A proposed major new development with at least 300 units of housing built over ground floor commercial space at the site of the Ashby BART Station’s western parking lot could spell major changes in South Berkeley. 

The City Council will be asked Tuesday night to endorse a $120,000 grant application to the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) for the project, which would occupy the five-acre parking lot now used by the Berkeley Flea Market on weekends. 

City Councilmember Max Anderson, the proposal’s sponsor, said that the council several years ago called for workforce housing on the site to enable nurses, firefighters and others to have an opportunity to live in the city. 

If approved, he said, the resolution would recommit the city to that goal in the context of a “transit village,” while ensuring an open process that would allow the community to determine that the nature of the project fit in with their vision for the neighborhood. 

“It would bring South Berkeley into the modern era in terms of economic viability and as a further development of the Ashby Arts District,” Anderson said. 

If approved by Caltrans, the grant would require an additional $30,000 from the city, either in funds or in staff time.  

The proposal, developed by Anderson and the South Berkeley Neighborhood Development Corporation (SBNDC), designates Ed Church as the project director. A veteran of Berkeley politics, Church founded the Nine Trees Group last year, a firm specializing in transit-oriented development. 

Transit villages—developments at transit hubs—are the creation of Berkeley Mayor Tom Bates, created in Assembly Bill 3152, drafted during his 1994 term in the state Legislature. 

Under that legislation, creation of a transit village project also upzones the surrounding area, extending no less that a quarter-mile from the project’s boundary, allowing for greater density for low- and moderate-income housing projects. 

New legislation by his spouse, Assemblymember Loni Hancock, which takes effect Jan. 1, will allow a city or county to use an existing specific development plan to serve as a plan for a transit village—in the case of the proposed development at the Ashby BART Station, the existing South Shattuck plan may qualify. 

The housing would be the second major project slated for Ashby BART, the first being the new Ed Roberts Campus that would occupy much of the eastern parking lot. That project aroused considerable concern in the surrounding neighborhood because it eliminates parking spots. 

The city controls above-ground development rights on both parcels, which are owned by BART. 

The project places two major issues on the table, according to Planning Director Dan Marks’ report to the city council: first, the relocation of the Berkeley Flea Market that now occupies the western lot on weekends, and the other is replacement of at least some of the existing parking spaces, writes Planning Director Dan Marks in a report to the city council. 

The project worries neighborhood activists Jackie DeBose and Robert Lauriston. 

DeBose said she was unhappy that the community wasn’t allowed to comment before the grant application was submitted. 

“When you apply for a grant, you have to assume that the goal is to build the project. I’m also concerned about what will happen when construction starts, especially if they’re building the Ed Roberts Center at the same time,” DeBose said. 

“You have to wonder what the effects will be on small business while all that construction is going on, too,” she said. 

Robert Lauriston, a Woolsey Street resident, said he hoped that any development at the site would fit the scale of the neighborhood. 

“If they try to put in a big, Stalinist block, and minimize parking, that will cause all the neighborhood associations to freak out,” he said. 

Another major concern would be the underground creek that runs through the area, at times loud enough for nearby residents to hear and with enough force to pop out manhole covers. 

Development of housing at the site had strong support from former Vice Mayor Maudelle Shirek, who sponsored a successful city council resolution in 2001 calling for development of housing on the site, “to the greatest extent possible...affordable and available to public sector workers.” 

As currently envisioned, one fifth of the units would be so-called inclusionary apartments or condominiums, which would be rented or sold to low- and lower-income tenants. 

Though the grant proposal is first appearing before the council tonight, Church said he applied for the funds on behalf of the SBNDC on Oct. 14 because he had learned of the grant opportunity only two weeks before the application deadline. 

Church said his job is to get the community involved in the planning process to formulate the elements to be included when the SBNDC issues a request for qualifications (RFQ) from developers interested in building the project. 

“It’s time for the public to get involved, to decide what they want on the land and issues they want addressed in the RFQ,” he said. Church said his Nine Trees Group was not involved in the project. 

“It’s important to have development there because creation of the BART station left a big hole in the community and the neighborhood can only be a neighborhood again when there is a great infill housing project in there,” he said. 

The South Berkeley Neighborhood Development Corporation was created out of the planning process that created the South Berkeley Plan, and also the 35-unit Rosewood Manor apartments at 1615-1617 Russell St. 

Church said he hopes the developer is approved before the grant is awarded—which could come in July—so that the developer could work with the community throughout the development process. 

The proposal has attracted significant endorsements, including those of Rev. Allen L. Williams of St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church at 2024 Ashby Ave., Adeline/Ashby Merchants Association President Sam Dyke, Epic Arts Executive Director Ashley Berkowitz and Ted Droettboom, regional planning program director for the Joint Policy Committee of the Association of Bay Area Governments, the Bay Area Air Quality Management District and the Metropolitan Transportation Commission. 

Steve Wollmer of PlanBerkeley.org said he has several concerns about the project.  

“I haven’t seen the proposal, but a transit village development can blow away existing zoning within that area, leading to even greater density. I also find it interesting that Loni carried a bill on transit villages, and a few months after its passage, we have this,” Wollmer said.›

At a heated Zoning Adjustments Board (ZAB) meeting, residents of the Ashby neighborhood packed the second floor of Old City Hall chambers Thursday night with tales of their local liquor store.  

“No liquor, littering, loitering, public urination,” read makeshift signs in the hands of over a dozen who were at the public hearing to urge ZAB to declare Black & White Liquor at 3027 Adeline St. a public nuisance.  

During the first half of the meeting to decide the fate of Sucha Singh Banger’s business, neighbors told harrowing tales about vomit and other bodily fluids left behind on their properties by those whom they claimed to be patrons of the store.  

“On at least 10 occasions I have splashed bleach onto my front door and literally gagged as I watched bodily fluids wash down the street,” said Susan Bell, addressing the board. She said disturbances, as well as “frequent and obscene” assaults affiliated with the store ultimately caused her to move from her nearby apartment.  

Laura Boles, who lives around the corner from Black & White, says she finds homeless people sleeping on her front steps and back yard, with containers of alcoholic beverages in their hand. She says she calls the police twice a week because of loud fights near the liquor store.  

“We don’t consider this store to be a good neighbor,” said Dawn Rubin, who added that Banger’s place is a magnet for crime in the area. She wishes he would take more responsibility for the conduct of his patrons, including drug deals she has witnessed in front of Black & White. 

“It is his responsibility to be aware,” she said, “not ours to complain to him.”  

Gregory Daniel, code enforcement supervisor for ZAB, urged the board to declare Black & White a nuisance. He said the excessive police calls for service to 3027 Adeline St. have pulled officers away from other areas in Berkeley, endangering the overall safety of residents.  

“We’re not just talking about the quality of life near Black & White,” he said. “[This is] creating problems as far north as campus.” 

The public hearing was called after the Zoning Adjustments Board received dozens of complaints from neighbors about lewd conduct around the store. Many of the reports say those incidents disappeared when the store was closed for renovation after an arson fire ripped through the building.  

But a diverse crowd of Banger’s supporters came out in numbers to refute their neighbors’ complaints.  

Martin Vargas, a postal worker who serves the South Berkeley area, led the speakers against declaring the liquor store a nuisance.  

“Welcome to South Berkeley,” said Vargas in response to Banger’s opponents, saying the problems of homelessness and alcohol use are inherent in the area. He called on the city to provide public restrooms around the BART station to avoid public urination and defecation. As for the excessive trash reported around the site, Vargas attributes it to the 30,000 vehicles which pass by on Adeline Street every day. 

Marian Jones, owner of an antique store on Adeline Street, blamed the nuisances on the mentally ill and on foot traffic from BART, not on the liquor store’s patrons. She praised Banger’s business, saying, “I feel safer that [Banger] is there, and I wish he would stay.” 

After hours of public testimony and debate among the board, Banger’s opponents nearly got their wish. Members of ZAB were on the verge of voting to declare the store a public nuisance, with suggested remedies allowing for continued operation. But the remarks of Banger’s attorney, Jerome Marks, convinced the board to put off the vote until the next ZAB meeting in order to give Banger sufficient time to investigate the feasibility of the proposed remedies.  

Among the board’s proposals was a year-long probationary period, in which store hours would be limited to 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Banger would be required to stop selling single-shot containers of liquor, single beers, as well as all fortified beer and wine.  

In addition, the board wanted Banger to set up outdoor lighting fixtures and video cameras (which he says he has already done), use Black & White-branded paper bags, and hire a security guard to help monitor the area.  

The board asked that Banger train new employees to control lewd conduct at the store, and that he himself mind the store until closing at least two nights a week. During the probation, there would be a six- and 12-month evaluation, and Banger would meet with neighbors every two months to discuss concerns. 

The long list of conditions that would allow Black & White to stay in business seemed to dizzy Banger after the meeting. 

“It’s going to be tough on me,” he said, outside the chambers.  

ZAB members said they expected to vote to declare the liquor store a nuisance, with the proposed remedies, without much deliberation at their next meeting on Jan. 12, 2006.  

Sales taxes paid by downtown Berkeley retail stores fell 10 percent between June 2004 and June 2005, according to city figures. 

“A full 10 percent is amazing. No, it’s alarming,” said Wells Lawson of Strategic Economics, recently hired by the city as a consultant to downtown development. 

Downtown taxes lost to the city came to about $100,000 this year. City-wide, retail sales taxes fell in every business district except Solano Avenue. Even Fourth Street, regarded as Berkeley’s best-designed and best-run business district, showed a small fall-off. 

Dave Fogarty, city coordinator of community development, and others blamed Internet sales.  

“This is significant in Berkeley, because almost everyone in Berkeley now has access to the Internet,” Fogarty said. 

Supporting this view are figures showing that, while downtown retail sales taxes plunged, taxes from downtown restaurants continue to slowly increase.  

Downtown has other problems though, according to a presentation Dec. 1 attended by about 50 developers, planners, and business owners. Dena Belzer of Strategic Economics, which has also been hired by the city to redesign downtown’s BART plaza, listed the most prominent problems with downtown: 

• Blocks that are too long. “Sometimes when I go there, it takes me a while to figure out where I am,” said Belzer, who lives in Berkeley. 

• Cars using Shattuck Avenue as a thoroughfare and making alarming “turning movements.” 

• Too many property owners—250 in downtown—who tend to interact as adversaries rather than cooperatively creating a sense of coherence. 

• Lack of inviting public spaces. 

Confronted with this, past planners haven’t always done well. An early and controversial idea was to cut down trees along Shattuck Avenue so merchants’ signs would be visible. This idea failed to take into account that Berkeley residents tend to like trees better than advertising. 

A similar oversight occurred in the case of the Farmers’ Market, open every Saturday on Center Street next to Martin Luther King Jr. Park. Partly conceived as a way to attract customers to downtown, it has only succeeded in attracting customers to the Farmers’ Market. 

“People who go there just stay there. They want to be near green,” said Assistant City Manager Michael Kaplan.  

Lawson of Strategic Economics said the planning firm intends to be circumspect concerning the BART plaza.  

“There’s a whole theory of design that says, ‘Don’t lay anything down officially until you see how people will really use the space,’” he said. 

Landscape architects have a term for this: “desire paths.” Architects discovered that after they had designed and built a park and laid in their carefully planned pathways, people didn’t use them but wore into the grass their own “desire paths.”f

Was UC Berkeley’s Thursday night public “scoping session” to help prepare an environmental review of its massive development plans at and around Memorial Stadium a meaningless gesture? 

Maybe so, judging from comments by Berkeley Planning Director Dan Marks and others at a Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) meeting four days earlier. 

During the Monday meeting, Marks told commissioners that for scoping comments to have any impact at all, they needed to come at the conceptual design phase, before the project entered the schematic design phase, which means that the building specifications have been decided. 

“By the time it’s in schematics, it’s done,” said Marks. 

Marks was one of about 50 who showed up for the Thursday night scoping session, during which Robert DeLiso, vice president of URS Corporation and project manager for the expansion, announced that the two most significant projects had gone into schematic design that day. 

Those projects are the $125 million seismic retrofit and addition of a 132,500-square-foot Student Athlete High Performance Center to Memorial Stadium and a $140 million to $160 million academic commons building for the university’s Boalt Hall law school and the Haas School of Business. 

The third major project in the package is a $60 million underground parking lot to be built at the site of Maxwell Family Field northwest of the stadium, bringing the total costs to over a third of a billion dollars—all of which is to come from private donors. 

“It is not appropriate to go to schematics before the university has shared its intentions with the community,” Marks said Monday. “The designs we’ve seen to date are far from adequate. To hear that they’re moving to schematic designs is distressing.” 

Marks said he would present a report on the scoping session and its implications at tonight’s (Tuesday’s) City Council meeting. 

Landmarks Preservation Commissioner Lesley Emmington made a motion at Monday’s LPC meeting to ask the university to submit conceptual designs to the commission, which is concerned about historic structures scheduled for demolition in the project. 

On learning that plans were already moving into schematics, Emmington said, “That’s unfortunate. We’re kind of scrambling at square one when they’re already on square ten.” 

Thursday’s scoping session answered another question about renovation plans for Memorial Stadium itself. 

During a Nov. 10 press conference by UCB Chancellor Robert Birgeneau and other university officials unveiling the project plans, university officials said they weren’t sure when asked if the three-story, above-the-rim addition to Memorial Stadium shown in plans would include a layer to so-called luxury sky boxes. 

There was no such ambiguity Thursday night, when DeLiso confirmed that one level will include enclosed “premium” seating—that is, sky boxes. 

The deluxe amenities, which often include bar fixtures, restrooms, luxury seats and other amenities, are considered major revenue generators and are often booked by corporations and business people seeking to impress clients. 

Executive education 

Not included in the EIR project area was another business school project, the development of an executive education facility designed to offer non-degree programs for business executives. 

According to a call for a project executive architect posted on the university’s website, the school is looking at two sites—one of them Bowles Hall, which is located just across Stadium Rim Way from the Maxwell Family Field, site of the planned underground parking garage. 

Bowles was the first residence hall on campus and opened in 1929. If chosen, the structure would be renovated and might include new construction on the adjacent parking lot. 

Designed by architect George W. Kelham, the structure is both a City of Berkeley landmark and a structure listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  

The second site under consideration is the Anna Head Complex (the former Anna Head School) and next-door parking lot, located in the city on university-owned land three blocks south of the campus between Durant Avenue on the north and Channing Way on the south and between Telegraph Avenue and Bowditch Street. 

If selected, new construction would be built on the large parking lot, and the project could also include conversion and renovation of some or all of the existing buildings on the site. 

John Edginton, a Berkeley resident who lived in Bowles Hall for four years before he graduated in 1957, and later went on to graduate from Boalt Hall, said he’d like to see the hall restored to its original purpose as a four-year residential facility for undergraduates. 

“I found it a wonderfully rewarding experience, with lots of camaraderie,” he said. Edginton acknowledged that there have been disciplinary problems in later years. 

The university restricted the hall to freshman-year residents only for the current academic year, but Edginton and other former Bowles residents have created an alumni association, which they hope will help mentor residents and minimize the problems. 

Ideally, he said, he would like to see the landmark structure restored to its original purpose, as a four-year residence hall where beginning students could learn from upper-class folk in a self-governing and congenial atmosphere.

On Saturday evening, former councilmember/peace activist Maudelle Shirek was given a standing ovation for all the work she has done in her life. To a cheering, ecstatic crowd of more than a couple hundred Berkeley residents, Shirek introduced herself with a famous Mark Twain quote. 

“Thank you for coming,” said a vigorous Shirek. “First let me say that reports of my demise have been greatly exaggerated. I’m still here and I’m still involved.” 

Many local leaders, like Alameda County Supervisor Keith Carson, Mayor Tom Bates, Assemblymember Loni Hancock, Congresswoman Barbara Lee, and Councilmember Max Anderson, talked about how Shirek never compromised her values and always spoke about what was on her mind. 

They described her as a leader in fighting for just causes on many current issues. Shirek proved what they said by expressing her views about current controversial issues in Berkeley, including affordable housing and the closure of Derby Street. 

“Like Santa Claus,” said Shirek in a booming voice, “I’ll be watching you to see if you’re good, like supporting affordable housing, or bad, like trying to close Derby Street.” 

Last week the City Council voted unanimously to name Old City Hall for Shirek. Dec. 10 was also declared Maudelle Shirek Day by the council. The mayor served with Shirek for only wo years, but he said that even within that time, she made an important impact on him. 

“She spoke with such passion,” said Berkeley Mayor Tom Bates. “She spoke from the heart. It makes a big difference. I wish that I had been able to work with her longer.” 

“I know the word ‘hero’ is a bit overused,” added Councilmember Max Anderson, who holds Shirek’s former seat on the City Council. “In Maudelle, we see an activist of the greatest integrity. We are here today to celebrate her heroism.” 

Assemblymember Hancock, a former Berkeley mayor, talked about her personal experiences with Shirek. 

“Once, I was eating lunch with Maudelle,” Hancock said. “I reached for the salt shaker and Maudelle said, “Don’t use that!’ And still to this day, I remember her words of wisdom.” 

Rep. Barbara Lee has tried for more than two years to name the main Berkeley post office on Allston Way after Shirek, honoring her for her activism in the community. However, an effort by House Republicans, led by Iowa Rep. Steve King, blocked the measure in September. Naming post offices and federal courthouses are so commonplace that generally a voice vote is used (which signals solid, unanimous approval). 

Robert Chambers, a candidate for King’s seat in the House, said at Saturday’s event that he isn’t proud of King’s behavior. 

“This isn’t the first time that Iowans had to apologize for Mr. King’s actions,” Chambers said about King’s efforts to block honoring Shirek. “We are deeply and profoundly embarrassed. What he did was insensitive and inaccurate. One of the reasons that I came to this event was to send an apology to Berkeley, to Barbara Lee, to Maudelle Shirek, and to many others.” 

Donations to the Maudelle Shirek Scholarship Fund, which will be used to benefit underprivileged children, can be sent to: Maudelle Shirek Scholarship Fund/Vanguard Foundation, c/o Max Anderson, 2180 Milvia St., Fifth Floor, Berkeley, CA 94704. 

Photograph by Rio Bauce  

Former City Councilmember Maudelle Shirek is given warm congratulations by admirers for her long career in Berkeley politics.

Barbara Shearer, one of the Bay Area’s best-loved concert pianists and music teachers, died on Dec. 6 of natural causes, in Oakland.  

Born on Sept. 16, 1936, in Ottawa, Illinois, Shearer spent her childhood in the rural Midwest. She attended Carthage College for two years, then Wittenberg University in Ohio, where she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in music. On the advice of her teachers she went to New York in 1958 to study piano with Leonard Shure, whom she later followed to Zurich and Munich. A later influence was Karl Ulrich Schnabel, from whom she received valuable coaching and with whom she taught as a colleague.  

In 1963 Shearer was about to take a teaching job in New York, but literally changed directions when one of her teachers in Ohio dissuaded her, offering to buy her a bus ticket to San Francisco instead. She did graduate work at UC Berkeley, and in 1964 married singer and composer Allen Shearer, who survives her.  

Barbara Shearer performed solo, with chamber ensembles, and in song recitals with her husband and many other singers throughout Northern California and on the East Coast, and in Mexico and Italy. She lived for two years in Salzburg, Austria, and one year at the American Academy in Rome, during which time she gave a solo recital at the Vienna Konzerthaus.  

Other memorable performances include Beethoven’s Second Piano Concerto and Arnold Schoenberg’s Piano Concerto with the UC Symphony, Brahms’s Concerto in D minor with the San Francisco Community Orchestra as well as the Mendocino Festival Orchestra, and Allen Shearer’s Fantasy for Piano and Orchestra with the Orchestra Sinfonica della RAI (Rome).  

Shearer taught in the Young Musicians Program at Berkeley in its formative years, and joined the university’s piano faculty in 1978, where she taught for nearly 25 years. Legions of musicians remember her as a mentor—a powerful, inspiring artist who always sought to bring out the best in her students. Added to her musical and intellectual gifts was the gift of enthusiasm.  

An immensely popular performer, Shearer’s Bay Area concerts regularly attracted overflow audiences. She recorded music of Schumann and Chopin on the Alba Artists label. Although music was the predominant force in her life, Shearer also pursued other interests with passion. She was an avid reader and an expert knitter, and delighted in knowing about people—composers, performers, authors, artists, cultural leaders, and everyday folk. She loved retreating into rustic settings on the Northern California coast and treasured her garden at home with its ferns, fruit trees, and the towering redwood she planted as a sapling.  

The historic North Oakland house where Barbara Shearer taught and lived is a landmark, not only as an architectural treasure but also as a place where, for the past four decades, generations of music students gathered to learn more about music-making—and life—from a true Bay Area original.  

A memorial concert is being planned for January.e

Debi Echlin, founder and owner of A Great Good Place for Books, died suddenly on Nov. 25. She was 52 years old.  

This is not going to be an obituary. It is the story of a place, a community and the vision and energy of the unique woman who created it. Her inspiration was a quote from Ray Oldenburg, a sociologist who writes about communities: “Great civilizations, like great cities, share a common feature. Evolving within them and crucial to their growth and refinement are distinctive informal gathering places. In cities blessed with their own characteristic form of these Great Good Places, the stranger feels at home—nay, is at home.”  

In founding the store eight years ago, Echlin created a community of people who love books, who read books, who talk about books and about the issues that concern them. In her bookstore on LaSalle Avenue in Montclair people do more than buy books, they feel at home. They gather and form friendships, and they became her friends. In the memorial book placed near the front desk people are writing tributes to her, recalling her warmth and her smile and her humor and above all the love she gave so freely.  

Hut Landon, staff person at the Northern California Independent Booksellers Association (NCIBA), reflected that what was unique “about Debi and her store was that she had managed to make her store a community gathering place that was really unlike any bookstore that I had been in.” 

He described how “she connected with her customers. I hear from people they’ve really lost a friend, not just a retail person who everybody likes in the community, this is much deeper than that.” 

Echlin had been a member of the NCIBA Board of Directors for the last two years and there too, Landon affirmed, she will be sorely missed. 

Kathleen Caldwell, Echlin’s close friend and associate, has taken over the store. She affirms her continuing dedication to the community of book lovers. Talking about Echlin she said, “She believed that this was a community, she made it her community and she really instilled that in all of us.... She treated the customers as if they were our best friends”  

And she regarded the staff not as employees but as members of a team. Caldwell reiterated, “We are a team with a single purpose, we were meant to be a community.”  

Like many bookstores, there is a book club that meets monthly at the store. Echlin also supported other book clubs by stocking their selections and providing them to the members at discount prices. One of the display tables in the store is piled with stacks of book selections for more than a dozen book clubs, each topped by a clever little card holder identifying the club. Echlin’s community encompassed all people in all the clubs. In the back of the store there is a children’s book section where kids can curl up in a beanbag or on the floor and read or be read to.  

Ron Berrol and his wife are frequent visitors. She belongs to the book club there. He told me that what he appreciates about the store “is that they always have books about local history.... Oakland neighborhood books—kind of a little specialty niche that’s nice.”  

People in the neighborhood and other business owners on the street were shocked to hear that Echlin was gone. I talked with Joseph Sullivan who has owned The Book Tree directly across the street for twenty years. His is a small store that carries different genres of books from A Great Good Place so he and Debi have coexisted amicably all these years. Further up the street is a clothing store called Hula owned by Andrea Lockyer and her daughter Naomi. 

“My mom had a really close friendship with Debi and I loved her,” Naomi said. “She just had this amazing personality, that anyone who met her felt touched by her sincerity, her genuineness. She added so much to the village.... She was just one of those special people.”  

As Naomi was telling me this, Alice Butler, a customer in her store chimed in with a touching story about Echlin. 

“I walked in very timidly one day because I had been writing to my nephew who is in a detention center in another state and I wanted to do something more than just write to him, wanted to start sending him books to read and magazines,” she said. 

Butler had tried sending him books but they were returned because convicts are not allowed to receive packages from private persons. Echlin reassured her, saying, “We have plenty of customers who have family members who are convicts and we have a program,” Butler said. “So she just took that over for me.”  

Together they selected a book each month and Echlin would send it enclosing “a nice letter saying ‘Here is another book from your aunt. Hope you enjoy it,’” Butler said. 

Everyone who knew her agrees that in the eight years since Echlin started A Great Good Place for Books she created something that reached far beyond the four walls of the store. Caldwell and her team are determined to carry on her legacy. 

“We are all committed to keeping this store alive,” she said. “We are a family.”  

Photograph by Lydia Gans 

A Great Good Place For Books staff members Marianne Sheehan and Kathleen Caldwell stand next to a poster of store founder Debi Echlin. 

Berkeley city councilmembers will get a firsthand look at City Manager Phil Kamlarz’s proposal for the additional $1.08 million the city expects to receive in the current fiscal year’s budget. 

With the additional funds, most of which are expected to come from property-based taxes and fees, Kamlarz said the city can continue to fund a series of programs previously slated to be cut. 

“Yes, we can keep them going, but we should hold off on funding anything else, at least until February, when we will have six months of data to look at,” he said. 

Of the $878,564 in recommended expenditures, the largest single item is $250,000 for fuel costs above those included in the original FY 2006-07 budget, followed by $247,000 in back payments to Pacific Gas & Electric to cover costs of street lighting, for which the utility had failed to bill the city earlier. 

The next largest cost, $112,000, would cover unbudgeted costs for agencies in the Veterans Memorial Building. 

Another $100,000 would cover unreimbursed costs for emergency aid during Hurricane Katrina, including costs for housing and providing services for evacuees. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reimburses local government for only 75 percent of their costs, Kamlarz said. 

Also included in the funding recommendations are $40,000 for a police crime analyst, $31,000 for BOSS, $24,165 for the civic arts coordinator and additional funding for the Berkeley Boosters BART escorts, Pedal Express, Japanese American Services for the East Bay, the Berkeley Day Time Drop-In Center and the Berkeley NewsScan. 

Kamlarz said the city is concerned that sales tax revenues have remained flat, “and we have to look at innovative ways to retain business in Berkeley,” including possible tax incentives. 

As an example he point to a proposal by Mayor Tom Bates to keep automobile dealers in the city by changing zoning in West Berkeley. 

Kamlarz said automobile manufacturers are pushing for sales locations concentrated together near freeways, and the city may have to chose between accommodating or losing the dealerships. 

Another worry is the possible loss of telecommunications and cable franchise revenues due to strong federal lobbying by telecom companies to exempt their services from local taxation, Kamlarz said. 

Such fees and taxes now make up five percent of the city’s general fund revenues. 

Other items on the council’s agenda include: 

• A new ordinance mandating standards of care for dogs kept outdoors. 

• A $2 increase for fees for birth and death certificates. 

• Consideration of alternatives for amending the city’s by-right home addition ordinance. 

• Conflicting proposals from the city manager and the Parks and Recreation Commission on the enforcement of rules at the Berkeley Skate Park. 

• A proposal from the city auditor for the council to ask the city manager to take measures to address causes and effects of delays in implementing audit recommendations. 

• An update from City Manager Phil Kamlarz on the current fiscal year budget. 

• A new parcel tax to raise $3 million for the warm water pool rennovation and move.l

I own New York Market in Oakland. My brother Tony was kidnapped and my store got burned down. The day before those incidents happened, my store was vandalized.  

I don’t know why my store was targeted—it was definitely a slow day, the day before Thanksgiving. A lot of stores were closed early that day. We were still open. Were we just a convenient target? I don’t know.  

Ironically, my father was murdered in a liquor store before I was born. He owned a small market in Brooklyn, New York. While working late hours, he was confronted with a robbery. According to my second cousin (who was 12 at the time and with my father in the store) my father tried to disarm the robber and was shot.  

Father was murdered during the holiday season, very similar to this time. According to my clerk at New York Market, his family was in the back room of the store as it was being ransacked. The similarities between what happened at my store and what happened to my father are eerie.  

