Board says no to latest small schools plan
By David Scharfenberg -more-
By David Scharfenberg -more-
It started in 1971 with a group of “young hippie potters” looking for a cheap place to live and practice their craft. Today, the Berkeley Potters Guild, which claims to be the oldest and largest ceramics guild in northern California, is known nationwide for the high quality of its members’ clay work. -more-
Cortez makes Cal staff nearly complete -more-
Sometime in the not-too-distant future, AC Transit buses could shoot down Telegraph Avenue from the UC Berkeley campus into downtown Oakland in their own, dedicated lanes. -more-
Berkeley High basketball fans will get a chance to help the community when they come out to see the ’Jackets play on Saturday night, as the Friends of Berkeley Boys’ Basketball will be holding a toy drive. -more-
CHICAGO — The cinematic journey finally began Wednesday for “Lord of the Rings” fans. -more-
Housing, land-use and transportation policies for the next 20 years were adopted by the City Council in a 5-4 vote Tuesday. The council will consider the remaining six sections of the Draft General Plan early next year. -more-
The Daily Planet received a copy of this letter, reproduced in part, addressed to officials at the California Department of Toxic Substances Control: -more-
BEVERLY HILLS — It’s definitely a year for the terrifying, troubled, twisted and tragic at the movies. Solemn films about delusion, blackmail, vengeance and doomed love dominated Golden Globe contenders, including “A Beautiful Mind” and “Moulin Rouge,” which led with six nominations each. -more-
Tanya Mandel, editor, KPFA broadcaster and activist, died Tuesday. She was 84. -more-
AC Transit will operate local and transbay bus service on Sunday Schedules this Tuesday, Dec. 25, as the East Bay joins in the observance of the Christmas Day holiday. -more-
The Berkeley police released detailed information Wednesday regarding last Friday’s auto vs. pedestrian accident at the intersection of Russell Street and Claremont Avenue. -more-
RENO, Nev. — Another powerful storm swept through the Sierra on Thursday, stalling traffic and closing schools one day before the start of winter. -more-
STANFORD — Stanford University has stripped three prominent gynecologic surgeons of their honorary faculty status and removed them as directors of an on-campus surgical training center. -more-
Following are some local-serving community agencies that can use financial and/or volunteer help. The Daily Planet is listing these nonprofits as a public service and does not have first-hand knowledge of the work of most of the agencies. -more-
SANTA CRUZ — The Santa Cruz Sentinel may soon be for sale, according to its owner, Ottaway Newspapers. -more-
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — After 17 years of dispensing advice on everything from positions to prowess, sex columnist Isadora Alman has been dumped by the San Francisco Bay Guardian, an alternative weekly newspaper. -more-
WASHINGTON — The Senate on Thursday approved a bill to allow the families of the Sept. 11 victims to watch the trial of Zacarias Moussaoui, the first man indicted on charges related to the attacks. -more-
SAN JOSE — In a surprise move, the defense rested Thursday without calling any witnesses in the elephant abuse trial of a star Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus performer. -more-
MARTINEZ — A judge decided Thursday that prosecutors have enough evidence to go ahead with a trial in the grisly killings of five people last summer. -more-
We both are adamant about quality, and that includes cabinetry. Nothing bothers us more than second-rate cabinet displays in home centers. They look good from a distance, and some even look pretty good up close. But, when you know what you’re looking for, most of what you’ll find are poorly constructed products with mediocre finishes, made with inferior raw materials. The unwary consumer is fooled by their cutesy designs and slick looks — all sizzle and no steak. -more-
If you’ve got a bubble in a plastic laminate countertop it’s not a good thing. This material is used on the majority of countertops in the world and usually provides years of service without complaint. In the kitchen, water is the enemy and countertops can be its victim. Generally they are watertight and not at risk, however, occasionally the plastic laminate does separate from the substrate (the plywood or particleboard underneath) and results in a “bubble” on the surface or as a loose corner that lifts when snagged. The laminate and substrate are glued together with strong contact cement and often when it loosens, heat and pressure can reactivate its holding power. Use a hot iron with a towel (to protect the surface) and then add weight (like books) for pressure until things cool down. When removed, it should look as good as new, without your having to add a drop of glue. -more-
