The Week

 

News

City may sign on to energy protest

By John Geluardi Daily Planet staff
Tuesday June 12, 2001

In keeping with a long tradition of activism, Berkeley’s Housing Department is asking the City Council to officially participate in a grassroots “blackout” protest of the Bush Administration’s energy polices. -more-


Calendar of Events & Activities

Tuesday June 12, 2001


Tuesday, June 12

-more-


Letters to the Editor

Tuesday June 12, 2001

City needs to help faith-based groups like Beth El -more-


Arts & Entertainment

Tuesday June 12, 2001

Habitot Children’s Museum “Back to the Farm” An interactive exhibit gives children the chance to wiggle through tunnels, look into a mirrored fish pond, don farm animal costumes, ride on a John Deere tractor and more. “Recycling Center” Lets the kids crank the conveyor belt to sort cans, plastic bottles and newspaper bundles into dumpster bins. $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. (closed Sundays, Memorial Day through Labor Day) Kittredge Street and Shattuck Avenue 647-1111 or www.habitot.org -more-


Shoring up creek slope under consideration

By John GeluardiDaily Planet staff
Tuesday June 12, 2001

Among the issues the City Council will consider tonight is a recommendation from the Public Works Department to continue a contract for revegetation of a section of Cerrito Creek in Albany. -more-


District unifies services

By Ben Lumpkin Daily Planet staff
Tuesday June 12, 2001

In a move some hope will reverse a decline in the school district’s delivery of key services, the Board of Education approved an administrative structure change last week. -more-


Man, still claiming innocence, released from prison after 17 years

The Associated Press
Tuesday June 12, 2001

SAN QUENTIN — Glen “Buddy” Nickerson walked out of San Quentin State Prison a free man Monday, 17 years after he says he was wrongly sentenced to life in prison for two murders. -more-


Political pressure eases for Davis as power prices dip

The Associated Press
Tuesday June 12, 2001

SACRAMENTO — California Gov. Gray Davis is getting his first glimpse of relief after months under the political cloud of soaring electricity prices and rolling blackouts. -more-


Yosemite killer could face more charges

The Associated Press
Tuesday June 12, 2001

MARIPOSA — When his wife, daughter and a teenage friend failed to return from Yosemite National Park and meet at a San Francisco airport rendezvous, Jens Sund thought nothing of it and boarded a plane for Phoenix. -more-


Review boards shown to favor HMOs in disputes

The Associated Press
Tuesday June 12, 2001

LOS ANGELES — Acting under a new consumer protection law, state regulators have sent nearly 200 disputes between HMOs and patients to an independent review board, which has ruled in favor of the health plans 65 percent of the time. -more-


Protesters few and far between for McVeigh execution

The Associated Press
Tuesday June 12, 2001

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. — About 300 demonstrators – far fewer than expected – converged on the federal prison where Timothy McVeigh was executed Monday, praying or quietly holding signs, then quickly dispersing after his death. -more-


Bomber’s death is satisfaction for some, doubful for others

The Associated Press
Tuesday June 12, 2001

As much as his crime united the nation in shock, Timothy McVeigh’s death left Americans divided. -more-


Peregrine Systems buying rival

The Associated Press
Tuesday June 12, 2001

SAN FRANCISCO — Rapidly expanding Peregrine Systems Inc. announced Monday it will buy rival Remedy Corp. in a deal that will unite two leading makers of software that helps companies identify and fix problems in their computer networks. -more-


Numbers, history can’t explain market

By John Cunniff The Associated Press
Tuesday June 12, 2001

NEW YORK — These are times that test not only the financial courage of investors but the nerves and credibility of financial advisers. -more-


Rebel group claiming death of American hostage

The Associated Press
Tuesday June 12, 2001

ZAMBOANGA, Philippines — Muslim rebels claimed Tuesday that they killed an American hostage, one of more than two dozen captives they’re holding in the southern Philippine jungles. The military was skeptical of the report. -more-


