In a spacious room on the top floor of St. Mark’s Church, just a few blocks form the intersection of Telegraph Avenue and Bancroft Way, homeless youth arrive to the rumble of rock music and the scent of hot food wafting from the kitchen.  

“Clients” are greeted by UC Berkeley students around their own age. After some small talk, they’re invited to help with the meal preparation.  

Two years in development, Berkeley’s new Monday night Youth Clinic is the vision of UC Berkeley seniors Shawn Mattison and Jessica Woan, who have served as co-coordinators of the clinic since it opened.  

As freshmen, both Mattison and Woan volunteered at the Suitcase Clinic, a homeless clinic sponsored by UC Berkeley and run by university students that has served some 11,000 homeless since it opened in 1989. While the clinic was thriving, Mattison and Woan noticed a conspicuous absence of both women and youth taking advantage of its basic medical services.  

When the Suitcase Clinic opened a center to cater to only to women and small children in 1998, Woan took over as coordinator for two years. Meanwhile, she and Mattison began planning, and pursuing funding for, a youth clinic. With a $10,000 grant from the Donald A. Strauss Foundation, they launched the venture in January.  

It didn’t take long for word of the Youth Clinic to circulate through the fairly close-knit community of homeless teens and twenty-somethings who hang out on and around Telegraph Avenue. One Youth Clinic regular, who gave her name as Kittie, said the clinic seemed to catch on overnight. 

“I was hanging out, and everybody had disappeared. So I asked one of the guys, ‘Where did everybody go?’” And he said, ‘the drop-in clinic,’ ” Kittie said. 

Curious, Kittie made her way to St. Mark’s Episcopal Church. What she found was, by her estimation, a refuge from the anxiety and depression of her street existence that she would scarcely have imagined possible. 

“It was like some little secret place,” Kittie said. “The people who are here really do care, and they try their best to give us what we need.” 

For homeless youth, it’s not just a question of having a place to go, said Youth Clinic staff. It has to be the right kind of place. 

Since many homeless youth come from backgrounds of abuse – many have run away from home to escape abusive situations – there is a tendency to be distrustful of homeless service centers where both the staff and the clientele are predominantly adults, said Jason Albertson, a social worker who staffs the Monday night Youth Clinic.  

The Youth Clinic takes a low-key, user-friendly approach to providing social services for the 100 to 200 youth between the ages of 13 and 23 estimated to be living on the streets of downtown Berkeley. Mattison and Woan have made their number one priority for the Monday night clinic to simply do all they can to make youth feel comfortable and at ease for three hours a week.  

Youth who may have spent the last week battling the hunger, sleeplessness and anxiety that often accompanies life on the street find themselves suddenly immersed in an environment reminiscent of a sleepover party at the Youth Clinic.  

“We base the whole model around trying to be sensitive to the youth culture,” Mattison said. 

Based on the demographic information Youth Clinic volunteers were able to gather from 115 clients earlier this year, about 45 percent of those who use the clinic are between the ages of 18 and 21. Another 40 percent are in their 20s. 

Last Monday about 30 homeless youth turned up at the clinic for dinner. Afterwards, some settled in for a couple hours of socializing, entertainment, or rest.  

Art supplies were spread out on some tables for those youth – and their were many – who want to translate some of the stresses of their day or week into poetry, short stories or drawings. One UC Berkeley volunteer tapes the day’s output to scrap paper, which she will later take home, photocopy, and staple into a crude magazine to be circulated the following Monday. 

“The creative output is just amazing to me,” said Woan. “They just take time in the evenings and let all their thoughts spill out.” 

Razors, soap and other amenities are available for those who want to get cleaned up. 

The center’s UC Berkeley student volunteers are trained to help with medical and dental referrals, legal advice and job hunting, among other things. On most Monday’s a physician is on site to consult with clients. Every other week a volunteer veterinarian provides check-ups for clients’ pets – mostly cats and dogs.  

“Whatever the goals are that they want to reach, we have people who are willing to meet with them outside (of the clinic) and help,” said Mattison.  

Nevertheless, the most popular services seem to be things aimed at giving the youth an opportunity to unwind and relax. 

As Albertson put it, “For people who live outside, to have a space that they can control and feel real safe in is really rare.” 

Foot-washes given by the UC Berkeley volunteers are popular. Hope McDonnall, an acupuncturist who runs a detox clinic for Alta Bates Hospital in Berkeley, is in constant demand at the clinic. She offers 30-minute “full-body” treatments to help alleviate foot pain, back pain and flu symptoms that many youth pick up from living and sleeping on the streets.  

“It’s a youth-specific place,” McDonnall said of the clinic. “They own the space, they own the treatment. They feel at home here.” 

A homeless youth who called himself “Monsoon” agreed with this assessment. Going to the clinic is “like going to a friend’s house,” he said. 

Monsoon was one of about a dozen youth Monday drawn small television showing the movie “Army of Darkness” – and happily heckling the film’s cheesy attempts at depicting evil. 

“With entertainment comes relaxation,” Monsoon said. 

Monsoon has been living on the streets since he lost his job four months ago, he said. He knows clinic staff could help him plan a strategy for breaking back into the job market, when he’s ready. 

But, for the time being, Monsoon said he’s just glad to have a space to come each week with people he relates to easily.  

“That’s probably one of the best medicines out there, is being able to relate to somebody and have them relate to me,” Monsoon said. 

Woan and Mattison said this type of medicine flows both ways at the Youth Clinic. 

“Through the clinic, I’ve probably met the strongest, bravest people I’ve met in my life,” said Woan. 

The Youth Clinic is constantly looking for more collaborators, funders and volunteers. In particular, they’d like to be able to offer chiropractic treatment, educational services and expanded medical and mental health care in the future. To volunteer your services or make a donation, contact Shawn Mattison at (510) 540-8658 or sdm411@aol.com. 

Wednesday, Aug. 1

The LHS 500:  

Virtual Racecars 

Noon - 2 p.m. 

Lawrence Hall of Science 

UC Berkeley 

Part of the Lawrence Hall of Science Wednesday FUN-days. Build and test drive a virtual racecar to find out what makes an efficient vehicle. Museum admission $3 - $7. 

642-5132 

Berkeley Communicator Toastmasters Club 

7:15 a.m. 

Vault Cafe 

3250 Adeline 

Learn to speak with confidence. Ongoing first and third Wednesdays each month. 

527-2337 

Extreme Pizza’s  

Grand Opening 

5:30 p.m. 

2352 Shattuck Ave. 

Mayor Shirley Dean will welcome Extreme Pizza to Berkeley. There will be a comedy show at 8:30 p.m. featuring 10 local comedians including Tommy Devine and Leslie Choler. The evening will be hosted by Tony Sparks.  

486-0770 

Berkeley Metaphysical Toastmasters Club  

6:15 - 7:30 p.m.  

2515 Hillegass Ave.  

Public speaking skills and metaphysics come together. Ongoing first and third Thursdays each month.  

Call 869-2547 

Quit Smoking Class 

6 - 8 p.m. 

South Berkeley Senior Center 

2939 Ellis Street 

A six week quit smoking class. 

Free to Berkeley residents and employees. 

Call 644-6422 or email at: quitnow@ci.berkeley.ca.us 

Salsa Dance Classes 

7:30 p.m. 

Berkeley Richmond  

Jewish Community Center 

1414 Walnut St. 

Classes every Thursday with live percussionists, light refreshments, DJ playing Latin music. $10 or $15 for two. 237-9874 

Adventuring With Kids 

7 p.m. 

REI 1338 San Pablo Avenue 

Karen and Paul Amstutz share stories and slides of family adventures with their one- and three-year-old daughters. Free.  

527-4140 

Free Senior Computer Class  

9 - 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 - 3 p.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, call ahead for a reservation. 644-6109 

Community Action Team 

Advisory Group (CATAG) 

7 p.m. 

Over 60’s Clinic 

Town Hall Summit Update, group addresses city’s health disparities. For more information call Sheryl Walton 665-6809 or  

Candace Miles-Threatt 665-6837. 

Thursday, Aug. 2

Free Computer Class for Seniors 

9 - 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 - 3 p.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, call ahead for a reservation. 644-6109 

Community Environmental Advisory Commission 

7 p.m. 

Planning and Development Department - First Floor Conference Room 

2118 Milvia St. 

Residential woodburning, Harrison Street Skate Park update, arsenic in playgrounds - follow up, diesel generators, recycling of universal waste, microwaves - update are among the items on the agenda of the CEAC. 

Kensington 55+ Activity Center 

9 a.m. - 2 p.m. 

Social Hall of Arlington Community Church 

52 Arlington Ave. 

Conversation, Apple II computer instruction, massage therapy, German conversation group, meditation and relaxation techniques, watercolor art class, tea and coffee. Special 11 a.m. program: Ancient Architectures, Virginia Walker presents slides of pyramids, temples, Gothic and other churches. For more information call 526-9146 or 547-1969. 

Ancient Native Sites of the East Bay 

7:30 p.m. 

Room 160 Kroeber Hall, University of California Campus 

A panel discussion on ancient sites featuring Sandra Sher, freelance historian and author of The Native Legacy of Emeryville; Richard Schwartz, author of Circle of Stones and Berkeley 1900; Perry Matlock, native advocate and volunteer with the International Indian Treaty Council; and Randy Grandin, explorer of West Contra Costa County native sites. Stephanie Manning, moderator. $10 841-2242 

Friday, Aug. 3

Therapy for Trans Partners  

6 - 7:30 p.m.  

Pacific Center for Human Growth  

2712 Telegraph Ave. (at Derby)  

A group open to partners of those in transition or considering transition. The group is structured to be a safe place to receive support from peers and explore a variety of issues, including sexual orientation, coming out, feelings of isolation, among other topics. Intake process required. Meeting Fridays through August 17.  

$8 - $35 sliding scale per session  

Call 548-8283 x534 or x522 

Saturday, Aug. 4

Free Sailboat Rides  

1 - 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday 

Cal Sailing Club 

Berkeley Marina 

The Cal Sailing Club and windsurfing cooperative, give free rides on a first come, first served bases on the first full weekend of each month. Wear warm clothes and bring a change of clothes in case you get wet. Children must be at least five years old and must be accompanies by an adult.  

www.cal-sailing.org  

Robert Bowman 

7 - 9 p.m. 

Friends Church 

1600 Sacramento St. (@ Cedar)  

Retired Air Force and NASA Official and Presidential Candidate, Dr. Robert Bowman will speak out against the weaponization of space. Following the rally there will be a procession to the gates of the Livermore Lab for a nonviolent, risk arrest action. For details call Livermore Conversion Project,  

663-8065. 

Animal Picnic Family Workshop 

10 - 10:50 a.m. and 11 - 11:50 a.m. 

Lawrence Hall of Science 

UC Berkeley 

Touch and hold a variety of animals and see how they eat their lunch. For children ages 3 - 8 and an accompanying adult. Registration required, $8 - $25. 

642-5132 

Berkeley Farmers’ Market 

10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. 

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

Annual Tomato Tasting, an opportunity to sample the whole range of tomato varieties at the Market. Also, the grand opening of the Food Court.  

548-3333 

Poetry Reading 

3 - 5 p.m. 

1527 Virginia Street (one block from N. Berkeley BART) 

The Bay Area Poets Coalition presents an open poetry reading outdoors on the front lawn. For more information call 527-9905 or 845-8409 or poetalk@aol.com 

Bay Area Eco-Crones 

10:30 a.m. - Noon 

Epworth Church, Youth Room 

1953 Hopkins 

Discuss ecological significance of mushrooms and bats; plan rituals for habitat restorations projects. 874-4935 or 527-4582 

Foster Parent Certification Class 

10 a.m. - 3 p.m. 

South Branch Library 

1901 Russell St. (at MLK) 

This class will cover all aspects of Foster Parenting and is open to anyone interested in attending. Free.  

For more information call Bob at 641-6200 or nailahfs@pacbell.net. 

Sunday, Aug. 5

Anti-Nuclear Vigil 

1 - 3 p.m. 

U.C. Berkeley, Lawn at West Entrance, 

Oxford and University Ave. 

Remembering Hiroshima and Nagasaki; Opposing U.C. weapons labs contracts; Urging U.C.B. to host a national TV debate on nuclear weapons ban. For more information call Circle of Concern 848-8055. 

Buddhism 

6 p.m. 

Tibetan Nyingma Institute 

1815 Highland Place 

Mark Henderson on “Four Thoughts that Awaken the Heart.” Free. 

843-6812 

West Berkeley Market 

11 a.m. - 5 p.m. 

University Ave., between 3rd and 4th Streets  

Family-oriented weekly market. Crafts, music, produce, and specialty foods. 

654-6346 

— compiled by Guy Poole 

Monday, August 6

Intensive Production Urban Gardening Training 

10 a.m. - 4 p.m. 

Santa Fe Bar & Grill 

1310 University Ave. 

Growing Gourmet: A free urban gardening training & potluck lunch.  

Learn ways to intensively and organically grow produce for your own use or for an urban market garden. A hands-on training in the garden located behind the restaurant and potluck lunch at 1 p.m. For more information call Katherine Webb, 841-1110. Free community training, meets the first Monday each month. 

Osteoporosis: How to put Bone Loss on Hold 

9 a.m. - 10 a.m. 

Summit Campus 

Cafeteria Annexes B & C 

350 Hawthorne Ave. in Oakland 

A free lecture by Elliot Schwartz, MD, Co-Director of the Foundation for Osteoporosis Research and Education. Learn how to create a program that will help minimize bone loss. For more information or to make a reservation, contact Ellen Carroll at 869-6737. 

Mayor Shirley Dean to Receive  

Delegation of Japanese Scouts 

10 a.m. 

City Hall 

2180 Milvia St. 

A contingent of 38 Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts from Osaka, Japan, will present an official proclamation from the mayor of Sakai, Japan, to Mayor Shirley Dean. For more information call 841-8117. 

Tuesday, August 7

Intelligent Conversation  

7 - 9 p.m.  

Berkeley Richmond Jewish Community Center 

A discussion group open to all, regardless of age, religion, viewpoint, etc. This time the discussion will center on sex and drugs: Free will? Must laws be obeyed? Informally led by Robert Berend, who founded similar groups in L.A., Menlo Park, and Prague. Bring light snacks/drinks to share. Free  

527-5332 

Berkeley Camera Club  

7:30 p.m. 

Northbrae Community Church  

941 The Alameda  

Share your slides and learn what other photographers are doing. Monthly field trips. 

Call Don, 525-3565 

Writing and Resistance  

In A Culture of Amnesia 

6 - 7:45 p.m. 

La Peña Cultural Center 

3105 Shattuck Avenue 

Classroom #2 

Part of a workshop series on concepts and strategies for resistance through the spoken and written word, taught by Joyce E. Young. $12. 

849-2568 www.lapena.org 

Berkeley Farmers’ Market 

2 - 7 p.m. 

Derby Street at MLK Jr. Way 

548-3333 

Free Early Music Group 

10 - 11:30 a.m. 

North Berkeley Senior Center 

1901 Hearst Ave. (at MLK) 

Small group sings madrigals and other voice harmony every Tuesday morning. Call Ann, 655-8863 

Free Computer Class for Seniors 

9:30 - 11:30 a.m. and 1 - 3 p.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, call ahead for a reservation. 

644-6109 

Strawberry Creek Daylighting 

Strategy Workshop 

6:30 - 7:30 p.m. 

Corporation Yard Green Room 

1326 Allston Way 

A workshop to develop an effective strategy for promoting the daylighting of Strawberry Creek downtown. Learn about current daylighting concepts and develop a working plan for the next year and beyond. Facilitated by Louis Hexter of MIG. Call Janet Byron to RSVP at 848-4008 or bjanet@earthlink.net 

Wednesday, August 8

A Day at the Beach 

Noon - 2 p.m. 

Lawrence Hall of Science 

UC Berkeley 

Part of the Lawrence Hall of Science Wednesday FUN-days. Build sand castles with sand sculptor Kirk Rademaker. Museum admission $3 - $7. 

642-5132 

Thursday, August 9

Ancient Native Sites of the East Bay 

7:30 p.m. 

Room 160 Kroeber Hall, University of California Campus 

Sean Dexter, archaeologist, will discuss the recent Data Recovery Program at the Emeryville Shellmound/South Bayfront site. Jakki Kehl, a Mutsun Ohlone, will discuss protecting cultural resources by developing partnerships and encouraging good stewardship of the land. $10 

841-2242 

Salsa Dance Classes 

7:30 p.m. 

Berkeley Richmond Jewish Community Center 

1414 Walnut St. 

Classes every Thursday with live percussionists, light refreshments, DJ playing Latin music. $10 or $15 for two. 

237-9874 

Sea Kayaking 

7 p.m. 

REI 

1338 San Pablo Avenue 

Learn about the best sea kayaking spots in Northern California from Roger Schumann and Jan Shriner. Free. 

527-4140 

Free Computer Class for Seniors 

9:30 - 11:30 a.m. and 1 - 3 p.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, call ahead for a reservation. 

644-6109 

Kensington 55+ Activity Center 

9 a.m. - 2 p.m. 

Social Hall of Arlington Community Church 

52 Arlington Ave. 

Conversation, Apple II computer instruction, massage therapy, German conversation group, meditation and relaxation techniques, watercolor art class, tea and coffee. Special 11 a.m. program: Safety, Pat Caftel presents Neighborhood Disaster Preparedness. For more information call 526-9146 or 547-1969. 

The market is a racket 

Editor, 

Fred Foldvary and others may choose to believe that the market economy is not a racket. But there are people who choose to believe that the earth is flat. What are the facts? 

Stockholders receive dividends, for which they do no work. Moneylenders receive interest for which they do no work. Big landlords receive rent for which they do no work. When people who don’t work live off the labor of people who do, what else can you call this but a racket? The fact that these scams are legal simply shows that the entire “free enterprise” system is a racket.  

As the world changes, the old rackets can be eliminated. The slaveowners once had a great racket, but slavery is now virtually extinct. Absolute monarchs once had their racket, and claimed to rule by divine right. They too are almost extinct.  

When enough people become aware that the wealthy perform no necessary function, we will be able to change things. The parasitic stockholders, landlords and moneylenders will all be driven out of the temple and will have to go to work.  

Marion Syrek 

Oakland 

Oxford lot wish list may be too long for height limit 

Editor: 

I must respond to a characterization (as a “sneer”) by Zelda Bronstein (Letters, Daily Planet, July 30) of a remark I made to a reporter regarding the proposed Oxford Lot downtown development. She then opined, “Perhaps Smith would like to explain.” 

Ms. Bronstein is the vice chair of the city’s Planning Commission. Here is my response to her challenge: 

The City Council approved last week the Planning Commission’s recommendation to develop the current city parking lot on Oxford Way at Kittredge Street in an extraordinary combination of nonprofit office and display space (for an environmental center to be named for David Brower); affordable housing; community arts space that would include a performance stage and galleries; two floors of (very costly) underground parking, and retail shops. 

Add to this the fact that Ms. Bronstein and other Planning Commission spokespeople have said that all these components must be enclosed in a structure that cannot exceed five stories! 

The Civic Arts Commission, which it is my pleasure to chair, is in favor of the Oxford Lot structure including the largest feasible cultural arts space, as the Planning Department staff works on meshing all these great ideas into a proposal that will honestly address how much all this will cost and whether or not a developer, and the city and Brower Center as partners, will all realistically be able to afford to build it along the lines of this initial proposal. 

It will be some time – many months – before the details are hammered out and the costs estimated (this is called “penciling out”) as the city goes out to seek proposals from the development community. 

Quite the opposite of “sneering” at supposed extravagance, I was simply telling the truth as I see it: that the initial proposal is a compendium of wonderful desires, probably all of which will have to be adjusted to literally fit within the structure as it is currently limited (five floors, 50,000 square feet per floor). When the reporter asked what I thought of the chances for everyone involved with the project getting their heart’s desire, that’s when I indicated that some of what is being wished for will doubtless have to fall away. Anyone who thinks that is not going to happen does not have a grasp of economic reality, to wit: the city’s budget is not a bottomless pit, and developers must have a financial incentive to bid on a project. 

I regret that Ms. Bronstein decided to express her feelings in a personal attack, but once she did so I felt I had no choice but to set the record straight. 

Sherry Smith 

Civic Arts Commission chair 

Anti-tobacco folk go too far 

Editor, 

Perhaps Ben Lumpkin would do another article about the anti-cigarette folks. How do members of the Tobacco Prevention Coalition differentiate themselves from other anti-choice groups and factions? Which of their own behaviors do they hope will be legislated against – for their own good? Have all coalition members stopped driving their cars, as these pollute our shared air? Have any ever purchased cigarettes, or gas? 

After TPC folk beat down the pharmacies, will they then move on to bookstores which sell books of which members disapprove, or theaters showing films members find distasteful? Also, as friend once said to me, “Won’t they be surprised when they get to die of nothing?”  

A Berkeley non-driver, by individual choice who is not evangelical about my own choices! 

Sangwan Zimmerman 

Berkeley 

Media needs to pay attention 

Editor, 

We went to the Federal Courthouse on Tuesday July 24 to witness Judge Armstrong’s sentencing of Lakireddy Bali Reddy’s rich and powerful brother and sister-in-law – Jayaprakash and Annapurna Lakireddy – for their part in the importation of undocumented aliens from India for sexual and labor exploitation. As with Reddy, the attorneys had agreed to absurdly lenient sentences of a maximum of 16 months for Jayaprakash and a maximum of 12 months for Annapurna. We had earlier written to Judge Armstrong to ask her to reject the attorney’s plea bargain and to instead sentence the Lakireddys to at least 10 years each.  

Jayaprakash and Annapurna Lakireddy had willfully falsified visa applications and other immigration documents so that Reddy and his sons would have sexual slaves to rape as frequently as they pleased, and so that they could share in the profits from exploiting the labor of many other indentured servants to build their financial empires.  

We told Judge Armstrong that deliberately pimping young girls for pedophiles should not be tolerated. We emphasized that exploiting vulnerable people for cheap labor to build financial empires on their backs should also not be tolerated.  

Just as Judge Armstrong had given Reddy a scandalously light sentence of only 8 years on June 19, we anticipated that she might follow this pattern with the Lakireddys. This would be consistent with the typically unjust practice of preserving a double standard of justice – one for the rich and powerful and another for everyone else. Consider the fact that Judge Armstrong readily granted Reddy’s request to serve his sentence in Lompoc Prison, a luxury institution nicknamed “Club Fed.” Why would she voluntarily add to his privileged treatment in this way when it isn’t required by the legal system that criminals choose where they are to be incarcerated? We wondered if she would grant this same privilege to the Lakireddys. 

We were surprised and disappointed to note the lack of media interest in the sentencing of the Lakireddys. Despite our colorful protest before Judge Armstrong convened her Court, only one cameraman was waiting outside – too bored, it seemed, to even take a picture of us. This, despite the fact that the courtroom was nearly filled by interested individuals. How does the media decide that two pimps who are guilty of the trafficking in young girls for a serial sexual pervert, among other crimes, is of no interest to the public? 

After secret negotiations in the courtroom, Judge Armstrong postponed the sentencing of the Lakireddys until September 18. The Lakireddys looked distressed by this decision. We wondered if they, too, were expecting to get a token rap on the knuckles for their crimes. The media will have another opportunity to treat Jayaprakash and Annapurna Lakireddy’s sentencing with the seriousness it deserves. And hopefully Judge Armstrong will have time to reflect on the injustice of handing out light sentences to criminals merely because they are rich and/or powerful.  

Dr. Diana Russell 

Marcia Poole 

Berkeley 

924 Gilman St. Music at 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Aug. 3: Sworn Vengeance, N.J. Bloodline, Settle the Score, Existence, Step; Aug. 4: Toxic Narcotic, Menstrual Tramps, Emo Summer, Four Letter Word, Shitty Wickets; Aug 10: 90 Day Men, Assembly of God, Strong Intention, Under a Dying Sun; Aug 11: Toys That Kill, Scared of Chakra, Soophie Nun Squad, Debris; Aug 12: 5 p.m. Citizen Fish, J-Church, Eleventeen. $5. 924 Gilman St. 525-9926. 

Ashkenaz Aug. 5: 9 p.m. Roots Reggae featuring Groundation and Tchiya Amet. $10. 11317 San Pablo Ave. 525-5099 www.ashkenaz.com 

Eli’s Mile High Club Doors open at 8 p.m. Every Friday, 10 p.m. - 2 a.m., Funky Fridays Conscious Dance Party with KPFA DJs Split Shankin and Funky Man. $10; 3629 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Oakland 655-6661 

Freight and Salvage Coffee House All music at 8 p.m. Aug 2: George Kuo, Narin Pahinui & Aaron Mahi; Aug 3: Wylie & the Wild West, the Waller Brothers, Aug 4: Adam Levy, Will Bernard; Aug 5: MonTango; Aug 6: Frank Yamma; Aug 8: San Francisco Klezmer Experience; Aug 9: John Renbourn; Aug 10: Jody Stecher, Kate Brislin; Aug 11: Al Stewart. $16.50 - $19.50. 1111 Addison St. 548-1761 www.freightandsalvage.org 

Jupiter Aug. 2: Beatdown with DJ’s Delon, Yamu and Add1; Aug. 3: Mas Cabezas, Rhodes-based latin jazz trio with local vet Ezra Gale; Aug. 4: Solomon Grundy, from Orange County, combining jazz, calypso, and world beat; Aug. 7: Joshi Marshal Project, jazz, soul and hiphop; Aug. 8: Broun Fellini’s, jazz/funk/hiphop grooves All music starts at 8:00 p.m. www.jupiterbeer.com; or call the hotline: THE-ROCK (843-7625)  

La Peña Cultural Center Aug 3: 8 p.m. Los Delicados, Aya de Leon $10; Aug 4: 8 p.m. Grito Serpentino, Small Axe Project, Jime Salcedo-Malo & Leticia Hernandez $10; Aug 5: 7 p.m. Insight in concert $10; Aug 10: 8:30 p.m. Ire $8; Aug 11: 9:30 p.m. Fito Reynoso’s Ritmo y Armonia. $10, $13 for dance class starting at 8:15. In the Cafe 3105 Shattuck Avenue 849-2568 

La Note/Jazzschool Aug 5: 4:30 p.m. Vocaists’ Series (Denine Monet), 5:30 p.m. Instrumentalists’ Series (Pelo Mar); Aug 12: 4:30 p.m. The Freedom Project, 5:30 Eli Sundelson Trio. 2377 Shattuck Avenue 845-5373. 

Shattuck Down Low Lounge Every Tuesday: 9:30 p.m., Posh Tuesdays with DJ’s Yamu, Delon, Add1, and Tequila Willie. Shattuck at Allston. www.thebeatdownsound.com  

“Midsummer Mozart Festival” All shows at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 3: Four pieces including “Symphony in B Flat.” $32 - $40. First Congregational Church 2345 Channing Way (415) 292-9620 www.midsummermozart.org  

“Downtown” Restaurant and Bar August 6: 7 p.m. Jesse Colin Young of the sixties hit group, The Youngbloods, will be performing at a No Nukes evening, sponsored by Greenpeace. The evening commemorates the 56th anniversary of the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima. The proceeds go to Tri-Valley CAREs and Citizen Alert. Tickets are $100. 2102 Shattuck Ave. 800-728-6223 

The Greek Theatre Aug. 3 and Aug. 4, 7 p.m. The String Cheese Incident, $29.75. Hearst Avenue and Gayley Road 444-TIXS, or (415) 421-TIXS www.sfx.com 

Julia Morgan Center for the Arts Aug 4: 8 p.m. “Cuatro maestros Touring Festival” two-hour theatrical event of music and dance performed by four elder folk artists and their talented young counterparts. Adults $18 Children $12; Aug. 10: 7:30 p.m. & Aug. 11, 12, 5 p.m. Campers from Stage Door Conservatory’s “On Broadway” program for grades 5-9 will perform Fiddler on the Roof, Jr. $12 adults, $8 kids. (For info call 527-5939); 2640 College Avenue 845-8542 ext. 302 

“Iphegenia in Aulis” Through Aug. 12: Sat. and Sun. 5 p.m. Special dawn performance on August 12 at 7 a.m. A free park performance by the Shotgun Players of Euripides’ play about choices and priorities. With a masked chorus, singing, dancing, and live music. Feel free to bring food and something soft to sit on. John Hinkel Park, Southhampton Place at Arlington Avenue (different locations July 7 and 8). 655-0813 

“The Lady’s Not for Burning” Aug. 2 - 4: 8 p.m. Set in the 15th century, a soldier wishes to be hanged and a witch does not want to be burned at the stake. Written by Christopher Fry, directed by Susannah Woods. $5 - $10. South Berkeley Community Church 1802 Fairview st. 464-1117 

“Orphans” Through Aug. 5: Fri. and Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 7 p.m. Lyle Kessler’s dark comedy about a mysterious stranger invading the home of two orphaned brothers. $15. The Speakeasy Theater, 2016 Seventh St. 326-8493 

“Reefer Madness” Aug. 8, 9, Aug. 22, 23: 9 p.m. A new one-act theatre piece adapted from a 1936 government-funded film opens a critical eye to the control of our society. Performed by The Elemental Theatre Group La Pena Cultural Center 3105 Shattuck Avenue. Wednesdays are “pay what you can,” Thursdays $5 - $10. Contact Zachary Rouse or Tisha Sloan for more info at 655-4150 

Boadecia’s Books Aug 3: Mabel Maney (author of the Nancy Clue/ Cherry Aimless and Hardly Boys mysteries) reads from her new book “Kiss the Girls and Make them Spy” featuring Jane Bond, James’ lesbian twin sister; Aug 4: Dyke Open Myke! Coffeehouse-style open mike night featuring both established and emerging talent; Aug 10 Susann Cokal reads from her novel “Mirabilis” set in 14th-century France All events start at 7:30 p.m. and are free. 398 Colusa Avenue 559-9184 

Cody’s Books Aug 5: Justin Chin, Gerry Gomez Pearlberg; Aug 8: Jane Mead, Mark Turpin. $2 donation. Readings at 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted. 2454 Telegraph Ave. 845-0837 

Cafe de la Paz “Poetry Nitro” Weekly poetry open mike. Aug 6: featuring Andrena zawinski. 6:30 p.m. sign-up, 7 p.m. reading. 1600 Shattuck Ave. 843-0662  

Coffee Mill Poetry Series August 7: Featured readers JC and Bert Glick. 7-9 p.m.; August 21: Featured Readers: Victoria Joyce and Therese Bamberger; Both 7-9 p.m. Free. 3363 Grand Ave., Oakland for info. (510)465-3935 or (510)526-5985, or Email: ksdgk@earthlink.net 

Grand Lake Theater August 2: Vincent Bugliosi will be speaking and signing his book, “The Betrayal of America: How the Supreme Court Undermined our Constitution and Chose our President.” 7 p.m. Tickets are a $15 donation. 3200 Grand Ave., Oakland. 

Tours 

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory Fridays 9:30 - 11:45 a.m. or by appointment. Call ahead to make reservations. Free. University of California, Berkeley. 486-4387 

Golden Gate Live Steamers Grizzly Peak Boulevard and Lomas Cantadas Drive at the south end of Tilden Regional Park Small locomotives, meticulously scaled to size. Trains run Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Rides: Sunday, noon to 3 p.m., weather permitting. 486-0623  

Museums 

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  

UC Berkeley Museum of Paleontology Lobby, Valley Life Sciences Building, UC Berkeley “Tyrannosaurus Rex,” ongoing. A 20 by 40-foot replica of the fearsome dinosaur 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 22-23 feet. The Pteranodon lived at the same time as the dinosaurs. 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 will close its exhibition galleries for renovation on October 1. It will reopen in early 2002. On View until October 1, 2001: “Ishi and the Invention of Yahi Culture.” “Sites Along the Nile: Rescuing Ancient Egypt.” “The Art of Research: Nelson Graburn and the Aesthetics of Inuit Sculpture.” “Tzintzuntzan, Mexico: Photographs by George Foster.”  

$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. Kroeber Hall, Bancroft Way and College Ave. 643-7648 or www.qal.berkeley.edu/~hearst/ 

Lawrence Hall of Science “Science in Toyland,” through Sept. 9. Exhibit uses toys to demonstrate scientific principles and to help develop children's thinking processes. Susan Cerny’s collection of over 200 tops from around the world. “Space Weather,” through Sept. 2. Learn about solar cycles, space weather, the cause of the Aurorae and recent discoveries made by leading astronomers. This interactive exhibit lets visitors access near real-time data from the Sun and space, view interactive videos and find out about a variety of solar activities. “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. “Saturday Night Stargazing,” First and third Saturdays each month. 8 - 10 p.m., LHS plaza. Space Weather Exhibit now - Sept. 2; now - Sept. 9 Science in Toyland; Saturdays 12:30 - 3:30 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. “Constellations Tonight” Ongoing. Using a simple star map, learn to identify the most prominent constellations for the season in the planetarium sky. “How Big Is the Universe?” Aug. 1 through Aug. 24. Learn how to determine the distance of celestial objects, one of the purposes of the Hubble Space Telescope. Daily, 2:15 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, 642-5132 or www.lhs.berkeley.edu 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, UC Berkeley 642-5132 or www.lhs.berkeley.edu  

The UC Berkeley Art Museum is closed for renovations until the fall. 

English playwright Joe Orton lived fast and died young. Beaten to death with a hammer in 1967 at age 34 by his longtime gay lover, he left behind a small body of work, including “Loot” (1965) and the posthumously produced “What the Butler Saw” (1969). 

Orton’s reputation has flourished since his death, due in large part to the 1978 biography “Prick Up Your Ears” by New Yorker theater writer John Lahr, and the subsequent movie based on that book a decade later starring Gary Oldman as Orton. 

Still, for me, the problem of the plays remains. I have never seen a great production of an Orton play. 

Berkeley’s talented Shotgun Players are the latest to give it a go. The company is currently running a thoughtful and meticulously staged production of “Loot” at LaVal’s Subterranean on the Northside. 

“Loot” is an absurdist, high-speed, sex-and-death farce, set in an English lower-middle-class family living room. Here patriarch MacLeavy (Greg Lucey) mourns the passing of his wife, who rests for much of the play in an open coffin in the center of the room. 

With a funeral imminent, the MacLeavy’s gay son Hal (Andy Alabran) appears to have robbed a bank with his sleazy bisexual chum Dennis (Danny Wolohan). Unexpectedly, the deceased woman’s nurse (Renee Penegor) morphs into a voracious, gold-digging sexual predator, and before long a mysterious water board inspector (Jonathan Gonzalez) arrives with pipe and magnifying glass to conduct an investigation. 

All farcical hell breaks loose. It’s a two-hour round-robin of hiding the bank loot and hiding the corpse. 

The acting in this production is super. Director Reid Davis has elicited fascinating performances from his entire cast.  

Lucey is comically woe-bestruck as the long-suffering, put-upon, newly widowed MacLeavy, the most real character in a world of otherwise complete zaniness. Renee Penegor is enticing and elusive as the pornographic, puritanical, hooker/nurse, married seven times in ten years, and looking for more. 

Andy Alabran is fascinating as hypersexual, simpleton son Hal, filled with dreams of opening his own brothel, and crazed with the hots for his chum Dennis. Alabran hypnotically twists his face and sucks his lips when he has to think. 

Danny Wolohan is also mesmerizing as swashbuckling bisexual undertaker’s assistant Dennis, enthusiastically scanning the room for money or tail. 

But the problem is that these great performances add up to less than the sum of their parts. And I think the basic challenge lies in the severe difficulty of staging Orton’s script, which tends to be cartoony and one-dimensional. 

All of the characters, for example, speak in the same voice. And the communications they make to each other are not thoughtful, character-based expressions, but rather jocular, nonsensical verbal gags of the moment. “Loot” feels like a play written on speed, without the human emotional connections. After two hours, you’re exhausted. 

To help counterbalance the characters’ one-dimensionality, director Davis and his cast have obviously put a lot of work into creating deeper people with backgrounds, histories, motivations, mysterious secret lives and subtexts. This work has paid off and given the play’s characters a fascinating richness, making them interesting people. 

There is a lot going on for the actors. They have wonderful moments during their non-speaking times on stage, communicating by eye contact or facial expression, or scheming internally. 

But, the production just isn’t that funny. “Loot” is supposed to be a farce, but the night I attended, the laughs were few and far between. Despite lots of effort to create a slapstick chaos, the show is missing the sort of basic laughs that, say, Laurel and Hardy get when they start hitting each other with their hats. 

Without that, the silly story just doesn’t carry enough weight for the play not to be funny. In the final analysis, “Loot” is dated. 

When first produced in 1965, “Loot” broke a lot of taboos. It made fun of religion, the law, marriage and middle-class sexual rules. From that iconoclasm the play earned its reputation for shock value. 

But now it’s 36 years later, and “Loot’s” bawdy religious satire, sexual backroom hanky-panky between boys and jokes about necrophilia just don’t offend a more jaded modern audience the way they once did. 

Planet theater reviewer John Angell Grant has written for “American Theatre,” “Backstage West,” “Callboard,” and other publications. E-mail him at jagplays@yahoo.com.

The Oakland Soldiers needed a wakeup call. Leon Powe gave it to them. 

Two thunderous dunks by the Oakland Tech star helped Slam ‘n Jam’s premiere team shake off some rust, and the Soldiers cruised to an 85-57 win over the Houston Superstars on the second day of the Slam ‘n Jam Elite 8x2 Tournament on Tuesday. The Soldiers put on a show for the crowd against an overmatched opponent, and must be considered the heavy favorites to win the tournament championship today. 

The Soldiers came out very slowly against the Superstars, and trailed 8-4 with seven minutes gone. The game, played at RSF Fieldhouse, was very slow, with 13 fouls called at that point. But Powe used his muscle inside to tie the score at 8-8, and teammate LeBron James hit a nice fadeaway jumper to give the Soldiers the lead. 

But Powe’s team was still playing as if they were half asleep, and it took a highlight-reel play from their opponents to get them fired up. When diminutive Houston point guard Eddie Rowe threw an alley-oop pass on a fastbreak to teammate Justin Carter for a spectacular dunk, the crowd cheered the Texas team for finally injecting some life into the game. Carter followed with an emphatic blocked shot on James, throwing the highly-touted guard’s shot into the stands, and the momentum seemed to be going with the visitors. 

But the hosts finally got in gear soon after. John Sharper stole a pass and led Powe with a pass for a huge breakaway jam, then Powe put Carter in his place by throwing down another dunk, this one right in Carter’s face. The crowd exploded in response, and Powe urged the fans to get even louder. With chants of “Soldiers! Soldiers!” echoing in the gym, John Tofi scored five points in the last 30 seconds of the half to give the Slam ‘n Jam team a 34-23 halftime lead. 

“We expect to make plays like that all the time. Anything less is unacceptable,” Powe said after the game. “These games are just fun.” 

The second half was all Soldiers, as Marquis Kately led off with two dunks, the second a 360-degree two-hander that brought the house down. With James, Kately and Powe running the floor like racecars, they got the place rocking with bunches of alley-oops, dunks and spectacular drives. James, who is considered the best prep player in the nation, started taking it easy, opting for layups instead of dunks.  

“I just want to go out and play my game,” said James, who is playing with the Soldiers for the first time this summer. “But when a lot of people come out to watch you and your team play, you gotta give them some kind of show.” 

The Soldiers took turns tossing up long 3-pointers and running isolation plays, but turned it back up for the last two minutes. A Tofi steal turned into a James tomahawk, Powe got off another huge dunk, then followed with a crossover drive that missed but was slammed home by James. The game ended on an alley-oop pass from halfcourt by DeShawn Freeman to Kately, and the Soldiers were clearly enjoying themselves to the last. 

“It was just showtime out there,” Freeman said. “It’s basically like practice, and I like practicing my lobs.” 

The Soldiers will have to get more serious today, as they face West Coast Stars, who beat the Bay Area Ballers 70-46 on Tuesday, in a semi-final game. If they win that game, they will likely play the Michigan Hurricanes in the final. The Hurricanes are expected to beat EBO in the other semi, and the Soldiers are looking forward to facing a team that is comparable in talent to themselves. 

“We want Michigan bad,” Soldiers coach Mark Olivier said. 

Both semi-final matchups will take place at the RSF Fieldhouse at 3:30 p.m., with the championship set for 6:30.

A UC Berkeley professor is asking the community to pressure the university not to comply with a CIA decision to take back from libraries a history book revealing the involvement of the United States in the massive killing of Indonesian communists in the 1960s. 

A few days ago, the CIA decided to recall Volume 26, one in a series of history books called “Foreign Relations of the United States.” The volume in question covers Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines and was recently published by the Government Printing Office. 

Outraged at the CIA’s decision, Peter Dale Scott, a former Canadian diplomat who currently teaches in UC Berkeley’s English Department, sent letters and e-mails to local newspapers and UC Berkeley employees to raise awareness around the issue. 

In a message he wrote to faculty members and administrative staff on campus, Scott blames the CIA for trying to hide historical facts from the public to protect the government’s interests. He also invites them to react.  

“I hope you will persuade the university not to collaborate in this clumsy effort at truth suppression, which mimics the ludicrous games the U.S.S.R. played with the Soviet Encyclopedia in the 1930s,” he wrote. 

The book, Scott added, exposes the U.S. involvement in a 1965 Indonesian Army’s anti-Communist campaign, that led to the killing of an estimated 1 million people. 

Neither Associate University Librarian Alan Ritch of the Doe Library on the UC Berkeley campus nor spokespersons in the university’s Public Information Office were able to say Tuesday whether the volume had actually been received and if it was available to the public.  

A public information representative, who asked that her name not be used, said the librarian who would have known if the book had been received was ill and unavailable on Tuesday. She added that she was unaware of any instructions for the removal of the book. 

According to Scott, the CIA’s decision is directly linked to the Bush administration’s new policy toward Indonesia. 

“Very soon we’re going to see the Bush administration resume aid to the Indonesian Army and to a group called Kopassus,” said Scott in a telephone interview. Kopassus, he said is the Indonesian Army’s Special Force and the main architect of the 1965 massacres. “What worries them is that it’s a volume that details that aid to Kopassus in 1965.” 

Others across the nation have reacted to the CIA’s effort to recall the book. Friday, the George Washington University’s National Security Archive protested by posting the volume on its Web Site. 

“There are no lawful grounds to withhold the book,” said Tom Blanton, director of the Archive. “They can’t prevent us from posting it on the web.” The document, Blanton said, was declassified more than a year ago and should therefore be available to the public in compliance with the Freedom of Information Act. 

The posted volume – at http://www.gwu.edu/~nsarchiv/NSAEBB/NSAEBB52/ – talks about, among other things, a December 1965 telegram from Ambassador Marshall Green to the State Department, talking about his intention to donate the equivalent of tens of thousands of dollars to the movement leading the anti-Communist repression. 

“The chances of detection or subsequent revelation of our support in this instance are as minimal as any black bag operation can be,” the telegram says. The volume also suggests that the U.S government was aware that the killing of communists was massive. 

By trying to hide the truth, Blanton said, the CIA is obtaining exactly the opposite.  

“They’re trying to put toothpaste back in the tube and that’s a very difficult thing to do,” he said. “What they’re really doing is calling attention to the book and have more people reading it.” 

The City Council promoted Stephen Barton from “acting” to permanent director of the Housing Department July 24, making him the official head of the agency as it struggles to maintain an affordable housing stock in the midst of what he calls “major social change.” 

Barton, 51, has worked for the city since 1989 and has been acting head of the department for two-and-one-half years.  

He holds a doctorate in city and regional planning from UC Berkeley and has won several awards for articles on housing issues. He has lived in Albany for 13 years with his wife of 23 years, Barbara. They have one son, Andre, 22.  

The closed-session vote to approve Barton was 7-1-1 with Councilmember Betty Olds voting in opposition and Mayor Shirley Dean abstaining. 

Both Dean and Olds said they thought it was too early to name Barton director because of the ongoing problems with the Berkeley Housing Authority, which is now struggling to reverse years of disorganization that has resulted in the possible dissolution of the agency due to the underleasing of federally subsidized Section 8 housing. 

“I abstained because, instead of voting ‘no,’ I was hoping we could outline some objectives for him to reach over the next six months before appointing him,” Dean said. “I don’t expect miracles but I think we should have given him some more time.” 

Councilmember Dona Spring said she strongly supports Barton’s appointment as director. She said Barton inherited a lot of problems with the Housing Authority, a division of the Housing Department, and that his official appointment will shore up his authority among city staff and the public. 

“I know in the past he has been hampered because he was only the acting director,” she said. “His appointment will answer a lot of questions about what his authority is and how long he will be around to work on the problems that face the department right now.” 

The Housing Department, budgeted at $14 million for fiscal year 2001-2002, is charged with the difficult task of producing, preserving and supporting affordable housing in Berkeley. The department puts a special emphasis on meeting the needs of residents who are low-income, homeless, seniors or disabled. 

Barton oversees four divisions: the Berkeley Housing Authority; Program Planning, Management and Budget; Housing Services, and the Energy Office. 

In addition the department administers state and federal grants to 75 nonprofit organizations that provide a wide range of social services that include job training, homeless prevention and child care. 

