Sunday night found more than 30 friends and family members of Berkeley teenager Miguel Caicedo gathered beside a Bancroft Street memorial in his honor at the spot where he died a little more than two days before. Candles bearing the images of Jesus and the Virgin Mary illuminated empty bottles of whiskey, cans of Budweiser, stuffed animals and a red bandana. 

Well past its fiftieth hour, the vigil demonstrated the West Berkeley community’s affection for the 15-year-old and its distrust of the Berkeley Police Department. 

Caicedo was struck dead at 4:14 p.m. Friday by an oncoming pick-up truck on Bancroft Way between West and Bonar streets, said police spokesperson Kevin Schofield. Caicedo was riding a motorized go-cart and apparently turned onto the street directly in front of the truck.  

“He died of massive head and upper body injuries,” Schofield said. The police spokesperson added that the driver of the truck is cooperating with police and has not been charged. 

Friends said Caicedo—a sophomore—was suspended from Berkeley High last fall after a brawl, which they insist Caicedo was merely trying to break up. Friends said Caicedo had recently completed a stint under house arrest stemming from that incident, and that and that the experience had given him a more mature approach to life. 

A young man identifying himself only as Mousie, a longtime friend who said he was also sent to juvenile hall after last fall’s fight at Berkeley High, said, “He was telling me not to cut class, and saying ‘Man I need to get back into school.’ He was trying to do well, but the police always fucked with him.” 

“He was turning his life around,” said Karen Tolton, another family friend. She remembered Caicedo as “a great kid...Miguel was always smiling.” 

Caicedo had returned for Berkeley Youth Alternatives (BYA)—a program for at-risk youth—and was scheduled to enroll in an alternative school next month, friends said. 

Kevin Williams, director of BYA said Caicedo had returned from Juvenile Hall in January with “a different, more mature aura about him.” 

According to witnesses to the events preceding Friday afternoon’s tragic accident, Caicedo was in Strawberry Canyon Park with friends when three police officers arrived.  

“He was sober, but he was scared, so when he saw the police, he took off in his cousin’s go-cart,” said friend Israel Jimenez.  

Police did not chase Caicedo, who rode the go-cart through a narrow pathway leading from the park onto Bancroft and to his death. Later, at the accident scene after Ceicedo had been rushed to Highland Hospital, his helmet lay about 30 feet from where the truck had come to a halt, with clothes and go-cart strewn underneath the dented front fender beside a pool of blood. 

While there is no evidence the police played any direct role in Caicedo’s death, some friends and neighbors who gathered at the accident scene Friday turned their anger on the officers present. Several youths cursed at police standing behind yellow caution tape cordoning off the accident scene. 

“Every Friday the police come through the park after us, checking our ID’s for warrants” Jimenez said.  

Strawberry Canyon Park has a reputation for lawless behavior. Neighbors have long complained about frequent gambling, drinking and drug use by youth at the park. 

There have been complaints about automobile traffic on the street where Caicedo died, as well. Last year, neighbors also petitioned the city council to put a stop sign at the intersection of Bancroft and West—which the truck passed a half-block before striking Caicedo. Though police have not determined the truck’s speed, neighbors wondered if a stop-sign might have slowed the truck sufficiently to save Caicedo’s life. 

Motorized vehicles geared towards youth have raised noise and safety concerns locally. Assemblywoman Wilma Chan (D-Oakland) has proposed a bill to ban two-wheel scooters for anyone under 16 and without a drivers license. In light of Caicedo’s death, a representative for Chan said the Assemblywoman was considering amending her bill to cover four-wheel go-carts as well. 

Friends gathered Sunday at the memorial wanted to focus solely on Caicedo. Friend Karen Tolton recalled a Halloween two years ago, when Caicedo, knowing Tolton was “going through a rough time”, decided to trick-or-treat with her and her children, instead of partying with his friends. 

“The love that he gave and received was amazing,” she said. 

Caicedo’s parents were not available to comment for this story. Friends said funeral arrangements were not yet finalized by presstime.›

TUESDAY, FEB. 24 

Tuesday Morning Birdwalk at Tilden Nature Area, 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. Call if you need binoculars. 525-2233. 

Fat Tuesday/Mardi Gras Cele- 

bration with live music and costume making from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Tuesday Farmers’ Market, Derby St. at MLK. Featuring Josh Paxton at 3 p.m. and Wild Buds at 4 p.m. 548-2220, ext. 227. www.ecologycenter.org 

“Accessible Tech - The Great Equalizer!” a Berkeley Special Education Parents Network (BSPED) presentation from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Center for Accessible Technology (CforAT), 2547 8th St. AT and universal design in educational materials make a tremendous contribution to a meaningful, equitable education for ALL children. Wheelchair accessible and free. 525-9262. BSPED@mcads.com 

“Climbing Mt. Shasta” with Tim Keating, Director, Sierra Wilderness Seminars, at 7 p.m. at REI, 1338 San Pablo Ave. 527-4140. 

“Gaza Strip” A documentary of the lives of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip struggling with the day to day trials of the Israeli occupation. At 6:30 p.m. at the Berkeley Public Library Central Branch, 2090 Kittredge St., 3rd floor community meeting room, wheelchair accessible. Sponsored by Berkeley Peace Walk & Vigil and Lake Merritt Neighbors Organized for Peace.  

“Judaism, What is it all About?” an interactive lecture series with Rabbi Judah Dardik, at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays at Beth Jacob Congregation, 3778 Park Blvd., Oakland. 482-1147. www.bethjacoboakland.org 

Triumph Over Fear, Victory Party and Award Ceremony, in honor of all those who made our stunning victory in Raich v. Ashcroft possible, with Attorney General Bill Lockyer, at 5 p.m. at Oakland Box Theater, 1928 Telegraph Ave. Tickets are $50 general public, $35 patients with OCBC i.d. cards. Reservations can be made by calling 764-1494. Sponsored by Angel Wings Patient OutReach.  

Berkeley PC Users Group, problem solving and beginners meeting to answer, in simple English, questions about Windows computers, at 7 p.m. at 1145 Walnut St., near corner of Eunice. All welcome, no charge. 527-2177.  

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, FEB. 25 

Tilden Tots A nature adventure program to learn about our amphibian friends from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Tilden Nature Area. For 3 and 4 years olds accompanied by an adult. Fee is $6, $8 for non-residents. Registration required. 525-2233. 

Great Decisions 2004: “Weapons of Mass Destruction” with Prof. Harold P. Smith, visiting scholar, Goldman School of Public Policy, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant St. The Great Decisions program will meet Wednesdays through March 31. Briefing booklets are available. For information and reservations call 526-2925.  

March Ballot Free-For-All Join the Gray Panthers for a review of the March ballot measures with Kriss Worthington on Berkeley Measures, Michelle Milam from Loni Hancock’s office on the State Propositions, Avram Gratch, MD on Measure A, and Ms. Quintana-Turner on Prop. 55, at 1:30 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 548-9696. 

“Arnie’s Energy Policy: Just Another Shade of Gray?” with Bob Finkelstein, Executive Director, The Utility Reform Network, at 4 p.m., 110 Barrows Hall, UC Campus. 642-1640. 

Berkeley Stop the War Coalition meets every Wednesday at 7 p.m. in 255 Dwinelle, UC Campus. www.berkeleystopthewar.org  

“The Chilean Popular Movement” with Prof. Jorge Arrate, at 4 p.m. in the Lounge, Women’s Faculty Club, UC Campus. Sponsored by the Center for Latin American Studies. 642-2088. www.clas.berkeley.edu 

“From Fatigue to Fantastic” with Jacob Teitelbaum, MD, at 7 p.m. at Cafe de la Paz, 1600 Shattuck Ave. Sponsored by Elephant Pharmacy.  

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 

Bayswater Book Club meets at 6:30 p.m. at Lius’ Kitchen, Solano Ave. for a discussion of “The Boom and the Bubble” by Robert Brenner. 433-2911. 

Prose Writers Workshop We're a serious but lively bunch whose focus is on issues of craft. 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, FEB. 26 

Public Hearing on University Village Master Plan EIR at 6:30 p.m. in the Multi-purpose Room, Ocean View School, 1000 Jackson St., Albany. Copies of the Subsequent Focused Draft Environmental Impact Report are available for review at the Albany Branch Library, 1247 Marin Ave. or at the University Village office. For more informaion contact Carol Kielusiak at 643-0638. 

Third Biennial Meeting of Bay Area Creek and Watershed Groups at 6 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Sponsored by Aquatic Outreach Institute, East Bay Watershed Center, Friends of Baxter Creek, Friends of Five Creeks, SPAWNERS, Urban Creeks Council. The meeting is free, but please pre-register by calling Mary Malko, at 231-9430. mary@aoinstitute.org 

“The Fourth World War” a documentary on the human story of global conflict, at 7:30 p.m. at Humanist Hall, 390 27th St., Oakland. Donation $5-$10. Benefit for Bay Area Indie Media and Chiapas Support Committee. http://bayarea.indiemedia.org 

FRIDAY, FEB. 27 

City Commons Club Noon Luncheon with Eman Assi, Prof. of Architecture, An-Najah National Univ., Nablus, West Bank, “Destruction of Historical Sites in Nablus and Jenin, Palestine” 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. 

Get Out the Vote a pre-primary evening of political music, humor and discussion at Unitarian Universalists, 1924 Cedar at 7 p.m.  

“The Evolution from Africa” An African American History lesson given through spoken word, music, song, dance and dialogue by the afterschool students and their families at 7 p.m. at Longfellow Middle School Auditorium, 1500 Derby St. Tickets are $1-$3 at the door. All proceeds go directly to the students and staff of the afterschool program. 

“Academic Freedom After 9/11” A conference exploring how the Bush administration’s legislation has impacted institutions of higher learning, at 8 a.m. at International House, Piedmont at Bancroft Ave. Sponsored by the Center for Middle Eastern Studies. 642-8208. cmes@uclink.berkeley.edu 

“Uncovered: The Whole Truth About the Iraq War” and “Imagine America” will be shown at 7 p.m. at the Kucinich for President office, 3362 Adeline, near Alcatraz. 420-0772. 

“Literacy and Beyond” Celebrate Black History month at the downtown Berkeley YMCA, 2001 Allston Way from 7 to 9 p.m. Books, poetry and art pro- 

jects. 665-3271. 

Bay Area Children First Open House at 5 p.m. at Shattuck Commons, 1400 Shattuck Avenue, Suite 7. Auction, foods and crafts. Keynote speakers will include children’s book author and illustrator Thatcher Hurd. 883-9312, ext. 4. www.baychild.org 

A Toast to Crew, benefit for the Berkeley Men’s Crew from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the historical Maybeck home of Evelyn Larsen and Bill deCarion. Suggested donation to attend: $35 individual or $50 family. RSVP to Evelyn Larsen erlarsen@arthlink.net 

Berkeley Chess Club meets Fridays at 7:15 p.m. at the Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant Ave. Players at all levels are welcome. 652-5324. 

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 Entrance to UC Berkeley, on Oxford St. near University Ave. People of all traditions are welcome to join us. Sponsored by the Buddhist Peace Fellowship. 655-6169. www.bpf.org 

Overeaters Anonymous meets every Friday at 1:30 p.m. at the Northbrae Church at Solano and The Alameda. Parking is free and is handicapped accessible. For information call Katherine, 525-5231. 

SATURDAY, FEB. 28 

Mini-Gardeners: Water We'll learn about the water cycle, give our plants a drink, and make watering cans to take home. For ages 4 to 6. From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Tilden Nature Area, in Tilden Park Cost is $3. Registration required. Wheelchair accessible. 525-2233. tnarea@ebparks.org  

Creating Your Garden Paradise with Aerin Moore. We will provide you with tools for using the elements of design to make your garden your personal expression of creativity. At 10 a.m. at Magic Gardens Nursery, 729 Heinz Ave. 644-2351. 

Saturday Night Sing-Along An evening of campfire classics, silly and serious songs, rounds and movement activities at 7 p.m. at 1216 Solano Ave. at Talbot. Appropriate for all ages. Cost is $3 for adults, $2 for children. Sponsored by the Albany YMCA 525-1130.  

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

South Africa: Workers Struggle Against ANC Neo-Apartheid Rule, Spartacist League Black History Month Forum, 2 p.m., Rockridge Branch Library, 5366 College Ave., Oakland (south of Rockridge BART). Free. 839-0851. 

Home Buying Process Workshop offered by the Unity Council, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 1900 Fruitvale Ave. Oakland. This comprehensive workshop will cover all the elements involved in the home buying process, from establishing a budget, how to improve credit, buying power, working with realtors and the approval at the lender’s level. The workshop is free, but registration is requested. 535-6943.  

“How to Buy a Home on a Limited Budget” a fee seminar providing unbiased advice for first-time buyers who aren’t sure if they can afford to buy in the Berkeley area. Held at 180B 4th St. For reservations call 540-7808.  

“The Gifts of Grief” an educational documentary about the transformational power of loss at 7 p.m. at Studio Rasa, 933 Parker St. Suggested donation $20. 547-5004. www.giftsofgrief.com 

California College of the Arts Open House Prospective students can tour studios, meet faculty, and view student work. From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 5212 Broadway, Oakland. 594-3712. 

Yoga for Seniors at the Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant St., on Saturdays from 10 to 11 a.m. The class is taught by Rosie Linsky, who at age 72, has practiced yoga for over 40 years. Open to non-members of the club for $8 per class. For further information and to register, call Karen Ray at 848-7800. 

SUNDAY, FEB. 29 

Early Morning Birdwalk at Tilden Nature Area at 8 a.m. Once every four years we get to go birding on this day. Every new bird you see counts double for your life bird list. 525-2233. 

Leap Year at Tilden Nature Area. Learn about the history of Leap Day, with calendar customs and folklore from around the world. From 2 to 4 p.m. 525-2233. 

Save The Bay is seeking volunteers who are passionate about the environment and have some paddling experience in canoes and/or sea kayaks to be volunteer guides for our on-the-water outings program, Discover The Bay. Sign up to assist with fun, inspiring weekend adventures on San Francisco Bay, exploring the hidden gems of the Bay region and watershed. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free. For more information, contact Jessica Parsons, Outings Coordinator, at 452-9261, or jparsons@savesfbay.org  

Sensational Salvias for the Mediterranean Garden at 1 p.m. at UC Botanical Garden, 200 Centennial Drive. Cost is $45, $40 for members. to register call 643-2755. http://botanicalgarden.berkeley.edu 

Fred Lupke: A Celebration of His Life and Work from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. in the Community Room, Third Floor, Main Branch, Berkeley Public Library, 2090 Kittredge at Shattuck. 

“Patriots Act: Fighting the Good Fight - The Next Generation” Annual Reunion of The Veterans & Friends of the Abraham Lincoln Brigade at 1 p.m. at Calvin Simmons Theater, 10 Tenth St. Oakland. Speakers include Peter Glazer, Medea Benjamin, Bruce Barthol and members of the San Francisco Mime Troupe. Tickets are $30, and are available from 548-3088 or at the door. Proceeds will go to MoveOn.org  

Tibetan Buddhism with Jack van der Meulen on “Kum Nye (Tibetan Yoga) in Theory and Practice” at 6 p.m. at the Tibetan Nyingma Institute, 1815 Highland Pl. 843-6812. www.nyingmainstitute.com  

MONDAY, MARCH 1 

Berkeley Community Gardening Collaborative monthly meeting will feature a slide show on “School Gardens Around the World” at 6 p.m. Potluck dinner, drinks provided. The Ecology Center, 2530 San Pablo Ave. 548-2220, ext. 233. www.ecologycenter.org 

“Regional Transportation 101” a presentation sponsored by Berkeley Ecological and Safe Transportation, a 6 p.m. at the Berkeley Main Library, Community Meeting Room, 2090 Kittredge St. 652-9462. 

National Organization for Women, Oakland/East Bay Chapter meets at 6 p.m. the first Monday of each month at the Oakland YWCA, 1515 Webster St. 287-8948.  

Neighborhood Watch Monthly Meeting at the Public Safety Building, 2100 MLK, Jr. Way from 6:30 to 8 p.m. (Late comers enter through jail door.) Block Captains are especially invited but anyone interested in starting a neighborhood program is welcome. Refreshments will be served. Sponsored by the Berkeley Safe Neighborhoods Committee (BSNC). For more information please call BPD Community Services Bureau at 981-5808. 

Fitness for 55+ A total body workout including aerobics, stretching and strengthing at 1:15 p.m. every Monday at the South Berkeley Senior Center. 981-5170. 

Berkeley CopWatch organizational meeting at 8 p.m. at 2022 Blake St. Join us to work on current issues around police misconduct. Volunteers needed. For information call 548-0425. 

ONGOING 

Family Activist Resource Center A small group of East Bay parents is meeting monthly to set up a drop-in center where parents and caregivers can come with their children and do their political work while their children are cared for in a creative, respectful and nurturing manner. For information on the next meeting, contact Erica at ericadavid@earthlink.net or call 841-3204. 

Auditions for Showtime at the Apollo will be held Sat. March 6 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Zellerbach Hall, UC Campus. Whether you’re part of a gospel group, a chorus line, a barbershop quartet, or a jazz ensemble; if you’re a magician, a female impersonator or a one-man band; if you’ve dreamed of thousands applauding your talent at the piano, tuba or didgeridoo, you’ll have your shot at the “Big Time.” Amateur performers and groups wishing to audition may call Laura Abrams at 642-0212 or e-mail apollo@calperfs.berkeley.edu to receive an audition application and to schedule an audition. 

Berkeley Rhinos Rugby Team is inviting interested high school athletes to join. Practices are Tues. and Thurs. 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Gabe's Field. The season goes from February through May. Call Coach Keir Paasch for information, 847-1453. 

Starbucks Grants for Giving is offering $375,000 to local non-profits in Berkeley and other East Bay cities. Eligibility and application information can be obtained from any Northern California Starbucks location, by visiting www.starbucks.com/ 

grantsforgiving or by calling 1-866-535-GIVE.  

CITY MEETINGS 

City Council meets Tues., Feb. 24, at 7 p.m. with a Special Meeting at 5 p.m. in City Council Chambers, Sherry M. Kelly, city clerk, 981-6900. www.ci. 

berkeley.ca.us/citycouncil 

Citizens Budget Review Commission meets Wednesday, Feb. 25, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Paul Navazio, 981-7041. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/budget 

Civic Arts Commission meets Wed., Feb. 25, 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., Feb. 25, 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., Feb. 25, at 6:30 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Neal De Snoo, 981-5434. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/energy 

Mental Health Commission meets Wed., Feb. 25, at 6:30 p.m., at 2640 Martin Luther King, Jr. Way. Harvey Turek, 981-5213. www.ci.berkeley. 

ca.us/commissions/mentalhealth  

Planning Commission meets Wed., Feb. 25, 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. Feb. 25, at 7:30 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center, Barbara Attard, 981-4950. www.ci.berkeley.ca. 

us/commissions/policereview 

Zoning Adjustments Board meets Thurs. Feb. 26, at 7 p.m., in City Council Chambers. Mark Rhoades, 981-7410. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/zoning  ?

SAME-SEX MARRIAGE 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

We are writing to express our sadness at the County of Alameda’s refusal to grant us a marriage license. As long-term residents of Berkeley, having owned a house here (and paid property and income taxes) together for 11 years, and as a couple in a long-term, loving relationship of over 15 years, we had hoped that our relationship could be legally recognized through marriage by the County of Alameda and the State of California. But on Feb. 19, we were denied this recognition by the county clerk of Alameda when we were refused a marriage license. 

Legally sanctioned marriage seems to us to be a fundamental right, not unlike the right to vote or own property. That one group of citizens of our state and our country is currently denied this right is a sad injustice. 

Rebecca Freed 

Jane Musser 

EDITOR’S NOTE: Several attorneys have written to remind us that mayors of cities can’t usually issue marriage licenses in California, as our editorial for Feb. 17 suggested they might. San Francisco is an exception, since it’s both a city and a county. Counties usually issue marriage licenses, so East Bay residents who want to be married on their home turf should try to persuade county registrars to cooperate. 

• 

YES ON PROP. 56 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

Yes on Prop. 56, to prevent future budgets from being held hostage by the state legislature’s radical anti-tax faction. We can’t allow a selfish minority to destroy California’s once-great public education system just to provide tax breaks for California’s wealthiest individuals and corporations. Good public education, transportation, and police, fire, and environmental protection improve the economy and quality of life for all Californians. Reinstatement of the top tax bracket is vastly preferable to burdening our children with huge bond debt and millions of dollars in interest. 

Charlene M. Woodcock 

• 

MEASURE 2 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

Michael Katz’s commentary on the AC Transit Bus Rapid Transit plan (Daily Planet, Feb. 17-19) was certainly lacking insight into what Measure 2 can provide the residents of Berkeley and Alameda County. Measure 2 is hardly “pork barrel” because it gives money to projects that affect all nine counties in the Bay Area. Additionally, the projects laid out in Measure 2 go to transit projects that would continue to help alleviate traffic on some of the Bay Area’s most congested roads.  

In his commentary he stated that Measure 2 would “widen the Caldecott Tunnel, which would dump more cars onto Berkeley streets.” How exactly would it do this, Mr. Katz? If anything, the widening of the Caldecott would take cars off of Berkeley and North Oakland streets. Currently these cars end up on surface streets in an attempt to avoid traffic on Highway 24. With another bore there would be less congestion on 24 and cars would be much more likely to take the freeway and not city streets. 

Residents of Alameda County and the Bay Area have continually ranked traffic as the number one problem in the region. The Bay Area has the dubious honor of being ranked second in the nation behind Los Angeles for the most time we spend in our cars, commuting to and from work. These projects are the key to beginning to solve our congestion problems.  

Chris Douglas 

Oakland 

• 

RACIAL CRITERIA 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

Recently, four members of the school board continued to waste education funds and the future of our children by disregarding California law and the Pacific Legal Foundation lawsuit by including race in assigning students to Berkeley schools. When they lose this lawsuit BUSD will be liable for the legal fees of the Pacific Legal Foundation as well. 

As an African American man, the issue is not the color of my skin. The issue is equality of education, and the achievement gap. African American children in this school district are on the bottom of the achievement scale. Simply getting certain numbers of children together does nothing to address the achievement gap. Sixty-five percent of African American children leave the eighth grade in Berkeley at a sixth grade reading and math level. The school board’s desire to have a black child sit next to a white child doesn’t do the black child any good. When that black child fails the high school proficiency exam, or cannot enter college, that child is consigned to a life of menial, entry-level jobs. The primary job for BUSD is education, and in that the school board has failed black children. 

For three years I labored on the Student Assignment Advisory Committee, addressing the issue of how children should be assigned to elementary schools in Berkeley. I participated because the assignment plan for Berkeley touched every child and every elementary school. By making assignment address the equality of achievement, we would be benefiting every child. Instead, the school board, with the exception of Shirley Issel, decided that race was paramount to academic education. 

I’ve been treated as a nigger because I’m black, and what I want for myself, my children and all children—black, brown and white—is a quality education. The school board should concentrate on educating children and leave the color of my skin alone. 

Lee Berry 

• 

INCUMBENT PROTECTION 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

Under Measure H the leading candidate for mayor, city council or auditor receiving at least 40 percent of the votes would avoid a runoff election. Under current law the leading candidate needs a minimum of 45 percent of the votes to avoid a runoff. Why the proposed change?  

There was no outcry from the citizens of Berkeley for this change. The proposal was generated by the city council for one reason: to make it harder to defeat an incumbent. The reality is that almost every incumbent untouched by personal scandal can get at least 40 percent of the vote. Even if an unpopular incumbent is opposed by at least two significant candidates running real campaigns it is likely that the opposition candidates will still be unable to prevent the incumbent from getting 40 percent of the vote. Sixty per cent of the voters in a council district can be effectively disenfranchised by the 40 percent of the voters who favor the incumbent. 

Berkeley citizens often criticize the city council for not working together. However, when their own incumbency is at stake the councilmembers could not be more collaborative. Measure H was approved unanimously at the Nov. 25 council meeting with no discussion. The motivation behind Measure H is so transparent that councilmember Gordon Wozniak both signed the ballot argument in favor of Measure H and also signed the ballot argument opposing Measure I (instant runoff voting) because instant runoff voting does not require a majority of the votes.  

Bob Migdal 

• 

NO DOGS 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

As humorously reported by Carol Denney (“Cops Just Want to Have Dogs,” Daily Planet, Feb. 17-19), Berkeley Police have proposed obtaining German shepherds as part of their front line arsenal against crime. However, there’s nothing humorous about using dogs to hunt for human beings. It’s barbaric.  

Threatening a human being with dog bites is what the Nazis and Southern racists did. German shepherd police dogs in Berkeley would be a giant step  

backward. 

Among the reasons the police have offered to justify obtaining two German shepherds is: The dogs will help in finding missing persons with Alzheimer’s disease. I can just imagine the terror a confused senior would feel confronted with a German shepherd wielded by a cop. Most likely, the dogs will be used to rout out the homeless from hidden sleeping places and intimidate African American youth.  

Equally alarming, the language of the German shepherd proposal states that dog use will be justified when an officer believes his/her life is in danger as well as when a suspect is resisting arrest. These provisions invite unjustified usage/abuse. For example, after 40 years of main stream civil disobedience, the police still can’t to this day distinguish between not cooperating with one’s arrest and resisting arrest. In addition, cops filled with fear and adrenaline at a crime scene will transmit those feelings onto their dogs. Get the picture? 

