Ohlone leader Wounded Knee, left, prayed Tuesday for Zachary Running Wolf and other activists who are protesting plans to level a grove of oak trees to make way for a $125 million gym along the western wall of UC Berkeley’s Memorial Stadium. Photograph by Richard Brenneman.
Ohlone leader Wounded Knee, left, prayed Tuesday for Zachary Running Wolf and other activists who are protesting plans to level a grove of oak trees to make way for a $125 million gym along the western wall of UC Berkeley’s Memorial Stadium. Photograph by Richard Brenneman.

Page One

UC Announces Plans for Archaeological Survey

By Richard Brenneman
Friday February 23, 2007

UC Berkeley officials announced Thursday that they will conduct an archaeological survey at the site of the Memorial Stadium oak grove. -more-



OUSD Land Sale Deal Declared Dead

By J. Douglas Allen-Taylor
Friday February 23, 2007

In a dramatic but not necessarily unexpected announcement, California Superintendent for Public Instruction Jack O’Connell said on Thursday that the proposed deal to sell more than eight acres of prime downtown Oakland Unified School District land to an east coast development team is dead, killed by overwhelming Oakland opposition. -more-



High-Rise Tower Plan Proposed for Downtown

By Richard Brenneman
Friday February 23, 2007

Should downtown Berkeley sprout a highrise-studded skyline, complete with 14 new 16-story “point towers” as a solution to regional government demands that the city add new housing? -more-



Joint Panel Readies Downtown Vision

By Richard Brenneman
Friday February 23, 2007

The downtown panel subcommittee exploring possibilities for joint city/UC Berkeley coordination on the university’s downtown expansion plans steamed full speed ahead Tuesday, pushing towards a quick wrap-up. -more-



Urban Ore Proposes Zero Waste Transfer Station for City

By Riya Bhattacharjee
Friday February 23, 2007

The city of Berkeley could have a seven-acre zero waste transfer station at Second and Gilman Streets in the next three to five years. -more-



Features

Berkeley High Beat: Free Breakfast Program Premieres at Berkeley High

By Rio Bauce
Friday February 23, 2007

Berkeley High School has partnered with Ann Cooper, Berkeley Unified School District director of nutrition services, to provide a free breakfast for all its students. Breakfast is served in the morning, from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. -more-


Man Charged with Misdemeanors In Pacific Center Threats Case

By Judith Scherr
Friday February 23, 2007

A Clayton man was formally arraigned by the Alameda County District Attorney’s office Tuesday, charged with two misdemeanors: making criminal threats to staff at Pacific Center for Human Growth and vandalism at the agency, a support center for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people. -more-


Students and Alcohol Policy Group Debate Drinking Laws

By Judith Scherr
Friday February 23, 2007

There are laws on the books against underage drinking and loud parties, but they need more muscle, say advocates of two proposed ordinances that would crack down on adults who allow underage drinking and unruly parties on their premises. -more-


Judge Denies Restraining Order in Woodfin Case

By Judith Scherr
Friday February 23, 2007

A judge turned down a Woodfin Suites Hotel application Wednesday for a temporary restraining order intended to prevent an Emeryville city councilmember and labor leaders from coming within 500 feet of the hotel. -more-


Oakland School for the Arts Undergoes Administrative Overhaul

By J. Douglas Allen-Taylor
Friday February 23, 2007

Facing dropping student test scores and continued teacher turnover, Jerry Brown’s heavily-subsidized Oakland School For the Arts charter school has undergone an administrative overhaul in recent months. -more-


Police Blotter

By Richard Brenneman
Friday February 23, 2007

Aims, no shot -more-


Fire Log

By Richard Brenneman
Friday February 23, 2007

Valentine’s fire -more-


An Open Letter to an Immigration Judge

By Margot Pepper
Friday February 23, 2007

February 14, 2007 -more-


News Analysis: New Cold War With Russia Brewing Over Oil and Gas

By Paolo Pontoniere, New America Media
Friday February 23, 2007

A new Cold War is under way, but unlike the conflict of the Reagan era it is not a fight for military supremacy but rather for gaining control, directly or through commercial proxy, of energy resources. -more-


Public Comment

Letters to the Editor

Friday February 23, 2007

FACELIFT -more-


Commentary: North Shattuck Plaza, Inc.

