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Christopher Krohn: 
          Boston police donned riot gear for what turned out to be a small protest on Sunday.%
Christopher Krohn: Boston police donned riot gear for what turned out to be a small protest on Sunday.%
 

News

Boston’s Low Protest Turnout Reveals Left’s Hunger for ‘Anybody But Bush’

By CHRISTOPHER KROHN Special to the Planet
Tuesday July 27, 2004

BOSTON — Was it the Boston Common or the Boston Morgue this past Sunday? Only about 1,500 protesters showed up at what was to be the marquee protest event during this Democratic National Convention (DNC). The absence of many protesters at the march may be the greatest indication yet that the American left, if not embracing John Kerry for President, simply does not want to get into any political food fights this year and possibly end up with another four years of George W. Bush.  

Sunday’s event was organized by International A.N.S.W.E.R under the banner of “No War in Iraq, End the Occupation Now.” One fact is very clear, in and around the streets surrounding the Fleet Center, hub of convention proceedings which began yesterday: Boston of 2004 is not Chicago of 1968. Thousands of protesters did not come to Boston to protest the Democrats, or their presumptive nominee. Thousands did come to lend their voices, bodies, and money to upending an incumbent president’s bid for a second term. 

Most of the protesting Sunday was anti-war. Most of the delegates, 95 percent according to the Boston Globe, are anti-war. Yet the “Strong at Home, Respected in the World” Democratic Party platform pays but lip service to the fundamental concern not only of the left, but of the party faithful: the war in Iraq. That platform states: “People of good will disagree about whether America should have gone to war in Iraq, but this much is clear: This administration badly exaggerated its case, particularly with respect to weapons of mass destruction and the connection between Saddam’s government and Al Qaeda.” Later the document says “having gone to war, we cannot afford to fail at the peace.” This latter statement rankles many anti-warriors, since the platform offers no timetable for withdrawing U.S. troops from Iraq.  

But where will so many anti-war Democrats turn? Many see a Bush defeat as the only possibility of bringing the soldiers home, but there are no assurances, no language within the platform document with which to make the future president accountable.  

The absence of much vocal dissent here in Boston, so prominent in Los Angeles at the 2000 Democratic National Convention, is another indication that Democrats—left, right and center—are not willing to risk anything going wrong as the final leg of the campaign officially begins here in Boston. Some protesters said press accounts this past week have described Boston as a potentially dangerous place for anyone, and that might very well might have kept protester numbers down.  

Yes, $60 million was spent on convention security. Over 3,000 police, sheriff’s deputies, state highway police, and National Guard troops are a ubiquitous sight, stationed on most downtown street corners in this city of 589,000. Helicopters hover overhead. Dozens of riot-clad police form lines along the sidewalk in front of Faneuil Hall, the Massachusetts Statehouse, and Kerry’s Beacon Hill home. But in interview after interview with people who describe themselves as leftist—Democrat, Green, Anarchist—virtually everyone agreed that Bush must go. And nothing for these civil liberties-minded, peace-and-social-justice-practicing, anti-war activists seems to be getting in the way of saying adios to George W. Bush.  

Probably no place was this yearning for change in Washington, D.C. more visible, and sincere, than at the national Vietnam Veterans For Peace Convention which ended here Saturday night. This annual four-day convention drew more than 400 veterans and much of the talk was about changing presidents.  

Pacifica’s Amy Goodman and Vietnam Veterans of America Foundation President Bobby Muller were the keynote speakers at the closing dinner. The overt and covert subtext of their talks was about regime change in Washington. Also participating in the conference were Daniel Ellsberg, of Pentagon Papers fame, who lives in Kensington, and San Francisco Global Exchange Executive Director and Code Pink activist Medea Benjamin. 

Separate interviews with each of these activist legends (Muller is perhaps less well-known in the Bay Area) revealed a determined and forthright unanimity that George W. Bush has got to go. Ellsberg, the former Marine, former Defense Department analyst turned whistle-blower and current full-time peace activist, was the most forthright in his support for Kerry: “I am urging everyone here not to vote against Bush but to vote for Kerry.” Democracy Now’s Goodman was perhaps most circumspect. “I’m a journalist,” she said, when asked if she supports Kerry. “I think people can determine what politicians will represent them. The question for many,” she added, “is who can be held accountable?”  

Medea Benjamin and Bobby Muller find themselves somewhere between Goodman and Ellsberg. Benjamin said of the impending protests, “the left is very confused about how to react to the Democratic convention.” Choosing her words carefully, she said, “We walk a fine line in trying to get Bush out of office and yet be critical of Kerry’s support for trade agreements, the Patriot Act, and the war.” For Muller this election is quite personal: “I’ve known Kerry for 33 years and he’s a damn good guy.” Super-dissenter Benjamin said she was “so tired” of protesting against Bush and not getting anywhere. “I’m invigorated by the prospect of protesting against a Kerry Administration and having a possibility of being heard.” 

Three of the four spoke of the dangers which Bush has created at home and in the world. “When I think of Kerry I don’t think of Veteran benefits, I think of war,” said vets activist Muller. “He (Kerry) can walk us back from this untenable, cataclysmic position we are in within the world community.” Ellsberg called the world situation both “a crisis” and “an emergency.” Benjamin said, “A second Bush administration would harden the left…with Kerry we have more of a chance.”  

Goodman seemed to think that Bush’s standing in the polls is the result of a press which hasn’t held him accountable. She spoke of the dangers posed by what she calls “sound-bite media.” She said, “We need a media not for pundits, who know so little, but a media for people speaking for themselves.” Goodman cited a study in which the major television programmers—NBC, CBS, ABC, PBS Newshour—had 393 pro-Iraq War interviews and only three anti-war interviews in the month leading up to Bush’s war in Iraq. “The sound bite media is fiercely political,” she said. 

In the streets of Boston Sunday anti-war passions mixed with tacit support for Kerry. The marchers were critical of the Democrats, but restrained. Only one arrest was recorded that day. For the most part, the issues raised on signs were like those seen at Bay Area rallies over the past couple of years: “No to War, Stop Fascist and Anti-Gay Violence, Say No To Racism and Police Brutality, Free Mumia Abu Jamal, People Not Profits.” Along with the small turnout, the ‘whose-streets-our-streets’ fervor of past demonstrations was significantly muted.  

“It’s mainly, do what it takes to get Bush out of office,” said International A.N.S.W.E.R. member and day laborer, Adam Luce of Boston. “Kerry is the best option of getting Bush out.” Luce added, “I am left-wing, but realistic.” Jessica Ramer, a math teacher from Pompano Beach, Florida, disdains Bush but is not ready to commit to Kerry. “I’m here to let the Democratic Party know that they can’t have my vote until they change their policy on Iraq.” When pressed by a reporter saying that polls indicate a vote for neither Kerry nor Bush would most likely add up to a vote for Bush, Ramer responded, “I’m still wrestling with the question of who to vote for, especially since I am from the swing state of Florida.”  

Paula Sutton, an archeologist from Alaska and a Dennis Kucinich supporter, was walking with the protesters. She was concerned about the war, but she is waiting to declare her full support of Kerry because “we are seeing if we can influence the Kerry agenda. We need to take a stand on the war in Iraq.” When pressed about who she would end up voting for, Sutton conceded, “Basically it has come down to, we’ve got to get Bush out of office.”  

Tom Sager, retired and a Veterans For Peace member from Rolla, Missouri, said he’s not of a mind to vote for either Bush or Kerry right now. “Kerry has said he will send more troops and stay the course. I’m definitely not going to vote for Bush…(Ralph) Nader and (David) Cobb (Green Party nominee) are other choices,” he declared. When asked whether a vote for Nader or Cobb might be a vote for Bush, he replied, “I really have not made up my mind on that, probably won’t know until I walk into the (voting) booth.” 

Many who might have been in the streets in past protests were not present at this one. The mood here is that the left is feeling an overwhelming sense of duty to help in denying George Bush another four years, so many are getting behind Kerry with great reservations. Global Exchange’s Benjamin puts it this way, “I have the luxury in California of voting with my heart, but if I lived in a swing state I would vote with my head and vote for Kerry.” She then paused to reflect for a moment, “And I can’t remember the last time I voted for a Democrat.” Vietnam veteran Muller says, “If we don’t create political space for Kerry, it is totally unrealistic to think he is going to shift government institutions unless we create a base, a parade of popular support.” 

Perhaps David Cline, president of the national Veterans For Peace, who served in Vietnam and has three purple hearts to show for it, summed up the citizen-activist ambivalence best. He said, “We want to beat Bush and get our foot up Kerry’s ass.” 

This Thursday, the day of Kerry’s nomination, there will be another informally organized opportunity for protesters. There will be random acts of civil disobedience, according to a Boston group, The Bl(a)ck Tea Society, which is helping coordinate talks, parties, housing for activists, and direct action trainings.  

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Union Locals Challenge Production’s Use of Non-Union Work Force

By JAKOB SCHILLER
Tuesday July 27, 2004

Although sure to entertain, Berkeley’s upcoming Cavalia multimedia horse show has some union members pointing to the drudgery behind the dazzle. 

With their first show on Aug. 5 quickly approaching, the Canadian-based company woke up to a picket line this weekend as workers came out to protest the company’s decision not to use local union labor, as is the custom in the Bay Area when productions come to town. 

And in the meantime workers from the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees and Motion Picture Operators of North America and Canada, Local 107, who are walking the picket, have been keeping a close eye on the company, spotting what they said are violations of the city of Berkeley’s requirements needed to secure a use permit. They also called a representative from the local board of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to investigate what they called important safety violations. 

Cavalia did not hire local union stage hands for their show, as they did during their last Bay Area performance in San Francisco, where they hired 50 union stage hands from San Francisco Local 16. Instead, this year they’ve opted to bring in their own non-union technical workers from Canada, and fill the rest of the jobs with workers from non-union temporary agencies. 

Union representatives, while not disputing the legal right of the company to chose its own employees, said they are upset by Cavalia’s switch in policy. Instead of using local, qualified union labor, union representatives said, the company shipped in “gypsy” or traveling stage hands who, though paid decent wages, take jobs from local union members. 

They said they are also concerned about the company’s use of laborers from temp agencies, who they claim are paid dismal wages.  

“We’ve been in existence for over 100 years, we’re professional, this is what we do for a living,” said Charma Ferreira, the business representative for Local 107. “And they’re bringing out of state people to do local work.” 

According to Ferreira, Local 107 workers are consistently used for almost all the major performances in the East Bay, from the UC Greek Theater and Zellerbach to the Coliseum. 

Martin Roy, the publicist for Cavalia, defends the company’s decision, saying it was a way to make their production “self sufficient.” He said it was also a matter of money-- they couldn’t afford to hire union labor for all the jobs. 

“There is absolutely no legal reason and it would be very expensive,” said Roy. As it is the company is only one year old and still not turning a profit. 

But for the union, money is not an excuse. They point to ticket prices, which according to Roy range between $40 and $150. Even if the company refuses to pay for technicians, who make between $20-$30, the union contends that it should pay a living wage to the temp workers, who according to the union make somewhere between $7 and $8.  

“It’s not just about unions, it’s about workers’ rights,” said Ferreira. “These kids need to make a living and they need to make a decent living. Everyone on the worksite deserves a reasonable wage.”  

Both sides have complained about the other’s actions on or near the picket. According to the union, company workers from Canada (where Cavalia is based) drove out and roughed up a woman picketer by grabbing her sign and shouting, “Fuck America, we’re taking all the money back to Canada.” 

Cavalia called the Berkeley police Monday evening, claiming the picketers were harassing the workers as they left, spitting at cars and making workers uncomfortable. 

Meanwhile, workers who have read the conditions in the notice of decision for the temporary use permit that the city of Berkeley granted to the company have called Cavalia out for several violations of the permit. They said that they saw workers going into the tent past the 8 p.m. stop time for construction activity. Since they saw more workers going in and out, union officials said, they ended up spending the entire night until 6 a.m. walking the picket as lights moved inside the tent. 

When asked about the permit, Roy from Cavalia said the company is questioning the terminology used in the conditions. 

“What is the definition of construction? That’s not what we’re doing in the evening or night, we’re setting up,” said Roy. 

Union picketers said they also saw the company violate the use permit by not hosing the active construction sites down twice a day to prevent dust. 

According to the permit, “All active construction area shall be watered at least twice daily, and all pieces of debris, soil, sand and other loose materials shall be watered or covered.” 

Roy disputed the claim, saying the company is following the use permit requirements. 

When she was alerted on Monday, Lisa Caronna, the deputy city manager and currently the acting city manager, said someone from the city would be sent down to investigate. When the issue was originally raised by the union, Berkeley City Councilmember Kriss Worthington requested that a city official visit the site immediately. 

If the company is found in violation of the conditions on the use permit the city has the authority to terminate it, which would stop the production, even though the site is located on East Bay Regional Park District land and Cavalia is paying the district $10,000 for its use.  

According to Assistant City Attorney Zach Cowan, the park district as a regional public agency is subject to city law. If the land were a state park, the city would have no jurisdiction. 

Caronna did question the 8 p.m. stopping time, saying that the rule is usually included to insure that work in residential areas cuts off at a reasonable time so as not to bother neighbors. Where Cavalia is currently located, down at the end of Gilman Street, that might not be an issue, she said. When questioned about whether there are labor concerns in that rule, she said she would have to investigate. 

Concerning the OSHA violations, union picketers said they were worried that Cavalia workers were not wearing hard hats, not using safety devices when working up on the tent and were misusing forklifts and other heavy equipment. 

After the complaint was called into the Cal-OSHA board in Oakland, an OSHA representative did visit the site but would not talk to the press. But according to a Cal-OSHA spokesperson, an investigation has been opened. 


Retired Official’s Memories Support Baptist Seminary Neighbors’ Claims

By RICHARD BRENNEMAN
Tuesday July 27, 2004

As the long-running dispute between the American Baptist Seminary of the West and its neighbors threatens to boil over once again, the city Planning Department sought advice from Robert Humphrey, a long-retired city zoning officer. 

Neighbors have charged that the seminary has consistently violated the terms of the 1962 city-issued use permit that authorized construction of two residential halls along the 2500 block of Hillegass Avenue. 

But just what that original permit intended was a question until city staffers sought out its author. 

The neighbors already had champions in City Councilmembers Kriss Worthington and Gordon Wozniak, who agreed to sponsor their detailed plan for reaching a solution with the divinity school, but a key vote scheduled for last week’s council session was delayed when the council found out city staff had already acted independently by contacting Humphrey and issuing a demand letter to the school. 

Area residents are angry that the seminary, afflicted by declining enrollment, has rented out much of the campus to the University of California, which has brought in more than four times the 250 anticipated students specified in the 1962 permit. 

As a result, neighbors say, traffic congestion has increased and on-street parking has become scarce. 

Discontent coalesced two years ago over seminary plans to demolish two historic cottages on the campus and replace them with a 65-foot-tall residential, classroom and office complex containing a 48-car garage. 

Neighbors created the Benvenue Neighbors Association (BNA), and launched an ongoing campaign to bring the campus into compliance with the 1962 use permit. 

While they succeeded in blocking the demolition and the big building by landmarking the two cottages and forcing the seminary to undertake an environmental impact report on the project—something seminary officials said they couldn’t afford—the BNA wanted more. 

“We have been working with Kriss Worthington to come up with a resolution for the City Council,” said Sharon Hudson, one of BNA’s most outspoken activists. 

Wozniak signed on as well, though it was Worthington who introduced the proposal at last week’s City Council meeting. 

But it was only just before the council meeting that the two councilmembers discovered the city Planning Department had already acted. 

For more than a year, city planning staff have been working to determine how the campus is currently being used and what was the intent behind the original permit, said Planning Director Dan Marks. 

“We have a huge file, but to interpret the 1962 use permit and what was intended, we had to find the zoning officer who was involved. We sat down with him, and we were all amazed at his memory, and he recalled the events quite well,” Marks said. 

And what Robert Humphrey recalled for Zoning Officer Mark Rhoades and Assistant City Attorney Zach Cowan was precisely what the BNA had insisted was the case all along: The use permit was issued on the basis of a maximum student body of 250 and on the premise that only the seminary would use the campus on a consistent basis. 

Based on their study of the file and on Humphrey’s recollection, Rhoades fired off a letter to seminary President Dr. Keith Russell and his attorney on July 12, eight days before the council was to take up Worthington’s resolution. 

“City staff has determined that ABSW is not in compliance with the intent of the letter of the existing use permit” and “must either come into compliance. . .or seek a modification” to allow use and enrollment to go beyond the terms of the existing permit, Rhoades’ letter said. 

Hudson praised the letter, adding “it contains almost everything we could’ve asked for. We’re very happy they did that, but if we’d known before, Kriss Worthington might have written a much stronger resolution.” 

Wozniak said he also regretted not having the letter before the council meeting. “It would’ve been very useful to have known of it earlier,” he said. 

The seminary has leased space to UC for both its extension division and the recently canceled program teaching English to non-natives, drawing in more than a 1,000 non-seminary students to the site, between Hillegass and Benvenue avenues and along Dwight Way. 

The campus also houses a commercial venture, Integrated Structures Inc., which lists its address as 2606 Dwight Way in official corporate filings with the California Secretary of State. ISI was the lead contractor in retrofitting on-campus buildings. 

Rhoades’ letter, dated July 12, gave Russell and his attorney 45 days to respond, and the city council voted to delay action on Worthington’s resolution until the Sept. 28 meeting, exactly one month after a response is due to Rhoades’ letter. 

Worthington and Wozniak praised the BNA for offering a conciliatory stance which doesn’t demand immediate compliance from the seminary and offers hope of reaching a settlement that would allow the school to continue leasing some space to UC. 

“It will be a lot easier to reach a solution if the neighbors approve,” Marks said. 

Russell was unavailable for comment Monday.


Berkeley Judge Shakes Up Prison Guards, Governor

By J. DOUGLAS ALLEN-TAYLOR
Tuesday July 27, 2004

The first public official to pose a serious public challenge to Republican Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger lives—where else?—in the City of Berkeley. 

Last week, Senior United States District Judge Thelton Henderson, a longtime Berkeley resident and a UC Berk eley and Boalt Hall graduate, threatened a federal takeover of the California Department of Corrections (CDC) and pointedly requested a meeting with the governor “to discuss the state’s continued non-compliance with [the judge’s] remedial orders” concerning inmate abuse and corrections officer discipline in the state’s prison system.  

Henderson has had a continuing interest in conditions in California’s prison system since at least 1995, when he ruled in favor of inmates charging abuse by prison guards at Pelican Bay State Prison near the Oregon border, California’s notorious “most violent” maximum security facility. 

In recent years, the CDC has been charged with numerous incidents of officer shootings and beatings of inmates, as well as being charged with cover-ups of those incidents. Most recently, State Senator Gloria Romero (D-Los Angeles) released a videotape of the beating, kicking, kneeing, and pepperspraying of two unresisting youth prisoners by guards at the Chaderjian Youth Correctional Facil ity in Stockton earlier this year. The San Joaquin County District Attorney’s office and the office of California Attorney General Bill Lockyer both declined to bring charges against the guards following that incident, stating that there was “no reasonabl e likelihood of conviction” of the guards in a California courtroom. 

The immediate target of Henderson’s wrath was a recent agreement between the Schwarzenegger administration and the California Correctional Peace Officers Association (CCPOA), in which t he prison guards’ union gave up scheduled pay raises in this year’s state budget in return for a greater say in the running of the state’s prisons. Schwarzenegger has crafted several such private money-deferral agreements with state organizations in an effort to balance the budget. 

But in a letter sent last week to Schwarzenegger’s Legal Affairs Secretary Peter Siggins and to Roderick Hickman, secretary of the Youth and Adult Correctional Agency, Henderson expressed his “disappointment and concern” with the agreement, noting that a a recent federal investigation into the California prison system found a “pattern of interference by the CCPOA with investigations [into prison problems] and employee discipline.” The judge added that “bad investigations, a co de of silence, and the failure to discipline correctional officers has been condoned for many years by the highest level of California officials. ... Despite these findings, the [Schwarzenegger] administration proposes...[to] give up numerous and importan t management prerogatives to” the prison guards’ union.  

Stating that he is “resolved to correct [these] serious problems,” Henderson said that “if the State of California is no longer willing to manage the necessary corrective actions, I must consider t he appointment of a receiver over” the Department of Corrections. 

It was a stunning laying-down-the-gauntlet from a federal judge long known for far-reaching rulings that challenge entrenched authority. 

Legal Affairs Secretary Siggins denied that the Sc hwarzenegger administration was turning over too much authority for management of the state’s prisons to the prison guards’ union, stating that he was “both shocked and disappointed” by the judge’s letter. “We hope to craft a process that results in timely, fair, and effective investigations of inmate abuse and imposition of just punishment when called for,” he said. 

In 1995, Henderson issued what is considered a landmark ruling concerning Pelican Bay State Prison in Madrid v. Gomez, in which he held in part that “a pervasive pattern of excessive force against inmates violated the Eighth Amendment.” A “near-riot” occurred while Henderson was visiting Pelican Bay in September of 1993 during investigations leading up to that decision, and he and several of his staff members had to lie on the prison yard grounds with inmates while prison guards brought the prison under control. The United States Attorney’s office in San Francisco later charged that the guards knew of the near-riot in advance but allowed it to go on, and said that the “event was staged to show Judge Henderson that Pelican Bay is a dangerous place, and that he should not interfere with the guards in running the prison.” Two Pelican Bay prison guards were later convicted in federal court of conspiracy to violate civil rights and sentenced to more than six years in connection with that case. 

Henderson’s most notable decision came in November of 1996, when he issued a temporary restraining order against the recently-passed Proposition 209, the citizen initiative which outlawed affirmative action in California state agencies. Henderson’s ruling was later overturned by a three-judge federal appellate panel. 

In other rulings, Henderson has enjoined federal agencies from tuna import practices that allowed the slaughter of dolphins (1990), ruled in favor of Vietnam veterans who charged that the Veterans Administration was improperly denying their claims of exposure to the cancer-causing jungle defoliant Agent Orange (1989), held that the Defense De partment violated the equal protection rights of gay men and lesbians by subjecting them to greater security clearance scrutiny (1987), and overturned the conviction of San Quentin Six inmate Johnny Spain (1986). 

Henderson was born in Shreveport, Louisia na and raised in the Watts section of Los Angeles. In high school, he describes himself as being a member of “a bunch of tough black kids...that had intimidated all the...football coaches” while playing on the school’s football team. He credits his mother and high school teachers with helping turn his life around, and he later played football at UC Berkeley, graduating with a B.A. in political science in 1956 and obtaining a law degree from Boalt Hall in 1962. In between, in 1960, he joined the Bay Area’s African American Association, a black nationalist theoretical group that included such diverse members as later-Congressmember Ron Dellums and later-Black Panther Party founders Huey Newton and Bobby Seale. He was an attorney in the Civil Rights Division of the United States Justice Department from 1962 to 1963, was assistant dean of the Stanford Law School from 1968 through 1977, and was appointed U.S. District judge by President Jimmy Carter in 1980. 

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Democrats Losing Majority Among Bay Area Voters

By RICHARD BRENNEMAN
Tuesday July 27, 2004

The newest addition to the Berkeley political scene, the non-partisan, non-profit Bay Area Center for Voting Research, warns that the Democratic Party is within a hair’s breadth of losing its majority hold on Bay Area voters. 

“Both major parties seem to take the Bay Area for granted,” said Jason Alderman, a Berkeley resident co-founder of the group. 

“The Democrats seem to take the vote here for granted, while the Republicans look at it as a bastion of left-wing kooks. But the truth is far more complex,” Alderman said.  

According to the center’s just-released study “Democrats in the Bay Area,” the party now accounts for 50.1 percent of the 3.3 million voters in the nine Bay Area counties—and while they still outnumber Republicans more than two-to-one, both parties are losing their hold on voters. 

The biggest gains were made by voters who declined to state a partisan preference. 

While Democrats accounted for 1,741,389 million voters in 1999 and Republicans totaled 887,709, by this year their numbers have declined to 1,656,707 and 813,692 respectively. “Declined to state” voters rose in the same period from 497,414 to 661,512. 

While Green Party registrations increased from 38,508 to 58,597 in the same period, other third party registrations fell from 140,041 to 113,015. 

Alameda County remained the firmest Democratic stronghold, though the party’s 55.2 percent majority was still a full three percentage points lower than in 1999. 

Republicans were strongest in Napa County, making up 33.5 percent of registrations, down from 35.6 percent five years earlier. 

Statewide, Democratic registrations had fallen from 46.7 percent to 43.2 percent, while Republicans had scored a modest increase, for 35.3 percent to 35.5 percent. But the big winners statewide were those who refused to name a partisan preference, rising from 12.9 percent to 16.4 percent. 

“We want to see the Bay Area get the respect and consideration it deserves,” Alderman said. “The information we provide will be useful to voters, to the parties and to policy-makers.” 

Alderman and partner Phil Reiff, a San Franciscan, are already preparing other reports for release in the near future, including a city-by-city look at changing registrations. 

“We don’t accept any money for this from parties, causes or foundations,” Alderman said. “We’re doing it out of our own pockets.” 

If the trends outlined in their report continue, Alderman said, “by 2005 the Democratic party will lose its position as the majority political party in the Bay Area.” 

Added Reiff, “If Democrats cannot hold a majority of voters in America’s most liberal enclave, then they have some serious soul-searching to do.” 

A copy of the full report is available online at www.votingresearch.org/reports.html. 


Police Blotter

By RICHARD BRENNEMAN
Tuesday July 27, 2004

Bullet Holes Discovered, Twice 

A California Street resident called Berkeley Police last Wednesday afternoon after discovering two bullet holes in a window. No one was injured, nor did anyone recall hearing gunshots. 

An hour later, police were summoned to a King Street address after a similar discovery was made. 

 

Strongarm Hat Grabbers Busted  

Berkeley police arrested a pair of teenaged armed robbers after they strong-armed another youngster and relieved him of his hat near the corner of Martin Luther King Jr. and Channing ways just before 1 p.m. last Thursday. 

 

Road Rage Reports, One Arrest 

Berkeley Police were summoned to two reported road rage incidents in the last few days. 

The first time, calls came at 1:58 p.m. Thursday, when officers were summoned to the corner of Benvenue Avenue and Dwight Way by both parties to the incident—one, a pedestrian, claiming that a driver had refused to yield the right of way; the other, the driver, reporting a “crazy” pedestrian. 

No one was arrested.  

Officers were summoned to the intersection of Telegraph and Ashby avenues Saturday afternoon by another road rage report, and this time they made a bust. 

A 59-year-old motorist was charged with battery after he reportedly shoved the other driver, a woman, said Officer Joe Okies, spokesperson for the Berkeley Police.  

 

Party Incident Leads to Beat-down 

A dispute between two men took a nasty turn during a party just before midnight Friday when the friends of one man piled on the other, punching and kicking their hapless victim. 

When police arrived at the address of Martin Luther King Jr. Way near Rose Street, they summoned an ambulance, and the injured man was rushed to an emergency room for treatment. 

 

Juvenile Gunmen Rob Wallets 

A pair of young men, at least one of them carrying a pistol, relieved two men of their wallets near the corner of Stanton and Russell streets about 1 a.m. Saturday. 

 

Toughs Awaken Driver, Steal Car 

Three men awakened a motorist sleeping in his car on University Avenue near Tenth Street early Saturday morning, hauled him out of the vehicle and drove off in it, reports Officer Okies. 

The rudely awakened victim had the strongest memory of one of the trio, described as a 6’6” African American male with graying hair and green eyes who weighs about 240 pounds. 

 

Knife-flashing Robbers Steal Purse 

Two teenagers, one armed with a knife, stole a woman’s purse around 5:15 p.m. Saturday near the corner of Russell and Regent streets. 

 

Teenagers Display Pistol, Get Wallet 

A trio of teenage males clad in black hooded sweatshirts approached a man near the corner of Virginia and Acton about 9:54 p.m. Sunday and demanded cash. When the victim complied, the trio fled, at least one of them on a bicycle. 


Fire Department Log

By RICHARD BRENNEMAN
Tuesday July 27, 2004

Charcoal Ashes Ignite Deck 

A newspaper-wrapped bundle of charcoal ashes wasn’t quite as dead as a Berkeley resident believed when he dumped them into his plastic trash barrel Friday. 

Fire Department engines arriving at his 2901 Forest Ave. home at 2:36 a.m. Saturday found his rear fence ablaze and flames eating their way through the rear deck and beginning to scorch the rear door to the house. 

By the time the blaze was extinguished, the total damage had hit about $10,500, said Deputy Fire Marshal Wayne Inouye. 

“This happens fairly often here. People put their ashes into cardboard boxes, only to later discover that they weren’t all extinguished,” Inouye said.


Middle-Aged Women Enjoy A Night Out With Pinter and Martinis

From Susan Parker
Tuesday July 27, 2004

At Scrabble last week Rose was telling us about the play she had just seen, Betrayal by Harold Pinter. “It was terrific. I highly recommend it. In fact, I went to see it twice.” 

“You went to see it twice?” I asked. 

“Yes,” said Rose, laying out the word jerboa, a small, leaping rodent of northern Africa. “I see everything the Aurora Theatre produces. If I like it, then I tell my friends and I go again with them. They can’t stay up late and they don’t want to waste time if it’s not really super. You know how some older people are.” 

“Wasn’t it outdated? I read the reviews and it sounded like it might be stuck in time.” 

“Not at all,” said Rose. “You should see it. Thirty points, by the way. Make sure you write that down.” 

Several days later, my friend Jane Juska called to say she had an extra ticket for Betrayal. Would I like to join her? 

“Sure,” I said. 

“Meet me at the restaurant Downtown on the corner of Shattuck and Addison. It’s a Pinter play, so we need to drink before we go.” 

Over martinis and fluffy house-made potato chips, Jane and I caught up. She had just returned from England, her second trip there since her book, A Round Heeled Woman: My Late-Life Adventures in Sex and Romance, (Villard 2003), was published. This last visit was to promote the paperback edition. Vintage press had sold 33,000 British copies in the first week. 

A Round Heeled Woman is about the bedroom adventures of a woman of a certain age, kind of a nonfiction Bridget Jones for the over sixties set. Jane has been crisscrossing the country, and the Atlantic, for almost eighteen months now, spreading the word that sex isn’t just for whippersnappers. 

“Not a novel idea,” says Jane, “yet I meet single older women everywhere who are frustrated, who want more out of life than playing with their grandchildren. My book is dedicated to them.” 

Indeed, at a reading I attended at 2nd Edition Books (now called a Great Good Place for Books) in Montclair last year the room was packed with middle-aged women all anxious to hear Jane’s story. 

“Are you still seeing some of the men you wrote about?” they asked. 

“Yes,” said Jane. “And others as well.” 

“Are you having fun?” the crowd wanted to know.  

“You betcha,” said Jane. 

Back at Downtown, Jane looked at her watch. “Drink up,” she said, “it’s show time.” 

We hurried over to the Aurora just in time to find our seats. The lights went dim and the play began. Halfway through the production I heard a soft, saw-like noise to my right. Beside me a woman was asleep, her head forward and tilted to the left. But after two cups of coffee at 6 p.m. in order to get ready for two martinis at 7 p.m. in order to get ready for Harold Pinter and Jane, I was wide awake.  

