It’s not everyday that someone in the community wins a Nobel Prize. But this is Berkeley, where 17 of the university’s faculty members have been honored with the award since the first was presented in 1901. 

Wednesday morning, the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences awarded UC Berkeley economics professor Daniel L. McFadden with the 32nd Nobel Prize in economic sciences.  

McFadden, the E. Morris Cox Professor of Economics since 1990, is the 17th faculty member at UC Berkeley to win the distinguished prize. 

“I’m amazed and delighted to win this prize and have this recognition of the usefulness of my research,” the 63-year-old professor said in a press statement. 

McFadden shares the prize, and the $915,000 bounty, with his friend and colleague Jim Heckman from the University of Chicago. 

“I’m delighted to share the prize with Jim Heckman, an old friend with whom I have exchanged ideas over three decades,” he said. 

The Academy, which gives the awards in honor of Swedish scientist Alfred Nobel, commended the pioneering work of McFadden, whose statistical methods relating to the economic theory of “discrete choice” form the foundation for a range of studies on public policy issues such as taxation, welfare reform and public transit. 

Prior to McFadden’s contributions, studies of choices – such as where to live or work, or what transportation to take – lacked a foundation in economic theory.  

The statistical methods he developed have transformed empirical research and are easily applicable.  

According to the Academy’s citation, McFadden’s methods are prevalent in modes of transportation, and are used to evaluate changes in communication systems.  

McFadden’s methods were instrumental in the development of the BART system, as well as investments in phone service and housing for the elderly. 

“What I did in working with that theory was to develop models to figure out a way to study what one might call ‘life’s big choice,’” he said.  

“Like the choice of occupation, when to get married and how many children to have.” 

McFadden was also recognized for his methods used to evaluate the total damage of the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill off the Alaskan coast and its effects on society. 

“The economics society is just a few thousand,” he said of winning the award. “I guess one always figures that you have one in a thousand chance.” 

The university and the chancellor were overjoyed for McFadden’s recognition. 

“The Nobel Prize is the ultimate recognition for Professor McFadden of a lifetime of work in econometrics,” UC Berkeley Chancellor Robert M. Berdahl said in a statement.  

“The nature of his work is squarely in the service of society, helping us to understand many of society’s complex challenges.” 

McFadden lives with his wife Beverlee Simboli in Berkeley. He said he plans to use his prize money to “keep operating my Napa Valley farm until it is gone.” McFadden said that he considers farming his second vocation. 

The McFaddens own a small farm and vineyard in the Napa Valley where they grow and sell grapes and make wine for their own use. 

“We have five cows, three ducks and 11 chickens,” he said. “I find that farm work gives me a chance to think about my research problems and energizes me for university life.” 

A native of Raleigh, N.C., McFadden attended the University of Minnesota where he received a degree in physics.  

He continued his studies in physics as a graduate student, but was attracted to the study of human behavior.  

So he enrolled in a program in behavioral sciences at the University of Minnesota designed to produce scholars in the social sciences. 

Following the completion of his doctorate in 1962, he taught at the University of Pittsburgh, then joined the faculty at UC Berkeley the following year.  

In 1977, he moved to the economics faculty at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, but returned to Berkeley in 1991 to take advantage of what he calls “the intellectual resources in economics, mathematics and statistics.” 

According to a university press release, he is currently looking into the question of whether there is a causal link from wealth to health or whether the empirical correlation is due to underlying factors that influence both wealth and health, such as genetic “robustness,” diet and addiction. 

The evidence suggests, he says, that there are patterns of seeking treatments, treatment regimes, and adherence to the regimes that differ between the rich and the poor. 

McFadden and Simboli have three children and three grandchildren. 

The Associated Press contributed to this story.

Thursday, Oct. 12

East Timor: The Road  

to Independence 

7:30 - 9 p.m.  

International House, Homeroom 

UC Berkeley 

2299 Piedmont Ave. 

A discussion of events leading up to the creation of the newest nation of the millennium and issues raised on the road to independence.  

$3 admission 

Contact Maribel Guillermo, 642-9460 

Parallel Civilizations 

4:10 p.m. 

International House Auditorium 

2299 Piedmont Ave. (at Bancroft Way) 

Michael D. Coe, the Charles J. MacCurdy Professor Emeritus of Anthropology from Yale University presents a lecture entitled “Parallel Civilizations: Ancient Angkor and the Ancient Maya.” Free. 

Call 643-7413  

Berkeley Historical Society  

Volunteer Recruitment 

4 p.m.  

Veterans Memorial Building 

1931 Center St.  

Learn about volunteer opportunities. Open to all. 

Call Susan Austin, 420-8889 

Strawberry Creek Cleanup 

Noon - 3 p.m. 

All students, faculty, staff, and Berkeley residents are called upon to help in the cleanup, sponsored by UC Berkeley’s Office of Environment, Health & Safety. A limited number of free t-shirts will be distributed. Interested parties should report to the natural amphitheater east of Sather Gate on the UC Berkeley campus.  

Call Romeo Leon, 643-0316 

State Health Toastmasters 

12:10 - 1:10 p.m.  

Department of Health Services Building 

2151 Berkeley Way 

Call 649-7750 

Bay Area:  

Transportation Nightmare 

Noon - 2 p.m. 

Albany Library 

Edith Stone Room  

1247 Marin Ave. 

Albany 

Stuart Cohen of the Bay Area Transportation and Land Use Coalition will speak on “What are the real choices in the Bay Area’s Transportation Crisis?” 

Call Janet Strothman, 841-3827 

Meeting Life Changes 

10 a.m. 

North Berkeley Senior Center 

1901 Hearst Ave. (at MLK Jr. Way) 

With John Hammerman.  

For info: 644-6107 

Sterling Trio 

Noon  

BART Plaza, Downtown 

Shattuck Ave. at Center St. 

Members of the Berkeley Symphony performing a variety of chamber music. 

Contact Carrie Ridgeway, 549-2230 

Zoning Adjustments  

Commission 

7 p.m.  

Old City Hall  

2134 MLK Jr. Way 

705-8110 

Community Health Commission 

6:45 p.m.  

Mental Health Clinic 

2640 MLK Jr. Way 

Discussion of Medical Marijuana, the Berkeley High School lunch issue, and a resolution to the council about genetically engineered foods.  

665-6845 

APCO vs. Pacific Steel  

Casting Company 

10 a.m. 

Bay Area Air Quality Management District 

939 Ellis St., Seventh Floor Board Room 

San Francisco 

Call the clerk’s office, 749-4965 

Friday, Oct. 13 

“The Evolution and Cost  

of Ethical Drugs” 

11:45 a.m.  

Berkeley City Club 

2315 Durant Ave.  

Stanford D. Splitter, retired MD speaks at 12:30 p.m. Luncheon served at 11:45 a.m. and 12:15 p.m.Luncheon: $11. 848-3533 

“Undefended Love” 

7:30 p.m. 

Shambala Booksellers 

2482 Telegraph Ave. 

Authors Jett Psaris and Marlena Lyons discuss and sign their new book.  

Call 848-8443 

Saturday, Oct. 14

Indigenous Peoples Day  

Powwow & Indian Market 

10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Grand Entry 1 p.m.  

Enjoy Native American foods, arts & crafts, drumming, singing and many types of native dancing. Sponsored by the City of Berkeley, this event is free.  

Civic Center Park 

Allston Way at MLK Jr. Way 

Info: 615-0603 

Fall Festival at School  

of the Madeleine 

11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

1225 Milvia at Berryman, Berkeley 

Raffle, Games, Food, Silent Auction 

Prizes, Haunted House, Fun 

Traffic Calming Workshop 

1 - 4 p.m.  

North Berkeley Senior Center 

1901 Hearst Ave. (at MLK Jr. Way) 

Help to achieve reasonable traffic speeds and volume on local streets.  

Free Spay and Neuter Vouchers 

2 - 4 p.m.  

Berkeley Animal Shelter 

2013 Second St. 

The City of Berkeley, along with Spay Neuter Your Pet (SNYP) is kicking off a City-funded program to reduce the number of animals euthanized. They are offering free spay and neuter vouchers to all Berkeley residents.  

Run Your Own Landscape  

Business: Part 1 

11 a.m. - 1 p.m. 

Ecology Center 

2530 San Pablo Ave. (at Blake) 

Local horticultural consultant and UC Master Gardener Jessie West will teach you how to plant, prune, control weeds, and more. The first of three classes. The others are scheduled for Oct. 21 & 28 in the same timeslot. 

$15 general; $10 for members; $5 materials fee 

Call 548-2220 x223 

Indian Rock Parks Clean-Up 

8 a.m. - Noon 

Indian Rock Park 

Come help local resident Sharon Tamm clean up Indian Rock, Mortar Rock, Grotto Rock and their surrounding areas. Gloves will be provided. Bring a scraping tool and compete for the “Most Gum” award. Prizes have been provided by the Class 5 and IronWorks climbing clubs along with the Any Mountain Outlet store.  

To volunteer call Sharon Tamm, 524-1415 

Learn to Birdwatch 

Oct. 16, 18, 23 & 25 

9:30 a.m. - Noon 

UC Botanical Gardens 

200 Centennial Drive 

$50 for members; $65 for non-members 

Call for info or to enroll: 643-2755 

An Evening with The Professor 

5 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. 

Mambo Mambo 

1803 Webster St.  

Oakland 

Berkeley resident Geoffrey A. Hirsch, better known as the Tie Guy from the “How Berkeley Can You Be” parade got his start in comedy in 1996. A professor in real life, Hirsch tell the story of how he became a funny guy.  

$5 for show only, $10 for show and dinner 

Call Geoffrey Hirsch at 845-5631 to reserve tickets 

Sunday, Oct. 15

A Taste of the Greenbelt 

1 - 4 p.m. 

Los Gatos Opera House 

This benefit features a variety of musical groups, local artists and samples from over 40 local restaurants, farmers, wineries and microbreweries. Proceeds benefit Greenbelt Alliance’s ongoing efforts to protect Bay Area farmlands and open space. $45 per person; $80 for this event and the Oct. 22 event in SF 1-800-543-GREEN, www.greenbelt.org 

Musicians for Medical  

Marijuana Benefit 

8 p.m. 

Ashkenaz 

1317 San Pablo (at Gilman) 

The fourth benefit concert with The Cannabis Healers featuring Barney Doyle of the Mickey Hart Band and Terry Haggerty of Sons of Champlin. Also performing will be Country Joe McDonald and Buzzy Linhart and friends.  

Tickets: $15 minimum donation, under 12 free. Call 525-5054 or go to gdt.stoo.com or ticketweb.com 

A Muslim Approach to Life 

3 p.m. 

St. Johns Presbyterian Church 

2727 College Ave.  

A presentation on the Muslim spiritual life and culture which will focus on women’s lives and the uniqueness of women’s spiritual journeys. This is the first of four Sunday programs that will focus on this theme.  

Call 527-4496 

Time, Space,  

and Knowledge Vision 

6 p.m.  

Tibetan Nyingma Institute 

1815 Highland Place 

Ken McKeon , teacher writer and TSK practitioner since 1980 speaks on “Time, Space, and Knowledge, Right from the Start.” Free. 

Call 843-6812 

1923 North Berkeley  

Fire Walking Tour 

10 a.m. - Noon 

Phil Gale leads this tour of the Sept. 18, 1923 fire site, identifying various changes wrought in buildings and landscape. The tour includes the Mayback chimney, around which a new home was constructed. Pre-paid reservations are required. $10. Call for reservations, 848-0181 

— compiled by 

Chason Wainwright 

Monday, Oct. 16 

Private Elementary School Parent Information Panel 

7 - 9:30 p.m. 

Epworth United Methodist Church 

1953 Hopkins St.  

A panel of parents from six area private schools discuss the admission process and their experiences. Sponsored by the Neighborhood Parents Network 

Admission: free to members, $5 non-members 

Call 527-6667 

Learn to Birdwatch 

Oct. 16, 18, 23 & 25 

9:30 a.m. - Noon 

UC Botanical Gardens 

200 Centennial Drive 

$50 for members; $65 for non-members 

Call for info or to enroll: 643-2755 

Tuesday, Oct. 17

Is the West Berkeley Shellmound a landmark? 

7 p.m.  

City Council Chambers 

2134 MLK Jr. Way, 2nd floor 

Continued and final public hearing on the appeals against landmark designation of the West Berkeley Shellmound. The City Council may possibly make it’s decision at this meeting. 

Landscape Archeology and Space-Age Technologies in Epirus, Greece 

8 p.m.  

370 Dwinelle Hall 

UC Berkeley 

Professor of Archeology, Art History and Classics Dr. James Wiseman presents a slide-illustrated lecture. 

Fibromyalgia Support Group 

Noon - 2 p.m.  

Alta Bates Medical Center, Maffly Auditorium 

Herrick Campus 

2001 Dwight Way 

Andrea Albanese, PT presents “Aquatic Therapy for Fibromyalgia” and a rap session.  

Call D.L. Malinousky, 601-0550 

Mario Savio Memorial Lecture 

7:30 p.m. 

Pauley Ballroom 

UC Berkeley 

Barbara Ehrenreich and Arlie Hochschild will speak on the theme “Forwards and Backwards - Women, globalization, and the new class structure.” Free. 

Call Heather Cameron, 642-9437 

Help Out Some Orangutans 

7 p.m.  

Cafe Milanos 

2522 Bancroft Way 

Come help plan a day of action against Citibank, who allegedly plunders the environment for profit. Join the Rainforest Action Group and Ecopledge in protest.  

Is the Sky Falling? 

7 p.m.  

Ecology Center 

2530 San Pablo Ave. 

Tim Holt, author of “On Higher Ground” will present an array of post-ecotopian choices, one of which is domed cities. What does the future hold for California?  

Call 548-2220 x 233  

Wednesday, Oct. 18

Traffic Calming Workshop 

7 - 10 p.m. 

St. Clements Church 

2837 Clement Blvd.  

Help to achieve reasonable traffic speeds and volume on local streets.  

“Women and Trafficking: Domestic & Global Concerns” 

6 - 9:30 p.m. 

North Berkeley Senior Center 

1901 Hearst Ave. (at MLK Jr. Way) 

The Berkeley Commission on the Status of Women invites the public to this forum which will include an expert panel discussion, and a movie on Women and trafficking. Free. 

Call 644-6107 for more info.  

Human Welfare & Community Action Meeting 

7 p.m. 

South Berkeley Senior Center 

2939 Ellis 

Commission on Labor Board Meeting 

6 p.m. 

1950 Addison St., Suite 105 

Commission on Aging Board Meeting 

1:30 p.m. 

North Berkeley Senior Center 

1901 Hearst St.  

Board of Education 

7:30 p.m. 

Old City Hall 

2134 MLK Jr. Way 

Citizen’s Humane Commission 

7 p.m. 

North Berkley Senior Center 

1901 Hearst St. 

Thursday, Oct. 19

The Promise and Perils of Transgenic Crops 

7:30 - 9 p.m.  

International House, Homeroom 

UC Berkeley 

2299 Piedmont Ave.  

A discussion with Dr. Peggy Lemaux, professor of Plant and Microbiology at UC Berekeley, of the scientific basis for biotechnology, it’s risks and benefits. 

Contact Maribel Guillermo, 642-9460 

Candlelight Vigil For the Uninsured 

6 p.m.  

Steps of Sproul Hall 

UC Berkeley 

Join the American Medical Student Association, Berkeley Pre-Medical Chapter in a vigil for those without health insurance. Speakers from various medical organizations will discuss ways to improve our health care system.  

Call Chris Hamerski, 845-1607 

Berkeley Metaphysic Toastmasters Club 

6:15 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. 

2515 Hillegass Ave.  

Public speaking skills and metaphysic come together at Avatar Metaphysical Toastmasters. Meets first and third Thursdays each month. 

Call 869-2547 or 643-7645 

Rafael Mariquez Free Solo Concert 

7:30 p.m. 

Berkeley Public Library, South Branch 

1901 Russell St. (at MLK Jr. Way) 

This Chilean folksinger and guitarist presents his original settings of selections by Latin American poets. 

Contact: 644-6860; TDD 548-1240 

Vocal Sauce 

Noon 

BART Plaza, Downtown 

Shattuck Ave. at Center St. 

The JazzSchool’s vocal jazz ensemble perform award-winning arrangements by Greg Murai.  

Contact Carrie Ridgeway, 549-2230 

CLGS Lavendar Lunch 

12:30 - 1:30 p.m. 

1798 Scenic Ave. 

Kyle Miura, Pacific School of Religion alumnus and Director of the GTUs Pacific and Asian-American Center for Theology and Strategies speaks on being “Queer and Asian.”  

Call 849-8239 

Performance Poetica 

7:30 p.m. 

ATA Gallery 

992 Valencia St. 

San Francisco 

Video and verse by Illinois Arts Council/Hemingway Festival poet and filmmaker Rose Virgo, with special guest Judy Irwin.  

$3  

Pain - Ways to Make It Easier 

1 - 2:30 p.m. 

Alta Bates Summit Medical Center 

Ashby Campus, Dining Rooms A & B 

3001 Colby 

Maggie van Staveren, LCSW, CHT and Christine Bartlett, PT, CHT will demonstrate ways to let go of pain due to arthritis, injury and illness. RSVP requested. 

Call 869-6737  

Design Review Commission 

7:30 p.m. 

North Berkeley Senior Center 

1901 Hearst St.  

Transportation Commission 

7 p.m. 

North Berkeley Senior Center 

1901 Hearst St.  

Fair Campaign Practices Commission 

7:30 p.m. 

North Berkeley Senior Center 

1901 Hearst St.  

Friday, Oct. 20

“The Ballot Issues” 

11:45 a.m. 

Berkeley City Club 

2315 Durant Ave.  

Fran Packard of the League of Women Voters speaks at 12:30 p.m. Luncheon served at 11:45 a.m. and 12:15 p.m.  

Luncheon: $11 

Call 848-3533 

Human Nature 

8:30 p.m. 

New College Cultural Center 

766 Valencia 

San Francisco 

The X-plicit Players present this idyllic nude ritual. Watch or participate: Be led blindfolded through body tunnels, into body streams while sensing psychic/body qualities through touch. Also presented on Oct. 21.  

$12 admission 

Call 415-848-1985 

Broken Spirits - Addressing Abuse 

8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. 

Brookins African Methodist Episcopal Church 

2201 73rd Ave. 

Oakland 

Alta Bates Summit Medical Center’s Health Ministry program presents a free workshop on the impact of domestic violence on our community.  

Call for info, 869-6763 

Saturday, Oct. 21

A Day on Mt. Tam 

9:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. 

Come play and hike in San Francisco’s beloved playground. This outing is part of a series of free fall outings organized by Greenbelt Alliance. 

Call: 415-255-3233 for reservations 

AHIMSA Eight Annual Conference 

9 a.m. - 5 p.m.  

International House, Great Hall 

UC Berkeley 

2299 Piedmont Ave.  

The AHIMSA is a nonprofit foundation whose goal is to encourage dialogues and public forums which bridge spiritual, scientific and social issues. This years conference is titled “Violence! Scientific and Spiritual Perspectives.”  

Admission is free 

Contact Maribel Guillermo, 642-9460 

Berkeley Farmers’ Market Fall Fruit Tastings 

10 a.m. - 3 p.m.  

Center St. at MLK Jr. Way 

Taste a whole farmers’ market’s bounty of fall fruit varieties. 

Free. 

Info: 548-3333 

Run Your Own Landscape Business: Part 2 

11 a.m. - 1 p.m. 

Ecology Center 

2530 San Pablo Ave. (at Blake) 

Local horticultural consultant and UC Master Gardener Jessie West will teach you how to plant, prune, control weeds, and more. The second of three classes. The last is scheduled for Oct. 28 during the same timeslot. 

$15 general; $10 for members; $5 materials fee 

Call 548-2220 x223 

Sunday, Oct. 22

A Taste of the Greenbelt 

1 - 4 p.m. 

Presidio’s Golden Gate Club 

Greenbelt Alliance brings the farm to the city in this celebration of the Bay Area’s agricultural and culinary bounty. Featured are samples from over 40 local restaurants, farmers, wineries, microbreweries. Also featured are live music and local artwork. The event benefits Greenbelt Alliance’s ongoing efforts to protect Bay Area farmlands and open space.  

$45 per person 

1-800-543-GREEN, www.greenbelt.org 

An Evening with Alice Walker 

7:30 p.m.  

King Middle School  

1781 Rose St. (at Grant) 

free parking 

Join internationally loved novelist, poet and essayist Alice Walker in celebrating her new book of autobiographical stories, “The Way Forward is With a Broken Heart.” Benefits Berkeley EcoHouse and KPFA Radio, 94.1 FM.  

Tickets: $10 advance, $13 door 

Tickets available at independent bookstores 

More info: 848-6767 x609 

From Bahia to Berkeley 

11 a.m.  

Capoeira Arts Cafe 

2026 Addison St. 

A benefit brunch and auction with food, music, dance and culture to bring Brazilian folkloric dance group Nicinha Raizes from Bahia, Brazil to the Bay Area. The group will tour in January, 2001.  

Call Brasarte, 428-0698 

Take a Trip to the Oakland Ballet 

North Berkeley Senior Center 

1901 Hearst Ave. (at MLK Jr. Way) 

This is an outing organized by the Senior Center to see “Glass Slippers.”  

Tickets: $6 each 

Call Maggie or Suzanne, 644-6107 

A Buddhist Pilgramage in India 

6 p.m. 

Tibetan Nyingma Institute 

1815 Highland Pl. 

June Rosenberg brings to life, through slides and lecture, her pilgrimages in India. Free. 

Call 843-6812 

University Avenue Indian Business Community 

10 a.m. - Noon 

Kirpal & Neelum Khanna, owners of the Bazaar of India, tell about the steps they took from spice and food retailing to today’s Bazaar, and the nuances and features of the Indian business community on University Avenue. One is a series of walking tours sponsored by the Berkeley Historical Society. 

$10 per person 

Call 848-0181 for reservations 

Monday, Oct. 23

Berkeley Chinese Community Church Turns 100 

6 p.m. 

Nov. 4 

Silver Dragon Restaurant 

835 Webster St. 

Oakland 

Reservations: $30 per person 

More info: 548-5295 

Public Schools Parent Information Night 

7 - 9 p.m.  

Epworth United Methodist Church 

1953 Hopkins St. 

Parents, principals and other administrative staff from 11 elementary schools will speak about their schools. Sponsored by Neighborhood Parents Network.  

Admission: free to members, $5 non-members 

527-6667 

Parks & Recreation Board Meeting 

7 p.m. 

North Berkeley Senior Center 

1901 Hearst St.  

Solid Waste Management Commission 

7 p.m. 

Solid Waste Management Center 

1201 Second St. 

Tuesday, Oct. 24

Berkeley Farmers’ Market Fall Fruit Tastings 

2 p.m. - 7 p.m.  

Derby St. at MLK Jr. Way 

Come taste a bounty of fall fruit varieties for free. 

Info: 548-3333 

Thursday, Oct. 25

International Jewish Video Competition Winners 

7:30 p.m.  

Pacific Film Archive 

2575 Bancroft Way 

Screening of the four winners in the Museum’s seventh annual competition.  

Call 549-6950 

Civic Arts Commission 

6:30 p.m. 

North Berkeley Senior Center 

1901 Hearst St.  

Disaster Council 

7 p.m. 

Emergency Operations Center 

997 Cedar 

Energy Commission 

5:30 p.m. 

North Berkeley Senior Center 

1901 Hearst St. 

Mental Health Commission 

6:30 p.m. 

Mental Health Clinic 

2640 MLK Jr. Way 

Planning Commission 

7 p.m.  

North Berkeley Senior Center 

1901 Hearst St.  

Police Review Commission 

7:30 p.m. 

North Berkeley Senior Center 

1901 Hearst St.  

Thursday, Oct. 26

East Bay Science & Arts Middle School 

Noon  

BART Plaza, Downtown 

Middle school students perform dances of folk, swing, and Cuban rueda styles. Free.  

Contact Carrie Ridgeway, 549-2230 

Proposition Brown Bag 

Noon - 1:30 p.m.  

Institute of Governmental Studies 

109 Moses Hall 

UC Berkeley 

Hear presentations about and discuss the eight propositions on the California ballot.  

Call 642-4608 

Friday, Oct. 27

“Transporation: What’s in Store?” 

11:45 a.m. 

Berkeley City Club  

2315 Durant Ave.  

Larry Dahms, Executive Director of the Metropolitan Transportation Council speaks at 12:30 p.m. Luncheon is served at 11:45 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. 

Luncheon: $11 

More info and reservations: 848-3533 

Saturday, Oct. 28

Pedaling the Green City 

11 a.m. -3:30 p.m.  

Take a leisurely bike ride along the future San Francisco Bay Trail. One in a series of free outings organized by Greenbelt Alliance.  

Call: 415-255-3233 for reservations  

Wild About Books? 

10:30 a.m. 

Berkeley Central Library 

2121 Allston Way 

Halloween for the little guys with (not so) scary stories, music, and more.  

Call 649-3943  

Run Your Own Landscape Business: Part 3 

11 a.m. - 1 p.m. 

Ecology Center 

2530 San Pablo Ave. (at Blake) 

Local horticultural consultant and UC Master Gardener Jessie West will teach you how to plant, prune, control weeds, and more. This is the final class in the series. 

$15 general; $10 for members; $5 materials fee 

Call 548-2220 x223 

Sunday, Oct. 29

“Gateway to Knowledge” 

6 p.m. 

Tibetan Nyingma Institute 

1815 Highland Pl. 

Barr Rosenberg describes how to master new knowledge and take the power to shape our lives in wise and compassionate ways.  

843-6812 

An Evening with The Professor 

5 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. 

Mambo Mambo 

1803 Webster St.  

Oakland 

Berkeley resident Geoffrey A. Hirsch, better known as the Tie Guy from the “How Berkeley Can You Be” parade got his start in comedy in 1996. A professor in real life, Hirsch tell the story of how he became a funny guy.  

$5 for show only, $10 for show and dinner 

Call Geoffrey Hirsch at 845-5631 to reserve tickets 

Wednesday, Nov. 1

Kathak Dancing with Pandit Chitresh Das 

7:30 p.m. 

Julia Morgan Center for the Arts 

2640 College Ave.  

The Graduate Theological Union presents a free lecture-demonstration with Pandit Chitresh Das, a master of India’s Kathak dance form. This event is free. 

Call 649-2440 for additional info 

Thursday, Nov. 2

PASTForward Panel Discussion 

2 p.m. 

UC Berkeley Art Museum 

Bancroft Way (below College) 

In conjunction with the White Oak Dance Project’s performances, a panel discussion with Judson era dance choreographers Yvonne Rainer and Deborah Hay. Free. 

Berkeley Metaphysic Toastmasters Club 

6:15 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. 

2515 Hillegass Ave.  

Public speaking skills and metaphysic come together at Avatar Metaphysical Toastmasters. Meets first and third Thursdays each month. 

Call 869-2547 or 643-7645 

Saturday, Nov. 4

Breathtaking Barnabe Peak 

10 a.m. - 4 p.m. 

Hike through Samuel P. Taylor State Park’s lush forests and climb to the heights of Barnabe Peak, overlooking Point Reyes. One in a series of free fall outings organized by Greenbelt Alliance.  

Call: 415-255-3233 for reservations 

Wild About Books? 

10:30 a.m. 

Berkeley Central Library 

2121 Allston Way 

Dublin Library’s resident storyteller and featured teller at the 1998 National Storytelling Festival tell kids aged 3 to 7 her favorite tales.  

Call 649-3943  

Sunday, Nov. 5

Buddhist Psychology 

6 p.m.  

Tibetan Nyingma Institute 

1815 Highland Pl.  

Buddhist teacher Sylvia Gretchen on “Beyond Therapy and Into the Heart of Buddhist Psychology.” Free. 

Call 843-6812  

Monday, Nov. 6

Airports vs. the Bay 

7 p.m. 

Albany Community Center 

1249 Marin St.  

Albany 

David Lewis, Executive Director of “Save the Bay” will speak on the airports’ plans to expand into the SF Bay and other challenges to Bay restoration.  

Contact: Friends of Five Creeks, 848-9358 

Thursday, Nov. 9

The Life and Art of Chiura Obata 

7:30 p.m.  

North Berkeley Public Library 

1170 Alameda (at Hopkins) 

A slide show and lecture presented by Obata’s granddaughter, Kimi Kodani Hill, celebrating Obata’s book, “Topaz Moon: Chiura Obata’s Art of the Internment,” and the retrospective exhibit of Obata’s work to appear this Fall at SFs De Young Museum. 

For details call 644-6850  

ESL Teacher Job Fair 

7 - 8:30 p.m. 

Berkeley Adult School 

1222 University Ave., Room 7  

ESL program representatives from adult schools in Alameda and Contra Costa counties will provide information about desired qualifications, current job openings, credentialing requirements, and more.  

Call Kay Wade, 644-6130 

Saturday, Nov. 11

Moonlight on Mt. Diablo 

1 - 10:30 p.m.  

Hike up the Devil’s Mountain by daylight, catch a glorious sunset and hike back by the light of the moon. One in a series of free outing organized by Greenbelt Alliance.  

Call: 415-255-3233 for reservations 

Sunday, Nov. 12

Views, Vines and Veggies 

9:15 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.  

Climb Bald Mountain in Sugarloaf State Park and peer down upon the Napa and Sonoma Valleys. Then please your palate at the Landmark Winery and visit Oak Hill organic vegetable and flower farm. One in a series of free fall outings organized by Greenbelt Alliance.  

Call: 415-255-3233 for reservations 

“Time Across Cultures” 

2 - 4 p.m. 

St. Clements Church 

2837 Claremont Ave.  

The annual Roselyn Yellin Memorial lecture with a slide-illustrated panel discussion. Also a tour of the “Telling Time” exhibit at the Judah L. Magnes Museum followed by a reception at the museum, 4 - 5 p.m.  

More info: 549-6950 

Buddhism & Compassion 

6 p.m. 

Tibetan Nyingma Institute 

1815 Highland Place 

Psychiatrist and teacher Bobby Jones on “Healing through Compassion.” Free.  

843-6812 

Tuesday, Nov. 14

Take a Trip to the Steinbeck Museum and 

Mission San Juan Bautista 

North Berkeley Senior Center 

1901 Hearst Ave. (at MLK Jr. Way) 

This is an outing organzied by the Senior Center.  

$40 with lunch, $25 without  

Call Maggie or Suzanne, 644-6107 

Thursday, Nov. 16

Reminiscing in Swingtime 

7:30 p.m.  

North Berkeley Library  

1170 Alameda (at Hopkins) 

George Yoshida, author and jazz drummer, presents a multi-media program recounting the big band experience in the Japanese American internment camps. The presentation will be capped with a set of live jazz by the George Yoshida Quartet. 

Call for more info: 644-6850 

Berkeley Metaphysic Toastmasters Club 

6:15 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. 

2515 Hillegass Ave.  

Public speaking skills and metaphysic come together at Avatar Metaphysical Toastmasters. Meets first and third Thursdays each month. 

Call 869-2547 or 643-7645 

Saturday, Nov. 18

S.F. Stairs and Peaks 

10 a.m. - 3 p.m.  

Begin the day with a visit to the farmer’s market, then meander up the stairways and streets of Telegraph Hill to Coit Tower. Then up Russian Hill, descending to Fisherman’s Wharf for a ride back on the new historic streetcar line. One in a series of free fall outings organized by Greenbelt Alliance.  

Call: 415-255-3233 

Berkeley Free Folk Festival 

11 a.m. - 1 a.m.  

Ashkenaz  

1317 San Pablo Ave. 

Fourteen hours of free concerts, workshops, jam sessions and to top it off a Saturday night dance. The fifth annual Folk Festival will feature Shay & Michael Black, Spectre Double Negative & the Equal Positive, Larry Hanks, Wake the Dead and many others. Sponsored by Charles Schwab and the City of Berkeley.  

More info or to volunteer: 525-5099 

Sunday, Nov. 19

Mt. Madonna & Wine  

10 a.m. - 2 p.m. 

Hike through evergreen forests and visit the remains of a 19th century estate, then finish the day with a visit to Kruse Winery. One of many free fall outings organized by Greenbelt Alliance.  

Call: (415) 255-3233 for reservations 

Tuesday, Nov. 21

Fibromyalgia Support Group 

Noon - 2 p.m.  

Alta Bates Medical Center, Maffly Auditorium 

Herrick Campus 

2001 Dwight Way 

Call D.L. Malinousky, 601-0550 

Saturday, Dec. 2

Wild About Books? 

10:30 a.m. 

Berkeley Central Library 

2121 Allston Way 

Storyteller Kellmar draws from her African-American roots with stories that touch the heart and the funnybone. For childen aged 3-7. 

Call 649-3943  

Thursday, Dec. 7

Berkeley Metaphysic Toastmasters Club 

6:15 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. 

2515 Hillegass Ave.  

Public speaking skills and metaphysic come together at Avatar Metaphysical Toastmasters. Meets first and third Thursdays each month. 

Call 869-2547 or 643-7645 

Thursday, Dec. 21

Berkeley Metaphysic Toastmasters Club 

6:15 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. 

2515 Hillegass Ave.  

Public speaking skills and metaphysic come together at Avatar Metaphysical Toastmasters. Meets first and third Thursdays each month. 

Call 869-2547 or 643-7645 

ONGOING EVENTS 

Sundays 

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 

Mondays 

Baby Bounce and Toddler Time 

10:30 a.m. 

Oct. 16 - Dec. 11 

Berkeley Central Library 

2121 Allston Way 

For children ages 6 to 36 months. Get those babies off to a good start with songs, rhymes, lap bounces, and very simple books. 

649-3943  

Tuesdays 

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. 

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

Berkeley Farmers’ Market 

2-7 p.m. 

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

548-3333 

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. 

531-8664 

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. 

644-8511 

Wednesdays  

10:30 a.m. 

Preschool Song and Story Time 

Berkeley Central Library 

2121 Allston Way 

Music and stories for ages 3-5.  

649-3943 

Thursdays 

The Disability Mural 

4-7 p.m. through September 

Integrated Arts 

933 Parker 

Drop-in Mural Studios will be held for community gatherings and tile-making sessions. This mural will be installed at Ed Roberts campus. 

841-1466 

Fridays 

Ralph Nader for President 

7 p.m.  

Video showings to continue until November. Campaign donations are requested. Admission is free.  

Contact Jack for directions at 524-1784. 

Saturdays 

Berkeley Farmers’ Market 

10 a.m.-3 p.m. 

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

548-3333 

Poets Juan Sequeira and Wanna Thibideux Wright 

2nd and 4th Sunday 

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. 

234-0727;642-5168 

Tuesday and Thursday 

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. 

644-6109 

Compiled by Chason Wainwright 

How about publicly-funded blight? 

Editor: 

Perhaps Ms. Pepples should direct her efforts directly to the council to which she aspires, with a program supporting candidate “equal rights for equal blights.” Because we live in Berkeley, Ms. Pepples could propose publicly funded “public blight.”  

Because of funding disparities between campaigns, we could equalize them by giving every candidate their own set of public poles upon which to hang their aesthetic discontinuities, or in Ms. Pepples case, photos of herself. 

We could select several “safe streets” upon which all such blight would then be publicly displayed. 

Tours could be arranged. 

Public pole maintenance costs could be underwritten by auto mechanics, because they will become the beneficiaries when drivers, casting their eyes skyward, drive into potholes, speed bumps, speed pits and each other to avoid viewing the Hydra. This new revenue source could serve as an alternative to campaign contributions by frequenting our favorite auto mechanics instead.  

Indeed, we can foster an entirely new form of candidacy, the auto mechanics! Think of it, with their focus on maintenance to high performance standards, a whole new spectrum of governmental management possibilities could arise. Because auto mechanic rates are the same as psychologists, of necessity, Council meetings would be 50 minutes long. And let’s face it, unlike a psychologist; auto mechanics have the appropriate training to screw down our loose nuts and tighten our heads, not to mention making appropriate adjustments for excessive public exhaust emissions. So, instead of debating on the policy of foreign nations, we would have debates on foreign cars! 

Instead of endlessly inflating our city expenditures, we could have discussions on correct inflation pressure limits. This would actually serve a public need. The televised council meeting could transition from dreary public entertainment to lively informative “car talk” sessions – stay tuned.  

Mike Issel 

Berkeley 

Happy to see B-TV schedule 

Editor: 

I was so glad to see the B-TV, Channel 25 schedule in the Daily Planet. It’s hard to find it and the Daily Planet is so accessible. Keep up the good work in being a real community newspaper! 

Joyce Kawahata 

Berkeley 

Permit is pending, let them sit outside 

Editor: 

Sandy Boyd (owner of the French Hotel cafe) was told three years ago that he had no permit for sidewalk furniture. He did nothing.  

Last May 24 the city told him to pull all tables in chairs inside, which he did. 

Over the summer café patrons, on their own, began taking chairs only onto the sidewalk. 

Sandy Boyd finally submitted his application on August 24. About three weeks later, in the middle of September, the Berkeley police came by and cited the cafe. Not even chairs on the sidewalk! That’s when several of us went to the police department to find out the law on tables and chairs on sidewalk. Bring your own and it’s OK, as long as you leave 6 feet of unobstructed space for pedestrians. 

Learning that the City takes two to four months to process these applications we then held our sit-out at the café on October 3. 

My point is the café submitted their permit application on August 24. According to Wendy Cosin, once this is done both tables and chairs are allowed outside. 

So why did the police come by and cite the café? Therein lies the rub. I believe the cafe was cited before people began taking their chairs out – three years after the owner was asked to get a permit. 

Leonard Pitt 

Berkeley 

Removing crosswalks is a bad idea 

Editor: 

Traffic Engineer Jeff Knowles’ call to remove crosswalks is typical of the engineering approach that has made American cities much less livable during the past fifty years.  

Engineers are trained to study one isolated problem – the safety and efficiency of a single intersection – without thinking about how it affects the city as a whole.  

In a famous example, traffic engineers during the 1950s claimed that building freeways would make cities much safer, because freeways were designed to minimize conflicts at intersections. Freeways did dramatically reduce the number of accidents per mile driven, but they also dramatically increased the numbers of miles driven. Overall, there was no improvement in safety. 

Knowles’ proposal comes out of the same mold. Study one intersection. Ignore the fact that you are making the city as a whole less livable. Today, some traffic engineers are learning from the errors of the past and coming up with proposals that work for pedestrians as well as for automobiles. Walter Kulash is the best known of these New Urbanist traffic engineers, and he has shown that by making cities more pedestrian friendly, you can also make them more successful economically.  

Jeff Knowles pretends to be objective and scientific, but when he gets angry, he uses the term New Urbanist as if it were an obscenity, showing how dogmatic he really is. 

Traffic engineers make hundreds of small decisions that cumulatively have a tremendous impact on how livable a city is. With a traffic engineer who is a dogmatic member of the old school, Berkeley is way behind the curve.  

Charles Siegel, 

Berkeley 

Make Toxics Division separate from Planning 

Editor:  

In 1997 Berkeley was granted status as a CUPA (Certified Unified Programs Agency). As a UPA, the City acts as a branch of the EPA with the rights and responsibilities of regulating and permitting environmental activities within the City. It also has the right to set fees and to collect and retain funds from hazardous waste generators as security in the event that any future site remediation is necessary.  

One of the reasons that this certification was granted was that Berkeley had a strong Environmental Health and Toxics & Pollution Prevention Program, which was separate from Planning or any other Division of the City. CUPA status was a great vote of confidence bestowed by the State on our City.  

Shortly after Berkeley gained its UPA Certification, the unified Pollution Prevention Department was dismantled. Environmental Health was placed under Health and Human Services, while Toxics Management became a division of Planning. As a division of Planning, the Toxics Management Division is unable to override the decisions of the Current Planning Director and environmental protection can take a backseat to political and economic influence. As the UPA responsible for hazardous materials permitting and compliance, Toxics Management should have the power to require whatever testing, monitoring, Risk Management, Health and Safety Plans, remediation or whatever is needed to ensure compliance with local, State and Federal Environmental Protection laws. 

If the Planning & Economic Development Divisions refuse to comply with the City's Toxic Management Division’s requirements, then the CUPA status is ineffective and the State EPA should again become the regulatory agency.  

Tony Spurlock 

Berkeley 

Take red tape out of education, help kids 

Editor: 

Your October 7 story, “Parents call for teacher suspension,” provided a stunning example of the mass of red tape and bureaucratic idiocy that clogs the arteries of our educational system. 

A fifth grader violates an inane rule (exactly what purpose is there in taking away our children’s’ freedom to chew gum on a playground?). As a result, a “teacher” subjects the child to psychological and physical abuse that looks like a scene from “Lord of the Flies” – in front of her peers, just to add to the humiliation. 

When the disbelieving parents complain, Principal Waters has the utter gall to suggest that he will trade ensuring the child’s education against “protecting” the criminal actions of one of his teachers. 

Am I the only one here who sees a pattern of criminal negligence affecting a child's future? Imagine that Mr. Rutherford had been the child’s guardian, and subjected her to this humiliation at a public playground or mall. I have no doubt that any Superior Court in California would gladly issue a restraining order preventing this violent behavior and protecting the minor from future contact with Mr. Rutherford. John Muir Elementary is part of a system dangerously out of control, more concerned with protecting itself than the future of our children. Mr. Rutherford's actions put him at risk for civil suit and criminal charges. In any well-run organization – perhaps one less racially motivated – he would immediately be placed on suspension pending resolution of the matter. 

If this is against “district policy,” then principal Waters or superintendent McLaughlin needs to have the courage and leadership to rewrite policy to address the problem. Unfortunately, given the consistent mediocrity of our educational system, we can have little hope that this will occur. 

In the face of the balls of red tape being coughed up by the District, the Higgenbothams only hope to protect their daughter’ s future is to seek the aid of private counsel and their District Attorney’s office. I wish them luck. 

Kenneth Thomas 

Co-Founder, Chief Architect 

Retrieva.com 

San Francisco 

Playing their seventh game in just six days, the Berkeley High water polo teams each put up a gutsy effort but couldn’t beat highly-regarded California High (San Ramon). 

The boys’ team, playing first, showed their weary legs as California jumped out to a 5-0 lead in the first quarter. Brooks Jenkins and Matt Kalafatis each scored two goals in the period, and Jenkins added two more goals in the second quarter to give the home team a 8-2 halftime lead. 

“Cal has a good, disciplined program, and they come out to establish what they want to do,” said Berkeley coach Bill Graeber. “Nobody’s ever ready for that explosion out of the gate.” 

The Yellowjackets were also at a disadvantage in an Olympic-sized, 12-foot-deep pool. Berkeley practices and plays its home games at Willard Pool, which has a shallow end and only goes as deep as six feet, and is much narrower than California’s pool. 

“It’s easy to get spread out wide of the goal on offense,” said Berkeley’s Carl Wasman. “It was hard to get our offense going early.” 

California’s coach took advantage of the big lead, playing several of his less experienced players in the second half. Jenkins was pulled during the third quarter having totaled seven goals in the match as the Yellowjackets fell even farther behind, allowing five goals for a 13-4 deficit heading into the final period. 

The ’Jackets finally put things together in the fourth quarter, outscoring California 5-2 to close the game. Wasman rang up three goals in less than two minutes, and Joe Ravera completed his hat trick with two goals in the period. 

“We wanted to score in the last quarter, to get the score a little closer,” Wasman said. “No one likes losing by a bunch of goals.” 

The girls game was considerably more competitive, with neither team able to build more than a one-goal lead at any point in the match. Berkeley’s two snipers, Cody Keffer and Sonja Graves, took advantage of their few offensive opportunities with pinpoint shots. Keffer scored four goals and Graves three, accounting for all but one of the Yellowjacket goals. California countered with the scoring prowess of Amy Ng, who scored five of her team’s nine goals, four from point-blank range. 

In addition to being tired by their hectic schedule, the ’Jackets were short-handed for the match as four of their bench players were unavailable. The lack of substitutes showed in the second half, as California’s players began counterattacking with venom, outswimming the visitors and gaining breakaways on the Berkeley goal. Only the play of ’Jacket goalie Amy Degenkolb kept them from opening a big lead, as she turned away several shots with spectacular saves. 

“She’s been improving with every game,” Graeber said of his net-minder. “She has no fear in there.” 

Berkeley took a one-goal lead in the fourth quarter on a long-range goal from Keffer, and the ’Jackets desperately tried to keep California from knotting the score. But a bit of bad luck interceded, as Keffer deflected a California pass into her own net with two minutes left, and the race was on for the final goal. 

The teams were still tied 8-8 with 12 seconds left in the match when Berkeley’s Trina Jones was ejected from play for an intentional foul. After a time-out, California took advantage of their extra player as Kerry Aires fired a shot past ‘Jacket goalie Amy Degenkolb for the victory with just five seconds left on the clock.

A large audience of cancer activists and victims of cancer-related illness, carrying signs and effigies, filled the City Council chambers Tuesday evening to hear a discussion on a resolution establishing October as “Stop Cancer Where it Starts” month. 

In part, the resolution in question mandates the writing of a “Healthy Building Ordinance,” an ordinance that guides the city on healthy construction modalities, and it requires putting up signs in parks, indicating that pesticides are not used. 

After much discussion, the council voted unanimously to approve the resolution, with City Manager Weldon Rucker promising to bring back a timetable to write the ordinance by the end of the year.  

The debate over the ordinance revealed the fractures within the council and was fueled by emotional testimony from cancer prevention advocates and cancer victims, as well as the presence of Councilmember Margaret Breland, currently fighting her own battle against cancer. 

Councilmember Dona Spring added a clause to the resolution pointing to radiation’s role in cancer-related illnesses. 

The debate included the issue of who should take responsibility for environmental problems – individuals or government. 

“This resolution is asking someone else to do all these things. Why not say that people take responsibility themselves? This is a typical Berkeley thing to shift the blame to someone else,” said Betty Olds. 

Then, referring to a plan to put signs in parks reading, “This is a pesticide free zone,” Olds said, “If you can’t solve the problem, then put up a sign.” 

Spring said, “I can quit smoking or not. I can eat organic vegetables or not. But I can’t control the water and the air, and the auto emissions, all the pesticides. It is government responsibility to ban these things. Individuals cannot do it themselves.”

STANFORD – The University of California women's volleyball team was defeated by host Stanford , 3-0 (15-6, 15-8, 15-8), Tuesday night at Maples Pavilion. Cardinal star Logan Tom played in her first match of the season after returning from the USA National Team that competed in the Sydney Olympics.  

The Bears (8-7, 4-5 in the Pac-10) were led by a team-high 12 kills by freshman outside hitter Gabrielle Abernathy. Senior outside hitter Alicia Perry had 10 kills and nine digs. Tom paced Stanford with 17 kills.  

Cal struggled in game one, falling behind 12-3 and never recovering. The closest the Bears got was tying the game, 2-2, on a block by Candace McNamee and Reena Pardiwala.  

Cal was more competitive in game two, coming back from a 5-1 deficit to get within 5-6 behind a kill by Caity Noonan, an ace by Ashleigh Turner and blocks by Pardiwala and Perry.  

Stanford then went on a 4-0 run before another block by Pardiwala and Perry got the Bears to 13-8. But that was as close Cal would get, losing 15-8.  

In game three the Bears were down 4-0 before coming back and tying the game, 4-4, on a solo block by McNamee. Stanford (10-6, 5-4) proceeded to jump ahead again before Cal was able to tie the contest again at 8-8 with the help of a block by Pardiwala and Perry, a block by McNamee and Turner and Tom hitting wide for Stanford. But that was all the scoring for the Bears, as the Cardinal went on a 7-0 run to win the game and the match, 15-8.  

The Bears will next host non-conference opponent William & Mary Friday, Oct. 13 at 6:30 p.m. at Recreational Sports Facility Fieldhouse.

There’s a revolution afoot this election season. Not in the Bush or Gore camps – it’s an information revolution in cyberspace. 

At Cyberpolitics 2000: The Internet and American Democracy, Tuesday evening at the City Club, a panel addressed the question of political participation online. Can average voters and the public-at-large benefit from it? 

Panelist Tracy Westen, chairman of Grassroots.com said all social movements throughout history are a result of a “swelling of mass support.” To help the swell, he founded Grassroots.com in 1999. His goal was to foster political change through the free flow of communication between voters and politicians. 

The Web site’s action center, for example, can inform users on hotly debated issues such as who is condemned to die: “According to the American Civil Liberties Union, more than 3,500 inmates sit on death row in America. Most are poor, and a disproportionate number are people of color…Is it time to for a moratorium?” a Web site post asks.  

By encouraging discussion, offering expert reports, and suggesting various causes deserving of public support, the site is a space that welcomes the political opinions of the average individual. 

There is no shortage of sites that share Grassroots.com’s philosophy on the web. MoveOn.org, which was founded in 1998 by Silicon Valley entrepreneurs Wes Boyd and Joan Blades, emerged first as a petition to Congress for quick and fair action during the Clinton impeachment process. 

“We began by sending e-mails to a few dozen relatives and friends,” Boyd said, acknowledging his lack of political experience at the beginning of the online campaign. His inexperience proved to be no obstacle, however. The campaign managed to mobilize 8,000 volunteers and get a petition that was delivered to the House of Representatives signed by half a million people . 

Following a similar model of grassroots activity, the California Voter Foundation at Calvoter.org, focuses on voter education and working with the media to improve political coverage.  

It was founded in 1994 by Kim Alexander as a way out of her own frustration in trying to access important candidate information. 

“What are the chances that everybody knows the issues before they get to vote?” Alexander asked the audience.  

Confident that most people seek information on the Internet prior to voting – regardless of their socioeconomic background and their education – she assured the audience that Calvoter.org can provide a context to understand it all. 