Presently, the police carry guns, pepper spray, and batons. They believe they still don’t have enough. What’s next after dogs, tanks?  

The best way to enhance police safety is to train police in the art of staying focused, alert, and calm in dramatic situations. In other words, mind power, not brute power. Why not apply the dedicated money for front line usage in martial arts training? 

As our Federal government hypes up the rhetoric on terror and fear, Berkeley doesn’t need additional symbols of force patrolling our streets or riding in police cars.  

If you think that police dogs are unacceptable in Berkeley, please inform your councilmember and especially Mayor Bates, who is gung-ho for the proposal. 

Maris Arnold 

• 

INSTANT RUNOFF VOTING 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

Measure 1 on the March ballot will replace Berkeley’s December runoff elections with instant runoff voting (IRV). IRV is a more democratic way of electing our government leaders. Turnout in Berkeley’s December runoffs has declined for all eight runoffs since 1986 by an average of 28 percent. The overwhelming weight of evidence from both local and national examples reveals that runoff elections typically lead to lower voter turnout. This is not good for democracy. 

IRV allows voters to rank their first, second, and third choices among candidates, and if no candidate receives a majority of the first choices, then the “runoff rankings” are used to determine the winner. As a bonus, we will save tens of thousands of dollars because taxpayers will not have to pay for unnecessary runoffs, and candidates will not have to raise money for a second election. Also, IRV encourages civil campaigns, since candidates will want the to be the second choice of those who support their rivals.  

I urge a yes vote on Measure I. 

Mim Hawley 

City Councilmember, District 5 

• 

PRESERVING BLOOD HOUSE 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

The Zoning Adjustment Board should reject the proposed development at 2526 Durant Ave. (the Blood House site) and instead support the preservation alternative for the site proposed by Berkeley Architectural Heritage Association.  

The developer’s proposal would destroy a historic resource. The Blood House is one of the few early houses remaining in the area immediately south of campus, and it gives some sense of the original character of the area.  

The developer’s proposal would be dangerous for pedestrians and detrimental to traffic flow. Because it has on-site parking, it will attract residents 

who own cars, increasing congestion. The curb-cut will make Durant Avenue less friendly to pedestrians. Cars exiting from the drive onto Durant will interfere with traffic flow and possibly cause accidents.  

The preservation alternative saves the Blood House and also provides added units in a second building on the site. This is consistent with the draft Southside Plan, which says the city should “preserve and enhance the significant architectural and historic resources of the area.”  

The preservation alternative does not include parking on site, so it will not interfere with pedestrian and traffic flow. No parking is required here by C-T zoning. To ensure that this housing would attract only tenants who do not own cars, the Zoning Board should require that residents of this project not be able to purchase RPP permits.  

There is considerable demand for car-free housing near campus. A 1999 ASUC survey found that 88 percent of students would like to live close to campus without a car. Of students who have cars, 78 percent would prefer to give up their cars if they could live close to campus.  

By allowing more students to live close to campus and walk to school, the preservation alternative for this site would not only provide much needed housing but would also reduce traffic congestion and parking problems in the south campus area.  

Charles Siegel 

• 

NO CONFLICT OF INTEREST 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

Jeanne Burdette in her letter to Mayor Bates printed in the Feb.y 13-16 issue of the Daily Planet states that I have a conflict of interest working as an administrative aide for Councilmember Linda Maio while also serving on the Berkeley Waterfront Commission. According to the city attorney, no such conflict exists, nor are there any legal prohibitions for a council administrative aide to sit on Berkeley’s boards and commissions. 

Ms. Burdette also objects to “a motion to move $100,000 of Marina monies to downtown” that she asserts I made at a recent meeting of the Waterfront Commission. I believe Ms. Burdette is referring to a discussion among Waterfront Commissioners during the meeting held on Jan. 14 concerning changes to the Marina Fund. Park and Waterfront staff, in response to the city manager's request for budget reduction proposals of 20 percent from alldepartments, had recommended these changes. No motions were made during this discussion by me or any other member of the Waterfront Commission. At one point in the discussion, I raised the possibility of finding a way to help the city in its current budget crisis by finding a way to contribute $100,000 from the Marina Fund to the General Fund. I also said during the discussion that I thought it likely that there were legal obstacles that would prevent such a transfer. My proposal was found wanting by my fellow commissioners, but I don’t see this as a reason not to bring the idea forward for discussion. Incidentally, there was support from Waterfront Commissioners for some costs being transferred from other funds to the Marina Fund including a $3,483 reduction to the General Fund. 

The Waterfront Commission has a record of seeing the Marina Fund in the larger context of the entire city’s budget. Several years ago the Parks and Recreation Commission recommended and the city council approved funds to pay overhead for services such as bookkeeping and legal advice would no longer have to be paid from the parks tax. The Waterfront Commission discussed making a similar recommendation to the city council, but decided such a policy was not in the best interest of the city and didn’t make the recommendation. In fiscal year 2003, the Marina Fund paid $234,000 in indirect cost reimbursements to the General Fund. 

It is worthwhile noting that the members of the Waterfront Commission, including myself, are generally very protective of the Marina Fund. For years, many berthers at the Marina believed that “downtown” was taking money from the Marian Fund and placing it in the General Fund. Working with staff over the past several years to accurately portray the financial condition of the Marina Fund has virtually eliminated these complaints. The process of clarifying the status of the Marina Fund led to the development of a five-year budget-planning window, now adopted by all of the city’s departments. The recently published Marina Plan contains a 20-year planning window for capital projects, a strategy we hope to see adopted throughout the city’s departments. For many years the General Fund was inappropriately depositing interest earned from the Marina Fund to the General Fund. After several recommendations to the city council from the Waterfront Commission, this practice was eventually stopped. Interest earned in the Marina Fund account is now deposited in the Marina Fund. Another budget strategy developed by the Waterfront Commission that we hope will be adopted by other city departments is the establishment of a reserve fund for future capital projects. Reserve funds in excess of $1,000,000 have been set aside to dredge the Marina next year and to complete renovation projects that will keep the Berkeley Marina a viable community asset without placing a burden on the General Fund. 

Brad Smith 

• 

IN SUPPORT OF STRIKERS 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

In support of striking workers in Southern California, I have stopped shopping at Safeway and Albertsons. I urge other members of the community to do the same.  

Phil McArdle?

TUESDAY, FEB. 24 

FILM 

Joseph Cornell Centenary: “...tokens and traces of chance...” at 7 p.m. and “Goofy Newsreels” at 9 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $4-$8. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

“Comix 101” a visual travelogue with Art Spiegelman at 8 p.m., Zellerbach Hall, UC Campus. Tickets are $18-$28, available from 642-9988. www.calperfs.berkeley.edu 

Brian Green describes “The Fabric of the Cosmos: Space, Time and the Texture of Reality” at 7:30 p.m. at Cody’s Books. 845-7852. www.codysbooks.com  

Jim Garrison introduces his new book “America as Empire: Global Leader or Rogue Power?” at 7:30 p.m. at Black Oak Books. 486-0698. www.blackoakbooks.com 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Tom Rigney & Flambeau at 8:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cajun dance lesson with Cheryl McBride at 8 p.m. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Jazzschool Tuesdays, a showcase of up-and-coming ensembles from Berkeley Jazzschool at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 848-8277. 

Kaki King at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $15.50 in advance, $16.50 at the door. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

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

Dayna Stephens House Jam at 8 p.m. at The Jazz House. Donation $5. 649-8744.  

www.thejazzhouse.com 

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 25 

FILM 

Film 50: “Scarface” at 3 p.m. and Video: They Might be Giants: “Steina and Woody Vasuka” at 7:30 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $4-$8. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

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 

“Daughter’s Keeper” with author Ayelet Waldman at 7:30 p.m. at the Berkeley Richmond Jewish Community Center, 1414 Walnut St. 848-0327, ext. 112. 

Perri Klass reads from her new novel, “The Mystery of Breathing,” at 7:30 p.m. at Black Oak Books. 486-0698. www.blackoakbooks.com 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Wednesday Noon Concert with Robert Schumann and Heitor Villa-Lobos at International House, Bancroft and Piedmont Aves. Admission is free. 642-4864.  

Freddy Clarke & The All Over the Map Band, CD Release Party at 9 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $9. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

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

Strings Attached: What We Live, improvisation at 8 p.m. at The Jazz House. Donations of $8-$15 suggested. 649-8744. www.thejazzhouse.org 

THURSDAY, FEB. 26 

THEATER 

Everyday Theater, “The Bright River,” a show by Tim Barsky opens at 8 p.m. at the Transparent Theater, 1901 Ashby Ave. and runs through March 20. Tickets are $12-$20 and are available from 644-2204. 

A Traveling Jewish Theater, “Times Like These” at 8 p.m. at the Julia Morgan Center for the Arts. Tickets are $20-$28. 415-285-8080. www.atjt.com 

FILM 

Human Rights Watch Film Festival “Power Trip” at 7 p.m. and “Life on the Tracks” at 8:50 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $4-$8. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

“Mexican Folk Art” a gallery talk with Stanley Brandes from noon to 1 p.m. at the Phoebe Hearst Museum of Anthropology, 103 Kroeber Hall, Bancroft Way at College.  

Jennifer Carrell describes “The Speckled Monster: A Historical Tale of Battling Smallpox” at 7:30 p.m. at Cody’s Books. 845-7852. www.codysbooks.com 

Bruce Wipperman takes us on a visual tour with “Moon Handbook of Pacific Mexico” at 7:30 p.m. at Easy Going Travel Shop & Bookstore, 1385 Shattuck Ave. 843-3533. 

Loolwa Khazzoom reads from “The Flying Camel: Essays on Identity by Women of North African and Middle Eastern Jewish Heritage” at 7:30 p.m. at Black Oak Books. 486-0698. www.blackoakbooks.com 

Word Beat Reading Series with Connie Post and Lara Monroe at 7 p.m. at Mediterraneum Caffe, 2475 Telegraph Ave., near Dwight Way. 526-5985, 205-1749.  

Carla Blank introduces her new novel, “Rediscovering America” at 7:30 p.m. at Barnes and Noble. 644-0861. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

International Gospel Music Spectacular, a showcase of choirs and soloists from East Bay African American Churches at 8 p.m. at International House, Piedmont Ave. at Bancroft Way. Tickets are $5 at the door. The concert will be preceeded by a buffet at 5:30 p.m. for $8.50. 

Moore Brothers, Paula Frazer, Nedelle at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $5. 841-2082. www.starryplough.com 

Savant Guard at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 848-8277. 

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

Duck Baker and Peppino D’Agostino, guitar, at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $19.50 in advance, $20.50 at the door. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

Strings Attached: What We Live, featuring John Schott at 8 p.m. at The Jazz House. Donations of $8-$15 suggested. 649-8744. www.thejazzhouse.org 

FRIDAY, FEB. 27 

THEATER 

“The Evolution from Africa” An African American history lesson given through spoken word, music, song, dance and dialogue, at 7 p.m. at Longfellow Middle School Auditorium 1500 Derby St. Tickets are $1-$3. All proceeds go directly to the afterschool programs. 

Aurora Theatre, “Man of Destiny” by George Bernard Shaw, directed by Barbara Oliver at 8 p.m. Through March 7. 843-4822. www.auroratheatre.org 

Berkeley Repertory Theater, “Yellowman” by Dael Orlandersmith, directed by Les Waters, 2025 Addison St. Through March 7. For ticket information call 647-2949. www.berkeleyrep.org 

Everyday Theater, “The Bright River,” a show by Tim Barsky, at 8 p.m. at the Transparent Theater, 1901 Ashby Ave. Through March 20. Tickets are $12-$20 and are available from 644-2204. 

A Traveling Jewish Theater, “Times Like These” at 8 p.m. at the Julia Morgan Center for the Arts. Tickets are $20-$28. 415-285-8080. www.atjt.com 

Central Works, “The Duel” a new play adapted from Chekhov’s novella, opens at 8 p.m. at the Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant Ave. Runs Thurs. - Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 5 p.m. through March 27. Tickets are $8-$20. 558-1381. www.centralworks.org 

Impact Theatre, “Say You Love Satan” at 8 p.m. at La Val’s Subterranean, 1834 Euclid. Runs through March 13. 464-4468. www.impacttheatre.com 

Berkeley Black Repertory Group Theater, “Street Soldier The Play” a benefit for Omega Boys Club and celebrating Black History month at 8 p.m. at 3201 Adeline St. Tickets are $20. 1-800-SOLDIER. 

FILM 

Human Rights Watch Film Festival “War Takes” at 7 p.m. and “Ford Transit” at 8:45 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $4-$8. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

Independent Exposure, “Love and Other Difficulties” at 8 p.m. at 21 Grand, 449B 23rd St. betwen Broadway and Telegraph, Oakland. Cost is $5-$10 sliding scale. 444-7263. 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Chris Abani tells the story of a sixteen-year-old Nigerian struggling to escape his life in Lagos by impersonating Elvis, in “Graceland” at 7:30 p.m. at Cody’s Books. 845-7852. www.codysbooks.com 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

“De Aquí P’ Allá Con Clave” a new work of Cuban music and dance directed by Jesus Diaz, at 8 p.m. at La Peña. Tickets are $16 in advance, $20 at the door. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

Get Out the Vote a pre-primary evening of political music, humor and discussion at Unitarian Universalists, 1924 Cedar at 7 p.m.  

Strings Attached: What We Live, featuring Fred Frith, at 8 p.m. at The Jazz House. Donations of $8-$15 suggested. 649-8744. www.thejazzhouse.org 

CNMAT with Bertram Turetzky performing works for double bass, multi-channel tape, electronics and video at 8 p.m. at 1750 Arch St. Donation $10. 643-9990. 

Alvin Youngblood Hart, acoustic blues, at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $19.50 in advance, $20.50 at the door. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

Hip Hop/Funk Mardi Gras Party with the People and LZ Phoeniz at 9:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $10 in advance, $12 at the door. $10 if wearing costume. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com  

Mike Jung and Mike Mood perform 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 

Otis Goodnight, Stymie, and Monkey Knife Fight at 9:30 p.m. at Blakes on Telegraph. Cost is $7. 848-0886. www.blakesontelegraph.com 

Nels Kline Singers, Marika Hughes and Eric McFadden, Odd Bodkins at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $7. 841-2082. www.starryploughpub.com  

Michael Bluestein Trio at 8:30 p.m. at Downtown. 649-3810. 

Sarah Manning Trio at 9 p.m. at Jupiter. 848-8277. 

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

Mutual Abuse, Collateral Damage, Second Opinion at 8 p.m. at 924 Gilman St. Cost is $5. 525-9926. 

SATURDAY, FEB. 28 

CHILDREN 

“Wild About Books” storytime at 10:30 a.m. at the Berkeley Public Library, 2090 Kittredge St. 981-6223. 

Los Amiguitos de La Peña with Ingrid Noyes’s “Rosie and the Railroaders” at 10:30 a.m. at La Peña. Cost is $4 for adults, $3 for children. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

EXHIBITION OPENINGS 

“Level of Abstraction” featuring Asha Menghrajani, Mark Popple, E. Taylor, at 4th Street Studio, 1717d 4th St. Opening reception from 7 to 9 p.m. 527-0600. www.fourthstreetstudio.com 

THEATER 

A Traveling Jewish Theater, “Times Like These” at 8 p.m. at the Julia Morgan Center for the Arts. Tickets are $20-$28. 415-285-8080. www.atjt.com 

Berkeley Black Repertory Group Theater, “Street Soldier The Play” a benefit for Omega Boys Club and celebrating Black History month at 2:30 and 8 p.m. at 3201 Adeline St. Tickets are $20. 1-800-SOLDIER. 

“Full Spectrum Improvisation,” by Lucky Dog Theater, featuring Joya Cory, at 8 p.m. at Eighth Street Studios, 2525 8th St. 415-564-4115. 

FILM 

Human Rights Watch Film Festival “Balseros” at 1 and 8 p.m. and “S-21, The Khmer Rouge Killing Machine” at 5:30 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $4-$8. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

“Shaolin Soccer” at 8 p.m. at the Long Haul, 3124 Shattuck Ave. Wheelchair accessible. 540-0751. www.thelonghaul.org 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Robert L. Allen, author of “The Port Chicago Mutiny” speaks at 1:30 p.m. at the Salem Lutheran Home, 2361 East 29th Street in Oakland. 534-3637. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Ballet Flamenco Eva Yerbabuena at 8 p.m., Zellerbach Hall, UC Campus. Tickets are $26-$48, available from 642-9988. www.calperfs.berkeley.edu 

Bryan Baker, piano recital, at 8 p.m. at Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley, One Lawson Rd., Kensington. Tickets are $15-$20 at the door. 525-0302, ext. 302. www.uucb.org 

“De Aquí P’ Allá Con Clave” a new work of Cuban music and dance directed by Jesus Diaz, at 8 p.m. at La Peña. tickets are $16 in advance, $20 at the door. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

World Heart Beat, a benefit concert and dance party in support of Berkeley’s Interfaith Pagan Pride Parade and Celebration with Stephen Kent, composer and multi-instrumentalist, at 8 p.m. at 2525 Eighth St., at Dwight Way. Cost is $13-$20, sliding scale. All ages welcome. 649-6051. www.paganparade.org 

Stew, Afro-Baroque cabaret, at 9 p.m. at Oakland Metro, 201 Broadway. Tickets are $11 in advance, $13 at the door. 763-1146. www.oaklandmetro.org 

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

Strings Attached: What we Live, featuring Nels Cline, at 8 p.m. at The Jazz House. Donations of $8-$15 suggested. 649-8744. www.thejazzhouse.org 

KGB, Hypnogaja, Keysersoze at 9:30 p.m. at Blakes on Telegraph. Cost is $7. 848-0886. www.blakesontelegraph.com 

Naked Barbies, Penelope Houston and Pat Johnson at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $6. 841-2082. www.starryploughpub.com 

Victims of the Groove, jazz fusion of world music, at 8 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $10-$15. 845-5373. www.jazzschool.com 

The Frank Wakefield Band, bluegrass mandolin at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage Coffee House. Cost is $16.50 in advance, $17.50 at the door. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

Za’atar performs Middle Eastern music 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 

Scott Amendola at 8:30 p.m. at Downtown. 649-3810. 

Singer-Songwriter Night featuring Brian Lazarus and guests at 7:30 p.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344. www.nomadcafe.net 

From Monument to Masses, Caesura Free Verse, The Yellow Press, The Drogues 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. 

Drunken Cat Paws at 9 p.m. at Jupiter. 848-8277. 

SUNDAY, FEB. 29 

CHILDREN 

“Dragons Never Laugh” puppet adventures with Princess Moxie at 2 and 4 p.m. at Epic Arts, 1923 Ashby Ave. Tickets are $4 for children $6 for adults. 644-2204. 

Picture Book Circle at the Magnes Museum Children ages 4-8 and their families will read and look at classic, illustrated books and discuss Jewish values. Dr. Ellen Handler Spitz, the acclaimed author of Inside, Picture Books, developed the program exclusively for the Magnes. The six Sundays is $50 per child for members and $60 for non-members at meets at 2 p.m. To register please call 549-6950. www.magnes.org 

THEATER 

A Traveling Jewish Theater: “Times Like These” at 2 and 7 p.m. at the Julia Morgan Center for the Arts. Tickets are $20-$28. 415-285-8080. www.atjt.com 

Berkeley Black Repertory Group Theater, “Street Soldier The Play” a benefit for Omega Boys Club and celebrating Black History month at 3 and 8 p.m. at 3201 Adeline St. Tickets are $20. 1-800-SOLDIER. 

FILM 

Victor Sjostrom: “The Scarlet Letter” at 2 p.m. and “Under the Red Robe” at 4:15 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $4-$8. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Poetry Flash with Luke Breit and Jack Hirschman at 7:30 p.m. at Cody’s Books. Donation $2. 845-7852. www.codysbooks.com 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Ballet Flamenco Eva Yerbabuena at 7 p.m., Zellerbach Hall, UC Campus. Tickets are $26-$48, available from 642-9988. www.calperfs.berkeley.edu 

Chamber Music Sundaes The Navarro Piano Trio performs Schubert, Bruch, and Danielpur at 3:15 p.m. at St John’s Presbyterian Church, 2727 College Ave. Tickets are $7-$18, available at the door. 415-584-5946. 

“3, 4, 6, 8 Hands, 1 & 2 Pianos” presented by the Holy Names College Music Department with works by Alkan, Rachmaninoff, Schickele, Schubert and Smetana at 3 p.m. at Regents’ Theatre, Valley Center for the Performing Arts, Holy Names College, 3500 Mountain Blvd., Oakland. Tickets are $6-$12 available at the door.  

56th Annual Festival of the Oaks, a day long celebration of internationsl music and dance sponsored by Laney College Dance Dept., Berkeley Folk Dance Club and California Folk Dance Federation. Held at the Laney College gym from 10 a.m. For information call 527-2177. 

Flamenco Open Stage with Alicia and Roberto Zamora at 7:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $9. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

John Schott’s Typical Orchestra at 8 p.m. at The Jazz House. Donations of $8-$15 suggested. 649-8744. www.thejazzhouse.org 

Stacey Earle and Mark Stuart, roots country originals, at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $15.50 in advance, $16.50 at the door. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

John Schott, guitar and voice, Ben Goldberg, clarinet, and their friends from 4 to 6:30 p.m. at Spasso Cafe, 6021 College Ave. at Claremont.

Berkeley developer Panoramic Interests owes the city another $200,000 in taxes on four properties the firm built and manages—and the city’s Finance Department is implementing procedures to ensure that such properties don’t slip under the tax radar again. 

Such was the gist of the “escaped” tax assessments update Finance Director Fran David gave to the city council at last Tuesday’s work session. David described “escaped” taxes as taxes mistakenly not charged to Berkeley properties. 

David said her department is also reviewing a project by an unnamed builder that could net the city an additional $37,000 in previously unbilled taxes. 

The council ordered the escaped taxes report last October after the announcement by former mayoral aide Barbara Gilbert that Panoramic’s Gaia Building—one of the most controversial developments in the city in recent years—didn’t appear to be paying certain Berkeley property fees and assessments, even though it had been occupied for two years. 

A follow-up story in the Berkeley Daily Planet revealed that a second Panoramic property—the Berkleyan—hadn’t been billed for some Berkeley taxes since its permanent certificate of occupancy had been issued three years before. A Finance Department staff member later said that the Berkeleyan’s assessments had “[fallen] through the cracks.” There was never any allegation that Panoramic, headed by developer Patrick Kennedy, had failed to pay any county or city taxes for which it had been billed. 

While some city staff members have called the amount of “escaped” Berkeley taxes small in relation to the city’s $110 million to $120 million annual budget, the issue became a potent and (to city government representatives) embarrassing symbol during last fall’s debate over the since-discarded fire parcel tax. 

At the time, David revealed that the Gaia Building had escaped the taxes because Berkeley assessed them only after issuing a permanent certificate of occupancy—while the Gaia was operating under a continuing temporary permit. That loophole is now being closed, with both commercial and residential properties now triggering tax assessments as soon as the city deems them suitable to occupy. 

David also reported that 200 potentially untaxed properties, mostly-residential and less than 3,000 square feet each, remain to be investigated. Most are so small, she said, that even if they are billable, they “will likely yield very little increase in revenue.” 

The report also referred to more than 40 properties improperly put on the “OO” properties list. Properties normally appearing on the untaxable “00” list are vacant lots, parking lots, or are buildings under construction. Assessment amounts improperly assigned to the list are currently being calculated and research continues on another 50 properties. 

David will present a follow-up escaped assessments report to the council in May.›

The March 2 election date is fast-approaching and many Berkeley voters have already received their absentee ballots. So many of you have called me and asked my opinion about Propositions 57 and 58, that I am distributing the remarks I gave on this subject to the Berkeley Democratic Club earlier this month.  

Prop. 57, the Economic Recovery Bond Act, authorizes the state to sell $15 billion in bonds to pay for operations, not the bricks and mortar that you normally would expect from the selling of bonds. These bonds are to be paid back over a period of 9 to 14 years from one fourth of a penny from the state sales tax. A range is given on the number of years to pay back the debt because as the economy improves, the total amount of sales tax increases. the amount available for payback increases, and the payback period decreases. As the economy slows or limps along, the amount of sales tax goes down, and the payback period takes longer. 

Prop. 58 amends the California Constitution to require the state to approve balanced budgets each year in the future. Currently, the Constitution requires the governor to propose a balanced budget annually, but does not require that the final budget approved by the Legislature and signed by the governor be balanced. Prop. 58 also requires that the state set up a reserve using from 1-3 percent of the state’s general fund revenues until the reserve reaches either $8 billion or five percent of the state’s General Fund whichever is greater. The purpose of this reserve is to smooth out future dips in revenue so that there aren’t sudden changes to programs and services. 

Both Prop. 57 and 58 must be approved by the voters in order for either to take effect.  

