Public Comment
Letters to the Editor
FAILING OUR STUDENTS
Editors, Daily Planet:
FCMAT’s recent findings that Oakland’s schools are still not being run well after three years of state control, should require an immediate takeover of Oakland’s schools by our voters and taxpayers.
Since Jack O’Connell’s office has been running Oakland schools: 1) they have gone deeper into debt than under local control and are poised to dispose of precious assets that took Oakland taxpayers years to fund; 2) students and teachers are fleeing the district in much greater numbers than ever before; and 3) no clear financial plan has ever been posed to our elected officials nor to the electorate as a whole. It’s clear that the state is failing our students!
Pamela A. Drake
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EASTSHORE PARKS
Editors, Daily Planet:
Please permit me to comment on your two articles about Eastshore State Park.
The part of the park that is in the Berkeley Marina is not open to the public. It is actually the private property of a few special interest groups who have gained control of the area and excluded the public from it, as you can see by the fence and the signs that read “Keep Out. Restricted Area.” True, there is a single fenced-in path but it is so unpleasant that no one has yet to walk on it since it was opened.
This area as you know had been a kind of wilderness that many people had enjoyed for many years, especially those who live in Berkeley. It is a large area and there was no reason that people and nesting birds could not share it. If there was a problem with dogs it could have been solved without such draconian measures.
I wrote to East Bay Regional Parks and to the Audubon Society and the Sierra Club asking them to explain why such measures were taken but have received no reply.
I have spoken with many people who also oppose these measures, all of whom miss strolling through the wilderness that had been such a joy for so many years. It is heart breaking to go there now, and it is even a little shameful, don’t you think, to have it called a “park”?
Peter Najarian
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DECEIT
Editors, Daily Planet:
Deceit must be called for what it is. I do not know nor understand the motives of the NEBA steering committee, but I do know that they badly misrepresented the public school parcel tax Measure A to their members last week, did not allow that same membership to discuss nor vote on the recommendation from the steering committee, and according to one steering committee member who is a parent of a student at our high school, did not inform all members of the steering committee about the meeting where the recommendation was generated (including himself). Again, I do not know nor understand their motives, but deceit must be called for what it is.
In the NEBA newsletter sent out to the NEBA membership, this same steering committee made several baldly deceptive statements, and seemingly made up others. Stating that the BUSD “has the longest horizon for renewal—10 years—of any school district tax in the area” is simply untrue. The NEBA steering committee argues for a four-year measure. A simple web search turns up these facts: Albany Unified, three parcel taxes, two of which have no sunset; Orinda, three parcel taxes, all with no sunset; Lafayette, three parcel taxes, all eight years. Many other districts have parcel taxes ranging in duration from six to eight years. Only one district, Piedmont, is listed as having a four-year measure.
The NEBA steering committee states that BUSD the largest achievement gap in the county. Simply and utterly untrue. They further state “we refuse to support a measure that “may” or may not be used for smaller classrooms.” In fact Measure A is very exact and very clear on this point: 66 percent of the funds generated from Measure A will go directly to fund classroom teachers to ensure class-size reduction, no ifs, ands or buts. These funds are overseen by a citizen’s Planning and Oversight Committee, and are audited annually by an independent auditor and the county Office of Education. There is far more oversight over these funds than any city or county program or expenditure.
Please do not be deceived by people who distort the facts. Read the measure, talk to students, parents, and community members about the measure, read the independent analysis in the voter pamphlet and other sources: Please get the facts. A simple reading of the text of Measure A will put many of the claims of the NEBA steering committee members recommendation to rest.
And remember: Measure A is not a new tax. Residents of Berkeley are already assessed this amount, and will not be paying anything additional.
John Selawsky
Director, Berkeley School Board
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BAGGINS’ PLACEMENT SYSTEM
Editors, Daily Planet:
In his statement published in the Oct. 10 Daily Planet, School Board candidate David Baggins writes: “There is no doubt, based on extensive research, that a leading factor determining whether at-risk kids succeed or fail is the accomplishment rate of surrounding students.” A few paragraphs later he argues for doing away with the lottery system currently used to place students in smaller learning communities within Berkeley High. Instead he proposes 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 if all state exams are passed with a score at least of ‘basic.’” Such a placement system would further isolate struggling students, as well as students new to the district, from those among their peers who have already learned how to succeed in our public school system. According to Baggins’s own argument, we ought to place at-risk students in classrooms where they will be surrounded by high achievers. His proposal to do otherwise is at odds with his purported concern for Berkeley’s “at-risk kids.”
