UC Berkeley Chancellor Robert Berdahl stunned the city and university community Wednesday when he announced that he will step down after the end of this school year. 

“It has been the greatest privilege and honor of my life to serve as chancellor of the University of California, Berkeley,” Berdahl said. “I believe we have accomplished a great deal and that we have taken the steps necessary to ensure that this campus is fully prepared to continue its great tradition of excellence well into the future.” 

Berdahl assumed the chancellorship during a tumultuous political time and his tenure has been marked by various campus and off-campus crises. He arrived at UC Berkeley in 1998—the year UC implemented Proposition 209 which ended affirmative action—and was immediately thrust into the debate on campus diversity. 

“The Chancellor has been committed to dialog on campus and has made strides for diversity,” said Graduate Assembly President Jessica Quindel. When the Academic Senate was drafting the university’s long range academic plan, Quindel said Berdahl demanded that the document address diversity issues.  

In 1999 a plan to slash the university’s ethnic studies programs led to student strikes, with many demonstrators blaming Berdahl for the cuts. Although the ethnic studies programs were spared, his reputation with diversity advocates remains tarnished. 

Yvette Felarca, an ASUC Senator and member of affirmative action advocacy group By Any Means Necessary, blamed Berdahl for not increasing enrollment of African Americans, Latinos and Native Americans during his tenure. “I’m happy to see Berdahl go,” she said. “I’d like to see the university appoint a new chancellor who really fights to diversify the UC Berkeley campus.” 

Around the time of the ethnic studies strike, Berdahl faced another crisis—a student housing shortage that landed some incoming students at local hotels. In 1999 and 2001, student activists camped outside his house demanding more housing. 

“He was a miserable failure on the housing crisis,” said Paul Hogarth, a Berkeley Rent Board commissioner and former UC Berkeley student. Hogarth said Berdahl stepped into a tough situation with the university already behind on building dorms, but never made housing a priority. 

Berdahl did, however, oversee one completed and two ongoing dormitory projects that will create space for 800 students within the next couple of years. 

The chancellor maintained frosty relations with the city, feuding with Councilmember Kris Worthington, and drawing the ire of southside neighborhood activists who feared the a university building boom would damage their quality of life. 

“He never once said hello, visited me, or said a nice word to me,” said Worthington, who was among those camping outside his house during the housing crisis. 

But former Mayor Shirley Dean said Berdahl understood the city’s positions and did the best he could under tough circumstances. 

“He was the first Chancellor to visit Council,” Dean said. “I believe he was sympathetic to our concerns about traffic and [population] density, but he was told by the Regents he had to take 4,000 more students.” 

Dean credited Berdahl with implementing a seismic retrofit project on university buildings that she said would safeguard students and the local economy in the case of an earthquake. 

Since the project’s inception in 1997, the university has spent $479 to retrofit buildings with an estimated $400 million still in the works. 

Berdahl invested heavily in the campus’ buildings and libraries. In June 2003 the Association of University Libraries ranked UC Berkeley as the top public university library in North America and number three overall behind Harvard and Yale. 

“I have believed since my first days on the campus that the most pressing need Berkeley faced was to restore the facilities necessary to attract and retain the best faculty and students,” Berdahl said.  

Students praised him for mostly staying out of their business while giving them a greater voice in the university. “He put students on some committees and gave student leadership a say in some university processes,” Quindel said. 

Students will get to participate in the nationwide search for a replacement that commence next week. Regents, faculty, alumni and staff will also serve on the advisory committee. 

Outgoing UC President Richard Atkinson said Berdahl’s successor will have a tough act to follow. “Bob Berdahl has been an outstanding leader for the Berkeley campus and will be greatly missed,” he said.

FRIDAY, SEPT. 26 

Berkeley City Golf Championship at Tilden, registration beginning at 9 a.m., with shotgun starting at 12:30 p.m. Berkeley High Principal, Jim Slemp, will be putting at 10:30 a.m. for public education. Country Joe McDonald will be the evening’s entertainment. Cost is $115 to play and all proceeds will go to Berkeley charities. Call 841-0972 to reserve a time.  

City Commons Club Noon Luncheon with George Coffin, MD, Pediatrician, on “Headed- 

ness.” Luncheon at 11:45 a.m. for $11.50 - $12.50, speech at 12:30 p.m., at the Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant St. For information and reservations call 526-2925 or 665-9020. 

Family Literacy Night from 7 to 9 p.m. with storytelling, word games, music, book- 

making and book swaps, at the Downtown Berkeley YMCA, 2001 Allston Way. 486-8408. 

“The War in Iraq and the American Economy,” with Paul Krugman, New York Times columnist Professor of Econo- 

mics and International Affairs at Princeton University, at noon at Anderson Auditorium, Haas School. Sponsored by The Graduate School of Journalism, Haas School of Business and The World Affairs Council of Northern California. 642-3383.  

Wisdom and Action A three-day conference dedicated to the positive relationship between wisdom and action. This conference honors the person, work, ideals, and influence of Joanna Macy. At St. John's Presbyterian Church, 2727 College Ave. Cost is $295 for three days. For information call 415-575-6115 or visit www.ciis.edu/pcc/conference 

Women in Black Vigil, from noon to 1 p.m. at UC Berkeley, Bancroft at Telegraph. 548-6310, 845-1143. wibberkeley@yahoo.com  

Meditation, Peace Vigil and Dialogue, gather at noon on the grass close to the west en- 

trance to UC Berkeley, on Ox- 

ford St. near University Ave. 496-6000, ext. 135. www.bpf.org 

SATURDAY, SEPT. 27 

Friends of Five Creeks work party beginning 9 am. Plant natives and celebrate new plaques with a picnic at our Codornices Creek at Ohlone Greenway, opposite 1200 Masonic or take Greenway north from Gilman. 848-9358. 

Gardening with Kids at 10 a.m. at Magic Gardens Nursery, 729 Heinz Ave. 644-1992. 

Green Living Series: Introduction to Sustainable Living Identify the most harmful consumer practices and ways that you can lighten your impact on the earth, including transportation, food, heating and appliances, reuse and recycling, renewable energy, and getting involved in local community. From 10 a.m. to noon at the Ecology Center, 2530 San Pablo Ave. For information call 548-2220 ext. 233.  

Gardening for Life: Monoculture vs. Biodiversity Learn to garden in a way that supports a diversity of life. From 10 a.m. to noon at the 59th St. Community Garden, between Market and Adeline, Oakland. For information email karenjoy@uclink.berkeley.edu 

“Palestinian Crisis: Another Catastrophe in the Making,” slide show presentation by Anne Gwynne, at 6:30 p.m. at Redwood Gardens, Community Room, Clark Kerr Campus, 2951 Derby St. Fundraiser for the children of Nablus, $20 suggested donation, no one turned away for lack of funds. www.geo- 

cities.com/vigil4peace/vigil 

“Illuminations: Cuba’s Fate and Ours” A talk and slide show on sustainable development in Cuba by Philip S. Wenz, editor of “ECOTECTURE: The Online Journal of Ecological Design.” At 7 p.m. at 1450 Hawthorne Terrace. Please RSVP to Kirstin Miller at 419-0850 as seating is limited. www.ecotecture.com  

Free Emergency Preparedness Class on Fire Suppression, for anyone who lives or works in Berkeley, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 997 Cedar St. Register on-line at www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/fire/oes or by calling 981-5506. 

Berkeley Historical Society Walking Tour, Women on UC Berkeley Campus, led by Betty Marvin. Begins at 10 a.m. Reservations and a donation of $8 required. 848-0181. 

Pet Adoptions, sponsored by Home at Last, from noon to 5 p.m., Hearst and 4th St. 548-9223. 

String Band Convention, featuring a string band contest followed by a community dance. Hosted by Suzy Thompson of Bluegrass Intentions California Cajun Orchestra, and co-sponsored by KPFA radio, with Mary Tilson as MC. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Farmers’ Market, Center St. at MLK, Jr. Way. 548-3333. www.ecologycenter.org  

Careers in International Trade, a workshop on Sept. 27 from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Vista Community College’s Allston Way Annex, 2075 Allston Way. Register at www.peralta.cc. 

ca.us or call 981-2927. 

SUNDAY, SEPT. 28 

How Berkeley Can You Be? Grand Parade and Festival from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Parade up University Ave. followed by festival at Civic Center Park. Outdoor stage, live music and dance, food and drink booths, crafts, non-profits and children's activities. 654-6346. www.hesternet/event 

Bay Area Women in Black, Community Tashlich Observance, a Jewish New Year's ritual in which the wrongdoings of the past year are cast off into moving waters. Meet at the Emeryville Marina at 4 p.m. Everyone welcome. For further information call 597-1070 or email bayareawomeninblack 

@earthlink.net 

Berkeley City Club free tour from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Tours are sponsored by the Berkeley City Club and the Landmark Heritage Foundation. Donations welcome. The Berkeley City Club is located at 2315 Durant Ave. For group reservations or more information, call 848-7800 or 883-9710. 

“Out and About in Rockridge” Street Fair, Picnic in the Street and Kitchen Tour from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Free except for Kitchen Tour. For tickets and information call 644-4228 or visit www.rockridge.org, www.rockridgedistrict.com 

“Genetic Engineering: Who Draws the Line,” with Charles Weiner, Professor of History of Science and Technology, MIT, at 2 p.m. at Museum Theater, Berkeley Art Museum. Cost is $10. Registration recommended. 642-4111.  

Fall Plant Sale at the Botanical Garden offering a diverse range of plants for the Bay Area gardener including many which are not widely available: the Chilean bellflower, rare South African bulbs, natives such as the giant coreopsis, as well as exotic carnivorous plants and houseplants. Members only sale at 9 a.m., open to the public at 10 am. 643-2755. botanicalgarden.berkeley.edu  

MONDAY, SEPT. 29 

Rally for Environmental Justice Join California environmental justice leaders to make your community’s voice heard. At 1 p.m. in Preservation Park, 1233 Preservation Park Way, Oakland. 834-8920.  

East Bay Community Against the War Video screening and discussion of “Unprecedented: The 2000 Presidential Election,” at 7 p.m. at Grand Lake Theater, 530 Lake Park Ave. $1 suggested donation, no one turned away for lack of funds. Sponsored by East Bay Community Against the War 658-8994. www.ebcaw.org 

Berkeley CopWatch organizational meeting at 6 p.m. at 2022 Blake St. Join us to work on current issues around police misconduct. Volunteers needed. For information call 548-0425. 

TUESDAY, SEPT. 30 

“The Bush White House: How Covering the President Has Changed,” with Helen Thomas, newspaper columnist, UPI and White House bureau chief for 57 years; Daniel Schorr, reporter and commentator, senior analyst for NPR; and Scott Lindlaw, White House Correspondent, AP, at 7:30 p.m. in Zellerbach Hall, UC Campus. Sponsored by the Graduate School of Journalism and The Commonwealth Club. Tickets are $10, $5 CC members, Students free with i.d. 642-9988.  

“Defend Environmental Justice, Defeat Prop. 54!” A forum with KPFA commentator and community activist Joy Moore and representatives from the Coalition for an Informed California, at 7 p.m. at the Ecology Center, 2530 San Pablo Ave., near Dwight Way. 548-2220 ext. 233. 

“The Arab-Isreali Conflict: View from a Dove,” with Marcia Friedman, former member of Knesset and president, Bit Tzedek Shalom, the Jewish Alliance for Justice and Peace, at 7:30 p.m. at the Jewish Community Center, 1414 Walnut St. 848-0327, ext. 112. www.brjcc.org 

Super Sidewalk Book Sale University of California Press offers new and slightly scuffed books from our warehouse. Prices are $5 for paperback and $10 for hardback. From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., 2120 Berkeley Way, between Shattuck and Oxford. 642-9828. 

Berkeley Camera Club meets at 7:30 p.m., at the Northbrae Community Church, 941 The Alameda. 525-3565. www.berkeleycameraclub.org 

St. John’s Prime Timers meets at 9:30 a.m. at St. John’s Presbyterian Church, 2727 College Ave. We offer ongoing classes in exercise and creative arts, and always welcome new members over 50. 845-6830. 

Tuesday Tilden Walkers We are a few slowpoke Seniors who walk between a mile or two each Tuesday meeting at 9:30 a.m. in the Little Farm parking lot. To join us, call 215-7672.  

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 1 

Berkeley Peace Walk and Vigil at the Berkeley BART Sta- 

tion, corner of Shattuck and Center. Vigil at 6:30 p.m. followed by Peace Walk at 7 p.m. www.geocities.com/vigil4peace/vigil 

Meetup for Howard Dean, at 7 p.m. at three Berkeley locations: Au Coquelet, 2000 University Ave; Espresso Roma Cafe, 2960 College Ave.; and Sweet Basil Thai Restaurant, 1736 Solano Ave. Free. Wheel- 

chair accessible. For information call 843-8724. 

Berkeley Communicators Toastmasters meets the first and third Wednesdays of the month at 7:15 a.m. at Hide-A-Way Café, 6430 Telegraph Ave. For information call Fred Garvey, 925-682-1111, ext. 164. 

Amnesty International Berkeley Community Group meets the first and third Wednesdays of the month at 7 p.m. at the Berkeley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 1606 Bonita Ave., at Cedar St. Join fellow human rights activists to help promote social justice one individual at a time. 872-0768. 

Free Feldenkrais ATM Classes for adults 55 and older at 10:30 and 11:45 a.m. at the Jewish Community Center, 1414 Walnut at Rose. For information call 848-0237. 

Berkeley CopWatch open office hours 7 to 9 p.m. Drop in to file complaints, assistance available. 548-0425. 

Community Dances, traditional English and American dances, 8 p.m. every Wednesday, $9. 7 p.m. first Sunday, $10. Grace North Church, 2138 Cedar St. 233-5065. www.bacds.org 

THURSDAY, OCT. 2 

“Direct Order,” a a film on the use of the anthrax vaccine by the Dept. of Defense, at 7:30 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship hall, at Cedar and Bonita. 528-5403. 

The California Recall: Who, Why and What it Means for the Environment, with panelists Susan Rasky, Political Journalist and Professor, School of Journalism, Fred Keeley, Executive Director, Planning & Conservation League, and Jim Bushnell, Research Director, The University of California Energy Institute, from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Morgan Lounge, 114 Morgan Hall, near Hearst and Arch Streets, UC Campus. Sponsored by the Center for Sustainable Resource Development. 643-4200. 

How Can Peace Be Achieved Between Israelis and Palestinians?” a moderated debate sponsored by the Associated Students of UC, at 7 p.m. at 2040 Valley Life Sciences Bldg, UC Campus. 655-6384.  

UC Botanical Garden Docent Training at 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Fee and registration required, 643-1924. 

Lawyers in the Library at 6 p.m. at the North Branch, 1170 The Alameda. 981-6250. 

Berkeley Liberation Radio 104.1 FM holds public meetings for all interested people first and third Thursdays, 7 p.m. at the Long Haul Info Shop, 3124 Shattuck Ave. 595-0190.  

ONGOING  

Acting and Storytelling Classes for Seniors, offered by Stagebridge. Wednesdays and Fridays, at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Held at Arts First Oakland, 2501 Harrison St., close to BART and AC Transit. 444-4755. www.stagebridge.org 

People's Park Community Advisory Board is seeking members. Applications will be accepted until Sept. 30. They are available at the People's Park office, 642-3255; the UC Office of Community Relations, 643-5299; and via e-mail to plspark@uclink.berkeley.edu. 

Free Smoke Detectors for City residents and UC Berkeley students who live off-campus. Applications are available from the Environment, Health & Safety office of UC Berkeley, at any Berkeley Fire Station, or at the Fire Admin. Office located at 2100 MLK, Jr. Way. 981-5585.  

Free Energy Bill Payment Assistance The City of Berkeley has money to help low-income households pay their gas and electric bills. For applications contact the Energy Office at 644-8544. TDD: 981-6903. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/energy 

Swim a Mile for Women with Cancer The East Bay’s Women’s Cancer Resource Center is seeking participants, supporters, and in-kind donations for its annual non-competitive fundraising event, to be held on Oct. 4-5 at the Trefethan Aquatic Center, Mills College. For more information on how to register for this event, please call 601-4040, ext. 180 or email swimamilewcrc@yahoo.com 

Cal Community Service Days Students, alumni, faculty, staff and community members are invited to participate in a series of workshops and community service projects from Sept. 29 to Oct. 4. For information on how to get involved, see ttp://students.berkeley.edu/calcorps/cad.html 

CITY MEETINGS 

Commission on the Status of Women meets Wed., Oct. 1, at 7:30 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Ruby Primus, 981-5106. www.ci.berkeley. 

ca.us/commissions/women 

Fire Safety Commission meets Wed., Oct. 1, at 7:30 p.m. at the Emergency Operations Center, 997 Cedar St. David Orth, 981-5502. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/firesafety 

Berkeley Rent Stabilization Board meets Thurs.,Oct. 2,  

at 7 p.m., in City Council Chambers, Pam Wyche 644-6128 ext. 113. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/rent 

Community Environmental Advisory Commission meets Thurs., Oct. 2, at 7 p.m., at 2118 Milvia St. Nabil Al-Hadithy, 981-7461. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/environmentaladvisory 

Housing Advisory Commission meets Thurs., Oct. 2 at 7:30 p.m., at the South Berkeley Senior Center. Oscar Sung, 981-5410. www.ci.berkeley. 

ca.us/commissions/housing 

School Board meets Wed. Oct. 1, at 7:30 p.m., in the City Council Chambers. Queen Graham 644-6147 or Mark Coplan 644-6320.

FROM THE MAYOR 

Editors, Daily Planet:  

Recently, there have been a number of letters regarding the Berkeley School District’s proposed move of the Adult School to the Franklin School site.  

The city has been quite vocal about the potential impact on the Franklin neighborhood. In addition to our city manager’s official letter addressing these concerns, Councilmembers Maio, Breland, and I have met with neighbors, attended community meetings, met with school board members, conferred with the city attorney and discussed these issues at public forums.  

However, state law severely limits the city’s jurisdiction over this move. School districts are exempt from city oversight when building classrooms.  

Despite legal restrictions, we have taken concrete steps to address the community concerns raised. For example, we requested that the city manager assign our transportation director to participate on the Franklin Site Advisory Committee—both to make recommendations to the committee, as well as to the manager and City Council. We are also working with the school district to ensure that they conduct a full environmental study of all potential future school moves that do fall under city oversight—including properties on Oregon Street, Gilman Street, Derby Street, West Campus, and Hillside School.  

It is important to note, however, that the city and the school district have been working in positive ways during this time of great fiscal uncertainty. Working together, we brought police officers back to the middle schools, helped negotiate free vision screening for students, leveraged funding for student and family support services, promoted volunteer programs, and launched a joint youth and education initiative.  

I will join City Council in continuing to work on addressing the serious concerns raised by the Franklin neighbors and others, while continuing the important collaborative work that benefits students, families, and taxpayers. 

Mayor Tom Bates 

• 

TOO MUCH AT STAKE 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

With its new policy of assassinating its legally constituted head-of-state opponent, the Israeli government has squandered the last ounce of moral authority conferred on their nation by the idealism of the Zionist movement, as well as international sympathy for terrible suffering at the hands of its most fanatic enemies. Israel could never have been able to survive becoming a global pariah were it not for the one-sided tilt of its powerful American allies, who have on their own accomplished a comparable transformation in the eyes of the world community in a mere 18 months, from the World Trade Center destruction to the invasion of Iraq. Bush and Sharon are wedded by their relentlessness, which they boldly claim is necessary to match the intensity of their terrorist counterparts. 

Should Israel martyr Arafat, there will be no Middle East solution left but for the permanent occupation of Palestine and subjugation of its people. That, the nuclear arming of North Korea and Iran, and whatever we get out of what remains of Afghanistan and Iraq will be the enduring legacy to the world of the Bush administration. 

It looks increasingly unlikely that Bush will be reelected in fourteen months, but also increasingly unlikely that he’s really concerned about it. He’s a man of doing, not a man of arguing, as he likes to say, and he’s already accomplished much of what he set out to do. The last of his opportunities, the chance to pardon those of his buddies who got caught, like whoever (looks like Karl Rove) blew the CIA cover of Ambassador Wilson’s CIA-operative wife, will only come once, and having only one term will make it happen that much sooner. 

When the Constitution was written, there was nothing so vastly destructive that one man could wreak in four years. Our system provides only unwieldy removal tools, so there’s no recourse when its chief executive is proven to care only for his own short but deadly agenda and nothing for world, American, or Congressional opinion, or even his own place in history. When the Bush nightmare is over, we owe it to ourselves and the world to restructure our government along parliamentary lines, so that the chief executive will at least have to answer to an elected body with a longer horizon. Too much is at stake not to. 

Dave Blake 

• 

EXPLANATIONS PLEASE 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

John Selawsky’s op-ed piece on FCMAT’s report card (Daily Planet, Sept. 19-22) seemed to echo what we’ve been hearing from Washington. Faced with problems and failings, the answer is always “Things are improving,” without addressing any of the specific issues. What would really be helpful is for the school board to explain why our new boilers are not being maintained. Please explain why some of our schools, including the high school, aren’t so clean. Why are fire and safety code violations, over three years old, not fixed? Please explain why new buildings leak. And most of all, please explain why you gave our well paid administrators a raise more than twice the cost of living while, at the same time, you’re laying off teachers. My sophomore at BHS currently has three classes with more than 40 students in each one. Connection? 

Dan Peven 

• 

SAFETY FOR DISABLED 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

Two pedestrians have been injured in accidents along Ashby Avenue from Thursday to Sunday (“Activist Fred Lupke Injured in Accident,” Daily Planet, Sept. 19-22). Both were using wheelchairs. 

In the aftermath of these accidents, people are asking what can be done to prevent further harm to disabled members of our community. We propose the following steps as a good beginning and ask for community support. 

Pull the Commission on Disability’s requests for changes to the Transportation Element of the General Plan out of the waste bin and integrate our needs into the city’s blueprint for the future.  

Give priority to traffic management, pedestrian safety and traffic calming where severe accidents are occurring—on arterial and collector streets and at intersections.  

Provide adequate transportation choices so people can avoid dangerous situations. For example, issue permits for wheelchair-accessible taxicabs.  

Adequately fund Berkeley’s Paratransit Program for taxi scrip and van vouchers.  

Begin moving the responsibility for all disability-related transportation programs and facilities into the Transportation Department so transportation professionals are addressing our needs.  

Provide adequate and safe placard parking spaces and pickup/drop-off zones in all areas of the city.  

Continue the rollout of accessible pedestrian signals and way-finding aids.  

Raise public awareness that sidewalks must be kept clear of both temporary (refuse bins, parked cars, etc.) and permanent (tree limbs, damaged surfaces, etc.) obstructions. Give this teeth by having the Parks Department begin proactively enforcing the requirements for clearing vegetation from public rights-of-way.  

By implementing these improvements, we can enhance safety and access, not only for persons with disability but for every person traveling the roads and sidewalks of Berkeley.  

Emily Wilcox  

Chair of the Commission on Disability 

Miya Rodolfo-Sioson  

Past Chair of the Commission on Disability 

• 

SOCIALISTS FOR CRUZ 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

The East Bay Democratic Socialists of America voted at its last meeting to endorse Cruz Bustamante on the second part of the Oct. 7 recall ballot. We had previously committed ourselves to a no vote on the recall and on Proposition 54. We thought other progressives might be interested in the reasoning that led to this decision. 

We vigorously oppose the recall of Gray Davis. The recall represents an effort on the part of the Republicans to take back the state house they lost in last year’s election. If the recall fails then the debate over the second part of the ballot becomes moot. However, we cannot assume that this will happen. The recall battle is at the moment too close to call. A vote for Bustamante gives us a fall back position to accomplish the same objective, that of preventing a Republican takeover of the state house. 

The second portion of the ballot is shaping up as a tight race between Bustamante and Schwarzenegger. The choice between the two is quite clear. Bustamante’s victory wouldn’t represent a significant change for either better or worse over Davis. However, a victory for Schwarzenegger would do serious damage to the interests of working people. 

If significant numbers of progressives vote for Huffington or Camejo, they will be taking votes away from Bustamante and helping Schwarzenegger. Every progressive voter we can convince to oppose the recall and vote for Bustamante will be an important blow against Schwarzenegger and the right. 