By Daniel Caraco
Friday February 23, 2007

On the surface, the fuss over a plaza on Shattuck Avenue between Vine and Rose Streets seems silly. Asphalt abounds, the parking and circulation patterns in the area are chaotic, there is interest, and green is in. Beneath the surface, however, lies a cautionary tale about privatizing the development of public assets and resources. What happens when the City entrusts its development agenda to intermediaries? Does this represent a new way of doing business in Berkeley? If so, is it widespread? And, does this practice promote or retard the prospects for good governance? -more-


Commentary; Stadium Stories Paint Sinister Picture

By Vince Tancreto
Friday February 23, 2007

I guess by now I shouldn’t be surprised by every slanted article written about the UC Stadium Project. Your Feb. 20, 2007 article (“Oak Grove May Be Native American Burial Site”) was no exception in the continued disingenuous anti-stadium project rhetoric and misinformation campaign using the BPD as their mouthpiece. Basing this article on the biased opinions of a plaintiff lawyer and an “activist” with obvious agendas presents only the story you apparently want your readers to hear. -more-


Commentary: The Oxford/Brower Bait and Switch

By Barbara Gilbert
Friday February 23, 2007

The Oxford/Brower Project is not only about affordable housing and a green center for environmental activists. It is also about municipal fiscal responsibility, sound downtown economic development, crucial downtown parking, respect for the taxpayer, and honest accounting on the part of public officials. -more-


Commentary: Oxford/Brower Is a Good Investment

By Marcy Greenhut
Friday February 23, 2007

The David Brower Center and Oxford Plaza Housing www.browercenter. org/ is quite possibly the best land use project proposed in Berkeley in this generation. It will serve as a model for other developers and cities who are considering building green; the way forward in building sustainably. -more-


Commentary: Opponents Concerns Unfounded

By Kirstin Miller
Friday February 23, 2007

In an eleventh hour attempt to derail Berkeley’s first ever downtown affordable family housing project and “green” nonprofit office and meeting facility, signature gatherers appearing at Berkeley Farmer’s Markets are telling people that the David Brower Center’s underground parking facility would likely flood during a storm event or as a result of culvert failure due to its proximity to the Strawberry Creek underground culvert and that that is a reason to oppose the project. A few people have also expressed concernthat the Brower Center would make future creek restoration more difficult. -more-


Commentary: Big Projects Need Environmental Impact Reports

By Barry Wofsy
Friday February 23, 2007

It is shocking that the massive Brower development, which includes approximately 18 commercial businesses accompanied by approximately 100 housing units, is not being required to have an environmental impact report (EIR). -more-


Commentary: Attack on Referendum Supporter Was Unfair

By Peter Teichner
Friday February 23, 2007

In his op-ed promoting the Brower Center (Feb 20-22), Rob Wrenn makes such a concerted, personal attack on Gale Garcia and her efforts to expose and oppose the foolhardiness of the City’s giveaway of the proposed Brower Center land that one has to consider what might be his interest in this venture and whether he’s actually a shill for Mayor Bates and the developers. -more-


Molly Ivins Tribute: The Pelosi Revolution

By Phil McArdle
Friday February 23, 2007

Before November’s election it was impossible to imagine the current debate in the House and the Senate. Nancy Pelosi supervised the creation of an outstanding resolution on Iraq for the House of Representatives. For those who have not yet seen it, the text reads: -more-