I did not open a store because I had no other options. I genuinely love people and the business I am in. Many of these small mom-and-pop stores are making a living because of the long hours they work. If they calculated their time, some might find they make less than minimum wage.  

Why are there so many liquor stores on almost every block in Oakland? You really have to look back. There were a lot of opportunities many years ago, 20, 30 years back for these convenience stores because we couldn’t get those large retailers in the city. Oakland still has great difficulty getting an Albertson’s or a Food 4 Less. We just recently got a Wal-Mart.  

There were a lot of opportunities for people to open up these convenience stores to serve these neighborhoods where there are no other stores. The City of Oakland does not allow new liquor stores. The stores that are there have been there for 20, 30, 40 years and more.  

My store had been in business for over 60 years. The closest grocery store to my market is in Emeryville, three or four miles away.  

Yes, we sold alcoholic beverages but we did not have hard liquor, just beer and wine. Out of the 16 cooler doors that we had in the store, I believe that four or five were used for alcoholic beverages—so you couldn’t say we were just another liquor store. We had a meat department a full line of groceries and a small produce section. It was a market. It was definitely not a liquor store.  

When a customer would come into my store, we’d treat them like family. We felt like they were like family. We were a part of that community. We were providing a service to them, and the money that they spent in our store fed my family.  

It really hurts me to hear black people saying, “Go back to your own country.” We’re Americans and it seems everywhere we go we have to deal with racism and discrimination.  

Despite what the news media has been reporting, I’m not from Yemen. I’m Palestinian. I was born in the United States; I’m a U.S. citizen. My parents came from Palestine, where Judaism, Christianity and Islam are practiced. In the city where my family is from it is not common to have liquor stores, though it is not taboo. So for those who say, “Sell the store and go back to your country,” it wouldn’t be in violation of the law there.  

I believe in God. I was born Muslim. Can I say I’m the perfect Muslim who prays five times a day? No. But man cannot judge me, only God can judge me. No one else can judge me.  

Everything happens for a reason, but I’m upset. I’m 30 years old—it’s not like I’m a young man or an old man, but I’m an individual who worked hard. Nobody put a silver spoon in my mouth.  

Sometimes the bad opens the door to a lot of good. This won’t hold us down—there’s a lot of work that needs to be in Oakland and this is our opportunity to address a lot of concerns people are voicing about liquor stores in the community. We should take these concerns seriously and sit down with everybody and talk about how we can address that issue.  

Where do I go from here? I don’t know. Right now it’s sit and wait. Put yourself in the position I’m in—you’ve lost everything you’ve worked so hard to get, and now you have to start all over.  

Moe Saleh, the owner of one of the markets, has refused to speak with mainstream media. This essay was transcribed from a radio interview on KMEL Street Soldiers Program. Joe Marshall is the co-founder and executive director of the Omega Boys Club.

School BB-gun attack 

Police arrested a Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School pupil on a charge of assault with a deadly weapon on Dec. 1 after he shot another student with a BB-gun on school grounds, said Berkeley police spokesperson Officer Joe Okies. 

Bottle attack 

A 62-year-old man attacked a 21-year-old man with a bottle during a Dec. 4 altercation at Blake’s on Telegraph Avenue. 

Teens on teen 

A group of three juveniles attacked a 13-year-old boy in the 1900 block of Francisco Street at 1:45 a.m. on Dec. 4, relieving him of his cash and cell phone, said Officer Okies. 

Mail arson 

Person or persons unknown tossed a lighted cigarette into a mailbox outside the main post office at 2000 Allston Way sometime before 2:30 p.m. Dec. 5, igniting the mail inside before firefighters arrived and extinguished the flames. 

Purse robbery 

A heavyset young man robbed a 68-year-old woman of her purse as she walked along the 2800 block of Grant Street on Dec. 5, said Officer Okies. 

Bank heist botched 

A 45-year-old man walked into the Wells Fargo Branch at 2900 College Ave. just before 5 p.m. Tuesday and presented a demand note asking for cash—only to find himself taken into custody by bank security, who held him until police arrived. 

Juvenile stick-up artists 

Three juveniles were arrested moments after they robbed a man of his wallet near the corner of College Avenue and Parker Street shortly before 8:30 p.m. Tuesday. 

Andronico’s heist 

Police are seeking an armed robber who stuck up the Andronico’s Market in the 1800 block of Solano Avenue shortly before 10 p.m. Tuesday. 

Caned 

Police arrested a 43-year-old man who threatened, then struck with his cane a woman who was watching over her children as they played in the Ohlone Park tot lot Wednesday morning. 

He was charged with assault with a deadly weapon. 

Strongarm heist 

A bandit robbed a pedestrian of his wallet and cash just before 2:30 p.m. Wednesday as he walked along Shattuck Avenue near the intersection with Prince Street, said Officer Okies.

To view Justin DeFreitas’ latest editorial cartoon, please visit  

www.jfdefreitas.com To search for previous cartoons by date of publication, click on the Daily Planet Archive.

?

LOW BLOW 

Editors, Daily Planet:  

The few (?) accusing Cindy Sheehan of “exploiting” the loss of her son in Iraq (and of being a traitor) was as low as perceiving John Walsh, Mark Klas and Maureen Kanka as parents with the same agenda. 

They haven’t exploited their losses, but utilized them, and have gotten a lot accomplished. 

That comment about Ms. Sheehan was downright despicable. 

O.V. Michaelsen 

Richmond 

• 

SHERMAN BOYSON 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

It is very difficult for us to recognize the Sherman Boyson being portrayed by Erika Williams and BAMN in the story in your paper. We are Sherman’s students in social welfare and other departments who work with him and we know nothing of this man accused of racism and sexism and assault. Instead we know a man who has been a champion for social justice and worked hard for each of his students. 

We know a man who has been so helpful to students of color that our department is now considered the most diverse on campus. We know a man who helps empower women, and advises the department with more women than any other on campus. 

We know a man who asked his supervisors to allow him to increase his already overloaded workload by allowing extra students into his capped major when 24 transfers arrived in fall 2005 instead of the expected 10 because he did not want any of those students, almost all of whom were women, to be turned away. 

We know a man who reminds us in his email newsletters that this country denies health coverage to too many poor and disadvantaged people. We know a man whose graduation rate of his students, including underrepresented minorities, exceeds the campus average due to his assistance in making sure all his students do well at Cal by helping them organize study groups.  

We know a man whose door is open during lunch and who stays late for us if we need him at the end of the day. 

We know a man who coordinated a volunteer program with incarcerated youths in Alameda County—99 percent of whom were youths of color. 

We know a kind and peaceful man who is not aggressive, but is patient and caring and gives great bear hugs. 

We know a man who helped an African-American student who was graduation speaker last year. The student wanted a strong political speech and Sherman helped him write about the shameful admission rates for African-Americans at Cal. 

We know a man who took an African-American teenager into his home when the boy had nowhere else to go and who still houses and supports that youth today. 

We know a man who empowers athletes of color and makes sure they realize they deserve to be on this campus and expects them to be as strong in the classroom as on the playing field.  

We understand that Sherman made a terrible error in a moment of anger. We understand that he has apologized. What we don’t understand is why anyone wants to fire our advisor that we want to stay working with us. 

This letter is signed by social welfare students and other students in support of Sherman Boyson:  

Tami Rollins, Richard Midgley, Adrienne Bradford, Calen Carr, Mike Oseguera,  

Krystle Henriquez, Jessica Ramirez, Sandy Yang, Arianna Vaeworn, Silvia Salinas, Sam Vizznini Jr., Christine Pao, Celia Myers, Sarah Bacon  

and Cindy Sung. 

• 

JUSTICE MATTERS 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

We appreciated Peter Selz’s rational Dec. 2 review of the exhibition, “Justice Matters: Artists Consider Palestine.” Contrary to the assertions by Dr. White in his Dec. 9 commentary, Dr. Selz is uniquely qualified to write about the exhibition. His forthcoming book, due out next month, is Art of Engagement: Visual Politics in California and Beyond. It is a 100-year survey of the subject and demonstrates his expertise and his long study of political art.  

Two factual clarifications in Selz’s review should be made. Jackie Salloum’s “Caterrorpillar” describes 13,000 Palestinian homes destroyed, not 1,300. Second, while the complaints about the show have been strident, and have run the gamut from intolerant to threatening, there have been only a few, not “many” of them.  

Like these few, Dr. White finds in the exhibition what he brings to it. The exhibition is not a justification of violence, as his penultimate paragraph preposterously asserts. Almost all of the works present the anguish, despair and hopelessness of people caught in a conflict over which they have no control. Perhaps that is why those who may feel responsible for this suffering find the work disturbing.  

It’s an art show, for crying out loud. Art is not only content, but a combination of content and aesthetic expression. The meaning of the work derives from the relationship of the two. To ignore one or the other distorts the work.  

The Daily Planet is to be applauded for encouraging discussion of this courageous show.  

Tim Drescher  

President, BAC Board of Directors  

• 

PETER SELZ 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

In his rebuttal to Peter Selz’s nuanced review of the “Justice Matters” exhibition at the Berkeley Art Center, physician and bioethecist Lawrence White implies that Dr. Selz—though an “expert in German expressionism as well as many other areas”—is unqualified to critique the show. White comments that Selz has made “the cardinal error of assuming positions that are conventional wisdom among the anti-Israel crowd” before proceeding to his own angry and entirely one-sided position that is conventional wisdom among the anti-Palestinian crowd. White concludes that the show at the Berkeley Art Center “is about propaganda, not art,” and should, apparently, be taken down for inciting anger and violence.  

Peter Selz cannot be so easily dismissed. The lengthy bibliography of his books and articles demonstrates the vast range and depth of interests that has made Selz an internationally recognized authority on the ethical content of contemporary art. Berkeley is fortunate to have him as a resident and the Daily Planet as an occasional reviewer. Selz writes and speaks with a long and profound personal knowledge of fascism in its many guises, as well as of the danger of artistic censorship and of the value of the First Amendment. He has just published a groundbreaking study of political art in the 20th century.  

Lawrence’s letter made me turn to Bram Dijkstra’s book American Expressionism: Art and Social Change 1920-1950 which documents the largely Jewish contributions to unpopular causes. Artists such as Hugo Gellert, Ben Shahn, Peter Blume, and Philip Guston spoke visually for those who had had everything taken from them—including their dignity. Dijkstra contends that it was precisely their concern for justice—along with anti-Judaism—that drove their powerful figurative art underground during the McCarthy era.  

I am afraid that Dr. White’s op-ed adds nothing new to the debate around the long-festering wound in the Middle East that is taking us all down with it. The exhibition at the Berkeley Art Center does: I commend the Center for its courage and hope that it will resist the forces of attempted censorship and intimidation.  

Gray Brechin  

• 

PEACE 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

Everyone wants world peace. And to have world peace we need to each practice it, every minute, every day, in all interactions. I am dismayed by the incredible rancor and hostility which is regularly displayed in much of our civic discussion. The latest issue being the Derby Street matter. We as a community need to develop a process, early in every issue, where all involved can sit together to develop a solution that works, through a practice that honors peace. 

I am dismayed that an elected official has used a public forum to stoke divisiveness. I am dismayed at the near hysteria and fear based arguments in some of the letters. I am dismayed that a ballfield for kids could possibly be called anti-community. (Inappropriate, not preferred yes, but anti-community?) Is it really vegetables versus kids? I am dismayed that the school district and city council has not worked to mediate what should be a resolvable issue. How will we humans resolve Darfur, the Middle East, or even urban gang violence, if we cannot sit down and resolve a ballfield dispute? 

I ask the city and school district to immediately implement a process for mediation on Derby Street. I ask that the city and school district develop a process which should be used in all future issues that gets everyone into the same room, early on. I also ask this newspaper not to highlight obviously inflammatory rhetorical letters. Art Buchwald’s solution to the Vietnam War was the Finnish model. Strip everyone naked and stick them in a sauna until they work out a compromise! 

Soon it will be a new year. I wish everyone a happy new year, and ask that we all “Give Peace a Chance.”  

Sandra Horne 

• 

DEVELOPMENT 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

My growing discomfort with the deluge of new multi-story buildings in Berkeley sharpened recently when an architect told me that California state law lets developers off the hook for paying taxes! 

Is this “upper-class cookie jar” the reason Tom Bates and his closed-door cohorts have given Patrick Kennedy and Panoramic Interests the keys to the city? 

Glen Kohler 

• 

FREEBOX 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

Early in the morning of Nov. 16, UC police removed the all-steel free clothing box which had been installed the previous weekend by volunteers during a free concert in People’s Park. The absurdity of this action merely illustrates the greater problem that faces the park: being owned and operated by the University of California, its traditional nemesis. There’s no denying that the park has problems, but the freebox is not one of them. The problem that surrounds the park is the University of California. 

The last freebox burned to the ground at the beginning of April, but now the winter rains are upon us and a 24-hour source of dry clothing will help homeless people to survive the misery of being marginalized. The university refuses to recognize the long-standing tradition of free exchange in People’s Park, and has forgotten the compromise agreement made with free box advocates in 1998 when the university itself moved the activist-built freebox to its most recent location. 

Why is the university dictating policy in People’s Park? The problems that confront the park in its relationship with the university are similar to the problems that the university presents to our community. Issues such as blatant administrative corruption make the freebox seem a rather small issue, but appearances are deceptive, especially in the case of the park. The park’s value to this community is symbolic as much as it is physical, and as we all know, you cannot place value upon a symbol. They are precious, especially a symbol born of the peace movement. 

The Regents of the University of California are not the appropriate deed holders for this piece of land; the citizens of Berkeley appropriated this property long ago in reparations for another illegal and immoral war. Until the conditions that lead to the fragmentation of healthy social relationships within our community are recognized and repaired, the park will continue to be the clearest model that we have to understand the mechanisms of cultural evolution and oppression. 

The platform that David Nadel was working upon at the time of his death was the campaign to democratize the Regents of the University of California. 

We want to know why there are some people in our community who are capitalising upon another illegal war, and who seem to be intent upon unravelling the very fabric of nature itself (nanotechnology, nuclear power, large-scale military contracts, genetic engineering and the Novartis/Chiron merger...) 

Perhaps when we become strong enough to wrest our public universities out of the hands of vested corporate interests, People’s Park will stop being an issue of controversy, and can truly become a community peace garden for the world. How do we make this happen? By participating in its processes. It requires patience to deal with poverty. 

Arthur Fonseca 

›

So I took a little break. I needed not to read anymore about the war in Iraq, global warming, white collar, blue collar or government fraud, spousal murders, kidnappings or everyday racism, sexism, ageism and any other isms you want to throw in there.  

I needed not to hear it on the radio or to write about it. To complain about ongoing negativity had simply become too negative. Like I said, I needed a break. 

After I decided that it was time to resume writing, the question then became; what about? When I realized that my next column would be published on Dec. 13, it hit me: that’s the day that Stanley Tookie Williams is scheduled to die. By the time you read this, Williams may have breathed his last breath.  

Perhaps he cried anguished tears full of regret and pain. Or perhaps they were tears of joy and relief.  

Perhaps there were no tears at all. 

Those who want him dead and those who want him to live have expressed their opposing views loudly—a man’s life is at stake, after all. But to many, there’s more at stake than an individual life. Williams has become a symbol of this country’s ongoing argument regarding punishment vs. forgiveness; retribution vs. redemption and of our country’s unwillingness to acknowledge systemic racism.  

Some discount Williams’ life as so much payment for four murders he insists he did not commit. 

They believe the evidence justifies his conviction and subsequent denials of appeals. Others believe the evidence was not convincing, the attorneys were incompetent, the jury and judges were biased and that our legal system is so inherently racist that every conviction of a black male is suspect.  

What we do know are the things Stanley Williams has admitted to: that he grew up in South Central Los Angeles in an area known for its poverty, unemployment, broken families, failing schools and general neglect. That he first fought against local gangs and then fought to create one of the most notorious gangs of them all—the Crips—at the age of 17. 

Williams ruled his environment in the ways many poor urban communities continue to be ruled; by might, by intimidation, by violence. No doubt he is guilty of many violent crimes. But, did he kill Albert Owens, Yen-I Yang, Tsai-Shai Yang and Yee-Chin Lin? There is no OJ/DNA and the witnesses at the scene were themselves criminals—one of them has since recanted his testimony, claiming that he was beaten and threatened by police. The others were granted leniency in their own sentencing for various crimes and one of those is in jail for having committed a subsequent murder. Would it be too much of a stretch to wonder whether a few police officers may have been so anxious to “get Tookie” that they tampered with what evidence there was?  

Surely, Williams knows that he would have a better chance at clemency if he were to admit to the killings and express his profound remorse. Although he apologizes profusely for all the past wrongdoings he committed as a gangbanger, Williams steadfastedly refuses to apologize for crimes he insists he did not commit. He has to live (and die) within the confines of his own sense of self, truth and conscience. 

“I’m at peace,” Williams says softly, during an interview recently broadcast on radio station KPFA from San Quentin. “I do not fear death ... not because of a cavalier attitude or some machismo ... I could have died many times by police or rival gangs ... I’m not saying I want to die. ... I have a joie de vivre now ... but I will not get rattled over this...”  

And what is this—this killing business? The death penalty is no longer viewed as a deterrent in most democracies and, according to Religious Tolerance, based in Ontario, Canada, the homicide rates in American states with the death penalty is almost twice the rate in states without the death penalty. While Amnesty International records that over 40 countries throughout Africa, Asia, the Americas and Europe have abolished the death penalty since 1990, the United States chooses to align itself with Japan and South Korea as the only democratic countries still imposing the death penalty. They are joined by countries like Iran, China, Vietnam, Pakistan, the Phillipines, Somalia, Uzbekistan and Afghanistan, some of which employ beheading, shooting and stoning to carry out their death sentences.  

The strongest argument against the application of the death penalty in the United States can be drawn from the numbers of innocent people who have been convicted and executed for crimes they did not commit. Since 1973, 122 death row “convicts” have been found to be innocent. Luckily, their mistakes were discovered before they were executed but not before most of them had wasted many years of their lives on death row. There were 6 such cases in 2004, and three so far this year.  

When you add the factor of disproportionate application of the death penalty to the poor and to African Americans, the situation cries out for breath ... for a moment of silence while we collectively reconsider what we are doing and to whom. Is Stanley Tookie Williams the perfect candidate upon which to pause in reflection? Need he be? Those who believe he committed the murders and believe in capital punishment say “Hell no! Let him burn!” Those who believe in forgiveness and redemption (and how many of you White Male Republican Jesus-loving Christians are among this group?) say that Williams is worth more alive than dead. As a respected voice of experience, wisdom and authority, Williams has steered hundreds of youth away from criminal gang activity and he pledges the remainder of his life to continue to work for peace and hope among the most troubled members of our society. 

And as for punishment, not all of the murder victims’ families want to see Williams die. Albert Owens’ brother, Wayne Owens said that he would support clemency if he could be assured that Williams would never be released and that executing Williams would be a “no-win situation ... it will make victims of all of us.” Owens’ widow, Linda Owens released a letter on Dec. 8 stating that she now wants to join with Williams working for peace. What better way to pay tribute to these grieving families than to sentence Stanley Williams to a life of service?  

So, what will “The Terminator” do? Can Gov. Schwarzenegger withstand the political heat, the slurs and demeaning accusations (possible headline: “Arnold Schwarzenegger: The Biggest Girlie Man Of Them All”). If you think politics has nothing to do with this, you are only fooling yourself. I say Schwarzenegger is more of a “girlie man” if he succumbs to political pressure, ignoring the necessity at least for a moratorium to reflect upon the core of the death penalty issue and what the United States’ role as a world leader should be. 

At the close of the radio interview, Williams imagines himself being free “in my dreams ... floating away” from troubles in his mind. As I listen to this surprisingly soft-spoken man, I hear sincerity. I hear a man who has faced his demons and come through to the other side, a man whose life has become an example to those like him who did not see any other way to live but to follow in their absent father’s footsteps.  

The last words Williams spoke before he was cut off were these: “As long as I have breath, I will continue to do what I can to help. I want to be part of the solu— .” 

›

All the lights are green for me when, in 1952, I am born. My daddy is short and he isn’t super rich, but my mom is smart and good lookin’. 

All the lights remain green in 1954 when my first sibling arrives—a boy. I am still the princess. 

The lights stay green in ‘56 with the arrival of another brother. 

Years go by, all green, green, green. I am forced into taking dance, piano, ice skating, tennis and, later, golf lessons, but this isn’t so bad. 

In 1965 the lights flicker a few times as I learn to navigate the hallways of junior high, replacing my virginal white anklet socks with bad black ones. My skirt hems creep skyward above my knees, but girls are still not permitted to wear pants to school. I have braces but no real sign of acne. 

In 1966 the braces come off. I straighten my hair bi-monthly with a product requiring the use of thick rubber gloves. At night I cover my head in gigantic pink plastic rollers, and sleep uncomfortably, or not at all, for the next three and a half years. Other girls wrap their hair around jumbo-size juice cans, but my mother won’t allow it. 

Things go horribly wrong in 1968 when Debi Garrity wants to beat me up for talking behind her back about her boyfriend. A few months later Debi drops out of tenth grade, enormous with child. She becomes, temporarily, Mrs. Mark McMullin. I’m sure she forgets about me, but I remember her. 

Other things go amiss: The only boy who asks me out is Jimmy Murphy, a big, soft kid who wears a leather jacket and surrounds himself with smart ass, cigarette smoking, gin-swilling friends. I don’t like him or his friends, but I suffer through the embarrassing association due to low self-esteem and a lack of more pleasing options. One evening I refuse, as usual, to kiss him and, because of unbearable sexual frustration, he rams his father’s car into a tree in my parent’s driveway. The tree has to be cut down before the car can be extracted and towed away. 

1970: I depart for a small, expensive, private college located just west of Philadelphia. I am miserable. This misery is manifested in my refusal to wear a bra or shave my armpit hair. I slouch dejectedly around in dirty denim overalls, baggy tie-dyed t-shirts, and moccasins. I gain 15 pounds, stop straightening my hair, take birth control pills for no apparent reason, skip classes, flunk French. 

Lights turn green again in ‘71 when I acquire a dope smoking, motorcycle riding, anarchist/vegetarian boyfriend with long stringy hair and a bad attitude. My parents hate him but I’m in love, love, love! 

Bad news in ‘72: Boyfriend dumps me, causing an impressive case of hives and self-loathing. I drop out of school and become a professional waitress for about 15 minutes. I take out a loan, enroll in a crowded state university, hitchhike to and from classes, get a job at a fast food joint, stop speaking (for two years) to my parents, who I righteously recognize as misguided, rightwing idiots. 

I graduate from college in 1974 and get a teaching job far from my childhood home. Things are only pale green because, despite finally having a reliable income, ($12,000 per year plus benefits), teaching anything to public school-enrolled seventh graders is impossible. I feel sorry for myself, and I am lonely. 

1975: New boyfriend. Things are looking up! 

1977: Another new boyfriend! He’s studying to be a lawyer! Lights are green for two years, then everything turns red when he flunks the bar (several times) and decides to live off a very small trust fund instead of getting a job. Hives re-ignite across my face, breasts, and buttocks. 

1983: I move, by myself, to San Francisco. Hives gone. Lights are green again! 

1984: New boyfriend! 

1992: We buy a house together. We legalize our relationship. We make plans to someday move to Colorado where we’ll ski in winter and bike in summer. It‘s all green for us, for him, for me, for everyone we know. 

April 27, 1994: Red.

Welcome to my neighborhood. We live in the block just east of San Pablo Avenue. We describe each other’s houses based on their “S.P. Factor”—N. and her husband and 2-year-old, they’re as close as you can be to San Pablo, so they have the highest S.P. factor. They mostly deal with the hookers. L. and her husband and 2-year-old live up the block, where the issue is more the drug dealers and the midnight “donuts.” Me, I live in the middle of the block with my husband and 5-year-old; I call about domestic violence and gunshots. The east side of San Pablo is the “tony” side; one block to the west is where things really get exciting. 

My neighborhood is the place where the businesses that people want (but not in their neighborhoods) wash up: auto shops, salvage yards, an impound lot, housing projects, a medical marijuana dispensary. And chemicals; I don’t know how many Berkeley residents have the “When you hear the safety sirens” instructions magnet from Bayer labs up on their refrigerator, but we all do. There’s a place around the corner called “Ali Baba Beef Kebab,” which was closed because of toxic ground contaminants. I hear from my neighbor Ted that the food there was great; now it’s a parking lot for the neighboring auto repair shop. And we have liquor stores—boy, do we have liquor stores. It’s really weird how some areas of the neighborhood, totally residential areas, have one on every other corner. (Typically, the “other” corner is a church.) And of course, there’s prostitution and drug dealing. The one thing we don’t have is a full-service grocery store. 

How much actual benefit do the residents of South and West Berkeley derive from the businesses we host? I’m not saying that these businesses have no merit; hey, you’ve got to get your car repaired somewhere, and, yeah, rescuing stuff from the landfill is a good thing. But do these things directly benefit my neighbors?  

There’s this concept called “environmental justice.” Basically, it means that all of the freeways and toxic waste sites somehow manage to land in the poorest parts of town. Well, that’s us. Hey, we didn’t ask to be the auto-repair and used-toilet capitol of Berkeley, but here we are. Poor people tend to be an accommodating group. See, one of the problems is, poor people don’t necessarily write letters to the editor or attend Planning Commission meetings. Heck, some of them can’t read or speak English. So nobody spoke up when those businesses moved into the neighborhood. And now, not very many of them are showing up at the planning meetings about the proposed West Berkeley Bowl either, so they aren’t there to say, “Well of course we’d like a grocery store!” 

According to the most recent City of Berkeley Health Status Report, “Health data shows that African Americans in Berkeley have significantly higher premature death rates for preventable or manageable diseases such as hypertension, stroke and diabetes” than whites and Asians. The report also shows that premature deaths in South and West Berkeley occur at close to four times the rate of the more affluent parts of the city, and that hospitalization for diabetes occurs at rates ten times higher for African Americans and three times higher for Latinos than for the white and Asian populations. Have you noticed who lives in my neighborhood? Am I getting my point across? 

Our neighborhood, unfortunately, tends to sit there and take it. Well, for the first time in my memory, a business that would directly benefit the residents of that neighborhood in a very real, tangible way wants to move in. A business that would benefit more people than any other business, any other land use that I can think of.  

I have heard most of the arguments against the West Berkeley Bowl, and I couldn’t help but notice that most of them are from people who don’t actually live in the neighborhood; they’re mostly people whose businesses are in the neighborhood or who frequent the neighborhood. They have a right to their opinions, but why are their opinions heard so much louder and more often than everyone else’s, with lawyers along for counterpoint? It’s the same stuff over and over. I’d like to point out: We didn’t complain when they moved their businesses to our neighborhood; now we’d like them to return the favor.  

The citizens of West Berkeley deserve to have access to healthy, affordable food. They should not be treated as second-class citizens, worthy only of the dumping grounds of the wealthier neighborhoods. The question is, will the disenfranchised, silent majority most in need of this project wind up with a grocery store, or will the vocal, powerful minority drown them out? 

Christine Staples is a West Berkeley resident and a stay-at-home mom. 

Mina Davenport asks: “How can UC libraries send letters to the public and alumni to ask for contributions? I used to pay the libraries at least $200 a year; however, I will not do so any more. It is simple: no services, no contributions. Perhaps the UC executives can contribute to the libraries out of that $871 million they paid themselves as bonuses. UC libraries should let the alumni and holders of library cards have access to the Internet via the library computers.” I think her request is reasonable. 

Judith Segard Hunt, who gave $100 to Cal in each of three years over a span some 15 years ago, advocates “ultra high taxes on the rich” in the same letters column. I would be satisfied with the reinstatement of the estate tax.  