Barton said he sees the role of the Housing Department as critical to maintaining Berkeley’s rich culture and diversity. He said the high cost of housing is changing the city’s social fabric.  

“As each home or apartment becomes available the new tenants are of a higher economic level than those who just left,” he said. “This is a period of major social change for Berkeley.” 

If the trend continues, Barton said the result will be a change in the social character of Berkeley due to the replacement of blue collar workers, teachers and those who pursue careers of higher value such as art, research and social services. 

“Now you can go to a reading at a book store where the author walks from his home to read his work,” he said. “Those same authors won’t be able to walk from their homes any more unless we make housing available at below current market rates.” 

Barton was born and raised in the New York area where his father was a professor at Columbia University. Shortly after graduating Haverford College in 1972, he came to California. 

He said he came west on an unlicensed bus line called the Gray Rabbit, which left him off at the corner of University Avenue and Sixth Street. “It was April 12, 1973,” he said. “The bus had come across county through the desert and when we came into California the mountains were green and sunny. It was just a tremendous sight.” 

With the exception of one year back in New York, Barton has lived in the Bay Area ever since. 

Among Barton’s goals for the Housing Department is turning over the 61 units of public housing to a tenant-run management system so the BHA can focus on its main task, which is to provide as many Section 8 vouchers as possible. 

“The city of Berkeley is not a very good housing manager,” he said, “Others can do much better.” 

Barton said one of the things he is most proud of accomplishing during his tenure as acting director is detailing the problems with the BHA, bringing them to the attention of the BHA Board and developing a business plan to turn the agency around. 

“You don’t solve problems without recognizing how bad they are,” he said.  

The mayor won’t meet with Japanese scouts and their local hosts at City Hall after all. The meeting, planned for Monday morning, where Japanese scouts are to present Mayor Shirley Dean with a proclamation from the mayor of Berkeley’s sister city in Japan, will be moved to a private location.  

And that’s a relief to openly gay Councilmember Kriss Worthington, who questioned the original meeting place. 

The Boy Scouts’ policy is to ban “out” homosexuals as scouts and as scout leaders and the city’s policy is not to support groups that discriminate, Worthington said.  

(The Daily Planet has been unable  

to confirm the position of  

the Japanese Boy Scouts with respect to homosexuality.) 

Dean said that moving the meeting, which would have included the foreign visitors as well as local host scouts, off city property, was to remove the young visitors from the embarrassment they might encounter had they met in a public place.  

“These are visitors from another country,” she said. “I’m welcoming them to the city of Berkeley.” 

According to Dean, the city attorney said that the meeting would be proper as long as there was no city money involved in supporting the event. City Attorney Manuela Albuquerque did not return the Daily Planet’s numerous calls to confirm city policy. 

The youth, who will be hosted by the Berkeley-Albany Girl Scout Association – the Girl Scouts do not discriminate against gays – and the Mt. Diablo-Silverado Boy Scout Council of America, will arrive in the Bay Area on Saturday. At the Monday event, now to be held at a private undisclosed venue, the scouts will present an official proclamation to Dean from the mayor of Sakai, Japan, a sister city to Berkeley. The visit is an offshoot of exchanges with the sister city program. 

The national scout policy excluding gays from the Boy Scouts weighs heavily on local scout leader George Fossellus. When he joined the Boy Scouts as a youth, morally straight meant morally upright, he told the Daily Planet Tuesday. Now the term’s been interpreted to mean that a scout and scout leaders must be heterosexual. 

Fossellus, who is helping to organize the visit of the Japanese scouts, said he doesn’t agree with the national policy and says local scout troops are working from inside the organization to change the policy. He works with the scouts despite its discriminatory policies because of the positive benefits he said the youth get from scouting and the service the scouts give to the community. 

When Worthington learned from a reporter that the mayor had decided to meet with the scouts off of public property, he commented, “Oh, that’s wonderful,” then qualified his enthusiasm. 

While he said he believes it is the mayor’s right to meet with the scouts on private property, he said she ought to take an additional step and educate the young visitors about Berkeley’s policy of non-discrimination. Worthington said he plans to write an explanation to the youth, have it translated into Japanese and offer it to the mayor to give to the visitors. 

Dean said the move of the meeting away from City Hall is to protect the young visitors. “We don’t want to see them embarrassed at all,” she said. “These are children. They do not set policy.” 

UKIAH — A growing number of medical marijuana users whose backyard pot plants were stolen by thieves or commandeered by police have succeeded in getting insurance companies to reimburse them for the loss. 

But just as medical marijuana was beginning to gain acceptance as an insurable belonging, the Supreme Court’s recent ruling in an Oakland, Calif., case has cast doubt on the future of such payments. 

The dollar amounts aren’t huge — after all, the missing pot is supposed to keep one person healthy, rather than be sold on the street, where high-grade marijuana is more expensive than gold. But it’s real money to a sickly policyholder. One insurer paid $12,375 to a man who lost 3 pounds of pot to an armed intruder. 

It’s not like anyone with a stash can file a claim. Insurers, which are state-regulated, don’t cover illegal property. 

But they generally agree that marijuana becomes a homeowner’s bona fide personal property under some state laws when the policyholder has permission to grow or possess it for medical reasons. That’s possible in the eight states where medical marijuana laws are in conflict with federal drug laws – California, Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Hawaii, Maine, Oregon and Washington. 

Even though these laws are in conflict with federal law barring use or possession of marijuana, major insurance companies have made at least a dozen such reimbursements, according to a series of interviews by The Associated Press. Most of the claims for stolen plants or harvested marijuana have been filed in California. 

The claims have forced insurers to enter a legal gray area. “How do you determine its value? Who is going to be your expert?” asks Lisa Wannamaker, a spokeswoman for Allstate, which has paid four such claims in California. “There’s no set process in place on how to deal with it.” Any developing clarity disappeared in May, when the Supreme Court ruled that clubs dispensing medical marijuana according to state laws could not use a “medical necessity” defense against federal anti-drug laws. The court noted that Congress declared that marijuana has no medicinal value. 

However, the justices said they specifically did not resolve such constitutional questions as whether states can experiment with their own laws, or whether individual Americans have a right to marijuana as a pain remedy. 

Medical marijuana advocates say insurers are treating the ruling as political cover despite these unresolved legal questions. “If an insurance company is looking for an excuse to save a few dollars and deny a claim, I suppose they can use the Supreme Court case as an excuse,” says Keith Stroup, executive director of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws. None of the major insurance companies questioned said they received new marijuana claims since the ruling. State Farm, citing federal law, will deny future claims, and the other insurers will give them renewed scrutiny, spokesmen said. 

“It’s clearly stated in the homeowners’ policy that we will not pay for illegal activities,” said Lonny Haskins, the State Farm spokesman. 

At least three other companies besides Allstate have paid claims on stolen medical marijuana in California. They include the California State Automobile Association, Travelers Indemnity Co., and OneBeacon, which made the payments when it operated as CGU California Insurance. 

In September 1999, Robert DeArkland of Fair Oaks became the first person known to be reimbursed for marijuana through household insurance. He received $6,500 from CGU California Insurance for 13 marijuana plants seized from his garage by sheriffs’ deputies. 

Other reimbursements haven’t been so smooth. 

Chris Miller haggled with Allstate over the value of 17 plants that Placer County sheriff’s deputies confiscated when they raided his Citrus Heights home in March 1999. He was exonerated of marijuana cultivation charges after claiming an exemption under Proposition 215, the 1996 California ballot measure that authorized medicinal marijuana. 

Wannamaker said Allstate first offered Miller $1,272, but later agreed to a $4,900 settlement 

In less than two years, the California State Automobile Association has made “less than six” such payments, according to Joe Ponkovich, CSAA’s manager of claims administration. 

One was to a Ukiah man who reported that his backyard plants were chopped down in September 1999. The man, an Air Force veteran who has a doctor’s recommendation to smoke marijuana for anxiety related problems, asked not to be identified to avoid drawing more attention from thieves. 

CSAA sent an investigator to talk to local deputies, who confirmed he was registered to grow the plants and had filed a police report. The Ukiah Cannabis Club helped assess the plants’ value. 

He made the claim at the suggestion of a police officer, and couldn’t believe it when he got a $2,500 check for his five plants. 

“You’ve got to go through the motions and the paperwork. And that’s what I did with the herb,” he said, pointing to the insurance documents that classified each 7-foot stalk under language protecting policyholders against a loss of up to $500 for “trees, shrubs and other plants.” 

The Ukiah man didn’t want to sound ungrateful, but he noted that the plants were undervalued. 

“Five hundred dollars on the outside would buy you 2 ounces,” he said. “Each one of these had a pound and a half. They were huge buds.” 

——— 

On the Net: 

http://www.norml.org/ 

http://www.allstate.com/Home/Home.asp 

http://www.statefarm.com/ 

http://www.csaa.com/index-anonym.asp 

http://www.travelers.com/ 

http://www.cguusa.com/ 

SAN FRANCISCO — Two environmental groups released a report and map that warn of the possible destruction to wildlands across the country if President Bush’s energy plan is approved. 

The groups are urging the U.S. House of Representatives not to approve the energy bill under consideration.  

The report and map come as the White House and congressional Republicans renewed intense lobbying for the Bush energy plan, and was released the same day Bush again called for drilling in an Arctic wildlife refuge. 

The Sierra Club’s map shows what the nation would look like if the 1,300 proposed new power plants were evenly spread across the country. 

“It looks like the country got a bad case of the chicken pox,” said Eric Wesselman, regional energy representative for the Sierra Club. 

The groups said the plan could increase air pollution, destroy wild areas and pose threats to neighborhoods with new nuclear reactors.  

They called on the Bush administration instead to focus on alternative forms of energy and conservation, and to take such action as increasing the fuel efficiency of sport-utility vehicles. 

The Wilderness Society’s report and map highlight 16 areas it says are representative of the wildlands that could be negatively affected by drilling for oil and natural gas.  

The areas include national forests and deserts, grasslands, canyons, basins and monuments across the country. 

“This proposal presents an incredibly narrow view,” said Dan Smuts, assistant regional director for the Wilderness Society. “Drilling in these areas would do nothing to solve our dependence on foreign oil.” 

Environmental groups have argued that increased drilling in these areas, most notably the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska, will not yield a substantial amount of oil or natural gas. 

“The modest payoff does not justify the damage that would be done to the air and wildlife and water quality,” Smuts said. 

But Bush said again Tuesday that he thinks the drilling could be done without harming the environment. 

The report warns that the California Coastal National Monument, which stretches the length of the state, is threatened by offshore drilling, as oil companies have 36 leases to drill for oil and natural gas off the coast.  

It also highlighted the Carrizo Plain National Monument, near Bakersfield, where drilling could take place. 

The Carrizo Plain holds the largest concentration of vertebrate endangered and threatened species in the world, Wesselman said, and drilling there would harm the delicate balance. 

“Clearly, we’re dependent on fossil fuels. We’re not saying we should get rid of the internal combustion engine,” he said. “We don’t need to drill for oil and natural gas in our nation’s most special wildlands.” 

In spring, Bush released his plan for increasing the nation’s energy supply, warning that gasoline and electricity prices could rise.  

The plan includes expanding oil and gas drilling on public land and focusing on nuclear power. 

The House energy package includes incentives for technology that would allow continued use of coal to produce power and would give tax breaks to those who buy hybrid gas-electric vehicles. It would also give tax breaks and favors to the coal, oil and nuclear industries. 

On the Net: 

http://www.wilderness.org 

http://www.whitehouse.gov/energy

SACRAMENTO — Democratic Gov. Gray Davis has raised $5.8 million this year for his re-election bid, bringing his campaign treasury to $30.5 million. 

Davis’ nearly million-dollar-a-month fund-raising pace was revealed Tuesday in a summary of a long-anticipated campaign finance report covering the first six months of the year, when the state was hit with rolling blackouts and Davis saw his popularity slide. 

According to the report, the Davis campaign brought in $5.8 million and spent $1.9 million with more than a year to go before the election. 

Davis’ contributions dwarfed those of his two Republican challengers. Secretary of State Bill Jones’s gubernatorial campaign received $930,000 during the same fund-raising period, while Los Angeles businessman William E. Simon Jr. took in $2.9 million. 

Former Los Angeles Mayor Richard Riordan has formed an exploratory committee but has not decided whether to run.  

Riordan, a wealthy businessman who has been encouraged by President Bush, is thought to be the most formidable rival, given Davis’ deep war chest and fund-raising skills. 

Davis’ chief campaign adviser Garry South said the governor raised money from “a broad-based group of donors.” 

Details of the contributors were not immediately available. 

Davis has been criticized for attending fund-raisers during the state’s worst  

energy crisis. 

South said the campaign canceled several fund-raisers and out-of-state trips during that period because of the governor’s duties during the power crunch. 

“We’ve still done pretty well this six months, but we would have done even better,” South said. 

Jones issued a statement Tuesday criticizing Davis’ “insatiable appetite for campaign contributions.” 

Meanwhile, Simon spokesman Jeff Flint said Davis “has raised the bar,” but that he is confident Simon can keep pace with the governor. 

South was unapologetic about the size of Davis’s campaign account. He said Davis will continue to solicit donations and said he expects Simon and Riordan, if he decides to run, to contribute large amounts of their own money. 

“We’ll be ready for whatever they throw at us,” South said. 

The Davis campaign spent some of the money on focus groups and opinion polls throughout his term in office, and Davis campaign aides launched his re-election campaign’s first radio ads in early July. 

The statewide ads, costing $150,000 a week, feature Davis thanking residents for conserving energy and discussing his approach to remedy the power crunch. 

On the Net: Campaign finance reports at http://cal-access.ss.ca.gov and Davis’ Web site at http://gray-davis.com/

SAN JOSE — A woman who repeatedly left her young children in the trunk of her car while she was at work – and once turned up the radio to drown out one boy’s cries – was sentenced to three months in jail and five months of home detention Tuesday. 

A tearful Rosemarie Radovan, 31, also was sentenced to five years of probation. She pleaded no contest in March to two counts of felony child endangerment. 

Radovan was arrested in November after a co-worker told police he heard her 5-year-old son crying while he and Radovan drove to get ice cream. Radovan turned up the car’s radio and kept driving – a fact that Judge Robert Ambrose said he found “particularly offensive.” 

Investigators determined that Radovan had left the boy and her other son, then 7, in the trunk as many as 10 times in a year while she worked at an electronics-manufacturing company in Santa Clara. 

On some occasions, the car’s back seat was lowered so the boys could crawl from the trunk into the passenger section, prosecutor Dan Nishigaya said. The children were never physically harmed, he said. 

Radovan cried and repeatedly apologized when she took the stand at her sentencing hearing Tuesday.  

The single mother said she has been in counseling and working on her parenting skills in hopes of someday being reunited with her sons, who have been living with her parents. 

“I know what I did was wrong,” Radovan said, breaking down in tears.  

“I’m sorry about that. I love my children so much.” 

Radovan could have been sentenced to more than seven years behind bars. Nishigaya asked the judge for a “minimal to moderate” sentence and said outside court that he felt the decision for eight months in custody  

was appropriate. 

Radovan was comforted by several relatives after the hearing and did not speak to reporters. The children were not in attendance. 

Radovan’s arrest raised questions about the ability of working-class parents to afford child care in Silicon Valley, where the cost of living remains exorbitant. Prosecutors, however, pointed out that Radovan was driving a new car.

WASHINGTON — Consumers, a key force keeping the economy afloat, spent vigorously in June despite rising layoffs and a volatile stock market. Incomes rose modestly. 

The Commerce Department reported Tuesday that consumer spending, which accounts for two-thirds of all economic activity, rose by a bigger-than-expected 0.4 percent in June, following a 0.3 percent rise in May. 

Americans’ incomes rose by a solid 0.3 percent, after a 0.2 percent increase the previous month. 

The spending and income figures aren’t adjusted for inflation. 

When consumer spending is adjusted for inflation, it rose by 0.2 percent, half as fast as the unadjusted 0.4 percent gain. 

One of the main factors that has kept the country from slipping into recession during the yearlong economic slowdown has been steady spending by consumers. 

Some economists worry that if the job market were to seriously weaken in the months ahead, spending might collapse, throwing the country into recession. 

The nation’s unemployment rate rose to 4.5 percent in June and businesses eliminated 114,000 jobs. Many economists are predicting the July jobless rate will climb to 4.7 percent and that another 38,000 jobs will be cut. The government will release the employment report Friday. 

Other analysts believe the country will be able to dodge a recession, predicting that tax-rebate checks and the Fed’s aggressive credit easing will lift economic growth later this year. 

The administration is also urging Congress to give it the negotiating authority it needs to strike new free-trade agreements as a way to boost economic growth. 

“Free trade is an antidote for our economic ills,” Commerce Secretary Donald Evans said Tuesday in commenting on the income and spending report. “We need more than open wallets. We need open markets. Trade promotion authority is needed now more than ever.” 

In an effort to avert the first recession in the United States in 11 years, the Federal Reserve has slashed interest rates six times this year, totaling 2.75 percentage points. Many economists believe the Fed will cut rates again at its next meeting, Aug. 21. 

In June, spending on durables rose by 1.5 percent, following a 0.2 percent drop in May. 

Spending on nondurables fell by 0.2 percent, after a 0.6 percent rise. 

Spending on services increased 0.4 percent in June, following a 0.2 percent gain. The services category includes such things as gas and electric utilities, visits to doctors, bus and train fares and rent for housing. 

None of the figures is adjusted for inflation. 

With the pace of spending outpacing income growth, the nation’s personal savings rate dipped to 1.1 percent in June, after a 1.2 percent reading in May. 

Annual revisions, based on better data, also released Tuesday resulted in improvements in monthly disposable income figures, which lifted the savings rate out of negative territory for January through May. 

Economists say the savings rate doesn’t provide a complete picture of household finances because it doesn’t capture gains realized from such things as higher real-estate values or from financial investments.

The Associated Press 

LOS ANGELES — Boeing Co. will move 1,100 engineering jobs in its international space station and space shuttle divisions from Southern California to Texas and Florida in an effort to cut costs and locate workers closer to customers, company officials said Tuesday. 

The move comes as NASA attempts to curtail an estimated $4 billion in overruns connected with the space station project. The agency also has trimmed space shuttle upgrades to save money. 

The relocation of Boeing employees – about 1,000 from a facility in Huntington Beach and another 100 from a Canoga Park plant – is designed to cut costs through consolidation. The move is expected to be completed by Nov. 1. 

Boeing officials stressed the move is also intended to move engineers closer to major customers like NASA and the United Space Alliance, which is building the space station. 

“I can’t find any reason on the planet why I don’t want to be nearer to my customer,” said Mike Mott, vice president of Boeing’s Human Space Flight & Exploration unit. “NASA likes having their contractors where they can see them, up close and personal.” 

Boeing now has about 7,000 employees at its Huntington Beach facility. The headquarters of its human space flight division will remain there. 

Employees who do not want to accept jobs in Houston or Kennedy Space Center in Florida will be given the chance to seek other Boeing jobs in Southern California. 

Most of the affected jobs are in engineering or other professional functions. Boeing officials declined to say how much they hope to save through the move, except that it could total millions of dollars. They also insisted the effort was not an attempt to cut jobs through attrition. 

Mott said worker reaction has been mixed. 

“I think my popularity has gone down slightly on the Huntington Beach campus overall,” he said. 

Boeing expects about one-third of the 1,100 Southern California employees to make the move. 

The firm’s current space station contract is worth about $9 billion. It picked up most of that work when it acquired McDonnell Douglas. 

Boeing got its shuttle contracts when it bought Rockwell International Corp.’s aerospace business. That work brings in roughly $500 million a year, company officials said. 

Earlier this year, Boeing said it would cut as many as 500 jobs at its rocket manufacturing plant in Huntington Beach, as the company concentrates those operations in Colorado and Alabama. 

In El Segundo, Boeing Satellite Systems is cutting 400 jobs, mostly in administrative staff, while planning to hire 200 engineers to meet growing demand for those systems. 

Boeing already has 2,500 employees at the Kennedy Space Center. 

“Florida’s strong business climate and labor force have essentially sealed the deal in bringing these space shuttle and international space station operations to Florida,” said Florida Gov. Jeb Bush. 

LOS ANGELES — Boeing Co. will move 1,100 engineering jobs in its international space station and space shuttle divisions from Southern California to Texas and Florida in an effort to cut costs and locate workers closer to customers, company officials said Tuesday. 

The move comes as NASA attempts to curtail an estimated $4 billion in overruns connected with the space station project. The agency also has trimmed space shuttle upgrades to save money. 

The relocation of Boeing employees – about 1,000 from a facility in Huntington Beach and another 100 from a Canoga Park plant – is designed to cut costs through consolidation. The move is expected to be completed by Nov. 1. 

Boeing officials stressed the move is also intended to move engineers closer to major customers like NASA and the United Space Alliance, which is building the space station. 

“I can’t find any reason on the planet why I don’t want to be nearer to my customer,” said Mike Mott, vice president of Boeing’s Human Space Flight & Exploration unit. “NASA likes having their contractors where they can see them, up close and personal.” 

Boeing now has about 7,000 employees at its Huntington Beach facility. The headquarters of its human space flight division will remain there. 

Employees who do not want to accept jobs in Houston or Kennedy Space Center in Florida will be given the chance to seek other Boeing jobs in Southern California. 

Most of the affected jobs are in engineering or other professional functions. Boeing officials declined to say how much they hope to save through the move, except that it could total millions of dollars. They also insisted the effort was not an attempt to cut jobs through attrition. 

Mott said worker reaction has been mixed. 

“I think my popularity has gone down slightly on the Huntington Beach campus overall,” he said. 

Boeing expects about one-third of the 1,100 Southern California employees to make the move. 

The firm’s current space station contract is worth about $9 billion. It picked up most of that work when it acquired McDonnell Douglas. 

Boeing got its shuttle contracts when it bought Rockwell International Corp.’s aerospace business. That work brings in roughly $500 million a year, company officials said. 

Earlier this year, Boeing said it would cut as many as 500 jobs at its rocket manufacturing plant in Huntington Beach, as the company concentrates those operations in Colorado and Alabama. 

In El Segundo, Boeing Satellite Systems is cutting 400 jobs, mostly in administrative staff, while planning to hire 200 engineers to meet growing demand for those systems. 

Boeing already has 2,500 employees at the Kennedy Space Center. 

“Florida’s strong business climate and labor force have essentially sealed the deal in bringing these space shuttle and international space station operations to Florida,” said Florida Gov. Jeb Bush. 

LOS ANGELES — Computer products distributor Ingram Micro Inc. reported a $12 million loss in its second quarter because of what it called soft demand throughout the information technology sector. 

The company reported a profit of $33.2 million during the same period last year. 

Losses per share were 8 cents in the quarter ending June 30, compared to earnings of 22 cents in the year-ago period. 

Analysts surveyed by Thomson Financial/First Call had expected losses of 3 cents a share in the most recent quarter. 

“This is a horrendous time in general for technology products and technology markets,” said analyst Shawn Milne of Wit SoundView. “As a whole, (Ingram) revenues are sort of at the high end of the warning range. What is important for investors is what Ingram has to say about the forward outlook.” 

The company had warned in June that it would break even at best during the quarter. At worst, it expected to lose $10 million. 

Net sales for the second quarter dropped 18 percent to $6.02 billion. 

The company, based in Santa Ana, is the largest distributor of computer products in the world and is listed as the 49th largest company in the United States by Fortune magazine. 

In a conference call with analysts, company officials described the financial environment for their industry as the worst ever. They also noted that Ingram had managed to cut $22 million in operating expenses in the second quarter. 

“We are determined to build on our leadership as the top technology distributor in the world,” said chief executive Kent Foster. 

In early June, the company said it planned to slash as many as 1,000 jobs in this country, or 6 percent of its worldwide work force, in hopes of saving as much as $40 million a year. The layoffs will result in closings of a distribution hub in Newark, Calif., and two facilities in Rancho Cucamonga and Santa Ana. 

The earnings announcement was made after markets closed Tuesday. Shares in Ingram Micro closed unchanged at $13.96. 

LOS ANGELES — Toyota Motor Corp. has forged a $100 million marketing alliance with Universal Studios that will link the auto maker with the promotion of theme parks, movies and other aspects of the giant entertainment company. 

The three-year deal allows Toyota to sponsor theme park attractions, place cars in movies and distribute music CDs featuring Universal artists through Toyota dealerships. 

Under the deal, which has an option for another two years, Toyota will pay a fee of about $100 million to Universal, said Stephanie Sperber, senior vice president of global alliances for Universal Studios. 

The agreement essentially positions Toyota as the official car of the entertainment company, which is owned by Vivendi Universal. 

The crux of the deal involves theme parks in California, Florida, Japan and Spain, where Toyota will sponsor several attractions. 

In the film realm, Toyota will have a “first look” agreement to place cars in Universal movies, allowing it to claim product placements before other auto makers. 

“The scope of this agreement is so large and extends across so many divisions that it is unlike most other alliances out there,” Sperber said. “The sponsorships traditionally stop with theme parks, but we have taken that concept and really blown it out.” 

The new acting manager of the Berkeley Housing Authority likes a challenge, a characteristic that will come in handy considering he has accepted the responsibility of saving the troubled housing agency from collapse. 

“I like the challenge of organizing or reorganizing housing programs,” Rick Mattessich said with an Italian accent over coffee at a local café last week. He paused for a moment and his demeanor suddenly became serious. “I’m not going anywhere until things run better.” 

It’s that type of commitment that has earned Mattessich a reputation as a trouble shooter for housing authorities in California, Oregon and Washington.  

Mattessich, 61, was born in what is now Croatia and was raised in northern Italy. He is a naturalized U.S. citizen, and after a five-year stint in the Air Force he received his Masters of Business Administration from Seattle University in 1971. 

He has lived in Berkeley since 1986 with his wife of 36 years, Carol. They have two grown sons Stefan, 36 and Anthony, 33. 

“We are very lucky he’s working with us,” said Housing Director Stephen Barton. “Rick is knowledgeable about housing issues and very much a no-nonsense, get-the-job-done kind of guy.” 

Mattessich, who has worked in housing for the last 22 years, most recently with the San Francisco Department of Housing and Urban Development, may be best known for organizing the Klamouth Tribal Housing Authority in 1995.  

The agency, run by three northern California tribes, was the first in the nation to establish a homeownership program with loans from private lenders.  

Mattessich, who has been at his new post for just over two months, may need to call on all of his skills and experience to save the BHA, which has had five directors or acting directors since 1991. The last acting director, Sheila Maxwell, quit in May six months after accepting the job.  

The BHA will, at the very least, need a substantial commitment of leadership if it’s going avoid dissolving. The BHA lost $255,000 last year and it is estimated it will lose about $260,000 this year, according to a July 24 housing department report.  

Barton said the agency has been plagued by poor organization that has resulted in the underleasing of Section 8 apartments. 

The report says the Department of Housing and Urban Development requires the BHA to lease 1,540 Section 8 units. As of June only 1,270 were leased. Because the BHA has not been able to achieve its target, its administration loses HUD subsidies that add up to about $700 annually for every unleased unit. 

HUD has given the BHA an April deadline to turn the organization around and reach its target goals. If it fails, there’s a good chance the agency will be dissolved by the Berkeley Housing Authority Board and its obligations absorbed by the Alameda County Housing Authority.  

In addition to poor organization, the agency has been troubled by the loss of leaseable units over the last year for a variety of reasons including landlords opting out of the program to capitalize on the lucrative rental market. 

The BHA was losing an average of 10 units a month at the beginning of the year. In the last three months, the trend has been reversed and during May and June, the BHA actually gained seven units, according to Barton. 

Even with the modest increase, Mattessich is faced with the challenge of increasing Section 8 leases to 1,540 by April, which will mean increasing the current gain of four leases per month to about 33 each month. 

Mattessich said he believes strongly that the agency can be saved. He said a critical part of his job is making others believe as he does. 

“I have to communicate that the Housing Authority will succeed,” Mattessich said. “You can’t accomplish anything significant without faith.” 

He said there are three types of people he will have to work with, a small, vocal minority who want the BHA to fail, another small minority who truly believe it can succeed and the majority who want the agency to succeed but don’t believe it can. 

“I want to turn their energy around to work for the BHA,” he said. “It will take the entire group.” 

Among the priorities Mattessich has set for the BHA is getting the city’s 61 units of public housing into shape. He said the BHA is working with the Department of Public Works and several other agencies to accomplish the task. 

“One of the first things I did was to have a comprehensive inspection of all public housing,” he said. “First we’ll take care of all the health and safety issues and then we will take care of all the deferred maintenance and modernize them.” 

Barton said Mattessich is goal oriented and that it will take aggressive goal setting and a strong commitment to get the BHA anywhere near solvency. Barton said Mattessich’s task it daunting and there’s no time for setbacks. 

“He has a lot to do in a very short time,” he said.

The biggest basketball tournament of the summer kicked off in Berkeley on Monday, and the home team managed to get through its first-round opponent despite some tired legs. 

Getting back from the adidas Big Time Tournament in Las Vegas at 6 a.m. Monday morning, most of the Slam ‘n Jam Soldiers I got less than six hours of sleep before hitting the floor at their own Elite 8x2 Tournament at RSF Fieldhouse on the Cal campus. Although they missed a lot of easy shots, they easily beat SSA Platinum, 80-57, to move on to the winners bracket of the tournament.  

“Oh, man, we played terrible,” Soldiers coach Mark Olivier said. “We were so tired today. But it’ll come together before long.” 

Oakland Tech’s Leon “The Show” Powe led the Soldiers with 17 points, but despite his nickname, Powe wasn’t the main attraction on Monday. That would be Ohio guard LeBron James, roundly considered the best prep player in the nation despite being only a junior. James didn’t have his shooting touch against SSA, missing well more than half of his shots, but his full-court game dazzled spectators, among them Stanford coach Mike Montgomery, UCLA coach Steve Lavin and Michigan State’s Tom Izzo. James put up 16 points, four steals, two blocks and five assists despite sitting for much of the second half. 

Soldiers coach Mark Olivier had the luxury of sitting his best player because the game turned into a rout early. His team took a 12-0 lead before SSA broke through with a free throw. James started the game on the bench, but immediately started the highlight reel when he entered the game, tossing a perfect alley-oop pass to teammate Marquis Kately for a thunderous jam that got the crowd on its feet. James followed that with an airball from 3-point range, but minutes later had a breakaway dunk, a steal and another dunk. 

While James had the most spectacular plays, Powe did the dirty work down low. He got two consecutive putbacks to give the Soldiers a 30-10 lead with six minutes remaining in the first half, muscling through the overmatched SSA big men. Then it was showtime once again, as James threw another alley-oop pass, this one off the backboard to Rekalin Sims, and St. Mary’s guard John Sharper finished with a steal and feed to Powe for yet another dunk. The score at halftime was 45-23 in favor of the hosts, and it was clear that they would be moving on to the winners bracket. 

The second half was lackadasical at best, with both teams struggling to make their shots and numerous fouls halting the action every few seconds. SSA’s Josh Davis was the one opponent who didn’t look intimidated by the highlight reel going on around him, as he attacked the basket with authority and made several 3-pointers. Davis led all scorers with 22 points, giving him nearly half his team’s total. 

“Man, we were just tired out there today,” Sharper said. “But it’s fun being back here on my home court, with our fans cheering for us.” 

The Soldiers will take on the Houston Superstars today at 8 p.m. The losers bracket games will run from 3:30-6:30 p.m., with the winners bracket following. 

NOTES: Powe’s Oakland Tech teammate Armando Surratt scored 23 points for 805 in a 76-54 loss to the Superstars. The senior point guard was the best player on the floor, but didn’t get enough help to pull out a win... EBO point guard Richard Midgely, who has verbally committed to Cal, isn’t playing in the tournament. A native of England, Midgely is getting in a visit back home before starting his senior year at Modesto Christian... The Illinois Style, featuring Duke signee Sean Dockery, was a last-minute cancellation for financial reasons, Olivier said.

Tuesday, July 31

Berkeley Camera Club  

7:30 p.m. 

Northbrae Community Church  

941 The Alameda  

Share your slides and learn what other photographers are doing. Monthly field trips. 

Call Don, 525-3565 

Wild Women Travel Writers 

7:30 p.m. 

Easy Going Travel Shop and Bookstore 

1385 Shattuck Avenue 

An evening with members of the Wild Women Travel Writers’ Group, authors of “Wild Writing Women: Stories of World Travel,” will read from their book and conduct a panel discussion on the “Art of Travel Writing.” Free. 

843-3533 

Writing and Resistance In A  

Culture of Amnesia 

6 - 7:45 p.m. 

La Peña Cultural Center 

3105 Shattuck Avenue 

Classroom #2 

Part of a workshop series on concepts and strategies for resistance through the spoken and written word, taught by Joyce E. Young. $12. 

849-2568 www.lapena.org 

Berkeley Farmers’ Market 

2 - 7 p.m. 

Derby Street at MLK Jr. Way 

548-3333 

Free Early Music Group 

10 - 11:30 a.m. 

North Berkeley Senior Center 

1901 Hearst Ave. (at MLK) 

Small group sings madrigals and other voice harmony every Tuesday morning. Call Ann, 655-8863 

Free Computer Class for Seniors 

9 - 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 - 3 p.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, call ahead for a reservation. 644-6109 

Wednesday, Aug. 1

The LHS 500: Virtual  

Racecars 

Noon - 2 p.m. 

Lawrence Hall of Science 

UC Berkeley 

Part of the Lawrence Hall of Science Wednesday FUN-days. Build and test drive a virtual racecar to find out what makes an efficient vehicle. Museum admission $3 - $7.  

642-5132 

Berkeley Communicator Toastmasters Club 

7:15 a.m. 

Vault Cafe 

3250 Adeline 

Learn to speak with confidence. Ongoing first and third Wednesdays each month. 

527-2337 

Extreme Pizza’s  

Grand Opening 

5:30 p.m. 

2352 Shattuck Ave. 

Mayor Shirley Dean will be cutting the ribbon with her Golden Shears to welcome Extreme Pizza to Berkeley. There will be a comedy show at 8:30 p.m. featuring 10 local comedians including Tommy Devine and Leslie Choler. The evening will be hosted by Tony Sparks.  

486-0770 

Berkeley Metaphysical  

Toastmasters Club  

6:15 - 7:30 p.m.  

2515 Hillegass Ave.  

Public speaking skills and metaphysics come together. Ongoing first and third Thursdays each month.  

Call 869-2547 

Quit Smoking Class 

6 - 8 p.m. 

South Berkeley Senior Center 

2939 Ellis Street 

A six week quit smoking class. 

Free to Berkeley residents and employees. 

Call 644-6422 or email at: quitnow@ci.berkeley.ca.us 

Ancient Native Sites of the East Bay 

7:30 p.m. 

Room 160 Kroeber Hall, University of California Campus 

A panel discussion on ancient sites featuring Sandra Sher, freelance historian and author of The Native Legacy of Emeryville; Richard Schwartz, author of Circle of Stones and Berkeley 1900; Perry Matlock, native advocate and volunteer with the International Indian Treaty Council; and Randy Grandin, explorer of West Contra Costa County native sites. Stephanie Manning, moderator. $10 841-2242 

Salsa Dance Classes 

7:30 p.m. 

Berkeley Richmond Jewish Community Center 

1414 Walnut St. 

Classes every Thursday with live percussionists, light refreshments, DJ playing Latin music. $10 or $15 for two. 

237-9874 

Adventuring With Kids 

7 p.m. 

REI 

1338 San Pablo Avenue 

Karen and Paul Amstutz share stories and slides of family adventures with their one- and three-year-old daughters. Free. 

527-4140 

Free Computer Class for Seniors 

9 - 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 - 3 p.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, call ahead for a reservation. 644-6109 

Thursday, Aug. 2

Free Computer Class for Seniors 

9 - 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 - 3 p.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, call ahead for a reservation. 644-6109 

Community Environmental Advisory Commission 

7 p.m. 

Planning and Development Department - First Floor Conference Room 2118 Milvia St. 

Assistance to enter is available. Residential Woodburning, Harrison Street Skate Park update, Arsenic in playgrounds - follow up, Diesel Generators, Recycling of Universal Waste, Microwaves - update, Review of Radiological Licenses, Notification to public for potential impact from offsite groundwater pollution, Recycling batteries, Takara Sake – Emergency response.  

Friday, Aug. 3

Therapy for Trans Partners  

6 - 7:30 p.m.  

Pacific Center for Human Growth  

2712 Telegraph Ave. (at Derby)  

A group open to partners of those in transition or considering transition. The group is structured to be a safe place to receive support from peers and explore a variety of issues, including sexual orientation, coming out, feelings of isolation, among other topics. Intake process required. Meeting Fridays through August 17.  

$8 - $35 sliding scale per session  

Call 548-8283 x534 or x522 

Saturday, Aug. 4

Free Sailboat Rides  

1 - 4 p.m. 

Cal Sailing Club 

Berkeley Marina 

The Cal Sailing Club, a non-profit sailing and windsurfing cooperative, give free rides on a first come, first served bases on the first full weekend of each month. Wear warm clothes and bring a change of clothes in case you get wet. Children must be at least five years old and must be accompanies by an adult.  

Visit www.cal-sailing.org  

Robert Bowman 

7 - 9 p.m. 

Friends Church 

1600 Sacramento St. (@ Cedar)  

Retired Air Force and NASA Official and Presidential Candidate, Dr. Robert Bowman will speak out against the weaponization of space. Following the rally there will be a procession to the gates of the Livermore Lab for a nonviolent, risk arrest action. For details call Livermore Conversion Project, 663-8065. 

Animal Picnic Family  

Workshop 

10 - 10:50 a.m.  

and 11 - 11:50 a.m. 

Lawrence Hall of Science 

UC Berkeley 

Touch and hold a variety of animals and see how they eat their lunch. For children ages 3 - 8 and an accompanying adult. Registration required, $8 - $25. 642-5132 

Berkeley Farmers’ Market 

10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. 

Center Street between Martin Luther King Jr. Way and Milvia Street. An opportunity to sample the whole range of tomato varieties at the Market. Also, the Grand Opening of the Food Court. 548-3333 

Poetry Reading 

3 - 5 p.m. 

1527 Virginia Street (one block from N. Berkeley BART) 

The Bay Area Poets Coalition presents an open poetry reading outdoors on the front lawn. For more information call 527-9905 or 845-8409 or poetalk@aol.com 

Bay Area Eco-Crones 

10:30 a.m. - Noon 

Epworth Church, Youth Room 

1953 Hopkins 

Discuss ecological significance of mushrooms and bats; plan rituals for habitat restorations projects. 874-4935 or 527-4582 

Foster Parent  

Certification Class 

10 a.m. - 3 p.m. 

South Branch Library 

1901 Russell St. (at MLK) 

This class will cover all aspects of Foster Parenting and is open to anyone interested in attending. Free.  

For more information call Bob at 641-6200 or nailahfs@pacbell.net. 

Don’t let UC suppress truth 

The Daily Planet received a copy of this letter sent to various faculty and administrative UC Berkeley staff. 

I wish to draw your attention to the extraordinary effort of the U.S. Government, at the urging of the CIA, to withdraw an already published and distributed volume of the Foreign Relations of the United States. I hope you will help persuade University of California Library not to collaborate in this clumsy effort at truth suppression, which mimics the ludicrous games the U.S.S.R. played with the Soviet Encyclopaedia in the 1930s. 

As is pointed out in the attached article from the Los Angeles Times, (not included in the Daily Planet) the FRUS volume “details the U.S. role” in the bloody Indonesian Army massacre of 1965, in which perhaps a million Indonesian leftists and their families were killed.  

The effort to suppress the facts here cannot succeed, because the National Security Archive has already posted the FRUS volume on the Web, at http://www.gwu.edu/~nsarchiv/NSAEBB/NSAEBB52/ 

Peter Dale Scott 

professor, UC Berkeley 

Approval process flawed 

Editor: 

I am disappointed by the process that surrounded Tuesday night’s Council decision to deny a public hearing to the residents of the neighborhood in which a 5-story, 71-unit building of unknown height is to be built at Acton Street and University Avenue. The project exceeds several development standards provided by the applicable area plan. There appears to be questions of flawed procedure in noticing meetings, and questionable time-lines which led to zoning hearings with only three weeks and then one night before the expiration of the Permit Streamlining Act review period, leaving little to no time to consider neighborhood concerns and explore mitigations. 

Moreover, it is clear that the city does not understand its obligations with respect to the state’s density bonus law (Gov. Code 65915). It has neither yet adopted an ordinance specifying “the method of providing developer incentives,” nor established residential densities in conformance with state law for more than six of the 18 zoning districts that have a residential component. So the discussion about bonuses for this project was marred by the fact that there is no residential density standard set for the C-1 district in which the 1392 University Ave. project is located.  

Furthermore, planning staff and councilmembers are confused about the difference between “bonuses” and “concessions.” A bonus is an additional percentage of units (plus at least one concession) above that established for a zone – impossible when no limit has been established. In the absence of a bonus, the state requires incentives of “equivalent financial value based upon the land cost per dwelling unit,” which by my calculation comes to a total of $11,267.60. This is in addition to the incentive of the public land, variously valued at something between $700,000 and $1.5 million, to be transferred to the developers for $40,000, in return for the 20 affordable units offered by the project. For all the hand-wringing about providing a required bonus, no “bonus” was ever offered by the city. Instead, numerous concessions were granted on height, floor-count, set-back, parking, open space, among others – equal, I suspect, to far more than the law required.  

And this give-away (difficult to describe in any other terms) was to a team of developers in which the principal partner is a commercial firm (as opposed to a nonprofit) which never offered substantive proof that this array of concessions, which significantly modified the zone’s standards provided in the University Avenue Strategic Plan, were necessary to the project’s basic economic feasibility. These concessions of public resources must certainly have improved the profit margins of at least one commercial developer, however.  

I support affordable housing, and in significant quantities. I am dubious, however, that riding rough-shod over a neighborhood’s concerns about elements of the project constitutes good government or wise public policy. I question the integrity of the city’s process by which public resources are traded for the acquisition of housing, troubled by the propriety of undue private gain that could result. Berkeley needs to make the process transparent and equitable, so that neighbors, developers, planning staff and council alike understand the rules and guidelines. Conforming to state law would be a good start. Getting around to implementing the applicable area plan, adopted five years ago, would also be sensible. The public deserves to know what it is getting, the real cost, and the justification for setting aside established, legally-binding plans.  

Howie Muir 

Berkeley 

Why public transit fails 

Editor: 

Once again, here in the Bay Area, the Environmental Protection Agency is on our case about our bad air. Traffic in Berkeley is horrible; downtown businesses want to fix it by having the city build more parking, so we get more cars. 

Too many people are still driving. Their trips have not been captured by public transit. In that sense, public transit is a failure. 

Public policy has been encouraging urban sprawl. If we could live more densely and economically, people could be near their jobs. Public transit works best where people and businesses are densely packed. Places like New York and London have good public transit, because they have to. 

The people in the Bay Area claim to be “environmental,” that we have a consensus that congestion and pollution constitute a problem, and that it’s getting worse, and that we ought to do something about it. But so-far that ‘something’ doesn’t seem to involve enough cutting back on cars.  

There are many excuses for not riding public transit: It’s too slow; it doesn’t run near where I live; I need a car to carry kids; I need to do shopping on the way home; my time is valuable.I shouldn’t spend an hour and a half to get to work when I could drive in 20 minutes; it costs too much - to travel from anywhere to downtown Berkeley, the round trip cost for AC transit would be at least $3 a day. 

Well, not really. If one buys the $49 AC Transit 31-day pass, and averages one round-trip per day, including weekends, the cost is less than 80 cents per day. 

People spend plenty of time goofing off at work. There are coffee breaks, and just idle chit-chat. That time is just as “valuable” as time on the bus. Some people use transit riding time for reading or study. Most people drive alone, and are not hauling luggage. Shopping can be done using a bus, too. Service in the suburbs is inadequate because the people who live there do not demand adequate transit. Transit can be fast if it’s built that way. We could have bus rapid transit with bus-only lanes and an integrated network of feeder buses and shuttle vans. We don’t have these things, because we don’t demand them. 

These are just excuses, anyway. People won’t ride public transit because of their attitudes and habits. The biggest objection the time transit takes would be eliminated if we had more reliable transit, and most of us made use of it. 

Without consistently reliable bus service, it seems futile to call for a mass shift from cars to transit. AC is still dropping a lot of runs; the bus riders can see this. When buses are late, or just don’t show up, those with the option to drive feel justified in doing so.  

Here in Alameda County, we just passed the new Measure B, with a big budget for public transit starting in April 2002. That money needs to be spent keeping the buses on time and putting an end to the practice of dropped runs for lack of resources. We should have more local feeder buses, so that more people will use the bus.  

We’ll get the kind of transit we really need if we the people demand it – all of us, not just the few transit advocates. We should use advertising to promote transit. People ride BART to the A’s games and to Pac Bell Park. Advertising was used to promote both of those. The MTC should start a department to coordinate ad campaigns – TV, newspapers. Advertising is what got us into this car culture trap in the first place. Let’s use it to get us out. 

Steve Geller 

Berkeley 

Written in 1956 “The Great Sebastians” is an infrequently produced and not very well-known play by the famed Broadway writing team of Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse.  

