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A young skater takes part in the city’s spring break skateboarding day camp at the park at Fifth and Harrison streets in West Berkeley.
Judith Scherr
A young skater takes part in the city’s spring break skateboarding day camp at the park at Fifth and Harrison streets in West Berkeley.
 

News

East Bay Tibet Stores Close to Protest Torch Relay

By Riya Bhattacharjee
Tuesday April 08, 2008

Posted Wed., April 9—As pro-Tibet groups and supporters of the Beijing Games engaged in a war of words during the Olympic Torch Relay in San Francisco today (Wednesday), Tibetans in Berkeley kept their businesses closed to join in a movement very close to their heart. 

A handwritten message greeted customers at Little Tibet, a curio shop on University Avenue, saying, “We are closed on April 8 and 9, sorry for the inconvenience.” 

Tsewang Khangsar, who owns Little Tibet, trekked across the Himalayas to escape from the Chinese occupation 47 years ago. 

Khangsar was one of thousands of Tibetan refugees from India to win a green card lottery in 1995 that eventually brought him to Berkeley. 

Next door at a shuttered Lhasa Salon, a “Why Care About Tibet?” poster with saffron monks rallying in the background left no doubts about where its owners could be. 

Signs encouraging passers-by to join the “Global Human Rights Torch Relay” to protest China’s crimes against humanity and free Tibet were plastered all over the desolate storefronts of sister stores Tibet Jewels and Cafe Tibet at 2020 University Ave. 

More than 160 groups from across the Bay Area rallied against the 2008 Olympic Games in San Francisco, the only city in North America through which the torch will pass during its journey spanning six continent and 150 cities. 

Students, local businessmen and families from Berkeley took the BART or drove to San Francisco as early as 6 a.m. to support either Tibet or the Beijing Games. 

Yiining Chan, a third year finance student from UC Berkeley, missed school to show his support for the torch relay at the Justin Herman Plaza in front of the Ferry Building. 

“It is sports for people from all over the world,” said Chan, who grew up in Hong Kong. “It’s about the Olympic spirit, there should be no relationship between the Olympics and politics.” 

Jessica Kali, who had braved the crowds on the MUNI’s underground trains disagreed. 

“I think it’s important for people of color to stand in solidarity with supporters of Tibet,” she said. “It’s up to us to pressure China to free Tibet. A lot of people think that China isn’t using the Olympics for political reasons, but it is. It’s using it to justify its power.” 

Yi, a Beijing Games supporter held on tightly to a “San Francisco Welcomes Olympic Torch” flag on the steps of the plaza. 

“My wife’s hometown is Beijing and we are very proud that the games are being held there,” he said. “We want to welcome this great moment. I think the protests are improper. It’s an insult to the Olympic spirit. When I read about how a protester hit a disabled torch career in France and grabbed the torch, I was very sad. We want this to be a peaceful event. We don’t want to talk about politics at a sports event.” 


Healthcare Union Challenges Parent

By Judith Scherr
Tuesday April 08, 2008

Posted Wed., April 9— The United Healthcare Workers-West members who met with the press outside the San Francisco Federal Building Tuesday are in a fight—but this time it’s not with their corporate bosses. 

Five executive board members of UHW, the 150,000-member union that is part of the Service Employees International Union, filed a lawsuit in federal district court Tuesday against SEIU President Andrew Stern and other high-ranking SEIU officials. The plaintiffs say the international is trampling on their free-speech rights in an attempt to prevent them, as members of the UHW, from pushing for a debate on union democratization, including the direct election of union officers, at the SEIU convention in June. 

“We’re a member-driven union that’s bottom up and not top down,” Martha Vasquez, a radiology technician and member of the UHW executive board told the press.  

“We’ve always been able to participate in decision making,” she said, accusing the international of muting the voices of the membership in its efforts to centralize the union. 

The lawsuit, filed by Oakland-based labor attorney Jonathan Siegel, says SEIU violated the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act by exercising conduct “designed to limit, inhibit and chill the exercise of [the members’] rights of free speech and equal participation as active members and advocates for democratic policies within their union.”  

It appears, however, that discontent within the UHW’s ranks has not spilled over to the city SEIU unions in Berkeley.  

James Wallace is a shop steward with Legacy 790, the union that is in the process of merging with what was formerly known as SEIU 535. Both are city employee unions and have become part of SEIU 1021. Wallace said that at first he and others in Berkeley did not like the idea of the merger. "We didn’t appreciate what was happening—it was forced down our throats," he said.  

But now he said he sees that the greater numbers mean a stronger position at the bargaining table. "We’re stronger together," he said, adding he is unaware of the problems within UHW.  

Asked whether the Berkeley city unions will have a voice at the SEIU convention in June, Wallace said they are sending two delegates. "I’m comfortable our voice will be heard," he said. 

The UHW lawsuit addresses the June convention directly and says some directives coming from the national union are intended to prohibit UHW from encouraging debate on the convention floor. 

“SEIU is at a crossroads. [UHW] has a right to participate in debate," Siegel said, accusing the parent union of having told UHW to take down its website.  

The suit says SEIU leadership wants to prevent the UHW from speaking out in support of a platform it wants to put forward at the June convention. The platform includes a demand for direct election by members of all international union officers, a guaranteed right for members to vote on contract proposals and collective bargaining agreements and the right of members to participate in and elect representatives to bargaining committees and more. 

Siegel underscored that the fight was not a clash of personalities between Stern and UHW President Sal Roselli. “It’s not a personal fight,” he said. The workers “should have their voices heard.” 

Specifically, the lawsuit says that SEIU ordered the UHW to take down its website, www.seiuvoice.org, which had outlined the group’s platform, at the same time that it put up a website of its own, seiufactchecker.org.  

“SEIU has denied plaintiffs the right to campaign concerning their convention resolutions and positions regarding policy matters by repeatedly instructing the UHW to ‘take down’ their website,” the suit contends, “while utilizing International Union funds to maintain their own website which sets forth distorted and false claims concerning the positions of the UHW in these matters.” 

UHW also claims that the international has threatened to place the union under trusteeship “which would include the removal of the plaintiffs as convention delegates.” 

UHW was formed in 2005 when two locals, 250 in northern California and 399 in Southern California agreed to merge. It makes up about 10 percent of the SEIU membership. 

Siegel said the international has 20 days to respond to the lawsuit. If they don’t respond satisfactorily he said they may seek a preliminary injunction so that UHW delegates can go to the convention in June and fight for their platform. 

The international union did not return calls for comment on this story by deadline. 

 


Sewage Spills into Aquatic Park

By Riya Bhattacharjee
Tuesday April 08, 2008

Posted Tue., April 8—A sewage spill discovered at Bayer Healthcare's Berkeley campus at noon Monday prompted the city’s Division of Environmental Health to prohibit human contact with water in a section of the Berkeley Aquatic Park. 

City officials told the Planet Tuesday they would be able to disclose the spill amount—consisting primarily of human feces—after receiving a report from Bayer about the incident. 

The city’s Environmental Health Manager Manuel Ramirez described the spill, caused from a city sewer pipe blockage, as fairly small. 

The environmental health department collected water samples from Aquatic Park today (Tuesday) morning to test for fecal coliform bacteria, which is present in human feces, and carries pathogens that could infect humans. 

Bayer officials informed the city’s environmental health department about a sewer release at the campus south of Building 14, at 800 Dwight Way, at 12:40 p.m. Monday, Ramirez said, after which a team went out to the site to meet with Bayer representatives to try to eliminate the overflow and contain the spill. 

“Some of the effluent reached a storm drain which feeds a basin that enters a wetland area of Aquatic Park,” Ramirez said. “We put up signs between Bancroft Way and Carlton to warn people to avoid contact with water. At this point the total spill amount or that of the effluent which reached the storm drain has not been reported. I know they were able to clear the blocking and took action to contain the spill between 2 and 3 p.m.” 

The area posted by the environmental health department includes the Dreamland children’s playground and the beginning of the disc golf course, where golfers often wade through water to rescue their discs. 

Bayer’s Berkeley campus, located next to the Aquatic Park, is the company’s global center for hemophilia and cardiology pharmaceuticals and manufactures Kogenate, a large protein pharmaceutical which treats hemophilia. 

The campus Community Relations Manager Trina Ostrander said the size of the spill was “fairly significant.” 

“It’s hard to give an estimate because it was flowing,” she said. “But the only thing that goes into the pipe from Bayer is human waste and clean water.” 

Ostrander said that a couple of Bayer employees had discovered the spill and notified the campus emergency response team. 

“Our environmental manager contacted the city,” she said. “The pipe is under Bayer property but it’s a city pipe so both the teams worked together to contain the spill.” 

The city’s Public Works Department is investigating the layout of the blocked pipe which carries sewer from the campus, Ramirez said. 

Calls to Public Works for comment from the Planet were not returned by press time. 

“Of course you don’t want a spill,” said the city’s Public Information Officer Mary Kay Clunies-Ross. “But the right people are on it taking the right step.”  

The water samples will be sent to a public lab to test for possible human sewage and the results will be available within the next two days, Ramirez said. 

“We are monitoring to make sure that the bacteria levels are below what could affect humans,” he said. “We are advising people to stay out of the water and will keep the signs up until the testing is completed and we know its safe to go into the water ... Some of these underground sewer pipes are quite old, although the city has done some updates.” 

 

 

 


Berkeley Skate Park Not All It’s Cracked Up to Be

By Judith Scher
Tuesday April 08, 2008
A young skater takes part in the city’s spring break skateboarding day camp at the park at Fifth and Harrison streets in West Berkeley.
Judith Scherr
A young skater takes part in the city’s spring break skateboarding day camp at the park at Fifth and Harrison streets in West Berkeley.

A five-year-old city skateboard park that was to cost $200,000 and ended up costing four times that amount today is splitting at the seams.  

Its cracks and crevices are filled in weekly by attentive park staff and a $40,000 facelift is planned for the end of the month. 

Now the city may ask taxpayers for another $2.2 million to replace the faulty structure with a new skate park. 

It’s not out of line to ask voters to rebuild the park, said Deputy City Manager Lisa Caronna, head of the parks department when the project was built. 

“This is our reality. It meets the needs of small and big kids and adults,” Caronna told the Planet Wednesday. “We can’t walk away from something so popular.” 

If placed on the November ballot and approved by voters, a $2.2 million bond would cost the average homeowner $3 per year. “If there were errors, should the city not be able to have a skate park?” Caronna asked. 

The city is currently trying to determine who is at fault for the deterioration and may pursue litigation against those responsible, Caronna said, referring the Planet to Acting City Attorney Zach Cowan for details on the investigation. Cowan did not return Planet calls. 

Various engineers, designers and builders worked on the project over eight years, including Doug Fielding’s Association of Field Users, the Site Design Group of Carlsbad, San Francisco-based URS Corp., an engineering company also engaged in defense contracting owned by Richard Blum, husband of Sen. Dianne Feinstein and Altman General Engineering of Yuba City. 

At one point the city itself took the lead on the project, Caronna said. 

Contracts and details of the work of each company were in storage and unavailable until after the Planet deadline, according to Public Information Officer Mary Kay Clunies-Ross. 

 

History of problems  

Problems with the skate park go back to the purchase of the land from UC Berkeley in 1999. The San Francisco Chronicle reported in December 2000 that the parcel was the site of a former shoe factory and other reports noted that UC Berkeley had disposed of toxic soil on the parcel.  

At the time of purchase, Councilmembers Diane Woolley and Kriss Worthington questioned the $2.8 million purchase of the 6.4-acre site destined for the skate park and two soccer fields, arguing that the city should have done more research into toxics issues before buying the land.  

Another concern was that the groundwater table was high, which created problems when digging out the skate bowls.  

On Nov. 17, 2000, almost as soon as work began on the park bowls, one of which was to be nine feet deep, crews discovered hexavalent chromium (chrome 6) in the groundwater. Contractors had installed a pumping system to keep ground water from entering the bowl. 

It is now believed that the toxic plume may have been drawn under the skate park due to the action of the pumps. The chrome 6 was thought to have originated with Western Roto Engravers Color-tech, a block away. By 2000, the company had ceased to use the chemical, but it was known to be in the soil. 

City watchdog LA Wood wrote in a November 2000 commentary in the Planet: “It doesn’t take a hydrologist or toxicologist to understand this blunder, just a few facts and a little common sense. The ABCs of real estate say that before a property known to be contaminated is purchased, that either the buyer or the seller requests a Phase One technical site review which … also addresses off-site concerns. Such a study reduces the likelihood of being blindsided and stuck with the cleanup costs, such as those associated with the “newly” discovered toxic plume.” 

He continued, “If the zoning process had been conducted responsibly in 1998, a complete Phase One would have been performed at Harrison, if only to legally affirm the assumptions put forth in the re-zoning of the site for recreational use.” 

The city decided to have the park redesigned above the water table. 

Karen Craig, a member of the Disability Commission, wrote the Berkeley Voice in December 2000: “I do not believe raising the level of concrete will be the answer. Do we want our kids skateboarding in concrete bowls that supposedly cover up contamination?” 

Craig said Doug Fielding, first a lobbyist and then a contractor for the project, should share the blame. 

“Doug Fielding, who convinced the city to okay these parks and playing fields, has the contract to build the park through the Association of Sports Field Users. He still claims the concrete will protect the kids from contamination. I didn’t believe him the first time and I don’t believe him the second,” she wrote. 

The redesigned park held its grand opening Sept. 15, 2002, but was shut down three months later, when city workers again found low levels of chrome 6.  

A city press release announcing the June 7, 2003 re-opening of the park stated: “The city has cleaned and tested the skate park to assure that chrome 6-contaminated-water infiltration occurring last winter will not affect the use of the facility during dry weather ... The city has also retained a geotechnical consulting firm to determine why the groundwater has penetrated the skate park despite a design that should have prevented this situation. In addition, this firm will propose long-term solutions to prevent such an event from happening in the future.” 

 

Problems continue 

Still, problems persist. While chrome 6 is no longer a problem, Scott Ferris, recreation manager, told the Planet on Friday that he saw the cracks and crevices at the park when he came to work with the city two years ago.  

“It’s gotten a lot worse in the last two years,” Ferris said, noting that skate-park specialist A.J. Vasconi General Engineering of Concord has a $40,000 contract to work on the park, beginning at the end of the month. That fix will not be permanent—it is expected to last about two years, Ferris said, noting that the funds will come from the Public Works Emergency Fund. 

“We don’t know where the problems are coming from,” Caronna said.  

Toxics Manager Nabil Al Hadithy said he would hazard an educated guess, but underscored that he is not an engineer. 

“The cracking has nothing to do with the ground water,” Al Hadithy told the Planet Friday. It is likely either a faulty design of the structure or the use of poor materials or both, he said, explaining that the ground water should be able to infiltrate the structure without cracking the concrete.  

LA Wood told the Planet Friday that there’s plenty of blame to spread around, but the bottom line is that the city should have had better oversight. 

“This is city government at its worst,” he said. 


Group Marks 40th Anniversary of King’s Death

By Riya Bhattacharjee
Tuesday April 08, 2008

A small but dedicated crowd turned up to mark the 40th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King’s assassination by reading aloud his “Letter from a Birmingham Jail” at the downtown Berkeley Public Library on Friday. The event coincided with the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Youth Council’s National Day of Nonviolence, started nine years ago by the organization’s former director Jamal Bryant to encourage youth to fight against community violence.  

“Back in 1999, there was an increase in violence, brought about by the shootings of artists such as Tupac and Biggie,” said Berkeley NAACP youth council advisor Denisha DeLane. “I remember being at the table when we created the day of non-violence, and almost a decade later, violence still lives and breathes. Attacks on Liberation Theology and what Rev. Jeremiah Wright said at the pulpit scare me. He doesn’t have to be everybody’s pastor but he’s somebody’s pastor. People are hurting, they feel rejected.”  

DeLane said that Dr. King’s letter, written in 1963, dealt with issues plaguing society that persist today. “Violence, crime, misogyny, sexism—it’s still out there,” she said. “Shootings and stabbings have increased in South Berkeley. One of my former classmates was shot by a young man in Berkeley two weeks ago. Unfortunately, we find ourselves gathering at the site of funerals and it’s not until the next funeral that we have another dialogue again.” Community leaders and local clergymen took turns reading from King’s letter, which was a rebuttal to a statement made by eight white clergymen from Alabama. In response to their belief that the battle against racial segregation was meant to be fought in the courts and not in the streets, what King said was that civil rights could not be won without forceful, direct actions. “This ‘Wait’ has almost always meant ‘Never,’” he wrote.  

“And people are still telling us to wait today,” Berkeley councilmember Kriss Worthington told the Planet after the reading. “It’s a very powerful message. Sometimes social movements of the past can get people involved in social changes of today. Dr. King and the Civil Rights Movement won some victories but the struggle still continues. America is not anywhere close to equality and fairness.”  

Berkeley Organizing Congregations for Action (BOCA) lead organizer Belen Pulido-Martinez said that the community had to take the first step to bring about change.  

“I work with young people from Berkeley High School who are involved in gang activities and violence,” she said. “I don’t think we need more police, I think we need more after-school activities, a safe place for them to go and do something constructive. How come in Berkeley we have three senior centers and not even one youth center?”  

Several meetings with Mayor Tom Bates and the city’s Parks and Recreation Department led to BOCA youth getting a small space at the West Berkeley Senior Center for themselves. PG&E recently donated a building downtown to the Berkeley YMCA for a teen center, scheduled to open next year.  

“We need more stuff like that,” Pulido-Martinez said. “We need a place for girls of color to go and dance for free. It’s something they love to do but can’t afford to pay for.” Rev. Byron Williams, pastor of the Resurrection Community Church in Berkeley, echoed her thoughts.  

“The hopelessness that was there when Dr. King died is pervasive even today,” he said. “People marched, people bled, they took on police dogs, they got civil rights legislation, but the economic condition put them in a second-class citizenship. Our current economic situation makes things just the same. It’s good to have the right to vote and fair housing, but what good is fair housing when you can’t afford it?”  

Jamaul Thomas, who had been trying to sell his R&B CDs outside the library gates, followed Rev. Williams to the reading.  

“It’s hard,” Thomas, 22, said. “When young people don’t have anything to do, they will find something to do. And more often than not, it’s bad things. What we lack today is a role model, somebody to guide us through times.”


Portions of Oakland’s Strip-Search Policy Ruled Unconstitutional

By J. Douglas Allen-Taylor
Tuesday April 08, 2008

A U.S. District Court judge has ruled that the Oakland Police Department’s street strip-search policies are generally constitutional—though portions of it are not—but trials in individual cases must be held before the court can determine whether constitutional rights have actually been violated. 

The March 27 ruling in Darnell Foster v. City of Oakland by Judge Marilyn Hall Patel of the Northern District of California came in response to lawsuits filed in several cases by the law firm of Oakland attorney John Burris. The lawsuits involved on-the-street strip searches of suspects conducted by Oakland police officers.  

One part of the ruling—in which officers must use a higher standard of proof to trigger a search—involves street strip searches only, and does not prevent officers from patting down suspects for weapons. In addition, it does not affect strip searches inside jail facilities, which have a different purpose and standard. The judge also ruled that the more invasive body cavity searches cannot be performed by Oakland police at all, but must be performed by trained medical personnel. 

The Oakland city attorney’s office has not yet decided whether to appeal. 

The Burris law firm says that that at least 32 plaintiffs have filed lawsuits against the City of Oakland and its street strip search policies in recent years. 

Ben Nisenbaum, an attorney with the Burris law firm, said he was pleased with the judge’s ruling, saying that it may lead to representatives of the Burris firm sitting down in negotiations with OPD officials “to develop a policy that will meet constitutional requirements.” 

Randolph Hall, chief assistant to Oakland City Attorney John Russo, said that the city attorney’s office “felt that the decision was a clarification of the city’s strip-search policy. This is a fairly new area, and there was no case law” for the judge to refer to. “We welcomed the judge’s clarification.” 

Hall added that regardless of whether the city decides to appeal, the Oakland Police Department “will apply the standards set forth by the court.” 

At issue in the cases was what circumstances should trigger a strip search by the police department, how much privacy should be afforded the subjects of such a search, and what type of personnel should conduct certain aspects of such searches. In her ruling, Patel said that established case law does not touch the area of strip searches by police on the street. 

The Foster case involves three plaintiffs—Darnell Foster, Rafael Duarte, and Yancie Young—all claiming their constitutional rights were violated during strip searches. 

Foster says he was stopped by Oakland Police Office J. Festag on School Street in the winter of 2004, questioned about his probation or parole status, and that after he was handcuffed, Festag “forced Foster over the hood of the vehicle.”  

Foster said Festag then “pulled [his] pants and underwear down to his knees” and “search[ed] around Foster’s testicles using his [latex] gloved hand. The officer also spread Foster’s buttocks and visually searched Foster’s anus, stating ‘I’m going to do a butt-crack search, see if you got crack in your butt-crack.’”  

Foster says no narcotics were found, and he was issued a citation for “loitering with the intent to sell narcotics.” That charge was dismissed when the arresting officers failed to show up for Foster’s criminal court hearing.” 

Duarte was stopped by unidentified Oakland police officers in March 2005 while he was riding with a friend in North Oakland. According to Duarte’s complaint, he was subject to a search in front of the police car in which “the officers pulled down Duarte’s pants and ordered him to bend over. Duarte’s buttocks were spread, permitting visual inspection of his anus. No contraband was found, but Duarte was placed in the rear of a police vehicle. The officers then performed a strip and visual body cavity search on Duarte’s friend. That search also yielded no contraband. During the searches of the two men, a crowd had begun to gather around the scene, including some people with whom Duarte was acquainted. The individuals witnessed the searches of both men.” 

Duarte says he was cited, but no charges were ever filed against him. 

Young says that he was stopped by OPD Officer William Bergeron while he was driving on West Street in West Oakland in the fall of 2003, and that Bergeron said he smelled marijuana in Young’s car. According to Young’s complaint, “Bergeron then took Young to the back of a police car. While facing Young, he pulled down Young’s pants and underwear, revealing Young’s genitalia. Then Officer Bergeron shined a flashlight directed at Young’s genitalia, visually inspecting Young for up to a minute. Officer Bergeron next performed a pat-search of Young, ordered Young to remove his shoes and felt Young’s private area through his pants.” 

Young said that no drugs were found, even after police did a canine search of his car, and that no charges were filed against him. 

Patel made no ruling on the merits of the claims in individual cases. 

In its 1998 policy on “Strip Searches, Visual Body-Cavity Searches, and Physical Body-Cavity Searches,” the Oakland Police Department defined three types of body searches: strip searches (“any search that requires the officer to remove or arrange some or all of a person’s clothing to permit a visual inspection of the subject’s underclothing, breasts, buttocks, or genitals”), visual body cavity searches (“a search which consists of the visual inspection of the subject’s rectal cavity and, if the subject is a female, vagina,” but not the mouth), and physical body cavity searches (“a search which consists of the physical intrusion into a body cavity for the purpose of discovering a concealed object”). 

In her ruling, Patel denied the plaintiffs’ claims that the 1998 policy was unconstitutional in many of its aspects, but did rule that the policy was “unconstitutional insofar as it allows physical body cavity searches to be performed by someone other than a medical professional.” 

OPD’s 1998 policy was amended in 2004. Patel ruled that the 2004 amendments were in general constitutional, but that the 2004 amended strip-search policy was “unconstitutional to the extent that it allows strip searches of any kind in the field to be performed on less than probable cause.” 

The 2004 OPD strip-search policy said that such searches could be done in the field if the officer had “reasonable suspicion to believe the arrestee is hiding or concealing evidence, a weapon, or contraband.” 

In a telephone interview, Nisenbaum explained that under “reasonable suspicion,” a police officer in Oakland could conduct a strip search under Oakland’s policy “if they observed someone give money to another individual and receive a package in return, that the transaction occurred in an area known for drug activity, and that one of the individuals is known to have been involved in drug transactions in the past.” 

Ni7senbaum said that “probable cause is a more heightened standard,” requiring that a witness such as a police officer actually observe a crime being committed, rather than inferring from an activity that it must have involved a crime. 

Under Patel’s ruling, street strip searches can now only be conducted by Oakland police if a witness actually observes a crime being committed. 


June 1 Demolition Will Pave Way For Trader Joe’s Building

By Richard Brenneman
Tuesday April 08, 2008

Demolition of the strip mall at the corner of University Avenue and Martin Luther King Jr. Way will begin June 1, said developer Chris Hudson. Some preliminary dismantling of the building is already visible. 

However, the city has yet to issue the final demolition permit, the last step legally required before the wrecking ball can wreak its havoc, and the city’s approval of the project still faces a court challenge.  

Leveling of the strip mall that once housed an auto parts store and a pet supply shop is the first stage in the construction of the project popularly known as the Trader Joe’s building, but more formally named The Old Grove, after the previous name of MLK Way.  

Hudson discounted rumors that the five-story, block-long project had been canceled, with only the popular grocery store to go into a remodeled mall. 

“We’re working on the project right now,” said Hudson. “Nothing has changed, and everything is on track.” 

The project will feature four floors totaling 148 apartments above a ground-floor grocery store and parking area. 

The city’s approval of the project is still the subject of a civil lawsuit filed by project neighbors on Berkeley Way, the residential street bordering the planned building on the north. 