Editorial

Editorial: Oxford/Brower Brouhaha Turns Ugly at the Market

By Becky O’Malley
Friday February 23, 2007

Going to the Tuesday Farmer’s Market is usually a pleasure, but this last Tuesday it was more than a chore, it was an annoyance. It’s become the battleground of choice for those who have differing views about the soon-to-be-launched Brower Center and Oxford Plaza projects. Only the Planet’s opinion pages (see today’s) and the flamemail circuit have seen more skirmishes. -more-


Columns

Column: Undercurrents: Some Thoughts on Sen. Barack Obama’s Presidential Run

By J. Douglas Allen-Taylor
Friday February 23, 2007

The serious presidential run of Senator Barack Obama—son of a Kenyan father and white American mother—has given the country an opportunity to hold an adult discussion on the issue of race. Here’s hoping. -more-


Neighbors Riled About Plans to Develop Spring Mansion

By Dave Weinstein, Special to the Planet
Friday February 23, 2007

When the Spring Mansion first appeared in the nearly tree-less Berkeley Hills, almost 100 years ago, it was more than a home for one of the East Bay’s most successful real estate speculators, the man behind Thousand Oaks, the Claremont Hotel, and the town of Albany. It was a gleaming white advertisement for John Hopkins Spring’s newest suburban development, which surrounded the house. And it could be seen from San Francisco. -more-


John Hudson Thomas’ Legacy

By Dave Weinstein, Special to the Planet
Friday February 23, 2007

Unlike many of his contemporaries, the architect John Hudson Thomas has not been forgotten—at least not completely. He has fans who compile lists of his houses, which liberally dot the Berkeley Hills, are also common in Oakland and Piedmont, and can be found as far afield as Los Gatos and Woodland, in the Sacramento Valley. -more-


Quake Tip of the Week

By Larry Guillot
Friday February 23, 2007

Alert To Renters & Landlords -more-


Arts Listings

Arts Calendar

Friday February 23, 2007


The Theater: ‘Sweeny Todd’ at Contra Costa Civic Theatre

By Ken Bullock, Special to the Planet
Friday February 23, 2007

The Theater: ‘Cartoon’ Comes to Life at La Val’s

By Ken Bullock, Special to the Planet
Friday February 23, 2007

Events Listings

Berkeley This Week

Friday February 23, 2007

Back Stories

Opinion

Editorials

Editorial: Oxford/Brower Brouhaha Turns Ugly at the Market 02-23-2007

Editorial: One More Time: Who Is My Neighbor? 02-20-2007

Public Comment

Letters to the Editor 02-23-2007

Commentary: North Shattuck Plaza, Inc. By Daniel Caraco 02-23-2007

Commentary; Stadium Stories Paint Sinister Picture By Vince Tancreto 02-23-2007

Commentary: The Oxford/Brower Bait and Switch By Barbara Gilbert 02-23-2007

Commentary: Oxford/Brower Is a Good Investment By Marcy Greenhut 02-23-2007

Commentary: Opponents Concerns Unfounded By Kirstin Miller 02-23-2007

Commentary: Big Projects Need Environmental Impact Reports By Barry Wofsy 02-23-2007

Commentary: Attack on Referendum Supporter Was Unfair By Peter Teichner 02-23-2007

Molly Ivins Tribute: The Pelosi Revolution By Phil McArdle 02-23-2007

Letters to the Editor 02-20-2007

Commentary: Kofi Annan’s Last Speech at UN Security Council By Kofi Annan 02-20-2007

Commentary: Brower/Oxford Development Was Well Reviewed and Is Needed By Rob Wrenn 02-20-2007

Commentary: Section 8 Rent Hikes Threaten Disabled and Elderly By Berkeley Citizens for Fair Housing 02-20-2007

The Theater: Pinter’s ‘The Birthday Party’ at Aurora By Ken Bullock, Special to the Planet 02-20-2007