Finally, and to make yet further sense out of what was discussed in the room, Paul Grabowicz, director of the New Media Program at UC Berkeley’s School of Journalism, talked about the question of ethics revolving around politics and the web. 

He said it is true the Internet can help with “reconnecting the dots between people and politics.”  

Nonprofit, government and media sites can enrich a person’s knowledge on issues ranging from childcare and campaign finance to the environment. But he said he is also aware of its unintended consequences: the Internet breeds rumors and reinforces the “digital divide,” the gap between rich and poor, and people of color and whites. 

Grabowicz said he has faith in the future of cyberpolitics. For example, the Internet will spread universally despite the divide and “cut all distribution costs virtually to zero,” he said.

This is not a story you would want to read to your children at night. It is the story of a woman, who led a miserable existence with her husband. He would hit her in the face, in the back, and wherever else he could. He would kick her. And then, he began molesting her children. She had put up with his abuse for 20 years. She couldn’t take any more of it. But he controlled her finances. Besides, they lived far away from her home in South Asia, which she had left behind to immigrate to the United States.  

What could she do? Somewhere along the way, she found a friend to give her the support she needed, in the form of an organization named Narika, a help line, which assists abused South Asian women.  

What makes this case different from common examples of domestic violence in this country is that it centers on an immigrant woman. Abuse takes on a different form in immigrant communities, primarily because of the barriers that these women encounter when trying to reach for help. “The first problem is what all immigrant women will face – simply not knowing how the systems work – not knowing who you can go to, and not knowing how to get there,” said Raka Ray, associate professor of sociology at UC Berkeley. “The second is cultural. They’re embarrassed and afraid to make that initial contact with what they perceive as a foreign body. They have no expectation of them being able to understand the problem.”  

Many immigrant women may not know English, and if they do, they may not be comfortable expressing their deepest anguish and feelings in it. 

This is where associations like Narika (which literally means ‘of women’ in Hindi) play an important role.  

Founded in 1992, Narika is a nonprofit organization, based in Berkeley, for and of women who trace their origins to the South Asian countries of Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. City Attorney Manuela Albuqerque is one of its founders. 

Narika helps abused women help themselves. “We provide information, referrals and advocacy. We help the women think through what their various options may be,” said Feroza Chic Dabby, executive director of Narika. “We want to reach out to abused women. Often women are not sure if they’re being abused badly enough to call for help.” In an attempt to tackle this problem, Narika’s Web site (www.narika.org) has a near-exhaustive list of situations that can be defined as abusive. It covers a wide range – from women being battered, to being forced into unwanted marriages, to being threatened.  

Victims hear about Narika through cultural newspapers, word of mouth, or through religious institutions. But it isn’t always very easy for the woman to take an active step to get out of her abusive situation. “For South Asian women, it may be harder to leave because of cultural restraints, and the importance given to the roles of wives and mothers,” said Meeta Malhi, 30, a Narika volunteer who has worked on their help-line, taking calls from victims, and with their Violence Prevention for Youth program.  

“The concept of family is very important in the South Asian culture. And the focus is on the woman-whether the family fails or succeeds. If there’s a sign that the family is breaking up, the cultural values override her feelings of safety and security in a home.”  

Chic Dabby said women are traditionally viewed as repositories of family honor in these cultures, and so, disclosure can bring dishonor with it.” 

Malhi said, “Many South Asian women have to deal with abuse from the in-laws, which is something most American women won’t have to deal with.” Chic Dabby, who’s worked with American mainstream domestic violence for 13 years said that the victims in South Asian families lived in a more severe climate of fear. “The (South Asian) woman’s abuser in this country can threaten her family- parents, etc. – even if the family is in a country in South Asia. If the abuser is the husband, there is always a threat that he will get his wife deported.”  

Abusers often use immigration issues to intimidate their victims. “He could threaten to get her deported. And if that didn’t work, he could use the children. He may tell her that she would be sent back, but her children would remain here,” said Leni Marin, associate director for rights and social justice at the Family Violence Prevention Fund. 

Ray narrated the story of an Indian doctoral student she knew some years ago. The woman tolerated physical battering from her American husband, because he kept threatening to deport her. She was terrified that she would lose access to her children. And there was no support group like Narika to refer her to an expert who could tell her otherwise.  

Under the Violence Against Women Act, passed in 1994, the battered spouses and children of United States citizens or lawful permanent residents do have an alternative.  

“If they can prove that there has been a trail of abuse, they can file a petition for adjustment of status,” said Sharon Rummery, director of Public Affairs with the Immigration and Naturalization Services in San Francisco. “They can do this without the knowledge of the abuser.” It is details like this that many abused South Asian women would be unaware of, without the appropriate guidance.  

“These South Asian women are some of the strongest women I have seen,” said Malhi. 

“They have overcome abusive situations, with cultural, financial and social barriers, and from nothing, have gone on to recreating financial and familial bases on their own. That illustrates a tremendous amount of strength and initiative.”  

And that is Narika’s endeavor - to help every woman who calls in, to tap into her reserves of strength and initiative, so that she can live her life independently, and abuse free.

In San Francisco, they held a street fest – searchlights roamed the clouds above tents, while thumping blues rhythms filled the night air, thanks to a local radio station.  

Across the Bay in Oakland, men and women bundled against the cold, laughed and drank coffee. Down in Union City, they were at the library, and over at the UC Berkeley campus, they sat behind tables on the plaza. 

The events were all part of “midnight madness,” a last-ditch effort by local boards of elections Tuesday, to register as many voters as possible before the deadline for November’s general election.  

“This year, we decided to have a party,” said Chris Hayashi, communications manager for the San Francisco Department of Elections who arranged the mini-street festival on Grove Street next to City Hall. “We stay open every year, but we usually sit quietly behind a counter inside and wait for people to come and find us. We’re having a great time out here.” 

Hayashi was joined on the street by a dozen elections department employees wearing day-glo orange vests and sporting buttons that said “Register to vote: Ask me how.” Late-comers were welcomed by workers who held flashlights over voters’ shoulders as they filled out the forms printed in a half-dozen languages. 

“Last year, we must’ve regis tered one to two hundred people the whole night,” said, Boris Delapine, 28, a campaign services coordinator. “By now, (at 8:30 p.m.) we have way over that number.” He estimated that 1,000 people would show up to register before midnight. 

Hayashi said by the end of the day, more than 475,000 people in San Francisco would be registered out of more than 799,000 residents. 

The street festival idea seems to have worked, creating opportunities for people to register who might not have. 

“I was just riding by,” said Jon Paul, a 28-year-old artist. “I thought, ‘I might as well.’” 

Another woman, who asked not to be identified, pointed to the woman with her and said, “My roommate dragged me down here.”  

She said she was embarrassed to have waited until the last minute. 

In Oakland, Linda Solomon was joking and laughing as she dropped off a fat parcel of registration cards to the Alameda County workers sitting outside the Board of Elections office on Oak Street. She had collected them from people in her neighborhood. The Oakland resident, who works as a CPA’s assistant, said she has been registering voters “for years.” 

“Ever since I’ve been old enough to vote, I’ve voted,” Solomon said. “It’s important that we vote and I want to try to make sure everyone is counted.” 

There has been outdoor registration until midnight for at least eight years in Alameda County, said Bradley Clark, the Alameda County Registrar of Voters.  

He said his staff came to work at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday morning and were staying until midnight to register an estimated 4,000 extra voters, bringing the total number of registered voters in Alameda County to over 643,000 out of about 974,000 eligible to vote. 

Latifu Carr, a receptionist with the Bureau of Elections wasn’t complaining about the long day. “The time flew,” she said “I’m really enjoying this.”  

Students from UC Berkeley came by to drop off two bunches of cards totaling some 3,500 registrants early in the evening. 

“They were really excited,” said Clark. “They were registering people all day on campus.” 

As the evening wore on, small crowds of people arrived at the plaza, some in pajamas and slippers, crowding two-to-three deep around the folding card tables where election workers were sitting. 

“We always get a bunch of people after each of the news broadcasts at 10 o’clock and 11 o’clock,” said Clark. 

“We were watching the news and they were showing this place, so we drove over,” said Meily, a 20 year old from UC Berkeley. “I’m a big procrastinator.” 

The young man with her nodded vigorously. 

“Every year, we get someone signing the card at the stroke of midnight,” Clark said. “One year, I asked one woman if I went to the post office at the stroke of midnight on April 15, would she be there. She just laughed.”

OAKLAND — Susan Von Ritter was driving her Ford Taurus on a busy highway in Fremont a few years ago when the vehicle stalled in the fast lane. While her children cried, she managed to pull to the shoulder and barely avoid an accident. 

On Wednesday, Von Ritter was among millions of current or former Ford owners in California who got some vindication when a state judge ordered the recall of 1.7 million Ford cars and trucks in an unprecedented ruling. 

It was the first time a judge in the United States had ordered a car recall, which normally is issued by government agencies. 

The judge’s order, which applies only to vehicles sold in California, targets ignition modules installed on 29 models – including the popular Taurus, Mustang, Escort and Bronco – primarily in the 1980s and early ’90s. 

The ruling came as Ford already is being buffeted by the recall of 6.5 million Firestone tires, which were standard equipment on some Ford trucks and sports utility vehicles.  

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is investigating dozens of deaths possibly linked to the tires. 

Superior Court Judge Michael E. Ballachey said Ford knew the vehicles were prone to stalling, especially when the engine was hot, but failed to alert consumers. 

Ford officials disagreed and said the company would appeal, saying it doesn’t believe Ballachey has the authority to order a recall. 

“We would ask the public to trust real engineering and not court engineering,” Ford spokesman Jim Cain said.  

“All of the data on stalling collected by the government, all of the data on accidents, suggests there is no problem with these vehicles. 

“A recall would serve no purpose because there is nothing to fix,” Cain added. “We’re talking about a lot of old cars and old trucks, two-thirds of which have more than 120,000 miles on the odometer.” 

Ford’s stock fell 81.2 cents, to $24.313, in trading Wednesday on the New York Stock Exchange. Analyst Gary Lapidus with Goldman, Sachs & Co. said the decline was unrelated to the verdict, noting several auto companies saw their stock decline Wednesday amid fears of an auto industry slowdown. 

“It’s a dead-end story,” Lapidus said. “The auto industry has bigger worries than a recall on a few ignitions.” 

Von Ritter, one of the named plaintiffs in the class-action suit, sold her Taurus shortly after the stalling incident. 

“I was petrified. The kids were screaming and crying. I thought this was it,” she said. “I was lucky. I was able to get to the side of the road before being rammed.” 

Nelda Rohling and her parents were not as lucky.  

They were hit by a vehicle when their 1989 Ford Tempo stalled as they crossed a busy highway near Lubbock, Texas, in 1993. Her father died on impact. Rohling and her mother were severely injured. 

“We started to cross the highway at a stop sign and the car dies,” Rohling said. “Dad’s jiggling, jiggling to get the car on. We were looking at this car coming down on us.” 

Rohling said they sued Ford and that the automaker settled out of court without admitting liability. 

The automaker has settled dozens of wrongful death and bodily injury suits nationwide in which a Ford vehicle was suspected of stalling.  

Ford never admitted wrongdoing in those out-of-court settlement.

SAN FRANCISCO — State prosecutors will seek the death penalty against the San Leandro sausage maker accused of killing three meat inspectors during a shooting spree at his factory, finding little merit to a defense attorney’s argument that his client acted in a heated rage. 

Stuart Alexander, 39, is scheduled to appear Thursday in Alameda County Superior Court in the June 21 deaths of two U.S. Department of Agriculture inspectors and a third from the state. 

Alexander has pleaded innocent to murder charges that include special circumstances of intentionally killing government employees in retaliation for doing their jobs, a stipulation that allows prosecutors the option of seeking a death sentence. 

Alexander’s attorney, Alameda County assistant public defender Michael Ogul, did not return a phone call Wednesday. 

In an Oct. 5 letter to District Attorney Tom Orloff, Ogul acknowledged that the crimes were “unforgivable and cannot be justified,” but argued that Alexander did not commit premeditated murder. 

Rather, Ogul said, his client “was pushed over the edge and shot in a heated rage,” an emotional state that could preclude a first-degree murder charge and the death penalty. 

On the day of the shootings, the inspectors arrived to cite Alexander for operating without a permit.  

Alexander, whose factory had recently closed and reopened as he struggled to meet health code requirements, called San Leandro police for help in removing “trespassers” from his property. 

He then turned on a video surveillance camera, asked his visitors to leave and fired a gun in the air to scare them off. 

The inspectors died in a shooting spree that lasted less than two minutes.  

A fourth inspector, from the state, fled on foot dodging bullets as he was chased for two blocks. 

“These facts demonstrate that these tragic homicides occurred as the result of escalating tensions in which Mr. Alexander was pushed over the edge, regardless of whether there was any intent to harass him or whether another person would have been provoked to anger,” Ogul wrote. 

Prosecutors disagreed. Deputy district attorney Colton Carmine, who is trying the case, said Wednesday that Ogul’s arguments were considered but found groundless by a handful of county and federal prosecutors who helped Orloff reach his final decision.

PALO ALTO — Silicon Valley may become a victim of its own success. 

A report released Wednesday says the sprawling area south of San Francisco could lose its place as the world’s premier high-tech zone because of the high costs of living and doing business here, a shortage of qualified workers and worsening traffic. 

The second annual report from Joint Venture: Silicon Valley Network, a regional organization, and the A.T. Kearney consulting firm said local governments need to do more to address such quality-of-life issues. 

While most blue-chip companies are anchored here for now, innovative start-ups are increasingly finding more attractive environments in such other “Internet clusters” as Massachusetts’ Route 128, Germany’s “Silicon Saxony” and Singapore’s “Intelligent Island,” the report said. 

“People definitely are not as positive or optimistic as ‘everything’s going to be fine’ as they were, say, two years ago,” said the report’s lead author, A.T. Kearney consultant Praveen Madan.  

“A lot of people are feeling the pain of these growth challenges.” 

For example, the median home price in Santa Clara County – home to northern California’s largest city, San Jose – passed $500,000 in the last year. Many service workers have been priced out of the region, and two-hour commutes from less expensive areas are not unheard of. 

Last year’s report reached similar conclusions about the problems facing Silicon Valley, the home of dozens of the biggest names in technology and the Internet, such as Intel Corp., Oracle Corp. and Yahoo! Inc. and countless new start-ups, incubators and venture capital firms. 

But this year’s study, based on interviews of executives at more than 100 companies, placed an increased emphasis on the need for local governments to help. 

Madan said many Silicon Valley companies want more collaboration between local governments and faster execution of their plans to build affordable housing, improve congestion and increase job training.  

The companies’ wish list also includes a lower tax burden for start-ups. 

At a panel discussion of the report Wednesday near Stanford University, Mountain View Mayor Rosemary Stasek pointed out that high-tech companies azre asking local government to do more but still seeking such breaks as sales tax exemptions on electronic commerce.  

And property taxes, local governments’ other main source of revenue, have been strictly limited in California by Propositions 13 and 218. 

“Give us the resources and we will solve these problems, because we have the biggest stake in them,” Stasek said. 

Michelle Montague-Bruno, spokeswoman for the Silicon Valley Manufacturing Group, which tries to foster collaboration between its 200 member companies and local leaders, said many companies also are worried about whether the power grid can keep up.  

In a heat wave in June, state regulators imposed rolling blackouts in northern California, partly because of the demands of the plugged-in New Economy. 

But despite the tax benefits, new technology parks and other perks being offered to high-tech companies in other places, there are several things unique to Silicon Valley – such as its entrepreneurial spirit and an impressive talent pool from Stanford and the University of California, Berkeley. 

“Sand Hill Road cannot be franchised like Starbucks,” said Daphne Carmeli, president and chief executive of Metreo Inc., referring to the Menlo Park street that is home to many of the area’s venture capitalist firms. 

Cisco Systems Inc., which has about 14,000 workers in Silicon Valley, cited such factors in deciding to expand in San Jose rather than elsewhere.  

The Internet equipment company plans a $1.3 billion office complex in San Jose’s Coyote Valley that has been closely coordinated with the city but criticized by environmentalists and slow-growth advocates. 

“We believe it’s a very attractive place to stay,” Cisco spokesman Steve Langdon said, “at the same time acknowledging there are issues that need to be addressed on a regional basis and collaboratively between governments, businesses and interests and community groups.” 

On the Net: 

Joint Venture: Silicon Valley Network – http://www. 

jointventure.org 

Silicon Valley Manufacturing Group – http://www.svmg.org

FRESNO — Almost 70,000 acres of California’s open space was devoured by a growing population lured to the state by its booming economy from 1996 to 1998, according to a state report released Wednesday. 

The urban sprawl is driven by California’s annual influx of roughly 700,000 people and has hit the state’s farmers particularly hard, according to the Department of Conservation’s biennial Farmland Conservation Report. 

About two-thirds of the newly developed areas, more than 43,000 acres, is on land formerly used for food production. 

“This is not a new issue for California farmers in the Central Valley and the Central Coast – or in the Silicon Valley and southern California, where the farmland is just about lost,” said John Gamper, director of taxation and land use policy for the California Farm Bureau Federation. 

The report notes that the rate of urbanization was up 25 percent statewide over the 1994-1996 period, which saw an 8 percent jump from the previous two-year period. 

“We’re not going to see the population growth stop any time soon. When we report up to 2000, we think that the rate of urbanization will have climbed even higher,” said DOC Assistant Director Eric Vink. 

Southern California continues to be the most heavily urbanized region with 30,300 acres lost primarily to commercial and residential construction. Of those newly built-up acres, almost 7,000 were irrigated farmland. 

Despite new state and federal programs that grant tax breaks to landowners who promise to keep their land in agriculture, many growers in the hardest-hit areas of the state simply are giving up. Farmers increasingly are welcoming offers to sell their land to real estate developers eager to build model communities in tranquil rural settings. 

“These subdivisions have come to within just a couple of hundred yards of us,” said John Gless, who farms about 2,000 acres of citrus orchards on the outskirts of Riverside. 

Gless says restrictions on pesticide use near schools and homes, skyrocketing water bills and increasingly nightmarish traffic problems have driven just about all his neighbors off their farms over the past couple of decades. 

“We have not sold any land, but would welcome the offer if it comes. We cannot pay our farming bills, and if you can’t farm at a profit, you can’t farm,”  

Gless said. 

Similar stories have been coming out of the Santa Clara Valley, where the high-tech economy has fueled a construction boom that’s been pushing into some of the world’s most productive farmland over the past 10 years. 

“We’re in the south end of what they call Silicon Valley ... which is about 80 percent urbanized now. Most tractor dealerships have left and there are no more canneries or packing houses left,” said Mitchell Mariani, who farms about 100 acres of cherries near Morgan Hill. 

“Right now we look at this property as an investment for our future. Maybe somebody will want to come in and buy it,” Hill said. 

The San Joaquin Valley lost about 9,500 acres of farmland, the most of any region in the state. 

Over the last couple of years, Shawn Stevenson says he lost a big chunk of his 1,500-acre citrus farm northeast of Clovis to an expansion project on state Route 168. 

“Is urbanization a threat to agriculture? Of course it is, but it doesn’t do any good to address that issue without addressing high water and labor costs and low commodity prices,” Stevenson said. 

“First and foremost, farmers are going to respond to economic signals, and the signals that are being sent are telling us to get out while we can.” 

LOS ANGELES — Thousands of public employees struck the nation’s most populous county Wednesday, slashing a wide range of services including health care used by the poor – already hit hard by a 26-day-old transit strike. 

The walkout by 42,000 Los Angeles County employees, nearly half its work force, forced severe cutbacks in hospital trauma care and other health services despite a last-minute court order barring essential nurses and other workers from striking. 

The long-threatened general strike cut back services in departments serving a county with nearly 10 million residents. But it hit especially hard at six hospitals and 42 health clinics that treat millions of people annually. 

At County-USC Medical Center, 21-year-old Daniel Lopez, paralyzed from the waist down when he was shot in the spine last week, waited to go to a rehabilitation center. 

“I was supposed to be transferred on Monday, and now I’m stuck. I’ll probably be here until this strike finishes,” Lopez said after being wheeled outside for air. 

Lopez complained that there was only one nurse for about 20 patients and that he waited four hours for a cup of water Wednesday. 

Teresa Ayala, 57, was two hours into a wait for an appointment to treat an eye injury. 

Her normal 45-minute bus trip to the east side hospital from Lynwood was not available so she was brought by her son-in-law, said her daughter, Eloisa Garcia, 35. 

“I’m not working because I can’t get to my job (by bus),” Garcia said. “It’s very important that she come for the appointment. And I’m worried now if they’re on strike, my mother can’t return.” 

In Norwalk, Jae Kim, 29, and fiancee Rebecca Hong, 27, waited in an unmoving line of 40 people at the recorder-registrar’s office to pick up a marriage license. 

“If we don’t get the license by Saturday then we can’t get married,” said Hong, who hadn’t known that the strike was looming. “I’m just mad,” she added. 

Military wife Tracy Lemon, 33, was upset as she tried to obtain her son’s birth certificate and her marriage license for a move Thursday to New York to join her husband, who is being transferred there from Korea. 

“I need this today,” she insisted. 

Negotiations to replace a three-year pact which expired Sept. 30 resumed late Tuesday for the first time in two weeks. But talks lasted just two hours before adjourning until noon Wednesday, said Mark Tarnawsky, spokesman for Service Employees International Union Local 660. 

“There’s been a little bit of movement on a couple of the tables,” Tarnawsky said of the complexity of drawing up contracts from 20 bargaining units involved in the talks. “Wages are a common issue but there are many side-issues unique to one unit.” 

The county’s last offer was a general 9 percent wage increase over three years, while the union seeks 15.5 percent. 

Due to the strike, public hospitals with trauma units were diverting ambulances to private hospitals, said county Department of Health Services spokesman John Wallace. 

A court order Tuesday required about 5,000 registered nurses and medical support staff to remain on the job because their work is considered essential to public health and safety. 

“We have talked to all the facilities, and the employees covered under the restraining order are reporting to their shifts,” Wallace said. 

“The emergency rooms remain open to walk-ins, people who present themselves at the hospitals,” Wallace said. “Doctors by and large are not participating in work actions.” 

Among those striking were welfare workers, clerks who issue marriage licenses and record property transactions, coroner’s office workers, librarians, beach maintenance employees and crews for sewer maintenance, said Bart Diener, assistant general manager of the striking union. 

Most county-employed doctors are represented by other non-striking unions. 

The county’s health system admits about 110,000 people a year to hospitals, and outpatient care brings the total number of people receiving care from the county to about 2.7 million per year, Wallace said. 

City official wants to remove crosswalks 

By Shirley Dang 

Special to the Daily Planet 

People get killed in crosswalks – so remove them. 

That’s the thinking of the city’s new traffic engineer. 

Jeff Knowles, however, has already found himself isolated in his recommendation to erase the white lines at some of the city’s busiest intersections. 

Opponents of the theory called the  

proposal “ridiculous” at a recent Public Works Commission meeting, arguing that crosswalk elimination saves lives only by discouraging people from walking. 

Knowles, however, is fighting to test what he says studies have shown to be true – removing painted crosswalks reduces death and injuries. The traffic engineer would like to remove crosswalks at certain highly trafficked intersections on College Avenue and on Adeline Street. 

In one Los Angeles County study, collisions dropped 100 percent, he said. 

In Berkeley, 770 pedestrian-involved collisions occurred between 1994 and 1999. More than half of these were in crosswalks, according to the Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Task Force report released earlier this year. 

James Corless, California director of the Washington, D.C.,-based Surface and Transportation Policy Project is among those who are fighting against crosswalk removal.  

“It scares people out of walking,” he said. “If you make people walk half a mile extra on foot, you undermine a walkable environment.” 

Two weeks ago, the Surface and Transportation Policy Project released a study that called for a halt to crosswalk eliminations. 

Zachary Wald, executive director of Oakland-based BayPeds agrees that crosswalk elimination is not the answer. Many seniors and disabled people will not go out unless there are marked crossings to protect them, he said. 

While a five-year Federal Highway Administration study released last year said seniors are more likely to be hit in crosswalks than young people, Charlie Betcher, 79-year-old chair of the city’s Commission on Aging, told Public Works Commission members that is not a good enough reason to remove crosswalks. 

“It’s a ridiculous assumption,” he said. “It’s another victory for the automobile.” 

Some critics of crosswalk removal say that accidents will simply move to other marked intersections where people may feel more comfortable walking. 

Proponents of crosswalk removal point to a September crosswalk study by the Los Angeles Department of Transportation which said collisions did not increase at signaled intersections near unmarked crosswalks. Injury rates still fell by half at unmarked sites. 

But Wald argued that Berkeley, with its large numbers of pedestrians is unlike Los Angeles and San Diego where many studies have been carried out. 

“It might be good in the suburbs, where there is essentially little or no pedestrian traffic,” he said. “But removing crosswalks is not a panacea for pedestrian safety.” 

Knowles said there have not been studies that measure whether pedestrians avoid intersections without marked crosswalks. Counting pedestrian flow before and after line removal would be a part of his study, he promised.  

Under state law, pedestrians have the right of way at any intersection, unless they are walking against a light. They do not have to be in a marked crosswalk. 

Nancy Holland, chair of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Task Force said more education is needed for both drivers and pedestrians.  

There are many other options to protect pedestrians, including increasing walking time at traffic signals and slowing traffic by making streets narrower. 

These ideas and others were recommended by the task force in April and approved as a part of a nine-point plan to increase pedestrian safety, however, little has been done to implement them. 

The City Council will probably address the issue of crosswalk removal after the commissions have studied it further. Neither Councilmember Polly Armstrong nor Councilmember Kriss Worthington are in favor of the idea. 

“It’s not a crosswalk without the lines,” Armstrong said. 

Worthington agreed: “We should be adding protection, not removing it.”  

Emotions are so charged, said Knowles, that people will not even test crosswalk removal as an option for pedestrian safety. 

“It’s like the crusade to save the crosswalks,” he said. “But if I can save a life by taking out one crosswalk, why not go for it?” 

Bike coalition plans new route to schools 

By William Inman 

Daily Planet Staff 

Hank Resnick and Sarah Syed of the Bicycle-Friendly Berkeley Coalition aren’t being quixotic when they say that their new project with the school district could do everything from improving student performance to alleviating morning rush hour traffic. 

“Safe Routes to School” will offer safe transportation choices for students, reducing car trips to school and getting kids walking and biking to school again, they say. 

Syed and Resnick authored a grant proposal that won the nonprofit BFBC a $25,000 state grant to launch the 17-month campaign that will plan activities aimed at reducing the risk of injury to schoolchildren who walk or bike to school.  

The BFBC, the school district and the city say the project will provide transportation choices for nervous parents who add to morning traffic and parking problems around schools.  

They also say that research shows that physical activities such as walking and biking positively affect student performance and skill development.  

“Many parents worry about the safety of their kids because of traffic and crime,” Syed said. “We hope to work with each school to make maps for suggested routes to schools, among other things to make parents and kids feel safe to ride or walk to school.” 

According to research by Berkeley’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Task Force, Berkeley has more than twice the rate of pedestrian injuries, and four times the amount of bicycle injuries compared to the state average for cities near Berkeley’s size. 

The task force also found that 10 -to 17- year-old pedestrians and cyclists are involved in collisions at twice the rate, or more, of any other age group, and the majority of pedestrian collisions take place within a quarter of a mile radius of a school. 

Syed said that about 300 pedestrian and bicycle accidents are reported in Berkeley each year. Hundreds more aren’t reported. 

“Before and after school, school zones citywide and surrounding local neighborhoods turn into danger zones for anyone venturing out on foot or bicycle,” Syed said. “This program will mobilize a community that has expressed great concern about the safety of schoolchildren to unite in support of specific improvements that will make Berkeley a more walkable, bikeable city.” 

“Although the campaign focuses on the safety of schoolchildren,” she said. “Every member of the community – from child to senior citizen – who walks or bikes locally will benefit.” 

Superintendent Jack McLaughlin agrees. 

“Parents in Berkeley are driving their children to school in record rates,” he said. “A ‘Safe Routes to School’ project is critical in our community.” 

McLaughlin, Syed, Resnick and city traffic engineer Jeff Knowles are set to meet Thursday to discuss plans for the project. 

“We’re still in the planning stage,” Resnick said. “But it’s a great opportunity and a great challenge. It’s going to take a lot of work. We have 17 months to complete the plan, and develop a proposal to get an expanded grant.” 

Resnick said that he likes Berkeley’s chances to get more state money to continue the work, but they’ll have to first change popular opinion. 

“It’s a serious concern that parents are afraid to let their kids walk or bike to school,” he said. “It’s really a sad commentary.” 

Resnick said that the project will compliment a resolution passed in the fall of 1999 by the school board that focuses on transportation issues around schools. The resolution calls for an attempt to reduce car trips to schools. 

“Not a lot has been done since then,” Resnick said. “But they’re ready to get started.” 

Syed said that a lot of the early plans involve the newly designated bicycle boulevards, such as Milvia Street between University Avenue and Russell Street. 

She said that she hopes to incorporate the project with the children’s curriculum. Some of the ideas they’ve come up with is sending the safe route maps home with the elementary children and having the parents and children walk the routes together as part of an assignment. 

Berkeley is one of nine communities to have received a grant from the Department of Health Services Active Community Environments Program, she said. 

All schools will be invited to participate in the project. Parents, teachers and community members interested in helping form a “Safe Routes to School” team at a local school are encouraged to contact Sarah Syed at (510) 597-1235, or email at ssyed@lmi.net.

Wednesday, Oct. 11

Are Domed Cities in the future? 

7:30 - 9 p.m.  

International House, Homeroom  

UC Berkeley 

2299 Piedmont Ave.  

A discussion based on UC Berkeley alumnus Tim Holt’s book, “On Higher Ground.” Set 50 years in the future, part of the book takes place in an East Bay enclosed by a climate-controlled dome.  

$3 admission  

Contact Maribel Guillermo, 642-9460 

Tenant-Landlord Problems? 

12:30 - 2 p.m.  

North Berkeley Senior Center 

1901 Hearst Ave. (at MLK Jr. Way) 

Bring your concerns about repairs, harassment and housing rights.  

Call 644-6107 

Coming-out Day Party 

Noon - 1 p.m. 

1730 Scenic Ave. 

Celebrate National Coming Out Day with a pizza party at the Center for Lesbian and Gay Studies in Religion and Ministry. 

Call 849-8206 

Free Mock Law Class and Information Session for Berkeley Students 

6:30 - 8:30 p.m. 

The Kaplan Berkeley Center 

150 Berkeley Square  

Students applying to law school are invited to attend a mock first-year law class with leading law expert Dr. Paul Lisnek. This event is considered by many students who have attended past seminars to be the single most important event in helping them know how to prepare for law school and what to expect once they get there. 

Learn to Birdwatch 

Oct. 16, 18, 23 & 25 

9:30 a.m. - Noon 

UC Botanical Gardens 

200 Centennial Drive 

$50 for members; $65 for non-members 

Call for info or to enroll: 643-2755 

White Cane Day  

10:30 a.m. - 8:30 p.m. 

Spenger’s Fish Grotto 

1919 Fourth St.  

Pyramid Alehouse 

901 Gilman Ave. 

Members of the West Berkeley Lions Club will be asking for donations of money or used eyeglasses for the sight impaired. The Lions will be out in front of Pyramid Alehouse from 4:30 - 8 p.m. only.  

Call Joe Saenz, 352-2093 

“Making A Killing” 

7:30 p.m. 

La Pena, 3105 Shattuck 

A documentary “Making a Killing,” which exposes alleged tactics used by Phillip Morris at home and abroad. 

Feeding the Future 

7 - 9 p.m. 

2522 San Pablo 

If you have ideas or concerns about the availability of fresh, affordable produce in all communities, join the Berkeley Food Policy Council for this slide show and panel discussion. Call Joy, 548-8838 

Like Chocolate? 

4:10 p.m. 

International House Auditorium 

2299 Piedmont Ave. (at Bancroft Way) 

Michael D. Coe, the Charles J. MacCurdy Professor Emeritus of Anthropology from Yale University presents a lecture entitled “More Than a Drink: Chocolate in the Pre-Columbian World.” 643-7413 

Homeless Commission 

7 p.m.  

North Berkeley Senior Center  

Homeless prevention presentation by Bill Taylor of the Affordable Housing Advocacy Group. Also, discussion of winter shelter planning.  

1901 Hearst Ave. (at MLK Jr. Way) 

644-8616 

Police Review Commission 

7:30 p.m.  

South Berkeley Senior Center 

2939 Ellis St.  

The commission will discuss their workplan/goals for the upcoming year.  

644-6716 

— compiled by  

Chason Wainwright 

Board of Library Trustees 

7 p.m.  

South Branch  

1901 Russell  

644-6095 

Waterfront Commission 

7 p.m. 

His Lordships Restaurant 

199 Seawall Dr.  

644-6376 x234 

Planning Commission 

7 p.m.  

North Berkeley Senior Center 

1901 Hearst Ave. (at MLK Jr. Way) 

705-8137 

Commission on Disability 

6:30 p.m.  

North Berkeley Senior Center 

1901 Hearst Ave. (at MLK Jr. Way) 

Meeting with “Easy Does It” regarding provison of emergency services. Public comments will be heard on this subject. Also appointments of representatives to attend meetings regarding West Berkeley Redevlopment Projects, to ensure that the Amtrak station is accessible.  

655-3440 

Thursday, Oct. 12

East Timor: The Road to Independence 

7:30 - 9 p.m.  

International House, Homeroom 

UC Berkeley 

2299 Piedmont Ave. 

A discussion of events leading up to the creation of the newest nation of the millennium and issues raised on the road to independence.  

$3 admission 

Contact Maribel Guillermo, 642-9460 

Parallel Civilizations 

4:10 p.m. 

International House Auditorium 

2299 Piedmont Ave. (at Bancroft Way) 

Michael D. Coe, the Charles J. MacCurdy Professor Emeritus of Anthropology from Yale University presents a lecture entitled “Parallel Civilizations: Ancient Angkor and the Ancient Maya.” Free. 

Call 643-7413  

Berkeley Historical Society Volunteer Recruitment 

4 p.m.  

Veterans Memorial Building 

1931 Center St.  

Learn about volunteer opportunities. Open to all. 

Call Susan Austin, 420-8889 

Improv! 

Beginning Oct. 15, 2 p.m. 

Verna Winters Studio for the Performing Arts 

1312 Bonita Ave.  

Learn acting and improv. from veteran actress Verna Winters. The new fall session begins Sunday and classes are limited to only 8. Late registration is available.  

Call 524-1601 for more info 

Strawberry Creek Cleanup 

Noon - 3 p.m. 

All students, faculty, staff, and Berkeley residents are called upon to help in the cleanup, sponsored by UC Berkeley’s Office of Environment, Health & Safety. A limited number of free t-shirts will be distributed. Interested parties should report to the natural amphitheater east of Sather Gate on the UC Berkeley campus.  

Call Romeo Leon, 643-0316 

State Health Toastmasters 

12:10 - 1:10 p.m.  

Department of Health Services Building 

2151 Berkeley Way 

Call 649-7750 

Bay Area: Transportation Nightmare 

Noon - 2 p.m. 

Albany Library 

Edith Stone Room  

1247 Marin Ave. 

Albany 

Stuart Cohen of the Bay Area Transportation and Land Use Coalition will speak on “What are the real choices in the Bay Area’s Transportation Crisis?” 

Call Janet Strothman, 841-3827 

Meeting Life Changes 

10 a.m. 

North Berkeley Senior Center 

1901 Hearst Ave. (at MLK Jr. Way) 

With John Hammerman.  

For info: 644-6107 

Sterling Trio 

Noon  

BART Plaza, Downtown 

Shattuck Ave. at Center St. 

Members of the Berkeley Symphony performing a variety of chamber music. 

Contact Carrie Ridgeway, 549-2230 

Zoning Adjustments Commission 

7 p.m.  

Old City Hall  

2134 MLK Jr. Way 

705-8110 

Community Health Commission 

6:45 p.m.  

Mental Health Clinic 

2640 MLK Jr. Way 

Discussion of Medical Marijuana, the Berkeley High School lunch issue, and a resolution to the council about genetically engineered foods.  

665-6845 

APCO vs. Pacific Steel Casting Company 

10 a.m. 

Bay Area Air Quality Management District 

939 Ellis St., Seventh Floor Board Room 

San Francisco 

Call the clerk’s office, 749-4965 

Friday, Oct. 13

“The Evolution and Cost of Ethical Drugs” 

11:45 a.m.  

Berkeley City Club 

2315 Durant Ave.  

Stanford D. Splitter, retired MD speaks at 12:30 p.m. Luncheon served at 11:45 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. 

Luncheon: $11 

Call for reservations: 848-3533 

“Undefended Love” 

7:30 p.m. 

Shambala Booksellers 

2482 Telegraph Ave. 

Authors Jett Psaris and Marlena Lyons discuss and sign their new book.  

Call 848-8443 

Saturday, Oct. 14

Indigenous Peoples Day Powwow & Indian Market 

10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Grand Entry 1 p.m.  

Enjoy Native American foods, arts & crafts, drumming, singing and many types of native dancing. Sponsored by the City of Berkeley, this event is free.  

Civic Center Park 

Allston Way at MLK Jr. Way 

Info: 615-0603 

Traffic Calming Workshop 

1 - 4 p.m.  

North Berkeley Senior Center 

1901 Hearst Ave. (at MLK Jr. Way) 

Help to achieve reasonable traffic speeds and volume on local streets.  

Free Spay and Neuter Vouchers 

2 - 4 p.m.  

Berkeley Animal Shelter 

2013 Second St. 

The City of Berkeley, along with Spay Neuter Your Pet (SNYP) is kicking off a City-funded program to reduce the number of animals euthanized. They are offering free spay and neuter vouchers to all Berkeley residents.  

Run Your Own Landscape Business: Part 1 

11 a.m. - 1 p.m. 

Ecology Center 

2530 San Pablo Ave. (at Blake) 

Local horticultural consultant and UC Master Gardener Jessie West will teach you how to plant, prune, control weeds, and more. The first of three classes. The others are scheduled for Oct. 21 & 28 in the same timeslot. 

$15 general; $10 for members; $5 materials fee 

Call 548-2220 x223 

Indian Rock Parks Clean-Up 

8 a.m. - Noon 

Indian Rock Park 

Come help local resident Sharon Tamm clean up Indian Rock, Mortar Rock, Grotto Rock and their surrounding areas. Gloves will be provided. Bring a scraping tool and compete for the “Most Gum” award. Prizes have been provided by the Class 5 and IronWorks climbing clubs along with the Any Mountain Outlet store.  

To volunteer call Sharon Tamm, 524-1415 

Learn to Birdwatch 

Oct. 16, 18, 23 & 25 

9:30 a.m. - Noon 

UC Botanical Gardens 

200 Centennial Drive 

$50 for members; $65 for non-members 

Call for info or to enroll: 643-2755 

An Evening with The Professor 

5 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. 

Mambo Mambo 

1803 Webster St.  

Oakland 

Berkeley resident Geoffrey A. Hirsch, better known as the Tie Guy from the “How Berkeley Can You Be” parade got his start in comedy in 1996. A professor in real life, Hirsch tell the story of how he became a funny guy.  

$5 for show only, $10 for show and dinner 

Call Geoffrey Hirsch at 845-5631 to reserve tickets 

Sunday, Oct. 15

A Taste of the Greenbelt 

1 - 4 p.m. 

Los Gatos Opera House 

Celebrate the Bay Area’s agricultural and culinary bounty. This benefit features a variety of musical groups, local artists and samples from over 40 local restaurants, farmers, wineries and microbreweries. Proceeds benefit Greenbelt Alliance’s ongoing efforts to protect Bay Area farmlands and open space.  

$45 per person; $80 for this event and the Oct. 22 event in SF 

1-800-543-GREEN, www.greenbelt.org 

Musicians for Medical Marijuana Benefit 

8 p.m. 

Ashkenaz 

1317 San Pablo (at Gilman) 

The fourth benefit concert with The Cannabis Healers featuring Barney Doyle of the Mickey Hart Band and Terry Haggerty of Sons of Champlin. Also performing will be Country Joe McDonald and Buzzy Linhart and friends. All proceeds go to support public education efforts, medical cannabis research, and financial assistance for patients and their caregivers facing legal challengers.  

Tickets: $15 minimum donation, under 12 free 

Call the Ashkenaz box office, 525-5054 or go to gdt.stoo.com or ticketweb.com 

A Muslim Approach to Life 

3 p.m. 

St. Johns Presbyterian Church 

2727 College Ave.  

A presentation on the Muslim spiritual life and culture which will focus on women’s lives and the uniqueness of women’s spiritual journeys. This is the first of four Sunday programs that will focus on this theme.  

Call 527-4496 

Time, Space, and Knowledge Vision 

6 p.m.  

Tibetan Nyingma Institute 

1815 Highland Place 

Ken McKeon , teacher writer and TSK practitioner since 1980 speaks on “Time, Space, and Knowledge, Right from the Start.” Free. 

Call 843-6812 

1923 North Berkeley Fire Walking Tour 

10 a.m. - Noon 

Phil Gale leads this tour of the Sept. 18, 1923 fire site, identifying various changes wrought in buildings and landscape. The tour includes the Mayback chimney, around which a new home was constructed. Pre-paid reservations are required.  

$10 

Call for reservations, 848-0181 

Monday, Oct. 16

Private Elementary School Parent Information Panel 

7 - 9:30 p.m. 

Epworth United Methodist Church 

1953 Hopkins St.  

A panel of parents from six area private schools discuss the admission process and their experiences. Sponsored by the Neighborhood Parents Network 

Admission: free to members, $5 non-members 

Call 527-6667 

Learn to Birdwatch 

Oct. 16, 18, 23 & 25 

9:30 a.m. - Noon 

UC Botanical Gardens 

200 Centennial Drive 

$50 for members; $65 for non-members 

Call for info or to enroll: 643-2755 

Tuesday, Oct. 17

Is the West Berkeley Shellmound a landmark? 

7 p.m.  

City Council Chambers 

2134 MLK Jr. Way, 2nd floor 

Continued and final public hearing on the appeals against landmark designation of the West Berkeley Shellmound. The City Council may possibly make it’s decision at this meeting. 

Landscape Archeology and Space-Age Technologies in Epirus, Greece 

8 p.m.  

370 Dwinelle Hall 

UC Berkeley 

Professor of Archeology, Art History and Classics Dr. James Wiseman presents a slide-illustrated lecture. 

Fibromyalgia Support Group 

Noon - 2 p.m.  

Alta Bates Medical Center, Maffly Auditorium 

Herrick Campus 

2001 Dwight Way 

Andrea Albanese, PT presents “Aquatic Therapy for Fibromyalgia” and a rap session.  

Call D.L. Malinousky, 601-0550 

Mario Savio Memorial Lecture 

7:30 p.m. 

Pauley Ballroom 

UC Berkeley 

Barbara Ehrenreich and Arlie Hochschild will speak on the theme “Forwards and Backwards - Women, globalization, and the new class structure.” Free. 

Call Heather Cameron, 642-9437 

Help Out Some Orangutans 

7 p.m.  

Cafe Milanos 

2522 Bancroft Way 

Come help plan a day of action against Citibank, who allegedly plunders the environment for profit. Join the Rainforest Action Group and Ecopledge in protest.  

Is the Sky Falling? 

7 p.m.  

Ecology Center 

2530 San Pablo Ave. 

Tim Holt, author of “On Higher Ground” will present an array of post-ecotopian choices, one of which is domed cities. What does the future hold for California?  

Call 548-2220 x 233  

Wednesday, Oct. 18

Traffic Calming Workshop 

7 - 10 p.m. 

St. Clements Church 

2837 Clement Blvd.  

Help to achieve reasonable traffic speeds and volume on local streets.  

“Women and Trafficking: Domestic & Global Concerns” 

6 - 9:30 p.m. 

North Berkeley Senior Center 

1901 Hearst Ave. (at MLK Jr. Way) 

The Berkeley Commission on the Status of Women invites the public to this forum which will include an expert panel discussion, and a movie on Women and trafficking. Free. 

Call 644-6107 for more info.  

Human Welfare & Community Action Meeting 

7 p.m. 

South Berkeley Senior Center 

2939 Ellis 

Commission on Labor Board Meeting 

6 p.m. 

1950 Addison St., Suite 105 

Commission on Aging Board Meeting 

1:30 p.m. 

North Berkeley Senior Center 

1901 Hearst St.  

Board of Education 

7:30 p.m. 

Old City Hall 

2134 MLK Jr. Way 

Citizen’s Humane Commission 

7 p.m. 

North Berkley Senior Center 

1901 Hearst St. 

Thursday, Oct. 19

The Promise and Perils of Transgenic Crops 

7:30 - 9 p.m.  

International House, Homeroom 

UC Berkeley 

2299 Piedmont Ave.  

A discussion with Dr. Peggy Lemaux, professor of Plant and Microbiology at UC Berekeley, of the scientific basis for biotechnology, it’s risks and benefits. 

Contact Maribel Guillermo, 642-9460 

Candlelight Vigil For the Uninsured 

6 p.m.  

Steps of Sproul Hall 

UC Berkeley 

Join the American Medical Student Association, Berkeley Pre-Medical Chapter in a vigil for those without health insurance. Speakers from various medical organizations will discuss ways to improve our health care system.  

Call Chris Hamerski, 845-1607 

Berkeley Metaphysic Toastmasters Club 

6:15 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. 

2515 Hillegass Ave.  

Public speaking skills and metaphysic come together at Avatar Metaphysical Toastmasters. Meets first and third Thursdays each month. 

Call 869-2547 or 643-7645 

Rafael Mariquez Free Solo Concert 

7:30 p.m. 

Berkeley Public Library, South Branch 

1901 Russell St. (at MLK Jr. Way) 

This Chilean folksinger and guitarist presents his original settings of selections by Latin American poets. 

Contact: 644-6860; TDD 548-1240 

Vocal Sauce 

Noon 

BART Plaza, Downtown 

Shattuck Ave. at Center St. 

The JazzSchool’s vocal jazz ensemble perform award-winning arrangements by Greg Murai.  

Contact Carrie Ridgeway, 549-2230 

CLGS Lavendar Lunch 

12:30 - 1:30 p.m. 

1798 Scenic Ave. 

Kyle Miura, Pacific School of Religion alumnus and Director of the GTUs Pacific and Asian-American Center for Theology and Strategies speaks on being “Queer and Asian.”  

Call 849-8239 

Performance Poetica 

7:30 p.m. 

ATA Gallery 

992 Valencia St. 

San Francisco 

Video and verse by Illinois Arts Council/Hemingway Festival poet and filmmaker Rose Virgo, with special guest Judy Irwin.  

$3  

Pain - Ways to Make It Easier 

1 - 2:30 p.m. 

Alta Bates Summit Medical Center 

Ashby Campus, Dining Rooms A & B 

3001 Colby 

Maggie van Staveren, LCSW, CHT and Christine Bartlett, PT, CHT will demonstrate ways to let go of pain due to arthritis, injury and illness. RSVP requested. 

Call 869-6737  

Design Review Commission 

7:30 p.m. 

North Berkeley Senior Center 

1901 Hearst St.  

Transportation Commission 

7 p.m. 

North Berkeley Senior Center 

1901 Hearst St.  

Fair Campaign Practices Commission 

7:30 p.m. 

North Berkeley Senior Center 

1901 Hearst St.  

Friday, Oct. 20

“The Ballot Issues” 

11:45 a.m. 

Berkeley City Club 

2315 Durant Ave.  

Fran Packard of the League of Women Voters speaks at 12:30 p.m. Luncheon served at 11:45 a.m. and 12:15 p.m.  

Luncheon: $11 

Call 848-3533 

Human Nature 

8:30 p.m. 

New College Cultural Center 

766 Valencia 

San Francisco 

The X-plicit Players present this idyllic nude ritual. Watch or participate: Be led blindfolded through body tunnels, into body streams while sensing psychic/body qualities through touch. Also presented on Oct. 21.  

$12 admission 

Call 415-848-1985 

Broken Spirits - Addressing Abuse 

8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. 

Brookins African Methodist Episcopal Church 

2201 73rd Ave. 

Oakland 

Alta Bates Summit Medical Center’s Health Ministry program presents a free workshop on the impact of domestic violence on our community.  

Call for info, 869-6763 

Saturday, Oct. 21

A Day on Mt. Tam 

9:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. 

Come play and hike in San Francisco’s beloved playground. This outing is part of a series of free fall outings organized by Greenbelt Alliance. 

Call: 415-255-3233 for reservations 

AHIMSA Eight Annual Conference 

9 a.m. - 5 p.m.  

International House, Great Hall 

UC Berkeley 

2299 Piedmont Ave.  

The AHIMSA is a nonprofit foundation whose goal is to encourage dialogues and public forums which bridge spiritual, scientific and social issues. This years conference is titled “Violence! Scientific and Spiritual Perspectives.”  

Admission is free 

Contact Maribel Guillermo, 642-9460 

Berkeley Farmers’ Market Fall Fruit Tastings 

10 a.m. - 3 p.m.  

Center St. at MLK Jr. Way 

Taste a whole farmers’ market’s bounty of fall fruit varieties. 

Free. 

Info: 548-3333 

Run Your Own Landscape Business: Part 2 

11 a.m. - 1 p.m. 

Ecology Center 

2530 San Pablo Ave. (at Blake) 

Local horticultural consultant and UC Master Gardener Jessie West will teach you how to plant, prune, control weeds, and more. The second of three classes. The last is scheduled for Oct. 28 during the same timeslot. 

$15 general; $10 for members; $5 materials fee 

Call 548-2220 x223 

Sunday, Oct. 22

A Taste of the Greenbelt 

1 - 4 p.m. 

