Berkeley will challenge a four-year-old police union suit against the city, said City Attorney Manuela Albuquerque at Tuesday night’s City Council meeting. 

A court hearing on the challenge is slated for Nov. 14 at 9 a.m. in Alameda County Superior Court. 

Albuquerque was reporting out a decision made jointly in closed session by a unanimous council and Police Review Commission. 

The suit against the city alleges that PRC hearings “violate the statutory and contractual rights of the officers” who are compelled to appear publicly at the inquiries. 

The Berkeley Police Officers Association says these hearings involve personnel matters, which should be confidential. 

The city will argue that, since the city manager and police chief are responsible for disciplining officers, the BPOA complaint is invalid. Only the disciplinary measures are confidential, Albuquerque says. 

Police Review Commission hearings on complaints against officers were suspended last month in response to a California Supreme Court decision, Copley Press vs. San Diego County, which, Albuquerque says is similar to the BPOA case. 

Albuquerque says in both cases the privacy of personnel matters applies to the discipline an officer receives, but not a review of the complaint against an officer, as performed by the PRC. 

If the city challenge is successful on Nov. 14, hearings on complaints against police officers will resume after that date.  

Meanwhile PRC Chair Sharon Kidd underscores that the public should continue to submit its complaints and they will be investigated. They will be heard by the PRC Board of Inquiry, however, only after resolution of the BPOA case. 

New plans for some of Berkeley’s more notable landmarks were presented to the Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) Thursday, with two receiving qualified but unofficial endorsements. 

Act I & Act II 

While architects are laboring to design extravaganzas for the north side of Berkeley’s most heavily traveled block, Patrick Kennedy’s designers are planning a smaller project on the south. 

That northern side of Center Street between the UC Campus and Shattuck Avenue receives the most pedestrian traffic of any roadway in Berkeley and is already the target of major UC expansion plans. 

Both a new high-rise hotel and a lavish museum complex are now in the design stage, and the street itself may undergo radical alterations depending on the work of the citizens helping to draft a new downtown plan. 

The building before the LPC is the old Ennor’s Restaurant Building at 2128-2130 Center St., which, until its March 26 closing, housed the Act I & Act II Theater. 

LPC members got a sneak preview of one concept for Kennedy’s restoration of the structure, minus the two additional stories his representative said are being considered. 

The presentation included a photograph of the theater as it now stands, alongside a digitally created image showing the facade opened and the first floor transformed into a restaurant. 

Kennedy has agreed to buy the venerable turn-of-the-last century structure, and escrow is expected to close within the next two months, said Cara Houfer, who works for Kennedy’s Panoramic Interests. 

The landmarking application was drafted by preservationist and retired planner John English, who said that “One reason I enjoyed writing it” was because “in recent decades I attended dozens of screenings” in the theater. 

The structure is already listed on the State Historic Resources Inventory, along with the two structures immediately to the west. 

“We do not have any interest in removing the historical aspects of the building,” said Houfer. “We want to restore some of the more interesting aspects and make it more lively.” 

Kennedy, Berkeley’s biggest developer over the last decade, had asked commissioners to postpone action on English’s application until their Nov. 2 meeting, and the LPC agreed. 

Freight & Salvage 

The commission also got a look at architect Donn Logan’s plans for the new home of Berkeley’s ever-popular Freight & Salvage Coffee House, which will be relocating 10 blocks north from its current home at 1111 Addison St. to two buildings at 2020-2026 Addison. 

Though neither of the two buildings is a city landmark, 2020 Addison—the old Stadium Garage, built in 1928—is listed on the SHRI, a fact that brought it before the LPC for review. 

“This is a really thrilling project,” said LPC member and architect Gary Parsons. 

“It’s a perfect addition to the district,” said colleague Steven Winkel. 

“I think it’s a really cool project,” said Burton Edwards, a preservation architect and LPC member. 

“It will be really great to have you guys uptown,” said Lesley Emmington, perhaps the LPC’s staunchest preservationist. 

The 38-year-old non-profit is a mainstay of the Berkeley entertainment world, and its new location across from the Berkeley Repertory Theater brings the popular music venue into the heart of the downtown arts and entertainment district. 

Logan’s design calls for joining the interiors of the two structures and raising the rear of the new conjoined building. 

Elmwood Hardware 

More praise, some of it modestly qualified, came for Tad Laird, owner and operator of the landmarked Bolfing’s Elmwood Hardware at 2947-93 College Ave. in the heart of Berkeley’s Elmwood district. 

Built in 1923 and in continuous service as a neighborhood hardware store the last eight decades, the store would be restored to its former glory, and topped by new floors that would add storage and three residential units above the store. 

Laird and his architects, Charles Kahn and Todd Poliskin of Kahn Design Associates of Berkeley, have been working closely with an LPC subcommittee to refine their design prior to submitting the project to the city for permits. 

“The main goal is to design this with a public space focus,” said Laird. “It’s an important building in the heart of the neighborhood and we are posting all the designs and drawings on the Kitchen Democracy web site because it has been our intention from the start to get as much feedback and comment from the public as possible.” 

That information is available online at www.kitchendemocracy.org/berkeley/elmwood_hardware/experts. 

Downtown plan 

LPC Chair Robert Johnson reported on the commission’s role in creating the new downtown plan mandated by settlement of the city’s lawsuit challenged UC Berkeley’s 2020 Long Range Development Plan. 

The Downtown Area Plan Advisory Committee (DAPAC) and the LPC have formed a joint subcommittee to work on landmarks issues to be addressed in the plan, and that body met once in September and will meet again on Oct. 25. 

The city has hired Architectural Resources Group (ARG) of San Francisco to work with DAPAC on identifying historic structures and resources in the downtown, and John English told the commission he had reviewed the matrix ARG is preparing to map downtown resources “and I found several dozen mistakes.” 

Johnson said he would raise the issue during the subcommittee’s next meeting.

The proverbial playing field on which the Berkeley mayoral and City Council races are being played—at least as far as campaign cash is concerned—is far from level, according to the most recent financial filing statements released Oct. 5.  

In the mayoral race, incumbent Mayor Tom Bates, who’s raised about $74,000, has netted about three times the funds of his challenger, former Planning Commission Chair Zelda Bronstein, who has picked up about $24,000 in donations. Another challenger, Christian Pecaut, has raised $250 and Zachary Running Wolf has filed no campaign finance statement.  

In Berkeley a donor cannot contribute more than $250. 

A close look at statements filed last week, covering July 1 to Sept. 30, shows that Bates picked up $25,299 from 147 contributors, while Bronstein raised $7,188 from 64 donors. Bronstein ended September with about $5,400 on hand, while Bates still had $53,500 in the bank.  

The bulk of Bates’ contributions come in the $200-$250 range (56 percent of the contributions) while Bronstein has the bulk of hers in the $100-$199 range (41 percent of her contributors). 

Bates has strong support from 13 people identifying themselves as developers or realtors. Most of them gave the maximum $250 donation. Of note are several individuals associated with Richmond developer Oliver & Company: Steven Friedland, construction manager; Richard Spickard, another construction manager; and Josh Oliver, senior vice president. In Berkeley Oliver & Company’s projects include the Berkeley Repertory Theatre, Pyramid Brewery, senior housing and others. 

Other developer-donors include Patrick Kennedy, of Panoramic Interests; Carle Hirahara and Takeo Hirahara, director and CEO, respectively, of Lamorinda Development; and John Gordon of Gordon Commercial. 

There are at least 10 university professors among Bates’ contributors, including Fred Collignon, of UC Berkeley’s planning department and a former councilmember, and Alan Gould. While Gould and Collignon put up $250 each, most of the others donated around $100. 

Another category of mostly $250 donors to the Bates campaign are elected officials and their staffs or their spouses and aspiring elected officials. The Planet counted nine donations in this category. Contributors include Wilma Chan, Oakland assemblymenber; Tony Thurmond, a candidate for the Richmond City council; Carol Liu, assemblymenber from Pasadena; Sheila Kuehl, state senator from Pasadena as well as a check from her chief of staff. Councilmember Max Anderson also contributed to Bates. 

Other contributors of note are Berkeley Bowl owners Diane and Glenn Yasuda, who gave $250 each; environmentalist Norman La Force; progressive activist Judy Ann Alberti and the Berkeley Federation of Teachers. 

The bulk of Bronstein’s support appears to come from neighborhood activists, including Rosemary Vimont, Janice Thomas, Jim Sharp, Clifford Fred and Prakash Pinto. Other donors of note are environmentalist Jill Korte, Urban Ore managers Mary Lou Deventer and Dan Knapp, and the Progressive Democrats of the East Bay. 

A former university professor herself, Bronstein has five faculty members on her list of contributors, including Mark Nicas of UC Berkeley and Cynthia Brown of UC Santa Barbara. 

District 7 

Fundraising in District 7 is also lopsided, but in this case, challenger George Beier has the bulk of the funds ($44,000), $12,000 of which comes from loans from himself and another $6,000 from other loans. During August and September, Beier raised about $22,000 in donations. 

Incumbent Kriss Worthington has raised $19,000 total, having picked up $6,000 this period. He has debts of $207. 

Beier has contributions from at least 14 people self-identified with the real estate industry, including Donald Yost and Robert Cabrera. Four members of the Lineweaver family—John (in real estate), Andy (in property management), Rose (a homemaker) and Hans (in property mortgage)—each contributed $250. 

Three of Beier’s contributors are students.  

Beier also has donations from Councilmember Betty Olds and School Board member Shirley Issel. 

About 45 percent of Beier’s 190 contributions are from donors giving less than $100 and 24 percent come from those contributing $200 to $250. 

Worthington received funds from 46 contributors, with 37 percent coming from people who donated less than $100 and 26 percent donating $200 or more. 

Among the elected officials from whom he received funds are Councilmembers Dona Spring and Darryl Moore and Alameda County School Board member Gay Cobb. He also got funds from Assemblymember elect Sandre Swanson, Andy Katz, running for EBMUD director, and Pam Webster, running for Berkeley Rent Stabilization Board. 

Funds also come from community activists, including Michael Katz, Juliet Lamont, Carrie Olson, Judy-Ann Alberti and Sharon Maldonado. 

Worthington also got a donation from the Progressive Democrats of the East Bay. 

While Worthington turned in his Oct. 5 statement on the morning of Oct. 6, Beier admits that he has yet to rectify accounting for a $6,500 poll done by David Binder Research in June. (His forms indicate that he has paid part of what he owes Binder, but do not indicate when he contracted with the researcher.) 

Worthington has spent some $8,000 on literature and lawn signs and paid about $1,800 for office rent. His campaign manager for the first two months was Nancy Carleton, a part-time volunteer. Worthington says he will have a full-time manager for the remaining month of the campaign.) 

Beier has spent about $9,000 on three campaign staffers and $6,000 on MSHC, a political consulting firm specializing, according to its website, in “mail, targeting, internet.” He’s spent about $500 on ads in the on-line website, Facebook. 

Beier has spent about $750 for three months of rent for the Telegraph Avenue office he shares with Councilmember Gordon Wozniak. 

District 8 

In the District 8 race, in which incumbent Councilmember Gordon Wozniak faces challenger Rent Board member Jason Overman, Wozniak has a large cash advantage, having raised $34,000 so far for the race. He got about $10,000 from 71 people in contributions during the recent filing period and has a balance of about $7,500.  

Overman, who entered the race late, received only about $4,000 from 23 contributors and borrowed $10,500 from himself.  

His contributors include councilmembers Dona Spring and Kriss Worthington, six students and his parents, Ted and Julie Overman. He also got a contribution from the Committee to Defend Affordable Housing and Progressive Democrats of the East Bay. 

He has spent about $1,000 on literature, and has about $13,000 in hand.  

Among Wozniak’s contributors are several UC Berkeley professors, including Fred Collignon, political science professor Gene Rochlin and computer science professor Richard Fateman.  

Other Wozniak donors are realtors Faye Keogh and Anne Van Dyke of the Grubb Company and landlord John Koenigshofer. 

Also contributing are Francis Macy, educator with the Earth Island Institute, and Jeanne Smith, an attorney with the city of Berkeley. Wozniak points out that 80 percent of his donors live in District 8. 

Wozniak has spent about $1,200 on four months rent for the office he is renting from Ed Munger. Wozniak said he and Beier split the $500 per month rent. “It’s market rate for a temporary office,” Wozniak said. 

Wozniak also has paid about $15,000 in salaries to his campaign staff, three of whom are the same staffers Beier is using: Nara Dahlbacka, R.J. Kaufman, and B. Frederick. He noted that only two of the staffers are currently on the payroll. 

The Daily Planet will look more closely at the District 4 and District 1 races, including campaign finance statements in subsequent editions. 

Complete finance statements are posted on the city clerk’s web site at http://www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/elections/candidates/default.htm 

Berkeley City Council candidate and UC Berkeley student Jason Overman believes in affordable housing and wants to restore funding for the city’s police and fire departments if he gets elected this year. He also spends a lot of time making friends on Facebook.com. 

However, Overman is not the only candidate who is spending time on Facebook—the popular social networking site that has become ubiquitous at schools across the country—to connect with students before the Nov. 7 election. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is doing it too, and so are hundreds of politicians all over the United States. 

All four Berkeley City Council candidates running in the two districts that cover most of the UC Berkeley community have staked out ground on Facebook. 

As e-mail has become an important way to campaign, Facebook is an additional way a lot of candidates are getting their message to potential student voters this year. With more than 9.5 million registered users spread across 40,000 networks, primarily connected with schools, Facebook is the seventh most trafficked website in the country today. 

“Facebook is the future of campaigning,” Overman said. “It has taken elections to an entirely new level. There’s nothing like using technology that is popular with the present generation in order to reach out to them.” 

Incumbent Gordon Wozniak, Overman’s opponent in the District 8 council race, also has a personal account on Facebook as a UC Berkeley alumni but doesn’t have a political group yet. 

“Students are very wired these days,” Wozniak said. “I am thinking of setting up a group soon.” 

George Beier, running for the District 7 Berkeley City Council seat, has 207 members on his Facebook site, with which he said he began to communicate with students who lived in the district. 

“Students have always been a challenging constituency to reach,” he said. “Facebook allows me to effectively share my plans to reduce crime, revive Telegraph and establish a student district. So far I have been getting some great feedback from them.” 

Councilmember Kriss Worthington, running against Beier, also has a group on Facebook. 

“Students for Kriss was set up by students working on my campaign,” Worthington said. “I gave them the freedom to create it because I think it’s important to use every kind of communication to answer people’s questions. However it still remains to be seen how successful a campaign method this turns out to be.” 

Overman, registered as a UC Berkeley student with Facebook, created the group “Elect Cal Student Jason Overman to Berkeley City Council” two months ago. His site claims 374 members consisting of students from UC Berkeley, Stanford, University of Pennsylvania and several other universities. 

“Eighteen- to 25-year-olds have the lowest voter turnout in the country,” Overman said. “Since Facebook has an election section now, I think it’s a great way of letting them know that their vote is important.” 

Overman added that although community members often feel that UC Berkeley students do not feel invested in the local community, this was not the case. 

“Maybe they don’t have time to attend city hall meetings, but that’s another reason why we need to reach out to them more often,” he said. “I get messages from students on Facebook who want to talk about crime and affordable housing. UCB students are one of the most vulnerable groups in the case of an earthquake in Berkeley. They want to know more about disaster preparedness. We haven’t heard about their concerns before because they were never given an outlet for them. Facebook is helping to bridge that gap between students and the local residents. How can we have a local election and leave out students who form one of the most important sections of our community?” 

Anna Thongthap is one of the UC Berkeley students who joined Jason Overman’s Facebook group. Students care about Berkeley neighborhoods issues, she said. 

“We have a major investment in what goes on in local politics, but we don’t always know how to make a difference,” Throngthap said. “When campaigns target voters, they often write off our generation as not worth their effort. We are seen as a generation that doesn’t vote. But we vote when we are given a reason to, and believe me, I am voting this year.” 

Alan Lightfeldt, a political economy of industrial societies major at UC Berkeley, has indicated his support for District 7 candidate Beier on Facebook. 

“I joined the group because I know George and I have supported him all along,” he said. “I want to show people where I stand.” 

There are others, like UC Berkeley freshman Elizabeth Hopper, who are skeptical about Facebook as a vehicle for political action. 

“The campaigns that are up there haven’t changed my mind about whom I want to support because there’s not enough information about the candidates and their policies,” she said. 

According to Beier, students started joining his group after student group meetings organized by the ASUC and others. 

“It’s a more environment-friendly and cost-effective way of campaigning,” he said. “The bad thing about Facebook is if I spend more time on it, it takes away time from the other parts of my campaign.” 

Worthington, who said he has helped more students get appointed and elected to city positions than any other Berkeley councilmember, said that students have contributed immensely towards his campaign this year, and his Facebook site is an extension of that effort. 

“It’s their ideas I look forward to hearing,” he said. “The enthusiasm they are bringing to my campaign is just amazing. Getting young people involved is one of the first steps towards creating a better community.”

Ten minutes before opening time at the Milo Foundation’s Solano Avenue pet adoption store on Wednesday morning, volunteers are busy taking care of Petey, the 1-year-old yorkshire terrier diagnosed with canine flu. 

“We almost thought we would lose him because he had most of the symptoms of leukemia, but thankfully it’s just the flu,” said Milo founder and director Lynne Tingle, as she handed a raw-hide bone to Guyus, the bull mastiff pup who had been found starving on Berkeley’s streets. 

Volunteers at the pet adoption store said they are gearing up to face the many challenges that they and the animals might face in the coming months. 

“It’s not just the harsh winter we are worried about,” Tingle said. “We are also concerned about weathering the political storm of being on Solano Avenue in Berkeley—with dogs.” 

A group of neighbors have protested Milo’s operation on Solano, arguing that the non-profit has sullied the neighborhood with all-hours barking, drainage problems and dog feces. 

On Sept. 19, Berkeley’s Zoning Adjustments Board delayed granting Milo a use permit to authorize the adoption agency’s continued use and plans for 1575 Solano Ave. and 1572 Capistrano Ave. 

Milo was asked to come back to Thursday’s ZAB meeting with concrete plans for the proposed project and address some of the neighbors’ concerns about noise and cleanliness in the meantime.  

If the adoption agency gets the permit on Thursday, it will be able to have a new door, window and landscaping on the Capistrano facade, a new driveway gate, an open space area, and new windows on the Solano facade. 

Tingle said she had sent out a letter to neighbors about ways Milo will try to make the service more compatible with the community. She said she had given out her cell phone number so that neighbors can reach her at any time if they hear barking.  

“Insulated, double-pane windows will be installed in the Capistrano building by mid-October,” Tingle said. “We want to build an internal wall that will divide the storefront and the back space on Capistrano that will help contain the sound, but we need the building permit to do that.” 

Neighbors, however, continue to view Milo as a nuisance and have asked ZAB to shut it down.  

Kristen Schnepp, a resident of Miramar Avenue, said that residents were still facing problems from odors, traffic, and parking problems.  

“Those who walk by the Capistrano side of Milo are assaulted by odors, most noticeably in warm weather,” she complained to ZAB. “Feces left on sidewalks and in yards are often not picked up by the Milo volunteers.” 

Tingle, however, told the Planet that efforts had been stepped up to clean up animal waste in the Milo backyard as well as on neighborhood sidewalks. 

“Neighbors complain that we don’t clean up after our dogs,” she said. “However, it could also be feces left over from other dogs being walked in the neighborhood.” 

Volunteers have also been sent out with “poop scoops” and bottles to spray Natures Miracle on lamp posts, fire hydrants, and other places that dogs frequent. 

Jane Tierney, another resident of Solano, said that she was worried about the health risks the fecal matter and urine presented for the public.  

“Unless Milo is able to create the functional means to maintain their facility as other professional shelters do, they should not house animals,” she said.  

Milo has also discontinued using the driveway as a dog enclosure and romping space. Once they receive the permit from ZAB, Tingle said she wants to create two sound-insulated and ventilated rooms downstairs on Capistrano to contain dogs and puppies at night. Ventilation systems with filters to keep the animals comfortable and prevent odors are also being planned. 

“We are going to do everything we can to bend over backwards and keep the dogs quiet and the neighborhood clean,” Tingle said. “We love our work. It is everything for me and most of the volunteers who work here. All we are asking is a chance from the city and our neighbors to help make it better.” 

Today’s (Tuesday) Berkeley City Council meeting will meet in closed session for a continued discussion of the lawsuits that caused the city attorney to suspend all Police Review Commission hearings on complaints against Berkeley police officers. 

The discussion will be closed to the public, although the community can speak at a comment period beginning at 5 p.m. The meeting is on the sixth floor of the city administration building at 2180 Milvia St. 

Gaia cultural use 

On its regular agenda, which starts at 7 p.m., the council will address the controversy around cultural uses at the Gaia Building, 2116 Allston Way. The city allowed Gaia developer Patrick Kennedy to build two stories higher than normally permitted in exchange for promising cultural uses at the building.  

Questions have arisen, however, around the definition of “culture use,” the number of cultural uses mandated and how many cultural events must be held on weekends.  

City planning staff is calling on the council to legalize work performed on the building without permits and to accept a defined time that must be reserved for performances, and the number of performance days that must be allocated for weekends. 

The staff report concludes: “Non-cultural uses are allowed provided the performance standards are met and cultural performances have priority in scheduling.” 

Anna De Leon, owner of Anna’s Jazz Island, located in the Gaia building, argues that Kennedy is being permitted to report various events as cultural uses which should not qualify, such as church services and dinners for UC Berkeley’s journalism and business schools. 

“It’s absurd,” De Leon said, in a phone interview. “It’s asking the fox to look over the chickens.” 

In a letter to De Leon, Gaia arts manager Gloria Atherstone argues that the church meeting on the premises is “open to the public” and “incorporates music, literature and spiritual regeneration to the community at large.” It further argues that De Leon “incorrectly classifies several functions as private, when in fact they are cultural (including) … educational seminars, non-profit meetings, non-profit fundraisers…” 

Other matters 

The council will also discuss: 

• Approving permits for construction of a commercial-residential structure at Harrison Street and San Pablo Avenue, opposed by a number of neighbors. 

• The outline and elements of a sunshine ordinance—an ordinance to expand state laws opening community participation in local government. 

• Funding a campus neighborhood watch program. 

• Appropriating funds for the winter shelter program. 

• Approving nine traffic circles including one at Mathews and Oregon streets, one at California and Fairview streets and one at Ellis and Fairview streets. 

• Waiving permit fees for installation of solar panels as a local incentive to solarization. 

• A resolution calling on California’s congressional representatives “to not violate the U.S. Constitution by ignoring the U.S.-signed 1994 International Convention Against Torture.” 

The City Council will meet as the Berkeley Housing Authority at 6:20 p.m. It will focus on the status of the agency whose deficiencies have been cited by the Housing and Urban Development Department (HUD). 

The council meeting and the Housing Authority meeting will take place in the council chambers at 2134 Martin Luther King, Jr. Way. 

Discovery of radium in the soil at Richmond’s Booker T. Anderson Park and the results of other radiation testing along the city’s southeastern shoreline will lead off a Thursday night meeting at the Richmond Civic Center. 

The gathering is one of the ongoing monthly meetings of the Community Advisory Group (CAG) created by the Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) to advise on ongoing cleanup of contaminated sites, most notably Campus Bay and the UC Berkeley Richmond Field Station. 

Those two adjoining properties were contaminated with a variety of lethal and cancer-causing chemicals in the course of a century of manufacturing. 

DTSC was given jurisdiction over the properties after many of the same citizens later named to the CAG organized in protest of the state Regional Water Quality Control Board’s jurisdiction. 

Thursday’s meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. in the Richmond Civic Center, 403 Civic Center Plaza. 

The first agenda item is a report by the CAG’s Toxic Committee, which will feature discussion of the discovery of radioactive compounds at the site. 

According to tests conducted by a consultant hired by DTSC, radium levels found at the park are more than 40 times the allowable limit for residential areas. Higher levels are allowed for non-residential areas, where people are not present for extended periods. 

Dr. Michael S. Esposito, a retired researcher from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory who reviewed the findings for the CAG, has criticized the testing methods used. 

“We would like to see more extensive testing done because Dr. Esposito has told us that the results indicate that more refined tests are needed,” said Sherry Padgett, who works in a business next to the Campus Bay site. 

Dr. Jean Rabovsky, a retired toxicologist who heads the CAG Toxic Committee, will lead the discussion. 

Barbara Cook, chief of DTSC’s Site Mitigation and Brownfields Reuse Program, will report on the latest developments at several sites under the CAG’s purview. 

UC Berkeley’s choice of an architect for a new downtown museum and film center complex won only big thumbs up from those who commented on it at last week’s meeting of the Downtown Area Plan Advisory Committee (DAPAC). 

But committee members’ own, often conflicting, visions for the downtown skyline sent thumbs twitching in all directions, some of them aimed at city planning staff. 

The event was the latest gathering of the panel responsible for formulating concepts for a new plan for the heart of Berkeley. 

BAM/PFA 

Kevin Consey, director of the Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive (BAM/PFA), offered the latest in his series of pitches for the $125 million project planned at the site of the UC Press Building. 

“This will be the largest investment in downtown Berkeley since the 1973 BART station,” he said. 

Museum officials picked Japanese architect Toyo Ito to design a building that will occupy the western half of the block between Oxford Street on the east, Shattuck Avenue on the west and Addison and Center streets of the north and south, respectively. 

“I find it really exciting that we are looking at such really exciting architecture,” said DAPAC member and former City Councilmember Mim Hawley. 

“Our intent is that it will be an architectural landmark for the East Bay,” replied Consey. 

While architecture seems inherently most akin to sculpture because it’s three- dimensional, Consey said the building might embody the two-dimensional filmed image as well through “an animated skin facade that could be used to broadcast films and shorts.” 

With three theaters inside instead of the current one, Consey said, the Pacific Film Archive will be screening films during its entire schedule of opening hours, now envisioned as 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. 

The new building, which will replace the landmarked UC Press Building, will enclose 138,000 square feet above ground, almost precisely half of the allowed 275,000, Consey said. 

A preliminary design should be ready by February, he said. 

Juliet Lamont, a DAPAC member who is an environmental consultant and urban creeks advocate, said she hoped DAPAC members would be able to share their concerns with the architect, including visions of a Center Street plaza that might include a daylighted Strawberry Creek. 

“Mr. Ito is fully aware of all the machinations and inputs related to the downtown and the planning process,” Consey said, including views of the city task force that offered recommendations for the hotel and conference center the university is developing at the western end of the same block. “He will make presentations during the design phase to DAPAC and the landmarks commission and all appropriate entities for comment,” said the official, who added that “it is very much our desire to have it in a green space,” permitting outdoor programs from spring to summer. 

Consey said museum officials have had several meetings with Carpenter and Co., the Boston firm picked by the university to develop the hotel complex. The two developments will share some basic infrastructure elements, he said, including common utility hookups and entrances to the underground parking facilities planned for both. 

Visions on paper 

While Consey’s presentation went smoothly, conflicts emerged among attendees when Matt Taecker, the city planner hired to work on the new plan, presented graphics offering the staff’s translation of some of the visions for downtown laid out earlier in essays submitted by DAPAC members.  

While two alternative visions for a greener downtown—“Nature in the City” and “City Beautiful”—sparked some mild disagreement, discussions turned more critical when it came to alternative visions of the future of Berkeley’s skyline. 

City staff had prepared a PowerPoint presentation with slides showing the impact of both the current downtown plan and the alternatives proposed by DAPAC members. including several choices for the placement of high-rise buildings in the urban core. 

Though the city has a nominal five-story limit in most of the area, exceptions derived from the state-mandated inclusionary housing bonus and the city’s own cultural density bonus can result in higher buildings. 

The nine-story Gaia Building incorporated both, as does the Arpeggio, now being built on Center Street across from the new Berkeley City College building. 

Those examples sparked another in the ongoing disputes over the allocation of bonuses, with Planning Commissioner and DAPAC member Gene Poschmann leading off. 

“If Rob Wrenn were here he would have exploded by now,” said Poschmann after Planning Manager Mark Rhoades had explained the application of the bonuses. 

Wrenn, a former planning commissioner now serving on the Transportation Commission, has been a critic of the application of the cultural bonus, which Poschmann said “is being administered entirely differently than was envisioned in the General Plan and in the Downtown Plan.” 

He singled out the Arpeggio, which he said was being allowed to build an additional 65,000 square feet of residential space in exchange for building 10,000 square feet of cultural space. 

“That’s crazy,” said Poschmann, noting that staff had concluded that the Arpeggio’s builders were in fact entitled to build 14 floors. 

One slide that elicited gasps from several members depicted a 10-story building at the northwest corner of the intersection of University and Shattuck avenues, a project that could be made feasible by a combination of bonuses. 

“If you’re actually talking about increasing height, you’re really talking about going above 14 stories,” said Wendy Alfsen. 

Retired UC Berkeley administrator and DAPAC member Dorothy Walker, who has said that she favors taller buildings at some locations, said the group should be focusing on where the taller structures should rise. 

Taecker said the existing downtown plan favors “more of a low-rise scheme” in its call for preserving the scale and historic character of the existing area. 

While some members criticized city staff for offering variations that included more high-rises, particularly in the area surround the BART station, Travis said “This is not staff setting the agenda. This is staff giving us back what we said.” 

Lisa Stephens said she favored a five-story limit along Shattuck, while Hawley said that the downtown could handle “quite stunning buildings that are tall.” 

Patti Dacey said that cheaper building materials used because of skyrocketing building costs meant that new buildings wouldn’t be first rate or be built by first rate architects. She cited a PG&E energy expert’s report stating that five-story buildings were the most energy efficient. 

By the end of the session no consensus had been reached, leaving the discussion open for renewal early next year.

What looks like a light agenda for Wednesday night’s Planning Commission meeting—only two action items are listed—may prove anything but. 

That’s because one of the items is the proposed new Creeks Ordinance, a measure that impacts more than 2,000 Berkeley owners and which has proved more than capable of generating heated comments and prolonged debate. 

The commission will look at zoning ordinance amendments that address mandatory setbacks from open creeks and regulations governing the city’s miles of buried creeks. 

The rules also govern rebuilding of existing homes on or near creeks after they’ve been destroyed by natural disasters and fires. 

The second item on the agenda is a hearing on new zoning regulations designed to serve as incentives for businesses on economically troubled Telegraph Avenue—which has been plagued by a growing number of vacancies. 

Among measures being considered are revisions to allow owners to subdivide existing business spaces and increasing the types of business allowed on the avenue. 

Wednesday’s meeting begins at 7 p.m. in the North Berkeley Senior Center, 1901 Hearst Ave. at Martin Luther King Jr. Way. 

As anticipated, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoed a bill last week that would have given increased notification to California high school students and parents of their right to block their contact information from going to military recruiters. 

In returning Assemblymember Sally Lieber’s (D-Mountain View) AB1778 “release of pupil records bill” without signature, Schwarzenegger wrote, “I believe that schools should maintain the flexibility to develop their own procedures to ensure compliance with state and federal laws without the state dictating how procedures are implemented.” 

The proposed law, which was co-sponsored by Assemblymember Loni Hancock (D-Berkeley) was a response to President George W. Bush’s federal No Child Left Behind Act, which contains a provision that local school districts must give military recruiters access to high school student contact information unless the student or the student’s parents sign a form requesting that the contact information be withheld. 

Proponents of the bill argued that notification of this right to “opt-out” of the military recruitment process is often overlooked by parents or students because it is buried in the back of student handbooks or included in the midst of large numbers of papers that school districts regularly send to parents. AB1778 would have required that the military “opt-out” notification be included on emergency notification cards, which parents must fill out each year and return to the school. 

Proponents argued that in school districts which included the military “opt-out” language in its emergency notification cards, the numbers of students and parents choosing to block contact information going to military recruiters rose dramatically. 

While the bill passed both the Assembly and the state Senate by wide margins, it never gained enough Republican support to overcome a gubernatorial veto. 

Punched for cell 

A pair of bandits rained fists and feet on a 29-year-old Berkeley man at 1:18 a.m. on Sept. 29. A caller told police he’d just seen a pair of attackers pounding another man near the corner of Lincoln and Milvia streets. 

The victim had been yelling, “I don’t have anything,” said the witness. 

But the victim did have something—his cell phone—and once they had it, the baddies, a pair of heavy-set toughs in their late teens to early 20s, boogied. 

Pushing bandits 

A trio of bandits stole the purse of a 42-year-old Berkeley woman after first shoving her to the ground in front of her home in the 1400 block of Cypress Street on the morning of Sept. 29, said Officer Galvan. 

The woman told officers that the robbers, a trio of three men between the ages of 19 and 25, had driven by her home minutes earlier. 

Took the bus 

Two young bandits who claimed they hailed from Richmond robbed a 15-year-old Berkeley youth on the afternoon of Sept. 29 of his iPod and cell phone after they first punched him twice in the back of the head and once in the mouth near the corner of Bancroft Way and McKinley Street. 

The pair then headed for the wheels, an AC Transit bus. 

Gang banged 

The week’s two most serious assaults occurred on Sept. 29, with the first report coming to an emergency dispatcher at 9:17 p.m. 

Officers and emergency workers rushed to the 1700 block of 10th Street, where they found a young man reeling and bleeding from a head wound. 

Questioning revealed that the man had been assaulted with a hammer by his father, who had been drinking heavily. The father, 46, was taken to the county lockup at Santa Rita. 

The attacker’s grandson had witnessed the attack, said Officer Galvan. 

The second assault occurred about 20 minutes later outside Iceland, Berkeley’s endangered skating rink at 2727 Milvia St. 

The victim, a 17-year-old from Richmond, said the incident began earlier in the evening when he was approached on the ice by a group of fellow skaters clad mostly in red who demanded, “What gang do you belong to?,” said Officer Galvan. 

“I’m not saying,” he answered, and the group faded away. 

After he’d packed up his skates and walked into the parking lot, the quartet suddenly reappeared, at least one of them carrying a metal pipe, and began beating him, knocking him to the group and making off with one of his tennis shoes as he lay unconscious. 

He was taken to an emergency room for treatment of his injuries. 

The Alameda County Registrar of Voters office acted quickly this week to try to convince the public that voting in next month’s elections will be secure, inviting reporters on Monday to tour the county’s downtown vote-counting facilities and releasing an independent contractor’s “vulnerability assessment” of the county’s new voting system. 

It was the first day that the registrar’s office was accepting absentee ballots for the November election. 

Last Wednesday, the non-profit Voter Action organization filed a lawsuit in California Superior Court in Oakland against the county and the registrar of voters office, claiming that independent security testing had not been done on the new Sequoia voting machines as required by county supervisors. The lawsuit named three Alameda County voters—Rita Lewis, Sukwah Bernstein, and Jon Barrilleaux—as plaintiffs. 

On Monday, Acting Registrar Dave MacDonald released a 22-page report by Pacific Design Engineering of Pleasanton, concluding that “from a technological perspective, the Sequoia Electronic Voting system acquired by Alameda County, along with the processes and countermeasures planned by Alameda County for Election Day, can be considered secure. No practical, realizable vulnerabilities were uncovered that could not be eliminated through appropriate countermeasures.” 

MacDonald said that the Pacific Design Engineering report had not been available at the time the Voter Action lawsuit was filed. He said he planned to release the report to Alameda County Supervisors on Tuesday morning at the supervisors’ regular meeting. 

But release of the PDE report did not satisfy the Voter Action organization. 

Berkeley attorney Lowell Finley, co-director of Voter Action, said by telephone Monday following the report release that “no testing has been done on the Alameda County Sequoia machines. What PDE did was an assessment, which was done simply by reviewing documents and interviewing people at Sequoia. That is very different from what was called for by the county superivisors when they authorized the Sequoia contract on June 8. They specifically called for testing, which means independent attempts to break into the machines and alter the votes. That’s what we are asking for in the lawsuit—for the registrar’s office to meet the requirements made by the supervisors.” 

In its report, Pacific Design Engineering mentioned no independent testing, saying only that its assessment began with “the development of a catalog of potential attacks against electronic voting systems. … After the attack catalog was assembled, PDE performed an in-depth analysis of the Alameda County voting system in three major areas: Electronic Voting System Architecture, Vote Count Room Security, and Electronic Voting System Processes.” 

MacDonald did not comment on the Voter Action lawsuit today. He only said that while he had scanned it, he had not read it thoroughly. 

However, he downplayed the tampering danger to electronic voting that has been the substance of much community concern in recent years. 

“I’m unaware of any election where electronic voting has been tampered with,” MacDonald said. “There have been a lot of allegations. But if there’s some actual proof, I’d like to see it.” 

While voting in Alameda County’s November election will be similar in some ways to the June vote, it will also differ significantly. As in June, most voting will be done on paper ballots, with touchscreen electronic voting machines available at each of the county’s 825 precincts for those who either need or wish to use them. 

Unlike last June, however, when the paper ballots were all scanned at a central location in Oakland, voters in the November election will put their paper ballots in the new Sequoia vote-scanning machines in each precinct. 

The look of the ballot is different as well, with voters now being asked to make a mark in an open space between two arrows to mark their choices. Last June, voters were asked to make a mark in a box.  

MacDonald said that while the scanning of ballots at each precinct will make the count of November’s election faster than last June’s, “speed is not my number one priority. Security and accuracy come first. Speed of counting is third in line.” 

Berkeley residents have taxed themselves to buy good schools for the kids of the community. We have talented teachers, good physical facilities, and a population that is world famous for its love of peace and ideas. So why are many classes overcrowded? Why are there cutbacks in academic curriculum, continuous incidents of violence and why do a third the students fail to gain a minimal education? I believe that with the many accomplishments of Berkeley’s schools there are also a string of failures and that these are understandable results of policies that have created a sub-culture of failure. We need policies that turn that around to promote new accomplishments. 

The most distinctive policy of failure is the inability to control false registration. Observers of the schools from diverse ideological perspectives agree that a defining characteristic of Berkeley schools is the large number of false registrations. Cheating in registration is the natural result of BSEP and other measures that have raised the quality of local education through local funds. Failure to acknowledge and deal with such mass theft is a betrayal of the public trust.  

Who are the losers of the status quo? The very first group must be Berkeley’s own at-risk population. There is no doubt, based on extensive research, that a leading factor determining whether at-risk students succeed or fail is the accomplishment rate of surrounding students. Berkeley’s extensive busing program is based on this realization. As well-intentioned school leaders have increased the achievement gap through under-enforcement of residency, they have jeopardized the population most in need of support. Simply, a one-third underperforming cohort generates more negative force than intervention can hope to alter. Only half this cohort is predicted from the census to reside in Berkeley.  

The second loser group is of course taxpayers. They have generously supported the schools with the promise that education would become better for Berkeley’s kids. As funding is increasingly raised from local sources, the problem of parents outside the city wanting to access city schools can only increase. I fully support Measure A. Our schools would be worse without such funding. But we must recognize the ramifications of our tax policy in the surrounding region.  

Third, Berkeley is starving programs that benefit its own population by misplaced priorities. Sad is the parent of a child qualified for GATE who then reads in the congratulations letter that there actually are no real funds allocated to teach accomplished children. 

Finally, the community as a whole loses as resources are drained to service the larger East Bay. Schools ought to have the resources to serve as playground, park, and cultural center. Yet as resources are diverted to serving as the alternative schools for the much larger East Bay, this function also is drained. 

I am encouraged that since I raised this issue there has been an awakening of awareness. I believe that the leadership of the district is ready to construct a validation policy that protects the tax-payers and students of our city.  

In this computer age, one information technology staff person could easily generate comprehensive residency for all students. In-district false residency remains easy to fabricate. Out-of-district actual residency can no longer be hidden from simple data based scrutiny. All that is lacking has been the will to protect Berkeley schools. I believe that has turned around. 