Family hangs on to hope report is false

The Associated Press
Tuesday June 12, 2001

Unsure whether to believe the worst, relatives of the U.S. businessman reportedly killed by Philippine rebels gathered at his home Monday, still hoping for the best. -more-


Berkeley writers help school’s achievement gap

By Ben Lumpkin Daily Planet staff
Monday June 11, 2001

Allison Johnson, chairperson for the Berkeley High School English Department, remembers the first day the writing coaches came to her class. -more-


Calendar of Events & Activities

Compiled by Sabrina Forkish
Monday June 11, 2001


Monday, June 11

-more-


Letters to the Editor

Monday June 11, 2001

Dog killer is -more-


Arts & Entertainment

Staff
Monday June 11, 2001

Habitot Children’s Museum “Back to the Farm” An interactive exhibit gives children the chance to wiggle through tunnels, look into a mirrored fish pond, don farm animal costumes, ride on a John Deere tractor and more. “Recycling Center” Lets the kids crank the conveyor belt to sort cans, plastic bottles and newspaper bundles into dumpster bins. $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. (closed Sundays, Memorial Day through Labor Day) Kittredge Street and Shattuck Avenue 647-1111 or www.habitot.org -more-


One survivor’s story

By Jon Mays Daily Planet Staff
Monday June 11, 2001

Kindertransport saved thousands during holocaust -more-


City to workers: Get on the bus

By John Geluardi Daily Planet staff
Monday June 11, 2001

Dueling Eco Pass recommendations on Tuesday’s city council agenda -more-


Transportation Commission rejects Bay Bridge toll hike

Monday June 11, 2001

SAN FRANCISCO — Bay Area transportation officials decided Friday drivers should not have to hand over an extra buck at Bay Bridge toll booths. -more-


Summer book contest is on

By Sabrina Forkish Daily Planet Correpsondent
Monday June 11, 2001

The Berkeley Public Library is sponsoring a summer reading program for high school students, its twelfth such program this year. The program, called Cover to Cover, will run from June 18 to August 18, and is open to teens ages 13 through 18. -more-


Power thieves cost PG&E $100 million

The Associated Press
Monday June 11, 2001

SAN FRANCISCO – Stolen electricity accounts for more than $100 million in annual losses at Pacific Gas & Electric Co., an amount experts say is likely to increase with the ongoing power crisis. -more-


Gas prices down to start summer

The Associated Press
Monday June 11, 2001

CAMARILLO – Gasoline prices tumbled 3 1/2 cents per gallon in the past three weeks, easing concerns of a summer shortage, an analyst said Sunday. -more-


Power crisis may hurt affordable housing

The Associated Press
Monday June 11, 2001

LOS ANGELES – As power bills soar throughout California, affordable housing advocates fear there could be a devastating impact on low-income housing developments and their private landlords. -more-


Chron exec Bronstein attacked by Komodo dragon

The Associated Press
Monday June 11, 2001

SAN FRANCISCO – San Francisco Chronicle executive editor Phil Bronstein underwent foot surgery after being attacked by a Komodo dragon at the Los Angeles Zoo. -more-


Vietnamese refugee accused of killing

The Associated Press
Monday June 11, 2001

SANTA ANA – A Vietnamese refugee is under federal investigation amid allegations that he killed a fellow inmate while serving as trusty at a communist “re-education camp.” -more-


Pharmacy regulators try to regain control of complaints

By Audrey Cooper Associated Press Writer
Monday June 11, 2001

SACRAMENTO – Californians, like all Americans, go to pharmacists more than ever, but for more than a year the state’s regulators have not conducted the investigations needed to watch over the rapidly changing industry. -more-


Vintage toy maker Wham-O trying to regain its punch

By Michael Liedtke AP Business Writer
Monday June 11, 2001

SAN FRANCISCO – After slipping and sliding nearly out of sight just a few years ago, the company that gave the world the Frisbee, the Hula Hoop and the Hacky Sack is trying to regain its footing as a toy trendsetter. -more-


Harnessing sea power: the energy wave of the future?