There’s nothing like pruning a prickly gooseberry bush or a thorny rose on a cold day to give an appreciation for gardening gloves. Gardeners who like to wallow with their hands in the soil might frown at the idea of a gardening glove between their skin and the muck. But not every gardener enjoys dirty hands, and cold weather or thorny plants make gloves a necessity. -more-
LAS VEGAS — The percentage of children living in poverty in Nevada hasn’t changed significantly over the past decade but was lower than the national average, according to the most recent estimates released Thursday by the Census Bureau. -more-
LOS ANGELES — The people who put on the Grammys strive to bring the public the “freshest show” possible, but they don’t blacklist performers who appear on the rival American Music Awards, the recording academy’s president said. -more-
Marin County native admits he was part of fighters funded by bin Laden to fight for Taliban -more-
SAN FRANCISCO — Federal prosecutors have decided not to file charges against Alaska Airlines after a three-year grand jury probe into reported irregularities at a maintenance center. -more-
LANCASTER — As many as 400 inmates rioted Thursday at a state prison and five were critically injured, authorities said. -more-
LONG BEACH — Family and friends mourned the death of a high school student who collapsed while preparing for a Presidential Fitness Test. -more-
LOS ANGELES— The City Council approved a $1 million settlement with the family of a New Jersey man who was killed in an accident on the historic Angels Flight funicular railway. -more-
City already has spent $36 million on the August 2000 convention -more-
LOS ANGELES — People who stockpiled drugs to protect themselves from the anthrax bacteria were warned Wednesday about a serious health threat if they take the antibiotics inappropriately during the flu season. -more-
LOS ANGELES — A man who allegedly sent a co-worker a phony anthrax letter has been charged with making a criminal threat and could face up to six years in prison if convicted. -more-
LOS ANGELES — Home prices in California surged to new heights in November, even as a weak job market led to a sizable decline in the overall number of sales, according to a report released Thursday. -more-
SAN FRANCISCO — The roughly 40,000 California customers of fallen energy giant Enron Corp. are in a pickle. -more-
LOS ANGELES — Anschutz Entertainment Group has spent the last few years putting its mark on Los Angeles. -more-
Taxpayers may end up paying the bill -more-
SUNNYVALE — Shares of Juniper Networks Inc. fell nearly 18 percent Thursday after the network equipment company warned its fourth-quarter profits and revenue will not meet forecasts. -more-
Wave pedestrian flag – and be alert 12-21-2001
Former San Jose Mercury News publisher to teach at UC Berkeley grad school 12-21-2001
Border Patrol agent accused of molesting girl immigrant 12-20-2001
It’s raining – seniors need bus shelters 12-20-2001
One identified in dual fatality of Amtrak crash 12-19-2001
NBC gets Bay Area owned-and-operated station with KNTV purchase 12-18-2001
Y’s goals should be less parking 12-18-2001
Flight delayed 3 hours after fake grenade rolls out of passenger’s bag 12-17-2001
Officers, marines team up to play Santa for children, needy families 12-15-2001
Board says no to latest small schools plan Staff 12-21-2001
Out & About Calendar Staff 12-21-2001
Ask St. Pete George Kauffman 12-21-2001
Is the 30th anniversary ceramic? By Jennifer Dix, Daily Planet Correspondent 12-21-2001
Arts & Entertainment Calendar Staff 12-21-2001
Tedford hires CFL mainstay as offensive coordinator Staff 12-21-2001
Transit future could become ‘Light rail with rubber wheels’ By Hank Sims, Daily Planet staff 12-21-2001
Problem teacher – many must share blame Heather Jacobsen 12-21-2001
BHS-Riordan game a chance to donate By Jared Green, Daily Planet Staff 12-21-2001
Fans line up to see ‘Lord’ By Martha Irvine, The Associated Press 12-21-2001
Neighborhood preservation, affordable housing in plan By John Geluardi, Daily Planet staff 12-21-2001
Emissions may be hazardous Pamela Sihvola, and Barbara George, 12-21-2001
Somber, scary films rule field of Golden Globe nominees By David Germain, The Associated Press 12-21-2001
Voice of the fan Will Kruse 12-21-2001