Presidio’s Golden Gate Club 

Greenbelt Alliance brings the farm to the city in this celebration of the Bay Area’s agricultural and culinary bounty. Featured are samples from over 40 local restaurants, farmers, wineries, microbreweries. Also featured are live music and local artwork. The event benefits Greenbelt Alliance’s ongoing efforts to protect Bay Area farmlands and open space.  

$45 per person 

1-800-543-GREEN, www.greenbelt.org 

An Evening with Alice Walker 

7:30 p.m.  

King Middle School  

1781 Rose St. (at Grant) 

free parking 

Join internationally loved novelist, poet and essayist Alice Walker in celebrating her new book of autobiographical stories, “The Way Forward is With a Broken Heart.” Benefits Berkeley EcoHouse and KPFA Radio, 94.1 FM.  

Tickets: $10 advance, $13 door 

Tickets available at independent bookstores 

More info: 848-6767 x609 

From Bahia to Berkeley 

11 a.m.  

Capoeira Arts Cafe 

2026 Addison St. 

A benefit brunch and auction with food, music, dance and culture to bring Brazilian folkloric dance group Nicinha Raizes from Bahia, Brazil to the Bay Area. The group will tour in January, 2001.  

Call Brasarte, 428-0698 

Take a Trip to the Oakland Ballet 

North Berkeley Senior Center 

1901 Hearst Ave. (at MLK Jr. Way) 

This is an outing organized by the Senior Center to see “Glass Slippers.”  

Tickets: $6 each 

Call Maggie or Suzanne, 644-6107 

A Buddhist Pilgramage in India 

6 p.m. 

Tibetan Nyingma Institute 

1815 Highland Pl. 

June Rosenberg brings to life, through slides and lecture, her pilgrimages in India. Free. 

Call 843-6812 

University Avenue Indian Business Community 

10 a.m. - Noon 

Kirpal & Neelum Khanna, owners of the Bazaar of India, tell about the steps they took from spice and food retailing to today’s Bazaar, and the nuances and features of the Indian business community on University Avenue. One is a series of walking tours sponsored by the Berkeley Historical Society. 

$10 per person 

Call 848-0181 for reservations 

Monday, Oct. 23

Berkeley Chinese Community Church Turns 100 

6 p.m. 

Nov. 4 

Silver Dragon Restaurant 

835 Webster St. 

Oakland 

Reservations: $30 per person 

More info: 548-5295 

Public Schools Parent Information Night 

7 - 9 p.m.  

Epworth United Methodist Church 

1953 Hopkins St. 

Parents, principals and other administrative staff from 11 elementary schools will speak about their schools. Sponsored by Neighborhood Parents Network.  

Admission: free to members, $5 non-members 

527-6667 

Parks & Recreation Board Meeting 

7 p.m. 

North Berkeley Senior Center 

1901 Hearst St.  

Solid Waste Management Commission 

7 p.m. 

Solid Waste Management Center 

1201 Second St. 

Tuesday, Oct. 24

Berkeley Farmers’ Market Fall Fruit Tastings 

2 p.m. - 7 p.m.  

Derby St. at MLK Jr. Way 

Come taste a bounty of fall fruit varieties for free. 

Info: 548-3333 

Thursday, Oct. 25

International Jewish Video Competition Winners 

7:30 p.m.  

Pacific Film Archive 

2575 Bancroft Way 

Screening of the four winners in the Museum’s seventh annual competition.  

Call 549-6950 

Civic Arts Commission 

6:30 p.m. 

North Berkeley Senior Center 

1901 Hearst St.  

Disaster Council 

7 p.m. 

Emergency Operations Center 

997 Cedar 

Energy Commission 

5:30 p.m. 

North Berkeley Senior Center 

1901 Hearst St. 

Mental Health Commission 

6:30 p.m. 

Mental Health Clinic 

2640 MLK Jr. Way 

Planning Commission 

7 p.m.  

North Berkeley Senior Center 

1901 Hearst St.  

Police Review Commission 

7:30 p.m. 

North Berkeley Senior Center 

1901 Hearst St.  

Thursday, Oct. 26

East Bay Science & Arts Middle School 

Noon  

BART Plaza, Downtown 

Middle school students perform dances of folk, swing, and Cuban rueda styles. Free.  

Contact Carrie Ridgeway, 549-2230 

Proposition Brown Bag 

Noon - 1:30 p.m.  

Institute of Governmental Studies 

109 Moses Hall 

UC Berkeley 

Hear presentations about and discuss the eight propositions on the California ballot.  

Call 642-4608 

Friday, Oct. 27

“Transporation: What’s in Store?” 

11:45 a.m. 

Berkeley City Club  

2315 Durant Ave.  

Larry Dahms, Executive Director of the Metropolitan Transportation Council speaks at 12:30 p.m. Luncheon is served at 11:45 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. 

Luncheon: $11 

More info and reservations: 848-3533 

Saturday, Oct. 28

Pedaling the Green City 

11 a.m. -3:30 p.m.  

Take a leisurely bike ride along the future San Francisco Bay Trail. One in a series of free outings organized by Greenbelt Alliance.  

Call: 415-255-3233 for reservations  

Wild About Books? 

10:30 a.m. 

Berkeley Central Library 

2121 Allston Way 

Halloween for the little guys with (not so) scary stories, music, and more.  

Call 649-3943  

Run Your Own Landscape Business: Part 3 

11 a.m. - 1 p.m. 

Ecology Center 

2530 San Pablo Ave. (at Blake) 

Local horticultural consultant and UC Master Gardener Jessie West will teach you how to plant, prune, control weeds, and more. This is the final class in the series. 

$15 general; $10 for members; $5 materials fee 

Call 548-2220 x223 

Sunday, Oct. 29

“Gateway to Knowledge” 

6 p.m. 

Tibetan Nyingma Institute 

1815 Highland Pl. 

Barr Rosenberg describes how to master new knowledge and take the power to shape our lives in wise and compassionate ways.  

843-6812 

An Evening with The Professor 

5 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. 

Mambo Mambo 

1803 Webster St.  

Oakland 

Berkeley resident Geoffrey A. Hirsch, better known as the Tie Guy from the “How Berkeley Can You Be” parade got his start in comedy in 1996. A professor in real life, Hirsch tell the story of how he became a funny guy.  

$5 for show only, $10 for show and dinner 

Call Geoffrey Hirsch at 845-5631 to reserve tickets 

Wednesday, Nov. 1

Kathak Dancing with Pandit Chitresh Das 

7:30 p.m. 

Julia Morgan Center for the Arts 

2640 College Ave.  

The Graduate Theological Union presents a free lecture-demonstration with Pandit Chitresh Das, a master of India’s Kathak dance form. This event is free. 

Call 649-2440 for additional info 

Why blame U.S.? 

Editor: 

The latest burst of bloodletting in the MidEast is horrible enough to watch, without being told that the USA is responsible for it (photo, Friday 10/6). 

Let’s get it straight: the endless war in the MidEast is entirely the fault of the people who are fighting it. Blame the bloodletting on the fanatics of both sides. 

Israeli religious fanatics claim that God has given them the right to settle all of Biblical Israel, and throw out any non-Jews who might already live there. 

The Palestinians, Syrians and the various Arab guerrilla groups want the state of Israel to cease to exist. These people are being supported by various Muslim religious fanatics. 

Seen from outside the battlefield, there are all kinds of reasonable compromises available, any of which would let Israel and Palestine both have their national identity. If Israel and Palestine ever quit fighting and got together to make a MidEast research and industrial zone, it could be another place like Silicon Valley. 

But the fighting goes on, basically because the minority fanatics on both sides won’t allow any kind of compromise. 

As I see it, the major sticking points are the West Bank settlements and security. Israel needs to give up some occupied territory, but not unless the Palestinians can give credible guarantees that terrorists won’t use such territory to continue attacks on Israel. This last part is where the Israelis are right and the Palestinians are farthest from reality, in my opinion. 

Anyway, don’t blame the bloodletting on the USA. 

Steve Geller 

Berkeley 

Berkeley’s loss becomes Altmont’s gain 

Editor: 

Here’s one for your “gown swallows town” ironies column. Every year, a certain San Francisco-based private charitable foundation spends millions supporting environmentally friendly organizations and projects. They even offer the world’s largest prize program honoring grassroots environmentalists. 

Three years ago, that same foundation awarded a $10 million grant to UC Berkeley’s Graduate School of Public Policy. Re-christened the Richard & Rhoda Goldman School of Public Policy, the school launched an ambitious expansion program. 

The latest phase of that effort is the planned construction of an 11,000 square-foot facility for academic offices and classrooms. It will occupy the last remaining parcel of open space on Hearst Avenue’s north side, just across from the main UCB campus, and be scrunched up against the GSPP’s present facilities in the historic Beta Theta Pi fraternity house (Ernest Coxhead, 1893) and National Register Landmark Cloyne Court (John Galen Howard, 1904). Both of these old buildings are among the Northside’s few survivors of Berkeley’s 1923 Fire. 

To make room for the GSPP Expansion Project, as it is called, “approximately 3,500 cubic yards of materials and soils would need to be excavated from the site.” (GSPP Expansion Project DEIR, page 3-12) 

How much material is this actually? The back of a standard pickup truck accommodates about a cubic yard of soil. So, if you allot 20 linear feet of road for each truck, imagine a solid line of 3,500 pickups extending over 13 miles – from the Goldman School at Hearst & LeRoy Avenues clear across the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge.  

And where is all this material going? To the Altamont Landfill, of course.  

If this has you raising an environmental eyebrow, consider UCB’s current plans for “SRB1” (aka “surge” building) just down the hill at the Oxford Tract. There, to make room for a 200-vehicle subterranean parking garage beneath the 79,000 square-foot offices-and-classrooms building above, “approximately 40,000 cubic yards of material and soil would have to be disposed during excavation and grading.” (SRB1 DEIR, p 58)  

For this one, visualize a solid line of pickup trucks extending from the Oxford Tract down to through Santa Cruz to Monterey Bay or out beyond Sacramento to the Gold Country.  

Berkeley’s loss will be Altamont’s gain. 

Jim Sharp 

Berkeley  

Get rid of the bicycles 

The Berkeley Daily Planet received this letter addressed to Deans, Chairs & Miscellaneous Titles: 

What follows—some notes I took in my head as I walked on the campus the other day and will, hopefully, be an abrupt departure from your usual reading fare.  

Occasionally I chance on Campus, to renew my library card, get a book out, or just to consider the happenings over the last 35 years since I was a student here. 

First there are the bicycles threading their way speedily through the crowds, making the less than agile 70 year old like myself wary and nervous. As a practicing curmudgeon, I’ve made note of this to a Dean’s office several times before. Always a nice letter ensues – “we’re looking into the matter, enforcement will prevail, admonishments will be made” and the like. But it gets worse. Where are the bikers going now that they didn’t have to go when bikes were kept off the pathways? 

And now there are cars to watch out for too! Gone are the dirt paths and wild areas that used to make the place and pace so attractive. Now paved over and the wild places are now planted with new buildings housing the urgencies of progress. The campus used to be such a serene public place, quiet enough to think about the education you were receiving, even to ruminate on whether it was worthwhile having one, or to consider bailing out of the rat race and shucking the career racket. 

There were even dedicated non-achievers around called bohemians who – peculiar souls – thought an education was an end in itself. Gone! Canceled now by high rents, high fees that require a straight ahead, vocational demeanor, or, barring that, the prospect of homelessness. 

So as not to be purely on the negative side, some suggestions: Eliminate bicycles from the campus, period, since they will invariably violate the rules if allowed. Eliminate scooters, skateboards, and whatever else takes away the need and the pleasure of walking. And throw out cell phones too for that matter. 

James L. Fairley,  

Class of ‘53 

Michael Issel  

To:  

opinion@berkeleydailyplanet.com 

Subject: Response to October 3 Berkeley Daily Planet Letter from 

Eleanor Pepples, Candidate for City Council. 

Perhaps Ms. Pepples should direct her efforts directly to the 

council to which she aspires, with a program supporting candidate 

“equal rights for equal blights.” Because we live in Berkeley Ms. 

Pepples could propose public funded “public blight.” Because of 

funding disparities between campaigns, we could equalize them by 

giving every candidate their own set of public poles upon which to 

hang their aesthetic discontinuities, or in Ms. Pepples case, photos 

of herself. We could select several “safe streets” upon which all 

such blight would then be publicly displayed. Tours could be 

arranged. Public pole maintenance costs could be underwritten by 

auto mechanics, because they will become the beneficiaries when 

drivers, casting their eyes skyward, drive into potholes, speed 

bumps, speed pits and each other to avoid viewing the Hydra. This 

new revenue source could serve as an alternative to campaign 

contributions by frequenting our favorite auto mechanics instead.  

Indeed, we can foster an entirely new form of candidacy, the auto 

mechanics! Think of it, with their focus on maintenance to high 

performance standards, a whole new spectrum of governmental 

management possibilities could arise. Because auto mechanic rates 

are the same as psychologists, of necessity, Council meetings would 

be 50 minutes long. And let’s face it, unlike a psychologist; auto 

mechanics have the appropriate training to screw down our loose nuts 

and tighten our heads, not to mention making appropriate adjustments 

for excessive public exhaust emissions. So, instead of debating on 

the policy of foreign nations, we would have debates on foreign 

cars! Instead of endlessly inflating our city expenditures, we 

could have discussions on correct inflation pressure limits. This 

would actually serve a public need. The televised council meeting 

could transition from dreary public entertainment to lively 

informative “car talk” sessions - stay tuned.  

Mike Issel 

winmail.dat 

Name:  

winmail.dat 

Type:  

application/ms-tnef 

Encoding:  

base64 

Subject:  

BTV schedule - YEEAAH! 

Date:  

Fri, 06 Oct 2000 15:47:15 -0700 

From:  

lee marrs  

To:  

arnold@berkeleydailyplanet.net, judith@berkeleydailyplanet.net 

Dear Y’all:  

Thanks so much for running the BTV schedule today. As an avid viewer, it’s driven me crazy to not have  

much of a clue as to when anything ran except the (always entertaining) city council meetings.  

After multiple decades here - back to the days of cursing the Gazette - I am one of many who are delighted to  

have a local paper again at last. Even if some days it’s ads ads ads + a wire service blurb. As an ole  

newspaper person, I know how good it is to be able to pay the bills too.  

Keep up the circus work!  

LEE MARRS  

Subject:  

B-TV schedule 

Date:  

6 Oct 00 15:07:01 PDT 

From:  

Joyce Kawahata  

To:  

judith@berkeleydailyplanet.net 

Dear Daily Planet, 

I was so glad to see the B-TV, Channel 25 schedule in the Daily Planet. = 

It’s 

hard to find it and the Daily Planet is so accessible. Keep up the good = 

work 

in being a real community newspaper! 

J. Kawahata 

____________________________________________________________________ 

Get free email and a permanent address at http://www.netaddress.com/?N=1 

Subject:  

Zee French Hotel Café 

Date:  

Tue, 10 Oct 2000 14:05:39 -0700 

From:  

Leonard Pitt  

To:  

judith@berkeleydailyplanet.net 

References:  

1 , 2 

Dear Judith, 

Might I offer a clarification: 

Sandy Boyd was told three years ago that he had no permit for  

sidewalk furniture. 

He did nothing. 

Last May 24 the City told him to pull all tables in chairs inside,  

which he did. 

Over the summer café patrons, on their own, began taking chairs only  

onto the sidewalk. 

Sandy Boyd finally submitted his application on August 24. 

About three weeks later, in the middle of September, the Berkeley  

police came by and cited the cafe. Not even chairs on the sidewalk! 

That's when several of us went to the police department to find out  

the law on tables and chairs on sidewalk. Bring your own and it's OK,  

as long as you leave 6 feet of unobstructed space for pedestrians. 

Learning that the City takes 2 to 4 months to process these  

applications we then held our sit-out at the café on October 3. 

My Point: 

The café submitted their permit application on August 24. 

According to Wendy Cosin, once this is done both tables and chairs  

are allowed outside. 

So why did the police come by and cite the café? Therein lies the rub. 

Leonard 

>I believe the cafe was cited before people began taking their chairs out 

>-- three years after the owner was asked to get a permit. 

> 

>Leonard Pitt wrote: 

> 

If passed Nov. 7, Measure E would authorize the Peralta Community College District to issue school bonds for $153 million to repair and renovate classrooms, training facilities, science and computer labs, meet health and safety standards and replace inadequate electrical and sewage systems, as well as construct and acquire other facilities.  

But Councilmembers Kriss Worthington and Dona Spring are threatening to pull their support for the measure unless the needs of Vista College are taken into account explicitly.  

The four colleges under the umbrella of the Peralta College District – Alameda, Laney, Merritt, and Vista – all stand to benefit from the bond measure. 

Where that money will go is uncertain, argued Councilmember Kriss Worthington, who has been meeting with Amey Stone, the Peralta College board president. 

“They have verbally agreed to use some of the Measure E moneys to create a permanent campus for Vista College in Berkeley,” he said.  

“For the last month, we’ve been trying to get them to put that in writing.” 

Added Spring, “We want Measure E to pass, but have an obligation to our citizens to make sure that some of that money comes to Vista College.” 

Spring and Worthington want about $25 million from the Measure E funds for a permanent campus at the corner of Milvia Street and Shattuck Avenue in downtown Berkeley. 

“The site is already purchased, and there is already $15 million ready to go, but that’s not nearly enough,” Spring said. 

Board President Stone said that there is a plan to raise the Vista campus fund to $32 million, and that this money would come from Measure E moneys, depending on voter’s approval of the measure. 

Ron Temple, the board president, said that the board has already passed a resolution committing itself to “Scheme A,” a plan to build the permanent Berkeley campus. 

“Scheme A commits us to a 145,000 square foot building, subject to approval of Measure E. Legally, we can’t do more than that. We’re bound,” said Temple, adding that he’d send Worthington a fax with the July 11 resolution.  

“It’s already designated in the budget if the measure passes. The commitment is there. We’ve bought land, we’ve hired an architect, we have a plan,” said Temple. 

Worthington said that he was sending faxes back and forth to the Board, and that if a written agreement isn’t hammered out, he will oppose the measure. 

“I hate to issue ultimatums, but Vista College has been burned in the past by this board, and before we support such a measure, we want to make sure we have a guarantee, in writing,” he said. 

“It’s nice of them to say those things, but it is not the signed agreement between two legally constituted entities that we are asking for,” he said. “If that’s the case, and we don’t get anything from them to that level, we will not vote to support them.” 

Worthington said that the need for such a legally binding agreement comes from a history of distrust. Vista College nearly de-annexed itself from the Peralta Community College District when former Assemblymember Tom Bates and Councilmember Maudelle Shirek proposed a “succession suit” to remove Vista College from Peralta Community College District. “It wasn’t until the writing was on the wall, that Peralta purchased the current site and allocated the money for a permanent campus,” Spring said. “There is a lot of bad blood between Vista and that board.” 

Jeff Heyman, spokesperson for the Peralta Community College District, said the discussions reminded him of his past work for the United Nations. “I was a public information officer in Bosnia. We’d work with Serbs, Croats, Muslims, and suddenly someone would bring up something from the 13th Century. History has a way of making people disbelieve the present. The reality is that there is an absolute, firm commitment to build that permanent facility in Berkeley,” said Heyman.  

“What people need to realize is that this board has a new chancellor and new management. We are not talking about the same entity that had so much difficulty in the past,” he continued. 

Workers were busily hauling boxes of office furniture into Berkeley’s new police and fire headquarters Tuesday, while the city and building contractor haggle over who is responsible for three pages of last-minute details. 

Those items include tweaking the computerized air-conditioning system, installing a sink in a break room and construction finish work, according to John Rosenbrock, public safety building project manager. 

“It’s a matter of – this needs to be caulked, we have to repaint this wall and fix this crack,” Rosenbrock said.  

Rosenbrock won’t say how much the items on what he calls the “punchlist” will cost the city because it’s not clear if the contractor, Foster City-based S.J. Amoroso, will pay for them. Already, Rosenbrock said S.J. Amoroso refused to pay for the sink leaving the city to foot its $1,000 bill. 

“It’s not a big cost,” he said, adding that most of the last-minute details will be cleared up within a month.  

S.J. Amoroso President Paul Mason said he is sitting down with city officials tomorrow to work out how the last remaining items will be completed.  

“Most of the items are getting resolved. But we still need to sit down and talk about it,” Mason said. “We have a very good relationship with (the city). There are no problems with this one.” 

However, more than 100 city police and fire workers are already packing their coffee mugs and office plants to begin moving into the building over the next two weekends.  

Rosenbrock maintains that the air conditioning – which he says varies in temperature by four degrees in some spots – is currently being worked on. The rest of the details, he said, are just that – details. 

“The building is ready. If the heating and air conditioning system were not ready then we would not be moving in,” he said. “There’s always items at the end of a construction project.” 

When the building is completed, it will be more than eight years after voters passed Measure G – a $55 million bond to pay for earthquake and fire safety measures, including the retrofit of the police and fire headquarters. 

Instead of paying for the retrofit of the aging buildings – a $12.5 million project – city officials asked a judge to allow the new public safety building to replace them.  

That original price tag has since ballooned to $18.5 million. Permits, inspections, environmental studies and administrative costs account for about $4 million of the price tag, Rosenbrock said, with the remaining $14.5 going to the contractor. S.J. Amoroso, who began the project in 1998.  

The city paid for the increase with a $3.5 million state seismic retrofit grant and $1.7 million interest earned on Measure G funds between 1992 and 1998.  

Critics, however, say the city’s financing strategy for the new public safety building is questionable. One neighborhood activist points to the $200,000 the city spent on a competition which produced designs that no one in the city wanted.  

“They do things that don’t make sense – that you or I or no one else would do,” he said, asking that his name not be used in this story.  

The new public safety building on Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. and Addison Street will replace both the Hall of Justice and the fire administration buildings on McKinley Street. City officials plan to demolish the two 1930s-era buildings and replace them with a 124 space parking lot. 

Demolition of the old buildings has also been delayed by neighborhood opposition to a 170-foot police communications tower next to the new building. Neighbors say the tower is obtrusive and hurts property values and have asked city officials to either move it or break it up into smaller and less noticeable pieces.  

Demolition and parking lot construction is considered Phase II of the public safety building project, Rosenbrock said. Moving the police tower is not included in $1.5 million Phase II budget, he added. 

The judge hearing the criminal case against a wealthy Berkeley landlord accused of sex and immigration offenses delayed until Oct. 24 a hearing to dismiss some of the charges.  

The hearing had been scheduled for Tuesday.  

Federal prosecutors said they plan to name additional defendants and the judge has previously said she wants those defendants named before she rules on the defense motion to dismiss some of the charges.  

Among other crimes, Lakireddy Bali Reddy, a Berkeley property owner and restaurateur, has been charged with importing three teenagers from a village in southern India to perform sexual services for him. His adult son, Vijay Kumar Lakireddy, has also been charged in the case.  

Ted Cassman, Reddy's lawyer, has asked Armstrong to throw out the sex charges because he says a reference to “immoral purposes” in the century-old law under which Reddy is charged is unconstitutionally vague. 

Currently free on $10 million bail, Reddy was arrested in January following the accidental death last year of one of the teen-agers, Chanti Jyotsna Devi Prattipati.  

The girl, whose exact age has not been established, died of carbon monoxide poisoning in one of Reddy's rental properties in Berkeley.  

A routine investigation by Berkeley police raised suspicions about her living circumstances. 

Cassman has argued that the 1907 law Reddy is charged under is unconstitutionally vague.  

He told the court last month that the law, which prohibits importation of minors for prostitution “or other immoral purposes,” is invalid because the phrase “immoral purposes” is vague and archaic.  

“The bottom line is that in our contemporary world (the law) fails to define a public offense beyond its specific reference to prostitution,” he wrote in papers filed in August. Under settled legal principles, a law is invalid if it is so vague that an average person would have to guess what it means. That is the case here, Cassman says. Cassman did not return a call placed to his office by the Daily Planet Tuesday seeking comment. 

Federal prosecutors in the case disagree with Cassman's interpretation of the statute.  

“No court has held that the phrase is unconstitutionally vague,” assistant U.S. Attorney John W. Kennedy told Armstrong in papers filed last month. Kennedy said the Supreme Court has held that the phrase “immoral purposes” is applicable to a variety of circumstances, including prostitution, concubinage, polygamy and rape. 

The government brief points out that Reddy has lived in the United States for over 30 years and presumably knew that sex with minors was illegal. 

Kennedy also argued that Reddy has effectively conceded he had sexual relations with the girls because defense attorney Cassman has indicated he will present evidence that the girls were over 18 at the time of Reddy's arrest, not minors.

After an intense 12 months of work, which included seven public workshops with over 30 hours of “round table” discussions, hundreds of speakers, and countless hours of discussion, writing, reviewing and revising, the Berkeley Planning Commission has released the much-anticipated Planning Commission Draft General Plan for community review and discussion. The Draft Plan is designed to replace the 1977 Master Plan and the first draft update prepared last summer by the City staff. 

The draft plan sets four major policy goals for Berkeley for the next 20 years:  

l Preserve Berkeley’s unique character and quality of life  

l Ensure that Berkeley has an adequate supply of decent housing, living wage jobs and businesses providing basic goods and services  

l Maximize and improve citizen participation in municipal decision-making.  

The Plan attempts to address many of the challenges the city faces: Housing and Land Use: The plan contains policies to encourage the development of affordable housing downtown and along transit corridors to meet the current housing crunch in Berkeley and the Bay Area.  

Transportation: The plan addresses the growing traffic problem with a series of policies to encourage transit use including working with transit agencies to establish an “EcoPass” program to provide area employees with free transit passes.  

Infrastructure: The plan contains policies calling for maintenance, repair and replacement of the City’s aging infrastructure of sewers, streets and sidewalks.  

Economic Development: The plan contains policies for promoting a strong industrial base and living wage jobs and supporting locally owned neighborhood-serving businesses. 

Public hearings will be held on October 25, 2000 and November 8, 2000 with an additional hearing planned for January.  

For copies of the plan, contact Andrew Thomas at 705-8135 or visit the City of Berkeley web site at: www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/Planning/

PIEDMONT, — Boy Scout leaders in this quiet suburb have entered the debate over the national organization’s anti-gay stand with a letter to parents saying they won’t discriminate. 

After deciding at a retreat that they do not think being gay violates scouting principles, the Piedmont Scout Council sent a letter to parents in September explaining it opposes discrimination based on religion, ethnicity or sexual orientation. 

At issue is the national organization’s ban on gays in leadership.  

The policy survived a legal challenge when the Supreme Court ruled last June that the private volunteer group has the right to pick its own leaders, but it is still opposed by many as unfair. 

It was not clear how far the Piedmont council planned to go in opposing the ban. Council leaders did not return several telephone messages left by The Associated Press. 

At Boy Scouts of America headquarters, spokesman Gregg Shields said officials haven’t seen the Piedmont letter so they couldn’t comment on it. 

However, he said if the council does flout the ban, it will be the first in the country to do so.  

Two other councils, in Providence, R.I., and St. Paul, Minn., have formally requested the national organization review its policy. 

Josephine Pegrum-Hazelett, executive director of the Piedmont Scout Council, told The Oakland Tribune earlier that leaders didn’t “see anything in the scout oath and law that would seem to sanction discrimination.” 

The San Francisco Bay area scouting council, by contrast, does not oppose the anti-gay policy. 

Spokesman Michael Dybeck said the larger council tries to focus on the children it serves rather than national debates. 

“Our focus is delivering a quality scouting program to the community,” he said. 

On the Net: http://www.bsa.scouting.org/

SAN CLEMENTE — Lights, loud underwater noises and a curtain of air bubbles haven’t stopped fish from getting caught in the San Onofre nuclear power plant’s ocean water cooling system, according to a coastal commission report. 

Over the past 10 years, the power plant, operated by Southern California Edison Co., has been testing various methods that would reduce the number of fish killed by the generator cooling system that sucks in sea water at a rate of 2 feet per second. 

The alternate methods tested either failed to deter fish, were too expensive to install and maintain, or were harmful to other marine life, the report said. 

The California Coastal Commission, which ordered the study, was scheduled to discuss the report at its meeting Thursday in Oceanside but the commission does not have to take action. 

The report recommends that the power plant be allowed to stop researching other fish deterrence methods and be allowed to continue current methods as long as fish deaths don’t increase. 

“Nobody can come up with any techniques that work better than what’s working now,” said Susan Hansch, director of the commission’s Energy, Ocean Resources and Water Quality Department. “This is one place where (Edison employees) have really tried.” 

The San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station, located along the southern tip of the Orange County coast, currently diverts larger fish from intake pipes with guiding vanes that lead fish to an elevator, which returns them to the ocean. 

The intakes for San Onofre’s Units 2 and 3 reactors kill about 20 tons of adult fish a year, according to the commission’s Marine Review Committee. The current fish protection measures save about 4.3 tons of fish a year and meet commission requirements. 

The tests to further reduce fish deaths included using strobe lights, mercury vapor lights and varying intensities of light. Researchers also tested air bubble curtains, pneumatic guns and electrified nets. 

“The results were very mixed. Some fish were attracted, some were sent in other directions, depending on the species,” said David Kay, manager of Edison’s marine mitigation program. 

The power plant also cleans its intake system with warm water, which dissuades fish from entering the pipes. 

The intake is heated about seven times a year by reversing the flow of water through the system. Workers increase the water temperature gradually to drive fish from the system before the temperature reaches lethal levels. 

WASHINGTON — Spurred by the plight of a California woman, the House passed legislation Tuesday to allow disabled immigrants to become citizens without taking an oath of allegiance. 

If the Senate agrees, the bill passed by voice vote in the House would open the door to citizenship for Vijai Rajan, 24, of Anaheim. Republican Rep. Christopher Cox, who sponsored the bill, had called the Immigration and Naturalization Service’s handling of the case “appalling” because the woman suffers from cerebral palsy and other ailments. 

“Unfortunately when the system of justice doesn’t work, it is heartbreaking for those invovled,” Cox told the House before the vote. “This legislation also sends a strong signal that long delays and bureaucratic impediments are not the greetings that this great nation would send to its new citizens. I thank the Rajan family for never losing hope.” 

The Senate earlier passed a similar measure from Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., so that chamber is expected to approve Cox’s bill before the session ends. 

Sunder Rajan, the woman’s father, expressed concern about the need for a second Senate vote because the remainder of the session is measured in days rather than weeks. 

“With so little time left in the session, I’m afraid if it doesn’t happen now, it won’t happen or it won’t happen for a long time,” he said. “If everybody agrees this should be done, I hope there will be no problem.”  

Vijai Rajan, who was born in India, suffers from cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, seizures and Crohn’s disease, a severe intestinal ailment. She uses a wheelchair and receives 24-hour care. She cannot understand, recite or raise her hand to take the oath. 

The bill would allow the attorney general to waive the requirement for the oath for “an individual with a disability, or a child, who is unable to understand or communicate an understanding of the meaning of the oath.” 

Immigration experts say Rajan’s case illustrates a problem facing about 1,000 disabled applicants. Although the agency grants waivers for those applicants who cannot take the citizenship test, it requires that they be able to make a “meaningful allegiance.” 

Two similar cases were decided last year. In Utah, a federal judge ordered a mentally handicapped man be granted citizenship without taking the oath. In Hawaii, a federal judge upheld the INS’ oath requirement. Both rulings have been appealed. 

Born when her mother was visiting in India, Rajan has lived in the United States since she was a baby and has a green card. Her father became a naturalized citizen in 1980, her mother in 1994. Her older sister was born in the United States. 

Rajan’s parents sought citizenship for their daughter in 1994, when she turned 18. But officials denied the application in 1998 and rejected an appeal the following year, citing “applicant’s inability to comprehend the oath of allegiance due to medical certified condition,” according to INS documents. 

The INS hasn’t commented, citing the pending litigation. 

The bill is H.R. 4838. 

——— 

On the Net: The bill is at http://thomas.loc.gov. 

Rep. Cox’s site is http://www.house.gov/chriscox/ 

Editor’s Note: This the full story that was to appear in Tuesday’s paper, but was cut off due to a printing error.  

Prevention before detection. For victims of breast cancer and health workers, it seems like an obvious emphasis. “Detection of breast cancer is after the fact,” said Katherine Porter, of the Berkeley-based Women’s Cancer Resource Center. “We need to eliminate cancer at the root.” 

To do so, Porter and Diane De Lara want to re-invent “Cancer Awareness Month”, which they say is now a corporate-sponsored advertisement for pharmaceutical companies. 

To support Porter and de Lara, Councilmembers Margaret Breland and Kriss Worthington will introduce a resolution tonight to the Berkeley City Council, a first step in implementing several prevention-based ordinances.  

The resolution would require the city of Berkeley to develop a “healthy building ordinance” for all city renovations and new buildings, which would include the elimination of polyvinyl chloride and formaldehyde, which produce the known carcinogen dioxide. In addition, the resolution would have the city obtain fact sheets on the links between cancer and industrial pollution and distribute them to all clinics, hospitals, nurseries, and other health related sites in Berkeley. A city representative would be asked to regularly attend the Association of Bay Area Governments taskforce on dioxin pollution prevention. 

The city would purchase paper products that are totally chlorine free whenever possible. Lastly, the resolution would reaffirm the ban of pesticides in Berkeley parks, and place signs inside them announcing “You have entered a pesticide-free zone.”  

Further, “We are encouraging Berkeley industries to attain zero level emissions,” said Worthington, adding that the city will provide educational materials to businesses so that owners understand the link between the emissions and cancer. “This could lead to voluntary cooperation from businesses and set a trend, especially in a town like Berkeley, where people would say, “I’m not buying from anyone that doesn’t take into account dioxin emission.” 

Porter said that such a policy would make Berkeley a leader in the elimination of cancer causing agents, but that is just a small drop in the bucket. It is, however, a good way to raise awareness. 

“People need to know about the corporate nature of the breast cancer issue,” said Porter, who founded the Women’s Cancer Resource Center after being diagnosed with breast cancer herself and was dissatisfied with the way that the health industry was approaching the disease. “Money continues to pour into early detection centers, people donate millions of dollars every year, including polluter industries which contribute to the problem. It’s difficult to get a word in edgewise against these pharmaceutical companies which have so much more money and access. But this,” she said, pointing to the declaration, “is how we try to build our grassroots movement for prevention. One city at a time.” 

“Pharmaceutical companies...started cancer awareness month in 1984 and they emphasize early detection, but never mention the industrial causes of cancer,” said de Lara. “When pharmaceutical companies do consider prevention before detection, they advocate for prescriptions. Last year they made $573 million in ‘prevention’ sales to wealthy women. But real prevention does not come in a pill,” added de Lara. 

Studies have linked breast cancer to the presence of carcinogens, often the byproduct of heavy industry and pesticides. Between the years of 1991 and 1998, more than 1.5 billion pounds of pesticides were applied in California, an increase of 127 percent. Of the nearly 75,000 chemicals in commercial use today, nearly two-thirds have not been tested for carcinogens, according to Breast Cancer Action literature. 

Similarly, between 1983 and 1997 the incidence of ductal carcinoma in situ, a condition which could lead to invasive breast cancer, has increased 214 percent among women under 50, and 329 percent in those aged 50 and older, according to a report from the American Cancer Society. 

The Berkeley resolution comes a week after the Oakland City Council approved a similar prevention resolution. The San Francisco Board of Supervisors is also mulling its own version of the resolution. The Berkeley breast cancer resolution, however, is more extensive and far reaching than the others, said Worthington. 

“Ours has more therefores, and whereas’es,” he joked. 

Polly Armstrong, however, calls it a boiler plate with a lot of “shoulds” and “will try’s.” 

“We’re really just doing what some other cities have already done,” she said. “It’s motherhood and apple pie. No on is going to say that getting people to pay attention to cancer and make changes in their lives to live a healthier existence is a bad thing,” she added.  

“Most of the substance we already have. We don’t use pesticides in parks, and Diane Woolley already asked for a healthy building ordinance.” 

In short, “it’s politically correct and isn’t going to hurt anything,” said Armstrong. 

Lingering beneath this image of Berkeley as a leader in cancer prevention, however, is that the root problems of cancer-related illness remain unaddressed.  

“African-American women, as a whole, don’t have the same purchasing power as white women,” said De Lara, referring to the various treatment modalities available to people with money to pay for the. One study by the American Cancer Society found that while white women are more likely to get breast cancer nationally, black women are most likely to die from it.  

Berkeley numbers seem to replicate this trend.  

A health study released last year showed that the incidence of breast cancer in white and black women in the city is markedly different.  

In 1997, 34 out of 100,000 white women died of breast cancer, while 48 of 100,000 African-American women died in the same manner.  

South and West Berkeley, where the population is predominantly African-American, is also home to Berkeley’s last remaining industrial zone, and is closer to the freeway, Worthington said. “It’s also the least served in terms of health care,” he said.

The University of California at Berkeley will host a two-day symposium that will showcase innovative local methods of fighting hunger. 

“The Community Food Security Symposium” began Tuesday.  

Food security experts, social welfare and food policy organizations and representatives from federal, state and local agencies will meet to discuss several programs that seek to increase food security. 

Local programs that will be showcased include farm-to-school programs that link small farmers with school lunch programs as well as community gardening projects and farmers markets. 

Food analyst Gail Feenstra, of the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program of UC Davis, says the symposium may lead to new collaborations between the participants – a right step in the fight against hunger. 

“Achieving food security – adequate, nutritious and locally available food – in California's communities will require partnerships among nutritionists, agricultural economists, farmers, community health advocates, state agency officials and consumers,” says Feenstra. 

The symposium begins with opening remarks from the co-chairwoman of the Food Security Workgroup in the UC Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Lucia Kaiser, and the division's vice president, W.R. Gomes.

A letter written by a parent in the Mersey Soccer Club is kicking up controversy in the Alameda Contra Costa Youth Soccer League. 

Parent Chuck Smith distributed 250 letters to other parents at League soccer games two weeks ago accusing the ACCYSL of unfair treatment of girls because it offers boys more opportunity to play intermediate soccer. The League President said the accusations are false and she is uncertain why Smith and other members of the Mersey Soccer Club are raising a fuss.  

The ACCYSL is a complex organization that oversees 2,400 kids in five soccer clubs, Berkeley-Albany, El Cerrito, San Pablo, Richmond and Mersey. Mersey is the only club that pays its coaches and has no specific geographical area although it draws most of its players from the Berkeley and Albany and charges the highest membership fee of all the clubs at $240 per player per season. Other clubs charge an average of $130 per player. 

The league, which fields an average of 50 teams each weekend during soccer season, is run almost entirely by volunteers, mostly parents, who do everything from coaching to organizing uniforms and chalking out fields.  

Within the league there are three levels of soccer teams for most age groups, class four or beginning teams, Class 3, which is the intermediate or developing level and Class 1 teams which are comprised of the best players in the league. 

Currently both boys and girls class one teams are organized by the Maverick division, which draws players from the entire  

geographic area of the league. The Mavericks also manage the class three girls teams - the class in question - while class three boys teams are managed by the clubs. 

Smith said girls in the Mersey Club are discouraged from playing class three soccer because in order to do so they have to leave their friends and play with girls they don’t know at fields they are not familiar with. Smith added that class three boys, which are managed at the club level, continue to play with their friends at their home fields. 

“This policy is discriminatory and its bad for girls and bad for soccer,” Smith said. 

League president, Lori-Ann Wagner, a chiropractor and long-time girls soccer coach, said she has never heard any complaints from players, parents or coaches that girls were not trying out for class three soccer because of travel time to practices. 

McGregor Bullard, who coaches a class three girls team and has two daughters who play soccer in the League, said his team practices in Albany and that none of his players have to drive more than 10 minutes to practice. 

Smith said that the League’s 15-member board of directors are made up of parents who have a tendency to be more competitive than the majority of parents and that they don’t want to turn management over to the clubs because it will mean the existing class three teams would be weakened and they would win fewer games. 

“I give these people credit because they do most of the work in the league but they are almost exclusively focused on winning,” Smith said. 

Bullard said he agrees that winning isn’t everything and that development is important but there simply are not enough girls in each club to form competitive class three teams. “It simply doesn’t develop players by sending them out to get slaughtered every weekend,” he said. 

Wagner said the numbers just are not there to allow the clubs to manage class three girls teams and still maintain a minimum level of competitive play. 

Wagner said the Mersey Soccer Club would especially suffer. Mersey has a total of only 66 girls in the class four level. This is equal to only four teams and Wagner said it would be impossible to form a quality class three girl’s team in any age group from such a small pool. 

“Where would they get additional girls from, lure them from other teams?” Wagner said and added that girls from the lower income neighborhoods in the League like Richmond might not be able to play with Mersey because of the high cost of team membership. 

Smith said that this is a ‘chicken or egg’ argument and that if girls could play with their friends at a familiar field more girls would participate in soccer overall. 

Wagner said the leagues’ girls soccer program is growing rapidly and each year it gets stronger. To turn the burgeoning program over to the club level would weaken it and be devastating for girl’s soccer throughout the league. 

“It seems like this is more about marketing the Mersey program than it’s about the girl’s,” Wagner said.  

One parent, who asked not to be identified, said that the owner of a small soccer supply store and summer soccer camp is the registered coach for all of the Mersey Soccer Club teams. The caller suggested that if Mersey managed girls class three soccer the coach would stand to benefit financially through his camp and supply store. 

Smith said that it’s true that the store owners is the registered coach on many of the teams but it’s only because coaches change every year and he puts his name down to hold spot until other coaches are hired and have confirmed their employment. “It’s no secret but it bothers a lot of people even though it doesn’t mean anything.” 

Smith said that he wrote the letter to see if there was any support among parents for allowing the individual clubs to manage girls class three soccer teams and he said he’s not sure what the next step is if any. 

“I’m encouraged by the support I’ve gotten from parents but I don’t know where it’s all going.” 

Tuesday, Oct. 10

Cal Alumni Singles  

20th Anniversary Dinner 

UC Faculty Club 

Dinner scheduled for Oct. 15 

For reservations call 527-2709 by Oct. 10 

Kenya, 40 Years Ago  

and Today 

1 p.m. 

North Berkeley Senior Center 

1901 Hearst Ave. (at MLK Jr. Way) 

Call 644-6107 for more info  

Defense Against Genetically Engineered Food 

7 p.m.  

Ecology Center 

2530 San Pablo Ave. 

Author Ronnie Cummins, National Director of the Organic Consumers Association (OCA) will lecture on genetically engineered food, including organic food and farming.  

For info: 548-2220 x233 

Wednesday, Oct. 11

Are Domed Cities in the future? 

7:30 - 9 p.m.  

International House, Homeroom  

UC Berkeley 

2299 Piedmont Ave.  

A discussion based on UC Berkeley alumnus Tim Holt’s book, “On Higher Ground.” Set 50 years in the future, part of the book takes place in an East Bay enclosed by a climate-controlled dome.  

$3 admission  

Contact Maribel Guillermo, 642-9460 

Tenant-Landlord Problems? 

12:30 - 2 p.m.  

North Berkeley Senior Center 

1901 Hearst Ave. (at MLK Jr. Way) 

Bring your concerns about repairs, harassment and housing rights.  

Call 644-6107 

Learn to Birdwatch 

Oct. 16, 18, 23 & 25 

9:30 a.m. - Noon 

UC Botanical Gardens 

200 Centennial Drive 

$50 for members; $65 for non-members 

Call for info or to enroll: 643-2755 

White Cane Day  

10:30 a.m. - 8:30 p.m. 

Spenger’s Fish Grotto 

1919 Fourth St.  

Pyramid Alehouse 

901 Gilman Ave. 

Members of the West Berkeley Lions Club will be asking for donations of money or used eyeglasses for the sight impaired. The Lions will be out in front of Pyramid Alehouse from 4:30 - 8 p.m. only.  

Call Joe Saenz, 352-2093 

Homeless Commission 

7 p.m.  

North Berkeley Senior Center  

1901 Hearst Ave. (at MLK Jr. Way) 

644-8616 

Police Review Commission 

7:30 p.m.  

South Berkeley Senior Center 

2939 Ellis St.  

The commission will discuss their workplan/goals for the upcoming year.  

644-6716 

Board of Library Trustees 

7 p.m.  

South Branch  

1901 Russell  

644-6095 

Waterfront Commission 

7 p.m. 

His Lordships Restaurant 

199 Seawall Dr.  

644-6376 x234 

Planning Commission 

7 p.m.  

North Berkeley Senior Center 

1901 Hearst Ave. (at MLK Jr. Way) 

705-8137 

Commission on Disability 

6:30 p.m.  

North Berkeley Senior Center 

1901 Hearst Ave. (at MLK Jr. Way) 

655-3440 

Thursday, Oct. 12

East Timor: The Road to Independence 

7:30 - 9 p.m.  

International House, Homeroom 

UC Berkeley 

2299 Piedmont Ave. 

A discussion of events leading up to the creation of the newest nation of the millennium and issues raised on the road to independence.  

$3 admission 

Contact Maribel Guillermo, 642-9460 

Bay Area: Transportation Nightmare 

Noon - 2 p.m. 

Albany Library 

Edith Stone Room  

1247 Marin Ave. 

Albany 

Stuart Cohen of the Bay Area Transportation and Land Use Coalition will speak on “What are the real choices in the Bay Area’s Transportation Crisis?” 

Call Janet Strothman, 841-3827 

Meeting Life Changes 

10 a.m. 

North Berkeley Senior Center 

1901 Hearst Ave. (at MLK Jr. Way) 

With John Hammerman.  

For info: 644-6107 

Sterling Trio 

Noon  

BART Plaza, Downtown 

Shattuck Ave. at Center St. 

Members of the Berkeley Symphony performing a variety of chamber music. 

Contact Carrie Ridgeway, 549-2230 

Zoning Adjustments  

Commission 

7 p.m.  

Old City Hall  

2134 MLK Jr. Way 

705-8110 

Community Health Commission 

6:45 p.m.  

Mental Health Clinic 

2640 MLK Jr. Way 

665-6845 

APCO vs. Pacific Steel Casting Company 

10 a.m. 

Bay Area Air Quality Management District 

939 Ellis St., Seventh Floor Board Room 

San Francisco 

Call the clerk’s office, 749-4965 

Friday, Oct. 13 

“The Evolution and Cost of Ethical Drugs” 

11:45 a.m.  

Berkeley City Club 

2315 Durant Ave.  

Stanford D. Splitter, retired MD speaks at 12:30 p.m. Luncheon served at 11:45 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. 

Luncheon: $11 

Call for reservations: 848-3533 

Saturday, Oct. 14

Indigenous Peoples Day 

Powwow & Indian Market 

10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Grand Entry 1 p.m.  

Enjoy Native American foods, arts & crafts, drumming, singing and many types of native dancing. Sponsored by the City of Berkeley, this event is free.  

Civic Center Park 

Allston Way at MLK Jr. Way 

Info: 615-0603 

Traffic Calming Workshop 

1 - 4 p.m.  

North Berkeley Senior Center 

1901 Hearst Ave. (at MLK Jr. Way) 

Help to achieve reasonable traffic speeds and volume on local streets.  

Free Spay and Neuter vouchers 

2 - 4 p.m.  

Berkeley Animal Shelter 

2013 Second St. 

The City of Berkeley, along with Spay Neuter Your Pet (SNYP) is kicking off a city-funded program to reduce the number of animals euthanized.  

Run Your Own Landscape  

Business: Part 1 

11 a.m. - 1 p.m. 

Ecology Center 

2530 San Pablo Ave. (at Blake) 

Local horticultural consultant and UC Master Gardener Jessie West will teach you how to plant, prune, control weeds, and more.  

The first of three classes.  

The others are scheduled for Oct. 21 & 28 in the same timeslot. 

$15 general; $10 for members; $5 materials fee 

Call 548-2220 x223 

Learn to Birdwatch 

Oct. 16, 18, 23 & 25 

9:30 a.m. - Noon 

UC Botanical Gardens 

200 Centennial Drive 

$50 for members; $65 for non-members 

Call for info or to enroll: 643-2755 

Sunday, Oct. 15

A Taste of the Greenbelt 

1 - 4 p.m. 

Los Gatos Opera House 

Celebrate the Bay Area’s agricultural and culinary bounty. This benefit features a variety of musical groups, local artists and samples from over 40 local restaurants, farmers, wineries and microbreweries. Proceeds benefit Greenbelt Alliance’s ongoing efforts to protect Bay Area farmlands and open space. $45 per person; $80 for this event and the Oct. 22 event in SF 

1-800-543-GREEN, www.greenbelt.org 

A Muslim Approach to Life 

3 p.m. 

St. Johns Presbyterian Church 

2727 College Ave.  

A presentation on the Muslim spiritual life and culture which will focus on women’s lives and the uniqueness of women’s spiritual journeys. This is the first of four Sunday programs that will focus on this theme.  

Call 527-4496 

— compiled by  

Chason Wainwright 

Time, Space, and Knowledge Vision 

6 p.m.  

Tibetan Nyingma Institute 

1815 Highland Place 

Ken McKeon , teacher writer and TSK practitioner since 1980 speaks on “Time, Space, and Knowledge, Right from the Start.” Free. 

Call 843-6812 

1923 North Berkeley Fire Walking Tour 

10 a.m. - Noon 

Phil Gale leads this tour of the Sept. 18, 1923 fire site, identifying various changes wrought in buildings and landscape. The tour includes the Mayback chimney, around which a new home was constructed. Pre-paid reservations are required.  

$10 

Call for reservations, 848-0181 

Monday, Oct. 16

Private Elementary School Parent Information Panel 

7 - 9:30 p.m. 