I fall into the same category as Davenport and Hunt with regard to giving to UC: a total of $0 since Robert Dynes took over. Yet I did contribute $110 to the victims of the massive Oct. 8 earthquake in Pakistan. 

The July 2003 issue of Scientific American had a full-page ad: “Novartis And Rabbi Sklarz Drove His Cancer Into Remission In Just 56 Days! ‘When I was struck with cancer, I needed lots of help: Thanks to Novartis, I got it.’”  

A side panel intones that this experience has given the rabbi “even greater compassion and purpose.” One problem here is blasphemy. UC Berkeley had a partnership with Novartis. Dick Carter of the California Alumni Association (CAA) talked with the Cal library business managers and about the possibilities of changing their current policies. While CAA members can use libraries on all UC campuses, online use is restricted. By “online access” I am referring to the licensed databases and not to the library’s own online catalog and digital resources which are now available to California Alumni Association members. The reasons that the licensed databases are not available is that publishers absolutely: (1) require a finite set of on-campus IP addresses, and (2) limit access to university faculty, students and staff. Making online resources available beyond the boundaries of the campus is not part of the agreements between the University and the vendors. No publisher would sign a license allowing remote access by the nearly 100,000 additional CAA members. 

The library business managers to whom Carter talked could not imagine the price to permit alumni to use these databases, but that it would be far beyond what the university could afford. The campus libraries already pay some publishers several million dollars a year for access to their journals. Although alumni are a valued and important constituency, the library has no way now or in the foreseeable future of providing remote electronic access to journals to which they subscribe. Alumni have access via the Internet to all the UC-generated digital content that is on its servers. However, commercial journals are not likely to go public. Unlike the United States, most countries refuse patents that are published before an application is filed. Corporate sponsors may want research results withheld from the public indefinitely. So university researchers are under pressure to hold up publication of research results. UC Davis geneticists Royce Bringhurst and Victor Voth discovered a variety of strawberries that permitted year-round harvests. Each received $512,276 in 1995 alone. Are their signatures affixed to the petition demanding legislative review of the “overpaid” administrators? 

The College Blue Book, 29th edition (2002) has a volume of 1,000-plus pages devoted to distance learning. An article in the Wall Street Journal (June 24, 2003) quotes Cal computer-science professor David Culler on the merits of “overlay” networks in minimizing data congestion. Culler was on leave at that time to work at Intel, which donated 100 computers to Planet Lab, a consortium of more than 60 universities. California has a high stake in the global information society. Accordingly, California must retain its positioning of IT in the context of the state’s economic diplomacy.  

Therefore, Boalt Law School must participate positively in a number of international frameworks, including the wide range of approaches being taken through the World Intellectual Property Organization and the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development in such fields as taxation, electronic signatures, and cryptography.  

CAA members and others should persistently request the librarians to earnestly address the issue. 

While California’s unprecedented prosperity in the post-World War II years was the direct result of the diligent efforts of Californians, much was undoubtedly owed to the existence of an international order grounded in an open politico-economic system comprising respect for basic human rights, democracy, the market economy, and free trade. Access to electronic publications is necessary to tackle global issues. For example, the food problem is complexly intertwined with related factors such as conflicts, natural disasters, decertification, and population problems; and resolving food issues demands a comprehensive approach, including agricultural development, international trade, food aid, education, and technology transfers. In addition to the problems posed by the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their delivery systems, with the frequent outbreak of regional conflicts and localized wars since the end of the Cold War, there has been an accumulation of small arms and light weapons, anti-personnel land mines, and other conventional weapons, which are being used in such hostilities and are claiming over a half million deaths per year. Stemming illicit manufacturing of and trafficking in firearms, infectious diseases, population and environmental problems, organized crime counter-measures, and also counter-measures against high-tech crime all require access to databases.  

Chinese nationals make up the majority of students at some graduate departments at Cal. Not much has been done to protect their rights to intellectual property, in part because it may be based on previous research and/or jointly developed. America’s “You’re either with us or against us” foreign policy has robust connotations. Intellectual property is subject to expropriation and may be whisked out of the laboratory or continent. Indian and Chinese firms could instead join up to provide state-of-the-art solutions at cost-effective prices, thereby also cutting out the middlemen. Call centers, medical transcription, data digitization, legal databases and animation are areas in which India already has an advantage.  

Richard Thompson is a visiting professor at Kyung Hee University in South Korea.›

“Watching Shotgun’s Cabaret is like spying through the keyhole into the delirious and extravagant world of the Weimar Republic.” 

And, rather deliriously, the Shotgun Players have gone to pains to give the spectators of their version of this popular musical the sense of a voyeuristic thrill, whether it’s Weimar Berlin that’s being gawked at and laughed at, or just the ingenuity of the Players going about foisting their titilations and double-entendres on each other, across the floor of the Kit Kat Klub (née Ashby Stage) and up into the audience itself. 

Part of the trick to making Cabaret work is to realize the spectacular—and lewd—sense of the floor show of the Klub in counterpoint with the domestic intimacy of Sally and Cliff’s wee menage in Fraulein Schneider’s rooming house. Shotgun makes it a tour de force by running the scenes together briskly, the narrative of a novelist-manqué’s adventures with a down-and-out showgirl in the wilds of Berlin, so that their homelife appears on display on the moving ramp of the Klub, with all its denizens watching, even participating. 

All the walls, not just the fourth, seem to fall. That’s appropriate to a post-Berlin Wall production of a musical show that fused an impression of entre-les-deux-guerres with the catastrophes and wild reveling of the ‘60s—implicitly criticizing reveling amid catastrophe, though the movie was later embraced by the revelers as part of the so-called “Woodstock Generation” went glitter and faux-cynique. 

Many productions of Cabaret aim at something like this, but Shotgun’s version is distinguished by being carnivalesque, a constant sideshow even, with accordion-playing chorus girls singing “Mack the Knife” accosting patrons as soon as their tickets are torn, and peep shows just inside the door. 

To bring it off, the “show people” in the Klub are crucial, as important as the principals in the story. Clive Worsley, no stranger to Shotgun audiences, presides as the emcee, strutting, posing straddling the appropriately keyhole-shaped proscenium of Heather Basarab’s excellent set—or skulking around as number one voyeur himself, bald head and wide eyes surfacing like a frog’s from behind a chair at Cliff and Sally’s, then sprawled front row at the Klub all alone, tossing back a drink, stamped with Weltschmertz. The chorus line (Davina Cohen, Nicole Julien, Maggie Keeley, Jessica Kitchens, Rami Margron, Rebecca Noon) is tart and constantly in motion, all shapes and styles of a lowdown, high-stepping ensemble. 

They’re at their best, flat on their backs, with strangely spiked heels waving in the air, as Sally (Kimberly Dooley) stalks through hunters’ nets and down the ramp over their supine, wriggling forms in the best production number of Andrea Weber’s choreography, saying goodbye to “Mein Herr.” A quick and breezy Sally, she first comes to Cliff’s attention as a smiling blonde madcap playing a naughty little schoolgirl—though her entrance had her swinging high above the crowd in fishnet, turban and lace (Valera Coble’s costumery). 

Her opposite number, Cliff, is just that, and Cassidy Brown, another Shotgun standby, gets across the nice, normal Yank (whatever he might have done with Bobby the club boy in London’s Savoy) falling for the Limey femme fatale who moves in on him. Who knows? Maybe a book will come of it? 

Cliff’s landlady (Mary Gibboney) and her fruit vendor tenant and beau, Herr Schultz (Joe Roebuck), strike the right note, too, in a sentimental number, a pineapple hovering in mid-air between the unlikely inamorati. Danny Weber, as Ernst, the Nazi party boy who leads Cliff to Fraulein Schneider’s—and helps break the Fraulein’s bond with the Jewish fruitseller—is so much the college type that the exposure of his swastika armband at the engagement party seems ruder. Meanwhile Fraulein Kost (Judy Phillips), the patriotic hooker of countless sailors, croons “Tomorrow Belongs to Me” to Ernst, and the ensemble, galvanized, exhorts the audience to join in a community sing-along of Ernst’s Party’s song.  

And the party goes on, as the cast dances with audience members at intermission (Shotgun’s New Year’s Eve show promises to be a bash), up through Cliff’s bittersweet departure with the material for his book, while Sally bursts into “Life Is a Cabaret,” her song of triumph and denial .  

Catching overtones of Marlene Dietrich, of Brecht and Weill, of the wild festivities of yore—and aiming to make Cabaret more louche, more licentious than the original Broadway production or the movie (which director Russell Blackwood, of San Francisco’s Hypnodrome, recalls seeing in a drive-in outside Kansas City as a kid)—even this smart Shotgun version, aimed at today’s tastes, surprises a little by how—clean—it is.  

Based loosely on Christopher Isherwood’s Berlin stories, Cabaret’s only real subversiveness is as a failed cautionary tale. All the energy comes from the act of catching itself looking through the keyhole at what’s disreputable. Its morality is completely reputable. The fun’s in the play-acting, pretending to be in Weimar Berlin, or merely pretending to have a good time. 

But, for the voyeur of an evening, it’s a real good time, just some clean, good old dirty fun. 

TUESDAY, DEC. 13 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

“From Chaucer to Pynchon in 90 Minutes” By students in the English Dept of Vista Community College at 6 p.m. in Room 120, Vista Annex Bldg, 2075 Allston Way. 306-0206. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Holiday Music with the First Presbyterian Church’s High School Choir at 7 p.m. at Kensington Library, 61 Arlington Ave. 524-3043. 

Tom Rigney & Flambeau at 8:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $9. 525-5054.  

Ellen Hoffman and Singers’ Open Mic at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $5. 841-JAZZ.  

Christmas Jug Band at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $18.50-$19.50. 548-1761.  

Debra Poyres & Friends at 7 p.m. at Caffe Trieste, 2500 San Pablo Ave. 548-5198.  

Charlie Hunter Trio, featuring John Ellis & Derrek Phillips at 8 and 10 p.m. through Sun. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $10-$22. 238-9200.  

Jazzschool Tuesdays at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 848-8277. 

Brian Kane, solo jazz guitar, at 8 p.m. at Downtown. 649-3810. 

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 14 

FILM 

The Battles of Sam Peckinpah “Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid” at 7:30 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $4-$8. 642-0808.  

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Jesse Goldhammer talks about “The Headless Republic: Sacrificial Violence in Modern French Thought” at 5:30 p.m. at University Press Books, 2430 Bancroft Way. 548-0585. 

Café Poetry hosted by Kira Allen at 7:30 p.m. at La Peña. Donation $2. 849-2568.  

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

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Music for the Spirit with Lenny Ott, trumpet and Ron McKean, organ, at noon at First Presbyterian Church of Oakland, 2619 Broadway. 444-3555. 

Berkeley High School Jazz Combos at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $7. 841-JAZZ.  

Ned Boynton Trio at 8 p.m. at Downtown. 649-3810.  

La Peña Workshop Recitals with the Afro Cuban Youth Ensemble, The Lab Live Hip Hop Ensemble and the La Peña Latin Jazz Ensemble at 7 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $5-$7. 849-2568.  

Bernard Anderson & The Old School Band at 9 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Swing dance lesson at 8 p.m. Cost is $9. 525-5054.  

Candela at 9:30 p.m. at Shattuck Down Low. Cost is $5-$10. 548-1159.  

Home at Last at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 848-8277. 

THURSDAY, DEC. 15 

FILM 

Marcel Pagnol’s Provence “Letters from My Windmill” at 7:30 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $4-$8. 642-0808. 

EXHIBITIONS 

“Justice Matters: Artists Consider Palestine” A exhibition of works by fourteen Palestinian and American artists. “An Evening with Judy Gussman and Joy Hilden” at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Art Center, 1275 Walnut St. in Live Oak Park. 644-6893.  

Artists’ Annual Exhibition New work in a variety of media. Reception at 6 p.m. at Kala Art Institute, 1060 Heinz Ave. 549-2977. www.kala.org 

“Taisho Chic: Japanese Modernity, Nostalgia and Deco” guided tour at 12:15 and 5:30 p.m. at the Berkeley Art Museum, 2625 Durant Ave. 642-0808. 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

E.L Doctorow introduces his new novel “The March” at 6:15 p.m. at the Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant Ave. Tickets are $40, $50 per couple and includes the book. Tickets from the Nov. 17 event will be honored. 845-7852.  

Margaretta K. Mitchell and Zack Rogow introduce “The Face of Poetry,” on the Lunch Poems Series, at 7 p.m. at Mrs. Dalloway’s 2904 College Ave. 704-8222. 

Nomad Spoken Word Night at 7 p.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344.  

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Davka at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $18.50-$19.50. 548-1761.  

Magnes Music Salon with Stu Brotman and Josh Horowitz on Jewish Klezmer music at 6:30 p.m. at the Judah L. Magnes Museum, 2911 Russell St. Cost is $6-$8. 549-6950, ext. 333. 

Jim Grantham Quartet at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $5. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

Friendship First, Midline Errors at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $5. 841-2082. 

Eye of the Storm Benefit for Racial Justice from Oakland to New Orleans at 6 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Donation $10. 849-2568.  

Tom Duarte at 7 p.m. at Caffe Trieste, 2500 San Pablo Ave., at Dwight. 548-5198.  

Dhol Patrol at 8:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Bhangra dance lesson at 9 p.m. Cost is $8. 525-5054.  

Interactive Crew at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 848-8277. 

FRIDAY, DEC. 16 

THEATER 

Aurora Theatre “Marius” Wed.-Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2 and 7 p.m. at 2081 Addison St., through Dec. 18. Tickets are $28-$45. 843-4822. www.auroratheatre.org 

Berkeley Rep “Brundibár” A musical fable staged by Tony Kushner and Maurice Sendak at the Roda Theater through Dec. 28. Ticekts are $15-$64. 647-2949. www.berkeleyrep.org 

Masquers Playhouse “Dear World” Jerry Herman’s musical, Fri. and Sat at 8 p.m. through Dec. 17 at 105 Park Place, Point Richmond. Tickets are $15. 232-4031. www.masquers.org 

Shotgun Players “Cabaret” Thurs. - Sun. at 8 p.m. at the Ashby Stage, 1901 Ashby Ave. Through Jan. 15. 841-6500. www.shotgunplayers.org 

EXHIBITIONS 

Luthier’s An exhibtion of tradition guitar and ukulele making at the Addison Street Windows Gallery, 2018 Addison St., through Jan. 15. 981-7533. 

“Italian Landscapes” paintings by Anthony Holdsworth. Reception at 5:30 p.m. at Caffe 817, 817 Washinton St., Oakland.  

FILM 

The Battles of Sam Peckinpah “Cross of Iron” at 7 p.m. and “The Osterman Weekend” at 9:30 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. 642-0808.  

MUSIC AND DANCE 

“The Nutcracker” by Berkeley Ballet Theater at 7 p.m. at The Julia Morgan Center for the Arts, 2640 Shattuck Ave. Tickets are $20. 843-4689. www.berkeleyballet.org 

Woman’s Antique Vocal Ensemble ”What Sweeter Music” English and Spanish Christmas music at 8 p.m. at Lake Merritt United methodist Church, 1330 Lakeshore Ave. Tickets are $5-$15. www.wavewomen.org 

The Christmas Revels at 7:30 p.m., Sat. and Sun. at 1 and 5 p.m. at the Scottish Rite Theater, 1547 Lakeside Drive, Oakland. Tickets are $15-$42. 415-773-1181. www.calrevels.org 

Cowpokes for Peace at 7 p.m. at A Cuppa Tea, 3202 College Ave. at Alcatraz. Free, all ages welcome. 420-0196. 

North Indian Classical Music Benefit for Himalayan Earthquake Survivors at 7:30 p.m. at Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley, One Lawson Rd., Kensington.  

Michael Jones, violin and John Burke, piano, at 8 p.m. at Giorgi Gallery, 2911 Claremont Ave. Cost is $12. 848-1228. www.giogigallery.com 

Tito y Su Son, traditional Cuban dance music, at 9 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $12. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

Robin Gregory & Max Perkoff Trio at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $7. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

Jai Uttal & The Pagan Love Orchestra at 9:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $15-$18. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Beth Waters with Adrianne at 8 p.m. at Caffe Trieste, 2500 San Pablo Ave. 548-5198.  

Al Stewart at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $24.50-$25.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

Danny Caron Duo at 9 p.m. at Downtown. 649-3810.  

David Gans, Mario DeSio and Jeff Pehrson at 7:30 p.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344. www.nomadcafe.net 

Scott Amendola Band with guest Jeff Cauthier at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $7. 841-2082. www.starryploughpub.com 

Abi Yo Yos, Inpect Her Gadget, Set Off at 8 p.m. at 924 Gilman St., an all-ages, member-run, no alcohol, no drugs, no violence club. Cost is $7. 525-9926. 

Blow Fly at 9:30 p.m. at Shattuck Down Low. Cost is $5-$8. 548-1159.  

Wayward Monks at 8:30 p.m. at Epic Arts, 1923 Ashby Ave. Cost is $5-$10. 644-2204. 

Loosewig Jazz Trio, contemporary jazz, at 8 p.m. at Ristorante Raphael, 2132 Center St. 644-9500. 

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

Charlie Hunter Trio, featuring John Ellis & Derrek Phillips at 8 and 10 p.m. through Sun. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $10-$22. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

SATURDAY, DEC. 17 

CHILDREN 

Los Amiguitos de La Peña with Bonnie Lockhart at 10:30 a.m. at La Peña. Cost is $4 adults, $3 children. 849-2568.  

FILM 

Marcel Pagnol’s Provence “Marius” at 6 p.m. and “Fanny” at 8:20 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $4-$8. 642-0808.  

EXHIBITIONS 

“Fragments of Time” Paintings by Ireneusz Ciesiolkiewicz from 1 to 4 p.m. Sat. and Sun. at 6525 Shattuck Ave. Oakland. 415-756-0951. 

Silver Jewelry Show from noon to 6 p.,m. at Elixir Salon, 1599 Hopkins Ave. 

THEATER 

“Dick ‘N Dubya Show: A Republican Cabaret” Sat. and Sun. at 7 p.m. at The Marsh Berkeley, 2118 Allston Way, through Dec. 18. Tickets are $10-$22. 800-838-3006. www.themarsh.org 

Moshe Cohen and Unique Derique “Cirque Do Somethin’” Sat. and Sun. at 1 p.m. at the Marsh, 2120 Allston Way. Tickets are $10-$15. 800-838-3006. www.themarsh.org 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Rhythm & Muse Young Performer’s Night with Lily Stoner, John Farley, Afi Adjene Nkhume, Mehrnush Golriz and others at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Art Center, 1275 Walnut St. 527-9753. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

“The Nutcracker” by Berkeley Ballet Theater at 2 and 7 p.m. at The Julia Morgan Center for the Arts, 2640 Shattuck Ave. Tickets are $20. 843-4689. www.berkeleyballet.org 

Kali’s Angels and New Spirit Voices, original songs, ecstatic chants and holiday music at 7:30 p.m. at Pacific School of Religion Chapel, 1798 Scenic Ave. Suggested Donation $10-$20. For reservations call 704-7729. www.newspiritchurch.org 

Berkeley Music Co. Players at 8 p.m. at Giorgi Gallery, 2911 Claremont Ave. Cost is $12-$15. 848-1228. www.giorgigallery.com 

Navidad Flamenca at 8 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $18-$20. 849-2568. www.lapena.org  

Quanti Bomani, saxophonist, at 8 p.m. at Linen Life, , 1375 Park Ave., Emeryville. Tickets are $20. 1-866-468-3399. 

Fred Randolf Jazz Group at 9:30 p.m. at Albatross, 1822 San Pablo Ave. Cost is $3. 843-2473. www.albatrosspub.com 

Moot Davis and the Cool Deal at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $8. 841-2082. www.starryploughpub.com 

Oak, Ash & Thorn at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $18.50-$19.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

Carribean Allstars at 9:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $11-$13. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

David K. Matthews Duo at 9 p.m. at Downtown. 649-3810.  

Sharon Knight and Megan McLaughlin at 7:30 p.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344. www.nomadcafe.net 

Moment’s Notice A salon for improvised music, dance and theater at 8 p.m. at Western Sky Studio, 2525 Eighth St. Cost is $8-$10. 415-831-5592. 

Girl Talk Band, bluesy jazz, at 8 p.m. at Ristorante Raphael, 2132 Center St. 644-9500. 

The Ravines at 8 p.m. at Spuds Pizza, 3290 Adeline St. Cost is $7. 558-0881. 

Iron Lung, Unpersons, Laudanum at 8 p.m. at 924 Gilman St. Cost is $6. 525-9926. 

Brazuca Brown at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 848-8277. 

SUNDAY, DEC. 18 

EXHIBITIONS 

“Taisho Chic: Japanese Modernity, Nostalgia and Deco” guided tour at 2 p.m. at the Berkeley Art Museum, 2625 Durant Ave. 642-0808. 

FILM 

Marcel Pagnol’s Provence “Fanny” at 3 p.m. and “César” at 5:30 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $4-$8. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

“The Nutcracker” by Berkeley Ballet Theater at 2 p.m. at The Julia Morgan Center for the Arts, 2640 Shattuck Ave. Tickets are $20. 843-4689. www.berkeleyballet.org 

Berkeley Community Chorus and Orchestra, “Gloria” by Poulenc at 4:30 p.m. at St. Joseph the Worker Church, 1640 Addison St. Admission in free, donations welcome. www.bcco.org 

Christmas Concert and Carols at 2:30 p.m. at First Church of Christ, scientist, 1701 Franklin St. 832-2364. 

Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols at 4:30 p.m. at St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 2300 Bancroft Way at Ellsworth. Donations accepted. 845-0888. 

A Medieval Christmas with the San Francisco Choral Artists performing Britten’s Ceremeony of Carols at 4 p.m. at St. Pauls’ Episcopal Church, 114 Montecito Ave. Tickets are $18-$25. 415-979-5779. www.sfca.org 

Carolyn Plummer CD Release Party at 4 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $7. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

Carlos Oliveira & Brazillian Origins, featuring Harvey Waiapel at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $10. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

Cascada de Flores, music of Mexico and Cuba at 7:30 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $15. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

Holly Near at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $24.50-$25.50. 548-1761.  

Soja's Upward Spiral Kiirtan Benefit Concert for recent natural disasters at 7 p.m. at Yoga Mandala, 2807 Telegraph Ave. www.yogamandalastudio.com 

Ross Hammond at 11 a.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344.  

MONDAY, DEC. 19 

THEATER 

PlayGround “Resolutions” Six emerging playwrights debut new works at 8 p.m. at Berkeley Rep, 2025 Addison St. Pre-show panel discussion at 7 p.m. Tickets are $16. 415-704-3177.  

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Poetry Express with Pasadena Poets at 7 p.m. at Priya Restaurant, 2072 San Pablo Ave. berkeleypoetryexpress@yahoo.com 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

West Coast Songwriters Open Mic at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $5.50. 548-1761. 

Trovatore, traditional Italian music, at 7 p.m. at Caffe Trieste, 2500 San Pablo Ave., at Dwight. 548-5198.  

Frank Jackson 80th Birthday Party at 8 and 10 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $6-$10. 238-9200.  

TUESDAY, DEC. 20 

FILM 

“The Drivetime” a cyber-fi film by Antero Alli at 7 p.m. at Blake’s, 2367 Telegraph. 464-4640. www.verticalpool.com  

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Tell on on Tuesdays Storytelling at 7:30 p.m. at Julia Morgan Center for the Arts. Cost is $8-$12 sliding scale. www.juiamorgan.org 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Sauce Piquante at 8:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cajun dance lesson at 8 p.m. Cost is $10. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Ellen Hoffmaan with Singers’ Open Mic at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

Mike Stern with Dennis Chambers, Victor Wooten & Bob Francescini at 8 and 10 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square, through Fri. Cost is $22-$26. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

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

Eric Shifrin, solo jazz piano, at 8 p.m. at Downtown. 649-3810. 

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 21 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

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

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Music for the Spirit with Ron McKean, organ, at noon at First Presbyterian Church of Oakland, 2619 Broadway. 444-3555. 

“From the Darkness, Solace” A Winter Solstice event with musicians and video artists at 7 pm. at Chapel of the Chimes, 4499 Piedmont Ave. Donation $10-$20. 228-3207. 

“A Little Cole in Your Stocking” with Meg Mackay and Billy Philadelphia at 8 p.m. at Aurora Theatre, 2081 Addison St. 

Calvin Keys Trio and Jam at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. 841-JAZZ. w 

Ned Boynton Trio at 8 p.m. at Downtown. 649-3810.  

Whiskey Brothers, old time and bluegrass, at 9 p.m. at Albatross, 1822 San Pablo Ave. 843-2473.  

Balkan Folkdance at 8 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Lessons at 7 p.m. Cost is $7. 525-5054.  

Orquestra La Verdad at 9:30 p.m. at Shattuck Down Low. Dance lessons at 8 p.m. Cost is $5-$10. 548-1159.  

Sonny Heinila Trio at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 848-8277. 

Freight Holiday Revue & Fundraiser at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $16.50-$17.50. 548-1761.

Last week Joe and I took a detour onto Fourth Street, to cruise Cody’s and a couple of dry-goods stores. We were just going to dash into the Vivarium for turtle chow, but I found a free parking space on Fifth and felt that was occasion to celebrate, and besides, the sun was out.  

It always takes me a moment to re-focus when I exit a bookstore (and inside, too, if I need to avoid walking into a fixture) so I wasn’t sure at first that the movement I saw in the half-leafless Japanese maple outside the door was something real. But a familiar “chip!” repeated every second or so told me who was there, and I saw him then: a gimlet-eyed ping-pong ball in gray-green feathers, a ruby-crowned kinglet, working the twigs for little bugs and talking to himself as his kind does. Maybe it’s a whistle-while-you-work thing.  

Kinglets are pretty fearless when they’re concentrating on a meal and they’ll let you get close, or they’ll even approach you. I’ve been scolded at close quarters by several while I was working in trees. You won’t see that ruby crown unless your bird is male and chooses to flash you, as it’s normally hidden by the dark head feathers; if you do see it, you’ll be impressed, as it’s bright enough to leave an afterimage in your eyes.  

You rarely see one in summer here, but they’re ubiquitous in winter. They come down from the mountains and from Canada, quite a journey for a being who weighs less than an quarter of an ounce. (You think driving I-5 is bad? Imagine doing it under your own power at that size, in the air and against the prevailing winds. Imagine crossing the great migration of hawks and other predators, too, and then dodging them all winter.)  

So what are they doing here? Why, they’re eating bugs, mostly. So are the black phoebes that breed here in our own yards if we’re lucky, and then spread out to catch flies on the wing and call “Hey there, hey you, hey there, hey you”—once you know the call, you’ll notice them all over town. They’re quite dapper, with their upright posture and black-and-white suits.  

We saw a couple of black phoebes on the way back to the car, and a yellow-rumped warbler too. They eat berries more readily than most warblers do, but they’re here for our bugs in winter too, and so are other warblers like Townsend’s. Look into those sycamores along San Pablo whenever you hear an anonymous chirp, and chances are you’ll see one or two of them.  

So how do we get this privilege, handsome little birds right here all winter? Well, it helps if we’re not too fussy in summer. Lazy (or thoughtful) gardeners who leave some insect pests alive in their trees and shrubs get rewarded by winter’s birds. 

That doesn’t take effort so much as it takes care and observation. Gardening is unlike housekeeping or interior decorating in that you’re not supposed to be perfect, or completely thorough, or completely in control. This goes for how you treat your trees, too. A really well-pruned tree doesn’t look manicured; it looks natural, as if it’s doing exactly what it had in mind all along. Accomplishing this actually doesn’t take more effort than wholesale butchery, and you can do it without things that go vroom. You do have to know your tree, though. 

