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Claremont closer to designation

By John GeluardiDaily Planet staff
Wednesday August 22, 2001

The 86-year-old Claremont Hotel came one step closer to achieving landmark status last month when the Oakland Landmarks Preservation Advisory Board voted unanimously to send the proposal on to the Planning Commission. 

The neighborhood proponents of landmarking and hotel management are on the same page about landmarking the hotel but still differ about whether to landmark the entire 22-acre property. 

“There was a lot of public support for the landmarking,” said Berkeley-Oakland Neighbors of the Claremont member Wendy Markel, referring to the July 9 LPAB meeting. “It was almost like a love fest, although I don’t think the management is too keen on having the grounds landmarked.” 

The BONC group began the landmarking process last October, just months after learning of the hotel’s plan to develop 86 guest units, 75 time-share villas and a three-story garage.  

The 279-room, Tudor Revival Claremont is in Oakland just the other side of the Berkeley border at the mouth of Claremont Canyon. The KSL Resort Corp., a billion dollar luxury resort chain, purchased the hotel three years ago for $88 million and has since added an exclusive resort spa inside the hotel. Last August, KSL announced it was considering building the guest units, villas and parking garage. 

Ted Axe, the vice president and general manager of the hotel, said the development plans were only conceptual and there are no current plans to develop the property. “Those plans may never materialize but they are something we might like to do at the appropriate time,” he said. 

The LPAB approved the entire property for landmarking including the tennis courts, a grove of eucalyptus trees and “the grounds as a whole,” according to a July 9 report from the planning staff.  

Axe said hotel management supports landmarking the building but has reservations about the grounds. “We are excited about the landmarking process and we are excited about designating the Claremont Resort,” he said, “but we do not look at the grounds of the hotel as being of historical significance.” 

Axe said any future improvement plans to the property could be significantly hindered by the landmark designation. “We don’t want to have to worry about a parking lot or an isolated tree getting in the way of an improvement project that doesn’t affect the main building.” 

Markel said landmarking the entire site would ensure that any improvements would be in keeping with the historical elements of the property, which she said extend beyond the hotel.  

“When the landmark includes the entire site, alterations to the landscape, features that have been identified as character-defining elements, would be reviewed for preservation of historic and architectural integrity,” she said.  

According to the July 9 planning report, the hotel and grounds meet the historical and architectural criteria for landmarking. The hotel was completed in 1915 and has retained a high degree of the original design’s integrity.  

Well-known East Bay architect Charles W. Dickey designed the building. Dickey also designed the Temescal and Golden Gate branches of the Oakland Public Library, University High School (that became the former Merritt College on Martin Luther King Jr. Way) and the Rotunda Building in downtown Oakland. 

Oakland planner Patricia McGowan said the next step in the landmarking process will be the LPAB’s Sept. 17 formal approval of the recommendation. Next the Planning Commission will consider the proposal and hold a public hearing before voting to send the designation on to the Oakland City Council. 

If the Planning Commission approves the recommendation, the City Council will vote on the final approval of the hotel as a city landmark. At that time, the council could landmark the entire property or just portions, for example landmarking the building but not the grounds. 

The Landmarks Preservation Board will meet to formalize the already-approved recommendation to landmark the hotel and grounds at 4 p.m. Sept. 17 in the Hearing Room at City Hall, 1 Frank Ogawa Plaza.


Calendar of Events & Activities

Wednesday August 22, 2001

Wednesday, Aug. 22 

Magic Mike 

Noon - 2 p.m. 

Lawrence Hall of Science 

UC Berkeley 

Part of the Lawrence Hall of Science Wednesday FUN-days. Bay Area favorite Magic Mike with theatrical illusions and electric comedy. Museum admission $3 - $7. 642-5132 

 

Lecture on Parkinson’s Disease 

11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. 

Ashby Campus 

Conference Room 3 

2450 Ashby Ave. 

Learn about the latest treatments for Parkinson’s disease. Free and open to the public. 869-6737 

 

Thursday, Aug. 23 

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 

 

New “Classroom Matters”  

Open House 

6 - 9 p.m. 

2512 9th St., Suite #3 

A Berkeley based educational center that provides tutors, mentors and support services, will hold an open house at their new location.  

540-8646 www.classroommatters.com  

 

Lecture-Program on the  

Armenian Opera “Arshak II” 

7:30 p.m. 

North Branch Berkeley Public Library 

1170 The Alameda 

Dr. Clifford Cranna will present a lecture-program on the world premiere of the Armenian opera Arshak II, the tale of Armenia’s fourth century warrior king. 649-3913 www.infopeople.org/bpl/ 

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, watercolor art class, tea and coffee. Special 11 a.m. program: Holistic Health, Jan Stecher leads in Rosen Movement. 526-9146  

Friday, Aug. 24 

Annual Community Luncheon  

of the League of Women Voters 

11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. 

199 Seawall Dr. 

Senator Jackie Speier, 8th District, will be speaking. The League sponsors their Annual Community Luncheon to bring together business, university and community leaders with political officials and League members to discuss issues of mutual interest. $50. 843-8824, lwvbae@pacbell.net 

 

Yiddish Conversation Group 

1 p.m. 

North Berkeley Senior Center 

1901 Hearst Ave. 

644-6107 www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/hhs/commsvc/seniors.htm 

 

Even Stronger Women 

1:15 p.m. - 3:15 p.m. 

North Berkeley Senior Center 

1901 Hearst Ave. 

Free weekly cultural discussion class. This week: Poetry. 549-1879 

 

Basic Electrical Theory and National Electrical Code 

7 - 10 p.m. 

Building Education Center 

812 Page St.  

Instructed by “Code Check” author/retired city of Oakland building inspector Redwood Kardon. $35. 525-7610 

Free Legal Workshop 

6 - 8 p.m. 

Women’s Cancer Resource Center 

3023 Shattuck Ave. 

Learn about the Family Medical Leave Act, Americans with Disability Act, and the California Fair Employment and Housing Act, and how the laws protect you from termination during an experience with cancer or other serious medical conditions. 601-4040 x302  

Saturday, Aug. 25 

Copwatch: Know Your Rights Training 

11 a.m. - 2 p.m. 

Copwatch Office 

2022 Blake St. 

Learn what your rights are when dealing with the police. Learn how to monitor the police safely.  

548-0425 

 

Astrojax Playday 

1 - 4 p.m. 

Lawrence Hall of Science 

UC Berkeley 

Astrojax is part yo-yo, part juggling balls and a lasso. The inventor, theoretical physicist Larry Show, will give a demonstration and instruction. Museum admission $3 - $7. 642-5132 

 

Cerrito Creek Work Party 

10 a.m. 

Meet at Creekside Park El Cerrito 

Join Friends of Five Creeks in removing brush to make a new trail along Cerrito Creek. Bring work gloves and clippers if you have them. 848-9358, f5creeks@aol.com, www.fivecreeks.org. 

 

Travel Careers Class 

8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. 

Vista Community College 

2020 Milvia St. 

Vista’s annual one-day class for the public on careers in the travel industry. A full-day seminar. $5.50 981-2931 www.vistacollege.edu 

Sunday, Aug. 26 

Healing 

6 p.m. 

Tibetan Nyingma Institute 

1815 Highland Place 

Sylvie Gretchen on “Healing Mind.” 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 

 

3rd annual Berkeley World Music Festival 

noon - 6 p.m. 

Durant Ave., between Telegraph and Bowditch 

Carnival and block party festival with World Music bands, performers and dancers. 649-9500 www.taasite.org 

 

— compiled by Guy Poole 

 

 


Arts

Staff
Wednesday August 22, 2001

 

Albatross Pub Sept. 1: David Widelock Jazz Trio; Sept. 5: Whiskey Brothers; Sept. 6: Kenji “El Lebrijano” Flamenco Guitar; Sept. 11: Mad & Eddie Duran Jazz Duo; Sept. 13: Kenji “El Lebrijano” Flamenco Guitar; Sept. 19: Whiskey Brothers; Sept. 20: Kenji “El Lebrijano” Flamenco Guitar; Sept. 22: Larry Stefl Jazz Quartet; Sept. 27: Kenji “El Lebrijano” Flamenco Guitar; Free. All shows begin at 9 p.m. 1822 San Pablo Ave. 843-2473 albatrosspub@mindspring.com 

 

Anna’s Aug. 22: Bob Schoen Jazz Quartet; Aug. 23: Jason Martineau; Aug. 24: Anna sings jazz standards; 10 p.m. Bluesman Hideo Date; Aug. 25: Robin Gregory; 10 p.m. The Distones Jazz Sextet; Aug. 26: Choro Time; Aug. 27: The Renegade Sidemen; Aug. 28: The Interface Ensemble; Aug. 29: Bob Schoen Jazz Quartet; Aug. 30: Christy Dana Quartet; Aug. 31: Anna sings jazz standards; 10 p.m. Bluesman Hideo Date; Free. All shows begin at 8 p.m. unless noted. 1801 University Ave. 849-2662  

 

Ashkenaz Aug. 22: 9 p.m. Badenya Les Freres Coulibaly, $10; Aug. 23: 10 p.m. - 2 a.m. Dead DJ Night with Digital Dave. $5; Aug. 24: 9:30 p.m. Caribbean All Stars $11; Aug. 25: 9 p.m. California Brazil Camp Benefit, $10; Aug. 26: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m. Middle Eastern Dance Workshops with Ma Shuga Mira Murijan and Nanna Candeleria. $45. 8 p.m. Harmonia, $10; Aug. 28: 9 p.m. Gerard Landry and the Lariats, $8; Aug. 29: 8 p.m. Earl White Oldtime Band, Bluegrass Intentions, plus clogging lessons. $10, Kids under 12 Free; Aug. 30: 9 p.m. Samite, Forward Kwenda, $10; Aug. 31: 9:30 p.m. Wawa and the Oneness Kingdom, The Calypsonians, $10; 1317 San Pablo Ave. 525-5054 www.ashkenaz.com  

 

Eli’s Mile High Club Doors open at 8 p.m. Aug. 25: Carlos Zialcita; Every Friday, 10 p.m. - 2 a.m., Funky Fridays Conscious Dance Party with KPFA DJs Splif Skankin and Funky Man. $10; Sept. 3: Big West Coast Harmonica Bash, benefit for Red Archibald. $10 donation; 3629 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Oakland. 655-6661 

 

Freight & Salvage Aug. 24: The Great Night of Rumi, $16.50; Sept. 1: Ancient Future, $16.50; Sept. 7: Tom Russell w/ Andrew Hardin, $16.50; Sept. 8: The House Jacks, $17.50; Sept. 9: Erika Luckett, $16.50; Sept. 11: Don Walser, Slaid Cleaves, $16.50; Sept. 12: Andy Irvine, $17.50; Sept. 13: Piper Heisig birthday revue and fund raiser w/ Kate Brislin, Sylvia Herold, Tony Marcus, Carlos Reyes, and Radim Zenkl, $16.50; Sept. 14: Ray Wylie Hubbard, $16.50; Sept. 15: Vocolot, $17.50; All shows start at 8 p.m. 548-1761 www.freightandsalvage.com 

 

Jupiter Aug. 22: Stolen Bibles; Aug. 23: Beatdown w/ DJs Delon, Yamu, and Add1; Aug. 24: 5 Point Plan; Aug. 25: Mitch Marcus Quintet; Aug. 28: Big Lou and Polka Casserole; Aug. 29: Secession; Aug. 30: Beatdown with DJ’s Delon, Yamu and Add1; Aug. 31: Realistic CD Release Party; All music starts at 8:00 p.m. 843-7625 www.jupiterbeer.com  

 

La Peña Cultural Center Aug. 24: 8:30 p.m. Professor Terry’s Circus Band Extraordinary, $16; Aug. 25: 9:30 p.m., Edgardo Cambon’s Candela, $10, 8:15 p.m. Salsa dance class w/ Diego Vásquez, $13; In the Cafe, 3105 Shattuck Ave. 849-2568 

 

Indigo Event Center Aug. 25: 4:20 p.m. Musicians for Medical Marijuana Benefit concert. Sound Tribe Sector 9, Lost at Last, The Mermen, Ten Ton Chicken, Scott Huckabay, Strawberry Alarmclock, Buzzy Linhart, plus special guests, $25. 1988 Broadway at 19th, Oakland. 869-5391 www.m4mm.org  

 

Third Annual Berkeley World Music Festival Aug. 26: Noon - 6 p.m. Block party and carnival, Grupo Ilu Fun Fun, Petit La Croix, Samba Ngo, O-Maya, Fito Reinoso y Su Ritmo y Armonia. Durant Ave. between Telegraph Ave. and Bowditch. 

 

TUVA Space Aug. 25: 8 p.m. Vanessa Lowe and the Lowliflies, Ira Marlowe, Hoarhound. 3192 Adeline St. 655-9755 

 

“Frank Olivier’s Twisted Cabaret” Aug. 24 & 25, 8 p.m. Frank Olivier is joined by Uncle Paul Nathan and The Twisted Cabaret Band. All tickets $16. Julia Morgan Center for the Arts 2640 College Ave. 845-8542 www.juliamorgan.org 

 

“Loot” Through Aug. 25, Thursdays - Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sundays at 7 p.m. Special Performance Aug. 20, 8 p.m. General Admission: $15, Students / Seniors: $10. La Val’s 1834 Euclid Avenue 655-0813 

 

“Soul Harmony” Aug. 25: 5 - 7 p.m. A spirited one-woman show of history, culture, and entertainment. Written by Joy Holland, directed by Ava Coaxum. Presented at the Black Repertory Theater. 3201 Adeline St. $10 donation. 652-3399 

 

Lerner and Loewe’s “My Fair Lady” Aug. 31, Sept. 1, 2, 6, 7, 8, 9. All shows 8 p.m. Adapted from George Bernard Shaw’s and Gabrial Pascal’s “Pygmalion.” Directed by James Schlader, choreographed by Harriet Schlader, under the musical direction of Mark Hanson. $15 - $27.  

 

“Murder Dressed in Satin” by Victor Lawhorn, ongoing. A mystery-comedy dinner show at The Madison about a murder at the home of Satin Moray, a club owner and self-proclaimed socialite with a scarlet past. Dinner is included in the price of the theater ticket. $47.50 Lake Merritt Hotel, 1800 Madison St., Oakland. 239-2252 www.acteva.com/go/havefun 

 

“Reefer Madness” 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. 655-4150 

 

Pacific Film Archive Aug. 22: 7:30 p.m. The Werewolf of Washington; Aug. 23: 7:30 p.m. Contempt; Aug. 24: 7 p.m. The Heart, 9:20 p.m. The Outcast; Aug. 25: 7 p.m. Moonfleet, 8:45 p.m. The Blue Gardenia; Aug. 26: 3 p.m. Duck Soup, 5:30 p.m. The Wanderers, 7:25 p.m. Dora-Heita; Aug. 28: 7:30 p.m. Doodling; Aug. 29: (free screenings) 7:30 p.m. The Horror of Party Beach, 9:15 p.m. The Crater Lake Monster; Aug. 31: 7 p.m. The Makioka Sisters, 9:35 p.m. A Woman’s Testament; Gen. Adm.. $7, The New PFA Theatre 2575 Bancroft Way 642-1412 

 

The Pyramid Alehouse Outdoor Cinema Aug. 25: The Shining; Sept. 1: Breakfast Club; Sept. 2: Pretty in Pink; Sept. 8: Dr. No (come as your favorite Bond character); Sept. 15: Harold and Maude; Sept. 22: Airplane; The Outdoor Cinema features cult classics projected on a large screen in the open-air brewery parking lot. $5 donation. Movies start at 7 p.m. 901 Gilman St. 206-682-8322 x237 www.pyramidbrew.com 

 

“Sistahs: Ethnographic Ceramics” Through Aug. 22, Reception July 29 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. Women’s Cancer Resource Center Gallery 3023 Shattuck Avenue 548-9286 ext. 307 

 

“A Fine Line” Through Aug. 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 

 

“BACA National Juried Exhibition: Works on Paper” Through Aug. 31: Wed. - Sun. Noon - 5 p.m. Berkeley Art Center 1275 Walnut St. 644-6893 

 

“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.  

 

“Geographies of My Heart” Collage paintings by Jennifer Colby through Aug. 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. Through 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. Atelier 9 2028 Ninth St. (at Addison) 841-4210 or visit www.atelier9.com 

 

“The Political Art of: Diego Marcial Rios” Through Sept. 20, Addison Street Window Gallery, 2018 Addison St. hdrios@msn.com 

 

“Ten Years Here” Exhibit celebrating the 10 year anniversary of Turn of the Century Fine Arts. Through Sept. 14, Sat & Sun 1-5 p.m. 2510 San Pablo Avenue 849-0950 

 

“Catastrophe, Crisis, and Other Family Traditions” Aug. 25 through Sept. 26; Tues. - Thurs. 1 - 7 p.m., Sat. 12 - 4 p.m. The photography of Jessamyn Lovell. Women’s Cancer Resource Gallery, 3023 Shattuck Ave. 548-9286 x307 

“Squared Triangle” Through Oct. 5. noon - 6 p.m. Reception for the artists, Aug. 18: 4 - 7 p.m. A minimal art exhibit featuring three Bay Area artists working in different mediums while achieving the same elegant simplicity. The Crucible, 1036 Ashby Ave. 843-5511 www.thecrucible.com 

 

Black Oak Books Aug. 22: Ruth Daigon’s “Payday at the Triangle”; Aug. 23: Phil Cousineau’s “Once and Future Myths: The Power of Ancient Stories in Modern Times”; Aug. 27: Catherine Brady, Jean Herlund, Frances Payne Adler, and Marianne Villanueva and others to celebrate CALYX Book’s 25th Anniversary, “Cracking the Earth”; Aug. 28: Kent Nerburn reads from “Road Angels: Searching for Home on America’s Coast of Dreams”; Aug. 29: Sylvia Brownrigg reads from her new novel, “Pages For You”; All shows at 7:30 p.m. free of charge. 1491 Shattuck Avenue 486-0698 

 

Boadecia’s Books Aug. 24: Andrea Gabbard discusses “Girl in the Curl: A Century of Women’s Surfing”; Aug. 25: Ann Bannon reads from her lesbian pulp classic “Beebo Brinker.” All events start at 7:30 p.m. and are free. 398 Colusa Avenue 559-9184 www.bookpride.com 

 

Cody’s Books - Poetry Flash Aug. 22: Trane Devore and Shauna Hannibal; Aug. 29: The New Now Millennium Anthology Reading with Editor H. D. Moe; All are a $2 donation. Readings at 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted. 2454 Telegraph Ave. 845-0837 

 

The Humanist Fellowship Hall Aug. 27: 7:30 p.m. “The Ghosts Have Cameras” by H. D. Moe. A reading performance. Free. 390 27th St. 528-8713 

 

Spasso Aug. 27: Kira Allen; Sept. 3: Theme: dignity of labor; Sept. 10: Sharron Jones-Reid, Fruit of the Spirit Poets, Acoustic Musicians, Comedians, Rappers, Performance Artists, Writers All Welcome is located at 6021 College Ave. Free admission. 

 

South Branch Berkeley Public Library Sept. 1: 3 - 5 p.m. Bay Area Poets Coalition holds an open reading. 1901 Russell St., 527-9905 poetalk@aol.com 

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  

 

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. It will reopen in early 2002. On View until Oct. 1 : “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.“Within the Human Brain,” ongoing.l 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  

 

Oakland Museum of California, Every Worker is an Organizer: Farm Labor and the Resurgence of the United Farm Workers, through Aug. 26; Made in Oakland: The Furniture of Garry Knox Bennett, through Sept. 2; After the Storm: Bob Walker and the Art of Environmental Photography, through Sept. 16; Half Past Autumn: The Art of Gordon Parks, through Sept. 23; Rustler Ranch Mastodon Project, through June 30, 2002; Wednesday - Saturday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sunday, noon - 5 p.m., Closed Monday and Tuesday. $6 general; $4 youths (6-17), seniors and students with ID. Free for Museum members and children 5 and under. Free admission the second Sunday of the month. 10th & Oak Streets, Oakland. 238-2200 www.museum.org 

 

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

 

Send arts events two weeks in advance to Calendar@berkeleydailyplanet.net, 2076 University, Berkeley 94704 or fax to 841-5694. 

 

 


Construction starting soon at King school

By Ben Lumpkin Daily Planet staff
Wednesday August 22, 2001

When the 900 students of Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School return to campus next week, they’ll find the main building wrapped with a chain link fence and looking forlorn. 

Contractors have been hard at work this summer preparing the building for a major renovation. When all is said and done the outside of the building will have changed little, aside from the shine of a new coat of paint and the glint of brand new windows. But the guts of the building – floors, ceilings, walls – will be ripped out and replaced.  

Bathrooms dating to the 1920s will be completely redone. Elevators will be added for disabled access and new wiring will finally bring Internet access to every classroom. 

Some classrooms will be added. All will be enlarged. 

It’s part – around $23 million to be specific – of the extensive rebuilding planned for the next nine years under last year’s $116 million AA school bond measure. And, as with most of the work planned under the measure, the King project’s primary focus is addressing “life safety” issues on the site. 

In a seismic retrofitting, the building’s foundation will be replaced piece by piece. Hazardous materials like asbestos and lead paint will be completely removed. An all-new heating system will be installed, and a new fire alarm will be added. 

But these details may be more of interest to future King students than to present King students, since the project will take two full school years to complete. Of more interest to the present students – and their parents – is the sprawling complex of 35 portable classrooms that has grown up behind the main King building in the last months.  

For the next two years, this complex is King Middle School. All classes except science classes, which will continue to be held in the school’s separate science building, will meet in these portables.  

Contractors have labored since July to get all the portables in place in time for the first day of school on Aug. 29. They’re still installing some wiring, and waiting for the generator that will power the school through the first few months of the year. Street cleaners will come in early next week to tidy up the pavement where construction equipment has left a layer of dust and dirt.  

But, as of this week, most of the work is done. 

“It’s just about there,” said Joe Salow, project superintendent for West Coast Contractors, as he surveyed the neat rows of portables Tuesday. “It’s been a lot of work in a short amount of time.” 

King principal Neil Smith is said to be working on printing and circulating a map of the portables, so students will be able to find their teachers next week. Access to the portables will be easiest from Grant Street, to the east of the campus, or through the park to the north of the main school building, Salow said. 

Lew Jones, manager of facility planning for the school district, said the King students will still have use of the Media Center (library) and the softball field behind the school. The only major facility they’ll have to do without is the school’s large auditorium, used for assemblies and performances. Jones said workers are busy repairing bleachers in the gymnasium this week so that building could serve as a temporary meeting space in the years ahead. 

The large blacktop that formerly served as a play space for King students has been covered by the portables, but a new blacktop space has already been installed to the east of the portables. It includes a number of new basketball hoops.  

Work on a permanent amphitheater, which will provide outdoor performance space for the school, is well underway and should be completed before the end of the year. 

Jones said the portable complex will not have all the space King students are used to in the regular classroom building. But, of all the district’s schools, King can best afford to give up a little space, Jones added. 

“It’s always been the only site we have that’s close to state standards (for size),” Jones said. 

King has 17. 8 acres for its 900 students, compared to Willard Middle School’s 7.2 acres for about 740 students.


Local women prepare for racism conference

Daniela Mohor Daily Planet staff
Wednesday August 22, 2001

As the United Nations World Conference Against Racism approaches, a group of Bay Area activists is getting ready to travel to the city that will host it: Durban, South Africa. 

The Berkeley-based Women of Color Resource Center, a non-profit organization working on social justice issues, brought together a delegation of 25 activists and community organizers, who will attend the U.N. conference Aug. 28 to Sept. 7. The delegation includes women of all ages and ethnicities involved in fighting against racism.  

“They are grassroots community organizers and scholar-activists working on a range of issues affecting women of color,” said Jung Hee Choi, the WCRC publications and communications coordinator and one of the delegates. To the delegates, who work on issues as varied as the crisis in the prison system, the defense of workers’ rights, or the protection of indigenous cultural rights, the conference is an excellent opportunity to interact with other organizations around the world working on similar issues. 

“It is another opportunity for us to gain a lot more experience and knowledge about how people are struggling against racism, how people are facing racism in different ways,” said Choi, who also works as an organizer for Asian and Pacific Islanders for Community Empowerment. 

Such interaction, said Vanessa Agard-Jones who will also travel with the delegation, has the advantage of helping activists globalize their fight against racism. 

“The important thing is that we join together and that activists and organizers as a collective voice be clear that racism is not dead,” she said. “There are important strategic things that can be done to address the power imbalance in the world.” 

To optimize their participation in the event, the delegation has been preparing for weeks. There has been a number of retreats to allow delegates to get to know each other. Members of the delegation have also attended presentations on different issues on the conference agenda. 

In Durban, delegates will be active in both the Non-Governmental Organization Forum, which will rally thousands of anti-racist activists, and in the government-level development of the conference’s final texts. The texts will include a declaration and a plan of action. 

At the forum, Choi said, the delegation will hold two workshops. One of them will include some of the people who participated in writing a book called “Time to Rise,” recently published by the WCRC. The panelists will present some of the issues discussed in the publication, such as the impact of militarism on women, or the link between state welfare policy and the racial divide. The second workshop will bring together members of women’s organization around the world. 

Through these workshops and its participation in shaping the final texts, the WCRC seeks to underscore that racism is not an isolated issue. 

“Part of our continuing analysis is how racism, gender and economic issues come together and affect women, and how race is experienced in gendered ways,” said Choi. “One of our goals is to find ways to insert that in different parts of the conference.” Choi said, for instance, that WCRC representatives will try to make sure that the final documents include strong language about the gender component of racism.  

This may not be an easy task. The preparation of the preliminary documents for the conference has indeed been controversial. Earlier this month, the Bush administration went as far as threatening to boycott the conference unless Arab countries dropped their demands to condemn Israel’s Zionist movement in those documents. Although South African authorities announced such criticism towards Israel would not be on the agenda, it is still unclear whether the United States will participate.  

But to the WCRC delegates, the government participation is not critical. 

“Given the number of treaties that the United States has not fulfilled, I’m not all that interested nor concerned whether the United States is part of the conference or not,” said Agard-Jones. 

Politicians, however, do not necessarily agree. Rep. Barbara Lee, D-Berkeley, strongly criticized the Bush administration’s position. 

“Reported threats by the United States to boycott the conference are destructive to both the World Conference process, and to the image of the United States as a nation committed to struggle against racial discrimination,” she said in a prepared statement. “It would be unconscionable for the United States to be on the sidelines at a point in history when the world community comes together to confront an issue that is so central to the identity and experience of our country.” Lee will fly to Durban to attend the conference.  

 


Parents getting first report of school toxins

The Associated Press
Wednesday August 22, 2001

SACRAMENTO — Children heading back to California public schools this fall will be bringing home something new in their backpacks – a list of all the pesticides likely to be used at the schools during the new school year. 

A new state law that takes effect with the 2001-2002 school year that is just beginning requires schools to give parents written notification of all the pesticides they plan to use. 

“Toxics and pesticides don’t mix. I know parents will use this information to learn about how to protect their kids from the dangers of pesticides,” says Assemblyman Kevin Shelley, D-San Francisco, author of the 2000 law. 

Shelley and groups that backed the law are holding news conferences Wednesday in Sacramento, Bakersfield, Fresno, Long Beach, Oakland, Riverside, San Diego, San Jose and Santa Barbara to talk about the new law. They are releasing a kit to help parents, students and school staff understand it. 

The California Public Interest Research Group did two studies of pesticides used in schools and found that most regularly used highly toxic chemicals but no law required them to keep records or notify parents. 

“It was really hard to figure out where they were using them,” said CalPIRG attorney and toxics program director Teri Olle. Some places the chemicals were used were in kitchens and classrooms to kill bugs and on playgrounds and lawns to combat weeds. 

The new law requires school districts to notify parents annually what pesticides they intend to use during the following year. Parents must be told they can register to be notified 72 hours before all pesticide applications. 

Districts must also post notices at entrances to school areas treated with pesticides 24 hours before and 72 hours after application. They must keep records of pesticide use for four years. 

In addition, the law requires the state Department of Pesticide Regulation to train interested school personnel in less-toxic pest control methods known as integrated pest management. The department is also supposed to distribute a manual to schools and maintain an Internet site with IPM information. The department is still working on some of that information. 

IPM methods can include using mulch and native grasses to control weeds or using traps and improved cleanliness and storage to discourage cockroaches or rats. 

Olle of CalPIRG said the real goal of the law is to persuade school districts to use fewer toxic chemicals around children. One way is to encourage parents to seek the 72-hour notice for every spraying. 

“Our hope is really if schools have to send home notices to 200 parents every time they spray a pesticide, maybe they will say, ’We should do this some other way,”’ she said. 

On the Net: 

Read the law, AB2260 of 2000, at http://www.sen.ca.gov 

Read about the Healthy Schools program and the kit at 

http://www.calhealthyschools.org 

Look at the DPR’s site: http://www.cdpr.ca.gov/docs/schoolipm


Bill creates state ‘do not call’ list for telemarketers

The Associated Press
Wednesday August 22, 2001

SACRAMENTO — You get them, even politicians get them – those annoying telemarketing calls selling anything from long distance to siding, right when you sit down to dinner. 

California consumers could put their names on a new state list to never again get those calls under a bill approved Tuesday by an Assembly committee. 

The “do not call” bill by Sen. Liz Figueroa, D-Fremont, is a revived version of one she has attempted to pass several times. Her most recent attempt stalled in a Senate committee last spring. 

It is one of two bills moving through the Legislature in its final weeks aimed at putting curbs on the telemarketers everyone hates more than traffic. The other bill, pending on the Senate floor, is aimed at “dead air” calls you get when telemarketers use automatic mass-dialing machines to save money. It would prohibit use of such machines unless a live person or recorded message is immediately ready when you answer. 

The committee spent nearly three hours Tuesday on Figueroa’s bill, as a long line of groups representing real estate and insurance agents, telephone and cable companies, newspapers and telemarketers sought changes and exemptions. 

It finally was approved by a 7-3 vote, although several lawmakers who voted for it said it still needs work. Figueroa agreed to continue changing it. 

The committee chairman, Assemblyman Lou Correa, D-Anaheim, said he would block the bill from final passage this year if he doesn’t like the changes made. 

The bill would require the state Department of Consumer Affairs to maintain a list of telephone numbers, without names and addresses, of Californians who do not want to receive unsolicited telephone calls. Both regular and cellular numbers would be on the list. 

Companies that make telephone solicitations would have to buy that list and could not call anyone on it. The cost of the list is one of the items still undetermined. Companies that call someone on the list could be subject to a civil complaint brought by the consumer that could cost $500 for the first offense and $1,000 for subsequent offenses. 

Businesses with an “established” relationship, such as a previous purchase, could call people on the list, but their affiliated companies could not. 

About two dozen other states have similar laws. New York’s list has 1.8 million households. 

The bill will help consumers, who are constantly plagued with “intrusive telephone calls,” said Lenny Goldberg of the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse. 

Several committee members mentioned their own experiences. 

Assemblyman Paul Koretz, D-West Hollywood, said he screens his calls at home with an answering machine because he usually gets five telemarketing calls a night. 

“It drives me crazy and I’m glad to see this bill,” he said. 

However, representatives of several groups claimed they were not the real problem and asked for exemptions from the bill. 

Real estate agents said they don’t make enough calls to come under the bill, while cable television and long-distance telephone companies said the bill could hamper competition with giant phone companies that have most Californians as customers already. 

The California Newspaper Publishers Association also sought an exemption, saying 43 percent of new subscriptions come through telephone solicitations. 

Newspapers could not, under the bill, call people who buy some of the 2.5 million papers sold daily in newsracks, even though “these are our customers,” said James Ewert of CNPA. The Direct Marketing Association, representing the telemarketing industry, suggested changing the bill to instead encourage consumers to sign up for DMA’s Telephone Preference Service list. That national list has 274,000 Californians who don’t want unsolicited phone calls. 

“The DMA list just isn’t working,” said Figueroa. She said not all telemarketers are DMA members. She was home sick last week and received three calls from a business she had previously asked not to call her. 

The Assembly Business and Professions Committee sent the bill to the Appropriations Committee, the last stop before the Assembly floor


Attorneys, unions attempt to raise benefits

The Associated Press
Wednesday August 22, 2001

SACRAMENTO — Labor leaders and an attorneys’ group Tuesday launched another attempt to raise benefits for workers who suffer on-the-job injuries. 

The California Applicants’ Attorneys Association and the California Labor Federation unveiled legislation that would phase in benefit increases for permanently and temporarily disabled workers over a five-year period. 

Maximum weekly benefits for permanently disabled workers would climb from $140 to $230. 

The bill also would increase maximum benefits for temporarily injured workers from $490 to $651 a week and provide annual cost-of-living adjustments after that. 

Supporters said the bill, which includes some cost-saving provisions, would cost employers $1.8 billion to $2.4 billion a year when fully implemented. 

But they said employers have saved more than $4 billion a year from workers compensation reforms enacted in 1992. 

“The current workers’ compensation system has become a form of corporate welfare,” said William Herreras, president of the Applicants’ Attorneys Association, whose members represent injured workers. “It shields businesses from the true cost of on-the-job injuries.” 

Gov. Gray Davis vetoed benefit increases the last two years, saying they would have been too costly for employers. 

Davis spokesman Roger Salazar said the governor’s office was still reviewing the latest proposal, which was to be amended into a bill by Senate President Pro Tem John Burton, D-San Francisco. 

A coalition of business groups, the Workers’ Compensation Action Network, accused the bill’s supporters of making no effort to work out a deal. 

“We agree that benefits for injured workers should be increased in California, and public and private employer groups propose responsible measures to curb abuses and streamline the workers’ compensation system – measures that would help pay for higher benefits for injured workers without further weakening California’s economy,” the coalition said. 

 

The measure is scheduled to be heard next Monday by the Senate Insurance Committee. 

———— 

On the Net: 

Read the bill, SB71, at www.assembly.com 


Jesse Helms says he’ll retire

The Associated Press
Wednesday August 22, 2001

RALEIGH, N.C. — Sen. Jesse Helms, the former newspaper editor and TV commentator who has been one of the most fiercely conservative voices on Capitol Hill for three decades, has decided not to run for re-election next year, sources said Tuesday. 

The five-term Republican will announce the plans Wednesday night on Raleigh TV station WRAL, where he made his reputation during the 1960s with his editorials condemning communists and civil rights marchers, said two sources who spoke with staffers in Helms’ office. The sources spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity. 

Helms, 79, was first elected to the Senate in 1972. In recent years, he has suffered a variety of health problems, including prostate cancer, and since knee surgery in 1998 has used a motorized scooter to get around Congress. Two GOP sources said Helms’ staff members have begun telling senior Republicans, including advisers to President Bush, that Helms would not seek another term. 

Eddie Woodhouse, a Helms aide in Raleigh, refused to say what the televised remarks would involve. WRAL general manager Bill Peterson confirmed Helms asked for airtime but said he did not know any details. 

Helms’ wife, Dorothy, brushed aside reports that her husband was retiring. “They are just speculating,” she said. 

His departure could complicate GOP hopes of reclaiming the narrowly divided Senate. Democrats seized control by one vote earlier this year when Sen. James Jeffords of Vermont left the GOP to become an independent. Another senior Republican, 98-year-old Sen. Strom Thurmond of South Carolina, has said he will not seek re-election next year. 

Helms’ retirement could open the way for failed presidential candidate Elizabeth Dole to seek the GOP nomination for the seat. She was born and raised in North Carolina, though she spends most of her time in Washington. 

The GOP is defending 20 Senate seats in 2002, including Thurmond’s. Democrats are defending 14, none of them open. Helms has been active in North Carolina politics since he worked to elect segregationist Willis Smith to the Senate in 1950. He was a conservative Democrat before switching parties in 1970, and was elected to the Senate two years later in the GOP sweep led by Richard Nixon. 

During his 29 years in the Senate, Helms has opposed abortion and advocated school prayer. His propensity for going his own way earned him the nickname “Senator No.” 

A staunch opponent of communist regimes and critic of foreign aid, he has exerted a major influence in foreign affairs, serving as chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee from 1995 until this year. 

He frustrated President Clinton by holding up the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty and was a primary author of a law restricting the ability of American companies to do business with Cuba. He also was a leading force in withholding U.S. dues to the United Nations. 

Although he has mellowed in recent years, Helms considers himself a family values stalwart and has often condemned what he called gay lifestyles. He is generally considered unsympathetic to civil rights and the use of tax dollars to subsidize what he considers indecent art. 

He can also be charming, with a genteel Southern manner. He ended up on good terms with former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright toward the end of the Clinton administration, though he often disagreed vehemently with her on the issues. 

He even endeared himself to Bono, lead singer of the Irish rock band U2, who invited the bemused grandfather to one of his concerts. 

At home, Helms was embraced by Republicans and conservative Democrats in rural North Carolina who became known as “Jessecrats.” Still, in a state whose voters are mostly Democrats, he never won a landslide; his biggest win, in 1978, came with 55 percent of the vote. 

Poor health hasn’t dulled Helms’ appetite for a good fight, even with a Republican president. This summer, Helms stalled the appointments of some Treasury Department officials in an attempt to push Bush to help out the troubled textile industry. 

“He hasn’t changed over the years in the sense that he was committed to what he believed in and has an underlying philosophy to what he believed in,” former state GOP chairman Jack Hawke said Tuesday. 

——— 

AP White House correspondent Ron Fournier contributed to this report. 


Feds try to curb recession with another cut

The Associated Press
Wednesday August 22, 2001

WASHINGTON — The Federal Reserve, still trying to keep the U.S. economy out of a recession, cut a key interest rate Tuesday for the seventh time this year, lowering the federal funds rate by a quarter-point to 3.50 percent. 

The reduction pushed the funds rate to its lowest level in more than seven years. 

Bank of America and Bank One cut their prime lending rate, the benchmark for consumer and business loans, to 6.5 percent, also the lowest level in seven years. Other banks were expected to follow suit. 

On Wall Street, stock prices dropped after the announcement, investors having anticipated the Fed’s action. Within 20 minutes of the announcement, the Dow Jones industrial average had lost a 45-point gain and another 20 points. The Nasdaq index was down 7 points. 

With the latest reduction, the Fed has cut rates by 3 percentage points since the beginning of this year, including five straight half-point rate reductions, which represented the Fed’s fastest credit easing in nearly two decades. 

The effort is aimed at jump-starting the U.S. economy, which has been lackluster for a year and slipped close to recession territory in the spring. 

In explaining its latest rate move, the Fed said in a statement: “Household demand has been sustained, but business profits and capital spending continue to weaken and growth abroad is slowing, weighing on the U.S. economy.” 

The quarter-point move had been expected. Some analysts had said the central bank might opt for a larger half-point move in an effort to deliver a surprise to Wall Street investors, who had already factored in a quarter-point cut. 

Signaling possible future moves, the Fed said the balance of risks going forward remains “weighted mainly toward conditions that may generate economic weakness in the foreseeable future.” 

Many analysts believe the Fed will cut rates again at its next meeting on Oct. 2. 

The Bush administration is counting on lower interest rates plus the impact of nearly $40 billion in tax rebate money this year to boost consumer demand and provide greater strength in the second half of the year. 

Economists point to encouraging signs that an upturn may be imminent, including a report Monday that the Index of Leading Economic Indicators rose by 0.3 percent in July, the fourth consecutive monthly gain. 

The economy barely grew in the spring, managing only a 0.7 percent rate of increase in the gross domestic product, the poorest performance in eight years. Even that rate is likely to be lowered when the government revises the figure later this month. 

Top forecasters surveyed by Blue Chip Economic Indicators said they were looking for a slight rebound to growth rates of 1.7 percent in the July-September quarter and 2.8 percent in the final three months of this year. 

In addition to the change in the federal funds rate, the Fed also lowered its largely symbolic discount rate by a quarter point. 

On the Net: 

Fed: http://www.federalreserve.gov


Program will award air quality credits for telecommuting

The Associated Press
Wednesday August 22, 2001

LOS ANGELES — Businesses were offered a powerful incentive Tuesday to allow workers to telecommute – pollution credits that can be used to reduce taxes or sold to other companies for cash. 

U.S. Commerce Secretary Norman Mineta told more than 100 business and government representatives that the pilot program is designed to reduce traffic and auto emissions by encouraging workers to “e-commute.” 

But just as important, it includes strong economic rewards for doing so. 

“E-commuting is a tool that can help make your employees more productive workers,” Mineta said during an appearance in downtown Los Angeles. “It could be the best thing you do for your bottom line this year.” 

Los Angeles is one of five cities chosen for the pilot project. The cities, which include Houston, Denver, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C., were chosen because of their poor air quality. 

The program is being administered by the federal Environmental Protection Agency. It rewards companies that allow employees to work from home, which presumably reduces the number of cars on the road as well as their emissions. 

Air quality credits will be issued based on an Internet-based survey that companies submit for each employee. The credits can be used to offset fines for pollution caused by such activities as operating a power plant or refinery. 

The program also establishes an exchange where companies that have no use for the credits can sell them. 

The city of Anaheim is interested in the program for its 5,000 workers in part so its municipal utility can use the credits to offset emissions from future power plants. 

“We have an ongoing rideshare program and would see this as very complementary to that,” said John Lower, traffic and transportation manager for the city of Anaheim. “As part of our rideshare annual survey, we’re going to ask our employees if their typical work would be conducive to working at home. I could do some of my work, at least half a day or one day every couple of weeks at home.” 

The state requires power plants to offset 100 percent of the expected emissions, either by installing special equipment or acquiring air quality credits. Often companies sell excess credits to others who need them. The e-commuting program is the first time credits generated from mobile sources are being allowed to offset emissions from stationary sources, according to the National Environmental Policy Institute, a nonprofit organization helping coordinate the program. 

It will be months before local officials determine if there is sufficient interest in the program and design a system to award and exchange the credits. 

The program stems from federal legislation passed in 1999, when allowing employees the option to work at home was an important retention tool in a booming economy. 

Tuesday, officials said companies should be even more interested in telecommuting, given the challenges of the current economic downturn. 

“For a company working on the margins, any productivity gains are an advantage,” Mineta said. 

On the Net: 

http://www.ecommute-nepi.org 


Stock prices take another tumble

The Associated Press
Wednesday August 22, 2001

NEW YORK — Stock prices tumbled yet again Tuesday, carrying the Dow Jones industrials down 145 points after the Federal Reserve made its seventh interest rate cut of 2001 but failed to predict that a business recovery will occur soon. 

The Nasdaq composite and Standard & Poor’s 500 indexes, which were already trading at levels last seen in April, also fell sharply in a selloff that came late in the session. Analysts said the widely anticipated Fed cut wasn’t enough to offset the frustration of investors fed up with poor earnings and the lack of good economic news. 

“The Fed indicated the economy was weaker than most stock market participants had thought it was, which means a postponement in any earnings recovery,” said David Lindsay, a fixed-income portfolio manager at Fleet Asset Management. “This upset some investors, who had expected an easier turnaround.” 

In its midafternoon announcement, the Fed cut rates a quarter-percentage point and noted consumer demand still exists, but that business spending continues to deteriorate. The central bank expressed concerns about conditions here and overseas “that may generate economic weakness in the foreseeable future.” The statement also left the door open to additional future cuts when the Fed next meets in October. 

The agency’s worried tone was enough to reverse a moderate stock advance that had begun in the morning as investors bet on a more upbeat Fed assessment or a bigger-than-expected rate cut. 

The Dow closed lower with losses particularly concentrated in financial and retail stocks. American Express dropped $1.55 to $36.60, while Wal-Mart lost $1.65 to $49.94. 

Technology stocks also fell as investors lost confidence that business spending would pick up anytime soon. Cisco Systems fell 89 cents, or 5 percent, to $16.01, while Microsoft dropped $1.92, or 3 percent, to $60.78. 

Analysts said investors are further disheartened that the Fed’s six earlier cuts this year have so far failed to stimulate growth and the overall business climate remains anemic. 

Moreover, second-quarter corporate results were dismal and early indications are that the third quarter isn’t going to be better, making it hard for many on Wall Street to envision when a turnaround will occur. 

“There wasn’t anything in the Fed’s statement to make people buy stocks, so we’ve got more of what we’ve had the last three weeks,” said Bill Barker, investment consultant at Dain Rauscher. 

Also Tuesday, Goldman Sachs chief market strategist Abby Joseph Cohen lowered her 2001 estimates for the S&P 500. In a research note, Cohen said she now expects the S&P 500 to be 1,500 by year’s end, a reduction from her previous estimate of 1,550. For the Dow, she’s still predicting 12,500 by the end of the year. 

Her projections, though, are still quite bullish. The Dow would have to rise nearly 23 percent and the S&P nearly 30 percent to meet Cohen’s goals. 

Declining issues led advancers 3 to 2 on the New York Stock Exchange. Consolidated volume came to 1.24 billion shares, compared with 1.07 billion shares Monday. 

The Russell 2000 index slipped 6.63 to 472.24. 

Overseas, Japan’s Nikkei stock average rose 0.2 percent. In Europe, Germany’s DAX index rose 0.1 percent, Britain’s FT-SE 100 advanced nearly 1.4 percent, and France’s CAC-40 gained 0.9 percent. 

——— 

On the Net: 

New York Stock Exchange: http://www.nyse.com 

Nasdaq Stock Market: http://www.nasdaq.com 


Arafat calls for Mideast truce talks in Germany

The Associated Press
Wednesday August 22, 2001

JERUSALEM — Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat on Tuesday proposed truce talks in Germany, and Israel’s Foreign Minister Shimon Peres appeared likely to accept. Israel said the talks would focus on a plan for a gradual cease-fire to end 11 months of violence. 