Carol S. Lashof
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UNTRUE ASSERTIONS
Editors, Daily Planet:
I was shocked when I received Caryl O’Keefe’s latest campaign flyer. In it she states Albany faces budget deficits in 2007-2008. O’Keefe must know her assertion is not true. I watched the same council meeting that she and her husband Allen Riffer attended when the city updated their budget. The city reported increased revenues, no expected deficits and a balanced 2007-2008 budget. The Journal reported this on Oct. 6.
O’Keefe also misrepresented the truth or didn’t understand what she was talking about when she stated during the League of Woman Voters candidates forum that Albany had only $185,000 in unrestricted budget reserves.
She claimed the balance of the city’s $2.5 million in reserves was dedicated to Workers’ Compensation insurance and was off limits. That is simply wrong. At that same council meeting a $2.5 million unrestricted reserve was confirmed.
Our city is doing quite well and I wonder why O’Keefe wants it to seem otherwise?
It appears Carol O’Keefe is more interested in being elected to the Albany City Council then telling the truth. Fiscal responsibility starts with honesty.
Caryl O’Keefe is running on a platform of “fiscal responsibility.” I think we deserve better than this type of election year fear mongering.
Brian Parker
Albany
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MEASURE A
Editors, Daily Planet:
One assumes that it was not the intent of Margot Pepper (“Measure A Will Impact Property Values,” Oct. 12) which gave data showing that the voter-approved parcel tax made Berkeley property over $112,000 on average more expensive than similar properties in Oakland) to give an argument to those citizens with a serious interest in promoting more affordable housing in Berkeley (without development) for an easy, concrete thing to do, i.e. vote no on Measure A.
Now it is obviously true that reducing an average Berkeley home’s selling price by $112K still leaves it far from being “affordable,” but there is no denying the direction which prices would tend if the researchers Moore quotes are correct.
Further, for those involved citizens interested in reducing the number of Berkeley school students who actually do not live in the district and attend under false pretexts. one cannot help but wonder if this data also would not encourage them to cast a no vote. The logic would seem to run: no parcel tax implies lower housing prices which implies it would be easier to buy a home in Berkeley implying buyers could send their children to Berkeley schools legally.
Additionally of course, one has this causation: no parcel tax implies Berkeley schools quality decreases implying less incentive to send children to Berkeley schools illegally. Which of course implies fewer students in schools and possibly student-teacher ratios could decline. This is, according to Moore, a major factor in parents’ decision-making of where to buy.
The point is voting for Measure A may have consequences for other policy objectives (which may affect the objective of Measure A itself) and voters have to weigh carefully the costs and benefits, and causes and effects.
D. Mayeron
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WARM POOL ADVOCACY GROUP
Editors, Daily Planet:
It has recently come to our attention that some group(s) and/or individuals have included our group and/or used our name in their movement in opposition to Measure A.
Please be advised that the One Warm Pool Advocacy Group has not and will not take a public position and/or endorse any political candidate or issue. Our main purpose for existing is to facilitate the securing of a warm pool for the children, seniors and disabled members of our community. It is toward this end that we will continue to focus our energy and activities.
One Warm Pool Advocacy Group
Jo Ann Cook, Co-Chair
Juanita C. Kirby, Co-Chair
Ronnie Spitzer, Secretary/Treasurer
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GEORGE BEIER
Editors, Daily Planet:
George Beier made a point to reach out to me pursuant to my letter to the editor published in the Daily Planet a few weeks back about Telegraph Avenue. He came to my business and spent two hours chatting with my business partner and I about the challenges we see on Telegraph Avenue. We told him about the student specials, direct mail, WiFi Internet access, flyer deliveries, print and online advertising, special events—just to name a few—we’ve executed to drive traffic to our business. He took notes. He offered feedback and asked meaningful questions. I haven’t seen Kriss Worthington since our grand opening.
