

510-848-0237, ext. 236 

“The Jungle Book” 

1 p.m. 

Strawberry Creek Park, Allston and Bonar 

The Shotgun Players will present a free performance of this play, based on Rudyard Kipling’s classic book. The play is being shown in parks throughout the East Bay through Aug. 13. 

510-655-0813 

San Francisco Mime Troupe 

2 p.m. 

Cedar Rose Park, 1300 Rose St. 

The troupe presents a performance of a musical satire titled “Eating It.” Admission is a donation. 

www.sfmt.org 

“Butterfly Basics” 

2 p.m. 

Tilden Regional Park, Canon Drive off Grizzly Peak Boulevard 

Learn what makes a butterfly a butterfly and how it differs from a moth. For age 5 and older. 

510-525-2233 

Rhyme and Reason Open Mike Series 

2:30 p.m. 

UC Berkeley Art Museum, 2621 Durant Ave. 

The public and students are invited. Sign-ups for the open mike begin at 2 p.m. 

510-234-0727; 510-642-5168 

Green Party Consensus Building Meeting 

6 p.m. 

2022 Blake St. 

This is part of an ongoing series of discussions for the Green Party of Alameda County, leading up to endorsements on measures and candidates on the November ballot. This week’s focus will be the countywide new Measure B transportation sales tax. The meeting is open to all, regardless of party affiliation. 

415-789-8418

The services offered at Berkeley’s Over 60 Health Center have been impressive on their own for more than two decades, but ever since the center moved into its new home in May, it has been turning even more heads in South Berkeley. 

The Over 60 Health Center, which serves seniors in both upper and lower income ranges, recently left its home of almost 20 years at 1860 Alcatraz Ave. and moved into a brand new $10 million building at the corner of Alcatraz Avenue and Sacramento Street. There it shares space with two other organizations that also help elders. 

The exterior of the four-story building is decorated with colorful ceramic tiles, some rectangles and some leaf-shaped, at the ground level. Artists Chere Lai Mah and Susan Wick installed the tiles, which were painted by nearly 600 community members at senior centers, homeless shelters, art fairs and local schools. 

“The seniors made the leaf tiles and they painted them,” Mah said. “And I think that’s one of the most beautiful parts of the wall. The wrote their names on the backs of the tiles, so there are actually hundreds of names embedded in the wall.” 

Just outside the main entrance to the Health Center, a bench in memory of Leatha Phillips, one of the Over 60 Health Center’s founding members, is built into the wall. Glass doors lead the way to the organizations inside. 

The first floor of the building is shared by the Over 60 Health Center and Center for Elders Independence (CEI), an HMO. Enter on Sacramento Street and you find yourself in a waiting room decorated with more of the tile design. Further into the new building there are 12 examining rooms, twice that of the old building. 

“The new building gives us room to operate our programs,” said Andra Lichtenstein, planning and development director of LifeLong Medical Care, a partner of the Over 60 Heath Center. “When we were on Alcatraz, we had to move our social services out into a separate building, and that was really hard because the crux of what we do is integrating medical and social services. It’s what’s unique about us.” 

The new building has plenty of space for both types of services and allows for more patients to be accommodated. 

Enter on Alcatraz Avenue and you are in the CEI portion of the building. Here there is a large room where elderly patients participate in group activities or eat meals. Down the hall are a fitness room and gym. 

The second floor has offices and other rooms used by both the Health Center and CEI. It also has a patio, which serves as a gateway to the Mable Howard Apartments, the building’s third alliance. There are 39 residents living in the 40 apartment units, which cover the second, third and fourth floors of the building. While they are not forced to do so, many of the residents use the CEI services downstairs. 

The interior color palate of the whole building is based upon a painting by Richard Diebenkorn, who lived in Berkeley, had a studio on Shattuck Avenue and taught at California College of Arts and Crafts in Oakland. 

The Over 60 Health Center was founded in 1976 by six members of the Gray Panthers to provide for the lack of health service offered to the elderly in Berkeley. Its first location was in a storefront on San Pablo Avenue. In the early 1980s it moved to the building on Alcatraz Avenue, where it remained until this spring. 

In the beginning, the Health Center offered only a few services for the elderly, but began adding more programs in the 1980s until it finally became a full private medical practice. Today it sees over 3,500 patients a year from Berkeley, Oakland, Albany and Emeryville. 

Two more Over 60 Health Centers opened in the early 1990s in Oakland. In 1996, Over 60 merged with Berkeley Primary Care to form LifeLong Medical Care, a community health center based in Berkeley and Oakland that serves people of all ages. 

The recent team-up with Center for Elders Independence and the Mable Howard Apartments is another step the Health Center has made in aiding its patients and offering them an alternative to nursing homes. 

“Every senior, their biggest fear is that they are going to live in a nursing home,” Lichtenstein said. “This is an alternative to living in a nursing home.” 

In offering seniors this alternative, the building goes out of its way to accommodate its residents. Elevators offer easy access to the upper levels, apartments on the second floor offer full wheel chair accessibility and planters in the patio give residents the chance to maintain their own gardens. 

The apartments accounted for $4 million of the building’s total costs, funded by Resources for Community Development. The CEI and Over 60 Health Center portions of the building cost about $6 million, over half of which was funded by foundations, corporations, the City of Berkeley and Berkeley residents. 

“I believe (the building) is a fabulous model for that kind of environment,” Mah said. “I look forward to using it when I get older. I want to be excited and stimulated when I walk into the building, and that’s what it

In the next two months, jazz fans will be in for a treat, complements of Berkeley’s Jazzschool, which will be offering free concerts twice a week throughout July and August. 

Housed in a cramped 125-year-old Victorian building at 2375 Shattuck Ave., the Jazzschool has offered a wide array of classes to Bay Area residents of all ages and occupations for the last three years, and concerts have always been an integral part of the program. 

“Right now it’s just this funky little place,” says Jazzschool publicist Merrilee Frost. “It’s very Berkeley.” 

Susan Muscarella, a well-known pianist in the Bay Area jazz scene, started the Jazzschool in 1997. It was, and still is, the only place of its kind. While other organizations offer brief workshops throughout the year, no other school on the West Coast offers teaching and performance of jazz year-round. 

“I thought it was really important to combine the study and performance under one roof and for students to be able to perform what they are studying,” Muscarella said. 

Concerts begin July 16 and run Thursdays and Sundays through Aug. 24. Almost all of the concerts feature two or three different groups or performers, all of which are comprised of Jazzschool students. 

The Jazzschool has grown from about 150 students when it started to over 450 students of all ages and talents. Some students are in grade school, others are in their 70s. Most students are in high school or adults, and they hail from all over the Bay Area. 

The Jazzschool offers over 40 instrumental and vocal classes in four sessions over the course of the year. All classes are taught by high level professional musicians and local jazz historians. Adult classes cover everything from “Jazz Ensemble” to “A Blues Survey” to “Vocal Technique.” The school also offers four different children’s classes. 

“If you had a special issue, I could design a class for you,” Muscarella said. 

It shares the building with Restaurant La Note, which becomes a classroom after hours and houses all of the Jazzschool’s performances. 

Professional musicians traditionally held performances on Sunday afternoons in association with the Jazzschool. At the end of each quarter, the students would have recitals, showcasing what they learned. This summer, for the first time, Jazzschool students will be performing in La Note every week. 

Because the Jazzschool has gotten so popular, 26 groups will take the stage this summer instead of the usual eight. The Instrumentalists’ Series is every Sunday at 4:30 p.m. from July 16 to Aug. 20. The Vocalists’ Series is Thursdays at 7 p.m. from July 20 to Aug. 24. 

The John Papini Trio and the Brad Niven Trio kick off the summer concert series on July 16. The John Papini Trio plays standards by jazz composers, such as Cole Porter, Duke Ellington, Miles Davis, and Herbie Hancock. The Brad Niven Trio plays music by Chick Corea, Lyle Mays, Miles Davis, and others. 

The first vocalists’ concert on July 20 features Samaya, Albert Conway, Jr. and Jayne Ash. 

“I’m giving them the opportunity to put these performances together,” Muscarella said. “I don’t base it by skill level, but there are some really high-level performances.” 

Admission is free but seating is limited to 60, so reservations are suggested. To make a reservation, call 510-845-5373 or email swing@jazzschool.com.

Among the nation’s pioneers in needle exchange and at the forefront of high school condom distribution, Berkeley is also on the cutting edge of natural disaster prevention. 

“This is one more example of Berkeley trying to be proactive, to practice prevention,” said Councilmember Kriss Worthington, one among some dozen speakers at a Friday noontime event in the City Council Chambers, feting the city’s receipt of a $300,000 federal disaster preparedness grant. 

“Our Berkeley community is particularly vulnerable to disaster,” Mayor Shirley Dean told the almost 100 people who crowded around tables in the council chambers. Berkeley suffered only a loss of 60 structures in the 1991 fire, spared greater damage by a sudden change of wind, the mayor said. 

The Hayward Fault cuts through the eastern part of the city. An earthquake on the fault could cause the loss of hundreds of lives, she said. 

The grant, called Project Impact, was given by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Dean pointed out that FEMA is playing a new “forward-looking” role. 

FEMA is “no longer content to just pick up the pieces,” she said. 

The program is intended to create partnerships that will include the business community. Dan White, from Truitt & White lumber company, spoke at the event, underscoring the disaster that could happen to a home that is not bolted to its foundation. In an earthquake, a wood-frame house could be lifted, as though it were lifted by a crane, an dropped. 

“I hope we can get people past their lethargy,” he said. 

Grant funds will be spent on a hiring a coordinator – Carol Lopes is already in place – and a part-time administrative assistant and a consultant. 

The coordinator and consultant will help bring people together. 

“We’ll have focus groups in all the sectors,” Lopes said in an interview after the luncheon. “They will envision what a disaster-resistant community looks like.” 

A community advisory committee will be formed to oversee the process, said city manager assistant Arietta Chakos. 

• • • 

The lunchtime event was not without an ironic twist. During her speech, the mayor introduced city officials and commissioners in the room, including Miyo Rodolfo-Sioson, the head of the Commission on Disability. 

Dean pointed out how Rodolfo-Sioson pushes the city on issues of accessibility. 

Meanwhile Rodolfo-Sioson, who uses a wheelchair, was hemmed into a small space at the entrance to the room, since no space had been made to maneuver wheelchairs around the tables crammed into the space. 

Chakos acknowledged the problem, noting that dozens of people let the staff know they would be attending the event at the last minute, causing the cramped conditions. 

“Technically, it was accessible,” she said.

OAKLAND – The Oakland Museum of California will host its second annual bicycle races on July 16, from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The day of races includes nine separate multi-lap events on the .85-mile course, starting and finishing at the Snow Museum Park in front of the Kaiser Events Center on Harrison Street between 19th and 20 Streets in downtown Oakland. 

For more information, contact Velo Promo at (209) 533-4996, email velopro1@sonnet.com, or visit the Oakland Museum of California web site at www.museumca.org.

Saying he’s usually the dose of “castor oil” to environmentally “clueless” corporations, environmental journalist Joel Makower told members of Berkeley’s Sustainable Business Alliance Friday that businesses need to practice environmental mentoring. 

Acknowledging that he was preaching to the choir – those already committed to sustaining the environment – he said it’s time to deliver the message to the whole congregation. 

Overall, the message is that the world of sustainable business practices can be integrated into what businesses already are doing. Instead of polluting with wastes, companies can recycle and get value for something they’ve already bought and paid for. 

Changing a mindset begins with person to person contact, or mentoring in which skills are handed down, and he suggested the Sustainable Business Alliance act as a resource and broker for “changes we all want to see.” 

In the process of teaching how to operate a environmentally sound business, he said, business owners will understand the processes involved in staying green, and they’ll benefit from being mentors. 

Terry O’Keefe, chairman of the board of directors of Small Business Alliance: Berkeley, said, “I’m tired and embarrassed about perceptions about what business cares about. People say business could care less about people and the environment. We can make a difference.” 

Bill Lambert, the city’s manager of economic development, said the city has listed approximately 250 green businesses with the Sustainable Business Alliance, which the city has funded, as the hub. 

He said the city wants to attract more green businesses, and he asked Makower how businesses can add value by sustaining the environment. 

Makower said they can increase value in terms of environmental issues in different ways. Value can be measured in reduced costs, increased sales and increased quality, the ability to attract and retain customers, and also by receiving less regulatory oversight. 

Dan Knapp, owner of Urban Ore, said he delivered an environmental service when he helped a company find a salvage site in San Francisco. He also said he was paid for finding it. 

Businesses making environmental improvements can reap benefits in any of these areas, said Makower, an Oakland resident who has published the Green Business Letter for 10 years. 