Epworth United Methodist Church 

1953 Hopkins St.  

A panel of parents from six area private schools discuss the admission process and their experiences. Sponsored by the Neighborhood Parents Network 

Admission: free to members, $5 non-members 

Call 527-6667 

Learn to Birdwatch 

Oct. 16, 18, 23 & 25 

9:30 a.m. - Noon 

UC Botanical Gardens 

200 Centennial Drive 

$50 for members; $65 for non-members 

Call for info or to enroll: 643-2755 

Tuesday, Oct. 17

Is the West Berkeley Shellmound a landmark? 

7 p.m.  

City Council Chambers 

2134 MLK Jr. Way, 2nd floor 

Continued and final public hearing on the appeals against landmark designation of the West Berkeley Shellmound. The City Council may possibly make it’s decision at this meeting. 

Landscape Archeology and Space-Age Technologies in Epirus, Greece 

8 p.m.  

370 Dwinelle Hall 

UC Berkeley 

Professor of Archeology, Art History and Classics Dr. James Wiseman presents a slide-illustrated lecture. 

Mario Savio Memorial Lecture 

7:30 p.m. 

Pauley Ballroom 

UC Berkeley 

Barbara Ehrenreich and Arlie Hochschild will speak on the theme “Forwards and Backwards - Women, globalization, and the new class structure.” Free.  

Help Out Some Orangutans 

7 p.m.  

Cafe Milanos 

2522 Bancroft Way 

Come help plan a day of action against Citibank, who allegedly plunders the environment for profit. Join the Rainforest Action Group and Ecopledge in protest.  

Is the Sky Falling? 

7 p.m.  

Ecology Center 

2530 San Pablo Ave. 

Tim Holt, author of “On Higher Ground” will present an array of post-ecotopian choices, one of which is domed cities. What does the future hold for California?  

Call 548-2220 x 233  

Wednesday, Oct. 18

Traffic Calming Workshop 

7 - 10 p.m. 

St. Clements Church 

2837 Clement Blvd.  

Help to achieve reasonable traffic speeds and volume on local streets.  

“Women and Trafficking: Domestic & Global Concerns” 

6 - 9:30 p.m. 

North Berkeley Senior Center 

1901 Hearst Ave. (at MLK Jr. Way) 

The Berkeley Commission on the Status of Women invites the public to this forum which will include an expert panel discussion, and a movie on Women and trafficking. Free. 

Call 644-6107 for more info.  

Thursday, Oct. 19

The Promise and Perils of Transgenic Crops 

7:30 - 9 p.m.  

International House, Homeroom 

UC Berkeley 

2299 Piedmont Ave.  

A discussion with Dr. Peggy Lemaux, professor of Plant and Microbiology at UC Berekeley, of the scientific basis for biotechnology, it’s risks and benefits. 

Contact Maribel Guillermo, 642-9460 

Rafael Mariquez Free Solo Concert 

7:30 p.m. 

Berkeley Public Library, South Branch 

1901 Russell St. (at MLK Jr. Way) 

This Chilean folksinger and guitarist presents his original settings of selections by Latin American poets. 

Contact: 644-6860; TDD 548-1240 

Vocal Sauce 

Noon 

BART Plaza, Downtown 

Shattuck Ave. at Center St. 

The JazzSchool’s vocal jazz ensemble perform award-winning arrangements by Greg Murai.  

Contact Carrie Ridgeway, 549-2230 

Performance Poetica 

7:30 p.m. 

ATA Gallery 

992 Valencia St. 

San Francisco 

Video and verse by Illinois Arts Council/Hemingway Festival poet and filmmaker Rose Virgo, with special guest Judy Irwin.  

$3  

Pain - Ways to Make It Easier 

1 - 2:30 p.m. 

Alta Bates Summit Medical Center 

Ashby Campus, Dining Rooms A & B 

3001 Colby 

Maggie van Staveren, LCSW, CHT and Christine Bartlett, PT, CHT will demonstrate ways to let go of pain due to arthritis, injury and illness. RSVP requested. 

Call 869-6737  

Friday, Oct. 20

“The Ballot Issues” 

11:45 a.m. 

Berkeley City Club 

2315 Durant Ave.  

Fran Packard of the League of Women Voters speaks at 12:30 p.m. Luncheon served at 11:45 a.m. and 12:15 p.m.  

Luncheon: $11 

Call 848-3533 

Human Nature 

8:30 p.m. 

New College Cultural Center 

766 Valencia 

San Francisco 

The X-plicit Players present this idyllic nude ritual. Watch or participate: Be led blindfolded through body tunnels, into body streams while sensing psychic/body qualities through touch. Also presented on Oct. 21.  

$12 admission 

Call 415-848-1985 

Saturday, Oct. 21

A Day on Mt. Tam 

9:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. 

Come play and hike in San Francisco’s beloved playground. This outing is part of a series of free fall outings organized by Greenbelt Alliance. 

Call: 415-255-3233 for reservations 

AHIMSA Eight Annual Conference 

9 a.m. - 5 p.m.  

International House, Great Hall 

UC Berkeley 

2299 Piedmont Ave.  

The AHIMSA is a nonprofit foundation whose goal is to encourage dialogues and public forums which bridge spiritual, scientific and social issues. This years conference is titled “Violence! Scientific and Spiritual Perspectives.”  

Admission is free 

Contact Maribel Guillermo, 642-9460 

Berkeley Farmers’ Market Fall Fruit Tastings 

10 a.m. - 3 p.m.  

Center St. at MLK Jr. Way 

Taste a whole farmers’ market’s bounty of fall fruit varieties. 

Free. 

Info: 548-3333 

Run Your Own Landscape Business: Part 2 

11 a.m. - 1 p.m. 

Ecology Center 

2530 San Pablo Ave. (at Blake) 

Local horticultural consultant and UC Master Gardener Jessie West will teach you how to plant, prune, control weeds, and more. The second of three classes. The last is scheduled for Oct. 28 during the same timeslot. 

$15 general; $10 for members; $5 materials fee 

Call 548-2220 x223 

Sunday, Oct. 22

A Taste of the Greenbelt 

1 - 4 p.m. 

Presidio’s Golden Gate Club 

Greenbelt Alliance brings the farm to the city in this celebration of the Bay Area’s agricultural and culinary bounty. Featured are samples from over 40 local restaurants, farmers, wineries, microbreweries. Also featured are live music and local artwork. The event benefits Greenbelt Alliance’s ongoing efforts to protect Bay Area farmlands and open space.  

$45 per person 

1-800-543-GREEN, www.greenbelt.org 

An Evening with Alice Walker 

7:30 p.m.  

King Middle School  

1781 Rose St. (at Grant) 

free parking 

Join internationally loved novelist, poet and essayist Alice Walker in celebrating her new book of autobiographical stories, “The Way Forward is With a Broken Heart.” Benefits Berkeley EcoHouse and KPFA Radio, 94.1 FM.  

Tickets: $10 advance, $13 door 

Tickets available at independent bookstores 

More info: 848-6767 x609 

Take a Trip to the Oakland Ballet 

North Berkeley Senior Center 

1901 Hearst Ave. (at MLK Jr. Way) 

This is an outing organized by the Senior Center to see “Glass Slippers.”  

Tickets: $6 each 

Call Maggie or Suzanne, 644-6107 

A Buddhist Pilgramage in India 

6 p.m. 

Tibetan Nyingma Institute 

1815 Highland Pl. 

June Rosenberg brings to life, through slides and lecture, her pilgrimages in India. Free. 

Call 843-6812 

Monday, Oct. 23

Berkeley Chinese Community Church Turns 100 

6 p.m. 

Nov. 4 

Silver Dragon Restaurant 

835 Webster St. 

Oakland 

Reservations: $30 per person 

More info: 548-5295 

Public Schools Parent Information Night 

7 - 9 p.m.  

Epworth United Methodist Church 

1953 Hopkins St. 

Parents, principals and other administrative staff from 11 elementary schools will speak about their schools. Sponsored by Neighborhood Parents Network.  

Admission: free to members, $5 non-members 

527-6667 

Tuesday, Oct. 24

Berkeley Farmers’ Market Fall Fruit Tastings 

2 p.m. - 7 p.m.  

Derby St. at MLK Jr. Way 

Come taste a bounty of fall fruit varieties for free. 

Info: 548-3333 

Thursday, Oct. 25

International Jewish Video Competition Winners 

7:30 p.m.  

Pacific Film Archive 

2575 Bancroft Way 

Screening of the four winners in the Museum’s seventh annual competition.  

Call 549-6950 

Thursday, Oct. 26

East Bay Science & Arts Middle School 

Noon  

BART Plaza, Downtown 

Middle school students perform dances of folk, swing, and Cuban rueda styles. Free.  

Contact Carrie Ridgeway, 549-2230 

Friday, Oct. 27

“Transporation: What’s in Store?” 

11:45 a.m. 

Berkeley City Club  

2315 Durant Ave.  

Larry Dahms, Executive Director of the Metropolitan Transportation Council speaks at 12:30 p.m. Luncheon is served at 11:45 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. 

Luncheon: $11 

More info and reservations: 848-3533 

Saturday, Oct. 28

Pedaling the Green City 

11 a.m. -3:30 p.m.  

Take a leisurely bike ride along the future San Francisco Bay Trail. One in a series of free outings organized by Greenbelt Alliance.  

Call: 415-255-3233 for reservations  

Wild About Books? 

10:30 a.m. 

Berkeley Central Library 

2121 Allston Way 

Halloween for the little guys with (not so) scary stories, music, and more.  

Call 649-3943  

Run Your Own Landscape Business: Part 3 

11 a.m. - 1 p.m. 

Ecology Center 

2530 San Pablo Ave. (at Blake) 

Local horticultural consultant and UC Master Gardener Jessie West will teach you how to plant, prune, control weeds, and more. This is the final class in the series. 

$15 general; $10 for members; $5 materials fee 

Call 548-2220 x223 

Sunday, Oct. 29

“Gateway to Knowledge” 

6 p.m. 

Tibetan Nyingma Institute 

1815 Highland Pl. 

Barr Rosenberg describes how to master new knowledge and take the power to shape our lives in wise and compassionate ways.  

843-6812 

Saturday, Nov. 4

Breathtaking Barnabe Peak 

10 a.m. - 4 p.m. 

Hike through Samuel P. Taylor State Park’s lush forests and climb to the heights of Barnabe Peak, overlooking Point Reyes. One in a series of free fall outings organized by Greenbelt Alliance.  

Call: 415-255-3233 for reservations 

Wild About Books? 

10:30 a.m. 

Berkeley Central Library 

2121 Allston Way 

Dublin Library’s resident storyteller and featured teller at the 1998 National Storytelling Festival tell kids aged 3 to 7 her favorite tales.  

Call 649-3943  

Sunday, Nov. 5

Buddhist Psychology 

6 p.m.  

Tibetan Nyingma Institute 

1815 Highland Pl.  

Buddhist teacher Sylvia Gretchen on “Beyond Therapy and Into the Heart of Buddhist Psychology.” Free. 

Call 843-6812  

Monday, Nov. 6

Airports vs. the Bay 

7 p.m. 

Albany Community Center 

1249 Marin St.  

Albany 

David Lewis, Executive Director of “Save the Bay” will speak on the airports’ plans to expand into the SF Bay and other challenges to Bay restoration.  

Contact: Friends of Five Creeks, 848-9358 

Thursday, Nov. 9

The Life and Art of Chiura Obata 

7:30 p.m.  

North Berkeley Public Library 

1170 Alameda (at Hopkins) 

A slide show and lecture presented by Obata’s granddaughter, Kimi Kodani Hill, celebrating Obata’s book, “Topaz Moon: Chiura Obata’s Art of the Internment,” and the retrospective exhibit of Obata’s work to appear this Fall at SFs De Young Museum. 

For details call 644-6850  

Saturday, Nov. 11

Moonlight on Mt. Diablo 

1 - 10:30 p.m.  

Hike up the Devil’s Mountain by daylight, catch a glorious sunset and hike back by the light of the moon. One in a series of free outing organized by Greenbelt Alliance.  

Call: 415-255-3233 for reservations 

Sunday, Nov. 12

Views, Vines and Veggies 

9:15 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.  

Climb Bald Mountain in Sugarloaf State Park and peer down upon the Napa and Sonoma Valleys. Then please your palate at the Landmark Winery and visit Oak Hill organic vegetable and flower farm. One in a series of free fall outings organized by Greenbelt Alliance.  

Call: 415-255-3233 for reservations 

“Time Across Cultures” 

2 - 4 p.m. 

St. Clements Church 

2837 Claremont Ave.  

The annual Roselyn Yellin Memorial lecture with a slide-illustrated panel discussion. Also a tour of the “Telling Time” exhibit at the Judah L. Magnes Museum followed by a reception at the museum, 4 - 5 p.m.  

More info: 549-6950 

Buddhism & Compassion 

6 p.m. 

Tibetan Nyingma Institute 

1815 Highland Place 

Psychiatrist and teacher Bobby Jones on “Healing through Compassion.” Free.  

843-6812 

Tuesday, Nov. 14

Take a Trip to the Steinbeck Museum and 

Mission San Juan Bautista 

North Berkeley Senior Center 

1901 Hearst Ave. (at MLK Jr. Way) 

This is an outing organzied by the Senior Center.  

$40 with lunch, $25 without  

Call Maggie or Suzanne, 644-6107 

Compiled by Chason Wainwright 

No plot to twist town into ugly towers 

Editor: 

You recently published a satire on Berkeley politics by Morlock Chaillot (Letters, Sept 29). The piece was somewhat amusing, but why did you run it as a Letter to the Editor? There is no Deep Ecologists’ Gaian Alliance as far as I know, and no real person named Morlock Chaillot. Why publish someone who doesn’t have the courage to stand up with their real name for what they supposedly believe in?  

But, there is was. And, in spite of all the twisted accusations and assumptions erupting from Mr. or Ms. (Mad Woman of Chaillot’s) clever pen in an attempt to portray ecological city planning as a farce, it didn’t pull off the desired effect. However, the letter did make room for the opportunity to shed some light on a few of the implications and assumptions.  

First of all, although some of the Berkeley elite love to portray Richard Register as a lone individual who champions pedestrian scale infrastructure against the wishes of everyone else in Berkeley. Ecocity Builders is not the only group on the planet advocating for ecological and pedestrian oriented urban planning. Surprise! Secondly, ecocity theory and planning is not an evil plot to convert your town into an ugly mass of high rises. Surprise again! Register did invented the term “ecocity” in 1978. His Ecocity Berkeley, Building Cities for a Healthy Future, has been well respected in eco-urban circles since it was first published in 1987. He is also the author of three other books, including Village Wisdom, Future Cities and the upcoming Ecocities.  

Far from building a gloomy “Gotham City” with “shadowy, phallic spires” as the Morlock Challiot letter maintains, Ecocity Builders is dedicated to returning healthy biodiversity to the heart of our cities. That means nature–-creeks, bike paths, gardens, and open space. (Does that sound like an evil plot to ruin us all? I think not.) Ecocity thinking is about creating whole cities based on human scale needs and transportation, rather than the current pattern of automobile driven excess, wasteful consumption and the destruction of the biosphere. 

(Again, I fail to see why working towards a goal like this would be considered not worthwhile, not important or unrealistic.) Guided by ecological design principles and by using common sense, we can cast aside our dependence on the automobile and recreate our human habitat in balance with natural systems. But it is up to us to start the process.  

Register’s thinking is not bizarre or fantastic or unreal. In fact, it makes complete sense. What is unreal, bizarre and fantastic is that more people don’t think through how we are currently creating our built habitat and realize that we need to shift the pattern away from auto sprawl and waste, and toward compact centers linked by transit. Everywhere, even in Berkeley. 

Kirstin Miller 

Berkeley 

2700 San Pablo safer than builder thinks 

Editor:  

Is 2700 San Pablo in a high crime area? The developers and their supporters keep saying it is. But the facts say otherwise.  

The Berkeley police keep statistics on a beat by beat basis of major crimes. It is available to the public on their Web site.  

2700 San Pablo is in beat 15. Beat 14 is across the street from Derby north. These two beats have nearly half the crime as does the average beat in Berkeley. In fact, there is only one of the 19 beats with a lower crime rate.  

This make it clear that whatever development takes place on that site will unlikely result in less crime. Indeed, the site will look better, housing will be provided - hopefully for low income families and the disabled, and the developers will prosper. But less crime? No.  

We already have a safe neighborhood. It’s much safer than the Berkeley hills, for instance.  

Bob Kubik 

Berkeley 

Need to wake up to the danger of junk food 

Editor: 

For many of us, who have been paying attention, your report of a study released by Berkeley’s Public Health Institute, indicating that 1/3 of California’s teens’ are at risk for serious health problems such as cancer, heart disease and diabetes “BY THEIR EARLY 30’S,” based on diet, came as no surprise (Daily Planet, Sept. 26). It has become a national disgrace of sorts; how junk food is cleverly marketed, made available at every corner, and supported at public functions; used as rewards for good behavior or performance at school and at home....with barely the blink of an eye. As these habits progress, our kids can’t concentrate and can’t relax, physically, mentally or spiritually. It can’t be conveniently discharged by running it off either; all the exercise in the world won’t ever address the debilitating effects of long-term consumption of processed junk on a child’s developing immune system and brain.  

Is this report a wake-up call to those who truly care about our children; parents, teachers, school administrators and city officials? While we have begun to develop food education in our schools on one hand, we haven’t done enough to support these efforts in other ways. Let’s get working...our children’s very lives are at stake. 

Michael Bauce 

Berkeley 

Spend old school bond money before asking for more  

Editor:  

The Berkeley School Tax and Bond Measures on the November 7 ballot are not worthy of any concerned citizen’s vote. This fact was made crystal clear in a recent 

Meeting with the superintendent and his staff. When asked when they discovered that they needed more money, the administration’s response was, “We knew we needed $250 million when Measure A was put on the ballot in 1992.” This means that The School Board of Irene Hegarty, Martha Acevado, Elizabeth Shaughnessy, Miriam Topel, and Pedro Noguera lied to Berkeley to get passage of Measure A. While they formally approved and published the details of the $158 million bond in the “Green Book”, they knew it was fiction because they needed $92 million more! Therefore the school board had no intention of keeping the elaborate promises they gave to citizens that any funds obtained from other sources, would be deducted from the $158 million. The $43 million from other sources has been added to the bond revenue to increase their construction program to $201 million. With the new bond measure the total program will grow to $317 million, which is $67 million over the staff’s $250 million total!  

A report the School District issued reflects that, as of April 17 they have $70 million that they haven’t been able to spend yet! This excess includes $38 million in 

Bonds from Measure A they haven’t even issued yet. Thus if the new Bond Measure passes, you taxes will increase to pay for $155 million in new Bonds. This is more than double your current taxes for the cost of School Bonds!  

The new parcel tax for maintenance has similar problems. Voters recently approved changes to the existing school tax (BSEP) that cut the maintenance portion in half. 

Now the School Board concludes that they need a new maintenance tax, which is almost 600 percent more than the reduction, they just convinced voters to approve!  

To those concerned about the children’s education the significant question is what does any of these Ballot Measures have to do with education? Strangely, passage of 

excessive new taxes will increase test scores. Children of low-income families perform poorly on standardized tests, reflecting that their needs are not being met. More taxes will force out low-income property owners, and replace them with newly rich e-commerce families whose children will score better on tests. The School Board will have use unaffordable housing to raise test scores. Did they really plan this? The consequences will be the same whether the school board can plan or not.  

Perhaps the school board believes that they are about to lose the confidence of the Berkeley community! 

No needed repair is compromised if the Berkeley School District waits until they have used the existing monies they now have to ask the community for more. 

Vote NO on both Measures AA and BB. A colored Book and a concerned Citizens Committee did not protect the City from a $92 million lie on Measure A in 1992!  

The School Board cannot delegate their responsibilities to citizens’ committees. Let’s try education and leave the social engineering alone. 

John Cecil 

Berkeley 

Thanks for Berkeley television schedule 

Editor: 

Thanks so much for running the BTV schedule today. As an avid viewer, it’s driven me crazy to not have much of a clue as to when anything ran except the (always entertaining) City Council meetings.  

After multiple decades here - back to the days of cursing the Gazette - I am one of many who are delighted to have a local paper again at last. Even if some days it’s ads ads ads + a wire service blurb. As an ole newspaper person, I know how good it is to be able to pay the bills too.  

Keep up the circus work!  

Lee Marrs 

Berkeley 

Editor: 

The latest burst of bloodletting in the MidEast is horrible enough to watch, without being told that the USA is responsible for it (photo, Friday 10/6). 

Let’s get it straight: the endless war in the MidEast is entirely the fault of the people who are fighting it. Blame the bloodletting on the fanatics of both sides. 

Israeli religious fanatics claim that God has given them the right to settle all of Biblical Israel, and throw out any non-Jews who might already live there. 

The Palestinians, Syrians and the various Arab guerrilla groups want the state of Israel to cease to exist. These people are being supported by various Muslim religious fanatics. 

Seen from outside the battlefield, there are all kinds of reasonable compromises available, any of which would let Israel and Palestine both have their national identity. If Israel and Palestine ever quit fighting and got together to make a MidEast research and industrial zone, it could be another place like Silicon Valley. 

But the fighting goes on, basically because the minority fanatics on both sides won’t allow any kind of compromise. 

As I see it, the major sticking points are the West Bank settlements and security. Israel needs to give up some occupied territory, but not unless the Palestinians can give credible guarantees that terrorists won’t use such territory to continue attacks on Israel. This last part is where the Israelis are 

right and the Palestinians are farthest from reality, in my opinion. 

Anyway, don’t blame the bloodletting on the USA. 

Steve Geller 

Berkeley 

Berkeley’s loss, Altmont’s gain 

Editor: 

Here’s one for your “gown swallows town” ironies column. Every year, a certain San Francisco-based private charitable foundation spends millions supporting environmentally friendly organizations and projects. They even offer the world’s largest prize program honoring grassroots environmentalists. 

Three years ago, that same foundation awarded a $10 million grant to UC Berkeley’s Graduate School of Public Policy. Re-christened the Richard & Rhoda Goldman School of Public Policy (GSPP), the school launched an ambitious expansion program. 

The latest phase of that effort is the planned construction of an 11,000 square-foot facility for academic offices and classrooms. It will occupy the last remaining parcel of open space on Hearst Avenue’s north side, just across from the main UCB campus, and be scrunched up against the GSPP’s present facilities in the historic Beta Theta Pi fraternity house (Ernest Coxhead, 1893) and National Register Landmark Cloyne Court (John Galen Howard, 1904). Both of these old buildings are among the Northside’s few survivors of Berkeley’s 1923 Fire. 

To make room for the GSPP Expansion Project, as it is called, “approximately 3,500 cubic yards of materials and soils would need to be excavated from the site.” (GSPP Expansion Project DEIR, page 3-12) 

How much material is this actually? The back of a standard pickup truck accommodates about a cubic yard of soil. So, if you allot 20 linear feet of road for each truck, imagine a solid line of 3,500 pickups extending over 13 miles--from the Goldman School at Hearst & LeRoy Avenues clear across the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge.  

And where is all this material going? To the Altamont Landfill, of course.  

If this has you raising an environmental eyebrow, consider UCB’s current plans for “SRB1” (aka “surge” building) just down the hill at the Oxford Tract. There, to make room for a 200-vehicle subterranean parking garage beneath the 79,000 square-foot offices-and-classrooms building above, “approximately 40,000 cubic yards of material and soil would have to be disposed during excavation and grading.” (SRB1 DEIR, p 58)  

For this one, visualize a solid line of pickup trucks extending from the Oxford Tract down to through Santa Cruz to Monterey Bay or out beyond Sacramento 

to the Gold Country.  

Berkeley’s loss will be Altamont’s gain. 

Jim Sharp 

Berkeley  

Michael Issel  

To:  

opinion@berkeleydailyplanet.com 

Subject: Response to October 3 Berkeley Daily Planet Letter from 

Eleanor Pepples, Candidate for City Council. 

Perhaps Ms. Pepples should direct her efforts directly to the 

council to which she aspires, with a program supporting candidate 

“equal rights for equal blights.” Because we live in Berkeley Ms. 

Pepples could propose public funded “public blight.” Because of 

funding disparities between campaigns, we could equalize them by 

giving every candidate their own set of public poles upon which to 

hang their aesthetic discontinuities, or in Ms. Pepples case, photos 

of herself. We could select several “safe streets” upon which all 

such blight would then be publicly displayed. Tours could be 

arranged. Public pole maintenance costs could be underwritten by 

auto mechanics, because they will become the beneficiaries when 

drivers, casting their eyes skyward, drive into potholes, speed 

bumps, speed pits and each other to avoid viewing the Hydra. This 

new revenue source could serve as an alternative to campaign 

contributions by frequenting our favorite auto mechanics instead.  

Indeed, we can foster an entirely new form of candidacy, the auto 

mechanics! Think of it, with their focus on maintenance to high 

performance standards, a whole new spectrum of governmental 

management possibilities could arise. Because auto mechanic rates 

are the same as psychologists, of necessity, Council meetings would 

be 50 minutes long. And let’s face it, unlike a psychologist; auto 

mechanics have the appropriate training to screw down our loose nuts 

and tighten our heads, not to mention making appropriate adjustments 

for excessive public exhaust emissions. So, instead of debating on 

the policy of foreign nations, we would have debates on foreign 

cars! Instead of endlessly inflating our city expenditures, we 

could have discussions on correct inflation pressure limits. This 

would actually serve a public need. The televised council meeting 

could transition from dreary public entertainment to lively 

informative “car talk” sessions - stay tuned.  

Mike Issel 

winmail.dat 

Name:  

winmail.dat 

Type:  

application/ms-tnef 

Encoding:  

base64 

Subject:  

BTV schedule - YEEAAH! 

Date:  

Fri, 06 Oct 2000 15:47:15 -0700 

From:  

lee marrs  

To:  

arnold@berkeleydailyplanet.net, judith@berkeleydailyplanet.net 

Dear Y’all:  

Thanks so much for running the BTV schedule today. As an avid viewer, it’s driven me crazy to not have  

much of a clue as to when anything ran except the (always entertaining) city council meetings.  

After multiple decades here - back to the days of cursing the Gazette - I am one of many who are delighted to  

have a local paper again at last. Even if some days it’s ads ads ads + a wire service blurb. As an ole  

newspaper person, I know how good it is to be able to pay the bills too.  

Keep up the circus work!  

LEE MARRS  

Subject:  

B-TV schedule 

Date:  

6 Oct 00 15:07:01 PDT 

From:  

Joyce Kawahata  

To:  

judith@berkeleydailyplanet.net 

Dear Daily Planet, 

I was so glad to see the B-TV, Channel 25 schedule in the Daily Planet. = 

It’s 

hard to find it and the Daily Planet is so accessible. Keep up the good = 

work 

in being a real community newspaper! 

J. Kawahata 

____________________________________________________________________ 

Get free email and a permanent address at http://www.netaddress.com/?N=1 

When some Berkeleyans caught wind that the beloved repertory movie theater, UC Theater, was going to pull the curtain for good at the end of September, some began to have nightmares of spending their free time watching reruns of “Survivor.” 

It had been announced last month that the theater was closing down because its owners couldn’t foot the bill for a pricey seismic retrofit, but when Iranian director Abbas Kiarostami’s “The Wind Will Carry Us” brightened the marquee Oct. 1, the town seemed to let out a collective sigh of relief. 

Representatives from the Los Angeles-based Landmark Cinemas, which operates the 83-year-old movie house, had only scheduled its trademark art house films through the end of September because, as they had told their landlords, Quality Bay Construction, they were unable to pay their half of a $600,000 bill for state-mandated retrofitting for the theater. 

“We had e-mails and calls from people wanting to help keep it open,” said Steve Indig, Landmark Theaters’ Bay Area Marketing Manager. 

Negotiations between the Landmark Theater’s parent company, the Dallas-based Silver Cinemas and the Berkeley-based owners are still under way concerning how the retrofit will be paid for. 

But for now, the reels will keep spinning. 

“We’re not in default on our lease,” said Mike Mullen, senior vice president of Operations for Silver Cinemas. “We’re still in negotiations about the seismic issue.” 

Right now, we’re exploring all the options. We’re talking with one of the three partners (of Quality Bay Construction) and trying to work with him as much as possible,” he said. “We have no intentions of closing it down.” 

The Daily Planet was unable to reach any of the Quality Bay Construction partners. 

Accompanying Kiarostami’s Oct. 1 showing was a buck a ticket increase, from $7 to $8, and a format change that have left some regulars to the movie house at 2036 University Ave. chagrined. 

“The programming now is much less diverse,” said Carl Somers, a UC Berkeley grad student in sociology. “Instead of two features every day with themes that touch each other, it’s one feature only. It’s several degrees closer to the mainstream.” 

Mullen and Indig said that the format change and the ticket increase have little to do with the retrofitting woes. 

The ticket increase had little to do with the threatened shut down. The prices were raised “mostly because it was due. We figured now was as good a time as any.” 

Mullen said that since the attendance is historically low at the UC Theater, it’s hoped that the programming change will fill more seats. 

The theater now offers one feature that runs from Friday to Thursday, opposed to double features with shorter runs of four to five days, and some daily changes. 

Indig said the theater will still have film festivals, however, and the features will still be the art house films that made it famous. 

“It’s not that different to have these titles run for this long,” Indig said. “What’s different is the absence of changing programming everyday.” 

He said that Akira Kurosawa’s action epic “Ran,” which is running Thursday, was “a hit this weekend.”  

“It’s undetermined if we’re going to stick with this (format) or not,” Indig said. “It’s going to stay this way for this calendar, at least.”

Prevention before detection. For victims of breast cancer and health workers, it seems like an obvious emphasis. “Detection of breast cancer is after the fact,” said Katherine Porter, of the Berkeley-based Women’s Cancer Resource Center. “We need to eliminate cancer at the root.” 

To do so, Porter and Diane De Lara want to reinvent “Cancer Awareness Month”, which they say is now a corporate-sponsored advertisement for pharmaceutical companies. 

To support Porter and de Lara, Councilmembers Margaret Breland and Kriss Worthington will introduce a resolution tonight to the Berkeley City Council, a first step in implementing several prevention-based ordinances.  

The resolution would require the city of Berkeley to develop a “healthy building ordinance” for all city renovations and new buildings, which would include the elimination of polyvinyl chloride and formaldehyde, which produce the known carcinogen dioxide. In addition, the resolution would have the city obtain fact sheets on the links between cancer and industrial pollution and distribute them to all clinics, hospitals, nurseries, and other health related sites in Berkeley. A city representative would be asked to regularly attend the Association of Bay Area Governments taskforce on dioxin pollution prevention. 

The city would purchase paper products that are totally chlorine free whenever possible. Lastly, the resolution would reaffirm the ban of pesticides in Berkeley parks, and place signs inside them announcing “You have entered a pesticide-free zone.”  

Further, “We are encouraging Berkeley industries to attain zero level emissions,” said Worthington, adding that the city will provide educational materials to businesses so that owners understand the link between the emissions and cancer. “This could lead to voluntary cooperation from businesses and set a trend, especially in a town like Berkeley, where people would say, “I’m not buying from anyone that doesn’t take into account dioxin emission.” 

Porter said that such a policy would make Berkeley a leader in the elimination of cancer causing agents, but that is just a small drop in the bucket. It is, however, a good way to raise awareness. 

“People need to know about the corporate nature of the breast cancer issue,” said Porter, who founded the Women’s Cancer Resource Center after being diagnosed with breast cancer herself and was dissatisfied with the way that the health industry was approaching the disease. “Money continues to pour into early detection centers, people donate millions of dollars every year, including polluter industries which contribute to the problem. It’s difficult to get a word in edgewise against these pharmaceutical companies which have so much more money and access. But this,” she said, pointing to the declaration, “is how we try to build our grassroots movement for prevention. One city at a time.” 

“Pharmaceutical companies...started cancer awareness month in 1984 and they emphasize early detection, but never mention the industrial causes of cancer,” said de Lara. “When pharmaceutical companies do consider prevention before detection, they advocate for prescriptions. Last year they made $573 million in ‘prevention’ sales to wealthy women. But real prevention does not come in a pill,” added de Lara. 

Studies have linked breast cancer to the presence of carcinogens, often the byproduct of heavy industry and pesticides. Between the years of 1991 and 1998, more than 1.5 billion pounds of pesticides were applied in California, an increase of 127 percent. Of the nearly 75,000 chemicals in commercial use today, nearly two-thirds have not been tested for carcinogens, according to Breast Cancer Action literature. 

Similarly, between 1983 and 1997 the incidence of ductal carcinoma in situ, a condition which could lead to invasive breast cancer, has increased 214 percent among women under 50, and 329 percent in those aged 50 and older, according to a report from the American Cancer Society. 

The Berkeley resolution comes a week after the Oakland City Council approved a similar prevention resolution. The San Francisco Board of Supervisors is also mulling its own version of the resolution. The Berkeley breast cancer resolution, however, is more extensive and far reaching than the others, said Worthington. 

“Ours has more therefores, and whereas’es,” he joked. 

Polly Armstrong, however, calls it a boiler plate with a lot of “shoulds” and “will try’s.” 

“We’re really just doing what some other cities have already done,” she said. “It’s motherhood and apple pie. No on is going to say that getting people to pay attention to cancer and make changes in their lives to live a healthier existence is a bad thing,” she added.  

“Most of the substance we already have. We don’t use pesticides in parks, and Diane Woolley already asked for a healthy building ordinance.” 

In short, “it’s politically correct and isn’t going to hurt anything,” said Armstrong. 

Lingering beneath this image of Berkeley as a leader in cancer prevention, however, is that the root problems of cancer-related illness remain unaddressed. “African-American women, as a whole, don’t have the same purchasing power as white women,” said De Lara, referring to the various treatment modalities available to people with money to pay for the. One study by the American Cancer Society found that while white women are more likely to get breast cancer nationally, black women are most likely to die from it.  

Berkeley numbers seem to replicate this trend.  

A health study released last year showed that the incidence of breast cancer in white and black women in the city is markedly different. In 1997, 34 out of 100,000 white women died of breast cancer, while 48 of 100,000 African-American women died in the same manner.  

South and West Berkeley, where the population is predominantly African-American, is also home to Berkeley’s last remaining industrial zone, and is closer to the freeway, said Worthington. “It’s also the least served in terms of health care,” he added. 

A robbery and shooting spree last week that began in Berkeley ended in Oakland, leaving a 43-year-old Oakland woman dead, Lt. Russell Lopes of the Berkeley Police said. 

“For some reason, they didn’t shoot anyone in Berkeley. Thankfully,” Lopes said. 

Rondell D. Johnson, 19, of Oakland, was formally charged Oct. 5 with 16 felonies – including one count of murder – for his alleged role in the bloody three-hour spree that began in south Berkeley early on the morning of Oct. 3 and ended in Oakland with the murder of Sareth So, a mother of three. 

As of Friday Johnson’s accomplice had not been caught, Lopes said. Johnson was positively identified by several victims and is being held at the Santa Rita jail. 

The rampage began about 2:30 a.m. Oct. 3, with an alleged robbing of a Berkeley man at gunpoint on Oregon Street. Lopes said the pair took clothes and a wallet from the man. 

Then, the two men allegedly stormed inside the Clothes Spin Coin Laundry at 2930 Sacramento St. where police reports say they robbed two customers. 

“One of the suspects urged the other to shoot one of the victims,” Lopes said. “But thankfully, he didn’t. “ 

The two customers were robbed of their money. Another man was robbed outside of the business as he was unloading laundry from his car. The third victim was again robbed of his cash. 

But when Johnson and his accomplice crossed into Oakland, the robberies turned deadly. 

A baker who worked nights was sitting in his car taking a break around 3 a.m., when he was shot and robbed on the 300 block of Adeline Street in Oakland. Lopes said that he was informed that, again, either Johnson or his accomplice was urging the other to shoot the victim. 

Just five minutes before, a man was allegedly shot by one of the two men on the 1100 block of 28th Street. 

Lopes said the Oakland Police believe that the pair then robbed a convenience store. Two more men were robbed and shot a few minutes later. First, a 30 year old was shot around 3:39 a.m., while he was walking in the 5100 block of Bancroft Ave., then a 25 year old was robbed and found with a gunshot wound a little after 4 a.m. in the 2600 block of 77th Ave. 

Johnson apparently struck out alone a few minutes later in the 2200 block of 106th Ave. by allegedly robbing two people who repossess cars. 

Around 4:40 a.m., Sareth So and her husband, Khout Oak, were assembling newspapers for her job as a newspaper carrier for the San Francisco Chronicle outside their home in the 6200 block of Seminary Ave. when they were confronted by Johnson. 

Inside, their three children – ages 17, 16 and 9 – were asleep. Johnson allegedly demanded money from Oak, or he would shoot. Oak hesitated and Johnson shot and killed his wife, according to police reports. 

Lopes said that Johnson still wasn’t finished. Less than 10 minutes later, he chased a man in the 6500 block of Fenham St., but did not shoot. 

The Oakland police finally apprehended Johnson around 9:15 a.m. after he was spotted driving the 1999 Mercury Mystique that he had used in the earlier robberies. 

Police said the car had been stolen from a woman at gunpoint Sept. 30. 

After Lt. Mike Yoell of the Oakland Police stopped Johnson, the suspect threw a set of keys at the officer and allegedly pretended to pull a weapon from his pants pocket. Yoell fired a round at Johnson and missed and Johnson then surrendered.

Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., says the Senate has approved the 2001 Transportation Appropriations bill, which includes over $110 million for Bay area transportation projects. 

The $59.7 billion bill was approved by the House on Friday and has been sent to President Clinton for final approval, according to Feinstein's spokesman Jim Hock. 

The BART extension to San Francisco International Airport is marked to receive the most funding in the Bay area at $80 million.  

Other new starts receiving funding include the Santa Clara Tasman Corridor, $12.25 million, and the Altamont Commuter Express, $6 million. 

Existing bus projects approved in the bill including $1 million for the AC Transit zero-emissions fuel cell bus deployment demonstration project and $500,000 for Alameda Contra Costa Transit District buses and bus facilities; 

-- $500,000 for Contra Costa Transit Authority buses and bus  

facilities 

-- $2 million for San Francisco MUNI buses and bus facilities; 

-- $500,000 for Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority buses 

-- $1.55 million for Santa Cruz buses and bus facilities; 

-- $1 million for Sonoma County buses and bus facilities;  

-- $500,000 for Livermore park and ride facilities; 

-- $910,000 for Marin County bus facilities; 

-- $500,000 for Monterey Salinas Transit Authority buses and  

facilities; 

-- and $1 million for the Davis bus system. 

The bill also included $1.5 million to continue implementation of the Alameda Corridor East Gateway, $1 million for the Baylink/Vallejo ferry and $1 million for the Treasure Island ferry. 

CORONADO —The Navy SEALs may be among the toughest troops in the military, but they're retreating in the face of two unlikely enemies – the Western snowy plover and the least tern.  

The shorebirds are protected species, and their nesting area has expanded across the SEALs’ training ground at the coronado Naval Amphibious Base near San Diego, forcing the SEALs onto an ever-shrinking portion of the property.  

About 40 percent of the acreage is off-limits for parts of the six-month nesting season, said Jay Hanson, the Navy’s top regional natural resource official.  

He said, “We only see their numbers getting larger and larger.” 

Similar problems are afflicting a growing number of military training bases.  

The Marines are battling proposed federal designation of 51,000 additional acres of Camp Pendleton in San Diego County as critical wildlife habitat, a move the agency says would imperil readiness.  

And the Army continues trying to overcome environmental objections that have held up plans to expand the National Training Center at Ft. Irwin, near Barstow.  

The installation is home to the rare desert tortoise.  

Nowhere does the military face more problems than in California, home to more endangered species than any other state and a steadily growing human population. Nearly all the two dozen major military installations in the state face major challenges to operations because of environmental concerns or objections from human neighbors.  

In almost every case, the installations were established in isolated locations. But as time passed and the areas grew more crowded, military officials found themselves under pressure to confine their activities and care for the animals taking refuge on their properties.  

Navy officials said there's an irony to the situation with the snowy plovers and least terns.  

The Navy has gone to lengths to protect them, including trapping their enemies and poisoning the ants that attack their eggs. And now the seabirds' nests take up so much room on the SEALs’ 10-mile beachfront that the units must curtail their training exercises.  

“We’re in the unhappy position of being penalized for our success,” Hanson said.

BALTIMORE — The nation’s 11 major hotel chains have not kept their promises to improve business opportunities for blacks, the NAACP said Monday in urging people to avoid “underperforming” companies. 

In its fourth annual report card, the nation’s largest and oldest civil rights organization gave the chains a grade of C-minus.  

Last year, the NAACP had said the hotel chains improved somewhat. 

NAACP President Kweisi Mfume urged people “to avoid spending dollars in failing or underperforming hotel chains.” 

“Sustained progress has not been as fast as we had hoped, nor has it been as fast as it has been promised,” he said. 

Marriott International earned a B from the NAACP; Cendant Hotels, B-minus; Hilton Hotels Corp., C-plus; and Hyatt Hotels Corp, C-plus.  

The NAACP issued grades below C to four hotel chains: Starwood, C-minus; Radisson Hospitality Worldwide, D-plus; Omni, D-plus; and Wyndham, D. 

Best Western International received a C; Bass Hotels and Resorts Inc. (including Holiday Inn), C; Choice Hotels International (which includes Comfort Inn and Quality Inn), C. 

Last year, no chain got a grade lower than a C. 

When the first survey was conducted in 1997, the NAACP and 55 other black organizations urged a boycott of 10 national hotel chains because of their hiring and promotion practices, and gave several chains an F for not participating in the survey. 

The NAACP bases the grades on the hotels’ hiring practices, charitable donations and advertising.  

Hotels were also graded on whether franchise opportunities are offered to blacks and whether the hotels use black contractors. 

“We are disappointed with the grade and we pledge to do better,” said Fred Stern, a spokesman for Wyndham.  

“We don’t have a question with the survey. We think it is a valuable service that is helpful to the industry as a whole.” 

Stern also said the chain’s grade suffered because the performance bar had been raised by other chains. 

Tom Polski, a spokesman for Carlson Hotels, which includes Radisson Hotels and Resorts, said executives are working in “a major industry initiative” to attract to attract workers – particularly minorities. 

“It’s important to note that our policy is strict adherence to the letter and spirit of equal opportunity and the principles of diversity,” he said. 

Spokesmen for other low-rated chains either were not immediately available or had no comment. 

An executive with Marriott, which is based in Bethesda, Md., acknowledged that the chain still has “more work to do” in this area, though it scored the highest in this report card. 

“We’re pleased with the B, but we’re still striving for an A,” Marriott vice president David Sampson said. 

The NAACP did not grade the Adam’s Mark Hotels chain for the second year running because it and the NAACP are involved in a lawsuit over alleged racial discrimination, NAACP spokeswoman Jean Ross said. 

On the Net: 

http://www.naacp.org

Will Lamb peered out from between two stalactites and grinned a six-year-old’s grin. 

He had struggled through a dark cave, but now there were other challenges to conquer. Soon, imitating a jellyfish in the swirls of the ocean deep, Lamb balanced on a wobbly platform. 

Meanwhile, all around him, kids were experiencing everything from life on the ocean floor to how a blind person plays ball. “A Night in the Dark,” a new children’s exhibit at the Lawrence Hall of Science, uses hands-on activities to show how different species adapt to darkness. 

“We don’t want people just standing around reading text,” said Steve Mullin, the museum’s operations manager.  

“We want to get you out of the museum and plunge you into the depths of the ocean and the earth.” 

A long line formed in front of a booth where kids could get a feel for blindness. Inside a pitch-black booth, they had to fit an object into the right slot. People in line could watch their frustration through a night-vision camera. 

Lamb’s mother, Alyssa, said she and her son will certainly return. “The activities here can be used for a wide age range,” she said. “I’m trying to figure some of these things out, myself.” 

The exhibit came to Lawrence Hall from the Cincinnati Museum Center and runs until January 15.

Tuesday, Oct. 10

Cal Alumni Singles 20th  

anniversary Dinner 

UC Faculty Club 

Dinner scheduled for Oct. 15 

For reservations call 527-2709 by Oct. 10 

Kenya, 40 Years Ago and  

Today 

1 p.m. 

North Berkeley Senior Center 

1901 Hearst Ave. (at MLK Jr. Way) 

Call 644-6107 for more info  

Defense Against Genetically Engineered Food 

7 p.m.  

Ecology Center 

2530 San Pablo Ave. 

Author Ronnie Cummins, National Director of the Organic Consumers Association (OCA) will lecture on genetically engineered food, including organic food and farming.  

For info: 548-2220 x233 

Wednesday, Oct. 11

Are Domed Cities in the future? 

7:30 - 9 p.m.  

International House, Homeroom  

UC Berkeley 

2299 Piedmont Ave.  

A discussion based on UC Berkeley alumnus Tim Holt’s book, “On Higher Ground.” Set 50 years in the future, part of the book takes place in an East Bay enclosed by a climate-controlled dome.  

$3 admission  

Contact Maribel Guillermo, 642-9460 

Tenant-Landlord Problems? 

12:30 - 2 p.m.  

North Berkeley Senior Center 

1901 Hearst Ave. (at MLK Jr. Way) 

Bring your concerns about repairs, harassment and housing rights.  

Call 644-6107 

Learn to Birdwatch 

Oct. 16, 18, 23 & 25 

9:30 a.m. - Noon 

UC Botanical Gardens 

200 Centennial Drive 

$50 for members; $65 for non-members 

Call for info or to enroll: 643-2755 

White Cane Day  

10:30 a.m. - 8:30 p.m. 

Spenger’s Fish Grotto 

1919 Fourth St.  

Pyramid Alehouse 

901 Gilman Ave. 

Members of the West Berkeley Lions Club will be asking for donations of money or used eyeglasses for the sight impaired. The Lions will be out in front of Pyramid Alehouse from 4:30 - 8 p.m. only.  

Call Joe Saenz, 352-2093 

Homeless Commission 

7 p.m.  

North Berkeley Senior Center  

1901 Hearst Ave. (at MLK Jr. Way) 

644-8616 

Police Review Commission 

7:30 p.m.  

South Berkeley Senior Center 

2939 Ellis St.  

The commission will discuss their workplan/goals for the upcoming year.  

644-6716 

Board of Library Trustees 

7 p.m.  

South Branch  

1901 Russell 644-6095 

Waterfront Commission 

7 p.m. 

His Lordships Restaurant 

199 Seawall Dr. 644-6376 x234 

Planning Commission 

7 p.m.  

North Berkeley Senior Center 

1901 Hearst Ave. (at MLK Jr. Way) 

705-8137 

Commission on Disability 

6:30 p.m.  

North Berkeley Senior Center 

1901 Hearst Ave. (at MLK Jr. Way) 

655-3440 

Thursday, Oct. 12

East Timor: The Road to Independence 

7:30 - 9 p.m.  

International House, Homeroom 

UC Berkeley 

2299 Piedmont Ave. 

A discussion of events leading up to the creation of the newest nation of the millennium and issues raised on the road to independence.  

$3 admission 

Contact Maribel Guillermo, 642-9460 

Bay Area: Transportation Nightmare 

Noon - 2 p.m. 

Albany Library 

Edith Stone Room  

1247 Marin Ave. 

Albany 

Stuart Cohen of the Bay Area Transportation and Land Use Coalition will speak on “What are the real choices in the Bay Area’s Transportation Crisis?” 

Call Janet Strothman, 841-3827 

Meeting Life Changes 

10 a.m. 

North Berkeley Senior Center 

1901 Hearst Ave. (at MLK Jr. Way) 

With John Hammerman.  

For info: 644-6107 

Sterling Trio 

Noon  

BART Plaza, Downtown 

Shattuck Ave. at Center St. 

Members of the Berkeley Symphony performing a variety of chamber music. 

Contact Carrie Ridgeway, 549-2230 

Zoning Adjustments  

Commission 

7 p.m.  

Old City Hall  

2134 MLK Jr. Way 

705-8110 

Community Health Commission 

6:45 p.m.  

Mental Health Clinic 

2640 MLK Jr. Way 

665-6845 

APCO vs. Pacific Steel  

Casting Company 

10 a.m. 

Bay Area Air Quality Management District 

939 Ellis St., Seventh Floor Board Room 

San Francisco 

Call the clerk’s office, 749-4965 

Friday, Oct. 13

“The Evolution and Cost of Ethical Drugs” 

11:45 a.m.  

Berkeley City Club 

2315 Durant Ave.  

Stanford D. Splitter, retired MD speaks at 12:30 p.m. Luncheon served at 11:45 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. 

Luncheon: $11 

Call for reservations: 848-3533 

— compiled by  

Chason Wainwright 

Saturday, Oct. 14 

Indigenous Peoples Day Powwow & Indian Market 

10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Grand Entry 1 p.m.  

Enjoy Native American foods, arts & crafts, drumming, singing and many types of native dancing. Sponsored by the City of Berkeley, this event is free.  

Civic Center Park 

Allston Way at MLK Jr. Way 

Info: 615-0603 

Traffic Calming Workshop 

1 - 4 p.m.  

North Berkeley Senior Center 

1901 Hearst Ave. (at MLK Jr. Way) 

Help to achieve reasonable traffic speeds and volume on local streets.  

Free Spay and Neuter Vouchers 

2 - 4 p.m.  

Berkeley Animal Shelter 

2013 Second St. 

The City of Berkeley, along with Spay Neuter Your Pet (SNYP) is kicking off a City-funded program to reduce the number of animals euthanized. They are offering free spay and neuter vouchers to all Berkeley residents.  

Run Your Own Landscape Business: Part 1 

11 a.m. - 1 p.m. 

