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City steps up fight against sudden oak death

By Kurtis Alexander, Daily Planet Staff
Friday June 21, 2002

City leaders have reconfirmed their commitment to confront sudden oak death – the disease caused by a little-understood fungus that has killed tens of thousands of trees in Northern California. 

Though sudden oak death in Berkeley has been limited to a handful of trees on the UC campus, City Council this week asked staff members to evaluate policies that would prevent spread of the killer fungus. 

“We’re concerned that the city and its residents are not properly prepared,” said Barbara Gilbert, a staff member for Mayor Shirley Dean and co-author of council’s request. 

City Parks Director Lisa Caronna, who oversees about 240 acres of Berkeley wildlands, said 

The city already has measures in place that require people to properly dispose of tree cuttings and sterilize landscaping tools, as well as monitor for the fungus. 

Unfortunately, there is little information about the relatively new tree disease, discovered in 1995, and hence there is little certainty about prevention techniques. 

“As a city, we’re following the current thinking [on prevention], but because so much is unknown about it, there are questions,” Caronna said. 

Scientists first came across sudden oak death in Marin County when more than 10,000 tanoak trees developed oozing cankers on their trunks and died soon afterwards. 

Only last year did researchers identify the Marin blight as the product of a water mold fungus. Researches now say that, in addition to a variety of oak species as well as the madrone, the fungus can infect dozens of other plants including the bay laurel and rhododendrons, though these plants are unlikely to die from infestation. Instead, they provide a pathway for the fungus to reach other oak and madrone trees. 

Sudden Oak Death has now been identified in tree stands from the Bay Area to southern Oregon, and in February Alameda County became one of 10 counties quarantined by the United States Department of Agriculture. 

“In Berkeley, we’re lucky we caught it early,” said adjunct professor at UC Berkeley Matteo Garbelotto, one of the foremost researchers of the fungus. 

Garbelotto explained that though there is no treatment for trees infected by sudden oak death, research has brought some success in containing the fungus. 

“Until recently, people had no idea it was spreading through the soil. They also didn’t know about hosts,” Garbelotto said. These discoveries have allowed park and resource managers to prevent the blatant spread of the fungus, he explained. 

This year Berkeley ended its policy of giving away chipped vegetation, from landscaping, to residents who use it as mulch in gardens. All chipped material is now hauled off by covered trucks to Stockton where it is composted, and the fungus, if present, is not likely to spread. 

A more aggressive pruning policy, more selective fertilizing, and limiting irrigation are other measures currently under consideration by city officials. 

“This seems to make sense from a scientific perspective,” said Garbelotto. “I’m supportive.” 

With increasing funding and attention, Garbelotto’s research to better understand and prevent sudden oak death continues at Berkeley. 


A question for O’Malley

Sally B. Woodbridge
Friday June 21, 2002

To the Editor: 

In her June 14 letter to the Daily Planet, Becky O'Malley used the newspaper's error in spelling her name to launch a defense of the historic value of vernacular buildings, which I had not questioned in my letter of June 12. The question I wished to pose to the Landmarks Preservation Commission, represented by Commissioner O'Malley was whether the faithfulness of a building to its original appearance affected its elegibility for an official designation. I thought O'Malley's position, as reported in the Daily Planet's article on June 5 on the Touriel/Darling Flower shop, was that alterations to the physical appearance of a building add to its historic appearance. If so, why protect our historic buildings from alterations if, in doing so, we reduce their historic value? 

Commissioner O'Malley did not answer that question. (And I hope her name is spelled correctly this time.) 

 

Sally B. Woodbridge 

Berkeley 

 


Book Review Jeffrey Meyers “Inherited Risk: Errol and Sean Flynn in Hollywood and Vietnam”

Peter Crimmins, Special to the Daily Planet
Friday June 21, 2002

One of the initially curious things about the new book by Berkeley author Jeffrey Meyers is the author’s image on the dust jacket. It’s not a photo, but a reprinting of a painting depicting Meyers as the character Senor Ferrari from the film “Casablanca.” Ferraro, played by Sydney Greenstreet (the corpulent, semi-regular Bogart rival who also played opposite him in “The Maltese Falcon”) was the overseer of all things illegal in Casablanca and the owner of The Blue Parrot, the far less glamorous gin joint than Rick’s Café Americain. In the painting Meyers/Greenstreet/Ferraro is wearing a dinner jacket and fez, seated regally at the Café behind a notepad and a bottle of Jack Daniels while Rick and play-it-for-me Sam are brooding in the background. Ferraro, a Mabusian vulture, knows all the dirty dealings in Casablanca.  

It’s an oddly whimsical image for the distinguished writer, whose many books have gathered international laudations. He has written 40 books and hundreds of essays on literature, art, politics, and film, and his book on Earnest Hemmingway was praised on both sides of the Atlantic as a masterwork of biography. When he entered the realm of moviedom with a 1997 biography on Humphrey Bogart he brought Hemmingway along for the ride, comparing the two hard-living, hard-drinking men whose lives intersected when Bogart starred in the film adaptation of Hemmingway’s “To Have And Have Not.” 

As if to put the Six Degrees of Separation game into literate practice, Meyers links Errol Flynn into the chain of associations in his latest book “Inherited Risk: Errol and Sean Flynn in Hollywood and Vietnam.” The famous swashbuckler, womanizer, and actor from “Captain Blood” (1935) and “Robin Hood” (1938) had, like Hemmingway, gone to the Spanish Civil War on the side of the Loyalists (although neither, contrary to popular belief, actually fought in the war) and he starred in the film adaptation of Papa’s “The Sun Also Rises.” And although Meyer’s admits that Flynn “was not a close friend of Humphrey Bogart,” he connects the two actors’ characters together through their love of sailing, their hatred of their mothers, and being “aggressive and contentious, witty wise-crackers, and heavy drinkers.” But Meyers spreads his net much wider in tracing the life and times of Flynn, incorporating an erudite, kitchen-sink web of references (most pulled from the vast research of his previous writings) from Shakespeare to poet James Dickey to filmmaker Billy Wilder to Joseph Conrad to Fyodor Dostoyevsky to George Orwell to Mozart’s “Don Giovanni,” and even quotations taken out of context from Samuel Johnson (to Boswell), and Mary Shelley and Samuel Coleridge writing about Lord Byron: “…a wicked lord who, from morbid and restless vanity, pretended to be ten times more wicked than he was.” 

The life of Errol Flynn is not unknown. Much has been written about the Australian’s youthful adventures, sudden arrival and superstardom in Hollywood, his scandalous legal problems and decline into alcoholism and eventual liver failure. Flynn wrote a wildly popular autobiography just before his death. The title is loosely based on Coleridge’s description of Byron, “My Wicked, Wicked Ways.” Meyer’s does an admirable job investigating the inconsistencies in previously published material, and exposing the biases natural to the craft of biography – while at the same time being upfront about his slant. For example, when Flynn’s mother wrote a letter to studio head Jack Warner after Errol’s death, imploring him for financial assistance, Meyer’s writes, “one hopes this letter melted Jack Warner’s flinty heart and prompted a generous handout.” His lively account of Flynn’s life is peppered with innumerable tasty tid-bits of trivia. Did you know there is a species of tidepool fish, the Gibbonsia erroli, named after Errol Flynn? 

This re-examination of Errol’s life is most profoundly marked by Meyer’s framing device. Sean Flynn, Errol’s son by his first of three wives, Lili Damita, was eighteen when his estranged father died. Errol, who adored his children but was a lousy, mostly absent philandering father, passed on to his son a taste for danger and adventure that led Sean to an early, gruesome death. By varying accounts adoring or ignoring his father, Sean, who briefly dabbled in acting, set out to do in life what Flynn did only in movies – to live dangerously without a net. 

Like father like son, the Flynns had wanted to be writers and, to some degree they were. Along with his bestselling autobiography Errol wrote two novels, two plays, and several pieces of journalism. Sean went to Vietnam as a reporter and found success as a war photographer. In the many excerpts of their writings Meyer’s includes in the book, a reader can see differences between the caddish star of the 1940’s and the free-living student of Buddhism in the late1960’s. “What wine drinker, what man athirst, thinks of the bottle which is to assuage his thirst?” Errol wrote in his diary. “The hell with the decanter so the wine be good! So it is with women.” In Saigon 1970, Sean wrote to his mother “make peace with him and your heart is still. … Watch the plants, rains, sunsets, bugs, the changes in the winds, sea and clouds. Watch them and relax in peace. There is a place for all of us.” 

“Inherited Risk” begins with a brief, 40-page description of Sean’s upbringing, his restless youth in and out of private schools, and his fateful and fatal interest in the Vietnam War. The chapter acts as a kind of character preamble to the next 250 pages, which belong to Errol. The interpretations of his personality and self-destructive nature read like inevitable revelations in light of the doomed legacy his son would eventually live and die with. The final section is a 17-page account of how Sean died: recklessly interested in covering the emerging Cambodian war, he drove a motorcycle into a Khmer Rouge guerrilla camp and was never seen again. His death came most probably in a prison camp, from disease or a gunshot intended for sick prisoners who could no longer be transported. Meyer’s uses an entire paragraph to describe all the possible ways Sean could have died for the rubbernecking gore-hound readers: lynched for his wristwatch, crossfire, torture, buried alive, bludgeoned by a shovel, or perhaps beheaded by the blade of a hoe. 

Sean’s reckless, suicidal, and maybe heroic death during wartime is a spectacular death of a young man who eschewed the movie industry for “real” life. His was the kind of death, ironically, that might make for a particularly bloody action film. The final pages of “Inherited Risk” seem anticlimactic after Errol’s death from liver failure, which had a less spectacular punch but was more dramatic. Flynn saw his death coming, and maybe even prepared for it. One of his last movies was about the final years of Flynn’s close friend and alter ego John Barrymore, who had himself died broken from too much drink. Flynn, whose life and health was falling apart, played Barrymore while drinking two quarts of vodka a day on the shooting set. Meyer’s writes his performance was “uncannily accurate” and “unusually moving” as Flynn achieved, through Barrymore, a prescient wisdom. “Flynn’s performance, underneath all the fire and vitality, gave a heartbreaking glimpse of his own despair.”  

The title of Meyer’s book gives a sense of the demise of his two subjects. Errol in Hollywood lived and died like an actor given a full narrative arc and enough time in his death scene to find a character change. Sean in Vietnam died like a soldier in the field, suddenly, senselessly and, perhaps, deliberately. 

 

 


Arts Calendar

Staff
Friday June 21, 2002

 

Free Early Music Group 

Singers needed for small group of 15th and 16th century music every Friday 

10 a.m. 

North Berkeley Senior Center, Hearst at MLK Way. 

Contact Ann at 665-8863 

 

Thursday, June 20 

Caitlin Cray,  

Garrison Star, Boxstep 

9:30 p.m. 

The Starry Plough,  

3101 Shattuck Ave. 

841-2082 

$8, 21 and up 

 

Carrier-Thompson Cajun  

Trio and the Hot Club of  

San Francisco 

5 p.m. 

City Square and the Zen Garden at 1111 Broadway 

Gypsy-swing quintet, and Canjun/Zydeco group, beginning a series of summer concerts 

www.oaklandcitycenter.com 

Free 

Saturday, June 22 

Global Funk Council, Vanessa Lowe and the Lowlifes,  

Barbezz 

9:30 p.m. 

The Starry Plough,  

3101 Shattuck Ave. 

841-2082 

$6, 21 and up 

 

 

Thursday, June 27 

Meeshe, Scott Miller 

9:30 p.m. 

The Starry Plough,  

3101 Shattuck Ave. 

841-2082 

$5, 21 and up 

 

From the Attic: Preserving  

and Sharing our Past 

Through July 26, Thursday-Saturday, 1 to 4 p.m. 

Veterans Memorial Building,  

1931 Center Street 

Exhibit shows the 'inside' of museum work 

848-0181 

Free 

 

Sunday, June 23 

"Red Rivers Run Through Us"  

Reception 

June 23 to August 11,  

Wednesday-Sunday,  

noon to 5 p.m. 

Berkeley Art Center,  

1275 Walnut St. 

Art and writing from Maxine Hong Kingston's veterans' writing group 

Reception, 2 to 4 p.m.  

644-6893 

 

Thursday, June 27 

"New Work: Part 1, The 2001 Kala  

Fellowship Exhibition" Opening Reception 

6 to 8 p.m. June 27 to July 31 

Kala Art Institute,  

1060 Heinz Ave. 

Featuring 8 Kala Fellowship winners, printmaking 

Reception, 

549-2977 

 

Thursday, July 11 

"New Visions: Introductions '02" Reception 

Works from emerging Californian artists 

Reception, 6 to 8 p.m. Display up from July 3 to August 10 

Pro Arts, 461 Ninth Street, Oakland 

763-4361 

Free 

 

Saturday, July 20 

"First Anniversary  

Group Show"  

13 local artists display work ranging from sculpture to mixed media 

July 18 to August 17 

Ardency Gallery, Aki Lot, 8th Street 

Reception, 5 to 8 p.m. 

836-0831 

 

Antony and Cleopatra 

Directed by Joy Meads 

June 15 to July 20,  

Thursday-Friday 8 p.m. 

La Vals Subterranean Theater, 1834 Euclid 

234-6046 for reservations 

$14 general, $10 student 

 

Abingdon Square  

Previews 16,18,19 at 8 p.m. Runs June 21 to July 6, Thursday to Saturday 8 p.m. Sundays 7 p.m.  

Julia Morgan Theater for the Arts, 2640 College Ave. 

The Shotgun Players,  

directed by Shana Cooper 

704-8210 www.shotgunplayers.org 

$18 regular, $12 students, previews and Mondays - pay what you can. Opening Night $25 

 

Midsummer Nights Dream 

June 21 to June 29,  

Fridays and Saturdays, 8 p.m. 

Magical Acts Ritual Theater, directed by Catherine Pennington 

The Black Box,  

1928 Telegraph Ave., Oakland 

653-6637 for reservations 

$15 - $25 

 

Don Pasquale Opera 

July 13, 15, 17, 19 at 8 p.m.  

July 21 at 2 p.m. 

Dean Lesher Regional Center for the Arts, Walnut Creek 

From the Festival Opera  

Association, a comedy by  

Gaetano Donizetti about an arranged marriage 

www.festivalopera.com 

 

Benefactors 

July 18 to Aug. 18, Wednesday-Saturday, 8 p.m. Sundays,  

2 and 7 p.m. 

Previews: July 12-14 and 17 

Michael Frayn's comedy of two neighboring couple's interactions 

Aurora Theatre Company,  

2081 Addison St. 

843-4822, www.auroratheater.org  

for reservations. $26 - $35  

 

The Shape of Things 

Sept. 13 to Oct. 20 

Aurora Theatre Company,  

2081 Addison St. 

Neil LaBute's love story  

about two students 

843-4822, www.auroratheater.org for reservations 

$26 - $35  

 

Alarms and Excursions 

Nov. 15 to Dec. 22 

Aurora Theatre Company,  

2081 Addison St. 

Michael Frayn's comedy about the irony of modern technology 

843-4822, www.auroratheater.org for reservations 

$26 - $35  

 

Poetry Diversified 

1st and 3rd Tuesdays,  

7:30 to 9 p.m. 

World Ground Cafe,  

3726 Mac Arthur Blvd., Oakland 

Open mic and featured readers 

Wednesday, July 3 

7:30 p.m. 

Cody's, 2454 Telegraph Ave. 

Boas Writing Group 

Stefani Barber, Jean Lieske  

and many more 

845-7852 

$2 

 

Wednesday, July 10 

Carmen Gimenez-Rosello,  

Dawn Trook 

7:30 p.m. 

Cody's, 2454 Telegraph Ave. 

845-7852 

$2 

 

Sunday, July 14 

M.L. Liebler and  

Country Joe McDonald 

Poetry and Music 

7:30 p.m. 

Cody's, 2454 Telegraph Ave. 

845-7852 

$2 

 

Wednesday, July 17 

Hannah Stein and Kevin Clark 

7:30 p.m. 

Cody's, 2454 Telegraph Ave. 

Authors of “Earthlight and In the Evening of No Warning.” 

845-7852 

$2 


Pappas, Burrell win U.S. decathlon, heptathlon

By Dean Caparaz, Special to the Daily Planet
Friday June 21, 2002

Tom Pappas cemented his place at the top of the United States’ decathlon hierarchy by winning the U.S. Championship Thursday at Cal. 

The decathlon, part of the USA Outdoor Combined Event Championships at Edwards Stadium, was not close down the stretch, as Pappas stretched out what had been a small lead over Bryan Clay. The Azusa Pacific product closed to within 57 points of Pappas with a discus throw of 164 feet, seven inches. But Pappas, who finished fifth in the 2000 Olympics, won with 8,398 points to Clay’s 8,230. Clay’s mark is the highest by a college decathlete this year. 

Shelia Burrell won the U.S. heptathlon title with 6,299 points. On Wednesday, Burrell led two -time defending champion DeDee Nathan by just 11 points. But on Day 2, Burrell, the bronze medalist in the event at last year’s World Championships, widened that margin on Nathan, who scored 5,995 and placed second overall. Burrell won the long jump (21 feet, 6.75 inches, a personal record) and the javelin throw (148-3) to give her a big cushion going into the final event, the 800. She finished second in the 800 (2 minutes, 16.32 seconds). 

Pappas did not win any events on Thursday but held off Clay and Phil McMullen (7,934), who rose from ninth place after Day 1 to take third. 

Like Burrell, Pappas was tired coming off of an international meet at Gotzis, Austria, about three weeks ago. Both champions said they were not as sharp as usual, especially on a windy Day 2. 

"There were a lot of mental mistakes," Pappas said, "and technically I wasn’t there, but I think the physical part was pretty good. 

"Today I didn’t have any good marks. My [110] hurdles [13.97] was the only thing that was solid. My discus [148-5] I was very disappointed with. The [pole] vault [16-4.75] I was actually happy with, with the conditions." 

Burrell had hoped to score 6,400 points -- her PR is 6,472 -- but was happy to win. The last time she won the U.S. Championship was in 1999. 

"It always seems the U.S. Championships elude me," she said. "I’m always the happiest second-place finisher, the happiest third-place finisher. 

"I’m never going to score 7,292 like Jackie [Joyner-Kersey] did, but my intention is to no matter what go out there and be the next great American heptathlete, to represent the United States in the heptathlon. ... My goal is now a two-year goal. The Athens Olympics." 

Another competitor pointing to 2004 was Dan O’Brien. The 1996 Olympic gold medalist competed in eight of 10 events but ended any chance he had of winning the U.S. Championship by pulling out of the 400 meters on Wednesday because of a chronic plantar fascia injury in his left foot. The pain didn’t keep him out of Day 2, when he showed that he is still a force in the sport. He won the discus, with a throw of 175 feet, 10 inches, and the javelin (211-6). O’Brien bowed out of the 1,500 meters to finish 10th overall with a mark of 6,904. 

O’Brien, who said he could have run with pain in the 1,500 if he had to, was happy with his Day 2 performance. 

"Especially after the discus," he said. "You look back and throw in some average marks in the 400 and the 1,500, and I probably go well over 8,200 points. But my goal isn’t to score in the low 8,000s; it’s to score in the high 8,000s. I feel good about everything. I just need more work." 

On Wednesday, O’Brien blamed his performance on his injury and the lack of a major championship -- such as the World Championship or Olympics -- to motivate him. But that didn’t stop Pappas. 

"It’s just as easy for me to get up for any national championship," Pappas said, "whether there’s a team to get up for or not. Coming out here, it’s the best U.S. guys competing and it’s our championship meet. You always want to do your best." 


Parents root for bilingual programs

By David Scharfenberg, Daily Planet staff
Friday June 21, 2002

Board reviews fiscal recovery plan, approves personnel changes 

 

Dozens of bilingual education supporters turned out at the Board of Education meeting Wednesday night to oppose the combination of fourth- and fifth-grade Spanish-English classrooms at two elementary schools, and warn against closure of a bilingual nursery school. Superintendent Michele Lawrence said no decisions have been made on either issue. 

Lawrence emphasized that no decision has been made about combining the fourth- and fifth-grade “dual immersion” classes at Cragmont and Rosa Parks elementary schools, but suggested the financially-strapped district might make the move to cut costs. 

The dual immersion program, beginning in kindergarten and running through fifth grade, begins with a heavy dose of Spanish-language instruction and a small amount of English. Every year, the amount of English increases until, by fourth and fifth grade, instruction is half-English and half-Spanish. 

Lawrence said no one in the central office had come to her with a proposal to close Franklin Nursery School, a 30-year-old, bilingual, half-day preschool program that served 52 students this year. She said she would fully examine the program’s finances before any decisions are made.  

Parents said John Santoro, administrator for the district’s early childhood education department, has projected an $8,000 deficit for the nursery next year and suggested that closure is an option. 

“It is an outrage to know that this is a possibility,” said parent Christina Franco. “The school is much too precious to close its doors.” 

After the meeting, Santoro told the Planet that escalating costs and insufficient state funding had, indeed, created a projected $8,000 deficit. But he said he would not recommend closure. 

“It’s a great program,” Santoro said. 

Still, he said the fate of the nursery is ultimately up to the school board.  

If the district keeps the program running, Santoro suggested three options for restoring solvency next year – sharing children and staff with other agencies, keeping the school open for more days to draw more state funding and cutting expenditures. 

However, he said he has concerns each of these options. Keeping the nursery open longer, for instance, while increasing state funding would also boost administrative costs. Cutting expenditures is also problematic, Santoro said, since he has already made reductions this year. 

The administrator also warned that the state might reduce funding next year, after a routine tri-annual review, if the program does not keep its enrollment figures up. 

Lawrence said underenrollment is also an issue in the bilingual classrooms at Cragmont and Rosa Parks. She said it is not a concern for LeConte Elementary School’s dual-immersion program, squashing rumors of a third- and fourth-grade combination class at that school next year. 

Lawrence provided the Planet with figures projecting that enrollment in the fourth- and fifth-grade dual immersion classes at Rosa Parks next year will be 18 and 21 students respectively, below the district’s target of 28 per classroom. 

She said the district could draw more students from regular education classes into dual immersion to boost cost-efficiency or combine the two grades. 

But parents strongly objected to the notion of combination. Martha Cain, president of the LeConte Parent Teacher Association, said the district should give the relatively new dual immersion program a chance to succeed before combining grades and putting it in jeopardy. 

“Give this model a chance to see if it works,” Cain said. 

Board members Terry Doran, John Selawsky and Joaquin Rivera, while acknowledging the $2.8 million deficit the district faces next year, voiced support for dual immersion. 

“I have always been and will continue to be an advocate and strong supporter of the dual immersion program,” Doran said. 

Fiscal recovery plan 

The board also reviewed a fiscal recovery plan designed to win county approval of the 2002-2003 budget, despite the fact that the district will carry a $2.8 million deficit into next year. 

The plan, as expected, included a call to sell off district property or raise class size, as last resorts, if the board cannot make enough staffing and programmatic cuts next year to balance the books. 

Board member Terry Doran said he supports the plan, but wondered aloud about the prospects of county approval. Associate Superintendent of Business Jerry Kurr said he is optimistic about approval, noting that County Superintendent Sheila Jordan is an elected official and would be unlikely to reject the budget and call for immediate, drastic cuts. 

The county rejected this year’s budget last fall, finding that the district’s figures did not add up. 

Personnel 

The board also approved several personnel changes. Rebecca Cheung, former principal of Emerson Elementary, will serve as principal of Longfellow Arts and Technology Middle School. Susan Hodge, a teacher at Emerson Elementary School will take over as interim principal for a year. 

In the central office, Kenneth Jacopetti, former principal of Delta Vista Middle School in the Oakley Union School District in Contra Costa County will serve as Director of Pupil Support Services, a newly-created position. Jacopetti will oversee special education, student enrollment, attendance and discipline. 

Song Chin-Bendib, former Director of Fiscal Services for the Tamalpais Unified School District in Marin County, will take the same post with Berkeley Unified.  

 


Remember, don’t be mindless

Charmaine Soldat
Friday June 21, 2002

To the Editor: 

Money makes the world go round, so if we Americans wish to take our country back from criminal capitalists, we don't encourage hem by buying what they sell and tell us, with what we don't need or believe. 

Just one case in point.  

We buy bottled drinking water and walk down the street sucking at a nipple like a baby. It seems Americans are unconscience in often deceptive advertising, to pay for their water that is already available and paid for by us in the form of our municipal water supply. So, we pay twice for which we already have and much more if its sugar water that comes in all sorts of colors, flavors and fizzles, with little if any nutritional value. Perhaps it is because we get a pretty label on a plastic bottle to fill our waste dumps. By the way, besides water, we pay for those too.  

New isn't necessarily better, nor is so-called progress that pollutes and poisons us and our common home, the Earth. Being a mindless consumer is not the way. 

It wouldn't take long to strip corporations of grotesque profits by which they write their own plutocratic laws and practices, to our detriment, by buying off like-minded politicians—with our money. 

American citizens pay the bills with our labors, taxes, even our lives, and then elect corrupt politicians, whether Democrat or Republican as if only those two parties possess exceptional qualities) to represent us—we over look the other way. 

Are we insane or just plain stupid? 

 

Charmaine Soldat 

Berkeley


Sam Shepard’s American dream turns ugly

Robert Hall, Special to the Daily Planet
Friday June 21, 2002

Dodge, the crusty patriarch of the seriously screwy clan Sam Shepard dissects in his 1978 Pulitzer prize winner, "Buried Child," eyes his complaining wife, Halie. "My flesh and blood is out there in the back yard," he intones, and she falls ominously silent.  

The audience, which has been chuckling at the clan's antics, falls silent, too. What the hell is out there under the ground?  

Shepard's play is a wild farce that depicts the American family as a tribe of troglodytes. Ward and June Cleaver need not apply. This particular family occupies an isolated Illinois house with a big back yard that sprouts mysterious crops. The father and mother have three, possibly four, sons; maybe a grandson, too (in "Buried Child" much is in doubt). The father is a whiskey soaked curmudgeon who chain-smokes on the shabby sofa he rarely leaves, while his wife nags him about his sons, his booze, his pills. In act one she heads out into the rain. To meet a lover?  

The sons are a disaster. Tilden is a dazed, muddy hulk who traded his chance at football stardom for a stint in jail for unnamed crimes. Bradley is a sadistic loser with an artificial leg, who shaves his father's head out of spite. A third son burned to death long ago, and if there's a fourth son, he may be rotting in the back yard.  

The play takes off when a young man named Vince shows up. He claims to be Tilden's son, but both Tilden and Dodge refuse to recognize him. 

How’s that for family? Vince has brought along his girlfriend, Shelley, and when she giggles that the house reminds her of Norman Rockwell, we snort, because there’s not one coy Rockwell piety in sight. Instead the play turns nastier, weirder. Bradley forces his fingers into Shelley's unwilling mouth, and she retaliates by swiping his artificial leg. Meanwhile Tilden doggedly harvests that back yard, lugging in a pile of fresh corn in act one, an armful of carrots in act two, and a tiny skeleton in act three.  

Did that buried child have to be so literal? The play's concluding moments may explain too much, but even so this Shepard classic is strong stuff, both funny and upsetting. It doesn't make traditional sense, but what really gets under your skin is that sad, sick family. We meet it late in its cycle, drained of hope but still ticking, like an engine that once did meaningful work but keeps going long after its purpose has been lost. Scarily, it thrives on failure, like some super weed that's learned to feed on radioactive soil; and at the conclusion, when the dying patriarch passes on his legacy, we're chilled. Is there no end? Will desperation and denial keep this family alive?  

American Conservatory Theater gives Shepard's black farce a stinging production, beginning with Neil Patel's stark, window-screened set in shades of gray, James F. Ingalls' subtle lighting, and sound man Garth Hemphill's softly drumming rain. Meg Neville's costumes define blighted lives, and Director Les Waters balances the play's comedy and horror on a sharp knife-edge.  

Among the performances, top credit goes to John Seitz's Dodge, whose canny provocations are wryly hilarious. Marco Barricelli makes the hulking Tilden both sad and scary. Robert Parsons reveals Bradley's viciousness and cowardice. Neil Hopkins spryly transforms Vince from a beleaguered boy to a lost family loony. Frances Lee McCain plays the motor-mouthed mother to nagging perfection, Rene Augesen is the skittish girl friend, Steven 

Anthony Jones is a mealy-mouthed parson.  

Like a collision between Eugene O’Neill and Eugene Ioneso, or a run-in between Willy Loman and Franz Kafka, "Buried Child" gives the dysfunctional family a surreal twist, but its central truth is as real as a traffic accident: family ties can be strong enough to strangle you.


Blind Olympian to make her marathon debut in New York

By Bob Baum The Associated Press
Friday June 21, 2002

Athlete is U.S. defending  

champion at 5,000 meters 

 

STANFORD — Marla Runyan, the legally blind Olympian and defending U.S. champion at 5,000 meters, will make her debut in the marathon this fall in New York. 

Runyan announced Thursday that she plans to compete in the New York City Marathon on Nov. 3. 

“Since the Olympic Games, I just run now for the pure enjoyment of the sport,” she said. “A lot of the pressure has been lifted, and I can really enjoy this time in my life and pursue all the dreams I have, to do the things I want to accomplish before my running career is over.” 

One of those goals for the 33-year-old has been to compete in a marathon. 

“This is my first marathon, but it won’t be my last,” she said. 

Runyan said she chose New York because the New York Road Runners made it clear they wanted her and would do what they could to help her special needs. 

Runyan has run three road races this year, including the Cherry Blossom 10-Miler in April. The biggest problem, she said, is not being able to know her splits on a road race. Although she has some vision, she cannot read her own watch without stopping and using a magnifying glass, and she can’t see the clock on the course. 

At New York, she may have people stationed along the course to shout out her times. Her goal is to run 2 hours, 28 minutes, or at least break 2:30. 

Runyan said she believes that her vision difficulties won’t be a serious hindrance, and in some ways a marathon will be easier than running a race on a track. 

“I’m going to be running with a smaller group of elite women. There’s not going to be masses and masses of people, so I don’t think there’s going to be a problem,” she said. “Also, in terms of the road situation, there’s more room and you don’t have to worry about someone cutting into lane one and that sort of thing. And I’m always going to have that blue line to follow.” 

She hopes to run a half-marathon in preparation, possibly in Philadelphia in early September. 

While she is curious to test the marathon, she intends to try to make it to the Athens Olympics as a track runner. At the 2000 Sydney Games, she was the first legally blind athlete to compete in an Olympics for the United States. 

Runyan plans to compete in Europe until late July, then will return to her Eugene, Ore., home for her Aug. 4 wedding. She will marry Adam Lonergan, who also is her coach and trainer. 

They will honeymoon in the Oregon mountains, looking for a good place to train, she said. 


Pacifica directors return to Berkeley

By Kurtis Alexander, Daily Planet Staff
Friday June 21, 2002

The Pacifica Foundation’s national board of directors is meeting in Berkeley today for the first time since 1999 when the radio network executives abandoned their East Bay offices for Washington D.C. amid mounting criticism of their management style. 

The differences in opinion that fueled a contentious legal battle and power struggle between the Pacifica board and local member station KPFA-FM will undoubtedly be one of the topics discussed at the three-day meeting. 

Another anticipated topic is the appointment of a new executive director and the possibility of the foundation moving back to Berkeley, Pacifica officials said Thursday.  

aThe board of directors in town this weekend is not the same board that fired Nicole Sawaya, KPFA’s critical station manager, a dismissal that enraged local listeners three years ago. The new board is a court-negotiated body of directors appointed last December. 

The new 15-member board is made up of more people from outside the national power structure than the former one. So local dissidents who have argued for more say over the direction of the network now have a stronger vote. 

The Berkeley meeting is the third charged with organizing the network in the wake of its crippling insurgency. The board is slated to operate until March 2003, when a new board will be created. 

“I’m hoping we can recover from a very trying and difficult time,” said Philip Maldari, co-host of the KPFA morning show. “It’s an exiting event this weekend because a year ago we were very scared that our whole network was going to be sold off.” 

City Councilmember Kriss Worthington also expressed enthusiasm about the weekend’s event. 

“They seem to have made a lot of progress and it’s great to be welcoming them back to Berkeley,” he said. 

 


What’s wrong with us?

Marc Sapir
Friday June 21, 2002

To the Editor: 

How is it possible that a nation such as ours can put its full faith in an attorney general so wretched and scorned by the people of his home state that they preferred to vote in a dead man over him? 

How is it possible that a nation such as Israel can put its full faith in the sincerity of a prime minister who was removed as "Defense" chief because of his authorizing massacres of defenseless civilians in Lebanon in 1982? 

To understand and then rectify the terrifying problems of social complicity and xenophobia (what became known to many of us after World War II as the ordinary German citizen problem) might help renew some faith that humanity can yet survive its self-destructive inclinations.  

But, which institutions in this culture are up to that task? 

 

Marc Sapir 

Berkeley


Parents of adopted kids criticize comedy

David Bauder, The Associated Press
Friday June 21, 2002

NEW YORK — The mother of twin toddlers adopted from China, Nancy Kennon was excited when she heard that an ABC comedy, “My Adventures in Television,” was going to feature a Chinese adoption. 

What she saw earlier this month appalled her. 

Character Lindsay Urich adopts because a therapist says she has a lot of love to give, then gives the baby away after finding motherhood inconvenient. A fictional TV executive begs her to give the baby as a gift to a vain star. Urich tells a friend who holds the baby, “you break her, you bought her.” And when one woman muses that the baby looks cute enough to eat, a man says he doesn’t eat Chinese babies “because a half hour later I’m hungry and have to eat another.” 

“I couldn’t believe it,” said Kennon, from Ossining, N.Y. “I know it’s a big world out there, but it just blows my mind away that a group of people sat and reviewed this and nobody thought it was offensive.” 

She and other parents have protested to ABC; the network couldn’t provide a count of how many. A major advertiser, Kodak, has expressed displeasure and pulled all ads from future episodes. Even one of the actors has apologized. 

ABC and the sitcom’s creator said those who are offended should realize that the show — soon to disappear from the network’s schedule — is a satire about callous television executives. 

“I would imagine if you were in the process of trying to adopt a Chinese baby that you would watch this and be absolutely horrified,” said Peter Tolan, the show’s executive producer. 

“As always,” he said, “get a sense of humor.” 

“My Adventures in Television” first appeared on ABC’s schedule in April and was cancelled after two episodes. ABC is burning off the six episodes it bought now during rerun season; the show’s not on the network’s fall schedule. 

The Chinese baby episode, which aired June 5, drew a relatively small network TV audience of 5.3 million. 

Rochelle Talton, a Virginia Beach, Va., mother of a 2-year-old adopted from China, wasn’t among those viewers. But she moderates Internet chat rooms devoted to adoption that were abuzz with anger. 

Talton has protested to ABC’s parent, Walt Disney Co. She said she was concerned that older adopted children would have been upset by it. 

“I know that no matter what they put on television, it’s going to offend somebody,” Talton said.


International journalist condems U.S. media as biased, weak

By Katie Flynn, Special to the Daily Planet
Friday June 21, 2002

Over the years, Robert Fisk has read a lot of hate mail. Movie stars, Rabbis and politicians have berated him in letters and in public. Papers refuse to reprint his articles and television channels won't play his documentaries. 

But he seems proud of this.  

As he told the crowd of 500 people at the First Congregational Church Thursday night, all journalists would be facing such criticisms if they, too, told the truth in their reporting. 

Fisk, world-renowned British journalist who works for The Independent in London, has investigated the Middle East for 26 years, and condemns American media for biasing their reports towards Israel in order to comply with government propaganda or out of fear of offending readership. 

"We have been lying about the Middle East out of fright of being pro-Israel or because we journalists prefer an easy life unaccompanied by hate mail or letters to the editor," he said. 

Fisk calls this a "journalistic cop-out," like when CNN or the New York Times call occupied Palestinian land “the disputed territories.” Or when the same media uses the phrase “Jewish neighborhoods” to describe the Israeli settlements in the West Bank. 

"Journalists have gone out of their way to de-contextulize history," he said.  

This type of terminology-twisting biases articles toward Israel, said Fisk. He described an incident in which four Palestinians were killed by an Israeli-fired American missile. The story was top news in European media, but it got buried in the New York Times. In another example of media bias, Fisk said, American papers attribute Israeli deaths to their Palestinian murderers, but they report the Palestinian bodies merely as victims of anonymous “cross-fire.” 

Also, American media doesn’t answer the word “why,” especially regarding the Sept. 11 attacks, Fisk said. While there is much coverage on the terrorist's schemes and from which countries they came, and of what can be done to those countries to stop them, but there is no information on why the “terror” has happened – what may have provoked people to hate America, Fisk said. 

"I do sometimes wonder if America's focus on that day – to the point of not even looking at the motive – is becoming a dangerous sort of self-infatuation," he said. 

Fisk criticized the reluctance of the media to call the Israeli destruction of the Jenin Palestinian refugee camp a "massacre," and discussed the importance of how to label mass murders. From the deaths of thousands of Armenians in a 1915 genocide by the Turks to an incident where Palestinians killed four Israelis in Adora, Fisk said the terms “massacre,” “attack” or “genocide” and “holocaust” are all used with bias. 

"Now the definition of a 'blood bath' depends on the religion or the race of those murdered," Fisk said. 


It’s not about the land

June Brott
Friday June 21, 2002

To the Editor: 

Anyone who believes that the Palestinians want only a state should spend time riding buses or visiting cafes in Israel. 

Such people--Students for Justice in Palestine, silent Islamic clerics, CNN and other media—believe that suicide bombers who kill Jews and Arabs are justified. Other people, with a sense of decency, agree with Australia's petition for the UN to declare suicide bombings a “crime against humanity.” 

One of the most recent horrendous bomb attack victims said it all: “It's not about land. They (the Palestinians) want us all dead.” 

That's it. So forget the talk about occupation, about settlements, about humiliation, and the insulting belief that Allah is a god who gloats on innocent blood and rewards murderers. 

 

June Brott 

Oakland  

 


News of the Weird

Staff
Friday June 21, 2002

Sweet payment 

 

MECHANICSBURG, Pa. — When it comes to paying rent, the Mechanicsburg Museum Association has an unusually sweet deal. 

Association member Joan Quick came to the borough council Tuesday to deliver four plump strawberries. 

The payment is for rent on a building that was constructed in the 1860s by the Cumberland Valley Railroad Co. for the town’s stationmaster. The borough owns the house, located on Strawberry Alley, but the association restored the home to its 19th century appearance and continues to maintain it. 

A committee created to save the house from demolition in the 1970s came up with the fruity payment plan as a way to symbolize a spirit of cooperation. 

This year, council members also got a basket of homemade shortcakes. In the past, the association gave the council strawberry jam, chocolate-covered strawberries and strawberry bread. 

“We always have to add a little something extra,” Quick said. 

 

Florida black bear visits home  

 

BOYNTON BEACH, Fla.— State wildlife officers are using donuts to try to lure a 200-pound Florida black bear out of the woods after it tried to turn a couple’s pet bird into breakfast. 

The couple awoke Wednesday when they heard a commotion on a back patio. They looked out their window to see the bear trying to get at their caged bird. 

The first arriving Palm Beach County sheriff’s deputies saw the bear walking down the road before it ran, sheriff’s spokesman Paul Miller said. 

Deputies later used a helicopter to survey nearby areas and spotted the bear running into the woods, but it quickly disappeared into the thick brush. 

State wildlife officers plan to set a trap to capture the bear without harming it. 

Bears are rarely seen in Palm Beach County, but state wildlife officers said they frequently are spotted in the Naples area, along the Gulf Coast. 

 

Silver a girl’s best friend  

 

DETROIT — Gold may be the standard but silver is the most precious color for attracting car buyers, according to the woman in charge of such matters at the Chrysler Group of DaimlerChrysler AG. 

“From automobiles to appliances, silver will be a strong color for many mainstream products,” said Margaret Hackstedde, director or color, fabric and mastering design. 

One-fourth of every vehicle sold by Chrysler is silver, Hackstedde said. The automaker plans to introduce more shades of silver for the 2003 model year. 

Blue will be popular as well, Hackstedde predicted. 

Silver is on a winning streak. It was voted the most popular color in 2001 in an annual survey taken by Dupont Automotive.


Let us speak for ourselves

Charles Siegel
Friday June 21, 2002

To the Editor: 

 

Your article about the Height Initiative overlooked one group that opposes the initiative: environmental activists.  

Environmentalists back “smart growth” — denser development near transit lines. Martha Nicoloff has said explicitly that she is against smart growth, against a key policy backed by environmentalists nationally. I think this is one of the most interesting stories around the Height Initiative. Berkeley Ecological and Safe Transportation (BEST) Coalition recently had a letter in the Daily Planet stating the environmentalist case against the Height Initiative.  

For some future story about the initiative, you should interview someone from BEST to get a full range of opinions about the initiative. 

 

Charles Siegel 

Berkeley 

 


Man survives Bay Bridge fall

Daily Planet Wire Services
Friday June 21, 2002

A 36-year-old Hayward man is in critical but stable condition at San Francisco General Hospital this morning after surviving a 100-foot fall off the Bay Bridge that was caused by an alleged drunken driver. 

Authorities say Joel Sesaldo was standing with an Albany woman and her boyfriend near a call box on the upper deck of the bridge near Treasure Island at about 11:25 p.m. Wednesday when two of them were hit by a passing car. The 2001 Ford Taurus was driven by a 40-year-old San Francisco woman who has since been arrested on suspicion of driving while intoxicated, according to police. 

The impact launched Sesaldo off the bridge, causing him to plunge some 100 feet into the chilly San Francisco Bay. Authorities say the man survived and, although injured, managed to stay afloat by grabbing onto a wooden structure beneath the bridge. 

Coast Guard rescuers "found him clinging on some pylons under the bridge and used a small boat to reach him and pull him out of the water,'' a Coast Guard spokesman said. "He was definitely conscious and ambulatory.'' 

Albany resident Nicole Liao, 22, was struck and thrown onto the bridge guardrail. Police say she was pulled to safety by her boyfriend, 35-year-old Ahmet Tekin of Walnut Creek, who was not injured. Liao suffered only moderate wounds such as knee and head injuries and a heel laceration for which she was taken to Highland Hospital in Oakland. 

The fall victim, however, suffered multiple traumas, including a pelvic fracture and abdominal injuries. A nursing supervisor said at 8 a.m. today that Sesaldo's condition was still critical, but stable. 

The California Highway Patrol says the incident began when the East Bay couple and Sesaldo got into a collision in the number one lane of the upper deck on eastbound Interstate Highway 80.


Bay Area Briefs

Staff
Friday June 21, 2002

Acid spill shuts down I-880 

 

FREMONT — An acid spill shut down Northbound Interstate 880 for more than 12 hours after a big rig carrying nitric acid overturned on the busy commuter throughway. 

All lanes were reopened Thursday at 12:48 p.m. 

Firefighters worked through the night to clean the acid after the 10:30 p.m. accident Wednesday. 

One reason for the lengthy cleanup was that firefighters could only stay in their protective suits for about 15 minutes at a time.  

The gear is cumbersome, and requires a breathing apparatus. 

Traffic was routed onto surface streets, and truck restrictions were lifted on Interstate 580 during the closure. 

 

Officials drafting plan  

for pharmacies 

WALNUT CREEK — State officials are drafting plans to regulate pharmacies that mix their own prescription drugs, following three deaths last year linked to an East Bay pharmacy. 

The new regulations would require pharmacies that make injectable drugs to obtain special state-issued licenses. 

The standards should be ready for review by the state Board of Pharmacy in October, according to Paul Riches, legislative analysis for the board. 

A meningitis outbreak last year, traced to a tainted batch of an injectable steroid from Doc’s Pharmacy, prompted the call for increased regulations. 


SF Police chief to retire next month

The Associated Press
Friday June 21, 2002

SAN FRANCISCO — San Francisco Police Chief Fred Lau announced Thursday he would resign from office next month. 

Lau said he will retire from the department on July 13 to start working for the federal Department of Transportation. 

Mayor Willie Brown first appointed Lau as chief on January 10, 1996, the day Brown was inaugurated. 

Lau had come under fire in recent weeks after the San Francisco Chronicle reported the department has a dismal record of solving, or even investigating, violent crimes. 

San Francisco has more resources and less crime than many other large cities, but police have only managed to solve half the city’s murders and less than a third of the rapes, the paper reported. 

The city ranks last among the nation’s 20 largest cities in solving violent crimes. From 1996 to 2000, the SFPD solved just 28 percent of the city’s rapes, murders, shootings and other violent crimes. 

The Board of Supervisors has taken steps to investigate how the department handles such crimes and it also has approved a study to look at the best practices for solving crime in other cities. 

The Chronicle found that staff cuts, budget constraints and the lack of formal performance standards in the Inspectors Bureau were among the chief reasons for the department’s poor record. 

Lau’s replacement will be named between now and July 13, said Brown’s spokesman P.J. Johnson. 


Sacramento man indicted in alleged bank frauds in South Africa, Canada

By Don Thompson, The Associated Press
Friday June 21, 2002

llegedly used bogus  

government letters to entice victims to steal 

 

SACRAMENTO — The Secret Service has arrested a Sacramento man on charges that he and coconspirators in Canada and South Africa defrauded victims around the world, federal prosecutors said Thursday. 

Roland Adams, 26, is alleged to have used bogus bank Web sites to entice victims after they were sent letters that purported to be from officials with various African government agencies. 

The letters said the officials were attempting to steal government money but needed the recipient’s help. 

In return, the recipient was promised a percentage of the money, often several million dollars, the U.S. attorney’s office said. That money was said to be held in offshore banks to be transferred to the recipient’s account once certain fees were paid — fees ranging from several hundred to several thousand dollars to be sent to bank “agents” in South Africa and Canada. 

Adams’ alleged variation on a common scam was to create Internet Web sites including Afribankcorp.com and BancofAfrica.com that appeared to be legitimate, prosecutors said. 

The Web sites contained a “foreign payment verification” link, prosecutors said, where recipients could enter their “authorization code” to see the amount of money they supposedly would be sent if they paid the bank fees. 

Adams and others also posed as bank employees and communicated with potential victims by phone, fax and e-mail, prosecutors alleged. 

Once victims sent in their money, prosecutors said, a portion was routed to Adams in Sacramento through accounts in Canada and elsewhere. 

Prosecutors did not immediately name the other alleged participants. 

Adams was arrested Monday at his downtown Sacramento office, and has a court appearance next Monday. He is charged with conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, five counts of wire fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering and money laundering. 

Prosecutors also are seeking to seize his house, two bank accounts, and other assets they allege he acquired with money from the scheme. 

He faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted. 

It could not be immediately determined if he has retained an attorney. No telephone listing for Adams was available. 


Ask the Rent Board

Staff
Friday June 21, 2002

Q: I moved into my one-bedroom apartment a year ago and have been paying $1300 in rent. I’m about to renew my lease for $1300 again, but I learned that my landlord has just rented the apartment next to mine, which is virtually identical in size and amenities, for $1050. Is there any way I can lower my rent? 

 

A: If your lease is up, you stand a good chance of negotiating a lower rent with your landlord. Ask your landlord to lower your rent to $1050, which seems to be the current market rate. If she refuses, and you don’t want to stay on at $1300, you can give 30 days’ notice and find a cheaper place. If she agrees, you should sign a lease to lock in the lower amount for the term of the lease, because the maximum rent allowed under the Rent Ordinance will remain $1300. Therefore, on a month-to-month agreement, even if the rent is $1050 initially, your landlord could increase the rent to up to $1300 at any time on 30 days’ written notice. 

 

 

Q: My landlord told me the City of Berkeley requires him to come in and inspect my apartment every year. Is this true?  

 

A: Probably. The Rental Housing Safety Program (RHSP), run by the City’s Housing Department, was established last July. It requires owners of most rental properties to inspect their units and submit a completed Owner Certification Checklist each year; the first is due by July 1, 2002. As with any inspection, the landlord must give "reasonable" notice, presumed to be at least 24 hours, before entering.  

Among the units exempt from the certification process are Section 8 units and units constructed within the past five years. Also, if a unit is inspected by a City housing inspector on or after January 1, 2001, and is cleared of all violations, the unit is exempt from certification for three years. 

The RHSP is designed to help prevent deaths, injuries, and illness from unsafe housing conditions. Thus, owners must certify that their units meet certain safety standards, such as having a smoke detector, correct locks, operable windows, proper electrical wiring, working heating systems and appliances, and unobstructed exits.  

Tenants also have responsibilities: they must not alter the property in a way that creates safety hazards and must be mindful of potential hazards. Tenants should review the owner’s certification (which the owners must give the tenant), and tenants who do not receive a copy or do not agree with the certification should notify the Housing Department. A tenant who believes at any time that health or safety code violations exist shouldn’t wait for the owner’s inspection for certification, but should notify the landlord right away, preferably in writing. If the landlord takes no action, the tenant should request an inspection from the Housing Department’s Code Enforcement staff. 

 

For more information and copies of the certification forms, visit the RHSP Web site: www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/ 

housing/rhsp or call 981-5445. 

You can e-mail the City of Berkeley Rent Stabilization Board at rent@ci.berkeley.ca.us for individual questions, or you can call or visit the office at 2125 Milvia Street, Berkeley, CA 94704 (northeast corner of Milvia/Center Streets) Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, between 9 a.m. and 4:45 p.m., and on Wednesday between 12:00 noon and 6:30 p.m. Our telephone number is (510) 644-6128. Our Web site address is www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/rent. 


Looming shutdown upstages plan for Amtrak

By Laurence Arnold, The Associated Press
Friday June 21, 2002

Railroad short $200 million, could shut down next week 

 

WASHINGTON — The Bush administration on Thursday proposed long-term reforms to passenger rail, but the long-awaited proposal was quickly upstaged by an impending cash crisis that could shut down all Amtrak service next week. 

Amtrak President David Gunn said he will have to begin turning away passengers and moving trains to storage by the middle of next week unless the railroad gets government help to close a $200 million shortfall. 

“The urgency of this is enormous,” Gunn told the Senate Appropriations subcommittee on transportation. “We are very near the point of no return.” 

The crisis, caused in part by uncertainty over Amtrak’s future, kept the spotlight on the railroad’s immediate survival even as the Bush administration proposed ending its role as the nation’s sole operator of intercity passenger trains. 

“The last three decades have proved that Amtrak’s model of a national network of passenger rail is just not sustainable without massive, continued federal support,” Transportation Secretary Norman Y. Mineta said in a speech to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. 

The administration’s proposal would stop annual federal operating subsidies for rail, open the door to competition, give states more responsibility for train service and replace Amtrak as owner of the Boston-New York-Washington Northeast Corridor. 

Some Amtrak jobs eventually could be assigned to outside companies by contract, and failing routes could be eliminated unless states want to pay for them. 

“Prices and passengers, not politics, should direct the service,” Mineta said. 

Lawmakers from both parties urged the administration to focus on rescuing Amtrak from its current predicament before looking ahead. 

“We can heal a sick patient — and Amtrak is hurting right now — but we cannot revive a dead patient,” said Rep. Jack Quinn, R-N.Y., chairman of the House Transportation subcommittee on railroads. 

The Federal Railroad Administration is reviewing Amtrak’s request for a loan guarantee that would help it borrow the $200 million it needs. Amtrak has had trouble tapping its existing line of credit because lenders are worried about how long it will remain in business.


First loss since 1999 for Levi Strauss

By Michael Liedtke, The Associated Press
Friday June 21, 2002

SAN FRANCISCO — Levi Strauss & Co. said Thursday the cost of closing eight manufacturing plants and offering discounts to merchants saddled the jeans maker with a second-quarter loss of $81 million, marking the first time the company has lost money in three years. 

The loss stemmed largely from a $150 million charge taken to cover severance pay and other expenses incurred in the closure of six U.S. plants and two plants in Scotland. The second-quarter loss contrasted with a $43.4 million profit at the same time last year. If not for the special charges, Levi’s said it would have earned $15 million in its latest quarter. 

San Francisco-based Levi’s cut into its revenue during the three months ending May 26 by lowering the wholesale prices that retailers pay for the company’s clothes — a decision meant to curry favor by helping merchants improve their profit margins in a sluggish economy. 

The discounting was the main reason Levi’s second-quarter revenue plunged 12 percent from the prior year to $923.5 million, said Phil Marineau, Levi’s CEO. The second quarter marked Levi’s first loss since its September 1999 hiring of Marineau, a former Pepsico executive brought in to reverse the company’s sliding sales. 

Even though its sales have continued to atrophy, Levi’s hadn’t lost money since the quarter ending in February 1999. Although it is privately held, Levi’s discloses its quarterly financial results because some of its debt is publicly traded. 

Despite the “ugly” results in the latest quarter, Marineau said he remains confident that this year will be the last in six consecutive years of sales decline for Levi’s. 

“This is the most competitive we have been in years,” Marineau said in an interview. 

Levi’s six U.S. plant closures, which will lay off 3,600 workers, is one reason the company believes better times are ahead. 

By closing the domestic plants and shifting clothes production to less expensive overseas contractors, Levi’s expects to save $100 million — money that the company will pour into additional advertising and product development. Levi’s expects to realize the savings by next year. 

Levi’s is closing its San Francisco and Blue Ridge, Ga., plants this week. Two Texas plants — in Brownsville and San Benito — will close next month, followed by plants in El Paso, Texas, and Powell, Tenn., in September. 

If things progress the way Marineau envisions, Levi’s back-to-school and holiday product lines will be a hit with consumers, enabling the company to greatly reduce its sales declines during the final half of the year and possibly even produce a small increase. Marineau expects the sales revival to shift into high gear in 2003. 

Levi’s laid more groundwork for the turnaround by lowering the prices it charges the merchants that sell its clothes. The company isn’t lowering the suggested retail price on its clothes, but there is nothing to prevent merchants from passing on their savings to consumers. 

——— 

On The Net: 

http://www.levistrauss.com 


Wells Fargo to process PayPal transactions

Staff
Friday June 21, 2002

SAN FRANCISCO — Wells Fargo & Co. said Thursday it has agreed to handle the credit card business of online payment provider PayPal Inc., which has struggled to stay in good graces with both the Mastercard and Visa payment systems. 

San Francisco-based Wells will replace Electronic Payment Exchange Inc., which took over from Chase Merchant Services late last year. Wells is supposed to take over the job by November and continue processing PayPal’s credit card transactions until May 2004, according to Securities and Exchange Commission documents. 

The alliance is designed to rid Mountain View-based PayPal of a major headache — dealing with the rules and regulations of Mastercard and Visa. 

“This was a natural fit,” said Debra Rossi, a Wells executive vice president. “We can handle the credit card regulations and PayPal can focus on growing its business.”


HP may fire contract workers after mandatory 3-week break

Staff
Friday June 21, 2002

PALO ALTO — Hewlett-Packard Co. is reviewing whether it will dismiss some of the 4,000 contract employees in the company’s internal technology department, and most of the group is being forced to take three weeks off without pay, an HP spokesman said Thursday. 

HP expects to save $15 million to $20 million by imposing the three-week furlough on all but its most critical technology contractors from Monday through July 12, spokesman Arch Currid said. 

If HP decides to release some of those workers, those cuts would come in addition to the 15,000 jobs that are being slashed at HP because of its $19 billion acquisition of Compaq Computer Corp. Many cuts are being achieved through voluntary retirement programs.


HOME AND GARDEN

The Associated Press
Friday June 21, 2002

Keep Wax Plant Close By/ 

 

Outdoors is a good place for most houseplants in summer, in a half-shady corner near the house, watered and fertilized as needed but otherwise ignored. One houseplant you might not want to let out is hoya, also known as wax plant. 

For one thing, the plant is so pretty you’ll enjoy it inside. You can leave hoya at a bright window even in summer because its fleshy leaves hold moisture, so the plant does not demand frequent watering. 

If it’s kept inside, you can best enjoy its flowers, too. Each spray of blossoms is composed of 20-or-so small flowers clustered together on short stalks. An individual blossom looks like a small flat star pressed atop a larger flat star — both of them in texture and color seemingly molded from tallow. That tallowy color is tinged pink in the smaller star, deepening to red toward the center of each flower. The flowers seem to appear all of a sudden; you might not even notice any flower buds. (Contrast this habit with gardenia, whose prominent buds sit frustratingly for weeks and weeks before they finally decide to open.) 

Indoors is also where you’ll be able to fully drink in the flowers’ heady aroma.  

The scent is not one that fills a room, but if you press your nose right up against the blossoms, close your eyes, and inhale, you’ll find yourself in a chocolate factory. 

The main ingredient in getting hoya to flower is patience. Periodic dry spells won’t hurt the plant, nor will keeping it cramped in the same pot year after year. Light is needed, but not an excessive amount. Even a cool east window suffices, and provides the coolness the plant likes in winter, when it also must have dryness. 

One note of caution with hoya: The flowers form on short growths, called spurs, that grow off older stems. So don’t prune the plant and never cut off the spent flowers or you could accidentally cut the spur. Because the plant flowers repeatedly on older stems, you can look forward to a hoya plant bearing more and more flowers as it grows older. 


Overwatering: One way to kill a plant

By James and Morris Carey The Associated Press
Friday June 21, 2002

Nana Rose loved her carnations. She saw great beauty in all growing things, and kept an enormous garden, filled with stunning shrubs and flowers. But, her carnations were her pride and joy — those and her roses. 

We brothers often would sit with her out in the back yard on a big steel swing with massively fluffy seat cushions, and she would show us how to use just the right amount of water — not too much, not too little — to keep her flowers lovely. 

Our mom would break out in a rash when she stayed in the sun too long. So, she became the houseplant person. When it came to the plants outside, we learned from Nana Rose. With the houseplants, mom was the expert. 

Did you know that more plants — indoors or out — die from over-watering and over-fertilization than from any other cause? Roots left to soak in a pot of muddy water eventually will rot and cause your plant to suffocate. 

What we learned from mom was simple — don’t water a plant every day. The best way to find out if a plant needs water is to use your personal moisture meter — your finger. Stick your finger into the soil near the base of the plant. If the soil is moist about an inch beneath the surface, it doesn’t need water. Here’s another good tip — never use fresh tap water to give your plants a drink. Fill your watering can, and let it sit for a few days before you use it to water plants. Letting the tap water sit allows it to warm to room temperature and gives chlorine time to dissipate. Cold water can send some plants into hibernation and others into shock. 

It is also important to water your plants thoroughly. Remember, the root ball of your plant will grow toward the water. If you water only the top of your pot, the roots will remain near the top and the root ball will not become large and strong. If you get the soil wet all the way to the bottom of the pot, that’s where the plant’s roots eventually will go. It is really important to pot indoor plants in containers that have a hole at the bottom. Drainage is essential to a plant’s health. 

As do humans, plants need food as well as water. Once you have your watering routine down pat, you will need to be sure that your plants are properly fed. Keep in mind that you should never fertilize a plant that is dry. Always water first, then fertilize. Chemical fertilizers can burn, so be careful about how much you use. Fish emulsion is the best. It stinks, but it is very hard to overdo it. Miracle Grow is another safe fertilizing product when used according to instructions. It is really important to not fertilize during the winter or when a plant is dormant. Fertilizer can build up in the soil and become quite toxic. When you first bring home a plant from the nursery, be careful not to fertilize it right away. Most companies use slow-release fertilizer that will last for quite a while. 


San Joaquin Valley heading for worst smog category

By Brian Melley, The Associated Press
Friday June 21, 2002

FRESNO — The San Joaquin Valley is headed for the dubious distinction of being the only region in the country to voluntarily place itself in the nation’s worst smog pollution category. 