Moving on to just one more issue, it is time to reconsider placement policy in grade school and at Berkeley High. I say this not just because the current policy must continue to result in frustration, a sense of injustice and litigation, but because the district ought to prize in placement only the best interest of each individual child. It is time to end the possibly illegal and certainly dysfunctional lottery for placement at Berkeley High. Children respond to challenges. It is much better to set up the conditions that allow a child to earn the right to high school placement than run a stacked lottery system that mocks both achievement and fairness. Surely we can achieve the level of administrative competence that allows programs to grow and shrink according to student preference. Student interest rather than administrative convenience should be the driving value.  

I propose that every eighth grade child in public school be allowed his or her first choice of schools in Berkeley High if all classes are passed with a grade of “C” and all state exams are passed with a score at least of “basic”. This encourages all of the desirable behaviors. Berkeley residents are encouraged to choose public school. Middle schools kids are rewarded for effort and achievement. Rewards are linked to accomplishment rather than lottery or special privilege. 

Students who are entering the system or who do not achieve these standards are sent to private conference. The first priority is to determine if the student is entitled to district service. If the student is entitled to service and is low achieving, the conference tries to ascertain with the parent the causes of low achievement. With a councilor the student and parent then co-choose a school.  

Grade schools placement needs much process and discussion. Ultimately I hope to maximize choice and respecting preferences while minimizing expensive transportation. Before we continue expensive litigation I hope we have a clearer consensus that the status quo is so perfect that it must be defended regardless of cost. 

With a move away from failure oriented policies Berkeley schools can become as fantastic as this amazing city! 

My credentials for this office include: 22 years as a professor of political science, service as a department chair, three published books on public policy and reform, and two kids in the public schools. Please join me in establishing a culture of accomplishment and community pride in our city’s public schools. 

School boards are always dealing with maintenance issues—essential to maintaining and expanding the status quo; teaching to retain the present structures, as though those, if done right, could serve us all, evidence to the contrary ... extensive evidence to the contrary. 

My campaign is the effort to make available a forum to explore, develop and experiment with ways to use education for transformation, not reproduction of society. 

The present social structure is, as we know, deleterious to life, to Earth. 

School feeds into that. School cannot correct racism, financial stratification, alienation—disinterest because of the disconnect between society and school. School is a plastic institution, like the excesses of colorful toys, designed to divert real interest, the desire to participate as just a member of society—to work, to study, to play, relax, by young people. Capitalism does not allow the available labor force just to do our work. It separates us using whatever mechanisms become the totems for that segregation. Now it’s by age.  

You remember when it was by race.  

It’s also by income. While people of different financial means go to the same schools, their experiences differ widely. There is no correction possible for that within the framework of the schools. 

In fact, the stratification increases throughout the years of schooling. In high school one’s road is pretty clearly mapped, from drop-out to post graduate degree.  

Today, though, the evidence of the place of schooling has become clearer; even doctoral degrees no longer guarantee people of any job, let alone a ‘good’ job. 

There is no available structure within the civic bodies that enable recognition that no adjustment, no reform, no amount of increased funding, no extension of union rights, no increase of ‘educational facilities’ are going to change school from an uncomfortable—often hated, enforced requirement.  

I propose forming the forum for that discussion within the framework of the conventional body, the school board. 

Drawing on the resources of the community, we could expand the advances already being tried and done in the schools, to engage us all to change how study, learning, teaching are done. It’s necessary to counter State and Federal regulations about how public education is to be conducted, so we can examine alternatives instead of trying to abide kindly by the impossible regulations. Such reformation could take until “the revolution.” So could the objective of letting us utilize the truth that we are all teachers and students, we learn and exchange information and ideas all our lives; that the alienation of “being” one’s “job” is offensive and needs addressing, again, to let us bring ourselves toward comfortable relationships with our communities, and with ourselves. 

But we need some forum for these discussions, in addition to the continual maintenance efforts. I want to make that space. 

Age segregation is a basic pain; leaving our children daily is not a pleasant sensation. It’s wrenching. But if they and all of us mingled in a natural flow wherein we’d do our chores, our food and health care provisions, our building or removing structures as necessary, our meeting and discussing, our working things out in the community, providing us our needs and pleasures, the ages could mix according to interest. Skills would grow as we’d encourage interest by everyone to do what needs to be done to provide for our pleasure, including our needs. 

Separating work from play, relaxation from daily activity is a false division. Those intermingle, as should we, with each other. Interest to learn skills—to read, to engineer buildings and water-ways happens because we need those, we want those. We deny such natural developments to us, categorizing them to be done by a few, pretending that only specialized work can be done by properly trained people. But there’s a lot more room for more people, less experienced, to become capable, and to contribute to the process because of their own concern to contribute over one and another project. 

School is a series of redundancies, excesses here and voids there. Learning to read can happen virtually overnight. Just being with readers creates readers. 

Now comes the argument, well, we don’t all live among skilled, capable, literate people. Yes, that’s the point; it’s why we should mingle—to share our skills. School has become a remediation for dysfunction. The home, the society don’t work. So school is to fix that. Well, while school IS a refuge for people who are besieged elsewhere it is also overly limited in what it can offer. The attacks on homes and families are economic, as you know. Capitalism creates the material deprivations and the resultant human aberrations with which we live; anger, confusion, chaos, street crime, even the automobile accidents—results of loss of self-preservation and inability to care gently for neighbors…. 

School cannot fix that—unless of course we’re able to use it to teach for the revolution—which’d be great!! That kind of approach can become like church!! ... hopeful!! … delightful in its planning for that new world—that world of economic justice, eradication of profit, of competition for profit. Now, however, school is only able to funnel people into the places already laid out for them, from fitting in to this abusive world, whether joining or working to oppose it, to functioning marginally in it—low paid, irregularly employed, and the consequences of such insecurity; to armed opposition—murder, etc. 

The gamut of life as we know it is reflected in the schools. We want to use that to change life so that it can be lived pleasantly, for ALL of us, securely, unto our children’s children, in gentle care of Earth. The constant reproduction of the status quo only undergirds continuation of the system as it stands. I’d like to afford us, the framework for the opportunity to carry forward a struggle for our benefit. It needs the funding of such as measure A, so we can meet and talk and try the efforts necessary, to see what works, to revise what doesn’t, and to enjoy ourselves while we try. 

I am a candidate for the School Board because as a parent of two sons in Berkeley schools, I see the promise of what the BUSD can be—a model urban district that uses our vast community resources to provide our children with the opportunity and support to bring out their personal best and prepare them for the challenges of our 21st century world—academically strong and ready to thrive. And, as a long time volunteer in the school district and as a senior manager in local government, I have the proven leadership, skills and experience necessary to bring about this vision.  

I have been an active parent in the school district for 10 years and have a track record of bringing together diverse school communities toward common actions that benefit our youth—most recently, last year as co-president of the Berkeley High PTSA. I have held many other leadership positions, both at the school site and district-wide level, including serving on the BSEP (school tax measure) Planning and Oversight Committee, the District Advisory Committee, and the governance councils of Washington Elementary and Longfellow Middle Schools. And, I am currently on the Yes on Measure A, School Tax Renewal Steering Committee and urge everyone to vote for Measure A.  

As a senior manager in local government, I have extensive budget, policy, and organizational development experience and have regularly facilitated community-based planning efforts and interest based negotiations. I have secured millions of dollars of private and public funds -through grant writing and developing agreements—working with public agencies, non-profits, and the business community. And, I have established relationships with our local, regional and federal elected representatives that can form the basis for expanding the resources available to help our children succeed. I am also a graduate of Brown University (Asian Studies/Comparative Politics) and have a graduate degree from UC Berkeley in Political Science/Public Administration.  

Why is this relevant? Because, if elected, I have the demonstrated ability to tackle complex and/or sensitive issues that I can draw upon to address district issues such as continuing educational reforms at the high school so that all of our students are challenged and supported to do their personal best, addressing our students’ declining math scores, successfully implementing inclusionary education for students with special needs, bettering relationship between the district and the Berkeley Federation of Teachers, narrowing the achievement gap between Whites/Asians and African-Americans/Latinos in a manner that unites rather than divides our various school communities, dealing with safety/discipline, and addressing the District’s land-use issues such as the warm pool, sports fields, West Campus, and underutilized and/or seismically unsound facilities such as Oregon Street and Hillside. 

If elected to the School Board, I will have three priorities:  

1) Work with our school and wider community to develop a district-wide student achievement plan that sets educational priorities and determines core programs so that all of our students are challenged and supported to do their personal best—whether they are students with special needs, underachieving students, average students, or academically gifted students, that is supported by relevant teacher/staff training and which is tied to a sound fiscal plan that includes partnerships with local government, private foundations, the university and community colleges, non-profits, businesses, and community groups. The plan would also incorporate the role of visual and performing arts, libraries, and mental/emotional and physical wellness (including nutrition and exercise) in supporting academic achievement as well as fostering student self-esteem, self-discipline, and a joy of learning. 

2) Facilitate a community discussion, that includes our various school communities as well as organizations that work with youth of color within our city, on what our district can do to bridge the achievement gap between White/Asian and African-American/Latino students, so that all of our students can reach their personal best and that is incorporated into the proposed District-wide student achievement plan. The fact that African American students in Berkeley public schools have one of the lowest achievement rates in Alameda County is a local disgrace. I believe, we can and must do a better job in setting high expectations, training teachers in how to motivate and educate our diverse student body, recruiting teachers and staff of color, and building family-school-community partnerships so that students of color are achieving academic excellence. 

3) Facilitate the creation of a much more open and inclusive school district, by insisting on a user-friendly district budget format; advocating for the institutionalization of public advisory and oversight committees; and stressing two-way communication with the community around district finances, educational priorities/programs, safety/discipline, and other issues. 

My ability to work with and gain the support of our diverse communities to achieve common goals is further evidenced by the wide range of endorsements I have received. I have been endorsed by the Berkeley Federation of Teachers as well as Congresswoman Barbara Lee, State Assemblywoman Loni Hancock, Alameda County Supervisor Keith Carson, Mayor Tom Bates, City Councilmembers Linda Maio, Darryl Moore, Max Anderson, Dona Spring, Laurie Capitelli, Kris Worthington, Gordon Wozniak, former City Council members Maudelle Shirek and Ann Chandler, Alameda County Schools Superintendent Sheila Jordan, Alameda County School Board members Gay Plair Cobb and Jacki Fox Ruby, Peralta Community College Trustee Nicky Yuen-Gonzales, School Board member Terry Doran, Former School Board members Pamela Doolan and Miriam Rokeach Topel; organizations including the Alameda County Democratic Party, Green Party of Alameda County, Berkeley Democratic Club, Wellstone Democratic Club, National Women’s Political Caucus: North Alameda, Alameda County Central Labor Council, and United In Action; a spectrum of our school community, including Janet Huseby (former PTA President of Berkeley High, King, Rosa Parks, and Cragmont), Dan Lindheim, (President, BSEP school tax measure Planning and Oversight Committee), Michael Miller (Executive Director, Parents with Children of African Descent-PCAD), Berkeley High School Site Council Vice President Carol Lashof, Jessica Seaton, and Rebecca Herman; as well as community members such as Pastor Emeritus George Crespin, Johnnie Porter (past President NAACP), Bob Brauer, Louise Brown, Betty Hicks, Beatriz Leyva-Cutler, Pam Hunt, Roxanne Fiscella, Viki Davis, and Royce Kelley. 

I am running as an incumbent for a third term on the Board of Education. My husband and I raised our two children in Berkeley, and they are graduates of Berkeley public schools. I have also provided clinical social work services to Bay Area families for over 35 years. These experiences have given me a good appreciation for the real needs of children and families as well as a deep understanding of the change process and what is needed to promote healthy growth and development—in individuals and organizations. I seek re-election because I believe my continued leadership is needed to insure that we maintain the progress we have made and push forward on critically needed improvements in teaching and learning.  

The school district has come a long way since I was first elected. In 1998, our public schools were in a state of administrative and financial crisis. I ran to turn that situation around—and here are some of the key changes I’ve worked hard to help make.  

• Policy, not politics, now guides our actions.  

• We are fiscally solvent and use modern data systems.  

• Our high school has outstanding, stable leadership after years of administrative turn-over.  

• Funding has increased in the critical areas of maintenance and safety.  

• I have partnered with Mayor Tom Bates and other Berkeley leaders to bring substantial new resources and more relevant supports to students facing barriers to learning. 

Over the years, I have asked many times for your patience while we focused on fixing our broken administrative systems. Now the time for patience has passed. With the renewal of our parcel tax—Measure A on the November ballot we will finally have the financial stability and organizational strength we need to focus on improving student achievement. I pledge to continue to use my skills as a professional social worker and leader in education reform to build on the substantial progress we have made and put improvements to teaching and learning squarely on center stage:  

• Research tells us the most important variable in student learning is effective teaching. Measure A enhances funding for professional development.  

• It is well understood that policy makers need student achievement data to make good decisions and so do teachers. Measure A provides funds to gather data and train us to use it.  

• I am passionate about the need for our schools to partner with other community agencies to build comprehensive, relevant and affordable systems of supports for children facing barriers to learning. Toward this end, I have taken a leadership role in the highly promising Berkeley Integrated Resources Initiative (BIRI). I have worked with Mayor Tom Bates, the Berkeley Alliance, County officials, staff and other youth providers to bring significant new and stable, State and County dollars to BUSD and the City to support these efforts. I have also played a key role within the District and on the board to develop and communicate a common vision concerning Special Education and the whole child. The BIRI initiative, in concert with our Special Education reforms promises to deliver more relevant and comprehensive supports to families and children that need them, resulting in improved student attendance, engagement, and achievement.  

There is great concern with in our community about achievement gaps. To properly address this issue we must separate the question of what schools can do to improve student achievement from what communities must do to address achievement gaps.  

What schools can do to improve student achievement can be summarized in following 4 part formula: clear, high standards plus timely data + continuous professional development plus comprehensive student supports equals improved student achievement. Adopt high standards and explicit goals; provide teachers with high quality professional development in curriculum and instruction; use assessment to identify and remediate gaps in learning; provide students and teachers with supports to address barriers to learning. Research demonstrates and experts agree that these focused efforts will result in increased academic achievement. Some people (e.g. authors of No Child Left Behind ) believe that these efforts will also close achievement gaps. I do not. In my view, achievement gaps will only close when school reform is combined with changes to the ways in which young children are prepared to learn. This means income supports, stable housing, and comprehensive health care, preschool, and informed parents. In Berkeley, we have enjoyed success by taking a public health approach to social problems like teen age pregnancy, smoking and hypertension. I believe that the achievement disparities that we see in our students warrant the declaration of a public health crisis and I call for the development of a long term, comprehensive public health initiative to address class based disparities in Kindergarten readiness.  

I have been elected twice to the Berkeley Board of Education, and I believe my record demonstrates that I have served the community with energy and integrity, using my Social Work skills to bring people together and find solutions that work. Over the years I’ve learned a lot about school governance and established many trusting relationships with Berkeley leaders who strongly support my candidacy. Among them: Mayor Tom Bates, former Mayor Shirley Dean, Shirley Richardson and Salvador Murillo of the YMCA, Council members Olds, Wozniak, & Capitelli, fellow school board members Rivera and Selawsky, the Berkeley Democratic Club, Alameda County Green Party, National Association of Social Workers—California Chapter and Assemblywomen Wilma Chan and Lonnie Hancock.  

There is not only support for my candidacy in Berkeley, but hope for our initiatives. It is my commitment to this work, the hopes that we all share for change, and a belief that I can make a difference that leads me to seek re-election. I ask for your vote for Measure A and my candidacy so that we can continue our important work together on behalf of Berkeley’s children. To learn more about my candidacy, please go to: www.smartvoter.org/vote/shirley_issel. 

Thank you Berkeley Daily Planet for this opportunity! My Name is Nancy Riddle and I am running for re-election to the Berkeley School Board. 

I grew up in San Francisco in the ’60s and ’70s where I attended public schools and graduated from Lowell High School. I then moved across the Bay to Berkeley to attend Cal where I took my first steps in leadership as president of the Sherman Hall student co-op and as a member of UC’s Prytanean Honor Society—a women’s academic and leadership honor and service organization. I earned both an MBA and undergraduate degree in business from Cal. I am a CPA and I currently work as the Chief Financial Officer for Monster Cable Products. I have two teenage daughters—youngest is a Berkeley High senior and my eldest graduated Berkeley High in 2004 and is a junior at Willamette University.  

Prior to serving on the Board, I spend over a decade volunteering in our schools and chairing district wide committees including the Title I Advisory Committee and the BSEP parcel tax Planning and Oversight Committee. I also served as Vice-Chair of the Budget Advisory Committee and as a parent activist on the District’s Student Assignment Advisory Committee working to protect and improve our voluntary integration plan.  

Four years ago our schools suffered severe State and Federal funding cuts and at the same time our district’s base information systems were undergoing a difficult conversion. We were truly facing a fiscal crisis but I am proud that our School Board responsibly retained local control of our schools and made them stronger. We faced our financial challenges squarely and we cut $14 million in expenses. This was painful and I have great appreciation for our children’s teachers, all our staff, our administrators and our superintendent for their dedication, understanding and pure hard work during this very difficult period.  

Our community strongly urged us not to let our children suffer amidst the financial crisis and, consequently, the School Board brought Measure B to the voters in 2004 as a bridge measure to sit on top of our existing BSEP measure. I Co-Chaired the successful Measure B campaign with parent Dan Lindheim (respected chair of our BSEP parcel tax Planning and Oversight Committee) which brought essential resources into our classrooms. 

Today, our school district’s audits are clean and our budget is balanced. We have maintained strict oversight of our parcel taxes and school facilities bonds. Independent program and operational reports document solid improvement and we also have established an independent citizen audit committee. 

Our school finances are stable but still fragile and we need to pass Measure A for our schools this November. Measure A is not a new tax and it is not a tax increase. Measure A simply renews the two existing school measures (BSEP and B which sunset together at the end of the 2006-2007 school year) at existing levels. This local funding is crucial to supporting our children by maintaining smaller class sizes, music and library programs, teacher training and a number of school based programs that directly support student achievement. Please visit www.BerkeleyMeasureA.org.  

During the last four years the board has also instituted more rigorous and data driven school achievement plans with clearer goals and accountability. Thanks to the generosity of our community our building program continued with the opening of the new wing at Berkeley High and the new Adult School. Our high school is under stable collaborative leadership and last year received a very strong accreditation renewal. We also updated our historic integration plan, expanding our view of diversity in this community. 

I have served as board president, board vice-president and also as co-chair of the Joint City-School District 2x2 Committee. To strengthen my governance skills I completed the California School Boards Association Masters in Governance Program and I am an officer and active member of the Alameda County School Boards Association. 

There is good and thoughtful work ahead of us. Our schools have launched specific programs to directly address barriers to student learning. The next School Board must focus on effective execution and evaluation of these efforts including: the small schools and two large school programs at Berkeley High, nutrition and wellness programs, a more effective special education model, improved parent outreach with greater sensitivity to all communities in Berkeley, math and writing focus at the middle schools and continued strong support of the promising program changes at B-Tech. The board must continue to hold the administration accountable for implementation of rigorous measurable student achievement plans reinforced by provisions under Measure A for enhanced teacher training and program evaluation. Finally, we must carefully rebuild our general fund reserves and continue to bolster an open and transparent budget process that reflects the values of our community and focuses resources on student achievement. 

On Nov. 7 I urge you to vote yes on Measure A and to please support me for a second term on the Berkeley School Board.  

My endorsements include: Alameda County Democratic Party, Congresswoman Barbara Lee, Assemblywoman Loni Hancock, Mayor Tom Bates, Council Members Laurie Capitelli, Linda Maio, Dona Spring, Kriss Worthington & Gordan Wozniak, Vice-President Alameda County Board of Education Jacki Fox Ruby, Peralta Trustee Nicky González Yuen, School Board President Terry Doran, School Board Vice-President Joaquin Rivera, School Board Director John Selawsky, Former School Board Directors Lloyd Lee, Miriam Rokeach Topel & Pamela Doolan, Current and Former Student School Board Directors Mateo Aceves & Teal Miller, PTA Council President Wanda Stewart and Past President Roia Ferrazares, BSEP Planning & Oversight Chair Dan Lindheim, BUSD Facilities Safety and Maintenance Oversight Committee Chair Bill Flounders, School Construction Oversight Chair Bruce Wicinas, Teacher George Rose, Retired Teacher Josie Gerst, BHS Development Group Co-Chair Susan Henderson, Parents of Teens e-list Founder Sally Nasman, Berkeley Democratic Club, Berkeley Citizens Action, Green Party of Alameda County, Berkeley Progressive Coalition, National Women’s Political Caucus Alameda North (partial list). 

Some pedestrians using the crosswalk at Ashby and Piedmont avenues said they feel endangered crossing the street during busy traffic hours, because the Santa Rosa lights at that intersection have been dismantled. 

Embedded in crosswalks, Santa Rosa lights blink to warn cars when a pedestrian is crossing. They first gained prominence in Berkeley when former Councilmember Polly Armstrong, together with residents, pushed to implement this system at the corner of Claremont Avenue and Brookside Drive, following concerns about the dangers of crossing at busy intersections. 

On Wednesday, Peter Hillier, Berkeley’s assistant city manager for transportation, said the lights were working at the intersection of Asbhy and Piedmont. But a reporter visiting the site Wednesday afternoon confirmed reports from residents that the lights had been not functioning for months. 

The button to turn the lights on had been removed and the electrical connection had been taped up rendering them non-operable.  

Earl Crabb, a resident who lived a few blocks down, said he has had trouble crossing at the intersection. 

“The cars just seem to whiz by without noticing you,” he said. “At least with the lights on they would stop before. But now I have to take my chances when I need to cross. It looks like an accident is just waiting to happen.” 

Crabb said he noticed that the lights had been dismantled towards the end of July.  

“I am not sure if the city did this or whether they were vandalized,” he said. “But if it was indeed the city, then I want to know why it was taken off and when they will put it back. It’s just a matter of checking the wiring and putting the buttons back to make the lights work again.” 

About five years ago, a disabled woman in a wheelchair was killed crossing the street at the intersection.  

“I remember the incident quite well,” said Suzy Thompson, who has lived in the neighborhood for the last 15 years. “It was late in the afternoon and the lady in the wheelchair was crossing at the west corner of Piedmont and Ashby. But she wasn’t using the crosswalk and the driver of the car who hit her did not see her. He had the sun in his eyes. It was very unfortunate.” 

The Santa Rosa lights had been installed at the Ashby and Piedmont intersection by the city around a year ago. 

Thompson added that she thought the Santa Rosa lights were something of a mixed bag.  

“During the day the cars cannot see the lights too well and it ends up giving you a sense of false security,” she said. “I don’t really trust them and am always on the lookout when I cross the street. I have a disabled child who doesn’t walk very fast and therefore I am ultra-cautious when I am at that crossing. It would be great if the city could fix them. They really help at night.” 

Andrea Blake, a water meter reader for East Bay MUD, said that she spends about six hours in the area everyday and the cars hardly stop to let her cross the street. 

“It’s like I am getting in their way,” she said. “Since it’s Highway 13, the cars speed a lot. I would hate to think what would happen if they didn’t stop in time to let me cross.” 

“This is news to me,” said Hillier, when the Planet informed him on Thursday that the lights were indeed not working. “I will have to send someone down there to see whether they had been vandalized or what the case is. That is all I can say at this moment.” 

Hamid Mostowfi, the city’s supervising traffic engineer told the Planet on Thursday that the electrical wiring at the location had been giving the city recurring problems. 

“It has proven to be a maintenance issue,” he said. “We are considering replacing the system with some other form of pedestrian warning, but we do not have any funding at this time.” 

In the meantime, he said, the city has removed the activation button to prevent giving pedestrians a false sense of safety. 

“The advance pedestrian warning signs equipped with LEDs have been turned on to permanent flashing, to warn drivers of pedestrians crossing at this location,” Mostowfi said.

Two days after the Pacific Legal Foundation (PLF) sued Berkeley Unified School District, charging it with violating California’s Proposition 209 by racially discriminating among students during placements at elementary schools and at programs at Berkeley High, school district officials said they will not change their policies. 

“BUSD stands firmly by its elementary student assignment plan for Berkeley elementary schools,” said Berkeley Superintendent Michele Lawrence. “Pacific Legal wanted to make a public splash on the 10th Anniversary of Proposition 209 and they used Berkeley schools to do that. Their misguided intent is needless to say a distraction at the beginning of a new school year.” 

Board Director Shirley Issel echoed Lawrence’s words.  

“A high profile lawsuit like this at this time is a big distraction,” she said. “It is very unfortunate timing, especially at a time when we are busy teaching our children and working hard to pass Measure A.” 

The lawsuit, American Civil Rights Foundation vs. Berkeley Unified School, filed at the Alameda County Superior Court Wednesday, alleges that BUSD “uses race as a factor to determine where students are assigned to public schools and to determine whether they gain access to special educational programs.” 

Attorney Paul J. Beard, representing the Sacramento-based non-profit PLF, said in a statement that concerns were: the elementary student assignment plan for Berkeley Elementary Schools, the admissions policy for Berkeley High School’s small schools and academic programs; and the admissions policy for Berkeley High School’s AP Pathways Project.  

“These plans and policies use students’ skin color to help determine how individual students will be treated,” said Beard. “That’s unfair and transmits a harmful message to our kids that skin color matters—and, under Proposition 209, it also happens to be illegal.” 

A provision of the California Constitution, Proposition 209 was enacted by California voters in 1996 and “prohibits discrimination or preferences based on race or sex in public education, employment, and contracting.” 

In 2003, the PLF sued the Berkeley schools on behalf of a parent who charged the district with race-based assignment of students in a different and earlier Berkeley program, but the case was dismissed by Judge James Richman who said that voluntary desegregation plans or ‘race-conscious’ school assignment systems were not specifically prohibited by Prop. 209. 

This time, Beard said, “We are suing BUSD on behalf of a California non-profit public benefit corporation called American Civil Rights Foundation, whose members include individuals who are residents and taxpayers in Berkeley. They are dedicated to monitor and enforce civil rights laws, including Proposition 209.” 

Berkeley’s student assignment plan divides the city into three sections, with each running from the bay to the hills. 

“The zip code plays the most important role in this plan,” said BUSD spokesperson Mark Coplan. “Students are assigned to schools within their section based on a system that takes into account race, parent income and parent education level. They can select up to three schools within their area and about 85 percent of families get their first choice. We aim to bring children from various educational, racial and socio-economic backgrounds together and have so far been successful.” 

“Telling students they can’t attend a particular school because of their race and the race of their neighbors is immoral and illegal,” said Beard. 

Karen Hemphill, 2006 School Board candidate, said that if schools did not look at ethnicity and socio-economic diversity then Berkeley would end up with segregation.  

“I am very concerned that PLF is choosing to revisit this issue,” Hemphill said. “There are certain individuals in the baby boomer generation who did not grow up with different cultures around them and are therefore closed to new ideas and diversity. They are the ones who have a problem with the school assignment plan.” 

The Coalition to Defend Affirmative Action, Integration, and Immigrant Rights And Fight for Equality By Any Means Necessary (BAMN) expressed their support for the school district at the school board meeting on Wednesday. 

“The PLF lawsuit that was filed today gives Berkeley a chance once again to stand up and fight for integration and quality education,” said Mark Airgood, a BAMN representative. “This is an important opportunity to show that Berkeley is leading the nation on integration. Two years ago when the city went on to win the case against PLF, it was the parents, the students and this very board which came together to support the school district’s integration plan. I am confident it will be the same this time too.” 

While incumbent Mayor Tom Bates, with 20 years in state office and four years as mayor, has accumulated the lion’s share of endorsements and buckets of cash—about $74,000 according to his Oct. 5 filing—challenger Zelda Bronstein is running a relentless community campaign, while raising about one-third—$24,000—the amount Bates raised.  

Two other mayoral challengers, community activist Zachary RunningWolf and recent Stanford graduate Christian Pecaut, are continuing to fight for the office and to get their message out without the benefit of endorsements or campaign funds.  

Bates has the support of notable office holders, Rep. Barbara Lee, state Sen. Don Perata, Oakland Mayor-elect Ron Dellums, as well as Councilmembers Linda Maio, Darryl Moore, Max Anderson, Laurie Capitelli and Gordon Wozniak. He also has organizational support from diverse democratic clubs—the new Wellstone Democratic Renewal Club and the Berkeley Democratic Club, which endorsed Bates’ opponent Shirley Dean in 2002—as well as community activist Dave Blake, a zoning commissioner who is running for the Rent Board, St. Joseph the Worker priest Fr. George Crespin, realtor John Gordon, developer Avi Nevo and dozens more. 

Bronstein says she’s proud of her neighborhood support. Endorsers includes Planning Commissioner Gene Poschman, Dean Metzger, president of the Claremont-Elmwood Neighborhood Association, Robert Lauriston with Neighbors of Ashby BART (NABART), Elaine Green of South Berkeley’s United We Stand and Deliver, and Janice Thomas, past president of the Panoramic Hill Association. Bronstein is also endorsed by the Progressive Convention, Progressive Democrats of the East Bay and the NABART steering committee. 

Bates and Bronstein—as well as Bates and Runningwolf and Pecaut—differ on a number of critical city issues. 

The settlement agreement 

One of the issues that pushed Bronstein to run for the office—she was a Bates’ supporter four years ago—is what Bates’ detractors call the “secret” agreement with the university. The city sued the university over its development plan and the fees it pays for sewers and other city services. The two parties settled in July 2005, and as a condition of the negotiations first proposed by the city’s attorney, the details of the settlement could not be disclosed before it was final.  

“Could I have gotten more?” asked Bates in an interview in his University Avenue campaign office. “It’s easy for critics to say I could have gotten more. Reality is we got three times more than we got in the past.” 

Bates added that the university has agreed to purchase supplies locally and to hire people from First Source, the local hiring program. 

Because the university does not have to follow local laws, the city has limited leverage, Bates said. “Any sophisticated person knows they are exempt from zoning,” he said. “They can do whatever they feel like doing.” 

In a separate interview in her Martin Luther King Jr. Way campaign office, Bronstein said that if she were mayor, she’d rescind and re-negotiate the settlement. And she’d negotiate it in public. 

“I’d try to persuade the university to pay its fair share for city services,” said Bronstein, noting she is at a disadvantage not knowing exactly what was negotiated. 

Pointing to the city of Santa Cruz, where citizens have placed a measure on the November ballot to restrain university growth, Bronstein said it is possible to pressure the university. “In response (to the ballot measure) the university has scaled back its plans,” she said. 

What is needed, she added, is “strong civic leadership.” 

Asked about the Santa Cruz ballot measure, Bates said, “We could have symbolically done something like that.” He added, “Some people would like the university to pack up and leave.” 

He said he underscored the need to try to get the university to pay its fair share, but also said people should recognize the important place the university has in the life of the city. “The university is what makes this town great,” he said, noting that he’s worked for the betterment of the city with deans from the Schools of Public Health, Public Policy and Education.  

Pecaut argued, “The mayor lets (the Board of Regents) do whatever they want to” and Runningwolf contended that by settling the lawsuit behind closed doors, “Tom Bates locked out the power of the residents in an open forum.” 

Measure J 

Measure J, the Landmarks Preservation Ordinance ballot measure, also points up differences between Bronstein and Bates.  

Bronstein is one of the endorsers of the measure listed in the voters pamphlet. Bronstein said the measure would provide legal protection to properties that may be worthy of landmark status.  

Bates had a revision of the Landmark Preservation Ordinance before the City Council which he withdrew until after the election.  

Calling the draft ordinance an “outrageous proposal,” Bronstein said it weakens landmark protections. The Bates proposal “makes demolition easier,” she said. Bates’ “process doesn’t allow enough time for citizens to weigh in— they are citizen volunteers.”  

Bronstein added: “I’m a preservationist, but not a purist. We need a strong preservation law.”  

Bates called himself “a strong preservationist,” but said: “I’m opposed to (Measure J) adamantly.”  

He pointed out that Berkeley has 300 landmarks, “more than San Francisco, San Jose and Oakland combined.” Bates said he is against people using the landmark process to stop development. He said the ordinance he proposed “gives everybody logical rules they can play by.” 

Public financing of elections 

Despite the efforts of a number of community stalwarts, public financing of elections never made it to the November 2006 ballot. While they both support the concept of public financing of elections, both Bates and Bronstein had concerns about the initiative as it was proposed. 

Bronstein called the “clean money” campaign “a great concept.” However, she said, “Some of the details need to be worked out still.”  

One question that wasn’t answered to her satisfaction was, “Where’s the money going to come from?” Even considering financing the mayor’s race alone, the budget would have been at least $280,000: $140,000 for each candidate demonstrating community support. 

“That seemed like a lot of public money,” Bronstein said. Less money needs to be allocated to the race, she added. “We need to campaign differently.” 

Bates said his hesitation around the local “clean money” initiative was that if it didn’t succeed this time—a similar measure having lost soundly two years ago-- it could not be brought back in the foreseeable future for political reasons.  

Bates said he’s watching the statewide public financing measure. 

“If it passes in Berkeley, I’ll bring it back” in the next election, he said, noting, however, “I’m watching closely what’s happening statewide and I’m worried. People are upset that money distorts politics but they haven’t made the connection with clean money as a solution to solving the problem.” 

Runningwolf said he believes in clean elections, “leveling of the playing field.” 

And Pecaut said he would have voted to put the measure on the ballot, had he been mayor. He criticized Bates for voting against putting it on the ballot: “The mayor’s vote decided it,” he said. 

Both Bates and Bronstein have records to run on—Bates as mayor and state assemblymember for 20 years and Bronstein as a planning commissioner for seven years, two years of which she spent as chair. 

“I helped guide the process that led to the first new general plan in 25 years,” Bronstein said. Noting that she received a Downtown Berkeley Association award for leadership and consensus building, she said she worked on the general plan with a wide range of constituencies and staff.  

Bates points to the new Berkeley City College (formerly Vista College), “something I worked on for 20 plus years.”  

And he claims leadership in the development of workforce and low income housing built along traffic corridors so that it doesn’t impact neighborhoods.  

Bates didn’t flinch about the idea of raising taxes in the near future. With city income flat and health benefit costs increasing 23 percent next year, he says the future will be harder. “The infrastructure is in lousy shape. We’ll have to go back to the voters” for funding. 

Asked about his support for moderate incumbent Councilmember Gordon Wozniak over progressive Jason Overman, Bates said Wozniak “provides an excellent voice for his (Wozniak’s) point of view. I think it’s good to have a divergence of views on the City Council. I have a good relationship with him, although we don’t always agree.” 

Runningwolf says some of his major issues are support for open government, instant runoff voting, drug-testing police officers who work in the drug vault, and support for low-income and Section 8 housing,  

Christian Pecaut said he supports a ballot initiative for a new warm pool for the disabled and elderly and adding city resources to more depressed areas in South Berkeley.  

After 21 years of organizing, planning, cajoling and fund-raising, Eastshore State Park became a reality Wednesday, fulfilling the dreams of a coalition of environmentalists, politicians and organizations. 

A dedication ceremony at the Berkeley Meadow at the foot of the marina brought together many of those who fought for the realization of the 8.5-mile-long, 2,002-acre park which stretches from Emeryville to Richmond. 

The event was especially gratifying to Sylvia McLaughlin, the 89-year-old Berkeley woman who co-founded Save the Bay. 

“I feel wonderful and very, very gratified,” she said Thursday. “The first step has been accomplished—and now, onward.” 

While Wednesday’s ceremony marked a very real accomplishment, McLaughlin said much remains to be done as economic pressures on local governments and offers from developers are threatening key stretches of the bayshore. 

“There are lots of challenges,” she said. “No, let’s say opportunities.” 

Among the critical issues, she said, are plans for a waterfront shopping center at Golden Gate Fields in Albany, and multiple pressures in Richmond, including: 

• Developing efforts to create a massive container shipping port in an environmentally sensitive area. 

• Plans to create a shoreline casino, hotel, shopping and entertainment complex at Point Molate. 

• Drafting of a new General Plan for the city. 

“All of the cities have financial problems,” McLaughlin said, “and they need to figure out where to get the money for maintaining their infrastructure and paying their employees.” 

While shoreline development is tempting, McLaughlin said “recent studies have shown that parks and recreation areas add value to the surrounding areas.” 

Park genesis 

McLaughlin’s involvement in bay conservation began in 1961, when she and the colleagues she calls her “tea ladies” were stirred to action by an announcement that Berkeley officials were planning on filling in 2,000 acres of the bay west of the city’s shoreline, and the Army Corps of Engineers was floating plans that called for filling in most of the bay by 2020. 

Thus was born Save the Bay, with McLaughlin, Kay Kerr and Esther Gulick playing the leading roles. 

Three years later, some of their efforts paid off with the drafting of the city’s Interim Waterfront Plan which specifically called for creating parklands along the shoreline—a measure that would require purchase of the existing lands from Santa Fe Railroad, which owned most of the East Bay shoreline. 

Years of organizing followed. 

In 1985, McLaughlin became one of the founders of a new organization, Citizens for East Shore Parks, devoted to fighting the railroads development plans. In addition to Save the Bay, other founding groups were Citizens for the Albany Shoreline, the Emeryville Shoreline Committee, the Sierra Club and the Golden Gate Audubon Society. 

Dwight Steele, an environmentalist and activist, headed CESP until his death in 2002. Robert Cheasty, also a lawyer, is the group’s current president. 

In 1986, Berkeley voters approved a shoreline protection initiative, followed by similar measure from Emeryville in 1987 and Albany in 1990. 

Thanks to legislation authored by then Assemblymember Tom Bates, and aided by bond measures passed at the state and local levels, the East Bay Regional Parks District was designated as the lead agency for parkland acquisition and management. 

In 2000, the California Department of Parks and Recreation launched a planning process that led two years later in a unanimous vote by the state Parks Commission to approve the park’s general plan. 

“It’s been very gratifying to see this happen,” McLaughlin said. “I’ll be even happier in Proposition 84 passes, which will provide the funds for our parks that will allow us to continue to plans for an area park that can be enjoyed by people as well as birds and other wildlife.” 

That measure, the Clean Water, Parks and Coastal Protection Bond Act of 2006, would provide $5.4 billion in funds for safe drinking water, parklands and coastal protection. 

McLaughlin said she’ll also be playing close attention to local elections, where development issues are playing key roles. 

Wednesday’s gathering was well attended by political and environmental luminaries, including Assemblymember Loni Hancock, the mayors of Berkeley, Albany, Emeryville and Richmond, city staff, and directors and staff of the East Bay Regional Parks District and the state department of Parks and Recreation.  

Sylvia McLaughlin gets ready to take the stage at the park opening. Photograph by Shelly Lewis. 

While Berkeley may have been known as the free speech capital of the world, the city now lags behind seven other jurisdictions that operate under “sunshine” laws that expand California’s open government statutes. 

On Tuesday, the Berkeley City Council will take its first collective look at a draft sunshine ordinance authored by the Berkeley city attorney. Sunshine laws expand the public’s access to government, open avenues for citizen input into the public process and broaden an individual’s right to obtain government documents. 

In addition to the city attorney’s draft, the council will consider additional suggestions from City Councilmember Kriss Worthington, and from SuperBOLD, Super Berkeleyans Organizing for Library Defense, the group that has threatened to sue the city over its limited public comment access at public meetings.  

“We’re putting (the ordinance) out to the public, so they have a chance to comment,” says Mayor Tom Bates, who is bringing the item to council with Worthington, although the pair differs on a number of specifics.  

Both Bates and Worthington say the council should schedule a public hearing on the ordinance. 

Public comment 

SuperBOLD has been lobbying the council for months—and has retained the Oakland-based First Amendment Project’s legal services—to create a comment period in which the public is permitted to express itself on all matters that come before the City Council, as do some 30 other California cities.  