That same for the bugs. The best pest control is just reduction, not sterilization, partly because wiping out a whole pest population starves its predators, so the next pest generation can breed and eat in perfect safety. The vicious cycle here is well known to gardeners and pest-control folks.  

Those cheerful bundles of fluff might not look predatory to us, but they’re very good at what they do. They’re small, but high-energy, and in cold weather they need to keep their metabolisms stoked. So after all the work they put into getting here, the least we can do is make sure they have a nice bug buffet.  

Think twice before doing even “organic” dormant oil spraying on your trees. If they were OK this year, let the system—conspicuously and cheerfully, those birds—do the job. We’ll all have better holidays if we learn, live, and let live. 

y

TUESDAY, DEC. 13 

Shellmound and Sacred Sites a report back on the recent peace walk at 7 p.m. at the Ecology Center, 25430 San Pablo Ave. 548-2220. 

Berkeley High School Site Council meets at 4:30 p.m. in the conference room of the Admin. Center. On the agenda are AP and exit exam data and a review of the draft proposal for the International High School. For the full agenda, please see the BHS PTSA website. 525-0124. 

“Fish Ears and Whale Songs: How Marine Mammals Sense Their Surroundings” with Michael Stocker of SeaFlow at 6:30 p.m. at the Oakland Zoo. Cost is $12-$20. 632-9525.  

Snowshoeing Basics, a slide presentation by snowshoe guide Cathy Anderson-Meyers at 7 p.m. at REI, 1338 San Pablo Ave. 527-4140. 

“China and the Media” with Orville Schell and Xiao Qiang at 7:30 p.m. at College Prep School, Buttner Auditorium, 6100 Broadway, Oakland. Cost is $5-$10. 339-7726. www.college-prep.org/livetalk 

“The Frankenfood Myth” Politics and Protests of the Biotech Revolution with Henry Miller at 7 p.m. at The Independent Institute, 100 Swan Way, Oakland. Cost is $10-$15. 632-1366. 

Tuesday Tilden Walkers Join a few slowpoke seniors at 9:30 a.m. in the parking lot near the Little Farm for an hour or two walk. 215-7672, 524-9992. 

Free Handbuilding Ceramics Class 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at St. John’s Senior Center, 2727 College Ave. Also, Mon. noon to 4 p.m. at the South Berkeley Senior Center. Materials and firing charges not included. 525-5497. 

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

Introduction to Buddhist Meditation at 7 p.m. at the Dzalandhara Buddhist Center in Berkeley. Cost is $7-$10. Call for directions. 559-8183.  

St. John’s Prime Timers meets at 9:30 a.m. at St. John’s Presbyterian Church, 2727 College Ave. 845-6830. 

“Ask the Social Worker” free consultations for older adults and their families from 10 a.m. to noon at BRJCC, 1414 Walnut St. To schedule an appointment call 558-7800, ext. 716. 

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 14 

Your Pet’s Health The Berkeley-East Bay Humane Society Community Lecture Series hosts Drs. Amos Deinard and Barbara Hodges talking about similarities and differences in diagnosing pets’ medical conditions from Eastern and Western medical perspectives at 7 p.m. at Berkeley-East Bay Humane Society, 2700 Ninth St. Donation of $10 requested. For reservations call 845-7735 ext. 22. 

Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine College Open House at 6 p.m. at 2550 Shattuck Ave. Tours of classrooms and clinics and information for prospective students. To RSVP call 666-8248, ext. 106.  

East Bay Genealogical Society meets at 10 a.m. in the Library Conference Room of the Family History Center, 4766 Lincoln Ave., Oakland. Cookie Exchange follows. 635-6692. 

Poetry Writing Workshop with Alison Seevak at 7 p.m. at Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave. 526-3720, ext. 16. 

“Legends of Mother Mary” with Rev. Alyce Soden at 7 p.m. at Changemakers, 6536 Telegraph Ave. 655-2405. 

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

Trivia Cafe at 7 p.m. at Ristorante Raphael, 2132 Center St. Cost is $3. 644-9500. 

Prose Writer’s Workshop An ongoing group made up of friendly writers who are serious about our craft. All levels welcome. At 7 p.m. at BRJCC, 1414 Walnut St. 848-0237. georgeporter@earthlink.net 

Sing your Way Home A free sing-a-long at 4:30 p.m. every Wed. at the Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave. 526-3720. 

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

Stitch ‘n Bitch Bring your knitting, crocheting and other handcrafts from 6 to 9 p.m. at Caffe Trieste, 2500 San Pablo Ave. 548-5198. 

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

vigil4peace/vigil 

THURSDAY, DEC. 15 

Save the Endangered Species Act Slide show and discussion at 7 p.m. at the Ecology Center, 2530 San Pablo Ave. 548-2220, ext. 233. 

Ending Violence Against Sex Workers Memorial and community discussion at 6:30 p.m. at Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists, 1924 Cedar at Bonita. www.swop-usa.org 

Smplicity Forum: Food and Cooking for Simple Living with Adesina Stewart at 6:30 p.m. at Berkeley Public Library, Claremont Branch, 2940 Benvenue Ave. 549-3509. 

World of Plants Tours Thurs., Sat. and Sun. at 1:30 p.m. at the UC Botanical Garden, 200 Centennial Drive. Cost is $5. 643-2755.  

FRIDAY, DEC. 16 

City Commons Club Noon Luncheon with Phillip Elwood “All About Jazz - Part 2.” Luncheon at 11:45 a.m. for $13.50, speech at 12:30 p.m., at the Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant St. For information and reservations call 526-2925 or 665-9020.  

The WAL-MART Film: Destroying Locals, One Main Street at a Time at 7 p.m. at BFUU’s R.E. Bldg. upstairs, 1606 Bonita at Cedar St. Donations accepted. 410-0638. 

Berkeley Chess Club meets Fridays at 8 p.m. at the East Bay Chess Club, 1940 Virginia St. Players at all levels are welcome. 845-1041. 

Celebrate Humanistic Shabbat and (early) Chanukah with Kol Hadash at 7 p.m. at Albany Community Center, 1249 Marin Ave. Potluck dinner. For food assignment email info@kolhadash.org  

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

Meditation, Peace Vigil and Dialogue, gather at noon on the grass close to the West Entrance to UC Berkeley, on Oxford St. near University Ave. People of all traditions are welcome to join us. Sponsored by the Buddhist Peace Fellowship. 655-6169. www.bpf.org 

SATURDAY, DEC. 17 

Berkeley Alliance of Neighborhood Associations meets at 9:15 a.m. at St. John’s Presbyterian Church, Sproul Conference Room, 1st Floor, 2727 College Ave. www.berkeleycna.com 

Women on Common Ground Holiday Decorations Help make decorations for the Women’s Drop-In Shelter of Berkeley, and for yourself also, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. Bring a pair of small hand-clippers and a bag lunch. Followed by a hike to Wildcat Peak. Cost is $15-$17. Registration required. 636-1684. 

Lorin District Neighborhood Cleanup Meet at 9 a.m. at South Berkeley Community Church, corner of Fairview and Ellis. Refreshments provided. 287-5874. 

Kid’s Garden Club for ages 7-12 to explore the world of gardening, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Tilden Nature Area, Tilden Park. Cost is $6-$8, registration required. 636-1684. 

Candle-Lit Rally at Berkeley Honda at 4:30 p.m. at Shattuck and Parker, in support of the striking workers. Bring a large paper decoration for the rat. beactive@sbclkobal.net 

Habitat Planting Party Help restore the West Stege Marsh in southern Richmond from 9 a.m. to noon. For directions call 665-3689. Bayshorestewards@thewatershedproject.org 

“Playing With Fire” Berkeley Potters Guild Holiday Sale from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sat. and Sun. at 731 Jones St. at Fourth St. www.berkeleypotters.com 

Fine Silver Jewelry Show and Sale with works by Austene Hall, Marlene Friedman Walters, Diana Divecha and Phyllis Dolhinow from noon to 6 p.m. at Elixir Salon, 1599 Hopkins Ave. 

BHS Communication Arts and Sciences Calendar Sale Wall, desk and enagement calendars on a variety of topics for only $5, from noon to 2 p.m., also on Sun. at 2310 Valley St., 3 blocks west of Sacramento St., off Channing Way. 843-2780. 

Holiday Bake Sale from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Interactive Resources, 117 Park Place, Point Richmond. 236-0527. 

Berkeley Farmers’ Market Holiday Crafts Fair from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Center St. at MLK Jr. Way. 548-3333. 

Berkeley Artisans Holiday Open Studios Sat. and Sun. from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. For a map of locations see www.berkeleyartisans.com 

Telegraph Avenue Holiday Street Fair between Dwight and Bancroft, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sat. and Sun. 

“What Do Zoo Animals Eat?” a workshop for ages 6-8, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Oakland Zoo. Cost is $40-$50. For reservations call 632-9525, ext. 205. 

“Iraq? Liberated?” with Prof. As’ad Abu Khalil, at 7 p.m. at the Home of Truth Center, 1300 Grand Ave. Alameda. Sponsored by The Alameda Forum www.alamedaforum.org 

Historical and Botanical Tour of Chapel of the Chimes, a Julia Morgan landmark, at 10 a.m. at 4499 Piedmont Ave. at Pleasant Valley. Reservations required 228-3207.  

Car Wash Benefit for Options Recovery Services of Berkeley, held every Sat. from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Lutheran Church, 1744 University Ave. 666-9552. 

SUNDAY, DEC. 18 

Free Video Emails for Families Displaced by Hurricane Katrina and military families to send to their loved ones, from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Immanuel Lutheran Church, 1910 Santa Clara Ave., Alameda. 523-0659.  

Discover Jewel Lake Learn the history of the area and watch the water fall. Meet at 12:30 p.m. at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. 525-2233. 

Break the Silence Mural Project Report Back from Gaza and the West Bank at 6 p.m. at Berkeley Arts Center, 1275 Walnut St. 

Hanukkah Family Program with music and activities for children from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Judah L. Magnes Museum, 2911 Russell St. 549-6950, ext. 332. 

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 

Free Garden Tours at Regional Parks Botanic Garden in Tilden Park Sat. and Sun. at 2 p.m. Call to confirm. 841-8732.  

Lake Merritt Neighbors Organized for Peace Meet at 3 p.m. at the colonnade at the NE end of the lake. 763-8712.  

MONDAY, DEC. 19 

Free Small Business Counselling with SCORE, Service Core of Retired Executives at the Berkeley Public Library, 2090 Kittredge. To make an appointment call 981-6244. 

Critical Viewing An ongoing group to examine the art/craft(iness) of short films and television productions and its effects on our daily lives, at 1 p.m. at the BRJCC, 1414 Walnut St. Free. 848-0237.  

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

TUESDAY, DEC. 20 

Birdwalk on the MLK Shoreline from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. to see the shorebirds here for the winter. Beginnners welcome, binoculars available for loan. 525-2233. 

Berkeley Salon Discussion Group meets to discuss “Are Religious Holidays Obsolete?” from 7 to 9 p.m. at the BRJCC, 1414 Walnut St. 527-1022. 

American Red Cross Blood Services Vlunteer Orientation from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Claremont Ave., Oakland office. 594-5165.  

Stress Less Seminar at 7 p.m. at New Moon Opportunities, 378 Jayne Ave., Oakland Free, but registration required. 465-2524. 

Tuesday Tilden Walkers Join a few slowpoke seniors at 9:30 a.m. in the parking lot near the Little Farm for an hour or two walk. 215-7672, 524-9992. 

Free Handbuilding Ceramics Class 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at St. John’s Senior Center, 2727 College Ave. Also, Mon. noon to 4 p.m. at the South Berkeley Senior Center. Materials and firing charges not included. 525-5497. 

Berkeley Camera Club meets at 7:30 p.m., at the Northbrae Community Church, 941 The Alameda. Share your digital images, slides and prints and learn what other photographers are doing. Monthly field trips. 548-3991. www.berkeleycameraclub.org 

Introduction to Buddhist Meditation at 7 p.m. at the Dzalandhara Buddhist Center in Berkeley. Cost is $7-$10. Call for directions. 559-8183. www.kadampas.org 

“Ask the Social Worker” free consultations for older adults and their families from 10 a.m. to noon at BRJCC, 1414 Walnut St. To schedule an appointment call 558-7800, ext. 716. 

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

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 21 

Mid-Day Meander in Tilden Celebrate the shortest day with great views. Meet at Inspiration Point in Tilden Park at 2:30 p.m. 525-2233. 

Winter Solstice Gathering at 4 p.m. at Cesar Chavez Park, at the Interinm Solar Calendar. Dress warmly. www.solarcalendar.org 

Berkeley Communicators Toastmasters welcomes curious guests and new members at 7:15 a.m. at Au Coquelet Cafe, 2000 University Ave. at Milvia. 435-5863.  

Entrepreneurs Networking at 8 a.m. at A’Cuppa Tea, 3202 College Ave. at Alcatraz. Cost is $5. For more information contact JB, 562-9431.  

The Berkeley Lawn Bowling Club provides free instruction every Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. at 2270 Action St. 841-2174.  

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

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

Sing your Way Home A free sing-a-long at 4:30 p.m. every Wed. at the Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave. 526-3720. 

Prose Writer’s Workshop An ongoing group made up of friendly writers who are serious about our craft. All levels welcome. At 7 p.m. at BRJCC, 1414 Walnut St. 848-0237. georgeporter@earthlink.net 

Stitch ‘n Bitch Bring your knitting, crocheting and other handcrafts from 6 to 9 p.m. at Caffe Trieste, 2500 San Pablo Ave. 548-5198. 

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

vigil4peace/vigil 

ONGOING 

Toy Drive Sponsored by University Veterinary Hospital Bring new, unopened toys for all ages to 810 University Ave., between 5th and 6th Sts, between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. weekdays, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekends. until Dec. 24. 841-4412. 

Warm Coat Drive Donate a coat for distribution in the community, at Bay St., Emeryville. Sponsored by the Girl Scouts. www.onewarmcoat.org 

Magnes Museum Docent Training begins Jan. 8. Open to all who are interested in Jewish art and history. For information contact Faith Powell at 549-6950, ext. 333. 

Albany Berkeley Girls Softball League is looking for girls in grades 1-9 to play softball. Season runs March 4-June 3. To register, email registrar@abgsl.org or call 869-4277. www.abgsl.org 

CITY MEETINGS 

City Council meets Tues., Dec. 13, at 7 p.m in City Council Chambers. 981-6900. www.ci. 

berkeley.ca.us/citycouncil 

Commission on Disability meets Wed., Dec. 14, at 6:30 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Don Brown, 981-6346. TDD: 981-6345. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/disability 

Disaster Council meets Wed., Dec. 14, at 7 p.m., at the Emergency Operations Center, 997 Cedar St. William Greulich, 981-5502. www.ci.berkeley.ca. us/commissions/disaster 

Homeless Commission meets Wed., Dec. 14, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Jane Micallef, 981-5426. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/homeless 

Library Board of Trustees meets Wed., Dec. 14, at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Library, West Branch, 1125 University Ave. Jackie Y. Griffin, 981-6195. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/library 

Planning Commission meets Wed., Dec. 14, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Janet Homrighausen, 981-7484. www.ci.berkeley. ca.us/commissions/planning 

Police Review Commission meets Wed., Dec. 14, at 7:30 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-4950. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/policereview 

Waterfront Commission meets Wed., Dec. 14, at 7 p.m., at 201 University Ave. Cliff Marchetti, 981-6740. www.ci.berkeley.ca. 

us/commissions/waterfront 

Design Review Committee meets Thurs., Dec. 15, at 7:30 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Anne Burns, 981-7415. www.ci.berkeley.ca. 

us/commissions/designreview  

Transportation Commission meets Thurs., Dec. 15, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Peter Hillier, 981-7000. www.ci.berkeley.ca. 

us/commissions/transportation 

?

Dante Green and his girlfriend Krystina Brown, both undergrads at Xavier University in New Orleans, evacuated to Atlanta just before Hurricane Katrina hit and jumped at the offer to come study at UC Berkeley when the waters rose around their campus. 

Now Xavier has regained power, hauled away debris, and is calling for their students to return. UC Berkeley officials have decided not to extend visiting student status for the group from New Orleans, but some students say they don’t want to return to a ghost city. 

“We don’t know what we’re going back to. Mayor Nagin says the city is inhospitable, and we may have to live on cruise ships,” Green said earlier this week. “There’s 700 people ahead of us on the waiting list for apartments.” 

Katrina scattered 18,000 college students nationwide, and Cal welcomed 77 in the wake of the disaster. Cal officials say these students were welcomed only as “visiting students” and are wary of undermining higher education in New Orleans by depriving schools the tuition base they will need to return to normality. 

Student organizers at Cal have circulated a petition to gather support to allow students the option to continue their studies into the spring.  

Tamara Johnson, a graduate student in the Social Welfare department of Southern University, gratefully arrived at Cal on Sept. 8, her birthday. The Berkeley Social Welfare Department led her to believe that she would have the option to stay for the spring semester based on her performance, she says. 

“This university ought to be ashamed of itself, treating us like refugees,” she said. “They want us to evacuate twice.”  

Johnson, who has eagerly attended classes at Cal and worked in an internship in Oakland’s Summit Adult Day Health Care Center while sleeping on couches since early September, is distraught at the prospect of returning to New Orleans. 

“There’s nothing left of my school,” she said. “I thought Berkeley had given me the best birthday gift ever when I arrived here, but it looks like they’re taking it back.” 

Officials at Southern University, Johnson’s home school in New Orleans, say the school is ready to welcome returning students. 

“We’ve been working 12 hour days to get this campus back in shape,” said Gus Bennet, student affairs spokesperson. “The pre-enrollment turnout has been amazing.” 

Roughly half of the students at Southern University have enrolled to date and the school is busily rebuilding in anticipation of reopening on Jan. 17. Students returning to Southern will be housed in FEMA subsidized travel trailers. 

Berkeley officials say they have been counseling visiting students who want to continue at Cal through the transfer process, but these students would have to wait until fall 2006 to apply. For the spring semester, they could take classes at a local community college or on an extension basis. 

“The university cannot create a new admissions process for a particular group of students,” said Esther Gulli, executive administrative officer for the vice chancellor of student affairs. 

Some Berkeley students say Chancellor Birgeneau is missing a golden opportunity to set an example both by doing the right thing for these students and by increasing minority enrollment at Cal since some of the students were displaced from historically black colleges such as Xavier. 

“This is no time for bureaucratic excuses,” said Yvette Felarca, spokesperson for By Any Means Necessary, the student group responsible for circulating the petition on behalf of the displaced students. “In the worst American humanitarian tragedy ever, this is the time to make exceptions.” 

Some California schools have made exceptions and decided to allow students displaced from New Orleans to stay on into the spring semester. Saint Mary’s College in Moraga and Cal State East Bay have both decided to allow displaced students to finish out the year.  

UC officials say they will not break agreements made with the New Orleans schools to return students once the schools were capable of receiving them. “Our hands are tied. We must follow the rules of the other institutions,” said Gulli. “If these schools don’t get the tuition, they will go under, and the Gulf region needs higher education to recover.” 

Dante Green says he understands that it is in the best interest of his home school to gather its flock, but he doubts that his own best interests will be served by returning. 

“It’s all up in the air,” he said. “How am I supposed to concentrate on getting into med school when I don’t even know if I’ll have a place to live?” 

Plans for a downtown UC Berkeley museum complex moved to the forefront Tuesday when the university issued a call for a project design architect. 

Construction, tentatively slated to begin in May, 2009, would include the demolition of a Berkeley landmark, the UC printing plant at the southwest corner of Center and Oxford Streets. Also headed for the wrecking ball is the adjoining university parking structure at the southwest corner of the Addison Way/Oxford Street intersection. 

In their place would rise a complex that would house the Berkeley Art Museum and the Pacific Film Archive (PFA) as well as an underground parking area. The tentative end date for construction would be the end of November 2011, with the museum opening scheduled for April 2012. 

Total costs for the complex are estimated between $60 million and $80 million, all of which would come from private donors, said Kevin Hufferd, UC Capital Projects senior planner. 

Hufferd said the project will be developed in tandem with the planned hotel and convention center the university is developing with leading hotelier Carpenter & Co. for the western end of the block at the corner of Center Street and Shattuck Ave. 

The museum and PFA project would include 35,000 square feet of gallery space, 11,000 square feet for three theater/lecture hall spaces with seating capacities from 100 to 400, plus space for a film archive library, classrooms, staff offices and additional support space. 

Other features include a bookstore and restaurant, as well as a rooftop capable of hosting public events. 

Dona Spring, the City Councilmember who represents the downtown area, said she greeted the announcement with mixed feelings, saying the museum and film archive complex would be “a great shot in the arm for the downtown and the Berkeley Arts District.” 

But the demolition of the University Press building, she said, would be a great loss. 

“I can’t imagine that destruction of the building where the United Nations Charter was printed would help with their fund-raising,” Spring said. “They should use part of the building at least,” she said.  

John English, author of the proposal that earned the building landmark status when it was adopted by the city Landmarks Preservation Commission in June 2004, said the building was unique because of its role in history—the 1945 printing of the U.N. Charter—as well as its history as a distinguished press. 

“The production area is spacious and well-lighted and could be well adapted to museum space,” English said of the 1939 example of New Deal Moderne architecture. 

“It’s also the university’s first significant building project west of Oxford Street,” he said. 

Neither Spring nor English said they had any reservations about demolition of the parking structure. 

Hufferd said the hotel project is moving ahead, with the last significant remaining issue being finding a new location for the Bank of America branch, which at the northeast corner of Shattuck Avenue and Center Street occupies a key portion of the hotel site. 

“We’ve worked intensively on the issue over the last few months, and it’s really the role of the hotel developer to take the lead in finding a replacement site,” he said. 

The 12-story hotel and associated convention center would be designed in part to house attendees at university conferences and athletic events.  

Hufferd said Carpenter & Co. officials held meetings with Mayor Tom Bates, City Manager Phil Kamlarz and city planning staff in the fall. He added that the mayor had also offered to place the hotel complex on a fast track for development independent of the Downtown Area Plan process mandated in the settlement of a city suit against the university earlier this year. 

“But after hearing more, the developer agreed to continue alongside the Downtown Area Plan process,” Hufferd said. “Of course the developer also hopes the downtown planning process will continue along its current course and timeline,” which calls for a completed plan to be finished within the next 18 months. 

Berkeley Planning Director Dan Marks said he hadn’t heard about the fast-tracking proposal, but said that folding the project into the new Downtown Area Plan process was the appropriate move, in part because the plans call for a taller structure than is now allowed in the city center. 

By incorporating the hotel and the museum complex into the new planning process, city staff and the Downtown Area Plan Advisory Committee will be able to look at the cumulative impacts of the projects, Marks said. 

While the documents posted this week don’t mention the proposal of the city’s UC Hotel Task to turn Center Street into a pedestrian mall possibly centered on a daylighted Strawberry Creek, “We recognized the strong community interest in making the street a premier pedestrian environment,” Hufferd said. 

“We need to accommodate either a plaza alone or a plaza and creek and let the community decide,” he said. “We can then come up with the plans.” 

Hufferd said the block would contain either one or two underground lots—in the latter case, one each for the hotel/convention center and the PFA and art museum complex. Both could share a common entrance, he said. 

The university official said he wasn’t sure what would happen with the current art museum and PFA buildings. The former is seismically unsafe and the latter was built as a temporary structure pending development of a permanent home, Hufferd said. 

The museum/PFA time schedule allots only four months for the preparation of a project environmental review, which Marks said might be enough because the complex—unlike the hotel project—was included in the EIR for the university Long Range Development Plan for 2020. 

The new downtown plan process was included in a settlement of the city’s suit against the university, sparked by concerns over the more than one million square feet of addition space the university plans to build within city limits, most of it downtown.

An off-campus incident between a student and a UC Berkeley undergraduate advisor that led to explosive allegations of racist and sexist epithets against the student has a local activist organization calling for the firing of the employee and the UC officials conducting a review of the university’s initial response. 

In addition, UC officials are looking into a related allegation that a student’s records were improperly accessed by a UC employee. The incident has raised questions about the limits of the university’s authority over an employee’s outside activities. 

The situation began with a Berkeley bus stop confrontation in late September between UC sophomore Erika Williams, an African-American, and Sherman Boyson, a white undergraduate assistant in the UC Social Welfare Department. The two had a second confrontation in mid-October in the doorway to the apartment building where both Williams and Boyson live, and then a third, a week later while both were riding on a city bus. 

It does not appear that either Williams or Boyson knew at the time of the confrontations that the other was connected to the university. 

Williams alleges that during the course of the three confrontations, Boyson called her a “nigger” and threatened “to kick the shit out of” her, as well as calling her and her Asian-American roommate, Helen Kim, a “bitch.” Williams also alleges that during the confrontation in the doorway to their apartment building, Boyson physically assaulted Kim by bumping into her. 

In an interview with the Daily Californian newspaper, Boyson admitted he called Williams a “nigger,” but said he did so only after she called him a “fat fuck.” The Daily Cal also reported that Boyson sent Williams a letter of apology for using the racist and sexist terms. 

“I never should have used it, even indirectly,” the paper quoted Boyson as saying. “I know on my part I made a mistake and I apologized.” 

Neither Williams nor Boyson could be reached in connection with this article. 

During last month’s meeting of the UC Regents on the Berkeley campus, members of the Coalition to Defend Affirmative Action, Integration & Immigrant Rights and Fight for Equality By Any Means Necessary (BAMN) marched through the campus to the steps of Haviland Hall to protest Boyson’s actions. BAMN has also been circulated petitions calling for the university to fire Boyson. A BAMN spokesperson said that the petitions will be turned in to Chancellor Robert Birgenau on Monday afternoon. 

Williams has also called for Boyson to be fired. 

In a statement released last month, Birgenau condemned Boyson’s language. 

“I cannot state strongly enough how much this university must deplore strongly and without question the use of racist language of any kind,” Birgenau said. “Use of racist language is so deeply hurtful to individuals and it is also hurtful to our community, violating the values that we share as a university. I share the outrage our students and others feel when such language is used.” 

Birgeanu went on to say, “The university is examining this situation fully and the role that we can play in ensuring that our campus climate is welcoming to all.” 

But in an indication that this examination would not include the confrontations themselves, the chancellor said that “the verbal exchange between one of our students and a staff member appears to have been a personal dispute which occurred off campus.” 

UC Berkeley Public Information Officer Marie Felde confirmed that the university’s examination would not include the three off-campus confrontations. 

Felde said that, following the confrontations, Williams made complaints to the university’s Employment Discrimination Office and UC Title 6/Title 9 coordinator, which handles sexual harassment and racial discrimination claims. 

“Those offices tried to ensure that she got any needed help,” Felde said, adding that “the UC administration is conducting a review to see if these offices had any jurisdictional responsibility to do anything further.” 

Felde also said that the university is looking into a second allegation of “student records improperly accessed.” 

In a letter written last month to UC Dean James Midgley, Williams said that “apparently after finding out from a neighborhood store owner that I am a Cal student and that his harassment had potential professional ramifications, Boyson wrote me an ‘apology’ letter effectively acknowledging his harassment. He somehow learned my name (including its unusual spelling), where I lived, and posted the letter on my apartment door. It deeply disturbs me that he may have abused his access to school databases as an academic advisor to learn this personal information about me. I know of no other way he could have learned that personal information.” 

A spokesperson for BAMN called the university’s decision not to include the initial off-campus confrontations in its review “disgusting.” 

“Clearly anyone who threatens to physically assault women and uses the ‘b’ word and the ‘n’ word is not fit to work with students,” said BAMN Northern California Coordinator Yvette Felarca. “Whether it happened on or off campus has no bearing. If it was a black administrator who assaulted two white students and called them these names, we wouldn’t even be having an investigation. He’d be gone.”  

