The Week

 

News

‘Can-do’ attitude benefits school recycling

By David Scharfenberg Daily Planet staff
Monday December 24, 2001

It’s taken four and a half years of dogged activism, but Beebo Turman is finally “cautiously optimistic” about the state of recycling in Berkeley’s public schools. -more-


Crusaders too big, too strong for ’Jackets

By Jared Green Daily Planet Staff
Monday December 24, 2001

Going into Saturday night’s game against highly-ranked Archbishop Riordan (San Francisco), the ’Jackets knew the Crusaders had two big weapons, forwards Marquis Kately and John Tofi. But Riordan showed that it is more than the big duo, as two of the supporting cast had big nights to help their team to a 58-39 win in Berkeley. -more-


Staff
Monday December 24, 2001


Monday, Dec. 24


More applause for Barbara Lee

Michael Steinberg Berkeley
Monday December 24, 2001

Staff
Monday December 24, 2001


Jammed meters drain city coffers

By John Geluardi Daily Planet staff
Monday December 24, 2001

Berkeley is in the midst of an unusual crime wave and city officials have so far been helpless to stop the culprits who are robbing $1 million from city coffers one coin at a time. -more-


Cal women fall to ASU

Daily Planet Wire Services
Monday December 24, 2001

TEMPE, Ariz. – Senior center Ami Forney posted 20 points and 11 rebounds but it wasn’t enough to prevent Cal from losing to Arizona State 63-49 Sunday afternoon at Wells Fargo Arena. -more-


How much is a life worth?

Leuren Moret Berkeley Community Environmental Advisory Commission
Monday December 24, 2001

Editor: -more-


How to tell the ‘greatest story ever told’

By Hank Sims Daily Planet staff
Monday December 24, 2001

Pity the person who must find a way to make a 2000-year-old story sing. One would think that every approach, every once-novel spin on the tale, had been tried and abandoned centuries ago. -more-


Berkeley shows holiday spirit

Marci Jordan, Executive Director Berkeley Emergency Food and Housing Project
Monday December 24, 2001

Editor: -more-


Former Mercury News publisher named fellow at Cal

Bay City New Service
Monday December 24, 2001

The graduate school of journalism of the University of California at Berkeley has announced that Jay T. Harris, former chairman and publisher of the San Jose Mercury News, has been appointed as the Robert C. Maynard Fellow. -more-


No honest articles in the Daily Planet

John Herbert Berkeley
Monday December 24, 2001

Editor: -more-


Emeryville Police seeking Saturday shooting suspect

Staff
Monday December 24, 2001

Emeryville police are seeking the public’s help in tracking down a suspect who they say shot a man at about midnight Saturday on the 5500 block of Shellmound Street. -more-


S.F.’s new public toilets plagued with problems

The Associated Press
Monday December 24, 2001

SAN FRANCISCO – The green, circular kiosk-style restrooms that sit on San Francisco’s streets cost only a quarter to use, but officials have recently found many toilets may be getting more than just a flush. -more-


Bay Briefs

Staff
Monday December 24, 2001

City boards reflecting Asian populations -more-


After Sept. 11, life goes on, but differently

By Michelle Locke Associated Press Writer
Monday December 24, 2001

SAN FRANCISCO – In crisp December, the Golden Gate Bridge soars above a sun-spangled San Francisco Bay, sinewy metal shoulders holding up a cerulean sky. -more-


Campaign ads to start pouring into homes with the new year

By Alexa Haussler Associated Press Writer
Monday December 24, 2001

SACRAMENTO – Just as Californians make their New Year’s resolutions, they will start seeing a barrage of television advertisements featuring candidates making pledges of their own. -more-


Orange County to become first area to use Global Positioning to track sex offenders

The Associated Press
Monday December 24, 2001

SANTA ANA – Orange County officials will make a controversial step by becoming the first in the state to use global positioning satellites to track released sex offenders. -more-


Police ID suicidal killer’s victim

The Associated Press
Monday December 24, 2001

LOS ANGELES – Police on Saturday identified a motorist killed by the plunging body of a suicidal killer. -more-