Berkeley’s acting city manager, Phil Kamlarz, has called borrowing to pay past debt is “lousy policy.” We can all agree on that, and hopefully a majority of us will agree that the financial situation California faces todayleaves us without choice. Just like too many ordinary people, the state has been living with unbalanced budgets—spending more than their income. I am not here to fix blame or point fingers. There is plenty of blame to be assigned to many parties, but what has happened, has happened. Now, we need to focus on getting out of this mess, so let me give you five compelling reasons why we need to approve Propositions 57 and 58 on March 2.  

1) Without voter approval of 57 and 58, the state will be out of money in June of 2004. 

2) The state, which already takes millions from local governments to balance their budget, will take even more, maybe double the current amount. The state has taken $4 million from Berkeley alone every yearsince the early ‘90s, $6 million now. The state taking more will clearly be a disaster for our own local situation. They need to give our money back to us! 

3) Even if bankrupt, the state will still have to function, so California will have to turn to “stand-by agreements.” These are nasty financial instruments that carry very high interest rates which depending on various factors, could increase California’s debt to $30 billion by 2005!  

4) We can’t rely upon last year’s $11 billion bond debt financing plan approved by the Legislature last year because that action is being taken to court by the Pacific Legal Foundation on the basis it wasn’t approved by the voters. Don’t be mistaken, this $11 billion is included in the $15 billion in Prop. 57. There isn’t an extra $11 billion out there. Several legal experts believe that the Pacific Legal Foundation court challenge will succeed. 

5) If we were to raise income tax rates on those with incomes over $200,000, raise taxes on alcohol and tobacco and raise the sales tax by one cent, we will generate about $7 billion, not even one-half of the $15 billion debt. 

Some have said that the whole debt could be wiped out simply by raising income taxes on California’s wealthiest residents. Income taxes are not retroactive. The earliest an income tax increase could apply would be next year, maybe longer depending on how long it takes to work out. This, at best will be after the state runs out of money and has to rely on deep cuts to services, funds from local and county government and those costly stand-by agreements. Also, increases to income tax are also subject to all of the withholding and credits allowable for various reasons, so it’s hard to determine the full impact without a great deal more of study. 

This is far too important a matter to play around with. I am very concerned that our elected leadership at all levels, with the exception of Oakland Mayor Jerry Brown, has been silent on this issue. So, it is time, for us ordinary citizens to speak up. An interesting analogy that we can all relate to, and use as an explanation to friends and neighbors, is the ordinary citizen who lives beyond his means and gets into wrenching debt. Any responsible credit counselor would advisor this person to consolidate debt, re-finance with lower interest rates, make regular paybacks and commit to responsible behavior in the future. This is exactly what Propositions 57 and 58 do. 

Sure, approving Props 57 and 58 will not solve our budget woes. We still must face living within our means, trimming state expenditures (I suggest eliminating the State giving brand new luxury cars to legislators and paying people over $100,000 to sit on a state board), and raising new revenues (I suggest increase income taxes on our wealthiest residents). Yes, it’s lousy policy to borrow to get out of debt, but it’s the responsible, practical and effective thing to do right now. Vote yes on Propositions 57 and 58 on the March ballot.  

Shirley Dean is a former mayor of Berkeley.  

Yesterday, while I was attending a memorial service at the University of California, a tragedy was happening in my own neighborhood. A happy-go-lucky teenager rode a go-cart down an alley onto Bancroft Avenue, right into the path of an oncoming truck. He was pronounced dead on arrival at Highland Hospital. Sixteen-year-old Miguel Caicedo was the beloved cousin of the African American student who walks my dog, and he used to pass by my house frequently. 

I live two blocks away from the accident scene in a quiet, racially diverse, residential neighborhood in southwest Berkeley. On Saturday evening I walked to the spot where the accident happened. It was marked by a photo poster of Miguel (known as “Snoopy”) tacked to a telephone pole, surrounded by flowers, candles, and dozens of quiet, sad-eyed friends, relatives and neighbors. Many of them, like Miguel, were teenagers of color, wearing the predominantly red and black clothes that had worried some of my neighbors recently. There had been a steady presence at the site for more than 24 hours. Earlier there had been outbursts of anger at the police for their handling of the accident (details of which are still unclear) and an incident involving some gang-like provocation, but generally it has been quiet, respectful, tearful.  

At about 7 p.m. the family arrived and an informal, impromptu memorial began. His mother was barely able to speak, but his aunt, clearly a neighborhood earth mother, begged the youngsters not to stop coming around; she would still cook for them and watch out for them. Miguel, she said, had been turning his life around, and was well on his way to success. He was in school and had a job at the nearby after-school center, Berkeley Youth Alternatives. Miguel’s only fault seemed to be youthful over-enthusiasm; the many loving tributes on the poster board on the sidewalk attested to his warm-heartedness. His aunt’s message, repeated by other speakers, was strong and clear and mainly directed to the teenagers: make the outcome of this tragedy positive; make your own lives worthwhile; don’t make trouble or hate others; study; love your family, and each other. 

Looking around, she celebrated the diversity of the mourners and begged us all to work together and not let color divide us. A male relative led a prayer, quoting Martin Luther King and John Donne; a beautifully written, heartrending poem by a young friend was read; we all held hands and observed a moment of silence; a young woman broke into a chorus of “Amazing Grace.”  

I don’t suppose anyone really believes this teenage community will become a model generation overnight. A realistic message from Miguel’s grandmother was relayed, telling the teenagers they could come to the funeral in their street clothes, but please, just this once, pull up those baggy pants. I think they will. And maybe more. The rain that began to fall could not quench the hope springing from the sadness. 

TRUTH TO POWER 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

In its Feb. 13-16 edition, the Berkeley Daily Planet printed a letter to the editor written against me, an African American progressive activist, by a conservative pro-Israel individual named Dan Spitzer. 

That letter contained an absolutely false allegation about a statement that Spitzer purported I made while engaged in a public protest at the Feb. 10 speech by right-wing, pro-Israel media pundit Daniel Pipes. Spitzer pathetically claimed that I screamed, “You’re all a bunch of filthy Jewish liars.” 

As the anti-racist, anti-Zionist, Jewish-American essayist and public lecturer Tim Wise noted, “[Zionists] can’t be expected to place a very high premium on truth” and, obviously, no lie is too brazen. 

As I understand it, it is general newspaper policy to refrain from printing an undocumented accusation such as a second-hand, unverified quote. 

Of course, I did not say what Spitzer claimed, as many witnesses to the event can readily attest. In fact, it was I who urged the Daily Planet, in their published apology to me for printing Spitzer’s letter, to seek to obtain a recording of the event from Berkeley Hillel. Such a recording would directly demonstrate the falseness of his accusation. 

My actual verbal protest against Pipes was only one voice amongst numerous others speaking out from both the campus and the community. Pipes is a highly controversial and divisive figure, well-known as the American voice for the most reactionary anti-Palestinian and anti-Muslim elements in the far right wing of Israel’s conservative Likud Party. 

Pipes is also a founder of CampusWatch, a right-wing ideological organization that engages in McCarthyist intimidations of academics. It attacks the very free speech and academic freedom that Berkeley Hillel pretends to champion in this case: CW attacks, particularly, those who politically criticize Israel or Zionism (its fundamentalist, apartheid ideology), or for their so-called “un-Americanism.” 

Pipes has taken the position that the Middle East peace process should be abandoned altogether. He believes that Israel should pursue the most extreme military action until the Palestinians are totally crushed as a viable, indigenous people and abjectly surrender all claims to their homeland and self-determination. He also characterizes the vast majority of Muslims and Arabs—internationally and in the Muslim and Arab-American community—as either actual or potential terrorists. 

Given his background, it is shocking and shameful that his Hillel sponsors—who are keen to count (typically including any political criticism of Israel) every single incidence of hate speech against Bay Area Jews—would invite a hate speaker like Daniel Pipes to campus. 

This invitation prompted a Feb. 10 formal letter to the Daily Californian, signed by many Jews and others in the university community, objecting to Hillel’s invitation to Pipes in the strongest possible terms. The letter described Pipes’ remarks as “vilely xenophobic” and “echo[ing] messages directed against Jews in the past.” The signatories of the letter included Professor Emerita Bluma Goldstein, who lost more than 30 members of her family in the Holocaust, but who nonetheless morally rejects the imposition of nationalist Zionism in Palestine. 

I, especially as an African American, consider Pipes’ notorious anti-Arab racist views and extreme anti-Muslim bigotries morally unacceptable. Thus, my conscience compelled me to be included in the many ethnically and religiously diverse (including Jews, Muslims, Christians, other faiths, and secular) voices of objection to Pipes’ hate speech. 

In a highly visible, nonviolent form of potential civil disobedience, with the voluntary expectation of being escorted out, I proclaimed to Pipes individually, stating: “You’re a racist Jew [implicitly noting the irony] and you should be ashamed of yourself. Gandhi opposed Zionism. Nelson Mandela opposes Zionism. Desmond Tutu opposes Zionism. Paul Robeson opposed Zionism. You’re the Jewish David Duke!” 

Thus I did not—contrary to Spitzer’s false quote—engage in invective or derogatory remarks about Jewish people as a group. I noted Pipes’ Jewishness to emphasize the tragic irony of such a person engaging in the same sort of racist and bigoted behavior which Jews themselves have suffered under throughout history, and which goes against the traditions and philosophy of the Jewish faith. 

As for right-wing Spitzer duplicitously invoking Mario Savio: First, Savio was not a racist or a bigot. Second, Savio championed the meaningful free speech rights of those who politically dissent—those without state or corporate media backing—to speak truth to power; he didn’t champion power’s right to free speech, which it inherently has. Third, Savio said that when a system becomes so heinously oppressive, people of conscience must throw themselves upon the gears of that onerous system. In a small but visible way, that’s what we protesters did. Savio also said that protest should be principled, not necessarily polite. 

Not one word of Pipes’ prepared speech went unspoken: He still had his (otherwise media-ubiquitous) “free speech.” No protester attempted to actually stop him from speaking. But we people of conscience will not let an evident racist/bigot like Pipes carry on without inconvenient interruptions for truth. 

There’s a clear message here: If you’re a notorious racist, bigot, or oppressor, don’t come to Berkeley. 

Joseph Anderson 

• 

UNFORTUNATE APOLOGY 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

On Feb. 17, the Berkeley Daily Planet apologized to Joseph Anderson “for any problems” the publication of Dan Spitzer’s Feb. 13 letter to the editor “might have created for him.” 

I in turn regret that you apologized to Mr. Anderson because I, the speaker at the UC Berkeley event in question on Feb. 10, clearly heard verbatim exactly what Mr. Spitzer reported, namely Mr. Anderson yelling repeatedly “You’re all a bunch of filthy Jewish liars.” 

Daniel Pipes 

Editor’s Note: The controversy over who said what at a Daniel Pipes lecture on the UC campus reminds us of the movie Rashomon, which told the story of an incident through the eyes of several different witnesses who saw what happened in different ways. We originally printed a letter in which one attendee recounted his recollection of what was said by another attendee, after which the second person wrote in to deny that he had said what the first letter reported. At the request of the second attendee, we’ve asked for any tapes which were made of the incident, but none have been produced. In this issue we are printing the second person’s recollection, as well as a brief letter from the lecturer regarding his own memory of the event, and that’s all the farther we’re going to go with this discussion, even though we’ve had several more letters from witnesses with a variety of perceptions of what happened. In the future we request that our correspondents refrain from making specific accusations against individuals who are not public figures. 

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One of the most prolific non-profit developers in Berkeley is calling it quits, at least temporarily. And at least from non-profit developing. 

Ali Kashani, director and founder of Affordable Housing Associates (AHA) announced last week that effective June 30, he will resign from the organization he founded 11 years ago. With more than 400 units of affordable housing in Berkeley and 113 in the pipeline, AHA has emerged as the city’s leader in new affordable housing development. 

“It’s better for AHA to get new blood and leadership not as jaded as I am,” Kashani said. He said he was frustrated by the “meat grinder” of Berkeley development and decided that after 20 years in affordable housing, he had achieved his goals and wanted to step aside. 

Kashani owns a share in the building housing Longs Drugs on San Pablo Avenue and the former Gorman & Son Furniture store on Telegraph Avenue. But while friends expect him to delve into private development Kashani said that contrary to rumors, he had no other stake in private Berkeley developments. He added, however, that he wouldn’t pass up a good opportunity. “I’m not tired of developing,” he said. “I just wanted a break.” 

Supporters and competitors said they were saddened by Kashani’s resignation announcement.  

“It’s a tragic loss for affordable housing,” said Councilmember Kriss Worthington. “We’re going to have trouble replacing such a passionate and effective leader.”  

Dan Sawislak, executive director for RCD, said, despite adding competition for scarce funding, AHA has been good for his group because, “they made politics in town more favorable for affordable housing.” 

“He’s someone who has all the skills,” said Berkeley Housing Director Steve Barton, who recently put AHA in charge of managing the city’s 75 public housing units. “Some people know the construction side, some people know finance side, but Ali had mastered both.” 

Colleagues said Kashani had also mastered Berkeley politics. When he formed AHA, non-profit development was a divisive issue. The city’s largest developer, Resources for Community Development (RCD), was seen as an extension of the city council’s progressive wing in a council bitterly divided between progressives and moderates. 

To bridge the council divide, Kashani appointed both moderates and progressives to his board.  

Though Kashani deftly handled the city council, he has not been immune from criticism the recent controversies over high-density development in Berkeley. AHA’s planned four-story senior housing project at Sacramento Street and Dwight Way remains held up in litigation after neighbors sued the city for violating its General Plan in approving the 40-unit project. The suit is now before an appeals court judge, after the city won at trial. 

Howie Muir, a plaintiff in that lawsuit, chastised Berkeley for showing favoritism to Kashani. “The city was determined to let Ali have the project any way he wanted it before it even became public,” he said. 

One of nine siblings from Tehran, Iran, Kashani arrived in Berkeley in 1979. After graduating with a degree in engineering from UC Berkeley in 1984, he decided to stay, rather than return to his war-torn homeland. He became involved with non-profit Berkeley-Oakland Support Services which led him to affordable housing, working first as a construction consultant and then as an employee for RCD, his future competitor. 

AHA Board President Harry Le Grande said finding a suitable replacement for Kashani would be difficult and the board was considering adding a Chief Financial Officer position to assume some of the load. “We have a strong staff, but whoever comes in will have to establish relationships with our lenders,” he said. 

Kashani said longtime employee Kevin Zwick would be considered for the top job, along with candidates from outside the organization. He didn’t think the change in leadership would affect the three present projects AHA has planned for Berkeley. 

›

In an escalation of the labor dispute that has engulfed southern California for almost five months, the California Labor Federation this week announced an official boycott of all Safeway stores throughout the state. Safeway is the largest of the three supermarkets at which Southern California workers have been striking for several weeks.  

In Berkeley, strike supporters have already been holding Wednesday informational picketing at the city’s only Safeway at Rose Street and Shattuck Avenue for the past few weeks. The Berkeley pickets have been organized by Direct Action to Stop the War and the Labor Committee for Peace and Justice.  

Besides supporting the southern California workers, Bay Area strike supporters say they are also preparing for what could be similar union battles when local grocery contracts expire this summer and fall. 

According to AFL-CIO spokesperson J.B. Tengco, the boycott will officially start this Saturday when a host of labor unions, community organizations and religious groups begin a campaign to discourage communities from shopping at Safeway stores. Tengco said the statewide action is meant to pressure the three supermarket chains to sign fair contracts for the 70,000 plus workers down south who have been on strike or locked out over proposed contract changes that union representatives say will devastate their health benefits. 

Under the current Southern California Safeway contract, employers pay four dollars into a pool to fund health care coverage for every hour a worker is on the job. The new Safeway proposal would cut the payout to $1.35 for new hires. That, workers say, would cause the entire health package to eventually crumble. 

“They want to make as much money as possible because health care costs are going through the roof,” said Liz Perlman, from Direct Action to Stop the War. 

The boycott will not be Northern California’s first glimpse of the strike. Several months ago a busload of workers came north and set up a picket in front of the Safeway at 51st street and Broadway in Oakland. Follow-up demonstrations and weekly pickets, like the one in Berkeley, have also sprung up in cities around the Bay Area.  

“There was a need to do more,” said Perlman. “Safeway and the grocery industry have launched a war.”  

Perlman and those supporting the strike say that if Safeway successfully negotiates a contract that forces workers to shoulder more of the health care costs, the trend could spread to other industries.  

“Everyone is going to be looking at the standard set by this fight,” said Perlman. She added that support for the picketing has been strong. “People up here [in Berkeley] get it, they understand what is at stake.” 

In Berkeley, organizers say at least one third of the shoppers who have come to the store during the picket have turned away. That percentage is expected to escalate now that the action has jumped from informational to a formal boycott. 

According to organizers, the pickets around the bay and here in Berkeley will continue regularly until contracts are settled.›

Downtown Fight 

Two people started fighting early Saturday morning at Center Street and Shattuck Avenue, police said. The combatants stopped fighting before police arrived, and no one was arrested. 

Southside Fight 

Two juveniles got into a fight Friday morning in the area of Stuart and Telegraph, said Officer Joe Okies. He did not have further information about the incident. 

Westside Slap 

Someone was slapped early Friday morning on the 1500 block of San Pablo Avenue, police said. The Berkeley Fire Department was called in to tend to the victim, who complained of pain. Police searched the immediate area, but failed to find the culprit. f

Having successfully navigated the potential roadblocks at Berkeley’s Transportation Commission, AC Transit’s controversial plan to keep its buses from getting bottlenecked on Berkeley’s streets is now set for environmental review. 

But before the bus agency begins its formal Environmental Impact Review (EIR) study of the impacts of overhauling Berkeley’s streetscape—including possible elimination of two lanes of car traffic on much of Telegraph Avenue and banishing cars altogether from the three blocks closest to campus—the Transportation Commission proposed some conditions to placate nervous neighbors and merchants. 

At a packed public hearing Thursday, the commission voted unanimously to request that AC Transit perform additional traffic studies before implementing any proposal that eliminates car access. 

Five years in the works and at least four years from completion, AC Transit is developing a Bus Rapid Transit System from Berkeley to San Leandro, funded by regional bond money and federal grants, that promises faster service, fewer stops and a drastically different street environment for Shattuck and Telegraph avenues. The proposed route would run east from the Downtown Berkeley BART to Telegraph, then on to Oakland and San Leandro. 

AC Transit plans to study a variety of options that include ripping out the median on Shattuck Avenue to build two dedicated bus lanes and 80-foot bus stations on major city streets. Another proposal is to revert the now one-way Durant Avenue back to two-way, and then pair a dedicated bus lane on that street with a similar one on Bancroft Way. Most controversial is a pedestrian-transit mall on Telegraph from Bancroft to Haste Street and the elimination of two car lanes on Telegraph south of Dwight Way to make room for dedicated bus lanes. 

A more modest version of the Bus Rapid Transit plan has already come to San Pablo Avenue. By installing “smart” traffic signals that give buses priority, cutting the number of stops and providing real-time arrival information, the corridor has gained 20 percent more riders and cut commute times, according to AC Transit Project Manager Jim Cunradi. 

Those same improvements are already set for Telegraph and Shattuck, but AC Transit wants to study more ambitious plans they estimate would cut ten minutes off the commute between Berkeley and downtown Oakland, as well as increase ridership 30 to 40 percent. 

Telegraph Avenue neighbors and merchants complain that the more ambitious plans—especially the dedicated bus lanes—will choke car traffic on Telegraph, divert many drivers through residential streets, and harm businesses along the three blocks closest to the UC Berkeley campus. To alleviate those concerns, the Transportation Commission authorized the formation of a subcommittee on the project to include neighbors, merchants and AC Transit officials, as well as a study to see if better bus service equaled fewer cars on Telegraph Avenue. 

“This is an attempt to show the community we’re not going to run them over,” said commission chair Dean Metzger.  

And while AC Transit Project Manager Cunradi said that it would be “tougher” for his agency to complete the project with the added mitigations, “we’ll do it.” 

Though the two-county transportation agency is in charge of the project itself, Berkeley maintains power over its streets, giving it a veto power over any AC Transit proposal. The city does, however, have incentive to cooperate with AC Transit. In addition to faster bus service, the project offers the city a free Environmental Impact Report to study considerations outlined in its Southside Plan. 

The environmental review is scheduled for completion by next winter. 

Funding for the project remains uncertain. AC Transit has $23 million at its disposal from Ballot Measure E, but is counting on an additional $65 million from a March ballot initiative to raise Bay Bridge tolls to $3 to fund local transit projects. ›

With one of its more controversial decisions behind it—last week’s long-awaited vote on the North Berkeley Sprint facility—and difficult budget-cutting choices coming up, the Berkeley City Council will be lifting a light load at tonight’s meeting (Tuesday, Feb. 24). 

There are only three items on the council’s Action Agenda: amendments to the off-street parking ordinance, an adjustment to requirements for appeals from the Zoning Adjustments Board, and a recommendation from the Citizens Humane Commission on changes in the city’s animal care budget. 

Also of note on the agenda is a proclamation honoring the late disabled and progressive activist Fred Lupke. 

On Wednesday the Police Review Commission is expected to offer a recommendation to the city council on proposed canine unit for the Berkeley Police Department. The PRC held three public hearings on the proposal, which seeks to use confiscated drug money to buy and train two German shepherds for the force. 

Two controversial developments will return to the Zoning Adjustment Board on Thursday of this week (Feb. 26).  

John DeClerq of TransAction Companies will once again seek a use permit for Library Gardens—a 176-unit apartment complex planned to rise just west of the Public Library at the current site of the 375-space Kittredge Street garage. DeClerq has added 124 parking spaces to the project since the ZAB rejected it last month because the permit request did not include any proposal to mitigate the expected loss of public parking. 

Also on the ZAB’s Thursday agenda will be reconsideration of proposals to renovate or demolish the Blood House, a stuccoed-over Victorian at 2526 Durant Ave. In December, ZAB commissioners ordered developers Ruegg & Ellsworth back to the drawing board after ZAB concluded the company had not made a good faith effort to develop housing on the plot that incorporated the landmarked 19th century building. The developers insist any development that doesn’t demolish the building would be unfeasible. 

›

An Alameda County Superior Court Judge is expected to rule next week on a lawsuit seeking to invalidate a Berkeley school desegregation plan. The plan assigns elementary students to schools based partly on race. After a 30 minute hearing last Friday, Alameda County Superior Court Judge James Richman declined to decide immediately on a motion filed by the Berkeley Unified School District to dismiss the suit. 

The lawsuit was brought by the conservative Pacific Legal Foundation (PLF) on behalf of Berkeley resident Lorenzo Avila. PLF and Avila argue that the desegregation plan violates Proposition 209. That measure, passed by voters in 1996, precludes racial preferences or discrimination in public education, employment or contracting. 

Since voters passed Proposition 209, the PLF has sought to chip away at school desegregation policies predicated on race. In 2002 the PLF won a similar case in the a state appeals court against the Huntington Beach Union School District.  

In that case, the judge ruled that Huntington Beach’s transfer policy—which in one instance prohibited a white student from transferring out of a white-minority high school unless another white student could be found to take his place—violated Proposition 209. 

The Berkeley desegregation plan originally required each school’s racial mix to come within five percent of the district-wide percentage. The plan was amended earlier this month to include socioeconomic factors and drop a requirement that students declare their race on a form used in the assignment process. However, PLF attorney John Findley said he would proceed with the case against the former plan to “show that it’s unconstitutional.” 

During the proceedings Judge Richman acknowledged he was “bound” by the Huntington Beach case if applicable, but questioned if the Huntington school plan, which involved “race-based movement” of students, was similar to the Berkeley assignment plan. 

After the hearing John Streeter, representing Berkeley Unified, said he “took heart” from Judge Richman’s sometimes-intense questioning. PLF’s Findley said that if Judge Richman sustained Berkeley Unified’s dismissal motion, PLF would appeal.›

A small majority of Haitian Americans believe Haitian President Jean-Bertrand Aristide should remain in office despite an armed uprising and opposition protests demanding his resignation, a new poll shows.  

Fifty-two percent of U.S. Haitians believed Aristide should remain in office. More than half of Haitian Americans also said Aristide should not step down because he was elected by an overwhelming majority in the Caribbean country’s last presidential election in 2000.  

“They think he won the election fair and square,” says Sergio Bendixen, whose Miami-based firm Bendixen & Associates conducted the poll for NCM, a nationwide association of ethnic media. “They feel that if he resigns it will weaken the democracy.”  

Gary Pierre-Pierre, a Haitian American, publishes the Haitian Times weekly in New York City and is a former New York Times reporter. He says he believes this is the first national poll ever of Haitian American opinion.  

“It’s about time that people start asking us what we think,” says Pierre-Pierre. He acknowledges that Haitian Americans may “not have definitive answers” to Haiti’s crisis, but says that as a thriving immigrant community with strong ties to Haiti and intimate knowledge of its problems, they should be consulted.  

Pierre-Pierre says that when President Clinton ordered 20,000 U.S. troops into Haiti in 1994 to restore democracy, one weakness of the U.S. plan was that Haitian émigrés were not properly included in strategizing. “You should be tapping into us,” he says.  

The bilingual poll, conducted between Feb. 12 and Feb. 18, questioned 600 Haitian Americans in Florida and the Northeast in either English or Haitian-Creole, depending on the respondent’s preference. The poll has a margin of error of four percentage points.  

Haitian Americans, the poll showed, are ambivalent about U.S. military intervention in the current crisis.  