“That was great,” I said to Jane when the was play over. “Did you enjoy it?” 

“Yes,” she said, “but really, what was the point? Four friends, two marriages, four children, several affairs, I mean where’s the meaning? 

“I don’t know if there was supposed to be a meaning. It’s just a slice of life tale, an inside view of several relationships. It’s true, you know, Pinter wrote it about himself. It’s a deconstruction of an affair he had for seven years. The point is…” 

“Wait,” said Jane, putting on her coat, “my point is.. oh damn, what was that point I was going to make? It’s gone. Maybe it will come back to me. Tell me your point.” 

“My point is… is… God, I can’t remember what my point was either.” 

“The hell with it,” said Jane, walking toward her car. “The point is we finally got together. The point is we’re friends and we spent a lovely evening with each other. The point is we stayed awake through the whole damn production, didn’t we?” 

“You betcha,” I said. 

 

Betrayal, written by Harold Pinter, directed by Tom Ross, has been extended through August 1. For more information contact the Aurora Theatre: 843.4822 or www.auroratheatre.org. 

 

Ù


Letters to the Editor

Tuesday July 27, 2004

ACTORS ENSEMBLE 

Editor, Daily Planet: 

Your article about Actors Ensemble seemed to do a serious disservice to this theater company. 

In the first place, the article never stated when and where the production would be staged, thereby making it vague/difficult for interested theatergoers to go forward and buy tickets. In the second place, the writer put such an emphasis on the “amateur” status of the company, that it came through as disrespectful and undermining the high quality of this long-standing theater group. Statements like “these guys are obviously mildly insane...” may have been intended as humor, but came across to me as essentially demeaning. To write: “there’s even a bathroom...” in their performing space sounded downright silly. 

I am eager to see this Albee play directed by the experienced hand of Mikel Clifford. Perhaps you might assign a more mature journalist to your next coverage of the Actors Ensemble. 

Emily Loeb 

 

• 

OUTBACK PROJECT 

Editor, Daily Planet: 

Some things never change. Yes, its déjà vu all over again for advocates of affordable housing in Berkeley. 

About 18 years ago I was a member of the Mayor’s Site Committee for Low Income Public Housing (LIPH). The 61 units of scattered Section 8 housing cost $6 million and was completed around 1990, but not before threatened lawsuits, picketing, and the threatened recall of school boardmembers who voted for the use of district land. I am proud of my small part in the completion of this project, though the struggle against the NIMBYS is one that I’ll never forget. 

Now the AHA/Outback project is being threatened by lawsuits. Why? Because of its housing for seniors and disabled. 

Ms. Bowman and her supporters protest that the lawsuits are about trees, parking and due process, and that housing advocates are being “used” by the Grey Panthers. Suuuuure, we’re just old folks ranting and raving because we have nothing else to do! 

It seems that no one mentions height limits or trees or parking until phrases like “affordable,” “low income” or “Section 8” come into play. Look around you, Ms. Bowman. There seem to be no standards for a lot of the housing east of Shattuck, both North and South of Campus. They aren’t particularly well built or affordable. If you and your friends aren’t NIMBYS, then I’m Hillary Clinton. 

I’d like to mention that there is particular need for this type of housing. The senior homes that I have visited, Harriet Tubman, Strawberry Creek Lodge, Redwood Gardens, are wonderful places, well-maintained and enjoyed by the seniors and even have a positive impact on the city as a whole. Yes these wonderful, activist, quiet neighbors deserve more of the same. We all benefit from this. 

So, let’s stop the nonsense and get the Outback project built! 

Edith Monk Hallberg 

 

• 

UNIVERSITY PROBLEMS 

Editor, Daily Planet: 

The university representative at a recent Berkeley City Council meeting rattled off several things the university does and provides from which Berkeley residents benefit, expressed in nonspecifics so vague as to be unimpressive. It reminded this voter of the slinky discontinuance of two services that cost the university little or nothing! Perhaps their elimination slipped by because then, as now, the university and the city were at busy junctures and they served populations that are not efficiently “political” or monied: (1) When the people’s Commute Store met its demise, the campus shuttle continued for university personnel, but free passes for community members were eliminated. (2) When the new campus main library facility became was opened, free library loan cards for senior citizens were eliminated. Lowell Moorcroft’s July 23 letter about library stacks belies the non-response I received alleging that only I objected to the library’s new policies. 

Helen Rippier Wheeler 

 

• 

A BRACE OF ITEMS 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

It’s good to see that, in the July 23-26 Police Blotter, Richard Brenneman has abandoned the flip remarks. But have they been replaced by impenetrable language? In that edition he refers to three teenagers who “braced” a woman, a gunman who “braced” a pedestrian, and four men who “braced” another man. The current edition of Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary gives many uses and examples of the word brace, but Brenneman’s isn’t one of them. What on earth is he talking about? 

Revan Tranter 

 

• 

OHLONE PARK 

Editor, Daily Planet: 

As co-founder of Ohlone Park and People’s Park I wish to endorse and empirically support the wonderful Karl Linn’s statement that “Community gardens not only grow fresh produce close to home, they also grow community among neighbors and friends, which makes neighborhood life much more meaningful and secure. To fill every vacant lot...jeopardizes the opportunity for residents to develop a growing sense of community” (“Growing Soil and Community,” Daily Planet, July 23-26). 

Today I walked through the vibrant community garden in Ohlone Park and talked with the community gardeners as they harvested organic squash, strawberries, green beans, lettuce, chard, flowers and tomatoes, chili peppers, cilantro, Italian parsley and so much more from the individual and communal raised beds.  

The only reason this garden exists is through the active expression of members of the North Berkeley community over the years starting in 1969 when 500 people made a picnic and bonfire there and planted vegetables to show BART and other right of way owners that the land should not be fenced in just because of what may lie underneath. Over the years the Ohlone Greenway and Ohlone Park and Ohlone Community Garden have been enhanced with play structures, dog park, gardens and intimate paths and landscaping. Everyone is welcome; community input is desirable and essential. The soil is extremely fertile from long cultivation (as is the 12-are Gill Tract owned by UC Berkeley in Albany and threatened with extinction an eviction of community gardens and gardeners). 

The neighborhood is enhanced, both by the numerous cul-de-sacs (whose existence is due to the park) that keep traffic away and by the nightly and weekend meeting places that have sprung up informally. 

If anyone wants to see Karl Linn’s utopian vision in action, they would do well to visit Ohlone Park. Then please offer support to keep other community gardens vibrant and growing and look around for a place to start one near you.  

Success does not happen overnight; everyone is a volunteer with bustling lives of survival and many parents up to their eyeballs in childrearing. That is why the South Berkeley Community Garden needs a longer lease on life. 

Wendy Schlesinger, 

Chairman, Gardens on Wheels Association 

 

• 

PARKING METERS 

Editor, Daily Planet: 

Did you know you can receive a $30 parking ticket in Berkeley even if your meter is not expired? In my case, I had been to the YMCA and then decided to shop at the Berkeley Farmers Market and have lunch. I put more money in the meter, but when I returned to my car I found a ticket for “extending meter time.” Apparently, even if you later put more money in, you cannot park in a spot longer than the normal maximum meter time. I have lived in Berkeley for more than 30 years and neither I nor several of my friends were aware of this policy. Tickets of this kind seem extremely unwise when downtown Berkeley wants to compete with other shopping areas that offer completely free parking (examples: Fourth Street, El Cerrito Plaza, Emeryville). 

Michael Fullerton 

 

• 

BALLOT CONTROVERSY 

Editor, Daily Planet: 

Thank you for your reporting and explaining of last Tuesday’s City Council voter initiative machinations. As a 30-year Berkeley resident and homeowner, as well as a disabled medical cannabis medical patient, kindly entertain briefly a few of my impressions. 

As a citizen, I appreciate and respect the amount of work and the number of issues each of our City Council members must deal with. However, I believe the medical cannabis voter initiative, Patients’ Access to Medical Cannabis (PAMCA), with more effort from the BCC last April, wouldn’t be necessary. The hastily called “ad hoc” subcommittee meeting on PAMCA language shut out the public and again stifled the discussion and further displayed the BCC’s reluctance to address medical cannabis patients’ concerns. On C-Span Book TV this past weekend, I saw William F. Buckley support medical cannabis use and state that practically no American politician wanted to face directly this particular issue . Amen. 

As a medical cannabis patient, it seems clear that earlier fears and mistrust from the BCC have turned to outright hostility- sharp, shrill, and uncompassionate. This was just as evident in City Attorney Manuela Albuquerque’s subcommittee decision. To my way of thinking (and bless you Kriss Worthington), patients’ access to and the dispensing of their medicine is important and difficult enough to deserve full, complete public hearing and consideration. I wish the BCC previously had been so eager to learn more and understand better and act accordingly, regarding medical cannabis issues, as they were Tuesday night to vote their opposition to PAMCA. 

I strongly urge Berkeley voters to support PAMCA, and I welcome in the upcoming voter initiative campaign discussion, the sharing of facts, information, and points of view.  

Charles Pappas


Readers Continue Middle East Dialogue

Tuesday July 27, 2004

NO CLUE 

Editor, Daily Planet: 

Your diatribe (“Talking About What Pictures Say,” Editorial, Daily Planet, July 20-22) denying your editorial hostility against Israel rings false, hollow and shrill. You have never opined that Palestinian terrorist murder of innocent Israeli civilians is inexcusable. You have never written against the Palestinian’s institutional policy of recruiting, arming and sending pre-teen children to blow up as many Israeli civilians as possible. You have never suggested that Palestinian factions openly and vocally dedicated to Israel’s annihilation, and denying any border behind which Israelis may live without the threat and reality of terrorist murder, deserve no place of power or authority in the region. You have never addressed the corruption that diverts aid from the Palestinian people. Your rancor is reserved solely for Israel. 

Israel seeks a way to avoid the moral conflict of responding to the Palestinians in kind, so it built a fence to keep the suicide bombers away. But you complain about that, because the inconvenience caused by the fence is more compelling to you than Israeli lives. One understands why the International Court ruled that way—because its members are political patsies of regimes dedicated to removing any vestige of a Jewish state from the region (or the world). It’s harder to understand why you take that cruel and inhuman position—which is why so many (no, not just a few) readers chalk it up to your anti-Semitism. That is not an unreasonable conclusion. 

I, for one, don’t necessarily believe your views are the product of anti-Semitism. For the moment, I’m willing to chalk up your misunderstanding to the simple ignorance which jumps off your editorial pages—which is why I was so pleased when you declared a moratorium on Daily Planet discussion about Israel. I hope you reinstate it, and devote more attention to local issues; you have enough trouble getting Berkeley news right, without editorializing about matters regarding which you apparently have no clue. 

Mark I. Schickman 

 

• 

TESTING ASSUMPTIONS 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

The July 20-22 issue includes a letter from Fred Lisker which features a map of the Middle East, North Africa and Central Asia. All but two of the countries 

are named, the exceptions being Israel and Palestine, which Mr. Lisker has crowned with the Israeli flag. Mr. Lisker’s message is that Palestine is not an independent state and that if the Palestinians are unhappy with their status under Israeli rule they can just move on to any of the other countries depicted on his map.  

Mr. Lisker seems to be of the opinion that “an Arab is an Arab” and that, consequently, Palestinians should be content thousands of miles from their ancestral homeland in, say, Tajikistan or Sudan.  

As a test of his underlying assumption I’d like Mr. Lisker to immediately evacuate his own home. He can choose to relocate anywhere else in the Americas, such as the Yukon Territories or, perhaps, Bolivia. To be sure, he and his family may find themselves in a foreign and hostile environment and be ignorant of the culture, language and customs, but that’s the lot of refugees and I’m sure that they will find some way to survive.  

In their absence, I’ll occupy the family home, to which, in any event, I have an overriding claim based on my superior religious and political pedigree, and besides, I know I’ll be able to make his property more productive. If Mr. Lisker is reluctant to move perhaps he would agree to my encircling his property with a 10-foot-high wall, incidentally, disconnecting his access to water and electricity, and digging up the road leading to the house. Of course, I’d provide a checkpoint in the wall so that he could leave to forage for food and to obtain medical care, but only if he applied for permission well in advance. Even then he’d have to be willing to wait for hours, sometimes days, never knowing whether or not the unsupervised teenage guard at the checkpoint would agree to let him through, leave him standing in the sun, or simply shoot him.  

Oh and one other thing: I’d hold Mr. Lisker personally liable for any misbehavior by his neighbors. If the dog next door so much as barked, the bulldozers would be at Mr. Lisker’s door early next morning—and I mean early. 

Joseph Stein 

 

• 

CONTEXT AND HISTORY 

Editor, Daily Planet: 

Regarding Becky O’Malley’s editorial in the July 20-22 edition, I have to say that it is sad to counter the mistakes of a reader with one’s own. Fred Lisker’s uncritical purveyance of the attempted irony (in fact more of a self-parody) and demographic absurdities (counting Turkey and the countries east of Iraq as “Arab”) of the cartoon map and its caption was properly exposed by O’Malley. Unfortunately, her own attempt to use irony to turn the tables on Lisker falls on its face. Like most journalists, O’Malley prefers to use prefabricated statements removed from any kind of context (in this case a dictionary definition) instead of having to do real research and historical analysis. Forget for a moment that “Semite” and “Semitic” are terms that are inseparable from the history and practice of Eurosupremacist colonialism; forget for a moment that these terms were invented by the same people who invented “Aryan”; forget for a moment that these terms were invented as “objective” linguistic props to hold up the division of people into the racist categories “Negroid,” “Mongoloid,” and “Caucasoid”; forget for a moment that the presence of Arabs and Ethiopians (speakers of Arabic and Amharic, the other “Semitic” languages mentioned in the dictionary) in Europe never resulted in the same kind of uneasiness and suspicions as the presense of Jews. The historical fact, put in its proper context, is that the term “Anti-Semitism” was invented by a politician to describe the political movement he created whose expressed goal was to curtail, and hopefully reverse, the “undue” influence of Jews in public life (politics, culture, commerce). Since then, anti-Semitism has always and only referred to hostility and discrimination directed at Jews. O’Malley’s assertion that “consistency (like some other dictionaries) suggests that it’s also a form of anti-Semitism to exhibit hostility toward or discrimination against Arabs as a religious [sic], ethnic, or racial group” is plainly contradicted by the facts of context and history. 

C. Boles 

 

• 

CHUTZPAH 

Editor, Daily Planet: 

You write in your editorial of July 20 that “Jewish or not, Israel is not everybody else. Our expectations are simply higher for Israel...” 

What Chutzpah! What do you mean by saying that “Jews and Israel are not like everybody else?” Of course Jews are like everybody else, we are humans just like “everybody else.” Your statement implies that Jews are outside the human race. Who gave you the authority to have higher expectations of Israel than of any other state? This is not a “mark of respect” but a blatantly anti-Israel statement. All states must conform to international law and all states have the right and duty to protect their citizens. If this means building a security fence then it is right and proper. 

In the same paragraph of your editorial about Jews not being “like everybody else” you say about Israel that “...we care about you.” On the surface that might sound like an endorsement of Zionism. In fact, if you care about Israel, you would have to endorse its right to protect both its citizens and other residents against suicide bombers. I question your statement that you care about Israel. If Israel cannot defend its own citizens its very existence is imperiled. 

Sanne DeWitt 

 

 

• 

CHUTZPAH 

Editor, Daily Planet: 

In her editorial, Talking About What Pictures Say, Becky O'Malley completely misses the point. The illustration she refers to (Stop the Unjust Occupation of Arab Lands!) was created by the pro-America, pro-Israel activist group Protest Warrior. Like all their signs and T-shirts, it was meant to poke fun at what members see as the hypocrisy of the left, through the use of sarcasm and irony.  

Much like the confused reaction of protesters when they first encounter these signs, O'Malley simply doesn't get it. She does allude to the sign's true meaning, but then goes off on a rambling diatribe about how "anti-Semitic" it is. In fact, the sign uses the language of the anti-Israel crowd (they are the ones who believe Israel is "occupying Arab lands") and juxtaposes it with the graphic (tiny Israel surrounded by huge Arab countries) to make a point. But to no avail.  

O'Malley's obtuse comments demonstrate a profound lack of comprehension, not to mention a sense of humor. Lighten up, lady!  

Cinnamon Stillwell 

San Francisco


Searching For The Democrats

By BOB BURNETT
Tuesday July 27, 2004

Many readers will ask why anyone in their right mind would go to either the Democratic or Republican convention, why I would willingly submit to endless queues for security checks, only to spend even more hours enduring formulaic political harangues. The answer is that I’m here because at age 63, after forty plus years of voting for Democratic candidates, I still nourish the hope that my party will emerge as the DEMOCRATS—as the unmistakable champions of human dignity, peace and justice, and saving the planet. From my experience at the 2000 convention, held in Los Angles, I know that I will not be alone in nurturing these hopes, that for every professional politician, lobbyist, or celebrity groupie, there will be several participants that want to take back our country, who continue to believe that America can be a beacon of democracy.  

There will be three signals as to whether or not the 2004 version of the Democratic Party intends to defend what some have called “deep” democracy and stand as a real alternative to the Busheviks. The first is the Democratic platform, the second their slate of candidates for the House and Senate, and finally, their presidential candidate, John Kerry. This article surveys the Democratic platform (available at www.democrats.org/about/platform.html). 

A couple of months ago I was at a party in the Berkeley hills and had a conversation with UC professor George Lakoff, the author of the notable Moral Politics: How Liberals and Conservatives Think. George is interested in fine-tuning the Democratic message and had been trying to get access to the Kerry inner circle so that he could sell them on a possible campaign slogan, “Help Us Make America Strong Again.” 

I haven’t talked to George since, but his slogan seems to have been well received; on the campaign trail Kerry is using “Let America be America Again,” and the title of the Democratic platform is “Strong at Home, Respected in the World.” The platform preamble asserts that Democrats want “a strong, growing economy,” “strong, healthy families,” and “a strong American community.” One can almost envision an advertisement claiming, “Eat Democrat and build a healthy body eight ways!” 

One of the problems for the Democrats is how to build upon the energy generated by the Dean campaign without turning off swing voters, to capture that sense of outrage without the manic outbursts. The Democratic platform won’t accomplish this. I can’t envision anyone reading this document, jumping up and yelling, “Give me a Democratic victory, or give me death!” It is a safe document, one that contains something for all wings of the party, but it lacks the bite that a truly progressive document would bring and, therefore, it won’t generate new enthusiasm.  

The most interesting platform item is the inclusion of “Energy Independence” as an important aspect of national security policy. It’s impossible to imagine a similar item in the Republican platform. 

The biggest disappointment is the section on the war in Iraq. The platform writers begin by noting that everything about this war has been flawed: “this administration badly exaggerated its case…did not build a true international coalition…disdained the United Nations weapons inspection process… did not send sufficient forces into Iraq…[and] went into Iraq without a plan to win the peace.” Rather than state the obvious, “You can’t make chicken salad out of chicken shit” (to quote LBJ), the Demos wimp out; their plan is not to withdraw troops but rather to internationalize the mission. The document warns, “If we fail to create viable Iraqi security forces…there is no successful exit for us and other nations.” Unfortunately this is what seems likely to happen—Iraqi security will worsen, leading to civil war. The Democrats give no hint as to what they would do if this occurs. It’s deeply ironic that John Kerry’s famous speech to Congress, against the Vietnam War, was in response to the policies of Richard Nixon, who won the 1968 presidential election, in part, by saying that he had “a secret plan” to end that war. Now it appears that Kerry and his advisors have their own version of a secret plan if the situation in Iraq further deteriorates. 

Republicans bluster on about the military being our best defense, but Democrats believe that a strong America depends upon the resolution of domestic issues such as the creation of meaningful jobs and provision of a healthcare system that works for all Americans. It’s easy to see these issues as differentiators in the election: Bush will continue to advocate tax cuts as his sole economic policy, along with further privatization of health care; Kerry will focus on specific programs for job creation and government mandates to extend healthcare to all children and most Americans in need. 

In summary, the 2004 Democratic platform is one that Kerry can comfortably run on, but one that is unlikely to win over voters who are fed up with the war. However, if the economy continues to be shaky, the domestic policies may help the Democrats win over undecided voters. Of course, besides the substantive issues of the war and the economy, voters will have to make an assessment of character: Is John Kerry a thoughtful, pragmatic statesman or a flip-flopper? The Democratic platform will not help voters answer these questions. Maybe Kerry’s speech will. Stay tuned. 

 

Bob Burnett is a retired Cisco Systems executive and a Berkeley resident. 

j


Commentary: Cooperation, not Conflict? In Berkeley?

By SHARON HUDSON Special to the Planet
Tuesday July 27, 2004

In this era of university expansion and controversies over damaging encroachments on residential neighborhoods, Berkeleyans might look to how the current illegal use of the campus of the American Baptist Seminary of the West (ABSW) will be resolved to see how Berkeley will protect its neighborhoods. On July 12, the City of Berkeley’s legal and planning staff declared the ABSW to be clearly in violation of both “the intent [and] the letter of [its] existing use permit,” which is solely to educate up to 250 graduate ministry students. The University of California is the other major participant in this violation, which is surely not in keeping with UC’s stated intent to respect municipal codes and enhance community livability. 

As regular readers of the Daily Planet will recall, for almost 20 years the ABSW has been leasing out excess institutional space on its 2.35-acre campus south of Dwight Way between Hillegass and Benvenue Avenues. This is because the seminary, in its heyday with about 180 students, has gradually shrunk to a handful of mostly evening, part-time students. What has it done with its extra space? In violation of its use permit and its own written promises to cease rentals, the ABSW has rented classroom and office space to various private, religious, and UC entities, most notably the UC Extension Freshman Extension program, with almost 700 students, and the recently expired English Language Program. The total campus head count of about 1000 has therefore been 90 percent illegal. 

Nevertheless, in 2001 the city planning staff advocated allowing the ABSW to build a huge new institutional/residential building on Benvenue Avenue, raising the hackles of area residents, mostly renters, who joined to form the Benvenue Neighbors Association (BNA), of which I am part. After over a year of hard work by the neighbors, the City Council realized that something was amiss in this picture and successfully discouraged the new development. 

Now the neighbors are working to bring the ABSW into compliance with the intent of their existing use permit. The BNA has presented to the seminary, to UC, and to the City our “WIN-WIN-WIN” plan, which would permit the seminary to continue to lease space to UC on an interim, non-legalized basis, as long as the intensity of use is reduced promptly to a level compatible with the existing use permit and the needs of the neighborhood. Under this plan, nobody loses: The seminary can continue to receive income into the indefinite future by leasing space, probably to its primary natural market—UC; UC continues to have use of the space; and the neighborhood will be relieved of the damaging parking and other impacts. As some of the existing institutional buildings reach the ends of their useful lives, institutional land not needed by the seminary would return to residential use, as encouraged by the Southside Plan and good city planning. 

The extremely generous WIN-WIN-WIN plan does not ask for strict enforcement of the existing use permit, nor for revocation of that permit, nor for compensation for damages—although all of these things are available legal remedies. But circumstances change: The seminary will probably never again fill its own quarters, and of course vacant buildings serve nobody. Changing circumstances are best met with creative cooperation, not legal wrangling. Although a use permit modification or revocation hearing must follow if the ABSW refuses to enter into negotiations with the community, the adversarial course is not ideal.  

This is why both councilmembers Worthington and Wozniak, who represent the local neighborhood, support the principles of the WIN-WIN-WIN plan. On July 20, the council voted to ask the seminary to respond by fall to the BNA plan, accompanied by a referral from Councilmember Worthington that states in part: 

“The council believes that it is in the public interest of the City of Berkeley to ensure that uses (and mitigations) specified in use permits are honored and enforced, and to assiduously protect the city’s power to control land uses. This is especially important in the face of increasing institutional expansion in Berkeley….Council considers the Benvenue Neighbors Association plan a constructive approach to resolving a difficult land use problem for the long term,… [and] the council strongly encourages the ABSW to negotiate a plan for ABSW campus use with the Benvenue Neighbors in a timely manner.”  

Removal of institutional use from areas south of Dwight Way is mandated by the Southside Plan. This is reiterated in the city’s recent response to UC’s Long Range Development Plan (LRDP): “…the city believes [that UC growth next to the core campus] should be accompanied by the University’s withdrawal from leased space elsewhere in the Southside, such as the American Baptist Seminary of the West…” As a matter of fact, UC’s own LRDP suggests moving UC Extension programs out of Berkeley entirely.  

The LRDP contains plenty of highfalutin statements about its commitment to enhancing community livability. Now it’s time for UC to honor its words. The WIN-WIN-WIN plan is best implemented with the active cooperation of UC. This means being creative and flexible, working across departments, and not being hidebound by old patterns. The WIN-WIN-WIN plan would give UC the best opportunity to help craft a plan to meet its needs. All the plan asks is that UC select lower intensity, more neighborhood-friendly uses from among its vast and diverse domain. UC has already placed uses of modest intensity at ABSW and elsewhere. It is not difficult, and it will presage the sensitivity and cooperation that UC would apply to its desired 2.2 million square feet of expansion. Unfortunately, so far UC officials have refused to engage with the community on this matter.  

Finally and most important, we ask the seminary to re-join its neighborhood. For two years the seminary has failed to respond to BNA’s efforts to start a dialogue, and ignored an earlier July, 2003 request by the council to enter into discussions with the neighbors. The new council referral warns: “BMC Section 23B.60.030 allows the city to revoke or modify a use permit if ‘the use, structure or building permitted has been substantially expanded or changed in character beyond that set forth in the permit.’ This action can be initiated by a resolution of the council.” The better alternative is the WIN-WIN-WIN plan, but if all three parties don’t participate, a similar but more difficult plan for both the ABSW and UC will likely be enacted. Berkeleyans are now uniting to protect their neighborhoods from unwarranted and damaging institutional expansion. And we look to City Hall for proactive support. 

 

Sharon Hudson is president of the Benvenue Neighbors Association. The full text of the WIN-WIN-WIN plan can be seen at www.berkeleydailyplanet.com. 

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James Carter Joins Django Reinhardt Project at Yoshi’s

By IRA STEINGROOT Special to the Planet
Tuesday July 27, 2004

When I first heard James Carter, then 26 years old, at the old Yoshi’s on Claremont in 1995, it felt like what I imagine it would have been like to hear Charlie Parker in 1945 or Ornette Coleman in 1960. I was too young to have experienced the halcyon days of bop or free jazz and did not start listening consciously to jazz until 1962, but I did see Roland Kirk in 1965, Archie Shepp in 1966 and John Coltrane in 1967. Carter had that same kind of energy, as if you were present at the birth of something new and exciting, something that could make you begin all over again. My notes from that first Bay Area appearance by Carter include these words: beautiful, remarkable, phenomenal freedom, weird, experimental, totally accessible, unending stream of ideas, incredible, passionate. This was heady stuff. 

Since then, Carter has visited the Bay Area often and has released many excellent albums, though none of them have been able to capture what I heard that night at Yoshi’s. For that matter, Carter’s live performances have never quite reached the heights he achieved at his Yoshi’s première. His technical abilities are unparalleled whether he’s playing any of the saxophones (soprano, f mezzo, alto, tenor, baritone, bass), clarinet, bass clarinet or flute. No performance is without rewarding moments, but no performance has ever seemed as fully realized, as immediate, as that initial experience. His last appearance at Yoshi’s in April of this year ranged from a volcanic tenor solo on “Don’s Idea,” when he seemed to be channeling tenor saxophone great Don Byas, to an overly-intentional performance of “Strange Fruit.” The performance, although sincere, was so literary, dramatic, historical and emotional that it became something less than musical. 

One of Carter’s best albums to date is Chasing the Gypsy (Atlantic), a 2000 homage to the great Gypsy guitarist, Django Reinhardt (1910-1953). Although he will not have the same side players as he did on the album, this date will be focused on the music and memory of Django, certainly the first great non-American jazz musician. Carter is listed as a special guest of the Django Reinhardt Project which features Dorado Schmitt, a Gypsy guitarist and violinist from the Lorraine region of France, French guitarist Samson Schmitt, Ludovic Beier, virtuoso accordionist, and Stephane Grappelli alum Brian Torff on bass. Grappelli was Django’s long-time collaborator in the Quintet of the Hot Club of France. 

Django’s music was lyrical, swinging, free, inventive and technically astounding. People are always surprised to find out that the fingers of his left hand had been mutilated in a conflagration of wax flowers in his caravan. He subsequently had the use of only two fingers of that hand. In spite of, or because of, this limitation, he could play runs of notes on the guitar that still seem impossible, even for those with 10 fingers.  

It is equally surprising to imagine an African-American saxophonist born in Detroit in the late ‘60s being attracted to this music. Jazz musicians have always surprised fans by looking at ignored elements of their own tradition for new directions. As we arrive at the fifth generation of this unique music, we see all of these elements of renewal, surprise and the simultaneous tension of conservative synthesis and revolutionary exploration in the playing of Carter. Whether he plays in the galvanic manner of a genie who has just popped out of a lamp or in the more conventionally romantic-melodic style of the Django Reinhardt Project, Carter is the most promising player of his generation and what he plays is cutting edge jazz. 

 


Books: EBMUD Advises on Bay Area Water-Wise Gardening

By SHIRLEY BARKERSpecial to the Planet
Tuesday July 27, 2004

There is a commodity in life that is more precious than gold, and that is water. In the Golden State of California water is more than precious, it is endangered, because we have but two seasons, wet and dry, and in some years the wet season is a dry one too. 

A couple of weeks ago, at the Lawrence Hall of Science, East Bay Municipal Utility District launched a new book three years in the making, Plants and Landscapes for Summer-Dry Climates of the San Francisco Bay Region. 

This is EBMUD”s second horticu ltural volume. The first, Water-Conserving Plants and Landscapes of the Bay Area, sold 50,000 copies. The new one is more sumptuously produced, with gorgeous color photography by Saxon Holt on every page, and equally vibrant, lucid schema by watercolorist and botanical illustrator Richard Pembroke. 

The book aims to conserve habitat as well as water, to protect the wildlife therein, and to diminish fire risk. How to do it can be found within the book’s four sections, which address locale, design, individu al plants, and cultivation. These broad categories are subdivided under appropriate headings in the table of contents. Together with a big index, the book has everything one needs for easy navigation. Designer Beth Hansen-Winter and author-editor Nora Har low have given clear form to what could have been an unwieldy jumble of material. 

The conservation of water turns out to be a controversial topic. People who can afford to pay high water bills apparently do not care how much water they waste on their acres of property. Such woeful ignorance relates water to economics, when it actually concerns life—for all. Many cultures have vanished with few traces when their water supply, for whatever reason, ceased. Knowingly squandering water in any wet-dry climate is ethically indefensible. 

We should be grateful for EBMUD’s stewardship of our priceless water supply, clean and tasty, conveyed by their clever engineering from the purity of the high Sierras to our faucets, and pay heed to how we can play our part in its conservation. The book seems to have something for everyone, being not only a serious reference for the professional, and an array of tempting delights for the amateur, but also giving pleasure to non-gardeners because of its beauty. Its advice might even save our lives.  