Even as the details were under negotiation, a bomb rattled downtown Jerusalem near police headquarters but caused no casualties. 

Police said an explosion went off underneath a parked car, and a second bomb was found inside the vehicle. No one claimed responsibility, though Islamic militants have carried out dozens of bombings in the Mideast fighting. 

Arafat and Peres have met often for negotiations in the past few years, but amid the current violence and mistrust, producing a breakthrough is seen as extremely difficult. Several peace initiatives have failed, most recently a U.S.-brokered cease-fire declared in June. 

German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer served as the broker in Tuesday’s talks, holding an afternoon meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon in Jerusalem, between morning and evening sessions with Arafat in the nearby West Bank town of Ramallah. 

In a joint news conference with Fisher, Arafat suggested Berlin as a venue for cease-fire talks with Peres. Fischer seemed taken by surprise, but said he welcomed the proposal. 

“If this should happen in Berlin ... the door will be always open, but I think there are some other places not so far away in regional distances. But this is a good idea,” Fischer said. 

Peres, who was visiting Budapest, Hungary, said he intended to meet Arafat soon, but suggested that a date for a meeting has not yet been set. Israel radio, without citing sources, said Peres and Arafat would meet early next week in Berlin. 

“In principle, there is readiness to have such a meeting,” said Dore Gold, an adviser to Sharon. He would not give an exact date. 

The United States welcomed the meeting. “Whatever methodology that works for the two sides we will support,” deputy State Department spokesman Philip Reeker said Tuesday. Government spokesman Zalman Shoval confirmed that Israel wanted to pursue a gradual cease-fire with the initial focus on Palestinian areas that have been largely calm. If those regions remain quiet, the Israeli military would be prepared to ease or lift the closures that have restricted Palestinian movements for months, he said. 

“If there are areas where the Palestinian people are not involved in terror, we don’t think they should be closed,” he said. 

However, the Israeli forces would remain on high alert in areas where militants are believed to be planning attacks. The Gaza Strip has been the scene of frequent clashes, while Israel says multiple Palestinian bomb attacks have been launched from Jenin and Nablus in the West Bank. 

After his second meeting with Fischer, Arafat said the key to progress is implementing the recommendations of an international commission headed by former U.S. Sen. George Mitchell, which call for a cease-fire, a cooling-off period, confidence-building measures and peace talks. Arafat also insisted on sending international observers. The bomb Tuesday went off underneath a parked car in downtown Jerusalem. Police then set off a series of controlled explosions to neutralize what they said was a large bomb inside the car. No one was hurt. 

Police said either the first bomb was meant to set off the second one, or the bomb inside the vehicle was supposed to explode as police investigated the original blast. They said the car’s license plates were duplicated. The owner of the original car, an Arab from east Jerusalem, was detained, along with two other Arabs. 

In clashes Monday night and early Tuesday, 11 Palestinians were injured by Israeli army fire in the West Bank and Gaza. One of the wounded was in critical condition. 

In other violence Tuesday, two Palestinian police officers were seriously wounded in an exchange of fire with Israeli forces near Ramallah, Palestinians said. The Israeli military said soldiers returned Palestinian fire on an army outpost. 

The Palestinians, meanwhile, are seeking a full lifting of the Israeli blockades that have prevented tens of thousands of Palestinians from reaching work in Israel and have crippled the Palestinian economy. 

The Palestinians are also seeking greater European involvement in peace efforts, and have been critical of the reduced U.S. activity in the region under President Bush. 

At the United Nations, meanwhile, the United States made clear Monday it would not support Palestinian efforts for a Security Council resolution on the Middle East crisis. 

The draft, backed by Arab and Muslim states, calls for an immediate cessation of violence and the creation of a “monitoring mechanism,” which Israel opposes. 

Without backing from the United States — a veto-wielding permanent member of the council — it was unlikely that a draft resolution would go to a vote. 


NATO decides to send troops into Macedonia

The Associated Press
Wednesday August 22, 2001

SKOPJE, Macedonia — With his miniature spy planes at 16,000 feet and guided by remote control, U.S. Army Capt. Daniel Dittenber’s pilots camped on the ground aren’t exactly in any danger. 

That’s just the way the Bush administration likes it. Putting hardware instead of humans into harm’s way is especially appealing to Washington as the United States joins NATO’s newest foray into the Balkans, a mission to disarm from ethnic Albanian rebels in Macedonia. 

NATO’s ruling council was expected to approve that mission Wednesday and clear the way for the full deployment of 3,500 troops after the alliance’s supreme commander in Europe recommended it Tuesday during a session in Brussels, Belgium. 

The mission comes at a time when the Bush administration is trying to get American troops out of the Balkans, never mind sending more in. So U.S. troops will play a behind-the-scenes role. 

Only several hundred Americans will participate, focusing on limited logistical duties. Dittenber, a 26-year-old officer from Turner, Mich., says the photographs his unit’s reconnaissance aircraft will take should play an important part in the risky mission. “We keep an eye out for them. We make it possible for them to see the bad guy around the corner,” he said. 

Unlike the NATO-led mission in Kosovo – where the U.S. military charged in on the first wave and settled in so firmly that its massive base, Camp Bondsteel, has been nicknamed the Balkan Battlestar Galactica – Americans are taking a back seat this time. 

Roughly 9,000 Americans remain on patrol in Europe’s most volatile region – 500 in Macedonia, 5,000 in Kosovo and 3,500 in Bosnia-Herzegovina – with no end in sight. 

The Bush administration has made no secret of its desire to disengage from the Balkans, although it has promised not to make any dramatic troop reductions without consulting with its European allies. 

It will be the Europeans who will pick up rebel weapons at collection sites scattered across rugged mountain territory where firefights have raged since the insurgents took up arms six months ago, saying they were fighting for more rights for Macedonia’s minority ethnic Albanians. After a peace deal signed last week expanded those rights, the rebels say they’re prepared to hand in their weapons. 

NATO has said it will deploy the full force only when it is confident that the cease-fire is viable and lasting. Gen. Joseph Ralston, speaking to the North Atlantic Council on Tuesday, said waiting would be riskier than deploying now. 

Although violence in the country has dramatically subsided, an explosion early Tuesday rocked an Orthodox Christian monastery in the town of Lesok outside Tetovo, Macedonia’s second-largest city. 

A church at the monastery complex, Sveti Atanasi, crumpled behind its twin-towered facade. Blue-toned frescoes of saints lay in heaps of rubble, exposed to the elements for the first time in decades. 

Macedonia’s culture minister, Ganka Samoilova-Cvetanovska, blamed the rebels, who began launching assaults on the village last month. The rebels denied responsibility. 

“Attacks on places of worship are totally unacceptable and undermine the efforts of all those who are striving to restore peace and stability,” NATO Secretary-General Lord Robertson said in a statement Tuesday. In Washington, U.S. State Department deputy spokesman Philip Reeker called the attack a “disgraceful act.” 

Fearing further instability, the Macedonian government postponed a census of the country’s population until next year. The census, required under the peace accord, is one of the most delicate tasks Macedonia faces, in part because ethnic Albanians say they account for at least a third of the country’s population. The government says that number is too high. 

Still, President Boris Trajkovski expressed new confidence that ethnic Albanians and Macedonians would be able to start fresh, dismissing any suggestion that NATO troops would help the rebels hold the territory they’ve already seized by essentially solidifying the front lines. 

“The U.S. has a moral obligation to the region,” he told The Associated Press in an interview Tuesday. “We’ve been here as partners for the last 10 years.” 

U.S. forces have used Macedonia as a support base for their operations in the Balkans, particularly those in neighboring Kosovo. 

That means the Macedonia mission will be business as usual for Dittenber and the other men and women of Alpha Company, 15th Military Intelligence Battalion of the 504 Military Intelligence Brigade out of Fort Hood, Texas. 

They are already flying the Hunter unmanned aerial vehicle from Skopje’s airport in support of NATO’s mission in Kosovo, where ethnic Albanian militants are widely believed to be smuggling weapons and supplies over the border to their brothers in arms in Macedonia. 

The soldiers can provide real-time video of what’s happening on the ground — data critical to commanders in the field. The information comes from a tiny plane that stands just 5 feet tall. 

Chief Warrant Officer Kevin Williams, 37, of Houston, jokes that the Hunter’s pictures of the Balkans remind him of home. 

“It looks just like a picture of Texas,” he said. 


Calendar of Events & Activities

Tuesday August 21, 2001


Tuesday, Aug. 21

 

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 fears and phobias: getting and overcoming them. 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. 525-3565 

 

Free Early Music Group 

10 - 11:30 a.m. 

North Berkeley Senior Center 

1901 Hearst Ave. 

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

 

Berkeley Fibromyalgia  

Support Group 

12 - 2 p.m. every 3rd Tuesday 

Alta Bates Medical Center  

Maffly Auditorium - Herrick Campus 

2001 Dwight Way 

Rap session. 601-0550 www.arthritis.org 

 

Slide Show: Birds  

in the Garden 

1 p.m. 

North Berkeley Senior Center 

1901 Hearst Ave. 

A discussion follows. 644-6107 www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/hhs/commsvc/seniors.htm 

 

Storytelling workshop  

for Senior Adults 

10 a.m. - noon 

First Congregational Church of Oakland 

Corner of 27th and Harrison streets 

Learn to tell traditional and personal stories to elementary-age children. Free. 444-4755 www.stagebridge.org 


Wednesday, Aug. 22

 

Magic Mike 

Noon - 2 p.m. 

Lawrence Hall of Science 

UC Berkeley 

Part of the Lawrence Hall of Science Wednesday FUN-days. Bay Area favorite Magic Mike with theatrical illusions and electric comedy. Museum admission $3 - $7.642-5132 

 

Lecture on Parkinson’s  

Disease 

11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. 

Ashby Campus 

Conference Room 3 

2450 Ashby Ave. 

Learn about the latest treatments for Parkinson’s disease. Free and open to the public. 869-6737 

Thursday, Aug. 23 

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 

 

New “Classroom Matters” Open House 

6 - 9 p.m. 

2512 9th St., Suite #3 

A Berkeley based educational center that provides tutors, mentors and support services, will hold an open house at their new location.  

540-8646 www.classroommatters.com  

 

Lecture-Program on the Armenian Opera “Arshak II” 

7:30 p.m. 

North Branch Berkeley Public Library 

1170 The Alameda 

Dr. Clifford Cranna will present a lecture-program on the world premiere of the Armenian opera Arshak II, the tale of Armenia’s fourth century warrior king. 649-3913 www.infopeople.org/bpl/ 

 

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: Holistic Health, Jan Stecher leads in Rosen Movement. 526-9146  

 


Friday, Aug. 24

 

Yiddish Conversation Group 

1 p.m. 

North Berkeley Senior Center 

1901 Hearst Ave. 

644-6107 www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/hhs/commsvc/seniors.htm 

 

Even Stronger Women 

1:15 p.m. - 3:15 p.m. 

North Berkeley Senior Center 

1901 Hearst Ave. 

Free weekly cultural discussion class. This week: Poetry.  

549-1879 

 

Basic Electrical Theory and National Electrical Code 

7 - 10 p.m. 

Building Education Center 

812 Page St.  

Instructed by “Code Check” author/retired city of Oakland building inspector Redwood Kardon. $35. 525-7610 

 

Free Legal Workshop 

6 - 8 p.m. 

Women’s Cancer Resource Center 

3023 Shattuck Ave. 

Learn about the Family Medical Leave Act, Americans with Disability Act, and the California Fair Employment and Housing Act, and how the laws protect you from termination during an experience with cancer or other serious medical conditions. 601-4040 x302  


Saturday, Aug. 25

 

Copwatch: Know Your Rights Training 

11 a.m. - 2 p.m. 

Copwatch Office 

2022 Blake St. 

Learn what your rights are when dealing with the police. 548-0425 

 

Astrojax Playday 

1 - 4 p.m. 

Lawrence Hall of Science 

UC Berkeley 

Astrojax is part yo-yo, part juggling balls and a lasso. Museum admission $3 - $7. 642-5132 

 

 

— compiled by Guy Poole 

 

 

 

 

Cerrito Creek Work Party 

10 a.m. 

Meet at Creekside Park (south end of Belmont Street), El Cerrito 

Join Friends of Five Creeks in removing brush to make a new trail along Cerrito Creek. Bring work gloves and clippers if you have them.  

848-9358, f5creeks@aol.com, www.fivecreeks.org. 

 

Travel Careers Class 

8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. 

Vista Community College 

2020 Milvia St. 

Vista’s annual one-day class for the public on careers in the travel industry. A full-day seminar. $5.50 981-2931 www.vistacollege.edu 

 


Sunday, Aug. 26

 

Healing 

6 p.m. 

Tibetan Nyingma Institute 

1815 Highland Place 

Sylvie Gretchen on “Healing Mind.” 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 

 

3rd Annual Berkeley World Music Festival 

noon - 6 p.m. 

Durant Ave., between Telegraph and Bowditch 

Carnival and block party festival with World Music bands, performers and dancers. 649-9500 www.taasite.org 


Gaia – tourist attraction?

Victor Herbert Berkeley
Tuesday August 21, 2001

Editor: 

Oops. Hank Resnik writes that the newly unveiled Gaia building is the most attractive building in downtown Berkeley. Michael Katz disagrees, calling it a “monstrous Stalinist-style monument to civic corruption.” and suggests it be re-veiled as well as reviled. 

If anyone is interested in de-escalating this brouhaha, here’s a suggestion how we can all come together over Gaia. Let’s follow the example of San Jose and its Winchester Mystery House and all take civic pride in making this building our number one tourist attraction. 

“Only in Berkeley. Absolutely free. Come and be amazed at THE WORLD’S TALLEST SEVEN-STORY BUILDING.” And who knows. Maybe some tourist can solve the mystery of the missing floors. I’m just trying to be helpful. Have a good day. 

Victor Herbert 

Berkeley 

 


Arts

Staff
Tuesday August 21, 2001

Ashkenaz Aug. 21: 9 p.m. Slavonkian Traveling Band. 8 p.m. dance lesson w/ Joyce Clyde. $10; Aug. 22: 9 p.m. Badenya Les Freres Coulibaly, $10; Aug. 23: 10 p.m. - 2 a.m. Dead DJ Night with Digital Dave. $5; Aug. 24: 9:30 p.m. Caribbean All Stars $11; Aug. 25: 9 p.m. California Brazil Camp Benefit, $10; Aug. 26: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m. Middle Eastern Dance Workshops with Ma Shuga Mira Murijan and Nanna Candeleria. $45. 8 p.m. Harmonia, $10; Aug. 28: 9 p.m. Gerard Landry and the Lariats, $8; Aug. 29: 8 p.m. Earl White Oldtime Band, Bluegrass Intentions, plus clogging lessons. $10, Kids under 12 Free; Aug. 30: 9 p.m. Samite, Forward Kwenda, $10; Aug. 31: 9:30 p.m. Wawa and the Oneness Kingdom, The Calypsonians, $10; 1317 San Pablo Ave. 525-5054 www.ashkenaz.com  

 

Eli’s Mile High Club Doors open at 8 p.m. Aug. 25: Carlos Zialcita; Every Friday, 10 p.m. - 2 a.m., Funky Fridays Conscious Dance Party with KPFA DJs Splif Skankin and Funky Man. $10; 3629 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Oakland. 655-6661 

 

Freight & Salvage Aug. 24: The Great Night of Rumi, $16.50; Sept. 1: Ancient Future, $16.50; Sept. 7: Tom Russell w/ Andrew Hardin, $16.50; Sept. 8: The House Jacks, $17.50; Sept. 9: Erika Luckett, $16.50; Sept. 11: Don Walser, Slaid Cleaves, $16.50; Sept. 12: Andy Irvine, $17.50; Sept. 13: Piper Heisig birthday revue and fund raiser w/ Kate Brislin, Sylvia Herold, Tony Marcus, Carlos Reyes, and Radim Zenkl, $16.50; Sept. 14: Ray Wylie Hubbard, $16.50; Sept. 15: Vocolot, $17.50; All shows start at 8 p.m. 548-1761 www.freightandsalvage.com 

 

Jupiter Aug. 21: Groove.org; Aug. 22: Stolen Bibles; Aug. 23: Beatdown w/ DJs Delon, Yamu, and Add1; Aug. 24: 5 Point Plan; Aug. 25: Mitch Marcus Quintet; Aug. 28: Big Lou and Polka Casserole; Aug. 29: Secession; Aug. 30: Beatdown with DJ’s Delon, Yamu and Add1; Aug. 31: Realistic CD Release Party; All music starts at 8:00 p.m. 843-7625 www.jupiterbeer.com  

 

La Peña Cultural Center Aug. 24: 8:30 p.m. Professor Terry’s Circus Band Extraordinary, $16; Aug. 25: 9:30 p.m., Edgardo Cambon’s Candela, $10, 8:15 p.m. Salsa dance class w/ Diego Vásquez, $13; In the Cafe, 3105 Shattuck Ave. 849-2568 

 

Indigo Event Center Aug. 25: 4:20 p.m. Musicians for Medical Marijuana Benefit concert. Sound Tribe Sector 9, Lost at Last, The Mermen, Ten Ton Chicken, Scott Huckabay, Strawberry Alarmclock, Buzzy Linhart, plus special guests, $25. 1988 Broadway at 19th, Oakland. 869-5391 www.m4mm.org  

 

Third annual Berkeley World Music Festival Aug. 26: Noon - 6 p.m. Block party and carnival, Grupo Ilu Fun Fun, Petit La Croix, Samba Ngo, O-Maya, Fito Reinoso y Su Ritmo y Armonia. Durant Ave. between Telegraph Ave. and Bowditch. 

 

TUVA Space Aug. 25: 8 p.m. Vanessa Lowe and the Lowliflies, Ira Marlowe, Hoarhound. 3192 Adeline St. 655-9755 

 

“Frank Olivier’s Twisted Cabaret” Aug. 24 & 25, 8 p.m. Frank Olivier is joined by Uncle Paul Nathan and The Twisted Cabaret Band. All tickets $16. Julia Morgan Center for the Arts 2640 College Ave. 845-8542 www.juliamorgan.org 

 

“Loot” Through Aug. 25, Thursdays - Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sundays at 7 p.m. Special Performance Aug. 20, 8 p.m. General Admission: $15, Students / Seniors: $10. La Val’s 1834 Euclid Avenue 655-0813 

 

“Murder Dressed in Satin” by Victor Lawhorn, ongoing. A mystery-comedy dinner show at The Madison about a murder at the home of Satin Moray, a club owner and self-proclaimed socialite with a scarlet past. Dinner is included in the price of the theater ticket. $47.50 Lake Merritt Hotel, 1800 Madison St., Oakland. 239-2252 www.acteva.com/go/havefun 

 

“Reefer Madness” 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. 655-4150 

 

“Soul Harmony” Aug. 25: 5 - 7 p.m. A spirited one-woman show of history, culture, and entertainment. Written by Joy Holland, directed by Ava Coaxum. Presented at the Black Repertory Theater. 3201 Adeline St. $10 donation. 652-3399 

Pacific Film Archive Aug. 21: 7:30 p.m. The Direct Cinema Tradition; Aug. 22: 7:30 p.m. The Werewolf of Washington; Aug. 23: 7:30 p.m. Contempt; Aug. 24: 7 p.m. The Heart, 9:20 p.m. The Outcast; Aug. 25: 7 p.m. Moonfleet, 8:45 p.m. The Blue Gardenia; Aug. 26: 3 p.m. Duck Soup, 5:30 p.m. The Wanderers, 7:25 p.m. Dora-Heita; Aug. 28: 7:30 p.m. Doodling; Gen. Adm.. $7, The New PFA Theatre 2575 Bancroft Way 642-1412 

 

The Pyramid Alehouse Outdoor Cinema Aug. 25: The Shining; Sept. 1: Breakfast Club; Sept. 2: Pretty in Pink; Sept. 8: Dr. No (come as your favorite Bond character); Sept. 15: Harold and Maude; Sept. 22: Airplane; The Outdoor Cinema features cult classics projected on a large screen in the open-air brewery parking lot. $5 donation. Movies start at 7 p.m. 901 Gilman St. 206-682-8322 x237 www.pyramidbrew.com 

 

Exhibits 

 

“BACA National Juried Exhibition: Works on Paper” Through Aug. 31: Wed. - Sun. Noon - 5 p.m. Berkeley Art Center 1275 Walnut St. 644-6893 

 

“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 Aug. 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 Aug. 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. Through 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. Atelier 9 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 Political Art of: Diego Marcial Rios” Through Sept. 20, Addison Street Window Gallery, 2018 Addison St. hdrios@msn.com 

 

“Sistahs: Ethnographic Ceramics” Through Aug. 22, Reception July 29 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. Women’s Cancer Resource Center Gallery 3023 Shattuck Avenue 548-9286 ext. 307 

 

“Squared Triangle” Through Oct. 5. noon - 6 p.m. Reception for the artists, Aug. 18: 4 - 7 p.m. A minimal art exhibit featuring three Bay Area artists working in different mediums while achieving the same elegant simplicity. The Crucible, 1036 Ashby Ave. 843-5511 www.thecrucible.com 

 

“Ten Years Here” Exhibit celebrating the 10 year anniversary of Turn of the Century Fine Arts. Through Sept. 14, Sat & Sun 1-5 p.m. Reception Aug. 4 2:00 - 7:00 p.m. 2510 San Pablo Avenue 849-0950 

 

 

Readings 

 

Boadecia’s Books Aug. 24: Andrea Gabbard discusses “Girl in the Curl: A Century of Women’s Surfing”; Aug. 25: Ann Bannon reads from her lesbian pulp classic “Beebo Brinker.” All events start at 7:30 p.m. and are free. 398 Colusa Avenue 559-9184 www.bookpride.com 

 

Black Oak Books Aug. 21: June Jordan’s memoir “Soldier: A Poet’s Childhood”; Aug. 22: Ruth Daigon’s “Payday at the Triangle”; Aug. 23: Phil Cousineau’s “Once and Future Myths: The Power of Ancient Stories in Modern Times”; Aug. 27: Catherine Brady, Jean Herlund, Frances Payne Adler, and Marianne Villanueva and others to celebrate CALYX Book’s 25th Anniversary, “Cracking the Earth”; Aug. 28: Kent Nerburn reads from “Road Angels: Searching for Home on America’s Coast of Dreams”; Aug. 29: Sylvia Brownrigg reads from her new novel, “Pages For You”; All shows at 7:30 p.m. free of charge. 1491 Shattuck Avenue 486-0698 

 

Café de la Paz Poetry Nitro performance showcase with open mike. Aug. 20: Avotcja; 6:30 p.m. signup, 7 - 9 p.m. reading. 1600 Shattuck Ave. 843-0662 

 

Cody’s Books - Poetry Flash Aug. 22: Trane Devore and Shauna Hannibal; Aug. 29: The New Now Millennium Anthology Reading with Editor H. D. Moe; All are a $2 donation. Readings at 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted. 2454 Telegraph Ave. 845-0837 

 

Coffee Mill Poetry Series Aug. 21: Featured Readers: Victoria Joyce and Theresa Bamberger; Both 7-9 p.m. Free. 3363 Grand Ave., Oakland for info. 465-3935 or 526-5985, or Email: ksdgk@earthlink.net 

 

Spasso Aug. 27: Kira Allen; Sept. 3: Theme: dignity of labor; Sept. 10: Sharron Jones-Reid, Fruit of the Spirit Poets, Acoustic Musicians, Comedians, Rappers, Performance Artists, Writers All Welcome is located at 6021 College Ave. Free admission. 

 

South Branch Berkeley Public Library Sept. 1: 3 - 5 p.m. Bay Area Poets Coalition holds an open reading. 1901 Russell St., 527-9905 poetalk@aol.com 

 

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. It will reopen in early 2002. On View until Oct. 1 : “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  

 

Oakland Museum of California, A Legacy of Early California Paintings: The Shumate Collection, through Aug. 19; Every Worker is an Organizer: Farm Labor and the Resurgence of the United Farm Workers, through Aug. 26; Made in Oakland: The Furniture of Garry Knox Bennett, through Sept. 2; After the Storm: Bob Walker and the Art of Environmental Photography, through Sept. 16; Half Past Autumn: The Art of Gordon Parks, through Sept. 23; Rustler Ranch Mastodon Project, through June 30, 2002; Wednesday - Saturday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sunday, noon - 5 p.m., Closed Monday and Tuesday. $6 general; $4 youths (6-17), seniors and students with ID. Free for Museum members and children 5 and under. Free admission the second Sunday of the month. 10th & Oak Streets, Oakland. 238-2200 www.museum.org 

 

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

 

Send arts events two weeks in advance to Calendar@berkeleydailyplanet.net, 2076 University, Berkeley 94704 or fax to 841-5694. 

 

 


Mentoring program bridges gap

By John GeluardiDaily Planet staff
Tuesday August 21, 2001

Vista Community College is only two short blocks from the UC Berkeley campus but in the minds of many Vista students it might as well be in another dimension. 

“When I graduated from Vista in 1998, the other students were applying to state colleges or just taking their junior college degree and calling it a day,” said Kathleen Jones-West who is now only 30 weeks from receiving her master’s degree from UC Berkeley’s School of Social Welfare. 

Jones-West has also won a prestigious award for initiating the innovative and unique Starting Point mentoring program, which this year helped four students bridge a perceived, but vast, cultural chasm that exists in the two blocks that separate the junior college’s main building at 2020 Milvia St. from the university. 

In 1994 Jones-West thought if she brushed up on her computer skills she might be able to get a better office job. So she signed up for a beginning computer class at Vista Community College, part of the Peralta Community College District. 

“I went back to Vista to take one class,” said Jones-West. “All I wanted to do was learn how to use a computer a little bit better, I had no idea I was still capable of learning.” 

Jones-West received an A in her computer class and was so encouraged, she decided to take all the computer courses Vista had to offer. She also discovered she had a flare for math and was soon tutoring other students.  

Despite her academic successes, Jones-West was not the typical student. She was in her 30s, the mother of two and had not been in a classroom for 20 years. Her husband suddenly became ill and was no longer able to work and the family was forced to go on welfare. Jones-West said the experience was degrading. 

“When I went back to school, I was looking for ways to get out of the welfare system,” she said. “Low wages can’t do that, but education can and I vowed I would do something when I had the opportunity.” 

Jones-West kept her promise and when she was about to graduate in 1998 from Vista with an Associate Degree in computer information systems, she decided she wanted to go to UC Berkeley. But she discovered there was little support for that idea among some Vista staff. “I was told by a drop-in counselor that I probably wouldn’t qualify, I wouldn’t like it if I was accepted and I wouldn’t fit in,” she said. 

But Jones-West did make it. And she said she became convinced that if she could make it, anybody could. “(UC) Berkeley is not only looking for 4.0 grade point averages,” she said. “They want well-rounded people.” 

Shortly after she began taking classes she conceived of the Starting Point mentoring program. With the support of Social Welfare Professor Bart Grossman, the proposed program was approved by the SSW administration and now has been in operation for two years and has trained approximately 100 UC students as mentors. In 2000 the university awarded Jones-West the Community Service Award and there are plans to expand the program to other community colleges in the Bay Area. 

“Education is the most wonderful opportunity I’ve ever had and I wanted to help extend the same opportunity to other people and that’s how Starting Point began,” Jones-West said. 

Vista graduate Adam Ebrahim, who will be starting at UC Berkeley next week as a political science major, said the mentoring program helped demystify the UC campus. 

“I met with my mentor once a week and sometimes he would just show me around campus,” Ebrahim said. “He showed me where my major department was, where the library was and where my counselor’s office was.” 

Ebrahim said having a better logistical understanding of the campus helped him gain confidence.  

Jones-West said one of the main goals of the program is to help Vista Students realize that the UC Berkeley campus is not exclusive. 

“Mentors invite students to sit in classes, financial aid workshops and to football games,” she said. “We want the students to know that the campus is full of regular people just like them.” 

Ebrahim, who has signed up to be a Starting Point mentor, agreed that with the exception of the Starting Point program, Vista was not providing a lot of obvious support for students interested in attending UC Berkeley. But he said it was there if you looked for it. 

Calls to Vista officials for comment were not returned – it was the first day of classes for students there. 

“Once students make it their responsibility and take the initiative to search out resources they’ll find all the help they need,” Ebrahim said. 


Pacifica trying to remove left voices

Richard Wiebe
Tuesday August 21, 2001

Editor: 

In your August ‘5 piece on Amy Goodman and the Pacifica board, you state that what activists are opposing is “what they see as the push to ‘dumb down’ Pacifica programming in order to attract a wider audience.” Actually, what we activists oppose is a consistent policy that the board has been implementing to remove significant left political opinions from Pacifica. Goodman’s Democracy Now! is just one of numerous examples. It is the Pacifica board that claims that it is trying to reach a wider audience. In Houston, e.g., where the board has been successful, they reach a different audience by playing music instead of public affairs.  

What is important to understand is that, small as the Pacifica audience was, nothing on radio or TV with a larger audience was truly critical of U.S. foreign and domestic policies. 

Richard Wiebe 

Berkeley 


Tribune staff calls editorial ‘embarrassing’

By Judith Scherr Daily Planet staff
Tuesday August 21, 2001

East Bay Pride, an Oakland-based organization advocating for gay, lesbian and transgender rights, was not alone expressing outrage at an Aug. 14 Oakland Tribune editorial calling Councilmember Kriss Worthington despicable and a coward and calling the gay council member a single-issue politician. 

The Oakland Tribune news staff got together to condemn the piece. “We were embarrassed by that thing,” said Sean Holstege, The Tribune’s transportation writer and union representative. “We as a group think that this was reckless. This whole Kriss Worthington thing (shows that the paper’s management is) out of touch with its readers.” 

The editorial was even more insulting to the newsroom staff because the reporters, currently working without a contract, are in labor negotiations on related issues, Holstege said.  

Part of what staff wants is an agreement to promote diversity in the newsroom. They also want domestic partner benefits. 

Holstege described the diversity demand as a “mom and apple pie” issue, but accused managers of stalling on the question, alleging they did not want to put teeth into a clause in the contract by allowing grievances to be filed over it.  

They’ve been stuck on this question, unable to get to the issue of domestic partners, he said.  

The issue of the editorial, deemed anti-gay by many, and the bid for better working conditions – including a salary increase great enough so that people can afford to live in the area – is related, Holstege said. “We live here. We work here. We are the community.” 

Tribune Editor Mario Dianda said that once he learned that the reporters were unhappy about the editorial, he sat down with them. “We had a little staff meeting and acknowledged that we may have been too harsh,” he said.  

He went on to say, however, that the paper would not take positions based on popular views held by the community or of its newsroom staff. “Editorials are sometimes not supposed to please everybody,” he said. “They’re not a barometer.” 

Rather, they reflect leadership, he said, noting, on the other hand, that the paper’s endorsement of Al Gore was probably reflective of the community. 

Dianda said the newsroom staff had not linked up the bargaining issues with the Aug. 14 editorial in their discussions with him and hesitated to go into issues being negotiated at the table. 

He did say, however that “We try to reflect diversity in the newsroom staff.” He said the paper was moving toward its goal, but had not reached it in terms of diversity. The paper’s supportive of the principal. “It’s the way it’s worded in the proposal” that is objectionable. 

Responding to the reporters’ stand against the editorial, Worthington said: “I think it’s commendable that they think about the integrity of the public they work for. It sends an added message to the broader community that they are not in agreement with the extremism that was perceived as an attack on me and on the gay community.” 

Holstege added that there have been fliers circulated in the community calling for a boycott of The Oakland Tribune, but the reporters do not support that action. 


Lights OK; need better drivers

Ann Sieck
Tuesday August 21, 2001

Editor: 

So the Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Task Force thinks making people easier to see is going to prevent drivers from hitting them? I suppose more lights and reflectors can’t hurt, but as one who has been both driver and pedestrian in Berkeley for a long time, and used a wheelchair for years in crosswalks and bike lanes, I don’t think the problem is that drivers can’t see their victims. The problem is we’ve thrown in the towel on requiring motorists to behave themselves. We’re trying to manage traffic on the honor system, and it isn’t working. 

At this point, the driver who runs a red light is in far less danger of getting a ticket than the one who stops for it is of getting rear-ended by an SUV. And the gentle soul who slows for a child in the crosswalk may well see him get squashed by a fellow motorist swerving to pass at 40 miles an hour. 

Lights and reflectors certainly are a good idea, at least after dark, but if we want safer streets, what, exactly, is the argument against aggressive enforcement of traffic laws? I’m thinking of the laws against speeding and running red lights, and (remember this one?) requiring drivers to yield to people in crosswalks. Speaking from personal experience (years ago, when I was young and stupid, and bad driving was against the law), a flashing light in your rear-view mirror can result in lasting behavior changes. And though getting a ticket is no fun, it’s a lot better than accidentally killing someone. 

I don’t think having to slow down and let an occasional pedestrian escape would make driving in Berkeley any more frustrating than it already is, or even waste much time. What those fleets of cars are rushing to is the next light, and if they don’t stop for that one, they’ll have to stop for the one after it. 

Enforcing traffic laws would change what it’s like to get around this town. Whether the goal is getting people to come shop here, or getting them out of their cars, improving the experience of the undefended street-user, and her or his odds of survival, would help. Decorations won’t do the trick. 

Ann Sieck 

Berkele


Brainchild is for kids who love to compete

By Mary Barrett Daily Planet correspondent
Tuesday August 21, 2001

Don Arreola Burl’s ingenuity created Playground Rats, a competitive summer sports program that’s part of the Berkeley-Albany YMCA offerings.  

The six-week sport medley, primarily of baseball and basketball, was happily conceived several years ago. Burl’s idea was to replicate what he’d enjoyed as a kid, taking high energy out to the playground and playing all day long, with the least amount of interruption or direct supervision from the adults as possible. Playground Rats has been so successful that parents hang out on the side lines while their kids, reluctant to go home for dinner, finish “just one more” game. 

The program is at Hillside School off Cedar Street and Euclid, fairy tale like in the morning fog with towering redwoods and the smell of what could be the Sierra. Kids start playing informally as they arrive and then the organized games of the morning begin, with teams competing in a series of baseball and basketball “house” games. Stats are kept on each child and posted. A new child might be chagrined to see his batting average is low but, Burl reports, the same kid rejoices seeing his stats improve as the weeks progress. Playground Rats is billed as a program for kids who love to compete, however Don Burl and Carol Wiegel, his work partner at Hillside, have kept the emphasis away from the ‘cut throat’ toward the exhilaration of competing. The athletes learn to be team leaders and followers, they learn rules and strategies, and they fully enjoy themselves in an extremely challenging, yet safe, environment.  

Playground Rats has gone through a variety of combinations and permutations since its conception. One year girls had a special two week period of sports with Don while the boys cooked after shopping in north Berkeley with Carol. But now the boys and girls enjoy the full six weeks together and all the counselors-in-training are Rats alumni. 

Parents and kids alike idolize Don Burl. He is a tall, unassuming man in his early forties with an even temperament. He exudes a steadiness that is magnetic and he, unequivocally, loves sports. Not much rattles Don or his vision; one would assume he was always full of confidence. But he attributes his success to his grandmother, Louise Nelson, his wife, Michele Arreola Burl, his former boss at the “Y,” Catherine Jamison and to his sixth grade teacher, Steven Phelps. 

Born in San Francisco, Donald Burl is the oldest of four children. He was raised primarily by his grandparents, and it was his grandmother who got him interested in sports. She taught him to ride a bike in Golden Gate Park by jumping on the bike, (she was in her early 80s), riding straight into a sprinkler system and falling off, then telling him to jump on. She was a Giant’s fan and listened to the games on the radio. She bought him his first bat and glove and told him to “go out there and play”. 

In the late ’60s, there was a Coca Cola promotion that involved collecting and redeeming bottle caps, with baseball players’ faces on them, for sports equipment. Burl’s grandmother rigged up magnets on a string and she and Donald went around town fishing bottle caps out of Coke machine pockets. When they went to redeem them, they took them to Columbia Park Boy’s Club. They were impressed to see boys there involved in a sports bonanza with a gym, a playfield, a game room and leagues. When his grandmother discovered for $1 Donald could go also, all day every day of the year, and back again after dinner, she enrolled him on the spot. His experience with the Boys’ Club was the prototype for Playground Rats. 

For middle school, Burl chose to go to Sacred Heart School in the Filmore because they had competitive sports. His sixth grade teacher, Steve Phelps, taught him that he could do things he hadn’t done before. Though he wanted to play in the outfield, like his favorite Giant, Willie Mays, Don was a chunky kid with no speed. During baseball season, Phelps strapped catcher’s leg protectors to Don’s legs, as he told him, “You can do this, this is not hard.” Don became an adept catcher. Phelps also taught him to hold a basketball and to shoot. He was a good jumper, already 6 feet tall. He held the center, ‘five-spot’ position, throughout his years in basketball.  

Phelps loaded all the kids into his car and made sure they got to all the games and had the equipment they needed. He kept track of his athletes as they grew up, giving them continued support and encouragement. Burl played basketball through his high school years at Sacred Heart on Van Ness. At one point, in the early ’70s, a Black Student Union tried to organize the black athletes – all the athletes were black in a predominately white school – to protest inequalities by giving up sports to make a point. Don realized he couldn’t do that, he wanted desperately to keep playing. He was willing to make a point but not by keeping himself from competing. 

The big mistake in those years, Burl says, was going to a two-year instead of a four- year college. He played ball for two years at City College, but when it was time to transition to San Francisco State, it was more than he was able to do. He dropped out of school and began full-time work in a variety of jobs. 

Eventually he went back to school and in 1984 Catherine Jamison hired him at the Berkeley-Albany YMCA. Jamison gave him ample responsibility and the support needed to develop basketball leagues, including one for girls, at the Albany Y. When he proposed the Playground Rat idea 11 years ago, she gave him the go ahead. It is a very different program from the typical child care programs of the Y and it took awhile for everyone to understand that the adults teach the games, and modifications of games, and the kids play them. There is no overbearing pressure from any adult during the games. The kids come as close as they can to having a sand lot “neighborhood” experience on this urban asphalt. 

Throughout the school year, Burl works for the Berkeley Unified School District running sports programs at John Muir and Washington schools and at Berkwood Hedge, a private school. Recently Burl has been an integral part of the Little Giants program promoting baseball with youth throughout the Bay Area. 

He and his wife Michele Arreola, formerly a Program director at the Y, have two young children, Jonah and Anjuli, and Don’s sons from a first marriage, Shaun and Ryan, are part of their family mix. Shaun plays basketball for Berkeley High and Ryan is a football natural.  

Despite the fact that work days are long, 10 to 12 hours, Don Burl looks forward to each summer when he can bring to Berkeley’s youth the gift of unending games.  


Opinions are just that – opinions

Katherine Thomas
Tuesday August 21, 2001

Editor: 

Kriss Worthington’s bizarre rant against Alameda Newspaper Group and The Tribune which published an editorial about him this week prove several things, one of which is that he’s not fit for public office. 

Mr. Worthington recoiling in horror at the words in the Tribune prove not only does the truth sting, but also that he was caught behaving badly and is now doing what some one with out a leg to stand on does; shouts discrimination at the top of their lungs. 

We, in the era following the advent “political correctness,” tend to cave at accusations of discrimination regardless how absurd they are or who’s making them. Worthington knows this and uses this to his advantage when ever possible, drawing attention to himself and his “cause”, all the while attempting to deflect what ever faux pas he’s committed this time. 

The Tribune, like any decent news source, covered the Boy Scout flap created by Worthington. They were not discriminatory, inflammatory and did not bash any social group. What they did was state the facts and outline the poor actions taken by Worthington who once again succeeded in making Berkeley look like a city full of ill-mannered, weirdo radicals to a visiting group of foreigners. 

Bravo, Kriss! This is of course, the image that we want. It’s in questionable taste to even bring up the roll of sexuality to a group of children, never mind that these were foreign children with no official policy regarding gays. Worthington would surely argue that the presents of the Japanese troupe would necessitate the attendance of their U.S. counterparts that he finds fault with. 

To this one could say, “there’s always going to be someone who doesn’t like you, and I doubt it’s due to sexual preference in most cases.” 

So now, he wants not only a personal apology for an opinion piece (sorry Kriss, an editorial in an opinion, and there for cannot be wrong. Hence, no apologies are necessary), But also makes a long list of demands ranging from an apology to the gay community as a whole, to having a say in what voice the paper will take in future stories on this topic.  

Basically, he wants editorial control of a newspaper! Sorry, it doesn’t work that way. Gatekeeping is frowned upon at legitimate newspapers in this country. 

And finally, Mr. Worthington, if you do not wish to have editorials written about you that use such discriptives as “despicable,” then refraining from acts that can be defined as such would be a good solution. 

Katherine Thomas 

Richmond 


BHS students elated after 600-mile ride

By Ben Lumpkin Daily Planet staff
Tuesday August 21, 2001

Far from collapsing in exhaustion, 17 Berkeley High students ended their 600-mile cycling trip to San Diego County’s Santana High School Monday with a burst of spontaneous dancing. 

After riding the last five miles from a camp site on the edge of town Monday morning, the Berkeley students arrived to find more than 100 parents and students from the Santee community cheering them on and offering high fives. 

The formal “protocol” of the welcoming ceremony in Santee had to be temporarily abandoned as the pumped-up Berkeley High kids launched into a spontaneous, open-air dance party with Santana High students they had only just met. 

“The dancing just got my spirits up,” said Maria Herrera, a Berkeley High graduate headed for UC Berkeley next year. “I kept on telling them that they were treating us like we were family. And they said that’s the kind of community they are.” 

Interviewed by phone  

Monday, Herrera was ready for a dose of hospitality and warmth, after a 14-day cycling journey where she often struggled to keep up. She fell off her bike twice, hurting her back so badly on one of the falls that she needed a day of riding in the “support” van to recover. 

“Every day for me was tough,” Herrera said. “I have the most bruises out of anybody.” 

The Berkeley students undertook the trip to show their sympathy for the Santee community, where a school shooting at Santana High left two students dead and 13 wounded in March. 

Catherine Jamison, who helped lead the trip as a consultant for the Berkeley Boosters Association, said the students went through many highs and lows, both emotional and physical, over the course of their journey. 

“One of the most challenging things was figuring out how to live together out of the back of a trailer,” Jamison said.  

The students camped out in state parks most nights on their way down, using equipment provided by the California Department of Parks and Recreation. They took five minute showers each night – if they were lucky – and turned in by a little after 9 p.m. The next day of cycling would last from dawn to 5 or 6 p.m., as the students traveled anywhere from 30 to 80 miles a day. 

“I came back after just four days, and I’m used to camping,” said Berkeley Boosters Association Executive Director Ove Wittstock. “But I was glad to have my own shower at night.” 

As high school students from economically disadvantaged families, the Berkeley riders have faced their share of challenges in life. But none were cyclers. Most had never camped out before. Some had never traveled outside of the Bay Area before. 

Taking turns on a cell phone during the 10-hour drive back up to Berkeley Monday, the Berkeley students made no effort to suppress their glee at having overcome such a formidable challenge. Some said they had been transformed by the experience.  

Aramon Bartholomew will be a junior at Berkeley High next year. He said the trip to Santee gave him the courage and confidence to set some tough goals for himself in the years ahead. At the top of the list: a 4.0 grade point average and admittance to the Air Force Academy. 

“Now, I can do anything,” Bartholomew said. “It’s time for me to find another goal and finish it.” 

Berkeley High student Evelyn Del Cid – the only girl who biked every single mile of the trip to Santana High – said completing the trip was full of symbolic meaning for her as well. 

“I’ve always feared the future, I guess,” Del Cid said. The way she sees it, Del Cid explained, the bushes, the trees, and the hills that she battled past on the way to San Diego “were all obstacles that I’m eventually going to face in the future. 

“And I did it this time, so why can’t I do it again?” she said. 

Herrera agreed that the trip has given her a level of confidence and energy unlike anything she’s ever experienced before. But the true heroes, she said she told her audience in Santee Monday, were the members of the Santee community. 

“In the beginning we just wanted to get through the trip,” Herrera said. “But as the days progressed, it was more about (the people of Santee). They could see it in our eyes – that we cared.” 

 

 


Missile buildup danger, waste

Bruce Joffe
Tuesday August 21, 2001

Editor,  

A news article (August ‘6) said that Air Force Lt. Gen. Ronald Kadish, head of the controversial anti-missile system, will order another simple test of the interceptor because he is “not totally comfortable” the technology will work consistently. Indeed, in the so-called “successful” July ‘4 test, the missile only found its target because the target was carrying a homing device to guide the anti-missile toward it. This fact was omitted from the news story, yet it emphasizes, even more than the General’s own words, what a waste of time, talent, technology, and money Bush’s junior Star Wars program really is. This administration is risking another international massive missile buildup just so they can feed more than $ 2 billion of our tax dollars to defense contractors.  

 

Bruce Joffe  

Oakland


Berkeley environmentalist honored

By Kenyatte Davis Daily Planet staff
Tuesday August 21, 2001

Berkeley environmentalist Jami Caseber will receive one of the five 2001 Clean Air Champion Awards from the Bay Area Air Quality Management District at its board meeting on Sept. 5. 

Caseber founded Citizens Opposing a Polluting Environment in 1988. The group inspired the city to create the Community Environmental Advisory Commission, which Caseber currently chairs. 

Caseber was nominated for the award by Mayor Shirley Dean. Dean, who has known Caseber for over 10 years, made the nomination because of his efforts to develop an ordinance to reduce Berkeley air pollution from wood burning stoves and fireplaces. 

“I nominated him because he is so passionate about cleaning the air we breathe and is always on the phone or in a meeting or doing something to work for that goal.” 

In 1999, the CEAC took up the call to place limits on wood-burning fireplaces and Caseber led the research of the topic.  