Steve Wollmer of Friends of Berkeley Way said a decision on the litigation is due in the weeks ahead. 

His action would return the building permit application to city officials for review of two key issues involving parking and traffic. Traffic to and from the store is expected to peak at times when commuter traffic is heaviest, and could fill up spaces in the store’s indoor lot and spill over onto neighborhood streets, a long-time concern of neighbors. 

Controversy over the building’s size and mass was one of the main reasons cited by Zoning Adjustments Board members when they decided to form a subcommittee to examine the city’s density bonus policies and come up with proposals for drawing up a city ordinance. 

Later expanded by the City Council to include members of the Planning and Housing Advisory commissions, the panel came up with recommendations that will be considered by the Planning Commission for adoption Tuesday night. 

A key concern was that the structure was allowed to exceed size limits because city staff said the increases were justified by the developers adding parking for the grocery store, which staff had deemed a public benefit meriting greater size and more income-generating apartments. 

Members of the subcommittee favored a policy which would grant excess size only in return for adding new housing for low-income tenants. 

A second, less restrictive set of recommendations prepared by city staff is also up for consideration at the meeting. It is a repeat of the staff proposal that city councilmembers opted to adopt in November 2006 when confronted by a state ballot measure that would have radically restricted the ability of local governments to regulate land use. 

The council adopted the staff proposal as law, with a sunset provision that voided the law soon after the state measure failed. 

Another measure, Proposition 98, on the statewide June ballot, is behind the latest effort to adopt a sunsetting density law. Opponents believe that it could outlaw both local zoning and rent control under the pretext of banning the use of eminent domain to take private homes for development.  

Meanwhile, Planning Commission members will continue to work on the density ordinance on the premise that 98 will fail. A Berkeley committee, including some planning commissioners, is now forming to oppose Proposition 98 and promote Proposition 99 as a better, less restrictive alternative.  

 


School Board Discusses Re-Use of BHS Old Gym

By Riya Bhattacharjee
Tuesday April 08, 2008

The Berkeley Board of Education will discuss a report recommending adaptive re-use of the Berkeley High School Old Gym on Wednesday. 

The discussion—which will include public comments—is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. at the Old City Hall building, 2134 Martin Luther King Jr. Way. 

Friends Protecting Berkeley’s Resources—which sued the Berkeley Unified School District for what it called an inadequate environmental impact report on the demolition of the gymnasium and warm-water pool—met with school district officials and community members last month to discuss rehabilitation and re-use of the gym and the warm-water pool to settle the lawsuit.  

The lawsuit charged that the district had failed to consider feasible alternatives to demolition that could be developed to meet all or most of the district’s objectives and that the EIR “did not justify its findings.”  

Friends spokesperson Marie Bowman told the Planet that charette participants had discussed adapting the gym to meet the school’s academic and physical education needs as identified in the master plan. 

The district’s South of Bancroft Master Plan calls for the demolition of the nationally landmarked Old Gym to make room for a stadium and 15 new classrooms, with the option of relocating the warm-water pool to a site on Milvia Street.  

“We have determined that Berkeley High needs 14 classrooms to deal with its current space crunch,” the district’s Director of Facilities Lew Jones said. 

Four of those 14 classrooms are now located within portables at Washington Elementary School. The board will vote Wednesday on whether to construct six new portable classrooms near the high school’s softball field. 

If the district decides to follow its South of Bancroft Master Plan, then the portables will be used for the next five to six years, Jones said. 

“The first phase of the plan calls for the stadium to be built,” he said. “It would take around two years for the design and permitting process and construction itself would take 15 months. The second phase would be demolishing the Old Gym—which would take six months—and the third phase would be to build the classrooms. The board could also decide to modify the master plan after reviewing the charette report.” 

While some charette participants supported historic preservation of the Old Gym, others had concerns about its adaptive reuse. 

The report includes three different concepts, with the first proposing classrooms on the second floor and adding a basement to a piece of the Old Gym. 

The second concept—put forward by a group of people concerned about maintaining a league-sized softball field at the high school—would demolish a part of the building to accommodate the field and convert the north pool into a warm-water pool. 

The third plan calls for the demolition of the Donahue Gym, constructing classrooms on the first floor and converting the north pool into the warm-water pool. 

“All of these concepts are feasible, the question is whether they meet our program goals,” Jones said.  

He added that the district was required to listen to the outcome of the charette but were not legally bound to accept it. 

Bowman called the plan to demolish the Old Gym and rebuild wasteful, and said that since the building was now a national landmark, federal, state and private foundation funds were available for its restoration. 

Warm-water pool advocates were split between getting a bond measure passed for a new pool—which comes with a $15 million price tag—and preserving it. They are also exploring ways to convert the Milvia Street tennis courts into a warm pool but have not yet reached an agreement with Berkeley Unified about its use. 

The district hired Baker Vilar Architects to redesign the bleachers outside the track on Martin Luther King Jr. Way this summer and to create a timeline for the demolition of the Old Gym, which is not scheduled to start until 2010. 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Disability Advocates Settle Lawsuit with State Education Dept.

By Riya Bhattacharjee
Tuesday April 08, 2008

Berkeley-based Disability Rights Advocates settled a seven-year-old lawsuit with the state Department of Education Friday. In the settlement the state agreed to study the pass rate for special education students on the California High School Exit Exam. 

Disability Rights Advocates had charged the state with not giving students with disabilities fair opportunity to pass the test, which students must pass to graduate from high school. 

“It’s an invalid and discriminatory exam as applied to these students,” said attorney Roger Heller, who has been working on the case for the last two years. “The settlement will provide information about what changes will be made to the policy.” 

Heller said that the group had filed the lawsuit after talking to special education students and their families from all over the state. 

“They were not being given proper instruction and not being taught by teachers with the right credentials,” he said. 

All California public school seniors are required to pass the state exit exam—which tests basic math and English skills—to graduate since 2006. 

As a result of the ongoing lawsuit, high school seniors in special-education classes who met all other graduation requirements in 2007 received a diploma regardless of whether they passed the exit exam. 

The state legislature passed Senate Bill 267 in 2006, which ensured that students with documented disabilities could receive their diplomas, in response to the lawsuit. 

The bill includes certain procedural requirements students must meet in order to graduate. 

However, lawyers from Disability Rights Advocates failed to get disabled high school seniors an exemption from the exit exam this year, making it mandatory for them to pass it to qualify for a diploma. 

If pending legislation sponsored by Sen. Gloria Romero passes and is signed into law by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, special education students in the classes of 2008 and 2009 would be exempt from taking the exit exam. 

“It’s a state-wide issue,” said Berkeley Board of Education President John Selawsky. “Special education kids might have proficiency but there may be time constraints and processing issues which make it a problem for them to take the test. We try and accommodate them as much as we can. Some students will get more time, others will get special resources.” 

Berkeley High School is estimated to have around 200 special education students who go through Individualized Educational Programs (IEP) for need-based assessment, Selawsky said. 

“The goal is to get them out of special needs,” said district spokesperson Mark Coplan. “There are some kids who clearly don’t have the ability to successfully pass the exit exam. It’s important to look at each student to see what their capacity is, but again, the state laws govern that. We are still trying to determine, as a district, how to address that.” 

According to the settlement, the state Department of Education will hire a consultant to study the exit exam and prepare a report outlining findings and recommendations. 

The study will take into account seniors who have taken the exit exam with modifications and accommodations specified to their respective IEPs, but have not passed it, and who have satisfied or will satisfy all other graduation requirements. 

Students with disabilities and parents who have been affected by the state exit exam can complete the Disability Rights Advocates’ exit exam impact survey at 

http://www.dralegal.org/cases/education_testing/exit_exam_surveys/cahsee.


Chan Charges Hancock With Illegal Use of Officeholder Funds

By J. Douglas Allen-Taylor
Tuesday April 08, 2008

Former 16th District Assemblymember Wilma Chan has filed a complaint with the California Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) against 14th District Assemblymember Loni Hancock—Chan’s opponent in the race to succeed termed-out 9th District State Senator Don Perata—charging that Hancock has illegally used her assemblymember officeholder account to pay a campaign staff member. 

The Hancock campaign denies the charge. 

In their FPPC complaint, the Chan campaign says that Hancock for Senate 2008 Campaign Manager Terri Waller was paid some $15,000 for campaign work from the officeholder account between June of 2007 and March 14 of this year. Until she became Hancock’s campaign manager on the first of March of this year, Waller worked as a district director in Hancock’s 14th Assembly District office. 

California law has established officeholder accounts to pay for an officeholder’s political activities during their time in office, but not for specific campaign expenses, which are paid for by a separate campaign account. The officeholder accounts are donor-financed, and are regularly reported to the California Secretary of State, with contributions and expenditures posted on the Secretary of State’s website. 

Chan’s complaint says that Hancock compensated Waller from the officeholder account for “campaign consultant services,” and that Waller accompanied Hancock to four Senate endorsement interviews between December 2007 and February of this year. 

The complaint also says that Waller “introduced herself as the campaign manager during at least one Senate endorsement interview,” but does not give the date of that interview. 

Cliff Staton, a consultant with the Hancock campaign, says “there is no truth” to the allegations.  

Staton said that any work done by Waller prior to the first of March was in her capacity of district director and not as campaign manager. He also said that Waller was paid from Hancock’s officeholder account in March, but the payment was for activities Waller conducted for Hancock’s assembly office in February, before Waller became senate campaign manager in March. 


Fight Against Moth Spray Gains Boots on the Ground

By Judith Scherr
Tuesday April 08, 2008

The state agriculture department’s plan to eradicate the light brown apple moth (LBAM) “is like the 9-11 terrorist policy applied to agriculture,” Miguel Altieri, UC Berkeley professor of agroecology and an entomologist, told the Planet Monday. 

Altieri will be among the panelists to discuss the LBAM Thursday, 7-9 p.m., at the Ecology Center, 2530 San Pablo Ave. The event is sponsored by East Bay Pesticide Alert. 

Numerous cities and organizations are making plans to oppose the California Department of Food and Agriculture’s $75 million plan to spray the Bay Area in the summer in an attempt to eradicate the LBAM, which California Secretary of Agriculture A.J. Kawamura calls a “globalized pest.”  

(Repeated sprayings in future years are yet unfunded, USDA spokesperson Larry Hawkins told the Planet.) 

April 1, Richmond joined Berkeley, Albany, Oakland, Emeryville, El Cerrito and a number of Marin County cities in opposing the spray. Richmond also authorized its city attorney to join the other East Bay Cities already exploring legal remedies. 

And on Monday morning, a San Francisco Board of Supervisors subcommittee unanimously approved measures that will go to the full board, opposing the spray and authorizing exploration of legal remedies. 

The city of Alameda will take on the issue at its April 15 meeting. The North Coast River Alliance has engaged Oakland attorney Stephan Volker to take first steps in opposing the spray, by commenting on the scope of the state’s pending environmental review.  

When the state declared the moth infestation an emergency, it gained the right to do an environmental impact report at the same time it sprays, rather than before it sprays. A number of cities and some state legislators have called on the state to conduct the environmental review before spraying. 

At issue is the light brown apple moth, a non-native pest the California Department of Food and Agriculture says just arrived in California last year. They say the LBAM must be completely eradicated before it causes great damage to California agriculture—no damage has been noted to date—and spreads to neighboring states and countries.  

The CDFA’s view is at odds with those of a number of scientists, such as entomologist James Carey of UC Davis, who says the LBAM has existed in California for a long time without causing crop damage, and Altieri, who says it is impossible to completely wipe out the moth. 

Having characterized the situation as an emergency, the CDFA sprayed Monterey and Santa Cruz counties with Checkmate in September. The main ingredient in Checkmate is a synthetic pheromone, a scent intended to disrupt mating behavior and eventually eradicate the moth. The product, which contains inert ingredients, some of which, according to Albany’s Integrated Pest Management Task Force, are carcinogenic, is delivered through microscopic capsules.  

Some 600 residents of the Santa Cruz-Monterey area say the spray made them ill last year. Since the September spraying, organizations and cities have mounted campaigns to stop the spray.  

The CDFA is not sitting back idly as opponents gear up for a fight. Last week it distributed a paper written by members of the state’s Technical Working Group on the LBAM aimed at countering opponents’ arguments, and held a press conference via telephone where a number of CDFA “experts” reaffirmed the need to do aerial spraying. 

Asked if it were true that the moth has been in California for decades as some claim, the CDFA response was that the 2005 trapping data shows that the moth was absent in California at that time. 

The CDFA and U.S. Department of Agriculture have been conducting surveys for the last 20 years, said Vic Mastro of the USDA. “They were all negative,” he said. 

When the question of the spray’s adverse health effects in the Santa Cruz area was raised, the response was that the illnesses—shortness of breath, itching skin, digestive problems—were not shown to be associated with the spray. 

Mastro said the CDFA is testing new products in New Zealand for use in the Bay Area, which he said are being assessed for “efficiency, safety and feasibility.” They are not being tested in urban areas, Mastro said. 

If the CDFA didn’t spray, would the USDA go ahead and do it themselves? Osama El-Lissy of the USDA answered indirectly: “This is obviously an invasive pest,” he said. “We determined this is an emergency.” 

Scientists opposing the spray downplay the “emergency.” They include Altieri and Daniel Harder, executive director of the Arboretum at UC Santa Cruz, who co-authored a study, “Integrated Pest Management Practices for the light brown apple moth in New Zealand.” 

“We don’t need to be so alarmed about this pest,” Altieri said, arguing that predators such as the non-native trichogramma wasps will eat the LBAM’s eggs while not interfering with beneficial insects. There are native predators and sprays such as bacillus thuringiensis or bt, which are considered safe, he said. 

Altieri also said there should be a change in the way farming is done in California, which generally is to plant one crop only. When there is a variety of crops, beneficial insects are encouraged and harmful pests are kept under control without sprays, Altieri said. 

In his comments on the scope of the environmental review, attorney Volker, representing the North Coast Rivers Alliance, underscored the danger presented to waterways. Before conducting aerial spraying anywhere, “much less over rivers, coastal waters, and densely populated urban regions, CDFA must conduct a thorough and comprehensive review of potentially significant ecological and public health effects resulting from the spray, including toxicity to fish, wildlife and beneficial insects and human illnesses such as respiratory damage, allergic reactions, aggravation of preexisting conditions, and skin inflammation,” he said. 

 


Months Still Remain Before Richmond Casino Decision

By Richard Brenneman
Tuesday April 08, 2008

A federal decision on a plan to create a new North Richmond reservation for a landless tribe of Pomos who want to build a casino is months away, a federal official said Monday. 

The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) issued their final environmental impact statement on the project March 29, triggering a 30-day period for public and official comment. 

Once the comments are in, officials at the BIA’s Sacramento office will review them and prepare a record of decision that will, eventually, determine the fate of the Sugar Bowl Casino. 

Once the decision is forwarded to Washington, “it usually takes two or three months, especially for a decision like this, which is pretty controversial,” said Patrick O’Mallan, an environmental protection specialist for the BIA in Sacramento. 

But the record of decision is only one aspect of the approval process, said John Rydzik, chief of the BIA’s regional Division of Environmental, Cultural Resources Management and Safety. 

And while the full-scale casino project is listed as the preferred alternative, that doesn’t mean that will be the option selected, he added. 

Approval of the proposal would make the 181-member Scotts Valley band of Pomos the state’s only operators of a full-scale, Las Vegas-style urban casino. 

The Scotts Valley Pomos are a landless, poverty-stricken tribe, with a third of the band’s adults unemployed and 57 percent of tribe members receiving government assistance, according to the BIA. 

If the government approves the plan, the tribe would become owners of a 225,000-square-foot casino, along with its 3,549 parking spaces—2,044 of them in a five-level garage. The environmental impact statement estimates that 14,000 patrons would flock to the Sugar Bowl on a typical day. 

The casino complex would operate around the clock, and the complex would feature a 99,320-square-foot gambling venue with 1,940 slot machines, 55 table games and 13 Asian card games on the main casino floor, plus a poker room with 16 tables and a “high-roller” room with 60 slots, five table games and three Asian card games. 

Other features of the project include: 

• A 600-seat buffet, 

• A 120-seat full-service restaurant,  

• A 150-seat sports bar, 

• A 24,000-square foot events center capable of seating 1,500, and  

• Retail shops and an espresso bar. 

As proposed, the casino would hire 1,930 full-time and 342 part-time employees for an operation that would operate on a round-the-clock basis. 

While the project has drawn strong opposition from the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors and Assemblymember Loni Hancock, the City of Richmond has already signed an agreement with the tribe to provide their casino with police, fire and emergency medical services. 

 

Four proposals 

The Sugar Bowl was one of four proposals for full-scale East Bay casinos, with one in Oakland, another at Point Molate in Richmond and a proposal to turn the San Pablo Casino cardroom into a full-scale casino. 

The first proposal was to site a tribal casino and hotel complex on environmentally sensitive land near the Oakland airport, but it was withdrawn. 

The Point Molate project of the Guidiville Rancheria Pomos has stalled with the withdrawal of its major corporate partner, though an environmental impact statement is now in preparation based on plans for a hotel, massive casino and upscale shopping center. 

Rydzik said the draft enviornmental impact statement on the Point Molate project is now being finalized and could be ready for public review and a hearing in the next few months. 

Members of the Lytton Rancheria band of Pomos settled for slot-machine-like high speed bingo games in San Pablo after threats of federal action challenged the legality of a provision in federal legislation passed for the tribe which had backdated their title to the land. 

The speed of the electronic bingo games eventually installed in San Pablo proved enough like slots to significantly raise the Lytton’s gaming revenues, and they allowed their proposal for a Vegas-like casino to lapse. 

The high-speed machines have greatly expanded the casino’s revenues, with the city’s share under a negotiated agreement with the tribe accounting for 28 percent of San Pablo’s revenues for fiscal year 2007, an increase of nearly $2.7 million from the year before, according to the city’s annual financial statement. 

The casino also became the city’s third largest employer, beaten out by Contra Costa College by a one-worker margin. 

The promise of jobs won the tribe endorsements of many members of Richmond’s black clergy, who viewed the hope of employment as a counter to the poverty and violence that have wracked the city. 

Both the Scotts Valley Pomos and the Guidiville tribe who applied for the Point Molate casino were eligible to apply for off-reservation casinos because they had once had tax-exempt rancherias of their own which, the government later determined, had been illegally stripped of legal recognition by the federal California Rancheria Termination Act of 1958 and further legislation enacted six years later. 

The Scotts Valley band’s legal recognition was restored in 1991, but “without a land base,” according to the EIS. 

In their responses to the draft EIS circulated two years ago, critics of the casino project charged that establishing a new reservation in the East Bay would be inappropriate, given that the Miwok and Ohlone tribes typically ranged in the area. 

 

Alternatives, approvals 

The EIS examines four alternatives of the site, plus a no-development option, with the full-scale casino being the preferred choice. 

The others are: 

• A “reduced casino” complex and events center totaling 95,000 square feet with 1,140 full-time and 201 part-time employees serving 5,900 patrons a day. 

• A “reduced casino” of the same size as the second alternative, but without an events center, using that space for more gambling which would attract an estimated 11,300 daily patrons served by 1,187 full-time and 260 part-time workers. The site would also house a 68,150-square-foot retail and office complex would bring the total  

• Finally, the tribe could build a two-level, 248,000-square-foot regional office and retail center, with 332 full-time and 232-part-time employees. 

At least seven separate approvals would be needed before a casino could be approved, including the Secretary of the Interior’s okay for transfer of the 30-acre site into federal trust status on behalf of the tribal government. 

The Washington-based National Indian Gaming Commission would have to approve a set of gambling ordinances for the tribe, as well as its management contract with Richmond Gaming Ltd., the casino operator. 

The federal Environmental Protection Agency would have to issue a stormwater discharge permit and water quality certification, while the tribe would have to consult with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service about potential endangered species issues. 

Another consultation would be required with the state Office of Historic Preservation, though there are no likely landmarks involved, and a Contra Costa County encroachment permit would be needed to build a roadway, utility and drainage improvements along Richmond Parkway and Parr Boulevard. 

The EIS is available online at http://scottsvalleyeis.com./


Density, BRT Dominate Planning Commission Meetings

By Richard Brenneman
Tuesday April 08, 2008

Berkeley Planning Commissioners face back-to-back meetings this week where they’ll juggle two political hot potatoes on succeeding nights. 

Tuesday night, it’s a session to vote on temporary density rules that would govern the city’s developers should Proposition 98 pass during the statewide election in June. 

That measure, officially described as a law to restrict eminent domain actions designed to benefit private developers, casts a much wider net, with abolition of the state’s last vestiges of rent control being a target that has drawn big bucks from apartment owners and their lobbying groups. 

The two alternative measures being presented to the commission are the same ones presented to the City Council and passed before another eminent domain measure failed during the November 2006 election. 

The more restrictive of the two was created by a subcommittee created by the Zoning Adjustments Board and later expanded to include members of the Planning and Housing Advisory commissions. 

Councilmembers rejected that measure in favor of a more developer-friendly version prepared by city staff. 

One group which will be on hand to argue for the staff version is Livable Berkeley. Chair Erin Rhoades, has called for members to come out in support of higher density growth on transit corridors. She’s the spouse of former city Land Use Planning Manager Mark Rhoades, who is now a business partner in the for-profit Memar Properties development company of Ali Kashani, formerly the director of the non-profit Affordable Housing Associates.  

Erin Rhoades is also asking members to come out the following night, Wednesday, when the commission holds a joint hearing with the Transportation Commission on Bus Rapid Transit. “They need to hear from people who support BRT and want full consideration of workable design systems,” she wrote in an e-mail to members. 

Clarence Johnson, AC Transit’s media affairs manager, said Wednesday’s meeting is informational in nature, with the agency looking for public and city comment of the proposal which would create a bus-only transit lane from Berkeley to San Leandro along Telegraph Avenue and International Boulevard. 

One projected loop would take buses from Telegraph down Bancroft Way and into city center and the downtown BART station. 

“There are several possibilities” for design of the system, Johnson said. “None of it is set in stone at this stage,” he added. 

Both meetings begin at 7 p.m. in the North Berkeley Senior Center, 1901 Hearst Ave. 

 

Southside plan 

During the weeks ahead, planners will be reviewing another city plan and the key environmental documents for another. 

Commissioners are currently reviewing the Downtown Area Plan as they prepare their own recommendations for the City Council to consider alongside the original draft by the Downtown Area Plan Advisory Committee. 

They will also hold a hearing during their April 23 session on the Draft Environmental Impact Report on the Southside Plan, which has just been posted on the city’s website at www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/ContentDisplay.aspx?id=17998. 

That document also briefly addresses the Draft EIR that AC Transit prepared on four BRT options, two controversial variations of which would narrow heavily trafficked Bancroft Way to a single traffic lane.  

The project would also limit traffic on Telegraph Avenue, which has raised concerns of merchants and residents.


Chan Files Complaint Against Hancock Charging Illegal Use of Funds

By J. Douglas Allen-Taylor
Friday April 04, 2008

Posted Mon., April 7—Former 16th District Assemblymember Wilma Chan has filed a complaint with the California Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) against 14th District Assemblymember Loni Hancock—Chan’s opponent in the race to succeed termed-out 9th District State Senator Don Perata—charging that Hancock has illegally used her assemblymember officeholder account to pay a campaign staff member. 

The Hancock campaign denies the charge. 

In their FPPC complaint, the Chan campaign says that Hancock For Senate 2008 Campaign Manager Terri Waller was paid some $15,000 for campaign work from the officeholder account between June of 2007 and March 14 of this year. Until she became Hancock’s campaign manager on the first of March of this year, Waller worked as a district director in Hancock’s 14th Assembly District office. 

California law has established officeholder accounts to pay for an officeholder’s political activities during their time in office, but not for specific campaign expenses, which are paid for by a separate campaign account. The officeholder accounts are donor-financed, and are regularly reported to the California Secretary of State, with contributions and expenditures posted on the Secretary of State’s website. 

Chan’s complaint says that Hancock compensated Waller from the officeholder account for “campaign consultant services,” and that Waller accompanied Hancock to four Senate endorsement interviews between December 2007 and February of this year. 

The complaint also says that Waller “introduced herself as the campaign manager during at least one Senate endorsement interview,” but does not give the date of that interview. 

Cliff Staton, a consultant with the Hancock campaign, says “there is no truth” to the allegations.  

Staton said that any work done by Waller prior to the first of March was in her capacity of district director and not as campaign manager. He also said that Waller was paid from Hancock’s officeholder account in March, but the payment was for activities Waller conducted for Hancock’s assembly office in February, before Waller became senate campaign manager in March. 

 


Oakland Plans Reception Honoring Robeson on his 110th Birthday

By J. Douglas Allen-Taylor
Friday April 04, 2008

Posted Sun., April 6—The City of Oakland will honor the legacy of Paul Robeson—one of the giant figures in American History—with an April 9 City Hall reception on the 110th anniversary of his birth.  

Robeson, the son of a minister escaped from Southern slavery, was a nationally famed athlete, singer, and film and stage actor, but he made his greatest mark as one of the leaders of the protest movement against injustices against African-Americans. His protest work bridged the gap between the W.E.B. DuBois and Marcus Garvey eras and the beginning of the 1950's-1960's civil rights movement. Robeson spoke in the Bay Area many times during his career, particularly at the University of California, and had many close ties and associations in the area.  