Gap falls into deeper hole during slow holiday shopping season

By Michael Liedtke AP Business Writer
Monday December 24, 2001

SAN FRANCISCO – While other merchants cash in on the busiest shopping season of the year, the Gap Inc. is trying to dig itself out of a hole. -more-


California farmers struggle to stay profitable as prices tumble

The Associated Press
Monday December 24, 2001

LOS ANGELES – California farmers say they are struggling with the after-effects of September’s terrorists attacks as major customers in the travel, hospitality and leisure industries cut their orders. -more-


Chinese TV station sale highlights growing pains in ethnic media

By Michelle R. Smith Associated Press Writer
Monday December 24, 2001

SAN FRANCISCO – The explosion of the Hispanic and Chinese populations in the United States during the past decade has been a boon for ethnic media that cater to people with limited English. -more-


Board says no to latest small schools plan

Staff
Friday December 21, 2001

By David Scharfenberg -more-


Out & About Calendar

Staff
Friday December 21, 2001


Friday, Dec. 21

-more-


Ask St. Pete

George Kauffman
Friday December 21, 2001

Is the 30th anniversary ceramic?

By Jennifer Dix, Daily Planet Correspondent
Friday December 21, 2001

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-


Arts & Entertainment Calendar

Staff
Friday December 21, 2001

Tedford hires CFL mainstay as offensive coordinator

Staff
Friday December 21, 2001

Cortez makes Cal staff nearly complete -more-


Transit future could become ‘Light rail with rubber wheels’

By Hank Sims, Daily Planet staff
Friday December 21, 2001

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-


Problem teacher – many must share blame

Heather Jacobsen
Friday December 21, 2001

BHS-Riordan game a chance to donate

By Jared Green, Daily Planet Staff
Friday December 21, 2001

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-


Fans line up to see ‘Lord’

By Martha Irvine, The Associated Press
Friday December 21, 2001

CHICAGO — The cinematic journey finally began Wednesday for “Lord of the Rings” fans. -more-


Neighborhood preservation, affordable housing in plan

By John Geluardi, Daily Planet staff
Friday December 21, 2001

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-


Emissions may be hazardous

Pamela Sihvola, and Barbara George,
Friday December 21, 2001

The Daily Planet received a copy of this letter, reproduced in part, addressed to officials at the California Department of Toxic Substances Control: -more-


Somber, scary films rule field of Golden Globe nominees

By David Germain, The Associated Press
Friday December 21, 2001

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-


Voice of the fan

Will Kruse
Friday December 21, 2001

Editor: -more-


A tribute to Tanya Mandel

By Bill Mandel
Friday December 21, 2001

Tanya Mandel, editor, KPFA broadcaster and activist, died Tuesday. She was 84. -more-


Correcting the record on ozone

Ezra Wood
Friday December 21, 2001

Editor: -more-


Sports this weekend

Staff
Friday December 21, 2001

Friday -more-


Need more than cops to stop the cruising

Name withheld by request
Friday December 21, 2001

AC Transit will operate buses on a Sunday Schedule on Christmas

Planet wire services
Friday December 21, 2001

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-


California should advertise its beauty

Charles Smith
Friday December 21, 2001

Editor: -more-


Two accidents in one week’s time at Russell-Claremont intersection

By Judith Scherr, Daily Planet staff
Friday December 21, 2001

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-


Potent storm rakes Sierra

By Tom Gardner, The Associated Press
Friday December 21, 2001

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 breaks ties with controversial surgeons

The Associated Press
Friday December 21, 2001

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-


A season to share

Staff
Friday December 21, 2001

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 newspaper may be on the market

The Associated Press
Friday December 21, 2001

SANTA CRUZ — The Santa Cruz Sentinel may soon be for sale, according to its owner, Ottaway Newspapers. -more-