Crouse and Lindsay are best known for their book of the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical “Sound of Music,” and for their book of the Cole Porter musical “Anything Goes.” 

Actors Ensemble of Berkeley, interested in doing a play that you probably haven’t seen before, is currently running a community theater production of “The Great Sebastians” at Live Oak Theater. 

“The Great Sebastians” is part comedy and part political mystery and intrigue. Set in 1948, in newly communist, post-World War II Prague, Czechoslovakia, the play features a bickering show business couple that tours Europe doing a phony, high-end vaudeville mind-reading act. When the English Effie Sebastian (Trish Tillman) and her Czech husband Rudi Sebastian (Dan Wilson) are invited to a communist general’s (Bradford Guthrie) dinner party to perform their mind-reading act, they suddenly find themselves tangled in a political intrigue. 

Actors Ensemble has mounted a decent community production of “The Great Sebastians,” though there are problems with the script of this lumbering and creaky comedy potboiler. 

For one, the central characters of the Sebastians are snooty, greedy, pretentious and dishonest, so it’s hard to like them, and hard to care about what happens to them. 

The story itself is an unsophisticated political cliché, with predictable story reversals, and filled with familiar jokes about communist bureaucracy.  

The device of phony mind reading, which is the couple’s show biz vocation, never really connects with the play’s political story, though it seems like there would be an opportunity to do that in this story of political illusion, if the playwrights had thought about it more carefully. Finally, the whole adventure ends rather abruptly. This Berkeley production grew on me as the evening rolled on, and I ended up enjoying myself. The experience was like flipping on the tube at one in the morning, finding an old black and white melodrama from the mid-1940s that I’d never seen before, and getting slowly pulled into the story. 

My early disappointment dissipated, and the obvious efforts and industry of 22-year-old director Rachel J. Hefler and her earnest cast won me over. 

Among the actors, Tillman’s giddy, snooty Grande-Dame-manquée Essie is the evening’s warmest performance. Her bottomless high-speed banter with Wilson has charm. Guthrie has some nice moments as the rough-edged communist General Zandek, who hires the Sebastians as a party act, perhaps to sniff out a traitor. Gary Dailey effectively creates two distinct characters in two quite different roles, one as a tightly-wound communist-party political problem fixer, and the other as a nervous, gushing theater producer. Will Green is an ominous, smarmy political officer. Irina Mikhalevich is amusing in a small part as a dizzy communist trophy wife. 

Because this is an 18-character play, you will likely never see a revival of this show at a professional theater, where the cost per actor is $600 or $700 a week for rehearsals and performances. 

Kudos to Actors Ensemble for giving Berkeley an opportunity to see a lost part of theater history right in our own back yard. 

Planet theater reviewer John Angell Grant has written for “American Theater,” “Backstage West,” “Callboard” and other publications. E-mail him at jagplays@yahoo.com.

When the City Council approved the broad outline for an ambitious mixed-used development on the site of the Oxford Street parking lot last week, one of the questions that remained unanswered was just what mix of uses the development should serve.  

Performance arts groups around the Bay Area are hoping the council will approve plans, in the end, that would allow the building to serve as a regional center for performance arts.  

Mickey Tenenbaum, chairman of the Berkeley Performing Arts Center, a group that has lobbied off and on for the creation of a major performing arts center in Berkeley since 1975, argues that to do this the Oxford Street development would need at least three theaters: a small “black box” theater, a 100-seat theater, and a 420-seat theater that could become the permanent home for local institutions like the San Francisco-based George Coates Performance Work theater group and the Berkeley Opera. 

But, so far at least, city officials have set much more modest goals for the arts component of the Oxford Street development. A plan approved by the Planning Commission last month called for a maximum of 10,000 square feet of arts space, whereas Tenenbaum says that, to do three theaters and visual arts space, the building would need around 30,000 square feet dedicated to the arts. 

At the behest of Councilmember Linda Maio, the council will at least study the possibility of a larger arts space in the months ahead. And Tenenbaum and others have sworn to continue their fight for more performance arts space. 

George Coates, artistic director of George Coates Performance Works and a Berkeley resident, said a performance arts venue needs at least 300 seats to have any hope of being financially self-sufficient, particularly in the era of dot-com-driven real estate prices. 

As Coates put it, “You can’t sing for your dinner unless you have more than 300 seats.” 

Coates said a 400-seat theater operating in tandem with a 100-seat theater is the ideal arrangement, because the two together would produce enough revenue to cover operating costs. Furthermore, said Coates, working out of the same building, theater groups could share mailing lists and otherwise collaborate to promote their productions, helping to keep the seats full. As the center’s reputation for strong performance arts grew, all the groups associated would benefit, Coates said.  

For models, he points to the Walnut Creek Regional Arts Center, or the development of the Jack London Square area with its growing array of Jazz music venues. The more choices, the bigger the crowds, he said. 

Any night of the week, said Coates, “you can go to Jack London Square and there will be something for you to listen to.” 

If nothing else, by being associated with such a successful regional arts center, small theater groups would have much better luck generating significant grant support, Coates added.  

Tenenbaum said his group has heard from 35 Bay Area theater groups that have voiced support for the idea of an Berkeley Performance Arts theater 

“There are just dozens of top notch theater groups in the Bay Area that are struggling, partly because that’s the nature of theater, but partly because they just don’t have venues to perform in,” Tenenbaum said. 

Berkeley has its share of such “nomadic” theater groups – groups that move from performance space to performance space, dangling a dogged group of loyal followers along with them if they’re lucky. 

The Central Works Theater Ensemble is one such group. Last week Central Works Co-director Jan Zvaifler publicly voiced the group’s support for the idea of a two theater or more performance arts space at the Oxford lot site. 

Since its founding 11 years ago, the Central Works Theater Ensemble seems to have spent nearly as much time looking for space as it has workshopping and performing original plays – plays that have earned it a loyal following of 1,400 people, by Zvaifler’s estimate. 

The group begins with an idea, like “Women who kill,” and then brings in actors, writers and directors to research and generally brainstorm around the theme for several weeks until a play takes shape. The “women who kill” theme lead to “Roux,” a play that dealt with domestic violence, incest and dark sides to family life. 

At first, Central Works, like many Berkeley Theater groups, performed in the basement of La Val’s Pizza parlor on Durant Avenue.  

“That space is booked non-stop, because that’s what we’ve got,” Zvaifler said. 

After contending with conditions such as a doorless dressing room and the sounds of kegs being pounded into place overhead during their performances, Central Works tried several other places, ranging from a storefront in Oakland to UC Berkeley’s Durham Studio Theater. But each place had its own drawbacks. Durham theater was a beautiful venue, Zvaifler said, but the group’s regular audience seemed more than a little put out by having to find parking and the navigate the huge university campus to get to the theater. 

The group ended up back at La Val’s a couple of years ago – until an opportunity came up to move into a former women’s clothing store on Sacramento Street, near Dwight Way. Affordable Housing Associates, the developer that owns the building, is willing to rent it out at very reasonable rates until the end of next year, when they plan to demolish the building to make way for a housing project. 

After months of wading through the city bureaucracy to get a zoning permit to change the building’s use, Central Works finally got final approval from the Zoning Adjustments Board last week. With some pro bono assistance from Ratcliff Architects, the group is trying to come up with an affordable plan to open a 40-seat theater in the old Outback store by October. Anything larger would require seismic upgrades and other alterations the group can’t afford. 

Still, Zvaifler is excited about the possibility of one of the most productive seasons in the group’s history. Plans call for squeezing six full shows into a little more than one year. 

“Typically we don’t have a season,” Zvaifler said. “Typically, we’re desperately looking for space. The search for space sort of drives everything you do.” 

“You grow your audience. It’s not like there’s an audience out there or there isn’t one.”

When she opened the Stained Glass Garden in 1976, Joan McLean probably didn’t intend to stay in business for 25 years. But artists and art-lovers in Berkeley and beyond say they are glad she has. 

The airy, white, upper reaches of the store’s space – always crowded with colored glass and light – could not have been more crowded Friday night than the feet-covered floor beneath. Bubbling with talk and drink, guests came to celebrate a store, a rare combination of artistic craft and retail product, and the woman who made it all possible. 

The Stained Glass Garden was the first retail store on Fourth Street in west Berkeley, and it got started mainly because, inspired by visits to some of the great cathedrals of Europe, McLean and her friends would get together in her garage and make stained glass windows.  

The garage just wasn’t big enough. 

“We wanted to be able to afford the glass, and it was cheaper to set up a business and get a retail license and teach our friends,” said Mel Honowitz. 

Back then, Fourth Street was a bit different.  

“The only (commercial space) in this area that was of any note back in the ’70s was Spenger’s,” he said. “The rest of it was just old buildings that had fallen down.”  

Mayor Shirley Dean had evidence of how far the area has come. 

“The Fourth Street shopping area has been declared, by Metropolitan (Home Magazine), as one of the 10 best shopping areas in the United States,” Dean said, “and that really has a lot to do with people like Joan (McLean).” 

What makes the Stained Glass Garden all the more remarkable, is that, when an area flourishes as much as Fourth Street has, it usually doesn’t bode well for the first small shops there at the beginning, said Gillian Herbert, who also owns a stained-glass retail establishment.  

About eight years ago the affluence of the Fourth Street district began to challenge the financial stability of the Stained Glass Garden, McLean said, and at that time, it became clear that some business changes had to be made.  

“For me (the artistic side of) this job is easy, because I have the art background with composition and color,” she said. “The thing I had to learn was how to manage and run a business and be an extrovert when I’m basically an introvert.” 

McClean did it. And not only did the Stained Glass Garden maintain its rightful place at a sought-after location, it did so with its rather unorthodox product.  

“I don’t know of any other stained glass store that’s been open for 25 years,” said Peter Dunk, a stained glass artist who teaches at the store. “That’s a good record. It’s proven to be a real success story.” 

Gillian Herbert isn’t surprised, though the picture she draws of McLean is not that of the typical business person. Herbert worked at the Stained Glass Garden for a while, and spoke of the day she told McLean of her plans to open her own shop, also in the Bay Area. 

“I had a certain amount of trepidation,” Herbert said, “since I was going to be maybe perceived as a competing business.” 

But McClean wasn’t at all angry, Herbert said; instead she smiled, saying how glad she was that working at the Stained Glass Garden had had such a positive impact on Herbert and her artistic growth. 

“For me that just kind of summed up the ethics of Joan McLean, and how she moves through the world,” Herbert said. “That she very much looks for the other person’s good, being fair in how she works with them.” 

Herself a stained-glass artist, though now only part time, Herbert shared the thing she most loves about creating stained glass. 

“What I enjoy about it is the immediacy,” she said. “With so much of the work we do in our culture today, we don’t see the end result.” 

With her store of artwork, McClean has.  

The Associated Press 

OAKLAND — BART officials sent a letter Monday to Gov. Gray Davis asking for a 60-day cooling-off period for one of its unions that had threatened to strike. 

The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 3993 said last week it would strike if Bay Area Rapid Transit officials did not come up with a “meaningful” proposal.  

The local is the smallest of the three BART unions and the only one not bound by the cooling-off period that expires at midnight Sept. 3. 

“We believe this is the best course of action to take at this time to remove any uncertainty for our riders, the public, and our employees, as well as, to remove the continual distractions being caused to the bargaining process by AFSCME’s threats,” said Willie B. Kennedy, BART’s board president. 

While wages and benefits separate BART from its two largest unions, the dispute with AFSCME is over which BART jobs are covered by the union. 

AFSCME president Norma del Mercado said the announcement came as a surprise. 

“It seems ludicrous they would ask for a cooling off period now when they had a chance to do it weeks ago,” del Mercado said.  

“We were waiting for a meaningful proposal and instead we were hit with a letter they had sent to the governor.” 

Del Mercado said the union and BART officials continued their negotiations Monday. 

Whether or not the union strikes will depend on the result of the talks and Davis’ response to BART’s request. 

Davis’ office has received the letter and will set up a fact-finding panel, said spokeswoman Susan Gard. 

The unions’ contracts expired June 30. Employees have worked without a contract since then. 

BART’s two biggest unions – Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1555 and Service Employees International Union Local 790, which represent about 2,500 train operators, station agents, maintenance, professional and clerical workers – are already banned from striking during the cooling-off period.

With at least one BART union ready to strike, the Daily Planet stopped people at the downtown Berkeley BART station and asked them: What would happen to you if BART stopped service because of a union walk out? How do you think the negotiations should be resolved?  

Ami Moe, Richmond: 

“If BART shut down, I’d probably be out of a job. It would probably add a two-hour commute to my day. The management is trying to monopolize the funds, all the workers want is a day’s pay for a day’s work.” 

Leroy Staples, Oakland: 

“I ride my bike everywhere, unless it’s a long distance, but if BART shut down I would have to ride the bus more. The workers get paid pretty well, but they work hard; they work a lot of hours, they should be paid more.” 

Jamal Muhammad, Berkeley: 

“I would have a longer commute to work, I would have to figure out a bunch of other stuff, it would be a huge struggle. The workers enjoy good pay and good benefits, but I can understand them wanting more. I just hope they keep it running.” 

Jeff Loew, Berkeley: 

“If the BART workers went on strike, it would really affect the way I spend my personal time; since I’m not commuting to work right now, weekends are when it would affect me the most. I don’t know what all the terms are, but I am generally pro-union and I think management is trying to gradually squeeze out workers’ rights.” 

The University of California at Berkeley announced this week that a project it is leading to research and develop energy savings methods for the state and the nation is to receive $100 million in state funding. 

The project, Center for Information Technology Research in the Interest of Society (CITRIS), received $20 million for this year, with a $100 million commitment overall.  

Already one emerging project idea is to outfit buildings with wireless sensor networks to monitor energy use - technology a university spokesman says could save California as much $8 billion in energy costs and 5 million metric tons of carbon each year. 

CITRIS is a partnership between the University of California campuses at Berkeley, Santa Cruz, Davis and Merced. In 2002, CITRIS is to be one of the state's California Institutes for Science and Innovation, which are designed to conduct research in scientific fields critical to the state’s economic future.  

CITRIS has also received $250 million in support from business and industrial partners and other federal and state research grants. 

For a year and a half now, Jonas Marcos has known the life of a day laborer. 

Marcos, 35, came to the United States from Mexico in hopes of saving up money for a family he has not seen since leaving home. 

Before coming to the United States, Marcos thought that work was plentiful and he would have few obstacles. 

“I thought it would be easier,” Marcos said. “The truth is that it is very difficult to survive in this country.” 

The day laborer, or “jornalero” in Spanish, has had to worry about finding work along with making sure that he is paid by employers. 

In an expression of unity, Marcos, about 100 other day laborers and representatives of immigrant organizations gathered at California State University, Northridge over the weekend in an attempt to empower jornaleros. 

“The next step that we are going to take involves the consolidation of the National Day Laborers Organizing Network,” said coordinator Douglas Carranza on Sunday. 

Organizers discussed how the National Day Laborers Organizing Network will serve as the umbrella for the 18 organizations from New York to Los Angeles that gathered at the three-day meeting. Topics at the conference that concluded Sunday included a variety of day laborer concerns, such as the improvement of working conditions, the status of U.S. immigration policies and how to improve the perception of day laborers in the communities in which they work. 

“We’re sending out a message to the entire Latino community,” said Luis Manuel Pizana of the Portland, Ore.-based day laborers organization VOZ, which is Spanish for “voice.” 

The group wants day laborers to know that they have support no matter where in the country they may end up looking for work, Pizana said. 

In an expression of their unity Friday, about 40 day laborers met in suburban Agoura Hills to chant “Si se puede” at an intersection where employers often drive by and offer work. The National Day Laborer Organizing Network said local police often harass workers at the intersection. 

Several of the groups at the meeting are lobbying for the creation of a national day laborer union to set wage standards and provide health care for the estimated 2 million day laborers in the United States. 

The system is vulnerable to abuses since day laborers often serve at the whim of employers, who can refuse to pay if they claim the laborer didn’t meet the proper standards. 

Workers also don’t have health insurance, Social Security or disability benefits. 

The agenda for the weekend focused on developing a national organizing strategy to benefit the workers. 

“Every struggle advances little by little,” said Angelica Salas of the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles. 

This is one of those quiet periods before the action begins, or at least that is how the current economic lull is being viewed by some analysts. 

Investors are biding their time, waiting for the upturn they believe is in the works.  

Consumers aren’t especially active; though positive, confidence has been unchanged for three months, according to the University of Michigan. 

These are the summer doldrums. Though more action is probable, the Federal Reserve has largely completed its rate-cutting.  

Tax rebates are coming. Companies are slowly cleaning debris from their balance sheets. 

Measured by the Gross Domestic Product, the economy is napping. Second-quarter growth of just 0.7 percent was an eight-year low. Even inflation, only 1.7 percent in the second quarter,  

is nodding. 

President Bush probably echoed the feelings of millions when, during a recent meeting with Future Farmers of America, he described the economy as just “puttering along,” not as strong as it could be. 

Economists at consultant DRI-WEFA seem to agree. With monetary and fiscal stimuli now in place, they suggest “there is little to do except wait for the inventory correction to run its course and businesses to resume buying high-tech equipment and services.” 

In short, not much seems to be going on. But a great deal is. 

There is a widespread feeling that we Americans botched a good thing when we greedily expected more from an economy that was almost a decade old. 

Seen and better understood in retrospect, as most debacles are, there’s a pervasive feeling that a little restraint would have prolonged the great expansion, but that now we’ve learned our lesson. 

There is anticipation. You can read in the analyses of economists and in stock market commentary, and hear it at social gatherings.  

It’s there in Fed and White House statements. Optimism outscores pessimism 10 to 1. 

There’s a widespread belief that the great semiconductor and Internet world is destined to resume its growth, bringing with it even greater wonders, even if few dare to say when the resumption will begin. 

The comments have a common theme, that a downturn is nature’s remedy for excesses, and that rather than dwell on how terrible things are, plans should be made for the recovery that surely will follow. 

This is especially surprising in the wake of the great storm that scattered thousands of companies to the wind, that erased between $4 trillion and $5 trillion of stock valuations, and that decimated 401(k)s. 

Optimism hasn’t drowned. Plans are being made.  

The troops are assembling for the battle, including those whose wounds haven’t healed from the collapse of the semiconductor markets. 

For value oriented investors, a cyclical downturn in the semiconductor equipment industry is a great opportunity, says Mitali Prasad of David L. Babson & Co. 

“More investors are following this sector closely and nobody wants to miss the next move in these stocks — which they believe will be huge, as in the past,” he writes.  

“Those who bought in 1991 made up to 10 times on their investments by 1995, and even the brief rally in 1997 led to a tripling of these stocks’ prices.” 

The memories, it seems, are selective. What’s remembered by these investors, it appears, is not the lost equity but the lost opportunity. 

John Cunniff is a business analyst  

for The Associated Press

SAN FRANCISCO — Continuing to spurn once-irresistible Internet entrepreneurs, venture capitalists invested $10.6 billion in start-ups during the second quarter, a 61 percent drop from the same time last year, according to industry statistics released Monday. 

The investment community’s deepening disillusionment with the much-vaunted New Economy accounted for the dramatic turnaround from last year’s second quarter when venture capitalists invested $27.2 billion, according to the research firm Venture Economics and the National Venture Capital Association, an industry trade group. 

Of last year’s total, more than one-third of the venture capital money, $9.3 billion, went to start-ups whose business plans hinged on the Word Wide Web. In this year’s second quarter, Internet start-ups attracted $3 billion in venture capital, a 68 percent decline from last year. 

Venture capitalists’ flight from the Internet deflated Northern California’s Silicon Valley – ground zero for the New Economy. Venture capital investment in Northern California plummeted 66 percent from $9.28 billion last year to $3.14 billion in this year’s second quarter. 

As Internet companies fell out of favor, biotechnology became more alluring to venture capitalists. Start-ups focused on medical sciences, health and biotechnology received $1.47 billion in venture capital in this year’s second quarter, a 37 percent increase from the $1.07 billion invested a year ago. 

The growing fascination with genomics and other promising biotechnology fields hasn’t been enough to keep venture capitalists out of the same funk dragging down the entire technology industry. 

“This is the most difficult environment I have experienced in my entire career,” said New Enterprise Associates general partner Tom McConnell, a Silicon Valley venture capitalist since 1985. 

Besides nursing their portfolio of ailing companies, venture capitalists also face the challenge of finding suitable investments for the remaining $40 billion that they raised from pension funds and colleges in the last year. 

“Some of these venture capitalists are in between a rock and a hard place,” said Bill Hutchison, global director of technology for Andersen Business Consulting. “Their investors don’t want the money to sit around doing nothing, but on the other hand, they don’t want the money to go into things that aren’t going to make a cent.” 

Venture capital investments have been dwindling since hitting a peak of $28.6 billion in last year’s third quarter and most people in the industry expect the trend to last at least through the rest of this year and perhaps even through 2002. 

Even so, 2001 still will rank among the venture capital industry’s biggest investment sprees. Through the first half of the year, venture capitalists had invested $22.8 billion, more than any other entire year besides 1999 and 2000. Enticed by the Internet mania, venture capitalists invested $58.8 billion in 1999 followed by $103.3 billion last year. 

Some of those recent investments, though, are coming back to haunt venture capitalists as the market values of unprofitable dot-coms plunged. Accustomed to annual investment returns of at least 20 percent, the average venture capital firm suffered a 6.7 percent loss in the one-year period ending March 31, the worst performance in the industry’s history. 

Despite the recent jitters, venture capitalists are still financing new ideas. During the second quarter, venture capitalists invested $1.4 billion in 142 “early stage” companies, the industry’s shorthand for start-ups that hadn’t previously raised any venture capital. That represented a 44 percent decline from the $2.5 billion invested in 232 early stage start-ups at the same time last year, according to Venture Economics. 

“There is a misconception that that the spigot has been completely turned off. We have just turned down the flow a bit,” said Jesse Reyes, a Venture Economics vice president. 

——— 

On The Net: 

National Venture Capital Association: http://www.nvca.org 

http://www.ventureeconomics.com 

Police announced Monday they had arrested 20 persons on prostitution-related charges Friday at the Golden Gypsy Message Parlor on Telegraph Avenue. 

“The Special Enforcement Unit received numerous complaints of prostitution occurring at the massage parlor” located at 2628 Telegraph Ave., according to a Police Department press statement faxed to the Daily Planet. 

Three among the arrested were charged with pimping and pandering, according to acting police spokesperson Sgt. Kay Lantow, who said she had no details on the charges filed against the others persons.  

She said she thought those arrested included both employees and customers. 

“Over $85,000 was recovered from this location from various hidden locations,” the statement said. 

A residence at 2333 Carlton St. was searched in connection with the arrests and search at the Golden Gypsy Massage Parlor and $188,000 was found there, according to the press statement.

Monday, July 30

State Wide Alliance of Tenants 

5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m. 

Harriet Tubman Terrace 

2870 Adeline Street 

A monthly open forum of the Affordable Housing Advocacy Project. This month meet members of the State Wide Alliance of Tenants as they discuss their successes in improving living conditions in their housing developments. (800) 773-2110 

Seeking Peace: Voices from  

the Israeli Peace Camp 

8:30 p.m. 

Wheeler Auditorium, UC Berkeley 

Event / Panel Discussion. A screening of The Jahalin, a video about a Bedouin clan evicted from their tent encampment; and Street Under Fire, about the Jerusalem neighborhood of Gilo. After screenings a discussion with representatives from four Israeli peace organizations: The Parents’ Circle, Bat Shalom, New Profile, and Peace Now.  

$6.50 - $8.50; For ticket information call 925-866-9559 

Tuesday, July 31

Berkeley Camera Club  

7:30 p.m. 

Northbrae Community Church  

941 The Alameda  

Share your slides and learn what other photographers are doing. Monthly field trips. 

Call Don, 525-3565 

Wild Women Travel Writers 

7:30 p.m. 

Easy Going Travel Shop and Bookstore 

1385 Shattuck Avenue 

An evening with members of the Wild Women Travel Writers’ Group, authors of “Wild Writing Women: Stories of World Travel,” will read from their book and conduct a panel discussion on the “Art of Travel Writing.” Free. 

843-3533 

Writing and Resistance In A  

Culture of Amnesia 

6 - 7:45 p.m. 

La Peña Cultural Center 

3105 Shattuck Avenue 

Classroom #2 

Part of a workshop series on concepts and strategies for resistance through the spoken and written word, taught by Joyce E. Young. $12. 

849-2568 www.lapena.org 

Berkeley Farmers’ Market 

2 - 7 p.m. 

Derby Street at MLK Jr. Way 

548-3333 

Free Early Music Group 

10 - 11:30 a.m. 

North Berkeley Senior Center 

1901 Hearst Ave. (at MLK) 

Small group sings madrigals and other voice harmony every Tuesday morning. Call Ann, 655-8863 

Free Computer Class for  

Seniors 

9 - 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 - 3 p.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, call ahead for a reservation. 644-6109 

Wednesday, Aug. 1

The LHS 500: Virtual Racecars 

Noon - 2 p.m. 

Lawrence Hall of Science 

UC Berkeley 

Part of the Lawrence Hall of Science Wednesday FUN-days. Build and test drive a virtual racecar to find out what makes an efficient vehicle. Museum admission $3 - $7. 

642-5132 

Berkeley Communicator  

Toastmasters Club 

7:15 a.m. 

Vault Cafe 

3250 Adeline 

Learn to speak with confidence. Ongoing first and third Wednesdays each month. 

527-2337 

Extreme Pizza’s Grand  

Opening 

5:30 p.m. 

2352 Shattuck Ave. 

Mayor Shirley Dean will be cutting the ribbon with her Golden Shears to welcome Extreme Pizza to Berkeley. There will be a comedy show at 8:30 p.m. featuring 10 local comedians including Tommy Devine and Leslie Choler. The evening will be hosted by Tony Sparks.  

486-0770 

Berkeley Metaphysical  

Toastmasters Club  

6:15 - 7:30 p.m.  

2515 Hillegass Ave.  

Public speaking skills and metaphysics come together. Ongoing first and third Thursdays each month.  

Call 869-2547 

Quit Smoking Class 

6 - 8 p.m. 

South Berkeley Senior Center 

2939 Ellis Street 

A six week quit smoking class. 

Free to Berkeley residents and employees. 

Call 644-6422 or email at: quitnow@ci.berkeley.ca.us 

Ancient Native Sites of the East Bay 

7:30 p.m. 

Room 160 Kroeber Hall, University of California Campus 

A panel discussion on ancient sites featuring Sandra Sher, freelance historian and author of The Native Legacy of Emeryville; Richard Schwartz, author of Circle of Stones and Berkeley 1900; Perry Matlock, native advocate and volunteer with the International Indian Treaty Council; and Randy Grandin, explorer of West Contra Costa County native sites. Stephanie Manning, moderator. $10 

841-2242 

Salsa Dance Classes 

7:30 p.m. 

Berkeley Richmond Jewish Community Center 

1414 Walnut St. 

Classes every Thursday with live percussionists, light refreshments, DJ playing Latin music. $10 or $15 for two. 

237-9874 

Adventuring With Kids 

7 p.m. 

REI 

1338 San Pablo Avenue 

Karen and Paul Amstutz share stories and slides of family adventures with their one- and three-year-old daughters. Free. 

527-4140 

Free Computer Class for Seniors 

9 - 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 - 3 p.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, call ahead for a reservation. 644-6109 

Thursday, August 2

Free Computer Class for Seniors 

9 - 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 - 3 p.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, call ahead for a reservation. 644-6109 

Friday, August 3

Therapy for Trans Partners  

6 - 7:30 p.m.  

Pacific Center for Human Growth  

2712 Telegraph Ave. (at Derby)  

A group open to partners of those in transition or considering transition. The group is structured to be a safe place to receive support from peers and explore a variety of issues, including sexual orientation, coming out, feelings of isolation, among other topics. Intake process required. Meeting Fridays through August 17.  

$8 - $35 sliding scale per session  

Call 548-8283 x534 or x522 

Strong Women; The Arts, Herstory and Literature 

1:15 - 3:15 p.m. 

North Berkeley Senior Center  

1901 Hearst Ave. (at MLK Jr. Way) 

Taught by Dr. Helen Rippier Wheeler, this is a free weekly cultural studies course in the Berkeley Adult School’s Older Adults Program. This week view the 1985 film “Desert Hearts.” Free.  

Call 549-2970 

Saturday, August 4

Free Sailboat Rides  

1 - 4 p.m. 

Cal Sailing Club 

Berkeley Marina 

The Cal Sailing Club, a non-profit sailing and windsurfing cooperative, give free rides on a first come, first served bases on the first full weekend of each month. Wear warm clothes and bring a change of clothes in case you get wet. Children must be at least five years old and must be accompanies by an adult.  

Visit www.cal-sailing.org

Council approved visionary development 

Editor: 

Thanks to the City Council for unanimously approving the Planning Commission’s recomendation to develop the Oxford Street parking lot as a five-story building with housing (at least 50 percent affordable), the David Brower environmental center, community arts space, retail shops and two floors of underground parking. Thanks especially to councilmembers Linda Maio and Dona Spring, who took the lead on this ambitious project, and to Planning Commission Chair Rob Wrenn, who guided it through the initial conceptual stages. 

I am puzzled, however, by the remark your reporter attributed to the chair of Civic Arts Commissioner Sherry Smith: “We pencil it out, it will be expensive and some of these Christmas tree ornaments will have to fall away.” It is hard to reconcile this sneer at supposed extravagance with the Civic Arts Commission’s unanimous June 27 endorsement of 27,300 square feet of arts space for the site – well over twice as much as the maximum 10,000 square feet recommended by the Planning Commission and approved by the Council. Perhaps Smith would like to explain. 

The now-official Oxford lot proposal is both visionary and pragmatic – an intricate balance of imagination and practicality that emerged out of seven months of intensive public meetings held earlier this year (thanks, too, to all who participated). The council’s approval moves it to the next stage: selecting a developer who can help the city and the Brower Center make it real. 

Not since the days of Loni Hancock’s mayoralty has the City embarked on such a bold undertaking. It would be nice to think that a new age of progressive civic endeavor is about to dawn in Berkeley. 

Zelda Bronstein,  

Vice Chair Planning Commission 

Planning, zoning commissions need more power 

The Daily Planet received this letter addressed to the mayor and City Council: 

It seems to me you should give more power to zoning and building departments to resolve design and planning problems on private property. The public including me becomes overwhelmed with mounds and hours of minutely detailed testimony, opinion, appeals, unintelligible sound system transmission, conflicts, obscure legalisms, and fragmented information and communication that characterize hearings before the council on real estate matters. That may be fascinating in a way, but the public deserves more attention to pressing social and environmental problems too numerous to list here.  

Terry Cochrell 

Berkeley 

Event ordinance will criminalize innocent 

Editor: 

During the Tuesday, July 24 City Council meeting, Berkeley city councilmembers voted to pass a law which interferes with our First Amendment right to freedom of assembly. The law makes it a misdemeanor (punishable by up to one year in jail) to organize an event on city property which draws more than 500 people without first notifying the police department. The chief of police can require the event organizers to provide security guards at a ratio of one security guard for every 25 attendees. The city manager will maintain a list of the people who do organizing in the City of Berkeley.  

This ordinance was a reaction to two events in Berkeley: one was a political protest at the Berkeley Community Theater and another was a party at UC Berkeley. What the Council really wanted was for the School District and the University of California to notify the City of upcoming events. What the City ended up doing was criminalizing yet another group of people - people who organize political and other types of events in Berkeley. 

Councilmember Kriss Worthington was the only councilmember to vote against the item, but he failed to pull it from the consent calendar, which would have prohibited a vote at Tuesday’s meeting. Copwatch had come to an agreement with the City Attorney’s Office and Worthington on revisions which would have changed the ordinance so that it would only applied to the School District and UC Berkeley. But when the unrevised ordinance appeared on the calendar, the ouncil voted for unrevised ordinance, making it law. 

Is the City of Berkeley positioning itself to host the next international trade meeting? All we need are some barricades and more pepper spray! 

Karla James 

Oakland 

Library colors reflect original green 

Editor:  

This is in response to the letter from Phil Allen (July 19) regarding the “two-tone institutional green” of the Central Library exterior. Some clarification: 

1. Painting was done five years ago, not 10 years ago, as Mr. Allen suggests. 

2. It is a three-tone paint scheme, not two-tone. Look closely. 

3. Most importantly, the “misbegotten genius” who suggested green was original architect James Plachek. Our library staff worked extensively with representatives from the landmarks preservation community to find a historically accurate yet pleasing color scheme, and we kept coming back to Plachek’s choice, the color the building was when it opened in 1931. We get about as many compliments as we do complaints color-wise, and the latter only remind us, with Kermit the Frog, “It isn’t easy being green.” 

Sayre Van Young 

Berkeley History Room 

Berkeley Public Library 

Staged Hereafter – Berkeley’s newest theater company to complete a full season of plays – is closing out its first year at South Berkeley Community Church with a very strong grassroots production of English playwright Christopher Fry’s dark, fascinating 1948 philosophical comedy “The Lady’s Not for Burning.” 

Although “The Lady’s Not for Burning” is set in a small English town in the 15th century, the play was obviously written in the shadow of World War II. It tells a vicious satirical story about comfortable middle class people living in a world of easy moral compromise – and how this compromise brings violence and absurdity into the lives of others. 

“The Lady’s Not for Burning” combines three story strands. On the eve of a wedding, two testosterone-crazed brothers of privilege (Brooks Ralston and Matthew Travisano) physically battle for the affection of a woman (Alizon Eliot) that one of them is about to marry. 

Into this odd, pre-nuptial conflict wanders an enigmatic stranger (‘vid [sic] Buttaro), who demands to be hanged for committing two murders. Soon after, panicked rumors on the street generate the arrest and imprisonment of an intelligent and independent local townswoman (Jennifer Le Blanc) on charges that she is a witch. 

The play’s first act is largely a comedy of the absurd as this odd mix of people, along with relatives and city officials, sort through an almost slapstick round-robin of conflict and misunderstanding. The play turns dark, however, when town officials opt for torture as a means of finding out exactly what happened. 

Fry’s play is an unusual hybrid. Written in very poetical language, it is a mix of absurd comedy and more serious existential philosophical debate on justice and morality. Additional themes are love, and the power of female perspective to transform decayed and bitter male social and political systems. 

For me, there is also a judgmental, puritanical strain by the author that runs through the play, which is tricky to address in a staging, since the play itself is an indictment of puritanical morality. 

But director Susannah Woods and her Staged Hereafter cast have put together a very good production of the show. At one end of the scale, it has almost a Marx Brothers feel to it. The feuding brothers rolling around on the ground wrestling say a lot about the basic problem-solving skills of human beings. 

At the other end of the style scale, mysterious stranger Thomas and accused witch Jennet engage in lengthy, fascinating philosophical debate on the dark capacities of human behavior, and the ultimate meaning of life. 

Thomas intriguingly wanders the stage, part chorus and part narrator, walking among the other characters and making commentary, often going largely unnoticed by them. 

In a wonderful, hilariously emotionally near-sighted performance, Mary Ann Rodgers stands out as the imperious but dizzy and controlling mother of the two feuding brothers. Tom Juarez is a fussy Mayor Tyson. Malcolm Rodgers is his evil political associate, the affable torturing judge. 

Gregg Le Blanc is a humorously oblivious and ineffectual chaplain, blind to everything going on around him. In a small but very effective role, a housemaid (Iliza Abbe) hurries across the stage from time to time, busying herself with tidying, and providing striking moments of contrast and perspective to the obsessive and often blind actions of her “betters.” 

Director Woods has done some really first rate period costume design – from brother Humphrey’s tangerine bloomers, to the best selection of stage hats I’ve seen in a long time. 

Sightline problems are the production’s one minus. In the South Berkeley Community Church performance space, two wooden columns right at the front of the stage can block some of the audience’s view.  

But basically this is a very good grassroots staging. Because it is such an unorthodox hybrid of styles, “The Lady’s not for Burning” is an easy play to mess up in production. To the contrary in this Berkeley presentation, however, Staged Hereafter has mounted a delightful evening in the theater. This is definitely a play for thinking people. If that appeals to you, don’t miss this show. It runs one more week. 

The Lady’s Not for Burning,” presented by Staged Hereafter at South Berkeley Community Church, 1902 Fairview St., Berkeley, Thursday through Saturday through August 4. Call (510) 464-1117 or visit www.stagedhereafter.org. 

Daily Planet theater reviewer John Angell Grant has written for “American Theater,” “Backstage West,” “Callboard” and other publications. E-mail him at jagplays@yahoo.com.

Camps 

City of Berkeley Summer Fun Camps 

Through August 17 

Summer Fun Camps for children feature sports, games, arts and crafts and special events. Events and trips will be planned in and out of the Berkeley area. Supervised play and activities held Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for kids 5-12 years of age. Before and after care will be available at additional cost. Fees on a sliding scale. 

Sites: Frances Albrier, Southwest Berkeley – 644-8515; James Kenney, West Berkeley – 644-8511; Live Oak Park, North Berkeley – 644-8513; Willard Club House, Southeast Berkeley – 644-8517; MLK Youth Services Center, South Berkeley – 644-6226. 

P.A.L. Adventure Camp 3 

August 6-24 

Camp for ages 11-17. Three week camp will provide skills for overnight and wilderness camping. First two weeks include instruction on cooking, first aid, cleanup and low impact camping. Rafting, ropes course and daily hikes. Week three is five days in a California wilderness area using newly-learned skills. $180, limited scholarships available. Call 845-7193 for more information. 

Berkeley Tennis Club Kids  

Camp 

Session begins August 6 

These camps are designed for the beginner to low advanced player aged 7-14. Each session is two weeks long. The first week emphasizes proper stroke and footwork techniques, conditioning and game play. The second week concentrates on competition on both an individual and team level. Students will be divided according to ability, so they progress at their own pace. Student-intructor ratio of 6/1. Clinics are 9 a.m. to noon. $250 for B.T.C. members, $300 for non-members. Call 841-9023 for information. 

Sports 

City youth Baseball 

Summer baseball program for boys and girls ages 5-15. The focus is on developing skills, sportsmanship and enjoyment rather than competitiveness. Leagues are structured to address both skill level and age group. Players are assigned to teams on a city-wide basis. Beginner teams (5-6 years) meet weekdays from noon to 2 p.m. All other teams meet from 3:30 to 7 p.m. weekdays or 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays. All players must participate. Playoffs and awards will follow the regular season in older leagues. Fees: $34 ages 5-8 ($70 non-resident), $40 ages 9-15($86 non-resident). For more information call 981-5153. 

City adult softball 

Leagues available for men, women and co-rec. Three levels of competition. Games played weekday evenings, Saturday afternoons and evenings. 10 games plus playoffs. $561 per team. Call 981-5150 for more information. 

City tennis lessons 

Three sessions throughout summer. 

Youth and adult lessons available for beginner, advanced beginner and intermediate. 10 one-hour lessons. $45 for youth ages 8-15, $65 for adults. Call 981-5150 for more information. 

Boys’ Twilight basketball 

Through August 25 

The City of Berkeley Twilight Basketball Program is an educational sports program which offers youths ages 11-18 the opportunity to play in the competitive league and be exposed to educational workshops. Subjects include tobacco prevention, HIV/STD prevention, domestic violence prevention, academic improvement and youth violence prevention. All participants must attend a one-hour workshop before each game in order to play. Free, players recieve a jersey. Ten game season with playoffs at MLK Youth Services Center. For more information call Ginsi Bryant at 644-6226. 

Girls’ Twilight basketball 

Starts August 17 

The City of Berkeley Twilight Basketball Program is an educational sports program which offers youths ages 11-18 the opportunity to play in the competitive league and be exposed to educational workshops. Subjects include tobacco prevention, HIV/STD prevention, domestic violence prevention, academic improvement and youth violence prevention. All participants must attend a one-hour workshop before each game in order to play. Free, players recieve a jersey. Games at MLK Youth Services Center. For more information call Renda Davis or Alex Williams at 845-9066. 

City adult basketball 

Summer league 

Open, competitive league with games on Monday and Wednesday evenings at the MLK Youth Services Center. All games officicated by certified referees. Awards for top three teams. Teams already formed for summer, but some have openings. Interested players should show up and talk to coaches about playing. 

Programs 

City-Wide Playground  

Programs 

Through August 17 

Free supervised activities include arts and crafts, games, sports, special event days and local trips. Program hours are noon to 5 p.m. Proof of Berkeley residency required at registration. 

Sites: All Play Together – 981-5150; Rosa Parks – 981-5150; Malcolm X School – 644-6226. 

Summer Teen Program 

Through August 27 

Events include adventure trips, swimming, sports, games, cooking, educational workshops and special local events. Call your local center for details, registration and costs. Sliding scale. 

Sites: Frances Albrier, Southwest Berkeley – 644-8515; James Kenney, West Berkeley – 644-8511; Live Oak Park, North Berkeley – 644-8513; Willard Park Club House, Southeast Berkeley – 644-8517; MLK Youth Services Center, South Berkeley – 644-6226. 

P.A.L. Adventures in Sailing 

Overnight sails tour the San Francisco Bay. Visit the Bay Model, Angel Island, Treasure Island and Sausalito. Voyage dates: August 9-10, 16-17 and 23-24. $20 per voyage. Call 845-7193 for more information. 

To submit information for the Berkeley Daily Planet Summer Sports Calendar, please e-mail information to sports@berkeleydailyplanet.net or send to Sports, 2076 University Ave., Berkeley, CA 94704.

To get to the new office of the Berkeley Alliance, make your way to the second floor of the Berkeley Adult School, turn right at the old computer key boards and monitors – piled up against a wall like so many dislodged boulders at the base of a cliff – and then right again, into the windowless, L-shaped room at the end of the hallway. 

In may look like the ideal spot for a Xerox machine and recycling bins, but if Berkeley Alliance Executive Director Toni Tullys has her way, it will become one of the most important meeting rooms in the city. 

After years of hearing remarks like, “If only the university and the city could work together on this;” or, “If only the public schools had more support from the university,” some prominent Berkeley officials decided it was time to create one centralized entity whose mission would be to identify opportunities for collaboration – and make it happen. A little more than four years ago, this discussion resulted in the creation of the Berkeley Alliance. 

It has taken time for the Alliance to get off the ground. In its early years it convened task forces and organized public meetings around the issue of the achievement gap at Berkeley High. Some of the research and expert testimony it provided helped to set the tone for public discussion around this issue, which has thrived ever since.  

But the Alliance was manifestly not living up to its potential to leverage the resources of its three member institutions to “improve the quality of life for all of Berkeley,” said Tullys and others. So the decision was made to transform the group into an independent nonprofit, with a leadership board made up officials from its three member institutions and respected community leaders. 

The nonprofit board has been meeting each month since January, hashing out its “mission statement” and creating a preliminary “to do” list for the years ahead.  

“It’s a very action oriented group of people,” Tullys said. “I think it represents just enormous potential for the community.” 

Chaired by Father George Crespin, Pastor of St. Joseph the Worker church, the board includes Pamela Doolan, a former school board member; Jabari Mahiri, an associate professor at UC Berkeley’s Graduate School of Education; Fred Medrano, director of Health and Human Services for Berkeley; Alex Palau, principal of Berkeley’s Alternative High School; and Shirley Richardson-Brower, executive director of Berkeley YMCA South Branch.  

Board members said last week it was still too early to discuss any specific initiatives the Alliance plans to tackle, but they and Tullys discussed their broad vision for the Alliance.  

While youth education issues will always be a key part of the Alliance focus, board members said they hope to see the group launch innovative collaborative projects in other areas of importance to the Berkeley community as well, including housing, transportation and health services. 

The Alliance, they said, will serve as a resource clearinghouse. Too often in the past, said Roberta Brooks, board member and former district director for Rep. Barbara Lee, D-Oakland, people have had great ideas but no idea where to turn for help transforming a plan into reality. 

“Even in its short life people have said, ‘Oh, gee, that might be a good project for the Alliance,’ because there was no place to go before,” Brooks said.  

“Almost any topic that you could mention, there could be better coordination between the university, the city and the school district,” Brooks added. “Sometimes it’s just a question of one part knowing what the other is doing.” 

Tullys has spent much of the last year pulling together what she hopes will be the mother of all Berkeley rolodexes. 

“That’s what we do. We make connections,” Tullys said. “For me it’s usually two contacts away to find who the contact would be” to get something done. 

The Alliance has already played this role in some important ways. When Berkeley High needed a “Guide to Student Life” that would list phone numbers and extracurricular activities and give helpful advice about maintaining good grades and getting into college, it was the Alliance that secured funding from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory for the project. The Alliance even lent a staffer, Kimberly Willis-Starbuck, to the high school for the monumental task of editing the first few editions.  

The Guide to Student Life provides a model for the work the Alliance hopes to do in the future, Tullys said: the work of helping good projects get off the ground and become self-sufficient.  

Summing up the Berkeley Alliance message to new school superintendent Michelle Lawrence, who attended an Alliance board meeting last week, Tullys said: 

“We’ve put this together. We have resources; we have university experts; we have community contacts. We’re here to support you in any way that we can.” 