Ecology Center 

2530 San Pablo Ave. (at Blake) 

Local horticultural consultant and UC Master Gardener Jessie West will teach you how to plant, prune, control weeds, and more. The first of three classes. The others are scheduled for Oct. 21 & 28 in the same timeslot. 

$15 general; $10 for members; $5 materials fee 

Call 548-2220 x223 

Learn to Birdwatch 

Oct. 16, 18, 23 & 25 

9:30 a.m. - Noon 

UC Botanical Gardens 

200 Centennial Drive 

$50 for members; $65 for non-members 

Call for info or to enroll: 643-2755 

Sunday, Oct. 15

A Taste of the Greenbelt 

1 - 4 p.m. 

Los Gatos Opera House 

Celebrate the Bay Area’s agricultural and culinary bounty. This benefit features a variety of musical groups, local artists and samples from over 40 local restaurants, farmers, wineries and microbreweries. Proceeds benefit Greenbelt Alliance’s ongoing efforts to protect Bay Area farmlands and open space.  

$45 per person; $80 for this event and the Oct. 22 event in SF 

1-800-543-GREEN, www.greenbelt.org 

A Muslim Approach to Life 

3 p.m. 

St. Johns Presbyterian Church 

2727 College Ave.  

A presentation on the Muslim spiritual life and culture which will focus on women’s lives and the uniqueness of women’s spiritual journeys. This is the first of four Sunday programs that will focus on this theme.  

Call 527-4496 

Time, Space, and Knowledge Vision 

6 p.m.  

Tibetan Nyingma Institute 

1815 Highland Place 

Ken McKeon , teacher writer and TSK practitioner since 1980 speaks on “Time, Space, and Knowledge, Right from the Start.” Free. 

Call 843-6812 

1923 North Berkeley Fire Walking Tour 

10 a.m. - Noon 

Phil Gale leads this tour of the Sept. 18, 1923 fire site, identifying various changes wrought in buildings and landscape. The tour includes the Mayback chimney, around which a new home was constructed. Pre-paid reservations are required.  

$10 

Call for reservations, 848-0181 

Monday, Oct. 16

Private Elementary School Parent Information Panel 

7 - 9:30 p.m. 

Epworth United Methodist Church 

1953 Hopkins St.  

A panel of parents from six area private schools discuss the admission process and their experiences. Sponsored by the Neighborhood Parents Network 

Admission: free to members, $5 non-members 

Call 527-6667 

Learn to Birdwatch 

Oct. 16, 18, 23 & 25 

9:30 a.m. - Noon 

UC Botanical Gardens 

200 Centennial Drive 

$50 for members; $65 for non-members 

Call for info or to enroll: 643-2755 

Tuesday, Oct. 17

Is the West Berkeley Shellmound a landmark? 

7 p.m.  

City Council Chambers 

2134 MLK Jr. Way, 2nd floor 

Continued and final public hearing on the appeals against landmark designation of the West Berkeley Shellmound. The City Council may possibly make it’s decision at this meeting. 

Landscape Archeology and Space-Age Technologies in Epirus, Greece 

8 p.m.  

370 Dwinelle Hall 

UC Berkeley 

Professor of Archeology, Art History and Classics Dr. James Wiseman presents a slide-illustrated lecture. 

Mario Savio Memorial Lecture 

7:30 p.m. 

Pauley Ballroom 

UC Berkeley 

Barbara Ehrenreich and Arlie Hochschild will speak on the theme “Forwards and Backwards - Women, globalization, and the new class structure.” Free.  

Help Out Some Orangutans 

7 p.m.  

Cafe Milanos 

2522 Bancroft Way 

Come help plan a day of action against Citibank, who allegedly plunders the environment for profit. Join the Rainforest Action Group and Ecopledge in protest.  

Is the Sky Falling? 

7 p.m.  

Ecology Center 

2530 San Pablo Ave. 

Tim Holt, author of “On Higher Ground” will present an array of post-ecotopian choices, one of which is domed cities. What does the future hold for California?  

Call 548-2220 x 233  

Wednesday, Oct. 18

Traffic Calming Workshop 

7 - 10 p.m. 

St. Clements Church 

2837 Clement Blvd.  

Help to achieve reasonable traffic speeds and volume on local streets.  

“Women and Trafficking: Domestic & Global Concerns” 

6 - 9:30 p.m. 

North Berkeley Senior Center 

1901 Hearst Ave. (at MLK Jr. Way) 

The Berkeley Commission on the Status of Women invites the public to this forum which will include an expert panel discussion, and a movie on Women and trafficking. Free. 

Call 644-6107 for more info.  

Thursday, Oct. 19

The Promise and Perils of Transgenic Crops 

7:30 - 9 p.m.  

International House, Homeroom 

UC Berkeley 

2299 Piedmont Ave.  

A discussion with Dr. Peggy Lemaux, professor of Plant and Microbiology at UC Berekeley, of the scientific basis for biotechnology, it’s risks and benefits. 

Contact Maribel Guillermo, 642-9460 

Rafael Mariquez Free Solo Concert 

7:30 p.m. 

Berkeley Public Library, South Branch 

1901 Russell St. (at MLK Jr. Way) 

This Chilean folksinger and guitarist presents his original settings of selections by Latin American poets. 

Contact: 644-6860; TDD 548-1240 

Vocal Sauce 

Noon 

BART Plaza, Downtown 

Shattuck Ave. at Center St. 

The JazzSchool’s vocal jazz ensemble perform award-winning arrangements by Greg Murai.  

Contact Carrie Ridgeway, 549-2230 

Performance Poetica 

7:30 p.m. 

ATA Gallery 

992 Valencia St. 

San Francisco 

Video and verse by Illinois Arts Council/Hemingway Festival poet and filmmaker Rose Virgo, with special guest Judy Irwin.  

$3  

Pain - Ways to Make It Easier 

1 - 2:30 p.m. 

Alta Bates Summit Medical Center 

Ashby Campus, Dining Rooms A & B 

3001 Colby 

Maggie van Staveren, LCSW, CHT and Christine Bartlett, PT, CHT will demonstrate ways to let go of pain due to arthritis, injury and illness. RSVP requested. 

Call 869-6737  

Friday, Oct. 20

“The Ballot Issues” 

11:45 a.m. 

Berkeley City Club 

2315 Durant Ave.  

Fran Packard of the League of Women Voters speaks at 12:30 p.m. Luncheon served at 11:45 a.m. and 12:15 p.m.  

Luncheon: $11 

Call 848-3533 

Human Nature 

8:30 p.m. 

New College Cultural Center 

766 Valencia 

San Francisco 

The X-plicit Players present this idyllic nude ritual. Watch or participate: Be led blindfolded through body tunnels, into body streams while sensing psychic/body qualities through touch. Also presented on Oct. 21.  

$12 admission 

Call 415-848-1985 

Saturday, Oct. 21

A Day on Mt. Tam 

9:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. 

Come play and hike in San Francisco’s beloved playground. This outing is part of a series of free fall outings organized by Greenbelt Alliance. 

Call: 415-255-3233 for reservations 

AHIMSA Eight Annual Conference 

9 a.m. - 5 p.m.  

International House, Great Hall 

UC Berkeley 

2299 Piedmont Ave.  

The AHIMSA is a nonprofit foundation whose goal is to encourage dialogues and public forums which bridge spiritual, scientific and social issues. This years conference is titled “Violence! Scientific and Spiritual Perspectives.”  

Admission is free 

Contact Maribel Guillermo, 642-9460 

Berkeley Farmers’ Market Fall Fruit Tastings 

10 a.m. - 3 p.m.  

Center St. at MLK Jr. Way 

Taste a whole farmers’ market’s bounty of fall fruit varieties. 

Free. 

Info: 548-3333 

Run Your Own Landscape Business: Part 2 

11 a.m. - 1 p.m. 

Ecology Center 

2530 San Pablo Ave. (at Blake) 

Local horticultural consultant and UC Master Gardener Jessie West will teach you how to plant, prune, control weeds, and more. The second of three classes. The last is scheduled for Oct. 28 during the same timeslot. 

$15 general; $10 for members; $5 materials fee 

Call 548-2220 x223 

Sunday, Oct. 22

A Taste of the Greenbelt 

1 - 4 p.m. 

Presidio’s Golden Gate Club 

Greenbelt Alliance brings the farm to the city in this celebration of the Bay Area’s agricultural and culinary bounty. Featured are samples from over 40 local restaurants, farmers, wineries, microbreweries. Also featured are live music and local artwork. The event benefits Greenbelt Alliance’s ongoing efforts to protect Bay Area farmlands and open space.  

$45 per person 

1-800-543-GREEN, www.greenbelt.org 

An Evening with Alice Walker 

7:30 p.m.  

King Middle School  

1781 Rose St. (at Grant) 

free parking 

Join internationally loved novelist, poet and essayist Alice Walker in celebrating her new book of autobiographical stories, “The Way Forward is With a Broken Heart.” Benefits Berkeley EcoHouse and KPFA Radio, 94.1 FM.  

Tickets: $10 advance, $13 door 

Tickets available at independent bookstores 

More info: 848-6767 x609 

Take a Trip to the Oakland Ballet 

North Berkeley Senior Center 

1901 Hearst Ave. (at MLK Jr. Way) 

This is an outing organized by the Senior Center to see “Glass Slippers.”  

Tickets: $6 each 

Call Maggie or Suzanne, 644-6107 

A Buddhist Pilgramage in India 

6 p.m. 

Tibetan Nyingma Institute 

1815 Highland Pl. 

June Rosenberg brings to life, through slides and lecture, her pilgrimages in India. Free. 

Call 843-6812 

Monday, Oct. 23

Berkeley Chinese Community Church Turns 100 

6 p.m. 

Nov. 4 

Silver Dragon Restaurant 

835 Webster St. 

Oakland 

Reservations: $30 per person 

More info: 548-5295 

Public Schools Parent Information Night 

7 - 9 p.m.  

Epworth United Methodist Church 

1953 Hopkins St. 

Parents, principals and other administrative staff from 11 elementary schools will speak about their schools. Sponsored by Neighborhood Parents Network.  

Admission: free to members, $5 non-members 

527-6667 

Tuesday, Oct. 24

Berkeley Farmers’ Market Fall Fruit Tastings 

2 p.m. - 7 p.m.  

Derby St. at MLK Jr. Way 

Come taste a bounty of fall fruit varieties for free. 

Info: 548-3333 

Thursday, Oct. 25

International Jewish Video Competition Winners 

7:30 p.m.  

Pacific Film Archive 

2575 Bancroft Way 

Screening of the four winners in the Museum’s seventh annual competition.  

Call 549-6950 

Thursday, Oct. 26

East Bay Science & Arts Middle School 

Noon  

BART Plaza, Downtown 

Middle school students perform dances of folk, swing, and Cuban rueda styles. Free.  

Contact Carrie Ridgeway, 549-2230 

Friday, Oct. 27

“Transporation: What’s in Store?” 

11:45 a.m. 

Berkeley City Club  

2315 Durant Ave.  

Larry Dahms, Executive Director of the Metropolitan Transportation Council speaks at 12:30 p.m. Luncheon is served at 11:45 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. 

Luncheon: $11 

More info and reservations: 848-3533 

Saturday, Oct. 28

Pedaling the Green City 

11 a.m. -3:30 p.m.  

Take a leisurely bike ride along the future San Francisco Bay Trail. One in a series of free outings organized by Greenbelt Alliance.  

Call: 415-255-3233 for reservations  

Wild About Books? 

10:30 a.m. 

Berkeley Central Library 

2121 Allston Way 

Halloween for the little guys with (not so) scary stories, music, and more.  

Call 649-3943  

Run Your Own Landscape Business: Part 3 

11 a.m. - 1 p.m. 

Ecology Center 

2530 San Pablo Ave. (at Blake) 

Local horticultural consultant and UC Master Gardener Jessie West will teach you how to plant, prune, control weeds, and more. This is the final class in the series. 

$15 general; $10 for members; $5 materials fee 

Call 548-2220 x223 

Sunday, Oct. 29

“Gateway to Knowledge” 

6 p.m. 

Tibetan Nyingma Institute 

1815 Highland Pl. 

Barr Rosenberg describes how to master new knowledge and take the power to shape our lives in wise and compassionate ways.  

843-6812 

Saturday, Nov. 4

Breathtaking Barnabe Peak 

10 a.m. - 4 p.m. 

Hike through Samuel P. Taylor State Park’s lush forests and climb to the heights of Barnabe Peak, overlooking Point Reyes. One in a series of free fall outings organized by Greenbelt Alliance.  

Call: 415-255-3233 for reservations 

Wild About Books? 

10:30 a.m. 

Berkeley Central Library 

2121 Allston Way 

Dublin Library’s resident storyteller and featured teller at the 1998 National Storytelling Festival tell kids aged 3 to 7 her favorite tales.  

Call 649-3943  

Sunday, Nov. 5

Buddhist Psychology 

6 p.m.  

Tibetan Nyingma Institute 

1815 Highland Pl.  

Buddhist teacher Sylvia Gretchen on “Beyond Therapy and Into the Heart of Buddhist Psychology.” Free. 

Call 843-6812  

Monday, Nov. 6

Airports vs. the Bay 

7 p.m. 

Albany Community Center 

1249 Marin St.  

Albany 

David Lewis, Executive Director of “Save the Bay” will speak on the airports’ plans to expand into the SF Bay and other challenges to Bay restoration.  

Contact: Friends of Five Creeks, 848-9358 

Thursday, Nov. 9

The Life and Art of Chiura Obata 

7:30 p.m.  

North Berkeley Public Library 

1170 Alameda (at Hopkins) 

A slide show and lecture presented by Obata’s granddaughter, Kimi Kodani Hill, celebrating Obata’s book, “Topaz Moon: Chiura Obata’s Art of the Internment,” and the retrospective exhibit of Obata’s work to appear this Fall at SFs De Young Museum. 

For details call 644-6850  

Saturday, Nov. 11

Moonlight on Mt. Diablo 

1 - 10:30 p.m.  

Hike up the Devil’s Mountain by daylight, catch a glorious sunset and hike back by the light of the moon. One in a series of free outing organized by Greenbelt Alliance.  

Call: 415-255-3233 for reservations 

Sunday, Nov. 12

Views, Vines and Veggies 

9:15 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.  

Climb Bald Mountain in Sugarloaf State Park and peer down upon the Napa and Sonoma Valleys. Then please your palate at the Landmark Winery and visit Oak Hill organic vegetable and flower farm. One in a series of free fall outings organized by Greenbelt Alliance.  

Call: 415-255-3233 for reservations 

“Time Across Cultures” 

2 - 4 p.m. 

St. Clements Church 

2837 Claremont Ave.  

The annual Roselyn Yellin Memorial lecture with a slide-illustrated panel discussion. Also a tour of the “Telling Time” exhibit at the Judah L. Magnes Museum followed by a reception at the museum, 4 - 5 p.m.  

More info: 549-6950 

Buddhism & Compassion 

6 p.m. 

Tibetan Nyingma Institute 

1815 Highland Place 

Psychiatrist and teacher Bobby Jones on “Healing through Compassion.” Free.  

843-6812 

Tuesday, Nov. 14

Take a Trip to the Steinbeck Museum and 

Mission San Juan Bautista 

North Berkeley Senior Center 

1901 Hearst Ave. (at MLK Jr. Way) 

This is an outing organzied by the Senior Center.  

$40 with lunch, $25 without  

Call Maggie or Suzanne, 644-6107 

Thursday, Nov. 16

Reminiscing in Swingtime 

7:30 p.m.  

North Berkeley Library  

1170 Alameda (at Hopkins) 

George Yoshida, author and jazz drummer, presents a multi-media program recounting the big band experience in the Japanese American internment camps. The presentation will be capped with a set of live jazz by the George Yoshida Quartet. 

Call for more info: 644-6850 

Saturday, Nov. 18

S.F. Stairs and Peaks 

10 a.m. - 3 p.m.  

Begin the day with a visit to the farmer’s market, then meander up the stairways and streets of Telegraph Hill to Coit Tower. Then up Russian Hill, descending to Fisherman’s Wharf for a ride back on the new historic streetcar line. One in a series of free fall outings organized by Greenbelt Alliance.  

Call: 415-255-3233 

Berkeley Free Folk Festival 

11 a.m. - 1 a.m.  

Ashkenaz  

1317 San Pablo Ave. 

Fourteen hours of free concerts, workshops, jam sessions and to top it off a Saturday night dance. The fifth annual Folk Festival will feature Shay & Michael Black, Spectre Double Negative & the Equal Positive, Larry Hanks, Wake the Dead and many others. Sponsored by Charles Schwab and the City of Berkeley.  

More info or to volunteer: 525-5099 

Sunday, Nov. 19

Mt. Madonna & Wine  

10 a.m. - 2 p.m. 

Hike through evergreen forests and visit the remains of a 19th century estate, then finish the day with a visit to Kruse Winery. One of many free fall outings organized by Greenbelt Alliance.  

Call: (415) 255-3233 for reservations 

Saturday, Dec. 2

Wild About Books? 

10:30 a.m. 

Berkeley Central Library 

2121 Allston Way 

Storyteller Kellmar draws from her African-American roots with stories that touch the heart and the funnybone. For childen aged 3-7. 

Call 649-3943  

ONGOING EVENTS 

Sundays 

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 

Mondays 

Baby Bounce and Toddler Time 

10:30 a.m. 

Oct. 16 - Dec. 11 

Berkeley Central Library 

2121 Allston Way 

For children ages 6 to 36 months. Get those babies off to a good start with songs, rhymes, lap bounces, and very simple books. 

649-3943  

Tuesdays 

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. 

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

Berkeley Farmers’ Market 

2-7 p.m. 

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

548-3333 

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. 

531-8664 

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. 

644-8511 

Wednesdays  

10:30 a.m. 

Preschool Song and Story Time 

Berkeley Central Library 

2121 Allston Way 

Music and stories for ages 3-5.  

649-3943 

Thursdays 

The Disability Mural 

4-7 p.m. through September 

Integrated Arts 

933 Parker 

Drop-in Mural Studios will be held for community gatherings and tile-making sessions. This mural will be installed at Ed Roberts campus. 

841-1466 

Fridays 

Ralph Nader for President 

7 p.m.  

Video showings to continue until November. Campaign donations are requested. Admission is free.  

Contact Jack for directions at 524-1784. 

Saturdays 

Berkeley Farmers’ Market 

10 a.m.-3 p.m. 

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

548-3333 

Poets Juan Sequeira and Wanna Thibideux Wright 

2nd and 4th Sunday 

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. 

234-0727;642-5168 

Tuesday and Thursday 

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. 

644-6109 

Compiled by Chason Wainwright 

An executive pulls up to valet parking at a restaurant, late to a business lunch, and finds no one to take his car keys.  

Anxious and fuming, he spots a teen-ager running toward him in the rear-view mirror and yells, “Where the hell were you? I haven’t got all day.” 

He tosses the keys in the kid’s general direction and they fall to the pavement.  

Bending to pick them up, the boy says, “Sorry, sir. About how long do you expect to be? 

The executive hollers over his shoulder, “You’ll know when you see me, won’t you?”  

The valet winces, but bites his tongue.  

Postscript: The teenager goes home and bullies his kid brother. 

It’s easy to multiply examples like these: a customer demeans a waitress, a coach cows a player, a doctor disparages a nurse, a school principal insults a teacher, a teacher humiliates a student, students ostracize other students, a parent belittles a child, an officer abuses a suspect, a professor exploits a teaching assistant, a boss harasses an employee, a caretaker mistreats an invalid. 

Most such behaviors have nothing to do with racism or sexism.  

Yet the effect on the victims is no different from how it felt to be Jewish, black, or gay until things began to change for those groups.  

The perpetrators of these insults, like racists and sexists, select their targets with circumspection.  

In each of these examples, what triggers unequal treatment is rank – rank as measured on the somebody-nobody scale. 

“Somebodies” are sought after, given preference, lionized. “Nobodies” get insulted, dissed, exploited, ignored.  

Low rank functions exactly like race and gender – as an unjustifiable impediment to advancement.  

All forms of abuse, prejudice, and discrimination are actually predicated upon differences in rank.  

Rank-based discrimination deserves a name of its own to distinguish it from racism, sexism, and bad manners.  

By analogy, we shall call it rankism. Once you have a name for it you see it everywhere. 

Our society no longer condones abuse based on race or gender, but inequity based on rank is, for the most part, still overlooked.  

It might be supposed that if one overcomes tendencies to racism, sexism, ageism and other narrowly defined forms of prejudice, one would be purged of rankism as well.  

But rankism is not just another ism; it’s the mother of them all.  

The familiar kinds of discrimination are simply special cases of rankism.  

Color, gender, etc. are excuses for exploiting power differences, not the cause of the resulting injustices. 

Unlike race or gender, rank is mutable. You can be taken for a nobody one day and for a somebody the next.  

You can be a nobody at home and a somebody at work, or vice versa. “Nobody” is an epithet used to justify further denigration and inequity. “Nobody” is the N-word of our time. 

Much of what’s labeled social pathology arises from rankism.  

The indignity suffered by nobodies festers.  

It turns to indignation and sometimes erupts in violence.  

To “nobody” individuals, or a people, is not only to do them an injustice, it is to plant a time bomb in our own midst. 

The consequences range from school shootings to genocide. The 20th century has seen many demagogues who have promised to restore the pride and dignity of a people that felt “nobodied.”  

Hitler enjoyed the support of Germans humiliated by punitive measures in the aftermath of World War I. President Milosevic of Yugoslavia has traded on the wounded pride of the Serbs.  

People will become apologists for crimes they would otherwise condemn to get even with those they believe have nobodied them.  

Attacking the familiar isms, one at a time, is like lopping heads off the Hydra of discrimination and prejudice.  

Going after rankism, which underlies all forms of discrimination, would drive a stake through the Hydra’s heart. 

In targeting rankism, it is vital to recognize that there is nothing wrong with rank per se, any more than there is anything wrong with race or with gender. When it has been earned and signifies excellence, rank is generally accepted. 

But when rank is exercised beyond its appropriate domain, or when others are “nobodied,” that’s rankism. The democratic process provides a recourse to rankism in civic affairs, but in the workplace and in education we must often knuckle under or risk our position.  

Before the civil rights and women’s movements, blatant forms of race and gender-based discrimination were mostly condoned.  

Now, being labeled a “racist” or a “sexist,” a “bigot” or a “homophobe,” does not look good on your resume. 

In contrast, rankism, in both its interpersonal and institutional guises, still enjoys wide tacit support. Overcoming rankism – in the family, the schools, health care and the workplace – is democracy’s next step.

Well, at least nothing else can go wrong. 

After holding strong during three straight losses in which the offense and special teams took turns handing the opposition easy scores, Cal’s vaunted defense finally collapsed at Arizona State Saturday, giving up nine plays of over 25 yards on the way to a 30-10 loss. The Sun Devils’ long plays included three touchdown passes of at least 50 yards. 

The offense didn’t do the team any favors either, as quarterback Kyle Boller threw for just 127 yards and was so ineffective head coach Tom Holmoe pulled him for the first time this season. Joe Igber ran for 181 yards on only 15 carries, but managed to offset his great day with a lost fumble and an inexplicable collapse at the one-foot line on his longest run of the day. The Bears (1-4) managed just three drives into Arizona State territory for the game, and two of them ended in turnovers. 

But the Bears’ secondary was the scapegoat of the day. Despite good pressure by the defensive line and the Sun Devils starting their third-string quarterback, the Bears defensive backs gave up 420 yards in the air, constantly letting the Arizona State (4-1) receivers get behind them for big gains. Cornerback Lashaun Ward was particularly helpless, giving up four passes of at least 30 yards by Griffin Goodman, a senior walk-on who had thrown just 46 passes in two years coming into the game. 

The game started promisingly for the Bears, as Igber scampered for 20 yards, then took a screen pass 30 yards to the ASU 22-yard line. But on third down, Boller scrambled out of the grasp of two Sun Devils only to have defensive end Kurt Wallin knock the ball from his grasp. Arizona State’s Lee Suggs fell on the ball to kill the early scoring chance. 

The Bears’ next drive stalled before reaching midfield, but Holmoe daringly called for a fake punt. The Sun Devils were completely fooled, but punter Nick Harris’ pass was a floater and safety Deway Hale was forced to leap for it, crashing to the turf two yards short of the first down with nothing but open grass in front of him. 

The home team struck quickly on the ensuing drive. After a run produced no yardage, Goodman faked a handoff to tailback Mike Williams. Every Cal player bit on the fake, including safety Bert Watts, who was supposed to cover tight end Todd Heap. Goodman hit the wide-open Heap for a 50-yard touchdown, putting the Bears in a 6-0 hole. 

The next 15 minutes of the game were probably the ugliest spectacle most fans will see this year. The Bears next drive lost six yards, and Goodman answered back with three straight incompletions. After a Sun Devil punt, Igber fumbled the ball. Arizona State’s Adam Archuleta, who found a home for the afternoon in the Bear backfield, recovered the ball. Archuleta finished with seven tackles, including three for losses, and was in Boller’s face all game long. 

Following a Jacob Waasdorp sack, Williams coughed the ball up on a hit by defensive end Shaun Paga, who has proven to be an impact player for the Bears in his first year back after a two-year break from football. Paga has now caused two fumbles on the season to go with a safety, 15 tackles and a sack. 

Boller found tight end Keala Keanaaina on two play-action passes sandwiched around a scramble for 18 yards to get the Bears to the ASU 10, and Mark Jensen converted the 27-yard field goal to cut the deficit to three points. That was as close as Cal would get for the rest of the game. 

On a third-and-seven on the ensuing drive, Heap caught a short pass across the middle. Watts had a chance to stop the big tight end short of the first down, but Heap simply lowered his head and steamrolled over him, rumbling for another 50-yard gain. 

Cal’s defense stiffened again, and ASU kicker Mike Barth hit an impressive 41-yard field goal. But Cal’s Chidi Iwuoma was offside on the play, giving the Sun Devils a first down and prolonging the drive. The home team’s offensive line then committed two false starts and one holding penalty to back ASU out of field goal range.  

But as the Sun Devils attempted to shoot themselves in the foot, the Bear defense snatched the gun away and tried to blow its own leg off. On second-and-30, the Bears appeared to have an interception that could have turned the tide of the game. But the visitors were called for defensive holding, giving the ball back to the Sun Devils, then committed the same infraction on third-and-19 to put Arizona State right back into field goal range. Barth was good from 36, and the score stood 9-3. 

From that point, the Bears looked utterly clueless in most facets of the game. Goodman began to pick on Ward and Harold Pearson, and he connected on bomb after bomb to receivers Shaun McDonald, Ryan Dennard and Donnie O’Neal. The Sun Devils’ last drive of the first half covered 92 yards in just two passes, a 33-yarder to tailback Davaren Hightower and a post pattern to McDonald, who beat Pearson by three yards and strolled into the end zone untouched to give Arizona State a 16-3 halftime lead. 

Goodman shook off a Ward interception early in the second half, connecting with McDonald again for 54 yards to set up a seven-yard touchdown run by running back Tom Pace. Six minutes later, Goodman found O’Neal for another 50-yard score, finishing the Sun Devils’ scoring. Goodman sat down for the final quarter of the game, giving sophomore Matt Cooper some time at quarterback. Goodman completed just 11 of his 28 pass attempts, but made each completion count, racking up 394 yards and three touchdowns in his three quarters of work. 

All that was left for the Bears was their pride. Buried deep in their own half, Cal looked to have a bit of life left when Igber burst through the Arizona State defense and was 15 yards in the clear, headed towards the end zone. But he ran out of gas with 30 yards to go and eventually fell down untouched just short of the goal line. Cal’s frustration was complete when fullback Ryan Stanger fumbled the ball on the next play, and even a blocked punt by linebacker John Klotsche and a one-yard touchdown run by Joe Echema to set the final score couldn’t make up for a day full of disappointments.

Students at Oxford Elementary will soon be participating in a research project to see whether nutritious meals will improve their performance. 

Dr. Michael Murphy, a child nutrition researcher from Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, will be tracking 100 students at Oxford. The Berkeley Unified School District and the Child Nutrition Advisory Committee are sponsoring the project. 

Murphy said he will set up a whole-grain breakfast bar and an organic salad bar and compare the students’ performances – academically and behaviorally – to their achievements from last year. Parental permission is required for a student to participate. 

“First, we’re going to see if the kids will eat a whole-grain breakfast if it’s provided,” he said. “If they do, we’ll see how it affects their performance.” 

Murphy conducted a similar study last year in Philadelphia involving 100 kids. The results, he said, showed that students who ate better breakfasts performed better in class. 

“It’s pretty well established that five to 30 percent of students (in the U.S.) experience hunger,” he said.  

“I’ve been involved in five years of research that questioned whether or  

not hunger does anything bad,  

performance wise, or are they just uncomfortable. And the answer is yes, it does hinder their performance.” 

Last year, the district implemented a “no student in Berkeley goes hungry” food service policy. The policy draws the “important connection between a healthy diet and a student’s ability effectively and achieve high standards in school.” 

Superintendent Jack McLaughlin said Murphy’s research will provide even better data about the link between nutrition and learning. 

The district has worked with the Child Nutrition Advisory Council – a collection of parents, teachers and students – for almost four years with the goal of bringing more nutritious breakfasts and lunches to Berkeley schools. 

Chairman Eric Weaver said the council has launched several programs, including a salad bar at Malcolm X and a universal breakfast at Rosa Parks. 

Teachers at Rosa Parks have reported a decline in tardiness, absenteeism and an improvement in behavior since the breakfast began last year. 

Suzanne Bernhard, the coordinator for the salad bar at Malcolm X, said her program began last May with student taste tests. She said the salad bar increased paid-participation by 46 percent. 

“Raising paid-participation is the key,” Weaver said. “It shows that you can increase the amount of customers that you have.” 

Chez Panisse owner and chef Alice Waters, who started an “edible school yard” program in the district, believes it’s only natural that the kids perform better if they eat better. 

“I hope this could be a natural curriculum,” she said. “When you grow good food and cook good food, there’s a likelihood that you’ll eat good food.”

Berkeley High claimed their first victory Friday night, besting rival De Anza 46-27. Berkeley relied upon a potent rushing attack, gaining 306 yards on the ground to De Anza’s 119. Senior running back Ramone Reed led the charge, rushing for two touchdowns and 142 yards on 18 carries, and throwing for one touchdown in the rout. 

The game began on an inauspicious note for the YellowJackets when quarterback Nitoto Muhammed threw an interception on its opening drive, one of the three Berkeley turnovers on the night. But the Dons couldn’t score, and the ‘Jackets regrouped quickly, marching 60 and 51 yards on consecutive drives behind powerful blocking to take a 14-0 lead. 

Reed and fellow running backs Joey Terry-Jones and Germey Baird led the Berkeley drives, barreling into, scampering around, and seeping through a porous De Anza defensive line. Terry-Jones rushed for a bruising 71 yards on nine carries, while Baird carried the ball 12 times for 58 yards. 

Senior wide receiver Chavallier Patterson praised the play of his running backs and offensive line after the game, saying, “They just couldn’t stop our running game. We ran well tonight, and it opened things up for the rest of us.” 

With 2:04 remaining in the first quarter, De Anza responded to the YellowJacket offensive. After a Berkeley kickoff left them with a first-and-10 on their own 37-yard line, quarterback Anthony Baisley lofted a pass 33 yards downfield to wide receiver Jonny Johnson. Reed (also a defensive back) leaped with Baisley to try to intercept the pass. The ball was tipped twice, and when it finally fell into Baisley’s hands he had an open field to the endzone. A few seconds later, the score was 14-7. 

Starting at their own 30-yard line, Berkeley began a four-minute, 10-play, 70-yard march to paydirt. Sticking with what had been successful, they ran the ball every down but one, relying upon the churning legs of Reed, Baird and Terry-Jones to carry them into the endzone. The strategy worked, and the brutal ‘Jacket rushing game ground the Dons deep into the their own territory, where Muhammed scored on a quarterback draw to give the ‘Jackets a 20-7 lead with 9:58 remaining in the half. 

The game remained in doubt until late in the third quarter, when Berkeley junior Anthony Lee Franklin broke it open. Leading 27-13 with 3:37 remaining in the third quarter, Franklin caught a De Anza punt at his own 37, eluded two tacklers, and sprinted up the right sideline. With a cutback to the middle of the field, Franklin scored, giving the ‘Jackets a commanding 33-19 lead.  

Although De Anza scored once more, Berkeley answered back with a touchdown, and the victory was never again in serious jeopardy.  

Reed iced the Berkeley victory with a final 28-yard sprint to the goal line, scoring his second touchdown of game and giving Berkeley a their first win of the season. 

Berkeley advances to 1-4 (1-0 ACCAL) and travels to Encinal Friday for a 7 p.m. game.

Suzanne Sininger woke up out of breath, dreaming she had a hole in her stomach left by her baby. The baby she put up for adoption 25 years before. 

Like Sininger, many birth mothers feel the need to reconnect with children they haven’t seen for years. The International Soundex Reunion Registry is one way to do that.  

The free service is also a resource for adoptees, like Sininger’s daughter, whose name is also Suzanne. Though on different sides of the country, they both registered on the database and found each other several years ago. 

“It feels that my life has come full circle,” said Sininger, a Bay Area artist. 

Since 1975, the Soundex Registry has helped make such reunions possible. It was originally created in Carson City, Nev., to help cancer-stricken Emma May Vilardi find her family’s medical history that was lost when her mother was adopted. 

On Saturday, workers from the Post Adoption Center for Education and Research asked people strolling near Cody’s Books on Fourth Street if they needed help finding a birth relative. 

The event was part of a national registration day designed to give Soundex more entrants on what is already the oldest and largest national reunion database. 

Although not many people stopped to look at the colored fliers filled with information about finding birth relatives, the organizers were satisfied. 

“If there’s only one who comes by and it’s a good story, we’re successful,” said Bob Crowe, president of PACER and a reunited adoptee.  

“The whole idea is to get the word out.” 

Adoption remains a difficult topic. People avoid talking about it and states are reluctant to open their adoption records.  

People who endeavor to find relatives can end up disappointed. 

“For every wonderful loving success story, there is also one that is totally dreadful,” said Crowe.  

Yet a survey conducted by the Evan B. Donaldson Adoption Institute found that six out of 10 Americans have had a personal experience with adoption.  

And a study by the Maine Department of Human Resources Task Force on Adoption reported that 95 percent of birth parents and adoptees wanted to find their relatives. 

That’s why Soundex can be successful – people who register are giving consent that they want to find their relatives.  

The registry also gives information about support groups to people going through the difficult psychological process of finding a lost relative. 

“It was the first time someone was listening to me and validating my wishes,” Sininger said. “I was so surprised, I burst into tears.” 

For more information go to www.isrr.net. For support groups and birth relative search workshops, visit www.pacer-adoption.org.

SEATTLE, Wash. - The No. 7 California women’s soccer team lost to No. 9 Washington, 2-1, in the 88th minute Sunday at Husky Soccer Field. The loss was Cal’s first of the season and dropped the Bears record to 11-1-1 (1-1 Pac-10), while the Huskies improved to 11-1 (2-0 Pac-10).  

“We didn’t play very well in the first half,” said Cal coach Kevin Boyd. “It looked a lot like Friday night. In the second half, we played very well but just couldn’t get another goal. We had some good chances. They just weren’t as dangerous as they should have been.”  

Washington jumped out to a 1-0 lead with a goal in the 33rd minute off the foot of Malia Arrant, who received a pass from Suzanne Culpeper and scored from eight-yards out.  

Trailing 1-0 at the half, Cal wasted little time evening the score with an unassisted goal from sophomore All-America candidate Laura Schott on a 12-yard putback at 46:37. The goal was the forward’s team-best 17th of the season, tying her with Olympian Joy Fawcett for the second most goals in a season in Cal history. Schott now has 35 points on the year, which is the fourth best in school history.  

The game, which was very evenly played, appeared headed for overtime when Husky reserve Melissa Bennett tallied an eight-yard game-winning shot at 87:11.  

“It was a little disappointing to give one up late in the game like that,” said Boyd. “It was a very soft goal. We gave them an easy one. We haven’t given up a soft goal all year, so that’s something we’ll have to make sure doesn’t happen again.”  

This also was the first time all season Cal has given up more than one goal. UW held a slim 18-16 advantage on shots.  

Cal returns home next Sunday to host Stanford at noon, at Edwards Stadium.

The City Council is back, after a one week hiatus, and will address its usual eclectic mix of issues tomorrow night.  

At a closed session prior to the public portion of the evening, the council will discuss a legal strategy to challenge UC Berkeley’s plan to build a seismic replacement building at Oxford and Hearst Street.  

Also, Kahlil Jacobs-Fantauzzi’s case against the City of Berkeley could be resolved. Jacobs-Fantauzzi is suing the Berkeley Police Department and the city for more than $1 million over his arrest last year during a demonstration outside the KPFA studios on Martin Luther King Jr. Way. 

After that, the most weighty agenda item might be a plan to return number dispensers – the likes of which keep many a deli calm – to Berkeley post offices in time for the holiday mailing rush. 

“Without numbers the post office is just going to be pandemonium,” Councilmember Polly Armstrong told the Daily Planet. “If we don’t have number dispensers, people will have to just stand in line, and around the holidays, that could mean hours.” 

There are other issues as well. 

Skate’s Restaurant at the Marina is hoping for an exemption from the Living Wage Ordinance passed last month. 

Also, Councilmember Kriss Worthington is asking his colleagues to support a Proclamation for National Coming Out Day, October 11. 

“We’re going to do it a little bit differently this year,” he said. “In the past we’ve always had white gays come to our meeting, which makes the movement seem white, which it isn’t. So this year we’ll be having representatives from Cal Queer and Asian come for the proclamation.” 

The council may also authorize City Manager Weldon Rucker to accept a $500,000 grant from the California Endowment Communities First program to expand Berkeley’s breast feeding peer counselor program. 

“The program is a response to the health disparity here in Berkeley,” said Fred Medrano of the Health and Human Services Department.  

“We’ll be aggressive at targeting African-Americans, who have lower birth weights in our city. Breast feeding is a concrete step to improve health outcomes for babies and young children.” 

Councilmember Dona Spring has suggested that the council approve plans to allow the Peace and Justice commission to review all contracts, with some exceptions, between the University and the City which involve nuclear issues. 

Spring also said she liked the way council meetings have been run in the last weeks. 

“There has been a real improvement, with less in-fighting between members,” Spring said.  

“Even with all the very deep-seeded antagonisms between moderates and progressives, things are going well.” 

SEATTLE (AP) – The Washington Huskies found out first hand what second-year Oregon State coach Dennis Erickson has done to the once-downtrodden Beavers football program. 

The Huskies (No. 11 ESPN/USA Today, No. 13 AP) needed touchdowns on short runs by freshman Rich Alexis and quarterback Marques Tuiasosopo in the final quarter to hold off the No. 23 Beavers 33-30 on Saturday night. 

It wasn’t over until Oregon State’s Ryan Cesca missed a 46-yard field-goal attempt with 14 seconds left. Cesca had plenty of leg, but the kick was wide right. 

The crowd of 73,145 at Husky Stadium watched as Jonathan Smith drove Oregon State (4-1, 1-1 Pacific-10) from its 26 to the Washington 28 in the final 4:55 before Cesca’s miss. 

“We feel we’re a legitimate Rose Bowl contender,” Smith said. “So any time you lose, it’s a disappointment.” 

Oregon State lost its 13th straight to Washington (4-1, 1-1), but the game was a thriller compared to the Huskies’ 47-21 victory last year in Corvallis. 

LOS ANGELES (AP) – Arizona’s defense played like “Desert Swarm” again, and the Wildcats’ offense came up big. 

Evoking memories of the Wildcats’ dominant defenses during several seasons in the 1990s, Arizona held Southern California (No. 16 ESPN/USA Today, No. 18 AP) to 10 yards rushing, logged five sacks and forced five turnovers in a 31-15 victory Saturday. 

Ortege Jenkins and Clarence Farmer provided offensive spark for the Wildcats (4-1, 2-0 Pacific-10) against the bumbling Trojans (3-2, 0-2), who were booed by their own fans as the game went on. 

Jenkins ran for two scores and hooked up with Bobby Wade on a 75-yard touchdown pass, and Farmer – a quick, hard-running freshman – scored on an 80-yard run and finished with 134 yards on 22 carries. 

USC’s Carson Palmer threw three interceptions and lost a fumble. Palmer was 26-of-50 for 321 yards. 

SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) – The option was back at Notre Dame. The Irish offense, however, didn’t show a lot of improvement. 

Freshman Matt LoVecchio guided the Irish 91 yards for a touchdown on their first possession, and a blocked punt and an interception set up two TDs as Notre Dame (No. 25 AP) beat Stanford 20-14 on Saturday. 

“Any time that you can win a big-time college football game, you need to enjoy it,” Notre Dame coach Bob Davie said. “I also think the football team, particularly the defensive side, didn’t play as well as we should.” 

Stanford (2-3) scored on a 14-yard touchdown pass from Chris Lewis to Darin Naatjes with 1:07 left to close within six points, but Jabari Holloway recovered the onside kick at the Stanford 45. 

The Irish (3-2), who entered the game with the 106th rated offense of 114 teams, managed just 266 yards total offense.  

Stanford had 384 yards total offense but was hurt by two turnovers, the blocked punt and a missed field goal. The Cardinal were led by Chris Lewis, who was 19-of-43 for 242 yards with one interception. 

PULLMAN, Wash. (AP) – Jason Gesser threw two touchdown passes and ran for a third score as Washington State beat Boise State 42-35 on Saturday in a game that featured nearly 900 yards. 

Washington State (3-2) won at home for the first time in a year, and rose above .500 for the first time since they were 3-2 in the 1998 season. 

Boise State (3-2) lost despite 335 passing yards and four touchdowns by Bart Hendricks. 

With the score tied at 35, Washington State took possession on Boise State’s 38 after an end zone punt and drove to the 1. Runs were stopped twice before Adam Hawkins bulled over for a touchdown that lifted WSU to a 42-35 lead with 1:15 left. 

Boise State’s final drive ended on a Hendricks’ fumble.

Early Saturday morning, some two dozen teenagers woke up early to host a day of festivities for Berkeley children. 

Gloomy gray clouds and low temperatures couldn’t keep them from celebrating the Annual Berkeley Harvest Fair with a “Jump for Fun” trampoline, face painting, karaoke, pumpkin carving, domino matches and free food. 

“It’s a chance for us to really engage the community,” said Jason Uribe, the garden coordinator for the Berkeley Youth Alternative’s Community Garden Patch. 

The fair, like all the work of BYA gardeners, was a community outreach program. It was also the group’s way of thanking Berkeley for turning a once barren lot on Bonar Street into a thriving fruit and vegetable garden. 

“There was a need for something to do for the youth,” said Uribe of the 25-year-old program. “They feel safe here. It’s not just a job, it’s like a rec center.” 

BYA provides participants with job opportunities while teaching them agricultural skills, assisting them with school assignments, and giving them a safe way to fill their after-school hours.  

Participants work 20 hours a week, Monday through Friday and sometimes on Saturdays. 

As a parent of four, Candie Leonard began volunteering at BYA almost three years ago.  

“It gives kids a place to come and also be educated. There’s always plenty of things to do to keep them off the streets,” Leonard said of the program. “My kids love to come here. It’s not just something where they sit around – they have to interact.” 

When not tending the garden or singing karaoke, the youth often plan programs to show off their creativity outside the garden. They are responsible for the fund-raising and planning of a cabaret play, as well as a Christmas in April program.  

“At first, I was shy – I didn’t like talking to people until I got here,” said Ebony Thomas, 18, as she painted a child’s face Saturday. “Now, I get to work with people. They help you with your homework and everything.” 

Dart Kaufman, 18, is a garden manager’s assistant who began working for BYA four months ago.  

“I was interested in community and urban gardening,” said Kaufman. “It’s very important to have places in the community where people are growing their own food.” 

Kaufman said his involvement with this program, and with a similar one in San Francisco, has led him to choose farming as a career.

CASTRO VALLEY — One might think that a town which plays host to diverse interests ranging from the Sequoians nudist camp to the Cavy World Guinea Pig Rescue organization would be open to just about anything. 

Anything, that is, except bad art. 

The resident critics of Castro Valley have discerning eyes set on two pieces of recently placed public art that are raising more hackles than cheers. At issue are a pair of sculptures gracing the median along well-traveled Redwood Road: a 2-foot-tall display earth-toned urn spilling out stone ‘beans’ and a collection of oversized bowls. 

“They’re an eyesore. They’re blah. They don’t serve any purpose,” one local merchant said. 

It might have gone unnoticed for a small town to second-guess the local art commission, but Castro Valley’s ad hoc artisans are making a habit of it. 

In 1997, the Alameda County Art Commission spent $152,000 for a sign bearing the town’s name that lasted a whole two months before citizen’s demanded its removal. A crowd gathered to applaud the removal of the sign which now gathers dust in the corner of a truck garage. 

“I didn’t get that one. It looked to me like a botched idea,” said Steve Talmadge, a commercial photographer and Castro Valley resident for the last 18 years. 

He admits his town is slow to adopt change, preferring to keep new adornments to the small unincorporated area at a minimum. The sign in 1997 and the bowls and beans, which he doesn’t think are quite as bad, just “pop up overnight.” 

“We just like the older nostalgic feeling ... things that would come in here and go against that, (citizens) are going to speak up,” Talmadge said. 

Now some locals have their sites set on the hill of beans, which some say isn’t worth one. The artist who sculpted the work, Washington, D.C.-based Robert Sneikus, knew the city had developed a reputation for being “very hostile to public art.” 

“People (in Castro Valley) are very sure of what they like and what they dislike,” Sneikus said. “We were very skeptical about taking on this project.” 

Castro Valley resident Diane Bland denied that her city was sour on art in general, but admitted she would rather have “more money in (her) check than in beans on Redwood Road.” 

Some say they would have preferred shrubs or trees planted at the sculpture location, but plants weren’t an option because the median was too narrow and too close to underground utili

DUBLIN — City officials are upset with federal agency’s proposal to designate the entire city as part of critical habitat for the California red-legged frog. 

The Dublin city council approved a letter which was sent to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service last week detailing its dismay that it was part of 5.4 million acres to be included in the proposed designation. 

That acreage would include a third of Alameda and Contra Costa counties as well as the entire city of Dublin. 

City officials say such a federal definition could delay development projects in the area. 

“This is an extremely broad definition of critical habitat,” said community development director Eddie Peabody. “It covers ... developed areas as well as not developed.” 

Critical habitats are defined by the Endangered Species Act as geographic areas essential for the conservation of a threatened or endangered species. 

The language of the proposal encompasses shopping malls, roads and other man-made features within the boundaries for critical habitat. They were only included because of difficulties mapping such minute features. 

The California red-legged frog was listed as threatened in 1996, under the Federal Endangered Species Act. 

The proposal is aimed at reducing threats to the frog population, restoring habitats and surveying and monitoring the frog’s population 

Such a habitat designation would mean that if government funds are involved in a development project, those agencies would have to consult with federal wildlife officials before ground could be broken.

A famous sculpture displayed outside a museum at the University of California at Berkeley will receive an environmental makeover that only Berkeley could appreciate 

“The Hawk for Peace” was commissioned by the UC Berkeley Art Museum and was donated by the sculptor, Alexander Calder. Calder finished the sculpture in 1976 and it now sits outside the Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive. 

A special amount of attention is focused on striping the sculpture of its lead-based paint to ensure that none of the toxins are released into the ground.  

According to the university, when the sculpture was originally commissioned, it was painted with paint that had a lead content of two percent.  

Which was a level deemed unsafe by the government. New regulations currently allow new paints to contain only .006 percent lead paint, a level far below the old paint, but that isn't known for its durability. 

SACRAMENTO — Common Cause and the League of Women Voters call a campaign finance measure on next month’s ballot “dishonest and deceptive.” Supporters say Proposition 34 is the best California can do without changing the state constitution. 

The proposition was one of three debated Friday at a California Society of Association Executives event. 

Also discussed were measures that would let parents use taxpayer money to send their children to private schools and allow state and local government to use private contractors for public works projects. 

Proposition 34 would place limits on California’s now virtually unlimited campaign contributions. 

The measure would limit donations to political candidates in legislative elections to $3,000; put a $5,000 cap on statewide office elections; and would limit individual donations to gubernatorial candidates to $20,000. 

The proposal would repeal most of Proposition 208, a tougher 1996 voter-approved campaign finance initiative that has been blocked in federal court, said Jim Knox of California Common Cause. 

Proposition 34 is “the most dishonest and deceptive measure” before voters this November, Knox said. “This is a deliberate attempt to deceive voters.” 

The measure is presented as a good-government proposal, but would actually do little to eliminate special-interest influence, Knox said. 

And many voters probably do not realize that approving Proposition 34 would strike down the tougher 208, which is pending in court, he said. 

The measure, passed by the Legislature, is supported by both major political parties and was drafted by an attorney for the Democratic Party, Lance Olson. 

Olson defended the measure, saying that voters have approved campaign finance limits before, but they had been struck down by courts as unconstitutional. Proposition 208’s contribution limits have been ruled too strict to let candidates get their message out. 

Olson said he crafted Proposition 34 so it would withstand a court challenge. 

“The system in California is completely wide-open in terms of contributions,” Olson said. “There are no limits on what people can give candidates.” 

Also debated was Proposition 38, a constitutional amendment that would give parents $4,000 to send a child to a private school, regardless of family income. 

“We must break up the government monopoly of education,” said John Stoos, a legislative consultant representing the voucher campaign. 

The initiative is sponsored by Redwood City venture capitalist Tim Draper, who gave the campaign nearly $18.1 million in loans and stock as of the end of September, the latest reporting period. The “yes” campaign has spent at least $19.9 million so far. 