David Howard
Alameda
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WORTHINGTON UNWORTHY
Editors, Daily Planet:
Elections are about holding elected officials accountable for their performance. After many years in office, Kriss Worthington simply has not performed. He’s promoted higher taxes, has been ineffectual at fighting crime and he’s been one of the problems in addressing Telegraph Avenue issues. Our neighborhood deserves fresh ideas and new leadership. I’ve been impressed with George Beier’s commitment to improving his own neighborhood and his energy in reaching out to other neighborhoods and those with diverse ideas throughout the district. I respectfully ask voters to seriously consider making a change, and supporting George Beier for City Council.
David M. Fogarty
Prince Street
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WORTHINGTON SPEAKS FOR ME
Editors, Daily Planet:
In the summer following my last year of middle school, I went to the San Francisco Mime Troupe to see their show at Willard Park. There, I met a maverick named Kriss Worthington. I was astounded by the knowledge and expertise that Kriss possessed. Over the next couple months, I saw Kriss at different events in Berkeley, where he talked to me about city issues and listened to my concerns. I was in complete and utter awe. Before this, I had never seen a politician talking in a serious manner to a high school student.
Over the years, Kriss has inspired my political activism. When I was in ninth grade, I wanted to get involved in city politics. Kriss encouraged me to join the City of Berkeley’s Youth Commission and I was then appointed by School Board Director John Selawsky, which gave me a start in city politics.
At the time, I thought that my time in politics would be short-lived, but I soon realized that politics will be part of my life forever. Kriss led me through the ropes of Berkeley politics, has become a mentor to me, and empowered me to participate in the democratic process.
I have a greater understanding that young people have a means to get their issues heard, despite not having the right to vote. Kriss listens to the ideas of anyone who approaches him. When you call him, not only does he call you back but he does so with candor that no other politician can match.
Kriss’s opponent claims to be as progressive as Kriss. There are 15 progressive organizations that have given endorsements and all fifteen have endorsed Kriss Worthington. How progressive can Kriss’ opponent be? His opponent’s only notable endorsements are the moderate Berkeley Democratic Club, Shirley Dean, Councilmembers Gordon Wozniak, Betty Olds, and Laurie Capitelli.
In fact, the Berkeley Property Owners’ Association (BPOA), an organization campaigning for Measure I (the Condominium Conversion Ordinance), gave praise to Kriss’s opponent at their May 18th “Special Dinner Meeting". How can his opponent say that he is supportive of affordable housing, while having the support of the BPOA, which campaigns against affordable housing?
Kriss’s opponent shares an office with GW (Gordon Wozniak), arguably the most conservative member of the City Council. Wozniak has proposed to raise rents on students seven times, while having the support of the head of the BPOA. In addition, Wozniak was the only member of the City Council to vote against a resolution opposing Gov. Schwarzenegger’s unpopular special election.
If Kriss’s opponent is elected, our council is going to shift the agenda in the wrong direction. I urge anyone who wants Berkeley to head in a groundbreaking progressive direction to vote for Councilmember Kriss Worthington, from District 7, on Nov. 7.
Rio Bauce
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A DIFFERENT OPINION
Editors, Daily Planet:
In their “10 Reasons” commentary, Nancy Carlton and Susan Hunter describe their friend Kriss Worthington as being responsive to the urban woes of their own neighborhood, Halcyon. Indeed, Kriss even found time one morning to bring over their morning paper!
It’s a lovely anecdote. But as a resident of another part of District 7, I have formed a rather different opinion. You see, Mr. Worthington is not my personal friend—he is simply my council representative. And what I observe around me leads me to doubt his ability to respond to the full district’s needs.
I have lived on Telegraph Avenue for the last few years, close to the commercial core. This area’s crime rates are among the highest in the city (as I started experiencing as soon as I moved here). Telegraph itself is falling apart. Stores I once patronized are gone, and others are struggling. The street is not fun, or funky. It’s depressing. And it’s right outside my door.
Worthington has had a full 10 years to leave his mark on District 7. And this is it? While other communities advance, ours declines. And Worthington and his vocal supporters offer rationalizations and excuses. Sorry, I don’t buy the spin. Either Worthington is not up to the job, or he has other priorities.
Is “activism” his claim to distinction? Social commitment is good, of course. I too have volunteered to work with the homeless, and to provide educational opportunities to children in a distressed neighborhood. I have supported parks, historic preservation, the environment, the arts. I care about these issues, and many more. But I also care about my partner, my home, my surroundings.