The 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. April 9 reception in the rotunda of Oakland City Hall will include speeches by ICLWU Executive Committee member Clarence Thomas and Oakland Mayor Ron Dellums, an excerpt presentation by English playwright Tayo Aluko of his newly written Paul Robeson play, and a performance by the Vukani Mawethu Southern African choir.  

Oakland's City Hall rotunda is the site of a month-long photo and memorabilia exhibit on Paul Robeson, his life and his accomplishments in sports, art, and protest, which will end April 30th. The exhibit is sponsored by the Bay Area Paul Robeson Centennial Committee. 


Group Marks 40th Anniversary of King Assassination

By Riya Bhattacharjee
Friday April 04, 2008

Posted Sat., April 5—A small but dedicated crowd turned up to mark the 40th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King's assassination by reading aloud his Letter from a Birmingham Jail at the downtown Berkeley Public Library on Friday. The event coincided with the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Youth Council's National Day of Nonviolence, started nine years ago by the organization's former director Jamal Bryant to encourage youth to fight against community violence.  

"Back in 1999, there was an increase in violence, brought about by the shootings of artists such as Tupac and Biggie," said Berkeley NAACP youth council advisor Denisha DeLane. "I remember being at the table when we created the day of non-violence, and almost a decade later, violence still lives and breathes. Attacks on Liberation Theology and what Rev. Jeremiah Wright said at the pulpit scare me. He doesn't have to be everybody's pastor but he's somebody's pastor. People are hurting, they feel rejected."  

DeLane said that Dr. King's letter, written in 1963, dealt with issues plaguing society that persist today. "Violence, crime, misogyny, sexism—it's still out there," she said. "Shootings and stabbings have increased in South Berkeley. One of my former classmates was shot by a young man in Berkeley two weeks ago. Unfortunately, we find ourselves gathering at the site of funerals and it's not until the next funeral that we have another dialogue again." Community leaders and local clergymen took turns reading from King's letter, which was a rebuttal to a statement made by eight white clergymen from Alabama. In response to their belief that the battle against racial segregation was meant to be fought in the courts and not in the streets, King said was that civil rights could not be won without forceful, direct actions. "This 'Wait' has almost always meant 'Never,'" he wrote.  

"And people are still telling us to wait today," Berkeley councilmember Kriss Worthington told the Planet after the reading. "It's a very powerful message. Sometimes social movements of the past can get people involved in social changes of today. Dr. King and the Civil Rights Movement won some victories but the struggle still continues. America is not anywhere close to equality and fairness."  

Berkeley Organizing Congregations for Action (BOCA) lead organizer Belen Pulido-Martinez said that the community had to take the first step to bring about change.  

"I work with young people from Berkeley High School who are involved in gang activities and violence," she said. "I don't think we need more police, I think we need more after-school activities, a safe place for them to go and do something constructive. How come in Berkeley we have three senior centers and not even one youth center?"  

Several meetings with Mayor Tom Bates and the city's Parks and Recreation Department led to BOCA youth getting a small space at the West Berkeley Senior Center for themselves. PG&E recently donated a building downtown to the Berkeley YMCA for a teen center, scheduled to open next year.  

"We need more stuff like that," Pulido-Martinez said. "We need a place for girls of color to go and dance for free. It's something they love to do but can't afford to pay for." Rev. Byron Williams, pastor of the Resurrection Community Church in Berkeley, echoed her thoughts.  

"The hopelessness that was there when Dr. King died is pervasive even today," he said. "People marched, people bled, they took on police dogs, they got civil rights legislation, but the economic condition put them in a second class citizenship. Our current economic situation makes things just the same. It's good to have the right to vote and fair housing, but what good is fair housing when you can't afford it?"  

Jamaul Thomas, who had been trying to sell his R&B CDs outside the library gates, followed Rev. Williams to the reading.  

"It's hard," Thomas, 22, said. "When young people don't have anything to do, they will find something to do. And more often than not, it's bad things. What we lack today is a role model, somebody to guide us through times." 


June 1 Demolition to Pave Way For Start of Trader Joe’s Project

By Richard Brenneman
Friday April 04, 2008

Demolition of the strip mall at the corner of University Avenue and Martin Luther King Jr. Way will begin June 1, said developer Chris Hudson. 

Leveling of the strip mall that once housed an auto parts store and a pet supply shop is the first stage in the construction of the project popularly known as the Trader Joe’s building, but more formally named The Old Grove, after the previous name of MLK Way. 

Hudson discounted rumors that the five-story, block-long project had been canceled, with only the popular grocery store to go into a remodeled mall. 

“We’re working on the project right now,” said Hudson. “Nothing has changed, and everything is on track.” 

The project will feature four floors totaling 148 apartments above a ground floor grocery store and parking area. 

The city’s approval of the project is still the subject of a civil lawsuit filed by project neighbors on Berkeley Way, the residential street bordering the planned building on the north. 

Controversy over the building’s size and mass was one of the main reasons cited by Zoning Adjustments Board members when they decided to form a subcommittee to examine the city’s density bonus policies and come up with proposals for drawing up a city ordinance. 

Later expanded by the City Council to include members of the Planning and Housing Advisory commissions, the panel came up with recommendations that will be considered by the Planning Commission for adoption Tuesday night. 

A second set of recommendations prepared by city staff is also up for consideration at the meeting. It is a repeat of the staff proposal that city councilmembers opted to adopt in November 2006 when confronted by a state ballot measure that would have radically restricted the ability of local governments to regulate land use. 

The council adopted the staff proposal as law, with a sunset provision that voided the law soon after the state measure failed. 

Another measure, Proposition 98, on the statewide June ballot, is behind the latest effort to adopt a sunsetting density law. Opponents believe that it could outlaw both local zoning and rent control under the pretext of banning the use of eminent domain to take private homes for development.  

Meanwhile, Planning Commission members will continue to work on the density ordinance on the premise that 98 will fail. A Berkeley committee, including some planning commissioners, is now forming to oppose Proposition 98 and promote Proposition 99 as a better, less restrictive alternative.


Another Peet’s for Downtown, Underground, with Sippy Cups

By Judith Scherr
Friday April 04, 2008
The downtown Peet’s at the corner of Shattuck Avenue and Kittredge Street will soon be joined by 
                                              another a block away in the BART station.
Judith Scherr
The downtown Peet’s at the corner of Shattuck Avenue and Kittredge Street will soon be joined by another a block away in the BART station.

Commuting Peet-o-philes will no longer have to trudge the block or so from the downtown BART for their morning cup o’ joe.  

Come June, there will be a new Peet’s—Berkeley’s seventh —snug inside the downtown BART station. 

At first glance one might think that Peet’s and BART mix more like oil and water than coffee and milk, especially given BART’s hardline April 1 press release reminding riders: “BART police officers will ticket riders who eat or drink in the paid area,” that is, inside the gates and on the trains. 

But that does not worry Mark Lukin, president and CEO of Metropolitan Coffee and Concession, the company that’s putting Peet’s into eight BART stations around the Bay. 

The answer, Lukin says, is Metropolitan’s specially designed no-spill reusable thermal-plastic sippy cup—like the ones you see toddlers sucking on—a cup that riders could take on trains with BART’s blessing. Advertisers would subsidize the cups and Metro Coffee Peet’s outlets would take a dime off each drink they pour into one of the special sippy cups. 

“You can invert it and shake it,” Lukin said, noting that BART Board President Lynette Sweet likes the idea.  

Sweet, who represents part of Berkeley, told the Planet Thursday, “I think the sippy cup would be a wonderful addition.”  

She said BART needs to catch up with the times, now that technology can provide a no-spill cup.  

“You can’t ask people to buy the coffee, then give them a $250 fine for drinking it,” she said. 

Bob Franklin, who also represents parts of Berkeley on the board, said he needs more information on the cup. On the one hand, passengers sometimes ride the train for as much as 40 minutes and crave coffee. But on the other hand, they want clean trains. He said sippy cups are not spill proof—his toddler manages to spill liquids from his. 

As for the idea of Peet’s at BART? “It’s a good idea for a new source of revenue,” Franklin said, noting that the best places for them are at destination stations, where most people are coming into town in the morning, such as at Embarcadero in San Francisco or downtown Berkeley.  

Berkeley’s Economic Development Director Michael Caplan had not been contacted by BART and learned about the plan to put Peet’s in the downtown station from the Planet. He said the downtown has no quotas on coffee outlets. Some neighborhoods have a maximum number of certain kinds of businesses they permit. 

Although BART pays no property taxes to the city, Berkeley will benefit from Peet’s sales tax, just as it benefits from taxes on sales on UC Berkeley property. 

Asked whether Peet’s will be competing against itself and simply redistributing sales, Lukin told the story of a Starbucks in Portland that set up a second shop next to an established store.  

The second shop got the most sales and the original one increased its sales, he said, suggesting that could happen in downtown Berkeley. 

Peter Keim, Peet’s general manager of wholesale and licensing, said he thought the company would find new customers.  

Peet’s at BART will have more than the standard coffee and tea to attract customers. There will be tables and chairs and plasma TV.  

Asked whether the new Peet’s will hurt business at Tully’s Coffee, just up the escalator from the planned BART cafe, Caplan said, “There’s over 80 restaurants and cafes [in the area]. There’s usually a lively competition.” 

Reed McCann, lead barista at Tully’s was a bit less upbeat. “Personally, I’m not so hot about the idea. But as long as they’re not Starbucks, I’m not complaining.” 

 

Other downtown news 

Berkeley’s not going to have to wait till the opening of the new Peet’s to see new life downtown. 

On Tuesday, Cody’s celebrated its move to Shattuck Avenue with a grand opening marked by music and, according to Caplan, a gift certificate presented by Cody’s new landlord, Townsend Properties LLC, to the Berkeley Public Library to purchase $500 worth of books from Cody’s. 

Nearby, accompanied by fiddle music from kids and adults, Freight and Salvage broke ground on its new $12 million home Tuesday.  

Caplan said they’ll start construction immediately, even though they still lack some $3 million they need for the building. 

And up the street, Staples has opened, with its formal grand opening slated for April 9, to be accompanied by a gift of $1,000 to the Berkeley Education Foundation. 

The news from University Avenue is not so good, with the 24-year-old Plearn Restaurant having lost its lease. Its owners declined to talk about it but are looking for new restaurant space nearby.


Hancock, County Officials Blast North Richmond Casino Plans

By Richard Brenneman
Friday April 04, 2008

A state legislator and county officials took sharp issue with the environmental documents prepared in support of a Lake County tribe’s bid to build a casino on industrial land in North Richmond. 

The Bureau of Indian Affairs has just released the final environmental impact statement on the Sugar Bowl Casino, planned to be built along a stretch of Richmond Parkway in the heart of one of the Bay Area’s most troubled communities. 

The Scotts Valley band of Pomos has filed for permission to take the site into trust as a reservation, the first critical step to winning approval to build a casino on the 30-acre parcel north of the intersection of Richmond Parkway and Parr Boulevard. 

The official responses released as part of the draft environmental impact statement (DEIS) on the project done two years ago and released last week in the final EIS, prepared by a private consultant hired by the tribe. 

The Sugar Bowl is one of two off-reservation casino proposals being floated for the Richmond area, with the second, at Point Molate, considered less likely after the withdrawal of Harrah’s, the major corporate sponsor. 

James D. Levine, the creator of the Point Molate project, is a donor to state legislator Loni Hancock’s campaign fund. 

Both projects involve tribes who lost their ancestral lands after the BIA launched a subsequently abandoned policy of “mainstreaming” tribal people in urban society through forced off-reservation schooling and loss of their reservations. Only such tribes are currently allowed to build off-reservation gambling spas. 

“[T]he DEIS does not take into account the basic concerns of the local community and fails to give a clear, complete and objective analysis of the proposal,” wrote Loni Hancock, who represents the area in the California Assembly. “I concur with the county’s concerns and support their opposition to the land acquisition.” 

Hancock said the draft statement “is simply incorrect” in claiming there is no connection between crime and gambling, ignoring new studies that “have shown strong correlations exist.” 

Of special concern, Hancock wrote, was the fact that Richmond ranked as the state’s most violent city, and the 12th most violent nationally, making the community “an already high-risk urban area.” 

The legislator cited national studies showing that compulsive gambling rates double when a casino arrives in a community, creating a population with documented “higher rates of domestic abuse, divorce and suicide.” 

Proposed mitigation measures, she said, “are woefully inadequate.” 

Hancock also questioned the study’s claim that the casino would create 2,108 new full-time jobs, and she raised health concerns related to the smoking that would occur on-site. Tribal reservations are exempt from state anti-smoking laws, though some tribes in other states have agreed to ban smoking in their casinos. 

Contra Costa County Supervisor John Gioia, who represents the county’s western district, provided a compendium of comments from county agencies, beginning with the comments that the environmental statement’s format is “dense, and the document is difficult for a reader to decipher.” 

 

Document glitches 

The final document came to the Planet in the form of a computer disk on which the document comprised a collection of computer files and folders in which key illustrations and figures were separated from the documents that they were meant to augment. 

BIA Environmental Protection Specialist Patrick O’Mallan said he was told that the consultants who prepared the document said that was the only way the files could be organized because of their size. 

This reporter has seen dozens of environmental documents, but has never seen one in which key parts weren’t assembled and which required extensive work by the recipient to make the document intelligible. The BIA offered to send a printed draft, which hadn’t arrived by deadline. 

The document itself was designed to be accessed only through a web browser, Firefox, installed on a minority of computers. 

 

County concerns 

County officials also charged that the EIS used a faulty study to estimate revenues that would be generated by the two casino proposals considered in the document, one a scaled-down version of the preferred alternative. 

The county letter charged that the report “substantially” overestimates casino profit margins, given the history of other casinos, and fails to consider interest costs as an expense against revenues. The county also charged that the report fails to provide an adequate basis for estimating revenues that will flow to the tribe. 

Annual payment to members of the Scotts Valley Pomos would be substantial in either case, with estimates ranging from $79,543 to $200,943. Additional revenues would flow to tribal operations and a tribal economic development fund, bringing the per-member revenues estimate range to between $389,762 and $984,620. 

Though the Scotts Valley Pomos lost their Lake County reservation, county officials say the initial environmental statement failed to document how many members had relocated to Contra Costa County and the broader Bay Area. The county also charges that the tribe was never located in the East Bay and thus has no traditional claim on the area. 

The county also charges that none of the plans fit within the uses prescribed by either the county’s general plan, the North Richmond Shoreline Specific Plan or the North Richmond Planned Unit Zoning Program, and the plans violate regulations governing site coverage, floor area and numbers of employees per acre. 

Conversely, county officials contend, the environmental document wrongly rejects development in the tribe’s traditional home in Lake County. 

Other concerns included seismic dangers, water quality and runoff, wastewater handling, housing and air quality. 

County officials also said the tribe’s environmental consultant had overestimated both total employment and salaries resulting from the casino, while failing to give adequate treatment to county-level em-ployment considerations as well as jobs for tribe members. 

Another concern of the county is loss of property taxes, which would run nearly $2 million for an equivalent structure built on non-exempt land. But since reservations are sovereign land, they are not legally part of the county and are thus exempt from property taxes. 

The county letter agreed with Hancock’s contention that impacts from pathological gambling had not been given adequate consideration, especially in light of national studies documenting the disproportional impacts of gambling on the young, the less-educated and the poor, populations found in large numbers in the West County area. The same studies also found higher rates of problem gambling among African Americans, who comprise a significant percentage of the surrounding community. 

The county charged that the study made “no attempt to quantify the problem of pathological gambling” stemming from the project, and called for a review of casino impacts on social problems, including mental health, alcoholism and other drug abuse, domestic violence, child abuse and neglect, elder abuse, truancy, divorce, crime, health problems and smoking. 

County officials said the report also failed to address or failed to give thorough consideration to transportation issues that the county had specifically requested the study to address, including impacts on railroad crossings, possible truck and traffic diversion, pedestrian and bicycle safety and a wide range of other traffic-related issues, including impacts of casino-related travel on a number of intersections and freeways. 

County officials rejected most of the report’s section on law enforcement problems, noting that the three casinos used for comparison were all located in rural areas, and not, like the Sugar Bowl, in the heart of a densely populated urban setting. 

The county also charged that the report failed to give adequate consideration to possible impacts on fire protection and emergency medical services. 

The county charged the report failed to a acknowledge an “irreversible significant change in community character” that would result, failed to address the full range of minority populations in the area and misused standard guidelines for estimating minority poverty levels. 

By contrast, the final EIS contends “there is no link between casino-style gambling and crime” beyond the increase otherwise expected by bringing more people into the area, and it also claim there is no correlation between the introduction of casinos and bankruptcies. Only 105 new cases of people seeking treatment for gambling problems are likely, the document contends. 

Despite the rather scathing critiques from local government, the environmental statement drew plaudits from the federal Environmental Protection Agency, which commended the BIA and the tribe for a “well-prepared document, including a thorough cumulative impacts section.” 

Duane James, manager of the Communities and Ecosystems Division of the EPA’s Environmental Review Office, wrote that his only concern was the document’s failure to address contaminants that might already be located in the soil of the project site and how these would be handled if any were found.


N. Shattuck Plaza Plan Resurfaces, Angering Foes

By Riya Bhattacharjee
Friday April 04, 2008

After almost a year-long hiatus, the North Shattuck Plaza is back—this time as part of the recently launched public review draft of the Berkeley Pedestrian Master Plan prepared by the city’s Public Works Department Transportation Division. 

The city’s plan describes a two-phase process for pedestrian plaza improvement on North Shattuck, which would first restrict vehicle access to Shattuck and Rose streets to ease congestion and, if that works, then construct a plaza. 

For project opponents, many of whom have considered the plaza long dead, its revival came as a surprise and in some cases shock. 

“It’s sneaky,” said North Shattuck resident Julia Ross, a member of the Live Oak Codornices Neighborhood Asso-ciation (LOCCNA)—a neighborhood group around North Shattuck—which passed a resolution opposing the plaza. 

“This thing seems to ‘die’ and then, whoooooops, here it is back again,” LOCCNA member Ruth Peyton wrote in an e-mail to the city’s Planning Department. “Cats only have nine lives; how many do ill conceived and unwanted projects have?” 

Principal Transportation Plan-ner Matthew Nichols, who worked on the master plan, defended the proposal. 

“Some people think we are trying to sneak it back in but that’s precisely why we have a public comment period,” Nichols told the Planet Wednesday. “We want people to tell us what they think about it.” 

The City Council was presented with an information report on pedestrian issues at the March 11 council meeting and a public workshop was held at a March 20 Transportation Commission meeting to get feedback on the draft plan. 

The city’s Transportation Department is accepting public comments until April 11, after which transportation staff will revise the plan based on public comment, conduct an environmental analysis, and bring it to the City Council for adoption. 

Initially proposed by retired UC Berkeley planner and Berkeley Planning Commissioner David Stoloff seven years ago, the $3.5 million North Shattuck Plaza project proposes to transform Berkeley’s Gourmet Ghetto streetscape by closing off Shattuck Avenue between Vine and Rose streets and constructing a pedestrian plaza on what is now a small strip of paved service road adjacent to shops on the east side of Shattuck. 

After the City Council approved a schematic design of the project in 2001, it was tabled due to lack of funds. Stoloff introduced an updated design to the community in 2006 and described the “pedestrian-friendly” promenade as a way to attract people and help neighborhood businesses thrive. 

While some North Shattuck residents and businesses complained that the plaza would increase trash, panhandling and parking problems, others welcomed the idea of a green spot on which to eat a slice of pizza from Cheese Board and relax. 

The debate turned bitter at several community meetings held last year to discuss the project, with some attacks bordering on the personal. Efforts were made to unite project proponents, neighbors and merchants last March but eventually that fell through. 

Calls from the Planet to Stoloff for comment were not returned. 

The city incorporated the North Shattuck plaza concept into its Pedestrian Master Plan after Stoloff’s plan was endorsed by the council in 2001, Nichols said. 

“We pulled in the traffic changes from the earlier proposal with help from the city’s traffic engineer, Peter Hillier, and our principal consultants, Alta Planning and Design,” he said. “We were aware of the controversies surrounding the plaza, but we thought it was fine to go ahead with it.” 

North Shattuck resident Art Goldberg called the plaza’s revival a “backdoor attempt. 

“We found out about this by accident,” he said. “Who looks at things like master plans anyway? And this one was 300 pages long.” 

Goldberg said he had turned in a petition with 1,128 signatures opposing the plaza to the Transportation Department Thursday. 

“The North Shattuck Plaza project would make our community vulnerable to massive residential high-rise development,” he said. “It would escalate rents putting many local businesses in financial jeopardy ... The worst part is city money is going to be used for it. Where is this money coming from anyway?” 

Former Berkeley councilmember Mim Hawley supported the project. 

“I would suggest we try to do it,” she said. “It’s an environmentally friendly plan to create a pleasant place up there. It will bring more people and be very good for the businesses there. I think people were fearing that parking would be taken away, but the plan is flexible. People are welcome to tell us how we could make it more inviting.” 

The city’s plan proposes to spend $100,000 on expanding the island at Shattuck and Shattuck Place to slow motor vehicles. 

“This is a complicated spot for traffic,” Nichols said. “Some people drive very rapidly, which can result in traffic safety problems. The goals of the pedestrian plan is to increase pedestrian safety and also to create a welcoming pedestrian plaza.” 

This draft plan analyzes pedestrian safety and recommends a prioritized list of capital projects and programs to improve safety and accessibility.  

The plan also recommends changes in the city’s zoning, design review process and capital project design standards to further improve the pedestrian environment. 

Nichols said that although Berkeley was the safest city of its size for pedestrians in California, an average of 137 pedestrian collisions take place in the city each year. 

As part of its short-term goal for North Shattuck, the city proposes to restrict vehicle access to Shattuck and Rose and place bollards for emergency vehicle access, at a cost of $1,200. 

“If the traffic diversion works, then our long-term plan is to build a plaza with pedestrian amenities, which are lacking there,” said Nichols. “However the final design details and costs have yet to be determined.” 

Both Goldberg and Ross said that the neighborhood had no complaints about traffic. 

The plan “is unnecessary and unwanted,” said John Coleman, manager of the upscale clothing store Earthly Goods on North Shattuck. “There is nothing wrong with the area as it is. This whole experiment to see whether the plaza works is a segue for future development. We don’t see how closing the streets will help traffic. It’s like those superfluous traffic roundabouts popping up on the residential streets right now. The city should focus on street repair instead.” 

 

The Public Review Draft of the Berkeley Pedestrian Master Plan can be viewed at: www.cityofberkeley.info/ContentDisplay.aspx?id=4078 

Public comments can be addressed to Kara Vuicich, Associate Transportation Planner, until April 11, 2008, at 981-7064 or by e-mail: KVuicich@ci.berkeley.ca.us  

Hard copies of the Public Review Draft are available at Berkeley’s public libraries.  

For the latest information on Berkeley’s Master Pedestrian Plan see www.altaplanning.com/berkeleypedestrianplan/index_files/Documents.htm


Officials Praise Work of City Commissions

By Judith Scherr
Friday April 04, 2008

Whether it’s searching for a new animal shelter site, preserving Berkeley’s architectural heritage, scrutinizing police conduct or making sure schools have emergency caches, commissions do much of the city’s hard work, city staff, commissioners and several councilmembers told the Planet Thursday. 

They painted a picture very much at odds with a San Francisco Chronicle front page story Thursday that depicted Berkeley’s citizen commissions as not worth their cost. 

While most told the Planet that commissions actually save staff work, Councilmember Gordon Wozniak says commissions create extra work and should be consolidated to save staff time and city funding. 

The city has 36 commissions, most consisting of nine members, each appointed by one councilmember. In addition, there are two advisory commissions to nonprofit business improvement districts, mandated by law, and a library board, which is a self-selecting group of five that oversees the library.  

Wozniak suggested that the Zero Waste Commission, the Energy Commission and the Public Works Commission could be combined. “Overall there are probably too many commissions. There is a lot of overlap,” he said. 

He also advised combining the Homeless and Mental Health commissions. (The Homeless Commission, however, is comprised of a number of formerly homeless persons and the Mental Health Commission includes two members from the city of Albany; some of the members are or have been mental health clients.) 

Tania Levy, who staffs the Zero Waste Commission, said the focus of her commission and the focuses of the Energy and Public Works commissions are very different. The Energy Commission looks at reducing energy uses, such as by introducing solar power or insulating homes. The Public Works Commission looks at streets and sewers. 

At present, she said, the Zero Waste Commission (once known as the Solid Waste Commission) is looking at reducing through reuse or recycling the goods that get into the waste stream. 

She said she agreed with Wozniak that staffing the commission is a lot of work. “But the commission is also doing a lot of work,” she said, citing the tasks before it: writing policy to ban plastic bags and figuring out how to remodel the transfer station to keep more re-usable and recyclable items out of the dump.  

“It’s a great commission with a lot of skills,” she said, adding that staff gets input it needs from the public through the commission. 