Forty-five percent of respondents said the United States should get involved militarily, and most, 32 percent, said that support should be offered to Aristide. But the remaining 13 percent said the opposition should get the military support.  

The day of the poll’s release, Feb. 19, Secretary of State Colin Powell announced a small military team would be dispatched to Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince, to assess security at the U.S. embassy. But Powell says the White House still wants a political solution and hinted the United States was open to Aristide’s resignation as a possible way out of the crisis.  

Even among Haitian Americans, support for Aristide is lukewarm at best: 35 percent of respondents said that he should resign. When asked if they agreed or disagreed with the statement, “Aristide should resign from office because he does not respect the human rights of Haitians,” 39 percent agreed, 37 percent disagreed, and 24 percent did not know or declined to answer.  

One question asked respondents whether they thought the economic and political situation was better now under Aristide or under the dictatorships of Francois Duvalier, and his son, Jean-Claude, who ruled from the late 1950s until 1986. Fifty-six percent chose the Duvalier governments, compared to only 14 percent for Aristide.  

The governments of “Papa Doc” and “Baby Doc” are remembered for their brutal stifling of dissent, but Bendixen says there may be “Duvalier nostalgia” because that era is now being remembered for its relative economic and political stability.  

U.S. Haitians are also not happy with U.S. policy toward their country. Only nine percent say they approve of President Bush’s policy toward Haiti. And a clear majority, 61 percent, said they did not agree with the economic sanctions the United States imposed on Haiti alleging irregularities in May 2000 legislative elections.  

The Haitian American community has swelled to at least 600,000 over the last few decades as successive political instability and economic woes have pushed Haitians from their homeland, a nation of 7.5 million. In 1994, U.S. troops put an exiled Aristide back in the presidency.  

Now, a decade later, the U.S. military is returning to Haiti, though the plans call for only a small “security assessment team.” But neither side in the conflict is backing down, and pressure is building on the international community, particularly the United States and Haiti’s former colonizer, France, to intervene to prevent a humanitarian disaster should fighting escalate.  

In the historic northern Artibonite region, the center of the late 18th century slave revolt that launched a successful independence struggle, armed rebels have taken towns and roads and are demanding Aristide’s removal. In Port-au-Prince the mainstream opposition—including Democratic Convergence, an alliance of Aristide’s political opponents—says it wants a peaceful solution but is also asking for Aristide’s resignation.  

Haitian Americans, though, are skeptical about the various opposition movements and their objectives. Overall, only six percent of those polled said they supported the activities of the armed rebels, known as the Revolutionary Artibonite Resistance Front and 17 percent said they supported the mainstream opposition groups.  

Over half of Haitian Americans, 55 percent, believe that the opposition movements are just interested in power; only 22 percent said those groups are fighting for democracy.  

Haitian Americans’ evaluation of Haiti’s political context is important for at least one reason: cash.  

A 2000 study by Tatiana Wah of Rutgers University Department of Public Policy found that expatriates’ remittances supplement per-capita income by $32 per person in the Western Hemisphere’s poorest country. Haiti has “no choice” she says, but to use expatriates and their skills in development efforts.  

“Right now, they’re basically financing the country,” says Bendixen.  

Marcelo Ballve is a PNS editor and a former Associated Press reporter and editor in the Caribbean and Brazil. 

f

Why can the large national chain store afford to offer lower prices than the locally owned small business? Taxes are part of the answer. Small businesses pay too much in taxes, and big businesses pay too little. Why should Annie’s Family Restaurant pay a higher share of their revenue than McDonald’s? 

More than 117 million people, representing 56 percent of the American labor force, work for businesses that employ less than 500 people. Small business owners face many challenges when competing with global giants. Major corporations get deeper discounts on everything from merchandise to health insurance for their employees to fees charged on credit card transactions to interest rates on borrowed money. 

Why then should the federal government add to the woes of small business owners by taxing the largest businesses at rates that are in many cases less than half the rate paid by small businesses? Most small businesses are sole proprietorships and, as such, the owners pay taxes at their personal tax rate. A married small business owner whose store made between $56,800 and $114,650 in profits in 2003 would have been taxed at a 25 percent rate. A more successful small businessperson, one whose business generated more than $312,000 in profits, would pay tax at a 35 percent rate. 

In contrast, the federal corporate tax rate is 35 percent, but few large corporations pay anywhere near that amount. Armies of corporate lobbyists, tax attorneys, and accountants have won new laws and mined the existing tax code for clever deductions and tax credits that have dramatically reduced the tax rate of America’s largest businesses. The nation’s corporations were estimated to pay less than15 percent of their net income in federal taxes last year, according to Citizens for Tax Justice, a widely respected non-partisan research organization. 

The American personal income tax is a progressive system that taxes those with the highest incomes at the highest rates. The American corporate tax system has evolved in an opposite direction, whereby smaller neighborhood businesses pay higher tax rates than giant continent-hopping multinationals. When big businesses don’t pay their fair share of taxes, small businesses that remain the economic backbone of our society suffer, putting tens of millions of jobs at risk. 

As federal budget writers struggle with exploding deficits by cutting programs that serve human needs, corporate subsidies continue to grow unabated—more than $125 billion each year—$42 billion more than the federal government spent on education in 2003. These corporate handouts are not going to struggling businesses that need taxpayers’ help to survive, but rather to some of the most profitable and successful businesses in the nation: drug manufacturing, insurance, oil drilling, and commercial real estate to name a few. 

In the 1980s, revelations that dozens of American businesses with billions of dollars in profits were paying no taxes at all drew public anger. In response, President Reagan in 1986 cracked down on corporate tax shelters and reduced corporate subsidies to a fraction of what they had been. A generation later, the problem has reemerged, once again weakening the competitive position of small business and starving the federal budget of much needed revenues. 

Last fall, President Bush called for a reduction in the tax rate paid by small business owners to 32 percent, a small step toward a progressive corporate income tax. The President recognizes, at least in theory, that a lower corporate tax rate on small business would help balance the many other cost advantages available to larger businesses. The problem is that the President failed to address the reality that large companies would still, on average, pay corporate taxes at less than half the rate of small businesses. 

Corporate tax reform, properly done, can reinvigorate America’s small businesses, restore public confidence in the fairness of the tax system, generate much needed revenues to sustain education, housing, health care and other needs upon which business and citizens depend. The largest businesses will have to pay more, but the millions of other businesses in America would end up paying a lot less. 

Scott Klinger is the co-director of Responsible Wealth, a national network of affluent Americans advocating a fairer economy. 

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In his new book “American Dynasty: Aristocracy, Fortune and the Politics of Deceit in the House of Bush” (Viking, $25.95), historian and political commentator Kevin Phillips, a populist social critic who has decried the growing gap between rich and poor, writes a scathing assessment of the four-generation Bush dynasty that includes the forty-third President George W. Bush. Phillips follows the Bush family preoccupations with the finance industry, oil and covert operations, and the scandals they have been attached to, from Iran-Contra to Enron. 

Phillips traces the rise of the Bush dynasty to George Herbert Walker and Samuel Bush, the great-grandfathers of the President. He explores the influence of the Skull and Bones Society at Yale on the Bushes, Prescott Bush’s dealings with companies in Nazi Germany after World War II began, and the families close ties with the C.I.A. Phillips advances theories on possible deceptions and lies made by Bush Sr., arguing that he was involved in the “October Surprise,” where American hostages in Iran were not released in 1980 to secure a Reagan presidential victory, and that he helped arm Saddam Hussein, up until his invasion of Kuwait. Phillips chronicles how George W. Bush evolved from an Ivy League preppie into a tob acco-chewing born-again Christian Texan, and how he may be the de facto leader of the Christian Right. Phillips also warns of what he calls the “crony capitalism” of the Bush family and other  

American political dynasties. 

Phillips, 63, was raised in New York City and educated at Colgate University, the University of Edinburgh and Harvard Law School. He worked on the Nixon campaign in 1968, and was an aide to Watergate conspirator John Mitchell, the U.S, Attorney General under Nixon. Phillips is the author of the 1969 classic “The Emerging Republican Majority” and “Wealth and Democracy,” as well as eight other books. He is married with three children, and lives with his wife in Connecticut and Washington D.C., where he spoke by telephone with free-lance writer Dylan Foley. 

Q. How did you develop your view on the existence of a Bush family political dynasty? 

A. If you’re looking at the dynasty aspect, it became clear as George W. emerged politically. The dynasty certainly started in a meaningful way with the two great-grandfathers, [industrialist] George Herbert Walker and Samuel Bush. [George W.’s grandfather] Prescott Bush was a senator from 1952 to 1962. It was clear that he thought if he had gotten started earlier, he could have been president. By the early 1960s, George W. was telling people at Andover that his father wanted to be president. You had three generations of Bushes thinking presidentially. 

Q. What was your own interaction with the Bushes? 

A. I met George Sr. several times. My distaste for the Bushes in a mild way goes back to the Nixon years. Nixon used George Sr. for essentially social missions. When he was ambassador to the United Nations, what he did was entertain people. He belonged to a lot of clubs. There was an element of him be ing Nixon’s ambassador to club land. He was a walking preppy watchband. 

Q. What are your own politics? Were you a Nixon Republican? 

A.. Yes. I worked for John Mitchell in the Nixon White House for 13 or 14 months, leaving in 1970. I was a little annoyed at the administration. When Watergate came along, it didn’t make me into an independent. I voted for Reagan twice. I became a registered independent in the 1990s. 

Q. In your book, the readers get these almost contradictory images of the Bushes as poorly spoken, nonintellectual men who are also Machiavellian schemers. How do you reconcile this? 

A. The bumbling is certainly there. You have to go back to the Yale Skull and Bones and the O.S.S., the World War II intelligence agency. There was this whole id ea of the gentleman amateur, where serious clandestine activities were threaded through with comic book stuff. They also have some physical aspect, where they speed up and have short attention spans. It makes for an odd character. The family has been involved in clandestine things since the great-grandfathers in World War I. They have been involved with things they want to keep secret or blurred. 

Q. How do you see George W.’s relationship with the Religious Right? 

A. I don’t doubt the sincerity of G.W.’s born-again experience. He does have a decisive side, that he believes that he has been chosen by god for this leadership role. He was clearly telling people in 2000 that god wanted him to run for the Presidency, and god was speaking to him. In 2000, whe n Pat Robertson stepped down as head of the Christian Coalition, a Washington Post reporter was calling around to get reactions from people on the religious right, as to who would succeed Robertson. The reaction was that the Religious Right had a leader and it was George W., based on his personal religiosity and his view on being  

chosen by god. 

Q. Why do you argue that the Bush family has a pattern of using deception and secrecy? 

A. In the last 25 years, the deception has taken its form from George Sr.’s time heading the C.I.A. in 1976. He was spending time on Saudi Arabia and Iran, and it is pretty likely at this time that he got knowledgeable about B.C.C.I. [the arms and banking scandal]. He was involved in one scandal after another—there was the Oct ober Surprise and Iran-Contra. I pretty much believe the circumstantial evidence on the October Surprise is meaningful. 

Q. Do you think that the Iraq War could make or break George W.? 

A. It probably would be a just result if he was made or broken by wh at happens in Iraq. George Bush Sr. was involved in building up Iraq in a major way, up until 1990. As Act II rolled around in 2002, the Democrats should have been primed to discuss Bush Sr. building up Iraq. They didn’t seem to grasp any of it. 

Q. Do you see a problem with political dynasties in America? 

A. You obviously have “great family” politics in America. The Kennedys made their last run for the White House in 1980. With the Clintons, you have the obvious standard bearer in Hillary. If we’ve got dynastic succession, we’ve got this fundamental problem of hereditary politics undercutting democratic traditions with a small “d” and republican traditions with a small “r”. The solution has to be to put some focus on it. 

This interview first appeared in the Newark (N.J.) Star-Ledger. 

à

At the front door of a modest bungalow in the Richmond flatlands, a robust young man greets me warmly. His name is Jesse Graham, and his mother, local author and resident Meredith Maran, has recently published a non-fiction book entitled Dirty, A Search for Answers Inside America’s Teenage Drug Epidemic. In Dirty, Maran follows the daily struggles of three teenage drug users as they navigate through high school, the juvenile justice system, and various recovery programs. Interspersed throughout the book are glimpses of Jesse’s own turbulent teen years and Maran’s fight to keep her son safe, in school and out of jail. 

Jesse guides me to a comfortable couch in a living room that is, I note, remarkably well kept for a young bachelor. 

I ask Jesse about his difficult high school years. “I didn’t have an extreme addiction,” says Jesse, “but I was addicted to weed and alcohol. I started partying at 13, got in trouble with the police often (Maran notes in her book that Jesse was arrested nineteen times for inc reasingly violent crimes between the ages of 13 and 20). I finally reached a turning point in 1996 when I was a sophomore at Berkeley High School. I loved basketball and my coach invited the team members to come with him to his church, Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist on Eighth Street in Berkeley. At first, I had to get used to it. It was a long time for me to sit still and I didn’t have much of an attention span. But about the third visit something clicked. I didn’t stop using right away. I continued to go to Berkeley High for a while, then I transferred to Oakland Tech, and I finally got a diploma through an independent study program. It took me five years to get outta high school. I was 19 when I finally gave up drugs for good.” 

One of the issues that Mara n explores painstakingly in Dirty is her relationship with her children. Besides Jesse, there is Peter, a photographer and 2003 graduate of UC, Berkeley. Maran wonders why Peter glided easily through adolescence, doing well at school and at home while Jes se, only 18 months Peter’s junior, “…rarely went a week without a heart stopping drama. Sleepless nights blurred into bad-news days; brief interludes of ‘normal life’ were shattered by phone calls summoning me and my ex-husband to principal’s offices, pol ice stations, emergency rooms, jails.”  

I ask Jesse what he thinks fueled his drug and alcohol use. “I was three when my parents split,” says Jesse. “It caused a lot of pain. When I got older, I started hanging out with the wrong people. I felt like I wa s losing a wrestling match with my emotions and I repeatedly made bad decisions.”  

I look at Jesse’s arms and legs. They are covered in tattoos. “Tell me about those,” I say, pointing to his calves and shoulders. 

He laughs. “This one is of a panther,” h e says. “I got it when I was 16. And this one is of a hand holding a cross and two crying eyes are looking through it. It reads ‘So Many Tears.’ This one over here is of an angel and the devil.” 

“Wow,” I say. “You got these after you cleaned up, uh?” 

“N o,” says Jesse. “I drew all of these myself and got them before I stopped using and found the church.” 

Now a sophomore studying sociology at Diablo Community College, Jesse hopes to make a difference in other people’s lives by working in a non-profit, co mmunity setting. And he already has. He was employed for two and half years as a child caseworker at Walden House, a court mandated, residential adolescent drug treatment program in San Francisco. “I was successful there,” says Jesse, “because I’m young a nd I’ve been where the clients have been.” 

“What about the kids your mom follows in Dirty? What do you think of their chances for success?” 

Jesse pauses for a moment. “I think it will be predicated by their family situation and social environment. It al l depends on what they come back home to. I was lucky. I had a mom and dad who stayed with me throughout my problems. I had their friends, my brother and my basketball coach. And now I’ve got my faith, my own community, my church.” 

“What advice do you ha ve for the kids and their parents who are going through what you and your family went through?” 

“I’d tell kids to recognize their own value. The value that you put on yourself dictates how you treat other people. The kids in my mother’s book don’t have the worst of parents but they and everyone else need to learn how precious they are. My advice to parents is to have a support system for themselves so that they can get help. My mother would be a good person to go to for advice because she’s already been through it. In part, that’s what her book is all about.” 

I look around the room trying to think if there is anything else I should ask Jesse before I leave. My eyes settle on a bubbling fish tank. “Hey,” I say. “Why don’t you have any fish in that tank?” 

Jesse smiles. “It takes a lot of work to take care of fish. You have to get the water and the temperature just right. They need just the right environment and attention to grow healthy and strong.” 

“Amen,” I say.  

“You got that right,” answers Jesse. 

Dirty, A Search for Answers Inside America’s Teenage Drug Epidemic, published by HarperSanFrancisco ($24.95, 320 pages) is available at local bookstores. For more information, visit www.meredithmaran.com. 

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All too often these days, regret is publicly expressed about historic buildings or urban blocks that used to lend charm and character to their cities but have been needlessly demolished, often replaced by impersonal structures that contribute little to local atmosphere and identity.  

Berkeley’s Southside is such a place. This is where the college town began in 1866 with the College Homestead Association Tract subdivision. Little remains on the streets to link us with those earlier times. Since the 1950s, entire blocks of fine old Southside buildings have been demolished wholesale and replaced by institutional structures or by mediocre box constructions, trailing in their wake urban blight and degradation. 

As a result of the gutting and blighting of the Southside, Berkeley's citizens organized in the 1970s to enact the Neighborhood Preservation Ordinance and the Landmarks Preservation Ordinance. During the same decade, the State Office of Historic Preservation gave a grant to the City of Berkeley to undertake a survey for the State Historic Resources Inventory. 

One of the Berkeley buildings listed in the inventory is the Ellen Blood House, built in 1891, by the architect Robert Gray Frise, on the 2500 block of Durant Avenue. On the Inventory form, it is recognized as “...a particularly striking and sole holdover on that block from the 19th Century. Set in the middle of a spacious garden with California live oaks and loquats, [it] is a pleasant contrast to the surrounding buildings and gives a sense of history to the neighborhood.”  

In 1999, a cluster of historic buildings on Durant Avenue and Channing Way were designated City of Berkeley Landmarks. Among them, the Blood House was designated as a Structure-of-Merit (unaminously upheld by the city council), cited as “a major contributing building to the early historic architectural and urban character of the Southside, particularly on a block that historically has been residential.”  

Most passers-by probably do not notice the old Blood House because it is now surrounded by an asphalt parking lot (rose garden and live oak demolished circa 1988), and its exterior is dulled from neglect. In its day, however, it was a prominent Queen Anne that stood among other stately homes built on garden “villa” lots lining the streets of the Southside.  

Ellen (Mrs. Stillman) Blood, who migrated West with her husband in the 1860s, ultimately to farm on land in Tulare County, raised six children and later came to Berkeley as a woman of means to reside on Durant Avenue while her children attended the university. In 1907, the Blood House changed hands when Perry Tompkins, the partner of Berkeley’s celebrated developer Duncan McDuffie, bought the property. He most likely stuccoed and altered the house in the 1920s to suggest the popular Period Revival style. 

By 1930, Durant Avenue and the Southside had evolved from the little village of Victorians and country gardens to a busy urban townscape with electric street cars, new buildings of brick and stucco in the style of the City Beautiful Movement, and a cosmopolitan vitality. Handsome commercial buildings were built along Telegraph Avenue, and fine apartment houses were added to the surrounding streets. The Tompkins were not the only “Blue Book” residents to live on Durant Avenue in those days. Senator William Knowles resided across the street in a grand Colonial Revival house (demolished in 1970), Aurelia Reinhardt, president of Mills College, lived down the street, and John Galen Howard lived in an apartment up the street.  

Durant Avenue also had clubs, churches, and even a hotel. Next to the Blood House, The Brasfield, now the Beau Sky Hotel (Shea and Lofquist, 1910, Berkeley City Landmark) was one of the first boarding houses for female students. Two doors down there was a traditional brick church (demolished in 1969), designed by James Plachek and built with funds from Lizzie Glide of Glide Memorial Church fame. 

Beyond, there was the classically proportioned Campus Theater, which later became the first location of Tower Records. Walter H. Ratcliff, Jr., the notable Berkeley architect who often partnered with Duncan McDuffie and Perry Tompkins, designed the Campus Theater in 1911. He also designed the two-story Italian villa-style apartment building called The Albra (1921, Berkeley Structure of Merit) on the other side of the Blood House. It is now hidden by shops that house Top Dog and La Burrita. 

Well-preserved historic resources are essential to a proud and vital city. They are widely recognized as a way to stimulate economic activity. All agree that at the moment the Blood House is not a showcase but, a prominent residence in the 1890s, it retains an undiminished character that has the potential to contribute significantly to the memorable historical fabric still existing on Durant Avenue. Its villa lot invites an enhancing infill. Appropriately restored and adapted, the Blood House could be incorporated into a stunning new project. That’s why, in August 2003, the Landmarks Preservation Commission denied demolition and requested that a viable alternative development be sought to creatively re-use this historic structure.  

Too much traditional architecture seems expendable before the forces of “progress." Regret sets in only decades later, when it's too late to do anything about it.  

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The Zoning Adjustments Board (ZAB) will decide on Feb. 26 whether to demolish the 1891 Ellen Blood House at 2526 Durant Ave., a City Structure of Merit, to make way for a new project.  

The property owner, Ruegg & Ellsworth, did not work with the community or advance any good-faith plans that maintain the historic house, claiming that it was impossible to make a profit on the site with the house on it. However, alternative proposals by local architect Mark Gillem contradict that assertion. And under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the house should be preserved if a viable alternative exists to save it. But even if such an alternative did not exist, ZAB would still have to find an “overriding” reason to destroy the house—in this case, that the city so desperately needs the project’s 44 units of housing that it should throw a historic resource under the bulldozers. 

ZAB is not empowered to substitute its own judgment for that of the Landmarks Preservation Commission, an expert body; only the city council can do that. And under CEQA, there is no distinction between landmarks and structures of merit, because CEQA allows each community to preserve its history in its own desired way. Some resources might be valued for their extraordinary beauty, some as vernacular examples, yet others because they provide a supportive context for community values. All are equal under CEQA. The judgment of historic value is not within the purview or expertise of ZAB. 

Not counting this project, housing for about 1,500 new residents is under way or completed in Berkeley’s Southside. Like this project, most of these are cookie-cutter student units. Not so the Blood House, a unique, 3,000-square-foot, homey old building of the kind most Berkeleyans love. But are there happy students living there now? Oh no! The Blood House is now illegally being used for offices, feeding institutional creep and reducing the housing supply. For 17 years, Ruegg/Ellsworth has avoided using the Blood House for its only legal purpose: rent-controlled housing.  

Nothing unusual here: David Ruegg and Robert Ellsworth and their business successors (through several companies including Ruegg & Ellsworth and Rue-Ell Enterprises, all simplified here as Ruegg/Ellsworth), have dominated Southside development for four decades, and not to the good.  

In 1968 they bought the neo-classical 1923 Masonic Clubhouse at 2590 Bancroft Way, demolished it, and gave us the blank-faced baby-box retail complex that now houses Urban Outfitters and a parking garage. In 1969 they bought 2518 Durant Ave., demolished a unique 1924 Gothic-style church and replaced it with the Tower Records bunker mall. In 1966 Rue-Ell bought the stately 1921 Albra Apartments at 2532 Durant Ave. Immediately they asked permission to add an “office addition” to the front. Since an office seemed quiet and non-damaging to the building residents, the city granted permission. Within months, the office had been converted into a fast-food restaurant (Top Dog), a vibrant red goiter strangling the formerly elegant Albra entrance. Good food; bad building.  

And what happened to the inside of the Albra? Eight spacious, multi-room units with basement and garage space were gradually converted to office use. Students moving into the characterless rabbit warrens being built today have lost many an opportunity to live in the spacious, hardwood-floored, high-ceilinged units that have disappeared under the watch of Ruegg/Ellsworth.  

Ruegg/Ellsworth also owns other properties around Southside, including the formica feedlot at 2521 Durant Ave., formerly inhabited by an elegant 1901 mansion that housed first a senator and later 30 students. This and other no-longer-historic Southside Ruegg/Ellsworth properties are underutilized by today’s standards and are good alternative sites for new large, multi-story, mixed-use developments that can accommodate the housing we need on Southside. 

Under the Southside Plan (SSP), the 2500 block of Durant Avenue should become a showcase for mixed-use, high-density, car-free living. Both current zoning and the SSP encourage car-free development in this location, and Durant Avenue will remain the most pedestrian-oriented stretch of Southside. We owe ourselves and thousands of future residents and visitors a unique, pleasant, and interesting street.  

What makes such a street? Architecture displaying an interesting variety of size, shape, and style spanning a century, which still exists on Durant Avenue, is a very good place to start. In recognition of this, the SSP calls specifically for preserving historic buildings on Southside.  

Thanks to the hard work of the Berkeley Architectural Heritage Association (BAHA) and the Landmarks Preservation Commission, Southside historical assets have been “creatively re-used” in three recent projects: Westminster House on at 2700 Bancroft Way, where a cozy Cambridge-styled courtyard complex was formed; the First Presbyterian Church project, where an early brown-shingle school will be relocated in an original new site plan; and the Edwards House project at 2530 Dwight Way, where an 1886 house was gracefully incorporated into a project that looks like home but houses more people than the apartments next door.  

These efforts demonstrate what is possible when a developer works with the community to maximize Berkeley’s potential. In contrast, the current Blood House proposal shows a disgraceful lack of will and poverty of imagination.  

Durant now has an opportunity for truly exciting development. Ruegg/Ellsworth owns the Blood House site and both adjoining properties, making three sites in a row with historic assets. As part of a comprehensive plan, the Blood House would remain where it protects the landmark next door, the Beau Sky. Top Dog could be relocated to reveal the Albra Apartments. The ugly and underutilized parking areas behind all three buildings could be joined to create interesting living spaces. If Ruegg/Ellsworth is not up to the task, it is better to leave the lot alone and wait for a developer with vision than to lose our history and our potential. 