The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District board voted 7-1 on Thursday to develop a resolution asking the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to reclassify the region as an “extreme” ozone polluter. Los Angeles is the only other area in the nation with that designation. 

The move will not hasten pollution reduction, but is intended to help the valley avoid billions in penalties and fees if it fails to meet a 2005 deadline to clean its smog pollution. The air district said it cannot meet that goal, which would result in $30 million in fines to businesses and $2 billion forfeited in federal highway funds. 

“It certainly directs the eyes of the nation on an area that has to make serious improvements,” said Lisa Fasano, an EPA spokeswoman. 

Environmentalists and health advocates criticized the measure as another in a long line of delays that have left California’s sweeping agricultural plain under a blanket of pollution. 

“This foot-dragging shows what happens when regulators avoid difficult decisions for decades,” said Anne Harper, a lawyer for Earthjustice, which has filed lawsuits to force the EPA and the district to enforce clean air standards. “This shows how clearly the air district’s governing board members are in the pocket of the big ag and oil industries.” 

The valley, stretching 240 miles from Bakersfield to Stockton, is mostly rural and is home to the nation’s most productive farmland. 

Three of its metropolitan areas, including Fresno and Bakersfield, were recently ranked by the American Lung Association as the three smoggiest places in the country behind Los Angeles. Fresno County has the highest childhood asthma rate, with 16.4 percent, compared to a statewide average of 9.6 percent. 

In 1990, the valley was classified by the EPA as a “serious” smog polluter and told to clean up its air by 1999. When it failed to meet that deadline, environmentalists went to court to force the EPA to reclassify it as a “severe” polluter. 

Eight months after the EPA complied, the district has now conceded it can’t meet the deadline for that category and is now heading for the worst category. 

The vote will not automatically put the region in the “extreme” category, but authorizes the air district’s staff to prepare a plan to meet a 2010 clean air deadline and draft a resolution requesting the reclassification by September next year. 

Air district employee David Jones said the move to “extreme” will neither speed nor slow cleanup. 

Opponents said the decision to go toward the worst smog category would create a stigma for the region, discourage new business and slow the cleanup of pollution. 

Brent Newell, a lawyer for the Center on Race, Poverty and the Environment, said penalties for failing to meet the 2005 deadline would clear the air faster. 

“How much longer will the public suffer under the extreme path?” Newell said. “What will be the cost in human lives? All that information the air district is not telling people. They’ve been very clear in letting us know what will happen to industry.” 

Under the “extreme” designation, new industries that emit more than 10 tons of smog-contributing pollutants will have to pay $5,000 for a federal air permit and will have to pay more in penalties to pollute more than 10 tons. 

“It’s not out of the world costs,” Jones said. 

Business groups reluctantly supported the decision, saying that the change in designation would avoid harsher penalties. 


Superior Ct. judge indicted on porn charges removes name from ballot

By Chelsea J. Carter, The Associated Press
Friday June 21, 2002

SANTA ANA — A Superior Court judge was allowed Thursday to withdraw from a November run-off election in Orange County while fighting child pornography and molestation charges. 

Attorneys made the request on behalf of Judge Ronald Kline, saying campaign publicity could hurt the judge’s chance for a fair trial on federal child pornography and state child molestation charges. 

“The election controversy is now over for Judge Kline. We will focus our full attention on the legal defense of the charges,” said attorney Paul S. Meyer. 

Kline, 61, was indicted on federal charges in November after an Internet watchdog group forwarded a tip from a computer hacker to authorities that the judge was downloading child pornography. In January, he was charged by the state with allegedly molesting a teen-ager two decades ago. 

The indictment came days after Kline, who has pleaded innocent to the charges, filed papers seeking re-election. Kline failed in March to win outright election when 11 write-in candidates forced him into a runoff against Dana Point attorney John Adams. 

Days after the primary election, Kline filed to remove his name from the ballot. 

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge David Yaffe granted Kline’s request despite objections from Orange County’s registrar of voters office, which maintained the judge’s name was already listed on the ballot. 

Yaffe said Kline filed his petition to withdraw before the March vote was certified. 

“The court finds ... that Kline withdrew as a candidate for the general election before he was nominated at the primary election,” Yaffe said in a written ruling. 

Adams, 50, said he was pleased with the ruling.


Los Angeles sheriff releases 842 prisoners

Staff
Friday June 21, 2002

LOS ANGELES — Sheriff Lee Baca has released 842 jail inmates in the past week and plans to close two detention facilities because of overcrowding and looming budget cuts, the Sheriff’s Department said Thursday. 

Public safety will not be threatened by the releases, Capt. Ray Leyva said. 

“They’re not the hardcore offenders. They’re the nonviolent misdemeanor offenders,” Leyva said. 

All the prisoners released had served at least 70 percent of their sentences, Leyva said. 

The inmate releases and the July closures of Century Regional Detention Facility and the Biscailuz Recovery Center will save up to $20 million, Assistant Sheriff Dennis Dahlman said. 

Baca is in a budget battle with Los Angeles County supervisors. He contends they want a $100 million cut in the department’s $1.6 billion budget. 

Supervisor Yvonne Brathwaite Burke accused the sheriff of making “political cuts” that are “aimed at putting pressure on us.” 

Baca’s predecessor, Sherman Block, released about 3,000 inmates in March 1995 because of budget constraints. 


Firefighters struggle to control California blaze

By Sandy Yang, The Associated Press
Friday June 21, 2002

LOS ANGELES — Firefighters struggled Thursday to control a wildfire that had chewed through 1,000 rugged acres in the mountains of eastern San Diego County. 

Morning winds and thick, 10-foot-tall vegetation hampered efforts to contain the fire. But by afternoon, the winds had died down. 

“It’s all nature,” said Audrey Hagen, fire information officer for the California Department of Forestry. “You can’t predict the fire’s outcome because you don’t know what the winds are going to do. The firefighters just deal with it. They don’t think about it. They just do.” 

The blaze near the Cuyapipe Reservation was 25 percent contained. One firefighter sustained minor injuries and three cabins were destroyed by the fire that began Wednesday. 

Meanwhile, a new fire broke out Thursday afternoon in the Angeles National Forest in Los Angeles County. The fire charred 150 acres of brush in Big Tujunga Canyon and was only 10 percent contained by nightfall. However, low winds and a moist fog were aiding firefighters, said Gail Wright, a spokeswoman for the U.S. Forest Service. 

Elsewhere in California, lighter winds and cooler temperatures helped crews extinguish two blazes and perhaps turn the tide against the largest fire burning in the state — at least for now. 

Officials said 1,400 firefighters had made significant progress against a blaze that had destroyed 21,760 acres near Yosemite National Park and claimed the lives of three crew members in an air tanker crash on Monday. The fire was 15 percent contained. 

The respite from the high winds was a relief on the fire lines. 

“I’ve seen some of the most erratic fire behavior I’ve ever seen,” said Brian Bunn, a firefighter from Gardnerville, Nev. “Pulling sage brush right out of the ground, picking up 8-inch logs and throwing them in the air — I’ve never seen that.” 

The Marine Corps and U.S. Forest Service were conducting a joint investigation to determine if the blaze may have been started by a campfire set by Marine mountain warfare trainees, said Brigette Baslee, a fire information officer. 

Heavy smoke in the area Thursday prompted the Federal Aviation Administration to post a temporary flight restriction for 12 nautical miles around the fire with a ceiling of 14,000 feet. 

The National Interagency Fire Center in Idaho warned that a low pressure trough could bring stronger winds and even lightning through Friday.


Forest Service employee pleads innocent to Colorado fire charges

By Jennifer Hamilton, The Associated Press
Friday June 21, 2002

DENVER — U.S. Forest Service employee Terry Barton pleaded innocent Thursday to charges she set the biggest wildfire in Colorado history. 

Barton, 38, was dry-eyed as she entered the plea. But after a hearing got under way on whether to allow her release on bail, she wiped away tears and reached for a tissue as witnesses described discovering the fire. 

A federal grand jury Wednesday charged the 18-year Forest Service veteran with setting fire to timber in a national forest, damaging federal property, injuring a firefighter and using fire to commit a felony. 

The indictment came after prosecutors expressed doubt about Barton’s story that she accidentally started the fire while burning a letter from her estranged husband. Investigators contend the fire was staged to look like an escaped campfire. 

If convicted of all counts, Barton could get up to 65 years in prison and a $1 million fine. 

The arrest of the forestry technician over the weekend stunned colleagues and angered residents who have been evacuated. Since the fire began June 8, it has grown to 136,000 acres, destroyed 25 homes and forced the evacuation of 8,900 people. 

Friends and relatives described Barton as a dedicated and tireless worker, a well-liked person who loves the outdoors. 

“I can’t see her doing that,” neighbor Richard Grenfell said from his Florissant home. “She loved the forest so much, why would she want to destroy it?” 

The indictment alleges Barton “willfully and without authority set on fire timber, underbrush, grass and other inflammable material.” 

Investigators said Barton initially told them she was patrolling the Pike National Forest about 40 miles southwest of Denver when she smelled smoke and discovered the fire. After she was confronted with contradictory evidence, Barton told investigators she was burning a letter in a campfire ring and the fire spread out of control.


Click and Clack Talk Cars

by Tom and Ray Magliozzi
Friday June 21, 2002

Car Talk 

 

Strange things are afoot in this car 

 

This one has stumped a number of car shops, and it has a funny element to it. About a month ago, my wife was backing our 1997 Mercury Sable out of the driveway. As soon as she put it in Reverse, the radio cut off. As soon as the automatic transmission was shifted into any other gear, the radio came back on. My first reaction was: "This is a new safety device. Somehow, the car figured out how to tell when my wife is behind the wheel and, given her general difficulties driving a car in Reverse, wanted to eliminate all possible distractions." Unfortunately, the car isn't that smart, and it does it when either of us is driving. Do you experts have any idea what would cause this? -- Ted 

RAY: Well, I'm going to guess that it's very cold and damp in your garage, Ted. And if I were you, I'd start by installing some sort of heating system. 

TOM: You think the cold and dampness in his garage is causing his radio to cut out? 

RAY: No. But after his wife sees that nasty comment he made, he's going to be sleeping there, so he might as well make it comfortable. 

TOM: Truthfully, Ted, this is not a problem we can solve for you via the newspaper. It's a problem that a mechanic has to investigate in person. There's no direct connection between the back-up lights, for instance, and the radio. But we can give you a few suggestions about where to look. 

RAY: One item to check is the ignition switch. Sometimes, if an ignition switch is worn out and isn't staying exactly in the "run" position, you can lose accessories. Why it would happen only in Reverse, I don't know, but the shift lever is in that same general area. So when the car is in Reverse and the radio cuts out, try gently moving the ignition key around and see if you can get the radio to come back. If you can, my money is on the switch. 

TOM: Another consideration is that the whole engine shifts when you put the car in gear. It moves in one direction when you put the car in Drive, and in exactly the opposite direction when you put it in Reverse. It's possible that when you shift into Reverse and the engine moves, it might tug on a ground wire or stretch a connection somewhere. This condition would be made worse if you have a worn motor mount (the large rubber insulators that are supposed to hold the engine in place). And we replace lots of motor mounts on these cars. 

RAY: It could also be a loose wiring harness at the fire wall, or any number of things that we can't identify for you now (we'd have to take over this whole section of the newspaper to list all of the possibilities). But with the car in front of him, a mechanic ought to be able to figure this out pretty easily. He'll check the ignition switch and start jiggling wires until he makes the radio cut out, and then he'll know exactly where the problem is. 

TOM: Meanwhile, don't forget to make sure your garage door is shut all the way before you go to sleep, Ted. It not only gets drafty, but when the raccoons climb on top of you in the middle of the night, it'll scare the hell out of you.  

 

Don’t bother buying dubiuos product 

 

I saw a banner ad on a Web site (not yours) for a product called "FuelMiser." This is a magnetic device that is attached to the fuel line. It supposedly conditions the fuel to make it burn more efficiently. I read on and on about the science of how it works. I'm not an engineer, but the idea of the hydrocarbons being magnetically straightened out moments before they get burned sounded a bit dubious. On the other hand, spending $50 to achieve a 10 percent to 20 percent increase in fuel economy and decrease smog at the same time sounds great to me. But I would certainly like some independent validation of these claims. Your esteemed opinions, please? -- John 

RAY: There's a certain trick to selling stuff like this, John. First, you have to have a somewhat believable scientific theory upon which to base your product. And these guys have that. 

TOM: They claim that the molecules of gasoline are not ideally organized when they come down the fuel line. And that their magnet organizes the H's and C's so they burn more efficiently. 

RAY: And you've never seen molecules of gasoline, right? So what do you know about how they're organized? They might live in group houses, for all you know. So it sounds pretty good, right? 

TOM: And then you need to have the proper numbers. The right price used to be $19.95. But with inflation, it's now $49.95. That's the amount a person can spend without consulting a spouse. Or giving up HBO. It's a price at which you say, "Well, even if it doesn't work, it's not the end of the world." 

RAY: Then you need the right "performance" numbers. Ten percent to 20 percent improvement is the proper range. If they promised to double your mileage, you'd know it was bull. But 10 percent or 15 percent? Sure, you can buy that. 

TOM: It's also a number that you can achieve through the placebo effect. In other words, after you install this thing, you follow the other "gas-saving tips" that come in the box -- like accelerating gently, driving slower, taking the bus and not warming up your car -- and lo and behold, your mileage gets a little better. 

RAY: You might have figured out by now, John, that we think this thing is a complete waste of money. I actually tried one in my truck, and I didn't notice any difference in mileage. 

TOM: But he did, however, have a new place to store his paper clips -- on the magnet under the hood -- so it wasn't a total loss.


Protesters found guilty of trespassing at weapons plant

Staff
Friday June 21, 2002

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — A federal jury Thursday convicted a Roman Catholic nun and two other protesters of trespassing at the Oak Ridge nuclear weapons plant during a “stop the bombs” demonstration. 

Elizabeth Ann Lentsch, who is known as Sister Mary Dennis, 65; Mary Elinor Adams, 61; and Timothy Joseph Mellon, 46, were arrested April 14 and charged with federal trespassing violations. 

The three had climbed over a metal barricade blocking an entrance at the Department of Energy site known as Y-12 about 20 miles west of Knoxville. 

Sentencing was scheduled for Sept. 20. The maximum penalty is a year in prison and $100,000 fine. 

The defendants and their attorneys declined to comment. The trial began Tuesday.


Man who wrote to ’Dear Abby’ pleads guilty to porn charge

By Melissa McCord, The Associated Press
Friday June 21, 2002

MILWAUKEE — A man who was turned in by “Dear Abby” after asking for advice on dealing with his child sex fantasies pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography this week and was given eight years on probation. 

Paul Weiser, 28, had faced up to 15 years in prison and a $30,000 fine had he been convicted. 

Weiser was arrested in March after “Dear Abby” columnist Jeanne Phillips contacted Milwaukee police about the letter in which Weiser described fantasizing about having sex with girls, including his girlfriend’s two young daughters. 

Weiser was also placed on a year of electronic monitoring, ordered to undergo counseling and banned from contact with anyone under 18. 

“I’m very pleased that he will get the help that he needs and the help that he sought,” Phillips said in a telephone interview Tuesday. “I certainly hope that he heals. I believe in happy endings and I certainly hope that this story has one.” 

Phillips had said she agonized over her decision because the column’s credibility is based on the anonymity of those seeking her advice. She said at the time that turning Weiser in was “the only way I could be absolutely certain that the little girls would be safe.” 

Police said they found 40 pornographic photographs of children on Weiser’s computer equipment. 

According to court papers, Weiser said that he has been sexually attracted to young girls since he was 16 and that four doctors told him he did not have a problem. 

“I was quite frustrated, being unemployed and having these feelings. I didn’t know who to contact,” Weiser said in court Tuesday. “I needed help from wherever I could and that’s when I wrote to Dear Abby.” 


Panel rejects smallpox vaccinations for public

Staff
Friday June 21, 2002

ATLANTA — A government advisory panel rejected smallpox vaccinations for the general public Thursday, instead proposing that the shots be given to special teams of people in each state who would be designated the first to respond in case of a bioterrorism attack. 

The recommendation by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, which sets U.S. vaccine policy, came after two days of hearings on the threat of a smallpox attack versus the dangerous side effects of the vaccine. 

The recommendation is subject to approval by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson. 

Currently, smallpox vaccinations are given only to scientists who handle the virus. But federal health officials asked the panel to reconsider after Sept. 11 and the anthrax-by-mail attacks. 

Under the plan proposed Thursday, states would designate smallpox response teams — probably including doctors, disease detectives, nurses, lab workers and law enforcement officers — who would be first to investigate a suspected terrorist release of the virus. These teams would be vaccinated against the deadly virus. 

States would also be allowed to vaccinate staff at pre-designated hospitals where patients with confirmed cases of smallpox would be treated. 

The government estimates the number of people vaccinated under the plan would be in the thousands. 

Vaccinating every American against the virus without a credible threat of its widespread release was judged too risky. 

The vaccine can cause severe rashes, brain swelling and death, particularly in people with skin disorders and or the AIDS viruse. About 300 people would die from side effects if the whole nation were vaccinated, experts have said. 


Researchers to look into whether money would attract organ donators

Staff
Friday June 21, 2002

CHICAGO — The American Medical Association this week urged researchers to study whether financial payments would boost the nation’s critical shortage of transplant organs. 

The AMA’s policymaking House of Delegates voted at its annual meeting to adopt the measure against the recommendation of a committee, which heard from doctors Sunday who called such payments unethical and said that even studying them would cheapen the value of organ donation. 

The measure involves organs from cadavers, not living donors and supports research into payments such as reimbursement for funeral expenses. 

Testimony that appeared to sway the delegates on Tuesday included a plea from Dr. Phil Berry Jr. of Dallas, who said he would be dead if he had not received an organ transplant 16 years ago to replace a liver ravaged by hepatitis B. 

His lifesaver, a 32-year-old woman who died of a brain aneurysm, had indicated before her death that she wanted to be an organ donor. 

“In a perfect world, altruism would be all that would be needed” to encourage more organ donation, Berry, 65, told the delegates. “The fact is that we’re losing the battle.” 

In the past decade, the number of cadaver organs donated nationwide annually has remained fairly steady at around 5,000 to 6,000, while the number of people who need transplants has jumped from about 20,000 to 80,000, according to the United Network for Organ Sharing. 

Last year, about 6,000 people died while on the U.S. transplant waiting list, according to UNOS. 

UNOS has not taken a position on financial incentives but the issue is expected to be raised at the group’s board meeting next week, spokeswoman Anne Paschke said. 

Federal law prohibits financial incentives for organ donation, and research on the issue could require congressional waivers. 

The AMA will not fund any research under the measure, but its voice is influential in Washington and it is now on record as endorsing such studies.


Association endorses an 80-hour work week for residents to reduce dangerous errors

By Lindsey Tanner, The Associated Press
Friday June 21, 2002

CHICAGO — The American Medical Association endorsed a new 80-hour-a-week work limit for medical residents Thursday to try to keep doctors-in-training from becoming so bleary-eyed they hurt themselves or their patients. 

Many doctors-in-training put in more than 100 hours a week and sometimes toil for 36 hours straight. Advocates for the 80-hour week have said that residents have fallen asleep while performing surgery or while driving home after their shifts. 

Under the policy adopted by the AMA’s House of Delegates, the association recommended that residents not work more than 80 hours per week or more than 24 hours at a stretch, except under special circumstances. 

That is nearly identical to the rules announced earlier this month by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education, which oversees teaching hospitals involving 100,000 doctors-in-training. Its rules take effect in 2003. Hospitals that do not comply can lose their accreditation. 

The AMA, which claims 278,000 doctors as members, said it will urge the council to enforce those rules. 

For generations, doctors-in-training have worked grueling hours in a trial-by-fire approach that gives them intensive experience. Supporters of the approach also say doctors on duty around the clock can provide better care because they can more quickly notice changes in a patient’s condition. 

A 1999 report by the Institute of Medicine estimated that mistakes kill at least 44,000 hospitalized Americans yearly. Doctors at the AMA meeting said there are no figures on how many of those deaths were due to overworked, sleep-deprived residents. 

While the new 80-hour week might still seem excessive to many 9-to-5 workers, medical resident Maurice Sholas said doctor training requires working all hours of the day to experience a variety of patients and medical problems. 

“The blessing” of being a doctor is working in a profession devoted to helping people, said Sholas, 31, an AMA delegate from San Antonio. “The curse is, we have to be available at hours when other people get to sleep.” 

Some hospitals and doctors question how residents will be able to get the training they need under the new rules; some estimate the new policy could cost teaching hospitals millions of dollars to hire more doctors. 

But Sholas said: “Anything we can do to address a preventable error, we should do.” 

Makeba Williams of the American Medical Student Association said research has shown that being awake for more than 24 hours straight can cause mental impairment similar to drunkenness. 

“We have laws that prevent driving under those circumstances, yet we say it’s OK to deliver babies,” Williams said. 

Williams said enforcement of the groups’ efforts will be critical, and some residents doubt any real change will result. 

“The fact is that (doctors) have been in control of the regulation of hours for the last 80 years or so,” said Steve Cha, 29, a medical resident in New York. “There’s a lot of good intentions” but too little action. 

Also Thursday at their annual meeting, AMA delegates postponed for further study a resolution against a U.S. crackdown on foreign doctors that was imposed after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. 

The Agriculture Department earlier this year suspended a program that allowed certain foreigners who study medicine in the United States to remain here if they agree to work in areas where doctors are scarce.


Government closes probe into Clinton’s orders for swindlers

By Larry Neumeister, The Associated Press
Friday June 21, 2002

NEW YORK — Federal prosecutors closed their investigation Thursday into whether former President Clinton’s grant of clemency to four swindlers was political payback arranged by his wife, now-Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton. 

U.S. Attorney James B. Comey said that his office had ended its investigation with no charges filed. He gave no reason. 

“We thoroughly investigated it and it wasn’t appropriate to bring charges against anybody in the case,” said Comey, who took office earlier this year after the departure of Clinton appointee Mary Jo White. 

The case involved four men convicted of bilking the government out of tens of millions of dollars. All four lived in New Square, a Hasidic Jewish village outside New York City that voted overwhelmingly for Hillary Clinton during her Senate bid two years ago. President Clinton later shortened their sentences just before he left office. 

Hillary Clinton has said she played no part in her husband’s decision. 

“There was never any reason to believe anybody had done anything wrong, even in the first place,” the former president said Tuesday. “So I’m not surprised. I think the facts speak for themselves.” 

On Capitol Hill, Hillary Clinton declined to comment. 

Comey said investigations continue into other pardons Clinton issued just before leaving office, including that of commodities broker Marc Rich, and into allegations that Clinton’s brother, Roger, received up to $200,000 for promising to help a Texas man win a pardon. 

Hillary Clinton remains of interest to prosecutors looking into the Rich pardon. 

Rich was indicted in 1983 on charges he evaded more than $48 million in taxes and illegally bought oil from Iran during the 1979 hostage crisis. He left the United States before he was indicted and settled in Switzerland. 

Rich’s ex-wife, Denise, is a major contributor to the Democratic Party and donated to Hillary Clinton’s Senate campaign. Ms. Rich has denied the pardon was tied to her contributions. 

The pardon was among 176 pardons and clemencies Clinton issued on his last day in office. 

In the New Square case, federal prosecutors said the four men had used government aid intended for housing, education and business to enrich themselves and their community. They were convicted in 1999. 


Adeline center remembers dead friend, continues reaching out to young people

By Kurtis AlexanderDaily Planet Staff
Thursday June 20, 2002

It’s not all fun and games at the Adeline Youth Service Center, though it appeared that way Wednesday afternoon at a summer barbecue. 

Over brimful plates with coleslaw and barbecue ribs, young adults and their youth counselors, with the Homeless Youth Collaborative, reflected on the Adeline Street organization’s four years of struggles and successes. The mission – to keep kids from living on the streets. 

“They gave me a place to stay and helped find me a job, and I’m not just saying this – I’ve got to go to work at 3 o'clock today,” said Michael Grayson, 18, who one month ago had little driving him but petty crime and a marijuana-smoking habit. 

“I was getting into a lot of trouble,” Grayson said. “I’m clean now. I’m not saying I’m perfect but I’m back on my feet.” 

HYC is a coalition of five nonprofit organizations in Berkeley and Oakland, with a small arsenal of local day centers and temporary housing facilities.  

The coalition is currently working with about150 homeless youth like Grayson. 

Not everyone’s story, though, is as happy as Grayson’s. 

Part of the reason for Wednesday’s HYC barbecue, dubbed “Jade’s Memorial,” is the mysterious death of a 19-year-old client, Jade Shepperd. 

The mentally ill Oakland woman, who often stayed with family in south Berkeley when she was not living in transitional housing, was found dead in Oakland earlier this month. Police are uncertain of the cause of death and are still investigating. 

“She would be fascinated by this tribute,” said James Bailey, a youth outreach specialist with HYC. “We’re honoring her today, and trying to have a good time and eat some barbecue.” 

HYC Mental Health Specialist Barbara Britton said that the small yard behind the Adeline Service Center, where more than 50 youth gathered for the barbecue, was a favorite place for Shepperd. 

“She use to come here a lot and spend the day. She did her painting and writing,” Britton said. “Just like a lot of the kids, she had no place else to go.” 

The Adeline Street drop-in center is one of three locations in Oakland and Berkeley where people13 to 25 can go when times get bad and they have no recourse. 

The centers, two of which are in Berkeley, are staffed with substance abuse counselors, mental health specialists and career and education counselors. They also provide basics like food and toilets. 

Each center serves as a dispatch center where the youth are assessed and referred, if not into HYC programs, to other nonprofit and public services. The majority of funding comes from the federal government, though both the cities of Berkeley and Oakland contribute to the collaboration. 

Also enjoying barbecue Wednesday afternoon was Doneal Reese, 22. The Berkeley resident came into the program with no place to live and in poor health, suffering from HIV. 

“When I first got here, I had a lot of the virus in my body. They found me ways to get medication and help,” said Reese. 

This week, after living in transitional housing on and off for three years, Reese signed a lease for his own apartment. 

Berkeley resident Darnell Ruffin, 23, is hoping for similar success. 

Ruffin got fired from his job with a Richmond-based shuttle service last month, and couldn’t afford rent. He found his way to the center on Adeline Street. 

“It all happened so abruptly and I didn’t have any savings,” he said. “This will be a place for me to get things back together.” 

The Adeline Youth Service Center is at 3334 Adeline St., 652-4411.


News of the Weird

Staff
Thursday June 20, 2002

Elephant goes to college 

MENOMONIE, Wis. — An elephant made an early exit from a circus performance and headed down Main Street, walking about two miles through the city before being corralled. 

“All of a sudden the elephant doing a performance went over the ring and right through the center ring,” said Shirley Kistner, who was attending the circus Monday with her 6-year-old granddaughter, Kaitlyn. 

“People in the stands and everybody kind of scattered, and out the door it went.” 

After Mary the elephant broke loose at the Dunn County Recreation Park, the fire department responded with lights and sirens, prompting the 6-year-old elephant and her mother, 21-year-old Tory, to begin running in opposite directions, officials said. 

Tory was quickly recaptured, but Mary wandered through the business district of Menomonie and the University of Wisconsin-Stout campus until authorities managed to block her way, Police Chief Dennis Beety said. 

“People were just dumbfounded,” firefighter Tim Koleski said. “It was amazing.” 

Elephant trainer Billy Morris used Tory to calm Mary and got both elephants loaded onto a semitrailer truck to take them back to the circus. 

 

Book Mouse a cousin to Mickey  

FLINT, Mich. — Walt Disney Co. officials have until July 30 to decide whether to challenge the Genesee District Library’s mascot for an alleged similarity to Mickey Mouse. 

Last summer, the library submitted a trademark registry request with the U.S. Patent and Trademark office for “Book Mouse,” a blue, large-eared rodent wearing red-rimmed glasses and a backpack. Book Mouse appears on bumper stickers and in coloring books, and even marches in local parades. 

In April, Disney got a 90-day extension to consider challenging the Book Mouse trademark. 

“I can’t imagine it’s deceptively similar to any Disney character we’re aware of,” Library attorney Patric Parker told The Flint Journal for a Tuesday story. 

Parker said he’s confident that Disney will manage to survive the Book Mouse controversy. 

“I don’t think we cut into their movie profits this last year,” he said. 


For the record on affordable housing

Ali R. Kashani Executive Director AHA
Thursday June 20, 2002

 

To the Editor:  

Thank you for your ongoing coverage and reporting on the issue of affordable housing in Berkeley. Affordable Housing Associates is honored to have the opportunity to develop new affordable housing throughout Alameda and Contra Costa Counties, and is proud of our record preserving and rehabilitating some of the City of Berkeley's most at-risk affordable housing stock. There have been several recent letters in the Berkeley Daily Planet that have misstated our record and our mission, and in the name of clarification we feel compelled to write this perspective. 

A recent letter writer ("Affordable housing should be affordable,” June 8-9) implies several mistruths about AHA's work,mission, and record.  

First, to be clear, AHA is a 501(c)(3) public benefit corporation - a "nonprofit" or "not-for-profit" organization. Like all other nonprofits, we are driven by our mission - to provide cost-effective housing to low and very-low income households - and not driven to generate profits. None of our volunteer board members or staff members are unduly enriched by our organization, and any excess revenue that our developments generate is either reinvested into the ongoing maintenance of our buildings or used to develop additional affordable housing projects. 

Far from being "self-certifying”, AHA's nonprofit status is certified by the cities we work in, the State of California, and the IRS. Our nonprofit status is also certified by the hundreds of individuals, corporation and foundation grantmakers that donate their resources to AHA to ensure that this type of work is taking place in our community. 

Furthermore, we are one of the most accessible and accountable nonprofit housing developers and owners in the area. AHA uniquely develops, rehabilitates, manages, and maintains the properties we acquire and build. Many of our staff members were or currently are residents in our affordable housing projects. Not only is AHA accountable to our funders, but we are also accountable to our tenants and residents, a responsibility we do not take lightly.  

A recent letter writer implies that AHA is an absentee landlord or that we intentionally run our projects into disrepair to make money. Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact the opposite is correct - AHA uses a combination of public and private money and resources to acquire severely dilapidated buildings, rehabilitate the buildings, and then to rent them back at deeply affordable levels to the tenants. Like all property owners, and especially because we are stewards of public funds, all of our properties are subject to regular inspections from the city of Berkeley and the Housing Authority. All of our properties are well maintained and in compliance with HUD's Housing Quality Standards (HQS).  

The author of the letter also implies that our use of project-based Section 8 certificates, or our acceptance of tenants that hold Section 8 certificates, somehow removes the affordability from the units. Again, nothing could be further from the truth. Section 8 -whether held by a tenant or assigned to a unit in a new building - ensures that a low or very-low income household only pays 30 percent of their monthly income to rent, with the local housing authority making up the difference. If the 

Section 8 program was eliminated, all of AHA-owned units would still have restricted, below-market rents, affordable to those at 30 percent to 60 percent of the area median income (this is between $26,000 to $44,000 for a family of four). 

Finally, one other point has to be addressed. The author implies that tenants in AHA-owned developments do not have the “freedom to speak out... about needed repairs”. Such an absurd statement needs to be refuted on its face. Tenants and residents in AHA-owned or managed properties have the same rights and responsibilities as all other renters. Our tenants regularly inform us of maintenance and repair needs, and hold us accountable to meet these needs. While a tenant may be evicted for failure to pay rent or for violating their lease or rental agreements, no tenant of AHA has ever been evicted for informing AHA or others about maintenance needs, repairs, or general concerns with their living situation or AHA's performance as property manager. 

AHA is proud to have our record as a local nonprofit housing developer and property manager speak for itself. We welcome all interested parties to visit our new website at www.ahainc.org , and to contact us with any information requests. 

 

Ali R. Kashani 

Executive Director 

AHA 

 

 

 


Arts & Entertainment Calendar

Staff
Thursday June 20, 2002

Free Early Music Group 

Singers needed for small group of 15th and 16th century music every Friday 

10 a.m. 

North Berkeley Senior Center, Hearst at MLK Way. 

Contact Ann at 665-8863 

 


Thursday, June 20

 

Caitlin Cray,  

Garrison Star, Boxstep 

9:30 p.m. 

The Starry Plough,  

3101 Shattuck Ave. 

841-2082 

$8, 21 and up 

 

Carrier-Thompson Cajun  

Trio and the Hot Club of  

San Francisco 

5 p.m. 

City Square and the Zen Garden at 1111 Broadway 

Gypsy-swing quintet, and Canjun/Zydeco group, beginning a series of summer concerts 

www.oaklandcitycenter.com 

Free 

Saturday, June 22 

Global Funk Council, Vanessa Lowe and the Lowlifes,  

Barbezz 

9:30 p.m. 

The Starry Plough,  

3101 Shattuck Ave. 

841-2082 

$6, 21 and up 

 

 


Thursday, June 27

 

Meeshe, Scott Miller 

9:30 p.m. 

The Starry Plough,  

3101 Shattuck Ave. 

841-2082 

$5, 21 and up 

 

From the Attic: Preserving  

and Sharing our Past 

Through July 26, Thursday-Saturday, 1 to 4 p.m. 

Veterans Memorial Building,  

1931 Center Street 

Exhibit shows the 'inside' of museum work 

848-0181 

Free 

 


Sunday, June 23

 

"Red Rivers Run Through Us"  

Reception 

June 23 to August 11,  

Wednesday-Sunday,  

noon to 5 p.m. 

Berkeley Art Center,  

1275 Walnut St. 

Art and writing from Maxine Hong Kingston's veterans' writing group 

Reception, 2 to 4 p.m.  

644-6893 

 


Thursday, June 27

 

"New Work: Part 1, The 2001 Kala  

Fellowship Exhibition" Opening Reception 

6 to 8 p.m. June 27 to July 31 

Kala Art Institute,  

1060 Heinz Ave. 

Featuring 8 Kala Fellowship winners, printmaking 

Reception, 

549-2977 

 


Thursday, July 11

 

"New Visions: Introductions '02" Reception 

Works from emerging Californian artists 

Reception, 6 to 8 p.m. Display up from July 3 to August 10 

Pro Arts, 461 Ninth Street, Oakland 

763-4361 

Free 

 


Saturday, July 20

 

"First Anniversary  

Group Show"  

13 local artists display work ranging from sculpture to mixed media 

July 18 to August 17 

Ardency Gallery, Aki Lot, 8th Street 

Reception, 5 to 8 p.m. 

836-0831 

 

Antony and Cleopatra 

Directed by Joy Meads 

June 15 to July 20,  

Thursday-Friday 8 p.m. 

La Vals Subterranean Theater, 1834 Euclid 

234-6046 for reservations 

$14 general, $10 student 

 

Abingdon Square  

Previews 16,18,19 at 8 p.m. Runs June 21 to July 6, Thursday to Saturday 8 p.m. Sundays 7 p.m.  

Julia Morgan Theater for the Arts, 2640 College Ave. 

The Shotgun Players,  

directed by Shana Cooper 

704-8210 www.shotgunplayers.org 

$18 regular, $12 students, previews and Mondays - pay what you can. Opening Night $25 

 

Midsummer Nights Dream 

June 21 to June 29,  

Fridays and Saturdays, 8 p.m. 

Magical Acts Ritual Theater, directed by Catherine Pennington 

The Black Box,  

1928 Telegraph Ave., Oakland 

653-6637 for reservations 

$15 - $25 

 

Don Pasquale Opera 

July 13, 15, 17, 19 at 8 p.m.  

July 21 at 2 p.m. 

Dean Lesher Regional Center for the Arts, Walnut Creek 

From the Festival Opera  

Association, a comedy by  

Gaetano Donizetti about an arranged marriage 

www.festivalopera.com 

 

Benefactors 

July 18 to Aug. 18, Wednesday-Saturday, 8 p.m. Sundays,  

2 and 7 p.m. 

Previews: July 12-14 and 17 

Michael Frayn's comedy of two neighboring couple's interactions 

Aurora Theatre Company,  

2081 Addison St. 

843-4822, www.auroratheater.org  

for reservations. $26 - $35  

 

The Shape of Things 

Sept. 13 to Oct. 20 

Aurora Theatre Company,  

2081 Addison St. 

Neil LaBute's love story  

about two students 

843-4822, www.auroratheater.org for reservations 

$26 - $35  

 

Alarms and Excursions 

Nov. 15 to Dec. 22 

Aurora Theatre Company,  

2081 Addison St. 

Michael Frayn's comedy about the irony of modern technology 

843-4822, www.auroratheater.org for reservations 

$26 - $35  

 

Poetry Diversified 

1st and 3rd Tuesdays,  

7:30 to 9 p.m. 

World Ground Cafe,  

3726 Mac Arthur Blvd., Oakland 

Open mic and featured readers 

 

 

 


Wednesday, July 3

 

7:30 p.m. 

Cody's, 2454 Telegraph Ave. 

Boas Writing Group 

Stefani Barber, Jean Lieske  

and many more 

845-7852 

$2 

 


Wednesday, July 10

 

Carmen Gimenez-Rosello,  

Dawn Trook 

7:30 p.m. 

Cody's, 2454 Telegraph Ave. 

845-7852 

$2 

 


Sunday, July 14

 

M.L. Liebler and  

Country Joe McDonald 

Poetry and Music 

7:30 p.m. 

Cody's, 2454 Telegraph Ave. 

845-7852 

$2 

 


Wednesday, July 17

 

Hannah Stein and Kevin Clark 

7:30 p.m. 

Cody's, 2454 Telegraph Ave. 

Authors of “Earthlight and In the Evening of No Warning.” 

845-7852 

$2 


Out & About Calendar

Staff
Thursday June 20, 2002


Thursday, June 20

 

Robert Fisk 

7 p.m. 

First Congregational Church 

2345 Channing Way  

Middle East Correspondent of the  

London Independent, in a benefit to rebuild Jenin refugee camp. 

548-0542.  

$20 at Codys, Black Oak, Walden Pond and Modern times, or at WWW.MECAFORPEACE.ORG. 

 

"Women in War" 

7 to 9 p.m. 

University of Creation Spirituality  

2141 Broadway, Oakland 

An evening with international women's rights activist Zainab Salbi. 

835-4827 ext. 29 

Suggested Donation $10-$15 

 

Pride Mass 2002 

7 p.m. 

Newman Hall-Holy Spirit Parish 

2700 Dwight Way 

LGBT Catholics celebrate 10 years towards creating a more inclusive world. 

663-6302 

www.calnewman.org 

Free 

 

Berkeley Camera Club  

Weekly Meeting 

7:30 p.m. 

Northbrae Community Church  

941 The Alameda 

Share slides, prints with other  

photographers 

525-3565 

Free 

 

Pacific School of Religion  

1798 Scenic Ave., Berkeley 

The Center for Lesbian and Gay  

Studies in Religion and Ministry hosts. 

849-8235 

 

Simplicity Forum 

7 to 8:30 p.m. 

Claremont Branch Library 

2940 Benvenue Ave. 

Discussion on how to lead a  

more simple life. 

549-3509, or www.simpleliving.net 

Free 

 

Senior Men's Afternoon 

Pacific Center 

2712 Telegraph Ave. 

Gay senior men discussion group 

2nd & 4th Thursdays. 

548-8283  

Free 

Freedom From Tobacco 

5:30-7:30 Thursday Evenings,  

June 6-July 18 

South Berkeley Senior Center 

2939 Ellis Street  

A quit smoking class 

981-5330 

QuitNow@ci.berkeley.ca.us 

 

Creativity Enhanced  

Career Exploration 

1:30 to 3:30 p.m. 

YWCA, 2600 Bancroft Way 

Techniques to bring clarity to goals. 

848-6370 

 


Friday, June 21

 

Paramount Movie Classics  

The Mummy, with Boris Karloff, 1932 

Doors at 7, Mighty Wurlitzer at 7:30, Newsreel, Cartoon, Previews, and Prize give-away game Dec-O-Win and feature film. 

2025 Broadway 

Oakland  

$5 

 

"Understanding the Achievement  

Gap in the BUSD" 

11:45 for lunch. Speaker begins 12:30 

Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant Ave. 

Shirley Issel, MSW,  

president of the Berkeley Unified  

School District. 

$11.00/$12.25, students free. 

 

Berkeley Women in Black 

Noon to 1 p.m. 

Telegraph and Bancroft 

A vigil for peace for Palestine  

and Israel. 

548-6310, or www.wibberkeley.org 

 


Saturday, June 22

 

Celebration of Solidarity  

with the People of Afghanistan 

7:30 p.m. 

Trinity United Methodist Church 

2363 Bancroft Way 

Live music and slide presentation by Rona Popal. Benefits a widows project and orphanage in Afghanistan. 

883-9252 

$10-$30 

 

Summer Solstice Celebration 

10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

Berkeley Farmers' Market  

Center St. and MLK Way. 

Live music, crafts, and summer  

solstice ritual. 

548-3333 

Free 

 

Emergency Preparedness Classes in Berkeley Disaster Mental Health: Learn about disaster-related  

emotional reactions. 

9 a.m. to noon 

997 Cedar St. 

981-5605 

Free 

 

Town Hall Meeting 

9:30 a.m. to noon  

East Oakland Youth Development Center, 8200 International Blvd. 

Congresswoman Barbara Lee on affordable housing with housing specialists and bank representatives 

763-0370 for reservations 

 


Sunday, June 23

 

Debt Cancellation for  

Impoverished Countries 

Noon 

The Fellowship of Humanity,  

390 27th St. Oakland 

Tony Littmann gives us a brief overview on the causes and effects of the Third World debt crisis 451-5818 or HumanistHall@yahoo.com 

 

Triaxium West and  

Aaron Rosenblum 

8 p.m., ACME Observatory 

Acme Observatory's home at Tuva Space,  

3192 Adeline  

Admission is up to $20, sliding scale 

 


Monday, June 24

 

Shakespeare Festival Auditions 

10 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

Berkeley Rehearsal Hall 

701 Heinz Ave. 

California Shakespeare Festival is looking for people aged 14-18 to appear in The Winters Tale. 

548-3422 ext. 105, or www.calshakes.org 

 


Tuesday, June 25

 

Vigil Opposing the Sanctions  

Against the People of Iraq 

12 p.m. 

Oakland Federal Building 

1301 Clay Street 

548-4141 

 

Berkeley Camera Club Weekly Meeting 

7:30 p.m. 

Northbrae Community Church  

941 The Alameda 

Share slides, prints with other  

photographers. 

525-3565 

Free 

 

Magic School Bus Festival 

10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. 

Lawrence Hall of Science 

Video Adventures. Other events for kids take place every Wednesday through Aug. 21. 

643-5961 

$8 for adults, $6 for ages 5-18, seniors and disabled, $4 for children 3-4, free for children under 3. 

 


Wednesday, June 26

 

Berkeley Peace Walk and Vigil 

6:30 pm 

BART Station, Shattuck & Center 

Weekly candle-lit vigil and peace walk to raise 

awareness and gather support for opposition to the 'war on terrorism' 

vigil4peace@yahoo.com, 528-9217 

 


Thursday, June 27

 

The Lost Spacecraft: Liberty Bell 7  

Recovered 

10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

Chabot Space and Science Center,  

10000 Skyline Blvd. Oakland 

Preview new exhibit of resurrected  

1961 spacecraft. 

RSVP June 20, (415) 864-6397 or news@davidperry.com 

 


Friday, June 28

 

Paramount Movie Classics 

Doors at 7, Mighty Wurlitzer at 7:30, Newsreel, Cartoon, Previews, and Prize give-away game Dec-O-Win and feature film. 

2025 Broadway 

Oakland  

The General (1927), starring Buster Keaton, a silent film with live Wurlitzer organ accompaniment by Jim Riggs, playing his original score. 

$5 

 

Berkeley Women in Black 

Noon to 1 p.m. 

Telegraph and Bancroft 

A vigil for peace for Palestine and Israel 

548-6310, or www.wibberkeley.org 

 

Politics in Sacramento 

11:45 for lunch. Speaker begins 12:30 

Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant Ave. 

Dion Aroner, Assemblywoman 

$11.00/$12.25, students free. 

 

"Really Rosie" Kids  

Theater Performances 

7:30 p.m.  

Epworth United Methodist Church, 1953 Hopkins Street in North Berkeley 

"Kids On Stage" Stage Door Conservatory's " programs presents musical theater performances by kids, for kids. 

527-5939 or StageDoorCamp@aol.com. 

Free 

 


Saturday, June 29

 

Know Your Rights Training 

11 a.m.- 2 p.m. 

Copwatch Office 

2022 Blake St., Berkeley 

Learn what your rights are and how to observe the police effectively and safely; hosted by Copwatch. 

For more information: 548-0425 

Free 

 

 

Emergency Preparedness  

Classes in Berkeley 

9 a.m. to noon 

997 Cedar Street 

Disaster First Aid: Learn to apply  

basic first aid techniques. 

981-5605 

 

David Brower Day 

10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

Berkeley Farmers' Market 

Center Street at  

Martin Luther King, Jr. Way 

Free 

 

Stanford Jazz Festival,  

June 29-August 10 

10:30 a.m. kids 7 & under, 11:30 a.m. kids 8-12, Campbell Recital Hall  

Stanford Campus  

Early Bird jazz for kids and families  

with Jim Nadel & Friends. 

Free 

 

Maybeck High School  

30th anniversary  

6 p.m. to 10 p.m.  

Piedmont Community Hall  

711 Highland Ave. Piedmont 

Call 841-8489 for reservations 

 

 


Tuesday, July 2

 

Adopt A Special Kid (AASK) 

7 p.m. to 9 p.m. 

7700 Edgewater Drive, Suite 320  

Oakland.A workshop for singles or couples, gay and lesbian, experienced or older parents, interested in adoption. 

533-1747, ext. 12. 

 


Saturday, July 6

 

Capoeira Batizado 

2-6 p.m.  

Capoeira Arts Cafe 

2026 Addison, Berkeley 

A celebration of Capoeira with performances by local arts organization. 

For information: 666-1255, www.capoeiraarts.com 

Free 

 


Saturday, July 6 - 

Sunday, July 21

 

Marin Classic Theatre 

presents "Born Yesterday" 

8 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sunday matinee; 7 p.m. Sundays 

A bittersweet comedy by  

Garson Kanin. 

For information: (415) 892-8551 or 

www.MCTheatre.com 

$18 evening performances, $15 matinee 

 


Thursday, July 11

 

Great Sierra Backpacking Destinations 

REI Berkeley, 1338 San Pablo  

Karen Najarian of Sierra Wilderness Seminars presents slides from her more that 20 years exploring the  

Sierra Backcountry. 

For information: 527-4140 

Free 

 


Saturday, July 13

 

Peach / Stone Fruit Tasting 

Tasting & cooking demonstrations 

10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

Berkeley Farmers' Market 

Center Street at Martin Luther King, Jr. Way 

Free 

 

15th Anniversary Derby  

Street Farmers Market 

10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

Derby Street at Martin Luther King, Jr. Way  

Live music and & stone-fruit  

and peach tasting 

Tasting & cooking demonstrations. 

Berkeley Farmers' Market. 

Free 

 

Festival of New Versions of Classic Asian Games 

Noon to 5 p.m 

Dr Comics and Mr Games 

4014 Piedmont Ave., Oakland  

Dr Comics and Mr Games Hosts Game a festival featuring two new versions of classic Asian board games. 

601-7800 

 


Sunday, July 14

 

Hands-on Bicycle Repair  

11 a.m.-12 

REI Berkeley  

1338 San Pablo 

Learn from an REI bike technician basic bike repairs such as brake  

adjustments and fixing a flat. 

More information: 527-4140 

Free 

 

Family Health Day 

11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

4th and University Ave. 

Explore health concerns in  

a family oriented environment. 

Free 

 


Tuesday, July 16

 

Berkeley Camera Club  

Weekly Meeting 

7:30 p.m. 

Northbrae Community Church  

941 The Alameda 

Share slides, prints with  

other photographers. 

525-3565 

Free 

 


Thursday, July 18

 

Mystique of the Widerness 

7 p.m. 

REI Berkeley  

1338 San Pablo 

Phil Arnot presents slides from over 50 years of exploring such places as Alaska, New Zealand, the Sierra and the Rockies. 

More information: 527-4140 

 


Saturday, July 20

 

Emergency Preparedness  

Classes in Berkeley 

Earthquake Retrofitting: Learn how to strengthen your wood frame home. 

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

812 Page St. 

981-5605 

Free 

 


Thursday, July 25

 

California Landscapes:  

A Geologist's Perspective 

7 p.m. 

REI Berkeley  

1338 San Pablo 

John Karachewski presents an educational slideshow on such amazing places as the Sierra Nevada, Coast Ranges the Great Valley and Cascades. 

More information: 527-4140. 

Free 

 


Saturday, July 27

 

Test Ride Kestrel Bicycles 

11 a.m.-1 p.m. 

REI Berkeley, 1338 San Pablo 

Preston Sandusky of Kestrel, a premier manufacturer of high-end, carbon-fiber road and mountain bikes, introduces their latest design. 

More information: 527-4140  


Injury slows gold medalist O’Brien’s comeback

By Dean Caparaz Special to the Daily Planet
Thursday June 20, 2002

Dan O’Brien’s comeback took a bad turn, when the 1996 Olympic gold medalist pulled out of the 400 meters, the last decathlon event of the first day of the USA Outdoor Combined Event Championships Wednesday at Cal. 

In the heptathlon, Shelia Burrell took the lead by winning the last event of the day, the 200 meters, in 24.12 seconds. The bronze medalist at last year’s World Championships has 3,628 points after four events, edging second-place LeShundra “DeeDee” Nathan by 11 points. 

Also Wednesday, the USA Outdoor Junior Combined Event Championships came to an end, with Donovan Kilmartin of Team Idaho winning the decathlon and Julie Pickler of Texas Express winning the heptathlon. 

Tom Pappas led after Day 1 of the senior decathlon with 4,400 points. Pappas won the long jump (24 feet, 7 inches) and the high jump (6-11.75 inches). 

But Pappas’ strong day was overshadowed by a flare-up of the plantar fascia injury in O’Brien’s left foot that has plagued him the last few years. O’Brien, who was third entering the 400, said he re-injured the foot on his last jump (23-4.25) in the long jump, which was his best mark of the day. He continued onto the next event, posting a 6-foot, seven-inch mark in the high jump. But he decided to pull out of the 400 immediately afterwards. 

“It was bothering me all through the high jump,” said O’Brien, who turns 36 July 18. 

He also bemoaned the lack of atmosphere at Edwards Stadium and the lack of pressure to perform in a non-world championship year. However, very few multi-event competitions have the type of crowds O’Brien says were absent at Edwards. 

“I lacked a little bit of intensity today because [there was] not a big a crowd [and] kind of a small field,” he said. “That’s something I’m going to have to work [out]. Because there’s nothing at stake at this U.S. championship, it’s difficult for guys like myself.” 

O’Brien, representing Ace Racing, is not out of the competition, though, and expects to compete in three of the five events today. 

Kilmartin, 18, dominated the junior decathlon, winning five events, including the discus (129-11) and the pole vault (15-9) on Day 2 yesterday. He set a personal record with 7,440 points. Robert Bates, competing unattached, was second with 6,692. 

“I had a good first day,” said Kilmartin, who next competes in the World Junior Championship July 16-21 in Jamaica. “Some mediocre things happened, and I messed up the second day a little bit. This is a stepping stone for me.” 

Pickler, 18, beat her twin sister, Diana Pickler, the defending U.S. junior champion, for the first time. Entering the 800, the last event, the two were tied with 4,538 points. Julie Pickler won the race (2:21.71) to edge Diana, 5,338 to 5,281 points. The mark was a PR and qualified Julie Pickler for Jamaica. 

“I wanted my sister or me to win it,” she said. “I was just going to run fast. I had to do it to get the [World qualifying] mark.” 

In the senior heptathlon, Burrell, 30, competing for Team Nike, won two events, including the 100-meter hurdles (13.34). 

Nathan expects the contest to be decided by the 800 meters. But a confident Burrell winked when told what her friendly rival said. 

“DeeDee’s my buddy,” Burrell said. “We have different approaches. My approach is I’ve got to go for it in every event. If it comes down to the 800, that’s alright by me, because I’m the type of girl that’ll run. But if  

I can avoid that tomorrow, be sure that I will.” O’Brien, who has completed just one decathlon since ‘96, said that the USA Championship was just the first in a five- or six-step process to get him back to the pinnacle of the sport. 

“You’ve got to start somewhere,” O’Brien said. “In any journey, and my journey is to get back to the Olympic games, the first step’s the hardest, and this really was the hardest.”


District won’t replace Lynch

By David Scharfenberg Daily Planet staff
Thursday June 20, 2002

The Berkeley Unified School District will not fill the vacant principalship at the high school next year, according to a letter released Wednesday by Superintendent Michele Lawrence. Instead, the district will build on its current co-principal structure, adding a fifth administrator to its present team of four. 

The high school’s four vice principals have run the school as co-principals since October when then-principal Frank Lynch left abruptly to take a job as Superintendent of the Del Norte County Unified School District. 

Last month, the district convened a principal search committee composed of staff and community members to fill the Lynch vacancy, but delayed the process when it did not draw a strong applicant pool. 

Lawrence said at the time that the district might pursue an alternative administrative model rather than resume the search for a new head principal. 

According to the Wednesday letter, co-principals Laura Leventer, Mary Ann Valles and Michael Hassett will return to BHS, while co-principal Larry Lee will take a position as a classroom teacher, at his request. Thelette Bennett, vice principal at Longfellow Middle School, will fill Lee’s position. Gabriel McCurtis, formerly principal of Foothill Elementary School in Pittsburg, California, will serve as the fifth member of the administrative team. 

“I’m very hopeful,” said Board of Education member Terry Doran. “One, it’s exciting to get what appears to be a high quality new administrator (in McCurtis). And I’ve worked for years with Thelette Bennett and have the highest confidence in her. 

“It’s a good interim stage,” Doran continued, noting that the leadership structure might change again in 2003 if the district, as scheduled, moves to small schools at Berkeley High. 

In her letter, Lawrence acknowledged that she had circumvented the official screening process by putting the new structure in place and calling off the search for a head principal. But she said the move was necessary to get a solid team in place quickly. 

“If a second round of recruitment (for a head principal) did not yield a suitable candidate, valuable time would have been lost, requiring someone to step in at the last minute,” she wrote. “That would have been unfair and disruptive to the opening of school.” 

Lawrence also argued that the community did have an opportunity for input. 

“Although it may appear that I didn’t take this recommendation through the formal screening process, I assure you that since our first review, many, many opinions about the principalship have been sought and have been freely given,” she wrote. 

“Throughout this informal process, many community members spoke enthusiastically about and expressed confidence in the leadership of the current team.”  

Community reaction was positive. 

“I’m happy to hear that’s the decision,” said school board candidate Cynthia Papermaster, praising the current leadership team. “I’ve worked with these folks and I think this is a great opportunity to strengthen what we’ve already got.” 

“I think, under the circumstances, it’s probably the best move we could make,” added school board candidate Derick Miller, who currently serves as president of the PTA Council, an umbrella group for all the district PTAs. 

“The board’s very supportive of this,” said school board President Shirley Issel. “The time pressure (Lawrence) refers to really did require us to make these decisions at this level.” 

Issel said it is “hard to know” whether an earlier start to the principal search process might have yielded a better candidate pool. 

“We were not that late,” she said, arguing that stiff competition for administrators statewide makes it difficult to draw qualified candidates no matter when the search starts. 

Issel said the current team has brought stability to the high school and argued that, after another stable year, the district might be able to attract a more qualified pool if it launches a new search for a head principal. 

In her letter, Lawrence said maintaining stability at the high school during the implementation of school-wide reforms planned for next year was a key factor in her decision.  

The Western Association of Schools and Colleges, a regional accrediting organization, prompted the reform effort by threatening to withdraw its seal of approval if BHS does not make improvements in 11 problem areas it first identified in 1999. 

In May, a WASC team visited the school and reviewed the administration’s reform proposals. At the end of June, the WASC Commission will decide whether to terminate accreditation or extend it by one, two or three years.


History

The Associated Press
Thursday June 20, 2002

On this date: 

In 1756, in India, a group of British soldiers was imprisoned in a suffocating cell that gained notoriety as the “Black Hole of Calcutta”; most died. 

In 1837, Queen Victoria ascended the British throne following the death of her uncle, King William IV. 

In 1863, West Virginia became the 35th state. 

In 1893, a jury in New Bedford, Mass., found Lizzie Borden innocent of the ax murders of her father and stepmother. 

In 1898, during the Spanish-American War, the U.S. cruiser Charleston captured the Spanish-ruled island of Guam. 

In 1943, race-related rioting erupted in Detroit; federal troops were sent in two days later to quell the violence that resulted in more than 30 deaths. 

In 1947, Benjamin “Bugsy” Siegel was shot dead at the Beverly Hills, Calif., mansion of his girlfriend, Virginia Hill, apparently at the order of mob associates. 

In 1963, the United States and Soviet Union signed an agreement to set up a “hot line” between the two superpowers. 

In 1967, boxer Muhammad Ali was convicted in Houston of violating Selective Service laws by refusing to be drafted. Ali’s conviction was ultimately overturned by the Supreme Court. 

In 1979, ABC News correspondent Bill Stewart was shot to death in Managua, Nicaragua, by a member of President Anastasio Somoza’s national guard. 

Ten years ago: An enraged mob forced South African President F.W. de Klerk to cut short a visit to the black township of Boipatong, the scene of a massacre three days earlier. 

Five years ago: The tobacco industry agreed to a massive settlement in exchange for major relief from mounting lawsuits and legal bills. The summit of industrialized nations opened in Denver, with Russia taking its place as the new eighth partner. 

One year ago: Houston resident Andrea Yates drowned her five children in the family bathtub, then called police. Yates was later sentenced to life in prison. American Lori Berenson was convicted and sentenced to 20 years in prison by a Peruvian court for collaborating with leftist guerrillas. Billy Collins was named the 11th U.S. poet laureate. 

Today’s Birthdays: Actress Olympia Dukakis is 71. Actor James Tolkan is 71. Actor Danny Aiello is 69. Rhythm-and-blues singer Billy Guy is 66. Actor John Mahoney is 62. Movie director Stephen Frears is 61. Singer-songwriter Brian Wilson is 60. Actor John McCook is 57. Singer Anne Murray is 57. TV personality Bob Vila is 56. Musician Andre Watts is 56. Actress Candy Clark is 55. Tina Sinatra is 54. Rhythm-and-blues singer Lionel Richie is 53. Actor John Goodman is 50. Singer Cyndi Lauper is 49. Rock musician Michael Anthony (Van Halen) is 47. Rock musician John Taylor is 42. Rock musician Mark DeGliantoni (Soul Coughing) is 40. Rock musician Murphy Karges (Sugar Ray) is 35. Actress Nicole Kidman is 35.


‘I oppose this war’

Shana M. Levy Berkeley
Thursday June 20, 2002

To the Editor, 

I just came from the "Not in Our Name" peace rally at MLK park in Berkeley. I took public transit from Alameda to attend. My intent was to join with others in protesting the protracts "War on Terrorism." (As Sonoma county author and activist, Shepherd Bliss, has said this is "as undeclared war, waged by as unelected president against an unknown foe for an undefined about of time with nearly unlimited resources.") I oppose this war. 

However, I was disappointed and distressed to find that this protest had been combined (by design or accident, I do not know) with a pro-Palestinian rally. I found myself unable to join in the march as I cannot support a movement committing violent acts against civilians almost daily, even in the name of peace. 