Ruth Grimes, who chairs the city’s Energy Commission, said she doesn’t know much about the functions of the Public Works and Zero Waste commissions, but, at present, her commission would have difficulty taking on new tasks. 

It is studying a proposal for Community Choice Aggregation, which, if adopted, would put the city in charge of supplying energy, in partnership with Oakland and Emeryville. The commission is also looking at alternative energy sources. 

The Energy Commission also serves as the board of directors for the nonprofit Community Energy Services Corporation, although the corporation and the city are moving toward cutting their ties.  

Scott Ferris, recreation manager, staffs the Parks and Recreation Commission and had nothing but praise for it. “The commission gets a lot of work done,” he told the Planet Thursday. 

The Parks and Recreation Department faces multiple choices on where to spend its limited funds. “The commission gives feedback to staff on how to proceed,” he said. For example, the commission visited San Pablo Park when new paths were under consideration and realized that the buildings at the park needed improvement, which they then requested. 

The commissions are conduits for public input, he said, Partners for Parks or the Path Wanderers come to the commission to lobby, rather than lobbying staff, he said. 

Councilmember Betty Olds has worked with the Citizens’ Humane Commission on animal-related issues. “They all love animals,” she said. One of its major accomplishments was getting a bond passed for a new animal shelter. 

“The commission has done a huge amount of work,” she said. 

Community Health Advisory Commission has worked tirelessly on issues related to inequalities in health between the more affluent Caucasians in the Berkeley hills and the working-class African Americans in the Berkeley flatlands. 

Anderson credits the commission for lobbying for the hypertension clinic and for looking at problems related to spraying to eradicate the Light Brown Apple Moth. 

Bill White chairs the Police Review Commission. He says the commission continues to be of great value to the community, even though the courts no longer permit open-door hearings on complaints against the police.  

The commission has most recently presented to council its findings on policy implications stemming from the theft of drug evidence by a Berkeley police officer. 

Currently the commission is investigating the shooting of a grandmother by a Berkeley police officer, looking at the department’s use of force and domestic violence policies. (The officer was responding to a domestic violence call.) 

The commission is also looking at policies relating to crowd control, in the light of complaints stemming from alleged police overreaction during recent demonstrations at and around the downtown Marine Recruiting Center. 

“A lot of hours are put into commission work,” White said. “We do it because we are concerned citizens.” 

 

 

 


Nurses, Sutter Health Conflict over RN Strike Success

By Richard Brenneman
Friday April 04, 2008

The ten-day strike of registered nurses (RNs) at Sutter Health’s Bay Area hospitals ended Monday with the start of the 7 a.m. shift. 

Whether the walkout was a success or not depends on whom you ask. 

Also in question is just how many members of the California Nurses Association (CNA) honored the picket lines and how many crossed over to keep drawing their regular paychecks. 

RNs at Berkeley’s two Alta Bates Summit medical facilities—the Ashby Avenue medical center and Herrick Hospital—walked out with the morning shift March 21, CNA’s third action since talks with the nonprofit chain’s hospitals had reached an impasse. 

The CNA, which represents RNs, announced in advance that the walkout would last ten days, while the two earlier one-day walkouts were extended to five-day lockouts by Sutter, which said the extended period was needed to attract temporary replacements. 

RNs rank at the top of the nursing hierarchy and typically have more required coursework for their degrees and greater responsibilities for patient care. 

According to information furnished by Sutter media representative Kami Lloyd, only half of Berkeley’s nurses joined the walkout, the same 50 percent reported at Eden Medical Center. Only nurses at Antioch’s Sutter Delta Medical had a higher rate returning to work, with 57 percent of nurses working all their regular shifts. 

According to management, the most militant nurses were at California Pacific Medical Center with only one in three crossing the picket lines. Those numbers also include nurses for the affiliated St. Luke’s hospital. 

But the Sutter statement is couched in ambiguous language, and while it describes CNA members as RNs, it uses only the word “nurses” in describing those who crossed the picket lines. 

When questioned by e-mail if their figures for returning nurses included LVNs and others as well as RNs, Sutter didn’t respond. 

“That’s a good question,” said CNA spokesperson Shum Preston, himself an RN. “We don’t know if their numbers include LVNs and CNAs and others.” 

Preston said “crossing the picket line was very rare,” and said union representatives reported 95 percent participation by members at all the hospitals affected by the walkout.  

While CNA’s first walkout was supported by licensed vocational nurses and other workers belonging the United Health Care Workers West, a subsequent dispute between the two labor organizations has since blocked cooperation. 

The rival union’s parent, the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), subsequently split from the AFL-CIO umbrella in July 2005, along with the powerful Teamsters, and the two hospital workers’ unions have emerged as bitter rivals nationally, where the CNA now organizes as the National Nurses Organizing Committee (NNOC). 

The NNOC has won votes in Nevada and Texas, becoming on March 29 in Houston the first union ever to win a hospital organizing election in the Lone Star State. 

CNA officials said the Sutter strike  

wasn’t about wages but about patient care standards and reductions in benefits, while Sutter charged that the walkout was about increasing union membership and clout. 

Sutter has insisted on separate contracts with member hospitals and hospital groups, and while CNA originally sought a master contract with the chain, the union subsequently shelved the demand. 

With neither side giving after the latest walkout, further walkouts could lie ahead. 

Sutter contends that five-year CNA members who work full-time evening shifts at Sutter’s Bay Area hospitals earn an average yearly pay of $142,350, premium-free health coverage for themselves and their families, a fully funded pension and supplemental health coverage during retirement. 

“Those numbers are pure fantasy,” said Preston. “We don’t know of a single nurse who makes that much. This just continues Sutter’s trend of lying about and attacking its own nurses.”


Activists Push Dellums to Fulfill Promise to 'Ban the Box'

By J. Douglas Allen-Taylor
Friday April 04, 2008

Under “friendly” but pointed pressure from community activists to fulfill a campaign pledge, Oakland Mayor Dellums has set a May 31 deadline to begin removing barriers to the hiring of formerly incarcerated people for City of Oakland jobs. 

In a statement read to a Tuesday afternoon Frank Ogawa Plaza “Ban the Box” rally, the mayor said that removing the requirement that job applicants reveal criminal convictions will begin in the city’s Public Works Agency, with other departments to follow. 

The “ban the box” slogan refers to the fill-in box on employment applications where applicants are asked to check if they have been convicted of a crime. Activists say an admission of a prior conviction knocks many, if not most, ex-offenders out of many jobs where their conviction status is not relevant, preventing them from making a living and in many cases forcing them back into criminal activity. 

Activists first began calling on Oakland to implement “ban the box” at a July 2004 Peace and Justice Community Summit held at Oakland’s First Unitarian Church on 14th Street, a few blocks from the City Hall site of Tuesday’s rally. At that time, Jerry Brown was mayor of Oakland. 

At a Maxwell Park Neighborhood Crime Prevention Council meeting in mid-March, Dellums told the council’s members that he had concentrated on his full policing plan in recent weeks, because “I wanted to take the police issue off the table” and move on to the issues of violence prevention.  

“Crime and violence are not solely a police issue,” the mayor said, noting that he now wanted to move forward “immediately” in the city to address the issues of “poverty, health care, education, and the revolving prison door. These issues have been neglected for a long time.” 

But at the City Hall rally of over 100 activists and community residents sponsored by Plan for a Safer Oakland—a coalition of organizations focusing on the issues of prisoners and the formerly incarcerated—speakers said they wanted to make sure Dellums’ “immediate” meant exactly what it said. 

Many of the participants held signs with such slogans as “Jobs Not Jails” or “Stop Discriminating in City Hiring.” 

Responding to the announcement of the May 31 deadline for removing the conviction question from Public Works jobs, rally emcee Tony Coleman, of All of Us or None and the American Friends Service Committee, said “we’ve been promised before. It’s good to hear, but we’re going to keep up the pressure.” 

In a press release for the event, rally organizers put the blame for the delay in implementation of Dellums’ “ban the box” promise on Oakland City Administrator Deborah Edgerly. While saying that Dellums had made the promise over a year ago to “remove the question about past convictions from city employment applications and to set aside city jobs for formerly incarcerated people,” Edgerly “has yet to implement this policy.” 

Privately, Dellums staffers tried to deflect the blame from Edgerly, who has announced her intention to resign. 

Dereca Blackmon, executive director of the Oakland-based Leadership Excellence youth training organization, told rally participants that activists would come back to City Hall on May 30, the eve of the Dellums deadline, to “visit.” “On June 2, we’ll hold another rally to either celebrate or take it to the next level.” 

Blackmon said that the “number one problem named by politicians is crime,” and that “the number one solution is opportunity.” 

Dorsey Nunn, an organizer with All Of Us Or None organization, said that the cities of San Francisco, East Palo Alto, Boston, Seattle, Chicago, and St. Paul-Minneapolis had all banned the prior conviction question on their city employment applications. 

“I wish Oakland had been the first to ban the box,” Nunn said. “We’re only asking them to do nothing more than other cities have done.”  

Nunn called the conviction question “structural discrimination,” saying it was the same as prior employment questions that “asked ‘Are you a Negro?’” 

Also speaking briefly at the rally was District 3 Councilmember Nancy Nadel, described by emcee Coleman as “a very good friend of us.” 

Nadel, who serves as chair of the city’s steering committee for re-entry of the formerly incarcerated, said, “We have been trying to ban the box in Oakland for years, but it wasn’t until we got this mayor that we started to get movement. This is the first time we’ve gotten a definite date” for implementation. 

Nadel ran against Dellums for Oakland mayor in the 2006 election. 

Nadel also praised Reentry Employment Specialist Isaac Taggart, saying he “is doing a fantastic job.” Taggart was hired by Dellums in January of this year to coordinate the city’s effort to integrate formerly incarcerated persons back into the city. 

Tying down the exact number of formerly incarcerated individuals in Oakland is difficult, according to Oakland-based Urban Strategies Council Chief Executive Officer Junious Williams Jr., but the number is enormous. 

Williams said that an estimated 6,000 individuals are released on parole into Oakland every year, with approximately 12,000 total parolees living in the city. He also said that there are 17,000 individuals on probation in Alameda County, 60 percent of them in Oakland. 

“We are not going to rebuild Oakland if we leave out large sections of the community,” Williams told rally participants. “If the pathway back into the community [from incarceration] is employment, then we have to have jobs. [Banning the box] is simple justice. It’s the right thing to do.” 


Tenants Rights Group Urges EBMUD to Keep Water Flowing

By Riya Bhattacharjee
Friday April 04, 2008

Advocates for tenants’ rights are hopeful that the East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) will keep the water running permanently in multi-family rental properties in foreclosure status and adopt a lien system to collect unpaid bills from landlords. 

EBMUD’s Board of Directors voted on March 25 to approve continuing a moratorium on suspending services to tenants in foreclosed properties where the landlord has stopped paying the bill, and asked staff to propose a timeline for a process to take care of delinquent bills. 

“We are going to be testing out a six-step process to make landlords pay delinquent bills for water services in foreclosed properties,” said EBMUD spokesperson Jeff Becerra. “Some of these steps include asking tenants to advise us if the property is foreclosed, contacting the county records office to check if the property is in foreclosure, and in the event of a foreclosure contacting the landlord or the lender in an attempt to get payment. In the meantime the water will still be turned on.” 

Becerra said the agency’s staff would test the process over the next couple of months and report to the board in summer. 

“The board decided not to go forward with the seventh step, the lien system, and asked staff to come back for a timeline for the process,” he said. 

Kim Ota of Just Cause Oakland, a local activist organization, had lobbied the board for a permanent moratorium and adoption of the lien system. 

“We are really glad they have put a moratorium, for the time being, on turning off water, but we still hope they will have a permanent policy in place for keeping the water running,” Ota told the Planet Thursday. “We are disappointed that they did not set up a lien system to keep the water on and collect the bill from the landlord. They are still asking tenants to pay the bill or holding them accountable, whereas these tenants have signed leases with their landlords in which the landlords are responsible for paying the bills.” 

EBMUD had not tracked termination of water services to tenants in foreclosed properties until board member Andy Katz brought it to their attention in December. 

“Just Cause called me last year and told me that EBMUD had turned off the water for one of their members who was renting property that had been foreclosed by Countrywide,” Katz said. “EBMUD’s policy was to turn off water in case of non-payment of bills. In a typical situation tenants don’t have control over water and turning the water off would mean no water for cooking, bathing or flushing the toilet.” 

Katz was able to get the water service running after it had been suspended for a day.  

“When the utilities are taken away, it makes the unit inhabitable,” said Ota. “It’s a way of illegally evicting tenants.” 

Berkeley, Oakland and San Francisco have “just cause” eviction laws which allow tenants to live in rental properties that are sold unless the new owner plans to convert its use or move in himself. 

Katz also proposed placing liens on rental properties to collect bills instead of turning off the water. 

“When a lien is recorded on title property it secures the debt owned to the creditor,” he said. “That way we can notify the current property owner that they have to pay the bill. However the board did not go ahead with it. EBMUD still needs to find a permanent system to collect the water bill without disconnecting water services.” 

The lien system is used by the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission. 

“It’s the best way for utility bills to get paid,” said Brenda Adams, an attorney with Oakland’s Eviction Defense Center who spoke in favor of the lien process at the EBMUD board meeting. “The moratorium should be permanent as well. There are tenants who have done nothing wrong ... low income families with small children and elderly people who are denied access to water. We live in a First World country, this should not be happening to us.” 

Adams said that EBMUD’s service suspensions also affected families in single family homes. 

“The point the board made was that renters in single-family homes were more capable of putting the water bill in their names,” she said. 

“That’s technically correct, assuming that they can afford it. Our clients can’t afford to do that.” 

According to Becerra, 23 multi-family properties, including one in Berkeley, had delinquent water bills in the EBMUD service area which stretches from Crockett to San Leandro. 

Katz said the number of service terminations had doubled from 2006 to 2007. 

“We have restored services to anyone who has come forward to us,” he said. “People can call 1-866-40-EBMUD for help. Our customer service staff is now aware of the problem.” 

 

 

 

 

 


Golden Gate Owner Sells Racetracks

By Richard Brenneman
Friday April 04, 2008

The company that owns Golden Gate Fields is splitting from its corporate parent, whose directors have been eager to strip their successful firm of its ties with the money-hemorrhaging gambling subsidiary. 

Magna International (MI) Development announced last week that it’s shedding its majority interest in Magna Entertainment Corporation (MEC), the darling of Frank Stronach, the auto parts magnate who chairs the boards of both firms. 

MEC shares had plunged over the last year from $4.50 Canadian to 34 cents Wednesday morning, though they rose a penny after news of the split spread. 

With attendance plummeting at race tracks, Magna Entertainment has been seeking with little success to add casinos—turning them into Magna Racinos—at its tracks across the country. 

In California, Magna has teamed with Los Angeles mall developer and Republican Party major donor Rick Caruso in its quest to add upscale shopping centers with housing above in vacant parking lots at Golden Gate Fields and Santa Anita. 

Plans stalled for the local mall after project foes won the swing seats on the Albany City Council. A ballot measure opposing the track won enough signatures for the ballot but never made it to the ballot because a successful court challenge found fault with the way public notice had been issued prior to the petition campaign. 

Caruso and Stronach are forging ahead with their Santa Anita project. 

 

Race track reorganization 

One positive sign for the racing company is that the scale of its losses has been diminishing, from 2005’s loss of $62.8 million to $38.1 million in 2006 and $18.8 million last year, according to the company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. 

According to the company’s annual report to the SEC, Golden Gate Fields took in $442.5 million in wagers last year, with revenues of $55.7 million. By contract, the Santa Anita wagering handle was just over $1 billion, earning revenues of $145.9 million. 

MI Development’s investors, led by Greenlight Capital of New York, had pushed for the spinoff of the racing arm of the real estate investment company, citing losses by Magna Entertainment for the six straight years, which had imposed what investors called an unfavorable debt burden on the parent corporation. 

Stronach, an Austrian citizen (and good friends with former Austrian citizen Arnold Schwarzenegger) lives in Canada, and he has fought repeated battles with his boards over his costly passion for the sport of kings. 

MI Development was itself created as a spinoff when investors in Magna International, Stronach’s highly profitable car parts business, grew frustrated with picking up his tab for his racing ventures. 

Magna Entertainment became the world’s largest single owner of racetracks, owning 12 tracks, 11 in North America and one in Austria at the end of last year. Four of the tracks had ceased operations, and the eight remaining tracks include three racing legends: Gulfstream Park in Florida and Laurel Park and Pimlico in Maryland. 

Under terms of the reorganization, the racing subsidiary would be sold to a legal entity designated by Stronach, and a limited partnership he heads would buy Magna Entertainment’s debt to its former parent, with Stronach and his investors throwing in $25 million of their own. 

In a statement, MI Development’s CEO John Simonetti said that internal dissension over the racing venture had sparked disagreements among board members for the past three years. 

“The reorganization proposal, which has expressions of support from both the Stronach Group and a majority of our public shareholders, appears to offer a new opportunity to reestablish a strong relationship with Magna International,” Simonetti said.  

Part of the reorganization includes the elimination of special stock categories that had given Stronach control over the votes of public investors. 

According to the MEC annual report, as of Dec. 31 the company had a working capital deficiency of $162.2 million, with $209.4 in debt coming due during 2008. The company has four tracks up for sale and has liquidated another proposed track in Dixon and a training track in San Diego County. 

 

Waves hits Albany 

“This is not surprising,” said Robert Cheasty, a former Albany mayor and environmentalist who was active in the fight against the Caruso mall at Golden Gate Fields. 

“This is just the latest example of the continuing financial meltdown of the racing industry which appears to have been accelerated by the real estate woes affecting the rest of the country,” Cheasty said. “I’m not surprised MI Developments would dump the tracks as they have proved to be exceedingly poor business investments.” 

“We expect the shock waves will hit the Albany shoreline as well,” he added. 


Youth Council Marks Anniversary of Martin Luther King Assassination

By Riya Bhattacharjee
Friday April 04, 2008

The Berkeley-Albany-Emeryville NAACP Youth Council will mark today (Friday) the 40th anniversary of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King by reading his Letter from a Birmingham Jail at the Berkeley Public Library on Kittredge Street. 

Students, local clergy and community leaders will take turns reading to the public to celebrate the NAACP National Day of Nonviolence, created in 1999 to encourage the nation’s youth and to fight against community violence. 

The list of people who will read includes Michael Miller, local educational equity advocate; Belen Pulido-Martinez, member of Berkeley Organizing Congregations for Action (BOCA) and Rev. D. Demetrius Prather, former NAACP National Board Member.  

Participants will also share in reciting the Martin Luther King pledge of nonviolence.  

The event will take place April 4, at the Berkeley Public Library, Central Location, 2090 Kittredge St. at Shattuck, from 1 p.m.–3 p.m. 

Contact Denisha DeLane at Baenaacp 

youth@gmail.com or call 332-0040, or go to 

www.myspace.com/baenaacpyouth


Lower Sproul Redesign, Eshelman Demo Planned

By Richard Brenneman
Friday April 04, 2008

UC Berkeley officials have called for new designs to transform the face of Lower Sproul Plaza, the less familiar portion of the university’s most famous public space. 

The plaza is located immediately to the west and down a flight of steps from the scene of the most famous event in the university’s history, the Free Speech Movement protests of the early 1960s that heralded the start of a decade of unrest on campuses across the nation. 

The request for proposals just posted on the university’s website calls for an architect to develop a master plan for design and construction of a revised plaza, including the demolition and replacement of Eshelman Hall along the lower plaza’s southern edge. 

The call for an architect follows a preliminary study completed in November which sketched out a variety of alternative designs, all of which called for the demolition of Eshelman. 

The other structures encompassing the site are: on the north, the Cesar Chavez Student Center; on the east, the Martin Luther King Jr. Student Union, and on the west, Zellerbach Hall. 

The request for architectural services and the 2007 study are both available online at www.cp.berkeley.edu/RFQ.html.


Code Pink April Fool’s Day Prank

By Riya Bhattacharjee
Friday April 04, 2008

Code Pink had the last laugh on April Fool’s Day, but the anti-war group preferred to call their little prank a “hope” instead of a hoax. 

The rumors circulating late Monday night about the Marine Recruiting Center at 64 Shattuck Square leaving Berkeley turned out to be what a lot of people had already suspected—an April 1 joke. 

Code Pink has been protesting since September against the recruiting station, which still has about a year and a half left on its lease. 

A fake press release announcing an amicable agreement between the Marines and their landlord Sasha Shamszad—complete with what purported to be quotes from Shamszad and Michael Applegate, director of the Marine Manpower Plans and Policy Division—was posted on web sites maintained by Code Pink and the nonpartisan coalition group AfterDowningStreet.org, among others, on Monday evening.  

“The phone was off the hook,” exclaimed Code Pink co-founder Medea Benjamin, who crafted the mock release. “Channel 2, Channel 7, CBS News ... They all wanted to know if it was true. We kept making excuses, because we didn’t want to say anything before April 1. Something like that makes sense on April 1, you know, not March 31. Channel 2 actually ran with the story Monday evening but corrected it later.” 

Last year, as an April Fool’s Day joke, Code Pink announced that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi had invited the group for tea after they had camped outside her house for a few weeks trying to speak to her.  

The Berkeley stunt, Benjamin said, was part of a national day of April Fool’s jokes aimed at bringing about positive change. 

Code Pink’s national leadership sent out an e-mail alert Tuesday morning with a letter from Rep. John Conyers detailing his heartfelt realization that impeachment hearings must begin.  

After that, AfterDowningStreet.org followed with an announcement that Pelosi had committed to stop any future bills to fund the war in Iraq.  

The 30 or so people who came out to hear landlord Shamszad and Applegate announce their agreement in front of the downtown Berkeley recruiting center Tuesday were not disappointed. Dressed in their signature cotton candy pink, Code Pink members played the roles of Shamszad and Marine Officer Peaceovic. 

“We are scaling down our manpower by 33 percent,” said Code Pink supporter Tigbe Barry, who was playing Peaceovic. “We will be scaling it down by 66 percent by April 15 and plan on full redeployment by April 30. This decision has nothing to do with the protests outside our recruiting station. We make decisions as part of a cost benefiting analysis of recruiting stations. We just came out with a national productivity study by office, and the Recruiting Center in Berkeley was in the bottom ten percentile. So even before we heard from our landlord, we had already made our decision to redeploy to a military friendly place.” 

“And where could that be?” asked a curious onlooker. 

“Tiburon, Tiburon,” chanted a few Code Pink members. 

No one from the recruiting office—which was locked and had its blinds drawn—came out to object to the make-believe press conference.  

“It’s open, but I don’t think they want customers right now,” said a Berkeley police officer. 

Code Pink spokesperson Zanne Joi popped a bottle of pink champagne along with Barry after the announcement. 

“Some call it April Fool’s Day, we call it hopeful April Day,” she said. “It’s a day to envision a world that’s not as crazy as today.”


Man Drives to Hospital after Being Shot in Berkeley, Expected to Survive

Friday April 04, 2008

Bay City News 

 

A man who sustained non-life-threatening injuries after being shot in broad daylight in Berkeley Wednesday drove himself to the hospital, police Sgt. Mary Kusmiss said. 

According to Kusmiss, Berkeley police received several 911 calls beginning at 12:22 p.m. reporting gunshots in the 3300 block of Adeline Street at Alcatraz Avenue. 

When officers arrived, they were told by witnesses that a white Ford Mustang convertible that may have had its windows shot out left the area soon after the gunshots were heard. 

The male adult victim, who was the driver of the Mustang, reportedly drove himself to the Alta Bates Summit Medical Center for treatment of a single gunshot wound to the lower part of his body, Kusmiss said. 

The wound did not appear to be life-threatening and the victim was transported to Highland General Hospital. Berkeley police officers went to the hospital to get information about the shooting, said Kusmiss, but the man would not share many details. 

Officers searching the scene found a bullet hole in an unoccupied vehicle parked nearby, said Kusmiss. 

“Daytime shootings in Berkeley are not common, and given the amount of vehicle traffic and pedestrian traffic—it’s the lunch hour, people going to shops—it’s a great concern to us and a great concern in the community,” she said. 

Some witnesses told police they saw a gray or silver Pontiac Grand Am leave the area around the time of the shooting, but police don’t yet know if there is a connection between the vehicle and the incident, according to Kusmiss. 

“We are appreciative of the witnesses that came forward and shared what they saw because each one shared a piece of the early investigation,” said Kusmiss.


Fire Log

By Richard Brenneman
Friday April 04, 2008

Garage blaze 

Firefighters battled early morning flames that demolished a garage at 939 Allston Way last Friday, a fire triggered by smoldering smoking materials im-properly disposed of, said Deputy Fire Chief Gil Dong. 

Firefighters caught the 911 call at 1:36 a.m., arriving to find the building fully ablaze. 

Damage to the structure was estimated 

 

at $40,000, with another $10,000 in losses to its contents. 

 

Autoclave immolation 

Berkeley firefighters rushed to UC Berkeley’s Northwest Animal Facility in the 1900 block of Oxford Street at 3:30 a.m. on the 23rd, arriving to find a piece of lab equipment ablaze. 

The fire, which destroyed an autoclave used to sterilize equipment, was triggered by equipment failure, said Deputy Chief Dong. 