Felarca said that Chancellor Birgenau “has said that his goal is to increase minority enrollment on the UC campus, if he is sincere, he will rid the campus of administrators who openly attack black and Latino students. We’re asking him to match his words with his deeds.”w

Members of the Berkeley Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) Monday tackled everything from a nuclear accelerator building to UC Berkeley expansion plans. 

First up came comments on the university’s plans for a major expansion project at and around Memorial Stadium. 

Stadium area projects 

Berkeley Planning Director Dan Marks had little good to say to the commission about the university’s environmental review of development plans in the stadium area. 

“It’s extraordinarily weak for an environmental document,” said Marks of the university’s Nov. 14 notice of preparation of an environmental impact report (EIR). “There are no detailed project descriptions, only very broad descriptions.” 

Among other flaws, Marks said that while it appears that the stadium will add significant height above the existing rim, no details are presented, historical preservation elements are weak, and the data presented is “pretty slim.”  

LPC Commissioner Robert Johnson said he was concerned that while the proposal adds hundreds of new parking spaces, no consideration was given to encourage the use of public transportation. 

“It’s stupid to have a parking lot,” said Commissioner Carrie Olson. “You want to encourage students to take public transit. It’s also on top of an earthquake fault.” 

“It could be a very expensive parking lot for that reason,” quipped Marks. 

The site, which encompasses a major new building to house joint programs of the university’s law and business schools, includes two landmarks slated for destruction—the Cheney Houses on College Avenue—of which one is especially notable, said Commissioner Leslie Emmington. 

While settlement of the city’s suit against the university’s Long Range Development Plan precluded a strong city role in most campus development, Marks noted that Memorial Stadium was specifically excluded, giving the city a stronger say. 

Referring to the vague descriptions in the UC Berkeley document, Commission Steven Winkel said “the level of detail is not adequate for preparation of a project EIR.” 

On a unanimous vote, the commission decided to ask the university to review all plans for the project at the time of conceptual design, when changes can still be made, rather that at the level of schematic plans, which are much less likely to result in any significant change. 

A scoping session for preparation of the environmental document was held by the university Thursday evening after the Daily Planet’s deadline.  

Bevatron 

The commission conducted an initial hearing on LA Wood’s proposal to landmark the Bevatron Building at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL). 

Lab officials—including Ben Feinberg, the last head of Bevatron operations— and a graduate student argued against declaring the building a landmark, saying that the best monument to the history of the site would be construction of new labs equipped with the latest hardware to conduct more ground-breaking research. 

Completed in 1953, the Bevatron was in operation until Feb. 21, 1993, by which time larger and more powerful particle accelerators had become the source of most new discoveries. 

Wood and other landmarking proponents argued from both the public health and historical perspectives, and Wood called the conical-roofed structure a world landmark. 

Gene Bernardi expressed concern that if the building were demolished then trucks carrying contaminated waste would pose threats to health and traffic as they drove toward Interstate 80, both along the Hearst Avenue-Oxford Way-University Avenue corridor and along Ashby Avenue. 

Chair Jill Korte suggested and commissioners approved continuing the hearing until January to allow time for commissioners to visit the site. 

Unveiling 

Developer Dan Diebel of Urban Housing Group (UHG) presented the latest version of his firm’s plans for developing a square block of housing over ground floor commercial spaces in the block of 700 University Ave. that now houses the old Santa Fe Railroad station, Brennan’s Irish Pub and Celia’s Mexican restaurant. 

Of the three existing structures, only the station—a city landmark—would be spared, though the interior would be remodeled to provide a new home for Brennan’s, a long-time Berkeley institution. 

UHG has hired Emeryville architect Sady S. Hayashida to design the station remodel, the same architect who created the plans for converting the landmark Howard Automotive Building at 2140 Durant Ave. into a Buddhist seminary and study facility. 

Diebel said his firm would present a Draft Environmental Impact Report on the project soon after the start of the new year. 

The main development, designed by architect David Johnson of Christiani Johnson, would consist of two buildings, one on the northern half of the block and the other on the southern half, separated by an internal roadway that would feature street-level shops. 

Each building would be designed around a central courtyard, and the dwellings on the four-floor southern building would feature stoops, much like New York brownstones. 

While commissioners began with generally favorable comments, the five-story northern building came in for some criticism—especially because many commissioners found that it overwhelmed the one-story train station. 

Sara Satterlee, who lives in the nearby landmark Sisterna Tract Historic District, said that while she appreciated the developer heeding neighborhood comments raised in a series of community meetings, “it’s unfortunate to have a development of this size in West Berkeley.” 

Heinz Building 

While it appeared initially that the commission would approve a proposal to replace the corrugated metal rear facade of the H.J. Heinz Building on San Pablo Avenue with stucco, a suggestion by Commissioner Winkel to replace the existing metal with new, thicker metal quickly gained the upper hand. 

The building’s owner and architect were given a month to come up with new options. 

Ordinance revisions 

Commissioners also grilled Calvin Fong, aide to Mayor Tom Bates, over the mayor’s proposed changes to the Landmarks Preservation Ordinance. 

The City Council has been presented with two competing version of a revised ordinance, one from landmarks and the other from the Planning Commission. 

Mayor Bates unveiled his own draft recently, which has raised strong concerns among some commissioners.  

By the end of the session, the commission asked to make a formal presentation at an upcoming City Council workshop on the ordinance. Chair Jill Korte and members Carrie Olson and Leslie Emmington will develop the presentation.

The popular and sometimes controversial watch commander of North Oakland’s PSA-2 beat is leaving his post for the department’s central office, leaving regretful North Oakland citizens behind. 

Lt. Lawrence Green’s requested transfer to the Oakland Police Department’s Traffic Division and as one of the department’s SWAT team Tactical Commanders is effective this weekend. His North Oakland position will be taken by Lt. Jim Meeks. 

“I’m really sad to lose Lt. Green,” Vice Mayor and North Oakland Councilmember Jane Brunner said in a telephone interview. “He was the best officer I’ve ever worked with. He’s creative. He’s honest. He tells you what he’ll do and what he can’t do. He’s always on top of things. That being said, he’s been in North Oakland for five years and he wanted a change so that he could receive the training needed to become the leader of a police force. So I support him in his move.” 

That position was echoed by Don Link, chair of the Shattuck Neighborhood Crime Prevention Council, which often coordinated efforts with Green in his capacity as community police liaison in North Oakland. 

“The announcement does not come as a surprise,” Link said in an emailed statement to NCPC members, “but as a conclusion to a wonderful partnership with an innovative and courageous police commander and wonderful human being. It is also reason to celebrate the successes of Lawrence Green’s tenure in North Oakland and the fine work of his commanders and colleagues who performed so well for so long. ... We will all miss Lawrence as our PSA lieutenant, but thank him for his stellar work in North Oakland that reverberated throughout the city.” 

Green did not return calls for this article. 

Green was widely credited with introducing hi-tec innovations into his North Oakland community policing work, establishing first an internet mailing list where residents could discuss police and safety issues and police information could be disseminated, and then later launching a North Oakland police website. 

The website he developed included photos and descriptions of suspects sought by OPD, a link to Megan’s Law sex offender list, listings and maps of recent crimes in the North Oakland area, and email contact forms for local police officials. 

In addition, Green encouraged residents to call in drug activity tips to his office and then posted the information on the website to alert citizens. The postings included addresses and names of alleged perpetrators, along with such comments as “People smoking crack in the yard,” “Sonny’ selling from inside—Burgundy sedan involved,” and “Hiding drugs in back yard of vacant house.” 

Link acknowledged that what he characterized as Green’s “enthusiastic” activities led to some controversy. 

“All of this deliberate 2-way communication between OPD and the community policing public was new at the time and radical, so much so that Lawrence was criticized and called on the carpet by some of the stiffer and more traditional command staff,” Link wrote. “At least one other PSA Lt. and probably several did not agree with his strategy and program and resisted following his lead. [Former] Chief [Richard] Word, however, saw the value of what Lawrence had created and how it advanced the cause of the community policing partnership, and ordered other PSA Lts. to follow suit. The process was uneven, but today every PSA Lt. is attempting to meet the basic standards set up by Lawrence Green.” 

But there were other controversies that other police lieutenants did not follow. 

Last March, Green received criticism when he publicly came to the defense of North Oakland resident Patrick McCullough after McCullough shot and wounded a teenage neighbor after a sidewalk confrontation in front of McCullough’s North Oakland home.  

“The reason that Patrick was assaulted by these suspects is that he stands up to drug dealers in a way that normal citizens do not,” Green told the Daily Planet even before the police investigation into the shooting had been completed. Green also told a CNN reporter that “I know Patrick McCullough. I know those—the thugs involved, and I understand what the dynamics are of that neighborhood. So it’s clear to me, after doing a little investigating, that Patrick McCullough was in the right and acted properly.” 

Green later mobilized NCPC members through the group’s internet discussion group to pressure the Alameda County District Attorney’s office not to prosecute McCullough for the shooting.  

Green’s replacement, James Meeks, most recently served as the head of the Oakland Police Department’s Property Crimes Section, and was the 2002 Community Service Award recipient for the Bay Area Safety Network. 

Of his replacement, Green said, “when plans were made for me to leave a couple of months ago, Captain Vierra asked me to find the best possible replacement for North Oakland—and, I did. Jim is actually the original community policing guy around here. He is a wonderful person/role model and I’m sure you will be very pleased with him.” 

Vice Mayor Brunner said that while she doesn’t know Meeks “very well,” the incoming lieutenant has already assured her that “he will continue the programs started by Lt. Green, including the website. But he has big shoes to fill.” 

e

Forget blue states and red states. At the Berkeley City Council Tuesday, it was green signs versus orange signs. 

Partisans of the orange persuasion were advocates of closing a stretch of Derby Street to make room for a regulation-sized baseball diamond for Berkeley High School, while the green folk wanted Derby left open. 

The crowds were large enough that firefighters were assigned to monitor the doors and keep scores of would-be participants corralled on the first floor of Old City Hall. 

In sheer numbers, fans of closing the street—consisting in large part of Berkeley High School students and parents—predominated. 

The council could take no official stand on the street closure without first seeing an Environmental Impact Report (EIR), which Berkeley Unified School District board member Shirley Issel urged to council to fund. 

City Manager Phil Kamlarz outlined the steps necessary before the project could be approved. 

In order to “vacate” (close) Derby Street between Martin Luther King Jr. Way and Milvia Street, the city would first need the EIR to hold a hearing before the Planning Commission, followed by the presentation of a phased approach to the development of the fields. 

The school district and members of the Berkeley High baseball team want the street closed because that’s the only way the district can build a regulation field. The team now uses the diamond at San Pablo Park. 

Neighbors who want the street kept open said that the district instead should go ahead with developing multi-use fields on the smaller San Pablo Park. Building the new fields would open up San Pablo to more neighborhood events, which appealed to Councilmember Darryl Moore, whose district includes the site. 

Councilmember Dona Spring urged her colleagues to give serious consideration to keeping the street open, but the most members indicated a willingness to consider the closure. 

The key remaining issue is the fate of the farmers’ market held each Tuesday along that same block of Derby Street. 

Linda Graham, program director of the Berkeley Farmers’ Market, said that “any time a market is forced to move off-site, it takes four years to recover—if they do at all.” 

A move would reduce visibility and make handicapped access more difficult, she said. “A long-term guaranteed site is needed, and we are worried” that the school district might not allow the market to remain in operation. 

Mayor Tom Bates, a strong supporter of developing new playing fields, said councilmembers are legally obligated to keep an open mind. The board voted to hold a public workshop in April on the option of closing Derby Street. 

Other business 

The long-running dispute over the development of a two-story three-unit housing complex at 1532 Martin Luther King Jr. Way ended when councilmembers voted to uphold a 5-4 Zoning Adjustments Board approval of the project. 

Neighbors complained that the project would overshadow the neighbor to the north and result in loss of views, but only councilmembers Dona Spring and Linda Maio sided with their cause, with the other seven councilmembers voting approval. 

The council voted unanimously to schedule a public hearing on the proposed transportation fees that would be assessed to new development projects to offset the costs of new traffic the projects would generate. 

The proposal would offer incentives for developers to provide ways for tenants, customers and employees to use public transit, and if a developer could prove that a project would generate no net increase in automobile traffic, no fee would be required. i

The School Board meeting on Wednesday night marked the end of the presidency of Nancy Riddle. The board passed a unanimous resolution honoring Nancy Riddle for her work. Riddle was described as a strong leader who ran meetings smoothly and calmly. 

“I’ve glad that I’ve only had to use the gavel once this year,” Riddle said. “This speaks well of our community.” 

Former Vice President Terry Doran offered to take over as president. The board voted to name Doran president. Directors Shirley Issel and Joaquin Rivera abstained on that vote. Rivera ran for the vice president position with a unanimous vote of approval. And, as is customary, Superintendent Michele Lawrence was granted the secretary/clerk position. 

“We have our work cut out for us,” said Doran. “We’ll do everything that we can.” 

Public comment 

Some members of the community said they were dissatisfied that their children weren’t accepted into the Honors’ Algebra class at their middle school. 

“Why weren’t more honors’ algebra classes available?” said Karen Nielsen. “Why didn’t BUSD track programs? 

Others came to the meeting to inform the board of the opinion of the East Campus Neighborhood Association on the possible closure of Derby Street to allow the district to build a regulation size baseball field. 

“Please know that you have the full support of the neighborhood in proceeding with the open-street Plan,” said Berkeley resident Susi Marzuola. 

Student performance testing data 

On Wednesday, the board heard about student scores on the Advanced Placement (AP) tests, Scholastic Aptitude Tests (SAT), and the California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE), which have a direct impact on the individual student’s future. Three administrators, including Berkeley High School Vice Principal Rory Bled, reported the results to the board. 

The Berkeley Unified School District scored higher than both the county and the state averages in many areas, including on the SAT Verbal, SAT Math, SAT Participation, and SAT Combined Scores. Latin and French had the highest average AP scores, with Latin at 4.44 and French at 4.41. The results also showed that the achievement gap between white students and non-white students is shrinking. 

Many board members said they were concerned that some seniors haven’t yet passed the CAHSEE. 

Riddle asked, “Of the 90 or so seniors that haven’t passed the CAHSEE, how many are on track for meeting their other graduation requirements?” 

Bled replied, “There are 50 seniors who have met all their graduation requirements, except for passing the CAHSEE.” 

“It seems that the trend for high scores in AP Science tests is going down,” observed Vice President Joaquin Rivera.”Do you know why that is?” 

“I can’t comment on why that is,” said Bled, a longtime administrator at Berkeley High School. “We have great science teachers ... You would be welcome to ask them.” 

Board mourns death of longtime employee 

The board observed a moment of silence to honor Dorothy Dorsey, longtime BUSD maintenance department employee, who recently passed away. She provided the BUSD with valuable direction and scheduled all the maintenance work. 

“Her commitment to improving maintenance was impressive,” said Issel.”Her death will be a loss to our community.” 

Funeral services will take place on Saturday morning, Dec. 10, at 10 a.m. at St. Luke MBC, 165 South 7th St., Richmond. 

Student attendance declines as students grow older, the Berkeley School Board learned last week. 

According to a district report on student attendance, which the board heard at the Nov. 16 meeting, Berkeley elementary school attendance fluctuated between 91 percent and 97 percent, but at Berkeley High School, the attendance drop was significant and precipitous. 

From the September high of 96.4 percent, the average student attendance at BHS fell to a low of 85.4 percent in April. The absenteeism at Berkeley High School led to more than $1.5 million in lost revenues because the state of California funds school districts based upon enrollment and attendance. 

The administration recommended no action on the matter at the meeting and asked more information. The board requested a further report on reasons for the drastic reduction in attendance and details by school. 

—

Berkeley police arrested five Berkeley High School students last Friday after a fight between two youths escalated into a large scale fracas. 

“A large number of officers responded to the school” after the first call came in at 3:24 p.m., said Berkeley police spokesperson Officer Joe Okies. 

The suspects were charged with a variety of offenses including fighting on school property, assault on school property, battery on a police officer, assault on a school employee, and trespassing on school property with intent to disturb the peace. 

—

The Alameda County district attorney’s office Thursday refused to press murder charges against a 42-year-old former Berkeley man accused of killing his parents and sister. 

Berkeley police spokesperson Officer Joe Okies said Edward Michael Mills was then released from the Berkeley Police Department lockup. 

Mills was the son of Al and Jeannie, who had received death threats after they left the People’s Temple cult of the late Rev. Jim Jones, who later committed suicide in Guyana along with more than 900 of his followers. 

The couple and their daughter Daphene were found murdered in the home at 2731 Woolsey St. on Feb. 26, 1980. 

Edward Mills was present in the house, and though police found evidence of gunshot residue on his arms at the time, the young man said he hadn’t heard the gunshots and had been unaware of the killings. 

Okies said police issued an arrest warrant several weeks ago after developing new physical evidence and gathering new statements from key witnesses. 

While conspiracy theorists attributed the slayings to surviving cultists angered at the Mills’s defection, Okies said that evidence developed by the department indicated the crime was unrelated to the cult. 

This was the third high profile murder arrest the Berkeley police have made in recent months only to release the suspect soon after. In August, the Berkeley police arrested two men in the 1970 murder of a city police officer, but dropped charges against them days later. One of the men had been arrested in 2004 for the same crime, but was then also released.t

To view Justin DeFreitas’ latest editorial cartoon, please visit  

www.jfdefreitas.com To search for previous cartoons by date of publication, click on the Daily Planet Archive.



OAKLAND 

Editors, Daily Planet: Becky O’Malley’s gloomy portrait of Oakland is not supported by the facts (“Closer to One-Party Government,” Dec. 6). 

She claims downtown business has declined when, in fact, the number of Oakland-based businesses has inc reased by 22 percent since 1999. Entrepreneurs have opened 13 new galleries, 25 new clubs/bars and 40 café/restaurants in this revitalized area. Thousands of people will soon inhabit this zone, and it will thrive.  

On a larger scale, Oakland has bucked a national urban trend by continuing to attract new jobs. Whole Foods, Lexus, Infiniti, Best Buy, Gatorade, Ask Jeeves, Comcast and Niman Ranch are among the major companies that have recently dropped roots here. The city’s employment rate is up by nearly three percent in the past year alone. This is good news. 

Property values have risen by 51 percent in the past seven years. In that time, the city has increased investment in affordable housing by 42 percent. By the end of next year, the number of afforda ble housing units in Oakland will have increased by 33 percent over the 1998 total. Simultaneously, violent crime rates have dropped; the murder rate declined by 23 percent last year. These are positive trends. 

O’Malley’s negative opinions concerning parks and education are similarly refutable by the facts, but I’ll keep this brief: It has become fashionable for a certain embittered clique of ideologues to deny the successes of Oakland in the Brown years. That’s politics. Under Mayor Brown’s leadership, however, Oakland is moving forward at an unprecedented pace. That’s reality. 

Gil Duran 

Office of the Mayor 

Oakland 

• 

DON’T BELIEVE  

THE HYPE 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

I read with fascination and amazement Zelda Bronstein’s article comparing Wal-Mart to the University of California. Surely she doesn’t believe her own hype. My assumption is that she makes these statements as she hopes to sell more news papers to her local customers.  

UC needs to take dramatic efforts to take costs and inefficiencies out of its business model in support of its core mission to provide high-quality education at a reasonable cost to the state’s citizens. The idea that the university should support Zelda’s preferred local suppliers at very high margins is not the university’s re sponsibility. In addition, did Zelda compare the number of “locals” that Office Max employs compared to her favorite local supplier, or did she compare the benefits provided to Office Max employees? 

Stop worrying about lining the pockets of your local fa vorites, who for years have made a killing on the UC system and its students. 

Stuart Davis 

Senior Vice President  

Enterprise Accounts, Kaiser Permanente 

• 

ECOLOGY CENTER 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

The Ecology Center certainly does some great things. I’m su re they do an adequate job of running the Farmers’ Market. But their illogical opposition to closing the street for the park at Derby has many people disappointed. They make vague, unsubstantiated claims of ruin if they move 100 feet north to a park setti ng. Is the concrete of a basketball court in the new park any different than the concrete of the existing street? Do a couple less parking spots cancel out all of the increased access, visibility and improvements they stand to gain? 

Farmers who have been in Berkeley markets and the Farmers’ Market at the Ferry Building say the Ferry Building is fantastic. That’s an off-street location. It has great signage and is merchandised and laid out well.  

What is the real reason for opposition to removing a stree t and building a park? Is it that insurance will be required if the markets are on Berkeley Unified School District land? I hope that the Ecology Center has not put that cost of doing business over the eight years worth of kids that have missed out on a p ark. An “Ecology” Center should promote parks and greenspace, not streets. The Ecology Center claims the markets are a community resource. If they are not going to support the community, why should we pay a premium for their products to support them? 

Ber keley has already derailed plans to improve Civic Center park. With the Ecology Center’s backing, the vocal minority that opposes closing Derby Street might see all the obvious advantages of building the best park possible when you have the chance. 

Bart S chultz 

• 

DERBY STREET 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

As a long-time resident of Berkeley, let me suggest that not only should Derby Street remain open but that all the other streets that have been closed off, barricaded, made one way and speed bumped be return ed to their previous states.  

It is apparent that some streets are more precious in this city than others, but as someone who lives on a so-called corridor street I don’t understand why some neighborhoods receive preferential treatment while other street s are forced to take on the re-routed traffic.  

A final opinion regarding street closures and barricades: Unless a driver has all the street barricades in mind at all times, she is often forced to drive circuitous routes to the final destination. This wa stes gas, causes pollution and frustration and adds to the traffic such structures were said to be built to avoid.  

Leave well enough alone and concentrate on matters of greater import, such as the sorry state of the sidewalks, the excessive use of concr ete, and the filth where the City Council apparently wishes the car-less populace to promenade.  

Constance Wiggins  

• 

MISINFORMATION 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

Yet again, School Boardmember John Selawsky misleads readers of the Daily Planet. He states that he has looked over city records and that the cost (for two playing fields) at Harrison Park was well over $1 million rather than the $750,000 I indicated. No, Harrison Park, which includes playing fields, cost well over $1 million because it also included a field house ($350,000) and lights ($250,000) neither of which are part of the Derby project. With a simple phone call to me he could have provided the community with the correct facts, but he didn’t. I just don’t see how this comes under his professed p urpose of these letters to the editor: “I can help illuminate.” How does providing poorly researched and incorrect information do anything but confuse people? And this was the point of my first letter: People expect more from a School Board member than unsubstantiated statements.  

This elected School Board member goes on to refer to me as “cleverly avoiding” other aspects of the project. “Clever” has nothing to do with it. I could write a full page on the incorrect factual statements (BHS can use Gilman, fence heights will be much lower with an open Derby, only boys will be able to use the closed Derby field, the Farmer’s Market will be destroyed, etc.) that have been written about this project, but my experience is that longer editorial letters rarely g et published. I comment on those things that I consider most egregious and given what has transpired in this country over the last few years I am totally done with elected officials who provide false information and try to scare people so that they can pu sh their agenda. I don’t object to people arguing against closing Derby. They just need to provide factually correct information, which is not what has happened here.  

Doug Fielding 

Chairperson Association of Sports Field Users 

• 

CAMPUS BAY 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

There has been quite a bit of discussion about drums allegedly buried on land owned by the Richmond Community and Economic Development Agency, immediately adjacent to the Marina Bay ment. Often there is talk about development of Campus Bay in those same discussions.  

It is true that the DTSC is investigating the area where drums are allegedly buried and they will do their job to protect the Richmond community. It is the DTSC’s responsibility to ensure the property is clean and safe for the Ma rina Bay neighbors, which means it will also be clean and safe for the people at Campus Bay. 

It is not true, as reported by the Berkeley Daily Planet, that a residential development is currently planned for Campus Bay. Cherokee Simeon Ventures, LLC has withdrawn our development application as we continue to work with DTSC. We will not propose any development until the DTSC has deemed the property clean and safe. Also, the Daily Planet incorrectly identified the contractor working for DTSC to investigate the alleged buried drums.  

The necessary steps to make Campus Bay clean and safe for the future are being taken. We are confident the City of Richmond and the DTSC will do the same for the area where drums are allegedly buried. We hope that your newspape r will join in these efforts by offering accurate and unbiased reporting. That’s what it takes to be good neighbors.  

Dwight Stenseth 

Managing Director 

Doug Mosteller 

Engineering Project Manager 

Cherokee Simeon Ventures 

Campus Bay 

• 

GARDENING IN OAKLA ND 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

I would not wish to engage in a discussion with James Sayre about the right or wrong of the manner in which his yard was either trashed or neatened, depending upon one’s viewpoint; although as a neighbor who walks past his house at least twice each weekday on my way to work, I had begun to find the manner in which the plants, weeds or otherwise, overhung and protruded into the sidewalk space an obstacle to public passage. (Nonetheless, I rather liked the morning glory vine, I mu st confess.) 

I would point out, however, that Mr. Sayre complains that he did not receive notice of the City of Oakland’s intention regarding his yard because the title to his property is still in his deceased parents’ names. Mr. Sayre also states that h is parents have been dead for two years. 

Mr. Sayre seems to misunderstand the workings of property ownership in Oakland. It is not really that the means of contacting concerned parties should be broadened, as he claims, but rather that, if Mr. Sayre wish es to receive such notices in a timely fashion, he ought to conform to the law and register his property in his own name. He will, of course, incur an increase in his property taxes, but in this he will suffer the same penalty as do the rest of us who obe y the law. 

David Brown 

Oakland 

• 

PUNISHING  

WORKING FAMILIES 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

The House of Representatives passed a devastating budget reconciliation bill that wreaks havoc on millions of working families who need child care. In addition to making deep cuts in health care, child support, and food assistance for the working poor, the bill renews TANF, the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families program. To receive assistance, young mothers with young children must now work even longer hours, typical ly in low-wage jobs, increasing their need for child care assistance to ensure their children are in safe and supportive child care settings. 

The House flagrantly ignores the realities of hard-working parents. Current estimates show that by 2010, under t heir plan, 330,000 children from low-income working families (30,000 in California) will lose child care assistance.  

The only good thing you can say about the House cuts is that they haven’t happened yet. The House and Senate still have to work out a fi nal agreement on the budget. They vote this week. A budget bill that punishes working families in this way should be overwhelmingly defeated. Call Washington now! 

Tedi Crawford 

• 

LIQUOR STORES 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

In reading recent articles on Oakland’s liquor store situation and mainly the histrionics of Oakland itself, there seems to be continual finger-pointing as to the cause of the problems. Just because whites left Oakland and blacks populated it does not mean a “conspiracy” has occurred. The ma in problem boils down to the inability of the black community to police itself and show self-restraint in its activities. If you take public housing for one instance these were nice places generally when they were new. Within several years they became eye sores and hangouts for criminals. The PHA would fix problems and almost immediately they would become run down. 

If the black community would stop waiting for others to fix their problems instead of them taking an active role in the improvement of their c ommunity this problem would be reduced. The Oakland community needs to do something other than complain to every governmental agency you can think of to fix the problem for them and take an active role in doing it for themselves. A lot of the problems wou ld disappear if this were done. Instead it is always somebody ese’s fault and somebody else needs to fix it. It is time to stand up and take personal responsibility for what goes on in your community people, plain and simple. How often do these folks take a pro-active measure to fix the community rather than look to others to do it for them?? 

This is something to really look at before once again complaining to everybody else to fix the problems you have allowed to fester in that community. 

Christopher Fu ller 

• 

UNIVERSITY OF CORRUPTION 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

Last week was a busy week for the University of California to prove its antagonism toward a happy future. How can such a noble institution filled with so many great educators, employees and students, be run so immorally? It is hard to know where to start. Perhaps the most notable evil this week was the Regent vote to raise student fees, yet again, to enhance the bloated bank accounts of UC’s high administrators. Anyone paying attention has already n oted the radical change of UC’s student body from the diverse best of the state to the elite wealthy. 