For more than a decade, the city clerk chose by lottery 10 people who wanted to address the council; each was permitted to speak for three minutes. Since the lawsuit has been threatened, Bates has revised the system, asking the city clerk to choose 15 speakers, each of whom speaks for two minutes, after which others whose issues have not been addressed are allowed to speak, one pro and one con for each issue. 

Gene Bernardi of SuperBOLD says Bates’ plan is inadequate and that every person who wishes to speak should be allowed to do so.  

There are more than two sides of every issue, she argued, recalling an individual who was at a Berkeley City Council meeting, hoping to support permits for the West Berkeley Bowl store, but only if the store agreed to a unionized workforce. People spoke for and against issuing permits for the store, but no one addressed the union issue.  

“Everything is not A or non-A,” Bernardi says. 

Worthington has further suggested that when it is expected that many people will want to address the council on a particular issue, a public hearing on the issue should be called. 

Bates says changes in public comment procedures should come about as modifications of council rules, but Worthington argues the council can too easily waive or change its rules. “If it’s an ordinance, it’s not subject to whims,” Worthington said. 

Settlement agreements 

Settling lawsuits behind closed doors has been a subject of controversy in Berkeley, particularly with respect to the July 2005 UC-City of Berkeley settlement agreement. The city attorney’s recommendation is that proposed settlements be placed on the council’s regular open agenda for approval. 

“All agreements would be made public prior to adoption,” Bates says, supporting the language in the draft ordinance. 

A prototype sunshine ordinance, authored by the San Jose Mercury News and the League of Women Voters, currently under consideration by San Jose, goes further, prohibiting the city from signing settlement agreements that demand secrecy. 

Resolving disputes 

The city attorney’s draft ordinance provides for disputes to be settled by the city manager. If they are not, people can go to court in some cases. Worthington, however, contends that suing the city should be an option in all cases. 

San Francisco and Oakland have commissions that resolve disputes and monitor the effectiveness of their sunshine ordinances. Arguing for this option, Anthony Sanchez, a First Amendment Coalition intern who worked on suggested additions to the ordinance, said the city manager option “puts way too much discretion in the manager’s hands.” 

A commission, on the other hand, would scrutinize the usefulness of the ordinance and recommend changes, he said. 

Bates said another possibility would be taking questions not resolved by the city manager to the Fair Campaign Practices Commission.  

Among other additions Worthington espouses are: 

• Moving the council meetings to a larger venue with better access to disabled persons. 

• Telling the public a time certain when a public hearing will begin. 

• Making law enforcement records and logs accessible to the public and press. 

Concerns about the city attorney’s abrupt mid-September shutdown of the public process addressing complaints against police drew about a dozen people to the open portion of the joint City Council-Police Review Commission closed session Tuesday. 

The members of the public had come to call on the city to resume open hearings into complaints against the police. 

The meeting was called to address an unresolved 2002 Berkeley Police Officers Association lawsuit against the city, which argues that public hearings on complaints against police violate privacy mandates for police personnel issues. 

Berkeley City Attorney Manuela Albuquerque linked the recent California Supreme Court decision, Copley Press v. San Diego County, which concluded that police officers’ disciplinary records are confidential, to the BPOA lawsuit. 

During the public portion of the meeting, Albuquerque explained the need for the session to be closed. “What strategies we’ll employ (in response to the lawsuit) should not be disclosed,” she said. 

The future of PRC open hearings would not be discussed in the meeting, she said, but added, “Should the PRC decide to change its procedures, that will occur in open session.” 

PRC Commissioner Michael Sherman said in a phone interview Wednesday that he was satisfied that the closed meeting could not have been held in public without revealing the city’s possible strategy regarding the lawsuit. “We would not want to put our legal cards on the table,” Sherman said. 

Also on Wednesday, PRC Commissioner David Ritchie said he was hopeful that open hearings on complaints against police officers would resume as a result of the closed-door meeting. 

Speaking of the Copley case, Ritchie said it was very specific and addressed the need for confidentiality in matters of discipline for police officers. “It’s always been our position that we have nothing to do with discipline,” Ritchie said. 

The PRC investigates complaints and rules to sustain or dismiss the complaints. It is then up to the police chief to discipline officers, if he chooses to do so. 

In Tuesday’s public comment session preceding the closed-door meeting, a number of residents spoke out against the suspension of complaint hearings.  

Former PRC Commissioner Mark Schlosberg, who is police practices policy director for the Northern California chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union, called for “open civilian oversight” of the police.  

“We should explore ways to keep the hearing process open,” he said. However, he added, if they must be closed, then as much information as possible should be disclosed. Schlosberg further called for a definitive legislative solution to Copley. 

Andrea Pritchett of Copwatch called on the council and PRC “to fight for open hearings.”  

And Jake Gelender, also of Copwatch, said, “I can’t believe in the middle of a massive police scandal, you’ve stopped the police inquiries.” Gelender was referring to a police sergeant who pled guilty to stealing drug evidence from the police drug vault and to two cases where two other police officers have been put on administrative leave, one for reportedly taking money from federal agents during a sting operation and the other for allegedly firing his service revolver while inebriated.  

Gelender also called on the body to hold an open meeting—rather than the closed session—to address the suspension of the hearings.  

Similarly, the Berkeley Daily Planet called for the council and PRC to hold public discussions on the question of closed hearings. 

The closed-door session will continue next Tuesday. “We’re willing to wait and see for the time being what our options are,” Ritchie said. 

The meeting will begin with public comment at 5 p.m. on the sixth floor of the administrative building at 2180 Milvia St.  

Berkeley voters will have the chance to settle the fate of Berkeley’s Landmarks Preservation Ordinance (LPO) when they vote on Measure J. 

Titled the Landmarks Preservation and Demolition Permit Application Ordinances, the package basically tweaks the city’s current landmarks laws and policies with minor fixes backers say will bring them into line with state legislation. 

Supporters say the law is needed to save structures that are critical for neighborhood identity and to block a wave of demolitions that could transform the character of neighborhoods. 

Rival ordinances 

Measure J was drafted in response to the effort spearheaded by Mayor Tom Bates to revise the city’s 1974 ordinance to make the law more friendly to developers, who claim the existing law causes needless delays and blocks some worthy projects. 

The ostensible reasons involved real or potential conflicts with the state Permit Streamlining Act (PSA), legislation which mandates timely processing of development applications. 

Just how serious the conflicts between the two laws were remains the subject of debate, but the city attorney’s office said changes were needed—while preservationists say there hasn’t been a single case where applications under the current law were delayed beyond the limits set by the PSA. 

A lengthy redrafting process involving both the Landmarks Preservation and Planning commissions resulted in prolonged and often heated debate, and in the end, the mayor and Councilmember Laurie Capitelli drafted their own version. 

That measure passed the City Council on first reading in July by a 6-2-1 vote, with Betty Olds and Kriss Worthington in opposition and Dona Spring abstaining. But the council withheld the second vote needed to enact the measure pending the outcome of the Measure J vote. 

Spring has since signed on as a Measure J supporter. 

During the July council meeting, nearly 60 residents spoke in opposition to the mayor’s ordinance, while supporters could be counted on the fingers of one hand—one being an Oakland attorney who frequently represents developers in their battles with the existing ordinance. 

In the end, a vote against Measure J could end up being a vote in support of the Bates/Capitelli proposal, which could be given a final vote on Nov. 14, the first council meeting after the election. 

Supporters contend that despite the criticisms of developers, the existing ordinance is far from the state’s most restrictive. 

While Berkeley’s ordinance has produced 272 designated landmarks and structures of merit (the two categories of historical designation under the LPO) and four historic districts, Measure J supporters note that Pasadena has 11 historic districts, one of which alone contains 800 homes. 

The alternative 

Preservationists say their biggest concern with the Bates/Capitelli ordinance is that it creates two parallel review processes, landmarking and the Request for Determination (RFD), along with rules for applying each, both when a development project is planned and when no project is planned. 

The RFD is a process that Measure J supporters contend would in effect serve as a stealth device to allow developers to destroy landmarks after first obtaining immunity from landmarking. 

In the RFD, a property owner hires a historical consultant from an LPC-vetted list, who then reviews the property’s architecture and history. After the report is filed, the LPC has 60 days to landmark the structure. If the LPC fails to act, the public has an additional 21 days to file a landmarking petition. 

If no action is taken, all landmarking efforts are banned during a two-year “safe harbor.” 

The developer can file for a building permit the day after the deadline expires and opponents are barred from filing a landmark application to delay or prevent demolition and construction. 

The key point preservationists raise is that an RFD without notice of the intended project is far less likely to stir a public response than a development proposal. 

Proponents of the mayor’s ordinance say the RFD provision protects developers from foes who are less interested in preserving buildings with architectural merit than with stopping development and increasing the city’s housing supply. 

Opponents counter with the contention that the cheapest and most effective way to create new affordable housing is through rehabilitation of existing structures. 

Measure J fans, foes 

The measure’s two authors, Laurie Bright and Roger Marquis, are both members of the Berkeley Architectural Heritage Association (BAHA), and Bright also serves as president of the city’s Council of Neighborhood Assocations. 

Other proponents include an unusual amalgam of allies who often find themselves divided on other issues. 

Former mayor Shirley Dean has joined with Councilmember Dona Spring in support of the measure, along with Zoning Adjustments Board member and Claremont-Elmwood Neighborhood Association President Dean Metzger, Downtown Area Plan Advisory Committee and former LPC member Patti Dacey, Berkeley NAACP Executive Secretary Elaine Green and Rent Stabilization Board member and Housing Advisory Commission Chair Jesse Arreguin.  

While Mayor Bates and spouse Assemblymember Loni Hancock are firm opponents, Zelda Bronstein, the mayor’s leading rival in the upcoming mayoral elections, supports the measure. 

Other Measure J opponents include Sally Woodbridge, an architectural historian who has found herself in frequent conflict with the BAHA because of her much narrower criteria for assigning landmark status. 

Others include Alan Tobey, a member of the board of the Livable Berkeley lobbying group, Planning Commissioner Harry Pollack, Landmarks Preservation Commission members Fran Packard and Burton Edwards, City Councilmember Linda Maio and former Councilmember Mim Hawley. 

Notably absent from any visible role in the fray are developers like Patrick Kennedy, Chris Hudson and Timothy Rempel who had waged long and costly battles against landmarking efforts. 

Supporters have organized for campaign spending purposes under the name of Landmark Preservation Ordinance 2006 Update PAC, and have reported raising a total of $13,007. 

But one key question remains: Who paid for the costly midsummer telephone poll that featured extensive questions about the landmarks ordinance, exploring what questions and issues might influence voters to vote against the measure? 

While no organizations or individuals have yet filed the city’s Form 410 as opponents of Measure J., a well-funded and negatively focused poll usually means deep pockets are waiting to try to influence the vote. 

A “Wanted—Jack O’Connell” flyer was posted to the Oakland Public School Parents email list this week, taking the State Superintendent to task for what it called “crimes against democracy.” 

O’Connell has come under severe criticism in recent months for his operation of the Oakland Unified School District, which the state took over in 2003. 

Local education leader Henry Hitz, who posted the flyer to the parents’ list, said that he was not involved in the poster’s creation in any way, and would only say that it was sent to him by “someone.” 

The City of Oakland has three local measures on the November ballot, all them placed by a vote of the Oakland City Council. Two of them—Measures M and O—are amendments to Oakland’s city charter. One of them—Measure N—is a bond measure. 

MEASURE M—Police And Fire Retirement Board Investments Charter Amendment. 

(Shall section 2601(e) of the Charter of the City of Oakland be amended to provide that the Police and Fire Retirement Board shall make investment decisions regarding common stocks and mutual funds in accordance with the prudent person standard as established by court decisions and as required by the California Constitution?) 

This is one of those financial housekeeping measures that drive voters crazy because voters can’t quite comprehend what they are all about, and which city officials insist are absoutely necessary. In this case, the necessity being asserted is the ability for the city to have more flexibility in making investments through its Police and Fire Retirement System, thus—according to city officials—reducing the city’s overall liability and saving the taxpayers money. 

Oakland’s Police And Fire Retirement System (PFRS) was established in 1951, accepted new members for the next 25 years, and then was closed to new members in 1976. Oakland police and firefighters hired after that date now participate in California’s Public Employees Retirement (PERS) system. 

Oakland’s PFRS members were given the option of transferring to the state PERS system, but a number of them did not. All but three of the remaining PFRS members have retired and are receiving benefits from the program. PFRS retains the obligation to pay the retirement benefits for the police and firefighters who chose to remain with the local retirement system. The system is managed by a seven-member board which includes City Administrator Deborah Edgerly, and is chaired by a member of the Oakland Police Department. 

The retirement payments to PFRS members come primarily from two sources: employee contributions from the City of Oakland, and returns on investments authorized by the PFRS board. 

Here’s where it gets complicated. 

Under the Oakland City Charter, Edgerly and other PFRS board members say that retirement fund managers are “severely restrict”[ed] in their ability to get the “highest rate of total return possible” on investments, limiting investments to stocks and mutual funds and prohibiting investment in non-dividend paying stocks without approval by the Board. 

In its place, the PFRS Board wants the ability to apply what the California Constitution calls the “prudent person standard” in investments. The details of that standard are beyond the scope of this analysis to explain, even if we had the ability to do so. 

PFRS is a defined benefit plan, one of the “old school” plans in which retirees are guaranteed a certain monthly benefit rather than the newer “defined contribution” plans which tailor individual benefits to how much money is in the overall fund. Because of that, taxpayers in the City of Oakland are ultimately responsible for keeping the fund up at a certain level so that PFRS retirees are able to receive their mandated benefits. 

But unless the investments completely collapse, approval of the investment guidelines under this proposed charter amendment will not have immediate fiscal effect on Oakland taxpayers, according to the city administrator’s report. The City of Oakland is already paid up on its employer contribution to the PFRS through 2010. 

Of local political organizations taking a position on Measure M, the Metropolitan Greater Oakland Club recommends a Yes vote, while neither the Wellstone Democratic Renewal Club or the John George Democratic Club chose to take a position.  

MEASURE N. Library Improvement and Expansion Bonds 

(To construct a new Main Library at the Henry J. Kaiser Convention Center and to acquire land and construct new branch library facilities and to renovate and expand branch library facilities, shall the City of Oakland issue $148,000,000 in bonds?) 

Measure N is an attempt to address three separate City of Oakland issues: 1) upgrading Oakland’s branch libraries, including renovation and expansion of existing branches as well as constructing new branches; 2) finding a new home for the Main Library to replace the existing facilities at the lower end of 14th Street near Lake Merritt; and 3) finding a public use for the recently-closed Kaiser Convention Center. 

Until the Oakland Coliseum was built in 1966, the Kaiser Convention Center, with its massive arena and adjacent auditorium, was Oakland’s major public venue for large events, hosting everything from rhythm & blues music concerts to graduation exercises for the city’s largest high schools. 

Even after the Coliseum took over the major-audience events, the Convention Center continued as the city’s mid-range venue, serving as the home of the Oakland Ballet, for example. All that ended when, in a controversial decision, the Oakland City Council chose to close the Center down in January of this year because of falling revenues. 

The Convention Center sits directly across from Lake Merritt in a prime location that will soon become “primer” when, using the Measure DD bond money, the 12th Street-14th Street “highway” in front of the building is completely overhauled and the Center will essentially sit on the banks of Lake Merritt. Because of that, developers have had their eye on the massive, now-vacant building, with proposals ranging from tearing it down entirely to making it a part of the high-rise condominium and commercial development proposed for the Oakland Unified School District Lake Merritt-area properties. 

But there have been proposals to keep the Convention Center as a public entity. One of them, turned down last year by the Oakland City Council, would have turned the center into an entertainment and performing arts venue jointly operated by a private management company and the Peralta Community College District. 

The Peralta District was part of another proposal that would have established a joint City of Oakland-Laney College library in the building. That proposal fell through when representatives of the Laney College Library and Laney College faculty felt it was unworkable. 

A portion of Measure N would authorize bond money for a go-it-alone move of the Main Library from its present location to the Convention Center, with the library taking up a portion of the facilities (between 120,000 and 160,000 square feet), and the rest of the convention center left in reserve “for future expansion.” 

One of the questions not specifically addressed in the bond measure is what will happen to the existing Main Library facility. Will it remain in public hands—either the library’s or the city’s—or will it be a candidate for private development? 

The rest of the bond money not expended on the main library move would go to expansion and upgrades of several existing branch library facilities. Voters should check the actual ballot language to see which branch facilities will be upgraded.  

Of local political organizations taking a position on Measure M, the Metropolitan Greater Oakland Club recommends a yes vote, while neither the Wellstone Democratic Renewal Club or the John George Democratic Club chose to take a position.  

MEASURE O. Instant Runoff Voting Charter Amendment 

(Shall the City Charter be amended to require the use of ranked choice voting, known sometimes as instant runoff voting, to elect city offices by a majority vote at a November election without holding a prior June election?) 

Some voters are understandably confused by the measure, since many believe that Oakland City Council already authorized ranked choice voting, sometimes called instant runoff voting (IRV). However, that was only for special elections to fill the unexpired City Council term. 

In addition, because Oakland runs its elections through the Alameda County Registrars office and because Alameda County does not currently have machines capable of handling IRV, Oakland’s special election IRV provision—like Berkeley’s general IRV—has not yet been implemented. 

Measure O would put Oakland in the same position as Berkeley—authorizing instant runoff voting for all city offices (including the Mayor, Councilmembers, and School Board members) but not being able to actually implement it until Alameda County purchases the machines capable of doing so. 

Oakland now operates a system in which a “nominating election” is held in June. If a candidate for city office wins a majority of the vote in that election, she or he wins office, and no further voting is necessary. This is what happened in last June’s mayoral race, where Ron Dellums won a majority of the vote over several challengers. 

If no candidate wins a majority of the vote in the “nominating election,” the top two vote-getters face each other in a November runoff. This is the case in Oakland City Council District Two, where no candidate got a majority of votes in June, and therefore the top two candidates—incumbent Pat Kernighan and challenger Aimee Allison—face each other again in a runoff. In this case, the candidate who did not come in first or second in June—Shirley Gee—was eliminated and will not appear on the November ballot. 

Under the proposed instant runoff system, the June “nominating election” will be eliminated, and only one city election will be held in November. If there are more than two candidates on the ballot of a city office, voters will have the chance to “rank” their choices; that is, the voter will give their first choice for the office a #1 ranking, their second choice a #2 ranking, their third choice a #3 ranking, and so forth. The theory is that the voter will give a #1 ranking to the person they most want to win the election, and give a #2 ranking to the person they want to win if their #1 choice doesn’t win. 

The votes are then counted in “rounds.” If one candidate gets a majority of votes in the first “round” of counting, that candidate automatically wins, and there is no more counting. However, if no candidate gets a majority of the votes in the first round, the candidate getting the least amount of votes is dropped off the ballot. 

The voters who voted for the last-place candidate then have their second choice votes applied to the remaining candidates. If any candidate now gets a majority of votes—including the second choice votes from the ballots of people supporting the last place candidate—then that candidate wins the office. 

The voting keeps going through new rounds—eliminating the last-place candidate each time and applying their next-ranked votes—until someone eventually gets a majority, and wins the election. 

Proponents of instant runoff voting for Oakland say it will save the city money by not forcing a second, runoff voting when one candidate does not get a majority. 

Opponents say that it is unfair to ask voters to make a second or third choice of candidates, when all they want is to pick their top choice. Critics also say the system could end up in confusion if it is not clear to voters how a particular candidate got enough votes to win. 

The Metropolitan Greater Oakland Club, the Wellstone Democratic Renewal Club, and the John George Democratic Club are all recommending a yes vote on Measure O. 

With the cities of Berkeley and San Leandro already approving the use of instant runoff voting (IRV) whenever the Alameda County voting system can accommodate it—and Oakland voters scheduled to decide on an IRV ballot measure next month—the Alameda County registrar’s office has set up tentative plans for an IRV conference later this month with representatives of the county’s municipalities and other interested parties. 

Last June, Alameda County Supervisors approved a contract with Oakland-based Sequoia Voting Systems to provide electronic scanners and a small number of touchscreen voting machines for the county’s election system. 

As part of that contract, Sequoia will write IRV-compatible software for use in the Alameda County machines by November 2007. Alameda County registrar’s office spokesperson Guy Ashley said the county wanted to have the software in place a year in advance of the 2008 Presidential election “because we want to be able to try it out in smaller elections first, to see if it works.” 

“Sequoia wants us to provide specifications on how we want IRV to work in Alameda County,” Ashley said. “We want to set up a meeting with the county’s stakeholders to talk about the key things people want in IRV.” 

No meeting date has yet been set. 

Police seeks suspects in two sexual assaults 

Campus and city police are seeking suspects in two sexual attacks that occurred last week, campus Police Chief Victoria L. Harrison announced Thursday. 

The first assault happened just after 8 p.m. Sept. 28 on Fulton Street near the Channing Way intersection when a bald or shaved-head man wearing jeans and a hoodie grabbed a woman from behind and threw her to the ground. 

When the woman began struggling with her assailant, he gave up and fled northbound on Fulton. 

The second attack was reported early on the morning of Sept. 30 by a student who had been drinking at the Down Low nightclub at 2284 Shattuck Ave. when she began feeling strange. 

Berkeley Police Department spokesperson Officer Ed Galvan said all the information provided to officers came from an emergency room nurse, who was legally required to report the incident. 

“We haven’t been able to talk to the woman, and she hasn’t returned our calls,” Officer Galvan said. 

According to the nurse’s report, the woman had just made it into the restroom when she collapsed, waking up to find that she was being raped. She was not able to give a clear description of her assailant, Harrison reported. 

“We would be happy to talk to her anonymously, to meet her in a parking lot or in any other way she would like. It is important that we get all the information we can so we can prevent further attacks,” he said. 

Chief Harrison urged students to protect themselves against so-called “date rape drugs” by refusing drinks from strangers, taking beverages only from bartenders when in a club, watching drinks closely, and taking drinks elsewhere only from sealed cans and containers. 

Another warning sign is when a fellow drinker reports feeling far more intoxicated than would be justified by the small amount of liquor consumed. 

Harrison urged anyone with information about the attacks to call the Berkeley Police Department at 981-5900.

The U.S. government’s Gulfstream jets are back in the news. 

Last month, following a two year inquiry, Canadian Justice Dennis O’Connor released an 822-page report detailing how Maher Arar, a Canadian citizen of Syrian origin, was illegally rendered by American agents “to Syria against his wishes and in the face of statements that he would be tortured if sent there.” 

The Americans flew the shackled Arar to Jordan on a Gulfstream III jet and drove him to Syria, where he was beaten until he confessed that he had trained at an al-Qaeda camp in Afghanistan, where he’d never been. For 10 more months he was caged in a coffin-size cell before his wife’s campaign to have him released succeeded. Justice O’Connor concluded that “categorically there is no evidence that Arar did anything wrong or was a security threat.” 

On Tuesday, Sept. 19, Attorney General Alberto Gonzales categorically denied U.S. responsibility in the affair. “We were not responsible for his removal to Syria,” claimed Gonzales, who said he had not read the Canadian report. “I’m not aware that he was tortured.” 

Arar’s removal to Syria, Gonzales said, “was a deportation.” But, “even if it were a rendition,” Gonzales went on, the U.S. government works seeks to ensure “that they will not be tortured.” 

Gonzales’ denial mirrors what President Bush and Secretary Rice have said on numerous occasions. 

Nonetheless, Justice O’Connor’s report, an Amnesty International investigation, Federal Aviation Adminstration flight records, the New York Times and many others agree that on Oct. 8, at 9:40 a.m., a Gulfstream III jet with a tail number of N829MG took off from Teterboro, N.J. After a stop-off at Washington’s Dulles Airport, it departed at 1:36 p.m. from Bangor, Maine, bound for Rome and then Jordan. 

According to Justice O’Connor’s report, Arar was blindfolded in Jordan and driven by American authorities to a secret Syrian intelligence service jail known as the “Palestine Section.” “I was shut away underground, in a cell 6-foot by 3 called ‘The Tomb,’” Arar told investigators. “It was full of rats and it was always dark ... I was brutally beaten and tortured with iron chains and electric shocks.” 

The Gulfstream jet used to render Arar is of particular interest because its operator, according to a report in Britain’s New Statesman two years ago by Stephen Grey, a British journalist who also writes for the Sunday Times of London and The New York Times, was “the US’s Special Collection Service. It runs a fleet of luxury planes, as well as regular military transports, that has moved thousands of prisoners around the world since 11 September 2001.” 

The Special Collection Service (SCS) is a secret agency jointly operated by the NSA and the CIA. It doesn’t officially exist, and is off the media’s radar. Even seasoned security analysts who will usually discuss the most controversial subjects won’t say a word about the SCS “unless of course they’re willing to incur into the wrath of the NSA,” notes a former intelligence official on condition of anonymity. 

According to a Greek investigation into the tapping of more than 100 Greek leaders’ cell phones during the 2004 Athens’ Olympics, some of the eavesdropped conversations were transmitted to a site near Laurel, Md. John Pike, an iconoclastic watchdog who heads GlobalSecurity.org., a think tank based in Virginia near the Pentagon, believes the area is home to the SCS headquarters. 

What little is known about the SCS is due mainly to Pike. About a decade ago, in his prior job at the Federation of American Scientists, Pike posted on the Internet satellite photos of two buildings in a forested patch in Maryland. Pike said that SCS headquarters are disguised as a bland corporate campus, and that to receive communication from the field the SCS may be using State Department facilities. 

Claims that SCS performs such activities are discounted by Vincent Cannistraro, a former top official in the CIA’s Directorate of Operations and a former Director of Intelligence Programs for the National Security Council. “The SCS doesn’t operate domestically and doesn’t target political subjects. It is a tactical tool deployed abroad to collect information about terrorist activities.” 

There’s no dispute, however, that SCS personnel operate undercover. Overseas they set up sophisticated interception systems with code names like Oratory and Austin. Satellite relay stations for these intercepted communications are located in U.S. embassies—and in Canadian, British, Australian and New Zealand embassies overseas as well, according to a Village Voice investigation. 

Why have so few reporters followed Pike’s lead? “Because it’s a highly clandestine operation and the government is damn serious about it,” Pike says. 

Since 9/11, all government information collection efforts have intensified, and Cannistraro believes it’s likely the SCS is now receiving the lion’s share of the increased funding and personnel fed to the covert intelligence community. 

Could agents from the SCS now be manning the U.S. rendering teams—the so-called “special removal units?” This would accord with their urgent post-9/11 mandate: Become an active hunter of information rather than a passive collector. If SCS black ops teams are involved in the U.S.’s “extreme renditions,” their job may be to compare the intelligence, however worthless, collected from outsourced torture to intelligence they’ve electronically intercepted. 

On Wednesday, Sept. 20, an embarrassed Justice Department spokesman revised Mr. Gonzales’ denials of the previous day. He said the Attorney General had intended to make only a narrow point: that deportations are now handled by the Department of Homeland Security, not the Department of Justice. Also on Wednesday, Representative Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) introduced five “resolutions of inquiry” aimed at forcing the release of government documents related to the Arar case. 

Under Congressional rules, the resolutions must be voted on in five House committees within 14 days, or Mr. Markey will be able to force a vote by the full House. If any inquiries are approved, it may be the first time even indirect official light is cast upon the Special Collection Service. 

Jeffrey Klein, a founding editor of Mother Jones, this summer received a Loeb, journalism’s top award for business reporting. Paolo Pontoniere is a New America Media European commentator.

Saturday morning at the Farmers’ Market the Green Party’s Pam Webster handed me a flyer with a picture on it of the house where I’d lived as an undergraduate. I’d forgotten just what a fine house it was. There was the big bay window of the high-ceilinged front room where we had many fine parties. The glassed-in front porch was a perfect place to store our bikes. My housemates and I had three bedrooms on the first floor, which housed three to six of us depending on whose boyfriends were in (unauthorized) residence. Upstairs in the garrett lived mysterious seldom-seen older men (at least 30 years old) by reputation jazz musicians who played for beatniks in North Beach. On the far right could be glimpsed some foliage which might have been the enormous and prolific fig tree in the large back yard. I was surprised and pleased to learn that the house’s comfortable design was attributed to a woman architect (Ida M. Legal), and that it had been built in 1889. We paid big bucks in 1959 to live in this marvelous residence: $90 a month, split three ways. The only problem: next to the picture was the ominous legend in big black type: DEMOLISHED 1963. 

I left Berkeley when I graduated in 1961. When we came back in 1973, we went to see what had happened to the old house. In its place stood a seedy (even after only 10 years) little apartment building optimistically named “The William Penn Apartments.” Clearly someone with good intentions thought he was doing the world a favor by demolishing our old building, which had survived in good shape for sixty years, and replacing it with a modern one. Now, almost fifty years later, houses like that are still considered jewels by many of their tenants at more than 100 years of age, but the newer replacements are going steadily downhill, and many of them are earthquake hazards. 

Should our house have been a “landmark”? Even by today’s standards, probably not—it was not remarkable for its time, just a solid, well-designed family home, built to last from irreplaceable old-growth redwood. The architect’s name is known, but “Anonymous was a woman,” and many good buildings probably designed to a canny housewife’s specs don’t have architect names attached. A fair number of such houses still survive in the Bay Area, some of them restored to jewel-box perfection, but many others are just hanging in there as comfortable housing that doesn’t have to rent for top dollar. The architectural features—bay windows, porches, compact yards—of these old houses are now stylish additions to the “new urbanist” McMansions that are gobbling up farmland in Fairfield, but if you live in one of these which remain in Berkeley you can have it all and walk to work to boot.  

This is the kind of house which is now designated as a “structure of merit” under Berkeley’s Landmark Preservation Ordinance, enacted in 1974 to stop the assaults on Berkeley’s housing stock of the preceding decades. Along with its partner Neighborhood Preservation Ordinance (1973), which was aimed at saving housing regardless of historic or architectural merit, the LPO has been responsible for keeping Berkeley livable. It’s ironic that the new group which is now lobbying hardest to trash the LPO calls itself “Livable Berkeley”—an oxymoron if ever there was one.  

It’s also sad that Councilmember Linda Maio, who got her start in local politics (under the name of Linda Veneziano) as one of the early backers of the NPO, is now speaking (albeit with a notable lack of fervor) against Measure J, which re-enacts the LPO as a bullet-proof citizen initiative with a few needed updates. It’s hard to understand how Maio, who’s safely ensconced in a comfortable but unpretentious Julia Morgan house in the flats, or for that matter Tom Bates, who lives in a pleasant turn-of-the-last-century frame house on the southside, could have lost touch so badly with what people still want and need—the same kind of housing they wanted when they were young. The pressure from developers who see old houses like theirs as building sites is just as bad as it was in the ’60s, but it needs to be resisted just as firmly now as it was then. Berkeley’s older housing stock is the principal source of affordable housing these days, which both Bates and Maio claim to support, and “re-use” is the greenest of housing options.  

Which brings us, in a roundabout way, to the question of endorsements for Berkeley’s first City Council district. On the one hand, Maio’s full record, looked at as a whole going all the way back to the NPO, certainly qualifies her for re-election. She’s obviously intelligent and thoughtful, well able to grasp the information which a good councilmember should understand. She’s spoken up courageously on international human rights issues, despite empty threats from bombastic partisans of one Middle East sub-faction to bury her in the next election. But since Tom Bates was elected and started his mad dash for the middle of the road, she’s been all too willing to go along with his various anti-democratic schemes. Voters in her district who know her well maintain the hope that sooner or later she’ll come to her senses, and perhaps she will.  

Her opponent, Merrilie Mitchell, is an exceedingly valuable civic gadfly. She goes to all the meetings, and if anything nefarious is up, she lets the world know about it. She’s obviously not a candidate fronted by the blowhards who threatened to bury Maio, but is her own woman all the way. Nevertheless, it might be too soon to give up on Maio, and it would be a real shame to lose Mitchell to the ranks of the elected establishment. We can’t decide between them.  

Readers of recent editorials have complained that they’ve been so subtle that it’s hard to know who we’ve endorsed. Let’s make it perfectly clear, one more time: 

First: Send money and do work for Jerry McNerney, running against the odious Richard Pombo out towards Tracy. 

Second: Vote yes on Berkeley’s Measure J, endorsed by everyone except pro-development shills as the best way to keep Berkeley Berkeley. 

Third: Zelda Bronstein for mayor, Worthington, Spring, Overman for City Council…the genuine progressive democrats in this election. 

Fourth (and this is new): No endorsement in Berkeley’s District 1.  

More to come.  

Many readers seem to assume that the Planet will automatically endorse former Planning Commission Chair Zelda Bronstein, who is on leave from her job as one of the Planet’s Public Eye columnists, in her campaign for mayor of Berkeley. But it’s not that simple. We do have enormous respect for Bronstein’s experience and expertise in all matters related to the current and future state of the city fabric, and for her keen intelligence and quick mastery of new ideas. Since she’s been contributing to the paper, she’s become a friend as well as a colleague. But that shouldn’t be the whole story. Following the “if it’s not broke, don’t fix it” theory of management, it is appropriate to see what Tom Bates has done with his opportunities before deciding whether to support a change. He’s generally conceded to be personable and friendly, but is that enough? Under our charter, the mayor of Berkeley is able to establish a tone and a direction for the efforts of the City Council, but he or she must lead by example and exhortation rather than by exerting power.  

Berkeley’s city charter establishes a “weak mayor” form of government. In theory, the mayor has no more power than that of an extra at-large councilmember plus a few ceremonial duties. The city manager and the people he hires pretty much run the show most of the time.  

Jerry Brown engineered a charter amendment to become Oakland’s first strong mayor, but then squandered his opportunities. Some cities have even weaker mayors than Berkeley. Santa Cruz, for example, gets a new mayor every year, elected by the city council from among its own members in rotation.  

Bates came to Berkeley with a lot of good will on his side, left over from 20 years of uncontested service in the state Legislature. He started with what was supposed to be an exciting new era, based on having a progressive majority: Shirek, Worthington, Maio, Spring, Breland and himself. It would have been possible for him to accomplish some of the goals which have traditionally been endorsed by progressive candidates in Berkeley: affordable housing, citizen-centered planning, civil rights.  

But his term began with bad news for progressives (or even conventional liberals of any stripe, not just far-lefties). He grabbed a bunch of copies of the Daily Cal which endorsed his opponent and threw them in the trash. That foolish temper tantrum whittled what should have been his bully pulpit down to soapbox size. Berkeleyans who consider the Bill of Rights of the U.S. Constitution to be their political gospel were well and truly shocked.  

One of his associates, a respected civil rights attorney, sent out an e-mail to rally supporters in the face of an uproar which some of the shocked people were planning for Bates’ first City Council meeting. It said, in part: 

“No fair person can seriously describe Tom as anything but a staunch defender of the First Amendment in all its parts and all its glory.” 

Well, yes. But actually, no. Unfortunately, that e-mail reminded me of the sign which had been in my garage since 1994, filched from a telephone pole at election time: “Assemblyman Bates Says to Vote Yes on Measures N &O.” That year I emerged dormouse-like from a long political slumber to discover that some of the “progressives” that I’d been voting for, whom I’d been trusting to mind the store, were pushing a ballot measure aimed at punishing people for asking for money on the street. In other words, they were supporting banning the content of a panhandler’s speech instead of the time, place and manner in which it is exercised—an obviously unconstitutional attack on the free speech guarantees of the First Amendment. The ballot argument for these measures was signed by, among others, ex-Mayor Loni Hancock and her husband, Assemblyman Tom Bates. I met a good number of the best people in Berkeley in the campaign against N & O, but we lost the election. The resulting ordinance was of course overturned in federal court, as we predicted it would be, thanks to the ACLU. It was an expensive boondoggle, with Berkeley and Bates on the wrong side. 

That’s two strikes against the First Amendment for Bates. Strike three was the letter which appeared in this space a few weeks ago, signed by Mayor Bates and his spouse among other pols, castigating the Planet for printing a reader-submitted op-ed which some readers found offensive and parrotting the completely untrue charge that editors had refused to meet with the offended parties. Most courageous local politicians did not allow themselves to be bullied into signing that letter, but Bates was not among them.  

The mayor of Berkeley can be a leader in defending civil liberties and promoting open government, but Bates has not been that leader. It’s taken the threat of a lawsuit from library users to focus his attention on allowing adequate public comment at city meetings, and the problem hasn’t been solved. Bates’s backroom bad deal with the University of California—which opponents call the “secret sellout”—stands in stark contrast to the Santa Cruz city council, which even placed a measure on the ballot to restrict unmitigated UC expansion.  

But what about his record in other areas? Something seems to be wrong with the way misdeeds by police officers are being handled, though the full story is still being kept secret. Residents in some neighborhoods have turned to small claims court to address on-going crime problems which city authorities have not managed to solve. Beyond that, there’s not much to talk about.  

“The Bates Updates”—the mayor’s city-funded press releases—are still available on the Internet, and they make pretty thin reading. There’s lot of talk about supporting education and kids, the functional equivalent of baby-kissing, but council members and mayors can’t do much in that area. There’s a lot of feel-good environmental arm-waving, conferences, committees, but little in the way of significant accomplishment.  

Land-use planning is the last bastion of significant power and responsibility for local governments. In this arena Zelda Bronstein has shown herself time and again to be on the side of neighborhood residents and opposed to outside corporate development interests. Bates, on the other hand, has been the developers’ best friend on the council.  

His term started out with a much-ballyhooed “Task Force on Planning and Development” which was supposed to “fix Berkeley’s broken development process.” In fact, the development engine, never broken, has continued to chug along smoothly, just as it did under Bates’ predecessors. Big ugly boxes now dominate Berkeley’s skyline, overshadowing neighboring flatlands homes.  

The Bates task force used hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of city staff time, was heavily stacked in favor of developers, and produced nothing of value for local residents. The task force’s single positive idea, from the citizens’ perspective, was the 4’x8’ yellow information signs which were supposed to be erected on proposed building sites, and even those were shrunk to 2x4 by the planning department in the end. The worst product of that task force has been the Mayor’s lengthy and expensive effort to gut the Landmarks Preservation Ordinance, which will still be in the works unless Measure J, the citizen initiative to retain the LPO, succeeds. 

Downtown Berkeley and Telegraph Avenue have been allowed to slide under the Bates regime, despite the vigorous efforts of Councilmembers Kriss Worthington and Dona Spring, who represent those areas, to hold the line. Longtime Berkeley businesses are shutting their doors. The useful Telegraph Avenue Association has been de-funded and homeless and mental health services have been cut, though some are being restored as the election nears.  

Almost no affordable housing units for families have been built since Bates has been in office, though many expensive new apartments are being condo-ized for well-off buyers. The backhanded effort by Bates cronies to build still more pricey units on the Ashby Bart parking lot, with the usual pittance of lower-priced units as cover, produced outrage from neighbors when it was revealed, but Bates is still pursuing it, undeterred by public opinion. 

What does all this add up to? It’s hard to defeat an incumbent backed by big developer bucks, but there are many reasons to conclude that Tom Bates doesn’t deserve a vote of confidence telling him to stay the course for two more years. Zachary Running Wolf and Christian Pecaut have made some good points about Bates’ record, but neither is ready for prime time. Anyone who thinks that Berkeley deserves a better deal than it’s gotten in the four years of the Bates tenure should be voting for Zelda Bronstein in this election.  

REALITIES AND ILLUSIONS 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

In a recent Berkeley Daily Planet editorial, Becky O’Malley commented on the sad state of Berkeley “progressives.” It’s refreshing for once to read a clear and concise description of the complacency that many old guard members of Berkeley Citizens Action exhibited by endorsing Mayor Tom Bates, while at the same time ignoring his role in the “economic cleansing” of this city by UC and other moneyed interests.  