Native plants are well represented, as they should be, since they have adapted to our wet-dry landscapes. Words like “adapted” and “tolerant” betray their human formulation. Some plants will die if watered at the wrong (for them) ti me of year. “Drought-thriving” might be a truer term. And not all native plants bloom early in order to set seed before summer drought. Epilobium, formerly Zauschneria, adds useful color to the garden at the end of summer. Its nectar-rich scarlet trumpets are beloved by hummingbirds, and its silvery foliage indicates its dry-summer preference, since white leaves deflect insolation, the sun’s rays. 

While sitting in my garden on the Fourth of July, browsing through the handsome volume, I looked up from tim e to time with new eyes. It seemed that many of the plants flowering nearby were listed in the book. That they are also drought-tolerant is entirely accidental. 

Some people love to water their gardens, manipulating soaker-hoses, creating complex irrigati on systems, reveling in wetness. I am not of that ilk. If I had to live in a desert, that would be fine with me. Cactuses are the only indoor plants I’ve never killed. Outdoors, my attitude is live and let live, if it can. Once a week I water everything w ithout discrimination, by hand-held hose. I enjoy this opportunity to see how things are doing. That’s about it, in summer. My passion for gardening only emerges at the equinoxes, spring and fall. 

This does not mean that I do not adore whatever is willin g to grow and bloom in these circumstances. The perimeter of the garden yields fruit: blackberries (no water), plums (likewise), pears, apples and quince (soaked every one or two weeks). I have a young nectarine smothered in bright red miniature cannon ba lls. This is a volunteer, a consequence of my spitting out a pit a few summers ago. One of the master gardeners at EBMUD’s book launch told me that if a fruiting tree is grown from a seed, it is a new variety. Will the fruits soften, will they be deliciou s, and will I know this before the squirrel, the opossum and the tree rat? This tree I hover over, deterring ants with a Tanglefoot barrier and watering it weekly without fail. 

In the middle of the garden is the fenced vegetable plot, focus of my attenti on. Between perimeter and plot, flowers are randomly disposed. Penstemons that began as one small potted nursery plant now cover an area four feet by five, and still spreading. They get a splash of water as I drag the hose to the nectarine, and deadheadin g rather than EBMUD’s recommended shearing, which I will try next. The oregano, more slowly expanding, blooms twice if I shear it in midsummer. I wait as long as possible, as it is much visited by native bumblebees. This too receives a little incidental w atering. Osteospermum, a perennial in the vast compositae (daisy, sunflower) family, tries to cascade into the vegetable plot, thriving on the food and water available there, rooting into and smothering everything. In leaner ground outside the plot, it st ill seems to like water, although its origin, a small rooted shoot from a naturalized patch by the bay, must have survived with none. Another, unknown, dry-summer compositae member, an annual, originally grown from seed also collected by the bay, self-sows each year in a different location, bringing a touch of the unexpected into an already disorganized lot. I took a sprig of its daisy flowers, both pale and butter yellow, to a nursery once for identification, and was told it is a Little Cutie. 

Erigeron, a daisy commonly called fleabane, yet another slow spreader, makes the most trouble-free ground cover. Fairly hard shearing keeps it controlled, done when it looks as though it needs it. Such haphazard methods are an embarrassment to confess, so I was reassured by EBMUD’s comment that learning to “read” one’s plants is a good thing. Of course if one has read wrongly, the garden will rapidly teach one the meaning of cause and effect. Erigeron never seems to stop flowering entirely, making it hard to read correctly, and will dry up and die without some summer moisture. 

Of the native plants in my garden, a sprawling ceanothus accepts incidental water. Whether it really needs this, I do not know. It is water-tolerant, perhaps. It has grown slowly, taking se ven years to produce a flower, and I learned from EBMUD’s book that slow growth can mean a longer life. I hope so. “Soon ripe, soon rotten” is of course a horticultural tag. Flowers or no, my ceanothus is always worthwhile for its distinctive dark green l eathery leaves covering an area I’d rather look at than cultivate.  

A friend told me that redwoods are easy to grow from seed. I was delighted to find this was true. I’ve never watered mine, although EBMUD says I should. It is too tall to measure without mathematics, and seems unstressed. Perhaps the water table is high in my neighborhood. Old maps show creeks everywhere, mostly now hidden, and I’m fairly sure one runs directly beneath, and in very rainy years through, my house, as is true of many in Ber keley.  

What my garden obviously lacks is a plan, a design, and to this end, I determined to stop browsing and to read the book from beginning to end. It is a visual delight, with 650 plants photographed and described, each with a cluster of icons that give information at a glance about watering and other horticultural needs. EBMUD has adopted (with acknowledgments) Sunset’s Western Garden Book’s gardening zones and alphabetical listing of plants. There the resemblance between the two books ends, for if I had to describe EBMUD’s book in one word, I would say, “ours.” Whereas Sunset’s recommendations range over hundreds of square miles, making them inevitably chancy and even irrelevant, EBMUD’s specific focus on our Bay area, its knowledgeable and concise descriptions of our microclimates and our plant communities, its absorbing exposition of our ecology in all its facets, make its recommendations entirely and reliably credible. This is more than a book about plants, it’s a good read. 

And when I reached the end of the book I received a wonderful surprise. It turns out that my kind of garden and method of working in it has a name. My garden is a natural garden, and I am a natural gardener. I immediately recognized that this definition by itself would help me to improve my garden design. With the book as well, it’s a done deed. Like an alien on the Fourth of July who has lost identity, when I read those words, I felt a sense of homecoming.  

Now isn’t that summer-dry Berkeley all over? 

 

 

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Avenue Books Reborn as Mrs. Dalloway’s

By RICHARD BRENNEMAN
Tuesday July 27, 2004

When Avenue Books, long a favorite on College Avenue in Elmwood, fell victim to the post-9/11 economic crunch, neighbors mourned the loss. 

Marion Bundy, a writer and editor, and Ann Leyhe, who writes regularly for gardening publications, lent their sympathetic ears to the laments, and soon found they were getting more than mere grousing. 

“We were approached by people who urged us to open a bookstore,” said Leyhe. 

And so, like Orlando, the title character in Virginia Woolf’s novels, one of Berkeley’s favorite bookstores is back in a different form—though while Orlando switched gender, the new bookstore store will emerge with a new name, new content and a different focus. 

Thus, sometime in late September, Avenue Books will be reborn as Mrs. Dalloway’s Literary and Garden Arts, renamed for the title character in another Woolf opus. 

“We’ve both lived in the neighborhood for 20 years, I was looking for a place to sell gardening books and supplies, so we decided to make the plunge,” she said. 

“About a third of the space will be devoted to books on gardening, regional gardening and garden design, along with reference books and plants in artistic containers,” Leyhe said. 

But the majority of the store’s 2,000 square feet will be devoted to fiction and quality literature, as the new name would suggest, along with top notch mysteries, a selection of non-fiction (current affairs, history, politics, biographies and memories), travel writing, culinary and oenophile works, texts on design and the home, children’s books and a selection of local authors.  

“Marion and I met in Boston in 1975 at a summer session of the Publishing Procedures Course at Radcliffe, ” said Leyhe. “Neither of us has ever done any retail, but one of our professors from that session now has a consulting business helping people to open bookstores. 

“Marion called him and said, ‘Please convince me that I shouldn’t do it.’ But he did a feasibility study of our neighborhood and said it was a good place to open a bookstore.” 

The neighborhood boasts a high percentage of very literate readers, including many families with UC connections. 

“We’ll be offering a high level of service. We’ll order anything for our customers, and we’re offering free delivery in the Elmwood neighborhood.” 

The new owners are currently completing the process of obtaining all the necessary permits and approvals, and they’ve negotiated the complex quota system imposed by the neighborhood commercial district. 

“There was already an open slot for books,” Leyhe said, “and there’s no quotas selling plants.” 

The next stage, just beginning, is the installation of the interior improvements needed to make the store work. 

“We’re already placing orders with book companies, and we’re going to put up a web site. Customers won’t be able to order and pay for books online, at least for now, but we’ll have e-mail and we’ll be posting the events we’ll be having at the store,” Leyhe said. 

“We’ll have a lot of events in the evenings. There’ll be readings by local authors and we’ll have seasonally relating gardening events. When it’s time for bulb-planting, we may have a demonstration. But all the events will be centered around books.” 

A graduate of Princeton and Mills College, Bundy is married to Boalt Hall Law Professor Steve Bundy. They and their two children live in Elmwood. 

Layhe graduated from Scripps College. She and spouse, builder Andy Pauley, have raised three children in the neighborhood. 

“It’s a huge challenge,” Leyhe said. “Neither of us has ever done any retail.” 

Fortunately, the pair have recruited a pro to assist them—Elise White, a familiar face to customers of the old Avenue Books, where she worked for 15 years. 

“She was an important part of Avenue Books then, and she’ll be of great help to Mrs. Dalloway’s,” Leyhe said.


Bookstores Can’t KeepGripping 9/11 Report On the Shelves

By CAROL POLSGROVESpecial to the Planet
Tuesday July 27, 2004

The number one seller on Amazon.com, The 9/11 Commission Report, is flying off the bookstore shelves across the country. A bookstore in my little Indiana town sold out its first 100 copies in two days. Barnes and Noble on Shattuck Avenue in Berkeley is out, too. 

Skim the first pages and you will see why: This is a powerful story. Step after step it unwinds, from the minute-to-minute account of the four planes’ final hour back through the intricate maze that led to that hour.  

Across America’s intellig ence network in the summer of 2001, individuals and units knew something serious was up, but no one—or at least no one with the power to compel belief—could figure out what it was. 

An Aug. 6 briefing to President Bush warned, “Bin Ladin Determined to Strike in U.S.” and mentioned hijacking as a possibility—but not the possibility of using airplanes as missiles. The failure to see that possibility was, the commission says, a “failure of imagination.” President Bush received the report—and did nothing. 

A conspiracy theory making the rounds holds that Bush and company did not respond to the crisis because they had cooked it up, providing an excuse for the Patriot Act and the attack on Iraq. Why else, the theorists ask, did the military not shoot down the h ijacked planes?  

The commission’s report answers that question in compelling detail, dramatizing the confusion that left planes circling over the ocean while the hijacked planes moved toward their targets.  

The commission’s own story line is disturbing enough: A large, complex society, made up of many institutions, is sadly vulnerable. That, of course, is not quite what the commission says. It prefers to believe that rearranging the intelligence bureaucracy will make us secure. 

But in focusing on intelligence failures, the report reenacts the conceptual failure that made 9/11 more likely: the tendency to see only one small part of the picture. 

Fixing its eyes on Islamic militants from abroad, the commission fails to imagine all the other threats to our security. Should we not fear America’s own capacity for terrorism, the American nuclear arsenal, its military might? Should we not worry about the power in the hands of our president to order, not just the shooting down of hijacked jets, but a rain of missiles on foreign cities?  

In the first few hours after Sept. 11, I had the naïve idea that this evidence of our vulnerability might lead us to reflect on our way of life and our role in the world. Do not look to the 9/11 Commission Report for that reflection. Its strength is its narrative, not its vision. Its chapter on “What to Do? A Global Strategy” is a grab bag of suggestions, positioned in the political mainstream and carefully phrased for approval by commission members from both sides of the political aisle. 

For instance, taking up the question of how the Islamic world views American support for Israel, the report says, carefully, “Right or wrong, it is simply a fact that American policy regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and American actions in Iraq are dominant staples of popular commentary across the Arab and Muslim world. This does not mean U.S. choices have been wrong. It means those choices must be integrated with America’s message of opportunity to the Arab and Muslim world.”  

The commission might have done better to stay away from the large political realities that led to 9/11 since it could not begin to do them justice—especially given the narrow political frame within which the commission was working: the common ground oc cupied by Democrats and Republicans (themselves only a narrow strip of the American political spectrum). On the other hand, perhaps even the gesture, weak as it is, is important: a reminder of how big the picture is. 

Whatever its limitations, The 9/11 Co mmission Report will give hundreds of thousands of Americans insight into the way our government works. The section on the Clinton administration’s attempts to capture bin Ladin (or kill him, if that were to happen—accidentally of course) reminds us of all that goes on beyond our line of sight, and that alone is worth the modest price of the book.  

 

Carol Polsgrove is the author of Divided Minds: Intellectuals and the Civil Rights Movement.?o


Pocket Bird Guide Informs Sierra Hikers

By JOE EATON Special to the Planet
Tuesday July 27, 2004

It’s my firm conviction that you can’t have too many field guides. They’re indispensable to anyone who’s intrigued by the names and relationships of living things: birds, trees, dragonflies, mushrooms, whatever. Although you can find guides for almost every group of organisms (with some gaps; I know a park ranger who was so frustrated by the absence of a guide to freshwater invertebrates that she wrote and published her own), the bird books far outnumber the rest. 

Roger Tory Peterson invented the genre to allow the identification of birds with binoculars rather than shotguns, and he’s had worthy successors like David Sibley and Kenn Kauffman. There are bird guides for every level of sophistication, novice to advanced; for different geographical regions; for specific bird families (hummingbirds, warblers, hawks); even for nests, eggs, and nestlings. 

So is there a place on this crowded shelf for yet another guidebook? I think so. Sierra Birds: A Hiker’s Guide is intended to fill a special niche, and succeeds admirably. John Muir Laws, an artist-naturalist in the tradition of Peterson and Sibley, has produced a visually appealing, hip-pocket-sized book covering the resident and migrant birds of the Sierra Nevada. It’s ideal in some ways for beginning birders or hikers with only a casual interest in birds, but seasoned watchers will also find it useful. 

Unlike some guides—the National Geographic’s North American Birds for one—Laws’ book doesn’t assume a knowledge of bird taxonomy: Birds are grouped by appearance as well as by relationship. The red males and streaky brown females of the three red finches—house, purple, and Cassin’s—are illustrated together, but the females are also shown with other streaky brown birds like sparrows, pipits, and female blackbirds. Laws shows the age-specific plumages of gulls and eagles, and there are handy visual keys to identifying birds by family and by predominant color. 

Although Sierra Birds is heavy on pictures, light on text, Laws uses pointers to indicate key plumage features, and has concise notes on habitat, voice, and behavior. There are other sources for those who want more detail, like Edward Beedy and Stephen Granholm’s Discovering Sierra Birds, or David Gaines’ Birds of Yosemite. A chart of seasonal occurrence would have been useful, as would range maps (since some birds have very local or patchy distributions within the Sierra, or are confined to either the east or west slopes). 

The new guide is the product of what seems like a natural partnership between the California Academy of Sciences, where Laws is an educator, and Berkeley’s Heyday Books. It’s the first of a projected series of guides covering Sierra natural history, from mammals to rocks. It’s fitting that a namesake of the Range of Light’s greatest celebrant has taken on the job. And why stop with the Sierra? I’d like to see the same approach to California’s other regions (how about the North Coast? the Mojave Desert?) and ecosystems. 

 

Disclaimer time: I took Sierra Birds with me on a recent trip to Mount Lassen, where it helped convince me that the gray-and-yellow songbird I saw at Hat Lake was a Nashville warbler rather than a McGillivray’s warbler. As unlikely as it may seem, I ran into Laws (who prefers to be called Jack) at the park’s Summit Lake campground. He says he was inspired to create the kind of guidebook he always wished he had along on Sierra backpacking trips but could never find. Laws is field-testing the mammal and fish segments of the series and doing the illustrations for the wildflower guide. He seems like the ideal person for this ambitious undertaking: young, enthusiastic, curious about all aspects of the natural world. And he agrees that you can never have too many field guides. 

M


Handy and Inexpensive, Guidebook Helps ID Common Western Trees

By RON SULLIVAN Special to the Planet
Tuesday July 27, 2004

The National Arbor Day Foundation has issued a pocket-sized booklet titled What Tree Is That? that’s worth the modest investment if you order in bulk—$3 for one, $25.25 for 35, $189.00 for 270, plus $4.95 for shipping and handling of any quantity. It calls itself a guide to the more common trees found in the western United States, from the Rockies to the Pacific shore. It’s one of those dichotomous keys—“If A, go to 13BS”—that drive me nuts to use but are useful for things that sit still for examination. 

The guide doesn’t start by distinguishing between wildland trees and city, park, or garden trees, which would be my first question. It does, however, mention, as italicized hints, whether some of the trees are native here; I guess that conveys some of the same information. The pictorial identifiers are all line drawings of leaves, some with fruit (nuts, acorns, samaras), on representative twigs. Some key questions (“Is it deciduous?”) assume an ongoing acquaintance with the tree. There’s a handy ruler (in inches) on the back cover. 

I have minor quarrels with fine points of a few sketches—those interior live oak leaves look more like willow—but using it in conjunction with a photographic field guide or something as thorough as the Peterson Western Trees guide by George and Olivia Petrides or UC Press’s Trees and Shrubs of California (natives only, but Hallelujah, it includes shrubs!) by John Stuart and John Sawyer, you can get a handle on the names and life histories of most of the trees around you. The little booklet is a good first step if you’re at ease with keying out species, or if you’re completely bewildered by the green thing in front of you. And it’s small enough to stick in your pack or glove compartment. Good for the Arbor Day Foundation for using soy ink and recycled paper. I do wonder why those folks seem determined to blanket the country in Colorado blue spruce, though—their perpetual offer for ten seedlings with membership is included in the book—but if you clip the coupon, you lose the single rangemap on its back. 

 

To order, call (402) 474-5655, go to www.arborday.org, or write to the National Arbor Day Foundation, P.O. Box 85784, Lincoln, NE., 68501-5784.


Arts Calendar

Tuesday July 27, 2004

TUESDAY, JULY 27 

FILM 

Time’s Shadow: “The Way Things Go” at 7:30 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $4-$8. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Frank Foer describes “How Soccer Explains the World: An Unlikely Theory of Globalization” at 7:30 p.m. at Cody’s Books. 845-7852. www.codysbooks.com 

Poets Gone Wild, open mic night, at 7:30 p.m. at Barnes and Noble. 644-0861. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Creole Belles and Andrew Carriere at 8:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cajun dance lesson with Diana Castillo at 8 p.m. Cost is $9. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Fourtet plays jazz standards and originals at 9:30 p.m. at Albatross, 1822 San Pablo Ave. 843-2473. www.albatrosspub.com 

Jazz House Jam, hosted by Darrell Green and Geechy Taylor at 8 p.m. at The Jazz House. Donation $5. www.thejazz- 

house.com 

Charnett Moffett Quartet at 8 and 10 p.m. Yoshi’s at Jack London Square, through Wed. Cost is $10-$16. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

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

WEDNESDAY, JULY 28 

EXHIBITION OPENINGS 

“Augúst August” Group show with new works by Carol Dalton and others to Sept. 5 at The Cecile Moochnek Gallery, 1809-D Fourth St., upstairs. 549-1018. www.cecilemoochnek.com 

FILM 

Exploit-O-Scope: “Homocidal” at 7:30 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $4-$8. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

China Mieville introduces his new novel, “Iron Council” at 7:30 p.m. at Cody’s Books. 845-7852. www.codysbooks.com 

D’Arcy Fallon describes the Christian commune she called home in “So Late, So Soon” at 7:30 p.m. at Black Oak Books. 486-0698. www.blackoakbooks.com 

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

Bay Area Writing Project, summer reading featuring teachers who are also authors from Berkeley and Oakland, at 7:30 p.m. at Barnes and Noble. 644-0861. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Sandfly performs reggae at noon at Oakland City Center at the 12th St. BART. www.oaklandcitycenter.com 

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

Balkan Folkdance at 7:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $6. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Eric & Suzy Thompson, W.B Reid and Bonnie Zahnow at 8 p.m. at Strings, 6320 San Pablo Ave. All ages welcome. Donation $10. www.strings.org 

Bryan Girard Quintet at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 848-8277. 

Swing Mine plays 40s and 50s western swing at 9 p.m. at Albatross, 1822 San Pablo Ave. 843-2473. www.albatrosspub.com 

Keith Terry’s “Slammin’” at 8 p.m. at The Jazz House. www.thejazzhouse.org 

Poor Bailey, The Apt, Mr. Loveless, Mike Rogers at 9:30 p.m. at Blakes on Telegraph. Cost is $5. 848-0886. www.blakesontelegraph.com 

THURSDAY, JULY 29 

EXHIBITION OPENINGS 

“Muchas Culturas, Una Communidad: Many Cultures, One Community” paper maché and ceramic artworks by students from Le Conte and Longfellow Schools. Reception 6 to 8 p.m. Addison St. Windows, 2018 Addison St. 981-7533. 

FILM 

Time’s Shadow: “Fellini Satyricon” at 9:30 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $4-$8. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Lawrence Ferlinghetti will read from “Americus: Book I” the first part of his epic poem of American consciousness at 7:30 p.m. at Black Oak Books. 486-0698. www.blackoakbooks.com 

Ward Churchill introduces “On the Justice of Roosting Chickens: Reflections on the Consequences of U.S. Imperial Arrogance and Criminality” at 7 p.m. at AK Press Warehouse, 674 A 23rd St., Oakland. 208-1700. www.akpress.org 

Jerry Stahl reads from his new novel, “I, Fatty” based on the life of Roscoe “Fatty” Arbuckle at 7:30 p.m. at Cody’s Books. 845-7852. www.codysbooks.com 

Word Beat Reading Series at 7 p.m. with Terry McCarty and Mark States, at Mediterraneum Caffe, 2475 Telegraph Ave. 526-5985.  

Brad Blanton discusses lying in “The Truthtellers” at 7:30 p.m. Barnes and Noble. 644-0861. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Summer Noon Concert with SoVoSó at the Berkeley BART. Sponsored by the Downtown Berkeley Association. 

“What a Day!” The students of the 2004 Berkeley/Oakland Alvin Ailey Dance Camp exhibit their work at 7 p.m. at Zellerbach Hall, UC Campus. 642-0212. www.calperfs.berkeley.edu  

Liam McCormick Sings the Blues at the 1923 Teahouse at 8 p.m. Donation of $7-$10. 644-2204. www.epicarts.org 

Samba Ngo, Congolese guitarist, with a lecture by CK Ladzekpo, at 7:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $5. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Country Joe Band, with former members of Country Joe and the Fish at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $17.50 in advance, $18.50 at the door. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

Ismael “Bandolero” Duran at 8 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $10. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

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

Frisky Frolics, The Green Cards at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $6. 841-2082. www.starryploughpub.com 

Mimi Fox plays the music of Rogers and Hart at 9 p.m. at Downtown. 649-3810. 

Ducksan Distones, featuring Donald “Duck” Bailey and guest vocalist Lorin Benedict, at 8 p.m. at The Jazz House. Donation $8-$15. www.thejazz- 

house.com 

Django Reinhardt Project, with special guest James Carter, at 8 and 10 p.m. through Sun. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $12-$22. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

Witches Brew at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 848-8277. 

FRIDAY, JULY 30 

CHILDREN 

Mood Swings with a reading of “When Sophie Gets Angry - Really, Really Angry” by Molly Bang at 10:30 a.m. at Barnes and Noble. 644-3635. 

FILM 

The Invention of the Western Film: “Ride Lonesome” at 7:30 p.m. and “The Searchers” at 9:05 p.m. at Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $4-$8. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

THEATER 

Actors Ensemble of Berkeley “A Delicate Balance” by Edward Albee. Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m. at Live Oak Theatre, 1301 Shattuck at Berryman, through Aug 14. Tickets are $10, available from 649-5999. www.aeofberkeley.org 

Aurora Theatre “Betrayal,” by Harold Pinter, directed by Tom Ross. Runs through August 1. Tickets are $34-$36. 843-4822. www.auroratheatre.org  

California Shakespeare Theater, “Henry IV” Tues.-Fri. at 7:30 p.m., Sat at 8 p.m., Sun. at 4 p.m. at the Bruns Memorial Amphitheater, through August 1. Tickets are $13-$32. 548-9666. www.calshakes.org 

Central Works “The Mysterious Mr. Looney” a new play about the man who wrote the plays of Shakespeare, at the Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant Ave. Thurs.-Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 5 p.m., through Aug. 5. Tickets are $8-$20, sliding scale. For reservations call 558-1381. www.centralworks.org 

“Spanglish 101” with Bill Santiago at 8 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center, 3105 Shattuck Ave. Cost is $7-$12 sliding scale. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Adrian Tomine, author of the comic book series “Optic Nerve” in conversation with Eli Horowitz on “Scrapbook” at 7:30 p.m. at Cody’s Books. 845-7852. www.codysbooks.com 

Jim Hightower introduces his latest book “Let’s Stop Beating Around the Bush: More Political Subversion” at 7 p.m. at Cody’s Books on Fourth St. 559-9500. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Midsummer Mozart Festival at 8 p.m. at St. John’s Presbyterian Church, 2727 College Ave. Tickets are $28-$48. 415-627-9140. www.midsummermozart.org 

Moonrise & Shekhinah at the 1923 Teahouse at 9 p.m. Suggested donation of $7-$15, no one turned away for lack of funds. 644-2204. www.epicarts.org 

Steve Lucky & The Rhumba Bums at 9:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Swing dance lesson at 8 p.m. with Belinda Ricklefs. Cost is $13. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Ramblin’ Jack Elliott, traditional folk singer and raconteur, at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage Coffee House. Cost is $18.50 in advance, $19.50 at the door. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

The People, Orixa, Awesome Cool Dudes at 9:30 at Blakes on Telegraph. Cost is $7. 848-0886. www.blakesontelegraph.com 

Robbie Fulks, Scout of Firecracker at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $10. 841-2082. www.starryploughpub.com 

Mal Sharp Big Money in Jazz at 9 p.m. at Downtown. 649-3810. 

Henry Kaiser, solo guitar, at 7:30 p.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344. www.nomadcafe.net 

Research and Development at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 848-8277. 

Blown to Bits, Death Toll, Against Empire, Holokaust at 8 p.m. at 924 Gilman St., an all-ages, member-run, no alcohol, no drugs, no violence club. Cost is $5. 525-9926. 

SATURDAY, JULY 31 

THEATER 

The Oakland Playhouse Improv Troupe A night of improv comedy at 8 p.m. at The Ashby Stage, 1901 Ashby at MLK. Tickets are $15 at the door. 595-5597. www.theoaklandplayhouse.com 

FILM 

Jewish Film Festival runs from July 31 to Aug. 5 at Wheeler auditorium, UC Campus. 925-275-9490. www.sfjff.org 

Bergman on a Summer Night: “Smiles of a Summer Night” at 5 and 9 p.m., and “Wild Strawberries” at 7:10 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $4-$8. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Poetry Flash reading for “Mercy of Tides: Poems for a Beach House” with contributors Alex Green, Zack Rogow and Hannah Stein at 7:30 p.m. at Cody’s Books. Donation $2. 845-7852. www.codysbooks.com 

Berkeley Poetry Slam Fundraiser at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $7. 841-2082. www.starryplough.com 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

“Port Chicago,” a musical-theater performance commemorating the 60th anniversary of the worst home-front disaster in World War II, will be staged by the Marcus Shelby Jazz Orchestra from 3 to 5 p.m., at the African-American Museum and Library at Oakland, 659 14th St. 637-0200. www.oakland 

library.org  

Quasi Nada, live Brazilian music, at 9 p.m. at Shattuck Down Low, 2284 Shattuck Ave. Cost is $7. 548-1159. www.shattuckdownlow.com 

Kirsten Gray at 7:30 p.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344. www.nomadcafe.net 

Sarah Manning Trio at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 848-8277. 

John Reyburn, folk, Baroque guitar, at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $17.50 in advance, $18.50 at the door. 548-1761.  

www.freightandsalvage.org 

Kekele, Congolese rumba, at 9:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $15, with $5 discount for those who have their receipt from the June 29 lecture. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Naked Barbies at 8 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $10. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

Insolence, Unjust, Jynx at 8:45 p.m. at Blakes on Telegraph. Cost is $10. 848-0886. www.blakesontelegraph.com 

John Stowell, guitar, at 8 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $12-$18. 845-5373. www.jazz- 

school.com  

Dan Zimmelman on piano at 8 p.m. at The Jazz House. www.thejazzhouse.com 

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

Scott Amendola Trio at 9 p.m. at Downtown. 649-3810. 

Allegiance, Cast Aside, More to Pride, In Your Face 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. 

Tim Barsky at the 1923 Teahouse at 8 p.m. Suggested donation of $7-$10, no one turned away for lack of funds. 644-2204. www.epicarts.org 

SUNDAY, AUGUST 1 

FILM 

The Invention of the Western Film: “Lonely Are the Brace” at 5:30 p.m., “The Wild Bunch” at 7:30 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $4-$8. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Conspirare, Craig Hella Johnson & Company of Voices, from Austin,Texas, at 4 p.m. at St. Marks Episcopal Church, 2300 Bancroft Way. Tickets are $15. www.conspirare.org 

Sacred Geometry and Dances of India with Malathi Iyengar and Rangoli Dance Company at 2 p.m. at Julia Morgan Center for the Arts, Tickets are $12-$20 available from 925-798-1300. 

Americana Unplugged: Joe Craven, mandolinist and percussionist, at 5 p.m. at Jupiter. 848-8277. 

Bush-Be-Gone Bash with the Funky Nixons and the Gary Gates Band at 8 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $10. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Jacqui Naylor at 4:30 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $20. 845-5373. www.jazzschool.com  

MONDAY, AUGUST 2 

CHILDREN 

“Tales from the Enchanted Forest” with puppeteer Nick Barone at 11 a.m. at Habitot Children’s Museum’ Fairy Tale Day celebration. Children can come dressed as their favorite fairytale character and act in impromptu skits. Fairy dust painting will take place in the Art Studio. 2065 Kittredge St. 647-1111. www.habitot.org 

EXHIBITION OPENINGS 

“Alfred Henry Jacobs” photographs, documents and original artwork on Jacobs’ contribution to the architecture of Bay Area movie palaces, at the Judah L. Magnes Museum, 2911 Russell St. 549-6950. www.magnes.org 

FILM 

“My Sister, My Bride” a documentary about same-sex marriage by Bonnie Burt at Wheeler Auditorium, UC Campus at 6:30 p.m. www.sfjff.org 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

The Last Word Poetry Series with John Rowe and Michael Kelly at 7 p.m. at Pegasus Books, 2349 Shattuck Ave.  

Julie Smith introduces her new detective book, “Louisana Lament” at 7:30 p.m. at Cody’s Books. 845-7852. www.codysbooks.com 

Actors Reading Writers “America at War” a story by Tim O'Brien and letters from Andrew Carroll’s book, “War Letters” at 7:30 p.m. at Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant Ave.  

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

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Greg Osby Four at 8 and 10 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $10-$16. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

TUESDAY, AUGUST 3 

FILM 

Time’s Shadow: “Corridor” at 7:30 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $4-$8. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Evan Wolfson on “Why Marriage Matters” at 7:30 p.m. at Cody’s Books. 845-7852. www.codysbooks.com 

Jay Brunhouse introduces us to “Travelling the Eurail Express” at 7:30 p.m. at Easy Going Travel Shop & Bookstore, 1385 Shattuck Ave. 843-3533. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Jazz House Jam hosted by Darrell Green and Geechy Taylor at 8 p.m. at The Jazz House. Donation $5. www.thejazz- 

house.com 

Courtableu at 8:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cajun dance lesson with Pattie Whitehurst at 8 p.m. Cost is $9. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Greg Osby Four at 8 and 10 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $10-$16. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

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

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

 

Œ


Swifts Hold Screaming Parties, Suffer Silent Dreads

By JOE EATON Special to the Planet
Tuesday July 27, 2004

You can hear it over the traffic on Shattuck Avenue: a high-pitched chittering, coming from somewhere overhead. Looking up, you may be able to spot a couple of small, torpedo-shaped black-and-white birds with an elegant Art Deco look, looping through the air above the downtown buildings. They’re white-throated swifts, foraging the urban canyons for airborne insects. 