A tribute to Tanya Mandel By Bill Mandel 12-21-2001
Correcting the record on ozone Ezra Wood 12-21-2001
Sports this weekend Staff 12-21-2001
Need more than cops to stop the cruising Name withheld by request 12-21-2001
AC Transit will operate buses on a Sunday Schedule on Christmas Planet wire services 12-21-2001
California should advertise its beauty Charles Smith 12-21-2001
Two accidents in one week’s time at Russell-Claremont intersection By Judith Scherr, Daily Planet staff 12-21-2001
Potent storm rakes Sierra By Tom Gardner, The Associated Press 12-21-2001
Stanford breaks ties with controversial surgeons The Associated Press 12-21-2001
A season to share Staff 12-21-2001
Santa Cruz newspaper may be on the market The Associated Press 12-21-2001
Bay Area Briefs Staff 12-21-2001
Bay Guardian cans its longtime sex columnist The Associated Press 12-21-2001
S.F. to get TV feed of Moussaoui trial By Jesse Holland, The Associated Press 12-21-2001
Defense rests without calling witnesses in Ringling Bros. elephant abuse case By Brian Bergstein, The Associated Press 12-21-2001
Hearing for trio accused in five deaths expected to wrap up By Kim Curtis, The Associated Press 12-21-2001
On the House Repairing a cabinet door By James and Morris Carey by James and Morris Carey 12-21-2001
On the House Tip of the Week by James and Morris Carey 12-21-2001
You can judge good gardeners by their gloves By Lee Reich, The Associated Press 12-21-2001
Number of Nevada children living in poverty on decline By Lisa Snedeker The Associated Press 12-21-2001
Recording Academy president says there is no Grammy blacklist The Associated Press 12-21-2001
John Walker Lindh defends terrorists in taped interview By Christopher Newton The Associated Press 12-21-2001
Alaska Airlines escapes charges for maintenance irregularities The Associated Press WASHINGTON — Dizzy from morphine and weary from battle, American Taliban fighter John Walker Lindh said in an interview soon after his capture that he had been a part o The Associated Press 12-21-2001
Five seriously hurt in Lancaster prison riot By Christina Almeida, The Associated Press 12-21-2001
Family, friends mourn teen’s exercise death The Associated Press 12-21-2001
Settlement approved in Angels Flight accident The Associated Press 12-21-2001
LA City Council approves $400,000 for Democratic Convention litigation costs The Associated Press 12-21-2001
LA warns against overuse of antibiotics The Associated Press 12-21-2001
Man accused of sending white powder to co-worker The Associated Press 12-21-2001
Unions, not Claremont employer, delivers turkeys Hank Sims Daily Planet staff 12-20-2001
Hill off to a hot start for ’Jackets in ACCAL By Jared Green Daily Planet Staff 12-20-2001
Guy Poole 12-20-2001
Boycott Berkeley? or maybe Marin.... Gray Brechin Berkeley 12-20-2001
Boycott Berkeley? or maybe Marin.... Gray Brechin Berkeley 12-20-2001
A peek at small schools across the bay By David Scharfenberg Daily Planet staff 12-20-2001
Boycott Berkeley? or maybe Marin.... Robin Rowe Partner, MovieEditor.com Richmond 12-20-2001
City Council approves three draft plan elements By John Geluardi Daily Planet staff 12-20-2001
Correcting the record on Nevo project Zelda Bronstein President, Thousand Oaks Neighborhood Association 12-20-2001
Class Notes David Scharfenberg 12-20-2001
Need plain talk on rent issues Theresa Traynor Berkeley 12-20-2001
Ex-topless dancer charged with Web-stalking ex-lover The Associated Press 12-20-2001
Kudos for flags Dennis A. Cavagnaro Oakland 12-20-2001
Dick Clark files suit against Recording Academy president By Anthonly Breznican The Associated Press 12-20-2001
Support balanced approach to parking issue Jennifer K. Avery Berkeley, 12-20-2001
Capital legislator leads sprawl tour for new tax-sharing bill By Jim Wasserman The Associated Press 12-20-2001
Group proposes constitutional amendment to help public records requests By Jim Wasserman The Associated Press 12-20-2001
Sales tax increase eyed as California considers terrorism costs By Don Thompson The Associated Press 12-20-2001
Fatal big rig crash closes Route 99 By Alexa Haussler The Associated Press 12-20-2001
Prosecution begins in slaying of Las Vegas teen By Chelsea J. Carter The Associated Press 12-20-2001
Staff 12-20-2001
Scientists support climate research role for Biosphere 2 By Arthur H. Rothstein The Associated Press 12-20-2001
A drop-in celebration Guy Poole Daily Planet staff 12-20-2001
McGee Avenue woman mistakes spilled detergent for anthrax Hank Sims Daily Planet staff 12-20-2001
Researchers find why red wine helps fight hardening of arteries By Alex Dominguez The Associated Press 12-20-2001