There seems to be a very disturbing trend happening here in the Bay Area regarding our political leadership. Candidates come forth sincerely expressing how “progressive” they are. They say that they will stop big money and the special interests. However, once in office, they radically change their opinions, and suddenly start supporting the very special interests that they once condemned. The reasons they give are to the effect that they must be “realistic” and “pragmatic.” Recent examples of this are the sudden shifts in the loyalties of Jerry Brown, Ignacio De La Fuente, and, of course, Tom Bates. 

Why is this occurring? Let me offer an example. Recently, a member of the Berkeley City Council was asked why the council did not more aggressively challenge the university in its expansion plans. The reply was words to the effect that “They have too much power in Sacramento.” Statements like this show that, even in “Progressive Berkeley,” it is unelected bodies who are answerable to no one who make the real decisions that affect our lives. Knowing that the up-front oppression of the Republicans won’t work in a place like the Bay Area, the powers that be have instead used more devious methods to keep us in line. Candidates will preach unity and recite a litany of accomplishments during an election. But while they are in office, they must without question follow the bidding of these powerful interests or face the end of their political careers, or worse.  

To quote Lakota activist and poet John Trudell: “We know about the reality of freedom, and the illusion of freedom.”  

It’s one thing to condemn Bush and his cohorts, but let’s clean up our own house first. The immediate thing we can do is to support by whatever legal means possible the campaigns of independent candidates who are not beholden to the Democratic Party, UC, or other representatives of the monied interests. The time has come to turn our backs on the Democrats and other tired political groups, and to build a genuine independent movement of citizens throughout the Bay Area. Publications such as the Berkeley Daily Planet are at the forefront of this, and do deserve our continued support. 

John F. Davies 

• 

WE CAN’T HAVE IT ALL 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

I am not going to use this valuable space to lament the increased traffic congestion, pollution, leakage, threat to small business or any of the other tangible and very relevant arguments against Target and other major developments that are proposed here in Alameda. You’ve heard them all by now. My argument is about what is intangible; the part of Alameda that will be permanently altered if this enormous store is built. It’s a change that cannot be represented in graphs, or charts, on fiscal reports or even environmental impact reports. Alameda is so special and it is naïve to think that you can make big changes in its landscape and not have it trickle down into all aspects of life here on the island. 

While our current leaders and their developers are claiming to be progressive in their development tactics, truly progressive developers are spending trillions of dollars trying to create perfect housing developments around the country. These developments are pedestrian friendly, have central parks, create community spirit and are an attempt to revive neighborhoods that have been ravaged by a strip mall mentality. These progressive developers are trying to duplicate what we already have right here! 

We can’t have both. We can’t be quirky and quaint and safe and have all of life’s modern conveniences. The problem is that once we find that out it may be too late. Is a trip to San Leandro that big a deal if it protects something so special? The change will be gradual and some of you may not even notice it, but it will still affect you in ways you may not even recognize. A little busier, a bit more crowded, a few more minutes to park, stress levels rising just a bit, increases in petty crime, noise levels up, and missing that conversation with the regular clerk you knows your name and makes you feel important. I’m not just demonizing Target alone. It’s the whole “bigger is better” mentality that accompanies “closer is better” too. 

Please consider these words when you visit the polls. I am for the “Action Alameda” slate, but there are other great candidates who also support careful growth. Our current city council and our Mayor are not listening to what we as citizens of Alameda have said. I sat through many meetings regarding our general plan and big box retail was NOT what we said we wanted here on our island.  

I’ll leave you with a final example. In my past life I was an editor. I would put together a video montage for my clients and they would always walk in and say “Wow that is awesome. I love what you did- Can we just change that one shot?” I would oblige and then they would request we change one more. This would inevitably continue until they stood back, I pressed play and they said “I hate it!” I would always save the first version and at the moment where they thought all was lost I would pull up the original and punch play. “Perfect!” they would always say.” Keep it just like that.” If only we could keep a version of Alameda to revert back too. 

Susan Older 

• 

FCMAT 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

J. Douglas Allen-Taylor’s Oct. 6 article about Fiscal Crisis and Management Team (FCMAT) makes some excellent points; however, he left out one part of the story. That is, the role of county superintendent of schools. By law, that official is supposed to oversee budgets of local school districts and prevent them from overspending so that FCMAT would not be needed. 

In Alameda County the superintendent of schools has allowed two school, districts to go bankrupt: Emery and Oakland, and several others are in serious financial trouble: e,.g., Berkeley, Hayward, Livermore. 

The Grand Jury has looked into this, and in several of its reports have pointed out that the problem is that county superintendents are elected officials and need not have any expertise in school finance to run for and hold office. 

Not only in Alameda County, but in other counties as well, the county superintendents frequently do not act swiftly enough to intervene in local school districts’ budget crisis. And this is where the legislature came to their rescue, by passing legislation which established FCMAT. FCMAT is the cavalry coming in when the county superintendents fail in their duties.  

FCMAT has a cozy relation with county superintendents, and they have carte blanche hiring consultants. They don’t have to go out to bid. For a governmental agency it has unprecedented independence. Frequently, the consultants they hire are recommended by the county superintendents and they belong to the “old boy/girl” club; e.g, California School Boards Association, Association of California School Administrators. These same groups have well-paid lobbyists who happened to have lobbied for Perata’s Oakland bailout bill. Is that what is called “conflict of interest?” 

No one oversees FCMAT. It was never audited until Assemblywoman Jackie Goldberg in 2003 insisted that there be an audit of FCMAT finances. She was concerned that FCMAT’s budget had ballooned from $562,000 in 1993 to $36.5 million, 2001. And it keeps on growing. 

Ernest Avellar 

Hayward 

• 

LET THE SPIN BEGIN 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

Rick Hutchinson of City CarShare wants everyone to know how wonderful Patrick Kennedy is to donate one of his parking spaces at UC Storage for a City CarShare truck. What they don’t tell you is that Mr. Kennedy’s business is already operating with less than half required the parking and none of the required off-loading areas. Also not mentioned is the fact that UC Storage is not zoned for this use. a battle neighbors fought and won several years ago when the business began illegally renting out Ryder Trucks, turning our neighborhood into their Ryder Truck Lot. Contrary to Mr. Hutchinsons claim, neither City CarShare, Mr. Kennedy or the City of Berkeley had any discussions with, or sought input from nearby neighbors. The City CarShareTruck and signs appeared illegally the same way the Ryder Trucks did. The fact is since acquiring the property in January Mr. Kennedy has been building on stop at the site. Generators running at all hours, Trucks illegally double parking and off loading on Ward Street. Work even began on the cell phone antennas before the matter even went to the ZAB, let alone approved. It does not matter how wonderful City CarShare is, given the fact that it’s a prohibited use at a site already lacking parking and loading areas, being stuffed once again down neighbors throats the same way it was done before, like it or not, it’s wrong. Donating heavily to the campaigns of many of our elected officials has bought Mr. Kennedy free reign in Berkeley. Lets remind City Officials this is Berkeley, not Kennedyville and it belongs to us.  

Mark Danes 

• 

DOES IT MATTER WHO IS MAYOR? 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

I never engaged in local politics before I moved to Berkeley. Had I been asked for an opinion about the office of mayor for any of the scores of other towns or cities in which I resided previously, my response would have been a shrug. Berkeley changed my mind. 

Shirley Dean was, and is, a fantastic person. I came to know her when I appealed to the city for help in stopping the drug-related violence that plagued South Berkeley. It amazed me to find that her door was always open, and her responses were always direct and practical. Both Mayor Dean and her entire staff were invariably kind, sensible and organized. She listened to everything I had to say, and while she didn’t agree with everything that fell out of my mouth, I always left her office knowing that she listened well. I strongly believe that, had Shirley Dean been mayor of anywhere else than Berkeley, her hard work and reliable ethical standards would have been much better appreciated. I told her then, and I still maintain, she provided better leadership than Berkeley deserved. 

An impasse devolved, often enough, from the scenario in which a rational mind tried to arbitrate the disparate voices of conflict. Assuming a leadership role in Berkeley is like trying to herd cats. It was not hard to understand why a slim majority of Berkeley voters would be drawn to Tom Bates. He talks their talk, he knows their lingo. He is comfortable with the political cant that masks backroom deals. He knows how to use the disorganization of the city to his advantage. When Tom Bates was elected Mayor he succeeded in providing, at long last, the leadership Berkeley deserved. When Tom Bates stole all available issues of the Daily Cal on the eve of the election, we learned everything we needed to know about the man. What you see is what you get. 

Over the past years of the Bates administration, I stayed away from local politics. I spoke up only when policies were floated (or worse, implemented) with the potential for disastrous effects on the community. Open and frank discussions with public access became a thing of the past, and opacity of public government a memory in Berkeley. Taken together, 10 years’ worth of observations of these two mayors have taught me the following:  

• Elect a person of honesty, whose behavior reflects integrity and reliability.  

• Elect a person you can talk with, who both communicates and listens well. Encountering double-speak or questionable ambiguities from a candidate ought to set off warning alarms. 

• Ask, what are the top five agenda items each candidate hopes to accomplish as mayor? No one can do it all, nor can they complete too many goals well. Are the candidate’s objectives and priorities in line with yours? And yes, it does matter. 

I am supporting Zelda Bronstein as the next mayor of Berkeley. I find in her an honest person, approachable and friendly. She listens very well, and her responses are always reasonable. My opinion is that Zelda is a rational problem-solver who will be good for the whole of Berkeley. 

Sam Herbert 

The people of Berkeley will be pleased to learn that the work of the Creeks Task Force (CTF) is drawing to a conclusion. After two years of twice-monthly meetings, public hearings, presentations, and the give-and-take of Berkeley-style debate, city staff are following the guidance of the CTF to put the finishing touches on a new Creeks Ordinance. The Public Works and Planning commissions will soon provide their comments on the proposed ordinance—the Planning Commission will hold a hearing on Oct. 11—and the ordinance will be presented to the City Council in November for possible action. 

The CTF was created by the City Council to review the Berkeley Creeks Protection Ordinance (BMC Chapter 17.08) and to develop recommendations for its improvement. The existing ordinance, which dates to the late 1980s and was one of the first efforts in the country to protect urban creeks and riparian habitat, has had a controversial history. The interpretation and implementation of the ordinance proved challenging to city staff and left both property-rights proponents and environmentalists unsatisfied. Members of the task force understood from the start that the challenge of revising the ordinance would be to achieve a reasonable balance in preserving and protecting environmental resources, public safety, drainage infrastructure, and property rights. After hundreds of hours of study and discussion in a completely public and transparent process, the CTF recommendations embody this balance. 

Protecting Berkeley’s natural and community resources is a critical quality-of-life issue for both present and future generations. Expert testimony stressed both the property protection values and the ecological values of protected creeks and naturally vegetated stream buffers. Unfortunately, the existing development pattern in Berkeley does not permit establishing a setback wide enough to preserve or restore the full natural function of Berkeley’s creeks; in fact, the proposed setback distance is less than one-third the setback recommended by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for urban streams. However, requiring some setback will at least preserve an undeveloped buffer zone that will help protect water quality, provide important habitat to birds and animals, and minimize the hazards often caused by building too close to creek banks (including flooding, erosion, and bank failure). Ultimately, a solid majority of CTF members voted to recommend keeping the existing 30-foot setback of permanent structures from the centerline of open creeks but to allow development as close as 25 feet under some circumstances.  

Many property owners expressed their fears of losing value and control of their creekside property. The proposed ordinance eliminates their cause for concern by explicitly allowing them to rebuild their homes after a disaster (such as a fire, earthquake, or flood). Also, the proposed ordinance will not prevent upward or downward expansions of existing homes even if they violate the required setback distance. Moreover, for culverted (i.e., underground) creeks, the revised ordinance will only require a setback sufficient to protect safety and provide access for maintenance; for most property owners near culverts, this will substantially reduce the limitations on how they can develop their property compared to the current 30-foot required setback from creek culverts. 

Some would like to water down the CTF’s ordinance recommendations to appease a vocal minority of property-rights advocates. Others would prefer an ordinance that is more protective of creeks. Although we lean heavily towards creek protection, we do fully support the CTF recommendations as the best workable compromise. As CTF members (although this commentary represents our personal opinions), we are proud of the work we have done and of the time, energy, and commitment shown by our fellow task force members. We urge the City Council to adopt the proposed ordinance as currently written. 

Joshua Bradt, Tom Kelly, and Phil Price are members of the Creeks Task Force.

If Berkeley’s Measure A, the parcel tax, goes down, it is likely that so will property values. “It’s clear that if school quality is reduced, housing values decrease. It’s a direct correlation. One of the reasons the city of Berkeley has such high values relative to Oakland is because of the perceived quality and reputation of the schools,” observes Teresa Clarke, senior project manager for Affordable Housing Associates. “It’s very interesting to note that in the late ’70s, before any of the parcel tax measures were passed, Berkeley schools had a terrible reputation.” 

For the last two decades Berkeley homeowners have chosen to pay a couple hundred bucks or so more in taxes each year in exchange for better schools. What they may have overlooked is that the small fee of maintaining top-notch schools is also a big factor in keeping their communities safer and their property values among the highest in the nation. For home owners, the return on their investment is astonishingly high since school quality is one of the strongest influences in persuading new home buyers to purchase, driving up market prices. 

A public opinion poll conducted by the California Public Education Partnership in 2000 indicates that residents rank improvements in public education higher than environmental quality and crime reduction. 

Citing the study in Growth and Change, Economist Dr. David E. Clark and William E. Herrin assert that “After controlling for a wide range of housing characteristics and neighborhood features, the findings of the study indicated that the school district does significantly influence the real sale price” of real estate—with average class size by far the strongest influence. “There is some evidence to suggest that the benefits of additional teachers likely outweigh the costs.” Berkeley citizens couldn’t agree more. In response to the shortages caused by Proposition 13, beginning in 1986 voters repeatedly approved what have become two primary sources of funding to the Berkeley Unified School District (BUSD), both of which will sunset at the end of the 2006-2007 school year. Measure A on the November ballot renews the sources. Together, the $19 million a year parcel taxes have maintained Berkeley’s reputation for small class sizes under the state average; teacher training; parent outreach; special services like speech, group therapy, counseling, and a myriad of enrichment programs echoing those in private schools. Such programs include computer labs, science, poetry, drama, pottery and other art classes, writing support, capoeira, P.E., sports classes and after-school tutoring. The two previous measures combined have been providing more funds to the Berkeley school district than does the federal government. BUSD Superintendent Michele Lawrence notes, “If Measure A doesn’t pass, it will lead to Berkeley schools’ swift demise and bankruptcy. More than a third of our teachers will be laid off. The schools will lose their music and fine arts programs and the libraries will close. The district won’t help but resemble neighboring bankrupt districts like Richmond and Oakland. The state underfunds public education. Fortunately, Berkeley citizens have been giving public education a strong voice through their support with local taxes.” And, according to real estate figures, the investment of Berkeley homeowners is paying off. “In general, the perceived quality of the local schools definitely affects prop values,” says Broker Betsy Thagard with Green Planet properties. Thagard points out that because Oakland has neighborhood schools, homes corresponding to Crocker Highland elementary school are more valuable than other Oakland houses due to the school’s reputation. 

Property values for similar houses just blocks from one another, separated only by the Oakland-Berkeley border, demonstrate this phenomenon quite vividly. A random comparison of a dozen comparable houses along the Berkeley border with Rockridge in Oakland sold over the last two years found that on average for that period, Berkeley homes sold for $77,000 more than Oakland homes. A more reliable measure is dollars per square foot. Looking at this measure, a two-bedroom Berkeley house next to an Oakland home is worth $86 more per square foot. This means that an average two-bedroom, 1,300-square-foot home in Berkeley is worth $112,375 more than its Oakland neighbor, even when all other variables remain constant. If one averages in all the homes that were larger than two-bedrooms and one bath sold since 2005 in that area, the difference in dollars per square foot of Berkeley homes nearly doubles to $161 a square foot more than Oakland homes. 

That’s quite a generous return for a tax which will cost only about 23 cents per square foot for private properties. Measure A would also levy a tax on commercial properties at 34 cents per square foot, together yielding a total of $19.5 million. 

Of the houses surveyed, most were just blocks within each other on the same street such as Colby or Hillegass. Some were actually on the same block. All homes had the same general accessibility to the same BART station, Rockridge shops, restaurants and groceries. The appearance, landscaping and ethnic makeup of their blocks were also very similar. The principal variable in the comparison was the school district. The houses in the survey were sold or compiled by Red Oak Realty, Coldwell Banker and Herman Sun and Marvin Gardens Real Estate. This year, 6015 Colby St., a five-bedroom Craftsman built in 1911 in Oakland, was offered at $749,000. A less desirable house with one less bedroom at 5829 Colby St. was offered at $1,020,000—over a quarter of a million dollars more. Again, the most outstanding distinguishing characteristic: Berkeley public schools. 

There is concern among Berkeley school parents and teachers that homes in Berkeley are so costly now, new residents might be too wealthy to care about the cost of maintaining public schools and too self-interested to approve a parcel tax. The 10-year measure needs a two-thirds majority vote to pass. 

But 23 cents a square foot is a modest premium to insure the health of Berkeley schools and of the community, preserving the very assets that make a Berkeley home so prized. Judging by the figures, it’s in the financial self-interest of all homeowners, parents or not, to support a school parcel tax. And, perhaps more importantly, less fortunate students, whose parents can’t afford homes, also come out winners. 

Margot Pepper is a journalist and author whose work has been published internationally by the Utne Reader, the San Francisco Bay Guardian, City Lights, Hampton Brown and others. Her memoir, Through the Wall, was a top nomination for the 2006 American Book Award.

THANKS 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

Just a quick note to let people know that I appreciate Doug deHaan, Pat Bail, and Eugenie Thomson for standing up for Alameda and pledging not to use Alameda City Council as a stepping stone to higher office in Sacramento or elsewhere. 

Thank you Doug, Pat, and Eugenie. 

Rosemary McNally 

Alameda 

• 

ANIMAL RIGHTS 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

PawPAC, California’s political action committee for animals (since 1980), has just released its 2006 Voting Record for the state Legislature, along with its endorsement recommendations for the November election. 

Find out how your state representatives did on legislation to protect animals and the environment. You might be surprised. 

For a copy of the chart, please visit our website at www.pawpac.org. 

Eric Mills 

PawPAC board member 

• 

ALBANY WATERFRONT 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

In his recent guest commentary, Robert Cheasty decries proposed development on the Albany Waterfront, and calls on all Albany “environmentalists” to support his position. The irony of all this is that no development on the Albany waterfront has ever been proposed. The Caruso proposal (never formalized) was initially 200 feet from the water, and then, in response to community input, was increased to 300 feet. All the land between the development and the shoreline was designated as open space, and would have included a Bay Trail connection through Albany. 

If Mr. Cheasty really does not like waterfront development, he should concentrate his energies in rounding up enough money to buy out Chevy’s in Emeryville, His Lordships and Skates in Berkeley, and the Berkeley Doubletree Hotel—buildings that really are on the water. For far less money than he would need to buy out the Golden Gate Fields race track and build a park on that land, he could move all these buildings to a location next to the freeway (where he seems to think development belongs) and free up all the waterfront space these buildings formerly occupied for whatever he (and the Sierra Club) think people should be doing there. The fact that people seem to like the connection to the water that these buildings provide should be no obstacle to the true believers. Just don’t count on my support.  

Howard McNenny 

Albany 

• 

RAUDEL WILSON 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

Does Becky O’Malley know Raudel Wilson? Does she know that he is a branch manager for a locally owned and operated bank, one committed to the community; not a corporate giant? 

I wonder where Becky O’Malley banks. Or does she keep her money under the mattress? I ask because the tone of Ms. O’Malley’s commentary seemed to suggest that being a bank manager was a bad thing; something an honorable person would not aspire to. 

With the upcoming election, we have a choice to make; stay with the status quo and continue to see Berkeley decline, or attempt to affect some positive change and hopefully revitalize Berkeley. I know Raudel to be a kind, caring and thoughtful person. I have every reason to believe that he would bring these same attributes to the City Council. Maybe it’s time for a change in Berkeley politics. Maybe Raudel Wilson is the right person to help bring about a positive change. 

Stephen Southern 

• 

PROP. 1B 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

In a few weeks, at the ballot box, we will face the high cost of cheap labor. Proposition 1B, the “Highway Safety, Traffic Reduction, Air Quality, and Port Security Act,” asks taxpayers to become obligated to pay $38.9 billion (including more than $1 billion in debt service) for some needed infrastructure improvements. Much of the pressure for improvement and expansion is the result of approximately 500,000 new California residents each year. Illegal immigration and high birth rates, the two primary factors in population growth, are beneficial for consumers and businesses in the short run. But we cannot escape the long-term costs. 

The bond amount of Proposition 1B is probably excessive, and it will certainly not improve the State’s bond rating which is among the lowest of all the states. Nonetheless, most economists predict that we must somehow pay about $5 billion per year for the next 25 years to meet projected traffic demands. This does not include other needs for schools and hospitals. A partial solution: Stop the war in Iraq, sanction employers who hire undocumented workers, start a “Marshall Plan” (equal to the cost of the Iraq war of $134 billion) for Latin American countries. 

Robert Gable 

• 

FOR GEORGE BEIER 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

Since 1996 when Kriss Worthington was first elected, overall sales on Telegraph Avenue have declined 30 percent, major businesses and institutions have left the area, and major crime in District 7 has increased close to 40 percent (while decreasing in most other parts of the city). The stress on neighborhoods has increased due to crime, development, traffic and the lack of residential parking. 

Is it all Kriss Worthington’s fault? Of course not, but after 10 years of leadership the time has come for fresh ideas and new leadership. George has developed detailed positions on such issues as: Crime, Telegraph Revitalization, Student Issues, and Affordable Housing and Homelessness. 

It is not ideological battles that need to be waged in Berkeley, but realistic and comprehensive solutions to the problems that we all face. While supporting mass transit, George also sees the need to increase parking and is opposed to cutting two traffic lanes on Telegraph (as part of the Bus Rapid Transit proposal). His platform on crime does not blame the homeless, but does recognize the concentration of criminal activity in the district mirrors the social problems we face at People’s Park, Downtown, and on Telegraph. 

District 7 residents deserve a councilmember who is willing to come out clearly on controversial issues and vote accordingly. In addition to George’s position on the Telegraph Bus Lane proposal, he supported the West Berkeley Bowl, opposes the Condo Conversion initiative (Measure I), and supports the Landmarks Preservation initiative (Measure J). Clearly George is not an ideologue or political partisan, but an independent thinker who studies the issues, reaches his own conclusions, and is not afraid to take a position. 

I support his positive energy, his candor, and his willingness to work with everyone to get things done. It is time for new leadership in Berkeley and George Beier the one to provide it. 

Gregory S. Murphy 

• 

YES ON MEASURE A 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

I am writing to urge all Berkeley voters to vote yes on Measure A. Measure A continues the current parcel tax that supports Berkeley public schools. It is not a new tax, or even a tax increase. Measure A just ensures that recent improvements to Berkeley public schools—in terms of class size, music instruction, libraries and more—are not discontinued. 

With two daughters in the schools, I see firsthand how Measure A helps kids learn. All of the libraries that my kids and their classmates love are funded by Measure A. The revenue generated by the measure keeps their classes to a size that allows each student individualized attention. And Measure A funds music instruction for all students beginning in the fourth grade. 

The renewal of Measure A is critical to the City of Berkeley’s future for all residents. Quality public school means a better-educated population, higher graduation rates and increasing property values. 

Please vote yes on A. 

Victoria Eisen 

• 

PROP. 90 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

The Supreme Court’s 2005 5-4 decision in Kelo v. City of New London favored the government’s right to use the “eminent domain” clause to take land away from private property owners in favor of the greater good was dead wrong. It was a vastly unpopular ruling that put too much power in the hands of the government, giving the government authority over the private citizen. The Kelo decision gave government the power of evicting homeowners for not only things like needed infrastructure but possible economic development. 

So when I saw Prop. 90, I was immediately attracted to it. Giving homeowners a 180-day right to trial to have their day in court from the government kicking them off their land seemed only fair. And if Prop. 90 stopped there, I would be in favor of it. However it does not. 

In fact Prop. 90 helps the very developers who already bathed in riches from the Supreme Court decision. Billions of dollars will come from taxpayers pockets and a nearly bankrupt state government because developers and other cash hungry forces will be able to sue the government claiming “economic loss.” 

Because of “economic loss” rights created under Prop. 90, the government’s ability to regulate things like size of developments, kind of development, and other zoning ordinances would be severely limited because law suits brought by developers. Things like historic preservation, noise restrictions for bars, limits on development around parks and wetlands, uncontrolled development next farm and ranch land, right-to-farm laws, and flood control would all become to costly to implement because a developer could claim “economic lost.” The way we design our cities and towns would no longer exist and our tax dollars would go to lawsuits instead of programs and government services. The result of all these changes is that citizens will no longer be able to decide how to govern their cities and towns. 

At first Prop. 90 seems to be some what of an answer to the Supreme Court’s 2005 decision that broadened the “eminent domain” clause. However, upon further reading, one realizes that Proposition 90 is a ploy that will take away the citizens’ right to govern and, in the process, will surely cost the government billions upon billions dollars—all going into lawyers’ and developers’ pockets. 

David Callahan 

• 

CRISIS AT WOODFIN HOTEL 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

Judith Scherr’s excellent article (Oct. 3) outlining the situation suffered by its employees, particularly immigrant workers at the Woodfin Hotel in Emeryville reminds us of how essential it is to work and agitate together to address serious economic and social abuses. EBASE, which is organizing the protests at the Hotel, is a labor based organization that addresses issues of low wage poverty and economic inequality by working in coalition with other progressive organizations and individuals. EBASE played an important role in winning a contract for workers at the Claremont Hotel. The Woodfin hotel employees, who are non-union, are being intimidated and retaliated against because they are defending their rights to build a better life for themselves and their families.  

Last November Emeryville voters approved Measure C, which is a living wage requirement for large hotels. As Scherr mentions, it guarantees hotel workers a decent income, a reasonable work load, and a modicum of job security if the hotel is sold. A particularly unique feature of the referendum is that the city can revoke a hotel’s permit to operate if the provisions of Measure C are not implemented. But although Measure C was supposed to take effect nine months ago, the hotel management has been nevertheless ignoring every one of its provisions. 

Moreover, management is stopping at nothing to discourage its employees from demanding compliance with the law. Its most recent outrage is especially troubling. Although employers are only required to check immigration documents for new hires, they are now demanding that all employees, including those who have been employed by the hotel for many years, produce documentation. The idea, of course, is to scare them into submission. 

Because of the hotel’s irresponsibility, it is urgent that the Emeryville City Council enforce the law. With at least some prodding, the hotel owners may realize that they as well as their employees will benefit in the long run from a favorable settlement. But if management rules out negotiations, a more extensive battle will have to be fought mainly on public terrain, on the streets. If you would like to join other protesters on the sidewalks of the Woodfin Hotel and at Emeryville City Hall if necessary, please e-mail me at harry.brill@sbcglobal.net so that I can let you know the dates when rallies will be held. 

Harry Brill 

Berkeley Labor and Community Coalition  

• 

CITY’S POLITICAL CLIMATE 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

I want to express my thoughts on the political climate in Berkeley. I am a native of Berkeley and have been a resident at the same address in District 4 for 25 years. My neighbors and I are still “the beleaguered residents of flatlands districts.” We make our neighborhood as pleasant as we can without the help of the City Council. In our neighborhood, we contend with BHS students getting stoned before school, traffic anarchy at the corners of both MLK and Channing and MLK and Dwight and kids as young at 10 vandalizing our cars and threatening residents. Walking downtown is risky, dodging rude students, litter and cars. These problems are systemic and are beyond politics. 

I am growing weary of the same old voices that tout themselves as progressive, open minded and tolerant. The way Becky O’Malley describes the opponents of Spring and Worthington is condescending. I am suspect of those who would suggest that they alone speak for the downtrodden, the disenfranchised, the poor, the weak and those unable to speak for themselves. I find the jargon of the so-called progressives to be mere endless rhetoric. 

The opponents of Spring and Worthington are accused of being those “who’d like to remake Berkeley in their own image.” I ask you, what is the image of Berkeley now? The streets of Berkeley are filled with inconsistencies and more. The same issues are with us day after day, year and year. Where has all the rhetoric and symbolism of the progressives gotten the citizens of Berkeley, including those who have and those who have not. 

Symbolism over substance; this is the reputation of Berkeley. It doesn’t help anything to continually put down others who sincerely believe that they can make a difference (especially when the odds are against them). This is why I am supporting Raudel Wilson in District 4. I respect his willingness to challenge the incumbent with a genuine desire to take our city in a positive direction. 

Sherry Markwart 

• 

PUBLIC COMMENT 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

For those of us who have gone to some trouble to attend a City Council meeting to speak our concerns to our elected representatives, to have waited and not been called, the Oct. 10 Berkeley City Council meeting will hopefully give us the opportunity to push for an all inclusive public comment period. The Sunshine Ordinance in the works for the last five years, should include a strong public comment section that would allow each person to speak. Our city representatives need to hear from us, whether they know it or not. City Council would be permitted to reduce the amount of time each person talks depending on the total number of speakers. Come early to get a seat and sign a speaker card. Meetings begin at 7 p.m. in Old City Hall, 2134 Martin Luther King Jr. Way. 

Jane Welford 

• 

IRV AIN’T THE PROBLEM 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

I was also at Berkeley Citizen Action’s endorsement meeting, although I wasn’t there when the votes were tallied. Judging from John Curl’s commentary piece, it’s clear that the electoral weirdness is not due to instant run-off voting. It’s due to the confused execution of the IRV system by BCA. The recent Progressive Coalition endorsement meeting used IRV flawlessly, in part because a couple of us IRV folks met with the organizer beforehand and worked out all of the details. Further evidence that IRV is not the problem can be seen in the many countries, states, cities, and organizations world-wide which successfully use IRV. 

If Curl’s description is accurate, there’s a couple of points where the BCA process went awry structurally—by dropping 2 of the lowest vote getters after the first round and by not dropping “No Endorsement” before the second highest vote-getter. After all, since “No Endorsement” is a choice that only received nine votes, it should’ve been dropped before a choice that received 20. 

Thanks for the continual coverage of local politics. 

Jesse Townley 

• 

CITY CARSHARE 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

As a non-profit, community based organization, City CarShare is focused on improving the environment while bringing affordable car sharing services to all neighborhoods. Recently, the Planet has covered issues of controversy at the UC Storage building, where City CarShare has recently introduced a vehicle. We are writing to make our position on the matter clear. 

City CarShare is a Bay Area non-profit, dedicated to providing alternatives to private car ownership. City CarShare vehicles are parked in neighborhood areas, and at major public transit connection points on both sides of the bay. Members share all the cars, reserving only the hours that best meet their needs. Studies have shown that City CarShare helps to reduce car ownership, demand for parking and the emission of greenhouse gases. 

Earlier this year, developer Patrick Kennedy offered to donate a parking spot at the UC Storage building, and we accepted. We felt the arrangement would be beneficial to City CarShare members and to the neighborhood. We chose to place a truck here because the proximity to storage and moving supplies makes sense. The truck is available to anyone who reserves it, for any purpose (related to UC Storage or not). We delayed installation for several months, to discuss community issues brought to our attention, and proceeded with the encouragement of our members, the City of Berkeley and neighborhood residents. 

In late September the truck was installed, and almost immediately vandalized (with acid on the windshield and damage to all body panels), resulting in an expensive repair bill. Unfortunately, residents who depend on availability of vehicles were harmed, as was City CarShare. Despite this incident, we intend to stay in this location so that we can serve the neighborhood and our members in the East Bay. 

City CarShare is, and always has been, open to discussions about neighborhood desires, needs and issues. Our goal is to have a positive impact on all the neighborhoods we serve. 

Thanks for sharing, 

Rick Hutchinson, CEO 

City CarShare 

• 

TARGET 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

At the request of an Alameda citizens’ group, I carefully reviewed the 465-page environmental impact report for the proposed Target at Towne Centre. These concerned citizens were baffled at the report’s conclusion that this project would have zero impacts.  

The answer is simple: The study did not evaluate a 145,000-square-foot Target store as proposed. It looked at the effects of a generic shopping area one-third that size. And, the report consistently used unrealistically low traffic assumptions to reach its flawed conclusions.  

One has to wonder: Why was only one third of the store considered and why was the lowest-range of assumptions used repeatedly? 

Neither I, nor the citizens who asked me to review the report, are against a Target store on Alameda Island. A retail store of this magnitude should not be located on the beach, where vehicles must travel through neighborhoods to get to their destination. Typically, Target stores are located near freeways. Preferable locations for a Target store would be closer to the estuary such as the site near the Alameda tubes or closer to Interstate 880. 

A new, reality-based environmental document is needed to give the citizens a clear picture of the impacts on our community, particularly for those who live along Park, Broadway, Otis, 8th, Willow, Gibbons and in the neighborhoods adjacent to the project. Traffic does not impact roadways; it impacts people. It impacts quality of life. A complete copy of my report is available at www.actionalameda.org.or via e-mail eugenie@islandalameda.com 

Eugenie Thomson 

Consulting Civil and Traffic Engineer 

• 

TRY SOMETHING NEW 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

I am writing because I’ve gotten to know George Beier. Kriss Worthington is well known: He has been Councilmember for 10 years. For the seven years I’ve lived in District 7, crime has gotten worse. Telegraph Avenue has gotten worse. Relationships with UC have gotten worse. Beier thinks he can turn that around. This is what I think of Beier: He is straightforward, honest, smart, experienced, energetic, enthusiastic, and upbeat. I like his vision for our city. I especially like his plan to deal with the biggest problem in our city, the elephant in the room, that is generally ignored—people don’t know how to solve it or think that it is a problem for the individual to deal with. I am talking about addiction. Underlying crime, violence, truancy, the loss of our young men to juvenile hall, the high cost of social services, and the largest cause of homelessness, is substance abuse and addiction. According to Berkeley Police, our addicts commit 3 to 5 crimes a day. But there are answers. A Berkeley organization, “Options,” that for 10 years has been operating quietly out of a building near city hall, just received the Organizational Achievement Award from the National Association of Addiction Professionals for excellence. On average, every dollar invested in addiction treatment programs yields a return of $4 to $7 in reduced drug-related crimes, and some programs can exceed costs by a ratio of 12 to 1 (reported Aug. 19 in the Washington Post). We need to put more city resources into treatment. Beier is on the board of Options, and he has seen this first hand. His plan to revive Telegraph Avenue and People’s Park, to reduce crime and address homelessness, includes getting addicts effective treatment. I am supporting Beier not only because I have seen his compassion and his energy, but because I have watched how he looks for and finds intelligent, cost effective solutions and has the business sense to get things done. I am not against Kriss, but it’s time to try something new. 

Faith Fuller 

• 

FOLEY SCANDAL 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

Let Representative Pelosi begin a thorough investigation into who was involved in this Foley scandal. Since the Republicans who knew about this did nothing, perhaps they were also involved in the same activities, which needs to be proven or disproven beyond a reasonable doubt. 

Why else would our elected officials not take action when crimes against children are involved? Certainly those who knew could only choose to act, unless it is a hidden agenda that perhaps more officials are involved in this behavior, and somehow wished to evade discovery and publicity and justice. 

Certainly to fail to act condones the acts themselves, and further endangers the public, and further brings disgrace to our government, by showing the cynical or criminal or both elements working within our supposedly sacrosanct officials, undermining our credibility at home and abroad. 

We must have a full investigation and it must be fairly done, and immediately, or our nation becomes a pariah before the world, condoning torture and pedophilia by hiding it instead of rooting it out. 

Are we so depraved and cynical that we no longer care for anything beyond political power, no matter the cost? 

We must take strong action, and show the world and our nation that we respect the law and justice, not officialdom over justice. 

Richard Hiersch 

By Shirley Dean 

Some have asked why I’ve become involved in the current effort to save Berkeley’s Landmark Preservation Ordinance (LPO). I’d like to tell people about that and why it is so important to vote Yes on Measure J this coming Nov. 7.  

Around 35 years ago, when the city didn’t have the Landmarks Preservation Ordinance that we have today, I and other members of my neighborhood rallied together to save a charming, beautiful well-preserved Victorian home that was located on the southwest corner of Bonita and Berryman Streets. It was painted a medium shade of gray and sat well back from the sidewalk surrounded by an old garden of bushes and flowering plants. It was rumored to have been the home of the daughter of the family that lived in the Bryne Mansion (since destroyed by fire) that stood a short distance to the east between Oxford and Spruce. Built in about the same style, it was one of the loveliest homes I have seen in the 50 or so years that I have been living in Berkeley. 

Our neighborhood quickly formed the Bonita Berryman Neighborhood Association and presented the City Council with over 1,000 signatures (gathered in just one week) of people in the area who opposed the demolition of that home and two others in order to construct a large, blocky apartment building. Hundreds of people wrote letters and appeared before the Planning Commission, Zoning Board and Council with their passionate pleas of support for our cause. It was all to no avail.  

Today, you can drive by that corner and only imagine the lovely structure that once stood there and how its history has been lost. What you see today is the building that replaced it and how that building impacts its neighborhood. What you can’t experience is how the loss of that building changed the people and their lives in that neighborhood. 

Not too long after we tearfully watched the bulldozers rip down that wonderful piece of history, many of us joined together to convince the City Council to adopt a Landmarks Preservation Ordinance. It wasn’t easy, but 32 years later that same LPO is alive and well providing protections for the historic structures and sites that contribute so much to the beauty and livability of this city.  

Today our Landmarks Preservation Ordinance is facing the biggest threat in its history under the strange logic that somehow making it easier to demolish older structures provides better neighborhood protection than does our current ordinance. I don’t know how to say it any other way—this is absolute nonsense on its face.  

We are being told that our existing LPO violates the state Permit Streamlining Act (PSA). The LPO has been law for over 32 years and after countless decisions, no part of it has ever been struck down by the courts. A law suit mentioned at a council meeting as an example of a PSA violation turns out to have nothing to do with the LPO—it involved a staff mistake on the date that the PSA was to start being counted. Six years ago, the state Office of Historic Preservation certified our LPO as being fully in compliance with all applicable state laws! Nothing has changed since then. 

Some people have taken great delight in pointing out what they believe are examples of “bad” decisions to landmark certain buildings. What they don’t tell you is that Landmark Preservation Commission decisions must be confirmed by the council before they are final. If a decision is “bad” it is the fault of the council that made that decision, not the fault of the law. What they also don’t mention is that the vast majority of these so-called “bad” decisions never became landmarks in the first place because decisions were reversed by the City Council!  

Throwing out the LPO because someone doesn’t think that a structure or site shouldn’t be recognized as a historic resource when it wasn’t recognized in that way anyway, is just one more example of the strange logic being used to defeat Measure J. Why is getting rid of the LPO so important to the Mayor and some members of the City Council?  

Measure J makes permanent the City’s 32-year-old LPO plus six updates that have been suggested by the state Office of Historic Preservation. If Measure J is defeated an ordinance proposed by the mayor is waiting in the wings to replace it. The mayor’s ordinance is heavily backed by developers. If Measure J is defeated, Berkeley will be condemned to relieve our history of demolishing charming, irreplaceable buildings that enhance neighborhoods only to replace them with large, non-distinct buildings that intrude onto neighborhoods. Haven’t we learned anything? We can have appropriate development AND retain our Landmarks Preservation Ordinance which preserves our neighborhoods. Vote “Yes” on Measure J on Nov. 7.  

Shirley Dean is the former mayor of Berkeley.

By NANCY CARLETON and  

SUSAN HUNTER 

1. Kriss supports our neighborhood 100 percent. As leaders in the Halcyon neighborhood in South Berkeley, we’ve turned to District 7 Councilmember Kriss Worthington time and again for help dealing with crime, trash, parking, and potholes. He has always dealt quickly and effectively with our concerns. In addition, Kriss is a reliable pro-neighborhood vote on City Council and understands that being pro-neighborhood is a core progressive value. That means supporting schools, libraries, and parks, as well as building new affordable housing while preserving existing low-income housing for neighbors who are long-term tenants. It also means having the guts to stand up to big developers when they’re trying to railroad neighborhoods or destroy our remaining architectural treasures. 