Karl Knobler 

Chair, DSA-East Bay Local 

• 

XXXXXXXXXX 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

Betsy Hunton’s review of the Aurora Theatre’s production of the “The Old Neighborhood” (Daily Planet, Sept. 23-25) included some off the record material that I had mentioned to her in a phone conversation. I don’t think Ms. Hunton understood what “off the record” meant. I never intended this information to be made public. The play will continue to be performed as it is written. It’s doing very well and we’re talking about adding extra performances. 

Sincerely, 

Joy Carlin 

Director of “The Old Neighborhood” 

• 

XXXXXXXXXX 

Editors, Daily Planet:  

So let me see if I got this straight. Both Mr. LaForce and Tom Bates think it better for the environment to have 48 people driven miles on the freeway in order to practice a sport that doesn’t pollute. If these young women were able to hop on bikes or the bus and head to crew practice they would stay closer to home and help the earth at the same time. If the politicians think the birds at Aquatic Park are more important than the citizens, I suggest they hit up our feathered friends for votes next time. Support our high school while using sound science; let the girls’ crew team practice at Aquatic Park! 

Mike Vaughn 

A symphony conductor staying at the helm of one orchestra for 25 years is pretty remarkable, but in the case of Berkeley Symphony Orchestra conductor Kent Nagano it’s a labor of love. 

Now 51, Nagano cut his teeth with BSO when he took over in 1978. 

His presence was immediately felt. 

Originally known as the Berkeley Promenade Orchestra, the group didn’t take itself too seriously, and it showed—from their playing to their casual dress. 

Nagano pushed through a name change, and imposed a strict practice discipline. It wasn’t long before he had them wearing tuxes. 

While whipping his Berkeley group into shape, in the 80s Nagano also embarked on a conducting juggernaut. He continues to garner rave reviews for his work in Paris, Munich, London and throughout Europe as well as Los Angeles. 

Nagano isn’t your typical conductor. He surfs, drives a Ferrari and practices martial arts to hone his mind and body. 

But don’t let this fool you. Beneath the cool exterior is a very serious and demanding musician who gets the most out of his players. 

This Monday BSO launches into its 25th season under Nagano’s baton with a special program celebrating his career. The program begins at 8 p.m. at UC’s Zellerbach Hall and features a performance by Alameda opera star Frederica von Stade. 

Reached at his Los Angeles hotel room recently, Nagano left little doubt that while he may live in San Francisco, he left his heart in Berkeley. 

Daily Planet: “You’ve said your commitment to BSO is all about the players’ commitment to your musical challenges, but are there other non-musical reasons? Is there something about Berkeley itself?” 

Kent Nagano: “I suppose one can always find secondary reasons. For me the primary reason is musical. It’s a privilege to work with such a group of talented musicians who share this dedication and commitment to trying to explore music so that it remains as an absolute priority. 

“Of course, I am a Californian. I come from Northern California. Born in Berkeley’s Alta Bates hospital. My folks are both UC Berkeley graduates. Having seen many extraordinary places in the world it only underscores what a spectacularly beautiful place the Bay Area is. 

“The whole combination of the culture and nature in the Bay Area combines to give the region just a very special ambiance to it. I love California, so certainly that has some bearing, but it’s really not the primary reason. The primary reason is the musical reason.” 

Daily Planet: “It’s hard to imagine the BSO without you. Will it thrive in your absence?”  

KN: “Oh sure, of course. No one person is ever so indispensable that the group becomes artificially limited somehow. 

“That to me would be a goal that I don’t think would be helpful in the long term for the Berkeley Symphony at all. Certainly the day will come when it’s time to have a transition. 

“In the first year I remember there was an enormous amount of speculation of whether or not I would maintain the commitment to the orchestra and I guess every year when we approach the season there is at least a period of discussion whether or not I can still maintain that commitment. But we decided early on that as long as the relationship was bearing fruit then it shouldn’t be artificially ended.”  

Daily Planet: “What is the reaction in Europe and elsewhere where you conduct to your commitment to Berkeley?” 

KN: “To have a long-term partnership is not without precedent. There have been long collaborations that have lasted for many years. 

“I’m thinking of Serge Koussevitzky with the Boston Symphony Orchestra or Eugene Ormandy with the Philadelphia Orchestra. Or Herbert von Karajan. Or more recently Seiji Ozawa with the Boston Symphony Orchestra. I suppose that in this day and age it’s more the exception rather than the rule.” 

Daily Planet: “What about the possibility of the symphony making the now vacant UC Theater its permanent home -- do you think that’s going to happen?” 

KN: “At this point it’s hard to tell. We did do quite a bit of research on the UC Theater to see whether or not it could be successfully transformed into a performance space for a symphony orchestra. And the results came back positive. 

“What is appealing about the space is that it seems to enhance what is a very important artistic core to the city. I’m thinking of the important role that the Berkeley Repertory Theater holds and it’s expansion in downtown. I do feel very passionately that it is a natural step for the Berkeley SymphonyOrchestra. 

“Since its inception, the Orchestra, like many part-time professional groups, has had an itinerant home moving from concert hall to concert hall. To have a home which is really the symbol of the Berkeley Symphony I think is an important step that some day really should happen. Whether it’s right now with the UC Theater is a question that needs to be debated between many people. But I think someday it’s important to let this step happen.” 

Daily Planet: “A lot has been said recently about Berkeley having a thriving downtown live theater district—could it really happen?” 

KN: “I think it is happening. And to me it’s consistent with the tradition of Berkeley. The city has always been such a strong and visible community in terms of its pioneering spirit. Its cultural richness. Its intellectual richness. The intersection of cultural influences, national influences, and trends has created a historic environment in which invention and forward-looking esprit can take place. 

“This has all been a part of our long-term history since the very early days of the Spanish land grants. The nourishment for the soul of the community is somehow reflected through the arts and the arts truly do belong to everyone. A theater belongs to everyone.” 

Daily Planet: “What do think of the gutting of music education today in California’s public schools considering your early music training in Morro Bay, CA where the music teacher was classically trained?” 

KN: “It is alarming. I think many people in the field however detect a swinging of the pendulum coming back. For example I’ve heard of a number of school districts that have voluntarily taken very strong moves to reestablish arts programs within the public school system. Sometimes remarkably so. 

“Creations of orchestras, creations of bands or visual art classes simply because of pressure being brought upon the school district by the parents of the children. A few years ago several of us put together a concert to honor our very influential music professor in Morro Bay.  

“It was a great symbolic gesture towards this professor, but it also gave a chance for many of us to look and see what in fact he really did accomplish through his nearly 50 years involvement in public education. 

“And it was clear that of all of the hundreds and hundreds of children that he worked with, his point was not to turn out scores of professional musicians. His goal was a relationship with the arts. 

“That evening the people who came back were mechanics, engineers, architects, bakers, tailors, teachers, farmers, cattle ranchers. The variety of the walks of life was just as I’d remembered it growing up. What was really impressive was no matter what the vocation people chose—heavy machinery or running a cattle ranch—the piece of Beethoven that we played had a deep relationship with every person who was there because they had grown up with it.”

Festival Event 

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26 

Children 

Amelia Bedelia, Bookworm, celebrates her 40th birthday at 10:30 a.m. at Barnes and Noble. 644-0861. 

Film 

British Fim Revivals: “A Cottage on Dartmoor” with Neil Brand on piano, at 7:30 p.m. and “How to be Eccentric: The Films of Richard Massingham” at 9:30 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $4 members, UC students, $5 UC faculty, staff, seniors, disabled, youth, $8 adults. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

“Spirited Away,” Japanese animation ghost story, at 8 p.m. at the Long Haul, a reading room, library and community center in South Berkeley located at 3124 Shattuck Ave. Wheelchair accessible. 540-0751. www.thelonghaul.org 

Readings & Lectures 

“Martin Guitar Masterpieces,” a new book  

in celebration of the 170th anniversary of the guitar maker, will be introduced by Dick Boak and Steve Miller at 4 p.m. at Cody’s Books.  

845-7852. www.codysbooks.com 

Gay and Laney Salisbury discuss the race to Nome in “The Cruelest Miles: The Heroic Story of Dogs and Men in a Race Against an Epidemic”  

at 7 p.m. at Cody’s Books, 1730 Fourth St.  

559-9500. www.codysbooks.com 

µ“Grass Roof, Tin Roof Project” Launch, with a free book - one per person, first come, first served - for the simultaneous reading of Dao Strom’s new novel about a Vietnamese family resettling in Northern California. Receive the accompanying lapel pin and locate other “Grass Roof, Tin Roof “ readers around town. At noon  

at all five Berkeley Public Library locations.  

981-6100. 

Music & Dance 

U-Theatre/Drummers from Taiwan perform “The Sound of Ocean” a presentation of complex drumming and martial art techniques exploring the spiritual aspects of contemporary Taiwanese culture, at 8 p.m. at Zellerbach Hall, UC Campus. Tickets are $22-$42. 642-0212. www.calperfs.berkeley.edu  

Keith Frank and the Soileau Zydeco Band at 9 p.m. at Ashkenez. Cajun dance lesson with Cheryl McBride at 8:30 p.m. Cost is $13 in advance, $15 at the door. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

“Strictly Skillz,” a celebration of Hip Hop in its purest forms at 9 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $10. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

Winfred E. Eye, Moore Brothers, Deers at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $6.  

841-2082. www.starryploughpub.com  

Scott Amendola Band, featuring Jeff Parker, Nat Su and Todd Sickafoose, at 8 p.m. at The Jazz House. Suggested donation $15. 649-8744. www.thejazzhouse.org 

Danny Caron and Friends at 9 p.m. at Downtown. 649-3810. 

Golden Bough, Celtic-American trio, at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage Coffee House. Cost is $17.50 in advance, $18.50 at the door.  

548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

Phantom Limbs, 400 Blows, Nakatomi  

Plaza, Marathon at 8 p.m. at 924 Gilman St., an all-ages, member-run, no alcohol, no drugs, no violence club. Cost is $5. 525-9926. 

Wig Salad, Brown Baggin at 9:30 p.m. at Blakes on Telegraph. Cost is $6. 848-0886. www.blakesontelegraph.com 

Indian Classical Music with Jyoti Rout, Pandit Habib Khan, and Prof. Mohini Mohan Pattnaik  

at 7 p.m. at the Julia Morgan Center for the Arts. Tickets are $15-$20, available from 925-798-1300.  

Tim Barsky, master of beat boxing at the 1923 Teahouse at 8 p.m. Suggested donation of $7-$15, no one turned away for lack of funds. 644-2204. www.epicarts.org 

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 

Exhibition Openings 

La Peña Cultural Center celebrates Quinque Cruz, aka Claudio E. Duran, author of “Autobiography of an Ex-Chess Player,” with a mutimedia event exploring the idea of aesthetic and terror, at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $10-$25. 849-2572. www.lapena.org 

Film 

Arab Film Festival, Cinemayaat: “Broken Wings,” at 1 p.m., “I am Palestine,” “Indepen- 

dence,” at 3:15 p.m. “Invasion,” at 5:15 p.m., “The Bookstore,” “El-Kotbia, and “My Jose- 

phine,” at 7 p.m., “Night of Destiny,” “Wind of Beriut,” at 9:45 p.m. Wheeler Auditorium, UC Campus. Tickets are $9, students and seniors $7. www.aff.org 

Readings & Lectures 

“Where Does the Music Come From?” with Neil Brand on piano, silent film accompanist at 7:30 p.m at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $4 members, UC students, $5 UC faculty, staff,  

seniors, disabled, youth, $8 adults. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

Rhythm and Muse with Katherine Harer and Joe Vance, at 7 p.m. at the Berkeley Art Center. 644-6893. www.berkeleyartcenter.org 

Roshni Rustromji reads from her new novel “Braided Tongue” at 4 p.m. at Eastwind Books  

of Berkeley, 2066 University Ave. 548-2350. 

Music & Dance 

U-Theatre/Drummers from Taiwan perform “The Sound of Ocean” a presentation of complex drumming and martial art techniques exploring the spiritual aspects of contemporary Taiwanese culture, at 2 p.m. at Zellerbach Hall, UC Campus. Tickets are $22-$42. 642-0212. www.calperfs.berkeley.edu  

University Symphony, David Milnes, director, performs Bach’s Orchestral Suite No. 1 and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 6 at 8 p.m.  

at the First Congregational Church, 2345 Channing Way. Tickets are $8, $6 seniors and  

UC staff, $2 UC students, and are available from 642-9988.  

Indian Classical Music with Jyoti Rout, Pandit Habib Khan, and Prof. Mohini Mohan Pattnaik at 7 p.m. at the Julia Morgan Center for the Arts. Tickets are $15-$20 available from  

925-798-1300. 

West African Highlife Band at 9:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. African dance lesson with Comfort Mensah at 9 p.m. Cost is $13. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

James McMurtry, Johnny Childs at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $6. 841-2082. www.starryploughpub.com 

Mark Murphy, jazz singer, at 8 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $20-$25. 845-5373.  

www.jazzschool.com 

Delta Nove at 8 p.m. at Jupiter.848-8277. 

Rama with DJ Dave Mak at 8 p.m. at The Jazz House. Donations suggested. 649-8744. www.thejazzhouse.org 

Dix Bruce and Jim Nunally, roots country and bluegrass guitar and vocals, at Freight and Salvage Coffee House. Cost is $16.50 in advance, $17.50 at the door. 548-1761.  

www.freight-andsalvage.org 

Alice Stuart at 2 p.m. at Down Home Music, 10341 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito. 525-2129. www.downhomemusic.com 

Sol Americano, KGB at 9:30 p.m. at Blakes  

On Telegraph. Cost is $7. 848-0886. www.blakesontelegraph.com  

Kent Glenn-Putter Smith Jazz Quartet at the 1923 Teahouse at 8 p.m. Suggested donation of $7-$15, no one turned away for lack of funds. 644-2204. www.epicarts.org 

Spencer Day Group at 9 p.m. at Downtown. 649-3810. 

Over My Dead Body, In Control, The Control, Stand Up and Fight, Our Turn  

perform at 8 p.m. at 924 Gilman St., an all-ages, member-run, no alcohol, no drugs, no violence club. Cost is $5. 525-9926. 

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 28 

Exhibition Openings 

Berkeley Art Center, “One Struggle, Two Communities,” at 2 p.m. Late 20th Century Political Posters of Havana, Cuba and the San Francisco Bay Area 644-6893. 

Berkeley History Center, “Early Women of Berkeley (1878-1953),” at 2 p.m. An exhibit curated by the College Women's Club/Berkeley Branch of the American Assn. of University Women and the Berkeley Historical Society, celebrating how women shaped Berkeley's history, working alone and through their clubs. 1931 Center St. 848-0181. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/histsoc 

Children 

Ecuadorian Dance, Music and Art for the whole family from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Phoebe A. Hearst Museum of Anthropology, Kroeber Hall, Bancroft Way at College Ave. Free with museum admission. 643-7648.  

Film 

Arab Film Festival, Cinemayaat: “Duel in  

San Francisco” at 3 p.m., and “Threads” and “Lost Horizon,” at 8:45 p.m. at Wheeler Auditorium, UC Campus. Tickets are $9,  

students and seniors $7. www.aff.org 

The Films of Germaine Dulac: “La Belle Dame Sans Merci” at 5:30 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $4 members, UC students, $5 UC faculty, staff, seniors, disabled, youth, $8 adults. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

Readings & Lectures 

The Editors of The Bark on “Dog is my  

Co-Pilot: Great Writers on the World’s Oldest Friendship,” at 3 p.m. at Cody’s Books, 1730 Fourth St. 559-9500. www.codysbooks.com  

Poetry at Cody’s with Jacqueline Kudler and Diane Sher Lutovich at 7:30 p.m. at Cody’s Books. Donation $2. 845-7852.  

www.codysbooks.com 

“Genetic Engineering: Who Draws the Line,” with historian and philosopher of science Charles Weiner, at 2 p.m. preceded by a guided tour at 1 p.m. in the Berkeley Art Museum Theater, 2626 Bancroft Way. Cost is $10 for the general public, free for UC Berkeley students and faculty, and BAM/PFA members. Held in conjunction with the exhibition, “Gene(sis): Contemporary Art Explores Human Genomics.” To register call 642-4111.  

J. Robert Lennon reads from his new novel ”Mailman” at 7:30 p.m. at Black Oak Books. 486-0698. www.blackoakbooks.com 

Music & Dance 

µHow Berkeley Can You Be? Grand Parade and Festival from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Parade up University Ave. followed by festival at Civic Center Park. Ceremonial Opening of the Berkeley Arts Festival with the City Council Singers in a tribute to City Manager Weldon Rucker, “conducted” by Gary Ginstling, executive director of the Berkeley Symphony. Outdoor stage, live music and dance, food and drink booths, crafts, non-profits and children's activities. 654-6346. www.hesternet/event 

Crowden Music Center presents Irene Sazer, violin and Gianna Abondolo, cello at 4 p.m. at 1475 Rose St. Tickets are $12 general, free for children 18 and under. 559-6910.  

www.thecrowdenschool.org  

The Matches in an all ages concert to benefit Youth Radio, at 5:30 p.m. at Youth Radio Cafe, 1801 University Ave. at Grant. Cost is $5.  

540-5876. 

In the Balance: Poetry and Jazz at 2 p.m.  

in the Peralta Community Garden on Peralta St. between Hopkins and Gilman. 231-5912.  

kirklumpkin@mac.com 

Deaf Electric, electronic, turntablism, experimental music and visuals, at 7 p.m. at The Jazz House. Sliding scale donation $6-$15. 649-8744. www.thejazzhouse.org 

Midnite, reggae quintet from St. Croix, Virgin Islands, at 9:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $15 in advance, $20 at the door. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Party of Seven, world music ensemble, at  

8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage Coffee House.  

Cost is $15.50 in advance, $16.50 at the door.  

548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

Mark Levine and the Latin Tinge plays standards and original in Afro-Cuban style at 4:30 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $12-$18. 845-5373. www.jazzschool.com 

Astral Realm, The Volumes, Tregenza at  

9:30 p.m. at Blakes On Telegraph. Cost is $5. 848-0886. www.blakesontelegraph.com 

Americana Unplugged Series: High Country at 8 p.m. at Jupiter, 2181 Shattuck Ave.  

848-8277. 

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 29 

Exhibition Openings 

“5 x 3” Art exibition opening at 7 p.m.  

Berkeley Public Library Central Community Room. An informal session with three resident artists, Ana Bravo, Malle Malaam and Joseph Alverez. Works will be displayed through October in the Library’s Central Catalog Lobby.  

Readings & Lectures 

Alex Wellen talks about a law-student’s entry into the legal profession in “Barman: Ping Pong, Pathos and Passing the Bar” at 7:30 p.m. at Cody’s Books. 845-7852. www.codysbooks.com 

Poetry Express, open mic theme night: Recall, from 7 to 9:30 p.m., at Priya Restaurant, 2072 San Pablo Ave. berkeleypoetryexpress@yahoo.com 

Kirk Read discusses “How I Learned to Snap:  

A Small Town Coming-Out and Coming-of-Age Story” at 7:30 p.m. at Black Oak Books.  

486-0698. www.blackoakbooks.com 

Music & Dance 

Berkeley Symphony Orchestra 25th Anniversary Celebration, honoring conductor, Kent Nagano, with guest soloist Frederica von Stade, at 8 p.m. at Zellerbach Hall. Pre-concert lecture at 7 p.m. Tickets are $21-$45, students $10, available from 841-2800 or  

www.berkeleysymphony.org 

Mimi Fox, solo guitar, at 8 p.m. at Downtown, 2102 Shattuck Ave. 649-3810. 

Arty McGlynn and Nolliag Casey, traditional music duo from Ireland world music ensemble, at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage Coffee House. Cost is $15.50 in advance, $16.50 at the door. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

Steve Gannon Band and Mz. Dee at 9:30 p.m. at Blakes on Telegraph. Cost is $4.  

848-0886. www.blakesontelegraph.com 

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30 

Film 

µ“Poetry is Not A Luxury,” documentaries in tribute to poet and activist Audre Lorde, at 6:30 p.m. in the Berkeley Public Library’s Central Community Room, 2090 Kittredge. 981-6233. 

The Films of Germaine Dulac: “The Seashell and the Clergyman” and other films at 7:30 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $4  

members, UC students, $5 UC faculty, staff,  

seniors, disabled, youth, $8 adults. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

Readings & Lectures 

Jhumpa Lahiri, 2000 Pulitzer Prize for fiction, reads from her new novel, “The Namesake” at 7:30 p.m. at Cody’s Books. 845-7852. www.codysbooks.com 

Thomas Swick introduces us to less-often  

visited places in the world in “A Way to See  

the World: From Texas to Transylvania with a Maverick Travel Editor” at 7:30 p.m. at Easy Going Travel Shop & Bookstore, 1385 Shattuck Ave at Rose. 843-3533.  

Music & Dance 

Cocodrie at 8:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cajun dance lesson with Diano Castillo at 8 p.m.  

Cost is $9. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Dayna Stephens House Jam at The Jazz House. Donation $5. 649-8744.  

www.thejazzhouse.com 

Los Halos, Pine Martin at 9:30 p.m. at  

The Starry Plough. Cost is $6. 841-2082. www.starryploughpub.com 

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 1  

Film 

Heddy Honigmann: “Crazy” at 7:30 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive, with the filmmaker in person. Cost is $4 members, UC students, $5  

UC faculty, staff, seniors, disabled, youth, $8 adults. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

Readings & Lectures 

Mike Perry reads from his new novel about small town living, “Population 485,” at 7:30 p.m. at Cody’s Books. 845-7852.  

www.codysbooks.com 

Berkeley Poetry Slam with host Nazelah Jamison and Karen Ladson, featuring DJ Tek Neek, at 8:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough.  

Cost is $7, $5 with student i.d. 841-2082. www.starryploughpub.com 

Music & Dance 

Noon Concert with Cary Koh, violin and Miles Graber, piano performing Brahms and Mozart at the Chevron Auditorium at International House, at the corner of Bancroft and Piedmont Aves. Admission is free. 642-4864. 

Peter Rowan and Don Edwards, lonesome cowboys, perform at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage Coffee House. Cost is $15.50 advance, $16.50 at the door. 548-1761.  

www.freightandsalvage.org 

Robert Ball Benefit Concert with Jason Collins & The Funkonauts, Josh Jones Latin Jazz Ensemble, DeWayne Wiggins, Jimmy Dright, and MC Greg Bridges of KPFA/KCSM at 9 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $10-$20. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Jules Broussard, Bing Nathan and Ned Boynton at 8 p.m. at Downtown. 649-3810. 

Nicole McRory at 9:30 p.m. at Beckett’s Irish Pub, 2271 Shattuck Ave. 647-1790. 

www.beckettsirishpub.com 

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2 

Film 

Genetic Screenings: “underexposed: The Temple of the Fetus” at 7:30 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $4 members, UC students, $5 UC faculty, staff, seniors, disabled, youth, $8 adults. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

Readings & Lectures 

Lunch Poems at 12:10 p.m. in the Morrison Library in Doe Library, UC Campus, with Robert Thomas, who won the Poets Out Loud award and has created a sensation with his first book, “Door to Door.” Former U.S. Poet Laureate, Robert Hass will introduce campus figures, from a variety of departments, who will read their favorite poems. Admission is free. 642-0137.  

Word Beat Reading Series at 7 p.m. with featured readers Clara Hsu and Don Brennan, followed by an open mic, at Mediterraneum Caffe, 2475 Telegraph Ave., near Dwight Way. For information call 526-5985 or 205-1749.  

New Word Series, Preliminary Poetry Slam Bouts, co-presented by Youth Speaks as part of the 3rd Annual Living Word Festival, a spoken word expo featuring internationally recognized spoken word artists, at 8:30 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $7-$10. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

µ“Poetry Is Not A Luxury” Forrest Hamer, Jewelle Gomez and Sharon Doubiago, with Theresa Harlan as emcee. California Arts Council Poet Fellowship recipients and affiliates read from their work and state the case about the demise of government arts support, at 7 p.m.  

at Berkeley Public Library’s Central Community Room, 2090 Kittredge. 981-6233.  

Albany Library Prose Night, featuring Jan Steckel reading her short stories, followed by an open mic for prose. From 7 to 9 p.m. in the Edith Stone Room, Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave., Albany. 526-3720. 