Recently he launched a new web site (GreenBiz.com), that provides links to the vast amount of available green information. He calls GreenBiz “The Resource Center on Business, the Environment and the Bottom Line.” 

“Nobody sees how much is out there,” he said. “So we make it free to push it out to the larger business community.” 

Three main categories appear on the GreenBiz Web site. Business Toolbox offers “a wealth of hands-on help for companies,” such what to do with a dead computer. Another category is Reference Desk with links to leading green business sites and government programs for business, and corporate environmental Web sites. The third feature, News Center, offers news and opinions from industry leaders. 

Makower compared the web site, which is funded in part by Pitney Bowes Corporation and foundations, to the 1.0 versions of software in their first stages. In later versions he anticipates localizing the information. 

“That’s (the web site) our contribution to the world of mentoring,” he said. 

Construction to ameliorate traffic congestion at the Gilman Street exit of Interstate 80 is still some two years away, but the City of Berkeley hopes two “roundabouts” will fix the traffic problem by the end of 2002. 

The plan is to install a modern roundabout solution to control Gilman Street at the intersections with Eastshore Highway, the West Frontage Road, and on- and off-ramps for northbound and southbound I-80. Only in the preliminary stages of planning, the city is anticipating building roundabouts, but has not yet determined what the final result will be. 

This will be a joint effort between Caltrans and the City of Berkeley. 

“It has been much needed,” Councilmember Dona Spring said. “That is a dangerous traffic congestion where four or five major streets converge onto the freeway and there is confusion about who is supposed to go first.” 

The city just received a $100,000 grant from Caltrans to do preliminary design and environmental analysis projects. The City Council is expected to pass a resolution to secure this grant at Tuesday’s meeting. 

Spring said she is pleased that the grant has been awarded, since it will free up money to build a mural dedicated to Cesar Chavez and Doris Adurta at that location, a plan of hers that 

Fola Afariogun, a nursing assistant/phlebotomist for 19 years at Alta Bates Medical Center, says he’s forced to work overtime, and he’s afraid that when he’s tired and drawing blood, he’ll make a mistake. 

Kathy Tyson, who works in housekeeping at Alta Bates, says she cleans 15 rooms every day and that her heavy workload caused a neck injury. 

The two hospital workers were among the dozens at Alta Bates’ two Berkeley sites who went out Thursday on a one-day strike, joining some 4,000 Bay Area hospital workers, calling for increased staffing, safety measures, retirement benefits and no mandatory overtime. 

These workers, led by Service Employees International Union Local 250, were joined by registered nurses from the California Nurses’ Association, who struck for the day in sympathy with co-workers. 

Strikers picketed at Sutter Health and Catholic Healthcare West hospitals in the east and west Bay, as well as Children’s Hospital in Oakland and Alameda Hospital. 

Alta Bates administrators took issue with the walk out, arguing that the one-day strike was called in haste, that the union called workers out before negotiators were allowed to do their jobs and that patients were grossly inconvenienced and put through unnecessary pain, due to the walkout. 

Carolyn Kemp, Alta Bates spokesperson, said the strike was called prematurely, before issues were put on the table. Workers went out because of “misguided leadership,” she said. 

Kemp stressed the pain and inconvenience the strike has caused patients. The normal patient load at the merged Summit and Alta Bates hospitals is 720, but on Thursday it was 293. 

“Over 400 elective surgeries were canceled,” Kemp said, underscoring the fact that surgeries may be “elective,” but that these patients may be in pain until they get their operations. 

And the surgeries were not only postponed for people who were to come to the hospital on Thursday – they also were delayed for those who would have had surgery earlier in the week and remained in the hospital on Thursday. 

“There’s no such thing as a one-day strike,” Kemp said, remarking that a hospital is not like an automobile factory, with a conveyor line that can be shut down for a day. 

Kemp argued that salary increases offered were comparable to the nurse’s raises – 4 percent the first two years and 3 percent the third year. 

“This isn’t about wages,” she said. “This is about giving jobs for life.” 

Afariogun, the phlebotomist who was walking a picket line at Alta Bates, agreed that for Alta Bates’ workers, the strike was, in part, about job security. 

With the merger between Summit Medical Center and Alta Bates, various units will close at one hospital and increase at another, he said. The workers want the hospital to guarantee that the workers will move with their jobs. 

Kemp argued, however, that the workers do not need to fear the loss of their jobs. 

“The merger will bring more jobs into the hospital,” she said, noting that Kaiser is now bringing its heart patients from San Francisco to Summit in Oakland. 

Among the numerous demands, Afariogun said safety was a primary issue. Among the tasks the nursing assistants perform is lifting the patients and turning them over. Afariogun is a slender 130-pound man, but at times, he is required to lift a 200-to-300-pound patient. 

Afariogun said there used to be people whose job it was to lift patients, but now the nursing assistants do it by themselves, or they have to go and find someone to help them. 

Mandatory overtime means that workers perform their tasks when they are tired, Afariogun said. 

“An employee puts in his eight hours, he should not be mandated to do overtime,” he said. 

Martha Kuhn has been a registered nurse at Children’s Hospital for 18 years. She was out on the picket line with the workers on strike. 

“Our colleagues in Local 250 – housekeepers and nurses aides – are very important, taking care of patients,” she said. “We want to respect their picket line.” 

But inside Children’s Hospital, spokesperson Debbie McCann argued that the hospital staff “got swept up in the strike.” The issues are not relevant at Children’s, where staffing has remained at a constant patient-staff ratio over 10 years, she said. Management and outside nursing staff had come into the hospital to beef up positions left vacant by the strikers. 

“There’s a possibility of putting patients at risk,” she said, blaming the strikers. 

Outside on the sidewalk, the nurse supporters said that if any child were truly at risk because of the strike, they would reassess the situation. 

Lining Martin Luther King Jr. Way, the Children’s Hospital strikers were greeted by honking motorists on the way to Highway 24. The chant was the same as over at Alta Bates and former Herrick hospitals: 

“What do you want?” 

“A contract.” 

“When do you want it?” 

“Now.” 

Friday, July 7

“Living philosophers” 

10 a.m. 

North Berkeley Senior Center, 1901 Hearst Ave. 

510-644-6107 

“In Needin’ of Feedin’” 

3:30 p.m. 

Tilden Regional Park, Canon Drive off Grizzly Peak Boulevard 

Learn what it takes to care for the animals at the Little Farm. 

510-525-2233 

Saturday, July 8

Berkeley Farmers’ Market 

10 a.m.-3 p.m. 

Center Street between Martin Luther King Jr. Way and Milvia Street 

510-548-3333 

West Coast Live 

10 a.m. 

Freight and Salvage, 1111 Addison St. 

Join the studio audience as Sedge Thomson hosts musical guests, authors and others for his live radio broadcast. This week’s scheduled guests include Duck’s Breath Mystery Theatre, Dr. Science, Ian Shoales, Karl and Carl, Vagabond Lovers, Erik Tarloff. Tickets are $12. 

415-664-9500 

“Sushi Workshop” 

11 a.m.-2 p.m. 

Tilden Regional Park, Canon Drive off Grizzly Peak Boulevard 

Learn the natural history of many plants and animals used in the making of sushi while preparing and tasting seven different types. Registration required. Admission is $25 to $29 general; $20 to $22 seniors; $15 to $17 children.  

510-636-1684 

“The Jungle Book” 

1 p.m. 

Strawberry Creek Park, Allston and Bonar 

The Shotgun Players will present a free performance of this play, based on Rudyard Kipling’s classic book. The play is being shown in parks throughout the East Bay through Aug. 13. 

510-655-0813 

San Francisco Mime Troupe 

2 p.m. 

Cedar Rose Park, 1300 Rose St. 

The troupe presents a performance of a musical satire titled “Eating It.” Admission is a donation. 

www.sfmt.org 

The Second Annual Fire Arts Festival 

6 p.m. 

The Crucible, 1035 Murray St. 

The Crucible presents a fund-raiser featuring hands-on projects, a faculty exhibition, demonstrations, dance performances, live music, and more. Tickets are $10. 

510-843-5511; www.thecrucible.org 

Sunday, July 9

Berkeley Hiking Club Mini-Hike: Joaquin Miller Park 

9:30 a.m. meet at Shattuck Avenue and Berkeley Way 

Participants will reconvene at the ranger’s station on Joaquin Miller Road. The walk will ramble along five miles of shaded trails. 

510-234-3436 

Berkeley Hiking Club: Urban Hike in San Francisco 

9:30 a.m. meet at Civic Center BART station 

This walk will travel seven to eight miles through San Francisco. Bring your own lunch, or eat at a restaurant. 

510-663-0263 

“Tilden Toddlers” 

10 a.m. 

Tilden Regional Park, Canon Drive off Grizzly Peak Boulevard 

A hike for the little ones – age 2 to 3. 

510-525-2233 

“The David Story” 

11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. 

Berkeley Richmond Jewish Community Center, 1414 Walnut St. 

This free presentation, part of the Authors’ Series in the Library, will featured Robert Alter discussing a new translation of the two books of Samuel. 

510-848-0237, ext. 236 

“The Jungle Book” 

1 p.m. 

Strawberry Creek Park, Allston and Bonar 

The Shotgun Players will present a free performance of this play, based on Rudyard Kipling’s classic book. The play is being shown in parks throughout the East Bay through Aug. 13. 

510-655-0813 

San Francisco Mime Troupe 

2 p.m. 

Cedar Rose Park, 1300 Rose St. 

The troupe presents a performance of a musical satire titled “Eating It.” Admission is a donation. 

www.sfmt.org 

“Butterfly Basics” 

2 p.m. 

Tilden Regional Park, Canon Drive off Grizzly Peak Boulevard 

Learn what makes a butterfly a butterfly and how it differs from a moth. For age 5 and older. 

510-525-2233 

Rhyme and Reason Open Mike Series 

2:30 p.m. 

UC Berkeley Art Museum, 2621 Durant Ave. 

The public and students are invited. Sign-ups for the open mike begin at 2 p.m. 

510-234-0727; 510-642-5168 

Green Party Consensus Building Meeting 

6 p.m. 

2022 Blake St. 

This is part of an ongoing series of discussions for the Green Party of Alameda County, leading up to endorsements on measures and candidates on the November ballot. This week’s focus will be the countywide new Measure B transportation sales tax. The meeting is open to all, regardless of party affiliation. 

415-789-8418

THEATER 

ACTORS ENSEMBLE OF BERKELEY 

“Murder At The Vicarage” by Agatha Christie, July 14 through Aug. 12. Performance of the classic whodunnit. $10. Friday and Saturday, 8 p.m.; Aug. 10, 8 p.m. Live Oak Theatre, 1301 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley. (510) 528-5620. 

BERKELEY REPERTORY THEATRE 

“Closer” by Patrick Marber, through July 9. A funny, touching and unflinchingly honest examination of love and relationships set in contemporary London. $38 to $48.50. Tuesday, Thursday through Saturday, 8 p.m.; Wednesday, 7 p.m.; Sunday, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.; May 27, June 1, June 3, June 10, June 15, June 24, June 29 and July 8, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. 2025 Addison St., Berkeley. (510) 845-4700 or (888) 4BRTTIX. 

CALIFORNIA SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL 

“Hamlet” by William Shakespeare, July 1 through July 22. Shakespeare probes the shadowy corners of the human psyche in this dark, compelling tragedy of vengeance, madness and murder most foul. 

$21 to $38 general; $19 to $38 seniors; $10 to $38 children. Wednesday and Thursday, 7 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 8 p.m.; Sunday, 4 p.m.; July 11 and July 18, 7 p.m.; July 22, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Bruns Memorial Amphitheatre, Shakespeare Festival Way/Gateway Exit on state Highway 24. (510) 548-9666 or www.calshakes.org 

LaVal’s Subterranean 

Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” directed by Yoni Barkan. The play will run from June 8 to July 8, Thursday through Saturday at 8 p.m. each night. 1834 Euclid Ave. (510) 234-6046. 

MUSIC VENUES 

ASHKENAZ 

Tropical Vibrations, July 7, 9:30 p.m. $11. 

Edessa, Anoush, The Toids, July 8, 9:30 p.m. $11. 

Lisa Silva and Voz Do Samba, Maria Sousa and Aquarela, July 9, 8 p.m. $8. 

Tom Rigney and Flambeau, July 11, 9 p.m. $8. 

Billy Dunn, July 12, 9 p.m. $8. 

Babatunde Olatunji, July 13, 9 p.m. $11. 

Tamazgha, July 14, 9:30 p.m. $11. 

Kotoja, Akimbo, July 15, 9:30 p.m. $11. 

Resin, Caesar Myles and Dreaded Truth, Rebecca Riots, Famous Last Words, Erika Luckett, Liz Anah, July 16, 4 p.m. $8 to $25. 