2. Kriss works harder than any Berkeley Councilmember ever. Even his political opponents acknowledge how hard Kriss works! (To demonstrate our objectivity, second place would go to former Mayor Shirley Dean.) 

3. Long before he ran for Council, Kriss was an early supporter of Halcyon Commons and has fought hard for funding for parks. Back when Kriss was a neighborhood leader himself (as board member of LeConte Neighborhood Association), he chaired the LNA meeting where they voted to support our neighborhood’s proposal to create a park to replace a parking lot, and he followed up with a personal donation. Since he’s been on the City Council, he has always done everything he could to support our small but important greenspace (the only public park serving over 900 households). Soon after Kriss was elected to City Council, the Parks Department was threatened with losing its entire budget due to a change in State law concerning assessment districts. Kriss worked tirelessly to make sure we won the two-thirds majority needed to safeguard funding for Berkeley’s parks. And he has supported new playing fields and an off-leash dog area, as well as mini-grants to encourage community-city partnerships in improving our parks. 

4. Kriss has helped us when we’ve needed to cut through red tape. Here we’re talking about the personal level: When we’ve run into bureaucratic runarounds involving the City, Kriss has made the calls and done the footwork to make sure our concerns are addressed promptly and fairly. 

5. Kriss is the real thing: a politician who is truly a public servant. Whereas some in city government seem to listen more to big campaign contributors and powerful interests like Sutter Medical Corporation, Kriss understands that holding public office is a sacred trust that involves doing your best to represent the people who elected you, even if it sometimes means upsetting groups like the conservative Chamber of Commerce. 

6. Kriss is independent and incorruptible, with total integrity. At this turning point in Berkeley’s political history, we need independent voices on the City Council who are also solidly progressive. Kriss’ integrity in this regard speaks for itself. 

7. Kriss genuinely cares and does his best to help neighbors who call his office, whether the issue is large or small. In the past few months in our neighborhood alone, Kriss has gotten illegal dumping cleaned up in at least eight locations, helped individual neighbors and whole blocks resolve permit-parking issues, and kept over one hundred neighbors on Woolsey Street from being pushed—without their consent—into Oakland. And several years back, after many of the basements in our neighborhood flooded, he managed to get the storm drains upgraded years ahead of schedule. 

8. Kriss is a regionally known leader on progressive issues: the environment, women’s rights, LGBT issues, civil liberties, diversity, affordable housing, tenant rights, and peace and justice. Although we’ve devoted only one of our ten reasons to this, it’s very dear to our hearts. Although we’re neighborhood leaders, we don’t just care about potholes, neighborhood watch, and disaster preparedness (though all of these are important to us, as they are to Kriss). We live in Berkeley because we love this community and what it stands for in the world. We want Berkeley to remain a strong leader when it comes to protecting the environment, leading the fight for full equality for the LGBT community, and taking a stand against the Bush administration and its far-right agenda. For every progressive cause we care about, Kriss has been a leader at local and regional levels, which has won him the support of the Sierra Club, Congresswoman Barbara Lee, and all the progressive organizations in town that make endorsements. If Kriss is unseated in this election, the activist community will lose one of its most effective voices on the council. 

9. Kriss not only represents us well on Council; he’s a community organizer who does what he can to help others take action in effective ways. One of the things we like best about Kriss is the fact that he isn’t a politician by nature; throughout his adult life (and even as a teenager), he’s been active as a community organizer, and he has continued to demonstrate these important skills as our councilmember, bringing diverse groups of people to the table whose voices otherwise wouldn’t be heard.  

10. Kriss is an excellent human being we’re proud to call friend. Because Kriss is often in the thick of one political battle or another on our behalf, not everyone gets to see his softer side. But when you get to know him, you soon learn that he engages in small acts of kindness at every opportunity. To give just one example, recently one of us happened to mention that the San Francisco Chronicle, which she enjoys reading with her morning tea (at least on the days the Planet doesn’t come out), hadn’t been delivered on a day when she already wasn’t feeling well—and it was too late to call to get another. What a surprise when 15 minutes later Kriss knocked on the door with a fresh copy he had biked over to hand-deliver. 

Nancy Carleton and Susan Hunter were recently honored in a mayoral proclamation for their roles in creating Halcyon Commons, a small park in South Berkeley. Nancy is also the volunteer treasurer for Kriss’s campaign. 

By Carol Denney 

Another day, another short-sighted plan for Berkeley’s shuttered-up downtown. Longtime observers will yawn, put down their papers, and actually be completely up to date on the local planning groups’ most current recommendations, which are nearly identical to the last set. 

Berkeley craves a bustling, economically healthy downtown, but refuses to acknowledge that those people need a place to sit, a place to park, a reason to be there, and a place to use a restroom from time to time. Movie houses collapse, businesses of nearly 100 years’ duration finally can’t make the rent required for the new lease, landlords double the cost of business’ overhead, and the Berkeley City Council and the cronies they’re still content to appoint can’t figure out what the street people downtown figured out a long time ago; downtown Berkeley is a very uncomfortable place to be. 

People who spend a lot of time on the street, i.e. “homeless” people, sound a lot like people who remember Berkeley from several decades ago when they discuss the matter. There’s no place where you can sit with a friend and just enjoy the day for a reasonable stretch of time, since there is no place with a consistently clean bathroom to use when needed. 

There’s no place you can safely leave your vehicle so that you can see a movie, or so that you don’t have to cart around everything you’ve picked up during the day, without running the risk of an extremely expensive ticket or worse, or having everything you own towed away and possibly destroyed. 

Even the police rely on parking in residential neighborhoods, and can be seen sprinting to move their cars just ahead of the parking enforcement operators, that is, those that don’t have a “special understanding” with the department to avoid ticketing certain cars. 

Representatives on the latest planning committee can’t resist insisting that the imposition of a completely artificial running stream through the downtown or a stunning hotel/retail development slated to draw conventions of millionaires will ensure economic health to Berkeley’s struggling downtown. 

But citizens of Berkeley who have a long memory will laugh, as will those who spend long periods of time on the street, at the repetitive echo they hear from the last planning effort only a few years ago. If they spoke in passing, it would be to agree that they just need some honest open space to linger, exchange thoughts, meet friends, use a bathroom, and enjoy the day. Berkeley is so frightened that “homeless” people will use these amenities, that it refuses to afford them to the people it would otherwise rush to welcome downtown. 

In this way Berkeley remains stuck in its thinking, its planning, and its ability to move forward. Yes, poor people as well as rich people will sit on a bench, use open space, and need a restroom. But no one is as terrified of this prospect as the current planning appointees and the City Council. No one in Berkeley is unaware of the population of people who are homeless, or homeless during parts of the month, or who supplement their income by selling crafts or panhandling on the street. 

But they may not realize that their presumed terror of homeless people is inhibiting the City Council from doing the simplest things to improve downtown. 

Berkeley’s downtown may never have had many shelter spaces, but it used to have literally hundreds of single room occupancy hotel spaces, which offered immediate lodging for those with possibly only funds enough to afford a room for a few weeks at a time a chance to get themselves and their belongings off the street. These are the same spaces and “opportunity sites” being converted to condominiums for the wealthy. The City Council and its appointees are genuinely remiss if they don’t recommend replenishing the crucial housing stock represented by single room occupancy housing, which would enable homeless people and people without the $2000 to $3000 it currently takes to establish rental status to find somewhere to stay. 

The little things that could improve downtown Berkeley don’t cost nearly as much money as a huge hotel for rich conventioneers. The simple answer is clean public restrooms, restoration of what used to be plentiful single room occupancy hotels, more shelters for those who need them, and some pressure on the landlords who are driving away all the useful downtown businesses to keep business rents affordable. Berkeley without Hink’s, without Penny’s, without Edy’s, without the UC Theater, without Frazier’s, without Tupper and Reed, and without Radston’s, is a different place indeed. 

Carol Denney is a Berkeley musician and activist. 

I tend to take house finches for granted, as I suspect most birders do. But there’s more to these ubiquitous little birds than meets the eye. 

Biologists have been teasing out the details of their social lives, learning how females—the choosy sex, as is often the case in birds—pick their mates. And a recent study goes farther to examine 

the consequences of mate choice: how females stuck with a substandard male endow their eggs with compensatory resources. 

Mate choice, of course, was a major theme of Darwin’s Descent of Man, and Selection in Relation to Sex (which, as David Quammen points out in his new Darwin biography, is really two books smooshed together). Female birds of many species show definite preferences for males with brighter colors, longer tails, more elaborate plumage. 

All these traits may be indicators of various kinds of fitness, like resistance to parasites. When females with a genetically-based predilection for gaudy males mate with those males, they’ll produce male offspring with their father’s feathers and female offspring with their mother’s tastes. Carry this runaway sexual selection out long enough and you get the baroque extravagances of the pheasants or the birds of paradise. 

It’s simpler for female house finches. According to Geoffrey E. Hill of Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, who has studied these birds for years, what they look for is redness. That’s a variable trait in males, and it seems to be determined by diet. In the wild, male house finches range from yellowish through orange to red. 

The colors come from carotenoid pigments, the same substances that make carrots orange and flamingos pink. Three different chemicals are involved: beta-carotene produces yellow feathers, isocryptoxanthin produces orange, echinerone produces red. Biologists have established the carotenoid connection by manipulating the diets of captives. 

Male house finches in Hawaii, probable descendants of northern California birds, are on the yellow end of the spectrum. Some ingredient that mainland birds have access to is missing in the islanders’ diets. Hawaiian house finches have been dubbed “papaya birds” because of their fondness for the fruit, but papayas apparently don’t have the right carotenoids. 

In any case, female finches look for degree of redness and color saturation in potential suitors. Hill says females will actively chase off males that don’t meet their criteria. And whatever color says about the male’s genetic dowry, there’s a direct payoff: brighter males bring more food to their nestlings. 

But what if there aren’t enough bright red males to go around? The females apparently have another card to play. Female birds—and I’m not at all clear on the mechanism here—can vary the level of hormones and vitamins in their eggs. In species that had previously been studied, like the zebra finch, the eggs of females mated to more colorful males get an extra dose of testosterone, which promotes growth.  

When Kristen Navara, a reproductive physiologist at Ohio State University looked at house finches, she found the opposite pattern: females paired with the less attractive males laid eggs with more testosterone and antioxidants (vitamins A and E) than those of females with brighter red mates. Antioxidant levels in the first group were 2.5 times higher than in the second. These substances counter the tissue-damaging effects of free radicals. 

So a female saddled with a loser—a drab male who won’t be as attentive a provider as a brighter one—can slip her offspring a little biochemical insurance. Navara relates this strategy to the house finch’s life span, which is short even by small-bird standards: a year or two at most. That limits a female to only a couple of breeding attempts in her lifetime—all the more reason to give the kids extra resources. 

Not that any of this involves conscious calculation on the female finch’s part, of course. It’s all done with hormones (exactly how remains to be determined). I don’t know whether anyone has figured out how it works on the male’s side: why brighter males should be better providers. Do the carotenoids affect their energy level or general vigor? Let’s hope some Ph.D. candidate is already working on that one.  

Voters will determine 33 Senate seats in 2006. According to veteran DC prognosticator Charlie Cook, 17 incumbent senators are all but guaranteed reelection. In order to regain control of the Senate, Democrats will have to win at least six of the eight Republican seats that are in play and retain all eight of the contested Democratic sets. 

Here’s the latest on the 10 most interesting Senatorial races: 

In Connecticut, the Aug. 8 primary victory of Ned Lamont means that there will be a three-way race in November: lightly regarded Republican Alan Schlesinger, incumbent senator Joe Lieberman running as an independent, and Lamont. This is a solidly Democratic seat, so the competition will be between Lamont and Lieberman—both for the seat and the soul of the Dems. The latest polls show Lamont and Lieberman in a virtual dead heat. 

Minnesota has a vacant Senate seat because Democrat Mark Dayton is retiring. The primary was held Sept. 12. The Democratic candidate will be District Attorney Amy Klobuchar. The latest polls show her with a double-digit lead over Mark Kennedy, her Republican opponent. 

An interesting race is shaping up in Missouri where Republican incumbent Jim Talent has weakened in the polls. The Democratic challenger is State Auditor Claire McCaskill. The latest polls show this race as even. There’s a stem-cell initiative on the Missouri ballot and that may work to McCaskill’s favor, by bringing out the liberal vote. 

Montana used to be solid red state but elected a Democratic governor in 2004. Now it seems poised to dump Neanderthal Republican Senator Conrad Burns. The June 6 primary resulted in the nomination of populist farmer Jon Tester. The latest polls indicated the race is even. Burns has more money, however. 

In Ohio, Democratic Representative Sherrod Brown is running against embattled Republican incumbent Mike DeWine, who has been implicated in the Abramoff scandal. Brown has a slight lead in the polls, but DeWine has more money. 

The most highly publicized Senate race is in Pennsylvania, where Conservative Christian poster-child, Rick Santorum, is in trouble. Polls show him running behind the Democratic challenger Bob Casey, Jr., although the race has tightened up. Santorum has a lot of money on hand and can be expected to wage a vicious campaign to keep his seat. 

The Rhode Island primary happened Sept. 12. The Republican incumbent, Lincoln Chafee, will face former State Attorney General Sheldon Whitehouse. Whitehouse is slightly ahead in the polls and has more money. 

There will be an open Senate seat in Tennessee because Bill Frist is retiring to run for President. In the Aug. 3 primary, Chattanooga Mayor Bob Corker won the Republican nomination. He’ll face Harold Ford, Jr., a handsome, articulate, African-American Congressman. Polls show Ford gaining on Corker. 

In Virginia incumbent Republican George Allen was said to have an easy reelection. So easy that he was thinking about running for President. Democrats recruited former Secretary of the Navy Jim Webb to run against Allen and suddenly there’s a race. Allen didn’t help himself by uttering a racial slur during an August campaign event. Where Allen once had a twenty percentage point lead over Webb, now it’s only 5 percent. 

In the state of Washington, incumbent Democratic Senator Maria Cantwell is facing tough competition in Republican challenger Mike McGavick. Polls show Cantwell slightly ahead. 

Besides the BB top ten, there are several other races that should be watched. In Maryland, Democrat Paul Sarbanes is retiring. The primary is in September and whichever Democrat wins, will probably win the November election. In Vermont, Independent Jim Jeffords is retiring. The prohibitive favorite is Independent Congressman Bernie Sanders. 

Democrat Incumbents face stiff challenges in Michigan (Debbie Stabenow) and New Jersey (Bob Menendez). 

Democrats will likely pick up a few Senate seats. But, it seems unlikely that they will win enough to regain the Senate majority. 

This fall brings an enormous lesson in civics and how to understand the secret and inner workings of our government. Sometimes in the rush surrounding a particular event or action or piece of legislation, details get lost or overlooked, and it is only with the passage of time, and patient digging, that we begin to learn the truth of how a particular government action came to be. Thus it is with our emerging understanding of the actions of the Bush Administration with regard to terrorism both before and after the September 11th attacks. 

Thus it is, too, with our emerging understanding of the 2003 takeover of the Oakland Unified School District, which we were reminded of this week by the release of the Fourth OUSD Assessment and Recovery Plan by the Fiscal Crisis & Management Assistance Team. 

Many members of Oakland’s education community had been looking forward to the FCMAT report, hoping that it would show enough progress in the school district to allow State Superintendent Jack O’Connell to begin giving back some measure of local control. They were disappointed. While FCMAT said that OUSD was slightly improving—averaging a little over 3/4ths of a point improvement on a 10 point scale in the five operational areas that FCMAT is judging—the improvement was only good enough for FCMAT to recommend returning local control in one area: community relations and governance. While FCMAT can recommend, Mr. O’Connell makes the ultimate decision. 

More on the community relations/governance thing in a moment. 

We know, now, that back in 2003 when the Perata bill was going through the state legislature, there was a fierce struggle between O’Connell and FCMAT over the “end game” of state control of the Oakland schools—that is, who would have the ultimate say over when Oakland could get its schools back, the State Superintendent or FCMAT. In testimony to the Assembly Education Committee in May of 2003, then-OUSD School Board President Greg Hodge likened it to a fight between a bear and a gorilla, with Oakland school officials only hoping that the district didn’t get smashed in between. 

Mr. Hodge wasn’t the only one concerned. 

At the same hearing at which Mr. Hodge made his bear/gorilla remarks, Fresno Assemblymember Sarah Reyes raised the same question. “I’m trying to figure out the timeline for deciding whether or not you can have your district back,” the assemblymember said to Mr. Hodge and State Senator Don Perata. “I don’t want a Compton. I don’t think you want a Compton, where [the state] is going to be running you for the rest of your lives.” Reading from the language in Mr. Perata’s bill that outlined how Oakland would eventually get its schools back, Ms. Reyes said, “I don’t know from my perspective if this language is clear and concise enough… As you move this bill forward, you really, Senator, need to narrow that focus. Because we could have a Compton here. I’d like to see that language tightened up to say in two years, if you have a payback plan and FCMAT certifies your payback plan, you can have your district back.” 

Ms. Reyes went on to explain the problem with returning local control to the Compton Unified School District, which was taken over by the state in 1993. 

“We’re right now trying to struggle to get a bill for [Los Angeles Assemblymember] Dymally. Compton has been okay for a while and [the state is] still there. They’re doing well. They’re in the black.” 

A month after the May, 2003 Assembly Education Committee hearing on Oakland, ten years after the state originally took over, local control was restored to Compton Unified. 

Meanwhile Ms. Reyes, whose own West Fresno Unified School District had earlier been taken over by the state, explained why she was concerned about the return to local control language in the Oakland takeover bill. “My problem with this language is it’s kind of esoteric,” she said. “If I think you’re doing okay, then you can have your district back. If I don’t think you’re doing okay, you can’t have your district back. There’s no third party analysis.” 

Ms. Reyes’ complaint was that the Oakland takeover bill put too much discretion over return to local control in the hands of the State Superintendent. She felt that more authority should be given to FCMAT. “They have the number crunchers,” she explained. “That’s what FCMAT does.” 

But is FCMAT an objective body that has set objective standards for Oakland to return to local control of Oakland’s schools? Hardly. 

In August of 2003, when reporter Robert Gammon was with the Oakland Tribune (he has since moved over to the East Bay Express), Mr. Gammon wrote an article that charged that rather than helping prevent the takeover of the Oakland schools, FCMAT may have helped to orchestrate it. “Before the state takeover of Oakland schools, top officials from a Bakersfield agency with power over the district kept in close contact with two high-profile East Bay politicians and the future boss of the city's schools, public records show,” Mr. Gammon wrote in an article entitled “Phone logs link 'politics' to school takeover.” “Critics say office and cell phone records obtained by the Oakland Tribune provide evidence the takeover, and the resulting loss of local control of Oakland's schools, was politically orchestrated,” Mr. Gammon continued. “The records show top officials from the Bakersfield-based County Fiscal Crisis and Management Assistance Team (FCMAT) called Oakland Mayor Jerry Brown, the office of state Sen. Don Perata, D-Oakland, and then-Compton schools chief Randy Ward at least 40 times each in the months before the takeover. Brown and Perata at differing times in the past year voiced support for the takeover, which took effect in June and placed Ward and FCMAT in charge of the school district. By contrast, FCMAT officials made no calls to the Oakland school leaders they were appointed to advise on how to solve the district's financial problems.” 

But what interest could FCMAT have in the state taking over of Oakland’s schools? 

Part of it is in the structure and purpose of FCMAT itself. A non-state organization set up by state legislation, one of FCMAT’s major mandates is to intervene in “troubled” California school districts. To do so, it hires teams of consultants, whose salaries are paid for by the intervened districts themselves. Every time FCMAT is called into a new district, these consultants have more work to do. Further, the longer they stay in a district, the longer the consultants continue to get their paychecks. And it is the consultants—who set the standards by which the districts must be judged and then decide, themselves, whether or not the districts have met those standards—who decide when they (the consultants) are no longer needed. Before our conservative friends got so hot on privatizing government, they used to call this a classic conflict of interest. 

But these are by no means the only problems with FCMAT’s intervention in Oakland, as well as with its system of assessments. 

FCMAT gives an overall score—between 0 and 10—in each of five operational areas. It also gives scores for individual areas within those five operational areas (within the area of Financial Management, for example, FCMAT rates 30 individual subtopics or subsets). To decide when it will recommend when Oakland can regain local control in any of the five operational areas, FCMAT has decided that it will do so “when the average score of the subset of standards in a functional area reaches a level of six, and it is considered to be substantial and sustainable, and no individual standard in the subset is below a four.” 

Those level numbers and the requirement that the individual subsets must reach a certain standard are FCMAT’s own, not SB39’s. The state legislation only reads that one of the requirements for return to local control is that “FCMAT … determines that for at least the immediately previous six months the school district made substantial and sustained progress in implementation of the plans in the major functional area.” FCMAT, which has a financial interest in remaining in Oakland as long as it can, was left to set the “substantial and sustained progress” bar wherever it wanted. There is no objective standard, so that legally, under its own rules, FCMAT could string out the state takeover indefinitely. The American colonists once launched a lively rebellion when the British king and Parliament invoked the same type of arbitrary authoritarianism. 

Meanwhile, how odd is FCMAT’s fourth progress report on Oakland Unified? In a district which has been completely stripped of local control, where democratic rights are no longer operable, where neither school board members nor the taxpaying public has any say in its operation, and where the State Superintendent has managed to completely ignore the wishes of the community in a major decision (the selling of the downtown OUSD properties, which is opposed all over Oakland), the only area where FCMAT says OUSD is doing well is in Community Relations And Governance. No, that’s more than odd. That, my friends, is perverse. 

There was a time not too long ago when “Jamabalaya” was just a Hank Williams song. The rich cuisine of southern Louisiana—Cajun, Creole, and their hybrid offspring—wasn’t well known outside the region. Then, as fiddler Michael Doucet recalls, 

“Paul Prudhomme burned a fish, and everything changed.”  

You can get blackened fish (not the canonical redfish, though) as a weekend special at Angeline’s Louisiana Kitchen in downtown Berkeley, but there’s a lot more going on there. The place was a long time opening, and I had hopes that it would fill at least part of the gap left by the closing of A La Carte, my old standby for crawfish étouffée and bread pudding. Happily, I was not disappointed. Angeline’s gets it right. 

I knew there was a reliable hand in the kitchen with my first taste of gumbo ($12.95 for a sizable bowl, $5.95 for a cup). It had the richness and smokiness that could only be founded on a serious dark roux. Although the promised crab was not detectable, the bowl was full of Bay shrimp and chunks of andouille sausage, and okra was a discreet presence. 

Jambalaya, one of those dishes with as many recipes as cooks, may trace its ancestry to Spanish paella and West Africa’s jollof rice. Angeline’s version ($13.50) was even better than the gumbo. It was generously studded with andouille, chicken, and tasso (hardwood-smoked pork), and it needed no help from the bottle of hot sauce on the table. There’s also a vegetarian version with wild mushrooms ($12.50). 

Among other Louisiana classics, red beans and rice ($10.95) is a Monday special. Boudin, the pork-and-rice-stuffed sausage from the western prairie region of Cajun country, is available either as a starter ($4.95) or accompanied by hot links in a “Cajun mixed grill” ($14.95). Crawfish ´etouffée has appeared as a weekend special. You can also get regional specialty sandwiches: several variants of the po’ boy (catfish, shrimp, oyster, and fried chicken) or muffuletta, New Orleans’ answer to the hero. 

The menu isn’t purely Louisianan: there are pan-Southern items like fried catfish, a pasta dish, dinner salads. We couldn’t resist trying the catfish ($10.75), which was near-perfect: filets deep-fried in a thin cornmeal crust, served with creditable hushpuppies (on the sweet end of the hushpuppy continuum, but that’s all right) and a remoulade-based potato salad. “Small plate” options include fried oysters Bordelaise ($10.95), also not particularly Cajun or Creole, but delectable.  

Angeline’s chef, who hails from Baton Rouge, also does himself proud on the dessert end. The beignets ($3.95)—hot pillows of sweetened dough, traditionally eaten with strong coffee after a long night in the French Quarter—were almost weightless. We’ve also been impressed by the bread pudding with caramelized banana ($5.50) and the pecan pie ($5.50), which we were told was the third revision of a work in progress.  

The restaurant’s space, which formerly housed a noodle place, has been redone with pressed tin on the walls, ironwork, and a huge map of 19th-century New Orleans. Music from the owner’s collection is usually playing: jazz, zydeco, Cajun. The gumbo in particular went well with Clifton Chenier’s “Black Snake Blues.” 

If Angeline’s had its liquor license, it would be a great place to sip a Sazerac. For now, there’s iced tea (optionally sweetened) and lemonade. And the restaurant still seems to be in shakedown mode: one of our orders got lost in the shuffle on a recent visit, although the house made up for it by comping dessert. That aside, this place is well worth a visit. It’s clearly a labor of love, run by people who know and respect Louisiana’s culinary heritage and present it without compromise. Hurricane-battered southern Louisiana may still be down, but it’s important to keep the good times rolling wherever you can.  

ANGELINE’S LOUISIANA KITCHEN 

Lunch 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Saturday. 

Dinner 5:30-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 5:30-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Closed Sunday. Credit cards OK.  

2261 Shattuck Ave. (near Bancroft Way). 548-6900. 

It’s funny that humanity ever had trouble identifying itself as part of the continuum of animal life on this planet. Anyone who has ever looked into the eyes of a dog or cat must realize that there is as much of a person inside that creature as can be found in you or me. 

In that spirit I ask that you join me in taking a look at our territorial nature and some of the practical consequences we are forced to contend with around the houses we think we own. 

I remember years ago setting up one morning at the local flea market and watching as a very large percentage of the dealers that day seemed abjectly unable to confine themselves to the stalls they had been issued. Many, even most, attempted to push over the edges, to set their wares up to the left and right of the clearly marked lines they’d been placed within. 

I saw more than a few disputes and a healthy number of calm requests to move items off of someone’s stated turf. For the most part, things worked out but I find it interesting how hard it is for people to be happy with their lot (as it were) and how deep the sense of infliction amongst those who are invaded by an inch or two. 

The capacity for umbrage is great in the beast of man. I include myself, of course. 

Boundary disputes fill the courts every year. Ask any judge. And so many seem to be of a kind that might easily be resolved with a simple discussion; but it’s not in the genes. Boundary issues seem to bring out the very worst in all of us. I remained so angry at my rear neighbor that we didn’t speak for years and, at one point, I needed my friend Ed, a local attorney to resolve a relatively simple dispute with him because we simply could not sit at the same table and speak.  

Many of you reading this may recognize yourselves in this scenario. I recently discovered that the fellow had passed away over a year ago and realized that I had held anger, fear and resentment toward him for all this time in which he had not even been on the planet. How terribly and awfully ironic, eh? Again, I’m not alone. It seems to be a part of who we are and how we operate in the world. How many of our wars are based on this reptilian, mid-brain thinking, our ancient selves alive and stalking in the world of pagers and ICBMs. Funny and sad. 

Ed shared with me that he, with all his legal knowledge (he’s also a genuinely loving soul and a dear friend) had been through a similar trial (pun intended) for several years. It’s not unusual. Not in the least. 

For this reason, I often council my clients, those on the bridge to home-ownership, to approach boundary issues with little expectation and as much generosity and they can muster.  

People often ask me where the boundaries for the property are located and I always confess that I cannot know and that no one, save a surveyor, can say for any certainty where those elusive lines are hiding. It also gets worse in some parts of Berkeley where the damned things keep moving all the time.  

That said, there are some clues that can be used and a viewing of fences is generally the best source of data. Fences are not wholly reliable but may indicate where the properly line has come to exist over time. 

Ed calls this condition, a prescriptive easement as opposed to actual ownership (when it’s not on the property line). By adverse possession, a person can come to own some of your land over time but this is actually very difficult and requires a number of conditions that are very hard to meet. Nonetheless, the point is that just because there’s a fence doesn’t mean that it’s in the right place or representative of a true legal boundary. 

The same illusion can apply to a small building, a garage or a home addition. They’re not always located on the proper side of the boundary and are sometimes located inside the setback where they oughtn’t be. A setback is the locally proscribed spacing between your house and the property line and varies with certain kinds of construction in addition to the general rules that apply to your property. By the way, just because your neighbor has one set of setbacks, doesn’t mean that the same ones apply to you. This is also true for allowable building heights. Just because your neighbor has a two-story building doesn’t mean that you have the right to add a story onto yours. Seems unfair but, hey; Talk to city hall. 

There are exceptions to the usual setbacks for old or “grandfathered-in” construction (which means you don’t want to tear down that old garage in the corner of the property before some serious thinking, since you may not be able to put it back there once it’s down. Decks of varying heights as well as equipment (like water heaters) also have rules regarding setbacks and it’s worth a trip to the zoning department to check and find out exactly where you can and cannot build. 

So, when you’re first looking at a property, it’s worth looking at the “sense” or logic of the fences and gates. Do they look as though they belong where they are. One example of fences not making much sense is when they’re way over to one side and very close to one building but far from another. This may be a tip-off that the fence isn’t where the boundary has required it to rest. Another is that one fence isn’t in-line with the one on the next lot. If the fence seems to “jog” over at one point, it might be worth looking at a copy of the assessor’s parcel map for your block to see if the boundaries look the same. Ultimately a surveyor may be needed to unravel any real confusion but there a larger point to be made here: 

Although it’s good to be aware of the fact that your fences may not be where they belong, that a tree may be overhanging your property or that a sewer-line may cross over your property, it’s important to have some perspective. It is very easy, indeed, to begin to see these things are gigantic issues that are endangering your life and limb when they may, in fact, not have all that great an impact on your daily life. 

If a fence is depriving you of a one foot strip of your side yard, it may make life a tad more difficult, but before you call your lawyer take a serious look at the thing. Is it keeping you from being able to get past that side of the house? It is keeping the meter reader from doing her job? Perhaps it’s just keeping you from having to mow as much lawn. Sometimes the glass is half full. Occasionally it’s cracked. 

Consider that you might living next to that neighbor for many years to come. Which is more important in the long run, a few feet of crab-grass or the icy glances you will share from 20 feet as you weed the front yard for the next decade. Now, I’m not model citizen and I beg you to do as I say and not as I do, but this is really a no-brainer. Your daily happiness will have far more to do with your neighborliness than the exact accounting of your land portion. 

Trees continue to grow as time passes despite anyone’s intentions; so when the branches of your neighbor’s oak are keeping you up at night by endlessly grazing the window or eaves, take action, not acrimony. Talk to the neighbor and then, trim the tree. You have a right to trim the branches on your side of the property (I won’t say fence and you know why, right?) and by all means should if they’re close to your house (for fire safety if for no other reason).  

Nonetheless, it’s the high road to talk to the neighbor first and to be sure to have a learned person do the trimming so that the tree won’t get sick and die. You could, potentially, be held culpable for that too (it just never seems to stop, does it?). If you’ve taken a friendly approach, it’s far more likely that the neighbor will see you as their friend when things go wrong (do things ever go wrong?). 

My neighbor, may he rest in peace, and I had a dispute over a sewer line for many years and this was one that Freud would have a field day with. The sewer was badly damaged, had never been fixed properly, and on more than one occasion had leaked. This was just horrid and I felt as though I were a small child who had just had an accident in my pants when dealing with this fellow.  

At the time, I had a written easement (although I didn’t know it at the time) and had a right to perform repairs, but the process of repairing the dreaded thing went poorly for a range of reasons: Our communication was lousy; we didn’t approach it as a team with shared goals; I didn’t hire the best people to go onto his property as I should have but attempted the repair myself (contractors always think they should fix everything themselves, you know) and there were a range of plants and trees that my neighbor liked better than me, my wife and our children put together.  

We both lost perspective and in the end needed attorneys to settle the matter for us. Luckily, both of our attorneys had the good sense and ethically to keep us out of court and to find a sensible way to make us both miserable. Our hatred of the law and lawyers should rightly be our hatred of our own stingy and uncompromising selves. 

So before you buy, try to take a good look at the location of fences and trees. Find out where the sewer runs and investigate any easements that may run across your property. If you have a shared driveway, find out what protocols apply and spend some time talking to the person you’ll be sharing it with. In all cases, try to meet some neighbors before you buy and ask them to tell you of any concerns or past problems that they have experienced. 

The theory of enlightened self-interest seems to me to apply very well in these circumstances, not to mention the golden rule. While it can be incredibly difficult to see beyond our own small selfish concerns when it comes to neighboring issues, the stakes are really quite high. Those being your daily happiness and your sanity. Good luck and may you turn out to be smarter than me (which isn’t actually all that hard). 

Got a question about home repairs and inspections? Send them to Matt Cantor, in care of East Bay Real Estate, at realestate@berkeleydailyplanet.com.

I must have passed this place a thousand times without going in. I think it used to be called “The Windmill Nursery” and it still has the eponymous windmill, an old but still unrusted Aeromotor, evidently not in current use. 

It’s right at the end off the off-ramp from 101 to the road we usually take to Sebastopol and beyond, either to chase birds around Bodega Bay or to get our annual Martin Hayes and Dennis Cahill fix at the Sebastopol Celtic fest in late September.  

But we’re usually eager to get to the birds or the music, and we give most of the roadside attractions on the Gravenstein Highway a pass.  

This year we had an extra hour or two the Saturday morning of the Celtfest, between the luxurious Motel 6 in Petaluma and the Sebastopol Community Center, so when we swerved for donuts at the first “Donuts!” sign, we also took a stroll through the nursery that sits fortuitously next to the donut joint.  

So the former Windmill (I think) Nursery is now “dig the nursery” or maybe it’s “dig: the nursery” with font changes working as punctuation. Cute name aside (and I say this as a former columnist whose former columns were shamelessly called things like “Dig This!” and “A Sense of Humus”) it’s well worth a visit if you’re in the neighborhood. The neighborhood’s worth a visit too, especially now that it’s harvest season for those apples, so it all works out. 

At “dig the nursery” I noticed seedlings from our old friends at Flatland Farm, who used to be located right in town at Blake near San Pablo. They’d turned the intractable clay soil we have in the lower flatlands here into something about as springy as a mattress and clearly congenial to the plants thriving in it, and they had the prettiest chickens I’ve ever met, Millefleurs.  

The nursery’s owner hails from here, too, and like so many plantfolk in the area used to work at Berkeley Horticultural Nursery. He said he’s interested in retailing plant starts from not-the-usual sources, including Flatland, Blooms of Glen Ellen, and others new to me.  

His assistant hails from the South Bay, which might account for his taste in plants: he’s responsible for the horde of succulents, some of them unusual even for succulents, in various sizes.  

Other interesting plants the day we visited included dasylirion (a plant that’s fun to watch while walking around it), nifty citrus including Buddha’s hand citron, and a big handsome blooming Franklinia alatamaha, the tree now extinct in the wild but saved as a species by planthunter William Bartram in the 18th century and the gardeners who’ve perpetuated it since.  

We also saw water hyacinth for sale. You’re scaring me, bhoyos. I don’t think Florida has any manatees to spare for us. (Pity; they’d add so much charm to the Delta.) There are other water plants too, like big papyrus; I forgot to ask if the koi in the big tank were for sale. They were certainly flirty.  

Don’t miss the gazebo made of bicycle wheels.  

Dig: the nursery 

8567 Gravenstein Highway, Cotati 

(707) 795-7825 

9:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m. daily. 

Ron Sullivan is a former professional gardener and arborist. Her “Garden Variety” column appears every Friday in East Bay Home & Real Estate. Her column on East Bay trees appears every other Tuesday in the Berkeley Daily Planet.

How’s Your Earthquake Knowledge? 

Rate yourself: Are the following statements true, or false? 

1. If your home was retrofitted in the last 5 years, you’re likely to be in good shape. 

2. Your water heater is the only appliance that really needs to be secured. 

3. Most injuries in earthquakes are from the resulting fires. 

4. Most earthquake damage is caused by the resulting displacement of soil. 

Answers: 

1. Unfortunately, there are contractors out there who are not performing complete and adequate retrofits. One of the best contractors in the area says that fully 30 percent of his business is coming along behind other contractors and doing the job right.  

2. It is recommended to secure furnaces, refrigerators, and washers/dryers. 

3. Most injuries are caused by objects falling on people.  

4. Most earthquake damage is caused by shaking.  

Larry Guillot is the owner of QuakePrepare, an earthquake consulting, securing and kit supply service. Contact him at 558-3299 or see www.quakeprepare.com to receive semi-monthly e-mails and safety reports.

TUESDAY, OCT. 10 

FILM 

Alternative Visions “Warhol Screen Tests” at 7:30 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $4-$8. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

“Framing the Struggle: The Black Panther Party in Black and White” with photographers Stepehn Shames, Jeffrey Blankfort and Ilka Hartman at 6 p.m. at Oakland Public Library, West Auditorium, 125 14th St. 238-3134. 

Bart Ehrman describes “In the Lost Gospel of Judas Iscariot: A New Look at Betrayer and Betrayed” at 7:30 p.m. at First Congregational Church of Berkeley, 2345 Channing Way at Dana. Suggested donation $10. 559-9500. 

Michael Parenti and Salim Lamrani talks about “Superpower Principles: U.S. Terrorism Against Cuba” at 7:30 p.m. at Black Oak Books. 486-0698. www.blackoakbooks.com 

Barry Lopez describes, “Home Ground: Language for an American Landscape” at 7 p.m. at Cody’s Books on Fourth St. 559-9500. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Huun Huur Tu, Tuvan Throat Singers, at 8 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $15. 525-5054.  

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

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

John Patitucci Trio at 8 and 10 p.m. Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $10-$16. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

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

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 11 

EXHIBITIONS 

“Laughing Bones/Weeping Hearts” An exhibition for Dias de los Muertos opens at the Oakland Museum of California, 10th and Oak, Oakland. Cost is $5-$8. 238-2200. www.museumca.org 

THEATER 

“The Secret Circus” Wed. and Thurs. at 8 p.m. at The Marsh Berkeley, 2120 Allston Way, through Oct. 19. Cost is $10-$20 sliding scale. 800-838-3006. www.themarsh.org  

FILM 

Pirates and Piracy “Madame X, An Absolute Ruler” at 3 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $4-$8. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Sylvan Brackett and Sue Moore discuss “The Slow Food Guide to the San Francisco Bay Area” at 7:30 p.m. at Black Oak Books. 486-0698.  

Alisa Valdes-Rodriguez talks about “Haters” at 7 p.m. at Cody’s Books on Fourth St. 559-9500. 

Cafe Poetry with host Kira Allen at 7:30 p.m. at La Peña, 3105 Shattck Ave..Donation suggested. 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 

Vagabond Opera, Bohemian cabaret, at 8 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $10-$12. 849-2568.  

Wednesday Noon Concert, with Gabriel Trop, cello, Jim Prell, piano, Jessica Ling, violin, Inning Chen, piano at Hertz Hall, UC Campus. Free. 642-4864. http://music.berkeley.edu 

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

Eddie Fitzroy, Dennis De Menace at 9:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. 525-5054.  

Orquestra Liberacion at 9:30 p.m. at Shattuck Down Low, 2284 Shattuck Ave. Salsa dance lessons at 8 p.m. Cost is $5-$10. 548-1159.  

Taarka, gypsy jazz, at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 848-8277. 

Hippe Granade at 9:30 p.m. at Blakes on Telegraph. Cost is $8. 848-0886.  

Hijack the Disco, Head Like a Kite, Elephone, indie rock, at 8:30 p.m. at the Uptown Nightclub, 1928 Telegraph, Oakland. Cost is $8. 451-8100. 