The Ruegg/Ellsworth plan destroys the Blood House and packs the site with a huge block of rabbit warrens. The location, small size, and no-frills design of the units is aimed only at students, and yet the applicant insists that the building is for long-term residents who will need 18 parking spaces. Nobody believes this. The parking spaces currently on the site have been illegally rented to the Beau Sky Hotel for many years, which is ironic since under Rue-Ell ownership, a perfectly good rooming house was converted to the hotel on the claim that the hotel would require no parking. Why, we could house 45 people simply by converting it back again! In any case, one might assume that illegal use of the proposed parking by others would continue apace. 

Another architect, Mark Gillem, has submitted alternative plans for the site that achieve 38 to 40 units of housing, provide equivalent profitability, and save the Blood House. Slightly smaller than the Ruegg & Ellsworth plan, they also reduce the mass and shadow impacts on the street and surrounding buildings. How is this apparent miracle achieved? By removing the parking spaces that are unnecessary for the users of the new building, are not required under current zoning, and contradict the goals of the Southside Plan. So ZAB will have to decide whether (1) to uphold local planning goals and preserve an irreplaceable part of Berkeley’s culture, or (2) to give a questionable parking lot to a property owner that has already laid waste to so many historic buildings, undermined our housing stock, and used the site illegally for decades. I hope they can figure out what to do. 

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It’s happened every one of the 30 Februarys that I’ve lived here: The first flowering plums bloom in my neighborhood, and I remember why I endure gray, muddy winter. There are a few days of teasing, when the plum behind the recycling yard starts to show white, and then a few more scattered trees join it, and almost immediately the pink plums add their note, almost too sweet. The one that reaches over the back fence starts scenting up the yard and dropping petals over the car, so when I back out and take off down the street I leave a merry trail of mud from the tires and confetti petals from the roof, the hood, the windows. Even on a gloomy day it’s weirdly, bridally festive. 

Flowering plums belong to the same genus, Prunus, as all the other plums and cherries and peaches and nectarines and apricots and (surprise) almonds we eat. The genus includes things that just flower, and things that barely do that, like English laurel. The two species most seen in Berkeley streets and gardens are various cultivars of P. cerasifera, and Prunus blireiana, a hybrid that bears little or no fruit. Flower color is barely a clue, as P. cerasifera comes in pink and white forms; P. blireiana is the one with the lumpy trunk.  

They’re not natives, but do seem to adapt well. In spring you’ll see a few in the parks or semi-wild lands around here, looking oddly off-color in an otherwise muted palette. They don’t seem to be very invasive, so far. Birds eat the fruit (and so do we; even the bland yellow ones make good plum sauce) and the flowers, too. Watch for a flock of finches in a blooming tree; they’ll nibble the sweet base of each petal they pluck, and drop the rest—more celebratory confetti. They’re feeling Spring too, gathering in flocks to migrate or song-jostling each other for breeding territories here.  

Flowering plums are small and generally not disruptive to sidewalks, as trees go, which is one reason they’re here. They sometimes need to lose long straight watersprouts or crossing branches, but they’re annoying to work on because the little aborted twigs in the center dwindle into sharp spikes. Still, if you wait until Spring to prune your prune, you get bonus flowers to bring indoors. 

Shortly after their glorious full chorus, plums give us a slightly melancholy i nterlude. Big rainstorms knock all those petals off the twigs, leaving an odd balding bristle of stamens and pistils, and then (even in drought years) the leaves start to push through, crowding and obscuring the flowers we’ve barely had time to enjoy. Fro st was right: The early leaf is indeed a flower, to the eye at least. That dark red or pale green halo is quick to coarsen into merely pleasant leaves, a signal to get the business of growth underway.  

Flowering plums are scattered all over Berkeley, and there’s a particularly good stretch of them on Carleton Street from just west of Telegraph Avenue to a few blocks west of Sacramento Street.  



The Berkeley City Council went into extra innings on the Sprint cellular facility appeal last Tuesday night, using up four separate ballots before finally upholding Sprint’s application to put three antennas on the roof of a commercial building at 1600 Shattuck Ave. After all of that voting, it was actually a single non-vote—an abstention by Mayor Tom Bates—that was the deciding factor. 

Sprint originally applied for the antenna permit in 2002, and over the objections of an ad hoc coalition of neighborhood residents, the Zoning Adjustments Board (ZAB) approved that application in December of that year. The neighbors then appealed the ZAB decision to the city council, which took a full year to receive an independent expert’s analysis, hold a public hearing, and then come to a final decision. Tuesday night’s meeting was the last night for city council to act, or the ZAB approval decision would automatically go into effect. 

Bates’ abstention at Tuesday night’s meeting on a vote to deny the Sprint application resulted in a rare council 4-4-1 tie, a failure of council to act, and an invoking of that automatic approval provision. 

After the meeting, Bates said he knew that his failure to vote, and the resulting standoff, would result in a Sprint victory. 

“This was a difficult one,” the mayor said. “But I just didn’t think there was enough in the record to justify denying their application.” 

That didn’t sit well with former Mayor Shirley Dean, who Bates defeated in an election two years ago. “If that’s what [the mayor] believed, why didn’t he just vote that way?” Dean said in a telephone interview. She accused the mayor of “wimping out.” “I was flabbergasted,” Dean added. “I personally would have denied the application, but that’s not the point. You could make an argument either to deny or to uphold the application, and you could defend it either way, because there was plenty of material on both sides. But not to make a decision—it just floors me. The city council and the mayor have a responsibility to make a decision. That’s their job. I don’t understand walking away from it like that.” 

Sprint currently has some 50 cellular antennas spread throughout Berkeley, but the company said it needs the new facility to boost what it calls unacceptable cell phone service in North Berkeley. Neighbors of the proposed Shattuck Avenue and Cedar Street facility—in a building which houses a Starbucks Coffee Shop, Barney’s Gourmet Hamburgers, and Café de la Paz—argued that the facility was both a health hazard and not needed by the company. Sprint threatened Berkeley with a lawsuit if the application was denied.  

The council initially voted down 3-3-3 Councilmember Gordon Wozniak’s motion to approve the Sprint application (Spring, Breland, Maio voting no; Worthington, Bates, Olds abstaining). Councilmember Margaret Breland, who has been ill for several weeks, voted by telephone. The city council then split down the middle on Maio’s motion to deny the permit (Worthington, Spring, Breland, Maio voting yes; Shirek, Olds, Hawley, Wozniak voting no; Bates abstaining). Following that vote, which had the effect of upholding ZAB’s approval of the application, Maio asked for reconsideration of her “no” vote on Wozniak’s original motion to approve the application. In a statement directed to the audience, Maio said that reopening the vote was the only way that the council could add protections to the permit for restaurant workers who might have to do repairs on the roof in the vicinity of the antennas. With both Maio and Bates changing their votes to “yes”, the council voted 6-2-1 (Spring, Breland voting no; Worthington abstaining) to approve the permit, with added protections that included increased rooftop security measures. 

The city council approved City Manager Phil Kamlarz’ timetable for implementing the recommendations of the Mayor’s Task Force on Permitting and Development. The 14-member task force met for much of last year, returning with a list of proposed changes in the permitting and regulation of Berkeley development projects. The city manager has recommended that some 30 of those changes be implemented by the end of the year. 

The council also directed city staff and the Planning Commission to return to the council by May with recommended changes in the zoning ordinance to conform to the University Avenue Strategic Plan. The strategic plan, which is part of the city’s General Plan, has height and building setback requirements that are more restrictive than those currently allowed in the zoning code for the University Avenue area.?

FRIDAY, FEB. 20 

5th Annual Seed Swap Come be a part of the Bay Area Seed Interchange Library (BASIL) seed swap. This is a great way to meet other local gardeners and trade seed. There will be free seed giveaways to get you started, along with a short introductory talk on seed saving. Bring seed, envelopes and pens or just show up with a commitment to bring seed back to the Interchange Library. From 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Ecology Center, 2530 San Pablo Ave, near Dwight Way. 548-2220, ext. 233.  

City Commons Club Noon Luncheon with You-Tien Hsing, Prof. Dept. of Geography, UCB, “Transformation of Socialism in China” 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. 

“Uncovered: The Whole Truth About the Iraq War” and “Imagine America” will be shown at 7 p.m. at the Kucinich for President office, 3362 Adeline, near Alcatraz. 420-0772. 

Benefit Teach-In for the Grocery Workers at 7:30 p.m. at Humanist Hall, 390 27th St. Oakland. Donation of $5. 655-5764. javacs@yahoo.com 

“The Vagina Monologues” Berkeley High School student production, directed by Joanna Lee, at 8 p.m. at the Florence Schwimley Little Theater, 1920 Allston Way. Adults $10, Student $5. A benefit for Bay Area Women Against Rape. 527-3086. 

Berkeley Chess Club meets Fridays at 7:15 p.m. at the Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant Ave. Players at all levels are welcome. 652-5324. 

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 Entrance to UC Berkeley, on Oxford St. near University Ave. People of all traditions are welcome to join us. Sponsored by the Buddhist Peace Fellowship. 655-6169. www.bpf.org 

Overeaters Anonymous meets every Friday at 1:30 p.m. at the Northbrae Church at Solano and The Alameda. Parking is free and is handicapped accessible. For information call Katherine, 525-5231. 

SATURDAY, FEB. 21 

Berkeley Alliance of Neighborhood Associations meets at 9:15 a.m. in the Sproul Room, St. John’s Presbyterian Church, 2727 College Ave. 587-3257. www.berkeleycna.com 

Kids Garden Club on recycled planters. Bring a container from home and we’ll turn it into a planter for our budding new garden. From 2 to 4 p.m. at Tilden Nature Area, in Tilden Park. Cost is $3. Wheelchair accessible. 525-2233. tnarea@ebparks.org 

Tilden Park Hike with the Natural Sciences Guild Cost is $15, free for members. For more information call 799-6756.  

Junior Skywatchers Club on Winter Constellations. We’ll tell stories, stargaze, and make star maps of the night sky. From 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Tilden Nature Area, in Tilden Park. Wheelchair accessible. 525-2233, tnarea@ebparks.org 

Stream Restoration Workshop taught by Ann Riley, author of “Restoring Streams in Cities” from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Urban Creeks Council, 1250 Addison St.  

Cerrito Creek Restoration Meet at 10 a.m. at the south edge of El Cerrito Plaza, near EC BART. We’ll re-plant salvaged native plants. f5creeks@aol.com 

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

“City Schools and the American Dream,” an evening with Dr. Pedro Noguera, Professor at New York University’s Steinhardt School of Education and a former member of Berkeley’s School Board, at 7:30 p.m. at the Berkeley Community Theater. Benefit for the Berkeley Public Education Foundation, sponsored by Cody’s Books. Tickets are $25, available from Cody’s Books, and includes a copy of “City Schools and the American Dream.” 845-7852. www.codysbooks.com 

Book Sale sponsored by The Friends of the Albany Library from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Albany Library, 1247 Marin Avenue in Albany. All paperbacks and hardback books including library discards will be sold for 50 cents each. There is a great selection of magazines such as National Geographic and Bon Appetit which will be sold for 25 cents each or 5 for $1. 526-3720, ext. 5.  

“California Bounty” a gala for Children’s Community Center Preschool from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church at One Lawson Road in Kensington. Silent and live auction items include vacation packages, dinners, original artwork, clothing, toys and more from the best businesses in the Bay Area. Dinner and live music. Tickets can be purchased in advance for $12.50 or for $15 at the door. Proceeds benefit Berkeley’s Children’s Community Center Preschool— the oldest cooperative preschool in the West. For more information call 527-7654 or go to www.cccpreschool.org 

Acupuncture & Integrative Medicine College Open House from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. This free open-house event will give prospective students and members of the community a chance to learn about the Masters of Science in Oriental Medicine program. 2550 Shattuck Ave. To RSVP, please contact Taj Moore 666-8248, ext. 108. 

5K Walk/Run on the UC campus, sponsored by the Berkeley Free Clinic. If you would like to join the race, visit www.berkeleyfreeclinic.org 

Homebuyer Education Seminar from 10 a.m. to noon at the BAR auditorium, 1553 Martin Luther King Jr. Way at Cedar. Free, but reservations required. 528-3400, ext. 6. 

Yoga for Seniors at the Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant St., on Saturdays from 10 to 11 a.m. The class is taught by Rosie Linsky, who at age 72, has practiced yoga for over 40 years. Open to non-members of the club for $8 per class. For further information and to register, call Karen Ray at 848-7800. 

SUNDAY, FEB. 22 

All Things Wet and Wonderful We will use eyes, hand-lenses and the 14-power discovery scope to view creatures from the meadow pond, from 10 a.m. to noon at Tilden Nature Area. 525-2233. 

League of Women Voters of Berkeley: Recording Their Leaders Therese Pipe, Oral History Coordinator for the League of Women Voters of Berkeley, Albany, and Emeryville, will focus on the achievements of several League pioneers through their oral histories. From 2 to 4 p.m. at the Berkeley History Center, 1931 Center St. Admission free. 848-0181. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/histsoc/ 

Berkeley City Club free tour from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Tours are sponsored by the Berkeley City Club and the Landmark Heri- 

tage 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. 

“The Port Chicago Mutiny - Then and Now” with author Robert L. Allen and a film narrated by Danny Glover at 2 p.m. at the Oakland Museum of California, 10th and Oak Sts. 238-2200. www.museumca.org 

“Lorena Hickok and Eleanor Roosevelt - A Love Story” and “Gerty, Gerty, Gerty Stein is Back, Back, Back” videos shown from 2 to 5 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Cost is $10-$25, no one turned away. Sponsored by the Pat Bond Committee and the National Center for Lesbian Rights. www.patbondaward.com 

Meditation Seminar with representatives of Sant Thakar Singh at 1:15 p.m. at the Berkeley Main Library, 2090 Kittredge. Free. 845-4870. 

Tibetan Buddhism with Lee Nichol on “Freedom for Knowledge” at 6 p.m. at the Tibetan Nyingma Institute, 1815 Highland Pl. 843-6812. www.nyingmainstitute.com 

MONDAY, FEB. 23 

Tea at Four Enjoy some of the best teas from the other side of the Pacific Rim and learn their cultural and natural history. Then take a walk to see wintering birds and dormant ladybeetles, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at Tilden Nature Area, in Tilden Park. Registration required. Cost is $5 for residents, $7 for non-residents. Wheelchair accessible. 525-2233. 

“Rituals of Possession and Postwar Reintegration in Mozambique” with Alcinda Honwana, at 4 p.m. in 160 Kroeber Hall, UC Campus. Sponsored by the Center for African Studies. 642-8338. http://ias.berkeley.edu/africa 

“The Bishop Gerardi Murder Case” with reporter and novelist Francisco Goldman at 4 p.m. at the Geballe Room, 220 Stephens Hall, UC Campus. Sponsored by the Center for Latin American Studies. 642-2088. 

Humanistic Judaism 101 with Kol Hadash’s Rabbi Kai Eckstein, at 7:30 pm at the Berkeley-Richmond Jewish Community Center, 1414 Walnut St. 233-6880.  

Fitness for 55+ A total body workout including aerobics, stretching and strengthing at 1:15 p.m. at the South Berkeley Senior Center. 981-5170. 

Berkeley CopWatch organizational meeting at 8 p.m. at 2022 Blake St. Join us to work on current issues around police misconduct. Volunteers needed. For information call 548-0425. 

TUESDAY, FEB. 24 

Tuesday Morning Birdwalk at Tilden Nature Area, 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. Call if you need binoculars. 525-2233. 

Fat Tuesday/Mardi Gras Celebration with live music and costume making from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Tuesday Farmers’ Market, Derby St. at MLK. Featuring Josh Paxton at 3 p.m. and Wild Buds at 4 p.m. 548-2220, ext. 227. www.ecologycenter.org 

“Accessible Tech - The Great Equalizer!” a Berkeley Special Education Parents Network (BSPED) presentation from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Center for Accessible Technology (CforAT), 2547 8th St. AT and universal design in educational materials make a tremendous contribution to a meaningful, equitable education for ALL children. Wheelchair accessible and free. 525-9262. BSPED@mcads.com 

“Climbing Mt. Shasta” with Tim Keating, Director, Sierra Wilderness Seminars, at 7 p.m. at REI, 1338 San Pablo Ave. 527-4140. 

“Gaza Strip” A documentary of the lives of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip struggling with the day to day trials of the Israeli occupation. At 6:30 p.m. at the Berkeley Public Library Central Branch, 2090 Kittredge St., 3rd floor community meeting room, wheelchair accessible. Sponsored by Berkeley Peace Walk & Vigil and Lake Merritt Neighbors Organized for Peace Present.  

“Judaism, What is it all About?” an interactive lecture series with Rabbi Judah Dardik, at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays at Beth Jacob Congregation, 3778 Park Blvd., Oakland. 482-1147. www.bethjacoboakland.org 

Triumph Over Fear, Victory Party and Award Ceremony, in honor of all those who made our stunning victory in Raich v. Ashcroft possible, with Attorney General Bill Lockyer, at 5 p.m. at Oakland Box Theater, 1928 Telegraph Ave. Tickets are $50 general public, $35 patients with OCBC i.d. cards. Reservations can be made by calling 764-1494. Sponsored by Angel Wings Patient OutReach.  

Berkeley PC Users Group, problem solving and beginners meeting to answer, in simple English, users questions about Windows computers, at 7 p.m. at 1145 Walnut St., near corner of Eunice. All welcome, no charge. 527-2177.  

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, FEB. 25 

Tilden Tots A nature adventure program to learn about our amphibian friends from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Tilden Nature Area. For 3 and 4 years olds accompanied by an adult. Fee is $6, $8 for non-residents. Registration required. 525-2233. 

Great Decisions 2004: “Weapons of Mass Destruction” with Prof. Harold P. Smith, visiting scholar, Goldman School of Public Policy, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant St. The Great Decisions program will meet Wednesdays through March 31. Briefing booklets are available. For information and reservations call 526-2925.  

March Ballot Free-For-All Join the Gray Panthers for a review of the March ballot measures with Kriss Worthington on Berkeley Measures, Michelle Milam from Loni Hancock’s office, on the State Propositions, Avram Gratch, MD on Measure A, and Ms. Quintana-Turner on Prop. 55, at 1:30 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 548-9696. 

“Arnie’s Energy Policy: Just Another Shade of Gray?” with Bob Finkelstein, Executive Director, The Utility Reform Network, at 4 p.m., 110 Barrows Hall, UC Campus. 642-1640. 

Berkeley Stop the War Coalition meets every Wednesday at 7 p.m. in 255 Dwinelle, UC Campus. www.berkeleystopthewar.org  

“The Chilean Popular Movement” with Prof. Jorge Arrate, at 4 p.m. in the Lounge, Women’s Faculty Club, UC Campus. Sponsored by the Center for Latin American Studies. 642-2088. www.clas.berkeley.edu 

“From Fatigue to Fantastic” with Jacob Teitelbaum, MD, at 7 p.m. at Cafe de la Paz, 1600 Shattuck Ave. Sponsored by Elephant Pharmacy.  

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 

Bayswater Book Club meets at 6:30 p.m. at Lius’ Kitchen, Solano Ave. for a discussion of “The Boom and the Bubble” by Robert Brenner. 433-2911. 

Prose Writers Workshop We're a serious but lively bunch whose focus is on issues of craft. 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, FEB. 26 

Public Hearing on University Village Master Plan EIR at 6:30 p.m. in the Multi-purpose Room, Ocean View School, 1000 Jackson St., Albany. Copies of the Subsequent Focused Draft Environmental Impact Report are available for review at the Albany Branch Library, 1247 Marin Ave. or at the University Village office. For more informaion contact Carol Kielusiak at 643-0638. 

Third Biennial Meeting of Bay Area Creek and Watershed Groups at 6 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Sponsored by Aquatic Outreach Institute, East Bay Watershed Center, Friends of Baxter Creek, Friends of Five Creeks, SPAWNERS, Urban Creeks Council. The meeting is free, but please pre-register by calling Mary Malko, at 231-9430. mary@aoinstitute.org 

“The Fourth World War” a documentary on the human story of global conflict, at 7:30 p.m. at Humanist Hall, 390 27th St., Oakland. Donation $5-$10. Benefit for Bay Area Indie Media and Chiapas Suppot Committee. http://bayarea.indiemedia.org 

ONGOING 

Family Activist Resource Center A small group of East Bay parents is meeting monthly to set up a drop-in center where parents and caregivers can come with their children and do their political work while their children are cared for in a creative, respectful and nurturing manner. For information on the next meeting, contact Erica at ericadavid@earthlink.net or call 841-3204. 

Berkeley Rhinos Rugby Team is inviting interested high school athletes to join. Practices are Tues. and Thurs. 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Gabe's Field. The season goes from February through May. Call Coach Keir Paasch for information, 847-1453. 

Starbucks Grants for Giving is offering $375,000 to local non-profits in Berkeley and other East Bay cities. Eligibility and application information can be obtained from any Northern California Starbucks location, by visiting www.starbucks.com/ 

grantsforgiving or by calling 1-866-535-GIVE.  

CITY MEETINGS 

Parks and Recreation Commission meets Mon., Feb. 23, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Deborah Chernin, 981-6715. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/parksandrecreation 

Solid Waste Management Commission Mon., Feb. 23, at 7 p.m., at 1201 Second St. Becky Dowdakin, 981-6357. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/solidwaste 

City Council meets Tues., Feb. 24, at 7 p.m. with a Special Meeting at 5 p.m. in City Council Chambers, Sherry M. Kelly, city clerk, 981-6900. www.ci. 

berkeley.ca.us/citycouncil 

Citizens Budget Review Commission meets Wednesday, Feb. 25, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Paul Navazio, 981-7041. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/budget 

Civic Arts Commission meets Wed., Feb. 25, 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., Feb. 25, 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., Feb. 25, at 6:30 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Neal De Snoo, 981-5434. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/energy 

Mental Health Commission meets Wed., Feb. 25, at 6:30 p.m., at 2640 Martin Luther King, Jr. Way. Harvey Turek, 981-5213. www.ci.berkeley. 

ca.us/commissions/mentalhealth  

Planning Commission meets Wed., Feb. 25, 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. Feb. 25, at 7:30 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center, Barbara Attard, 981-4950. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/policereview 

Zoning Adjustments Board meets Thurs. Feb. 26, at 7 p.m., in City Council Chambers. Mark Rhoades, 981-7410. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/zoning   

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FRIDAY, FEB. 20 

CHILDREN 

Black History Month Stories at 10:30 a.m. at Barnes and Noble. 644-0861. 

THEATER 

“The Vagina Monologues” Berkeley High School student production, directed by Joanna Lee, at 8 p.m. at the Florence Schwimley Little Theater, 1920 Allston Way. Adults $10, Student $5. A benefit for Bay Area Women Against Rape. 527-3086. 

Actor’s Ensemble of Berkeley, “Helen of Troy (Revised),” written by Wolfgang Hilesheimer, translated and directed by David Fenerty at 8 p.m. at Live Oak Theater, 1301 Shattuck at Berryman. Fri. and Sat. Admission is $10. 649-5999. www.aeofberkeley.org 

Aurora Theatre, “Man of Destiny” by George Bernard Shaw, directed by Barbara Oliver at 8 p.m. Through March 7. 843-4822. www.auroratheatre.org 

Impact Theater, “Say You Love Satan” at 8 p.m. at La Val’s Subterranean, 1834 Euclid. Runs through March 13. 464-4468. www.impacttheater.com 

Berkeley Black Repertory Group Theater, “Street Soldier The Play” a benefit for Omega Boys Club celebrating Black History month at 8 p.m. Fri.-Sun. at 3201 Adeline St. Tickets are $20. 1-800-SOLDIER. 

Berkeley Repertory Theater, “Yellowman” by Dael Orlandersmith, directed by Les Waters, at 2025 Addison St. Through March 7. 647-2949. www.berkeleyrep.org 

FILM 

“Afropunk,” a documentary exploring racial identity within the punk scene, at 8 p.m. at the Long Haul, 3124 Shattuck Ave. Wheelchair accessible. 540-0751. www.thelonghaul.org 

Anthony Mann: “God’s Little Acre” at 7 p.m. and “Man of the West” at 9:10 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $4-$8. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Rick Wartzman introduces “The King of California” at 7:30 p.m. at Cody’s Books. 845-7852. www.codysbooks.com 

Patricia Lynn Reilly celebrates her new book of poetry and prose, “Words Made Flesh,” at the Fellowship Café & Open Mic, 7:30 p.m. at Fellowship Hall, Cedar and Bonita Sts. A donation of $5-$10 is requested.  

MUSIC AND DANCE 

La Monica, “Himmel und Erde” featuring music by 17th century German Baroque masters at 8 p.m. at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, at 2300 Bancroft Way. Tickets are $9-15. 547-4442. 

7th Direction, Belleville at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $5. 841-2082. www.starryploughpub.com 

Rafael Manriquez and Voz e Vento at 8 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $10 in advance, $12 at the door. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

Mahea Uchiyama Center for International Dance, benefit concert at 8 p.m. at the Julia Morgan Center for the Arts. For tickets visit www.mahea.com 

Johnny Nocturne and Mz Dee at 9:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Swing dance lesson with Nick and Shanna at 8:00 p.m. Cost is $13. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Double Standards, jazz duo, at 7:30 p.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344. www.nomadcafe.net 

The Bonedrives, Chrome Johnson at 9:30 p.m. at Blakes on Telegraph. Cost is $7.  