Bay Area Briefs

Staff
Friday December 21, 2001

Oakland to pay woman struck by police car


-more-


Bay Guardian cans its longtime sex columnist

The Associated Press
Friday December 21, 2001

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-


S.F. to get TV feed of Moussaoui trial

By Jesse Holland, The Associated Press
Friday December 21, 2001

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-


Defense rests without calling witnesses in Ringling Bros. elephant abuse case

By Brian Bergstein, The Associated Press
Friday December 21, 2001

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-


Hearing for trio accused in five deaths expected to wrap up

By Kim Curtis, The Associated Press
Friday December 21, 2001

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-


On the House Repairing a cabinet door By James and Morris Carey

by James and Morris Carey
Friday December 21, 2001

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-


On the House Tip of the Week

by James and Morris Carey
Friday December 21, 2001

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-


You can judge good gardeners by their gloves

By Lee Reich, The Associated Press
Friday December 21, 2001

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-


Number of Nevada children living in poverty on decline

By Lisa Snedeker The Associated Press
Friday December 21, 2001

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-


Recording Academy president says there is no Grammy blacklist

The Associated Press
Friday December 21, 2001

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-


John Walker Lindh defends terrorists in taped interview

By Christopher Newton The Associated Press
Friday December 21, 2001

Marin County native admits he was part of fighters funded by bin Laden to fight for Taliban -more-


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
Friday December 21, 2001

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-


Five seriously hurt in Lancaster prison riot

By Christina Almeida, The Associated Press
Friday December 21, 2001

LANCASTER — As many as 400 inmates rioted Thursday at a state prison and five were critically injured, authorities said. -more-


Family, friends mourn teen’s exercise death

The Associated Press
Friday December 21, 2001

LONG BEACH — Family and friends mourned the death of a high school student who collapsed while preparing for a Presidential Fitness Test. -more-


Settlement approved in Angels Flight accident

The Associated Press
Friday December 21, 2001

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-


LA City Council approves $400,000 for Democratic Convention litigation costs

The Associated Press
Friday December 21, 2001

City already has spent $36 million on the August 2000 convention -more-


LA warns against overuse of antibiotics

The Associated Press
Friday December 21, 2001

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-


Man accused of sending white powder to co-worker

The Associated Press
Friday December 21, 2001

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-


Unions, not Claremont employer, delivers turkeys

Hank Sims Daily Planet staff
Thursday December 20, 2001

OAKLAND – Workers at the Claremont Resort and Spa received their holiday turkeys on Wednesday – but not from their employer, as they had every year in the past. -more-


Hill off to a hot start for ’Jackets in ACCAL

By Jared Green Daily Planet Staff
Thursday December 20, 2001

Super sophomore Kamani Hill continued his amazing scoring run on Tuesday, racking up a hat trick in Berkeley High’s 4-1 win over El Cerrito in boys’ soccer. -more-


Guy Poole
Thursday December 20, 2001


Thursday, Dec. 20


Boycott Berkeley? or maybe Marin....

Gray Brechin Berkeley
Thursday December 20, 2001

Boycott Berkeley? or maybe Marin....

Gray Brechin Berkeley
Thursday December 20, 2001

Editor: -more-


A peek at small schools across the bay

By David Scharfenberg Daily Planet staff
Thursday December 20, 2001

A glimpse of Berkeley High School’s future may be only a BART ride away. -more-


Boycott Berkeley? or maybe Marin....

Robin Rowe Partner, MovieEditor.com Richmond
Thursday December 20, 2001

The Daily Planet received a copy of this letter sent to the president of the Chamber of Commerce: -more-


City Council approves three draft plan elements

By John Geluardi Daily Planet staff
Thursday December 20, 2001

In a series of narrow votes reflecting conflicting visions of the city’s future, the City Council approved the housing, land use and transportation elements of the revised Draft General Plan on Tuesday. -more-


Correcting the record on Nevo project

Zelda Bronstein President, Thousand Oaks Neighborhood Association
Thursday December 20, 2001

Editor: -more-


Class Notes

David Scharfenberg
Thursday December 20, 2001

County releases API figures -more-


Need plain talk on rent issues

Theresa Traynor Berkeley
Thursday December 20, 2001

Ex-topless dancer charged with Web-stalking ex-lover

The Associated Press
Thursday December 20, 2001

VENTURA — A former Las Vegas topless dancer was ordered Wednesday to stand trial for allegedly stalking her ex-lover and creating a Web site with graphic photos of their trysts. -more-