By being on City Council, a person accepts a fundamental obligation—to maintain and improve the essential quality of life in the district and the city. From my viewpoint, Worthington fails to meet that obligation. Ten years is long enough.
Indeed, from where I sit, those 10 years may be 10 reasons not to support Kriss Worthington.
Alan Selsor
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ACTION, NOT INVECTIVE
Editors, Daily Planet:
We’ve learned from the last two issues of the Planet that it’s easier for a leopard to change his spots than for Kriss Worthington to refrain from nasty ad hominem attacks on his political opponents. As usual, he leaves his dirty work to his favorite attack-chihuahua, Chris Kavanaugh. And, as usual, the chihuahua misses his mark.
Kavanaugh/Worthington urges voters to ignore all of George Beier’s ideas for District 7. Instead, he says Beier should be judged (and condemned) for who his friends are. One of the friends Kavanaugh singles out is my husband. Kavanaugh says my husband is one of George’s biggest supporters, even though my husband has never publicly supported George’s candidacy.
Well, I’ve got news for you, Kriss and Chris: women vote too. The person who supports George Beier in this household is me. I’m the person responsible for the check to George Beier that bears both my name and my husband’s. And the reason I’m supporting George in District 7 is because I’ve known him as a friend, and worked with him in business, for nearly eight years.
I’m the one who goes running with George twice a week. That’s how I know what an incredibly understanding and supportive human being he is. From dropping anything to help a friend or employee, to donating countless hours to organizations and individuals in need, George is a compassionate, generous, ethical man. That’s how I know he’ll never, ever, stoop to the kinds of negative personal attacks that have already driven away so many of Worthington’s supporters---including the Mayor.
I also consulted for George’s business for six years. So I know that George can read a balance sheet. And that he knows how to meet targets and grow a business. And that he understands what it takes to create and sustain real jobs in the City of Berkeley. And that he works absolutely ungodly hours when he commits to something.
So Kriss and Chris: if you want the voters in District 7 to vote against George Beier because of who his friends are, then at least do it right. I’m the one you want to attack. Say something nasty about me—make it up if you have to. Do anything in your power to distract voters from the real issues. I can’t think of a greater sign of weakness.
Laurel Leichter
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DISTRICT 7
Editors, Daily Planet:
Re Gregory S. Murphy’s statement that “District 7 residents deserve a councilmember who is willing to come out clearly on controversial issues and vote accordingly” (letters, Oct. 6), I hope voter will remember that George Beier, while substituting for Dean Metzger at the Zoning Adjustments Board, cast the crucial vote in favor of planning staff’s legally specious argument that no use permit was required for 3045 Shattuck (the infamous “flying bungalow"). In contrast, Kriss Worthington has been a consistent opponent of that project. He’s also been a consistent defender of the zoning code as written (rather than as creatively interpreted by staff), and is one of only three members of the City Council who doesn’t blindly go along with whatever staff or Mayor Bates want.
Robert Lauriston
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PROP. 83
Editors, Daily Planet:
Not often does the inventor of a product vote against his or her own invention. But that is what I will be doing on Nov. 7. I participated with my twin brother in research at Harvard in the 1960s using the first electronic monitoring system with offenders (patent # 3,478,344).
No one wants sex offenders preying on children. Unfortunately, the measures included in Proposition 83 are expensive, impractical, and ineffective in preventing the sex related crimes we want to prevent. Among other things, the proposition requires life-long electronic monitoring of some sex offenders. According to a 2000 report by the U.S. Department of Justice, only 7 percent of juvenile victims are assaulted by strangers. Dangerous sexual repeat offenders already face sentences of 15 or 25 years to life in prison.
Even the most advanced monitoring systems (using GPS technology) are not up to the task of providing around-the-clock protection. There are numerous “dead spaces” (such as the inside of buildings) and “small spaces” (such as the distance between floors of an apartment building) where monitoring equipment does not function properly. The ankle bracelets can be cut off by the offender if he is really intent on committing a crime. Also, mounds of data will be generated, and a supervising officer will be required to sort through all this in order to verify an actual offense.
I do like high-tech gadgets, but I have to suggest that some of the ex-offenders on lifetime monitoring--particularly those in wheelchairs--should be fairly easy to spot without the use of a satellite-linked transceiver. In my opinion, here are numerous practical and cost-effective uses of offender monitoring. Lifetime monitoring of sex offenders, at an estimated cost of tens of million of dollars, is not one of them.