“It’s an environmental justice issue,” he said Monday. “If somebody doesn’t do something to keep the air clean, urban areas will be unlivable.” 

Casebar pointed to the adverse effects of large particulates spewed by diesel trucks and those put into the air by wood-burning stoves and fireplaces. 

The CEAC is supporting an ordinance that would educate people on the dangers of wood smoke and limit the installation of fireplaces in new construction. The ordinance will be before the Housing Advisory Commission Sept. 6.  

CEAC Commissioner LA Wood has worked with Caseber for four months and is happy that his colleague will be receiving the award. 

“I think it’s great that they singled Jami out for this award,” Wood said. “I know he is very passionate about the wood smoke issue and he will just take this as an opportunity to make people aware.” Caseber believes that everyone has the right to breathe clean air and for the past 13 years has devoted a huge part of his life to making sure everyone does have the opportunity to breathe clean air. “Our lungs are not for burning,” he quipped, then added more seriously: “I hope the award will give me a platform as a public advocate.” 

The BAAQMD meeting will be held at 9:30 a.m., Sept. 5 in the 7th Floor Board Room of 939 Ellis St. in San Francisco. 

Staff writer Judith Scherr contributed to this story.


New web page for healthcare services

Bay City News
Tuesday August 21, 2001

OAKLAND — Seniors, the disabled and caregivers in Alameda County can now turn to the Internet to find information about health care services in an attempt to make in-home care easier. 

The Network of Care project is designed to empower the 300,000 members of the county’s elderly and disabled population, by helping them navigate through the often-confusing, fragmented health care programs that are available to them, says Assemblywoman Dion Aroner, D-Berkeley. 

“Network of care will help people find the resources they need without having to waste a lot of time searching,” said Aroner, chairwoman of the Assembly’s Human Services Committee. 

“It will also provide invaluable assistance to service providers, who must serve their clients with a fragmented system,” she added. 

The Web site, located at www.alameda.networkofcare.org, is a community-based cyber-directory, which allows people who need care – as well as their caregivers and health care providers – to find the right services at appropriate times, and to educate themselves about issues that relate to their well-being 

The Web site, which is being test-piloted in the counties of Alameda and Sacramento, also allows seniors to find assistive devices and inform themselves on current and developing policy issues, and helps them to manage their affairs, interactions and important records. 

Some 800 service providers in Alameda County are listed on the site, and their contact information can be obtained online using the site’s easy-to-search databases. 

The program is being paid for, in part, through a Long-Term Care Innovation Grant, signed by Gov. Gray Davis last year. 

Eventually, the Web site will be available in 14 languages and will comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. 

 


Agilent cutting 4,000 jobs

The Associated Press
Tuesday August 21, 2001

SAN JOSE — Agilent Technologies Inc., a maker of test and measurement equipment, reported a third-quarter loss that was narrower than Wall Street had expected but said Monday it is slashing 4,000 jobs because business is expected to stay sluggish for quite some time. 

Officials also warned that fourth-quarter revenue and earnings will fall short of analysts’ expectations. Investors responded by sending shares down 9 percent in after-hours trading. 

The job cuts amount to 9 percent of Agilent’s worldwide work force of 43,000. The move follows the company’s decision in April to cut all employees’ pay by 10 percent in hopes of avoiding layoffs. 

Since then, demand for Agilent’s products for the communications and semiconductor industries has remained weak, with a recovery expected to be “slow and gradual,” chief executive Ned Barnholt said. 

“This decision is one we don’t make lightly,” Barnholt said. “This is by far the worst industry downturn I’ve seen in my 34 years with the company.” 

Palo Alto-based Agilent was spun off from Hewlett-Packard Co. in 1999. 

Agilent said the job cuts – which will be imposed by the middle of next year – will save the company about $500 million a year. The company will take a $200 million restructuring charge to account for its layoffs. 

In the quarter that ended July 31, Agilent reported a net loss of $219 million, or 48 cents per share, compared with a profit of $155 million, or 34 cents per share, a year ago. Revenue fell 23 percent, to $1.8 billion from $2.4 billion. 

Excluding one-time charges, Agilent said its operating loss was $109 million, or 24 cents a share. The average estimate from analysts was for a loss of 35 cents a share, according to Thomson Financial/First Call. 

Agilent said it was plagued by a combination of excess capacity and weak demand in the industries it serves. About half of the job cuts will come in manufacturing, Agilent executives said in a conference call. 

The company registered $1.3 billion in orders in the quarter, but about $240 million worth of orders were canceled. Even so, Barnholt said Agilent still generated positive cash flow and will be nearly debt-free by the end of this month. 

Barnholt also said revenue in the current quarter should be between $1.3 billion and $1.5 billion, with the company’s loss widening to between 50 cents and 70 per share, excluding charges. Analysts had been forecasting a loss of 17 cents per share, on revenue of almost $1.8 billion. 

 

Barnholt said the company appeared to be “bouncing along the bottom.” The mandatory 10 percent pay cut for Agilent’s remaining employees will end on Oct. 31. 

“We do believe the turnaround is going to come,” Barnholt added. “It’s just hard to tell when it’s going to happen.” 

Agilent shares fell 36 cents to $26.09 on the New York Stock Exchange before the earnings report. In extended trading, the stock fell $2.34, nearly 9 percent, to $23.75. 

In the first nine months of the year, Agilent earned $31 million, or 7 cents per share, on revenue of $6.7 billion. In the comparable period last year, the company earned $452 million, of $1 per share, on $6.3 billion in sales. 

——— 

On the Net: 

http://www.agilent.com 


Key economic indicators stable

The Associated Press
Tuesday August 21, 2001

NEW YORK — A key gauge of future U.S. economic activity crept higher for the fourth straight month in July, suggesting that some improvement may lie ahead for the economy. 

The New York-based Conference board said Monday that its Index of Leading Economic Indicators rose 0.3 percent to 109.9, the same amount it rose in June. 

Analysts had expected a 0.1 percent increase. 

“The signal from the ... index, in terms of its depth and breadth, is that economic conditions, sluggish through the entire first half of the year, could begin to make way for a better economy this fall,” Conference Board economist Kenneth Goldstein said. 

The index is closely watched because it indicates where the overall U.S. economy is headed in the next three to six months. It stood at 100 in 1996, its base year. The U.S. economy has been besieged over the past year by anemic corporate earnings, plunging stock prices, massive layoffs and a downward spiral in the manufacturing sector. 

In an effort to prevent the economy from slipping into a recession, the Federal Reserve slashed interest rates six times this year and was widely expected to make an additional quarter percentage point cut when it meets Tuesday. 

The central bank’s aggressive rate-cutting campaign and an improvement in consumer expectations were among the factors that helped push the index higher last month, analysts said. 

“That means the easing of monetary policy has saturated the economy with cash, which can be used as fuel for an economic rebound,” said Sung Won Sohn, chief economist at Wells Fargo & Co. in Minneapolis. 

Sohn also said he anticipates that the recent federal income tax rate cut and refunds will provide another boost to the economy. 

Consumer spending, which accounts for two-thirds of all economic activity, has managed to hold up well during the economic slowdown and is one of the forces that has prevented the economy from tipping into recession, economists say. 

The markets closed higher following the release of the report.  

The Conference Board said five of the 10 components that make up the leading indicators index improved last month: money supply, average weekly initial claims for unemployment insurance, interest rate spread, average weekly manufacturing hours and index of consumer expectations. 

The negative contributors to the index were stock prices, building permits and vendor performance. Other indicators held steady. 

The group’s index of coincident indicators, which measures current economic activity, edged up 0.1 percent in July to 116.3. The index of lagging indicators, which reflect changes that have already occurred, decreased 0.7 percent to 104.7. 

The Conference Board is a nonprofit research and business group with more than 2,700 corporate and other members around the world. 

On the Net: http://www.conferenceboard.org 


Companies could be forced to clean MTBE sites

The Associated Press
Tuesday August 21, 2001

A judge signed an agreement Monday forcing five major oil companies to clean up sites they own that have been contaminated with the gasoline additive MTBE, as part of a settlement with a San Francisco Bay area environmental group. 

Superior Court Judge Stuart Pollack’s signature made the settlement formal. 

“I think this is a very imaginative solution that has been proposed,” Pollack said. “In my view this is a very sensible approach that has been taken.” 

The group, Communities for a Better Environment, claimed the companies knew the chemical could leak into groundwater. CBE said the settlement will help protect the state’s groundwater by making the laws that require oil companies to clean up MTBE enforceable. 

The group sued Shell, Chevron, Texaco, Equilon Enterprises, Unocal, Arco, Tosco, Exxon and Mobil in 1998. The first  

five have settled, and are covered by  

Pollack’s order. 

“What Chevron has agreed to do is what it does as a matter of policy, which is to comply with governmental orders concerning the investigation and clean up of releases from service stations where it’s responsible,” said Robert Goodman, an attorney representing Chevron. 

Arco, Tosco, Exxon and Mobil are still in litigation. Exxon and Mobil have merged since the suit was filed. 

CBE said the companies violated the state’s Unfair Competition Act by using MTBE in such a way that it contaminated groundwater. The group sued under that act in 1998 because the chemical is not on a list for the state’s Safe Drinking Water & Toxic Enforcement Act, which would have allowed the state to force the companies to clean up their sites. 

“For the first time, this order puts teeth into the laws that are designed to clean up MTBE contamination,” said Richard Drury, CBE’s legal director. “As a result of today’s order, for the first time, there will be penalties, there will be consequences if a company fails to clean up the contamination that it caused.” 

Although Judge Pollack was pleased with the agreement, he expressed concerns about a dispute over the payment of CBE’s attorneys’ fees, saying it would be “very, very unfortunate” if litigation continued based on those fees. The settlement says CBE claims it has the right to recover such fees from settling and nonsettling defendants, but the defendants disagree. 

If a solution isn’t reached, the issue would come back before the judge. 

“The first thing CBE has to establish in this case before it can get any attorneys’ fees is that it was successful, and I think if you talk to these defendants most of them will not take the position that CBE has succeeded in any meaningful extent in this case,” said Lawrence Cox, attorney for Arco. 

Unocal is the only company that has agreed to pay the fees. 

Equilon is already involved in cleaning up MTBE, said Cameron Smyth, a spokesman for the company. 

“The stipulated judgment that we’ve agreed to simply allows us to continue to do the remediation we’ve done in the past and are currently doing,” he said. 

Officials at the other oil companies affected could not immediately be reached for comment. 

MTBE, or methyl tertiary butyl ether, is added to gasoline to reduce air pollution. The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced plans last year to ban the oxygenate after it was found to taint groundwater supplies in several states. Oil companies have until the end of 2002 to phase out MTBE. 

The settlement affects about 700 sites, and another 700 sites are still being contested. The estimated cost of the cleanup is between $150,000 to $275,000 a site, not including the cost of replacing the contaminated water. California is believed to have more than 10,000 contaminated sites, Larson said. 

According to a 1999 report by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, about 6,700 of those sites are within a half-mile of a drinking water well. 

Cleaning up MTBE also is difficult because it dissolves in water. In many cases, contaminated water and soil have to be removed, Larson said. 

——— 

On the Net: 

http://www.cbecal.org/ 


A bit of bayou in Berkeley

By John GeluardiDaily Planet staff
Monday August 20, 2001

Judging from the sounds of fiddles, accordions and washboards, Civic Center Park was temporarily transported to the prairies and bayous of southern Louisiana Saturday afternoon during the Ecology Center’s 12th annual Cajun Festival. 

Cajun fans, and the regular shoppers that the North Berkeley Farmer’s Market, sat on the grass sipping organic beer, snacking on seafood gumbo and crawfish etoufee while listening to the traditional Cajun music, which has its roots in French, Celtic, Native American and African American traditions. 

Others crowded onto a wooden dance floor in front of the bandstand and stomped out variations of the two-step to the lively and inviting music performed by Motor Dude Zydeco and the Creole Belles. 

Joe Shelton, fresh off the dance floor, said he tries to come to the festival every year.  

“I come for the music,” he said. “The dancing is fun because you can do pretty much what you want to so long as you stay within the beat.” 

For those who wanted some tips on the two-step, Cajun dance instructor Pattie Whitehurst played Zydeco CDs to


Calendar of Events & Activities

Monday August 20, 2001


Monday, Aug. 20

 

Ad Astrea Reading Series and Open Mic Night 

7 - 9 p.m. 

Spasso Coffee House 

6021 College Ave. 

Featured readers followed by open mic. Open to the public and free. 

428-1818 www.hitx.com 

 


Tuesday, Aug. 21

 

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 fears and phobias: getting and overcoming them. 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. 525-3565 

 

Free Early Music Group 

10 - 11:30 a.m. 

North Berkeley Senior Center 

1901 Hearst Ave. 

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

 

Berkeley Fibromyalgia  

Support Group 

12 - 2 p.m. every 3rd Tuesday 

Alta Bates Medical Center  

Maffly Auditorium - Herrick Campus, 2001 Dwight Way 

Rap session. 601-0550 www.arthritis.org 

 

Slide Show: Birds in the Garden 

1 p.m. 

North Berkeley Senior Center 

1901 Hearst Ave. 

A discussion follows. 644-6107 www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/hhs/commsvc/seniors.htm 

 


Wednesday, Aug. 22

 

Magic Mike 

Noon - 2 p.m. 

Lawrence Hall of Science 

UC Berkeley 

Part of the Lawrence Hall of Science Wednesday FUN-days. Bay Area favorite Magic Mike with theatrical illusions and electric comedy. Museum admission $3 - $7. 

642-5132 

 

Lecture on Parkinson’s Disease 

11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. 

Ashby Campus 

Conference Room 3 

2450 Ashby Ave. 

Learn about the latest treatments for Parkinson’s disease. Free and open to the public. 869-6737 

 


Thursday, Aug. 23

 

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 

 

New “Classroom Matters” Open House 

6 - 9 p.m. 

2512 9th St., Suite #3 

A Berkeley based educational center that provides tutors, mentors and support services, will hold an open house at their new location.  

540-8646 www.classroommatters.com  

 

Lecture-Program on the Armenian Opera “Arshak II” 

7:30 p.m. 

North Branch Berkeley Public Library 

1170 The Alameda 

Dr. Clifford Cranna will present a lecture-program on the world premiere of the Armenian opera Arshak II, the tale of Armenia’s fourth century warrior king. 649-3913 www.infopeople.org/bpl/ 

 

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: Holistic Health, Jan Stecher leads in Rosen Movement. 526-9146  

 


Friday, Aug. 24

 

Yiddish Conversation Group 

1 p.m. 

North Berkeley Senior Center 

1901 Hearst Ave. 

644-6107 www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/hhs/commsvc/seniors.htm 

 

Even Stronger Women 

1:15 p.m. - 3:15 p.m. 

North Berkeley Senior Center 

1901 Hearst Ave. 

Free weekly cultural discussion class. This week: Poetry. 549-1879 

 

Basic Electrical Theory and National Electrical Code 

7 - 10 p.m. 

Building Education Center 

812 Page St.  

Instructed by “Code Check” author/retired city of Oakland building inspector Redwood Kardon. $35. 525-7610 

 


Saturday, Aug. 25

 

The Pyramid Outdoor Cinema 

7 p.m. 

Pyramid Alehouse 

901 Gilman St. 

The Outdoor Cinema features cult classics projected on a large screen in the open-air brewery parking lot. This week, The Shining. Movies show every Saturday through Sept. 22. $5 donation. 206-682-8322 x237 www.pyramidbrew.com 

 

Copwatch: Know Your Rights Training 

11 a.m. - 2 p.m. 

Copwatch Office 

2022 Blake St. 

Learn what your rights are when dealing with the police. Learn how to monitor the police safely.  

548-0425 

 

Astrojax Playday 

1 - 4 p.m. 

Lawrence Hall of Science 

UC Berkeley 

Astrojax is part yo-yo, part juggling balls and a lasso. The inventor, theoretical physicist Larry Show, will give a demonstration and instruction. Museum admission $3 - $7. 642-5132 

 

Cerrito Creek Work Party 

10 a.m. 

Meet at Creekside Park (south end of Belmont Street), El Cerrito 

Join Friends of Five Creeks in removing brush to make a new trail along Cerrito Creek. Bring work gloves and clippers if you have them.  

848-9358, f5creeks@aol.com, www.fivecreeks.org. 

 

Travel Careers Class 

8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. 

Vista Community College 

2020 Milvia St. 

Vista’s annual one-day class for the public on careers in the travel industry. A full-day seminar. $5.50 981-2931 www.vistacollege.edu 

 


Sunday, Aug. 26

 

Healing 

6 p.m. 

Tibetan Nyingma Institute 

1815 Highland Place 

Sylvie Gretchen on “Healing Mind.” 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 

 

3rd Annual Berkeley World Music Festival 

noon - 6 p.m. 

Durant Ave., between Telegraph and Bowditch 

Carnival and block party festival with World Music bands, performers and dancers. 649-9500 www.taasite.org


Smoke detector laws can be deadly

Robert Hagedorn Berkeley
Monday August 20, 2001

The Daily Planet received this letter addressed to councilmember Maudelle Shirek: 

Dear Councilmember Shirek: 

 

I am writing to you about a life and death matter that applies directly to all residential tenants in Berkeley. The problem is Berkeley’s flawed smoke detector law as it pertains to property owners and their tenants. Recent legislation passed by the Berkeley City Council does little to address this problem. 

The smoke detector law is well intentioned, but incomplete. The law requires landlords to provide their tenants with functioning smoke detectors. So far, so good. Unfortunately, smoke detector batteries last anywhere from six months to two years, depending on several variables. When the battery discharges, the detector begins to emit an annoying chirp, signaling the need to replace the battery with a fresh one. Sometimes the detector itself needs to be replaced. Some tenants will replace the battery themselves, some ask the landlord to replace the battery, and some remove the battery and replace the detector on the wall or ceiling, where the smoke detector now becomes a piece of useless decorative plastic. Carbon monoxide detectors present the same problem. Tenants are often too busy to concern themselves with a smoke detector, thus inviting tragedy to strike. Multiple tenant apartment buildings containing common areas, locked attics, locked basements, and locked storage areas make the issue of individual tenant responsibility moot. Besides, the tenants do not own the building. 

The city ordinance which applies to smoke and carbon monoxide detectors needs to be modified so landlords will be required to replace the batteries at periodic intervals, perhaps once a year, and with alkaline batteries (the best). The landlord must also be required to test and replace the entire detector unit if it is not functioning properly. 

Thank you for your attention in this matter. 

 

Robert Hagedorn 

Berkeley 


Arts & Entertainment

Staff
Monday August 20, 2001

Ashkenaz Aug. 21: 9 p.m. Slavonkian Traveling Band. 8 p.m. dance lesson w/ Joyce Clyde. $10; Aug. 22: 9 p.m. Badenya Les Freres Coulibaly, $10; Aug. 23: 10 p.m. - 2 a.m. Dead DJ Night with Digital Dave. $5; Aug. 24: 9:30 p.m. Caribbean All Stars $11; Aug. 25: 9 p.m. California Brazil Camp Benefit, $10; Aug. 26: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m. Middle Eastern Dance Workshops with Ma Shuga Mira Murijan and Nanna Candeleria. $45. 8 p.m. Harmonia, $10; Aug. 28: 9 p.m. Gerard Landry and the Lariats, $8; Aug. 29: 8 p.m. Earl White Oldtime Band, Bluegrass Intentions, plus clogging lessons. $10, Kids under 12 Free; Aug. 30: 9 p.m. Samite, Forward Kwenda, $10; Aug. 31: 9:30 p.m. Wawa and the Oneness Kingdom, The Calypsonians, $10; 1317 San Pablo Ave. 525-5054 www.ashkenaz.com  

 

Eli’s Mile High Club Doors open at 8 p.m. Aug. 25: Carlos Zialcita; Every Friday, 10 p.m. - 2 a.m., Funky Fridays Conscious Dance Party with KPFA DJs Splif Skankin and Funky Man. $10; 3629 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Oakland. 655-6661 

 

JupiterAug. 21: Groove.org; Aug. 22: Stolen Bibles; Aug. 23: Beatdown w/ DJs Delon, Yamu, and Add1; Aug. 24: 5 Point Plan; Aug. 25: Mitch Marcus Quintet; Aug. 28: Big Lou and Polka Casserole; Aug. 29: Secession; Aug. 30: Beatdown with DJ’s Delon, Yamu and Add1; Aug. 31: Realistic CD Release Party; All music starts at 8:00 p.m. 843-7625 www.jupiterbeer.com  

 

La Peña Cultural Center Aug. 24: 8:30 p.m. Professor Terry’s Circus Band Extraordinary, $16; Aug. 25: 9:30 p.m., Edgardo Cambon’s Candela, $10, 8:15 p.m. Salsa dance class w/ Diego Vásquez, $13; In the Cafe, 3105 Shattuck Ave. 849-2568 

 

Indigo Event Center Aug. 25: 4:20 p.m. Musicians for Medical Marijuana Benefit concert. Sound Tribe Sector 9, Lost at Last, The Mermen, Ten Ton Chicken, Scott Huckabay, Strawberry Alarmclock, Buzzy Linhart, plus special guests, $25. 1988 Broadway at 19th, Oakland. 869-5391 www.m4mm.org  

 

Third Annual Berkeley World Music Festival Aug. 26: Noon - 6 p.m. Block party and carnival, Grupo Ilu Fun Fun, Petit La Croix, Samba Ngo, O-Maya, Fito Reinoso y Su Ritmo y Armonia. Durant Ave. between Telegraph Ave. and Bowditch. 

 

TUVA Space Aug. 25: 8 p.m. Vanessa Lowe and the Lowliflies, Ira Marlowe, Hoarhound. 3192 Adeline St. 655-9755 

 

 

“Frank Olivier’s Twisted Cabaret” Aug. 24 & 25, 8 p.m. Frank Olivier is joined by Uncle Paul Nathan and The Twisted Cabaret Band. All tickets $16. Julia Morgan Center for the Arts 2640 College Ave. 845-8542 www.juliamorgan.org 

 

“Loot” Through Aug. 25, Thursdays - Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sundays at 7 p.m. Special Performance Aug. 20, 8 p.m. General Admission: $15, Students / Seniors: $10. La Val’s 1834 Euclid Avenue 655-0813 

 

“Murder Dressed in Satin” by Victor Lawhorn, ongoing. A mystery-comedy dinner show at The Madison about a murder at the home of Satin Moray, a club owner and self-proclaimed socialite with a scarlet past. Dinner is included in the price of the theater ticket. $47.50 Lake Merritt Hotel, 1800 Madison St., Oakland. 239-2252 www.acteva.com/go/havefun 

 

“Reefer Madness” 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. 655-4150 

 

“Soul Harmony” Aug. 25: 5 - 7 p.m. A spirited one-woman show of history, culture, and entertainment. Written by Joy Holland, directed by Ava Coaxum. Presented at the Black Repertory Theater. 3201 Adeline St. $10 donation. 652-3399 

 

 

Pacific Film Archive Aug. 21: 7:30 p.m. The Direct Cinema Tradition; Aug. 22: 7:30 p.m. The Werewolf of Washington; Aug. 23: 7:30 p.m. Contempt; Aug. 24: 7 p.m. The Heart, 9:20 p.m. The Outcast; Aug. 25: 7 p.m. Moonfleet, 8:45 p.m. The Blue Gardenia; Aug. 26: 3 p.m. Duck Soup, 5:30 p.m. The Wanderers, 7:25 p.m. Dora-Heita; Aug. 28: 7:30 p.m. Doodling; Aug. 29: (free screenings) 7:30 p.m. The Horror of Party Beach, 9:15 p.m. The Crater Lake Monster; Aug. 31: 7 p.m. The Makioka Sisters, 9:35 p.m. A Woman’s Testament; Gen. Adm.. $7, The New PFA Theatre 2575 Bancroft Way 642-1412 

 

 

“BACA National Juried Exhibition: Works on Paper” Through Aug. 31: Wed. - Sun. Noon - 5 p.m. Berkeley Art Center 1275 Walnut St. 644-6893 

 

“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 Aug. 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 Aug. 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. Through 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. Atelier 9 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 

 

“Sistahs: Ethnographic Ceramics” Through Aug. 22, Reception July 29 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. Women’s Cancer Resource Center Gallery 3023 Shattuck Avenue 548-9286 ext. 307 

 

“Squared Triangle” Through Oct. 5. noon - 6 p.m. Reception for the artists, Aug. 18: 4 - 7 p.m. A minimal art exhibit featuring three Bay Area artists working in different mediums while achieving the same elegant simplicity. The Crucible, 1036 Ashby Ave. 843-5511 www.thecrucible.com


KPFA reaches out to disabled community

By Daniela Mohor Daily Planet Staff ff
Monday August 20, 2001

Members of the disabled community discussed ways to improve KPFA’s coverage of disability issues at a special meeting organized by the public radio station on Saturday afternoon. 

The meeting, which took place at the North Berkeley Senior Center, was the 10th of a series of gatherings designed to help KPFA’s first elected Local Advisory Board assess the needs of the community it serves. Unlike previous meetings, Saturday’s event was specifically designed to get input from the disabled community on the station’s programming. For Berkeley’s disabled people, this was the first opportunity in years to express their wish to hear specific issues that affect them on the radio. 

“Our stories, our struggles are not reported on mainstream media,” said Gerlinde Busch, one of the organizers, who is also blind. “These stories, like the inaccessibility of the built environment, are the stories of our daily life.” 

Like Busch, most of the approximately 50 people who attended – there were KPFA staff members with and without disabilities, Berkeley activists and disabled listeners from San Francisco – felt that KPFA gives little space in its programming to the challenges they face everyday. Unemployment, the need for affordable housing and health care, for instance, are critical issues they would like to be systematically covered. 

But more than anything, the attendees said they wanted KPFA to reflect the diversity of their community. 

“We are different, we are a diverse community and our issues are influenced by what else we are, if we are woman or man, our race and other things we are,” said Busch, during a short presentation on disabled issues. “There are many issues covering our own life experience.” 

One of the disabled community’s main concerns, some said, is to have the media include all kinds of disabilities in its coverage. While some disabilities are visible, others are not, they said. For those who suffer from emotional or mental disabilities, for instance, the struggle for their rights can be particularly hard. 

“All the listed issues around disability are great, but a lot of times there are other issues that are silent when it comes to people with psychiatric disabilities,” said Carol Patterson from the Independent Living resource center in San Francisco. “For a lot of us, the issue is having services available that we can access. People get turned away because their issues are not serious enough.”  

People with psychiatric disabilities, she added, must be suicidal or show they have a severe disability to be taken into consideration. 

Social exclusion was another issue raised at the meeting.  

To Bienestar Davis, a former teacher and social worker who recently lost her vision, there are still many prejudices against disabled people. Most of the time, she said, visually impaired people get jobs working with other blind individuals. Therefore, they do not manage to fully integrate into mainstream society. 

“Because we happen to be blind doesn’t mean that we have to work only with the blind,” she said. “The more we expose the whole society [to] who we are and what we do, the more we will be able to break down those barriers.” 

After receiving comments from the public, KPFA staff members submitted proposed solutions to the audience, who gathered in small discussion groups. 

Among other things, the station plans to initiate a weekly program that addresses disability and to insure that disability issues will be integrated into other general programs. KPFA also offered to train its staff members on disability awareness and to secure at least one candidate with disabilities for the next Local Advisory Board election in October. 

KPFA Community Needs Assessment Committee will hold another meeting next Saturday in Richmond. So far, the radio station has heard from communities in Petaluma, Sacramento and San Jose, among others. It has also sent letters asking for feedback on its programming to 23,000 listeners. At this time, the committee has received about 1,600 responses. The information gathered will create a report to be used for programming changes. There is currently no scheduled time frame for those changes.


Rhetoric can’t fully explain a complicated market

John Koenigshofer Berkeley
Monday August 20, 2001

Editor: 

 

Marion Syrek’s letter of 8/10 barely deserves to be dignified by a response. However, her misunderstanding is so profound it must be corrected. 

As is often the case, extremists and ideologues employ generalized and inflated rhetoric to make their uninformed case. Syrek suggests that all “stockholders, landlords and moneylenders” are “parasites” and will eventually be “driven out of the temple.” Using Biblical imagery she attempts to imbue her beliefs with higher authority and credibility. The trick fails. Anyone participating in the marketplace understands her erroneous and superficial assertions. 

First, when stockholders receive dividends they have earned it. Their labor, converted to money, converted to stocks is put to work to support/invest in companies. The dollars raised by the companies via stock sales is used for research, development and expansion (innovation and job creation). Often times stock investors, who risk their money, (which is the symbol of their labor) will lose money. When an investment goes well and dividends are paid they are compensated for the use (and risk) of their money. 

Money is the most abstract form of capital. Classically speaking, capital is anything that produces value. So, be it a tractor plowing fields or money invested to create a better tractor that plows fields more quickly, it is all capital at work. It is labor at varying degrees of abstraction. 

“Moneylenders” are no different. They earn and/or consolidate capital (money) organize and systemize its distribution and make it available, often to those with a good idea, vision or inspiration. In some cases these funds build homes, bridges or even laboratories where stock financed companies do research seeking a cure for AIDS or a thousand other diseases. Once again, capital in motion creates jobs and innovation. 

Landlords too earn what they are paid. Landlords often work(ed) at some trade, earn money and buy a building. That is, trade labor (symbolized by money) for a structure. The new the landlord might rebuild, improve, and expand that structure. Once it is rented the landlord pays taxes (into the public coffers) on the property and profit. The landlord also pays to insure, repair, manage and maintain the structure. It is not a passive process. It involves earning capital, investing it (risking it), working and creating a usable item/object or service which is provided in exchange for pay (rent). 

Like most knee-jerk leftisms Syrek prefers simplified and vilified interpretations of our profoundly complex and fluid system. She forgets that the market economy has doubled the average human life span and increased food production 50 fold in this century alone. This system has inspired the technology that allows us to circle the planet in a couple of days, visit grandma across the continent in mere hours and to instantly speak with someone on the opposite side of the Earth. The market economy encourages and facilitates our inquiry into the very nature and foundation of life as reflected in the mapping of the genome and other profound sciences. 

Syrek should consider housing (without hot water), communications (a phone in every fourth home), quality of food (no fresh vegetable in winter), water (often not potable) and medicine (hard to find) in Moscow in ‘980. Consider also the stagnation of Soviet science in the areas of transportation, computer technology and bio-genetic research. A non-market economy guarantees one thing, stagnation. 

Who are the “wealthy” Syrek refers to? The actor I know who has just received his “big break” after years of effort and on his way to Los Angeles to make big money? Or the long time poor painter who now garners $30,000 per painting after years of refinement and discipline? Is it the Vietnamese immigrant who arrives in the U.S. with no money and now employs a half dozen people in a gardening business, owns his own home and several apartment units? Perhaps it is the Russian immigrant I know who does hard physical labor, builds capital, develops credit, borrows money, buys houses, rebuilds them and sells them for a profit? Or maybe it is the person I know who invented Handi Wipes and made a fortune. Perhaps it is my cousin and her husband who are nurses and earn over $’70,000 per year. They have just returned from a 4 month trip to Asia and Europe. 

Simple stated market economy allows people to pursue and realize dreams. This is good for individuals and society. The creation and inspiration of the individual elevates and improves society. 

The view Syrek represents is less a political or economic one and more the sour grapes psychology of those who prefer complaint to creativity. I pity those who spend their time whining rather than inventing. The greatest thing an individual can do is transcend his/her circumstances and limitations. Such growth only occurs in the challenging and rewarding environment of a free market economy. The alternative is collective mediocrity under the parental control of lumbering bureaucratic states. 

I prefer the challenge. 

 

John Koenigshofer 

Berkeley 


Skaters get their power from the sun

By Jon MaysDaily Planet staff
Monday August 20, 2001

When Jonah Most told his mother that he was looking for something to do this summer, she suggested that he get a special project going – something like creating a solar-powered skateboard. 

So Most, 12, hooked up with Daniel Holtmann-Rice, 15, and Tom Burchill, 20, and got to work in June. The trio knew each other through skateboarding and building ramps in their quiet north Berkeley neighborhood. Burchill is a Volkswagen enthusiast who likes to rebuild engines and has a shed full of auto parts. In short, he’s a gearhead. Most characterized Holtmann-Rice as “the computer genius.” 

Now, two months later, they are putting together a three-person, six-foot-long skateboard that will be powered completely by the sun. 

“I never worked with electric motors before. I never worked with alternative transportation, especially a four-wheeled machine. So when [Most’s] mom popped the challenge, I was extremely excited,” Burchill said.  

The group hopes to have the skateboard – fashioned after the Maherajah-style board popular in the 70s – running in time for the Solano Stroll early next month and perfected in time for the “How Berkeley Can You Be?” parade in October. After that, Most said they may consider offering rides to people or create something more involved and interactive for the Earth Day festival. 

“We haven’t really decided what that will be. We’re open to suggestions,” Most said. “We want it to be a hands-on thing.” 

The skateboard is not yet tested or even completely constructed, but the group is confident it will work. By cannibalizing an axle and gear drive assembly from a push lawn mower and combining it with two 12-volt batteries, computer and motors from a recently donated electric wheelchair – the skateboard has enough juice to make it go.  

But the group wanted to make sure it would use renewable energy, so they are going to hook the batteries up to a backpack fitted with a two-foot by three-foot solar panel. The panel will trickle-charge the battery on sunny days. Although the wheelchair motors have the technology to turn, they want to use its energy for straight-away power and incorporate a skateboard’s natural foot-turning method. 

To accomplish that, they constructed a sandal on the top of the board that will turn a gear system below the board connected to four nine-and-a-half-inch wheels.  

They still haven’t figured out how exactly that will work and are experimenting with a fan belt from a tractor and grip tape from a skateboard.  

The wheelchair has motors powerful enough to travel about 10 mph while carrying a 300-pound person, but by reducing the gear ratio with smaller wheels, Holtmann-Rice said it will have enough torque to carry 350 pounds about seven mph. 

The group makes regular trips to the hardware store and spends quite a bit of time asking for grants and donations. Most said they have garnered the attention of city councilmembers Linda Maio and Miriam Hawley as well as Access Innovations of Hayward — the company that donated the wheelchair.  

City Councilmember Kriss Worthington is helping the trio get a solar panel — the most expensive component of their invention — donated.  

The sum total of their efforts adds up to about 20 to 25 hours a week.  

“It’s pretty much like a part-time job,” Burchill said.  

It’s fairly good practice though, since eventually Burchill said he would like to work as a solar systems installer. Next, they plan on reconstructing the donated wheelchair and donating to someone who needs it.  

“We want to give it back because it was given to us so easily,” he said.  

With less than a month before the Solano Stroll, the group is focusing on the task at hand.  

“It will be working by Sept. 9, we’re not so sure about the solar panel, but it’ll be moving,” Most said.  

And Most said it will definitely be ready to carry them the length of the Berkeley parade. 

“It’ll be regenerating itself throughout the parade,” he said. “Especially if it’s a nice day.” 

 

For more information on the project or to make donations, e-mail Most at solarboard@hotmail.com


Bush’s stem-call ‘compromise’ fails to satisfy either side

Dr. Max Alfert Professor of Biology, U.C. Berkeley
Monday August 20, 2001

Editor: 

 

The decision announced today by Mr. Bush on stem cell research is exactly the kind of “compromise” one should have expected: Neither fish nor fowl, it won’t satisfy the wishes of either party about this problem but will result in extra-windfall profits for some medical entrepreneurs at the expense of needy patients. 

The limited number of already existing stem cell lines is mostly in private hands under patents; any research findings that may be useful to combat various illnesses will be dispensed according to the rule of supply and demand to those willing and able to pay high prices for their treatment, whatever the market will bear. Mr. Bush has now sweetened the pot by throwing tax moneys at those entrepreneurs (as if they were oil companies?). For a long time the pharmaceutical industry has spent much more money on advertising than on research because it benefited from the results of medical research done through grants given by the Government to researchers at universities and in Government laboratories. The results of their efforts were then often turned over for exploitation to private business companies. This administration is just running true to form... 

 

Dr. Max Alfert 

Professor of Biology, U.C. Berkeley 


Using the tax break for something worthwhile

Kate S. Elman Emeryville
Monday August 20, 2001

The Daily Planet received this letter addressed to President Bush: 

Dear Mr. President: 

 

You have been criticized lately for some things you have done. This note is to praise, and to thank you for some things you have done exactly right! 

Such as the income tax rebate. My check arrived last week, and after a brief consultation with my conscience I donated it to the Planned Parenthood Association. As you may know, their mission is to provide women with information about and the opportunity to control the size of their families. 

Planned Parenthood is indeed a faith-based organization, which works for and believes in the day when all children are wanted and all families are a reasonable size. When that goal is reached, we will all be much closer to a world free of hunger and malnutrition, and the suffering which these conditions bring. 

Thus you are, of course, right in believing that people spend their money more wisely than do governments. 

Thank you again! 

 

Kate S. Elman 

Emeryville 


Blighted industrial sites home of new development

The Associated Press
Monday August 20, 2001

EMERYVILLE — Ten years ago, this sliver of a town was a blighted urban joke of the Bay Area, a smokestack hamlet that became an apparition of tattered warehouses and dead industrial buildings. Below ground was worse. 

The dirt held a devil’s cauldron of solvents, heavy metals and 55-gallon barrels of chemicals buried before World War II. 

“Arsenic, pesticides, petroleums. It had the works,” says Ignacio Dayrit, a City Hall redevelopment specialist. 

But today, experts call Emeryville a leader and national model in remaking industrial wastelands. 

Wherever you go in Emeryville, thanks to a prime location and the Bay Area’s 1990s high tech explosion, there are new lofts and apartments, hotels and entertainment centers on cleaned-up land. 

This success and others like it, including the California Speedway built over an extinct Kaiser Steel site in Fontana, are proving enviable. As suburban growth becomes constrained and people flock to central cities, municipalities and land developers view thousands of blighted acres as growth’s new frontier. Some estimate the state has 90,000 vacant sites behind barbed wire and chain link fences. 

Though states like Massachusetts, Michigan, Pennsylvania and New Jersey are considered trailblazers in brownfields development, California has more sites than any other state, says Stephanie Shakofsky, director of the California Center for Land Recycling. 

At the state Capitol, legislators are awakening to possibilities for these so called “brownfields.” 

Now beneath the Capitol dome, cities, environmentalists, lawyers, state agencies, developers and insurance companies are jostling over who will clean them up and to whose standards. 

One proposal symbolizes the struggle. A bill that would give cities new power to investigate vacant sites for possible contamination and force cleanups is being heard Tuesday by the Assembly Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Committee, which killed it last year and a competing bill this year. 

Author Sen. Martha Escutia, a Democrat who represents vacant industrial areas east of Los Angeles, wants to build central-city housing on the cleaned up sites. 

Escutia says California cities are up against thousands of land owners who prefer not to know what’s beneath their property. Many, fearing huge cleanup costs and liability, have simply fenced off their land. They neither sell nor develop. 

But other powerful interests have their own ideas. Environmentalists say Escutia’s approach is not strict enough and business says it’s too strict. 

Meanwhile, as debate continues in Sacramento, Emeryville is beginning its biggest brownfields project yet. Near the city’s IKEA furniture and home store, a developer is planning the Emeryville Town Center. The Main Street mix of condominiums, stores and entertainment occupies land that once housed a lime and sulfur plant, paint pigment manufacturer, trucking company and insecticide plant. 

Robert Doty, an attorney who guided Emeryville through the cleanup, calls this simple real estate economics.  

“Projects that were once thought of as ‘Oh God, don’t go there,’” he says, “are now being developed with some very nice features.” 


UC Berkeley extends public input on construction

Bay City News Service
Monday August 20, 2001

UC Berkeley has announced that it will extend its period for public comment on a draft document that details potential environmental impacts of proposed campus construction. 

The public now has until Aug. 30 to comment of the draft environmental impact report. 

The campus is proposing to replace Stanley Hall and Davis Hall with seismically adept structures to house the university's health science laboratories as well as the research facilities of the bioengineering and information technology departments. 

According the draft EIR, construction noise and the loss of tennis courts and a skateboarding area on Hearst Avenue are the significant, unavoidable impacts that will result if the university goes ahead with its bintentions. 

The university's proposal would convert the tennis court into parking spaces, something that some members of the community were concerned about during a public hearing held earlier this year. 

The university is considering relocating the courts, although it is not part of the current proposal. 

Community members were also concerned about parking availability and traffic congestion during construction. According to the EIR, while truck traffic will have an impact, trips could be scheduled to minimize the disturbance. 

The draft EIR also found that the project would raise the total number of developed acres on campus above that envisioned in the university's Long Range Development Plan, which addresses construction on campus from 1990 to 2005. In order to comply with the plan, the university would have to amend it. 

In addition to the creation of two new buildings, the proposed project calls for the seismic retrofit of three other buildings, and an extension to Soda Hall, the computer sciences building.


Davis renews hopes of saving Edison

By Karen Gaudette Associated Press Writer
Monday August 20, 2001

California governor wants to help power company avoid bankruptcy; some senators are unconvinced 

 

SAN FRANCISCO – Fresh from a summer break, lawmakers return to Sacramento on Monday to the unfinished business of how to prevent Southern California Edison from following the state’s largest utility into bankruptcy. 

Should Edison go down that road, ratepayers could face higher rates ordered by a bankruptcy judge to help pay the utility’s $3.3 billion debt, warned a group of utility, consumer advocacy and state representatives Sunday. 

Wall Street investors could doubt the state’s commitment to solving its energy problems and not buy enough bonds for California to recoup the billions it has spent buying electricity, they said. The state’s economy could flounder. 

The group, which included the general manager of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power and a representative of utility employees, urged lawmakers to pass one of many plans before the Legislature that would give Edison just under $3 billion to climb out of debt. 

“The alternative to getting Edison restored to stability is bankruptcy, and that’s ultimately bad for California,” said Hilary McLean, a spokeswoman for Gov. Gray Davis. Bankruptcy, McLean said, would leave many of the utility’s financial decisions up to the court, and lessen the state’s influence. 

Not all lawmakers think bankruptcy is the worst outcome. 

Sen. Debra Bowen, D-Marina del Rey and head of the Senate Energy Committee, has said it’s not clear there’s anything the state can gain by negotiating with one utility while the other is in bankruptcy. 

Pacific Gas and Electric Co. filed for federal bankruptcy protection April 6 and has continued paying county taxes, past-due bills to independent energy producers and still keeps the lights on with help from the state. 

However, legal experts predict the case — which involves more than 50,000 creditors and billions of dollars — could take years to resolve. Though U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Dennis Montali has said he won’t touch electric rates, raising them is an option at his disposal to ensure the utility has enough money to pay back its debts. 

Just how Edison should be saved, and whether it’s necessary, have been subjects of debate since the start of the year, when the financially troubled utility’s credit rating plummeted and it lost its ability to buy electricity for its own customers. 

The state has spent more than $9.6 billion buying electricity for Edison customers, as well as those of PG&E and San Diego Gas and Electric Co. since January. 

To get that money back, it needs to float some $12.5 billion in bonds. To do that, it needs to convince Wall Street investors that enough money is flowing into the state from ratepayers to keep the state funded. 

The upcoming week should tell much about how the state plans to meet its energy needs and solve existing funding and supply predicaments: 

— State power regulators meet Thursday in San Francisco, and are scheduled to decide whether SDG&E customers will see higher electric rates to help the utility cover its energy-buying losses. 

The Public Utilities Commission also will decide whether electricity customers in California can continue to choose who delivers their electricity the same way they pick a long distance phone service. 

And, it will decide whether to allow the water department to receive rate increases without public review — a dramatic loss of PUC authority which for perhaps the first time has brought together consumer advocates, utilities and the state’s major industry and trade groups in opposition to an energy-related issue. 

— The state’s Public Power Authority — charged with building power plants if private investment doesn’t build enough to comfortably meet California’s energy needs — meets for the first time Friday. 

It is yet unclear whether the agency also eventually will take over the Department of Water Resources’ power-buying duties, or work with the manager of the state’s power grid to schedule sufficient amounts of electricity to keep rolling blackouts from returning to the Golden State.


State power traders to be pulled from control room

The Associated Press
Monday August 20, 2001

LOS ANGELES – The agency that buys and sells electricity on behalf of the California government will pull traders from a power grid control room. 

Six buyers from the state Department of Water Resources will be removed from the Folsom control room of the California Independent System Operator by Sept. 1, said Pete Garris, who oversees state power purchases. 

The water department is the largest buyer of electricity in the West. 

Cal-ISO, which runs California’s power transmission system, is supposed to be independent of any party involved in the state’s electricity market. 

But there is an increasing chorus of concern about its impartiality, especially since Gov. Gray Davis was allowed to appoint the agency’s board members under emergency measures approved amid blackouts earlier this year. 

Davis appointees also head the water department, which has been buying billions of dollars worth of electricity for debt-ridden private utilities during the power crunch. The state spent more than $909 million on power in July alone. 

The Cal-ISO control room holds secret bid information and other sensitive market data. State officials have said the access is crucial to ensuring a decent power supply. But power industry executives and lawmakers say the setup has given the state an unfair advantage over private firms.


When things go wrong, companies often re-install retired CEOs

By Linda A. Johnson AP Business Writer
Monday August 20, 2001

TRENTON, N.J. – When the European Union blocked Honeywell Inc.’s merger with General Electric last month, throwing Honeywell in limbo, its board of directors knew they needed a new leader fast to reassure skittish shareholders and stabilize the company. 

They didn’t look far. 

The board had already been courting retired chief executive Lawrence Bossidy. Within hours of the EU’s announcement, CEO Michael Bonsignore was out and Bossidy was back at the helm of the Morris Township automotive and aircraft equipment maker. 