Kudos for flags

Dennis A. Cavagnaro Oakland
Thursday December 20, 2001

Dick Clark files suit against Recording Academy president

By Anthonly Breznican The Associated Press
Thursday December 20, 2001

BEVERLY HILLS — Dick Clark filed a $10 million lawsuit Wednesday against Recording Academy President Michael Greene, accusing him of barring artists who appear first on Clark’s American Music Awards from performing during the Grammy Awards. -more-


Support balanced approach to parking issue

Jennifer K. Avery Berkeley,
Thursday December 20, 2001

The Daily Planet received a copy of the following letter addressed to the Mayor and City Council. (The letter refers to the Draft General Plan, approved, in part, Tuesday.) -more-


Capital legislator leads sprawl tour for new tax-sharing bill

By Jim Wasserman The Associated Press
Thursday December 20, 2001

SACRAMENTO — Assemblyman Darrell Steinberg, D-Sacramento, conducted a capital bus tour Wednesday of vacant stores and empty car lots, highlighting a controversial tax-sharing bill meant to curb urban sprawl. -more-


Group proposes constitutional amendment to help public records requests

By Jim Wasserman The Associated Press
Thursday December 20, 2001

SACRAMENTO — Californians seeking records, documents and other information that public agencies keep secret may get new help next year. -more-


Sales tax increase eyed as California considers terrorism costs

By Don Thompson The Associated Press
Thursday December 20, 2001

SACRAMENTO — California may need a quarter-cent sales tax increase to help pay the cost of responding to the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, legislators said Wednesday, even as they called on the federal government to cover the bulk of the new precautions. -more-


Fatal big rig crash closes Route 99

By Alexa Haussler The Associated Press
Thursday December 20, 2001

SACRAMENTO — Four people died and two were injured Wednesday in a fiery crash involving three tractor-trailers on a highway south of Sacramento, authorities said. -more-


Prosecution begins in slaying of Las Vegas teen

By Chelsea J. Carter The Associated Press
Thursday December 20, 2001

RIVERSIDE — A woman said she heard a gunshot on her ranch moments before spotting one of two suspects in the slaying of a 16-year-old Las Vegas girl, whose body was later found on the Southern California property, a detective testified Wednesday. -more-


Staff
Thursday December 20, 2001


Scientists support climate research role for Biosphere 2

By Arthur H. Rothstein The Associated Press
Thursday December 20, 2001

TUCSON, Ariz. — Environmental scientists from around the world are supporting a plan for the U.S. Department of Energy to team with Columbia University to use Biosphere 2 for climate research, its director said. -more-


A drop-in celebration

Guy Poole Daily Planet staff
Thursday December 20, 2001

Shopping bags stuffed with gifts were given to 230 women and children Tuesday during the annual Christmas party for those who regularly use the services of the Women’s Daytime Drop-in Center. -more-


McGee Avenue woman mistakes spilled detergent for anthrax

Hank Sims Daily Planet staff
Thursday December 20, 2001

The Berkeley Police Department and the Berkeley Fire Department were called to the 1700 block of McGee Avenue at around 9 a.m. Wednesday after a woman found a suspicious white powdery substance in her driveway. -more-


Researchers find why red wine helps fight hardening of arteries

By Alex Dominguez The Associated Press
Thursday December 20, 2001

Researchers say they have discovered the key component in red wine that explains the so-called French Paradox, or the way the French can eat lots of cheese, buttery sauces and other rich foods and still suffer less heart disease than Americans. -more-


Ibuprofen cancels out positive effects of aspirin and vice versa

By Jeff Donn The Associated Press
Thursday December 20, 2001

BOSTON — The popular pain reliever ibuprofen blocks the heart-protecting effects of aspirin, according to a study that sounds a warning for people who take both medicines. -more-


HP lawyer denies leaders threatening to resign

By Brian Bergstein The Associated Press
Thursday December 20, 2001

SAN JOSE — With their $22.2 billion merger threatened, Hewlett-Packard Co. and Compaq Computer Corp. fired back Wednesday with a 50-page report detailing their reasons for the deal and criticizing leading opponent Walter Hewlett. -more-