848-0886. www.blakesontelegraph.com 

Junius Courtney Big Band, 18-piece jazz 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 

Joshi Marshall at 8:30 p.m. at Downtown. 649-3810. 

Brown Baggin at 9 p.m. at Shattuck Down Low, 2284 Shattuck Ave. Cost is $7. 548-1159. www.shattuckdownlow.com 

Leopard Life, New Earth Creeps, Hepsi, The Morbids at 8 p.m. at 924 Gilman St. Cost is $5. 525-9926. 

Boxes of Water, Philip Greenlif, free, improv and new music, at 8 p.m. at The Jazz House. Donation of $8-$15. 649-8744. www.thejazzhouse.com 

Blue and Tan at 9 p.m. at Jupiter. 848-8277. 

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

SATURDAY, FEB. 21 

CHILDREN  

“Wild About Books” storytime at 10:30 a.m. at the Berkeley Public Library, 2090 Kittredge St. 981-6223. 

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

Dance Jammies, a multi-generational dance event from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Motivity Center, 2525 8th St. Cost is $9. 832-3835. 

Kids on the Block Puppet Show, promoting acceptance and understanding of physical and cultural differences at 2 p.m. at the Hall of Health, 2230 Shattuck Ave., lower level. Sug- 

gested donation $3. Children under 3 free. 549-1564. 

THEATER 

“Full Spectrum Improvisation,” by Lucky Dog Theater, featuring Joya Cory, at 8 p.m. at Eighth Street Studios, 2525 8th St. 415-564-4115.  

FILM 

Anthony Mann: “He Walked by Night” at 7 p.m. and “The Tin Star” at 8:40 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $4-$8. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

“Victory,” Allied POW’s play soccer against a Nazi team in France, 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 AND LECTURES 

“City Schools and the American Dream,” an evening with Dr. Pedro Noguera, Professor at New York University’s Steinhardt School of Education and a former member of Berkeley’s School Board, at 7:30 p.m. at the Berkeley Community Theater. Benefit for the Berkeley Public Education Foundation, sponsored by Cody’s Books. Tickets are $25 and includes a copy of “City Schools and the American Dream.” 845-7852. www.codysbooks.com 

California Writers’ Club, a Sci-Fi panel with Jennifer Hall and Ray Nelson, from 10 a.m. to noon, Barnes and Noble. www.berkeleywritersclub.org 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Kensington Symphony, with Eric Hansen, guest conductor, and Seth Montfort, piano, at Northminster Presbyterian Church, 545 Ashbury Ave., El Cerrito. Suggested donation $8-$10. 524-4335. 

Parnassus Avenue “Handel’s Great London Adventure” with Dan Laurin, recorder, Tanya Tomkins, cello, David Tayler, theorbo and guitar, and Hanneke van Proosdij, harpsichord and recorder, at 8 p.m. at St. John’s Presbyterian Church, 2727 College Ave. Tickets are $10-$25. 528-1725. www.sfems.org 

La Familia and Project Bridge at 8:30 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $10. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

Joji Hirota and the Taiko Drummers at 8 p.m. at the Julia Morgan Center for the Arts. Cost is $20 at the door. www.juliamorgan.org 

Zydeco Dance Party with the Zydeco Flames at 9:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Dance lesson with Dana DeSimone at 8 p.m. Cost is $13. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Love Ball Dance Benefit for Berkeley Liberation Radio 101.4FM, featuring Kene-J, Cosmic Mercy and Space Vacuum at 8 p.m. at Berkeley Unitarian Universalists, 1924 Cedar at Bonita. Sliding scale donation. 

All Ages Show with The Cusion Theory, Love Kills Love, Subincision, Jacuzzi at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $6. 841-2082. www.starryploughpub.com  

Darol Anger Fiddle Ensemble at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $16.50 in advance, $17.50 at the door. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

Soul Sauce performs Latin jazz at 8 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $10-$15. 845-5373. www.jazzschool.com 

Guarneri Jazz Quartet, with Calvin Keys and Kash Killion, classical and original jazz, at 8 p.m. at The Jazz House. Donation of $8-$15. 649-8744. www.thejazzhouse.org 

La Familia and Project Bridge, Cuban son with funk y sabor, at 8:30 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $10. 849-2568. www.lapena.org  

Inka, snger-songwriter, at 7:30 p.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344. www.nomadcafe.net 

Foreign Legion, hip hop, at 9:30 p.m. at Shattuck Down Low, 2284 Shattuck Ave. Cost is $10. $7 with student i.d. 548-1159. www.shattuckdownlow.com 

Damphibians, Channel 13, Sweatshop Band at 9:30 p.m. at Blakes on Telegraph. Cost is $6. 848-0886. www.blakesontelegraph.com 

Ponticello at 9 p.m. at Jupiter. 848-8277. 

Rhonda Benin and Soulful Strut at 8:30 p.m. at Downtown. 649-3810. 

Right On, Hammertime, Duckhunt, Jealous Again, At Risk at 8 p.m. at 924 Gilman St. Cost is $5. 525-9926. 

SUNDAY, FEB. 22 

FILM 

Victor Sjostrom: “The Wind” at 4:30 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $4-$8. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

“Jewish Patrons and the Paradox of Portraiture: Paintings by Ingres, Sargent, Picasso and Klimt” with Norman Kleeblatt from The Jewish Museum New York, at 2 p.m. at Judah L. Magnes Museum’s future site, 2121 Allston Way 2911 Russell St. 549-6950. www.magnes.org 

Poetry Flash with Carol Moldaw and Maya Khosla at 7:30 p.m. at Cody’s Books. Donation $2. 845-7852. www.codysbooks.com 

Poets Gone Wild A Night of Poetry Celebrating Black History Month with local African American poets at 7:30 p.m. at Barnes and Noble. 644-3635. 

International Women’s Writing Guild readings and discussion at 3 p.m. at Cody’s Books on Fourth St. www.codysbooks.com 

Janet Warner reads from her first novel, “Other Sorrows, Other Joys: The Marriage of Catherine Sophia Boucher and William Blake” at 7:30 p.m. at Black Oak Books. 486-0698. www.blackoakbooks.com 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Live Oak Concert with Natalie Cox, pedal and Celtic harp, Dan Reiter, cello, at 7:30 p.m. at Berkeley Art Center. Admission is $9-$10. 644-6893. www.berkeleyartcenter.org 

Yefim Bronfman, piano, at 3 p.m., Zellerbach Hall, UC Campus. Tickets are $32-$56, available from 642-9988. www.calperfs.berkeley.edu 

Choral Laboratory with Volti, at 3 p.m. at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 2300 Bancroft Way. Tickets are $8-$20. 415-771-3352. www.voltisf.org 

Free Jarvis Jay Masters Benefit with the Hot Buttered Rum String Band and The Bluegrass Intentions at 7:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $10-$20 sliding scale. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

ACME Observatory’s Contemporary Music Series with Paolo Angeli and Friends at 8 p.m. at The Jazz House. Donations accepted. 649-8744. www.thejazzhouse.com 

the bluehouse, women’s trio from Australia, at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $15.50 in advance, $16.50 at the door. 548-1761 www.freightandsalvage.org 

Frank Martin Trio at 4:30 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $12-$18. 845-5373. www.jazz- 

school.com 

MONDAY, FEB. 23 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Ronn Owens introduces the “Voice of Reason: Why the Left and Right are Wrong” at 7:30 p.m. at Cody’s Books. 845-7852. www.codysbooks.com 

Eddie Yuen describes “Confronting Capitalism: Dispatches from a Global Movement” at 7:30 p.m. at Black Oak Books. 486-0698. www.blackoakbooks.com 

TUESDAY, FEB. 24 

FILM 

Joseph Cornell Centenary: “...tokens and traces of chance...” at 7 p.m. and “Goofy Newsreels” at 9 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $4-$8. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

“Comix 101” a visual travelogue with Art Spiegelman at 8 p.m., Zellerbach Hall, UC Campus. Tickets are $18-$28, available from 642-9988. www.calperfs.berkeley.edu 

Brian Green describes “The Fabric of the Cosmos: Space, Time and the Texture of Reality” at 7:30 p.m. at Cody’s Books. 845-7852. www.codysbooks.com  

Jim Garrison introduces his new book “America as Empire: Global Leader or Rogue Power?” at 7:30 p.m. at Black Oak Books. 486-0698. www.blackoakbooks.com 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Tom Rigney & Flambeau at 8:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cajun dance lesson with Cheryl McBride at 8 p.m. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Jazzschool Tuesdays, a weekly showcase of up-and-coming ensembles from Berkeley Jazz- 

school at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 848-8277. 

Kaki King at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $15.50 in advance, $16.50 at the door. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

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

Dayna Stephens House Jam at 8 p.m. at The Jazz House. Donation $5. 649-8744.  

www.thejazzhouse.com 

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 25 

FILM 

Film 50: “Scarface” at 3 p.m. and Video: They Might be Giants: “Steina and Woody Vasuka” at 7:30 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $4-$8. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

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 

“Daughter’s Keeper” with author Ayelet Waldman at 7:30 p.m. at the Berkeley Richmond Jewish Community Center, 1414 Walnut St. 848-0327, ext. 112. 

Perri Klass reads from her new novel, “The Mystery of Breathing,” at 7:30 p.m. at Black Oak Books. 486-0698. www.blackoakbooks.com 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Wednesday Noon Concert with Robert Schumann and Heitor Villa-Lobos at International House, corner of Bancroft and Piedmont Aves. Admission is free. 642-4864. http://music.berkeley.edu 

Freddy Clarke & The All Over the Map Band, CD Release Party at 9 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.  

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

Strings Attached: What We Live, improvisation at 8 p.m. at The Jazz House. Donations of $8-$15 suggested. 649-8744. www.thejazzhouse.org 

THURSDAY, FEB. 26 

THEATER 

Everyday Theater, “The Bright River,” a show by Tim Barsky opens at 8 p.m. at the Transparent Theater, 1901 Ashby Ave. and runs through March 20. Tickets are $12-$20 and are available from 644-2204. 

A Traveling Jewish Theater, “Times Like These” at 8 p.m. at the Julia Morgan Center for the Arts. Tickets are $20-$28. 415-285-8080. www.atjt.com 

FILM 

Human Rights Watch Film Festival “Power Trip” at 7 p.m. and “Life on the Tracks” at 8:50 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $4-$8. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

“Mexican Folk Art” a lunchtime gallery talk with Stanley Brandes from noon to 1 p.m. at the Phoebe Hearst Museum of Anthropology, 103 Kroeber Hall, Bancroft Way at College.  

Jennifer Carrell describes “The Speckled Monster: A Historical Tale of Battling Smallpox” at 7:30 p.m. at Cody’s Books. 845-7852. www.codysbooks.com 

Bruce Wipperman takes us on a visual tour with “Moon Handbook of Pacific Mexico” at 7:30 p.m. at Easy Going Travel Shop & Bookstore, 1385 Shattuck Ave. 843-3533. 

Loolwa Khazzoom reads from “The Flying Camel: Essays on Identity by Women of North African and Middle Eastern Jewish Heritage” at 7:30 p.m. at Black Oak Books. 486-0698. www.blackoakbooks.com 

Word Beat Reading Series with Connie Post and Lara Monroe at 7 p.m. at Mediterraneum Caffe, 2475 Telegraph Ave., near Dwight Way. 526-5985, 205-1749.  

Carla Blank introduces her new novel, “Rediscovering America” at 7:30 p.m. at Barnes and Noble. 644-0861. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

International Gospel Music Spectacular, a showcase of choirs and soloists from East Bay African American Churches at 8 p.m. at International House, Piedmont Ave. at Bancroft Way. Tickets are $5 at the door. The concert will be preceeded by a buffet at 5:30 p.m. for $8.50. 

Moore Brothers, Paula Frazer, Nedelle at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $5. 841-2082. www.starryplough.com 

Savant Guard at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 848-8277. 

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

Duck Baker and Peppino D’Agostino, guitar, 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 

Strings Attached: What We Live, featuring John Schott at 8 p.m. at The Jazz House. Donations of $8-$15 suggested. 649-8744. www.thejazzhouse.org?

Tears were shed Wednesday after the Berkeley School Board approved a fiscal emergency plan that slashed $3.2 million from its general fund and killed a 31-year-old program serving teenage mothers and their children. 

“Pregnant students and parent students won’t disappear just because there are no services available,” said a bleary-eyed Katherine Sullivan, director of the Vera Casey Center—one of the first programs in the nation to offer pre-natal services and parent counseling to Berkeley students and day care to their children  

Eliminating Vera Casey was the most controversial part of the plan that cuts 32 positions, and roughly $1.2 million in spending on personnel, while relying on improved administrative efficiencies and program transfers out of the general fund to balance the books for 2004-2005. 

The plan, mandated by the county, erases the structural deficit the district faces next fiscal year from rising health care and labor costs. The plan’s approval—depending on the outcome of the state budget—could be the final chapter in the three-year budget crisis that nearly ended local control over Berkeley schools. A final budget for 2004-05 will not be approved until June. 

After cutting $14 million over the past two years by among other things increasing class sizes for fourth through ninth graders, cutting music instruction in middle and elementary schools and closing an elementary school, Alameda Associate Superintendent of Business Services Michael Lenahan said the district is poised to win county approval for its budget for the first time since 2001. 

District officials, however, remained cautious. “We’re not out of the woods here,” said Superintendent Michele Lawrence, who warned more cuts might be needed if voters rejected the March ballot initiatives authorizing the state to borrow up to $15 million to close its budget gap.  

The board approved the latest plan by a vote of 3-1-1, with Berkeley School Board President John Selawsky voting against it, based on his objections to closing Vera Casey. 

“This serves and supports one of our most vulnerable populations,” he said. “I’m not sure what happens to teen parents if we close this program entirely.” 

Vera Casey operates on a state grant, but the district must cover program deficits which in recent years have topped $100,000 and, despite cuts to the program, was projected to hit $70,000 this year. Enrollment has shrunk in recent years to just 18 students, fewer than ten of which regularly attend school, Lawrence told the board.  

The district did not present a plan to serve student mothers, though Lawrence broached possibly issuing child care stipends to students in need. 

Selawsky’s concerns fell on deaf ears. “I have the same concerns as you, but none of these cuts have been easy,” said Board Member Joaquin Rivera. “If we take items out now the whole thing will fall apart.”  

Vera Casey Director Sullivan blamed a lack of knowledgeable administrators for overstating the forecasted deficit and said she would try to keep the center open with money from the city or state—a prospect she acknowledged was a longshot. 

“I don’t see how they could close the program without an alternative in place,” Sullivan said. “It’s a greater crisis to the community to have teenage mothers put their children in an unsafe environment.” 

Further cuts could also come, Lawrence said, if a district budget report due out in April shows that cost savings measures already implemented have failed to plug an estimated $2.3 million hole in the current budget. 

In addition to passing the fiscal recovery plan, the board declared a fiscal emergency for next year, allowing it to budget class sizes at ratios of 37 students to one teacher in the general fund—well above limits authorized in the voter-approved Berkeley Schools Excellence Project ballot measure. Money from that initiative will pay for more teachers to reduce class sizes below numbers provided in the general fund. 

In contrast to budget battles from the previous two years, this year’s cuts, which targeted mostly non-teachers, sparked little citizen outrage. Class sizes are scheduled to remain stable and lost teacher jobs due to an estimated decline in enrollment of 176 students are forecast to be offset by retirements and resignations. 

The plan foresees thousands in savings from improved administrative controls, including self-insuring the district for worker’s compensation, lowering legal expenses and improving payroll systems and data processing systems. It forecasts health and welfare benefits to rise 18 percent and doesn’t include the governor’s proposed spending hikes that could bring the district $700,000 due to the precarious nature of the state budget. 

Among the more controversial measures were provisions to eliminate more than 15 positions for special education instructional aides and push the cost for middle school librarians and an accountant responsible for Berkeley High student accounts from the general fund to discretionary accounts controlled by school sites. 

Student Boardmember Bradley Johnson worries that charging the accountant to the high school student account could endanger student programs like the newspaper, student government and athletic department. However, Superintendent Lawrence said the fund had money to absorb the position next year until the district found a long-term solution. 

›

The University of California has drafted a policy explicitly forbidding student governments from lobbying on state ballot initiatives, setting the university on a collision course with UC Berkeley student government leaders. 

In a second revised draft of student policies circulated this month, the university inserted a clause precluding student governments from using student fees collected by the university to lobby for or against a particular candidate or ballot proposition in a non-university election. The move attempts to clarify contradictory language in current UC codes that fueled a controversy last semester when the UC Berkeley graduate student government (GA) funded a student government campaign against Proposition 54—a November ballot initiative that would have barred race as a category in state-funded research. 

Student leaders were furious last November when UC Berkeley Chancellor Robert Berdahl ruled the allocation illegal on grounds that student governments, like the university itself, were barred from lobbying on ballot initiatives. In December, the GA, which had earmarked $35,000 to fight the ballot measure they said would inhibit student research, voted to sue UC Berkeley if the university didn’t change its interpretation of UC policy. 

GA President Jessica Quindel called the new system-wide policy “unacceptable.” “How is it that when it comes to the legislature we can lobby all we want, but with ballot initiatives which have equal impact on students we lose our right to meaningful speech?” she asked. 

Though the policy is still in draft form and not slated for final approval until the summer, April Labbe of the University of California Student Association (UCSA) sees little chance for a revision. The policy was drafted by UC attorneys, she said, so it would likely take a lawsuit or a competing legal opinion to change it. 

“The student government is part of a state agency, the university, so the same rules apply to them,” said UC Berkeley Counsel Michael Smith. “They’re subject to the rules in the same way a staff member can’t take university money and spend it on a political campaign.” 

In contrast to student governments, the new policy reaffirms the rights of registered campus groups to lobby on ballot initiatives.  

The UC Board of Regents joined student governments to UC in 1972 to provide student government employees with university health and retirement benefits. The designation as “official units” is rare, but the policy on ballot initiatives is not. Melissa Unger of the University of Oregon Student Association said a 1986 Attorney General ruling forbids both student governments and campus organizations from lobbying on ballot initiatives in that state, which also uses initiatives to decide key issues of public policy. 

UCSA Executive Director Liz Geyer said the university has opted to interpret its policies “as conservatively as possible” to forestall possible lawsuits from well funded conservative legal groups like the Sacramento-based Pacific Legal Foundation (PLF). That group threatened to sue UC Berkeley last year when it learned mandatory student fees were used on the “No on 54” campaign. 

“Their policy is totally irrational,” Geyer said. “They’re basically equating the student government to the French Department.” 

The PLF might have sued Berkeley had they upheld the student government’s allocation, Smith acknowledged, but he maintained the specter of a lawsuit did not drive UC’s ruling. 

Labbe of the UCSA said she plans to work with the Regents to determine if they would drop the “official unit” status of student governments while finding a way to safeguard the privileges for employees the status provides. 

Should that effort fail, a lawsuit seems likely, GA President Quindel said.  

A student website laid out their arguments pointing to language elsewhere in the student code specifying that “positions on issues taken by student governments shall not be represented as or deemed to be official positions of the University,” and the 2002 U.S. Supreme Court decision in Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin vs. Southworth. In that case the students argue the court ruled student speech is different from that of the university and that “a university may allow the broadest range of activities to be funded as possible.” 

UC Hastings Law Professor David Levine called a possible lawsuit, “a close one,” but thought UC would prevail. He said even though, when it comes to lobbying on ballot initiatives, “UC might not be required to make a distinction between student governments and registered campus groups, but as long as UC has a rationale basis for making the distinction, it’s entitled to make it.”  

3

On Wednesday a California Superior Court judge dismissed a lawsuit filed by a Berkeley attorney that aimed to increase security measures on electronic voting systems before the March 2 primary. 

Judge Raymond Cadei denied a temporary restraining order against Diebold Election Systems, Inc., the maker of the majority of the state’s touch screen voting machines, that would have kept Diebold from changing or updating anything on the machines before election day. The plaintiffs sought the restraining order against Diebold because they said the company used software updates that are not approved by the state. 

“We are pleased that the election officials will be able to move forward with the election,” said Diebold spokesperson David Bear.  

The plaintiffs also lost an injunction against Secretary of State Kevin Shelley and the registrars of voters from at least 18 counties, including Alameda, that would have prevented them from using the machines for an election until security updates are made. 

Attorney Lowell Finley and five plaintiffs filed the suit because they say Diebold machines pose serious risks to the election.  

“Electronic voting systems sold to California counties by defendant Diebold Election Systems, Inc., pose a grave threat to the security and the integrity of the statewide elections to be held on March 2, 2004, and November 2, 2004,” wrote Finley in the lawsuit. 

“Numerous computer security experts have shown that the hardware and software used in the Diebold systems is highly vulnerable to vote tampering both by company insiders and outside computer hackers.” 

There is also criticism of the Diebold servers used by counties to tally the votes. 

“I believe [the decision] was a mistake,” said Jim March, one of the plaintiffs named in the suit. “But this was not the main event, this was just a side show. This is just one step in a 15-round fight.” 

“We never asked that the judge prevent the election from going forward,” said Finley. “Our goal is to hold the state and counties to a high standard of security. We knew this was an uphill battle because of how close the election is.”  

Several of the plaintiff’s security requests are similar to those issued in two separate directives by California Secretary of State Kevin Shelley. In one issued last November, Shelley said that as of July 1, 2006, all touch screen voting terminals used in the state will be required to contain a voter verified paper audit trail which would allow election officials to double check votes in case of any vote tampering  

He also issued a directive on Feb. 5 pertaining to the upcoming March 2 election. Included in the directive were instructions to stop using the Internet to submit votes from the poling places to the county. This was also one of plaintiff’s requests. 

“Modem uploads of votes to a county’s GEMS server (the county server used to tabulate votes) is vulnerable to what is known as a ‘man-in-the-middle’ attack,” said Finley in the lawsuit. In one of the analyst reports cited by Finley, he said a hacker can program a laptop to act like a GEMS server.  

“By convincing a precinct judge to dial into an attacker’s laptop computer rather than the actual GEMS server, the laptop could receive the results, acquire the name and password to access the real GEMS server, and upload modified results to the GEMS sever with no noticeable lag time,” wrote Finley.  

“I think Shelley is trying to do the right thing and has taken much more proactive steps than election officials elsewhere in the country,” said Finley. But Shelly’s seven suggestions are just part of several others the plaintiffs demanded in the 36-page lawsuit they filed. 

“While [Shelley’s directives] are welcomed steps in the right direction, the directives do not fulfill the secretary’s duties under the election code because they leave many known security vulnerabilities unaddressed,” according to the suit.  

Several county registrars of voters signed a letter of protest scoffing at Shelly’s directives and saying he is overstating the concerns. They also said there is not enough time to make the changes and that the costs would be too high.  

“I think a lot of [Shelly’s] points were very good ones,” said Brad Clark, Alameda county registrar of voters, who did not sign the letter of protest. “But [the report] came too late. Some of the things cannot be done that quickly.” 

He said the same was true for the security updates requested in the lawsuit. 

“You simply cannot order that level of software change 12 or 13 days before the election.” 

After the court decision, a spokesperson for Kevin Shelley’s office said Shelley “appreciated that the court has chosen not to interfere with the upcoming election.” 

Finley said the plaintiffs will now move ahead with other actions, none of which he could disclose. 

Another one of the plaintiffs, Bev Harris, who runs blackboxvoting.com, the leading information site for opponents to touch screen voting, said there are other lawsuits brewing in states around the country who also use the new technology. She said the courts were the only way to proceed because elected officials have failed to intervene. 

“We will win one [lawsuit] eventually,” said Harris, who lives in Washington state. “And if that’s not doing it we’re going to have to organize demonstrations, move onto the streets.”  

›

The controversy over who will represent Berkeley’s interests in the early stages of development of the proposed downtown UC hotel complex—the Planning Commission, the city council, or the mayor alone—continued to simmer even as the Planning Commission’s Hotel Task Force moved forward with the stated blessing of the UC hotel’s project manager. The mayor, a city councilmember, and representatives of both the task force and UC all weighed in on the representation issue at this week’s task force meeting in exchanges that ranged from the testy to the “let’s all get along.” 

UC Senior Planner Kevin Hufferd told some 60 participants in the task force’s first public meeting at the North Berkeley Senior Center Wednesday night that “I welcome the task force getting involved in the process at this time. This is a perfect time for the community to bring their ideas forward.” 

That was in considerable contrast to Mayor Tom Bates, who had requested that the 25-member task force should delay any action until he completes the first-round of private negotiations with UC representatives involved with the project. Bates told meeting participants that he was “skeptical about the [task force] process getting started” at the present time because “these issues are so complicated.” The mayor had earlier told the Daily Planet that it was UC that objected to the task force’s immediate involvement. 

And Councilmember Kriss Worthington, whose district borders on the proposed downtown hotel site, complained at the same task force meeting that he was being kept out of the loop. “No one from the university or city staff has given me a single piece of paper about this project,” Worthington said. “What I’ve heard comes from individuals, or what I’ve read in the Daily Planet.” Worthington said that he had, in fact, received information from the Planning Commission, but made a distinction between that group and paid city staff. 