Swifts are odd birds. Although they have a superficial resemblance to swallows, hummingbirds are their closest relatives (the fossil record suggests hummers had swift-like ancestors). They’re built for speed, with cylindrical bodies and long, narrow wings like miniature sailplanes. They have short legs and pamprodactyl feet, the first and fourth toes capable of pivoting either forward or backward—a good design for clinging to vertical surfaces, like cave walls or cliffs. 

I’ve wondered for years where the downtown swifts built their nests and only recently learned that they use the building across the street from the main library. Like most swifts, white-throats construct shelf-like structures of moss, grass, and feathers, glued together with saliva. Some of their relatives, like the edible-nest swiftlet of Southeast Asia and Indonesia, have nests that are almost pure congealed spit, the active ingredient of bird’s-nest soup. Unregulated harvesting of the nests—mostly in hard-to-reach sea caves, although one flock reportedly uses the roof of a Chinese restaurant—has caused drastic population declines in that species. 

Although it’s a relatively common bird, the white-throated swift hasn’t had much attention from ornithologists. We do know that it’s highly social, nesting in colonies and sometimes gathering in flocks of over a thousand. We know that it’s migratory in part of its range, and that—again, like some hummingbirds—it can enter a torpid state when temperatures drop. We know the swift is an insect-eater, sustained by “aerial plankton” that includes both flying insects and others that drift passively on the wind. White-throated swifts have been seen following a combine harvester and scarfing the insects flushed by the machine. 

But there have been few descriptions of the bird’s social behavior. Thomas Ryan and Charles Collins of California State University, Long Beach have filled some of that gap with a recent series of articles in Western Birds. Ryan and Collins observed flocks of white-throated swifts at two Southern California sites, near San Juan Capistrano and Rancho Palos Verdes, monitoring their activity patterns: arrivals at and departures from their overnight roosts. Collins, with other researchers, also intercepted the food parent swifts brought their young and analyzed the contents—mostly flies and true bugs, with a smattering of weevils and the occasional spider or silverfish. (The less common black swift was found to specialize in flying ants, a patchy but rich food source). 

Back to behavior, though: Ryan and Collins describe several characteristic things white-throated swifts do, including the Courtship Fall, the Screaming Party, and the Silent Dread. “Courtship Fall” makes me think of a Butch Hancock song: 

Fools fall in love 

Wise men they fall too 

Wise men hit the bottom 

Fools just fall on through 

I’ve seen Courtship Falls myself, down at Pinnacles National Monument, and they’re pretty spectacular. Here’s W. Leon Dawson, from the 1920s: “The birds come together from opposite directions, engage with the axes of their bodies held at a decided angle laterally, and begin to tumble slowly downward, turning over and over the while for several seconds, or until earth impends, whereupon they separate without further ado.” They’ve been known to plummet for 500 feet. Mating likely takes place during these falls, although it’s also been observed at the nest site. 

Screaming Parties involve large groups of swifts flying past a roost site or nesting colony, all yelling their heads off. Other birds may emerge from the roost to join them. Then they break and go back to foraging. Ryan and Collins don’t provide a context for the behavior, but I have to wonder if it’s anything like the flock screams Mark Bittner has seen the cherry-headed conures of Telegraph Hill perform. Maybe it’s just avian exuberance. 

Silent Dreads: Who among us hasn’t experienced those? In a Silent Dread, a group of swifts “stops calling and…departs in an uncoordinated rush, regrouping at a substantial distance from the previous center of activity.” They sometimes take place when a credible predator, a peregrine falcon or Cooper’s hawk, is nearby, although never during an actual attack. There’s a higher frequency of Silent Dreads near or after sunset, just before a flock of swifts re-enters a night roost. A swift sees something in the fading light that could be a stooping falcon and somehow, silently, communicates its panic to the whole flock. 

Are these false alarms adaptive? A bird that lives such a high-velocity existence has to be able to react quickly—when a cliff looms up in the fog, when a peregrine comes at you at 200 miles an hour. That may be worth an occasional bout of the gratuitous jitters. 


Berkeley This Week

Tuesday July 27, 2004

TUESDAY, JULY 27 

“Global Implications of US Nuclear Weapons” with Jacqueline Cabasso, executive director, Western States Legal Foundation, at 3 p.m. at Redwood Gardens Community Room, 2951 Derby St. Admission is free. 

Farm Fresh Choice Celebration with fresh food tasting, including freshly roasted organic corn, and watermelon, and children’s games. From 3:30 to 6 p.m. at the BAHIA School, at the James Kenney Recreation Center on 8th and Virginia in West Berkeley. 848-1704. 

Twilight Hike: The Creekside Nightshift As twilight descends, many of our residents begin their busy “day.” Deer, raccoons, woodrats, and several kinds of bats are all part of the night shift. You will be rewarded with sights of sounds of these animals on our quiet hike. Bring a flashlight for the walk back to your car. From 7 to 9 p.m. at Tilden Nature Area, in Tilden Park. 525-2233. www.ebparks.org 

Backpacking and Day Hiking the Sierra’s Feather River Country with author/explorer Tom DeMund, at 7 p.m. at REI, 1338 San Pablo Ave. 527-4140. 

Organic Produce at low prices sold at the corner of Sacramento and Oregon Streets every Tuesday from 3 to 7 p.m. This is a project of Spiral Gardens. 843-1307. 

Tales of Your Amazing Body at 2 p.m. at the Hall of Health, 2230 Shatuck Ave., lower level. For ages 3-10. Suggested donation $3. 549-1564. 

Phone Banking to ReDefeat Bush on Tuesdays from 6 to 9 p.m. at Cafe de la Paz, 1600 Shattuck Ave. Bring your cell phones. Please RSVP if you can join us. 233-2144. dan@redefeatbush.com 

“The Gift of Shabbat: Philosophy and Practice” at 7:30 p.m. at the Berkeley Richmond Jewish Community Center, 1414 Walnut St. 848-0237, ext. 112. 

Berkeley Camera Club meets at 7:30 p.m., at the Northbrae Community Church, 941 The Alameda. 548-3991. www.berkeleycameraclub.org 

St. John’s Prime Timers meets at 9:30 a.m. at St. John’s Presbyterian Church, 2727 College Ave. 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, JULY 28 

Organize! Organize! Organize! Creating Social Change with the Berkeley Gray Panthers and Sandra Weese, organizer for SEIU Local 250 at 1:30 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 548-9696. 

Twilight Tour “Agaves to Zephyranthes” A tour of select monocots, including woody lilies, grasses, and grass-like plants at 5:30 p.m. at the Botanical Garden, 200 Centennial Drive. Cost is $12-$17. Registration required. 643-2755. http://botanicalgarden.berkeley.edu 

“Autonomous Education” a film by the Chiapas Media Project, at 7:30 p.m. at Humanist Hall, 390 27th St. in downtown Oakland. 654-9587. 

Manifest Destiny Edition Highlights of ten politically moving films at 8 p.m. at 21 Grand, Oakland, $5-$10 sliding scale. 

Bayswater Book Club meets at 6:30 p.m. in the Barnes and Noble Coffee Shop, El Cerrito Plaza. We are reading “Titans and Olympians: Greek and Roman Myths.” 433-2911. 

Tilden Tots A nature adventure program for 3 and 4 year olds each accompanied by an adult. We’ll capture and release butterflies, moths and other insects. From 10 to 11:30 a.m. in Tilden Nature Area. Cost is $6-$8, registration required. 525-2233. www.ebparks.org 

Tales of Your Amazing Body at 2 p.m. at the Hall of Health, 2230 Shatuck Ave., lower level. For ages 3-10. Suggested donation $3. 549-1564. 

Walk Berkeley for Seniors meets every Wednesday, rain or shine, at 9:30 a.m. at the Sea Breeze market, just west of the I-80 overpass. Everyone is welcome, wear comfortable shoes, sunscreen and a hat. 548-9840. 

Walking Tour of Old Oakland around the restored 1870s business district. Meet at 10 a.m. in front of G.B. Ratto’s at 827 Washington St. Reservations can be made by calling 238-3234. www.oaklandnet. 

com/wallkingtours 

“Eyewitness Haiti” with members of the Haiti Action Committee speaking on their recent visit, at 7 p.m. at La Peña, 3105 Shattuck Ave. Cost is $5-$10 sliding scale. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

Fresh Produce Stand at San Pablo Park from 3 to 6:30 p.m. in the Frances Albrier Community Center. 848-1704. www.ecologycenter.org 

Fun with Acting Class every Wednesday at 11 a.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Free, all are welcome, no experience necessary.  

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

vigil4peace/vigil 

THURSDAY, JULY 29 

Tilden Explorers A nature adventure program for 5-7 year olds who may be accompanied by an adult, no younger siblings, please. We’ll learn about insects, their body parts, and families. From 3:15 to 4:45 p.m. at Tilden Nature Area. Cost is $6-$8, registration required. 525-2233. www.ebparks.org 

Tales of Your Amazing Body at 2 p.m. at the Hall of Health, 2230 Shatuck Ave., lower level. For ages 3-10. Donation $3. 549-1564. 

Twilight Tour “Plants for Your Landscape and Garden” Expand your plant palette with reliable bloomers and drought tolerant plants at 5:30 p.m. at the Botanical Garden, 200 Centennial Drive. Cost is $12-$17. Registration required. 643-2755. http://botanicalgarden.berkeley.edu 

FRIDAY, JULY 30 

Free Compost for Berkeley Residents Open to the general public at 11:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. Berkeley Marina Maintenance Yard, 201 University Ave., next to Adventure Playground. 644-6566.  

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. 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. Sponsored by the Buddhist Peace Fellowship. 655-6169. www.bpf.org 

Overeaters Anonymous meets at 1:30 p.m. at the Northbrae Church at Solano and The Alameda. 525-5231. 

SATURDAY, JULY 31 

Fifth Annual Urban Sustainability Bike Tour We’ll tour several houses in the East Bay that demonstrate some aspect of lighter living in the city. Join us at the east side of the Ashby BART Station at 10 a.m. Please bring lunch and water with you. 548-2220, ext. 233. www.ecologycenter.org 

Sunset Walk in Emeryville Marina with Solo Sierrans. Meet for an hour’s walk on paved trail through the Emery- 

ville Marina with quiet views of San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge. Meet behind Chevy’s Restaurant at 5:30 p.m. 234-8949. 

United Nations Association 40th Anniversary Celebration, with music, dance and food, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 1403B Addison St. in the University Ave. Andronico’s parking lot. 849-1752. 

“Port Chicago,” a musical-theater performance commemorating the 60th anniversary of the worst home-front disaster in World War II, will be staged by the Marcus Shelby Jazz Orchestra from 3 to 5 p.m., at the African-American Museum and Library at Oakland, 659 14th St. 637-0200. www.oaklandlibrary.org  

Summer Pond Plunge With dip-nets and maginifiers we’ll search for backswimmers, dragonflies and more. For ages 4 and up. From 3 to 4:30 p.m. at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. 525-2233. 

Berkeley International Kite Festival at Cesar Chavez Park, Berkeley Marina. 235-5483. www.highlinekites.com  

Rockridge to the Hills Explore historic neighborhoods of Oakland and Berkeley, with beautiful old homes, gardens, and a creek. Ascend to Claremont Open Space for a picnic and views before returning to Rockridge. A challenging, seven mile hike with an elevation gain between 1,000 and 2,000 feet. From 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. 415- 543-6771, ext. 302. www.greenbelt.org 

Full Moon Peak Hike for youth and families to Wildcat Peak to see the moonrise. From 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. 525-2233. 

“Butterflies: Flying Flowers” from 1 to 4 p.m. at Regional Parks Botanic Garden, Tilden park. Cost is $30-$35. For reservations call 845-4116. www.nativeplants.org 

Oakland Heritage Alliance Walking Tour of Glenview From 10 a.m. to noon. Meet at Gleview Elementary School, corner of Hampel and La Cresta. Tour is limited to 20 persons. Cost is $5 for OHA members, $10 for nonmembers. For reservations call 763-9218. www.oaklandheritage.org 

Walking Tour of Jack London Waterfront Meet at 10 a.m. at the corner of Broadway and Embarcadero. For reservations call 238-3234. www.oaklandnet.com/wallkingtours 

The Bay Area Dry Climate Garden Learn what to plant in our winter-wet, summer-dry climate, choosing from plants from similar climates around the world. At 10 a.m. at Magic Gardens Nursery, 729 Heinz Ave. 644-2351. www.magicgardens.com 

Trivial Pursuit Booklover’s Edition Join this interactive event and test your knowledge of book and author trivia at 2 p.m. at Barnes and Noble, 2352 Shattuck Ave. 644-0861. 

Disaster First Aid Class from 9 a.m. to noon at the Fire Dept. Training Center, 997 Cedar St. Part of Berkeley Community Emergency Response Training series, open to anyone who lives or works in Berkeley. To register, call 981-5506. 

Yoga for Seniors at the Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant St., on Saturdays from 10 to 11 a.m. for $8. 848-7800. 

SUNDAY, AUGUST 1 

Guided Trails Challenge Hike in Kennedy Grove from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Registration required. 525-2233. 

Oakland Heritage Alliance Walking Tour of Fruitval Commercial from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Meet at the Pedestrian Plaza at East 12th St and 34th Ave. Cost is $5 for OHA members, $10 for nonmembers. For reservations call 763-9218. www.oaklandheritage.org 

Free Sailboat Rides between 1 and 4 p.m. at the Cal Sailing Club in the Berkeley Marina. Bring warm waterproof clothes. www.cal-sailing.org 

“Justice For All” with Colleen Patrick-Goudreau, organizer of the UUFETA, at 9:30 a.m. at Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley, 1 Lawson Road, Kensington. 525-0302.  

Tibetan Buddhism, with Sylvia Gretchen on “Heroic Lives of Bodhisattvas” at 6 p.m. at the Tibetan Nyingma Institute, 1815 Highland Pl. 843-6812. www.nyingmainstitute.com 

Celebrating Recovery at New Spirit Community Church A special worship service honoring and celebrating the journey of recovery, at 11 a.m. at Pacific School of Religion Chapel, 1798 Scenic Ave. 704-7729. www.newspiritchurch.org 

MONDAY, AUGUST 2 

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. Our August speakers will be three lesbian authors who will discuss the similarities and differences gays and straights encounter in getting published. 287-8948.  

The Coalition for a democratic Pacifica looks at Russia at 7:30 p.m. at Unitarian Universalist Fellowship Hall, Cedar and Bonita.  

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

Iyengar Yoga on Mondays from from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. at the Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant Ave. Cost is $12. 528-9909. gay@yogagarden.org 

World Affairs/Politics Discussion Group for people 60 years and over meets Mondays at 10:15 a.m. at the Albany Senior Center, 846 Masonic Ave. Join at any time. 524-9122. 

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. 

A Celebration of Diversity in Families To explore both biblical and modern concepts of family for children from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through Aug 6. Sponsored by the Arlington Community Church. To register call 526-9146. 

TUESDAY, AUGUST 3 

Tomato Tastings at the Tuesday Farmers Market, Derby St. at MLK, Jr Way from 2 to 7 p.m. Sample about 35 tomato varieties. 548-3333. www.ecologycenter.org 

Mid-Day Meander Hike Rare manzanitas, cool mosses and delicious berries all in a compact park off Skyline Blvd., from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. registration required. 525-2233. 

Tales of Your Amazing Body at 2 p.m. at the Hall of Health, 2230 Shatuck Ave., lower level. For ages 3-10. Suggested donation $3. 549-1564. 

Bicycle Maintenance 101 Learn how to identify and fix your bike’s simple mechanical problems at 7 p.m. at REI, 1338 San Pablo Ave. 527-4140. 

American Red Cross Blood Services is holding a volunteer orientation from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at 6230 Claremont Ave. Volunteers are needed to support the more than 40 blood drives held each month. Advance sign-up needed. 594-5165. 

“There’s Something About W” takes a look at the state of our nation in light of the policies of the Bush Administration over the past 3 years. at 8 p.m. at the Roda Theater, 2015 Addison St. 

Organic Produce at low prices sold at the corner of Sacramento and Oregon Streets every Tuesday from 3 to 7 p.m. This is a project of Spiral Gardens. 843-1307. 

Phone Banking to ReDefeat Bush on Tuesdays from 6 to 9 p.m. at Cafe de la Paz, 1600 Shattuck Ave. Bring your cell phones. Please RSVP if you can join us. 415-336 8736. dan@redefeatbush.com 

Berkeley Camera Club meets at 7:30 p.m., at the Northbrae Community Church, 941 The Alameda. 548-3991. www.berkeleycameraclub.org 

St. John’s Prime Timers meets at 9:30 a.m. at St. John’s Presbyterian Church, 2727 College Ave. 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, AUGUST 4 

Twilight Tour “Latin America: The Least Grown and Least Known” A tour of Latin American plants that are typically under-represented in commercial nurseries, at 5:30 p.m. at the Botanical Garden, 200 Centennial Drive. Cost is $12-$17. Registration required. 643-2755. http://botanicalgarden.berkeley.edu 

Walk Berkeley for Seniors meets every Wednesday, rain or shine, at 9:30 a.m. at the Sea Breeze market, just west of the I-80 overpass. Everyone is welcome, wear comfortable shoes, sunscreen and a hat. 548-9840. 

Walking Tour of Old Oakland “New Era/New Politics” highlights African-American leaders who have made their mark on Oakland. Meet at 10 a.m. at the African American Museum and Library at 659 14th St. 238-3234. www.oaklandnet.com/wallkingtours 

Point Molate Restoration A presentation by the Naval Facilities Engineering Command at 6 p.m. at the Richmond Public Library, 325 Civic Center Plaza. 620-6561.  

“What the #$*! Do We Know?!” a film on the convergence of science and spiritality opens at UA Berkeley. www.whatthebleep.com 

Berkeley Communicators Toastmasters meets at 7:15 a.m. at Mediterraneum Caffe, 2475 Telegraph Ave. For information call 524-3765. 

Fresh Produce Stand at San Pablo Park from 3 to 6:30 p.m. in the Frances Albrier Community Center. 848-1704. www.ecologycenter.org 

Fun with Acting Class every Wednesday at 11 a.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Free, all are welcome, no experience necessary.  

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

vigil4peace/vigil 

ONGOING 

Free Summer Lunch Programs are offered to youth age 18 and under at various sites in Berkeley, including James Kenny Rec. Center, Frances Albrier Center, Strawberry Creek, Longfellow School, Rosa Parks School and Washington School, Mon. - Fri. 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. until Aug. 20. Sponsored by the City of Berkeley Health Dept. 981-5351.  

CITY MEETINGS 

Civic Arts Commission meets Wed., July 28, 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., July 28, 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., July 28, 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., July 28 at 6:30 p.m. at 2640 MLK Jr. Way, at Derby. Harvey Turek, 981-5213. www.ci.erkeley.ca.us/ 

commissions/mentalhealth 

Planning Commission meets Wed., July 28, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Ruth Grimes, 981-7481. www.ci.berkeley. ca.us/commissions/planning?


Berkeley-Albany YMCA Workers Win Union Vote

By JAKOB SCHILLER
Friday July 23, 2004

After a 46-12 vote early Thursday evening, Berkeley-Albany YMCA Head Start teachers officially have their first union. 

Shouts of joy went up afterwards as those who will be in the bargaining unit—including teachers, teacher assistants, family providers, administrative workers and maintenance workers—celebrated the victory outside the YMCA on Tenth Street in West Berkeley. 

“We won!” shouted Clara Vann into her cell phone while she hugged other workers.  

The workers’ organizing drive, which started six weeks ago, was one of the quickest they’ve seen, according to representatives from the Oakland-based Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 616. The speed, they said, is due to the strong commitment from several workers but also reflects the general consensus that a union was long overdo for Head Start workers at the Berkeley-Albany YMCA. 

According to the union, workers initiated a union drive several years ago that was soundly defeated after the Y hired an anti-union consulting firm. The only employees that currently have a union are the custodial workers who work for a company that has a contract with the Y. 

According to some of nearly 80 workers in the new bargaining unit, their main concerns included rampant favoritism, lack of job security, and low wages. Andrea Morabido, a teacher with five years experience, an associate degree, and 70-plus units of early childhood development credits said she’s constantly been overlooked for higher positions because management refuses to follow any sort of promotions rules. Recently, Morabido said she was forced to work under the supervision of another teacher who was not as qualified. And while not opposed to letting a skilled teacher do her job, she said she was upset because she felt like there was no structure. 

“I’m not saying she didn’t know her stuff, but rules are rules,” said Morabido. “I’ve seen how they’ve treated two people basically at the same level, two different ways.” 

Larry Bush, the president and CEO of the Berkeley-Albany YMCA, denies the alleged lack of rules concerning staff and says a clear structure set forth by the federal government is in place and used to govern the Y. Without strict rules, reviewed once every three years, the Y would not receive funding he said.   

“As in any organization there is a structure,” he said. “I’m sure [favoritism] happens around the world. Is [the employee’s claim] real? I’m not aware of it.” 

“Of course there is a pay structure, it’s open, it’s transparent,” he said. 

When asked if they understood the pay structure however, several other employees supported Morabido’s claim.  

“It just goes to show you what happens when people are extremely discontent,” said Morabido. 

The vote, while quick, was not without incident according to union organizers. In particular, workers and community members, including Berkeley city councilmember Kriss Worthington, were upset when they received two letters released by the YMCA during the drive that they characterized as anti-union.  

On the first, Bush included details such as time and place of the vote but also placed three bullet points about the income generated by Local 616 and where they allocate the money. Defended by Bush as “information to help the workers make an informed decision,” others saw the letters as the YMCA trying to sway the vote, which is illegal. 

In a letter sent to Bush, Worthington called the summary of the union fiscal report “distorted and inaccurate.” 

“For employees to receive false information days before a scheduled election could be perceived by many people as an attempt to unfairly influence the vote,” Worthingon wrote. 

In a second letter, the YMCA listed a number of employees as union supporters and then drew up a comparison between the union and the YMCA. Being listed, said workers, was intimidating and Worthington sent out another letter to employees telling them the letter contained more “inaccurate and/or extremely distorted information.” 

“I apologize that you are again being subjected to this barrage of inaccuracies, and in one page, misrepresentation about 20 employees. Sometimes management uses intimidation, or temporary improvements, or promises of improvements to scare folks into voting against a union,” Worthington wrote. 

Both management and workers said beyond the union, their primary commitment is to the children and families served by Head Start. Better working conditions and more job security means better teachers according to the workers.  

The drive is also part of a larger campaign that SEIU is running across the country to organize Head Start workers.  

According to a report released by the National Head Start Association (NHSA), the Bush administration’s Fiscal year 2004 budget proposes a system where money from the Federal Head Start budget would be transferred into new or existing early childhood programs run by the state. 

According to the report, the proposal would effectively destroy the Head Start program in five years by placing its money in a “hodgepodge of inconsistent and untested state government programs.”  

Union officials agree and say they are building their numbers to increase their lobbying power. They want the money to stay with the federal government because with current budget crisis, especially here in California, schools are one of the programs hardest hit. 

 


Berkeleyan Leaks Prompt Second Kennedy Lawsuit

By RICHARD BRENNEMAN
Friday July 23, 2004

Alleged construction defects at a second of Patrick Kennedy’s stucco-clad downtown apartment buildings have triggered another lawsuit pitting the developer against his architect and Berkeley contractor Kimes Morris. 

The suit, filed in Alameda County Superior Court on July 13, alleges that construction defects at the five-story Berkeleyan at 1910 Oxford St. caused leaks resulting in “decaying and deteriorating structural members of the interior courtyard. . .creating a serious life and safety hazard.” 

A similar suit filed last year over alleged construction flaws in the nearby Gaia Building on Allston Way between Oxford and Shattuck Avenue has cost the developer over $10 million, according to papers filed with the court. 

Each of Kennedy’s Berkeley projects has been created as a separate legal entity, either a limited liability corporation (LLC) or a limited partnership (LP). 

The latest suit, filed by The Berkeleyan, LLC, names three defendants also included in the Gaia suit: Kimes Morris, architect Randall Harris, and Richard’s Roofing. While the contractor used Cres DP Inc. as the stucco contractor at the Gaia, defendant Nava E. Nava Plastering Inc. applied the stucco at the Berkeleyan. 

While the Gaia Building’s problems largely involved the structure’s exterior walls, problems at the Berkeleyan were centered on the interior courtyard. 

The Berkeleyan suit targets the protective flashing at the base of the courtyard’s support columns, along the courtyard perimeter walkway, at the juncture of the deck to the walls, along the parapets, at the doorways, and where exterior walls are penetrated by pipes. 

The suit also blames inadequate installation of roofing materials, improper installation of waterproofing membrane, and lack of drainage under the slab of the interior courtyard walkway and the lack of a drainage (weep) panel at the base of the interior courtyard columns. 

Extensive reconstruction of the courtyard began in December, when a plastic shroud covering was erected and scaffolding went up. Further reconstruction work was visible in June, when a large chute for dumping construction was installed from the roof level to the ground. 

Neither Kennedy, his attorney Robert Riggs, nor Kimes Morris had returned calls by presstime. 

Berkeley Planning Director Dan Marks said he had no idea whether or not stucco construction flaws were more widespread in Berkeley than in other cities. 

“With almost any construction material you will end up having trouble over time,” Marks said. “I don’t know if it’s a general problem, or just a specific problem, a civil matter, between this developer and his contractor. I just don’t have enough information.” 

Problems at the Gaia Building have resulted in complaints from tenants, many of whom have said they’re afraid to speak on the record, said Berkeley City Councilmember Dona Spring, whose district includes both buildings. 

Nancy Pfeffer, research analyst for Cal Rentals, said she hadn’t heard of any student complaints about either building, while Jesse Arreguin, housing commissioner for the Associated Students of the University of California, told the Daily Cal that student tenants at the Gaia were threatening to file suits. 

Spring said she had heard that the parents of some students at the Gaia Building had threatened to sue. 

Spring said, “I did hear from a couple of tenants at the Berkeleyan. One, who said there had been quite a bit of ongoing construction over the years, said he wanted out. He said that because of construction defects, he can’t open his windows and because of the heat he has to open his door to sleep at night.” 

Spring said several Gaia tenants had complained of the smell of the mold infesting the building, and some said the water was attracting mosquitos. 

Because of ongoing problems at the Gaia Building, Spring said, “if tenants are smart, they can negotiate the rent down. Two-bedroom apartments that were listed at $2,400 were renting for as low as $1,100.” 

While Kennedy’s Berkeleyan lawsuit doesn’t specifically mention mold, infestation is suggested by mention of “decaying and deteriorating structural members,” problems typically caused by molds which feed on the carbohydrates in wood. 

Councilmember Spring also said she had received reports of a potentially more serious problems with the Berkeleyan’s foundations.


Norine Smith Will Challenge Betty Olds for Council Seat

By MATTHEW ARTZ
Friday July 23, 2004

Councilmember Betty Olds will face a familiar challenger this November. Norine Smith, a waterfront commissioner who in 2000 barely managed to garner one third of Olds’ vote in a three-person race, is taking another run at the District Six council seat Ol ds has owned since 1992. 

“I’ve got a chance,” said Smith, a retired head of two computer consulting firms. “At first I didn’t think so because Betty’s so entrenched, but I think people want a change.” 

Olds is considered one of the council’s more conservative members and has coasted to reelection three times.  

Paul Kamen, Smith’s colleague on the Waterfront Commission, has also been rumored to be challenging Olds, but he said Thursday a run would be extremely unlikely and that there was no way he could beat the incumbent. 

Smith said she started thinking she could win while walking the steep slopes of District 6, which extends from part of Hearst Avenue through the northeast Berkeley hills. She said she was encouraged that a political independent who counts progressive councilmembers Kriss Worthington and Dona Spring as friends would get such a warm response from residents known to drift more towards the political center. 

“It’s fun to ring the same doorbells and have people tell you how happy they are to see you running again and how sorry they were that you lost,” she said. 

If Smith succeeds this time around, she promises to put the voters’ interests first. 

“I’d vote however the neighbors want,” she said. “I consider the city to be the sum of its ne ighborhoods.” 

Smith is running on a three-point platform: Environmental protection, neighborhood preservation and fiscal responsibility. 

She wants Berkeley and Caltrans to revisit a planned wall—comprised of trees and cement—at Aquatic Park to shield pa rts of the city from car emissions along I-80. And, unlike Olds, Smith opposes an estimated $275,000 extension to the bay trail that would necessitate chopping down nearly 100 trees in the Berkeley Marina. 

Smith, a vocal advocate for 2002’s Measure P, wh ich would have lowered height limits for new developments on several Berkeley streets, said she would fight against out-of-scale projects, whether they were proposed by the university or by private developers. She hesitated to name her supporters, but sai d Martha Nicoloff, the co-author of Berkeley’s neighborhood preservation ordinance, has endorsed her. 

On finances, Smith wants the city to deepen spending cuts and opposes the four tax hikes the City Council has placed on the November ballot. Olds, one o f the council’s most adamant tax opponents, supported only the tax increase for the library. 

Smith praised Olds as “a strong lady” who has recently taken a stronger stand on preservation, but said she could be a more vigorous voice for the environment, preservation and sound fiscal management. 

One area where Smith knows she can’t match Olds is fundraising. Last year the incumbent outspent Smith roughly five-to-one.  

“Every day before the election Betty sent out a beautiful glossy pamphlet,” Smith said. “If I didn’t know better I would have voted for her too.” 

e


Environmental Review Questions Delay Richmond Project

By RICHARD BRENNEMAN
Friday July 23, 2004

Developers of the proposed massive Campus Bay waterfront residential development in Richmond have put their plans on hold pending completion of a key environmental review by the California Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB). 

While the project’s original timeline anticipated all approvals would be in hand this month, Richmond Planning Director Barry Cromartie notified developer Cherokee Simeon in late June that RCWQB delays had forced him to divert city staff to other projects. 

Cherokee Simeon is a joint venture by Marin County developer SImeon Properties and Cherokee Investment Partners, a firm that specializes in building on renovated toxic sites.  

Simeon Vice President Susan J. Cronk asked the city earlier this month to suspend all processing on the project “until further notice.”  

“This is a long-term process, and it will take more than days, weeks or even a few months to complete,” said Curtis T. Scott, chief of the Groundwater Protection and Waste Containment Division of the water board’s San Francisco regional office. 

“We’ve met with local citizens, and they are requesting updates on project work plans and we’re working on the notification process,” Scott said. 

“Last winter the developers came to us and said they wanted to do residential development on the site. ‘Really?’ we said. Then we called (California) Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) and they’re working with us,” Scott said. 