On the Net: 

Read the propositions at  

Don’t want to wait until Nov. 7 to cast your vote? Try Tuesday. That’s when “Convenience voting” comes to the city. 

Between Oct. 10 and Nov. 3, residents will be able to cast ballots from five electronic voting machines located at the City Clerk’s Office, at 1900 Addison St. 

They call it “in- person absentee balloting” and voters will be given the choice of casting their vote in one of three languages – English, Spanish or Chinese. 

“It’s time to get new machines,” said Bradley Clark, Alameda County Registrar of Voters, in Berkeley Friday to tout the new system. “California is the last state in the nation to replace its punch card ballots. These machines are over 35 years old, getting parts for them is impossible, and the new technology works, so why not use it?” he asked. 

Clark purchased 50 “touch screen voting technology” units at $3,300 dollars a pop and scattered them across Alameda County. 

“The ultimate goal is to add these machines to all polling places in Alameda County,” Clark said, adding that this would require the total purchase of 3,500 to 4,000 machines. Such a plan would slowly wean voters for their habit of paper ballots to the point that only a few ballots would be needed for elections. 

“It means we don’t have to cut down a forest just to have an election,” quipped Clark. “If they’re prepared, and know what they want to vote already, they can simply come to these voting booths, toggle their vote in and then cast their ballot.” 

To vote electronically, voters need only go to the clerk’s office, pick up an application to vote, receive a “smart card,” go to the PC’s linked up to the County server, insert the card and tally their vote. The machine would not note the voter’s name, so the ballot remains anonymous. 

Instead of dropping the ballot through a slot though, votes are tabulated on a hard drive and diskette. This diskette would be removed from the machine, and brought to a central computer in the Alameda county courthouse, where the vote would be tallied. 

Having more than one source for such numbers, says Clark, insures that there is security.  

“If one source gets lost for whatever reason, we have another. And if one comes up with a discrepancy, we can check it from another source.” 

If there is a power outage, the machines can save their data, using a backup battery. 

“This is also a great way for political analysts to look at absentee balloting,” said Clark.  

Such electronic voting began in Alameda County last year, when Piedmont ran a trial election using the system. That paved the way for the in-person-absentee voting machines, which could lead to the county-wide electronic voting that Clark envisions. 

The City Clerk’s Office is located at 1900 Addison Street, and is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. during which hours voters can access such machines.

Saturday, Oct. 7

Berkeley Grassroots Greening  

Tour 

Starts at 10:45 a.m. and 11:45 a.m. 

Celebrate Open Garden Day by joining this annual bicycle tour of local community and school gardens. Part of a series of free outings organized by Greenbelt Alliance. 

Call: 415-255-3233 for reservations 

Houses or Open Hills? 

10 a.m.  

Experience Black Diamond Mines Regional Park’s ghost towns, coal mines, spectacular views and open space on this hike by the proposed sites of 7,700 homes near Antioch. Cosponsored by Save Mount Diablo. One outing in a free series organized by Greenbelt Alliance.  

Call: 415-255-3233 for reservations 

Open Garden Day 

11 a.m. - 4 p.m.  

The sixth annual Open Garden Day offers garden lovers an opportunity to peek into 34 local community and school gardens. The gardens offer fresh food, children’s activities, composting demonstrations, and more. Special electric bus tour and bicycle tours will be available. Maps and schedules are available in East Bay libraries, nurseries, and in the pages of this very newspaper.  

More info: BCGC, 883-9096  

Harwood Creek Cleanup 

9 a.m. - Noon 

John Muir School  

2955 Claremont Ave. 

Help clean up and restore the creek that runs through John Muir school. Volunteers are asked to bring gloves, chippers/shredders, tools and pick-up trucks. 

Voter Empowerment Town  

Hall Meeting 

1 - 4 p.m. 

West Bay Community Center 

1290 Fillmore St. 

San Francisco 

Sponsors include the Berkeley NAACP Youth Council. 

For additional info: 1-877-316-9071 

Women’s Evening At the  

Movies 

7:30 p.m. 

Pacific Center 

2712 Telegraph 

A monthly night at the movies for lesbian, bi and transexual women. This months featured film is “Fried Green Tomatoes.” 

$5 donation requested 

Call 548-8283  

Free Estate Planning Seminar 

9:30 a.m. - Noon 

St. Ambrose Church 

1145 Gilman St. (at Cornell Ave.) 

Call Catholic Charities of the East Bay, 768-3109 

Berkeley Youth Alternatives  

Harvest Fair 

11 a.m. - 3 p.m. 

BYA Community Garden Patch 

1308 Bancroft Way (between Acton and Bonar) 

The seventh annual fair features pumpkin carving, face painting, music, Karaoke, crafts, and fresh produce grown right in the BYA garden. Kids of all ages are welcome.  

Call 845-9067 

Locate Long-lost Relatives 

10 a.m. - 2 p.m.  

Cody’s Books 

1730 Fourth St. 

If you are looking for a missing relative, the International Soundex Reunion Registry may be able to help. The ISRR is a free, nonprofit service.  

Call Bob Crowe, 835-1550 

Pearl Ubungren Dancers with Joey Ayala 

PUSOD 

1808 Fifth St.  

Also performing will be Kayumanggi and Bobby Banduria. Free.  

Call 883-1808 for additional info.  

Wild About Books? 

10:30 a.m. 

Berkeley Central Library 

2121 Allston Way 

Storyteller/musicians Nancy Schimmel and Claudia Morrow do their thing for kids aged 3 to 7.  

Call 649-3943  

Sunday, Oct. 8

Voter Registration Sunday 

11 a.m. service 

St. Paul’s AME Church 

2024 Ashby Ave. 

Sponsored by the Berkeley NAACP Youth and College division 

Call: 710-0238 

Surmounting Sunol Peaks  

9 a.m. - 4 p.m.  

Learn about local geology while enjoying the panoramic views from three Sunol peaks. One outing in a free series organized by Greenbelt Alliance.  

Call: 415-255-3233 for reservations  

Author and Minister Sarah  

York to Speak 

10:45 a.m.  

Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley 

1 Lawson Road 

Kensington 

York is the author of “Remembering Well: Rituals for Celebrating Life and Mourning Death.” 

More info: 525-0302 

Tibetan Cultural Preservation 

6 p.m.  

Tibetan Nyingma Institute  

1815 Highland Place 

Erin Clark and Sandy Olney speak on “Sustaining the Tibetan Tradition.” 

call 843-6812 

MesoAmerican Marketplace 

Noon - 4 p.m. (weekdays) 

10 a.m. - 4 p.m. (weekends) 

UC Botanical Garden 

200 Centennial Dr.  

Visit this colorful marketplace where food from all of the Americas are displayed and ready for the tasting. A special weekday tour program is available for school children. Call 642-3352 to reserve a tour.  

More info: 643-2755 

Tuesday, Oct. 10

Cal Alumni Singles 20th Anniversary Dinner 

UC Faculty Club 

Dinner scheduled for Oct. 15 

For reservations call 527-2709 by Oct. 10 

Kenya, 40 Years Ago and  

Today 

1 p.m. 

North Berkeley Senior Center 

1901 Hearst Ave. (at MLK Jr. Way) 

Call 644-6107 for more info  

Defense Against Genetically Engineered Food 

7 p.m.  

Ecology Center 

2530 San Pablo Ave. 

Author Ronnie Cummins, National Director of the Organic Consumers Association (OCA) will lecture on genetically engineered food, including organic food and farming.  

For info: 548-2220 x233 

Wednesday, Oct. 11

Are Domed Cities in the future? 

7:30 - 9 p.m.  

International House, Homeroom  

UC Berkeley 

2299 Piedmont Ave.  

A discussion based on UC Berkeley alumnus Tim Holt’s book, “On Higher Ground.” Set 50 years in the future, part of the book takes place in an East Bay enclosed by a climate-controlled dome.  

$3 admission  

Contact Maribel Guillermo, 642-9460 

compiled by Chason Wrainwright

Voltaire’s Candide, having been kicked solidly and repeatedly on the backside by the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, learned in time what was important in life.  

“That’s true enough,” said Candide when reliving the improbable chain of events that led him from baronies to battlefields, through Eldorado and, finally, to a humble existence on an equally humble farm, “But we must go and work in the garden.” 

Candide’s catharsis in “cultivating one’s garden” is more than just a 242-year-old metaphor. Even today, legions of people young and old delight in getting their hands into the Earth and participating in the age-old cycle of nature – and the not quite as age-old act of community-building.  

“I tell you why I do this; I’ve been working on gardens like this for 40 years,” says Berkeley psychologist and landscape architect Karl Linn, honored within his lifetime by the naming of the Karl Linn Community Garden in North Berkeley. “In cities, often so many people live next to each other as strangers. Once they were able to meet in the street, a lot of social life took place in the street. But that’s no longer possible due to cars. One vacant lot a block makes it possible for neighbors to meet casually, become friends. It makes the neighborhood more secure, people feel much more at home, at ease. The gardens are very peaceful places.” 

These green, growing bases of community within the oft-impersonal world of the city pop up more frequently than one might think. No less than 34 school and community gardens are ready to put on an exhibition today from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Berkeley Community Gardening Collective’s sixth-annual Open Garden Day. (Frequent Daily Planet readers have probably already noticed the map of school and community gardens running in the paper over the past week.)  

“They couldn’t possibly go to even half of them. If they make six or seven, I’d be pleased,” laughs BCGC project director Beebo Turman, speaking of the 22 community gardens, 10 school gardens and two youth gardens on the tour. “Community gardens aren’t just about growing your own food on your own plot. The gardens bring people together. We have a really nice quote in our brochure: ‘People growing food growing people.’” 

People are different, communities are different, and therefore community gardens differ as well. But almost every garden shares at least one similarity – the space it is situated on is being utilized a lot more productively now than it was before. Today’s school and community gardens are yesterday’s filthy vacant lots, gravel pits and asphalt pitches.  

“This was under concrete for 100 years!” exclaims Malcom X School garden teacher and coordinator Rivka Mason, who suddenly found herself with a 4,000-square-foot ‘classroom’ after the school’s extensive remodeling project. “We dug some beds and planted massively in June. Now the kids are coming back in September and it’s still harvest time. We’ve got tomatoes, cucumbers, corn, sunflowers, birds, hummingbirds, butterflies; within four months we’ve got a flourishing garden and the kids and their parents did it all.” 

The up-from-asphalt theme is not uncommon among Berkeley school gardens. Over 200 tons of organic compost was required in 1994 to help jump-start King Middle School’s 1.5 acre “Edible Schoolyard” from a concrete spread into a lush garden, equal roughly to 209 feet by 209 feet.  

“Working in the garden creates a sense of wonder; the kids begin to see the relationship between themselves and the Earth,” says Edible Schoolyard Executive Director Mildred Howard. “It’s a safe place to learn and discover. And you begin to understand what food really tastes like.” 

Along with the big lessons, school gardens teach smaller ones as well. And one, rather obviously, is that eating vegetables doesn’t have to compare with a trip to the dentist or a fall from the monkey bars.  

“Kids learn to eat and cook. Our goal is to get them to eat five fruits and vegetables a day,” says Willard Greening Project co-founder Yolanda Huang. “Many children taste something just plucked out of the ground and can’t believe what it tastes like. They’ll eat a fresh potato raw, it’s so juicy and fresh. We give out carrots as an incentive for kids to help out in the garden, pick up some garbage, do a good deed. Since the school year began, we’ve given out 300 carrots!” 

Yet the “sense of wonder” one feels when surrounded by bees, hummingbirds and tall corn, lettuce et al. is not limited to the young. 

“A lot of senior citizens know so much, because when they were growing up, they had to grow and harvest in their own gardens,” says Kathi Kinney, garden coordinator and educator at the Strong Roots Gardens on Sacramento. “I think we have to get back to that. I just came back from Africa and people rally around the garden and the soil. It’s like an outdoor kitchen.” 

Many happy events are planned for today’s Open Garden Day. Demonstrations ranging from composting to nutrition to mosaic making will accompany guided tours and, of course, lunch – because while Candide sought meaning in working his garden, he certainly wouldn’t have protested too heartily over a little playing in it as well. 

UC needs good faith bargaining 

Well, it’s official. Chancellor Berdahl does not exist. 

This was the implication of the Coalition of University Employees’ 32nd consecutive “Bargaining Update” submitted to 18,000 clericals who are grinding toward their second Christmas season without a fair contract or holiday monies, which the non-existent Chancellor as good as promised in his “Speech to Berkeley Staff Assembly” of September 26.  

At that time a figure apparently impersonating the Chancellor, claimed “I really do ‘get it’,” and alluded to previous promises dating back over a year and most evident at last June’s State Assembly Higher Education Committee at which U.C. President Atkinson – another figment of our imagations – was raked over the coals by state legislators for heading the “worst public employer in California.” They in turn alluded to brave promises tendered by Atkinson at his christening more than two years back to inaugurate a brave new “change of course” in labor relations. Atkinson’s promises led to two years of stalled, bad-faith labor bargaining by U.C. A year later he was all but publicly called a liar by Sanator Richard Alarcon. 

Berdahl’s identical promulgation of a “change of course” (”I very much understand how URGENTLY we need to make changes,”) resulted in the U.C. bargaining team returning to the table without even having bothered to respond to CUE’s last wage proposal made 27 days ago! In addition, “UC prsented only two carelessly drafted proposals. If a clerical had produced such slipshod work, disciplinary action would have resulted.” In the context of the alledged Chancellor’s apparent promise of a “change of course,” such contempt for U.C.’s 18,000 increasingly exasperated staff can only be taken as an equal sign of public contempt for the Chancellor himself – if in fact the man really exists. 

It may be slightly premature to conclude that Berdahl is imaginary. Several possibilities suggest themselves: 

1. Berdahl does not exist and the figure speaking for U.C. is a cardboard cutout with a dummy bank account into which U.C. is funnelling hundreds of thousands of dollars annually. 

2. The man speaking for the Chancellor is an imposter and U.C.’s bargainers know it. 

3. UC bargainers are rogues who have hijacked the office of labor relations and, like pirates, are acting on their own. 

4. Though Chancellor Berdahl does indeed exist, his public statements, like Atkinson’s before him, in fact represent palliative purring intended to lull staff, students, and public back to sleep. 

Only further testing can determine which of these possibilities is in fact the case. Whatever the result, unless a fifth possibility miraculously appears – right-on, fair bargaining with CUE – the possibilities of a systemwide clerical strike are becoming more and more concrete. 

Jonathan Christian Petty 

Berkeley 

Member, Coalition of  

University Employees 

Owner deserves some blame 

Editor: 

The French Hotel protest makes a great Berkeley story. One of the things I love about Berkeley is that people still care enough to protest. However, I think it needs to be made clear that some of the responsibility for the crisis is on the shoulders of French Hotel. Concerns have been expressed from the disability community and others that many sidewalk cafes were not following the city's regulations to get a permit and to leave adequate room for safe travel. For three years, we asked the French Hotel to apply for a permit.  

We began a concerted enforcement effort to bring all cafes into compliance last year, however, French Hotel continued to ignore our request that they apply for a permit. A citation was finally issued as a way to get compliance. It should be noted that we allowed all other cafes to keep their tables and chairs while their permits were being processed and we would have done the same for French Hotel.  

The amount of time it takes to get a permit is another issue that I would like to address. We have 90 pending Administrative Use Permit applications; this is much higher than in previous years. To be fair to everyone, we process them in order. We are looking at options to process the straightforward applications faster; however, this will result in the other applications taking longer. We are doing the best we can. Maybe drinking more coffee will help. 

Wendy Cosin 

Acting Director 

Planning & Development Department 

Gaia stories 

Editor:  

Carrie Olson’s assertion regarding the Gaia building that “Ten stories are being allowed for an approved seven stories” is misinformed. So too is Olson’s claim that the Gaia building is 116 feet high.  

The Gaia building is seven stories high, with the roofline located at the council approved height of 87 feet. The Gaia project includes two mezzanines: one at the first level and one at the seventh. Mezzanines are not considered stories under the city’s zoning ordinance, and both mezzanines are inside the approved 87-foot height limit. 

The highest point of the Gaia building, at the top of its elevator tower, is 107 feet high, not 116 feet as claimed by Olson. This height is necessitated by the need to provide elevator access to the roof deck and management offices. 

The Gaia project locates 91 units of new housing near transit, the UC campus, and shopping. The project was approved by the City Council and permitted by the city building and safety division. All of the project’s dimensions were reviewed and approved by city departments more than a year ago, and have not changed since then. We would appreciate it if Olson would refrain from spreading misinformation about our project. 

Evan McDonald 

Gaia Building Project 

Manager 

You recently published a satire on Berkeley politics by Morlock Chaillot (Letters, Sept 29). The piece was somewhat amusing, but why did you run it as a Letter to the Editor? There is no Deep Ecologists’ Gaian Alliance as far as I know, and no real person named Morlock 

Chaillot. Why publish someone who doesn’t have the courage to stand up with their real name for what they supposedly believe in?  

But, there is was. And, in spite of all the twisted accusations and assumptions erupting from Mr. or Ms. (Mad Woman of Chaillot’s) clever pen in an attempt to portray ecological city planning as a farce, it didn’t pull off the desired effect. However, the letter did make room for the opportunity to shed some light on a few of the implications and assumptions.  

First of all, although some of the Berkeley elite love to portray Richard Register as a lone individual who champions pedestrian scale infrastructure against the wishes of everyone else in Berkeley, Ecocity Builders is not the only group on the planet advocating for ecological and pedestrian oriented urban planning. Surprise! Secondly, ecocity theory and planning is not an evil plot to convert your town into an ugly mass of high rises. Surprise again! Register did invented the term “ecocity” in 1978. His Ecocity Berkeley, Building Cities for a Healthy Future, has been well respected in eco-urban circles since it was first published in 1987. He is also the author of three other books, including Village Wisdom, Future Cities and the upcoming Ecocities.  

Far from building a gloomy “Gotham City” with “shadowy, phallic spires” as the Morlock Challiot letter maintains, Ecocity Builders is dedicated to returning healthy biodiversity to the heart of our cities. That means nature–-creeks, bike paths, gardens, and open space. (Does that sound like an evil plot to ruin us all? I think not.) Ecocity thinking is about creating whole cities based on human scale needs and transportation, rather than the current pattern of automobile driven excess, wasteful consumption and the destruction of the biosphere. 

(Again, I fail to see why working towards a goal like this would be considered not worthwhile, not important or unrealistic.) Guided by ecological design principles and by using common sense, we can cast aside our dependence on the automobile and recreate our human habitat in balance with natural systems. But it is up to us to start the process.  

Register’s thinking is not bizarre or fantastic or unreal. In fact, it makes complete sense. What is unreal, bizarre and fantastic is that more people don’t think through how we are currently creating our built habitat and realize that we need to shift the pattern away from auto sprawl and waste, and toward compact centers linked by transit. Everywhere, even in Berkeley. 

Kirstin Miller 

Berkeley 

Editor: 

In response to the letter (8/31) from Terry Powell: 

Terry Powell from Lawrence Berkeley National Lab’s (LBNL) public relations department, operated for the Department of Energy (DOE), is just doing her job when she promotes the lab’s official line on the continuous dumping of radioactive waste from their National Tritiu Labeling Facility (NTLF) and Melvin Calvin Lab on the UC campus. 

The Lab’s boosters endlessly repeat the mantra “tritium emissions below the U.S. EPA’s National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Pollutants (NESHAPS).” Never do they address the many credible criticisms of their absurdly low estimate for radioactive tritium exposure, including those in the report by IFEU, made by independent scientists hired at local taxpayers’ expense by the City of Berkeley. 

Dumping in short bursts and a short stack actually located below the Lawrence Hall of Science (LHS) are easily understandable reasons why exposure to LHS workers and visiting children could exceed the NESHAPS standard. Just because the flawed exposure estimates concocted by LBNL remain unchallenged by the perfumed suits at the EPA and the California Department of Toxic Substances is no reason for anyone to believe them.  

All the Lab’s arguments seem like such blather when one visits the site and sees the tritium stack just 30 feet from the LHS’s fence. Common sense tells one that whatever is coming out of the stack is all over whoever is near it. In this cases it’s most of the areas children. Triatiated vapor is extremely hazardous and has been identified as a cause of leukemia, cancer, infertility and other genetic defects.  

Ms. Powell is incorrect when she states that almost all their tritium is captured and recycled. As sloppy as their records are, they do indicate large quantities missing. Even when LBNl has admittedly dumped does not support her claim.  

Also contrary to what Ms. Powell claimed, LBNL’s treatability “study” was just a scam to unload years of backlogged mixed waste without obtaining the usual permits. Mixed waste, toxic chemicals contaminated with radioactive waste, is fed into an “oxidation cell” complete with igniter plugs and exhaust vents, and can run in excess of 1000 degrees Fahrenheit. Sure sounds like an incinerator to me.  

Playing games by reclassifying the NTLF as a “non-nuclear” facility and “delisting” their mixed waste does not alter the reality that large amounts of dangerous radioactive material are stored, used and dumped there. Neither the NTLF or Calvin Lab are appropriately sited in our community and should be closed and cleaned up.  

Mark McDonald 

Berkeley 

Editor:  

Is 2700 San Pablo in a high crime area? The developers and their supporters keep saying it is. But the facts say otherwise.  

The Berkeley police keep statistics on a beat by beat basis of major crimes. It is available to the public on their Web site.  

2700 San Pablo is in beat 15. Beat 14 is across the street from Derby north. These two beats have nearly half the crime as does the average beat in Berkeley. In fact, there is only one of the 19 beats with a lower crime rate.  

This make it clear that whatever development takes place on that site will unlikely result in less crime. Indeed, the site will look better, housing will be provided - hopefully for low income families and the disabled, and the developers will prosper. But less crime? No.  

We already have a safe neighborhood. It’s much safer than the Berkeley hills, for instance.  

Bob Kubik 

Berkeley 

Editor: 

Folks: 

You may find this piece of interest. Simply a brief sketch of then and 

now at UCB coupled with a few suggestions for softening up some of the 

problems discussed. Could be, should be, taken seriously but probably 

won't be. 

October 5, 2000 

Dear Deans, Chairs & Miscellaneous Titles: 

What follows—some notes I took in my head as I walked on the campus the 

other day—will, hopefully, be an abrupt departure from your usual 

reading fare. Originally my intent was only to write several of the 

Deans, but my concerns spread as I ambled about, so I've sent this off 

to others of you that that might find my remarks of interest, if not of 

use, including some of the local press. 

Occasionally I chance on Campus, to renew my library card, get a book 

out, or just to consider the happenings over the last 35 years since I 

was a student here. 

First the bicycles threading their way speedily through the crowds, 

making the less than agile 70 year old like myself wary and nervous. As 

a practicing curmudgeon, I've made note of this to a Dean’s office 

several times before. Always a nice letter ensues—”we're looking into 

the matter, enforcement will prevail, admonishments will be made” and 

the like. But it gets worse. Where are the bikers going now that they 

didn't have to go when bikes were kept off the pathways? 

And now there are cars to watch out for too! Gone are the dirt paths and 

wild areas that used to make the place and pace so attractive. Now paved 

over—I'm told that after The Free Speech Movement the police asked that 

this be done so they could move quickly to tamp down disquiet wherever 

it might appear—and the wild places are now planted with new buildings 

housing the urgencies of progress. The Campus used to be such a serene 

public place, quiet enough to think about the education you were 

receiving, even to ruminate on whether it was worthwhile having one, or 

to consider bailing out of the rat race and shucking the career racket. 

There were even dedicated non-achievers around called bohemians 

who—peculiar souls—thought an education was an end in itself. Gone! 

Canceled now by high rents, high fees that require a straight ahead, 

vocational demeanor, or, barring that, the prospect of homelessness. 

The new stacks in the library with shelf after empty shelf. Computers 

that have emptied those shelves, replaced the card catalogue with the 

hype of cyberspace, heady stuff, with its virtual of everywhere while 

you go nowhere. A plaque on the wall as you enter “The Information 

Gateway” to the Moffitt Library computer room reminds one that this 

largess is “Made possible by a grant from Pacific Bell and its 

Foundation.” Students, the eyes of the corporations are upon you! 

The ubiquitous security systems. Are we inside or outside? 

The students running around with knapsacks on their backs. Are there 

books inside, or the debt notices that accrue after years of borrowing 

money to pay for what used to be essentially a free education? 

I must enthuse about one improvement however, the relatively new 

quartering of the economics department (my former field of inquiry) in 

Evans Hall, a building with all the dreary monumentality—totalitarian 

concrete—of the dismal science itself. What must the current crop of 

economists think of the new Haas School of Business now crowning the 

departed space of Cowell Hospital where free medical care was once at 

the service of every student? A palace compared to their quarters and 

properly so, nothing but the lap of luxury for the elite biz whizzes, 

the better for them to trumpet the bottom line culture now so widely 

applauded. Instead of the good life, the commodity life, the corporate 

life. 

And I note the Free Speech Movement has earned some mementos, a cafe 

named after it, with pictures of Mario Savio prominently displayed, and 

a hole in the ground in Sproul Plaza encircled with words somehow adding 

up to a commemoration of what once passed there; but now more often 

stepped on than read. Everyone can still toot the horn of free speech, 

say anything. But what are they saying in these days of this lengthy and 

highly selective prosperity? So much is known about what is wrong, even 

more is denied. . . but so little is being said. 

Basically the points made here suggest that the University (almost all 

Universities for that matter) have contributed more to the serious 

problems of today's society than to their abatement, illumination, 

alleviation and so on. There is simply been an incredible change for the 

worse, with some extremely important exceptions, since I was an 

undergraduate at UCB. 

So as not to be purely on the negative side, some suggestions that might 

both quiet down the hurry-scurry on the campus as well as relieve some 

of the street traffic: 

Eliminate bicycles from the campus, period, since they will invariably 

violate the rules if allowed. Eliminate scooters, skateboards, and 

whatever else takes away the need and the pleasure of walking. And throw 

out cell phones too for that matter. Take a hard look at all the 

automobile traffic on campus and ban everything except the very very 

necessary trips. Ban incoming “freshfolks” (my PC designation here is 

probably not up to snuff) and sophomores from bringing their vehicles 

with them during the year. Not only will that reduce traffic on the 

streets, but will send many elsewhere with their dangerous polluting 

toys, thus easing the fall crunch and the housing shortage. 

There is absolutely nothing in the rule book that certifies all change 

as progress or which denies the possibility of change directed in more 

amenable directions. 

James L. Fairley, Class of ‘53 

Eliot Fairley  

To:  

Berkeley Daiy Planet  

The St. Mary’s Panthers came into Friday’s contest at Pinole Valley hoping to get ready for league play with their third win in five games. But on this night, the Panthers didn’t have it in them to knock off the undefeated Spartans, who scored 32 unanswered points en route to a 39-7 victory. 

Pinole Valley (5-0) looked completely different from a team that finished last season with just two regular season wins. A balanced scoring attack featured three touchdowns through the air, two scores on the ground, and an interception return for a touchdown. Junior quarterback Adrian Smith posted an amazing 30 yards per pass attempt by completing eight of 11 passes for 330 yards. A balanced rushing attack saw Anthony Jones and Manjera Newson each rush 12 times for 61 and 69 yards, respectively, while yards D’Andre McFarland carried 13 times for 94 yards and a score.  

The Spartans scored on their first four offensive possessions and racked up 545 total offensive yards. Early on, the story of the game was Pinole Valley’s potent passing attack. On the very first play from scrimmage, senior split end Marcus Maxwell transformed a short slant pattern into an 84-yard touchdown on a nice play-action pass from Smith. Suddenly, Pinole Valley conjured up memories of the 49er glory days, with Smith and Washington playing the roles of Joe Montana and Jerry Rice convincingly. 

Maxwell scored a 30-yard touchdown on the ensuing Spartan possession with 8:07 left in the first quarter for a 13-0 lead. The Panthers were forced to punt again, but appeared to have the Spartans right where they wanted them after a 67-yard punt by Chris Hutchinson was downed at the Spartan one-yard line. 

Yet when the Panthers made a good play, the Spartans responded with a great one. Smith rolled to his right and found the "other" wide receiver for the Spartans, Marcus Davis, open for a 95-yard touchdown jaunt. If Maxwell is Pinole Valley’s Jerry Rice, then Davis is their John Taylor, shedding defenders seemingly at will. While Maxwell finished with five receptions for 177 yards and two touchdowns, Davis was no slouch with three receptions for 127 yards and a score. 

As for the Panthers, they struggled on offense all game long. Quarterback Jason Washington finished eight of 16 for 155 yards, a remarkable performance when you consider several of his throws were dropped by his receivers. Omar Young, who normally lines up exclusively at the wideout position, finished with three receptions for 66 yards but had to fill in at the running back position due to Trestin George’s due to "school issues."  

Fullback Danny Wheeler stepped up his game with 11 rushes for a team-high 87 yards despite suffering an ankle injury in the first half.  

St. Mary’s defense clamped down in the second half and broke through for the team’s lone score in the fourth quarter when Phil Weatheroy scooped up a fumble and sprinted 53 yards for a touchdown. Pinole Valley scored just once in the second half, and that came with 32 seconds remaining in the contest. 

The Panthers open up league play on Saturday, October 14th, with a 1:30 P.M. home contest against the Kennedy Eagles.

Aaron and Venita Higginbotham couldn’t believe their ears when their fifth grader at John Muir Elementary School told them how she was punished for chewing gum on a Thursday in mid-September. 

The Higginbothams said that when their daughter was caught with a mouthful of chewing gum on the playground, her teacher, Stephen Rutherford, made her spit the gum out, then get in the middle of a circle formed by her classmates, do a push-up and pick the gum back up with her mouth. 

“I thought that maybe she was making it up,” Aaron Higginbotham said. “So we sent her back to school the next day and my wife called to see what happened.” 

She called Principal Nancy D. Waters on Sept. 15 to see if the incident had happened and the principal confirmed it, Higginbotham said. 

Aaron Higginbotham went to the school that afternoon and told Waters that he wanted his daughter placed in the other fifth-grade class. 

“She said it wasn’t possible because the other class was too crowded,” he said. 

But after the Higginbothams met with Waters the following Monday and said that they were going to change schools, Waters agreed to the switch, he said. Higginbotham said, however, that Waters had a condition to the class change. The administrator said she would agree if they wouldn’t pursue any punishment for the teacher. 

Higginbotham said he told Waters he would not agree to that and he would pursue the teacher’s suspension. 

“I want to take this as far as I can. This is something that should never happen,” he said. 

Higginbotham said that his daughter was switched to the other class and is currently seeing a counselor because of the incident. 

Principal Waters declined to comment on the issue, saying that it is an employee matter, and deferred to the district’s Public Information Officer, Karen Sarlo. 

“By law, we can’t comment on personnel cases,” Sarlo said. “These things are closed because we have to protect the rights of the teacher and the student. The parents get due process, and the teacher gets due process.” 

Sarlo explained that the grievance process is a “well-documented complaint procedure,” and that every parent receives the forms on the back of a packet they get at back-to-school night. Higginbotham said that they didn’t go to back-to-school night, and when they asked for a form from Waters after the Monday meeting, she said she didn’t have one. So the Higginbothams tried to get one from Superintendent Jack McLaughlin’s office. 

The receptionist at the office told the couple that they would have to get the form from Waters. 

It wasn’t until they got in touch with a PTA member from the school that the official grievance process got underway, Higginbotham said. 

Sarlo said that the complaint process is four-tiered. It begins with the school principal, and if the parents aren’t satisfied, it then goes to Associate Superintendent Chris Lim. From there, it goes to McLaughlin. If the parents are still not satisfied, the Board of Education will hear the matter. 

Higginbotham said Friday evening that since the meeting with Waters, they have met with Berkeley Federation of Teachers President Barry Fike and Associate Superintendent Lim. They still feel they hadn’t been given all the answers, Higginbotham said. 

Fike said that he was unable to respond to the Daily Planet about the discipline levied against the teacher because of a confidentiality agreement. 

“There are two sides to every story,” he said. “The district is in the midst of handling this through the formal complaint process bound by a confidentiality agreement that I thought was also agreed to by the parents of the child. 

“In my opinion, the discipline procedures being implemented by the district are appropriate for the infraction, whereas the ones being demanded by the parents go way beyond,” he said. The Higginbothams are still asking for the teacher’s suspension. 

Superintendent McLaughlin, who said Friday afternoon that he was unaware of the incident, told the Daily Planet that the teacher would be disciplined. 

“That is not something that would be allowed,” he said. 

When asked if it were grounds for suspension, McLaughlin said, “Not by itself.” 

Higginbotham said that he went to the press because he didn’t feel his complaint was being honored by Waters. He felt that she was trying to stifle the matter before it went to Lim. 

“She said that ‘we have a happy community at John Muir,’ and she didn’t want to tarnish it,” he said. 

Fike was also concerned about the Claremont Avenue campus’ image. 

“I am very concerned about the press trying to foster a witchhunt environment at John Muir,” he said. “I’m sure the new John Muir community will come together to prevent this from happening.” 

***** 

In May of 1999, parents of students in a John Muir kindergarten went on strike when teacher Cindy Vaias was reassigned to another school. 

Several parents later met with administration to criticize then-principal Barbara Lee’s alleged insensitivity to the multi-ethnic composition of the student body. 

Twenty staff members signed a letter stating that Lee’s administration had fostered an atmosphere of fear and that the parents had lost faith in the school administration. 

Many parents and teachers, however, rallied around Lee, but the school was polarized and Lee was reassigned. 

Enter Nancy D. Waters. The be-boppin’ scat-singer who, whenever possible, sings instead of talks, took over for Lee in November of 1999. 

“Nancy D. has done so much to bring that community together,” Sarlo said. “ She’s really an amazing woman.” 

Higginbotham, an African-American, doesn’t want to believe that his daughter’s race could have played a role in the incident. 

“I don’t think that race has anything to do with it,” he said. “I don’t want to think that, not after what happened there, and not in Berkeley.” 

The teacher in question is white. 

***** 

Higginbotham says that the teacher told him that he knew what he did was wrong when they met with Waters that Monday. 

“He said they were playing a ‘zany’ game and said he didn’t think she would go through with it,” he said. 

Part of his ire stems from the fact that the neither the teacher nor Waters bothered to call him or his wife afterwards. 

“My wife noticed that my daughter was acting strange that day,” he said. “That was how we found out.” 

Sarlo said the incident was isolated, and that she is not aware of any other complaints that have arisen at John Muir. 

She said that she’s confident that the matter will be handled justly. 

“You just have got to believe in the process, and that there will be justice for everyone,” she said.

Coming on strong after a tepid first game, Cal women’s volleyball team rallied to win the next three as the Bears defeated the University of Washington at RSF Fieldhouse Friday, 14-16, 15-9, 13-15 and 15-5. 

Digging themselves a deep hole in the first game, the Bears rattled off eight straight points on its way to a 14-11 lead. After a kill by Gabrielle Abernathy gave the Bears a side out, Washington strung together five points to close out the game and take a 1-0 lead in the match.  

“We came in knowing that they were a team close to our caliber of play,” said Cal senior Alicia Perry. “We definitely could have played better.” 

The Bears had a 7-4 lead in game two when Cal assist leader Candace McNamee twisted her ankle. McNamee hobbled off the court with trainer assistance and didn’t return to the lineup. On crutches after the match, she said her ankle was sprained and swollen, but she’s not thinking of it as a serious injury.  

“Not too many teams can lose a starter, come back in game three with a completely different lineup and play as well as we did,” said Cal coach Rich Feller. “It took us a while to get our momentum, but Caity (Noonan) responded well.” 

Several Cal players stepped up after Feller was forced to shuffle his lineup midway through the second game. Sophomore Reena Pardiwala connected on 14 kills and posted a match-high .565 hitting percentage. Abernathy’s match-high 29 kills were coupled with 10 digs. 

In addition to Perry’s 26 kills, she added 30 digs, two shy of a Cal school record. 

“We focused on our side of the net,” Perry said, “I think we really pulled together as a team tonight.” 

Still, the Bears started the third game in the same sluggish way that they began the first two. Falling behind 8-2, Cal once again rallied to win 13 of the next 18 points and defeated the Huskies on an Abernathy serve. 

“We just weren’t good at closing out tonight,” Feller said after watching his team blow numerous game points in the first three games of the match. “I got on them in our pre-game talk and told them they weren’t serious enough.” 

The Bears got serious in the fourth and final game. Cal never trailed, jumping out to a 7-3 lead and scoring seven of the game’s final nine points. 

Cal committed only two errors in the final game, compared to Washington’s 10. 

Cal improves to 7-6 overall and 3-4 in the Pac-10 while the Huskies fall to 4-9 overall and are 0-6 in conference play. 

Cal faces Washington State University Saturday at 7 p.m. at the RSF Fieldhouse. Feller said McNamee probably won’t play and that it will require more lineup shuffling. He added that last year against the Washington teams, Cal used Perry as a setter. 

“If we’re struggling, we might try that again,” he said. “It’s probably a better option for us not to change too many things, though.”

The first time that photographer Stephen Shames saw Black Panther Party co-founders Bobby Seale and Huey Newton, they were selling copies of “The Thoughts of Chairman Mao” at a San Francisco peace march in 1967. 

“I remember seeing Bobby Seale and being impressed with the forcefulness of his personality,” said Shames, 53, who was a budding photographer and student at UC Berkeley at the time. 

From that day on, Shames was hooked on taking photos of the Panthers at its rallies or at its first office in Berkeley. 

The photographs that chronicle the group’s early days are now on display at the Center for Photography gallery at UC Berkeley’s North Gate Hall. The exhibit opened Thursday night and is the largest collection of Black Panther Party pictures ever assembled, Shames said. The display continues until Jan. 19. 

Shames said a goal of the exhibit is to display images of the party and its activities that the public rarely sees. One picture shows a child in Oakland eating cereal at the free breakfasts hosted by the Black Panthers.  

The free breakfasts, along with free medical and legal services, were part of the organization’s “survival” programs that assisted poor people in the mid-60’s. 

Another picture captures a tender embrace between David Hilliard, former chief of staff of the Black Panther Party, and his wife. 

But the exhibit does not shy away from displaying the organization’s call for its members to arm themselves. One picture shows Huey Newton giving a speech as another Panther Party member stands nearby by with a shotgun in his hand. 

Another photo is a candid shot of some children playing in a bedroom. 

“(The Panthers) had a house for the kids. They got raided all the time by the police and they figured that the police weren’t going to raid the kids’ house. They never did,” said Shames. 

One image is from the funeral of George Jackson, a Panther Party member and black militant leader who was killed in San Quentin Prison in 1971. 

“Those were very depressing, very disturbing times. It was constant psychological purgatory,” said Hilliard, who spoke about Jackson and fellow Panther Party members who were killed. “These were my comrades and my friends. Those were not easy times,” said Hilliard, who ran unsuccessfully this year for an Oakland City Council seat. 

Shames said that the relationship between himself and the Panthers, particularly Seale and Hilliard, went beyond that of simply photographer and subject. 

“I really think of them as kind of fathers to me. Bobby, especially, saw some merit in my photography. I hung out with them a lot, and that was okay with them,” he said. 

Ronald Freeman, 54, a former Black Panther field secretary in Los Angeles was trying to see if there was a photograph of himself in the exhibit. 

“You couldn’t say I was camera-shy, but I was involved in a lot of different activities and I really didn’t need to have my picture on the six o’clock news,” he said. 

Freeman did not find himself in any of the photographs. But he said he was pleased with the show which brought back memories of a time when he thought the Black Panther Party could solve the problems of the world. 

“It’s not over yet. But you just can’t come at it from that position, as far as an armed struggle. You have to come at it from community organizing. But yeah, we thought we could do it,” said Freeman.

PULLMAN, Wash. - The California women’s soccer team opened the 2000 Pac-10 season with a 2-1 victory over Washington State Friday at the Cougar Soccer Field, as forward Laura Schott continued her blistering scoring pace with both goals for the Golden Bears. 

The seventh-ranked Golden Bears continued their undefeated season, improving to 11-0-1 (1-0 Pac-10), while the Cougars dropped to 8-3 overall and 0-1 in league play.  

“In the first half, we were a little flat,” Cal coach Kevin Boyd said after the match. “We were up 1-0, but we weren’t putting everything together. Two things we needed were better possession out of our central midfield and better communication. In the second half, we settled down and played like we normally do. At that point, we took control of the game. There were at least two or three other chances we should have scored on in the second half.”  

All-America candidate Schott continued to provide the offensive spark for Cal. The sophomore put the Bears up 1-0 with a goal in the 11th minute when she collected a ball midfielder Kim Stocklmeier had flicked on over the defense and slotted the ball past WSU goalkeeper Sara Leibowitz.  

Cal held a 1-0 advantage until WSU tied the game on a goal by forward Deka DeWitt against the run of play at 54:17.  

Schott put the Bears up for good at 72:18 when she found the back of the net from 15 yards out after receiving a pass from sophomore midfielder Brittany Kirk.  

Schott leads Cal with 33 points, surpassing her team-leading 30 points as a freshman with eight regular season games remaining. 

After being outshot 10-9 in the first half, Cal held a commanding 14-2 edge in the second period.  

Cal has a critical test at No. 9 Washington Sunday at noon at Husky Soccer Field in Seattle. The Huskies, who enter the weekend at 9-1, face Stanford at home Friday evening.

Hatem Bazian, an Islamic studies and Arabic teacher at UC Berkeley, lost his 14–year–old cousin to Israeli bullets last week. 

The boy was shot dead by Israeli soldiers during the clashes that have wracked Israel and the Palestinian territories for nine straight days, killing 76 Palestinians and wounding over 2,000 others. Some three Israelis have also died. 

Yesterday, Bazian led some 3,500 people in prayer and protest in San Francisco. The demonstration was one of dozens in North America, Europe, and the Arab and Muslim world, to protest Israel’s storming Al–Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem. 

Friday’s demonstration was the fourth in the Bay Area this week, following protests in San Francisco, Berkeley and Sacramento. It began with prayer outside City Hall and ended with a rally outside the Israeli Consulate. 

“We will persevere and we will resist – because it is human to resist,” Bazian told the audience on the lawn at City Hall. 

“The tanks that move and rumble on the West Bank and Gaza Strip are made and paid for by the American taxpayer.” 

Men and women sat separately on tarps laid on the grass. Two children stood behind Bazian waving Palestinian flags and standing on Israeli ones. Bazian took his audience through 3,000 years of Palestinian history in an hour, then led the group in prayer. 

A handful of Bay Area mosques closed so that their members could attend the rally, and others directed their congregations to the protest after the Friday prayer. Muslims all over the world were summoned to demonstrate on the Muslim holy day, said Iman Farajallah, a chief organizer of the rally. 

“You cannot use rockets, live bullets and bombs to civilians,” said Farajallah, the director of American Muslims for Global Peace and Justice. 

After prayer, the crowd began its march, picking up people along the way. “No justice, no peace!” they called. Then the Arabic, “With our blood and our soul, we will liberate Palestine” echoed through Kearney Street. 

As the group neared the Israeli Consulate, the crowd broke into a run, waving Palestinian flags. “Arab Palestine!” people chanted, by now numbering at least 3,000, according to police estimates. 

The Israeli Consulate closed early for the Friday Jewish sabbath. A consular spokesperson did not return phone calls to comment on this article. 

The back of a rented U-Haul pickup truck on the street served as a stage outside the consulate. Christian and Jewish speakers, as well as Muslims called for an end to the Israeli occupation. 

Many at the protest were Palestinian. Ramzi Taha, 17, wearing a T–shirt hand–painted with Palestinian flags, has been in the United States just over a year. His uncle was killed at a protest this week. Taha said he talks on the phone with his relatives in the West Bank. “It’s in a fire. They cannot control it,” he said. 

“A few of my neighbors got killed,” said Bassim Elkarra, a member of the Arab Students Union at UC Berkeley. “I can’t even study – in the past week I’ve barely gone to class,” said Elkarra, whose father is currently visiting Gaza. 

“There must be no more blood in our name,” said Bazian.

In the lobby of the Pacific Film Archive’s George Gund Theater in the Berkeley Art Museum building there is a wall of photographs taken at demonstrations in cities around the world and collected by the Independent Media Center. The photomontage is a ten-month timeline of global activism starting with the demonstrations outside the World Trade Organization meetings in Seattle in November, 1999. 

The timeline has a blank space reserved for images from the protests around the National Association of Broadcasters convention in San Francisco two weeks ago, and from demonstrations in Prague. Dee Dee Halick is busy putting together pictures to fill out the wall. 

“The work of the Independent Media Center and the growth of this kind of collective work has kind of mushroomed since Seattle,” said Halick, co-founder of the Paper Tiger Television collective, now in residency at the Pacific Film Archive. Halick, who began the New York-based organization creating and distributing independent video work almost 20 years ago, says media activism this year has been inspired by the events in Seattle. 

Collaboration and coalition are perennial activist goals. Rick Rawley, co-director of “This is What Democracy Looks Like,” a film about the WTO demonstrations, said people have been talking about getting together for decades. “But it took the events of the week and the experience of being pulled through all that went down there to feel it, to actually make it happen.” 

“We didn’t want to make a film that argued about why we need to come together, to make those reasoned arguments. We wanted to make a people viscerally experience the coalition work of a decade condensed into a week.” And, to use another old activist catchphrase, the medium is the message. Rawley’s film is made up of images and sound collected from over 100 media activists, and gets it’s visceral power in large part from the ubiquitous perspective. 

“This is What Democracy Looks Like” will screen at the Roxie Theater in San Francisco Saturdays and Sundays at noon, beginning Oct. 14. They will continue weekend matinee shows for as long as audiences show up. 

If Seattle was a high-water mark for activists, what happens now? Paper Tiger Television is at the PFA to suggest some answers, and they don’t involve throwing bricks or dodging pepper spray. PTTV presents “Hands On! Youth, Media, and Activism after Seattle” at the PFA this weekend and next with video screenings and workshops to teach people everything from making a revolutionary computer games to walking on stilts. 

Since its conception PTTV has fostered young people to make videotapes as a way to instill critical media thinking, and the PFA will be screening a taste of these works. “Road to Mississippi: Reclaiming Our History” is a factual dismantling of the film “Mississippi Burning” and an attempt to repair the historical licenses taken by the producers of that film. Although the research and ardently pushed didactic are respectable, the style is a little stilted – equal parts aping network broadcast techniques and composing a high school paper. 

A more engaging tape, and a truer document of life, is “Homecoming Queens,” in which tenants of a gay/lesbian/transgender youth group home were given cameras to interview each other. “Why try to compete with NBC?” said Halick about PTTV’s work methods. “You’re never going to be NBC, so why not be honest about the way it’s being made? Why put a fake plant on the set?” 

The raw video style gets dolled up with preening narcissism and tips on how to make fake breasts out of water-filled condoms. But through the giggling dormitory hijinks the sober side of a group living is articulated by one house member who says, “this is not what I consider a home.” 

“Homecoming Queens” and “Road to Mississippi” will both screen at the Pacific Film Archive Sunday at 3 p.m. Halick’s own video “Gringo in Mananaland” (1995), a comic assemblage of Hollywood movie clips tracing the popular American imagining of Latin America, will screen on Tuesday, Oct.10. 

The collaborative spirit, which exploded in Seattle and causes ripples of activist momentum yet, is in evidence in the workshops at the PFA. Organizations and individuals will gather to demonstrate and instruct their own unique ways of activism. TILT (Teaching Intermedia Literacy Tool) will be on hand to show how they go into schools and clubs to teach kids how to deconstruct mass media products. Multimedia artist Patap Chaterjee will demonstrate computer games he designed to take pot shots at corporate culture by spoofing popular video games. Offline, Catherine Schucter will give tips on ‘zine production and the art of Xerocracy, and Luana Plunkett and Neil Morrison will show how to take a stand at the next demonstration in stilts. 

Workshops, open to anyone, are on Oct. 8 and 15 at 11 a.m., in the lobby of the Pacific Film Archive in the Berkeley Art Museum.

SAN FRANCISCO – A judge on Friday dramatically reduced the damages a jury awarded to 19 black workers who were discriminated against by their employer at a Wonder Bread plant. 

In all, a San Francisco Superior Court jury in August awarded the black employees $121 million in punitive damages and $11 million for lost wages and for pain and suffering. But Superior Court Judge Stuart R. Pollak said the awards were excessive, and ordered Interstate Bakeries Corp., the nation’s largest bakery wholesaler, to pay $27 million. 

“Even for a large corporation, these amounts are not insignificant and there is no reason to assume they will be taken lightly by the defendant or by the officers who are accountable for the financial results of the company,” Pollak’s order said. 

A week ago, Pollak said he would reduce the verdict. Such a high punitive damages award, which is to punish the company and to deter it from future discrimination, was simply not “necessary,” he said. 

“I’m not at all persuaded that anything like $121 million is necessary to make the point that the jury was trying to make here ... to deter such conduct in the future,” Pollak said from the bench during a three-hour hearing last week. 

After a two-month trial and nine days of deliberations, a jury found that the drivers, salesman and assemblyline workers at the San Francisco plant were passed over for promotions, subjected to racial slurs and suffered other indignities. 

Angela Alioto, one of the attorneys for the workers, said she was satisfied with the reduction and will urge her clients to accept Pollak’s decision. Pollak wrote that the plaintiffs could reject his ruling and seek a new trial. 

“I believe my best advice would be to accept this and move on with your life,” she said. 

The plaintiffs were not immediately available for comment. 

The bakery, based in Kansas City, Mo., produces Wonder Bread, Twinkies, Home Pride and Hostess Cupcakes. 

In a statement, the bakery said it was pleased with the judge’s decision but said it would appeal. 

“We continue to believe that the allegations are unsubstantiated,” the company said. 