Julie Sinai, manager of school-linked programs for the school district and vice chair of the Alliance board, said having the Alliance database to draw on has already may it more practical than ever before for her to team up with UC Berkeley experts. 

When she thought of turning to the university for help in the past, “there were so many different points of entry I didn’t have any idea where to begin,” Sinai said. But recently, when she approached Tullys looking for someone to brainstorm with her about better ways to evaluate school programs, she found herself sitting down with a UC Berkeley School of Education expert in a matter of weeks.  

“It’s one of the most exciting institutional partnerships in the Bay Area, because it’s got all of the players and they’re all willing to be there,” Sinai said of the Alliance.  

Now, said Sinai, is the time for the Alliance to prove its value to the larger community by launching some ambitious initiatives and following through with them. 

“Now we’re at the point of saying, ‘Okay, we’ve got all this stuff. What do we do?’” Sinai said. “The Alliance has to do something.” 

Sitting beneath a flickering fluorescent light in her new office last Friday, Tullys said the movers were supposed to deliver chairs to go around her conference table that morning but hadn’t shown up. She said she was thinking about bringing some chairs from home. 

The key, said Tullys, will be bringing “the right people to the right table.”  

Photo Caption: Toni Tullys, executive director of a new non-profit that unites the university, city and school district in efforts to tackle tough community problems, is still waiting for chairs to go around her conference table.

FUKOUKA, JAPAN - On the final day of the 2001 World Swimming Championships in Fukouka, Japan, Cal’s Natalie Coughlin had an impressive lead-off butterfly leg on the United State’s 400-meter medley relay that placed second to Australia.  

The U.S. put a strong medley relay lineup together, but a phenomenal fly leg by Petria Thomas of Australia allowed them to edge the U.S. for gold, 4:01.50 to 4:01.81. Coughlin nearly broke the world record in her lead-off swim (100-meter back), posting a 1:00.18, just .02 off the mark set at the 1994 World Championships by a Chinese swimmer that was part of a delegation that later had several positive drug tests for performance enhancing drugs. Megan Quann swam her leg in 1:07.67, followed by Mary DeScenza (59.59) and Erin Phenix (54.37). Thomas split 57.65 on her fly leg for the Aussies, the only one of the four to swim faster than her American counterpart. 

“I’m very proud of how our entire team swam this week in spite of the difficulties,” Coughlin said. “We really picked it up in the last few days and I’m proud of how we handled ourselves.”  

Another swimmer with Cal ties, Haley Cope (1998-2001), placed sixth in the 50-meter free on Sunday with a time of 25.25.  

In a credit to Cal’s men’s and women’s swim programs, three different Bears won gold medals at the World Championships. Anthony Ervin, who will be a junior this collegiate season, won world titles in the 50 (22.09) and 100 free (American record 48.33). Cope placed first in the 50-meter back (28.51) and Coughlin, who will be a sophomore this upcoming school year, was the world champion in the 100-meter back (American record 1:00.37).

OAKLAND – Hundreds of teens, artists and social activists gathered in Frank Ogawa Plaza Saturday to protest Alameda County’s plan to replace the 299-bed juvenile detention facility in San Leandro with a 450-bed facility in Dublin. 

The rally, called “The Summer Jam to Stop the Super Jail” was scheduled to last from noon to 5 p.m., but the event’s political poetry, hip-hop, song and speech lasted into the evening. 

The activists’ works covered a wide range of topics including police brutality, environmental racism, the controversial court case of Mumia Abu-Jamal and of course the “Super Jail,” but all depicted a general dislike for the police and the American judicial system. 

“The reason so many people have come together on this fight, is because freedom is everybody’s issue, exploitation is everybody’s issue,” said one of the event’s emcees. “If you’re fighting for liberation, cops ain’t gonna see your race or your age, they know that no matter who you are, that you are a threat.” 

The main problem that most people had with the new facility was that it was simply too big. 

“People aren’t saying that we shouldn’t build the new facility,” said Supervisor Keith Carson who represents Berkeley, “people are just saying they don’t want to build the largest per capita facility in the nation.” 

“We’re here to stop this madness right now,” said Ruthie Gilmore of Critical Resistance, “because we know that if they build it, they will fill it, every time.” 

The facility’s maximum occupancy, which was originally planned to be 540 beds, was reduced to 450 by the Board of Supervisors on July 24, but it seemed that no one at the rally was satisfied with that cutback. 

“Just the other day they cut the facility back by 90 beds, and they think that’s going to subdue us,” said Rachel Jackson of Books not Bars, one of the organizations which organized the event. “If they drop the number of beds by a couple more hundred, then maybe we’ll agree with the plan.” 

Another major issue that many of the protesters had with the new facility was its cost. According to the Board of Supervisors constructing the new facility will cost Alameda County $175 million, $33.2 million of which will be covered by a construction grant from the Board of Corrections. 

“Spending this much money on a jail is ridiculous,” said Julia (Butterfly) Hill, who sat in a redwood tree for two years, to protest unsustainable logging. “It’s like spending millions on radiation research, when they could just as easily spend the money figuring out what it is that is causing cancer.” 

In a phone interview Sunday, Carson said he favors preventative measures for youth as opposed to building a larger detention facility. He has proposed that the county create a task force to make sure only criminals are being sent to juvenile hall. 

“We need to maximize our resources to prevent people from going into the system at an early age, “ he said. “We don’t know how many young people are being put in jail because of truancy, mental problems, or psychological issues.” 

Many people also feared that the county won’t close the San Leandro facility when the new one is completed. 

“Alameda county we’re watching you and we don’t believe for an instant that you won’t keep the old juvi hall open when you finish the new one,” Gilmore said. 

Councilmember Kriss Worthington attended the rally and was impressed by the youth turnout. “It’s great that a lot of young people are concerned and active. We have an entire new generation of people who are being more active on issues than their parents were,” he said Sunday. “This issue especially affects young people because if they spend these millions on incarcerating youth, it means more of them will find themselves in jail for a longer period of time.” 

Alameda County has been trying to replace the San Leandro site for ten years as it is built on portions of the Hayward Fault. Supervisors voting last week in favor of the new, larger site – Alice Lai-Bitker, Gail Steele, and Scott Haggerty – argued that the old site has insufficient space for many services and is frequently filled beyond capacity. 

The proposal to build the new facility was essentially given the final OK at the meeting on July 24, as a proposal by Carson to conduct a new study of the detention population was voted down 3-2. 

The protesters didn't lose motivation over this decision, however, as Jackson says they have much more fighting to do before the new facility is built. “If (the supervisors) think we have been to rude, too rowdy and too roughneck up to now,” she said, “then they must not know how much more we have in store for them.” 

Physicists at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory are retracting a 1999 claim of having discovered two “superheavy” elements in a fusion of lead and krypton. 

The researchers announced the reversal, possibly the first made by the Berkeley lab, in a formal statement to Physical Review Letters, a scientific journal that carried the original results. 

“The evidence wasn’t there,” Ken Gregorich, a nuclear chemist at the lab and leader of the research group, said. 

In 1999, then-Energy Secretary Bill Richardson called the discovery “stunning.” He said then the findings were of international importance, since, besides team members from Oregon State University and the University of California at Berkeley Chemistry Department, four researchers were German. 

Gregorich had initially called the findings an “unexpected success (that) opens up a whole world of possibilities.” 

But the interpretation of experiments conducted using the lab’s 88-inch cyclotron, a powerful particle accelerator, was flawed. 

The Berkeley team had hoped to briefly fuse krypton and lead. They focused beams of high-energy krypton ions at lead targets, and thought they had produced a fragile element — Element 118, which would have been the heaviest element ever seen in a lab. 

The scientists also believed then that they had made Element 116, a decay product of 118, which would have been another important find. 

However, subsequent independent laboratory studies were not able to reproduce the 1999 findings. The troubled Berkeley team later reviewed their original data using refined computer programs. They found nothing. 

“The truth is we don’t really understand how it happened,” Gregorich said.  

“We’re still working on it.” 

A group of senior lab managers is now being assembled to review the way scientists conduct experiments and handle data at the Berkeley lab, according to Pier Oddone, the Berkeley lab’s deputy director in charge of scientific research. 

Though the error is embarrassing, the Berkeley scientists aren’t the first to have to correct their findings. 

“Things like this happen in science,” said Witold Nazarewicz, a physics professor at the University of Tennessee and an investigator at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory.  

“It’s a sad day. But even though it’s painful . . . this is the way scientists should behave. So at the end of the day there is a mechanism for self-correction.”

RICHMOND – Police say a 43-year-old Berkeley man was shot dead in the back yard of a Richmond apartment complex yesterday afternoon. 

Police began receiving 911 calls around 3 p.m. Saturday from residents who said they heard gunfire and saw a man lying on the ground. When police arrived they found the body of Ernest Milton McKinney II in a back yard. 

Police say the man had multiple gunshot wounds to his upper body and head. They do not have a motive and say no witnesses have come forward. 

McKinney was pronounced dead at John Muir Medical Center in Walnut Creek. A coroner’s deputy says the man lived with his mother in Berkeley. Residents said they did not know why he was in the area.

Gov. Gray Davis made a brief appearance in Berkeley Friday to pledge his support for renewable energy sources as a way to stabilize California’s electricity prices and protect the environment.  

Davis told a a crowd of local environmental experts and advocates gathered at west Berkeley’s PowerLight Corporation – the nation’s leading manufacturer of commercial solar electric systems – that he is committed to seeing California increase the percent of its electricity derived from renewable sources (solar, wind, biomass and geothermal) from the current 12 percent to 17 percent by 2006.  

“What you see around you,” Davis said, gesturing at a number of PowerLight rooftop solar panels on display, “is green power. It is power generated by the environment that does not harm the environment. 

“I want to encourage all of you to put solar power on your house, on your office,” Davis added, pointing out that rebates available from the California Energy Commission will cover as much as 50 percent of the cost for installing a residential or commercial solar power system. 

Most in the crowd seemed encouraged by the governor’s apparent commitment to renewable energy Friday. 

“We’re glad that he’s here to back solar power, and we hope that it’s a step to making solar power possible in every city in the state of California,” said Berkeley Mayor Shirley Dean. 

“We have big hopes. We’re glad to have him on board as a supporter of renewable energy,” said Peter Miller, a senior scientist for the Natural Resource Defense Council and a Berkeley resident. 

“This is the industry of the 21st century,” Miller said. “Global warming is real, and this is the solution right here.” 

Some, however, were disappointed that the governor did not make a stronger commitment to renewable energy sources like solar power. 

“The governor really had an opportunity today to show that he was leading the fight to create a clean energy future for the state of California. And I think, to a certain extent, he missed that opportunity,” said Robert A. Pérez, communications director for the California League of Conservation Voters. 

Pérez and others asked the governor Friday to make a commitment to support a bill being sponsored by state Sen. Byron Sher, D-Palo Alto, that would mandate that the state rely on renewable energy sources for 20 percent of its power needs by 2010. 

“Without a mandate, we’re never going to get there,” Pérez said. 

Davis seemed reluctant to embrace the idea of a mandate Friday, but told the environmentalists that he would get back to them with an answer within 30 days. 

“California has definitely been a leader in the nation as it relates to renewable energy sources,” Pérez said. “But, based on what’s been happening in the last 6 months to a year, it’s clear that we need to take bigger steps.” 

To date, nine states have passed legislation mandating specific increases in the use of renewable energy. Nevada approved a law last month requiring that renewable energy sales in the state increase from 2 percent of all energy sales (the current rate) to 15 percent of all energy sales by 2013. 

PowerLight officials had hoped to hear the governor pledge Friday to make more money available for a rebate program that partially reimburses private companies for large investments in solar power. While there is still state money available to subsidize residential installation of solar power systems, the money set aside to subsidize larger commercial investments in solar power was recently exhausted, said PowerLight Manager of Regulatory Affairs Kari Smith. 

IKEA, Hewlett-Packard and Alameda County are just a few of the entities who have put plans for major investments in solar power systems on hold until the state makes more money available to subsidize those investments, according to a statement released by PowerLight. 

Still, PowerLight CEO Tom Dinwoodie said Friday that, were it not for the approximately $2 million in California Energy Commission dollars invested in the company over the years, PowerLight might not exist today. 

“PowerLight is really a child of the California Energy Commission and the state of California,” Dinwoodie said. 

Stars include Ohio star LeBron James, Oakland Tech’s Leon Powe 

Early next week, local basketball fans are in for a real treat. Sixteen of the best summer teams in the country will be playing each other right here in Berkeley, and the nation’s top player will be there. 

The Slam ‘n Jam Elite 8x2 Tournament kicks off on Monday on the UC Berkeley campus. With teams from as far away as Houston and Michigan, the competition will be tough, and summer basketball is some of the most spectacular a fan is likely to see from high school players. 

Hosted by the Oakland Soldiers, the top team in the Slam ‘n Jam family, the tournament will feature some of the best prep players in the country. The biggest names include Florida signee Anthony Roberson, Duke signee Sean Dockery, and the precocious Sebastian Telfair, a sophomore point guard who just happens to be the cousin of NBA star Stephon Marbury. 

Perhaps the biggest star to take the stage will be Slam ‘n Jam’s own LeBron James. But any Cal fans that may dream of seeing James in the blue and gold should beware: widely considered the best player in the nation, the 6-foot-7 James has talked of being the first high school junior to enter the NBA Draft. Although that may be a pipe dream (James would have to head to court to challenge an NBA rule that a player’s high school class must graduate before he can enter the draft), the 16-year-old Ohio prepster should provide some highlights at the tournament. 

James’ teammates include Oakland Tech junior Leon “The Show” Powe and Riordan (San Francisco) senior Marquis Kately, who are two of the top players in California, as well as local boys John Sharper and DeShawn Freeman, the St. Mary’s backcourt duo that led the Panthers to a state championship last season. 

Other California teams include Elite Basketball Organization, which stars Modesto Christian point guard and Cal recruit Richard Midgely, Bay Area Ballers and 805. 

The Slam ‘n Jam Elite 8x2 Tournament will be hald Monday through Wednesday at the RSF Fieldhouse at UC Berkeley. Games will run from 3:30 p.m. until 9:30.

Please cut your trees for my solar power 

Editor: 

I’ve been trying since March to get Berkeley to cut its trees that interfere with my energy independence. East Bay Regional Park cut its seven trees, at its expense, east of me but those 20 south and southwest owned by Berkeley are the problem now.  

One of you advises patience. Another says its a money problem. As I spoke to you some months ago you can save $300,000 by converting to Instant Run off Voting. And I understand the city budget is $440,000,000. The work of cutting your trees is estimated to cost $30,000 I can’t afford. Solar conversion for my home itself will cost $30,000. Your trees are 150 feet high and some five feet diameter. Heavy equipment will be required.  

Your progressive position relative to the energy crisis put on us by the energy corporations and the government they own is laudable. While we all wait for municipalization of energy city by city without trust the state will do what we elect them to do, you can financially support those of us willing to solve the problem on our own by cutting your trees.  

I know Green Party Councilmember Dona Spring advocates you provide incentives property owners become contributors not just consumers of energy.  

I’ve done what I can by converting to solar water heating and reducing my energy use 60 percent over all.  

Jack Shonkwiler 

Kensington 

Improper ramps aside, Joyce event was great 

Editor: 

We really enjoyed the James Joyce conference, Extreme Joyce/ Reading on The Edge, held on the Clark Kerr campus July 2-6 and which we learned about from your salubrious paper. It was a truly outstanding gathering of scholars. 

Our interest in Joyce is current as we moderate and attend a Ulysses Reading at 1 p.m. on Fridays at the North Berkeley Senior Center (all are welcome). The best paper we heard was called My Adventures as a Literary/ Music Detective by Myra Russell. There were delegates from all over and around the globe.  

The papers we heard were excellent and exciting. Some were absolute stunners. The last scholarly event of the conference was Adam Harvey’s performance of “Shem the Penman” from The Wake. He took three years to memorize the passage, and did a dynamite job. The only thing that might have been improved would have been to have done it in an Irish baroque. 

At our table at the elegant feast which ended the conference to my left (Hulse) were an engaging couple from Massachusetts. To my right (Gertrude) was the Chief Information Officer of the BBC in London and a charming gentleman. Next to him was a Hungarian Bolivian woman who had delivered a paper on Tuesday which unfortunately, we had missed. The couple across the table were a bit too far to converse with. The food — stuffed chicken breast. Yum. 

One of us uses a walker. This proved to be difficult as the building we were in didn’t have proper ramps. All they need is a ramp for four steps up and four steps down, and the conference would have been perfect. This is something that should be taken care of as soon as possible.  

Hulse Rauh 

Gertrude Diamond 

Berkeley 

Local architect should have been hired for Beth El project 

Editor: 

Throughout the Beth El process one claim has often been repeated: the congregation is a steadfastly community-minded organization. This cannot be disputed, but I wish that the idea of community extended to the choice of the architect for the project. There are many extremely talented local architects (many of them Jewish) who would consider the new Beth El project to be the commission of a lifetime. That the chosen architect is an L.A. based outfit is really unfortunate; there is no doubt that this a top-notch firm, but there is also no doubt in my mind that there a great lack of regional and even Berkeley-specific sensitivity evident in the design. 

Unfortunately Beth El has made the same mistake that the City itself made when it forsook local designers for an east coaster who produced an embarrassing cartoon solution for the new Public Safety Building in the civic center. The L.A. firm is producing work in the image of its great and recently deceased architect-founder Charles Moore. When looking at the Beth El design it’s possible to believe that you are looking at any number of other projects produced by this firm for other clients throughout the western states, the U.S and even abroad. 

While the recent school construction in town points to the fact that local architects can hit home runs (Cragmont), infield singles (Columbus), and sacrifice bunts (Thousand Oaks) — let’s not mention the base-running error that is the King project — there is certainly no guarantee that a local firm will necessarily produce an exemplary building, but I feel that it is the responsibility of an organization that values the welfare of the community to exhaust all local possibilities before looking out of town. 

Perhaps a bone will be thrown to a local architect who will take on the liability of overseeing the construction of the Beth El building, but this is cold comfort. The Bay Area is one of the birthplaces of regionalism as a way of architectural thinking; it’s a shame that a local firm with an innate and intimate understanding of all things local couldn’t have been hired to do the work. Wendell Berry’s writings on the importance of local economy should be of interest to the congregation as well as to the City. Too bad it’s too late in this case. 

Gary Earl Parsons 

Berkeley 

City library  

provides a host of public  

documents 

Editor: 

Our library staff appreciated Charles L. Smith’s letter of July 20, 2001, suggesting that there be a strengthening of local government information and communication by having local government documents and reports in public libraries. 

We are pleased to have the opportunity to remind our community that the Berkeley Public Library’s central library does have city documents, city council packets, agendas and minutes of commissions and committees, and other regularly produced Berkeley city reports. We also have special reports, EIRs, and project proposals from the city of Berkeley, Alameda County, AC Transit, UC Berkeley and other governmental agencies as appropriate for issues under current discussion. The City Council packets are also available at all our branch libraries: Claremont, North, South and West. 

For more information, please call our central library’s reference department at 644-6648. 

MaryLou Mull 

Acting Director 

Berkeley Public Library 

Saturday, July 28

Residential Solar Electricity 

1 p.m. - 3 p.m. 

Ecology Center 

2530 San Pablo Ave. 

The workshop will introduce participants to residential solar electricity: how solar cells work, how to size a system, participants will also get to produce electricity using photovoltaic panels and power a range of appliances (weather permitting). $15. Call 548-2220 x233 to reserve a space.  

Berkeley Farmers’ Market 

10 a.m. - 3 p.m. 

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

548-3333 

Arrowcopter Play Day 

1 - 4 p.m. 

Lawrence Hall of Science 

UC Berkeley 

For ages 9 and up. Museum admission $3 - $7. 

642-5132 

16th Annual Berkeley Kite  

Festival and West Coast Kite  

Championship 

11 a.m. - 5 p.m. 

Cesar E. Chavez Park at the Berkeley Marina 

Giant creature kites from New Zealand, Team Kite Ballet, Japanese-Style Rokaku Kite Battle for the skies, plus great food and live music.  

11 a.m. - 1 p.m. kite making lessons; 2:30 p.m. Candy Drops for the kids; 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. kite flying lessons. Free Event. For more information: 235-5483 or www.highlinekites.com. 

Sunday, July 29

Hands-On Bicycle Repair  

Clinics  

11 a.m. - Noon  

Recreational Equipment, Inc.  

1338 San Pablo Ave.  

Learn how to adjust your brakes from one of REI’s bike technicians. All you need to bring is your bike. Free  

527-4140 

Buddhist Teacher 

6 p.m. 

Tibetan Nyingma Institute 

1815 Highland Place 

Eva Casey on “The Life of Padmasambhava.” Free. 

843-6812 

West Berkeley Market 

11 a.m. - 5 p.m. 

University Ave., between 3rd and 4th Streets  

Family-oriented weekly market. Crafts, music, produce, and specialty foods. 654-6346 

16th Annual Berkeley Kite  

Festival and West Coast Kite  

Championship 

11 a.m. - 5 p.m. 

Cesar E. Chavez Park at the Berkeley Marina 

Giant creature kites from New Zealand, Team Kite Ballet, Japanese-Style Rokaku Kite Battle for the skies, plus great food and live music.  

11 a.m. - 1 p.m. kite making lessons; 2:30 p.m. Candy Drops for the kids; 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. kite flying lessons. Free Event. For more information: 235-5483 or www.highlinekites.com. 

Making Music 

1 - 3 p.m. 

Lawrence Hall of Science 

UC Berkeley 

Part of the LHS Top of the Bay Family Sundays, Fran Holland will demonstrate how to make and play musical instruments. Museum admission $3 - $7. 642-5132 

International Working Class 

Film and Video Festival 

2 p.m. 

La Peña Cultural Center 

3105 Shattuck Avenue 

Part of LaborFest 2001, a screening of “Not In My Garden,” a documentary about a Palestinian village in Israel. $7. 

849-2568 

Maybeck Homes 

1 - 4:30 p.m. 

#1 Maybeck Twin Drive 

Open house of four nearby homes accompanied by short talks on the character of Maybeck’s homes. A reception, raffle, and silent auction will be part of the afternoon activities. Limited space, call 845-7714 for registration. 

Monday, July 30

State Wide Alliance of Tenants 

5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m. 

Harriet Tubman Terrace 

2870 Adeline Street 

A monthly open forum of the Affordable Housing Advocacy Project. This month meet members of the State Wide Alliance of Tenants as they discuss their successes in improving living conditions in their housing developments. (800) 773-2110 

Seeking Peace: Voices from  

the Israeli Peace Camp 

8:30 p.m. 

Wheeler Auditorium, UC Berkeley 

Event / Panel Discussion. A screening of The Jahalin, a video about a Bedouin clan evicted from their tent encampment; and Street Under Fire, about the Jerusalem neighborhood of Gilo. After screenings a discussion with representatives from four Israeli peace organizations: The Parents’ Circle, Bat Shalom, New Profile, and Peace Now.  

$6.50 - 8.50; For ticket information call 925-866-9559 

Tuesday, July 31

Berkeley Camera Club  

7:30 p.m. 

Northbrae Community Church  

941 The Alameda  

Share your slides and learn what other photographers are doing. Monthly field trips. 

Call Don, 525-3565

In a fictitiously constructed 1937 newsreel, footage of the 10th annual Academy Awards featuring the brand-new category of Best Actress in a Supporting Role is placed alongside footage of a military rally of Germany’s Third Reich overseen by Adolf Hitler, not yet perceived as a global threat. 

Watching this opening sequence in “One of the Hollywood Ten,” featured this weekend in the Jewish Film Festival, one is struck by the contrast of the American film industry’s self-congratulatory glamour and Europe’s approaching genocide. With 64 years of hindsight, how can we relate these two news items? And placed, here, in a based-on-a-true-story fiction movie?  

“One of the Hollywood Ten” is not alone at this year’s Jewish Film Festival in trying to make “soft” issues – like storytelling and art – significant among international threats to life and country, and meaningful in the face of a storyteller’s worst enemy: disinterest. 

The Jewish Film Festival, having completed its weeklong run at San Francisco’s Castro Theater, is coming to Berkeley for 6 days beginning today. Because the festival’s traditional East Bay home had been the dearly departed UC Theater, it has moved to Wheeler Auditorium on the UC Campus – a proper screening venue frequently used by campus groups to show first-run movies for cash-strapped students. 

“One of the Hollywood Ten” will be presented on the festival’s first Berkeley date. It is the story of Herbert Biberman (played by Jeff Goldblum), a Hollywood director married to Gale Sondergaard (Greta Scachi), winner of the 1937 Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. Like Marlon Brando and Richard Gere after her, Sondergaard used her moment at the podium for political activism, delivering a speech denouncing fascism in Europe. 

Ten years later both husband and wife were targeted by the HUAC communist hunts, a political melee whose Red Scare hysteria was tinged with anti-Semitism. The film, however, still feels labored in its post-war context in that what’s being fought for are some abstract ideas of liberty and the careers of a few over-paid Hollywood elitists. 

The movie finds its dramatic punch in its second half, when the black-listed Biberman sets out to make “Salt of the Earth,” a movie about the labor struggles of a community of Hispanic miners (Goldblum has the misfortune of delivering the film’s most politically precious line, “This film…is freedom”). To halt production, a HUAC agent threatens the film crew with gunfire. It’s a real shoot-‘em-up standoff, giving "One of the Hollywood Ten" the dramatically grand conflict it was looking for all along. 

Black-listed or not, Hollywood likes a big finish no matter where it comes from. A young Israeli filmmaker Gur Bentwich has made a surprisingly compelling movie, “Total Love,” out of a loose, meandering story that has little in the way of political agendas or climactic shootouts. It screens Sunday. Bentwich directs with easy graceful this story of a small group of friends who concoct a recreational drug, a la Ecstasy, they call TLV, or Total Love. The surprise ingredient, one they cannot duplicate, is – perhaps like real love – a happy accident. The batch of TLV is divided among the friends and they split off to different parts of the world. 

The film’s action is never hurried but there is constant movement from Israel to Amsterdam to India as the boys try to find the remaining doses of TLV, the next international trance-rave party, and an evasive, globe-trotting girl who inspires their ardor. The liquid drug is smuggled, fittingly, in the soles of a pair of Nikes.  

What’s refreshing about this quiet gem of a movie is the absence of heavy pontificating or cinematic grandstanding. Recreational drug use is regarded as no more than that – recreational. And Bentwich even playfully diffuses the tension of a nighttime raid on an Indian prison. The energy is low-key but constant, happy but unsatisfied, and in love but rarely loved. As such it poignantly portrays young adults simultaneously jaded and hopeful. 

The festival is honoring filmmaker Alan Berliner with a three-part retrospective of his hourlong personal documentaries, “Intimate Stranger,” “Nobody’s Business” (both screening on Sunday), and “The Sweetest Sound” (July 30). The challenge Berliner assumed in making these films is turning very personal material – his grandfather, his father, and an investigation of his own name – into films interesting and accessible to anyone outside his immediate family. But even inside his immediately family he is not guaranteed an audience. When Berliner interviews his own father, Oscar, about the history of their family’s Polish roots he is met with cranky disinterest.  

“Just because it’s interesting to you,” Oscar tells his son in “Nobody’s Business, it doesn’t mean it’s interesting to anyone else. I don’t care about this.” 

Berliner’s brilliant editorial touch turns the ornery lemon into funny, ironic lemonade that transforms Berliner-specific trivia into subtle insights to very basic aspects of the human condition. 

“The specificity in the film is really a Trojan Horse within which all this range of issue about what it means to be family,” said Berliner from his home in New York City. “What it means to be a child, to be a parent, a cousin, what’s the contract we have with each other, the meaning of a life lived. Love, hate, sex…all that stuff is swirling through this ostensible portrait of this man.” 

Berliner’s newest film, “The Sweetest Sound,” is about a subject even more personal: his own name, which he discovered is personal but hardly private. He found 12 other men named Alan Berliner and invited them over for dinner and through intelligent musings, a sense of humor, and a bag of editing tricks he is able to make the subject of ‘Alan Berliner’ both appealing and revelatory. 

“I’m committed to reinventing the wheel every time,” he said. “It makes it harder to make these films, because I’m trying to give the viewer something fresh. Something that they can feel the energy of the storytelling and feel the energy of the filmic vocabulary at the same time they are following the story.” For more information on these and the 20 other Jewish Film Festival programs at Wheeler Auditorium, the festival can be reached online at www.sfijff.org. 

Similarly looking for a big climax is “Blue and White in Red Square,” a documentary about the journey of the Young Isreali Philharmonic to Moscow, being screened free of charge on Wednesday.  

Many of the orchestra’s young musicians were born in Moscow, and this is not only their first opportunity to return (somewhat apprehensively for their unhappy memories of being Jewish in Moscow), but also a once in a lifetime chance to perform in the Grand Hall, the site of Russia’s renowned musical heritage. 

But the grand finale of the film isn’t their tentative homecoming. It is eleven youth orchestras from around the world – hundreds of musicians – coming together on an enormous stage constructed in historic Red Square under the baton of Russian Maestro Valerie Gergeyev to perform Tchaikowsky’s “1812 Overture” and Mussoreky’s “Pictures at an Exhibition.” There was much pre-concert fretting about how Gergeyev would mold the massive assembly of musicians into a respectable performance. We can’t judge from the brief music selections the film offers, but the dramatic aerial camera shots certainly make it look good.

924 Gilman St. Music at 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted. July 28: Over My Dead Body, Carry On, Merrick, Some Still Believe, Black Lung Patriots; Aug. 3: Sworn Vengeance, N.J. Bloodline, Settle the Score, Existence, Step; Aug. 4: Toxic Narcotic, Menstrual Tramps, Emo Summer, Four Letter Word, Shitty Wickets; Aug 10: 90 Day Men, Assembly of God, Strong Intention, Under a Dying Sun; Aug 11: Toys That Kill, Scared of Chakra, Soophie Nun Squad, Debris; Aug 12: 5 p.m. Citizen Fish, J-Church, Eleventeen. $5. 924 Gilman St. 525-9926. 

Albatross Pub Music at 9 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Aug 1: Whiskey Brothers. 1822 San Pablo 843-2473 

Anna’s Bistro Music at 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted. July 28: Marie-Louise Fiatarone Trio; 10:30 p.m., The Ducksan Distones; July 29: Panacea; July 30: Renegade Sidemen; July 31: Jason Martineau; 1801 University Ave. 849-ANNA 

Ashkenaz July 29: 9:00 p.m. El Hadj N’ Diaye $10; July 31: 8:00 p.m. dance lesson with Dana DeSimone, 9:00 p.m. Steve Riley and Mamou Playboys $12; Aug. 5: 9 p.m. Roots Reggae featuring Groundation and Tchiya Amet. $10. 11317 San Pablo Ave. 525-5099 www.ashkenaz.com 

Eli’s Mile High Club Doors open at 8 p.m. Every Friday, 10 p.m. - 2 a.m., Funky Fridays Conscious Dance Party with KPFA DJs Split Shankin and Funky Man. $10; 3629 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Oakland 655-6661 

Freight and Salvage Coffee House All music at 8 p.m. July 28: Street Sounds; July 29: Tish Hinojosa; Aug 1: Distant Oaks; Aug 2: George Kuo, Narin Pahinui & Aaron Mahi; Aug 3: Wylie & the Wild West, the Waller Brothers, Aug 4: Adam Levy, Will Bernard; Aug 5: MonTango; Aug 6: Frank Yamma; Aug 8: San Francisco Klezmer Experience; Aug 9: John Renbourn; Aug 10: Jody Stecher, Kate Brislin; Aug 11: Al Stewart. $16.50 - $19.50. 1111 Addison St. 548-1761 www.freightandsalvage.org 

Jupiter July 28: Corner Pocket- Jazz; July 31: Basso Trio- Local sax, blues and jazz.All music starts at 8:00 p.m.www.jupiterbeer.com; or call the hotline: THE-ROCK (843-7625)  

La Peña Cultural Center July 28: 8:30 p.m., Rompe y Raja- Afro-Peruvian dance and song troupe celebrates Peruvian Independence Day; July 29: 7:30 p.m., Moh Alileche- Algerian mondol player, traditional kabylian music; Aug 3: 8 p.m. Los Delicados, Aya de Leon $10; Aug 4: 8 p.m. Grito Serpentino, Small Axe Project, Jime Salcedo-Malo & Leticia Hernandez $10; Aug 5: 7 p.m. Insight in concert $10; Aug 10: 8:30 p.m. Ire $8; Aug 11: 9:30 p.m. Fito Reynoso’s Ritmo y Armonia. $10, $13 for dance class starting at 8:15; Aug 12: 5, 7:30 p.m. “Say Yo Business” Linda Tillery & The Cultural Heritage Chior. $18 in advance, $20 at the door. In the Cafe 3105 Shattuck Avenue 849-2568 

La Note/Jazzschool July 29: 4:30 p.m., vocalist Lily Tung, 5:30 p.m. Jazzschool Advanced Jazz Workshop. $5; Aug 5: 4:30 p.m. Vocaists’ Series (Denine Monet), 5:30 p.m. Instrumentalists’ Series (Pelo Mar); Aug 12: 4:30 p.m. The Freedom Project, 5:30 Eli Sundelson Trio. 2377 Shattuck Avenue 845-5373. 

Shattuck Down Low Lounge Every Tuesday: 9:30 p.m., Posh Tuesdays with DJ’s Yamu, Delon, Add1, and Tequila Willie. Shattuck at Allston. www.thebeatdownsound.com  

“Midsummer Mozart Festival” All shows at 7:30 p.m. July 28: Four pieces including “March in D Major”; Aug. 3: Four pieces including “Symphony in B Flat.” $32 - $40. First Congregational Church 2345 Channing Way (415) 292-9620 www.midsummermozart.org  

“Downtown” Restaurant and Bar August 6: 7 p.m. Jesse Colin Young of the sixties hit group, The Youngbloods, will be performing at a No Nukes evening, sponsored by Greenpeace. The evening commemorates the 56th anniversary of the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima. The proceeds go to Tri-Valley CAREs and Citizen Alert. Tickets are $100. 2102 Shattuck Ave. 800-728-6223 

The Greek Theatre Aug. 3 and Aug. 4, 7 p.m. The String Cheese Incident, $29.75. Hearst Avenue and Gayley Road 444-TIXS, or (415) 421-TIXS www.sfx.com 

Julia Morgan Center for the Arts July 29: 2:00 p.m. “Into the Eye of Magic! An Asian Folk Tale” interactive musical and thearical production for families. Adults $10 Children $5; Aug 4: 8 p.m. “Cuatro maestros Touring Festival” two-hour theatrical event of music and dance performed by four elder folk artists and their talented young counterparts. Adults $18 Children $12; Aug. 10: 7:30 p.m. & Aug. 11, 12, 5 p.m. Campers from Stage Door Conservatory’s “On Broadway” program for grades 5-9 will perform Fiddler on the Roof, Jr. $12 adults, $8 kids. (For info call 527-5939); 2640 College Avenue 845-8542 ext. 302 

“The Great Sebastians” Through Aug. 11: Friday and Saturday evenings 8 p.m. plus Thursday, Aug. 9, presented by Actors Ensemble of Berkeley. A tale about a mind-reading act touring behind the Iron Curtain. A communist general believes the act and “invites” the Sebastians to his villa where the humor and excitement follows. $10. Live Oak Theatre, 1301 Shattuck (at Berryman). For reservations call 528-5620 

“Human Nature” July 28: 8:30 p.m. The X-Plicit Players explore intimate but un-named ways of being together, awaken senses old and new and participate in Group Body. $15 Metaversal Lightcraft 1708 University 848-1985 

“Iphegenia in Aulis” Through Aug. 12: Sat. and Sun. 5 p.m. Special dawn performance on August 12 at 7 a.m. A free park performance by the Shotgun Players of Euripides’ play about choices and priorities. With a masked chorus, singing, dancing, and live music. Feel free to bring food and something soft to sit on. John Hinkel Park, Southhampton Place at Arlington Avenue (different locations July 7 and 8). 655-0813 

“The Lady’s Not for Burning” July 28, Aug. 2 - 4: 8 p.m. Set in the 15th century, a soldier wishes to be hanged and a witch does not want to be burned at the stake. Written by Christopher Fry, directed by Susannah Woods. $5 - $10. South Berkeley Community Church 1802 Fairview st. 464-1117 

“Loot” Through Aug 25, Thursdays - Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sundays at 7 p.m. Special Performance Aug 20, 8:00 p.m. General Admission: $15, Students / Seniors: $10 La Val’s 1834 Euclid Avenue 655-0813 

“Orphans” Through Aug. 5: Fri. and Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 7 p.m. Lyle Kessler’s dark comedy about a mysterious stranger invading the home of two orphaned brothers. $15. The Speakeasy Theater, 2016 Seventh St. 326-8493 

“Reefer Madness” Aug 8, 9, Aug 22,23: 9 p.m. A new one-act theatre piece adapted from a 1936 government-funded film opens a critical eye to the control of our society. Performed by The Elemental Theatre Group La Pena Cultural Center 3105 Shattuck Avenue. Wednesdays “pay what you can”, thursdays $5 - $10. Fri Aug 10,17: 7 p.m. People’s Park Free. Contact Zachary Rouse or Tisha Sloan for more info at 655-4150 

“Romeo & Juliet” Aug 11 - Sep 2, Tuesdays - Thursdays. Bruns Memorial Amphitheater. Shakespeare’s classic about a young couple that meets, falls in love and dies in just five days. Adults: $22 - $41 youth (under 16): $12 - $41. 

“San Francisco Improv” July 28: 8 p.m., Free show at Cafe Electica 1309 Solano Avenue. 527-2344 

“The Skin of Our Teeth” Through July 29: Tues. - Thurs. 7:30 p.m., Fri. 8 p.m., Sat. 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., Sun. 4 p.m. Part of the California Shakespeare Festival, a Thorton Wilder play about a typical family enduring various catastrophes. $10 - $146. Bruns Memorial Amphitheater, off Highway 24 at the Shakespeare Festival Way/Gateway Exit. 548-9666 

Films 

La Peña Cultural Center July 29: 2:00 p.m., Laborfest- International Working Class Film & Video Festival. “Not in my Garden” by Video 48. $7. 3105 Shattuck Avenue 849-2568 

Pacific Film Archive July 28: 7:00 The Big Heat, 8:30 Kippur, 8:50 Clash by Night; July 29: 3:00 A Boy named Charlie Brown, 5:30 Mr. Pu, 7:30 A Billionaire; July 31: 7:30 The Arena of Murder; Aug 1: 7:30 Two Thousand Maniacs!, 9:15 Manos, the Hands of Fate; Aug 2: 7:30 Kadosh; Aug 3: 7:00 A Full-Up Train, 9:00 The Men of Tohoku; Aug 4: 7:00 Human Desire, 8:50 Hangmen Also Die; Aug 5: 3 p.m. The Yearling, 5:30 p.m The Woman Who Touched Legs; Aug 7: 7:30 p.m. Figures of Motion; Aug 8: 7:30 p.m. Confessions of an Opium Eater; Aug 9: 7:30 p.m. The Return of Frank James; Aug 10: 7 p.m. Alone on the Pacific, 9:05 p.m. Her Brother; Aug 11: 7 p.m. While the City Sleeps, 9 p.m. Beyong a Reasonable Doubt; Aug 12: 3 p.m. Charlotte’s Web, 5:30 p.m. Tokyo Olympiad. New PFA Theatre 2575 Bancroft Way 642-1412 

San Francisco Jewish Film Festival July 28: 1 p.m. The Optimists: the story of the rescue of the Jews of Bulgaria, 3:30 p.m. “Louba’s Ghosts”, 6:15 p.m. “One of the Hollywood Ten”, 8:30 p.m. “Kippur”; July 29: 11 a.m. “Keys from Spain”, “The Cross Inscribed in the Star of David”, 1 p.m. “Intimate Stranger”, “Nobody’s Business”, 4 p.m. “The Sweetest Sound”, 6 p.m. “Once We Grow Up”, 8:30 p.m. “Total Love”, “Moses vs. Godzilla”; July 30: 2 p.m. “Circumcision”, “Abe’s Manhood”, 4 p.m. “Terrorists in Retirement”, 6 p.m. “Disparus”, 8:30 p.m. “Street Under Fire”, “The Jahalin”; Juy 31: 3 pm. “Family Secret”, “Still (Stille)”, 5:30 p.m. “Love Inventory”, “The Bicycle”, 8:30 p.m. “Time of Favor (Hahesder)”; Aug 1: 2 p.m. “Blue and White in Red Square”, “Tsipa and Volf”, 4 p.m. “Shorts on Love and War”, 6 p.m. “Jewish Girls in Shorts”, 8:15 p.m. “waiting for the Messiah”, “The Seventh Day”; Aug 2: 1 p.m. “Fighter”, 3:15 “Brownsville Black and White”, 5:15 “Inside Out”, “Grrly Show”, 8:45 p.m. “Jewish Luck”, “SF Klezmer Experience”. General admission: $8.50, Matinees (up to and including 4 p.m.): $7, Students/Seniors/Groups: $6.50. Wheeler Auditorium, UC Berkeley. (925)866-9559 http://www.sfjff.org 

“7th annual Brainwash Movie Festival” Aug 3- 5: (bring a chair) at the Pyramid Ale brewery, 901 Gilman Street 527-9090 ext. 218. Festival Pass: $30, Individual tickets: online: $8, door: $10 

“Lumumba” Aug 10 at Shattuck Cinemas. Biogrophy of the slain African political figure Patrice Lumumba. In French with English subtitles. 

“Roommates” Aug 12. Max Apple’s true story of his immigrany grandfather who moved in with him when he was in college (in the 60’s). Peer led discussion following movie. $2 Suggested donation. Berkeley Richmond Jewish Community Center 1414 Walnut Street 848-0237 

Exhibits 

“BACA National Juried Exhibition: Works on Paper” Through August 31: Wed. - Sun. Noon - 5 p.m. Berkeley Art Center 1275 Walnut St. 644-6893 

“Bernard Maisner: Illuminated Manuscripts and Paintings” Through Aug. 8 Maisner works in miniature as well as in large scales, combining his mastery of medieval illumination, gold leafing, and modern painting techniques. Flora Lamson Hewlett Library 2400 Ridge Road 849-2541 

“Debbie Moore’s Autobiographical Paintings” Through Sep 30 at Good Vibrations. Portraits of the artist’s sensual explorations spanning 25 years and reflecting changing ways of intimacy and body play. 2504 San Pablo Avenue 848-1985 

“The Decade of Change: 1900 - 1910” chronicles the transformation of the city of Berkeley in this 10 year period. Thursday through Saturday, 1 – 4 p.m. Through September. Berkeley History Center, Veterans Memorial Building, 1931 Center St. Wheelchair accessible. 848-0181. Free.  