I would like to see another march, the organizer of which restrict themselves to the former cause only (against the "War on Terrorism.") I suspect the turnout would be much more robust and the message to the media and public at large more clear. 

Shana M. Levy 

Berkeley


Hernandez’s homer helps Athletics win tenth of team’s 11 games

By Alan Robinson The Associated Press
Thursday June 20, 2002

PITTSBURGH — The Oakland Athletics have some of the best arms in baseball, and not all belong to their pitching staff. 

The Athletics continued to roll by beating the Pittsburgh Pirates 4-2 Tuesday night in the first meeting between two of baseball’s oldest franchises, largely because four relievers combined for 2 2-3 scoreless innings. 

Still, the most impressive throwing in the late innings might have been by catcher Ramon Hernandez, who shut down two Pittsburgh scoring chances by throwing out runners trying to steal. 

“That was big,” Oakland manager Art Howe said after Hernandez’s defense — and the catcher’s solo homer — helped the Athletics win their 10th in 11 games. 

With the Athletics trying to keep their two-run lead, reliever Chad Bradford started the eighth by hitting Abraham Nunez with a pitch. Contact hitter Jason Kendall was up next, so Pirates manager Lloyd McClendon called for a hit and run. 

But Kendall couldn’t get the bat on the ball, allowing Hernandez to easily throw out Nunez for the first out of the inning. Hernandez had ended the seventh by throwing out Adrian Brown trying to steal with two outs and Chad Hermansen batting. 

“If we can get the hit-and-run down, we probably get a big inning going,” McClendon said. “But if it doesn’t work, I look stupid — and tonight I looked stupid.” 

McClendon has repeatedly tried to prop up one of the NL’s weakest offenses with an aggressive running game, but the Pirates have repeatedly run themselves out of scoring chances. They have had 31 runners thrown out in 76 steal attempts. 

This time, the Pirates knew they were gambling by running on Hernandez, who has thrown out seven of the last 14 runners who tried to steal on him. 

That’s the kind of solid defense, combined with the Athletics’ ever-improving starting pitching, that has helped them win 14 of 17 and 18 of 23 since they were five games under .500. Their starters are 13-3 in their last 22 starts. 

“This is what we’ve been doing,” Howe said. “We’ve been pitching well and getting key hits, and that’s been the combination for us. The pitching has been the biggest part of it.” 

Mark Mulder (7-4) won his fifth consecutive start, limiting the Pirates to two runs and five hits over 6 1-3 innings before being lifted with one on and one out in the seventh. 

Howe used four relievers to finish up, with Billy Koch pitching the ninth for his 16th save in 20 opportunities. 

“I hated facing these pitchers,” said Scott Hatteberg, who signed with Oakland after playing for Boston. “As a hitter, it’s such a grind. It’s a real inferior feeling when you can’t do anything. I look over and see that on the other hitters now, and it’s nice to be on this side of it.” 

The 101-year-old Athletics and 115-year-old Pirates had never met in the regular season or postseason despite a combined 21 World Series appearances, and Oakland quickly made up for lost time. 

The Athletics jumped on Pittsburgh starter Josh Fogg (7-5) for four singles and a walk, keyed by Jermaine Dye’s two-run single, in the first. Hatteberg added an RBI double in the second. 

Hernandez then hit his fourth homer of the season leading off the fourth following a 48-minute rain delay. Fogg has allowed at least one homer in each of his last eight starts. 

Kevin Young made it 4-2 with a solo homer off Mulder in the seventh, the Pirates’ only scoring in the final eight innings. 

Oakland trailed Seattle by 10 games in the AL West less than three weeks ago, but stayed four games back as the Mariners beat Cincinnati 8-1. 

Notes: Howe will attend the reunion of Shaler High School’s 1964 Pennsylvania state championship baseball team while in Pittsburgh this week. He later signed with the Pirates and made his major league debut with them in 1974. ... Oakland’s interleague record of 9-1 this season and 59-37 overall are the best in the majors. 


City’s seniors citizens address road safety concerns

By Chris NicholsDaily Planet Staff
Thursday June 20, 2002

Within the last month, the deaths of a senior citizen hit by a car in May on Addison Street and a 68-year-old bicyclist struck Monday on Adeline Street have fueled safety debates. Members of the city’s Commission on Aging met Wednesday to present a laundry list of concerns. 

While previous efforts to reduce pedestrian injuries have led only to moderate success, the city hopes a $1 million pedestrian safety ballot measure along with a newly reformed Office of Transportation will make crossing Berkeley streets safer. 

Peter Hillier, assistant city manager for transportation said Wednesday that the new city office has developed a number of safety measures including installing new senior crossing signs and medians at wide intersections. The office has also added high-pitched chirping devices, known as accessible pedestrian signals, to allow visually disabled residents to cross problem intersections.  

Additionally, the office is considering an experiment with new attention grabbing safety signs.  

Hillier added that City Council has shown strong support for pedestrian safety programs and will likely initiate a November ballot issue to fund the programs. “There is some good news for potential pedestrian improvements in the city of Berkeley,” he said. 

Many residents remain skeptical, however, noting that previous warnings about problem intersections have gone unheeded by the city. 

Both victims killed recently were fatally injured at intersections that have long been known by local residents as dangerous pedestrian crossings. 

Commission members including Margo Norman have said the intersection of Adeline and Oregon Streets, near the Harriet Tubman Senior Homes, is another example of the many dangerous crossing sites in Berkeley. According to Norman, the intersection is too wide and the pedestrian signals do not leave enough time for seniors to cross. 

Hillier, however, says the city has worked hard to improve the safety of this and many other intersections. 

He says that the city has worked closely with the Berkeley Police Department to combat safety issues. “We’re still active with the police department and parking enforcement officials. This has been an ongoing activity with the department,” Hillier said. 

Councilmember Kriss Worthington, who also attended Wednesday’s meeting, said that pedestrian safety issues can be very sensitive issues for local residents. “There are definitely a lot of problems,” Worthington said. “Residents can get very emotional these issues. They feel like they’re risking their lives crossing the street.”  

Worthington says that a pedestrian safety initiative will almost certainly be on the November ballot; however, the cost of the safety programs to the public may present a conflict.  

Initially, supporters of the program recommended $500,000 be allocated for pedestrian safety. However, an amendment by the city has raised the potential cost to $1 million. Worthington says that tax payers may not be willing to spend $1 million on the program. 

According to Hillier, the Office of Transportation hopes to present by 2003 the city and its residents with a mid- and long-range plan of what Berkeley will look like in five to 10 years. 

“I think that it’s important that the city, the commissions and the community are aware of what the priorities are as to how our traffic planning will develop,” Hillier said. 

According to Lisa Ploss, Senior Programs Administrator with the city of Berkeley, traffic and pedestrian safety issues are a top priority for the Commission on Aging. 

At Wednesday’s meeting commission members also cited the heavy flow of traffic down Alcatraz Avenue as a problem. Commission member Freida Smith said the avenue is a thoroughfare for drivers trying to get to the freeway. “It’s like those people feel like they’re on the Daytona 500 out there,” Smith said. According to Smith the avenue, which includes a senior facility near Sacramento Street, needs a greater police presence and more stop signs.  

Commission members also discussed possible BART and AC Transit fare hikes for seniors at the meeting. 

Gene Scott, a member of the Commission on Aging, said that in addition to pedestrian safety, bike safety in the city is also an important issue. According to Scott, drivers need to pay more attention, especially to the safety of children riding bikes on Berkeley streets. 

According to Hillier, the city and the police have worked together to target cyclists on sidewalks and plan to post signs downtown informing residents that riding a bicycle on city sidewalks is illegal for adults.


Buy a VCR, Rev.

Don Brownell Richmond
Thursday June 20, 2002

To the Editor: 

I send this in response to the Rev. Tom Sanders' letter in the Weekend 15-16 paper. Apparently Rev. Sanders is unaware, perhaps due to extended missionary work, that a device has been available for about 20 years now that can magically record programs from the TV even when no one is awake. It is called a VCR, and it is reasonably certain that if Rev. Sanders can afford a TV he can also afford a VCR.  

It is, perhaps, worthy of note that I am essentially in agreement with his position regarding the Unlimited Possibilities program: I have for years decried the moral bankruptcy of censoring honest sex while celebrating phony violence. Nevertheless, ludicrous arguments make a poor case. 

 

Don Brownell 

Richmond 

 


‘First Love’: A vaudeville of songs, dances

Robert Hall Special to the Daily Planet
Thursday June 20, 2002

Ferociously funny, blatantly bawdy, sharply poignant – that’s “First Love,” playwright Charles Mee’s latest excursion into the troubled territory where human longing breeds thorny tangles of love and hate. East Bay audiences got a double dose of Mee recently. Berkeley Repertory set “Big Love” on a giant pink floor mat, and University of California Dramatic Arts gave us a biting “Orestes.” Those plays were modern versions of Greek myths, set in times of war and pillage, but “First Love,” now at the Magic Theater, examines the oldest war of all, the one between men and women.  

It’s not a pretty sight.  

The play is a two-character work. Scrappy senior citizens, Edith (Joan Mankin) and Harold (Robert Parnell), meet as she nudges him out of sleep on a park bench. “You want peace, go somewhere else,” she snaps when he objects. Her words prove prophetic. Former radicals, the pair connect through the heroes they name: Abby Hoffman, Allen Ginsberg, Ken Kesey. Harold smiles blissfully as he recalls the good old days, and says, “We lost a lot when we lost Communism.” Though they try to keep the spark between them lighted, but blasts of misunderstanding during flirtations and attempts at closeness threaten to extinguish it. 

If this sounds like a downer, however, it’s not. “First Love” is wildly funny, a vaudeville of songs and dances, fantasies and outrageous sex scenes. Mee’s view of our ability to love is skeptical. He expresses that distrust in his illumination of stereotypical behavior such as a man’s penchant for fixing things or a woman’s insistence on marriage with such fierce energy that we can’t help laughing. “This is why women want to shoot men on sight,” Edith cries at one manic moment. Harold glares back. “This is why a man hopes to die of a heart attack,” he growls, and their over-the-top tantrums bring down the house.  

Yet “First Love” isn’t all messy misunderstanding. It has touching moments: reveries and reflections have a special depth because, though this pair have stumbled on true love late in life, they still don’t have the wisdom to make it work. “All life is about is missing my kids,’” Harold reflects sadly, and speaking of love, Edith murmurs, “Without it the world just comes apart.  

“First Love” is funny, but it’s heartbreaking, too.  

Happily Magic Theater’s production sizzles. Director Erin Mee, the playwright’s daughter, polishes the dark and light shadings of her dad’s play to a wicked gloss, and Kate Boyd’s witty, versatile set helps, with airy blue skies, slashes of scarlet, and a giant emblematic rosebud. Tom Ontiveros’s lighting shines nicely on moments of comedy and pathos, while Bo Bell provides subtle sound design. Kira Kristensen’s casual costumes fit characters and meaning to a “t”.  

As for the actors, Lindsay Drummer is charming as the young siren Melodee, who pops up from the floor or out of a wall to make trouble. Stormy but touching Joan Mankin and the shambling, shaggy Robert Parnell are simply terrific. Age-right for their roles, somewhere between 50 and 70, they perform with the energy of kids, seducing with lewd abandon and showing anger with pulsing verve. Mankin’s marathon dish-smashing scene will leave you happily breathless, and her buttock-rubbing scene with Parnell is like nothing you’ve ever seen.  

“Remember Beckett,” Edith says late in the action, appropriate because Mee is clearly inspired by Samuel Beckett. Like “Waiting for Godot ,” his play challenges a pair of symbolic souls with sticking to a rocky road. Their reward is not an unknown savior who will tell them their love has been worthwhile but having a lasting love. Oh, what a long way they traveled to earn it. 

 


Berkeley High school students hold silent peace protest

By David Scharfenberg Daily Planet staff
Thursday June 20, 2002

Julia Cross believes in the sound of silence. 

Cross, a sophomore at Berkeley High School, was the organizer behind a small, silent peace protest at Civic Center Park Wednesday afternoon. 

“So many people around the world are silenced against their will by military force,” said Cross, before the event began. “Through our silence, we give acknowledgment to their suffering.” 

Cross said she organized the protest, in part, as a reaction to events in the Middle East. But she said it represented a call for peace everywhere.  

About fifteen people gathered at noon for the event and sat on the grass in the shape of a peace symbol. 

“Peace is a really complicated issue,” said sophomore Hannah Lesser. “It won’t be enough for a group of youths to sit in a circle in silence and hope for peace, but maybe it will get the ball rolling...Maybe more influential people will be informed on our thoughts and our feelings.” 

Andy Lindemann, a Berkeley High freshman, said a message of peace is important not only in light of world events, but also in the face of violence closer to home. 

“There’s plenty of fighting going on at Berkeley High,” said Lindemann, adding that he is unsure if a new safety plan put in place at BHS in May made a difference. 

Jason Cross, Julia’s brother and 2001 BHS graduate, said there may be a link between violence halfway around the world and local conflict. 

“When things happen worldwide and they’re accepted,” he said, “people are going to have fights here.” 

 


Third season for TV’s ’Soul Food’

The Associated Press
Thursday June 20, 2002

LOS ANGELES — Three years for any television series is considered a decent run. For one like Showtime’s “Soul Food,” it’s a miracle. 

The lifespan of dramatic shows with predominantly black casts, such as “Under One Roof” with James Earl Jones in 1995 and the medical series “City of Angels” in 2000, usually is measured in months. 

“Soul Food” has the advantage of a cable home that doesn’t require the broadcast networks’ mass audience, but its survival remains impressive. Series creator and executive producer Felicia D. Henderson suggests she’s learned from the past. 

Her approach? Be serious, but also funny (“I think that’s important in any show”). Portray black life accurately but relate universal stories. And don’t try to write the book on being a minority in America. 

“You have a lot of pressure to try to show everything, to cover the entire black experience and all that we go through,” she said in an interview from Toronto, where the series is filmed. 

That doesn’t make for good drama, or realism. Neither does focusing too intently on race, Henderson said. 

Being black is “not all we are, all the time. ... Like I get up every day saying ’Oh, what should I do as a black woman today’? That’s not anyone’s life.” 

“Soul Food,” based on the 1997 movie of the same name, is about the closely intertwined lives of three attractive sisters in Chicago. Henderson, with five sisters herself, knows the terrain.


Berkeley takes pride as parade approaches

Mike Dinoffria Special to the Berkeley Daily Planet
Thursday June 20, 2002

Berkeley is honoring one of the area’s openly gay politicians while declaring June “Pride Month.” 

“Berkeley is long over due to have its first lesbian elected to office,” said District 5 Council member, Kriss Worthington, an openly gay council member.  

Rebecca Kaplan of the Alameda County Transit Board was the first person representing Berkeley on the board to say she was a lesbian. The proclamation to recognize Kaplan was unanimously approved by city council at its meeting last week. 

The decree authorizes city manager Weldon Rucker to fly a “pride flag,” which will be done with Kaplan watching at 10 a.m. June 29 at Civic Center Park.  

The event is scheduled one day before San Francisco’s Pride Parade, a celebration on June 30 to which many East Bay residents contribute. 

For many, the flag raising will be a precursor to the Pride Parade a range of other gay pride events scheduled this summer. 

“We are really looking forward to marching again in the SF Pride Parade,” said U.C. Berkeley student Justin Wong. “It is a great opportunity to show off the diversity that is Cal.”  

Berkeley does not have its own Pride Parade. 

“Probably half the people participating in the (San Francisco) parade live in the East Bay,” said East Bay Pride founder and president Pete King. “We feel we don't need a parade, because we feel we already have one.”  

Also coinciding with the Pride Parade in San Francisco next weekend, Out of the Closet clothing store is scheduled to open July 3 on the corner of University Avenue and California Street. Proceeds from sales of Out of the Closet stores will be donated to the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, which provides low-cost healthcare for those living with HIV.  

The “Merchandise is (comprised of) all donations. People are happy to donate,” said store manager Najib Benhaddou. “We accept everything.” The bright pink store in Berkeley is the first of its kind in Northern California. Another store is scheduled to open by July in San Francisco. 

In August and September East Bay Pride will hold its own event. The Sixth Annual East Bay LGBTI Pride Festival is two weeks of activities scheduled to start Aug. 22 with Lighting of the Lake. To celebrate the organization’s sixth anniversary, the colors of the lights will be the six colors of the rainbow. The schedule has not been announced yet, but will include concerts, dances and theater events. 

Later on, Berkeley will hold a Rainbow Pride Brunch on Labor Day. Worthington is enthusiastic about the diversity of the luncheons in the past four annual brunch events that drew “lesbians, gays and bi(sexual)s all together.”  

 


Nickelodeon pushes ahead with same-sex parenting special

The Associated Press
Thursday June 20, 2002

NEW YORK — Nickelodeon is going ahead with a children’s special about same-sex parents, despite receiving so many e-mails that the network had to create a separate address to avoid a computer crash. 

The half-hour report, produced by Linda Ellerbee and featuring Rosie O’Donnell, includes comments from the Rev. Jerry Falwell — who later joined conservative activists in urging Nickelodeon not to air it. 

The network received 100,000 e-mails and phone calls to protest the program, set to air at 9 p.m. EDT Tuesday. 

The Washington-based Traditional Values Coalition has spearheaded the campaign against “Nick News Special Edition: My Family is Different,” sight unseen. 

“It is a cover for promoting homosexuality for kids,” said Andrea Lafferty, the coalition’s executive director. 

Nickelodeon said that’s not so. Ellerbee, in the show’s introduction, says, “The following program is about tolerance ... It is not about sex. It does not tell you what to think.”


Twenty acres burns in Walnut Creek

Staff
Thursday June 20, 2002

A three-alarm grassfire burned about 20 acres in Walnut Creek Tuesday, and was contained within an hour-and-a-half, said a Contra Costa County Fire Protection District official. 

No one was injured and no structures were threatened by the fire that was reported near Rock Spring Place and Walnut Boulevard, just outside the city limits at 4:49 p.m. The blaze was contained at 6:08 p.m.  

Contra Costa County fire crews received help from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. 

The cause of the fire is under investigation.


California could make air standards world’s strictest

By Andrew Bridges The Associated Press
Thursday June 20, 2002

LOS ANGELES — The California Air Resources Board will consider amending the state’s air quality standards for microscopic pollutants to make them the world’s strictest. 

The revised health standards to be considered Thursday concern a class of pollutants made up of particles of soot and dust one-seventh the diameter of a human hair or smaller. 

The tiny particles have been linked to the deaths of thousands of Californians each year. 

The revised standards could exceed those set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency but would lack the penalties contained in federal law. 

“The state standards don’t have the teeth of the federal standards. But they are the state’s definition of what healthy air is, and as such we will work to attain them,” said Air Resources Board spokesman Jerry Martin. 

The proposed amendments would target the state’s annual ambient air quality standard for particles smaller than 10 microns in diameter, or so-called PM10s. A human hair is about 70 microns in width. 

The Air Resources Board estimates that 99 percent of Californians are exposed to air that on an average daily basis exceeds current health standards for PM10. 

Bonnie Holmes-Gen, a lobbyist for the American Lung Association of California, said those standards have not been reviewed for 20 years. 

“Since then, there have been hundreds of new studies on premature mortality, emergency room visits, school absences and other health impacts related to elevated particle levels in the air,” Holmes-Gen said. 

Last month, the Environmental Working Group, a Washington, D.C., advocacy organization, claimed particulate pollution kills 9,300 Californians a year. 

The Air Resources Board estimated that 2,431 tons of the dust and soot were emitted each day in California in 2001 from sources including farms, construction sites, wildfires and the tailpipes of cars, trucks and buses. Dust from roads is the largest single source of the particulate pollution. 

The board will consider dropping the annual average standard to 20 micrograms per cubic meter of air, from the current 30. Standards for daily averages would remain unchanged. 

Cass Andary, director of regulatory programs for the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, said the Southfield, Mich., group opposes the new standards.


SF sues Petco over neglected animals

Staff
Thursday June 20, 2002

SAN FRANCISCO — The city has sued the Petco Animal Supplies Inc. for allegedly keeping dead or poorly cared for animals on the shelves at two San Francisco locations. 

In a suit filed Tuesday in San Francisco, city attorney Dennis Herrera said inspectors and customers found sick and dead birds, a dead moldy turtle and “cooked” toad at the two Petco locations. 

Herrera is seeking a court order blocking Petco stores from selling animals in the city. 

“What was most disturbing was the fact that the cruelty and pattern of brazen violations of San Francisco health and safety standards continued over three years,” Herrera said. 

Animal Care and Control Capt. Vicky Guldbech said one of the city’s Petco stores occasionally has dead animals in display cases and cages. She conducted the store inspections and blamed many of the store’s alleged shortcomings on an untrained staff. 

“The kids who worked there didn’t know the light fixtures (to warm the reptile cages) were turned off, or how to turn them on. The didn’t know how old the food was in the cages,” Guldbech said. “They are untrained young adults who don’t know animal husbandry.” 

A Petco spokesman said he was surprised by the city’s lawsuit since the company’s regional managers regularly visit stores to perform spot inspections. 

“So I would think if a store was cited for something, it would come up the chain, and we would have some knowledge about it,” he said. 

Petco employees reported to city animal control officials that a Bryant Street location Petco store manager ordered them to place dying animals in the freezer. 

At the Sloat Boulevard Petco store, city animal officers seized three iguanas and two sickly chameleons. The iguanas were dehydrated and had to be euthanized. 

A customer who had visited the Bryant Street store reported toads had “cooked to death” on heated floors of their enclosures which contained no water. 

San Diego-based Petco is one of the nation’s largest pet supply retailers. 


Improved Californian economy likely in second half of year

By Simon Avery The Associated Press
Thursday June 20, 2002

LOS ANGELES — California continues to underperform the national economy, but a respected economic report released Wednesday forecasts that the state’s fortunes will improve in the second half of the year, as long as early signs of recovery in the technology sector continue. 

The state economy should get a boost from an increase in exports and a moderate amount of new hiring, according to the quarterly UCLA Anderson Forecast. 

But improvements will be gradual and minor, and Californians will suffer a larger decline in personal income this year than they did in 2001, the report said. 

After accounting for inflation, personal incomes will decline 1.6 percent this year, following a decline of 1.3 percent in 2001. That compares with a forecasted rise of 2.5 percent in personal income for the nation as a whole this year. 

“There’s no doubt, we’ve fallen behind,” said Tom Lieser, an economist and author of the California forecast. 

New hiring will remain “subdued” as employers wait to see improved sales and profitability, the report said. 

In the San Francisco Bay area, where 143,000 jobs disappeared between January 2001 and April, technology firms are still waiting for buying activity to restart before fattening their payrolls. But early signs of growing demand for chips and semiconductor equipment provide some optimism that Silicon Valley is on the path to recovery, Lieser said. 

Southern California has actually generated job growth, but not enough to compensate for the loses in the north. Overall, California lost about 33,000 jobs (0.2 percent of the labor force) in the 12 months ending in April. 

Statewide non-farm employment will rise by a meager 0.2 percent this year, followed by a gain of 2 percent in 2003, according to the UCLA Anderson Forecast. 

Even as job creation picks up, new entrants into the job market will keep the unemployment rate high. It will average 6.4 percent this year and dip to 6.3 percent in 2003 and 6.1 percent in 2004, the report said. 

The state government has been a major generator of jobs through the economic downturn, adding about 60,000 education positions since the end of 2000. But the massive state deficit remains “a major blot” on the economic landscape because it will restrain government spending plans, Lieser said. 

Californians’ declining personal incomes translate into less buying activity. 

Taxable sales adjusted for inflation decreased 4.1 percent last year and should fall another 2.2 percent this year. The drop-off bucks the national trend of consumer spending and occurred even as favorable financing fueled a mini-boom in sales of automobiles, home furnishing and appliances. 

The Legislative Analyst’s Office, which provides economic advice to the state Legislature, also forecasts an improvement in the third and fourth quarters. 

But Brad Williams, the organization’s chief economist, said he’s concerned that consumer demand may slacken and the economy won’t benefit from pent up demand that usually accompanies the beginning of an expansion. 

“It’s a bit of an iffy proposition,” Williams said. “We are betting that business will step up spending in the second half of the year.”


Oil giant BP-ARCO agrees to pay $45.8 million settlement

The Associated Press
Thursday June 20, 2002

SACRAMENTO — Oil giant BP-ARCO has agreed to pay $45.8 million to settle alleged widespread underground gasoline storage tank violations, including the nation’s largest cash penalty in the enforcement of tank regulations, state Attorney General Bill Lockyer said Wednesday. 

The settlement concludes a two-year investigation that found BP-owned Atlantic Richfield Co. failed to make required safety improvements at 59 service stations from Sacramento and Marysville south to San Diego, Lockyer said. 

The company falsely certified that its underground fuel tanks and pipes had been leak-proofed, he alleged, although BP spokeswoman Cheryl Burnett said company officials acted in good faith. ARCO, the state’s largest gasoline supplier, merged with London-based BP Amoco in April 2000. 

ARCO is paying $25 million in direct civil penalties and to cover investigation and enforcement costs, and $20.8 million for improvements to its tanks. 

It also agreed to monitoring and inspection of its 1,178 ARCO stations in California. Any station found in violation will closed immediately until improvements are completed, but Lockyer said he believes all have now been upgraded. 

“Every single one of our sites in California is now beyond compliance,” with double-walled tanks and pipes, Burnett said. “We’re looking forward to putting this behind us.” 

The settlement was filed Wednesday in San Francisco Superior Court, and also settles allegations that the company violated San Francisco certification requirements. It does not settle allegations involving actual leaking gasoline that are pending in Orange County and elsewhere. 

Lockyer alleged the company ignored requirements or misrepresented that upgrades had been completed while ARCO kept selling gas at the 59 stations, taking advantage of a law that allowed companies to self-certify that they were in compliance. 

That gave ARCO an unfair business advantage by postponing closures and upgrade costs, and hiring contractors after the rush by other companies to meet the deadline, he said. 

Burnett said more than 100 agencies oversee the tanks in California, leading to differences in interpreting regulations that resulted in some of the allegations. 

ARCO spent more than $100 million since 1985 upgrading its tanks in California, she said. Gas stations had 10 years to meet a Dec. 22, 1998, deadline to upgrade their tanks. The company temporarily shut down 72 stations until repairs were made, Burnett said.


Anthrax treatment award expected

The Associated Press
Thursday June 20, 2002

SAN DIEGO — Xenerex Biosciences, a unit of Avanir Pharmaceuticals, expects to receive $75,000 from a consortium to help develop a treatment for anthrax toxins. 

In a press release Wednesday, Xenerex said the award was granted by the Center for Commercialization of Advanced Technology, a Defense Department-funded partnership that includes government agencies and San Diego universities. 

Xenerex Biosciences aims to use its proprietary platform technology, which is capable of generating human antibodies to multiple targets, to identify antibodies to anthrax toxins. 

A resulting product, Xenerex said, could neutralize anthrax toxins as a stand-alone therapy or in conjunction with vaccines and antibiotics. 

Since fall, there have been 18 cases of anthrax-laced letters sent through the postal system, including 11 cases of the more serious inhalation type. All told, five people died. 

Drug-discovery concern Avanir had revenue of $6.9 million for the six months ended March 31. Its biggest product is cold-core treatment Abreva, which is marketed by GlaxoSmithKline PLC. 


California Lemon Law turns 20 today

By Stefanie Frith The Associated Press
Thursday June 20, 2002

SACRAMENTO — Three years ago, Rebecca Crane of Modesto bought a Volkswagen Jetta. One month later, the car started having electrical problems. Then the radio blew up. Then the odometer showed she had driven thousands of miles when she had merely driven to the auto mechanic. 

Then the mechanic said he couldn’t do anything with it. 

But thanks to the California Lemon Law, which provides relief to consumers who buy defective vehicles, Crane will receive a settlement check this week to replace her lemon, just in time to celebrate the law’s 20th anniversary Wednesday. 

“This is one of the most significant consumer protection laws available,” Kathleen Hamilton, director of the Department of Consumer Affairs, said during a lemon celebration at the state Capitol. 

Since 1982, the law has protected consumers who buy or lease new vehicles with serious warranty defects that the dealer or manufacturer can’t repair after a reasonable number of attempts. The law has become the model for similar laws enacted in all 50 states. 

Thousands of California consumers have taken advantage of state-certified arbitration, a free way of resolving warranty disputes. The consumer and manufacturer agree to allow a neutral third party, an arbitrator, to determine if the consumer deserves a replacement or a refund. 

In the past six years, the law has generated nearly $1 billion in relief to consumers who purchased defective vehicles. 

Karen Gichtin of Los Angeles, who has bought two lemons in the last seven years, including a 1998 Volvo S70, said she couldn’t believe how the auto dealers and mechanics told her nothing was wrong with her vehicle. 

“A car owner knows their car like a mother knows her child, and still they wouldn’t admit there was a problem,” said Gichtin, who attended a similar rally in Glendale Wednesday. 

In Sacramento, Hamilton heralded the law’s author, former Assemblywoman Sally Tanner, and Consumers for Auto Reliability and Safety founder Rosemary Shahan for creating the law. Shahan, a former lemon owner, picketed outside a dealership in Lemon Grove in 1979, later turning her sign in to lobby for the bill. 

“Our lemon law is one reason our roads are as safe as they are,” Shahan said, “and why vehicle owners in California have the best hope for getting ’a peach.”’


Peace bell rings across Berkeley

By David Scharfenberg, Daily Planet staff
Wednesday June 19, 2002

Peace rang throughout Berkeley Tuesday morning. 

At 11 a.m. on a small outdoor plaza at the Civic Center Building, Mayor Shirley Dean sounded a newly-installed, 450-pound peace bell made of melted guns confiscated by Bay Area police departments. 

“This is not a groundbreaking, it’s a groundcalming,” said Dean at the installation ceremony. “It symbolizes not only the community’s hope for peace but the community’s desire to get guns off the street.” 

Metal sculptor Bruce Hasson, who maintains a studio in Berkeley, crafted the bell in 1995 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the United Nations.  

It sat on display outside the San Francisco War Memorial Building for a month before returning to Hasson’s studio. 

In the last year, UC Berkeley has donated $3,000 to the city toward the purchase of the bell, and hundreds of other Berkeley residents have contributed an additional $17,000. 

Dean is working to raise another $20,000 to complete the purchase of the sculpture and create a display listing the contributors and those they are honoring with their donation. The mayor on Tuesday asked Berkeley residents to help by donating money. 

“I want to thank the mayor and the city of Berkeley and the people of Berkeley for making this a reality,” said Hasson. “I can’t think of a better place to have it than Berkeley.” 

Hasson, who has also created bell sculptures in Italy and Sonoma County to commemorate the death of an American boy killed by Italian bandits, said he came up with the idea during a conversation with an Italian friend. Bells play a significant role in Italian culture, Hasson said. 

Dean’s chief of staff Jennifer Drapeau said the city is thinking about adding olive trees and outdoor furniture to the display. 

“It will be a wonderful place to sit and have lunch and think about peace,” Drapeau said. 

“I hope this vivid monument will remind all of us of the many lives lost to gun violence and our ultimate goal of a safer, less violent America,” said Dean. “Each ring of the peace bell will resonate as a call for peace in our world.” 

The city will hold a more official dedication ceremony once it raises the final $20,000 and puts the contributors’ display in place.


What about dairy farmers?

David A. Dempster
Wednesday June 19, 2002

To the Editor: 

Note: Rick Young filed a ballot initiative to ban the sale of coffee that is not organic, shade-grown or fair trade. 

Rick Young has got to be kidding. Alas, his actions say otherwise. Why, on this earth, should I rely upon a law to tell me how and where to purchase my coffee? 

I might be sympathetic to the argument that one should buy Free Trade coffee in order to support coffee farmers. I might even buy Free Trade Coffee, but that's my choice. Where's the initiative from Mr. Young to the Berkeley electorate in favor of small independent dairy producers? After all, many if not most people who consume coffee amend it with a dairy product (be it half-and-half, whole milk or low fat).  

Small independent dairies are required by law to pay advertising fees to the California Fluid Milk Processor Advisory Board and they reap no benefit in return; these dairies aren't mentioned by name. These small independent dairies are much closer to Berkeley than any coffee farmers. Even so, Mr. Young ignores their plight. Where's Mr. Young's initiative directing Berkeley citizens to buy milk that is produced only by small independent dairies in Bay Area counties? These dairies may fail without our support and with them goes the open spaces used for grazing dairy cattle. The small independent dairy producers have families to support and are vital parts of their communities. It might even be possible that there are more than a handful of Berkeley citizens that actually know and count amongst their friends small independent dairy farmers in Bay Area counties. 

There isn't an initiative directing Berkeleyans to purchase their dairy products from small independent dairies in Bay Area counties because it's ridiculous. A law to tell me how to buy my coffee is a law to be ignored or to be willfully and repeatedly broken. But you wouldn't know what that is, would you, Mr. Young? It's called civil disobedience. 

 

David A. Dempster 

Berkeley 


Out & About Calendar

Staff
Wednesday June 19, 2002


Wednesday, June 19

 

"Part-time Parenting? A Career Networks Forum on Flexible Work Arrangements." 

6:30 to 8:30 p.m.  

Thousand Oaks Elementary 

840 Colusa, Berkeley  

Neighborhood Parents Network.  

Adults only. 

RSVP required: Amy Knowlden at knowlden@earthlink.net or 526-4044.  

$5 NPN Members and $10 for Non-Members.  

 

Berkeley Peace Walk and Vigil 

6:30 pm 

BART Station, Shattuck & Center 

Weekly candle-lit vigil and peace walk to raise awareness and gather support for opposition to the 'war on terrorism' 

vigil4peace@yahoo.com, 528-9217 

 


Thursday, June 20

 

Robert Fisk 

7 p.m. 

First Congregational Church 

2345 Channing Way  

Middle East Correspondent of the  

London Independent, in a benefit to rebuild Jenin refugee camp  

548-0542.  

$20 at Codys, Black Oak, Walden Pond and Modern times, or at WWW.MECAFORPEACE.ORG. 

 

"Women in War" 

7 to 9 p.m. 

University of Creation Spirituality  

2141 Broadway, Oakland 

An evening with international women's rights activist Zainab Salbi 

835-4827 ext. 29 

Suggested Donation $10-$15 

 

Pride Mass 2002 

7 p.m. 

Newman Hall-Holy Spirit Parish 

2700 Dwight Way 

LGBT Catholics celebrate 10 years towards creating a more inclusive world. 

663-6302 

www.calnewman.org 

Free 

 

Berkeley Camera Club  

Weekly Meeting 

7:30 p.m. 

Northbrae Community Church  

941 The Alameda 

Share slides, prints with other  

photographers 

525-3565 

Free 

 

Pacific School of Religion  

1798 Scenic Ave., Berkeley 

The Center for Lesbian and Gay  

Studies in Religion and Ministry hosts 

849-8235 

 

Simplicity Forum 

7 to 8:30 p.m. 

Claremont Branch Library 

2940 Benvenue Ave. 

Discussion on how to lead a  

more simple life 

549-3509, or www.simpleliving.net 

Free 

 

Senior Men's Afternoon 

Pacific Center 

2712 Telegraph Ave. 

Gay senior men discussion group 

2nd & 4th Thursdays. 

548-8283  

Free 

Freedom From Tobacco 

5:30-7:30 Thursday Evenings,  

June 6-July 18 

South Berkeley Senior Center 

2939 Ellis Street  

A quit smoking class 

981-5330 

QuitNow@ci.berkeley.ca.us 

 

Creativity Enhanced  

Career Exploration 

1:30 to 3:30 p.m. 

YWCA, 2600 Bancroft Way 

Techniques to bring clarity to goals. 

848-6370 

 


Friday, June 21

 

Paramount Movie Classics  

The Mummy, with Boris Karloff, 1932 

Doors at 7, Mighty Wurlitzer at 7:30, Newsreel, Cartoon, Previews, and Prize give-away game Dec-O-Win and feature Film 

2025 Broadway 

Oakland  

$5 

 

"Understanding the Achievement  

Gap in the BUSD" 

11:45 for lunch. Speaker begins 12:30 

Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant Ave. 

Shirley Issel, MSW,  

president of the Berkeley Unified  

School District 

$11.00/$12.25, students free. 

 

Berkeley Women in Black 

Noon to 1 p.m. 

Telegraph and Bancroft 

A vigil for peace for Palestine  

and Israel 

548-6310, or www.wibberkeley.org 

 


Saturday, June 22

 

Celebration of Solidarity  

with the People of Afghanistan 

7:30 p.m. 

Trinity United Methodist Church 

2363 Bancroft Way 

Live music and slide presentation by Rona Popal. Benefits a widows project and orphanage in Afghanistan 

883-9252 

$10-$30 

 

Summer Solstice Celebration 

10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

Berkeley Farmers' Market  

Center St. and MLK Way. 

Live music, crafts, and summer  

solstice ritual. 

548-3333 

Free 

 

Emergency Preparedness Classes in Berkeley Disaster Mental Health: Learn about disaster-related  

emotional reactions. 

9 a.m. to noon 

997 Cedar St. 

981-5605 

Free 

 

Town Hall Meeting 

9:30 a.m. to noon  

East Oakland Youth Development Center, 8200 International Blvd. 

Congresswoman Barbara Lee on affordable housing with housing specialists and bank representatives 

763-0370 for reservations 

 


Sunday, June 23

 

Debt Cancellation for  

Impoverished Countries 

Noon 

The Fellowship of Humanity,  

390 27th St. Oakland 

Tony Littmann gives us a brief overview on the causes and effects of the Third World debt crisis 451-5818 or HumanistHall@yahoo.com 

 

Triaxium West and  

Aaron Rosenblum 

8 p.m., ACME Observatory 

Acme Observatory's home at Tuva Space,  

3192 Adeline  

Admission is $0 to $20, sliding scale 

 


Monday, June 24

 

Shakespeare Festival Auditions 

10 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

Berkeley Rehearsal Hall 

701 Heinz Ave. 

California Shakespeare Festival is looking for people aged 14-18 to appear in The Winters Tale. 

548-3422 ext. 105, or www.calshakes.org 

 


Tuesday, June 25

 

Vigil Opposing the Sanctions  

Against the People of Iraq 

12 p.m. 

Oakland Federal Building 

1301 Clay Street 

548-4141 

 

Berkeley Camera Club Weekly Meeting 

7:30 p.m. 

Northbrae Community Church  

941 The Alameda 

Share slides, prints with other  

photographers 

525-3565 

Free 

 

Magic School Bus Festival 

10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. 

Lawrence HallofScience 

Video Adventures. Other events for kids take place every Wednesday through Aug. 21. 

643-5961 

$8 for adults, $6 for ages 5-18, seniors and disabled, $4 for children 3-4, free for children under 3. 

 


Wednesday, June 26

 

Berkeley Peace Walk and Vigil 

6:30 pm 

BART Station, Shattuck & Center 

Weekly candle-lit vigil and peace walk to raise 

awareness and gather support for opposition to the 'war on terrorism' 

vigil4peace@yahoo.com, 528-9217 

Thursday, June 27 

The Lost Spacecraft: Liberty Bell 7  

Recovered 

10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

Chabot Space and Science Center,  

10000 Skyline Blvd. Oakland 

Preview new exhibit of resurrected  

1961 spacecraft 

RSVP June 20, (415) 864-6397 or news@davidperry.com 

 


Friday, June 28

 

Paramount Movie Classics 

Doors at 7, Mighty Wurlitzer at 7:30, Newsreel, Cartoon, Previews, and Prize give-away game Dec-O-Win and feature Film 

2025 Broadway 

Oakland  

The General (1927), starring Buster Keaton, a silent film with live Wurlitzer organ accompaniment by Jim Riggs, playing his original score. 

$5 

 

Berkeley Women in Black 

Noon to 1 p.m. 

Telegraph and Bancroft 

A vigil for peace for Palestine and Israel 

548-6310, or www.wibberkeley.org 

 

Politics in Sacramento 

11:45 for lunch. Speaker begins 12:30 

Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant Ave. 

Dion Aroner, Assemblywoman 

$11.00/$12.25, students free. 

 

"Really Rosie" Kids  

Theater Performances 

7:30 p.m.  

Epworth United Methodist Church, 1953 Hopkins Street in North Berkeley 

"Kids On Stage" Stage Door Conservatory's " programs presents musical theater performances by kids, for kids 

527-5939 or StageDoorCamp@aol.com. 

Free 

 


Saturday, June 29

 

Know Your Rights Training 

11 a.m.- 2 p.m. 

Copwatch Office 

2022 Blake St., Berkeley 

Learn what your rights are and how to observe the police effectively and safely; hosted by Copwatch. 

For more information: 548-0425 

Free 

 

Emergency Preparedness  

Classes in Berkeley 

Disaster First Aid: Learn to apply  

basic first aid techniques. 

9 a.m. to noon 

997 Cedar Street 

981-5605 

 

David Brower Day 

10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

Berkeley Farmers' Market 

Center Street at  

Martin Luther King, Jr. Way 

Free 

 

Stanford Jazz Festival,  

June 29-August 10 

10:30 a.m. kids 7 & under, 11:30 a.m. kids 8-12, Campbell Recital Hall  

Stanford Campus  

Early Bird jazz for kids and families  

with Jim Nadel & Friends 

Free 

 

Maybeck High School  

30th anniversary  

6 p.m. to 10 p.m.  

Piedmont Community Hall  

711 Highland Ave. Piedmont 

Call 841-8489 for reservations 

 


uesday, July 2

 

Adopt A Special Kid (AASK) 

7 p.m. to 9 p.m. 

7700 Edgewater Drive, Suite 320  

Oakland.A workshop for singles or couples, gay and lesbian, experienced or older parents, interested in adoption. 

533-1747, ext. 12. 

 


Saturday, July 6

 

Capoeira Batizado 

2-6 p.m.  

Capoeira Arts Cafe 

2026 Addison, Berkeley 

A celebration of Capoeira with performances by local arts organization. 

For information: 666-1255, www.capoeiraarts.com 

Free 

 


Saturday, July 6 - 

Sunday, July 21

 

Marin Classic Theatre presents "Born Yesterday" 

8 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sunday matinees; 7 p.m. Sundays 

A bittersweet comedy  

by Garson Kanin. 

For information: (415) 892-8551or 

www.MCTheatre.com 

$18 evening performances, $15 matinees 

 


Thursday, July 11

 

Great Sierra Backpacking Destinations 

REI Berkeley, 1338 San Pablo  

Karen Najarian of Sierra Wilderness Seminars presents slides from her more that 20 years exploring the  

Sierra Backcountry. 

For information: 527-4140 

Free 

 


Saturday, July 13

 

Peach / Stone Fruit Tasting 

Tasting & cooking demonstrations 

10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

Berkeley Farmers' Market 

Center Street at Martin Luther King, Jr. Way 

Free 

 

15th Anniversary Derby  

Street Farmers Market 

Live music and & stone-fruit  

and peach tasting 

Tasting & cooking demonstrations. 

Berkeley Farmers' Market 

10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

Derby Street at Martin Luther King, Jr. Way  

Free 

 

Festival of New Versions  

of Classic Asian Games 

Noon to 5 p.m 

Dr Comics and Mr Games 

4014 Piedmont Ave., Oakland  

Dr Comics and Mr Games Hosts Game a festival featuring two new versions of classic Asian board games 

601-7800


Kilmartin, Pickler leading U.S. track meet at Cal

By Dean Caparaz, Special to the Daily Planet
Wednesday June 19, 2002

Donovan Kilmartin lived up to his billing and Julie Pickler surpassed her star sister after Day 1 of the USA Track and Field Junior Outdoor Combined Event Championships at Cal’s Edwards Stadium.Kilmartin, representing Team Idaho, is the leader after five events of the decathlon championship with 3,949 points. Robert Bates, competing unattached, is second with 3,675 points. 

Pickler, who finished third at the heptathlon championship last year, has 3,261 points after four events. She edged twin sister Diana Pickler, the defending junior national champion who has 3,249 points and stands in second place. 

The junior decathlon and heptathlon conclude today just as the senior events, with a decathlon field that includes 1996 Olympic gold medalist Dan O’Brien, begin. 

Kilmartin is the favorite to win the junior meet. The 18-year-old product of Meridian, Idaho, is the defending USA Track and Field Junior Olympic champion. He won last year’s USA junior Olympic competition with a national youth record score of 7,405. He also won last year’s USATF junior pole vault championship with a mark of 15 feet, seven inches, which he will try to defend at the USATF Junior Outdoor Championships at Stanford this weekend. 

The confident Kilmartin, who will be a senior at Eagle High School (Eagle, Idaho) next fall, says he hopes to reach the 7,550 mark in Berkeley. That means he will have to break the national high school record of 7,537, set by Craig Brigham in 1972, and his own personal record of 7,405. He is the only decathlete in the field who has already qualified for this year’s World Junior Championship in Jamaica, meaning he has reached the 7,050 mark. Kilmartin says he?s met or beaten his expected marks at Edwards. He won the 100-meter dash (11.17 seconds), the long jump (23 feet, 8 inches) and the high jump (6 feet, 9inches). He placed fifth in the shot put (40 feet, 7 inches) and third in the 400-meter dash (51.32 seconds). 

“All my marks I’m hitting today,” he said. “I’m actually a little ahead of pace, because I went for a 52 in the 400, got a 51. In the high jump, I put up a 6-8, and I ended up going for 6-9. I lost some points in the shot put, but I picked them up in the 400 and the high jump. Right now, I?m standing pretty good.” 

Julie Pickler won just one event, the 200-meter dash (25.07 seconds), while her twin sister, Diana, won the 100-meter dash (13.88 seconds). Vanderbilt’s Josie Hahn and South Carolina?s Chelsea tied to win the high jump (5 feet, 9 inches) and Amber Metoyer, representing the Boulder Track Club, won the shot put (44 feet, 4 inches). 

Julie and Diana Pickler compete for the Texas Express club from Dallas and will attend Washington State in the fall. 

Julie Pickler broke her old first day PR of 3,208. This is the first time the younger Pickler has led her sister after the first day of the event. 

“She’s usually ahead of me on the first day,” Julie Pickler said, “but we’re usually within 20 points of each other.” 

Julie Pickler, who is four minutes younger than her sister, hopes to place in the top two spots here tomorrow and break the 5,275 mark. She needs to do both to qualify for the World Junior Championship. 

She has never beaten Diana in the heptathlon. 

“As a competitor, you don’t want to lose to anybody,” Diana Pickler said. “But I just want to do well, because I have the (World qualifying) standard and sheneeds to get it. I hope she gets it.”


Fight over justice hall reignites

By Kurtis Alexander, Daily Planet Staff
Wednesday June 19, 2002

Youth advocates prepare cost-saving rehabilitation plan for county leaders 

 

It wasn’t the same unruly scene as last July, when nine activists protesting a new youth detention facility planted themselves on the floor of the County Supervisor chambers until police hauled them away. 

The scene at the county administrative building Tuesday, as the county’s Board of Supervisors discussed sensitive budget issues regarding the youth justice system, was more subdued than that. But the cries of activists calling for rehabilitation instead of more incarceration could still be heard. 

Not discouraged by having lost their battle to stop plans for a larger Juvenile Hall, two youth advocacy groups came back to the county supervisors to continue the fight for more treatment programs for troubled youth. 

Leaders from Youth Force Coalition and Books Not Bars presented a resolution to county leaders outlining an overhaul of the county’s juvenile justice system. The gist of their proposal was rehabilitation in the form of $500,000 in treatment centers at which youth could get help instead of being locked up. 

County supervisors, though uncertain about a time frame, received the resolution with unexpected warmth. They agreed unanimously to send the measure to committee with the possibility that the groups’ ideas could be in next year’s budget. 

“We cannot afford to dismiss, as a county, any revenue-saving activities,” said County Supervisors Keith Carson. Carson, with support from Supervisor Nate Miley and opposition from the other board members, had unsuccessfully urged for more study of how juvenile delinquents are handled before pursuing a new detention facility. 

The resolution embraces the argument that incarceration, in addition to being an ineffective means of rehabilitation, is more expensive than treatment programs. 

Citing statistics from the county’s Probation Department, the youth advocates noted that the cost of detaining a youth at Juvenile Hall is $150 a day. The advocates say their plan would cost the county less than $100 a day. 

Last July, facing overcrowded conditions at the county’s current 299-bed Juvenile Hall in San Leandro, county leaders voted to move forward with a new 450-bed facility. 

The new facility was slated for Dublin, but that and other details are still being worked out. Construction must start by 2005 to qualify for state funding. 

Rachel Jackson, state field director for Books Not Bars, said that though her organization fought fruitlessly to halt the new Juvenile Hall, their charge now is to reduce the need for more youth incarceration. 

“They’re not going to stop expansion unless we can decrease the detention population,” she said. 

The resolution put forth Tuesday, Jackson said, is just the way to do that. 

In addition to the creation of three new “day reporting centers” where youth can receive treatment, the resolution calls for the establishment of two new county staff positions. One position would monitor the new youth centers and one position would expedite the processing of youth court cases. 

The plan, which its authors say entails a start-up cost of $615,000, would be administered largely by non-profit groups who would work hand in hand with county officials. The start-up cost, authors say, would be offset by a $2 million annual savings by avoiding costly incarceration. 

“We urge the county to make a small investment now and reap cost savings later,” said Shaista Azad with Books Not Bars. 


Cat rescue

Chadidjah McFall
Wednesday June 19, 2002

To the Editor: 

I would like to address some questions to the neighbors of the yellow, one-story home on Fairview Street in south Berkeley, where a few feral cats who roam at large in the neighborhood are fed.  

How can we teach our children to respect the value of human life if we hold the lives of animals, with whom they can identify, cheaply? And if we are not on the side of life and against unnecessary killing, wherever and whenever it is possible, how can we be sincerely on the side of life and against unnecessary killing at all? 

The Fairview Street cats are all altered — they will not be having kittens or creating a population explosion. How can they do you any serious harm? 

It is the goal of animal rescue organizations to create controlled situations in which the lives of animals may be spared in a responsible way. How can a civilized human being be opposed to this? When we rescue animals, we learn how to rescue ourselves. It is a lesson we need to learn. 

 

Chadidjah McFall 

Berkeley


South Korea in, Japan out in World Cup

By Barry Wilner, The Associated Press
Wednesday June 19, 2002

YOKOHAMA, Japan — South Korea survived the pressure of the knockout round of the World Cup on Tuesday. Japan, its co-host, didn’t. 

Ahn Jung-hwan, who earlier missed a penalty kick, scored 27 minutes into overtime as South Korea sent another soccer giant packing, edging Italy 2-1. Ahn was so exhausted after his header found the net he simply collapsed in the corner before his teammates rushed over to pile on in celebration. 

The singing, chanting crowd at Daejeon was nearly as spent as the players from the dramatic 117 minutes of action. But the fans began waving flags as South Korea moved into the quarterfinals, and several of the flags were thrown onto the field for the players to run around with. 

“We made it to the last eight because of the big support from the fans,” defender Kim Tae-young said. “We will catch Spain in the quarterfinals — please trust us.” 

It was a far cry from the scene in Miyagi, Japan, where Turkey knocked out the Japanese team 1-0. There, bitter tears flowed. 

But in South Korea, the tears were joyful, as the Koreans move on to meet Spain on Saturday at Gwangju. 

“They’re all best players, the players who came on and the players on the bench. We’re all the best,” said coach Guus Hiddink, a Dutchman hired to turn around a team that never won a game in five World Cups. “The people must celebrate. They’re normal, hard-working people.” 

Italy, a three-time champion, joined defending titlist France, Argentina and Portugal on the sidelines. The only other time an Asian team made the quarterfinals, it was North Korea in 1966 — with a victory over Italy. 

Italy was down to 10 men when Francesco Totti was ejected with his second yellow card 13 minutes into overtime. Referee Byron Moreno of Ecuador called Totti for diving, although he appeared to fall over the ball. 

Earlier, Gianluigi Buffon made a diving save on Ahn’s penalty kick in the 5th minute. Then Italy’s top scorer, Christian Vieri, headed in a corner kick in the 18th for his fourth goal of the tournament. 

But Seol Ki-hyeon tied it on a last-gasp attack in the 88th minute after a mistake in the Italian defense. 

South Korea had two more excellent chances before extra time, and Vieri missed an open net with seconds remaining. 

The victory meant all five major FIFA confederations made the final eight. 

Turkey plays Senegal in Osaka, Japan on Saturday. The United States faces Germany in Ulsan, South Korea on Friday, when England and Brazil play in Shizuoka, Japan. 

The United States is the longest shot in the field at 25-1. Brazil is the top choice of English bookmakers at 12-5. 

Tears and raindrops marked Japan’s loss to the Turks. 

Umit Davala’s head, fashioned with a Mohawk hairdo, met Ergun Penbe’s corner kick in the 12th minute. Davala was unchallenged by the Japanese defense and powered in the only goal. 

Japan could not retaliate in a constant downpour, and Turkey had its first spot in the quarterfinals.


UC professor again urges Asian Americans to abstain from working at Lawrence lab

By David Scharfenberg, Daily Planet staff
Wednesday June 19, 2002

Federal report raises new questions about discrimination 

 

Amid new reports of possible discrimination at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and two other national weapons labs, UC Berkeley ethnic studies professor Ling-chi Wang says he will press ahead with an Asian American boycott of the facilities, but hopes to end it soon. 

Wang is calling for Asian Americans to abstain from seeking employment with the national labs. 

Last month the General Accounting Office, the investigative wing of the U.S. Congress, released a report finding that between 1998 and 2000 salaries for minority men and women and white women at the labs were generally lower than those of white men.  

The paper also noted that women of every ethnicity earned less than their male counterparts of the same ethnicity.  

The report made no judgment on whether discrimination played a role in the disparities, but Wang said the evidence is clear. 

“Everything I’ve been saying has been substantiated and reinforced by the GAO report,” said Wang, who launched the boycott in March 2000 in reaction to the Wen Ho Lee spy case. 

In addition to Lawrence Livermore, the study examined Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico and Sandia National Laboratory, operated by Lockheed Martin, which has facilities in California and New Mexico. 

The University of California runs Lawrence Livermore and Los Alamos. 

Weapons lab officials dispute the validity of the GAO report. Los Alamos spokesperson Kevin Roark said the analysis fails to take vital considerations such as education and years of service into account in comparing salaries. 

“They were constantly comparing apples and oranges and making exceptions for strawberries,” said Roark, noting that a study commissioned by Los Alamos a year-and-a-half ago found no salary discrepancies for Asian/Pacific Islanders. 

Lawrence Livermore spokesperson Lynda Seaver said the study did not include enough employees in its managerial job category and as a result, underestimated the number of minority managerial promotions. 

In March, Wang and federal officials said they were close to an agreement that would reform hiring and promotion practices at the labs in exchange for an end to the boycott. Wang said he would even work with the labs to recruit more Asian American scientists. 

But last week, Wang told the Planet that he is still awaiting final approval. Roark said the National Nuclear Security Administration of the U.S. Department of Energy, which oversees all three labs, is still reviewing the agreement. 

Wang said there are three basic issues at the labs: racial profiling, salary disparities and discrimination in recruitment, promotion and participation in coveted research projects. 

Seaver acknowledged that minority recruitment is “an ongoing issue,” but said the lab “has stepped up a number of recruitment efforts.” 

“We want a diverse workforce, so we have to reach out to them,” she said, describing augmented campus outreach. 

The GAO report found that in 2000, 19 percent of employees at Lawrence Livermore were minorities, compared with 27 percent at Sandia and 34 percent at Los Alamos. 

“We’re certainly looking to have a workforce that reflects our community,” said Seaver, arguing that, while employment figures were low a decade ago, the lab has seen a “nice, steady increase” in minority employment in recent years. 

According to the GAO report, 18 percent of Lawrence Livermore staff were minorities in 1995, compared with 19 percent in 2000, with slight increases of Asian Americans and Latinos and slight decreases of African Americans and Native Americans.


Coffee is for the birds

Alan Kaplan
Wednesday June 19, 2002

To the Editor 

Coffee is for the birds. Shade-grown coffee and migratory song birds, that is.  

Many of the birds we enjoy locally in Tilden Park and throughout the Pacific States now depend on shade-grown coffee plantations for winter habitat and survival. 

For example, 60 percent of El Salvador's designated “forest” is actually coffee plantations. Rick Young's ballot proposal would promote the wider use of shade-grown coffee, creating a greater incentive for coffee producers from Mexico to Colombia and beyond to maintain habitat that both produces a better cup of coffee and aids the survival of “our” birds. 

Alan Kaplan 

El Cerrito


Cal Hosts Futures Tennis Tournament

Staff
Wednesday June 19, 2002

BERKELEY - The 2002 USTA Berkeley Futures Tournament begins Tuesday at the Hellman Tennis Courts on the Cal campus. The $15,000 prize money tournament is sure to feature hotly contested battles as budding tennis professionals fight for precious ATP points and money prizes (Collegiate players compete as amateurs and do not accept prize money.). The tournament features eight players ranked inside the world's top 500 in singles.  

Several local standouts will certainly draw vocal fans. Cal's John Paul Fruttero, fresh off last week's title run at the Sunnyvale Futures, will begin his assault on his home turf Tuesday in doubles and Wednesday in singles. Wednesday's match pits Fruttero against fourth-seeded Alun Jones of Australia, ranked 382nd in the world.  

Fruttero's recent win in Sunnyvale is his first Futures title and the best result of a Cal player in a pro tournament in recent years. In the final, he defeated Machihisa Onoda of Japan, seeded seventh at the Berkeley Futures.


Bicyclist killed, meeting called

By Matt Liebowitz and Devona Walker Daily Planet Staff
Wednesday June 19, 2002

Community members in south Berkeley have launched a petition-drive in the wake of the death of a 68-year-old Berkeley bicyclist killed Monday around 8:30 a.m. after a car struck him near the corner of Fairview and Adeline Streets. 

Hewitt Nelson was taken to Alameda County Hospital in Oakland where he was pronounced dead shortly after he arrived, said Berkeley police Cpt. Bobby Miller. 

Though the driver was not cited, Miller said that when any accident involves a motor vehicle, a law is violated. 

A witness to the accident, artistic director of the Black Repertory Theatre Sean Vaughn-Scott, said the community of south Berkeley has been advocating for years for something to be done about the “dangerous intersection.” 

“For how long, for as long as I can remember,” Vaughn-Scott said. “We’ve had meetings, and we were listened to but nothing was done. We were basically told that someone would have to die before we could get a stop light on that corner.” 

Miller offered advice for cyclists’ safety.  

For one, make sure when crossing the street that motorists yield the right-of-way. 

“It’s a defensive riding mechanism,” he said. “Make eye-to-eye contact. Bicyclists have the same rights, but they have to be certain that cars recognize their right-of-way.”  

Vaugh-Scott said he is not pointing fingers, but that somewhere, someone dropped the ball as it relates to the real concerns of members of his community. “And what’s important is who’s going to be the one to do something about it — in addition to getting the stop light,” he added. 

In the last month-and-a-half there have been four accidents on that corner, Vaugh-Scott said.  

Shortly after the accident, he and other community members — including merchants and residents — decided independently to host a community meeting to address the issue and to get signatures for a petition that would force the city’s hand in providing the intersection with a stop light. 

The meeting is scheduled 7 Monday night at the Black Reperatory Theater, 3201 Adeline St.


Ready, or not?

Daniel Barth
Wednesday June 19, 2002

To the Editor: 

I do not wish to contribute to the fear that defines our world these days.  

However, it seems that there isn’t a more appropriate time for us to adopt a proactive disaster readiness strategy that prepares us for local emergencies.  