“Jewish Humor in American Cinema” with Maimone Attia, Thursdays, Oct. 2 - 30. from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Cost is $45 for members,  

seniors and students, $50 for the public. at the Jewish Community Center, 1414 Walnut St.  

848-0237. www.brjcc.org 

Guided Tour: Gene(sis): Contemporary Art Explores Human Genomics, at 12:15 and 5:30 p.m., Berkeley Art Museum, 2626 Bancroft Way. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

James Carroll will read from his latest novel, “Secret Father,” at 7:30 p.m. at Cody’s Books. www.codysbooks.com 

Music & Dance 

Larry Ochs Sax and Drumming Core and John Schott’s Typical Orchestra at 8 p.m. at The Jazz House. Sliding scale donation $7-$15. 649-8744. www.thejazzhouse.com 

The Cushion Theory, Ned, and Audrey Sessions at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $6. 841-2082. www.starryploughpub.com 

Community Drumming Circle at 7 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $5-$7. 525-5054.  

www.ashkenaz.com 

Jimmy LaFave and Kevin Welch, with Michael Fracasso, Joel Rafael and others, perfrom music in the spirit of Woodie Guthrie, at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage Coffee House. Cost is $16.50 advance, $17.50 at the door. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

Keni El Lebrijano, flamenco guitar, at 8:30 p.m. at Downtown. 649-3810. 

The Shots, traditional Irish, American Bluegrass at 9:30 p.m. at Beckett’s Irish Pub, 2271 Shattuck Ave. 647-1790. beckettsirishpub.com 

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3 

Exhibition Openings 

µBerkeley Arts Festival Headquarters Opening from 4 to 6 p.m. at 2110 Shattuck Ave. 665-9496. www.berkeleyartsfestival.com 

Cecile Moochnek Gallery, “Numinous Surfaces,” new paintings by Carol Dalton and Michael Shemchuk. Reception 6 to 8 p.m. Exhibtion runs Oct 3. to Nov. 16. Gallery hours are noon to 5 p.m. Wed. through Sun. 1809-D Fourth St. 549-1018. www.cecilemoochnek.com 

Emeryville Art Exhibition opening reception from 6 to 9 p.m. The exhibit features over 100 artists and craftspeople. Work includes paintings, sculpture, photographs, textiles, ceramics, jewelery and glass works. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 5616 Bay Street. Exhibition runs Oct. 4 through Oct. 26. 652-6122. wwwEmeryArts.org 

Film 

Heddy Honigmann: “Mind Shadows” at 7:30 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive with the filmmaker in person. Cost is $4 members, UC students, $5 UC faculty, staff, seniors, disabled, youth, $8 adults. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

Readings & Lectures 

Christian Parenti reads from his new book, “Soft Cage: Surveillance in America From Slavery to the War on Terror,” at 7:30 p.m. at Cody’s Books. 845-7852. www.codysbooks.com 

Guided Tour: Gene(sis): Contemporary Art Explores Human Genomics, at 12:15 and 5:30 p.m., Berkeley Art Museum, 2626 Bancroft Way. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

Gallery Talk: Japanese Figure Style with Lynne Kimura, Academic Liaison, Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive, on the creative explosion of figure styles in Edo painting and the cross-fertilization of audiences in eighteenth- and nineteenth-century Japan, at 3 p.m. in Gallery C, Berkeley Art Museum, 2626 Bancroft Way. Cost is $8, free to UC staff, faculty and students. 643-6494. 

Music & Dance 

Djialy Kunda Kouyate, from West Africa, at  

9 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $13. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Shorty Long, Faraway Brothers, and Stiles and Ivey Ragtime Band perform at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $8. 841-2082. www.starryploughpub.com 

Jaranon y Bochinche, traditional and contemporary Afro-Peruvian music and dance at 8:30 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $15. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

Larry Ochs Sax and Drumming Core and John Schott’s Typical Orchestra at 8 p.m. at The Jazz House. Sliding scale donation $7-$15. 649-8744. www.thejazzhouse.com 

Noggin, unplugged violin duo with Henry Kuntz, solo saxophone at 3111 Deakin St. at 8 p.m. Cost is $8. Presented by Acme Observatory Contemporary Music. 665-1980. http://music.acme.com 

Rahim Alhaj, Iraqi oud master, performs at  

8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage Coffee House. Cost is $16.50 advance, $17.50 at the door. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

Sterling Dervish, acoustic rock and roll at  

9:30 p.m. at Beckett’s Irish Pub, 2271 Shattuck Ave. 647-1790. beckettsirishpub.com 

Fleshies, Toys That Kill, Killer Dream,  

Swing Ding Amigos, Civil Dysentery at  

8 p.m. at 924 Gilman St., an all-ages, member-run, no alcohol, no drugs, no violence club.  

Cost is $5. 525-9926. 

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 4 

µHimalayan Papermaking Demonstration with Nimto Sherpa, papermaking master from Kathmandu, Nepal and Carol Brighton, Berkeley artist and papermaker from 2 to 4 p.m. at Berkeley Arts Festival Headquarters, 2110 Shattuck Ave. 665-9496. 

Exhibition Openings 

Trax Gallery, “Summer Work” by Matt Metz and Linda Skikora, at 5 p.m. at 1812 5th St. 540-8729. 

Children 

Los Amiguitos de La Peña with Colibri, music from Latin America, at 10:30 a.m. at La Peña. Cost is $4 for adults, $3 for children. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

Film 

Seventh Madcat Women’s International Film Festival: “Traditions and Trajectories” at 7 p.m., and “Educated Ladies” at 8:30 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $4 members, UC students; $5 UC faculty, staff, seniors, disabled, youth; $8 adults. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

“Eat the Rich” at 8 p.m. at the Long Haul, a reading room, library and community center in South Berkeley located at 3124 Shattuck Ave. Wheelchair accessible. 540-0751.  

www.thelonghaul.org 

Readings & Lectures 

Jean Shinoda Bolen, reads from her new book, “Crones, Don’t Whine: Concentrated Wisdom for Juicy Women,” at 7 p.m. at Cody’s Books on Fourth St. www.codysbooks.com 

The Bay Area Poets Coalition holds an open reading, 3 to 5 p.m., West Branch Berkeley Public Library, 1125 University Ave. Free. For information, call 527-9905. poetalk@aol.com 

Improvised Comedy, at 8 p.m. at Cafe Eclectica 1309 Solano Ave., Albany. Cost is $5. 964-0571. www.eastbayimprov.com 

Music & Dance 

New Millennium Strings, with soloist Jaume Torrent, Spanish Classical Guitar, conducted by Laurien Jones, at 8 p.m. at University Christian Church, 2401 Le Conte Ave. Suggested donation $10, seniors $7. Children under 12 free.  

528-4633. 

Live Oak Concert with Matthew Owens, ‘cello, at 7:30 p.m. at the Berkeley Art Center in Live Oak Park. Tickets are $10 general, $9 students/seniors and $8 BAC members.  

644-6893. www.berkeleyartcenter.org 

Festival Antiqua, “The Ladder of Gold,” songs of Balkan Sephardic Jews at 8 p.m. at the Parish Hall, St. Alban’s Church, 1501 Washington St., Albany. Tickets are $15 general and $12  

students and seniors. 486-2803 or 524-7952. www.timrayborn.com/Festival 

Michael Brecker and Roy Hargrove at 8 p.m. at Zellerbach Hall, UC Campus. Tickets are  

$24-$48. 642-9988. www.calperfs.berkeley.edu 

Primary Colors, celebrating the release of their new CD “Every Mother’s Son,” at 8 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $10-$15. 845-5373.  

www.jazzschool.com 

Luminaries: National Independent Talent Showcase, at 9 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Genres include Hip Hop, R & B, and Reggae. Cost is $10 in advance, $12 at the door.  

849-2568. www.lapena.org 

FARWest, Folk Music and Dance Alliance regional meeting at noon, with evening showcases beginning at 7 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. For more information and to register, see www.far-west.org 

Zydeco Flames at 9:30 p.m., with a dance lesson at 8:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $13.  

525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Daevid Allen’s University of Errors, The Spindles perform at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $8. 841-2082.  

www.starryploughpub.com 

Scott Amendola, Dave MacNab and John Witala at 9:30 p.m. at Downtown. 649-3810. 

Lavay Smith and Her Red Hot Skillet Lickers perform traditional jazz vocals at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage Coffee House. Cost is $15.50 advance, $16.50 at the door. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

Nicole McRory at 9:30 p.m. at Beckett’s Irish Pub, 2271 Shattuck Ave. 647-1790.  

www.beckettsirishpub.com 

Champion, For the Crown, The Damage Done, Allegiance, Lights Out at 8 p.m. at  

924 Gilman St., an all-ages, member-run, no alcohol, no drugs, no violence club. Cost is $5.  

525-9926. 

Anima Mundi Dance Company previews “Mountains and Rivers Without End,” at 2 p.m. at Yoshi’s Jazz Club, Jack London Square. Admission is $10-$15 sliding scale. 233-5550. 

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 5 

µBerkeley Potters Guild Tour and Demon- 

stration Members of this 32 year old, 20 member guild will demonstrate potters’ wheel throwing and hand building techniques, at 1 p.m. at the Potters guild, 731 Jones St. at 4th.  

524-7031. 

Film 

Seventh Madcat Women’s International Film Festival: “Clear Visions, Silent Filmmakers” at 5 p.m. with live music by Epic and introduction by Heather Stilin, “Cut Snip Ooze: Contemporary Animated Films by Women” at  

7 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $4 members, UC students, $5 UC faculty, staff,  

seniors, disabled, youth, $8 adults. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

Arab Film Festival, Cinemayaat: “Planet of  

the Arabs,” “Lord’s Song in a Strange Land,” at  

2 p.m., “Souha Surviving Hell,” “Meantime in Beirut,” at 3:45 p.m., “Travel Agency,” “Under the Sky of Baghdad,” at 5:30 p.m. Wheeler Auditorium, UC Campus. Tickets are $9, students and seniors $7. Closing Night Party at 10 p.m., $20. www.aff.org 

Readings & Lectures 

Poetry at Cody’s with John Brandi and David Meltzer at 7:30 p.m. at Cody’s Books. Donation $2. 845-7852. www.codysbooks.com  

Jonathan Lethem reads from ”The Fortress of Solitude,” at 7 p.m. at Cody’s Books on Fourth St. www.codysbooks.com 

2004 Slingshot Oganizer, book release party and dinner at 7:30 p.m. at the Long Haul, a reading room, library and community center in South Berkeley located at 3124 Shattuck Ave. Wheelchair accessible. 540-0751.  

www.thelonghaul.org 

Music & Dance 

New Millennium Strings, with soloist Jaume Torrent, Spanish Classical Guitar, conducted by Laurien Jones, at 3 p.m. at St. Clement’s Episcopal Church, 2837 Claremont Blvd. Suggested donation $10, seniors $7. Children under 12 free. 528-4633. 

Takács Quartet with Richard Stoltzman at 8 p.m. at Zellerbach Hall, UC Campus. Tickets are $30-$52. 642-9988. www.calperfs.berkeley.edu 

The Balance: Poetry and Jazz The Word-Music Continuum, from 2 to 5 p.m. Part of “Where Art Meets Garden: A Series” in Peralta Community Garden, with Kirk Lumpkin, poetry and percussion, Mark Randall bass, Paul Mills, guitar and The Real Band. Donation suggested, no one turned away. Peralta Community Garden, Hopkins and Peralta. Wheelchair accessible.  

231-5912. kirklumpkin@mac.com 

Crowden School Recital with Wei He, violin, and Miles Graber, piano, playing works of Bright Sheng, Beethoven, Strauss, and Ysaye, at 3 p.m. at Crowden Music Center, 1475 Rose St. Tickets are $10, free for children 18 and under.  

559-6910. www.thecrowdenschool.org 

Navarati Festival of Indian Folkdancing,  

with “Raas-Garba” from 3 to 6 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $6-$10 sliding scale. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Alice Stuart performs country blues favorites at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage Coffee House. Cost is $15.50 in advance, $16.50 at the door. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

New Era of Cuban Music, an Afro-Cuban  

celebration in honor of the Orishas, Orunmila, Eleggua, Oggún and Ochoshi, at 7:30 p.m. at  

La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $15 in advance, $ 18 at the door. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

Query, world-infused jazz and free improvisation, at 4:30 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is  

$12-$18. 845-5373. www.jazzschool.com 

Structure of Lies, Animosity, All Shall Perish, Hacksaw to the Throat at 5 p.m. at 924 Gilman St., an all-ages, member-run, no alcohol, no drugs, no violence club. Cost is $5.  

525-9926. 

MONDAY, OCTOBER 6 

Readings & Lectures 

Loretta Napoleoni discusses “Modern Jihad: Tracing the Dollars Behind the Terror Networks,” at 7:30 p.m. at Cody’s Books. 845-7852. www.codysbooks.com 

Poetry Express, featuring Claudette Sigg, open mic from 7 to 9:30 p.m., at Priya Restaurant, 2072 San Pablo Ave. berkeleypoetryexpress@yahoo.com 

Last Word Poetry Series presents Bucky Sinister and Dawn Trook from 7 to 9 p.m. at Pegasus Bookstore, 2349 Shattuck Ave.  

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7 

Film 

The Cinema of Ernie Gehr, Program 1, with the filmmaker in person at 7:30 p.m. Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $4 members, UC students, $5 UC faculty, staff, seniors, disabled, youth, $8 adults. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

Readings & Lectures 

Judy Collins dicusses the death of her son in “Sanity and Grace: A Journey of Suicide, Survival, and Strength,” at 7 p.m. at Cody’s Books on Fourth St. www.codysbooks.com 

Music & Dance 

Turtle Island String Quartet, with David Balakrishnan, violin; Evan Price, violin; Danny Seidenberg, viola; Mark Summer, cello; perform jazz, classical and a little of everything else, at at 8 p.m. at the Berkeley City Club. For information call 525-5211. www.berkeleychamberperform.org 

Brass Menagerie performs Balkan music at 8:30 p.m., with a dance lesson with Gerry Duke at 7:30 p.m., at Ashkenaz. Cost is $9. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Kirov Ballet and the Orchestra of the Mariinsky Theater at 8 p.m. at Zellerbach Hall, UC Campus. Tickets are $42-$110, and are available from 642-0212. www.calperfs.berkeley.edu  

Dayna Stephens House Jam at The Jazz House. Donation $5. 649-8744.  

www.thejazzhouse.com 

Mimi Fox, solo guitar, at 8 p.m. at Downtown. 649-3810. 

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 8 

Film 

Heddy Honigmann: “Mental and Melancholy,” at 7:10 p.m. Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $4 members, UC students, $5 UC faculty, staff, seniors, disabled, youth, $8 adults.  

642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

Readings & Lectures 

Exhibiting Signs of Age, Panel Discussion at 4 p.m. in the Geballe Room, 220 Stephens Hall, UC Campus. Participants are Thomas W. Laqueur, Interim Director, Doreen B. Townsend Center for the Humanities, and Professor of History, UC Berkeley; Guy Micco, M.D., Director, Center on Aging, and Director, Center of Medicine, Humanities, and Law, UC Berkeley; Beth Dungan, Exhibition Co-curator, Ed Kashi, Photographer; and Julie Winokur, Writer/Producer. 642-0808.  

www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

Curator’s Talk, “One Struggle, Two Communities: Late 20th Century Political Posters of Havana Cuba and the San Francisco Bay Area,” with Lincoln Cushing at 7:30 p.m. at Berkeley Art Center. 644-6893. www.berkeleyartcenter.org 

Café Poetry and open mic, hosted by  

Kira Allen at 7:30 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

Gregory Edmont introduces “Spotted in France: A Dog’s Life ... on the Road” at 7:30 p.m. at Easy Going Travel Shop and Bookstore, 1385 Shattuck Ave at Rose. 843-3533. 

Berkeley Poetry Slam with host Charles Ellik  

at 8:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $7,  

$5 with student i.d. 841-2082.  

www.starryploughpub.com 

Music & Dance 

Wednesday Noon Concert with Robert Calonico, clarinet and Jacqueline Chew, piano perform Brahms and Milhaud at the Chevron Auditorium at International House, corner of Bancroft and Piedmont Aves. Admission is free. 642-4864. 

Kirov Ballet and the Orchestra of the Mariinsky Theater at 8 p.m. at Zellerbach Hall, UC Campus. Tickets are $42-$110, and are available from 642-0212. www.calperfs.berkeley.edu  

Sauce Piquante at 8:30 p.m. with a dance lesson with Cheryl McBride at 8 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $9. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Jules Broussard, Bing Nathan and Ned Boynton at 8 p.m. at Downtown. 649-3810. 

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 9 

Film 

Genetic Screenings: The Snowflake Crusade” at 7:30 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $4 members, UC students, $5 UC faculty, staff, seniors, disabled, youth, $8 adults 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

“Daughter from Danang,” a film by Gail Dolgin and Vicente Franco, at 7 p.m. at 2060 Valley Life Sciences Building. Sponsored by the Center for Southeast Asian Studies. 642-3609. cseas@uclink.berkeley.edu  

Readings & Lectures 

Ceramic Folk Art of Ecuador Gallery talk with Richard Burkett, professor of ceramics at San Diego State University, at noon at the Phoebe A. Hearst Museum of Anthropology, Kroeber Hall, Bancroft Way at College Ave. 643-7648. www.gal.berkeley.edu/~hearst/ 

Lois Banner discusses her new biography, “Intertwined Lives: Margaret Mead, Ruth Benedict and Their Circle,” at 7:30 p.m. at Cody’s Books. 845-7852. www.codysbooks.com 

Word Beat Reading Series at 7 p.m. with featured readers Mark States and Chokwadi, followed by an open mic, at Mediterraneum Caffe, 2475 Telegraph Ave., near Dwight Way. For information call 526-5985 or 205-1749.  

Gallery Tour of Junko Chodos “Requiem for an Executed Bird,” with the artist

The behemoth that is UC Berkeley squatted down on its haunches at a Clark Kerr Campus public hearing Monday night to listen to university students and residents of the city in which it resides, and got an earful on the subject of the university’s 2020 Long Range Development Plan (LRDP). 

Speaker after speaker told UC planners that while they supported campus expansion, they did not want it at the expense of Berkeley’s neighborhoods. 

The LRDP is being written to guide the university’s development and growth between 2005 and 2020, and will consider increases of up to 18 percent increase in academic and support space and up to 30 percent in both student housing and parking. 

The plan is being produced in conjunction with an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) under the state’s Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), which mandated this week’s public hearing. 

Sentiment at the four-hour Clark Kerr Campus hearing—officially a “scoping session”—was evenly divided between those concerned about UC Berkeley development’s effect on parking, traffic, and housing in the neighborhoods surrounding the campus and those concerned about its effect on the creeks and canyon areas in the hills above. 

Some speakers called for a summit between UC chancellors, city representatives, and Berkeley residents to discuss coordination of campus and city development. Others sought an extension of the preliminary public comment period on the LRDP and the EIR, which is scheduled to end Oct. 10. 

By law, issues raised at the session must be addressed in the Environmental Impact Report on the project. 

Berkeley City Councilmember Dona Spring said “It’s not easy to see our community being gobbled up by this humongous growth. UCB shouldn’t work to preserve its park-like campus while using the surrounding community to spread its development.” 

Carol Schemmerling of the Urban Creeks Council of California expressed her fear that “expansion (in the Strawberry Canyon area) will allow more toxins to go into the creeks.” Schemmerling suggested that the university “tear down (Memorial Stadium) and restore the original waterfall in that area.” 

Schemmerling also took a swipe at the landscaping envisioned in the Chang-Lin Tien Center For Asian Studies—scheduled to be built near the Doe Library—which is being reviewed as part of the development plan. She called the proposed facility “exceptionally bland and boring. Vast lawns and little trees are appropriate for some campuses, but not for UC Berkeley.” 

Juliet Lamont, environmental consultant and UC grad, said “It is the very things I learned in those programs that bring me here tonight. (The problems cited by other speakers) are the same things that were brought up in my classes; the things my professors said that development shouldn’t be doing. You should be practicing what you are preaching in your classes. UC Berkeley should not just protect the surrounding natural resources. It should enhance them.” 

Other organizations and agencies represented included the Claremont-Elmwood Neighborhood Association, the Telegraph Area Association, the Willard Neighborhood Association, the UC Graduate Assembly, the Associated Students of the University of California, and the mayor’s and city manager’s offices.  

Berkeley resident Corey Limbach summed up prevailing sentiment when he said that “a majority of Berkeley residents don’t want to see UC go down. On the other hand, that doesn’t mean it should get bigger, either.” 

Kerry O’Banion, Interim Project Director of the 2020 Long Range Development Plan, said he was “not surprised” at anything said at the hearing. “I was very encouraged that the comments were constructive, both from the residents and from the city. I think we have a lot of great ideas that we need to start working on, and I’m glad that we’re just at the beginning of the process so that we have the time to really explore all the comments.” 

O’Banion said “citizens should get their written comments in by Oct. 10.” 

If the project goes as planned, UC will produce their draft LRDP and EIR next spring, followed by another round of public comment before final approval.

I am a parent of two children at Malcolm X Elementary School. I led the Malcolm X Parent community as PTA President for two years and now fill the roll of PTA Council President for all the Berkeley public schools. My experience with PTA has given me some insights on the Berkeley Unified School District administration and the parent community. After reading School Board Vice President John Selawsky’s letter to you this past week (“Planet Reportage Lacking, Says School Board VP,” Daily Planet, Sept. 23-25) and the accompanying response from Executive Editor Becky O’Malley, I felt compelled to respond. 

I, like many other Berkeley residents turn to the Daily Planet for local reporting. I do not always expect to hear good news, but I do expect the news to be balanced. Alongside the “bad news” I expect your paper to print the more mundane, but true-to-our-every-day-experience kind of story that reminds us why we live in this city. The recent story on John Muir Elementary School Principal Nancy Waters was a good example of the kind of positive story that I often look for, but so rarely see. 

Every person that is part of this school community—district staff, board members, parents, and teachers—we are all striving to do the best job we can in promoting the well being of all our city’s children. We attempt to align goals and listen closely to one another. But despite our efforts, I sense a siege to dismantle public education as we know it. As our U.S. Congress faces a $15.7 billion dollar price tag on President Bush’s nuclear weapons program, our schools are faced with teacher layoffs and cuts in vital educational and enrichment programs. As parents we maintain funding for school services by watching our children walk our neighborhoods selling wrapping paper and candy bars. We organize ourselves, parents and teachers together, because it is the best tool we have to stem this tide. Public school parents are a devoted crew. We are committed to the ideals of a free, quality, and discrimination-free public school system. We spend endless hours in working towards this vision. 

I cannot impress upon you enough how difficult it is for us to maintain our determination and strength with the onslaught of unrestrained criticism that is delivered to us daily from the media. I am first to admit that our district has a ways to go before it reaches its goals, but our goals are high and they reflect the passion and the vision of a dedicated staff and school board. Superintendent Michele Lawrence is doing a tremendous job of fielding the criticism that comes her way, much of it unfounded in my opinion. We are an outspoken community, and one that is strident in its opinions of any bureaucracy or governmental agency, including our school system. 

I have walked into many classrooms in Berkeley schools and continue to be proud of the dedicated teachers, patient and hardworking principals, and the devoted parents who make our district a strong as it is. I am proud to be volunteering my time, my vision and my dedication to such a community. I plan to be a team player in achieving the goals that we set for ourselves and not carp from the bandstands.  

I would like to work with the Daily Planet in the future to ensure that your reporters have the opportunity to write about the successes in our district. Positive stories abound. All your staff needs to do is ask the right questions, and the story ideas will come flowing your way. 

Roia Ferrazares is Council President of the Berkeley PTA.

If you find yourself tooling along near University Avenue this Sunday and you happen to peek in the rearview mirror and see 100 or so cars behind you, customized with hedges, neon lights and aquariums, take a deep breath and resist the impulse to call the police. 

Martians have not landed. It’s just yet another group of participants in the How Berkeley Can You Be? parade, scheduled to get underway at 11 a.m. 

While there are a lot of oddball things about Berkeley being celebrated in the parade, the artcars’ place shouldn’t surprise anybody. 

According to Phil Northrup, “art-car-ist” and a co-organizer of the cars that appear in the event, Berkeley houses around one art car for every four thousand residents, the highest density in the country for the decidedly personal art form. 