Report says broadband users top 21 million in November

The Associated Press
Thursday December 20, 2001

SAN JOSE — The number of people who have high-speed Internet connections at home grew to a record 21.3 million in November, a 90 percent increase over the same month last year, according to a report. -more-


Calpine will raise $400 million in private placement of debt

Staff
Thursday December 20, 2001

The Associated Press -more-


Mumia’s lawyers ask appeals court for a new trial

By Michael Rubinkam The Associated Press
Thursday December 20, 2001

PHILADELPHIA — Lawyers for Mumia Abu-Jamal said Wednesday they will ask a federal appeals court to grant him a new trial, expressing dismay that a judge upheld the former Black Panther’s 1982 conviction for murdering a police officer while throwing out his death sentence. -more-


Throttle part blamed for crashes in older small planes

The Associated Press
Thursday December 20, 2001

BOSTON — Excessive wear on a throttle linkage part has been blamed for more than a dozen crashes or forced landings of older Cessna planes, The Boston Globe reported Wednesday. -more-


Small schools debate continues

By David Scharfenberg Daily Planet staff
Wednesday December 19, 2001

Berkeley High School students called on the district to put effective leadership in place at their school and to address the “achievement gap” separating white and minority students, during a student forum on small schools held Tuesday. -more-


BHS soccer star wants more than just a free kick

By Tim Haran Daily Planet Correspondent
Wednesday December 19, 2001

Annie Borton knew that a tough pre-season schedule would prove beneficial in the long run, even if it meant dropping a few games. -more-


Guy Poole
Wednesday December 19, 2001


Wednesday, Dec. 19


Better discipline needed at Willard

Tonia Johnson Berkeley
Wednesday December 19, 2001

Editor: -more-


Staff
Wednesday December 19, 2001

MUSIC


Tradition of sex cruising at Aquatic Park to end

By John Geluardi Daily Planet staff
Wednesday December 19, 2001

It’s 1:30 p.m. on a chilly afternoon at the south end of Aquatic Park, and about 15 men are engaging in a long-standing tradition in the remote and secluded area – cruising for casual sex with strangers. -more-


Judge small schools on their merits

Carol S. Lashof Berkeley
Wednesday December 19, 2001

The show will go on

By Hank Sims Daily Planet staff
Wednesday December 19, 2001

Fears that a federal arts grant to the Berkeley Repertory Theatre might be denied on political grounds were dispelled on Tuesday, when the National Endowment for the Arts reported the theater was among the winners of its latest round of grants. -more-


Be cautious with changes at BHS

Noriko Nishizawa Parent of two BHS students Berkeley
Wednesday December 19, 2001

The Berkeley Daily Planet received this letter addressed to the Berkeley School Board: -more-


Women’s endorsements heat up March elections

By Pamela Reynolds Special to the Daily Planet
Wednesday December 19, 2001

OAKLAND – There was standing-room-only Monday night as local candidates campaigned for endorsements from the Political Action Committee of the National Women’s Political Caucus, Alameda North Chapter. -more-


Police enforcement works

Jim Powell Berkeley
Wednesday December 19, 2001

Editor: -more-


City receives affordable housing loan

Bay City News Service
Wednesday December 19, 2001

The California Housing Finance Agency is loaning millions of dollars to Berkeley and 15 other California cities, including Oakland, to help create affordable housing opportunities for low-income residents. -more-


No conflict for commissioner

Robert Clear Berkeley
Wednesday December 19, 2001

Editor, -more-


UC students write anthology in response to the Sept. 11 events

Daily Planet wire services
Wednesday December 19, 2001

Two UC Berkeley graduate students in anthropology are generating international interest with a 600-page anthology relating to the events of Sept. 11. -more-


Genetically engineered grapevines meet consumer resistance

By Collen Valles The Associated Press
Wednesday December 19, 2001

SAN FRANCISCO — Advancements have been made in the fight against the vine-killing disease threatening California’s $33 billion wine industry, including the development of grapevines genetically engineered to be resistant to it. -more-


