The Berkeley Skate Park, quiet for months after toxics were found at the site, filled again with skaters this past weekend. -more-

From the large ceramic sun adorning the façade of her home-studio to the naked sculptures that border the stairs and driveway, to the full-blown sculpture garden and that blossoms in the backyard, it's clear Kit Skeoch is not one to restrain her impulses. -more-

TUESDAY, JUNE 10 -more-

PROTECT CREEK -more-

ACCI Gallery, “Midstream” -more-

In the latest high-level shake-up at Berkeley High School, newly appointed principal Patricia Christa abruptly resigned Thursday, stunning parents, teachers and administrators. -more-

On April 7, the Berkeley Unified School District (BUSD) informed local residents of Superintendent Michelle Lawrence’s desire to move the Berkeley Adult School from its University Avenue location to the currently vacant Franklin School. The district wants the School Board to approve the move in July and begin construction in September 2003. -more-

TUESDAY, JUNE 10 -more-

Bus transfers, discount cards and student passes may be eliminated because of AC Transit’s projected budget deficit of $40 million. -more-

The mayor’s Task Force on Permitting and Development has been meeting every two weeks since Feb. 28 to “investigate options for improving and rationalizing the permitting process, while continuing to guarantee appropriate public input.” Although many task force members are much more interested in shortening the process than in “improving” either the process or the resulting developments, and are even contemptuous of “public input,” a persistent audience of citizen observers reminds them that the public cannot be wholly ignored. I am pleased to report that the task force’s early NIMBY-bashing has gradually dissipated, and an excellent discussion of public input occurred, for the first time, on June 6. -more-

City Council may raise most parking fines by 30 percent Tuesday in an effort to offset next year’s $4.7 million budget deficit. -more-

City Councilmember Dona Spring has sponsored a recommendation to name June 17 Charles Betcher Day in honor of the retired hospital administrator’s indefatigable work on city and county commissions and committees. -more-

Gov. Gray Davis’ plan to soften the blow to public schools by $700 million next year will have little effect on the Berkeley Unified School District, the district’s top budget official said last week. -more-