With so many other companies laying off workers amid a slumping economy, falling sales, missed earnings targets and plunging stock prices, a number of major corporations have tried Honeywell’s strategy, bringing back a respected leader from retirement. 

“I think we started really seeing it about a year ago,” said John Brandt, editorial director of Chief Executive magazine. “I call them re-CEOs.” 

Companies that have reappointed a retired chief executive, at least temporarily, amid a leadership crisis include such household names as Xerox, Campbell Soup and computer makers Apple and Gateway. 

In Cupertino, Apple Computer co-founder Steve Jobs left the company in 1985 but returned as an adviser in 1996. The following summer, the board removed CEO Gil Amelio after several years of losses and named the charismatic Jobs interim CEO. 

In January 2000, after slashing costs, introducing popular new computers such as the iMac, returning Apple to profitability and sending its stock shares soaring, Jobs reassured Mac enthusiasts by dropping the “interim” from his title. 

Sometimes the executive’s chair is barely cold when company directors call. 

At San Diego-based Gateway Inc., founder and chief executive Ted Waitt left in January 2000. A sales slump and layoffs led the personal computer maker’s board this January to announce Waitt was returning as CEO; the news sent Gateway’s shares up nearly 15 percent. 

Others include telecommunications giant Lucent Technologies, chemical maker Hercules Inc., financial-software company Intuit and the nation’s largest for-profit hospital chain, HCA. Contact lens maker Bausch & Lomb last month rehired its previous CEO as chairman, and fiber-optics maker Corning Inc. did the same thing in June. 

“I think there’s generally acclaim from the shareholders when they bring back these legendary CEOs,” Brandt said. “They tend to be someone who had a run of anywhere from 5 to 10 to 20 years and really established a role of dominance and leadership.” 

One reason for the trend is that corporate boards often must give the outgoing CEO a golden parachute worth tens of millions of dollars, said Yale Tauber, senior executive compensation consultant at William M. Mercer consultants. 

If no internal candidate is ready to take over, the board likely would have to pay millions more to lure a CEO away from another company — to make up for unvested stock options and other perks the executive would lose by changing jobs. 

“So who better but to take the CEO whom I know and like, at least for the time being?” Tauber said. 

That person might already be drawing a pension, and thus less likely to demand big bucks. 

“I do expect more (of this) because we have much more shareholder activity, much more media coverage and boards are much more sensitive to their responsibilities,” Tauber said. 

Honeywell’s board saw plenty of appeal in Bossidy, who delivered 31 straight quarters of earnings growth and increased productivity while CEO of Morristown-based AlliedSignal from 1991 through April 2000. Bossidy engineered the December 1999 merger of that company with Minneapolis-based Honeywell, then stepped aside a few months later. 

While GE appeals the European Union’s ruling, Bossidy must review Honeywell’s options, continue integrating all the Honeywell and AlliedSignal businesses and boost falling operating margins. 

At Lucent Technologies in Murray Hill, Henry Schacht, the first CEO of the AT&T spinoff, remained at the helm until October 1997. He was a consultant to the once high-flying maker of telecommunications equipment until February 1999. 

Under successor Richard McGinn, Lucent stumbled repeatedly, misreading industry trends, missing earnings targets and even restating previously reported earnings. Schacht was brought back in October 2000. He’s since cut tens of thousands of jobs and started a restructuring and cost-cutting plan that even eliminates free coffee for employees. 

Sometimes, a CEO’s reincarnation is brief, with a carefully chosen successor soon in place. 

At Campbell Soup Co. in Camden, CEO Dale F. Morrison resigned suddenly in March 2000, after a year of disappointing earnings and a difficult restructuring. Directors at the world’s biggest soup maker promptly brought back David W. Johnson, the CEO who tripled the company’s market value from 1990 through 1997. 

Johnson beefed up marketing and instituted a “back to basics” plan focusing on soup rather than other food products. He retired again in January, when the board installed veteran food company executive Douglas R. Conant. 

Occasionally the CEO reincarnation is a personal mission. 

“Often the CEO will come back because he’s or she’s been with the company a long time, built it all up and as a matter of pride doesn’t want to see it destroyed,” Tauber said.


When things go wrong, companies often re-install retired CEOs

By Linda A. JohnsonAP Business Writer
Monday August 20, 2001

TRENTON, N.J. – When the European Union blocked Honeywell Inc.’s merger with General Electric last month, throwing Honeywell in limbo, its board of directors knew they needed a new leader fast to reassure skittish shareholders and stabilize the company. 

They didn’t look far. 

The board had already been courting retired chief executive Lawrence Bossidy. Within hours of the EU’s announcement, CEO Michael Bonsignore was out and Bossidy was back at the helm of the Morris Township automotive and aircraft equipment maker. 

With so many other companies laying off workers amid a slumping economy, falling sales, missed earnings targets and plunging stock prices, a number of major corporations have tried Honeywell’s strategy, bringing back a respected leader from retirement. 

“I think we started really seeing it about a year ago,” said John Brandt, editorial director of Chief Executive magazine. “I call them re-CEOs.” 

Companies that have reappointed a retired chief executive, at least temporarily, amid a leadership crisis include such household names as Xerox, Campbell Soup and computer makers Apple and Gateway. 

In Cupertino, Apple Computer co-founder Steve Jobs left the company in 1985 but returned as an adviser in 1996. The following summer, the board removed CEO Gil Amelio after several years of losses and named the charismatic Jobs interim CEO. 

In January 2000, after slashing costs, introducing popular new computers such as the iMac, returning Apple to profitability and sending its stock shares soaring, Jobs reassured Mac enthusiasts by dropping the “interim” from his title. 

Sometimes the executive’s chair is barely cold when company directors call. 

At San Diego-based Gateway Inc., founder and chief executive Ted Waitt left in January 2000. A sales slump and layoffs led the personal computer maker’s board this January to announce Waitt was returning as CEO; the news sent Gateway’s shares up nearly 15 percent. 

Others include telecommunications giant Lucent Technologies, chemical maker Hercules Inc., financial-software company Intuit and the nation’s largest for-profit hospital chain, HCA. Contact lens maker Bausch & Lomb last month rehired its previous CEO as chairman, and fiber-optics maker Corning Inc. did the same thing in June. 

“I think there’s generally acclaim from the shareholders when they bring back these legendary CEOs,” Brandt said. “They tend to be someone who had a run of anywhere from 5 to 10 to 20 years and really established a role of dominance and leadership.” 

One reason for the trend is that corporate boards often must give the outgoing CEO a golden parachute worth tens of millions of dollars, said Yale Tauber, senior executive compensation consultant at William M. Mercer consultants. 

If no internal candidate is ready to take over, the board likely would have to pay millions more to lure a CEO away from another company — to make up for unvested stock options and other perks the executive would lose by changing jobs. 

“So who better but to take the CEO whom I know and like, at least for the time being?” Tauber said. 

That person might already be drawing a pension, and thus less likely to demand big bucks. 

“I do expect more (of this) because we have much more shareholder activity, much more media coverage and boards are much more sensitive to their responsibilities,” Tauber said. 

Honeywell’s board saw plenty of appeal in Bossidy, who delivered 31 straight quarters of earnings growth and increased productivity while CEO of Morristown-based AlliedSignal from 1991 through April 2000. Bossidy engineered the December 1999 merger of that company with Minneapolis-based Honeywell, then stepped aside a few months later. 

While GE appeals the European Union’s ruling, Bossidy must review Honeywell’s options, continue integrating all the Honeywell and AlliedSignal businesses and boost falling operating margins. 

At Lucent Technologies in Murray Hill, Henry Schacht, the first CEO of the AT&T spinoff, remained at the helm until October 1997. He was a consultant to the once high-flying maker of telecommunications equipment until February 1999. 

Under successor Richard McGinn, Lucent stumbled repeatedly, misreading industry trends, missing earnings targets and even restating previously reported earnings. Schacht was brought back in October 2000. He’s since cut tens of thousands of jobs and started a restructuring and cost-cutting plan that even eliminates free coffee for employees. 

Sometimes, a CEO’s reincarnation is brief, with a carefully chosen successor soon in place. 

At Campbell Soup Co. in Camden, CEO Dale F. Morrison resigned suddenly in March 2000, after a year of disappointing earnings and a difficult restructuring. Directors at the world’s biggest soup maker promptly brought back David W. Johnson, the CEO who tripled the company’s market value from 1990 through 1997. 

Johnson beefed up marketing and instituted a “back to basics” plan focusing on soup rather than other food products. He retired again in January, when the board installed veteran food company executive Douglas R. Conant. 

Occasionally the CEO reincarnation is a personal mission. 

“Often the CEO will come back because he’s or she’s been with the company a long time, built it all up and as a matter of pride doesn’t want to see it destroyed,” Tauber said.


Ford says ignition design safe, but lawsuits allege 11 deaths

By David Kravets Associated Press Writer
Monday August 20, 2001

SAN FRANCISCO – While Ford Motor Co. maintains that alleged defects in its ignition system in 20 million cars don’t cause stalling or endanger passengers, a series of lawsuits nationwide blame stalling in various models for crashes in which at least 11 people died and 31 were injured. 

Also, internal Ford memos indicate the company was concerned that the ignition design could make engines stall — resulting in “rapid catastrophic failure” — at high temperatures. 

Most of the records examined by The Associated Press were produced by Ford as part of a California class-action suit. The lawsuit accuses the company of using a stall-prone ignition system in some models between 1983 to 1995, in part to save $2 per car in manufacturing costs. 

The judge overseeing the lawsuit has said Ford knew its design was defective and concealed the problem from federal regulators. 

Ford maintains there is no defect or safety issue, and says that cars can stall for any number of reasons. However, it is negotiating a settlement to the class-action suit that plaintiffs lawyers say could cost the company between $750 million and $1 billion. 

Alameda County Judge Michael Ballachey could rule as early as Monday on the proposal that would involve, among other things, reimbursing Ford owners nationwide who paid for ignition repairs. 

In the first detailed analysis of deaths and injuries blamed on stalling in Fords with the ignition devices, the AP examined 802 lawsuits filed in courthouses across the nation. Most were settled out of court with no acknowledgment of liability. 

The AP excluded all accidents that did not clearly involve stalling engines, as well as cases that involved other factors, such as reckless driving. Remaining were 23 accidents from Connecticut to California, among them four fatal crashes that left 11 dead. 

Some consumer advocates see shades here of the Ford Pinto debacle of the 1970s, in which 27 people died from exploding gas tanks in rear-end collisions. Ford recalled the Pinto after wrongful death lawsuits brought intense media scrutiny. 

“What is quite clear in both instances, with the Pinto and ignition switches, you had a horrendous safety defect that was costing lives, and in both instances Ford knew about it and did nothing,” said Clarence Ditlow, who heads the Center For Auto Safety in Washington, D.C. 

Ford representatives would not comment in detail about the internal memos and the lawsuits alleging stalling caused deaths and injuries. The Dearborn, Mich., automaker maintains its ignition modules are safe, citing repeated government investigations that resulted in no recalls. 

“There’s never been any proof of failure of this component,” Ford attorney Richard Warmer said, a position Ford has held since the first stalling complaints surfaced in the 1980s. 

“We stand behind our products,” company spokeswoman Kathleen Vokes added in response to this story. She declined to comment in more detail, citing a gag order in the class-action case. 

No court other than Ballachey’s has found the devices defective. Ford’s settlements customarily prohibit injured parties from disclosing the amounts paid or releasing evidence. 

The proposed settlement in the class-action involves compensation for repairs and has no legal impact on the settled individual lawsuits involving deaths and injuries blamed on stalling Ford vehicles. 

The lawsuits the AP reviewed describe Ford engines stalling in fast-food driveways, on railroad tracks and on highways — all without warning. Some stalled as soon as new owners left the dealers’ lots. Several of the suits describe repeated vehicle repairs, some to the point of replacing the engine. 

When an engine stalls, power steering and brakes become less responsive, and vehicles unexpectedly lose speed. Some drivers were able to safely pull over. Others were rear-ended, blindsided or lost all control. 

On April 15, 1990, when Asali Johnson of San Jose was 19, she and seven friends crowded into a 1990 Mercury Sable on a trip to Reno. The car stalled in the Sierra Nevada foothills and lost control, flying several hundred feet down a wooded embankment. 

Three of her friends died and four others were injured. Johnson, now a quadriplegic, settled with Ford for $12,500. 

Johnson said there are days when she can speak of the accident, and others when her memories are too traumatic. 

“Blood has a smell to it. Sometimes you can talk about it and sometimes you cannot,” Johnson said. “It’s sort of obvious to me that Ford doesn’t care about its customers.” 

The ignition device, known as a thick film ignition switch, or TFI module, regulates electric current to the spark plugs. In 29 models made between 1983 and 1995, the module was mounted on the distributor, near the engine block. 

According to internal company records, Ford moved the modules there to increase fuel efficiency and save manufacturing costs. In a Sept. 11, 1981 “program alert” Ford sent to engineers and managers, the company said the move would save $1.50 to $2 per vehicle. 

Another company document indicates the automaker had evidence that placing the module on the distributor could cause sudden engine failure. 

On May 4, 1988, Ford sent a “component maximum temperature chart” to its engineers that listed the optimum temperature exposure of the TFI module at 220 degrees, and warned of dire consequences at temperatures exceeding 257 degrees. 

“The peak temperatures listed are the absolute maximums at which the devices should operate,” the memo reads, adding, “Excursions beyond peak can result in rapid catastrophic failure.” 

Ford’s own testing showed engines exceeded the 257-degree peak, according to numerous company documents. Ford projected the repair cost at $146 per module, but still it denies any defect. 

“We don’t think there’s anything that needs to be replaced. Our ignition system is as good as anybody’s,” Ford attorney Warren Platt said in a recent interview. 

The company maintains that any problems with the modules were resolved when it recalled about 1 million of the devices in some 1984 and 1985 vehicles whose engines tended to run hotter than other models. Ford cited “unexpected warranty claims” as the reason for that voluntary recall. 

Jeff Fazio, the lawyer suing Ford in the California class action, declined to comment because of the gag order. “These parts are defective and they know it,” Fazio has said in earlier interviews. 

Judge Ballachey said Ford was living in an “Alice in Wonderland” dream for calling its vehicles safe, and said the company deceived federal regulators by concealing evidence that the ignition modules were prone to fail at high temperatures. 

Four investigations by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found no safety problems related to the ignition switches. However, a key NHTSA official involved in these probes now says Ford withheld documents regulators should have seen before deciding against a wider or involuntary recall. 

“It is likely we would not have closed the case,” said Michael B. Brownlee, the former director of the NHTSA’s defects investigative arm. 

Nelda Rohling said a faulty ignition module cost her father his life in 1993. 

Rohling was in the back seat of her family’s 1989 Ford Tempo as they ran errands near Lubbock, Texas, when the engine suddenly died. 

“We started to cross the highway at a stop sign and the car dies,” said Rohling, who recalled that the vehicle had a history of stalling. “Dad’s jiggling, jiggling to get the car on. We were looking at this car coming down on us.” 

The impact killed Martin Allen, and severely injured Rohling and her mother, Margaret Allen. Ford settled their lawsuit for an undisclosed sum without admitting liability. 

Some individual lawsuits are still headed for trial. 

Six Tulare County, Calif., people and an unborn child were killed when their 1991 Tempo allegedly stalled and swerved into an irrigation canal in 1998. That car also had a history of stalling, according to their survivors’ attorney, Benjamin Schonbrun of Venice, Calif. 

“We believe a jury will find that a TFI module stalling was the cause of this accident,” Schonbrun said. 

One Ford owner says he walked away from a vehicle that he called a “death trap” after too many close calls. 

Gilbert Shaw of Blue Anchor, N.J., said his 1987 Ford Aerostar repeatedly stalled but the dealer could not find the problem. Tired of the headaches and near-death experiences, Shaw said he quit making payments to Ford and the company repossessed the minivan. 

“We had almost been killed three different times in three different states,” Shaw said.


Crucible fires burn for those practicing, learning metal arts

By Erika Kelly Daily Planet correspondent
Saturday August 18, 2001

The Crucible’s barren Ashby street facade belies the fires burning inside the brick warehouse.  

Yet a planned mural depicting orange flames and metal machinery, and a towering neon sign, will soon offer a glimpse of the fire arts – welding, metal casting and jewelry design, among others – that are practiced there. 

The mural, designed by local artist M.S. Hove, is expected to get under way this month and will further establish the Crucible’s presence in the community, said Crucible founder Michael Sturtz. 

Sturtz, a sculptor and teacher, launched the Crucible in 1999 in a quest to bring the art and industry of metal work together in one place. 

Beginning with a $1,700 grant from Levi Strauss and Co., the facility has grown from 6,000 to 17,000 feet in less than three years. A team of artists and craftspeople now offer  

hundreds of classes a year and complete  

commissioned metal works for clients throughout the Bay Area. The city has given the Crucible a grant of $42,000 for its vocational education efforts. 

“This place is very much connected to the real world,” said Sturtz. “This place is very accessible. We’re promoting creativity on a bunch of levels. Not everyone is going to become a metal sculptor.” 

A recent peak inside the Crucible revealed a lively hive of artists, students and craftspeople working in a variety of metal media. Jewelry students manipulated tiny pieces of copper and silver, while a group of women welded a car sculpture destined for the Burning Man festival, near Gerlach, Nevada. 

Another group of students crafted wax molds that will eventually be cast in iron. Aryana Gauder, a young artist, worked intently on her giant wax cockroach, every tiny hair and tentacle lovingly carved. 

“Michael (Sturtz), on the first night, was saying these things are going to be around a lot longer than we are, so I thought – cockroaches,” Gauder said, explaining the inspiration for her sculpture of the famously indestructible insect.  

Jim Wilson carved a dog-shaped urn to hold the ashes of his late golden retriever, Otis. 

“Right now he’s sitting in a box on the mantle, and I decided he deserved something better than a box,” said Wilson. 

The molds will serve as foundations for ceramic casts, which in turn will be filled with molten iron. To melt the iron, the class will fire up the cupola, a giant metal furnace.  

Lighting the cupola is a day-long event that Crucible staff say should not be missed. Forced air and a steady diet of iron and coke, or coal waste, feeds the furnace, which emits a volcanic flame from the top opening and a river of molten iron from a hole at the bottom. Students and staff stand by to catch the flowing metal and pour it into their molds. 

“If you like fire, it’s one of the most intense experiences you can have,” said teacher Nick Diphillipo, grinning widely. “You’re very involved with it. You’re not a spectator; you’re dancing with it.” 

The allure of playing with fire and the earth’s other elements has drawn a diverse group of people to the Crucible. 

“We attract a lot of people who are in the midst of changing their lives in some way,” said Sturtz. 

David Sands, a career electrical engineer, became a Crucible student and volunteer after he quit his job with a Santa Clara start-up that hadn’t paid him in six months. 

Searching for his dream job, he began creating metal elements for interior and exterior designs, including the new San Francisco restaurant Maurice. 

“Hopefully it will make me rich and famous, or just rich. Or just famous,” Sands said about his new career. 

He volunteers his electrical engineering skills at the Crucible, and in return finds inspiration for his own work. 

“All of the people I’ve met here are quality. They’re craftspeople, they’re not just artists. Every time I come here I see someone doing something amazing that makes me say, ‘Oh my god, I want to learn how to do that,’” said Sands. 

In addition to teaching, Crucible artists also take on manufacturing and sculpture jobs. They were responsible for the bronze plaque commemorating Barry Bonds’ 500th home run, which was recently installed at Pacific Bell Park. The Bonds plaque, which is detailed down to the ball player’s famous earring, was a challenge, admitted sculptor Alex Smith. One of the legs cracked, and attempts to fix it left the illusion that Bonds was wearing a garter belt. Smith amputated the leg and added a new one, leaving no sign of the metallic lingerie. 

Lucky Thomas, who interns with shop manager and artist Mark Metz in return for class time, has been inspired by his experiences. 

“It’s one of a kind. It’s a resource that we don’t have around here. This could be a startup for other people to look at.” 


Calendar of Events & Activities

Saturday August 18, 2001


Saturday, Aug. 18

 

Berkeley Farmers’ Market 

10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. 

Center Street @ Martin Luther King Jr. Way 

12th Annual Cajun & More Festival. Live music by: Motor Dude Zydeco, Johnny Harper’s Carnival, Creole Belles, Sauce Picuante. Food, crafts fair, micro-breweries, and free Cajun dance lessons with Pattie Whitehurst. Free event open to the public. 548-3333 www.ecologycenter.org 

 

The Pyramid Outdoor Cinema 

7 p.m. 

Pyramid Alehouse 

901 Gilman St. 

The Outdoor Cinema features cult classics projected on a large screen in the open-air brewery parking lot. This week, Grease. Movies show every Saturday through Sept. 22. $5 donation. 206-682-8322 x237 www.pyramidbrew.com 

 

KPFA Meeting for the Disabled Community 

1 - 4 p.m. 

North Berkeley Senior Center 

1901 Hearst Ave. 

A community meeting with KPFA’s Listener Advisory Board to voice concerns regarding the station’s coverage of disability issues. 707-795-2890 

 


Sunday, Aug. 19

 

Hands-On Bicycle  

Repair Clinics  

11 a.m. - Noon  

Recreational Equipment, Inc.  

1338 San Pablo Ave.  

Learn how to fix a flat from one of REI’s bike technicians. All you need to bring is your bike. Tools are provided. Free 527-4140 

 

Tibetan Culture 

6 p.m. 

Tibetan Nyingma Institute 

1815 Highland Place 

Stephanie Hoffman on “Preserving the Tibetan Literary Heritage.” 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. This Sunday is International Family Day. 654-6346 www.westberkeley.com 

 

Opus Q Auditions 

4 - 6 p.m. 

The University Lutheran Chapel 

2425 College Ave. 

Opus Q - The East Bay Men’s Chorale is preparing for its first full season. Gay men and their allies are invited to audition for the world’s newest GALA ensemble. 664-0260 www.opus-q.com 

 

The Bungalow - Tradition and Transformation 

10 a.m. - 1 p.m. 

Building Education Center 

812 Page St.  

Instructed by architect/contractor Barry Wagner. $35. 525-7610 


Monday, Aug. 20

 

Ad Astrea Reading Series and Open Mic Night 

7 - 9 p.m. 

Spasso Coffee House 

6021 College Ave. 

Featured readers followed by open mic. Open to the public and free. 

428-1818 www.hitx.com 


Tuesday, Aug. 21

 

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 fears and phobias: getting and overcoming them. 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. 525-3565 

 

Free Early Music Group 

10 - 11:30 a.m. 

North Berkeley Senior Center 

1901 Hearst Ave. 

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

 

Berkeley Fibromyalgia Support Group 

12 - 2 p.m. every 3rd Tuesday 

Alta Bates Medical Center  

Maffly Auditorium - Herrick Campus 

2001 Dwight Way 

Rap session. 601-0550 www.arthritis.org 

 

Slide Show: Birds in the Garden 

1 p.m. 

North Berkeley Senior Center 

1901 Hearst Ave. 

A discussion follows. 644-6107 www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/hhs/commsvc/seniors.htm 


Wednesday, Aug. 22

 

Magic Mike 

Noon - 2 p.m. 

Lawrence Hall of Science 

UC Berkeley 

Part of the Lawrence Hall of Science Wednesday FUN-days. Bay Area favorite Magic Mike with theatrical illusions and electric comedy. Museum admission $3 - $7. 642-5132 

Lecture on Parkinson’s Disease 

11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. 

Ashby Campus 

Conference Room 3 

2450 Ashby Ave. 

Learn about the latest treatments for Parkinson’s disease. Free and open to the public. 869-6737 


Thursday, Aug. 23

 

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 

— compiled by Guy Poole 

 

New “Classroom Matters” Open House 

6 - 9 p.m. 

2512 9th St., Suite #3 

A Berkeley based educational center that provides tutors, mentors and support services, will hold an open house at their new location.  

540-8646 www.classroommatters.com  

 

Lecture-Program on the Armenian Opera “Arshak II” 

7:30 p.m. 

North Branch Berkeley Public Library 

1170 The Alameda 

Dr. Clifford Cranna will present a lecture-program on the world premiere of the Armenian opera Arshak II, the tale of Armenia’s fourth century warrior king. 649-3913 www.infopeople.org/bpl/ 

 

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: Holistic Health, Jan Stecher leads in Rosen Movement. 526-9146  


Community fights back and protests Maio’s firing of popular disability commissioner

By Miya Rodolfo-Sioson chair, Commission on Disability
Saturday August 18, 2001

Craig’s removal unjust 

 

The Commission on Disability lost its most active member and strongest advocate on Aug. 6 when City Councilmember Linda Maio removed Karen Craig from her position on that commission. As chair of the COD and a member of the disability community, I am upset not only by the loss of a valuable Commissioner, but also by the manner in which she was dismissed. Karen’s removal is also related to unjust accusations made by Maio and Councilmember Dona Spring about the Commission as a whole. 

Karen’s work on the COD has been tireless. Through her leadership of the Outreach Subcommittee, the downtown Starbucks and numerous local banks have installed access modifications including accessible counters and automatic door openers. She has continuously fought to improve the accessibility of AC Transit buses and to remove obstacles from sidewalks and stores. She recently succeeded in getting disability advocates and organizers of the Berkeley Free Folk Festival together to discuss access improvements at the event. Karen helped create the City’s safety light program for pedestrians and bicyclists, and “parking warning” flyers for cars blocking sidewalks and curbcuts. She has been the COD’s liaison to the Library, I-80 Overpass and Warm Pool committees, Public Works and Police Review Commissions, and Transportation Commission Traffic Calming Subcommittee. Finally, she was a core organizer of the historic Measure E campaign. 

Despite four and a half years of dedicated service, Karen has been abruptly dismissed, ostensibly over one issue – her outspoken criticism of Easy Does It, the current contractor for the City’s Emergency Services Program for the Severely Disabled. Maio never expressed to Karen concern regarding her behavior before this summer. It appears her dismissal has little to do with Maio’s sudden attention to this matter, but is instead primarily a political favor to Spring, who has tried to discredit Karen as well as the entire Commission. 

According to an Aug. 6 letter Maio wrote to Karen, Spring convinced Maio that “contention” supposedly created by the COD’s objection to a particular EDI policy “has caused capable people to leave EDI”. The Commission believes that this policy – -of using Measure E funds to buy equipment for individual clients – is inappropriate and may violate the ordinance. The COD cannot be held responsible for staff resignations because it opposes a policy. 

At the Dec. 9, 2000 City Council meeting, Spring fumed that the COD “has always been very critical of EDI” and that she did not “expect that (the Commission is) going to approve any money for EDI.” The August 10 Daily Planet article quotes Spring as criticizing Karen for wanting to “micromanage” EDI and for creating “an unresolvable conflict”. 

It is unjust to accuse Karen and the Commission of trying to interfere with EDI operations. The COD’s recommendations regarding EDI are valid, and many of them are echoed in two city-sponsored evaluations of the agency. Commissioners do not criticize to promote conflict, but to improve service. The fact that our opinions differ from those of Spring or EDI should be taken at face value and not misinterpreted as an effort to impede or do harm. 

Although contact between the Commission and EDI was previously very tense, a working relationship has developed in recent months. The COD approves of EDI’s recent attempts to dispatch in-house, pre-schedule calls and experiment with case management. Karen, Commissioner Marissa Shaw and I have met with EDI staff twice since April to discuss different ways of addressing service problems. While we did not resolve the difficult issues, we did explore common ground. The Commission also supported EDI’s funding request in January and did not oppose the funding it solicited last month. 

Despite Spring’s accusations, recent interactions between the COD and EDI demonstrate that our differences are not unresolvable. Discrediting the Commission and dismissing Karen from it may bolster Spring’s political influence, but it does nothing to improve relations in the disability community. Karen, the Commission and the community deserve better than such realpolitik. 

 


Slamming fits lifestyle for one poet

Marc Polonsky Daily Planet correspondent
Saturday August 18, 2001

Kenny Mostern’s committed to writing poems about every day issues. 

“There are tons of slam poems about instant attraction, tons of erotic poems about this or that kind of sex,” the veteran slam poet says, “but you’d be hard pressed to find many about staying in a relationship for 12 or 15 or 20 years.” 

This is not to say that Mostern, who has been doing slam poetry since 1996, shuns erotica. In one of his own signature pieces, “Feminists Are Sexy!” he combines flamboyant sexual celebration with modern identity politics.  

A New York native, Mostern got his doctorate in ethnic studies at UC Berkeley in 1995, and then went off to teach English at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, where he became “the cool young leftie professor,” published a book about African-American autobiographies, and immersed himself in an intense study of literary theory. He discovered slam poetry “accidentally” in 1996, when he attended the southeast regional poetry slam finals. He “fell in love with it “ and also saw it as “a great excuse to organize Knoxville’s first and only multiracial arts event” – a highly successful and well-attended poetry slam.  

Mostern was 29 years old at the time and though he had been writing fiction since his childhood, he had never been a performer. “Slam really fit a lot of my political and personal needs at that moment in time,” he says. Slam also briefly made Mostern into a more prominent figure in Knoxville; he was profiled in the cover story of the weekly entertainment paper.  

Mostern was drawn back to Berkeley, however, both because “the Bay Area pushes me and challenges me,” and because his wife Ruth was still here, finishing her doctorate in Chinese history. On leave from the University of Tennessee in the spring last year, he won enough local slams to qualify as a finalist for the 2000 Berkeley/San Francisco nationals team. Last January, he left his professorship in Knoxville and rejoined his wife – his sweetheart of 16 years – once and for all. Mostern, 33, is concerned that the local slam scene is overly youth-centered and he points out that “Slam’s roots are not in a youth movement. Marc Smith, who started slam in Chicago, was in his late 30s or early 40s. I would like to see younger poets think in terms of long-term agendas, and what it means to build communities that are going to last and grow. There’s this notion that people who think in more institutional or intellectual terms are no longer cutting edge, that when you get older you don’t learn or cross boundaries as much.” 

Mostern sees slam as “a means to a variety of other things. I’m interested in new kinds of venues that will maintain the emotional impact of slam, and the intense emphasis on dynamic performance that slam provides.  

He organized a prototype event in June, “Poetry of the Political Imagination,” which took place at the Stork Club in Oakland, and drew 75 paying customers on a Monday evening, and featured nine of the Bay Area’s premier slam poets. One of Mostern’s main themes is work. “I have a tremendous commitment to poems about work, poems about labor. We spend huge amounts of time doing boring-ass shit because we need to get paid and eat. It’s incredibly boring, but that’s the whole point that, to me, is connected with doing political poems about big structures, like the economy. Now, I’m also committed to the centrality of race and gender in all political discussion, but more important to me than the immediate emotional impact of separate events is, how can we understand the big structures that affect race and gender and class?” He chuckles. “Obviously, I’m the only person around who’d write a poem about the language of the NAFTA treaty.” 

We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all currencies are created equal, that they are endowed by their federal reserve bank with certain unalienable Rights, that among them are liquidity, frictionlessness, and the pursuit of the highest profit margin. 

Mostern seems bemused by his own strong academic credentials. “I’m from a working class background and neither of my parents went to college. I’m an unusual person to have a Ph.D. But I’m not antagonistic to theory; I’m interested in what Marx and Freud have to do with my work.” When suggested that his poetry might be described as primarily “sociological,” he grinned and said, “I’m completely comfortable with that word. Many artists tend to believe that they are either absolutely original and channeling only themselves, or that they are channeling the gods somehow. But I’m very aware that I am doing neither of those things. I am channeling my society.” Kenny Mostern has three poetry chapbooks and a CD for sale, which are available at Diesel Books at 5833 College Ave. He can be reached at KennyM@poetryslam.com 

 

Marc Polonsky is the author of The Poetry Reader’s Toolkit and can be reached at marcwordsmith@sfo.com


Arts

Saturday August 18, 2001

924 Gilman St. Music at 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Aug. 18: Dr. Know, The Sick, Society of Friends, Manchurian Candidates, Shut the F*ck Up; $5. 924 Gilman St. 525-9926. 

 

Ashkenaz Aug. 18: 9:30 p.m. Zydeco Flames. 8 p.m. dance lesson w/ Cheryl McBride. $11. Aug. 19: 8 p.m. Open Stage w/ Koko De La Isla, Ernesto Hernandaz, Jeff Hawkins. $8; Aug. 21: 9 p.m. Slavonkian Traveling Band. 8 p.m. dance lesson w/ Joyce Clyde. $10; Aug. 22: 9 p.m. Badenya Les Freres Coulibaly, $10; Aug. 23: 10 p.m. - 2 a.m. Dead DJ Night with Digital Dave. $5; Aug. 24: 9:30 p.m. Caribbean All Stars $11; Aug. 25: 9 p.m. California Brazil Camp Benefit, $10; Aug. 26: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m. Middle Eastern Dance Workshops with Ma Shuga Mira Murijan and Nanna Candeleria. $45. 8 p.m. Harmonia, $10; Aug. 28: 9 p.m. Gerard Landry and the Lariats, $8; Aug. 29: 8 p.m. Earl White Oldtime Band, Bluegrass Intentions, plus clogging lessons. $10, Kids under 12 Free; Aug. 30: 9 p.m. Samite, Forward Kwenda, $10; Aug. 31: 9:30 p.m. Wawa and the Oneness Kingdom, The Calypsonians, $10; 1317 San Pablo Ave. 525-5054 www.ashkenaz.com  

 

Eli’s Mile High Club Doors open at 8 p.m. Aug. 18: Craig Horton /CD Release; Aug. 25: Carlos Zialcita; Every Friday, 10 p.m. - 2 a.m., Funky Fridays Conscious Dance Party with KPFA DJs Splif Skankin and Funky Man. $10; 3629 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Oakland. 655-6661 

 

Freight & Salvage Coffee House Aug. 18: Mighty Prince Singers, Talk of Da Town, $17.50; Aug. 19: John Fahey Tribute Concert, $19.50; All shows 8 p.m. 1111 Addison St. 548-1761 www.freightandsalvage.org 

 

Jupiter Aug. 18: Blue & Tan; Aug. 21: Groove.org; Aug. 22: Stolen Bibles; Aug. 23: Beatdown w/ DJs Delon, Yamu, and Add1; Aug. 24: 5 Point Plan; Aug. 25: Mitch Marcus Quintet; Aug. 28: Big Lou and Polka Casserole; Aug. 29: Secession; Aug. 30: Beatdown with DJ’s Delon, Yamu and Add1; Aug. 31: Realistic CD Release Party; All music starts at 8:00 p.m. 843-7625 www.jupiterbeer.com  

 

La Note/Jazzschool Aug. 19: 4:30 p.m. Hazel Carter, 5:30 p.m. Bryan Girard & Friends, 6:30 p.m. T3 (Kirk Tamura Trio); Free. 2377 Shattuck Ave. 845-5373  

 

La Peña Cultural Center Aug. 18: 8:30 p.m. Mission (roots hip hop), $8; Aug. 19: 3:30 p.m. Domingo de Rumba; Aug. 24: 8:30 p.m. Professor Terry’s Circus Band Extraordinary, $16; Aug. 25: 9:30 p.m., Edgardo Cambon’s Candela, $10, 8:15 p.m. Salsa dance class w/ Diego Vásquez, $13; In the Cafe, 3105 Shattuck Ave. 849-2568 

 

ACME Observatory Aug. 19: 8 p.m. Solo performance by Jason Kahn, Brown Bunny Ensemble. $9.99 suggested donation. TUVA Space, 3192 Adeline @ MLK Jr. Way. 649-8744 http://sfSound.org/acme.html 

 

Indigo Event Center Aug. 25: 4:20 p.m. Musicians for Medical Marijuana Benefit concert. Sound Tribe Sector 9, Lost at Last, The Mermen, Ten Ton Chicken, Scott Huckabay, Strawberry Alarmclock, Buzzy Linhart, plus special guests, $25. 1988 Broadway at 19th, Oakland. 869-5391 www.m4mm.org  

 

Third annual Berkeley World Music Festival Aug. 26: Noon - 6 p.m. Block party and carnival, Grupo Ilu Fun Fun, Petit La Croix, Samba Ngo, O-Maya, Fito Reinoso y Su Ritmo y Armonia. Durant Ave. between Telegraph Ave. and Bowditch. 

 

TUVA Space Aug. 25: 8 p.m. Vanessa Lowe and the Lowliflies, Ira Marlowe, Hoarhound. 3192 Adeline St. 655-9755 

 

 

“Frank Olivier’s Twisted Cabaret” Aug. 24 & 25, 8 p.m. Frank Olivier is joined by Uncle Paul Nathan and The Twisted Cabaret Band. All tickets $16. Julia Morgan Center for the Arts 2640 College Ave. 845-8542 www.juliamorgan.org 

 

“Loot” Through Aug. 25, Thursdays - Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sundays at 7 p.m. Special Performance Aug. 20, 8 p.m. General Admission: $15, Students / Seniors: $10. La Val’s 1834 Euclid Avenue 655-0813 

 

“Murder Dressed in Satin” by Victor Lawhorn, ongoing. A mystery-comedy dinner show at The Madison about a murder at the home of Satin Moray, a club owner and self-proclaimed socialite with a scarlet past. Dinner is included in the price of the theater ticket. $47.50 Lake Merritt Hotel, 1800 Madison St., Oakland. 239-2252 www.acteva.com/go/havefun 

 

“Reefer Madness” 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. La Pena Cultural Center 3105 Shattuck Avenue. Wednesdays are “pay what you can,” Thursdays $5 - $10. 655-4150 

 

“Soul Harmony” Aug. 25: 5 - 7 p.m. A spirited one-woman show of history, culture, and entertainment. Written by Joy Holland, directed by Ava Coaxum. Presented at the Black Repertory Theater. 3201 Adeline St. $10 donation. 652-3399 

Pacific Film Archive Aug. 18: 7 p.m. Ministry of Fear, 8:45 p.m. House by the River; Aug. 19: 3 p.m. National Velvet, 5:30 p.m. I Am Two, 7:15 I Am a Cat; Aug. 21: 7:30 p.m. The Direct Cinema Tradition; Aug. 22: 7:30 p.m. The Werewolf of Washington; Aug. 23: 7:30 p.m. Contempt; Aug. 24: 7 p.m. The Heart, 9:20 p.m. The Outcast; Aug. 25: 7 p.m. Moonfleet, 8:45 p.m. The Blue Gardenia; Aug. 26: 3 p.m. Duck Soup, 5:30 p.m. The Wanderers, 7:25 p.m. Dora-Heita; Aug. 28: 7:30 p.m. Doodling; Aug. 29: (free screenings) 7:30 p.m. The Horror of Party Beach, 9:15 p.m. The Crater Lake Monster; Aug. 31: 7 p.m. The Makioka Sisters, 9:35 p.m. A Woman’s Testament; Gen. Adm.. $7, The New PFA Theatre 2575 Bancroft Way 642-1412 

 

“BACA National Juried Exhibition: Works on Paper” Through Aug. 31: Wed. - Sun. Noon - 5 p.m. Berkeley Art Center 1275 Walnut St. 644-6893 

 

“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 Aug. 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 Aug. 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. Through 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. Atelier 9 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 Political Art of: Diego Marcial Rios” Through Sept. 20, Addison Street Window Gallery, 2018 Addison St. hdrios@msn.com 

 

“Sistahs: Ethnographic Ceramics” Through Aug. 22, Reception July 29 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. Women’s Cancer Resource Center Gallery 3023 Shattuck Avenue 548-9286 ext. 307 

 

“Squared Triangle” Through Oct. 5. noon - 6 p.m. Reception for the artists, Aug. 18: 4 - 7 p.m. A minimal art exhibit featuring three Bay Area artists working in different mediums while achieving the same elegant simplicity. The Crucible, 1036 Ashby Ave. 843-5511 www.thecrucible.com 

 

“Ten Years Here” Exhibit celebrating the 10 year anniversary of Turn of the Century Fine Arts. Through Sept. 14, Sat & Sun 1-5 p.m. Reception Aug. 4 2:00 - 7:00 p.m. 2510 San Pablo Avenue 849-0950 

 

 

Readings 

 

Boadecia’s Books Aug. 18: “Hell on Heels” tour with Daphne Gottlieb and Thea Hillman; Aug. 24: Andrea Gabbard discusses “Girl in the Curl: A Century of Women’s Surfing”; Aug. 25: Ann Bannon reads from her lesbian pulp classic “Beebo Brinker.” All events start at 7:30 p.m. and are free. 398 Colusa Avenue 559-9184 www.bookpride.com 

 

Black Oak Books Aug. 19: “Wildest Alaska: Journeys of Great Peril in Lituya Bay” by Philip L. Fradkin; Aug. 21: June Jordan’s memoir “Soldier: A Poet’s Childhood”; Aug. 22: Ruth Daigon’s “Payday at the Triangle”; Aug. 23: Phil Cousineau’s “Once and Future Myths: The Power of Ancient Stories in Modern Times”; Aug. 27: Catherine Brady, Jean Herlund, Frances Payne Adler, and Marianne Villanueva and others to celebrate CALYX Book’s 25th Anniversary, “Cracking the Earth”; Aug. 28: Kent Nerburn reads from “Road Angels: Searching for Home on America’s Coast of Dreams”; Aug. 29: Sylvia Brownrigg reads from her new novel, “Pages For You”; All shows at 7:30 p.m. free of charge. 1491 Shattuck Avenue 486-0698 

 

Café de la Paz Poetry Nitro performance showcase with open mike. Aug. 20: Avotcja; 6:30 p.m. signup, 7 - 9 p.m. reading. 1600 Shattuck Ave. 843-0662 

 

Cody’s Books - Poetry Flash Aug. 22: Trane Devore and Shauna Hannibal; Aug. 29: The New Now Millennium Anthology Reading with Editor H. D. Moe; All are a $2 donation. Readings at 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted. 2454 Telegraph Ave. 845-0837 

 

Coffee Mill Poetry Series Aug. 21: Featured Readers: Victoria Joyce and Theresa Bamberger; Both 7-9 p.m. Free. 3363 Grand Ave., Oakland for info. 465-3935 or 526-5985, or Email: ksdgk@earthlink.net 

 

“Coffee Break Readings and Refreshments” Aug. 18, 4 to 5:15 p.m. Oakland Public Library-Rockridge Branch. Open-mic poems, monologues and dramatic scenes, presented by Opera Piccola. For ages 10 and up. 5366 College Ave. Free. 238-3134 ww.oaklandlibrary.org 

 

Spasso 7-9 p.m. Aug. 20 Arthur Weil, Reflections of the Moment, Poetry is for Sissies; Aug. 27 Kira Allen; Sept. 3 Theme: dignity of labor; Sept. 10 Sharron Jones-Reid, Fruit of the Spirit Poets, Acoustic Musicians, Comedians, Rappers, Performance Artists, Writers All Welcome is located at 6021 College Ave. Free admission. 

 

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. It will reopen in early 2002. On View until Oct. 1 : “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  

 

Oakland Museum of California, A Legacy of Early California Paintings: The Shumate Collection, through Aug. 19; Every Worker is an Organizer: Farm Labor and the Resurgence of the United Farm Workers, through Aug. 26; Made in Oakland: The Furniture of Garry Knox Bennett, through Sept. 2; After the Storm: Bob Walker and the Art of Environmental Photography, through Sept. 16; Half Past Autumn: The Art of Gordon Parks, through Sept. 23; Rustler Ranch Mastodon Project, through June 30, 2002; Wednesday - Saturday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sunday, noon - 5 p.m., Closed Monday and Tuesday. $6 general; $4 youths (6-17), seniors and students with ID. Free for Museum members and children 5 and under. Free admission the second Sunday of the month. 10th & Oak Streets, Oakland. 238-2200 www.museum.org 

 

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

 

Send arts events two weeks in advance to Calendar@berkeleydailyplanet.net, 2076 University, Berkeley 94704 or fax to 841-5694. 

 

 


Rock climbing novices celebrate achievements

By Kenyatte Davis Daily Planet staff
Saturday August 18, 2001

The youth from the Cal Adventures rock climbing camp celebrated five days of hard work Friday by picnicking with their families and camp advisors in the shadows of Pinnacle Rock at Remillard Park, at Keeler Avenue and Poppy Lane in the north Berkeley hills. 

After a week spent learning rock-climbing techniques and a morning spent climbing up and repelling down the 30-foot Pinnacle, the 10 to 13 year olds were happy to feast with their instructors, parents and fellow students; but most were even more enthusiastic about getting back on the rock after lunch. 

“I love climbing because it’s a great challenge,” said 13-year-old Nora Somogy. “Making it to the top feels really good, especially after you’ve worked so hard to get there.” 

The camp has been running in weekly sessions since June 18 and has taught 8 to 15 year olds techniques in climbing, bouldering (climbing small rocks more quickly without ropes), repelling and belaying (supporting a climber from the ground with a rope to prevent injuries). 

Nick Buchanon, head guide for Youth Rock, has been working with the campers all summer.  

“I like this camp because it’s a great way to introduce kids to a sport that requires a professional introduction to,” he said. “It also gives them a new appreciation for their city, this is a side of Berkeley a lot of people never get to see.” 

Each session begins with a Monday introductory class at the climbing wall at UC Berkeley, and is followed by visits to three other rock sites during the week. 

The $135 camp lasts three hours each day for a week, with sessions in the morning and the afternoon.  

Each session has space for 12 students, and all sessions, except for this week, have been full. No space is available for next week’s camp. 

For many students the camp is the first exposure to rock climbing, and it seems to leave a good impression on many of the young minds. 

“My cousin recommended it to me,” said 10-year-old Nicole Tomita. “I came last year too. I love the climbing part, but everything about the camp is really great.” 