Or maybe one might want to focus on UC’s callous disregard for the City of Berkeley and its oh so tedious democratic process. UC is like a cancer that eats into our fine city, expecting Berkeley’s taxpayers to subsidize its services and bow to its newest long range deployment plan, refusing even to toss a bone of mitigation for all the new traffic they propose. Why is this not an obvious priority for UC that they encourage public transportation, providing passes for their student and employees? If they put the money for those empty private buses that circle campus into AC transit, we could all breathe better, literally. 

Or maybe one may want to note UC’s new cockemaney plan to tear down their radioactive Bevetron in the Berkeley hills and drive over 2000 truckloads of radioactive dusty debris through our streets to some other sucker community.  

Or what about UC’s plans to destroy Gill Tract (the only remaining agricultural land in Berkeley), affordable student family housing in Albany and their beautiful community garden. Who comes up with these plans? They are certainly going against the outspoken will of the community! 

Or what about the destruction of the poor people’s free clothing exchange box in People’s Park. Is nothing too low for them? 

With such questionable morality, it is really hard to trust UC with this nations nuclear weapons research! 

It doesn’t have to be like this. Just imagine a sta te university dedicated to educating citizens with the valuable knowledge to create a sustainable and just society. Imagine a university run by elected officials accountable to the tax payers of California. We could have research dedicated toward determin ing the safety and efficacy of technologies in the interest of the citizenry rather than the corporations desiring to profit off those technologies. Imagine a grateful campus, supporting its host city, opening its libraries and facilities to the community, paying its fair share for services to the city and to its own dedicated employees. Imagine a university content with its size and power, which put its resources primarily toward providing a quality and affordable education to any qualified adult. Imagine a state school, void of graft and corruption, which we could all be proud to support. 

Cyndi Johnson 

• 

JUDGE ALIOTO 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

People should wonder how would Judge Samuel Alito would rule on the issue of water, if he is confirmed as a U.S. Supreme Court judge. If people are concerned about preserving clean water, they will be disappointed, because Judge Alito, along with his fellow conservative judges, will roll back laws protecting it. The majority of these conservative judges favor the o il, gas, mining, and chemical companies over the preservation of clean water. 

People should understand that clean water is good for the earth. It nourishes the body and mind. If people are concerned about preserving clean water, then they call or write t o several U.S. Senators and ask them to reject the nomination of Judge Samuel Alito to the U.S. Supreme Court. 

Billy Trice, Jr. 

Oakland 

• 

IN DEFENSE OF ANIMALS 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

State law (Penal Code 596.7)requires (in part) that veterinarians subm it reports of rodeo animal injuries to the State Veterinary Medical Board within 48 hours of any incident. I just received copies of the injury reports for 2005: a grand total of one! Can you believe it? Me neither.  

California hosts some 175 professiona l rodeos annually, plus probably twice that number of amateur events. (Inexcusably, the Mexican-style rodeos called “charreadas” are not covered by current law. This must change.) 

The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) itself estimates that there’s an animal injury, on average, at nearly half the PRCA rodeos. If that’s true (and things are even worse on the amateur circuit), then one would expect close to a hundred injury reports every year. Something’s terribly amiss. 

Current law allows for either an “on site” or an “on call” vet. The “on call” option obviously isn’t working, and animals are suffering accordingly. There should be an “on site” veterinarian at every California rodeo, pro and amateur alike. All rodeos require on-site ambulances and paramedics to care for injured cowboys, and rightly so. Don’t the animals deserve equal consideration? 

Those concerned should write their legislators demanding that current rodeo law be strengthened, and apply to the Mexican rodeos as well. All legi slators may be written c/o The State Capitol, Sacramento, CA 95814. 

Eric Mills, coordinator 

Action For Animals  

• 

SIERRA CLUB 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

I have recently been elected to the Sierra Club Bay Chapter’s Executive Committee for a two-year term. T his chapter has 40,000 members in four counties (Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, and San Francisco) and a budget of about one million dollars. 

For the last 20 years I have been obsessed with (that is, strong and constant for) what my then-wife called “’applied urban environmentalism.” Although recycling is everybody’s friend, the amount of garbage in the United States is now more than twice what it was on Earth Day 1970; if we treated our air and water like we treat our solids, we would all be poisoned or asphyxiated. Nobody ever anywhere in this country has calculated what the environmental benefits of total recycling would be; think of all the trees to be saved, mines never dug, etc. if we recycled everything. Unfortunately, policy makers defend landfill ing and incineration like cigarette companies defend indoor air pollution; plastic creators and fabricators are indifferent to the loading of plastic granules in seawater at a rate six times that of phyto-plankton.  

As a non-incumbent I was elected to bring fresh interests to the ExCom; please contact me at arboone3@yahoo.com with your comments and concerns.  

Arthur R. Boone  

• 

LETTERS TO THE GOVERNOR 

Dear Gov. Schwarzenegger: 

Today is the day you will hear arguments on the fate of Stanley Tookie Williams. I feel so strongly against the death penalty that I demonstrated yesterday at San Quentin and, along with seven others, was arrested for blocking the entrance. 

Stanley Tookie Williams is convicted of shooting a young man in the back, and this morning on ABC I saw his grandmother talking about that crime. She thought he deserved the death penalty. Like the people of your native Austria, and the entire European Union, I do not believe in the death penalty no matter how horrific the crime was.  

Stanley Tookie Williams, as a convicted murderer, deserves life in prison without parole.  

As the Old Testament says in Deuteronomy: I have set before thee life and death. Therefore choose life. 

Carolyna Marks 

Dear Gov. Schwarzenegger: 

My name is Mariana, and I dont live in California, I live in Chicago, Illinois. I’m 8 years old, in the third grade. I’m writing to you because I found out that Mr. Stanley Williams will be killed for some bad things he did when he was a young man. I read his books, and I know he used to be a gangbanger and that they say he had some people killed. My uncle was in a gang when he was 19 years old, and he has always told me and my brothers and sisters that it’s the worst mistake for a young person to be in a gang. I have two older brothers, 17 years and 22 years, an older sister 16 years, and two younger sisters, 6 years and 4 years. We all hate gangbanging, and will never be gangbangers, because my uncle explained so many things to us, and because of the hard words in Mr. Williams’ books.  

I am happy that “Tookie” wrote all those books for young people. I don’t want him to die. I want him to keep helping young people to get away from gangs and drugs. I dont want to see any of my friends die because they think it’s cool to be in a gang or take drugs. I dont want to die like many other children who were killed just because a gangbanger was shooting at someone else. I dont want to die like the little 4-year-old boy in Ohio, who was choked to death by his gangbanger cousin.  

I know Tookie can help many kids stay away from gangs and drugs. My uncle helped six children to stay out of gangs and away from drugs, and Tookie’s books backed up my uncle’s words. I believe Tookie has saved many young people’s lives by his actions, more than the lives that were taken when he was a young man. If you think he should die after all the good he has done, then maybe you will send a bad idea to children like me. If a person is a drug addict and the drugs make him stupid enough to kill someone, but then he gets help and never does drugs again, and teaches other people that it’s bad to do drugs, is that person still a stupid drug addict? I hear that power is a kind of drug, and gangbangers get addicted to it, and do stupid things. Tookie can’t bring those people who died back to life, and killing Tookie wont bring them back. The death penalty is a bad thing. It kills, just like gangs and drugs. So if a person does something wrong, and tries real hard to make up for it by helping others realize that it’s wrong, does that mean that he or she is worth nothing anyway? Does the death penalty teach anything? How can someone be punished if they’re dead? I thought God is the one who decides when you live or die. I think if you let him be killed, kids like me lose another teacher, and gangbangers lose another enemy. I know you can’t change the past, but maybe you can change the future. 

Will you please let him live? 

Mariana Arriaga, Age 8 

Chicago, Ill.e

There is a moment in Jeffery Goldberg’s New Yorker profile of Brent Scowcroft, George Bush Senior’s former national security advisor, when the current administration’s combination of arrogance and cluelessness crystallize. Over dinner, Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice tells Scowcroft that the “good news” from the Middle East is that Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon is pulling out of Gaza, the first step toward resolving the issue of a Palestinian state.  

According to Scowcroft, he replied, “That’s terrible news. For Sharon this is not the first move, this is the last move.” 

Rice bristled and, says Scowcroft, “We had a terrible fight on that.” 

It is difficult to find oneself on common ground with a man like Scowcroft, a protégé of serial killer extraordinaire Henry Kissinger. He was part of the team that green-lighted Indonesia’s occupation of East Timor, which, according to the United Nations, killed over 200,000 people. There is a cold whiff of death about the man. 

But he gets Ariel Sharon. 

Maybe it is because, like Sharon, he is an ex-general, and understands the centrality of deception in the business of war. And the key to understanding the Israeli prime minister, says Knesset member Yossi Sarid, is to remember, “Sharon is a deceiver.” 

A close—and chilling—examination of the Gaza Disengagement Plan by Sara Roy in the London Review of Books makes that abundantly clear. “Whatever else it claims to be,” writes Roy, “the Gaza Disengagement plan is, at heart, an instrument of Israel’s continued annexation of West Bank land and the physical integration of that land into Israel.” 

Roy, a Harvard economist, has worked in Gaza since 1985 and is the author of numerous books and studies.  

Almost three decades of occupation have turned Gaza into one of the poorest and most desperate regions in the world. Unemployment is upwards of 70 percent, and somewhere between 65 percent and 75 percent of its residents live under the poverty line. Places like the Jabalya refugee camp have three times the density per square mile of Manhattan.  

Gaza has long been a poor place, but it has become measurably worse in the last five years. According to the World Bank, the poverty rate has more than doubled since 2000. A Harvard study projects that, by 2010, Gaza will need to create 250,000 jobs a year just to keep pace with its population growth.  

The World Food Program found that 42 percent of Gazins are “food insecure,” defined as “lack [ing] access to safe and nutritious food essential for normal growth and development.” An additional 30 percent are “food vulnerable.” Some 13.2 of Gaza’s children suffer from “body wasting,” and one in five have moderate anemia. 

The Disengagement Plan will make all of this worse, because a major goal, according to the plan, is “to reduce the number of Palestinian workers entering Israel to the point it ceases completely.” 

Keep in mind that Israel began integrating Gaza and the West Bank into its economy right after the 1967 war. Both area became pools of low wage, skilled labor for everything from construction to agriculture.  

“Decades of expropriation and deinstitutionalization had long ago robbed Palestine of its potential for development, ensuring that no viable economic (or political) structure could emerge,” says Roy. 

Added to that is the destruction waged by the occupation forces in Gaza and the territories. According to the U.N. Conference on Trade and Development, “The Occupied Palestinian Territory has lost at least one fifth of its economic base over the last four years as a consequence of war and occupation.”  

When Rice told Scowcroft that the Gaza disengagement was the first step in the creation of a Palestinian state, she was either being disingenuous or hadn’t bothered to read the Plan. “It is clear that in the West Bank,” the document reads, “there are areas which will be part of the state of Israel, including major Israeli population centers, cities, towns and villages, security areas and other places of special interest to Israel.” 

That plan is already well underway. The “security” wall has already isolated 242,000 Palestinians (10 percent of the population) in a closed military zone between Israel’s border and the western side of the wall. Another 12 percent are separated from their lands by settlements or settlement roads. When the 425-mile wall is completed, Palestinians will have access to 54 percent of the West Bank. 

Within the wall, the network of settler roads and tunnels that give freedom of passage to 400,000 settlers, effectively imprison three million Palestinians.  

According to former Knesset member and Gush Shalom leader Uri Avnery, “Sharon does not make a secret of his real intentions: to annex to Israel 58 percent of the West Bank.” Avnery adds that since no Palestinian leader would be a partner to such a “solution,” Sharon plans to unilaterally implement all this, “backed by force, without any dialogue with the Palestinians.” 

The roadblocks, land seizures, and daily humiliations Palestinians go through are all part of a design. Its aim is to make life so unbearable for the Palestinians that they will leave, in what Sharon’s former tourism minister, Benny Elon, calls a “voluntary transfer.”  

“Transfer isn’t necessarily a dramatic moment, with buses and trucks loaded with people,” human rights activist Gadi Algazi told the daily Ha’aretz, but a continuing “strangulation under closures and sieges that prevent people from getting to work or school, receiving medical services, and from allowing the passages of water trucks and ambulances, which send the Palestinians back to the age of the donkey and the cart.”  

Israelis pay a heavy price for the settlements as well. According to Peace Now, the occupation costs $1.4 billion a year. “The settlements,” says Amir Peretz, the new leader of the Labor Party, “have emptied out the budgets of education and welfare of the social periphery and increased the social gap in Israel.” 

Since 1988, child poverty in Israel has increased 50 percent, according to the government’s National Insurance Institute. One third of Israeli children live below the poverty line, and Israel has the dubious distinction of having the second largest gap between rich and poor in the developed world (the U.S. is number one). It also has the highest poverty rate among 65 year olds in the Western world. 

Henry Siegman, former executive head of the American Jewish Congress, points out that the Israelis have a partner if they want one. According to a recent survey by the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey, the majority of Palestinians want a ceasefire, the militias disarmed, and they place “improving their lives” over “ending the occupation.” 

Yet for the most part, the gates to Gaza remain locked. The Israeli government is planning to add 6,500 homes to West Bank settlements, and while it did move 8,500 settlers out of Gaza, it also built accommodations for 30,000 more in the West Bank. The roads and the wall devour Palestinian lands, and targeted assassinations and raids continue. All of this, argues Siegman, invites a terrible retribution. 

“Measures that collectively punish the Palestinian public and undermine efforts to revive Gaza, if not reversed, will lead Palestinians to the conclusion that their optimism was misplaced,” he writes. “If that should happen, no one should be surprised if the intifada returns with unprecedented fury.”

Abraham Lincoln being my favorite U.S. president, I often follow his advice on unconstructive criticism: “If I were to try to read, much less answer, all the attacks made on me, this shop might as well be closed for any other business.” But two types of criticisms get my immediate attention. One is if someone accuses me of a factual error—my opinions are my opinions, but they ought to be based on the correct facts. The second is if I get called out of my name, which I do not appreciate. 

(For the uninitiated, “called out of your name” is an African-American/Southern saying meaning someone using a derogatory term to identify you, rather than the name you actually carry.) 

Recently a reader, someone identifying himself as Ryan Tate, managed to do both—accuse me of factual error and call me out of my name—in a short amount of words, so he has my attention. 

In response to the Dec. 2 column “The Problem Behind Oakland’s Liquor Store Problem,” Mr. Tate writes the Daily Planet editors in an e-mail: “Could you please forward the following [newspaper article link] to J. Douglas Allen-Taylor. It details how the City of Oakland’s Neighborhood Law Corps has shut down five liquor stores in the past two years. … His statement about ‘benign neglect’ is willfully ignorant and totally inexcusable. If his goal is to attack Jerry Brown, I’m sure there are plenty of true facts he can dig up to do so—there is no need to make up lies.” 

The link referred to a Dec. 1 Jim Herron Zamora San Francisco Chronicle article “Oakland—Handling Liquor Stores Already On The Agenda.” 

I am going to give Mr. Tate the presumption of laziness rather than deliberate misrepresentation, presuming that he simply failed to either completely read or fully comprehend what he was reading in either the Jim Herron Zamora article or my column. 

First, the facts. 

In his Chronicle article, Mr. Zamora wrote, “In the mid-1990s, Oakland adopted a series of ordinances allowing the city to place restrictive conditions on liquor stores and bars... That effort became reality when the Oakland city attorney started the Neighborhood Law Corps in 2002, which placed individual attorneys out in different parts of the city to deal with community complaints. … The law corps published a guide, “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly,” which rates the city’s liquor stores.” Mr. Zamora went on to say that “the city, working with religious leaders, also prodded dozens of liquor store owners to sign a pledge” to take certain actions to mitigate the negative effects of liquor sales in their communities. 

Tell me when you get to the part in the article that outlines Mr. Brown’s role in helping to solve the problem. In fact, nowhere does the Zamora article even mention Jerry Brown. 

In my “Liquor Store Problem” column, I accused Mr. Brown of “benign neglect” over Oakland’s liquor store problem, pretty much ignoring it over the years he has been mayor, but jumping into the mix with a newspaper quotation now that it has become a hot law enforcement issue in the city (and Mr. Brown is running for the top law enforcement position in the state). In the same column, however, I also mentioned City Attorney John Russo’s work with regulating Oakland’s liquor stores, quoted (favorably) from the Neighborhood Law Corps “The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly” report that was talked about in the Zamora Chronicle article which Mr. Tate asked me to read, and added that “thanks to the actions of a coalition of community activists and receptive public officials, there is a moratorium on new liquor licenses in Alameda County.” 

The column, then, appears to me to be fair, giving credit to those Oakland officials who have been working on Oakland’s problem liquor store problem, and chastising Mr. Brown for not. If Mr. Tate—or Mr. Brown, or anyone from Mr. Brown’s office, or anyone else—has some information that Mr. Brown has actually been working on solving the liquor store problem, then please pass it along. As I’ve said, I haven’t seen any evidence of it. 

But what disturbs me is not so much Mr. Tate’s misstating of the facts to make his point, but his decision to call me a liar in the process. This sort of name-calling-from-afar is starting to develop into a bit of a trend. A couple of weeks ago, the Daily Planet published a letter from reader Page McKane, who began by saying, “To J. Douglas Allen-Taylor: You would actually be funny, if only you weren’t so stupid” (concerning a recent column on redistricting). 

As Ned on the corner used to say, “No, folks, you don’t know me well enough to call me that.” 

We are traveling through a bottom land in American political “dialogue” where shouting and name-calling has replaced research and debate as the tools of choice. 

Although I never realized his value during the days when he was the pre-eminent political moderator in the country, I now long for the return of the type of political discussion that used to be carried out by conservative intellectual activist William F. Buckley. Mr. Buckley gave his opponents all the time they needed to make their points—uninterrupted—and then he would slowly and methodically dice their arguments up, smiling that wicked grin all the while, never resorting to personal attack. Convinced that he was the smartest person on his television show set, as well as convinced his positions were correct, putting in the hard work needed to fully research the issue (including what his opponents actually said in total, rather than just skimming over the surface), Mr. Buckley believed that in a fair, civil debate he would always win. 

Today, that sort of civil discourse has long dissolved in that sort of snarling, snapping, mean-spirited personal attacks that we see so often on such outlets as the various Fox News shows, where the person who “wins” the debate is the one who can outshout his opponent. It is a world dominated by people like Sean Hannity, Bill O’Reilly, and Anne Coulter. (Shouted down at a University of Connecticut speech this week, Coulter decided to engage in a question-and-answer session instead, saying that “I love to engage in repartee with people who are stupider than I am.” “Stupid” seems to be one of the put-down word of choice, these days, among people who you disagree with.) This is a world where too many people tend to read the first paragraph of a column or paper or statement—decide that they are against it—and are already deep into their “scathing” replies before they have taken the time to come to the end of the original entry. This is a world where the Jerry Springer show has become the model for our political dialogue, where the mob mentality rules. It is not the kind of world I want to live in. It is not the kind of political debates I want to have. 

And so, a long time ago, I decided that in these columns, even though I disagreed with someone, I would not call them out of their names. In these columns, I have often criticized the mayor of Oakland, the state Senate president pro tem, the California governor, and the president of the United States, and criticized them sharply. But as far as I can remember (and let me know if I’ve done otherwise), I’ve never called these individuals anything but Mr. Brown, Mr. Perata, Mr. Schwarzenegger, or Mr. Bush. No derogatory nicknames. No snickering disrespect. Given names or titles, one or the other—nothing more. After that, of course, you are free to wail away at their views or their actions, to the best of your beliefs, and to your heart’s content. 

I ask only the same thing, in return. d

A review of the art exhibit, “Justice Matters”, sponsored by the Middle East Children’s Alliance was recently published in the Berkeley Daily Planet (Friday Dec. 2). The writer, Peter Selz, a man with a stellar reputation as an art historian, is an expert in German expressionism as well as many other areas. Unfortunately, in this case, he has stumbled into another world, one that depends not on truth but on propaganda, a world in which art is being misused to serve as a tool to spread hatred and justify violence.  

The show is sponsored by the leaders of the anti-Israel cabal in Berkeley, headed by the Middle East Children’s Alliance (MECA). This is an organization that purports to help children in the Middle East, but has done nothing to condemn the indiscriminate murder of Jewish children, has defended terrorist organizations like Hezbollah, and spends most of its budget on “educational activities” designed to advocate for one side in a tragic conflict. (Despite its name, it spends less that 60 percent of its revenues on humanitarian purposes.) 

Dr. Selz makes the cardinal error of assuming positions that are conventional wisdom among the anti-Israel crowd, but do not withstand examination and a search for actual evidence. These positions include “transgressions of justice” by Israel against Palestinians, and the existence of “brutal acts committed by the occupying power,” To paraphrase the Nazi propaganda Minister, Joseph Goebbels, “If you tell a lie big enough and keep repeating it, people will eventually come to believe it.” The Arab propaganda machine has learned this lesson well.  

Of course, justice matters. But the use of the word justice in this context reminds me of the claim of Humpty Dumpty in Alice in Wonderland, ''When I use a word, it means just what I choose it to mean—neither more nor less.”  

So who defines justice? And who has engaged in the transgression of justice? The Israelis who have built a security barrier with the sole aim of reducing the murder of innocents? Or the Palestinian authority that has done nothing to curb the homicide bombings arising from territory under its control? 

Is it just that we have been talking of the “plight of the Palestinians” for over a half century, when during this entire time wealthy Arab sheikdoms found that it served their purposes to keep the Palestinians in their unfortunate circumstances? When every other refugee group has long since been successfully resettled? Was it just for the Palestinians to be kept as refugees while Jordan occupied the West Bank and Egypt occupied Gaza? Where were the calls for justice then? 

And what brand of justice was served when Yassir Arafat, idol of so many, kept his people in poverty and ignorance by diverting millions to his own bank account. What justice was served when he paid salaries to killers, rather than using his millions to provide housing, education, or health care for his own people? 

And if it is the Israeli occupation that is unjust, why is it that the Arabs launched three wars (1948, 1956, 1967) before the occupation began? And how many remember that there would be no occupation if the Arab states had not tried to destroy Israel?  

Was it justice when a million Jews were forcibly expelled from Egypt, Libya, Iraq, and other Arab countries? Are they not entitled to a right of return, or compensation for the billions in property taken from them? 

Where are the art shows for the Jews who have been murdered in recent years, not only in Israel, but all over the world, precisely because they were Jews? 

The second shibboleth raised by Dr. Selz is the so-called “brutal acts committed by Israel.” What could be more brutal that the murder of children by suicide bombers? Or the brutal lynching of Israelis who accidentally wandered into Ramallah? Or the hatred of homosexuals encouraged by Arab governments? Or the honor killings of unfortunate Arab women by Arab men? Or the summary executions of suspected collaborators in the area occupied by the Palestinian Authority?  

And what exactly are the alleged “brutal crimes of the Israelis?” The invented Jenin massacre, long ago proven to be a myth invented by Palestinian propagandists along with so many other myths, but still believed by so many? The bulldozing of homes used to conceal tunnels used for the smuggling of weapons?  

The commonest “brutal crime” according to the MECA crowd, as shown in one of the exhibitions at the show, has been the building of the so-called “Apartheid Wall,” (Never mind that 95 percent of the security barrier is a fence, not a wall) Why is the fact that the barrier is designed for the sole purpose of saving lives never mentioned? Or the fact that of the hundreds of security fences all over the world, only the security fence in Israel, has been labeled an apartheid wall? And why is it called an apartheid wall when one million Palestinians live in, vote in, and enjoy all the rights and freedoms of Israeli citizens, while not one Jew will be permitted to live in the projected Palestinian state? Which side practices apartheid? 

The art show at the Berkeley Art Center is designed to justify violence. The display is about propaganda, not art. The images shown remind me of the cartoons promulgated by Nazi Germany, designed for the purpose of demonizing Jews and preparing the German people for the massive killings that would soon follow.  

What we need are shows that are committed to both moral righteousness and intellectual truth. We need shows devoted to the concept of living together in harmony, that glorify life rather than death, and that demonstrate the value of loving, not killing, our fellow humans.  

Lawrence W. White is a Berkeley resident, a physician and a bioethicist.  

A small but vocal minority twists logic into a pretzel in its clamor for the death of Tookie Williams on Dec. 12. In contrast, the opposition to the execution stands upon a hierarchy of values and logic that digs deep into the positive side of America and repudiates the murderous side of our history. At the abolitionist base are folks, many of them religious, who believe that taking life, except in self-defense, is egregiously abhorrent. Because this view underpins the declared moral principles of civilization, when a cop kills someone who turns out to not have a weapon, the police plea is often that the officer thought the suspect was armed. That becomes the only acceptable public justification.  

Beyond religious values opposing the death penalty, stand those who believe that killing by the State can only create or worsen a culture of violence, for the act of execution suggests that murder in circumstances other than self-defense can have a clear and useful social purpose. Which godlike figures get to determine those approved circumstances? Of course, it’s the politicians whom the public largely despises and mistrusts. Go figure. Included among death penalty opponents are people who recognize, as Michael Moore pointed out in Bowling for Columbine, that the murder rate in the U.S. is 10-200 times that in the many nations that have outlawed the death penalty. What? Executions preventing murder? The facts don’t jibe.  

Up in the third tier of the opposition stand folks like Democratic Governor Warner of Virginia and former Republican Governor Ryan of Illinois who looked at the statistics and got sick realizing their role. For every 6.5 people executed in the U.S. in the past 30+ years one person on death row has been proven to be innocent of the murder for which he/she was convicted and sentenced to die. That’s scary and means that we are probably executing innocent people and will surely execute many more if we speed up executions. Supporters of the death penalty seem to be incapable of imaging themselves sitting, convicted, on death row, having not committed a crime. But it’s the fact. Our criminal justice system is far more fallible than its defenders are willing to own up to.  

Currently at the pinnacle of this pyramid is the Tookie Williams story. Williams claims he is innocent, and will eventually prove it. Ironically, that appears to be why some people want him killed. Death proponents say that people should be executed who show no remorse and don’t apologize. That is exactly what was done in the Salem Witch Trials. Confess and we’ll let you live. Obviously the rationale here is retribution and intimidation by the State. The early Greeks recognized that they couldn’t advance civilized society unless they tore down retributive justice and had the outcome of trials be based upon the general interests of society rather than the feelings of victims, their loved ones, or anyone else.  

In order to twist the retributive justice theme into some logical framework one writer argued that Tookie has been faking his transformation. Try to write a book and see what kind of effort that takes. It isn’t hard for me to appreciate the social value of a man who has published 9 books read by thousands of young people, hundreds of whom, as a result, then shunned gangs and violence. The movement to end the gang violence throughout California owes much to Tookie Williams. Folks who would negate that fact and not want him to be around to continue to help us reduce violence among youth pretend that the world divides easily into us—the God-fearing saved—and them—the condemned, like Tookie. But that thinking, often based upon puritanical teachings, doesn’t fit with their Bible either. In the origin myth God could have killed Satan, but whomever wrote the story knew that without having Satan around to define evil there would be no way to contrast what is righteous. Satan was cast down to Hell and Earth (In the current storyline San Quentin is a good stand in for Hell).  

Without Tookie, the gang war-lord responsible for much violence and conflict, there is no Tookie whose reconciliation theme proves to youth that we are all capable of being positive socially useful beings. It doesn’t really matter if Tookie Williams has been “reformed” in some abstract world of the self-righteous. His work stands for itself, and for all of us. Arnold: Killing Stan Williams would be, like invading Iraq, another act of collective self destruction for our nation and culture. Collectively we get what we work for, so we’d better save this man’s life if we intend to end gang violence.  