One thing is certain: we will continue to experience emergencies – power failure, severe weather and floods, fire, explosions, chemical accidents, terrorism, civil unrest, weapons of mass destruction, earthquake. The disruption of our daily lives will be magnified for people who already live on the margins – seniors, non-English speaking people, disabled, undocumented people, medically fragile, very low-income and others who have special needs and are typically left out when times get tough.  

With all the talk about creating security in this unsafe world, some basic steps are not being taken here at home, where we are so disaster-prone. We don’t have a system in place that is ready to support all the schools, clinics, nursing homes, residential sites, service organizations, food pantries, church programs – all of the organizations that serve the diversity of our city in times of daily crisis. In a disaster, we need these groups, who today provide much of our social infrastructure, to continue their work and indeed provide the core of services alongside the city, county and Red Cross’ mass sheltering and public safety. Community-based organizations must meet disaster with efficiency and creativity. Don’t expect government to do this. CBOs need to be prepared for emergencies, integrated with government, and supported so they can expand their reach to meet multifold disaster needs. Neither these organizations or government can prepare our communities alone.  

We have a model organization to do just that: Collaborating Agencies Responding to Disasters (CARD), which was created after the 1989 earthquake.  

But the city and county by and large still do not accept responsibility for a public/non-profit partnership. Until Berkeley and the county embrace such an organization, our readiness will be modeled on avoidance and inability to get beyond our fears.  

 

Daniel Barth 

Building Opportunities  

for Self-Sufficiency (BOSS) 

Berkeley


City manager to meet with unions

By Kurtis Alexander, Daily Planet Staff
Wednesday June 19, 2002

Amid pressure from four labor unions, Berkeley’s city manager said Tuesday night that he would begin meeting with union leaders today to resolve a contentious contract dispute between city management and more than 1,000 municipal workers. 

Weldon Rucker’s announcement follows a statement released Monday stating that the city’s four unions, representing more than 60 percent of the municipal workforce, were teaming up to strengthen their bargaining position against the city’s contract negotiating team. 

The unions’ demands for better wages and benefits come ill-timed as the city seeks to patch up a $2.8 million deficit before the state’s June 30 deadline. 

\ In addition, the city faces a July deadline for restructuring its employee retirement plan with the state, an issue contingent upon current contract negotiations. 

“If we extend [the negotiation process], it will get costly,” said Rucker. 

Delays in revamping the city’s Public Employee Retirement System mean missing out on more than $1 million through refinancing, explained Tom Farrell, a union representative. 

Rucker noted that the city was considering a “vast array” of retirement packages, and said that lags in contract negotiations were partially due to the failure of unions to reach consensus about which plan the city should select. 

Union leaders, though, said that the city’s negotiating team was to blame for not reaching a contract after more than six months of negotiations. 

“We can’t get them to move [on the compensation package]” said Sandra Lewis, president of the Clerical Chapter of Local 790 of Service Employees International Union. “We have to be willing to meet each other in the middle.” 

Union leaders, in the joint statement wanted cost of living adjustments for city civilian workers that are comparable to those recently allotted for city police officers. 

The police were awarded hikes as high as 31 percent, noted Kathy Rollins, business agent for Local One. Meanwhile, the city’s negotiating team wants us to accept increases of 2 percent, she said. 

“You have a class workforce, and you only want to give us crumbs that are left over after you’ve dealt with public safety officers,” Rollins said of city management. 

City Councilmember Dona Spring said that employee salaries are based on what other city’s employees earn, not on favoritism. Spring noted, however, that she sympathized with the unions’ calls for a pay hike. 

Employee contracts expire July 6 but sources close to the private negotiations say its unlikely that a new contract will be signed by this date. 

“We all want this concluded as quickly and fairly as possible,” said Mayor Shirley Dean. 

The four unions in collaboration include Local One, Local 790 of Service Employees International Union, Local 535 of SEIU and Local 1245 of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. The unions are made up of a range of professionals from mid-level managers to technical and trade positions. 


History

Staff
Wednesday June 19, 2002

On June 19, 1953, Julius and Ethel Rosenberg, convicted of conspiring to pass U.S. atomic secrets to the Soviet Union, were executed at Sing Sing Prison in Ossining, N.Y. 

On this date: 

In 1586, English colonists sailed from Roanoke Island, N.C., after failing to establish England’s first permanent settlement in America. 

In 1862, slavery was outlawed in U.S. territories. 

In 1910, Father’s Day was celebrated for the first time, in Spokane, Wash. 

In 1934, the Federal Communications Commission was created. 

In 1952, 50 years ago, the celebrity-panel game show “I’ve Got A Secret” made its debut on CBS-TV with Garry Moore as host. 

In 1963, Soviet cosmonaut Valentina Tereshkova returned to Earth after spending nearly three days as the first woman in space. 

In 1964, the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was approved after surviving an 83-day Senate filibuster. 

In 1982, in a case that galvanized the Asian-American community, Vincent Chin, a Chinese-American, was beaten to death outside a nightclub in Highland Park, Mich., by auto worker Ronald Ebens.  

Ten years ago: Results in Ireland showed voters overwhelmingly approving the Maastricht Treaty on a European union. Russian President Boris Yeltsin addressed the Canadian Parliament, saying his country had abandoned totalitarianism for democracy. 

Five years ago: President Clinton welcomed world leaders to Denver on the eve of an economic summit. McDonald’s won a libel case in London against two vegetarian activists, even though the judge said he agreed with some of the defendants’ sharpest criticisms of the fast-food giant. 

One year ago: Strapped to the same padded gurney on which Oklahoma City bomber Timothy McVeigh died, drug kingpin Juan Raul Garza received a chemical injection and became the second inmate in eight days to be executed by the U.S. government. A jury in San Jose, Calif., convicted Andrew Burnett of tossing a little dog to its death on a busy highway in a bout of road rage. He was sentenced to three years in prison for the death of Leo, a fluffy white bichon frise. 

Today’s Birthdays: Actress Gena Rowlands is 66. Singer Spanky MacFarlane (Spanky and Our Gang) is 60. Nobel peace laureate Aung San Suu Kyi is 57. Actress Phylicia Rashad is 54. Rock singer Ann Wilson (Heart) is 52. Musician Larry Dunn is 49. Actress Kathleen Turner is 48. Singer Mark DeBarge is 43. Singer-dancer Paula Abdul is 40. Actor Andy Lauer is 37. Actor Bumper Robinson is 28.


Experts scratching heads over dog attack ruling

By David Kravits, The Associated Press
Wednesday June 19, 2002

SAN FRANCISCO — Legal experts were left scratching their heads following an unexpected ruling Monday in the San Francisco dog mauling trial. 

San Francisco County Superior Court Judge James L. Warren threw out the second-degree murder conviction of Marjorie Knoller, the San Francisco woman whose dogs fatally mauled a neighbor in the hallway of the apartment complex where they lived. 

But whether the judge’s move bars prosecutors from retrying her is open to interpretation. 

Warren ruled that Knoller could be tried again on second-degree murder charges stemming from Diane Whipple’s death. But he also ruled there was insufficient evidence when the jury convicted her the first time in March, and reduced the charges to manslaughter carrying a potential four-year term. 

Terence Hallinan, the outspoken San Francisco district attorney, wasn’t even sure whether his office had the legal right to bring her before a jury a second time. 

“Whether we can retry it or not, we’re not exactly clear. It’s a much trickier question than that,” Hallinan said. 

The judge set a hearing for next month, when Hallinan will ask the judge to reinstate the murder conviction that carries a mandatory 15-years-to-life sentence. 

Knoller’s attorney, Dylan Schaffer, also was unsure of whether his client could be retried. And Kimiko Burton, the public defender in this city abuzz with the case, said a retrial was possible. 

“It probably is legally possible,” she said. “I think technically she can be retried.” 

Santa Clara Law School scholar Gerald Uelmen said a new trial was barred. “A retrial is precluded,” he said. 

A new trial would violate double jeopardy, a legal protection that forbids persons from being retried “over and over,” Uelmen said. 

Knoller was charged with murder because she was handling the dogs at the time of the attack while her husband was away. 

The judge allowed Noel’s manslaughter conviction to stand and sentenced him Monday to four years. The wife’s sentencing was delayed to give prosecutors the chance to challenge the ruling throwing out Knoller’s murder conviction.


Air tanker that crashed had undergone repairs of wings

Staff
Wednesday June 19, 2002

WALKER — The air tanker that crashed killing three crew members fighting a Sierra Nevada wildfire had undergone repairs to fix wing cracks, a representative for the plane’s owner said Tuesday. 

The C-130A Hercules under contract with the Forest Service had just completed a pass over the blaze when its wings snapped off and the fuselage plunged to the ground Monday and burst into a ball of flames in the town of Walker. 

Hawkins & Powers Aviation Inc. notified the Federal Aviation Administration in April 1998 that an inspection discovered two 1-inch cracks in the surface or “skin” of one of the wings of the plane made by Lockheed, an FAA document obtained by The Associated Press shows. 

The damage was repaired and no problems had been reported since, a company employee said Tuesday night. 

The 46-year-old air tanker passed its last major inspection in October. 

“All I can tell you is there were some wing repairs done to the aircraft. I don’t know the extent of that,” said Diane Nuttall, an administrative assistant at Hawkins & Powers in Greybull, Wyo.


Mayor elected to serve on U.S. advisory board

Daily Planet News Services
Wednesday June 19, 2002

Berkeley Mayor Shirley Dean was voted by her colleagues Tuesday to serve as a member of the Advisory Board of the U.S. Conference of Mayors during their 70th annual meeting in Madison, Wis. The board provides leadership and guidance to the development and implementation of conference policy and programs. 

J. Thomas Cochran, executive director of the conference, said Dean would help ensure the mayors "establish and promote a strong agenda that addresses the needs of America's working families.'' 

The U.S. Conference of Mayors is the official nonpartisan organization of cities with populations of 30,000 or more. There are 1,139 such cities in the country, each represented in the conference by its chief elected official, the mayor. 

The primary role of the conference is to promote the development of effective national urban/suburban policy, strengthen federal-city relationships and ensure that federal policy meets urban needs. It also provides mayors with leadership and management tools and creates a forum in which mayors can share ideas and information.


State program will pay companies to cut power use

By Jennifer Coleman, The Associated Press
Wednesday June 19, 2002

SACRAMENTO — The California Power Authority announced a program Tuesday to pay large industrial power users to cut their electricity use on demand — paying less than they would for actual energy and resulting in less pollution. 

The program has several advantages over building new power plants, said Power Authority Chief Executive Officer Laura Doll, including that the companies won’t have to shut down completely to meet their obligation. 

It can also be targeted to regions where it is difficult to send electricity because of grid congestion, such as the San Francisco Bay Area, said S. David Freeman, chairman of the Power Authority. 

The program will rely on satellite technology and real-time electric meters to dim air conditioners or lights automatically when the state’s power buyers call on the companies in the programs. 

“This is cheaper,” said Freeman, “and it’s quicker.” 

The Power Authority estimates the program will cost $7 million this year, and will be able to call on up to 250 megawatts of energy. One megawatt is approximately enough energy to operate 750 homes. 

APX, an energy scheduling company, will be paid $750,000 this year to administer the program.  

As more power users are enrolled, APX’s fee will rise to about $2 million a year. 

The California program is similar to ones offered in other states, except that California power traders won’t have to wait until reserves are low to call on the conservation, said John Yurkanin, APX’s chief executive officer. 

When the program reaches its goal of having 1,000 megawatts to call on by next summer, it will be twice as large as any program in the country, Yurkanin said.  

That’s roughly the equivalent to building 20 peaker plants, typically 50-megawatt plants that operate only when demand is the highest, he said. 

Companies who sign up for the program will get a monthly reserve payment, Doll said, and next year, they’ll also get paid for the energy they save. 

Enclosed shopping centers are ideal customers, Freeman said, because cooling the common areas takes a lot of energy “and the owners of shopping centers have an interest in seeing that people go into the shops. So we see a big market there.” 

Other customers who would be good candidates include state offices, universities and manufacturers who can move their use to off-peak times, Yurkanin said. 

The Independent System Operator, manager of much of the state’s power grid, also operates an “interruptible” program that can call on up to 1,400 megawatts of energy.  

Those programs offer large business and industrial customers a lower electricity rate if they will cut their power use when the ISO’s reserves drop. 

A brush fire near Gorman, Calif. Tuesday prompted the ISO to order Southern California Edison to cut 800 megawatts through the utility’s interruptible program. 

The fire forced two major transmission lines to go offline, ISO officials said. They urged Southern California residents to conserve energy Tuesday evening to ease pressure on the grid in that area. 


Razor reinvents the low-rider tricycle

Staff
Wednesday June 19, 2002

It’s a steel version of the plastic Big Wheel 

 

LOS ANGELES — The company that reignited the craze for scooters two years ago is hoping to ride the nostalgia wave once again, this time with a souped up version of a low-rider tricycle 

Razor USA is introducing the “Scream Machine,” a shiny steel and plastic version of the plastic “Big Wheel” tricycle popular in the 1970s. It has a rubber front tire, a hand brake and adjustable seat. 

Unlike the older plastic versions, the large front wheel allows for coasting at high speeds without the foot pedals also moving, often too fast for small feet to keep up. 

“The thrill of going fast and having fun never goes out of style,” Razor USA President Carlton Calvin said. 

The new toy will be unveiled Wednesday in New York. The suggested retail price is $99. 

Razor USA hit it big in 2000 with its Razor scooter, a flashy, compact, foot-powered version of the 1950s favorite. 

Last year, the company, based in Cerritos, Calif., introduced its take on the pogo stick, the air-powered “Airgo.” 

The company also makes BMX bikes and apparel. 


Intel shutting down its Web hosting service

By Matthew Fordahl, The Associated Press
Wednesday June 19, 2002

Several hundred people worked at data centers around the world 

 

SAN JOSE — Chip-making giant Intel Corp. on Tuesday said it plans to shut down its Web hosting service and as a result will take a $100 million charge in the second quarter. 

Intel Online Services operations will be phased out over the next year. The company said it will work with customers to ensure a smooth transition to other providers. 

“While IOS has been successful in attracting new customers, market trends and financial projections for the hosting services industry lead us to today’s decision,” said Dalibor Vrsalovic, the subsidiary’s president. 

The business employed several hundred people at eight data centers around the world, according to Intel spokeswoman Christine Chartier. Many will be absorbed into Intel’s other divisions, she said. 

Intel never disclosed how much money the hosting division generated since its launch in the late 1990s during the height of the dot-com boom. 

The $100 million charge, which was not part of the company’s second-quarter forecasts, reflects the write down of capital assets and other costs associated with phasing out the business. 

In recent months, the maker of Pentium and other microprocessors has been refocusing on its core chip-making business. 

In October, Intel announced it was exiting its computer gadget business, which included digital cameras, digital music players and a toy microscope that plugged into PCs. 

Shares of Intel lost 54 cents, to $22.02, in Tuesday trading on the Nasdaq Stock Market. After the announcement, shares lost another 87 cents in extended trading.


Peregrine cuts 1,400 jobs

Staff
Wednesday June 19, 2002

SAN DIEGO — Peregrine Systems Inc. is axing 1,400 jobs, or nearly its half work force, and closing some of its offices to cut costs amid an investigation by federal securities regulators. 

Peregrine officials said Tuesday the company will reduce the number of employees from 2,900 to 1,500 in its U.S. offices. It was not immediately known how many locations would be closed. 

“This work force reduction will help Peregrine sustain long-term viability,” said Gary Greenfield, who was named chief executive two weeks ago. “These actions will have minimal impact on our customers and the level of services and support we offer.” 

The business-software company has admitted it may have overstated as much as $100 million in revenue. Peregrine is under formal investigation by the Securities and Exchange Commission and said it will restate three years of earnings. 


GOP candidate unveils Spanish-language campaign

By Erica Werner, The Associated Press
Wednesday June 19, 2002

LOS ANGELES — Republican gubernatorial candidate Bill Simon launched his first television and radio ads of the general election campaign Tuesday — in Spanish. 

Leaving unanswered for now an English-language attack ad Democratic Gov. Gray Davis launched a week ago, Simon is instead taking to the airwaves across the state to court a constituency that tends to vote solidly Democratic. 

The 30-second spot criticizing Davis’ education record and proclaiming Simon’s focus on schools began airing throughout the state on Spanish-language powerhouses Univision and Telemundo as well as cable network Galavision and two radio stations. 

Simon speaks in Spanish at the end of the ad, saying, “The future of California depends on our children, yours and mine.” 

“The Latino community is an extraordinarily high priority of this campaign. We’re confident we can break recent records in receiving support from the Latino community,” said chief Simon strategist Sal Russo in unveiling the ad at a Sacramento press conference. 

“I think that coming out with your first foot forward being a Spanish-language media buy touting your record on education and speaking a little Spanish, that’s clever, it’s astute,” said Antonio Gonzalez, president of the William C. Velasquez Institute, which studies Latino voting. 

“It’s a symbolic buy that sends an important message of inclusion and tolerance, and it signals to the English-speaking world, ’Hey, I’m not who you think I am.’ ” 

President Bush, who enjoyed good relations with Hispanics as governor of Texas, has personally championed Latino voter outreach efforts and Republican candidates nationwide have been following his lead. 

Bush worked hard to woo Hispanics in the 2000 election and got about 35 percent of the Hispanic vote nationwide and 28 percent in California. Republicans have had a difficult history in the state, in part because of GOP backing for anti-illegal immigrant Proposition 187 in 1994. 

But Gonzalez said that the bulk of Hispanic voters are up for grabs for the right candidate. 

Russo said he hopes Simon, a conservative businessman who’s making his first run for public office, will “greatly exceed” Bush’s 2000 showing in California. He cited Simon’s background in charity work as appealing to the Latino community. 

Davis press secretary Roger Salazar dismissed Simon’s potential strength with Hispanic voters. 

“I think the Latino community has heard these types of empty promises from Republicans before and they understand that substance is more important than a small television ad,” he said, adding that the governor plans an extensive Spanish-language media campaign of his own. 

Davis, whose $30 million campaign treasury dwarfs Simon’s, spent millions in the last two weeks on airtime for the ad attacking Simon’s business record as well as two positive spots that went on the air June 5. 

Television commercials are considered key to reaching voters in sprawling California but they are costly, more so on English- than Spanish-language stations. 


State to give pills to people living near nuclear plants

Staff
Wednesday June 19, 2002

SAN CLEMENTE — State officials plan to give potassium iodide tablets to more than 400,000 people living within 10 miles of two nuclear power plants that could protect the public if they are exposed to radiation. 

Pills will be given to 421,000 residents in northern San Diego County and southern Orange County who live near the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station. About 22,000 residents who live near Diablo Canyon power plant in San Luis Obispo County also will receive the pills. 

The move comes six months after the Nuclear Regulatory Commission offered the pills to 34 states with nuclear power reactors. Only 11 states have passed out the pills to residents, while officials in Ohio and Pennsylvania have requested them. 

Officials said the preventive measures were given more consideration following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. Although there have been no specific threats against any of the nation’s 103 nuclear plants, federal officials realize an attack or an accident could spread radioactive contamination over wide areas. 

Southern California Edison, which owns San Onofre’s two working 1,120-megawatt reactors, maintains that the plant is adequately protected. 

A study conducted 20 years ago showed that if the dome on one of San Onofre’s two reactors broke, it could result in 27,000 deaths within the year, and another 18,000 over the long-term. 

Potassium iodide pills do not protect people from all types of radiation poisoning. However, it can protect the thyroid from absorbing radioactive iodine if taken in the first four hours of exposure.


Sonoma County to pay $1 million to family of woman killed by husband

Staff
Wednesday June 19, 2002

SAN FRANCISCO — Sonoma County will pay $1 million to the family of a woman killed by her estranged husband even though she had a restraining order against him and repeatedly appealed for sheriff’s deputies to enforce it. 

Under the settlement, announced Tuesday in federal court, county officials do not admit either negligence or wrongdoing. 

Those were the claims of the family of Maria Teresa Macias, 36, who was shot by her abusive husband in April 1996 as she was heading with her mother to a housecleaning job in Sonoma. 

Macias, who was born in Mexico, approached sheriff’s deputies at least nine times in the weeks before she was killed asking them to shield her from her husband’s stalking and threats — as her restraining order mandated. 

Lawyers for her mother and three children sought $15 million on the principle that the sheriff’s department was liable for Macias’ death because it did not intervene.


Kindergarten to college, with no high school?

Staff
Wednesday June 19, 2002

SACRAMENTO — California’s brightest students might be allowed to skip from elementary school directly to college, missing high school altogether, under legislation recently approved by the state Assembly. 

Students of any age, even kindergarten, could take the state’s high school proficiency examination under the bill, AB 2607, written by Assemblywoman Lynne Leach, R-Walnut Creek. 

Passage of the test — which measures reading, writing and arithmetic skills — would allow students to enter community colleges as if they had obtained their high school diplomas. 

The measure is meant for thousands of students who are so bright they strain schools’ ability to serve them and can get bored with even the highest-level traditional classes. 

“It would be wrong to put barricades in the way of someone who has extraordinary skill and ability, and is just champing at the bit to do great things,” said Leach. 

But critics say the bill could worsen crowding at many community colleges, and they fear some young children — though brilliant academically — might not be ready socially or emotionally to mix with students who are much older. 

AB 2607 would apply only to students classified as “highly gifted,” meaning they have IQs above 150, or have demonstrated “extraordinary aptitude and achievement” in core academic subjects. 

Officials estimate that 20,000 to 60,000 students in elementary, middle and high schools could qualify as highly gifted. 

The bill will now be considered by the Senate. 


California school administrator demoted for underwear inspection

The Associated Press
Wednesday June 19, 2002

SAN DIEGO — A female assistant principal was demoted for lifting girls’ skirts to make sure they weren’t wearing thongs to a high school dance. 

Rita Wilson’s thong check April 26 in front of male students and adults had enraged parents, one of whom threatened to sue. 

The Rancho Bernardo High School administrator, who has tenure, will be reassigned to a teaching position, the school board decided Monday. 

“I’m very disappointed and deeply saddened,” Wilson, 47, said as she wiped away tears and hugged supporters. 

An investigation by the school district concluded Wilson “went far beyond the grounds of propriety” with the underwear inspection. 

Students said Wilson lifted girls’ skirts before they entered the dance, and told those wearing thongs to go home and change. 

Wilson said she was concerned the combination of revealing clothing and suggestive dancing could lead to sexual assaults. 


Telescope producers in competitive market battle

By Andrew Bridges, The Associated Press
Wednesday June 19, 2002

LOS ANGELES — The world’s two largest telescope makers are locked in a battle that amateur astronomers and federal regulators alike fear could monopolize the market for a popular type of stargazing equipment. 

Meade Instruments Corp. of Irvine has filed three lawsuits against rival Celestron International Inc., alleging patent infringement related to computerized telescope technology. 

Celestron, based in Torrance, believes the suits could bankrupt the company as it seeks to buy back its independence from parent Tasco Worldwide Inc., which announced in May it was liquidating its assets. 

The latest of the suits comes on the heels of Meade’s attempt to buy Tasco and Celestron. Publicly held Meade is the world’s largest telescope manufacturer, with more than $100 million in sales last year. No. 2 Celestron had $24 million in sales. 

The Federal Trade Commission said May 29 it would block the Celestron purchase since it would create a monopoly in the market for Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes, a powerful but compact telescope popular with amateur astronomers. 

The two Southern California companies are the only volume manufacturers of the telescopes, which cost between $1,000 and $2,500. 

“It would be the same thing if General Motors said it would buy Ford, or vice versa,” said Philip Harrington, author of “Star Ware,” a consumer guide to telescopes. 

The FTC blocked a proposed joint venture between the companies in 1991 on grounds it would stifle competition. 

Officials at Celestron fear Meade is using the suits to bankrupt the company as its senior management team, with the help of outside investors, raises the cash to buy it from Tasco’s creditors. 

“They’re basically trying to wait it out through legal means to destroy us financially,” said Marty Traxler, Celestron’s director of marketing. 

Mark Peterson, Meade’s senior vice president and general counsel, denied that claim. 

“There is absolutely no truth at all to that. We have ... spent millions of dollars and years of R and D efforts to develop this technology and we feel it is our obligation to our shareholders to protect our intellectual property portfolio,” Peterson said of the suits. 

Tasco announced last month it was liquidating its assets, four years after the Miramar, Fla.-based company bought Celestron. Meade said it has dropped its bid for Celestron, but still seeks to buy Tasco. 

Amateur astronomers had feared Tasco, known for department store-quality telescopes, would cheapen the higher-quality Celestron brand.


Manhattan waitresses tackle kerosene-spraying gunman

By Michael Weissenstein, The Associated Press
Wednesday June 19, 2002

NEW YORK — Annie Hubbard was three sips into a glass of wine when her night out turned into a nightmare. 

Gunshots rang out at the door of the fashionable Manhattan wine bar where the waitress and aspiring actress was drinking with friends. Seconds later, a ranting man armed with three guns, a samurai sword and a spray bottle of kerosene herded patrons to the back of the East Village establishment. 

As the black gunman vowed revenge on white people for thousands of years of suffering and threatened to send his kerosene-soaked hostages out in body bags, Hubbard and another waitress tackled him to the ground, witnesses told police. 

“There are days that you act in ways that you learn things about yourself,” Hubbard said Monday from a hospital bed, where she was in fair condition from a bullet that broke her leg as she struggled with the gunman, identified by police as Steven Johnson. 

Police Commissioner Ray Kelly said Monday that the women’s actions may have saved many lives. He called the gunman “a deranged, unstable individual looking, by all indicators, to kill others and himself.” 

Hubbard, 34, said she was simply trying to help out Ann Margaret Gidley, a 23-year-old co-worker who first jumped the suspect. 

“Ann Margaret made a very tough decision. It was the right decision. He was going to kill people,” Hubbard said as she lay in bed greeting well-wishers. “It was a very easy decision to back up.” 

Police said Johnson, 34, threatened to set fire to his hostages with a fireplace lighter before the women acted. Officers heard shots fired during the struggle and stormed the bar; one officer fired, grazing Johnson’s head with a bullet, and the suspect was arrested about 45 minutes into the ordeal. 

The rampage began when Johnson approached four white people walking in the East Village at about 2 a.m. Sunday and told them, “I have a problem with you,” Kelly said. 

Johnson allegedly shot one man in the upper body, chased him to the door of the bar and shot him again. Johnson ordered patrons to the rear of the bar, and a second man was shot in the wrist after he heard shots and peeked in, police said. 

When Johnson forced a woman to put plastic handcuffs on other hostages as he sprayed the crowd with kerosene, Hubbard and Gidley pretended to be bound but kept their hands free, allowing them to jump Johnson later in the standoff, Hubbard said. 

Richard Hollocou, the women’s manager at Gotham Bar and Grill in lower Manhattan, said both were tenacious, resourceful employees. 

“They both have a lot of character, strong personalities,” he said. “They’re smart women.” 

Johnson was charged with attempted murder and criminal possession of a weapon; other charges were pending. He was in stable condition at Bellevue Hospital on Monday. 

The first man shot, Jonah Brander, 28, of Fort Lee, N.J., was in fair condition. Shoji Iso, who was shot when he peeked into the bar, was treated and discharged. 

Johnson, who has AIDS, apparently wanted to die in the confrontation and left a suicide note for his 10-year-old son at his Brooklyn apartment, police said. 

Neighbors told investigators that Johnson became despondent after his wife died in March. He has an arrest record dating to 1985 that includes weapons violations, larceny and drug possession. 

The Manhattan district attorney’s office said it didn’t know if Johnson had retained a lawyer. The Legal Aid Society of New York did not immediately return a telephone call seeking comment. 


Most of city’s workforce demands better wages

By Kurtis Alexander Daily Planet Staff
Tuesday June 18, 2002

Four unions representing more than 60 percent of the city’s workforce united Monday in unprecedented fashion to leverage frustrations about six months of contract negotiations without a resolution. 

In a written statement to city managers, union leaders are demanding that 1,000 union employees, as they rework contracts due to expire July 6, receive raises similar to those of police officers and city executives. 

The statement cites a 31 percent cost-of-living hike recently awarded to police, over their new contract period, and similar pay raises for the city’s executive management staff. 

“It costs us just as much to live,” said Herschel Hollie, who is a Public Works Department employee and a representative for Local One, one of the four unions issuing the joint statement. “But we’re being low-balled in the negotiations.” 

City Manager Weldon Rucker, who has just received the union statement and has not completely reviewed it yet, said the union’s posturing was a long-time coming. 

“Contracts have been in the works for a while. This just brings it to a head,” he said, adding that he was optimistic about the process. “We’re hoping to come up with a sufficient retirement package and significant cost of living adjustments, if our budget can provide.” 

Rucker, though, was quick to dismiss the union’s comparisons of public safety officials’ contracts with contracts of nonuniformed city employees’ contracts. A different job market, different professional responsibilities and state benefit laws didn’t make for useful analogies, he said. 

Rucker intends to call a meeting this week between the city’s labor negotiating team and union leaders to iron out the differences. 

Details of the unions’ demands were not specific in Monday’s statement, and union leaders could not be reached for comment. 

The union statement calls on city managers to “provide both fair and equitable compensation and a PERS retirement plan” and “preserve injured worker’s protection” for the city’s unionized civilian workforce. Specifics would likely vary with department and position. 

The four unions in collaboration include Local One, Local 790 of Service Employees International Union, Local 535 of SEIU and Local 1245 of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. They are a range of professions, from mid-level managers to technical and trade positions. 

Though the unions have been talking with city managers since January, insiders say it is unlikely that the stalemate will be broken before the contracts expire next month. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


News of the Weird

The Associated Press
Tuesday June 18, 2002

Spinsterhood in Maine a woolly way of life  

Portland, Maine — “Miss August” is 55 and proudly describes herself as Rubenesque. 

Susanne Grosjean is a Maine wool spinner and thought up the idea for a calendar featuring her sister spinners in all their glory. 

“Wearing Wool: Celebrating the Ancient Art of Spinning and the Ageless Beauty of Women” features 20 women, ranging in age from 33 to 70. 

Some are lying face down wearing only their woolen socks. Others have bits of wool or a strategically placed sheep to protect their dignity. 

Grosjean says the calendars are selling so fast they can’t keep them in stock. The group is using the proceeds to fund a trip to Ireland and to benefit breast cancer research. 

Watch out, Tiger 

SIMSBURY, Conn. — Tiger Woods wasn’t the only golf champion busy this weekend. 

David McCaslin of North Myrtle Beach, S.C., shot seven holes-in-one in the final round of the Mini Golf Hartford Open Sunday, holding off his two younger brothers for the win. 

His paycheck is a bit smaller than Tiger’s; McCaslin took home $1,000 for a record 9-under-par 30, breaking his previous record of 33 at last year’s tournament. 

Danny McCaslin of Morrisville, N.C., won $400 and Matt McCaslin of Cary, N.C., earned $300 after finishing second and third, respectively. 

Lone listener for task force 

MILWAUKEE — Just one person showed up to speak at a listening session held by a state task force on reforming the government. 

The lone participant was Attorney General James Doyle. A few others, all connected to Doyle, the media or the governor’s ethics task force, showed up for the first of four listening sessions planned by the task force. 

Kenneth Davis, task force chairman and dean of the University of Wisconsin-Madison Law School, doesn’t consider the poor turnout an indication of how much people are concerned about reforming government. He wondered whether the hearing’s time — at 10 a.m. Saturday — played a role in the turnout. 

“I care about it, but I don’t know if I would have shlepped down to the Marquette University Law School to hear what people had to say,” Davis said Sunday. 

Watch out, Rover 

ROCKWELL, Iowa — Dustin Pillard is betting his farm on compact cows. 

Pillard has 50 tiny cows on his northern Iowa farm, all about 3 feet tall. He’s hoping they’ll catch on as pets, and so far inquiries have come in from as far as Europe, Mexico and Argentina. 

“I like them,” said Pillard, 30. “If nobody else does, that doesn’t really bother me. We’re breeding just for the novelty end of it.” 

The smallest full-grown animal is a 3-year-old bull that’s 33 inches tall and weighs 320 pounds. The largest, a mature bull, is 35 inches tall and 400 pounds. 

Pillard thinks interest for the cattle, which start at about $1,000, is growing. And the more people know, the more interest he sees. 

“If they saw a rodeo bull that was only three feet tall, I’d think they’d have to have one. That’s our hope, anyway.” 

 


Effects of estate taxes

Mike VukelichEl Sobrante
Tuesday June 18, 2002

To the Editor: 

Since 1960 we have lost 80 percent of our Bay Area’s larger family businesses because of estate taxes. All we have now are big stores like Costco, Target, Albertson's, Safeway, WalMart, etc. Local factories have been liquidated or sold to big corporations because of estate taxes after death or sold out before death in order to avoid estate taxes. The big corporations then manufacture the goods off shore. 

A very small minority of estates have been affected by the estate tax, 1.5 percent to 2 percent of the estates after death and about 2 percent of the estates before death each year, but this adds up to 80 percent of our larger local family businesses since 1960. 

This is communism. Stalin did this in order to keep central control. Now we have central control by big corporations and big government. This is not good and it is all because of the estate tax. We must have local family business control.  

Here is a scenario of what happens to a larger local family business. A father and mother start a small business 50 years ago. Their supermarket keeps growing because of hard work. The son and daughter start working when they are young, the grand children start working when they are young. The whole family works very hard. They keep enlarging the store. Eventually they buy ten acres, build a big store and build a small shopping center around the store with six small rented stores. The business that started with nothing is now worth $9 million. The father dies in 1999. His estate is now $4.5 million. The exemption is $.7 million. The family must pay 55 percent of $3.8 million or $2 million. They mortgage everything and pay the $2 million estate tax. Next year the mother dies. Another $2 million is due. What do they do? They sell out to Albertson's. If they lived 10 years longer, the business would be worth $20 million and the estate tax would make it worse. 

During the last 40 years, because of the estate tax, the big corporations have changed the ratio of personal income tax to corporation tax.  

In 1960 the corporation tax and personal income tax was about the about the same. Last year the corporation tax was $220 billion and the personal income tax was $1.1 trillion. Why?  

The big corporations are underpaying their tax by $880 billion each year. Why do you allow this? 

This is all because we have allowed the estate tax to destroy our larger local family businesses who pay their full taxes. Last year the estate tax and the gift tax combined was only $30 billion. This is nothing! 

Stop the estate tax - the estate tax is a freedom killer! 

I hope it's not too late! 

 

Mike Vukelich 

El Sobrante 


Out & About

Staff
Tuesday June 18, 2002


Tuesday, June 18

 

Alternative Forms of  

Worker Organizing 

9 to 6 p.m. 

The International House , UC Berkeley 

Community based worker centers and worker associations discuss challenges of a changing economy and workforce. 

 

Vigil Opposing the Sanctions  

Against the People of Iraq 

12 p.m. 

Oakland Federal Building, 

1301 Clay St. 

548-4141 

 

Carol Wagner: "Soul Survivors  

in Cambodia" 

7:30 p.m. 

Easy Going Travel and Bookshop 

1385 Shattuck Ave. Berkeley 

843-6725 

 

Arthritis Rap Session 

Noon to 2 p.m. 

Alta Bates Medical Center 

Maffly Auditorium- Herrick Campus 

2001 Dwight Way 

More info: 644-3273 

 

Berkeley Camera Club  

Weekly Meeting 

7:30 p.m. 

Northbrae Community Church 

941 The Alameda 

Share slides, prints with  

other photographers 

525-3565 

Free 

 


Wednesday, June 19

 

"Part-time Parenting? A Career Networks Forum on Flexible Work Arrangements." 

6:30 to 8:30 p.m.  

Thousand Oaks Elementary 

840 Colusa, Berkeley  

Neighborhood Parents Network.  

Adults only. 

RSVP required: Amy Knowlden at knowlden@earthlink.net or 526-4044.  

$5 NPN Members and $10 for Non-Members.  

 

Berkeley Peace Walk and Vigil 

6:30 pm 

BART Station, Shattuck & Center 

Weekly candle-lit vigil and peace walk to raise awareness and gather support for opposition to the 'war on terrorism' 

vigil4peace@yahoo.com, 528-9217 

 


Thursday, June 20

 

Robert Fisk 

7 p.m. 

First Congregational Church 

2345 Channing Way  

Middle East Correspondent of the  

London Independent, in a benefit to rebuild Jenin refugee camp  

548-0542.  

$20 at Codys, Black Oak, Walden Pond and Modern times, or at WWW.MECAFORPEACE.ORG. 

 

"Women in War" 

7 to 9 p.m. 

University of Creation Spirituality  

2141 Broadway, Oakland 

An evening with international women's rights activist Zainab Salbi 

835-4827 ext. 29 

Suggested Donation $10-$15 

 

Pride Mass 2002 

7 p.m. 

Newman Hall-Holy Spirit Parish 

2700 Dwight Way 

LGBT Catholics celebrate 10 years towards creating a more inclusive world. 

663-6302 

www.calnewman.org 

Free 

 

Berkeley Camera Club  

Weekly Meeting 

7:30 p.m. 

Northbrae Community Church  

941 The Alameda 

Share slides, prints with other  

photographers 

525-3565 

Free 

 

Pacific School of Religion  

1798 Scenic Ave., Berkeley 

The Center for Lesbian and Gay  

Studies in Religion and Ministry hosts 

849-8235 

 

Simplicity Forum 

7 to 8:30 p.m. 

Claremont Branch Library 

2940 Benvenue Ave. 

Discussion on how to lead a  

more simple life 

549-3509, or www.simpleliving.net 

Free 

 

Senior Men's Afternoon 

Pacific Center 

2712 Telegraph Ave. 

Gay senior men discussion group 

2nd & 4th Thursdays. 

548-8283  

Free 

 

Freedom From Tobacco 

5:30-7:30 Thursday Evenings,  

June 6-July 18 

South Berkeley Senior Center 

2939 Ellis Street  

A quit smoking class 

981-5330 

QuitNow@ci.berkeley.ca.us 

 


Friday, June 21

 

Paramount Movie Classics  

The Mummy, with Boris Karloff, 1932 

Doors at 7, Mighty Wurlitzer at 7:30, Newsreel, Cartoon, Previews, and Prize give-away game Dec-O-Win and feature Film 

2025 Broadway 

Oakland  

$5 

 

"Understanding the Achievement  

Gap in the BUSD" 

11:45 for lunch. Speaker begins 12:30 

Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant Ave. 

Shirley Issel, MSW,  

president of the Berkeley Unified  

School District 

$11.00/$12.25, students free. 

 

Berkeley Women in Black 

Noon to 1 p.m. 

Telegraph and Bancroft 

A vigil for peace for Palestine  

and Israel 

548-6310, or www.wibberkeley.org 

 


Saturday, June 22

 

Celebration of Solidarity  

with the People of Afghanistan 

7:30 p.m. 

Trinity United Methodist Church 

2363 Bancroft Way 

Live music and slide presentation by Rona Popal. Benefits a widows project and orphanage in Afghanistan 

883-9252 

$10-$30 

 

Summer Solstice Celebration 

10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

Berkeley Farmers' Market  

Center St. and MLK Way. 

Live music, crafts, and summer  

solstice ritual. 

548-3333 

Free 

 

Emergency Preparedness Classes in Berkeley Disaster Mental Health: Learn about disaster-related  

emotional reactions. 

9 a.m. to noon 

997 Cedar St. 

981-5605 

Free 

 

Town Hall Meeting 

9:30 a.m. to noon  

East Oakland Youth Development Center, 8200 International Blvd. 

Congresswoman Barbara Lee on affordable housing with housing specialists and bank representatives 

763-0370 for reservations 

 


Sunday, June 23

 

Debt Cancellation for  

Impoverished Countries 

Noon 

The Fellowship of Humanity,  

390 27th St. Oakland 

Tony Littmann gives us a brief overview on the causes and effects of the Third World debt crisis 451-5818 or HumanistHall@yahoo.com 

 

 

 

Triaxium West and  

Aaron Rosenblum 

8 p.m., ACME Observatory 

Acme Observatory's home at Tuva Space,  

3192 Adeline  

Admission is $0 to $20, sliding scale 

 


Monday, June 24

 

Shakespeare Festival Auditions 

10 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

Berkeley Rehearsal Hall 

701 Heinz Ave. 

California Shakespeare Festival is looking for people aged 14-18 to appear in The Winters Tale. 

548-3422 ext. 105, or www.calshakes.org 

 


Tuesday, June 25

 

Vigil Opposing the Sanctions  

Against the People of Iraq 

12 p.m. 

Oakland Federal Building 

1301 Clay Street 

548-4141 

 

Berkeley Camera Club Weekly Meeting 

7:30 p.m. 

Northbrae Community Church  

941 The Alameda 

Share slides, prints with other  

photographers 

525-3565 

Free 

 

Magic School Bus Festival 

10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. 

Lawrence HallofScience 

Video Adventures. Other events for kids take place every Wednesday through Aug. 21. 

643-5961 

$8 for adults, $6 for ages 5-18, seniors and disabled, $4 for children 3-4, free for children under 3. 

 


Wednesday, June 26

 

Berkeley Peace Walk and Vigil 

6:30 pm 

BART Station, Shattuck & Center 

Weekly candle-lit vigil and peace walk to raise 

awareness and gather support for opposition to the 'war on terrorism' 

vigil4peace@yahoo.com, 528-9217 

 


Thursday, June 27

 

The Lost Spacecraft: Liberty Bell 7  

Recovered 

10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

Chabot Space and Science Center,  

10000 Skyline Blvd. Oakland 

Preview new exhibit of resurrected  

1961 spacecraft 

RSVP June 20, (415) 864-6397 or news@davidperry.com 

 


Friday, June 28

 

Paramount Movie Classics 

Doors at 7, Mighty Wurlitzer at 7:30, Newsreel, Cartoon, Previews, and Prize give-away game Dec-O-Win and feature Film 

2025 Broadway 

Oakland  

The General (1927), starring Buster Keaton, a silent film with live Wurlitzer organ accompaniment by Jim Riggs, playing his original score. 

$5 

 

Berkeley Women in Black 

Noon to 1 p.m. 

Telegraph and Bancroft 

A vigil for peace for Palestine and Israel 

548-6310, or www.wibberkeley.org 

 

Politics in Sacramento 

11:45 for lunch. Speaker begins 12:30 

Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant Ave. 

Dion Aroner, Assemblywoman 

$11.00/$12.25, students free. 

 

"Really Rosie" Kids  

Theater Performances 

7:30 p.m.  

Epworth United Methodist Church, 1953 Hopkins Street in North Berkeley 

"Kids On Stage" Stage Door Conservatory's " programs presents musical theater performances by kids, for kids 

527-5939 or StageDoorCamp@aol.com. 

Free 

 


Saturday, June 29

 

Know Your Rights Training 

11 a.m.- 2 p.m. 

Copwatch Office 

2022 Blake St., Berkeley 

Learn what your rights are and how to observe the police effectively and safely; hosted by Copwatch. 

For more information: 548-0425 

Free 

 

Emergency Preparedness  

Classes in Berkeley 

Disaster First Aid: Learn to apply  

basic first aid techniques. 

9 a.m. to noon 

997 Cedar Street 

981-5605 

 

David Brower Day 

10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

Berkeley Farmers' Market 

Center Street at  

Martin Luther King, Jr. Way 

Free 

 

Stanford Jazz Festival,  

June 29-August 10 

10:30 a.m. kids 7 & under, 11:30 a.m. kids 8-12, Campbell Recital Hall  

Stanford Campus  

Early Bird jazz for kids and families  

with Jim Nadel & Friends 

Free 

 

Maybeck High School  

30th anniversary  

6 p.m. to 10 p.m.  

Piedmont Community Hall  

711 Highland Ave. Piedmont 

Call 841-8489 for reservations 

 


Tuesday, July 2

 

Adopt A Special Kid (AASK) 

7 p.m. to 9 p.m. 

7700 Edgewater Drive, Suite 320  

Oakland.A workshop for singles or couples, gay and lesbian, experienced or older parents, interested in adoption. 

533-1747, ext. 12.


O'Brien heads all-star cast at USA championships

By Dean Caparaz Special to the Daily Planet
Tuesday June 18, 2002

Cal is hosting the USA Combined Event Championships and the Junior National Combined Events Championships June 18-20 at its track stadium, where fans can see some of the nation's top decathletes and heptathletes. Action begins at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, 9:30 a.m. Wednesday and10:00 a.m. Thursday. 

The heptathlon features 2001 runner-up and 2001 World bronze medallist Sheila Burrell, Virginia “Gigi” Miller, who finished third last year at the USA championships, Tacita Bass, who finished third at this year’s NCAA championships for South Carolina, and DeeDee Brown, who finished fifth in the 2002 NCAA championships for Arkansas. Cal?s Missy Vanek won’t compete due to a hamstring injury. 

The field for the decathlon, the rigorous 10-event contest, is particularly deep, with 2001 U.S. champion Kip Janvrin, 2000 Olympian Tom Pappas, 2001 U.S. runner-up Phil McMullen, former Cal star Bevan Hart, who won the 2000 NCAA title, and Paul Terek, the 2002 NCAA runner-up from Michigan State. 

But the big draw will be 1996 Olympic gold medallist Dan O'Brien, who has never lost to anyone in the Edwards field. 

The three-time world and five-time national champion is the old man of decathlon, at 35, and has various foot injuries, including plantar fascia, that have kept him on the sidelines for most of the past few years. O'Brien has competed in just one decathlon – winning the 1998 Goodwill Games – since winning gold in Atlanta six years ago. 

The USA championships are part of his preparation for the 2004 Athens Olympics. 

“This is the first year back for me,” he said. “This is step one in a five- or six-step process to take me to 2004 and be completely ready there.  

“Going into the U.S. meet, I'm looking to get my feet wet again and get out there and deal with a little bit of the stress and pressure.” 

“My health is pretty good,” O’Brien added. “My feet still bother me from time to time. I'll have a big high jump session, and I'll come out the next day, and my feet will be a little bit sore. My health is good. I feel as strong as ever, just not real sharp at this point.” 

While he admits he won't be at his peak at Edwards, O'Brien is as confident as ever. 

When asked if he expects to win the meet, he said, “I think so. That's the goal. I go to compete against the other guys and myself and the scoring tables. I've never looked at anybody and thought, ‘I have to beat this person to win.’ ” 

However, O'Brien's competition is younger and healthier right now. Janvrin is the defending champ and a 2000 Olympian, but Pappas, who finished fifth in Sydney, is arguably the favorite going into the meet. 

Even Pappas thinks so. 

“If I stay healthy and I do what I think I'm capable of scoring,” he said, “barring any injuries or mishaps on any events, I would think going into it I would be considered the favorite.” 

“I would say Tom has established himself as the best USA decathlete in the past couple of years,” Hart said. “He placed fifth at the Olympic Games. He was world ranked again last year. But, I would never bet against Dan O’Brien. He has experience and a lot of talent on his side... . I have a lot of respect for him. I'm excited to be able to compete against him in a decathlon.” 

Hart is a member of the Army World Class Athlete program, which financially supports his Olympic quest in exchange for three years of military service. He set Cal’s second-best decathlon mark with 8002 points when he won the 2000 college title. Cal’s Chris Huffins won the NCAA crown with 8007 points in 1993. 

“I got a late start this year,” Hart said. “About the last month, my fitness has been coming on. My speed has started to resurface. I think I can put up a decent score.” 

Both Hart and McMullen are coached by Cal multis coach Ed Miller, who is hoping for a strong turnout at Edwards this week. Stanford, which hosts the USA championships for the rest of the track and field events June 21-23, has in recent years developed a reputation as a major track and field site. Miller hopes the multi-event championships can bring a little of that luster back to Berkeley. 

“We would really love to see Cal back on the map in terms of promoting track and field,” Miller said.  

“Our competitors down on the Peninsula have done a good job. We'd like to compete for a spot someday for the larger portion of the meet. This is kind of a tryout for us as far as I'm concerned. There's a little more to this than meets the eye. We didn't do this because we like putting on meets. We did this because we have a lot of tradition here.” 

 

 

 


Teaching positions restored

By David Scharfenberg Daily Planet staff
Tuesday June 18, 2002

The Berkeley Unified School District has reinstated 24 of the 91 temporary teachers who received layoff notices in March. 

But only one of the 82 probationary status teachers who got a pink slip three months ago still holds a notice, according to district officials.  

The Berkeley Federation of Teachers plans to go to court over the lone probationary instructor, claiming an improper layoff, and may file suit on behalf of about 10 temporary teachers who, according to the union, were misclassified. 

The Board of Education, facing a multimillion dollar deficit, issued layoff notices to 173 teachers in March. A May 7 ruling by administrative law Judge Jonathan Lew, who found that the district had made several errors in calculating seniority, forced a series of reinstatements. 

Berkeley Unified has also issued a large number of voluntary reinstatements as the district’s murky budget picture has cleared up. District spokesperson Marian Magid said more may be on the way. 

“They’re going to be hired back as positions become available,” she said. 

BFT President Barry Fike said he sent papers to the union’s attorney last week to start legal proceedings for the probationary teacher. But, Fike said, he has held back on the temporary case while the district works to restore positions, hoping that the affected teachers will get their jobs back. 

“We’ve been delaying because we know the district appears to be working hard to make this question moot,” said Fike. “(But) we can’t delay much longer because, obviously, these teachers need to know.” 

Temporary teachers are generally new instructors, often on an emergency credential, and probationary teachers are generally first- or second-year employees with preliminary or full credentials. 

Fike claims that a host of the “temporary” teachers who received pink slips are in fact probationary or permanent status, by virtue of their credentials or experience, and were therefore improperly laid off. 

The union president said the number of teachers in this category is likely greater than 10, but said that for technical reasons, the union has a right to file a legal challenge on behalf of only about 10. 

Last month, the union claimed that a total of 38 “temporary” status teachers were misclassified. 

The probationary teacher in question is a school psychologist. Fike said the board approved layoffs for only two psychologists and argued that the district has already cut two positions – one a vacancy that will go unfilled and another held by a retiring psychologist. 

Fike spoke of a second probationary pink slip that the union is planning to challenge in court. But according to the district, the school psychologist is the only probationary status teacher who holds an outstanding layoff notice. 

The district did not comment on the union’s prospective legal challenges before the Planet’s deadline. 

Fike acknowledged the staffing complexities facing the district, but said he is concerned that at this date in June many teachers still do not know if they will have a job next year. The union president said some have already elected to find a job elsewhere rather than face continued uncertainty. 

“Many of the students are very saddened and many of the parents are very saddened at losing some of the teachers,” said parent activist and recently-declared school board candidate Cynthia Papermaster. “I feel like things could have been thought through a little more carefully so that wouldn’t have happened.” 

“It would have been nice to have handled it more quickly, but I think people have done the best they can,” said board member Ted Schultz. 

“There’s always a concern that you’re going to lose some good teachers when you have a situation like this, but unfortunately you have to balance your budget,” he added.  

 

 


History

The Associated Press
Tuesday June 18, 2002

On June 18, 1940, during World War II, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill urged his countrymen to conduct themselves in a manner that would prompt future generations to say, “This was their finest hour.” 

On this date: 

In 1778, American forces entered Philadelphia as the British withdrew during the Revolutionary War. 

In 1812, the United States declared war against Britain. 

In 1815, Napoleon Bonaparte met his Waterloo as British and Prussian troops defeated the French in Belgium. 

In 1873, suffragist Susan B. Anthony was fined $100 for attempting to vote in the 1872 presidential election. The fine was never paid. 

In 1928, aviator Amelia Earhart became the first woman to fly across the Atlantic Ocean as she completed a flight from Newfoundland to Wales in about 21 hours. 

In 1948, the United Nations Commission on Human Rights adopted its International Declaration of Human Rights. 

In 1979, President Carter and Soviet President Leonid I. Brezhnev signed the SALT II strategic arms limitation treaty in Vienna. 

In 1981, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart announced his retirement; his departure paved the way for Sandra Day O’Connor to become the first female associate justice. 

In 1983, astronaut Sally K. Ride became America’s first woman in space as she and four colleagues blasted off aboard the space shuttle Challenger. 

Ten years ago: Russian President Boris Yeltsin met with Democrat Bill Clinton in Washington before flying on to Kansas and then Canada. The Supreme Court ruled criminal defendants may not use race as a basis for excluding potential jurors from their trials. Entertainer Peter Allen died of AIDS at age 48. 

Five years ago: The Southern Baptist Convention called for a boycott of the Walt Disney Co., protesting what the convention called its “gay-friendly” policies. Sirhan Sirhan failed in his 10th bid for parole in the assassination of Sen. Robert F. Kennedy. Irineo Montoya, a Mexican laborer, was executed by the state of Texas for a 1985 killing despite protests by the Mexican government. 

One year ago: A judge in Golden, Colo., sentenced two therapists to 16 years in prison each in the death of a 10-year-old girl who had suffocated while wrapped in blankets during a “rebirthing” session. Connell Watkins and Julie Ponder were convicted of reckless child abuse in the death of Candace Newmaker. Retief Goosen won the U.S. Open in an 18-hole playoff with Mark Brooks. 

Today’s Birthdays: Actor Ian Carmichael is 82. Columnist Tom Wicker is 76. Rock singer-composer-musician Paul McCartney is 60. Movie critic Roger Ebert is 60. Actress Constance McCashin is 55. Actress Linda Thorson is 55. Actress Isabella Rossellini is 50. Actress Carol Kane is 50. Singer Tom Bailey (The Thompson Twins) is 45. Rock singer Alison Moyet is 41. Country singer-musician Tim Hunt is 35. Rock singer-musician Sice (The Boo Radleys) is 33. Rhythm-and-blues singer Nathan Morris (Boyz II Men) is 31. Actress Mara Hobel is 31. Country singer Blake Shelton is 26.


San Pablo project

Bob Kubik Berkeley
Tuesday June 18, 2002

To the Editor 

In answer to David Snipper's recent letter to the editor about the San Pablo Avenue multi-use project I would offer the following: 

z The public input that went into the West Berkeley Plan, the 1977 Master Plan, and the new Berkeley General Plan are being ignored by this project which ignores the policies and goals of those plans. 

z The towering project in Emeryville opposite the Home Depot is just what the vast majority of neighbors don't want! Remember, Emeryville has never seen a development they didn't like, 

z The perceived height of this building has not been reduced by moving the lofts, (really a fifth story), back by 5 feet. 

z Those opposing this development want this property developed - but we want it to conform better with the community and with previously approved long range plans. 

 

Bob Kubik 

Berkeley


A’s road trip to test progress

By Greg Beacham The Associated Press
Tuesday June 18, 2002

OAKLAND — The Oakland Athletics are about to find out whether the progress they’ve made in the past two weeks will stand up to the grind of their longest road trip of the season. 

Oakland’s weekend series with San Francisco comprised the first three games of the 13-game trip, which takes the A’s to the opposite end of the country and back. 

It’s a critical stretch for a team that was struggling to keep up with Seattle and Anaheim in the AL West before going 9-1 in its last 10 games — thanks largely to the start of interleague play and the resurgence of their talented starting rotation. 

“The big thing is to keep this roll going on the road,” said left-hander Mark Mulder, who will start Tuesday. “We don’t want to lose the momentum we built here.” 

Oakland’s road trip really gets going Tuesday, when the A’s play the first of three games at PNC Park in Pittsburgh. After that, Oakland heads to Cincinnati for three games before finishing with four division games in Seattle. 

In the AL West race, the A’s (37-31) are four games behind the Mariners (41-27) — the closest Oakland has been to first place since May 3 — and three behind the Angels (39-27). That’s a big improvement from last season, when the A’s were 19 games behind Seattle at the same point of the schedule. 

Unlike last season, when the A’s spent all summer chasing the streaking Mariners, the division title is up for grabs. Whether Oakland can reclaim the crown it wore in 2000 depends largely on the starting rotation that still believes it could be the best in baseball with consistency. 


Anti-coffee ballot proposal could ban certain types of brew

By Devona Walker Daily Planet Staff
Tuesday June 18, 2002

Selling certain types of coffee could soon be illegal in Berkeley. 

A petition-driven initiative that would ban the sale of nonfair trade, shade-grown or organic coffee in the city of Berkeley will likely be on the November ballot, city officials said. 

The author of the proposal, Rick Young, on Monday turned in more than 3,000 signatures, about 1,000 more than is required to qualify for the ballot. 

The issue has not brewed much controversy, likely because not many people know about it yet. Staff members at Cafe Elodie, Au Coquelet and Tully’s Coffee — three coffee shops in downtown Berkeley — were unaware of the proposal. 

Those interviewed yesterday agreed that if passed, the initiative would affect many Berkeleyans.  

And at least one city official said the proposal goes to far. 

“If we begin to regulate the many details of so many people’s lives we are either going to be a nanny government or big brother, I don’t know which,” said City Councilmember Miriam Hawley, District 5. 

The city has used boycotts in the past to influence the way businesses operate – legal precedence for the initiative, Hawley said. 

For example, the city once banned Styrofoam, which posed more of an immediate threat to Berkeley. During the Styrofoam ban the city was dealing specifically with one business, McDonalds.  

The current initiative would affect every person in Berkeley who drinks or sells coffee. 

Furthermore, the effects that coffee wholesalers and the coffee industry as a whole have on the environment and on the lives of farmers should be dealt with through education, not with mandates, Hawley said. 

“For instance, how do we balance the needs of low-income people against the needs of people who are working in the fields and growing the coffee?” Hawley said. “And why are we starting here and not closer to home?”  

Some of the issues facing coffee workers have worsened since the onset of globalization. In fact, the coffee market is believed to be at a record low, selling at roughly 40 cents a pound. Coffee has at times sold at $2.50 a pound. Fair trade demands that it be sold at $1.26 a pound. 

“People are being driven off their land because of the actions of corporate coffee companies like Starbucks,” said Simon Harris, the campaign director of the Organic Consumers Association, which supports of the initiative. “Coffee prices are coming in at 40 cents a pound, which is less than what it cost to produce it.” 

Harris went on to say that fair trade standards for people cultivating coffee beans allow them to make just enough money to pay for essentials such as clean water and education for their children. 

The Organic Consumers Association for months has directed a protest against Starbucks. 

“Without some sort of push from consumer-pressure or initiatives like this – it is obvious that these companies aren’t interested in these issues,” Harris added. 

Young said that the initiative would essentially deny people very little but would do a lot. 

“It’s good for the environment, good for coffee workers and when there’s an alternative available, people should be willing to accept it,” Young said. “(Consumers) are not giving up a whole lot other than their right to exploit the environment and their right to exploit coffee workers.” 

The difference between what consumers will pay for fair trade and coffee products like Folgers, ones typically sold at grocery stores, could be an issue. Young said that people pay only a few cents more a cup for gourmet coffees. 

But Sienna Nervo, the assistant manager at Tully’s, said that once the industry stamps its approval on products the prices will increase. 

Nervo said there is a drastic difference in price between coffee beans that follow fair trade guidelines and those that are “certified.” Coffee companies should offer the option to their consumers, Nervo said, adding that voters ought to know that the coffee customer will ultimately pay the price. 

Councilmember Polly Armstrong, District 8, brought up another reason to oppose the initiative: coffee police? 

“This would take money out of the city’s budget to enforce, and I certainly don’t think it’s how I want to spend the taxpayer’s money regulating coffee drinkers,” Armstrong said. “It’s a matter of how much of your budget you want to spend on issues that are not vital to the health and lives of people who live in Berkeley. 

“But it’s a great big, bawdy democracy and we will see what happens,” she added. 


Here’s to Betty

Bill Joyce Oakland
Tuesday June 18, 2002

To the Editor: 

Thank you for you coverage of the disturbing, pending displacement of the south Berkeley business of Betty Gray, the long time proprietor of "Alice's Relaxing Bath."  