Although rock climbing has been classified as an inherently dangerous sport, the camp supervisors did a great job watching over their young students and only one person (a clumsy reporter) suffered even a minor injury. However, one student did have some good advice for any prospective rock climbers: 

“Don’t get rope burn,” said Somogy, “because it hurts!”


District may lag in testing for play structure arsenic

By Daniela Mohor Daily Planet staff
Saturday August 18, 2001

Despite a nationwide controversy surrounding the safety of arsenic-treated wooden play structures,the Berkeley Unified School District has not taken any steps to reassure concerned parents. 

According to a national study released by two environmental groups last May, exposure to equipment made of wood and treated with a preservative made of chromium, copper and arsenic (CCA) can lead to serious diseases, including cancer, heart problems, and diabetes. 

After the report was released, the city and at least one independent school  

took measures to make sure that the children using their playgrounds were not exposed to such hazards. The district was not as quick to react. No test has been done yet to determine whether its wooden play structures contain arsenic, and the  

issue does not seem to have been  

thoroughly discussed. 

Board of Education Director John Selawsky said that at the board’s meeting on July 5, members were told that the district’s wooden playground equipment was not treated with CCA. 

“We were informed that apparently there was no arsenic in the structures,” he said. Selawsky, however also said he had not seen any document corroborating that. 

Other school board members were not available for comment Friday. 

Gene Le Sevre, the BUSD director of plant operations, said that an October 2000 report on the district’s playground safety had not visually identified the presence of arsenic. He also acknowledged that neither the structures nor the soil had been tested in a laboratory to determine whether they were contaminated with arsenic. 

But the district, he said, will soon address the issue. The October 2000 playground safety audit, Le Sevre said, is part of a plan to refurbish play structures. The district hired a consultant to identify unsafe conditions and make recommendations based on the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission guidelines for public playgrounds.  

Although it did not include laboratory tests, the audit led to the allocation of money that could be partly used for that purpose, according to Le Sevre. “We identified the problems, we got the money approved, now we have to develop a plan to implement the corrections and that’s going to happen next month,” he said. 

The budget approved for the implementation of this safety plan is $400, 000. A breakdown of the budget is not available yet, Le Sevre said. 

Superintendent Michele Barraza Lawrence could not confirm, Friday, whether part of that district money will be used for testing the structures for arsenic. 

Only half a dozen of the district’s more than 60 playgrounds are made of wood, but a number of people involved in environmental issues have expressed their determination to see all risks of exposure disappear. 

“The city sealed all the wooden structures and took samples of the soil,” said Nabil Al-Hadithy, the manager of the city’s Toxics Management Division. “I very much doubt that the BUSD has done that. It would be nice if they had at least sealed the wood in compliance with the (California Department of Health Services codes).“ 

The Community Environmental Advisory Commission, on the other hand, will soon bring to the City Council a recommendation that asks it to address, among other things, the problem of Berkeley’s non city-owned playgrounds. That includes private and public schools. 


Craig one of best advocates for disabled

Philip Martin Chavez Berkeley Philip Martin Chavez Berkeley
Saturday August 18, 2001

The Daily Planet received this letter addressed to Councilmember Linda Maio: 

 

I’m writing to you to express my outrage regarding the dismissal of Karen Craig from the Commission On Disability. Karen is and has been one of best advocates for people with disabilities in the City of Berkeley for a long time now.  

Her numerous accomplishments are almost of legendary status.  

She has shown time and time again that she is willing to go that extra distance to accomplish our goals related to making this City as accessible and disability aware as any city in the world.  

She is a tireless worker who does way more than her share of the load required of Commission members. It would be impossible to replace someone of her status and devotion. I would strongly urge you to reconsider your action. 

It’s painfully obvious that this decision didn’t come directly from you, but originated from Councilmember Dona Spring. Ms. Spring does not represent, or ever will represent all the people with disabilities in the City of Berkeley.  

It’s extremely distressing to see that other councilmembers constantly look to Ms. Spring as the voice of the disabled citizens of Berkeley.  

Frankly, I rarely agree with her political views when it comes to disability issues, and I know I’m not alone in that regard. The City Council should look to its appointed Commission on Disability.  

That’s where and why Ms. Spring sees Karen as a threat as she (Ms. Craig) is seen as a Disability leader. I honestly thought you were above this type of political maneuvering but obviously I’m either wrong or you really were unaware of the motivating factors behind Ms. Spring’s request to have Karen removed from the Commission.  

It is well known that Councilmember Spring and Karen Craig don’t see eye to eye on many issues but this is no reason to have her dismissed in this unjust manner. 

By Ms. Spring and yourself unfairly using the “Easy Does It issue” as the reason negates all of Ms. Craig’s other accomplishments. I also believe that Karen was making good headway with Easy Does It in recent months. I believe you have been sorely misled by Scott Luebking who does not represent anyone but himself.  

I would be more than happy to discuss this issue with you further. I once again would like to strongly urge you to reconsider your decision and have Ms. Craig reinstated. 

 

Philip Martin Chavez 

Berkeley 


Vigil strives to honor those who have died

By Judith Scherr Daily Planet staff
Saturday August 18, 2001

Some die on the streets, some in crack houses, some with a bullet to their heads. Their deaths might get a quick mention on the back pages of a newspaper. The stories of their lives, however – even at their funerals – are overshadowed with the dark clouds that surrounds what bluesman Masallah calls the “dubious circumstances” of their deaths. 

Still. These were flesh and blood people who were loved and may have contributed to their communities during much of their lives. 

“A person is a person – he’s still a human being,” said Tyrone Bailey, whose idea it was to hold a memorial at San Pablo Park on Friday. “We need to look at them, see what they’ve done positively. 

“It’s time to put aside the shame.” 

Bailey, better known as Mr. “T”, owns a limousine service and said he has brought many people to funerals over the years and seen in certain situations that “people are not really able to say their good-byes.” 

This then was that opportunity. 

Stanley Cotton was among those remembered with the lighting of a candle on Friday. “He’d police the street along Martin Luther King from Stuart to Adeline Street,” Bailey said. He would allow no one into the area selling drugs. “He kept the neighborhood safe.” 

And Jimmy Carter was first a merchant seaman, then he worked in anesthesiology. “Look at all the people he saved before he fell down on his knees,” Bailey said. 

Then there was Greg Lomac. Without his brother Bobby knowing it, he helped support him financially so that he could pursue his dream of becoming a musician, Masallah said. 

The group of some 30 people that gathered at San Pablo Park in southwest Berkeley knows what it’s like to be down. Most of them are clients at the Drop In Center on Adeline Street, which co-sponsored the event with Bailey. Many of them are homeless, substance abusers, and down and out. They came to pay tribute to friends and family who had died over the last year. 

“These are our loved ones. They passed on,” said Elder Timothy Fortt of the Ephesian Church of God in Christ, calling on the living to make better lives for themselves, to “leave a (proud) memorial.”  

Elder Fortt spoke to the gathering about getting beyond their problems – drugs, alcohol, criminal activities. 

He wasn’t looking down on those struggling with various problems. He had been among them – homeless, in and out of the penitentiary, a dope fiend, a thief. 

“There is a way out,” said the robust man, dressed in black ministerial clothes. “I cried out to God with a needle in my arm, sitting in a shooting gallery.” 

And then made his way back. 

There’s not just one path out, it happens differently for different people, he said. But it does happen. “We can have an up day.” 

And they did, eating barbecue, listening to Masallah’s blues and telling stories of those they will remember for a long time. 


Removed commissioner caring, dedicated

Peni Hall Berkeley
Saturday August 18, 2001

Editor: 

I admit I am not seeped in the intricacies of Berkeley politics. But the firing of a dedicated and caring member of the Commission on Disabilities, Karen Craig shocked and saddened me.  

I know the Easy Does It issue was difficult and divisive. I think lots of folks were mad. I was. Some people were obviously mad at Karen, so much so that an entire body of work that made life easier, safer and generally better for disabled,seniors and others was completely ignored. 

I was involved in the recent meeting between all the folks involved with the Berkeley Free Folk Festival. In a room full of divided and frustrated people,she facilitated a fair and constructive meeting. I think everyone learned something.  

I don’t know if this regrettable action is a done deal. I hope not. The firing happened immediately before the long vacation of the City Council. How courageous. 

When the City Council starts in September, I hope there will be a reconsideration.  

 

Peni Hall 

Berkeley


Students weave Web sites, careers

By John Geluardi Daily Planet staff
Saturday August 18, 2001

Switching speaking personas between streetwise youth, motivational speaker and drill sergeant, Jessy Gonzalez captivated the attention of 28 high school students on the last day of a summer computer course. 

“When people say ‘hard work,’ we don’t want you to take one step back, we want you to step forward and I mean two steps forward,” he said to the students. 

Gonzalez, a technical trainer with Street Tech, a nonprofit computer training and job placement agency, was one of a variety of speakers who addressed the students during the intensive two-week course organized by the nonprofit Berkeley Foundation for Opportunities in Information Technology. The course is free and takes place in a computer lab and classrooms donated by the UC Berkeley. 

BFOIT was founded in 1998 and was formed to address the lack of racial, ethnic and gender diversity in the information technology departments in California colleges. 

“Our goal is to get the kids on a University Campus to demystify it, increase their self-confidence and give them some technology skills,” said BFOIT Executive Director Jesse Reynolds. 

Reynolds said the students are recruited from high schools all over the Bay Area and that some of them took the bus or BART from as far away as Danville each morning of the course.  

On Friday, the last day of the course, the students presented the web sites they had made on an overhead projector. The subject matter on the web sites included things that most teenagers are interested in, Berkeley High School senior Jasmine Jackson created a page with photos of her favorite movie stars, Derrick Estrada put together a visual homage to his favorite players on the Los Angeles Lakers and Mark Edmunds proudly presented family photos and another section with photos of “tight cars.” 

Jackson, who said she planned to take computer classes at Berkeley High School in the fall, said she enjoyed the summer course. “I had to think in a different way,” she said. “On some of the projects we worked on, like the flow charts we created, I had to step back and ask myself, ‘how do I make this work?’” 

Constance Conner, a computer and information science instructor at City College of San Francisco, told the students that is was important for women to pursue a degree in information technology. “In 1998 women made up only 18 percent of graduates with a degree in computer science,” she said. “If you remember anything, remember that the four-year degree is like gold.” 

Conner, who was the last scheduled guest speaker, said she was pleased to see the gender make up of the summer course, which was over 50 percent girls. 

The web sites were the culmination of two weeks of intensive study beginning at 9 a.m. and going until 4:30 p.m. On most days, the students spent their lunch hour listening to talks from prominent people in education and the information technology field. 

The speakers included Vice President Wendy Jeansonne, of Oracle Corporation’s Product Internationalization division, Dan Garcia a computer science lecturer from UC Berkeley and Barbara Simons, visiting Stanford computer science professor. 

BFOIT is sponsored by a variety of tech companies including Sun Microsystems, Microsoft and Oracle. 

Reynolds said the students often became frustrated during the two weeks because of the amount of information they were expected to absorb. “They get frustrated but they’ll be surprised in a couple of weeks at how much they learned,” he said. “With just two weeks we have little choice but to challenge them.” 

Reynolds added that only two students did not complete the course. 

Reynolds said that BFOIT assists the students as much as possible after they finish the course by making connections with other courses, educational advice or whatever assistance they need to further their careers. 

“We’re sort of like a pipe line,” he said. “We plug the leaky pipe when we find where it is students wander off their career path.” 

For more information about Berkeley Foundation for Opportunities in Information Technology call 666-2930 or visit their Web site at www.bfoit.org. 


Center Street restaurant brings back memories

By Susan Cerny
Saturday August 18, 2001

A Berkeley Observed article published a few weeks ago sparked the interest of a reader. Richard Dinkelspiel, who celebrated his 88th birthday this year, looked at the photograph of Center Street and exclaimed, “Ennors Restaurant was right there! Mom and Dad always had dinner there when they visited Berkeley from Suisun where the Ennors had their first restaurant.” 

Harvey W. and Marie Edith Ennor came to Berkeley in 1918 from Suisun City in Solano County, and established a sandwich and soda shop in the building next door.  

The restaurant was so popular, that five years later they built a grand, two-story, plus full basement, brick-sided, steel-framed building at 2128 Center St. in 1923 designed by James Plachek.  

When the new Ennors opened on Nov. 17, 1923, the Courier reported, “... many requests that the Ennors enlarge their scope and meet the growing demands of the growing city (have) received response....the puddings and sauces concocted by Mrs. Ennor; the ices, bakery and candies manufactured by Mr. Ennor gained and kept the best customers in Berkeley.” 

The Courier article continued, “Sanitation, cleanliness and comfort for the help will bring out real service; even dish-washing is done by sterilizing steam...behind it all will be Mr. Ennor, to give personal attention to many things...” 

Ennors was not only a restaurant, candy store and bakery, but also had a grocery and butcher shop.  

On the second floor there was a banquet hall for 300 guests, with a dance floor of seven-inch thick maple.  

Perhaps because of the stock market crash in 1929, the Ennors sold the building in 1930 and took jobs running the catering department in the Durant Hotel. However, by 1934 they were proprietors of the True Blue Cafe at 2081 Allston Way.  

The Ennor Building now houses Act I & II movie theaters.  

For over 30 years the second story brick facade of the building was hiding behind a huge metal sign with a bold 1970s super-graphic design proclaiming: “Act I & II.” A few years ago the sign was removed and the original second story brick facade was restored.  

 

 

Susan Cerny writes Berkeley Observed in conjunction with the Berkeley Architectural Heritage Association. Richard Dinkelspiel is her father.


Court says police wrongfully relegates disabled officers

The Associated Press
Saturday August 18, 2001

SAN FRANCISCO — The San Jose Police Department has relegated its disabled officers to “unsatisfactory jobs” in which they have “little or no possibility for promotion,” violating the Americans with Disabilities Act, an appeals court ruled Friday. 

The three-judge panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, in its unanimous ruling, reversed a lower court decision, which dismissed a suit filed by six current and former officers who said they were banished to degrading jobs and denied promotions because of their disabilities. 

The officers suffered neck and back injuries while on duty, said Frank Jelinch, lawyer for four of the officers.  

Only one remains on the force; all are seeking unspecified damages. 

“They were really treated as second-class citizens and called names. They had to live in that environment. It took exceptional courage to come forward and complain,” Jelinch said.  

“They say, ‘Now you’ve been injured so you’re not of the same value to us as you were before.”’ 

 

Under an agreement between the department and the police union, 30 positions have been designated “modified duty” and are the only jobs available to disabled officers. 

Some officers claimed they made coffee, ran errands or worked in office space that also functioned as a supply room. Able-bodied officers harassed them, pushed them around and called them names like “lame,” “faker” or “whiner.” 

The disabled officers said they worked the worst shifts and were given the least desirable days off. They also were denied promotional opportunities, according to the suit. 

“Our position is that we have accommodated every officer who cannot work patrol ... in meaningful positions,” said Clifford Greenberg, the department’s lawyer. “We take great issue with the court’s saying it’s undesirable.” 

Greenberg said it’s likely he will go to trial rather than ask the court for a rehearing. 

The appeals court said, under the ADA, disabled officers should be allowed to consider and accept any positions for which they’re qualified. And officers should be considered qualified as long as they “can perform the essential functions” of the job. 

”(The ADA) requires every type of employer find ways to bring the disabled into its ranks, even when doing so imposes some costs and burdens,” Judge Stephen Reinhardt wrote for the court. “The City of San Jose’s police department must participate in this process, as long as they can do so in a manner that will not compromise public safety.” 


Thousands of dollars spent to alter state term limits

The Associated Press
Saturday August 18, 2001

SACRAMENTO — Lawmakers, corporations and special interest groups have poured more than $800,000 into a drive to change California’s term limit laws to let some lawmakers stay longer in office. 

Legislatures in 11 out of 19 states with term limits tried this year to change or eliminate them. But California will be the first to ask voters to peel back the bounds they set for elected officials 11 years ago. 

If it works here, experts say, it could work in other states where doubts have arisen about the effectiveness of limiting politicians’ tenures. 

“Everyone’s going to be watching California, just as they did a decade ago,” said Patrick Basham, a senior fellow at the Cato Institute in Washington, D.C. 

The California initiative’s supporters had collected 1 million signatures Friday, mostly using paid signature gatherers, organizer Howard Owens said. To qualify for the ballot, the group needs to collect signatures of at least 670,816 registered voters by Oct. 1, but the group wanted to gather more than 1 million to in case some aren’t valid. 

If the signatures are accepted, voters in this state will decide March 5 whether to modify the term limits law approved by 52 percent of voters in 1990. 

Already, it’s clear California’s term limits fight will resemble the 1990 battle. 

It will be expensive. The anti-limits group had raised $812,000 and spent more than $1 million in the first six months of this year, campaign finance reports show. 

Top contributors included Ameriquest Capital Corp., an Orange, Calif.-based subprime lender; the top trial lawyers political action committee; and the Modesto-based E&J Gallo Winery, a major contributor to Democratic Gov. Gray Davis. 

While hesitant to openly lend their names to an anti-limits movement, many legislators are backing it. State Sen. Don Perata and former Assemblyman Bruce Young, both Democrats, are leading it, while Democratic Sen. Betty Karnette, term limited in 2004, donated $20,000. 

Plus, the group received a $150,000 loan from a group called “Former Leaders for an Effective Government,” which has received donations from an array of state lawmakers. It will produce strange coalitions. The largest supporters of the initiative include liberal-leaning unions and conservative corporations: The Northern California Carpenters’ PAC has chipped in the same amount as the Chevron Corp. 

“There are other groups who ... are going to fight tooth and nail to stop this turning back of the clock,” Basham said. 

Washington-based U.S. Term Limits has poured millions of dollars into passing and protecting term limits laws nationwide. 

“Voters overwhelmingly support term limits,” said Stacie Rumenap, the group’s deputy director. “It is clear that this effort is being financed at the idea of politicians and special interests who hate term limits.” 

Owens disagrees, saying there are “a lot of people that are uncomfortable with having to kick out our best legislators when they are just really getting their feet on the ground and learning what the process is all about.” 

He and others point to the statewide electricity crisis that has rookie lawmakers grappling with complex issues to keep the lights on in California. Term limits supporters, however, say the deregulation law that caused the crisis was written by the last pre-limits Legislature in 1996. 

California lawmakers can now serve up to three two-year Assembly terms and up to two four-year terms in the Senate, although those limits can be stretched if someone is first elected to fill a midterm vacancy. 

The initiative would let a senator seek one more term and Assembly member two more if enough voters in their districts signed petitions backing the extension. 

The signatures would have to equal at least 20 percent of the votes cast for that office in the previous general election, a total initiative supporters say will be hard to reach. Opponents, however, say well-connected legislators will have no problem paying signature collectors to reach that number. 

In some states, term limits have had mixed reviews. 

Many states have seen limits lead to more minorities and women being elected, said Jenny Drage, a policy specialist for the National Conference of State Legislatures. 

Still, Drage said, legislatures are losing skilled leadership, which can hurt over the long run. 

Meanwhile, the initiative’s backers also have been criticized for the wording of their proposed ballot measure, whose preamble reads like a pro-term limits statement. 

That’s “a sneaky attempt to be a pro-term limits initiative,” Rumenap said. 

Owens, however, said voters will understand “we are not trying to do away with term limits. We are trying to get some exceptions to it.” 

——— 

On the Net: 

U.S. Term Limits at www.termlimits.org, The National Conference of State Legislatures website contains information about term limit legislation at http://www.ncsl.org, and the CATO Institute at http://www.cato.org/ 


Owner should be singing happy tune for new engine

By Tom and Ray Magliozzi King Features Syndicate
Saturday August 18, 2001

Dear Tom and Ray: 

My son took his 2000 Jeep Wrangler in to the car dealership for its 10,000-mile checkup. When he went to pick it up, he drove it across the lot, and it died. He restarted it, and it died again. The mechanic took it back in, and it had no oil in it. It turned out that he had drained out the old oil but hadn't put any new oil in. Not good. The dealership says it might have to replace the engine. But I’m told that a car gets “tuned” to its own engine, and that with a new engine, the Jeep’s value will drop $10,000. I fail to understand the logic. Can you explain? — Bill 

TOM: No, we can’t. This sounds like complete bull feathers to us, Bill. 

RAY: If you get a new engine after 10,000 miles, you’ve basically been given 10,000 free miles. So what's the problem? 

TOM: And if your son sells the car with 60,000 miles on it, he can advertise it as having only 50,000 miles on the engine. That’s a plus that should net him at least an extra 50 bucks in the transaction. 

RAY: If you’re worried about this becoming a collectors’ item or some such thing, I wouldn't lose any sleep over it. This is not a ’56 T-bird or a ’63 Corvette. Heck, it's not even a 2000 Toyota RAV4. 

TOM: And in all my years of working on cars,  

I’ve never seen an engine tune itself to a particular car. It’s not like a heart transplant, where you have to take immunosuppressants to keep the body from rejecting the organ. The engine will take, trust me. And you should take it. Trust me on that, too. It’s a good deal, and the dealership has done the stand-up thing by replacing the engine for you.  

•••  

Got a question about cars? Write to Click and Clack by e-mail at the Car Talk section of cars.com on the World Wide Web.


Tech turnaround more elusive after latest warnings

By Lisa Singhania The Associated Press
Saturday August 18, 2001

Hopes for a tech turnaround suffered another blow this past week when Ciena Inc. and Dell Computer Corp. became the latest sector bellwethers to report weak results and pessimistic forecasts. 

The wave of bad news, which came as the Nasdaq composite index hit lows not seen since April, only exacerbated Wall Street’s already sour mood after months of stock hemorrhaging. Even next week’s expected interest rate cut by the Federal Reserve is unlikely to cheer investors fed-up by a market that can’t seem to advance. 

“We’re grappling with the fact that 2001 is a write-off. Now we’re setting our sights on 2002, but the longer the recovery gets put off, the more nervous Wall Street becomes,” said John Forelli, portfolio manager for the John Hancock Core Value Fund. “In the meantime, investors are beginning to fear that consumers might pull back and that the next step for the economy is down.” 

Specifically, Ciena warned Thursday that it would miss earnings and revenue forecasts for its fourth quarter and fiscal 2002 because of a slowdown in spending in telecommunications carriers. The optical network equipment maker’s warning came after it beat third quarter expectations, despite a nearly 80 percent drop in profits. The same day, Dell Computer met second quarter expectations, but said its third-quarter results would likely fall short of Wall Street’s estimates because of soft demand and falling prices. 

But analysts hesitated to blame Ciena or Dell for the market’s weakness, even though both stocks ended the week lower. They contend the problem is the lack of indications that earnings are going to improve, rather than worries about individual companies’ performance.  

Investors have also been disheartened by the number and magnitude of similar announcements coming from outside the technology sector, all reminders of how widespread the economic malaise is. This week alone, a handful of retailers – including Gap, Tiffany and Wal-Mart – reduced their forecasts for future quarters. 

“This is what the dissolution of hope looks like and the trading pattern we’ve been seeing is beautifully emblematic of it,” said Chris Wolfe, equity market strategist for J.P. Morgan Private Bank. “The market goes up and people think maybe we’re too high and things get crushed. Then people get hopeful again, and it starts over.” 

The Fed is expected to lower interest rates by a quarter percentage point at its meeting next week – its seventh rate cut this year – but analysts are doubtful such a move will do much for stocks. 

Although a bigger-than-expected cut might temporarily boost stocks, such a move could also intensify fears that the Fed knows something investors don’t, and the economy is in worse shape than thought. 

Lisa Singhania is a business analyst for The Associated Press


Ford Motor Co. plans to cut 4,000 jobs

The Associated Press
Saturday August 18, 2001

DETROIT — Ford Motor Co. plans to slash between 4,000 and 5,000 white-collar jobs in North America by the end of the year, a high-ranking Ford executive told The Associated Press on Friday. 

The employees will be offered “very good” early retirement packages, said the company official, speaking on condition of anonymity. The cuts account for about 10 percent of the automaker’s salaried work force in North America. “We’ve become much more efficient and the jobs are not needed anymore,” the executive told the AP. “It’s an incredibly competitive market and the economy has slowed.” 

Ford, the world’s second largest automaker, was to make the announcement Friday. 

The source said he expects all the people who are leaving to be gone by December. Further details were unavailable. 

Once thought to be in a position to overtake General Motors Corp. as the world’s leading automaker, Ford’s momentum slipped into reverse last August with the recall of 6.5 million Firestone tires, many of which were installed as original equipment on its popular Ford Explorers. 

Adding to Ford’s woes were disappointing showings in two influential industry studies. Ford assembly plants were shown to be last among the U.S. automakers in quality in the J.D. Power initial quality study, and while still first among domestic car companies in productivity, the Harbour Report found Ford’s lead diminishing. 

In the second quarter that ended June 30, Ford lost $752 million in large part due to the costs of replacing 13 million Firestone tires and restructuring charges involving Mazda Motor Corp., of which Ford owns a one-third interest. 

The automaker was expected to take a charge of about $1 billion against its third-quarter earnings to cover the initial cost of the job cuts, The Detroit News reported. 

Ford management also has begun reviewing the possible delay of some planned vehicle models, which would lower the company’s design and engineering costs, The New York Times reported. 

Shares of Ford were up 92 cents, or more than 4 percent, to close at $23.47 in trading on the New York Stock Exchange on Thursday. 

The yearlong economic slowdown has been hard on automakers and other companies struggling with slumping demand. To cope, they have scaled back production and capital investment and laid off workers. In July, the unemployment rate held steady at 4.5 percent as businesses cut fewer workers than the month before. 

In January, DaimlerChrysler AG announced an aggressive restructuring program at its U.S.-based Chrysler division that would result in the loss of 26,000 jobs over the next three years, about 20 percent of the company’s North American work force. 

——— 

On the Net: 

http://www.ford.com 


Israeli tanks move into Palestinian territory

The Associated Press
Saturday August 18, 2001

JERUSALEM — Israeli tanks rolled into a Palestinian area in the southern Gaza Strip early Saturday and exchanged fire with militants, leaving one dead and 10 injured, Palestinian officials said. 

Shortly after midnight Friday, Israeli tanks and bulldozers moved about 150 yards into Palestinian territory on the outskirts of the town of Khan Yunis, Palestinian security sources said on condition of anonymity. 

Palestinian gunmen fired on the Israeli forces as they moved in, the security sources said. Doctors at Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis said one Palestinian was killed and 10 were injured. 

The Israeli military had no immediate comment, but Israeli forces have ventured into Palestinian areas in Gaza on numerous occasions during the current conflict, often to tear down houses and buildings being used for cover by the militants. 

The Israeli incursions have drawn international condemnation, and in the past, the Israeli forces have retreated, usually after only a few hours. 

The Israeli action came after Prime Minister Ariel Sharon made a military tour of the Gaza Strip on Friday to visit Israeli soldiers in the volatile region. 

Sharon toured Gush Katif, a collection of Jewish settlements in the southern Gaza Strip, his office said. The settlements have come under frequent attack by Palestinian gunmen and from militants firing mortars. 

Also, Israeli forces and Palestinians clashed Friday in Rafah, a town along Gaza’s southern border with Egypt, not far from the spot Sharon visited. 

Eight Palestinians were wounded, four of them seriously, according to doctors at the Rafah hospital. The Israeli army said its troops came under fire from Palestinians and shot back. 

It was not clear where Sharon was when the shooting broke out. The southern end of the Gush Katif settlements are less than a mile from Rafah. 

Also Friday, Israeli police stopped a car entering Israel from the West Bank, overpowered two Palestinians inside and found a powerful bomb that weighed 22 pounds, police said. 

After the car was stopped, police evacuated the Israeli Arab town of Baka al-Gharbiyah. A bomb-disposal robot then fired four bullets at the bomb, exploding it on the main street of the town. There were no injuries. 

Police said the two men arrested belong to the militant group Islamic Jihad, which has claimed responsibility for many bombings. 

A pair of Palestinian suicide bombings during the past week appeared to diminish support for Sharon, who won a landslide victory in February with the promise that he would end the Palestinian uprising. 

A Gallup poll published in the Maariv newspaper said only 21 percent of Israelis believed he could end the violence, while 70 percent said he would not. Nine percent said they did not know. 

In a Gallup poll last month, 43 percent believed Sharon could end the violence, and 41 percent disagreed. 

Sharon’s own standing also took a beating, with 49 percent of the people approving of his performance as prime minister, while 42 percent expressed dissatisfaction. In last month’s poll, 59 percent said they were satisfied. 

The latest poll questioned 593 Israeli adults and had a margin of error of plus or minus 4.5 percentage points. 

With the Mideast violence dragging into its 11th month, a growing number of Israeli politicians are talking about the possibility of Israel taking unilateral steps to separate itself from the Palestinians. 

The Haaretz newspaper said a number of politicians were setting up a movement to push for unilateral separation, including Cabinet minister Dalia Itzik, and former minister Haim Ramon, both from the moderate Labor party, along with Michael Eitan from Sharon’s hard-line Likud and Dan Meridor, leader of the Center party. 

Separation efforts could include building a fence between Israel and the West Bank. Israeli troops now man checkpoints on the roads, but most of the border area can be crossed on foot. 

Such plans would have to address how to handle the 200,000 Jewish settlers scattered throughout the West Bank. 

Israeli opponents of unilateral separation say it would mean handing over large parts of the West Bank to the Palestinians without a peace accord. 


Jamaica considers legalizing marijuana for private use despite U.S. protests

The Associated Press
Saturday August 18, 2001

KINGSTON, Jamaica — In the heart of Kingston, about a dozen men stand in an open-air emporium stacking long buds of marijuana even though the crop is illegal in Jamaica. 

“High-grade, the best ... smell it,” says a dreadlocked 27-year-old Rastafarian at the “Luke Lane” market, who gives his name only as Toro as he holds a bud in the air and beckons to a passer-by. Sale completed, he lights a joint of rolled marijuana and smiles. 

These days, he has a lot to be happy about. 

A government commission recommended Thursday that marijuana be legalized for personal use by adults – a move the government will likely endorse despite opposition from the United States, which has spent millions to eradicate the crop on the Caribbean island. 

“(Marijuana’s) reputation among the people as a panacea and a spiritually enhancing substance is so strong that it must be regarded as culturally entrenched,” said the commission’s report. 

The National Commission on Ganja – as marijuana is known here – also said Jamaica should allow the use of marijuana for religious purposes. This is important to the Rastafarian minority, who worship deceased Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie as a prophet and use marijuana  

as a sacrament. 

Prime Minister P.J. Patterson last year appointed the commission, which included academics and doctors.  

So far, he and elected officials have not publicly commented on the report. But Ralston Smith, an aide to Patterson, said: “My gut feeling is that the commission’s recommendations will be followed.” 

Any change in existing drug laws would have to be approved by Parliament. And legalization, even for personal use, could cause friction with the United States and violate the 1988 U.N. Convention Against the Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances. Jamaica signed the accord. 

“The U.S. opposes the decriminalization of marijuana,” Michael Koplovsky, a U.S. Embassy spokesman, said Thursday. 

Over the last 20 years, the United States has worked with Jamaica to burning marijuana fields and carry out other anti-drug efforts.  

It has also provided aid to fight drug trafficking in Jamaica, the Caribbean’s largest marijuana exporter and a major transshipment point for cocaine bound for Europe and South America. 

The commission addressed these concerns in its report, urging the government to “embark on diplomatic initiatives ... to elicit support for its internal position and influence the international community to re-examine the status of cannabis.” 

 

Between 1992-98, the United States provided $7.8 million to Jamaica to eliminate marijuana production and trafficking. The most popular method has been to chop down the plants and burn the fields. 

Indian indentured servants are thought to have brought marijuana to Jamaica in the 19th century. Its use as a medicinal herb spread rapidly among plantation workers, with some using ganja tea to alleviate aches, and others using rum-soaked marijuana as remedy for coughs and fevers. 

But it was not until the 1960s and 1970s, with the rise to popularity of Bob Marley and other reggae icons, that marijuana began to gain acceptance outside poor neighborhoods. 

Marijuana’s deep roots were clear in Luke Lane after word spread of the commission’s recommendation. Among the patrons was 43-year-old Horace Clarke, who was also buying school supplies for his three children. 

“At night, when the children are sleeping, sometimes I smoke a little with my lady,” Clarke said as he bought a quarter ounce for about $2.50. 

The vendors were pleased at the possibility the it might be legal to use marijuana, even though selling the drug would remain illegal. 

All had stories of being chased by the police, “If you’re going to smoke it, you have to get it and we sell it,” said a dealer who gave his name only as Metro. 

He said he earns about $100 on a good day. 

“This money doesn’t go out to buy guns, it goes to food that fills the bellies of my children and puts them in school clothes and pays their school fees,” he said. “What’s criminal about that?” 


Lamile Perry breaks 5 wheelchair track records

By Kenyatte Davis Daily Planet staff
Friday August 17, 2001

The Bay Cruisers proved they were worthy of their name when they flew through the National Junior Wheelchair Track and Field Championships, capturing over a dozen medals, breaking nine national records and receiving the award for the best large team in the country. 

The Championships were held on the New Brunswick, N.J., campus of Rutgers University between July 21 and July 28. 

Berkeley’s own Lamile Perry led the way breaking records in the 100, 200, 400, 800 and 1500-meter track events and one field event as well as picking up three additional gold medals. 

The team, sponsored by Berkeley-based Bay Area Outreach and Recreational Program, has competed in the wheelchair games since 1986 and has been coached by San Francisco resident Tim Orr since then.  

“The award shows how well each of our individual athletes did,” said Orr. “It shows how well rounded our team really is.” 

BORP was started in 1975 by a disabled UC Berkeley student named, Susan Sygall and her able-bodied friend Sue Belanger who fought for disabled access to the university’s physical education classes.  

Since then, the Berkeley-based non-profit has been dedicated to helping physically disabled people in the Bay Area take part in any activities that people without disabilities can.  

The program sponsors programs in tennis, basketball, kayaking, swimming, body conditioning and many more for both youth and adults. 

For more information on BORP call 849-4663 or visit their Web site at www.borp.org.


Friday August 17, 2001

 

924 Gilman St. Music at 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Aug. 17: Blood Brothers, True North, The Cost, Red Light Sting, Betray The Species; Aug. 18: Dr. Know, The Sick, Society of Friends, Manchurian Candidates, Shut the F*ck Up; $5. 924 Gilman St. 525-9926. 

 

Ashkenaz Aug. 17: 9:30 p.m. Near East Far West. $12; Aug. 18: 9:30 p.m. Zydeco Flames. 8 p.m. dance lesson w/ Cheryl McBride. $11. Aug. 19: 8 p.m. Open Stage w/ Koko De La Isla, Ernesto Hernandaz, Jeff Hawkins. $8; Aug. 21: 9 p.m. Slavonkian Traveling Band. 8 p.m. dance lesson w/ Joyce Clyde. $10; Aug. 22: 9 p.m. Badenya Les Freres Coulibaly, $10; Aug. 23: 10 p.m. - 2 a.m. Dead DJ Night with Digital Dave. $5; Aug. 24: 9:30 p.m. Caribbean All Stars $11; Aug. 25: 9 p.m. California Brazil Camp Benefit, $10; Aug. 26: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m. Middle Eastern Dance Workshops with Ma Shuga Mira Murijan and Nanna Candeleria. $45. 8 p.m. Harmonia, $10; Aug. 28: 9 p.m. Gerard Landry and the Lariats, $8; Aug. 29: 8 p.m. Earl White Oldtime Band, Bluegrass Intentions, plus clogging lessons. $10, Kids under 12 Free; Aug. 30: 9 p.m. Samite, Forward Kwenda, $10; Aug. 31: 9:30 p.m. Wawa and the Oneness Kingdom, The Calypsonians, $10; 1317 San Pablo Ave. 525-5054 www.ashkenaz.com  

Eli’s Mile High Club Doors open at 8 p.m. Aug. 18: Craig Horton /CD Release; Aug. 25: Carlos Zialcita; Every Friday, 10 p.m. - 2 a.m., Funky Fridays Conscious Dance Party with KPFA DJs Splif Skankin and Funky Man. $10; 3629 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Oakland. 655-6661 

 

Freight & Salvage Coffee House Aug. 17: Mitch Greenhill & Mayne Smith, plus Spiral Bound, $16.50; Aug. 18: Mighty Prince Singers, Talk of Da Town, $17.50; Aug. 19: John Fahey Tribute Concert, $19.50; All shows 8 p.m. 1111 Addison St. 548-1761 www.freightandsalvage.org 

 

Jupiter Aug. 17: The Mind Club, Old school funk grooves with sonic swirls of acid jazz; Aug. 18: Blue & Tan; Aug. 21: Groove.org; Aug. 22: Stolen Bibles; Aug. 23: Beatdown w/ DJs Delon, Yamu, and Add1; Aug. 24: 5 Point Plan; Aug. 25: Mitch Marcus Quintet; Aug. 28: Big Lou and Polka Casserole; Aug. 29: Secession; Aug. 30: Beatdown with DJ’s Delon, Yamu and Add1; Aug. 31: Realistic CD Release Party; All music starts at 8:00 p.m. 843-7625 www.jupiterbeer.com  

 

La Note/Jazzschool Aug. 19: 4:30 p.m. Hazel Carter, 5:30 p.m. Bryan Girard & Friends, 6:30 p.m. T3 (Kirk Tamura Trio); Free. 2377 Shattuck Ave. 845-5373  

 

La Peña Cultural Center Aug. 17: 8:30 p.m. Music and dance performance by Jaranón y Bochinche, $12; Aug. 18: 8:30 p.m. Mission (roots hip hop), $8; Aug. 19: 3:30 p.m. Domingo de Rumba; Aug. 24: 8:30 p.m. Professor Terry’s Circus Band Extraordinary, $16; Aug. 25: 9:30 p.m., Edgardo Cambon’s Candela, $10, 8:15 p.m. Salsa dance class w/ Diego Vásquez, $13; In the Cafe, 3105 Shattuck Ave. 849-2568 

 

ACME Observatory Aug. 19: 8 p.m. Solo performance by Jason Kahn, Brown Bunny Ensemble. $9.99 suggested donation. TUVA Space, 3192 Adeline @ MLK Jr. Way. 649-8744 http://sfSound.org/acme.html 

 

Indigo Event Center Aug. 25: 4:20 p.m. Musicians for Medical Marijuana Benefit concert. Sound Tribe Sector 9, Lost at Last, The Mermen, Ten Ton Chicken, Scott Huckabay, Strawberry Alarmclock, Buzzy Linhart, plus special guests, $25. 1988 Broadway at 19th, Oakland. 869-5391 www.m4mm.org  

 

Third annual Berkeley World Music Festival Aug. 26: Noon - 6 p.m. Block party and carnival, Grupo Ilu Fun Fun, Petit La Croix, Samba Ngo, O-Maya, Fito Reinoso y Su Ritmo y Armonia. Durant Ave. between Telegraph Ave. and Bowditch. 

 

TUVA Space Aug. 25: 8 p.m. Vanessa Lowe and the Lowliflies, Ira Marlowe, Hoarhound. 3192 Adeline St. 655-9755 

 

“Frank Olivier’s Twisted Cabaret” Aug. 24 & 25, 8 p.m. Frank Olivier is joined by Uncle Paul Nathan and The Twisted Cabaret Band. All tickets $16. Julia Morgan Center for the Arts 2640 College Ave. 845-8542 www.juliamorgan.org 

 

“Loot” Through Aug. 25, Thursdays - Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sundays at 7 p.m. Special Performance Aug. 20, 8 p.m. General Admission: $15, Students / Seniors: $10. La Val’s 1834 Euclid Avenue 655-0813 

 

“Murder Dressed in Satin” by Victor Lawhorn, ongoing. A mystery-comedy dinner show at The Madison about a murder at the home of Satin Moray, a club owner and self-proclaimed socialite with a scarlet past. Dinner is included in the price of the theater ticket. $47.50 Lake Merritt Hotel, 1800 Madison St., Oakland. 239-2252 www.acteva.com/go/havefun 

 

“Reefer Madness” 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. 655-4150 

 

“Soul Harmony” Aug. 25: 5 - 7 p.m. A spirited one-woman show of history, culture, and entertainment. Written by Joy Holland, directed by Ava Coaxum. Presented at the Black Repertory Theater. 3201 Adeline St. $10 donation. 652-3399 

 

Films 

 

Pacific Film Archive Aug. 17: 7 p.m. Bonchi, 9:05 p.m. Money Talks; Aug. 18: 7 p.m. Ministry of Fear, 8:45 p.m. House by the River; Aug. 19: 3 p.m. National Velvet, 5:30 p.m. I Am Two, 7:15 I Am a Cat; Aug. 21: 7:30 p.m. The Direct Cinema Tradition; Aug. 22: 7:30 p.m. The Werewolf of Washington; Aug. 23: 7:30 p.m. Contempt; Aug. 24: 7 p.m. The Heart, 9:20 p.m. The Outcast; Aug. 25: 7 p.m. Moonfleet, 8:45 p.m. The Blue Gardenia; Aug. 26: 3 p.m. Duck Soup, 5:30 p.m. The Wanderers, 7:25 p.m. Dora-Heita; Aug. 28: 7:30 p.m. Doodling; Aug. 29: (free screenings) 7:30 p.m. The Horror of Party Beach, 9:15 p.m. The Crater Lake Monster; Aug. 31: 7 p.m. The Makioka Sisters, 9:35 p.m. A Woman’s Testament; Gen. Adm.. $7, The New PFA Theatre 2575 Bancroft Way 642-1412 

 

Exhibits 

 

“BACA National Juried Exhibition: Works on Paper” Through Aug. 31: Wed. - Sun. Noon - 5 p.m. Berkeley Art Center 1275 Walnut St. 644-6893 

 

“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 Aug. 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 Aug. 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. Through 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. Atelier 9 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 Political Art of: Diego Marcial Rios” Through Sept. 20, Addison Street Window Gallery, 2018 Addison St. hdrios@msn.com 

 

“Sistahs: Ethnographic Ceramics” Through Aug. 22, Reception July 29 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. Women’s Cancer Resource Center Gallery 3023 Shattuck Avenue 548-9286 ext. 307 

 

“Squared Triangle” Through Oct. 5. noon - 6 p.m. Reception for the artists, Aug. 18: 4 - 7 p.m. A minimal art exhibit featuring three Bay Area artists working in different mediums while achieving the same elegant simplicity. The Crucible, 1036 Ashby Ave. 843-5511 www.thecrucible.com 

 

“Ten Years Here” Exhibit celebrating the 10 year anniversary of Turn of the Century Fine Arts. Through Sept. 14, Sat & Sun 1-5 p.m. Reception Aug. 4 2:00 - 7:00 p.m. 2510 San Pablo Avenue 849-0950 

 

 

Readings 

 

Boadecia’s Books Aug. 17: Lynne Murray reads from her latest Josephine Fuller mystery “At Large”; Aug. 18: “Hell on Heels” tour with Daphne Gottlieb and Thea Hillman; Aug. 24: Andrea Gabbard discusses “Girl in the Curl: A Century of Women’s Surfing”; Aug. 25: Ann Bannon reads from her lesbian pulp classic “Beebo Brinker.” All events start at 7:30 p.m. and are free. 398 Colusa Avenue 559-9184 www.bookpride.com 

 

Black Oak Books Aug. 19: “Wildest Alaska: Journeys of Great Peril in Lituya Bay” by Philip L. Fradkin; Aug. 21: June Jordan’s memoir “Soldier: A Poet’s Childhood”; Aug. 22: Ruth Daigon’s “Payday at the Triangle”; Aug. 23: Phil Cousineau’s “Once and Future Myths: The Power of Ancient Stories in Modern Times”; Aug. 27: Catherine Brady, Jean Herlund, Frances Payne Adler, and Marianne Villanueva and others to celebrate CALYX Book’s 25th Anniversary, “Cracking the Earth”; Aug. 28: Kent Nerburn reads from “Road Angels: Searching for Home on America’s Coast of Dreams”; Aug. 29: Sylvia Brownrigg reads from her new novel, “Pages For You”; All shows at 7:30 p.m. free of charge. 1491 Shattuck Avenue 486-0698 

 

Café de la Paz Poetry Nitro performance showcase with open mike. Aug. 20: Avotcja; 6:30 p.m. signup, 7 - 9 p.m. reading. 1600 Shattuck Ave. 843-0662 

 

Cody’s Books - Poetry Flash Aug. 22: Trane Devore and Shauna Hannibal; Aug. 29: The New Now Millennium Anthology Reading with Editor H. D. Moe; All are a $2 donation. Readings at 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted. 2454 Telegraph Ave. 845-0837 

 

Coffee Mill Poetry Series Aug. 21: Featured Readers: Victoria Joyce and Theresa Bamberger; Both 7-9 p.m. Free. 3363 Grand Ave., Oakland for info. 465-3935 or 526-5985, or Email: ksdgk@earthlink.net 

 

“Coffee Break Readings and Refreshments” Aug. 18, 4 to 5:15 p.m. Oakland Public Library-Rockridge Branch. Open-mic poems, monologues and dramatic scenes, presented by Opera Piccola. For ages 10 and up. 5366 College Ave. Free. 238-3134 ww.oaklandlibrary.org 

 

Spasso 7-9 p.m. Aug. 20 Arthur Weil, Reflections of the Moment, Poetry is for Sissies; Aug. 27 Kira Allen; Sept. 3 Theme: dignity of labor; Sept. 10 Sharron Jones-Reid, Fruit of the Spirit Poets, Acoustic Musicians, Comedians, Rappers, Performance Artists, Writers All Welcome is located at 6021 College Ave. Free admission. 