Robert Gable
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NO ON MEASURE A
Editors, Daily Planet:
It seems that the only bright spot in Berkeley public schools news is the food program headed by Ann Cooper. Unfortunately, this bright spot has come about due primarily to the funding and efforts of Alice Waters (kudos to Alice!). The school district for many years had a Nutrition Advisory Committee that shook the world with its organic food policy. Yet, despite the fact that over six years ago, community volunteers Beebo Turman and Yolanda Huang, pioneered cooking from scratch with their soup and salad program at Oxford, BUSD’s administration was unable to do more than reheat transfat corn dogs and pizza. When the chorus of complaints got too loud, BUSD summarily dissolved this committee.
Fortunately, Alice Waters, who is committed to high quality food, to nutrition, to children and maintaining high standards, was able to implement this program because she recruited a highly skilled and knowledgeable administrator, namely Ann cooper. and provided the second necessary ingredient, the funding. After the hire of Ann Cooper, in less than 6 months, the food at BUSD was transformed.
Berkeley schools have had plenty of the second ingredient, funding. For 20 years we have paid for BSEP. And yet, our children’s education is not thriving. What is very clear is that BUSD does not have a commitment to high quality education and to maintaining high standards in educational programs. BUSD lacks at the top, a highly skilled and knowledgeable administrator who is committed to children, passionate about learning, and able to stir up the passion in children for learning.
I am concerned when the current superintendent of BUSD’s trained is as an art teacher. Is she really able to address our students’ needs with math and English? How can it be that 75 percent of all African American students are not proficient in grade level English, when Toni Morrison, an African American writer has been selected by the New York Times poll as the most significant American writer of the second half of the 20th century (for the novel Beloved). The prior superintendent was interested in construction, and so BUSD constructed. Understanding that for the past decade and a half, we have not had a superintendent who had as his or her first priority, children and their education, explains why student achievement is declining, the achievement gap is increasing, and BHS’ drop out rate is 30 percent higher than the county average (including the drop out rate for white students).
This is why I am voting no on Measure A, and asking the school board to rewrite Measure A. Measure A must include performance standards and independent performance evaluations for the district and its administrators, especially the superintendent. These performance standards must include student learning as a priority. The School Board needs to do more than just give raises. The school board needs to maintain high standards in all aspects of the district’s responsibilities, but especially in learning. Every student should receive a good education. Please join me in voting no on Measure A.
J. Haven
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IRAQ WAR
Editors, Daily Planet:
The purpose of the Iraq war puzzles me; almost none of the reasons given ring true, seem credible. It’s been suggested that the party in power feels such intense emotion about (against) the federal government that they would do anything to bankrupt it. The mounting deficit level suggests that our government can be bankrupted by (irresponsible? deliberate?) over-spending, similar to current ongoing spending rates.
Congress and the courts are systematically neutralized; the media almost neutered. Should we just go ahead and give up our present Constitution? We could quickly become a monarchy, with aristocracy powered mostly by wealth. If our (collective?) goal is simply to dominate the planet, and methodically strip it of its resources for our benefit and luxury, enslaving all others, then monarchy joined with theocracy may be the simplest, easiest way. Deep in our hearts, millions of (the richest) Americans may feel such is the proper (preordained?) path.
Congress might simply vote itself out of existence, with benefits, or maintain itself as a façade, somewhat in the current mode.
What would be best? It could be done so easily; we’re almost there. Just close your eyes, it won’t hurt a bit.
Terry Cockrell
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NO ON ARNOLD
Editors, Daily Planet:
I am just incredulous that during the governors’ debate Arnold Schwarzenegger said he has the “highest respect” for police officers, after all, he claimed his dad was a police officer. Lest the public forget the governor’s father was a member of the Nazi storm troopers also known as the brownshirts. A Nazi is who Arnold looks up to. Earlier this week he insulted the Mexican-American population.
This man has no cultural sensitivity and does not deserve to represent us. Please California do not put this man back in office.
Karen Green
Alameda
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MEASURE N
Editors, Daily Planet:
You wrote of Oakland’s Measure N, the $148 million bond issue, “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.”