Shortly afterwards, Hufferd made his way across the room to put a stack of project documents into Worthington’s hand. 

The major contention between the city and the university over the hotel project is whether the project is subject to Berkeley’s zoning code, and must therefore go through the city’s normal development approval processes. Hufferd said that while there will be “substantial community input one way or the other, we are trying to craft a new development approval process that is separate and different from what UC has done in the past.” Hufferd did not elaborate on what that new approval process might be. He also said that the hotel project will generate taxes to the city “equivalent to if it were completely privately-developed.” 

Following the meeting, Planning Commissioner and task force chairperson Rob Wrenn downplayed one of the major issues in Assistant City Attorney Zack Cowan’s legal opinion memo to Mayor Bates concerning the hotel complex. In the memo, which was leaked to the Daily Planet and published in the newspaper’s Feb. 17 edition, Cowan had advised that the city’s zoning code be changed to accomodate UC’s wishes for the hotel. The major contention about the zoning code is that its downtown height limitations would not permit UC’s desires for a 12 story structure. “I’m not opposed to changing the zoning,” Wrenn said. “The real question is: change what to get what? There has to be some tradeoffs with UC—some quid pro quo—on some mitigations that we will get in return. And the real question of the building is not so much how tall it will be, but the details of the design. We have to be absolutely certain that it looks nice.” 

Several meeting participants questioned UC Project Manager Hufferd on exactly what that design might be, Hufferd said that the project was in its preliminary stages, and no exact project design was presently being considered.  

While the bulk of the first task force meeting was work-related and non-controversial, taken up by detailed presentations of proposals to set up a pedestrian mall and to daylight Strawberry Creek along Center Street, Bates clashed with meeting participants in the meeting’s first five minutes. The mayor said that while he was a longtime supporter of creek daylighting, he was “now becoming a skeptic” about proposals to do so on Center Street. Bates cited potential problems with the nearby BART station, as well as with proposed Seagate properties that would border the creek. And when Bates announced that he was going to have to leave the meeting following his opening remarks, a creek restoration advocate complained that this would mean the mayor would miss a detailed presentation on the creek daylighting proposal which had been prepared at the request of the mayor himself, and which was designed to answer some of his concerns.  

“I’m sorry,” the mayor snapped back. “I have a life. It’s not convenient for me tonight.” Bates pointed out that some of his staff members would remain to hear the presentation. 

Several audience members took exception to the mayor’s remarks that “We’ve got to rachet down our expectations about what’s going to come from this hotel project; we’re not going to get everything that we want; this project is not going to solve all of Berkeley’s problems.” 

Hotel Project Manager Hufferd announced that while UC had selected the project developer from a list of four finalists, the university was not yet ready to reveal the name until negotiations with the developer are completed. He said an announcement was expected sometime around the first of March, and also said that the developer had not yet selected a project architect. 

The Planning Commission task force, which is chaired by Planning Commissioner Rob Wrenn, is expected to make recommendations to the city council on the UC hotel complex project sometime in May.

The three Claremont Resort and Spa workers suspended last week had their suspensions changed to verbal warnings and are back at work with back pay. 

The workers, Andrew Petrazzouli and Julie Marie, both hair stylists, and Art Javier, the group reservations coordinator were all originally suspended for leaving their shifts early according to the Hotel Employees and Restaurant Employees union (HERE) local 2850. 

Javier’s suspension was reduced last Monday and Pertrazzouli and Marie had theirs reduced Tuesday after all three had meetings with Human Resource representatives from the Claremont.  

The Claremont did not return calls concerning the reductions. 

Local 2850 said they think the Claremont used the suspensions to scare other workers because Petrazzouli and Javier—both strong union supporters—attended a rally outside the resort after they clocked out. 

The resort’s parent company, KSL, has been embroiled in a labor dispute with local 2850 for almost two years, but agreed to sell the hotel to CNL, an Orlando-based real estate investment trust. KSL is trying to secure a management contract with CNL and union representatives speculate the move was also meant to show CNL they can handle the dispute. 

According to the union both Pertrazzouli and Marie clock out early when there are no more clients for the day. Javier regularly clocked out 30 minutes early when he worked through his lunch break.  

“The Claremont is seeing the light, that they can’t scare the workers,” said Claire Darby, one of the lead organizers with local 2850. “They realized how drastically stupid it was to retaliate.” 

Javier said he did nothing out of the ordinary when he clocked out last Tuesday and went to the rally.  

“It wasn’t anything I hadn’t done before,” he said. “They could have nailed me months ago if they wanted to. It’s clearly retaliatory.” 

Now Javier has to ask for permission to leave early even though he says he has been self-regulated for years. 

“They trying to save face,” Javier said about the reduction. “It was bad timing and a knee jerk reaction.” 

—Jakob Schiller 

›

A student group lost a bid before the California Supreme Court Thursday to invalidate Gov. Schwarzenegger’s reduction in the vehicle license fee and corresponding cuts to education and other programs. 

The high court denied the lawsuit filed last month by the University of California Student Association and two other student advocacy groups, but ruled the plaintiffs could re-file the case in a lower court. 

The student advocates had argued the governor’s executive order last November to repeal a $4 billion vehicle license fee hike violated California law because the state lacked the money to offset the cuts. In December, Schwarzenegger declared a fiscal emergency allowing him to cut $148 million, including $24 million from the state university system. 

UCSA Executive Director Liz Geyer said she had not decided whether or not to take the case to a lower court. 

“If we won through the superior court, the cuts would still have to be restored, but taking a long time is definitely a concern,” said. 

Joining the UCSA on the lawsuit were the Equal Justice Society and Californians for Justice. 

a

Robbery Suspect Caught 

Workers at the downtown branch of Wells Fargo had a rough start to their day Tuesday when the second customer who walked through the door turned out to be a bank robber.  

The man handed the teller a note claiming to have a gun, and, with cash in hand, he fled out the bank’s south exit, a security guard said. 

Berkeley police alerted neighboring police departments, and later Tuesday Oakland Police arrested Raoul Skinner, 29, of Oakland outside the West Oakland Bart Station. 

Skinner, who was found unarmed, was booked into Berkeley Jail on one count or robbery. Bail was set at $20,000. 

Sting Operation 

A prostitution sting late Friday evening along San Pablo Avenue between University and Ashby avenues resulted in the arrest of 11 women, police said. The operation is part of a series targeting prostitutes and johns along San Pablo Avenue, Police spokesperson Kevin Schofield said. 

Meter Vandal Arrests  

Police arrested two people Wednesday during a four-hour parking operation scoping out parking meter vandals around Telegraph Avenue. One of those arrested was found to be carrying a large knife and methamphetamine, Schofield said. During the operation, police also issued four citations to motorists for not yielding to pedestrians and three parking tickets.e

The Stitches West Knitters Convention is only a few miles from my home, but in truth it is worlds away. Held annually in the large Oakland Marriott City Center, it features three days of knitting workshops and seminars covering everything from beginner’s basics to Russian lace, to color theory and designing your own socks. 

Hundreds of knitters come to Oakland from all over the western United States and Canada to speak a common language, practice a common art and admire (and covet) the creations of others. For most, knitting is a treasured and relaxing past-time, and a refuge from the frenetic pace of our lives. Not surprisingly, it is hard to find the time to knit. Knitting, I believe, is like breast-feeding, something that should be acceptable to do in public, but unfortunately seems not to be.  

A convention in the company of hundreds of like-minded knitters is quite liberating. No longer are we hiding our knitting projects to work on when we are alone. During the Stitches West Convention knitters are knitting all over downtown Oakland, in hotel hallways and public spaces and restaurants of the City Center and, of course, in the classes. Among the 125 classes offered this year, you can learn to knit, or at least how to start knitting, an Aran sweater covered with bobbles and cables and other textured patterns. Or you can learn to knit with multiple colors in the classic Fair Isle style. Simpler project classes cover hats, socks, and mittens and small bags. For the adventurous there are classes in knitting backwards, in charted lace, and mosaic knitting.  

While most of these classes will be filled by now (remember the approximate dates for next year) it is certainly worth a trip this weekend to the Stitches West Marketplace, where a whole floor of the City Center is filled with the booths of over 150 vendors of yarns, fibers, patterns, books, buttons and knitting accessories. It is a visual feast of colors and textures. Knitters may buy their yarn based on feel as much as color, and it is not uncommon to find a crowd of women petting and caressing a skein of cashmere or qiviut, the down of the musk ox, the softest fiber in the world. 

Knitting yarn is no longer just wool or cotton, and not just in the primary colors. Today’s knitters can find mohair (from goats), chenille, angora (from rabbits), yak down, rayon - a natural fiber derived from wood pulp, linen and even ribbon yarn and yarn with interspaced beads. Hand-painted and hand-dyed yarns are very popular and ensure that even a lowly scarf knit with these yarns will be unique.  

Every year I am eager to revisit some of my favorite vendors. Chasing Rainbow Dyeworks from Willits, California, produces some of the loveliest hand-dyed yarns of silk and merino wool in shades with names such as “Magic Carpet” (plum, blue-green and muted orange), “African Savannah” (greens and golds) and “Abalone” (silver, teal and violet). For those who need a pattern and wool, kits to produce head-turning sweaters are available from Cheryl Oberle Designs from Denver, Colorado, Philosopher’s Wool from Ontario, and many others.  

For those looking for unique natural fibers, be sure to visit Pacific Meadows Alpacas from Eugene, Oregon, and Royal Cashmere Goats from Fallon, Nevada. Hemp, a remarkably soft and versatile fiber is available from Lanaknits Designs from British Columbia. If you are looking for some very soft fiber, Paradise Fibers from Colfax, Washington has yak down, blended with silk and wool, for spinners. At Royale Hare from Santa Rosa you can find silk dyed in more than a rainbow of colors, silk to knit or crochet, silk to spin, or silk just to fondle and admire. 

For the latest in art and technology for yarns, Habu Textiles, a Japanese company, has yarns in hemp, bark, bamboo, pineapple, ramie (a plant fiber), and even stainless steel.  

Although designer yarns from Italy and Japan are very popular with the art-knitter, I prefer to patronize family-owned businesses. Janet Heppler will be here from Covelo, California, with the fiber from her 30 angora rabbits. She also raises sheep for their wool, and if you want to see wool in its original state (just off the sheep), take a look her musky, lanolin-laden fleeces in lovely shades of ivory, browns and greys.  

A note to the worried: Obtaining the wool from a sheep does not harm the animal, it is more like a haircut. But it is a long, arduous process to clean a fleece and card and comb the wool into a form useful for spinning.  

For those who want to create their own yarn, you will see a number of people with their spinning wheels on the Convention floor. In the midst of the happy chaos, the spinners will be meditatively tranquil. It is said that one spins, presses the treadle, at one’s natural heart rate. If you treadle too fast your yarn will end up a useless tangled mess, so the natural pace is what makes spinning so comforting, even to watch.  

Visiting the marketplace at Stitches West can be a pricey venture. Hand-spun and hand-dyed yarns are not, and should not be, cheap. But even if you don’t buy anything, come for the sights and the touches. You will be inspired.  

More information about Stitches West can be found at www.knittinguniverse.com. 

Tyranny, our conservative friends remind us, is like hot tar poured from a limitless source. To describe it as greedy misses the point, as even the largest stomach eventually gets filled. Tyranny is more insatiable. Its own weight compels it on, overwhelming even the part of it that first comes through the breech, and it never stops of its own accord. Either it chokes off all the available space, or you have to walk over and turn off the spigot. Our conservative friends are wrong about a number of things. But not about this. 

Having successfully vaulted the fence of our electoral rights (taking away Oaklanders’ right to run our own schools through an elected school board, that is), our little band of tyrants has taken to relieving themselves upon the public lawn. The specific target of the season appears to be that portion of the First Amendment that protects the right of folks to assemble and petition the government for a redress of grievances. 

A group of Oakland citizens gather of a brisk afternoon at the center of the seat of power—the corridor between the State Building and City Hall—to let their opinion be heard concerning the state seizure of the Oakland Unified School District. To a person, they do not like it. It is an orderly gathering of teachers and parents and students (many of them of elementary school age) with a sprinkling of elected officials, both present and past (I see City Councilmember Nancy Nadel and former City Councilmember Wilson Riles amongst the group). By design, the gathering splits up to take their message to the offices of officials, state and local, who have had a hand in the school takeover. 

Those seeking an audience with Mayor Jerry Brown, however, find the doors of City Hall locked, and a contingent of Oakland police officers barring entrance thereto. The mayor has taken to exchanging smirks about the takeover with the business breakfast crowd, but the group at Ogawa Plaza that day probably does not appreciate the joke, and so Mr. Brown makes no appearance to the assemblage, nor does he suffer any of his aides to do so, either. 

By way of explanation to an Oakland Tribune columnist, Captain Rod Yee of the Oakland Police Department reveals that the doors were locked because letting these Oakland citizens into Oakland City Hall “would be disruptive to business.” A slip of a Freudian nature, one supposes. The citizens are reduced to shivering in the cold of the late afternoon, holding up signs and banners to empty windows. That they, huddling in the cold wind outside, are the ones paying to keep the lights on and the heat going inside, is a point many are apt to remember as they break up and head back for their Oakland homes. 

Oaklanders, get used to it. Pamela Drake, a parent and a former city council aide, posts the following message to a local political Internet discussion group concerning State Administrator Randolph Ward’s second public hearing on the Oakland school closures last month. I quote, extensively, with her permission, because there is no way I could describe it better: 

“Last night I attended the Oakland School Board Meeting (or whatever we’re calling it these days). I was met again with a large show of police force and no little amount of intimidation. School security and police officers straddled the steps. It was not apparent that you were able to enter at all. I went around them successfully and found at least a half dozen OPD officers immediately inside filling up the hallway. 

“I asked the officer in charge why such a large force was needed. He said he probably needed more and had I seen what had happened at the last meeting. I said I had and there had been no incident. He told me that they were required to enforce the fire safety laws (or something to that effect). I asked him why folks were not allowed to stand in the halls as they always had in the past when the room filled up. He felt that there were already too many people in the halls. At the time, most of people in the halls were TV reporters and cameramen. He commented that if there were an emergency, a gurney would not be able to get through. So I’m guessing that next the press may be excluded for causing a hazard. 

“I made my way to the meeting hall. There was an officer blocking the door. He said that the room was not yet open. [It later was opened], but when I tried to enter, I was asked who I was. He then told me that I had to have a ticket. I was unable to locate the ticket ‘vendor’. A teacher from Burbank School came up to me and got me to the lady giving out the tickets. She asked me if I were a Burbank teacher or parent and the teacher said that I was. So that way I could get into an OUSD ‘public’ meeting.” 

According to Ms. Drake, the only citizens allowed in the public hearing were representatives of the five schools scheduled to be closed, and then only one school at a time. She goes on to write: 

“Once in the meeting there were numerous police and security personnel... About 30 folks lined up and spoke very emotionally, many of them children. 

“As I got up to leave I observed an audience member (whom I know slightly), almost get into an altercation with an officer apparently over handing out flyers. Another officer calmed the first one. I saw that more security was coming in. I also saw an officer from the hallway ask if more citizens could come in. He said no. I watched as numerous people left, but it was still no. I could see the OPD and school security forming a barrier at the top of the stairs. Citizens were being ushered out the side entrance and not allowed back into the hallway. I watched a mother plead with the group of officers to let her take her daughter to the bathroom. They escorted her out. I shifted myself to the door and quickly left as an officer attempted to grab me before I could get through.” 

“The evils of tyranny,” John Hay once said, “are rarely seen but by him who resists it.” Oakland, in beginning to resist, begins to see. 

›

MISLEADING CONCLUSIONS 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

Your recent article about the role of the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) in the financing of Panoramic Interest’s mixed-income project in Berkeley (“Affordable Housing Program Funds High-Priced Apartments,” Daily Planet, Feb. 13-16) makes misleading conclusions about the nature of that agency and the goals of these projects. To set the record straight: 

1) The bond funding programs you allude to are administered by the State of California as part of a statewide competition, and are deliberately earmarked for projects that provide low-income housing mixed in with market rate units —a socially desirable goal advocated by many planners, politicians, and agencies, including HUD. The bond monies are raised privately and repaid entirely with private funds. If our projects had not qualified for these bonds, the funds would have gone to other mixed-income projects in other parts of the state, to Berkeley’s loss.  

2) ABAG’s role as a project sponsor furthers its mission to provide affordable housing, and has resulted in the construction in Berkeley of 90 units of low income housing—a number that I believe is greater than all of the units developed and managed by Berkeley’s Housing Department during the past decade. No city housing trust funds were needed to build these bond financed units, nor are any city funds used to maintain or manage them.  

3) Berkeley’s experience with 100 percent low-income projects has been mixed, and led to accusations that such developments amount to “ghetto-ization” of low income people. In contrast, the inclusion of low-income residents in market rate projects furthers the goal of diversity, and generally makes for a living environment preferred by residents and neighbors alike. 

The general benefits to the city of the additional 425 units of new housing are also there for people to judge.  

Patrick Kennedy 

• 

MISCONCEPTIONS 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

J. Douglas Allen-Taylor’s recent article on the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) and affordable housing financing leaves the reader with misconceptions. Financing and bond issuances are complex subjects and unfortunately Mr. Allen-Taylor misunderstood the full range of ABAG’s affordable housing program under ABAG’s Finance Authority for Nonprofit Corporations.  

We are proud of our innovative program that helps create critically needed housing at all income levels through tax exempt bond financing. This financing supports the acquisition, construction, and rehabilitation of multifamily and senior housing and is available for nonprofit housing developers, partnerships, and others with public benefit goals. It helps provide low cost financing for smaller urban projects and is an efficient competitive lending vehicle for larger developments.  

Contrary to Mr. Allen-Taylor’s statements, ABAG’s Finance Authority regularly monitors borrowers, and enforces strict compliance with Federal and State regulations for tax-exempt bond financed multifamily housing projects. There are no exemptions to these requirements as stated in the article 

Nonprofit housing developers quoted in the article reflect the difficulties of financing such valuable projects. To help meet the critical shortage of housing, especially affordable housing, we encourage nonprofit groups to take advantage of this tax-exempt debt financing opportunity.  

Scott Haggerty, ABAG President 

Alameda County Supervisor

Mr. Haggerty writes that “[c]ontrary to Mr. Allen-Taylor’s statements, ABAG’s Finance Authority regularly monitors borrowers, and enforces strict compliance with Federal and State regulations for tax-exempt bond financed multifamily housing project. Ther e are no exemptions to these requirements as stated in the article.” 

The reference was to the statement in the article that “ABAG’s signed agreement with Panoramic Interests to sponsor bond financing for the Gaia Building specifically exempts ABAG from h aving to monitor whether Panoramic actually rents the affordable apartments to low-income tenants.” 

A re-reading of the contract between ABAG and Panoramic Interests concerning the affordable housing shows that the Daily Planet was, indeed, in error in o ur statement. The contract provision only exempts ABAG from monitoring the project once the bonds are repaid. 

Having said that, we are glad to read that ABAG regularly monitors Panoramic on compliance. Questions have been raised both at Berkeley City Cou ncil and at the Berkeley Housing Commission as to whether or not Panoramic’s projects are actually in compliance with the 20 percent low-income unit inclusionary agreements. We look forward, therefore, to seeing ABAG’s reports on such compliance concernin g the Panoramic projects. 

We are in complete agreement with Mr. Kennedy and his many planners, politicians, and agencies, including HUD, that affordable housing units should be included in larger housing developments, and not ghetto-ized in the discredit ed, traditional housing “projects.” We do not agree, however, that the way to do this is to use tax-exempt affordable housing loans to subsidize both the low-income and the market rate units in a single development.  

In return for $72 million in low-cost, tax-exempt, ABAG-issued loans, Panoramic agreed to build 90 units of low-income housing. Mr. Kennedy asserts that an added benefit is that the city of Berkeley also got a total of 425 units of new housing (80 percent of which are market rate).  

But suppose HUD changed its regulations, and allowed the low-interest loans only for low-income housing. Under that type of program, Panoramic would qualify for approximately $15 million in ABAG loans for the 90 low income units in its seven Berkeley mixed-unit housing developments. With this public benefit in hand, Panoramic would still be free to seek market rate loans for the remaining market rate units in its seven housing developments. The remaining $57 million in ABAG loans could then go directly to low-in come inclusionary housing in mixed-unit developments. Thus Berkeley might end up with more than 400 affordable units and an additional 400 market rate units, far more than we are currently receiving under the present HUD way of doing things. This appears to us to be a wiser use of scarce public funds. The only ones who might argue against such a use are those developers intent on getting more than their fair share.3

THE CONNECTION 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

If Civics Arts Commission Chair David J. Snippen can’t find the connection between the safety and condition of our public streets and the money spent on what passes for public art, there are dozens of people who were present at Fred Lupke’s grave-side service who would be happy to assist him. 

Carol Denney 

• 

PHOTOSHOP SATIRE 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

In the piece by Richard Brenneman (“Kerry Photo Altered, Used for Political Attack,” Daily Planet, Feb. 17-19) he talks about the website Freakingnews.com. 

You state literally: “Registerd himself often posts his creation on Frekingnews.com, a site that hosts contests for photo lampoons of democratic and leftist people and issues.” 

If you had investigated the site a little better, you would have seen that it isn’t a right wing extremist site, like you insinuate. It’s a political site where all opinions are heard. Not only democratic or leftist people are Photoshopped, right wingers, Republicans and everything else that’s hot in the news is done too. Bush is one of the most used persons on the site. The site hasn’t got the intention to hurt Democratic campaigns or any other campaign. It’s just a site where we take the news and add satire to it. 

Rik Barrezeele 

• 

PROPOSED STATION 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

I agree with Lisa Brunet (Letters, Daily Planet, Feb. 10). As she says, the proposed fire station is too big for the site on Shasta Road. 

The total size of the proposed building is 7,200 square feet, including the deck. All of this will not only tower over the majority of homes in the neighborhood, it will also detract from the beautiful fountain directly across the street from it. 

The fountain was designed by renowned architect, William Wurster in 1939. He was a professor of architecture at UC Berkeley for many years and Wurster Hall on the Berkeley campus is named for him. 

The fountain is a treasure. Unfortunately the City does not appreciate it; nor does the architect of the proposed Fire Station, Marcie Wong. 

Ladonna Stoppel 

• 

RAPID TRANSIT 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

Michael Katz, in his Feb. 17 commentary in the Berkeley Daily Planet (“AC Transit’s Redundant Bus Plan”), fails to mention some of the truly exciting components of AC Transit’s rapid bus plan for Telegraph Avenue. Bus Rapid Transit with dedicated lanes will greatly increase the speed, certainty, and comfort of the bus for existing riders, while attracting thousands of new riders. In fact, AC Transit is focusing on cost-effectiveness and avoiding the boondoggle of putting light rail on this line, which would have cost at least three times more and is significantly less flexible than Bus Rapid Transit. 

Furthermore, Michael is out of touch with the latest proposals for regional ferries. Three of the five lines included in regional Measure 2, which will be on the March 2 ballot, are for existing successful lines. The reason for their relatively small ridership is that they are infrequent. These ferry upgrades for Oakland, Alameda, Vallejo, would make them frequent enough to be used by a broad range of commuters and also enable significant transit oriented development in downtown Vallejo and Jack London Square. 

Finally, the funding included for the Caldecott tunnel (which I agree is a bad project) in regional Measure 2 is not enough to “widen” it but will primarily be used for environmental and engineering studies. If the tunnel is ever to be built it will only be because Contra Costa taxpayers are willing to pony up well over $100 million in future sales tax revenue. 

There is good reason that every major environmental, social justice, and labor organization is supporting regional Measure 2 and the only organized opposition is coming from the Contra Costa Taxpayers Association, and now Michael Katz. But voters should decide for themselves by logging on to measure2.org and reading the plan. 

Stuart Cohen 

Executive Director 

Transportation and Land Use Coalition 

• 

THE SALESMAN 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

The governor of California was featured in a segment on the German television Deutsche Welle from Berlin in a program called JOURNAL news on Friday, Feb. 13. DW-TV is one of the best sources for international news. The English language broadcast can be seen throughout the day in the Bay Area on KMPT channel 32. 

Hearing the anchor of DW-TV announce “...and here is the governor of California, Arnold Schwarzenegger” piqued my interest. The unmistakable and now familiar Austrian-American governor in a newsmaker story on German TV caught my attention. There he was, plain as day, promoting his own line of private label wristwatches. 

Imagine, our governor advertising watches. Each of the four watches were mounted for easy viewing. He described the pedigree, each named after one of his own action movie characters. One wonders if it is proper for this governor or any other elected official in America to use their position to promote and personally profit from their own product while still in office? 

Did we elect a leader or a pitchman? Whether our governor is promoting his own product on German TV or his California bond measure in those ads frequently broadcast throughout the day on Bay Area television, what impresses me most is that the governor’s appearance and demeanor are uniformly the same glib style. 

Meanwhile, the $14 billion worth of short-term debt must be paid by this June. Neighborhood schools are closing. Firemen are facing rolling layoffs. Local governments are operating on fumes. 

Nonetheless, our governor has presented a false dilemma: Either we must mortgage future generations with his bond measure or he will have no other choice but to reduce the next generation’s educational opportunities and a chance for a more equitable society through severe budget cuts. 