 

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. It will reopen in early 2002. On View until Oct. 1 : “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  

 

Oakland Museum of California, A Legacy of Early California Paintings: The Shumate Collection, through Aug. 19; Every Worker is an Organizer: Farm Labor and the Resurgence of the United Farm Workers, through Aug. 26; Made in Oakland: The Furniture of Garry Knox Bennett, through Sept. 2; After the Storm: Bob Walker and the Art of Environmental Photography, through Sept. 16; Half Past Autumn: The Art of Gordon Parks, through Sept. 23; Rustler Ranch Mastodon Project, through June 30, 2002; Wednesday - Saturday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sunday, noon - 5 p.m., Closed Monday and Tuesday. $6 general; $4 youths (6-17), seniors and students with ID. Free for Museum members and children 5 and under. Free admission the second Sunday of the month. 10th & Oak Streets, Oakland. 238-2200 www.museum.org 

 

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

 

Send arts events two weeks in advance to Calendar@berkeleydailyplanet.net, 2076 University, Berkeley 94704 or fax to 841-5694. 

 

 


Tribune should retract prejudiced editorial

Kriss Worthington Berkeley City Council member
Friday August 17, 2001

The Daily Planet received a copy of this letter written by Councilmember Kriss Worthington to The Oakland Tribune responding to an Aug. 14 editorial in which the author called Worthington a “coward” and accused him of “advancing what seems to be a single agenda in a city widely known for its diversity.” 

 

An open letter to The Oakland Tribune: 

As a little kid I loved to go to the library and read newspapers and magazines from around the world. It opened my mind to many kinds of people in this beautiful world. 

My social studies teacher insisted I had to read The New York Times, a good and fun habit I still indulge in when time permits. Almost five years ago I was elected to the Berkeley City Council and apparently became newsworthy. In addition to devouring the written word, I began to answer reporters’ questions. 

During that time, I have had fun chatting with reporters from many Bay Area publications, including Tribune reporters William Brand, Cecily Burt, and Angela Hill. Sometimes they asked tough questions, and sometimes they quoted the other side too much for my taste, but we had an appropriate professional respect for each other. 

Imagine my surprise to have this relationship jolted by an editorial trashing me as a person worthy of being despised, insulting me by calling me names such as “despicable” and “coward,” and attributing quotes to me that were snippets strung together out of context! 

In addition to the personal insult, many have called or written to tell me that the editorial was insulting to the entire lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community because of the ferociousness and because it suggests that if I care about gay issues I have “a singular agenda.” 

To people who know me from my work on housing, health care, education, and organizing against racism, sexism, ageism, and prejudice against the disabled community, it comes as a surprise to be told that I have a singular agenda. 

The lesbian/ gay community is part of the whole fabric of our society. 

We walk side by side with our sisters and brothers in movements for racial justice. We stand shoulder to shoulder with our sisters for choice and against sexism. 

I don’t want just to complain. I want to propose positive steps you can take. To send a clear message to the entire community that you truly do not condone anti-gay policy, I propose that you consider the following ideas; 

1. I request that you issue a clarification/correction/retraction (whatever you choose to call it) to correct the mistaken impressions you may have created in people’s minds by attributing a caricature of an opinion and a cartoon of an agenda to me, rather than taking the time to research what I actually said and did. 

2. Write a timely strong editorial unequivocally in favor of the Boy Scouts of America dropping its official policy of anti-gay discrimination, so we can use the current controversy for positive good. 

3. As an early step in that direction, please join us in encouraging the local Diablo Silverado Council to adopt a strongly written statement in opposition to the national policy of anti-gay discrimination. 

4. The Tribune should provide domestic partner benefits to all its employees. This is being done by many outstanding cities and corporations throughout the country. 

5. In addition, I request that you issue an apology not to me personally, but to the lgbt community for insulting our simple efforts to raise questions about anti-gay discrimination. 

I welcome the opportunity to meet with the editorial board to clarify the facts and to discuss these proposals face-to-face in an atmosphere of mutual respect. 

Let’s work together to take one more step in America’s journey towards fairness and justice for all. 

 

Kriss Worthington 

Berkeley City Council member


Friday August 17, 2001


Friday, Aug. 17

 

Candle Lighting Service 

10 a.m. - 5 p.m. 

San Pablo Park 

Russell and Mabel streets 

A candle lighting service for friends and loved ones in Berkeley and surrounding areas who have passed on. Free food (barbecue), drinks, table games, softball and entertainment. 653-3808 

 

Therapy for Trans Partners  

6 - 7:30 p.m.  

Pacific Center for Human Growth  

2712 Telegraph Ave.  

A group open to partners of those in transition or considering transition. Intake process required. Meeting Fridays through Aug. 17. $8 - $35 sliding scale per session 548-8283 x534 

 

Project Underground’s  

5th Birthday Party 

6 - 9 p.m. 

On the roof of Project Underground's Office  

1916A Martin Luther King Jr. Way  

Entertainment, food, drinks, childcare, raffle prizes and more. Everyone is invited to celebrate the organization’s success. $20 donation, nobody will be turned away due to lack of funds. 705-8981 www.moles.org 

 

Opus Q Auditions 

3 - 5/ p.m. 

The University Lutheran Chapel 

2425 College Ave. 

Opus Q - The East Bay Men’s Chorale is preparing for its first full season. Gay men and their allies are invited to audition for the world’s newest GALA ensemble. 664-0260 www.opus-q.com  

 

Even Stronger Women 

1:15 p.m. - 3:15 p.m. 

North Berkeley Senior Center 

1901 Hearst Ave. 

Free weekly cultural discussion class. This week: Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony. 549-1879 

 

Commission on Aging 

Transportation Subcommittee 

3 - 5 p.m. 

North Berkeley Senior Center 

1901 Hearst Ave. 

Public forum/ meeting to discuss transportation issues. 644-6050 

 


Saturday, Aug. 18

 

Berkeley Farmers’ Market 

10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. 

Center Street @ Martin Luther King Jr. Way 

12th Annual Cajun & More Festival. Live music by: Motor Dude Zydeco, Johnny Harper’s Carnival, Creole Belles, Sauce Picuante. Food, crafts fair, micro-breweries, and free Cajun dance lessons with Pattie Whitehurst. Free event open to the public. 548-3333 www.ecologycenter.org 

 

The Pyramid Outdoor Cinema 

7 p.m. 

Pyramid Alehouse 

901 Gilman St. 

The Outdoor Cinema features cult classics projected on a large screen in the open-air brewery parking lot. This week, Grease. Movies show every Saturday through Sept. 22. $5 donation. 206-682-8322 x237 www.pyramidbrew.com 

 

KPFA Meeting for the Disabled Community 

1 - 4 p.m. 

North Berkeley Senior Center 

1901 Hearst Ave. 

A community meeting with KPFA’s Listener Advisory Board to voice concerns regarding the station’s coverage of disability issues. 707-795-2890 

 


Sunday, Aug. 19

 

Hands-On Bicycle  

Repair Clinics  

11 a.m. - Noon  

Recreational Equipment, Inc.  

1338 San Pablo Ave.  

All you need to bring is your bike. Tools are provided. Free  

527-4140 

 

Tibetan Culture 

6 p.m. 

Tibetan Nyingma Institute 

1815 Highland Place 

Stephanie Hoffman on “Preserving the Tibetan Literary Heritage.” 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. This Sunday is International Family Day. 654-6346 www.westberkeley.com 

 

Opus Q Auditions 

4 - 6 p.m. 

The University Lutheran Chapel 

2425 College Ave. 

Gay men and their allies are invited to audition for the world’s newest GALA ensemble. 664-0260 www.opus-q.com 

 

The Bungalow - Tradition and Transformation 

10 a.m. - 1 p.m. 

Building Education Center 

812 Page St.  

Instructed by architect/contractor Barry Wagner. $35. 

525-7610 

 


Monday, Aug. 20

 

Ad Astrea Reading Series and Open Mic Night 

7 - 9 p.m. 

Spasso Coffee House 

6021 College Ave. 

Featured readers followed by open mic. Open to the public and free. 

428-1818 www.hitx.com 

 


Tuesday, Aug. 21

 

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 fears and phobias: getting and overcoming them. 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. 525-3565 

 

— compiled by Guy Poole 

Free Early Music Group 

10 - 11:30 a.m. 

North Berkeley Senior Center 

1901 Hearst Ave. 

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

 

Berkeley Fibromyalgia Support Group 

12 - 2 p.m. every 3rd Tuesday 

Alta Bates Medical Center  

Maffly Auditorium - Herrick Campus 

2001 Dwight Way 

Rap session. 601-0550 www.arthritis.org 

 

Slide Show: Birds in the Garden 

1 p.m. 

North Berkeley Senior Center 

1901 Hearst Ave. 

A discussion follows. 644-6107 www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/hhs/commsvc/seniors.htm 

 


Wednesday, Aug. 22

 

Magic Mike 

Noon - 2 p.m. 

Lawrence Hall of Science 

UC Berkeley 

Part of the Lawrence Hall of Science Wednesday FUN-days. Bay Area favorite Magic Mike with theatrical illusions and electric comedy. Museum admission $3 - $7. 

642-5132 

 

Lecture on Parkinson’s Disease 

11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. 

Ashby Campus 

Conference Room 3 

2450 Ashby Ave. 

Learn about the latest treatments for Parkinson’s disease. Free and open to the public. 869-6737 

 


Thursday, Aug. 23

 

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 

 

New “Classroom Matters” Open House 

6 - 9 p.m. 

2512 9th St., Suite #3 

A Berkeley based educational center that provides tutors, mentors and support services, will hold an open house at their new location.  

540-8646 www.classroommatters.com  

 

Lecture-Program on the Armenian Opera “Arshak II” 

7:30 p.m. 

North Branch Berkeley Public Library 

1170 The Alameda 

Dr. Clifford Cranna will present a lecture-program on the world premiere of the Armenian opera Arshak II, the tale of Armenia’s fourth century warrior king. 649-3913 www.infopeople.org/bpl/ 

 

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: Holistic Health, Jan Stecher leads in Rosen Movement. 526-9146  

 

Friday, Aug. 24 

Yiddish Conversation Group 

1 p.m. 

North Berkeley Senior Center 

1901 Hearst Ave. 

644-6107 www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/hhs/commsvc/seniors.htm 

 

Even Stronger Women 

1:15 p.m. - 3:15 p.m. 

North Berkeley Senior Center 

1901 Hearst Ave. 

Free weekly cultural discussion class. This week: Poetry. 549-1879 

 

Basic Electrical Theory and National Electrical Code 

7 - 10 p.m. 

Building Education Center 

812 Page St.  

Instructed by “Code Check” author/retired city of Oakland building inspector Redwood Kardon. $35. 525-7610 

 

Saturday, Aug. 25 

The Pyramid Outdoor Cinema 

7 p.m. 

Pyramid Alehouse 

901 Gilman St. 

The Outdoor Cinema features cult classics projected on a large screen in the open-air brewery parking lot. This week, The Shining. Movies show every Saturday through Sept. 22. $5 donation. 206-682-8322 x237 www.pyramidbrew.com 

 

Copwatch: Know Your Rights Training 

11 a.m. - 2 p.m. 

Copwatch Office 

2022 Blake St. 

Learn what your rights are when dealing with the police. Learn how to monitor the police safely.  

548-0425 

 

Astrojax Playday 

1 - 4 p.m. 

Lawrence Hall of Science 

UC Berkeley 

Astrojax is part yo-yo, part juggling balls and a lasso. The inventor, theoretical physicist Larry Show, will give a demonstration and instruction. Museum admission $3 - $7. 642-5132 

 

Cerrito Creek Work Party 

10 a.m. 

Meet at Creekside Park (south end of Belmont Street), El Cerrito 

Join Friends of Five Creeks in removing brush to make a new trail along Cerrito Creek. Bring work gloves and clippers if you have them.  

848-9358, f5creeks@aol.com, www.fivecreeks.org. 

 

Travel Careers Class 

8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. 

Vista Community College 

2020 Milvia St. 

Vista’s annual one-day class for the public on careers in the travel industry. A full-day seminar. $5.50 981-2931 www.vistacollege.edu 

 

Sunday, Aug. 26 

Healing 

6 p.m. 

Tibetan Nyingma Institute 

1815 Highland Place 

Sylvie Gretchen on “Healing Mind.” 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 

 

3rd Annual Berkeley World Music Festival 

noon - 6 p.m. 

Durant Ave., between Telegraph and Bowditch 

Carnival and block party festival with World Music bands, performers and dancers. 649-9500 www.taasite.org 

 

Monday, Aug. 27 

East Bay Heritage Quilters 

7:30 p.m. 

First Unitarian Church 

1 Lawson Road-Moeser Lane @ Arlington, Kensington 

Lecture: On the Road to Quiltmaking, a Personal Journey  

Non-members $3. 834-3706 

 

Tuesday, Aug. 28 

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. 525-3565 

 

Free Early Music Group 

10 - 11:30 a.m. 

North Berkeley Senior Center 

1901 Hearst Ave. 

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

 

Poetry Through Time II 

7 p.m. - 8 p.m. 

Judah L. Magnes Museum 

2911 Russell St. 

Bay Area poets Opal Palmer Adisa, Phyllis Koestenbaum, Reuven Goldfarb, and Martha Evans will read. A brief open reading will conclude the program. 549-6950 www.magnesmuseum.org 

 

Wednesday, Aug. 29 

 

Thursday, Aug. 30 

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 

 

Lost in the Wilderness 

7 p.m. 

REI 

1338 San Pablo Avenue 

Jason Flesher, a Search and Rescue member for almost 20 years, will share his nine rules for surviving in the wilderness. Free. 

527-4140 

 

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: Music, Hugh Kelly plays harmonica and leads sing-along. 526-9146 

 

Attic Conversions 

7 - 10 p.m. 

Building Education Center 

812 Page St.  

Seminar taught by architect Andus Brandt. $35. 525-7610 

 

Friday, Aug. 31 

Start a Writing Group—and Keep It Going 

10 a.m. - noon 

North Branch Berkeley Public Library 

1170 The Alameda 

Dr. Kathy Briccetti will host a workshop on How to Start and Maintain a Writing Group. This free workshop requires pre-registration by Aug. 29th. 

644-6850 www.infopeople.org/bpl/ 

 

Even Stronger Women 

1:15 p.m. - 3:15 p.m. 

North Berkeley Senior Center 

1901 Hearst Ave. 

Free weekly cultural discussion class. This week: movie on Emma Goldman followed by discussion. 549-1879


City nets 4 redistricting plans

By John Geluardi Daily Planet staff
Friday August 17, 2001

By Wednesday at closing time, the City Clerk’s Office had received four proposals to redraw the boundary lines of the eight council districts in order to distribute the city’s population equally within each. 

Two of the proposals appear to be designed to create a large block of like-minded voters, another was incomplete and a fourth was inspired by the mathematical challenge of regrouping large numbers of residents while minimally moving boundary lines. 

The city is required to redraw the lines every 10 years based on the population numbers tabulated in the Decennial Census. According to the 2000 Census, Berkeley gained only 19 people in the last 10 years, but there were significant population shifts within the city. 

Based on the total population of 102,743, the city must redraw the district boundary lines so each district contains as close to 12,850 people as possible.  

The City Charter prohibits large variations in the shape and makeup of the districts by requiring boundary lines not be moved significantly from their original 1986 positions.  

The one plan that appears to meet that criteria was submitted by Michael O’Malley and David Blake who said they were challenged by the mathematical aspects of the project. The two men, who reluctantly agreed to be refereed to as math nerds, worked on the complex project by painstakingly adding up the residents of each block and then adjusting the lines by no more than one block from the existing lines. 

“We kept very close to the original lines,” O’Malley said. “In our plan there’s only two blocks that were not formerly on an existing boundary line.” 

Sitting at a local restaurant on Thursday, the table covered with maps, charts and Thai food, the two men were pouring over the other three redistricting proposals. 

“This proposal was done with a computer program,” Blake said with disdain and then, after some shuffling of documents and serving plates, held up a sheaf of well-handled yellow paper covered with pencil marks and eraser smudges. “You want to see our high-tech system?” 

Two of the other proposals were less focused on the mathematical challenges and sought instead to increase a political power base within certain districts.  

The Associated Students of the University of California submitted a plan that drastically altered the shape of districts 7 and 8. Josh Fryday, vice president of ASUC External Affairs, said the design sought to create a newly formed District 7, in which 71 percent of the voters would be under the age of 24. 

The ASUC members said their goal was to elect a student to the City Council who would represent them on issues of housing, transpiration and safety. 

Another group of 25 people most of whom belonged to either the Panoramic Hill Neighborhood Association or the Claremont–Elmwood Neighborhood Association, submitted a plan that increased the number of homeowners in District 8. 

In order to create the new district, the group moved District 8’s western boundary six blocks into the southern portion of District 7. The result is a fairly large deviation from the current boundary lines. 

“We thought this plan made the most sense to keep a neighborhood feel,” said Mary Ann McCamant. “The boundary we propose is made up of a lot of single-family homes and people who are fairly active in homeowners’ associations among which there is a lot of cross fertilization.” 

McCamant said issues the neighborhoods have in common are traffic on Ashby Avenue, impacts related to Alta Bates/Summit Medical Center and a controversial proposal for new lighting at Memorial Stadium on the UC Berkeley campus. 

Berkeley resident Elliot Cohen submitted an incomplete proposal. Cohen was not available for comment Thursday but he wrote on the submission form that “the deadline came faster than I thought!” He also offered to complete the proposal if he could be allowed more time. 

City Attorney Manuella Albuquerque issued an opinion on Thursday in which she said the predominant factor in deciding the city’s new boundary lines will be the requirement of the City Charter that the lines be minimally changed. 

She said in her opinion that the City Council can consider changing district lines to include communities of interest, but “they must do so only within the constraints imposed by the City Charter.”  

The City Council will hold public hearings on the redistricting proposals Sept. 13 and 25. A decision on the new district lines is expected Oct. 2.


Cal athletic director preps for success

Daily Planet wire services
Friday August 17, 2001

The honeymoon is almost over for new Athletic Director Stephen Gladstone. Just two months on the job, he's been busy preparing the department for the coming year.  

But things will shift to an even higher gear when the fall sports season begins in a few weeks.  

In an interview with Berkeleyan writer Lyn Hunter, Gladstone talked about his goals for the department, philosophy for success and commitment to Berkeley's student athletes. Following are excerpts from that conversation. 

 

You're such a successful crew coach, winning numerous national championships both here and at Brown University. How did you get started in this line of work? 

 

A: I rowed in high school and at Syracuse University and loved it. While working on my English degree, I took a job at an investment firm overseas. I hated it. I thought: "Is this what life's going to be about?" But occasionally, we ask ourselves the right question. I asked myself where I was happiest and the answer was on the river. I couldn't make a living rowing since it isn't a professional sport, so I thought about coaching.  

Given your achievements in rowing, you obviously have a knack for getting athletes to perform at their highest level. What's your secret for success and how will you transfer this to the various sports programs now under your purview? 

Most athletes participating in high-level intercollegiate sports want to be successful, but some aren't sure how to do it. The challenge of coaching is not just the X’s and O’s, but understanding people, finding ways to reach them, to get them to trust you and their teammates. The coach has to make clear what's required and set a standard for the way athletes train, interact with one another and how they treat themselves. The coach is a guide to attaining success; they don't trick, cajole, control or hold hands. If you can get an athlete to accept this way, the synergy reinforces itself, creating not only a strong team, but a depth of connection that is very powerful. I think most of our coaches in the department are already on this path or are in various stages of development. When given permission, I'm happy to share my experiences of some 30 years in the trenches with them. But I don't want to push or lecture. I plan to have periodic roundtables with all the coaches so we can share with each other our successes and failures.  

 

What are your thoughts about athletes moving on to the pros before graduating? 

 

A: This is always going to be an issue when a collegiate athlete is performing at a high level. Look at John McEnroe and Tiger Woods.  

With a signature athlete, I can accept that they may go professional before graduating. What is not acceptable is to have athletes who aren't drafted spend two or three years with our program and still not graduate. It means we haven't fulfilled our mission. Our overall graduation rate is excellent, but in our revenue sports (football, basketball), the numbers aren't so good. This isn't unique to Berkeley, but it's something we want to improve. It's crucial for our coaches to work closely with advisers so that we can fully support our athletes and make sure they don't fall through the cracks.  

We will partner with Derek Van Rheenen, the new director of the Athletic Study Center, to help meet these goals. 

Last year, a Berkeley professor admitted giving two student athletes credit for courses they hadn't earned. 

 

How might you prevent this from happening again?  

 

A: The responsibility of honesty, of telling the truth, lies with the athletes, the coaches, the faculty and, on top of that, internally in my office. We all have to look very carefully at academic progress, and if at any time, something looks suspicious, it is incumbent upon us to dig deep to see what's going on.  

I hope to develop a system that allows us to monitor this progress with care so this doesn't happen again.  

Though this professor may have had good intentions, you don't help by not telling the truth. Saying it's OK to cheat is not a good message to give.  

There is growing concern across the country that collegiate sports have become too commercial, with program budgets spiraling out of control.  

 

 

 

 

 

What is your take on this issue? 

At Berkeley - and I believe it is this way at most public universities - we are required to be self-sufficient. We receive a minimal amount of money from the general campus budget. We believe there is an educational value to providing a broad athletics program on campus, but that requires money. Since it doesn't come from the university or the state, we rely on revenues from football and basketball games, which involve TV contracts, corporate sponsorships and advertising. You could argue that if our universities truly believe that sports is part of the academic mission, and not just a public relations tool, then why not help fund it? That's how the Ivy League schools do it. By not funding sports, universities are in some ways inviting commercialization of sports. 

 

What are some of your goals for the department over the next year? 

 

I would like to see endowments and annual giving increase for all our non-revenue teams. I want to see our teams performing at a higher level, particularly football. Tom (Holmoe, head coach) and his staff are aware of what they need to do. I also want our administrative and coaching staff on the same page, working together to create an atmosphere of support for each other. Improving these relationships will bring our programs forward. 

Our goal is not simply to put championship flags on the wall, but to understand and appreciate what went into getting that flag on the wall. We – administrators, coaches and athletes – can all get satisfaction from that.


Karen Craig: hard-working commissioner

Carol Denney Berkeley
Friday August 17, 2001

Editor 

A letter came quietly through the mail August 7th which ended the appointment of one of the Commission on Disabilities' hardest working members, Karen Craig. 

The letter, from District 1 Councilmember Linda Maio, implied that her representative had caused or aggravated discord within the disabled community. 

The irony, from anyone's perspective, is that the letter came shortly after a meeting in which organizers and advisors for the Berkeley Folk Festival met publicly in an accessible location for the first time in the six year history of the festival, a meeting which the current director swore only months ago would never take place. 

Karen Craig did not speak much at this July meeting. What she did was harder. She invited parties to a six year long conflict to meet under the umbrella of a Commission on Disabilities subcommittee so that participants could meet in a neutral atmosphere. She helped craft an agenda that accommodated all parties, she chaired the meeting and kept the tenor of the comments gentle, full of jokes, and on schedule. 

And she got fired. The buzz out of City Hall is that even associating with those who raise critical concerns about disability issues rocks the boat that some city council members would prefer to float quietly through community waters. Staff who support this quieter course talk about “incremental” changes over time, time which six years has yet to dent in the case of the folk festival. 

The meeting did not resolve anything. Nobody made demands, nobody made promises. People listened, or did a good job of seeming to listen. People who ordinarily argue for the “intimacy” of small venues had a good chance to hear the impact of “intimacy” on people, disabled and otherwise, who need space to maneuver, tune instruments, jam, or chat with friends without disrupting the show. People who favor relocation had a chance to consider the wealth of relocation options available in the community and the wealth of decisions that go into making such a choice. Karen Craig made sure that all participants were treated respectfully, and unlike in past years, no one was singled out as a “troublemaker” or made a scapegoat. 

And she got fired. 

Karen Craig can point to many years of difficult work on behalf of the disabled community, all the more difficult in a world where sometimes one literally can't get through the door. Years of proposals, motions, letters, wording and rewording policy to try to include all community concerns are the best testimony to the legacy of her commitment. This work will not end with the termination of her appointment to the Commission, it will just be a little bit harder to do. 

The Commission on Disabilities and the Berkeley community will certainly get the message that Karen Craig’s “activism” cost her the position. But the real factor may not have been her “activism” but rather her willingness to set that activism aside and let real dialogue happen, thus making real change possible. To those in the City of Berkeley who wish only quiet, election-friendly, ineffective waters, people with a commitment to change and an ability to bring together others in discord are potentially dangerous, for their approach is revolutionary. 

 

 

Carol Denney  

Berkeley


Little change seen in scores of state tests

By Erika Kelly Daily Planet correspondent
Friday August 17, 2001

Initial analysis of the 2001 Stanford 9 test scores, released this week, revealed little change from last year’s scores among Berkeley students. 

The 10-hour SAT9 exam tests students in math, reading and language skills and compares achievement for students in grades two through 11 throughout the state. 

Chris Lim, associate superintendent of instruction for the Berkeley Unified School District, cautioned against evaluating students too heavily based on these results. 

“I think it’s just one assessment of several you should be using,” said Lim. 

She stressed the importance of a variety of evaluation tools, including portfolios, class performance, project work, critical thinking and writing skills. 

Still, Lim was encouraged by the Berkeley students’ math results, which were slightly higher than the reading and language scores.  

She credited teachers’ use of other assessment tools during the school year that guides them in their evaluation of whether the students are meeting the state content standards. “(These tests) help to determine what the kids are learning and then it impacts what you’re teaching, so it is a closed cycle,” Lim said. 

The SAT9 test is part of Gov. Gray Davis’ efforts to hold schools accountable for meeting statewide education standards. Schools that perform well are eligible to receive monetary awards, while schools that perform poorly face sanctions.  

Several Berkeley teachers protested the monetary awards they received for last year’s positive test results, calling them “bribes,” and voluntarily gave their awards away. 

The test scores may reveal more patterns once administrators can further analyze differences between groups of students, said Lim.  

Some of the groups Lim plans to compare are male and female students; students who are economically disadvantaged and those who are not; and students who are receiving special education services and those who are not.


Nonprofit fights environmental degradation

By Daniela Mohor Daily Planet staff
Friday August 17, 2001

In the four years she has been working at Project Underground, a Berkeley-based nonprofit organization that fights against abusive gold mine and oil exploitation, Catherine Baldi has seen the organization grow.  

She has seen the staff increase to nine. She has seen the budget swell. And she has even seen a few communities come out victorious in what she characterizes as their battle against corporate interests. 

Created in 1996 in reaction to the murder of an environmental activist in Nigeria, Project Underground started as one of the few organizations trying to raise awareness around the human rights implications of environmental issues all around the world, according to Baldi. 

“It started out of the need to build a bridge between the human rights and the environmental movements and the indigenous rights movement,” said Baldi, who is Project Underground’s information coordinator. “We’ve evolved into an organization that has a very strong presence in the environmental movement and has the expertise about oil and mining impacts.” 

This expertise, Baldi explained, allows Project Underground to expose these problems and educate communities all over the world on the environmental consequences of oil and mine exploitation. At the beginning, she said, the organization spent much time doing “direct action,” such as demonstrations. But now Project Underground focuses more on supporting the communities by providing them with technical, legal, and scientific assistance.  

“We have built much more accountability through our campaigns,” said Baldi. “We do more of the direct support work and less direct action. We’re kind of a resource transfer organization.”  

Project Underground also works locally, taking advantage of its proximity to the U.S. government and international financial institutions. It uses different kinds of public pressure to get the corporations to stop their operations. 

One of Project Underground’s first campaigns, Baldi recalled, was against a Louisiana-based company called Freeport McRoRan. This corporation operates the world’s largest gold mine in Indonesia and is accused by Project Underground of protecting its profitability at any human and environmental cost. 

Project Underground’s public pressure, Baldi said, led other organizations to join the anti-Freeport McRoRan campaign and consequently, the company admitted human rights observers into the area. 

This is among the accomplishments that have given Project Underground the credibility it needed to grow quickly. In five years, its staff has doubled and its budget is almost four times what it used to be. During fiscal year 1997-1998, the organization counted on no more than $175, 000. This year, it received $800, 000 from private donors and foundations, such as the Richard and Rohda Goldman Fund or the Global Environment Project Institute. This financial support will allow the organization to keep working on its three current campaigns. It will also permit it to pursue other projects, including the creation of a North American network of activists and communities and the development of a database. 

Project Underground will celebrate its fifth anniversary with a fund-raiser Friday from 6 to 9 p.m., at its offices at 1916A Martin Luther King Jr. Way. French-Senegalese singer Henry Pierre will perform, as will a group of Native American drummers called The Young Eagle Singers. There will Guatemalan food, a raffle and childcare. For more information, call 705-8981 or go to: http://www.moles.org 


BRIEFS

BDP Staff
Friday August 17, 2001

Grant will help rebuild Tilden Park carousel 

 

The East Bay Regional Park District will be receiving a $197,000 grant to restore the deteriorating machinery of the Tilden Park carousel.  

The grant was approved by the California Coastal Conservancy and made available through Proposition 12 - the Safe Neighborhood Parks, Clean Water, Clean Air, and Coastal Protection Bond Act of 2000 - passed by California voters last year.  

The 1911 carousel receives over 150,000 visitors each year, making it one of the park district’s most popular attractions. Restoration of key mechanical parts is necessary if the carousel is to continue operating.  

 

UC Berkeley students  

mentor Vista students 

 

When Kathleen Jones-West transferred from Vista Community College to UC Berkeley in 1998 to complete her college degree, she dreamed of helping others make the same jump. 

This fall, her dream will materialize when four Vista graduates arrive at UC Berkeley as transfer students - the first products of a unique mentoring program started by Jones-West. And, the program is scheduled to expand to four other community colleges. 

For the past two years, the Vista students have been befriended and encouraged by UC Berkeley student mentors who have worked to make the campus a familiar and possible goal. Many Vista students do not plan to continue on for a four-year degree, or they may feel that the campus - only three blocks away - is unreachable. “Coming to UC Berkeley has been a goal since I was 12 years old,” said Adam Ebrahim of Fresno, who will enter as a transfer student this fall. For years, despite having the drive to reach his goal, Ebrahim nevertheless said that UC Berkeley was “largely unapproachable.” 

“I'd been working so hard for so long, I didn't have a realistic idea of how to proceed,” said Ebrahim.  

Teaming up with a UC Berkeley mentor was “absolutely great,” he said. “He walked around with me. I met people. I became very comfortable.” 

Ebrahim said his mentor also helped him focus his work so that he could avoid wasting academic time. 

Comments like these are music to the ears of Jones-West, who, though she has passed control of the program to others, still gets calls from students who tell her she has changed their lives. Jones-West is currently a second year graduate student in UC Berkeley's School of Social Welfare. 

Her “Starting Point” program, meanwhile, has been adopted by UC Berkeley as a regular part of its curriculum and is set to expand from Vista College to San Francisco City College this year, followed later by Contra Costa and Chabot community colleges.  

So far, about 100 UC Berkeley students have been trained as mentors.  

 

Volunteers sought to help with annual Solano Stroll 

 

Volunteers are wanted to help with the Solano Avenue Stroll, Sept. 9. People will be asked to put up posters and act as parade monitors. Those interested can call 527-5358 or go to www.solanostroll.org 

 

Online system helps track academic progress 

 

UC Berkeley is launching a new online system that lets undergraduate students monitor their academic progress on the Web by providing current information about courses needed to meet major, UC, and campus requirements. With the Degree Audit Reporting System (DARS), students can track their completed requirements, see which have not been completed, and consider possible courses to take in the future. 

“The Degree Audit Reporting System is the next step in the campus-wide effort to provide students with online tools to use during their academic careers at Cal. Tele-BEARS and Info-BEARS provide students with registration information, Bear Facts lets them view transcripts and change personal information, and now DARS enables them to monitor their progress through their academic career at UC Berkeley,” says Registrar Susanna Castillo-Robson. 

DARS is available to UC Berkeley undergraduates beginning in the fall. 

The Degree Audit Reporting System (DARS) automatically creates reports that reflect a student’s progress toward completing a degree in his or her declared major, taking into account not only completed UCB course work, but transfer courses and courses in progress. Students order DARS reports  

by accessing the system  

through Bear Facts (bearfacts.berkeley.edu) and clicking the DARS link on the home page. 

After providing the requested information, students receive a report via e-mail within 24 hours.


Groups lobby for national Juneteenth Day

The Associated Press
Friday August 17, 2001

 

 

LOS ANGELES — Groups pushing to make Juneteenth a national holiday are meeting in Southern California to get the word out about the historic day commemorating an end to slavery. 

The fourth annual National Juneteenth Convention and Expo will take place in Ontario on Friday and Saturday. 

The convention will serve to “educate the country of the significance of Juneteenth,” said Ronald Myers, founder of the National Juneteenth Observance Foundation.  

“The agenda will include a discussion of how to respond to the Bush administration’s lack of participation and support for Juneteenth.” 

Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, the day a Union Army general went to Galveston, Texas, to inform the last slaves there that they were free – more than two years after President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. 

Last June, President Bush issued a greeting observing the day and encouraging “all Americans to learn more about the role of African-Americans in U.S. history,” but convention organizers say they want more. 

Ken Liasius, a spokesman for the White House Office of Public Liaison, said there is nothing Bush can do without action from Congress. 

Juneteenth is observed in about 200 cities nationwide and is an official holiday in Texas, Florida, Oklahoma, Delaware, Idaho and Alaska. Dozens of other states have legislators who have either introduced or plan to introduce resolutions or bills acknowledging Juneteenth, Myers said, adding that California is on the list. 

Assemblyman John Longville, D-Rialto, plans to introduce a resolution recognizing Juneteenth when the Legislature meets later this month.  

He said he also will sponsor a bill next year to make Juneteenth an official unpaid holiday. 

“It is a significant date that has gotten a lot of attention over the years,” he said. “Over the last decade more people have become aware ... at first it wasn’t widely appreciated. 

Although it is important for individual states to recognize the day, Myers said, his group’s main push is to make it a national holiday. 

“Our nation needs healing from all that slavery has inflicted on generations of Americans,” he said.  

“Surely, as the former governor of Texas, where it has been observed as a paid state holiday since 1980, you would think President Bush is aware of the importance of Juneteenth.”


State conservation buoyed by incentives, weather

The Associated Press
Friday August 17, 2001

SACRAMENTO — Higher electricity rates and state-funded rebates on energy efficient appliances have helped Californians conserve power this summer. But the main reason for that may be due more to the weather than Gov. Gray Davis. 

“We have had a break with the weather, which has been to our advantage,” said Susanna Garfield, spokeswoman for the California Energy Commission. “A third of our electricity use in the summer during peak demand times is from air conditioners.” 

California, the nation’s most populous state, has one of the lowest per-capita rates for energy use, second only to Rhode Island. 

That’s no surprise to Robert Sanford, an appliance salesman at the Marin City Best Buy, who said customers at his store now ask about appliances’ energy use. Six months ago, “it wasn’t even something anyone looked at. 

“People are looking at these for the long haul now. They want to know the energy savings,” he said. 

In other states, people “think we’re sitting out here in our hot tubs,” Garfield said. “But per capita, we’re very efficient.”  

Conservation has happened for several reasons, experts say, including education programs, rebates on power bills and energy-efficient appliances and higher electricity bills. 

State-funded programs “may have had more of a symbolic effect” than a practical one, said Severin Borenstein, director of the University of California Energy Institute at Berkeley. 

Borenstein said all the programs have contributed to the savings – and the corresponding lack of blackouts, but “the leading effect has been Mother Nature. We have had phenomenal weather.” 

Also, the perceived threat of higher electric bills has likely encouraged conservation, although recent rate increases were aimed at large power users, such as commercial customers, Borenstein said. 

“Flex Your Power,” the state’s education campaign, encourages residents to shift their energy-thirsty appliance use to the evenings when the danger of blackouts has passed. 

“Consumers we’ve talked to have made changes,” Garfield said.  

“They are shifting their use – running the dishwasher later, doing laundry at night.” 

Though not all customers are using less, shifting use to off-peak times helps flatten out the peaks in energy use that can bring blackouts, she said.  

The biggest incentive the state has offered is money – rebates for upgrading to energy-efficient appliances and on electricity bills, which state regulators recently increased. 

State energy officials have paid out $60 million to utility customers in rebates as part of Davis’ 20/20 summer conservation plan, which offers a 20 percent rebate for cutting electricity use by 20 percent. 

Nearly a third of PG&E and Edison customers qualified for the rebates in July, and about 38 percent of San Diego-area customers saw some relief on their bills. 

Other state-sponsored efforts encourage long-term drops in energy consumption, from handing out compact fluorescent light bulbs and rebates for most any energy-saving gadget from insulation to energy-efficient air conditioners.  

The state has set aside $50 million in rebates for upgrading to energy-efficient appliances to supplement rebate programs already underway by utilities. 

Sales of any appliance with the Energy Star label has tripled since last year at Cherin’s Appliance in San Francisco, said Lou Cherin. 

“Everyone is energy conscious now,” said Cherin, whose sons own the appliance store. “And there are substantial rebates. The rebates bring the price down dramatically.” 

Upgrading appliances saves a lot of power, without forcing people to make a lifestyle change, Garfield said. A new Energy Star-labeled refrigerator uses half the electricity of a 10-year-old one, she said. 

The rebates have spurred a run on new refrigerators, said San Diego Gas & Electric Co. spokeswoman Jennifer Andrews, with that utility giving out 20,000 rebates of up to $200 for any new energy-efficient appliances. 

 

In the last five months, Pacific Gas & Electric Co. has received 52,000 rebate appliances for refrigerators, compared to 11,700 during the same period the year before, said PG&E spokeswoman Christy Dennis. More than 15,000 PG&E customers have upgraded washing machines, compared to half that amount the year before. 

More than 47,000 Edison customers have applied for rebates on appliances, said Gil Alexander, a utility spokesman. 

——— 

On the Net: 

The California Energy Commission: http://www.energy.ca.gov 


Stores continue pulling gel candies linked to deaths

The Associated Press
Friday August 17, 2001

SAN FRANCISCO — Two major grocery chains have pulled a type of imported jelly candy from thousands of supermarkets nationwide after public health officials here warned they were linked to the choking deaths of two children. 

Grocery chain Albertson’s said Thursday the gel candies, sold under the names Fruit Poppers and Gel-ly Drop, will be removed nationwide from all its 2,500 stores.  

Albertson’s first pulled the candies from 195 stores in Northern California on Wednesday. 

“We want to better understand what the health risks are before we put them on our shelves again,” said Stacia Levenfeld, an Albertson’s spokeswoman.  

“The FDA has not given us any indication if these are safe or not.” 

Safeway pulled Jelly Yum brand candies from 200 of its Northern California stores last week. A company spokesman said the chain does not carry the candies in any other region. 

The gel candies, the size of a coffee creamer, are individually packed in small, soft plastic cups and sold in bulk in plastic jars. The brightly colored candies have become popular over the last two years among American kids after they met with success in Asia. The sweet gel usually comes with a piece of fruit inside a shell of conjac jelly that health officials in Hong Kong, Seattle, Ottawa — and most recently the San Francisco Bay Area — have warned does not readily dissolve in the mouth. Some jars carry a labels warning that the candies are not safe for children under age 6, others age 3. 

The candy is linked to the deaths of Deven Joncich, 3, of Morgan Hill in November and Michelle Enrile, 12, of San Jose last month. In both cases, rescue workers said they couldn’t dislodge the sticky gel from the children’s throats. 

The Santa Clara County Department of Public Health at a news conference Wednesday warned the public about the candy, recommending that it be cut in pieces before it’s given to small children. 

“We decided to do something after the death of Michelle on July 30 and after learning of another death in Seattle,” said Joy Alexiou of the county Health Department. “We want to  

make sure parents read those warning labels.”  

A warning label says the candy is unsafe for children under 6 years old. 

Health department officials in King County, Wash., posted a similar advisory on their Web site last summer after a child died from choking on gel candies. 

Around the world, more than a dozen deaths are tied to the candy.  

Most are in Asia, where the candy originated in 1995. In Japan, the candy has gotten the nickname “deadly mouthful.” 

Taiwan-based Sheng Hsiang Jen Foods Co., the manufacturer of the gel candies blamed for the two deaths in the Bay Area, maintains the candy is safe.  

“Whether it was a mini-fruity gel, a piece of meat, a hot dog, or any hard candy, the result could have been the same,” a company statement said. 

An FDA official said the agency is aware of the situation and continues to look into the two California deaths. But when the FDA will comment on the issue is unclear.


Blazes under control in Northern California

The Associated Press
Friday August 17, 2001

SACRAMENTO — Firefighters battling the largest fire in Northern California contained it Thursday morning, while residents living near another fire were allowed to return to their homes as that blaze also wound down by evening, officials said. 

About 50 miles north of Susanville, the Observation fire claimed 67,700 acres, said Jeff Fontana, a spokesman for the Susanville Interagency Fire Center. The more than 900 firefighters and personnel involved in the $2.7 million effort contained it Thursday morning. 

Crews were being demobilized and sent home, and Gov. Gray Davis hailed them and the other “brave men and women” fighting that and three other fires. 

Meanwhile, all lanes of Interstate 80 that had been closed by the fire near Emigrant Gap were open Thursday.  

That fire had shut down parts of that major freeway for three straight days. 

A fire about 13 miles east of the town of Likely in Lassen County had claimed 33,101 acres as of Thursday evening. Firefighters continued working through sweltering conditions, although winds had died down, said Hilary Ford, a Modoc National Forest information officer. 

The Blue fire, which was 45 percent contained as of Thursday, had posed a threat to Eagleville, a small community of about 100 people and Jess Valley, with its 50 residents, but then headed in a different direction, said Wayne Chandler, a fire information officer for the Modoc National Forest. 

More than 1,576 firefighters and personnel, 47 fire engines, and eight helicopters responded to the Blue fire. Full containment was expected Wednesday. The cost of the fire was estimated at $1.2 million. 

Firefighters were clearing foliage Thursday after getting ahead of a blaze in the Mendocino National Forest that had grown to 14,705 acres. 

Winds remained calm, which is “good news,” said Rick Barton, fire spokesman. 

Barton said indirect line construction was completed and firefighters had begun a burn out operation Thursday evening. 

The fire has destroyed 10 homes and 16 outbuildings and 11 firefighters have received minor injuries since the blaze began Aug. 8 near Stonyford in Colusa County. 

More than 1,583 firefighters from the U.S. Forest Service, state forestry department and local fire departments were fighting the Trough blaze, which was 64 percent contained as of Thursday evening.  

Full containment was expected Monday. The cost of the fire was estimated at more than $8.4 million. 

Some residents were allowed to return to their cabins after 6 p.m. Thursday after being evacuated because of a fire in the steep forest near a remote spot near Emigrant Gap, about 70 miles northeast of Sacramento. 

 

The fire had claimed 2,462 acres as of that evening. 

Residents in the Yuba Gap area and Emigrant Gap area, as well as about 150 campers in nearby campgrounds, had been evacuated earlier in the week. 

More than 1,155 firefighters had contained 90 percent of the blaze by Thursday evening, with full containment projected by 6 p.m. Friday, said Andy Williams, a Tahoe National Forest information officer. 

Williams said crews there were winding down and either being sent home or to assist at other fires. 

Three firefighters suffered heat stress and one suffered a minor eye injury, officials said. 

Using aircraft to drop water, firefighters kept the fire from spreading north of the freeway, the main highway between Northern California and states to the east. 

Officials said the fire was reported Sunday afternoon by a lookout on Saddleback Mountain near Downieville, about 25 miles north of the fire. Its cause is still under investigation. 

— 

On the Net: 

Read about fires at http://www.cdf.ca.gov 


Marine World fatality after ride

The Associated Press
Friday August 17, 2001

VALLEJO — The death of a woman who suffered bleeding in the brain after riding a spinning teacup-style ride at Six Flags Marine World has officials wondering if such rides should be more closely studied. 

Authorities are now investigating the death of the 42-year-old, who last month was this summer’s second fatality involving a brain injury at a Six Flags theme park in the state. 

“In a matter of weeks, we have seen two of them,” said Dean Fryer, spokesman for the state Division of Occupational Safety and Health. “That raises the question, ’Has this been going on and nobody’s known or tracked it?’ I don’t have an answer.” 

Fryer said he has no evidence that the woman had a pre-existing medical condition or that the bleeding that occurred on her brain resulted from riding the Monkey Business ride. The attraction was reopened after it was found to have no mechanical problems. 

“We don’t have jurisdiction to investigate anything other than mechanical operations,” Fryer said. “Our jurisdiction is to look at the operations of the ride to ensure it is safe and operated in a safe manner and according to the manufacturer’s specifications.” 

Jeff Jouett, park spokesman, said he doesn’t believe the death was ride-related. 

On July 21, the woman said her head hurt and she was lightheaded and numb on her left side after riding the attraction twice. Park medical officials treated her on site, and she was transported to an area hospital where she died after two days. 

The park and the state did not know of the woman’s death until this month. 

No autopsy was performed on the woman’s body. 

In June, a woman died from heart disease related to hypertension after riding a roller coaster. Pearl Santos, 28, had a ruptured brain aneurysm. An autopsy showed that the stress of riding the Goliath roller coaster at Six Flags Magic Mountain in Santa Clarita was the probable culprit. 

More study into brain-related injuries associated with theme-park rides has been requested by Rep. Ed Markey, D-Mass. 


Report says feds discriminate with grants

The Associated Press
Friday August 17, 2001

WASHINGTON — Federal officials routinely discriminate against religious groups when handing out grant money, taking constitutional concerns about the separation of church and state too far, the White House contended in a report Thursday. 

Head Start centers shouldn’t be forced to remove religious signs from walls, the report says, and housing regulations shouldn’t bar organizations dubbed “primarily religious” from participating in community development programs. 