Sorry, the “actual ballot language” is not binding. There is a list of projects appended, and it is bad enough, showing that the palace library would suck up two dollars for every dollar split among all the neighborhood libraries. But nothing commits the City to the precise breakdown shown. The palace project is almost sure to go over budget, at which time the council will “postpone” neighborhood items of its selection. Of all the state and local bond issues on the ballot for Oakland voters, Measure N is by far the most expensive per capita, the most wasteful, and the worst choice of priorities.
For more information on Measure N, see www.orpn.org
Charles Pine
Oakland
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CONFUSED BY U.S. ELECTIONS
Editors, Daily Planet:
I’m baffled by my experience of the U.S. electoral process: a strange homogenous breed of men I’ve never seen before dressed in expensive suits, some in toupees, and a smattering of women with cardboard hair begin to appear on the television and in the papers. These are the candidates, I’m told.
Some belong to this party, some to the other. I’ve chosen to be a member of my party not because I agree with its policies, but because the other party’s policies are even worse or ineffective. I wonder why I’ve never been invited to attend a meeting of my party and whether such meetings exist, though everyone says all I have to be is interested. Well frankly, I was once, now I’m not so sure.
I’m briefed on the candidates’ careers, after which they begin to argue, engage in name-calling, accuse each other of being cowards in wars, cheating on their spouses or swindling money from the government. I wonder where they get their millions for prime time TV exposure of such absurdities; whether my local school district might not have gone bankrupt had the gonorrhea debate been shorter. It turns out you have to be filthy rich to run or sell your soul to a corporation who will foot the bill. But time is up, now I must make my choice.
There is a candidate who does represent many of my own views, but if I vote for that one, the one I fear most will be elected. I consider voting for the corporate middleman whose domestic and foreign policy is likely to result in less deaths per year than the competition.
Disgusted, confused, indifferent or disenfranchised, two thirds of my compatriots decide to voice their opposition to the lack of choice by abstaining or can’t vote because they’re illiterate or homeless and therefore can’t register. The other third, which always seem to have more money than me, votes. In the end, the winners are chosen by a minority of the eligible voting population.
Is my confusion unique? I can’t understand how the United States has proclaimed itself the international elections watch dog and model of democracy for the rest of the world.
Margot Pepper
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ARCTIC REFUGE
Editors, Daily Planet:
When the majority of Americans go to the polls on Nov. 7, one of the issues that should be a concern for them is the fate of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska. The refuge is home of the Gwich’in people who live their own way of life. They know how to preserve water and take care of the animals there.
If the Republicans retain control of both branches of Congress on Election Day, they will try again to seek an amendment to any legislation that would allow oil drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. That would be a disaster for the Gwich’in people who would have to drink the water toxified by oil. I hope that the majority of voters in this country would think about the fate of the Gwich’in people when they go to the polls on Nov. 7.
Billy Trice, Jr.
Oakland
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FOR GEORGE BEIER
Editors, Daily Planet:
I expect those who represent me at all levels of government display leadership and a point of view. I might not always agree with them, but at least would want to know where they stand and that they have been diligent about researching the issues. Kriss Worthington has not done this. He has avoided several important votes on the council including the recent use permit for the Berkeley Bowl. He has not taken a position on Measure J (historic buildings issue). That is why I am supporting George Beier. I want someone who takes and articulates a position.
Joseph Halperin
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CONCERNED
Editors, Daily Planet:
I’m really concerned about what’s been happening. I mean in Berkeley. For example, if Mayor Bates is re-elected, he will push hard to convert the west Ashby and Gilman corridors into Emeryville-style shopping centers, which would create disastrous traffic jams at the freeways, draw business away from our other shopping centers, and damage our light industrial and arts and crafts community. His reason for promoting this is his own failure to maintain the health of our existing commercial centers, resulting in decreased tax revenues. He wants to destroy a successful neighborhood to compensate for his own failures. This will hurt the city even further. Bates’ plan to promote upscale development in West Berkeley, our last affordable area, would set off rapid gentrification, pushing many of our long-term lower-income residents and businesses out of town, and diminishing our economic, ethnic, and racial diversity. The industrial zone acts as a protective umbrella for diversity. Dismantle the industrial zone block by block and the city would be well on its way to being just an upscale college bedroom community.