The same jury also awarded 21 workers involved in the suit $11 million in actual damages to cover lost wages and for pain and suffering, but the judge reduced that to $3 million. 

“The evidence clearly was insufficient to justify the verdict,” Pollak wrote.

ANDERSON – Interior Secretary Bruce Babbitt took his dam-busting tour to Northern California on Friday, starting the demolition of a nearly century-old structure to free miles of flowing water for spring-run salmon. 

Saeltzer Dam is a 20-foot high, 90-foot wide barrier across Deer Creek. Authorities said its removal, authorized by the state and federal organization called CalFed, will improve flow along a nine-mile stretch. 

“We are making water conservation history today,” Babbitt said. 

State Resources Secretary Mary Nichols agreed. 

“The dam was useless. It’s silted up, and it’s not fulfilling its purpose,” she said. 

About 12 miles of prime salmon spawning habitat lie behind the dam, which was built in 1903 about 150 miles north of Sacramento. Central Valley spring-run Chinook salmon were listed as a threatened species last year under the federal Endangered Species Act. 

The removal project will cost about $5.8 million. 

Since last year, some two dozen dams have been removed from Idaho to North Carolina, and at least 18 others are scheduled to go this year. 

Moments after Babbitt’s comments, a back hoe began pulling chunks of concrete from the dam face. Some restoration work has already been done. A creek channel was straightened and lined with fresh gravel. 

Environmentalists say hundreds of dams nationwide have outlived their usefulness and are causing environmental damage. 

The issue has fired particular debate in the Pacific Northwest, where environmentalists have called for the removal of four dams from the Snake River to protect salmon spawning grounds.

Some 500 people rallied at Sproul Plaza on the UC Berkeley campus Thursday, decrying the more than 50 deaths and over 1,000 injuries in the West Bank and Gaza strip resulting from the recent altercations between Israeli soldiers on the one hand and Palestinians and Arab Israelis on the other. 

“No justice no peace,” the crowd called out between speakers. 

Graduate student Hatem Bazian talked about 12-year-old Mohammed Jamal Aldura who died from an Israeli soldier’s bullet Saturday. The ambulance driver trying to get to the child was also killed. 

“That little child was killed point blank by the Israelis,” Bazian told the crowd. It now is being conceded that the child was in fact killed by the Israelis, although first reports said he was “caught in the crossfire,” Bazian said. 

Altercations broke out a week ago after Israeli opposition leader Ariel Sharon visited a holy site in Jerusalem, sacred to Jews and Muslims. The visit sparked an angry response from Palestinians, which reportedly included rock and Molotov cocktail throwing and a heavily armed response from the Israelis. 

Bazian said the U.S. Congress and press portrays the Palestinians as aggressors and the Israelis the victims, with the settlers seen as the John-Wayne type hero. But he said, in fact, it is the Palestinians who have been uprooted from their homes and forced to live as refugees. 

He said violence is more easily perpetrated by the Israelis because they dehumanize the Palestinians. “When will it be in the mind of the Israelis that the Palestinians will be human?” he asked, contending that most the shootings of Arab Israelis and Palestinians have been in the upper body, demonstrating an intention to kill. 

Bazian placed the blame on the American people. “Every bullet that hits a Palestinian is made and paid for courtesy of the U.S.,” he said.  

Among the mostly-student crowd was Daniel Boyarin, UC Berkeley professor of Jewish studies. Boyarin describes himself as an Orthodox Jew and anti-Zionist. Having lived in Israel for a decade, Boyarin, a former supporter of the state of Israel, said he learned from living there that the logical consequence of developing a country as a Jewish state is oppression towards those who would want to share state power. 

He described the recent events as “tragic,” but not something people should not have expected. It is “the necessary consequence of the existence of the Zionist state...a logical consequence of oppression,” he said. 

He said the oppression against the minority Arab and Palestinian populations goes on day to day and it is only the kind of violence recently perpetrated that brings people to the streets. 

After the rally, a group of Jewish students from Hillel and the Jewish Student Union sang songs and called on both Israelis and Palestinians to put an end to the violence. 

The Israeli consulate in San Francisco was called for comment but did not return Daily Planet calls.

Friday, Oct. 6

Opera: Marriage of Figaro  

& Schubert Songs 

1 p.m. 

North Berkeley Senior Center 

1901 Hearst Ave. (at MLK Jr. Way) 

More info contact Maggie or Suzanne, 644-6107 

Circle Dancing 

7:45 p.m. - 10 p.m. 

Finnish Brotherhood Hall 

1970 Chestnut St. 

Beginners welcome; no partners needed.  

John Bear: 528-4253 

“Stocks, Bonds and the Future” 

11:45 a.m.  

Berkeley City Club 

2315 Durant Ave.  

Dennis Quan, Account Executive at Morgan, Stanley, Dean Witter speaks at 12:30 p.m. Luncheon served at 11:45 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. Luncheon: $11  

848-3533 

Sustainable Business Alliance Networking Lunch 

Noon - 1:30 p.m. 

Saffron Caffe 

2813 Seventh St. 

The purpose of this lunch is to network with other businesses interested in sustainable business practices. The lunch is open to non-members.  

Call Terry O’Keefe, 451-4000 

Learn to Birdwatch 

Oct. 16, 18, 23 & 25 

9:30 a.m. - noon 

UC Botanical Gardens 

200 Centennial Drive 

$50 for members; $65 for non-members 

Call for info or to enroll: 643-2755 

Saturday, Oct. 7

Berkeley Grassroots  

Greening Tour 

Starts at 10:45 a.m. and 11:45 a.m. 

Celebrate Open Garden Day by joining this annual bicycle tour of local community and school gardens. Part of a series of free outings organized by Greenbelt Alliance. 

Call: 415-255-3233 for reservations 

Houses or Open Hills? 

10 a.m.  

Experience Black Diamond Mines Regional Park’s ghost towns, coal mines, spectacular views and open space on this hike by the proposed sites of 7,700 homes near Antioch. Cosponsored by Save Mount Diablo. One outing in a free series organized by Greenbelt Alliance.  

Call: 415-255-3233 for reservations 

Open Garden Day 

11 a.m. - 4 p.m.  

The sixth annual Open Garden Day offers garden lovers an opportunity to peek into 34 local community and school gardens. The gardens offer fresh food, children’s activities, composting demonstrations, and more. Special electric bus tour and bicycle tours will be available. Maps and schedules are available in East Bay libraries, nurseries, and in the pages of this very newspaper.  

More info: BCGC, 883-9096  

Harwood Creek Cleanup 

9 a.m. - Noon 

John Muir School  

2955 Claremont Ave. 

Help clean up and restore the creek that runs through John Muir school. Volunteers are asked to bring gloves, chippers/shredders, tools and pick-up trucks. 

Voter Empowerment  

Town Hall Meeting 

1 - 4 p.m. 

West Bay Community Center 

1290 Fillmore St. 

San Francisco 

Sponsors include the Berkeley NAACP Youth Council. 

For additional info: 1-877-316-9071 

Women’s Evening At the Movies 

7:30 p.m. 

Pacific Center 

2712 Telegraph 

A monthly night at the movies for lesbian, bi and transexual women. This months featured film is “Fried Green Tomatoes.” 

$5 donation requested 

Call 548-8283  

Free Estate Planning Seminar 

9:30 a.m. - noon 

St. Ambrose Church 

1145 Gilman St. (at Cornell Ave.) 

Call Catholic Charities of the East Bay, 768-3109 

Berkeley Youth  

Alternatives Harvest Fair 

11 a.m. - 3 p.m. 

BYA Community Garden Patch 

1308 Bancroft Way (between Acton and Bonar) 

The seventh annual fair features pumpkin carving, face painting, music, Karaoke, crafts, and fresh produce grown right in the BYA garden. Kids of all ages are welcome.  

Call 845-9067 

Locate Long-lost Relatives 

10 a.m. - 2 p.m.  

Cody’s Books 

1730 Fourth St. 

If you are looking for a missing relative, the International Soundex Reunion Registry may be able to help. The ISRR is a free, nonprofit service.  

Call Bob Crowe, 835-1550 

Pearl Ubungren Dancers  

with Joey Ayala 

PUSOD 

1808 Fifth St.  

Also performing will be Kayumanggi and Bobby Banduria. Free.  

Call 883-1808 for additional info.  

Wild About Books? 

10:30 a.m. 

Berkeley Central Library 

2121 Allston Way 

Storyteller/musicians Nancy Schimmel and Claudia Morrow do their thing for kids aged 3 to 7.  

Call 649-3943  

Sunday, Oct. 8

Voter Registration Sunday 

11 a.m. service 

St. Paul’s AME Church 

2024 Ashby Ave. 

Sponsored by the Berkeley NAACP Youth and College division 

Call: 710-0238 

Surmounting Sunol Peaks  

9 a.m. - 4 p.m.  

Learn about local geology while enjoying the panoramic views from three Sunol peaks. One outing in a free series organized by Greenbelt Alliance.  

Call: 415-255-3233 for reservations  

Author and Minister  

Sarah York to Speak 

10:45 a.m.  

Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley 

1 Lawson Road 

Kensington 

York is the author of “Remembering Well: Rituals for Celebrating Life and Mourning Death.” 

More info: 525-0302 

Tibetan Cultural Preservation 

6 p.m.  

Tibetan Nyingma Institute  

1815 Highland Place 

Erin Clark and Sandy Olney speak on “Sustaining the Tibetan Tradition.” 

call 843-6812 

MesoAmerican Marketplace 

noon - 4 p.m. (weekdays) 

10 a.m. - 4 p.m. (weekends) 

UC Botanical Garden 

200 Centennial Dr.  

Visit this colorful marketplace where food from all of the Americas are displayed and ready for the tasting. A special weekday tour program is available for school children. Call 642-3352 to reserve a tour.  

Tuesday, Oct. 10 

Cal Alumni Singles  

20th Anniversary Dinner 

UC Faculty Club 

Dinner scheduled for Oct. 15 

For reservations call 527-2709 by Oct. 10 

—Compiled by  

Chason Wainwright 

Kenya, 40 Years Ago and Today 

1 p.m. 

North Berkeley Senior Center 

1901 Hearst Ave. (at MLK Jr. Way) 

Call 644-6107 for more info  

Defense Against Genetically Engineered Food 

7 p.m.  

Ecology Center 

2530 San Pablo Ave. 

Author Ronnie Cummins, National Director of the Organic Consumers Association (OCA) will lecture on genetically engineered food, including organic food and farming.  

For info: 548-2220 x233 

Wednesday, Oct. 11

Are Domed Cities in the future? 

7:30 - 9 p.m.  

International House, Homeroom  

UC Berkeley 

2299 Piedmont Ave.  

A discussion based on UC Berkeley alumnus Tim Holt’s book, “On Higher Ground.” Set 50 years in the future, part of the book takes place in an East Bay enclosed by a climate-controlled dome.  

$3 admission  

Contact Maribel Guillermo, 642-9460 

Tenant-Landlord Problems? 

12:30 - 2 p.m.  

North Berkeley Senior Center 

1901 Hearst Ave. (at MLK Jr. Way) 

Bring your concerns about repairs, harrassment and housing rights.  

Call 644-6107 

Learn to Birdwatch 

Oct. 16, 18, 23 & 25 

9:30 a.m. - Noon 

UC Botanical Gardens 

200 Centennial Drive 

$50 for members; $65 for non-members 

Call for info or to enroll: 643-2755 

White Cane Day  

10:30 a.m. - 8:30 p.m. 

Spenger’s Fish Grotto 

1919 Fourth St.  

Pyramid Alehouse 

901 Gilman Ave. 

Members of the West Berkeley Lions Club will be asking for donations of money or used eyeglasses for the sight impaired. The Lions will be out in front of Pyramid Alehouse from 4:30 - 8 p.m. only.  

Call Joe Saenz, 352-2093 

Homeless Commission 

7 p.m.  

North Berkeley Senior Center  

1901 Hearst Ave. (at MLK Jr. Way) 

644-8616 

Police Review Commission 

7:30 p.m.  

South Berkeley Senior Center 

2939 Ellis St.  

The commission will discuss their workplan/goals for the upcoming year.  

644-6716 

Board of Library Trustees 

7 p.m.  

South Branch  

1901 Russell  

644-6095 

Waterfront Commission 

7 p.m. 

His Lordships Restaurant 

199 Seawall Dr.  

644-6376 x234 

Planning Commission 

7 p.m.  

North Berkeley Senior Center 

1901 Hearst Ave. (at MLK Jr. Way) 

705-8137 

Commission on Disability 

6:30 p.m.  

North Berkeley Senior Center 

1901 Hearst Ave. (at MLK Jr. Way) 

655-3440 

Thursday, Oct. 12

East Timor: The Road to Independence 

7:30 - 9 p.m.  

International House, Homeroom 

UC Berkeley 

2299 Piedmont Ave. 

A discussion of events leading up to the creation of the newest nation of the millennium and issues raised on the road to independence.  

$3 admission 

Contact Maribel Guillermo, 642-9460 

Bay Area: Transportation Nightmare 

Noon - 2 p.m. 

Albany Library 

Edith Stone Room  

1247 Marin Ave. 

Albany 

Stuart Cohen of the Bay Area Transportation and Land Use Coalition will speak on “What are the real choices in the Bay Area’s Transportation Crisis?” 

Call Janet Strothman, 841-3827 

Meeting Life Changes 

10 a.m. 

North Berkeley Senior Center 

1901 Hearst Ave. (at MLK Jr. Way) 

With John Hammerman.  

For info: 644-6107 

Sterling Trio 

Noon  

BART Plaza, Downtown 

Shattuck Ave. at Center St. 

Members of the Berkeley Symphony performing a variety of chamber music. 

Contact Carrie Ridgeway, 549-2230 

Zoning Adjustments Commission 

7 p.m.  

Old City Hall  

2134 MLK Jr. Way 

705-8110 

Community Health Commission 

6:45 p.m.  

Mental Health Clinic 

2640 MLK Jr. Way 

665-6845 

Friday, Oct. 13

“The Evolution and Cost of Ethical Drugs” 

11:45 a.m.  

Berkeley City Club 

2315 Durant Ave.  

Stanford D. Splitter, retired MD speaks at 12:30 p.m. Luncheon served at 11:45 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. 

Luncheon: $11 

Call for reservations: 848-3533 

Saturday, Oct. 14

Indigenous Peoples Day Powwow & Indian Market 

10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Grand Entry 1 p.m.  

Enjoy Native American foods, arts & crafts, drumming, singing and many types of native dancing. Sponsored by the City of Berkeley, this event is free.  

Civic Center Park 

Allston Way at MLK Jr. Way 

Info: 615-0603 

Traffic Calming Workshop 

1 - 4 p.m.  

North Berkeley Senior Center 

1901 Hearst Ave. (at MLK Jr. Way) 

Help to achieve reasonable traffic speeds and volume on local streets.  

Free Spay and Neuter Vouchers 

2 - 4 p.m.  

Berkeley Animal Shelter 

2013 Second St. 

The City of Berkeley, along with Spay Neuter Your Pet (SNYP) is kicking off a City-funded program to reduce the number of animals euthanized. They are offering free spay and neuter vouchers to all Berkeley residents.  

Run Your Own Landscape Business: Part 1 

11 a.m. - 1 p.m. 

Ecology Center 

2530 San Pablo Ave. (at Blake) 

Local horticultural consultant and UC Master Gardener Jessie West will teach you how to plant, prune, control weeds, and more. The first of three classes. The others are scheduled for Oct. 21 & 28 in the same timeslot. 

$15 general; $10 for members; $5 materials fee 

Call 548-2220 x223 

Learn to Birdwatch 

Oct. 16, 18, 23 & 25 

9:30 a.m. - Noon 

UC Botanical Gardens 

200 Centennial Drive 

$50 for members; $65 for non-members 

Call for info or to enroll: 643-2755 

Sunday, Oct. 15

A Taste of the Greenbelt 

1 - 4 p.m. 

Los Gatos Opera House 

Celebrate the Bay Area’s agricultural and culinary bounty. This benefit features a variety of musical groups, local artists and samples from over 40 local restaurants, farmers, wineries and microbreweries. Proceeds benefit Greenbelt Alliance’s ongoing efforts to protect Bay Area farmlands and open space.  

$45 per person; $80 for this event and the Oct. 22 event in SF 

1-800-543-GREEN, www.greenbelt.org 

A Muslim Approach to Life 

3 p.m. 

St. Johns Presbyterian Church 

2727 College Ave.  

A presentation on the Muslim spiritual life and culture which will focus on women’s lives and the uniqueness of women’s spiritual journeys. This is the first of four Sunday programs that will focus on this theme.  

Call 527-4496 

Time, Space, and Knowledge Vision 

6 p.m.  

Tibetan Nyingma Institute 

1815 Highland Place 

Ken McKeon , teacher writer and TSK practitioner since 1980 speaks on “Time, Space, and Knowledge, Right from the Start.” Free. 

Call 843-6812 

1923 North Berkeley Fire Walking Tour 

10 a.m. - Noon 

Phil Gale leads this tour of the Sept. 18, 1923 fire site, identifying various changes wrought in buildings and landscape. The tour includes the Mayback chimney, around which a new home was constructed. Pre-paid reservations are required.  

$10 

Call for reservations, 848-0181 

Monday, Oct. 16

Private Elementary School Parent Information Panel 

7 - 9:30 p.m. 

Epworth United Methodist Church 

1953 Hopkins St.  

A panel of parents from six area private schools discuss the admission process and their experiences. Sponsored by the Neighborhood Parents Network 

Admission: free to members, $5 non-members 

Call 527-6667 

Learn to Birdwatch 

Oct. 16, 18, 23 & 25 

9:30 a.m. - Noon 

UC Botanical Gardens 

200 Centennial Drive 

$50 for members; $65 for non-members 

Call for info or to enroll: 643-2755 

Tuesday, Oct. 17

Is the West Berkeley Shellmound a landmark? 

7 p.m.  

City Council Chambers 

2134 MLK Jr. Way, 2nd floor 

Continued and final public hearing on the appeals against landmark designation of the West Berkeley Shellmound. The City Council may possibly make it’s decision at this meeting. 

Landscape Archeology and Space-Age Technologies in Epirus, Greece 

8 p.m.  

370 Dwinelle Hall 

UC Berkeley 

Professor of Archeology, Art History and Classics Dr. James Wiseman presents a slide-illustrated lecture. 

Mario Savio Memorial Lecture 

7:30 p.m. 

Pauley Ballroom 

UC Berkeley 

Barbara Ehrenreich and Arlie Hochschild will speak on the theme “Forwards and Backwards - Women, globalization, and the new class structure.” Free.  

Help Out Some Orangutans 

7 p.m.  

Cafe Milanos 

2522 Bancroft Way 

Come help plan a day of action against Citibank, who allegedly plunders the environment for profit. Join the Rainforest Action Group and Ecopledge in protest.  

Is the Sky Falling? 

7 p.m.  

Ecology Center 

2530 San Pablo Ave. 

Tim Holt, author of “On Higher Ground” will present an array of post-ecotopian choices, one of which is domed cities. What does the future hold for California?  

Call 548-2220 x 233  

Wednesday, Oct. 18

Traffic Calming Workshop 

7 - 10 p.m. 

St. Clements Church 

2837 Clement Blvd.  

Help to achieve reasonable traffic speeds and volume on local streets.  

“Women and Trafficking: Domestic & Global Concerns” 

6 - 9:30 p.m. 

North Berkeley Senior Center 

1901 Hearst Ave. (at MLK Jr. Way) 

The Berkeley Commission on the Status of Women invites the public to this forum which will include an expert panel discussion, and a movie on Women and trafficking. Free. 

Call 644-6107 for more info.  

Thursday, Oct. 19

The Promise and Perils of Transgenic Crops 

7:30 - 9 p.m.  

International House, Homeroom 

UC Berkeley 

2299 Piedmont Ave.  

A discussion with Dr. Peggy Lemaux, professor of Plant and Microbiology at UC Berekeley, of the scientific basis for biotechnology, it’s risks and benefits. 

Contact Maribel Guillermo, 642-9460 

Rafael Mariquez Free Solo Concert 

7:30 p.m. 

Berkeley Public Library, South Branch 

1901 Russell St. (at MLK Jr. Way) 

This Chilean folksinger and guitarist presents his original settings of selections by Latin American poets. 

Contact: 644-6860; TDD 548-1240 

Vocal Sauce 

Noon 

BART Plaza, Downtown 

Shattuck Ave. at Center St. 

The JazzSchool’s vocal jazz ensemble perform award-winning arrangements by Greg Murai.  

Contact Carrie Ridgeway, 549-2230 

Performance Poetica 

7:30 p.m. 

ATA Gallery 

992 Valencia St. 

San Francisco 

Video and verse by Illionois Arts Council/Hemingway Festival poet and filmmaker Rose Virgo, with special guest Judy Irwin.  

$3  

Friday, Oct. 20

“The Ballot Issues” 

11:45 a.m. 

Berkeley City Club 

2315 Durant Ave.  

Fran Packard of the League of Women Voters speaks at 12:30 p.m. Luncheon served at 11:45 a.m. and 12:15 p.m.  

Luncheon: $11 

Call 848-3533 

Human Nature 

8:30 p.m. 

New College Cultural Center 

766 Valencia 

San Francisco 

The X-plicit Players present this idyllic nude ritual. Watch or participate: Be led blindfolded through body tunnels, into body streams while sensing psychic/body qualities through touch. Also presented on Oct. 21.  

$12 admission 

Call 415-848-1985 

Saturday, Oct. 21

A Day on Mt. Tam 

9:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. 

Come play and hike in San Francisco’s beloved playground. This outing is part of a series of free fall outings organized by Greenbelt Alliance. 

Call: 415-255-3233 for reservations 

AHIMSA Eight Annual Conference 

9 a.m. - 5 p.m.  

International House, Great Hall 

UC Berkeley 

2299 Piedmont Ave.  

The AHIMSA is a nonprofit foundation whose goal is to encourage dialogues and public forums which bridge spiritual, scientific and social issues. This years conference is titled “Violence! Scientific and Spiritual Perspectives.”  

Admission is free 

Contact Maribel Guillermo, 642-9460 

Berkeley Farmers’ Market Fall Fruit Tastings 

10 a.m. - 3 p.m.  

Center St. at MLK Jr. Way 

Taste a whole farmers’ market’s bounty of fall fruit varieties. 

Free. 

Info: 548-3333 

Run Your Own Landscape Business: Part 2 

11 a.m. - 1 p.m. 

Ecology Center 

2530 San Pablo Ave. (at Blake) 

Local horticultural consultant and UC Master Gardener Jessie West will teach you how to plant, prune, control weeds, and more. The second of three classes. The last is scheduled for Oct. 28 during the same timeslot. 

$15 general; $10 for members; $5 materials fee 

Call 548-2220 x223 

Sunday, Oct. 22

A Taste of the Greenbelt 

1 - 4 p.m. 

Presidio’s Golden Gate Club 

Greenbelt Alliance brings the farm to the city in this celebration of the Bay Area’s agricultural and culinary bounty. Featured are samples from over 40 local restaurants, farmers, wineries, microbreweries. Also featured are live music and local artwork. The event benefits Greenbelt Alliance’s ongoing efforts to protect Bay Area farmlands and open space.  

$45 per person 

1-800-543-GREEN, www.greenbelt.org 

An Evening with Alice Walker 

7:30 p.m.  

King Middle School  

1781 Rose St. (at Grant) 

free parking 

Join internationally loved novelist, poet and essayist Alice Walker in celebrating her new book of autobiographical stories, “The Way Forward is With a Broken Heart.” Benefits Berkeley EcoHouse and KPFA Radio, 94.1 FM.  

Tickets: $10 advance, $13 door 

Tickets available at independent bookstores 

More info: 848-6767 x609 

Take a Trip to the Oakland Ballet 

North Berkeley Senior Center 

1901 Hearst Ave. (at MLK Jr. Way) 

This is an outing organized by the Senior Center to see “Glass Slippers.”  

Tickets: $6 each 

Call Maggie or Suzanne, 644-6107 

A Buddhist Pilgramage in India 

6 p.m. 

Tibetan Nyingma Institute 

1815 Highland Pl. 

June Rosenberg brings to life, through slides and lecture, her pilgrimages in India. Free. 

Call 843-6812 

Monday, Oct. 23

Berkeley Chinese Community Church Turns 100 

6 p.m. 

Nov. 4 

Silver Dragon Restaurant 

835 Webster St. 

Oakland 

Reservations: $30 per person 

More info: 548-5295 

Public Schools Parent Information Night 

7 - 9 p.m.  

Epworth United Methodist Church 

1953 Hopkins St. 

Parents, principals and other administrative staff from 11 elementary schools will speak about their schools. Sponsored by Neighborhood Parents Network.  

Admission: free to members, $5 non-members 

527-6667 

Tuesday, Oct. 24

Berkeley Farmers’ Market Fall Fruit Tastings 

2 p.m. - 7 p.m.  

Derby St. at MLK Jr. Way 

Come taste a bounty of fall fruit varieties for free. 

Info: 548-3333 

Thursday, Oct. 25

International Jewish Video Competition Winners 

7:30 p.m.  

Pacific Film Archive 

2575 Bancroft Way 

Screening of the four winners in the Museum’s seventh annual competition.  

Call 549-6950 

Thursday, Oct. 26

East Bay Science & Arts Middle School 

Noon  

BART Plaza, Downtown 

Middle school students perform dances of folk, swing, and Cuban rueda styles. Free.  

Contact Carrie Ridgeway, 549-2230 

Friday, Oct. 27

“Transporation: What’s in Store?” 

11:45 a.m. 

Berkeley City Club  

2315 Durant Ave.  

Larry Dahms, Executive Director of the Metropolitan Transportation Council speaks at 12:30 p.m. Luncheon is served at 11:45 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. 

Luncheon: $11 

More info and reservations: 848-3533 

Saturday, Oct. 28

Pedaling the Green City 

11 a.m. -3:30 p.m.  

Take a leisurely bike ride along the future San Francisco Bay Trail. One in a series of free outings organized by Greenbelt Alliance.  

Call: 415-255-3233 for reservations  

Wild About Books? 

10:30 a.m. 

Berkeley Central Library 

2121 Allston Way 

Halloween for the little guys with (not so) scary stories, music, and more.  

Call 649-3943  

Run Your Own Landscape Business: Part 3 

11 a.m. - 1 p.m. 

Ecology Center 

2530 San Pablo Ave. (at Blake) 

Local horticultural consultant and UC Master Gardener Jessie West will teach you how to plant, prune, control weeds, and more. This is the final class in the series. 

$15 general; $10 for members; $5 materials fee 

Call 548-2220 x223 

Sunday, Oct. 29

“Gateway to Knowledge” 

6 p.m. 

Tibetan Nyingma Institute 

1815 Highland Pl. 

Barr Rosenberg describes how to master new knowledge and take the power to shape our lives in wise and compassionate ways.  

843-6812 

Saturday, Nov. 4

Breathtaking Barnabe Peak 

10 a.m. - 4 p.m. 

Hike through Samuel P. Taylor State Park’s lush forests and climb to the heights of Barnabe Peak, overlooking Point Reyes. One in a series of free fall outings organized by Greenbelt Alliance.  

Call: 415-255-3233 for reservations 

Wild About Books? 

10:30 a.m. 

Berkeley Central Library 

2121 Allston Way 

Dublin Library’s resident storyteller and featured teller at the 1998 National Storytelling Festival tell kids aged 3 to 7 her favorite tales.  

Call 649-3943  

Sunday, Nov. 5

Buddhist Psychology 

6 p.m.  

Tibetan Nyingma Institute 

1815 Highland Pl.  

Buddhist teacher Sylvia Gretchen on “Beyond Therapy and Into the Heart of Buddhist Psychology.” Free. 

Call 843-6812  

Monday, Nov. 6

Airports vs. the Bay 

7 p.m. 

Albany Community Center 

1249 Marin St.  

Albany 

David Lewis, Executive Director of “Save the Bay” will speak on the airports’ plans to expand into the SF Bay and other challenges to Bay restoration.  

Contact: Friends of Five Creeks, 848-9358 

Compiled by Chason Wainwright 

Pepples campaign sign removal issue lays with the city manager 

Editor: 

On October 3, the Berkeley Daily Planet printed a letter from Eleanor Pepples, candidate for City Council.  

Ms. Pepples complained about the removal of her campaign signs by an employee of the city’s Department of Public Works. She stated that this City employee “triumphantly presented them to the Berkeley City Clerk’s office, boasting that he had taken down a truckload…”  

These events may have happened as described, and there may or may not have been some legitimate reason for the sign removal. I myself have no idea what happened, but I am at a complete loss as to why Ms. Pepples brought me into this matter by describing the city employee as a “representative of the mayor’s administration”.  

Since Ms. Pepples is new to Berkeley, she may not know that Berkeley has a city manager/council form of government and that city employees work directly for the city manager. They neither report to nor take directions from the Mayor or any other elected official. Ms. Pepples may also not be familiar with the rules governing the posting of signs. 

If Ms. Pepples seeks clarification of the events she described in her letter, I would suggest that she contact the city manager directly. She might also clarify, with the city clerk, the rules regarding the posting of signs on telephone poles.  

In my experience, it is preferable to place campaign signs only in the windows and yards of supporters since sign placement on private property offers the greatest chance of sign survival and is much more persuasive with voters. 

Mayor Shirley Dean 

Gov. Bush wrong on  

measuring Head Start success by reading skills 

Editor:  

Gov. George W.Bush stated in Wednesday night’s debate that he would have pre-schoolers, in the Head Start programs, read. As if that’s the measure of success at that level of education!  

Since the 1960s Head Start teachers and administrators of these programs have found that art, music, dance, physical education, dramatics, having hands-on training with cooking, nature study, field trips, science experiments, gardening, story-telling, poetry read or acted out by peers/actors, will continue to activate and stimulate curious minds to have the readiness to learn to read all in  

due time.  

The finest educators, school psychologists, doctors who know the human brain, eye-hand coordination, test results from public-private schools from pre-school through post-doctorate degrees have shown that these very children cannot nor should not read before they are chronologically & developmentally ready.  

Bush’s information in this area is totally non-existent or he has been grossly misinformed.  

Bush came across as the man to whom we should trust all decisions: military, social security, health care, education.  

He continued to call Mr. Gore’s statistics: “fuzzy”. Mr. Gore’s intelligent comments were factual, to the point and well-delivered.  

The woman’s right to choose what is to be done with her body & vice-president Gore’s commitment to uphold Roe vs. Wade should give any unsure voters the reason to vote Democratic this election.  

I am both a retired elementary school teacher and school librarian for K-12.  

Sylvia P. Scherzer 

Emeryville

Young East Bay artists donated their mosaic art to Highland Hospital this week. 

Colorful mosaic planters and benches were designed and created by kids ages 8 - 13 who participated in a summer camp public art project organized by Brushstrokes Studio, the Berkeley-based ceramic art studio. This is the second year of the program. Last year, six mosaic planters were installed and have been enthusiastically received by hospital patients and staff who enjoy them on a daily basis. Jessica Abbott led the series of summer camps. She is the proprietor of Brushstrokes Studio and a professional artist whose public art projects include a nautical fountain for San Diego Children’s Hospital as well as six hand-built vessels for Highland Hospital, which were installed in 1998. 

She has recently been awarded a grant by The Swanson & Shevlin Charitable Foundation to set up an on-site studio at Highland Hospital for the purpose of creating works of art for the hospital in collaboration with the Highland community.

Berkeley’s Joanna Letz hits a serve during her match against Encinal High Thursday afternoon. The Yellowjackets won all five matches between the two schools.

It sounds like a paradox. Use bureaucrats to cut down on bureaucracy. City Manager Weldon Rucker thinks it’s possible. 

The city launched its Neighborhood Services Initiative, tapping four bureaucrats to cut through red tape. Formed to deliver more efficient city services to Berkeleyites, the new Neighborhood Liaisons will reach out to neighborhoods and implement collaborative, cross-department solutions to community problems. 

“Our Neighborhood Services Liaisons will mobilize results-oriented teams that cut bureaucratic red tape (and put) Public Works, Health and Human Services, Police, Fire, Finance and others, all in one room,” said Rucker. 

Literally in one room in the city manager’s office. 

Taj Johns, newly arrived from the Berkeley Police Department, can see the three others’ desks from her own. 

“We’re all in here together,” she said. Each will cover one “quadrant” of the city, not yet assigned, fielding calls and complaints from the quadrant residents, then form teams within those quadrants to tackle the area’s problem.  

In addition to Johns, Berkeley’s new Gang of 4 includes Michael Caplan and Thomas E. Myers from the Office of Economic Development, and Jennifer Yee from the Finance Department. 

The four will remain there, in that room, until city offices move back into the retrofitted Civic Center Building, which is supposed to happen in mid-December. In the interim, they will undergo a “rigorous” training program. 

According to Rucker, the first phase of this training will be “learning how the city functions, learning the intricacies of organization, and finding ways to coordinate services.” 

The need for such a coordinating team, said Rucker, stems from the “1950s, hierarchical, bureaucratic, self-serving type of city government” currently still in use. 

“Firewalls happen naturally in this model of government, and there are often situations where city services are working at cross purposes. These new liaisons will align city resources to come up with collaborative, good responses to city problems,” said Rucker. 

Hand picked by the city manager, the Gang of 4 will handle “complaints and concerns from the community” and will “work as an extension of the city manager’s office,” said Rucker. 

Saying he chose them based on a willingness to continue learning, good communication skills, an intense interest in working with people, and a passion to make change, Rucker lauded his appointees as “talented and hard working.” 

City Councilmember Polly Armstrong applauded the changes. 

“This is a city that is actually run by the city manager,” she said. “It’s easy to feel threatened, but it’s time to make a change. If it doesn’t work, there’s always the old way.” 

“The city needs to rise above one-district concerns,” she said, when asked how she felt about these newcomers taking responsibility for a larger portion of the city than the smaller areas which councilmembers represent. “This liaison team can help us do that. The council will have to let go of the feeling that the district is their little fiefdom and no one else can do anything there. We councilmembers have the tendency to overlook the big picture because we’re so busy solving little problems,” she said. 

“I think it has the potential to really work well,” she said. 

For now, things are moving slowly. 

On Thursday, the liaison members continued their tour of Berkeley, going to the fire stations and learning procedure and making contacts. 

“This is ‘get acquainted time’ for us and the city departments,” newly-appointed liaison Michael Caplan said. “It’s an exciting time because there is no blue print to make this work. There’s just a set of goals and a lot of good will,” he added.  

They will be supported by one staffer, but, said Caplan, “we’ll probably be out in the field most of the time anyway.” 

“So far I’m just sending them out to handle incrementally larger problems, but by the time we move into the new Civic Center, they’ll be ready to go,” said Rucker. 

They have quite a bit of incentive to do their jobs well. Myers will make $80,036 a year, while the others will make $72,060 annually. 

“It’s a promotion for all of us,” said Caplan, who is receiving an almost $8,000 raise, “but it’s also a risk. All of us are giving up tenured positions for this ‘at will’ position. We work for the city manager now.”  

A first assignment? Coming up with the best solution to the problems of racial tension and crime brewing on Russell and Oregon streets in south Berkeley. 

“I’ll focus their attention on that. They’ll definitely be over there,” said Rucker. 

The Gang of 4 will meet with community organizations in the area to get their input, then come up with solutions. 

“At that point, they will either have a team of folks from the bureaucracy - or assemble a team - to implement a solution. As long as they are working within the context of their work, they won’t have to come to me or the City Council. They are empowered to do their jobs,” said Rucker. 

As an extension of the City Manager’s Office, the new service is not designed to compete with the City Council, and will in fact work in collaboration with the council, Rucker said. In addition, their recommendations will carry the weight of the city manager’s office, which will aid in coordinating various city departments to work together. 

“Currently, there isn’t any coordinating group like it,” he said. 

Ebony Museum of Arts 

The museum specializes in the art and history of Africa.  

Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 6 p.m.  

30 Jack London Village, Suite 209. (510) 763-0745. 

Habitot Children’s Museum 

Kittredge Street and Shattuck Avenue 

“Back to the Farm.”  

Ongoing 

An 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 more.  

Cost: $4 adults; $6 children age 7 and under; $3 for each additional child age 7 and under.  

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.  

647-1111 or www.habitot.org 

Judah L. Magnes Museum 

2911 Russell St.  

549-6950 

Free 

Sunday through Thursday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 

“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. The exhibition will expand Nov 5, 2000, to encompass all four seasons and a collection of rare treasures from Jewish, Tibetan, Mexican-American, and other cultures. 

“Second Annual Richard Nagler Competition for Excellence i Jewish Photography” 

Nov. 5 - Feb. 2001. 

Featuring the work of Claudia Nierman, Jason Francisco, Fleming Lunsford, and others.  

UC Berkeley Art Museum 

2626 Bancroft Way, Berkeley 

Wednesday - Sunday, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., Open Thursdays until 9 p.m.  

“Hans Hoffmann”  

An exhibit of paintings by Hoffmann which emphasizes two experimental methods the artist employed: the introduction of slabs or rectangles of highly saturated colors and the use of large areas of black paint juxtaposed with intense oranges, greens and yellows. 

Oct. 11 - Jan. 16, 2001: Amazons in the Drawing Room: The Art of Romaine Brooks.  

The Asian Galleries  

“Art of the Sung: Court and Monastery,” open-ended.  

A display of early Chinese works from the permanent collection.  

“Chinese Ceramics and Bronzes: The First 3,000 Years,” open-ended. 

“Works on Extended Loan from Warren King,” open-ended. 

“Three Towers of Han,” open-ended. 

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

642-0808. 

UC Berkeley Museum of  

Paleontology 

Lobby, Valley Life Sciences Building, UC Berkeley 

“Tyrannosaurus Rex,” ongoing.  

A 20-foot tall, 40-foot long replica of the fearsome dinosaur. The replica is made from casts of bones of the most complete T. Rex skeleton yet excavated. When unearthed in Montana, the bones were all lying in place with only a small piece of the tailbone missing. 

“Pteranodon”  

A suspended skeleton of a flying reptile with a wingspan of 22 to 23 feet. The Pteranodon lived at the same time as the dinosaurs. 

California Fossils Exhibit, ongoing. An exhibit of some of the fossils which have been excavated in California. 

Free. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. 

642-1821. 

UC Berkeley Phoebe Hearst  

Museum of Anthropology 

Kroeber Hall, Bancroft Way and College  

Avenue, 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.  

“Approaching a Century of Anthropology: The Phoebe Hearst Museum,” open-ended.  

This new permanent installation will introduce visitors to major topics in the museum’s history, including the role of Phoebe Apperson Hearst as the museum’s patron, as well as the relationship of anthropologists Alfred Kroeber and Robert Lowie to the museum. 

“Ishi and the Invention of Yahi Culture,” ongoing. 

This exhibit documents the culture of the Yahi Indians of California as described and demonstrated from 1911 to 1916 by Ishi, the last surviving member of the tribe. 

$2 general; $1 seniors; $.50 children age 17 and under; free on Thursdays. Wednesday, Friday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Thursday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. 

643-7648 

Mills College Art Museum 

5000 MacArthur Blvd., Oakland 

“The 100 Languages of Children,” through October.  

An exhibit of art by children from Reggio Emilia, Italy. At Carnegie Building Bender Room. 

Free. Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 4 p.m. 

430-2164 

Lawrence Hall of Science 

“Math Rules!” Ongoing. A math exhibit of hands-on problem-solving stations, each with a different mathematical challenge. 

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

experiments. 

“In the Dark,”through Jan. 15, 2001. Plunge into darkness and see amazing creatures that inhabit worlds without light.  

“Saturday Night Stargazing” First and third Saturdays each month. 8 - 10 p.m., LHS plaza.  

“Grossology,” LHSs Family Halloween Party, Oct. 28, 6:30 - 9 p.m. Featuring the creation of “gross” stuff with household products and ChemMystery, a hands-on crime lab for kids.  

$12 for adults; $10 for kids 12 and under.  

Call 643-5134 for tickets  

Open daily, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. 

$7 for adults; $5 for children 5-18; $3 for children 3-4 

642-5132 

Holt Planetarium  

Programs are recommended for age 8 and up; children under age 6 will not be admitted. $2 in addition to regular museum admission. 

“Moons of the Solar System,” through Dec. 10. Take a tour of the fascinating worlds that orbit Earth and other planets out to the edge of the Solar System.  

“Constellations Tonight” Ongoing. Using a simple star map, learn to identify the most prominent constellations for the season in the planetarium sky. Daily, 3:30 p.m. $7 general; $5 seniors, students, disabled, and youths age 7 to 18;  

$3 children age 3 to 5 ; free children age 2 and younger. Daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Centennial Drive, University of California,  

Berkeley. (510) 642-5132 or www.lhs.berkeley.edu 

The Oakland Museum of  

California 

1000 Oak St., Oakland 

“Helen Nestor: Personal and Political” Through Oct. 15.  

An exhibit of images documenting the Free Speech Movement, the 60s civil rights marches, and women’s issues. 

“Secret World of the Forbidden City” Oct. 14 - Jan. 24, 2001. A rare glimpse of over 350 objects which illustrate the opulence and heritage of the Chinese Imperial Court Under the Qing Dynasty, which ruled China from 1644 - 1911. For this exhibit, admission $13 general, $10 seniors and $5 for students with ID.  

$6 general; $4 seniors and students; free children age 5 and under; second Sundays are free to all. Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.; first Friday of the month, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. 

(888) OAK-MUSE or www.museumca.org. 

TRAX Gallery 

1306 3rd. St., Berkeley 

Mary Law “Altered Ceramic Pots”  

through Oct. 21 

For more information or to sign up for the workshop call 526-0279 or e-mail to cone5@aol.com 

Music 

Downtown Berkeley Association 

Lunchtime Concert Series 

Every Thursday through October 

noon - 1p.m. 

Downtown Berkeley BART Plaza 

1 hour free parking available in Center Street Garage 

Oct. 12: Members of the Berkeley Symphony performing chamber music 

Oct. 19: Jazzschool’s vocal jazz ensemble Vocal Sauce 

Oct. 26: East Bay Science & Arts Middle School will perform folk, swing and Cuban rueda dances 

924 Gilman 

Oct. 7, 8 p.m.: The Stitches, The Goons, Le Shok, Three Years Down, Deminar 

$5; $2 for a year membership 

525-9926 

Albatross Pub 

1822 San Pablo Ave.  

843-2473 

Oct. 10: Mad & eddie Duran Jazz Duo, 9 p.m. 

Oct. 12: Keni “El Lebrijano,” 9 p.m. 

Oct. 14: pick Pocket ensemble, 9 p.m. 

Ashkenaz 

1317 San Pablo Ave.  

525-5099 

For all ages 

www.ashkenaz.com 

Oct. 6, 9:30 p.m., Clan Dyken and Diane Patterson, Leonard Benalley, $9. 

Oct. 7, 9:30 p.m. ,West African Highlife Band, $11. 

Oct. 8, 9 p.m., Sekouba Bambino Diabate, $10. 

Cal Performances 

Hamza El Din (world music), Oct. 21, 8 p.m., $16 - $28.  

Zellerbach Hall, UC Berkeley (Bancroft at Telegraph) 

Ian Bostridge, Tenor, performs music of Schubert and Hugo Wolf, Oct. 29, 3 p.m., $28 - $48.  

Julia Fischer, Violinist, performs music of Tartini, Beethoven and Cesar Franck, Nov. 5, 3 p.m., $28 - $48.  

Hertz Hall, UC Berkeley (Bancroft at College) 

For tickets and info for these events call 642-9988 

Yoshi’s 

Through Oct. 8, An Evening with Branford Marsalis, $26 to $30 general; Sunday matinee: $5 children; $10 adult with one child. 

Oct. 23, An Evening with pianist Jon Jang to benefit the Asian Women’s Shelter of San Francisco. Call 415-751-7110 for tickets and additional information.  

Unless otherwise noted, music at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m.; Sunday 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. 510 Embarcadero West, Oakland. (510) 238-9200 or (510) 762-BASS. 

The Jazzschool 

2375 Shattuck Ave. 

Oct. 8, 1:30 - 3:30 p.m., Bobbe Norris and Larry Dunlap present a vocal workshop, “Making the Song Your Own.” The workshop is $30 for Jazzschool students and $40 for others. 4:30 p.m., Norris and Dunlap perform. 8:00 p.m., Peck Allmond Group featuring Kenny Wollesen CD release performance.  

Oct. 15, 4:30 p.m., Mark Levine and The Latin Tinge.  

$12; $10 students/seniors; $6 for Jazzschool students and children under 13 

Reservations: (510) 845-5373. 

Live Oak Concert Series 

Berkeley Art Center 

1275 Walnut St. 

Oct. 15, 7:30 p.m., Debra Golata, mezzo-soprano, and others perform Schoenberg, Bach, Schubert, and others.  

Oct. 22, 7:30 p.m., Donna Lerew, violin, Skye Atman, piano perform Mozart, Shubert, Korngold and others.  

Oct. 29, 7:30 p.m., The Horizon Wind Quintet 

$10; $8 for members; $9 for students and seniors; Children under 12 admitted free 

Central Works Theater Ensemble Benefit 

North Berkeley Community Center 

1901 Hearst Ave. (at MLK Jr. Way) 

Oct. 16, 7 - 10 p.m. The Ken French Trio will perform with a special performance by jazz and soul vocalist Clairdee. The evening will also feature a public and silent auction hosted by Narsai David. Proceeds benefit the funding, development, and production of original plays for Bay Area audiences.  

$45 per person; includes food, wine, and beverages.  

Reservations: (510) 558-1381 

Deborah Voigt 

The Grammy award-winning soprano performs the music of Strauss, Wagner, Schoenberg and others. Voigt has appeared with leading opera companies including the San Francisco Opera and has sung opposite such artists as Placido Domingo and Luciano Pavarotti.  

Oct. 15, 3 p.m.  

Zellerbach Hall, UC Berkeley campus, Bancroft Avenue at Telegraph.  

$28 - $48  

642-9988 

Eli’s Mile High Club 

3629 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Oakland 

(510) 655-6661 

Doors open at 8 p.m. 

Oct. 6, Henry Clement  

Oct. 13, Ron Hacker 

Films 

University of California,  

Berkeley Art Museum 

Pacific Film Archive 

2575 Bancroft Way 

642-1412 

“Neo-Eiga: New Japanese Cinema” 

Oct. 7, 7 p.m. : “Wildlife” (1997), directed by Shinji Aoyama, US premiere; 9 p.m. : “Timeless Melody” (1999), directed by hiroshi Okuhara, US premiere 

Oct. 14, 7 p.m. : “Nabbie’s Love (1999), directed by Yuji Nakae, West Coast premiere; 8:55 p.m. : “Gemini” (1999), directed by Shinya Tsukamoto, Bay Area premiere.  

Oct. 21, 7 p.m. : “Don’t Look Back (1999), directed by Akihiko Shiota, US premiere; 8:45 p.m. : “Sasayaki” (1999), directed by Akihiko Shiota (who will appear in person at the screening), US premiere. 

Oct. 25, 7:30 p.m. : Judah L. Magnes Museum Presents: 

International Jewish Video Awards Screening featuring “Shylock” by Pierre Lasry, “Brooklyn Trilogy” by Madeline Schwartzman, “Village of Idiots” by Eugene Fedorenko and Rose Newlove, and Arnie Lipsey’s “Almonds and Wine.”  

$7 for one film; $8.50 for double bills. UC Berkeley students are $4/$5.50. Seniors and children are $4.50/6.00  

Theater 

“Uttar-Priyadarshi (The Final Beatitude)” 

Oct. 7 and Oct. 8.  

The Chorus Repertory Theater presents an epic play exploring war, personal accountability, and public power using a mixture of text, music and elaborate theatrical design.  

$24 to $48.  

Saturday, 8 p.m.; Sunday, 3 p.m.  

Zellerbach Hall,  

University of California, Bancroft Way and Telegraph Avenue, Berkeley.  

(510) 642-9988. 

The Gate Theater of Dublin Present 

“Waiting for Godot” 

by Samuel Beckett 

Zellerbach Playhouse 

UC Berkeley 

Directed by Walter Asthmus 

Oct. 18 - 21, 8 p.m.; Oct.19 & 21, 2 p.m.; Oct. 22, 3 p.m. 

Post-performance discussions Oct. 20 & 22 

$34 - $48 

Call 642-9988 for tickets  

“The Green Bird”  

by Carlo Gozzi 

Berkeley Repertory Theatre 

2025 Addison St. 

Adapted by Theatre de la Jeune Lune and directed by Dominique Serrand.  

“The Green Bird” runs through Oct. 27. For tickets contact the box office at 845-4700 

“The Philanderer”  

by George Bernard Shaw 

Berkeley City Club 

2315 Durant Ave. 

Performed by the Aurora Theatre company, “The Philanderer” takes on the challenging and often humorous exploration of gender roles and the separations that exist between the sexes. 

Tickets for preview showings are sold at $26. Showtimes run Wednesday through Saturday through October 15 at 8 p.m. and Sunday matinees show at 2 p.m., plus selected Sunday evenings at 7 p.m. Admission for regular performances is $30. Student discounts are available. For tickets and information call 843-4822 or visit www.auroratheatre.org. 

“MIMZABIM!” 

Climate Theatre & Subterranean Shakespeare 

La Vals Subterraniean  

1834 Euclid 

Through Oct. 14 

Thursday - Saturday, 8:00 p.m. 

$12, Students $8 

“Fanny at Chez Panisse” 

Julie Morgan Theatre 

2640 College Ave., Berkeley 

Musical based on the book with opening proceeds going to the Verde Partnership Garden in Richmond. 

Through Oct. 29 

Runs Wednesday - Sunday, 7 p.m.  