1317 San Pablo Ave., Berkeley. (510) 525-5099 or www.ashkenaz.com 

FREIGHT AND SALVAGE 

Roy Rogers and Shana Morrison, July 7. $15.50 to $16.50. 

Mighty Prince Singers and Talk of da Town, July 8. $15.50 to $16.50. 

Hosea Leavy and Harmonica Slim, July 9. $14.50 to $15.50. 

Duck's Breath Mystery Theatre, July 10. $15.50 to $16.50. 

Dan Crary and Beppe Gambetta, July 12. $15.50 to $16.50. 

Bill Evans, Avram Siegel, Marty Cutler, July 13. $14.50 to $15.50. 

Juan-Carlos Formell, July 14. $14.50 to $15.50. 

The Laura Love Band, July 15. $17.50 to $18.50. 

Pat Donohue, July 16. $14.50 to $15.50. 

Music at 8 p.m. 1111 Addison St., Berkeley. (510) 548-1761 or (510) 762-BASS. 

LA PEÑA CULTURAL CENTER 

Atahualpamantab, July 7, 8 p.m. $10. 

The Soul of Black Folks, July 8, 9 p.m. $10 general; $8 students. 

Domingos de Rumba, July 9 and July 23, 4:30 p.m. Free. 

War!, July 12, 7 p.m. $10. 

Jon Fromer and Friends, July 14, 8 p.m. $8 to $15. 

Ray Cepeda, July 15, 9:30 p.m. $10. 

Dya Singh, July 16, 8 p.m. $18. 

3105 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley. (510) 849-2568 or www.lapena.org 

924 GILMAN ST. 

Dead and Gone, Catheter, Hog, Laughing Dog, Jeno, July 7. 

El Dopa, Dystopia, Scratchabit, July 8. 

Attitude Adjustment, Wolfpack, Men's Recovery Project, Axiom, July 14. 

MU330, Alkaline Trio, Link 80, Venice Shoreline Chris, Blue Meanies, Lawrence Arms, Honor System, Dan Potthast, Mike Park, July 16, 4 p.m.  

$5. Music at 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted. 924 Gilman St., Berkeley. (510) 525-9926. 

THE STARRY PLOUGH PUB 

Gun and Doll Show, Chub, July 7. $6. 

Soldier of Fortune Cookie, Stikman, July 8. 

Cadillac Angels, Rip Carson and the Twilight Trio, July 13. $5. 

Tempest, Azigza, July 14. $8. 

Plus Ones, The Cables, Luminar, The Fitsners, July 15.  

For age 21 and over. Wednesday, 8 p.m.; Thursday, 9:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 9:45 p.m. unless otherwise noted. 3101 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley. (510) 841-2082. 

OPERA 

THE BERKELEY OPERA 

“Beatrice and Benedick” by Hector Berlioz, July 14 through July 23. A joyous evening of wit, deception and romance based on William Shakespeare’s comedy “Much Ado About Nothing.” Jonathan Khuner conducting. Sung in English. 

$16 to $30 general; $24 senio rs; $15 youths age 17 and under. Friday and Saturday, 8 p.m.; Sunday, 2 p.m. Julia Morgan Center for the Arts, 2640 College Ave., Berkeley. (925) 798-1300 or www.juliamorgan.org 

MUSEUMS 

Berkeley Historical Society 

"Berkeley's Ethnic Heritage." May 7 through March 2001. The exhibit examines the rich cultural diversity of our city and the contributions of individuals and minority groups to our history and development. The exhibit look at the original native tribelets in the area and the immigrants who settled in Ocean View and displaced the Spanish/Mexican landowners. It also examines the influence of theUniversity of California, the San Francisco earthquake, and World War II on the population and culture of Berkeley, and subsequent efforts to overcome discrimination. Curated by Linda Rosen and the Berkeley Historical Society Exhibit Committee. Thursday through Saturday, 1 to 4 p.m. Wheelchair accessible. Admission free. 

Berkeley Historical Society located in the Veterans Memorial Building, 1931 Center Street, Berkeley. 510-848-0181 

www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/histsoc 

UC BERKELEY ART 

MUSEUM 

“Doug Aitken/MATRIX 185: Into the Sun,” July 9 through Sept. 3. An exhibit of works primarily in video and film, using the interplay of art and media to evoke deserted landscapes. Artist’s Talk, July 9, 3 p.m. Doug Aitken discusses his installation. In Gallery 1. 

Rodin and His Contemporaries,” through August. An exhibit of 11 bronze maquettes on loan from the Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Foundation in Los Angeles. The bronzes range in style from the artist's classically inspired “Torso of a Woman” to the anguish of “The Martyr.” Some of the maquettes were cast during Rodin’s lifetime, others have been cast fairly recently under the aegis of the Musee Rodin which alone is authorized to cast his sculptures posthumously. 

$6 general; $4 seniors and students ages 12 to 18; free children age 12 and under; free Thursday, 1 1 a.m. to noon and 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. 2626 Bancroft Way, Berkeley. (510) 642-0808. 

HALL OF HEALTH  

2230 Shattuck Ave. (lower level), Berkeley 

A hands-on community health education museum and science center sponsored by Children's Hospital Oakland and Alta Bates Medical Center. 

“Good Nutrition,” ongoing. This exhibit includes models for making balanced meals and an exercycle for calculating how calories are burned. 

“Draw Your Own Insides,” ongoing. Human-shaped chalkboards and models with removable organs allow visitors to explore the inside of their bodies. 

“Your Cellular Self and Cancer Prevention,” ongoing. An exhibit on understanding how cells become cancerous and how to detect and prevent cancer. 

Free. For children ages 3 to 12 and their parents. 

(510) 549-1564 

LAWRENCE HALL 

OF SCIENCE 

“Experiment Gallery,” through Sept. 10. Step inside a giant laboratory and experiment with concepts surrounding sound, light, mechanics, electricity, and weather. 

“Math Rules!” ongoing exhibit. A math exhibit of hands-on problem-solving stations, each with a different mathematical challenge. Make mathematical ice-cream cones, use blocks to build three dimensional structures, make dodecagon pies from a variety of mathematical shapes and stretch mathematical thinking. 

“Within the Human Brain,” ongoing installation. Visitors test their cranial nerves, play skeeball, master mazes, match musical tones and construct stories inside a simulated “rat cage” of learning experiments. 

$6 general; $4 seniors, students and children ages 7 to 18; $2 children ages 3 to 6; free children under age 3. Daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Centennial Drive, University of California, Berkeley. (510) 642-5132 or www.lhs.berkeley.edu 

PHOEBE HEARST MUSEUM 

Kroeber Hall, UC Berkeley 

“Modern Treasures from Ancient Iran,” through Oct. 29. This exhibit explores nomadic and town life in ancient and modern Iran as illustrated in bronze and pottery vessels, and textiles. 

“Pana O’ahu: Sacred Stones – Sacred Places,” through July 16. An exhibit of photographs by Jan Becket and Joseph Singer. 

“Ishi and the Invention of Yahi Culture,” Ishi, the last Yahi Indian of California, spent the final years of his life, 1911 to 1916, living at the museum, working with anthropologists to record his culture, demonstrating technological skills, and retelling Yahi myths, tales, and songs. 

Wednesday through Sunday 10 am -4:30 pm; Thursday until 9 pm (Sept-May) 

(510) 643-7648 

HABITOT CHILDREN’S MUSEUM 

Kittredge Street and Shattuck Avenue 

A museum especially for children age 7 and younger. Highlights include “WaterWorks,” an area with some unusual water toys, an Infant Tree for babies, a garden especially for toddlers, a child-scale grocery store and cafe, and a costume shop and stage for junior thespians. The museum also features a toy lending library. 

Admission is $4 for adults; $6 child age 7 and under; $3 for each additional child.  

Hours: Monday and Wednesday, 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Tuesday and Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

(510) 647-1111 

JUDAH L. MAGNES 

MUSEUM 

2911 Russell St., Berkeley 

“Telling Time: To Everything There Is A Season,” through May 2002.  

An exhibit structured around the seasons of the year and the seasons of life with objects ranging from the sacred and the secular, to the provocative and the whimsical. Highlights include treasures from Jewish ceremonial and folk art, rare books and manuscripts, contemporary and traditional fine art, video, photography and cultural kitsch. Through Nov. 4: “Spring and Summer.” 

Free. Sunday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

(510) 549-6950. 

To publicize an upcoming event, please submit information to the Daily Planet via fax (841-5695), e-mail (calendar@berkeleydailyplanet.com) or traditional mail (2076 University Avenue, 94704). 

Calendar items should be submitted at least one week before the opening of a new exhibit or performance. 

Please include a daytime telephone number in case we need to clarify any information.

Withdrawing money from the bank, making a deposit, getting an account statement from ATMs: These are all simple daily operations most of us take for granted. But not until recently did banks offer these services to sight-impaired people. 

Now three major banks, all of which have downtown Berkeley locations, now offer “talking” ATMs – automated teller machines that are accessible to blind people by use of headphones. Berkeley is one of only three cities in the world that offer talking ATMs from each of the three banks, improving the lives of the sight-impaired. 

Citibank installed five of the first talking ATM machines in the country in November 1999. One of the machines was set up at Citibank’s Shattuck Avenue location, the four others were scattered across California, including one in San Francisco and one in San Carlos. 

Citibank agreed to install the machines following discussions with the California Council of the Blind and members of the blind community. Berkeley disability rights lawyer Lainey Feingold was involved in the negotiations, as were Oakland lawyer Linda Dardarian and the Berkeley-based Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund. 

“Information has to be accessible, not just buildings,” Feingold said. “If your site is not accessible, you aren’t on the information highway . . . information has to be accessible.” 

Wells Fargo followed suit in April 2000, when it installed eight pilot machines in the Bay Area and 12 others in the Los Angeles and San Diego areas. One ATM was placed at Wells Fargo’s downtown Berkeley site at Shattuck Avenue and Center Street and another at its Elmwood branch on College Avenue. 

Wells Fargo anticipates having these machines available at each of its 1,500 California locations by the end of 2003. 

In June, Bank of America opened its first 15 talking ATMs across California and promised to install more than 2,500 in California and Florida, its largest retail markets, over the next three years. Its main Berkeley branch on Shattuck Avenue now offers a talking ATM, as do branches in Oakland and San Francisco. 

Part of the negotiations with Bank of America stated that the Bank of America web site also needs to be accessible to the sight-impaired, the first such agreement in the United States. The web site is already partially accessible and the bank is working on completing the project, Feingold said. 

The talking ATMs provide audible instructions for sight-impaired customers. The machines have audio jacks that deliver spoken instructions privately to protect the users’ security as they withdraw cash, deposit money or perform other transactions. The machines lead customers step by step through each process. 

Nicaise Dogbo, a blind person who lives and works in San Francisco, has been using a talking ATM at a Bank of America in downtown San Francisco since it opened May 15. He is one of many people who consider talking ATMs a major advancement in accessibility for the disabled. 

Before the talking ATMs opened, Dogbo said he and other blind patrons had no choice but to go inside the bank to make all transactions. 

“We’re talking independence,” he said. “We’re talking easy access. Anybody should be able to put their money in the bank and use ATMs.” 

The world’s first talking ATM was installed in San Francisco’s City Hall by Credit Union last fall, which Dogbo used occasionally. Besides the City Hall location and the various Bank of America, Wells Fargo and Citibank locations, only the Toronto-based Royal Bank of Canada has the machines. 

However, this should change in the next few years, as more banks start adapting the machines. Feingold is currently involved in negotiations with other banks across the country to include talking ATMs. These banks include Bank One in the Midwest and Fleet Bank in New England. 

“I have gotten messages from all over the world of people asking how they can get these,” she said. “People in Scotland, Hong Kong, Canada are all interested. 

“It’s pretty significant. This is just the first wave. We hope that in the next three years it won’t be a big deal any more, that when you think of an ATM, you will think of it working for a blind person as well as somebody who can see.” 

To call a film “deceptively simple” usually means it is neither, and it’s an inefficient way to describe something. But the filmmakers of “Speaking for Themselves: seven women – their experiences with cancer” are so hands-off one wonders if they are there at all. 

With no voice-over narration and no inter-titles, not even so much as a cutaway, the film relies on nothing but the subjects’ oral histories and confessions to present the experience of coping with cancer. 

The Women’s Cancer Resource Center is presenting a free screening of “Speaking for Themselves” at the Fine Arts Cinema on Saturday at 4 p.m. 

Patrons of the Fine Arts checking their screening schedules will notice this show isn’t listed. It came together only after a WCRC staff member noticed the film at the recent San Francisco International Lesbian and Gay Film Festival. 