Bates ran as a progressive candidate. But what does being a Berkeley progressive mean today? The city has been waving a green flag at almost any development, regardless of impacts. Folks look out, because the foxes are setting up for a big party in the hen house. If you consider yourself a progressive, I propose that you think about this, and consider leaving the mayor line of the ballot blank. Vote for one of the other candidates or Vote for Nobody. A low vote turnout can at least slow the developers down. For the sake of the future of a sustainable progressive community, we’ve got to stop this push of rapid gentrification. To protect the integrity of our community, we need to support neighborhood preservation, rent stabilization, and industrial retention. Consider not voting for Mayor Bates. Berkeley can do a lot better.
John Curl
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MEASURE O
Editors, Daily Planet:
I am very happy that Measure O, which would bring instant runoff voting (IRV) to Oakland, is on the ballot. This is a needed election reform. By eliminating a runoff election, Oakland could move its local elections to November, when turnout is nearly 60 percent higher, on average. A ranked choice ballot would also encourage people to vote sincerely, instead of having to worry about “wasted votes” or “spoilers.”
I did take issue with statements made by the opposition to Measure O in the Oct. 6 Berkeley Daily Planet article. The article states: “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.” This is simply false. Under Measure O, voters have the option of ranking as many candidates as they want or can choose to only vote for one candidate. Opponents also claim that IRV will confuse voters, but offer no evidence to back up this claim. Two exit polls conducted after San Francisco and Burlington (VT) held their first IRV elections found that around 90 percent of voters reported understanding IRV.
Nicolas Heidorn
Oakland
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THE PFA CROWD
Editors, Daily Planet:
Berkeley’s Pacific Film Archive is one of the few venues where quality films, past and present, can be seen.
Curiously, however, the reaction of the of the audience suggest that they would rather be more attuned to mainstream 2006 trivia as personified by Tom Cruise and the earlier efforts of the governor.
The screening of the 1956 study of drug addiction Bigger Than Life ortles from some obviously immature members of the audience.
This was a well-made film by a reputable American director, Nicholas Ray. Even allowing for different attitudes and values in 2006, Bigger Than Life was never intended as humor.
Ross Norton
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PACIFIC STEEL
Editors, Daily Planet:
Have you heard that our “good neighbor” Pacific Steel Casting has opted to delay the health risk assessment that was mandated by its backdoor “settlement” with Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD)? And that PSC has refused to comply with the Air District’s order to obtain another air pollution source test? Is PSC paying BAAQMD’s $10,000 per day fine as a result of their lawlessness? Who cares?
We do. And we need to get to the Big Picture here quickly to turn the tide. There is a four-headed toxic spin machine spewing caustic air and ugly lies on Second Street. In cahoots are: PSC, for their decades of dirty profits and “careless” excuses; BAAQMD, for its closed-door/pro-industry/anti-community actions and stupid complaint tricks; AJE Partners, as PSC’s media relations mirror, for falsifying the facts and lying to us; Linda Maio, for her endless lack of courage and absolute failure to protect us.
In an April 16 letter from Michael P. Wilson, researcher at the UC Berkeley’s School of Public Health, to Dion Aroner, AJE Partners, Mr. Wilson writes:
“A lack of trust has developed between Berkeley residents and PSC. During the last several years, over 50 articles and letters to the editor have appeared in Bay Area papers expressing criticism, and dismay, over PSC’s emissions of toxic air pollutants. This record appears to illustrate not simply a series of isolated events but rather a general pattern of neglect on the part of PSC with respect to its relations with the Berkeley community. It is important to recognize that a worsening public perception of the plant, and a gradual loss of the plant’s social license to operate, could occur over time as growing numbers of residents and workers in Berkeley and surrounding areas become aware of, and frustrated with, increasing emissions of toxic materials from the plant.”
Social license? PSC-related phenols, benzene and other cancer causing chemicals are up 100 percent over the past three years. We want direct action!
Shut down PSC until they prove that their manufacturing processes have no health impacts on the community. Support Merrilie Mitchell in her bid to defeat Maio for the District 1 City Council seat this November. Wake up Tom Bates at City Hall and tell him to stop taking money from these morons. And don’t believe any of the crap coming out of Dion Aroner’s mouth.