Your feature reported the facts well: Mrs. Gray successfully started her bath accessory business eight years ago, moved off welfare (before much heralded reform) and raised six children on her own.  

With gentrification, her reward is an eviction notice from her landlord and a ho-hum, “such is the price of progress” response from City Hall. 

Anyone familiar with Betty knows that her business is much more than selling bath soaps. Her business is, in fact, a cover for her true calling: affirming, cajoling, advising all who walk through her door. You don't leave 'Betty's Relaxing Baths' without a taste for her gritty defiance to life's challenges, a sense of one's own worth, and an uplifting feeling that we are all our brothers' keepers.  

She is the publically-espoused, civic-minded, risk-taking, entrepreneurial presence that is the true anchor of neighborhoods. 

So, the city fathers and mothers fiddle, the Lorin district is made safe for Starbuck's, while its longtime heart and soul slips away. 

 

Bill Joyce 

Oakland  


E equals MC-wha? Americans don’t know much about science, and that’s cause for concern

Malcom Ritter The Associated Press
Tuesday June 18, 2002

NEW YORK — Can a nation debate the merits of cloning when fewer than half its adults can give a decent definition of DNA? 

Can it render good judgment on genetically engineered food when only a quarter can define a molecule? 

And can Americans assess competing medical claims when only a third show a good understanding of the scientific process? 

Experts see cause for concern in the latest report card on American scientific understanding. But they aren’t surprised. 

Like many people, Shirley M. Malcom, head of education for the American Association for the Advancement of Science, has seen “Tonight” show host Jay Leno’s quizzes of people on the street. 

 

Leno: “Where would you find chlorophyll?” 

Dante from Michigan: “Probably in your toilet.” 

(Correct answer: In plants.) 

 

Leno broke the news about the new study to his audience last month: 

“Here’s something shocking. According to a study by the National Science Foundation, 70 percent of Americans do not understand science. Here’s the sad part: 30 percent don’t even know what 70 percent means.” 

That second statistic is only a joke. But the foundation did report that a survey of American adults turned up low numbers like these: 

- 45 percent could define “DNA,” the substance carrying the inherited genetic code. 

- 22 percent could define “molecule,” the basic unit of a chemical compound. 

- 48 percent knew electrons are smaller than atoms. 

Only about one-third showed a good understanding of the scientific process, including ideas about probability and how to do an experiment. 

Americans did better on some other questions. Ninety-four percent knew cigarette smoking causes lung cancer, for example, and about three-quarters knew that some radioactivity is naturally produced, that continents are moving and that light travels faster than sound. 

The survey’s margin of error is plus or minus 3 percentage points. 

In its current form, the survey has been given every two years since 1979 and overall the results haven’t changed much, said Melissa Pollak, senior analyst at the science foundation. 

“It’s discouraging,” she said. “We’d hope people would know more than they seem to know about some basic science facts and concepts.” 

If it’s any consolation, the United States did slightly better than 14 other industrialized countries in the early 1990s, ranking about equal to Denmark and the Netherlands, Pollak said. Her quick look at new survey data suggests this country is still somewhat ahead, she said. 

Some see reason for hope in survey results over the years. Jon Miller of Northwestern University, who directed the survey from 1979 to ’99, has his own index of scientific literacy. It includes an understanding of scientific process plus vocabulary. 

By that gauge, “the trend in the last decade has been very encouraging,” he said, with science literacy growing from 10 percent in 1988 to 17 percent in 1999. He hasn’t calculated the number for the new survey. 

 

Leno: “What keeps the Earth orbiting around the sun?” 

Sarah from Cleveland: “The gravitational pull ... of the moon.” 

(Correct answer: The gravitational pull of the sun.) 

 

What bothers Pollak the most is the finding that only about a third of adults showed a good understanding of the scientific process. 

“This is where science can benefit people in their daily lives,” Pollak said. People get bombarded with claims by psychics and medical quacks, she said, and if they don’t understand about critical thinking and scientific evidence, they can waste time and money. 

That understanding also helps citizens confront scientific political issues where the media are often content to present both sides of an argument, no matter which side has better evidence, said Malcom of the AAAS. 

There’s another, related concern. How will the United States provide a sufficient supply of qualified workers for careers in science and technology? Nowadays, the nation is leaning heavily on foreigners. 

“We could not function in our government laboratories, in our academic laboratories and in our industrial laboratories without these workers,” says William Haseltine, chief executive officer of Human Genome Sciences Inc. “I would guess we would drop in productivity by about 50 percent or more... We simply don’t train enough (American) people.” 

The science foundation reports that as of 1999, about a quarter of all U.S. workers holding a doctorate in science or engineering were foreign-born. For computer science and engineering doctorates, about 45 percent were foreign-born, and for biological sciences, 27 percent. 

Some observers are queasy about the future supply of foreign expertise. 

“You can’t depend on it,” Haseltine says. “As economic conditions improve abroad, it’s less likely these foreign workers will come to the United States... We’ve already seen some reverse brain drain, back to China, back to Europe, back to Germany in particular,” by people who’ve gotten years of training in the United States. 

The obvious response, Haseltine and others say, is to produce more Americans with science and engineering expertise. 

So, if it’s up to this country, how does it increase Americans’ understanding of science? The real engine, experts say, is the schoolroom. 

 

Leno: “Who invented pasteurization?” 

Kerry from Denver: “Um, some agriculture person ... (from) Nebraska.” 

(Correct answer: French scientist Louis Pasteur.)


U.S. advances to quarterfinals

The Associated Press
Tuesday June 18, 2002

YOKOHAMA, Japan — Mexico had tradition and the crowd on its side, and for much of the match it had the ball. But the United States got the goals — and a place in the World Cup quarterfinals, its best showing since 1930. 

“Amazing,” defender Pablo Mastroeni said after a 2-0 victory Monday put the Americans into the final eight. “It’s been a long drive coming in and this is the icing on the cake.” 

Brian McBride scored in the 8th minute and Landon Donovan in the 65th. Although North American neighbor Mexico had possession for two-thirds of the game, goalkeeper Brad Friedel leaped and dived to block the Mexicans’ six shots on goal. 

“Sometimes in games past, other things have let us down,” Friedel said. “But our effort and our heart never were lacking.” 

Hours before the game, President Bush called Arena and the players listened in on a speaker phone. 

“The country is really proud of the team,” Bush said. “A lot of people that don’t know anything about soccer, like me, are all excited and pulling for you.” 

The United States will play Germany on Friday at Ulsan, South Korea. 

“We got a very difficult opponent in Germany,” coach Bruce Arena said. “I think when Friday comes around our team will be ready to play.” 

In Monday’s other second-round game, Brazil played Belgium at Kobe, Japan. 

At Jeonju, South Korea, battles for the ball led to five yellow cards on each side. Mexico’s Rafael Marquez was ejected in the 88th minute for crashing into Cobi Jones with a high kick and a blow to the head. 

“It’s a rivalry. We know each other,” said U.S. coach Bruce Arena. “There has been a lot of bad blood over the years. When the game’s over we’re friends again.” 

A U.S. team reached the semifinals at the first World Cup in 1930, losing 6-1 to Argentina. They reached the second round at home in 1994, but were last among 32 teams in 1998. 

Mexico, where soccer is the No. 1 sport, was in its 12th World Cup. It reached the quarterfinals in 1970 and 1986, and lost in the second round in 1994 and 1998. 

“We played very good football,” Jared Borgetti said. “But in football, you win by scoring goals and we didn’t score. 

“The United States has a very good team, very fast with a very dangerous counterattack.” 

About 10,000 Mexicans were in the predominantly Korean crowd of 35,000 at Jeonju. The Koreans joined them in cheering wildly for every attack by Mexico’s team. The crowd vigorously booed every U.S. advance. 

Ironically, South Korea’s team helped the Americans into the second round by eliminating Portugal. The Americans finished the first round with a win over favored Portugal, a tie with South Korea and a loss to Poland. 

Also in the Americans’ half of the draw, Spain was awaiting a quarterfinal match against the winner of Tuesday’s game between co-host South Korea and three-time champion Italy. 

On the other side, England was awaiting the Brazil-Belgium winner, and surprising Senegal will play the winner of Tuesday’s Japan-Turkey game. 

Difficulties in obtaining tickets touched off another wave of outrage in South Korea. 

Fans camping outside Daejeon’s World Cup stadium hoping for last-minute tickets to South Korea’s match against Italy discovered belatedly that Korean organizers sold 1,465 tickets on the Internet. 

“We’ve become idiots,” said Hur Jin-beom, a 26-year-old student who had been camping out since Friday. “Organizers knew we were here. If they had any tickets, they should have been sold to us.” 

Added Oh Taek-hoon, a 32-year-old retailer: “I’m going to barge into the stadium, whatever it takes, even if I die trying,” 

Lin Byung-taik, a spokesman for the organizing committee, said Monday: “I understand the fans. But our basic policy is to sell leftover tickets on the Internet until the day before match day.” 

In a number of first-round matches, there were empty seats inside stadiums. Disgruntled fans had difficulty logging on to the ticket Web site or, later, couldn’t get through on phone lines set up to purchase tickets. 

In Japan, 64 people have been arrested for crimes related to the World Cup. Police have detained 40 Japanese nationals and 12 Britons since soccer’s showcase began May 31. The remaining 12 people arrested were from a half-dozen other countries, including Ireland, the United States and Argentina. 

More than a third of the arrests have been for ticket scalping. 


Earthworms go ’round the outside

By Mike Dinoffria Special to the Daily Planet
Tuesday June 18, 2002

Malcolm X fourth-graders got to dig into a science assignment this year when they recycled cafeteria waste using live worms as composting agents. 

All schoolyear the children cared for thousands of worms that they kept warm in bins kept on the school grounds. Meanwhile, they collected hundreds of pounds of food waste from the cafeteria that would have otherwise been garbage. 

“We got orange peels and other things people don't eat,” fourth-grader Lamont Woods said. 

The project taught the children the value of recycling, the process of organic composting, and about worms, said science teacher Larry Kaas. 

“We used the worm compost as a laboratory... to show that the nutrient cycle doesn’t just exist way out in the woods,” Kaas said. “It can be part of our daily lives at school.”  

Last week’s “worm rodeo” was an event in which the kids rounded up the earthworms’ nutrient-rich castings, or worm droppings, from compost bins near the school’s garden. The castings are an excellent fertilizer, and when added to soil improve its structure, texture, aeration and water retention. 

Earthworms are efficient agents of decomposition. They can recycle one pound of organic waste in 24 hours. A typical composting process, one without worm-power, requires more steps and attention to carbon-nitrogen ratio and other environmental factors.  

The students were responsible for care of the compost pile, and monitored its progress daily. “You have to check on the worms: ‘Do they have enough food? Do they have air? Do they have enough newspaper?’ ” said fourth-grader Dinonnae Hopkins.  

Dinonnae and Cathy Moran shredded newspaper and set it in the worm bin. Damp paper is easiest for the worms to digest, said Cathy, who described one of her duties this year as pouring water over newspaper beds. 

In healthy compost bins, worm populations can grow rapidly to consume four to six pounds of food scraps a week. About four to six months after starting the box, the worms will have converted all of the bedding and most of the food waste into castings. The castings are “rounded up” for the composting process to begin. 

“I hope they learned that they can make a difference in their community,” Kaas said. His fourth- and fifth-grade students kept over 500 pounds of food scraps out of the landfill and returned the nutrients to the garden that will grow some food for them next year. 

 

 

 

 


Stop pollution

Griffin Hall 5th grade Mrs. Dobson's class
Tuesday June 18, 2002

To the Editor: 

I think that cars should have less than two exhaust pipes because the dirty smoke pollutes the air. 

Gas can drip from it and go down the drain and into the ocean. The buses have their exhaust pipes in the air and pollute the air. We need to stop all pollution. 

I think that they should make Solar cars, or anything that does not pollute the air.  

I think that more people should use bikes instead of cars. 

 

Griffin Hall 

5th grade 

Mrs. Dobson's class


Newspapers sue to lift gag order imposed on Earth First! jurors

The Associated Press
Tuesday June 18, 2002

OAKLAND — Two newspapers filed a motion Monday to lift a gag order imposed on jurors in the federal lawsuit two Earth First! activists brought against the FBI and Oakland police. 

U.S. District Judge Claudia Wilken told jurors they could not discuss the case with anyone but their families until all appeals are done — a process that could take years. 

The San Francisco Chronicle and the Oakland Tribune asked Wilken to vacate the gag order, arguing it violates the jurors’ First Amendment rights, does not satisfy the legal requirements for restraining speech and does not have procedural safeguards. 

The jurors last week returned a $4.4 million verdict in favor of the two environmentalists, Darryl Cherney and the late Judi Bari.  

The jury found that six federal agents and police officers investigating a 1990 car bombing in the activists’ car violated the pair’s constitutional rights. 

The gag order will keep lawyers from finding out why jurors came to their decision — information that could be useful in appeals. It also keeps jurors from talking to the newspapers about their deliberations. 

The newspapers asked Wilken for a hearing on the matter no later than June 21. 


Livermore leak

George Kauffman Berkeley
Tuesday June 18, 2002

To the Editor: 

Thanks for your $62 million leak at Livermore Labs (Associated Press, June 7). The point is, of course, that if they can't build a leak-proof building, how can they build a nuclear bomb? 

Over 20 years ago, I was with a group that protested the building of such a bomb, and, as to the measure of what that city thought of us, they sent a man to chair the meeting who was "just told about it" that morning. He was with a city attorney's office. I said "arrest Livermore Lab," but he didn't. 

Now look. Sixty-three million down the drain. 

 

George Kauffman 

Berkeley


Nestle to take control of Calif.-based Dreyer’s

By Matthew Fordahl The Associated Press
Tuesday June 18, 2002

In a sweet deal for shareholders, Nestle SA agreed Monday to take majority stake in Dreyer’s Grand Ice Cream Inc. as part a $2.4 billion transaction that would allow the Swiss conglomerate to eventually swallow all of California-based Dreyer’s. 

The company, which analysts expect will have annual sales of about $1.5 billion, would compete at the same level as the Anglo-Dutch conglomerate Unilever, whose brands include Ben & Jerry’s, Good Humor and Breyers. 

“Together, we’ll be creating a dream team of the best people, brands, innovation and distribution in the business,” said T. Gary Rogers, Dreyer’s chief executive. 

Pending shareholder and regulator approval, Nestle will merge its U.S. ice cream business, including the Haagen-Dazs brand, into Dreyer’s, which makes the best-selling packaged ice cream in the United States. 

Nestle would receive 55 million newly issued Dreyer’s shares, boosting its stake to 67 percent from the current 23 percent. 

Then, in 2006, Dreyer’s shareholders could sell their stock to Nestle for $83. The following year, Nestle has the option of scooping up all outstanding Dreyer’s shares for $88 a share. 

“This is a best-case scenario for Dreyer’s Grand Ice Cream shareholders,” said John McMillin, food industry analyst at Prudential Securities. 

The premium — the corporate equivalent of extra whipped cream on a sundae — drove Dreyer’s shares up more than 57 percent, or $24.50, to $67.29 in Monday trading on the Nasdaq Stock Market. They had closed at $42.79 a share Friday 

In trading on the Zurich stock exchange, Nestle shares rose 0.6 percent to close at 364 Swiss francs ($233). 

With about 17 percent of the worldwide market, the combined company’s brands will be on equal footing with Unilever’s brands. 

Dreyer’s ice cream is marketed under the Dreyer’s brand in the western United States and as Edy’s elsewhere. The company, founded by William Dreyer and Joseph Edy in 1928, invented Rocky Road ice cream in 1929. 

More recently Dreyer’s has partnered with Starbucks Corp. to create specialty coffee-flavored ice cream and with Godiva for chocolate flavors.


Companies push for global digital photo printing

By May Wong The Associated Press
Tuesday June 18, 2002

SAN JOSE — Photo industry rivals are teaming up on an initiative to establish what they hope will become the ATM-equivalent of a global digital photo printing network. 

The goal is to create a network that would let digital camera users make prints of their images from anywhere in the world, making the photofinishing process for digital images at least as convenient as it is today for film. 

Companies, including Eastman Kodak, Fujifilm and Hewlett-Packard, support the initiative called CPXe, or Common Picture eXchange Environment, which the International Imaging Industry Association will announce Monday. 

The plan is to develop a Web-based framework and an open technological standard that would let consumers transmit and print digital photos from all kinds of sources — digital cameras, PCs, the Internet, photo kiosks, digital mini-labs and photofinishers. CPXe will let consumers upload, download and order prints of digital pictures at any retail location with any type of photofinishing equipment used by the retailer. 

For instance, a user could upload pictures from a home PC to any company on the network and place their printing orders at any location — even at a distant photofinishing retailer for a relatives to pick up. 

“Consumers today continue to shoot both film and digital,” said Lisa Walker, executive director of the industry association. “They think that ’if I want prints, I should use film,’ and we want to knock down that barrier.” 

The CPXe network standards are slated to be completed by the end of the year. Consumers may see the CPXe in action sometime in 2003, Walker said, but it will depend on how quickly the photo companies, retailers, and photofinishers decide to join the network. 

“This is imperative for the progression of the industry,” said Ron Glaz, a digital imaging industry analyst for market research firm International Data Corp. “But everyone in the industry has to jump on the bandwagon for it to work.” 


Loudcloud agrees to sell most of its business to EDS

By Michael Liedtke The Associated Press
Tuesday June 18, 2002

SAN FRANCISCO — In another sign of the high-tech industry’s humbling times, Web browser pioneer Marc Andreessen abandoned his ambition to build a Web services giant Monday and agreed to sell most of his latest brainchild, Loudcloud Inc., to computer systems consultant Electronic Data Systems. 

Plano, Texas-based EDS will pay $63.5 million in cash for Loudcloud’s primary business of managing and developing Web sites for other companies. 

EDS also agreed to pay $52 million during the next three years to use a Loudcloud product called “Opsware” — software meant to automate information technology departments. Sunnyvale-based Loudcloud is changing its name to Opsware.  

Monday’s sales price represents a small fraction of the $306 million that Andreessen and Loudcloud’s other co-founders have raised from investors since starting the company in September 1999.


Federal judge delays enforcement of electric-car mandate

The Associated Press
Tuesday June 18, 2002

FRESNO — A federal judge has issued a preliminary injunction delaying enforcement of California’s electric-car mandate in its current form for two years. 

U.S. District Judge Robert Coyle granted the injunction last week after a request from General Motors Corp. and DaimlerChrysler AG’s Chrysler unit. 

The auto makers contend in a pending lawsuit against the California Air Resources Board that the so-called zero-emission-vehicle mandate is illegal because it allows the state to regulate automotive fuel economy, a power reserved for the federal government. 

The board has countered that the program, which had been set to take effect in 2003, addresses clean-air concerns beyond fuel economy. 

The injunction marks the latest legal twist in a battle over the state’s clean-car program that has dragged on for more than a decade. 

Auto industry officials say the ruling postpones the entire program until 2005, pending the resolution of the suit by GM and Chrysler. 

But state officials argue the judge’s order still allows the program to take effect next year, just without a set of changes the board made in 2001 in response to auto industry protests that the earlier version was too tough. 

In 2001, the Air Resources Board decided to allow auto makers to earn credits toward the mandate by rolling out technologies such as hybrid gasoline and electric cars. The cars are already on sale. 

The board allowed the hybrid cars, hoping it would force the industry to continue to perfect zero-emission technologies. 

However, the amendments prompted the lawsuit by GM and Chrysler claiming the program amounted to an illegal state fuel-economy mandate. 

Richard Varenchik, Air Resources Board spokesman, told the Wall Street Journal the board hasn’t decided whether to appeal the injunction. 

“If this stands, we simply take a step back,” he said. “The thing that’s sort of odd about this is it appears the auto makers have litigated against a rule that gave them more options and more flexibility.”


Southern Calif. wildfire burns 3 firefighters, shut down interstate twice since Sunday

The Associated Press
Tuesday June 18, 2002

SAN BERNARDINO — Fire raging through Cajon Pass in the San Bernardino Mountains overran two fire engine crews Monday and shut down Interstate 15, the main route used by travelers between Southern California and Las Vegas. 

Three firefighters suffered first- and second-degree burns, said Karen Terrill, spokeswoman for the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection in Sacramento. 

The firefighters were to be taken to Saint Bernardine Hospital to be stabilized and then transferred to a burn center in Los Angeles. 

The firefighters had to deploy emergency fire shelters. They were brought in from another area of California. The total number of firefighters involved in the incident was unknown. Each engine typically has a crew of three. 

The 4,473-acre fire began Sunday and flared up again Monday afternoon in the brush-covered pass 50 miles east of Los Angeles, closing the interstate for the second time in two days.


Governor asks budget panel to find $1 billion more

The Associated Press
Tuesday June 18, 2002

SACRAMENTO — Gov. Gray Davis has asked the committee scraping to fill a $23.6 billion budget hole to find $1 billion more — with cuts or tax increases — to boost emergency reserves and protect California’s credit. 

Now, after two full weeks of meetings, the Conference Committee on the Budget must decide how to come up with about $5.5 billion. That includes $1 billion reserve, about $1 billion in additions the panel has made to the budget and roughly $3.5 billion in car and cigarette tax increases proposed by Davis last month. 

“From this day forward, that’s what our conversations will be about,” said committee chairman Sen. Steve Peace, D-El Cajon. 

Davis asked for the additional rainy day funds to help the state persuade Wall Street investors and credit rating agencies that California can pay back its loans and sell bonds. 

Specifically, the state must prove it will be able to repay an $8 billion short-term loan — called a revenue anticipation note — that state Controller Kathleen Connell said is necessary to help the state pay its bills this summer. 

The Assembly-Senate budget committee did not meet over the weekend and planned to resume deliberations Monday afternoon. The panel is attempting to come up with a politically palatable plan to fill the $23.6 billion budget hole. 

Davis in May proposed a combination of cuts, borrowing and tax increases. However Republican lawmakers have said they will not support a budget with tax increases.


Tensions over Berkeley Height Initiative on the rise

By Katie Flynn, Daily Planet Intern
Monday June 17, 2002

Sierra Club sponsors forum on idea of building up, not out 

 

From his home in Berkeley, Howie Muir can see the headlands of Marin on a clear day. In the winter, he can see the sun setting over the water. Soon, though, he says his view may be replaced by a four-story wall – the cold back of a recently-approved commercial building on San Pablo Avenue. 

On Saturday, Muir was a panelist at the north Alameda chapter of the Sierra Club's discussion on urban density and namely the Berkeley Height Initiative that he and fellow activist Martha Nicoloff created two years ago. The initiative has since been submitted to the city for placement on the November ballot. 

But as the discussion revealed, not everyone supports Muir’s height initiative, and everyone seems to have a different idea of how Berkeley can accommodate expected population growth. 

"The more efficient we build our cities the more efficient we will be," said Rachel Peterson, executive director of urban ecology for the Sierra Club chapter and a panelist.  

Peterson takes an anti-height initiative stance, claiming that such a measure would force the city, as population grows, to spread outward and create unchecked sprawl. 

The creators of the initiative argue that Berkeley has a greater density than Los Angeles and is close to that of Emeryville, known for its high density zoning with an average of 108 units per acre. Opponents say the statistics should not be compared and that measuring units per acre does not lead to an accurate assessment of density. 

"Census data includes population and total acres... It doesn't include areas like commercial shopping," said John Holtzclaw, an urban planner who spoke at the meeting. "Density is not zoned the same over any given part of the city, but there are... different kinds of housing for different kinds of places." 

Rob Wrenn, a member of Berkeley’s Planning Commission, said that he does not think density has even become a problem in Berkeley, with the population dropping in the last 20 years and the average family size dropping from 2.2 to 2.16 people. 

"The question is how to accommodate housing without negatively impacting the quality of life in Berkeley," Wrenn said. "More people means more cars, higher traffic and more pollution." 

Richard Register, an opponent of the Height Initiative, said that the way to keep a city healthy is to have as much open space as possible, while keeping housing and commercial areas near transit so there is little need for cars. But that would take building up, not out, and the Height Initiative would make that very difficult. 

"Taller buildings can be beautiful in their own right," Register said.  

The Height Initiative would require new buildings in most areas to be at least one story lower than is currently required. It also would restrict developers from their current right to add on extra stories when they make 25 percent of their housing affordable and when they provide space for the arts. 

Commercial areas, such as along Telegraph, University and San Pablo avenues and in the downtown area would also be more limited in their height allowances, in some areas dropping from seven stories to four. Most residential height limits would remain the same as stated in the city’s Master Plan at about three stories or 28 feet. A special city permit would be needed if the building were to reach 35 feet or higher. 

In multi-family and high-density residential areas where buildings are currently allowed to be as high as six stories, or 65 feet, the Height Initiative would limit the development to three or four stories. 

Muir said that a special clause in his initiative allows for developers to increase the height of a building as long as they get input from the neighbors and a two-thirds vote from the City Council. 

But Andy Katz, a zoning board member, said that this is this kind of rule that will require more "red tape" for developers as well as home-owners trying to add on to their property. 

"It would force a lot of singe family homes to come in front of the board and go to a public hearing," he said. 

Another major concern at the discussion was about affordable housing: If fewer housing units are built on an already limited amount of land, how can anyone continue to afford to live in Berkeley? 

Muir, in defense of his initiative, said that the answer lies in using empty land between the houses while being sensitive to housing demands. He said that a danger in building more units in taller structures is that each unit will become smaller, though affordable, and leave out middle class buyers. 

Register, on the other hand, wants the city to acquire empty land and create affordable housing by building upwards, in the center of the city.


In support of feral cat sterilization

Dairne Ryan
Monday June 17, 2002

To the Editor: 

 

We, of Fix Our Ferals, A Spay/Neuter Program for Homeless Cats, read your article about Fairview Street.  

The Kaufers' issues with their next door neighbor at 1408 Fairview are not all cat-related. However, Fix Our Ferals has in the past been called upon to deal with neighborhood concerns regarding feral cats. These cats are a separate issue from the tame cats, which are all confined on her property. 

After looking at the history, it is clear to us that the resident at 1408 Fairview has drastically reduced the population of free-roaming feral cats. By feeding, monitoring and sterilizing all the feral cats in her neighborhood, she put an end to the specter of sickly dying kittens on that street – and to the spraying, fighting and yowling that accompany mating behavior. 

Continued feeding of a feral cat colony is the only effective way to monitor the colony for any new unsterilized cats that may appear. We would love to show you an article that appeared in the current issue of the Journal of the American Veterinary Association, that substantiates and quantifies the phenomenon that feral cat experts have long known intuitively: Sterilization of a cat colony reduces the numbers of cats substantially in a very short time. 

 

Dairne Ryan 

Linda McCormick


Out & About Calendar

Staff
Monday June 17, 2002


Tuesday, June 18

 

Vigil Opposing the Sanctions  

Against the People of Iraq 

12 p.m. 

Oakland Federal Building,1301 Clay Street 

(510) 548-4141 

 

Carol Wagner: "Soul Survivors  

in Cambodia" 

7:30 p.m. 

Easy Going Travel and Bookshop,1385 Shattuck Avenue, Berkeley 

510-843-6725 

 

Arthritis Rap Session 

Noon to 2 p.m. 

Alta Bates Medical Center 

Maffly Auditorium- Herrick Campus 

2001 Dwight Way 

for more info: 644-3273 

 

Berkeley Camera Club Weekly Meeting 

7:30 p.m. 

Northbrae Community Church, 941 The Alameda 

Share slides, prints with other photographers 

(510) 525-3565 

Free 

 


Wednesday, June 19

 

"Part-time Parenting? A Career Networks Forum on Flexible Work Arrangements." 

6:30 to 8:30 p.m.  

Thousand Oaks Elementary, 840 Colusa, Berkeley  

Neighborhood Parents Network. Adults only. 

RSVP required: Amy Knowlden at knowlden@earthlink.net or (510) 526-4044.  

$5 NPN Members and $10 for Non-Members.  

Berkeley Peace Walk and Vigil 

6:30 pm 

BART Station, Shattuck & Center 

Weekly candle-lit vigil and peace walk to raise 

awareness and gather support for opposition to the 'war on terrorism' 

vigil4peace@yahoo.com, (510) 528-9217 

 


Thursday, June 20

 

Robert Fisk 

7 p.m. 

First Congregational Church, 2345 Channing Way  

Middle East Correspondent of the London Independent, in a benefit to rebuild Jenin refugee camp  

510-548-0542.  

$20 at Codys, Black Oak, Walden Pond and Modern times, or at WWW.MECAFORPEACE.ORG. 

 

"Women in War" 

7 to 9 p.m. 

University of Creation Spirituality, 2141 Broadway, Oakland 

An evening with international women's rights activist Zainab Salbi 

(510) 835-4827 ext. 29 

Suggested Donation $10-$15 

 

Pride Mass 2002 

7 p.m. 

Newman Hall-Holy Spirit Parish, 2700 Dwight Way 

LGBT Catholics celebrate 10 years towards creating a more inclusive world. 

(510) 663-6302 

www.calnewman.org 

Free 

 

Berkeley Camera Club Weekly Meeting 

7:30 p.m. 

Northbrae Community Church, 941 The Alameda 

Share slides, prints with other photographers 

(510) 525-3565 

Free 

 

Simplicity Forum 

7 to 8:30 p.m. 

Claremont Branch Library, 2940 Benvenue Ave. 

Discussion on how to lead a more simple life 

(510) 549-3509, or www.simpleliving.net 

Free 

 

Senior Men's Afternoon 

Pacific Center 

2712 Telegraph Ave. 

Gay senior men discussion group, 2nd & 4th Thursdays. 

510-548-8283  

Free 

 

Freedom From Tobacco 

5:30-7:30 Thursday Evenings, June 6-July 18 

South Berkeley Senior Center 

2939 Ellis Street  

A quit smoking class 

(510) 981-5330 

QuitNow@ci.berkeley.ca.us 

 


Friday, June 21

 

Paramount Movie Classics  

The Mummy, with Boris Karloff, 1932 

Doors at 7, Mighty Wurlitzer at 7:30, Newsreel, Cartoon, Previews, and Prize give-away game Dec-O-Win and feature Film 

2025 Broadway 

Oakland  

$5 

 

"Understanding the Achievement  

Gap in the BUSD" 

11:45 for lunch. Speaker begins 12:30 

Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant Ave. 

Shirley Issel, MSW,  

president of the Berkeley Unified  

School District 

$11.00/$12.25, students free. 

 

Berkeley Women in Black 

Noon to 1 p.m. 

Telegraph and Bancroft 

A vigil for peace for Palestine and Israel 

(510) 548-6310, or www.wibberkeley.org 

 


Saturday, June 22

 

Celebration of Solidarity with the People of Afghanistan 

7:30 p.m. 

Trinity United Methodist Church, 2363 Bancroft Way 

Live music and slide presentation by Rona Popal. Benefits a widows project and orphanage in Afghanistan 

(510) 883-9252 

$10-$30 

 

Summer Solstice Celebration 

10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

Berkeley Farmers' Market, Center St. and MLK Way. 

Live music, crafts, and summer solstice ritual. 

(510) 548-3333 

Free 

 

Emergency Preparedness Classes in Berkeley 

Disaster Mental Health: Learn about disaster-related emotional reactions. 

9 a.m. to noon 

997 Cedar Street 

981-5605 

Free 

 

Town Hall Meeting 

9:30 a.m. to noon  

East Oakland Youth Development Center, 8200 International Boulevard 

Congresswoman Barbara Lee on affordable housing with housing specialists and bank representatives 

(510) 763-0370 for reservations 

 


Sunday, June 23

 

Debt Cancellation for  

Impoverished Countries 

Noon 

The Fellowship of Humanity, 390 27th St. Oakland 

Tony Littmann gives us a brief overview on the causes and effects of the Third World debt crisis 

(510) 451-5818 or HumanistHall@yahoo.com 

 

Triaxium West and Aaron Rosenblum 

8 p.m., ACME Observatory 

Acme Observatory's home at Tuva Space, 3192 Adeline  

Admission is $0 to $20, sliding scale 

 


Monday, June 24

 

Shakespeare Festival Auditions 

10 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

Berkeley Rehearsal Hall, 701 Heinz Ave. 

California Shakespeare Festival is looking for people aged 14-18 to appear in The Winters Tale. 

(510) 548-3422 ext. 105, or www.calshakes.org 

 


Tuesday, June 25

 

Vigil Opposing the Sanctions  

Against the People of Iraq 

12 p.m. 

Oakland Federal Building,1301 Clay Street 

(510) 548-4141 

 

Berkeley Camera Club Weekly Meeting 

7:30 p.m. 

Northbrae Community Church, 941 The Alameda 

Share slides, prints with other photographers 

(510) 525-3565 

Free 

 

Magic School Bus Festival 

10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. 

Lawrence Hall of Science 

Video Adventures. Other events for kids take place every Wednesday through August 21. 

(510) 643-5961 

$8 for adults, $6 for ages 5-18, seniors and disabled, $4 for children 3-4, free for children under 3. 

 


Wednesday, June 26

 

Berkeley Peace Walk and Vigil 

6:30 pm 

BART Station, Shattuck & Center 

Weekly candle-lit vigil and peace walk to raise 

awareness and gather support for opposition to the 'war on terrorism' 

vigil4peace@yahoo.com, (510) 528-9217 

 


Thursday, June 27

 

The Lost Spacecraft: 

Liberty Bell 7 Recovered 

10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

Chabot Space and Science Center, 10000 Skyline Blvd. Oakland 

Preview new exhibit of resurrected 1961 spacecraft 

RSVP June 20, (415) 864-6397 or news@davidperry.com 

 


Friday, June 28

 

Paramount Movie Classics-  

The General (1927), starring Buster Keaton, a silent film with live Wurlitzer organ accompaniment by Jim Riggs, playing his original score. 

Doors at 7, Mighty Wurlitzer at 7:30, Newsreel, Cartoon, Previews, and Prize give-away game Dec-O-Win and feature Film 

2025 Broadway 

Oakland  

$5 

 

Berkeley Women in Black 

Noon to 1 p.m. 

Telegraph and Bancroft 

A vigil for peace for Palestine and Israel 

(510) 548-6310, or www.wibberkeley.org 

 

Politics in Sacramento 

11:45 for lunch. Speaker begins 12:30 

Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant Ave. 

Dion Aroner, Assemblywoman 

$11.00/$12.25, students free. 

 

"Really Rosie" Kids  

Theater Performances 

7:30 p.m.  

Epworth United Methodist Church, 1953 Hopkins Street in North Berkeley 

"Kids On Stage" Stage Door Conservatory's " programs presents musical theater performances by kids, for kids 

510-527-5939 or StageDoorCamp@aol.com. 

Free 

 


Saturday, June 29

 

Know Your Rights Training 

11 a.m.- 2 p.m. 

Copwatch Office, 2022 Blake St. Berkeley 

Learn what your rights are and how to observe the police effectively and safely; hosted by Copwatch. 

For more information: (510) 548-0425 

Free 

 

Emergency Preparedness Classes in Berkeley 

Disaster First Aid: Learn to apply basic first aid techniques. 

9 a.m. to noon 

997 Cedar Street 

981-5605 

 

David Brower Day 

10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

Berkeley Farmers' Market 

Center Street at Martin Luther King, Jr. Way 

Free 

 

Stanford Jazz Festival 

June 29-August 10 

Early Bird jazz for kids and families with Jim Nadel & Friends 

10:30 a.m. kids 7 & under, 11:30 a.m. kids 8-12 

Campbell Recital Hall, Stanford Campus  

Free 

 

Maybeck High School  

30th anniversary  

6 p.m. to 10 p.m.  

Piedmont Community Hall, 711 Highland Avenue, Piedmont 

Call 510-841-8489 for reservations 

 


Tuesday, July 2

 

Adopt A Special Kid (AASK) 

7 p.m. to 9 p.m. 

7700 Edgewater Drive, suite 320, Oakland 

A workshop for singles or couples, gay and lesbian, experienced or older parents, interested in adoption. 

(510) 533-1747, ext. 12, or www.adoptaspecialkid.org 

Free 

 


Saturday, July 6

 

Capoeira Batizado 

2-6 p.m.  

Capoeira Arts Cafe, 2026 Addison, Berkeley 

A celebration of Capoeira with performances by local arts organization. 

For more information: (510) 666-1255, www.capoeiraarts.com 

Free 

 

Marin Classic Theatre presents "Born Yesterday" 

8 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sunday matinees; 7 p.m. Sundays 

A bittersweet comedy by Garson Kanin. 

For more information: (415) 892-8551, www.MCTheatre.com 

$18 evening performances, $15 matinees 

 


Thursday, July 11

 

Great Sierra Backpacking  

Destinations 

REI Berkeley, 1338 San Pablo  

Karen Najarian of Sierra Wilderness Seminars presents slides from her more that 20 years exploring the Sierra Backcountry. 

For more information: (510) 527-4140 

Free 

 


Saturday, July 13

 

Peach / Stone Fruit Tasting 

Tasting & cooking demonstrations 

10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

Berkeley Farmers' Market 

Center Street at Martin Luther King, Jr. Way 

Free 

 

15th Anniversary Derby Street Farmers Market 

Live music and & stone-fruit and peach tasting 

Tasting & cooking demonstrations. 

Berkeley Farmers' Market 

10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

Derby Street at Martin Luther King, Jr. Way  

Free 

 

Festival of New Versions of Classic Asian Games 

noon to 5 p.m 

Dr  

Comics and Mr Games, 4014 Piedmont Ave. in Oakland  

Dr Comics and Mr Games Hosts Game a festival featuring two new versions of classic Asian board games 

(510) 601-7800 

 


Sunday, July 14

 

Hands-on Bicycle Repair  

11 a.m.-12 

REI Berkeley, 1338 San Pablo 

Learn from an REI bike technician basic bike repairs such as brake adjustments and fixing a flat. 

For more information: (510) 527-4140 

Free 

 

Family Health Day 

11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

4th and University Ave. 

Explore health concerns in a family oriented environment 

Free 

 


Tuesday, July 16

 

Berkeley Camera Club Weekly Meeting 

7:30 p.m. 

Northbrae Community Church, 941 The Alameda 

Share slides, prints with other photographers 

(510) 525-3565 

Free 

 


Thursday, July 18

 

Mystique of the Widerness 

7 p.m. 

REI Berkeley, 1338 San Pablo 

Phil Arnot presents slides from over 50 years of exploring such places as Alaska, New Zealand, the Sierra and the Rockies. 

For more information: (510) 527-4140 

 


Saturday, July 20

 

Emergency Preparedness Classes in Berkeley 

Earthquake Retrofitting: Learn how to strengthen your wood frame home. 

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

812 Page Street 

981-5605 

Free 

 


Thursday, July 25

 

California Landscapes: A Geologist's Perspective 

7 p.m. 

REI Berkeley, 1338 San Pablo 

John Karachewski presents an educational slideshw on such amazing places as the Sierra Nevada, Coast Ranges the Great Valley and Cascades 

For more information: (510) 527- 4140. 

Free 

 


Saturday, July 27

 

Test Ride Kestrel Bicycles 

11 a.m.-1 p.m. 

REI Berkeley, 1338 San Pablo 

Preston Sandusky of Kestrel, a premier manufacturer of high-end, carbon-fiber road and mountain bikes, intrduces their latest design. 

For more information: (510) 527-4140 

Free 

 


Sunday, July 28

 

Hands-on Bicycle Repair  

11 a.m.-12 

REI Berkeley, 1338 San Pablo 

Learn from an REI bike techician basic repairs such as brake adjustments and fixing a flat. 

For more information: (510) 527-4140 

Free 

 


Wednesday, July 31

 

Mountain Adventure Seminars: Introduction to Rock Climbing 

7 p.m.-9 p.m. 

REI Berkeley, 1338 San Pablo 

An introduction to rockclimbing including knot tieing, belaying and movement. 

For more information: (209) 753-6556 

$115 REI members; $125 non-members 

 


Saturday, August 3

 

Mountain Adventure Seminars: Introduction to Rock Climbing 

8 a.m.-3 p.m. 

REI Berkeley, 1338 San Pablo 

An introduction to rockclimbing including knot tieing, belaying and movement. 

For more information: (209) 753-6556 

$115 REI members; $125 non-members 

 


Saturday, August 10

 

Tomato Tastings 

10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

Berkeley Farmers' Market 

Center Street at Martin Luther King, Jr. Way 

Tastings and cooking demonstrations  

Free 

 


Sunday, August 11

 

Hands-on Bicycle Repair 

11 a.m.-12 

REI Berkeley, 1338 San Pablo 

Learn from an REI bike technician basic repairs such as brake adjustments and fixing a flat. 

For more information: (510) 527-4140 

Free 

 

West Berkeley arts Festival 

11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

4th and University Ave. 

Explore the many resident artists located in Berkeley 

Free. 

 


Tuesday, August 13

 

Tomato Tasting 

Tasting & cooking demonstrations 

Berkeley Farmers' Market 

10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

Derby Street at Martin Luther King, Jr. Way  

Free 

 

Berkeley Camera Club Weekly Meeting 

7:30 p.m. 

Northbrae Community Church, 941 The Alameda 

Share slides, prints with other photographers 

(510) 525-3565 

Free 

 


Sunday, August 18

 

Hands-on Bicycle Repair 

11 a.m.-12 

REI Berkeley, 1338 San Pablo 

Learn from an REI bike technician basic repairs such as braqke adjustment and fixing a flat. 

For more information: (510) 527-7470 

 


Saturday, August 24

 

Cajun & More 

Four Live Bands, crafts fair, Cajun food, dance lessons, micro-brewery beer & dance floor. 

10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

Berkeley Farmers' Market 

Center Street at Martin Luther King, Jr. Way 

Free 

 


Saturday, September 8

 

Watershed Environmental Poetry Festival 

10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

Berkeley Farmers' Market 

Center Street at Martin Luther King, Jr. Way 

Free 

 


Sunday, September 15

 

Heritage Day 

11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

4th and University Ave. 

International BBQ and beer festival 

Free 

 


Saturday, October 12

 

Indigenous People's Day Pow Wow, Indian Market & Fall Fruit Tasting 

10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

Berkeley Farmers' Market 

Center Street at Martin Luther King, Jr. Way 

Free 

 


Tuesday, October 15

 

Fall Fruit Tasting 

Berkeley Farmers' Market 

10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

Derby Street at Martin Luther King, Jr. Way  

Free 

 


Saturday, October 26

 

Pumpkin Carving & Costume Making 

10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

Berkeley Farmers' Market 

Center Street at Martin Luther King, Jr. Way 

Free 

 


Sunday, October 27

 

Spirit Day 

11 a.m. and 5 p.m. 

4th and University 

Construct altars in a day of reflection 

Free 

 


Saturday December 7, 14, 21

 

Holiday Crafts Fair 

10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

Berkeley Farmers' Market 

Center Street at Martin Luther King, Jr. Way 

Free 

 


Saturday December 14

 

Holiday Crafts Fair 

10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

Berkeley Farmers' Market 

Center Street at Martin Luther King, Jr. Way 

Free 

 


Saturday December 21

 

Holiday Crafts Fair 

10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

Berkeley Farmers' Market 

Center Street at Martin Luther King, Jr. Way 

Free 

 


A’s take 2 of 3 from Giants

By GREG BEACHAM, The Associated Press
Monday June 17, 2002

SAN FRANCISCO — Barry Zito pitched into the seventh inning for his eighth straight victory, and Adam Piatt drove in the go-ahead run as the Oakland Athletics won the Bay Bridge series, beating the San Francisco Giants 2-1 Sunday. 

Oakland took two of three on the weekend from its cross-bay rival with another outstanding performance from Zito (9-2), who gave up four hits and struck out five in 6 2-3 innings, pitching out of big jams in the fifth and sixth. 

Randy Velarde hit his 100th career homer for the A’s, who won for the ninth time in 10 games. 

Oakland’s bullpen also got the job done, particularly when Chad Bradford intentionally walked Barry Bonds with nobody on base in the eighth. Bradford then got Jeff Kent to ground into an inning-ending double play. 

Billy Koch pitched the ninth for his 15th save. 

The A’s improved the majors’ best interleague record to 58-37 with their eighth win in nine interleague games this season. San Francisco still holds a 15-14 edge in the rivalry between the teams, who meet again at the Coliseum in two weeks. 

David Bell homered off Zito in the second, but the Giants didn’t do enough to help Kirk Rueter (7-5), who allowed nine hits in seven innings. Rueter has lost four of his last five after a 6-1 start. 

Piatt’s fifth-inning single brought home Terrence Long with Oakland’s second run. It was part of the A’s only prolonged rally against Rueter, but Reggie Sanders threw out Velarde at home to end it. 

The A’s won despite a miserable day on the basepaths. Long, Velarde and Eric Chavez all were thrown out trying to take an extra base. 

Oakland’s franchise-record streak of 12 straight errorless games ended in the fifth inning, when Zito overthrew first base after Rueter’s sacrifice bunt. But Zito, who hasn’t lost since April 30, got out of that trouble, then survived the sixth after walking Bonds and Kent to open the inning. 

Even Bonds had no luck against Zito’s curveball, going 0-for-2. Later, he disgustedly went to first when Bradford intentionally walked him in the eighth, but Kent tapped into a double play.


Coalition pushes Sunshine Ordinance

By Mike Dinoffria, Special to the Daily Planet
Monday June 17, 2002

City should provide easier access to information, critics say 

 

A group of city officials and citizens last week pushed forward their intent to bring a Sunshine Ordinance to Berkeley and, in doing so, open up the city’s information airways. 

Sunshine commonly refers to legislation that, under the Brown Act and the California Public Records Act, protects a citizen’s right to access public information and outlines the guidelines requiring local legislators to have open government meetings and public agendas. 

The Berkeley Citizens Sunshine Coalition, meeting last Thursday evening, said they want a measure implemented in Berkeley similar to those passed in Oakland, San Francisco and Contra Costa County. 

“The coalition is concerned now with identifying where the problems are and adding a sense of urgency,” said Peter Sesame, a member of the Society of Professional Journalists, who helped initiatives pass in San Francisco and Oakland. 

There have been similar grassroots attempts in Berkeley to free up information, but Sesame said other attempts came primarily from citizens groups, while this effort is headed by city officials. 

City councilmembers Mim Hawley and Kriss Worthington attended the meeting as did city commissioners John McBride, Lauren Moret and LA Wood. 

On the issue of obtaining public records, Wood expressed difficulty in getting the city to turn over documents, namely when he tried to obtain a report on arsenic and treated wood from the city’s Parks Department. 

He believes he should not, as he eventually did, have to file a Public Records Request to obtain the information. “Everyone should have equal access (to public records), and that is not the case,” he said. 

Worthington also weighed in on the city’s information process. He pointed out that people can watch City Council meetings on television, but viewers do not know the content of what is being discussed because city reports are not widely available. 

The written reports are available at the public library, but the coalition agreed that the community would be better served if the reports were available on the Internet as well. Berkeley resident Judith Scherr called the reports “wonderful information for citizens who want to participate and understand their local government.”  

Some city officials, though, believe that the rights of the citizens of Berkeley are sufficiently protected by the Brown Act and the California Public Records Act, and that a Sunshine Ordinance would be redundant. 

Manuela Albuquerque, city attorney since 1985, does not believe that a Sunshine Ordinance is necessary for Berkeley. She believes that what is stipulated in Contra Costa’s Sunshine Ordinance is, for the most part, already practiced in Berkeley.


Questions about city mediation

Howie Muir
Monday June 17, 2002

To the Editor: 

 

After corresponding with the city manager on the subject of ethical lapses at the Planning Department with respect to the staff report prepared for the Council’s May 7 public hearing on the project proposed for 2517 Sacramento Street, I seem to have arrived at an impasse. 

The city manager has indicated that reasonable people can arrive at differing conclusions based on the same facts. I agree, but in this case the people involved either did not share the same facts or the facts were distorted so as to reflect partial truths or were simply misrepresented altogether, thereby skewing a reasoned outcome. Given the common direction toward which these distortions and misrepresentations drew, the facts and figures were apparently intended to accomplish a particular result: the approval of the proposed project. I believe that the evidence for the assertions I have made is strong, meriting an examination of the circumstances and the facts so as to ascertain what did, in fact, transpire. 

I am disappointed that the city manager has not found these allegations worth further consideration. I am alarmed that the mediation to which his May 31 letter pointed as an example of the City Council’s concern "to effectively listen to and accommodate differing perspectives" was abruptly terminated without warning to the parties or even the mediator, mid-process. This event raises further concerns about the ethical and professional conduct of the planning staff with respect to the mediation process and the manner in which its progress was reported to the council. 

The city manager’s May 31 letter excused the rapidity of council action by explaining that "the time line for review of this project by both the Zoning Adjustments Board and City Council was accelerated by the State of California’s schedule for tax credits," which is absolutely incorrect, as the appellant had provided clear evidence from the state that the due date for tax credits was July 16, 2002, leaving adequate time for resolving the issues raised by the appeal. The city manager’s letter continued, acknowledging that "this hampered the City’s ability to have as full a community discussion as we would like"—I should say so. The community would have appreciated a proper and equitable mediation process, rather than one unexpectedly amputated. It is not at all clear that staff reported to council candidly on May 28. 

 

 

 

Howie Muir 

Berkeley


Billionaire backers of LA football back out of city’s stadium deal

The Associated Press
Monday June 17, 2002

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Billionaire backers poised to build a downtown stadium to lure a professional football team back to Los Angeles abruptly abandoned their plans, according to published reports. 

The Anschutz Entertainment Group said investors did not want to compete with a $1 million bid by boosters of the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in the quest for a National Football League team, the Los Angeles Times and Daily News of Los Angeles reported Saturday. 

The Rose Bowl in neighboring Pasadena also is making an NFL bid. 

“We made this pretty clear to the Coliseum from the start, and when we were told we might have a challenge and some competition, we said, ‘We wish you the best and if you do that we will get out,’ and we’re going to do that,” Anschutz group president Tim Leiweke said. 

“Unfortunately, this is just all too predictable, and the people who will lose are the football fans. We believe we had made great progress and were close to a deal with the NFL and that teams were interested,” Leiweke added. 

Although it had the backing of Mayor James K. Hahn, the new stadium plan drew criticism from lawmakers and others who feared taxpayer funds would be used to pay for the $450 million, 64,000-seat facility. 

Leiweke also said the decision was based partly on the debate involving proposed secession of the San Fernando Valley and Hollywood. 

“We didn’t want to be used by either side in that and didn’t want to see this hurt the efforts by the mayor to keep the city together,” Leiweke said. 

Anschutz is made up of billionaires Phillip Anschutz of Denver, Eli Broad and Ron Burkle; Los Angeles Avengers arena football owner Casey Wasserman; and real estate magnate Ed Roski Jr. 

Their announcement came the day after Leiweke and Wasserman gave a downtown business group more details on a proposed stadium site. 

City Councilman Mark Ridley-Thomas, whose district includes the Coliseum and who is a member of the Coliseum Commission, called the announcement nothing more than a business decision. 

“This doesn’t surprise me. The NFL didn’t give them any assurances, not one single assurance, and the Coliseum has always been there,” he said. 

County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky, who threatened legal action against the city’s redevelopment plan involving the stadium site, questioned the commitment to the project. 

“If this is all it took to collapse this proposal, it couldn’t have had much merit,” Yaroslavsky said. 

Los Angeles has been without a professional football team since 1995, when the both the Rams and Raiders left Southern California. 


South Berkeley celebrates

By Chris Nichols, Daily Planet Staff
Monday June 17, 2002

Thousands of residents from the Bay Area gathered in south Berkeley Sunday for the Juneteenth Festival, celebrating African American history, culture and the end of slavery. 

The weekend’s arts, crafts, food, music and multi-cultural activities, attended by hundreds, come as the emerging Adeline Street Corridor is in the midst of certain, though gradual, transformation. The festival is just one of many examples of how neighbors and city officials are looking to give the neighborhood a boost to its economy and its identity. 

Community leaders, business owners and attendees of the festival say some change has been made to the historically struggling section of town but that more work needs to be done. 

According to Sean Vaughn Scott, executive director of the Black Repertory Theatre on Adeline Street, change is a necessary part of the growth of the district. But Scott says he does not want to see the area change so much that it loses its distinct and local character. 

“I don’t want to see this area become a 4th Street,” he said. 

Scott would like to see the theater, which featured a jazz set, barbecue and a number of performances in celebration of the Sunday’s Juneteenth festival, become a center for meetings between local business owners and city officials. 

Houshi Ghaderi, owner of the Vault Cafe on Adeline Street, where the current merchant association meetings take place, says that though efforts have been made, revitalization is a slow process. 

“There has been some slow change but it takes all of the merchants together to get it going. There have been some merchants that have been really dedicated to the process,” Ghaderi said.  

Ghaderi says that he has a steady group of local customers and even some from the Berkeley hills who enjoy the health conscious selection of pastas and salads at the family style cafe. While Ghaderi says that he has not seen a significant increase in customers as a result of revitalization efforts he feels that both the city and the police department have worked to improve the area.  

“The police have really been working on crime in the area,” Ghaderi said. "They’ve definitely been doing a lot of work but it take a long time to change things. You’ve just got to be patient." 

Merchants say that the neighborhood’s reputation in the past for criminal activity has caused developers to shy away. The Berkeley Police Department has cited the intersection of Fairview Street and Adeline as a high crime area. 

“It’s not a struggle but it’s definitely a challenge,” Ghaderi admits. 

Sunday’s Festival provided west Berkeley resident Artensia Bary an opportunity to enjoy the afternoon and see some of the changes to south Berkeley. 

“Today has been really exciting and really educational. I know they’ve added a retirement home and free senior clinic and a few apartments in the neighborhood but it’s still been a very slow, gradual change,” Bary said. 

For Thomas Maxwell, Berkeley resident for more than 40 years, Sunday was a chance to celebrate African American history and freedom from slavery. According to Maxwell, the district does not need wholesale change though fixing a few pot holes would be nice. 

“ I think most of the local businesses are pretty established and will stay around,” Maxwell added. 

Other groups attending the day-long celebration included the South Berkeley Neighborhood Development Corporation, the Lawrence Hall of Science, the Wee Poets television poetry program and the Berkeley Police and Fire departments.


Height initiative would impact the availability of housing

Charles Siegel
Monday June 17, 2002

To the Editor: 

 

Howie Muir's latest opinion piece repeats a point he has made many times: He opposes new housing in Berkeley because we are denser than Oakland and most other California cities. He has read the latest census figures, but he obviously has never looked at density in historical perspective. 

Berkeley is lower density than any nineteenth century American city or town. Densities went down dramatically during the last century, as America was rebuilt around the automobile. During most of the twentieth-century, California was famous world-wide for building low-density cities where you could not live without an automobile. For balance, if we compare Berkeley's density with automobile-oriented California cities, like Los Angeles, we should also compare it with pedestrian-oriented European cities. 

Berkeley is only 15 percent to 25 percent as dense as traditional European cities, which were built when walking was the only form of transportation. I'm sure that some of our anti-density extremists enjoy vacationing in Paris, which is almost seven times as dense as Berkeley. Some European visitors are shocked when they see Berkeley. They say that they expected it to be a city, but it is actually a suburb. So, Berkeley looks high-density compared to auto-oriented suburbs, and it looks low-density compared to older pedestrian-oriented cities. 

The question is: Do we want to keep our current auto-dependent densities or do we want to move toward higher densities that support walking and public transportation? We do not have to follow the European model. If we just develop major transit corridors with housing above shopping, that would be enough to make walking an option in most of Berkeley. Currently, most parts of Berkeley are so low density that people have no shopping within walking distance, so they drive every time they leave the house. 

Howie Muir has become more of a politician. In the past, he used to say that Berkeley was already dense enough, and we should not build any new housing here. Now, he is trying to put a more positive spin on his initiative, by saying it would allow some development. In fact, if Berkeley's new housing were scaled down to the densities the initiative requires, most of it would no longer be economically feasible. 

The real goal of the height initiative is to stop new housing from being built. Yet if we build housing over shopping on streets that are now ugly strip malls, it would strengthen neighborhoods by providing local shopping that people walk to. It would reduce urban sprawl and preserve open space. It would conserve fuel and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. 

 

 

Charles Siegel 

Berkeley


Pro rodeo schedules more bull riding

The Associated Press
Monday June 17, 2002

LAS VEGAS — The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association approved a number of changes aimed at attracting more fans and contestants. 

Among the proposals approved were ones creating a bull riding tour and a similar one of reigning champions. In addition, directors relaxed the minimum number of rodeos contestants must enter and formed a national advisory board. 

“The PRCA board of directors, after a long and thorough examination of many issues, passed far-reaching initiatives that will position ProRodeo in a positive light for the future,” Commissioner Stephen J. Hatchell said in a release Friday. 

The addition of a bull riding tour is the PRCA’s answer to widely popular tours staged by other groups that focus exclusively on bulls. 

The PRCA’s bull riding tour will begin in 2003 with a minimum of 12 dates, using existing rodeos and culminating with a two-day championship in December. 

Money won will count toward the season-long bull riding standings but not the all-around standings. 

The top 12 contestants in each event in the final 2003 standings will compete in an exclusive tour in 2004, again using existing rodeos. 

A nationwide advisory board was established to provide guidance on “global” issues, including political, financial and marketing matters.


Bay Briefs

Staff
Monday June 17, 2002

Northern California man held 

 

for alleged ties to al-Qaida 

OAKLAND — A Pakistani native being held without bail for immigration violations has ties to a man convicted of a 1995 plot to blow up 11 U.S. airliners, immigration officials said. 

Nasir Ali Mubarak, 34, came to the United States more than 10 years ago to attend flight school. Immigration and Naturalization Service officials say he has ties to Abdul Hakim Murad, a man said to have admitted having connections to Osama bin Laden. 

Mubarak’s lawyer Marc Van Der Hout said Mubarak admits to having met Murad in 1991, but denies having any connections to terrorist organizations. 

Mubarak lives in Corning, about 170 miles northeast of San Francisco, and was arrested by the FBI two weeks ago. Mubarak’s visa has expired, but no criminal charges have been filed against him. 

The FBI did not immediately return calls from The AP Sunday seeking comment on Mubarak’s case. 

INS officials filed a motion last week, seeking to deny Mubarak bail while his deportation case is pending. 

Murad was Mubarak’s roommate at flight schools in New York, North Carolina, Texas and California from 1991 to 1992, but Mubarak said he didn’t know Murad was involved in terrorism until he read about his prosecution. He said he had not seen or talked to Murad since 1992. 

Mubarak said the FBI came to his airplane repainting business hours after the Sept. 11 attacks to question him. 

He told the San Francisco Chronicle that he had on several occasions voluntarily talked to the FBI and offered his language skills to the FBI and the CIA. 

 

Vehicle fatalities 

 

PACIFICA — Authorities released the identities Sunday of the woman and her 9-year-old son who both died a day earlier after their car crossed the dividing line on Highway 1 just north of Devil’s Slide. 

Laurence Foucher, 38, of Pacifica, and her son Joseph Niland, 9, were both declared dead at the scene of the crash Saturday. 

Police said Foucher’s sport utility vehicle rolled over after swerving out of her lane at about 10 a.m. 

A second accident Saturday evening killed three members of a family and injured five others. The driver of the van went off Highway 680 near Benecia. 

The van’s driver was later found with nitroglycerin pills in his pocket, sheriff’s deputies said.


History

Staff
Monday June 17, 2002

Today is Monday, June 17 , the 168th day of 2002. There are 197 days left in the year. 