$26 - 34  

1-888-FANNY06 

“Moonlight”  

by Harold Pinter 

A Last Planet Theatre production 

Potrero Hill Playhouse 

953 De Haro 

San Francisco 

Pinter’s most recent play features a man named Andy who is dying and his wife, Bel, who can’t get their two sons to pay them a visit. A story of infidelity, sibling rivalry, marital combat and moonlight and memory.  

Runs Thursday - Saturday, Oct. 5 (preview) through Oct. 28. All shows at 8:30 p.m. No show Oct. 26.  

$20 opening night, $10-15 regular run, $5 preview 

More info and tickets: 845-2687 

“The Caucasian Chalk Circle” 

by Bertolt Brecht 

Zellerbach Playhouse 

UC Berkeley 

This musical version of the tale about how to behave well, act justly, and remain humane in a world where chaos reigns, features an original score by renowned Bay Area composer and guitarist John Schott. The production also features clarinetist Ben Goldberg of the New Klezmer Trio.  

Oct. 6, 7, 13, 14 at 8 p.m. and Oct. 8, 15 at 2 p.m.  

$12 general; $8 UC faculty/staff; $6 students/seniors 

Call 642-8268  

Berkeley Rep School of Theatre 

“Sundiata” 

Martin Luther King, Jr. High School 

1781 Rost St.  

The world of premiere of Edward Mast’s tale of Djata, a handicapped boy who discovers he is the lost son of the murdered king of the Mali Empire. As the empire’s last hope, he is called upon to reclaim his heritage as the Lion King.  

Nov, 4, Noon 

Free to the public, but reservations are encouraged. 

Call 647-2972  

Dance 

Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company  

“You Walk?” 

Oct. 27-28, 8 p.m. 

$20 - $42 

White Oak Dance Project  

“Past Forward”  

Nov. 1 - 4, 8 p.m.  

Mikhail Baryshnikov and company celebrating the influence of post-modern choreographers.  

$36 - $60  

Zellerbach Hall 

UC Berkeley 

Call for tickets, 642-9988 

Exhibits 

Traywick Gallery 

1316 Tenth St.  

527-1214 

Charles LaBelle 

Through Oct. 15 

LaBelle’s new series of large-scale color photographs highlight nighttime nature in Hollywood. He recreates trees at night using a hand-held spotlight and playing on the beam across the leaves and branches. The opening reception will be held on September 12 from 6 to 8 p.m.  

Blue Vinyl by Connie Walsh  

Through Oct. 15 

This multimedia project combines video, sound and printmaking to explore concepts of intimacy and its relation to private space.  

Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday 11-6 p.m. and Sundays 12-5 p.m. 

A.C.C.I. Gallery  

“Paperworks,” through Oct. 7.  

A group exhibit of works by Carol Brighton, Vannie Keightley, Jean Hearst. 

1652 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley. (510) 843-2527 

Berkeley Art Center 

“Ethnic Notions: Black Images in the White Mind,''  

Through Nov. 12. An exhibit by Janette Faulkner exploring racial stereotypes in commercial imagery. Free. Wednesday through Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. Live Oak Park, 1275 Walnut St., Berkeley. (510) 644-6893 

California College of Arts and Crafts  

Free. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Oliver Art Center, 5212 Broadway, Oakland. 594-3712 

!hey! Gallery 

Lori Now and Michael Pollice display recent paintings through Oct. 14. Reception Oct. 7, 7 - 9 p.m. with cellist Diane Pauson and vocalist Elisheva Herrera.  

Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. 4920-b, Telegraph, Oakland. Call Richelle Valenzuela at (510) 428-2349. 

Kala Gallery 

Kala Art Institute 1999 Fellowship Awards Exhibition Part II through Oct. 31. Features work by Margaret Kessler, Barbara Milman, Michele Muennig, and David Politzer.  

Tuesday through Friday, Noon - 5 p.m. or by appointment. 1060 Heinz Ave. Call 549-2977. 

Berkeley Historical Society  

“Berkeley’s Ethnic Heritage.” An overview of the rich cultural diversity of the city and the contribution of individuals and minority groups to it’s history and development.  

Thursday through Saturday, 1 - 4 p.m. Admission free.  

1931 Center St.  

Call 848-0181 

Lizabeth Oliveria Gallery 

Paintings by Timothy Buckwalter, Hilary Harkness, and Jerry W. King, Through Oct. 28. Artist reception Oct. 7, 7 - 9 p.m. 

Gallery hours: Tuesday - Saturday, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.  

942 Clay St., Oakland. Call 625-1830 for more info. 

Pro Arts Gallery 

Early Bird Holiday Art Fest. Oct. 25 - Nov. 11. Shop early for unique gifts made by local artists. Free opening reception, Oct. 28, 1 - 4 p.m. featuring live music and artist demonstrations.  

Gallery hours: Wednesday - Saturday, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.  

461 Ninth St., Oakland. Call 763-9425  

Ames Gallery 

“Left Coast Legends: California Masters of Visionary, Self-taught, and Outsider Art,” featuring the work of Dwight Mackintosh, Alex Maldonado, A.G. Rizzoli, Jon Serl, and Barry Simons, Through Dec. 2.  

2661 Cedar St. Call for more info: 845-4949  

Readings 

Rhyme and Reason Poetry Series 

Berkeley Art Museum/Pacific Film Archive 

2621 Durant Ave. 

2nd and 4th Sundays of each month. 

Includes featured readers and open mike poetry. Free 

2 p.m. sign-up. Program runs from 2:30 - 4 p.m. 

Oct. 15: Professor Ron Loewinsohn (Morrison Room, UC Main Library) 

Oct. 29: Fernando Brito, Lara Dale 

234-0727 

Holloway Poetry Reading Series 

8p.m., Maude Fife Room, 315 Wheeler Hall 

For more information call 653-2439 

Oct. 10: Susan Stewart and Chris Chew, books include “The Hive” and “Yellow Stars”  

Nov. 1: John Yau and Garrett Caples, books include “Forbidden Entries” and “My Symptoms” 

Nov. 7: Marie Howe and Brian Glaser, “The Good Thief” and “What the Living Do” 

Cody’s Books  

2454 Telegraph Ave.  

845-7852 

Oct. 9, 7:30 p.m., Tariq Ali, “The Stone Woman.”  

Oct. 10, 7:30 p.m., Jennifer Baumgartner and Amy Richards, “Manifesta: Young Women, Feminism, and the Future.”  

Poetry at Cody’s  

Oct. 11, 7:30 p.m., Mark Scott & Melissa Kwasny 

Eastwind Books of Berkeley 

2066 University Ave.  

548-2350 

Oct. 7, 7p.m., Kimi Kodani Hill presents with art slides from her grandfather. “Topaz Moon: Chiura Obata’s Art on Internment” 

Lunch Poems: A Noontime Poetry Reading Series 

Morrison Room, Doe Library 

UC Berkeley 

12:10 - 12:50 p.m.  

Call 642-0137 

Under the direction of Professor Robert Hass, this is a series of events on the first Thursday of each month. Free.  

Nov. 2: Goh Poh Seng  

Tours 

Lawrence Berkeley National  

Laboratory 

Scientists and engineers guide visitors through the research areas of the laboratory, demonstrating emerging technology and discussing the research’s current and potential applications. A Berkeley lab tour usually lasts two hours and includes visits to several research areas. Popular tour sites include the Advanced Light Source, The National Center for Electron Microscopy, the 88-Inch Cyclotron, The Advanced Lighting Laboratory, and The Human Genome Laboratory. Reservations required at least two weeks in advance of tour. 

Free. University of California, Berkeley. 

486-4387 

Bernard Maybeck Weekend 

Oct. 14 & 15 

Sponsored by the California Preservation Foundation celebrates the buildings of the renowned architect. Saturday features a slide lecture at Swedenborgian church with historian Gray Brechin and a private tour of the Palace of Fine Arts. Sunday will focus on Berkeley, where Maybeck built most of his homes and raised his family. The tour will include six private residences and the First Church of Christ, Scientist. The weekend will end with a reception at the Chick House in the Oakland hills.  

More info call California Preservation Foundation: 763-0972. 

Berkeley City Club Tours 

Guided tours through Berkeley’s City Club, a landmark building designed by architect Julia Morgan, designer of Hearst Castle. 

$2. The fourth Sunday of every month except December, between noon to 4 p.m.  

2315 Durant Ave., Berkeley. 

848-7800 

Golden Gate Live Steamers 

Small locomotives, meticulously scaled to size, run along a half mile of track in Tilden Regional Park. The small trains are owned and maintained by a non-profit group of railroad buffs who offer rides.  

Free. Trains run Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Rides: Sunday, noon to 3 p.m., weather permitting. Grizzly Peak Boulevard and Lomas Cantadas Drive at the south end of Tilden Regional Park, Berkeley.  

486-0623  

Oakland Historic walking tours 

Runs through October.  

The tours cover downtown Oakland and its historic waterfront. All tours begin promptly at 10 a.m. and last between an hour and an hour and a half.  

Free. Call for reservations. Oakland. (510) 238-3234. 

University of California at Berkeley Botanical Garden 

The gardens have displays of exotic and native plants. 

Botanical Garden Tours, Saturday and Sunday, 1:30 p.m. Meet at the Tour Orientation Center for a free docent tour. $3 general; $2 seniors; $1 children; free on Thursday. Daily, 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Botanical Garden, Centennial Drive, behind Memorial Stadium, a mile below the Lawrence Hall of Science, Berkeley. (510) 643-2755 or www.mip.berkeley.edu/garden/ 

Berkeley Historical Society Walking Tours 

Oct. 15 - The 1923 North Berkeley Fire Line led by Phil Gale 

Oct. 22 - University Avenue Indian Business Community led by Kirpal & Neelum Khanna 

Nov. 5 - What’s Happening Downtown? led by Debbie Badhia 

More info call 848-0181 

Both the boys’ and girls’ Berkeley High water polo teams opened their league play with crucial victories against Pinole Valley, but the styles of the wins couldn’t have been more different. 

The boys’ team won a 13-8 shootout as Pinole Valley was missing three of its starters. According to coach Jim Ulversoy, his best player broke his ankle Wednesday and was unavailable, and two other starters got the match times mixed up and didn’t show up at the Willard Middle School pool until the fourth quarter. 

The shorthanded Spartans hung tough through the first half, and were down only two goals at halftime, but their short bench showed as the ‘Jackets pulled away in the second half. 

Even with their two starters back in the pool, Pinole Valley was unable to make up the difference and was outscored 4-3 in the final period. David Schooley paced the Yellowjackets with five goals, and Carl Wasman and Dominic Cathey chipped in two goals each as the home team peppered Spartan goalie Chase Wagner with shots throughout the game. Matt Wion scored four of Pinole Valley’s eight goals in the game. 

Ulversoy complimented the Yellowjacket counterattack, and Berkeley senior Joseph Ravera agreed. 

“We played pretty good defense, and our counterattack offense really got us going in the second half,” he said. “They played really well considering they were missing some guys.” 

Berkeley head coach Jim Graeber said he had his team concentrating on this match since Monday, even though they beat Grenada High on Tuesday. 

“We knew this would be a pivotal game in the league, and we started to focus on it on Monday,” Graeber said. “We were determined to counter their strengths, and I think we did that.” 

The girls’ match was much more defensive, as the Yellowjackets held on to win 4-1. Berkeley goalie Amy Degenkolb was the star of the game, making 10 saves and keeping Pinole Valley off of the scoreboard for the first half. 

Both teams struggled to score in the first quarter, with the lone goal coming on Sonja Graves’ penalty shot after a Spartan player fouled her right in front of the goal. The stingy defense continued in the second quarter, especially after Aurora McAllister put the Yellowjackets up 2-0 with a blind shot from in front of the goal. The home team was fortunate to not give up any goals in the period as two Spartan shots rang off Degenkolb’s posts. 

“We really focused on our defense, and that showed today,” Graeber said. “We knew this would be a tight match, and really one of the key matches of our league season.” 

The second half started quickly, with each team scoring a goal in the first two minutes. But the Yellowjackets clamped down on defense yet again, and the Spartans wouldn’t score for the rest of the game. Cody Keffer scored her second goal of the match with 1:02 left in the game to seal Berkeley’s victory.

A day after Vice President Al Gore and Gov. George W. Bush bored the country to sleep during their first debate, Berkeley’s City Council hopefuls tried to pump new life into democracy at a grassroots election forum Wednesday evening, taped live at the Berkeley Community Media studios and broadcast on TV-25. 

Titled the “Transportation, Housing and Environment Forum,” the tribunal was sponsored by the Bicycle Friendly Berkeley Coalition and other groups which focus on the environment and transportation issues. 

Candidates opened with a statement on their vision for Berkeley’s housing, transportation, jobs and environment.  

Each responded to the personal question asking for the “best and worst thing that you do for the environment.” 

Nearly every candidate said driving a car was the worst thing that they do that harms the environment. Councilmember Betty Olds sparked controversy by admitting that she uses her fireplace five or six times during the winter. 

“We’re very interested in letting the voters know how the candidates stand on this,” said organizer Jason Meggs of the Bicycle-Friendly Berkeley Coalition. “Livable city issues are very close to the heart of bicycle groups.” 

Jane Bergen of the League of Women Voters moderated the forum, which will be broadcast five more times before the election. 

The incumbents – Maudelle Shirek from District 3, Betty Olds from District 6 and Margaret Breland’s aide Calvin Fong, who spoke on Breland’s behalf – talked about their track records on the issues and the connection between transportation, housing and the environment. 

“Margaret’s advocacy on housing, health care and education are some of the reasons that the National Women’s Political Caucus and the John George Democratic Club endorsed her,” Fong said. “Truly addressing the interconnectedness of jobs, housing, transportation and the environment could allow us to be the first and most sustainable city in the world.” 

Fong said that Breland was unable to attend because she was resting after chemotherapy treatment for breast cancer. 

“Housing, jobs and education have been the cornerstone for progressive values for decades. In recent years, health care and the environment have joined them in the ranking of top issues,” Vice Mayor Shirek said. “Today we understand the importance of linking together where we live, where we work and where we go to school. Understanding these links today is a practical necessity as well as my moral and political vision for social justice.” 

Shirek, the only District 3 candidate at the forum, said she would actively support students for housing against “the corporation that is the UC,” and fight to provide affordable housing “come hell or high water.” . 

Olds, who along with Shirek, is supported by the Sierra Club, said that her hills district has needs that are very different from the flatlands.  

She talked about the need for better bus service in the hills “because not everyone can ride a bicycle.” Olds also said that she would have the courage to face neighborhoods which may not want to provide more housing, and said that she would like to develop housing with no parking. 

Norine Smith, Olds opponent, did not disagree, but added that AC Transit service stops too early in the hills. She also said that she would work for shuttles, such as alternatively powered cable cars, that could pick up residents and shoppers at the three BART stations.  

Smith also said she would ask UC Berkeley to turn the Underhill Parking lot into student housing. 

The other District 6 candidate in attendance, Eleanor Pepples, said that she would work collaboratively with other groups and cross party lines and cross districts to push for more housing and the repaving of roads in her district.  

District 2 candidate Gina Sasso, who said that this is her third time running for council, talked about the need to build more affordable housing. “It’s a right to sleep, not a privilege,” she said. 

Sasso said she wants to put an end to gentrification, and said she would work to build low-income housing in the South Shattuck and South San Pablo areas. 

District 5 candidate and AC Transit director Miriam Hawley said that, if elected, she would implement the city’s bike plan, make pedestrian and bicycle safety a top priority and “make it easier to ride the bus.” 

Hawley said that she would work to increase bus ridership by providing a bus pass similar to the UC Berkeley “class pass,” adding signage and redesigning bus stops. 

Landmark Preservation Commissioner and District 5 candidate Carrie Olson said she would push for public transit 24 hours a day. Moreover, she said that she would also work for a mode of alternative transportation that would run from the Rockridge or McArthur BART station to the university, then through downtown and down University Ave. to the Fourth Street train station. 

“This would pull commuters to UC out of their cars and reduce the need for parking around the campus and free up Underhill for housing,” she said. Olson also wanted a car-free overlay district as part of the new General Plan. 

District 5 candidate Tom Kelly said that streamlining the process that allows construction to take place, and getting that construction up to “green” standards, could alleviate the housing crisis and help revitalize the city. 

Kelly also thought shuttles from BART at peak times would be effective. He talked about attractive pedestrian zones that could be linked with transportation options that could reduce the number of cars coming into the city. 

Benjamin Rodefer, also a District 5 candidate, said he doesn’t believe that there is a housing shortage. He says the problem is pricing. 

“We have to make sure that there is low-income housing and protection for everyone,” he said. 

Rodefer also said that Berkeley’s revitalization should spread to south Shattuck, south San Pablo and along I-80.  

He also called for incentives for using hybrid and electric cars, such as free parking for those vehicles. 

“The small things can make a difference,” he said. 

The forum will air on B-TV the following dates: 

• 8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 23  

• 8 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 24 

• 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 29 

• 1 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 1 

• 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 4  

The Cal Bears head into this weekend’s matchup in Tempe, Ariz. looking for a new identity. Following a loss to the weakest team in the Pac-10 last weekend, the Bears need to pull out of their offensive funk against a Sun Devil team that prides itself on playing tough defense. 

The Golden Bear defense should have a field day against an Arizona State offense that is missing its top two quarterbacks, along with its top two tailbacks. The offense will be in the hands of former walk-on Griffin Goodman, a senior who had attempted just 46 passes before this season. 

True freshman Mike Williams has filled in admirably at tailback after Delvon Flowers went down before the season and Devaren Hightower suffered a leg injury in the Sun Devils’ opener. Williams has gained 334 yards on 69 carries, including a 143-yard effort against Utah State, so look for the Bears to stack seven or eight men on the line of scrimmage to stop the running game. The Bear defense needs to come up with some big plays, as the offense has shown no signs of coming to life since the first game against Utah. 

“I wouldn’t say there’s a lot of pressure, but we know the hat’s on our head and we have to wear it,” said defensive end Andre Carter. “Every time we get on the field, we know we’ve got to find a way to make big plays, find a way to score, cause turnovers.” 

Defensive coordinator Lyle Setencich had success against the Washington State offense last week blitzing linebackers from the inside. Linebacker Chris Ball in particular has a good game, racking up a sack that drove the Cougars out of field goal range on one drive and making two other tackles behind the line of scrimmage. Setencich should be able to continue his attacking style of defense with the inexperience Griffin under center for the Sun Devils. 

“Our attitude is, we need to come out and shut teams out, because if they don’t score they can’t win and that’s the bottom line,” Ball said. 

Cal’s offense is another story. The Bears have gotten more conservative with each successive game, to the point where offensive coordinator Steve Hagen seemed hesistant to call long passing plays last week. Sophomore quarterback Kyle Boller has regressed to last year, when he completed just 36 percent of his passes. 

“I think if we can expand the yardage and the completions that we get with the pass game, then that will open up the offense,” Holmoe said. “We’ve got to expand now and open it up in the secondary, and if we can do that, it will complement the run game.” 

With the passing game in a funk, Hagen has turned to tailbacks Joe Igber, Joe Echema and Saleem Muhammed to move the ball and eat up the clock. The trio has responded well, racking up a season-high 149 yards on the ground last week. But with yet another injury on the offensive line, this time left tackle Langston Hughes, the Bears might have a rough time creating holes. Senior center Reed Diehl will have to work hard to keep the patchwork line together. 

“I look to my left and see brand new faces, and now we have Chris Chick who’s coming in at left tackle,” Diehl said. “We’ve got guys who can play, they just haven’t had the chance.” 

Diehl said that the depth on the offensive line is better than on most teams, and credited offensive line coach Ed White with keeping the backup players ready to go. 

“It could limit what we do if we didn’t have a coach who gives reps to second-string players during the year. They’ve been getting reps all season, they’ll just step it up,” he said. 

Boller should get a chance to throw the ball down the field, as Arizona State ranks last in the Pac-10 in passing defense. But if he can’t improve his accuracy, the Sun Devils will get more daring as the game goes on. They lead the conference in sacks with 17, including five by defensive end Terrell Suggs and three by linebacker Adam Archuleta. Hagen will have to establish both the run and the pass to be successful in Tempe. 

“You’ve got to be able to do both phases, to complete passes and run the football,” Hagen said. “We ran the ball decently last week, but you’ve got to be able to do it all.” 

If the Bears can avoid the special teams mistakes that have plagued them this season, they have a good chance to pull out a victory against a depleted Arizona State squad. It will probably be their best chance at a win before the Big Game against Stanford, as every one of the opponents in between is ranked in this week’s national polls.

While many drug treatment providers and elected officials support Proposition 36, the state initiative to give people convicted of non-violent drug possession drug rehabilitation instead of jail time, a number of them question its feasibility. 

Over 19,000 prisoners were in California jails last year for simple drug possession, according to a June 1999 report by the State Department of Corrections. Taxpayers pay $24,000 annually per inmate. 

“We are wasting a fortune putting a lot of young people in jail for a lot of marijuana cases,” City Councilmember Kriss Worthington said. “It’s important to stop criminalizing youth and provide other options.” 

Under Prop. 36, the 25,000 people charged solely with drug possession would be diverted from prison to drug treatment programs, said Daniel Abrahamson, the initiative’s co-author and director of the legal affairs office at the Lindesmith Center-Drug Policy Foundation.  

As a result, the state would save $100 to $150 million annually in prison operations, according to a legislative analyst’s report. Counties would save about $50 million due to fewer people in jail.  

Berkeley has only a small, acupuncture-based detoxification facility, Worthington said. Prop. 36 could help fund a full-fledged drug treatment center, he said.  

Another advantage of the proposition is that it would circumvent the racial biases of drug courts, which is another diversion program, said Abrahamson. These courts decide who gets drug treatment instead of incarceration for those who decide to plead guilty to possession charges. 

“The majority referred to treatment are white, while the majority of those arrested for possession are black and brown,” he said. 

Also, drug courts are only used for 3 to 5 percent of possession cases, said Dr. Peter Banys, president of the California Society of Addiction Medicine. They are of variable quality state-wide. 

Because Prop. 36 does not fund drug courts, many criminal justice groups oppose the proposition, he said. 

However, drug courts could accommodate those charged with possession along with other crimes, Banys said. 

Mayor Shirley Dean voted yes in June to a unanimously-approved City Council resolution supporting the proposed act. But after talking to doctors that work with drug courts, she said she changed her mind on the proposition. 

The new law would treat all offenders similarly, Dean said, arguing, however, that some ought to go to jail while others would best be served by treatment.  

“We need more treatment facilities,” she added. 

Initially, after the proposition’s enactment on July 1, 2001, $60 million would be appropriated to fund treatment centers. Then, beginning in Jan. 2002, $120 million would be appropriated annually until 2006. 

Some of the proponents, however, raised questions about whether the proposition could be made to work. 

Property for new drug treatment centers will be difficult to find, said Banys, explaining that residents fear that treatment centers attract addicts to their neighborhoods. 

“The biggest problem is the ‘not in my backyard’ mentality,” he said.  

The San Francisco VA Hospital was effectively blocked by the surrounding community from building a new treatment center on its own property, he said, although patients were already being treated at the hospital 75 yards away. 

“It’s impossible to open new residential treatment programs. We tried four times in the last year and failed,” said Brian Greenberg, vice president of Walden House, Inc., a state-wide drug treatment program that works closely with prisons. 

Even if new centers are built, healthcare workers are already in short supply at existing institutions, said Greenberg. In Walden House’s Central Valley location, there are 30 openings; in San Francisco, 60. 

“In the Central Valley, there is no one left to hire,” he said. 

Joan Zweben, executive director of the East Bay Community Recovery Project and the 14th Street Clinic, said staffing and real estate deficits would be difficult to conquer.  

“I don’t see a way around these problems,” she said. 

The initial $60 million could go toward attracting healthcare workers by providing higher salaries, said proposition spokesperson Scott Ehlers. 

“Salaries aren’t going to change,” said Greenberg. 

However, drug treatment providers see the proposition as a first step toward treating drug addiction as a medical problem, much like alcoholism. 

“It’s ridiculous to incarcerate people for what’s a treatable condition,” Zweben said. 

Due to advances in technology, Alameda County has initiated an “Early Voting” program for this November’s election.  

Starting Tuesday, Oct. 10 through Friday, Nov. 3, Alameda County registered voters may appear at the City Clerk Department in Berkeley and vote using electronic voting equipment. The City Clerk Department, located at 1900 Addison Street is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5p.m.  

City Clerk staff will verify the voter’s eligibility and provide the voter with a “smart card”.  

The City Clerk Department is wheelchair accessible.  

This equipment is also capable of providing audio information for those with visual impairments.  

Early voting will also be available in the cities of Alameda, Fremont and Livermore and at the Alameda County Registrar of Voters’ Office, 1225 Fallon Street, in Oakland.  

Anyone wishing to vote after November 3rd but prior to Election Day, 

Nov. 7, will be required to go in person to the Registrar’s Office.  

SAN FRANCISCO — The California Supreme Court handed employers a victory Thursday, ruling that nonunion workers can be terminated even if the company’s policy was only to fire for disciplinary reasons. 

The high court, voting 6-1, reversed a closely watched appeals court ruling that said a San Francisco man could sue his employer for wrongful termination even when his job was eliminated. The appellate court said John Guz could sue even though he was a non-contract, or so-called “at-will” employee at Bechtel National Inc. 

Employer groups had closely followed the case. In briefs submitted to the high court, they said if the court ruled in Guz’s favor, it would be nearly impossible to layoff workers to cut costs, which the San Francisco company said it did in this case. 

“If the court had ruled otherwise, every restructuring decision could be subject to the judicial process and thrown to a jury to decide,” said Steven Drapkin, a Los Angeles lawyer with the Employers Group, which represents 5,000 California businesses. The high court ruled that Bechtel could eliminate jobs “as it saw fit,” Justice Marvin R. Baxter wrote for the majority. 

Guz, a 23-year employee, lost his job at the engineering and construction firm in 1993 and sued, alleging he had an implied contract that he could only be fired for disciplinary reasons. Guz, 49 at the time, also claimed his layoff was based on age discrimination because younger workers were retained. 

The company said it terminated Guz because it eliminated several jobs, including the financial reports supervisor position he held, to cut costs.  

The court, however, kept alive a part of the suit that said Guz’s termination did not follow the company’s written layoff procedures.

SAN FRANCISCO — Dancers and artists pranced on the steps of City Hall to a driving drum tattoo, protesting rising rents and dwindling rehearsal space and demanding more from the city they’ve helped define. 

“Wake up San Francisco. No Art No Soul” read one protest sign as stiltwalkers teetered above a crowd of more than 200 performers Wednesday, vowing unrest until city leaders come up with a rescue plan. 

“The city needs us to keep it a vital city,” said Jo Kreiter, an acrobat who shimmied up 15-foot-tall pole for a slow, bird’s eye ballet of twists and turns. “They need us to thrive here. Not just scrap out a living.” 

The musical call-to-arms came in the midst of a political tug-of-war over spiraling office space rents, driven up by the dot-com companies that are creeping into nearly every nook in the city. 

Performance studios in San Francisco cost an average $12.70 per square foot. But the market rate for the same space is an estimated $55 per square foot. 

That leaves places like Dance Mission left out in the cold, no longer able to afford rising rents. The instructional group is scheduled to close its doors Nov. 1 after 30 years of samba, flamenco and tap dance lessons. 

“I’ve been here a year and half. In that time there are six main dances studios in San Francisco and four of them have closed,” said Tara Brandel, a community outreach worker for Dance Mission who moved here from London after learning of the city’s rich dance history and the storied careers of Anna Halprin and Isadora Duncan. 

After the rally, the Board of Supervisors’ Finance and Labor Committee began meeting inside City Hall to discuss the displacement of artists and nonprofit groups. 

Up for discussion was Mayor Willie Brown’s plans to offer $7 million in city grants to build space for performers and artists, $5 million going to capital improvements for non-profits and more than $1.5 million to arts and cultural non-profits through the city’s Art Commission and Grants for the Arts. 

“With a red-hot economy has come a red-hot real estate market, and our non-profits are getting burnt. We must intervene,” Brown said in a statement. 

Many of the artists losing their regular haunts are musicians from Downtown Rehearsal, the city’s largest rehearsal space, closed late last month in preparation for the building’s reported $14 million sale.  

The musicians, which include Chris Isaak, have taken the $750,000 offered by the building’s owner to find a new home. 

At Wednesday’s protest, Krissy Keefer grabbed a microphone and told the crowd that the show of unity would send a message that politicians could not ignore. Keefer said she wanted the city to buy buildings to house nonprofits, help artists pay for maintenance and the projects that emerge from the space. 

“We might be rabble rousers, but we are not isolated,” Keefer said.

PASADENA — NASA’s Cassini spacecraft, en route to a 2004 rendezvous with Saturn, snapped its first image of the giant planet Jupiter as engineers worked to understand a communications problem with a companion probe. 

The problem involves the European Space Agency’s Huygens probe, which will detach from Cassini and parachute to the Saturnian moon Titan in late 2004. The problem does not affect Cassini’s primary mission of orbiting Saturn. 

“We’re still investigating it,” said Bob Mitchell, Cassini’s program manager at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. “The probe relay doesn’t occur for another four years, so we have got a lot of time to work it.” 

Meanwhile, NASA released the first picture taken by Cassini of the gas planet Jupiter. 

The black-and-white image, shot from a distance of more than 52 million miles, shows the planet’s cloud bands and swirling Great Red Spot, which has been noted by astronomers since the first telescopes were aimed at the planet 300 years ago. 

Though the picture does not reveal anything new about the planet, it confirms the $3.4 billion mission’s imaging systems are working properly, Mitchell said. “It is very reassuring to see that the entire system is working just great,” he said. 

Cassini is expected to return a steady stream of Jovian images as it flies closer to the planet. Each will be taken with a different filter and they will be combined to produce full-color images. 

By the end of the probe’s flyby of Jupiter at the end of March 2001, controllers expect to have a collection of images that rival those taken by the Voyager spacecraft in 1979 even though Cassini will not fly as close. 

“We have a better, higher-quality, later-technology camera than Voyager,” Mitchell said. “Before we’re done, we should have some very spectacular images.” 

A tape recorder malfunction prevented similar pictures from being sent back by the Galileo spacecraft, which continues to orbit the planet. Three global pictures taken at the start of the mission remain stuck on the recorder. 

Since its 1997 launch, Cassini has flown by Earth once and Venus twice, each time using gravity to gain speed and change direction as it heads for Saturn. Its closest approach to Jupiter takes place Dec. 30. 

Cassini is scheduled to arrive at Saturn on July 1, 2004. 

——— 

On the Web: Cassini home page: http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/cassini 

LOS ANGELES — A lawsuit charges that Verizon, formerly GTE Corp., ripped off the elderly by charging $4 to $6 per month for the customers to rent their rotary telephones, listing the charge as rental equipment. 

The lawsuit, reported in Thursday’s Orange County Register, covers consumers that have been charged the rental fees in any of the past four years. 

Last year, records show Verizon charged as many as 116,000 Californians for renting phones. Another 19,763 customers last year found the charge and either returned the phone to the company or asked to have the charges stopped. 

The Superior Court lawsuit was filed by attorney Marc Coleman on behalf of customers such as Eva De Bruin, 58, of Los Alamitos. De Bruin was dismayed last month when she discovered the equipment rental charge on her bill. 

She contacted Verizon and the company offered her a $40, one-year refund because De Bruin could not prove she had returned the rotary phone. De Bruin believes she’s been paying a monthly charge for nearly three decades. 

Coleman sued Verizon for negligence and unjust business practices, claiming it collected at least $5 million annually since 1987. He said many of the jilted customers were elderly residents who rented rotary phones. 

A Verizon spokesman on Wednesday declined to discuss the case with the Orange County Register, citing a policy that restricts the company from commenting on pending litigation. 

Coleman also claimed Verizon unjustly enriching itself because consumers paid much more than the retail cost of the rotary phones, now worth about $20. The lawyer claims the company misled consumers by listing the charge as an equipment rental, rather than a household phone rental. 

The practice dates to the period before telephone deregulation in 1984, when it was common for consumers to rent phones from their local phone company. Pacific Bell, now a unit of SBC Communications, eliminated its rental equipment charges between 1985 and 1988. 

Kelly Boyd, a senior telecommunications analyst at the Office of Ratepayer Advocates, an arm of the state’s Public Utilities Commission, said Verizon recently formed a committee to examine its practice of charging customers to rent phones. Verizon offers phones customers can rent for $4.95 to $16.95 a month. It continuously collects the rental fees even after the consumer has paid for the retail cost of the phone. 

“I thought everyone had the charge on their bill,” said Jennifer Cundiff, of Long Beach, another plaintiff in Coleman’s case. “I assumed it was for equipment boxes or wiring or something.” 

The Associated Press 

LOS ANGELES — Refusal to remove a pea-sized, flesh-colored stud on her tongue cost Mary Haudenshield her job. Now her former employer must swallow the cost of a legal settlement. 

Haudenshield has accepted an offer of reinstatement in the apartment-leasing job, along with the equivalent of six weeks of paid vacation and a company turnabout on what may be considered appropriate in the workplace. 

“Everything has been made right. The most important thing was to get my job back,” the 29-year-old said Wednesday.  

She was fired Sept. 14, after showing the stud to some co-workers.  

The settlement offer came shortly after the lawsuit was filed last week. 

She will be paid from the date of the firing until she returns to work Nov. 1, said her lawyer, Gloria Allred, who receives attorney fees as part of the settlement.  

Haudenshield also gets to stay in a $1,380-a-month apartment owned by her employer of 61/2 years, paying the employee rate of less than half the normal rent. 

Haudenshield said her job performance, her outward appearance and her speech weren’t affected while wearing the stud, and it’s not visible unless she sticks out her tongue. 

But a memo from her supervisor at R&B Realty Group (a division of Oakwood Worldwide) provided by Haudenshield said:  

“Confirming our prior conversation, this memo is to confirm that a pierced tongue is not considered professional in appearance in accordance with Oakwood Worldwide dress code policy.  

“If you continue to choose not to remove it during working hours, your employment will be considered terminated immediately.” She was fired the same day. 

In a letter to Haudenshield after she filed suit, an Oakwood personnel official said: “Although we have policies that place a high degree of emphasis on professional demeanor, we must also recognize that individuals may have different and changing views about what is appropriate in the workplace.” 

“I feel good knowing that my experience may help other workers stand up for their rights when they have been violated,” Haudenshield said Wednesday. 

Haudenshield said she decided to wear a tongue stud because “it symbolized an important point in my life and was something important to me concerning my values and goals.”

SACRAMENTO — Local animal rights advocates thought they had the perfect spokesman for their new campaign to get pit bull owners to spay and neuter their pets. 

Then world champion boxer Tony Lopez announced he was going to breed his pit bull “the right way.” 

Organizers of the Sacramento Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals said Wednesday that they were preparing to distribute hundreds of fliers featuring Lopez when the retired prizefighter made the announcement. 

“Here’s someone who is the poster boy for spay and neuter. It’s incredibly frustrating,” said Susanne Somers, a local SPCA board member. 

“There’s really no excuse for it. He’s just perpetuating the whole problem,” she added. 

Sterilizing pit bulls is important since the animals’ fearsome reputation often scares people away from adopting them. The Sacramento SPCA is starting a $20,000 campaign to pay people to get their pit bulls fixed. 

“Since he is a full-breed, red-nosed pit, I’ve got a lot of people who are interested in breeding him. If I do it, I’ll do it the right way,” Lopez said. 

SPCA officials say if they can’t persuade Lopez to change his mind, he will be dropped as the campaign spokesman. 

The Associated Press 

LOS ANGELES — A federal judge froze the assets of three businessmen and two companies accused by regulators of running a Ponzi scheme used to defraud elderly investors and others of at least $28.3 million. 

Regulators contend that TLC Entities promised to invest the money in distressed real estate, but used much of it to pay other investors, buy race horses or wired it overseas, the Securities and Exchange Commission said Thursday. 

Misuse of the money also included a $1 million donation that helped pay for a new football stadium at a high school attended by one defendant’s son, said Lisa Gok, assistant regional director in the SEC’s Los Angeles office. 

U.S. District Judge David O. Carter issued a temporary restraining order on Wednesday that froze TLC’s assets for 12 days pending a hearing. Carter also ordered TLC to make an accounting of its finances. 

“The pitch was that this was a great investment ... it was making 12 to 14 percent a year,” Gok said. In reality, she said, “this was never making any money. It was a Ponzi scheme.” 

A Ponzi scheme is a type of fraud in which early investors are paid off with money collected from subsequent investors. 

The judge’s order named Ernest F. Cossey and Gary W. Williams, both of Diamond Bar, and TLC as defendants. Thomas G. Cloud, of Atlanta, and his company, Cloud & Associates Consulting Inc., also were named. 

Calls to attorneys representing the defendants were not immediately returned. 

TLC raised $156 million from investors through solicitations that included recommendations made by Cloud in audio presentations posted on Christian-oriented Web sites, Gok said.  

Cloud claimed he was not paid to tout TLC investments, but in reality received more than $1 million in fees, Gok said. 

Cloud worked through his own Web site, Cloudassoc.com, which was linked to some Christian sites, Gok said.  

On Thursday a link connected Cloudassoc.com to Oneplace.com, a site featuring Christian audio programs, where Cloud was featured as a personal finance commentator. 

On a Oneplace.com page highlighting Cloud’s commentary, a written blurb urged visitors to combine their knowledge of scriptures with investing strategies. 

“You’ll ultimately learn how to shine brighter through biblically based financial stewardship,” it read. 

Cossey was accused by the SEC of misusing $1.55 million of investors’ funds by donating the money to Diamond Bar High School in Diamond Bar. 

About $1 million donated between 1998 and 1999 was used to build a new football stadium, Gok said. 

Carter’s order froze about $66 million in assets, including $2.2 million in cash, several race horses and real estate, Gok said. 

The SEC was seeking an order that would force the defendants to pay fines and give up any money gained as a result of fraud, she said.

STOCKTON — Hundreds of union members including farmworkers, carpenters and janitors rallied here Thursday to push for a $2.25 increase in California’s $5.75-an-hour minimum wage. 

The Industrial Welfare Commission, meeting here to hold the last of a series of hearings on the subject, is considering a $1 increase. 

The more than 300 union members demonstrating outside want it raised to $8 an hour. They say a dollar increase isn’t enough to support their families. 

“Five-seventy-five, we can’t survive,” they chanted. 

The five-member commission is expected to vote on an increase Oct. 23. Commissioners will not comment on the proposal until then, said Andy Baron, the panel’s executive officer. 

California last raised the minimum wage in March 1998. 

Business leaders contend an increase would mean lost jobs, higher insurance costs for employers and higher prices for consumers. 

Several farmers told the commission a $1 increase would hit them hard. 

“Anyone in production agriculture has no ability to raise the cost of their product. I can’t go asking for more money if you decide to do this,” Richard Dolezal, a Ripon cherry grower, testified. 

He estimated raising the minimum wage $1 would cost him $1,000 more a day during his peak season, when he has 100 workers out picking cherries. 

Commissioners are also considering whether to uphold several exemptions to the minimum wage. Shepherds, actors, some in-home health workers and some government employees are among workers not covered by it. 

Lodi sheep farmer Diego Olagaray told the commission he could not afford to pay his shepherds more. 

Shepherds’ lives are not as bad as they make them sound, said Olagaray, who raises 4,000 sheep and said he must also grow grapes to make a living. 

“They work four hours a day and we pay for board, for food, for insurance,” Olagaray said.  

“The $900 a month they make is all tax-free, take-home pay.” 

So many people crowded the hearing that the fire marshal and California Highway Patrol at one point restricted entry to the state building’s auditorium, which holds 185 people. Protesters used bullhorns to get their message inside. 

Lindsay farmworker Florencia Ramos, who speaks Spanish and testified through a translator, said she and her husband, who works for a chicken producer, are trying to support their young children on the minimum wage. 

“We came to this country to get a better life, but it’s even worse than in our own country,” said Ramos, who is from Mexico.

DANVILLE, Ky. — Democratic vice presidential candidate Joseph Lieberman charged in campaign debate Thursday night that Republicans want to “raid the Medicare trust fund to pay for their tax cuts.” But Republican Dick Cheney said there was more than enough money to go around, and it is “totally reasonable” to give relief to all taxpayers. 

The argument that “somehow ... all of it is going to tax cuts isn’t true,” Cheney said of the huge surpluses forecast over the next decade. 

The two men sparred – but politely – as they sat together for their only debate of the fall campaign. The atmosphere on a specially constructed stage at Centre College seemed more relaxed than Tuesday night when presidential candidates Al Gore and George W. Bush met in Boston for the first of their three scheduled encounters. 

Each man pledged to avoid personal attacks. Cheney took that one step further. “I promise not to bring up your singing,” he said to Lieberman, drawing laughter from his rival. 

“And I promise not to sing,” Lieberman quipped in rebuttal. 

The campaign understudies debated in a White House campaign as close as any in the past four decades. Bush and Gore are separated by only a point or two in most polls, pointing to a suspenseful final month of the campaign. 

The two men reprised comments made Tuesday night by the presidential candidates when the topic turned to RU-486, an abortion pill recently approved by the government for use in the United States. 

Cheney said the FDA had already acted, and the only issue was whether the drug was safe. He said he and Bush are “pro-life,” and the Texas governor would look for ways to “reach across the divide to reduce abortion.” 

Lieberman signaled his support for the FDA decision, and  

said there were fundamental differences between the two tickets  

on abortion. 

“Al Gore and I will respect a woman’s right to choose. And our opponents will not,” he said. 

Cheney, a former defense secretary, and Lieberman, a two-term Connecticut senator, arrived in Kentucky earlier in the day. 

Cheney, holding the hand of his granddaughter, 6-year-old Kate Perry, greeted well-wishers at an airport rally as he arrived in Lexington. 

He said of the debate, “It’s a great opportunity for Senator Lieberman and I to have a conversation, if you will, with the American people and to lay out what it is we hope to do for the country.” 

Lieberman said after Tuesday night’s presidential debate that it was a sign of desperation for Bush to question Gore’s character and dispute his credibility by alluding to President Clinton’s troubles. 

Cheney said, “Al Gore, once again, made up facts.” As long ago as the Republican National Convention, he was saying Gore was trying to shed Clinton baggage. 

Lieberman began his day with a jog around Lake Reba in Richmond with his wife Hadassah and son Matthew. “I want to talk about the issues. That’s what it’s all about,” Lieberman said afterward, wiping his sweaty brow. 

His T-shirt said “Fightin’ Joe Lieberman” on the front and, in big block letters on the back, “CHAMP.” Lifting his arms during his run, he pumped his fists like Sylvester Stallone in the movie “Rocky.” 

“Obviously, he has some nervousness in him ... but he feels confident,” Mrs. Lieberman told MSNBC. “The only advice I’ve given him is, ’Be yourself.”’ 

Lynne Cheney said her husband was feeling “pretty relaxed” and was looking forward to pointing out the differences between his boss, Texas Gov. Bush, and Vice President Gore. 

She took a swipe at Gore in an interview on ABC-TV, saying, “I think a very important theme tonight will be to point out that perhaps Al Gore is not the kind of leader, the kind of person who reaches across partisan lines and brings people together to effect change. Perhaps he’s not the kind of leader we need.” 

While boosting their presidential ticket leaders, the running mates also were given a chance in the national spotlight to show off their own qualifications, including the ability to step into the No. 1 spot if needed. 

Lieberman, experienced in Senate debate, is known as well for his sense of humor. 

Cheney served for a decade in Congress as the representative from Wyoming. He also was President Ford’s chief of staff and was defense secretary during the Persian Gulf War. 

In many ways, Lieberman and Cheney have been debating for weeks. 

For example, Lieberman said after Tuesday night’s presidential debate that it was a sign of desperation for Bush to question Gore’s character and dispute his credibility by alluding to President Clinton’s troubles. 

Cheney said, “Al Gore, once again, made up facts.” As long ago as the Republican National Convention, he was saying Gore was trying to shed Clinton baggage. 

An estimated 46.5 million people watched Tuesday’s Bush-Gore debate, according to Nielsen Media Research. Fewer viewers were expected to tune in for Cheney-Lieberman. 

Assorted protest groups tried their best to be heard by the candidates. Police allowed dozens of protesters onto the college campus after a standoff; they refused to be confined to a protest area away from the debate site and marched down Main Street toward the school. 

Much of the protests focused on the exclusion of third-party candidates from the debate. Other groups talked about Falun Gong, a religious sect banned by the Chinese government, human rights issues in Latin America and the U.S. embargo against Cuba. 

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — On the same Michigan battleground and in virtually the same words, Al Gore and George W. Bush dueled Thursday for the stressed-out-parent vote with ideas such as Bush’s TV family hour and Gore’s daycare tax credit. 

The presidential candidates promised to make government a tool for helping parents protect their children – from “cultural pollution,” in Gore’s words in Grand Rapids, or, as Bush put it in Royal Oak, from a “popular culture that is sometimes an enemy of their children’s innocence.” 

As their running mates met in Kentucky to debate, Bush and Gore mirrored each other’s messages and schedules, underscoring just how close their race for the White House is with 41/2 weeks to go. 

They chased each other from Ohio on Wednesday to Michigan on Thursday. 

Bush, who lost Michigan’s winter primary to Republican Sen. John McCain, joked to GOP Gov. John Engler, “Maybe one of these days I’ll win the state.” 

From here, Bush continued on to Wisconsin and Iowa. Gore and wife Tipper were settling in front of a TV in Orlando, Fla., to watch the night’s vice presidential faceoff between Democrat Joseph Lieberman and Republican Dick Cheney. 

Bush, campaigning at the Helen Keller Middle School in a solidly Republican suburb of Detroit, called on the television industry to voluntarily restore a nightly “family hour” between 7 p.m. and 8 p.m., and establish a new code system using the letter “v” to identify violent programs. 

The Texas governor, promising to “put government back on the side of parents,” also outlined steps to make workplace compensatory time easier to claim and to give parents flexibility to work from home. He said he would require libraries and schools that get federal funds to install Internet filters. 

In Grand Rapids’ Calder Plaza, where Gore drew a lunchtime crowd that the Secret Service counted at 11,000, the vice president said his proposals to crack down on entertainment marketing would help parents guard “against cultural pollution, including the kinds of inappropriate entertainment that young children are not ready to handle.” 

Gore was in the reliably Republican region, home town of former President Ford, advisers said, because internal surveys suggested that a slice of Kent County’s electorate was open to Gore and that cutting the margin of loss in western Michigan could tip the state’s 18 electoral votes his way. 

Nationally, Gore was up 51 percent to 40 percent in the latest CNN-USA Today-Gallup three-day tracking poll released Thursday. Gore and Bush were virtually even Tuesday in the tracking poll of likely voters which has an error margin of 4 percentage points. The new poll was taken Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, including some voters before and after the first presidential debate. 

Bush has proposed increasing the Child and Dependent Care tax credit and making it available to at-home parents, plus offering a new refundable credit for parents paying to put kids up to age 16 in after-school care. 

Thursday’s Bush-Gore rhetorical echo extended to the situation in Yugoslavia, huge crowds swarmed Belgrade to demand that Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic concede electoral defeat. 

“It is time for Mr. Milosevic to go,” said Bush. 

“He has to leave,” said Gore. 

Although they sounded for much of the day as if they were singing off the same page, each threw in a discordant note or two to try and make their differences clear. 

Gore focused on his $500-billion, 10-year package of targeted tax cuts versus Bush’s broader $1.3 trillion proposal. 

“I will cut taxes for middle-class families, for the people who most need tax cuts — middle-class families who are making car payments and mortgage payments and struggling to make ends meet and doing right by their kids,” said Gore. 

“I will not go along with any plan that squanders the surplus on a massive tax cut that gives most of the benefit to the wealthy.” 

Bush took a dig at Gore’s simultaneous celebrity fund raising and crusade against entertainment smut. On Wednesday night, Gore raised for the Democratic National Committee $850,000 with help from rockers Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora. 

Said Bush, “I’m not the kind of person during the day to scold Hollywood and then at night go out and say, ’Well, I really didn’t mean it. I’d like your contributions.”’ 

His proposal on “comp time” was a hit with business, but not with labor. 

“It is truly one of those win-win situations for employers and employees,” said Randel Johnson, vice president for labor and employee benefits policy at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. 

“Proposals that do away with overtime, like this one, are poor public policy,” said Brian Rainville, a spokesman for the Teamsters union. 

SAN FRANCISCO — Alarmed state officials said Tuesday that a large number of bridge workers in the San Francisco Bay area are suffering from lead poisoning after working on earthquake retrofit projects. 

The state blames employers for failing to provide adequate training and protection for at-risk workers. 

Over the past 22 months, nine painters who spend hours grinding away heavily-leaded paint were found to have very high levels of lead in their blood. 

One had the highest blood level of lead ever seen by state officials. 

”It’s striking that we’re seeing this many high cases for bridge workers in our backyard,” said Barbara Materna, chief of the state’s Occupational Lead Poisoning Prevention Program. 

Officials said six of the painters were employed by a contractor that has had multiple citations for violating federal health and safety standards. Robison Prezioso of Santa Fe Springs was fined $2,700 by the California Occupational Safety and Health agency for violating lead exposure regulations. 

State regulators pointed out the company followed testing and reporting rules and took appropriate action to treat the poisoned workers in the current cases. What is more disturbing, they say, is that some employers simply neglect to test their employees for lead exposure. 

There are no safeguards to catch such employers. 

Californians shouldered the eighth-highest per capita tax burden in the nation last year, paying $2,183.96 per person, U.S. Census data released Tuesday shows. 

The per capita figure was up $111 from the previous year’s $2,072.87.