Willi Paul
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FASCIST STATES
Editors, Daily Planet:
How will we know if fascism comes to the United States It could come well before mass roundups of Berkeley type people. As pointed out by Lenore Veltford in her Sept. 26 letter to the editor, during Hitler’s rule her town of Darmstadt in Germany had an “independent book store.” She believes that for people of her town the growth of the Nazi repression was incremental. It was four years into the Fueher’s rule when the Jewish owner of the Darmstadt book store had to sell. New owners kept it going through the war. There continued to be gatherings of book lovers in the store. Perhaps after state rule here there will continue to besignings and talks in our independent book stores.
About six years into Hitler rule it became necessary in Darmstadt that the gatherings in the book store be in the back room. Will we have people gathering in the back room under fascism USA? Will those in the room voice their complaints as Lenore Veltford notes complaints against Hitler were voiced in the store in Darmstadt?
It would seem that since it is difficult to define exactly when fascism has come, it would be best to lop off whatever tentacles we can identify. Who knows, we might have a fascist state that allows not only independent book stores, but peace vigils and Sunday meetings at the Unitarian Church.
Ted Vincent
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BOB’S BLANKETS
Editors, Daily Planet:
My old Volkswagon square-back had the metal letters FORD across the back, so neatly placed that they looked natural unless you were someone like Bob Nichols, someone with an eye out for very subtle humor. That car could pack a lot of stuff, so one December Bob asked me to drive to the Army Surplus store in Oakland where he bought every wool blanket they had.
We stacked the blankets like olive green and gray cordwood in the back of my car. He spent about two hundred dollars, and ended up with forty or fifty clean, warm, used blankets. Then he gave them away. He’d take one with him on the way to work and hand it to anyone who seemed to need it. He knew a lot of people who panhandled. He knew a lot of drunks, junkies, and crazy people. He wasn’t bothered by craziness, or incompetence, or repetitive, self-serving stories, or addiction. He knew people were cold.
He gave away a lot of money in quarters and ones and fives. He bought people sandwiches and smokes. He knew it wasn’t enough, but he knew it mattered.
Bob is gone now; he died in his sleep almost a year ago. The blankets are probably still out there, because the people are. Some of them died, but most of them have moved around, traded corners, found housing and lost it. They’ll be there come December, waiting for Bob and the blankets. Bob will be there, too, handing out cigarettes and trading jokes. If you see him, tell him hi. Tell him I miss him. And tell him thanks.
Carol Denney
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BATES AND THE
FIRST AMENDMENT
Editors, Daily Planet:
In her editorial examining the Tom Bates years, editor Becky O’Malley lists three main examples of Bates screwing around with the First Amendment.
The three vary greatly; their bona fides as attacks on the First Amendment are not at all equal. Moreover, they demonstrate the problems with taking “think globally, act locally” literally in every situation. First, I think it was a mistake to publish the famous anti-Semitic letter in the Planet, but it’s equally untenable to jump with such abandon all over the Planet, no matter how good that might make people feel or how much political capital there is to be had. The protest that Bates and others signed is not an attack on the First Amendment as much as opportunistic piling on, and that’s the real problem.
To keep picking at this is just another Berkeley-style self-indulgence, and typically lazy. It avoids dealing with the anti-Semitism and anti-Palestinian racism and imperialism that are alive and well out there; that’s where the fight is, it’s not here, at least not now, not with this issue. We should just let this episode slink off into history.
Ms. O’Malley is correct that the support of Bates and others for the awful N and O anti-homeless measures—besides simply being cruel and a cheap wedge issue—created a frontal attack on the First Amendment rights of the people asking for money. The First Amendment survived. But Ms. O’Malley led this section of her editorial with the shop-worn melodrama over Bates’ late-night trashing of copies of the Daily Californian when it endorsed his opponent in the last election. She says it was a “foolish temper tantrum ... (but) Berkeleyans who consider the Bill of Rights of the U.S. Constitution to be their political gospel were well and truly shocked.”
Oh, come on. Ms. O’Malley is right on her take on this, if not the prominence it’s given in the editorial. Tom Bates went silly when under pressure; everyone over the age of 5, raise your hand if you’ve never done the same. That’s all it was. Wishing for a Battle Grande over our Latte Grandes won’t make it so.
We should always watch what’s happening around us. Even “progressive” politicians need watching—maybe especially them, since we can’t seem to believe they’d act like other pols.
But if we really want to be righteous warriors, we really should get out more.
James Day