The WCRC called the festival, hoping to add a copy of the video to their resource library. To their surprise, they learned German filmmakers Gesine Meerwein and Katharina Gruber are visiting Berkeley right now. 

As a result of some fast phone calls and quick e-mailing, Meerwein and Gruber will be in attendance at the Fine Arts Cinema to talk with the audience about cancer, and, no doubt, their unique interviewing style.  

Meerwein calls it “biographical interviewing,” a technique she learned in a workshop in Germany. As she described it, sitting on the couch of a friend’s home in west Berkeley where she and Gruber are staying, it’s not really interviewing, per se, but creating an environment conducive to intimacy, and capturing it on video. 

Women with cancer – mostly breast cancer, and most had undergone mastectomies – sat in front of the filmmaker’s video camera and talked about their post-operation body image, their relationships doctors and lovers, and the fight to decide upon their medical procedures. 

That’s what made it into the 108-minute film. During the shoot they talked for hours and hours about a hundred other topics, with little or no direction from the people behind the camera. 

Meerwein said some of the monologues got right to the issue of cancer, and others spent hours slowly building up to their feelings about cancer through rambling detours of childhood memory. It’s a therapy dream, and an editing nightmare. 

“It’s important to have a lot of time because it was a process for them,” said Meerwein of the exhausting marathon shooting sessions. “You say things you didn’t plan.” 

She knows what the hot seat feels like, because she was on both sides of the camera. Meerwein herself is one of the seven subjects, with a “biographical interview” relating her experience with uterine cancer. 

“I know more about the setting, and making it comfortable,” she said, describing herself as a versuchskaninchen, or “test rabbit.” 

The women were encouraged to bring personal objects to the interview process to feel more relaxed. One woman brought two suitcases full of personal items to the set, including a 4-foot stuffed, pink caterpillar toy which she held on her lap and stroked throughout the interview. 

The strength of “Speaking for Themselves” is right there in its title. The method befits the message of women taking control of their own recovery. Many tell of the decision, made with apparent personal deliberation, to live. The way the women talked of doctors and loved ones, pushing them into biopsies, chemotherapy, and mastectomies, implied the diagnostic treatments moved faster than they were willing to accept physically and emotionally. 

“Every woman is looking for her own way,” said Meerwein, who admitted she was horrified to learn one of the subjects wanted chemotherapy, a process Meerwein considers more harmful than helpful. 

Meerwein, in the film, describes her decision to wait while the cancerous tumor in her uterus grew. In one particularly icky description, she says she could feel the tumor with her fingers expanding through her cervix. More lighthearted sequences in the film portray the subjects talking together and comparing mastectomy scars. And, like a girlish slumber party, flinging prosthetic breasts across the room and trying on each other’s bras. 

Meerwein and Gruber, having never made a film or video previously, were inspired after seeing “Dialogues with Mad Women,” by Bay Area Academy Award-winning documentary filmmaker Allie Light. “She gave all the space to the women,” said Meerwein, who can describe this open-handed interviewing technique in German, but has difficulty finding the English words. “It was distant, but not personal. Not at all voyeuristic.” 

For more information about the screening, or about the Women’s Cancer Resource Center in Berkeley, call the WCRC at 510-548-9286.

Berkeley police are investigating two strong-arm robberies that occurred Monday evening. 

The first robbery was reported at 6 p. m. Monday in front of 2300 Sacramento St. The victim was standing on the sidewalk when the suspect walked up to him and began a conversation. Then the suspect asked the victim for money and when he was refused he walked away. But he returned approaching the victim from behind and grabbed the victim’s arms to subdue him, according to police reports. The victim struggled to free himself and the suspect walked away again. Later the victim realized that his wallet was missing. 

The suspect is described as an African-American male in his early 40s, about 5 feet, 8 inches tall, weighing 160 pounds, wearing a green waist-length jacket, blue jeans and white tennis shoes. 

In another incident at 6:30 p.m. Monday, a woman was robbed by a man who took her wallet when she attempted to purchase gasoline in the Shell Station at Ashby and San Pablo avenues. 

As she prepared to use the gasoline pump after placing her credit card back in her wallet, the suspect approached the front of her car and threatened to kill her if she didn’t hand over her wallet, according to Capt. Bobby Miller of the Berkeley Police Department. 

The woman was frightened, and the suspect tried to grab her wallet as she screamed for help. The suspect pushed her back against her vehicle, and another man came to her rescue. The thief was able to steal her wallet, and he ran eastbound on Ashby Avenue. 

The suspect is described as an African-American male in his 30s, 5 feet, 8 inches tall, thin build, wearing a royal blue sweatsuit. 

ALBANY – Peter Waugh, who’ll be a high school senior in September, walked into Café Eclectica on Solano Avenue Wednesday evening to find out what all the talk is about. 

The café that opened three weeks ago in the former McManus café and Pub, at 1309 Solano Ave. in Albany, is a volunteer-run establishment that aims to be the place for local teen-agers to gather. 

Waugh, a student at Albany High School and a bass guitar player, heard that the café “is a new place to hang out operated by high school students.” He joked that he would like to perform if he could get prime time. 

Still in its brewing stage, the budding café decorated with students’ paintings awaits a county health permit before it can serve fresh food, but future menus include coffee, soft drinks, pizza, soup and salads. 

The real main dish is Eclectica’s role as a youth center, a new recipe for the old-time hangouts like pizza parlors and drug stores. As its name suggests, Eclectica plans to offer a little bit of everything for young people, who are partners in planning the bill of fare. 

Eclectica is the product of parents and students who combined forces to find a space for teen-agers to meet, eat, sing, dance, listen to music, play video games, learn job skills or just hang out. 

Molly Mitchell, a founding parent, said “teen-agers need a place to gather. They’re underserved and not respected enough to get their own venue.” 

Allan Maris, chairman of the Albany Youth Task Force, said “there’s no other place like this in Albany.” Kids can go to adult cafés, he said, but they’re on the periphery in those coffeehouses. 

In Eclectica, he said, the students run the business with adult support, but the kids “have a lot of control.” Consensus is the bottom line in decision-making, he said. 

“We hope to be profitable,” said Maris. “What I’ve seen so far is not unusual for building a business. Kids have started to come here.” 

The café is a program of Community Learning Services, a nonprofit organization based in Albany with a mission to support schools and promote environmental education. Its planning committee is composed of eight teen-agers and the same number of adults. 

The café is currently open from 3:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays. 

“We wanted to open it before school was out,” said Sandy Bredt, assistant director of Community Learning Services. “We wanted to get the energy going and see if we can expand from there. We didn’t want to get too ambitious and have to pull back. We’re going to slowly build weekend business.” 

She said Eclectica already has held a live music performance. Bredt noted that the café occupies a space zoned for retail businesses, but the city informed them they would not need a conditional use permit as they had expected. 

For the performance, she said, police came and found there were no complaints from neighbors about noise, but in the planning to talk to the neighbors to let them know what they would be doing at the café, the students gained a valuable learning experience. 

“The kids brainstormed what kinds of questions the neighbors would have,” said Bredt. It helped them understand how businesses deal with government requirements. 

“This is not just a party place. We have procedures here.” 

Establishing a “green” business also is a priority for Eclectica. Operating in an environmentally friendly manner is part of the educational process for the young people who work and visit the café. 

Bredt said they will use cloth napkins, chinaware and flatware, and a compost bin for food scraps. Other green ideas include a ceiling fan to circulate air, non-toxic paint for the walls, and in terms of food on the menu, there will be no processed cheese. 

The café received $8,000 in start-up funding from the Alameda County Waste Management Authority and will receive another grant of $6,000 from the county. 

Bredt said $6,000 was raised from people in the community, including Berkeley families, and Eclectica continues to seek donations from the community. 

A small kitchen fire at noontime Thursday in Café Caracas, at 1446 University Ave., destroyed the hood over an oven and required firefighters to cut two holes in the kitchen roof to allow gas to escape. 

Assistant Chief Michael Migliore said the fire was extinguished in about 20 minutes. Employees tried to put out the fire themselves, he said, but by the time they brought an extinguisher over to the flames, the fire was too big. 

The Berkeley Fire Department will investigate the fire, but Migliore and building owner Cecile Isaacs believe the fire began in a pot on the stove. She said the fire suppression system failed to work in the six-year-old restaurant. 

Café Caracas will be closed for several weeks for repairs in the kitchen, on the roof and possibly in the electrical system. Migliore estimated the damage at $25,000. 

Migliore said the roof had to be opened because heat rises, and if there are no escape holes, it travels laterally and would have damaged adjoining business. 

Even so, he said Narain’s Outdoor Garment Specialist and University Hair Care had some smoke damage.

Of Oakland, Gertrude Stein felt “there is no there there.” At the very least, however, they’ve definitely got two Peralta District Community Colleges there – with campuses to boot. That’s a distinction Berkeley’s own Vista College cannot claim. After several decades of operation, multiple bond measures and threats of secession from the Peralta District, Vista is still leasing space at 2020 Milvia St. 

This sore point was the primary topic of conversation at a Peralta Community College District Board of Trustees-sponsored “listening session” Wednesday night at the North Berkeley Senior Center and open to the general public. The home crowd’s queries about when, if ever, a permanent home for vista college will be constructed underscored a larger concern that the Downtown Berkeley Community College has been deemed the ugly stepsister of the four-college district. 

“I’m really emotional about Vista College, Vista has changed my life a great deal,” Vista student Letteria Fletcher said to Chancellor Ronald Temple and the six PCCD trustees present. “(Recently) I was at Merritt College for the first time. I was really shocked and amazed to see the campus they have. I tell you, the computers in our career and transfer center often go out because we’re in a place that’s not properly wired, where computers aren’t supposed to be. Our library is not adequate. The bathrooms sometimes overflow. I know Vista students are not getting what they deserve.” 

The board hopes to escape the multifaceted drawbacks of Vista’s longtime temporary home by constructing a permanent site on land it purchased at 2050 Center Street currently in use as a large parking lot. While this plan was in the works some time ago, it, like others before, hit a snag. 

“We passed a bond for $15 million at the time thinking that was adequate to build the college,” explained Trustee Lynn Baranco. “It was not until this chancellor (Temple) came on board that we realized we were short on funds.” 

It is now estimated that the structure will cost at least $35 million. In hopes of raising the needed capital, the board has proposed a $150 million bond measure for November’s ballot. The wording of the measure, however, is such that the League of Woman Voters’ Helen Lecar says she “wouldn’t touch it with a 10-foot pole.” 

“Voters in my constituency are asking me if they should support the bond measure, and I have to say ‘I don’t know,’” said Councilmember Kriss Worthington before the crowd of nearly 50. “Never in my life have I voted against any bond measure for education. But in this instance, I have no idea where the money would go. As a politician, in the last few years I’ve learned far more than I ever could have dreamed of about tricking voters, getting them to vote for something, then shifting the money around to do other things. I’m more cynical now that I’m an elected official. I ask you in your deliberations to come up with some kind of legally enforceable agreement to give us faith and trust to ensure Vista College gets the facility it deserves.” 

Worthington’s sentiments were echoed by fellow Councilmember Dona Spring, who said “written assurances” of the erection of a permanent Vista campus would be needed in order for the bond measure to pass. 

“We can no longer trust bond measures to give us money to complete the Vista College building unless we see it in writing,” said Spring. 

Speaking for the board, Baranco said that going ahead with the planned construction wasn’t merely an option, but a necessity. 

“In order to acquire that land, we had to go to eminent domain, meaning we did not pay the asking price for that land, which did not make that owner happy,” said the trustee. “Now he’s the landlord of Vista property. So we burned that bridge. We have to build that college, we don’t even have a choice. Even if we were reluctant, and we’re not reluctant, we’ve got to build that college.” 

Trustee Tom Brougham closed out the night with a long speech pointing out that Vista’s struggle for a permanent campus highlights larger iniquities within the Peralta District. 

“There has been a total disconnect in the Peralta District between land and where the students want to go,” said Brougham, who pointed out that 130-acre Merritt College occupies half the land the district owns but serves only 20 percent of its student body. “It’s not enough to take the $150 million and spend it, leave all the land and buildings and just refurbish them. First and foremost we need to ask the public where it wants to go to school. Then we have to use that information to buy and sell land, sell and tear down buildings. Where people want to go to school, you build the facilities. That’s what it’s all about. 

“We have charged the chancellor with 18 goals, and the overarching goal is excellence,” continued Brougham, who announced that, after 13 years on the board, this will be his final term. “You can say you’re excellent, but I don’t think it’s possible as long as there’s 130 acres up there with not a lot of students on it and .3 acres down here with 4,000 students on it.”  

Thursday, July 6

Free computer class for seniors 

9:30-11:30 a.m. 