“One of the things about this festival is there’s a lot of tongue in cheek, a lot of self-effacement, which I think is nice,” says Northrup. He says Berkeley isn’t the only community that welcomes artcars, “but Berkeley thinks it’s especially wonderful and is especially nurturing to it.” 

The artcars, from all over the country and Canada, will make their way up from University Avenue at Sacramento Street in West Berkeley, then park along the perimeter of Civic Center Park to receive the adulations of parade goers. The park is also the scene of the festival portion of the event, complete with entertainment, food and drink.  

Northrup will have two rigs in the parade. He will drive his pride and joy, the “Buick of Unconditional Love,” a 1986 Buick Park Avenue once owned by his dad. 

“A luxury automobile,” says Northrup of his hulking piece of Detroit iron. His artistic touches include welding 1941 Buick fenders on the side, making it eight feet wide, and adding 1959 vintage “Dagmar” bumpers in the back. A reference to the well-endowed 1940s actress, Dagmars are steel bullet bumpers that resemble, well, breasts. 

The Buick also sports a school of spawning mummified fish on the hood and gardens on the back and roof.  

A friend will cruise Northrup’s other rig, the “Truck in Flux,” a 1989 Ford Ranger he bought new and soon equipped with some options not available from his dealers—like a Spanish tile roof, neon-outlined 3-D steel flames on the front, and a live garden in the back. 

“Over the years it has become quite dense,” Northrup says of his terrarium on wheels. 

Northrup, 42, got his start modifying cars into rolling pieces of art over 20 years ago in Eugene, Oregon, while working as an artist making assemblages. 

His first effort was a modest facelift for a 1983 Chevy Vega, a much-unloved vehicle of its time. “It was a piece of crap car that I didn’t think represented who I was very well so I put zebra stripes on it and some deer horn antlers. In retrospect, a fairly modest modification and I got such great feedback I thought wow, this is great,” says Northrup. 

But it wasn’t till Northrup found himself in Los Angeles in the early 90s working at an art museum and the Truck in Flux that he discovered he wasn’t alone. 

Friends told him he needed to go to an artcar show in Santa Monica. Northrup didn’t know what an artcar was, but figured he better check it out. 

There he met fellow artcar enthusiast and Berkeley filmmaker Harrod Blank who can be scene driving around town in his van equipped with dozens of working cameras. 

Blank, who’s made two films on artcars and is finishing up a third, is considered something of a seminal figure in the artcar world, says Northrup. 

Like many artcar builders, Northrup worked in isolation until he met Blank. “He’s a main instigator of the artcar movement. He goes around extensively in his artcar meeting everybody and is very much a galvanizing force,” says Northrup.  

Soon Northrup, who now works as an executive producer of animation CD-Roms in San Jose, joined forces with Blank to create the ArtCar Fest, an annual showing of artcars that coincides with the How Berkeley Can You Be? parade. In addition to the vehicles’ appearance in the parade, today the caravan will visit Bay Area schools and tomorrow they’ll strut their stuff at the San Jose Museum of Art. For more information visit www.artcarfest.com. 

The group defines an artcar as any vehicle that’s been permanently altered, is street legal and insured. 

“These aren’t parade floats. Anyone can whip something together in a weekend that’s twenty feet tall, but it’s something else that’ll take you to work and pass inspection and it’s also a sculpture,” says Northrup.  

In addition to the artcars and other parade entries, this year’s How Berkeley Can You Be? parade will also feature food and drink booths and entertainment beginning at 12:30 p.m. in Civic Center Park. 

The park is located between Milvia and Martin Luther King Jr. Way behind the Civic Center and across from Berkeley High School. Scheduled to perform on two stages will be, among others, emcee and Buddhist radio personality Scoop Nisker, South African dance music group Zulu Spear, the 35-piece Punk Rock Orchestra, beatbox virtuosos Tim Barsky and Vowel Movement and country music heartthrob Loretta Lynch. 

For more information go to www.howberkeleycanyoube.com.

Caught in a blizzard of outdated and conflicting regulations, UC Berkeley is trying to determine whether the student government violated UC laws by funding a campaign against Proposition 54. 

At issue is the Graduate Assembly’s (GA) decision three weeks ago to allocate $35,000, some from compulsory student fees, to the “No on 54” campaign coordinated by members of both the Associated Students of the University of California (ASUC) and the Graduate Assembly. The money came from funds carried over from the last year’s GA budget. 

The campaign ordered signs, buttons and other materials to mount a fight against the initiative that would bar the state from tracking race-based data. But campus officials said the campaign has withheld payment on all purchases until the top attorney at the UC Office of the President weighs in on the case. 

“The university is looking into the question if university policies were followed,” said UC Berkeley Dean of Students Karen Kenney, adding that the university was determining if ballot measures fell under the student’s right to lobby or the university’s prohibition against using funds for partisan political purposes. 

The conflict led to a raucous scene at the ASUC Senate session Wednesday night. Senator Paul LaFata from the right-of-center APPLE Party demanded the resignation of ASUC External Vice President Anu Joshi and Graduate Assembly President Jessica Quindel, and claimed someone at the UCLA School of Law intended to file suit against the student government.  

Joshi, a major force behind the “No on 54” campaign, insisted she had violated no laws and that ASUC and UC bylaws were in violation of a recent Supreme Court ruling.  

School officials would not comment on any penalties the ASUC might face if it were found to have violated university bylaws. 

When the controversy first broke earlier this week, UC Berkeley quickly rebuked the GA for violating rules against funding groups for “partisan political purposes.”  

But the university tempered its response after a Wednesday meeting with student government officials who provided legal precedents they said vindicated the GA. 

“We are convinced that everything we did is completely legal,” said Graduate Assembly Executive Vice President Cintya Molina, adding that the assembly had received counsel before making the decision. While ASUC bylaws explicitly prevent it from funding ballot initiatives, Molina said the GA was not bound by those rules. 

UC’s guidelines are a muddled collage that raises more questions than answers. 

According to university policy 83.10, compulsory student government fees cannot be used to support political, ideological, or religious organizations or activities. However, this policy was written in 1994, before a California Supreme Court Case and U.S. Supreme Court case granted student governments more say over their fees. 

In 1999, UC—responding to the court decisions—changed its policy to allow the ASUC and the GA to fund political organizations so long as the funding was based on merit, not politics, and providing for a proportional refund to students who disagreed. Included among the types of activities qualifying for the refund are support or sponsorship of ballot initiatives. 

Student government officials said the policy paved the way for funding the campaign, but representatives at the UC Office of the President disagreed. 

Hanan Eisenman, UCOP spokesperson, said the 1999 policy applies only to student organizations, not the student government. Because the “NO on 54” campaign had close ties to both the ASUC and the GA, school officials said it remained to be determined if “NO on 54” could be considered separate from the governments themselves. 

If UC officials determine the campaign was actually an extension of the student government, it would then be illegal, Eisenman said, because the ASUC is an official unit of the university and therefore prohibited by UC bylaws and state law from funding ballot initiatives. 

UC is nearing the end of a two year process of rewriting its Policy on Student Governments. Section 63.00 of the new draft guidelines state that “Positions on issues taken by student governments shall not be represented or deemed to be positions of any entity of the University, other than the student government.” 

A Feb. 10, 2003, letter from UC Berkeley Vice Chancellor Genaro M. Padilla offered comments on various passages of the updated policies, but did not recommend changing the language of Section 63.00. In his letter, Padilla said that “unless otherwise noted, our comments...should be read to adopt the suggestions previously presented in the policy outline distributed to the campuses for comment.” 

April Labbe, university affairs director for the Student Association of the University of California—which advocates for UC student governments—said other UC campuses have already begun using the revised policies. “As far as I’m concerned, this is university policy,” she said. “If we had thought that what the student government was doing was illegal, we would have steered them away from it.” 

Eisenman replied that because the language had not yet been adopted, it didn’t apply to the Prop. 54 campaign. 

The student government insists that whatever the current UC bylaws, their right to fund ballot initiative campaigns is protected by the United States Supreme Court. 

In 2000 the court ruled 9-0 that the University of Wisconsin Regents could allow compulsory student fees to be spent on student lobbying as long as the allocations were based solely on merit. In that case, student Scott Southworth argued that using compulsory student fees to fund political speech violated his right not to associate with groups he did not support. 

Student government officials said that the decision effectively freed them to use mandatory fees to fund lobbying as long as it was viewpoint neutral.  

But Boalt Hall School of Law Professor Jesse Choper said the Southworth case doesn’t apply in this scenario. “Southworth is a narrow opinion that tries to decide as few things as possible,” he said. “Southworth said a university may [permit compulsory fees to be used for lobbying]. Nothing in Southworth supports the view that the university must [do that]. This is a case in which the university of California says it won’t let funds be used for any political purposes.” 

Aside from the legal wrangling, students remained divided whether their government should be in the business of taking sides on ballot measures—regardless of legality. 

“The ASUC ought not fund off-campus political campaigns unless it represents the common interests of students,” wrote ASUC Senator Paul LaFata in an e-mail to the Daily Planet. “With Prop. 54 there is a substantial number of students who are on both sides of the issue; it is requiring those students [who don’t agree] to give tax-like money to the other side.”  

Molina countered that collecting race-based data was essential for graduate student research and that the GA was defending their constituent’s interests in funding the “No on 54” campaign. 

“Graduate students voted on this because they knew it was essential to the research mission of the university,” she said. “If you can’t do the research here people will go to New York to do research on race.” 

The biggest losers appear to be the students active in the campaign. Most of the supplies purchased were bought by students who expected to be reimbursed by the money allocated from the GA. 

“I’m one of the ones waiting to be reimbursed,” Molina said.

As suggested by the UC Community Coalition on UCB’s Long Range Development Plan environmental review, community open space should be created in compensation for increased traffic, increased building density, for exceeding by twofold the development goals of the 1990 LDRP, etc. I am writing in support of this recommendation and in addition to advocate for preserving existing open space in Strawberry and Claremont Canyons.  

As the San Francisco Bay, Eastshore State Park, Cesar Chavez Park, Aquatic Park, and the Marina flank the western border of Berkeley, it is easy to forget that there is comparable elegance and inspiration on the city’s eastern border. Not just Tilden Park, but Strawberry Canyon and Claremont Canyon are Berkeley and Oakland treasures. Fire trails and deer paths provide entrance into what feels close to wilderness.  

As a resident of Strawberry Canyon, I feel lucky to know her intimately. I have seen owls sitting in trees on early morning walks and heard them at night before being lulled to sleep, seen foxes scampering about, witnessed coveys of quail scurrying across a path, heard from UCB authorities that a mountain lion was nearby, nearly stepped on a rattlesnake, found a cluster of a native plant that rhymes with tritium, i.e. trillium, found chanterelle mushrooms but was afraid to eat them and instead paid $14.99 a pound at Berkeley Bowl, observed spring wildflowers volunteer profusely, listened in only mild astonishment as a university professor and neighbor described seeing a wild turkey, understood but didn’t mind the annoyance of public agencies which had to mitigate protected habitat for the federally endangered Alameda Whipsnake.  

It is a privilege to live in Strawberry Canyon but in fact we are all privileged by living in a compact town that is in walking or biking distance of the canyon. Although it is a canyon in our collective backyard, for many of us it is an undiscovered treasure.  

Despite the relative abundance of the natural world in parts of Strawberry Canyon, other parts of the canyon are little more than an industrial park. As UCB and LBNL expand, they encroach further into the delicate canyon ecology, in spite of the potential of being cut off from services by the Hayward Fault, despite acres and acres of diseased Monterey Pines, with each project adding to the hazard ranking and probability of disaster.  

It is not just various doomsday scenarios that some of us worry about, but that there is an environmental treasure in a town of environmentalists that might easily be destroyed in our lifetime. For example, had it not been for the water people’s passion and a more open public process, LBNL would have filled in a creek with construction debris in order to build a parking lot. Already UCB has built parking lots in Strawberry Canyon that are left empty because the Space Sciences and Mathematical Research Institute employees resist parking fee hikes. Neighbors have stayed the stadium lighting project although the UCB Athletic Department apparently hungers for the glamour and cheap thrills of permanently installed TV broadcasting lights for the very infrequent occasion that a game might be televised. Meanwhile, a revenue-depleted university would in all likelihood exploit a financial crisis to justify using the well-lit stadium for non-intercollegiate non-football activities, e.g. the infamous two-night Paul McCartney concerts and the Oakland Raiders games.  

Strawberry Canyon at least, and Claremont Canyon probably, are crying out for protection from ludicrous development and further environmental degradation. Already the canyons are a respite for hikers, runners, lovers of the natural world, people who want space.  

To save our canyons, we will need to act now. Our canyons are open space treasures waiting to be discovered, adopted, and endorsed by the larger community. During the scoping session for the Long Range Development, please assert the value for open space in compensation for intensified development. Please identify Strawberry and Claremont Canyons open space in particular.  

E-mail comments to 2020lrdp@cp.berkeley.edu or write to Jennifer Lawrence, Capital Projects, 1936 University Ave., Suite 300, Berkeley, CA 94720-1382. The deadline is Friday, Oct. 10. The Notice of Preparation is available on-line at www.cp.berkeley.edu. 

Janice Thomas is president of the Panoramic Hill Association.

Shotgun Players’ new production, “The Water Principle,” takes place at the end of the road at the end of the world. Addie lives alone in a broken-down shack. Water, for drinking or even bathing, has become scarce. Weed, who covets Addie’s land, talks about man as a hunter and farmer, but there’s little left to hunt or to farm. Weed has a stash of canned beans. Addie survives on worms and an occasional crow.  

Eliza Anderson’s grim no-man’s land has its origins in Beckett, and her dialogue, filled with vague menace and unexpected comedy, owes a good deal to Pinter.  

Still, “The Water Principle” feels original and compelling. The short scenes, often connected by sound effects, complement the staccato dialogue. The language sometimes strains for effect, as in Addie’s opening monologue, but is more often sinewy and pungent.  

The production is blessed by three subtle, fully imagined performances. Kate Sheehan is a superb Addie, alternately fierce and resigned but with hints of an almost-forgotten capacity for tenderness. John Thomas is more than a match for her as Weed, whose crazy schemes for an amusement park on her land drive the plot. “Weed’s Wonderland,” he calls it: a false Eden to replace what he and his kind have destroyed. 

The opening series of scenes between the two of them, in which Weed tries to buy, trick, or threaten Addie out of her land, are an absorbing duel between his demented greed and her nearly hopeless but stubborn idealism. To Weed’s bluster about supply and demand and “subsidiary ventures,” Addie has a simple answer. “I’m responsible,” she says.  

Their standoff acquires a new focus with the appearance of Skinner, as accommodating as Addie and Weed are ferocious. Will Weed seduce Skinner with his cans of beans and promises of partnership? Will Addie win out instead with her offer to “put her legs up in the air?” Skinner needs both food and love, and for a while he finds a way to both. Ian Petroni could hardly be better in the part. He makes Skinner’s passivity and detachment seem like a kind of sanity.  

The splendid timing of all three actors and John Warren’s excellent direction keeps the production intense and taut. 

This is theater without frills, performed in a warehouse with less than comfortable seats, but it’s real theater, humming with energy and life. 

The Water Principle runs through Oct. 19 at the Eighth Street Studio, 2525 Eighth St., Berkeley, with Friday and Saturday performances at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 7 p.m. Tickets are $18 adults, $12 for students, seniors and Theatre Bay Area members. 704-8210 or www.shotgunplayers.org.

Fred Lupke died at 7:30 Thursday night of massive head injuries sustained a week ago when his wheelchair was struck by a car on Ashby Avenue in Berkeley. He never regained consciousness after the accident. His sister, Alice Strang of Charlottesville, Va., and his good friends of thirty years, Rich and Mary Rhodes of San Leandro, were with him at Eden Medical Center in Castro Valley at the time of his death. Rich Rhodes said plans for a memorial service are incomplete. Fred Lupke made many friends in Berkeley by participating in community political activities of all kinds, and was much appreciated at the Daily Planet for his work on our calendar and for the pleasure of his company on many occasions. 

—Becky and Mike O’Malley

I love science. 

I especially love science when it helps diminish my guilt about eating calorie-packed, super-rich, sinful desserts. Take, for instance, the latest scientific research on the “Restaurant Syndrome.” This syndrome is what happens to you when you stuff yourself at a restaurant until another bite would be torture. But, magically, your appetite is back in business when the dessert menu arrives. 

What some very intelligent PhDs ascertained, using cutting edge, MRI brain scanning equipment, is the phenomenon of “selective satiation.” Simply explained, there’s a part of your brain that could care less that your tummy is ready to explode, it still wants dessert. 

So, why should I feel guilty when I lust after that luscious rhubarb tart smothered with creme fraiche? 

It’s not a sin, it’s a syndrome. 

To celebrate the major scientific breakthrough on selective satiation, I spent the past month being particularly nice to the dessert region of my own brain. Here are a few of the ways I blissed out those hedonistic neurons. 

O Chame’s Caramel Balsamic Gelato 

For years, my trips to O Chame were prompted by cravings for their green onion pancakes and I ignored their desserts. However, one evening, a friend’s son toiling as an O Chame waiter graciously presented a complementary dish of caramel balsamic gelato to my partner. She politely offered me a spoonful and if a vinegary sweet treat is an acquired taste, I acquired it on the first mouthful. 

You’re wondering precisely what caramel balsamic gelato does taste like? Well, there’s a sublime hint of sour pickle, reminiscent of the homemade variety at Ozzie’s Soda Fountain in Berkeley’s Elmwood District. 

OK, I don’t claim the perspicacious palate of an Iron Chef judge. Look, trust me, when it comes to caramel balsamic gelato it’s the fusion thing; the whole is incomparably greater than the sum of its parts. 

Lo Coco’s Cannolis 

Concluding my feast at Lo Coco, I noticed the couple seated nearby evidencing substantial interest in the cannolis brought to my table. Striking up a conversation, the ex-New Yorkers lamented their quest for a decent cannoli in the Bay Area had been futile. And they recounted the tragic tale of the inferior cannolis the caterer had served at their wedding reception. “You’ve found your Holy Cannoli,” I excitedly exclaimed, “maybe equal to Veneiro’s.” As cannoli connoisseurs, they of course knew New York’s venerable Italian bakery and their eyes lit up in shock and awe. 

Creating a first class cannoli is an art and the LoCoco clan doesn’t cut corners. In fact, when the family cannoli shell specialist is visiting relatives in Sicily you’ll have to make do with tiramisu. I generally frequent the Lo Coco’s Piedmont Avenue 

restaurant where the vivacious Maria keeps the customers entertained. The family also has a Berkeley branch where brother Gilbert presides. To get in shape for a Lo Coco cannoli, try a plate of their scrumptious calamari sauté. 

Kirala’s Sweet Potato Pie 

Kirala has garnered countless accolades for its superb sushi, Robata grill delicacies and top-notch tempura. The praise is deserved. But, if others have raw fish on their mind while waiting on Kirala’s legendary long lines, what I fantasize about is their sweet potato pie. 

Although I’ve been assured by Kirala’s charismatic director of operations, Akira, as well as their affable hostess, Kimi, that the sweet potatoes in the pie are Japanese, what comes across to my culturally deconstructed taste buds is a primo rendition of the traditional soul food staple. Garnished with a dollop of sour cream and sliced strawberries, the smooth texture and yummy, yammy flavor are just right. But, for the full effect, be certain to request the pie be warmed before serving. 

Among Kirala’s other wares is an extensive assortment of premium sakes. If you’re in the mood to splurge ask Dawa, shogun of the sake bar, for a sample of the Gold Medal Koshi no Kambi Muku. A high roller once poured me a shot and that night I dreamed I was a samurai. 

Mangia Mangia’s Zabaglione 

Too often what’s called zabaglione at a restaurant is some cold, unappealing, over-priced glop pulled from the fridge. Fortunately for zabaglione zealots, Mangia Mangia dishes out the genuine article. Authentic zabaglione is made to order, with the basic ingredients, egg yolks, sugar, marsala and white wine, heated and whipped in a distinctive round-bottom copper pan. The frothy result should then be served warm, accompanied by the requisite ladyfinger flag. And that’s exactly the way it’s done at Mangia Mangia! It’s also gratifying the restaurant doesn’t skimp on portion size, serving their zabaglione in an extra large martini glass with a fresh berry surprise when you hit bottom. 

As you might guess, I’ve never gotten beyond the zabaglione on the Mangia Mangia dessert menu, but I must say I’ve observed numerous ecstatic reactions to their chocolate soufflé. Hmmm. I wonder how my brain would respond to consuming both desserts at a single sitting. The Pavlov in me can’t wait to perform that Nobel-winning experiment. 

Finally, I should add that not only do I have a scientifically based excuse for feeding my dessert habit, it’s also politically correct. Burdened by depressing thoughts at an anti-war demonstration protesting Bush’s Iraq invasion, I discovered myself marching alongside a member of the family owning Mangia Mangia. Reinvigorated by visions of zabaglione, I again got caught up in the camaraderie of the crowed and was inspired to chant my favorite revolutionary slogan: “Eat the Rich!” 

A lawsuit filed by neighborhood opponents of the school district’s planned Adult School move to the former Franklin Elementary School site has no merit, Berkeley Unified School District Superintendent Michele Lawrence said. 

“We followed all requirements of laws and held numerous community meetings to work collaboratively with the community and still work in the best interests of the students we serve,” she said. 

A pair of neighbors filed suit in Alameda County Superior Court against the district, charging that its environmental impact report failed to adequately mitigate their traffic concerns and ignored the second half of the district’s plan—moving district administration offices to the current Berkeley Unified Adult School housed at the district’s West Campus site at 1222 University Ave. 

Berkeley City Manager Weldon Rucker—noting past statements by district officials linking the projects— had earlier urged the school board to reject the environmental report and conduct a new one that would study the impact at West Campus as well. 

Lawrence said that any future use for West Campus was purely conjecture. 

“It is perfectly reasonable for the superintendent to express ideas in an open forum. But they do not become subject to any type of legal ruling until the board decides those ideas have merit,” she said. 

Neighbors at both the West Campus and Franklin sites have opposed the move, but the district argued the move is necessary to keep the Adult School viable. The dilapidated Adult School building requires a major retrofit that would take a few years of planning and construction, district officials said. During construction, school functions would have to be relegated to portable classrooms or some other smaller facility—and that would mean cutting classes and firing teachers. 

Meanwhile, independent of the lawsuit, Adult School staff and students and neighbors will meet next week to consider changes to the controversial school site plan. 

Neighbors have complained that the current plan will push new parking spaces right up against their homes and increase traffic on residential streets. 

Among the six neighbors participating in the meeting will be Dietmar Lorenz, a Berkeley-based architect who designed an alternative plan, lauded by neighbors, that would orient the school towards its western edge at San Pablo Avenue and reconfigure its parking scheme. 

“The current layout wastes space for a small amount of parking,” Lorenz said. “It was obvious from the beginning that we could just tweak that to package more cars in less space.” 

Lorenz’s plan calls for using the additional space to plant shrubbery between the edges of the lot and adjacent homes to give neighbors a buffer and would create a pedestrian boardwalk from San Pablo Avenue to the school building to instill “a visual connection” between the proposed main entrance and the school. 

Caleb Dardick, school district community relations consultant, said district officials are open to Lorenz’s ideas and have forwarded them to the district’s architectural firm. 

“The architects are reviewing the plans,” he said. “We are open to improving the landscape design to come up with something everyone can be happy about.” 

All plans hinge on both the outcome of the lawsuit and the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) decision to permit a new driveway entrance on San Pablo—which they control as a state highway. Caltrans officials say they are open to the idea, but have not received sufficient information from the district to give approval.

Berkeley’s “Early Women” exhibit 

Berkeley’s fall history season kicks off this weekend with the opening of a new exhibit, “Early Women of Berkeley (1878-1953),” at the Berkeley History Center. 

During the late 19th and early 20th Centuries, women were far from idle in civic affairs. Excluded from voting, office-holding, and many occupations and activities, local women formed their own organizations and networks and took on political, social, and other community-minded causes.  

The movement that ensured Berkeley’s character as a town filled with Arts & Crafts homes was started by women who formed the Hillside Club in the 1890s to lobby for “building with nature” and stand up to both city officials and local developers. 

Berkeley women also organized vigorous chapters of the League of Women Voters, the College Women’s Club/American Association of University Women, and a dizzying array of home-grown social and activist societies from World War I’s Mobilized Women of Berkeley to the Women’s City Club, Town & Gown Club, and Berkeley Political Equality League. 