 

Highlight in History: 

Thirty years ago, on June 17, 1972, President Nixon’s eventual downfall began with the arrest of five burglars inside Democratic national headquarters in Washington D.C.’s Watergate complex. 

 

On this date: 

In 1775, the Revolutionary War Battle of Bunker Hill took place near Boston. 

In 1856, in Philadelphia, the Republican Party opened its first convention. 

In 1885, the Statue of Liberty arrived in New York City aboard the French ship Isere. 

In 1928, Amelia Earhart embarked on a trans-Atlantic flight from Newfoundland to Wales — the first by a woman. 

In 1940, France asked Germany for terms of surrender in World War II. 

In 1948, a United Air Lines DC-6 crashed near Mount Carmel, Pa., killing all 43 people on board. 

In 1963, the Supreme Court struck down rules requiring the recitation of the Lord’s Prayer or reading of biblical verses in public schools. 

In 1969, the raunchy musical review “Oh! Calcutta!” opened in New York. 

In 1971, the United States and Japan signed a treaty under which the United States would return control of the island of Okinawa. 

In 1991, the remains of President Zachary Taylor were briefly exhumed in Louisville, Kentucky, to test a theory that Taylor had died of arsenic poisoning. The results showed his death was from natural causes.


Southern California firefighters keeping busy, battling 3,500-acre blaze

The Associated Press
Monday June 17, 2002

SAN BERNADINO— A fast-moving wildfire burned 3,500 acres of rugged forest land Sunday and caused the temporary closure of Interstate 15 in San Bernadino, fire officials said. 

About 700 firefighters were dispatched to battle the blaze that broke out Sunday about 3 p.m. and spread to both sides of the highway near Cajon Blvd. 

Buffeted by hot, dry winds, the fire spread quickly in a mostly northeasterly direction, jumping the freeway at least twice, authorities said. Flames passed over cars in places. 

The fire raced up Cleghorn Canyon, which is lined by dry brush that has not burned since 1994, authorities said. 

The fire grew from 100 acres at 4 p.m. and covered more than 3,000 acres by nightfall, said Fran Colwell of the U.S. Forest Service in San Bernadino. Firefighters in the late afternoon were battling the flames in 92-degree heat from seven air tankers, four helicopters and 45 engines on the ground, Colwell said. 

The rugged terrain frustrated firefighters’ attempts to draw a line around the fire on the ground, Colwell said. Firefighters by 9 p.m. had the blaze 10 percent contained. 

Some structures were threatened in the Oak Hills and Summit Valley communities. A voluntary evacuation was in effect in Oak Hills, but fire officials had no estimate on how many people had left their homes. 

The fire slowed after nightfall and it also moved into an area that had burned a few years earlier, said Carol Becklew, of the U.S. Forest Service. 

Interstate 15 was closed for several hours Sunday night, but both sides were reopened after 8 p.m. Highway 138 remained closed in both directions as it neared I-15. 

The closure snarled traffic and some drivers crossed center dividers and freeway shoulders, keeping police, fire and Caltrans vehicles from getting through, said Officer Karen Faciane, of the California Highway Patrol. Other desperate drivers drove down railroad tracks. 

The blaze was threatening a radio tower, but no other buildings were threatened, said Karen McKinley, spokeswoman for the San Bernadino National Forest. 

The cause of the fire was under investigation, McKinley said. 

Meanwhile, fire officials expect to fully contain a wildfire that destroyed five homes and forced evacuations of 200 people in Lake Isabella by Tuesday. 

The blaze by Sunday afternoon was at least 50 percent contained. Firefighters faced hot weather and winds of up to 15 mph as they battled the fire that exploded from a few acres to 3,500 acres. 

The fire, which started Saturday about 1 p.m., abated after sundown and residents were allowed to return home at night, said Kern County Fire Department spokesman Chris Cagle.


Suicide leads to arrest of sex crime suspect

The Associated Press
Monday June 17, 2002

SAN FRANCISCO — A suicide note left by a teen-age girl who fatally shot herself in January has led to the arrest of a neighbor, charged with molesting her and another neighborhood girl. 

Richard Hayes Stone, an engineer at National Semiconductor and a volunteer student mentor at Santa Clara High School, is being held at Santa Clara County Jail on $1 million bail and is expected to enter a plea Tuesday. 

He was arrested May 31 and arraigned Wednesday on two counts of lewd acts with children under 14. 

Police said they have determined that Stone, 64, molested the 14-year-old girl, as well as a 12-year-old friend of hers. 

The Sunnyvale girl left a note to her parents and sisters that read: “You’re probably thinking that a normal teen-ager doesn’t do this, well ask Dick! Please forgive me.” Police say they believe the name “Dick” referred to Stone.


California prisons are helping to make dent in the state’s digital divide

By JESSICA BRICE, Associated Press Writer
Monday June 17, 2002

SACRAMENTO — Students at the CHESS/SUCCESS Academy, an elementary school for at-risk kids, will get a big surprise when they return to school in the fall. 

A new computer lab, complete with 50 computers, will have replaced their old lab that consisted of just bits and pieces of older computers that hardly worked. 

“They were good for playing games,” said Principal Ed Watkins. “That’s about it.” 

The “new” computers come from an unlikely source — they were built by California prison inmates through a program that Watkins called the school’s “greatest chance for getting a decent lab.” 

Watkins’ appeal for help in building a better computer lab was answered by the Department of Corrections, which is the largest contributor of free computers to the state’s public schools. 

In the program, which began in 1994, inmates at nine prisons are trained to rebuild and reprogram donated computers. So far, the department has placed more than 85,000 computers in public schools across the state. 

At the same time, inmates such as Mancy Thompson, who spends his days behind the walls of the Folsom State Prison, are working toward getting industry-standard computer certification that will help them get high-paying jobs and stay out of prison. 

About 800 inmates participate in the program and spend 40 hours a week taking classes, studying for the certification tests and refurbishing the computers. Twenty percent of all the computers they finish go to schools near the prisons, and the remainder are distributed evenly around the state. 

Thompson, a 38-year-old former marine who hopes to someday open a computer shop, said he likes the idea that he’s able to do something for kids in disadvantaged communities. 

“I’m in prison for what I did, not who I am,” Thompson said. “Some of our communities, we destroyed. We owe it to ourselves to help rebuild what we helped destroy.” 

The program has faced numerous roadblocks during the eight years it’s been in operation, including the loss of all of its funding, said program coordinator Ray Kirkpatrick. 

In 1997, a one-time Assembly bill gave the CDC $5.5 million for the program, followed by a $4 million federal grant, which they used to buy parts that couldn’t be salvaged from the donated computers, Kirkpatrick said. When that money dried up two years later, the program nearly went under. 

Since then, the program has operated without state money, staying afloat through a partnership with the nonprofit Technology Training Foundation of America, which handles the computer pickups and placement in schools. 

“We need each other,” Kirkpatrick said. “Since we’re a government agency, we can’t provide the tax write-off when someone donates computers. We also can’t purchase parts.” 

The CDC is mandated by law to donate all the computers its inmates refurbish to public schools, while the training foundation, through other refurbishing centers, provides some computers to nonprofit organizations and community centers. 

Jeanette Roache, executive director of the training foundation, said the program is growing stronger and donating more computers each year, but they always have a waiting list of at least 1,000 computers. 

“California still ranks 50th for the ratio of students to every computer,” she said. “That’s not good enough.” 

Roache said the main problems the organization faces are computers with missing parts, such as cords, or corporations that drill holes through the hard drives of their donated computers to erase the stored information.


State’s Oracle hearings expected to wrap up today

By STEVE LAWRENC, The Associated Press
Monday June 17, 2002

SACRAMENTO — After 100 hours of contradictory testimony, blame shifting and a couple of balky witnesses, the committee investigating a potentially costly state computer contract is about to wrap up its work — maybe. 

The Joint Legislative Audit Committee has scheduled what the chairman describes as a final hearing Monday on the $95 million, no-bid contract that the state signed last year with the Oracle Corp. 

But at least one Republican member of the committee says the panel should consider holding more sessions. He predicts the other Republican members will agree with him. 

“There is no agreement that Monday is the final date,” said Assemblyman Bill Leonard, R-Rancho Cucamonga. “The overriding question that started the hearings — how could such a contract be negotiated so quickly with so many questionable assumptions and lack of validations — is still unanswered.” 

The long-term deal was supposed to save taxpayers more than $100 million through volume purchasing and maintenance of database software, but the state auditor says it could end up costing up to $41 million more than if the state had stuck to its previous software supply arrangements. 

Oracle stoutly defends the contract as a fabulous deal, but the Redwood Shores-based company has begun talking to the state about how to rescind the agreement. 

Critics complain that state officials never verified Oracle’s claims of big savings before signing the contract. 

The committee’s chairman, Assemblyman Dean Florez, D-Shafter, says Monday will be the final hearing unless there is “startling new information” in the coming weeks. 

“At this point in time there really is no new information. I think everyone has had their fair crack at the witnesses,” he said, noting that some witnesses testified two, or even three, times. 

On Monday, the committee is scheduled to hear from three sales representatives for Logicon Inc., a seller of Oracle products. 

Logicon proposed the contract to the state, was heavily involved in persuading state officials to sign it and is in line to collect $28.5 million if the agreement isn’t thrown out. 

Florez is promising some “very intriguing testimony.” 

“Talking to them is extremely important in understanding what they were trying to accomplish and why it is they got such a huge take,” he said, suggesting it may have been because Logicon had “strong connections” in the administration and Legislature. 

Questioning will touch on a series of e-mails in which a Logicon employee, Rajan Mittu, talked about limiting the amount of background information supplied to the state, Florez said. 

“We plan on giving Kim the least amount of data possible,” Mittu wrote, referring to Kim Heartley-Humphrey, deputy director for acquisitions at the Department of Information Technology. “At this point, giving too much information can only be a bad thing.” 

In an earlier e-mail, Mittu said he wanted to be “careful in presenting any more information” because Debbie Leibrock, head of the Finance Department’s technology investment review unit, might put a “different spin on it.” 

“I don’t want her to turn our message ... into ‘the state should not do this (software) license because they have not been buying enough users over the last three years,”’ he said. 

Completion of the hearings will allow Attorney General Bill Lockyer to move ahead with his investigation to determine if any laws were broken in connection with the deal, Florez said. 

The attorney general’s probe could include two witnesses who refused to testify to Florez’ committee, retired state lawyer Larry Kreig and former Oracle lobbyist Ravi Mehta. 

Florez said both men cited their 5th Amendment right against self-incrimination, although they didn’t specifically mention that amendment. 

The committee dismissed both witnesses rather than to try to compel them to testify by granting them immunity from prosecution. 

The committee expected Kreig to contradict testimony by his former boss, Davis Cabinet member Aileen Adams, about whether he told her about flaws in the contract, but Kreig told a reporter earlier this month that he didn’t give Adams any warning about flaws because “there was nothing to talk to her about.”


Wheeling and dealing in Mill Valley

By MAY WONG, The Associated Press
Monday June 17, 2002

MILL VALLEY — With its quaint shops and leafy residential roads, it’s easy to mistake Mill Valley for simply a quiet, upscale bedroom community across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco. 

Truth is, there’s as much wheeling and dealing in this town as in a big-city skyscraper. 

From their Mill Valley homes, Joe Caldwell handles the investment portfolios of millionaire clients, Robin Thompson works with large corporations like Wells Fargo or Oracle, promoting Canada as a meeting destination, and Marilyn Jackson’s computer consultancy clocks in at three clients a day. 

The three are part of a growing contingent of Americans whose commutes consist of a walk down the hall or a jaunt to the converted garage. 

The number of Americans working at home three or more days a week grew nearly 23 percent, from 3.4 million in 1990 to 4.2 million in 2000, according to U.S. Census figures. Mill Valley topped California’s list, with 15.4 percent of its 14,000 residents working at home. 

The census category includes farmers, so South Dakota, at 6.5 percent, leads other rural states atop the nation’s work-at-home list. And the census only partly reflects the growing scope of telecommuting, since millions of others work from home one or two days a week as corporate America has grown to accept more flexible schedules. 

“The biggest constraint was managers letting people telecommute, and that’s diminishing,” said Patricia Mokhtarian, a civil and environmental engineering professor at the University of California, Davis. 

The estimated number of Americans who telecommute at least some portion of the week jumped more than 42 percent in two years, from 19.6 million in 1999 to 28 million in 2001, according to the International Telework Association and Council. Most live in New England and on the East and West coasts in areas with dense populations and notorious traffic congestion, said Tim Kane, the organization’s president. 

More than two-thirds of telecommuters surveyed by the group said they’re more satisfied — or much more satisfied — since they began working at home, Kane said. “They’re saying, ’This is three hours I don’t need to be in the car, and I could be with my kids, pick the dry cleaning, or whatever.”’ 

The changes are evident in Mill Valley, where people armed with laptops, cell phones and personal digital assistants set up shop among the latte-drinkers at the Depot Bookstore and Cafe, its outdoor patio overlooking the town square. 

“I see all kinds of people now — they’re figuring out retail or real estate issues or calling suppliers,” said Peter Graumann, a clerk at the store. “It’s not just the writers and artists anymore.” 

Now that computer firewalls allow secure connections to corporate networks, work-related communication can happen anytime, anyplace. 

“People are amazed they get e-mails from me at 5 a.m. or 10 p.m.,” said Thompson, a manager for the Canadian Tourism Commission, her first full-time telecommuting job in a 20-year hotel industry marketing career. 

Instead of leaving by 6 a.m. to beat the traffic over the Golden Gate, Thompson can be hard at work by dawn. If her 13-year-old daughter needs her during the day, she can complete a chunk of work later in the evening. 

Productivity doesn’t suffer, many telecommuters say. 

“There’s no office chitchat, no ’how was your weekend?”’ Thompson said. “I get a lot accomplished without all the interoffice distractions, and no commute.” 

A computer, phone line, dial-up modem and Internet access are all many telecommuters need. For many home-based small businesses, their storefronts are on the Web and delivery services come to the door. 

As Jackson, owner of mjacksoncomputers.com, puts it: “I’m really not based anywhere. I’m really based in the Internet, which is the tech universe.” 

The computer consultant walks through her rose garden to her workspace in a converted garage. Between e-mails and house calls, she squeezes in a daily 5-mile hike from Mill Valley to the Pacific Ocean, and avoids peak road congestion periods. 

It’s all about regaining a more balanced quality of life. 

“People don’t want to put in the 16-hour days to drive an hour-and-a-half or two from home and then come back,” said Charlie Grantham, chief scientist who telecommutes himself at the Institute for the Study of Distributed Work, a think tank based in Windsor, Calif., in northern Sonoma wine country. “And corporate America is beginning to examine how to use technology to connect the workers they need with the work that needs to be done, regardless of where the workers are located.” 

In fact, of the 8 million business subscribers of broadband services expected this year, more than 60 percent will be for residences, according to In-stat/MDR, a Scottsdale, Ariz.-based market research firm. 

At Cigna Corp., where about 9,000 of the 43,000 employees have arranged with their managers to telecommute, a formal E-Worker program was started two years ago. Already, 2,100 workers have signed up, getting additional training, home-office equipment and technical support. 

Productivity increased by as much as 15 percent, and job turnover rates have been cut nearly in half in some divisions of the Philadelphia-based insurance company. 

Now, Cigna is adding “touchdown spaces” in more of its 250 offices for workers who occasionally need shared offices for meetings or social contact. It also has a call-forwarding system allowing untethered employees to answer their direct lines wherever they are. 

Support services also are adapting. 

At Mill Valley Services, a printing business, owner Dave Semling needs the latest technologies to serve his clients. Last week, a client e-mailed a document, which he printed on a four-color press and then sent to another at-home worker on the East Coast. 

Many companies have come to recognize telework as a recruiting tool. Scimagix Inc. of San Mateo, which does imaging software for drug companies, offers two-day-a-week telecommuting as it competes for engineers. 

“You have to do this to run a business,” said the startup’s co-founder, Bryan Van Vliet, a married father of two young children who now works at home three days a week himself. “You’re looking for a good pool of talent, and you can’t always find someone who lives 10 minutes away.” 

Jackson, the Mill Valley computer consultant, said telecommuting helped her raise and support two children after her husband died of cancer. 

“It made a huge difference to me that when I woke up or that when I came home from school, she was here,” said her oldest child, Noah, a 20-year-old UC Berkeley student. “And being able to eat as a family every night made a big difference, too.”


Unemployment rate falls despite fewer total jobs

By SIMON AVERY, The Associated Press
Monday June 17, 2002

LOS ANGELES — Fewer Californians were looking for work last month and that pushed down the unemployment rate, not an increase in jobs, according to state employment officials. 

The jobless rate decreased to 6.3 percent from 6.5 percent in April, even as the state economy lost 9,000 jobs, according to the state Employment Development Department. 

With the construction and manufacturing industries losing 14,600 jobs last month, the state unemployment rate remained well above the national average of 5.8 percent. 

The number of people looking for work in California declined in May to 1.1 million, 57,000 fewer than in April. 

The jobless rate a year ago was 5.1 percent. 

Despite the decline in jobs, the EDD forecast that the unemployment rate will stabilize in the months ahead, moving up or down by no more than three-tenths of a percent. 

“The job losses we’ve seen earlier this year have leveled off,” EDD Director Michael Bernick said Friday. 

But Brad Williams, senior economist in the Legislative Analysts’ Office, called the latest numbers disappointing. 

“The question is whether the economy is lifting out of recession or drifting along,” he said. 

With EDD’s survey of employers showing a decline of 9,000 jobs last month and a separate EDD survey of households showing 27,000 fewer Californians holding jobs in May than April, the economy is clearly drifting, Williams said. 

One of the most significant changes registered in May was the decline in Silicon Valley’s jobless rate. In Santa Clara County, joblessness fell to 7.1 percent from 7.6 percent. In San Francisco Country it declined to 6.3 percent from 6.8 percent. 

However, the decrease was largely due to people leaving the region, rather than job growth, Bernick said. 

Parts of Southern California continued to show healthy job activity. The jobless rate stood at 3.6 percent in Orange County and 3.7 percent in San Diego County. 

In Northern California, where the hospitality industry continues to feel the effects of Sept. 11, job seekers with the greatest flexibility are having the most success. 

“Things have been looking a little better,” said Katherine Field of the Oakland Career Center. “We’re still seeing a huge amount of unemployed in Oakland.


San Francisco supervisor collects signatures to cut homeless checks

The Associated Press
Monday June 17, 2002

SAN FRANCISCO — After his colleagues on the San Francisco’s liberal Board of Supervisors frowned on his plan to cut homeless welfare checks, Gavin Newsom is taking his plan to city residents. 

Newsom wants to put his Care Not Cash measure on the ballot in November. He began asking for signatures Saturday — he’ll need 9,735 names by July 8 to put the measure on the ballot. 

Newsom’s plan, which has been political suicide for his predecessors, would cut the current monthly homeless allowance of up to $395 dollars to $59. 

He wants to cut back the amount of checks, which he said often gets spent on alcohol and drugs. His plan would reallocate the cash allowances toward residential housing, medical services, job training and addiction treatment. 

“We will take nothing away without providing something more, something better,” he said. 

But homeless advocates paint the politician, who’s expected to run next year for mayor, as rich and unsympathetic to the plight of the homeless. The son of a former judge, Newsom owns a winery, a resort and upscale restaurants. 

“He wants to take the money away when people already live in misery,” said Sister Bernie Galvin of Religious Witness for the Homeless. 

Newsom’s plan has taken a beating from fellow supervisors, but Mayor Willie Brown has given the plan his blessing though not an official endorsement. 

Trent Rhorer, chief of the city’s Department of Human Services, said he thinks a change is needed to help handle the city’s homeless. 

“When (a client) is homeless for five years on the streets or in a shelter, how have we improved their lives?” he asked.


Bankrupt PG&E’s creditors begin deciding future

By KAREN GAUDETTE, The Associated Press
Monday June 17, 2002

SAN FRANCISCO — Just as voters soon will decide who runs California, the thousands of creditors owed money by bankrupt Pacific Gas and Electric Co. are getting their chance to help determine the shape of California’s largest utility when it emerges from Chapter 11. 

It’s a crucial point in PG&E’s 14-month bankruptcy. Already in the mail are roughly 74,000 envelopes stuffed with nearly two pounds of voting materials. Creditors ranging from tree trimmers to major banks to power companies will spend the next eight weeks pondering two competing reorganization plans that both promise full payment of the utility’s $13.5 billion debt accrued during the state’s power crisis. 

Otherwise, they paint wildly different outcomes. 

PG&E hopes to transfer billions of dollars worth of transmission lines, power plants and other assets away from state oversight and into three new companies that would be regulated by the federal government, then borrow against those assets to clear its debts. By contrast, a plan from the state Public Utilities Commission would force PG&E, its shareholders and its ratepayers, to generate money to pay the debts. 

Those who’ve been following the bankruptcy expect an all-out battle as PG&E and the PUC vie for support from voters despite putting forward plans that critics say are legally and financially flawed, respectively. 

“This is the most important event in this bankruptcy and will determine the future course of this company and how long and complex and expensive this process is going to be,” said David Huard, a Los Angeles attorney who heads the western chapter of the Energy Bar Association. 

Both PG&E and the PUC say they plan to “reach out” to creditors to promote the benefits of their respective plans. In a bankruptcy, however, persuading creditors to vote against a competitor is as key as garnering votes for the home team’s plan, Huard said. 

On this particular ballot, creditors can vote for one plan, for both plans, or against both plans. They must indicate a preference if they choose both, to help U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Dennis Montali decide the ultimate outcome at what’s called a confirmation hearing. 

If neither plan garners support from half the creditors and those who hold 2/3 of the claims, it’s back to square one, said U.S. Trustee Linda Stanley, who oversees the administration of bankruptcy cases. 

Moving both plans forward to confirmation gives Montali more options when crafting the outcome, Stanley said. 

The official committee of creditors agrees. The committee’s letter tucked within the 1 pound, 11 ounce ballot packet urges creditors to approve both plans, with the caveat that myriad flaws within both leave the committee unable to have a preference. 

For its plan to succeed, PG&E must convince Montali that federal bankruptcy law allows the utility to disregard state rules and regulations that bar it from, among other things, selling or transferring power plants until 2006. 

The PUC, for its part, must convince skeptics on Wall Street that California’s volatile regulatory climate will stabilize, so that investors and credit-rating agencies alike will have faith enough in PG&E’s future to allow it to borrow the billions it needs to pay the bills. 

The ultimate tiebreaker may be whichever path Montali determines is most likely to restore PG&E’s good credit, Huard said. The state is obligated to buy electricity for PG&E’s customers through the end of 2002. But unless PG&E regains its good credit, lawmakers may be forced to extend that deadline.


Wind-whipped wildfire destroys five homes 30 miles from Bakersfield

The Associated Press,
Monday June 17, 2002

LAKE ISABELLA, Calif. (AP) — A wildfire that destroyed five homes and forced evacuations of 200 people in this community northeast of Bakersfield was at least 50 percent contained Sunday. 

Fanned by erratic winds, the flames exploded Saturday from a few acres to 3,500 acres, fire officials said. 

The fire abated after sundown and residents were allowed to return home Saturday night, said Kern County Fire Department spokesman Chris Cagle. 

Fire officials did not know when to expect full containment. They braced for hot weather, 25 percent humidity and winds up to 15 mph. 

The fire broke out just before 1 p.m. Saturday in dry grass and brush near Highway 178 and Borel Canyon Road. The cause of the fire was under investigation, Cagle said. 

Five homes and four vehicles, along with garages, a travel trailer, mobile home, five sheds, two boats and a barn were destroyed. Campgrounds in popular camping areas of Keysville also were evacuated as the fire moved into that area. 

No other buildings were threatened. 

On Saturday, Kern County sheriff’s deputies enforced mandatory evacuations in parts of Bodfish and Lake Isabella. Residents gathered at the town’s senior center, which was converted into a temporary shelter. 

There were no injuries. 

Air tankers and helicopters, along with 250 firefighters battled the blaze. 

Lake Isabella is a resort community of about 3,500 residents in the southern Sierra Nevada about 30 miles northeast of Bakersfield. 

Elsewhere, firefighters contained a wildfire that blackened more than 1,400 acres of rugged forest in Siskiyou County near the Oregon state line. It was expected to be under control by Monday. 

The fire started when a backyard debris fire got out of control, said Penny Melum, a spokeswoman for the Klamath National Forest. 

The blaze burned about 30 miles south of the Oregon state line.


Dirty bomb is topic of state medical summit

By SIMON AVERY, The Associated Press
Monday June 17, 2002

Experts: Nuclear terror would kill few, but harm the American psyche 

 

LOS ANGELES — A terrorist strike using radioactive materials likely would kill fewer people than the Sept. 11 attacks, but would produce a psychological effect that the country remains unprepared for, nuclear medical experts said. 

Though casualties might be kept relatively low, the country’s health care system remains unprepared to handle mass radioactive contamination, with some hospitals relying on their morgues as emergency treatment areas, doctors said Saturday at the Society of Nuclear Medicine’s annual meeting. 

The most likely scenarios of a terrorist strike using radiation include: exploding a conventional bomb to scatter radioactive debris; attacking a nuclear reactor or supply of nuclear material, or poisoning the water supply, experts said. 

Any case would prove a very effective terror weapon by spreading fear across the entire population. 

“In a ’dirty bomb’ scenario, the psycho-social effect would be vastly greater than the bomb itself,” said Jonathan Links, professor of environmental health sciences at Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health. 

“It’s difficult to kill someone with radiation,” said Henry Royal, a professor of radiology at the Washington University School of Medicine and an expert on managing radiation. 

The worst nuclear accident in history, which occurred in 1986 at Ukraine’s Chernobyl plant, directly killed only 31 people, although many more died from exposure to radiation later. 

“It is inconceivable that a terrorist could get their hands on that amount of radioactive material,” Royal said. 

While casualties might be relatively small, it is essential that after a terrorist strike political agencies work together and officials calculate the risks quickly and inform the public about what they know and what they don’t, Links said. 

The response to the anthrax attacks on the U.S. postal system were the exact opposite to what should have been. There were too many voices, bland reassurances and a habit of getting in front of the facts, said Links, who is helping the city of Baltimore develop an emergency response plan. 

In many ways, a radioactive terrorist strike would be easier to handle than a biological or chemical attack, experts said. 

Most injured patients would not contaminate others, so treatment would not require the kind of extraordinary precautions needed for chemical or biological contamination. 

Radioactive contamination can be washed off, and 90 percent of it will remain on a person’s clothes, Royal said. 

In contrast, the Sarin gas used to attack Japan in 1994 was so contagious that 13 of the 15 treating physicians became sick, he said. 

“If a radiation attack occurs, we need to worry about lifesaving procedures and not decontamination,” he said. 


Condoleezza Rice tells Stanford grads the world is different now

By MARGIE MASON, The Associated Press
Monday June 17, 2002

National security adviser gives commencement speech 

 

STANFORD — National security adviser Condoleezza Rice returned home to Stanford University on Sunday, urging this year’s graduates to use their education to promote freedom and tolerate cultural differences. 

Rice told the 4,600 graduates that a different world awaits them now than when she first spoke to them as provost their freshman year. 

She said they had a responsibility to use their education to break down the hatred that erupted on Sept. 11. 

“In the months past, we have been reminded in dramatic and terrifying ways of what happens when difference becomes a license to kill,” she said. “Terrorism is meant to dehumanize and divide.” 

About two dozen graduates disagreed with the choice of Rice as speaker for Stanford’s 111th commencement held Father’s Day in the school’s stadium. They stood during her speech, holding up their black mortarboards with a red flier attached outlining their outrage with Rice’s politics, including the United States’ refusal to sign the Kyoto Protocol, among others. 

In the stands, several people stood holding a large sign that read: “Stop Isolating U.S. — Respect Int’l Law.” 

“I think that for the university to choose a speaker with morals and values like Condi’s to lead us into the next phase of our lives is ... very disrespectful,” said Caitlin Gerdts, a human biology graduate from Bainbridge Island, Wash. She held up a large map of the world that read “What’s going on with this picture of the world?” 

But many in the crowd of about 25,000 applauded Rice as she told a personal story — reliving losing a childhood friend in the 1963 Birmingham, Ala., church bombing. 

“Though I didn’t see it, I heard it a few blocks away. It is a sound that I can still hear today,” she said. “I realize now that it is an experience that I have overcome, but will never forget. And so it will be for all of us — you and me — who experienced Sept. 11.” 

Rice did not specifically address the conflicts between Israel and the Palestinians or between India and Pakistan. 

Rice is a political science teacher on leave from the university and was the school’s provost from 1993 to 1999.


Gay SF police officer eulogized

Staff
Monday June 17, 2002

SAN FRANCISCO — Hundreds of family, friends and political leaders gathered at a memorial service Saturday held to honor an openly gay police officer who died when his patrol car crashed. 

Jon C. Cook was remembered as a man who loved the exhilaration and adrenaline that came with being a police officer, and was proud of serving his community. 

“In many cities, gay police officers don’t feel free to be completely who they are,” said Reverend Penny Nixon of the Metropolitan Community Church. “We in this city are proud of all of our police and of our gay and lesbian officers.”’ 

A Medford, Ore., native, Cook joined the police force last year and was still in field training.


Judge orders retrial for California dope farmers

The Associated Press
Monday June 17, 2002

SACRAMENTO — A federal judge has ordered a new trial for two undocumented Mexican immigrants convicted of growing more than 1,000 marijuana plants in northern California. 

U.S. District Judge Frank C. Damrell, Jr.’s ruling overturned jury verdicts that could have sent Miguel Navarro Viayra, 25, and Manuel Alvarez Guerra, 22, to prison for 10 years. 

Both were arrested two years ago at a remote Mendocino National Forest camp and charged with conspiracy, manufacturing marijuana plants and possessing firearms to facilitate drug trafficking. A jury found the two guilty of conspiracy and manufacturing, but deadlocked on the gun charges. 

The judge’s ruling bolsters a popular defense argument that undocumented immigrants, believing themselves recruited for honest work, become hostage laborers for major marijuana growers. Federal prosecutors had portrayed the pair as opportunists trying to make fast money growing pot. 

Viayra and Guerra told jurors they had no access to weapons and faced armed guards who promised to shoot them if they tried to leave. Viayra said he was hired in Fresno for a Sacramento construction job. Guerra said, while in Mexico, he was offered a job cutting wood in northern California. The two were stripping marijuana leaves the day before their arrest. 

In Damrell’s 21-page ruling issued Wednesday, he noted “the lack of direct evidence connecting these defendants to the weapons and ammunition, and circumstances of these two young, virtually penniless, likely illiterate, and illegal (immigrants) who were found abandoned in a remote camp in the wilderness with apparently no idea where they were.” 

The two were sleeping when 10 law enforcement officers raided the site. Nearly 20 others, including the growers, fled without being caught, court testimony indicated.


Online search engine Google has new competitor

By MICHAEL LIEDTKE, The Associated Press
Monday June 17, 2002

SAN FRANCISCO — Hoping to attract more mass appeal for an online search engine with a cult following, AlltheWeb.com on Monday declared that it indexes more Internet information than longtime pacesetter Google. 

AlltheWeb, owned by Norway-based Fast Search & Transfer, says its database spans 2.1 billion Web pages, just ahead of the 2.07 billion scanned by Google at the end of last week. AlltheWeb has been quietly building upon its previous foundation of 800 million pages over the past two months. 

The rapid expansion represents the latest salvo aimed at Mountain View-based Google, whose growing popularity since its inception in 1998 has inspired a mixture of awe, jealousy and one-upmanship among its competitors. 

The challenges haven’t toppled privately held Google so far. Besides operating one of the Web’s most trafficked destinations, Google also provides search results for other prominent sites, including Yahoo and AOL. 

Even before it expanded its index, AlltheWeb believed it had developed a better search engine than Google’s. AlltheWeb believes its technology provides more relevant responses that guides users to the freshest information on the Web. AlltheWeb also says its scanning devices dig deeper into online content than Google. 

AlltheWeb’s effectiveness has already made it a hit among scientists, librarians and other researchers looking for more obscure data. 

By expanding the amount of online turf that it scans, AlltheWeb believes it will become even more useful to a broader audience. 

“Our goal is to develop the best search experience possible,” said John M. Lervik, Fast Search’s chief executive officer. “We really hope Google responds to this.” 

Google regards “quantity as just one component of search,” said company spokesman David Krane. “We still believe we offer the most comprehensive search experience on the Internet.” 

While Google has long boasted about the breadth of its Web indexes, the company takes even greater pride in the complex formulas that it had developed to deliver quick results that list the most pertinent destinations. 

Still, there is no question that size matters when it comes to search engines, said Greg Notess, a Bozeman, Mont. researcher who has been studying online search engines since 1990. 

“If a page hasn’t been indexed, you won’t be able to find it no matter how good a search engine’s algorithms are,” he said. “It’s good to see someone is aggressively pushing to get to Web pages that no one may be looking at right now.” 

The issue is important enough to Google that Notess predicts the company will come up with a way to surpass AlltheWeb’s new index volume very quickly 

Besides expanding its index, AlltheWeb is also unveiling a new design meant to make it more attractive to a mainstream audience. 

Since its launch in 1999, AlltheWeb primarily has served as a showcase and testing site for Fast Search, which makes its money licensing its results to other popular destinations such as Lycos. Fast Search also provides search results for many other sites, including IBM, eBay and FirstGov.gov. 

With the AlltheWeb makeover, Fast Search is walking a fine line. 

On the one hand, the company wants more people to know about AlltheWeb’s abilities. On the flip side, the company doesn’t want AlltheWeb to lure too much traffic from other sites that use its search technology.


It turns out: eBay wasn’t about PEZ dispensers after all

By BRIAN BERGSTEIN, The Associated Press
Monday June 17, 2002

SAN JOSE — During eBay’s rapid rise to Internet commerce powerhouse, the company nurtured a quaint tale of its origins, saying founder Pierre Omidyar created the site in 1995 so his fiancee could trade PEZ candy dispensers with other collectors. 

It seemed to embody a seminal Silicon Valley moment as humble as the garage births of Hewlett-Packard Co. and Apple Computer Inc. 

The story was so tied to eBay’s identity that chief executive Meg Whitman often was photographed with PEZ collections, and 121 dispensers are on display in the lobby at company headquarters. 

Too bad the story isn’t true. 

According to a new book on eBay, “The Perfect Store” by Adam Cohen, the PEZ myth was fabricated to interest reporters in the site in 1997. 

The truth was merely that Omidyar had realized an auction-based marketplace would be a great use of the Internet.


BRIEFS

Staff
Monday June 17, 2002

Boy wins trip to ‘Harry Potter’ set 

 

NAVARRE, Fla. — Joel Willoughby logged onto the Internet in February and answered five trivia questions. Now he’s headed for London to join Hagrid the giant and Albus Dumbledore in the next “Harry Potter” movie. 

The 11-year-old won a walk-on role in “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” as the grand-prize winner of the “Owl Prowl” game. 

It was created by Warner Home Video to celebrate the release of the first Potter film, “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone,” on DVD and VHS. 

“I was just trying to win a DVD,” Joel said Wednesday. “I had no idea I would actually win a trip.” 

Joel and his mother, Teresa Willoughby, are flying to London for the filming June 24. Later, he and three family members will return for the movie’s premiere in November. 

He doesn’t know what part he’ll play, but he’s hoping they’ll “sort him into a house.” 

The Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, which Harry and his friends attend, has four houses, or dormitories. 

 

History for the viewing 

 

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — One of the original 1776 copies of the nation’s Declaration of Independence will be in Louisville for a public viewing this fall. 

The document, which television producer Norman Lear owns, is one of 25 known original copies of our country’s “birth certificate” still remaining. It will be on display for free at the public library’s main branch Oct. 16-Nov. 3 as an early stop on a national tour. 

“We are delighted” that the document will be displayed in Louisville, said library director Craig Buthod. 

Buthod said he’s been discussing the document’s appearance in Louisville for more than a year with a nonprofit group called the Declaration of Independence Road Trip, which Lear set up to give the document public exposure.


Future for Youth Radio fuzzy

By Devona Walker, Daily Planet Staff
Saturday June 15, 2002

The building at 1809 University Ave., the current home of Youth Radio, was busting at the seams Friday night as the nonprofit held an informal graduation ceremony.  

Outgoing state Assemblymember Dion Aroner, D-Berkeley, was onhand to congratulate the youths as was Tom Bates and his wife Lonnie Hancock, former Mayor of Berkeley.  

But there was something rather bitter-sweet to the ceremony, even though the overcrowded room was a sea of proud, smiling youths talking about future plans, possible college choices, summer jobs — possibilities.  

The caveat was an uncertainty about the future physical location of Youth Radio. 

The building is owned by Panoramic Properties and will likely undergo redevelopment in the upcoming years, and in that event Youth Radio may be forced to relocate. 

But Executive Director Beverly Mire was extremely tight-lipped about the matter and kept things decidedly positive. 

“I will say that in any event we will be here next year,” Mire said.  

Mire would not speak about negotiations that may or may not be underway with Panoramic Properties President Patrick Kennedy.  

But onhand was a possible ally in the form of Mayoral candidate Tom Bates.  

“I think it’s really too bad if they lose this space. We will just have to find some place in the city for this program,” Bates said. “This really is a wonderful program.”  

Youth Radio was distinguished recently by receiving the Peabody Journalism Award. A few weeks ago several youth at the nonprofit held court with the state Assembly. And this calendar year, they completed the first video element of the program. 

Some have contended that one drawback to the peer-oriented education that occurs at the facility is that after graduating there are not many avenues for the youths to directly link up with. 

But Mire addressed that issue with optimism as well. 

“They can’t help but having their self-confidence improved,” she said. 

Mire equated the Youth Radio education as to being a positive experience the youth can take with them when they leave and draw upon for whatever their future may hold. 

“The reality is that not all of these kids will be going onto college. Some will but not all of them. So this program is designed to give them the skills.” 

Aroner said the program is impressive on various fronts and spoke to UC Berkeley Journalism professor teaching a program at Youth Radio next year as being a way that the program may be able to link the students up with future job opportunities.  

“This is a youth-oriented program and that’s I think one of the keys to their success,” Aroner said. “There aren’t too many youths around mucking things up. 

“And that’s I think how these programs should be run, the adults should provide the support but the youth should be allowed to do the planning and the deciding,” she said. 

 

Contact reporter at  

devona@berkeleydailyplanet.com 


Pioneer West Berkeley house takes on a new life, wins an award

By Susan Cerny, Special to the Daily Planet
Saturday June 15, 2002

Although Berkeley's early settlers were mostly farmers, west Berkeley's location on the shore of San Francisco Bay made it ideal for commerce and industry. Before the incorporation of the town of Berkeley in 1878, the area was called Ocean View because the ocean was visible directly through the Golden Gate. The first industry, the Pioneer Starch and Grist Mill, was founded in 1855, and the second was a lumber mill established by Zimri Brewer Heywood and Captain James Jacobs in 1856. 

Zimri Brewer Heywood had a large family and they became distinguished and prominent Berkeley citizens and at various times, one son and two grandsons of his were mayors of Berkeley. Others served on the School Board and Volunteer Fire Department.  

The Heywood House at 1808 Fifth Street was built in 1878, by Zimri Brewer Heywood's son Charles W. Heywood. It is an exceptionally fine and rare example in Berkeley of a fairly large Italianate Victorian. Like its neighbors, the house sits on a raised basement to protect it from the flooding that used to occur regularly in west Berkeley. Its entrance is up a long wide staircase where the porch is framed by carved brackets. A pair of tall, arched front doors are inset with rounded clear-glass panels and the tops of the tall sash windows are also slightly curved. There are carved brackets under the eaves and it is faced with horizontal wood siding.  

1808 Fifth Street is located in a Redevelopment Area established in the early 1970s. Large parcels of land were assembled from small properties, many of them residential, to create an industrial park. Delaware Street and the surrounding six blocks were to be razed. The plan did not materialize partially due to changing industrial needs and also to protests from citizens who saw many families lose their homes. It has taken decades for the surviving historic properties to be rehabilitated and reused. 

Until 1992 the impressive but vacant and seriously deteriorating Heywood House stood on a large parcel of land that once provided space for growing vegetables and chickens. Even after the garden area was subdivided and new buildings constructed, the Heywood House, a Berkeley Landmark, remained abandoned.  

The Heywood House has taken on a new life as the home of the Pusod Center for Culture, Ecology and Bayan and as the gallery for Babilonia 1808. Its restoration, by the Babilonia Wilner Foundation, incorporates many environmentally friendly building practices from the reuse of an existing building and the use of recycled and environmentally friendly building materials, to a system of recycling gray water for the organic garden. David Wilner and Malou Babilonia, owners, Daniel Smith and Associates, Architects, and William F. Lowie of McCutchion Construction, Inc completed the restoration just this year and received a Preservation Award from the Berkeley Architectural Heritage Association. 

 

Susan Cerny is author of Berkeley Landmarks and writes this in conjunction with  

the Berkeley Architectural Heritage Association.  

 


Complaints against reverend

Rev. Tom Sanders
Saturday June 15, 2002

To the Editor: 

I've heard a number of interesting things about the Rev. Frank Moore's TV Channel 25 "Unlimited Possibilities" show, which is sponsored by his Church of Inter Relations, but have never got to see it because it began at 11 p.m. 

I will soon be changing my work hours, which will permit me to stay up late enough so I can at least see the first hour. Now, I've been told that the show is being moved back to midnight or possibly even later. This will make it impossible for not only me, but a number of people, who can not stay up late, to see it. 

I understand that the projected time change is because a few Berkeley residents complained about the show's content- some nudity sometimes. It's strange that these people did not complain and set up picket lines at the theaters showing Monster's Ball, the movie that gave Halle Berry the Academy Award. This movie and it's story was one of the most disturbing I've ever seen and it was not because of the nudity, which was an important part of the story. 

Ms. Berry proved to be a terrific actress and certainly deserved the Academy award, even though she was nude in the parts of the story that called for it. So was another actress. Both engaged in simulated acts with men. AND I saw non-adults at the showing! Who are not going to be staying up until 11 PM on week nights to watch Frank Moore's TV show. 

Changing the time of the Rev. Moore's show to the early morning hours is clearly a violation of the First Amendment of the Constitution, which states: "Congress shall make no law respecting the establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech..." 

It is obvious that changing the Rev. Moore's show to such a late hour is in violation of the First Amendment on both it's religion and free speech rules. 

The only way to stop this travesty of justice is for hundreds of Berkeley residents to write and phone their City Council members immediately, in defense of the Constitution. 

 

Sincerely, 

Rev. Tom Sanders 


Out & About Calendar

Staff
Saturday June 15, 2002


Saturday, June 15

 

Berkeley Alliance of  

Neighborhood Associations (BANA)  

9:30 to ll:00 a.m. 

Fireside Room, Live Oak Park 

l30l Shattuck Ave. 

All welcome to network and 

share local information. 

(510) 849-46l9 or mtbrcb@pacbell.net 

 

Emergency Preparedness  

Classes in Berkeley 

9 to 11 a.m. 

997 Cedar Street  

Basic Personal Preparedness: Learn how to take care of yourself, your family and your home. 

981-5605 

Free 

 

The Great Rummage Sale 

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Berkeley-East Bay Humane Society, 2700 Ninth Street 

Household items, glassware, clothing, furniture for sale. 

(510) 845-7735 

 

Chu Ko's Late Afternoon  

Adventure in International Art 

4 p.m. 

Berkeley Public Library Meeting Room, 2090 Kittredge 

Artist Chu Ko discusses his Chinese ink brush painting. 

(510) 981-6100 

Free 

 

Sierra Club Northern Alameda County  

Group Forum  

10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. a 

Berkeley Public Library 

Forum on the benefits and problems of urban density with Rachel Peterson, John 

Holtzclaw and Martha Nicoloff. 

Call Jonna Anderson at (510)848-0800 x312 to reserve space 

Free 

 

The Sierra Student Coalition  

A retreat and planning meeting at Point Reyes National Seashore for high school and college-age students working to address local environmental issues. Meet other student activists, exchange ideas, and become more involved. All East Bay students are welcome at this event. Space  

is limited.  

For Reservations, call Jonna Anderson at 510-848-0800 x312  

 


Sunday, June 16

 

Field Trip to Remnant East Shore Habitats 

Meet at 10 a.m. at El Cerrito BART, southwest corner of parking lot (towards Albany Hill), then carpool to various sites, returning mid-afternoon. 

Visit a selection of critically rare habitats in and adjacent to the new East Shore State Park 

(925) 372-0687, e-mail elainejx@mindspring.com 

Free 

 

Buddhism 

6 p.m. 

Tibetan Nyingma Institute 

1815 Highland Place 

Lee Nichol on "Sacred Dimensions of Time and Space." 

843-6812 

Free 

Restoration Clinic 

9 a.m. to 7 p.m. 

1051 5th Ave. Studio C at E.11th St. 

Suigetsukan, a non-profit martial arts collective in Oakland, is raising funds for a new dojo. Massage 

therapists, chiropractors, acupuncturists, and other health professionals conduct yoga and stress management classes. 

(510) 452-3941 or www.suigetsukan.org. 

 

Food is the Earth's Way of Love 

Noon 

The Fellowship of Humanity, 390 27th St. Oakland 

Joy Moore, CoDirector of the Farm Fresh Choice program of Berkeley's Ecology Center 

(510) 451-5818 or HumanistHall@yahoo.com 

 


Monday, June 17

 

Multiple Sclerosis Support Group 

Rockridge Library 

Self-help support group. Meets the third Monday each month 

(510) 521-2436, or Rickpete99@yahoo.com 

 

"An Uncommon Friendship: From Opposite Sides of the Holocaust" 

7:30 to 8:45 p.m. 

Berkeley Richmond Jewish Community Center 

1414 Walnut Street 

Join Bernat Rosner, a Holocaust survivor as he reads from and discusses his counterpoint memoir co-authored with Fritz Tubach, the son of a German Army officer. 

848-0237 x127 

Free 

 

Lesbian, Gay, Bi- Sexual,  

Transgender National Day to  

Honor loved ones lost on 9/11  

The LGBT National Day of Honor, about creating a Day when all Lesbian,  

Gay, Bi- Sexual, Transgender, & questioning people and our supporters,  

can come together to help further our fight against continued second class  

citizen treatment in the United States.  

For more information, call 802.859.9604 

 

Poetry Express - Nance Wogan,  

followed by open mike 

7 to 9 p.m. 

A community open mike welcoming all artists 

Berkeley Bakery & Cafe 

1561 Solano Avenue 

Free 

 


Tuesday, June 18

 

Vigil Opposing the Sanctions  

Against the People of Iraq 

12 p.m. 

Oakland Federal Building,1301 Clay Street 

(510) 548-4141 

 

Carol Wagner: "Soul Survivors  

in Cambodia" 

7:30 p.m. 

Easy Going Travel and Bookshop,1385 Shattuck Avenue, Berkeley 

510-843-6725 

 

Arthritis Rap Session 

Noon to 2 p.m. 

Alta Bates Medical Center 

Maffly Auditorium- Herrick Campus 

2001 Dwight Way 

for more info: 644-3273 

 

Berkeley Camera Club Weekly Meeting 

7:30 p.m. 

Northbrae Community Church, 941 The Alameda 

Share slides, prints with other photographers 

(510) 525-3565 

Free 

 


Wednesday, June 19

 

"Part-time Parenting? A Career Networks Forum on Flexible Work Arrangements." 

6:30 to 8:30 p.m.  

Thousand Oaks Elementary, 840 Colusa, Berkeley  

Neighborhood Parents Network. Adults only. 

RSVP required: Amy Knowlden at knowlden@earthlink.net or (510) 526-4044.  

$5 NPN Members and $10 for Non-Members.  

 

Berkeley Peace Walk and Vigil 

6:30 pm 

BART Station, Shattuck & Center 

Weekly candle-lit vigil and peace walk to raise 

awareness and gather support for opposition to the 'war on terrorism' 

vigil4peace@yahoo.com, (510) 528-9217 

 


Thursday, June 20

 

Robert Fisk 

7 p.m. 

First Congregational Church, 2345 Channing Way  

Middle East Correspondent of the London Independent, in a benefit to rebuild Jenin refugee camp  

510-548-0542.  

$20 at Codys, Black Oak, Walden Pond and Modern times, or at WWW.MECAFORPEACE.ORG. 

 

"Women in War" 

7 to 9 p.m. 

University of Creation Spirituality, 2141 Broadway, Oakland 

An evening with international women's rights activist Zainab Salbi 

(510) 835-4827 ext. 29 

Suggested Donation $10-$15 

 

Pride Mass 2002 

7 p.m. 

Newman Hall-Holy Spirit Parish, 2700 Dwight Way 

LGBT Catholics celebrate 10 years towards creating a more inclusive world. 

(510) 663-6302 

www.calnewman.org 

Free 

 

Berkeley Camera Club Weekly Meeting 

7:30 p.m. 

Northbrae Community Church, 941 The Alameda 

Share slides, prints with other photographers 

(510) 525-3565 

Free 

 

Simplicity Forum 

7 to 8:30 p.m. 

Claremont Branch Library, 2940 Benvenue Ave. 

Discussion on how to lead a more simple life 

(510) 549-3509, or www.simpleliving.net 

Free 

 

Senior Men's Afternoon 

Pacific Center 

2712 Telegraph Ave. 

Gay senior men discussion group, 2nd & 4th Thursdays. 

510-548-8283  

Free 

 

 

 

Freedom From Tobacco 

5:30-7:30 Thursday Evenings, June 6-July 18 

South Berkeley Senior Center 

2939 Ellis Street  

A quit smoking class 

(510) 981-5330 

QuitNow@ci.berkeley.ca.us 

 


Friday, June 21

 

Paramount Movie Classics  

The Mummy, with Boris Karloff, 1932 

Doors at 7, Mighty Wurlitzer at 7:30, Newsreel, Cartoon, Previews, and Prize give-away game Dec-O-Win and feature Film 

2025 Broadway 

Oakland  

$5 

 

"Understanding the Achievement  

Gap in the BUSD" 

11:45 for lunch. Speaker begins 12:30 

Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant Ave. 

Shirley Issel, MSW,  

president of the Berkeley Unified  

School District 

$11.00/$12.25, students free. 

 

Berkeley Women in Black 

Noon to 1 p.m. 

Telegraph and Bancroft 

A vigil for peace for Palestine and Israel 

(510) 548-6310, or www.wibberkeley.org 

 


Saturday, June 22

 

Celebration of Solidarity with the People of Afghanistan 

7:30 p.m. 

Trinity United Methodist Church, 2363 Bancroft Way 

Live music and slide presentation by Rona Popal. Benefits a widows project and orphanage in Afghanistan 

(510) 883-9252 

$10-$30 

 

Summer Solstice Celebration 

10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

Berkeley Farmers' Market, Center St. and MLK Way. 

Live music, crafts, and summer solstice ritual. 

(510) 548-3333 

Free 

 

Emergency Preparedness Classes in Berkeley 

Disaster Mental Health: Learn about disaster-related emotional reactions. 

9 a.m. to noon 

997 Cedar Street 

981-5605 

Free 

 

Town Hall Meeting 

9:30 a.m. to noon  

East Oakland Youth Development Center, 8200 International Boulevard 

Congresswoman Barbara Lee on affordable housing with housing specialists and bank representatives 

(510) 763-0370 for reservations 

 


Sunday, June 23

 

Debt Cancellation for  

Impoverished Countries 

Noon 

The Fellowship of Humanity, 390 27th St. Oakland 

Tony Littmann gives us a brief overview on the causes and effects of the Third World debt crisis 

(510) 451-5818 or HumanistHall@yahoo.com 

Triaxium West and Aaron Rosenblum 

8 p.m., ACME Observatory 

Acme Observatory's home at Tuva Space, 3192 Adeline  

Admission is $0 to $20, sliding scale 

 


Monday, June 24

 

Shakespeare Festival Auditions 

10 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

Berkeley Rehearsal Hall, 701 Heinz Ave. 

California Shakespeare Festival is looking for people aged 14-18 to appear in The Winters Tale. 

(510) 548-3422 ext. 105, or www.calshakes.org 

 


Tuesday, June 25

 

Vigil Opposing the Sanctions  

Against the People of Iraq 

12 p.m. 

Oakland Federal Building,1301 Clay Street 

(510) 548-4141 

 

Berkeley Camera Club Weekly Meeting 

7:30 p.m. 

Northbrae Community Church, 941 The Alameda 

Share slides, prints with other photographers 

(510) 525-3565 

Free 

 

Magic School Bus Festival 

10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. 

Lawrence Hall of Science 

Video Adventures. Other events for kids take place every Wednesday through August 21. 

(510) 643-5961 

$8 for adults, $6 for ages 5-18, seniors and disabled, $4 for children 3-4, free for children under 3. 

 


Wednesday, June 26

 

Berkeley Peace Walk and Vigil 

6:30 pm 

BART Station, Shattuck & Center 

Weekly candle-lit vigil and peace walk to raise 

awareness and gather support for opposition to the 'war on terrorism' 

vigil4peace@yahoo.com, (510) 528-9217 

 


Thursday, June 27

 

The Lost Spacecraft: Liberty  

Bell 7 Recovered 

10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

Chabot Space and Science Center, 10000 Skyline Blvd. Oakland 

Preview new exhibit of resurrected 1961 spacecraft 

RSVP June 20, (415) 864-6397 or news@davidperry.com 

 


Friday, June 28

 

Paramount Movie Classics-  

The General (1927), starring Buster Keaton,  

a silent film with live Wurlitzer  

organ accompaniment by Jim Riggs,  

playing his original score. 

Doors at 7, Mighty Wurlitzer at 7:30,  

Newsreel, Cartoon, Previews, and  

Prize give-away game Dec-O-Win  

and feature Film 

2025 Broadway 

Oakland  

$5 

 

Berkeley Women in Black 

Noon to 1 p.m. 

Telegraph and Bancroft 

A vigil for peace for Palestine and Israel 

(510) 548-6310, or www.wibberkeley.org 


Films of Clara Van Gool, at the Fine Arts Cinema

By Peter Crimmins,
Saturday June 15, 2002

Berkeley’s serious film buffs are counting the days until the Fine Arts Cinema closes its door at the end of the month. With scant few double bills left before the theater closes. 

Each one is a bittersweet taste of the end of a chapter of local cinema. Each is also a reminder of the daringly original programming the cinema has offered East Bay film junkies for the last four years.  

The Fine Arts Cinema will be destroyed and replaced with a new building in two years. 

This weekend’s program features an example of the Fine Arts’ ability to dig up rare films that challenge and awe. A program of nine short films by Clara Von Gool – a Dutch filmmaker seen in American only in film festivals – will be screened nightly until Wed. June 19. Von Gool’s films are mostly dance, showcasing a keen sense of narrative movement and breathtaking choreography. In particular, her 1995 film "Biting and Other Effects," displays the dynamic possibilities of dance and cinema. 

“Biting and Other Effects” opens with a thrillingly frenetic Tarantella dance with a woman in a 19th century gown and a man in a double-breasted suit who are madly twirling and lunging to harpsichord music through the empty halls of an Italian Renaissance villa. The man and woman are spinning independently and the camera pans on its own axis. The three movements work together to leave both the viewer and the dancers gasping for breath. The first two minutes alone is a masterwork of Von Gool and choreographer Angelina Oei. 

Dance partners alternately break apart and hurl themselves back into each other to express love, coquetry, and inconstancy; it is considered unlucky to dance the Tarantella alone. 

The film moves outside the villa, to the streets of Pallermo, where automobile traffic and pop songs play from distant radios, clashing with the centuries-old architecture. Four people emerge from the city’s people – a couple splitting up, a long-haired pedestrian, and a young woman riding a scooter. In the villa, a woman with long black ringlets and a white dress lures the four into sporadic bursts of movement like a telepathic conjurer – a Dr. Mabuse of dance.  

The film tells the story of inconsistent love and desire among the select Pallermo inhabitants. The traffic and billboards on the streets of the city are an encroachment of modernity in the ancient city. The characters’ spontaneous dancing is a disorienting display of grace and madness in and around the unsuspecting pedestrians who carry shopping bags and newspapers. With only the music of passing cars, the four pawns dance their longing and desire. They are led to the villa where the Tarantella is danced to a climax. 

Von Gool’s great filmmaking feat in “Biting and Other Effects” and her other short films is not just her ability to effectively film the dazzling dancing for the screen. She expresses a story almost entirely through movement. In her 1998 film “Nussin” two couples – one wearing sneakers and slippers, the other loafers and high heels – dance the tango, and, appropriate to the stern yet sultry movements of tango, the wordless dancing among them leads to jealousy and murder. 

Not all of Von Gool’s films are dance films. Her most recent, a triptych film “Passing Future – 3 Solos” begins with a man alone in his apartment mourning the death of his father through a dance of angst in his own dark living room. The second – also a film about the loss of a parent – is told through first-person voiceover by the main character, a new mother who is rummaging through her deceased mother’s house and musing about the cruel irony of losing a mother while simultaneously gaining a daughter. Her internal monologue about the possibilities of trading back a life for a life, and the monologue of the third solo piece in “Passing Future,” an demented old man describing his ephemeral thoughts. Both strike a tone similar to von Gool’s characters dancing out the irrational corners of their troubled psyche. 

The films of Clara Von Gool are being double-billed with Annik Leroy’s “Vers La Mer,” a journey along the Danube river documenting the curious folding of modernity and the ancient, described as “sensual and rhythmic.” It’s the kind of film programming aficionados have come to expect and will miss at the Fine Arts Cinema.


Arts & Entertainment

Staff
Saturday June 15, 2002

 

Free Early Music Group 

Singers needed for small group of 15th and 16th century music every Friday 

10 a.m. 

North Berkeley Senior Center, Hearst at MLK Way. 

Contact Ann at 665-8863 

 

Wednesday, June 19 

Turtle Island String  

Quartet Concert 

8 p.m. 

Crowden School Music Center, 1475 Rose St. 

559-6910 for reservations 

$15 general, $10 students 

 

Thursday, June 20 

Caitlin Cray,  

Garrison Star, Boxstep 

9:30 p.m. 

The Starry Plough,  

3101 Shattuck Ave. 

841-2082 

$8, 21 and up 

Carrier-Thompson Cajun  

Trio and the Hot Club of  

San Francisco 

5 p.m. 

City Square and the Zen Garden at 1111 Broadway 

Gypsy-swing quintet, and Canjun/Zydeco group, beginning a series of summer concerts 

www.oaklandcitycenter.com 

Free 

Saturday, June 22 

Global Funk Council, Vanessa Lowe and the Lowlifes,  

Barbezz 

9:30 p.m. 

The Starry Plough,  

3101 Shattuck Ave. 

841-2082 

$6, 21 and up 

 

Thursday, June 27 

Meeshe, Scott Miller 

9:30 p.m. 

The Starry Plough,  

3101 Shattuck Ave. 

841-2082 

$5, 21 and up 

 

From the Attic: Preserving  

and Sharing our Past 

Through July 26, Thursday-Saturday, 1 to 4 p.m. 

Veterans Memorial Building,  

1931 Center Street 

Exhibit shows the 'inside' of museum work 

848-0181 

Free 

 

Saturday, June 15th 

"Time Out" Reception 

Reception, 5 to 8 p.m. Display  

up today to July 13 

Ardency Gallery,  

709 Broadway, Oakland 

New works from Corie Humble and Amy Morrell 

836-0831 

www.ardencyart.com 

 

Focus on the Figure 

Until Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

A New Leaf Gallery, 

1286 Gilman Street 

An outdoor show of contemporary figurative sculpture 

525-7621 

 

Sunday, June 23 

"Red Rivers Run Through Us" Reception 

June 23 to August 11,  

Wednesday-Sunday,  

noon to 5 p.m. 