“A Fine Line” Through August 24, Tuesday - Friday, noon - 5 p.m. or by appointment. An exhibition works by Kala Fellowship winners for the years 2000 and 2001. Kala Art Institute 1060 Heinz Avenue 549-2977 

“Geographies of My Heart” Collage paintings by Jennifer Colby through August 24; Flora Lamson Hewlett Library 2400 Ridge Road 649-2541 

“MFA Survey Exhibition 2001” third annual exhibition of works of recent graduates from Bay Area master of Fine Art programs. This year featuring artists working in three-dimentional media. now - Aug 18 tuesday - saturday, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Traywick Gallery 1316 Tenth Street 527-1214 

“Musee des Hommages” Masterworks by Guy Colwell Faithful copies of several artists from the pasts, including Titian’s “The Venus of Urbino,” Cezanne’s “Still Life,” Picasso’s “Woman at a Mirror,” and Boticelli’s “Primavera” Ongoing. Call ahead for hours 2028 Ninth St. (at Addison) 841-4210 or visit www.atelier9.com 

“New Visions: Introductions 2001” Through Aug. 18: Wed. - Sat.: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Juried by Artist- Curator Rene Yanez and Robbin Henderson, Executive Director of the Berkeley Art Center, the exhibition features works from some of California’s up-and-coming artists. Pro Arts 461 Ninth St., Oakland 763-9425 

“The Saints Are Coming... To Bring Hope” Through July 30: Tue., Wed., Sat. 12 - 5, p.m., Fri. 1 - 5 p.m., An art installation featuring Fred DeWitt, Leon Kennedy, Josie Madero, Esete Menkir, Belinda Osborn, Arline Lucia Rodini, April Watkins, and Carla Woshone. The Art of Living Center 2905 Shattuck Ave. 848-3736  

“Sistahs: Ethnofraphic Ceramics” through Aug. 22, Reception July 29 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. Womens Cancer Resource Center Gallery 3023 Shattuck Avenue 548-9286 ext. 307 

“Ten Years Here” Exhibit celebrating the 10 year anniversary of Turn of the Century Fine Arts. Aug. 4 - Sept. 14, Sat & Sun 1-5 p.m. Reception Aug 4 2:00 - 7:00 p.m. 2510 San Pablo Avenue 849-0950 

“The Trip to Here: Paintings and Ghosts by Marty Brooks” Through July 31: Tues. - Sun. 11 a.m. - 1 a.m. View Brooks’ first California show at Bison Brewing Company 2598 Telegraph Ave. 841-7734  

Readings 

Boadecia’s Books Aug 3: Mabel Maney (author of the Nancy Clue/ Cherry Aimless and Hardly Boys mysteries) reads from her new book “Kiss the Girls and Make them Spy” featuring Jane Bond, James’ lesbian twin sister; Aug 4: Dyke Open Myke! Coffeehouse-style open mike night featuring both established and emerging talent; Aug 10 Susann Cokal reads from her novel “Mirabilis” set in 14th-century France; Aug 11: Trina Robbins discusses her latest work “Eternally Bad: Goddesses with Attitute”. All events start at 7:30 p.m. and are free. 398 Colusa Avenue 559-9184 

Cody’s Books Aug 5: Justin Chin, Gerry Gomez Pearlberg; Aug 8: Jane Mead, Mark Turpin. $2 donation. Readings at 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted. 2454 Telegraph Ave. 845-0837 

Cafe de la Paz “Poetry Nitro” Weekly poetry open mike. July 30: Featuring Lisa Sikie; Aug 6: featuring Andrena zawinski. 6:30 p.m. sign-up, 7 p.m. reading. 1600 Shattuck Ave. 843-0662  

Coffee Mill Poetry Series August 7: Featured readers JC and Bert Glick. 7-9 p.m.; August 21: Featured Readers: Victoria Joyce and Therese Bamberger; Both 7-9 p.m. Free. 3363 Grand Ave., Oakland for info. (510)465-3935 or (510)526-5985, or Email: ksdgk@earthlink.net 

Tours 

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory Fridays 9:30 - 11:45 a.m. or by appointment. Call ahead to make reservations. Free. University of California, Berkeley. 486-4387 

Golden Gate Live Steamers Grizzly Peak Boulevard and Lomas Cantadas Drive at the south end of Tilden Regional Park Small locomotives, meticulously scaled to size. Trains run Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Rides: Sunday, noon to 3 p.m., weather permitting. 486-0623  

Museums 

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  

UC Berkeley Museum of Paleontology Lobby, Valley Life Sciences Building, UC Berkeley “Tyrannosaurus Rex,” ongoing. A 20 by 40-foot replica of the fearsome dinosaur 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 22-23 feet. The Pteranodon lived at the same time as the dinosaurs. 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 will close its exhibition galleries for renovation on October 1. It will reopen in early 2002. On View until October 1, 2001: “Ishi and the Invention of Yahi Culture.” “Sites Along the Nile: Rescuing Ancient Egypt.” “The Art of Research: Nelson Graburn and the Aesthetics of Inuit Sculpture.” “Tzintzuntzan, Mexico: Photographs by George Foster.”  

$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. Kroeber Hall, Bancroft Way and College Ave. 643-7648 or www.qal.berkeley.edu/~hearst/ 

Lawrence Hall of Science “Science in Toyland,” through Sept. 9. Exhibit uses toys to demonstrate scientific principles and to help develop children's thinking processes. Susan Cerny’s collection of over 200 tops from around the world. “Space Weather,” through Sept. 2. Learn about solar cycles, space weather, the cause of the Aurorae and recent discoveries made by leading astronomers. This interactive exhibit lets visitors access near real-time data from the Sun and space, view interactive videos and find out about a variety of solar activities. “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. “Saturday Night Stargazing,” First and third Saturdays each month. 8 - 10 p.m., LHS plaza. Space Weather Exhibit now - Sept. 2; now - Sept. 9 Science in Toyland; Saturdays 12:30 - 3:30 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. “Constellations Tonight” Ongoing. Using a simple star map, learn to identify the most prominent constellations for the season in the planetarium sky. “How Big Is the Universe?” Aug. 1 through Aug. 24. Learn how to determine the distance of celestial objects, one of the purposes of the Hubble Space Telescope. Daily, 2:15 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, 642-5132 or www.lhs.berkeley.edu 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, UC Berkeley 642-5132 or www.lhs.berkeley.edu  

The UC Berkeley Art Museum is closed for renovations until the fall. 

It was once a place where formerly homeless men and women could get back on their feet. It was a place where residents held poetry readings, took art classes, ate free cake on their birthdays and enjoyed donated gourmet meals from restaurants such as Chez Panisse once a month. Now, UA Homes at 1040 University Ave. is riddled with complaints. Both tenants and neighbors have complained about garbage, problems with the bathrooms, lack of building security and overt drug dealing.  

Police visited more than 200 times last year.  

“The calls were for everything. Warrants, restraining orders, drugs, noise ... . For one property to have that many calls is fairly substantial,” said Michael Caplain, west Berkeley neighborhood services liaison. 

City, state and federal money helped transform the building from, as Housing Director Stephen Barton put it, a “sleazy” 75-unit resident hotel into a single-room occupancy apartment building that provides social services to tenants with special needs. 

Although drug use is common, residents can access medical clinics, vocational training and alcohol and drug rehabilitation counseling while paying very low rent provided by Section 8 housing vouchers. The plan was to give people who are trying to get back on their feet a sense of stability.  

Drug raids rattle residents 

Until recently, the plan was working.  

“Something happened in the last year. There was an influx of garbage, trashed furniture, dumping, loitering ... There was a lot of coming and going and overt drug dealing,” said Susan Black, who lives three houses away from the building on 10th Street.  

In May, five residents were subjected to police raids for drugs. Two were arrested for drug possession – although the amount of drugs found were small.  

The residents who had their rooms raided wish to remain anonymous, but said the raids were heavy-handed and hurt their struggle to remain clean and sober and off the streets.  

Bill Decker, president of the tenants association, said the building’s reduced number of group activities and social services – combined with a new night time security team – is creating an atmosphere of fear and hostility.  

“We have no advocates. All the things that were helping people take control of their lives were taken away,” Decker said. 

Having the police break down residents’ doors and tear apart their rooms didn’t help either, he said. 

“It was a complete violation of anything appropriate,” one woman whose apartment was raided in May said. “They ripped pictures off the walls. It was insane. It was like they were on drugs. They went nuts.” 

Police Review Commission investigating 

Police Chief Dash Butler maintains that some allegations are simply not true. But he added there is no way of knowing if the officers’ actions were inappropriate unless there is an investigation.  

The residents brought their complaints to the Police Review Commission Wednesday night and secretary Barbara Arttard said the commission is aiming to review the warrants and videotape of the raids in September.  

The warrants were served, Butler said, because of the combination of resident complaints and the number of calls for service. 

“Like any development, you have people who are involved, you have people who are deeply involved and you have those that fall in the middle – and those people are entitled to the same rights as everyone else,” Butler said.  

There has not been any raids since May and Butler refused to say if there were any more in the works.  

The building has been owned by nonprofit affordable housing developer Resources for Community Development for the past 18 months, according company Assets Manager Kerry Williams. Although Williams does not agree with the raids, he said he is in a tenuous situation because he relies on the city for a lot of support.  

‘No witch hunt’ 

“I’m in a catch-22,” Williams said. “I don’t want to alienate the city or the people at UA Homes.” 

Still, Williams said he is trying to address the issues with the building in a sensitive manner. 

“There’s no witch hunt. No one is going to be a scapegoat. We’re not going to violate anyone’s civil rights. We’ll follow the law and we’ll investigate,” he said. 

The problems stemmed, Williams said, from the building’s management by the John Stewart Company. Although John Stewart has a good reputation throughout the Bay Area for managing low-income properties – neither Ned York, the company’s contact person for UA Homes or Vice President Loren Sanborn returned several calls for comment.  

Others – including city officials – pointed fingers at the property’s management as well.  

Mayor Shirley Dean said she received complaints about maintenance problems with shared bathrooms and laundry rooms and that drug dealers were coming into the building through emergency exits. But she said the John Stewart Company was responsive to her phone call requesting that some of the more pressing safety issues be taken care of.  

All but two front desk clerks have been replaced and a security firm keeps tabs on all visitors after 4 p.m., according to Williams. The property supervisor has also resigned as of August 3, Williams said.  

“We’ve had good results. The only complaint is that the tenants wish they were notified sooner rather than later,” Williams said.  

Tenants held a meeting Thursday about the changes and Williams said he will do his best to keep them in the loop. 

“My sense is that it has calmed down since the police raids when all of us were extraordinarily upset,” he said. 

Since some of the social services seems to be waning, Dean expressed an interest in maintaining on-site social services for the residents. 

“We can’t make it mandatory. But there has to be some aggression to aggressively contact people so there aren’t any more problems,” Dean said.  

Light at the end of the tunnel? 

This week, boona cheema, executive director of Building Opportunities for Self-Sufficiency, said there is a concerted effort to increase the number of on-site services. BOSS is a non-profit that helps homeless, poor and disabled people achieve independence by helping remove the causes of poverty. 

Once the security issues are taken care of, cheema believes that real progress can begin. 

“Look, s— happens. Let it go and let’s move on. There were problems with the management and the safety and security of residents in the building,” she said. “As soon as that improves, then things are going to turn around.” 

BOSS and Lifelong have created a partnership with Bonita House and the tenants to provide clinics, drug and alcohol counseling, case management and community building.  

Community building, cheema said, includes activities such as writer’s workshops, movie night, game night and HIV/AIDS intervention. 

“We need a number of bodies engaging people. People didn’t have anything to do – they were bored,” she said.  

Community involvement 

If those services get back on track, it will be reminiscent of when the building was first rehabilitated after the Loma Prieta earthquake in 1989. 

Under the direction of Susan Felix from 1993-99, UA Homes went through both good and bad times, Barton said. Barton was interim housing director for three years before being named director July 24. 

“The residents needs are always so much greater than the money available,” Barton said. “When you are helping people who are dealing with substance abuse or mental illness, you are always running from one thing to another,” Barton said.  

Felix was pretty much a one-woman show, Barton said, who poured her time into the building to make it work.  

She left the building two years ago to help create a transitional housing development in Alameda. Before that, Felix said much of her time was taken up pursuing arts and community grants for a wide range of programs at UA Homes. She even convinced retail stores to donate high-quality sheets and towels.  

“We had game night and cake for birthdays. There was a lot of involvement in the community before,” she said. “I don’t know what’s happening now.” 

Prep hoops star de-commits 

Derek Burditt, a New Orleans prep basketball star who verbally committed to Cal earlier this year, has rescinded his decision, bluchiphoops.com reported this week. 

Burditt, rated as a top-50 player by several recruiting services, is a 6-foot-6 small forward from John Ehret High in Marrero, La. 

“You could say I’m de-committing,” Burditt said. “I talked to one of the assistants and told them that. He was telling me to think about it. It’s a done deal; I’m not going to Cal.” 

Echema to skip next season 

In a surprise move, Cal tailback Joe Echema will redshirt the upcoming season. No reason has been given yet for the decision by the player or the university. 

Echema was expected to be the main backup to starter Joe Igber. Fellow senior-to-be Saleem Muhammed transferred to Portland State when it became apparent after spring practice that he would be third on the depth chart. 

Echema’s absence leaves no experienced backup to Igber on the team. Senior Marcus Fields was the starting tailback as a freshman, but is now a utility back who will see time at several positions.

Dear Tom and Ray: 

Back in the 1980s, I drove a huge Chevy van. The steering wheel was so loose that I could turn corners using only a pinkie (of course, the steering wheel wobbled a little on straightaways, too). Now my wife has acute arm-muscle pain and needs a car with very easy steering. None of the new cars we’ve tested are easy to steer. If I want that same old-fashioned, easy steering, do I need to buy an old car? — David 

RAY: You might. You're referring to the old GM power steering of the ’70s and ’80s. The “slosh” that they worked decades to perfect. 

TOM: It’s hard to find that now. These days, customers prefer to have a better feel for the road. So manufacturers have reduced the amount of steering boost they put in their cars. And you’re right, almost all American cars now have more resistance in the steering wheel than they did 20 years ago. 

RAY: So what to do? Well, first of all, you should really ask yourself – and answer honestly – whether your wife SHOULD be driving anymore. If she’s got severe arm pain, will she be able to react and steer fast enough to get out of the way in an emergency? Will she put herself or other families in danger on the road because she can't swerve when necessary? If she has trouble steering an average, power-steering-equipped car, it might be time to give up the keys. 

TOM: If you decide that she is well enough to handle emergencies as well as normal driving, then I’d look at the most traditional American cars you can find – cars like the Mercury Grand Marquis, the Ford Crown Victoria, the Lincoln Town Car and the Buick LeSabre. T 

RAY: If none of those does the trick, you certainly can look for an older used car. Or you can consider handicap controls. We have an area of our Web site dedicated to drivers with special needs. It’s at the Car Talk section of www.cars.com. Good luck, David.  

Dear Tom and Ray: 

Please help me settle an ongoing dispute I’m having with my four best friends. After discussing the new elephant arrival at our city zoo, we contemplated how much the elephant might weigh at birth. I stated that it would be somewhat like delivering a small car. Half of the group is certain that a car weighs more than a ton. Those of us who are more reasonable know that a car could not possibly weigh a ton. Please help us resolve this matter – it's driving us crazy. — Seattle Girls 

TOM: Well, you’ve come to the right place, girls. In addition to our extensive knowledge of cars, we also happen to be elephant experts. 

RAY: You might be surprised to learn that a newborn pachyderm only weighs between 200 and 300 pounds. About the same as a mother-in-law! 

TOM: Whereas the average car weighs about a ton and a half – or in the neighborhood of 3,000 pounds. These days, the lightest cars on the road weigh just a little bit less than a ton, and the heaviest passenger cars are in the 2-ton range. 

RAY: So, as you can see, birthing an elephant is nothing at all like birthing a car. It's more like, well, birthing a 250cc motorcycle. Which, when you think about it, is probably no walk in the park, either!  

Got a question about cars? Write to Click and Clack by e-mail at the Car Talk section of cars.com

City finds new way to pump gas  

When politicians and city officials gather for a ribbon cutting ceremony there’s usually enough hot air generated to inflate a fleet of air balloons ... or, in this case, fuel a few city vehicles. 

Deputy Director of Public Works Patrick Keilch emceed the grand opening of Berkeley’s first compressed natural gas station. About 25 people attended the ceremony including Mayor Shirley Dean and a cadre of city and state officials.  

The new CNG station, located at the end of Second Street near Harrison Street, will pump compressed gas vapors into the fuel tanks of vehicles owned by the city, state and local businesses. 

City officials said CNG burns 75 percent cleaner and increases the longevity of engines by about 50 percent as a result of reduced carbon buildup common in vehicles that use liquid gas or diesel fuels. 

“These vehicles are much cleaner burning and much longer lasting,” said Department of Public Works Fleet Manager Bill Ivie.  

Keilch said the CNG fuel costs about five to 10 percent less per mile than liquid gas. 

Environmental Planner Matthew Nichols, of the Bay Area Air Quality Management District, estimated that one Berkeley refuse program, which will use seven CNG-fueled garbage trucks, will reduce 4,600 pounds of pollutants that would otherwise be emitted into the atmosphere every year.  

The facility, which compresses the same natural gas used for residential heaters and stoves, costs nearly $500,000. At the site, natural gas will be drawn from PG&E lines and then compressed before being pumped into vehicles. 

The project was funded by the BAAQMD, the California Energy Commission and Trillium USA, a privately-owned company that will operate the facility. The city of Berkeley contributed administrative support and about $25,000. 

The fuel station will be used by a variety of public agencies including the city of Berkeley, the city of Albany and UC Berkeley. Some of the businesses that will use the station are American Soil, Acme Bread Company and the San Francisco International Airport Shuttle Service. 

Currently, the department of public works uses six CNG Pickup trucks and the police department uses four CNG patrol cars.  

“We have the seven garbage trucks on order as well as three other vehicles on the way,” said DPW Fleet Manager Bill Ivie. “Now that we have the infrastructure the number of CNG vehicles will snowball.” 

Dean said the project is the type of public-private association she would like to see more of.  

“This is wonderful,” she said. “We’re getting cleaner and this fuel is [not as] hard on the engines.” 

Peter Ward, a fuel manager for the California Energy Commission, said CNG fuel stations are becoming popular. “There are about 100 public CNG fuel stations throughout the state and another 100 stations for private use,” he said. “That’s compared to 10,500 gas stations, so we have a long way to go.” 

The CNG vehicles are purchased with stock vapor-burning fuel systems and, in the case of the new Ford trucks used by the DPW, cost about $4,500 more than a regular vehicle. The additional cost is paid with grant money from the BAAQMD, which distributes about $20 million annually for projects that reduce pollution emissions. 

Community Environmental Advisory Commissioner L.A. Wood attended the ceremony and said he has supported the CNG fuel station for years and was glad it finally opened with one reservation. 

“The city should of done the minimum environmental review,” he said. “Vehicles will be coming all the way across town from the university to fuel up and there’s other contaminants that automobiles put in the air besides fuel emissions.” 

Standing on the steps of Sproul Hall stairs, Andrew Imparato, president of the American Association of People with Disabilities wanted to make sure that his peers would be heard Friday. 

“What do we want?” he yelled in his microphone while a sign language interpreter translated his question. 

“Civil rights,” the crowd answered. 

“When do we want it?” 

“Now.” 

Nearly 100 people gathered on upper Sproul Plaza on the UC Berkeley campus Friday at noon to celebrate the 11th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, a legislation that ensures equal opportunity for people with disabilities in employment, public services and accommodations, commercial facilities and transportation. 

“We are here to celebrate us, what we’ve accomplished and how far we’ve come, said Paul Longmore, a disabled professor at San Francisco State University. “Four decades ago on this campus, nobody thought about disability issues. Disability issues are now unavoidable.” 

To the speakers, however, the ADA’s anniversary was above all a chance to call the local community to keep with a struggle that has just begun. 

“We have more rights than we once did,” said Jan Garrett, director of the Center for Independent Living. “But the truth is that we still need to have many more and we need to be vigilant about keeping the ones we had.” 

Despite the ADA, participants said disabled people’s right for equality is often not respected. Accessibility is still not systematic and issues such as equal access to education and employment remain poorly addressed, they said. 

“I would like to think that we’ve made some progress,” said Walter Park, director of the San Francisco Mayor’s office on disability. “We have got fewer people in the workforce with severe disabilities now than we had 11 years ago.” 

Full access to employment is currently one of the most sensitive issues for the disabled community. Last February, the Supreme Court ruled to limit the enforcement of the ADA ‘s Title I, which guarantees equal access to employment for all disabled people. The ruling was made in the scope of the so-called Garrett case, which involved two state employees discriminated against in their jobs because of their disabilities.  

“It’s outrageous that the highest court in our land is so ignorant and never understood the point and the process of ADA,” said Larry Paradis, director of Disability Rights Advocates. “The court needs to understand that ADA is a promise of equality that benefits everybody.” 

According to Park, the government’s lack of commitment in the protection of disability rights is not limited to federal institutions. Locally, he said, there are barriers too. 

“Way too many people in the government do not know how to implement the ADA; they don’t know that they’re not doing it,” he said, referring to the situation in San Francisco. 

One of the main problems, he said, is the staff’s lack of training. While 85 percent of the clients of San Francisco’s shelters have some kind of mental health disability, he said, many of the people working there haven’t been adequately prepared to address their needs. 

Greater awareness on the challenges they face every day, respect and inclusion, several speakers said, is what disabled people ultimately seek. 

“The access ramp, the Braille markers, the interpreters and all the other infrastructures of freedom that we campaign for are just pieces of what is an extraordinary vision of a different kind of society,” said Longmore. “We are the ultimate test of America’s commitment to diversity.” 

In the early 1890s the city and UC Berkeley began to grow rapidly with growth accelerating after 1900.  

Several factors converged to cause the population boom: the introduction of a direct electric streetcar line to the campus in 1892, and along College Avenue in 1903; the increasing reputation and quality of the university, which received international attention with the Phoebe Apperson Hearst Campus Design Competition announced in 1896; and the population boom after the 1906 San Francisco earthquake and fire when the city grew by 30,000 within a few years.  

Beginning in 1902 and continuing until the 1930s, downtown was transformed. The mostly single-story or two-story wood-framed buildings were removed and, in their place, more substantial masonry buildings were constructed. Many of these buildings are still standing and give downtown Berkeley its distinctive early 20th century character.  

The south side of Center Street, is a good, representative example of early 20th century design. The street today looks very much like this 1908 picture. The majority of the block is original. But the building on the left side of the picture was demolished for a gas station. 

Almost 50 years later the site was again redeveloped. The new building, the one standing today, was designed to echo the style of the original building using photographs such as this one for inspiration.  

From 1876, when the first steam train began operating on Shattuck Avenue, Center Street has served continuously as the pedestrian link from downtown Berkeley to the university.  

Susan Cerny writes Berkeley Observed in conjunction with the Berkeley Historical Association.

SAN FRANCISCO — The lesbian partner of a woman mauled to death by dogs earlier this year scored a surprising court victory Friday as a judge allowed her wrongful death suit to proceed to trial. 

Judge A. James Robertson II agreed with the arguments of Sharon Smith’s attorney that California state law has created a barrier for her by not allowing same-sex couples to marry, thus precluding them from seeking benefits available to married couples, such as the right to sue when someone’s negligence has allegedly deprived them of companionship. 

However, the equal protection provision of the state Constitution prevents such exclusions, the judge ruled. Smith’s attorney, Shannon Minter of the National Center for Lesbian Rights, was elated with the ruling. 

“This is a remarkable day. This is the first decision of this kind, not just in California but anywhere in the country,” Minter said. “It’s a tremendous victory for lesbian and gay people in the United States.” 

Smith sued Robert Noel and Marjorie Knoller, the caretakers of two large presa canario dogs that killed her partner, Diane Whipple, Jan. 26 as she stood in her apartment hallway. 

Marriage for heterosexual couples, Minter argued, is proof of a legal union. “But for same-sex couples it is no test at all,” Minter said. ”(Marriage) is not anything available to them in the first instance ... There is literally nothing Sharon and Dianne could have done to formalize their relationship,” Minter said. 

Smith choked back tears after the hearing and said it was an emotional moment for her. 

A vice president at an investment firm who was thrust into the public eye by her partner’s death, Smith went to the state Capitol to lobby for a bill addressing the issue of same-sex benefits. Proposed bill AB25, sponsored by Carole Migden, D-San Francisco, passed the Assembly with a 43-21 vote, and is in the Appropriations Committee awaiting action. 

The bill would allow same-sex partners to get the same health benefits, disability and unemployment coverage and retirement pensions as married men and women. It would also allow domestic partners to seek economic and emotional damages in such wrongful-death lawsuits. 

Judge Robertson’s decision sets no legal precedent, but the unique case will test the California courts if appealed, said Jon Davidson, senior counsel for Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund. Lambda is the nation’s oldest civil rights organization for lesbians and gays. 

“In this case the plaintiff not only was arguing about the wording of the statute, but also said there would be these constitutional problems if Sharon Smith wasn’t allowed to sue,” Davidson said. “If Sharon Smith would have been Steve Smith, this couple would have been married.” 

No trial date has been set. Noel and Knoller, both lawyers themselves, are representing themselves in the case but did not appear in court Friday and remain behind bars on charges of involuntary manslaughter and keeping a mischievous dog that killed a human being. Knoller, who was with the dogs at the time, also faces a felony charge of second-degree murder. 

The last time the state’s high court dealt with a similar issue was in 1988. The California Supreme Court ruled that unmarried lovers, whether heterosexual or homosexual, could not sue for emotional distress suffered from seeing the other partner injured. 

The reasoning behind the court’s ruling was society’s support for the institution of marriage. 

“The state has a strong interest in the marriage relationship,” the late Justice Stanley Mosk wrote for the majority. Mosk added that the legal consequences of a wrongdoer’s negligent act “must be limited in order to avoid an intolerable burden on society.” 

Noel and Knoller were taking care of the dogs Bane and Hera for two Pelican Bay State Prison inmates who were allegedly having them trained to guard drug labs in California. 

In a strange twist, the jailed couple adopted one of the inmates, avowed white supremacist Paul “Cornfed” Schneider. Schneider and the other inmate, Dale Bretches, are seeking to have themselves named as co-defendants in the civil suit. 

The case is Smith v. Knoller 19-SCV-319532. 

SAN FRANCISCO — Californians are buying more energy efficient refrigerators and washing machines than salespeople can ever remember, despite a blackout-free summer and assurance from state officials that electric rates should stay put or drop. 

The rebates are so popular that California’s three largest utilities expect to run out of rebate money by the end of summer. The funds usually stretch until after Christmas or roll over into the following year. 

Golden State residents also are burning their free time taking energy conservation classes at home improvement stores such as The Home Depot, which cover topics from installing more efficient air conditioners to properly sealing ducts that could leak hot or cold air. 

“I think people are still pretty interested in being efficient for energy,” said Mike Gibbon, store manager at The Home Depot in Santa Clarita. “I don’t think anybody wants to see those blackouts.” 

Replacing an old refrigerator with an energy efficient model – which can cost $550 on the low end – can net ratepayers rebate of $125 or even $200. Southern California Edison Co. even pays an extra $35 for the privilege of hauling away the old fridge for recycling. 

State officials point to June’s 12 percent drop in power demand as a major reason the state has thus far evaded rolling blackouts. Cooler weather also has decreased energy usage to the point that the state has had to sell off excess power for a fraction of what it paid. 

Many Californians now leave laundry and other electricity-thirsty activities for the evening hours, when big businesses are shuttered for the night and the state’s power supply is more stable. But they still pay more for power than last year, despite using less electricity. 

“Everything is turned off when I’m not utilizing a room; we don’t use the microwave,” said Denise Jones, a Pinole resident who works for the San Francisco health department. “We wash dishes and use the clothes drier after 7 o’clock.” 

Customers of public utilities can even plant trees to cut costs and save electricity. Sacramento has a 10-year-old program called Sacramento Shade that has distributed more than 300,000 free trees. Anaheim Public Utilities has its Tree Power Program, started in 1992, which has given away 16,000 free shade trees to help people cool their homes during the scorching summer months. It also offers a $20 rebate for trees people buy at nurseries to shade their homes. 

Flip on the radio or open a newspaper. Appliance stores advertise a small fortune available in energy rebates for those who are willing to spend more money now to save money on future power bills. 

“People are getting that bill each month reminding them they’re spending a lot on their electricity use and they have found that the refrigerator is the biggest electricity user in the standard home,” said Reece Williams, a salesman at Cherin’s Appliance in San Francisco. 

“It’s like giving yourself a perpetual rebate because you’re saving money on power,” Williams said. Cherin’s delivers around 15 energy efficient refrigerators a day, he said. 

Pacific Gas and Electric Co., Southern California Edison Co. and San Diego Gas and Electric Co. offer rebates on dozens of energy efficient appliances, insulation and gadgets. Just make sure to call ahead to reserve a rebate – some of the utilities say they won’t pay after the fact. PG&E has applications in the store that customers can fill out and mail in with a receipt, and for some appliances, rebate applications can be downloaded from the Internet and sent in after the purchase. 

Ratepayers themselves pay for appliance rebates, low-income power bill discounts and other programs with a small percentage of each month’s payment. Lawmakers also kicked in several million more for each utility earlier this year. 

Staci Homrig, a PG&E spokeswoman, said the utility has received rebate applications for 21,200 refrigerators alone, plus thousands more for other major appliances including dishwashers and washing machines. 

“We’ve been trying to convey the message that if you thought about replacing your appliances, now is the time to do it,” Homrig said. PG&E plans to spend more than $50 million on rebates. 

Edison customers have reserved more than half of the $7 million the utility budgeted for rebates, said Gil Alexander, a spokesman for the utility. 

SDG&E already has committed about $30 million of the more than $35 million it plans to spend this year, said spokeswoman Jennifer Andrews. 

——— 

On the Net: 

http://www.pge.com/123 

http://www.sce.com/002—save—energy/002a—rebates.shtml 

http://www.sdge.com/efficiency/ee—programrebates.html 

http://www.energystar.gov 

LOS ANGELES — Data collected 25 years ago on the surface of Mars by NASA’s twin Viking landers show evidence of life, a scientist claimed Friday. 

Other scientists quickly cast doubt on the claim by Joseph Miller, citing a variety of other explanations for the data radioed back to Earth from the landers as they performed experiments on Martian soil in an effort to find any trace of life on the Red Planet. 

Miller, an associate professor in the Department of Cell and Neurobiology at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, said he detected distinct rhythms in the levels of gas given off during the range of experiments that sought to prompt the growth of microbial life in samples of Martian soil doused with water and nutrients. 

The experiments were conducted aboard the robotic Viking landers, which set down on the surface of Mars 25 years ago this month. 

If any living organisms were present in the samples, they were expected to process the nutrients and release the carbon they contained in a gas form, which could then be detected. 

Gas was released during the experiments, but a majority of scientists have long held it was the result of chemical reactions within the newly moistened – and highly corrosive – soil found on the planet’s surface. 

But Miller said the fluctuations were so regular they resembled the natural day-night, or circadian, rhythms found in terrestrial life forms, including bacteria. 

“The most likely explanation is biology,” Miller said. 

Other scientists regarded the announcement with skepticism. 

“The explanation is that there were peroxides that formed in soil, and these are ultimately responsible for reactions, the results of which he saw,” said Arden Albee, project scientist on NASA’s Mars Global Surveyor mission. 

Miller, an expert in circadian rhythms, said he has analyzed about 30 percent of the Viking data. So far, he said, he has found that gas levels produced during the various experiments varied as much as 3 percent during regular periods that matched the length of a Martian day, slightly longer than an Earth day. He said he is ”90 percent” sure the results point to the existence of life. 

Bruce Jakosky, a professor of geological sciences at the University of Colorado, Boulder, said the regularity could be explained by a number of other reasons, including regular fluctuations in the spacecraft’s temperature, the atmospheric pressure on Mars or activity aboard the robotic lander itself. 

Miller will present his results on Sunday at an astrobiology symposium held during the International Society for Optical Engineering’s 46th annual meeting in San Diego. 

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — A judge sentenced 14-year-old Nathaniel Brazill to 28 years in prison Friday for fatally shooting his favorite teacher between the eyes on the last day of school – far less than the maximum he could have received of life without parole. 

Brazill, who was tried as an adult, had faced a minimum of 25 years behind bars for killing Barry Grunow at Lake Worth Middle School more than a year ago. 

Wearing a bright red jumpsuit and shackles, the boy said nothing and his face conveyed the same blank expression it bore throughout his trial as Circuit Judge Richard Wennet handed down the sentence, which carries no possibility of parole or time off for good behavior. 

“I can tell you he’s pleased. Nathaniel just wanted to know if there is a light at the end of the tunnel,” defense attorney Robert Udell said. 

The sentence shocked some relatives of the victim, who had warned that the boy is a danger to society and should be put away for the rest of his life. 

The case – along with the life sentence given earlier this year to 14-year-old Lionel Tate, who said he was imitating pro wrestlers when he beat a 6-year-old girl to death — has renewed criticism of a tough-on-crime Florida law that allows prosecutors to try juveniles as adults and subject them to mandatory prison sentences. 

Brazill’s lawyer said the boy will appeal and, after the process is complete, ask the governor for clemency if necessary. 

“I think the sentence was fair,” Gov. Jeb Bush said in Jacksonville. “It really doesn’t matter what I think so much as there is an appeals process. Lawyers for the boy will be able to make that appeal and the process will go forward as it normally does.” 

In imposing the sentence, the judge had to decide whether the teen could be rehabilitated. But he offered no explanation for how he arrived at the 28-year sentence. 

The judge ordered the teen to take an anger management course and spend two years in a form of house arrest after doing his time in prison. He also received five years’ probation. 

Brazill was convicted in May of second-degree murder for killing the 35-year-old English teacher he called a “great man and a great teacher.” The boy was 13 when he committed the crime. 

The boy had returned to school after being suspended by a counselor earlier that day for throwing water balloons. He shot Grunow after the teacher refused to let the seventh-grader talk to two girls in his class. 

At his trial, Brazill had insisted that he only meant to scare the teacher and that the gun went off accidentally. 

Prosecutor Marc Shiner had asked for a life sentence without parole Friday, saying, “That’s the only way we can be sure he won’t hurt someone again.” 

Kay Grunow, the victim’s sister, said she was “extremely disappointed” with the sentence, calling it “an insult to Barry’s memory.” 

Grunow’s widow, Pam, was not there Friday. On Thursday, she told the judge “I do not have the wisdom” to decide what price the boy should pay. 

At the same hearing, Brazill apologized for the crime, saying: “Words cannot really explain how sorry I am, but they’re all I have.” 

His mother, Polly Powell, sobbed as she pleaded for mercy Thursday. “Nathaniel is my first born and I love him like nobody else can,” she said. Before the trial, she had rejected a plea bargain of 25 years offered by prosecutors. 

Florida is one of 15 states that give prosecutors the discretion to send juveniles to adult court, according to the Center on Juvenile and Criminal Justice. 

James Alan Fox, a criminal justice professor at Northeastern University, called Brazill’s sentence excessive but said it reflects the public’s mood. “Americans do not want to diminish criminal responsibility because the criminals are teens,” he said. 

WASHINGTON — The economy endured its weakest growth rate in eight years in the spring as American companies cut back on investment spending by the biggest amount in two decades. 

Resilient consumers kept the economy afloat, although just barely, as the gross domestic product – the country’s total output of goods and services – eked out a tiny 0.7 percent growth rate in the April-June quarter. 

Looking for glimmers of hope in the midst of a slowdown that began last summer, many analysts said they believed the country has now passed the maximum danger point for a recession. They forecast steady improvement for the rest of this year. 

“I think we have seen the bottom for this economic cycle,” said Sung Won Sohn, chief economist at Wells Fargo in Minneapolis. “Consumers have prevented the economy from sliding off a cliff and now they will be getting some help.” 

Sohn and other analysts pointed to falling interest rates, lower energy prices and the $40 billion in tax rebate checks taxpayers have started to receive as positive developments. 

“While we’re still skating on the edge of a recession, I think the outlook for the economy is now quite encouraging,” said Bill Cheney, chief economist at John Hancock Financial Services in Boston. The current economic expansion is now in a record 11th year. 

President Bush, who was accused by Democrats of talking down the economy as a way to sell his tax cut program, said that Friday’s GDP report showed how important it was that Congress approved a package including rebate checks to get relief into consumers’ hands quickly. 

“The economy is puttering along. It is not nearly as strong as it should be,” Bush told members of the Future Farmers of America at the White House. 

Wall Street saw the weak GDP report as confirmation of the string of dismal second quarter earnings reports it has been seeing. Lawrence Lindsey, the president’s chief economist, said in a CNN interview that “we have seen the worst of times already.” He predicted the economy would return to robust growth in 2002. 

Many analysts said they looked for growth to rebound to around 2 percent in the current quarter and 3.5 percent in the fourth quarter. They predicted the Federal Reserve would cut rates for a seventh time at its Aug. 21 meeting to help the recovery along. The Fed would have room to cut rates further because of an absence of inflation. An inflation gauge tied to the GDP showed prices rising by just 1.7 percent in the second quarter, the best performance since early 1999. 

The 0.7 percent GDP increase, the fourth straight quarter of sub-par activity, was the poorest showing since GDP actually shrank by 0.1 percent in the first quarter of 1993. The GDP for the first quarter of this year was revised to a rate of 1.3 percent. 

The slowdown that started in the summer of 2000 was the result of a campaign by the Fed to raise interest rates in an effort to keep tight labor markets from making inflation worse. When the severity of the downturn became evident, the Fed reversed course in January and began cutting interest rates. 

While most economists were optimistic that the nation will be able to avoid a recession, some worried that the unrelenting problems in manufacturing, which has lost 785,000 jobs in the last year, could spill over to the rest of the economy if consumers suddenly stopped spending because of fears about their own jobs. There were also fears of spreading weakness overseas. 

“A sharp deterioration in growth overseas and the continuing impact of an overvalued dollar are wreaking havoc on companies’ ability to export,” said Jerry Jasinowski, president of the National Association of Manufacturers. 

Battered by weak sales and plunging profits, companies reduced investment spending for new plants and equipment by 13.6 percent in the second quarter, the sharpest dropoff since the severe recession of 1982, with big cutbacks in spending for computers and software as well as new factories and office buildings. 

However, consumer spending helped offset this weakness, although the 2.1 percent second quarter gain was the slowest in four years. 

Spending on residential construction, which has been bolstered by falling interest rates, climbed at a healthy annual rate of 7.4 percent in the second quarter. In a second report Friday, the government said that new home sales rose by 1.7 percent in June to a strong seasonally adjusted rate of 922,000 homes. 

In addition to the sharp cutback in business investment, the other big negative factor in the second quarter was a 9.9 percent drop in U.S. exports. Businesses continued struggling to reduce a huge backlog of unsold goods, cutting inventories by $26.9 billion in the second quarter following a decline of $27.1 billion in the first quarter. 

Analysts said this sizable inventory reduction should set the stage for a rebound in production in coming months. 

In addition to releasing the new GDP report, the government revised past GDP figures. The biggest change trimmed GDP growth for all of 2000 to 4.1 percent, instead of the previously reported 5 percent. 

Six months ago, the sages of Wall Street were advising that things couldn’t get much worse, and investors listened. 

Things got worse. And now the advice itself is as deflated as stock prices. 

After viewing the earnings reports of major corporations last week, nobody is sure where the bottom of the current business slump lies. Even company officers, who should know their own markets, concede their puzzlement. 

Those certified accounting statements don’t always help, either. Often they leave you searching through a maze of exceptions to find meaningful figures. It is hardly praise to say that accounting today is creative. 

The situation leaves investors fishing, hoping for indications that there is a future, but they’re getting little guidance. After many misses, corporate chiefs are demurring about making sales and earnings forecasts. 

Some of the other reliable old signs can’t be depended on either, or are meaningless under the circumstances. How do you calculate the price-earnings ratio of a stock without earnings? How do you assess a company’s value when the market it used to lead has just about evaporated? As a result, a good earnings report these days may be one that beats the consensus forecast by a cent or two – even if it loses money, and loses it big, like Corning, the big fiber optics producer. 

Corning’s shares rose last week immediately after it reported a second-quarter loss of $4.7 billion, equal to $5.13 a share. Rose, but on what guidance? There was no worn path of experience to follow as a guide. Significantly, the company declined to offer excuses that executives once routinely offered about the past, and equally routine promises they once made about the future being brighter, etc. After all the failed forecasts, few investors are now inclined to listen to such promises. Instead, many of them are falling back on the same alibi they conned themselves with six months ago — that share prices of major companies are now so low that they can’t dig themselves lower without an excavator. 

To an extent that may be true. Corning fell to under $15 from more than $113 in the past 52 weeks, but it has had plenty of company. Price collapses have been so common they’ve lost their shock effect. While shares of some of the companies with the worst declines are now above their 52-week lows, the dimensions of their dizzying fall are still similar to those you read about in a history of the Great Depression. 

To illustrate, in the same one-year period as Corning’s, Nortel collapsed to just over $7 from nearly $84, JDS Uniphase fell to a low of $8.50 from more than $136, Lucent sank to $5.04 from a 52-week high of nearly $49, and Priceline shriveled to $1.06 from nearly $30. 

But unlike fragile, poorly conceived dot-coms that sank from sight altogether, these are substantial companies of a sort that few investors – and chief executives and option holders – could ever have imagined suffering such a fate. Wary of advisers, having listened to guidance of corporate officials absurdly off the mark, having seen entire markets shrink, and having little direction from history, investors are fishing. 

John Cunniff is a business analyst for The Associated Press

A 54-year-old woman was the victim of a robbery on Wednesday, said Berkeley Police Sgt. Kay Lantou. A young man allegedly confronted the woman on the corner of Fifth Street and Allston Way at 10:40 p.m.  

The suspect then told the victim that he had to talk to her and walked her to a side, according to Lantou. The man allegedly put his arm around the victims shoulder, grabbed her purse and ran off. The victim was not injured and there are no suspects. 

••• 

A 49-year-old man was assaulted with a statuette by a casual acquaintance on the 1900 block of Alcatraz Avenue early in the morning on Monday, Lantou said.  

The suspect, a 40- to 45-year-old woman, allegedly approached the victim’s house with a man at 5:30 a.m. When the victim answered the door the suspect demanded he give her a statuette and a vase that she had left there, Lantou said.  

The victim retrieved the statuette and when he went to retrieve the vase the suspect allegedly hit him in the back of the head with the statuette. The victim declined medical attention. 

••• 

A 50-year-old man was knocked to the ground causing head injuries on the 2800 block of Sacramento Street on July 24, according to Lantou.  

The victim, who was slightly intoxicated at the time of the incident, reportedly got into a conversation with a group of 10 young men. According to Lantou, one of the men punched the victim causing him to fall and hit his head on the cement. The assailants allegedly ran off immediately. The victim was treated at Highland Hospital and released. There are no suspects. 

GJOVIK, Norway - California’s Laura Schott scored the opening goal and forward Abby Wambach contributed two goals for the U.S. Under-21 Women’s National Team in a totally one-sided affair to record a 3-0 victory Wednesday over an out-gunned Iceland team in the opening game of the 2001 Nordic Cup Championships.  

The Americans out-shot the gritty Icelanders 31-1 for the match and could have racked up several more goals if not for some poor U.S. finishing and some great goalkeeping from Thora Helgadottir, who plays her college soccer at Duke University.  

Iceland played a highly defensive 5-4-1 formation, but the Americans laid waste to the bunker tactics early, with Schott scoring in just the 7th minute. The goal was created by U.S. captain Cat Reddick after she intercepted a pass in the midfield and took off on a slashing run through the entire Iceland team. She got to the end line on the left side of the goal and played a cross on the ground to the far post for Schott, who slid and pounded her shot into the net from a sharp angle, five yards outside the post and just two yards from the edge of the field.  

The USA made it 2-0 in the 31st minute on a beautiful goal that started in midfield as Schott and Lori Lindsey played a quick wall-pass to carve through several Iceland defenders. Lindsey then played a brilliant weak-side pass to Katie Barnes on the right flank. Barnes ran the ball down and took her time before chipping a perfect cross to the far post where Wambach slotted a header into the net from inside the six-yard box.  

The USA added its third goal just three minutes into the second half after Devvyn Hawkins played a throw-in to Wambach deep in the left corner. She posted up her defender and then rolled inside, making some space for her shot before absolutely scorching the ball into the upper left corner from 12 yards out. The ball ricocheted off the crossbar on its way into the net, giving Helgadottir no chance.  

In the other Group A match, Germany defeated Denmark 3-0 and sites atop the group tied with the U.S. In the Group B matches, Finland upset Sweden, 2-1 and Norway tied and up-and-coming Canadian team, 1-1, after University of Portland-bound Christine Sinclair tied the game in the 87th minute. The USA will face Denmark in its next Group A match on Friday. Kickoff is at 7 p.m. local/10 a.m. PST.

Dilapidated house a symbol of nimbyism 

Editor: 

What Mr. (Ms.) Broudy suggests (Forum July 7) actually happened in Berkeley a few years ago.  

There is a dilapidated one story structure on Rose Street. between Oxford and Spruce on the north side of the street. It was to be replaced by a halfway house. The neighbors bought the property and it remains the same, only more dilapidated, unkempt and overgrown, unloved — a symbol of nimby-ism.  

R. Hall 

Berkeley 

What have the studies of the tritium lab shown us? 

In a recent letter to the Planet ( June 11), I reviewed the results of six studies of the Tritium lab at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. The physicists and health scientists who were responsible for these investigations all agreed that the risk from tritium emissions to the lab workers, visitors, and the nearby residents was infinitesimally low. One risk analysis scientist commented that he had never seen a situation with so little risk and so much anxiety. Despite the unanimity of these findings, certain opponents of the lab continue to press for the closure of the tritium lab. In a letter (June 27) one of them took vigorous issue, calling me a snake-oil salesman who was trying to bamboozle the public. However, he failed to challenge the scientists’ unanimous conclusion that the tritiumlab is not poisoning anybody. 

Many of the statements in his letter deserve comment, but space limitations require me to limit my responses to the following claims: 

•“Alarming levels of contamination are locked up in the vegetation, water, and air at the site; including the air inside the Lawrence Hall of Science immediately downwind from the tritium stack.” In fact, Mr. Franke’s recent study found that the “overall tritium inventory in trees and also groundwater is small…” How air can trap tritium is a puzzle. 

•He says LBNL reduced the tritium lab’s activities three years agobecause of contamination, and he believes they are keeping activity down to lull the public. In fact, the lab had a single year of decreased work in 1996-7 while new equipment was being built and installed. The number of tritiations have gradually decreased from about 100 per year in the early 1990s to about 60 per year since 1998, according to Dr. Philip G. Williams,the lab’s manager. There has been no abrupt change. 

•“Mr. Franke stands by his conclusion that a catastrophic release (of tritium) due to earthquake, fire or accident would subject the next-door children visitors (at the Lawrence Hall of Science) to much more radiation than LBNL’s cooked calculations.” In fact, Mr. Franke reached no such conclusions. He quoted without comment or criticism the safety study’s statement that an earthquake would release an unimportant quantity of tritium. Regarding fire, he questioned the calculations of the risk to a jogger at the LBNL fence line if she stayed there for 30 minutes while the tritium lab was being destroyed by a massive fire. He suggested that a further study of this unlikely eventuality be undertaken. The lab has already hired an independent risk analysis group to do this. 