The exhibit profiles several organizations as well as notable women in early Berkeley history from Barbara Armstrong (first woman law professor in the United States), to Phoebe Hearst (first woman to serve as a UC Regent), Carrie Hoyt (Berkeley’s first woman mayor), architect Lillian Bridgman, and philanthropist and naturalist Annie Alexander. 

Also featured are Berkeley women who pioneered across daunting racial barriers, including artist Haruko Obata, African American schoolteacher Ruth Acty, and activists Frances Albrier and Tarea Hall Pittman. 

Curated by Phyllis Gale and co-sponsored by the Berkeley Historical Society and College Women’s Club, the exhibit opens with a special program on Sunday, Sept. 28, from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Berkeley History Center, 1931 Center St., in the Veteran’s Memorial Building. 

The opening follows the annual “How Berkeley Can You Be?” parade in Civic Center Park, right in front of the Veteran’s Building. 

Admission to the opening is free, as is admission to the exhibit during the Center’s regular hours, Thursday-Saturday, 1-4 p.m., throughout the fall. 

Two weeks after the opening, on the afternoon Sunday, Oct. 12, a free Afternoon Tea honoring the Women’s Club Movement in Berkeley will be held from 3-5 p.m. in the exhibit space with a special guest speaker.  

Berkeley Y hosts literacy night 

The Downtown Berkeley YMCA holds its first Family Literacy Night from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday at the Y, 2001 Allston Way. 

Funded by a grant from Every Child Counts of Alameda County, the event features storytelling, music, games, book swaps, and a chance to make a book. 

For further information, call 486-8408 or visit baymca.org. 

Smut peddler honors Free Speech Movement 

The Berkeley chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union will honor the 39th anniversary of the Free Speech Movement by hosting one of American’s most controversial First Amendment advocates. 

Larry Flynt, recall election gubernatorial candidate and self-avowed smut peddler, will address ACLU members in the Pauley Ballroom West on the UC campus at 7 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 6. 

The publisher of Hustler magazine, Flynt has been an outspoken advocate of free speech rights, and occupies a wheelchair as the result of a near-fatal gunshot wound he received outside a courthouse where he was on trial for selling pornography. 

Flynt’s address will be accompanied by remarks from a panel of First Amendment scholars who will discuss the role of controversial speech in American life. 

Swimmers fight cancer 

The East Bay Women’s Cancer Resource Center is looking for participants, volunteers, and donors for its annual Swim A Mile fundraising event, to be held Oct. 4 and 5 at Trefethan Aquatic Center on the Mills College Campus in Oakland. 

Would-be swimmers can call 601-4040 ext. 180 for registration information or e-mail swimamilewcrc@yahoo.com. For more information on Cancer ResourceCenter Services, call 604-4040 or visit the site online, www.wcrc.org.

Drug bust 

Berkeley Police executed two warrants on homes in Oakland last week netting nearly four ounces of crack cocaine, one-half ounce of cocaine and a semi-automatic pistol. The warrants were served to homes on the 2100 block of 8th Avenue in Oakland and the 900 block of Adeline Street in Oakland. Police arrested Parrish Grayson, 31, of Oakland and Tamara Arnold-Kidd, 29, also of Oakland. 

Offensive gorilla 

Police were called to the 2600 block of Dana Street Tuesday when a resident spotted a stuffed gorilla wearing a red and white San Francisco 49ers jacket with the words “I’m Gay” written on the back. Police have not determined if the incident will be classified as a hate crime. 

Robbery 

A woman at the intersection of College and Ashby Avenues was robbed Tuesday morning by a man who approached her and snatched her purse, he said. The suspect is described as a white male teenager, about five feet nine inches tall, weighing 150 pounds and sporting red, pink and green hair.

Ward Connerly—the man so many Berkeley residents love to hate—showed up on the UC campus this week, speaking at a packed conservative lecture series event to promote passage of Proposition 54. 

While he displayed no signs of the health problems that caused him to cancel a UCB Prop. 54 debate a week ago, the 64-year-old UC Regent appeared to be uncharacteristically tired as he mixed with students following last Tuesday night’s event. 

Proposition 54 is the Connerly-authored initiative on the Oct. 7 ballot that would ban government collection of most race-based data in California. 

The Tuesday night event, held in the Han Shun Auditorium of the Valley Life Sciences Building, was co-sponsored by the Berkeley College Republicans and the California Patriot, a conservative UCB student publication. While it was billed as a lecture, Connerly gave only a brief opening statement, and spent most of his hour-long presentation answering questions from the largely anti-54 student crowd. 

Connerly often scolded the sometimes raucous audience, telling one woman who interrupted his open remarks that, “I wonder if you realize how rude it is to speak out in the middle of someone’s statement.” To another woman who asked how Connerly felt about “being the leading black spokesperson for white racism,” he replied that, “it does not speak well for an intellectual mind to say that people should hold a certain view because of their skin color. Shame on you.” 

To a Native American woman who complained that her people had been marginalized, he reminded her of the powerful political position of Indian tribe gambling interests in California. 

“You may not want to hear that,” he said, “but that’s your problem. It’s the truth.” To charges of ulterior motives, he answered that he didn’t believe in segregation. “There is no right-wing agenda here.” 

Event organizers threatened to eject one woman who repeatedly interrupted Connerly. She finally stopped interrupting after an event security official spoke quietly with her. 

Many students appeared more interested in an actual debate on the substance and possible effects of Prop. 54 than they were on questioning Connerly’s motives. To these, Connerly gave long, back-and-forth attention, at one point seizing the microphone from the young moderator who seemed determined to stop anyone from asking a followup question. 

After Connerly said race-based data was no longer needed because “racism is not as prevalent as it was 30 to 40 years ago,” a young woman asked him, “But what if you’re wrong? How will we be able to get the data to find out what’s happening if your proposition passes?” 

“You’ve got data up the ying-yang right now,” Connerly answered, “but you’re still complaining that your status isn’t improving.” 

Connerly said that the collection of race-based data would have no effect on fighting discrimination. “We didn’t need data during the civil rights movement.” 

A small group of protesters from the Coalition to Defend Affirmative Action and Fight for Equality By Any Means Necessary (BAMN) held a short anti-Connerly rally in front of the Life Sciences Building before the event, carrying signs reading “Connerly = Civil Rights Fraud,” “Keep Jim Crow In His Grave,” and calling on Connerly to resign from his position as UC Regent.

Those of you with long enough memories will recall the time, during the Vietnam War, when the Pentagon stopped issuing the daily reports of actual U.S. deaths. Instead, they went to a system of estimation. 

Each evening the news anchor would come on with a grave face and say, “Today, U.S. forces in Vietnam suffered moderate to heavy casualties,” and everybody would feel bad. The next evening, however, the news anchor’s tone was lighter, and he would report (it was almost always a he, in those days) that “in scattered fighting around the Delta, U.S. soldiers only suffered light to moderate casualties.” Which prompted one soldier to say, in a widely reported remark, that he hoped that if he died in Vietnam it would be on a day of moderate to heavy casualties, since on light-to-moderate days, nobody back home seemed to care.  

Thus must think the residents of Oakland these past few years.  

Unless you’re clever enough to get killed in Oakland while simultaneously living in the “right” neighborhood, or being in the “right” socio-economic class, Oakland murder victims seem to be noticed by the general public (media, most especially) in direct proportion to their relationship to the rise and fall of Oakland’s murder rate. 

Get killed in a year when the murder rate is dropping, and only your close friends and relatives seem to either notice or care. Get killed in a year when the rate is rising, and you find yourself part of something “larger” going on. Politicians and preachers pontificate over your plight. News anchors mention your name several times. You’ll even get your picture on one of those newspaper spreadsheets posted on flatlands storefront windows, the paper turning gradually brittle-yellow in the sun, there for the admonishment of little children and to give them bad dreams in the night. 

Now, staring out at you from the past, is George Peoples. Victim No. 79. Shot on San Pablo and 31st. Your chance for immortality, at least until the Scotch tape at the paper’s corners grows weary and pulls away from the glass.  

It is all politics and perception, of course. 

What’s the difference between a rising and a falling murder rate? We went from 85 to 83 a couple of years ago, if I remember right, and city leaders thumped their chests and talked about how things were getting better, so we needn’t worry. In the ninth month of this year, approaching the somehow “magic” and embarrassing number of 100 for the second year in a row, we argue in the press and scramble for solutions.  

The Oakland police, feeling that they must do something because, after all, they are the police, gather all their compatriots from the sheriff’s department and the highway patrol and flood the flatlands corridors on a hot weekend night. 

Channel Two News, giving away the secret, reports that the police are out there to curb Oakland’s murders and to shut down its “dangerous sideshows.” Oh, yes. If we can’t stop those horrible murders, at least we can do something about those rowdy kids.  

Members of OPD’s homicide squad, who presumably know a little bit about how murders are both prevented and solved, must have been embarrassed. Several hundred police, all cruising the same streets looking warily at the same street corner, and knots of saggy-jeaned Latino and African-American men, can only get in each other’s way. 

On International they parked a patrol car every four or five blocks so that the murderers had to walk over as far as, say, Holly or C Street to get an unobstructed shot. How inconvenient. Apparently bored, the police took to rousting the expanding cadre of East 14th prostitutes. There was, after all, some logic to this action. 

There are few reports of Oakland prostitutes as murderers, but several, recently, as murder victims, so perhaps the police believe that getting potential victims off the street will prevent potential murders. At least something came of this exercise beyond some hundred arrests for DUI’s and unpaid parking tickets. 

Perhaps we should all, out here in the flats, ask to be put in protective custody for the weekends. Deprived of victims, the murderers might go elsewhere.  

Once again, we hear the old cry that Oakland crime could be solved if only Oakland citizens would cooperate with the police. I might, if I could find one who stopped on my block long enough to do more than place a ticket on a stray car. Mostly, they just fly through in their cruisers. They do not smile or wave or stop to chat. I am a grandfather. My jeans do not sag, and there is gray in my beard. Still, the police cannot be sure if I am a citizen to be protected or a criminal looking for my next hit, so I guess they feel they have to be careful and treat us all with the same suspicion. And as for the kids, of course—mine included—the police seem to have no doubt.  

Mars, the war planet, hangs in the sky, bright and hard and heavy, peering into our front porch each night. The murderous Oakland Summer of 2003 passes on into the fall. 

I wish there were some bright solution, or even a clever ending to this column. None seems in sight, so I think I’ll go inside, before the shooting starts. Again.

Fred Lupke, a fighter for Berkeley’s disabled population, remained in a coma Tuesday at Eden Medical Center in Castro Valley where he was hospitalized after a car struck his motorized wheelchair Thursday evening. 

“He suffered massive head trauma. The doctors don’t know if he will recover,” said longtime friend Rich Rhodes. 

According to Berkeley Police Officer Matthew Meredith, Lupke was traveling westbound on Ashby Avenue about seven feet from the curb in the right lane between Harper and Ellis Streets when a woman driving the same direction struck the back of his chair, throwing Lupke and the chair about 55 feet. 

California law requires that riders keep motorized wheelchairs on sidewalks. 

Lupke’s friends agonized over his judgment to ride down Ashby in the thick of rush hour traffic with fellow drivers heading straight into the setting sun. But, they said, uneven sidewalks along Ashby and speed bumps on neighboring roads might have given him little other option. 

“I never go on Ashby because the sidewalks are all broken up,” said Blane Beckwith, president of the local chapter of ADAPT an advocacy group for the disabled. 

“There is a big hole in the sidewalk [where Lupke was riding],” Beckwith said. “If you hit it, you break your chair.” 

Beckwith said many of the curb cuts to the sidewalk were built incorrectly on Ashby and throughout Berkeley, making it even more difficult for people on wheelchairs to get off the street. 

The city shares responsibility for upkeep of Ashby—a state highway— with the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), but the sidewalks are the city’s responsibility, said Councilmember Dona Spring, who also rides a motorized wheelchair. 

Spring said after the defeat of last year’s Ballot Measure L last year—which would have funded pedestrian safety projects—the city doesn’t have the money to make needed repairs. 

Lupke’s closest alternatives to Ashby—Russell Street to the north and Prince Street to the south—have speed bumps which are painful for some disabled people to traverse. 

“Fred avoided speed bumps if he could [because they caused him pain,]” said Rhodes, who said Lupke tended to choose the closest distance between two points and often rode down busy streets. 

The city issued a moratorium on building more speed bumps several years ago after disabled residents complained that they caused pain and firefighters reported that they slowed down and damaged fire trucks responding to emergencies. 

In 1999 the Commission on Disabilities petitioned the city to remove them, but the council declined. 

Peter Hillier, the Berkeley’s Director of Transportation, said that about 50 Berkeley streets have speed bumps. 

“I have no access to roads with speed bumps,” said Emily Wilcox, chair of the city’s Commission on Disability. Wilcox, who is not wheelchair-bound, said driving over the bumps in her car causes severe pain. 

Beckwith said many wheelchair riders choose to avoid the bumps because they damage their chairs. 

“MediCal is going into the crapper. They’re not going to be willing to pay for new chairs and people are having trouble getting new chairs and chair repairs authorized,” Beckwith said. 

The average motorized chair costs about $15,000, he said, and replacements were granted every five years. 

Disabled advocates say Berkeley streets are getting more dangerous for wheelchair riders. “I have two or three close calls a month,” Beckwith said.  

Sharon Spencer was killed two years ago when her wheelchair was struck by an oncoming car as she crossed Ashby at Piedmont Avenue, and Karen Craig was struck two weeks ago crossing Colusa Street at Solano Avenue when a motorist answering a cell phone call didn’t see her in the crosswalk. She did not suffer serious injuries. 

Police treat people on wheelchairs as pedestrians and do not track the number of wheelchair-related accidents. 

Wheelchair riders do credit Berkeley for taking the lead in safety for the disabled. “Berkeley is the best,” Beckwith said. “It at least tries hard for good sidewalks and curb cuts.”  

No doubt Fred Lupke deserves some credit for Berkeley’s high marks.  

Lupke moved to the area in 1986 when he knew a degenerative back condition, caused by a spinal tumor diagnosed in 1973, would soon force him into a wheelchair. 

“He knew about the Center for Independent Living, and the weather, and he thought it would be a good place to go,” said Rhodes, who moved to Berkeley at the same time. 

After he got his first chair in 1988, Lupke became a tireless advocate for the disabled, fighting for access to city buildings and parks. 

Although his degree is in linguistics, Lupke used his analytic skills to pore over building plans to see if they provided access to people in wheelchairs. An avid swimmer, he championed Measure R in 2000, a ballot proposition that provided funds for a warm water pool at Berkeley High School. 

“I admire his independence,” said Wilcox. “He never asked for anything from anybody. He did for himself, just as he did for other people.”

TUESDAY, SEPT. 23 

Access to the Outdoors for People with Disabilities, a pre- 

sentation from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Berkeley Main Library Conference 

Room, 3rd Floor, 2090 Kittredge. Pre-registration required, call Access Northern California at 524-2026. 

Equinox Gathering at the Solar Calendar, Cesar Chavez Park, Berkeley Marina. Workshop at 6:30 p.m. on the seasons led by Alan Gould, Law- 

rence Hall of Science. 845-0657. www.solarcalendar.org  

Berkeley Fair Elections Coalition volunteers meeting and speaker training at 7 p.m. Call 693-5779 for location. 

“Mobilizing Millions: How Internet Activists are Helping the World,” with Joan Blades, co-founder of MoveOn.org, at 7:30 p.m. at The College Prep- 

aratory School, Buttner Auditor- 

ium, 6100 Broadway (north), Oakland. Cost is $10 adult, $5 student. 658-5202. www.college-prep.org/livetalk  

“Hillel: Tenets of Judaism” at 7:30 p.m. at International House, Home Room, Piedmont at Bancroft. 642-9460. 

Lawyers in the Library at 6 p.m. at the West Branch, University above San Pablo. 981-6270. 

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 24 

“The Voting Machine Scandal: The Promise and Pitfalls of Touch-Screen Voting” with Katherine Forrest, Co-founder of the Commonweal  

Institute, at 1:30 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Sponsored by the Berkeley Gray Panthers. 548-9696.  

Berkeley Peace Walk and Vigil at the Berkeley BART Station, corner of Shattuck and Center. Vigil at 6:30 p.m. followed by Peace Walk at 7 p.m. www.geocities. 

com/vigil4peace/vigil 

Free Lead-Safe Painting and Remodeling Class Learn how to detect and remedy lead hazards and conduct lead-safe renovations for your older home, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Emery- 

ville Child Development Center, 1220 – 53rd Street, Emeryville. For information or to register, call 567-8280.  

Prose Writers Workshop Novices welcome. Experienced facilitator. Community sponsored, no fee. Meets 7 to 9 p.m. at the Jewish Community Center, 1414 Walnut, at Rose. For information call 524-3034. 

Berkeley CopWatch open office hours 7 to 9 p.m. Drop in to file complaints, assistance available. For information call 548-0425. 

THURSDAY, SEPT. 25 

Defeat Prop 54 Rally and March, at noon at Sproul Plaza, UC Campus. Sponsored by the Committee to Defend Affirmative Action. www.bamn.com 

“Unanswered Questions of 9-11,” presented by The Robber Barons, at 7 p.m. at Ashkenaz, 1317 San Pablo Ave. Free. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Brower Youth Awards at 6 p.m. in the Florence Schwimley Theater, 1920 Allston Way. Meet six of the nation’s outstanding young environmental leaders and learn about their work in conservation, preservation and restoration of the earth. Free, but reservations suggested. 415-788-3666 ext. 260. www.earthisland.org 

Alameda County Democratic Party Unity Dinner at the Airport Hilton in Oakland from 6 to 9 p.m. The cost of the event is $75 per person with the proceeds from this event funding our 2004 grassroots campaign throughout Alameda County. If you wish to attend, please call 791-2179 or 635-3121. 

“Masai Culture in the 21st Century” with Kores Ole Musuni Solomon at 7:30 p.m. at International House, Home Room, Piedmont at Bancroft. 642-9460. 

“Watt‘s In It for Us?” Renewable Energy Forum Learn about current incentive programs including state rebates, low-interest financing, and tax credits. Panelists will include solar system owners, renewable energy experts and representatives from the City of Berkeley, PG&E and the California Energy Commission. From 7 to 9 p.m. at the Ecology Center, 2530 San Pablo Ave., near Dwight Way. 548-2220 ext. 233. 

“The Presidents of the United States and the Jews,” with Rabbi David Dalin at 7:30 p.m. in the Dinner Boardroom, Hewlett Library, 2400 Ridge Rd. Presented by the GTU’s Center for Jewish Studies. 649-2482.  

FRIDAY, SEPT. 26 

City Commons Club Noon Luncheon with George Coffin, MD, Pediatrician, on “Headed- 

ness.” Luncheon at 11:45 a.m. for $11.50 - $12.50, speech at 12:30 p.m., at the Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant St. For information and reservations call 526-2925 or 665-9020. 

“The War in Iraq and the American Economy,” with Paul Krugman, New York Times columnist Professor of Econo- 

mics and International Affairs at Princeton University, at noon at Anderson Auditorium, Haas School. Sponsored by The Graduate School of Journalism, Haas School of Business and The World Affairs Council of Northern California. 642-3383.  

Wisdom and Action A three-day conference dedicated to the positive relationship between wisdom and action. This conference honors the person, work, ideals, and influence of Joanna Macy. At St. John's Presbyterian Church, 2727 College Ave. Cost is $295 for three days. For information call 415-575-6115 or visit www.ciis.edu/pcc/conference 

Women in Black Vigil, from noon to 1 p.m. at UC Berkeley, Bancroft at Telegraph. wibberkeley@yahoo.com 548-6310, 845-1143. 

Meditation, Peace Vigil and Dialogue, gather at noon on the grass close to the west en- 

trance to UC Berkeley, on Ox- 

ford St. near University Ave. 496-6000, ext. 135. www.bpf.org 

SATURDAY, SEPT. 27 

Friends of Five Creeks work party beginning 9 am. Plant natives and celebrate new plaques with a picnic at our Codornices Creek at Ohlone Greenway, opposite 1200 Masonic or take Greenway north from Gilman.  

Gardening with Kids at 10 a.m. at Magic Gardens Nursery, 729 Heinz Ave. 644-1992. 

Green Living Series: Introduction to Sustainable Living Identify the most harmful consumer practices and ways that you can lighten your impact on the earth, including transportation, food, heating and appliances, reuse and recycling, renewable energy, and getting involved in local community. From 10 a.m. to noon at the Ecology Center, 2530 San Pablo Ave. For information call 548-2220 ext. 233.  

Gardening for Life: Monoculture vs. Biodiversity Learn to garden in a way that supports a diversity of life. From 10 a.m. to noon at the 59th St. Community Garden, between Market and Adeline, Oakland. For information email karenjoy@uclink.berkeley.edu 

“Palestinian Crisis: Another Catastrophe in the Making,” slide show presentation by Anne Gwynne, at 6:30 p.m. at Redwood Gardens, Community Room, Clark Kerr Campus, 2951 Derby St. Fundraiser for the children of Nablus, $20 suggested donation, no one turned away for lack of funds. www.geo- 

cities.com/vigil4peace/vigil 

“Illuminations: Cuba’s Fate and Ours” A talk and slide show on sustainable development in Cuba by Philip S. Wenz, editor of “ECOTECTURE: The Online Journal of Ecological Design.” At 7 p.m. at 1450 Hawthorne Terrace. Please RSVP to Kirstin Miller at 419-0850 as seating is limited. www.ecotecture.com  

Free Emergency Preparedness Class on Fire Suppression, for anyone who lives or works in Berkeley, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 997 Cedar St. Register on-line at www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/fire/oes or by calling 981-5506. 

Berkeley Historical Society Walking Tour, Women on UC Berkeley Campus, led by Betty Marvin. Begins at 10 a.m. Reservations and a donation of $8 required. 848-0181. 

Pet Adoptions, sponsored by Home at Last, from noon to 5 p.m., Hearst and 4th St. 548-9223. 

String Band Convention, featuring a string band contest followed by a community dance. Hosted by Suzy Thompson of Bluegrass Intentions California Cajun Orchestra, and co-sponsored by KPFA radio, with Mary Tilson as MC. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Farmers’ Market, Center St. at MLK, Jr. Way. 548-3333. www.ecologycenter.org  

Careers in International Trade, a workshop on Sept. 27 from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Vista Community College’s Allston Way Annex, 2075 Allston Way. Register at www.peralta.cc. 

ca.us or call 981-2927. 

SUNDAY, SEPT. 28 

How Berkeley Can You Be? Grand Parade and Festival from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Parade up University Ave. followed by festival at Civic Center Park. Outdoor stage, live music and dance, food and drink booths, crafts, non-profits and children's activities. 654-6346. www.hesternet/event 

Bay Area Women in Black, Community Tashlich Observance, a Jewish New Year's ritual in which the wrongdoings of the past year are cast off into moving waters. Meet at the Emeryville Marina at 4 p.m. Everyone welcome. For further information call 597-1070 or email bayareawomeninblack 

@earthlink.net 

Berkeley City Club free tour from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Tours are sponsored by the Berkeley City Club and the Landmark Heritage Foundation. Donations welcome. The Berkeley City Club is located at 2315 Durant Ave. For group reservations or more information, call 848-7800 or 883-9710. 

“Out and About in Rockridge” Street Fair, Picnic in the Street and Kitchen Tour from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Free except for Kitchen Tour. For tickets and information call 644-4228 or visit www.rockridge.org, www.rockridgedistrict.com 

“Genetic Engineering: Who Draws the Line,” with Charles Weiner, Professor of History of Science and Technology, MIT, at 2 p.m. at Museum Theater, Berkeley Art Museum. Cost is $10. Registration recommended. 642-4111.  

Fall Plant Sale at the Botanical Garden offering a diverse range of plants for the Bay Area gardener including many which are not widely available: the Chilean bellflower, rare South African bulbs, natives such as the giant coreopsis, as well as exotic carnivorous plants and houseplants. Members only sale at 9 a.m., open to the public at 10 am. 643-2755. botanicalgarden.berkeley.edu  

MONDAY, SEPT. 29 

Rally for Environmental Justice Join California environmental justice leaders to make your community’s voice heard. At 1 p.m. in Preservation Park, 1233 Preservation Park Way, Oakland. 834-8920.  

