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At tonight’s City Council meeting, a public hearing will be held on the appeal of neighbors who say the permit to place 12 wireless communications antennae on the roof of the Oaks Theater will create health risks. 

In July, the Zoning Adjustments Board approved the application by Nextel Communications to place the antennae on the roof of the theater, located at 1861 Solano Ave.. The appeal was filed by neighbor Kevin Sutton and other neighbors in August.  

The appeal claims that it is inappropriate to place antennae so close to Thousand Oaks School given the potential for adverse health effects from long-term exposure to electromagnetic radiation emissions that are generated by the antennae. With the growing demand for cellular telephones, telecommunications companies have been increasingly eager to place the antennae in residential neighborhoods. 

Tonight the council could refer the matter back to the ZAB which would then be directed to hold further public hearings, or the council could deny the appeal and approve the placement of the antennae on the theater, or schedule additional City Council hearings on the appeal. 

The council unanimously approved a 45-day moratorium on all wireless communication antennae in December due to concern from residents who think the antennae should not be allowed in residential neighborhoods. 

Parents of Children of African Decent 

As nearly 35 percent of Berkeley High School freshmen are faltering in their studies, Parents of Children of African Descent are asking the community at large to be part of the solution. 

PCAD will make a presentation to the council asking for support of a plan designed to strengthen the failing freshman through community support. The council will also be asked to assist by providing space and financial contributions. 

The PCAD plan is to institute a “stone soup” concept that will encourage everybody to throw something into the pot. According to the group’s written plan, PCAD is asking parents, students, teachers, administrators and community leaders to become partners in the turnaround of underachieving students. 

“We need all the sectors and individuals of our community who influence and care about our children to bring the resources and ideas they have and put them into the pot so that we can collectively nourish and educate these children.” 

The 17-page plan calls for a variety of solutions including study programs, parent development and in-school mentors. 

West Berkeley Public Market 

The council will consider waiving operating fees for proposed West Berkeley Public Market, which is designed to provide a venue for low-income entrepreneurs.  

The market will be held on the north side of University Avenue between Third and Fourth streets starting on May 28 and ending October 28.  

It is being organized by the West Berkeley Neighborhood Development Corporation. Organizers say the market will be able to open on schedule if the fees are waived. 

Berkeley vs. Schwartz 

The council will likely approve a resolution allowing Berkeley resident Frieda Schwartz to avoid going to court by paying $36,205 for topping three redwood trees. Schwartz obtained a permit to top one tree along Tamalpais Path in 1999. However she ultimately topped four trees, three of which are partially owned by the city.