The report, based on data from five federal departments, reiterates many of the points White House officials have made for months as they campaign to direct more government money to religious groups. 

Until now, that campaign has focused on getting Congress to pass legislation opening government’s doors wider to churches, synagogues and other “faith-based organizations.” With this report, the White House is arguing that federal agencies have the power under current law but often act as if they don’t. 

“It is not Congress but these overly restrictive agency rules that are repressive, restrictive and which actively undermine the established civil rights of these groups,” the report concludes. 

The report repeatedly asserts that it is unconstitutional for these agencies to discriminate against religious organizations, although that point is widely debated and far from settled. 

For many years, the Supreme Court ruled that it was unconstitutional to give taxpayer dollars to “pervasively sectarian” organizations, to keep government from establishing religion or intruding upon it. 

In recent years, the court has opened the door to funding of some religious groups, but so far the court has stopped short of abandoning its earlier, more restrictive rulings. 

Asked about this debate, Bush domestic policy adviser John Bridgeland said that’s why legislation is needed — to make it clear that religious groups can get the money. In the meantime, he said, departments may suggest policy changes. 

President Bush, who ordered the report, suggested regulatory action might be coming. 

“We now see exactly what kind of obstacles stand in the way of a more compassionate America,” he said in a statement. “We look forward to addressing these inequities through legislation, administrative action and education.” 

Titled “Unlevel Playing Field,” the report includes information from five agencies – Health and Human Services, Education, Labor, Justice and Housing and Urban Development – each of which searched for institutional barriers that prevent religious and community-based groups from taking part in government programs. 

Some agencies, the report says, put religious groups into two categories: “too religious” and “secular enough.” Where participation is not banned outright, it says, religious organizations often face an “unwelcoming environment.” 

Civil liberties groups responded that established law is being followed. 

“What they call barriers, most people would call the Constitution of the United States,” said the Rev. Barry Lynn of Americans United for the Separation of Church and State. “Highly trained, nonpartisan government employees are trying to obey the Constitution as written, not the fanciful interpretation the White House wishes for.” 

 

The broader question — whether religious groups should be allowed to offer more programs with government money — has been the subject of a six-month debate in Congress. Legislation approved by the House would make it clear that such groups may compete for grants without putting aside their own religious character. The matter is pending in the Senate. 

The report also concluded: 

—It is hard to measure precisely how much federal money religious groups now get, though anecdotally it appears they get very little. That is partly because they choose not to apply for it, fearing they will be forced to strip away their religious character. 

—Federal officials have largely ignored “charitable choice” laws, which open government welfare, drug treatment and community development programs. They have done little to help states and local governments comply with the new rules. 

—Very little is done to measure how well the groups that get the bulk of government money actually perform, meaning there’s little rationale for giving the same groups the big contracts every year. 

—Cumbersome regulations and requirements make it hard for smaller organizations — both religious and secular — to participate in federal programs. 


Committee proposes some Internet access to federal court records

The Associated Press
Friday August 17, 2001

WASHINGTON — People could log onto their home computers instead of going to the federal courthouse to get information on many cases under a plan to put records on the Internet. 

A panel of judges stopped short of directing that all cases be available online, however, taking a tentative step into the Internet age with civil cases first. Records would be edited to remove personal information that could be used by cyber criminals. 

Recommendations that were released Wednesday follow two years of work and could become the standard not only for all federal courts but some state judiciaries. 

A committee of 14 judges said records of criminal cases should not be put on the Internet for now because “information could then be very easily used to intimidate, harass and possibly harm victims, defendants and their families.” They said the policy should be reviewed within two years. 

“I’m encouraged they haven’t slammed the door on criminal cases. They apparently want to take a go-slow approach, which may be the best thing,” said Tom Newton, attorney for the California Newspaper Publishers Association 

With privacy advocates on one side and media groups on the other, judicial leaders are walking a tightrope as they decide how to make records available not only by paper at courthouses but also online. 

News associations argue that all public records should be treated the same and should be accessible through the Internet, which provides quick availability. Opponents contend those records can include private things like financial information and medical records. 

Court officials would doctor Social Security numbers, dates of birth and minor children’s names in online records, under the plan. 

“I’m pleasantly surprised,” said Chris Hoofnagle, attorney for the Washington-based Electronic Privacy Rights Information Center. “There’s clearly a recognition and sensitivity to privacy issues.” 

Paul McMasters, First Amendment ombudsman at the Freedom Forum in Arlington, Va., was disappointed. 

“Just when the information age promises to make those criminal records truly public, this committee is suggesting they really shouldn’t be that public after all,” he said. 

The Judicial Conference of the United States, which sets policy for courts, meets Sept. 11 and will consider the recommendations by the Committee on Court Administration and Case Management. 

“The federal courts are not required to provide electronic access to case files ... nevertheless, the federal courts recognize that the public should share in the benefits of information technology, including more efficient access to court case files,” the committee said in its report. 

The committee said Congress should change bankruptcy laws to allow judges to seal those cases to protect privacy. Hoofnagle said bankruptcy records are an easy source for people to get personal information to use for identity theft. 

The report proposed keeping off the Internet cases involving Social Security challenges, like those filed by injured workers. The Social Security Administration asked for an exemption, and the committee agreed that those are “of little or no legitimate use to anyone not a party to the case.” 

The Justice Department had expressed concerns about criminal cases being available on the Internet. 

Federal courts around the country are handling Internet access differently. The committee said policies should be the same nationwide. 

The committee said people who go online to get federal court documents should have to register with a government-run records system, which charges a fee. 

——— 

On the Net: 

U.S. Courts privacy debate: http://www.privacy.uscourts.gov/ 


Pollution killing more people than traffice crashes

The Associated Press
Friday August 17, 2001

WASHINGTON — More people are being killed by pollution from cars, trucks and other sources than by traffic crashes, researchers estimate in a report that says cleaning up would prolong the lives of thousands of people. 

The researchers, in a study in the journal Science, said that cutting greenhouse gases in just four major cities — Sao Paulo, Brazil; Mexico City; Santiago, Chile and New York City — could save 64,000 lives over the next 20 years. 

Greenhouse gases, principally carbon dioxide or ozone, are those pollutants that tend to trap the sun’s heat in the atmosphere or to affect solar radiation. 

The gases have been blamed for causing global warming, but the study’s lead author, Devra Lee Davis, a professor at Carnegie Mellon University’s Heinz School in Pittsburgh, said the effects are not just long-term. 

“The message in our study is that there are real and immediate health benefits” in reducing greenhouse gases, she said. 

She said that burning of fossils fuels, such as gasoline in cars or coal in power plants, can create air pollutants such as ozone, airborne particles small enough to be inhaled, carbon dioxide and other gases. The pollutants, said Davis, can cause people to die prematurely from asthma, breathing disorders and heart disease. 

“It is our best estimate that more people are being killed by air pollution ... than from traffic crashes,” said Davis. “There are more than a thousand studies from 20 countries all showing that you can predict a certain death rate based on the amount of pollution.” 

Some experts, however, say that the direct connection between air pollution and death is not that clear, even in cities. 

Dr. Russell V. Luepker, a cardiologist and professor at the University of Minnesota, said that air pollution is not recognized as a significant cause of heart disease in the United States. 

“It is not a major factor in developing heart disease, but it does play a role in acute episodes that can kill you,” said Luepker, an expert designated by the American Heart Association as a spokesman. “More people either come to emergency rooms or die of heart disease during pollution episodes,” but the pollution did not start the disease, he said. 

Dr. Marian Frieri, a professor of medicine and an asthma expert at State University of New York at Stony Brook, said that air pollution can contribute to asthma inflammation but is only one factor on top of another condition. 

Davis and four co-authors said that adopting greenhouse-gas abatement technologies now available could prevent thousands of cases of chronic bronchitis and save millions of days of restricted or lost work. 

“We’re not talking about Buck Rogers-like, futuristic technologies,” Davis said. 

She said although the study concentrated on just four cities that have a combined population of 45 million, the conclusions probably could be applied to cities worldwide. The data are consistent with a World Health Organization study that estimated that air pollution would cause about 8 million deaths worldwide by 2020, she said. 

Dr. Jonathan Patz of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health said the study by Davis and her co-authors draws “an important conclusion.” 

“It shows that there are significant health benefits to be had from reducing emissions from the burning of fossil fuels,” he said. 

Carbon dioxide and other gases from the burning of coal and oil have been blamed by many researchers for warming of the climate. Some have predicted long-term and varied global effects, including such phenomena as melting glaciers, rising sea levels and recurring weather extremes. 

——— 

On the Net: 

Global warming: http://www.ipcc.ch 


Unusual circumstances in Texas stay of execution

The Associated Press
Friday August 17, 2001

AUSTIN — The successful last-minute attempt to spare the life of convicted killer Napoleon Beazley included two unusual twists: the judge who presided over Beazley’s trial asked the governor to stop the execution, and one of his own appeals lawyers admitted doing a poor job. 

Beazley was 17 when he killed John Luttig, the father of a federal judge who has ties to three U.S. Supreme Court justices. The case has divided the Supreme Court and renewed criticism of states that apply the death penalty to teenagers. 

A state appeals court stopped the execution four hours before Beazley was to die by injection on Wednesday so it could review his case.  

Just before the court ordered the delay, Beazley’s trial judge, Cynthia Kent, faxed a letter to Gov. Rick Perry asking him to commute Beazley’s sentence to life in prison. 

Although the trial was free of error, the judge wrote, Beazley’s life should be spared because of his age at the time of the murder.  

In Texas, juries decide whether convicted killers should be executed. 

Perry said Thursday he was aware of the judge’s letter but wouldn’t say what he would do. Perry can grant a 30-day reprieve from execution, but can’t order a commutation without the recommendation of the state Board of Pardons and Paroles, which already voted to proceed with the execution. 

Smith County District Attorney Jack Skeen Jr., said he opposes the surprise request and would “strongly urge” Perry against commuting the sentence.  

Kent didn’t immediately return a call for comment Thursday and her staff said the judge wouldn’t comment on a pending case. 

The judge’s letter is “very unusual,” said Rob Owen, an adjunct professor at the University of Texas law school and director of the school’s capital punishment clinic.  

Owen said he had never heard of a judge writing such a letter in a capital murder case. 

“She has grown to agree that while he deserved to be punished, he was not the most dangerous criminal who deserved to be executed,” Owen said. 

Also rare, Owen said, was a sworn statement from one of Beazley’s appeals attorneys, blaming himself for mistakes in his case.  

Although claims of inadequate counsel are common on direct appeal, it is unusual for an appeals attorney to criticize himself later, Owen said. 

Robin Norris, who represented Beazley in one of his rounds of appeals, has submitted a sworn statement admitting his investigation and preparation of the case were incomplete.  

He also said he didn’t research or brief the issues regarding Beazley’s age. 

Norris also said his caseload was too heavy because he was handling several other death penalty cases at the same time. 

“I feel a good case can be made for my responsibility for the shortcomings of my investigator,” Norris said.  

“If I’m not going to be responsible, nobody will be.” 

Beazley would be the 19th U.S. prisoner to die since 1976 for a murder committed by a person younger than 18.  

He would be the 10th in Texas, where he was among 31 death row inmates who were 17 at the time of their crime. 

Beazley, a high school class president and star athlete who also had dealt drugs and carried firearms, killed Luttig as he and his wife were returning home to Tyler.


Study finds hands-free phones still distracting

The Associated Press
Friday August 17, 2001

DETROIT — A study released Thursday said hands-free devices for cell phones do not appreciably reduce driver distraction, suggesting laws mandating the use of such devices may be ineffective. 

The study, conducted by University of Utah researchers, concluded distractions are caused by concentration on the conversation, rather than dialing or holding the phone. 

“It’s not where the hands are, but where the head is,” said Chuck Hurley of the Itasca, Ill.-based National Safety Council, which reported the study in the August/September issue of its publication Injury Insights. 

The study involved 64 participants in a simulated driving environment. Participants who were talking on their cell phones missed twice as many simulated traffic signals and took longer to react to those signals they did detect. There was no significant difference, however, between drivers using hands-free devices and those using hand-held phones. 

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that driver distraction – including talking, eating, reading or even changing radio stations – is involved in 20 percent to 30 percent of all crashes. 

The president of the trade group representing the cell phone industry did not dispute the study’s findings but echoed the safety council’s call for drivers to use phones and other electronic devices responsibly. 

“Any activity a driver engages in, besides the task of driving, has the potential to distract,” Tom Wheeler, president and CEO of the Cellular Telecommunications and Internet Association, said in a statement. 

In June, New York became the first state to pass a ban on using cell phones while driving. At least a dozen localities and 23 foreign countries have established bans, and at least 39 states are considering similar laws. An estimated 119 million Americans use cell phones. 

Concern over new potential driver distractions is growing as automakers make available new on-board devices that make it possible, for instance, to send and receive e-mail, check appointments and ask for directions. 

——— 

On the Net: 

National Safety Council: http://www.nsc.org 


Gardening isn’t just gardening, it’s life

By Sari Friedman Daily Planet correspondent
Friday August 17, 2001

Grinding a slug under the heel of your boot and then selecting flora to tenderly cultivate. Methodically exterminating generations of snails and then constructing your very own greenhouse.  

Covering some earth with a patio while transforming another space into a pond which you carefully nurture and refer to as a “womb chamber.” 

Welcome to “gardening.”  

“My garden is all about balance, about choices,” writes Simone Martel, who spent important moments of her childhood alone with her black cat, Sylvia in a garden in the Berkeley Hills.  

As a teenager, Martel found herself wandering through the four acre Blake Estate, a manifestly cultivated garden in Kensington which is open to the public on weekdays, and within which the president of the University of California resides.  

While Martel herself was in college, she married and moved into a home in the Berkeley flats. Martel’s book, “The Expectant Gardener,” recently published by Berkeley’s Creative Arts Book Company, chronicles Martel’s 10 years in this house, where she made the journey from novice gardener to expert amateur horticulturist.  

Martel documents this journey plant by plant and year by year – from the daffodils which bloom in the first warm days of February, to the tomato plants which bear fruit into November.  

Every plant has its own strength and meaning, such as the trailing lobelia on her front porch which still have the power to make her mother wince.  

Martel points out that where some people see a flower, she now perceives a process; she finds herself marveling at how a few dusty seedlings can turn into eight foot hollyhocks, and an almond shaped tuber becomes a big blooming dahlia.  

She also finds herself feeling prejudiced against some plants, while favoring others. She characterizes plant varieties as “banal” or “placid.” 

Martel’s heading toward that pivotal moment in which she will “garden” her own life and have her first child. 

“Mother Nature” isn’t so compliant as Martel would like.  

Martel warily deals with the weeds which flourish in every month of the year, and her personal ambitions – such as for white oleander (Nerium oleander) are periodically destroyed by climactic changes or the invading seeds from neighboring gardens. 

Sometimes Martel herself becomes fickle: planting, then ripping out, flower varieties; landscaping with native shrubs, then adding exotics.  

The chores never seem to end and Martel is meticulous and obsessed.  

She moves through scores of gardening tomes and catalogs; gets personal about the “wonders of mulch” and takes issue with the bias against conventional lawns. (She likes a little lawn.) 

What I like best in “The Expectant Gardener,” is Martel’s analogy between a garden and life.  

We hear that “A hard frost strikes about once every five years. When it does, only the toughest, most established hibiscus, bougainvillea, and other tropical plants survive.”  

We learn about how much difference “time” makes – the passing years help some plants to mature and grow comfortable. We learn that when a plant bolts it grows quickly, makes seeds, and dies prematurely. In hot weather; for example, lettuce sometimes bolts and becomes too bitter to eat. 

But my favorite bit of wisdom is this: “Gardening had taught me that time passes, seasons go by, things change. If you wait too long, sometimes it’s too late.” 

After 10 years of gardening Simone Martel concludes that nature is uncontrollable. When it is time, Martel harvests her garlic chives and one day she goes into labor. She asks herself: “Why do we make gardens? Why on earth do we bother?” 

She answers: “You have to learn to cherish. You have to dare to take the risk, to bother, to care.” 

Sari Friedman is finishing her first novel and teaches writing at local community colleges. She can be reached at Literate2@Yahoo.Com


Industry Standard magazine to file for bankruptcy

The Associated Press
Friday August 17, 2001

SAN FRANCISCO — Sinking along with the Internet economy that it covered, the Industry Standard will suspend publication next week and file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, according to an internal company memo obtained Thursday by The Associated Press. 

The San Francisco-based weekly magazine’s 150 employees will receive the bad news Monday when they return from a week of forced vacation, according to sources familiar with the plan. About six employees will be retained to continue running the Standard’s Web site and report on the technology industry, the sources said. 

If it can reorganize its finances under the bankruptcy court’s supervision, the Standard hopes to revive the magazine, sources said. 

Boston-based International Data Group, the Standard’s majority owner, declined to comment Thursday. 

The memo from Standard Media International’s investors and board of directors blamed the 3-year-old magazine’s failure on a deep technology industry slump that has resulted in mass layoffs and drastic cutbacks. With few buyers in the market, companies reduced their advertising budgets, which hit the magazine hard. 

After raking in $140 million in revenue last year, the Standard is on a pace for $40 million this year, a drop-off of more than 70 percent, the memo said. 

“The company’s ’vital signs’ have been dropping precipitously in the face of a severe correction in the overall market,” the memo said. 

This year’s dramatic reversal in fortune came on the heels of an aggressive expansion last year that included a long-term lease for expensive office space that would accommodate more than 600 employees. The payroll climbed to about 400 workers last fall when advertising revenue began to fall, prompting management to begin backpedaling. 

Despite a series of cost-cutting measures adopted since the dot-com downturn, the Standard couldn’t shed enough expenses to stay alive, the memo said. 

In the past year, the Standard has lost more than $50 million, the memo said. After striking out in its last-ditch attempts to raise $10 million from venture capitalists and other investors this week, the Standard’s board decided to go the bankruptcy route, sources said. 

The bankruptcy petition will likely list more than $50 million in liabilities, sources said, a stunning reversal from early 2000 when the magazine was valued at $200 million during a $30 million round of financing from investors led by Flatiron Partners and Chase Capital Partners. 

Bulging with snazzy ads proclaiming how technology industry would change the world, the Standard became a benchmark for the dot-com industry. As it covered the rise of unprofitable Internet companies that became Wall Street darlings, the Standard joined in the celebration with fancy parties and elaborate technology conferences. 

With a staff of business journalists plucked from well-established publications around the country, the Standard became perhaps the best-known of the flashy magazine to crop up in the San Francisco Bay area. 

The Standard isn’t the first of its breed to cash in its chips. 

In June, Business 2.0’s parent company sold the magazine for a reported $68 million to AOL Time Warner, which transferred the name to its eCompany magazine. Other prominent New Economy magazine such as Red Herring and Upside have been dumping workers and searching for cash infusions. 

——— 

On The Net: 

http://www.thestandard.com 


Economists encouraged by falling consumer prices

The Associated Press
Friday August 17, 2001

WASHINGTON — A sharp drop in the cost of gasoline and other energy products helped drive down consumer prices in July by the largest amount in 15 years. 

There also was good news on two other fronts Thursday: Housing construction posted its best performance in 17 months and the number of workers filing jobless benefits declined, suggesting better days ahead for the slumping economy. 

“This is all great economic news,” said Mark Zandi, chief economist for Economy.com. “After all the gloom, which was getting thicker and thicker, there is a little break in the clouds and sunlight is poking through.” 

Even so, stock indexes were down slightly by midafternoon as investors focused more on companies’ profit and revenue warnings than on the broader economy. 

While Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan and his colleagues have plenty of room to cut interest rates further, given the tame inflation, economists are predicting that policy-makers will opt for a quarter-point reduction rather than a more aggressive half-point when they meet Tuesday. 

“I think it’s close to a slam dunk for a quarter-point cut,” said Tim O’Neill, chief economist for Bank of Montreal and Harris Bank. “The Fed doesn’t have the inflation monkey on its back. Housing is still amazing. Jobless claims are encouraging and manufacturing, which has been the weakest part of the economy, may be bottoming out.” 

To avert a recession, the Fed has cut interest rates six times this year, totaling 2.75 percentage points. One of the reasons the central bank has been able to act so aggressively is that inflation has been contained. 

So far this year, consumer prices have increased at an annual rate of 2.8 percent, compared with an increase of 3.4 percent for all of 2000. 

After edging up by 0.2 percent in June, the government’s most closely watched inflation gauge actually fell by 0.3 percent in July. It was the first drop this year in the Labor Department’s Consumer Price Index and the best showing on inflation since a 0.4 percent decline in  

April 1986.  

The “core” rate of inflation, which excludes volatile energy and food prices, moderated in July, rising by 0.2 percent, compared with a gain of 0.3 percent in June. 

A second report showed that the housing market continues to thrive. 

Housing construction rose by 2.8 percent in July to an annual rate of 1.67 million, the best performance since February 2000, the Commerce Department said. 

 

“We’re cruising along,” said David Seiders, chief economist for the National Association of Home Builders. Low interest rates and the fact that most Americans still have jobs have kept activity solid. 

A third report suggested that layoffs may be slowing. New claims for state unemployment insurance fell by a seasonally adjusted 8,000 to 380,000 last week. The more stable four-week moving average of claims also fell to 370,750, the lowest since early March. 

In the months ahead, economists believe inflation will remain well-behaved. Soaring energy prices, which caused consumer inflation to jump by 0.6 percent in January, have eased. Also, the slowdown has made it harder for companies to raise prices and many businesses are reluctant to make big increases in workers’ pay and benefits. 

A 5.6 percent plunge in energy prices accounted for much of the good inflation news for July. 

Gasoline prices fell by 11 percent in July. Nationwide average prices at the pump have tumbled since peaking May 18 at $1.76 a gallon. 

Natural gas prices, which posted a record decline in June, fell by 4.1 percent in July. Home-heating oil went down by 2.8 percent. 

After soaring by a record 3.8 percent in June, electricity prices eased in July, rising 0.6 percent. That probably is little comfort to California residents coping with a power crisis caused by shortage of electrical generating capacity. 

Clothing prices fell 0.6 percent and airline fares were down 0.2 percent. 

All these lower prices swamped higher prices for other goods. Food prices rose 0.3 percent in July. Prescription drug costs rose 0.6 percent and tobacco costs shot up 4.8 percent, the largest increase since September 1999. 

——— 

On the Net: 

CPI:http://www.bls.gov/ 

Jobless:http://www.ows.doleta.gov/news/news.asp 

Housing starts: http://www.census.gov/indicator/www/housing.html 


Nosebleeds can signify something serious

The Associated Press
Friday August 17, 2001

DALLAS — Nosebleeds can be a nuisance. Or something more serious. 

While some nosebleeds have transient causes, others may be caused by injury or high blood pressure, says Dr. J.R. Williams, assistant professor of otolaryngology-head and neck surgery at University of Texas-Southwestern Medical Center. 

“There is not just one fix-all,” he said. “It is important to determine which type of nosebleed you are having so it can be properly treated.” 

A nosebleed that starts from the front part of the nose and only exits one nostril probably is an anterior type – most often caused by lack of humidity. Other possible causes include chronic nose picking, sinus infection, or reactions to such medications as inhalants, aspirin, ibuprofen or anticoagulants. 

A posterior nosebleed comes from deep in the nose and flows down the back of the mouth and throat, even if the patient is upright. It could have been caused by by a sports- or accident-related injury, or the person could have high blood pressure. Either possibility calls for treatment. 

Williams has this advice for handling a nosebleed: 

“To stop a nosebleed, pinch the soft parts of the nose together, and slightly tilt the head back for five minutes. If bleeding has not stopped, gently blow the nose to evacuate all clots. Then spray a decongestant-nasal spray quickly into both nostrils, followed by another five minutes of pinch-pressure. Applying ice to the nose and cheeks may also help slow bleeding.” 

After bleeding slows, you may pack your nose lightly with tissue, first tipping the tissue with a bit of petroleum jelly. That will prevent the resumption of bleeding when the tissue is removed. 

“Resumed bleeding after the above fails at home should more than justify seeing a physician,” Williams said. 

Get to a doctor or emergency room if the bleeding cannot be stopped or recurs, if bleeding is rapid or blood loss is large, the person feels weak or faint, or if blood goes down the back of the throat instead of through a nostril. 

 

The emergency room doctor will first try to cauterize by applying silver nitrate to the bleeding site. If it can’t be controlled this way or if bleeding is too brisk, electrical cautery will be used. In severe cases, a radiologist may put a catheter into the affected blood vessel and insert gelfoam to control the bleeding. 


Make changes, lose the medicine

The Associated Press
Friday August 17, 2001

ROCHESTER, Minn. — Make a few changes in your life, and you could reduce or even eliminate the need for blood pressure medicine, advises the Mayo Clinic Health Letter. 

The newsletter echoes the advice you may hear from your doctor: 

• Lose it if you’re overweight. Even 7 to 10 pounds can help. 

• Exercise. Try to be physically active for 30 to 40 minutes each day. 

• Eat right. Choose foods with less fat, including low-fat dairy products. Eat more grains, fruits and vegetables. This will ensure adequate intakes of potassium and calcium, which may lower blood pressure. Using olive oil in cooking also may help. 

• Reduce sodium. Limit your intake of sodium to 2,000 to 3,000 milligrams a day. Sodium in salt causes fluid retention, which in turn can raise blood pressure. 

• Stop smoking. Nicotine can raise your blood pressure. 

• Limit alcohol. No more than 1 ounce of alcohol daily for men, half that amount for women. An ounce translates to 2 ounces of 100-proof liquor, 24 ounces of beer, or 10 ounces of wine. 

• Limit caffeine. Caffeine can raise blood pressure in some people. 

• Manage stress. Meditation, rhythmic exercises such as tai chi, or having a pet are good ways to help reduce stress. 


Career stems baseball, military, school services

By Mary Barrett Special to the Daily Planet
Thursday August 16, 2001

Charles Richardson tends his thriving garden of beans, tomatoes, peppers and corn in the side yard of his north Berkeley home. 

“Watching baseball on TV is like watching this corn grow – boring,” he says. “But playing competitive ball, now that’s exciting.” And he’s the man who knows. 

For five years, from 1946 until he was drafted, Charles Richardson played in the Negro Leagues, barnstorming through every state and into Mexico, Cuba and the Philippines. A tall, imposing man in his early 70s, Richardson was a talented southpaw in the 1940s. 

“Baseball was the game when I was a kid, the national sport; we all played it. You had to be good at baseball if you wanted to get any notoriety around here.” 

Richardson said he thought a black idol from Berkeley, Johnny Allen, would be the first African American to play in the major leagues. “Of course Jackie Robinson got that distinction. Johnny Allen was an outstanding athlete, born and raised in Berkeley. He and others from the Negro Leagues played in Bay View Park in Oakland and at San Pablo Park in Berkeley, during their off season. Fifteen hundred to 2,000 people would come out to watch those guys play.” 

Johnny Allen let Charles Richardson know that he was ready, at 16, to play league ball when Richardson, as if overnight, had come into a man’s strength. But his parents were against him leaving high school to go off with the barnstorming teams. 

“I had to vilify my father, made it seem like he never let me do anything, so he got mad and put me on punishment, and then I left. I felt very guilty about that for a long time.” 

Richardson was the oldest of 10 children and always felt needed as a youngster. Any money he made selling papers, shining shoes, delivering mail during World War II, went to help his family. The depression was just over and his parents needed every little bit of money they could get. 

“It’s a wonderful feeling to be needed. I feel sorry for kids today – nobody needs them.” 

Playing with the Ford Taggers, the San Francisco Cubs, the Sea Lions and the Oakland Larks, Richardson made $250 or $300 each month, sometimes more, good money for the times. Half of it he sent home. 

“It was a tough, tough way to earn a living though. Most places did not welcome black people. When we played in states like Wyoming, Montana, Utah, parts of California, we couldn’t get a hotel room, so we slept on the bus. A lot of places restaurants wouldn’t serve us so we made a diet off of lunch meats.” 

Richardson said playing in little towns was entertainment before TV. “We did the circuits, just like big bands and the circus. We played local teams. You had to win, but keep the game close and, at the same time, look good doing it. You had to be a good athlete to do that. We’d invariably win games, but in every little town, there’d be people on those teams who were outstanding. We had respect for those guys who could play.” 

Barnstorming meant playing two games a day, the second perhaps just a few miles down the road from the first, and playing every little town, it seemed, in the country. 

“The parks were like a drive-in movie. People would park their cars around the fences, there’d be just a small bleacher section. Most of the fans were white. Sometimes traveling, we’d not see another black person for six weeks.” 

Richardson played first base usually but, because the teams played nine games each week, and there were only 15 players, nearly everyone had to pitch. 

“I had never pitched as a kid, but I found out I had good stuff on the ball. I was a wild left-handed pitcher and frequently walked people. My arm would get exhausted. The greatest game I ever pitched, I didn’t walk anybody. I think we lost the game, but nobody walked!” 

Right after World War II, Richardson played in the Philippines. His was the first baseball team to go in after the war and they were treated like celebrities. Filipino fans packed the games. They treated the men with adulation, and Richardson, the very youngest player, remembers this experience fondly because he was treated not only like an equal, but like a very special man. 

Richardson had a chance to play with Jackie Robinson’s All Stars in 1948 which, Richardson says, sounds a lot better than it was. Robinson and another Dodger, Roy Campanella, would come out west and pick up local players to do exhibition games locally.  

“You didn’t get to travel all over the country with Robinson, just Oakland, San Francisco, Vallejo, maybe L.A. He had respect for us because we were good players. He was a nice guy who’d pick up the tab at dinner.” 

Everyone had dreams of making it to the major leagues after ‘47 when Jackie Robinson became a Brooklyn Dodger. Every black person in the United States became a Dodger fan in ‘47, Richardson believes. 

“To be truthful, I thought I was going to the majors, too. I was, we used to call it, ‘chesty.’ Some of the guys I played against, and with, weren’t considered to be as good a ball player as me and they made it. I thought it would be just a matter of time.”  

But, Richardson adds, it was also a matter of luck. 

“I was drafted into the army and went to the Korean War. I was gone for two years and when I came back the Black Leagues were being disbanded. They were playing to empty houses because of television. You could watch the Yankees for free on TV, why go out to see us?” 

Richardson was only 20 and felt sorry for himself. “I had been born in the wrong time,” he said. “But then I realized I’d had a chance to play with and against the best athletes of the time. I got to do exactly what I wanted to do, my dream was always to be a ball player. It was a wonderful thing for me.” 

He and his buddy, Pumpsie Green, the first black man to make the Boston Red Sox and the last team to integrate, worked out every day at the Berkeley YMCA. Richardson says he’s not a big baseball fan anymore, he can’t sit through a game on TV because it moves so slowly and all you see is spitting and scratching, but any time he goes out to a game, usually taking a bunch of kids with him, he’s glad he’s gone. And he has respect for today’s super stars.  

“That ball is this big (he shows a small circle with his hands) and it’s coming at you 96 miles an hour, you still have to hit it. You can take all the steroids in the world, but you still have to hit that damn ball.” 

After his baseball career was over, and his stint in the Korean War, Charles Richardson started working for the Berkeley Unified School District and went back to school part time. He graduated from Cal State Hayward with a degree in sociology. At work, he went from a custodial position to Coordinator of Student Support Services at West Campus and Berkeley High School. He worked 39 years for B.U.S.D., finishing his career as a Child Welfare and Attendance Officer.  

While in Korea, in the face of death, he realized how much he wanted to marry and have children. He and his wife Alice Richardson, who also devoted her work life to the Berkeley schools, have been married for 49 years and have three children. Charles III is a professional photographer living in New York City, Kim is an East Bay resident who works at the Surgery Center in Oakland, and Alison works at the University of San Francisco,as the director of student activities. 

In retirement, Richardson works for the Berkeley Police Department in a job designed to keep kids out of the Criminal Justice System. He’s a man who values the stability a strong community can provide to its youth. 

“I learned, playing ball, how to work hard at something. You work hard you improve. You might not be the best, but you’ll be better than you were.” 

He talks about a young, almost homeless boy he worked with. “I told his mother, send him to school, he’ll get breakfast maybe, and lunch. You’ll be able to look for work without him tagging along with you.”  

Richardson says things have changed since he was growing up and all the neighbors looked after all the kids. “Even Spud Murphy, the old wino, would warn us, ‘I’m a see your dad’ if we were hanging out, cutting school or smoking a cigarette.” 

“I’m like a neighbor,” he says, “looking out for the kids.” 

Charles Richardson is the neighbor we’d all like to have. 


Oakland’s Brown right on

Letters to the Editor
Thursday August 16, 2001

 

Editor: 

Jerry Brown has consistently betrayed his avowed principles and the voter constituency that elected him as mayor of Oakland. Our best response might be to confine him for 30 days with nothing but food, water and a tape deck whereupon he would spend those days doing nothing but listen to “We the People,” the KPFA radio shows that gave him the podium to rant, rave and energize our left-leaning citizenry, desperate for some political vision and leadership. Yet, ironically and much to the chagrin of his audience and followers, Brown has finally showed the courage and perspective he so gallantly cried out for during his reign as radios’ greatest rhetorician. 

Anybody who has spent time trying to teach in many of our public schools knows how enervating the discipline problems have become. As a veteran of that system I can testify to the classroom mayhem and the consequent demands to maintain order that zap teachers of their energy and consequently… their rightful job… to teach children, not police them. 

While many of us are in denial about this deplorable situation or spin our tops, coming up with one ineffective remedy after another, Brown’s experiment with the Military Academy shows that he has grasped this unfortunate reality and is willing to take a giant step forward in prototyping a solution. Frankly, my experience suggests that not only do we need boot camp academies but perhaps the presence of the National Guard itself, in every problematic school. 

Back in the 1940’s and 50’s we had to deal with larger class sizes, and various other obstacles to effective education. But teachers weren’t burned out yelling, screaming chasing and reporting undisciplinable students. This was largely because public school children back then had the fear of failure appropriately ingrained into their mind’s eye and heart. There is nothing wrong with this fear of failure. When applied proportionately it helps us develop the skills to survive and hopefully contribute to our society and culture. Today that fear has taken a back seat in the classroom and has been relegated to the students who must, all too often, defy their peer groups and bear an “uncool,” “unhip” nerd-like image in order to get anything done. 

Brown’s Academy is a courageous recognition of these problems. We should all support Mayor Brown, the children and staff in this effort. My only question is: does it go far enough? 

 

Marc Winokur 

Oakland


Thursday August 16, 2001

 

924 Gilman St. Music at 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Aug. 17: Blood Brothers, True North, The Cost, Red Light Sting, Betray The Species; Aug. 18: Dr. Know, The Sick, Society of Friends, Manchurian Candidates, Shut the F*ck Up; $5. 924 Gilman St. 525-9926. 

 

Ashkenaz Aug. 16: 10 p.m. - 2 a.m. Dead DJ Night with Digital Dave. $5; Aug. 17: 9:30 p.m. Near East Far West. $12; Aug. 18: 9:30 p.m. Zydeco Flames. 8 p.m. dance lesson w/ Cheryl McBride. $11. Aug. 19: 8 p.m. Open Stage w/ Koko De La Isla, Ernesto Hernandaz, Jeff Hawkins. $8; Aug. 21: 9 p.m. Slavonkian Traveling Band. 8 p.m. dance lesson w/ Joyce Clyde. $10; Aug. 22: 9 p.m. Badenya Les Freres Coulibaly, $10; Aug. 23: 10 p.m. - 2 a.m. Dead DJ Night with Digital Dave. $5; Aug. 24: 9:30 p.m. Caribbean All Stars $11; 1317 San Pablo Ave. 525-5054 www.ashkenaz.com  

 

Eli’s Mile High Club Doors open at 8 p.m. Aug. 18: Craig Horton /CD Release; Aug. 25: Carlos Zialcita; Every Friday, 10 p.m. - 2 a.m., Funky Fridays Conscious Dance Party with KPFA DJs Splif Skankin and Funky Man. $10; 3629 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Oakland. 655-6661 

 

Freight & Salvage Coffee House Aug. 16: David Jacobs-Strain and Joe Craven, $16.50; Aug. 17: Mitch Greenhill & Mayne Smith, plus Spiral Bound, $16.50; Aug. 18: Mighty Prince Singers, Talk of Da Town, $17.50; Aug. 19: John Fahey Tribute Concert, $19.50; All shows 8 p.m. 1111 Addison St. 548-1761 www.freightandsalvage.org 

 

Jupiter Aug. 16: Beatdown with DJ’s Delon, Yamu and Add1; Aug. 17: The Mind Club, Old school funk grooves with sonic swirls of acid jazz; Aug. 18: Blue & Tan; Aug. 21: Groove.org; Aug. 22: Stolen Bibles; Aug. 23: Beatdown w/ DJs Delon, Yamu, and Add1; Aug. 24: 5 Point Plan; Aug. 25: Mitch Marcus Quintet; Aug. 28: Big Lou and Polka Casserole; Aug. 29: Secession; Aug. 30: Beatdown with DJ’s Delon, Yamu and Add1; Aug. 31: Realistic CD Release Party; All music starts at 8:00 p.m. 843-7625 www.jupiterbeer.com  

 

La Note/Jazzschool Aug. 19: 4:30 p.m. Hazel Carter, 5:30 p.m. Bryan Girard & Friends, 6:30 p.m. T3 (Kirk Tamura Trio); Free. 2377 Shattuck Ave. 845-5373  

 

La Peña Cultural Center Aug. 17: 8:30 p.m. Music and dance performance by Jaranón y Bochinche, $12; Aug. 18: 8:30 p.m. Mission (roots hip hop), $8; Aug. 19: 3:30 p.m. Domingo de Rumba; Aug. 24: 8:30 p.m. Professor Terry’s Circus Band Extraordinary, $16; Aug. 25: 9:30 p.m., Edgardo Cambon’s Candela, $10, 8:15 p.m. Salsa dance class w/ Diego Vásquez, $13; In the Cafe, 3105 Shattuck Ave. 849-2568 

 

ACME Observatory Aug. 19: 8 p.m. Solo performance by Jason Kahn, Brown Bunny Ensemble. $9.99 suggested donation. TUVA Space, 3192 Adeline @ MLK Jr. Way. 649-8744 http://sfSound.org/acme.html 

 

Indigo Event Center Aug. 25: 4:20 p.m. Musicians for Medical Marijuana Benefit concert. Sound Tribe Sector 9, Lost at Last, The Mermen, Ten Ton Chicken, Scott Huckabay, Strawberry Alarmclock, Buzzy Linhart, plus special guests, $25. 1988 Broadway at 19th, Oakland. 869-5391 www.m4mm.org  

 

Third annual Berkeley World Music Festival Aug. 26: Noon - 6 p.m. Block party and carnival, Grupo Ilu Fun Fun, Petit La Croix, Samba Ngo, O-Maya, Fito Reinoso y Su Ritmo y Armonia. Durant Ave. between Telegraph Ave. and Bowditch. 

 

TUVA Space Aug. 25: 8 p.m. Vanessa Lowe and the Lowliflies, Ira Marlowe, Hoarhound. 3192 Adeline St. 655-9755 

 

“Frank Olivier’s Twisted Cabaret” Aug. 24 & 25, 8 p.m. Frank Olivier is joined by Uncle Paul Nathan and The Twisted Cabaret Band. All tickets $16. Julia Morgan Center for the Arts 2640 College Ave. 845-8542 www.juliamorgan.org 

 

“Loot” Through Aug. 25, Thursdays - Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sundays at 7 p.m. Special Performance Aug. 20, 8 p.m. General Admission: $15, Students / Seniors: $10. La Val’s 1834 Euclid Avenue 655-0813 

 

“Murder Dressed in Satin” by Victor Lawhorn, ongoing. A mystery-comedy dinner show at The Madison about a murder at the home of Satin Moray, a club owner and self-proclaimed socialite with a scarlet past. Dinner is included in the price of the theater ticket. $47.50 Lake Merritt Hotel, 1800 Madison St., Oakland. 239-2252 www.acteva.com/go/havefun 

 

“Reefer Madness” 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. 655-4150 

 

“Soul Harmony” Aug. 25: 5 - 7 p.m. A spirited one-woman show of history, culture, and entertainment. Written by Joy Holland, directed by Ava Coaxum. Presented at the Black Repertory Theater. 3201 Adeline St. $10 donation. 652-3399 

 

Pacific Film Archive Aug. 16: 7:30 p.m. Rancho Notorious; Aug. 17: 7 p.m. Bonchi, 9:05 p.m. Money Talks; Aug. 18: 7 p.m. Ministry of Fear, 8:45 p.m. House by the River; Aug. 19: 3 p.m. National Velvet, 5:30 p.m. I Am Two, 7:15 I Am a Cat; Aug. 21: 7:30 p.m. The Direct Cinema Tradition; Aug. 22: 7:30 p.m. The Werewolf of Washington; Aug. 23: 7:30 p.m. Contempt; Aug. 24: 7 p.m. The Heart, 9:20 p.m. The Outcast; Aug. 25: 7 p.m. Moonfleet, 8:45 p.m. The Blue Gardenia; Aug. 26: 3 p.m. Duck Soup, 5:30 p.m. The Wanderers, 7:25 p.m. Dora-Heita; Aug. 28: 7:30 p.m. DGen. Adm.. $7, The New PFA Theatre 2575 Bancroft Way 642-1412 

 

“BACA National Juried Exhibition: Works on Paper” Through Aug. 31: Wed. - Sun. Noon - 5 p.m. Berkeley Art Center 1275 Walnut St. 644-6893 

 

“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 Aug. 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 Aug. 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. Through 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. Atelier 9 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 Political Art of: Diego Marcial Rios” Through Sept. 20, Addison Street Window Gallery, 2018 Addison St. hdrios@msn.com 

 

“Sistahs: Ethnographic Ceramics” Through Aug. 22, Reception July 29 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. Women’s Cancer Resource Center Gallery 3023 Shattuck Avenue 548-9286 ext. 307 

 

“Squared Triangle” Through Oct. 5. noon - 6 p.m. Reception for the artists, Aug. 18: 4 - 7 p.m. A minimal art exhibit featuring three Bay Area artists working in different mediums while achieving the same elegant simplicity. The Crucible, 1036 Ashby Ave. 843-5511 www.thecrucible.com 

 

“Ten Years Here” Exhibit celebrating the 10 year anniversary of Turn of the Century Fine Arts. Through Sept. 14, Sat & Sun 1-5 p.m. Reception Aug. 4 2:00 - 7:00 p.m. 2510 San Pablo Avenue 849-0950 

 

 

Readings 

 

Boadecia’s Books Aug. 17: Lynne Murray reads from her latest Josephine Fuller mystery “At Large”; Aug. 18: “Hell on Heels” tour with Daphne Gottlieb and Thea Hillman; Aug. 24: Andrea Gabbard discusses “Girl in the Curl: A Century of Women’s Surfing”; Aug. 25: Ann Bannon reads from her lesbian pulp classic “Beebo Brinker.” All events start at 7:30 p.m. and are free. 398 Colusa Avenue 559-9184 www.bookpride.com 

 

Black Oak Books Aug. 16: Mandy Aftel and her new book, “Essence and Alchemy: A Book of Perfume”; Aug. 19: “Wildest Alaska: Journeys of Great Peril in Lituya Bay” by Philip L. Fradkin; Aug. 21: June Jordan’s memoir “Soldier: A Poet’s Childhood”; Aug. 22: Ruth Daigon’s “Payday at the Triangle”; Aug. 23: Phil Cousineau’s “Once and Future Myths: The Power of Ancient Stories in Modern Times”; Aug. 27: Catherine Brady, Jean Herlund, Frances Payne Adler, and Marianne Villanueva and others to celebrate CALYX Book’s 25th Anniversary, “Cracking the Earth”; Aug. 28: Kent Nerburn reads from “Road Angels: Searching for Home on America’s Coast of Dreams”; Aug. 29: Sylvia Brownrigg reads from her new novel, “Pages For You”; All shows at 7:30 p.m. free of charge. 1491 Shattuck Avenue 486-0698 

 

Café de la Paz Poetry Nitro performance showcase with open mike. Aug. 20: Avotcja; 6:30 p.m. signup, 7 - 9 p.m. reading. 1600 Shattuck Ave. 843-0662 

 

Cody’s Books - Poetry Flash Aug. 22: Trane Devore and Shauna Hannibal; Aug. 29: The New Now Millennium Anthology Reading with Editor H. D. Moe; All are a $2 donation. Readings at 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted. 2454 Telegraph Ave. 845-0837 

 

Coffee Mill Poetry Series Aug. 21: Featured Readers: Victoria Joyce and Theresa Bamberger; Both 7-9 p.m. Free. 3363 Grand Ave., Oakland for info. 465-3935 or 526-5985, or Email: ksdgk@earthlink.net 

 

“Coffee Break Readings and Refreshments,” Aug. 18, 4 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. Oakland Public Library-Rockridge Branch. Open-mic poems, monologues and dramatic scenes, presented by Opera Piccola. For ages 10 and up. 5366 College Ave. Free. 238-3134 ww.oaklandlibrary.org 

 

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. It will reopen in early 2002. On View until Oct. 1 : “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  

 

Oakland Museum of California, A Legacy of Early California Paintings: The Shumate Collection, through Aug. 19; Every Worker is an Organizer: Farm Labor and the Resurgence of the United Farm Workers, through Aug. 26; Made in Oakland: The Furniture of Garry Knox Bennett, through Sept. 2; After the Storm: Bob Walker and the Art of Environmental Photography, through Sept. 16; Half Past Autumn: The Art of Gordon Parks, through Sept. 23; Rustler Ranch Mastodon Project, through June 30, 2002; Wednesday - Saturday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sunday, noon - 5 p.m., Closed Monday and Tuesday. $6 general; $4 youths (6-17), seniors and students with ID. Free for Museum members and children 5 and under. Free admission the second Sunday of the month. 10th & Oak Streets, Oakland. 238-2200 www.museum.org 

 

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

 

Send arts events two weeks in advance to Calendar@berkeleydailyplanet.net, 2076 University, Berkeley 94704 or fax to 841-5694. 