The Connie Doolan Quartet at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $17.50-$18.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

John Patitucci Trio at 8 and 10 p.m. Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $10-$16. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

THURSDAY, OCT. 12 

FILM 

Discovering Syrian Cinema: Three by Omar Amiralay at 7:30 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $4-$8. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

“Dramatic Results: The Role of Regional Theater” with Tony Taccone, Jonathon Moscone, and Brad Erickson at 7:30 p.m. at The College Preparatory School, 6100 Broadway, Oakland. Tickets are $12.50 in advance, $15 at the door. 652-011. www.college-prep.org/livetalk  

Maxine Hong Kingston and veterans of the Vietnam and Iraq wars present “Veterans of War, Veterans of Peace” at 7:30 p.m. at the JCC, 1414 Walnut St.. 486-0698. www.blackoakbooks.com 

Jeff Norman describes “Temescal Legacies: Narratives of Change from a North Oakland Neighborhood” at 7:30 p.m. at Chapel of the Chimes, 4499 Piedmont Ave., Oakland. Tickets are $8-$10. Sponsored by Oakland Heritage. 763-9218. 

George Katsiaficas on “Victories and Defeats: Autonomous Movements in South Korea” at 7:30 p.m. at AK Press Warehouse, 674-A 23rd St., Oakland. 208-1700. 

Cathy Davidson on “36 Views of Mount Fuji: On Finding Myself in Japan” at 7 p.m. at Cody’s Books on Fourth St. 559-9500. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Mac Martin & the California Travelers at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $17.50-$18.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

Erik Jakobsen Quintet at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $8. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

Ray Brown 80th Birthday Salute with Marlena Shaw, Benny Green, John Clayton and Jeff Hamilton at 8 and 10 p.m., through Sun. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $12-$24. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

Harvey Cartel, Shaken, Dig Jelly at 8:30 p.m. at the Uptown Nightclub, 1928 Telegraph, Oakland. Cost is $5. 451-8100. www.uptownnightclub.com 

Selector: Black Edgars Musicbox at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 848-8277. 

Showtime @ 11 Hip Hop at 10 p.m. at the Golden Bull, 412 14th St. at Broadway, Oakland. 893-0803. 

FRIDAY, OCT. 13 

THEATER 

Antenna Theater, “High School” An interactive theatrical walking tour of Berkeley High, 1980 Allston Way. One audience member enters the show every minute. Walk lasts about 45 minutes. Fri. and Sat. from 6 to 9 p.m. and Sun. from 2 to 5 p.m. Tickets are $20 adults, $8 students. Reservations required. Runs through Oct. 29. 415-332-9454. www.antenna-theater.org/highschool.htm 

Berkeley Rep “Mother Courage” at 8 p.m. at the Roda Theater, 2025 Addison St., through Oct. 22. 647-2949. www.berkeleyrep.org 

California Shakespeare Theater “As You Like It” at the Bruns Amphitheater, 100 Gateway Blvd., Orinda. Tues.-Thurs., 7:30 p.m., Fri.-Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 4 p.m. through Oct. 15. Tickets are $15 and up. 548-9666. www.calshakes.org 

Contra Costa Civic Theater, “The Orchid Sandwich” Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2 p.m. through Oct. 21. at 951 Pomona Ave. El Cerrito. Tickets are $11-$18. 524-9132. www.ccct.org 

Impact Theatre “Colorado” A dark comedy about celebrity worship, Thurs.-Sat. at 8 p.m. at La Val’s Subterranean, 1834 Euclid Ave. Tickets are $10-$15. Runs through Oct. 28. 464-4468. www.impacttheatre.com 

Shakespeare in the Yard “Mack, A Gangsta’s Tale” WordSlanger’s version of Macbeth, Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 4 p.m. at Sister Thea, an outdoor theater at 920 Peralta St. Oakland Tickets are $5-$20. 208-6551. 

Shotgun Players “Love is a Dream House in Lorin” by Marcus Gardley, inspired by true stories of Berkeley’s historic Lorin District, Thurs.-Sun. at 8 p.m. at the Ashby Stage, 1901 Ashby Ave., through Nov. 5. Sliding scale $15-$30. 841-6500. www.shotgunplayers.org 

UC Dept. of Theater “Suburban Motel” six plays by George Walker at Zellerbach Playhouse, UC Campus, through Nov. 19. Tickets are $8-$14. For schedule see http://theater.berkeley.edu 

EXHIBITIONS 

“Fiber 2006” Featuring eight Bay Area artists. Opening Reception at 6 p.m. at ACCI Gallery, 1652 Shattuck Ave. Exhibit runs to Nov. 4. 843-2527. 

“Recycled Runway” An installation by Artist in Residence artists Sandy Drobney and Daphne Ruff opens at Pro Arts Gallery, 550 Second St., Oakland. Runs through Nov. 5.  

FILM 

A Theater Near You “Overlord” at 6:30 p.m. and Ousmane Sembene “Ceddo” at 8:15 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $4-$8. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Lee Grue, New Orleans poet with musician Eluard Burt and local poet Adam David Miller, a community-building poetry-and-music program in support of the rebuilding of New Orleans at 7 p.m. in the 3rd floor Community Meeting Room, Berkeley Public Library, Kittredge St. 981-6100. 

Elisha Cooper reads from “Crawling: A Father’s First Year” at 7:30 p.m. at Black Oak Books. 486-0698. www.blackoakbooks.com 

K.E. Silva reads from her novle “A Simple Distance” at A Great Good Place for Books, 6120 LaSalle Ave., Oakland. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Oakland Opera “Les Enfants Terribles” Fri. - Sun. at 8 p.m. at Oakland Metro Opera House, 201 Broadway, through Oct. 22. Tickets are $32-$36. www.oaklandopera.org 

Eisa Davis “Cockleburrs in my Sock” at 8 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $$10-12. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

Hypnogaja at 9 p.m. at Blakes on Telegraph. Cost is $10. 848-0886. www.blakesontelegraph.com 

Hurricane Sam & the Hotshots at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $10. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

New Life Band, traditional and contemporary music of Tanzania at 9:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $11-$13. 525-5054.  

Jack Williams, Tim Mason opens, at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $17.50-$18.50. 548-1761.  

Jim Grantham Trio at 9 p.m. at Downtown. 649-3810.  

The Nomadics at 7:30 p.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344.  

Fish Ranch Road, The Bittersweets, Victoria George at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $8. 841-2082.  

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

Albino, afro beat, at 9 p.m. at Shattuck Down Low, 2284 Shattuck Ave. Cost is $10. 548-1159.  

Zoe Ellis, soul, funk, jazz at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 848-8277. 

Laudanum, Silentist, Silentist, Times of Desperation, Cropduster at 8:30 p.m. at the Uptown Nightclub, 1928 Telegraph, Oakland. Cost is $8. 451-8100. www.uptownnightclub.com 

Ray Brown 80th Birthday Salute with Marlena Shaw, Benny Green, John Clayton and Jeff Hamilton at 8 and 10 p.m., through Sun. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $12-$24. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

SATURDAY, OCT. 14 

CHILDREN  

“Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good Very Bad Day” at 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m., and Sun. at 2 p.m. at Julia Morgan Theater, 2640 College Ave. Tickets are $10-$18. 925-798-1300. 

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

Lissa Rovetch introduces her two new books on Hot Dog Bob at 4 p.m. at Cody’s Books on Fourth St. 559-9500. 

EXHIBITIONS 

“Educate to Liberate: A Retrospective of the Black Panther Community News Service” Exhibition in honor of the 40th Anniversary of the founding of the Black Panther Party, on display in the Oakland History Room at the Oakland Main Library, 125 14th St. 238-3222. www.oaklandlibrary.org 

“The Face of Poetry” Photographs by Margaretta Mitchell on display at the Berkeley Public Library, 2090 Kittredge St., through Oct. 30. 981-6100. 

“Looking for Hope” Photographs by Matt O’Brien with text by students in the Oakland Public Schools opens at the Peralta Hacienda Historical Park Museum Gallery, 2465 34th Ave. Gallery open Thurs.-Fri. 4 to 6 p.m. and Sun. noon to 4 p.m. to March 31. 532-9142. www.peraltahacienda.org 

Paintings by Mary Ann Hayden opens at Alta Galleria, 2980 College Ave. Reception at 3 p.m. Runs through Dec. 9. 421-1255. 

“Masks, Myths, Magic and Witches” Group show reception at Expressions Gallery, 2035 Ashby Ave. Exhibition runs through Oct. 31. 644-4930. 

Trent Burkett “New Work in Salt and Wood” at Trax Ceramics Gallery, 1812 Fifth St. Exhibition runs to Oct. 15. 540-8729. www.traxgallery.com  

“Geographic Premonitions” Group show of fifteen emerging artists. Reception for the artists at 4 p.m. at the Richmond Art Center, 2540 Barrett Ave., Richmond. Exhibition runs through Nov. 11. 620-6772. www.therichmondartcenter.org 

20th Annual Emeryville Art Exhibition from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 5630 Bay St., through Oct. 29. Free. 652-6122. www.EmeryArts.org 

Blown Glass Pumpkins on display at the Cohn-Stone Studios, 560 South 31st. St. near the Regatta Blvd., exit from the 580 Freeway, Sat. and Sun. from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Oct. 29. 234-9690. 

THEATER 

Central Works “Andromache” opens at the Berkeley City Club at 8 p.m. and runs through Nov. 19. Tickets are $9-$25. 558-1382. 

FILM 

A Theater Near You “Overlord” at 6:30 p.m. and Ousmane Sembene “Xala” at 8:15 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $4-$8. 642-0808.  

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Judy Yung on “San Francisco’s Chinatown” slide talk at 3 p.m. at Eastwind Books of Berkeley, 2066 University Ave. 548-2350. 

Jane Poynter talks about her experience in “The Human Experiment: Two Years and Twenty Minutes Inside Biosphere 2” at 7 p.m. at Cody’s Books on Fourth St. 559-9500. 

Readings from “Modern Words: a thoroughly queer literary journal” with Gary Kong, Jim Nawrocki, David Scronce, and others at 7:30 p.m. at Laurel Book Store, 4100 MacArthur Blvd., Oakland. 531-2073. 

Open Mic at the Marina with poetry, music and spoken word at 7:30 p.m. at Cal Adventures. Sponsored by the 886 Collective. 439-9777. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

The Pacific Collegium “Music of the English Renaissance” at 8 p.m. at St. Marks Episcopal Church, 2300 Bancroft Way. Tickets are $8-$18. 848-5107. 

Roberta Piket Trio plays original jazz compositions, at 8 p.m. at the Hillside Club, 2286 Cedar St. Cost is $15. 845-1350. www.hillsideclub.org  

“Best of Brazzissimo” concert at 8 p.m. at Piedmont High School Auditorium, 800 Magnolia Ave., Piedmont. Cost is $5-$10. 408-529-2120. www.brazzissimo.com 

Gamelan Sekar Jaya at 8 p.m. at Zellerbach Hall, UC Campus. Tickets are $20-$32. 642-9988. www.calperfs.berkeley.edu 

University Symphony Orchestra at 8 p.m. at Hertz Hall, UC Campus. Tickets are $5-$15. 642-4864. http://music.berkeley.edu 

“Moment’s Notice” improvised music, dance and theater at 8 p.m. at Western Sky Studio, 2525 8th St. Cost is $8-$10. 649-1791. 

Fuga! at 8 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $&7-$10!. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

The Big Thing Live with Funkyman at 8:30 p.m. at the Uptown Nightclub, 1928 Telegraph, Oakland. Cost is $10. 451-8100. www.uptownnightclub.com 

Larry Vuckovich Latin Jazz Quartet at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $12. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

Fela Kuti Birthday Tribute with Sila & The Afrofunk Experience, Baba Ken and Afro Groove Connexion at 9:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $15$18. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Taiko Drumming with Kelvin Underwood at 7 p.m. at the Capoeira Arts Cafe, 2026 Addison St. Cost is $10.  

Ira Marlowe and Kenny Dinkin at 7:30 p.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344. www.nomadcafe.net 

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

Reilly & Maloney at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $18.50-$19.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

Flyhead, The Wearies, Animal Underground at 9 p.m. at Blakes on Telegraph. Cost is $10. 848-0886. www.blakesontelegraph.com 

Kat Parra at 8 p.m. at the Jazz 

school. Cost is $12-$15. 845-5373. www.jazzschool.com 

“Babshad” Barbara and Charles Hadenfeldt at 9 p.m. at Downtown. 649-3810.  

Hali Hammer, folk rock, at 8 p.m. at Spuds Pizza, 3290 Adeline St. Cost is $7-$10. 558-0881. 

Antiquia, The Wayward Monks at 10 p.m. at The Starry Plough. All ages show. Cost is $7. 841-2082. www.starryploughpub.com 

Onion Flavored Rings, Peelander-Z, Ghost Mice 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. 

SUNDAY, OCT. 15 

THEATER 

“An Evening with Leonardo da Vinci” with Rob Weiner at 7 p.m. at the JCC, 1414 Walnut St. Cost is $10-$12. 848-0237. 

FILM 

The Mechanical Age “Human, All Too Human” at 5:30 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Strictly Speaking with Paula Poundstone at 7 p.m. at Zellerbach Hall, UC Campus. Tickets are $24-$46. 642-9988. www.calperfs.berkeley.edu 

Poetry Flash with Elline Lipkin and Lisa Sewell at 7:30 p.m. at Black Oak Books. 486-0698. www.blackoakbooks.com 

Poets for Peace with Susan Rich, Robert Lipton and Ilya Kaminsky at 7:30 p.m. at Pegasus Books Downtown, 2349 Shattuck Ave. 649-1320. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

University Symphony Orchestra at 3 p.m. at Hertz Hall, UC Campus. Tickets are $5-$15. 642-4864. http://music.berkeley.edu 

California Bach Society “Die Familie Bach” at 4 p.m. at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 2300 Bancroft Way. 415-262-0272. www.calbach.org 

Bluegrass for the Greenbelt Benefit Concert with Laurie Lewis, Tom Rozum and Todd Phillips, Eric and Suzy Thompson, The Backyard Party Boys at 3 p.m. at Coventry Grove, in the Kensington Hills. Tickets are $50-$65. 415-543-6771. www.BluegrassForTheGreenbelt.org 

Vagabond Opera, theatrical mix of eclectic music, at 8 p.m. at La Pena Cultural Center. Tickets are $10-$12. 849-2568.  

Rahim Al Haj, Iraqi oud master, at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $18.50-$19.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

Na Leo Nahenahe Hawaiian Chorus at 4 p.m. at Lake Merritt United Methodist Church, 1330 Lakeshore Ave., Oakland. Tickets are $12-$15. Children under 12 free. www.naleosf.com  

Gift Horse at 11 a.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344. www.nomadcafe.net 

Tango Number 9 at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $10. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

Americana Unplugged: The Mercury Dimes at 5 p.m. at Jupiter. 655-5715. 

Stephanie Bruce at 4:30 at the Jazzschool. Cost is $15. 845-5373. www.jazzschool.com 

Ziyia, traditional Greek music, at 8:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Dance lesson at 7:30 p.m. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

MONDAY, OCT. 16 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Soyhel Dahi and Sharon Doubiago read at 7:30 p.m. at Moe’s Books, 2476 Telegraph Ave. 849-2087. 

Meg Tilly and K. E. Silva read from their new novels at 7:30 p.m. at Black Oak Books. 486-0698. www.blackoakbooks.com 

Francine Prose introduces “Reading Like a Writer: A Guide for People Who Love Books and For Those Who Want to Write Them” at 7 p.m. at Cody’s Books on Fourth St. 559-9500. 

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

MUSIC AND DANCE 

The Kirov Orchestra of the Mariinsky Theatre, with Valery Gergiev, conductor and Alexander Toradze, piano, at 7 p.m. at Zellerbach Hall, UC Campus. Tickets are $38-$86. 642-9988. www.calperfs.berkeley.edu 

Bil Staines at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $18.50-$19.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

Khalil Shaheed, all ages jam, at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $5. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

Blue Monday Jam at 7:30 p.m. at the Uptown Nightclub, 1928 Telegraph, Oakland. Cost is $5. 451-8100. www.uptownnightclub.com 

Marta Topfera at 8 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $10-$14. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com  

Temescal might just be the Pluto of North Oakland neighborhoods. 

Not only does it lie outside the orbit of tonier, cozier, better-known residential districts—Rockridge, Piedmont Avenue, Montclair—but some might even argue that it’s not a neighborhood at all, just another stretch of the flatlands between the hills and Emeryville. 

Even its name has been banished in recent decades by some realtors who persist in assigning imaginary appellations such as “Lower Rockridge” to this distinct district 

But, rather like Pluto, Temescal has its ardent defenders, including residents of the neighborhood and the Oakland Heritage Alliance (OHA).  

Temescal is indeed a real neighborhood, a vibrant and historic part of the East Bay, and it’s worth a lingering visit, not simply a passing glance from the freeway.  

Such an opportunity is provided this Sunday during this year’s OHA historic house tour, “A Take on the Temescal.” 

The afternoon tour will visit historic houses, from an 1880 Victorian Italianate to early 1900s Classical Revival, bungalows, and even a “mid-century modern.” 

Some of the 10 properties on the tour display unusual features and contents including a water tower, Chinese antiques, and several eras-worth of historic renovations. 

Organizers also note that the neighborhood has become somewhat of an informal center of “alternative communal or cooperative living situations,” two of which will be on the tour. 

Most expansively interpreted, the Temescal district runs roughly from Oakland’s stretch of Shattuck Avenue east to Broadway and from MacArthur north to Claremont and College.  

That’s a broad area, but the tour itself will concentrate in a smaller zone, including homes on Glendale, Avon, and scattered between 51st and 41st streets.  

Drive along 51st Street between Broadway and Telegraph and you’re bisecting the tour district. 

The Thursday evening before the tour, Temescal resident Jeff Norman will give a talk on his new book, Temescal Legacies; Narratives of Change from a North Oakland Neighborhood. 

The roots of Temescal lie in a Huchiun-Ohlone native settlement going back for thousands of years on the gentle littoral of the North Oakland plain. 

The name itself derives from a Spanish word for a native lodge house found along the banks of the creek that once defined the area, before streets and freeways. 

Spanish soldier and California immigrant Luis Marie Peralta gained the district—and most of the rest of the East Bay, west of the Berkeley Hills—in a land grant from the Spanish Crown.  

In the 1830s, the enormous ranch was divided between Peralta’s four sons and the youngest, Vicente, took up his share in what is now North Oakland. He built an adobe house along Temescal Creek 170 years ago. 

The Peralta dwelling is long since vanished, but the site lies on Telegraph Avenue, just south of the Grove-Shafter freeway overpass, where a historical plaque stands at the sidewalk edge of a gas station parking lot. 

Peralta cattle roamed the fields, and orchards and gardens were planted along the nearby—now largely culverted—creek.  

After the United States acquisition of California and the Gold Rush, the Peralta holdings dwindled as American settlers, speculators, and swindlers began to lay claim to the fertile plain. 

American era settlement in Temescal began in 1855, the same year that Oakland incorporated as a city. 

Soloman Ellsworth Alden, “a successful San Francisco restaurateur,” began to purchase property in the area and, by 1868—the same year that the University of California was established—had laid out the town of Temescal and put lots on the market.  

In 1870 the Oakland Railroad Company ran a streetcar line up to Telegraph and 51st Street and Temescal Creek. 

Not long thereafter, the University of California moved from downtown Oakland to the future Berkeley. The streetcar line was extended north to Strawberry Creek, and Temescal became a residential outpost of the new and then rural campus.  

The University Echo newspaper noted in the fall of 1873 that the few rooms to be had for rent in Berkeley were “scarce and costly,” and that “a party of hilarious seniors and juniors have taken a home at Temescal.”  

That home was presumably one of the Victorian houses, large and small, that dotted the North Oakland landscape by the 1880s.  

A surprising number of those Victorian era dwellings—some included on the tour—survive amidst more numerous houses of later periods. 

“The Temescal region began to thrive as a commercial and residential area with close ties to both Oakland and Berkeley,” writes historian Michael Crowe in an introduction to the neighborhood. 

Temescal was an independent community at the time, but many extra-urban settlements in the United States were “eager for the police and fire services, schools, and other institutions found in the nearby larger city,” Crowe adds.  

Overtures to join with Oakland failed in 1885 and 1894. A sweeping annexation succeeded in 1897, and Temescal officially became part of Oakland.  

By the end of the 19th century the district was also becoming identified as an Italian immigrant neighborhood, a character that still persists in some blocks and a few street names and businesses. 

In the early 20th century, Temescal built up along the streetcar lines.  

Houses in a wide variety of styles—including Arts and Crafts, Shingle, Spanish and Mission Revival, and “Tudoresque”—filled in the residential blocks. 

In the 1960s modernity cut a literal swath through Temescal when the construction of the Grove-Shafter Freeway—Highway 24—and BART carved away and built barriers across parts of the neighborhood. 

In recent years, however, Temescal has resurged as a residential district and undergone some of the gentrification—positive, benign, or unwelcome, depending on your viewpoint—that has spread through much of North Oakland and South Berkeley. 

The commercial district around Telegraph and 51st Street has been spruced up with new construction, renovations, and an array of old and new businesses. 

The Temescal House Tour runs from 1-5:30 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 15. Start in front of Acorn Kitchens and Baths, 4640 Telegraph Ave.  

Tickets are $30 in advance, $35 on the day of the tour, and $25 for OHA members.  

Refreshments are provided at one of the houses along the “self-guided and easy-to-walk” tour route. Most houses have stairs. Volunteers for the tour are sought and will receive complimentary admission. 

Contact 763-9218 for information or to make a reservation, email info@oaklandheritage.org, or visit www.oaklandheritage.org. 

In a related event, Jeff Norman presents highlights from his newly published book, Temescal Legacies: Narratives of Change from a North Oakland Neighborhood, at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 12, at the Chapel of the Chimes, 4499 Piedmont Ave. in Oakland. Tickets are $8 OHA members, $10 general public. 

Proceeds benefit the Oakland Heritage Alliance. 

Photograph by Steven Finacom  

This handsome early Oakland home, complete with backyard water tower and marble-lined entry staircase, is one of the buildings on Sunday’s Temescal tour. 

Here, time stands still. There is only music, and the movement of children through space. 

—Philip Glass 

Three Steinways line up parallel to the apron of the stage at the Metro on Broadway, facing the podium to the right. Onstage is a pair of iron-frame beds, draped in magenta sheets, while a vertiginous flight of gold-orange steps leads up towards the flies, past a mezzanine to an aqua door. 

These are the playing fields for The Game which brother and sister play in The Room, an autosuggestive and incestuous symbolic game that remakes the world they escape, yet spreads like poison into their tiny coterie in that world as they grow up. 

Oakland Opera Theater’s production of Philip Glass’s Les Enfants Terribles, after Jean Cocteau’s 1929 novel and later play, with musical direction by Deirdre McClure and stage direction by Tom Dean, is reset in Saigon from Paris, which eliminates the ever-falling snow of the original and suggests a colonial ambiance to the milieu and action. 

Glass conceived the opera with ballets, and Oakland Opera is collaborating with the dynamic dancer-choreographer Danny Nguyen and his company, who provide the fantastic activity that surrounds and amplifies the dreams and perceptions of the little circle that feed off their own caprices. 

Glass’ music, originally scored for three pianos, has an alternately horizontal or vertical quality of attack, with the recurrent figures, the “suspended animation” (in McClure’s words) of building, resolution, and building again. But there’s something different, peculiarly enjoyable about this piece in comparison to the composer’s excursions into setting libretti in Sanskrit and Ancient Egyptian. 

Densely melodic, following the quick exchanges of the singers/characters (“cat and mouse,” in baritone Axel Van Chee’s words; there are no duets, trios or ensemble singing), the score deserves Glass’s preferred designation of “theater music,” and seems to be something particularly close to the composer’s heart, may be hearkening back to his days in Paris as student of Nadine Boulanger. 

There are moments when the playing (excellently performed by Skye Atman, Paul Caccamo and Kymry Esainko, with Daniel Lockert alternating) reminded the audience of études, perfect for a tale of overextended pubescence that starts with slingshots and a dirtclod (originally snowball) fight after school. It may also remind one of Glass’ story of submitting period stylistic exercises to Boulanger, who reprimanded Glass for “not composing in the way Mozart made music,” Glass then realizing his aesthetic or academic correctness was merely the imitation of art. 

That’s not the case here in this fluid but difficult work, melodic brightness counterpointed by a libretto of constant verbal battles. The company has found fine collaborators to essay the support and principal roles: Paul’s schoolboy friend Gerard (Ben Johns, alternating with Jonathan Smucker), secretly in love with Elizabeth; Cary Ann Rosko as Agathe (and posed on the steps with a sling as Paul’s schoolboy crush, Dargelos); and as brother and sister, superb Axel Van Chee and fascinating, feline Joohee Choi extracting the maximum out of a doomed incestuous love that’s expressed by lolling on beds in dusky light through blinds or squabbling in front of their friends, even in the bathtub, as Gerard spies on them. 

Cocteau, object of surrealist scorn, had a precise sense of the strange mix of tragedy and soap operatic melodrama that descended from Racine into modernism, through Victor Hugo and Baudelaire. This production of “Monsieur Jean’s” Les Enfants Terribles pushes that extreme disparity of display and concealment to the limit, maybe revealing some conceptual problems in Glass’s otherwise excellent vision of the work. 

Nguyen and his dancers, especially Sarah Pun-Richardson (who doubles Elizabeth, alternating with Tara Macken and Emily Mizuno) and Peggy De Coursey (in her mannequin death throes as The Mother)—and Nguyen himself, strange Angel of Death and shade of colonial war—are admirable in their sometimes-manic activity, but sometimes it’s too much and obscures the principals, whose real action is admittedly internalized, but isn’t that what modern opera’s good at representing, especially for Cocteau’s cultish brother and sister? 

This goes for the narration too, which (taken from the novel) worked well on the film soundtrack in Cocteau’s ongoing elegant tones. But Larry Rekow’s voice can’t always cut the wall of music and is frequently flat in his handling of the translated poetic passages from the original book. These seem to be, again, cases of the composer not cutting back on the adapted material to allow the unspoken (unsung, unstaged) elements space to grow, like the shadow from The Game (and, presumably in this interpretation, the rising tide of war) that engulfs the lives of its players and their spectators. The choreographer, dancers and narrator deserve praise for their participation in an exciting production—so typical of this remarkable company-on-a shoestring—as do the designers: Rob Anderson, lights; Garrett Lowe, set: Margaret Lawrence, costumes; and Asa Hoyt, credited for “The Theatre of the Two Beds,” as Cocteau described them. 

LES ENFANTS TERRIBLES 

Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through Oct. 22 at the Oakland Metro Opera House, 201 Broadway. $32-$36 

www.oaklandopera.org.

Back at the dawn of Berkeley’s food revolution, before the first bit of artisan bread was dipped in extra-virgin olive oil, L. John Harris, a former Cheese Board collective member and waiter at Chez Panisse, published The Book of Garlic. 

He went on to found Aris Books in 1980, and to bring out a long list of single-subject cookbooks celebrating ginger, goat cheese, olives, peppers, mushrooms, calamari—40 titles in all. If you’re a serious cook, you probably have a couple on your own shelves. 

This Sunday, Harris and Maggie Blyth Klein, co-owner of Oliveto in Oakland’s Rockridge district, will host an Aris Books Author Reunion, Feast, and Cookbook Auction at Klein’s celebrated restaurant. It’s a benefit for the Berkeley Food and Housing Project, kicking off their annual “We Give Thanks Month” in which local restaurants dedicate some of their proceeds to the 35-year-old nonprofit’s seven homeless assistance programs.  

Harris and Klein promise delicious food from Oliveto’s chef Paul Canales, inspired by some of the Aris cookbooks, plus a silent auction and a drawing for “a wonderful and unusual culinary adventure.” A dozen or so Aris authors will be on hand: Klein herself (Feast of the Olive), Georgeanne Brennan (New American Vegetable Cookbook), Isaac Cronin (California Seafood Cookbook, International Squid Cookbook), Michele Jordan (Good Cook’s Book of Mustard, Cook’s Tour of Sonoma), Jim Burns (Women Chefs), Linda Burum (Asian Pasta) and Jay Harlow (The Grilling Book).  

“When, in 1981, Harris asked me, then an editor at Cal Berkeley, to write a cookbook about olives and olive oil, neither of us knew that the project would change the course of my and my TV-producer husband Bob’s lives,” says Klein. Their research for Feast of the Olive involved immersion in Tuscan cuisine and culture and inspired them to open their own restaurant. Oliveto will turn 20 this December. 

Many of the other participating authors are still very much engaged with food. Brennan is practically a one-woman cookbook industry, whose other projects include a cooking school in Provence, gardening books, and the Bon Marché line of seeds. Cronin runs a public relations company representing specialty food accounts. Jordan has a food-related radio program in Sebastopol. Other Aris alumni are now food critics, artisanal food makers, specialty farmers, or restaurateurs. 

The Aris output also included books by MFK Fisher and Bruce Cost. What was special about them? “We featured unusual single subjects,” Harris recalls. “And they were more sophisticated subjects: olive oil, ginger, squid, garlic. They were more of a reading experience than standard cookbooks. We were like armchair travel books: you could get pleasure reading about food.” 

Some, like Klein’s Feast of the Olive and Cost’s Ginger East to West, were enormously influential. “Feast of the Olive launched the whole thing of tasting extra-virgin olive oil”, says Harris. “The Grilling Book was the first book to feature mesquite grilling.”  

Harris, now a filmmaker (his documentary, Divine Food: 100 Years in the Kosher Delicatessen Trade, has appeared on PBS), sold Aris in 1991. But he held on to his inventory, and it occurred to him that the books could be used to help the Berkeley Food and Housing Project. He had worked with the group before, making connections with restaurants that now participate in the “We Give Thanks” program. Berkeley Food and Housing Executive Director Terrie Light was delighted with the reunion idea, and Maggie Klein agreed to provide a venue for the event. 

How often do you have a chance to meet culinary celebrities, taste extraordinary Mediterranean food, and assist a worthy local cause?  

Tickets ($100) are available through Oliveto; call 547-5356. 

I tend to take house finches for granted, as I suspect most birders do. But there’s more to these ubiquitous little birds than meets the eye. 

Biologists have been teasing out the details of their social lives, learning how females—the choosy sex, as is often the case in birds—pick their mates. And a recent study goes farther to examine 

the consequences of mate choice: how females stuck with a substandard male endow their eggs with compensatory resources. 

Mate choice, of course, was a major theme of Darwin’s Descent of Man, and Selection in Relation to Sex (which, as David Quammen points out in his new Darwin biography, is really two books smooshed together). Female birds of many species show definite preferences for males with brighter colors, longer tails, more elaborate plumage. 

All these traits may be indicators of various kinds of fitness, like resistance to parasites. When females with a genetically-based predilection for gaudy males mate with those males, they’ll produce male offspring with their father’s feathers and female offspring with their mother’s tastes. Carry this runaway sexual selection out long enough and you get the baroque extravagances of the pheasants or the birds of paradise. 

It’s simpler for female house finches. According to Geoffrey E. Hill of Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, who has studied these birds for years, what they look for is redness. That’s a variable trait in males, and it seems to be determined by diet. In the wild, male house finches range from yellowish through orange to red. 

The colors come from carotenoid pigments, the same substances that make carrots orange and flamingos pink. Three different chemicals are involved: beta-carotene produces yellow feathers, isocryptoxanthin produces orange, echinerone produces red. Biologists have established the carotenoid connection by manipulating the diets of captives. 

Male house finches in Hawaii, probable descendants of northern California birds, are on the yellow end of the spectrum. Some ingredient that mainland birds have access to is missing in the islanders’ diets. Hawaiian house finches have been dubbed “papaya birds” because of their fondness for the fruit, but papayas apparently don’t have the right carotenoids. 

In any case, female finches look for degree of redness and color saturation in potential suitors. Hill says females will actively chase off males that don’t meet their criteria. And whatever color says about the male’s genetic dowry, there’s a direct payoff: brighter males bring more food to their nestlings. 

But what if there aren’t enough bright red males to go around? The females apparently have another card to play. Female birds—and I’m not at all clear on the mechanism here—can vary the level of hormones and vitamins in their eggs. In species that had previously been studied, like the zebra finch, the eggs of females mated to more colorful males get an extra dose of testosterone, which promotes growth.  

When Kristen Navara, a reproductive physiologist at Ohio State University looked at house finches, she found the opposite pattern: females paired with the less attractive males laid eggs with more testosterone and antioxidants (vitamins A and E) than those of females with brighter red mates. Antioxidant levels in the first group were 2.5 times higher than in the second. These substances counter the tissue-damaging effects of free radicals. 

So a female saddled with a loser—a drab male who won’t be as attentive a provider as a brighter one—can slip her offspring a little biochemical insurance. Navara relates this strategy to the house finch’s life span, which is short even by small-bird standards: a year or two at most. That limits a female to only a couple of breeding attempts in her lifetime—all the more reason to give the kids extra resources. 

Not that any of this involves conscious calculation on the female finch’s part, of course. It’s all done with hormones (exactly how remains to be determined). I don’t know whether anyone has figured out how it works on the male’s side: why brighter males should be better providers. Do the carotenoids affect their energy level or general vigor? Let’s hope some Ph.D. candidate is already working on that one.  

TUESDAY, OCT. 10 

Tuesday is for the Birds An early morning walk for birders at Bear Creek Staging Area in Briones. Bring water, sunscreen, binoculars and a snack. This week we will visit. For meeting location or to borrow binoculars, call 525-2233.  

“Reclaiming Democracy Through Election Reform” at 7:30 p.m. at First Unitarian Church of Oakland, 685 14th St., at Castro. 415-561-3013. www.uuba.org 

“The World According to Sesame Street” A documentary on the social impact of the Muppets, followed by a panel discussion at 6:30 p.m. at the Oakland Museum of California, 10th and Oak. 

“Adventuring in Australia” with Eric Armstrong and Sarah Baughn at 7 p.m. at REI, 1338 San Pablo Ave. 527-4140. 

Berkeley High School Governnace Council meets at 6 p.m. in the Community Theater Lobby. 644-4803. 

University of California Press Sidewalk Sale from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 2120 Berkeley Way. www.ucpress.edu 

“The Role of Climate on Water Institutions in the Western Americas” with Justice Greg Hobbs of the Colorado Supreme Court at 5:30 p.m. at Goldman School of Public Policy, Room 250, 2607 Hearst Ave. at LeRoy. 642-2666. 

Batopia Learn the truth about bats with Maggie Hooper and her flying friends at 10 a.m. at the Golden Gate Branch of the Oakland Public Library, 5606 San Pablo Ave. 597-5023. 

Family Storytime at 7 p.m. at the Kensington Library, 61 Arlington Ave. 524-3043. 

Torture Teach-in and Vigil every Tues. at 12:30 p.m. at the fountain on UC Campus, Bancroft at College. 

“Senior Options to Remain in Your Home” A panel discussion at 1:15 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center, 1901 Hearst. 981-5190. 

Handbuilding Ceramics Class from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at St. John’s Senior Center, 2727 College Ave. Free, except for materials and firing charges. 525-5497. 

”Living with Threes and Fours” Informational night for parents at 7 p.m. at Bananas, 5232 Claremont Ave., Oakland. Registration required. 658-7353.  

Albany Library Homework Center is open from 3 to 5 p.m., Tues. and Thurs. for students in third through fifth grades.1247 Marin Ave. 526-3720 ext 17. 

How to Eat Well and Not Wear It at 7 p.m. at Elephant Pharmacy, 1607 Shattuck Ave. 549-9200. 

Sleep Soundly Seminar A free class on how hypnosis can help you sleep at 6:30 p.m. at 378 Jayne Ave., Oakland. To register call 465-2524. 

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

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

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 11  

Walking Tour of Historic Oakland Churches and Temples Meet at 10 a.m. at the front of the First Presbyterian Church at 2619 Broadway. Tour lasts 90 minutes. For reservations call 238-3234. 

“Healthy Homes” Learn about less toxic alternatives to commonly used housecleaning and home pest control products, at 7 p.m. at El Cerrito Community Center, 7007 Moeser, El Cerrito. 665-3546.  

Berkeley School Volunteers Training workshop for volunteers interested in helping the public schools, from 3 to 4 p.m. at 1835 Allston Way. 644-8833. 

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

“Protect Yourself from Identity Theft” with Timothy Yee, financial advisor at 6 p.m. at the Oakland Public Library, First Floor, 125 14th St. 238-3134. 

Spirited Child Series Learn how temperament affects children’s behavior and how to best live and work with inborn traits at 7 p.m. at Bananas, 5232 Claremont Ave., Oakland. To register call 752-6150. If you need child care, at $5 per child, call 658-7353.  

”Choosing Infant Care” A workshop for new parents at noon at Bananas, 5232 Claremont Ave., Oakland. Registration required. 658-7353.  

Walk Berkeley for Seniors meets at 9:30 a.m. at the Sea Breeze Market, just west of the I-80 overpass. 548-9840. 

Current Events Discussion Group meets at 7 p.m. at the Niebyl Proctor Marxist Library, 6501 Telegraph Ave. Oakland. 597-4972. 

New to DVD “The Death of Mr. Lazarescu” Film and discussion at 7 p.m. at the JCC, 1414 Walnut St. 848-0237. 

“In God’s House: Asian American Lesbian & Gay Families in the Church,” A documentary at 7 p.m. at Pacific School of Religion, 1798 Scenic Ave. 849-8260. 

THURSDAY, OCT. 12 

A Creek in Downtown Berkeley? Helen Burke, Kirstin Miller, and Gus Yates discuss costs/benefits to “daylight” Strawberry Creek and close Center St. to traffic between Oxford and Shattuck, at 7:30 p.m. at The Hillside Club, 2286 Cedar St. at Arch. 549-8790. 

“Temescal Legacies: Narratives of Change from a North Oakland Neighborhood” with author Jeff Norman at 7:30 p.m. at Chapel of the Chimes, 4499 Peidmont Ave., Oakland. Donation $8-$10. Sponsored by the Oakland Heritage Alliance. 763-9218.  

Environmental Film Series “The Future of Food” on genetically engineered foods, at 7 p.m. at the Ecology Center, 2530 San Pablo Ave. 548-2220. 

Richmond Southeast Shoreline Community Group meeting at 6:30 p.m. at Richmond Convention Center, Bermuda Room, 403 Civic Center Plaza at Nevin and 25th Sts. 367-5379. 

“The Anza Trail and the Settling of California” with Vladimir Guerrero at 1 p.m. at the Oakland Museum of California, 10th and Oak, Oakland. Cost is $5-$8. 238-2200.  

“Oil and Global Warming Today: Voices from the Front Lines” with Ben Namakin, an environmental educator with the Conservation Society of Pohnpei, at 6 p.m. at the Free Speech Movement Cafe, UC Campus. 643-6445. 

An Evening with Margo Okazawa-Rey, feminist anti-militarist and scholar at 7 p.m. at Tehilla Synagogue, 1300 Grand Avenue, Piedmont. Donation $5. Sponsored by Bay Area Women in Black and the Women of Color Resource Center. info@bayareawomeninblack.org 

WriterCoach Connection seeks volunteers to help students improve their writing and critical thinking skills. Training session from noon to 3 p.m. 524-2319. 

Safety and Self Defense Seminar for Women at 1 p.m. at the JCC, 1414 Walnut St. Donation $5. 848-0237. 

Veterans Reflecting on War and Peace with Maxine Hong Kingston and war veterans at 7:30 p.m. at the JCC, 1414 Walnut St. Donation $5. 848-0237. 

Poetry Workshop with Donna Davis from 9 to noon at Jewish Community Center, 1414 Walnut St. An ongoing class offered by Berkeley Adult School.  