•“The Straume report actually says that LBNL minimizes the danger from tritium and that tritium is more bio-effective (harmful) than gamma radiation.” In fact, the recent safety studies by the SENES group and by Franke agree with Straume about the possibly increased bio-effectiveness of tritium. This was factored into their analyses, and Straume, SENES and Franke all agreed that the risk from the tritium lab was exceedingly small. 

The SENES report concludes that even for full-time workers at the Lawrence Hall of Science “ Because of this small risk value…no additional excess cases of cancer would be expected due to tritium releases from the NTLF.” 

ª“ The U.S. Agency for Toxic Substances…later showed a higher than expected breast cancer occurrence in the already high incidence area in the Panoramic Hill area.” In fact, they agreed with the California Department of Health Services Cancer Surveillance Section that “the cancer rates in the area surrounding LBNL were no different from other areas in the San Francisco Bay.” 

•The lab’s scientists are guilty of “sleazy secret activities” and “cooked calculations.” In fact, after all these years of attacks, the lab’s critics are reduced to name-calling, slandering the work of serious scientists, and misquotations. It is time for them to read the six reports, two of which have been paid for by the city of Berkeley, and all of which tell the same story: tritium emissions at the Lawrence Berkeley lab do not add significantly to the background radiation we all receive from cosmic rays, radon gas, and other natural sources of radiation. There are plenty of real environmental problems in Berkeley; the tritium lab is not one of them. 

Elmer R. Grossman, M.D. 

Professor of Pediatrics,  

Emeritus  

UCSF School of Medicine 

Everyone has a right to travel safely in Berkeley 

Editor: 

I was happy to read Bill Trampleasure's letter (July 25) about creating a Personal Pedestrian Pledge to safely share the streets with vehicles. I do not have a car, so I walk everywhere. I think the growing problem is that drivers who are in a hurry resent having to share the street with pedestrians. And, if I'm truthful, I admit I resent having to share the streets with drivers! (After all, for most of human history, vehicles did not exist.) 

So here's my pledge: I'll stop resenting drivers and will respect their rights, and I pray that they will stop resenting pedestrians and will respect my rights. Everyone has a right to travel safely through Berkeley — everyone, whether you're a pedestrian, a driver, or a cyclist. Can we all take this pledge? 

Deborah Houy 

Berkeley 

Remove poverty to remove exploitation 

Editor: 

The continuing publicity about the local sex-labor Lakireddy case revives questions as to the causes of the shameful traffic in young females, sometimes males. One of the proffered opinions comes from the feminists who claim that men all through the ages have abused women in one way or another, regarding them as inferior beings. 

To some extent only I agree. Far more cogent a reason in my view is the abject poverty in a number of Third World countries which forces parents to sell their daughters, either for direct cash or for promised services in order to eke out their minuscule incomes and to feed their remaining children.  

Only when societies in both undeveloped and developed countries such as ours have pressured their governments to remove the abject poverty upon which the wealthy prey, will there be an end to sex/labor traffic.  

The rich will have to relinquish some of their wealth. Will it not be a worthy sacrifice if parents are no longer forced to see their loved ones carried away to foreign lands? 

Iris M. Cavagnaro 

Berkeley 

Friday, July 27

11th Anniversary of  

Americans with Disabilities  

Act (ADA) 

11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. 

UC Berkeley Campus, Upper Sproul Plaza 

Celebration and Call to Action Disability Rights. Sutton nomination, Olmstead implementation, Medicaid buy-in legislation for California, 

grass roots activism, voting and MORE…. Confirmed Speakers: Paul Longmore: Professor San Francisco State University; Andy Imparato: President & CEO, American Association of People with Disabilities; Daniel Davis: National Disabled Students Union Co-Founder; Sarah Triano: National Disabled Students Union Co-Founder; Larissa Cummings, DREDF Staff Attorney; Jan Garrett: CIL, Berkeley Executive Director; Walter Park: SF Mayor's Office on Disability Director; Mark Beckwith, Northern California ADAPT; For more information: Jessa Steinbeck, AAPD, 800/840-8844, Andy Imparato, AAPD, 443/386-2935 or, Daniel Davis: Disabled Students Union of UC Berkeley, 510/898-3531 

Therapy for Trans Partners  

6 - 7:30 p.m.  

Pacific Center for Human Growth  

2712 Telegraph Ave. (at Derby)  

A group open to partners of those in transition or considering transition. The group is structured to be a safe place to receive support from peers and explore a variety of issues, including sexual orientation, coming out, feelings of isolation, among other topics. Intake process required. Meeting Fridays through August 17.  

$8 - $35 sliding scale per session  

Call 548-8283 x534 or x522 

Strong Women; The Arts,  

Herstory and Literature 

1:15 - 3:15 p.m. 

North Berkeley Senior Center  

1901 Hearst Ave. (at MLK Jr. Way) 

Taught by Dr. Helen Rippier Wheeler, author of “Women and Aging: A Guide to Literature,” this is a free weekly cultural studies course in the Berkeley Adult School’s Older Adults Program. Free.. Call 549-2970 

Saturday, July 28 

Residential Solar Electricity 

1 p.m. - 3 p.m. 

Ecology Center 

2530 San Pablo Ave. 

The workshop will introduce participants to residential solar electricity: how solar cells work, how to size a system, participants will also get to produce electricity using photovoltaic panels and power a range of appliances (weather permitting). $15. Call 548-2220 x233 to reserve a space.  

Berkeley Farmers’ Market 

10 a.m. - 3 p.m. 

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

548-3333 

Arrowcopter Play Day 

1 - 4 p.m. 

Lawrence Hall of Science 

UC Berkeley 

For ages 9 and up. Museum admission $3 - $7. 

642-5132 

16th Annual Berkeley Kite  

Festival and West Coast Kite  

Championship 

11 a.m. - 5 p.m. 

Cesar E. Chavez Park at the Berkeley Marina 

Giant creature kites from New Zealand, Team Kite Ballet, Japanese-Style Rokaku Kite Battle for the skies, plus great food and live music.  

Free Event. For more information: 235-5483

UC Berkeley’s Museum of Paleontology, home to one of the largest collections of fossils in the world, will use two major grants to create Internet content that teaches students, teachers and the general public about evolution. 

The National Science Foundation gave the museum a $452,000 grant to launch the project this May, and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute announced last month that it would contribute an additional $390,000 to the project this fall. 

The museum’s Web site – one of the first Web sites ever created – is extremely popular. More than two million people visit the site each week to check out its rich mix of photos and clear writing on the history of life on earth. Pages dealing with dinosaurs are particularly popular. 

“We have an edge: People love fossils,” said Judy Scotchmoor, director of education and public programs for the Museum of Paleontology. “We want to use that to our advantage.” 

The museum has more than 900,000 plant, vertebrate and invertebrate fossils, drawn from some 60,000 locations around the world. But, other than a Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton, a giant flying reptile and some dinosaur skulls on display in UC Berkeley’s Valley Life Sciences building, the museum has no exhibition space. 

Thus the emphasis on Web site development. 

For the new project, museum staff will create an online course of evolution for K-12 science teachers everywhere. The course will examine the evidence supporting the theory of evolution; the different levels of evolution; case studies in how the theory impacts everything from HIV to agriculture; a history of how the theory was developed and a detailed examination – and rebuttal – of common arguments against the theory. 

The museums Web site, www.ucmp.berkeley.edu, already has some basic background information on evolution, Scotchmoor said. But this new project will give teachers looking for ways to enrich their teaching of evolution “one stop shopping,” Scotchmore said. 

“That doesn’t really exist anywhere in a format that’s really easy for teachers to explore,” she added. 

When completed four years from now, the site will include an array of lesson plans that teachers can use in the classroom to drive home what most scientists consider one of the most important concepts underlying modern science. 

The project comes at a time when the teaching of evolution is still routinely challenged by some parents and teachers, and many K-12 science teachers are ill-equipped to teach the subject to their students, experts said Thursday.  

In 1999, the Kansas Board of Education adopted standards that sought to de-emphasize the teacher of evolution in public schools (a decision that has since been rescinded). Last year, Pennsylvania proposed science standards for its public schools that would have required students to study data that “supports and does not support” the theory of evolution. The standards were revised after over 100 scientists addressed letters of protest to the Pennsylvania Board of Education. 

California’s state science standards — approved in 1997 — focus strongly on the theory of evolution and make no mention of any alternative theories, Scotchmoor said. Still, there are some vocal opponents of evolution as it is currently taught in the state. 

Fazale Rana is vice president of “science apologetics” for Pasadena-based Reasons to Believe, a group of religious scientists who believe the Bible offered the final word on all scientific questions, and who are working to martial scientific evidence for the theory of creation as it is presented in Genesis. 

“We are not anti-evolution,” Rana said Thursday. “There is evidence that could be viewed as supporting the evolution paradigm. But there is also evidence that, in my view, calls into question whether or not we can declare evolution to be a fact.” 

Rana, a biochemist by profession, said California schools should at least present creationist arguments against evolution to students for their consideration. 

Scotchmoor disagreed. 

“That’s like saying we should give equal time to people who believe the earth is flat,” she said. 

Nevertheless, science teachers throughout the state must often contend with the skepticism students from religious backgrounds bring to the study of evolution, according to Christine Bertrand, executive director of the California Science Teachers Association.  

“A lot of people – and students in particular perhaps – don’t understand how evolution and religion coexist,” Bertrand said. “There is a misconception that if you believe in evolution you cannot believe in God. That’s certainly far from the truth, but I think teachers grapple with that issue.” 

And for teachers who in some cases are not well-versed in evolution themselves, the controversy around the issue can be enough to keep them from giving the attention it deserves in the classroom, according to Scotchmoor.  

As Bertrand put it, “There’s no question that a lot of teacher don’t have a solid science background.” 

Scotchmoor said she hopes the Museum of Paleontology’s Web site will give teachers the confidence and factual ammunition to give evolution the attention it deserves. 

“If you take a look back you realize that the majority of people who were coming up with these ideas were deeply religious,” Scotchmoor said. “It’s a debate that won’t go away, but what we are trying to do is make sure what happens in our science classrooms is reflective of good science.” 

924 Gilman St. Music at 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted. July 27: Throw Down, Glood Clean Fun, Count Me Out, Time Flies, Faded Grey, Lab Rats; July 28: Over My Dead Body, Carry On, Merrick, Some Still Believe, Black Lung Patriots; Aug. 3: Sworn Vengeance, N.J. Bloodline, Settle the Score, Existence, Step; Aug. 4: Toxic Narcotic, Menstrual Tramps, Emo Summer, Four Letter Word, Shitty Wickets; $5. 924 Gilman St. 525-9926. 

Albatross Pub Music at 9 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Aug 1: Whiskey Brothers. 1822 San Pablo 843-2473 

Anna’s Bistro Music at 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted. July 27: Anna & Susie Laraine, Perri Poston; 10 p.m., Hideo Date Bluesman; July 28: Marie-Louise Fiatarone Trio; 10:30 p.m., The Ducksan Distones; July 29: Panacea; July 30: Renegade Sidemen; July 31: Jason Martineau; 1801 University Ave. 849-ANNA 

Ashkenaz July 27: 8:00 p.m. Ali Khan Band $15; July 28: 9:30 p.m. Motordude Zydeco and Brass Monkey $11; July 29: 9:00 p.m. El Hadj N’ Diaye $10; July 31: 8:00 p.m. dance lesson with Dana DeSimone, 9:00 p.m. Steve Riley and Mamou Playboys $12; Aug. 5: 9 p.m. Roots Reggae featuring Groundation and Tchiya Amet. $10. 11317 San Pablo Ave. 525-5099 www.ashkenaz.com 

Eli’s Mile High Club Doors open at 8 p.m. Every Friday, 10 p.m. - 2 a.m., Funky Fridays Conscious Dance Party with KPFA DJs Split Shankin and Funky Man. $10; 3629 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Oakland 655-6661 

Freight and Salvage Coffee House All music at 8 p.m. July 27: Otis Taylor; July 28: Street Sounds; July 29: Tish Hinojosa; Aug 1: Distant Oaks; Aug 2: George Kuo, Narin Pahinui & Aaron Mahi; Aug 3: Wylie & the Wild West, the Waller Brothers, Aug 4: Adam Levy, Will Bernard; Aug 5: MonTango; Aug 6: Frank Yamma; Aug 8: San Francisco Klezmer Experience; Aug 9: John Renbourn . $16.50 - $19.50. 1111 Addison St. 548-1761 www.freightandsalvage.org 

Jupiter July 27: Sexfresh- traditional American pop; July 28: Corner Pocket- Jazz; July 31: Basso Trio- Local sax, blues and jazz.All music starts at 8:00 p.m.www.jupiterbeer.com; or call the hotline: THE-ROCK (843-7625)  

La Pena Cultural Center July 27: 8:00 p.m., Raphael Manriquez- singer composer and guitar player celebrates release of new album; July 28: 8:30 p.m., Rompe y Raja- Afro-Peruvian dance and song troupe celebrates Peruvian Independence Day; July 29: 7:30 p.m., Moh Alileche- Algerian mondol player, traditional kabylian music; Aug 3: 8 p.m. Los Delicados, Aya de Leon $10; Aug 4: 8 p.m. Grito Serpentino, Small Axe Project, Jime Salcedo-Malo & Leticia Hernandez $10; Aug 5: 7 p.m. Insight in concert $10. 3105 Shattuck Avenue 849-2568 

La Note/Jazzschool July 29: 4:30 p.m., vocalist Lily Tung, 5:30 p.m. Jazzschool Advanced Jazz Workshop. $5; Aug 5: 4:30 p.m. Vocaists’ Series (Denine Monet), 5:30 p.m. Instrumentalists’ Series (Pelo Mar). 2377 Shattuck Avenue 845-5373. 

Shattuck Down Low Lounge Every Tuesday: 9:30 p.m., Posh Tuesdays with DJ’s Yamu, Delon, Add1, and Tequila Willie. Shattuck at Allston. www.thebeatdownsound.com  

“Midsummer Mozart Festival” All shows at 7:30 p.m. July 28: Four pieces including “March in D Major”; Aug. 3: Four pieces including “Symphony in B Flat.” $32 - $40. First Congregational Church 2345 Channing Way (415) 292-9620 www.midsummermozart.org  

“Downtown” Restaurant and BarAugust 6: 7 p.m. Jesse Colin Young of the sixties hit group, The Youngbloods, will be performing at a No Nukes evening, sponsored by Greenpeace. The evening commemorates the 56th anniversary of the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima. The proceeds go to Tri-Valley CAREs and Citizen Alert. Tickets are $100. 2102 Shattuck Ave. 800-728-6223 

The Greek Theatre Aug. 3 and Aug. 4, 7 p.m. The String Cheese Incident, $29.75. Hearst Avenue and Gayley Road 444-TIXS, or (415) 421-TIXS www.sfx.com 

Julia Morgan Center for the Arts July 29: 2:00 p.m. “Into the Eye of Magic! An Asian Folk Tale” interactive musical and thearical production for families. Adults $10 Children $5; Aug 4: 8 p.m. “Cuatro maestros Touring Festival” two-hour theatrical event of music and dance performed by four elder folk artists and their talented young counterparts. Adults $18 Children $12; Aug. 10: 7:30 p.m. & Aug. 11, 12, 5 p.m. Campers from Stage Door Conservatory’s “On Broadway” program for grades 5-9 will perform Fiddler on the Roof, Jr. $12 adults, $8 kids. (For info call 527-5939); 2640 College Avenue 845-8542 ext. 302 

“The Great Sebastians” Through Aug. 11: Friday and Saturday evenings 8 p.m. plus Thursday, Aug. 9, presented by Actors Ensemble of Berkeley. A tale about a mind-reading act touring behind the Iron Curtain. A communist general believes the act and “invites” the Sebastians to his villa where the humor and excitement follows. $10. Live Oak Theatre, 1301 Shattuck (at Berryman). For reservations call 528-5620 

“Human Nature” July 28: 8:30 p.m. The X-Plicit Players explore intimate but un-named ways of being together, awaken senses old and new and participate in Group Body. $15 Metaversal Lightcraft 1708 University 848-1985 

“Iphegenia in Aulis” Through Aug. 12: Sat. and Sun. 5 p.m. No performances July 14 and 15, special dawn performance on August 12 at 7 a.m. A free park performance by the Shotgun Players of Euripides’ play about choices and priorities. With a masked chorus, singing, dancing, and live music. Feel free to bring food and something soft to sit on. John Hinkel Park, Southhampton Place at Arlington Avenue (different locations July 7 and 8). 655-0813 

“The Lady’s Not for Burning” July 27 - 28, Aug. 2 - 4: 8 p.m. Set in the 15th century, a soldier wishes to be hanged and a witch does not want to be burned at the stake. Written by Christopher Fry, directed by Susannah Woods. $5 - $10. South Berkeley Community Church 1802 Fairview st. 464-1117 

“Loot” Through Aug 25, Thursdays - Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sundays at 7:00 p.m. Special Performance Aug 20, 8:00 p.m. General Admission: $15, Students / Seniors: $10 La Val’s 1834 Euclid Avenue 655-0813 

“Orphans” Through Aug. 5: Fri. and Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 7 p.m. Lyle Kessler’s dark comedy about a mysterious stranger invading the home of two orphaned brothers. $15. The Speakeasy Theater, 2016 Seventh St. 326-8493 

“Reefer Madness” Wed Aug 8,22, Thu Aug 9,23: 9 p.m. A new one-act theatre piece adapted from a 1936 government-funded film opens a critical eye to the control of our society. Performed by The Elemental Theatre Group La Pena Cultural Center 3105 Shattuck Avenue. Wednesdays “pay what you can”, thursdays $5 - $10. Fri Aug 10,17: 7 p.m. People’s Park Free. Contact Zachary Rouse or Tisha Sloan for more info at 655-4150 

“Romeo & Juliet” Aug 11 - Sep 2, Tuesdays - Thursdays. Bruns Memorial Amphitheater. Shakespeare’s classic about a young couple that meets, falls in love and dies in just five days. Adults: $22 - $41 youth (under 16): $12 - $41. 

“San Francisco Improv” July 28: 8 p.m., Free show at Cafe Electica 1309 Solano Avenue. 527-2344 

“The Skin of Our Teeth” Through July 29: Tues. - Thurs. 7:30 p.m., Fri. 8 p.m., Sat. 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., Sun. 4 p.m. Part of the California Shakespeare Festival, a Thorton Wilder play about a typical family enduring various catastrophes. $10 - $146. Bruns Memorial Amphitheater, off Highway 24 at the Shakespeare Festival Way/Gateway Exit. 548-9666 

Films 

La Pena Cultural Center July 29: 2:00 p.m., Laborfest- International Working Class Film & Video Festival. “Not in my Garden” by Video 48. $7. 3105 Shattuck Avenue 849-2568 

Pacific Film Archive July 27: 7:00 Punishment Room, 8:55 Ten Dark Women; July 28: 7:00 The Big Heat, 8:30 Kippur, 8:50 Clash by Night; July 29: 3:00 A Boy named Charlie Brown, 5:30 Mr. Pu, 7:30 A Billionaire; July 31: 7:30 The Arena of Murder; Aug 1: 7:30 Two Thousand Maniacs!, 9:15 Manos, the Hands of Fate; Aug 2: 7:30 Kadosh; Aug 3: 7:00 A Full-Up Train, 9:00 The Men of Tohoku; Aug 4: 7:00 Human Desire, 8:50 Hangmen Also Die; Aug 5: 3 p.m. The Yearling, 5:30 p.m The Woman Who Touched Legs; Aug 7: 7:30 p.m. Figures of Motion; Aug 8: 7:30 p.m. Confessions of an Opium Eater; Aug 9: 7:30 p.m. The Return of Frank James; Aug 10: 7 p.m. Alone on the Pacific, 9:05 p.m. Her Brother; Aug 11: 7 p.m. While the City Sleeps, 9 p.m. Beyong a Reasonable Doubt. New PFA Theatre 2575 Bancroft Way 642-1412 

San Francisco Jewish Film Festival July 28: 1 p.m. The Optimists: the story of the rescue of the Jews of Bulgaria, 3:30 p.m. “Louba’s Ghosts”, 6:15 p.m. “One of the Hollywood Ten”, 8:30 p.m. “Kippur”; July 29: 11 a.m. “Keys from Spain”, “The Cross Inscribed in the Star of David”, 1 p.m. “Intimate Stranger”, “Nobody’s Business”, 4 p.m. “The Sweetest Sound”, 6 p.m. “Once We Grow Up”, 8:30 p.m. “Total Love”, “Moses vs. Godzilla”; July 30: 2 p.m. “Circumcision”, “Abe’s Manhood”, 4 p.m. “Terrorists in Retirement”, 6 p.m. “Disparus”, 8:30 p.m. “Street Under Fire”, “The Jahalin”; Juy 31: 3 pm. “Family Secret”, “Still (Stille)”, 5:30 p.m. “Love Inventory”, “The Bicycle”, 8:30 p.m. “Time of Favor (Hahesder)”; Aug 1: 2 p.m. “Blue and White in Red Square”, “Tsipa and Volf”, 4 p.m. “Shorts on Love and War”, 6 p.m. “Jewish Girls in Shorts”, 8:15 p.m. “waiting for the Messiah”, “The Seventh Day”; Aug 2: 1 p.m. “Fighter”, 3:15 “Brownsville Black and White”, 5:15 “Inside Out”, “Grrly Show”, 8:45 p.m. “Jewish Luck”, “SF Klezmer Experience”. General admission: $8.50, Matinees (up to and including 4 p.m.): $7, Students/Seniors/Groups: $6.50. Wheeler Auditorium, UC Berkeley. (925)866-9559 http://www.sfjff.org 

“7th annual Brainwash Movie Festival” Aug 3,4,5: (bring a chair) at the Pyramid Ale brewery, 901 Gilman Street 527-9090 ext. 218. Festival Pass: $30, Individual tickets: online: $8, door: $10 

“Lumumba” Aug 10 at Shattuck Cinemas. Biogrophy of the slain African political figure Patrice Lumumba. In French with English subtitles. 

Exhibits 

“BACA National Juried Exhibition: Works on Paper” Through August 31: Wed. - Sun. Noon - 5 p.m. Reception, Sun. July 22, 2 - 4 p.m., Featuring 33 artists from across the United States, including 17 Bay Area representatives. Berkeley Art Center 1275 Walnut St. 644-6893 

“Bernard Maisner: Illuminated Manuscripts and Paintings” Through Aug. 8 Maisner works in miniature as well as in large scales, combining his mastery of medieval illumination, gold leafing, and modern painting techniques. Flora Lamson Hewlett Library 2400 Ridge Road 849-2541 

“Debbie Moore’s Autobiographical Paintings” Through Sep 30 at Good Vibrations. Portraits of the artist’s sensual explorations spanning 25 years and reflecting changing ways of intimacy and body play. 2504 San Pablo Avenue 848-1985 

“The Decade of Change: 1900 - 1910” chronicles the transformation of the city of Berkeley in this 10 year period. Thursday through Saturday, 1 - 4 p.m. Through September. Berkeley History Center, Veterans Memorial Building, 1931 Center St. Wheelchair accessible. 848-0181. Free.  

“A Fine Line” Reception July 26, 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. July 26 - August 24, Tuesday - Friday, noon - 5 p.m. or by appointment. An exhibition works by Kala Fellowship winners for the years 2000 and 2001. Kala Art Institute 1060 Heinz Avenue 549-2977 

“Geographies of My Heart” Collage paintings by Jennifer Colby through August 24; Flora Lamson Hewlett Library 2400 Ridge Road 649-2541 

“MFA Survey Exhibition 2001” third annual exhibition of works of recent graduates from Bay Area master of Fine Art programs. This year featuring artists working in three-dimentional media. now - Aug 18 tuesday - saturday, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m., reception July 21 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. Traywick Gallery 1316 Tenth Street 527-1214 

“Musee des Hommages” Masterworks by Guy Colwell Faithful copies of several artists from the pasts, including Titian’s “The Venus of Urbino,” Cezanne’s “Still Life,” Picasso’s “Woman at a Mirror,” and Boticelli’s “Primavera” Ongoing. Call ahead for hours 2028 Ninth St. (at Addison) 841-4210 or visit www.atelier9.com 

“New Visions: Introductions 2001” Through August 18: Wed. - Sat.: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Juried by Artist- Curator Rene Yanez and Robbin Henderson, Executive Director of the Berkeley Art Center, the exhibition features works from some of California’s up-and-coming artists. Pro Arts 461 Ninth St., Oakland 763-9425 

“The Saints Are Coming... To Bring Hope” Through July 30: Tue., Wed., Sat. 12 - 5, p.m., Fri. 1 - 5 p.m., An art installation featuring Fred DeWitt, Leon Kennedy, Josie Madero, Esete Menkir, Belinda Osborn, Arline Lucia Rodini, April Watkins, and Carla Woshone. The Art of Living Center 2905 Shattuck Ave. 848-3736  

“Sistahs: Ethnofraphic Ceramics” through August 22, Reception July 29 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. Womens Cancer Resource Center Gallery 3023 Shattuck Avenue 548-9286 ext. 307 

“Ten Years Here” Exhibit celebrating the 10 year anniversary of Turn of the Century Fine Arts. Aug 4 - Sept 14, Sat & Sun 1-5 p.m. Reception Aug 4 2:00 - 7:00 p.m. 2510 San Pablo Avenue 849-0950 

“The Trip to Here: Paintings and Ghosts by Marty Brooks” Through July 31: Tues. - Sun. 11 a.m. - 1 a.m. View Brooks’ first California show at Bison Brewing Company 2598 Telegraph Ave. 841-7734  

Readings 

Boadecia’s Books Aug 3: Mabel Maney (author of the Nancy Clue/ Cherry Aimless and Hardly Boys mysteries) reads from her new book “Kiss the Girls and Make them Spy” featuring Jane Bond, James’ lesbian twin sister; Aug 4: Dyke Open Myke! Coffeehouse-style open mike night featuring both established and emerging talent. All events start at 7:30 p.m. and are free. 398 Colusa Avenue 559-9184 

Cody’s Books July 26: Dave Egger’s presentation has been canceled; Aug 5: Justin Chin, Gerry Gomez Pearlberg; Aug 8: Jane Mead, Mark Turpin. $2 donation. Readings at 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted. 2454 Telegraph Ave. 845-0837 

Cafe de la Paz  

“Poetry Nitro” Weekly poetry open mike. July 30: Featuring Lisa Sikie; Aug 6: featuring Andrena zawinski. 6:30 p.m. sign-up, 7 p.m. reading. 1600 Shattuck Ave. 843-0662  

Coffee Mill Poetry Series August 7: Featured readers JC and Bert Glick. 7-9 p.m.; August 21: Featured Readers: Victoria Joyce and Therese Bamberger; Both 7-9 p.m. Free. 3363 Grand Ave., Oakland for info. (510)465-3935 or (510)526-5985, or Email: ksdgk@earthlink.net 

Tours 

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory Fridays 9:30 - 11:45 a.m. or by appointment. Call ahead to make reservations. Free. University of California, Berkeley. 486-4387 

Golden Gate Live Steamers Grizzly Peak Boulevard and Lomas Cantadas Drive at the south end of Tilden Regional Park Small locomotives, meticulously scaled to size. Trains run Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Rides: Sunday, noon to 3 p.m., weather permitting. 486-0623  

Museums 

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  

UC Berkeley Museum of Paleontology Lobby, Valley Life Sciences Building, UC Berkeley “Tyrannosaurus Rex,” ongoing. A 20 by 40-foot replica of the fearsome dinosaur 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 22-23 feet. The Pteranodon lived at the same time as the dinosaurs. 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 will close its exhibition galleries for renovation on October 1. It will reopen in early 2002. On View until October 1, 2001: “Ishi and the Invention of Yahi Culture.” “Sites Along the Nile: Rescuing Ancient Egypt.” “The Art of Research: Nelson Graburn and the Aesthetics of Inuit Sculpture.” “Tzintzuntzan, Mexico: Photographs by George Foster.”  

$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. Kroeber Hall, Bancroft Way and College Ave. 643-7648 or www.qal.berkeley.edu/~hearst/ 

Lawrence Hall of Science “Science in Toyland,” through Sept. 9. Exhibit uses toys to demonstrate scientific principles and to help develop children's thinking processes. Susan Cerny’s collection of over 200 tops from around the world. “Space Weather,” through Sept. 2. Learn about solar cycles, space weather, the cause of the Aurorae and recent discoveries made by leading astronomers. This interactive exhibit lets visitors access near real-time data from the Sun and space, view interactive videos and find out about a variety of solar activities. “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. “Saturday Night Stargazing,” First and third Saturdays each month. 8 - 10 p.m., LHS plaza. Space Weather Exhibit now - Sept. 2; now - Sept. 9 Science in Toyland; Saturdays 12:30 - 3:30 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. “Constellations Tonight” Ongoing. Using a simple star map, learn to identify the most prominent constellations for the season in the planetarium sky.  

“How Big Is the Universe?” Aug. 1 through Aug. 24. Learn how to determine the distance of celestial objects, one of the purposes of the Hubble Space Telescope. Daily, 2:15 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, 642-5132 or www.lhs.berkeley.edu 

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, UC Berkeley 642-5132 or www.lhs.berkeley.edu  

The UC Berkeley Art Museum is closed for renovations until the fall. 

In an unusual move Tuesday, the City Council approved the construction of three townhouses in north Berkeley immediately after closing a public hearing on the issue. 

Neighbors of the project are crying foul over the council’s quick approval of what they describe as luxury townhouses in their modest north Berkeley neighborhood.  

After the hearing was closed, the council denied the neighbors’ appeal of the project. The council’s denial automatically approved the project at 2025 Rose St. by a 6-1-2 vote with Councilmember Dona Spring voting no and Councilmembers Linda Maio and Kriss Worthington abstaining.  

Mayor Shirley Dean said the City Council took the vote immediately after hearing from both sides of the issue because it was the final opportunity before Council’s summer recess. The Council doesn’t meet again until September 11. 

Neighbors are upset about the addition of 2,000 square feet in the building. In 1997, the site was approved for four units at a total of 3,300 square feet. Though the four units were approved, they were never built. 

Four years later, the site was sold and the new owner, Bob Richerson, sought approval for a design that included one less unit but a larger overall project at 5,500 square feet.  

The larger units riled neighbors who fought hard in 1997 to keep the square footage as low as possible and thought they were protected by the original Use Permit. 

“The General Plan calls for the building of more affordable housing,” said neighbor Dana Wahlberg who said she opposes the project because it will gentrify the neighborhood. “Why would the City Council act like it’s in everybody’s best interest to build larger, more expensive townhouses?” 

Richerson said he originally intended to build the four units that the city approved in 1997 but changed his mind because the units were too small, and he didn’t feel comfortable building the project. Instead he made the decision to go through Berkeley’s difficult planning process. 

“I did not lightly decide to scrap the original plan and try to a get new one approved,” Richerson said. 

Richerson’s attorney, Rena Rickles, said the process took 10 months and six hearings before the Zoning Adjustments Board, which ultimately could not make a decision on the new design. ZAB’s inability to make a decision resulted in automatic approval of the new plan under the State Permit Streamlining Act that requires action on a proposed projects within 60 days of submission of a complete application. 

Neighbors appealed the default approval to the City Council. They said the council’s decision has raised concerns that they’re issues with the new design were not fully heard. 

Normally the Council will wait to the next meeting after a public hearing is closed before voting in order that public testimony can be verified, and factual errors corrected.  

Dean said she felt comfortable voting on the issue because she had gone by and looked at the site and carefully studied the staff reports on the project. 

“Well, we don’t normally vote after a public hearing but there’s no rule against it,” she said. “And it was clear the proposal was pretty innocuous.” 

Worthington said he was surprised the council took action on the issue.  

“I thought we should of noticed the public we were going to vote,” he said. “It doesn’t appear to be illegal but it’s confusing to the public.” 

Wahlberg said she was disappointed with the vote and felt as though she had been manipulated by the political process. She said the townhouses will alter the quality of life in her neighborhood. 

“When I work in my garden I look to the east and I see blue sky,” she said. “Now I’m going to see a building.”

A group of 37 people from 20 different countries sat at tables and on the lawn around Pat Brown’s Grill on campus yesterday, to share their last lunch together. The group is the very first class of a new UC Berkeley international program. 

Launched by the university’s Center for Sustainable Resource Development, the new Beahrs Environmental Leadership Program started at the beginning of July thanks to a generous donation from UC Berkeley alumni, Carolyn and Richard Beahrs. 

Designed to foster collaboration between countries in environmental management issues, it brings outstanding environmental experts from around the world to Berkeley for a three-week summer course. It is conceived as the starting block of a long-term cooperation. 

“Practically every environmental issue we’re looking at goes beyond the national borders,” said ELP co-director Robin Marsh. “We are convinced that the only way to achieve progress and environmental protection and at the same time social equity is by working in a global manner.” 

The $7,000 course combines workshops on topics such as water management, or population poverty and the environment. The group takes field trips to places like Napa Valley, the Central Valley and the Sierra Nevada. It also includes a number of special sessions on timely issues. 

The possibility of interacting with a diverse group of specialists attracted Carmen Guerrero-Perez, a natural resource specialist in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Through the program, she said, she sought exposure to the environmental issues her country is not familiar with. 

“I’m from Puerto Rico and I have the island’s prospective,” she said. “I wanted to get an up-to-date version of what is going on in the world and how these issues are being managed in different locations.” 

To many of the participants, the opportunity to compare policies was indeed one of the most valuable elements of the course. Alejandro Guevara, a researcher in environmental policy and economics at the Iberian American University in Mexico City, said that he mostly learned from his classmate. One of them, for instance, told him about a successful management plan used in Africa that could work in Mexico. 

“He gave a good example of how reforestation can help reduce climate change and at the same time increase productivity in very poor villages,” he said referring to a Kenyan student. “It’s very relevant to us because I think Mexico’s minister of environment is very much concerned about the issues of poverty relief and environmental preservation and how to make these two objectives compatible.” 

One of the highlights of the summer course was a simulation of the negotiations of the Kyoto Pact, which aims to curb global warming. Each participant represented a country and after hours of negotiations, the group reached an agreement. Part of the excitement came from the fact that it happened only a few days before 178 countries signed the treaty in real life. 

Another strength of the program, students said, is that it goes beyond the summer course. 

“We have to sign a contract of a future project that we are going to conduct after the workshop is over,” said Guerrero-Perez. “We have to provide a timeline of when this is going to be completed, how we are going to measure the desired outcomes, and who within the program we would like to have more direct contact with.” 

The program will also rely on an alumni network to continue fostering cooperation among participants. If everything goes well, the network will even create satellite centers in foreign countries. A steering committee is already in place and program coordinators hope the first centers will open by 2003. The centers would sponsor conferences, collaborative research with UC Berkeley and opportunities for training.  

“The idea is that some organizations in other countries would like to have a more permanent presence of the environmental leadership program that is geared toward the particular issue of their country,” Marsh said. 

For additional information on the ELP visit the following Web Site: http://www.CNR.Berkeley.EDU/BeahrsELP/

By Matt Lorenz 

Special to the Daily Planet 

Its got a long name and a longer history in Berkeley.  

The Cooperative Center Federal Credit Union was chartered in 1942 to serve employees and customers of the Consumer’s Cooperative of Berkeley and the rest of the Co-op Market Chain. Though the market went out of business in 1988, Berkeley’s CCFCU has flourished and is about to re-assert its presence in Berkeley at a new location, 2001 Ashby Ave. 

For about 10 years, CCFCU has been renting a space in the large office building at 2855 Telegraph Ave. The credit union decided it would avoid some long-term costs if it owned its space instead of renting it.  

CCFCU President Gary Bell sees this move as a lot more important than mere logistics. 

“It gives us a chance to make a better presence to the community,” Bell said. “In the next six months to a year, when you drive past the corner of Adeline and Ashby, people will give directions by saying, ‘You drive two blocks past the coop and make a right.’” 

“It gives us a chance to have an actual footprint – to become a landmark, in a sense,” Bell said. 

In most ways, a credit union is no different from any other financial institution. Customers make the same transactions that they would at a bank: They open savings or checking accounts, and they take out loans.  

But the small ways that credit unions are different are of no small importance.  

A federal credit union is a cooperative financial institution, which means it’s owned and operated by all its members. There are over 12,000 credit unions nationwide.  

Like any representative democracy, the full membership votes to elect a board of volunteers, said Dorie Walters, a CCFCU loan manager. The board members of CCFCU serve three-year terms, and it is their duty to find ways to provide members with reasonable rates and a safe environment to save and borrow.  

It’s not often that a customer has this much say about the kinds of services and options available, and credit-union members do. Yet even aside from that, there’s still another important way that credit unions differ from the average bank.  

“The biggest difference is that our money’s not being sent overseas to invest in some foreign company,” Bell said. “We’re not even sending money out of the state.  

“We’re investing in the people of Berkeley to get them a return on their investments.” 

To be a member of CCFCU, one’s employer must be among its list of sponsors, said Vicki Fong, a branch manager. Two of the largest sponsors on CCFCU’s list are Alta Bates Hospital and UC Berkeley students.  

The credit union is always looking to forge new relationships with employers, and people can push this process along by contacting the credit union with the authorization of their employers.  

Fong thinks the move may introduce them to some new members. 

“Hopefully the merchants in that area will open accounts with us because we’re there,” Fong said. “We’re convenient.” 

The official move-in date is today, and Berkeley’s cooperative credit union hopes to be open for business Monday morning, July 30. 

More accessible than it has ever been – beside Ashby BART and bearing its own parking – the new location seems to be working out pretty well already, even before the move-in. 

“We’re already hearing from people who live in the area saying, ‘When are you guys gonna open?’” Bell said. “Because ever since Bank of America and Wells Fargo left the area there’s been nothing for a mile or so at least.”  

Bell is confident that Berkeley residents will see the value in CCFCU’s effort to become more visible and accessible. And that they’ll see the difference that a community, financial institution can make in people’s lives. 

“We’re not some corporation from another city that’s putting a branch in here,” he said.  

“We can be better neighbors to the community and have a better understanding of what the Berkeley communities needs are when it comes to their financial decisions.” 

The Alameda County Coroner’s Office reported Thursday that the identification of a woman found dead in a burning car near the Berkeley Marina early Wednesday has been deferred pending the results of toxicology tests. 

Despite a report Wednesday from the East Bay Regional Park Police that said the woman’s body was found in a severe state of decomposition, it actually had been burned beyond recognition.  

Spokesman Mike Yost said the woman’s body was found at about midnight Wednesday near University Avenue and West Frontage Road in a car that was engulfed in flames.  

Yost said that the corpse had been so severely burned that identifying the woman based on her fingerprints is impossible. 

Yost said the woman’s car apparently left the freeway, struck some rocks and ignited. He said that toxicology tests will now be performed to determine whether drugs or alcohol were a factor in the woman’s death.

SAN FRANCISCO — The state Air Resources Board was set to vote on an air pollution cleanup plan for the Bay Area that federal clean air officials already have said isn’t adequate to address smog problems. 

San Joaquin Valley officials also were expected to urge the board to impose stricter requirements to curb the smog that blows into the valley. 

A U.S. Environmental Protection Agency official sent a letter to the executive officer of the board last week saying the agency had concerns about the plan that Bay Area air specialists and transportation officials approved last week. The EPA rejected a version of the plan in March. 

The plan includes programs to reduce emissions from vehicles and industries. 

The problem with the plan is that the three agencies that prepared it didn’t rely on the best information available, said Jack Broadbent, director of the EPA’s regional air division. 

He also said the other issues that need to be addressed in the plan are having the agencies conduct a more thorough modeling of whether proposed cleanup methods would be effective, and completing a better estimate of how different sources are contributing to pollution. 

“We remain optimistic that the agencies will meet our needs,” Broadbent said. 

The Air Resources Board has been working with the EPA to find out what the plan needs to get approved, said spokesman Jerry Martin. The Bay Area Air Quality Management District, the Association of Bay Area Governments and the Metropolitan Transportation Commission put it together. 

“We’re going to do everything we can to make the EPA feel comfortable in adopting the plan,” Martin said. 

The EPA will then get the plan and begin reviewing it. If it rejects the next version, that could lead to a freeze on funding for transportation projects, Broadbent said. 

San Joaquin Valley officials were hoping the resources board would request more stringent regulations, including bumping up vehicle smog checks to a more thorough level, because they want less pollution to blow into the valley. 

A 1993 study measured the pollution that blew into the valley from the Bay Area for one hour on one day. That study found that during that hour, 27 percent of Modesto’s pollution came from the Bay Area, 11 percent of Fresno’s pollution was from the Bay Area and about 7 percent of Bakersfield’s pollution came from the Bay Area. 

Officials in those areas blame the pollution from the Bay Area for contributing to violations of air standards, but that depends on wind, temperature and location, Martin said.  

And those areas can generate enough pollution to be able to violate the standards on their own, and the pollution they generate is blown into other areas, he said. 

SAN FRANCISCO — An analysis of proposed staffing ratios of nurses to patients determined the changes could cost California hospitals millions of dollars, according to a study released Thursday. 

The Public Policy Institute of California analyzed three proposed staffing ratios.  

In main medical and surgical wards, a ratio of one nurse to 10 patients is supported by hospitals, while a ratio of 1-to-4 is backed by the Service Employees International Union and Kaiser Permanente, the state’s largest private health care system. A third proposal from the California Nurses Association suggests a 1-to-3 ratio. 

The ratios could send hospital costs up for RNs by between 5 percent and 41 percent, according to the institute’s review. 

The hospital-backed ratio could result in an average annual increase of $200,000 per hospital, while the SEIU ratio could cost more than $1.3 million per hospital, the study found.  

And the CNA-supported ratio could cost as much as $2.3 million per hospital. 

At least 50 percent of hospitals in California would have to make changes to conform to the new regulations, according to the analysis. 

“The Department of Health Services has a very tough task on their hands,” said Joanne Spetz, a research fellow with PPIC.  

“Science can’t tell them what the answer is at this point; I don’t think there’s any study that can really tell you that. I think it’s fundamentally a value decision – how much are you willing to pay for how much care?” 

The state must set a nurse staffing ratio for registered nurses and licensed vocational nurses by January 2002, according to a law written by the California Nurses Association and signed by Gov. Gray Davis in 1999. 

The PPIC estimates that the average nurse staffing ratio in the state is 1-to-7, but the actual ratios vary greatly from hospital to hospital, Spetz said.

SACRAMENTO — Gov. Gray Davis signed an overdue, $103 billion state budget Thursday after vetoing $600 million in projects and saying it’s “a little late, but it’s a good document.” 

The budget, which was supposed to kick in nearly a month ago, includes less overall spending than last year but increases spending for education and health care for the poor. It includes a $2.6 billion “rainy day” fund; state revenues have been sagging and may decline even more next year. 

“It hopes for the best but prepares for the worst,” Davis said before signing the budget in a ceremony at a local elementary school. 

This is Davis’ first late budget and comes after a three-week partisan standoff in the Legislature over an automatically triggered sales tax increase that could start in January. 

Davis and legislators call this a lean budget plan. It includes a handful of targeted tax breaks, many of which were part of a last-minute deal to lure Republican votes, but it has no new across-the-board tax relief. It increases K-12 education by $2.5 billion, to $45.5 billion, and includes money for higher energy bills, teacher training, before- and after-school programs and grants for low-performing schools. It also includes more money for health clinics and expands eligibility for the state’s Healthy Family program. 

Overall, however, the budget is less than what Davis outlined in January, because revenues have dropped and the state has spent $8 billion to buy energy for three cash-strapped utilities. 

Still, the budget signed buy Davis totals $103 billion, although lawmakers estimated the legislature’s budget at $101 billion. Sandy Harrison, a Finance Department spokesman, said the larger figure includes bond and special funds. 

A slowing economy, the energy crisis and a faltering stock market meant less money and some painful budget decisions, said Assembly Budget Chairman Tony Cardenas, D-Arleta. 

It took the standoff between Republican lawmakers, who refused to support the budget, Davis and legislative Democrats to finally get the two-thirds approval for the budget that was signed Thursday. 

In the end, Democrats — who control the Legislature — offered tax breaks to farmers and senior citizens to attract enough Republican votes. Democrats also agree to place on a March ballot a constitutional amendment requiring that gasoline tax money be spent on transportation projects. 

On the sales tax issue, a quarter-cent tax increase will be triggered in January if the reserves fall below 3 percent of the budget for one year. 

That means about $50 more in sales tax for a $20,000 car and about 5 cents on a compact disc. Government officials estimate will cost a family of four an average of $120 a year. 

“Gray Davis’ irresponsible budget raises taxes and threatens to harm our already struggling economy,” said Assembly Republican leader Dave Cox of Fair Oaks in a statement Thursday. 

Democrats say the sales-tax trigger, signed into law by Republican former Gov. Pete Wilson, is meant to funnel dollars back to taxpayers when the economy soars and reserves swell. 

The budget Davis signed was missing $600 million worth of items on which he used his line-item veto power. Those cuts included money for community colleges, an AIDS prevention program, state funding for a host of local programs such as light poles in Brea, research on sudden oak death and $5.7 million for youth drug and alcohol treatment. 