South Berkeley Senior Center, 2939 Ellis St. 

This free course offers basic instruction in keyboarding, Microsoft Word, Windows 95, Excel and Internet access. Space is limited; the class is offered Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. Call ahead for a reservation. 

510-644-6109 

“Meeting Life Changes” 

10 a.m. 

North Berkeley Senior Center, 1901 Hearst Ave. 

510-644-6107 

Summer Lunchtime Concert Series 

Noon-1 p.m. 

Downtown Berkeley BART plaza 

This concert series features musicians from two unique schools in Downtown Berkeley, The Jazzschool and Capoeira Arts Café. This week, the Capoeira Arts Cafe will feature professional music artists and performers from Brazil, who will offer a Brazilian Music and Dance Show. This concert is free. This event is co-sponsored by the Downtown Berkeley Association, Berkeley Daily Planet, Korman & Ng, and BART. 

510-549-2230 

The Snake Man 

2 p.m. 

South Branch Berkeley Public Library, 1901 Russell St. 

Vincent Seymour will be the featured guest. This is part of the Summer Program Series at the Berkeley Public Library. 

510-644-6860 

Personnel Board  

7 p.m.  

Permit Center, Planning and Development Building, 2118 Milvia St.  

The commission will hear a recommendation to increase the Director and Deputy Director of Library Services Salary Ranges as part of the Confidential Executive and Management Pay Plan, and will revise the personnel classification to reflect the departmental name change to Human Resources. 

Housing Advisory Commission  

7:30 p.m.  

South Berkeley Senior Center, 2939 Ellis St.  

The commission will discuss and act on the revised ABAG determination of housing needs, as well as on the newly approved housing enabled by the partnership program. Also, there will be a status report on the Housing Trust Fund, among other items on the agenda. 

Public Works Commission 

7:30 p.m. 

North Berkeley Senior Center, 1901 Hearst Ave.  

The committee will discuss street sweeping plans, including what was learned from public hearings, and will come up with a new recommendation and possibly new steps, and will also discuss the membership of the Undergrounding Subcommittee and the Undergrounding Task Force. 

Friday, July 7

“Living philosophers” 

10 a.m. 

North Berkeley Senior Center, 1901 Hearst Ave. 

510-644-6107 

“In Needin’ of Feedin’” 

3:30 p.m. 

Tilden Regional Park, Canon Drive off Grizzly Peak Boulevard 

Learn what it takes to care for the animals at the Little Farm. 

510-525-2233 

Saturday, July 8

Berkeley Farmers’ Market 

10 a.m.-3 p.m. 

Center Street between Martin Luther King Jr. Way and Milvia Street 

510-548-3333 

West Coast Live 

10 a.m. 

Freight and Salvage, 1111 Addison St. 

Join the studio audience as Sedge Thomson hosts musical guests, authors and others for his live radio broadcast. This week’s scheduled guests include Duck’s Breath Mystery Theatre, Dr. Science, Ian Shoales, Karl and Carl, Vagabond Lovers, Erik Tarloff. Tickets are $12. 

415-664-9500 

“Sushi Workshop” 

11 a.m.-2 p.m. 

Tilden Regional Park, Canon Drive off Grizzly Peak Boulevard 

Learn the natural history of many plants and animals used in the making of sushi while preparing and tasting seven different types. Registration required. Admission is $25 to $29 general; $20 to $22 seniors; $15 to $17 children.  

510-636-1684 

San Francisco Mime Troupe 

2 p.m. 

Cedar Rose Park, 1300 Rose St. 

The troupe presents a performance of a musical satire titled “Eating It.” Admission is a donation. 

www.sfmt.org 

The Second Annual Fire Arts Festival 

6 p.m. 

The Crucible, 1035 Murray St. 

The Crucible presents a fund-raiser featuring hands-on projects, a faculty exhibition, demonstrations, dance performances, live music, and more. Tickets are $10. 

510-843-5511; www.thecrucible.org

Reader likes her Berkeley funky 

Too bad the freeway had to be built over land that would otherwise have been very pleasant for recreation and for habitat preservation. As it is, being within range of the overbearing noise and pounding of traffic on the road, imposes a heavy toll on people who do tolerate being in the area voluntarily. It bothers me that among us are people who accept brushing away their initial discomfort because we’re told we’re supposed to. I want people to acknowledge and respond to impositions to our senses. We should want to be in pleasant surroundings. We give up too much in the name of getting along. 

The noise and other brutalizing sensations at the freeway, in the parks and at the beaches, should be intolerable for us. Making nice structures or parks near there should not be considered. A way for us to get over the freeway easily is, of course, essential. But all this other stuff about first impressions of Berkeley, a nice place to sit, a park, is part of the ruse our social environment perpetrates and we, too often accept. It’s bad in range of the freeway, period. 

And, of course, I like Berkeley funky! I don’t want us to participate in mall-ification designs. Plane old broken down is just lovely – not really broken. Good impressions are more than skin deep. Berkeley’s tone of commitment to the best possible, and to improving, lives for us here and for the rest of the world is our excellent impression to be made on the world. 

Norma J.F. Harrison 

Berkeley 

AIDS as attack against Africa 

How come AIDS is killing off the African people? There was sex before AIDS yet no devastation; simple logic leaves a hole in the whole fabric, namely, where did it come from and why Africa? 

The Red Army newspaper (during the cold war) said AIDS was started by the CIA “to wipe out the black race.” Right on cue, Berkeley City Councilmember Maudelle Shirek wages a campaign in the press and at council meetings, saying the same thing. 

Now she (and Moscow) remain silent. Meanwhile back in Africa. . . 

George Kauffman 

Berkeley 

Newspaper fills a void in town 

Wow! Did we ever get response to our ad asking for Sunday morning child care at University Christian! The Daily Planet ad succeeded beyond our wildest dreams. In fact, we hope those who responded will forgive the fact that we could not answer each inquiry, such was the flood of calls. Berkeley has needed a paper like the Daily Planet for a long time. 

Margaret Grosse 

Berkeley

When the first day of school rolls around on Aug. 30, Theresa Saunders won’t be putting in a 20-hour workday on the Berkeley High School campus. 

And that’s just fine with her. 

“At some point, you have to look at your life, and even though you’re doing things that are meaningful and significant, you’re also a person, a human being with limits,” Saunders told the Daily Planet on Wednesday night. “I need to stop working like I’m working, and I want a change in my lifestyle.” 

During the school board meeting earlier in the evening, Superintendent Jack McLaughlin announced that Saunders was being reassigned from her post as BHS principal to a district position, where she will oversee Berkeley Unified’s music program and will work on strategies for combating the achievement gap between Anglo/Asian students and their Latino/African-American peers. 

The district will begin a search today for Saunders’ replacement, but a retired administrator has been named to oversee the campus transition: Darrel Taylor, a former superintendent and principal in several California school districts, who has been serving as the administrative coordinator for Berkeley High’s fire recovery team. He will not be “interim princi“Our goal is to run as fast as we can and have Berkeley High be the best it can be on the first day of school, if not before,” McLaughlin said during Wednesday’s board meeting. 

Considering the school’s recent track record, that goal is more easily said than done. In fact, it was the rocky start last fall that set the ball rolling on one of the most tumultuous years in Berkeley High’s history. 

Scheduling conflicts, full classes and software problems were the first blow. Then came the last-minute cancellation of a school dance because it fell on a religious holiday. The popular college adviser was transferred to another district position – and after another big mess, including problems with student transcripts, she was transferred back to her old job – and an overall administrative reorganization meant that many of the people calling the shots weren’t very familiar with Berkeley High’s procedures. 

In January, students protested the use of a police wagon to round up tardy teens, and several hundred students walked out of classes in February to protest to continuing deterioration of conditions. That same month, longtime teacher Marcia Singman died suddenly, and tensions continued to escalate between downtown merchants and the high school. 

And then the fires, which had been a regular occurrence the year before, resumed – minor ones at first, followed by the April arson that left the B Building with $2 million in damages, its long-term fate still unknown. 

Saunders, who began her tenure two years ago with the goal of improving student achievement and making Berkeley High a more effective school, was unable to tackle those issues because everyone’s primary focus simply became keeping BHS alive. 

“This year has been exacerbating,” she said. “The work was monumental, and it needed to be done, and it had to be done.” 

Moving to the district position will allow Saunders more time to finish her dissertation for her doctorate, and will let continue a recently rediscovered love: golf. 

“I know it may sound funny to a lot of people, but I started golfing after 10 years of not golfing, and it’s been healthy for me,” she said. 

Other administrative changes are in the works at Berkeley High. Vice Principal Doris Wallace-Tanner is currently on extended medical leave and Interim Vice Principal Guillermo Barcenas will return to his counseling duties. The district has hired one new vice principal, Mary Ann Valles. She will begin this month. Two other VP positions remain to be filled.

Jane Fehlberg, who works as an administrative assistant at UC Berkeley, said she hasn’t chewed anything for three weeks. Her liquid diet consists largely of orange juice, soy protein, broth and vitamins. 

Fehlberg and about 20 other members of the Coalition of University Employees have embarked on hunger strikes to dramatize their low wages during their ongoing contract negotiations with the University of California system in Oakland. 

During their lunch breaks – a misnomer, perhaps – Wednesday, Fehlberg and other members of the local Coalition of University Employees marched around California Hall where offices of the school’s top administrators are located. 

Some of the local union members banged empty pots with wooden spoons, and others chanted and carried signs with such slogans as “Where’s our piece of the pie?” 

Building manager Fernando Brito has been fasting for two 24-hour periods a month for the last three weeks. 

“It’s one of the most effective things I can do,” he said. “At the end of this month if there is no response, I’ll increase it and keep doing so.” 

Wednesday marked the 21st day of Fehlberg’s hunger strike, dramatizing the wages paid by the university to its clerical employees statewide, which the union says are 21 percent below market rate. 

The 18,000-member union with 2,700 local members is asking for an 11 percent increase in wages. 

Sharon Hayden, assistant director of labor relations at UC’s Office of the President in Oakland and a negotiator for the university, said the union is correct in stating there is a 21 percent “lag.” 

“We recognize the lag and we want to give clerical employees more salary and give them some relief,” Hayden said. 

The university is committed to paying wage increases, Hayden said, although she admitted the amount of increase is not what the union is asking for. She explained that the wage package contains medical benefits, vacations and holidays. 

Hayden said the labor survey purchased by the university that indicates the 21 percent lag doesn’t take into account the differences between private and public sectors. She said a new survey is needed to indicate current market information. 

She said the 21 percent could have been “whittled down” as much as 7 percent if the union had accepted the university’s offer for a 3.5 percent increase for 1998-1999 and a 3.5 percent increase “on the table” for 1999-2000. 

Hayden said there would be some additional money to put into the clerical salaries, but the university doesn’t know how to implement it yet, because the needs of all the lower-paid employees must be considered first. 

“We’re asking for 6 percent (increase), retroactive from October, 1999 and for 5 percent from October, 2000,” said Elinor Levine, CUE president and secretary for two history professors in the East Asian Studies Department of UC Berkeley. 

The Oakland resident said “they have the money to pay us.” She and others in the local union referred Wednesday to a $1.9 billion reserve of funds held by the university. 

Hayden said she did not know the amount of the university’s reserve funds, but much of it is already targeted for construction to build new campuses. 

“Everybody has a reserve of some kind,” said Hayden, “so does the University of California.” 

The money is reserved for the long-term goals of the institution, she said. “We don’t want to be shortsighted.” 

According to Claudette Begin, the president of the local chapter of CUE, the university asks for a minimal amount for their salaries from Sacramento. “Then they come to us and they say this is all we’ll give you.” 

The local union leader said the university is not prioritizing salaries for their lower paid staff, while Chancellor Robert Berdahl and other administrators are paid market rates, she said. “There is a high turnover, and we are at the bottom.” 

While questions have been raised about the University of California’s ability to maintain a secure environment at the Los Alamos, N.M. and Livermore national laboratory facilities, the issue does not arise at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, a lab spokesperson said Wednesday. 

“We’re not a weapons lab,” said Lynn Yarris, speaking for LBNL. “We’re not involved in these security issues.” 

The University of California manages three contracts for the U.S. Department of Energy – one at Los Alamos, one at Livermore and a third in Berkeley. “Each contract is separate,” Yarris said. 

Matt Nerzig, spokesperson for the Department of Energy confirmed that the DOE is not interested in restructuring the management of the Berkeley laboratory. 

“Nothing’s being contemplated,” he said, underscoring that the Berkeley lab does not work on weapons contracts. “The main difference between the Livermore and Los Alamos labs (and the Berkeley lab) has to do with weapons.” 