Besides any damage that may have been caused by smoke or water, the loss was confined to the autoclave, he said.


Opinion

Editorials

Editorial: Learning From the King Legacy

—Becky O’Malley
Tuesday April 08, 2008

Reminders of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, 40 years ago on Friday, were everywhere last week. His sonorous voice was replayed again and again on every radio station—his picture was in every paper. For me, the most immediate and vivid memories of that dreadful week in 1968—indeed, of that whole dreadful year—came flooding back at the Tuesday farmers’ market, to which Full Belly Farms brought huge fragrant bunches of lilacs. 

Most people who lived through the several tragedies of the ’60s can tell you exactly where they were and what they were doing when they heard John Kennedy had been shot. For me at least the subsequent and accelerating shocks tended to run together, the details getting less and less vivid as they got closer together. So my memories of the week when Dr. King was assassinated are fragmentary.  

We were living then in an old former rooming house on a busy town street in the Midwest. With great effort, we’d dug up two ancient lilacs from the yard of a demolished house and transplanted them into our own tiny front yard to provide a welcome screen from the traffic. On April 4, 1968, they were in full and glorious bloom, earlier that year than usual, for the first time since we’d lived there. 

Blooming lilacs will always be linked in my mind with Walt Whitman’s powerful lament for Abraham Lincoln, also assassinated in April, When Lilacs Last in the Dooryard Bloom’d. We stayed home with our two small kids all that week, glued to the television as the horrifying events unfolded. At some point I pulled down from a high shelf my copy of Whitman’s Leaves of Grass, one of many masterpieces purchased but never assimilated when I was an undergraduate literature student. Whitman’s description of his overwhelming grief at losing Lincoln seemed to give voice to our own feelings. 

Everyone we knew was in mourning. One friend, a tough-minded self-sufficient woman (as one of the first women computer scientists, she had to be), called and said she was on her way over a noodle kugel. Why? I asked. It’s what we do when someone is sitting shiva, she said. 

Since I’d never known her to show the slightest interest in either cooking or religion, some explanation was in order. She told me about the Jewish custom of having a bereaved family stay home for about a week while their friends and neighbors come to pay calls, often with gifts of food, including noodle kugels, a traditional sweet comfort food, a kind of pudding made with noodles and often raisins. And she was right, we were all part of the same grieving family then, huddled together in our homes trying to make sense of what was happening, sitting shiva for a family member most of us had never met. 

As it happened, I had met Dr. King, just for a moment, in 1964. We spent just a day at the Democratic Convention in Atlantic City, to lend a little support to the Freedom Democrats who were trying to be seated as Mississippi’s delegates. Number One child was left with my parents that day, and I was hugely pregnant with Number Two, but we thought that at least we could contribute a little sign-waving and shouting to the cause. We encountered King having breakfast with a couple of associates in an ordinary cheap local restaurant. Those were still innocent days—no one worried that he might be in danger. I plucked up my courage, went over to his table and asked to shake his hand, and he graciously agreed. (I probably had some primitive belief that it would confer a special blessing on my unborn child. In truth, though she’s turned out to be a stalwart advocate for justice, so have the other two.) 

From all the King tributes I’ve seen this last week, one fact which I’d never thought about before jumped out at me. Martin Luther King was only 39 years old when he died. From my current vantage point, that now seems amazingly young, considering what he accomplished: younger than two of my children are now. When he died I was only 28 myself, so 39 seemed to be middle age or worse, but it now seems like the trailing edge of youth.  

This perspective makes the fabricated “experience” dispute between the Democratic presidential candidates look even sillier. It’s clear that Obama is no green kid—he’s plenty old enough to be expected to continue his already impressive accomplishments if elected. But that doesn’t mean that Hillary Clinton is too old just because she’s sixty. Like many of us, she devoted a substantial part of her energy in her younger years to her spouse and child, but she’s still got plenty to spare for the public good—look at Nancy Pelosi, who had five kids before she got into gear in public life. It’s time for both candidates to stop drawing imaginary lines in the sand and get on with the serious work of the nation.  

And how have the rest of us done with getting on with the important things in the forty years since King died? We’ve had more years than he had on earth to get a few more jobs done.  

On the plus side, legally-sanctioned discrimination on the basis of race is gone. Many informal social barriers have fallen—many of us are now part of mixed-race families like Barack Obama’s. But the playing field has not yet been levelled for all Americans. As Obama pointed out in his landmark address, economic and other scars of slavery still oppress many of the descendants of slaves.  

And sadly the other two scourges to which Martin Luther King devoted his short life are still with us: war and poverty. The current violence in Iraq is starting to seem even worse, even more pointless, than the war in Vietnam which he so eloquently denounced. The Memphis sanitation workers King went to Memphis to help did get their union, but it’s still a weak one—their current pay and benefits are not much to boast about. People like them at the bottom of the economic ladder are still not making it. 

We have a few new problems, too, the precipitous decline of the climate of Earth chief among them. Even if Martin Luther King had lived and worked until today, there would still be plenty to do. Though we need saints and heroes like King to inspire us, for the hard jobs still ahead we also need to keep in mind the exhortation in the old spiritual: “Keep your hand on the plow—hold on!” Translated for the post-agricultural, that means we need to push ahead steadily in a straight line without wavering if we want to accomplish our goals. King probably knew that song well, and it’s still good advice. 


Editorial: Over-the-Top Chronicle Has Finally Topped Out

By Becky O'Malley
Friday April 04, 2008

Habits die hard. For almost all of my adult life, or at least as soon as the kids were old enough to fend for themselves at breakfast, I’ve enjoyed taking to my bed with a cup of coffee and the morning paper while it’s still too early to talk to anyone in a civilized way. Of necessity, we’ve stuck with the San Francisco Chronicle all these years, since we just aren’t that interested in reading a lot about Contra Costa County or San Jose. The New York Times is fine for national news, but the last time we subscribed it was delivered at 10 at night, tempting us to stay up too late reading it, and now it’s easier to read it on the Internet anyhow.  

The Chron has made my mornings go faster and faster over the years by squeezing its newshole almost dry, so that a quick reader can now suck down the whole paper in less time than it takes to drink one cup of coffee and eat one piece of toast. One could see that as a plus, perhaps.  

And furthermore, I’ve never believed that it was right to cancel subscriptions to publications just because you disagreed with something you read there. I’ve put up with a lot of Debra Saunders all these years because she’s a good writer and tells me about points of view I might otherwise miss.  

But. It finally might be the time to draw the line. The piece by Carolyn Jones on the prominent upper-left hand side of the front page of Thursday’s Chronicle was easily the worst piece of so-called journalism I’ve seen in a formerly respectable mass-circulation publication in all of my long life. Before I’d even finished my 10-minute Chron read, the Planet’s experienced City Hall reporter was calling me at home before 8 a.m., which she’s never done before, hoping fervently to be able to change her assignment for Friday’s paper so she could do a piece setting the record straight. Of course!  

The topic of the silly story?  

Here’s the headline and subhead: 

 

COST OF BERKELEY’S DOZENS OF CITIZEN BOARDS  

Officials say city gets sidetracked by work of 45 commissions 

 

Now, I know that reporters don’t write heads. So let’s look at the lead: 

Berkeley is finding that having its own foreign policy isn’t cheap. The city’s recent dustup with the U.S. Marine Corps has so far cost the city more than $200,000, while businesses say they’ve been slammed by related protests. 

“And that’s on top of the $1 million the city spends annually on domestic and foreign policy matters hatched by its 45 citizen commissions, which outnumber those in virtually every other city in America and debate everything from regime change in Iran to the plight of non-neutered dogs. 

Can’t anyone over there do math? Forty-five commissions, a million bucks—that’s about $20,000 per commission, providing the city with the unpaid labor of about 400 citizens, many of them professionals with much more experience and much better education than the overpaid city employees whose jobs they often do for them. A million dollars would pay for between five and 10 city employees, especially when salaries are burdened with the lavish pensions public employees have negotiated for themselves lately. It wasn’t citizen commissions that sunk Vallejo.  

The Planning Commission, just as one example, currently boasts architects, attorneys, Ph. D. planners and political scientists, all working for absolutely free. I’ll leave the documentation of what the other commissions actually do to our reporter, but the lazy journalism in the Chron article is breathtaking. Almost every word on the front page of the paper is conclusory rather than factual, and it doesn’t get any better on the jump.  

The silliest thing about the piece is the way it jumbles up legitimate misgivings about the cost of policing the dueling Marine protests with completely off-the-point sui generis attacks on our citizen commission system. The dig about the non-neutered dogs is particularly stupid. For Berkeley’s many pedestrians and bicyclists, roaming horny canines could present more of a problem than potholes, and of course animal lovers in every city are a vocal constituency that has to be reckoned with. 

Gordon Wozniak, District 8 councilmember, is poorly served by this sloppy piece, even though it seems that the reporter was doing her best to make him look like a hero. Wozniak was disturbed by the wording of the resolution on the Marine Recruiting Center that the council passed, or at least by the trouble it caused, and his original solution was to ask that resolutions which originate in the city’s Peace and Justice Commission get considered at two council meetings instead of the current one.  

Critics, however, countered that councilmembers should instead take responsibility for reading everything they vote on more carefully. Now Wozniak has changed his proposal to a much more sensible one, asking that city staff do a better job of posting commission information, including putting agendas, minutes and background documents on the Internet, so that both council and citizens get the facts in a timely manner before crucial votes. No one could object to that. And Wozniak never proposed getting rid of Peace and Justice, despite the Chronicle’s provocative headlines and leads to the contrary. 

The reporter also repeats, with absolutely zero documentation, the urban legend that boycotts caused by the brouhaha about the Marines cost the city of Berkeley dearly in lost revenues. Our reporter has already checked this out, as reported in previous issues of the Planet, and it just ain’t so. But the Chron piece rehashed all of the discredited reports again on Thursday, citing as Exhibit A the possibly canceled golf tournament in Tilden Park.  

One more time, for all you reporters who live in Marin but report on Berkeley: Tilden is part of the East Bay Regional Park District, far from any Berkeley commerce, and the city hasn’t lost a penny in either fees or revenues from any comings or goings of golfers there. And none of the other legends check out either. 

The new executive director of the Berkeley Chamber of Commerce, an amiable fellow who just blew into town from San Diego, once again allowed himself to be quoted knocking Berkeley in this story, again totally data-free: “We’re very concerned about the effect this is having on business.” What effect might that be?  

Well, perhaps it should be someone’s job, perhaps even the Chamber’s or the Chronicle’s, to document the relative change in property values lately between Berkeley and, for a random example, San Diego. Guess what? A whole lot of people are still eager to buy into Berkeley at top dollar, even as home prices elsewhere are dropping like rocks. This isn’t even necessarily the good news—houses here are still too expensive for many of the people we’d like to see moving to town—but it’s the truth, not idle speculation.  

And most of our commercial districts are still coining money despite the recession and certainly despite the minor fuss caused by the demonstrations. Does the reporter ever go to Fourth street, or Solano, or College Avenue, or even Telegraph? Berkeley is continuing to get plenty of revenue from commerce, despite all the whining about homeless people and peaceniks which the Chronicle delights in promoting. Our bond ratings continue to be golden. 

So we’ll miss Jon Carroll, but we’ll see him on the Internet. (I once tried to hire Jon for Pacific News Service when he was looking for work and I was an editor there, but I was overruled by a higher power who thought he was too frivolous.) Otherwise, I think it’s finally time for Berkeleyans to save a few trees and send the Chronicle a message: We’re tired of being the butt of fictitious opinion pieces mislabeled as reportage.  

I just did a quick fact-check, and found out that at our house we’re paying about 20 bucks a month for the privilege of having this dribble delivered to the porch. And here’s the beauty part: The “promotional” rate for Chronicle subscriptions is only about 10 dollars a month anyhow.  

So anyone who can’t quite give up their daily newsprint fix forever has a nifty way of making the point. Cancel now, while you’re mad, and then if your addiction gets the best of you re-upping will only cost you half as much as before. (Their number is 415-777-7000).  

You can even spend the money you save taking out supportive ads in the Planet if you’re so inclined. 


Public Comment

Letters to the Editor

Tuesday April 08, 2008

• 

HAPPY SOWING 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

The Bay Area Seed Interchange Library of the Berkeley Ecology Center will be holding our first Bay Area Homegrown Tomato Show-Off. So keep track of which varieties you are planting and plan on bringing some of your first and best (Non-Hybrid) tomatoes to the Show-Off on Saturday, Aug. 9 at the Berkeley Farmer’s Market’s Tomato Tasting Celebration. 

Seeds will be saved to be shared through The Seed Library. Be a part of finding, saving, sharing and adapting seed that does well in our special heat challenged climate. Also through seed saving we are reclaiming a crucial part of the sustainability cycle and offering an antidote to the corporate buy-out of world seed companies. Plus you’ll get to show off the fruits of your labor and be eligible for groovy raffle prizes. May your gardens prosper! 

Terri Compost 

Bay Area Seed Interchange Library 

 

• 

INSTANT RUNOFF VOTING 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

Our two-party system is really unfair and disenfranchising. Watching the Clinton-Obama battle over superdelegates makes me think how much fairer our elections would be if we went to instant runoff voting. Everyone could rank all the candidates—regardless of party.  

Steve Geller 

 

• 

PROTESTS 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

A reserved parking space for protesters in front of the recruitment office that stands a block away from the nearest station of a world-class mass-transit system and a major intersection served by several bus lines? 

The U.S. military is in Iraq for oil—first and last. Anything else—like weapons of mass destruction (WMD in Iraq? Check Pentagon receipts.), overthrowing a hostile regime (are fewer Iraqis in jail with U.S. forces than under Hussein?), spreading democracy, liberating the Iraqi people—is window dressing. Congress and the White House are using the U.S. military as a private security force for the oil industry. 

A reserved parking space to protest the wasteful and insane oil war is reminiscent of those who converged upon Universal Studios to protest Martin Scorcese’s The Last Temptation of Christ. Rather than taking the bus that runs along Ventura Boulevard right past Universal Studios, the protesters drove their cars and parked in Universal’s lot, paying thousands of dollars in parking fees to the Studio—effectively canceling out their protest. 

Every time we turn the key in the ignition, we’re dropping more money in the oil industry’s pocket and keeping our troops in an oil-rich region. 

However, we can break our habit of wide-spread car ownership by walking, bicycling, hitch-hiking, taking public transportation, foregoing all motorized recreation and leisure driving, voluntarily rationing gasoline by driving fewer days a week, driving no faster than 55 mph (During World War II, the United States had a national speed limit of 35 mph to save not only fuel, but rubber, for the troops.), etc.—all of which would go a long way toward reducing oil consumption, having less pollution, and a better, stronger, and more open society. 

We can protest the lying war machine without driving around town. 

Michael Lang 

 

• 

TRAFFIC CIRCLES VS.  

TRAFFIC BLOCKERS AND  

NEIGHBORHOOD CHOICE 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

History should not be ignored. About two decades ago, during the height of the crack epidemic, residents near the intersection of Fairview and California streets had severe problems with fast cars. Barriers were busted through, and when the “staple” (low steel under-carriage device) between the barriers was installed, some drivers went up the curb and drove on the sidewalk to go east from California Street onto Fairview. The installation of some permanent pillars on the sidewalk finally cut out that option. Fairview became a quiet street. 

The questionnaire justifying the traffic circles did show initial support for some in the neighborhood. But whether or not you supported “enhancing” your neighborhood, the survey only gave choices for first or second priority for each intersection; the only way to indicate you wanted any particular intersection left alone was to provide no answer, which was the response in 36 percent to 41 percent of the cases. The highest first priority rating was an uninspiring 44 percent.  

Some residents at the Fairview and California intersection got assurances that the barriers would remain in place even with the circle installed. Instead, the barriers were moved to the side. Now the city has gone to the expense of removing the “staple” and painting the road and posting signs saying, in effect, “don’t drive through here.” People who drive in a legal fashion may obey that, if they figure it out with the confusion of the circle signs. People who would drive on the sidewalk are not likely to be impressed. 

As the economy tanks and legal employment decreases, and new cheap, addictive drugs become available, the open air drug market is likely to become a problem again. Could we at least keep a few of the safety measures that worked in the past, and re-block Fairview? 

Barbara Judd 

 

• 

EDUCATING OUR CHILDREN 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

I am an educator with 36 years of teaching experience in classrooms for both regular and challenged students. 

But here in the United States (where I have been teaching for 15 years) I have noticed that the attention of teachers of challenged students has shifted from strengthening the children’s’ academic skills to helping them gain certificates and credentials. I want to remind us that handicapped students feel self-reliant only when they can analyze abstract problems on their own. 

A high school certificate may make such children feel good but it is no substitute for careful training in reading, mathematics and critical thinking. 

Let us not be false helpers who push students through to the credential. Let us teach them the three Rs with discipline and with passion. 

Romila Khanna 

Albany 

 

• 

WATER QUALITY 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

The American Waterworks Association reports that the water quality in San Francisco is almost alone in being free of contaminants. They tested 20 of the nation’s water systems including Marin County but nothing has been reported regarding the quality of our drinking water in the East Bay. 

Tori Thompson 

 

• 

THANK YOU, BRAD SMITH 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

I can’t image the number of meetings, days and hours of sweat and conscientious thinking that Commissioner Brad Smith has generously given to the Waterfront Commission and to this city during his long tenure. He has been a dedicated servant in looking after our marvelous waterfront. It is not easy to find community members willing to serve as commissioners, and it is particularly hard to find good ones who fill the 350 or more commission seats on something like 40 commissions. Brad is an outstanding one, and I for one honor and appreciate his commitment. 

My experience I’m sure is one of many. Brad stepped up early in our efforts to usher the Chavez Memorial Solar Calendar and Education Project through the many tiers of city government. He was always balanced and fair in his assessments and advice. Our project had many a rocky exchanges with some of the Commissioners in the early stages 10 years ago. Brad always kept above the fray and guided us to consensus and forward movement. He is a trained mediator, and he brings all those skills and more to bare in ways that change the tenor of the discussion to an understanding and appreciation of one another’s positions. But when needed he also has backbone. 

We went back to the commission many times over those 10 years, and each time the commission had a different makeup. Brad was a source of stable leadership who guarded the institutional memory of the commission. 

I do not know how the commission or the city will honor his departure. But I know that his last meeting will end, the lights will be turned off, people will go on to the remainder of their evening, and the commission will begin a new chapter. But the seat that he occupied so nobly will be a huge one to fill. 

We have not finished the journey with the Chavez Memorial project yet, but we have brought it a long way. Brad Smith will forever occupy a position of high honor in its history. I salute your service, Brad. Thank you! 

Santiago Casal 

 

• 

DEVELOPMENT AROUND  

MEMORIAL STADIUM 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

As a resident in the Claremont/Elmwood neighborhood I was very interested to read about the technicality on which rests “to build or not to build” the new office/gym facility at the Memorial Stadium (“UC Tries to Re-Write Earthquake Safety Law,” Commentary, Hank Gehman, April 4). It would seem to me that the earthquake construction regulations and safety laws are written for a purpose. And that being that a very large massing in the area of potential earthquake activity is to be avoided. How can it even be discussed that a “sports athletic high performance center” adjacent (connected?) to a sports stadium is not, in the spirit of the regulation and safety law “connected” ? Earthquake safety laws and regulations are written to protect those within structures and very large structure(s) very close together with potentially high degree of usage (as at a sports event, an office in daily use) need additional, not negative, space around them for possible collapse and to offer the maximum safety and ability to leave to those using the structure(s). The massing of additional building(s) within the geographical area at the bottom of Strawberry Canyon is very dangerous indeed for the whole earthquake readiness of the Claremont/Elmwood neighborhood and could potentially burden the city streets and facilities beyond any possible emergency readiness. The university students are a large part of our neighborhood population and even as we speak, there are plans to start additional seismic retrofit work at the Clark Kerr Campus, although the buildings are well spaced and low in massing, which is also in our neighborhood and lies on the earthquake fault. For the safety of this community I would hope the judge sees the connection. 

Wendy Markel 

 

• 

ISRAEL-PALESTINE 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

Jim Harris’ April 4 commentary equates the war and U.S. occupation of Iraq with the Israeli occupation in the West Bank, and calls on Barbara Boxer to condition aid to Israel on its immediate withdrawal. While I’m sure he has his followers, this kind of simplistic thinking in support of a political agenda can get us into trouble (as if we need more). Any one possessed of reasonable analytical ability and a rudimentary knowledge of history can see the situations are not remotely comparable, as Ms. Boxer well knows. For Harris, history conveniently begins 40 years ago; had he chosen to go back a little farther he would have understood that from its inception Israel has been engaged in a war for survival among hostile governments that have included at one time or another Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Kuwait, Algeria and Iran. Israel occupies the West Bank as a result of its victory in the six-day war, a war it did not seek, at the end of which it also found itself in possession of the Sinai peninsula. Perhaps Harris’ selective view of history does not permit him to recall that Israel returned the Sinai to Egypt in exchange for a peace treaty that has more or less held up. Unfortunately, other governments in the region continue to maintain the objective by whatever means necessary of the complete destruction of Israel. Or, as it is called by the current gang that passes for a government in the West Bank, “the struggle.” 

Evelyn Giardina 

Walnut Creek 

 

• 

RESPONSE 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

Mal Bernstein writes, with sarcasm, that my commentary published April 1 in the Planet under the title “The Winter Soldier Investigation” was “a rather poor April Fool’s joke.” I agree with Mal. Indeed, I had a bit of a dust-up with Becky O’Malley over that misleading title. However, Mal uses the title mainly as the entry point to distort the substance of my article. The article had two distinct themes. One was merely reportage from a forum organized and conducted by KPFA programmers, producers, and the head of the Apprenticeship program, essentially representing several ethnic minority communities. That’s not happened before. If KPFA staff with those credential don’t have a right to critique KPFA, then who does? The forum content was around the question of how poor and disempowered communities can get themselves represented in Media. The critique of KPFA by KPFA staff was in that context. The second theme presented my own thoughts on how to get past the KPFA internal acrimony, proposing three new nationally based programs: a GI rights program, a prison rights program and an Immigrants rights program each organized within those respective national movements with technical help from KPFA. Mal attacked my article without mentioning the proposals at its heart. I think it’s time that we all focus on the need for national movement programs that represent disempowered people (as the forum itself proposed)? Mal Bernstein is the current chair of the “Progressive Caucus” of the California Democratic Party. His avoidance of the substance of my article is indicative of the way that some people believe they can appropriate the title “progressive” to themselves but do not want to debate real issues we now face. In my view we aren’t going to get out of Iraq until the GIs refuse to fight en masse. Iraq Veterans against the War (IVAW.org) needs our support. I challenge Mal or anyone else to respond to the proposal (pro or con) for regular programs that help these important national movements for change. 

Marc Sapir 

 

EDITOR’S NOTE: Due to space restrictions, the headline for Mr. Sapir’s commentary was shortened. However, the piece was published on the Planet’s website under Mr. Sapir’s original title, “The Winter Soldier Investigation and Our National Movement for Liberation and Popular Democracy.” 

 

• 

10 THINGS ABOUT McCAIN 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

There are some things I never seem to hear about John McCain from the media. This list comes from MoveOn.org. 

Ten things you should know about John McCain (but probably don’t): 

1. John McCain voted against establishing a national holiday in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Now he says his position has “evolved,” yet he’s continues to oppose key civil rights laws. 

2. According to Bloomberg News, McCain is more hawkish than Bush on Iraq, Russia and China. Conservative columnist Pat Buchanan says McCain “will make Cheney look like Gandhi.” 

3. His reputation is built on his opposition to torture, but McCain voted against a bill to ban waterboarding, and then applauded President Bush for vetoing that ban. 

4. McCain opposes a woman’s right to choose. He said, “I do not support Roe v. Wade. It should be overturned.” 

5. The Children’s Defense Fund rated McCain as the worst senator in Congress for children. He voted against the children’s health care bill last year, then defended Bush’s veto of the bill. 

6. He’s one of the richest people in a Senate filled with millionaires. The Associated Press reports he and his wife own at least eight homes! Yet McCain says the solution to the housing crisis is for people facing foreclosure to get a “second job” and skip their vacations. 

7. Many of McCain’s fellow Republican senators say he’s too reckless to be commander in chief. One Republican senator said: “The thought of his being president sends a cold chill down my spine. He’s erratic. He’s hotheaded. He loses his temper and he worries me.” 

8. McCain talks a lot about taking on special interests, but his campaign manager and top advisers are actually lobbyists. The government watchdog group Public Citizen says McCain has 59 lobbyists raising money for his campaign, more than any of the other presidential candidates. 

9. McCain has sought closer ties to the extreme religious right in recent years. The pastor McCain calls his “spiritual guide,” Rod Parsley, believes America’s founding mission is to destroy Islam, which he calls a “false religion.” McCain sought the political support of right-wing preacher John Hagee, who believes Hurricane Katrina was God’s punishment for gay rights and called the Catholic Church “the Antichrist” and a “false cult.” 

10. He positions himself as pro-environment, but he scored a 0—yes, zero—from the League of Conservation Voters last year. 

John McCain is not who the Washington press corps makes him out to be. 