The water board’s primary concern is the wetlands on the western edge of the site. They had no objections to Simeon’s original plans for the site, which called for light industrial development, but things changed when the developer, in the wake of the post-9/11 economic slowdown, switched to housing.  

The water board has raised several concerns about the reconceived project, including the possible effect of toxic exposures to long-term residents, and is seeking input from several federal, state and local agencies, including: 

• The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 

• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 

• Army Corps of Engineers. 

• Bay Conservation and Development Commission. 

• California Department of Toxic Substances Control. 

• Contra Costa County De-partment of Environmental Health. 

• East Bay Regional Parks District. 

• Bay Area Air Quality Management District. 

“If we reach a point where our staff wants to either approve or deny the project, we’ll send out notification to the concerned parties and they will have 30 days to respond before we hold a public hearing,” Scott said. 

Of particular concern to the state’s Department of Toxic Substances control is the question of whether development over the contaminated soil of a former chemical site poses health risks to residents of the proposed 1,330-unit complex of 18-story high-rise, three-to-eight-story mid-rise condos, plus townhouses condos and low-rise loft apartments. 

The site also houses a 16-acre life sciences center, with two of the projected four research buildings already in operation, which the DTSC had earlier approved. Residential use, however, raised different issues. 

From 1897 to 1997, the 40-acre site, located west of I-580 southwest of Meade Street near the Bayview Avenue exit, housed plants producing industrial and agricultural chemicals. 

Stauffer Chemical refined sulfur from iron pyrite, adding high levels of contaminants to the soil, and Zeneca, Inc., added additional toxics from its on-site production of nitric acid, fungicides, herbicides, insecticides and a potpourri of other compounds. 

The developer has confined the toxic soil under a clay cap which was deemed sufficient for the low rise buildings of a research park.  

The DTSC has raised their own concerns about the project, which they are currently evaluating. “We’re still reviewing the risk assessment,” said DTSC spokesperson Angela Blanchette. 

Barbara J. Cook, chief of the DTSC’s Berkeley-based Northern California Coastal Cleanup Operations Branch, wants the project’s environmental impact report (EIR) to address such issues as: 

• The impact to air quality from on-site construction and earth-moving activity. 

• How building larger structures on the treated soil would affect the protective cap and pollutants beneath. 

• Consequences of a major quake or other “catastrophic geological event” on the cap and protective barriers of the toxics site. 

• Potential exposure risks to builders, residents, workers visitors, recreational users, and sensitive wildlife habitats. 

• The possibility that hazardous wastes from other nearby sites might encroach on the site. 

• Possible health effects on residents and workers from exposure to the soil and to vapors rising up from groundwater. 

The project has raised considerable apprehension among some Richmond residents, and one group—Bay Area Residents for Responsible Development—has retained attorney Peter Weiner of Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker, a San Francisco law firm, to assist them in challenging the project. 

Weiner filed a seven-page letter raising issues the residents want the developer’s EIR and city staff to address. 

While raising concerns about toxins and the project’s impact on the environment, including loss of open space and wetlands along with habitat for an endangered shorebird—the clapper rail—Weiner also raises questions about the loss of view and other esthetic values to existing homeowners, additional strain on public services and increased traffic congestion. 

Simeon spokesperson Karen Stern of Singer Associates, a San Francisco public relations firm, said the developer is currently reevaluating the project to find ways to meet the concerns of Richmond residents and environmentalists. 

“We are looking at ways of redesigning the size and placements of the buildings,” Stern said. “The [high-rise] towers have been something of a lightning rod, and while we’re making no firm commitment, we are looking at ways to incorporate their concerns. It’s still the hope of Cherokee Simeon that they’ll be able to move forward with the residential project.” 

The developer is launching an Internet site early next week at www.campusbay.info “with a lot of information on the cleanup” of the toxic waste “to correct the misinformation that’s out there.” 

LFR Levine-Fricke, the Emeryville-based toxic cleanup specialists who performed the $20 million restoration of the Campus Bay site, is currently pushing a major casino and hotel project on another toxic Richmond site—the former U.S. Navy Fuel Depot at Point Molate. 

The Naval Facilities Engineering Command has scheduled a meeting for 6 p.m. Aug. 4 at the Richmond Public Library, 325 Civic Center Plaza to review the latest stage in the cleanup, this one focussed on a one-acre used as a dump between 1953 and 1957. 

Information on the site is available to the public at the library and at the Richmond Redevelopment Agency, 1401 Marina Way South.›


UC Responds to Lab’s Security Woes

By MATTHEW ARTZ
Friday July 23, 2004

The University of California has placed 19 employees at the Los Alamos National Laboratory on paid investigatory leave pending a federal probe into missing classified material at the lab, George “Pete” Nanos, the lab director, announced at a Thursday pre ss conference. 

Nanos declined to give a timeline for restarting classified research at the country’s premier weapons lab, which he halted last week following the discovery of two missing discs from a safe. 

The discs contained information that required m id-level security protections, Nanos said. He refused to elaborate on the discs’ contents and cautioned that there was no evidence of espionage in their disappearance. All of the 11 lab employees who had the access code to the safe are among the 19 placed on leave. 

The scandal is the latest in a series of administrative embarrassments to jolt the UC-managed lab over the past five years. With the Department of Energy ordering a competition for management of the lab in the coming months, the missing discs will likely make UC a longshot to retain control of the lab when its contract expires in 2005. 

Nanos, a retired vice admiral hired last year to restore order, blamed the security failures on the lab’s lax culture, which, he said, in spite of the uproar o ver the current security breach, remains embedded among some of the nation’s top scientists. 

“There is almost a suicidal denial of the facts that exist in Los Alamos and the reaction of the country to them,” he said. 

In meeting with lab employees Thursd ay morning, Nanos said he warned them that if they didn’t adhere to safety and security protocols, the government would shift its research dollars to other sites. 

“I think that comes as a surprise to some [at the lab] but it’s starting to sink in,” he sa id. 

UC Vice President Robert Foley bashed a lack of accountability and culture of entitlement at the lab. “This is absolutely unacceptable that people who don’t follow the rules keep their positions,” he said. 

Foley’s charge mirrored those of Energy Sec retary Spencer Abraham, who Tuesday issued a statement blasting lab employees for not understanding the gravity of the situation and threatening to fire managers. He requested to the FBI to join a “wall-to-wall” hunt for the missing discs. 

To prevent further security breaches, Nanos announced that custodians of classified materials would be transferred to the security office. Previously, he said, some custodians worked for groups within the 12,000-employee lab that would have been positioned to pressure them “not to do their job properly.”  

Also, UC announced that it had appointed Jack Killeen, most recently the General Manager of the DOE Central Training Academy, to the newly created position of special assistant for Los Alamos National Laboratory secu rity.  

The missing discs come on the heels of other recent scandals at the lab. In 1999, lab scientist Wen Ho Lee was accused of copying nuclear secrets, and in 2002, several management abuses were uncovered, including a widespread practice of buying per sonal goods on the lab’s account. 

The UC Board of Regents hasn’t decided whether or not to compete for management of the lab. A faculty poll released last May showed two-thirds of professors favored trying to retain control. 

Nanos said the troubles plaguing the lab run deeper than management. “It’s no longer an issue of competition,” he said. “It’s an issue of survival.” 

 


Controversy Looms Over Council Ballot Vote

By MATTHEW ARTZ
Friday July 23, 2004

The City Council Tuesday placed three controversial measures on the November ballot, but not before tweaking their wording and going on record opposing their passage—all in a manner one councilmember thought might violate state law. 

In other news from Tuesday’s meeting—the last before a nine-week summer recess—the council agreed to provide emergency funding to a debt-ridden local jobs program and threw out a neighborhood vote on undergrounding utility wires because of a legal issue and confusion over the project’s cost to residents. 

This was the council’s last meeting before the summer break. The council will next meet on Sept. 21. 

The ballot measures would make prostitution the city’s lowest police priority, grant new rights to medical cannabis users and distributors—including by-right zoning for new cannabis clubs in commercial districts—and establish a board to regulate the city’s public trees.  

The City Council wants none of the above, so last week—instead of simply placing them on the ballot, which they are required to do—they created a four-member subcommittee to revise the ballot summaries that voters will read on their touch-screen voting machines and sample ballots. 

After Mayor Tom Bates and Councilmember Dona Spring wrangled over ballot language, the subcommittee unanimously approved slight revisions to the prostitution and marijuana measures and reached general agreement on more substantive changes to the ballot summary for the tree initiative. 

But there was one problem, said Councilmember Kriss Worthington after the council meeting. The subcommittee reached “unanimous” agreement without ever meeting face-to-face. The subcommittee reported they met “informally and via e-mail” to reach a consensus, which Worthington believed violated the state’s Brown Act prohibiting the majority of members of an official public body from discussing an issue outside of a noticed-public meeting. 

“Every subcommittee that I’ve been on has been governed by the Brown Act,” he said. 

But City Attorney Manuela Albuquerque said the subcommittee was an ad hoc body, not subject to the Brown Act. The law would only have applied, she said, if the subcommittee had a fixed meeting schedule, comprised a majority of the council or a continuing matter of jurisdiction, like the council’s Agenda Committee. 

Attorneys for the California First Amendment Coalition (CFAC) and California Aware sided with Albuquerque.  

“I hate to say it but she’s right,” said Lisa Sitkin, a San Francisco attorney who mans the CFAC hotline. “It’s all carved out there and she followed it to the letter.” 

“I’m not positive that it’s illegal, but I think it’s immoral,” Worthington said. “When we appoint subcommittees I think the public should know what they’re doing.” He said Albuquerque gave him the impression that the subcommittee never met in person because the meeting would have to be noticed. 

Worthington also griped about the council’s vote to oppose the measures they placed on the ballot when the meeting agenda didn’t specify that such a vote would take place. 

Albuquerque replied the vote was legal since the all three measures were listed on the meeting agenda for discussion. The council’s vote to oppose them Tuesday can now be incorporated into the official opposing arguments mailed to voters. 

Also reaching voters before the election will be the city attorney’s analysis of the measures, much to the chagrin of tree ordinance sponsor Elliot Cohen, who last week argued the city attorney’s analysis and the city’s impact report on his measure were full of inaccuracies and overestimated the price of his proposed tree board at $250,000 annually plus $100,000 in start-up costs. 

After Cohen met with city officials last week to address his concerns, the city attorney’s analysis now simply lists initial costs at $350,000.  

Albuquerque said she had to compress the two cost figures previously written in two separate sentences to include other language that Cohen requested and keep the analysis within the mandated 500 words. 

Cohen, though, smelled a rat. “Sine I complained about inaccuracies they raised it to $350,000,” he said. “When the city collapses two sentences into one and it costs them $100,000, they need to learn how to edit.” 

He still insists that the tree board, empowered to license tree workers and regulate the planting and removal of trees, would cost far less than $250,000 and require a quarter-time staff member to administer, not two full-time staffers as the city estimates. 

But Deputy City Manager Lisa Caronna said the tree ordinance would be “incredibly cumbersome” and require a huge amount of staff work to serve the board, hear appeals, conduct investigations and administer the ordinance. 

 

Utilities Undergrounding 

A legal technicality and some oudated financial data will keep a Berkeley Hills neighborhood battle to bury its unsafe and unsightly utility wires broiling through September.  

With ballots scheduled to be counted at Tuesday’s meeting, the council invalidated the vote because the ballot overstated costs and—contrary to state law—excluded the formula for how different properties would be assessed. 

The ballots estimated the costs at $3 million, but recent contract bids have pegged the price at $2.3 million. 

New ballots will be sent and counted at the council’s Sept. 21 meeting. If residents of the 105-house tract district near the Kensington border approve the plan, they would be the first in Berkeley to bear the costs of undergrounding their utilities. 

Under the current scheme, residents with a bay view would pay $24,000, residents without a view would pay $21,000 and residents on the periphery of the district would pay $18,000. 

While neighbors disagreed on whether the safety and beatification benefits of undergrounding were worth the price, most agreed that the council had overstepped its bounds last month when it lowered the threshold needed for passage from 70 percent to 60 percent without alerting residents of its ruling. 

“We had always made the decisions on the basis of a 70 percent vote,” said Terry Mandel, an early supporter of undergrounding. “To have it changed in these rooms only to make it easier to pass really feels like a betrayal by the city.” 

“I apologize you didn’t have notice,” Mayor Tom Bates told the roughly two-dozen residents assembled in the council’s chambers. “We believed we were trying to advance the cause of undergrounding.” 

As a compromise measure, the council set the vote threshold at two-thirds. Although that creates the risk of neighborhood division if the final vote falls between 66 and 70 percent, residents appeared pleased. 

“I would have preferred 70 percent, but I did feel heard tonight and that was important to me,” said Cambria Lowe, an opponent of undergrounding. 

 

Jobs Consortium 

The council gave City Manager Phil Kamlarz authority to grant up to $50,000 to the Jobs Consortium if the money can help the nonprofit re-start its training and job placement services for the city’s homeless. Earlier this month the 16-year-old non- profit shut its doors and sent lay-off notices to its 50 employees after a Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Review found that it had failed to raise enough cash to qualify for its HUD grants over the past three years. 

The Jobs Consortium needed to raise $588,088 in local funds annually to qualify for three HUD grants totaling $2.5 million. Failing to achieve the local match, the nonprofit valued a training program offered by a local union to equal the match. HUD, however, invalidated the match and now wants repayment of up to $1.5 million. 

Berkeley, Oakland and Alameda County and HUD are working on a possible deal to bail out the Jobs Consortium before a July 27 deadline for HUD funding. The Berkeley money would come from $100,000 set aside for incentives for community agencies to improve administrative services. 

With the cash match gap estimated to be about $486,000, Housing Director Steve Barton told council, the jurisdictions are working to preserve one or two grants. 

 

Land Use 

The council also upheld the Landmarks Preservation Commission’s ruling to include a building at 2104 Sixth St. in the newly created Oceanview Sisterna Historical District and the Zoning Adjustment Board’s decision to grant a use permit for a four-story, 51-unit apartment complex with retail space and 67 parking spaces at 1800 San Pablo Ave. at Delaware Street. 

 


Berkeley Property Tax Base Edges Over $90 Billion Mark

By RICHARD BRENNEMAN
Friday July 23, 2004

The assessed value of privately owned property in Berkeley jumped 7.5 percent during the past fiscal year, from $9,048,160,060 to $9,724, 464,361, reports Alameda County Chief Deputy Assessor Russ Hall. 

After deducting homeowner’s and other exemptions, the increase drops to 7.1 percent, with net values of $8,535,718,193 assessed for tax purposes in fiscal 2003-2004 and $9,142,917,035 for the new fiscal year. 

Countywide, gross assessed values hit $159.2 billion, or 6.78 percent over 2003-2004. After exemptions, the total assessment for Alameda County’s roughly 450,000 taxable properties reached $147.4 billion, 

The county’s biggest assessed values were chalked up in Dublin, with a jump in gross valuation of 12.9 percent. 

Assessed values are radically different from market values, thanks to Howard Jarvis and his Proposition 13, which caps assessment increases on an owner’s property to two percent a year. Thus, a house that might sell for a million dollars might be assessed for a tenth that price if owned continuously over the decades by one individual, partnership or corporation.  

Schools are the chief beneficiaries of the property tax, consuming 44 percent of the total. The remainder goes to cities, redevelopment areas and special districts. 

Official notifications started going out to taxpayers on the July 16, with the last going out July 31. 

“Most of the increase in countywide assessments come from the sale of existing property, when the property is reassessed at current market value, rather than from new construction,” Hall said. 

With local government increasingly dependent on the property tax in the wake of federal and state funding cuts, municipalities and school districts keep a nervous eye on real estate sales and construction. 

The U.S. Department of Commerce announced Tuesday that new housing starts in June had dropped to their lowest levels since February, 1994, when the Federal Reserve started raising interest rates after a recession. 

Not only is new residential construction slowing, but Reuters reported Tuesday that sales of existing homes are slowing nationwide. 

Statewide, sales of existing homes dropped 1.3 percent from April to May, but were still 10.5 percent higher than a year earlier, according to the California Association of Realtors (CAR). Mortgage rates in California had jumped by 1.7 percent from April to May to 6.27 percent, compared to 5.83 percent in April and 5.48 percent in May, 2003. 

The median price of a Bay Area home in May reached $648,240, the second highest region in the state after Santa Barbara County, where sales prices jumped 71.2 percent in the last year, compared to 17.6 percent for the Bay Area and 26.5 percent statewide. 

The median statewide price for a single family home hit $465,150, making them less affordable that anytime in the last 15 years. 

According to CAR figures, only 16 percent of California families can afford to buy a median-priced single family home in Alameda County compared to 19 percent statewide and 55 percent nationally. 


Appeals Court to Rule on Senior Housing Project

By MATTHEW ARTZ
Friday July 23, 2004

A Berkeley Housing Commissioner and her supporters Tuesday took their concerns over a planned affordable senior housing complex before the California Court of Appeals. 

Lead appellant Marie Bowman is asking a three-judge panel to overturn last year’s Superior Court ruling exempting the city from conducting the most stringent type of environmental review for Sacramento Senior Homes, a 40-unit, 13-parking space complex at 2517 Sacramento St., the site of the former Outback clothing store. 

The appeals panel must submit a ruling within 90 days. 

Should Bowman prevail, Berkeley Assistant City Attorney Zach Cowan warned the justices that virtually any new housing project would require a costly and time consuming environmental impact report, which he said would add a year and $150,000 to the cost of developments.  

“This is a practical barrier and the court should acknowledge that,” he said. 

Councilmember Linda Maio said delays from Bowman’s lawsuit, filed after the council first approved the project in 2002, have already cost the city’s housing trust fund $750,000 in carrying costs, legal fees and rising construction prices, which would jump to $1.2 million if construction on the $10.5 million project was further delayed until next year. 

Bowman said Wednesday that should they lose, she would confer with her co-appellants on whether to take the case to the state Supreme Court.  

As with most infill housing projects in Berkeley, the city issued a Mitigated Negative Declaration for Sacramento Senior Homes. This is a limited form of environmental review which doesn’t require the developer to respond to residents’ concerns or consider alternatives to the project as proposed. 

Conceived in 1999 as affordable housing for families, the five-story building that steps back to three stories in some sections has gone through numerous incarnations and design changes as the developer—Affordable Housing Associates (AHA)—and neighbors failed to settle their differences. 

Roughly two minutes into the appellants’ remarks, Justice Maria Rivera asked Bowman’s attorney—Susan Brandt-Hawley—why the justices should require an EIR when the city has already considered alternatives. 

“That is not the question before you today,” Brandt-Hawley replied. “If the court said no to an EIR, that would turn 30 years of case law on its head.” 

The appellants argued that the city had failed to consider the possible existence of toxins at the site, a former gas station, misapplied state housing law, and failed to mitigate the aesthetic affects of a building that rises up to 50 feet beside a residential community full of 17-foot homes. 

Days before the hearing, justices Laurence Kay, Timothy Reardon and Lopez asked attorneys for both sides to be ready “to discuss the relevance to the aesthetics issue” of six state and federal design review cases. Most of their inquiries, mainly directed at Brandt-Hawley, focused on whether the city’s extensive review of the design, despite objections raised by neighbors and design experts, satisfied its legal obligation under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). 

In a joint brief, Ellen Garber, representing Affordable Housing Associates, and Cowan argued that comments from architects cited by the appellants were subjective opinions and didn’t constitute the “substantial evidence” needed to mandate an EIR. They also held that CEQA is concerned with substantial, adverse effects on scenic resources and visual quality, not the design of housing in an urban area. 

“While a 40-unit affordable senior housing project on less than one-half acre might conceivably have a significant aesthetic impact if built in Yosemite National Park, its proposed location...will hardly interfere with a scenic vista or substantially degrade the visual quality of the area,” the joint brief read. 

Brandt-Hawley, in her brief, countered that aesthetics of California cities have always been protected by CEQA along with natural wilderness areas.  

“There is nothing in [CEQA’s] construction that declares urban aesthetics unworthy of consideration along with ocean views and Sierra vistas,” she wrote. She added that even though her expert testimony from architects could be characterized by some as “subjective,” they still “indisputably qualify as fact-based evidence.”


Emeryville Pixar Expansion May Go To Voters

By JAKOB SCHILLER
Friday July 23, 2004

Honoring their promise to not drop the issue, a group of concerned citizens along with the East Bay Alliance for a Sustainable Economy (EBASE) have—at least temporarily—halted the expansion of Pixar animation studios in Emeryville. 

After watching Pixar receive approval for their expansion project at an Emeryville City Council meeting last May, EBASE and a number of citizens filed for a referendum and then hit the streets to gather enough signatures to qualify for the ballot. With a referendum, the council is forced to either rescind the project approvals or submit them to a vote of the people.  

At the Emeryville City Council meeting Tuesday, the council did not vote to rescind their approval but instead directed city staff to come back to them with a proposal about how to set up a special election that would let the voters decide. 

In the space of thirty days, EBASE organizers and community volunteers gathered over 400 signatures, or 10 percent of the electorate, to qualify the referendum. 

Pixar’s current expansion would more than triple the size of their current studios in Emeryville from 218,000 to 750,550 square feet and increase their staff from 625 to 1,975. EBASE and other community members have protested the city’s approval because they say neither Pixar nor the city has adequately addressed the concerns of the community surrounding the expansion.


Pundit Reveals Polling Secrets

By PETER SOLOMON Eminence Grise
Friday July 23, 2004

In a rare and exclusive interview, Mark Chain, a leading analyst for the Penultimate Pundits Poll, spoke with our correspondent about what to look for in the coming election season. 

Daily Planet: Well, it’s presidential election time once again. This must be a very busy time for you. 

Mark Chain: That’s a very interesting question. 

DP: Thank you. 

MC: You’re welcome. 

DP: Perhaps you could tell us some of the things you’ll be paying attention to this year. There’s a lot of talk about swing voters. 

MC: Yes, we look at the swing voters. But at PPP we go further—we look at the slide and teeter-totter voters as well. 

DP: And what do you see there? 

MC: Our preliminary work suggests that the left is moving to the right and the right is moving to the left at this time.  

DP: In other words, both are moving toward the center? 

MC: You could say that. 

DP: But what will happen to the center? 

MC: The center is moving to the suburbs, where there is no need to vote. 

DP: What about new trends? Any findings from the last presidential go-round that might be useful? 

MC: That’s a good question. 

DP: Thank you. Will you answer it? 

MC: You’re welcome. Yes, I will answer : With computer-aided stochastic regresssions and planar point fibulation, our analysis of the 2000 voting revealed one striking correlation: a presidential candidate is highly likely to win a state in which the governor has the same last name as the candidate. 

DP: Could you give us an example? 

MC: I’m afraid that’s proprietary information. Unless you’re interested in subscribing to our service? 

DP: I don’t think so. 

MC: Only $2,000 a month in your category, and that includes a polling result of your choice. 

DP: No, thank you. 

MC: You’re welcome.  

DP: In the minute or so we have left, I wonder if you would talk about the so-called hyphenated voter: African-Americans, for example, or new citizens from Southeast Asia. 

MC: I could, but you probably wouldn’t understand. As we say around the office, “hyphens don’t vote, people do.” Is that clear? 

DP: That’s a very good question. 

MC: Thank you. 

DP: You’re welcome. Good bye.


Democratic Party to Commit More Ground Troops

By CHRISTOPHER KROHN Special to the Planet
Friday July 23, 2004

Won’t you please come to [Boston], 

We can change the world— 

Re-arrange the world, 

It’s dying—to get better… 

 

—Apologies to Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young 

 

BOSTON—Democrats are just spoiling for a fight. Pick an issue: the Florida election of 2000, Enron, the Bush tax cuts for the wealthy in the middle of a war, the escalating federal deficits, or not finding any weapons of mass destruction in Iraq. The Democrats not only are mad, they might actually be getting organized, defying Will Rogers’ famous quip that he didn’t belong to any organized party because he was a Democrat.  

Groups such as Grassroots Campaign, Democratic Leadership Campaign Committee (DLCC), Democratic Grassroots Action Institute and Network (GAIN) and the venerable Conservation League have all come out swinging for volunteers, dollars and votes. The efforts being put forward by these groups have been gaining speed for months, but after the Democratic Convention, which opens here on Monday, the Democratic Party’s get-out-the-vote work will begin in earnest in all 20 swing states and go right up to election day, according to party insiders. If all goes well for the Democrats, after this convention they will send hundreds of paid organizers and thousands of volunteers out to the battleground states, while also trying solidify the vote in the so-called safe states. Many are already saying it will be a field operation like no other in Democratic Party history.  

This organizing fervor on the part of Democrats previewed earlier this month at a gathering of organizer-activists in Seattle. 

Democratic GAIN put on a boot camp-style training for organizers. The three-day preparation for would-be Democratic Party foot soldiers paired pep talks from battle-scarred Gore 2000 organizers with serious role-playing about how to approach swing voters, and prompted copious note-taking by trainees. This was one of several trainings staged by GAIN around the United States, the biggest of which will take place in Boston right before the convention kickoff. The goal of GAIN is to pull together a successful nationwide field operation. That is, instead of relying solely on TV commercials, billboards, and the Internet, the Democrats, in the spirit of the master organizers Saul Alinsky (Rules for Radicals) and Fred Ross (UFW) whose names were invoked during these workshops, will fan out across the swing states in a massive voter identification and registration project. 

Sam Rodriguez, the director for the Democrats in the swing state of Washington, was present at the Seattle training. He beamed confidence as well as a stern work ethic. He allowed himself a smile when talking about “double-digit resources,” as the percentage of the party’s overall budget now being committed to the field organizing effort. “Let’s just say I am happy,” Rodriguez said, “I am happy with my budget, there’s money to do the job.” Democratic GAIN, according to the field manual each organizer was given at the training, is “an association of leading political organizers…offering training, education and career services to campaign workers and grassroots organizers.”  

For carrying out the field operation strategy, activists were introduced to the new Kerry-Edwards campaign theme: “Stronger at home, respected abroad.” The field organizers were reminded time and again to “tell your story” while asking others about their story” James Lau, 29, from Santa Monica said, “This conference taught me what the Kerry campaign strategy will be; it is about reaching out to voters in a more personal way.” A “story” usually involves how you came to support the Kerry-Edwards ticket and how the campaign responds not only to the organizer’s needs, but to the needs of working and professional people across the country. It is a house-by-house, banking-one-vote-at-a-time strategy. Some say it is akin to the tactics employed by Republicans in their now famous “72-hour plan” which has been successful in bringing out their already identified voters on election day. 

The gathering in Seattle drew more than 80 participants from several swing states including Oregon, Washington, and New Mexico, as well as from northern and southern California. Another training in Atlanta on the same weekend drew more than 100 party loyalists. Although California is not currently identified as a swing state—polls show the state solidly in the Kerry-Edwards camp—the young and old Californianos present were willing to go to wherever they were needed. Senior citizens organizer Howard Vicini, 55, from San Francisco, reflected the views of many attending the training: “I thought the Seattle training would extend my base of knowledge,” he said. “This field training is run more like a field office would be…it is real-time training instead of separate classes.”  

Vicini is part of an organizing effort called, “Seniors for Kerry.” It’s an organization made up of more than 600 area coordinators in 46 states according to the former graphic artist. And why is Vicini supporting the Kerry-Edwards ticket? “I don’t feel Bush is truthful to the American people; I can respectfully disagree with anyone as long as they are honest,” he said.  

Anna Forgie, 21, is from Santa Barbara, and recently graduated from Stanford University with a political science degree. “I heard about the Seattle training through past political work. People said contact (Democratic) GAIN, so I did,” she said. “I learned some new things and there was some stuff I already knew.” Nine days after the training ended, Forgie said she had landed a field organizing job working for the Kerry-Edwards campaign in the swing state of Oregon. 

Arn Andrews, 44, from Alamogordo, New Mexico, was a regional director for the Dean campaign and became a Kerry supporter only after Dean flamed out. “I would give the GAIN training a ‘thumbs up’ for experienced organizers,” he said, “but if you came not having much campaign experience you would have been lost.” Andrews, who has not been placed in any location yet, is hoping to be a state regional field director for the Kerry-Edwards campaign. “I’m willing to go anywhere,” he said. Next stop for some of these organizers will be in Boston to attend the 2004 Democratic National Convention.  

Amidst all the fanfare and partying sure to be happening this week, some Democrats say there will also be real work going on as well. Yes, John Kerry will be the likely presidential nominee and John Edwards his running mate, but the question many are asking is, where will the votes come from? The real news story out of this convention may well be the Democrats’ field operation, but only if they end up winning in November. It is here in Boston where the final leg of the campaign begins, where GAIN will be hosting yet another organizing conference, their biggest yet.  

Organizers are preparing for an unprecedented 2,000 to 3,000 attendees for a three-day symposium beginning today (July 23). There will be 100 training seminars for activists, organizers and delegates. Like the ones in Seattle and Atlanta, it will offer instruction in raising money, walking a precinct, mobilizing voters, and running a phone bank. Former Clinton White House operatives James Carville and Donna Brazile will be among the featured speakers. 

 

Anyone interested in working for the groups mentioned in this article can be contacted at the following websites: Democratic GAIN at democraticgain.org, Grassroots Campaign at grassrootscampaigns.com, the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee at dlcc.org, and the League of Conservation Voters at lcv.org. 

 

Christopher Krohn is the former mayor of Santa Cruz. 

 

 


BART Adds Bomb-Sniffing Dogs, Cites Convention Terrorism Alert

By RICHARD BRENNEMAN
Friday July 23, 2004

Critics of the Bush administration have taken to accusing Homeland Security Chief Tom Ridge of whipping up periodic terrorism alerts to keep us all off balance until the election. 

Those sorts of folks will likely cast a somewhat jaundiced eye on Tuesday’s news release from the Bay Area Rapid Transit District, which read: “BART TO INCREASE SECURITY FOR POLITICAL CONVENTIONS; BART to Use Staff to Help Patrol Stations, Along with Explosive Detecting Dogs & Train Sweeps.” 

Those critics with a grammarian’s eye might wonder why BART was employing dangerously explosive dogs in search of bombs instead of the much safer—and more traditional—explosive-detecting dogs. 

The reason for the announced security step-up? “(A)nticipation of the upcoming Democratic and Republican conventions.” 

The feds, having repeatedly warned folks of the potential threat to the East Coast political conventions, “have also expressed concerned [sic] that as the East Coast ramps up security, the West Coast will become an easier and more attractive target.” 

And, no, BART’s press release reassures us, there’s been no specific threat against the light rail system. 

Telephonically pressed for more details, BART spokesperson Linton Johnson said “We’re increasing our presence in key areas,” though he naturally declined to tell a reporter which ones. 

He’s also “not giving out any details on the duration” of the security beef-up either. 

The heightened state of un-color-coded alert may cause the occasional 30-to-40-second delay at stations as security personnel walk outside and inside trains, in the latter case in the occasional company of a four-legged bomb detector. 

The reporter, being from Berkeley, asked if the canines might sniff out a passenger who’d recently consumed a medically approved splif. 

“They’re not trained for drugs,” Johnson said. 

Vastly more costly electronic bomb-sniffers greeted passengers on the Connecticut Shoreline East’s heavy rail commuter runs starting late last week. 