AIDS Ride management dispute leads to lawsuit

By Kim Curtis The Associated Press
Wednesday December 19, 2001

SAN FRANCISCO — The California AIDS Ride, a feel-good event in which 11,000 cyclists have raised $40 million since 1994, is being abandoned by the nonprofit agencies it benefits. They say it’s unacceptable they get only 50 cents of every dollar raised. -more-


Gilroy City Council approves theme park

The Associated Press
Wednesday December 19, 2001

GILROY — Bonfante Gardens, the bucolic but cash-strapped theme park built by a former supermarket mogul, is expected to open again in the spring after the City Council approved a rescue plan. -more-


Family of ‘American Taliban’ upset letter hasn’t reached him

By Justin Prichard The Associated Press
Wednesday December 19, 2001

SAN FRANCISCO — The parents of John Walker Lindh, the 20-year-old American captured in Afghanistan alongside Taliban fighters, are upset that a letter they sent him through the Red Cross has not been delivered. -more-


Bay Area has one third of pot plant seizures, trumps traditional growers

By Don Thompson The Associated Press
Wednesday December 19, 2001

SACRAMENTO — The San Francisco Bay area produced nearly a third of the marijuana plants seized in California this fall, eclipsing the 16 percent seized in the North Coast’s “Emerald Triangle” area that once accounted for the majority of the locally grown crop. -more-


Smokeless tobacco companies settle lawsuit

By Paul Elias The Associated Press
Wednesday December 19, 2001

SAN FRANCISCO — Makers and sellers of chewing tobacco have agreed to pay $2.75 million and post signs warning of smokeless products’ health hazards in stores to settle a suit, San Francisco City Attorney Louise Renne said Tuesday. -more-


New data shows Hispanics dominate California birth rate

By Robert Jablon The Associated Press
Wednesday December 19, 2001

LOS ANGELES — In another sign that Hispanics will dominate California’s future, a university study has found that the ethnic group accounted for nearly half of all births in the state by the end of the last decade. -more-


Actors used to jump-start tourism

By Simon Avery The Associated Press
Wednesday December 19, 2001

LOS ANGELES — California dropped a few names and some big bucks into its latest ad campaign aimed at boosting the state’s slumping tourism. -more-


Gubernatorial candidate Jones presents state defense plan

By Karen Gaudette The Associated Press
Wednesday December 19, 2001

SAN FRANCISCO — Republican gubernatorial candidate Bill Jones called for California to boost its ranks of National Guard troops and give them more incentives to continue serving. -more-


Sierra snow already at half of season’s measure

The Associated Press
Wednesday December 19, 2001

SACRAMENTO — With winter still officially a few days away, state hydrologists say the Sierra Nevada already has accumulated half the snow the region normally gets in the wet-weather season. -more-


Mumia’s death sentence thrown out

By Mary Claire Dale The Associated Press
Wednesday December 19, 2001

PHILADELPHIA — A federal judge threw out Mumia Abu-Jamal’s death sentence Tuesday and ordered a new sentencing hearing for the former Black Panther alternately portrayed as a vicious cop-killer and a victim of a racist frame-up. -more-


Vaccinating kids against hepatitis A can prevent outbreaks, a study says

The Associated Press
Wednesday December 19, 2001

CHICAGO — Hepatitis A outbreaks in all age groups could be prevented if children were routinely vaccinated against the liver ailment, a study in Northern California suggests. -more-


Newsday cuts third section to save money

The Associated Press
Wednesday December 19, 2001

NEW YORK — Newsday is eliminating a third section on weekdays and offering more early retirement packages as part of an ongoing effort to cut costs. -more-


Hewlett heir wonders if HP management will step down if Compaq deal fails

By Brian Bergstein The Associated Press
Wednesday December 19, 2001

SAN JOSE — The leading opponent of Hewlett-Packard’s plans to buy Compaq Computer Corp. is demanding that HP clarify reports that directors and top executives would step down if shareholders reject the $22 billion deal. -more-


3Com’s loss narrows in second quarter, beats expectations

By Matthew Fordahl The Associated Press
Wednesday December 19, 2001

SAN JOSE — 3Com Corp. beat Wall Street expectations in the second quarter as the troubled network equipment maker’s loss narrowed and business showed signs of turning around. -more-