The question of lab security came to the foreground with the arrest of Los Alamos scientist Wen Ho Lee, accused last year of transferring secret data files out of secured computers. Also at the Los Alamos facility, two hard drives with nuclear weapons information turned up missing this spring. The hard drives were recently found. 

The Department of Energy announced last week that it would be looking at restructuring or revoking the university’s contract for overseeing the Los Alamos and Livermore laboratories’ contracts. 

“The Energy Department will immediately begin negotiations with the University to bring into their operations specific security and management expertise to implement these improvements,” says a June 30 statement released by the DOE. 

“The University of California’s performance in managing security at our weapons laboratories is unacceptable and must be immediately addressed,” Secretary of Energy Bill Richardson said. “Safeguarding security at our nation’s weapons laboratories warrants nothing less.” 

University of California President Richard Atkinson responded by saying the university “welcomes the opportunity to work with DOE in this effort and to create a path forward that meets all security needs.” 

A memorial service for noted Berkeley historian and author Tertius Chandler, 85, will be held Wednesday at 2 p.m. at Grace North Church, 2138 Cedar St. 

Father Richard Mapplebeck-Palmer will officiate. Mr. Chandler, who ran in up to 8 kilometer races until his death, died May 17 after being struck by a car while crossing Shattuck Avenue at Virginia Street on April 24. Police are investigating the accident. 

Parking near Grace North Church is limited.

UC Berkeley Seismological Laboratory reported a 2.3 magnitude earthquake occurring at 7:35 a.m. Wednesday, four miles northwest of Antioch. 

No damage was reported and no aftershocks have been observed, a laboratory spokesperson said.

Almost 4,000 Bay Area health care workers are prepared to hold a one-day strike Thursday unless federal mediators can negotiate a settlement between union officials and hospital management tomorrow. 

But the only thing workers and management seem to agree on is that an agreement does not appear to be close. 

The strike would affect patients at 10 hospitals, eight of which are operated by Sutter Health and Catholic Healthcare West: Alta Bates-Summit Medical Center and Eden Medical Center in the East Bay, and St. Francis, St. Mary’s and Seton Medical Center in San Francisco and Daly City. 

Sutter’s Solano Medical Center and Lakeside Hospital and independently operated Alameda Hospital and Children’s Hospital Oakland would also be affected. 

The likely strike would include receptionists, food service workers, nursing assistants and respiratory therapists. 

Service Employees International Union Local 250 says the two health care giants have refused to address issues vital to workers, such as the quality of patient care, improvements in staffing and worker safety and security, according to spokeswoman Christy Hawkins. 

Hospital officials, meanwhile, disputed claims that management has stalled negotiations and attacked the union for its tactics. 

“This is an irresponsible act by the union,” said spokeswoman Carolyn Kemp of Alta Bates-Summit Medical Center. “Patients are not bargaining chips.” 

Kemp said Alta Bates-Summit has prepared steps to minimize the potential impact of a strike, including reducing non-essential services and canceling elective, out-patient procedures that would unnecessarily crowd the hospital during a work stoppage. She stressed, however, that the impact of a strike would stretch beyond each individual facility. 

“This puts health care at risk in our entire community,” Kemp said. 

Union representatives, meanwhile, said that open letters to Sutter and CHW from clergy, community groups and elected officials showed widespread support for their efforts. The letters criticize the organizations for posting substantial profits while patients “face threats to quality as resources shift from direct care staff and services to administration and marketing, mergers and acquisitions.” 

There was one piece of good news this week in union-hospital relations: Members of the California Nurses Association have ratified a new contract with Alta Bates-Summit. The two-year contract, which covers some 1,700 nurses, is the first registered nurse contract approved since Berkeley’s Alta Bates Medical Center and Oakland’s Summit Medical Center merged last December. 

According to the CNA, the key component of the agreement is the creation of four “Quality Care Liaison” positions. Each of the hospitals will have two such liaisons, who will act as watchdogs, investigating and evaluating safety concerns at the hospitals. They will work half of their time performing the duties of the position and the other half working as registered nurses. 

Kemp said that the hospital hopes nurses remain on the job Thursday. 

“We’re hoping that the nurses don’t let Local 250 dictate what to do,” Kemp said. “We need our nurses and we hope they’ll be here on Thursday.” 

Wednesday, July 5

Monthly birthday party 

1 p.m. 

North Berkeley Senior Center, 1901 Hearst Ave. 

510-644-6107 

“Asia FantAsia!” 

1 p.m. 

Lawrence Hall of Science, Centennial Drive, above UC Berkeley Campus 

Storyteller Robert Kikuchi-Yngojo helps you explore various Asian cultures using music and theater to act out a variety of traditional folktales. This is part of the Summer Science Fundays series at the Hall. 

510-642-5132 

BUSD school board meeting 

7:30 p.m. 

Board/Council Chambers, Old City Hall, 2134 Martin Luther King Jr. Way 

Thursday, July 6

Free computer class for seniors 

9:30-11:30 a.m. 

South Berkeley Senior Center, 2939 Ellis St. 

This free course offers basic instruction in keyboarding, Microsoft Word, Windows 95, Excel and Internet access. Space is limited; the class is offered Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. Call ahead for a reservation. 

510-644-6109 

“Meeting Life Changes” 

10 a.m. 

North Berkeley Senior Center, 1901 Hearst Ave. 

510-644-6107 

Summer Lunchtime Concert Series 

Noon-1 p.m. 

Downtown Berkeley BART plaza 

This concert series features musicians from two unique schools in Downtown Berkeley, The Jazzschool and Capoeira Arts Café. This week, the Capoeira Arts Cafe will feature professional music artists and performers from Brazil, who will offer a Brazilian Music and Dance Show. This concert is free. This event is co-sponsored by the Downtown Berkeley Association, Berkeley Daily Planet, Korman & Ng, and BART. 

510-549-2230 

The Snake Man 

2 p.m. 

South Branch Berkeley Public Library, 1901 Russell St. 

Vincent Seymour will be the featured guest. This is part of the Summer Program Series at the Berkeley Public Library. 

510-644-6860 

Friday, July 7

“Living philosophers” 

10 a.m. 

North Berkeley Senior Center, 1901 Hearst Ave. 

510-644-6107 

“In Needin’ of Feedin’” 

3:30 p.m. 

Tilden Regional Park, Canon Drive off Grizzly Peak Boulevard 

Learn what it takes to care for the animals at the Little Farm. 

510-525-2233 

Saturday, July 8

Berkeley Farmers’ Market 

10 a.m.-3 p.m. 

Center Street between Martin Luther King Jr. Way and Milvia Street 

510-548-3333 

West Coast Live 

10 a.m. 

Freight and Salvage, 1111 Addison St. 

Join the studio audience as Sedge Thomson hosts musical guests, authors and others for his live radio broadcast. This week’s scheduled guests include Duck’s Breath Mystery Theatre, Dr. Science, Ian Shoales, Karl and Carl, Vagabond Lovers, Erik Tarloff. Tickets are $12. 

415-664-9500 

“Sushi Workshop” 

11 a.m.-2 p.m. 

Tilden Regional Park, Canon Drive off Grizzly Peak Boulevard 

Learn the natural history of many plants and animals used in the making of sushi while preparing and tasting seven different types. Registration required. Admission is $25 to $29 general; $20 to $22 seniors; $15 to $17 children.  

510-636-1684 

San Francisco Mime Troupe 

2 p.m. 

Cedar Rose Park, 1300 Rose St. 

The troupe presents a performance of a musical satire titled “Eating It.” Admission is a donation. 

www.sfmt.org 

The Second Annual Fire Arts Festival 

6 p.m. 

The Crucible, 1035 Murray St. 

The Crucible presents a fund-raiser featuring hands-on projects, a faculty exhibition, demonstrations, dance performances, live music, and more. Tickets are $10. 

510-843-5511; www.thecrucible.org 

Sunday, July 9

Berkeley Hiking Club Mini-Hike: Joaquin Miller Park 

9:30 a.m. meet at Shattuck Avenue and Berkeley Way 

Participants will reconvene at the ranger’s station on Joaquin Miller Road. The walk will ramble along five miles of shaded trails. 

510-234-3436 

Berkeley Hiking Club: Urban Hike in San Francisco 

9:30 a.m. meet at Civic Center BART station 

This walk will travel seven to eight miles. Bring your own lunch, or eat at a restaurant. 

510-663-0263 

“Tilden Toddlers” 

10 a.m. 

Tilden Regional Park, Canon Drive off Grizzly Peak Boulevard 

A hike for the little ones – age 2 to 3. 

510-525-2233 

“The David Story” 

11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. 

Berkeley Richmond Jewish Community Center, 1414 Walnut St. 

This free presentation, part of the Authors’ Series in the Library, will featured Robert Alter discussing a new translation of the two books of Samuel. 

510-848-0237, ext. 236 

San Francisco Mime Troupe 

2 p.m. 

Cedar Rose Park, 1300 Rose St. 

The troupe presents a performance of a musical satire titled “Eating It.” Admission is a donation. 

www.sfmt.org 

“Butterfly Basics” 

2 p.m. 

Tilden Regional Park, Canon Drive off Grizzly Peak Boulevard 

Learn what makes a butterfly a butterfly and how it differs from a moth. For age 5 and older. 

510-525-2233 

Rhyme and Reason Open Mike Series 

2:30 p.m. 

UC Berkeley Art Museum, 2621 Durant Ave. 

The public and students are invited. Sign-ups for the open mike begin at 2 p.m. 

510-234-0727; 510-642-5168 

Green Party Consensus Building Meeting 

6 p.m. 

2022 Blake St. 

This is part of an ongoing series of discussions for the Green Party of Alameda County, leading up to endorsements on measures and candidates on the November ballot. This week’s focus will be the countywide new Measure B transportation sales tax. The meeting is open to all, regardless of party affiliation. 

415-789-8418

THEATER 

ACTORS ENSEMBLE OF BERKELEY 

“Murder At The Vicarage” by Agatha Christie, July 14 through Aug. 12. Performance of the classic whodunnit. $10. Friday and Saturday, 8 p.m.; Aug. 10, 8 p.m. Live Oak Theatre, 1301 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley. (510) 528-5620. 

AURORA THEATRE 

“Split” by Mayo Simon, June 1 through July 2. A mordant clear-eyed view of an older couple's love affair. $25 to $28. Wednesday through Saturday, 8 p.m.; Sunday, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant Ave., Berkeley. (510) 843-4822. 

BERKELEY REPERTORY THEATRE 

“Closer” by Patrick Marber, through July 9. A funny, touching and unflinchingly honest examination of love and relationships set in contemporary London. $38 to $48.50. Tuesday, Thursday through Saturday, 8 p.m.; Wednesday, 7 p.m.; Sunday, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.; May 27, June 1, June 3, June 10, June 15, June 24, June 29 and July 8, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. 2025 Addison St., Berkeley. (510) 845-4700 or (888) 4BRTTIX. 

CALIFORNIA SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL 

“Hamlet” by William Shakespeare, July 1 through July 22. Shakespeare probes the shadowy corners of the human psyche in this dark, compelling tragedy of vengeance, madness and murder most foul. 

$21 to $38 general; $19 to $38 seniors; $10 to $38 children. Wednesday and Thursday, 7 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 8 p.m.; Sunday, 4 p.m.; July 11 and July 18, 7 p.m.; July 22, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Bruns Memorial Amphitheatre, Shakespeare Festival Way/Gateway Exit on state Highway 24. (510) 548-9666 or www.calshakes.org 

LaVal’s Subterranean 

Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” directed by Yoni Barkan. The play will run from June 8 to July 8, Thursday through Saturday at 8 p.m. each night. 1834 Euclid Ave. (510) 234-6046. 

MUSIC VENUES 

ASHKENAZ 

Tropical Vibrations, July 7, 9:30 p.m. $11. 

Edessa, Anoush, The Toids, July 8, 9:30 p.m. $11. 

Lisa Silva and Voz Do Samba, Maria Sousa and Aquarela, July 9, 8 p.m. $8. 

Tom Rigney and Flambeau, July 11, 9 p.m. $8. 

Billy Dunn, July 12, 9 p.m. $8. 

Babatunde Olatunji, July 13, 9 p.m. $11. 

Tamazgha, July 14, 9:30 p.m. $11. 

Kotoja, Akimbo, July 15, 9:30 p.m. $11. 

Resin, Caesar Myles and Dreaded Truth, Rebecca Riots, Famous Last Words, Erika Luckett, Liz Anah, July 16, 4 p.m. $8 to $25. 

1317 San Pablo Ave., Berkeley. (510) 525-5099 or www.ashkenaz.com 

FREIGHT AND SALVAGE 

Roy Rogers and Shana Morrison, July 7. $15.50 to $16.50. 