Ibuprofen cancels out positive effects of aspirin and vice versa By Jeff Donn The Associated Press 12-20-2001
HP lawyer denies leaders threatening to resign By Brian Bergstein The Associated Press 12-20-2001
Report says broadband users top 21 million in November The Associated Press 12-20-2001
Calpine will raise $400 million in private placement of debt Staff 12-20-2001
Mumia’s lawyers ask appeals court for a new trial By Michael Rubinkam The Associated Press 12-20-2001
Throttle part blamed for crashes in older small planes The Associated Press 12-20-2001
Small schools debate continues By David Scharfenberg Daily Planet staff 12-19-2001
BHS soccer star wants more than just a free kick By Tim Haran Daily Planet Correspondent 12-19-2001
Guy Poole 12-19-2001
Better discipline needed at Willard Tonia Johnson Berkeley 12-19-2001
Staff 12-19-2001
Tradition of sex cruising at Aquatic Park to end By John Geluardi Daily Planet staff 12-19-2001
Judge small schools on their merits Carol S. Lashof Berkeley 12-19-2001
The show will go on By Hank Sims Daily Planet staff 12-19-2001
Be cautious with changes at BHS Noriko Nishizawa Parent of two BHS students Berkeley 12-19-2001
Women’s endorsements heat up March elections By Pamela Reynolds Special to the Daily Planet 12-19-2001
Police enforcement works Jim Powell Berkeley 12-19-2001
City receives affordable housing loan Bay City News Service 12-19-2001
No conflict for commissioner Robert Clear Berkeley 12-19-2001
UC students write anthology in response to the Sept. 11 events Daily Planet wire services 12-19-2001
Genetically engineered grapevines meet consumer resistance By Collen Valles The Associated Press 12-19-2001
AIDS Ride management dispute leads to lawsuit By Kim Curtis The Associated Press 12-19-2001
Gilroy City Council approves theme park The Associated Press 12-19-2001
Family of ‘American Taliban’ upset letter hasn’t reached him By Justin Prichard The Associated Press 12-19-2001
Bay Area has one third of pot plant seizures, trumps traditional growers By Don Thompson The Associated Press 12-19-2001
Smokeless tobacco companies settle lawsuit By Paul Elias The Associated Press 12-19-2001
New data shows Hispanics dominate California birth rate By Robert Jablon The Associated Press 12-19-2001
Actors used to jump-start tourism By Simon Avery The Associated Press 12-19-2001
Gubernatorial candidate Jones presents state defense plan By Karen Gaudette The Associated Press 12-19-2001
Sierra snow already at half of season’s measure The Associated Press 12-19-2001
Mumia’s death sentence thrown out By Mary Claire Dale The Associated Press 12-19-2001
Vaccinating kids against hepatitis A can prevent outbreaks, a study says The Associated Press 12-19-2001
Newsday cuts third section to save money The Associated Press 12-19-2001
Hewlett heir wonders if HP management will step down if Compaq deal fails By Brian Bergstein The Associated Press 12-19-2001
3Com’s loss narrows in second quarter, beats expectations By Matthew Fordahl The Associated Press 12-19-2001
Connecting ski slopes idea grows stronger with Utah’s expansion By Brian Maffley The Salt Lake Tribune 12-19-2001
District removes Washington teacher By David Scharfenberg Daily Planet staff 12-18-2001
Calendar of Events & Activities 12-18-2001
Study parking Deborah Badhia Downtown Berkeley Association 12-18-2001
Arts 12-18-2001
Three sections of Draft General Plan slated for council approval By John Geluardi Daily Planet staff 12-18-2001
Ecocity plan pro-profit Carol Denney Berkeley 12-18-2001
Are flags enough? By Judith Scherr Daily Planet staff 12-18-2001
Ecocity plan pro-neighborhood Erik Ferry Richmond 12-18-2001
The driving force behind energy consumption By Alice La Pierre City of Berkeley Energy Office 12-18-2001
Upgrade transit Steve Geller Berkeley 12-18-2001
Homelessness, scents and a wine boycott on agenda By John Geluardi Daily Planet staff 12-18-2001
Sometimes, gotta drive, park Alan Kropp and Associates, Inc. Berkeley 12-18-2001
Bay Area Briefs 12-18-2001
Plan makes sense Richard Register Berkeley 12-18-2001
Judge refuses to dimiss circus elephant abuse case By Brian BergsteinThe Associated Press 12-18-2001
Corrections officers set for sizable salary boost in five-year tentative pact By Don Thompson The Associated Press 12-18-2001
Universal in shape before arrival of Barry Diller By Gary Gentile The Associated Press 12-18-2001
Calpine’s struggles may prod change of plans By Michael Liedtke The Associated Press 12-18-2001
Palm Inc. chooses Texas Instruments to supply chips for wireless devices The Associated Press 12-18-2001