By Michelle Locke Associated Press Writer
Monday June 11, 2001

Racing across the blue Pacific like wild, white-maned horses, the curling breakers crashing down on California’s beaches are an iconic image of the Golden State. -more-


No new safety officers at Berkeley High School

By Ben Lumpkin Daily Planet staff
Saturday June 09, 2001

More than a month after the city and school district said they would move immediately to double Berkeley High’s safety officer force, there are still no new officers on the campus. -more-


Calendar of Events & Activities

Saturday June 09, 2001


Saturday, June 9

-more-


Letters to the Editor

Saturday June 09, 2001

California’s oil crisis wafts away – maybe we can thank the Saudis -more-


Arts & Entertainment

Staff
Saturday June 09, 2001

Habitot Children’s Museum “Back to the Farm” An interactive exhibit gives children the chance to wiggle through tunnels, look into a mirrored fish pond, don farm animal costumes, ride on a John Deere tractor and more. “Recycling Center” Lets the kids crank the conveyor belt to sort cans, plastic bottles and newspaper bundles into dumpster bins. $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. (closed Sundays, Memorial Day through Labor Day) Kittredge Street and Shattuck Avenue 647-1111 or www.habitot.org -more-


Experts meeting to find ways to curb youth sports violence

By Mario Fox Associated Press Writer
Saturday June 09, 2001

Conference will try to set guidelines for parents to follow -more-


New superintendent gets formal district welcome

By Judith Scherr Daily Planet Staff
Saturday June 09, 2001

Everyone in the School Board meeting room seemed excited about the new superintendent at the gathering Friday where district personnel turned out to meet and greet Michele Barraza Lawrence, the new superintendent. -more-


Sports Shorts

Staff
Saturday June 09, 2001

St. Mary’s track stars head to national meet -more-


La Peña benefit honors hard work of Dolores Huerta

By John Geluardi Daily Planet staff
Saturday June 09, 2001

La Peña Cultural Center is celebrating its 26th anniversary by throwing a benefit tonight to honor the work of Dolores Huerta and to help raise money for the labor leader’s medical expenses. -more-


Crossing the Bay before bridges

By Susan Cerny
Saturday June 09, 2001

Berkeley Observed -more-


BRIEFS

Staff
Saturday June 09, 2001

Fire departments training at Tilden Park -more-


Grid operators ask for refunds

The Associated Press
Saturday June 09, 2001

Four major power suppliers to California have shown they can control prices in the wholesale electricity market and should have to refund excess charges, possibly up to billions of dollars, state grid officials said Friday. -more-


One dead, three others infected with meningitis

The Associated Press
Saturday June 09, 2001

MARTINEZ — Contra Costa County health officials ordered a recall Friday of certain medications following one man’s death and the infection of three others with a non-contagious form of meningitis. -more-


Rookie testifies he was pressured to quit

The Associated Press
Saturday June 09, 2001

OAKLAND — A former Oakland rookie cop testified Friday that a group of renegade officers known as “The Riders” pressured him to quit after he disapproved of their practices. -more-


Web site helps people get out of California

The Associated Press
Saturday June 09, 2001

LOS ANGELES — California, here I go. -more-


Underside of Saturn’s rings seen

The Associated Press
Saturday June 09, 2001

PASADENA — The Hubble Space Telescope has caught Saturn’s rings in full tilt, revealing new clues about the origin of the gossamer band that encircles the giant planet. -more-


Airlines held liable for asthmatic’s death

The Associated Press
Saturday June 09, 2001

LOS ANGELES — A federal judge ruled two airlines were liable for an elderly asthmatic’s death because they refused to let the woman carry a bag containing her medication on board and then baggage handlers lost the bag. -more-


Trial of alleged synagogue bombers delayed

The Associated Press
Saturday June 09, 2001

SACRAMENTO — A federal judge has postponed the trial of a man accused of firebombing three Sacramento synagogues until October. -more-


Charges dismissed against one SLA lawyer

The Associated Press
Saturday June 09, 2001

LOS ANGELES — A judge dismissed misdemeanor charges Friday against a lawyer for former SLA fugitive Sara Jane Olson after the city attorney’s office conceded she had nothing to do with the improper release of information in the Olson case. -more-