News

UC Announces Plans for Archaeological Survey By Richard Brenneman 02-23-2007

OUSD Land Sale Deal Declared Dead By J. Douglas Allen-Taylor 02-23-2007

High-Rise Tower Plan Proposed for Downtown By Richard Brenneman 02-23-2007

Joint Panel Readies Downtown Vision By Richard Brenneman 02-23-2007

Urban Ore Proposes Zero Waste Transfer Station for City By Riya Bhattacharjee 02-23-2007

Berkeley High Beat: Free Breakfast Program Premieres at Berkeley High By Rio Bauce 02-23-2007

Man Charged with Misdemeanors In Pacific Center Threats Case By Judith Scherr 02-23-2007

Students and Alcohol Policy Group Debate Drinking Laws By Judith Scherr 02-23-2007

Judge Denies Restraining Order in Woodfin Case By Judith Scherr 02-23-2007

Oakland School for the Arts Undergoes Administrative Overhaul By J. Douglas Allen-Taylor 02-23-2007

Police Blotter By Richard Brenneman 02-23-2007

Fire Log By Richard Brenneman 02-23-2007

An Open Letter to an Immigration Judge By Margot Pepper 02-23-2007

News Analysis: New Cold War With Russia Brewing Over Oil and Gas By Paolo Pontoniere, New America Media 02-23-2007

Oak Grove May Be Native American Burial Site By Richard Brenneman 02-20-2007

Oakland’s Inclusionary Housing Commission Under Fire By J. Douglas Allen-Taylor 02-20-2007

Sustainable Berkeley Contract Questioned By Judith Scherr 02-20-2007

DAPAC Tackles High-Rise Buildings, Parking By Richard Brenneman 02-20-2007

Berkeley High School Mourns denise brown at Memorial By Riya Bhattacharjee 02-20-2007

School Board to Review Homeless Youth Program By Riya Bhattacharjee 02-20-2007

Forum Planned for Reuse of UC Extension on Laguna St. By Riya Bhattacharjee 02-20-2007

City Planners to Review LBNL Long Range Growth Plans By Richard Brenneman 02-20-2007

Emeryville Council Finishes Hotel Worker Regulations By Judith Scherr 02-20-2007

ZAB Looks at Mental Health Services, Berkeley Iceland By Riya Bhattacharjee 02-20-2007

Columns

Column: Undercurrents: Some Thoughts on Sen. Barack Obama’s Presidential Run By J. Douglas Allen-Taylor 02-23-2007

Neighbors Riled About Plans to Develop Spring Mansion By Dave Weinstein, Special to the Planet 02-23-2007

John Hudson Thomas’ Legacy By Dave Weinstein, Special to the Planet 02-23-2007

Quake Tip of the Week By Larry Guillot 02-23-2007

Column: The Public Eye: ‘Just Say No’ Is Just Wrong By Bob Burnett 02-20-2007

Column: Why Visit India When You Live in Paradise? By Susan Parker 02-20-2007

Green Neighbors: Winter Native Flowers: Silk-Tassel and Leatherwood By Joe Eaton 02-20-2007

Arts & Events

Arts Calendar 02-23-2007

Arts and Entertainment Around the East Bay 02-23-2007

The Theater: ‘Sweeny Todd’ at Contra Costa Civic Theatre By Ken Bullock, Special to the Planet 02-23-2007

The Theater: ‘Cartoon’ Comes to Life at La Val’s By Ken Bullock, Special to the Planet 02-23-2007

Neighbors Riled About Plans to Develop Spring Mansion By Dave Weinstein, Special to the Planet 02-23-2007

John Hudson Thomas’ Legacy By Dave Weinstein, Special to the Planet 02-23-2007

Quake Tip of the Week By Larry Guillot 02-23-2007

Berkeley This Week 02-23-2007

Arts Calendar 02-20-2007

Arts and Entertainment Around the East Bay 02-20-2007

Green Neighbors: Winter Native Flowers: Silk-Tassel and Leatherwood By Joe Eaton 02-20-2007

Berkeley This Week 02-20-2007