Churches forced to scale back ministries by weak economy By Rachel Zoll The Associated Press 12-18-2001
CDC starts smallpox training By Erin McClam The Associated Press 12-18-2001
Middle school still without a police officer By David Scharfenberg, Daily Planet staff 12-17-2001
Out & About Calendar Compiled by Guy Poole 12-17-2001
Willard lacks daily discipline Tonia Johnson 12-17-2001
Art & Entertainment Calendar Staff 12-17-2001
Panthers look like team of old in easy win By Jared Green Daily Planet Staff 12-17-2001
A tale of two developments By Hank Sims, Daily Planet staff 12-17-2001
We need more trees, less metal Donald Schweter 12-17-2001
Sports shorts Staff 12-17-2001
Neighbors worry about left over radiation from lab By John Geluardi, Daily Planet Staff 12-17-2001
Costa-Hawkins would set back rent control3 Robert Cabrera 12-17-2001
JDL recording thanks supporters; calls case ’politically motivated’ The Associated Press 12-17-2001
Local Briefs Staff 12-17-2001
Sacramento publisher booed during college graduation speech The Associated Press 12-17-2001
Bay Briefs Staff 12-17-2001
NYC firefighters complete cross-country bike ride By Erica Werner, Associated Press Writer 12-17-2001
Santa Clarita to start innovative curbside diaper recycling program in spring 2002 The Associated Press` 12-17-2001
New management services deliver help with e-mail onslaught By Michael Liedtke, AP Business Writer 12-17-2001
Swine are divine in elementary school recycling effort By Michelle Locke Associated Press Writer 12-17-2001
Burning Man organizers say they’re being taken by doubled federal fees The Associated Press 12-17-2001
Democratic club endorses Ramsey, Fox Ruby By David Scharfenberg, Berkeley Daily Planet staff 12-15-2001
Out & About Calendar – Compiled by Guy Poole 12-15-2001
Julia Morgan’s Berkeley City Club serves as an inspiration By Susan Cerny 12-15-2001
CUE files claim against LBNL Lee Purbaugh 12-15-2001
Precious gifts, books capture spirit of great art By Joan Brunskill, The Associated Press 12-15-2001
Arts & Entertainment Calendar Staff 12-15-2001
Pleasant Valley hands Lady ’Jackets third loss of season By Jared Green, Daily Planet Staff 12-15-2001
ZAB votes to close down Gypsy parlor By Hank Sims, Daily Planet staff 12-15-2001
Draft General Plan balanced – gives pedestrians a chance Rob Wrenn 12-15-2001
Psychics could see stiff regulations in their future By John Geluardi, Daily Planet staff 12-15-2001
America’s Iraq policy a sham Bill Mitch 12-15-2001
Obituary Staff 12-15-2001
Boycotting unAmerican city Bill Kinney 12-15-2001
Hyde School honors academic excellence Staff 12-15-2001
A season to share Staff 12-15-2001
Mysterious form of breast cancer crops up in three Castro Valley women The Associated Press 12-15-2001
Police Blotter – Hank Sims 12-15-2001
Victims’ loved ones apalled by bin Laden tapes The Associated Press 12-15-2001
Bay Area Briefs Staff 12-15-2001
On the House by James and Morris Carey 12-15-2001
Questions and Answers on the House By Morris and James Carey 12-15-2001
Tip of the Week By Morris and James Carey 12-15-2001
Renaissance man restores log cabins with old-fashioned tools By Sarah Cooke, Loveland Daily Reporter-Herald 12-15-2001
Trial of circus trainer is big moment for animal activists By Brian Bergstein The Associated Press 12-15-2001
Tribal leaders upset over Norton reshuffling of Indian trust By Angela Turner, The Associated Press 12-15-2001
Feds, academicians assessing Biosphere 2 climate By Arthur H. Rothstein, The Associated Press 12-15-2001
Cuba to get first commercial U.S. food since 1963 By Alan Sayre, The Associated Press 12-15-2001
N.C. death row inmate found to be retarded, given life terms By Emery Dalesio, The Associated Press 12-15-2001
Students at historically black college object to TV ad limiting hairstyles The Associated Press 12-15-2001
California unemployment tops 1 million mark By Simon Avery, The Associated Press 12-15-2001
Deal could leave Barry Diller leading Universal By Gary Gentile, The Associated Press 12-15-2001
Lame-duck cable provider cuts 400 of its 1,300 jobs The Associated Press 12-15-2001
Click and Clack Talk Cars Tom & Ray Magliozzi 12-15-2001
California home sale prices keep setting records By Simon Avery The Associated Press 12-21-2001
Enron’s California customers analyze their power options By Karen Gaudette, The Associated Press 12-21-2001
L.A. firm to build arena in Millennium Dome, U.K. By Simon Avery, The Associated Press 12-21-2001
Audit finds major shortcomings, billions in hidden costs in power contracts By Jim Wasserman, The Associated Press 12-21-2001
Juniper down 18 percent after revenue, profit warning The Associated Press 12-21-2001