East Bay Community Against the War Video screening and discussion of “Unprecedented: The 2000 Presidential Election,” at 7 p.m. at Grand Lake Theater, 530 Lake Park Ave. $1 suggested donation, no one turned away for lack of funds. Sponsored by East Bay Community Against the War 658-8994. www.ebcaw.org 

Berkeley CopWatch organizational meeting at 6 p.m. at 2022 Blake St. Join us to work on current issues around police misconduct. Volunteers needed. For information call 548-0425. 

ONGOING  

Acting and Storytelling Classes for Seniors, offered by Stagebridge. Wednesdays and Fridays, at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Held at Arts First Oakland, 2501 Harrison St., close to BART and AC Transit. 444-4755. www.stagebridge.org 

People's Park Community Advisory Board is seeking members. Applications will be accepted until Sept. 30. They are available at the People's Park office, 642-3255; the UC Office of Community Relations, 643-5299; and via e-mail to plspark@uclink.berkeley.edu. 

Free Smoke Detectors for City residents and UC Berkeley students who live off-campus. Applications are available from the Environment, Health & Safety office of UC Berkeley, at any Berkeley Fire Station, or at the Fire Admin. Office located at 2100 MLK, Jr. Way. 981-5585.  

Free Energy Bill Payment Assistance The City of Berkeley has money to help low-income households pay their gas and electric bills. For applications contact the Energy Office at 644-8544. TDD: 981-6903. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/energy 

Swim a Mile for Women with Cancer The East Bay’s Women’s Cancer Resource Center is seeking participants, supporters, and in-kind donations for its annual non-competitive fundraising event, to be held on Oct. 4-5 at the Trefethan Aquatic Center on the Mills College campus. For more information on how to register for this event, please call 601-4040, ext. 180 or email swimamilewcrc@yahoo.com 

Cal Community Service Days Students, alumni, faculty, staff and community members are invited to participate in a series of workshops and community service projects from Sept. 29 to Oct. 4. For information on how to get involved, see http://students.berkeley.edu/calcorps/cad.html 

CITY MEETINGS 

Civic Arts Commission meets Wed., Sept. 24, at 6:30 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Mary Ann Merker, 981-7533. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/ 

commissions/civicarts 

Disaster Council meets Wed., Sept. 24, at 7 p.m., at the Emergency Operations Center, 997 Cedar St. Carol Lopes, 981-5514. www.ci.berkeley.ca. us/commissions/disaster 

Energy Commission meets Wed., Sept. 24, at 6:30 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Neal De Snoo, 981-5434. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/energy 

Planning Commission meets Wed., Sept. 24, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Ruth Grimes, 981-7481. www.ci.berkeley. ca.us/commissions/planning 

Police Review Commission meets Wed., Sept. 24, at 7:30 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Barbara Attard, 981-4950. www.ci.berkeley. 

ca.us/commissions/policereview 

West Berkeley Project Area Commission meets Thurs., Sept. 25, at 7 p.m., at the West Berkeley Senior Center. 981-7520. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/ 

commissions/westberkeley  

Zoning Adjustments Board meets Thurs., Sept. 25, at 7 p.m., in City Council Chambers. Mark Rhoades, 981-7410. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/zoning

A few years ago I saw a terrific production of “The Wiz” at Berkeley High. One of the best characters in this update of “The Wizard of Oz” is the Wicked Witch of the West, Evillene. Her signature refrain is: “Don’t nobody bring me no bad news!”  

Recent emanations from Berkeley High remind me of this production. Two papers, the Berkeley Daily Planet and the Oakland Tribune, made conscientious efforts to find out exactly why new B.H.S. Principal James Slemp canceled a football game with Oakland Tech. Our reporter had a lot of trouble getting information from anyone in the Berkeley Unified School District except BUSD’s PR guy, Mark Coplan, so he went to his sources in Oakland, where he’s lived and worked for many years, to report the story from the Oakland perspective. The day the story appeared in the Planet and the Tribune, Coplan posted this e-mail message on an email tree maintained by parents of Berkeley students: 

"The cancellation of the Berkeley High - Oakland Technical High School football game was covered in the local papers today (Friday Sept. 12). Because of the dissimilarity in their reports, I direct you to the coverage in the Berkeley Voice for the more accurate version." 

The Planet takes our reputation for accuracy seriously, so we immediately responded to the posting with a request that Mr. Coplan specify exactly what in our coverage he found inaccurate. We have still not received a reply from Mr. Coplan. We sent School Board Vice-President John Selawsky a copy of our request, and his comments are on the facing page.  

First, yes, the headline writer (not the reporter) did make the mistake of assuming that the School Board had approved the game cancellation—not an unreasonable assumption, but incorrect. But Mr. Selawsky offers no specifics to back up these vague charges: 

“Inaccuracies and speculation abound in the article; very little actual information is offered. I'm disappointed in the low level reportage of this story, the inaccuracies it includes, the omissions it does not, and the harm such inaccurate reportage does to our district and community.” 

What inaccuracies is he talking about? The hard facts in the Planet’s article were substantially the same as the facts in the Tribune. Both papers made an effort to go further than the very sketchy details provided by the BUSD public relations officer. Both were forced to rely on Oakland sources because they couldn’t get information in Berkeley. (The Voice, presumably, earned BUSD’s accolade by sticking to BUSD press releases.) If the Berkeley District, even now in retrospect, would like to provide specific and accurate information about why the game was canceled, I’m sure both papers would be delighted to print it. We agree with Mr. Selawsky that inadequate information harms the community. 

Why is this important? Because we, as citizens, parents and administrators, do have a responsibility to use all reasonable precautions to ensure the safety of our schoolchildren. On the other hand, it is very harmful to our young people for us to make decisions based on vague, unspoken rumors of possible danger from unnamed shadowy persons. Such conclusions, if undocumented, could be the local equivalent of Bush and Blair’s speeches about WMDs. Kids these days have plenty of real problems to worry about, and adults don’t help them by appearing to panic.  

School district administrators and school board members should remember the story of Chicken Little, which belongs in every first grade classroom, and not be too quick to say that the sky is falling. They should remember the old story of the shepherd boy who cried once too often that a wolf was threatening his flock, so that he wasn’t believed when the wolf actually came.  

The best efforts of reporters at two local papers have still produced almost no specifics about what information prompted Slemp to call off the game, and not much about where he got it. Was he worried about student-to-student violence? Between team members or spectators? Or was it outsiders, adults or teens? Gang-related or not? Did Slemp fear an invasion of marauders from Oakland, or from another city? Why couldn’t the Berkeley Police department handle such a situation? (They provided a large contingent of officers at the Solano Stroll, enough to handle almost anything short of an army in tanks.) If the police can’t deal with high school football games, what will happen the next time there’s a big pop concert at the Berkeley Community Theater, also on the Berkeley High campus?  

Questions like these deserve answers, from both administrators and school board members. As a community, we need to separate scary rumors from proven threats, and to know if our police department can’t cope with such threats if they’re real and might recur in the future. 

This is not the first time the Berkeley Unified School District has been less than candid. Our Planet predecessors won an award for uncovering school board meetings which violated the Brown Act. One of their reporters uncovered an unpublicized agreement to axe the African-American studies department at Berkeley High. Neighbors are now suing the district for failing to comply with California Environmental Quality Act disclosure requirements for proposed projects on school sites. City Manager Weldon Rucker (whose wife is a former school board member) sent a pointed letter asking for a full environmental impact report on these projects. It was ignored. 

The Berkeley Unified School District needs to start taking responsibility for making sure that citizens get the facts, and get them promptly. The Planet will report on whatever we can find out about. We will also report on what we should know about, but don’t. Even if that’s bad news for board members and public information officers…. 

I used Google on the Internet to verify Evillene’s exact quote, and found it, among other places, in a sermon posted by the Rev. Frank Logue, a rector in a small town in Georgia. He chided his congregation for wanting only cheery sermons using this analogy: 

“Small town local newspapers are known to be like sundials, they only work in the sunny hours and so are filled with good news. But, even our local Tribune and Georgian too often has to report bad news.” 

The Daily Planet, though a small town local newspaper, aims to be more than a sundial. Whether the BUSD likes it or not, sometimes we have to report the bad news.  

Full disclosure: Executive Editor Becky O’Malley’s three daughters graduated from Berkeley High, and her daughter Eliza O’Malley was musical director for “The Wiz.”

Ron Kaell, a lead actor in “The Old Neighborhood,” Aurora Theatre’s regional premier of one of David Mamet’s most recent plays, probably said it best, the play’s “about going home, but you can’t go home again.” 

It’s a painful idea but then, people don’t go to see a Mamet production expecting lighthearted fun and games. However, what we can expect from Aurora, and do get in this production, is first-class acting and staging. The actors are, as usual, highly talented and are intelligently and sensitively directed by veteran theater professional Joy Carlin.  

Famous for his incredible use of language, until recently Mamet has been reticent about using autobiographical materials in his work. He seems to have let down that barrier in both this play—actually developed as three entirely separately “playlets”—and its predecessor, the Obie Award winning “The Cryptogram.” 

The playwright’s sister, Lynn Mamet, is quoted in the playbill as saying the new work is “as if David had replayed six or eight of our phone conversations.” 

What this says about their family life is not something that many of us would want to think about too closely. 

This 90 minute production is played straight through with no intermissions. Mamet describes the playlets as “Three explorations of the same theme.” Bobby Gould (Michael Santo), who recently left his wife and children, has come back to Chicago’s Northside to look up people from his past. What he is actually searching for seems to be an issue of identity and values, intimately entwined with his background as a non-religious Jew. 

The first section, entitled “The Disappearance of the Jews” has Bobby visiting with his childhood buddy, Joey (Ron Kaell). They’re drinking—Ron rather more than Bobby—and running through their memories. Off stage, Kaell laughs at the thought of “two bald guys” sitting there, repeating to each other: “It’s funny, you haven’t changed a bit.” 

But their conversation is far more than that. It goes into their experiences with women in general, Jewish women, shiksas, their marriages, what they hoped to get from life, what they still dream. Curiously, Bobby, although he is the central character who holds these three playlets together, is far less verbal than are the three characters with whom he engages in his search for himself. He maintains a kind of dignity that the others lack in their more verbose scramblings for meaning. Michael Santo is well cast for the role.  

As the play is presently presented, the second section is entitled “Jolly,” the extraordinary misnomer selected for Bobby’s resentment-loaded sister, played by Amy Resnick. And the third section is “Deeny,” the name of an old girlfriend (Delia MacDougall) whom he sees for the first time in 15 years. 

The explanation for the phrase “as the play is presently presented” in the previous paragraph is that Director Joy Carlin says that before the run is over, she may switch the order of the last two sections: “Deena” will become the second, and “Jolly” the final act. Carlin says that she talked with David Mamet who was in the Bay Area in the last few days to oversee a production in San Francisco. Mamet told her that he had come to realize that the two parts of the play should be changed.  

Carlin didn’t go into detail about his reasons for the proposed alteration, but on the face of it, it seems like an excellent idea. Amy Resnick’s “Jolly” is a screeching, resentment-filled harridan, totally fixated upon the various psychological wounds she carries from her childhood. The scene opens with her endlessly detailed account of unfair treatment in a will—the kind of thing that arouses no compassion at all in the listener. But there is a touching moment when she is able to break through her mask of rage, turns to her brother and says “They didn’t love us at all.”  

But there is love in the support that she receives, both from her brother and from Carl, (Tom) her quiet, rather brow-beaten, non-Jewish husband. Placing this section at the end of the play provides some kind of warmth and sense of resolution which is missing in the present arrangement. 

“Deeny” has a less positive outcome and is, in fact, more static. Although Delia MacDougall does fine work with the character, she is sabotaged by a script which keeps her talking almost non-stop for the entire piece. Bobby had apparently thought he might revive the relationship they once had, but they miss an emotional connection that they both appear to have hoped for.  

At one point she remarks “I never knew what you wanted.” 

Sadly, that seems to still be the case. And Bobby leaves.

TUESDAY, SEPT. 23 

EXHIBITION OPENINGS 

“Reality and Illusion: The City of Berkeley Photographed” Reception from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Worth Ryder Gallery in Kroeber Hall, UC Campus. 642-4800. http://art.berkeley.edu/rev2/ 

wrGallery  

CHILDREN 

Lemony Snicket Day at Cody’s Books. “The Slippery Slope” will be available. 845-7852. www.codysbooks.com 

FILM 

The Films of Germaine Dulac: “The Smiling Madame Beudet” and other films at 7:30 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $4-$8. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Robert Hass, Poet Laurate and co-founder of River of Words, reads at 7:30 p.m. at Barnes and Noble. 644-0861. 

Maxine Hong Kingston, reads from “The Fifth Book of Peace,” a hybrid of memoir and fiction at 7 p.m. at Cody’s Books, 1730 Fourth St. 559-9500. www.codysbooks.com 

Amy Wallace discusses her new memoir “Sorcerer’s Apprentice: My Life with Carlos Castaneda” at 7:30 p.m. at Barnes and Noble. 644-0861. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

DP and The Rhythm Riders at 8:30 p.m., with a Cajun dance lesson with Cheryl McBride at 8 p.m., at Ashkenaz. Cost is $9. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Mimi Fox, solo guitar, at 8 p.m. at Downtown. 649-3810. 

Beth Robinson, Doug Blumer, singer-songwriter double bill, at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage Coffee House. Cost is $15.50 in advance, $16.50 at the door. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

Dayna Stephens House Jam at The Jazz House. Donation $5. 649-8744. www.thejazz- 

house.com 

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 24 

FILM 

“Discovering Dominga,” documentary by Patricia Flynn at 8 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. A benefit for the Guatemala Accompaniment Project. Cost is $8-$12 sliding scale. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

Rainer Werner Fassbinder: “Veronica Voss“ at 5 p.m. and 9:15 p.m. and “Satan’s Brew”at 7:05 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $4-$8. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Poets from the San Francisco Bay Area will gather with a sym- 

bolic giant peace dove at La Peña at 6:30 p.m. to read their “win with words not war” messages.  

Meredith Maran discusses “Dirty: Inside America’s Teen- 

age Drug Epidemic,” at 7:30 p.m. at Cody’s Books. 845-7852. www.codysbooks.com 

Liz Franklin discusses her new book, “How to Get Organized Without Resorting to Arson,” at 7:30 p.m. at Barnes and Noble. 644-0861. 

PEN West an evening of readings and discussion in observation of Banned Book Week, at 7:30 p.m. at Black Oak Books. 486-0698. www.blackoakbooks.com 

Berkeley Poetry Slam with host Charles Ellik at 8:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $7, $5 with student i.d. 841-2082. www.starryplough.com 

Café Poetry and Open Mic hosted by Paradise at 7:30 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Donation requested. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Wednesday Noon Concert University Symphony Orchestra, David Milnes, conductor, Chevron Auditorium at International House, corner of Bancroft and Piedmont Aves. Admission is free. 642-4864. 

Nanjing University Traditional Instruments Orchestra perfrom at 8 p.m. at the International House Auditorium, 2299 Piedmont. Free for I-House members, residents and alumni, $5 for the general public. 642-9460. landerso@uclink.berkeley.edu  

Sólas, traditional and contemporary Irish music, at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage Coffee House. Cost is $19.50 in advance, $20.50 at the door. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

The Anthony Paule - Mz. Dee Band at 9 p.m., with a swing dance lesson with Nick and Shanna at 8 p.m., at Ashkenaz. Cost is $9. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Jules Broussard, Bing Nathan and Ned Boynton at 8 p.m. at Downtown. 649-3810. 

Outbound Trio at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 848-8277. 

THURSDAY, SEPT. 25 

FILM 

Genetic Screenings: “Homo Sapiens 1900” at 7:30 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $4-$8. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Guided Tour: Gene(sis): Contemporary Art Explores Human Genomics, at 12:15 and 5:30 p.m., Berkeley Art Museum, 2626 Bancroft Way. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

Word Beat Reading Series at 7 p.m. with featured readers Steve Arntson and Anna Wolfe, followed by an open mic, at Mediterraneum Caffe, 2475 Telegraph Ave., near Dwight Way. For information call 526-5985 or 205-1749.  

Wayne Bernhardson shows slides and talks about his new book, “Moon Handbook: Buenos Aires” at 7:30 p.m. at Easy Going Travel Shop and Bookstore, 1385 Shattuck Ave. at Rose. 843-3533. 

Neal Stephenson reads from his new novel, “Quicksilver” at 7:30 p.m. at Cody’s Books. 845-7852. www.codysbooks.com 

Educator’s Night, for K-12 educators, with author Meredith Maran, at 6 p.m. at Barnes and Noble. Please RSVP to 644-0861. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Otep Myrrhy Music from Medieval Bohemia at 8 p.m. at St. Alban’s Church, 1501 Washington St., Albany. Tickets are $12-$15 and are available from 486-2803 or 524-7952. www. 

timrayborn.com/Festival 

Julieta Venegas, Mexican singer at 8 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $12 in advance, $15 at the door. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

The Influents, The Flipsides, The Spinning Jennies at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $5. 841-2082. www.starryploughpub.com 

Kathy Kallick, album release show, at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage Coffee House. Cost is $15.50 in advance, $16.50 at the door. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

Rosh Hashana Concert at 8 p.m. at the 1923 Tea House. 644-2204.  

Keni El Lebrijano, flamenco guitar, at 8:30 p.m. at Downtown. 649-3810.  

FRIDAY, SEPT. 26 

CHILDREN 

Amelia Bedelia, Bookworm, celebrates her 40th birthday at 10:30 a.m. at Barnes and Noble. 644-0861. 

FILM 

British Fim Revivals: “A Cottage on Dartmoor” with Neil Brand on piano, at 7:30 p.m. and “How to be Eccentric: The Films of Richard Massingham” at 9:30 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $4-$8. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

“Spirited Away,” Japanese animation ghost story, at 8 p.m. at the Long Haul, 3124 Shattuck Ave. Wheelchair accessible. 540-0751. www.thelonghaul.org 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

“Martin Guitar Master- 

pieces,” a new book in celebration of the 170th anniversary of the guitar maker, will be introduces by Dick Boak and Steve Miller at 4 p.m. at Cody’s Books. 845-7852. www.codysbooks.com 

“Grass Roof, Tin Roof Project” Launch, with a free book - one per person, first come, first served - for the simultan- 

eous reading of Dao Strom’s new novel about a Vietnamese family resettling in Northern California. At noon at all five Berkeley Public Library locations. 981-6100. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

U-Theatre/Drummers from Taiwan perform “The Sound of Ocean” a presentation of complex drumming and martial art techniques at 8 p.m. at Zellerbach Hall, UC Campus. Tickets are $22-$42. 642-0212. www.calperfs.berkeley.edu  

Keith Frank and the Soileau Zydeco Band at 9 p.m. at Ashkenez. Cajun dance lesson with Cheryl McBride at 8:30 p.m. Cost is $13 in advance, $15 at the door. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

“Strictly Skillz,” a celebration of Hip Hop in its purest form at 9 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $10. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

Winfred E. Eye, Moore Brothers, Deers at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $6. 841-2082. www.starryploughpub.com  

Scott Amendola Band at 8 p.m. at The Jazz House. Suggested donation $15. 649-8744. www.thejazzhouse.org 

Danny Caron and Friends at 9 p.m. at Downtown. 649-3810. 

Golden Bough, Celtic-American trio, at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage Coffee House. Cost is $17.50 in advance, $18.50 at the door. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

Phantom Limbs, 400 Blows, Nakatomi Plaza, Marathon at 8 p.m. at 924 Gilman St., an all-ages, member-run, no alcohol, no drugs, no violence club. Cost is $5. 525-9926. 

Wig Salad, Brown Baggin at 9:30 p.m. at Blakes on Telegraph. Cost is $6. 848-0886. www.blakesontelegraph.com 

The People with LZ Phoenix, Sol Americano and Dr. Mas- 

seuse at 9 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $10. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Indian Classical Music with Jyoti Rout, Pandit Habib Khan, and Prof. Mohini Mohan Pattnaik at 7 p.m. at the Julia Morgan Center for the Arts. Tickets are $15-$20 available from 925-798-1300.  

Tim Barsky, master of beat boxing at the 1923 Teahouse at 8 p.m. Suggested donation of $7-$15. 644-2204. www.epicarts.org 

SATURDAY, SEPT. 27 

La Peña Cultural Center celebrates Quinque Cruz, aka Claudio E. Duran, author of “Autobiography of an Ex-Chess Player,” with a mutimedia event exploring the idea of aesthetic and terror, at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $10-$25. 849-2572. www.lapena.org 

FILM 

Arab Film Festival, “Cinemayaat” from 1 to 9:45 p.m. at Wheeler Auditorium, UC Campus. Tickets are $9, students and seniors $7. For schedule of titles and times see www.aff.org 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

“Where Does the Music Come From?” with Neil Brand on piano, silent film accompanist at 7:30 p.m at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $4-$8. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

Rhythm and Muse with Katherine Harer and Joe Vance, at 7 p.m. at the Berkeley Art Center. 644-6893. www.berkeleyartcenter.org 

Roshni Rustromji reads from her new novel “Braided Tongue” at 4 p.m. at Eastwind Books of Berkeley, 2066 University Ave. 548-2350. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

U-Theatre/Drummers from Taiwan perform “The Sound of Ocean” a presentation of complex drumming and martial art techniques, at 2 p.m. at Zellerbach Hall, UC Campus. Tickets are $22-$42. 642-0212. www.calperfs.berkeley.edu  

University Symphony, David Milnes, director, at 8 p.m. at the First Congregational Church, 2345 Channing Way. Tickets are $8, $6 seniors and UC staff, $2 UC students, and are available from 642-9988.  

Indian Classical Music with Jyoti Rout, Pandit Habib Khan, and Prof. Mohini Mohan Pattnaik at 7 p.m. at the Julia Morgan Center for the Arts. Tickets are $15-$20 available from 925-798-1300.  

West African Highlife Band at 9:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. African dance lesson with Comfort Mensah at 9 p.m. Cost is $13. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

James McMurtry, Johnny Childs at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $6. 841-2082. www.starryploughpub.com 

Sol Americano, KGB at 9:30 p.m. at Blakes On Telegraph. Cost is $7. 848-0886. www.blakesontelegraph.com 

Mark Murphy, jazz singer, at 8 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $20-$25. 845-5373. www.jazz- 

school.com 

Delta Nove at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 848-8277. 

Rama with DJ Dave Mak at 8 p.m. at The Jazz House. Donations suggested. 649-8744. www.thejazzhouse.org 

Dix Bruce and Jim Nunally, roots country and bluegrass guitar and vocals, at Freight and Salvage Coffee House. Cost is $16.50 in advance, $17.50 at the door. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

Alice Stuart at 2 p.m. at Down Home Music, 10341 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito. 525-2129. www.downhomemusic.com 

The People with LZ Phoenix, Sol Americano and Dr. Masseuse at 9 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $10. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Kent Glenn-Putter Smith Jazz Quartet at the 1923 Teahouse at 8 p.m. Suggested donation of $7-$15, no one turned away for lack of funds. 644-2204. www.epicarts.org 

Spencer Day Group at 9 p.m. at Downtown. 649-3810. 

Over My Dead Body, In Control, The Control, Stand Up and Fight, Our Turn perform at 8 p.m. at 924 Gilman St., an all-ages, member-run, no alcohol, no drugs, no violence club. Cost is $5. 525-9926. 

SUNDAY, SEPT. 28 

EXHIBITION OPENINGS 

Berkeley Art Center, “One Struggle, Two Communi- 

ties,” Late 20th Century Political Posters of Havana, Cuba and the San Francisco Bay Area at 2 p.m. 644-6893. 