Jonah Zern 

 

• 

PEDESTRIAN PLAN 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

The plan to close the service road between Rose and Vine streets to purportedly “ease” traffic congestion is without foundation. There is no traffic congestion. We don’t want the service road closed or altered. 

Our petition, North Shattuck Neighbors Opposed to the Plaza, is very specific about the service road between Rose and Vine streets, it states “We want the angled parking between Vine and Rose streets to remain, not be torn up, removed or reduced. We oppose tearing up the sidewalks and/or service road for a plaza project or any other purpose.” 

The North Shattuck Plaza project would signal an end to our “small village” lifestyle. Our beautiful neighborhood “gone” in the name of development. Gone would be the easy parking needed to unload our laundry and/or used books which keep long-time business like Bing Wong Laundry and Black Oak Books alive. 

Gone as well would be our clean air and quiet environment. People don’t like shopping around noisy, dirty construction sites. The merchants surrounding the proposed Plaza would surly take a major economic hit because of diminished sales and services. 

Once completed, the North Shattuck Plaza project would escalate rents without guaranteeing more business or a larger customer base. 

There’s another problem that our local merchants might not want to deal with once the plaza is built. The unfortunate truth is that environments such as plazas and parks turn into sleeping encampments for people who are seeking shelter. The question then becomes who is going to pay for the additional policing and maintenance of the plaza? 

If we enter into a recession, Berkeley’s stretched budget would be better spent on social programs to help these men, women and children survive the economic downturn. The North Shattuck Plaza proposal runs contrary to the wishes of the community. 

As of April 2, we have collected 1,128 signatures opposed to the North Shattuck Plaza development. The majority of these signatures were collected within a block or two of the proposed plaza project. 

The following local businesses carried our petition. They collected hundreds of signatures in their effort to stop the North Shattuck Plaza project: Copy Central, Bel Forno, Vitamin Express, Black Oak Books, Nina Hairstylist, Earthly Goods, You Send Me. 

Harvey Sherback 

 

• 

CODE PINK 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

Whatever you may think of the integrity or wisdom of Code Pink’s April Fools Day hoax about the Marine Recruiting Office 

moving out of Berkeley, please consider that many of us had a full day’s flush of happiness that the political culture of 

Berkeley produced a positive result. This would not have happened without the wide media coverage of the City Council’s 

actions against the Marines’ presence in the city. Medea Benjamin’s skillful mimic of a perfect press release was utterly convincing—it even fooled Amy Goodman (Democracy Now) for a whole day. 

And consider the noisy outcry against “lying” on such a serious issue. Contrast this with the lack of a noisy outcry from the 

press and the country generally to the official lying about the 9/11 destruction of the World Trade Center, the stories about WMDs, 

the quick “victory” of the war, the Iraq public’s gratitude to the United States, the need for a forever war on terror, the democratic new Iraq Parliament, the Iraqi oil revenues that would rebuild the country... (this could get to be a long paragraph). 

Those of us against the war need a victory of some kind (even a bogus one) to keep our spirits up in this perpetual war so we 

can have some hope our efforts will be successful. When faced with the reality that an overwhelming proportion of Americans want 

this war to end, Cheney’s attitude of “So..” is the latest and scariest evidence of the undemocracy fostered by seven years of lies 

about the intent of this administration. 

I say Bravo! to the City Council and the Code Pink women! 

Joan Levinson 

 

• 

RULE NUMBER ONE 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

Rule number one of journalism is “spell the name right.” Mr. Brenneman’s brief on the redesign proposals for Lower Sproul Plaza mistakenly referred to Eshelman Hall throughout. The building is named after former Lt. Governor John Morton Eshleman. The UC did not alter the spelling when dedicating it, nor in the request for qualification (link cited in the brief). 

Jason Eshleman 

 

• 

BUS RAPID TRANSIT MEETING 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

Wednesday evening, one of the most important public meetings so far about Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) will be held at the North Berkeley Senior Center, starting at 7 p.m. Don’t know the details of BRT? Better educate yourself, because its effects would be felt city-wide for decades to come. In fact, there is a common misunderstanding about BRT—that it will be restricted to the Southside. Not true! BRT advocates are already recommending other Berkeley thoroughfares for inclusion in a BRT network: University, Shattuck, San Pablo, and others. But they are keeping this as quiet as possible now, so as not to alarm residents who use these roads. They plan to take away traffic lanes on all of them! But wait a minute, if you decrease the capacity of our major thoroughfares by 50 percent, where will all the cars go? Well, frankly my dears, they don’t give a damn. No, actually it’s even worse than that—they are intending to make traffic congestion so bad that it will cause automobile drivers to suffer so much that they will somehow decide to hop on buses that are uncomfortable, noisy, expensive, unsafe at night, spew diesel exhaust, don’t go where they need to travel, have very limited transfer policies, and don’t coordinate schedules with other transit agencies. And they will do this because with BRT the average passenger would save about a minute and a half of time compared to the existing bus service? Yes, that’s right—I said about a minute and a half. Ninety seconds. 

Does this make any sense? No. Shouldn’t the citizens of Berkeley have a major say in evaluating the BRT proposal? Yes. So here is your chance to participate. Show up and let your views be known—before it’s too late, and the human-scale Berkeley we love is gone forever. 

Doug Buckwald 

 

• 

COMMUNISTS AT BERKELEY HIGH 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

With the ruckus going on in Berkeley about the Marines Officer Recruitment Center, I’ve been curious about the groups World Can’t Wait (WCW) and Code Pink. Without much trouble I have learned that the Code Pink founders are practicing Marxists and that WCW shares offices with the American Revolutionary Communist Party in San Francisco. 

I have also learned that Berkeley High School hosted a “Teach In” sponsored by the WCW. Mr. Kenneth Theisen, who is listed as the organizer for WCW, has published commentaries in the Berkeley Daily Planet stating that the WCW does not support our troops and has preached the teachings of Bob Avakian (Leader of the American Revolutionary Communist Party).  

I can understand exposing students to a myriad of political beliefs; but why would a school allow the Communist Party the facilities and school backing to organize a “Teach In"? 

Why do the parents of Berkeley High students allow the Communist Party access to their Children? Are the parents aware there is an active chapter of WCW at Berkeley High?  

Tom Cavallero 

Auburn


Commentary:‘Bus Rapid Transit or Nothing’ Is a False Choice

By Joyce Roy
Tuesday April 08, 2008

The either/or alternatives of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) vs. no-project is a false choice. But before I suggest another choice let us step back and look at the goal of BRT and what we can learn from the current BRT dry run. 

The goal of BRT is to increase ridership. This would seem obvious for all of AC Transit operations but recently the board had a hard time convincing management that that was their primary goal. Management has been working under the assumption that finding the money for importing more no-bid buses from their partner, Van Hool, was their primary function. 

It’s strange AC Transit doesn’t seem to give BRT a high priority—it’s not even mentioned on their website’s home page, www.actransit.org. 

The Transportation and Land Use Coalition (TALC) recently had a speaker, Todd Litman, executive director of the Victoria Transport Policy Institute (www.vtpi.org) who said the way to increase ridership is to make bus riding a pleasure. Imagine that! Locate stops near activity such as stores so people feel safe and can do something while waiting for the bus. Provide attractive comfortable shelters with a working real-time information display. And should one even need to say, the buses should be a pleasure to ride. For more on quality service, access: www.vtpi.org/quality.pdf.  

The San Pablo Rapid Bus and the 1R on Telegraph are dry runs for BRT that we can learn from. The San Pablo lines had increased ridership after the introduction of the Rapid bus for its first few years but the ridership has been flat for the past two years. So a Rapid Van Hool bus doesn’t seem to be a guarantee for increased ridership but at least ridership did not decrease as it has on most routes. 

With the introduction of the 1R on Telegraph, Berkeley has for the first time, I believe, been able to experience riding the 60-foot articulated Van Hool bus. If you think the 40-foot one is hard to manage, try the 60-foot one! There are no floor level seats until the second half of the bus. Even the users of the larger motorized wheelchairs have problems because the motor is located opposite their space. And once you do manage to get into a seat, the bus bounces so much it is hard to read. 

These 60-foot monster buses run practically empty from downtown Oakland to downtown Berkeley. I have had many occasions to observe them and have rarely seen them more than half full, whereas, in East Oakland they are often more than half full. So the 1R is an asymmetrical line. It should be split into two lines, one like the old 82 line that ends at the West Oakland BART station and has 60-foot buses and another from downtown Berkeley to the Oakland Amtrak station in Jack London Square with 40-foot buses. (And a lot of college students like to go to Jack London.) 

So what is the other alternative? I would call it Rapid Bus Plus (or BRT-lite?). 

1) Split up the route as outlined above. 

2) Have signal priority. 

3) Try to select the stops where there is some existing activity, stores, etc.  

4) Provide bulb-outs at all stops with an attractive, comfortable shelter with posted schedules and a dependable next-bus. The bulb-outs should accommodate a pedestrian cross walk plus a 40-foot bus on the downtown-Berkeley-to-the-Oakland-Amtrak-station-in-Jack-London-Square route. And they should accommodate 60-ft buses on the old 82 line. 

5) Select buses that decrease dwell time and make the riding experience a pleasure. That means not the low-aisle Van Hools that AC Transit is married to but true low floor American buses that one can enter and sit in with ease with a ride smooth enough for reading. (Incidentally, they cost about $100,000 less thus leaving more funds for operations.) 

The bulb-outs mean a bus can save time because it does not need to maneuver to a curb and then get back into the flow of traffic. It means, ipso facto, a bus priority lane is created and no parking is lost. To help prevent double parking, every block with some commercial development on it should have a limited time loading zone. 

At most locations bulb-outs could be built to accommodate level boarding for the bus. 

The Van Hools take the “public” out of the term public transportation because they discriminate against a growing segment of the population— the elderly and disabled. Any bus should be consumer tested by the frail and disabled. If they find it comfortable, everyone will. 

It is hard to imagine that with the current mismanagement at AC Transit that they could manage something as complex as a full BRT. They are having trouble providing even bread-and-butter service. Generally there is a community-felt need for BRT when a line has very high ridership like the Geary in San Francisco. We do not even have the density along the downtown-Berkeley-to-downtown-Oakland Telegraph line to warrant BRT. But with Rapid Bus Plus, bus riding can be such a pleasure that we will, in time, need a more full-blown BRT. 

This is the middle way. It is cost effective, doable within a reasonable time period, will have the community behind it and attract new riders because it will make bus riding a pleasure. People will be tempted to leave the comfort of their cars if they have a comfortable bus to ride. 

 

Oakland resident Joyce Roy does not own a car and would like bus riding to be a pleasure. She speaks for herself and not for any organization she belongs to.


Commentary: A Greener, Friendlier, Economical Alternative to Bus Rapid Transit

By Merrilie Mitchell
Tuesday April 08, 2008

This is a people-friendly, eco-friendly plan to increase riders and decrease congestion and pollution. It will save millions for transit improvements. 

You can do all the above quite simply by using Rapid Bus BUS with Ecopass instead of BRT for Telegraph Avenue north of Downtown Oakland. Millions saved can restore local buses; enhance transit connections; replace diesel with eco friendly buses; and pilot Eco-pass for all in Planning Area 1 (Northern Alameda County). 

Here are the details: 

1. Rapid Bus with Eco-pass takes the same time to board as BRT but is a much more flexible system for transit demand management. It does not need multi-million dollar platforms built on Berkeley’s narrow streets. 

2. Restore the 1R transfer point at 14th and Broadway so Rapid Bus can go north, on Telegraph Avenue without BRT. Improve timing for connecting buses. Increase Rapid Bus to Berkeley during rush hour, every six instead of 12 minutes. Decrease off-peak Rapid Bus as huge empty buses frequent Berkeley while local buses have been decimated generating intense ill will toward AC Transit and Berkeley officials. 

3. The millions of dollars saved by not building a BRT project north of Downtown Oakland, could be used toward restoring local buses. And “shopper shuttles” for business loops such as Shattuck, Solano, etc, would be grand, like the DASH in Los Angeles! Local buses help us shop locally, and increase sales tax to help AC Transit through Measure B. 

4. Money saved should also be used for eco-friendly buses to reduce toxic fumes and particulates. Eco-friendly buses would increase ridership while decreasing Global Warming. The large Van Hool buses are considered dangerous and wasteful (at 3.5 miles per gal). The small, 30-foot Van Hool busses, however, are quiet, clean, cute, helping to provide a pedestrian friendly environment. Riders do complain about layout and seating in these buses too, but many people much appreciate the advantages of these over the roaring stinkers. 

5. Ecopass for residents is long overdue. AC Transit has Eco-passes for UC students and staff, for city employees and businesses, for developments and projects. We need Eco-pass for the local residents and taxpayers. Eco-passes might be financed many ways including parking meter funds, if the notorious city-parking elimination strategist is stopped from taking ours and giving hundreds to UC Berkeley. Eco-passes “spare the fare” and have great benefits—increasing transit use and safety for bus drivers, sparing the air and decreasing global warming, and giving us some long overdue environmental justice. 

 

Berkeley resident Merrilie Mitchell does not drive a car. 


Commentary: It’s Only Halftime for BRT Decision

By Alan Tobey
Tuesday April 08, 2008

Even though AC Transit began planning for Bus Rapid Transit 18 years ago, in Berkeley we’re still only about half way to deciding whether to build such a system in south Berkeley along with neighbor cities Oakland and San Leandro. 

Bus Rapid Transit would improve bus service on Telegraph Avenue and into the downtown by increasing speed, dependability and comfort compared to current buses and routes; it would follow existing bus routes to downtown Oakland and out International Boulevard to San Leandro. On most of its route it would use a dedicated lane to avoid competing traffic; and everywhere would employ green-light signal priority, proof-of-payment ticketing, and multi-door level loading from dedicated stations to meet its service goals. That BRT plan, in its general framework, has recently been endorsed in two city planning documents: the draft Downtown Area Plan sees it as key to the future of Downtown as an efficient transit hub, and the draft Climate Action Plan sees BRT as an important step in reducing dependence on the private automobile by providing better transit alternatives; both plans state the need for more complete information before making a decision. BRT in Berkeley has also been endorsed bthe 120 organizations making up the regional Transportation and Land Use Coalition, among which is the Sierra Club.  

Some citizens, however—who mostly are affiliated with business groups or southside neighborhood associations—have expressed concerns about potential negative impacts of such a BRT project. They point mainly to the need for dedicated lanes, and have stated their belief that losing an automobile lane on much of the route would potentially lead to net loss of parking, traffic gridlock on Telegraph and increased cut-through traffic in neighborhoods. In short they believe BRT would be bad for both business and residents, and they are skeptical about the purported benefits. 

AC Transit has been following the law in preparing a required environmental impact report. A draft document was completed early in 2007, and the public comment period ended last May. AC Transit now needs to prepare and release the Final EIR; this will more fully describe the specific project parameters, look in more detail at potential negative impacts, and more specifically describe potential mitigations that could eliminate or minimize potential problems. 

This months-long interim leaves the BRT evaluation process awkwardly at half-time: all of the negative opinions have been expressed, but none of the responses and proposed mitigations from AC Transit is yet available to consider. It’s no surprise that BRT opponents continue to express frustration, and tend to assume that their presumed problems can’t be solved; but the truth is that none of us can know fully until we see the final report. So, as with most planning processes in Berkeley, considerable patience is still required. 

Before AC Transit can complete the final EIR, the city of Berkeley must choose among the project possibilities that the agency has nominated for detailed study in the final document. The draft EIR laid out alternatives for BRT routes on upper Telegraph, in the downtown, and for the streets between; discussed lane-closure options; described multiple possibilities for station locations and configurations; and listed several other undecided parameters. From these possibilities, the city now needs to select its “preferred” choices—not yet whether or not to approve constructing the project, but only what to describe and study as the main scenario in the final EIR. 

Impatient opponents of BRT, however, have been lobbying the city as if this choice of a “preferred local alternative” in the new few months will be a vote on whether or not to build the project—but that is not the case. City commissioners and council-members cannot make such a choice until they have all the relevant information—and that information will only be available in the final EIR that will still require several more months to complete. 

Opponents are trying to pre-empt such a careful process by asking the City Council to select now a “no build” alternative for the final EIR to study, rather than select from the choices about what might actually be built. But such a “verdict first, evidence second” approach is entirely unhelpful. We will only learn if BRT is a good project for Berkeley after all the evidence is in—when we can carefully study the potential benefits, the potential negative impacts, and the potential mitigations for those negative impacts. So the city needs to deny the passionate requests to kill the BRT project before fully studying it—it needs to choose one of the “build” alternatives for the final EIR. 

On April 9, the city’s Planning Commission and Transportation Commission will hold a joint workshop to ask for any information or opinion relevant to BRT that has not already been submitted as comments in response to the draft EIR. That additional information will figure into discussions about the city’s choice of the BRT “local alternative” later this spring. The city is therefore going out of its way to hear all views and inputs—a desirable policy during this frustrating half-time before we can take decisive next steps. 

 

Alan Tobey is a member of Friends of BRT, a transit advocate group that has a adopted a “so far so good” view of the BRT project, but that is awaiting the rest of the evidence before deciding whether or not to mount a campaign for public support.


Commentary: Invasion of the Condo Boxes

By Toni Mester
Tuesday April 08, 2008

The architect Frank Lloyd Wright is supposed to have said that the right angle is a fascist symbol. That observation may be apocryphal, but it well applies to some of the newer buildings on Berkeley’s commercial corridors, big square apartment complexes that dwarf adjacent residential properties. Currently, the boxes are creeping north along San Pablo Avenue and threatening to change the character of West Berkeley. 

Tonight (Tuesday, April 8) the Planning Commission is holding a public hearing on proposals that will affect the quality of life in many flatland neighborhoods and the value of residential properties on or near the commercial corridors of San Pablo, University, Shattuck, and Telegraph Avenues. 

Planning staff wants to implement the state Density Bonus Law, which allows developers to exceed zoning limits in exchange for building a certain percentage of “affordable” units, but staff’s recommended allowances are greater than the proposals by a joint subcommittee of the Planning and Housing Advisory Commissions and the Zoning Adjustments Board.  

The proposals relate to height, setbacks up to four stories from adjacent residential properties and the percentage of roof top that can be calculated as “open space” as well as parking and ground floor use. The subcommittee wants to limit height on San Pablo to three floors, whereas staff recommends four. Height limits differ for other commercial zones. Neither proposal considers changes in ground elevation, which can be considerable because the flatlands are in fact not flat but sloping upwards. 

The setbacks by floor recommended by the subcommittee are greater than those proposed by staff, but both revise the current minimum of 10 feet or 10 percent of the depth of the lot, whichever is greater for commercial lots abutting residential zones (Section23E.04.050 C). Since many commercial lots exceed 100 feet in depth, the proposed setbacks of only ten feet are a reduction in the buffer zone. Adequate setbacks are critical because most blocks on the avenues are split-zoned with commercial next to residential.  

The proposals also differ in the roof top open space allowance. The subcommittee recommends 25 percent while staff wants 75 percent. Roof area reduces yard requirements on the ground, allowing greater density. 

A flat roof with some plants in pots may be open but it’s no substitute for earth space that can support trees, the best barrier between commercial and residential lots on the same block. A new roof should serve as a secure support for a solar array, and a slant roof with a southern exposure is best. Also slant roofs are much prettier against a backdrop of rolling hills, the star attraction of the flatlands. 

Staff’s proposals add up to flat roofed four story buildings set back 10 feet at the base from residential property, a huge mass that would rob existing houses of privacy, sun and views. 

Zoning should be balanced, granting allowances for new construction but also protecting the value of existing property. The staff proposals before the Planning Commission lean too heavily toward promoting new development at the expense of current owners. That’s not equitable zoning; that’s theft. 

Although the current zoning allows four stories along San Pablo Avenue, very few have built that high because most lots contain operating businesses producing a revenue flow and because there are many costs and risks in the area. Where former car repair shops and other industrial uses have left toxic residue, the ground needs to be decontaminated, a pricey process. 

And there’s crime. People who talk blithely about increasing pedestrian traffic along transit corridors have never been mugged. My last tenant had his jaw broken by two drug dealers just to take his cell phone, and last week my neighbor, a 65-year-old woman, was assaulted by a trio of young purse snatchers. Silence is not PC, and ignoring crime and other public safety issues like earthquake and fire is not good city planning. 

The San Pablo area needs TLC, not big badly designed developments that meet density requirements or ABAG quotas. We can fulfill the need for additional housing by building on available lots to an appropriate scale and by situating larger projects in locations that do not encroach on existing houses. 

If you are a neighbor concerned about the new zoning proposals for the commercial corridors, the Planning Commission hearing tonight starts at 7 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center, Hearst at King. Be there or be content to live in the shadow of a big square. 

 

Toni Mester is a West Berkeley homeowner. 

 


Commentary: Why the Governor’s Budget Matters — And What You Can Do About It

By Cathy Campbell
Tuesday April 08, 2008

When figures like $16 billion and $8 billion and $5 billion are tossed about on a regular basis it’s fair for a person to wonder how Gov. Schwarzenegger’s budget proposal for next year affects the average citizen. What can I do, one might ask, about a gaping deficit of billions of dollars, and why should I care? 

In fact, there’s a tremendous amount the average citizen can do, and nothing less than whether our state will be a place people can live, work, be healthy and raise a family is at stake. It’s critical that we all act in the face of this threat to our future. 

Our governor has proposed balancing next year’s budget on the backs of children, students and poor people. He proposes to cut nearly $5 billion dollars from the education budget alone. 

The governor is proposing to spend $800 less per pupil in 2008-2009. Given that we currently rank 46th in the nation in per pupil spending this is nothing short of criminal. His proposal is the equivalent of cutting more than $24,000 per classroom. California currently spends about $25,000 less than the national average per classroom. Imagine that figure doubled. 

In California only 3 percent all of K-12 pupils attend schools in district with per pupil spending at or above the U.S. average. In the United States as a whole that number is 46 percent. Our governor says we have a spending problem; clearly this is not the case. We have a revenue problem. 

In Berkeley the governor’s proposed cuts could mean the loss of all of our elementary and middle school literacy and math coaching positions, many of our secondary counselors, four of our art teachers, and all of the release time provided to the department, program and small school “teacher leaders” at our high school. In addition it may mean reductions in the number of Instructional Assistants that provide vital one-to-one support to students with special needs and to whole classes, and the loss of a vice principal position at our largest middle school, not to mention the employment specialist at our continuation high school. Nearly 40 teachers and counselors in our district will head into layoff hearings next week because of the position our governor has taken on addressing the budget deficit. While the superintendent will bring budget recommendations to the board in June that try to avoid impacts to student performance and safety, no one can say these cuts will not affect achievement and the environment in which our students learn. 

Other nearby districts will be affected as well. In Alameda families could be faced with K-3 classrooms that go from 20 students to 32 students, and two elementary schools may be closed. Of the 18 districts in Alameda County as many as 15 may go into “qualified” or “negative” budget status meaning that the district may not, or will not, be able to meet its financial obligations for the current year and the two forthcoming years. Given California’s tremendous achievement gap, and the high standards for our students we have set but are still failing to meet, addressing our budget deficit through cuts is simply unacceptable. 

So what is the solution to this problem if not devastating cuts to public education and human services? The answer is increasing state revenue through fair tax policies. We are the richest state in the richest country in the world, and yet we are severely under funding education. We need our legislative leaders to push for progressive taxes that do not harm the average Californian; we need to make the investments in education and human services that will move our state forward and address the achievement and equity gap in our state. We need to increase revenue rather than cutting programs that serve students, the elderly and the ill. 

If this is to happen each and every one of us must act. Your legislator needs to hear from you. Do not believe for a moment that you will be “preaching to the choir” if you communicate with your local representatives. This is going to be a fight and they need to hear from voters in their district. It is going to take political power to refuse to pass a budget balanced by cuts, and as the pressure builds to approve a budget it is going to be critical that they know they have their constituents’ support. Go to www.leginfo.ca.gov/yourleg.html today and write your assemblymember and senator. Send them a letter a week until a progressive budget is passed. Contact people in your professional organizations, especially people in the more conservative areas of our state, and urge them to write their representatives. A statewide effort is critical. 

You can also make a difference by attending a mass event meant to communicate clearly with our governor and our legislators. On April 24 Berkeley parents and community members, as well as parents and guardians across the state, will board buses to Sacramento to add our voice to calls for support of public education. If you are interested in joining the contingent please contact BUSD Public Information Officer Mark Coplan at Mark_Coplan@berkeley.k12.ca.us. 

And tomorrow, April 9, the Berkeley Federation of Teachers is holding a Community Rally to protest the governor’s proposals and to call for increased revenues at 5:00 p.m. at the BUSD administration building at 2134 Martin Luther King, Jr. Way. We urge you to join teachers, classified employees, parents, students and community members in saying no to these cuts and yes to investments in our children and our future as a state. 

Whatever you do, do something. We need a budget that is not balanced on the backs of poor people, our students and our schools. It matters, and we can make a difference. 

 

Cathy Campbell is the president of the Berkeley Federation of Teachers, a long-time middle school teacher and the parent of a 9th-grader at Berkeley High. You can contact the BFT at berkeleyfederationofteachers.org.