Berkeley Art Center,  

1275 Walnut St. 

Art and writing from Maxine Hong Kingston's veterans' writing group 

Reception, 2 to 4 p.m.  

644-6893 

 

Thursday, June 27 

"New Work: Part 1, The 2001 Kala  

Fellowship Exhibition" Opening Reception 

6 to 8 p.m. June 27 to July 31 

Kala Art Institute,  

1060 Heinz Ave. 

Featuring 8 Kala Fellowship winners, printmaking 

Reception, 

549-2977 

 

Thursday, July 11 

"New Visions: Introductions '02" Reception 

Works from emerging Californian artists 

Reception, 6 to 8 p.m. Display up from July 3 to August 10 

Pro Arts, 461 Ninth Street, Oakland 

763-4361 

Free 

 

Saturday, July 20 

"First Anniversary  

Group Show"  

13 local artists display work ranging from sculpture to mixed media 

July 18 to August 17 

Ardency Gallery, Aki Lot, 8th Street 

Reception, 5 to 8 p.m. 

836-0831 

 

Antony and Cleopatra 

Directed by Joy Meads 

June 15 to July 20,  

Thursday-Friday 8 p.m. 

La Vals Subterranean Theater, 1834 Euclid 

234-6046 for reservations 

$14 general, $10 student 

 

Abingdon Square  

Previews 16,18,19 at 8 p.m. Runs June 21 to July 6, Thursday to Saturday 8 p.m. Sundays 7 p.m.  

Julia Morgan Theater for the Arts, 2640 College Ave. 

The Shotgun Players,  

directed by Shana Cooper 

704-8210 www.shotgunplayers.org 

$18 regular, $12 students, previews and Mondays - pay what you can. Opening Night $25 

 

Midsummer Nights Dream 

June 21 to June 29,  

Fridays and Saturdays, 8 p.m. 

Magical Acts Ritual Theater, directed by Catherine Pennington 

The Black Box,  

1928 Telegraph Ave., Oakland 

653-6637 for reservations 

$15 - $25 

 

Don Pasquale Opera 

July 13, 15, 17, 19 at 8 p.m.  

July 21 at 2 p.m. 

Dean Lesher Regional Center for the Arts, Walnut Creek 

From the Festival Opera  

Association, a comedy by  

Gaetano Donizetti about an arranged marriage 

www.festivalopera.com 

 

Benefactors 

July 18 to Aug. 18, Wednesday-Saturday, 8 p.m. Sundays,  

2 and 7 p.m. 

Previews: July 12-14 and 17 

Michael Frayn's comedy of two neighboring couple's interactions 

Aurora Theatre Company,  

2081 Addison St. 

843-4822, www.auroratheater.org  

for reservations. $26 - $35  

 

The Shape of Things 

Sept. 13 to Oct. 20 

Aurora Theatre Company,  

2081 Addison St. 

Neil LaBute's love story  

about two students 

843-4822, www.auroratheater.org for reservations 

$26 - $35  

 

Alarms and Excursions 

Nov. 15 to Dec. 22 

Aurora Theatre Company,  

2081 Addison St. 

Michael Frayn's comedy about the irony of modern technology 

843-4822, www.auroratheater.org for reservations 

$26 - $35  

 

Poetry Diversified 

1st and 3rd Tuesdays,  

7:30 to 9 p.m. 

World Ground Cafe,  

3726 Mac Arthur Blvd., Oakland 

Open mic and featured readers 

 

Wednesday, July 3 

7:30 p.m. 

Cody's, 2454 Telegraph Ave. 

Boas Writing Group 

Stefani Barber, Jean Lieske  

and many more 

845-7852 

$2 

 

Wednesday, July 10 

Carmen Gimenez-Rosello,  

Dawn Trook 

7:30 p.m. 

Cody's, 2454 Telegraph Ave. 

845-7852 

$2 

 

Sunday, July 14 

M.L. Liebler and  

Country Joe McDonald 

Poetry and Music 

7:30 p.m. 

Cody's, 2454 Telegraph Ave. 

845-7852 

$2 

 

Wednesday, July 17 

Hannah Stein and Kevin Clark 

7:30 p.m. 

Cody's, 2454 Telegraph Ave. 

Authors of “Earthlight and In the Evening of No Warning.” 

845-7852 

$2 


Fans pull all-nighters for different kind of finals

by Mike Dinoffria, Special to the Daily Planet
Saturday June 15, 2002

The late-night hours soccer fans in the US have been keeping lately might seem suspect, but do not call them hooligans. They have been very well-behaved during the 2002 World Cup Tournament and the strange hours are not their fault.  

Because of the time-delay, the World Cup games being played in South Korea and Japan are being broadcasted here in the wee hours of the night. Now that the tournament is down to “The Round of 16,” the tricky time slot of 2 a.m. has been eliminated along with three-fourths of the field of competition. The remainder of the games are being broadcasted at 11 p.m. and 4:30 a.m. The 11 p.m. start-time is not all that unusual of a time for a sporting event, especially for those who have lived back East and are accustomed to watching late telecasts from the West Coast. But 4:30 a.m. is not exactly prime-time. The one exception will be the championship game on June 30 will actually start at 4 a.m.  

How are Berkeley’s die-hard soccer fans going about supporting their team and dealing with the strange times? Many different ways. For most it is a labor of love, because if your team is still alive, it’s a pleasant problem to have.  

For the faint of heart, there is the tape-delay telecast. The advantage of this method of coping is that fans can continue to contribute to society and do all the things only hooligans find inconsequential like hold down jobs, remain awake behind the wheel and be considerate to strangers. Some local establishments like the Trible Rock Brewery on Shattuck Avenue are seeing modest crowds for the tape-delayed games at sane times during daylight hours. One disadvantage to watching the game the next day is trouble one has to go to avoid learning the score and spoiling a ninety-minute soccer game. Overhear ‘one-nil’ or catch a glimpse of a sports ticker and it is all for naught.  

For some it is enough just to be up to watch the game in the privacy of their own home, but others need human interaction to truly enjoy their World Cup experience. Fans of one specific team especially need the comrade of other fans to make it the real deal. Mr. Pizzaman on University has been filled to the brim with electric World Cup excitement for almost every 11 o’clock telecast. Enthusiasm for the Brazilian team throughout the tournament has been high.  

Many local pubs have drawn large crowds for the 11 p.m. games. Beckett’s on Shattuck has for one. As for the late or very early game– depending on how you look at it-- manager Ciaran McDunphy said they will “stay open if the interest is there.” California law prohibits them from selling alcohol from 2 to 6 a.m., so it will truly be a gift to the fans. Down on Telegraph, soccer fans have been spotted spilling out of Raleigh’s and Blakes after the 2 a.m. game.  

It’s one thing if your team is still in contention, but what about the soccer fanatic who refuses to set the V.C.R. and insists on seeing every bit of action? For some the answer is simple, like Berkeley resident James Gavin.  

“I could not have chosen a better time to be unemployed,” he said, “every morning I have seen the sunrise and lots of amazing soccer.”  

Fifteen games remain on the schedule over the next two and half weeks. The round of sixteen will be complete by the end of the weekend, and the quarterfinals are scheduled for June 21 and 22. The semifinals are on June 25 and 26, and the championship game is Monday, June 30.  

 


City’s horizon is in the hands of voters

By Devona Walker, Daily Planet Staff
Saturday June 15, 2002

In November Berkeley’s “body politic” will likely answer a question nearly as old and at least twice as essential to the future of the city as the mortar in the foundation of City Hall — to what extent the will the design, development and planning of the city “accommodate more growth” or to what extent will it begin to “discourage sprawl.” 

At the crux of this urban planning dilemma are essentially a handful of components and key players who have been debating and arguing the issue in public forums for years.  

There are developers like Patrick Kennedy of Panoramic Properties. There is the Planning Department at City Hall, the zoning Adjustments Board and the City Council itself.  

And then there are the Neighborhood activists — homeowners and preservationists — thwarting what they refer to as “the advances of urbanization” while committed to holding onto their vision of Berkeley. They want Berkeley to be a city connected by quaint neighborhoods and made up of single family homes. They want to hold onto the “quaint Berkeley charm.”  

Martha Nicoloff, the author of the Berkeley Height Initiative, said she’s prepared for this fight for two years.  

She knows it will be a hard-fought battle and is prepared to take on City Hall to stop what she refers to as “out of scale developments.” 

But developer Patrick Kennedy contends that the “neighborhood activists” are “fanatical NYMBIES” trying to get in through the backdoor with an argument they’ve already lost. 

“We’ve already dealt with the issue of development in the General Plan and that took 15 years to come up with. And now this initiative is there way of coming back with it again,” Kennedy said. Kennedy also said that the Berkeley Hieght Initiative would affect every property owner in the city.  

“If this Initiative passes, then everytime a homeowner wants to add a garage onto his property he would have to go through the same process I go through to get a project passed — which can be a three tofour year process. 

“Berkeley creates its own unique brand of fanatics, and this happens to be the hothouse variety of them,” he added. 

Kennedy took part in a development survey that assessed how potential voters feel about planning decisions. The survey says that the majority of voters do not have a problem with four- and five-story developments. In addition, he says that if the height ordinance passes, Berkeley will have a much larger dilemma on their hands. 

“At the heart, their initiative would wipe out rental housing. It is a disguised attack against rental housing in the city,” Kennedy said. “They may say they are not against affordable housing. But many of the people promoting this petition have spoken out against vehemently against affordable in general. They say they are not against affordable housing, and they know the practical implications of this initiative would eliminate affordable housing in the city of Berkeley. The city would have to figure out where to get the millions they need to build housing in the city because [developers] won’t be building in Berkeley anymore.” 

Initiative advocates want to restrict the density of all Berkeley developments. They point to San Pablo Avenue as a good example as to how developers have had their way with urban planning to the detriment of neighbors and the community.  

“Sure San Pablo is a commercial street but it’s butted right up against a residential zone,” said Marie Bowman. “We are not asking to take away the property rights of developers, but we are asking them to be good neighbors. And one person executing their rights should not be at the cost of their neighbor’s life being unlivable.” 

Bowman disliked the argument that Height Initiative critics were putting forth that liken her group opponents of affordable housing. 

“We are not against affordable housing. The people at City Hall don’t want people to live in homes. They are not happy unless everyone’s living on he second-floor in little eight by ten compartments,” Bowman added, reaching for her cell phone to call Howie Muir, another initiative supporter. There were five initiative supporters out on Friday, but they said there were approximately100 people used to gather signatures for the petitions and who would likely be taking part in the campaign. 

Nicoloff, a former planning commissioner, former neighborhood organization president and well known activists in Berkeley said arguments against the Berkeley Height Initiative wreaked of discrimination. 

“I think it’s peculiar that on College and Solano you have restrictions of 28 feet then on San Pablo developers are allowed variances up to 60 feet,” she said. 

The people in the neighborhoods targeted for high-density development have said time and time again that they don’t want this type of development, but they are ignored, she said. 

Several developments on San Pablo Avenue are believed to have contributed to a certain element of blight in south Berkeley. The street has a disproportionate number, (relative to other Berkeley commercial centers) of large parking lots and boxy retail centers. This type of urban planning is designed for car-driving customers and is known to exacerbate traffic. In addition, this form of urban planning has been labeled as “unsightly” and has been loosely linked to increased crime and the depreciation of property values in the neighborhoods surrounding them.  

Proponents say these conditions are examples of what happens when developers, instead of residents, are allowed to make the planning decisions. 

“Patrick Kennedy (a local developer) lives in Piedmont and yet he wants to build here and make Berkeley crowded and ugly,” said Art Goldberg, another initiative supporter. 

The key to Berkeley’s future will likely lie in the ability of involved parties to make good arguments to the voters — because the vast middle ground in this debate is occupied by people who, in Kennedy’s words, “probably have a lot better things to do with their time than debate the archanna of the city’s general plan.”  

Berkeley City Councilmember Linda Maio agreed with Kennedy, stating that the key to the Height Initiaitve will be educating the public. 

Maio has concerns about the initiative. 

“It doesn’t protect adjacent property owners and it doesn’t provide the city with much flexibility,” Maio said. 

And though Initiaitve proponents tout statistics of how Berkeley is the third most densely populated city in the Bay Area, Maio pointed out that the population in Berkeley has actually decreased in the last ten years.  

“And after all, this is a college town,” she added. She said that Berkeley does have high-density housing but only in certain areas. The approximately 30,000 students who attend UC Berkeley are transient and are not going to stop coming because the city decides it will no longer house them. 

“And what happens then?” Maio added. “They come anyway, but in cars.” 

Maio is a proponent of affordable housing and believes that the initiative would further deter developers from building housing in the city.  

“Not that the neighbors don’t have reason for concern. I think there’s a lot of us are operating without a clear way of understanding what the rules are” Maio said. “I think we all need to develop a better understanding of development bonuses, but this is one of those situations where you’re killing a fly with a hammer.” 

 

Contact reporter at  

devona@berkeleydailyplanet.com


Thanks Alameda

James F. Harris
Saturday June 15, 2002

To the Editor: 

As Board Chair of Collaborating Agencies Responding to Disaster (CARD of Alameda County), I am writing to publicly thank the leadership of three communities in Alameda County- San Leandro, Newark, and the Unincorporated Areas-who have embraced and supports CARD's efforts. CARD's mission is to help community based organizations (CBO's) learn to sustain themselves during and after a disaster, ensure that their clients, staff and volunteer stay safe, and how to successfully participate in community-wide response to a disaster. CARD targets organization that serve our most vulnerable residents including, but not limited to, people with disabilities, frail and elderly, children, low income, non-English speakers and others at greater risk. 

All of these groups have special needs that will be most suitably met by the agencies whose primary focus is on them. Traditional response agencies such as the Red Cross and FEMA are not designed to provide highly specialized services to people with special needs. 

Mayor Shelia Young of San Leandro, Mayor David Smith of Newark, and Charles Plummer, Sheriff of Alameda County, support CARD and our mission to prepare community service organizations and their vulnerable clients. The agencies in these communities have been provided free support, information and guidance in getting prepared, and are moving ahead in true partnership with local government. We thank these three leaders for their support, and their commitment to the safety of their community service provider, faith-based organization and the many thousands of residents who rely on these organization to survive. Thank you. 

 

James F. Harris 

Board Chair- Collaboration Agencies Responding to  

Disaster of Alameda County 


U.S. team joins Korea, Japan, Belgium in 2nd round

Staff
Saturday June 15, 2002

YOKOHAMA, Japan — South Korea ended nearly a half-century of frustration at the World Cup, finally reaching the second round. It was kind enough to help the United States advance, too. 

In the first World Cup in Asia, the other co-host, Japan, also advanced unbeaten, helping preserve the record of no host nation ever going out in the first round. 

By knocking Portugal out of contention with a 1-0 victory Friday, the Koreans lifted the Americans into the round of 16 with them, despite a 3-1 U.S. loss to Poland. The Poles scored twice in the first five minutes. 

“We’re lucky,” captain Claudio Reyna said. “I think we deserve to go through, but we owe Korea a little thanks.” 

How about loads of thanks? 

“We owe a lot to Korea today,” said U.S. goalkeeper Brad Friedel, who saved a penalty kick for the second straight game. 

The Americans play Mexico on Monday. 

“Any opponent who makes it to the second round will be tough. We have to concentrate to win the game,” Mexican midfielder Gerardo Torrado said. “The U.S. is a team with a good defense, which always gives us trouble.” 

South Korea plays Italy on Tuesday. 

Hundreds of thousands of red-clad soccer fans dancing, singing and shouting “We won! We won!” paraded through downtown Seoul after the game.


Visit to Israel a peace mission for local man

By David Scharfenberg, Daily Planet staff
Saturday June 15, 2002

Twenty-five years ago, after receiving a Ph.D. in English from the University of Chicago, Berkeley resident Joe Stein went to live in Israel for a year. But he didn’t see any Palestinians. 

“You didn’t look. You didn’t see them as people,” said Stein, who now works as a lawyer for the federal government. “I feel guilty about having not seen them. I want to go back and see them.” 

Stein is one of 16 Americans, including two from San Francisco, arriving in Israel today to start a week-long peace mission. 

The trip, arranged by the San Francisco-based human rights group Global Exchange, will include meetings with Israeli and Palestinian peace groups, a Palestinian prisoners’ rights group and a Palestinian health official. If conditions on the ground permit, participants will tour hotspots of the current conflict, including Hebron and Gaza. 

“I was looking for a way, really since late-March, to get over to the territories and Israel in a way that would be effective,” said Stein. “This was the first good opportunity I came across.” 

Stein has strong opinions about the conflict and is hoping to make a statement with his trip. 

“I personally feel like I have an obligation as a Jew to account for and protest actions by the Israeli government that I feel are anathema to Judaism and morally abhorrent in general,” Stein said, referring to the recent incursions into Palestinian territories. 

Israeli partisans have argued that the Prime Minister Ariel Sharon is simply protecting Israelis against Palestinian terror attacks. Still, Stein objects. 

“I think it’s wrong for them to respond to terrorism in Israel by engaging in what seems to be organized terrorism in the territories,” he said. 

The Israeli government claims to be targeting terrorists and while trying to avoid hurting civilians, unlike the Palestinian suicide bombers. 

“I don’t know (if that is the case) and that’s one reason I want to go, to see for myself,” Stein said. 

Global Exchange has been offering “reality tours” in various parts of the world since 1988. Destinations include Israel, Iran, Cuba, Haiti, Afghanistan, Ireland, India, South Africa, Vietnam, Mexico, and Guatemala. 

The last Israeli trip took place in January and February and included a meeting with Palestinian leader Yassir Arafat in his beseiged compound in Ramallah, according to tour coordinator Ladan Sobhani. 

Sobhani, who will lead this week’s tour with Palestinian human rights worker Hanan Elmasu, said Global Exchange uses the trips to educate Americans about the U.S. role in Israel and other foreign countries. 

“The reason we feel it is so important for Americans to be educated is because the U.S.’s unconditional support for Israel,” said Sobhani, who strongly supports the Palestinian cause. 

Sobhani said Global Exchange seeks to produce activists who, when they return, will testify to Americans what they saw. 

Stein is already planning to speak out. 

“I personally feel a need to speak up and be clear that the Israeli government and the Israeli army aren’t the Jewish government and the Jewish army,” he said. 

 

Contact reporter at  

scharfenberg@berkeleydailyplanet.com 


20 mph no joke

Steve Geller
Saturday June 15, 2002

To the Editor:  

The proposed 20 mph speed limit is not a joke. 

The idea really isn't to slow down traffic. As things are, delays from congestion and traffic lights probably result in about a 20 mph average speed. 

The low limit is an enforcement tool. It's conventional for drivers to exceed any posted limit by at least 5 mph, and expect police to let them get away with it. Under this convention, a 20 mph limit is “really” 25 mph, the statewide “basic speed.” 

This convention isn't the law, but might as well be, the way speed is enforced. 

A “zero tolerance” enforcement of the present 25 mph would require drivers to keep a margin the other way, closer to 20 mph, so they don't surge over the limit and get arrested. 

Anyone who walks the streets of Berkeley knows that some drivers go too 

fast, without fear of law enforcement. The same applies to bicycles, speeding on the sidewalks where they shouldn't be anyway. Speed is dangerous, because it leaves too little time to react. Speed is stupid, because people are almost never in such a hurry that they need to put lives in danger. 

Somehow we have to get protection from the people who speed.  

If a local 20 mph limit would keep people from zooming at 25 and 30 mph on 

residential streets, then we should give our police this enforcement tool. 

 

Steve Geller 

Berkeley


Producers of new ’Altar Boys’ movie deflect assumptions

By David Germain, The Associated Press
Saturday June 15, 2002

LOS ANGELES — Its title smacks of a hastily produced, ripped-from-the-headlines tale of sex abuse by priests. 

But the makers of “The Dangerous Lives of Altar Boys” are quick to emphasize that theirs is a coming-of-age film that has nothing to do with the current scandal in the Roman Catholic Church over cases of child molestation. 

“We hope the title doesn’t turn people off,” said Jodie Foster, a producer of the independent film who also plays a supporting role as a nun. “I would love to get the message out there that it’s not about priests molesting children.” 

Adapted from the novel by Chris Fuhrman, the film opening in limited release Friday stars Emile Hirsch and Kieran Culkin as altar boys who rebel against authority at a Catholic school in the 1970s. 

The boys develop a comic-book fantasy world where they assume super-hero alter-egos and battle Sister Assumpta (Foster), who becomes the evil motorcycle mama Nunzilla in a series of animated segments. 

“Altar Boys” was made long before the current scandal and premiered at last winter’s Sundance Film Festival. The release date also had been set before the scandal hit. 

The filmmakers and distributor ThinkFilm already were locked in on the title and had no desire to change it anyway, they said. They had settled on advertising with a campy, comic-book edge, so the producers reasoned the marketing would make it clear that “Altar Boys” was not about sex abuse. 

“There’s no way anybody could look at that trailer or poster or the ads and construe the movie was about this kind of grave, awful problem currently facing the Catholic Church,” said Mark Urman, head of distribution for ThinkFilm.


Pitch to the man fourth on the career HR list

By Anne M. Peterson, The Associated Press
Saturday June 15, 2002

SAN FRANCISCO — In 1998, Arizona manager Buck Showalter considered Barry Bonds such a threat that he had him intentionally walked with the bases loaded. 

And that was three years before Bonds broke the single-season home run record. Now more than ever, the San Francisco Giants’ slugger is confounding managers and pitchers alike. 

Just what do you do with the guy? 

As Yankees manager Joe Torre discovered last weekend, pitching Bonds even close to the zone could mean yet another homer. Walking him, intentionally or not, puts a runner on base and is likely to incur the wrath of fans eager to see history. 

While certain game situations dictate a team’s approach to Bonds, it can still be a tough call. Those who challenge Bonds say pitches to him must be perfect or close to it. 

“Even as an opponent sometimes you just go ‘Wow!’ He doesn’t miss a mistake,” said Milwaukee Brewers right-hander Ben Sheets, who gave up a three-run homer to Bonds earlier this season. 

“He’s a freak of nature. You see what his numbers are,” said Arizona’s Brian Anderson, also one of Bonds’ victims. “He’s so strong and so good he could be the best player to ever suit up in this game.” 

One of the season’s most interesting matchups with Bonds ended last weekend with a thud. 

Roger Clemens plunked Bonds on his protective elbow gear in the third inning of the Giants’ interleague finale against the New York Yankees. 

Last winter, Bonds said he was looking forward to facing the Rocket, a six-time Cy Young Award winner. Then, a week before the game, Clemens stirred the eagerly awaited showdown with a statement that seemed to hint at the plunking. 

“I will introduce myself pretty quick,” Clemens said, to “that big old piece of plastic he has on his elbow.” 

Bonds wouldn’t comment afterward on the controversy, which was probably best. As for Clemens, he said Bonds crowds the plate. Thus ended the showdown between the two future Hall of Famers. 

Bonds hit 73 home runs last season, breaking Mark McGwire’s single-season record of 70 set three years before. 

He also surpassed Babe Ruth’s records with a .863 slugging percentage and 177 walks. Overall, he batted .328 with 137 RBIs and a .515 on-base percentage, the best of any NL player in the modern era. 

This season, Bonds had 22 homers going into this weekend’s interleague series against the neighboring Oakland Athletics. He had walked 79 times, putting him on pace to break his own record. 

Overall, Bonds entered the weekend with 589 home runs for fourth place on the career list behind Hank Aaron with 755, Babe Ruth with 714 and his godfather, Willie Mays, with 660. 

A’s left-hander Barry Zito was set to face Bonds on Sunday, but insisted he was not going to sit around for days fretting, in his words: “Ohhhhhh, Barry.” 

“Guys like Barry, they don’t have scouting reports,” Zito said. “You’ve just got to mix it up against him.” 

Dodgers reliever Jesse Orosco is one of the few pitchers who has done well against Bonds, partly because the two share that mutual respect, and they’ve seen each other so many times through the years that neither is intimidated. 

Bonds is 3-for-23 against Orosco with nine strikeouts. 

“The guy is dangerous. I know Barry loves the challenge. I do too. It brings out the best in us.” Orosco said. 

For a younger pitcher, beating Bonds is the perfect badge of initiation. In Eric Gagne’s case, simply handling Bonds — and the Giants who hit behind him — helped give him the job as the Dodgers’ closer. 

“I wanted to face him,” Gagne said. “That’s why you play baseball.” 

On April 11 in a tight game against the Giants at Pacific Bell Park, Los Angeles manager Jim Tracy decided to leave Gagne in against Bonds rather than going to Orosco. 

“He threw a couple of balls to Bonds, so we went ahead and walked him. Then Eric struck out Jeff Kent and got Reggie Sanders to fly out. Eric had responded to the challenge.” 

The Dodgers went on to win, 4-3. 

Showalter, fired by the Diamondbacks in 2000 and replaced by Bob Brenley, didn’t want the challenge back in 1998. Better to walk Bonds with the bases loaded than worry about a grand slam. 

In his case, the strategy worked. 

With an 8-6 Arizona lead, Showalter intentionally walked Bonds with the bases loaded and two outs in the bottom of the ninth. Brent Mayne followed, lining out to right field, and the Diamondbacks beat San Francisco 8-7. 

“I know it was a little unorthodox, but I just felt it was the best chance for us to win a baseball game,” Showalter said at the time. “It was a choice between one of the great players in the game or a very good player. It was a tough call.” 


King’s principal takes key school district post

By David Scharfenberg, Daily Planet staff
Saturday June 15, 2002

Neil Smith, the widely-respected principal of Martin Luther King Middle School, has been named director of curriculum, instruction and staff development for the district, effective July 1. 

The position is a new one, approved by the Board of Education in February during a reorganization of the central office. Superintendent Michele Lawrence said Smith’s primary tasks will be to develop a coherent staff development plan and create a consistent curriculum for the district. 

“He’s going to have a tough job, but I’m so very confident,” Lawrence said. 

Parents and officials across the district praised the move, but said Smith will be difficult to replace. Smith served as principal for 13 years, and helped turn the school into an award-winning institution. 

“This is a really sad and scary day and a really fabulous day at the same time,” said Nancy Riddle, a school board candidate whose daughter just completed seventh grade at King. “Neil is the greatest leader I have met in the Berkeley schools.” 

Lawrence said the district will convene a principal search committee “very shortly” and is hoping to have a new leader at King by September. 

“If we don’t (find a new principal by September), there are some very, very capable assistant principals at that school (who could fill in),” Lawrence said. 

School board president Shirley Issel said Smith’s challenge is to improve staff development, which is vital to the district’s success. 

“All the studies indicate that the key to educating students is effective teaching,” she said. “Neil has a reputation for growing effective teachers.” 

Lawrence said the district needs to focus its staff development in a few key areas – such as literacy, a consistent writing program beginning in the early grades and a tightening of mathematics instruction – in order to be more effective. 

“There’s a lot of good teacher training that’s going on in the organization, but my belief is we need to identify key components for all teachers,” she said. 

Lawrence said she will also ask Smith to develop a more consistent, system-wide curriculum that allows the board a larger role in oversight. She said she expects Smith to consult teachers heavily in curriculum development. 

Berkeley Federation of Teachers President Barry Fike said Smith has a strong reputation for involving teachers. 

“He’s so well-respected among the teachers at his site and throughout the district,” Fike said. “We’re really going to benefit from his expertise.” 

Fike said the district already has some “good building blocks” in place for staff development, including a peer review program built into the teachers’ contract. He is hoping that Smith will help pull together existing elements and provide a unifying vision. 

Lawrence said the district will announce shortly several other key personnel moves. 

 

Contact reporter at scharfenberg@berkeleydailyplanet.com 


News of the Weird

Staff
Saturday June 15, 2002

Hardluck boat 

 

NORTH FOND DU LAC, Wis. — The organizers of a raffle ran into a little bad luck of their own. 

The top prize — a boat, motor and trailer worth $18,000 — was stolen sometime this week while parked at a convenience store, said Katie Hornung, a member of the Pride Days planning committee. 

Last month, the boat was hit by a pickup while on display at a truck stop. 

The raffle’s winner, however, won’t be out of luck. 

The festival has insurance, so organizers already bought a replacement prize for the raffle later this month, she said. 

 

Watch the birds  

 

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Bird watching has never been so easy. 

Four cameras offer a bird’s-eye view of two peregrine falcon chicks that hatched last month in a box atop Eastman Kodak’s 19-story office tower. 

The young birds of prey, Freedom and Isis, were removed from their nest Wednesday and given identification bands. Parents Mariah and Kaver wheeled around overhead while the chicks were removed by conservation officials. 

Kodak’s Web site (birdcam.kodak.com) offers four camera views of the nest box.  

It recorded a million hits last year and features a lively electronic bulletin board. 

The peregrine falcon is the world’s fastest bird, reaching a diving speed of up to 200 mph and a horizontal speed up to 60 mph.


Bay Area job seekers look for more than a paycheck

By Chris Nichols, Daily Planet Staff
Saturday June 15, 2002

Many Bay Area job seekers a bit more interested in improving the world than fattening their wallets may have attended Thursday’s Non-Profit Fair in Oakland.  

The daylong fair attracted many local residents who are skeptical of the sagging technology market and want a more rewarding — even if it is lower -paying, job. 

Recruiters from 40 Bay Area nonprofits attended the fair, organized by Sector Power and Idealist.org and provided for free to attendees technical assistance and how-to workshops. 

They came from a range of backgrounds but shared a common goal: To find careers that involve people. 

“Nonprofits keep us connected through our hearts to other people and to the rest of our community,” said Howard King, supervisor with the Berkeley Emergency Food and Housing Project. “We found a lot of people today wanting to work not in the corporate world but with and for other people.” 

Attendees of the fair, many with both bachelors and graduate degrees, distributed resumes and spoke with representatives hoping to gain even an entry-level job at one of the organizations.  

“We’ve got amazingly qualified people looking for these jobs. We’ve got lawyers and other professionals looking for entry-level positions at non-profits,” said Sonny Le, an organizer with Sector Power. 

According to Emma Kalonzo, coordinator for Idealist.org, approximately 500 people attended the fair at its two locations, Preservation Park and The James Irvine Conference Center in downtown Oakland. Kalonzo says the fair provided Bay Area residents something it has been missing, a showcase for local nonprofits. “We wanted to highlight all of the great things that nonprofit organizations in the Bay Area are doing. There wasn’t anyone else doing that. We wanted to fill a void,” Kalonzo said. 

Many at Thursday’s fair emphasized that with the collapse of the dot-com market, nonprofits and other alternatives to the corporate world have begun to take up a larger share of the Bay Area economy.  

Many of the organizations at the fair, such as the San Francisco College Access Center and AmeriCorps, provided job seekers with information about youth based programs. According to Melita Noel, Tutoring Coordinator at SFCAC, a number of graduates from Upward Bound, the parent organization of SFCAC, showed up to Thursday’s fair looking to work in the nonprofit world and give back to the community.  

Upward Bound and SFCAC are nonprofits committed to serving low-income youth with advice and information about college admissions.  

Noel added that along with the Upward Bound grads, a number of job seekers from the fields of education and even a few from the corporate world had inquired about SFCAC’s nontraditional education programs. “A lot of educators and teachers want to continue to work with youth but not have the same kind of structure of the school districts,” Noel said.  

She received a number of resumes Thursday, she said, many from individuals with significant training and graduate degrees.  

According to Margaret Kirkpatrick, principal at the Berkeley Adult School, the recent economic downturn has had a significant effect on the programs at BAS. “This was our largest program year ever,” Kirkpatrick said. “There’s been a dramatic increase in enrollment.” 

BAS offers its 14,000 students academic, vocational and career preparation programs. Kirkpatrick says that the programs at BAS are in a constant state of development to meet the needs of students.  

Bled says that Berkeley High’s Parent Teacher Student Association has increased the number of speakers at career workshops and has a number programs which focus on alternative education. According to the Career Center at UC Berkeley, graduates of the class of 2002 are and have been starting their job hunts earlier than previous classes.  

Of the students who found jobs in 2001, there was a 4.1 percent increase in those going into the non-profit and public sectors compared with the year before. 

 

Contact reporter at  

chris@berkeleydailyplanet.com


Bay Area job seekers look for more than a paycheck

By Chris Nichols, Daily Planet Staff
Saturday June 15, 2002

Many Bay Area job seekers a bit more interested in improving the world than fattening their wallets may have attended Thursday’s Non-Profit Fair in Oakland.  

The daylong fair attracted many local residents who are skeptical of the sagging technology market and want a more rewarding — even if it is lower -paying, job. 

Recruiters from 40 Bay Area nonprofits attended the fair, organized by Sector Power and Idealist.org and provided for free to attendees technical assistance and how-to workshops. 

They came from a range of backgrounds but shared a common goal: To find careers that involve people. 

“Nonprofits keep us connected through our hearts to other people and to the rest of our community,” said Howard King, supervisor with the Berkeley Emergency Food and Housing Project. “We found a lot of people today wanting to work not in the corporate world but with and for other people.” 

Attendees of the fair, many with both bachelors and graduate degrees, distributed resumes and spoke with representatives hoping to gain even an entry-level job at one of the organizations.  

“We’ve got amazingly qualified people looking for these jobs. We’ve got lawyers and other professionals looking for entry-level positions at non-profits,” said Sonny Le, an organizer with Sector Power. 

According to Emma Kalonzo, coordinator for Idealist.org, approximately 500 people attended the fair at its two locations, Preservation Park and The James Irvine Conference Center in downtown Oakland. Kalonzo says the fair provided Bay Area residents something it has been missing, a showcase for local nonprofits. “We wanted to highlight all of the great things that nonprofit organizations in the Bay Area are doing. There wasn’t anyone else doing that. We wanted to fill a void,” Kalonzo said. 

Many at Thursday’s fair emphasized that with the collapse of the dot-com market, nonprofits and other alternatives to the corporate world have begun to take up a larger share of the Bay Area economy.  

Many of the organizations at the fair, such as the San Francisco College Access Center and AmeriCorps, provided job seekers with information about youth based programs. According to Melita Noel, Tutoring Coordinator at SFCAC, a number of graduates from Upward Bound, the parent organization of SFCAC, showed up to Thursday’s fair looking to work in the nonprofit world and give back to the community.  

Upward Bound and SFCAC are nonprofits committed to serving low-income youth with advice and information about college admissions.  

Noel added that along with the Upward Bound grads, a number of job seekers from the fields of education and even a few from the corporate world had inquired about SFCAC’s nontraditional education programs. “A lot of educators and teachers want to continue to work with youth but not have the same kind of structure of the school districts,” Noel said.  

She received a number of resumes Thursday, she said, many from individuals with significant training and graduate degrees.  

According to Margaret Kirkpatrick, principal at the Berkeley Adult School, the recent economic downturn has had a significant effect on the programs at BAS. “This was our largest program year ever,” Kirkpatrick said. “There’s been a dramatic increase in enrollment.” 

BAS offers its 14,000 students academic, vocational and career preparation programs. Kirkpatrick says that the programs at BAS are in a constant state of development to meet the needs of students.  

Bled says that Berkeley High’s Parent Teacher Student Association has increased the number of speakers at career workshops and has a number programs which focus on alternative education. According to the Career Center at UC Berkeley, graduates of the class of 2002 are and have been starting their job hunts earlier than previous classes.  

Of the students who found jobs in 2001, there was a 4.1 percent increase in those going into the non-profit and public sectors compared with the year before. 

 

Contact reporter at  

chris@berkeleydailyplanet.com


eBay struggles to keep die-hard users happy

By Brian Bergstein, The Associated Press
Saturday June 15, 2002

SAN JOSE — Twelve eBay users from around the country have been invited to company headquarters to give the Internet auction site’s executives pieces of their minds: Customer service is lousy. The search engine is weak. Pop-up ads are deplorable. 

The eBay manager writing down their gripes quickly fills a large sheet of paper, then two, then three, eventually taping so many onto a wall that new ones go on the door. 

Michael Benson, a baseball card collector from St. Louis, adds his complaint: “eBay is going with the big sellers over the little sellers.” Murmurs of assent can be heard around the table. “You’ve got to get back to mom and pop sellers,” nods Judy Tomlin of Mecosta, Mich. 

That complaint is not new, but it is becoming increasingly common among longtime eBay users. Many say eBay, committed to growth, is giving big companies an unfair advantage by prominently featuring their brand-name wares, creating tough competition for the millions of regular folks who made eBay huge. 

“It’s so infuriating to see the stock continually rise and know that it’s happening because the little guy is taking it in the shins,” said collectibles seller Tricia Spencer of Riverside, Calif., who was not among the 12 users invited to headquarters. “It’s like a kingdom where the serfs have done all the work and the king eats hale and hearty while the serfs starve.” 

EBay executives say the charge is unfounded. But they acknowledge that after eBay’s astonishing rise in recent years, it is more difficult than ever to stay connected to its treasured “community” — the hobbyists and small businesses that trade everything from AstroTurf to zithers, and dole out “feedback points” that reflect their online reputations. 

“Our communication, frankly, to the community is broken,” Bill Cobb, eBay’s director of marketing, told the group of 12 at eBay’s most recent “Voice of the Customer” session. “We have to figure out a better way.” 

EBay hopes relations get a big boost from its first “community celebration,” called eBay Live, June 21-23 in Anaheim. More than 3,000 users are expected to mingle with company managers, trade advice on how to buy and sell things in more cost-effective ways, hear a speech by CEO Meg Whitman and attend an awards ceremony. 

Founded in 1995, eBay is by far the world’s top Internet auction site, with nearly 50 million registered users and sites in 27 countries. 

It long ago shed its roots as an online flea market. With big companies such as Dell and IBM now unloading goods on eBay, the site is more like a giant mall with a flea market and a used-car dealership in the parking lot.


New Unemployment Figures

Staff
Saturday June 15, 2002

LOS ANGELES — California’s unemployment rate decreased slightly in May, even as the state economy lost 9,000 jobs, officials said Friday. 

Unemployment dipped to 6.3 percent from a revised 6.5 percent in April, as fewer people looked for work, officials said. 

Every sector except government, services and mining suffered job losses last month, according to the Employment Development Department. 

The construction and manufacturing sectors took the biggest hits, losing 9,600 and 5,000 jobs, respectively. 

While the number of manufacturing jobs has been declining for more than a year, the latest losses in the construction industry were uncharacteristic. 

The number of people looking for work in California was 1.1 million last month, about 57,000 fewer than in March but 219,000 more than in May of 2001. 

The jobless rate a year ago was 5.1 percent. 

Despite the decline in jobs, the EDD forecast that the unemployment rate will stabilize in the months ahead, moving up or down by no more than three-tenths of a percent. 

“The job losses we’ve seen earlier this year have leveled off,” said Michael Bernick, director of the EDD. 


New appliances are energy stars

The Associated Press
Saturday June 15, 2002

You don’t think natural resources saved by your major appliances is a big deal? 

Just ask homeowners in the power and water-starved West and Northeast. They’ll tell you every little bit counts when it comes to a kilowatt saved and a gallon of water conserved. And if doing the environment a favor isn’t enough, there are financial rewards: a new generation of washers, dryers and refrigerators can lop as much as 50 percent off your energy use — and that doesn’t include generous rebates utilities in hardest-hit states bestow on purchasers of high-efficiency appliances. 

According to Lowe’s Home Improvement Warehouse, an appliance retailer, manufacturers have answered government mandates to reduce energy and water consumption. 

“Buyers want pizzazz plus efficiency,” says Bruce Ballard, vice president of appliance merchandising for Lowe’s. “Washers, dryers, refrigerators — they’re all better than they were 10 years ago. There’s no question the new breed of major appliances are friendlier to the environment.” 

The Environmental Protection Agency formed a government-industry Energy Star partnership in 1992 to identify hundreds of household products — including appliances — that significantly reduce energy use. One of the coalition partners, Whirlpool, wasted little time in producing models to earn the Energy Star label. 

“There is much more buyer awareness of energy conservation, particularly in states where power and water are issues,” says Laura Hall of Whirlpool. “People didn’t know much about appliances, but they do now.” 

Hall says even subtle manufacturing changes add up to savings. Injected foam replaces sheet insulation to fill every inch of refrigerator walls and doors. Compressors cool more efficiently, and ice makers are situated for optimal effect. Yellow Energy Guide stickers on new appliances help shoppers compare yearly costs between models. 

And consumers are rewarded in their pocketbooks. Utilities in states including California, New York, New Jersey, Virginia and Pennsylvania offer rebates to consumers that amount to up to 25 percent of the retail price of Energy Star rated appliances. Maryland waives sales tax on Energy Star products. The EPA estimates more than 630 million Energy Star products have been purchased to date. The total energy savings: $5 billion. 

But efficiencies don’t signal a move away from what attracts consumers in the first place — styling and convenience. Contoured doors, filtered water, stainless steel exteriors and even brighter interiors for aging Baby Boomers are recent innovations. 

U.S. customers now see appliances with a European influence. Europeans overcame space and resource limitations with appliances designed to do more with less. Front-loading clothes washers use less water, and higher spin rates wring most of it out. The result: shorter drying times. Ballard says sales of front-loading washers are about to skyrocket in the U.S. because people say they wash clothes better. 

Hall says consumers want stylish appliances that have an earth-friendly green effect. “If you can get the same performance and use less water and electricity, why wouldn’t you want to do that?” 

Tip of the Week 

When the star Sirius appears in the night sky, it officially kicks off the “dog days of summer,” the hottest, stickiest days of the year — from July 3rd to August 15th. Now is an excellent time to prepare to beat the heat — and to beat high energy bills— by purchasing a new air-conditioning system. Today’s high-efficiency models with a federal “energy-star” designation use half the energy a 20-year-old model uses. During peak cooling periods, you can cut overall energy bills 20 percent to 40 percent. Ten-year-old-or-older units have seasonal energy efficiency ratings (SEERs) of only 6 to 8. New units are rated 12 or greater — a big difference that leads to big savings. Also, many utilities now offer rebates on these units. 


Innovations make home functional

Staff
Saturday June 15, 2002

Bright innovations, including a resource center and lots of built-ins, lend functionality to this home, Plan K-22, by the Homestore Plans and Publications Designers Network. Its floor plan has 1,616 square feet of living space. 

A deep front porch provides an outdoor-relaxation haven. Inside the foyer, a focal-point fireplace draws guests into the living room which has a TV niche. If receiving clients at home is your plan, a brightly lighted resource center off the foyer offers an area well suited for that purpose 

Open to the living room, the dining room and kitchen share a passthrough bar, which is handy for parties as well as daily meal service. A built-in desk is a spot for paying bills or planning menus, while a French door in the dining room provides passage to the backyard. 

Down a hall, the master suite — including its private bath — and two secondary bedrooms are in proximity to a utility room with laundry facilities. 

Lockers in the mudroom provide much-needed storage for anyone entering the home through the two-car garage. 

K-22 DETAILS: Bedrooms: 3 Baths: 2 Main floor: 1,616 sq. ft. Total living area: 1,616 sq. ft. Garage: 437 sq. ft. Exterior Wall Framing: 2x4 Foundation Options: Slab 

For a study plan of this house, including general information on building costs and financing, send $5 to House of the Week, PO Box 1562, New York, NY 10116-1562. Be sure to include the plan number. Downloadable study plans and construction blueprints for this plan and for hundreds of past Houses of the Week are available at www.houseoftheweek.com. 


Building more light into your home

Staff
Saturday June 15, 2002

Windows and skylights cover your home’s perimeter, each room sports a high ceiling, the walls and floor coverings are all pleasingly light-colored — yet you’re still wondering how you can work more natural light into your home. 

Consider the design of your stairs. Heavy staircases covered with a dark wood or carpet will dim a room before you can say “lights out.” Stairs tend to block light, making it difficult to travel unimpeded across an entire room. 

An open staircase might be the solution. Even an angled or curved staircase, which would normally absorb any natural light, can become a room’s beacon when the vertical slats are absent because this condition allows backlighting and sidelighting from the surrounding windows. 

The stairs pictured here lead straight up from a two-story room to a loft overlook. The area is so bright that the sole artificial light comes from a few well-placed recessed fixtures. Slim rails in a light-colored wood placed relatively far apart enhance the effect, as does a monochromatic color scheme. The stairs leading to the basement echo the stairs running between the main and upper floors. A nearly full wall of glass behind the stairs illuminates the area and creates an interesting play of light and shadow, which would be impossible without an open staircase. The bare walls show off the geometric shadows, eliminating the need for other wall decorations and thereby opening the space even more. (Photo/Mark Englund) 

——— 

On the Net: 

The Web site is: http://www.homeplans.com. 


60-year wait ends for former interment camp man

Staff
Saturday June 15, 2002

OAKLAND — Akira “Ike” Nakamura took 60 years to graduate from Castlemont High School. And when he did, he got two diplomas: one for 2002, one for 1944. 

For 1944 was the year he would have graduated had the U.S. government not sent him along with tens of thousands of other Japanese Americans into desert internment camps after the attack on Pearl Harbor. 

On Thursday night, a 75-year-old Nakamura led the processional at Castlemont High and then sat, stage right, in a purple cap and gown. 

It was supposed to be a low-key moment, not listed in the program. Nakamura said he did not expect the teenagers to grasp the significance. 

But once Principal Debbra Lindo explained, “Tonight, we’re going to set it right,” the 205 graduates rose in an ovation of whoops. 

“I thank you very much for this honor,” said Nakamura, with a slight bow. His wife of 53 years, Rurie, was in the audience. 

They met behind barbed wire at a camp in Utah. More than 100,000 Japanese and Japanese Americans were deemed a security threat and put in such internment camps during World War II. 

Last week, Nakamura learned of an unusual offer in a local English-language newspaper for Japanese Americans. In part to honor Fred Korematsu, a 1937 Castlemont graduate who unsuccessfully challenged the internment to the Supreme Court, the Oakland school district said it would give a diploma to anyone who had been wrenched from school and sent to a camp. 

So far, four men have responded — three in Northern California and one in Richmond, Va.


Winona Ryder pleads innocent to theft, drug charges

The Associated Press
Saturday June 15, 2002

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. — Winona Ryder pleaded innocent Friday to shoplifting and drug charges, and her lawyer said he’d try to disqualify the District Attorney’s office from trying the case. 

The motion for disqualification by Ryder’s attorney, Mark Geragos, was placed under seal, but he’s said previously he believes prosecutors aren’t treating his client fairly. 

Ryder said little during her arraignment. Her arm was in a sling from an injury she reportedly suffered when a camera bumped her during a break in a previous hearing. 

Superior Court Judge Elden Fox asked the 30-year-old whether she was entering a plea of not guilty, and she responded in a soft voice, “Yes, your honor.” She and her lawyer left the courthouse without commenting outside. 

Ryder was ordered last week to stand trial on felony charges alleging she shoplifted some $6,000 worth of merchandise from Saks Fifth Avenue and illegally possessed a drug without a prescription. 

The actress, who co-stars in the upcoming Adam Sandler comedy “Mr. Deeds,” is charged with second-degree burglary, grand theft, vandalism and possession of a controlled substance. 

Ryder faces a maximum of three years and eight months in state prison if convicted on all charges. She remains free on $20,000 bail. 

A store security official testified during a preliminary hearing last week that she saw the actress cutting security sensor tags off the items, and a criminalist testified that two pills found in Ryder’s possession were a generic form of Percoset, a prescription painkiller. 

Fox said then that there was sufficient cause for her to be tried. 

On Friday, the judge set a pretrial hearing for July 15, but said Ryder didn’t have to attend. He also ordered that any motions concerning possible prior acts by Ryder be filed under seal. A tentative trial date was set for Aug. 13. 

Prosecutors have said they may introduce evidence of prior misdeeds by Ryder. 

A notice filed with the District Attorney’s office last month indicates the prosecution plans to show that the “Girl, Interrupted” star’s alleged shoplifting is part of a pattern of behavior. 

Court records show no previous convictions against Ryder. 

Sandi Gibbons, a spokeswoman for the District Attorney’s office, has declined to provide details of the evidence, saying prosecutors would save that material for court. 


Canned convenience food Spam has its own museum

By Craig Gustafson, The Associated Press
Saturday June 15, 2002

Visitors can take a Spam exam or can some ‘Spam’ 

 

AUSTIN, Minn.— Depending on who’s eating it, Spam is either a slice of post-war Americana or a slice of who knows what. 

Whatever it is, the canned convenience food now has its own museum. 

“All (you’ve) got to say is Spam and you’ve got a discussion,” said Nancy Barker of Menasha, Wis., emerging from the Spam Museum Friday with a handful of memorabilia. “Of course, there’s also quite a lot of jokes.” 

For 66 years this southern Minnesota town of 22,000 has been known affectionately, or derisively, as Spamtown. 

“It’s a part of our past and it’s probably part of our future,” said Barker, 65, who has her own recipe for Spam pancakes. “People are almost cult followers.” 

The museum has been open since September, but Spam maker Hormel Foods delayed a celebration until Saturday because of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. 

The rescheduled grand opening is steeped in Americana, with famous TV moms like Marion Ross and Barbara Billingsley, sports figures and a World War II memorial dedication. 

Inside the museum — admission is free — those followers will have plenty to absorb. A 430-foot conveyor belt rattles around the ceiling, carrying about 850 cans of Spam. 

Visitors can take a Spam exam or can their own Spam (not the real stuff). There’s also a radio station — KSpam — and a video screen that shows classic Monty Python skits slamming Spam. 

The museum also has exhibits on the Hormel family, explains what goes into Spam (pork shoulder, ham, spices and preservatives) and describes the product’s special relationship with American troops in World War II. 

The war generated huge sales for Hormel, which provided 15 million cans of Spam each week to the military. From 1939 to 1942, the company’s overall sales doubled to almost $120 million. 

On Sunday, Brokaw, the NBC News anchor, will dedicate a special memorial to honor World War II veterans. 

Gordon Handrich, a World War II veteran from Appleton, Wis., who was at the museum on Friday, remembered eating Spam. He liked it, but he remembered some soldiers who swore they’d never eat it again once the war ended. 

A Spam-o-meter at the museum tallies the cans of Spam produced. Hormel expects to turn out its 6 billionth sometime between June 29 and July 3. 

The museum, which is free, has drawn 39,000 visitors since it opened, and the number is expected to double this weekend. 

Laura Shields saw a freeway sign for the Spam museum and said she had to stop and drag her vacationing family in for a look. “It’s incredibly cool,” she said. 

Shields said she’s carried on a running gag with her brother-in-law, who gave her a Spam calendar for Christmas. The museum shop sold windsocks, pens, T-shirts in Spam’s distinctive navy and yellow colors and, of course, the cans. 

Some people may love Spam for its salty ham taste, but others are fascinated by the name. In 1935, Hormel President Jay Hormel held a contest at a New Year’s Eve party to name the meat. The winner spliced the words “spice” and “ham” to claim the $100 prize. 

Barker, who said she has eaten Spam all her life and fed it to her six children, left the gift shop with a stuffed can of talking Spam. She gave it a squeeze. 

It chimed: “I love Spam.” 


Disney plans to pull viewers to ABC’s season

The Associated Press
Saturday June 15, 2002

BURBANK— To boost ratings at its flagging ABC network, The Walt Disney Co. is marshaling its vast resources to promote its new fall shows everywhere from Disneyland to the big screen and even in its sports restaurants. 

The move comes after the network slipped from first to third place in the past two years and became a drag on Disney earnings. 

Ideas to drive viewers to ABC range from parades featuring ABC stars at Disney’s domestic theme parks to drink coasters at ESPN Zone restaurants. 

Even Disney-produced films will be dressed with references to ABC programs. 

If a news program is playing on a television in the film, it will be tuned to ABC. In addition, network stars may be cast much the same way Warner Bros. placed actors from its WB network in its big screen hit “Ocean’s Eleven.” 

At a meeting last week, top executives from every Disney division presented their plans to chief executive Michael Eisner and president Robert Iger, who have said fixing ABC is their top priority. 

Susan Lyne, president of ABC Entertainment, said the initiative is critical. 

“If people don’t come to sample a show, those shows are dead in the water,” she said. 

However, with its enormous reach, Disney faces the possibility of alienating viewers by turning every product into a commercial. 

“They do have to make sure they don’t blanket everything they have,” said David Joyce, an analyst with Guzman & Co. “The shotgun approach could end up being a waste of time and maybe even detract to some degree. You’re not going to necessarily promote Winnie the Pooh on ESPN.” 

Indeed, consumers may rebel if the ad message is laid on too thick. 

“There can be a backlash by the public if they feel they are a cog in the purchasing machine,” said Cheryl Leanza, deputy director of the Media Access Project, a nonprofit law firm concerned about the effects of media consolidation. 

Disney’s marketing plans are targeted to specific audiences, for example, promoting dramas such as “Push, Nevada,” a suspense show in the vein of “Twin Peaks,” on ESPN and more family friendly fare in its Disney stores. 

Cross promotion at large media companies is nothing new. AOL Time Warner, for instance, has used its AOL Internet service to sell thousands of subscriptions to Time and other magazines. Vivendi Universal and Disney use their theme parks to promote their movies. 

At Disney, ABC has often been called upon to help promote the release of a new feature film or the opening of a theme park. But since Disney acquired ABC in 1996, the network has never needed the favor returned — until now. 

Prime time ratings have slipped badly at the network, which just two years ago was riding the success of the game show “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?” Since the popularity of that show has waned, ABC has slipped to third behind NBC and CBS. 

In the second quarter ended March 31, revenue in Disney’s media networks division, which includes ABC, dropped 9 percent from the year-ago period to $2.2 billion. 

On the advertising front, Disney has said advertising agency Omnicom Group will spend more than $1 billion on behalf of its clients over the next year on ABC, ESPN and other outlets in what was likely the biggest deal of its kind. 

With seven new shows on its schedule, more than any other network, it’s critical for ABC to attract viewers early.


Original Declaration of Independence copy on display

Staff
Saturday June 15, 2002

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — One of the original 1776 copies of the nation’s Declaration of Independence will be in Louisville for a public viewing this fall. 

The document, which television producer Norman Lear owns, is one of 25 known original copies of our country’s “birth certificate” still remaining. It will be on display for free at the public library’s main branch Oct. 16-Nov. 3 as an early stop on a national tour. 

“We are delighted” that the document will be displayed in Louisville, said library director Craig Buthod. 

Buthod said he’s been discussing the document’s appearance in Louisville for more than a year with a nonprofit group called the Declaration of Independence Road Trip, which Lear set up to give the document public exposure. 

Ashley Mowrey, a spokeswoman for the tour, said the cities that will be included will be announced July 4, but Louisville will be the fourth stop. 

On the night of July 4, 1776, about 200 copies of the newly drafted Declaration of Independence were printed by John Dunlap of Philadelphia. The copies were circulated throughout the colonies.


’Casablanca’ leads list of favorite movie love stories

By David Germaiin, The Associated Press
Saturday June 15, 2002

Industry professionals pick American Film Institute’s annual favorites list  

 

LOS ANGELES — They’ll always have Paris. Now Rick and Ilsa have the top spot on the list of best American screen romances. 

“Casablanca,” starring Humphrey Bogart as saloonkeeper Rick Blaine and Ingrid Bergman as his lost love Ilsa Lund, came in at No. 1 on the American Film Institute’s top 100 U.S. love stories announced Tuesday on the CBS special “AFI’s 100 Years ... 100 Passions.” 

The rest of the top 10, in order: “Gone With the Wind,” “West Side Story,” “Roman Holiday,” “An Affair to Remember,” “The Way We Were,” “Doctor Zhivago,” “It’s a Wonderful Life,” “Love Story” and “City Lights.” 

“I think the films that haunt you the most over time are love stories,” said Sydney Pollack, director of “The Way We Were” and the No. 13 film, “Out of Africa.” “Many, many films haunt you, but you get haunted in a way that’s hard to shake off when you’re watching star-crossed lovers who you really care about and who get under your skin, like Bogart and Bergman. That’s a story that’s just irresistible.” 

Cary Grant led actors with six films on the list. Besides “An Affair to Remember,” they were “The Philadelphia Story at No. 44, “To Catch a Thief” at No. 46, “Bringing Up Baby” at No. 51, “The Awful Truth” at No. 77 and “Notorious” at No. 86. 

Katharine Hepburn, Grant’s co-star in “The Philadelphia Story” and “Bringing Up Baby,” was the most represented actress, also appearing in six films. Her other entries were “The African Queen” at No. 14, “On Golden Pond” at No. 22, “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner” at No. 58 and “Woman of the Year” at No. 74. 

Besides “Casablanca” and “The African Queen,” Bogart starred in three other films on the list: “Dark Victory” (No. 32), “Sabrina” (No. 54) and “To Have and Have Not” (No. 60). Bogart’s “Sabrina” co-star Audrey Hepburn also was in five films, including “Roman Holiday,” “My Fair Lady” (No. 12), “Two for the Road” (No. 57) and “Breakfast at Tiffany’s (No. 61). 

The oldest film was “Way Down East” from 1920 at No. 71. The newest was “Shakespeare in Love” from 1998 at No. 50. 

The film institute began issuing annual lists on different movie themes four years ago. The love-story list was chosen by about 1,800 directors, actors, studio executives, critics and others in Hollywood, who voted from a field of 400 nominated films. 

Finalists ranged from the giddy comedy of “When Harry Met Sally ...” (No. 25) and “It Happened One Night (No. 38) to the tragic affairs of “Wuthering Heights” (No. 15) and “Titanic” (No. 37). 

What makes for a great love story? 

“At the end of the day, it’s what happens between a man and a woman on the screen,” said “When Harry Met Sally ...” director Rob Reiner, who placed two other films on the list, “The American President” (No. 75) and “The Princess Bride” (No. 88). “It’s a very different approach to that in all three cases with my films.” 

“The Princess Bride” is a fanciful, love-conquers-all fairy tale, while “When Harry Met Sally ...” was a personal story based on Reiner’s experiences when he was “thrown back into the dating pool after being married for 10 years and making a mess of the whole thing,” he said. 

“American President” is a modern Cinderella tale about “what would happen if you ever really dated the president,” Reiner said. “This was before Monica Lewinsky, when people didn’t date the president so quickly.” 

Reiner’s three entries have happy endings, but a surprising number on the list do not. The lovers clearly wind up together in only two of the top 10 films, while a third, Charles Chaplin’s “City Lights,” has an ambiguous ending. 

“Ironically, in these 100 movies, they don’t necessarily walk out hand and hand into the sunset,” said Jean Picker Firstenburg, the institute’s director. 

In “Vertigo” (No. 18), James Stewart watches Kim Novak fall to her death — twice. “King Kong” (No. 24), ends with a giant dead ape, “Bonnie and Clyde” (No. 65) ends with a bullet-riddled couple. “The English Patient” (No. 56) finishes with a dead burn victim, “Harold and Maude” (No. 69) closes with a young man on his own after his elderly lover’s suicide. 

“When there’s real closure in a love story and it’s resolved in a happy way, it doesn’t reverberate as much afterward,” Pollack said. “That’s been true from Greek tragedy on, from Shakespeare on. Romeo and Juliet, Tristan and Isolde, Heloise and Abelard. Many great love stories have been about unobtainability.”


Dispute resolved over mystery anthology

Staff
Saturday June 15, 2002

NEW YORK — Author David Baldacci has settled a legal dispute with a publisher after complaining that his name was featured too prominently on the cover of an anthology of mystery stories. 

Baldacci, author of such best sellers as “Absolute Power” and “Last Man Standing,” won a rare preliminary court injunction last month to stop New Millennium Press from publishing “The Mighty Johns.” 