Judge sets deadline for Disney to turn in injury data

The Associated Press
Saturday June 09, 2001

LOS ANGELES — A Superior Court judge has set a deadline for the Walt Disney Co. to turn over a list of patrons who suffered brain hemorrhages after riding on park attractions. -more-


1,660 bills make it past legislative deadline

The Associated Press
Saturday June 09, 2001

SACRAMENTO — Bills helping overworked nurses, nursing mothers, ferrets, shepherds, backpack-lugging students and supporters of an official state tartan have survived a major legislative deadline. -more-


Jury convicts foster mother in death of 4-year-old boy

The Associated Press
Saturday June 09, 2001

RIVERSIDE — Jurors needed two hours to convict a Perris foster mother in the 1999 beating death of a 4-year-old boy. -more-


Bears make a splash in LA

The Associated Press
Saturday June 09, 2001

BRADBURY— A couple of bears took off early from the forest Friday and headed into the city for dip and a bite to eat. -more-


Investigation shows Florida voting plagued

The Associated Press
Saturday June 09, 2001

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights approved a report Friday that found black voters’ ballots were disproportionately tossed out in Florida’s presidential elections and suggested widespread violations of the Voting Rights Act. -more-


McCain campaign veterans say GOP departure unlikely

The Associated Press
Saturday June 09, 2001

WASHINGTON — Around the country, top organizers in Sen. John McCain’s failed presidential bid say they feel it’s very unlikely he would leave the Republican Party to run for president in 2004 as an independent. -more-


More global warming research proposed

The Associated Press
Saturday June 09, 2001

WASHINGTON — As President Bush prepares for a potentially contentious European trip, the White House and congressional leaders sought to soothe the environmental worries of allies Friday by promising more money for research and technology on global warming. -more-


Preparations finalized for McVeigh execution

The Associated Press
Saturday June 09, 2001

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. — Timothy McVeigh awaited transfer Friday to the windowless brick building where he will be put to death – a journey that will be his last chance to see the sky and breathe fresh air. -more-


Schools cut back on PB-and-J because of allergic kids

The Associated Press
Saturday June 09, 2001

RYE BROOK, N.Y. — The stickiest problem at Ridge Street Elementary School this year wasn’t discipline in the classroom. It was peanut butter in the lunchroom. -more-


Juniper Networks warns on earnings, will cut jobs

The Associated Press
Saturday June 09, 2001

SAN JOSE — Network equipment maker Juniper Networks Inc. said Friday it will cut its work force by as much as 9 percent, or about 100 jobs, as second-quarter earnings and revenue will fall well below Wall Street expectations. -more-


Intel says it will meet expectations

The Associated Press
Saturday June 09, 2001

SAN JOSE — Intel Corp.’s revenue for the second quarter will be within forecasts, signaling a possible end to the months-long slide and a return to stability in the semiconductor industry. -more-


Iran’s reformist president headed for landslide victory

The Associated Press
Saturday June 09, 2001

TEHRAN, Iran — Reformist President Mohammad Khatami headed for a landslide victory in Iran Saturday, a widely expected result that would lend powerful support to his drive to bring more freedoms to the Islamic nation, according to early voting results. -more-


U.S. steps up Mideast efforts

The Associated Press
Saturday June 09, 2001

JERUSALEM — CIA chief George Tenet brought together Israeli and Palestinian security chiefs Friday in a high-level joint effort to stabilize a cease-fire and prepare the way for resuming peace negotiations. -more-


Police begin probe into school stabbings

The Associated Press
Saturday June 09, 2001

IKEDA, Japan — In 15 minutes of horror, a man brandishing a kitchen knife walked into an elementary school Friday and wordlessly began slashing at students, killing eight young children. -more-


SUMMER SESSIONS

Friday June 08, 2001

The members of Jsac from the Jazzschool jam during a free concert at the Downtown Berkeley BART Station on -more-