In the initial run of the Department of Homeland Security’s TRIP—Phase III (TRIP being short for Transit and Rail Inspection Program), a passenger’s bags are X-rayed as they pass through a railroad car door equipped with the latest in explosive-detecting gadgetry.È


African Americans Propose Immigration Reform

By DAVID BACON Pacific News Service
Friday July 23, 2004

OAKLAND—If you listen to President George Bush, the only way Mexicans can avoid the illegal and sometimes deadly trip across the U.S. border is to come as guest workers—temporary contract laborers for U.S. industry and agriculture. The 14 million immigrants already living in the United States without visas, Bush says, must become guest workers too, if they want to get legal documents.  

The president’s proposal, which hasn’t yet been formally introduced, is viewed as extremely pro-industry and anti-immigrant by immigrant advocates. But all the other bills before Congress that would reform U.S. immigration law also have some temporary contract worker proposal attached to them. All except one.  

In March, Houston Congress member Sheila Jackson Lee introduced a far-reaching proposal with no provision for temporary workers, who are vulnerable to abuse by employers that may pay illegal wages and use blacklists and deportation threats to stifle protest. 

Co-sponsored by nine members of the Congressional Black Caucus, including California’s Barbara Lee and Michigan’s John Conyers, the bill would legalize undocumented people who have lived five years in the United States, have a basic understanding of English and U.S. culture, and have no criminal record. 

“These are hardworking, taxpaying individuals,” Jackson Lee says. “My system would give them permanent legal residency.”  

Bush proposes that immigrants come for three or six years and then leave. “But people are human,” Jackson Lee explains. “They might have married, invested or tried to buy a house. They might have children and roots here. It’s very difficult to imagine that a person with a three-year pass would voluntarily leave, particularly if they faced an oppressive situation where they came from.”  

“Our immigration policy is racist,” says Bill Fletcher, former education director of the AFL-CIO and president of TransAfrica Forum, a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit focused on U.S. policy toward Africa, the Caribbean and Latin America. He and Jackson Lee point to the huge backlog of applicants waiting for visas in Third World countries, while many European countries can’t even fill their quotas for visas. “But the system’s also driven by politics,” Fletcher says. Cubans become legal residents as soon as they step onto U.S. soil. Refugees from Haiti, on the other hand, are picked up by the Coast Guard before they get to the Florida beach. If they somehow reach U.S. shores, they’re held behind barbed wire as illegal refugees. 

The Jackson Lee bill takes on some of these inequities, winning it the support of other Congressional Black Caucus members, whom Jackson Lee calls “the conscience of America, the conscience of the Congress.” Fletcher calls that sponsorship a new step for African-American legislators. In the era of the Vietnam War, criticism by black political leaders of U.S. foreign policy was met with a “mind your own business” attitude.  

“Today, as African Americans, we’re saying that we have something to contribute to this debate,” Fletcher says. “We won’t just react to demographic changes.”  

Jackson Lee and Fletcher have stepped off into a political minefield because of a widely held perception that blacks and immigrants, especially Latinos, compete for jobs. “Certainly you’re made to believe that the number of immigrants or undocumented people has an impact on others,” she says. “We’re made to believe that one group hinders the other. That’s absolutely wrong, and I believe in fighting against it.”  

Fletcher, while criticizing President George Bush and Florida Gov. Jeb Bush for using that fear for political advantage, cautions that some job competition is real. Black janitors and hotel workers in Los Angeles saw their percentage in the workforce plummet in the 1980s as employers replaced them with immigrant workers who they hoped would accept lower wages. This new immigrant workforce eventually became the backbone of new unionizing efforts, which helps push up wages for all workers. But the change in demographics was already a fact.  

“But it’s like an urban legend,” Fletcher says, “which sees competition taking place everywhere. If African Americans were moving from lower to higher level jobs, there would be no reason for fear. But that’s not the case.” Black workers are not the only ones trapped in temporary, low-paying, no-benefit jobs, he adds. 

Employers argue that they need workers to fill the labor shortages to come, and immigrants are the answer. Jackson Lee’s bill tries to balance these interests. For U.S. citizens and residents, she proposes retraining and jobs programs funded by fees paid by undocumented immigrants applying for legalization. For the immigrants, besides legalization, she proposes new legislation to protect against discrimination based on immigration status, and threats of deportation intended to stop worker protests. Jackson Lee compares this to the civil rights legislation needed to stop discrimination against African Americans, other minorities and women.  

Pressing for legalization instead of guest worker programs “would give industry a pool of legal permanent residents or those seeking that status,” Jackson Lee says. “Most work is not cyclical—restaurants don’t close in the fall. They stay open. They need people in permanent jobs, not temporary workers.”  

The country should welcome immigrants while attacking the poverty and oppression that forces people to migrate, she concludes. “We would do better to build the economies of countries like Mexico, so people can live their own dream in their own nation. For immigrants here we need an orderly system that allows them to do their jobs and build the American economy, and U.S. workers to have jobs and do likewise.” 

 

David Bacon is a freelance writer and photographer who writes regularly on labor and immigration issues.›


Bolivia Charts Course Between Popular Anger and Big Business Threats

By RAUL VASQUEZ Pacific News Service
Friday July 23, 2004

A historic, five-question referendum on Bolivia’s energy resources, approved by Bolivians on July 18, reveals the risky middle path many Latin American leaders now tread as they try to translate popular discontent into real political change. 

In Bolivia, South America’s poorest country and home to the second-largest natural gas reserves on the continent, President Carlos Mesa faces just such a test. He’s boxed in by opposition forces from the left, who demand the complete nationalization and expropriation of the privately controlled energy industry, and the right, which threatens severe economic and political repercussions should he meddle too much with the status quo. 

But meddle he must. Mesa’s legally binding referendum, the first of its kind in Latin America, was born out of the country’s bloody “Gas War,” a popular rebellion last October that killed 60 people. Sparked by the imminent export of natural gas to Mexico and California through a Chilean port (Bolivians still resent Chile for confiscating Bolivia’s only outlet to the sea 116 years ago), a spontaneous and angry campaign of strikes, marches and roadblocks spread like wildfire across much of the country and dragged the economy to a halt. Then-president Gonzalo “Goni” Sanchez de Lozada ordered a deadly repression that sunk his waning popularity. Labor leaders and political activists, sensing the kill was near, clamored for Goni’s head and the complete nationalization of the country’s gas industry. 

On Oct. 16, Goni fled to Miami, leaving Mesa, his vice president and an ex-television journalist with no political experience, to contend with the heady demands for nationalization. 

At the heart of Mesa’s referendum is the voiding of Goni’s 1996 law that opened up the domestic oil and gas industry to foreign control. It also reactivates YPFB, the state-owned energy company doormat for nearly a decade; “recuperates the property” of all natural gas and petroleum lying at the mouth of the well; and raises taxes “up to 50 percent” on private energy firms. 

Those measures aren’t expected to appease the country’s pro-nationalist, anti-neo-liberal forces, including the Movement Towards Socialism (MAS) party, the second largest force in congress, led by coca farmer union boss Evo Morales. That’s because Mesa says his energy policy isn’t retroactive -- none of the more than 80 contracts awarded to foreign energy firms since 1996 will be revoked. These are free again to export Bolivia’s oil and natural gas abroad. In addition, the referendum does not specify when the state will raise taxes on private energy companies, leaving many questioning Mesa’s conviction to gain sovereignty over the country’s last important natural resource. 

Mesa warns that a full nationalization is akin to “declaring war on the world.” Such a move, he says, would trigger international sanctions and the flight of badly needed foreign investment. Others caution that full nationalization would spark a military coup designed to “reinstate order.”  

Yet the fact remains that in Bolivia, as in neighboring countries, the privatization policies implemented in the last decade haven’t come close to achieving what was promised, such as the creation of more jobs, significantly more tax revenue for the state and improved services. Most Bolivians still use wood to cook, even as 55 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, worth over $200 billion, sits under their feet (much of it slated for export to energy-hungry nations like Brazil, Argentina and the United States).  

But altering the privatization policies inevitably challenges the interests of billion-dollar foreign investors. 

Two days before the referendum, the investigative weekly Juguete Rabioso revealed that dozens of journalists, intellectuals and high-ranking cabinet officials received unknown quantities of money from a fund established by transnational energy firms. And in the months leading up to the referendum vote, several articles appeared in the press stating the IMF and the World Bank would abandon Bolivia (and its $5 billion national debt) if it expropriated its hydrocarbons. 

Mesa isn’t the only regional leader walking a tightrope.  

Venezuela’s left-wing President Hugo Chavez tasted the fury of opposition forces (labor strikes and an allegedly U.S.-backed military coup almost ended his rule in 2002) after handing total control of PDVSA, South America’s largest energy producer and exporter, back to the Venezuelan state. Chavez still faces a contentious referendum on his leadership on Aug. 15.  

In Argentina, President Nestor Kirchner, who assumed power one year ago on the heels of Argentina’s worst political and social crisis in memory, also faces rumors of a destabilization campaign aimed at his administration. Many analysts attribute the threats to vested economic interests that oppose the hard line Kirchner has taken against private energy firms operating in the country (such as Spain’s Repsol), as well as his recent decision to create ENARSA, a new state-owned energy company that will compete with private energy firms. 

But as critics contend, the answer to Bolivia’s and the region’s inconformity isn’t a return to statism, as many Marxist and Trotskyite ideologues desire. Until now, no one has emerged with a sound alternative to the neo-liberal economic policies of the 1990s. At best, Mesa’s referendum buys Bolivia’s fragile democracy more time, until he or someone else can lead the country out of its gloomy state. But in the long run, it isn’t likely to quell the deep discontent and craving for change simmering in the hearts and minds of most Bolivians. 

 

 

 


Police Blotter

By RICHARD BRENNEMAN
Friday July 23, 2004

Berkeley Man Fatally Shot in Oakland 

Byron Pearson, a 32-year-old Berkeley resident, died at Highland Hospital at 4:30 Wednesday morning, two hours after he was cut down by a shotgun blast in the 9000 block of Sunnyside Avenue in East Oakland. 

The Alameda County Coroner’s office said Pearson was fatally wounded when an unidentified gunman blasted him with a shotgun, resulting in wounds to his head, neck, torso and arms. 

Because the shooter used birdshot, the small size of the pellets made it difficult to determine if more than one round was fired, said a coroner’s representative. 

Oakland Police have no suspects or motive in the attack.  

 

Richmond Murder Suspect Nabbed in Utah 

Just four days short of a year after 25-year-old Salvador Espinoza was beaten to death in Richmond, the seventh and final suspect in the murder was arrested in Utah. 

Richmond Police, assisted by the FBI’s Fugitive Task Force, arrested Neal Tagilima Fiu in a home in Utah, where he is currently awaiting extradition. 

Police said Espinoza was murdered last July 25 by members of The Sons of Death, a local street gang. 

 

Garbage-Burner Busted for Arson 

Police arrived at the scene of an early evening July 15 fire in the back yard of a home at California Street and Dwight Way to find six-foot flames leaping out of a trash can. After a quick search, they arrested a 46-year-old man for arson. 

 

Two Shots Hit South Berkeley Man  

Multiple callers told police of a volley of gunshots in the vicinity of Alcatraz Avenue and California Street shortly before midnight on the 15th. 

On arrival, police found a shooting victim near Alcatraz and King Street. He had been struck once each in the hand and leg, said Berkeley Police spokesperson Officer Joe Okies. 

Officers are seeking a lone gunman, described as an African American male in his 30’s standing about 5’6”, weighing 160 to 170 pounds and with a medium build and short hair. He was wearing a white T-shirt and jeans. 

 

Pair Robs, Pistol-Whips Victim 

Two armed men pistol-whipped and robbed a man near the intersection of San Pablo Avenue and Russell Street about 4:30 a.m. on the 16th, said Officer Okies. 

The victim said both suspects were Euro American males in their late 40’s, with one of the pair described as slightly built and standing about 5’8”. Both wore caps and dark clothing. 

 

Knife-Toting Robber Gets Cash 

Armed with a knife, an overtly unfriendly felon confronted a passerby near the corner of University Avenue and Seventh Street early on the afternoon of the July 16. 

The hapless victim wisely complied and the bandit departed. 

 

Another Knife Heist 

Three teenagers, one flashing a very large knife, braced a woman near the corner of Parker Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Way. 

As the trio demanded, she offered up her purse and the youthful felons fled. 

 

Strongarm Trio Grabs Wallet, Cell 

Three suspects overpowered a pedestrian minutes into Friday morning last week near the corner of Bowditch Street and Dwight Way, making off with a wallet and a cell phone. 

 

Masked Gunman Grabs Cash 

Clad all in black right up to his ski mask, a six-foot-tall gunman braced a pedestrian near the corner of Spruce and Arch Streets at 10:22 a.m. last Friday. The victim handed over his cash. 

 

Kitchen Knife Heisters Sought  

Berkeley Police are seeking two men, one of them armed with a kitchen knife, who approached a woman on Milvia Street near the corner of Virginia Street and demanded her purse about 6:30 p.m. Saturday. After she complied, the duo departed. 

 

Family Feud Takes Serious Turn 

Police were summoned to an address on King Street early Sunday evening after a family dispute turned nasty and one fellow grabbed a bat and hit another three times. A 43-year-old Berkeley man was arrested on charges of assault with a deadly weapon. 

 

Knife Flashers Grab Purse 

Two young men, at least one of them armed with a knife, approached a women on Haste Street near its intersection with Martin Luther King Jr. Way. They left after she handed over her purse. 

 

Robbers Slug Victim, Get Wallet 

Four men in their mid-20s braced a man on Page Street near San Pablo Avenue at 2:42 a.m. Saturday and beat him into surrendering his wallet, police said. 

 

Confiscated X-Box Drives Son Ballistic  

When a Berkeley mom decided her son was spending too much time playing video games on a school night late Monday, she confiscated his X-Box controller, sending the boy into a flight of rage. 

The terrified mom called police, who arrested the boy on an assault charge, said Officer Okies. 

 

Gunman Demands, Gets Cash 

A brazen gunman, clad all in black, confronted a pedestrian on Shattuck Avenue near Cedar Street about 2:30 Monday afternoon and demanded cash. The victim complied. 

 

Tire Iron Victim Won’t Talk 

Berkeley Police responding to the report of an assault near the corner of Dana Street and Dwight Way at 11 p.m. Monday arrived to find a victim who was unwilling to discuss anything about the other fellow who had laid into him with a tire iron. 

 

Gunman Robs Food Store 

A gunman robbed the till of the Roxie Food Center at Dwight Way and Fulton Street Monday about 10 p.m. Monday, police said. No arrests have been made. 

 

Knife-Wielding Pair Grabs Wallets 

A pair of bandits armed with at least one knife robbed several men of their wallets late Wednesday near the corner of Bonita Street and Dwight Way. 

 

Bike Lock Bandit 

A 47-year-old Berkeley man was arrested on armed robbery charges after a victim told police he’d been robbed by a man swinging a bicycle lock near the corner of Dwight Way and Bowditch Street at 2:31 a.m. Thursday. ›


UnderCurrents: ‘Girlie-Men’ Remark Obscures Governor’s Non-Solution

J. DOUGLAS ALLEN-TAYLOR
Friday July 23, 2004

Jealous, perhaps, of this summer’s box office success of political documentaries, California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has recently provided us with a bit of political theater on his own. You could see where the script was leading. You just couldn’t figure—in advance—how the main character would react, and therein lies the entertainment factor. 

One of the reasons Gray Davis no longer occupies that office was his inability to manage California’s budget process. Budgets are supposed to be in place on July 1 to start the new fiscal year, but California’s budgets always dragged past the deadline during the Davis years, with legislators squabbling over items that the public generally could not understand, while vendors went unpaid and local governments went on hold. Mr. Schwarzenegger roared into office in last year’s recall election under the banner that he would end that annual Dance of Impasse, cleaning up Sacramento like he cleaned up so many movie problems during his years as an action hero actor, forcing the Legislature down to the bargaining table with the might of his will. You always knew that was bogus. But it was interesting to listen to, and to watch how much of the public bought into it. 

Despite Mr. Schwarzenegger’s early successes, particularly his decisive rolling back of auto registration fees, astute observers thought that the real test was always going to be the state budget, and so it has been. 

During the spring, the governor made separate, private deals with such groups as the state’s colleges and universities, local governments, and the prison guards’ union. In each case, it was reported that these groups promised that they would not push for more money in budget for fiscal year 2005 (the one that started in July) in return for concessions in later years. 

As impressive as this was in removing impediments to the passage of this year’s budget, there were two flaws in Mr. Schwarzenegger’s strategy. The first is that it didn’t solve California’s massive budget problems—it only pushed the crisis down the road aways. 

The second flaw was that Mr. Schwarzenegger made those deals himself, without bringing in leaders of the State Legislature early on for consultation. The governor and his staff probably believed that with these side agreements in place, he could use his political popularity to force the Legislature to pass his submitted budget. 

It didn’t work. State legislators (Democratic state legislators, actually) balked at one of the Republican governor’s side deals in particular—the promise by the governor to local governments that he would support a provision that would protect their sources of income from being raided by the state in future years. Since state legislators have been balancing the state budget recently in large part by taking money from local government—thus absolving them of making the really tough budget-political choices themselves—it is understandable why the legislators would dig their heels in on this issue. And so they have. 

News accounts over the weekend focused on Mr. Schwarzenegger’s bizarre use of the term “girlie-men” at an Ontario, California shopping center rally to describe and—therefore—ridicule these Democratic legislators. What was overlooked was the governor’s proposed solution—that voters kick out Democratic legislators in the upcoming November elections and replace them with Republican legislators who will, presumably, vote for the governor’s next budgets. 

There’s a slight math problem here, though. It takes two thirds of the membership of each branch of the Legislature to pass a budget unless that budget involves no raising of taxes: 54 in the 80 member Assembly, 27 in the 40 member State Senate. Republicans are presently in the minority in both bodies: 32 in the Assembly are Republicans, 14 in the Senate. To gain a two thirds majority in both houses, Republicans would have to gain 22 seats in the Assembly and 13 in the Senate, a watershed political sweep. There are only seven Senate districts in the state and 15 Assembly districts that can be considered competitive between the two parties: districts where the numbers of registered voters from each party are within 10 percentage points of each other. The remaining legislative seats are considered “safe” for one party or the other. 

The problem is, many of those competitive districts are currently being held by Republicans. And so, even if Mr. Schwarzenegger were extraordinarily persuasive in the November elections and every single one of the Democratically held competitive legislative districts (seven in the Assembly and three in the Senate) were swept by Republicans, the Republicans would not even end up with a majority of the California State Legislature. 

And so, rhetoric aside, the governor’s threats against the Democratic members of the Legislature can only be considered as empty. Political theater. While Mr. Schwarzenegger may worry some individual legislators, the Democratic leadership of the State Legislature will remain intact, regardless. 

There was another target Mr. Schwarzenegger might have chosen: the two thirds majority requirement for the Legislature to pass a budget. If the Legislature only needed a simple majority to pass a budget—as legislatures do in most states in the country—the annual deadlock would disappear. A governor would still be able to put a damper on unwanted spending by the use of a veto, which would still require the two thirds majority to override. And even a Republican governor faced with a majority Democratic Legislature could get his or her budget passed by persuading a number of the Democrats to come over to his side, just as President Ronald Reagan did in getting his tax cuts through a Democratic United States Congress. 

Proposition 56, an initiative to drop the two thirds budget-passing requirement down to 55 percent, lost badly in the March elections. Mr. Schwarzengger could revive that idea and put his power and popularity behind it. But to do so he would have to overcome the opposition of organizations like the California Taxpayers’ Association and the California Chamber of Commerce. In addition, the two thirds budget-passing requirement came into being through Proposition 13, and opposing the provisions of Proposition 13 in California is considered—in some conservative localities—as akin to being opposed to God. And that would require a political courage that the governor, perhaps, does not possess. 

And so we have Mr. Schwarzenegger rallying the troops at the Ontario food court, calling the Democrats “girlie-men,” proposing an election solution that would not actually solve the problem even if it came about, and proclaiming, loudly, that, “We want action, not games. We want action, not dialogue. We want action, not the promises. We want action and not the lies that are up there in Sacramento.” 

And all very entertaining.›


Letters to the Editor

Friday July 23, 2004

POLICE BLOTTER 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

Please tell Mr. Brenneman that he also has readers who thoroughly enjoy his style of writing in the Police Blotter. I do not believe it is offensive to the victims, who all remain anonymous, if certain whimsical remarks are made about the perpetrators. 

A. Giorgi 

Oakland 

 

• 

MARTHA 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

Martha Stewart has suffered more than Jesus. Mel Gibson should do a movie about Her. We should pray to Mel that He do this movie.  

Richard List 

 

• 

CITY WATERWAYS 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

It is unseemly for the City of Berkeley to only now tackle the problem of its creeks and waterways. After 20 years of telling residents that there was nothing to fear from dikes and culverts under houses and civic structures we suddenly get a complete about-face from the city. Berkeley should cease the consideration of building an open creek in the city center, it will only turn into an open sewer. The city must seek the expert advice of the Army Corps of Engineers. This federal group has more experience dealing with flooding and sink holes than any other group in the U.S. More importantly, the destruction of culverts and pipes holding in creeks will bring about the swamping and sink-holing that is usually only seen in areas with heavy rainfall and large floodplains. Berkeley must identify its problem areas, especially in North Berkeley, and seek answers from the U.S. Department of the Interior and the Corps of Engineers. Else we will all face a coming deluge together.  

John Parman  

• 

THE SHROUD 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

So, the shrouds covering the Gaia Building are because of leaks and molds? I am sorely disappointed. Here I was taking visitors downtown and pointing it out as a new Christo project enlivening our Arts and Commerce District. 

Paul Glusman 

 

• 

LIBRARY STACKS 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

UC Berkeley’s Doe and Moffitt libraries, which are the main library facilities on the campus, have recently restricted California residents’ access to the library stacks, where books are stored. 

Prior to this change, members of the public who were California residents could obtain a stack pass, good for about four months, and renew it indefinitely. The pass allowed patrons to enter the stacks on showing the card to an attendant, and read but not check out materials. Up to the present I have made good use of this privilege, holding a series of stack passes for over a year.  

Under the new procedures, the California citizen can only obtain a monthly pass, renew it once, and then must pay $100 to obtain a yearly library card, which includes check-out privileges. Moffit Library is included in the new policy as it connects directly to the Doe stacks. Other campus libraries do not restrict access to their respective stacks. 

I believe all California residents, and that includes Berkeley residents, who pay taxes to support University of California libraries should continue to be allowed free access to the stacks by means of stack passes, upon periodically presenting identification verifying their current California residency. Above all, residents’ access should not be based on a two-tier system under which privileged residents can buy their way in, while poorer residents are barred due to the stiff fee; all residents are at some time California taxpayers. 

An e-mail recently sent to the Director of Doe Library, Patricia Iannuzzi, requesting an explanation for the change produced only a response restating the policy, without acknowledging or explaining the change in procedure.  

The new fee could hardly be supposed to be a revenue generator, since the number of public patrons is likely small enough that revenue from such a fee would be negligible. If the argument is security, then simply buying one’s way in is hardly a secure procedure. 

The director of the Doe Library, Patricia Iannuzzi, can be reached through e-mail at piannuzz@library.berkeley.edu. If you are a California resident, and especially a Berkeley or Oakland resident, who thinks your tax dollars should gain you library privileges to the main UC-California library, perhaps you should contact Ms. Iannuzzi expressing that concern. 

Lowell Moorcroft 

Oakland 

  

• 

ISRAEL’S WALL 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

Becky O’Malley’s editorial on the Israeli wall construction cartoon brought up some interesting questions, like “Why do so many Americans, and people in Berkeley in particular, care about Israel?” Because Israel is on the forefront of some many crucial issues, and in many ways, is a test case for the future of western democracy and the socialist state. Israel depends and depended to a great extent on socialist idealists who set up network of kibbutzim which dot the country. These are collectives which many of us raised in the spirit of the left aspire to and hold in high esteem. Israel itself can be considered a socialist country. My numbers may be off, but I believe up to approximately 10 years ago, some 70 percent of the economy was owned by government controlled industry. Privatization is taking its toll there too, however. Health care and education are still free. Also, the country has a very high literacy rate and produces an amazing number of scientists.  

This is the kind of place a lot us would like to live in if it weren’t for the violence. So we are angry because that one glimmer of hope is fading, and we are striking back, blaming Israel, now the bully, the well-armed helicopter-flying tank-driving military machine picking on the Palestinians. Once the underdog, Israel is now the top dog, at least militarily. But the reality is that the Israelis can not bring peace to the Middle East. They don’t have the resources, either economical or political. Arms dealers from around the world are making billions selling weapons to all those involved. Most of the 6.5 billion the U.S. gives to Israel is spent on arms, which prompts all the other countries in the neighborhood to make similar expenditures. Then all that equipment has to be kept up, people trained to use it, and on and on. The Middle East is a cash cow. Only disarmament will free enough resources to end the violence. Meanwhile, we hold Israel to a very high standard.  

Daily on our local left radio station we hear the atrocities committed by the IDF; the houses destroyed, the wall, shootings, and assassinations. Who are we to criticize? The U.S. has an annual military budget of 400 billion dollars. The U.S. is the largest arms exporter in the world. The U.S. has killed thousands of innocent civilians in the “war on terrorism,” killed half a million children as a result of the Iraqi sanctions. Maybe we see a lot of ourselves in Israel, we see our own failings, we feel guilty because we are living the life of luxury at the expense of our socialist dreams.  

Andy Hicks  

Oakland 

 

• 

UNIVERSITY AVENUE 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

The new University Avenue zoning regulations illustrate the city’s lack of vision. The strategic plan approved in 1996 should be scrapped, not implemented. The city and the entire Bay Area desperately need additional housing of all kinds because of the continued rapid pace of household formation fueled by immigration, maturing of the population, and economic growth. 

Reportedly, the region needs 300,000 units per year to keep up with projected growth, yet only 100,000 units per year are being built. That is the reason that one-bedroom condos now start at $300,000 and bungalows start at $500,000. If we don’t want unlimited sprawl or unlimited prices, the only alternative is to build in-fill housing. 

Everyone knows this, yet local politicians responding to pressure from entrenched homeowners (like me) won’t allow it. But if not on University Avenue, then where? To be fair, Oakland is equally myopic in blocking development around the 19th Street BART station. Even before the planned reductions, the reported current and projected numbers for University Avenue are trivial compared to the need. Five projects totaling 391 units on a two-mile stretch of a four-lane boulevard hardly qualify as “fast and furious” development. 

As for the alleged need for more retail space or “pocket” lots in the plan, am I the only person who notices the proliferation of empty storefronts on both University Avenue and Shattuck Avenue and draws the conclusion that more population is needed in those areas? Granted that wide sidewalks in certain places would be a welcome addition to the plan, the notion of more generous setbacks along the entire length of the avenue is nonsense if we want vibrant city life to ever take root there. 

University Avenue cannot hope to compete with Fourth Street. The only hope for retail in this area is sufficient population density that businesses can survive by catering to the needs of the neighborhood. This requires that the number of units be increased, not further reduced from the number allowed by existing regulations and state law. 

Robert Denham 

 

• 

WESTON HAVEN HOUSE 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

I was reading one of your esteemed competitors the Hearst Corp. Chronicle Saturday edition and they were praising the Weston Haven House in the Berkeley Hills and in fact they compared it to Frank Lloyd Wright’s Falling Water. I couldn’t help but notice it was dark and angular with no pink, beige, gray, or pastel stucco and is decidedly masculine. It was a bachelor house built for one the founding families of Berkeley, the last surviving member of the Francis Kittredge Shattuck family.  

I assert that today that building would have had a difficult time being built because it isn’t politically correct. Nuff said. 

I also believe that there are some folks whose brains and sensibility fly out the window when it comes to the Bush family whose success has overshadowed even the Kennedy supposed Royal family of the United States. My family go back with the Bushes and when you step out of line with absurd comparisons, if I am able to get to it I will call you on it. 

Steve Pardee 

 

• 

BUSH’S LEGACY 

Editors Daily Planet: 

Much has been written about a president’s interest in his legacy. As President Bush gave his radio address July 10 demanding a constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage, the unforgettable image of another politician popped into my mind. 

I saw George Wallace in the doorway of the University of Alabama making his infamous stand against equal rights for blacks. Despite the popularity of his move at the time and despite the fact that he later renounced bigotry, this is the image with which he will always be associated. 

In 30 years, I wouldn’t be surprised if Bush is best remembered as the man who tried to alter the Constitution to discriminate against gays. Is this the type of legacy he really wants? 

Ron Hoover 

 

• 

MASS IMMIGRATION 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

I cracked up when I read Michael Fullerton’s letter (Daily Planet, July 2-5) where he complains about all the “Big Ugly Buildings” sprouting up everywhere in Berkeley these days, and suggests a “one-year moratorium” on building any more of these. Michael, the Big Ugly Buildings are just the symptom. The cause is our insane level of mass immigration, which is at a level unprecedented in human history (there may be a very obvious reason why no nation has thought to do this before). We’re adding over a million new people to the California population every year, almost entirely because of our insane level of mass immigration. Until we address that, the Big Ugly Buildings are going to continue to go up, and up and UP! 

Peter Labriola 

 

• 

REINVENTING SOCIETY 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

The problem with life is that folks forget what they used to do. Reinventing society! Take today: I saw a woman with a sidewalk bed. Sunburned on the face and somebody’s granny. In the olden days they would put a piggy bank in front of City Hall to be plugged by all and this could be: A community service worker could put that woman in a single room hotel with dinner and check back in the morning. What I would like to suggest is a way to remove violence from the workplace. Once a person is fired they spend their two weeks notice with the city picking up refuse on the highway or in a prison/jail literacy program where they tutor the inmates. The key here is you remove them from where they think they got a raw deal—and plant themselves and put them in neutral territory. If they belong to a church, let them do clean-up on that property. 

Louise Holmes 

ô


Growing Soil And Community

Friday July 23, 2004

Editors, Daily Planet 

Daily Planet Staff Writer Matthew Artz phoned me and a few friends the day before the publication of an article headlined “South Berkeley Community Garden May Soon Be History” (Daily Planet, July 16-19). Being inundated with information he unfortunately misinterpreted my comments, saying that “If the garden is turned into housing Berkeley would not have a shortage of public gardening space.” 

I told him that Berkeley is the second city in the United States to incorporate guidelines in its General Plan emphasizing the need to secure land for community gardens, especially in low-income, densely populated neighborhoods. Hundreds of well established community gardens in New York City have been and are being destroyed because they were created on public land leased temporarily by the city, who later put the lots up for auction. 

The fact that Berkeley has adopted these guideline does not ensure that adequate land will be made available for community gardening. At present many community gardens have long waiting lists. Since land is scarce, the city, eager to uphold fair distribution of land to its citizens, is considering reevaluating and possibly expelling gardeners after five years of tenure to give opportunity to new applicants. 

During the first five years many gardeners spend a lot of effort and money framing their beds and enriching the soil with compost and other amendments. Naturally they develop an attachment to their plots and to the community of fellow gardeners . 