Baldacci’s name appeared in large foil letters above the title of the book, which also is the title of a novella contributed by Baldacci. A federal judge ruled that consumers could mistake the book for Baldacci’s next novel, writing that New Millennium “was attempting to deceive the public into buying a misrepresented book.” 

New Millennium and Baldacci have agreed that the cover will be altered and the book released. Baldacci’s name will appear below the title, in smaller letters. 

“With such a wonderful story that we dearly wanted to publish, I wanted a way to make it happen,” New Millennium co-president and publisher Michael Viner said in a statement released late last week. 

Under the agreement, New Millennium will make a donation to “a charity of Mr. Baldacci’s choosing,” the Barbara Bush Literacy Foundation.


Briefs

Staff
Saturday June 15, 2002

Boy walks on to Potter set 

 

NAVARRE, Fla. — Joel Willoughby logged onto the Internet in February and answered five trivia questions. Now he’s headed for London to join Hagrid the giant and Albus Dumbledore in the next “Harry Potter” movie. 

The 11-year-old won a walk-on role in “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” as the grand-prize winner of the “Owl Prowl” game. 

It was created by Warner Home Video to celebrate the release of the first Potter film, “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone,” on DVD and VHS. 

“I was just trying to win a DVD,” Joel said Wednesday. “I had no idea I would actually win a trip.” 

Joel and his mother, Teresa Willoughby, are flying to London for the filming June 24. Later, he and three family members will return for the movie’s premiere in November. 

He doesn’t know what part he’ll play, but he’s hoping they’ll “sort him into a house.” 

The Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, which Harry and his friends attend, has four houses, or dormitories. The Slytherin house, for example, is where bad students go. Ravenclaw students are intelligent. 

Most of all, Joel is looking forward to seeing the “Harry Potter” set and meeting Daniel Radcliffe, who plays the title role. 

 

Terrorists not allowed at the fair  

 

FALCON HEIGHTS, Minn. — Fans who plan to catch Alicia Keys, Bonnie Raitt or Doc Severinsen at the Minnesota State Fair this year better leave their state fair goody bags in the car, or plan to spend extra time at the gate. 

Extra security guards at the Grandstand will check purses and concertgoers loaded down with packages to make sure they have no terrorist intentions. 

Art Blakey, chief of police for the State Fair, said security is tighter this year, after the Sept. 11 attacks and government warnings that Osama bin Laden’s al-Qaida network is regrouping and more attacks are likely. 

“We want people to be safe. We want them to come and enjoy themselves. And we’re putting some things into practice that hopefully will keep everybody safe,” Blakey said. 

Blakey also said fair officials are being careful in their planning. “We don’t want this to look like an armed camp,” he said. 

The Minnesota State Fair, the nation’s second-largest behind Texas last year, runs Aug. 22-Sept. 2. More than 1.7 million people attended last year. 

 

Baltimore film industry rebounds  

 

BALTIMORE — “Head of State,” a comedy starring Chris Rock as a presidential candidate, will help boost the economic impact of film and television production in Maryland to a record $80 million this year, said Jack Gerbes, director of the state film commission. 

Baltimore will double for Washington in the movie which will be the next feature film with its production based in Maryland, Gerbes said in an interview with Associated Press editors and reporters. 

The effect of this production will mark a rebound from the previous fiscal year, when film production was stalled for several months because of the possibility of strikes by actors and screenwriters, Gerbes said. 

The state took in just $34 million from film production in fiscal year 2001, compared with more than $75 million in each of the previous three years, according to data from the film office. 

Production crews have become a common sight over the past few months on the streets of Baltimore. “The Wire,” a crime series from the co-creator of the long-running police drama “Homicide: Life on the Street,” debuted this month on HBO and is in production for its initial 13-episode run. Crews for “Red Dragon,” a prequel to “The Silence of the Lambs,” recently completed 13 days of filming in downtown Baltimore.


Greenpeace co-founder Moore accused of treason

By Paul Elias, The Associated Press
Saturday June 15, 2002

TORONTO — It’s hard to avoid biblical references when discussing Patrick Moore, a Greenpeace co-founder who now gets paid by the biotech industry and other foes of the environmental organization. 

“Patrick Moore is an eco Judas,” said David Suzuki, who taught Moore genetics at the University of British Columbia and is one of Canada’s best-known anti-biotech figures. 

Moore, an avowed agnostic, would rather think of himself as the apostle Paul, who converted to Christianity after railing against it for most of his life. 

“I was against three or four things every day of my life,” Moore said of his epiphany during a speech at the world’s premier biotechnology conference, BIO 2002. “I decided I should be for something.” 

During 15 years with Greenpeace, Moore worked against whaling, nuclear testing and the clubbing of baby seals. He was on board the ship Rainbow Warrior the day it was blown up and sunk by the French. 

In 1986, Moore departed, saying Greenpeace was embracing positions too extreme while straying from its roots into anti-globalization politics. Greenpeace said he left after losing a power struggle. 

“I’m not saying we should go back to killing whales and setting off nuclear bombs,” Moore said. “I stick by everything we did.” 

Moore says Greenpeace in the mid-1980s began groping for other issues to legitimize its existence after succeeding in getting its founding principles adopted by the mainstream. 

He said one of these issues was genetically engineered food, where genes from two different plant species are spliced together to create crops more resistant to herbicides and insects, among other traits. 

Greenpeace argues that the technology ultimately will lead to stronger bugs and weeds while proving unhealthy for human consumption. 

Biotechnology, Moore said, increases yields while reducing pesticide use, two potential benefits environmentalists are ignoring. 

“I believe the campaign of fear being waged against genetically modified foods is based mostly on fantasy,” Moore said. 

Moore contends that no health problems related to genetically engineered food have been reported anywhere although genetically engineered crops were grown on 130 million acres around the world last year. 

“Not one stomach ache has been attributed to genetically engineered food,” he said. 

After Moore left Greenpeace, he tried to make a living as a salmon farmer until 1991. That year, he launched Greenspirit as a natural resources consulting business and joined the industry-supported Forest Alliance of British Columbia. It was then that Greenpeace and other environmentalists said Moore lost his way. 

“He’s a turncoat who supports many of the things we oppose,” said Greenpeace spokesman Craig Culp. “We basically try not to have anything to do with Patrick Moore.” 

Moore’s driving force today is “consensus,” a notion most environmental groups reject. 

“We have no choice but to find a balance between competing interests,” said Moore, 55. “Most environmentalists have adopted zero-tolerance positions in order to remain adversarial. The only way to stay adversarial is to adopt even more extreme positions.” 

The Biotechnology Industry Organization, which sponsored the conference, paid Moore for his appearance. 

The previous week, he was in Berlin at the behest of the U.S. embassy there to help sell the benefits of genetically modified food to Germans. Genetically modified food is a thorny trading issue between the United States and much of Europe. 

Moore would not say how much he had received from BIO or further discuss his sources of income. 

He has given talks in southeast Asia about the benefits of genetically engineered crops in developing nations and stumps often for the timber industry, singing its praises for “sustainabilty” policies of replanting trees.


Bill to stimulate more low-income apartments moves

By Jim Wasserman, The Associated Press
Saturday June 15, 2002

SACRAMENTO — After months of haggling, arguing and occasional screaming about California’s toughest housing dilemma, a bill to make more room for low-income apartments is moving again. 

The bill, SB910, passed the Senate last June proposing to yank millions of dollars from cities that discourage apartments. But the idea, considered too harsh by cities and counties, stalled while officials have searched for a fairer, more agreeable way to house the poor. 

Now, in a state rife with homeowner battles against apartment complexes and lawsuits when city councils approve them, the outlines of a new approach are emerging. 

Though still tentative, they reveal the fierce complexities of deciding who should provide what amount of the desperately needed housing that many communities simply don’t want. 

The bill, scheduled for a June 26 hearing before the Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee, now sets “unspecified” fines for balking cities instead of taking money away from them. It also allows city halls and county courthouses more easily challenge the number of low-income units the state assigns them. 

It’s a system that many in local government consider flawed. 

“This is really not about cities not wanting housing. It’s about the process,” says Sande George, lobbyist for the California chapter of the American Planning Association. City and county planners, California Association of Counties and the League of California Cities still oppose the bill for its emphasis on sanctions. 

That opposition, after months of meetings, frustrates the bill’s author, Sen. Joe Dunn, D-Santa Ana. He says he made compromises “in areas, that to be honest, we’d rather not have compromised. Now that we’re asking the League to compromise, they won’t.” 

The state’s Department of Housing and Community Development, which makes cities and counties assume a share of the state’s housing demand, estimates up to 30 percent of California’s 476 cities avoid their low-income housing requirements. 

Many are middle-income suburbs and smaller wealthy cities. 

Dunn has long complained that the existing law lacks teeth. 

“The ability of local jurisdictions to get away with this has been unfettered,” he says. 

Many cities, in return, complain the state’s numerical allocations of housing don’t account for urban areas constrained by slow-growth politics and lack of vacant land, or those trying not to grow into surrounding farmland. The bill doesn’t require cities to build low-income housing, only to zone acreage to accommodate their share. 

Craig Reynolds, chief of staff for Assemblywoman Helen Thomson, D-Davis, says the state’s numbers have “potential danger of being sprawl-inducing as opposed to a recipe for smart growth.” 

As the hearing approaches, cities are pouring their opposition into a Housing and Community Development Committee mailbox. Among the official city hall letterheads: Poway, Campbell, Vista, Redwood City, Santa Clara, Hawthorne and Burlingame. 

Paso Robles Mayor Frank R. Mecham says the bill fails to give cities such as his legal protection when they do zone land for affordable housing. Mecham noted the “heavy and bitter opposition from neighbors who have threatened litigation” after the city changed its general plan to enable a project for moderate-income housing. 

But supporters also abound, including the Building Industry Association of California, which represents the state’s homebuilders. 

Tim Coyle, the BIA’s senior vice president for governmental affairs, cites the state’s pressing housing shortage, and says, “That’s the kind of public policy we need.” Other backers include the California Chamber of Commerce, affordable housing advocates and the cities of San Francisco, Oakland, Sacramento, Petaluma and Oxnard. 

The bill, in its new version, must pass the Assembly and be approved again by the Senate by Aug. 31, or the idea dies.


Davis, senators repeat call for Bush to buy oil leases of state’s coast

By Jim Wasserman, The Associated Press
Saturday June 15, 2002

SACRAMENTO — Rejected once already, Gov. Gray Davis and California Sens. Barbara Boxer and Dianne Feinstein repeated a call Friday for President Bush to buy 36 undeveloped oil leases off California’s coast. 

In a letter to Bush, nearly three weeks after he announced a $120 million federal buyout of Florida oil leases, the state’s top Democrats wrote, “Your recent actions in Florida are nearly identical to proposals that we have made to resolve the analogous situation in California.” 

Noting potential for more oil development off Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties, the letter stated, “The threat this development poses to Californians’ quality of life and the state’s tourism-based economy parallels the threats Florida faced.” 

Rep. Lois Capps, a Democrat from Santa Barbara, scene of a 1969 oil spill from offshore drilling, also signed the letter. 

Davis’ request is “hypocritical,” said a spokesman for Republican gubernatorial candidate Bill Simon. 

“The Bush administration has offered before to sit down with Governor Davis and negotiate on buying back the leases and the governor chose not to,” said Jeff Flint, a Simon aide. “He’s totally hypocritical on the issue.” 

The plea to Bush followed similar May 29 letters, in which Boxer and Davis urged Bush to repeat in California what he did in the Everglades of Florida, where his brother, Jeb Bush, is governor. President Bush also allocated $115 million to pay oil companies to drop their drilling plans in the Gulf of Mexico. 

The Democrats’ request was called premature and rejected June 7 by U.S. Interior Secretary Gale Norton. She wrote, “A major difference between Florida and California is that Florida opposes coastal drilling and California does not.” 

Norton cited the 77 state and federal leases off the California coastline, where more than 260 new wells have been drilled since 1990. But Davis countered that the new drilling occurred from existing offshore platforms where leases date back nearly 50 years. 

In a letter to Norton on Friday, Davis said, “Ever since the devastating oil spill near Santa Barbara in 1969, Californians have vehemently opposed new offshore drilling. Not a single lease has been issued since 1968. 

“Protecting the California coast for future generations is too important a matter to be subjected to bureaucratic delay and legal delays,” Davis wrote Norton. 

Davis on Friday also announced new beach cleanup funding as part of his Clean Beaches Initiative. Simon, meanwhile, criticized Davis for “mismanagement of state beaches,” noting an increase in beach closures and advisories in California. 


Man gets two years for mailing fake anthrax

Staff
Saturday June 15, 2002

Letters threatening anthrax contained Victoria’s Secret talcum powder 

 

SAN FRANCISCO — A federal judge delivered a two-year prison sentence Thursday to a 21-year-old San Bernardino man who mailed fake anthrax letters last fall. 

Two of the three letters that Antonio M. Flores sent to people in Eureka, Arcata and Kneeland contained Victoria’s Secret talcum powder, not anthrax, as the letters threatened. 

Flores sent the three letters Oct. 25, as the country was in the grips of the anthrax mail scare. All envelopes had “anthrax” written on them and contained a powdery substance, which Flores admitted was talcum powder or powder from tetracycline antibiotic capsules, according to court documents. 

He said he sent two of the letters to people he stole from and the third as a favor to someone he met in jail who wanted to threaten the man who revealed him to authorities. 

Flores had pleaded guilty to three counts of mailing threatening communications and was sentenced Thursday in federal court in San Francisco. 


Berkeley Farms recalls antibiotic-tainted milk

The Associated Press
Saturday June 15, 2002

People allergic to antibiotics are at risk  

 

HAYWARD — Berkeley Farms issued a voluntary recall of some of its milk products Friday after a routine sampling detected antibiotics in the milk. 

Inspectors for the California Department of Food and Agriculture discovered significant quantities of penicillin in milk from the Berkeley Farms plants in Hayward and San Leandro. 

No illnesses had been reported Friday, but individuals who are allergic to antibiotics could have a reaction if they consume the tainted milk. 

“There are really two questions: How did it get in the milk, and why did it get past the testing process?” said Berkeley Farms spokesman David Margulies. 

Jay Van Rein, a spokesman for the California Department of Food and Agriculture, said Friday that the department did not yet have answers to those questions. Van Rein said he did not know how much penicillin had tainted the milk, but said it was probably a significant amount. 

The following brands of milk with the plant codes 06-407 and 06-21 are included in the recall: Berkeley Farms, Dairy Dawn, Ralph’s, Mountain Dairy, Sysco (Wholesome Farms), Smart and Final, Albertson’s, Good Day, and Best Yet. 

The California Department of Food and Agriculture does random, unannounced testing of milk plants at least 10 times a year. Every milk load, however, is supposed to be tested by the company before it enters the plants. 

It is not unusual to find antibiotics at dairies, because most farmers treat their cows with antibiotics as part of their health maintenance program, Margulies said. 

Almost all the contaminated milk had been pulled from grocery store shelves by Friday afternoon, Margulies said. 

Consumers are advised to throw away any product named in the recall, or return it to the store for a refund. 


The tainted milk products being recalled

Staff
Saturday June 15, 2002

The milk products being voluntarily recalled by Berkeley Farms were sold under the brand names Berkeley Farms, Dairy Dawn, Ralph’s, Mountain Dairy, Sysco/Wholesale Farms, Smart & Final, Albertsons, Good Day, and Best Yet. 

The product types, container sizes and “sell by” dates of the recalled products are: 

—extra rich milk, gallon, June 24; 

—vitamin d milk, 1/2 gallon, June 25; 

—2 percent reduced-fat milk, pint, June 27; 

—1 percent low-fat milk, pint, June 27; 

—fat-free milk, 1/2 pint, June 27; 

—manufacturing cream, 5 gallon, June 27; 

—heavy whipping cream, 1/2 quart, June 27; 

—half and half, 4 oz., June 27; 

—1 percent low fat chocolate milk, all sizes, June 29; 

—vitamin D milk, quart, June 28; 

—2 percent reduced fat milk, pint, June 29; 

—1 percent low fat milk, 1/2 pint, June 29; 

—fat free milk, all sizes, June 29; 

—chocolate milk, all sizes, June 29; 

—low fat chocolate milk, all sizes, June 29; 

—low fat strawberry milk, all sizes, June 29; 

— and 1 percent low fat buttermilk, 1/2 gallon, quart, 1/2 pint, July 2; 

Products can be returned to stores for a full refund. For more information, consumers can call Berkeley Farms at (888) 647-3326. 


Mexican guest workers seek Congress’ help to recover decades-overdue pay

By Mark Sherman, The Associated Press
Saturday June 15, 2002

WASHINGTON — The last time Juventino Ortiz tried to collect the rest of his pay for picking fruit in Northern California, a government official chased him out of his office. 

In the 55 years since then, the Mexico City native forgot about the money, became a U.S. citizen and raised a family in Hollister, Calif. 

But now, at 81, he and thousands of other former Mexican “guest workers” who say they were denied a portion of their wages want their money. At the very least, they want their day in court. 

“Is it live or die? No,” Ortiz said Wednesday in Washington. “It’s the principle.” 

The Justice Department, in court papers, says the claim is too old and is trying to get a federal judge to dismiss a class-action lawsuit alleging hundreds of thousands of Mexicans who worked in America between 1942 and 1949 never received money deducted from their wages. 

Legislation introduced Wednesday in Congress would prevent the government from having the suit dismissed on procedural grounds. 

Ortiz was one of nearly 5 million Mexican guest workers recruited to the United States between 1942 and 1964 to harvest crops and maintain railroad tracks. The “bracero” program — which comes from the Spanish for “arm” — was launched during World War II to help fill jobs left vacant by U.S. workers called to fight. 

In an unusual agreement between the U.S. and Mexican governments, the braceros had 10 percent of their wages deducted and sent, via Wells Fargo, to Mexican banks to serve as savings accounts. The agreement was supposed to serve as an incentive for the workers to return to Mexico once their contracts expired. 

Ortiz said he tried unsuccessfully to get his money. 

“I went back to Mexico City to the government office to see about my 10 percent,” Ortiz recalled Wednesday. “They said, ’What are you talking about? Get out of here.”’ 

About 200 former braceros and their families rallied Wednesday in downtown Los Angeles in support of the bill. Among them was Alfonso Ortega, 85, a migrant worker from 1942 through 1950 who was paid 60 cents an hour. 

“I believe I have the right to the money,” Ortega said through a translator. 

Joaquin De Luna, 82, said U.S. officials didn’t let him return home to his wife and children in Mexico when he decided he didn’t like the impoverished conditions. 

“I didn’t want to pick their lettuce,” he said through a translator. 

De Luna said he doesn’t believe he’ll get back the 10 percent, but added, “If this country has any shame, it would give it back with interest and credit.” 

The lawsuit, filed last year in San Francisco, is against the U.S. and Mexican governments, along with four banks. Although the pay was as low as 30 cents an hour, advocates for the braceros say at least $500 million is owed, including interest. 

The suit is patterned after successful claims by Holocaust survivors against Swiss banks and German companies. 

The Mexican government says U.S. courts have no jurisdiction in the matter. Wells Fargo spokesman Larry Haeg said a review of company records indicates it transferred all the money it received. A hearing is scheduled in U.S. District Court in San Francisco in early August. 

Bill Lann Lee, former assistant attorney general for civil rights in the Clinton administration, said the Justice Department supported extending the statute of limitations in a lawsuit by black farmers alleging discrimination by the Agriculture Department. 

“We think justice would be served by having the case heard on its merits,” said Lee, whose San Francisco law firm represents the braceros. 

The legislation, co-authored by Rep. Luis Gutierrez, D-Ill., and Rep. Sam Farr, D-Calif., would prevent the Justice Department from using the passage of time and sovereign immunity to block the claims. 

“These issues are unrelated to the merits of the case,” Farr said at a news conference in front of the Capitol. “They’re just legal excuses for why they can’t get to first base.” 

Farr represents the Salinas Valley, where many Mexican workers picked fruits and vegetables. 

Other workers ended up in rail yards and on track maintenance crews. Felipe Nava still has the yellowed identity card that allowed him into the United States and eventually got him a job paying 90 cents an hour — “which was beautiful,” he said — working for the old New York Central Railroad in Syracuse, N.Y. 

“Ninety cents was good money, enough to buy a shirt and a breakfast,” said Nava, 80, of LaGrange, Ill. 


Salvadoran investigators unable to determine how American died

Staff
Saturday June 15, 2002

SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador — Forensic investigators said Friday that the body of a California man killed in southern El Salvador was so badly decomposed that they were unable to determine a cause of death. 

On Thursday, police discovered the body of Mauricio Gonzalez, 68, a retired dental hygienist from San Ramon, Calif., in a well near his home outside a beach community 50 miles southeast of the capital San Salvador. 

The body was covered with bags filled with garbage and sand, said Mario Hernandez, director of San Salvador’s Institute of Legal Medicine. 

Hernandez said the body had been in the well for several days and had decomposed so much that a full autopsy was impossible.


Archaeological dig shows Roman sea trade with India

By Andrew Bridges, The Associated Press
Saturday June 15, 2002

LOS ANGELES — Excavation of an ancient seaport on Egypt’s Red Sea found spices, gems and other exotic cargo showing that sea trade linking the Roman Empire and India 2,000 years ago rivaled the legendary Silk Road at times, archaeologists say. 

“We talk today about globalism as if it were the latest thing, but trade was going on in antiquity at a scale and scope that is truly impressive,” said Willeke Wendrich, of the University of California, Los Angeles, a co-director of the dig. 

Wendrich and fellow dig director Steven Sidebotham, of the University of Delaware, report their findings in the July issue of the journal Sahara. 

Historians have long known that Egypt and India traded during the Roman era, in part thanks to texts that detail the commercial exchange of luxury goods, including fabrics, spices and wine, by land and sea. 

Now, archaeologists who have spent the last nine years excavating the town of Berenike, say they have recovered an array of artifacts that are the best physical evidence yet of the extent of sea trade between the Roman Empire and India. 

Among their finds at the site near Egypt’s border with Sudan: more than 16 pounds of black peppercorns, the largest stash of the prized Indian spice ever recovered from a Roman archaeological site. 

They also uncovered numerous beams hewn of teak, a wood indigenous to India, and Indian sailcloth. That suggests not just Roman ships, but cargo carriers built and rigged in the Asian subcontinent, visited the port, crossing the more than 2,500 miles of ocean dividing the two regions. 

Berenike lies at what was the southeastern extreme of the Roman Empire and likely functioned as a transfer port for goods shipped through the Red Sea. Trade activity at the port peaked twice, in the first century and again around A.D. 500, before it ceased altogether, possibly after a plague struck the region. 

Wendrich said ships would sail between Berenike and India during the summer, when monsoon winds were strongest. From Berenike, camel caravans probably ferried the goods 240 miles west to the Nile, where they were shipped downstream by boat to the Mediterranean port of Alexandria, she said. From there, they could have moved by ship throughout the rest of the Roman world. 

Mediterranean goods, including wine from the Greek island of Kos and fine tableware, moved the opposite way. 

The Silk Road was an overland trade corridor spanning Central Asia. 

“The Silk Road gets a lot of attention as a trade route, but we’ve found a wealth of evidence indicating that sea trade between Egypt and India was also important for transporting exotic cargo, and it may have even served as a link with the Far East,” said Sidebotham. 

While land routes were dependent on political situations, hazards to ancient mariners on the Red Sea were largely natural and the sea routes were generally considered cheaper, Wendrich said. “And the risks balance out quite neatly,” she added. 

The dry climate at Berenike preserved many organic materials from India that have never been found in the more humid subcontinent. Digging in a first century dump, the team found both Indian cotton sailcloth and batik-dyed fabric, along with gems and beads from what is now Sri Lanka, the archaeologists report. 

Indian pottery found in the 30-acre site suggests Indian traders lived in the town amid a hodgepodge of other cultures. Archaeologists found evidence that a dozen different scripts, including Tamil-Brahmi, Greek, Latin and Hebrew, were used in Berenike. 

Wendrich said the finds give “a very different flavor” to our understanding of long-distance trade at the time. 

“It was not completely induced from the West. The East played a very important role in initiation of the trade. That is something you don’t read in the textual sources at all; they are all from the Roman perspective,” she said. 

Elizabeth Lyding Will, an emeritus professor of classics at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, said the finds help add “a whole new dimension to Roman archaeology.” 

“It looks to me that India was some sort of engine driving Roman trade during the early empire,” said Will, who has spent 50 years studying Roman amphorae, including finds made in southern India. “It could have been the chief focus of their trade.” 

——— 

On the Net: 

http://www.archbase.com/berenike/ 

http://www.saharajournal.com/ 


Opinion

Editorials

History

Staff
Friday June 21, 2002

On this date: 

In 1834, Cyrus Hall McCormick received a patent for his reaping machine. 

In 1932, heavyweight Max Schmeling lost a title fight by decision to Jack Sharkey, prompting Schmeling’s manager, Joe Jacobs, to exclaim: “We was robbed!” 

In 1945, during World War II, American soldiers on Okinawa found the body of the Japanese commander, Lt. Gen. Mitsuru Ushijima, who had committed suicide. 

In 1963, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Montini was chosen to succeed the late Pope John XXIII; the new pope took the name Paul VI. 

In 1964, civil rights workers Michael H. Schwerner, Andrew Goodman and James E. Chaney disappeared in Philadelphia, Miss.; their bodies were found buried in an earthen dam six weeks later. 

In 1973, the Supreme Court ruled that states may ban materials found to be obscene according to local standards. 

In 1977, Menachem Begin became Israel’s sixth prime minister. 

In 1982, a jury in Washington D.C. found John Hinckley Jr. innocent by reason of insanity in the shootings of President Reagan and three other men. 

In 1985, scientists announced that skeletal remains exhumed in Brazil were those of Nazi war criminal Josef Mengele. 

In 1989, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that burning the American flag as a form of political protest is protected by the First Amendment. 

Ten years ago: Russian President Boris Yeltsin returned home from his North America tour. Democrat Bill Clinton unveiled an economic blueprint calling for substantially higher taxes on the rich. 

Five years ago: Summit leaders meeting in Denver wrestled with a list of global challenges. The WNBA made its debut as the New York Liberty defeated the Los Angeles Sparks, 67-57. 

One year ago: A federal grand jury in Alexandria, Va., indicted 13 Saudis and a Lebanese in the 1996 bombing of the Khobar Towers in Saudi Arabia that killed 19 American servicemen. The first total solar eclipse of the new millennium swept across southern Africa. Death claimed actor Carroll O’Connor at 76 and blues musician John Lee Hooker at 80. 

Today’s Birthdays: Cartoonist Al Hirschfeld is 99. Actress Jane Russell is 81. Actress Maureen Stapleton is 77. Actor Bernie Kopell is 69. Actor Monte Markham is 67. Actor Ron Ely is 64. Actress Mariette Hartley is 62. Comedian Joe Flaherty is 61. Rock singer-musician Ray Davies (The Kinks) is 58. Singer Brenda Holloway is 56. Actress Meredith Baxjter is 55. Actor Michael Gross is 55. Rock musician Joe Molland (Badfinger) is 55. Country singer Leon Everette is 54. Rock musician Joey Kramer (Aerosmith) is 52. Rock musician Nils Lofgren is 51. Actress Robyn Douglass is 49. Actor Robert Pastorelli is 48. Actor Leigh McCloskey is 47. Cartoonist Berke Breathed is 45. Country singer Kathy Mattea is 43. Actor Marc Copage is 40. Actress Sammi Davis-Voss is 38. Actor Doug Savant is 38. Country musician Porter Howell is 38. Actor Michael Dolan is 37. Country singer Allison Moorer is 30. Actress Juliette Lewis is 29. Musician Justin Cary (Sixpence None the Richer) is 27. Rock musician Mike Einziger (Incubus) is 26. Britain’s Prince William of Wales is 20.


Supt. pleads no contest to stealing, conflict of interest

Daily Planet News Services
Thursday June 20, 2002

EMERYVILLE – The former superintendent of the Emery Unified School District, who resigned two years ago leaving the three-school district with more than $2 million debt, has pleaded no contest to felony criminal charges filed against him. 

The plea comes as a result of an agreement signed Friday that will force J.L. Handy, 62, to give up his teaching and administrative credentials, Alameda County prosecutor Jeff Stark said. 

Handy, who pleaded no contest to two counts of misappropriation of public funds for allegedly using his school district credit card for personal expenses and one count of violating state conflict of interest laws for giving a contract to his girlfriend, will appear in court for formal sentencing on Sept. 5. 

At that time, Handy will be forced to pay nearly $32,000 in restitution, or face four months in the Santa Rita Jail, Stark said. Handy will also receive five years of probation. 

Handy resigned from the district in October of 2000, after the Emeryville Board of Education placed him on administrative leave amid allegations that he had charged several personal expenses, including a box of cigars, automotive repairs and hotel and travel expenses, on the district's tab.  

After Handy left, state legislators decided to take over the financially unstable school district. Last year, Emeryville residents voted to recall the entire Board of Education sitting at the time of Handy's tenure. 

Handy came to Emeryville from Compton, where he was fired from that city's school district after running up a $5 million debt. Compton's school district is now under state control as well. 

Harold Rosenthal, Handy's attorney, was not available to comment.  

In the past, Rosenthal has conceded that his client had poor management skills, but has denied any criminal wrongdoing. 

But Stark, a senior deputy district attorney, said Handy's actions were, in fact, criminal. 

“It's stealing,” Stark said. “Plain and simple.”


News of the Weird

Staff
Wednesday June 19, 2002

Mating alligators end standoff 

 

STUART, Fla. — Sheriff’s deputies didn’t mince words during an early morning standoff with five wanted teen-agers hiding in a pond. 

“You ought to be more afraid of the alligators,” deputies yelled early Monday, shining a flashlight into the eyes of two alligators nearby in the water. “It’s alligator mating season.” 

The standoff quickly ended. 

Martin County sheriff’s deputies, who had surrounded the teen-agers, arrested them on charges ranging from grand theft auto to resisting arrest without violence. 

 

squirrels can’t get a date 

 

KLICKITAT WILDLIFE AREA, Wash. — Around here, some guys are running themselves ragged looking for a date. 

It seems male squirrels are eager to mate two-thirds of the year, while females get passionate for less than a day. 

“It comes down to six hours ... probably,” said John Koprowski, a University of Arizona biologist who has studied the western gray squirrel in Oregon. 

Researchers have been studying gray squirrels in the Klickitat Wildlife Area to find out why their population is dwindling. 

Biologist Mary Linders says males must cover a lot of ground in search of mates receptive to their advances. 

“It gets pretty crazy out there,” she said. 

Now, the researchers are developing proposals to help the native squirrel population recover. Proposals include protecting large stands of oak and pine trees and reintroducing the squirrels to certain areas. 

 

How smelly is it? 

 

PHILADELPHIA — The nose knows when something stinks — but researchers are trying to find something more precise. 

Researchers at Penn State University are developing “an odor index” to gauge the olfactorily offensive. 

The scientists have devised an instrument-based system that sniffs out the gases a substance is giving off and determines how smelly it is on a scale from 0 to 1 million — with 1,000 barely detectable and 100,000 potent enough to cause nausea. 

Researcher Bradley A. Striebig says the index could help wastewater treatment plants, pig farms, landfills and other potentially smelly sites “mitigate (odor) before it becomes a public problem.” 

 

House rabbits must stay home 

 

LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Not everyone felt warm and fuzzy about the bunny featured in a Subaru commercial. 

After numerous complaints, the car company pulled a commercial for the Subaru Forester that featured a mother and daughter removing a rabbit from a classroom and releasing it into the woods. 

The House Rabbit Society, a nonprofit national rabbit rescue organization, said it is dangerous and illegal to release a domesticated rabbit into the wild. 

“This commercial is extremely disturbing to us. We have been deluged with calls and e-mails from all over the country,” said Margo DeMello, president and executive director of the group. 

Subaru claimed the animal shown in the ad was a wild breed of rabbit. Still, the company decided to yank the ad after the complaints. 

The House Rabbit Society is now urging members to contact Subaru and thank the automaker for its quick response.


Murder conviction tossed in SF dog mauling case

By Kim Curtis The Associated Press
Tuesday June 18, 2002

SAN FRANCISCO — Citing a lack of evidence, a judge tossed out Marjorie Knoller’s murder conviction Monday in last year’s dog mauling death of a neighbor. He also sentenced Knoller’s husband to the maximum four years in prison. 

Knoller, 46, could have gotten 15 years to life in prison for murder. She now faces up to four years for involuntary manslaughter and having a mischievous dog that killed someone. 

The judge’s decision stunned friends and relatives of the 33-year-old victim, Diane Whipple. Knoller’s sentencing was delayed until at least July 15 so prosecutors can argue that her second-degree murder conviction should be reinstated. 

“We have not yet given up on our chance of convincing the judge that the murder charge is appropriate,” District Attorney Terence Hallinan said. 

Though Warren said Knoller and husband Robert Noel are “the most despised couple in this city,” he said the evidence did not support a murder conviction because Knoller had no way of knowing her dogs would kill someone when she left her apartment that day in January 2001. 

“There is no question in this court’s mind that in the eyes of the people, both defendants are guilty of murder,” Warren said. “In the eyes of the law, they are not.” 

Warren pointed out that Noel did not face a murder charge and said that he, in fact, was more culpable than his wife. The grand jury indicted Knoller for murder because she was with the dogs when they fatally attacked Whipple. Noel was out of town. 

Sharon Smith, Whipple’s domestic partner, said she was shocked at the judge’s ruling to throw out Knoller’s murder conviction. During the sentencing hearing, she attacked Knoller and Noel — both lawyers — for never apologizing or accepting blame. 

“I cannot imagine what Diane went through. You can never imagine how I felt knowing the one I loved died alone,” Smith testified through tears. “To aggravate my pain, you’ve never apologized. You were too busy being lawyers to be human. You fail to accept that your actions killed a person.” 

If Warren refuses to change his decision to throw out the murder charge and that decision is upheld on appeal, prosecutors said they would have to consider whether it’s possible to retry Knoller for murder without violating her constitutional right against double jeopardy — since she already is convicted of manslaughter for the same crime. 

“Whether we can retry it or not, we’re not exactly clear,” he said. “It’s a much trickier question.” 

Knoller and Noel were arrested after their two huge presa canario dogs pounced on Whipple outside her San Francisco apartment door on Jan. 26, 2001. 

“I cannot say as a matter of law that she subjectively knew on Jan. 26 that her conduct would cause death,” Warren said. 

Knoller was convicted in March of second-degree murder in a trial moved to Los Angeles because of pretrial publicity. Like Noel, she also was found guilty of manslaughter and having a mischievous dog that killed someone. 

Smith, who also has filed a civil suit in Whipple’s death, shed a tear as Warren threw out the murder conviction. Later, during the sentencing hearing, she angrily argued that both Knoller and Noel should receive the maximum penalty for manslaughter. 

“I shared my life with Diane for seven years. We had our ups and downs. We planned for our future,” Smith said. “You stole that from her. You stole that from me. 

“To you, it’s been one big legal game. This is not a game to me,” she said. “There is no sentence, no amount of time in prison that feels appropriate.” 

Despite throwing out the murder conviction, Warren said he did not believe much of Knoller’s trial testimony, and that both Knoller and Noel acted terribly in the days following the attack. He said they were cavalier about Whipple’s death, and even blamed the dead woman in interviews. 

“Their conduct from the time that they got the dogs to the weeks after Diane Whipple’s death was despicable,” the judge said, calling the dogs “a canine time bomb that would at some inevitable point explode with disastrous consequences.” 

Knoller and Noel went on the offensive almost immediately after the attack. They granted numerous interviews and hired and fired lawyers who warned their public comments were hurting their case. 

In court papers, Knoller’s attorneys argued that her trial lawyer, Nedra Ruiz, did not competently represent her; that the judge improperly allowed prosecutors to associate her with a white supremacist prison gang; and that Knoller could not legally be convicted of both murder and involuntary manslaughter. 

During the trial, Ruiz’s courtroom theatrics included shouting, kicking the jury box and waving her arms. She got down on all fours to re-enact what she described as Knoller’s attempts to protect Whipple. 

 


Bay Area family returns after 4 years at sea

The Associated Press
Monday June 17, 2002

SAUSALITO — A Marin County family has finally docked at home — four years, 41 countries and some 35,000 miles after they first sailed out of a Sausalito harbor on their trip around the world. 

“The trip was for our own benefit, but also for the education and the broadening of knowledge for our children,” said Willie Leslie, 60. “We wanted the children to become travelers and see that people around the world are basically the same.” 

He set off with his wife Andrea, 43, and their two children, Ellen, now 10, and Scott, now 12. Willie and Andrea lived on their 37-foot sailboat, the Lady Ann, in Sausalito for 14 years prior to setting sail. They planned the trip for 10 of those years — saving money, charting routes, preparing the boat and researching navigational hazards, harbors and anchorages in each country. 

The family left Sausalito in October 1998, reaching Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, two months later. In April 1999, they left Balboa at the Panama Canal and began their trip around the world. 

They sailed along the coast to the Galapagos Islands then into the open ocean for the first time, on a 21-day crossing to Easter Island. 

The Leslies sailed to Pitcairn Island, where their boat was bumped by whales. Then on to Bora Bora, Fiji and Australia, where they spent 10 months waiting for the cyclone season to pass. 

When they sailed past Oman, notorious for its pirates, they traveled 50 miles off the coast with 10 other boats, and took their sails down in the day to be less visible. 

The family also visited Israel, Greece, France, Morocco, the Canary Islands, Grenada, Venezuela and Columbia. 

They reached the Panama Canal again on March 19, and sailed into Sausalito on Friday. 

The Leslies now plan to sell the boat and buy a house. They don’t know where exactly they’ll settle down, but they do know it will be in the United States. 

“The kids have never lived in a house. They want to have pets, a yard, and their own rooms,” Willie Leslie said. “We have seen a lot of wonderful places that we would like to go back and visit. But this trip proves to us that America is the best place in the world.” 


History

Staff
Saturday June 15, 2002

On June 15, 1215, King John put his seal to Magna Carta (“the Great Charter”) at Runnymede, England, guaranteeing certain rights and privileges within his realm. 

On this date: 

In 1520, Pope Leo X threatened to excommunicate Martin Luther if he did not recant his religious beliefs. 

In 1775, the Second Continental Congress voted unanimously to appoint George Washington head of the Continental Army. 

In 1836, Arkansas became the 25th state. 

In 1844, Charles Goodyear received a patent for his process to strengthen rubber. 

In 1849, James Polk, the 11th president of the United States, died in Nashville, Tenn. 

In 1864, Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton signed an order establishing a military burial ground, which became Arlington National Cemetery. 

In 1904, more than 1,000 people died when fire erupted aboard the steamboat General Slocum in New York’s East River. 

In 1944, American forces began their successful invasion of Saipan during World War II. Meanwhile, B-29 Superfortresses made their first raids on Japan. 

In 1978, King Hussein of Jordan married 26-year-old American Lisa Halaby, who became Queen Noor. 

In 1994, Israel and the Vatican established full diplomatic relations. 

Ten years ago: Russian President Boris N. Yeltsin arrived in the United States for his summit with President George H.W. Bush. The Supreme Court ruled the government may kidnap criminal suspects from a foreign country for prosecution. Vice President Dan Quayle, relying on a faulty flash card, erroneously instructed a Trenton, N.J., elementary school student to spell “potato” as “potatoe” during a spelling bee. 

Five years ago: Israel’s Supreme Court rejected an appeal to charge Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with fraud in an influence-peddling scandal that had threatened to topple his government. 

One year ago: On the eve of his first meeting with Vladimir Putin, President Bush, in Poland, chastised Russia for suspected nuclear commerce and encouraged the former Cold War rival to help “erase the false lines that have divided Europe.” The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Philadelphia 76ers 108-96 in game five to win their second straight NBA championship. 

Today’s Birthdays: Former New York Gov. Mario Cuomo is 70. Actor Aron Kincaid is 59. Actor-director Simon Callow is 53. Singer Russell Hitchcock (Air Supply) is 53. Rock singer Steve Walsh (Kansas) is 51. Comedian-actor Jim Belushi is 48. Country singer Terri Gibbs is 48. Actress Julie Hagerty is 47. Actress Eileen Davidson (“The Young and the Restless”) is 43. Actress Helen Hunt is 39. Rock musician Scott Rockenfield (Queensryche) is 39. Actress Courteney Cox Arquette is 38. Country musician Tony Ardoin is 38. Country musician Michael Britt (Lonestar) is 36. Rock musician Jimmy McD (formerly of Jimmie’s Chicken Shack) is 34. Actor-rapper Ice Cube is 33. Actress Leah Remini is 32. Actor Jake Busey is 31. Rock musician T-Bone Willy (Save Ferris) is 30. Actor Neil Patrick Harris is 29. Rock singer Dryden Mitchell (Alien Ant Farm) is 26. Rock musician Billy (Good Charlotte) is 21. 

 


Columns

Millionaire adventurer reports smooth sailing in round-the-world balloon bid

Staff
Friday June 21, 2002

ST. LOUIS — Millionaire adventurer Steve Fossett reported smooth sailing early Thursday — and said he even got some sleep — as he continued his sixth try to become the first solo balloonist to circle the globe. 

“This is all looking good, I’m even able to sleep, which I’ve never been able to do on the first night of a flight,” Fossett said. 

As of 7 a.m. EDT, Fossett and his Bud Light Spirit of Freedom balloon were drifting north of Canberra, Australia, cruising at about 50 mph at an altitude of 21,000 feet. He had flown more than 1,800 miles since his Wednesday launch in western Australia. 

Fossett’s team at mission control in St. Louis expected the balloon to pass about 70 nautical miles south of Sydney, Australia, within a few hours. 

Fossett’s backers at Washington University — his alma mater — say the 58-year-old investment tycoon from Chicago could complete the mission in 15 days total. 

Fossett holds world records in ballooning, sailing and flying airplanes. He also swam the English Channel in 1985, placed 47th in the Iditarod dog sled race in 1992 and participated in the 24 Hours of Le Mans car race in 1996. 

In five earlier solo attempts, Fossett has plummeted into the Coral Sea and, last summer, was forced to ditch the balloon on a Brazilian cattle ranch after 12 days in flight, making it the longest-ever solo balloon flight. 


Stephanopoulos to lead Sunday talk show

Staff
Friday June 21, 2002

NEW YORK — ABC on Tuesday appointed George Stephanopoulos to anchor “This Week,” and the former Clinton aide urged those who question his objectivity to watch him with an open mind on Sunday mornings. 

The network also named a new chief executive for the public affairs program, which dominated Sunday mornings a decade ago but now struggles in the long shadow of NBC’s Tim Russert. 

Stephanopoulos, already a panelist on the program, will replace Sam Donaldson and Cokie Roberts shortly after Labor Day. 

Roberts announced earlier thiually neck-and-neck in the ratings. 

So far this season, “Meet the Press” averages 4.7 million viewers each week, or 46 percent more than “This Week’s” 3.2 million. CBS’ “Face the Nation,” with a little more than 3 million viewers, occasionally beats ABC for second place.


Californians planning more road trips this summer

Staff
Friday June 21, 2002

LOS ANGELES — Many Californians plan to take to the road this summer, preferring driving vacations rather than suffering through delays caused by security measures at airports, according to poll results to be released Thursday. 

The “Rediscover California” campaign, a public-private partnership to promote summer tourism, will also unveil new booklets outlining driving tours and car maintenance tips. The partnership received some funding from a gasoline company. 

According to a telephone survey conducted earlier this month, 38 percent of Californians say the inconvenience of air travel since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11 make them more inclined to plan a driving vacation this year. That number jumps to 45 percent for households that include children ages 18 and younger. 

The poll also showed that 62 percent of Californians say they are more likely to take a road trip of more than 100 miles within the state sometime over the next six months. 

The results lend support to a state initiative to encourage driving tours. An updated version of a booklet outlining popular tours will be issued this month, underwritten by a grant from BP, which markets oil products under the Amoco and Arco brands. The booklet will be available at Arco stations and state parks. 

“Yes, 9-11 has had an impact on the tourism industry here as it has nationally,” said Norman Williams, assistant secretary of the state’s Technology, Trade & Commerce Agency. “But we don’t have to wait for people to become more comfortable with flying. We think people will rediscover California through driving now and this survey bears us out.” 

Forecasts done by the state last fall predicted that travel this spring and summer would be off by 10 percent from last year’s levels. A new forecast done in February, after the state launched its “Rediscover California” campaign, revised that to a drop of between 5 percent and 6 percent.


Appeals court reinstates disabled group’s suit against ‘Who Wants to Be a Millionaire’

By Brian Bandell, The Associated Press
Friday June 21, 2002

MIAMI — A federal appeals court has reinstated a lawsuit alleging that ABC discriminates against disabled people trying to become contestants on “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire.” 

The 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals decided that the lawsuit contained a valid claim that the show’s qualifying system, which uses touch-tone phones, violates the Americans with Disabilities Act.  

A three-judge panel likened the phone system to other “places of public accommodation” covered under the law. 

District Judge Federico Moreno in Miami had concluded in 2000 that the ADA isn’t broad enough to cover the show’s telephone qualifying process. The panel ordered Tuesday that he review the decision. 

The show, which stars host Regis Philbin, is not on ABC’s fall schedule, but is expected to return in special events, probably running several nights in a row. A syndicated version starring Meredith Vieira is scheduled to debut in September. 

“We don’t want to alter or make changes in the show, but we want to make it fair,” Michael Lanham, the lawyer for the people suing the network and the show’s producers, said Wednesday. “All we want is for reasonable accommodations to be made.” 

ABC spokeswoman Julie Hoover said the ruling was “decided a narrow legal issue.” 

“We are confident that in the end the litigation will show that our practices comply fully with all applicable laws,” Hoover said. 

Miami’s Center for Independent Living filed the suit two years ago, saying the show’s qualification system excludes hearing-impaired people and those who can’t operate touch-tone phones. 

Contestants initially qualify by calling a toll-free number and correctly answering five questions using their phone’s touch-tone pad.  

The show’s Web site says 100,000 people call every day the phone lines are open, with 4 percent correctly answering the questions. 

Disability rights advocates say the network should use live operators or a different system to help the hearing-impaired. The show does not use voice-recognition software, which would allow computers to understand the callers’ spoken responses. 

The show also selects contestants with auditions featuring a written test offered in major cities and at colleges. 

Lanham didn’t know how much it would cost for ABC to respond to the group’s demands but said its parent, Walt Disney Co., can afford it. 

“Can ABC and Walt Disney open their books and show me they’re not deriving a significant profit from this show?” Lanham asked. 

Under the ADA, people can sue for better access and legal fees but no money for compensation or damages.


Judge’s ruling moves Anderson jury out of deadlock

By Kristen Hays, The Associated Press
Saturday June 15, 2002

Judge says jurors need not  

agree on wrongdoer but  

that there was a wrongdoing 

 

HOUSTON — The judge in the Arthur Andersen LLP obstruction of justice trial ruled Friday that jurors do not have to agree on who committed the crime as long as each of them believes somebody did. 

U.S. District Judge Melinda Harmon’s decision, a victory for prosecutors, means the panel can disagree on which Andersen employee destroyed Enron Corp.-related documents last fall as long as all of them think someone “acted knowingly and with corrupt intent.” 

The ruling could remove a stumbling block for a jury that earlier this week told the judge it was deadlocked. 

Harmon said she couldn’t find a parallel case. 

“If someone knows of a case that’s directly on point, I would really urge you to give me the (citation) right now so I don’t make a mistake and rule incorrectly,” Harmon said before announcing her decision. 

Following her ruling, lead Andersen attorney Rusty Hardin asked for a mistrial. Harmon denied the request. 

The jury recessed for the night without reaching a verdict. They were to resume deliberations Saturday. 

Harmon’s ruling ended two days of debate that began Thursday, when jurors issued a flurry of notes after declaring themselves deadlocked the night before. The most important of the notes to Harmon read: 

“If each of us believes that one Andersen agent acted knowingly and with corrupt intent, is it for all of us to believe it was the same agent?” the jury’s note Thursday said. “Can one believe it was Agent A, another believe it was Agent B, and another believe it was Agent C?” 

Harmon’s answer came on the ninth day of deliberations. She acknowledged that it appeared to be breaking new legal ground and appeared worried about her ruling. 

“I’m kind of in a position of a case of first impression, which is terrifying for a district judge,” Harmon said. 

Earlier Friday, jurors heard requested excerpts from testimony by David Duncan, Andersen’s former top Enron auditor who testified for prosecutors in an agreement stemming from his own guilty plea to obstruction of justice. 

The panel wanted to hear Duncan’s take on discussions with former Enron chief accounting officer Rick Causey about third quarter losses and an Oct. 23 conference call where a possible Enron restatement was mentioned. 

Andersen is accused of obstructing justice by shredding Enron-related documents before the former energy trading giant collapsed last year. 

The firm argues its employees shredded documents to comply with a long-standing company policy of eliminating unnecessary and outdated materials. 

If convicted, Andersen could face fines, probation and barred be from auditing public companies. 

The trial started May 6 with jury selection; deliberations began June 6. 


Corporate America battered by allegations of white collar crime

By Alan Clendenning, The Associated Press
Saturday June 15, 2002

NEW YORK — Just when it seemed the credibility of corporate America couldn’t sink any lower, another top business leader faces charges of white-collar crime. 

The arrest of former ImClone Systems CEO Samuel Waksal on charges of using inside information to tip off relatives to sell company stock came only a week after Tyco International Ltd.’s longtime chief executive was charged with trying to avoid sales taxes on pricey works of art. 

Experts say the moves show prosecutors are becoming bolder about taking corporate leaders to task for crimes the public didn’t care much about until recently. Politicians were quick to jump on the bandwagon. 

A day after Samuel Waksal was led away from his Manhattan apartment by FBI agents at 6:30 in the morning, Congress extended an ImClone probe to determine if Waksal’s brother — current ImClone chief executive Harlan Waksal — illegally profited from inside knowledge that federal health regulators weren’t happy with ImClone’s cancer drug, Erbitux. 

Seemingly weekly disclosures of corporate misdeeds have made headlines for months, shaking investor confidence and contributing to a dour stock market climate. 

After Samuel Waksal was arrested, Treasury Secretary Paul O’Neill, the former CEO of Alcoa, called the situation a “disgrace in this country right now — the unethical behavior of a few notorious company executives.” 

While O’Neill said he believes such cases are rare, experts sense a growing willingness by prosecutors to investigate wrongdoing by corporate executives. 

In the past, prosecutors avoided going after white-collar offenses because the public was more concerned with violent crime, said John Coffee, a Columbia University law professor who specializes in securities fraud. 

That mindset changed after Enron Corp. imploded and accounting firm Arthur Andersen LLP was accused of intentionally shredding incriminating documents about the energy trader. 

“There is a sense in America now that white-collar crime is a more serious problem,” Coffee said. “It suggests a very serious sea change on the part of the voter, and I think that affects prosecutorial priorities.” 

While authorities won’t catch all corporate figures who have broken the law, the high profile cases could scare top executives tempted to engage in questionable activity, said Charles Elson, director of the University of Delaware’s Center for Corporate Governance. 

“It’s designed to serve as a warning and to reinvigorate public confidence,” he said. “There will always be human beings who break the law, but enforcing the law tends make certain people less aggressive.” 

Enron’s collapse into bankruptcy late last year set off the wave of corporate scandals, leaving thousands of workers jobless and their retirement funds decimated after executives enriched themselves amid a maze of alleged accounting abuses. 

In a spectacular and swift implosion that drew comparisons to Enron, telecommunications giant Global Crossing Ltd. filed for bankruptcy protection in January, and the company and its top executives were besieged by charges of deceptive accounting. Founder and chairman Gary Winnick managed to cash out, selling $734 million in stock before the company hit bottom. 

Accounting concerns also have dogged Tyco, with some questioning how it accounted for corporate acquisitions that turned it into a huge industrial conglomerate in the 1990s. Tyco’s stock plunged after the company reversed course on a breakup plan announced in January to assuage complaints its books were inscrutable. 

The situation turned even worse when Tyco’s chief executive, Dennis Kozlowski, resigned June 3 — a day before being charged with illegally avoiding more than $1 million in New York sales taxes on paintings, including works by Renoir and Monet. Prosecutors’ investigation has widened to include whether Tyco paid for Kozlowski’s New York and Florida homes and improperly paid other expenses, according to a law enforcement source. 

Meanwhile, Adelphia Communications Corp., the nation’s sixth biggest cable television system owner, fired its auditor, Deloitte & Touche, on June 10 after learning that past audits had failed to detect the questionable business arrangements that allowed founder John J. Rigas and his family to use corporate accounts for their personal business pursuits and rack up $3 billion in debt. 

The company began disclosing the family’s borrowings in March; the stock has since lost nearly all its value, trading at 18 cents Friday after trading as high as $42.94 over the past 12 months. 

Samuel Waksal faces civil and criminal charges for allegedly trying to save himself and his family from huge losses last December when he learned the FDA was about to reject his company’s application for approval of the highly touted cancer drug. 

According to a civil lawsuit filed by the Securities and Exchange Commission, Waksal relatives sold more than $10 million in ImClone stock within a 48-hour period. 

As a result, investors are staying away from the stock market because they don’t know whether they should trust corporations anymore, said Paul Lapides, director of the corporate governance center at Kennesaw State University in Georgia. 

“Money’s coming out of the market in a big way,” he said. “People are buying real estate and art because they’ve lost so much trust.” 

Although the investigations are unnerving corporate boardrooms across the country, investors shouldn’t assume that the criminal investigations — or convictions — will persuade all executives to clean up their acts. 

Defendants in white-collar crime cases can usually afford the best lawyers, and rarely face serious jail time, Lapides said. 

“We have developed a privileged class that is beyond anything anyone could have imagined since the Roaring ’20s, since the robber barons,” he said. “If you get caught, under today’s conditions you are not going to serve time, and you will keep an awful lot of what you stole.” 


DOE downplays risk after earthquake near Yucca

By Ken Ritter, The Associated Press
Saturday June 15, 2002

LAS VEGAS — Federal officials insisted Friday that the site of a proposed national nuclear waste repository in the Nevada desert is safe, despite an early morning earthquake that rumbled nearby. 

No damage or injuries were reported after the magnitude 4.4 temblor struck at 5:40 a.m. near Little Skull Mountain. The epicenter is about 12 1/2 miles southeast of the Yucca Mountain site and 75 miles northwest of Las Vegas, according to the U.S. Geological Survey in Golden, Colo. 

The quake was felt at the Nye County sheriff’s office in Pahrump, 40 miles to the southeast, but not in hotels on the Las Vegas Strip. 

About 100 scientists and employees found no damage Friday at Yucca Mountain, said Allen Benson, a federal Department of Energy spokesman in Las Vegas. 

However, the minor quake reverberated in Washington, D.C., where the Senate is due before July 26 to vote on whether to entomb highly radioactive waste at the site. 

“The earthquake is a wake-up call for the U.S. Senate,” declared Rep. Shelley Berkley, D-Nev., who raised the specter of radioactivity contaminating groundwater if an earthquake were to strike an active Yucca Mountain repository. 

The House already has voted to support President Bush’s selection of Yucca Mountain to store the nation’s radioactive waste. 

“Today, we saw more proof that the proposed Yucca Mountain nuclear dump site is not safe,” said Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., who along with Sen. John Ensign, R-Nev., has been trying unsuccessfully to drum up 51 votes to block the project in the Senate. 

The Energy Department plans to bury 77,000 tons of spent commercial, industrial and military nuclear waste in a grid of underground tunnels beneath the ancient volcanic ridge. The site would remain radioactive for more than 10,000 years. 

Benson, at the Energy Department office in Las Vegas, released a statement calling the area “a known and studied geologic zone” that project scientists have monitored for 24 years. He said a magnitude 5.6 earthquake hit in 1992 in the same area — near Little Skull Mountain in the Nevada Test Site — but didn’t dislodge boulders at Yucca Mountain. 

“In fact, Yucca Mountain scientists have used earthquakes greater in magnitude than this morning’s quake to study and design a nuclear waste repository,” he said. “Scientific studies show that an underground repository at Yucca Mountain would perform safely in accordance with regulatory standards, including during an earthquake.” 

David von Seggern, a seismologist at the Nevada Seismological Laboratory at the University of Nevada, Reno, said Friday’s earthquake came as no surprise because the entire state is seismically active. 

“Earthquakes have happened and will continue to happen in this area,” he said. 

Von Seggern said Yucca Mountain is in a six-mile zone in which scientists found no documented evidence of a temblor greater than magnitude 3 since the 1800s. UNR has been monitoring the site since 1978, he said. 

A quake of magnitude 4.4 or even 6.4 would not damage a well-designed nuclear repository, von Seggern said. But he declined to comment on the Energy Department declaration that the repository would be safe. 

Opponents of the project seized on the quake as a reason to reject Yucca Mountain. 

“If you’re out looking for sites, three things you want to avoid are earthquakes, the potential for volcanoes and contamination of a pristine and valuable aquifer,” said Judy Treichel, an executive director of the Las Vegas-based Nuclear Waste Task Force and an opponent of the project. “Yucca Mountain gives you all of those.” 


S.C. governor sends troopers to stop plutonium shipments

By Jacob Jordan, The Associated Press
Saturday June 15, 2002

Moving plutonium across state’s highways is illegal 

 

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Gov. Jim Hodges ordered state troopers and other authorities to South Carolina’s borders Friday to stop federal shipments of plutonium that could begin arriving from Colorado as early as this weekend. 

“I order that the transportation of plutonium on South Carolina roads and highways is prohibited,” Hodges said. “I order that any persons transporting plutonium shall not enter the state of South Carolina.” 

Hodges, who has vehemently opposed the shipments, read a statement declaring a state of emergency but refused to answer any questions about specific plans for roadblocks or other barricades at South Carolina’s Savannah River Site, a nuclear weapons complex near Aiken. 

On Thursday, a federal judge refused to block the shipments of weapons-grade plutonium. Hodges appealed the ruling and asked for a delay until the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals could hear the case. 

The Energy Department plans to move the material from the Rocky Flats weapons installation in Colorado, which is being cleaned up and closed, to the Savannah River Site, where the material would be converted into nuclear reactor fuel over the next two decades. 

But Hodges has said he fears the government will end up leaving the plutonium permanently in South Carolina, making the state a tempting target for terrorists. 

“The Department of Energy has broken promises, offered no assurances and left few options. Once plutonium arrives, it will never leave,” Hodges said. “They want South Carolina to quietly become the nation’s plutonium dumping ground.” 

The shipments legally could begin as early as this weekend, but U.S. Attorney Strom Thurmond Jr. said Energy Department officials told him they would not start until after June 22. 

A message left for an Energy Department spokesman was not immediately returned Friday afternoon. 

Vice President Dick Cheney, in South Carolina on Friday for a fund-raiser, said the fuel-conversion program is important to ensure that plutonium “never falls into the wrong hands.” 

“This administration is totally committed to helping pass legislation to guarantee that South Carolina does not become a permanent storage site for plutonium,” Cheney said. 

Hodges, a Democrat who is up for re-election in the fall, has threatened for weeks to use troopers to block roads into the Savannah River Site and has vowed to lie in the road if necessary to stop the trucks. 

Sid Gaulden, a spokesman for the Department of Public Safety, said traffic would still flow along the state’s roads. He acknowledged the department does not have enough resources to close every entry point to the state. 

About 6 1/2 tons of plutonium are to be shipped from Colorado. 

Federal officials have said the nuclear material would be under constant guard, and its path and time of arrival would be kept secret. They also say security at the Savannah River site is sound.