Letters to the Editor

Friday April 04, 2008

LINCOLN BRIGADE 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

I attended the dedication of the memorial to the American Lincoln Brigade this last Sunday. I don’t know how many folks are familiar with the three-year Spanish Civil War (1936-1939). Nearly 3,000 Americans volunteered to help fight the Franco, Nazi, 

and Italian forces trying to overthrow the elected government. A good portion of these men and women died in Spain. Had the Spanish Republicans won that war, World War II might well have been avoided. 

The United States, England and France embargoed the elected Spanish government, thus contributing to the victory of fascism. It certainly emboldened Hitler and Mussolini. 

Anyway, it was a thrill to see 11 veterans of the Lincoln Brigade, who were grateful for recognition and the memorial. There are 39 men and women veterans left. We do owe them for their sacrifice. 

The memorial is in San Francisco near the ferry building. Worth seeing. 

Harry Gans 

 

• 

CITY COMMONS CLUB 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

Richard Brenneman wrote an excellent article in your April 1 issue summarizing the talk by Wolfgang Homburger at the City Commons Club of Berkeley on March 28. Mr. Brenneman captured the complex details covered by Mr. Homburger in his one-hour presentation, and he wrote the article in a very clear and understandable way that includes all of the subtle points included in the talk. 

Somehow, while taking copious notes during Mr. Homburger’s talk, Mr. Brenneman also managed to shoot a bunch of photos, and the one you published shows action and focus in one little frame. 

The Berkeley Daily Planet has been supporting City Commons Club of Berkeley for many years by publishing our meeting notices in every issue. This has brought us some new members and has helped Berkeley area residents to learn about the high quality of the distinguished speakers who appear every Friday at noon at City Commons Club which meets in the Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant Avenue, Berkeley. 

We thank Richard Brenneman for his excellent article, and we thank the Daily Planet for your continuing support as we begin our 98th year of serving the East Bay communities with our educational programming. 

Edward L. Klinenberg 

President, City Commons Club 

 

• 

RECRUITING STATION 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

I am pleased the Berkeley City Council had the courage to say that recruiting for war is unwelcome, and admire the efforts of those who protest daily in front of the marine recruiting center to remind the recruiters we want them out of both Iraq and Berkeley. But I take issue with the idiot idea of announcing to news outlets that the Marine Recruiting station was going to be closing. 

Hearing the news on KPFA brought elation, followed by profound sadness when I later discovered it was untrue. The incident caused considerable confusion and demoralization among many who want to see the office closed. Starting rumors that sow confusion and that demoralize the left was a tactic favored by the FBI during operation Cointelpro because the FBI understood how discouraging such misinformation was. It is a shame that Code Pink engaged in this pathetic antic to get attention. 

I hope in the future that they focus on actually closing the recruiting station through protest and civil disobedience instead of using tactics that only serve to confuse and demoralize those who share their goal of closing the marine recruiting office. 

Anne Reisse 

 

• 

CODE PINK CRITICS  

AND THEIR CRITICS 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

To disagree with a political opponent is fine. But to make fun of their appearance rather than arguing the issues seems like the behavior of a knave. A number of letters, and one editorial have painted the anti-Code Pink contingent as out-of-shape losers. As a long-time observer of political theater, I have noticed that both the Code Pink and pro-Marine groups seem to be made up of mostly middle-age folks with a smattering of younger people. Both groups seem to have about the same level of physical fitness and attractiveness. There seem to be more women in Code Pink, and more men in the pro-Marine groups, but other than that, not much difference in their level of fitness and attractiveness. If the two sides changed clothing and exchanged signs, I doubt if many of us would notice the difference. 

As to the effectiveness of the Code Pink tactics, I think they are counterproductive. I am against the Iraq war, and have been from the beginning. In every way, this is a bogus, inhumane, and wasteful war, being fought because of Bush administration lies. I am not, however, against the military. The Code Pink protests in front of the Marine Recruiting Office are preaching to the converted, and the smugness of the Code Pink members rubs many of us the wrong way. Why aren’t they in Texas or Ohio, where they might change some minds. Why aren’t they campaigning for Obama or Clinton. As long as the Bush/Cheney machine is in office, no amount of protesting will end the war in Iraq. There are many positive ways to make a difference in the world: help the presidential candidate of your choice, plant a tree or two, write letters to your representatives, mentor a child. But I am pretty sure that all of the Code Pink protests in Berkeley won’t shave one hour off of this war, and in fact will alienate a number of folks who share their disgust with the Iraq war. 

Fred Massell 

Oakland 

 

• 

TREE-ROOT MASSACRE 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

The tree-root damage that Barbara Widhalm commented on in the March 28 issue sounds like it might have been approved (if at all) by the same “behind-the-desk-arborist” who, a few years ago, insisted against the word of others more knowledgeable that the big tree at the corner of Cedar and Sixth streets was healthy and had to remain. So it did, until one day it did what seriously sick trees did—it fell over and died. Unfortunately, so did the driver of a car at that intersection, who had the misfortune of being stopped by the traffic light there, with his body exactly where the trunk of the huge tree fell. 

Why do we see so many erroneous pronouncements by those who aren’t experts in a particular specialty? Having to consult a truly knowledgeable source is not an admission of total incompetence. To the neighbors who enjoyed the curbside trees daily, their eventual loss may be as serious as the loss of Berkeley Iceland to the community’s ice skaters, where an inappropriate decision to require a portable refrigeration system of unknown condition was pronounced better than the original system that had been professionally maintained, thus depleting financial resources that could have been applied to current repairs and maintenance. 

Milford Brown 

 

• 

TRUTH IN ADVERTISING 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

I wanted to read the commentary entitled The Winter Soldier Investigation, but it wasn’t until the third column that the author, Mark Sapir, bothered to talk about anything other than trashing KPFA. Been there (exhaustively), done that. I thought it was a rather poor April Fool’s joke—on your readers. 

Mal Burnstein 

Former Local Board Chair, KPFA 

 

• 

BUDGET CUTS 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

If the teachers want more money, why don’t they identify a part of the budget to cut? Here are some ideas.  

Mandate that no person who works for the state can get more than 50 percent of their pay in retirement and work until 62 to get it. Return class size to 30-to-1; that will allow the schools to eliminate 25 percent of the administrators and teachers using attrition. Make government employees pay one third of their medical premium. Also, go into every part of government and get rid of at least 10 percent of the employees. This is more than fair and would go a long way to balancing the budget. See, what they want is just more and more. It is like a heroin addict he will never get enough and will sooner or later overdose on the drugs. The people are overtaxed and their lives and futures are being destroyed in order to keep an out-of-control system going.  

Dan Carter 

 

• 

SHAME 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

Shame on you Chevron! You bussed your employees to the Planning Board Meeting to filibuster the important decision around the 22-mile highly explosive hydrogen pipeline, leaving opponents literally out in the cold. Then you used manipulating words—new jobs, upgrade, less pollution, help for Richmond. Fortunately the members asked probing questions: How many permanent jobs? (Answer: 10.) Why won’t you agree to no dirty polluting crude oil? (We don’t have the equipment. Then when pushed, we would have to come back to the board if we decide differently.) 

You had three years to explore alternative nonpolluting energy; you made $18.3 billion profit; you charge a record $110 per barrel. What a missed opportunity to clean up your shameful record in oil spills in our bay, the Australian Barrier Reef, toxic flaring around the world. Shame on you to say you’re helping Richmond then want to reduce taxes and increase pollution 5-50 times (according to scientists from CBE and Attorney General Brown). 

Folks, we have not only a cancer and respiratory illness epidemic, this is a global warming crisis! Write and ask the Planning Board to resubmit the DEIR and appear at the April 10 meeting. Democracy and health need you. 

Ruth Gilmore 

Richmond 

 

• 

NORTH SHATTUCK PLAZA 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

After the much-maligned North Shattuck Plaza ran into heated opposition from area residents and merchants in 2007, the plaza’s leading proponent, Planning Commissioner David Stoloff told the San Francisco Chronicle late last year that he was on the verge of withdrawing his plan. He claimed he was doing so because he was “outshouted.” 

People who have seen Stoloff in action were not convinced that his plan was really going away. Sure enough, the public review draft of the Berkeley Pedestrian Master Plan was released this past February, and there, towards the end on pages 6-68 and 6-69 is a proposal for a North Shattuck Plaza. Key elements of the plan are nearly identical to what Stoloff proposed last year. 

How did this privately developed plan, dreamed up mainly by architects and developers who stand to profit enormously from it, wind up in a city master plan? It’s not hard to figure out. Stoloff campaigned very hard and raised a lot of money for Mayor Tom Bates in 2004, who subsequently appointed him to the Planning Commission. Bates is running for re-election this year.  

Councilmember Laurie Capitelli, another leading advocate for the Plaza, also may have had a hand in trying to quietly slip a very divisive proposal through the city planning process. Capitelli too, is up for re-election this year. 

Fortunately, neighborhood activist Merilee Mitchell took the time to read the nearly 300-page Master Plan document and alerted North Shattuck people to what was in it. If not for that, Stoloff & Co. might have been able to slip through the back door what it had been unable to obtain through an open public process. 

The public comment period for the Berkeley Pedestrian Master Plan closes on April 11. Comments should be sent to Kvuicich@ci.berkeley.ca.us. 

Art Goldberg 

 

• 

STILL FIGHTING FOR  

THE RIGHT TO GIVE LIFE 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

Since 1983, sexually active gay men have been selectively prohibited from donating blood. The policy was enacted in reaction to the emergence of HIV/AIDS among the gay male population in the United States. In order to best protect the blood supply from the widely misunderstood virus, the Food & Drug Administration (FDA)—the federal body charged with overseeing blood donations—implemented a lifetime ban for all men who had engaged in sexual intercourse with other men, since 1977. Twenty-four years later, the policy is still in place despite technological and blood screening advancements, which includes a three-phase process to ensure all transferred blood is untainted.  

The FDA defers donors temporarily based on many conditions, such as travel to foreign countries or recent exposure to needles, but provides no flexibility when considering the deferral of sexually active gay men. If a man engages in monogamous, protected sexual intercourse with only one man over a lifetime, this man is still considered at higher risk than the general sexually active population, and is therefore banned for life from donating blood.  

Some university campuses have decided to approach the policy with a kind of activism and message to blood banks that is loud and clear—“you are not welcome here.” Based on public university non-discrimination policies, these campuses propose to ban blood drives on campus. University President Don Kassing recently enacted such a ban at San Jose State University and professors at Sonoma State University are currently weighing a measure that would do the same at their campus. The premise of this approach is commendable, but at what cost? UC Berkeley’s monthly blood drives bring in nearly hundreds blood units each school year, meaning that just as many lives have been affected by campus blood donation. While more adversarial efforts are effective in raising awareness, a new and innovative approach might better offer benefits for both a marginalized community seeking equality and an individual in desperate need of blood.  

To balance these competing interests, the LGBT community organized a Sponsor Blood Drive last year, which invited deferred donor students and community members to seek sponsors to give blood in their name. The event raised awareness of the policy and provided an opportunity for all individuals to participate in the unique act of giving life. Due to its success, and the Bay Area’s recent involvement in the cause, UC Berkeley is holding another Sponsor Blood Drive on Monday, April 7. UC Berkeley has an opportunity to take part in this important discussion, and we should be heard loud and clear—do not discriminate…but give blood, too.  

I encourage all those able individuals to give blood and save lives. If you cannot give on April 7, then find your nearest blood service provider at RedCross.org. We should all have the right to give life – let us continue to strive for that aim and continue to save lives in the process. Please stop by the Right to Give Life booth on Sproul the week of March 31– April 4 or drop in to give blood on Monday, April 7 in the Pauly Ballroom, MLK, Jr.  

Jeff Manassero 

Senior and former ASUC Senator 

 

• 

TOO OUT THERE 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

Martial law in America—a story that won’t go away. The Bush administration has passed several omnibus bills in the last four years that relate to martial law. Every once in a while you read nefarious reports that concentration camps and detention centers are being outfitted. Who are the shadowy groups involved with this clandestine plot? 

On another level, The Progressive magazine published an article about the FBI and Homeland Security deputizing 25,000 people from the private sector to report on suspicious activities and unusual events. 

Infragard, as the organization is called, is another secret surveillance unit that is keeping tabs on Americans. 

One chilling reference mentioned in the article was a agent advising the group “when—not if—martial law is declared.” A FBI spokeswoman’s response to the statement, how ridiculous. 

Ron Lowe 

Grass Valley 


Commentary: UC Tries to Re-Write Earthquake Safety Law

By Hank Gehman
Friday April 04, 2008

The trial phase of the lawsuit brought by the City of Berkeley, the Panoramic Hill Association and the California Oaks Foundation against the University of California to stop the building of the new office/gym facility (SAHPC) and a mostly new Memorial Stadium heard its final arguments on March 20. The case is now in the hands of the judge who will give her decision within two months. The stakes couldn’t be higher. We have just seen in our newspapers a study of the probable damage from the severe earthquake expected at any time on the Hayward Fault. These experts are predicting staggering losses to homes and businesses of at least $165 billion. The magnitude of the damage and the rebuilding is hard to imagine. 

Yet, in the face of these frightening predictions, the university is using all of its political and legal muscle to throw fuel on the fire and convince the court to approve the new SAHPC and Memorial Stadium project which will be built on and adjacent to the Hayward Fault. The project is massive. It is currently projected to cost $450 million. The use of the stadium by the public will be expanded with the addition of seven large concerts and an unlimited number of smaller events. This would bring more than one million spectators a year to the fault. Add to that the increased daily use due to the SAHPC and it’s obvious that the number of people at risk would be greatly increased and that risk spread out over many more days of the year. 

The Alquist-Priolo Act has been protecting Californians for 35 years against the dangerous folly of building on an earthquake fault. So to build this project, UC has to find a way in court to get around this law. What has the university’s legal strategy been? In the end, it has been to get the judge to re-write the law. In the trial, UC has been trying to get the court to change some of the basic language of the Alquist-Priolo Act so it can play a “shell game” and hide the obvious fact that the SAHPC and the Stadium together make a unified project. 

Alquist-Priolo restricts most new building within a quarter-mile zone around major earthquake faults. For buildings already on the fault, the law limits “alterations and additions” to 50 percent of the value of the building. This way every time a building owner wants to improve or expand he would be limited and would have to ask himself if the limited improvements would be worthwhile or sufficient. The terms “alteration and additions” were chosen as the legal hurdle because the law wants to limit these improvements. Without improvements and expansion, over time, buildings loose their usefulness and might even be abandoned and would achieve the basic goal of Alquist-Priolo to get people out of harm’s way. 

In court UC has attacked the use of “alteration and addition” as the proper legal test and says that the real issue should be whether the SAHPC is “separate” from the existing stadium. They say the definition of “separate” should be whether the two buildings touch. But is using “separate” a better way to achieve the goals of the law? Or is it just a way to undermine the law? It is true that there is a seismic joint between the SAHPC and the stadium that would allow the SAHPC to move somewhat independently from the stadium during an earthquake. But buildings in earthquake areas have seismic joints for just this purpose. The SAHPC itself is divided by two seismic joints. Seismic separations, by themselves, don’t make buildings separate.  

When you look at the Memorial Stadium/SAHPC project as a whole, it’s clear that the seismic separations don’t automatically result in different buildings. The design for the new stadium is based on having seismically-separated sections at the critical places where the earthquake is expected to tear the stadium apart. These areas (A, B and C in the graphic) are completely separate structures. They have their own walls and their own separate foundations. Like the SAHPC they are designed to move independently. Webster’s dictionary would call these separate buildings. But who would argue that this design would make the Stadium itself four different buildings? When you look at the basic design, the SAHPC/Stadium is a collection of seismically isolated structures that together make a unified project. The SAHPC is one of those pieces. 

The university has said in court that from the beginning it was designing the SAHPC as separate and independent from the stadium and therefore it couldn’t be an addition or alteration. But the first set of plans made before they knew they were being sued showed numerous connections between the SAHPC and the stadium that even the university admits would make the SAHPC an addition to the stadium. Once UC realized that they might be held to the limitations of Alquist-Priolo, they removed most of the connections in later plans to make it appear that they were in compliance with the law. But UC still claims to have the right to make those connections later when they build the new stadium. 

This project is the ultimate example of how California should not invest its resources. UC is rolling the dice with public safety and surely squandering hundreds of millions of dollars. We can only hope that the judge will protect the public interest and see through these transparent attempts by the University to make an “end run” around Alquist-Priolo. For good reason, “separate” is nowhere found in Alquist-Priolo and to now make “separate” the key term would only thwart the intent of the law and even open the door to a flood of challenges to the law. The 2007 California Building Code says that, along with other criteria, an addition is defined as an “expansion” of a building. Regardless of the gaps between the SAHPC and the Memorial Stadium the SAHPC is an expansion and is part and parcel of the stadium rebuild project. If UC’s legal sleight of hand is allowed to prevail there will surely be tragic consequences. 

 

Hank Gehman is a former Ivy League football player and Cal graduate student.


Commentary: Message for Barbara Lee: Not Another Dime for Israeli Occupation

By JIM HARRIS
Friday April 04, 2008

Barbara Lee said this recently in regard to Bush’s war/occupation in Iraq: 

“Congress should not approve another dime for any measure for continuing the occupation of Iraq that does not include a clear timeline for safe and timely redeployment. We have the power to end the occupation of Iraq.” 

That is why progressives around the country, and especially here in the Bay Area, respect and admire Barbara Lee. Lee’s words are, much more often than not, direct, clear, principled, and for a sane approach to policy, while most other politicians are cautious, hesitant, and likely to first gauge the political winds. Barbara Lee is right to demand the halt of all funding of the US occupation of Iraq. 

What though of U.S. support of the Israeli occupation of Palestine? This military occupation is now over forty years old, eight times longer than the direct U.S. occupation of Iraq. Isn’t it about time to end U.S. military aid to Israel? Can Barbara Lee stand up to Prime Minister Olmert, and the political lobbies that support his policies, the same way she is standing up to President Bush? 

There is much talk these days of a renewed “peace process”, but we must look carefully at what Israel is actually doing, with the full complicity of Bush and the U.S. Congress. When nearly every administration has called the Israeli settlements in occupied West Bank an “obstacle to peace” (they are more than that, they are in fact in violation of international law), Israel never seems to miss an opportunity to begin every round of talks with an announcement of their expansion. The Israeli leadership does not seem serious about peace, and only seems determined to pursue its agenda, to create facts on the ground, in brazen contempt of international law. 

Not only is Israel building illegal settlements in the West Bank, it is also busy destroying Palestinian homes. Just this last month, the US-funded Israeli military destroyed homes of Palestinians in the Jordan Valley villages of Hadidiya and surrounding area, and destroyed a farm. Yet no word from Congress about how U.S. funds were misspent, no word from Congress suggesting that we could use those same funds, used now to make the lives of Palestinians miserable and homeless, might be better used to help provide homes right here. Only, at best, some clichés are repeated supporting the “peace process.” 

Another outrage occurs later this month, when the Israeli High court considers the question of whether the Israeli military may demolish yet another Palestinian village, including a kindergarten. This village is Al Aqabah in the Jordan Valley, deep in the heart of the occupied West Bank. The survival of a West Bank village in the hands of the Israeli courts? In a government that the citizens of this village have absolutely no say in electing? Isn’t that just another name for “apartheid”? 

We must ask then, at what point will Barbara Lee make an unequivocal statement demanding that no more aid be sent to Israel while it continues to destroy homes, farms, olive trees, and even kindergartens. While it continues to build settlements that destroy the possibility of peace. Barbara Lee, to her credit, has taken steps to criticize some specific Israeli policies that violate human rights. We now need her to take the next logical step, in calling for an end to all U.S. aid for Israeli occupation. Not another Dime. 

 

Jim Harris is a long time resident in Barbara Lee’s congressional district, and is founder of StopAIPAC.org. At that website you can find a petition to Barbara Lee to end U.S. aid to Israel. 


Columns

First Person: Having a Disability Is More Than a Job

By Jack Bragen
Tuesday April 08, 2008

In my young adulthood, I fought valiantly against the notion that I would be disabled, unable to work, and dependent on the medical establishment and on public benefits. I tried exceedingly hard to work at jobs, at first by quitting prescribed medication against medical advice, and then tried to work while taking these medications which I had little choice but to take.  

The jobs were quite demanding and I bit off more than I could chew in a repeated pattern. The medication prevented me from performing on a competitive basis. However, it did something to treat my psychotic symptoms, and therefore, I needed to keep taking the meds, or face a psychotic relapse.  

The experiences of the jobs being too hard, and of me quitting them because of how uncomfortable I was, etched the wrong pattern into my brain. Also, in many cases, I experienced traumatic situations in relation to work, such as being held up at gunpoint, getting in a fist fight, getting in a car accident on the way to work, having a rough breakup with a girlfriend, and having a dog chase me (not in that order). By the time my 20s wound to a close, I managed to create a case of burnout and post-traumatic stress related to jobs. I was also forced by then to accept SSI and SSDI in order to survive.  

Now I am in a very stuck scenario, as millions of Americans find themselves to be. Since I have SSI, SSDI, Medicare, Medical, and HUD housing, any money that I earn is subject to reporting. I cannot earn any money without some of my benefits being reduced. The medical insurance is set up in such a way that I would need to have a full-time job with medical benefits to replace the medical insurance I currently have by not working. In order to pay for the same housing that I currently have through public benefits, I would need to work full time. I am certainly grateful for the fact that I have this stuff. However, if I ever want to have any assets, I’m screwed.  

In the foreseeable future I am not going to be able to hold down a full-time job. Because of the way things are set up, part-time work only works against me because it eats away at my benefits. I’m not allowed to have more than a couple thousand in assets, or I stop getting SSI and Medical.  

The detrimental experiences of my 20s did a handy job of knocking out most of my earning capabilities. At 43, having spent over 25 years on heavy antipsychotic medications, I am qualified to do entry-level work but not capable of it physically any more. My choices are limited.  

This is called “The SSI Trap” in which once you receive SSI it is very hard to get off of it. I knew in my 20s that the SSI trap existed, and attempted to evade it, but was caught despite my best efforts.  

Millions of disabled Americans find themselves stuck in “the SSI trap” just as I am. Employment doesn’t exist which is geared for people who may be a little bit slower [unless they have risen through the levels of the system] and yet who may have something valuable to contribute.  

My plan at this point is to accept help from the Clubhouse [clubhouse.org] that is being created in Contra Costa County, and secondly to create my own expertise in some field (which includes educating myself), and promote myself as a self-employed person. In American culture as I know it, there is generally hope for someone who wants to contribute to society and make money, regardless of the apparent obstacles. 


Oakland Plans Reception Honoring Actor-Singer-Activist Paul Robeson

by J. Douglas Allen-Taylor
Tuesday April 08, 2008

The City of Oakland will honor the legacy of Paul Robeson—one of the giant figures in American history—with an April 9 City Hall reception on the 110th anniversary of his birth.  

Robeson, the son of a minister escaped from Southern slavery, was a nationally famed athlete, singer, and film and stage actor, but he made his greatest mark as one of the leaders of the protest movement against injustices against African Americans. His protest work bridged the gap between the W.E.B. DuBois and Marcus Garvey eras and the beginning of the 1950s-1960s civil rights movement. Robeson spoke in the Bay Area many times during his career, particularly at the University of California, and had many close ties and associations in the area.  

The 5 p.m.-7 p.m. April 9 reception in the rotunda of Oakland City Hall will include speeches by ICLWU Executive Committee member Clarence Thomas and Oakland Mayor Ron Dellums, an excerpt presentation by English playwright Tayo Aluko of his newly written Paul Robeson play, and a performance by the Vukani Mawethu Southern African choir.  

Oakland's City Hall rotunda is the site of a month-long photo and memorabilia exhibit on Paul Robeson, his life and his accomplishments in sports, art, and protest, which will end April 30. The exhibit is sponsored by the Bay Area Paul Robeson Centennial Committee.  

 

 


Zoning Board Considers Expansion Of Jupiter Restaurant

By Riya Bhattacharjee
Tuesday April 08, 2008

The Berkeley Zoning Adjustments Board (ZAB) will consider an expansion permit for Jupiter Restaurant on Thursday. 

Project applicant John Martin proposes to expand the restaurant’s space into an adjacent space occupied by Cafe Panini. 

The entrances to both Cafe Panini and Jupiter are located on Trumpetvine Court, a commercial courtyard and passage way accessible from both Shattuck Avenue and Allston Way. 

The proposed project would extend Jupiter’s operations into the interior and exterior space of Cafe Panini. 

The development involves interior modifications to the expanded space, including the construction of a bar and reconfigured interior seating. 

Although zoning staff has not received any letters of objection for this project, there are several objections from neighbors about noise for a pending application for outdoor music at the site. 

Martin is working with the city and an acoustical engineer to address these concerns, and this application is scheduled to appear before the board in the next two to three months. 

A public hearing has been scheduled for the project on Thursday at 7 p.m., Old City Hall building, 2134 Martin Luther King. Jr. Way. 


Green Neighbors: Endangered in Its Home, Enthusiastic in Gardens: Malva Rosa

By Ron Sullivan
Tuesday April 08, 2008
Leaf and blossom of Lavatera assurgentifolia, malva rosa, island bush mallow.
Ron Sullivan
Leaf and blossom of Lavatera assurgentifolia, malva rosa, island bush mallow.