Mighty Prince Singers and Talk of da Town, July 8. $15.50 to $16.50. 

Hosea Leavy and Harmonica Slim, July 9. $14.50 to $15.50. 

Duck's Breath Mystery Theatre, July 10. $15.50 to $16.50. 

Dan Crary and Beppe Gambetta, July 12. $15.50 to $16.50. 

Bill Evans, Avram Siegel, Marty Cutler, July 13. $14.50 to $15.50. 

Juan-Carlos Formell, July 14. $14.50 to $15.50. 

The Laura Love Band, July 15. $17.50 to $18.50. 

Pat Donohue, July 16. $14.50 to $15.50. 

Music at 8 p.m. 1111 Addison St., Berkeley. (510) 548-1761 or (510) 762-BASS. 

LA PEÑA CULTURAL CENTER 

Atahualpamantab, July 7, 8 p.m. $10. 

The Soul of Black Folks, July 8, 9 p.m. $10 general; $8 students. 

Domingos de Rumba, July 9 and July 23, 4:30 p.m. Free. 

War!, July 12, 7 p.m. $10. 

Jon Fromer and Friends, July 14, 8 p.m. $8 to $15. 

Ray Cepeda, July 15, 9:30 p.m. $10. 

Dya Singh, July 16, 8 p.m. $18. 

3105 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley. (510) 849-2568 or www.lapena.org 

924 GILMAN ST. 

Dead and Gone, Catheter, Hog, Laughing Dog, Jeno, July 7. 

El Dopa, Dystopia, Scratchabit, July 8. 

Attitude Adjustment, Wolfpack, Men's Recovery Project, Axiom, July 14. 

MU330, Alkaline Trio, Link 80, Venice Shoreline Chris, Blue Meanies, Lawrence Arms, Honor System, Dan Potthast, Mike Park, July 16, 4 p.m.  

$5. Music at 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted. 924 Gilman St., Berkeley. (510) 525-9926. 

THE STARRY PLOUGH PUB 

Gun and Doll Show, Chub, July 7. $6. 

Soldier of Fortune Cookie, Stikman, July 8. 

Cadillac Angels, Rip Carson and the Twilight Trio, July 13. $5. 

Tempest, Azigza, July 14. $8. 

Plus Ones, The Cables, Luminar, The Fitsners, July 15.  

For age 21 and over. Wednesday, 8 p.m.; Thursday, 9:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 9:45 p.m. unless otherwise noted. 3101 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley. (510) 841-2082. 

OPERA 

THE BERKELEY OPERA 

“Beatrice and Benedick” by Hector Berlioz, July 14 through July 23. A joyous evening of wit, deception and romance based on William Shakespeare’s comedy “Much Ado About Nothing.” Jonathan Khuner conducting. Sung in English. 

$16 to $30 general; $24 senio rs; $15 youths age 17 and under. Friday and Saturday, 8 p.m.; Sunday, 2 p.m. Julia Morgan Center for the Arts, 2640 College Ave., Berkeley. (925) 798-1300 or www.juliamorgan.org 

MUSEUMS 

Berkeley Historical Society 

"Berkeley's Ethnic Heritage." May 7 through March 2001. The exhibit examines the rich cultural diversity of our city and the contributions of individuals and minority groups to our history and development. The exhibit look at the original native tribelets in the area and the immigrants who settled in Ocean View and displaced the Spanish/Mexican landowners. It also examines the influence of theUniversity of California, the San Francisco earthquake, and World War II on the population and culture of Berkeley, and subsequent efforts to overcome discrimination. Curated by Linda Rosen and the Berkeley Historical Society Exhibit Committee. Thursday through Saturday, 1 to 4 p.m. Wheelchair accessible. Admission free. 

Berkeley Historical Society located in the Veterans Memorial Building, 1931 Center Street, Berkeley. 510-848-0181 

www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/histsoc 

UC BERKELEY ART 

MUSEUM 

“Doug Aitken/MATRIX 185: Into the Sun,” July 9 through Sept. 3. An exhibit of works primarily in video and film, using the interplay of art and media to evoke deserted landscapes. Artist’s Talk, July 9, 3 p.m. Doug Aitken discusses his installation. In Gallery 1. 

Rodin and His Contemporaries,” through August. An exhibit of 11 bronze maquettes on loan from the Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Foundation in Los Angeles. The bronzes range in style from the artist's classically inspired “Torso of a Woman” to the anguish of “The Martyr.” Some of the maquettes were cast during Rodin’s lifetime, others have been cast fairly recently under the aegis of the Musee Rodin which alone is authorized to cast his sculptures posthumously. 

$6 general; $4 seniors and students ages 12 to 18; free children age 12 and under; free Thursday, 1 1 a.m. to noon and 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. 

2626 Bancroft Way, Berkeley. (510) 642-0808. 

HALL OF HEALTH  

2230 Shattuck Ave. (lower level), Berkeley 

A hands-on community health education museum and science center sponsored by Children's Hospital Oakland and Alta Bates Medical Center. 

“Good Nutrition,” ongoing. This exhibit includes models for making balanced meals and an exercycle for calculating how calories are burned. 

“Draw Your Own Insides,” ongoing. Human-shaped chalkboards and models with removable organs allow visitors to explore the inside of their bodies. 

Free. For children ages 3 to 12 and their parents. 

(510) 549-1564 

LAWRENCE HALL 

OF SCIENCE 

“Experiment Gallery,” through Sept. 10. Step inside a giant laboratory and experiment with concepts surrounding sound, light, mechanics, electricity, and weather. 

“Math Rules!” ongoing exhibit. A math exhibit of hands-on problem-solving stations, each with a different mathematical challenge. Make mathematical ice-cream cones, use blocks to build three dimensional structures, make dodecagon pies from a variety of mathematical shapes and stretch mathematical thinking. 

“Within the Human Brain,” ongoing installation. Visitors test their cranial nerves, play skeeball, master mazes, match musical tones and construct stories inside a simulated “rat cage” of learning experiments. 

$6 general; $4 seniors, students and children ages 7 to 18; $2 children ages 3 to 6; free children under age 3. Daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Centennial Drive, University of California, Berkeley. (510) 642-5132 or www.lhs.berkeley.edu 

PHOEBE HEARST MUSEUM 

Kroeber Hall, UC Berkeley 

“Modern Treasures from Ancient Iran,” through Oct. 29. This exhibit explores nomadic and town life in ancient and modern Iran as illustrated in bronze and pottery vessels, and textiles. 

“Pana O’ahu: Sacred Stones – Sacred Places,” through July 16. An exhibit of photographs by Jan Becket and Joseph Singer. 

“Phoebe Hearst Museum-Approaching a Century of Anthropology,” a sampling of the vast collections of the museum, its mission, history, and current research, with selections from ancient Egypt, ancient Peru, California Indians, Asia (India), and Africa. 

“Ishi and the Invention of Yahi Culture,” Ishi, the last Yahi Indian of California, spent the final years of his life, 1911 to 1916, living at the museum, working with anthropologists to record his culture, demonstrating technological skills, and retelling Yahi myths, tales, and songs. 

Wednesday through Sunday 10 am -4:30 pm; Thursday until 9 pm (Sept-May) 

(510) 643-7648 

HABITOT CHILDREN’S MUSEUM 

Kittredge Street and Shattuck Avenue 

A museum especially for children age 7 and younger. Highlights include “WaterWorks,” an area with some unusual water toys, an Infant Tree for babies, a garden especially for toddlers, a child-scale grocery store and cafe, and a costume shop and stage for junior thespians. The museum also features a toy lending library. 

Exhibit: “Back to the Farm,” open-ended. This interactive exhibit gives children the chance to wiggle through tunnels like an earthworm, look into a mirrored fish pond, don farm animal costumes, ride on a John Deere tractor and much more.  

Admission is $4 for adults; $6 child age 7 and under; $3 for each additional child.  

Hours: Monday and Wednesday, 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Tuesday and Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

(510) 647-1111 

JUDAH L. MAGNES 

MUSEUM 

2911 Russell St., Berkeley 

“Telling Time: To Everything There Is A Season,” through May 2002.  

An exhibit structured around the seasons of the year and the seasons of life with objects ranging from the sacred and the secular, to the provocative and the whimsical. Highlights include treasures from Jewish ceremonial and folk art, rare books and manuscripts, contemporary and traditional fine art, video, photography and cultural kitsch. Through Nov. 4: “Spring and Summer.” 

Free. Sunday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

(510) 549-6950. 

GALLERIES  

KALA INSTITUTE 

“Markings/Imprints,” through July 28. The 2000 Kala Art Institute Fellowship Awards Exhibitions, Part I, featuring works by Susan Belau, Liliana Lobo Ferreira, and Jamie Morgan. 

Free. Tuesday through Friday, noon to 5 p.m. Workshop Media Center Gallery, 1060 Heinz Ave., Berkeley. (510) 549-2977. 

TRAYWICK GALLERY 

Rachel Davis, Samantha Fisher, Benicia Gantner, Cherith Rose, June 21 through July 22. An exhibit of new work by the four artists. 

Free. Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. 1316 10th St., Berkeley. (510) 527-1214. 

“Yangtze River: in the Dragon’s Teeth” 

Carol Brighton's poured paper paintings of the Yangtze River gorges, through July 31. Six-foot paper pieces in the long format of a Chinese scroll. This artwork is done in support of the International Rivers Network campaign to save the Yangtze River. The full impact of these beautiful compositions can even be viewed from across the street. 

Addison Street Windows Gallery, 2018 Addison St., Berkeley 

To publicize an upcoming event, please submit information to the Daily Planet via fax (841-5695), e-mail (calendar@berkeleydailyplanet.com) or traditional mail (2076 University Avenue, 94704). 

Calendar items should be submitted at least one week before the opening of a new exhibit or performance. 

Please include a daytime telephone number in case we need to clarify any information.

Berkeley has been designated as a Project Impact/Disaster Resistant Community since December and in May the city hired a coordinator for the project that’s to be formally launched Friday. 

Carol Lopes, a Berkeley resident, is the new Project Impact Coordinator. Previously she was Executive Director of Collaborating Agencies Responding to Disaster, based in Oakland. 

She said Oakland was the first city in California to be designated a Project Impact city by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. 

Berkeley Is recognized as a “model in proactive seismic preparedness,” by FEMA, she said, because of the city’s tax incentives for homeowners to upgrade their homes. 

And additionally the city is recognized for passing the bond measures for seismic upgrades of the schools and major public buildings. 

FEMA gave Berkeley a $300,000 grant for the project that Lopes said will allow the city to create a small staff to start building a collaborative process for disaster preparedness. 

Although she said the project was “multi-hazard,” and would include responses to fires and chemical releases, the primary focus is mitigating the effects of an earthquake.  

The city is taking the project to the public with formal document signing ceremonies beginning at 11 a.m. Friday in City Council Chambers. 

The signers will be pledging to work together to identify risks in the community and they will provide resources and support and promotional material to reduce those risks. 

The signers include IBM, Home Depot, Orchard Supply, The Berkeley Alliance, VISA-USA, Berkeley Rent Board and the Berkeley Chamber of Commerce. Government, neighborhood and community groups are other partners in the collaboration. 

Following the signing and a luncheon, Lopes and officials and signatories will walk to Buildings G and H on the Berkeley High campus where they’ll get a demonstration illustrating how easy it is to anchor large objects and make them “quake-proof.” 

This “mitigation project” will be the first of many that Lopes will coordinate in Berkeley to show homeowners how they can bolt, strap, brace or buckle furniture and appliances that could otherwise crash and cause harm.  

At Berkeley High a work team headed by the Community Energy Service Corporation will be anchoring computers and other equipment. The nonprofit organization operates home repair programs and has been active in protecting homes from earthquake damage. 

“We need to do first is create the processes for getting the community involved on setting the vision for what constitutes a disaster,” Lopes said.  

In practice, she said she works with government and community-based organizations to bring volunteers with a variety of skills together. 

“We train them in a few hours and we can do up to 20 homes in a day.” Lopes was referring to the plan to make showcase presentations of non-structural earthquake mitigation techniques to community groups.  

She said teams are expected to make presentations at block parties and in public buildings like senior centers and recreation centers. 

Later this month a series of public forums will begin to educate the community about Project Impact. 

Headquarters central for one of the most original magazines to hit the racks in recent years is a small garage in the backyard of a house on Eighth Street. 

“Bark, The Modern Dog Culture Magazine” is the brainchild of Claudia Kawczynska and Cameron Woo, a married Berkeley couple who began an activist newsletter that has turned into a glossy publication with a literary bent in less than four years. 

With its 11th issue this spring, the quarterly magazine has landed advertising on its back cover from Saab USA, and hundreds of manuscripts from writers who want to talk about dogs. 