Marc Sapir is an East Bay physician, writer and co-convenor of the April, 2005 UC Berkeley Teach-In on Torture.  

The Christmas Revels celebrates the Winter Solstice—and its 20th anniversary—with songs, dances and stories of medieval England for 10 weekend matinee and evening shows, Dec. 9-18, at Oakland’s Scottish Rite Theater by Lake Merritt. 

With Ensemble Alcatr az as special musical guests, and its own tradition of audience and cast joining together in singing “The Sussex Mummer’s Carol” and dancing in the aisles to “The Lord of the Dance,” The Christmas Revels turns traditional rituals and folk drama into a com munity event for the Bay Area to welcome the Yuletide.  

Harkening back to the festivities at Haddon Hall in Derbyshire in the 15th and 16th centuries, The Revels will bring to the fore the musical group that combines the talents of players featured in pa st years, Ensemble Alcatraz, with soprano Susan Rode Morris, medieval harper Cheryl Ann Fulton, recorder and psaltery player Kit Higginson, Shira Kammen on vielle and rebec and percussionist Peter Maund. 

This presentation of The Christmas Revels also hon ors the memory of Dr. Elizabeth Lloyd Mayer (1947-2005), longtime artistic director and founder of Revels in the Bay Area, credited with having made the show an annual event for the region. 

Mayer once said, “We need those wild and holy expressions of wh o we are which lift us out of isolation and into contact with each other. We need moments that inject the ordinary with awe and engage our capacities for the extraordinary. Celebration does that. And Revels does that.” 

Succeeding Dr. Mayer as artistic director is longtime Revels stage director David Parr, professor of theater at San Francisco City College, who has also directed at West Bay Opera and other Bay Area theaters. 

With ornate costumes (designed by Callie Floor), constant outpourings of period music and song, elaborate courtly processionals and more rustic folk frolics performed by a cast of both children and adults, The Christmas Revels plays on many moods and tones of the holidays, from solemn ritual to raucous burlesque, involving each perfo rmer and every spectator in a group celebration, a theatrical performance witnessed and added to by all present. 

The 1,300-seat Scottish Rite Theater itself adds immeasurably to the atmosphere of revival. Built in 1923, with coliseum seating like tiers f rom which the audience looks down on the stage, the theater binds together the spectators with all the different elements of the performance in a space where the acoustics are almost tangible.  

The set by Peter Crompton will replicate the banquet hall of Haddon Hall, a baronial manor founded in 1170 and added onto until the Tudor period. 

“That banqueting hall hosted events for centuries,” Parr said. “It’s kind of a metaphor for Revels itself, a locus where people come to celebrate. And the first Bay Are a Revels, in 1986, was set at Haddon Hall. We feature some of the music from that first show, too. There’ll be our familiar acts: sword and Morris dancers, the Mummers Play of St. George and the Dragon, with quite an amazing dragon, and an additional piec e, making it a two-dragon Revels: ‘The Laidly Worm of Spindlestone Hewgh.’ Ensemble Alcatraz will perform their own repertoire and serve as house band.” 

With the milestone of a 20th anniversary and the passing of their founder, the company continues to l ook toward the future as the company celebrates its tradition. 

“She was our inspiration for so many years,” Parr said of Mayer. “In a sense every show was dedicated to her.” 

The company has performed spring and fall programs at Julia Morgan Theatre to celebrate May Day and All Hallows-All Saints. And a summer solstice party for The Revels chorus may become a community event with a parade and a Maypole, Parr said. 

The Christmas Revels began 35 years ago in Cambridge, Mass., when Jack Langstaff, who had staged earlier events in New York, founded the series of annual performances, which he said were meant to recreate the Christmas of his youth, when people came together to sing the old songs. 

“Revels is about a time and a place,” said Parr. “This year—an d in our first year—it’s the late middle ages at Haddon Hall. Other years, it’s been medieval Galicia or Elizabethan London. Revels is about the big cycles of life people have always celebrated. So many count on us and we’ll be there for them.” 

The Chris tmas Revels will be performed at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 9; at 1 and 5 p.m. Dec. 10 and Dec. 11; 7:30 p.m. Dec. 16; and at 1 and 5 p.m. Dec. 17and Dec. 18. $19-$42. Scottish Rite Theater, 1547 Lakeside Dr., Oakland. For more information, see www.calrevels.org or call (415) 773-1181. 

Photo by Sheppard Ferguson: Father Christmas of The Christmas Revels, playing ten shows at Oakland’s Scottish Rite Temple this season.  

s

FRIDAY, DEC. 9 

THEATER 

Aurora Theatre “Marius” Wed.-Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2 and 7 p.m. at 2081 Addison St., through Dec. 18. Tickets are $28-$45. 843-4822.  

Berkeley Rep “Brundibár” A musical fable staged by Tony Kushner and Maurice Sendak at the Roda Theater through Dec. 28. Tickets are $15-$64. 647-2949. www.berkeleyrep.org 

Contra Costa Civic Theater “Noises Off” Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m. at 951 Pomona Ave., El Cerrito, through Dec. 10. 524-9132. www.ccct.org 

Impact Theatre “Crumble (Lay Me Down, Justin Timberlake)” Thurs. through Sun. at 8 p.m. at La Val’s Subterranean Theater, 1834 Euclid Ave., through Dec. 10. Tickets are $10-$15. 464-4468.  

Masquers Playhouse “Dear World” Jerry Herman’s musical, Fri. and Sat at 8 p.m. through Dec. 17 at 105 Park Place, Point Richmond. Tickets are $15. 232-4031. www.masquers.org 

Shotgun Players “Cabaret” Thurs. - Sun. at 8 p.m. at the Ashby Stage, 1901 Ashby Ave. Through Jan. 15. 841-6500.  

EXHIBITIONS 

ACCI Gallery Holiday Exhibition Reception at 7 p.m. at 1652 Shattuck Ave. 843-2527. www.accigallery.com 

Juana Alicia & Phoebe Ackley Prints, sculpture, tiles and jewelry. Reception for the artists at 5:30 p.m. at 2016 Ninth St. juanaalicia.com 

Luthier’s An exhibtion of tradition guitar and ukulele making at the Addison Street Windows Gallery, 2018 Addison St., through Jan. 15. 981-7533. 

FILM 

The Battles of Sam Peckinpah “Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Garcia” at 7 p.m. and “The Killer Elite” at 9 p.m. at 7:30 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $4-$8. 642-0808.  

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz discusses “Blood on the Border: A Memoir of the Contra War” at 7 p.m. at the AK Press Warehouse, 674A 23rd St., Oakland. 208-1700. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

“The Nutcracker” by Berkeley Ballet Theater at 7 p.m. at The Julia Morgan Center for the Arts, 2640 Shattuck Ave. Tickets are $20. 843-4689. www.berkeleyballet.org 

John Schott’s “Dream Kitchen” at 8 p.m. in the Reading Room of the Berkeley Public Library, 2090 Kittredge. 981-6233. 

Voci Women’s Vocal Ensemble “Voices in Peace V” at 8 p.m. at Lake Merritt United Methodist Church. Tickets are $15-$20. 531-8714. 

Handel’s “Messiah” sing-along with the Young Musician’s Program at 7:30 p.m. at Hertz Hall, UC Campus. Benefit for YMP. Tickets are $15. 642-9988. 

The Christmas Revels at 7:30 p.m., Sat. and Sun. at 1 and 5 p.m. at the Scottish Rite Theater, 1547 Lakeside Drive, Oakland. Tickets are $15-$42. 415-773-1181. www.calrevels.org 

Leah diTullio, clarinet, Rachel Turner-Houk, ‘cello, and Abraham Fabella, piano, at 8 p.m. at Giorgi Gallery, 2911 Claremont Ave. Cost is $12. 848-1228.  

HELLA, hip hop, at 8 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $5. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

Susan Muscarella-Mike Zilber Quartet at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $7. 841-JAZZ.  

Aphrodesia, Wisdom at 9:30 p.m. at Shattuck Down Low. Cost is $5-$8. 548-1159.  

Marcus Shelby Trio at 9 p.m. at Downtown. 649-3810.  

Nameless & Faceless Bay Area Arts Collective with Inspector Double Negative & The Equal Positives, James Eksel, Lowkee and others at 9:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $10. 525-5054. 

Ray Bonneville, roots and country blues, at 8 p.m. at Caffe Trieste, 2500 San Pablo Ave., at Dwight. 548-5198.  

Peppino D’Agostino & Stef Burns at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $18.50-$19.50. 548-1761. 

Kasey Knudson & Eric Volger, contemporary jazz, at 8 p.m. at Ristorante Raphael, 2132 Center St. 644-9500. 

The Dunes, North African fusion, at 9 p.m. at Lucre Lounge, 2086 Allston Way. 

Mariospeedwagon at 7:30 p.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344.  

Split Lip, Joe Rut Cover Hour at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $6. 841-2082.  

Plan 9, Monster Squad, Ashtray at 8 p.m. at 924 Gilman St. Cost is $6. 525-9926. 

Charlie Haden’s Liberation Music Orchestra at 8 and 10 p.m. through Sun. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $18-$28. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

Times 4 at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 848-8277. 

SATURDAY, DEC. 10 

CHILDREN 

Los Amiguitos de La Peña with Diana Shmiana “Winter Wonderama” at 10:30 a.m. at La Peña. Especially for ages 3-6. Cost is $4 adults, $3 children. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

FILM 

Taisho Chic on Screen “Mr. Thank You” at 5:20 p.m., “The Dancing Girl of Izu” at 7 p.m. and “Osaka Elegy” at 9:30 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $4-$8. 642-0808.  

EXHIBITIONS 

Alvarado Artists Group with works by local painters, photographers, and ceramists at 2649 Russell St., Sat and Sun. from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 290-9221. 

THEATER 

“Feu la Mère de Madame,” by Georges Feydeau, Sat. and Sun. at 8:30 p.m. at the Alliance Française of Berkeley, 2004 Woolsey St. Tickets are $5, for reservations call 548-7481. 

“Dick ‘N Dubya Show: A Republican Cabaret” Sat. and Sun. at 7 p.m. at The Marsh Berkeley, 2118 Allston Way, through Dec. 18. Tickets are $10-$22. 800-838-3006.  

Moshe Cohen and Unique Derique “Cirque Do Somethin’” Sat. and Sun. at 1 p.m. at the Marsh, 2120 Allston Way. Tickets are $10-$15. 800-838-3006. www.themarsh.org 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Poetry of Witness and the Witness of Poetry featuring Tim Nuveen, Kirk Lumpkin, Robert Roden, David Madgalene, Christopher J. Luna, Marianne Robinson, Julia Vinograd, and others at 8 p.m. at the Ecology Center, 2350 San Pablo Ave. Free. 

Romance Writers of America with Penelope Williamson at 8:30 a.m. at the Marriot Courtyard Emeryville. Cost is $25-$30. 332-5384. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

“The Nutcracker” by Berkeley Ballet Theater at 2 and 7 p.m. at The Julia Morgan Center for the Arts, 2640 Shattuck Ave. Tickets are $20. 843-4689. www.berkeleyballet.org 

Kairos Youth Choir “Candlelight and Starglow,” a winter solstice concert for the entire family at 7 p.m. at St. Joseph the Worker Church, 1640 Addison St. Cost is $8-$10. 704-4479. 

Handel’s “Messiah” Latin style with Juantia Ulloa and the Picante Ensemble with the Oakland East Bay Symphony at 8 p.m. at the Paramount Theater, Oakland. 444-0801. 

Sacred & Profane “Motetus: Choral Gems of the Holiday Season” at 8 p.m. at St. Ambrose Church, 1145 Gilman St. Tickets are $12-$18. 524-3611. www.sacredprofane.org 

“To Drive the Cold Winter Away” Renaissance works by Bella Musica Chorus at 8 p.m. at St. Mary Magdalen Church, 2005 Berryman St. Tickets are $10-$15. www.bellamusica.org 

Kensington Symphony Holday Concert at 8 p.m. at Northminster Presbyterian Church, 545 Ashbury Ave., El Cerrito. Suggested donation $10-$15, children free. 524-9912. 

Voci Women’s Vocal Ensemble “Voices in Peace V” at 3 p.m. at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church. Tickets are $15-$20. 531-8714. 

Pacific Boychoir “Ceremony of Carols” by Britten, 7 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, Oakland. Ticket information at 452-4722. 

“Musical Night in Africa: Sharing Our Humanity” with The West African Highlife Band and Baba Ken Okulolo & The Nigerian Brothers at 8:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $13-$15. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Terrain “Winter Dances: Breaking New Ground” at 8 p.m. at Western Sky Studio, 2525 Eighth St. at Swight. Tickets are $12-$15. 848-4878. 

Nick Gravenites & Barry Melton at 8 p.m. at Round- 

trees, 2618 San Pablo Ave. Cost is $10. Benefit for Berkeley Liberation Radio. berkeleyliberationradio@yahoo.com 

Eric Swinderman Quartet at 9 p.m. at Downtown. 649-3810.  

Sheldon Brown at 8 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $15. 845-5373. www.jazzschool.com 

Fiesta Boricua, Puerto Rican music and dance at 8:30 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $10. 849-2568. www.lapena.org  

Northwest Shines Darkly at 6 p.m. at Mama Buzz Cafe, 2318 Telegraph Ave., Oakland. Cost is $3. 289-2272. 

Michael Gill & Kim Hart, contemporary jazz, at 8 p.m. at Ristorante Raphael, 2132 Center St. 644-9500. 

Tom Rush at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $24.50-$25.50. 548-1761.  

Dave Stein and John Howland at 7:30 p.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344. www.nomadcafe.net 

The Unravellers, The Bittersweets at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $6. 841-2082.  

Killing the Dream, Pressure Point, Allegiance at 8 p.m. at 924 Gilman St. Cost is $7. 525-9926. 

Monkey Knife Fight at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 848-8277. 

SUNDAY, DEC. 11 

EXHIBITIONS 

“Rebirth: New Photographs from Armenia, Georgia and the former Yugoslavia” by Vaughn Hovanessian. Reception with the artist at 2 p.m. at Berkeley Public Library, 2nd floor, 2090 Kittredge St.  

“Taisho Chic: Japanese Modernity, Nostalgia and Deco” guided tour at 2 p.m. at the Berkeley Art Museum, 2625 Durant Ave. 642-0808. 

FILM 

Taisho Chic on Screen “Sisters of the Gion” at 5 p.m. and “What Did the Lady Forget” at 6:30 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $4-$8. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

“One” A film on interconnectedness, with filmmaker Ward Powers, at 4:45 and 7:15 p.m. at Landmark’s 1&2, 2128 Center St. Tickets are $9.25. 464-5980. 

“39 Pounds of Love” The story of Ami Ankilewitz who suffers from muscular dystrophy, with Israeli filmaker at 2:30 and 5 p.m. at Landmark’s 1&2, 2128 Center St. Tickets are $9.25. 464-5980. 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Richard Schwartz discusses his new book, “Earthquake Exodus: Berkeley Responds to the San Francisco Refugees” at 7:30 p.m. at Black Oak Books, 1491 Shattuck Ave. 483-0698. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

“The Nutcracker” by Berkeley Ballet Theater at 2 p.m. at The Julia Morgan Center for the Arts, 2640 Shattuck Ave. Tickets are $20. 843-4689.  

Chamber Music Concert with Peter Wyrick and Amy Hiraga, at 4 p.m. at Crowden Music Center, 1475 Rose St. Tickets are $12, free for children. 559-6910. www.crowden.org 

Margaret Kvamme, organist, in a program of works by all female composers, at 6 p.m. at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 2300 Bancroft Way at Ellsworth. Donations accepted. 845-0888.  

Pacific Boychoir “Ceremony of Carols” by Britten, 4 p.m. at St. Paul’s Church, Oakland. 452-4722. 

Holy Names Orchestra in a program of Brahms and Rimsky-Korsakoff at 3 p.m. at Regents’ Theater, Holy Names University, 3500 Mountain Blvd. Tickets are $5-$15. 436-1330. 

Terrain “Winter Dances: Breaking New Ground” at 8 p.m. at Western Sky Studio, 2525 Eighth St. at Dwight. Tickets are $12-$15. 848-4878. 

Adam Blankman CD release party at 4 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $7. 841-JAZZ.  

Za’atar, music of the Jews of Arab and Muslim lands, at 7:30 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $10-$12. 849-2568.  

Phil Berkowitz & Louis’ Blues at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $17.50-$18.50. 548-1761.  

Vicki Burns Trio at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $7. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

The Snow Cat at 4:30 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $15. 845-5373. www.jazzschool.com 

Gift Horse at 11 a.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344. 

Holiday Beat Bash at 4 p.m. at the Eddie Brown Center for the Arts, 2560 Ninth St. All ages welcome. Cost is $10. 548-5348. 

MONDAY, DEC. 12 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Poetry Express with Doug Howerton at 7 p.m. at Priya Restaurant, 2072 San Pablo Ave. berkeleypoetryexpress@yahoo.com 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Clarinet Thing with Beth Custer, Ralph Carney, Ben Goldberg, Sheldon Brown and Harvey Wainapel at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $19.50-$20.50. 548-1761.  

Hallifax & Jeffrey at 7 p.m. at Caffe Trieste, 2500 San Pablo Ave., at Dwight. 548-5198.  

Natsasha Miller, with guest Steve Erquiaga, at 8 and 10 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $10-$14. 238-9200.  

TUESDAY, DEC. 13 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

“From Chaucer to Pynchon in 90 Minutes” By students in the English Dept of Vista Community College at 6 p.m. in Room 120, Vista Annex Bldg, 2075 Allston Way. 306-0206. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Holiday Music with the First Presbyterian Church’s High School Choir at 7 p.m. at Kensington Library, 61 Arlington Ave. 524-3043. 

Tom Rigney & Flambeau at 8:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $9. 525-5054.  

Ellen Hoffman and Singers’ Open Mic at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $5. 841-JAZZ.  

Christmas Jug Band at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $18.50-$19.50. 548-1761.  

Debra Poyres & Friends at 7 p.m. at Caffe Trieste, 2500 San Pablo Ave. 548-5198.  

Charlie Hunter Trio, featuring John Ellis & Derrek Phillips at 8 and 10 p.m. through Sun. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $10-$22. 238-9200.  

Jazzschool Tuesdays at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 848-8277. 

Brian Kane, solo jazz guitar, at 8 p.m. at Downtown. 649-3810. 

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 14 

FILM 

The Battles of Sam Peckinpah “Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid” at 7:30 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $4-$8. 642-0808.  

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Jesse Goldhammer talks about “The Headless Republic: Sacrificial Violence in Modern French Thought” at 5:30 p.m. at University Press Books, 2430 Bancroft Way. 548-0585. 

Café Poetry hosted by Kira Allen at 7:30 p.m. at La Peña. Donation $2. 849-2568.  

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

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Music for the Spirit with Lenny Ott, trumpet and Ron McKean, organ, at noon at First Presbyterian Church of Oakland, 2619 Broadway. 444-3555. 

Berkeley High School Jazz Combos at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $7. 841-JAZZ.  

Ned Boynton Trio at 8 p.m. at Downtown. 649-3810.  

La Peña Workshop Recitals with the Afro Cuban Youth Ensemble, The Lab Live Hip Hop Ensemble and the La Peña Latin Jazz Ensemble at 7 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $5-$7. 849-2568.  

Bernard Anderson & The Old School Band at 9 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Swing dance lesson at 8 p.m. Cost is $9. 525-5054.  

Candela at 9:30 p.m. at Shattuck Down Low. Cost is $5-$10. 548-1159.  

Home at Last at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 848-8277. 

THURSDAY, DEC. 15 

FILM 

Marcel Pagnol’s Provence “Letters from My Windmill” at 7:30 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $4-$8. 642-0808. 

EXHIBITIONS 

“Justice Matters: Artists Consider Palestine” A exhibition of works by fourteen Palestinian and American artists. “An Evening with Judy Gussman and Joy Hilden” at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Art Center, 1275 Walnut St. in Live Oak Park. 644-6893.  

Artists’ Annual Exhibition New work in a variety of media. Reception at 6 p.m. at Kala Art Institute, 1060 Heinz Ave. 549-2977. www.kala.org 

“Taisho Chic: Japanese Modernity, Nostalgia and Deco” guided tour at 12:15 and 5:30 p.m. at the Berkeley Art Museum, 2625 Durant Ave. 642-0808. 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

E.L Doctorow introduces his new novel “The March” at 6:15 p.m. at the Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant Ave. Tickets are $40, $50 per couple and includes the book. Tickets from the Nov. 17 event will be honored. 845-7852.  

Margaretta K. Mitchell and Zack Rogow introduce “The Face of Poetry,” on the Lunch Poems Series, at 7 p.m. at Mrs. Dalloway’s Literary and Garden Arts, 2904 College Ave. 704-8222. 

Nomad Spoken Word Night at 7 p.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344.  

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Davka at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $18.50-$19.50. 548-1761.  

Magnes Music Salon with Stu Brotman and Josh Horowitz on Jewish Klezmer music at 6:30 p.m. at the Judah L. Magnes Museum, 2911 Russell St. Cost is $6-$8. 549-6950, ext. 333. 

Jim Grantham Quartet at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $5. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

Friendship First, Midline Errors at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $5. 841-2082 www.starryploughpub.com 

Eye of the Storm Benefit for Racial Justice from Oakland to New Orleans at 6 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Donation $10. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

Tom Duarte at 7 p.m. at Caffe Trieste, 2500 San Pablo Ave., at Dwight. 548-5198.  

Dhol Patrol at 8:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Bhangra dance lesson at 9 p.m. Cost is $8. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Interactive Crew at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 848-8277. 

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FRIDAY, DEC. 9 

City Commons Club Noon Luncheon with Deunis Auers on “The Baltics, The EU and Russia” Luncheon at 11:45 a.m. for $13.50, speech at 12:30 p.m., at the Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant St. For information and reservations call 526-2925 or 665-9020. 

Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz discusses “Blood on the Border: A Memoir of the Contra War” at 7 p.m. at the AK Press Warehouse, 674A 23rd St., Oakland. 208-1700. 

Scott Ritter “How We Got Into Iraq and How to Get Out” interviewed by Larry Bensky with Daniel Ellsberg, at 7:30 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley, One Lawson Rd., Kensington. Suggested donation $10. www.ustourofduty.org 

Activism Series on Homelessness with Kurt Kuhwald of the Faithful Fools Ministry and Sharon Hawkins-Leyden of YEAH at 7 p.m. at the Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists Hall, 1924 Cedar St. Donations accepted. 528-5403. 

Tree Lighting, Santa and Community Caroling at 6 p.m. at Peralta Park, 1561 Solano Ave. Sponsored by the Solano Avenue Assn. 527-5358. 

The Living Room Gallery Holiday Trunk Sale, showcasing local artists and craftsmen from the Bay Area at 8p.m. at 3230 Adeline St. 601-5774. 

Berkeley Critical Mass Bike Ride meets at the Berkeley BART the second Friday of every month at 5:30 p.m.  

“Fertile Darkness, Winter Lights” A musical gathering for women with Betsy Rose and Jennifer Berezan at 7:30 p.m. at First Congregational Church of Berkeley, small assembly room, 2345 Channing Way. Suggested donation $15-$20. 525-7082. 

Three Beats for Nothing sings early music for fun and practice at 10 a.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 655-8863. 

Berkeley Chess Club meets Fridays at 8 p.m. at the East Bay Chess Club, 1940 Virginia St. Players at all levels are welcome. 845-1041. 

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

Meditation, Peace Vigil and Dialogue, gather at noon on the grass close to the West Entrance to UC Berkeley, on Oxford St. near University Ave. People of all traditions are welcome to join us. Sponsored by the Buddhist Peace Fellowship. 655-6169. www.bpf.org 

SATURDAY, DEC. 10 

Telegraph Avenue Holiday Street Fair between Dwight and Bancroft, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sat. and Sun. 

Berkeley Artisans Holiday Open Studios Sat. and Sun. from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. For a map of locations see www.berkeleyartisans.com 

“Playing With Fire” Berkeley Potters Guild Holiday Sale from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sat. and Sun. at 731 Jones St. at Fourth St. www.berkeleypotters.com 

“Think Outside the Box” Alternative Gift Fair with ways to donate to local and national organizations from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Albany Senior Center, 846 Masonic Ave.  

Berkeley Farmers’ Market Holiday Crafts Fair from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Center St. at MLK Jr. Way. 548-3333. 

Winter Festival Celebrate the diverse winter traditions of Bay Area families from noon to 4 p.m. at the Oakland Museum of California, 10th and Oak Sts. 238-2200. www.museumca.org 

Celebration in Honor of Maudelle Shirek at 4 p.m. at St. Paul AME Church, 2024 Ashby Ave. Sponsored by the City of Berkeley. 981-7130. 

1000 Women for Peace Celebration of 14 Bay Area Women Nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize and booksigning of commemorative volume “1000 Women for Peace” at 7:30 p.m. at First Congregational Church of Oakland, 2501 Harrison St., at 27th.  

Special Gifts for Friends and Animals for ages 6-8, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Oakland Zoo. Cost is $40-$50. For reservations call 632-9525, ext. 205. 

KPFA Crafts and Music Fair from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Concorse Exhibition Center, 8th and Brannan St., S.F. Cost is $5-$8. 848-6767, ext. 611. 

Debate the new Harry Potter Film, for teens at 2 p.m. at Berkeley Public Library, Claremont Branch, 2940 Benvenue Ave. at Ashby. 981-6133. 

Vegetarian Cooking Class for the Holidays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the First Unitarian Church of Oakland, 685 14th St. at Castro. Wheelchair accessible. Cost is $45. 531-COOK. www.compassionatecooks.com 

Creating Festive Succulant Wreaths at 10 a.m. at Magic Gardens, 729 Heinz Ave. 644-2351. www.magicgardens.com 

Growing Edible Mushrooms Learn how to grow mushrooms in wood logs. Please bring a cordless drill, drill bits and beeswax if you have them. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Berkeley Eco-House, 1305 Hopkins St. Cost is $15, no one turned away. 547-8715. 

Holiday Wreath Making from 10 a.m. to noon at UC Botanical Garden, 200 Centennial Drive. Cost is $25-$30. Greenery provided but bring your own pruners. Registration required. 643-2755. 

“Ethical and Halachic (Jewish Law) Challenges of Stem Cell Research” with Dr. John Loike at 12:15 p.m. at Beth Jacob Congregation, 3778 Park Blvd., Oakland. 482-1147. 

Small Press Open House with author readings and live music from noon to 4 p.m. on at Small Press Distribution, 1342 Seventh St. 524-1668.  

California Writers Club meets to discuss “The Poetry Industry” at 10 a.m at Barnes and Noble, Jack London Square. 420-8775.  

“Building with Alternative Materials: Cob and Strawbale” A workshop from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 812 Page St. Cost is $75. 525-7610. 

Protest Rally at Berkeley Honda Shattuck and Parker every Thurs. at 4:30 to 6 p.m. and Sat. from 1 to 2 p.m. until the labor dispute is settled.  

“Know Your Rights” A free, hands-on workshop from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at CopWatch, 2022 Blake St. 548-0425. 

Flu and Pneumonia Shots from noon to 4 p.m. at Pharmaca Integrative Pharmacy, 1744 Solano Ave. Cost is $25 and $35. 527-8929. 

Open House at Bright Star Montessori Pre-School from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at 720 Jackson St., Albany. 558-2080. 

Free Garden Tours at Regional Parks Botanic Garden Sat. and Sun. at 2 pm. Regional Parks Botanic Garden, Tilden Park. Call to confirm. 841-8732.  

Spirit Walking Aqua Chi (TM) A gentle water exercise class at 10 a.m. at the Berkeley High Warm Pool. Cost is $3.50 per session. 526-0312. 

Car Wash Benefit for Options Recovery Services of Berkeley, held every Sat. from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Lutheran Church, 1744 University Ave. 666-9552. 