FRIDAY, OCT. 13 

Impeachment Banner Fridays at 6:45 to 8 a.m. on the Berkeley Pedestrian bridge between Seabreeze Market and the Berkeley Aquatic Park, ongoing on Fridays until impeachment is realized. www. Impeachbush-cheney.com 

City Commons Club Noon Luncheon with The League of Women Voters on the Nov. 7 Election. Luncheon at 11:45 a.m. for $14, speech at 12:30 p.m., at the Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant St. For information and reservations call 526-2925.  

“What Does it Mean We Don’t Have a Vote Anymore?” An open conference and discussion at 3 p.m. at Redwood Gardens., 2951 Derby St. 

“Uncovered: The Whole Truth About the Iraq War” A documentary by Robert Greenwald at 7:30 p.m. at Humanist Hall, 390 27th St., between Broadway and Telegraph, Oakland. Cost is $5. 

“Political Prisoners: 40th Anniversary Reunion of Black Panther Party” A forum to learn about political prisoners in the United States and elsewhere at 4 p.m. at Malonga Casque- 

lourd Center for the Arts, 1428 Alice St., at 14th St., Oakland. 393-5685. 

Womansong Circle with Betsy Rose A participatory circle of song for women at 7:15 p.m. at First Congregational Church of Berkeley, Small Assembly Room, 2345 Channing Way, at Dana. Cost is $15-$20 at the door, sliding scale, no one turned away. 525-7082.  

Kol Hadash Non-Theistic Family Shabbat at 6 p.m. at the Albany Senior Center, 846 Masonic Ave. Please bring simple child-friendly food to share. 428-1492. 

SATURDAY, OCT. 14 

Mini-Farmers in Tilden A farm exploration program, from 10 to 11 a.m. for ages 4-6 years, accompanied by an adult. We will explore the Little Farm, care for animals, do crafts and farm chores. Wear boots and dress to get dirty! Fee is $6-$8. Registration required. 636-1684. 

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

Walk in Honor of Our Ancestors Meet at 8 a.m. at the El Cerrito BART Station on San Pablo Ave. Walk goes down San Pablo and up University and ends at 1 p.m. at Krober Hall at the University for a memorial for the human remains stored at the Phoebe Hearst Museum. 575-8408. www.vallejointertribalcouncil.org 

Toddler Nature Walk We’ll look for spiders, insects and other fascinating creatures from 2 to 3 p.m. at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. 525-2233. 

“Alameda's Pivotal Election 2006” A program of the Alameda Public Affairs Forum at 7 p.m. at the Home of Truth, 1300 Grand Street, Alameda.  

Tour of the EBMUD Water Treatment Plant To learn about sewage treatment and its role in Bay water quality, from 10 a.m. to noon. For details and to RSVP please call 452-9261 ext.109. www.savesfbay.org/bayevents 

“Temescal Creek and the Interstate Bakery Property” A presentation on the development of the Interstate Bakery Property at 53rd At. and Adeline, at 10:30 a.m. at Temescal Creek Park Amphitheater, 47th Street, corner of Adeline & 47th Street, Emeryville. 434.3840. temcrk@mountaincurrent.net 

Africa Matters in Zimbabwe A fundraiser and presentation on Africa Matters Scholarship Fund at 12:30 p.m. at the Oakland Zoo, 9777 Golf Links Rd., Oakland. 655-4528. 

The East Bay Bonsai Society presents its 45th Annual Show and Sale from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sat. and 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Sun. at the Lakeside Garden Center, 666 Bellevue, Oakland. 521-9588.  

Vegetarian Cooking Class “Comfort Foods for Chilly Nights” from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at First Unitarian Church of Oakland, 685 14th St., at Castro, Oakland. Cost is $50. To register, please call 531-2665. www.compassionatecooks.com 

Maven Urban Design and Craft Fair for women artists from noon to 5 p.m. at 1700 Dwight Way at McGee. www.mavenfair.com 

Great War Society monthly meeting at 10:30 a.m. at 640 Arlington Ave. The discussion topic will be “Military Strategy of the Germans & British, 1914-1918” by Robert Deward. 527-7118. 

Berkeley Branch NAACP meets at 1 p.m. at the Church by the Side of the Road, 2108 Russell St. 845-7416. 

Reiki for Post Partum Women at 10 a.m. at Elephant Pharmacy, 1607 Shattuck Ave. 549-9200. 

“Dramatically Speaking” with Paul Rowan and Tevis Thompson, Jr., on Commercial Acting and Winston Churchill’s Iron Curtain Speech at 9 a.m. at 1950 Franklin St., Oakland. Free, but RSVP required. 581-8675. 

The Muhyiddin Ibn ‘Arabi Society will hold its 19th Annual USA Symposium on Sat. and Sun. from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Seaborg Room, Faculty Club, UC campus. The theme of the weekend is “Know Yourself.” Fee, donations accepted. 415-250-1817. www.ibnarabisociety.org 

San Francisco Chapter of the Romance Writers of America with agent Jessica Faust at 8:30 a.m. at Pyramid Restaurant, 901 Gilman St. Cost is $30. Reservations requested, email dginny1942@cs.com 

Lead-Safety for remodeling, repair and painting of older homes. HUD & EPA approved class from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Alameda County Lead Poisoning Prevention, 200 Embarcadero, #300, Oakland. For information call 567-8280.  

A Better Chance Independent School Fair from 3 to 6 p.m. at Cesar Chavez Education Center, 2825 International Blvd., Oakland. www.abetterchance.org 

Non-Anesthetic Teeth Cleaning for Dogs and Cats from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at RabbitEars, 303 Arlington Ave., Kensington. Cost is $35. To make an appointment call 525-6155. 

Produce Stand at Spiral Gardens Food Security Project from 1 to 6 p.m. at the corner of Sacramento and Oregon St. 

The Berkeley Lawn Bowling Club provides free instruction every Wed. and Sat. at 10:30 a.m. at 2270 Acton St. 841-2174.  

Urban Releaf Tree Tour of Oakland and workshops in urban forestry that teach tree planting, maintenance, GIS/GPS systems, and community advocacy. For information call 601-9062. www.urbanreleaf.org 

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. www.nativeplants.org 

Around the World Tour of Plants at 1:30 p.m., Thurs., Sat. and Sun. at UC Botanical Garden, 200 Centennial Drive. 643-2755. http://botanicalgarden.berkeley.edu 

Yoga for Peace at 9:30 a.m. at Ohlone Park, MLK at Hearst. Bring a yoga mat, warm blanket, and peace sign.  

Adult Fast Pitch Softball at noon. For location call 204-9500.  

Spiritwalking: Aqua Chi(TM) at 10 a.m. at the Berkeley High Warm Pool. Also Wed. at 3:30 p.m. Cost is $5.50, $3.50 seniors & disabled. Bring your own towels. 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, OCT. 15 

Oakland Heritage Alliance House Tour of the Temescal neighborhood. The self-guided tour begins at Acrodn Kitchens and BAths, 4640 Telegraph Ave. Tickets are $25-$35. 763-9218. www.oaklandheritage.org 

Partners in Preservation Open House from 1 to 4 p.m. at multiple locations in the East Bay. For details see www.partnersinpreservation.com. 415-365-8532. 

Bike Ride to the Open House at the Watershed Project Meet at 11 a.m. at the El Cerrito Plaza, west parking lot to bike to the open house at the Watershed Project. En route visit the tidal sloughs of 4 local creeks, where the watersheds empty into the Bay. Bicycle and rider should be in good shape, and riders must wear helmet.  

Richmond: Celebration by the Bay with the Watershed Project with tours, bird watching, food and drink, from noon to 3 p.m. at the garden at the Richmond Field Station. For more information and directions call 665-3430. www.thewaatershedproject.org 

Peralta Hacienda Historical Park Indigenous People’s Day Celebration from noon to 5 p.m. at Peralta House and Park, 2465 34th Ave., corner of Coolidge and Hyde, Oakland. Live entertainment features the Amah-Ka-Tura Ohlone dancers of Santa Cruz, youth performers from Calvin Simmons Middle School and music by Phoenix and Afterbuffalo. Other activities will include children’s crafts, free guided tours. www.peraltahacienda.org 

Community Labyrinth Peace Walk at 3 p.m. at Willard Middle School, Telegraph Ave. between Derby and Stuart. Wheelchair accessible. Rain cancels. 526-7377.  

Meditation Walk Walking meditation, quiet sitting and poetry writing. Meet at 9 a.m. at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. 525-2233. 

Fundraiser for City Slicker Farms A local grassroots nonprofit that converts empty lots in West Oakland into high yield urban farms, from 2 to 5 p.m. at Mama Buzz Café, 2318 Telegraph Ave., at 23rd, Oakland. Cost is $15, no one turned away. 763-4241. 

Felt Mask Making Learn the soapy, slippery and fun art of making felt, for ages 6-12, accompanied by an adult, from 1 to 3 p.m. at Tilden Nature Area, Tilden Park. Cost is $7-$9, registration required. 636-1684. 

Mayan and Aztec Medicinal Plants Tour at 11 a.m. at UC Botanical Garden, 200 Centennial Drive. Cost is $8-$12. Registration required. 643-2755.  

Black Panther Party Reunion with videos and photographs at 1:30 p.m. at the West Oakland Branch of the Oakland Public Library, 1801 Adeline St. 238-6718. 

The Friends of the Kensington Library Booksale from noon at 4 p.m. at Kensington Library. 524-3043. 

Kensington Pumpkin Parade and pumpkin pie-eating contest from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 303 Arlington Ave. at Amherst. kensingtonfm@yahoo.com 

Halloween Pumpkin Painting for children at 1 p.m. at Elephant Pharmacy, 1607 Shattuck Ave. 549-9200. 

Friends of Albany Seniors Pasta Dinner Fundraiser to support the senior center, from 4 to 7 p.m. at 846 Masonic Ave., Albany. Cost is $8, children under six $3. 534-9122. 

“25 Years of Culinary Creations” A commemorative lunch to benefit Berkeley Food and Housing Project at noon at Oliveto’s. Tickets are $100. 649-4965. 

6th Annual Crabby Chef Competition at 2 p.m. in Spenger’s parking lot. 845-7771.  

“Dreamgirls: Girls and Women in Sports” with talks by women athletes and a screening of the film “Dare to Dream” at 1 p.m. at the Oakland Museum of California, 10th and Oak, Oakland. Cost is $5-$8. 238-2200. www.museumca.org 

Bike Tour of Oakland Explore Oakland and learn about the incredible history of Oakland and its visionaries and scoundrels. Meet at 10 a.m. at the 10th St. entrance of the Oakland Museum of CA, 1000 Oak St., Oakland. Participants must be over twelve years old and provide their own bikes, helmets and repair kits. Free. 238-3514. www.museumca.org 

Saint Ambrose Parish “International Night” Fundraiser for its sister parish in India, from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. at 1145 Gilman St. Food, music, dancing, and humor from all parts of the world. Cost is $5. For reservations call 525-2620. 

Don’t be Six Feet Under Without a Plan A free workshop to learn more about the complexities and costs of Creating a Living Will, Powers of Attorney, End of Life Planinng and Services at 2 p.m. at Chapel of the Chimes, 4499 Piedmont Ave. at Pleasant Valley Rd. 562-9431. 

Adult Sunday Sing-Along at 3 p.m. at the Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave. 526-3720. 

Chinese Medicine for Meopause Relief at 11:30 a.m. at Elephant Pharmacy, 1607 Shattuck Ave. 549-9200. 

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 

“10,000 Christs...” with David Fitzgerald on the search for the historical Jesus at 9:30 a.m at Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley, 1 Lawson Rd., Kensington. 525-0302, ext. 306. 

“Judaism Without God? Understanding Humanistic Judaism” at 10 a.m. at the Albany Community Center, 1249 Marin Ave. Cost is $5.  

MONDAY, OCT. 16  

“What We Want, What We Believe” DVD showing and conversation with Newsreel archivist, Roz Payne and former Black Panthers at 7:30pm at the AK Press Warehouse, 674-A 23rd St., Oakland. 208-1700. 

“Never Again” Photographs and discussion of the physical and human consequences of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki at 4 p.m. at the Bade Museum of the Pacific School of Religion, 1798 Scenic Ave.  

“Last Atomic Bomb” Benefit screening with producer Kathleen Sullivan at 6 p.m., film at 7 p.m. at Grand Lake Theater, 3200 Grand Ave, Oakland. Benefit for Western States Legal Foundation, working for peace and justice in a nuclear free world. Cost is $25 for reception and film, $10 for film only. 839-5877. www.wslfweb.org 

“The Big Buy” film and discussion at 7 p.m. at Oakland Public Library, Rockridge Branch, 5366 College Ave. 525-9450. 

“The Shocking Truth About Gluten: Why Bread Eaters Get Sick” A new film by Ann Marks at 7 p.m. at the Kensington Library, 61 Arlington Ave., Kensington. 524-3043.Berkeley School Volunteers Training workshop for volunteers interested in helping the public schools, from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. at 1835 Allston Way. 644-8833. 

WriterCoach Connection seeks volunteers to help students improve their writing and critical thinking skills. Training session from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. For information call 524-2319. www.writercoachconnection.org  

CodePINK Monthly “Eat and Greet” at 6 p.m. at Nabalom Bakery, 2708 Russell St. at College Ave. Donation $20. no one turned away. 524-2776. www.bayareacodepink.org 

World Affairs/Politics Discussion Group for people aged 60 and over meets at 9:45 a.m. at the Albany Senior Center, 846 Masonic Ave. Donation $3. 524-9122. 

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

Lead Abatement Repairs Find out about funding for lead hazard repairs for rental properties with low-income tenants or vacant units in Oakland, Berkeley or Emeryville, from 4 to 6 p.m. at 2000 Embarcadero, #300, Oakland. Sponsored by Alameda County Lead Poisoning Prevention Program. 567-8280. 

CITY MEETINGS 

Commission on Disability meets Wed., Oct. 11, at 6:30 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Don Brown, 981-6346. TDD: 981-6345.  

Homeless Commission meets Wed., Oct. 11, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Jane Micallef, 981-5426.  

Planning Commission meets Wed., Oct. 11, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. J981-7484.  

Waterfront Commission meets Wed., Oct. 11, at 7 p.m., at 201 University Ave. 981-6740.  

Community Health Commission meets Thurs., Oct. 12, at 6:45 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-5356.  

Transportation Commission meets Thurs., Oct. 12, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-7010.  

Zoning Adjustments Board meets Thurs., Oct. 12, at 7 p.m., in City Council Chambers. Mark Rhoades, 981-7410.  

FRIDAY, OCT. 6 

THEATER 

Berkeley Rep “Mother Courage” at 8 p.m. at the Roda Theater, 2025 Addison St., through Oct. 22. 647-2949. www.berkeleyrep.org 

California Shakespeare Theater “As You Like It” at the Bruns Amphitheater, 100 Gateway Blvd., Orinda. Tues.-Thurs., 7:30 p.m., Fri.-Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 4 p.m. through Oct. 15. Tickets are $15 and up. 548-9666. www.calshakes.org 

Contra Costa Civic Theater, “The Orchid Sandwich” Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2 p.m. through Oct. 21. at 951 Pomona Ave. El Cerrito. Tickets are $11-$18. 524-9132. www.ccct.org 

Impact Theatre “Colorado” A dark comedy about celebrity worship, Thurs.-Sat. at 8 p.m. at La Val’s Subterranean, 1834 Euclid Ave. Tickets are $10-$15. Runs through Oct. 28. 464-4468. www.impacttheatre.com 

Masquer’s Playhouse “A Walk in the Woods” Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2:30 p.m. at 105 Park Place, Point Richmond. Tickets are $10. 232-4031. www.masquers.org  

Shakespeare in the Yard “Mack, A Gangsta’s Tale” WordSlanger's version of Macbeth, Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 4 p.m. at Sister Thea, an outdoor theater at 920 Peralta St Oakland. Tickets are $5-$20. 208-6551. 

Shotgun Players “Love is a Dream House in Lorin” by Marcus Gardley, inspired by true stories of Berkeley’s historic Lorin District, Thurs.-Sun. at 8 p.m. at the Ashby Stage, 1901 Ashby Ave., through Nov. 5. Sliding scale $15-$30. 841-6500. www.shotgunplayers.org 

UC Dept. of Theater “Suburban Motel” six plays by George Walker at Zellerbach Playhouse, UC Campus, through Nov. 19. Tickets are $8-$14. For schedule see http://theater.berkeley.edu 

EXHIBITIONS 

“Whitework Embroidery” Opening reception at 6 p.m. at Lacis Museum of Lace and Textiles, 2982 Adeline St. Runs through Feb. 5. Hours are Mon.-Sat. noon to 6 p.m. Free. lacismuseum.org 

“The Secrets of Ousiders” Mixed media paintings by Diego Rios, oil paintings by Bernadette Vergara Sale and acrylic paintings by Liz Amini-Holmes. Reception at 5 p.m. at the Estaban Sabar Gallery, 480 23rd St. at Telegraph, Oakland. Runs through Nov. 1. 444-7411. www.estebansabar.com 

“Quilombo” Youth Graffiti Exhibition opens at Uhuru House, 7911 MacArthur Blvd., Oakland, at 7 p.m. Includes music, breaking cyphers and Capoeira rodas. www.weekendwakeup.com 

New Work by Travis Browne, Jerry Chang, Nat Chua, Michael Eli, Jose Guinto, and Ajene Zapp Moss. Reception at 7 p.m. at Boontling Gallery, 4224 Telegraph Ave., Oakland. 295-8881. 

FILM 

Berkeley Film and Video Festival at the Oaks Theater, 1875 Solano Ave., through Oct. 8. Three day pass is $20-$25. http://berkeleyvideofilmfest.org  

Discovering Syrian Cinema “The Dream” at 7 p.m. and “The Night” at 9:15 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $4-$8. 642-0808.  

READINGS AND LECTURES 

James Fallows describes “Blind into Baghdad: America’s War in Iraq” at 7 p.m. at Cody’s Books on Fourth St. 559-9500. 

Robert Olen Butler reads from “Severance” fictional monologues, at 7:30 p.m. at Black Oak Books. 486-0698.  

Aya de Leon and “Generation Five” spoken word at 8 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $12. 849-2568.  

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Falso Baiano Trio, Brazilian jazz choral group, at 8 p.m., at the Hillside Club, 2286 Cedar St. Cost is $15. 845-1350.  

Linda Rose Stonestreet, Tricia Godwin, and Irina Rivkin at 8 p.m. at Rose Street House of Music, 1839 Rose St. Donation $5-$20 sliding scale. To RSVP call 594-4000 ext. 687.  

Free Jazz Fridays with Damon Smith, Spirit, drums, and Jon Raskin, saxophone, at 8 p.m. at 1510 8th St., Oakland. sfjazzmusic@yahoo.com 

Oakland Arts Clash, music, dance and visual arts by local Oakland artists at 7 p.m. at Malonga Casquelourd Center Theater, 1428 Alice St., Oakland. All proceeds will benefit youth dance programs in Oakland. 

Terracotta Warriors, Chinese dance, music, martial arts and acrobatics at 2 and 8 p.m. at Paramount Theatre of the Arts, 2025 Broadway, Oakland, through Oct. 8. Tickets are $45-$95. 625-8497. 

Oakland Opera “Les Enfants Terribles” Fri. - Sun. at 8 p.m. at Oakland Metro Opera House, 201 Broadway, through Oct. 22. Tickets are $32-$36. www.oaklandopera.org 

On the Last Day, Karate High School, Four Letter Lie at 9 p.m. at Blakes on Telegraph. Cost is $10. 848-0886. www.blakesontelegraph.com 

Doug Arrington & Trio at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $10. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

The Flux, Baba Ken & Afro-Groove ConneXion at 9:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz Cost is $10-$12. 525-5054.  

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

Bobbe Norris & the Larry Dunlop Trio at 9 p.m. at Downtown. 649-3810.  

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

The Hellouts, Huckleberry Flint, Dave Hanley Band, Barefoot Nellies at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $10. 841-2082. www.starryploughpub.com 

Decry, Retching Red, Z.B.S. at 8 p.m. at 924 Gilman St., an all-ages, member-run, no alcohol, no drugs, no violence club. Cost is $5. 525-9926. 

Dave Ellis & Zoe Ellis at 8 p.m. at Shattuck Down Low, 2284 Shattuck Ave. Cost is $5. 548-1159.  

Seventeen Evergreen, Minmae, Pants Pants Pants at 9 p.m. at the Uptown Nightclub, 1928 Telegraph, Oakland. Cost is $5. 451-8100. www.uptownnightclub.com 

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

Maraca and The New Collective at 8 and 10 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square, through Sun. Cost is $24-$28. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

SATURDAY, OCT. 7 

CHILDREN  

Los Amiguitos de La Peña with Gerry Tenny singing silly songs at 10:30 a.m. at La Peña. Cost is $4 for adults, $3 for children. 849-2568.  

Dashka Slater tells stories from “Firefighters in the Dark” at 4 p.m. at Cody’s Books on Fourth St. 559-9500. 

THEATER 

“Meet Julia Morgan” A one-woman show performed by Betty Marvin at 2 p.m. at the Lakeview Branch of the Oakland Public Library, 550 El Embarcadero. 238-7344. 

EXHIBITIONS 

Past/Present/Future One year anniversary of the Living Room Art Gallery. Music by Antarctica Takes It, Social Studies and The Pets at 8 p.m. at 3230 Adeline St. 601-5774.  

“Can We Spare Some Change?” An art exhibit of paintings by Milton Bowens and kick-off of a recruitment campaign to increase the number of African American bone marrow donors opens at 6 p.m. at the African American Museum & Library, 659 14th St., Oakland. 637-0200. 

20th Annual Emeryville Art Exhibition from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 5630 Bay St., through Oct. 29. Free. 652-6122. www.EmeryArts.org 

FILM 

Ousmane Sembéne “Black Girl” at 6:30 p.m. and “Mandabi” at 8:15 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $4-$8. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

Berkeley Film and Video Festival at the Oaks Theater, 1875 Solano Ave., through Oct. 8. Three day pass is $20-$25. http://berkeleyvideofilmfest.org  

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Bay Area Poets Coalition open reading, from 3 to 5 p.m., at Strawberry Creek Lodge, dining hall, 1320 Addison St. Park on the street. Free. 527-9905. poetalk@aol.com.  

Lewis Lapham, editor emeritus of Harper’s Magazine, in conversation with Harry Kreisler, at 8 p.m. at King Middle School, 1781 Rose St. Tickets are $12-$15. Benefit for KPFA and Global Exchange. 559-9500. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Four Seasons Concerts, with Leon Bates, piano, at 7:30 p.m. at Regents Theater, Holy Names University, Oakland. For tickets call 601-7919. 

Oju Eegun, Afro-Cuban ritual, music, song and dance at 8 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $15-$18. 849-2568.  

Callaloo Steel Drum Band with Jeff Narell at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $12. 841-JAZZ.  

The Zydeco Flames at 9:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cajun dance lesson at 8 p.m. Cost is $11-$13. 525-5054.  

Sotaque Baiano, Brazilian music, at 8 p.m. at Shattuck Down Low, 2284 Shattuck Ave. Cost is $10. 548-1159.  

John Craigie and Kurt Huget at 7:30 p.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344.  

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

Sitting Duck at 9 p.m. at Blakes on Telegraph. Cost is $10. 848-0886. 

Dayna Stephens Quintet at 8 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $12-$15. 845-5373.  

Caroline Chung Trio at 9 p.m. at Downtown. 649-3810. 

Jazz Fourtet at 9:30 p.m. at Albatross, 1822 San Pablo Ave. Cost is $3. 843-2473.  

Shiloh, hip hop, at 8 p.m. at Spuds Pizza, 3290 Adeline St. Cost is $7-$10. 558-0881. 

Two Ton Boa, The Thrones, Year Long Disaster at 8 p.m. at the Uptown Nightclub, 1928 Telegraph, Oakland. Cost is $10. 451-8100. 

Tippy Canoe, Naked Barbies Dandeline at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $8. 841-2082. www.starryploughpub.com 

The Jim Dangles at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 848-8277. 

Love Equals Death, Lucky Stiffs, Sugar Eater at 8 p.m. at 924 Gilman St. Cost is $5. 525-9926. 

SUNDAY, OCT. 8 

CHILDREN 

“Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good Very Bad Day” at 2 p.m., and Mon. at 2 p.m. at Julia Morgan Theater, 2640 College Ave. Tickets are $10-$18. 925-798-1300. 

Derek Anderson on friendship in the forest at 4 p.m. at Cody’s Books on Fourth St. 559-9500. 

EXHIBITIONS 

Photo Exhibit of Foster Children and Youth sponsored by the Bay Area Heart Gallery on display at the Berkeley Public Library central lobby, 2090 Kittredge St. and Downtown Berkeley YMCA, 2001 Allston Way, through Oct. 31. www.bayareaheartgallery.com 

Works by Paul Veres opens at 2 p.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344.  

THEATER 

“Shorts ‘N Champagne” eight short comedies from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Gaia Bldg., 2120 Allston Way. Tickets are $35. 704-8855. 

FILM 

The Mechanical Age “Steel Beast” at 3:30 p.m. and “La bete humaine” at 5:30 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Architecture Tour of the Oakland Museum of California Tour of the building and gardens with architect Kevin Roche and landscape architect Dan Kiley. Meet at 1 p.m. at the koi pond on the first level. www.museumca.org 

Salim Lamrani on “Superpower Principles” at 5 p.m. at Casa Cuba Resource Center, 6501 Telegraph Ave. Oakland. 219-0092. 

Poetry Flash with Robin Ekiss and Thomas Heise at 7:30 p.m. at Black Oak Books. 486-0698.  

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Gospel On High from 2 to 6 p.m. at Woodminster Amphitheater, 3300 Joaquin Miller Rd., Oakland. 238-3052.  

Prometheus Symphony Orchestra performs Rimsky Korsakov’s Le Coq d’Or suite and Dvorak’s Symphony #9 at 8 p.m. at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 116 Montecito St., Oakland. Free, donations requested. 

Maxim Vengerov, violin, at 3 p.m. at Zellerbach Hall, UC Campus. Tickets are $36-$68. 642-9988. www.calperfs.berkeley.edu 

Charles Hamilton Band at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $12. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

The Venezuelan Music Project with Aquiles Baez & Gonzalo Teppa at 6 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $12-$15. 849-2568.  

Wayne Wallace at 4:30 and 6:30 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $25. 845-5373.  

Pine Leaf Boys, Cajun, Zydeco at 8:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Dance lesson at 8 p.m. Cost is $10. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Brook Schoenfield at 11 a.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344. www.nomadcafe.net 

Americana Unlpugged: The Shots at 5 p.m. at Jupiter. 848-8277. 

7 Generations, Eye of Judgement, Gather, Time for Change at 5 p.m. at 924 Gilman St., an all-ages, member-run, no alcohol, no drugs, no violence club. Cost is $7. 525-9926. 

MONDAY, OCT. 9 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Matthea Harvey and Cort Day, poets, read at 7:30 p.m. at Pegasus Books Downtown, 2349 Shattuck Ave. 649-1320. 

Steven Vincent and Charles Faulhaber introduce “Exploring the Bancroft Library: The Centennial Guide to Its Extraordinary History, Spectacular Special Collections, Research Pleasures, Its Amazing Future & How it All Works” at 7:30 p.m. at Black Oak Books. 486-0698. www.blackoakbooks.com 

Poetry Express with Terry McCarty from Los Angeles at 7 p.m., at Priya Restaurant, 2072 San Pablo Ave. berkeleypoetryexpress@yahoo.com 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Blue Monday Jam at 8 p.m. at the Uptown Nightclub, 1928 Telegraph, Oakland. Cost is $5. 451-8100. www.uptownnightclub.com 

Khalil Shaheed, all ages jam, at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $5. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

Tomasz Stanko Quartet at 8 and 10 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $10-$14. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

TUESDAY, OCT. 10 

FILM 

Alternative Visions “Warhol Screen Tests” at 7:30 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $4-$8. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

“Framing the Struggle: The Black Panther Party in Black and White” with photographers Stepehn Shames, Jeffrey Blankfort and Ilka Hartman at 6 p.m. at Oakland Public Library, West Auditorium, 125 14th St. 238-3134. 

Bart Ehrman describes “In the Lost Gospel of Judas Iscariot: A New Look at Betrayer and Betrayed” at 7:30 p.m. at First Congregational Church of Berkeley, 2345 Channing Way at Dana. Suggested donation $10. 559-9500. 

Michael Parenti and Salim Lamrani talks about “Superpower Principles: U.S. Terrorism Against Cuba” at 7:30 p.m. at Black Oak Books. 486-0698. www.blackoakbooks.com 

Barry Lopez describes, “Home Ground: Language for an American Landscape” at 7 p.m. at Cody’s Books on Fourth St. 559-9500. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Huun Huur Tu, Tuvan Throat Singers, at 8 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $15. 525-5054.  

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

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

John Patitucci Trio at 8 and 10 p.m. Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $10-$16. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

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

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 11 

EXHIBITIONS 

“Laughing Bones/Weeping Hearts” An exhibition for Dias de los Muertos opens at the Oakland Museum of California, 10th and Oak, Oakland. Cost is $5-$8. 238-2200. www.museumca.org 

THEATER 

“The Secret Circus” Wed. and Thurs. at 8 p.m. at The Marsh Berkeley, 2120 Allston Way, through Oct. 19. Cost is $10-$20 sliding scale. 800-838-3006. www.themarsh.org  

FILM 

Pirates and Piracy “Madame X, An Absolute Ruler” at 3 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $4-$8. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Sylvan Brackett and Sue Moore discuss “The Slow Food Guide to the San Francisco Bay Area” at 7:30 p.m. at Black Oak Books. 486-0698.  

Alisa Valdes-Rodriguez talks about “Haters” at 7 p.m. at Cody’s Books on Fourth St. 559-9500. 

Cafe Poetry with host Kira Allen at 7:30 p.m. at La Peña, 3105 Shattck Ave..Donation suggested. 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 

Vagabond Opera, Bohemian cabaret, at 8 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $10-$12. 849-2568.  

Wednesday Noon Concert, with Gabriel Trop, cello, Jim Prell, piano, Jessica Ling, violin, Inning Chen, piano at Hertz Hall, UC Campus. Free. 642-4864. http://music.berkeley.edu 

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

Eddie Fitzroy, Dennis De Menace at 9:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. 525-5054.  

Orquestra Liberacion at 9:30 p.m. at Shattuck Down Low, 2284 Shattuck Ave. Salsa dance lessons at 8 p.m. Cost is $5-$10. 548-1159.  

Taarka, gypsy jazz, at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 848-8277. 

Hippe Granade at 9:30 p.m. at Blakes on Telegraph. Cost is $8. 848-0886.  

Hijack the Disco, Head Like a Kite, Elephone, indie rock, at 8:30 p.m. at the Uptown Nightclub, 1928 Telegraph, Oakland. Cost is $8. 451-8100. 

The Connie Doolan Quartet at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $17.50-$18.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

John Patitucci Trio at 8 and 10 p.m. Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $10-$16. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

THURSDAY, OCT. 12 

FILM 

Discovering Syrian Cinema: Three by Omar Amiralay at 7:30 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $4-$8. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

“Dramatic Results: The Role of Regional Theater” with Tony Taccone, Jonathon Moscone, and Brad Erickson at 7:30 p.m. at The College Preparatory School, 6100 Broadway, Oakland. Tickets are $12.50 in advance, $15 at the door. 652-011. www.college-prep.org/livetalk  

Maxine Hong Kingston and veterans of the Vietnam and Iraq wars present “Veterans of War, Veterans of Peace” at 7:30 p.m. at the JCC, 1414 Walnut St.. 486-0698. www.blackoakbooks.com 

Jeff Norman describes “Temescal Legacies: Narratives of Change from a North Oakland Neighborhood” at 7:30 p.m. at Chapel of the Chimes, 4499 Piedmont Ave., Oakland. Tickets are $8-$10. Sponsored by Oakland Heritage. 763-9218. 

George Katsiaficas on “Victories and Defeats: Autonomous Movements in South Korea” at 7:30 p.m. at AK Press Warehouse, 674-A 23rd St., Oakland. 208-1700. 

Cathy Davidson on “36 Views of Mount Fuji: On Finding Myself in Japan” at 7 p.m. at Cody’s Books on Fourth St. 559-9500. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Mac Martin & the California Travelers at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $17.50-$18.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

Erik Jakobsen Quintet at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $8. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

Ray Brown 80th Birthday Salute with Marlena Shaw, Benny Green, John Clayton and Jeff Hamilton at 8 and 10 p.m., through Sun. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $12-$24. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

Harvey Cartel, Shaken, Dig Jelly at 8:30 p.m. at the Uptown Nightclub, 1928 Telegraph, Oakland. Cost is $5. 451-8100. www.uptownnightclub.com 

Selector: Black Edgars Musicbox at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 848-8277. 

Showtime @ 11 Hip Hop at 10 p.m. at the Golden Bull, 412 14th St. at Broadway, Oakland. 893-0803. 

The late Arthur Miller’s last play, The Ride Down Mt. Morgan, a kind of stereoscopic screwball marital comedy, just opened at the San Francisco Playhouse, a block off Union Square, with the fine direction of Berkeleyan Joy Carlin. 

It poses a question: do parallel lives intersect for a bigamist in eternity? 

Miller’s earlier, more famous masterpieces don’t usually strike a theatergoer as comic. As the best-known postwar American playwright who spotlighted social issues on stage, his explorations into the downside of the American Dream—All My Sons, Death of a Salesman, A View from the Bridge, The Crucible—pitted the Normal Guy ironically against both the upshot of his own dreams and the society that promoted his dreaming them. 

But the apparent seamlessness of the plain, sensible fabric that Miller spun out into his socially conscious tales has been rent a little by recent exploration as memorial productions have sprouted up in the wake of the playwright’s death last year. Death of a Salesman, in an unusual production at Altarena Playhouse earlier this year, showed a humorous side to the dysfunctional family saga, as well as the lyricism Miller spoke of which rarely finds form on stage. 

And Joy Carlin’s excellently directed version of The Price for Aurora last year brought out what Miller referred to as his response to Absurdist humor, syncopating the story of two antagonistic brothers who’ve taken different paths in life, as well as different attitudes towards their father, a failed businessman.  

The protagonist of The Ride Down Mt. Morgan, Lyman Felt (a funny allegorical name at that), is like an escapee from the asylum of Miller’s middle-aging businessman types. A successful insurance salesman, proud of building a company on what we’d now call Equal Opportunity (an achievement which he explains to a black nurse from his hospital bed), has taken an unexpected drive through a snowstorm in upstate New York, landing himself in intensive care after a wreck, where he’s visited by his two wives, each unaware of the other’s existence ... or at least current status. 

There’s evidence—shades of Willy Loman—that Lyman, who in his “second marriage” has become a risk-taker, removed a police barrier before taking his fated drive down the mountain. Was it an unconscious wish for suicide, brought on by shame at the deception he’s wrought? So Tom, his Quaker lawyer and longtime associate would like to think. 

But Lyman remains recalcitrant, perversely shameless throughout as he confronts wives, a daughter (by the first wife), lawyer—and, yes, the nurse—insisting that what he did enabled nine years of happiness for them all. Why are they condemning him?  

In a swift progression of scenes on Bill English’s set, Lyman phases in and out of memory, dream and reality, often getting up from his bed as his interlocutors address a vacant pillow, both playing possum and confronting his questioners, as he goes over the vignettes of his life, including a wry African safari in which Lyman faces down a charging lion by kvetching defiantly at him, if the King of Beasts personifies what Lyman most resents, what challenges his freedom. 

Carlin’s stellar direction is matched by the casting: Lyman’s played with a wide-eyed leer at life by actor and playwright Victor Talmadge. His “trophy wife,” Theo Felt, a formerly pious, correct New Englander, is brilliantly delineated as she comes apart into her constituent elements by Karen Grassle, familiar from TV’s “Little House On The Prairie,” but also as a veteran of San Francisco’s fabled Actor’s Workshop. 

The “second wife,” Leah is played with spunk by a familiar figure on Bay Area stages (and the director’s talented daughter), Nancy Carlin. Keith Burkhardt presents a forthright, scrupulously ethical Tom, whether behind a desk or down on his knees in prayer—a marvelous straightman. Kristen Stokes as daughter Bessie runs a deliciously comic gamut from Daddy’s Girl to disappointed (and angry) ingenue. 

Marjorie Crump-Shears seems a natural for Nurse Logan, the most natural of the bunch, whose straightforward, blue collar family life Lyman valorizes ecstatically, flat on his back and shaking his head at the thought of it. 

“Why does anyone stay together once they realize who they’re with?” she asks. 

For producing Joy Carlin’s deft realization of a problem play gone a little wild ( Miller’s “old man’s tale,” as he regards his characters with kind detachment, as though they were in a terrarium), Bill English and Susi Damilano of the SF Playhouse deserve enormous credit. This is a final piece by an important playwright who even now still displays new facets of his multiplex vision of American life. 

THE RIDE DOWN MT. MORGAN 

Through Nov. 4 at the San Francisco Playhouse, 588 Sutter St. (near Powell Street). $36. (415) 677-9596. www.sfplayhouse.org.

The Berkeley Video and Film Festival makes its annual appearance this weekend, starting today (Friday) and running through Sunday evening at the Oaks Theater on Solano Avenue in Berkeley. This year’s program features more than 50 works, from brief clips by budding filmmakers, running just a few minutes in length, to full-length features by established directors.  

Festival Director Mel Vapour says this is their best and biggest yet. The festival has expanded over the years to include films from beyond the East Bay, and perhaps the most notable national product in this year’s program is The Big Buy, directed by Mark Birnbaum and Jim Schermbeck and produced by Robert Greenwald, who also produced last year’s Wal-Mart: The High Price of Low Cost. The Big Buy tracks the spectacular rise and fall of former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay, from his early days as an apparent no-count in the Texas legislature to his ascent to national power as Newt Gingrich’s right-hand man, to his successful—and illegal—battle to gerrymander the Texas redistricting process, a move which helped send George W. Bush to the White House.  

If you’ve been following the news, you know the rest of the story. But what The Big Buy adds to the tale is the behind-the-scenes machinations of the investigation into DeLay’s organization. Along the way, we hear from the usual suspects when it comes to commentary on all things Texas: Molly Ivins, Jim Hightower, etc., names sure to find a welcoming audience in Berkeley. The Saturday evening screening will be followed by a question-and-answer session with Birnbaum. 

Other films in the festival have roots a little closer to home. Festival Director Vapour has watched director Hoku Uchiyama grow up, from a young, talented kid who took part in youth programs at Vapour’s East Bay Media Center to a film school graduate and accomplished filmmaker. Uchiyama’s 34-minute film Rose is an engaging short subject with a compelling story and evocative photography. In the film’s first few minutes, Uchiyama clearly and effectively delineates his characters with a series of shots of the young protagonist and just a few lines of dialogue, drawing the viewer immediately into young Travis’ world and setting the stage for a tale that seamlessly blends the mystic with the mundane. The compositions, camera movements and polished style demonstrate the young director’s confidence and control over his craft. 

Two other films concern Berkeley itself. Double-Spaced: A Berkeley Comedy has that “Hey everybody, let’s make a movie!” feel to it. The movie is about students and feels like it was made by students as well, almost as a lark. It features plenty of shots of the city, from downtown to Telegraph Avenue, and of course plenty of shots of the UC campus. It even contains a brief shot of the student protagonist reading this very newspaper, but before you have a second to ponder this stark breach of realism, a close-up reveals that he is fact reading the comics page.  

It’s an amateurish film that wears on its sleeve its aspirations toward Wes Anderson-style preciousness, with a wayward protagonist caught up in a loony bit of intrigue, a soundtrack consisting of light, catchy pop songs, and an optimistic ending meant to reinforce the humanity of all involved. It has an awkward feel to it, and most of its punchlines are oversold. But then there’s Meghan Kane, an actress who, in just two scenes totaling probably just 60 seconds of screen time, steals the show with a hilarious and uncanny depiction of a student many will recognize: the glib, patronizing, utterly self-satisfied graduate student, so taken with her own fabulousness that she must focus her every word and gesture on the never-ending effort to make all around her aware of their comparative lack of fabulousness. It’s just a few seconds, but it’s worth the price of admission.  