Twenty-five years of research by Ecology Action has determined that it generally takes a minimum of eight to 15 years to develop fertile soil with the capacity to produce abundant, healthy crops on a sustainable basis with a minimum of maintenance. For this reason the organization’s president John Jeavons, known throughout the world for growing prodigious amounts of produce on small plots of land, recommends that community gardens always try to obtain long-term leases for the land they use. 

The American Community Gardening Association encourages unlimited tenure for garden plotholders since, in our mobile society, gardeners inevitably come and go and those few who stay for longer periods contribute immeasurably to the solidity of the garden community. 

Community gardens not only grow fresh produce close to home, they also grow community among neighbors and friends, which makes neighborhood life much more meaningful and secure. To fill every vacant lot in every neighborhood block, even with affordable housing, jeopardizes the opportunity for residents to develop a growing sense of community. In my brief verbal exchange with Mr. Artz, I emphasized that losing the South Berkeley garden would indeed be a great loss. 

Karl Linn


A Modest Proposal for Patrick Kennedy

By CAROL DENNEY
Friday July 23, 2004

The Berkeley City Council and the Planning Department allowed local developer Patrick Kennedy to put extra stories in several of his building projects in exchange for ambiguously defined “cultural amenities” which never materialized, went bankrupt, or didn’t “pencil out.” 

Kennedy doesn’t deny it, he just waves his hands helplessly and tries to scrounge up a new tenant, any tenant, that can help justify the city’s largess and his own broken promises. One project follows the next, each proposed “cultural amenity” producing the same shipwreck on the same obvious rock. 

The latest embarrassment is the building project replacing what was once the Fine Arts Theater, where Pauline Kael and Ed Landberg set into motion a quiet revolution in intelligent cinema, an amenity which, as in previous projects, Kennedy promised would be replaced with some cultural equivalent, excusing or at least ameliorating yet another oversized building to a dubious neighborhood. 

A recent letter in a local paper suggests that, discouraging though it is for the project to lose its theater, perhaps the space could be utilized as a grocery store. A sensible suggestion from the perspective of those who watched helplessly as the Planning Department turned cartwheels over throwing out decades-old Edie’s Restaurant in favor of a remodel-whoops-demolition to accommodate Eddie Bauer, the clothing business that Berkeley woke up with one morning and noticed to its dismay was just, well, gone. The Blue and Gold and the PennySaver markets were edged out, making marketing a long, weary hike for downtown residents, something the planners clearly prioritize well below a shiny new facade. 

But Warhol tomato soup cans aside, a grocery store hardly fills the “art” bill the community was promised, and in some cases paid for with forgiven loans of public money and variances which rob them of sunlight and sight lines. 

The City Council and the Planning Department should certainly insist on honest retail spaces, so that the musical chairs of failing retail businesses someday ends. But they should not only insist on more honesty in the “cultural space” elements of future projects, they should demand that the false art spaces sitting in limbo from past projects become dedicated art spaces open to the public for the public’s benefit. No conversion to grocery stores should be tolerated in a town where artists and art space gets no discount from market rate living, workshop, gallery and event rental space. 

Developer Patrick Kennedy could address the debt he owes the Berkeley community by fitting out the art spaces at his own expense, and offering the spaces in rotation to a variety of space-starved community groups who need them for meetings and events. He could do this without community or political pressure, of course. But it wouldn’t hurt to publicly encourage him to redress the absent art space his buildings currently represent. And it would behoove him to do so before some artist has the clarity of mind to simply squat them. 

 

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Care for a Little Redevelopment in Your Area?

By MERRILIE MITCHELL
Friday July 23, 2004

The Berkeley City Council also serves as the Berkeley Redevelopment Agency (BRA). It is scheduled to meet quarterly on the second Tuesday of the month, at 6:30 p.m. But meetings are subject to change, and there have been lots of changes since Tom Bates became mayor. 

Thick packets of agenda material are delivered to the meeting—too late to be read. Meeting times are changed. All part of the strategic planning by Mayor Bates and the powers that be running our city. They obviously do not want their agenda scrutinized by the public. 

In his campaign for mayor, Tom Bates stated education was his priority. After his election, he told West Berkeley neighbors seeking his help to save their schools that his priority was getting Berkeley developed. And apparently also redeveloped... 

The following is from the transcript of the BRA meeting held Tuesday, June 22, 2004 at 6:30 p.m. The meeting lasted seven minutes. 

After roll call, Councilmember Linda Maio moved the Action Items to the Consent Calendar. These items were: 

• Five year Implementation Plan relative to Savo Island Project Area. 

• Redevelopment Agency Budget for Fiscal Year 2005. 

Maio then moved the Consent Calendar for approval and it passed unanimously, with Dona Spring absent. (This part of the meeting took one minute, although the Redevelopment Agenda packet contained over 150 pages of complex information and involved millions of dollars!) 

Then Mayor Bates said, “I have one quick question. I was kind of surprised to see that Savo Island was still a Redevelopment Agency. My neighbors and myself had wanted to establish a redevelopment area on south Shattuck, and that never happened. The city said there wasn’t enough room. Why can’t we have ‘pocket redevelopment agencies’ if we so choose?” 

Planning Department Director Dan Marks answered; “I’m not a redevelopment expert, but technically I believe you can have small redevelopment areas.” 

Mayor Bates: “Is it possible to have blighted properties that could be determined to be part of the Redevelopment Agency?” 

City Manager Phil Kamlarz: “Well, to create a Redevelopment Agency you have to have certain findings and blight is the major finding. So you can have small redevelopment areas, but when we looked at the South Berkeley area last time, because of the new formulas in the distribution of the tax increment, it didn’t generate that much revenue for reason to do it.” 

Mayor Bates: “But we’re not trying to generate revenue. We’re trying to generate good planning. I also should mention, I live at least two and one half blocks away from Telegraph, so I don’t think I’m in conflict.” 

Linda Maio seemed disturbed by Bates’ comment and interjected: “Well, in any case you can just talk generally, anyway.” 

Mayor Bates: “I’m interested in the specifics because if you look at these properties downtown, you look at properties that are problem properties. And we’re not trying to generate revenue, we’re trying to improve them, and ensure that they are used properly. So... I was very disappointed that that got dropped and I would like to have a examination of that issue. In other words, I’m just talking about properties that are clearly blighted, because it has to meet the definition of blighted. I’d say from Derby to Carleton, and the East side of Parker Street. Is that possible to have a redevelopment area there? Also, is it possible to have it on some of these other blighted properties on University and other areas? Is it possible for us to do that? Maybe you can get back to us.” 

Iris Starr, BRA staff: “Let us come back to you on that.” 

Mayor Bates: “In this town a lot of people are totally against redevelopment, but I don’t think they understand the opportunities, the tool this is. And my neighbors, when they understood this, were in favor of it because what it does is it protects the neighborhoods. Because once you get a plan adopted, you can’t vary from that plan and you can ensure that you get certain parameters like certain height, certain bulk, and certain characteristics that you can insist on. So with that I will ask you to present that to us at our next Redevelopment Agency meeting. Is there a motion to adjourn?” 

Worthington seconds, motion passes. (Maio and Breland were absent for the vote.) 

Mr. Mayor, the reason why a lot of people are totally against redevelopment is that the most affected neighbors have been horrified by the height, bulk and characteristics that your City Council majority is allowing and continues to allow developers to get away with. Most folks have no clue about the monstrosities planned but not yet built. 

 

 

 


Actors Ensemble Launches Albee’s ‘Delicate Balance’

By BETSY HUNTON Special to the Planet
Friday July 23, 2004

Mikel Clifford, long a well-known figure in the Bay Area theatrical scene, has been brought in by Berkeley’s Actors Ensemble to direct Edward Albee’s Pulitzer Prize-winning A Delicate Balance.  

Among a number of other impressive accomplishments, both as an actor and as a director, Clifford originated both what is now called Cal Shakespeare Theatre and the ongoing Minnesota Shakespeare Festival. She was also a founding member of The Curtain Theatre as well as the Berkeley Repertory Theatre.  

Although Clifford likes this play and had made it clear to the Actors Ensemble that she hoped to direct it someday, she points out that Albee is far better known for Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf, which did not get a Pulitzer. Since it appeared on Broadway a little more than a year before A Delicate Balance, she suspects that the Pulitzer was something of a “make-nice” to Albee. She sees Woolf, despite its great success, as being too extreme for the values of its own time (the early ‘60s). 

Balance, Clifford says, is a much more traditional play, although she describes it as “the most Chekovian of Albee’s plays.” As in Chekov, people are either in love with the wrong people or are a disaffected couple.  

The play is set in the affluent upper-middle class world of the East Coast in which Albee himself was raised. And, according to Clifford, “like Chekov, Albee puts a lot of people in a house for a weekend where the proximity highlights their feelings of isolation. They are more isolated than they are convivial. In this play neither of the two couples is sexually intimate, although they seem to be presented as heterosexual. (Albee himself is gay). Both men have been unfaithful and Agnes (the hostess) is obviously in love with her husband.” 

The action of the play is set going when Harry and Edna, who are friends with Agnes and Tobias, a middle-aged couple, suddenly take refuge at their house for the weekend because they “are afraid.” (It is never clarified what has frightened them, nor why they are abruptly ready to go home at the end of the play.) 

Since Agnes’ alcoholic sister Claire is already living there, things look a bit crowded, even before the couple’s 36-year-old daughter arrives to stay following the end of her fourth marriage. Although Claire is the only identified alcoholic among the characters, Clifford points out that in the ensuing weekend, all of the characters drink constantly. 

There’s no question about the play’s subtlety nor that Clifford is admirably equipped to choose excellent actors and to direct what should be a brilliant production of a play by a playwright who—in addition to many other prizes—has won three Pulitzers, one for this very play.  

The only cloud that may affect an outstanding run could be that of prejudice. There are definitely a number of playgoers who are biased against plays done by “non-professionals.” And Actors Ensemble doesn’t woo Actors’ Equity Association players; it’s too much trouble to get them legally untangled and free to play with a company which is not “professional.” 

However, eliminating opportunities from your life like the one being presented here would be a very large mistake. 

To begin with, it’s a serious mistake to think that all the really talented theater people are in professional productions. Actually, nobody with good sense and any hope of making a living in any other way would throw themselves into the chancy world of professional theater. Then there are the people who take family obligations as their first priority and on and on—a myriad reasons why the issue of talent isn’t the defining distinction between “professional” and “amateur” productions.  

Face it; some people just aren’t willing to take a chance on starving for even a few years. 

But when the theater bug bites, it’s incurable. You end up with a pool of people—often highly gifted—-who are willing to work themselves half to death, to work nights and weekends for weeks on end for no money, in addition to attending to their regular jobs and family responsibilities, of course. And for what? They do it for the opportunity of creating a couple of hours of what their audience will simply call “entertainment.” 

There’s no rational explanation for such behavior; these guys are obviously mildly insane. But harmless, mind you. So we may as well sit back and enjoy the results. The Actors Ensemble is by far the oldest acting company in Berkeley. It was founded in 1957 by five UC graduates who had apparently not been cured of their obsession with the theater by their introduction to the world outside the university. So they started producing plays in one guy’s basement and 45 years later, the company is still going very, very strong. 

Ralph Miller—an Actors Ensemble Board member and actor who is the primary source for this material, and who has been active in numerous ways since 1970—isn’t even the person with the longest tenure at the company. Although the founders have gone their various ways, Bill Martinelli, presently treasurer and ticket manager for the company, has been a regular since 1960. (As is typical in small theater groups, both Miller and Martinelli take on different jobs for A Delicate Balance; Miller is handling publicity and Martinelli is in charge of the box office.) 

By 1965 the group was solid enough to become the resident company at the lovely City of Berkeley theater in the Arts Center Building at Live Oak Park—at that time, and still, one of the very few “real” theaters in this area. (It has a proscenium stage with curtains, “real” seats and places back stage for the actors to get into their costumes. There’s even a bathroom! It must have been heaven to people just poking their heads out of a basement.) 

For several years after the ensemble moved in, the city had an arts specialist who was in charge of the theater. However, in 1978 the position was wiped out as part of the budget cuts necessitated by the Proposition 13 tax reductions.  

The city came close to having to close down the theater, but the ensemble took over the responsibility for maintenance and, through their continuing services, have become an actual part of the city’s resources. 

Tickets are an appealing $10 for everything but musicals, which cost $15 (they’re more expensiveto stage than straight drama). Can you pass up a deal like this?ª


Arts Calendar

Friday July 23, 2004

FRIDAY, JULY 23 

FILM 

The Invention of the Western Film: “Stagecoach” at 7:30 p.m. and “She Wore a Yellow Ribbon” at 9:30 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $4-$8. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

THEATER 

Actors Ensemble of Berkeley “A Delicate Balance” by Edward Albee. Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m. at Live Oak Theatre, 1301 Shattuck at Berryman, through Aug 14. Tickets are $10, available from 649-5999. www.aeofberkeley.org 

Alameda Civic Light Opera “Fiddler on the Roof” directed by Jeff Teague. Fri.-Sat. at 8 p.m. Sun. at 2 p.m. to July 25, at Kofman Auditorium, 2220 Central Ave., Alameda. Tickets arre $23-$25 available from 864-2256. www.aclo.com 

Aurora Theatre “Betrayal,” by Harold Pinter, directed by Tom Ross. Runs through August 1. Tickets are $34-$36. 843-4822. www.auroratheatre.org  

Berkeley Opera “Bat Out of Hell,” a new adaptation of “Die Fledermaus” at Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2 p.m. at Julia Morgan Center for the Arts, Tickets are $15-$40. 925-798-1300. www.juliamorgan.org 

Berkeley Rep, “21 Dog Years: Doing Time @ Amazon.com” Fri. and Sat. at 8:30 p.m. through July 24. Tickets are $25-$35. 647-2949. www.berkeleyrep.org 

Berkeley Rep “Master Class” with Rita Moreno at The Roda Theater. Runs through July 25. 647-2949. www.berkeleyrep.org 

California Shakespeare Theater, “Henry IV” Tues.-Fri. at 7:30 p.m., Sat at 8 p.m., Sun. at 4 p.m. at the Bruns Memorial Amphitheater, through August 1. Tickets are $13-$32. 548-9666. www.calshakes.org 

Contra Costa Civic Theatre “My Fair Lady,” directed by Michael Manley, through Aug. 14, Fri.-Sat. at 8 p.m., selected Sun. at 2 p.m. Contra Costa Civic Theatre, 951 Pomona Ave, El Cerrito. Tickets are $12-$20. 524-9132. www.ccct.org  

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Alexander Cockburn and Jeffrey St. Claire on “Serpents in the Garden: Liaisons with Culture and Sex” at 7 p.m. at AK Press Warehouse, 674 A 23rd St., Oakland. 208-1700. www.akpress.org 

Travel Photography A talk with Bob Tucker, featuring “Photographs of the Global Village” at 2 p.m. at the Berkeley Public Library’s Art and Music Room, 2090 Kittredge. 

Merrill Goozner discusses “The $800-Million Pill: The Truth Behind the Cost of New Drugs,” at 8:30 a.m. at UC Press, 2120 Berkeley Way. Free for UC Press Associates, $5 for guests, includes breakfast. To RSVP call 643-8465. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

“Keyboard Reflections & Shadows,” Scott Pratt, solo pianist at 7:45 p.m. at Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant St. Tickets are $25 from 415-342-6151. 848-7800. www.berkeleycityclub.com  

Holy Names Kodaly Institute Choir at 7:30 p.m. at Holy Names University, McLean Chapel, 3500 Mountain Blvd., Oakland. 436-1234. http://laskey@hnu.edu  

Jazz at Coventry Grove II “An Evening Under the Stars” with The Heath Brothers in concert and a conversation with Orrin Keepnews, at 7 p.m. at a private residence in Kensington. Benefit for The Jazz- 

school, donation $150. For reservations call 845-5373. 

Festival of Contemporary Music at 7:30 p.m., Park Blvd Presbyterian Church, 4101 Park Blvd., Oakland. Admission is free. Seating is general. Recommended donation $3. www.pbpc.org 

Pasion Flamenca with Caminos Flamencos at 8 and 10 p.m. at Café de la Paz, 1600 Shattuck Ave. Tickets are $12-$20. 843-0662. www.cafedelapaz.net  

Peruvian Independence Day Celebration with Jaranon y Bochinche at 8:30 p.m. at La Peña. Cost is $15. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

Jeff Sanford’s CartoonJazz, the music of Raymond Scott, at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $17.50 in advance, $18.50 at the door. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

Ras Midas and Congregation, reggae, at 9:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $13. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Trio Paradiso at 9 p.m. at Downtown. 649-3810.  

Abandon Theory, acoustic rock, at 7:30 p.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344. www.nomadcafe.net 

Tempest at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $12. 841-2082. www.starryplough.com 

Tomorrow, Bruce Banner, Deadfall, Damage Deposit at 8 p.m. at 924 Gilman St. Cost is $5. 525-9926. 

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

KGB, Solemite, 10 Minutes Down at 9:30 p.m. at Blakes on Telegraph. Cost is $7. 848-0886. www.blakesontelegraph.com 

Brown Baggin’ at 9:30 p.m. at Shattuck Down Low, 2284 Shattuck Ave. Cost is $7. 548-1159.  

Mingus Amungus at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 848-8277.  

Jessica Williams Trio at 8 and 10 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square, through Sun. Cost is $15-$20. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

Deepak Ram, bamboo flute and Emam, tabla, percussion at 8 p.m. at Yoga Mandala, 2807 Telegraph Ave. Cost is $12 in advance, $15 at the door. 486-1989.  

Sound of Giving Concert at 8 p.m. at Changemakers Books, 6536 Telegraph. Cost is $10 and up. 655-2405. www.changemakersforwomen.com 

SATURDAY, JULY 24 

THEATER 

Central Works “The Mysterious Mr. Looney” a new play about the man who wrote the plays of Shakespeare opens at the Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant Ave. Thurs.-Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 5 p.m., through Aug. 5. Tickets are $8-$20, sliding scale. 558-1381. www.centralworks.org 

FILM 

Bergman on a Summer Night: “The Virgin Spring” at 5 and 9 p.m. and “The Magician” at 7 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $4-$8. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Leticia Hernandez, poetry and spoken word, at 8 p.m. at La Peña. Cost is $10. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

Poetry Flash with Alan and Adam Soldofsky at 7:30 p.m. at Cody’s Books. Donation $2. 845-7852. www.codysbooks.com 

Mark Yakich will read from his recently published book, “Unrelated Individuals Forming a Group Waiting to Cross” at 7:30 p.m. at Book Zoo, 2556 Telegraph Ave. #7. 883-1332. 

MIUSIC AND DANCE 

Ali Akbar College of Music, tabla, violin, and vocal performance at 7 p.m. at St. John’s Presbyterian Church, 2727 College Ave. Cost is $12-$20. 415-454-6264. 

Birdlegg & The Tight Fit Blues Band play the Oakland Blues at 2 p.m. at Down Home Music, 10341 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito. 525-2129. 

Davka, Middle-Eastern Ashkenazi jazz, at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $16.50 in advance, $17.50 at the door. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

Stephanie Bruce sings summertime songs at 8 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $12-$18. 845-5373. www.jazzschool.com 

Sila, from Kenya, with DJ Jeremiah, from Liberia, at 9:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $13. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Tarentel at 9 p.m. at The Jazz House. Cost is $8-$15. www.thejazzhouse.org 

Christy Dana, trumpet, at 9 p.m. at Downtown. 649-3810.  

Dan Zemelman at 7:30 p.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344. www.nomadcafe.net 

Stymie & The Pimp Jones Love Orchestra at 9:30 p.m. at Shattuck Down Low, 2284 Shattuck Ave. Cost is $7. 548-1159.  

Go Van Gogh at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $6. 841-2082. www.starryplough.com 

Bat Makumba, Samba Da at 9:30 p.m. at Blakes on Telegraph. Cost is $8. 848-0886. www.blakesontelegraph.com 

Takaru, Kodan Armada, Kakistocracy, This Ship Will Sink, at 8 p.m. at 924 Gilman St. Cost is $5. 525-9926. 

Barbary Coast by Night Join Omar for music and food from Algeria. Every Sat. at 7 p.m. at Cafe Raphael’s, 10064 San Pablo Ave. El Cerrito. 525-4227. 

Rory Snyder Quintet at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 848-8277. 

Tim Barsky at the 1923 Teahouse at 8 p.m. Suggested donation of $7-$10. 644-2204.  

SUNDAY, JULY 25 

EXHIBITION OPENINGS 

“Keen Eyes, Strong Beaks, Sharp Talons - Birds of the East Bay Hills” a photography exhibition by Paul Roose. Recep- 

tion from 2 to 4 p.m. at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. Through Sept. 5. 525-2233. 

FILM 

The Invention of the Western Film: “Destry Rides Again” at 5:30 p.m. and “Duel in the Sun” at 7:25 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $4-$8. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Poetry Flash with Wendy Jeanne Burch and Kevin Patrick Sullivan at 7:30 p.m. at Cody’s Books. Donation $2. 845-7852. www.codysbooks.com 

Word Beat Reading Series Allen Cohen Memorial Reading at 7 p.m. with Clive Matson, Ann Cohen, Mark Schwartz, Debra Grace Khattab and others at Mediterraneum Caffe, 2475 Telegraph Ave. 526-5985.  

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Berkeley Music Cooperative Players, “An Evening in Latin America” music of Villa-Lobos, Piazzolla and Ginastera at 7 p.m. in the Valley Center, Holy Names College, 3500 Mountain Blvd. Oakland. Tickets are $5-$20 sliding scale at the door. 845-2232. 

Russian National Orchestra, with soprano Lisa Delan and baritone Vladimir Chernov at 3 p.m. at Zellerbach Hall, UC Campus. Tickets are $32-$60 available from 642-9988. www.calperfs.berkeley.edu 

Un-Conventional Cabaret with Folk This and Carol Denney at 7 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $8-$12. Sponsored by Laborfest. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

Benefit for Haiti with Motor Dude Zydeco, Gator Beat, Tom Rigney and Pierre Labossiere, at 3 p.m. Ashkenaz. Cost is $15-$25. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Indian Classical Vocal Concert, with Abhinay Padhye on tabla & Vijay Ghaskadvi on harmonium, at 5 p.m. at St. John’s Presbyterian Church, 2727 College Ave. Tickets are $10. 717-3862. http://www.cs.berkeley. 

edu/~agni/chimmalgi  

Pit of Fashion Orchestra at 4:30 at the Jazzschool. Cost is $12-$18. 845-5373. www.jazz- 

school.com 

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

Americana Unplugged: Donner Mountain Bluegrass Band at 5 p.m. at Jupiter. 848-8277. 

Howard Alden, guitarist, at 7 p.m. at Downtown. 649-3810.  

MONDAY, JULY 26 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Jeremy Varon describes “Bringing the War Home: The Weather Underground, The Red Army Faction and Revolutionary Violence in the Sixties and Seventies” at 7:30 p.m. at Cody’s Books. 845-7852. www.codysbooks.com 

Poetry Express Theme Night “Humor” from 7 to 9:30 p.m., at Priya Restaurant, 2072 San Pablo Ave. berkeleypoetryexpress@yahoo.com 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Roseanna Vitro at 8 and 10 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $10-$16. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

TUESDAY, JULY 27 

FILM 

Time’s Shadow: “The Way Things Go” at 7:30 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $4-$8. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Frank Foer describes “How Soccer Explains the World: An Unlikely Theory of Globalization” at 7:30 p.m. at Cody’s Books. 845-7852. www.codysbooks.com 

Poets Gone Wild, open mic night, at 7:30 p.m. at Barnes and Noble. 644-0861. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Creole Belles and Andrew Carriere at 8:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cajun dance lesson with Diana Castillo at 8 p.m. Cost is $9. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Fourtet plays jazz standards and originals at 9:30 p.m. at Albatross, 1822 San Pablo Ave. 843-2473. www.albatrosspub.com 

Jazz House Jam, hosted by Darrell Green and Geechy Taylor at 8 p.m. at The Jazz House. Donation $5. www.thejazz- 

house.com 

Charnett Moffett Quartet at 8 and 10 p.m. Yoshi’s at Jack London Square, through Wed. Cost is $10-$16. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

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

WEDNESDAY, JULY 28 

EXHIBITION OPENINGS 

“Augúst August” Group show with new works by Carol Dalton and others to Sept. 5 at The Cecile Moochnek Gallery, 1809-D Fourth St., upstairs. 549-1018. www.cecilemoochnek.com 

FILM 

Exploit-O-Scope: “Homocidal” at 7:30 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $4-$8. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

China Mieville introduces his new novel, “Iron Council” at 7:30 p.m. at Cody’s Books. 845-7852. www.codysbooks.com 

D’Arcy Fallon describes the Christian commune she called home in “So Late, So Soon” at 7:30 p.m. at Black Oak Books. 486-0698. www.blackoakbooks.com 

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

Bay Area Writing Project, summer reading featuring teachers who are also authors from Berkeley and Oakland, at 7:30 p.m. at Barnes and Noble. 644-0861. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Sandfly performs reggae at noon at Oakland City Center at the 12th St. BART. www.oaklandcitycenter.com 

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

Balkan Folkdance at 7:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $6. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Eric & Suzy Thompson, W.B Reid and Bonnie Zahnow at 8 p.m. at Strings, 6320 San Pablo Ave. All ages welcome. Donation $10. www.strings.org 

Bryan Girard Quintet at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 848-8277. 

Swing Mine plays 40s and 50s western swing at 9 p.m. at Albatross, 1822 San Pablo Ave. 843-2473. www.albatrosspub.com 

Keith Terry’s “Slammin’” at 8 p.m. at The Jazz House. www.thejazzhouse.org 

Poor Bailey, The Apt, Mr. Loveless, Mike Rogers at 9:30 p.m. at Blakes on Telegraph. Cost is $5. 848-0886. www.blakesontelegraph.com 

THURSDAY, JULY 29 

EXHIBITION OPENINGS 

“Muchas Culturas, Una Communidad: Many Cultures, One Community” paper maché and ceramic artworks by students from Le Conte and Longfellow Schools. Reception 6 to 8 p.m. Addison St. Windows, 2018 Addison St. 981-7533. 

FILM 

Time’s Shadow: “Fellini Satyricon” at 9:30 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $4-$8. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Lawrence Ferlinghetti will read from “Americus: Book I” the first part of his epic poem of American consciousness at 7:30 p.m. at Black Oak Books. 486-0698. www.blackoakbooks.com 

Ward Churchill introduces “On the Justice of Roosting Chickens: Reflections on the Consequences of U.S. Imperial Arrogance and Criminality” at 7 p.m. at AK Press Warehouse, 674 A 23rd St., Oakland. 208-1700. www.akpress.org 

Jerry Stahl reads from his new novel, “I, Fatty” based on the life of Roscoe “Fatty” Arbuckle at 7:30 p.m. at Cody’s Books. 845-7852. www.codysbooks.com 

Word Beat Reading Series at 7 p.m. with Terry McCarty and Mark States, at Mediterraneum Caffe, 2475 Telegraph Ave. 526-5985.  

Brad Blanton discusses lying in “The Truthtellers” at 7:30 p.m. Barnes and Noble. 644-0861. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Summer Noon Concert with SoVoSó at the Berkeley BART. Sponsored by the Downtown Berkeley Association. 

“What a Day!” The students of the 2004 Berkeley/Oakland Alvin Ailey Dance Camp exhibit their work at 7 p.m. at Zellerbach Hall, UC Campus. 642-0212. www.calperfs.berkeley.edu  

Liam McCormick Sings the Blues at the 1923 Teahouse at 8 p.m. Donation of $7-$10. 644-2204. www.epicarts.org 

Samba Ngo, Congolese guitarist, with a lecture by CK Ladzekpo, at 7:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $5. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Country Joe Band, with former members of Country Joe and the Fish at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $17.50 in advance, $18.50 at the door. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

Ismael “Bandolero” Duran at 8 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $10. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

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

Frisky Frolics, The Green Cards at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $6. 841-2082. www.starryploughpub.com 

Mimi Fox plays the music of Rogers and Hart at 9 p.m. at Downtown. 649-3810. 

Ducksan Distones, featuring Donald “Duck” Bailey and guest vocalist Lorin Benedict, at 8 p.m. at The Jazz House. Donation $8-$15. www.thejazz- 

house.com 

Django Reinhardt Project, with special guest James Carter, at 8 and 10 p.m. through Sun. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $12-$22. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

Witches Brew at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 848-8277.ª


LIVABLE BERKELEY

Alan Tobey
Friday July 23, 2004

Editors, Daily Planet: 

Becky O’Malley’s editorial about Livable Berkeley basically concludes that the organization is mindlessly pro-development and takes extreme positions, to the city’s detriment. That’s an interesting judgment from someone who, as a s itting landmarks preservation commissioner, said at a public meeting in May that “I’d never vote to do any favors for developers no matter what,” even when doing so would divert development interest away from current or potential historic sites. Perhaps w e could characterize such an opinion as “mindlessly anti-development”? And perhaps best see her editorial in that light.  

I joined Livable Berkeley earlier this year as an ordinary citizen who belongs to no other ongoing civic group — and with no past or present ties to developers, architects, or city planners. I was pleased to meet multiple other citizen-members without such a professional background, including environmental and neighborhood activists, preservationists, and “just plain folks.” What memb ers most had in common was impatience with the narrow partisan positions on some ongoing issues that have left much of Berkeley politics “frozen in time” for decades.  

Instead of a narrow interest group, I found an organization consistently looking at th e bigger picture and working to establish new consensus for the city’s benefit, on more than just development projects. For example, I was one of two members of Livable Berkeley (not just one as Ms. O’Malley writes) who attended the many hours of meetings of the subcommittee crafting needed revisions to the Landmark Preservation Ordinance. Along with members of Berkeley Architectural Heritage who made major contributions, we collectively helped to move the ordinance toward greater clarity, efficiency and effectiveness. Once a contentious topic, historic preservation is now a settled issue in Berkeley; working from the broad perspective lets us now more clearly implement it for the benefit of the whole community. It’s just that “big tent” process that Livable Berkeley will, as it grows in capability, embody more and more.  

Even Ms. O’Malley’s own paper has covered past Livable Berkeley public activities that are not just about physical development. We have co-sponsored and/or attended community workshops on topics such as mitigating the effects of traffic, eco-tours of historic neighborhoods, and other events of little interest to “mindless developers.” You will see us doing more and more of that as we grow and learn.  

Seemingly unable to find anything a bout development to like, Ms. O’Malley gets the orientation of the group precisely backward. Livable Berkeley does not publicly favor “smart growth” in order to provide a cover story for any and all development proposals; rather, we favor selected project s when and only when they promise to provide the public benefits that smart growth can deliver. We believe Berkeley’s “big picture” should provide more livable commercial and residential neighborhoods, which are sometimes best served by intelligently addi ng more density of life to encourage better street-level services and amenities.  

I don’t mean to claim that Livable Berkeley is yet a perfect organization, or may ever be. Indeed founded by public-spirited planning and development professionals, it’s taking awhile to broaden their natural way of thinking. Some of us, indeed, have had to point out to our founders that we don’t just work to benefit desirable “projects” (a developer/planner’s breakdown of the world) but primarily the citizenry as a whole. Less than two years old, the group faces the usual challenges of finding financial support and gathering enough extra time from already-busy members; organizational development clearly needs more attention.  