“It’s all because of Claudia,” said Woo, who credits his wife as the inspiration behind the publication which now claims a readership of 70,000 across the United States and in Europe. 

Chairperson of the Waterfront Commission, Kawczynska and her husband are also members of The Friends of Cesar Chavez Park, a group of 250 people who advocated to establish a northern portion of the park as an off-leash area for dogs. 

Last year 17 acres of undeveloped land in the northern section of the 90-acre Chavez Park a former city dump with scenic vistas of Golden Gate Bridge, legally became off-leash dog territory on a trial basis. The City Council recently made that decision permanent. 

The publication that began as the Berkeley Bark newsletter to publicize the Friends’ bid for the off-leash area, has evolved from a black and white newsletter to a tabloid-sized publication to a full-color magazine that can now be found in magazine stands. 

“We started as a political action movement for off-leash recreation in public spaces” said editor in chief Kawczynska, who wears the company’s “Dog is my co-pilot” motto on her T-shirt. “Now in every Bark, we do an article on dog parks.” 

Woo is the publisher and creative director and designs the pages. He also acts as one of the publication’s advertising reps. Before going full-time at the magazine, he was a marketer for Autodesk, the software giant that makes products for architects and engineers. 

He said his wife brought him into the dog world, and it was reinforced by the corporate style of Autodesk, which he described as a dog-friendly workplace. 

Woo said in the Berkeley Bark newsletter they added advertising, with one motivator being that the Berkeley City Council would take the Friends more seriously (and approve the off-leash area) if local merchants purchased advertising. 

The 80-page spring 2000 issue, printed with soy ink on recycled paper in Denver, still carries a lot of local advertising, but Woo flew to Atlanta to talk to Saab. The Swedish automaker produces a pet-friendly station wagon with safety restraining gear for pets reviewed by the Humane Society. Woo told them his readership is 100 percent dog lovers, whereas others such as Esquire can only claim a portion of their readership in that category. 

“We’ve created a brand, a unique identity,” said Woo, who is proud of the magazine’s grassroots origins and its own self-marketing as opposed to starting up by hiring a marketing firm. 

Clearly the magazine aims for a well-read audience. Vastly different from other dog magazines that talk about shows and grooming, many of Bark’s and illustrators are nationally known for their work in other established publications. 

“We’re intelligent, quirky and humorous,” he said. “It’s a Berkeley magazine, we’re a little bit irreverent.” 

Kawczynska said the best part is that the couple found people who love dogs, love to write about them and love to read about them. 

The couple work about 20 hours a day on the magazine, with some staff help, and in doing so they “wear many hats,” enjoying interruptions by their three unpedigreed pooches who seem to be very lucky dogs. 

There’s Nellie, a black and white border collie who was 6 years old when they got her; a larger brown dog, Callie, 13; and Lennie, the “little guy,” a terrier mix they picked up at the pound. They also have several cats. 

Included in Bark’s spring issue are articles about celebrities and their dogs, Darwin and dogs, a dog sanctuary in Utah, book reviews, and an interview with a biochemist who discusses perceptiveness in animals, plus cartoons and photographs. 

Dogs are definitely a hot topic. The have a genome project now, and research shows they can provide health benefits for their owners. 

That’s in addition making friends for their owners, and just watching. 

Kawczynska said the empty nest syndrome accounts for many adults buying dogs. She said a lot of single women have a dog in their lives for companionship. 

“We have distanced ourselves so much from nature and dogs are a way for us to connect back to nature. More people are finding out how good dogs are to have in their lives,” she said. 

Berkeley police are continuing to investigate a rape that occurred around 6:30 a.m. Monday near the North Berkeley BART station. 

The female victim was out for her regular morning jog when she was attacked by someone from behind, according to Police Capt. Bobby Miller. The man pulled her into the pushes, where she was sexually assaulted. 

After the man left the scene, the woman got to the hospital, where a worker notified police of the rape.

Communication. It’s the buzzword of the 21st Century. 

Our top city bureaucrats made it a priority, having designed an elaborate scheme for “improved communication between staff and community.” 

It includes a million-dollar phone system and new bureaucrats. (OK – recycled old ones at higher pay. “Read my lips, no new bureaucrats,” one of the managers is said to have said.) 

While our six-digit management team trumpets a passion for communication and goes to bat for the funds to pay for it, the buzz was smacked in the stinger last week by what appears to be a countervailing policy: 

Bureaucrats, except tiptop department heads, may not talk to reporters unless they’ve got clearance from the city manager, the buzz learned. The policy’s been in place for years, Deputy City Manager Phil Kamlarz told the buzz Friday. 

Here’s how the buzz flew smack dab into the policy’s sticky web. 

I was doing a story about Santa Rosa lights – you know, those flickering things embedded beside crosswalks to remind drivers not to kill pedestrians. 

Some councilmembers, it seems, thought the state was going to cough up $30,000 or so for the lights across Ashby Avenue, but This story might not be among the Buzz’s most brilliant investigative Pulitzer Prize winning pieces. But street safety is something Ashby Avenue area folks care about. So I thought it was worth reporting. 

Along with others contacted for the story, I made a call to the city’s traffic engineer to ask how Berkeley’s making Ashby Avenue safer, since the state wasn’t paying for the Santa Rosa lights. 

The question was not one of those intended to ferret out any of the city’s deep dark high-security mysteries. Cross my antennas. 

Late that afternoon, the engineer, with whom the Buzz has held multiple interviews, returned the call. It seems he couldn’t talk until he had permission to do so. He was waiting for that.  

The story went to press Thursday evening sans traffic engineer comments. 

Then, Friday morning, someone from Public Works, where the engineer works, called to say she was working on getting permission for the traffic engineer to talk to me. 

This really grabbed the Buzz’s attention. 

The public works official said she was going through Deputy City Manager Weldon Rucker and as soon as he returned her call, the Buzz would get to talk to the traffic engineer. 

Well, the Buzz herself called Rucker to see what the deal was and learned he, the city manager, the manager’s communications specialist and others were out of the office at a conference or something. 

And Rucker was taking a vacation day Monday, as the Buzz knocked out this column. So, needless to say, we haven’t heard from the engineer yet. 

I’m sure, once we get the million-buck phone system, it’ll all be worked out. 

And the Buzz even has a humble suggestion to offer our fine bureaucrats on how they and not taxpayers can pay for the system: start a rent-a-Berkeley-manager program. Aim it especially at the University of California labs. The city’s loaned-out managers would set up systems to guard against lab workers’ release of state secrets to the Enemy. 

• • • 

Speaking about communication – remember those hefty wage hikes the upper echelon got a few weeks ago? Well, 4 percent is 4 percent, a staff report said. If the rank & file gets 4 percent, so should the big boys (and a few girls – oh yes, in case you’re counting, among the highest-up management team, there are some seven women and 12 men). 

The Buzz reached back into her fifth-grade math and calculated the raise. The 4 percent gives a $40,000/year person a $1,600 raise and a $100,000/year person a $4,000 raise. Just thought you might want to know. 

The funny thing about these raises is, after the Planet wrote about them, one of those close-to-six-digit guys called and said we’d got the story wrong. He and his fellow fellows were not getting automatic raises. The Buzz humbly flapped its wings in apology. 

An hour or so later, however, the guy called back to say he was getting a raise. “My wife will be happy,” he said in a voice-mail message. 

It makes you kind of wonder – if the bureaucrats didn’t know they were up for raises, WHO was pushing them? 

• • • 

And speaking of state secrets. Did you know Deputy City Manager Weldon Rucker was named interim city manager? The mayor said she was “appalled” that councilmembers let the secret out of closed session. What if the communists find out? 

• • • 

More secrets could lie ahead. One of the proposals for selecting a new (permanent) CM is to choose a committee of patriots – oops, maybe they said stakeholders; can’t you picture them with their stakes, or is it steaks; mistakes? – who would interview candidates and make recommendations to the council. The committee would be chosen by the City Council behind closed doors and their deliberations would be secret too. 

• • • 

Speaking of secrets, do you know the one about the café in City Hall? Seems that most the council didn’t. But if you’ve got to get your lattes somewhere, might as well go to City Hall. It’ll make it more fun for the Buzz, sipping java while trying to crack the city’s code of silence.

Police released more information Wednesday about Monday morning’s rape in northwest Berkeley. 

A 31-year-old woman was raped about 6:30 a.m. Monday while she was walking alone for exercise on a street in northwest Berkeley. 

She was attacked by a man who seemed as if he were going to pass her, said Police Capt. Bobby Miller. Instead the rapist ran up to her, and grabbed her from behind. She screamed and struggled, but the man overpowered her and dragged to bushes nearby, threw her down and sexually assaulted her. The rapist left her in the bushes and when she got up she walked to the home of residents near the crime scene, and they let her use their telephone to call police. 

The suspect is described as a 20 to 30-year-old male of unknown race. He was described as 5 feet, 8 inches to 5 feet, 11 inches tall. He weighs approximately 160 to 170 pounds, and he has short black hair. He was wearing a sweatshirt that may have been green. The sex crimes detail is investigating the rape and requests anyone with information to come forward. Miller said there have been four “stranger” rapes in Berkeley this year.

Walter D. Knight, professor emeritus of physics at the University of California, Berkeley, and an innovative researcher in the field of nuclear magnetic resonance, died Wednesday, June 28, at his summer home in Marlborough, N. H. The cause of death was heart disease complicated by end-stage Alzheimer’s disease. He was 80. 

Knight, who retired in 1990, was a member of the National Academy of Sciences and a former dean of the College of Letters & Science at UC Berkeley. He came to Berkeley in 1950 as a young scientist at the forefront of the then-new field of nuclear magnetic resonance, a technique for studying details of the atomic nucleus. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) has since been applied to many fields, including magnetic resonance imaging in medicine. 

In the words of his colleagues, Knight was “a consummate experimentalist” who concentrated on the study of the physical properties of metals. He discovered a new NMR phenomenon – what his colleagues dubbed the “Knight shift” – which was a significant development in the understanding of the electronic properties of metals. He pioneered the use of electric quadrupole resonance as well as magnetic resonance as sensitive probes in studying structural and other changes in metal crystals. His research also played a crucial and unique role in understanding the electronic properties of metallic alloys and superconductors.  

Later in his career, he initiated ground-breaking work on the physics of small metal clusters, now referred to as nanoclusters. He discovered their electronic shell structure and traced the development of metallic properties as clusters increase in size. This field has blossomed in the past 20 years, attracting chemists and engineers as well as atomic and solid state physicists.  

He played a major role in building the field of solid state physics at UC Berkeley, yet he relished teaching introductory physics courses, in particular those for pre-medical and liberal arts students. His abiding interest and concern for students led him to get involved in campus administration.  

“He was a very caring, conscientious person who was extremely supportive of his students and of the university,” colleague Alan M. Portis, professor emeritus of physics at UC Berkeley, said in a statement released by the university. 

Amid turbulent times in the 1960s, he assumed the position of dean of the College of Letters & Science, winning the praise of many for his handling of difficult issues involving students and faculty alike. He was once forced to barricade himself and his staff in Moses Hall overnight to protect confidential faculty and student files from rampaging students until police could rescue them. 

Born in New York City on Oct. 14, 1919, he graduated from Middlebury College in Vermont in 1941 and obtained his M.A. in 1943 and his Ph.D. in 1950 from Duke University. His education was interrupted by two years as a radar officer in the U.S. Navy during World War II, where he received a grounding in electronics that subsequently proved useful in his experiments. From 1946 until he received his Ph.D. in 1950, he taught on the faculty at Trinity College, Hartford, Conn. He joined the UC Berkeley physics faculty in 1950 and became a full professor in 1961.  

Knight served as assistant and then associate dean of the College of Letters & Science from 1959 until 1967, when he was appointed dean. The college is the largest at UC Berkeley, and he soon realized it was too large to be overseen by one person. Before he returned to teaching in 1972, he split the unwieldy job among four new deans – one each for the humanities and the physical, biological and social sciences – and relinquished his job to a new position of provost. 

He was a fellow of the American Physical Society and of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. He held two honorary degrees, from Middlebury College and the Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne.  

Knight is survived by his wife of 28 years, Sara Pattershall Knight, of Berkeley; their son Nathaniel Knight of Berkeley; two children from a previous marriage, Margaret Knight of Washington, D.C., and Jonathan Knight of El Cerrito.; a stepson, Eric Blanpied, of Berkeley; and a sister, Paula Knight Jeffries, of Washington, D.C. and Marlborough, N.H. He also leaves five grandchildren.  

Burial will be in New Hampshire on July 17. A memorial service is planned for the UC Berkeley campus sometime in September. His family requests that donations in his memory be made to the Department of Physics, MC 7300, University of California,