Connecting ski slopes idea grows stronger with Utah’s expansion

By Brian Maffley The Salt Lake Tribune
Wednesday December 19, 2001

SALT LAKE CITY — In 1990, the idea of linking the central Wasatch Range’s seven ski areas came up in Salt Lake County planning circles and was rejected. Aerial trams over the top of the Wasatch and a tunnel through the range did not make much sense for the skiing public, although someone was sure to get rich off the scheme, recall those who participated in the debate. -more-


District removes Washington teacher

By David Scharfenberg Daily Planet staff
Tuesday December 18, 2001

After months of parent complaints, school officials reassigned a first grade teacher at Washington Communications and Technology Magnet School to another job in the district Friday afternoon, according to several people familiar with the move. -more-


Calendar of Events & Activities

Tuesday December 18, 2001

Tuesday, Dec. 18 -more-


Study parking

Deborah Badhia Downtown Berkeley Association
Tuesday December 18, 2001

Study parking -more-


Arts

Tuesday December 18, 2001

924 Gilman Dec. 21: Kepi, Bonfire Madigan, Kevin Seconds; Dec. 22: The Lab Rats, Onetime Angels, A great Divide, Last Great Liar, Gabriel’s Ratchet; Dec. 23: 5 p.m., Over My Dead Body, Panic,Breaker, Some Still Believe; All shows start a 8 p.m. unless noted; Most are $5; 924 Gilman St. 525-9926 -more-


Three sections of Draft General Plan slated for council approval

By John Geluardi Daily Planet staff
Tuesday December 18, 2001

After more than two years of public meetings and workshops, the City Council is expected to approve three sections of the Draft General Plan tonight. In question, however, is whether the council will move forward on four other proposed amendments, put forward by Ecocity Builders. -more-


Ecocity plan pro-profit

Carol Denney Berkeley
Tuesday December 18, 2001

Ecocity plan pro-profit -more-


Are flags enough?

By Judith Scherr Daily Planet staff
Tuesday December 18, 2001

A pedestrian was reportedly hit by a car Friday morning at the intersection of Russell Street and Claremont Avenue, the very spot where flags had been placed with much fanfare the day before in order to make pedestrians more visible as they cross the street. -more-


Ecocity plan pro-neighborhood

Erik Ferry Richmond
Tuesday December 18, 2001

Ecocity plan pro-neighborhood -more-


The driving force behind energy consumption

By Alice La Pierre City of Berkeley Energy Office
Tuesday December 18, 2001

Sales for durable goods rose an amazing 12.8 percent during the month of October 2001, the largest-ever increase in sales in U.S. history. According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s Consumer Index Report,(http://www.census.gov/indicator/www/m3/adv/priorrel.htm) the vast majority of those purchases (more than 9 percent, or $15.3 billion) were the sale of cars and trucks. The bulk of those sales were for pick-up trucks and sport utility vehicles, or SUVs. -more-


Upgrade transit

Steve Geller Berkeley
Tuesday December 18, 2001

Homelessness, scents and a wine boycott on agenda

By John Geluardi Daily Planet staff
Tuesday December 18, 2001

Among the issues the City Council will consider during its last meeting of the year will be an authorization for the city manager to increase a contract with Eden Council for Hope and Opportunity, Inc. by $50,000 to run the city’s Homelessness Prevention Program. The HPP program has already exhausted its annual $110,000 per year allocation due to an increase of clients. -more-


Sometimes, gotta drive, park

Alan Kropp and Associates, Inc. Berkeley
Tuesday December 18, 2001

Editor: -more-


Bay Area Briefs

Tuesday December 18, 2001

Teacher found dead in her car -more-


Plan makes sense

Richard Register Berkeley
Tuesday December 18, 2001

Editor: -more-


Judge refuses to dimiss circus elephant abuse case

By Brian BergsteinThe Associated Press
Tuesday December 18, 2001

SAN JOSE — A judge refused to drop elephant abuse charges Monday against a Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus star, setting up a closely watched trial this week. -more-