SUNDAY, DEC. 11 

Holiday Crafts from Reused and Recycled Materials from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Ecology Center, 2530 San Pablo Ave. Benefits the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives. www.no-burn.org 

KPFA Crafts and Music Fair from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Concorse Exhibition Center, 8th and Brannan St., S.F. Cost is $5-$8. 848-6767, ext. 611. 

Chanukah Party with latkes, music, and make-your-own crafts from noon to 4 p.m. at Berkeley Richmond Jewish Community Center, 1414 Walnut St. 848-0237. 

Art Book Sale from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Oakland Museum of California, 10th and Oak Sts. 238-2200. www.museumca.org 

“Thinking of Becoming a Doula?” with Treesa Mclean, doula educator, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at Change Makers, 6536 Telegraph Ave. 728-8513. 

Lake Merritt Neighbors Organized for Peace Peace walk around the lake every Sun. Meet at 3 p.m. at the colonnade at the NE end of the lake. 763-8712. lmno4p.org 

Tibetan Buddhism with Sylvia Gretchen on Tibetan meditation and yoga from 3 to 4 p.m. at the Tibetan Nyingma Institute, 1815 Highland Pl. 843-6812. www.nyingmainstitute.com 

MONDAY, DEC. 12 

Sing-A-Long from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Albany Senior Center, 846 Masonic Ave. 524-9122.  

Beginning Bridge Lessons at 11:10 a.m. at the Albany Senior Center, 846 Masonic Ave. Cost is $1. 524-9122. 

“Lynn Harney and his Work with New Tribes in South America” at noon at the Berkeley Men’s Business Fellowship, at Café Giovanni, 2420 Shattuck Ave. 223-3837. 

Critical Viewing An ongoing group to examine the art/craft(iness) of short films and television productions and its effects on our daily lives, at 1 p.m. at the BRJCC, 1414 Walnut St. Free. 848-0237.  

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

TUESDAY, DEC. 13 

Shellmound and Sacred Sites a report back on the recent peace walk at 7 p.m. at the Ecology Center, 25430 San Pablo Ave. 548-2220. 

“Fish Ears and Whale Songs: How Marine Mammals Sense Their Surroundings” with Michael Stocker of SeaFlow at 6:30 p.m. at the Oakland Zoo. Cost is $12-$20. 632-9525.  

Snowshoeing Basics, a slide presentation by snowshoe guide Cathy Anderson-Meyers at 7 p.m. at REI, 1338 San Pablo Ave. 527-4140. 

“China and the Media” with Orville Schell and Xiao Qiang at 7:30 p.m. at College Prep School, Buttner Auditorium, 6100 Broadway, Oakland. Cost is $5-$10. 339-7726. www.college-prep.org/livetalk 

“The Frankenfood Myth” Politics and Protests of the Biotech Revolution with Henry Miller at 7 p.m. at The Independent Institute, 100 Swan Way, Oakland. Cost is $10-$15. 632-1366. 

Tuesday Tilden Walkers Join a few slowpoke seniors at 9:30 a.m. in the parking lot near the Little Farm for an hour or two walk. 215-7672, 524-9992. 

Free Handbuilding Ceramics Class 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at St. John’s Senior Center, 2727 College Ave. Also, Mon. noon to 4 p.m. at the South Berkeley Senior Center. Materials and firing charges not included. 525-5497. 

Berkeley Camera Club meets at 7:30 p.m., at the Northbrae Community Church, 941 The Alameda. Share your digital images, slides and prints and learn what other photographers are doing. Monthly field trips. 548-3991. www.berkeleycameraclub.org 

Introduction to Buddhist Meditation at 7 p.m. at the Dzalandhara Buddhist Center in Berkeley. Cost is $7-$10. Call for directions. 559-8183.  

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

“Ask the Social Worker” free consultations for older adults and their families from 10 a.m. to noon at BRJCC, 1414 Walnut St. To schedule an appointment call 558-7800, ext. 716. 

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 14 

Your Pet’s Health The Berkeley-East Bay Humane Society Community Lecture Series hosts Drs. Amos Deinard and Barbara Hodges talking about similarities and differences in diagnosing pets’ medical conditions from Eastern and Western medical perspectives at 7 p.m. at Berkeley-East Bay Humane Society, 2700 Ninth St. Donation of $10 requested. For reservations call 845-7735 ext. 22. 

Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine College Open House at 6 p.m. at 2550 Shattuck Ave. Tours of classrooms and clinics and information for prospective students. To RSVP call 666-8248, ext. 106.  

East Bay Genealogical Society meets at 10 a.m. in the Library Conference Room of the Family History Center, 4766 Lincoln Ave., Oakland. Cookie Exchange follows. 635-6692. 

Poetry Writing Workshop with Alison Seevak at 7 p.m. at Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave. 526-3720, ext. 16. 

“Legends of Mother Mary” with Rev. Alyce Soden at 7 p.m. at Changemakers, 6536 Telegraph Ave. 655-2405. 

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

Trivia Cafe at 7 p.m. at Ristorante Raphael, 2132 Center St. Cost is $3. 644-9500. 

Prose Writer’s Workshop An ongoing group made up of friendly writers who are serious about our craft. All levels welcome. At 7 p.m. at BRJCC, 1414 Walnut St. 848-0237. georgeporter@earthlink.net 

Sing your Way Home A free sing-a-long at 4:30 p.m. every Wed. at the Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave. 526-3720. 

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

Stitch ‘n Bitch Bring your knitting, crocheting and other handcrafts from 6 to 9 p.m. at Caffe Trieste, 2500 San Pablo Ave. 548-5198. 

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

vigil4peace/vigil 

THURSDAY, DEC. 15 

Save the Endangered Species Act Slide show and discussion at 7 p.m. at the Ecology Center, 2530 San Pablo Ave. 548-2220, ext. 233. 

Ending Violence Against Sex Workers Memorial and community discussion at 6:30 p.m. at Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists, 1924 Cedar at Bonita. www.swop-usa.org 

Smplicity Forum: Food and Cooking for Simple Living with Adesina Stewart at 6:30 p.m. at Berkeley Public Library, Claremont Branch, 2940 Benvenue Ave. 549-3509. 

World of Plants Tours Thurs., Sat. and Sun. at 1:30 p.m. at the UC Botanical Garden, 200 Centennial Drive. Cost is $5. 643-2755. http://botanicalgarden.berkeley.edu 

FRIDAY, DEC. 16 

City Commons Club Noon Luncheon with Phillip Elwood “All About Jazz - Part 2.” Luncheon at 11:45 a.m. for $13.50, speech at 12:30 p.m., at the Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant St. For information and reservations call 526-2925 or 665-9020.  

Berkeley Chess Club meets Fridays at 8 p.m. at the East Bay Chess Club, 1940 Virginia St. Players at all levels are welcome. 845-1041. 

Celebrate Humanistic Shabbat and (early) Chanukah with Kol Hadash at 7 p.m. at Albany Community Center, 1249 Marin Ave. Potluck dinner. For food assignment email info@kolhadash.org  

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

Meditation, Peace Vigil and Dialogue, gather at noon on the grass close to the West Entrance to UC Berkeley, on Oxford St. near University Ave. People of all traditions are welcome to join us. Sponsored by the Buddhist Peace Fellowship. 655-6169. www.bpf.org 

ONGOING 

Warm Coat Drive Donate a coat for distribution in the community, at Bay St., Emeryville. Sponsored by the Girl Scouts. www.onewarmcoat.org 

Magnes Museum Docent Training begins Jan. 8. Open to all who are interested in Jewish art and history. For information contact Faith Powell at 549-6950, ext. 333. 

Albany Berkeley Girls Softball League is looking for girls in grades 1-9 to play softball. Season runs March 4-June 3. To register, email registrar@abgsl.org or call 869-4277. Early Bird registration ends Dec. 31. Registration closes Feb. 1. Scholarships available. www.abgsl.org 

CITY MEETINGS 

Creeks Task Force meets Mon. Dec. 12 at 7 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Erin Dando, 981-7410. www.ci. 

berkeley.ca.us/planning/landuse/Creeks/default.html 

City Council meets Tues., Dec. 13, at 7 p.m in City Council Chambers. 981-6900. www.ci. 

berkeley.ca.us/citycouncil 

Commission on Disability meets Wed., Dec. 14, at 6:30 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Don Brown, 981-6346. TDD: 981-6345. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/disability 

Disaster Council meets Wed., Dec. 14, at 7 p.m., at the Emergency Operations Center, 997 Cedar St. William Greulich, 981-5502. www.ci.berkeley.ca. us/commissions/disaster 

Homeless Commission meets Wed., Dec. 14, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Jane Micallef, 981-5426. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/homeless 

Library Board of Trustees meets Wed., Dec. 14, at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Library, West Branch, 1125 University Ave. Jackie Y. Griffin, 981-6195. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/library 

Planning Commission meets Wed., Dec. 14, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Janet Homrighausen, 981-7484. www.ci.berkeley. ca.us/commissions/planning 

Police Review Commission meets Wed., Dec. 14, at 7:30 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-4950. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/policereview 

Waterfront Commission meets Wed., Dec. 14, at 7 p.m., at 201 University Ave. Cliff Marchetti, 981-6740. www.ci.berkeley 

.ca.us/commissions/waterfront 

Design Review Committee meets Thurs., Dec. 15, at 7:30 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Anne Burns, 981-7415. www.ci.berkeley.ca. 

us/commissions/designreview  

Fair Campaign Practices Commission meets Thurs., Dec. 15, at 7:30 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Prasanna Rasaih, 981-6950. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/faircampaign 

Transportation Commission meets Thurs., Dec. 15, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Peter Hillier, 981-7000. www.ci.berkeley.ca. 

us/commissions/transportation 

Although I have a pretty strong stomach, there is nothing that will sour it as quickly as a beautiful old home that’s had all its wooden windows replaced with those awful aluminum jobs. This is called getting ferclampeted, which, in Yiddish, means “to find oil on your land and find yourself living in upscale digs you ought never to have occupied.” 

I know I’m not the only one that feels this way. In fact, The City of Oakland produced a book in 1987 called Rehab Right: How to Realize the Full Value of Your Old House, which among many other things talks about the inappropriate use of aluminum windows in our older homes. In his book A Pattern Language, Berkeley professor Christopher Alexander (et al) talks about this sort of thing as being “bad fit,” his term for the Clampet family phenomenon. 

These old homes we live in are truly historical and artistic treasures. Many are nearing 100 years old (not particularly old by East Coast standards but old and wonderful when compared with the boxes full of ticky tacky that are rapidly encroaching from all directions). A drive through some of the poorer parts of neighboring Oakland will often find me teary-eyed, as I imagine the original state of these thousands of grand, proud manors that are rotting away for lack of paint and roofing, to say nothing of the long-overdue upgrades of power, heat and plumbing. 

But I’m not here to talk about the whole urban decay issue, just one small, simple matter that we all see every day and can do something about (if we have a reasonable sum of money and perhaps some sweat to offer). Old Craftsman homes should not look out upon their world through aluminum, steel or plastic windows. Period. No soft mitigating niceties. These houses, simple as most of them were, have a contiguous, thoughtful presentation. They deserve far better than to have such a major design element deracinated by age, salesmanship or misguided aesthetic and replaced by the cheapest choice available. Aluminum windows, for example, are not only a major misfit when placed in a Victorian, Classic or Craftsman home, they also conduct heat out of your house faster than a typical wooden window. The simple reason is that aluminum is a great conductor, even plastic is a better choice in this regard. These windows also tend to seal poorly, whether the crank casement type or the “fingernail-on-chalkboard” sliding type. Then there’s the heat sink of choice, the jalousie window. For those of not familiar with the term. these are a louvered type where many small panes of glass are fitted into a mechanism that turns them all outward at the same time. They may provide for good outflow but they also invariably leak air like mad, and also provide exceptional ease for the breaking and entering crowd. Steel casements can be fitting in the right house (generally 1940s-1960s), but almost none of these are in the classifications I want to talk about today. Like steel, I can see vinyl on some more modern houses, mostly from the ‘40s onward, but again, they can ruin the look of that 1925 Craftsman bungalow you’re living in and they may also, I suspect, hurt the cash value. 

Every once in a while I get to inspect a house that has been upgraded with real care for the appearance and feel of each changed feature (windows being one of the most visible of these). Not only is it thrilling to walk through such a home for the visual treat, but I also know for certain that these homes will demand more money when they go on the auction block. Sometimes this appreciation is far more than neighborhood or size can account for. We are all lucky to live in an area where aesthetics are not shunned nor apologized for, and the value of our homes is partly a reflection of this. So, if nothing else, I hope that a market approach will convince you that you’d be better off making an investment in a good looking, appropriate window. 

A window, including its component mullions (those dividers between the glass panes) plays a melody along with the trims, overhanging rafters and wall cladding, which all achieve appeal through a deliberate selection process. It’s the old “whole is greater than the sum of its parts” truism. Cutting out one section and substituting something with a very different look and feel is like letting a banjo loose in the string section. 

So here’s one solution and a shameless plug for a product I’m very fond of. Marvin, a mid-priced window manufacturer, makes a really nice product called a Tilt Pac. This product is available with bare wood on the inside and outside which can be painted or stained to match the frame, sill and surroundings of your old window sashes (the sashes are the parts of a double-hung window that slide up and down). They come with double glazing, which will keep your house warmer and reduce sound to an amazing degree. The Tilt-Pac sash replacement kit does not require the entire window to be replaced, and in my experience most windows that are in trouble do not require their frame or sill to be replaced. Likewise, the double glazing (insulated glass) does not require trashing all the old window components. 

The Tilt-Pac has a vinyl side panel that is not noticeable except under close inspection, and it helps greatly in decreasing the air leaks so common in old wooden windows. Lastly, these windows are relatively easy to install, and you nascent wood-butchers and wannabe contractors may find this a manageable project to take on, especially if you have a pro help with the first one.  

Remember that even the humblest of our old houses are historic treasures, and deserves your attention. So consider saying adios to your aluminum windows so your neighbors and friends won’t have to be ferclampeted either, Jed. 

Dear Matt: 

Help! My house has a flat “built-up” silver roof which was replaced 14 years ago. I now have multiple leaks: one in the kitchen which comes through the ceiling and a few in the bedroom addition which show up as puddles on the floor in at least three places around the room. I didn’t discover the bedroom leaks until recently when I pulled up the wall to wall carpet because it was soaked in one corner. I think these leaks have been going on for awhile so I’m sure I have damage to more than just the roof. But back to the roof—I’ve had various roofers come to look and give me estimates and now I’m more confused than ever. Firms that I’ve read about as being good have said on the one hand, “Most of the roof looks good, we can patch it for $650 and it will most likely take care of the problem,” to “This roof is not worth fixing,” and the recommendation to replace it with a single-ply IB roof to the tune of $16,000. Most of the roof does look good but there are multiple cracks around the perimeter and the areas around the downspouts look particularly funky and have been patched a few times already by friends. One person suggested a netting around the perimeter lip that was sealed with roofing gunk. That would cost $1,500. Any suggestions? 

Mary Baker 

Dear Mary: 

Sounds like you need a new roof. Sadly most built-up roofs fail in the first 15 years and require replacement or additional layers. I do not favor adding layers to such a roof as it is already quite heavy. The sure sign that you’re ready for a new roof is the fact that you have leaks in a number of places. Were you to have just one leak, I might suggest a repair but you’re no longer fighting the good fight and it’s time to raise the white flag. The idea of you getting an IB CPA (Co-polymer Alloy) roof at the price you’ve stated is exciting but might be overkill. A modified bitumen roof is also quite a good choice for very low slope situations and can last much longer than the built-up you have now. Since IB roofs are only installed by certified installers, you might not hear about alternate choices from that particular roofer (if they’re fully engaged in the IB business). Since I don’t know the size of your roof or other critical issues, it’s hard to gauge whether the IB price was competitive but modified bitument will probably be less and quite viable. 

Best of luck, 

Matt Cantor 

Got a question about home repairs and inspections? Send them to Matt Cantor, in care of East Bay Home & Real Estate, at realestate@berkeleydailyplanet.com.u

If you have a child on your gift list this year, and he or she looks susceptible, it’s time to pass on that benign garden bug. It doesn’t need to be missionary work to infect the kids around you (and you don’t get a toaster); just let them play in the mud with the right tools like the rest of us.  

Many “kid” tools are insulting to the kids and the work: puny and unsatisfying in the hand, easily broken, and, worst of al, ineffective. What could be more discouraging than chipping away at a stubborn patch of dirt with the equivalent of a plastic teaspoon? Fortunately, some decent tools for junior are showing up. Even so, tools designated for children might be as unnecessary as they are easily outgrown. 

Many youngsters do just fine with regular tools; Felco, for example, makes a pruning shear sized for smallish hands. Tools for use on houseplants or bonsai are a good size for small folk’s projects, but get solid stuff, not skinny, fragile plastic. For really young kids, you can pad the handles if necessary with bright tape, foam, pencil grips, or even the adaptive grips made for elderly or arthritic hands.  

Consider D-handled spades or lady (aka flower) shovels as a concession to size, and teach a child to use her weight on a spade or fork in order to lift efficiently. Notice which of your tools your child picks up most often and hangs onto longest. A small, lightweight watering can—pick one up and test it for balance as well as weight—or a rake made for small spaces might help; seed-dispensing gadgets are good for small, inexperienced hands. 

Amusing plants are good: squiggly Hankow willow; big, silly California Channel Island coreopsis; seeds for scarlet runner bean, yard-long bean; bush impatiens with its explosive seedpods. Radish and scallion seeds provide quick gratification; catnip amuses more than the cat; sunflowers and pumpkins and cherry tomatoes are classics. Skip the foxglove, oleander, and hellebore, if the child or the child’s friends or the child’s friends’ tag-along little brother might mistake the patch for a salad bar. 

If you have a garden and the child lives near you, a plot of one’s own is a handsome present. The trick is to give the ground to the child and then stand back. No orders; advice only when asked. You may have a buffalo wallow as a unique garden feature for a few years, or an action-figure slaughterfest. Be sure this is a space you can give freely, maybe one you won’t actually have to look at: the back forty behind the laurel hedge, or that bit by the garage she likes to dig in already. Nothing toxic, like the shade-tree mechanic’s former dump. Marking the space with stakes and red ribbon and a sign makes it look like a gift, and those conscious of property and propriety (as small kids are, however the rest of us might feel) might want to draw up a deed for the new owner. The recipient of your gift might surprise you and grow big fat squash next spring.  

Ron Sullivan is a professional gardener and arborist.

Oy vey! The winter solstice is upon us, and the Christians are at it again. A friend has e-mailed me what he calls an “outline” for an editorial—it’s a collection of unbelievable stories about silly things being done in the name of Christ as the holidays approach. Top billing this year goes to the campaign by elements of the organized Christian (self-described) right wing to ban the use of the greeting “Happy Holidays” by the president. Huh? As much as I dislike the man, surely he does retain the right to greet his friends anyway he wants at any time of the year, with the possible exception of saying “Sieg Heil,” which might be considered in bad taste.  

Women, the traditional arbiters of culture and tradition, usually try to make nice when people start squabbling. My e-mail outline included a sensible column by Ellen Goodman on the real roots of the Christmas celebration we’ve come to consider “traditional,” pointing out that all that stuff about the evergreens and the mistletoe actually goes back to the definitely not-Christian Druids. That’s why my Puritan ancestors in New England thought that Christmas-keeping needed to be banned. They also disliked the unseemly joviality that characterized the festivities of the Catholics in England, which they’d come to America to escape: all that “merry gentlemen” stuff. Goodman characterizes her own extended family as heirs to all the various cultures that have gone into our holiday celebrations. Cynthia Tucker, who writes for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, is another sensible woman who comes from a Christian cultural tradition not too different from that of the religious right, though from the African-American branch. She reminds us that “there’s nothing in the Gospels about …knocking down other shoppers to get to discounted personal computers.” She also points out that the celebration of the birth of Jesus was moved to December in the first place in order to provide a distraction from the excesses of the Saturnalia solstice festivities of the Romans. 

But not all Christians agree, it seems. Another piece in my e-mail stocking from my correspondent was an article noting that many of the megachurches which have sprung up everywhere under quasi-Christian auspices will have no Sunday services on Dec. 25 this year, presumably to allow parishioners to give the gift-orgy their undivided attention. One can’t help cynically concluding that they’ve calculated a possible decline in the contents of the collection basket and concluded that the take is not worth the cost of the heating bill to stay open. 

Farther afield, a subset of Christians is suing the State of California because the University of California won’t give admission unit credit to courses from a Protestant Christian high school which uses textbooks reflecting, shall we say, a particular slant on science and history. The nutty attack on evolution comes from a tiny minority of Protestants—the few Catholics who thought they were on the same team had their hands discretely slapped by the Vatican in a little-publicized rebuke a couple of weeks ago. The hierarchy seems to have learned a bit from losing the fight with Galileo—you shouldn’t expect to see a Catholic school teaching that the sun revolves around the earth anytime soon.  

Not, of course, that similar silliness has not sometimes been perpetrated by non-Christians in the name of cultural homogeneity. The Christian over-reaction to inclusive holiday greetings was probably provoked in the first place by the desire of some non-Christmas-keepers to ban any mention of the religious underpinnings of Christmas from the public forum, and especially from the public schools. It’s a tricky question: It’s sad for some kids to feel left out, but it’s a shame to ban the story of a prophet and leader being born in a barn to a homeless migrant mother who “had to get married,” whether it’s true or not. And Hanukkah without the Maccabees, which is a logical extension of the sanitization of holidays, is pointless. School kids can learn about all of the stories which are told about holidays by people around them without the teacher endorsing some stories as being truer than others.  

The unintended consequence of either tactic—subtracting the religious content from holiday stories or limiting legitimacy to the beliefs of one sect of the majority religion—is the Wal-Martization of Christmas. The right wing thinks they’re on the side of good since they’ve successfully lobbied to put Christ back into Wal-Mart. My correspondent has a colorful description of what they’ve done: “They’ve mau-mau’ed Hell-Mart into retreating from their inclusive greeting ‘Happy Holidays, always lower prices on products of Chinese slave labor.’ ” They’re trying to get the Jesus Christ brand for greedy exploitation, not the first time this has been tried, and not the last, for sure.  

One might ask why my correspondent who turns such colorful phrases didn’t write his own rant on this topic. “I can’t actually write this piece up, because I’m Heathen,” he says. “Heathen” is the term used by both the Christian right and Osama to brand unbelievers. Actually, of course, he’s not Heathen, whatever that might be, but simply a not-particularly-observant modern multi-national person with Jewish roots, like many of us in Berkeley.  

Well, the custom at our house is to have an insanely large Christmas tree (free-range, organic) which traditionally requires the assistance of many participants to erect as we get too old to lift it. We’ve noticed that some of our most enthusiastic helpers over the years have been people raised in slightly Jewish homes who missed out on Christmas trees because their parents mistakenly thought they were part of the Christian religion. My correspondent would fit right in. 

On such occasions, as on other festive occasions during the dark season, we traditionally offer the greeting preferred by our ancestors: “Merry Christmas!” (that’s the Anglicans and the Catholics, not the Puritans, of course.) Some participants respond with the neutral “Happy Holidays”; others use the more committed “Happy Hanukkah.” We don’t turn anyone away, regardless of what greeting they prefer, because we really need their help in putting the damn thing up. This might be a metaphor for the America condition. Or not. 

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On Monday it will have been three years since the O’Malley family paid a few thousand dollars for the name and distribution boxes of the original version of the Berkeley Daily Planet. A few old Macs and some horrendous metal desks were thrown in gratis. 

Since then, we’ve won a number of prizes and gotten considerable satisfaction from keeping East Bay residents informed about news that affects their lives. We take full credit for the striking improvement in Berkeley coverage on the part of the metropoli tan dailies—we’ve finally shamed them out of doing only “Berzerkley” stories. By almost any measure, the editorial content of our paper is a critical success. 

We’ve also spent considerably more money than our original investment just keeping the paper af loat. Conventional wisdom in the business is that it takes five years for a new publication to break even, and by that standard we’re on target. But it is still puzzling to us why a number of long-established Berkeley businesses refuse to advertise in the Planet.  

A very few of them have told our advertising sales representatives that they’re offended by our habit of giving exposure to both popular and unpopular points of view on controversial topics, especially questions concerning Israel and Palestine. There’s not much we can do about that, since we firmly believe that there’s no point in supporting a paper that censors information that advertisers might object to. But for the vast majority of potential advertisers who don’t have political objections t o our open-door policy it seems that Daily Planet advertising is a good opportunity. 

What does the Planet offer advertisers? 

It is the best way to reach readers from all over the world who think of the Berkeley area as an exciting destination for shopping, dining and entertainment. We have many readers who learn about Berkeley from reading the Planet on the Internet, and eventually show up here as tourists. And Bay Area businesses which want unique insider access to the East Bay’s fertile consumer base, in both flatlands and hill areas, advertise in the Planet. They appreciate the excellent demographic profile of Berkeley and the surrounding areas.  

Here’s why the Planet is unique: 

It’s the East Bay’s only locally published and independently owned newspaper. It serves not only Berkeley itself but the cities around it, including Albany, El Cerrito, Alameda, Richmond, Oakland, Emeryville and Piedmont. Many of our readers live, work or go to school in Berkeley, but the paper is distributed as far north as Point Richmond, and as far south as Oakland’s neighborhoods near Mills College. 

According to an official City of Berkeley survey, the Daily Planet has the highest readership percentage among Berkeley voters of any East Bay paper, and it is also a “mus t-read” for anyone who needs to know what’s going on in surrounding cities. Our own surveys strongly confirm this positioning.  

Because the paper offers in-depth political coverage and feature articles about the cities we serve, with comprehensive calend ars of civic and cultural events, readers keep the twice-weekly issues longer and read them more carefully than the “lite” dailies or entertainment weeklies. Our new East Bay Home and Real Estate section offers valuable service articles plus comprehensive listings. It is widely read both by would-be buyers and by homeowners, many of whom will eventually become for-sale listings.  

Increasingly, businesses from outside Berkeley are starting to appreciate our ability to attract sophisticated readers. Montcl air Village, a charming retail enclave in the Oakland Hills only minutes from Berkeley on Highway 13, has been a strong supporter of both our real estate section and our holiday shopping guide, for example.  

We’ve always said that “greater Berkeley” is a n attitude, a state of mind, and that greater Berkeley customers are to be found in all sorts of unexpected places. But perhaps this has something to do with the relative complacency exhibited by businesses located in Berkeley itself: “We don’t need to ad vertise, because our location says it all.” This might have been true in the past, but we note with sadness that sales tax revenue from downtown Berkeley seems to be taking a nosedive, according to a speaker at a Downtown Berkeley Association seminar rece ntly attended by our publisher. He quotes her as saying that the new apartments sprouting up downtown don’t always produce customers for every kind of store. They’re mainly bringing in young males looking to buy pizza, like her own son, she said. It’s possible that businesses looking for a different kind of customer would benefit from advertising in the Planet.  

Internet buying is often blamed for local business’s lost sales. That’s partly true, but the other side of the coin is that Berkeley businesses like Peet’s and Cody’s which are growing into chains and establishing Internet presence should be aware that our website gets thousands of hits every day, many from cities where they’d like to be attracting customers. 

Since the 1920s the news media have been supported by commercial advertisers, and there’s not much likelihood that this will change in the near future. No major papers are anywhere close to being supported by newsstand or subscription revenues, partly because the cost of collection exceeds the return. We’ve talked about trying some sort of MoveOn-like click-through web subscription, but most web-based publications still don’t break even. 

We continue to regard our advertisers as our principal partners in this enterprise, and we appreciate their support and participation. We believe that when their businesses succeed because the Daily Planet helps them find customers, we’ll succeed too.  

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