BHS crew heads to nationals

By Jared Green Daily Planet Staff
Friday June 08, 2001

Aroner: California must do more to stop AIDS

From the office of Assmblymember Dion Aroner:
Friday June 08, 2001

As California and the nation mark the 20th anniversary of the first reported cases of AIDS on June 5th, Assemblywoman Dion Aroner (D-Berkeley) expressed concern that California is failing to do all it can to prevent new HIV infections among its residents, and urged support for Assembly Bill 1292, the Pharmacy Sale and Disease Prevention Act (Aroner), which would allow for the sale of syringes at licensed pharmacies without a prescription. -more-


City’s traffic management faces road blocks

By John Geluardi Daily Planet staff
Friday June 08, 2001

City Manager Weldon Rucker has taken steps to organize the city’s traffic and pedestrian safety efforts after two traffic specialists from different departments recently quit. -more-


FORUM

Friday June 08, 2001

Conflict not about good works -more-


3 new principals named

By Ben Lumpkin Daily Planet staff
Friday June 08, 2001

The Berkeley school board approved the hire of three new principals Wednesday and expects to announce the appointment of two more early next week. -more-


Latinos call for better education

By Judith Scherr Daily Planet staff
Friday June 08, 2001

While the growth of Berkeley’s Latino population may not be dramatic – the 2000 Census says there’s approximately 2,000 more Latinos (about 10,000 total) in the city today than 10 years before – a new faith-based movement of Hispanic families promises to make a profound impression on the local political scene. -more-


County budget shows slower growth rate

Bay City News
Friday June 08, 2001

OAKLAND – Alameda County Administrator Susan Muranishi presented a $1.8 billion proposed budget to the Board of Supervisors Thursday. While bigger than last year’s, the budget reflects a lower growth rate because of the slowing down of the economy. -more-


Rep. Barbara Lee honored for work in AIDS and HIV

Bay City News
Friday June 08, 2001

Rep. Barbara Lee was recognized on Wednesday for her efforts to fight AIDS and HIV around the world. -more-


Electric bill down for low-income ratepayers

The Associated Press
Friday June 08, 2001

Low-income ratepayers of California’s public utilities will save 5 percent more on their electric bills, state power regulators ordered Thursday. -more-


Board sets passing grades for high school test

The Associated Press
Friday June 08, 2001

SACRAMENTO — The state school board, wary of possible legal challenges, Thursday set lower passing grades for the new state high school graduation test than those recommended by an advisory group. -more-


Obesity greater health risk than smoking, survey indicates

The Associated Press
Friday June 08, 2001

LOS ANGELES — Obese adults have more chronic health problems than smokers, heavy drinkers or the poor, according to a study released Wednesday. -more-


The art of inspection: monitoring your remodel

The Associated Press
Friday June 08, 2001

The contractor who Phil Smith hired for his addition last year is one of the best in Columbia, Mo. But every night after the contractor and his crew went home, Smith took out a flashlight, tape measure and the architect’s plans to inspect the work. Smith presented any questions at a twice-weekly meeting. When something looked really wrong, he called his contractor from work. And when Smith’s concerns resulted in a change from the original plans, a change order was written. The result? A job that went smoothly for homeowner and contractor. -more-


The Gardener’s Guide: Be careful with pink seeds

By Lee Reich AP Weekly Features
Friday June 08, 2001

Hot pink is an eye-catching color. That’s why seeds are dyed that bright hue to show they’ve been coated with a poisonous pesticide. -more-


Improving home accessibility for the disabled

The Associated Press
Friday June 08, 2001

If you or a member of your family should become physically disabled, how “user-friendly” would your home be? How accessible is your home? When making home improvements, are you thinking ahead to your “twilight years”? Accessible design and construction is becoming increasingly important to American homeowners, as longevity increases. -more-


Friday June 08, 2001

Habitot Children’s Museum “Back to the Farm” An interactive exhibit gives children the chance to wiggle through tunnels, look into a mirrored fish pond, don farm animal costumes, ride on a John Deere tractor and more. “Recycling Center” Lets the kids crank the conveyor belt to sort cans, plastic bottles and newspaper bundles into dumpster bins. $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. (closed Sundays, Memorial Day through Labor Day) Kittredge Street and Shattuck Avenue 647-1111 or www.habitot.org -more-