The governor himself has a built-in conflict of interest which causes him to disregard a third alternative: people in the governor’s own wealth class contributing their fair share. During the recall campaign another candidate, Peter Camejo, makes the valid argument that the wealthy people in this state pay at a lower rate than working people. If the wealthy merely paid the same tax rate as working people, the budget deficit could be closed. Would the governor increase his own taxes and pay his fair share? After all, he and his wealthy friends benefit from the infrastructure created by the taxes we all pay to have a civilization. 

In his campaign speeches, Mr. Schwarzenegger raved about what a fantastic place California is; and how California has given him everything. Doesn’t he notice how much he has benefited from the public infrastructure built by taxes? 

If our governor is such a good promoter, then why not create fundraising events specifically to benefit the State of California in its time of need? 

Mina Edelston 

• 

XXXXXXXXXX 

We had an important meeting at Rosa Parks Elementary School on Wednesday, Feb. 10. More than a hundred committed parents and teachers were focused on our future and how to get there. Why were we meeting? A plan was presented focused on building a conducive learning environment for the success of all the kids. Every aspect of the school environment was discussed and clear strategies, goals and objectives laid out for the next six months. 

I’ve been a Rosa Parks parent for six solid years. My daughter is now in fifth grade. A straight-A student. She’s completing her last year before she’s off to middle school. My son is in second grade working overtime on third grade level reading and math. This is a great learning environment. 

There’s no question I’m proud of my kids but I’m also proud of my school. Our principal has shown unwavering commitment. The teachers are exceptional, dedicated and experienced at teaching to different levels with different challenges. Our students are a complete mix of numerous, ethnic groups, from Iceland to India. Most of all there’s a clear focus on what we all need to do to continue to support the future of the school and our community. It’s this critical aspect of coming together and focusing on what we all need to do that’s inspiring. 

Is it perfect there? No, is it perfect at any school, public or private? I doubt it. But we have a strategy—for learning, thriving and expanding for each student. 

If you are an incoming parent, talk to parents at the school, meet the faculty, talk with the principal and see the immense opportunity we have to continue to create a powerful and positive learning environment in the years ahead. 

Steven Donaldson 

Rosa Parks Parent 

›

It’s a good thing Cal has some outstanding undergraduate players, because the last home game of the season is Saturday, and the seniors will be moving on. American players, including the talented La Tasha O’Keith, will presumably stay in the United States, but three of Cal’s best are from other countries, and two are due to graduate. Guard Nihan Anaz plans to return to her native Turkey, where she is on the roster to play for the Turkish National team. Basketball in Turkey? NBA player Hidavet Turkogla told a reporter, “you should see the young players in Turkey! They are amazing.” 

Anaz did indeed play for her high school, and was offered a scholarship to come to the States to play for South Carolina. After an additional year in Texas, she came to Cal. Don’t miss the chance to see this player! She has led the team in points and rebounding, and was most valuable player on her high school’s world championship team.  

“I wanted to come to Cal,” she smiled. “I like the coaches and players. And the place, the atmosphere; it reminds me of home. San Francisco kind of looks like Istanbul.”  

Before the recent tragic death of teammate Alisa Lewis knocked the team out of stride, Anaz was averaging over 15 points per game. In one game I attended, I saw her make a smooth, accurate pass that was as graceful as ballet; the image is still in my mind. 

“Nihan Anaz can do everything on the floor,” affirms Caren Horstmeyer, the energetic and attentive coach battling to hold her team together emotionally after the sudden death of Lewis, presumably from bacterial meningitis. “Class started the very next day (after Lewis’ death); the players were grieving. We haven’t been playing like we were (Cal lost the next nine games), but the community support is still there.”  

Women’s games tend to have smaller crowds than the men’s, but this team has drawn crowds of more than 3,000, especially when they play Stanford, another excellent team and Cal’s historical rival. The Straw Hat band plays for every game, and there are cheerleaders and mid-game activities, usually by children, and the enthusiasm is impressive. (I always intend to bring earplugs but always forget, and end up stuffing bits of napkins into my ears.)  

At practice on Tuesday, another senior from another country, Olga Volkova, was playing without the knee brace she needed in January after a second surgery. She too was offered scholarships to come to the United States, and chose to come to Cal. “I like it here; the academics, and the coaches.”  

Along with three of her teammates, she has been honored for academic achievement while on the team. “These girls are studying in a foreign language!” marvels Coach Horstmeyer, clearly proud of the high academic standing of her players. Volkova, who is from Kiev, Ukraine, began playing when she was just 9 years old. Alexander Volkov, who played for the Atlanta Hawks, is her cousin, and his friendship with Sarunas Marciulionis brought Olga to the United States.  

When a coach saw her practicing 3-point shots far from the basket, she pointed out, “Olga! You’re 6’4”—you don’t need 3-pointers! Work closer to the basket.” The top 3-point shooter is in fact the 5’6” guard Kristin Iwanaga from Santa Clara, California. Her percentages put her in the top of the league, and she has been honored academically as well.  

The coach is hoping that her resilient team will be up to the challenges this week from the hard-driving teams of UCLA and USC. UCLA has many strong players, including one from Israel, Ortal Oren, who scored 11 points in 22 minutes against Fresno State. But Cal may be the only university women’s team with three players from outside America on their first string. Cal has always recruited players from other countries, but last September was the first time Horstmeyer went to Istanbul to scout a player who is 6’6” tall. After Volkova leaves, the next tallest player is Emmelie Geraedts from the Netherlands. Just a freshman, she gained experience playing with older players when she was the youngest member of the Dutch national team. She is 6’2” and a local sportswriter remarked. “She’s got some moves.” She also has avid support from her parents, who wake up at 4 a.m. in the Netherlands to catch her games on the Internet.  

Geraedt’s parents are in California for the first time to watch their daughter play the last two home games here in Berkeley this week. I asked Geraedt her how she likes Berkeley. “It’s great; I love it!” 

That’s how I felt when I arrived at UC in 1960. Women’s basketball then was half court; our only audience was my boyfriend Kelly; all of us were from America; and at 5’6” I was one of the tall girls. When I told Volkova that, she smiled down at me, “Times are different; things have really changed.” 

Practice ended, but two seniors stayed late: La Tasha O’Keith worked on her layups, and Olga Volkova practiced pivoting. Turning, catching, shooting, pivoting, without her knee brace. 

The last game is Saturday at 2 p.m. at Haas Pavillion on Bancroft. Children and senior citizens are admitted free.f

George Bernard Shaw was a very smart man. 

If you’ve ever had any doubts about that (granted, not everybody cares a whole lot nowadays, but still…) read the “unpleasant” play that opened at the Aurora Theatre last week. Actually, The Man of Destiny isn’t unpleasant at all—that’s just one of Shaw’s jokes. Despite the heavyweight title, it is a witty—albeit rarely performed and, for Shaw, unusually brief—play included in Shaw’s collection entitled “Plays Pleasant and Unpleasant.” 

You would probably find it even more fun to see the production than to read the play. In the hands of Aurora’s well-known director, Barbara Oliver, and a very strong cast, the dialogue creates an amusing, if cerebral, duel of wits between two perfectly matched opponents: Napoleon, and a woman whose name you never get to know. You’re reading it? Well, it’s funny all right, but you can come away mostly dazzled with how smart Shaw was. (One suspects that he may have felt that way, too).  

In one of Shaw’s usual showers of words, Stacy Ross (“The Woman”) and T. Edward Webster (Napoleon) spend the play battling each other—verbally, of course—for possession of an unopened letter to Napoleon she had hoodwinked from a marvelously dumb Lieutenant (Craig Niebaur).  

It takes great talent on the part of everyone involved to create a successful production of this small piece. And, fortunately, that’s the case with Aurora. The play opens with a lengthy prologue in Shaw’s own voice that is extraordinarily well done by Jeffrey Bihr. Regrettably, Bihr then retreats into a minor role as keeper of the inn where the lengthy verbal conflict between Napoleon and the woman takes place. (It would have been nice to see more of him.) 

Craig Niebaur’s self-satisfied, not-too-bright Lieutenant, is the other well-done supporting performance. This man’s blissful oblivion to his responsibility for the mess he created by his own gullibility is a delightful minor theme. The guy doesn’t even get it that he’s in serious trouble with his own general when he has to hand over his gun. 

But the play basically hangs on the considerable talents of director Barbara Oliver and the two leads, Stacy Ross and T. Edward Webster. The action of the play is a talk-a-thon—as is any of Shaw’s plays, of course. This one differs, however, because of the relatively small cast and simple set-up. There’s only one issue and two characters to talk it out. And with these well-matched warriors no holds are barred. Lying, misrepresentation, playing upon the emotions—everything is thrown into the mix. 

And talk they do. Shaw cuts no slack. The fact that the actors (and, of course, their director) succeed in maintaining the audience’s interest in such a challenging piece of work is an impressive achievement 

The woman’s reason for stealing the letter, who wrote it, and who she is, are all complete mysteries to be fought over. She’s quite willing to lie and misrepresent and play every card in the deck to keep Napoleon from receiving the letter. And Napoleon himself is not bound by unnecessary niceties when he sees himself challenged by a worthy opponent.  

Actually, some of the details are never really cleared up, although the combatants struggle through to a resolution that makes quite good sense—within the confines of Shaw’s very special view of the world.  

But who among us would have the nerve to take on the old fellow, face to face?›

Peas can be grown twice a year in Berkeley: in early spring and early fall. Seed germinates rapidly when conditions are right, sown either in six-packs or directly into the ground. It is best to pre-soak seed overnight, and sow in moderately damp, not soggy soil. It is crucial to refrain from watering until leaves appear, or seed will rot. Nurseries carry every conceivable variety of pea plants, too, and these will transplant easily and thrive. Just remember to loosen the roots gently before dropping them into holes four inches apart. Now is the time to water, regularly. Peas fix nitrogen from the air with adapted roots. Water is all they need for growth. 

On the whole peas are free of pests, but an entire crop can be destroyed in a day by little brown birds. These charming Berkeley residents skip along the rows tweaking the young leaves and uprooting the tiny plants. One solution is to protect the plants with one-inch chicken wire. If the peas are planted against a fence, make sure to add a length of chicken wire along it. In front of the row of peas, install another length of wire, supported with vertical stakes. Neither side need be tall, three or four feet is enough. Curve the front piece around the ends and over the top. The peas will grow through this cage and benefit from the extra support for their tendrils. 

Climbing peas, like beans, tend to be more prolific than the bush varieties. And surely the genetic development of the edible pod was a major horticultural event. These can be fragile plants. If the first year’s performance disappoints, save the seeds and try next year. Once adapted to local conditions they will be more robust. 

Peas are a versatile addition to the dinner table. They are at their most pea-like when the pod is an inch or so long, and such a pleasurable snack that they rarely get as far as the kitchen. Then there is the shared fun of shelling peas, preferably out of doors, and a good way to give a very young child a start in kitchen matters. When the pods are fit to burst and start to lose color, they make an excellent puree, without the need for the presoaking and long cooking of the fully dried pea. These last, left on the vine until stalks are brown and brittle, can be podded and stored in open jars all year, providing heartwarming winter soups. A bay leaf in a jar will deter insects. Dried peas are mealy, and a pleasant change from beans. 

Soak peas overnight if dry. If they are still green, cook immediately or soak for a few hours. Simmer or pressure cook as little water as possible, adding peeled garlic and a couple of cloves. When the peas are soft, remove the cloves and blend the peas, adding salt sparingly. Stir in finely-chopped mint before serving piping hot. A ham steak or a thick slice of pate de campagne make fine accompaniments, as do crusty bread and cheese, or a green salad.›

If you are thinking of selling your home, there is no time like the present. Buyers are swarming Berkeley listings. Interest rates are still alluringly low, allowing buyers to offer more than they would otherwise be able to afford. 

Berkeley homes are still receiving multiple offers, but just because you live in Berkeley do not assume you will get top dollar when you sell your home. Sellers always ask me what improvements they should make to ensure the best return on their real estate investment. After living in a house for a while it isn’t easy to see it in a fresh light. When visiting new listings I often see obvious opportunities that have simple solutions. You can fix those sorts of things before putting your house on the market, or you can let the buyer fix them and capture that slice of your equity. If you are about to put your home on the market consider doing the following: 

• Get out. Move out. Leave. I cannot overemphasize the value of your absence. As charming as you are, the new owners would rather have the place to themselves. Your home feels more like their home with you out of it. Certain improvements cannot be accomplished until the house is empty, such as refinishing the floors. If you can’t move out physically, do so spiritually by removing all of your clutter. Less is more. The 700 porcelain pig figurines that you have been collecting since you were six may in fact be worthy of the Guinness Book of World Records if not the National Gallery of Art. Surprisingly, some prospective buyers may see them as useless clutter. Get rid of your knick-knacks and offer buyers a serene setting where their imaginations can carry them into a state of heightened nesting. 

• Donate everything that you never use, but think you might someday, to a worthy charity. You might as well get started on moving what you will have to move anyway. National Geographic collections will never be worth what they will cost you by filling up your lovely garage. Hire someone to haul all your junk to the dump. Ask your brother to store your boat. 

• Remove carpet that is covering hardwood, no matter what the condition of the wood. Carpet is just not fashionable, especially that carpet your dog has been drooling on since he was housebroken. If you have moved out, have the wood floors refinished, and do this before painting the house. The dust from sanding will ruin a fresh paint job. 

• Paint everything inside and out. Paint is the miracle cure. And yes, appearances do matter. Refrain from painting everything white. The myth that white walls make a space appear larger has cost many sellers because buyers see stark white as primer, as work they must do. White walls have that sanitarium ambiance that is no longer the rage. Choose a neutral color scheme for the walls and paint already painted trim white.  

• Replace outdated fixtures whether they are broken or not—especially anything that reminds you of a pizza parlor or a Motel 6. Lighting fixtures and faucets are relatively easy to replace and new ones will go a long way in turning your “motel” into a “hotel”. Mini blinds should go too. I know you love them but they are dusty and clanky, and a great danger to infants and other small life forms. They should be removed and replaced with sheer drapery panels that allow light in and soften rooms.  

• Where there be Formica let there be stone. Several granite distributors along San Pablo are amazingly inexpensive. This is an investment on which you can expect an exceptional return. Just stay away from any stone with pink veins.  

• Hire someone to clean your house and your windows. You may think you can clean your house and your windows, but you can’t. I promise you will be shocked at the difference a professional deep dentistry-like cleaning will make. Hire a guru who moves the stove and fridge and finds nooks and crannies you never knew existed. There are cleaning professionals who exclusively provide pre-sale cleanings. They are expensive and worth every penny. 

• Hire a staging professional or have your real estate agent help you stage your house so it looks luxurious. Please avoid Ikea unless you want prospective buyers to fear that your house will fall apart in the next rain. Cheap materials suggest a cheap house. Small luxury items go a long way. Your real estate agent should fill your house with flowers that are long lasting. Roses are always perfect. 

• Have your yard spruced up and stage it too. Create spaces outside that extend the living space of your property. Create a dining area, a reading nook, and fill the yard with colorful plants. If you have trees that create too much shade have them pruned to allow light in. Make sure everything is blooming. 

• Finally and most importantly, hire an exceptional real estate agent and make sure you don’t overpay on real estate commissions. Professionals are ethical, market savvy, and ready to roll up their sleeves. Be sure your agent will spend a healthy portion of the commission on marketing. There is no point in going the extra mile on the work suggested above if you don’t have professional representation and exceptional advertising for your investment. 

If you have no intention of selling, go ahead with these improvements anyway. Many sellers are amazed at the transformation of their properties after they’ve made these changes. They often wish they had made them before deciding to sell. 

›

On Wednesday a California Superior Court judge dismissed a lawsuit filed by a Berkeley attorney that aimed to increase security measures on electronic voting systems before the March 2 primary. 

Judge Raymond Cadei denied a temporary restraining order against Diebold Election Systems, Inc., the maker of the majority of the state’s touch screen voting machines, that would have kept Diebold from changing or updating anything on the machines before election day. The plaintiffs sought the restraining order against Diebold because they said the company used software updates that are not approved by the state. 

“We are pleased that the election officials will be able to move forward with the election,” said Diebold spokesperson David Bear.  

The plaintiffs also lost an injunction against Secretary of State Kevin Shelley and the registrars of voters from at least 18 counties, including Alameda, that would have prevented them from using the machines for an election until security updates are made. 

Attorney Lowell Finley and five plaintiffs filed the suit because they say Diebold machines pose serious risks to the election.  

“Electronic voting systems sold to California counties by defendant Diebold Election Systems, Inc., pose a grave threat to the security and the integrity of the statewide elections to be held on March 2, 2004, and November 2, 2004,” wrote Finley in the lawsuit. 

“Numerous computer security experts have shown that the hardware and software used in the Diebold systems is highly vulnerable to vote tampering both by company insiders and outside computer hackers.” 

There is also criticism of the Diebold servers used by counties to tally the votes. 

“I believe [the decision] was a mistake,” said Jim March, one of the plaintiffs named in the suit. “But this was not the main event, this was just a side show. This is just one step in a 15-round fight.” 

“We never asked that the judge prevent the election from going forward,” said Finley. “Our goal is to hold the state and counties to a high standard of security. We knew this was an uphill battle because of how close the election is.”  

Several of the plaintiff’s security requests are similar to those issued in two separate directives by California Secretary of State Kevin Shelley. In one issued last November, Shelley said that as of July 1, 2006, all touch screen voting terminals used in the state will be required to contain a voter verified paper audit trail which would allow election officials to double check votes in case of any vote tampering  

He also issued a directive on Feb. 5 pertaining to the upcoming March 2 election. Included in the directive were instructions to stop using the Internet to submit votes from the poling places to the county. This was also one of plaintiff’s requests. 

“Modem uploads of votes to a county’s GEMS server (the county server used to tabulate votes) is vulnerable to what is known as a ‘man-in-the-middle’ attack,” said Finley in the lawsuit. In one of the analyst reports cited by Finley, he said a hacker can program a laptop to act like a GEMS server.  

“By convincing a precinct judge to dial into an attacker’s laptop computer rather than the actual GEMS server, the laptop could receive the results, acquire the name and password to access the real GEMS server, and upload modified results to the GEMS sever with no noticeable lag time,” wrote Finley.  

“I think Shelley is trying to do the right thing and has taken much more proactive steps than election officials elsewhere in the country,” said Finley. But Shelly’s seven suggestions are just part of several others the plaintiffs demanded in the 36-page lawsuit they filed. 

“While [Shelley’s directives] are welcomed steps in the right direction, the directives do not fulfill the secretary’s duties under the election code because they leave many known security vulnerabilities unaddressed,” according to the suit.  

Several county registrars of voters signed a letter of protest scoffing at Shelly’s directives and saying he is overstating the concerns. They also said there is not enough time to make the changes and that the costs would be too high.  

“I think a lot of [Shelly’s] points were very good ones,” said Brad Clark, Alameda county registrar of voters, who did not sign the letter of protest. “But [the report] came too late. Some of the things cannot be done that quickly.” 

He said the same was true for the security updates requested in the lawsuit. 

“You simply cannot order that level of software change 12 or 13 days before the election.” 

After the court decision, a spokesperson for Kevin Shelley’s office said Shelley “appreciated that the court has chosen not to interfere with the upcoming election.” 

Finley said the plaintiffs will now move ahead with other actions, none of which he could disclose. 

Another one of the plaintiffs, Bev Harris, who runs blackboxvoting.com, the leading information site for opponents to touch screen voting, said there are other lawsuits brewing in states around the country who also use the new technology. She said the courts were the only way to proceed because elected officials have failed to intervene. 

“We will win one [lawsuit] eventually,” said Harris, who lives in Washington state. “And if that’s not doing it we’re going to have to organize demonstrations, move onto the streets.”  

›

Under fire from a loose coalition of citizens, city commissioners, and councilmembers, Mayor Tom Bates presented a newly toothless version of his control-of-City-Commission-items proposal to the City Council Agenda Committee last week. Since the proposal seems to rise like Dracula from its grave every few weeks, it remains to be seen whether this will be the final stake to the heart. 

In a report on recommended revisions to the city council’s rules of procedures, Bates asked that the Agenda Committee be given the authority “to move commission items between the Consent and Action calendar” on the city council’s weekly agenda. The effect of moving an item in such a manner means that rather than being passed with the rest of the consent items en masse and without discussion, the item would receive discussion and separate vote. Since the mayor or any individual councilmember now has the ability to move an item from “Consent” to “Action,” giving them exactly the same power as members of the Agenda Committee hardly seems worth the effort. 

Agenda Committee members have always insisted that the commission proposal never amounted to anything more than delaying commission-generated items for one week “for scheduling purposes.” Last November, councilmember and Agenda Committee member Linda Maio told the Daily Planet “I don’t think anyone [on the Agenda Committee] has any plans—I certainly don’t—to hold any reports back from the council.” 

But some citizens had voiced suspicions that the real purpose of the proposal was to censor, alter, or indefinitely delay controversial commission items. Those suspicions got new life when a Feb. 9 memo from City Clerk Sherry Kelly to the Agenda Committee concerning proposed changes in council rules included a recommendation that the council “[c]onsider revising the exception that commission items are not subject to review by the Agenda Committee and give authority to the Agenda Committee to schedule commission reports on an appropriate agenda and if necessary, to request additional information from the commission or staff before placing the matter before the council.” 

Professing confusion over how the commission proposal ended up being written that way, Bates asked for the matter to be put over, telling Agenda Committee members at the Feb. 9 meeting that “the only discretion I was looking for was to put off commission reports for one week only.” 

But when the proposal came back to the Agenda Committee at last week’s meeting, even the week’s delay portion had been removed from the mayor’s recommendations. 

In another city council reorganization proposal, Bates is asking that public comment be set at 30 minutes for regular council meetings and 20 minutes for subcommittee meetings, with each speaker limited to two minutes each. Speakers at such meetings are currently allotted three minutes. Bates said that limiting the time for each speaker would allow for more voices to be heard. 

Once the Agenda Committee votes on the proposals, the full city council will have final approval over any recommended changes.›

“MILWAUKEE, Feb. 18 — Howard Dean ended his bid for the presidency on Wednesday, leaving John Kerry and John Edwards battling over free trade and jobs as the Democratic presidential contest veered into a more combative two-man struggle.” 

—New York Times 

In their dreams. In whose dreams? Both the media’s and the Democratic party’s dreams, if either has any common sense. There’s nothing the mainstream media loves more than “a combative two-man struggle.” Heaven forfend that Democrats would actually get al ong, as they seem mysteriously to have done lately, with a few lapses. It makes much better copy if their smallish tiffs over trade can be blown up into main events. And, in fact, better copy is also better for the eventual Democratic candidate, whoever h e might be (and no, we’re not adding the pro forma “or she” for the next term anyhow). Without an apparent “struggle” the media will just not be interested. It’s the new new thing: politics as the sports page.  

Blog-trolling gives one the impression that the major determinant of how Democrats have been voting in primaries this season is handicapping the race: not “who do I think is the best man for the job?” but “who will others think is the best man, so we can beat Bush?” And there’s nothing wrong with this theory, under the circumstances. Two young guys standing behind me at the Chinese New Year parade got the message. One said to the other, “So, are you going to vote your conscience this time and vote for Nader again?” “Oh sure,” the other one answered sarcastically. “I have nothing better to do than sit at home and wait for Homeland Security to come and get me.” Politics stops at the water’s edge, and we’re all in deep hot water.  

To overextend the sports metaphors a bit more, Dean has performed an extremely valuable service to the American people by setting the pace for the race. Before he got going, in fact for the last eight years or so, Democrats have been convinced by the Democratic Leadership Council and their anointed candidates that the best way to win elections is to run slowly and hope no one notices you. Dean (and Sharpton) set an example for the other Democrats—they made having the courage of your own convictions in debates look plausible. The DLC’s republicrat stance, which sucked in Cl inton, Gore and Lieberman, looks increasingly ineffectual when juxtaposed with Dean’s vigorous campaign. This has not much to do with “liberals” or “moderates” or “progressives” or “conservatives.” It’s an attitude thing, and Dean’s attitude was contagiou s. 

Kerry seems to have been chummy with some of the wrong people during the Clinton years, but his stellar record in the Vietnam era prompts many of us to hope he can get past that. From time to time, he works himself up to effective denunciations of Bus h’s follies. Edwards has the advantage of not being in the Senate when the disastrous NAFTA legislation was completed, so he can distance himself effectively from Clinton, who is still more of a liability than an asset. (There’s fascinating back chat circ ulating that Clark was the Clinton candidate, and he was supposed to lose the general election to make way for Hillary next time. Guess that one didn’t work.) 

The obvious dream team for the Democrats is ready to run. Dean supporters, most of them, show n o signs of acting like sore losers, though of course the mainstream media is hoping they might in order to spice things up. Kerry and Edwards might be able to simulate a few more exciting laps around the track to keep the media’s attention, but it would t ake some kind of unexpected disaster to prevent them from being Number One and Number Two on the November ticket. They’ll have some gentlemanly discussion over free trade, leave the I----- word completely out of the picture, and move forward to the main e vent. Which could be a lot of fun, the way things have been going for Bush lately.  

Becky O’Malley is executive editor of the Daily Planet.