Berkeley History Center, “Early Women of Berkeley (1878-1953),” at 2 p.m. An exhibit celebrating how women shaped Berkeley's history, working alone and through their clubs. 1931 Center St. 848-0181. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/histsoc 

CHILDREN 

Ecuadorian Dance, Music and Art for the whole family from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Phoebe A. Hearst Museum, UC Campus. Free with museum admission. 643-7648. www.gal.berke- 

ley.edu/~hearst/ 

FILM 

Arab Film Festival, “Cinemayaat” from 1:15 to 8:45 p.m. at Wheeler Auditorium, UC Campus. Tickets are $9, students and seniors $7. For a schedule of titles and times see www.aff.org 

The Films of Germaine Dulac: “La Belle Dame Sans Merci” at 5:30 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $4-$8. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

The Editors of The Bark on “Dog is my Co-Pilot: Great Writers on the World’s Oldest Friendship,” at 3 p.m. at Cody’s Books, 1730 Fourth St. 559-9500. www.codysbooks.com  

Poetry at Cody’s with Jacqueline Kudler and Diane Sher Lutovich at 7:30 p.m. at Cody’s Books. Donation $2. 845-7852. www.codysbooks.com 

J. Robert Lennon reads from his new novel ”Mailman” at 7:30 p.m. at Black Oak Books. 486-0698. www.blackoakbooks.com 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Crowden Music Center presents Irene Sazer, violin and Gianna Abondolo, cello at 4 p.m. at 1475 Rose St. Tickets are $12 general, free for children 18 and under. 559-6910. www.thecrowdenschool.org  

In the Balance: Poetry and Jazz at 2 p.m. in the Peralta Community Garden on Peralta St. between Hopkins and Gilman. 231-5912. kirklumpkin@mac.com 

Deaf Electric, electronic, turntablism, experimental music and visuals, at 7 p.m. at The Jazz House. Sliding scale donation $6-$15. 649-8744. www.thejazzhouse.org 

Midnite, reggae quintet from St. Croix, Virgin Islands, at 9:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $15 in advance, $20 at the door. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Party of Seven, world music ensemble, at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage Coffee House. Cost is $15.50 in advance, $16.50 at the door. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

Mark Levine and the Latin Tinge plays standards and original in Afro-Cuban style at 4:30 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $12-$18. 845-5373. www.jazz- 

school.com 

Astral Realm, The Volumes, Tregenza at 9:30 p.m. at Blakes On Telegraph. Cost is $5. 848-0886. www.blakesontelegraph.com 

Americana Unplugged Series: High Country at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 848-8277. 

MONDAY, SEPT. 29 

EXHIBITION OPENINGS 

“5 x 3” exibition opening at 7 p.m. Berkeley Public Library Central Community Room. An informal session with three resident artists, Ana Bravo, Malle Malaam and Joseph Alverez.  

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Alex Wellen talks about a law-student’s entry into the legal profession in “Barman: Ping Pong, Pathos and Passing the Bar” at 7:30 p.m. at Cody’s Books. 845-7852. www.codysbooks.com 

Poetry Express, open mic theme night: Recall, from 7 to 9:30 p.m., at Priya Restaurant, 2072 San Pablo Ave. berkeleypoetryexpress@yahoo.com 

Kirk Read discusses “How I Learned to Snap: A Small Town Coming-Out and Coming-of-Age Story” at 7:30 p.m. at Black Oak Books. 486-0698.  

www.blackoakbooks.com 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Berkeley Symphony Orchestra 25th Anniversary Celebration, honoring conductor, Kent Nagano, with guest soloist Frederica von Stade, at 8 p.m. at Zellerbach Hall. Pre-concert lecture at 7 p.m. Tickets are $21-$45, students $10, available from 841-2800 or www.berkeleysymphony.org 

Mimi Fox, solo guitar, at 8 p.m. at Downtown, 2102 Shattuck Ave. 649-3810. 

Arty McGlynn and Nolliag Casey, traditional music duo from Ireland world music ensemble, at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage Coffee House. Cost is $15.50 in advance, $16.50 at the door. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

Steve Gannon Band and Mz. Dee at 9:30 p.m. at Blakes on Telegraph. Cost is $4. 848-0886. www.blakesontelegraph.com 

Neighbors of the defunct Franklin Elementary School filed suit against the Berkeley Unified School District Monday, jeopardizing the BUSD’s plan to shift the Adult School to the Franklin campus. 

Under the title Friends of Franklin, Tim Arai and his wife Carrie Adams charged in Alameda County Superior Court that the district’s environmental plan for the move underestimated the traffic burden posed to neighbors and purposely ignored the second half of the district’s plan—moving the administrative offices to the West Campus site at 1222 University Ave., which currently houses the Berkeley Unified Adult School. 

Neighbors have fought with the district for months over its plan to relocate the Adult School to their backyard, which they fear would result in less on-street parking, more crime, reduced play area for their kids and lower property values. 

“The lawsuit is the tool to try to get the district to deal with us in a responsible manner,” said Arai. “So far they have blown us off.” 

BUSD spokesperson Mark Coplan said the district had not received a copy of the filing and could not comment on it. 

The suit could potentially derail the move of the Adult School to Franklin, which has been abandoned since the elementary school closed in 2002. 

Under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), a plaintiff may ask for an injunction to halt construction while briefs are filed. Arai refused to say if he planned to do just that, but if a judge approved an injunction, construction scheduled to start on Nov. 1 could be delayed indefinitely. 

“Our construction schedule is built on the idea of starting Nov. 1,” said Lew Jones, BUSD director of facilities. “That gets us finished around the middle of next July.” 

Any delay that pushes the completion date past the start of the next school year, Jones said, would undercut the district’s $6.5 million refurbishment program. 

City Manager Weldon Rucker, in a July 29 letter to the district, charged that BUSD’s decision to issue a Mitigated Negative Declaration was faulty because it examined only the impact of the Adult School’s move to Franklin, not the impending move of BUSD’s administration office and its maintenance operations to the current adult School. 

In his letter, Rucker cited BUSD documents as well as statements by district officials that tied the two projects together. He insisted the district is required to perform an Environmental Impact Report studying the entire plan, not just the Franklin School segment. Neighbors at the West Campus have urged the district to keep the adult school at the site, because the increased street traffic fends off prowlers. 

The district has said they plan to move their offices from Old City Hall on Martin Luther King Jr. Way to the Adult School before its $1-per-year lease on the city building ends in 2009, but insist that the plan is too preliminary to do a study. 

“We don’t know what we are going to do yet,” Jones said. “There might be opportunity classes (for troubled students). There might be other classes. There are a host of things we can’t study there at this point.” 

The district settled on the current shakeup of their facilities because the Adult School requires major construction work and district officials say moving the Adult School during construction, only to return it later, would cost too much. 

The suit also alleges that the district has failed to mitigate traffic congestion presented by the roughly 1,300 Adult School students. The plan calls for paving over a playground and grass area to build about 200 parking spaces on the site to accommodate students at the four-square-block West Berkeley school bounded by San Pablo Avenue to the west, Curtis Street to the east, Virginia Street to the north and Francisco Street to the south.  

Neighbors worry that an entrance located near the intersection of Virginia and Kanis Street and an exit on Francisco would cause traffic congestion throughout the 8:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. school day. The district found that the report, in accordance with CEQA, would not “significantly” impact neighborhood traffic. 

Arai argued that the report examined the impact at major intersections, like Cedar Street and San Pablo, but not the smaller streets that might be most impacted by the school traffic. “They studied the impact at Sacramento and Delaware [Street], they may as well have studied San Pablo and Alcatraz [Avenue] too.” 

Jones contended that the city chose which streets to study and that studying major traffic arteries is standard procedure for environmental reports. 

The district petitioned the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) to allow a right-turn-only driveway on San Pablo to ease congestion on residential streets, but Caltrans spokesperson Brigetta Smith said the agency planned to reject the district’s request because they failed to provide traffic studies on the impact of the new driveway and had not specified where on the block they would construct the driveway. 

Jones said the district could still win Caltrans approval if they provided the required information. 

Peter Hillier, Berkeley director of transportation, said the San Pablo Driveway is pivotal, but that other traffic concerns still needed to be addressed. The city is pushing to forbid motorists driving southbound on Kains Street—one block east of San Pablo—from entering the parking lot to keep students from flooding the street. 

Arai said neighbors had promised to help fund the lawsuit but that he had advanced most of the roughly $1,000 already spent on the lawsuit. “All we’ve ever asked is to stop the project and look at all the parts,” Arai said. “If [the district] doesn’t have a master plan they should create one.”

FOR PROP. 54 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

I support Proposition 54. When I (an Anglo) legally adopted my Hispanic son who was born in the Dominican Republic, we started a color-blind family. I think that society should be that way. Racial classification permits discrimination and reverse-discrimination which may become more prevalent as a result of illegal immigration and overpopulation. 

Opposition to Prop. 54 based on the claim that the health exceptions in the proposition are in adequate is a completely untested supposition. I have supervised large health research grants for Kaiser Permanente, and it is very likely that markers of health vulnerability other than race can be found when individual data (the best kind) are not available. Individual differences of physiology, attitude, skill, and social class within racial groups is very wide. Let’s recognize and honor people as individuals as much as we can. It’s not easy but it’s the right thing to do. 

Robert Gable 

• 

FAIR TRADE COFFEE 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

Your article about fair trade coffee (Daily Planet, Sept. 16-18) is an example of not providing the background needed to understand the issues. Procter & Gamble is mentioned five times (misspelled four times) and not once does the article mention what kind of coffee Procter & Gamble manufactures. In fact, it’s not even clear whether P&G is a coffee manufacturer or retailer. The company is simply described as “the largest seller of coffee in the U.S.” 

It’s not common knowledge that Procter & Gamble, primarily known as a manufacturer of household cleaning products, makes the Folgers and Millstone brands of coffee. But nowhere was this mentioned. One of the first rules of journalism is that anything that isn’t common knowledge should be included in an article. Readers were left with a lot of confusion about what it is that P&G sells that fair trade coffee advocates are objecting to. 

Jim Davidson 

• 

LOOKING DEEPER 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

The piece on Arianna Huffington starts out by quoting polls. 

It is important to learn that polls are meaningless, they are based only upon those registered in the last election and has nothing to do with the millions of newly registered voters. Why not teach students how meaningless crime statistics and polls really are instead of using them as a reliable source of information? 

Huffington understands the issues and is by far the best candidate for students. She and Camejo are the only ones who understand that the prison slave labor empire is breaking our backs, breaking our hearts and the priorities are wrong. I didn’t feel that the author really knows the issues or the process. Feel free to visit our website to learn how special interests are controlling our State. 

Arianna cannot be bought and she has a rare quality that Thomas Jefferson said was necessary to good governing, that of “A love of people.” 

Look deeper. We need to turn the world right side up and Arianna is capable of doing that. Students need to get involved or suffer for their ignorance and apathy. 

B. Cayenne Bird 

• 

HUMMER NOT ALONE 

The Hummer is not the only politically incorrect tourist to Berkeley. I had a guest who had “Bleached Blonde” yelled at her on Telegraph Avenue. One would not dare to wear furs here...  

Margot Smith  

The Daily Californian and the student government board that holds its lease have set a last-ditch meeting Tuesday to decide if the independent paper will remain on campus. 

The paper’s board of directors signed a non-binding letter of intent Friday to move from its current home at student government-owned Eshleman Hall to a site across the street at 2460A Bancroft Way, the former home of Ned’s Clothing Store. 

The move would cost the student government about $72,000 in annual rent and end a seventeen-month dispute. This summer newly elected student government officials pushed to include clauses in the paper’s lease compelling it to develop a code of ethics and hire an independent editor to address concerns of minority students. 

Those on the Associated Students of the University of California (ASUC) Store Operations Board advocating the lease provisions say they are necessary to force the paper to address years of complaints. Minority groups charge that the paper’s editors are insulated from their concerns and that, as a result, coverage is skewed against them. 

The paper, along with the American Civil Liberties Union, called the provisions a violation of free speech and threatened to sue the student government. 

While both sides say they prefer a compromise, they admit that severing their landlord-tenant relationship—unique for a college paper and student government—might be best for both sides. 

“There is a fundamental conflict of influence,” said Daily Californian Editor in Chief Eric Schewe. “That we have to consider the impact of the stories on who we are writing about creates a chilling effect.” 

From a financial standpoint, the move to Bancroft and Telegraph seems like a no-brainer. The owner has offered a four-year deal, with an option for six more years on a 4,300-square-foot-office for about $60,000 per year. The paper has until Oct. 6 to sign the lease. 

“The ASUC has quite a deal to live up to compared to what we’ve been offered at this space,” Schewe said, noting that the paper pays the student government $72,000 a year for 4,100 square feet in Eshleman Hall. 

But the paper’s board of directors is hesitant to move the paper off campus again, Schewe said, and remains inclined to keep negotiating with the student government. 

Many of the paper’s board are alumni who remember the paper’s travails when it first left campus in 1971 and did not return until 1994.  

During those years the paper was subject to the fluctuations of Berkeley’s real estate market, and the paper failed to make rent payments on several occasions. 

Schewe said that although commercial real estate prices are down now, several board members prefer to remain on campus where rent prices are more stable. 

Taina Gomez, ASUC Executive Vice President and member of the 11-member Store Operations Board, said she would like to see the paper stay on campus, but that parting ways might be best for both sides. 

“This has been a contentious issue for both sides,” she said. “They want to make sure they are independent, but at the same time we are in an awkward position because as representatives of the students we felt we needed to make the paper accountable and address the problems students complained about.” 

The paper’s departure would free up office space for other campus groups, she said, and give the board more time to focus on other income producers, including the student government-owned clothing and book stores. 

Gomez said the popularly elected ASUC Senate has pressured the Store Operations Board to strike a deal, so not to lose the rental revenue paid by the paper. 

“It would definitely be a big hit for our budget,” Gomez said. Earlier this semester, the ASUC cut 0.7 percent from student groups after they found a typo in their budget that cost them $10,000. 

ASUC political infighting has hamstrung efforts to reach a compromise. 

The Store Operations Board—comprised of six students and five faculty and administrators—refused to consider the lease at their regularly scheduled September meeting after two graduate students were booted from the council because they had not been confirmed by the ASUC Senate. 

The students, Graduate Assembly President Jessica Quindel and Graduate Assembly Vice President Cintya Molina, were expected to win Senate confirmation last week, but in a move several board members said was politically motivated, the Senate rejected Quindel, who has a long affiliation with left-of-center student party CalServe. CalServe holds only five of the Senate’s 20 seats but controls the top ASUC executive positions. 

Molina is now expected to withdraw from the board in protest, leaving members to wonder whether or not to consider the issue as long as the graduate students are excluded. 

“The meeting has been called. Where we go from there I don’t know,” said Store Operations Board member and professor Pete Bucklin. 

The paper, which rents its space month-to-month, said the move off-campus would likely occur during the December break. Board members said they would not force the paper to leave immediately to make room for other student groups. 

“We have no desire to kick them out in a vindictive way,” said Molina. “We will give them ample time to move out.” 

Schewe said the paper probably won’t file suit against the ASUC on free speech grounds, as it had threatened earlier this month. Instead, he said, the paper is focused on moving past the lease negotiations.

Californians appear condemned to repeat history because they refuse to learn from it. I shake my head as the Berkeley recall of 30 years ago repeats itself on a statewide level.  

I became the only person ever recalled from the City Council in Berkeley, and one of the few—if not only—black ever recalled in California history on Aug. 21, 1973. No one learned from the Berkeley experience that recalls start with those who lost the election and always play on the fears of a nervous populace. Moreover, recalls allow 25 percent or less of the voters in the last election to force an elected official to get a majority of the votes in his/her defense. This means that even though as many as 49 percent of those voting may favor the targeted officeholder, without a majority he or she loses-—and the minority which started the fight wins. The Berkeley recall began with the partnership of the liberal left and the Berkeley Black Caucus. A native of Memphis, I had finished my law degree at Yale University, moved to California to work for Legal Services and joined the Caucus. Flush with success of electing black Congressman Ron Dellums, the Caucus ran a coalition slate of blacks, whites and women in the April 1971 city elections. I was tapped as part of the coalition.  

Our campaign platform included the creation of jobs with top priorities to minorities and women, expanded housing and child care programs, extended recreational facilities, and liberal juvenile justice policies. I promised quite clearly that I would serve the interests of the black community. Berkeley’s business, and conservative and moderate leaders were far from unified in the Council elections. But on the day after the election, the defeated conservatives and moderates announced a recall against our coalition. The strategies later became to recall Bailey and effectively neutralize the other black council member. 

As a Councilman I challenged the city’s racial fairness in Berkeley City government. In my two and a half years the city hired its first black city manager and city attorney, passed an affirmative action program, increased blacks in police and fire, and gave the all-black garbage workers an accelerated wage increase to help them achieve parity. We opposed the Vietnam War and blocked a shopping mall development at the Berkeley Marina. 

Conservatives and the business community mobilized their recall petition drive. The recall petition charged that I refused to compromise at council meetings; filibustered; and staged outbursts that caused the council to break up in disarray. They charged I disparaged the image of established black leaders, and introduced race into the politics of Berkeley. With financial support from businesses and relentless backing from the Berkeley Daily Gazette, Bailey recall went on the ballot. My financial backers became a subject of great interest-even reporter Mike Wallace pressed me on Sixty Minutes to reveal my financial sources. I was funded primarily by a discreet, progressive family who did not wish to be identified and not, as charged, by the CIA or Communists. 

I had many supporters: Congressman Dellums, who was heavily reliant on the white left, made some statements against the recall; Legendary Longshoreman leader Harry Bridges who understood the divisive implication of recall. My main support came from those who elected me in the first place —the black community and white activists who supported black political self-determination. 

Others came. Medgar Ever’s widow, Myrlie Evers and Jesse Jackson took to the streets of Berkeley for me. My fellow lawyers in National Bar Association took an unprecedented Convention vote denouncing the recall as “violating of Councilman Bailey’s constitutional right of free speech.” Black activist Angela Davis wrote that the recall’s “motivation is fundamentally racist and anti-democratic....D’Army’s seat was won by a coalition of voters who demanded representation, not for big business, but for the people.” The recallers’ main strategy was to make it appear that the 25 percent black population wanted me out. That strategy failed. I won every black precinct. But the conservatives weren’t really interested in what the blacks thought. I was beaten in the almost all-white, upper income Berkeley Hills where turnout was substantial. 

The recall group manipulated the timing of the recall election to occur in the summer when most of the Berkeley college students were away. Though that may not have affected the ultimate outcome, it reflected the recallers’ cynical attempt to disenfranchise a large segment of the city’s voters. Later Berkeley banned special elections in the summer. Californians failed to grasp the lessons from this Berkeley slice of history and now they are doomed to repeat them.  

For the past thirteen years D’Army Bailey has served as an elected State Circuit Judge in Memphis, Tenn. He is Tennessee’s designated founder of the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis.

The firing of a veteran Berkeley Bowl produce department worker and pro-union activist sparked a brief walkout Sunday, effectively shutting down the store for fifteen minutes. 

Arturo Perez, 56, was fired Friday from his position in the store’s produce section for what he and other employees are calling unfair and invalid reasons. 

Berkeley Bowl management declined to comment on the incident. 

Perez said he was fired for theft because of his purchase of four bags of marked-down garbanzo beans last Wednesday evening. 

Along with other employees at the Berkeley Bowl, Perez has been trying to organize a union at the store since early May. He charged that the battle of the beans was an excuse for management to fire him because he has been one of the most outspoken participants in the drive and one of the leaders among the workers in the produce section. 

“They were waiting for an excuse to fire me,” said Perez. “They were always watching me.” 

Perez said that, instead of stealing, he was only participating in a common practice where employees are able to purchase discount produce the night before if goes on sale in the store. 

Finding a box of garbanzo beans earmarked for the discount table, he said he took four bags and asked another employee to make an accurate and fair appraisal and re-price the bags. Supervisors are usually in charge of creating the markdowns but Perez says there wasn’t a supervisor on duty that night.  

Perez, who has worked at the store for over two years, had helped mark the discount produce in the past, so the employee told him to go ahead and make his own markdown. Perez made the reduction, following what he says is standard procedure for calculating the discount. 

Thursday was Perez’s day off and when he returned to work Friday he said he was questioned about the incident, served with his last check, then escorted off the property. 

Perez, who has five children and a sick spouse, said he was shocked about the accusation. 

“I’ve never stolen anything in my life,” he said. “In the two years I’ve worked at the Berkeley Bowl, I’ve never done anything wrong. I’ve never been late. I’ve never missed a day, even when I was sick.” 

Perez’s dismissal was not the first since the organizing drive began. Chuck McNally, another pro-union activist, was fired earlier in the year for what campaign workers say are also unfair reasons.  

Eric Freezell, another produce section worker, said Perez’s actions were fair and followed standard practice whereby employees have the first chance to buy reduced produce. 

“This has happened a million times. It’s common practice for employees to buy produce from the bargain section,” Freezell said. 

According to workers, management held a meeting with the produce employees on Thursday during which they said they had discontinued the policy where workers would have access to discount produce the night before it hits the shelves. 

Berkeley Bowl’s decision to fire Perez outraged other employees, who on Sunday—the store’s busiest day—staged a 15-minute walkout at 5 p.m., effectively shutting the store down. All but three of the cashiers walked out, along with several employees from other departments. 

Workers handed flyers explaining the walkout to customers waiting in line, clocked out one-by-one, then proceeded outside. 

Once outside, several held up signs reading, “Where is Arturo?” 

“We’re not going to sit back and let them do something so cold-hearted and calloused,” said Cory Abshear, one of the cashier who walked out. “I think we have run a pretty clean organizing campaign but they came at us with their fists flying. We wanted to show them they we could cripple them. If they think they can wear us down one by one they don’t understand we have a lot more in us.” 

Many customers standing in line said they were initially disgruntled until they learned why the employees were walking out. Some customers wrote pro-union comments on the back of the flyers, then dropped them in the store’s comment box. 

“I like the Berkeley Bowl, I think it’s a great community organization,” said Laura Anderson, one of the shoppers at the store during the walkout. “But I was supportive of the workers because I respect the work that they do. I think the employees are the core of the store. It can’t really function without them.” 

The union working with the employees, the United Food and Commercial Workers Butcher’s Union (UFCW) Local 120 is currently helping Perez find another job. In the meantime, Perez says he is going to take time off to settle down. 

“I feel terrible,” he said.  

For several days after he was fired, Perez stood outside the store but off store property, talking to workers who are supportive of the drive. 

“The other workers are incredible. Seeing them out there in support was better than getting $20 an hour,” he said.  

Abshear, from the cashier line, said that workers have pledged to stage an even larger walkout if another employee is fired. Cashier Kevin Meyer summed up the sentiment among many of the workers surrounding Perez’s dismissal. “This proves why we need a union,” Meyer said. “We’re going to show them that we have power too.”

Sadly, both Council and school board missed a rare and unprecedented opportunity to work together to achieve a better community. I am referring to the recent school board decision to move the Adult School from University Avenue to the Franklin School site, and while one or two Councilmembers have signaled their disapproval, Council itself has been silent. At this week’s Joint City/School “2x2” meeting, City representatives indicated that since the School Board had made their decision, let’s talk about how to deal with the resultant traffic problems. This is not leadership. This is not expressing a vision for the future. Besides ignoring environmental impact report regulations concerning the Franklin decision, this position doesn’t even recognize the core issue of the need for good planning. Any action regarding the use of precious public school sites affects every resident, no matter what neighborhood we live in.  

Residents throughout Berkeley are expressing deep concerns about what the school district intends to do about school sites at Franklin, West Campus, Oregon, Derby, and Hillside, as well as the recently purchased vacant lots on Gilman. They believe that future use of these sites is connected. They don’t know what the end uses that they will have to live with will be. They don’t know how these decisions will be made, nor what can be done about them. District documents and statements by senior District staff regarding the Franklin/Adult School switch all clearly point to the intention of the district to further develop the Adult School site. Residents are understandably not re-assured when they hear school officials now say that the district has no plans for the Adult School site. The uncertainty of the situation has served to heighten anxieties and create divisions.  

City Manager Weldon Rucker was absolutely correct when he wrote to the district requesting that their proposed Mitigated Negative Environmental Impact Declaration on the switch NOT be adopted. He stated the district had not considered the entire project, i.e., the impacts on both the Franklin site and whatever will occur at the Adult School site. Consideration of part of a project does not comply with California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) law, and, therefore, the project should not proceed until a new full project environmental impact study is completed and re-circulated for public comment. This is a fundamental requirement that applies to everyone, from private developers to the University of California. The school district is not exempt from this law.  