Refiners warn of shortages if no blackout exemptions

The Associated Press
Friday June 08, 2001

SAN FRANCISCO — As the peak summer driving season shifts into high gear, several major oil companies are warning that California could face gasoline shortages and higher prices unless their refineries are shielded from the blackouts facing the electricity-starved state in the weeks ahead. -more-


Juno, NetZero set to merge

The Associated Press
Friday June 08, 2001

LOS ANGELES — Former bitter rivals NetZero and Juno Online Services, the two biggest providers of free Internet access, said Thursday they will merge in a deal that is expected to create the nation’s second-largest Internet connection company. -more-


Bush signs tax cut, says rebates will happen

The Associated Press
Friday June 08, 2001

WASHINGTON — In a White House victory celebration, President Bush put his signature to the nation’s first across-the-board tax cut in a generation on Thursday and promised American families rebate checks in time to help with September school bills. -more-


Hearings will focus on work-related injuries

The Associated Press
Friday June 08, 2001

WASHINGTON — Labor Secretary Elaine Chao said Thursday she will hold three hearings on work-related injuries, and the findings will help determine how the Bush administration will pursue a new policy to protect workers. -more-


Giants stay local, draft Cash, Meyer

Jared Green Daily Planet Staff
Thursday June 07, 2001

If all goes according to plan, the San Francisco Giants could have a serious Berkeley connection going at some point in the next few years. They drafted three players with Berkeley connections in Tuesday’s Major League Baseball Amateur Draft. -more-


Thursday June 07, 2001

New mayor faces the two cities of L.A.

By Ruben Martinez Pacific News Service
Thursday June 07, 2001

Calendar of Events & Activities

Thursday June 07, 2001


Thursday, June 7

-more-


Minority numbers up in advanced classes

By Ben Lumpkin Daily Planet staff
Thursday June 07, 2001

Berkeley High is often criticized for lacking diversity in its high level classes, particularly its Advanced Placement classes, but one group has tackled the problem head on. -more-


Gladstone makes his first change, fires two

Staff Report
Thursday June 07, 2001

New Cal athletic directory Steve Gladstone put his first stamp on the athletic department this week, firing two long-time employees and starting a search for five new associate athletic directors just four days after officially taking over his new position. -more-


FORUM

Thursday June 07, 2001

Editor: -more-


Council opens public hearing on Beth El

By John Geluardi Daily Planet staff
Thursday June 07, 2001

The City Council opened the first round of what promises to be a long public hearing concerning a neighborhood land-use issue that has attracted citywide interest – the proposed synagogue and school at 1301 Oxford St. -more-


Pacifica Radio troubles continue

By Judith Scherr Daily Planet staff
Thursday June 07, 2001

Sen. John Burton, D-San Francisco, president pro-tem of the State Senate, plunged last week into the conflict between the Pacifica Foundation Board – the nonprofit holder of licenses to five radio stations including KPFA in Berkeley – and a number of the radio stations’ listener-sponsors and their paid and unpaid staffs. -more-


Beth El: project blends into area area

By John Geluardi Daily Planet staff
Thursday June 07, 2001

More than 160 people signed up to address the City Council during a public hearing on the controversial Beth El proposal to build a synagogue and school at 1301 Oxford St. -more-


BRIEFS

Staff
Thursday June 07, 2001

Senate votes to limit fat, sugar content in school food

The Associated Press
Thursday June 07, 2001

SACRAMENTO — Worrying about “an epidemic” of sedentary, obese and unhealthy students, the Senate voted Wednesday to limit the fat and sugar content in much of the food served at California schools. -more-


Smoker wins $3 billion in Philip Morris suit

The Associated Press
Thursday June 07, 2001

Bill will expand rights for domestic partners

The Associated Press
Thursday June 07, 2001

SACRAMENTO — After a long emotional debate involving scripture and hardball politics, the Assembly approved a bill Wednesday that would give new rights to domestic partners. -more-