Ms. O’Malley, however, still seems to be livin g in the regrettable bygone era of narrow partisan strife. She would do more good for the city by learning what the emerging big-picture consensus actually is these days, by not unfairly demonizing her well-meaning neighbors, and by refraining from inflammatory language like “megaplex” to describe any proposal too imaginative for her comprehension. And yes, maybe even by cutting civic-minded developers some slack once in awhile.  

Alan Tobey  

n


Catalan Festival is Weekend’s Best Excursion

By KATHLEEN HILL Special to the Planet
Friday July 23, 2004

Traveling close to home this weekend, try the Catalan Festival at Gloria Ferrer Champagne Caves just south of Sonoma. 

The 12th annual Catalan Festival of food, wine, and music (and dancing for everyone) is this Saturday and Sunday, July 24 and 25. Guests will enjoy wild Spanish guitar performances by Eric Symons, and colorful, pounding sardana and flamenco dance performances by the Flamenco Society of San Jose, California.  

Gloria Ferrer owners Gloria and Jose Ferrer (not the movie star, but an extremely interesting and creative man), come from ancient Catalonian wine families. Ferrer’s mother’s family had been making wine outside Barcelona for over 700 years. Francesc Sala I Ferres founded “Casa Sala,” the first wine exported from Sant Sadurni d’Anoia in 1861. His daughter married Pere Ferrer i Bosch, scion of “La Freixeneda,” the family’s 13th century estate in the Alt Penedes region. Eventually the first Freixenet Casa Sala appeared as the first family “cava,” or sparkling wine, to which the Ferrer family is still dedicated. 

Catalonia was one of the early kingdoms of Spain, along with Valencia and Castilla. Each kingdom developed its own language, culture, cuisine, heritage, and, of course, its own royal family. Through marriages, tugs of real war, and other conquests, the whole territory became one country, Spain.  

Barcelona surfaced as the dominant political and military center in the region, and by the 13th century it rivaled Genoa and Venice in Italy as a maritime power. Having linked with France’s Louis XII, Catlanonia’s forces were later crushed by Don Juan of Austria in the siege of 1652. When the Catalans tried again to secede from Philip V’s monarchy during the Spanish War of Succession, Catalonia lost and gave up Barcelona on Sept. 11, 1714. Today Catalonian’s celebrate that day as Catalonia’s National Day, and Gloria Ferrer’s annual Catalan Festival is pretty close to that holiday. 

The company launched its Cava Carta Nevada in 1941, expanded Freixenent internationally, and after researching sites throughout the United States began building Gloria Ferrer south of Sonoma (well, technically in Schellville) in 1984. The family now has wineries in Spain, France, Mexico, and Australia, and claims to be “the world’s largest methode champenoise sparkling wine producer.” 

Gloria Ferrer Vice President Eva Bertran joined the company with a fresh MBA and no wine experience (except drinking it occasionally), and was sent off to found Gloria Ferrer “in San Francisco.” 

Bertran was picked up at the airport back in 1984, and much to her surprise was driven right through San Francisco without stopping and over the Golden Gate Bridge. As she said, “the roads kept getting narrower and narrower and I wondered where they were taking me!” Eventually Bertran arrived at a trailer that served as the company headquarters parked on a dusty hillside across from Angelo’s meats on Highway 121, also known now as Carneros Highway. 

Bertran gently supervised construction and all aspects of developing Gloria Ferrer, and today oversees all aspects of the sparkling wine facility, including hospitality and the fabulous Catalan Festival this weekend. Winemaker Bob Iantosca and Vineyard Manager Mike Crumly, along with Eva Bertran, have all been with Gloria Ferrer from the beginning, an unusual silent but loaded statement for the winery’s ownership, policies, and management. 

Always a prosperous and republican area, Catalonia has fought for independence many times, achieving autonomy from 1932-1939, and crushed this time by Francisco Franco and the Nationalists. The Nationalists then tried to squelch anything Catalan and did until the Constitution of 1977, which gave Catalonia some degree of self government. Now Catalonia is Spain’s most successful region economically, producing about 20 percent of Spain’s gross national product on six percent of its land, and with only 15 percent of its people.  

Like many regions of the world, Catalonia works to maintain its own identity, and does so quite successfully. Barcelona, “Catalonia’s enchanted city,” is modern, urban, and artistic, with Moorish influences in older architecture. Many famous artists, including Pablo Picasso, lived or still live in Barcelona, which is sometimes called “Paris with palm trees.” 

At Gloria Ferrer’s sparkling winery set against the Sonoma hills, Catalan Festival goers will get to see the Gegants de Mataro, 15-foot tall papier mache “puppets,” some of which resemble Spanish kings and queens, sample fine Catalan, Spanish and Mediterranean foods and the best of Gloria Ferrer’s sparkling and still wines, listen to hot romantic Flamenco guitar, and dance along with Flamenco dancers.  

Cooking demonstrations augment samplings of paella, tapas, and other Catalan specialties will be available throughout the Catalan Festival. Guest chefs from the Avance Tapas Bar and Restaurant, the Girl and the Fig, The Lodge at Sonoma, Park Avenue Catering, The Pasta Shop with Cheeses of Spain, B44 Catalan Bistro, Thirsty Bear and Ramblas Tapas Bar, Destino, and La Tasca. 

If you go, visit other wineries’ attempts at country-of-origin replication along the same stretch of Highway 121 at Viansa’s Italian Market Place and Winery, Schug Carneros Estate Winery (German), Cline Cellars’ early American, and nearby Sonoma Country Antiques’ English imports. 

 

Kathleen Hill is co-author with Gerald Hill of Sonoma Valley: The Secret Wine Country and five other Hill Guides from Globe-Pequot Press. Send travel tidbits to her at hilltopub@aol.com.ª


Berkeley This Week

Friday July 23, 2004

FRIDAY, JULY 23 

Bearded Iris Rhizome Sale and Auction from 7 to 10 p.m. at Lakeside Garden Center, 666 Bellevue Ave., Oakland. Free, sponsored by the Sydney B. Mitchell Iris Society. 839-9647. 

Tales of Your Amazing Body at 2 p.m. at the Hall of Health, 2230 Shatuck Ave., lower level. For ages 3-10. Suggested donation $3. 549-1564. 

Sacred Serpent Slide Show on the serpent as a symbol for healing, at 7:30 p.m. at Changemakers Books, 6536 Telegraph. Cost is $10. 655-2405. www.changemakersforwomen.com 

New College of California Women’s Spirituality Laboratory at 7 p.m. at Belladonna, 2436 Sacramento St. Cost is $5. 883-0600. www.belladonna.ws 

Kol Hadash the Bay Area’s only Jewish Humanistic Congregation meets at 7:30 p.m. for Shabbat, the fourth Friday of every month, at the Albany Community Center, 1249 Marin Ave. Special “Goodby Party” for Rabbi Eckstein. Free and open to the public. Please bring non-perishable food for the needy. 428-1492. www.kolhadash.org 

SATURDAY, JULY 24 

Tribute to Fr. Bill O’Donnell at noon at St. Mary Magdalen Church at 2005 Berryman St. Food, raffle tickets and a silent auction. Sponsored by Berkeley Organizing Congregations for Action. 658-2467. 

Party for Mordechai Vanunu, Israeli peace activist and nuclear whistleblower who still cannot leave Israel, from 5 to 9 p.m. at Fellowship Hall, 1924 Cedar St. www.nonviolence.org/vanunu 

Identity Theft Forum hosted by Supervisor Keith Carson and the Alameda County Consumer Affairs Commission from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Progressive Baptist Church, 3301 King St. The forum is free, everyone welcome to attend. 

Cerrito Creek Work Party We want to make a big summer push to remove the remaining thornless blackberry. Helping to remove this pest also will be our contribution to California Weed Awareness Week. At 10 a.m. Email for location. F5creeks@aol.com  

Wetland Restoration with Save The Bay Summer restoration activities include native seed collection, non-native plant removal, site monitoring, and shoreline clean-up. From 9 a.m. to noon at MLK, Jr. Regional Shoreline, Oakland. Registration required. 452-9261, ext. 109. www.saveSFbay.org/getinvolved/restorewetland 

Oakland Heritage Alliance Walking Tour of the Mills College Campus from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Meet on the lawn of Alderwood Hall, left inside the Richardson Gate, 5000 MacArthur Blvd. Tour is limited to 20 persons. Cost is $5 for OHA members, $10 for nonmembers. For reservations call 763-9218. www.oaklandheritage.org 

Walking Tour of Oakland Chinatown Meet at 10 a.m. at the courtyard fountain in the Pacific Renaissance Plaza at 388 Ninth St. Tour lasts 90 minutes. Reservations can be made by calling 238-3234. www.oaklandnet.com/wallkingtours 

Sushi Basics Learn the natural and cultural history of this ancient cuisine as you prepare and taste seven types of sushi. From 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Parent participation required for children 8-10. Cost is $25-$39, registration required. 525-2233. 

Introduction to Australian Plants with Hank Jenkins at 10 a.m. at Magic Gardens Nursery, 729 Heinz Ave. 644-2351. www.magicgardens.com 

Bearded Iris Rhizome Sale from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Rockridge Mall, Broadway at Pleasant Valley Rd., Oakland. Free, sponsored by the Sydney B. Mitchell Iris Society. 839-9647. 

Neighborhood Coffee at 10 a.m. at Cafe Expresso Roma, 1549 Hopkins St. Sponsored by Berkeley Alliance of Neighborhood Associations. www.berkeleycna.com 

SpinCycle’s African Adventure Presentation & Dance Party at 7:30 p.m. at the Transparent Theater/Ashby Stage Theater, 1901 Ashby Ave. Jim Sowers will give a multimedia presentation about his journey thorugh Africa to raise money for Save the Children. The event will conclude with a dance party. $10 donation requested.  

World Beat Dance Workshop, with Kristi Rudolph, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Yoga Mandala, 2807 Telegraph Ave. Cost is $25-$30. 486-1989. 

SUNDAY, JULY 25 

Weekend Tilden Tots An indoor/outdoor nature adventure for 3 and 4 year olds each accompanied by an adult. Today we’ll learn about butterflies, moths and more. From 10:15 to 11:45 a.m. at Tilden Nature Area, in Tilden Park. Cost is $6-$8. 525-2233.  

“Keen Eyes, Strong Beaks, Sharp Talons - Birds of the East Bay Hills” a photography exhibition by Paul Roose. Reception from 2 to 4 p.m. at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. Runs through Sept. 5. 525-2233. 

Current Activities of the Physicians for Social Responsibility at 9:30 a.m. at Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley, 1 Lawson Road, Kensington. 525-0302.  

Neighborhood Disaster Training for the Stuart St./ 

LeConte Area from 9 a.m. to noon. Sponsored by the City of Berkeley. 981-5506. 

Berkeley City Club free tour from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at 2315 Durant Ave. Sponsored by the Berkeley City Club and the Landmark Heritage Foundation. Donations welcome. 848-7800.  

Oakland Heritage Alliance Walking Tour of Uptown Art Deco from 1 to 3 p.m. Meet in front of the Mary Bowles Building, 1718 Telegraph Ave. Tour is limited to 20 persons. Cost is $5 for OHA members, $10 for nonmembers. 763-9218. www.oaklandheritage.org 

Tibetan Buddhism with Abbe Blum on “The Great Guru Padmasambhava” at 6 p.m. at the Tibetan Nyingma Institute, 1815 Highland Pl. 843-6812. www.nyingmainstitute.com 

MONDAY, JULY 26 

“Guilty by Suspicion” a video screening on the House Committee on Un-American Activities, followed by discussion at 7 p.m. at Grand Lake Neighborhood Center, 530 Lake Park Ave. Donation $1. Sponsored by East Bay Community Against the War. www.ebcaw.org 

Summer Science Week in the Tilden Nature Area For junior scientists, 9-12 years. Different topics daily: get wet on Pond and Stream Day, make a “thermometer lizard,” meet a snake, play Paleo Bingo, explore the universe, look at rainforests. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Tilden Nature Center. Cost is $150-$166. Registration required. 636-1684. www.ebparks.org 

Women of Vision Series A Vision Plan Workshop with Shiloh McCloud at 6 p.m. at Belladonna, 2436 Sacramento St. Tuition $40, materials $20. 883-0600. www.belladonna.ws 

World Affairs/Politics Discussion Group for people 60 years and over meets Mondays at 10:15 a.m. at the Albany Senior Center, 846 Masonic Ave. Join at any time. 524-9122. 

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

Iyengar Yoga on Mondays from from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. at the Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant Ave. Cost is $12. 528-9909. gay@yogagarden.org 

Berkeley CopWatch organizational meeting at 8 p.m. at 2022 Blake St. 548-0425. 

TUESDAY, JULY 27 

“Global Implications of US Nuclear Weapons” with Jacqueline Cabasso, executive director, Western States Legal Foundation, at 3 p.m. at Redwood Gardens Community Room, 2951 Derby St. Admission is free. 

Twilight Hike: The Creekside Nightshift As twilight descends, many of our residents begin their busy “day.” Deer, raccoons, woodrats, and several kinds of bats are all part of the night shift. You will be rewarded with sights of sounds of these animals on our quiet hike. Bring a flashlight for the walk back to your car. From 7 to 9 p.m. at Tilden Nature Area, in Tilden Park. 525-2233. www.ebparks.org 

Backpacking and Day Hiking the Sierra’s Feather River Country with author/explorer Tom DeMund, at 7 p.m. at REI, 1338 San Pablo Ave. 527-4140. 

Organic Produce at low prices sold at the corner of Sacramento and Oregon Streets every Tuesday from 3 to 7 p.m. This is a project of Spiral Gardens. 843-1307. 

Tales of Your Amazing Body at 2 p.m. at the Hall of Health, 2230 Shatuck Ave., lower level. For ages 3-10. Suggested donation $3. 549-1564. 

Phone Banking to ReDefeat Bush on Tuesdays from 6 to 9 p.m. at Cafe de la Paz, 1600 Shattuck Ave. Bring your cell phones. Please RSVP if you can join us. 233-2144. dan@redefeatbush.com 

“The Gift of Shabbat: Philosophy and Practice” at 7:30 p.m. at the Berkeley Richmond Jewish Community Center, 1414 Walnut St. 848-0237, ext. 112. 

Berkeley Camera Club meets at 7:30 p.m., at the Northbrae Community Church, 941 The Alameda. 548-3991. www.berkeleycameraclub.org 

St. John’s Prime Timers meets at 9:30 a.m. at St. John’s Presbyterian Church, 2727 College Ave. 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, JULY 28 

Organize! Organize! Organize! Creating Social Change with the Berkeley Gray Panthers and Sandra Weese, organizer for SEIU Local 250 at 1:30 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 548-9696. 

Twilight Tour “Agaves to Zephyranthes” A tour of select monocots, including woody lilies, grasses, and grass-like plants at 5:30 p.m. at the Botanical Garden, 200 Centennial Drive. Cost is $12-$17. Registration required. 643-2755. http://botanicalgarden.berkeley.edu 

“Autonomous Education” a film by the Chiapas Media Project, at 7:30 p.m. at Humanist Hall, 390 27th St. in downtown Oakland. 654-9587. 

Manifest Destiny Edition Highlights of ten politically moving films at 8 p.m. at 21 Grand, Oakland, $5-$10 sliding scale. 

Bayswater Book Club meets at 6:30 p.m. in the Barnes and Noble Coffee Shop, El Cerrito Plaza. We are reading “Titans and Olympians: Greek and Roman Myths.” 433-2911. 

Tilden Tots A nature adventure program for 3 and 4 year olds each accompanied by an adult. We’ll capture and release butterflies, moths and other insects. From 10 to 11:30 a.m. in Tilden Nature Area. Cost is $6-$8, registration required. 525-2233. www.ebparks.org 

Tales of Your Amazing Body at 2 p.m. at the Hall of Health, 2230 Shatuck Ave., lower level. For ages 3-10. Suggested donation $3. 549-1564. 

Walk Berkeley for Seniors meets every Wednesday, rain or shine, at 9:30 a.m. at the Sea Breeze market, just west of the I-80 overpass. Everyone is welcome, wear comfortable shoes, sunscreen and a hat. 548-9840. 

Walking Tour of Old Oakland around the restored 1870s business district. Meet at 10 a.m. in front of G.B. Ratto’s at 827 Washington St. Reservations can be made by calling 238-3234. www.oaklandnet. 

com/wallkingtours 

“Eyewitness Haiti” with members of the Haiti Action Committee speaking on their recent visit, at 7 p.m. at La Peña, 3105 Shattuck Ave. Cost is $5-$10 sliding scale. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

Fresh Produce Stand at San Pablo Park from 3 to 6:30 p.m. in the Frances Albrier Community Center. 848-1704. www.ecologycenter.org 

Fun with Acting Class every Wednesday at 11 a.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Free, all are welcome, no experience necessary.  

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

vigil4peace/vigil 

THURSDAY, JULY 29 

Tilden Explorers A nature adventure program for 5-7 year olds who may be accompanied by an adult, no younger siblings, please. We’ll learn about insects, their body parts, and families. From 3:15 to 4:45 p.m. at Tilden Nature Area. Cost is $6-$8, registration required. 525-2233. www.ebparks.org 

Tales of Your Amazing Body at 2 p.m. at the Hall of Health, 2230 Shatuck Ave., lower level. For ages 3-10. Donation $3. 549-1564. 

Twilight Tour “Plants for Your Landscape and Garden” Expand your plant palette with reliable bloomers and drought tolerant plants at 5:30 p.m. at the Botanical Garden, 200 Centennial Drive. Cost is $12-$17. Registration required. 643-2755. http://botanicalgarden.berkeley.edu 

FRIDAY, JULY 30 

Free Compost for Berkeley Residents Open to the general public at 11:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. Berkeley Marina Maintenance Yard, 201 University Ave., next to Adventure Playground. 644-6566.  

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. 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. 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. 525-5231. 

SATURDAY, JULY 31 

Fifth Annual Urban Sustainability Bike Tour We’ll tour several houses in the East Bay that demonstrate some aspect of lighter living in the city. Join us at the east side of the Ashby BART Station at 10 a.m. Please bring lunch and water with you. 548-2220, ext. 233. www.ecologycenter.org 

United Nations Association 40th Anniversary Celebration, with music dance and food, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 1403B Addison St. in the University Ave. Andronico’s parking lot. 849-1752. 

“Port Chicago,” a musical-theater performance commemorating the 60th anniversary of the worst home-front disaster in World War II, will be staged by the Marcus Shelby Jazz Orchestra from 3 to 5 p.m., at the African-American Museum and Library at Oakland, 659 14th St. 637-0200. www.oaklandlibrary.org  

Summer Pond Plunge With dip-nets and maginifiers we’ll search for backswimmers, dragonflies and more. For ages 4 and up. From 3 to 4:30 p.m. at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. 525-2233. 

Berkeley International Kite Festival at Cesar Chavez Park, Berkeley Marina. 235-5483. www.highlinekites.com  

Rockridge to the Hills Explore historic neighborhoods of Oakland and Berkeley, with beautiful old homes, gardens, and a creek. Ascend to Claremont Open Space for a picnic and views before returning to Rockridge. A challenging, seven mile hike with an elevation gain between 1,000 and 2,000 feet. From 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. 415- 543-6771, ext. 302. www.greenbelt.org 

Full Moon Peak Hike for youth and families to Wildcat Peak to see the moonrise. From 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. 525-2233. 

“Butterflies: Flying Flowers” from 1 to 4 p.m. at Regional Parks Botanic Garden, Tilden park. Cost is $30-$35. For reservations call 845-4116. www.nativeplants.org 

Oakland Heritage Alliance Walking Tour of Glenview From 10 a.m. to noon. Meet at Gleview Elementary School, corner of Hampel and La Cresta. Tour is limited to 20 persons. Cost is $5 for OHA members, $10 for nonmembers. For reservations call 763-9218. www.oaklandheritage.org 

Walking Tour of Jack London Waterfront Meet at 10 a.m. at the corner of Broadway and Embarcadero. For reservations call 238-3234. www.oaklandnet.com/wallkingtours 

The Bay Area Dry Climate Garden Learn what to plant in our winter-wet, summer-dry climate, choosing from plants from similar climates around the world. At 10 a.m. at Magic Gardens Nursery, 729 Heinz Ave. 644-2351. www.magicgardens.com 

Trivial Pursuit Booklover’s Edition Join this interactive event and test your knowledge of book and author trivia at 2 p.m. at Barnes and Noble, 2352 Shattuck Ave. 644-0861. 

Disaster First Aid Class from 9 a.m. to noon at the Fire Dept. Training Center, 997 Cedar St. Part of Berkeley Community Emergency Response Training series, open to anyone who lives or works in Berkeley. To register, call 981-5506. 

Yoga for Seniors at the Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant St., on Saturdays from 10 to 11 a.m. for $8. 848-7800. 

ONGOING 

Berkeley Youth Alternative Boys Basketball Tournament will be held through Aug. 8 at Emery High School in Emeryville. Divisions are 17 and under, 15 and under, and 12 and under. Entry fee is $200 per team with a three game guarantee. For more information call 845-9066. sports@byaonline.org 

Free Summer Lunch Programs are offered to youth age 18 and under at various sites in Berkeley, including James Kenny Rec. Center, Frances Albrier Center, Strawberry Creek, Longfellow School, Rosa Parks School and Washington School, Mon. - Fri. 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. until Aug. 20. Sponsored by the City of Berkeley Health Dept. 981-5351.  

CITY MEETINGS 

Solid Waste Management Commission Mon., July 26, at 7 p.m., at 1201 Second St. Becky Dowdakin, 981-6357. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/solidwaste 

Parks and Recreation Commission meets Mon., July 26, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Deborah Chernin, 981-6715. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/parksandrecreation 

Civic Arts Commission meets Wed., July 28, 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., July 28, 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., July 28, 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., July 28 at 6:30 p.m. at 2640 MLK Jr. Way, at Derby. Harvey Turek, 981-5213. www.ci.erkeley.ca.us/ 

commissions/mentalhealth 

Planning Commission meets Wed., July 28, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Ruth Grimes, 981-7481. www.ci.berkeley. ca.us/commissions/planning 

ô


Opinion

Editorials

Kucinich Can’t Stop Campaigning, Launches Progressive Dems of America

By CHRISTOPHER KROHN Special to the Planet
Tuesday July 27, 2004

BOSTON — The air inside St. Paul’s Church next to Boston Common was sultry on Monday, laden with east coast humidity and heat from national progressive politics. United States Rep. Dennis Kucinich from Ohio and several featured speakers including Reverend Jesse Jackson, James Zogby, President of the Arab-American Institute, Margaret Prescod of Pacifica’s KPFK and co-coordinator of the Global Women’s Strike and actors Mimi Kennedy and James Cromwell kicked off four days of political dialogue. 

The presidential aspirations for one Dennis Kucinich have ended—he endorsed John Kerry last Thursday night in Detroit—but the campaign lives on. Kucinich joins dozens of national figures this week in a series of “social forums” discussing almost everything: bringing the troops home, restoring Jean Bertrand Aristide to the presidency of Haiti, creating a universal healthcare plan, endorsing gay marriage, supporting Hugo Chavez in Venezuela. The agenda goes all the way to defining, in the words of Zogby, “what America will become.” This new organization is called PDA, or Progressive Democrats of America, and most of the issues raised by the progressives in Monday’s two-hour opening forum aren’t in the Democratic Party platform. 

This was the first of nine such events during this convention week for Kucinich and the 300 supporter-entourage he has brought with him to Boston. The list of scheduled speakers for the week reads like a national progressive who’s who all-star team: Prof. Angela Davis, former California State Sen. and ‘60s icon Tom Hayden, U.S. Rep. John Conyers from Michigan, Sen. Dick Durban from Illinois, Actor Sean Penn, Global Exchange Executive Director Medea Benjamin, Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr., new-age author Marianne Williamson, former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean, and former LBJ press secretary and television personality Bill Moyers. It has become an ambitious project, to say the least. 

The packed church was warmed up even more as Kucinich true-believers offered standing ovations for each speaker. Martin Martinez of the Boston AIDS Coalition raised the roof first when he said, “I represent the grassroots folks who are working on dual fronts, the homophobia of some in the Latino community and racism within the Gay community.” KPFK’s Prescod was next, receiving her applause when she spoke of the abduction “with the support of the US” of Jean Bertrand Aristide, former President of Haiti. “Those of us in the Caribbean feel very threatened about what happened in Haiti ... an elected leader was kidnapped,” she said. 

The actors were up next. Mimi Kennedy of the Dharma and Greg show stood in for Congressmember John Conyers “who moments ago was called to New York by UN Secretary General Kofi Annan.” Kennedy used the time to talk about “non-violence in a nuclear age.” James Cromwell, Secretary-Treasurer of the Screen Actors Guild, said he was involved with “radical politics back in the ‘60s, but I became disillusioned until (Dennis) Kucinich.” He told the group that in 1964 he and others created the Southern Theatre Project and produced shows like Waiting for Godot for “people who had no radio, no TV, and had never been to the movie theater or a playhouse before.” Cromwell said that access to information was the great dividing line in America today. “We are divided along the lines of people who have access to information and those that do not…without the ability to be seen and heard there can be no equality.” The Arab-American Institute’s Zogby, also a pollster, was equally pointed: “Will they (Republicans) define America or will we (Democrats)?”  

When Kucinich came to the podium he and the crowd were already in a frenzied state. It didn’t take long for him to get the crowd standing again. “This is a country that fled an empire, but we didn’t flee an empire to become an empire,” he said. He also talked about civil liberties, and how he is tired of all the spot searches by police around Boston during the convention. He can’t even enter his hotel without having to show his plastic key, he said.  

The progressive choir was back on its feet again when Kucinich jabbed the air with his finger saying, “What better place to talk about the Patriot Act than in Boston.” Another standing ovation. Dennis then laid down the gauntlet:“It is so essential that we stand up. We are not going peacefully into the night…when the Patriot Act was passed it was passed in the middle of the night and most members of Congress did not know what was in it.”  

The atmosphere was almost bedlam when who should appear, unannounced, through a side door in the front of the church, but the Rev. Jesse Jackson, executive director of Operation Push in Chicago. Now there was bedlam. 

As Jackson took the stage to the first of several ovations, he first praised Dennis Kucinich and his campaign for the issues they keep alive and then got right to work critiquing the Bush administration. “I’ve been searching in my mind,” said Jackson, “for what John Kerry and George Bush have in common, and the only thing I can come up with is that they’re both seeking to be elected president for the first time.”  

He touched on numerous critical progressive issues during his 20-minute talk: the voting rights act, a “stolen” 2000 election, one million disenfranchised African-American voters nationwide, the good fortune of late of senatorial candidate Barrack Obama in Illinois, the comeback candidacy of Cynthia McKinney in Georgia, the Bush snub of the NAACP (“It’s also the Sierra Club, NOW and the National Black Caucus.”), single-payer healthcare, and his tour this fall with Willie Nelson in Appalachia looking for votes for the Democrats. But it was when Jackson said “we must end the war in Iraq,” those simple words, that the house came down. People were standing, applauding, and pumping their arms in the air for at least two minutes. The Rev. Jackson was connecting with the audience in a big way. He appeared to enjoy it as much as his listeners. 

In a press conference following the first forum Kucinich was asked by this reporter about the war: Why is there no timetable in the Democratic Party platform concerning the number one issue for Democrats? Kucinich immediately cited the morning’s New York Times poll of Democratic delegates: “Nine out of 10 are opposed to this war.” Then why is it not in the party platform? “Progressives are going to elect John Kerry,” he said. “We hold the balance right now…progressives want to hold onto their identity then merge into the Democratic Party.” But where are the teeth? What assurances will Democrats have? “The platform is insufficient. The platform is not to be taken as a finished product. We’re going to unite behind John Kerry and we will continue to become stronger after the election,” said Kucinich. 


Editorial: The Dog Days in Berkeley

Becky O’Malley
Friday July 23, 2004

Now begin the City of Berkeley’s dog days. The expression derives from the rising of Sirius, the Dog Star, which takes place between early July and early September. But since it coincides with hot and humid in a large part of the northern hemisphere, the image of lazy dogs lying around in the shade comes to mind. 

Folk etymology has therefore extended “dog days” to mean any period of stagnation or inactivity, and that definition has also found its way into dictionaries.  

For newspapers which look to city government to provide copy, the departure of the City Council and some of the boards and commissions for a two-month period every summer has been a major challenge. The Berkeley City Council in particular has over the years been a reliable source of political theater, and local publications have cheerfully delivered performance reviews of their antics. But in the 14 months the new Daily Planet has been covering the Berkeley City Council, the annual departure has become less and less of a problem. That’s because the current City Council is doing less and less of the governing of the city. We’re in an era of Government Lite in Berkeley, when the majority of councilmembers have decided to go along to get along, so that when they leave town no one even notices any more. Stagnation and inactivity have become a year-round phenomenon. Last year the city clerk’s office had a party to celebrate the council’s departure, complete with Aloha decorations. We haven’t heard about one this year.  

It looks more and more like the hired professionals on the city staff are making policy instead of “the electeds” as they are sometimes called behind their backs. This is both the good news and the bad news. The city staff produced a hard-hitting critique of the University of California’s environmental impact report on its Long Range Development plan which was described by one frequent critic of city government as “surprisingly good.” It was not pre-approved by the City Council—in fact they got their first look at it the day it was sent. This caused a little grumbling by councilmembers, notably the mayor, who carried water for the university in Sacramento and is much disposed to compromise with his alma mater whenever possible. The lifers on the staff have a very clear understanding of the budgetary problems they’ll face in the next few years, and they’re thoroughly tired of the university’s addiction to consuming city resources without paying for them, so they tore into the transparently weak EIR. When it comes to the bottom line, they know what they’re doing. 

On the other hand, some critics, notably Barbara Gilbert, who is now running for City Council in District 5, have accused the staff of being too easy on their own: of looking for remedies to budget shortfalls almost anywhere except in salary cuts for city employees. This promises to be as close to a major campaign issue as we’re likely to get in the new bland Berkeley, but it’s possible that most voters won’t even notice it. One of the publishers’ trade publications which we acquired with this paper ran a survey suggesting that a lot of readers of a lot of papers don’t follow government news anymore because they don’t think they can have any influence over what government does. If that’s true, it’s sad, and it might well be.  

Just in case we have a few readers who still enjoy politics, we’re going to provide coverage of the Democratic Convention in Boston for your amusement during the dog days while the council is away. We have not one but two correspondents: Chris Krohn, the former mayor of Santa Cruz and long-time left activist, and Bob Burnett, one of the founding executives at Cisco Systems, who is a major donor to the Democratic Party. They’re going to try to cover the event inside (probably Bob) and outside (probably Chris). The problem, of course, is that it appears that the Democratic National Committee has engineered the convention to be just as bland as the Berkeley City Council, so we can’t promise you any drama. But if it happens, we’ll be there. 

The Republican Convention is another matter entirely. We don’t really know any Republicans who could cover it for us. We do know a pair of rowdy middle-aged women who should know better who threaten to go to New York and make noise in the streets, and we hope to get them to send us dispatches from that front. If anyone else from around here is going, please let us know.  

 

—Becky O’Malley