Also getting the “blue pencil” treatment was a $10 million request by Republican Secretary of State Bill Jones to pay to train people how to properly use voting equipment. Jones is a Republican candidate to oppose Davis next year. 

On the Net: 

The governor’s budget is available at www.dof.ca.gov and more budget analysis at www.lao.ca.gov. 

LOS ANGELES — Prompted by problems in the foster care system, the state controller announced Thursday that programs in Los Angeles and Sacramento counties will be audited. 

The audits will track local, state and federal funding to determine whether the money is reaching the children it is intended to benefit. 

“Our concern is that the dollars are being effectively utilized, that they aren’t being misspent or being unnecessarily utilized for bureaucratic expenditures,” Controller Kathleen Connell said. 

Connell said that she hopes the audit will strengthen the programs, which both recently received “very negative grand jury reports about the quality of foster care.” 

“There is concern whether the agencies are effective in providing the quality of services needed to these families,” she said. 

Los Angeles County officials said they will cooperate fully with the audit. 

“We see this as an opportunity to improve our services for children, which is always the department’s priority,” said Anita Bock, director of the Department of Children and Family Services. “I think audits are a good way to see if the taxpayers money is being wisely spent.” 

In Sacramento County, the audit will begin with the Department of Human Assistance, which handles the foster care payment system, and may then move into the Department of Health and Human Services, which supervises child protective services. DHHS director Jim Hunt said he was concerned about the audit’s impact. 

“This is going to hurt our foster care recruitment because foster families are being subjected to this type of scrutiny for being a service to our society,” he said. 

Hunt said a foster parent of an infant gets $405 a month and “to question how that money is spent is inappropriate.” 

For the 1999-2000 fiscal year, the Los Angeles County department received $446 million and Sacramento received $93 million. 

The controller’s office, which has authority to audit any agency receiving state funding, has requested access to the agencies’ records. The audits will be conducted simultaneously beginning next week. 

WASHINGTON — As the U.S.-European rift widens, from missile defense and nuclear testing to land mines and global warming, some European leaders and U.S. Democrats suggest President Bush is drawing America into a new era of isolationism. 

The Bush administration calls it “a la carte multinationalism” – joining allies when it suits U.S. interests. 

“I think when the heat is off on those (issues), people will see that we do want to participate in the larger world community,” Secretary of State Colin Powell said Thursday while traveling in Asia. 

However, two trips to Europe by Bush have failed to ease concerns on the part of top allies that the president is charting a go-it-alone course in foreign policy. 

“There is this occasional tendency toward unilateralism. There always was that. But it has now increased,” said Karsten Voigt, coordinator for German-American relations in the German Foreign Ministry. Still, Voigt added, “These things will sort themselves out.” 

“There is no doubt about it, Bush has made the Europeans feel uneasy,” said Menzies Campbell, foreign affairs spokesman for Britain’s Liberal Democrat party. 

After six months in office, the administration’s differences with European allies are stark. 

Most prominent among them: Bush’s thumbing his nose at the Kyoto climate-change treaty, which has wide support throughout the rest of the world. A United Nations commission last week approved rules for implementing the pact, designed to combat global warming. The United States was the only holdout. 

Bush’s determination to proceed with a missile-defense shield continues to alarm European allies – a concern only mildly eased by his agreement with Russian President Vladimir Putin to link talks about such a system to arms cuts. 

The system would violate the 1972 Anti-Ballistic Missile treaty. Bush would like to see that pact ditched; Putin and many European leaders see it as a bedrock arms agreement. 

And just Wednesday, the Bush administration abandoned talks on enforcing a 1972 treaty against germ warfare, further fueling criticism. 

The administration also opposes treaties to ban land mines and nuclear-weapons tests, and one for an international criminal court. And it balked at a proposed 189-nation pact against small-arms trafficking, supporting only a watered-down version. 

The trans-Atlantic relationship bristles with trade disputes, ranging from duties on bananas to tax rates. The U.S. death penalty, strongly supported by Bush, is scorned in Europe. And the hard-line American policy toward both Iran and Iraq has been dropped by all European allies save Britain. 

European governments underestimated Bush’s tenacity, suggests Petra Holtrup, senior researcher at the German Council of Foreign Relations in Berlin. “This massive retreat on all multilateral issues (is) nothing new, but Bush is the one who is articulating it most directly,” she said. 

Richard Haass, the State Department’s director of policy planning, argues that the administration is working alongside allies on many issues, including efforts to start a new round of World Trade Organization talks. But he said the United States would oppose measures deemed to work against its interests. 

“What you’re going to get from this administration is a la carte multilateralism,” Haass said. 

Criticism of Bush from abroad is echoed by congressional Democrats at home. 

Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle accused him of fostering isolationism. Administration officials were quick to jump on the South Dakota Democrat for criticizing the president while he was overseas. Bush himself fired back, “We’re not retreating within our border.” 

Daschle apologized for his timing but stuck to the criticism, which he repeated this week, accusing Bush of a “dictatorial approach” in foreign relations. 

Former Rep. Lee Hamilton, an Indiana Democrat who directs the Woodrow Wilson Center, a foreign policy think tank, said he does not believe Bush is an isolationist but “I see strong elements of unilateralism.” 

Defenders suggest that many of the treaties that Bush opposes could never be ratified by the U.S. Senate anyway. Some, in fact, appear deliberately designed to tweak or embarrass the United States, administration allies suggest. 

Furthermore, many European countries, including France and Germany, have left-of-center governments at odds with Bush’s conservatism. 

Philippe Morau Defarges, an analyst at the French Institute for International Relations in Paris, said he expects Bush and his team to moderate over time. “If they are negative about everything, they cannot expect cooperation from their allies,” he said. 

British Chancellor of the Exchequer Gordon Brown advises against reading too much into frayed relations. The disputes, he says, should not “obscure the scale of two-way trade and investment across the Atlantic that amounts to more than $2 billion every day.” 

Q. I have a humming noise in my water lines, caused by a vibration that results when the tank float valve in my toilet nears shutoff. Is there a way to fix it other than by replacing the float and shut-off valve assembly? 

A. Your question contains the answer. Almost. No, you don’t have to replace the entire valve. All you need to do is to replace the gasket within it. It truly is a 50-cent repair. Turn off the water to the toilet and flush it. Next, remove the shut-off valve cover. How you do this will depend on the brand. However, most have four screws on top. Carefully remove the screws and then the top, locate and remove the gasket and use disassembly as a guide for replacement and reassembly. By the way, it is almost always easier to replace the entire unit. The humming? That’s the ballcock assembly telling you it has a gasket that is almost completely worn out. 

Q: My husband and I recently bought a 100-year-old home. In the process of painting the plaster-walled library we’re running into some bizarre paint problems. The walls were triple painted in a brush pattern when we bought the home – we think within the last 10 years. We bought Olympic flat paint and proceeded to apply two coats. After letting them dry we noticed dark stripes down the walls and the whole surface is crackling in 1/8th-inch sizes. We bought a new primer and primed the entire room. Now the primer is doing the same thing as the other coats What can we do now? 

A. We have to assume that the three-color painting detail to which you refer is sponge or splatter paint. We assume this because the glaze that is used with sponge or splatter paint – once painted – will render the crackling effect you are experiencing. Now that you know the cause of the problem, all you have to do is eliminate it – the cause, that is. The problem will then go away. 

There are several ways to do this: You can sand – very messy. Or, you can use paint remover – even messier. Or, you can try to encapsulate the problem by painting it with a material that will not be affected by the existing glaze. This we think would be the easiest. Try using a coat of oil-base primer. Do a 2-square-foot area. Water-base primer will simply not work.  

O 

nce sealed with the oil-base primer, any kind of finish coat can be used. If the oil-base primer doesn’t work, you probably would be best off covering the walls with a quarter-inch thick layer of gyp board. We hope the primer does the job. 

James and Morris Carey are feature writers for The Associated Press

I’ll take it, oh yes, I’ll take it! 

I’ll never write my novel, just show me where to grovel-- 

I’ll take it, oh yes, I’ll take it! 

I’ve left my pride behind, along with half my mind…. 

From “Temp Slaves”  

“Temp Slaves,” a butt-kickingly bitter musical satire by playwriting team Catherine Capellaro and Andrew Rohn made its West Coast debut in the La Peña Cultural Center in Berkeley last Tuesday, July 24 on its way to several performances this coming weekend at the SoMa Cultural Center in San Francisco.  

The 20 person troupe was invited from Madison, Wisconsin to be the centerpiece of the LaborFest 2001 Conference. 

The phrase “Temp Slave” refers to “disposable workers” who are hired and fired frequently to suit the immediate needs of their employers. According to Capellaro and Rohn, increasing numbers of American workers are hired without knowing whether their jobs will continue to the next day — and temps earn 40 percent less per hour than permanent employees. Paying temps a reduced wage means there’s more money for full-time employees and the employer.  

This grimly sparkling and professionally staged play opens with a chorus line of unhappy temp workers such as the “willing to work” single mother kicked off welfare and fearful of losing her kids, and a depressed Ph.D sucker-punched by lack of opportunity. Many of the characters are in danger of defaulting on their student loans. All are desperate to pay their rent. Soon, the evil “PeoplePower Temporary Agency” has them all in its asphyxiating grip. 

One temp, Alexis, played by Shani Stewart, an African-American Lauren Bacall, is a word processing expert who – because her employer is racist – is tracked into working as an angry singing (”cock-a-fucking-doodle-do”) chicken. 

Two temps: Steve, played by the born-to-act Robert J. Moccero, and Eddie, played by that capable multi-tasker Andrew Rohn, perform a droll and brilliantly goofy song and dance wearing bedpans for hats and using walking sticks for canes. Moccero and Rohn — hired to serve as guinea pigs for doctors-in-training who are learning how to perform rectal exams — explain “turning the other cheek.” 

Interestingly, Cappellero and Rohn say they met while on temp jobs in which they sold their bodies for medical research. According to Cappellero, the worst aspect of temping your body for medical research is the desperation that makes workers feel that they have no other choice.  

PeoplePower’s daft and uncaring Violet, well-acted by Marcy Weiland, sends each temp to a horrible first day of work. The harassed Melissa, sensitively portrayed by SaRa Schabach, manages to explode a computer and break up a marriage. Maggie, poignantly played by Nikki Andrews, taste-tests 360 batches of cookies.  

The Machiavellian senator Hartman, played by the glinty Bob Moore; and the grinning bad guy “Dick” Solomon, Manager of People Power, acted by the effervescent Jake Jacobson, fulfill every worker’s most paranoid expectation. But never fear — the workers will want to exact their revenge, assisted by Capellero’s deliciously wicked portrayal of a dominatrix.  

The hard core rage, scorpionic acting, and stark workplace realities make “Temp Slaves” a must-see. Somewhat jarring is that the “greedy” character is given an obviously Jewish sounding name — No other ethnicity is attacked. The inspiration for this play, the anthology “Temp Slaves” by Jeff Kelly, additionally contains a series of cartoons about oppressed workers labeled “Christian Angst” which leave this reviewer, at least, wondering why it was felt necessary for non-Christians to be singled out in this way. 

“Temp Slaves” will be showing at the South of Market Cultural Center, in San Francisco, for evening performances (and some matinees) on 7/22, 7/27, 7/28, and 7/29. For more information and tickets call 415.642.8066.  

Sari Friedman’s work appears in literary magazines and anthologies. She is the recipient of the New Voice Award in Fiction from the Writer’s Voice.

SAN JOSE — Computer and printer giant Hewlett-Packard Co. lowered its revenue forecasts again Thursday and said it is slashing an additional 6,000 jobs, more than 6 percent of its work force, because consumer spending worldwide on technology has only gotten worse. 

The job cuts come on top of 4,700 already announced this year and follow several warnings that results would be worse than previously thought. The news sent HP stock down 6.5 percent. 

“Economies around the world continue to weaken and our consumer business is being hit particularly hard,” HP’s chairwoman, president and chief executive, Carly Fiorina, said on a conference call with financial analysts before the stock market opened. 

HP now expects revenue in the third quarter, which ends July 31, to decline 14 percent to 16 percent from last year. That would translate into revenue between $9.9 billion and $10.1 billion. Analysts had been expecting $11.1 billion, according to Thomson Financial/First Call. 

Sales to consumers are expected to fall 24 percent, she said. And the sales the company can make are becoming less profitable because of a price war among makers of computers and printers. HP’s gross margins are expected to be only about 25 percent. “I do not expect a second-half recovery in 2001,” Fiorina said. “I have not expected that for some time.” 

The Palo Alto-based company didn’t address its third-quarter earnings estimates; analysts surveyed by Thomson Financial/First Call had been expecting 19 cents per share, down from 49 cents a year ago. 

HP shares fell $1.68 to $24 in heavy trading Thursday on the New York Stock Exchange. 

One big problem is that HP generates most of its profits from selling high-margin ink cartridges for its printers. So weak sales of printers now can translate into reduced profits down the road. 

Merrill Lynch analyst Thomas Kraemer said he expects analysts’ estimates for HP will be lowered for not only this quarter, but the rest of this year and 2002. He also said HP’s woes could increase as two key rivals, IBM Corp. and Sun Microsystems Inc., launch high-end products around the end of this quarter. 

“That’s not going to be pretty,” he said. 

A.G. Edwards & Sons analyst Shebly Seyrafi, who lowered his third-quarter earnings estimate to 4 cents a share, said many of HP’s troubles can be traced to external conditions. But he also believes Fiorina took on HP’s massive reorganization plan, in which 83 business units were combined into four, much too quickly for a company that large. 

“That was a little bit too much, too soon,” he said. “It seems to me that was the wrong move and they’re paying the price for it.” 

While HP has traditionally avoided layoffs in its 63-year history, it’s not the only computer maker cutting jobs because of the slumping PC market. Compaq Computer Corp. is laying off 8,500 people, and Dell Computer Corp. is cutting 5,000 jobs. 

HP’s layoffs, which will start at the beginning of August, are expected to save the company $500 million annually. Fiorina would not specify the restructuring charge the company would need to take as it pays severance to employees let go. 

Though HP has eliminated 4,700 positions recently, many of the affected employees have found other jobs at HP, and the company also has been hiring in key areas such as consulting. Consequently, the company’s work force has actually grown from 90,000 at the beginning of the year to nearly 93,000 now. With the new cuts, the work force will drop to about 86,000, or 4.4 percent below what it was at the beginning of the year, spokesman Dave Berman said. 

More employees might also be lost as the company moves to outsource more of its non-manufacturing operations, such as some accounting tasks. 

HP said it has taken additional short-term steps, such as a voluntary payroll saving program that is expected to save about $130 million for the rest of the year. More than 80,000 employees offered to take pay cuts or use up more vacation days in an effort to trim costs. 

——— 

On the Net: 

http://www.hp.com 

WASHINGTON — The minority homeownership rate climbed to a record-high 48.8 percent in the second quarter of 2001, Housing and Urban Development Secretary Mel Martinez said Thursday. 

About 13.2 million minority families owned homes in this period, up from 47.6 percent in the same quarter last year, HUD said. 

But the rate for minorities still lagged behind the overall homeownership rate in the second quarter this year, which, at 67.7 percent, tied a high first set in the third quarter of 2000. Nationally, 72.3 million American families owned their homes. 

Martinez said the administration is committed to narrowing racial disparities. 

“Homeownership is a powerful tool in building pride in our communities,” Martinez said. “We must continue to work with our local communities to make the American Dream a reality for all who seek it.” 

Among specific minority groups, the 48.6 percent rate for non-Hispanic blacks, and the 55.2 percent rate for a category that included non-Hispanic Asians, Native Americans, and Pacific Islanders, were also highs. 

Data from the 2000 census showed a similar trend, with gains for minorities especially in states with large urban centers and established minority communities. In most states, the rate for non-Hispanic whites was higher than for minority groups. 

Watchdog groups have called for tougher monitoring of fair housing violations and predatory lending to help close the gap. 

Among other initiatives, the Bush administration has proposed $1 billion over the next five years for a fund earmarked to help 650,000 low-income families buy homes. 

——— 

On the Net: 

Department of Housing and Urban Development: http://www.hud.gov/

Learn to look for clues of food allergens where you might not expect them, counsels a New York University Medical Center specialist. 

The recent FDA report that many allergens cross over into supposedly allergen-free foods – often in the manufacturing or handling process – means that people with allergies have to know more than what the labels or menus say, according to Dr. Clifford W. Bassett, an allergist at the NYU center. 

Think about it the next time you step up to a salad bar or visit a deli or ice cream parlor. Cross-contamination occurs easily through traces of allergens retained on containers, servers and equipment. 

Any food can cause an allergic reaction in someone,  

Bassett says, but the most common culprits are eggs, milk, peanuts and other nuts, soy, seafood, corn and wheat. 

Those vulnerable to allergens can experience vomiting, nausea, stomach cramps, indigestion, diarrhea, hives, skin rashes, headaches, asthma, earaches and respiratory problems. An infant’s colic may be caused by an allergic reaction to milk or soy products. 

“Peanuts are the number one cause of severe or fatal allergic reactions in children and adults in the United States,” Bassett says.  

“One five-thousandth of a teaspoon of a food containing peanuts is enough to cause a severe or even fatal reaction.  

Some people are so allergic that they may react to minute quantities in cooking fumes.” 

He lists some clues to  

watch for: 

• If you’re allergic to milk, look out for milk-related “whey proteins” in a food product which may not list cow’s milk. They show up in baked goods, hot dogs, canned tuna, and as caseinates that are used in preparation and as preservatives.  

If a food label lists “casein,” that means it contains milk. Non-dairy creamers sometimes contain skim milk, and some margarine made from corn oil may contain skim milk powder. 

• Nut allergens often are in candies or cookies made on baking sheets or with utensils that were shared in making products with nuts.  

Chocolate candy is a particular problem, since it is often made with such shared equipment, so people with severe peanut allergies should avoid chocolates. 

Nuts also often turn up in Worcestershire sauce and bouillon. Shaving creams, moisturizers, shampoos and lipsticks may contain nuts, which can be transmitted through hand contact or kissing. 

• Eggs may be in or on foods with a shiny appearance – such as the egg washes used on baked products and noodles. Look for the word “albumin” or “albumen” on the label, which means that the product contains eggs. Processed foods with labels that list binders, proteins or emulsifiers often contain eggs. 

• Soybeans are used in the manufacture of many cereals, baked goods, baby food, processed meats, hamburgers and other meat products.  

Soy protein is often used to emulsify fat, and it can be found in ice cream, mayonnaise, products that contain oil, and salad dressings. 

• Those with seafood allergies should be leery of fried foods, since these may have been prepared in the same oils as fish. They also should skip Caesar salad dressing, which may include anchovies. 

People allergic to either of the two shellfish categories – mollusks (clams) or crustaceans (lobsters) – should avoid both. They also should be careful when buying other types of fish at the market or ordering in a restaurant because of the possibility of cross-contamination with shellfish. According to Bassett, people with shellfish allergies have them for life. 

• Wheat is an allergen that may be hidden in alcoholic beverages, hot dogs, ice cream cones, licorice, and soup mixes. People allergic to wheat should avoid products containing any kind of flour, including gluten-free and spelt. Hydrolyzed wheat protein is often used in processing, flavoring, and binding food products; it’s also often included in pharmaceutical products such as over-the-counter cold preparations. 

• Allergic reactions to corn are less common and less severe, says Bassett. But they may be found in pediatric foods.

The City Council was poised early Wednesday morning to render a decision on a land use issue that had bitterly divided two communities in north Berkeley when the opposing sides announced a last-minute compromise.  

At issue was a proposal by the Beth El congregation to build a 32,000-square-foot synagogue, school and social hall on a two-acre site at 1301 Oxford St. The size of the project was bitterly opposed by neighbors and environmentalists who argued it would damage Codornices Creek, neighborhood tranquility and historical elements of the property. 

After the compromise was announced, Beth El member Harry Pollack drew laughter from councilmembers and from the approximately 100 people packed into the council chambers by quipping “Nothing to it.” Pollack was understating the laborious planning process that included hundreds of hours of commission meetings, public hearings and a marathon mediation process that was ongoing right up to midnight Tuesday when the council was prepared to settle the controversial issue by vote. 

Mediator Peter Bluhon said the negotiations took place in several rooms in the Old City Hall while the council was considering other items on its agenda. He said he received approval from the two opposing parties just minutes before he was to address the council. 

“After eight weeks of diligent, hard work on the part of all the parties, the mediation has successfully yielded an agreement,” Bluhon read from a one-page, handwritten agreement upon which the ink was still drying. “The parties concur that this design, if implemented and managed properly, can create an attractive, functional facility for Beth El, ensure managed parking and leave open the possibility for future creek daylighting.” 

When Bluhon announced the compromise, the council, which had heard an estimated 18 hours of comments during two public hearings, seemed relived they would not have to decide the controversial issue. 

The council contracted the services of Bluhon in early April in the hopes of finding resolution prior to having to vote on the issue. Bluhon said this was one of the tougher mediations he has worked on. 

“For me, at the outset, I found there was a significant level of distrust, greater than most projects I’ve ever worked on,” he said. 

But he said over 300 hours of meetings in the last few weeks and the good will of both parties resulted in a compromise. 

The relieved Council thanked the mediator and praised the efforts of the opposing sides for working to reach an agreement. Councilmember Miriam Hawley, who represents the proposed project’s district, said the compromise was “a testament of the good will of everybody involved.” 

Vice Mayor Maudelle Shirek thanked both sides for working so hard and said she thought of the two groups when she read an article about military spending, which was justified by bitter, unresolved conflicts around the world. 

“They are going to spend $345 billion on the military and such a small amount on education and real social needs,” she said. “It made me think of you working so hard to make a community and this is what you call community.” 

The changes to the project include a reduction in the social hall and other sections of the building of approximately 1,500-square feet, a rearranging of parking places to ensure the possibility of daylighting the culverted section of Codornices Creek and a shift of structures away from Oxford Street. The congregation also agreed to limit the attendance of social hall functions to 180 people instead of 200. 

Neighbor Philip Price cautioned the council that the agreement was conditional and there were still issues to be worked out. But he said he was heartened by the results of the mediation.  

“I’m somewhat astonished we have an agreement we can all endorse,” he said. “We had to find an area of agreement the size of a dime and we found that dime.” 

Pollack said the new design would not put a crimp in temple, social and school functions. “But on the other hand, it does allow for a reorganization of the traffic flow and more open area on the north side.” 

The council approved the newly forged agreement contingent on review by planning staff and the continued agreement of the two parties. 

Bluhon said the neighbors and environmentalists want further assurances the creek will be restored for possible re-establishment of steelhead migration and Beth El wants protection from future lawsuits. 

Councilmember Polly Armstrong said she hadn’t sleep well the night before in anticipation of voting on an issue with such strong feelings on both sides. But she said she appreciated the unique regional nature of the disagreement. 

“No one moves to Berkeley by accident. We didn’t come here for the domestic tranquility,” she said. “I won’t soon forget the rational, sensible people who came to Council meetings dressed as fish.”

Thursday, July 26

Summer Noon Concerts 2001 

Noon - 1 p.m. 

Downtown Berkeley BART Plaza 

Shattuck at Center St. 

Weekly concert series. This week The Brazilian Workshop under the direction of Marcos Silva, Jazzschool students perform traditional Brazilian music. 

Quit Smoking Class 

6 - 8 p.m. 

South Berkeley Senior Center 

2939 Ellis Street 

A six week quit smoking class. 

Free to Berkeley residents and employees. 

Call 644-6422 or e-mail: quitnow@ci.berkeley.ca.us 

Wilderness First Aid 

7 p.m. 

Recreational Equipment, Inc. 

1338 San Pablo Ave. 

Jim Morrisey, senior instructor at Wilderness Medical Associates, will teach you the basics of field repair for the human body: Blisters, wounds, fractures, lightning strikes, snake bites and more. Free. 

527-4140 

Ancient Native Sites of the  

East Bay 

7:30 p.m. 

Room 160 Kroeber Hall, University of California Campus 

Andrew Galvan, an Ohlone Indian and co-owner of Archaeor, will discuss and share the benefits of osteological studies of prehistoric human skeletal remains. Prof. Ed Luby, research archaeologist for the Berkeley Natural History Museums, will discuss his work on mortuary feasting practices. $10 841-2242 

Southeast Asia and Japan 

7:30 p.m. 

Easy Going Travel Shop and Bookstore 

1385 Shattuck Avenue 

William Ford, author of “Southeast Asia and Japan: Unusual Travel,” will present a talk and slide show of his adventure travels. Free. 

843-3533 

Return of the Zapatour 

7 p.m. 

La Peña Cultural Center 

3105 Shattuck Avenue 

Members of the Chiapas Support Committee report on their trip to Chiapas, including slides and videos. $8 - $15. 

849-2568 www.lapena.org 

Business Information and 

Networking Event 

6:30 - 9:30 p.m. 

South Berkeley Senior Center 

2939 Ellis (corner of Ashby) 

Sponsored by the City of Berkeley in partnership with the Berkeley Chamber of Commerce, and both the South and West Berkeley Neighborhood Development Corporations. The event will include such topics as “Starting a Business,” “Legal Issues,” “Planning for Growth,” “Financing,” and “Permitting.” The event is free to all who register. Refreshments and door prizes. To register call 549-7003 (English or Spanish).  

Salsa Dance Classes 

7:30 p.m. 

Berkeley Richmond Jewish Community Center 

1414 Walnut St. 

Classes every Thursday with live percussionists, light refreshments, DJ playing Latin music. $10 or $15 for two. 

237-9874 

Women, Menopause, and  

Change 

7:30 - 9 p.m. 

YWCA 

2600 Bancroft Way 

Learn how other women manage the changes menopause brings to their lives. Free yoga demonstration. 233-6484 

Cuban Workers and Trade Unions Today 

6 - 8:30 p.m. 

Director’s Lounge 

Institute of Industrial Relations 

2521 Channing Way 

Speakers Kamran Nayeri and Bobbie Rabinowitz, sponsored by University and Technical Employees. Music, photo exhibit and literature. 

Free Computer Class for Seniors 

9:30 - 11:30 a.m. and 1 - 3 p.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, call ahead for a reservation. 

644-6109 

Friday, July 27

11th Anniversary of Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) 

11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. 

UC Berkeley Campus, Upper Sproul Plaza 

Celebration and Call to Action Disability Rights. Sutton nomination, Olmstead implementation, Medicaid buy-in legislation for California, 

grass roots activism, voting .  

For more information: Jessa Steinbeck, AAPD, 800/840-8844, Andy Imparato, AAPD, 443/386-2935 or, Daniel Davis: Disabled Students Union of UC Berkeley, 510/898-3531 

Therapy for Trans Partners  

6 - 7:30 p.m.  

Pacific Center for Human Growth  

2712 Telegraph Ave. (at Derby)  

A group open to partners of those in transition or considering transition. The group is structured to be a safe place to receive support from peers and explore a variety of issues, including sexual orientation, coming out, feelings of isolation, among other topics. Intake process required. Meeting Fridays through August 17.  

$8 - $35 sliding scale per session  

Call 548-8283 x534 or x522 

Strong Women; The Arts,  

Herstory and Literature 

1:15 - 3:15 p.m. 

North Berkeley Senior Center  

1901 Hearst Ave. This is a free weekly cultural studies course in the Berkeley Adult School’s Older Adults Program. Free. 

Call 549-2970 

Saturday, July 28

Residential Solar Electricity 

1 p.m. - 3 p.m. 

Ecology Center 

2530 San Pablo Ave. 

The workshop will introduce participants to residential solar electricity: how solar cells work, how to size a system, participants will also get to produce electricity using photovoltaic panels and power a range of appliances (weather permitting). $15. Call 548-2220 x233 to reserve a space.  

Berkeley Farmers’ Market 

10 a.m. - 3 p.m. 

Center Street between Martin Luther King Jr. Way and Milvia Street 548-3333 

Arrowcopter Play Day 

1 - 4 p.m. 

Lawrence Hall of Science 

UC Berkeley 

For ages 9 and up. Museum admission $3 - $7. 

642-5132 

16th Annual Berkeley Kite  

Festival and West Coast Kite Championship 

11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Through Sunday. 

Cesar E. Chavez Park at the Berkeley Marina 

Giant creature kites from New Zealand, Team Kite Ballet, Japanese-Style Rokaku Kite Battle for the skies, plus great food and live music.  

11 a.m. - 1 p.m. kite making lessons; 2:30 p.m. Candy Drops for the kids; 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. kite flying lessons. Free Event. For more information: 235-5483 or www.highlinekites.com. 

Sunday, July 29

Hands-On Bicycle Repair Clinics  

11 a.m. - Noon  

Recreational Equipment, Inc.  

1338 San Pablo Ave.  

Learn how to adjust your brakes from one of REI’s bike technicians. All you need to bring is your bike. Free 527-4140 

Buddhist Teacher 

6 p.m. 

Tibetan Nyingma Institute 

1815 Highland Place 

Eva Casey on “The Life of Padmasambhava.” Free. 

843-6812 

West Berkeley Market 

11 a.m. - 5 p.m. 

University Ave., between 3rd and 4th Streets  

Family-oriented weekly market. Crafts, music, produce, and specialty foods. 654-6346 

— compiled by Guy Poole 

16th Annual Berkeley Kite Festival  

and West Coast Kite Championship 

11 a.m. - 5 p.m. 

Cesar E. Chavez Park at the Berkeley Marina 

Giant creature kites from New Zealand, Team Kite Ballet, Japanese-Style Rokaku Kite Battle for the skies, plus great food and live music.  

11 a.m. - 1 p.m. kite making lessons; 2:30 p.m. Candy Drops for the kids; 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. kite flying lessons. Free Event. For more information: 235-5483 or www.highlinekites.com. 

Making Music 

1 - 3 p.m. 

Lawrence Hall of Science 

UC Berkeley 

Part of the LHS Top of the Bay Family Sundays, Fran Holland will demonstrate how to make and play musical instruments. Museum admission $3 - $7. 642-5132 

International Working Class 

Film and Video Festival 

2 p.m. 

La Peña Cultural Center 

3105 Shattuck Avenue 

Part of LaborFest 2001, a screening of “Not In My Garden,” a documentary about a Palestinian village in Israel. $7. 

849-2568 

Maybeck Homes 

1 - 4:30 p.m. 

#1 Maybeck Twin Drive 

Open house of four nearby homes accompanied by short talks on the character of Maybeck’s homes. A reception, raffle, and silent auction will be part of the afternoon activities. Limited space, call 845-7714 for registration.

Black teachers can wipe out racial prejudice 

Editor: 

The best way to recompense the descendants of American slaves for the sufferings of their forebears and the present educational and occupational disabilities many endure because of their ancestry would be to eliminate racial (which is to say chiefly color) discrimination from our social outlook.  

This could be accomplished in one generation by insuring that the public school teachers K-12 be overwhelmingly excellent well-qualified instructors — and black. Children of all colors look up to good teachers. If white kids have mainly black teachers as their everyday role models they are not going to be prejudiced against blacks.  

Our bigots to the contrary, blacks on average can be as capable as whites at any task, intellectual or physical. So, rather than an ill-considered Bush handout like the tax cut, let there be established an impeccable government foundation, to finance from its outset the best education available for all blacks who want to be public school teachers and to make and keep a promise to pay, throughout their teaching years, to only black teachers so fostered, a considerable bonus — such a bonus as will financially maintain them in the upper middle class, well above today’s average teacher’s pay. Young blacks would come flocking. 

Such a plan should gain wide acceptance among the more thoughtful proponents of recompense for slavery. If honestly and earnestly carried out, black dominance of K-12 faculties could in one generation wipe out the shame of American life — color prejudice.  

Judith Segard Hunt 

Berkeley  

A very odd Olympic dream 

Editor: 

I had a very odd dream the other night: I saw tens of thousands of people singing a strange song and wearing a red shirt with some strange symbol on it. Were they from another planet, or were they getting ready for the Olympics? 

George Kauffman 

Berkeley 

Bush tax relief is just not enough 

Editor: 

Various letters to the editor have suggested what to do with the Bush tax refund. 

July 19, I received IRS Notice 1275. In big red letters is titled “Notice of Status and Amount of Immediate Tax Relief.” Then it says, “Dear Taxpayer:, blah, blah, blah. ... As part of immediate tax relief, you will be receiving a check in the amount of $13.50 during the week of 07/30/2001.” Then there is more information. 

I do not know if I received the “incorrect” IRS notice or the “correct” IRS notice. In either case, I will have to think long and hard what to do with my $13.50. Lets see, it will not pay my PG&E bill; or Pacific Telephone; or EBMUD. I suppose I could go to Starbucks and buy a pound of coffee. But since I am disabled, I guess I better apply the money toward a prescription. It might be nice to not have to make the decision of whether or not I eat or get my medication. 

If I really do get check for $13.50, the federal government has probably spent more than that in getting it out to me. 

What kind of logic is that? That is a waste of taxpayer’s money. 

John G. Cakars 

Berkeley  

Taking SATs in native language is a huge boost 

Editor: 

Susan Bonoff, a college counselor at North Hollywood High School, says that native Spanish speakers bolster their overall SAT II test scores by taking the Spanish language SAT II tests. In a recent year, two of the top three North Hollywood High students were admitted to UC Berkeley while the other was admitted to Stanford. What distinguished their applications were their Advanced Placement test scores.  

Each had taken 22 or more of the tests, and had qualified for college credit on each. Any Spanish speaker in previous years could have taken the SAT II Spanish language test since it’s up to the applicant to choose the third test under current procedures, so in no way does a future language testing requirement account for the upsurge in Latinos having already been accepted at the university. In recommending that UC require only those tests that assess mastery of specific subject areas rather than undefined notions of “aptitude” or “intelligence.”  

Atkinson seeks to reverse a trend started by Harvard President James Conant in the 1930s. 

Conant had college boards that were so nearly a test of mastery of New England boarding school curricula that they couldn't be used to size up the applicants to Harvard from public schools in the Mid-West. 

“All too often,” said Atkinson, “universities use SAT scores to rank order applicants in determining who should be admitted. This use of the SAT is not compatible with the American view on how merit should be defined and opportunities distributed. The strength of American society has been its belief that actual achievement should be what matters most. Students should be judged on the basis of what they have made of the opportunities available to them.” 

Atkinson is right to reverse a trend which resulted in drafting low I.Q. fathers to fight for their country in Korea and Vietnam while exempting single college men. 

But, if too much emphasis is placed on the SAT I in UC freshman admissions, why retain the SAT IIs, while eliminating the only rival test currently available (the ACT)? Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo recently announced that it would prefer the ACT from now on. 

Atkinson, 71, a cognitive psychologist, has been a visiting Distinguished Scholar at the company which administers the SATs (both I and II). He witnessed his grandchildren, at the ages of 10 and 12, enrolled in an upscale private school studying verbal analogies. 

“I learned that they spend hours each month — directly and indirectly — preparing for the SAT,” Atkinson said, “studying long lists of verbal analogies such as ‘truthful is to mendaciousness’ as ‘circumspect is to caution.’” 

Mathematics is one of the three SAT IIs already required of prospective UC freshman (91,904 applied for the Class of 2004 on the campuses throughout the state). Kate Millet, the author of the classic Sexual Politics, says that “the independence and ego-strength necessary for first-rate achievement necessary in certain analytic fields [has been] completely absent from the cultural experience of nearly every girl child.”  

The effect of Atkinson’s SAT II reform will be to reduce the number of women at the campuses, the most competitive in particular (UCLA, UC San Diego and UC Berkeley). 

Zero point four percent of 91,904 UC applicants statewide took the Japanese language test. It’s a gross overstatement to say that SAT II language tests have given anyone an advantage in UC admissions up to now. Their high scores on Advanced Placement tests, on the other hand, have given North Hollywood High students an enormous advantage. 

Richard Thompson 

Berkeley  

924 Gilman St. Music at 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted. July 27: Throw Down, Glood Clean Fun, Count Me Out, Time Flies, Faded Grey, Lab Rats; July 28: Over My Dead Body, Carry On, Merrick, Some Still Believe, Black Lung Patriots; Aug. 3: Sworn Vengeance, N.J. Bloodline, Settle the Score, Existence, Step; Aug. 4: Toxic Narcotic, Menstrual Tramps, Emo Summer, Four Letter Word, Shitty Wickets; $5. 924 Gilman St. 525-9926. 

Albatross Pub Music at 9 p.m. unless otherwise noted. July 26: Keni “El Lebrijano” Flamenco Guitar; Aug 1: Whiskey Brothers. 1822 San Pablo 843-2473 

Anna’s Bistro Music at 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted. July 26: Rich Kalman Trio & “Con Alma”; July 27: Anna & Susie Laraine, Perri Poston; 10 p.m., Hideo Date Bluesman; July 28: Marie-Louise Fiatarone Trio; 10:30 p.m., The Ducksan Distones; July 29: Panacea; July 30: Renegade Sidemen; July 31: Jason Martineau; 1801 University Ave. 849-ANNA 

Ashkenaz July 25: 8:00 p.m. perfect Strangers $10; July 26: 9:00 p.m. Super Rail band $16; July 27: 8:00 p.m. Ali Khan Band $15; July 28: 9:30 p.m. Motordude Zydeco and Brass Monkey $11; July 29: 9:00 p.m. El Hadj N’ Diaye $10; July 31: 8:00 p.m. dance lesson with Dana DeSimone, 9:00 p.m. Steve Riley and Mamou Playboys $12; Aug. 5: 9 p.m. Roots Reggae featuring Groundation and Tchiya Amet. $10. 11317 San Pablo Ave. 525-5099 www.ashkenaz.com 

Eli’s Mile High Club Doors open at 8 p.m. Every Friday, 10 p.m. - 2 a.m., Funky Fridays Conscious Dance Party with KPFA DJs Split Shankin and Funky Man. $10; 3629 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Oakland 655-6661 

Freight and Salvage Coffee House All music at 8 p.m. July 26: Radney Foster, Darden Smith; July 27: Otis Taylor; July 28: Street Sounds; July 29: Tish Hinojosa; Aug 1: Distant Oaks; Aug 2: George Kuo, Narin Pahinui & Aaron Mahi; Aug 3: Wylie & the Wild West, the Waller Brothers, Aug 4: Adam Levy, Will Bernard; Aug 5: MonTango; Aug 6: Frank Yamma; Aug 8: San Francisco Klezmer Experience; Aug 9: John Renbourn . $16.50 - $19.50. 1111 Addison St. 548-1761 www.freightandsalvage.org 

Jupiter July 27: Sexfresh- traditional American pop; July 28: Corner Pocket- Jazz; July 31: Basso Trio- Local sax, blues and jazz. All music starts at 8:00 p.m.www.jupiterbeer.com; or call the hotline: THE-ROCK (843-7625)  

La Peña Cultural Center July 27: 8:00 p.m., Raphael Manriquez- singer composer and guitar player celebrates release of new album; July 28: 8:30 p.m., Rompe y Raja- Afro-Peruvian dance and song troupe celebrates Peruvian Independence Day; July 29: 7:30 p.m., Moh Alileche- Algerian mondol player, traditional kabylian music; Aug 3: 8 p.m. Los Delicados, Aya de Leon $10; Aug 4: 8 p.m. Grito Serpentino, Small Axe Project, Jime Salcedo-Malo & Leticia Hernandez $10; Aug 5: 7 p.m. Insight in concert $10. 3105 Shattuck Avenue 849-2568 

La Note/Jazzschool July 29: 4:30 p.m., vocalist Lily Tung, 5:30 p.m. Jazzschool Advanced Jazz Workshop. $5; Aug 5: 4:30 p.m. Vocaists’ Series (Denine Monet), 5:30 p.m. Instrumentalists’ Series (Pelo Mar). 2377 Shattuck Avenue 845-5373. 

Rose Street House of Music July 26: 7:30 p.m. Christie McCarthy, Liz Pisco, Antara and Delilah, Amber Jade. $8-20 donation. No one turned away for lack of funds. 594-4000 ext. 687 

Shattuck Down Low Lounge Every Tuesday: 9:30 p.m., Posh Tuesdays with DJ’s Yamu, Delon, Add1, and Tequila Willie. Shattuck at Allston. www.thebeatdownsound.com  

“Midsummer Mozart Festival” All shows at 7:30 p.m. July 28: Four pieces including “March in D Major”; Aug. 3: Four pieces including “Symphony in B Flat.” $32 - $40. First Congregational Church 2345 Channing Way (415) 292-9620 www.midsummermozart.org  

“Downtown” restaurant and bar August 6: 7 p.m. Jesse Colin Young of the sixties hit group, The Youngbloods, will be performing at a No Nukes evening, sponsored by Greenpeace. The evening commemorates the 56th anniversary of the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima. The proceeds go to Tri-Valley CAREs and Citizen Alert. Tickets are $100. 2102 Shattuck Ave. 800-728-6223 

The Greek Theatre Aug. 3 and Aug. 4, 7 p.m. The String Cheese Incident, $29.75. Hearst Avenue and Gayley Road 444-TIXS, or (415) 421-TIXS www.sfx.com 

Julia Morgan Center for the Arts July 29: 2:00 p.m. “Into the Eye of Magic! An Asian Folk Tale” interactive musical and theatrical production for families. Adults $10 Children $5; Aug 4: 8 p.m. “Cuatro maestros Touring Festival” two-hour theatrical event of music and dance performed by four elder folk artists and their talented young counterparts. Adults $18 Children $12; Aug. 10: 7:30 p.m. & Aug. 11, 12, 5 p.m. Campers from Stage Door Conservatory’s “On Broadway” program for grades 5-9 will perform Fiddler on the Roof, Jr. $12 adults, $8 kids. (For info call 527-5939); 2640 College Avenue 845-8542 ext. 302 

“The Great Sebastians” Through Aug. 11: Friday and Saturday evenings 8 p.m. plus Thursday, Aug. 9, presented by Actors Ensemble of Berkeley. A tale about a mind-reading act touring behind the Iron Curtain. A communist general believes the act and “invites” the Sebastians to his villa where the humor and excitement follows. $10. Live Oak Theatre, 1301 Shattuck (at Berryman). For reservations call 528-5620 

“Human Nature” the X-Plicit Players explore intimate but un-named ways of being together, awaken senses old and new and participate in Group Body. July 28: 8:30 p.m. $15 Metaversal Lightcraft 1708 University 848-1985 

“Iphegenia in Aulis” Through Aug. 12: Sat. and Sun. 5 p.m. No performances July 14 and 15, special dawn performance on August 12 at 7 a.m. A free park performance by the Shotgun Players of Euripides’ play about choices and priorities. With a masked chorus, singing, dancing, and live music. Feel free to bring food and something soft to sit on. John Hinkel Park, Southhampton Place at Arlington Avenue 655-0813 

“The Lady’s Not for Burning” July 26 - 28, Aug. 2 - 4: 8 p.m. Set in the 15th century, a soldier wishes to be hanged and a witch does not want to be burned at the stake. $5 - $10. South Berkeley Community Church 1802 Fairview st. 464-1117 

“Loot” Through Aug 25, Thursdays - Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sundays at 7:00 p.m. Special Performance Aug 20, 8:00 p.m. General Admission: $15, Students / Seniors: $10 La Val’s 1834 Euclid Avenue 655-0813 

“Orphans” Through Aug. 5: Fri. and Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 7 p.m. Lyle Kessler’s dark comedy about a mysterious stranger invading the home of two orphaned brothers. $15. The Speakeasy Theater, 2016 Seventh St. 326-8493 

“Reefer Madness” a new one-act theatre piece adapted from a 1936 government-funded film opens a critical eye to the control of our society. Performed by The Elemental Theatre Group Wed Aug 8,22, Thu Aug 9,23: 9 p.m. La Pena Cultural Center 3105 Shattuck Avenue. Wednesdays “pay what you can”, thursdays $5 - $10. Fri Aug 10,17: 7 p.m. People’s Park Free. Contact Zachary Rouse or Tisha Sloan for more info at 655-4150 

“San Francisco Improv” July 28: 8 p.m., Free show at Cafe Electica 1309 Solano Avenue. 527-2344 

“The Skin of Our Teeth” Through July 29: Tues. - Thurs. 7:30 p.m., Fri. 8 p.m., Sat. 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., Sun. 4 p.m. Part of the California Shakespeare Festival, a Thorton Wilder play about a typical family enduring various catastrophes. $10 - $146. Bruns Memorial Amphitheater, off Highway 24 at the Shakespeare Festival Way/Gateway Exit. 548-9666 

La Peña Cultural Center July 29: 2:00 p.m., Laborfest- International Working Class Film & Video Festival. “Not in my Garden” by Video 48. $7. 3105 Shattuck Avenue 849-2568 

Pacific Film Archive July 26: 7:00 Devarim, 9:10 Yom Yom; July 27: 7:00 Punishment Room, 8:55 Ten Dark Women; July 28: 7:00 The Big Heat, 8:30 Kippur, 8:50 Clash by Night; July 29: 3:00 A Boy named Charlie Brown, 5:30 Mr. Pu, 7:30 A Billionaire; New PFA Theatre 2575 Bancroft Way 642-1412 

San Francisco Jewish Film Festival Wheeler Auditorium, UC Berkeley July 28: 1 p.m. “The Optimists” 3:30 p.m. “Louba’s Ghosts”, 6:15 p.m. “One of the Hollywood Ten”, 8:30 p.m. “Kippur”; July 29: 11 a.m. “Keys from Spain”, “The Cross Inscribed in the Star of David”, 1 p.m. “Intimate Stranger”, “Nobody’s Business”, 4 p.m. “The Sweetest Sound”, 6 p.m. “Once We Grow Up”, 8:30 p.m. “Total Love”, “Moses vs. Godzilla” General admission: $8.50, Matinees (until4p.m.): $7, Students/Seniors/Groups: $6.50. (925)866-9559 http://www.sfjff.org 

“7th annual Brainwash Movie Festival” outdoors Aug 3,4,5: (bring a chair) at the Pyramid Ale brewery, 901 Gilman Street 527-9090 ext. 218. Festival Pass: $30, Individual tickets: online: $8, door: $10 

Exhibits 

“BACA National Juried Exhibition: Works on Paper” Through August 31: Wed. - Sun. Noon - 5 p.m. Reception, Sun. July 22, 2 - 4 p.m., Featuring 33 artists from across the United States, including 17 Bay Area representatives. Berkeley Art Center 1275 Walnut St. 644-6893 

“Bernard Maisner: Illuminated Manuscripts and Paintings” Through Aug. 8 Maisner works in miniature as well as in large scales, combining his mastery of medieval illumination, gold leafing, and modern painting techniques. Flora Lamson Hewlett Library 2400 Ridge Road 849-2541 

“Debbie Moore’s Autobiographical Paintings” Through Sep 30 at Good Vibrations. Portraits of the artist’s sensual explorations spanning 25 years and reflecting changing ways of intimacy and body play. 2504 San Pablo Avenue 848-1985 

“The Decade of Change: 1900 - 1910” chronicles the transformation of the city of Berkeley in this 10 year period. Thursday through Saturday, 1 - 4 p.m. Through September. Berkeley History Center, Veterans Memorial Building, 1931 Center St. Wheelchair accessible. 848-0181. Free.  