I urge the district to go a step further by withdrawing the Franklin project and developing a master plan for all of their facilities. One environmental impact report could be done on the master plan and smaller, focused studies could be tiered off of that report. A clear future vision could emerge from the process of creating a District Facilities Master Plan. The community has always supported the district with their dollars, but creating a master plan could solidify that support and provide a basis for building a better understanding of the academic goals, problems and achievements of the district. Such a plan would address citywide concerns about such matters as traffic and other physical planning issues. It could also serve as a financial planning guide for the school board around construction issues as well as achieving technological advancements such as conversion to solar energy. A school master plan could be a powerful tool to unite the community around a host of goals that could bring about better educational opportunities and better physical planning for school facilities. (The city’s own master plan must address the pressing need to lower city density--but that’s another story that I’ll take up later). Just imagine the possibilities of linked school district and city master plans; an action that would put Berkeley in the forefront of good planning.  

It is clear that in any of the significant changes being considered by the school district, two major interests must be accommodated: the educational needs of our children and impacts on the neighborhoods that such changes might bring. The district has responsibility for educating our children, and how their facilities are used for that purpose. The Council has responsibility for ensuring that all of Berkeley’s neighborhoods, now and in the future, are good places for people to live. These goals need not be in conflict. They both involve basic, good planning. When accomplished together, they create a great city. Such a process would not mean that changes could not occur. It does mean that people will be fully informed, and ensure that the actions taken today advance our shared vision for the future.  

I urge City Council to take immediate action to write to the school district indicating unqualified, unanimous endorsement of the manager’s letter, and further requesting respectfully the withdrawal of the Franklin School decision, and committing to work cooperatively with the district to provide the kind of joint good planning that accomplishes mutual goals. 

Shirley Dean is the former mayor of Berkeley.

The first small step towards election-day voter registration in California now rests on the desk of Gov. Gray Davis. 

The California Legislature passed a bill two weeks ago, sponsored by Assemblymember Wilma Chan (D-Oakland) and coauthored by State Senator Don Perata (D-Oakland/Berkeley), that would establish a two-year election-day registration pilot project in Alameda County. 

Under the pilot project, scheduled to run from January, 2004 through the end of 2005, Alameda County voters will be able to register and immediately vote on election day as well as during the two-week “blackout” period preceding an election. 

Under present California law, voters cannot cast a ballot in an election if they have not registered at least two weeks prior to that election. 

The Chan registration pilot project affects only municipal and school district elections (such as in Emeryville, Hayward, Pleasanton, Livermore, and Union City), which do not take place on the same day as state or federal elections. 

Regular municipal elections in Berkeley and Oakland, which are normally consolidated with state and federal elections, aren’t included in the pilot project, but any special elections in Berkeley and Oakland in the next two years will be affected which don’t take place on the same day as state or federal elections. 

Such special elections could include recalls of city or school officials, or votes to fill vacancies. 

According to Rachel Richman, Chan’s chief of staff, concerns about possible voter fraud and logistical problems have thwarted efforts to establish a statewide same-day voter registration and voting in California. “(The pilot project) is a way for us to test it out in a local election, see how it works, see what sort of fine-tuning needs to happen.” 

Same-day registration and voting “is especially important.” said Richman, “because oftentimes, people don’t begin paying attention to an election until a week or 10 days before. We hope that what this will do is increase voter participation.” 

A U.S. Census Bureau study of the November 2000 Presidential elections found that of the six states which currently allow same-day voter registration and voting—Idaho, Maine, Minnesota, New Hampshire, Wisconsin, and Wyoming—only Idaho had a voting percentage less than the national average of 60 percent. 

Three same-day voter registration and voting states—Wisconsin, Maine, and Minnesota—ranked in the top five states in the country in voter participation. 

California had a 58 percent voter participation percentage in the November 2000 Presidential election, just below the national average. 

Richman said that pending the results of the two-year study, a bill to establish statewide same-day voter registration and voting will be introduced in 2006.

Editors, Daily Planet: 

It’s both interesting and telling that nowhere in the article headlined “District Thwarts New Game Plan” (Daily Planet, Sept. 12 ) does the issue of student, staff, and audience safety appear. This is the primary reason that Berkeley High School Principal Jim Slemp canceled one football game between Berkeley High and Oakland Tech. The safety of our students, athletes, staff, and audience is of paramount concern in this decision. It’s also interesting that despite acknowledging Berkeley Police warnings of potential non-student violence at the scheduled game, the reporter chose quotes from Oakland football coaches (unidentified Oakland Athletic League coach, quoted thusly: “Canceling the game makes no sense to me.”). The article goes on to paraphrase this coach’s comments by stating that he didn’t understand why a game between Tech and Berkeley would be more dangerous than games regularly held between Oakland schools in community rivalries, to quote the reporter, “that are far older and have generated far more violence than has occurred recently in South Berkeley—North Oakland.” Oakland coaches, not familiar with the specifics of the information given to BUSD by the Berkeley Police Department, with far different policies and standards than our own community, are now apparently capable of making decisions for BUSD. Based on what authority, policy, and accountability? Is the level of violence in the Oakland community now to be used as a regional context for acceptable community standards? 

The page four overrun of the front page article is headlined “School Board Denies Bid to Revive Match.” Although I support Principal Jim Slemp’s decision, it’s important to note this matter never came to the Berkeley Board, and was appropriately handled by High School and District administrators. Inaccuracies and speculation abound in the article; very little actual information is offered. I’m disappointed in the low level reportage of this story, the inaccuracies it includes, the omissions it does not, and the harm such inaccurate reportage does to our District and community. 

John Selawsky 

Vice-president, Berkeley School Board

Last week I got a “same-day” appointment at Kaiser. 

A “same-day” appointment is for members who have something wrong with them, can’t wait the two or three weeks it may take to get an appointment with their regular doctor, but are not sick enough to go to the emergency room. 

Unfortunately “same-day” appointments aren’t always same day. 

I called on Friday at noon; I got an appointment for 8:30 a.m. on Monday.  

On Monday I saw a doctor who told me to cover my affliction with “warm compresses and not to touch it.” The entire meeting lasted five minutes—40 minutes less than the time it had taken me to make the initial appointment. I thought that her advice, “…use compresses, but don’t touch…” was slightly contradictory, but I did as I was told and by the end of the week I knew I was in trouble. 

Unable to move from the couch I vowed that if things weren’t better by Sunday night I’d make another appointment. But at 2 a.m. on Saturday I abandoned my plan. If I was going to lie awake all night in pain I might as well be in pain in the emergency room. At least, I thought, I’d be around others who could share in my misery.  

I drove to Kaiser in North Oakland. I went through security and stood in the brightly lit waiting room. There was no one at the information desk. The triage nurse was busy. 

I went to the registration desk, but no one was behind the glass partition. Across the room I saw an electric sign. It was new. I knew this because I’ve been to the ER waiting room many times before with my disabled husband. The sign was long and narrow and the words on it moved horizontally across the screen. It gave instructions in English and Spanish. “One:” it said, “Check in with the Desk Technician. Two: The Triage Nurse will call you. Three: The Registration nurse will register you. Four: If you have been waiting for longer than 30 minutes please tell a staff person and you will see a doctor.” 

I reread the sign. 

This was remarkable news. I’d never been to the emergency room when the wait to see a doctor was less than two hours. Sometimes it took longer. I looked at my watch. So far I’d been there 10 minutes. There was still no desk technician, or anyone at the registration desk. The triage nurse was with a patient. I waited and when she was free I approached her. “Sit down,” she said. “Open your mouth and let me take your temperature.” When she was through she told me to go to the registration desk.  

“Fifty dollars, please,” said the person who was now sitting behind the glass. The last time I had been to ER the charge had been $35. But it didn’t matter. I was in so much pain I would have paid with my left arm.  

I sat down and waited. I looked at my watch. I had been in the building for 25 minutes. The red neon sign kept spewing the same information. I decided to wait 30 minutes from the time I had registered before following the sign’s advice. 

At 3:10 a.m. the triage nurse was seeing a new patient. When she was finished I approached her. “The sign says that if I haven’t seen a doctor within 30 minutes I should tell you,” I said. “It’s been 45 minutes since I registered.”  

“What sign?” she asked.  

“The sign on the wall over there,” I pointed.  

“I’ve been on vacation,” she shrugged. “I don’t know anything about it, but I’ll find out for you.” 

Then she asked me to step aside so that she could take care of another patient. 

I went back to my seat. The triage nurse helped three more people. She had obviously forgotten my request. I went to the registration desk and asked the clerk about the sign.  

“What sign?” she asked.  

“The one over there that says I should tell someone if I haven’t seen a doctor within 30 minutes.”  

She squinted at the sign and read it as the words flipped by. “That sign is wrong,” she said. “Why don’t you ask the triage nurse about it.”  

“I did,” I answered. “But she’s busy and besides the sign says to ask a staff person. You’re a staff person, aren’t you?”  

The woman stared at me. “Yes,” she said. “I believe the sign was written that way because we’re having problems with our printer and if you don’t hear from us in 30 minutes it’s because the printer is jammed and we need to know about it.” 

“That’s not what the sign says,” I answered. I looked at my watch. “It’s been almost an hour since I registered. It’s been over 90 minutes hours since I’ve been in this room. I’d like to see a doctor.” 

“Yes,” she said. “I’ll see if I can get you a bed.”  

I knew what that meant. It meant that she was going to find a room to put me away in. It didn’t necessarily mean I’d see a doctor. 

To make a long story short, another hour went by and I finally saw a doctor. He took care of my problem. I was happy to have it solved. 

At 5 a.m. as I was leaving the emergency room I paused in front of the electric sign. It was still going ‘round and ‘round, promising something that wasn’t realistic.  

So here’s my message to Kaiser: Change the sign to read “If you don’t see a doctor within THREE HOURS tell a staff person.” 

Now I really do feel better.

Spanish music fans are in for a treat this Thursday when Julieta Venegas, the rising Mexican rock en español music star stops to perform at Berkeley’s La Peña cultural center as part of a nationwide tour. 

Her song, “Me Van a Matar,” captured the hearts of mainstream audiences when it appeared on the soundtrack for the widely popular Mexican movie “Amorres Perros.” 

Venegas is on tour to promote her second solo album, Bueninvento. She won several awards for her first, “Aqui, “released in 1997, including the Nuestro Rock award for best album and MTV Latino’s Best Female Performance for her video “Como se.” Her following in Mexico and Latin America is solid and her fan base in the U.S. and Europe is quickly growing. 

“We fell in love with her work on Amorres Perros,” said Fernando Torres, the publicity coordinator for La Peña.  

“People ask me what type of music she plays and it’s hard to put into a category,” said Juan Berumen, the program coordinator for La Peña. “What I can say is that it is unique, creative and very unconventional.” 

La Peña is located at 3105 Shattuck Ave. The concert begins at 8 p.m. and tickets are $12 dollars in advance and $15 at the door. For more information please contact Fernando Torres at 849-2568, ext. 15.

Zucchini can be considered the terrorist of the garden. 

Mild in taste and modest in appearance, it nevertheless manages, usually under cover of night, to produce more of itself than any normal human being, or collection of human beings, could possibly consume. 

The deception begins with the name, for this is simply a squash, an honest north American vegetable. The Narragansett called it “askutasquash” a word meaning you “can eat it raw if you haven’t got time to cook it.” 

Indeed, it was unknown in Europe, and is still not common there. The name “zucchini” was likely invented by a marketing genius who wanted to make squash sound exotic—in Italy, this relatively boring member of the Cucurbitae family (Ma Melon, Pa Pumpkin, Cousin Cucumber et al.) is usually called zucchine with an “e.” 

(By the way, those caps worn by the Roman Catholic hierarchy which look suspiciously like yarmulkes are called “Zuchetto”—in effect, a squash top.) 

The French are, in this case, more honest as “courgette” means little squash, and the British more elliptical with “vegetable marrow,” a concept best not dwelt upon. 

True trickery, however, is best displayed by the plant itself. 

Innocent gardeners, even some old enough to know better, plant zucchini seeds. They gurgle proudly as the shoots appear, and admire the first tiny blossom on the fuzzy thumb-size fruits. And filled with pride at their manifest success at vegetable husbandry, they turn to other pursuits for a time. 

This inattention—by a process not fully explained—stimulates the plant to an extraordinary degree. The next visit to the zucchini bed reveals a dozen or more of supermarket size and usually at least one specimen resembling a baseball bat, though of much greater diameter. 

It is easy to see how, in a city like Berkeley, with a population that is largely pro-vegetable, guilt-prone and garden-inclined, zucchini could precipitate psychosocial disaster, possibly of pandemic proportions. 

Thus an unsuspecting visitor happily agrees to take away a sample of a garden’s bounty, and is soon holding a 10 pound sack of squash, with a tomato or two sprinkled on top for cosmetic effect. 

It may be acceptable to offer vegetables in lieu of spare change to a street person but most often the gift languishes in its new home, awaiting the results of a frantic search for a recipe that will allow the new owner to thank the grower with a clear conscience. 

The zucchini, friends, can be sliced, diced, chopped and peeled. It can be sautéed, broiled, baked, stewed, used in soups and ragouts, eaten alone or combined with other vegetables. 

No matter what approach you take, it will not lose its essential quality. It is a squash. It has very little taste. 

Under the circumstances, it is probably best to combine it with something that has flavor enough to make you forget you are eating zucchini. Brown garlic or onions in sufficient quantity or a good fresh tomato sauce can do the trick, especially if you slice the zucchinis very thin, let them drain a while, and get them brownish. 

But don’t invite me over. I’ve had my share for this year. Maybe next.

After months of dry weather and as fall approaches, the temperature in the Bay Area rises, often accompanied by dry hot winds from the east. California is no stranger to the threat of huge fires; they have occurred from the coast to the high Sierra and in the north and south. 

On Sept. 17, 1923, and Oct. 20, 1991, two raging wildfires erupted in the East Bay hills behind Berkeley and Oakland. 

The 1923 Berkeley fire destroyed between 500-600 buildings in North Berkeley, most of them residential.  

The 1991 Oakland fire consumed approximately 3,000 buildings, also predominately residential, extending from above the Claremont Hotel south into upper Rockridge.  

In both instances the winds came from the northeast in exactly the same direction and it was only because of a change in wind direction that the fires were contained. Between these two major fires there had been two smaller ones that destroyed a total of 28 homes.  

A contemporary account from 1923 describes the destruction:  

“A square mile of charred relics spreading from Cragmont to the edge of the University grounds...no words could convey the power of the torrent of flame which demolished in a few short hours on Sept. 17, 1923 one of the most beautiful residence tracts of Berkeley...it was only a fortunate change in the wind after the flames had reached the very edge of the business center that saved the city from destruction...The scene of desolation will soon be a fading memory...providing the calamity that wrought it is not so completely forgotten as to make its recurrence possible.” 

Frank Stringham, mayor of Berkeley at the time of the 1923 fire, proclaimed: “The municipal government of Berkeley...is bending every effort to rebuild the burned area and to so direct and regulate construction that the fire hazard will be reduced, the traffic ways improved, and the uses of property better adapted to locality....” 

But lessons were not heeded. After the 1923, fire as well as after the 1991 fire, streets were not regraded, widened or straightened and property lines remained the same. 

In 1923 the few large parcels that had existed were re-subdivided into smaller lots. After the 1991 fire many of the new houses well exceed the size of those that were lost. In both cases the building density increased. 

The style of homes built after both fires is different from the older houses that were destroyed. 

In both cases most of the new houses reflect the styles popular at the time. 

For example, in 1923 Period Revival style buildings clad in stucco with tile or slate roofs were built. Not only were these the latest popular style, they were also considered more fireproof than the shingled houses which burned. For a time wood shingles were banned in Berkeley. 

Ironically, the areas which burned in the 1991 fire had been mostly built in the 1920s and 30s, predominately in Period Revival styles. Their tile roofs and stucco siding, placed over wood-framing, did not protect them from the heat of the raging fire. 

Fires are a personal tragedy for their victims and also a cultural and architectural loss for the community. Despite our modern firefighting equipment, when a 2,300 degree Fahrenheit firestorm rages in a hot, dry wind it appears there is little defense. 

Susan Dinkelspiel Cerny is author of the book Berkeley Landmarks.  

After seventeen months of wrangling, the UC Berkeley student government made a final lease offer to independent campus newspaper the Daily Californian. 

The proposal, which would run until June 2006, dropped controversial provisions requiring the paper to formulate a code of conduct and hire an independent editor to address concerns from minority students. 

“We just wanted to move on with this issue,” said Taina Gomez of the Associated Students of the University of California Store Operations Board, which negotiates leases for the student government. “We felt like the code would have been valuable, but this has been going on so long and has taken up too many monthly meetings.” 

The Daily Californian has rented space at student government-owned Eshleman Hall since the paper returned to campus in 1994. In the face of the proposed lease provisions that the paper’s editors said would violate its free speech, the paper’s management had signed a non-binding letter of intent to rent an office just across the street from campus on Bancroft Way. 

Daily Californian Editor in Chief Eric Schewe said the final decision whether or not to stay on campus will be made at an Oct. 4 meeting of the paper’s board of directors.

EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the second in a two-part series looking at UC Berkeley’s long range expansion plans. Part I of this special report (Daily Planet, Sept. 19-22) provided an introduction to UC Berkeley’s 2020 Long Range Development Plan process and focused on potential transportation impacts and how they could be avoided or mitigated. 

The pace of UC Berkeley expansion may accelerate during the next two decades, as the new 2020 Long Range Development Plan (LRDP) being prepared by the university could allow for more growth than the current 1990-2005 Plan. 

While a list of projects assembled by the city for the current 1990-2005 LRDP Fiscal Impact Study includes non-residential projects (including parking) with a total of about 1.4 million gross square feet of space, the Notice of Preparation (NOP) for the 2020 LRDP estimates that up to 2.2 million square feet of academic and support space could be built under the new LRDP—not including space for parking. 

While the 1990-2005 LRDP did not plan for increased student enrollment, the 2020 LRDP NOP states that the student body enrolled during the fall and spring semesters could increase by 1,650 students. 

The 1990-2005 LRDP planned for a net increase of about 1,000 parking spaces. About half of that parking was intended for student housing that was not built. The 1990-2005 LRDP called for a tiny net increase in commuter parking (only ten spaces) on the campus and in adjacent areas.  

The 2020 NOP allows for a net increase of 2,300 spaces on top of an increase of 690 spaces at the Underhill site in the Southside, which have been approved but not built. The NOP does not specify whether this parking would be for residents of UC housing or for commuters, but it appears likely that almost all of it would be for commuters. 

In response to the publication of the NOP, Berkeley residents have raised a number of concerns about the university’s future plans and have suggested actions that the university could take to address those concerns. 

Last Tuesday, City Council voted to refer to city staff a list of some 20 comments assembled by Councilmember Dona Spring.  

These comments raise a wide range of issues related to UC’s impacts on the community and their planned expansion and to the Environmental Impact Report that UC will prepare for the 2020 LRDP. Many of the issues raised by those comments are addressed below or were addressed in the first part of this report. 

Fiscal Impacts.  

Whenever the university buys or leases property, the city loses the property tax revenue since the university is exempt from property taxes.  

The university owns a lot of property in areas adjacent to the central campus. UC’s New Century Plan, published earlier this year, includes a Project Portfolio, which includes brief descriptions of projects that could be built on some of these UC-owned sites.  

The university has been quick to point out that these descriptions are conceptual; no firm decisions have been made on how specific properties will be developed.  

The New Century Plan, together with the Strategic Academic Plan published in June 2002, provide a policy framework for the new 2020 Long Range Development Plan which is now being prepared. 

The university’s June 2002 Strategic Academic Plan calls for UC to establish a new “Office of Real Estate.” Part of its charge would be “identifying and pursuing strategic land acquisitions, particularly on the blocks adjacent to campus and, for housing, along major transit corridors.”  

The more UC relies on acquiring new property for expansion rather than developing land it already owns, the greater will be the fiscal impact on the city in the form of lost revenues. 

Another fiscal impact is increased demand for city services. 

On November 12, 2002, the Berkeley City Council authorized the expenditure of $50,000 to fund a UC Berkeley Fiscal Impact Study. A consulting firm, Economic and Planning Systems, has been hired to do the study and work is underway. 

The city hopes to get updated information that can be used “to obtain appropriate and adequate compensation from UCB for services the city provides to the campus and its off-campus facilities”. On Aug. 29, Berkeley’s City Manager, Weldon Rucker sent a letter to UC Vice Chancellor Horace Mitchell requesting specific information.  

Information sought includes: 

• Current counts of students, faculty and staff, along with summer and extension program participants. 

• Data on where students, staff and faculty live. 

• Information about the status of 1990 LRDP projects. 

• Information about projects planned under the 2020 LRDP including data about “potential/planned acquisitions of land by project.” 

• A list of UC-owned and leased properties. 

• Data related to the public services demands of the UC related population. 

From 1990 through 2002, the university paid a total of close to $7.1 million to the city in mitigation payments. These payments are the result of an agreement signed by UC and the city in 1990.  

$914,000 was paid for a fire truck and most of the other payments were for fire and sewer services. The average annual payment was about $544,000. 

More housing for students 

The LRDP EIR’s Notice of Preparation estimates that a maximum of 2,600 beds of housing could be added by 2020. This would include up to 200 “family-suitable units” for faculty, staff or visiting scholars.  

The Student Housing Development Program outlined in the 1990-2005 LRDP called for between 2,350 and 3,410 new student beds in addition to 915 beds that were already under development as of 1988. Very little of the housing not already under development in 1988 was built.  

As part of the Underhill Area Master Plan, 120 beds have been built recently at College and Durant in the Southside and an additional 1,100 beds are now under construction. Since 1988, there has been a net increase of about 1,500 in the number of single students housed in dorms, cooperatives, fraternities and sororities.  

The university’s dorms, combined with fraternities, sororities and co-ops, currently house a little less than one-third of the university’s students. If the university builds the maximum amount of housing estimated by the NOP, that percentage will increase to around 38 percent since the additional beds would exceed the maximum number of additional students being planned for.  

UC’s New Century Plan and their Strategic Academic Plan call for UC to provide two years of housing to entering freshmen who desire it, one year of housing to entering transfer students and one year to entering graduate students. 

The heavy student demand for private housing in Berkeley has resulted in high rents for apartments near campus. A substantial increase in housing should have a positive impact, but a sizable majority of students will continue to have to hunt for apartments on the private housing market.  

UC dorms are not cheap places to live. Academic year rents range from $8,695 for a bed in a triple room in one of the high rise dorms to as much as $12,735 for a single room in a suite in the foothill or Clark Kerr Campus dorms.  

Construction impacts 

Construction of new UC housing currently underway in the Southside has led to complaints by area residents about noise, blocked sidewalks and loss of on-street parking spaces. All the additional construction envisioned by the New Century Plan and by the LRDP’s NOP has led concerned residents to call on UC to change its construction practices. 

Nearby residents have voiced concerns about construction that has been starting as early as 7 a.m. They would like construction to begin no earlier than 8 a.m.  

They are also very concerned about construction workers taking up on-street parking spaces. They have proposed that construction workers should be given strong incentives to carpool to work and should be provided with remote parking with shuttle service to the construction sites.  

The closure of public sidewalks bordering UC construction site and placement of construction office trailers on public streets also causes problems for area residents. Residents would like UC to take steps to minimize closure of public streets and sidewalks and the loss of on-street parking. 

Residential Permit Parking 

Construction workers should not be able to park in residential areas near construction sites without getting parking tickets since areas around campus have Residential Permit Parking (RPP) zones where non-residents without permits are not allowed to park for more than two hours. 

But residents complain that RPP is not adequately enforced, allowing construction workers and other visitors and commuters to UC to use on-street parking spaces as a free alternative to paying for parking in area parking lots and structures. 

One proposed solution: Ask UC to pay for RPP parking enforcement as an LRDP mitigation. 

Other Impacts and Proposed Solutions 

Concerns have also raised about development-related impacts on the watershed. Will more pollutants end up in local creeks as a result of development? Open space advocates want Strawberry Canyon and Claremont Canyon protected from development and have suggested that UC commit to creating more community open space. 

Other specific concerns about the EIR process include: 

• Ensuring that the cumulative impacts of various UC projects and plans are assessed. 

• Addressing the impacts of UC extension and summer programs.  

As the next wave of long range planning gets underway at UC, it raises important questions. 

Will the city and its elected leaders respond effectively to ensure that potential detrimental impacts that could adversely affect quality of life in Berkeley are kept to a minimum?  

Will the university take the city’s concerns seriously and adjust their plans and offer adequate and constructive mitigations to address those concerns?