New L.A. mayor winner inherits a political dynasty

The Associated Press
Thursday June 07, 2001

LOS ANGELES — His dad was known as the “pothole guy” – a gregarious pol who couldn’t pass up a chance to shake a hand, a man who also got things done for his constituents during 45 years in office. -more-


Lucent offers voluntary buyouts

The Associated Press
Thursday June 07, 2001

TRENTON, N.J. — Lucent Technologies Inc. is offering voluntary retirement buyouts to more than 10,000 U.S.-based employees in an effort to accelerate restructuring of the struggling telecommunications giant. -more-


State’s economy at risk as power crunch continues

The Associated Press
Thursday June 07, 2001

CHOWCHILLA — When Tom Fry gets up in the middle of the night these days, it’s likely not for a snack or to check on his 3-year-old daughter. -more-


MARKET ROUNDUP

Thursday June 07, 2001

NEW YORK — A warning from Hewlett-Packard about future growth and concerns about weakness in the banking sector Wednesday prompted investors to cash in profits following Wall Street’s four-session advance. -more-


Residents take up tree causes with Parks panel

By Matt Lorenz Special to the Daily Planet
Wednesday June 06, 2001

Twenty or so residents met in one of the North Berkeley Senior Center’s more cozy, upper rooms Monday evening to share their views with the Parks and Recreation Commission about two ordinances intended to protect trees within the city. -more-


Calendar of Events & Activities

Wednesday June 06, 2001


Wednesday, June 6

-more-


Letters to the Editor

Wednesday June 06, 2001

Murders in Nepal produce sorrow and deep suspicion -more-


Arts & Entertainment

Staff
Wednesday June 06, 2001

Habitot Children’s Museum “Back to the Farm” An interactive exhibit gives children the chance to wiggle through tunnels, look into a mirrored fish pond, don farm animal costumes, ride on a John Deere tractor and more. “Recycling Center” Lets the kids crank the conveyor belt to sort cans, plastic bottles and newspaper bundles into dumpster bins. $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. (closed Sundays, Memorial Day through Labor Day) Kittredge Street and Shattuck Avenue 647-1111 or www.habitot.org -more-


Jerry Rice becomes newest Oakland Raider

The Associated Press
Wednesday June 06, 2001

ALAMEDA — Jerry Rice put on the silver and black for the first time and couldn’t help but admire himself. -more-


Entrepreneur taps winery business right in Berkeley

By John Geluardi Daily Planet staff
Wednesday June 06, 2001

When Tom Leaf moved to San Francisco from Texas in 1988, he liked to drink beer. Then one day he took a trip to the wine country, tasted a Hop Kilm 1985 Reserve Zinfandel and had a revelation. -more-


San Pablo Avenue plan back to ZAB

By Judith Scherr Daily Planet staff
Wednesday June 06, 2001

Just before folks crowded into and overflowed out of the Council Chambers Tuesday night to voice pros and cons of a development across the street from Live Oak Park, another highly controversial development proposal was quietly and temporarily derailed. -more-


Film prompts discussion about male teen needs

By Ben Lumpkin Daily Planet staff
Wednesday June 06, 2001

Some 500 parents and youth from Berkeley and beyond turned out for a screening of “Boys Will Be Men,” a film dealing with the difficulties of growing up male in America, at the Longfellow Middle School auditorium Monday night. -more-


Board will hear public input on district budget

By Ben Lumpkin Daily Planet staff
Wednesday June 06, 2001

The Board of Education will hold a public hearing on its adopted budget tonight. -more-


Package for foster care housing, training OK’d

The Associated Press
Wednesday June 06, 2001

SACRAMENTO — California’s foster-care system for 115,000 children who can’t live with their own parents is broken, say state lawmakers who are pushing a $63 million package of bills. -more-


City Attorney leads L.A. mayor’s race

The Associated Press
Wednesday June 06, 2001

LOS ANGELES — City Attorney James Hahn led Antonio Villaraigosa, a former state legislator hoping to become the city’s first Hispanic mayor in 129 years, in early returns in the race for mayor Tuesday. -more-