“A Fine Line” is an exhibition works by Kala Fellowship winners for the years 2000 and 2001. Reception July 26, 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. July 26 - August 24, Tuesday - Friday, noon - 5 p.m. or by appointment. Kala Art Institute 1060 Heinz Avenue 549-2977 

“Geographies of My Heart” Collage paintings by Jennifer Colby through August 24; Flora Lamson Hewlett Library 2400 Ridge Road 649-2541 

“MFA Survey Exhibition 2001” third annual exhibition of works of recent graduates from Bay Area master of Fine Art programs. This year featuring artists working in three-dimentional media. now - Aug 18 tuesday - saturday, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m., reception July 21 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. Traywick Gallery 1316 Tenth Street 527-1214 

“Musee des Hommages” Masterworks by Guy Colwell Faithful copies of several artists from the pasts, including Titian’s “The Venus of Urbino,” Cezanne’s “Still Life,” Picasso’s “Woman at a Mirror,” and Boticelli’s “Primavera” Ongoing. Call ahead for hours 2028 Ninth St. (at Addison) 841-4210 or visit www.atelier9.com 

“New Visions: Introductions 2001” Through August 18: Wed. - Sat.: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Juried by Artist- Curator Rene Yanez and Robbin Henderson, Executive Director of the Berkeley Art Center, the exhibition features works from some of California’s up-and-coming artists. Pro Arts 461 Ninth St., Oakland 763-9425 

“The Saints Are Coming... To Bring Hope” Through July 30: Tue., Wed., Sat. 12 - 5, p.m., Fri. 1 - 5 p.m., An art installation featuring Fred DeWitt, Leon Kennedy, Josie Madero, Esete Menkir, Belinda Osborn, Arline Lucia Rodini, April Watkins, and Carla Woshone. The Art of Living Center 2905 Shattuck Ave. 848-3736  

“Sistahs: Ethnofraphic Ceramics” through August 22, Reception July 29 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. Womens Cancer Resource Center Gallery 3023 Shattuck Avenue 548-9286 ext. 307 

“Ten Years Here” Exhibit celebrating the 10 year anniversary of Turn of the Century Fine Arts. Aug 4 - Sept 14, Sat & Sun 1-5 p.m. Reception Aug 4 2:00 - 7:00 p.m. 2510 San Pablo Avenue 849-0950 

“The Trip to Here: Paintings and Ghosts by Marty Brooks” Through July 31: Tues. - Sun. 11 a.m. - 1 a.m. View Brooks’ first California show at Bison Brewing Company 2598 Telegraph Ave. 841-7734  

Readings 

Boadecia’s Books Aug 3: Mabel Maney (author of the Nancy Clue/ Cherry Aimless and Hardly Boys mysteries) reads from her new book “Kiss the Girls and Make them Spy” featuring Jane Bond, James’ lesbian twin sister; Aug 4: Dyke Open Myke! Coffeehouse-style open mike night featuring both established and emerging talent. All events start at 7:30 p.m. and are free. 398 Colusa Avenue 559-9184 

Cody’s Books July 26: Dave Egger’s presentation has been canceled; Aug 5: Justin Chin, Gerry Gomez Pearlberg; Aug 8: Jane Mead, Mark Turpin. $2 donation. Readings at 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted. 2454 Telegraph Ave. 845-0837 

Cafe de la Paz “Poetry Nitro” Weekly poetry open mike. July 30: Featuring Lisa Sikie; Aug 6: featuring Andrena zawinski. 6:30 p.m. sign-up, 7 p.m. reading. 1600 Shattuck Ave. 843-0662  

Coffee Mill Poetry Series August 7: Featured readers JC and Bert Glick. 7-9 p.m.; August 21: Featured Readers: Victoria Joyce and Therese Bamberger; Both 7-9 p.m. Free. 3363 Grand Ave., Oakland for info. (510)465-3935 or (510)526-5985, or Email: ksdgk@earthlink.net 

Tours 

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory Fridays 9:30 - 11:45 a.m. or by appointment. Call ahead to make reservations. Free. University of California, Berkeley. 486-4387 

Golden Gate Live Steamers Grizzly Peak Boulevard and Lomas Cantadas Drive at the south end of Tilden Regional Park Small locomotives, meticulously scaled to size. Trains run Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Rides: Sunday, noon to 3 p.m., weather permitting. 486-0623  

Museums 

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  

UC Berkeley Museum of Paleontology Lobby, Valley Life Sciences Building, UC Berkeley “Tyrannosaurus Rex,” ongoing. A 20 by 40-foot replica of the fearsome dinosaur 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 22-23 feet. The Pteranodon lived at the same time as the dinosaurs. 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 will close its exhibition galleries for renovation on October 1. It will reopen in early 2002. On View until October 1, 2001: “Ishi and the Invention of Yahi Culture.” “Sites Along the Nile: Rescuing Ancient Egypt.” “The Art of Research: Nelson Graburn and the Aesthetics of Inuit Sculpture.” “Tzintzuntzan, Mexico: Photographs by George Foster.”  

$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. Kroeber Hall, Bancroft Way and College Ave. 643-7648 or www.qal.berkeley.edu/~hearst/ 

Lawrence Hall of Science “Science in Toyland,” through Sept. 9. Exhibit uses toys to demonstrate scientific principles and to help develop children's thinking processes. Susan Cerny’s collection of over 200 tops from around the world. “Space Weather,” through Sept. 2. Learn about solar cycles, space weather, the cause of the Aurorae and recent discoveries made by leading astronomers. This interactive exhibit lets visitors access near real-time data from the Sun and space, view interactive videos and find out about a variety of solar activities. “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. “Saturday Night Stargazing,” First and third Saturdays each month. 8 - 10 p.m., LHS plaza. Space Weather Exhibit now - Sept. 2; now - Sept. 9 Science in Toyland; Saturdays 12:30 - 3:30 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. “Constellations Tonight” Ongoing. Using a simple star map, learn to identify the most prominent constellations for the season in the planetarium sky.  

“How Big Is the Universe?” Aug. 1 through Aug. 24. Learn how to determine the distance of celestial objects, one of the purposes of the Hubble Space Telescope. Daily, 2:15 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, 642-5132 or www.lhs.berkeley.edu 

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, UC Berkeley 642-5132 or www.lhs.berkeley.edu  

The UC Berkeley Art Museum is closed for renovations until the fall. 

Barons get some clutch hits, take advantage of Clayton Valley miscues 

For the third time in 11 days, the Berkeley Legion baseball team was involved in an extra-inning game in which one team blew a lead late in the game. But for the first time, the Berkeley team was the one that came back to tie the game in the seventh inning and win it in the eighth at Clayton Valley High on Wednesday. 

Trailing 5-1 heading into their last at-bats, the Barons used patience and some timely hitting. With one out, Clayton Valley reliever Barry Zenuk hit Matt Sylvester with a pitch, then walked Jack MckSweeney and Foster Goree to load the bases. Walker Toma then hit a line drive to center field that skipped under the Clayton Valley defender’s glove, scoring two runs and putting runners on second and third. Bennie Goldenberg bounced a single over third base, which plated Goree and Toma to knot the score at 5-5. 

Toma then came in to relieve in the bottom of the inning after Jason Nealy beaned Clayton Valley’s Rick Byrnes with one out, which appeared to shake up the Berkeley hurler. Although Byrnes stole second and took third on a passed ball, Toma induced a short flyball to right by the next batter, then struck out Chris Hurd to strand him 90 feet short of the winning run. 

Clayton Valley proceeded to pretty much hand the Barons the game in the eighth. Third baseman Matt Mazzei muffed a grounder by Berkeley’s Jason Haller, then Zenuk kicked away a sacrifice bunt by Jabri Gilreath. Sylvester popped up his own bunt, which Mazzei caught for the out, but Mazzei then threw the ball away trying to double up Gilbreath at first, sending the runners to second and third.  

MckSweeney struck out for the second out, but Chris Wilson hit a pop-up into no-man’s land in center, scoring the runners. Toma and Goldenberg both hit RBI singles to give the Barons some insurance, and Toma shut down the home side in the bottom of the inning to earn the 9-5 win. 

Strangely enough, the Berkeley outburst of eight runs in the final two innings came after head coach Josh Flushman was tossed from the game for arguing balls and strikes with the home plate umpire. 

“I’d say that was definitely the key to our victory today,” Flushman joked after the game, noting that he had clashed with the same umpire in a previous game this summer. 

Clayton Valley looked to have the Barons’ number early in the game, scoring five runs in two innings off of Berkeley starter Gilbreath. But Nealy shut them down for almost the rest of regulation.

YMCA isn’t just for excercise anymore 

When Shirley Richardson-Brower took over as executive director of the Berkeley YMCA South Branch four years ago, the building had more basketballs than books. 

“Its reputation was as a nice little Y for recreation,” Richardson-Brower said. 

Sweeping her arm over a room with bookshelves running the length of one wall, office-like cubicles aglow with Apple computers, and a group of kindergarteners huddled in front of a dry-erase board, sounding out the letters of the alphabet with aid of a college-aged volunteer, she said: 

“This was a weight room.” 

The transformation began back in 1997, when the South Branch YMCA convened a focus group to assess how well the facility was meeting the needs of the surrounding community. What they discovered was a large group of  

parents wondering if it would be possible to mix some academics into the traditional YMCA menu of recreational services.  

In response to the community’s “shift in focus,” the YMCA set out to institute afterschool and summer programs that would offer fun and games with strong emphasis on learning, Richardson-Brower said. 

Today, where once there were a couple dozen youth – mostly boys – pumping iron and shooting hoops, there are now more than 100 children from kindergarten all the way up to seventh grade, learning their ABCs, practicing reading and writing, conducting scientific experiments, playing instructional computer games among other activities. 

So many signed up for the center’s nine-week Summer Learning, Summer Fun program this summer that Richardson-Brower had to create a “wait list.”  

The program runs from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. five days a week and costs parents – most of whom are low-income – an average of only $25 a week. The fee is negotiable, and no one is turned away for inability to pay. 

During the program’s infancy, youth would sometimes come for a few weeks and disappear, Richardson-Brower said. But parents have developed an increasing loyalty to the program over the years, and most now stick it out for the full nine weeks. 

Parent Kathy Russell gave the program a try for the first time this summer, signing up her kindergarten-aged son, Alexander. Russell said she planned to let Alexander stay home and play during the summer but changed her mind when she heard about the program. At the South Branch YMCA, Russell said, her son manages the rare feat of having fun and learning at the same time. 

“I thought it was going to be a kind of fun day camp for him, but it’s really been an educational experience,” Russell said. “They’re not just hanging out.” 

Richardson-Brower attributes the program’s success, in part, to the practice of dividing the students into small groups, with a volunteer tutor serving as the leader of the group all summer long. Because the students are asked to take on academic challenges as a group, there are less likely to feel overwhelmed and discouraged, she said. 

“Isolated, they feel inferior; they feel like something is wrong with them,” Richardson-Brower said. 

Sandra Gutierrez, who will be a seventh grader at Willard Middle School next year, seemed to agree with this analysis. Asked why she enjoyed the program, she said: “If you don’t know something, you can ask somebody and they’ll tell you the answer. And we have more attention from the leaders because we’re in smaller groups.” 

There is also a big emphasis on presenting academic challenges in a fun format. For a first science experiment, students shoveled spoonfuls of ice cream into root beer to observe how the steady streams of bubbles would keep it afloat.  

On Tuesday, as part of a summerlong course in basic geology, the students scraped away at mineral samples with fingernails, pennies and steel nails to test their hardness. They practiced some basic arithmetic as they worked to rate the minerals on a hardness scale of one to 10.  

Writing is emphasized in all activities to help improve the student’s literacy (many are first generation Mexican- and Asian-Americans who are not yet fluent in English). Students are asked to write as complete a description of possible of their mineral samples, using color, hardness, surface texture and more. Spelling doesn’t count so much as the number of words students manage to get down on the page. 

“It gets them comfortable,” said YMCA volunteer tutor Jennifer Larsh. “It reminds them that learning can be fun.”  

“For some students, by the third grade, they’ve completely lost the will to learn; the joy of it,” Larsh said.  

The South Branch YMCA is located at 2901 California St. in South Berkeley. For more information about the branch’s programs, contact Shirley Richardson-Brower at (510)-843-4280. 

FUKUOKA, Japan – One of the big downsides of going to the World Swimming Championships for Haley Cope was that she had to miss her mother’s 40th birthday. 

On Tuesday, the University of California communications major gave her mother a fitting present, surprising herself by winning the 50-meter backstroke gold medal. 

“I cannot believe that I am the world champion,” Cope said after finishing in 28.51 seconds, .02 seconds ahead of Germany’s Antje Buschschulte. 

“I thought I was dying. I was just trying to keep up with the girl next to me.” 

Cope didn’t realize it at the time, but she had to worry about more than Buschschulte. Third place was only a tick away as well, with Cope’s American teammate and former U.S. record-holder Natalie Coughlin taking the bronze at 28.54. 

When Cope packed her bags for Fukuoka, she knew she’d miss a big family gathering in Chico for her mother Regina’s birthday July 21. 

“My mom was a bit upset that I had to leave them,” Cope said. “But now she knows it was definitely worth it. This is my present to her.” 

Cope, who set an American record in qualifying Monday, will swim the 100-meter backstroke Friday and the 50-meter freestyle qualifying Saturday. She might also be used on a relay team. 

Coughlin again will be among her competitors — and the favorite — in the 100-meter backstroke. Coughlin has the best time this year over that distance (1:01.27), just ahead of the 1:01.28 by Japan’s Mai Nakamura, an Olympic silver medalist who also is competing in the championships. 

Cope is used to a heavy workload, having finished second in the 50-yard freestyle, third in the 100-yard backstroke and seventh in the 100-yard freestyle at the NCAA Championships this year. 

Earlier in the week, California’s male swimming standout, Anthony Ervin, continued to excel as he captured the first gold medal for the United States on Monday.  

Ervin, the 2000 Olympic gold medallist in the 50-meter freestyle, won the 50 free at the 2001 World Championships in a time of 22.09 over Pieter van den Hoogenband of the Netherlands (22.16).  

“My time was good, but I’ve been faster,” said Ervin. “I’m happy with the win. I have more pressure on me here (Fukuoka) than I did in Sydney. Here, people have been expecting me to win, but I never thought like that coming in to the meet.”  

In other action at the 2001 World Championships, former Cal swimmer Gordan Kozulj (1996-99) placed seventh for his native Croatia in the 100-meter back final with a time of 55.60.

As part of a statewide campaign to get pharmacies to stop selling tobacco products, members of the Berkeley Tobacco Prevention Coalition are pressuring local “chain” pharmacies to remove cigarettes from their shelves. 

While some area residents support the move, others doubt it will have much of an impact. 

“We never have (sold cigarettes) and we never would,” said Barryl Glover, a pharmacist at the Milvia Prescription Pharmacy in Berkeley. “It sends a negative health message (that’s) counter to what we’re trying to do, which is promote health.” 

Ron Freund, a member of the Berkeley Tobacco Prevention Coalition, said pharmacies have a “social responsibility” to send a message that tobacco products are harmful by refusing to sell them in the same setting as products that are supposed to promote good health. 

Pharmacies selling cigarettes “leaves an impression that legitimizes tobacco and the selling of tobacco,” especially with youth, Freund said. 

“The more institutions and organizations begin to say tobacco is unhealthy and basically a bad product, the less opportunity there will be to buy it,” he added. 

The California group Prescription for Change, a coalition of pharmacists, physicians, health care professionals and consumers, has worked with local anti-tobacco groups since 1995 to convince pharmacies that there is a profound contradiction in selling cigarettes and health care products in the same store. 

But, while most independent pharmacies in the state either never carried tobacco products or have stopped carrying them in recent years, almost all chain pharmacies continue to sell cigarettes and cigars. 

None of Berkeley’s 11 independent pharmacies sell tobacco, but all of its five chain stores (four Walgreens and one Longs Drug) do, according to Prescription for Change spokesperson Sue Noseworthy. 

Prescriptions for Change launched a “media blitz” this spring – including a prominent advertisement in this newspaper and half-a-dozen other Bay Area publications – to bring attention to the discrepancy between independent and chain store policies regarding tobacco. 

“Our campaign is raising awareness with consumers to really even think about the issue,” Noseworthy said. “With the independents maintaining their clients and customer satisfaction, it seems like there really isn’t any reason that the chains wouldn’t be able to do the same.” 

In 1998, cigarettes, cigars and matches accounted for only 2.6 percent of all products sold in on an average day in a chain pharmacy, according to Prescription for Change. 

Ed Fernandes is manager of a Walgreens store on South San Pablo Avenue in Berkeley which does sell cigarettes. He said the store sells maybe 20 cartons of cigarettes a month, at the same time that it’s selling Nicorette – a product that helps smokers break the habit – like hot cakes. 

“There’s a ton of people trying to quit,” Fernandes said. 

Fernandes said the decision to sell or not to sell cigarettes is made at the corporate rather than the local level. Officials at Walgreen’s West Coast corporate offices did not return calls asking for comment Wednesday.  

In a February e-mail addressed to Freund, one Walgreens official pointed out that 25 percent of the U.S. population smokes, adding: “Walgreens sells tobacco products as a convenience to our customers.” 

Customers leaving the San Pablo Avenue Walgreens Wednesday had mixed views on whether the store ought to sell tobacco. Emeryville resident Paul Castleman said it’s a no-brainer that a place known for health care products should stop selling cigarettes. 

“Police don’t sell guns,” Castleman said.  

If a pharmacy chose to stop selling cigarettes, he said, “It would increase the professional stature of the pharmacy, I think, as well as send a subtle message.” 

But Berkeley resident Gretta Fletcher disagreed. 

“If you’re talking about Walgreens, Walgreens is more of a variety store, like Target,” Fletcher said. “If it were strictly a pharmacy selling medicine, then I would have a problem with it.”  

Fletcher, a 30-year smoker who resorted to hypnotism to quit, was also skeptical that persuading pharmacy chains to stop selling cigarettes would help cut back on the smoking rate. 

“It’s a terrible addiction,” she said. “You have to be able to face it wherever it’s at to quit.” 

Oakland resident Abe Kirschenbaum, 28, agreed that pharmacy stores should stop selling cigarettes, but he wouldn’t stop there. 

“A cigarette is probably one of the worst things you can do for you’re health,” Kirschenbaum said. “If it were up to me they would get cigarettes off the street completely. But in a free country, that’s a pretty strong opinion.”

By approving a design scheme for a proposed mixed-use retail, housing, and art space to take the place of a parking lot on Oxford Street, the City Council provided a wish list for the community.  

Now, it seems the challenge is to make it happen. 

“That’s the big question. What can be done?” said Mayor Shirley Dean. “[City Manager Weldon Rucker] really has his work cut out for him as far as the feasibility.” 

The City Council approved the concept of a five-story building on top of two levels of underground parking – with 150-200 spaces. The building’s top three floors would include at least 90 units of affordable and market rate housing. The first and second floor would house a community theater and gallery space as well as the David Brower Center, which is named for the environmentalist who died last November.  

At Tuesday’s meeting, arts groups pushed for more space while councilmembers provided their own wish list for the project. 

They included solar panels, a public plaza with a fountain, a café that sells natural food, housing for people who work for nonprofit organizations and an expanded arts center. 

Rucker will now have to sort out the ideas and shop around a project to various developers to see if there is an interest. So far, two affordable housing developers – Affordable Housing Associates and Resources for Community Development – have expressed interest, said Councilmember Linda Maio. 

The Council will look at the proposal again by the end of this year, according to Maio. 

Maio said she has been instrumental in getting the project to this point and emphasized that it is not a pie in the sky idea. She explained that the Brower component will have its own financing, the affordable housing will be financed through grants and loans made available by nonprofit developers and the city will provide the parking. The only component currently without funding, she said, is the community arts component.  

Still, she said the project is a good example of complementary uses working together. 

“It’s just been excellent. It’s a wonderful marriage between the arts, the environment and affordable housing,” she said, adding that Brower used photographs to illustrate the beauty of the environment. “He really understood how art is instrumental in raising environmental awareness.” 

Gary Graves, co-director of Central Works, a small theater group, said there is a definite need for 10,000-square-feet of theater space rather than the proposed 5,000-square-feet currently proposed.  

Graves is part of a consortium of six small theater groups that could use the space to put on their productions. The city of Berkeley, he said, has been supportive of upper end theater groups Aurora (to be opened this Fall) and the Berkeley Repertory Theater. By providing theater space for grass-roots groups, Graves said the city could have a more diverse representation of the arts downtown. 

“We’re trying to complete the entire spectrum in what’s called the downtown arts district,” he said.  

Providing that space may bump the project to seven floors – two above the current proposal. That, Arts Commission Chair Sherry Smith said, may be too much.  

Although Smith likes the idea of having a large collection of public arts facilities under one roof, she said she isn’t sure if it can actually happen. 

“If we pencil it out, it will be expensive and some of these Christmas tree ornaments will have to fall away,” she said.  

A local environmental group recently filed a notice of violation against a playground manufacturer who sold an arsenic-treated playstructure to a Berkeley school.  

The group says the company did not appropriately warn the school about the health risks its products present. 

Exposure to arsenic can cause cancer, heart problems, diabetes, and endocrine system problems. 

The Center for Environmental Health, a nonprofit environmental protection organization, took similar legal action against 11 companies in June after a national report told of the serious health risks that wooden structures treated with a preservative made of chromium, copper and arsenic present.  

Further investigation led the CEH to send notices of violation to five other manufacturers earlier this month. 

One of them, Kompan Inc., was brought to the organization’s attention by a group of parents and administrators of New School, a nonprofit institution located on Bonita Avenue in Berkeley.  

After discovering that its new play structure was treated with CCA, the school unsuccessfully tried to return the product to its manufacturer. 

But Kompan refused any refund for the $2,700 structure. 

“I declined to do that because the product that we sold fully complies with all the safety regulations,” said Tim Madeley, Kompan’s general manager.  

Kompan’s products, Madeley said, are approved by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the Environmental Protection Agency and the California Department of Health. 

Outraged, New School turned to the CEH for advice. 

The CEH notices were both filed on the basis of Proposition 65, a law designed to limit public exposure to possibly hazardous chemicals by mandating consumer-product warning labels.  

The organization’s notice of violation states that “no clear and reasonable warning is provided with these products regarding the carcinogenic or reproductive hazards of [arsenic and chromium].” 

CEH said Kompan reacted positively to the notice.  

“They contacted our lawyers immediately and they have decided to completely stop using CCA in their structures,” said CEH toxics researcher, Alise Cappel. Kompan, Cappel said, offered to start using a type of wood manufactured by Arch Chemicals and sold under the trade name “Wolman E.” That product is free of CCA. 

Madeley, however, said Kompan’s decision to use an alternative material was not the result of the CEH violation, but to reassure concerned customers. 

“It’s not because we think that CCA is unsafe in any way,” said Madeley. “But since people have concerns about it, we would like to use something different.” 

Eric Somers, legal counsel for CEH, said New School did not come up in the conversation he had with Kompan. But the CEH, he said, hopes to negotiate with Kompan to find a solution for the school. 

“One of the goals of CEH would be to replace the play structure and take the CCA-treated one to a landfill,” said Somers. 

New School administrators, however, said the CEH has not contacted them about that possibility.  

They are sticking with their initial plans to drop the structure, with a letter of complaint, at Kompan’s distribution center in Forestville as soon as next week, said New School administrative assistant Merlyn Katechis. 

The controversy surrounding the safety of wooden play structures has been an ongoing issue nationally and locally.  

In Berkeley, the playgrounds of Cedar and Rose , King Middle School and Codornices parks were recently coated with a sealant to avoid risks of arsenic contamination.  

The Parks and Waterfront Department plans to replace them within five years.

Among investments, there is probably no greater performance contrast over the past year than that between housing and stocks. 

It isn’t solely that the first is up and the second is down. 

The housing market has been a model of stability, with existing home prices rising relentlessly through the year for a net gain through June of 8.8 percent — impressive to be sure, though it’s only part of the story. 

The rest of the story multiplies that 8.8 percent. Assuming the house was purchased for $120,000, with $20,000 down, and rose 8.8 percent, its market value would now be more than $130,500. 

The gain from your original investment would be nearly 53 percent, less the cost of mortgage, tax and insurance payments. You could also buy stocks with only a down payment, i.e. on margin, but your down payment would probably be at least 50 percent rather than 16 percent or 17 percent. And your interest rate would be a lot higher. 

That’s for starters. The stock market, measured by the Dow Jones industrial average, fell 4.3 percent between July 24, 2000 and July 24, 2001. 

Though hard to measure in dollars and cents, the stock market also took a toll on nerves. Rather than a clean line slanting in one direction, as in housing, it traced a nerve-racking, saw-toothed pattern. 

In housing, you don’t have to put up more money if the market price falls, like you might if you face a margin call.  

And you get tax benefits along the way – income tax deductions for the interest and taxes you pay. 

You might get tax deductions in stocks too, but they’re not nearly as generous.  

If you sell at a loss, you might be able to deduct the loss from gains. But note, you have to have gains to benefit that way. And you might be able to deduct margin interest costs, but again, if you have gains. Meanwhile, as a homeowner you stay in the home and enjoy tax benefits whether the price rises or falls. Generally speaking, if you chose your neighborhood well and otherwise bought wisely, you investment will grow. 

The ultimate advantage, as every homeowner is well aware, is that the investment in housing puts a roof over one’s head, a benefit that is not in the slightest enjoyed when owning stocks. At least in the past year. 

True, a wise investment in the stock market rises over time – if you’re especially lucky or prescient it might rise at a far greater rate than in housing – and perhaps afford you a bigger roof on a better house. 

But again, the taxman expects to be paid. If stock investors sell at a profit they enjoy a relatively low capital gains tax rate. A homeowner couple pays such taxes too, but often only if profits exceed $500,000. 

That said, it’s an unfair comparison to pick a very good year in home appreciation with a very poor year in stocks. Over the past six decades, annual stock market returns have averaged in the low double digits. 

While that record demonstrates that it’s wise to own securities if you can afford them, are knowledgeable, and have the guts to survive terribly tense times, they are a test millions of people don’t want to take.  

For them, just owning a house is a very wise investment and, to boot, offers a wonderful sense of security, the like of which cannot be matched by the stock market. 

John Cunniff is a business analyst for The Associated Press

WASHINGTON — Even though Americans bought fewer previously occupied homes in June, sales were at near record levels, suggesting that this main pillar of the economy remains sturdy. 

The National Association of Realtors reported Wednesday that existing home-sales dipped by 0.6 percent in June to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.33 million, matching the fifth-highest level on record registered in December 1998. 

“This is the housing boom that just won’t go away,” said economist Ken Mayland of ClearView Economics. “Housing is providing a firm foundation for sustaining the surprisingly robust trend of consumer buying, and the tax rebate checks, some of which are now in taxpayers’ hands, are the icing on the cake.” 

Economists said that consumer spending, which accounts for two-thirds of all economic activity, and the housing market, have held up well during the yearlong economic slowdown and have been forces preventing the economy from tipping into recession. 

“No matter what is happening around them, households remain so confident that they are still buying homes at a near-record pace,” said Joel Naroff, president of Naroff Economic Advisors. 

June’s existing-home sales performance was better than many economists were predicting. They had forecast a 1.5 percent drop in sales because of the weak labor market, volatile stock market and the fact that mortgage rates rose slightly from May to June. 

The average rate on a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage in June was 7.16 percent, up from 7.15 percent in May, but well below the 8.29 percent posted in June 2000. 

“With mortgage interest rates projected to rise slightly to around 7.3 percent during the second half of the year, and some expected sluggishness in the general economy, month-to-month homes sales should trend down from these high marks,” said David Lereah, the association’s chief economist. 

“However, we expect a total of 5.15 million existing-home sales in 2001, making this year the second highest on record,” he added. In May, sales jumped by 2.7 percent to a rate of 5.36 million, the third highest level on record. Even with the decline, June’s rate of 5.33 million was close to that mark. 

Used-home sales reached an all-time high of 5.45 million in June 1999, when the economy was booming. 

In an effort to avert the first recession in the United States in 11 years, the Federal Reserve has slashed interest rates six times this year, totaling 2.75 percentage points. 

Fed Chairman Alan Greenspan told Congress Tuesday that the economy remains weak and another interest rate cut may be needed if the situation doesn’t improve. 

Economists are predicting the Fed will cut rates by a quarter-point at its next meeting on Aug. 21. 

In Wednesday’s report, sales of previously owned homes were down in all regions of the country except in the West. 

In the Midwest, sales last month fell by 4.2 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.14 million; in the South, they were down by 2.3 percent to a rate of 2.11 million; and in the Northeast, sales declined by 1.6 percent to a rate of 630,000. But in the West, sales rose 6.6 percent to a rate of 1.46 million. 

The drop in overall sales in June didn’t hurt home prices. 

The median existing-home sales price, meaning half sold for more and half for less, rose to a record $152,600 in June, up 8.8 percent from the median price for the same month a year ago. Home prices have remained strong throughout the economic slowdown. 

“The higher home price in June partially reflects the trade-up buyers’ preference for larger homes,” Lereah said. 

———— 

On the Net: 

The report: http://nar.realtor.com/ 

SANTA MONICA — The party that ran Ralph Nader for president in November actually wasn’t an official national party at all. Instead it was an association of state parties. 

Now, Green Party officials believe they have satisfied the requirements for national party status, and they announced Monday they are seeking the designation from the Federal Election Commission. 

“We’re saying we are a national party. We can raise more funds, and raise the threshold point of our recognition,” Santa Monica Mayor and Green Party member Mike Feinstein told a press conference at the local chapter’s crowded storefront office. “We’ve decided to participate in the system.” 

National party status — which the Greens sought unsuccessfully in 1996 — is desirable mainly for fund-raising purposes, said FEC spokeswoman Kelly Huff. Local and state party committees may not accept donations above $5,000 a year per contributor, while the limit for national party committees is $20,000. 

“The biggest benefit is the higher contribution limit,” Huff said. 

A party must satisfy various criteria in order to qualify as a federally recognized political party and form an official national committee. These include nominating candidates for various federal offices in numerous states, engaging in activities like voter-registration drives on an ongoing basis and holding a national convention. 

The FEC found in 1996 that the Green Party did not satisfy all those requirements, but party officials say they anticipate success this time around. 

“We’re a grass-roots political party so we grow from the grass roots up. That’s why it’s so exciting today, because it’s showing that we have grass roots across the United States,” said Anne Boeke, former co-chair of the Association of State Green Parties, which the new Green Party of the United States would replace. 

“We couldn’t have done this before.” 

Party officials plan to file the necessary paperwork with the FEC by Aug. 10. FEC attorneys will then make a recommendation to the six commissioners, who have 60 days to issue an opinion. 

The Green Party ran 57 candidates for congressional seats across the country in 2000, none of them successful. Nader was on the ballot in 45 states and got 3 percent of the vote nationwide — preventing Democrat Al Gore’s election, in the view of some. 

Nader’s candidacy raised the party’s profile and has resulted in increased membership, according to party officials. The party now claims about 200,000 members nationwide and official chapters in more than 30 states. 

Green Party officials hope that national party status will raise their profile and help them move their anti-corporate, pro-social justice agenda forward. 

“The new Green Party of the United States is a political framework from which we will fuel the momentum against corporate power that is building on a global scale,” said Jo Chamberlain, an environmental activist from San Mateo County and member of the new national steering committee. 

NORTHAMPTON, Mass.— Carol Christ, who was the highest-ranking female administrator at the University of California Berkeley, was named president of Smith College on Monday. 

Christ, 57, succeeds Ruth Simmons, who left the all-women’s liberal arts college after five years to become president of Brown University on July 1. 

Christ will begin her duties as Smith’s 10th president next June. John Connolly, Smith’s acting president, will continue to serve until Christ comes on board. Christ served as the executive vice chancellor and provost at Berkeley from 1994 to 2000 before returning to the classroom to teach  

English full-time. 

Christ, author of three books on literature of the English Renaissance, is credited with sharpening Berkeley’s intellectual focus, and building top-ranked departments in the humanities and sciences. She served as assistant to the chancellor on issues involving the status of women and particularly of women in the sciences. 

“Carol Christ’s departure is a great loss to the English department and to the University of California, and a wonderful opportunity for Carol and for Smith College,” said Janet Adelman, chair of Berkeley’s English department.  

“I think they made a great choice.”

Port expansion could bring jobs 

OAKLAND – The city of Oakland’s $1.5 million expansion of its ports could create more than 5,000 new jobs. 

The news excites Oakland residents who attended a hearing yesterday on how the expansion will affect the city and surrounding environment. 

Port Executive Director Chuck Foster says the port’s expansion plan also will add nearly 3,000 spin-off jobs. 

Some of those jobs are earmarked for Oakland residents under a historic agreement. 

The city plans to build a 6,000 car parking structure at Oakland International Airport and link its two terminals. 

Oakland zoo hoping for smooth elephant birth 

OAKLAND – Lisa the elephant is a little cranky but her zoo keepers say that’s to be expected. 

The Oakland Zoo’s African elephant is 22 months pregnant and is carrying a 200 pound calf. She’s due to deliver anytime from now until September. 

The zoo’s elephant program has been hit with a series of tragedies over the past decade. Smokey the elephant died in March of unknown causes. He was the father of Lisa’s calf. 

Lisa and another elephant named Donna both lost their babies to a salmonella infection in 1998. And Lisa’s first baby died 11 months after her birth in 1996 after contracting the elephant herpes virus. 

Police to monitor cruising cars in Alameda County 

OAKLAND – In hopes of curbing problems caused by illegal cruising and what officials call “sideshows” in Oakland and neighboring cities, authorities in Alameda County organized a traffic enforcement crackdown along the 880 corridor south of Oakland beginning Saturday night. 

Police planned to use mobile intoxilizers, devices that detect blood alcohol levels as part of an effort aimed at reducing unlawful activity by drivers, including drinking and driving, speeding, doing “doughnuts” and operating a vehicle without a license. 

Officer said a mobile booking unit would allow them to process arrestees in the field and a bus would transport prisoners to the Santa Rita Jail as part of Saturday night’s police action. 

Besides being ticketed, unlicensed drivers could have their vehicles impounded for 30 days. An average of 60-85 vehicles are normally impounded during a typical two-day “sideshow” operation and owners of impounded cars could face tow and storage fees of more than $900, police said. 

“The sideshow constitutes a very serious and pervasive traffic safety problem both in Oakland and surrounding jurisdictions,” said Lt. David Kozicki, traffic section commander. “Collectively, we believe that heavy traffic enforcement is an appropriate means of deterring sideshow activity.” 

Besides Oakland Police, more than 50 members of the California Highway Patrol, the Alameda County Sheriff’s Department and police departments in Alameda, San Leandro, Hayward, Fremont and Union City all planned to take part in the crackdown. 

Woman accused of locking her daughter in shed 

SAN JOSE – A San Jose woman is accused of locking her mentally disabled adult daughter in a wooden shed up to 12 hours a day for as long as two years. 

Maria Isabel Eugenio, 64, has been arrested on charges of abusing a dependent adult and false imprisonment. She worked at a car wash and told police she could not afford care for her daughter, Socorro Eugenio, 40. 

She is being held in jail on $50,000 bond while awaiting trial. 

“I had asked God for help, but I simply ran out of time,” Maria Eugenio said in a jail interview. “I had to do something to keep her safe.” 

Deputies from the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Department discovered Socorro Eugenio inside the small wooden trailer earlier this month. She was allegedly kept there six days a week without a toilet – police instead found a 5-gallon bucket. 

Deputies responded to a call that a woman was regularly being locked in a shed, and they used an ax to break open a padlock on the trailer. Inside, they found Socorro Eugenio dirty and unwilling to be coaxed from the building. They estimated the temperature to be above 100 degrees. 

Eugenio allegedly kept her daughter locked up because “she was very mischievous.” Officials say the mother was unfamiliar with social service programs and feared seeking help would hinder her daughter, an illegal alien from Mexico, from gaining U.S. citizenship. 

Eugenio, who was arrested July 6, told deputies her daughter “enters the shed willingly six days a week.” She said she gave Socorro water, a piece of fruit and a toy. 

Dog attacks spur patrol proposal 

CONCORD – Contra Costa County animal control officials are proposing a special enforcement team to crack down on loose dogs. 

The proposal comes after a recent rash of vicious dog maulings, including the recent attack on 10-year-old Shawn Jones of Richmond, who was pulled off his bike by three pit bulls and attacked. 

The team of four would patrol hot spots to rein in loose dogs and take action against their owners if it was deemed necessary. 

County animal services director Mike Ross says he plans to establish the special enforcement unit if the county board of supervisors gives him an extra $225,000 dollars in the upcoming budget.

STIRLING CITY — Life here is like a thousand towns across the West. The landscape is green and rolling, the days are quiet, and the air smells clean. 

But that’s been shattered here with the deaths of two Butte County sheriff’s deputies and a loner who allegedly stocked his cabin with weapons. 

Motorists enter this county on Skyway Boulevard, a two-lane road through the town of Paradise, 16 miles away, where the motto is “all its name implies it to be.” 

The views reveal ramrod straight pines, a scattering of tourists’ cabins and horseback riders. It has a post office, a community center, a California Department of Forestry fire station, one hotel and a local fire department. It is, in short, a place for getaways and fun, not for murder investigations. 

Residents said they knew there was trouble Thursday night from the sirens, flashing emergency lights and three helicopters landing in their town. 

“It’s a very nice place. People are very nice up here,” said Margaret Metz, who’s called the town of 321 people home since 1994. 

Stirling City is also a town a bit defensive about outsiders pouring in after a murder. People talk, but then just as easily say they don’t want their names used. 

“It’s a freaky thing that happened,” said one, working at the Sierra Pacific Corp. lumber business. “That deal last night was totally unexpected.” 

Nestled among evergreens, mountain lakes and countryside that still produces gold, Stirling City is a century-old lumber town, an old stop on a historic stage coach line. 

The founders laid out the streets in alternate patterns of hardwoods and minerals. Today, the street names run one direction saying Diamond, Quartz, Granite, Lava, Slate, Mica and Gypsum. In the other direction, they run Manzanita, Oak, Pine and Spruce. 

It is a place, perhaps, most famous for decades as the home forest for Diamond-brand matches. 

“It’s a lumber mill town here,” said Hope Kinne. “When I lived here in the 50s the mill owned all the houses. The mill owned the store. You got all your groceries at the store. It closed in 1959. This is a mill town.” 

“The town’s name comes from the Stirling Boiler that powered the old saws,” she said. “In the 40s and 50s, there used to be 1,000 people here. We had a lot of history here.” 

Now it’s home to retirees like Kinne, employees at the local school district, lumber haulers and sand and gravel truck drivers. The big Sierra Nevada country all around it extends six miles up the road to Inskip where Rick Bracklow and two sheriff’s deputies, Larry Estes and Bill Hunter, were found dead late Thursday. The road is mostly used by lumber trucks and people fishing for mountain trout at Philbrook Lake. 

But the surface tranquility masks what some locals call an image of drugs and unemployment. Others note the marijuana farms that grow in the nearby Plumas and Lassen National Forests. 

Sharon Wagner, whose lived all her 34 years here, like her parents and grandparents, said she hears the slurs in Paradise where she commutes to work. 

“We get a bad rap, that we are a bad town, that there’s a lot of drugs,” she said. “But there’s a lot of drugs everywhere. This is a good town.” 

She called the deaths up the hill “devastating. I feel like we’re in the city.” 

The locals say it’s unusual to see so much commotion as there was Friday. 

“There are just people who stay to themselves,” said resident Michael Moore. “We kind of look out for each other. There are some people, though, who just stay to themselves.” 

Just like Bracklow, said Wagner, an acquaintance. 

“He was a quiet guy,” she said. “He came down off the mountain every couple of weeks to get his beer and stuff.” 

Amid increasing attention on the plight of sweatshop workers, Gov. Gray Davis signed into law a $2 million budget increase Thursday for the California’s labor law enforcers. 

The move came as garment and janitorial workers testified at an Assembly subcommittee hearing in Los Angeles about being overworked and underpaid. They urged state lawmakers to beef up the Department of Industrial Relations so that complaints are handled more efficiently and facilities inspected more frequently. 

Sweatshop worker advocates described the increase as a drop in the bucket and lambasted Davis for not approving the more than $4 million augmentation they had hoped for. 

“We are actually very angered and surprised because from all the testimony today we have heard so much about how the DIR needs more personnel,” said Joann Lo, a representative of the Garment Worker Center. “We think it can help a little bit but not enough.” The governor’s office refused to comment on the workers’ complaints about the budget, referring all calls to the Department of Industrial Relations. Worker advocates met last month with a representative of the governor’s office to make their case. 

Workers claim they have endured work days sometimes as long as 16 hours, six to seven days a week, earning as little as $2 per hour. 

For those who file complaints, they contend they get limited or no responses. Many say they fear reprisal from their employers either by losing their job or – for many immigrant workers – being turned over the federal authorities. Others recommended to the lawmakers Thursday that the complaint forms need to be available in more languages. 

Yanny Saavedra, a Mexican woman who has worked in Los Angeles County for four years, said she filed a complaint against one sweatshop in February and even kept labels from major brand-names that she sewed on clothes as evidence, but her case remains unresolved. 

The Department of Industrial Relations spokesman, Dean Fryer, agreed with Lo that a $2 million increase would not be enough to accomplish everything his department needs. The downturn in the economy and limited general fund resources available to the governor were responsible for the reduced size of the budget augmentation, he said. According to statistics provided at the oversight hearing, the size of the Department of Industrial Relations has not kept pace with the growth of employees in the agriculture, construction, garment and restaurant industries. 

Labor Committee Chair Paul Koretz, D-West Hollywood, agreed that funding and staffing are partly responsible for the department’s shortcomings, but also suggested other changes within the department could help. For example, he said investigators should broaden their inquiries to include additional workers when it appears a complaint probably applies to other employees in a particular workplace. 

Fryer said his department already does that to a certain extent, but is limited by staffing and budget problems. A centralized database of all violators also would help investigators, but the department doesn’t have the funds for that system, he said, and it doesn’t appear Thursday’s new monies would be allowed to be used for that purpose. 

Dead woman found found floating near Marina 

The East Bay Regional Park Police found a dead woman floating in the bay near the Berkeley Marina just after midnight Wednesday.  

The body was taken to the Alameda County Coroners Office. 

Sheriff officials said the woman has not been identified and that the body is in such an advanced stage of decomposition that it will be impossible to determine the cause of death or the age of the woman until results of the autopsy are finalized, which was anticipated to be sometime Thursday morning. 

Wilderness speaker  

at Commons Club 

The Berkeley City Commons Club recently had Ed Fox, regional development director for the Wilderness Society, as the speaker at their weekly luncheon.  

Fox mentioned four areas being given priority right now: The California Desert Protection Act (involving one million acres); 700,000 acres of the Inyo forests of the Eastern Sierra; the Yosemite Area Rapid Transit System, designed to reduce pollution of the valley floor; and the “Range of Light” project, which provides a foundation for future planning of management for the governments of the Sierra Nevada regions.  

The Berkeley City Commons Club meets every Friday for a luncheon buffet at 2315 Durant Ave. For more information and reservations call 848-3533.