Another film takes on the Berkeley theme as well, this one with slightly higher aspirations and budget. Berkeley concerns a young man who comes to town as a freshman in the late ’60s and has his life transformed by what he finds. The film stars Nick Roth as the student and Henry Winkler as his father. The film attempts to capture the experience of Berkeley during the Vietnam War era, but doesn’t quite pull it off. For many viewers the film will probably be a moving evocation of the experience; for others, it may seem to merely trivialize it. The Saturday night screening will be followed by a question-and-answer session with director Bobby Roth.  

These examples only hint at the breadth of the festival’s offerings. For a complete schedule see www.berkeleyvideofilmfest.org. Day passes for the festival are just $12.  

BERKELEY VIDEO  

AND FILM FESTIVAL 

Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the Oaks Theater, 1875 Solano Ave., Berkeley.  

www.berkeleyvideofilmfest.org. 

Photograph: Kathryn Robinson as Rose and Phillip Rogers as Travis in Rose, a short film by Hoku Uchiyama.

Often the most compelling dramas are not found in novels or Hollywood movies, but in everyday life. This is the charm and allure of The Up Series, an extraordinary documentary film project now in its fifth decade. 

Begun in 1964 as a program for England’s Granada Television, the first film in the series, 7 Up, featured interviews with a group of 7-year-old children in an effort to catch “a glimpse of England in the year 2000.”  

Michael Apted worked as a researcher on the first program and, with the second program, 7 Plus 7, broadcast in 1971, he took over the project, directing another film every seven years to follow up on the lives of the original 14 participants. The latest film in the series, 49 Up, opens today (Friday) at Shattuck Cinemas in Berkeley. 

The project was begun all those years ago with very definite ideas in mind. The children were selected from various strata of English society with the intent of showing how one’s background may determine one’s future. “Give me the child until he is 7 and I will give you the man,” the narrator intones, and far more often than necessary. 

The premise may have been a bit contrived—even the 14-year-olds ridicule it for its simplistic approach in 7 Plus 7—and often it seems that Apted is far too determined to make the subsequent films conform to the expectations of the first. It might have helped to have had a sociologist involved with the formulation of the questions in order to give them a little more weight and validity; and perhaps someone with a background in therapy or counseling could have posed the questions in place of the director, someone with a better sense of how to communicate with people, to demonstrate the necessary curiosity and compassion. For Apted is often incapable of keeping the questions neutral or of phrasing his queries in such a way as to invite discussion. There are moments where his clumsy comments reveal as much about his own perceptions as those of the participants. In 7 Plus 7 he asks a trio of 14-year-old girls if they worry about the “danger” of finding themselves married and homebound with children when they’re in their early 20s. In 28 Up he asks a man if he’s worried about his sanity, and seven years later, when the man is 35 and still struggling to find his way in life, Apted asks if he has given up, to which the man snaps back “My life’s not over yet!”  

Perhaps this is a deliberate technique on Apted’s part, but if so it sometimes comes across as insensitive and rude, even if it now and then produces a valuable insight. At other times Apted seems too intent on validating the project’s original premises, attempting to draw definitive cause-and-effect links between the circumstances of childhood and adulthood. In effect, Apted, though he keeps himself off-camera, becomes a character in the drama, his leading questions often belying his own prejudices and preconceived notions. 

But these are minor flaws. Taken as a whole, the series is probably among the greatest documentaries ever made. And yes, there is much truth and value to the film’s premises, and to its aspirations toward sociological significance, and often its hypotheses are validated as children who seemed destined for a particular line of work or station in life indeed end up fulfilling those expectations. But the series is full of surprises, and overall it works best as simple human drama: Shamelessly cute 7-year-olds grow into awkward, gangly 14-year olds; budding, passionate adults of 21 become 28-year-olds settling into careers and families. The participants are honest, intelligent and interesting and their stories invite compassion; we take pleasure in their triumphs, we shed tears for their tragedies. We see them face rejection, take on new jobs and careers, search for love and companionship; we see them start families, raise children, and deal with the deaths of their own parents; we see them struggle to maintain marriages and face the setbacks of divorce; we see plans laid and hopes dashed, and then we see them rise again to rebuild their lives.  

The project itself has been something of a mixed blessing for its participants. One man even describes it as a bit of poison he is forced to swallow every seven years. Some opt out of later films, sometimes to return later, sometimes not. We don’t get the impression that any of them are participating in the project for the pleasure of being on television or on the big screen; they seem to participate out of a sense of duty, and not to the filmmakers, but rather to their fellow Englishmen. For even when they question the value of the project, they seem to evince a knowledge that their stories may in some way shed light for others on worthwhile issues.  

All the films leading up to 49 Up are available on DVD from First Run Features (www.firstrunfeatures.com). But you don’t necessarily need to have seen every film to appreciate the drama of the later productions. Each film features plenty of footage from the previous films to at least present the arc of each life. 

It must have been a wonderful experience for the original audiences to see this series begin and watch as these lives unfurled over the decades, to have grown up with these men and women and checked in with them every seven years. Undoubtedly many have found kinship with these 14 people as they have made their way through life. But to see the entire series, in sequence and all at once, is a revelation; full and rich human lives unfold in one film after another, the participants aging 40 years in just a few days’ time. The haughty are humbled, the meek gain confidence, the lost become found, the pampered lose everything. These are true human dramas, moving and fascinating, and unfolding in real time. 

49 UP 

Directed by Michael Apted. XXXX minutes. Playing at Shattuck Cinemas. 

THE UP SERIES 

Six Films by Granada Television and Michael Apted. $64.97. www.firstrunfeatures.com. 

Photograph Courtesy First Run Features 

Tony, a London taxi driver, is one of 14 participants in 49 Up, the latest in the long-running documentary project known as The Up Series.

The Jazz House, formerly on Adeline, will present a bi-weekly “Free-Jazz” series on the first and third Fridays of the month, starting at 8 p. m. tonight (Friday), at 1510 Eighth St. in Oakland, a block from the West Oakland BART station. 

The series features bassist Damon Smith, the founder of record label Balance Point Acoustics, leading a trio with East Bay drummer Spirit, and saxophonist Jon Raskin, the ‘R’ in Rova Saxophone Quartet. Admission is on a sliding scale, $5-15. 

The performance space was created by East Bay pianist Scott Looney, “an experimentalist, but not so much jazz,” said Jazz House founder Rob Woodworth. “He called me and asked, ‘any ideas?’ I chose free-jazz because I like it, it’s an emotional music—and there’s nothing much for it in the Bay Area right now.” 

The coming shows demonstrate its considerable width and breadth as an improvisational art taking off from traditional jazz: Oct. 20 features saxophonist Howard Wiley, familiar to Berkeley jazz listeners, in a collaboration with dancer Laurie Buenafe Krsmanovich, recently returned to the Bay Area, followed by a show by Nathan Clevenger Quintet on Nov. 3, and V-Neck, a duo of Sacramento guitarist Ross Hammond with drummer Tom Monson on Nov. 17. 

Clevenger, from New York, debuted at The Jazz House late last year, when it was still on Adeline Street near MLK. Shortly after, Woodworth lost his lease for the nonprofit’s home, and has been producing single shows and short-lived series in Berkeley and around the bay ever since. 

FREE-JAZZ 

Every third Friday at the Jazz House, 1510 Eighth St., Oakland. (415) 846-9432. www.thejazzhouse.com.

There was a time not too long ago when “Jamabalaya” was just a Hank Williams song. The rich cuisine of southern Louisiana—Cajun, Creole, and their hybrid offspring—wasn’t well known outside the region. Then, as fiddler Michael Doucet recalls, 

“Paul Prudhomme burned a fish, and everything changed.”  

You can get blackened fish (not the canonical redfish, though) as a weekend special at Angeline’s Louisiana Kitchen in downtown Berkeley, but there’s a lot more going on there. The place was a long time opening, and I had hopes that it would fill at least part of the gap left by the closing of A La Carte, my old standby for crawfish étouffée and bread pudding. Happily, I was not disappointed. Angeline’s gets it right. 

I knew there was a reliable hand in the kitchen with my first taste of gumbo ($12.95 for a sizable bowl, $5.95 for a cup). It had the richness and smokiness that could only be founded on a serious dark roux. Although the promised crab was not detectable, the bowl was full of Bay shrimp and chunks of andouille sausage, and okra was a discreet presence. 

Jambalaya, one of those dishes with as many recipes as cooks, may trace its ancestry to Spanish paella and West Africa’s jollof rice. Angeline’s version ($13.50) was even better than the gumbo. It was generously studded with andouille, chicken, and tasso (hardwood-smoked pork), and it needed no help from the bottle of hot sauce on the table. There’s also a vegetarian version with wild mushrooms ($12.50). 

Among other Louisiana classics, red beans and rice ($10.95) is a Monday special. Boudin, the pork-and-rice-stuffed sausage from the western prairie region of Cajun country, is available either as a starter ($4.95) or accompanied by hot links in a “Cajun mixed grill” ($14.95). Crawfish ´etouffée has appeared as a weekend special. You can also get regional specialty sandwiches: several variants of the po’ boy (catfish, shrimp, oyster, and fried chicken) or muffuletta, New Orleans’ answer to the hero. 

The menu isn’t purely Louisianan: there are pan-Southern items like fried catfish, a pasta dish, dinner salads. We couldn’t resist trying the catfish ($10.75), which was near-perfect: filets deep-fried in a thin cornmeal crust, served with creditable hushpuppies (on the sweet end of the hushpuppy continuum, but that’s all right) and a remoulade-based potato salad. “Small plate” options include fried oysters Bordelaise ($10.95), also not particularly Cajun or Creole, but delectable.  

Angeline’s chef, who hails from Baton Rouge, also does himself proud on the dessert end. The beignets ($3.95)—hot pillows of sweetened dough, traditionally eaten with strong coffee after a long night in the French Quarter—were almost weightless. We’ve also been impressed by the bread pudding with caramelized banana ($5.50) and the pecan pie ($5.50), which we were told was the third revision of a work in progress.  

The restaurant’s space, which formerly housed a noodle place, has been redone with pressed tin on the walls, ironwork, and a huge map of 19th-century New Orleans. Music from the owner’s collection is usually playing: jazz, zydeco, Cajun. The gumbo in particular went well with Clifton Chenier’s “Black Snake Blues.” 

If Angeline’s had its liquor license, it would be a great place to sip a Sazerac. For now, there’s iced tea (optionally sweetened) and lemonade. And the restaurant still seems to be in shakedown mode: one of our orders got lost in the shuffle on a recent visit, although the house made up for it by comping dessert. That aside, this place is well worth a visit. It’s clearly a labor of love, run by people who know and respect Louisiana’s culinary heritage and present it without compromise. Hurricane-battered southern Louisiana may still be down, but it’s important to keep the good times rolling wherever you can.  

ANGELINE’S LOUISIANA KITCHEN 

Lunch 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Saturday. 

Dinner 5:30-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 5:30-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Closed Sunday. Credit cards OK.  

2261 Shattuck Ave. (near Bancroft Way). 548-6900. 

It’s funny that humanity ever had trouble identifying itself as part of the continuum of animal life on this planet. Anyone who has ever looked into the eyes of a dog or cat must realize that there is as much of a person inside that creature as can be found in you or me. 

In that spirit I ask that you join me in taking a look at our territorial nature and some of the practical consequences we are forced to contend with around the houses we think we own. 

I remember years ago setting up one morning at the local flea market and watching as a very large percentage of the dealers that day seemed abjectly unable to confine themselves to the stalls they had been issued. Many, even most, attempted to push over the edges, to set their wares up to the left and right of the clearly marked lines they’d been placed within. 

I saw more than a few disputes and a healthy number of calm requests to move items off of someone’s stated turf. For the most part, things worked out but I find it interesting how hard it is for people to be happy with their lot (as it were) and how deep the sense of infliction amongst those who are invaded by an inch or two. 

The capacity for umbrage is great in the beast of man. I include myself, of course. 

Boundary disputes fill the courts every year. Ask any judge. And so many seem to be of a kind that might easily be resolved with a simple discussion; but it’s not in the genes. Boundary issues seem to bring out the very worst in all of us. I remained so angry at my rear neighbor that we didn’t speak for years and, at one point, I needed my friend Ed, a local attorney to resolve a relatively simple dispute with him because we simply could not sit at the same table and speak.  

Many of you reading this may recognize yourselves in this scenario. I recently discovered that the fellow had passed away over a year ago and realized that I had held anger, fear and resentment toward him for all this time in which he had not even been on the planet. How terribly and awfully ironic, eh? Again, I’m not alone. It seems to be a part of who we are and how we operate in the world. How many of our wars are based on this reptilian, mid-brain thinking, our ancient selves alive and stalking in the world of pagers and ICBMs. Funny and sad. 

Ed shared with me that he, with all his legal knowledge (he’s also a genuinely loving soul and a dear friend) had been through a similar trial (pun intended) for several years. It’s not unusual. Not in the least. 

For this reason, I often council my clients, those on the bridge to home-ownership, to approach boundary issues with little expectation and as much generosity and they can muster.  

People often ask me where the boundaries for the property are located and I always confess that I cannot know and that no one, save a surveyor, can say for any certainty where those elusive lines are hiding. It also gets worse in some parts of Berkeley where the damned things keep moving all the time.  

That said, there are some clues that can be used and a viewing of fences is generally the best source of data. Fences are not wholly reliable but may indicate where the properly line has come to exist over time. 

Ed calls this condition, a prescriptive easement as opposed to actual ownership (when it’s not on the property line). By adverse possession, a person can come to own some of your land over time but this is actually very difficult and requires a number of conditions that are very hard to meet. Nonetheless, the point is that just because there’s a fence doesn’t mean that it’s in the right place or representative of a true legal boundary. 

The same illusion can apply to a small building, a garage or a home addition. They’re not always located on the proper side of the boundary and are sometimes located inside the setback where they oughtn’t be. A setback is the locally proscribed spacing between your house and the property line and varies with certain kinds of construction in addition to the general rules that apply to your property. By the way, just because your neighbor has one set of setbacks, doesn’t mean that the same ones apply to you. This is also true for allowable building heights. Just because your neighbor has a two-story building doesn’t mean that you have the right to add a story onto yours. Seems unfair but, hey; Talk to city hall. 

There are exceptions to the usual setbacks for old or “grandfathered-in” construction (which means you don’t want to tear down that old garage in the corner of the property before some serious thinking, since you may not be able to put it back there once it’s down. Decks of varying heights as well as equipment (like water heaters) also have rules regarding setbacks and it’s worth a trip to the zoning department to check and find out exactly where you can and cannot build. 

So, when you’re first looking at a property, it’s worth looking at the “sense” or logic of the fences and gates. Do they look as though they belong where they are. One example of fences not making much sense is when they’re way over to one side and very close to one building but far from another. This may be a tip-off that the fence isn’t where the boundary has required it to rest. Another is that one fence isn’t in-line with the one on the next lot. If the fence seems to “jog” over at one point, it might be worth looking at a copy of the assessor’s parcel map for your block to see if the boundaries look the same. Ultimately a surveyor may be needed to unravel any real confusion but there a larger point to be made here: 

Although it’s good to be aware of the fact that your fences may not be where they belong, that a tree may be overhanging your property or that a sewer-line may cross over your property, it’s important to have some perspective. It is very easy, indeed, to begin to see these things are gigantic issues that are endangering your life and limb when they may, in fact, not have all that great an impact on your daily life. 

If a fence is depriving you of a one foot strip of your side yard, it may make life a tad more difficult, but before you call your lawyer take a serious look at the thing. Is it keeping you from being able to get past that side of the house? It is keeping the meter reader from doing her job? Perhaps it’s just keeping you from having to mow as much lawn. Sometimes the glass is half full. Occasionally it’s cracked. 

Consider that you might living next to that neighbor for many years to come. Which is more important in the long run, a few feet of crab-grass or the icy glances you will share from 20 feet as you weed the front yard for the next decade. Now, I’m not model citizen and I beg you to do as I say and not as I do, but this is really a no-brainer. Your daily happiness will have far more to do with your neighborliness than the exact accounting of your land portion. 

Trees continue to grow as time passes despite anyone’s intentions; so when the branches of your neighbor’s oak are keeping you up at night by endlessly grazing the window or eaves, take action, not acrimony. Talk to the neighbor and then, trim the tree. You have a right to trim the branches on your side of the property (I won’t say fence and you know why, right?) and by all means should if they’re close to your house (for fire safety if for no other reason).  

Nonetheless, it’s the high road to talk to the neighbor first and to be sure to have a learned person do the trimming so that the tree won’t get sick and die. You could, potentially, be held culpable for that too (it just never seems to stop, does it?). If you’ve taken a friendly approach, it’s far more likely that the neighbor will see you as their friend when things go wrong (do things ever go wrong?). 

My neighbor, may he rest in peace, and I had a dispute over a sewer line for many years and this was one that Freud would have a field day with. The sewer was badly damaged, had never been fixed properly, and on more than one occasion had leaked. This was just horrid and I felt as though I were a small child who had just had an accident in my pants when dealing with this fellow.  

At the time, I had a written easement (although I didn’t know it at the time) and had a right to perform repairs, but the process of repairing the dreaded thing went poorly for a range of reasons: Our communication was lousy; we didn’t approach it as a team with shared goals; I didn’t hire the best people to go onto his property as I should have but attempted the repair myself (contractors always think they should fix everything themselves, you know) and there were a range of plants and trees that my neighbor liked better than me, my wife and our children put together.  

We both lost perspective and in the end needed attorneys to settle the matter for us. Luckily, both of our attorneys had the good sense and ethically to keep us out of court and to find a sensible way to make us both miserable. Our hatred of the law and lawyers should rightly be our hatred of our own stingy and uncompromising selves. 

So before you buy, try to take a good look at the location of fences and trees. Find out where the sewer runs and investigate any easements that may run across your property. If you have a shared driveway, find out what protocols apply and spend some time talking to the person you’ll be sharing it with. In all cases, try to meet some neighbors before you buy and ask them to tell you of any concerns or past problems that they have experienced. 

The theory of enlightened self-interest seems to me to apply very well in these circumstances, not to mention the golden rule. While it can be incredibly difficult to see beyond our own small selfish concerns when it comes to neighboring issues, the stakes are really quite high. Those being your daily happiness and your sanity. Good luck and may you turn out to be smarter than me (which isn’t actually all that hard). 

Got a question about home repairs and inspections? Send them to Matt Cantor, in care of East Bay Real Estate, at realestate@berkeleydailyplanet.com.

I must have passed this place a thousand times without going in. I think it used to be called “The Windmill Nursery” and it still has the eponymous windmill, an old but still unrusted Aeromotor, evidently not in current use. 

It’s right at the end off the off-ramp from 101 to the road we usually take to Sebastopol and beyond, either to chase birds around Bodega Bay or to get our annual Martin Hayes and Dennis Cahill fix at the Sebastopol Celtic fest in late September.  

But we’re usually eager to get to the birds or the music, and we give most of the roadside attractions on the Gravenstein Highway a pass.  

This year we had an extra hour or two the Saturday morning of the Celtfest, between the luxurious Motel 6 in Petaluma and the Sebastopol Community Center, so when we swerved for donuts at the first “Donuts!” sign, we also took a stroll through the nursery that sits fortuitously next to the donut joint.  

So the former Windmill (I think) Nursery is now “dig the nursery” or maybe it’s “dig: the nursery” with font changes working as punctuation. Cute name aside (and I say this as a former columnist whose former columns were shamelessly called things like “Dig This!” and “A Sense of Humus”) it’s well worth a visit if you’re in the neighborhood. The neighborhood’s worth a visit too, especially now that it’s harvest season for those apples, so it all works out. 

At “dig the nursery” I noticed seedlings from our old friends at Flatland Farm, who used to be located right in town at Blake near San Pablo. They’d turned the intractable clay soil we have in the lower flatlands here into something about as springy as a mattress and clearly congenial to the plants thriving in it, and they had the prettiest chickens I’ve ever met, Millefleurs.  

The nursery’s owner hails from here, too, and like so many plantfolk in the area used to work at Berkeley Horticultural Nursery. He said he’s interested in retailing plant starts from not-the-usual sources, including Flatland, Blooms of Glen Ellen, and others new to me.  

His assistant hails from the South Bay, which might account for his taste in plants: he’s responsible for the horde of succulents, some of them unusual even for succulents, in various sizes.  

Other interesting plants the day we visited included dasylirion (a plant that’s fun to watch while walking around it), nifty citrus including Buddha’s hand citron, and a big handsome blooming Franklinia alatamaha, the tree now extinct in the wild but saved as a species by planthunter William Bartram in the 18th century and the gardeners who’ve perpetuated it since.  

We also saw water hyacinth for sale. You’re scaring me, bhoyos. I don’t think Florida has any manatees to spare for us. (Pity; they’d add so much charm to the Delta.) There are other water plants too, like big papyrus; I forgot to ask if the koi in the big tank were for sale. They were certainly flirty.  

Don’t miss the gazebo made of bicycle wheels.  

Dig: the nursery 

8567 Gravenstein Highway, Cotati 

(707) 795-7825 

9:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m. daily. 

Ron Sullivan is a former professional gardener and arborist. Her “Garden Variety” column appears every Friday in East Bay Home & Real Estate. Her column on East Bay trees appears every other Tuesday in the Berkeley Daily Planet.

How’s Your Earthquake Knowledge? 

Rate yourself: Are the following statements true, or false? 

1. If your home was retrofitted in the last 5 years, you’re likely to be in good shape. 

2. Your water heater is the only appliance that really needs to be secured. 

3. Most injuries in earthquakes are from the resulting fires. 

4. Most earthquake damage is caused by the resulting displacement of soil. 

Answers: 

1. Unfortunately, there are contractors out there who are not performing complete and adequate retrofits. One of the best contractors in the area says that fully 30 percent of his business is coming along behind other contractors and doing the job right.  

2. It is recommended to secure furnaces, refrigerators, and washers/dryers. 

3. Most injuries are caused by objects falling on people.  

4. Most earthquake damage is caused by shaking.  

Larry Guillot is the owner of QuakePrepare, an earthquake consulting, securing and kit supply service. Contact him at 558-3299 or see www.quakeprepare.com to receive semi-monthly e-mails and safety reports.

FRIDAY, OCT. 6 

Impeachment Banner Fridays at 6:45 to 8 a.m. on the Berkeley Pedestrian bridge between Seabreeze Market and the Berkeley Aquatic Park, ongoing until impeachment is realized. www. Impeachbush-cheney.com 

Berkeley Sustainability Summit with presentations on sustainability projects in Berkeley from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Krutch Theater, Clark Kerr Campus, 2601 Warring St. Cost is $25. RSVP to 548-2220 ext. 235. 

Job and Resource Fair from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the garden of the Oakland Museum, 1000 Oak St., Oakland, with presentaions by local companies, workshops and resume clinics, and information on seasonal employment opportunities. www.jobtrain.info 

The Path of Transformation: Heal from Domestic Violence from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Alta Bates Summit Medical Center, Health Education Center, 400 Hawthorne Ave., Oakland. Cost is $25-$50, financial aid and scholarships available. 869-6763. 

City Commons Club Noon Luncheon with a debate between Dennis Kuby and Lisa Fullam on “The Morality of Legalizing Physician Aid in Dying” Luncheon at 11:45 a.m. for $14, speech at 12:30 p.m., at the Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant St. 526-2925.  

“Can We Spare Some Change?” An art exhibit of paintings by Milton Bowens and kick-off of a recruitment campaign to increase the number of African American bone marrow donors opens at 6 p.m. at the African American Museum & Library, 659 14th St., Oakland. 637-0200. 

“An Inconvenient Truth” Al Gore’s environmental documentary, at 7 p.m. at St. Joseph the Worker Church, 1640 Addison St. Free. 482-1062. 

“An Inconvenient Truth” Al Gore’s environmental documentary, at 7 p.m. at Hillside Community Church, 1422 Navellier St., El Cerrito. 236-4348. 

“An Inconvenient Truth” Al Gore’s environmental documentary, at 6:30 p.m. at 565 Bellevue St., at Perkins, Oakland. 541-3009. 

Friends of the Oakland Library Booksale at The Bookmark Bookstore from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. to Oct. 7 at 721 Washington St. 444-0473. 

Moonrise, Sunset Hike A 3.5 mile nature hike over varied terrain. Meet at 5:30 p.m. at the Big Springs Staging Area, Tilden Park. Bring flashlight, layered clothing, water and a sack dinner. 525-2233. 

Autumn Harvest Festival at Habitot Museum with storytelling and crafts, from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 2065 Kittredge St. 647-1111.  

Mid-Autumn Festival at 1:15 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-5190. 

“Investing in Emerging Markets: China, India, Russia” Conference from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Andersen Auditorium, Haas School of Business, UC Campus. www.haas.berkeley.edu/ 

HaasGlobal/emergingmarketsconference.html 

Women in Black Vigil, from noon to 1 p.m. at UC Berkeley, Bancroft at Telegraph. 548-6310. 

SATURDAY, OCT. 7 

11th Swim a Mile for Women with Cancer Sat. and Sun. from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Mills College, Trefethan Aquatic Center, 5000 MacArthur Boulevard, Oakland. 601-4040, ext. 180. www.wcrc.org/swim/index.htm  

Berkeley Path Wanderers Association leads a free walk exploring Pt. Richmond’s quaint and curious architecture, hillside staircases, and spectacular new waterfront viewpoints. Meet at 10 a.m. at the statue in the triangle bordered by E. Richmond, Park Place, and Washington Avenue. Wear comfortable shoes; dress for all weather; bring water. Optional no-host lunch at local restaurant follows walk. 848-9358. www.berkeleypaths.org 

“Criminal Folly of the Bush Administration: A Casre for Impeachment” with Lewis Lapham, editor emeritus of Harper’s Magazine, in conversation with Harry Kreisler, at 8 p.m. at King Middle School, 1781 Rose St. Tickets are $12-$15. Benefit for KPFA and Global Exchange. 559-9500. 

“The Big Buy: Tom Delay’s Stolen Congress” A documentary by Mark Birnbaum and Jim Schermbeck, 7:30 p.m. at The Oaks Theater, 1875 Solano Ave. 843-3699. 

Solar Richmond Tour of solar installations in Richmond from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Meet at Richmond Main Library, Richmond Civic Center, corner of Macdonald Ave. and Civic Center St. Free, but please register in advance. 758-1267. www.solarrichmond.org  

Autumn Arachnids Learn about the mysteries of the spider, and look for orb weavers, jumping spiders and more, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. 525-2233. 

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. 

Walking Tour of Oakland City Center Meet at 10 a.m. in front Oakland City Hall at Frank Ogawa Plaza. Tour lasts 90 minutes. Reservations can be made by calling 238-3234. 

An Evening with Lewis Lapham in conversation with Larry Bensky at 8 p.m. at King Middle School, 1781 Rose St. Benefit for KPFA and Global Exchange. Tickets are $12-$15. 415-255-7296, ext. 244. 

Benefit Bazaar for the Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists Sat. from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sun. from 1:30 to 6 p.m. at 1924 Cedar St., at Bonita. 540-8721. 

Black Panther Party 40th Anniversary with Elbert “Big Man” Howard, from Black Panther Party Minister of Information at 3 p.m. at the Rockridge Branch of the Oakland Public Library, 5366 College Ave. 597-5011. 

East Bay Environmental Training Program on Sat. from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Nov. 11 at the Ecology Center, 2530 San Pablo Ave. Cost is $75-$150 sliding scale. 548-2220, ext. 233. 

“The Overlooked Second Generation: Children and Transnational Families in the Global Economy” with Rhacel Salazar Parreñas Professor of Asian American Studies at UC Davis at 2 p.m. at Berkeley City College, Room 51. 

“Solar Electricity for Educators” A workshop on the global energy situation, the range of solar education projects, and how to address state curriculum standards with these projects, for teachers of grades 4-12. Teachers will receive a $150 stipend, materials, curriculum, and follow-up support. From 8:45 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. at Rising Sun Energy Center, 2033 Center St. 665-1501 ext.13. www.risingsunenergy.org 

“Basic Gardening Techniques Make for Amazing Gardens” Learn about soil preparation, planting techniques, mulching choices and more at 10 a.m. at Magic Gardens, 729 Heinz Ave. 644-2351. 

Introduction to Buddhist Teachings and Meditation with Richard Shankman, co-founder of the Sati Center for Buddhist Studies, at 9 a.m at Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley, 1 Lawson Rd., Kensington. Donation $20. To register call 547-0757. 

“Enchantment: The Unique Relationship with the Guru” with Bill Gottlieb at 1 p.m. at the First Unitarian Church of Oakland. RSVP to 415-703-0330. 

Produce Stand at Spiral Gardens Food Security Project from 1 to 6 p.m. at the corner of Sacramento and Oregon St. 

The Berkeley Lawn Bowling Club provides free instruction every Wed. and Sat. at 10:30 a.m. at 2270 Acton St. 841-2174.  

Bilingual Storytime Stories in English and Spanish for toddlers and preschoolers at 10:30 a.m. in the Edith Stone Room at the Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave. 526-3720, ext. 17. 

“In God’s House: Asian American Lesbian & Gay Families in the Church,” A documentary at 7 p.m. at Pacific School of Religion, 1798 Scenic Ave. 849-8260. 

SUNDAY, OCT. 8 

Spice of Life Festival in North Berkeley’s Gourmet Ghetto with food, culinary demonstrations, live music and more from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m on Shattuck Ave. from Virginia to Rose. 

Architecture Tour of the Oakland Museum of California Tour of the building and gardens with architect Kevin Roche and landscape architect Dan Kiley. Meet at 1 p.m. at the koi pond on the first level. www.museumca.org 

A Day of Peace in People’s Park from 12:30 to 5 p.m. with music and speakers on stopping the war in the Middle East, and the war against civil liberties at home.  

Indigenous People’s Day at Habitot Museum. Learn about the native peoples of California with performances and crafts, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 2065 Kittredge St. 647-1111. www.habitot.org 

Desgin Charrette for Halcyon Commons Rejuvenation Project community workshop from 2:30 to 5 p.m. in the park on Halcyon Ct. at Prince St. In case of rain, meet at 3044-A Halcyon Ct. Free. 644-0172. 

“Green Sunday: Why Should Greens Be Interested In the Upcoming KPFA Local Station Board Election?” Speakers and discussion at 5 p.m. at Niebyl-Proctor Library, 6501 Telegraph Ave. at 65th in North Oakland. 

Turtle Time Meet Tilden’s turtles then walk to Jewel Lake to see the wild turtles that live there, from 11 a.m. to noon at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. 525-2233. 

The Joy of Rats Learn about basic guardianship of rats with Bay Area Rat Rescue at 2 p.m. at RabbitEars, 303 Arlington Ave., Kensington. 525-6155. 

Free Sailboat Rides from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Cal Sailing Club in the Berkeley Marina. Bring change of clothes, windbreaker, sneakers. For ages 5 and up. cal-sailing.org  

Free Hands-on Bicycle Clinic Learn how to do a safety inspection from 10 to 11 a.m. at REI, 1338 San Pablo Ave. Bring your bike and tools. 527-4140. 

Pancake Breakfast and Fleet Week Events from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. aboard the Red Oak Victory Ship, in Richmond Harbor. Take the Canal Blvd exit off 580 and follow signs to the ship. Cost is $6, children under 5 free. 237-2933. 

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

“A Generous Life” with Bill Hamilton-Holway at 9:30 a.m at Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley, 1 Lawson Rd., Kensington. 525-0302, ext. 306. 

Tibetan Buddhism with Robin Caton on “Living Fully” at 6 p.m. at the Tibetan Nyingma Institute, 1815 Highland Pl. 843-6812.  

MONDAY, OCT. 9 

Reduced City Services Today Call ahead to ensure programs or services you desire will be available. 981-CITY. www.cityofberkeley.info 

National Organization for Women, Oakland/East Bay Chapter with Dana Spatz, executive director of Lifeline, an advocacy program to boost higher education outcomes among mothers on welfare, at 6 p.m. at the Oakland YWCA, 1515 Webster St. 287-8948. 

World Affairs/Politics Discussion Group for people aged 60 and over meets at 9:45 a.m. at the Albany Senior Center, 846 Masonic Ave. Donation $3. 524-9122. 

Men’s Health Series: Prostate Cancer at 3 p.m. at Elephant Pharmacy, 1607 Shattuck Ave. 549-9200. 

Safety and Self Defense Seminar for Women at 7 p.m. at the JCC, 1414 Walnut St. Donation $5. 848-0237. 

“Osteoporosis: Risk, Detection and Prevention” with Beverly Tracewell at 7 p.m. at the Kensington Library, 61 Arlington Ave. 524-3043. 

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

Lead Abatement Repairs Find out about funding for lead hazard repairs for rental properties with low-income tenants or vacant units, from 4 to 6 p.m. at 2000 Embarcadero, #300, Oakland. Sponsored by Alameda County Lead Poisoning Prevention Program. 567-8280. 

TUESDAY, OCT. 10 

Tuesday is for the Birds An early morning walk for birders at Bear Creek Staging Area in Briones. Bring water, sunscreen, binoculars and a snack. This week we will visit. For meeting location or to borrow binoculars, call 525-2233.  

“The World According to Sesame Street” A documentary on the social impact of the Muppets, followed by a panel discussion at 6:30 p.m. at the Oakland Museum of California, 10th and Oak. 

“Adventuring in Australia” with Eric Armstrong and Sarah Baughn at 7 p.m. at REI, 1338 San Pablo Ave. 527-4140. 

Berkeley High School Governnace Council meets at 6 p.m. in the Community Theater Lobby. 644-4803. 

“The Role of Climate on Water Institutions in the Western Americas” with Justice Greg Hobbs of the Colorado Supreme Court at 5:30 p.m. at Goldman School of Public Policy, Room 250, 2607 Hearst Ave. at LeRoy. 642-2666. 

Batopia Learn the truth about bats with Maggie Hooper and her flying friends at 10 a.m. at the Golden Gate Branch of the Oakland Public Library, 5606 San Pablo Ave. 597-5023. 

Family Storytime at 7 p.m. at the Kensington Library, 61 Arlington Ave. 524-3043. 

Torture Teach-in and Vigil every Tues. at 12:30 p.m. at the fountain on UC Campus, Bancroft at College. 

“Senior Options to Remain in Your Home” A panel discussion at 1:15 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center, 1901 Hearst. 981-5190. 

Handbuilding Ceramics Class from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at St. John’s Senior Center, 2727 College Ave. Free, except for materials and firing charges. 525-5497. 

”Living with Threes and Fours” Informational night for parents at 7 p.m. at Bananas, 5232 Claremont Ave., Oakland. Registration required. 658-7353.  

Albany Library Homework Center is open from 3 to 5 p.m., Tues. and Thurs. for students in third through fifth grades.1247 Marin Ave. 526-3720 ext 17. 

How to Eat Well and Not Wear It at 7 p.m. at Elephant Pharmacy, 1607 Shattuck Ave. 549-9200. 

Sleep Soundly Seminar A free class on how hypnosis can help you sleep at 6:30 p.m. at 378 Jayne Ave., Oakland. To register call 465-2524. 

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

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

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 11  

Walking Tour of Historic Oakland Churches and Temples Meet at 10 a.m. at the front of the First Presbyterian Church at 2619 Broadway. Tour lasts 90 minutes. For reservations call 238-3234. 

Berkeley School Volunteers Training workshop for volunteers interested in helping the public schools, from 3 to 4 p.m. at 1835 Allston Way. 644-8833. 

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

“Protect Yourself from Identity Theft” with Timothy Yee, financial advisor at 6 p.m. at the Oakland Public Library, First Floor, 125 14th St. 238-3134. 

Spirited Child Series Learn how temperament affects children’s behavior and how to best live and work with inborn traits at 7 p.m. at Bananas, 5232 Claremont Ave., Oakland. To register call 752-6150. If you need child care, at $5 per child, call 658-7353.  

”Choosing Infant Care” A workshop for new parents at noon at Bananas, 5232 Claremont Ave., Oakland. Registration required. 658-7353.  

Walk Berkeley for Seniors meets at 9:30 a.m. at the Sea Breeze Market, just west of the I-80 overpass. 548-9840. 

Current Events Discussion Group meets at 7 p.m. at the Niebyl Proctor Marxist Library, 6501 Telegraph Ave. Oakland. 597-4972. 

New to DVD “The Death of Mr. Lazarescu” Film and discussion at 7 p.m. at the JCC, 1414 Walnut St. 848-0237. 

Berkeley Peace Walk and Vigil at 6:30 p.m. at the Berkeley BART Station. www.geocities.com/vigil4peace/vigil 

THURSDAY, OCT. 12 

A Creek in Downtown Berkeley? Helen Burke, Kirstin Miller, and Gus Yates discuss costs/benefits to “daylight” Strawberry Creek and close Center St. to traffic between Oxford and Shattuck, at 7:30 p.m. at The Hillside Club, 2286 Cedar St. at Arch. 549-8790. 

“Temescal Legacies: Narratives of Change from a North Oakland Neighborhood” with author Jeff Norman at 7:30 p.m. at Chapel of the Chimes, 4499 Peidmont Ave., Oakland. Donation $8-$10. Sponsored by the Oakland Heritage Alliance. 763-9218. www.oaklandheritage.org 

Environmental Film Series “The Future of Food” on genetically engineered foods, at 7 p.m. at the Ecology Center, 2530 San Pablo Ave. 548-2220, ext. 233. 

“The Anza Trail and the Settling of California” with Vladimir Guerrero at 1 p.m. at the Oakland Museum of California, 10th and Oak, Oakland. Cost is $5-$8. 238-2200.  

“Oil and Global Warming Today: Voices from the Front Lines” with Ben Namakin, an environmental educator with the Conservation Society of Pohnpei, at 6 p.m. at the Free Speech Movement Cafe, UC Campus. 643-6445. 

An Evening with Margo Okazawa-Rey, feminist anti-militarist and scholar at 7 p.m. at Tehilla Synagogue, 1300 Grand Avenue, Piedmont. Donation $5. Sponsored by Bay Area Women in Black and the Women of Color Resource Center. info@bayareawomeninblack.org 

WriterCoach Connection seeks volunteers to help students improve their writing and critical thinking skills. Training session from noon to 3 p.m. 524-2319. 

Safety and Self Defense Seminar for Women at 1 p.m. at the JCC, 1414 Walnut St. Donation $5. 848-0237. 

Veterans Reflecting on War and Peace with Maxine Hong Kingston and war veterans at 7:30 p.m. at the JCC, 1414 Walnut St. Donation $5. 848-0237. 

Poetry Workshop with Donna Davis from 9 to noon at Jewish Community Center, 1414 Walnut St. An ongoing class offered by Berkeley Adult School.  

CITY MEETINGS 

City Council meets Tues., Oct. 10, at 7 p.m in City Council Chambers. 981-6900.  

Youth Commission meets Mon., Oct. 10, at 6:30 p.m., at 1730 Oregon St. 981-6670.  

Commission on Disability meets Wed., Oct. 11, at 6:30 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Don Brown, 981-6346. TDD: 981-6345.  

Homeless Commission meets Wed., Oct. 11, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Jane Micallef, 981-5426.  

Planning Commission meets Wed., Oct. 11, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. J981-7484.  

Waterfront Commission meets Wed., Oct. 11, at 7 p.m., at 201 University Ave. 981-6740.  

Community Health Commission meets Thurs., Oct. 12, at 6:45 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-5356.  

Transportation Commission meets Thurs., Oct. 12, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-7010.  

Zoning Adjustments Board meets Thurs., Oct. 12, at 7 p.m., in City Council Chambers. Mark Rhoades, 981-7410.