Community backs teachers on strike

The Associated Press
Wednesday June 06, 2001

FAIRFIELD — Parents rallied outside the Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District office Tuesday afternoon to show their support for the teachers who are striking for higher wages. -more-


San Jose police say 7 hostages taken at DMV

The Associated Press
Wednesday June 06, 2001

SAN JOSE — San Jose police responded to a call Tuesday evening that several armed men took hostages at a Department of Motor Vehicles office. -more-


Senate floor calm in last GOP run meeting

The Associated Press
Wednesday June 06, 2001

WASHINGTON — On the eve of a historic shift in power, Senate Democratic leader Tom Daschle pledged Tuesday to “reach out and create bipartisan coalitions” on health care and other issues when his party takes control for the first time in six years. Republicans said they would demand fair play for President Bush’s nominees and fight to keep his agenda at the forefront. -more-


Department urged to look into Florida election process

The Associated Press
Wednesday June 06, 2001

WASHINGTON — The Justice Department should investigate the possibility that minorities were intentionally denied voting rights in last year’s elections in Florida, the chairwoman of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights says. -more-


Cancer rates on the decline, maybe thanks to science

The Associated Press
Wednesday June 06, 2001

WASHINGTON — Rates for cancer cases and deaths went down in the 1990s, led by declines for prostate, lung and colon cancer, according to combined government and private studies. More breast cancer cases were detected, apparently because of aggressive screening. -more-


Napster close to deal with three record labels

The Associated Press
Wednesday June 06, 2001

SAN FRANCISCO — Napster, the former music industry bad-boy, announced Tuesday it had struck a distribution deal with three major record labels that are launching a music subscription service this summer. -more-


U.N. AIDS chief says global pandemic in early stages

The Associated Press
Wednesday June 06, 2001

CAPE TOWN, South Africa — Though more than 22 million people have died of AIDS and 36 million others are infected with HIV, the pandemic is still in its early stages, the United Nations’ top AIDS fighter said Tuesday as he marked 20 years since the first official report of AIDS. -more-


Mideast cease-fire in fragile state

The Associated Press
Wednesday June 06, 2001

JERUSALEM — Hamas cast doubt Tuesday on how long a fragile cease-fire can last when its spiritual leader said the militant group is not bound by Yasser Arafat’s call to end attacks on Israel. -more-


Earth study launched by scientists

The Associated Press
Wednesday June 06, 2001

UNITED NATIONS — On World Environment Day, the United Nations joined forces Tuesday with 1,500 leading scientists and a host of public and private organizations to launch the first major study of the health of planet Earth. -more-


Opinion

Editorials

Federal probe widens into prices of natural gas

The Associated Press
Tuesday June 12, 2001

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission ordered an expanded inquiry Monday into whether El Paso Corp. drove up the price of natural gas destined for California last year by improperly favoring gas marketing companies it owns in bidding for transportation capacity on one of its pipelines. -more-


Governor orders discounts for businesses that cut power use

By Jennifer Coleman Associated Press Writer
Monday June 11, 2001

SACRAMENTO – Industrial power users could soon get paid by the state for cutting back on power use when California’s electricity reserves are low. -more-


Store in quandary over pigeons

By Judith Scherr Daily Planet staff
Saturday June 09, 2001

When they see us coming, the birdies try an’ hide, -more-


Rookie testifies against ex-Oakland police officers

The Associated Press
Friday June 08, 2001

California auto insurance rates defy upward trend

The Associated Press
Thursday June 07, 2001

While Californians are getting squeezed by electricity costs, they’re getting the best deal in the country on car insurance because of a unique state law, a new study by a consumer group shows. -more-


Activist settles suit with publisher over book

The Associated Press
Wednesday June 06, 2001

SAN FRANCISCO — Random House Inc. has agreed to stop distributing copies of a philosophical memoir by Bryan Magee that accuses a noted lecturer, author and one-time confidant of Bertrand Russell of being a CIA operative. -more-