 


BHS senior takes seat on board

By Erika KellyDaily Planet correspondent
Thursday August 16, 2001

Serena Chandler, a Berkeley High School senior, never dreamed she’d be in the chair she’d be seated in Wednesday night, when she would take her place as student director on the Board of Education. 

“My freshman and sophomore year, I never would have imagined myself here. I was totally unplugged from the school. I didn’t see the point of getting involved,” said Chandler, who was born and raised in Berkeley by her parents Patricia and Jeff Chandler. 

Now, as student director, she will be the voice of students in school board debates, a role she is taking over from Niles Xi’an Lichtenstein. 

Chandler doesn’t consider herself “political,” a word she associates with the boring politicians she sees on television who inspire her only to channel surf. Still, she embodies the saying that “all politics is personal.” 

“I’m not a big ‘political’ person, but I care about things that affect my people,” she said. 

Her interest in politics was sparked by local issues and her avid reading of books about the Black Panthers, Che Guevara and the Cuban Revolution, among others. 

“Political change is so interesting to me, with so much political oppression in the community. I just put my foot in and it caught me,” said Chandler. 

In the last year, she joined other students to protest the plan to build a youth jail in Dublin, as well as the new truancy policy proposed by BHS Principal Frank Lynch. Chandler credits the truancy debate with inspiring her to run for student director. 

“I wanted to have a greater voice in decision making,” she said. 

Chandler, together with a group of students, felt that the school’s plan to fail students who had a certain number of absences did not deal with the root causes of truancy. 

“It would have punished students instead of educating them,” she said. 

In a presentation before the school board in July, Chandler joined other members of the group Youth Together in proposing an alternative plan to combat truancy, which would provide students with greater support and guidance before punishing them for their absences. 

School board President Terry Doran’s interaction with Chandler convinced him that she is well prepared for her new position. Chandler and the other students impressed Doran with their desire to find solutions to the truancy problem, not just protest the plan. 

“As adults we sometimes forget how our policies will impact students in a concrete way. We may have a tendency to generalize. The student voice brings anything we do some perspective and concrete feedback from the student point of view, and we need that always. I really believe that Serena has the ability and desire to do that in an aggressive and positive way.” 

Among friends and family, Chandler has earned a reputation as a good listener and problem solver, qualities which they believe will help her meet her new responsibilities. 

“I think she’s willing to listen more than talk and do something about what she hears,” said Inga Arguta, 17, Chandler’s best friend. “Every single problem she hears about from a student, she’ll try to change it; if she can’t change it, she’ll try to reason with the student and administrators.” 

Nico Cary, 16, one of Chandler’s three brothers, agrees. 

“She lends an ear to anyone who needs to talk. She can get in that person’s dimension and help them out,” said Cary. 

Chandler has not yet decided what she wants to accomplish during her tenure. Instead, she believes her mission will be informed by student concerns and issues that emerge during the school year. 

“It makes me nervous, honestly, because I’ve never been in that type of setting. It will be a new learning experience. I can’t learn this in a book,” said Chandler before heading off to her first meeting. 

 


Thursday August 16, 2001


Thursday, Aug. 16

 

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. 869-2547 

 

Ancient Native Sites  

of the East Bay 

7:30 p.m. 

Room 160 Kroeber Hall, University of California Campus 

Christopher Dore will discuss “Space and Place at Two East Bay Shellmounds.” Jason Claiborne, archaeologist with Archeotec, Inc., will discuss his recent work and the delicate position of playing “archaeo-police” versus serving the client in a talk entitled “Insuring the Future of the Past.” $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 

 

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: Travel, Jackie Hetman presents “A 17-Day Train Trip Through Namibia.” 526-9146. 

 

The Candy Cottage 

1:30 p.m. & 2:30 p.m. 

Hall of Health 

2230 Shattuck Ave. (Lower Level) 

“The Candy Cottage” is a short comedy written and performed by the Hall of Health staff, for children ages 3 to 12. The play provides information about eating healthy, the food pyramid, and what vitamins and minerals do for your body. The Hall of Health is a hands-on community health-education museum and science center sponsored by Children’s Hospital of Oakland. Free. 549-1564. 

 


Friday, Aug. 17

 

Candle Lighting Service 

10 a.m. - 5 p.m. 

San Pablo Park 

Russell and Mabel streets 

A candle lighting service for friends and loved ones in Berkeley and surrounding areas who have passed on. Free food (barbecue), drinks, table games, softball and entertainment. 653-3808 

 

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. Intake process required. Meeting Fridays through Aug. 17. $8 - $35 sliding scale per session 548-8283 x534 

 

Project Underground’s  

5th Birthday Party 

6 - 9 p.m. 

On the roof of Project Underground's Office  

1916A Martin Luther King Jr. Way  

(between Berkeley Way and Hearst)  

Entertainment, food, drinks, childcare, raffle prizes and more. Everyone is invited to celebrate the organization’s success. $20 donation, nobody will be turned away due to lack of funds. 705-8981 www.moles.org 

 

Opus Q Auditions 

3 - 5/ p.m. 

The University Lutheran Chapel 

2425 College Ave. 

Opus Q - The East Bay Men’s Chorale is preparing for its first full season. Gay men and their allies are invited to audition for the world’s newest GALA ensemble. 664-0260 www.opus-q.com  

 

Even Stronger Women 

1:15 p.m. - 3:15 p.m. 

North Berkeley Senior Center 

1901 Hearst Ave. 

Free weekly cultural discussion class. This week: Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony. 549-1879 

 

Commission on Aging 

Transportation Subcommittee 

3 - 5 p.m. 

North Berkeley Senior Center 

1901 Hearst Ave. 

Public forum/ meeting to discuss transportation issues. 644-6050 

 

— compiled by Guy Poole 

 


Saturday, Aug. 18

 

Berkeley Farmers’ Market 

10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. 

Center Street @ Martin Luther King Jr. Way 

12th Annual Cajun & More Festival. Live music by: Motor Dude Zydeco, Johnny Harper’s Carnival, Creole Belles, Sauce Picuante. Food, crafts fair, micro-breweries, and free Cajun dance lessons with Pattie Whitehurst. Free event open to the public. 548-3333 www.ecologycenter.org 

 

The Pyramid Outdoor Cinema 

7 p.m. 

Pyramid Alehouse 

901 Gilman St. 

The Outdoor Cinema features cult classics projected on a large screen in the open-air brewery parking lot. This week, Grease. Movies show every Saturday through Sept. 22. $5 donation. 206-682-8322 x237 www.pyramidbrew.com 

 

KPFA Meeting for the Disabled Community 

1 - 4 p.m. 

North Berkeley Senior Center 

1901 Hearst Ave. 

A community meeting with KPFA’s Listener Advisory Board to voice concerns regarding the station’s coverage of disability issues.  

707-795-2890 

 


Sunday, Aug. 19

 

Hands-On Bicycle Repair Clinics  

11 a.m. - Noon  

Recreational Equipment, Inc.  

1338 San Pablo Ave.  

Learn how to fix a flat from one of REI’s bike technicians. All you need to bring is your bike. Tools are provided. Free  

527-4140 

 

Tibetan Culture 

6 p.m. 

Tibetan Nyingma Institute 

1815 Highland Place 

Stephanie Hoffman on “Preserving the Tibetan Literary Heritage.” 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. This Sunday is International Family Day. 654-6346 www.westberkeley.com 

 

Opus Q Auditions 

4 - 6 p.m. 

The University Lutheran Chapel 

2425 College Ave. 

Opus Q - The East Bay Men’s Chorale is preparing for its first full season. Gay men and their allies are invited to audition for the world’s newest GALA ensemble. 664-0260 www.opus-q.com 

 

The Bungalow - Tradition and Transformation 

10 a.m. - 1 p.m. 

Building Education Center 

812 Page St.  

Instructed by architect/contractor Barry Wagner. $35. 

525-7610 

 


Monday, Aug. 20

 

 

Tuesday, Aug. 21 

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 fears and phobias: getting and overcoming them. 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. 525-3565 

 

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. 655-8863 

 

Berkeley Fibromyalgia Support Group 

12 - 2 p.m. every 3rd Tuesday 

Alta Bates Medical Center  

Maffly Auditorium - Herrick Campus 

2001 Dwight Way 

Rap session. 601-0550 www.arthritis.org 

 

Slide Show: Birds in the Garden 

1 p.m. 

North Berkeley Senior Center 

1901 Hearst Ave. (at MLK Jr. Way) 

A discussion follows. 644-6107 www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/hhs/commsvc/seniors.htm 

 


Wednesday, Aug. 22

 

Magic Mike 

Noon - 2 p.m. 

Lawrence Hall of Science 

UC Berkeley 

Part of the Lawrence Hall of Science Wednesday FUN-days. Bay Area favorite Magic Mike with theatrical illusions and electric comedy. Museum admission $3 - $7. 

642-5132 

 

Lecture on Parkinson’s Disease 

11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. 

Ashby Campus 

Conference Room 3 

2450 Ashby Ave. 

Learn about the latest treatments for Parkinson’s disease. Free and open to the public. 869-6737 

 

Thursday, Aug. 23 

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 

 

New “Classroom Matters” Open House 

6 - 9 p.m. 

2512 9th St., Suite #3 

A Berkeley based educational center that provides tutors, mentors and support services, will hold an open house at their new location.  

540-8646 www.classroommatters.com  

 

Lecture-Program on the Armenian Opera “Arshak II” 

7:30 p.m. 

North Branch Berkeley Public Library 

1170 The Alameda (at Hopkins) 

Dr. Clifford Cranna will present a lecture-program on the world premiere of the Armenian opera Arshak II, the tale of Armenia’s fourth century warrior king. 649-3913 www.infopeople.org/bpl/ 

 

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: Holistic Health, Jan Stecher leads in Rosen Movement. 526-9146  

 

Friday, Aug. 24 

Yiddish Conversation Group 

1 p.m. 

North Berkeley Senior Center 

1901 Hearst Ave. (at MLK Jr. Way) 

644-6107 www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/hhs/commsvc/seniors.htm 

 

Even Stronger Women 

1:15 p.m. - 3:15 p.m. 

North Berkeley Senior Center 

1901 Hearst Ave. 

Free weekly cultural discussion class. This week: Poetry. 549-1879 

 

Basic Electrical Theory and National Electrical Code 

7 - 10 p.m. 

Building Education Center 

812 Page St.  

Instructed by “Code Check” author/retired city of Oakland building inspector Redwood Kardon. $35. 525-7610 

 

Saturday, Aug. 25 

The Pyramid Outdoor Cinema 

7 p.m. 

Pyramid Alehouse 

901 Gilman St. 

The Outdoor Cinema features cult classics projected on a large screen in the open-air brewery parking lot. This week, The Shining. Movies show every Saturday through Sept. 22. $5 donation. 206-682-8322 x237 www.pyramidbrew.com 

 

Copwatch: Know Your Rights Training 

11 a.m. - 2 p.m. 

Copwatch Office 

2022 Blake St. 

Learn what your rights are when dealing with the police. Learn how to monitor the police safely.  

548-0425 

 

Astrojax Playday 

1 - 4 p.m. 

Lawrence Hall of Science 

UC Berkeley 

Astrojax is part yo-yo, part juggling balls and a lasso. The inventor, theoretical physicist Larry Show, will give a demonstration and instruction. Museum admission $3 - $7. 642-5132 

 

Cerrito Creek Work Party 

10 a.m. 

Meet at Creekside Park (south end of Belmont Street), El Cerrito 

Join Friends of Five Creeks in removing brush to make a new trail along Cerrito Creek. Bring work gloves and clippers if you have them.  

848-9358, f5creeks@aol.com, www.fivecreeks.org. 

 

Travel Careers Class 

8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. 

Vista Community College 

2020 Milvia St. 

Vista’s annual one-day class for the public on careers in the travel industry. A full-day seminar. $5.50 981-2931 www.vistacollege.edu 

 

Sunday, Aug. 26 

Healing 

6 p.m. 

Tibetan Nyingma Institute 

1815 Highland Place 

Sylvie Gretchen on “Healing Mind.” 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 

 

3rd Annual Berkeley World Music Festival 

noon - 6 p.m. 

Durant Ave., between Telegraph and Bowditch 

Carnival and block party festival with World Music bands, performers and dancers. 649-9500 www.taasite.org 

 

Monday, Aug. 27 

East Bay Heritage Quilters 

7:30 p.m. 

First Unitarian Church 

1 Lawson Road-Moeser Lane @ Arlington, Kensington 

Lecture: On the Road to Quiltmaking, a Personal Journey  

Non-members $3. 834-3706 

 

Tuesday, Aug. 28 

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. 525-3565 

 

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. 655-8863 

 

Poetry Through Time II 

7 p.m. - 8 p.m. 

Judah L. Magnes Museum 

2911 Russell St. 

Bay Area poets Opal Palmer Adisa, Phyllis Koestenbaum, Reuven Goldfarb, and Martha Evans will read. A brief open reading will conclude the program. 549-6950 www.magnesmuseum.org 

 

Wednesday, Aug. 29 

 

Thursday, Aug. 30 

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 

 

Lost in the Wilderness 

7 p.m. 

REI 

1338 San Pablo Avenue 

Jason Flesher, a Search and Rescue member for almost 20 years, will share his nine rules for surviving in the wilderness. Free. 

527-4140 

 

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: Music, Hugh Kelly plays harmonica and leads sing-along. 526-9146 

 

Attic Conversions 

7 - 10 p.m. 

Building Education Center 

812 Page St.  

Seminar taught by architect Andus Brandt. $35. 525-7610 

 

Friday, Aug. 31 

Start a Writing Group—and Keep It Going 

10 a.m. - noon 

North Branch Berkeley Public Library 

1170 The Alameda (at Hopkins) 

Dr. Kathy Briccetti will host a workshop on How to Start and Maintain a Writing Group. This free workshop requires pre-registration by Aug. 29th. 

644-6850 www.infopeople.org/bpl/ 

 

Even Stronger Women 

1:15 p.m. - 3:15 p.m. 

North Berkeley Senior Center 

1901 Hearst Ave. 

Free weekly cultural discussion class. This week: movie on Emma Goldman followed by discussion. 549-1879


Something constructive can come of the quandary

By Mayor Shirley Dean
Thursday August 16, 2001

I sometimes claim I was seven feet tall before I became mayor of Berkeley but got so short – under five feet – from everybody beating on me! Nothing brought that home to me more than the recent episode involving the Boy Scouts. In response, I am determined to carve something constructive out of the embarrassing happenings of last week. 

Last week was to be routine starting with greeting visitors from our sister city, Sakai. Instead, Berkeley became the center of an international storm of controversy. By now, you know the story. Thirty-eight Japanese boy and girl scouts accompanied by American Boy and Girl Scouts who were hosting the visitors were to meet with me in the Civic Center Building. Councilmember Kriss Worthington challenged the legality of the meeting, my presence as mayor at the meeting, and holding the meeting on public property. Councilmember Worthington said that because of their discriminatory policies, he didn’t want it to appear in any way that the city of Berkeley supported the Boy Scouts, and suggested that I should separate the group and meet only with the Girl Scouts.  

Boy Scouts of America have a national policy prohibiting membership to gays, but neither the Girl Scouts nor the scouts in Japan have such a policy. Local Boy Scout leaders and members have publicly stated their disagreement with the BSA national discrimination policy even though this has subjected them to strong criticism from others in scouting. The U.S. Supreme Court has held that the BSA, as a private organization, can legally hold such a policy. Change must come from within, but while scout councils around the country, including San Diego and recently Boston, are joining the movement for change, it hasn’t been enough – yet. 

While our city attorney ruled that the original meeting as planned was entirely legal since no city funds were being used, I re-scheduled it to a private location because I didn’t want the Japanese children to be caught in the cross fire of the controversy over an American Boy Scout policy. Some say I should have pushed ahead with the meeting, including using the police and arresting anyone who protested, regardless of the consequences. I don’t think that would have been very wise in the face of the inevitable protest that would have confronted non-English speaking children visiting this country. My first responsibility was to protect the visiting foreign children whose parents were thousands of miles away. I also felt a duty to the Berkeley Boy Scouts and their parents who should be encouraged for the stand they have taken. Once in the middle of a protest, you can’t put the genie back into the bottle, so better safe than sorry, I re-scheduled the meeting. Ironically, because I acted to remove the children from the controversy, the Chronicle wrote an editorial criticizing me for not "leaving the kids out of it." You figure it out!  

The bright note is that I had my meeting, as mayor of Berkeley, with our Japanese visitors and all of us had a wonderful time – full of joy and friendship. Yes, American Boy and Girl Scouts were present with their families. Our meeting was held in El Sobrante, not because I or the scouts didn’t want it in Berkeley, but because the logistics of obtaining a hall on short notice that could accommodate 300 for potluck dinner didn’t work out for Berkeley. The Japanese leaders expressed their great appreciation for protecting the children, and I am pleased that the local Girl Scout organization also expressed its support for my position. Best of all was being with the many fine young people who had shared the previous week with one another.  

The criticism this subject has stirred up has caused embarrassment to our tolerant and caring community. Now we need to get down to the hard business of holding a constructive discussion of what we are going to do to change things. Scouting can provide experiences for children that teach them about the environment, foster teamwork, instill life-long values, and create lasting friendships. Scouting is important for both girls and boys. We need to end the damaging discrimination policies of the BSA. I have made a firm commitment to meet in September with representatives from our local Boy and Girl Scout organizations to develop a strategy that will contribute to this goal.  

 


Gay group criticizes ‘homophobic’ editorial

By John GeluardiDaily Planet staff
Thursday August 16, 2001

East Bay Pride, the largest gay organization in the East Bay, announced Wednesday that it has severed its relationship with the Oakland Tribune because of a “homophobic” editorial attacking Councilmember Kriss Worthington. 

The editorial, which appeared on the front page of the Tribune’s Opinion Section on Tuesday, criticizes Worthington’s role in the cancellation of an annual visit by a group of Japanese scouts with Mayor Shirley Dean. The Tribune is owned by the Alameda Newspaper Group, which owns 10 other newspapers in the Bay Area including the Vallejo Times-Herald and the Marin Independent Journal. 

The editorial begins with a definition. “DESPICABLE: deserving to be despised, contemptible.” It then suggests that if readers want a visual image to accompany the definition, they could use a “mug shot of Berkeley Councilmember Kriss Worthington.” The piece also calls Worthington a “coward” and a “small-time politician.” 

Worthington, who is gay, said he simply raised questions about the annual event because the Japanese scouts were to be accompanied by members of the Mt. Diablo-Silverado Boy Scout Council of America, the same troop that was the subject of a widely-covered lawsuit when it kicked out Eagle Scout Tim Curran for being gay in 1980.  

Founder and director of EBP, Peter King, said the language used in the editorial was clearly homophobic and was more than an attack on Worthington. “That editorial said more about how the Oakland Tribune feels about gay rights than anything it had to say about Kriss Worthington,” King said. “The tone and phraseology in that editorial exposes the Tribune’s thinly veiled contempt for the gay community.” 

King said that words like “despicable,” “cowardly” and “contemptible” are traditionally used to describe gays. 

Nancy Conway, vice president and executive director of the Oakland Tribune, admitted the language was strong but insisted it was not meant to be homophobic. “We wouldn’t run something we thought was homophobic,” Conway said. “We had a good relationship with East Bay Pride and I regret this has escalated to this point.” 

Conway declined to say who wrote the piece and would only say it was one of the Tribune’s editorial writers. 

King said the decision to end the Tribune’s sponsorship was not made lightly because the paper was the largest sponsor of the Gay Pride Festival. 

“But in the end the decision was easy because the bottom line is our organization fundamentally represents a community that’s still struggling to gain rights against people that have a deep-seated prejudice,” King said. 

Kind added that shortly after sending out a press release about the cancellation of the Tribune’s sponsorship, EBP was contacted by two San Francisco newspapers offering to sponsor the festival. 

King said the EBP’s decision to cancel the Tribune’s sponsorship was not in support of Kriss Worthington, but was intended to make a stand for the larger gay community.  

“We are not only angry but we’re deeply disappointed and hurt because we thought these were our friends,” King said. “This was not an attack on Kriss Worthington, this was a homophobic attack on the gay community.” 

Worthington said he was surprised at the intensity of the editorial. “I’ve certainly never seen an attack that was so ferocious,” he said. “I would say it’s so beyond the pale that it was worse than the things the Berkeley City Council (members) usually say about each other.”  

Worthington said he was surprised at the editorial’s insinuation that as an elected official, he pursues only gay issues. “Anyone who goes to City Council meetings knows that I have fought hard for Latinos, Asians and African Americans, all of which are underrepresented on city commissions,” he said. “Gay issues are about 1 percent of what I work on.” 

Worthington added that in addition to the harshness of the attack, he was misquoted in the editorial. “They have me adopting an tiquated language,” he said about being quoted using the word ‘homosexual.’ “For them to fabricate a quote using old-fashioned language, which I never use, calls into question their journalistic integrity.” 

Conway said the Tribune sometimes likes to take strong stands on certain issues. “We run pieces that are controversial,” she said. “The editorial was not an attack on who Kriss Worthington is but we found faults with his methods and we stand by that.” 

King said Conway’s explanation was hard to believe and that the Oakland Tribune should apologize. “They clearly owe the gay community an apology and I would like to see a retraction and an editorial that is just as strongly worded denouncing the Boy Scouts of America’s anti-gay policy,” he said.


City sponsors safety light program

By Daniela Mohor Daily Planet staff
Thursday August 16, 2001

 

 

Residents driving at night are beginning to see lights flashing like lightening bugs all over Berkeley.  

The city’s Injury Prevention Program is sponsoring the sale of safety lights that make pedestrians, bikers and people using wheelchairs more visible in the dark. 

Thanks to the city initiative, Wheelchairs of Berkeley on Shattuck and Ashby avenues and the Berkeley Bike Cage in the downtown Berkeley BART station, started selling various kinds of flashing lights at discounted prices two weeks ago. People can buy up to three items for approximately half their price. Instead of paying $40 for a safety vest, they can buy it for $17. The flashing belt costs $8 instead of $22 and the arm/leg band $6 rather than $16. 

“People are getting them at the cost at which the vendor can purchase them,” said Dina Quan, director of the Injury Prevention Program, part of the Health and Human Services Department. Distribution of the safety lights are part of a five-year safety education campaign developed by the Health and Human Services Department as part of a city-wide effort to reduce Berkeley’s high rate of bicycle injuries.  

In March 2000, the Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Task Force reported that Berkeley had more than two times the rate of pedestrian and more than four times the rate of bicycle injuries compared with the state figures. “In comparison with 44 cities of a similar size in the state of California,” the report stated, “Berkeley ranks No. 1 in both pedestrian and bicyclist injury and death.” 

So the task force recommended a number of initiatives, including the provision of affordable safety equipment for pedestrians, bikers and wheelchair users. 

One of the main advantages of the program, Quan said, is that it benefits the disabled community. For years people with disabilities had asked the city to address their specific safety needs.  

“This was a big issue among folks on the Commission on Disability,” said Quan. The Injury Prevention Program got continuous feedback from the commission in the process of developing the program to make sure the city-sponsored lights would be most suited to wheelchairs. 

Unlike older safety lights, these products are not only reflective when a car shines its light on them, but include a small battery so they can cast light on their own. They can therefore be visible up to one mile away. Another advantage is that they can be attached to different parts of a wheelchair or a blind person’s cane.  

Wheelchair visibility lights are usually designed for the back of the chair. In some situations that is not enough to avoid accidents. Last November, for instance, Karen Craig, former member of the Commission on Disability, was hit by a car despite her back lights. The driver couldn’t see them. Since using the new flashing lights, Craig said she feels much safer. 

“I find it to be very effective,” she said. “When I cross the street now cars stop way before. They see me from far away.” 

 

 

 


Berkeley lab nabs computer funding

Bay City News
Thursday August 16, 2001

The U.S. Department of Energy's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory announced today that it has received nearly $2 million this year and expects to receive an additional $6 million over the next three years to participate in an advanced computing program. 

According to the lab, the money will be used to develop new tools and technologies for a $57 million Department of Energy program called Scientific Discovery through Advanced Computing.  

Of the 51 programs funded nationwide, scientists at the Berkeley lab will lead six and be key partners in six others. 

Some of the programs the Berkeley lab will work on include developing software for terascale computing, which is the task of performing trillions of calculations per second, finding better, more efficient ways to use high-end computer systems and working on the Department of Energy Science Grid.  

The grid is a multi-laboratory project that links the high-end computers of several organizations to perform complicated calculations. 

Laboratory Director Charles Shank said, “Berkeley Lab is home to the world’s most powerful unclassified supercomputer as well as some of the world’s most advanced scientific research facilities.” 

He went on to say, “With these research projects now under way,  

The Department of Energy is poised to redefine how scientific research is conducted.”


Bristol-Myers offers competing drug for free

The Associated Press
Thursday August 16, 2001

NEW YORK — Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. is offering a free, one month supply of its prescription cholesterol drug Pravachol in a bid to capture patients who took a competing drug Bayer Corp. pulled from the market last week amid safety concerns. 

Full-page ads in at least three major newspapers Monday offered users of Bayer's drug Baycol a free 30 day supply of Pravachol. Patients must get their doctor to prescribe the drug for them to take advantage of the offer. 

Bayer removed Baycol from the market Aug. 8; the drug has been linked to 52 deaths. 

Merck & Co. took out a full page ad in last Friday's Wall Street Journal with a banner headline designed to alert Baycol users to its drug Zocor. But Bristol-Myers's more aggressive stance likely reflects that Pravachol is the company's biggest selling drug and has been losing market share to Zocor and market leader Lipitor, which is made by Pfizer Inc. 

Bristol-Myers' ads appeared in The New York Times, USA Today and The Philadelphia Inquirer, according to Bristol spokeswoman Bonnie Jacobs. She did not know if the campaign would continue. She declined to discuss other marketing strategies for Pravachol. 

On the Net: 

http://www.bms.com/landing/data/index.html 

http://www.merck.com/ 

http://www.pfizer.com


Opinion

Editorials

Murder suspect’s 3-year-old son discovered dead

The Associated Press
Wednesday August 22, 2001

SACRAMENTO — A 3-year-old boy’s body was found in a cardboard TV box in a grassy field just a few miles from where his father, Nikolay Soltys, is suspected of also killing his wife, aunt, uncle and two young cousins. 

Tuesday’s grisly discovery was “probably the most distressing of all, because there was a great deal of hope throughout the department that we would be able to find this child safe and sound,” said Sacramento County Sheriff’s Sgt. James Lewis. 

Sergey Soltys’ bloody body was found in a rural part of Placer County, northeast of Sacramento. Authorities said he had been cut or stabbed and was placed inside a 36-inch television box with no lid. Police had not determined the cause of the child’s death. 

A note, written by hand in Russian on the back of a photo of Soltys’ wife holding their son, led authorities to the boy’s body. The note had been tucked into a car door pocket. On Monday, Soltys was seen at both the North Highlands home where his wife was found dead and the Rancho Cordova duplex of the four other victims. The homes are about 20 minutes apart. 

A warrant has been issued for Soltys’ arrest on suspicion of five counts of murder. Lewis said investigators also believe he’s responsible for his son’s death. 

The Sacramento County Coroner’s office on Tuesday said Soltys’ wife and two young cousins died from “sharp force trauma,” indicating stab wounds.  

Autopsies on the others were pending. 

Responding to dozens of tips, authorities intensified a nationwide search for Soltys. Officers were stationed at bus terminals and airports, and investigators appealed to Eastern European residents and offered a $10,000 reward. 

Investigators received as many as a dozen reports of Soltys sightings near where his abandoned car was discovered. None had produced any solid leads. 

As details of the killings continued to emerge, experts tried to unravel what may have gone through the killer’s mind. 

“These are the methodical actions of a man who has made up his mind what he is going to do. He has a mission,” said Clint Van Zandt, a former FBI profiler in Virginia. 

Soltys may have mentally blocked out the violent events as he carried out the tasks of driving and cleaning himself up, another profiler said. 

 

“He’s putting part of himself in compartments of his mind and not having to deal with them, probably because he can’t deal with them,” said John Philpin, a retired psychologist in Vermont and one of the nation’s first private profilers. 

Authorities got a break late Monday when they found Soltys’ 1995 Nissan Altima parked behind a Sacramento home improvement store. A search of the area turned up nothing but the note. 

Lyubov Soltys, 22, was stabbed before 10 a.m. inside the couple’s home in suburban North Highlands, authorities said. Then, police said, Soltys drove 20 minutes to a duplex in Rancho Cordova, where he stabbed his aunt and uncle, Galina Kukharskaya, 74, and Petr Kukharskiy, 75. 

Authorities said Soltys then attacked two 9-year-old cousins, Tatyana Kukharskaya and Dimitriy Kukharskiy, the grandchildren of the slain couple. 

Gravely wounded, the children ran from the home. Dimitriy died in his mother’s arms, while Tatyana was taken to University of California at Davis Medical Center, where she was later pronounced dead. 

About an hour after leaving Rancho Cordova, investigators said, Soltys arrived at his mother’s house in Citrus Heights to pick up his son. 

Soltys’ mother told police her son seemed fine and showed no signs that anything was wrong. Police would not release her name, saying she was a witness in the case. 

Investigators said they have no motive for the killings, but some family members said they were unhappy Soltys was unemployed and on government aid. Detectives are also investigating whether Soltys had a violent temper and if drugs or mental illness played a role in the killings. 

“He had mental problems,” said Inna Yasinsky, an aunt to one of the children killed Monday. 

In Ukraine, authorities said, Soltys was rejected by the national army for mental instability. He also had a history of domestic violence. Soltys came to the United States almost three years ago and has no known criminal record. 

Before arriving in the Sacramento area, Soltys lived for two years in Binghamton, N.Y., a city of 60,000. 

Lorelle Frushour of the Interreligious Council of Central New York, which sponsored Soltys’ immigration to the United States, called him “a fine person. No problems. We had no indication that there was marital abuse or anything like that.” 

Soltys entered the United States in August 1998 as part of an immigration program designed to let evangelical Christians and Jews escape persecution in parts of the former Soviet Union. 

The program, authorized by the 1989 Lautenberg Amendment, lacks the standard police clearances required of other immigrants. 

Sheriff’s investigators said Soltys is 6 feet tall, weighs 165 pounds and has blue eyes and blond hair. 

—— 

On the Net: See www.sacsheriff.com for a mug shot of Soltys and information about the case. 


Make smart changes to decrease power bill

By Alice LaPierre
Tuesday August 21, 2001

According to a 1996 Department of Energy report on residential lighting, in the average U.S. home, lighting accounts for about 1,800 kilowatt-hours a year of the total electricity bill, more than $200 annually at current energy rates.  

The smartest way to avoid the sting of high-priced energy is to make simple changes to reduce the amount of energy used for lighting.  

With compact fluorescent bulbs, it is possible to get the same amount and quality of light for a lot less money. 

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Energy studies show that if every household switched to EnergyStar efficient light fixtures and bulbs, the savings would amount to 70 billion kwh and prevent the release of 100 billion pounds of carbon dioxide per year – the equivalent of removing 10 million cars from the road.  

These are just the environmental benefits. The consumer can reap significant economic benefits as well. 

Besides reducing your utility bills, a home with energy-efficient lighting can be just as well-lit and comfortable as one using traditional incandescent bulbs. The fastest way to capitalize on energy savings is to replace any bulb that operates three or more hours per day with a compact fluorescent bulb. This may include porch lights, living room or kitchen lights. You will notice substantial savings immediately, and according to the DOE, replacing just 25 percent of the incandescent bulbs in your house could cut your lighting bill in half. The trick here is in choosing the correct fluorescent bulb for the job. Flickering and buzzing are common problems in older fluorescent light fixtures, but are easily avoided in new fluorescent bulbs.  

Older bulbs (and some cheap new bulbs) have magnetic ballasts that “hum” at 120 cycles per second, which some people can perceive as a flicker, and which may be accompanied by a buzz as the lamp cycles. (An easy way to identify them is the 1-2 second delay when you switch the light on.) New electronic (or solid state) ballasts operate at 24,000 cycles or more per second, eliminating the flicker.  

The buzz is also gone, since there is no magnetic “pulsing” happening. 

When comparing bulbs, there are three numbers to look for to assure a quality product: watts, temperature, and the Color Rendering Index.  

As of this writing, there are no packaging standards on CFL’s, so these numbers may not appear on each brand of bulb. The watts for compact fluorescent are about one quarter of those of incandescent bulbs. If you use a 60-watt bulb in a fixture, try using a 15-watt compact fluorescent. For a 100-watt equivalent, try using a 25- or 27-watt bulb for equivalent brightness. The second criteria is in the color temperature of the light; that is, what the light from the bulb looks like.  

The unit of measurement that lighting engineers use to rate light temperature is in degrees Kelvin.  

Each manufacturer uses a slightly different blend of materials to create its bulbs; colors can range from blue-white to warm-white to rosey-white.  

Sodium street lights rate are around 2,000 K, and a 40-watt incandescent bulb is roughly 2,200 K while the average 100-watt incandescent bulb is approximately 3,000 K. Halogen bulbs are rated around 3,300 K. 

So, when looking for a good-quality compact fluorescent bulb, look for a temperature rating of around 2,700 K to produce a light that is similar to what you already have in your home. We often hear, “I like a bulb to be the color of sunlight.” Just to clarify things, sunlight ranges from a noontime bright sky of 5-6,000 K to an overcast sky color of 6,500 to 7,500 K (cool blue-ish light), to a northern deep blue sky of 8,500 K. Sunrise and sunset start around 1,500 (deep reds). Daylight changes with the seasons (high or low off the horizon), and is different in every latitude, so no bulb can do that! For a cooler light, look for a rating of 3,500 degrees Kelvin. You might want this color in a kitchen, laundry room or bath, while choosing a warmer light in a reading lamp or living room. Another criteria is the way the light from the bulb makes other colors look, or how close to “true” the colors appear. This is expressed in a scale called the Color Rendering Index, or CRI, on a scale of 0 to 100.  

Think about those orangey sodium street lights. Their color-rating index, or CRI, is very low, in the 30’s, while an incandescent bulb is generally in the 90’s. Our eyes don’t perceive very slight differences in this scale, but we can tell when a bulb is in the lower ranges, because colors look washed out or sometimes grey.  

Look for a CRI number in the 80’s; 82 is a comfortable number and is nearly indistinguishable from an incandescent bulb. Take advantage of the many rebate programs now available on bulbs – some are in-store rebates given at the register, and others require a mail-in coupon. The payback period on a $10 bulb is about 10 months at today’s electricity rates. For the best assurance of a long-lasting, quality bulb, look for the EnergyStar logo from the Department of Energy. 

For more information on energy use, rebates and related products, see the City of Berkeley’s Web site at  

www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/ENERGY. 

Alice LaPierre is an energy analyst for the city’s Energy Office. Her column appears as a public service the first and third Tuesday of the month.


Two-fifths of schools in Davis program slip on test

By Jennifer Kerr Associated Press Writer
Monday August 20, 2001

YUBA CITY – Everyone was ecstatic a year ago when test scores soared at April Lane Elementary, one of 430 schools in the first group going through Gov. Gray Davis’ three-year improvement program. 

This summer, however, scores are flat and morale is down as the school begins its crucial third year. 

“I feel disappointed,” said teacher Clarence Craft, reading about “Clyde Monster” to first- and second-graders in summer school. “To go up that much, I wanted to go up again. Taking a step back is not going forward.” 

April Lane and the other 429 schools face dire consequences a year from now if they don’t meet their improvement goals: takeover by the state and possible closing of the school. 

April Lane is not the only school sweating this new school year. An Associated Press analysis of test scores released last week shows nearly half of the 430 schools saw reading and math test scores drop or stay the same. 

Unless they do better this year, they could be facing the serious sanctions just when Davis is running for his second term and is under political pressure. The Democratic governor has made improvement in test scores a central part of his first term; the improvement program was a key part of the school package he pushed through the Legislature in his first few months in office. 

The 430 schools won’t know for sure if they met this year’s 5 percent growth goal until their Academic Performance Index numbers are calculated by the state in October. The complicated API formula is based on the Standardized Testing and Reporting exam or STAR test. 

However, 132 of the 291 elementary schools in the program, or 45 percent, saw the percentage of second-graders who scored at or above the national average in reading drop or stay the same. 

And 34 of the 52 high schools, or 65 percent, had 11th-grade math scores fall or stay the same. 

“It’s never encouraging when scores go down, but the schools didn’t get to where they are overnight. It’s going to take time for them to come back,” says Daniel Chernow, executive director of the University of California, Los Angeles, School Management Program, which has been advising 50 schools in the program. 

Moreover, it’s problematic to judge schools on year-to-year test score changes because such numbers are very volatile due to the small sample of students in a school and one-time factors such as illness or a distracting barking dog, says Thomas Kane, professor of policy studies and economics at UCLA, who has studied test scores in North Carolina and California. 

“Even if a school is making steady progress, it may not be reflected in test scores every single year,” he said. 

The 430 schools chosen for the first group in October 1999 all had test scores in the bottom half of the state. They spent their first year planning how to improve and put those plans into effect last year, using state grants that will continue this year. 

Some of the schools chose structured outside programs, such as Success for All or Ventures Education Systems. Others put together highly individualistic plans with the common threads of heavy reading, test practicing, teacher training and parent involvement. 

April Lane is trying those common threads, with mixed success over the past two years. 

When it started the program in 1999, its base API was 554, in the lowest 40 percent of state schools. Its 2000 test scores were spectacular, even though the plan was just being written that year. Its target was a 12-point increase, but its API jumped to 671, qualifying the school and its teachers for some of the $677 million in rewards offered by Davis. 

However, its 2001 test scores are less encouraging. Scores went up in eight of the 16 grade and subject measurements but down by the same total percentage points in the other eight. 

Principal Craig Guensler says he thinks April Lane will not meet its goal of increasing six points in the 2001 API to be released in October. 

He partially blames the huge number of changes in the school over the past year — a new reading program, a switch from year-round to traditional calendar and a less-than-successful parent liaison experiment. 

The school decided to use Open Court Reading, a very structured phonics-based program by SRA-McGraw-Hill that has greatly improved test scores in many districts. It also chose the company’s math program, Math Explorations and Applications. 

The Open Court books weren’t received until last January, so teachers just used them as supplements last year, he said. Teachers are getting intensive training in Open Court this week, just before school starts on Thursday. 

The “Clyde Monster” story that Craft was reading to his summer-school students is in an Open Court book. He thinks the program looks good and thinks it should improve test scores. 

The switch from a four-track year-round school to a traditional schedule is a big change, one that is disruptive now, but should help the school in the long run, says principal Guensler. Schools on multitrack year-round schedules have troubles with teacher training and communication, since the full faculty is never present at the same time. 

April Lane will also be able to do its STAR testing at one time, instead of spreading it over four tracks over several months, he said. 

The school’s effort to improve parent participation by hiring a parent liaison to encourage involvement didn’t work as planned last year. The woman hired for the job quit after five months because of conflicts with her other job that changed from part-time to full-time. Guensler will be hiring a new liaison this fall. 

The school has had trouble getting parents involved, the principal believes, because they don’t realize what a difference they can make and “some people seem to be afraid to come to a school.” 

With its new calendar, April Lane was able to hold its first summer school, for 155 children identified by teachers as needing extra help. They spent four hours a day on reading and two on math during the four-week program. 

The school might offer more after-school classes during the year to further help kids who are behind, the principal said. 

“We should see a significant gain next year,” predicts Guensler. 

Kindergarten teacher Marilyn Sensney says the state test puts a lot of pressure on the teachers and the students. 

“It’s all based on test scores, because you’re under the gun if you don’t improve,” she said. 

Schools in the program are not really competing against each other, but against themselves to improve by 5 percent, says state Department of Education spokesman Doug Stone. 

“What we’re asking for is a realistic goal,” he said. 

 

Not going as planned 

 

Here are some Standardized Testing and Reporting exam or STAR test results for schools in the governor’s three-year improvement program. Scores in reading and math are the percentages of students scoring at or above the national average: 

FIRST GROUP of 430 SCHOOLS (Started program in 1999) 

READING: 

• Second grade: 132 of 291 schools, or 45 percent, declined or stayed the same. Range comparing 2000 score to 2001 is a decline of 35 percentage points to an increase of 41. Median is a gain of 2. 

• Fourth grade: 115 of 288 schools, or 40 percent, declined or stayed the same. Range is a decline of 25 to an increase of 28. Median is a gain of 2. 

• Eighth grade: 41 of 98 schools, or 42 percent, declined or stayed the same. Range is a decline of 27 to an increase of 28. Median is a gain of 2. 

• 11th grade: 26 of 52 schools, or 50 percent, declined or stayed the same. Range is a decline of 13 to an increase of 16. Median is a gain of .5. 

MATH: 

• Second grade: 124 of 291 schools, or 43 percent, declined or stayed the same. Range is a decline of 45 to an increase of 39. Median is a drop of 9. 

• Fourth grade: 107 of 288 schools, or 37 percent, declined or stayed the same. Range is a decline of 40 to an increase of 43. Median is a gain of 3. 

• Eighth grade: 60 of 98 schools, or 61 percent, declined or stayed the same. Range is a decline of 42 to an increase of 61. Median is a drop of 1. 

• 11th grade: 34 of 52 schools, or 65 percent, declined or stayed the same. Range is a decline of 18 to an increase of 14. Median is a drop of 3.5. 

ENGLISH-LANGUAGE ARTS STANDARDS 

• Fourth grade: Students proficient or above in the standards-based questions ranged from 58 percent to none. The median is 15. 

• Eighth grade: Range is 62 percent to none. Median is 17. 

• 11th grade: Range is 31 percent to 5 percent. Median is 19. 

 

SECOND GROUP of 430 SCHOOLS (Started in 2000) 

READING: 

• Fourth grade: 76 of 245 schools declined or stayed the same. Median is a gain of 4. 

• Eighth grade: 51 or 116 schools declined or stayed the same. Median is a gain of 1. 

• 11th grade: 33 of 71 schools declined or stayed the same. Median is a gain of 1. 

 

Source: Associated Press analysis of STAR test data from state Department of Education. Number of schools is greater than 430 because both elementary and middle schools can have eighth grades.


Video shows city employees disposing of homeless’ belongings

The Associated Press
Saturday August 18, 2001

SAN FRANCISCO — A video obtained by a Bay Area television station shows Department of Public Works employees dumping shopping carts full of the personal belongings of homeless people into the back of a garbage truck. 

The tape chronicled an emotional outburst by one homeless man, who watched as his belongings were dumped. 

The video was taken early Wednesday morning in San Francisco’s Potrero Hill neigborhood near Cesar Chavez and Bayshore, said Paul Boden, director of San Francisco’s Coalition on Homelessness. Boden apparently had some strong feelings about the issue. 

“This is the standard operating procedure for how the city and county of San Francisco treats homeless people, Boden told KTVU-TV Thursday. 

Still, Boden said the city has a right to confiscate and return shopping carts to the businesses they originally belonged to, though he added that is not happening. 

“This is strictly a harrassment compaign to let homeless people know that they are despised, unwanted and should get the hell out of town,” Boden said. 

City workers are told to gather abandoned property, said George Smith, director of the mayor’s Office on Homelessness. 

“Our standing operating procedure is to keep the streets clean,” he said, adding that abandoned property is bagged and stored for 90 days, during which owners can pick up their belongings.


Court mandate says officers must make traffic stops safely

The Associated Press
Friday August 17, 2001

SAN FRANCISCO — Law enforcement officers are required to use “reasonable care” when making traffic stops, the California Supreme Court ruled Thursday. 

The decision stems from a 1996 case in which four people were hurt after a pickup truck struck their car that a California Highway Patrol officer had ordered to stop in the median rather than on the right shoulder. 

The family sued the driver of the pickup, the driver of the car, the CHP and the officer who stopped them. 

A lower court dismissed the case, saying Officer Richard Hedgecock was not responsible for the crash that injured three young children and their father when the truck rear-ended the Toyota Camry. They were stopped in the median of six-lane state Highway 78 in San Diego County after a traffic stop. The driver had stepped out of the car and was unhurt. 

The CHP Officer Safety Manual specifically says “effective techniques should be used to ensure stopping on the right shoulder rather than in the median.” 

On the day of the accident, Michael Lugtu, the girls’ uncle, was driving the Camry about 85 mph in the far left lane. It was “dry, visibility was good and traffic was moderate to  

fairly heavy,” according to 

court documents. 

Hedgecock testified that CHP procedures gave him discretion whether to stop a driver in the median area or on the right shoulder.  

He said he thought stopping the vehicle in the median, which was 10 feet wide, was safer than the shoulder, which was about eight feet wide. 

The lower court agreed and dismissed the suit. 

“Hedgecock had no duty to stop plaintiffs on the right shoulder as a matter of law,” the court said. 

That decision was overturned Thursday by an appeals court, which reinstated the suit and said ”a law enforcement officer has a duty to exercise reasonable care for the safety of those persons whom the officer stops. The case may now proceed. 

“There was insufficient justification under the present circumstances for Hedgecock to subject plaintiffs to the risks inherent in such a stop,” said Chief Justice Ronald M. George writing for the 4-1 court. 

In her dissent, Justice Janice R. Brown said the high court’s decision would likely cause more accidents than it prevents because it will reduce officers’ ability to use their own discretion and force them to make all traffic stops on the right shoulder, even when it may be safer to stop in the median.