Corrections officers set for sizable salary boost in five-year tentative pact

By Don Thompson The Associated Press
Tuesday December 18, 2001

SACRAMENTO — Corrections officers could see salary boosts of 20-30 percent in the final years of a tentative five-year state contract, officials said Monday. -more-


Universal in shape before arrival of Barry Diller

By Gary Gentile The Associated Press
Tuesday December 18, 2001

LOS ANGELES — Can Barry Diller leave well enough alone? -more-


Calpine’s struggles may prod change of plans

By Michael Liedtke The Associated Press
Tuesday December 18, 2001

SAN FRANCISCO — In early October, investors still seemed willing to give Calpine Corp. whatever it needed to realize its goal of becoming the nation’s largest power generator. -more-


Palm Inc. chooses Texas Instruments to supply chips for wireless devices

The Associated Press
Tuesday December 18, 2001

SAN JOSE — Palm Inc. said Monday it has chosen Texas Instruments as the “preferred supplier” of chips for its next generation of wireless handheld devices. -more-


Churches forced to scale back ministries by weak economy

By Rachel Zoll The Associated Press
Tuesday December 18, 2001

When the stock market soared, the worldwide network of United Methodist missionaries thought big. -more-


CDC starts smallpox training

By Erin McClam The Associated Press
Tuesday December 18, 2001

ATLANTA — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention began training state and local health officials Monday on how to recognize smallpox and quickly contain an outbreak spread by terrorists. -more-


Opinion

Editorials

San Francisco offers end-of-year hotel deals to attract business

The Associated Press
Monday December 24, 2001

SAN FRANCISCO – Ever wanted to stay in a fancy hotel or take a ride on this city’s famous cable cars? Well, now is the time because end-of-year deals abound and crowds do not. -more-


Wave pedestrian flag – and be alert

Susan Tripp
Friday December 21, 2001

Editor: -more-


Former San Jose Mercury News publisher to teach at UC Berkeley grad school

The Associated Press
Friday December 21, 2001

BERKELEY — The former chairman and publisher of the San Jose Mercury News has joined the faculty at the University of California, Berkeley. -more-


Border Patrol agent accused of molesting girl immigrant

The Associated Press
Thursday December 20, 2001

EL CENTRO — A veteran Border Patrol agent has been charged with repeatedly molesting the daughter of a former illegal immigrant from Mexico. -more-


It’s raining – seniors need bus shelters

Lee Gaines, President Berkeley
Thursday December 20, 2001

One identified in dual fatality of Amtrak crash

Daily Planet staff and wire reports
Wednesday December 19, 2001

A spokesman for the Alameda County Coroner’s Office identified one of the two people killed by an Amtrak train at Gilman Street Saturday evening as Jorge Alvarado. -more-


NBC gets Bay Area owned-and-operated station with KNTV purchase

By Michael Warren The Associated Press
Tuesday December 18, 2001

SAN FRANCISCO — NBC announced Monday it is buying San Jose-based KNTV for $230 million from Granite Broadcasting Corp., giving the network an owned-and-operated station in the San Francisco Bay area. -more-


Y’s goals should be less parking

Jason Meggs, Director Bicycle Civil Liberties Union
Tuesday December 18, 2001

Editor: -more-


Columns

California home sale prices keep setting records

By Simon Avery The Associated Press
Friday December 21, 2001

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-


Enron’s California customers analyze their power options

By Karen Gaudette, The Associated Press
Friday December 21, 2001

SAN FRANCISCO — The roughly 40,000 California customers of fallen energy giant Enron Corp. are in a pickle. -more-


L.A. firm to build arena in Millennium Dome, U.K.

By Simon Avery, The Associated Press
Friday December 21, 2001

LOS ANGELES — Anschutz Entertainment Group has spent the last few years putting its mark on Los Angeles. -more-


Audit finds major shortcomings, billions in hidden costs in power contracts

By Jim Wasserman, The Associated Press
Friday December 21, 2001

Taxpayers may end up paying the bill -more-


Juniper down 18 percent after revenue, profit warning

The Associated Press
Friday December 21, 2001

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-