Joe and I spent the other afternoon moving dirt and reshaping the malva rosa by the garage, to allow some sun on the pile we were making. This isn’t the first time we’ve radically reshaped the thing, and it won’t be the last. Except for the fact that it’s so inherently bewildering, I’d call this plant the ideal first thing to learn pruning with: it’s woody but soft; it puts out lots and lots of branches to choose from, and it can take a severe pruning and recover.  

It’s also quite malleable in form. I’ve seen hedges of it—good as a background loose hedge, not so good sheared into wan-looking cubes—and big full self-directed airy mounds, and what could pass for trees. 

Maybe it’s not quite a regulation-sized tree, but Lavatera assurgentiflora, the malva rosa or island tree-mallow, comes close. One source says it can attain a height of fifteen feet, and ours is close to that. It’s usually considered a shrub, though, and a highly decorative one. 

The legendary California plantswoman Lester Rowntree was fond of it. In her Flowering Shrubs of California and Their Value to the Gardener, she called it “a valiant battler with the elements and a courageous bloomer. In spring it is gay with flowers….when most wild shrubs are overtaken by drought and relax into rest, there are usually a few blooms left on the mallow. It is only when the cold January winds thrash it about that L. assurgentiflora begins to look depressed...” 

Rowntree praised its bright green maple-ish leaves and two-inch-wide flowers: “rosy pink, a little paler toward the center, and striped with deep purple-carmine, suggesting in their detail an old flower picture.” Her only caveats were that the mallow needed pruning to help it keep its shape, and that it could be prolific: “As it will volunteer all over the place, you may expect to see a whole forest of little Mallows.” We haven’t had volunteers, but the thing would eat the yard if we let it.  

Like its neighbor the Catalina ironwood, the island mallow is a Channel Islands plant that made good. Those islands are as close as California comes to a Galapagos, an evolutionary funhouse full of ancient relicts and newly minted neoendemics. Most of the specialties are plants, but the islands are also inhabited by an oversized scrub-jay, a miniature gray fox, and-formerly-the oxymoronic pygmy mammoth. 

L. assurgentiflora has a northern subspecies native to Anacapa and San Miguel Islands and a southern subspecies native to Santa Catalina and San Clemente. It has had to contend with browsing by exotic ungulates, notably goats, and few survive in the wild. On Catalina, it’s down to two isolated rocks near the island’s isthmus. Old accounts talk about forests of malva rosa on San Clemente, but the goats have pretty much done for them. 

But the mallow does well in cultivation, and has naturalized itself on the southern California mainland coast as well as parts of Baja California, Peru, Ecuador, and Chile. Several cultivars are available, one of which, Purisima mallow, is a hybrid between L. assurgentiflora and L. venosa from the San Benito Islands off the Pacific coast of Baja. 

The island tree-mallow’s closest relatives are all Mexican island species, with two occurring on goat-bombed Guadalupe Island. The other Lavateras are native to the Mediterranean region, central and eastern Asia, and Australia; a few are also tree-sized. The genus was named for the Lavater brothers, a pair of 16th-century Swiss naturalists. Lavatera is a member of the Malvaceae, the mallow family, along with hollyhocks, hibiscus, okra, cotton, and (in the latest classification) the cacao tree.  

You’ll see other bush-sized native mallows in the trade, including the endangered San Clemente Island bush mallow (Malacothamnus clementinus). They tend to be more compact than the tree-mallow and to have white or gray foliage, due to tiny hairs that may cause skin rash in the susceptible. They also bear their flowers in spikes rather than singly, as Lavatera does. 

Like Rowntree, contemporary garden writers stress the need for discipline. Carol Bornstein, David Fross, and Bart O’Brien, in California Native Plants for the Garden, refer rather harshly to the mallow’s “rank growth and coarse appearance [which] make it a poor choice for formal garden settings.” They also describe it as short-lived, vulnerable to a virus specific to the mallow family, and popular with leaf-eating insects, gophers, and deer. We’ve never has an insect problem on ours (knock wood) and we don’t have many deer or gophers in the neighborhood.  

On the other side of the ledger, it grows fast and tolerates wind and salt spray. No salt spray here either, so the fast growth is untrammeled except by the garage and people getting there. And periodic attacks of Felco shears and Silky saws, of course.  

 

 

 

Ron Sullivan is a former professional gardener and arborist. Her “Green Neighbors” column appears every other Tuesday in the Berkeley Daily Planet, alternating with Joe Eaton’s “Wild Neighbors” column. Her “Garden Variety” column appears every Friday in the Planet’s East Bay Home & Real Estate section.


Column: Undercurrents: Oakland Army Base Story Raises Concerns About Chronicle Coverage

By J. Douglas Allen-Taylor
Friday April 04, 2008

With the sad, slow decline of the Oakland Tribune as a newspaper of substance over the past several years, Oakland has begun to depend more heavily on the San Francisco Chronicle for coverage of city issues and events. With that dependence have come expressed concerns—jelling in the Jerry Brown years, escalating during the one year of the Ron Dellums administration—that Oakland is being “unfairly” covered, for want of a better word. 

“Fair” and “unfair” are often difficult standards to judge, since they are all in the eye of the beholder. One of the best ways to make that determination is by looking at the way different media outlets cover the same story. 

On March 27, under the headline “Catellus, Federal Development among bidders for Oakland Army Base,” the East Bay Business Times wrote: “Catellus Development Corp. and Federal Development LLC are among 13 developers who have submitted bids for redevelopment of the former Oakland Army Base. … The companies will compete to redevelop 108 acres of the former base in west Oakland.” 

After giving details about Catellus and Federal Development and the major projects they have bid and worked on, the Business Times lists the other 11 developers and then includes a press release quote by Mayor Ron Dellums that Oakland is “extremely pleased by the strong response. This is a tremendous vote of confidence for Oakland’s economy. It also shows what a unique opportunity we have to revitalize the area, taking advantage of the central Bay Area location, prominent waterfront, and direct visibility and access from the freeways.” 

Straightforward reporting, from a newspaper that specializes in business and development issues, leaving the impression that the Dellums administration is moving forward with development of an important Oakland parcel. 

So how did the Chronicle handle the same story? 

In a March 31 article entitled “Wayans Brothers Drop Oakland Army Base Plans,” reporter Christopher Heredia begins, “Oakland Mayor Ron Dellums has released a list of developers interested in building on the former Oakland Army base—but noticeably absent are Hollywood’s Wayans brothers, who had wanted to build a movie studio and shopping center there. Wayans business partner Britten Shuford said Friday that the partners dropped their latest proposal—for a business park and shopping center called Destination Oakland—because it was not compatible with heavy industry at the adjacent Port of Oakland.”  

Mr. Heredia’s story includes the Dellums quote and some history about the value of the Oakland Army Base land and what could be developed there, but mostly it’s about the fact that the Wayans Brothers decided not to compete. The Heredia story concludes: “Shuford, co-managing partner of the Wayans Brothers-Pacifica Capital Urban Development Partnership, said he and the Wayans brothers asked the city to commit to preserving the parcel’s bay views. But that request drew no response. The port intends to stack storage containers and build a dividing wall that would be six to 15 stories tall and block bayfront views. ‘We made clear the importance of the issue of preserving the bay views,’ Shuford said. ‘When that was not resolved by the city, we did pull out because we were left with no other choice. It’s not conducive to a creative environment.’” 

There are two things to note about the inclusion of the Wayans Brothers prominence in the Chronicle story about the response to RFQ of the Oakland Army Base. The first is that it is old news, reported—although prematurely at the time—eight months ago in the Chronicle. The second is that it is told entirely from the point of view of the Wayans Brothers, making it appear as if this is another “Oakland screwed up a development deal” thing. 

First, the old story part. 

In an Aug. 17, 2007 article entitled “Wayans Partnership Says No To Movie Studio In Oakland,” the San Francisco Chronicle said that “Actor/director Keenen Ivory Wayans and a Los Angeles development firm have dropped plans to build a movie studio and shopping center on the former Oakland Army base, a city official said today. Wayans and the Pacifica Capital Group informed city officials earlier this week that the land adjacent to the Port of Oakland would not work for the film studio/shopping center project that was dubbed Destination Oakland, a spokeswoman for City Administrator Deborah Edgerly said today.” 

I wrote two stories on the Wayans deal for the Daily Planet in September of 2007. The first one, on Sept. 7, reported that the deal, in fact, was not dead, and that Wayans representatives were making the rounds of Oakland City Hall to try to renegotiate the deal. The second article, on Sept. 25, went into detail that the plan to stack container cargo on land adjacent to the proposed Wayans development had been in the works since the mid-1990s, and available on public documents, long before the Wayans Brothers looked over the property and documents and signed their exclusive negotiating agreement. 

Around Oakland City Hall, there was a lot of private speculation that the container cargo problem was simply a smokescreen to cover the Wayans’ asses. The Wayans Brothers had reneged on the timetable of their first exclusive negotiating agreement, blaming their failure to submit a proposal on their development partner. They dropped that partner, got a new one, and got an extended ENA with the City of Oakland. When the time for submitting a proposal under the new ENA neared, the Wayans Brothers raised the issue of a problem with the container cargo storage which, as I’ve said, would have been known by anyone with a computer, a browser, and internet connection, and a knowledge of how to use Google. If they didn’t know it was their screwup, not the City of Oakland’s. 

The Wayans proposal had been developed during the Jerry Brown era, when Oakland was essentially running a development scheme in which we told developers we have nice pieces of property, come and tell us what you want to do with them.  

But in an Oct. 23 Oakland Tribune story announcing the Army Base proposals, the newspaper reported that Mayor Dellums “said it was important for the city to move away from a ‘project-driven’ development (such as the Wayans’), to one in which the city established its own goals to see if a developer can meet them. ‘My constant refrain has been we need to have a comprehensive vision of where we’re trying to go,’ [Mr. Dellums] said. ‘When you’re only moving on the basis of one project at a time, you’re never taking the long-term view of where you want to go.’” It was under this new framework--in which Oakland laid out broad plans for a piece of property and asked developers to submit proposals for how they would meet those plans--that the new Oakland Army Base RFQ was sent out. 

Why, then, did Mr. Heredia’s Chronicle article spend so much time on the failed Wayans Brothers proposal, since it was a deal that was long dead, and the new RFQ was put together under an entirely different format, reflecting the views of a different mayor? That’s something you’ll have to ask Mr. Heredia and the folks at the Chronicle. 

But the Chronicle, at least, puts on a pretense of even-handedness. Not so is Oakland’s old friend Chris Thompson, who is back at his old haunts at the East Bay Express after a sojourn at the Village Voice, finding things wrong about, well, everything.  

In an item in an April 2 column, Mr. Thompson writes, “After years of making bedroom eyes at poor, frumpy West Oakland, the comic filmmaking Wayans Brothers decided to court more comely ladies. Last week, the Wayans Brothers announced that they were abandoning all interest in developing a retail and business park in the old Oakland Army base, citing the inconvenient fact that the land rubs up against a hideous, toxic seaport that belches diesel fumes into the air. Meanwhile, Mayor Ron Dellums noticed that other developers were mildly interested in the site, and crowed that this was a ‘tremendous vote of confidence for Oakland’s economy.’” 

The Thompson items shows the danger of the Chronicle as the major source of news for Oakland. Mr. Thompson takes the Chronicle slant on the Oakland Army Base RFQ announcement—that the real story was that the Wayans Brothers chose not to bid—and then embellishes it all out of any sense of human proportion. The Wayans Brothers never mentioned any problem with the Port in their concerns about the Oakland Army Base property, but only with the Port’s plans to stack container cargo, something they said would block spectacular bayfront views of the San Francisco skyline. Mr. Thompson simply alters the facts, changing from a limited concern over a particular Oakland Army Base parcel into a slam at the entire Oakland Army Base property itself—why, after all, would anyone want to put anything in close proximity to “a hideous, toxic seaport that belches diesel fumes into the air?” 

(Dealing with the Port’s toxicity is a difficult problem, too detailed to take up in this column. We’ll tackle it at a later time.) 

Anyway, Mr. Thompson has a history of ridiculing attempts by (certain) East Bay cities to address serious development problems, once writing about an innovative plan by the City of Richmond to develop the old waterfront Ford Plant by spending the first paragraph talking about how bad America’s inner cities are, the second paragraph talking about how Richmond is so much worse than the rest (“If you take a walk through the city center—a center neatly bifurcated by BART and Amtrak lines—you will see a town too poor and dangerous to even support its own panhandlers. St. Vincent de Paul outlets, weed-choked lots, and an endless string of fast-food joints mark the route to City Hall. One evening two weeks ago, dozens of cops swarmed around a ghetto bungalow, conducting a major bust just five blocks from the City Council chambers, where officials with the Redevelopment Agency pondered once again how to dig themselves out of their decades-old morass. Now they’ve settled on their latest dream; Hollywood, they hope, will be Richmond’s ticket back to the big time.” “Bright Lights, Small City,” East Bay Express, May 28, 2003) 

Mr. Thompson’s story was so negative, it is credited by some Richmond officials with causing financiers to drop out of the deal, thus killing a proposal that would have turned the Ford Plant into an art and film center (the city later put together another deal which is revitalizing the site). 

And that’s why there is concern among at least some Oakland residents about the San Francisco Chronicle’s coverage of Oakland. They don’t expect the paper to be a cheerleader for the city, or to overlook its many problems. But newspapers sometimes have the power to be self-fulfilling prophets. By embellishing the bad, they can make it worse. 


East Bay, Then and Now: Parsons House: A Pioneering Design for Accessible Living

By Daniella Thompson
Friday April 04, 2008
A brick ramp leads to the Parsons house, designed by Albert J. Mazurette in 1911.
Daniella Thomspon
A brick ramp leads to the Parsons house, designed by Albert J. Mazurette in 1911.

Since the enactment of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, standards for accessible design have guided new construction and building retrofits. A plethora of products, from doors to bathroom fixtures, are especially designed with accessibility in mind. 

Imagine the plight of the mobility-challenged a hundred years ago, when only the well-to-do could afford to live in relative comfort. Making life comfortable for the disabled invariably entailed custom building at a time when practically no precedents existed for barrier-free architecture. 

This was the challenge facing architectural engineer Albert J. Mazurette in 1911, when he was commissioned to design an accessible house in Berkeley for William Parsons, a retired lumber dealer. 

Albert Joseph Mazurette (1887-1978) was born to French-Canadian parents in Detroit. He came to California in 1900 with his widowed father, who held positions in various sawmills. In 1904, after attending public schools in Stockton and Oakland, Albert entered a special course in drawing at the Polytechnic High School in Oakland. This course marked the end of his formal education. As his biography in Past and Present of Alameda County, California (1914) noted, “his later valuable training was acquired in the ‘university of hard knocks.’” 

In 1905, Mazurette obtained a job in a Santa Clara planing mill, where he “learned every branch of the business.” He must have been a quick study, for the same year he moved on to the Enterprise Planing Mill in Stockton, where he worked as a designer under Ralph P. Morrell—one of the leading architects in San Joaquin County—to whom he was “indebted for the major part of his present knowledge of the profession.” 

Mazurette returned to Oakland in early 1906, spending a year at the Pacific Coast Lumber & Mill Company. The following year, as the East Bay experienced a building boom in the wake of the San Francisco earthquake and fire, he entered the employ of Karl H. Nickel, Oakland’s “bungalow king.” After three years with Nickel, Mazurette established his own architectural practice in the Bacon Building, downtown Oakland. 

In 1914, Mazurette would found the Melbourne Construction Company, but when he received the commission to design the Parsons house, the architect relied on his former employer, Karl H. Nickel, for contracting services. 

Nickel was best known for his brown-shingle bungalows, photographs of which appeared in his full-page ads in the Architect and Engineer of California. Mazurette no doubt designed scores of such bungalows for Nickel, and it was this experience that most likely led to his selection as Parsons’ architect. 

Not a great deal is known about William Parsons. He was born in Massachusetts about 1836. His father, a resident of Newton, appears to have been a wealthy Surinam and East-India merchant and later a leader in the manufacturing development of Massachusetts. The younger Parsons attended Harvard, graduating in 1856. Having begun his career as a merchant with his father, he moved to Charleston, West Virginia, where he was recorded as a bookkeeper in the 1870 U.S. census. In 1880, he was a lumber dealer in Chicago. Nothing further is noted of him until 1899, when the Report of the Secretary of Harvard College listed him at the Anglo-California Bank in San Francisco. 

Subsequent Harvard alumni listings follow Parsons into retirement and to 2924 Benvenue Avenue in Berkeley. But before moving to Berkeley, Parsons was recorded in the 1910 census as a 74-year-old widower residing in Pacific Heights with two live-in nurses. 

Even the sparse information currently available about Parsons paints the picture of an elderly invalid. This portrait is reinforced by the layout of the Benvenue Avenue brown-shingle house designed for him by Albert Mazurette. 

Although the house has both attic and basement, all the living spaces were originally concentrated on the ground floor. A brick ramp leads from the street to the house, indicating that William Parsons was wheelchair-bound. Further evidence of his condition is offered by the ample and straight porch leading to the front door, the generous width of this door and of the corridor bisecting the house, and the unusual spatial layout of the rooms. 

At the front, easily accessible from the front door, is an elegantly spacious, lofty-ceilinged living room with windows on three sides. This would have been Mr. Parsons’ day room, where he could sit by the large fireplace or at one of the full-length windows. His books were near at hand, housed in low, glazed built-in cases whose shelves could be reached from a sitting position. 

On sunny days, Parsons could be wheeled out to the front deck through a pair of French doors. At night, he retired to his bedroom by way of a door that opened directly from the living room. 

The Parsons house is long-for many years legend had it that Parsons was a sea captain who built his house “in the image of the longboats he had sailed around the world.” In reality, the length of the house served to separate the invalid owner’s quarters from the centers of activity and noise. Both kitchen and dining room are located at the very rear, 42 feet away from the living room. At mealtimes, Parsons could be wheeled down the corridor and through sliding, leaded-glass pocket doors into his wood-paneled, Arts and Crafts dining room. Meal over, he would be wheeled away from the clutter of dishes, back to the calm of the living room. 

As in San Francisco, a resident nurse lived on the premises. Her name was Effie Murchison, born circa 1881 to Canadian immigrants in Nicolaus, Sutter County. Her father, a farmer from Prince Edward Island, died prematurely in 1887, leaving a young widow and seven children, six of them girls. As soon as they were old enough, the Murchison girls-four of whom would never marry-went off to San Francisco to learn a trade or profession. In 1900, Effie was a boarder nurse-student at a hospital on Jones Street run by Edward M. Bixby, M.D. Ten years later, she was one of William Parsons’ two live-in nurses in Pacific Heights. 

By then, Effie’s mother had left the farm and was living in San Francisco with her unmarried daughters and the only son, a bookkeeper at a state prison. When Effie accompanied her employer to his new Berkeley home, the other Murchisons followed, settling a block away, at 2953 Hillegass Avenue. 

William Parsons died about 1916, leaving his house to Effie. The 1917 Berkeley directory listed Effie, her mother Margaret, her sisters Kathryn, Sarah, and Grace, and her brother John at 2924 Benvenue. 

During the Depression, the Murchisons divided the house into two units, converting one of the four bedrooms into a kitchen and letting the front part to renters. From 1934 to 1937, their tenants were Jacob I. Del Valle, a merchant and importer, and his wife May, a music teacher. Both were in their 60s. During World War Two, the front unit was occupied by Robert E. Ferguson, a U.S. Navy navigator, and his wife Nancy. Perhaps this is how the “sea captain” legend came into being. 

The youngest of the Murchison sisters died in 1968, and the house was left to their nephew, Craig Murchison, who sold it in 1971. The following year, it was on the market again, after new owners developed the attic. In June 1973, the house was sold to Arthur M. and Ruth Forbes Young, entering a new phase of its remarkable history. 

Arthur Middleton Young (1905-1995) was a mathematician, engineer, inventor, astrologer, investigator of parapsychological phenomena, and the elaborator of a unified field theory of consciousness called the Theory of Process, which he described in the books The Reflexive Universe and The Geometry of Meaning. 

Beginning in 1928, Young designed and developed what would become the Bell 47 helicopter, the first helicopter to be awarded a commercial license, in 1946. Concurrent with their purchase of the Parsons house in 1973, Arthur and Ruth Young founded the Institute for the Study of Consciousness, which was based in the house. 

The institute’s program was rich and active. A relic found in the house is a hand-written poster board displaying the institute’s weekly schedule and special events for a two-month period. On Mondays, Young’s theme was “Conversations on Consciousness”; on Tuesdays, he lectured on “Yoga of Thinking”; on Wednesdays, Alan Vaughn spoke on “Advanced Parapsychology.” The Thursday colloquiums featured a rotation of such thinkers as Frances Farelly, Ingo Swann, Hal Putoff, Kenneth Pelletier, Jack Schwarz, Geoffrey Chew, Fritjof Capra, and Joseph Chilton Pearce. On Fridays, Saul Paul Sirag presented “Paradigm or Paradox?” The special events included a Wheeler Hall discussion by Mad Bear and Doug Boyd on “Emergence of the Fourth World” and a conference at Dwinelle Hall in benefit of the Tibetan Aid Project, with seven notables discussing “Science & Mysticism.” 

Following Arthur Young’s death, Ruth Young-great granddaughter of Ralph Waldo Emerson, painter, and founder of the International Peace Academy-devoted herself to encouraging the study of her husband’s Theory of Process. She died in 1998, leaving the house to the Institute for the Study of Consciousness. Shortly thereafter, the house was sold. The current owners have returned it to single-family use, although vestiges of the second kitchen remain. 

The house retains its charming Arts and Crafts details, including beautifully proportioned windows, natural wood paneling, box-beamed ceilings, built-in cabinetry, and a great deal of leaded art glass in doors, windows, and cabinet glazing. It will be open for viewing on BAHA’s Spring House Tour, May 4, 2008. 

 

Beautiful Benvenue, Elegant Hillegass 

Berkeley Architectural Heritage Spring House Tour 

Sunday, May 4, 2008 

1 p.m. to 5 p.m. 

Tickets: $35; BAHA members $25 

(510) 841-2242 

berkeleyheritage.com 

 

Daniella Thompson publishes berkeleyheritage.com for the Berkeley Architectural Heritage Association (BAHA). 

 

 


Garden Variety: Thank You, Jenny Fleming

By Ron Sullivan
Friday April 04, 2008

I owe a personal debt to Jenny Fleming, and so do you. Mine is perhaps more specific: Jenny was one of a group of people who saved my sanity after I crashed and burned out of nursing.  

It was purely an accidental group and I have no reason to believe they knew they were doing anything of the sort, but I managed to conjure them by enrolling in the Hort Department up at Merritt College and, waiting for the semester to start, joining the Tuesday propagation sessions that California Native Plant Society volunteers had there.  

A good handful of sweet gray-haired old ladies with razor-sharp minds (and tongues, when the occasion warranted) seemed to be the core of that group, and Jenny, with her aristocratic bearing and the look of eagles, was one of them. I heard about her legendary garden, and toured it during a Merritt California native plants class. It was astonishing. 

I worked as a gardener while taking those classes, and in due course Jenny hired me for a short term of maintenance there. Fellow students had passed on some combination of warning and promise about this, as quite a few of them had done similar stints. They were right.  

A few days of clinging with my toes to that amazingly vertical space, one foot on a rock upslope and one downslope and the rest of me wobbling between, prying weeds and planting seedlings and not daring to slip to my death for fear of crushing some botanical treasure I prized more than my own bones, rendered me as strong and limber as I’ve ever been in my life.  

It was worth the gymnastics of course, for the chance to learn, to work beside Jenny and enjoy her company with those marvelous plants in that marvelous place. It’s hitched in true John Muir fashion to the Tilden Park Botanic Garden, the California Native Plant Society, and our remaining wild places. Like those wild places, it rewards every moment of attention with beauty and learning. Like CNPS and the Tilden garden, it protects and propagates plant species that are under threat in their home ranges. Jenny was one of the people who founded CNPS after a successful campaign to keep the Tilden garden intact and working where it is.  

Jenny has passed on but her and Scott’s garden lives as one of her several interwoven legacies. It’s a plant collector’s paradise: thriving specimens in a beautiful, well-organized, integrated space, everyone looking right at home. Don’t take my word for it: the garden’s on this year’s free “Bringing Back the Natives Garden” Tour. Reserve your tour now, and get to the Flemings’ early; parking is a challenge there.  

Local CNPS members have (I hope) already seen the invitation to a memorial for Jenny hosted by her family on Saturday, April 5. If your Bay Leaf has been delayed or gone missing, I suggest emailing India Fleming-Farris: farris@dcn.org or calling (530) 758-4210; the invitation directs responses there.  

 

California Native Plant Society 

http://www.cnps.org 

2707 K Street, Suite 1  

Sacramento, CA 95816-5113 

(916) 447-2677, Mon–Fri, 9 a.m.–5p.m.) 

East Bay Chapter 

http://www.ebcnps.org/ 

 

Bringing Back the Natives  

Free Garden Tour 

http://www.bringingbackthenatives.net 

See the site for promising, modestly priced Select Tours! 

Questions?  

Kathy@kathykramerconsulting.net  

(510) 236-9558, 9 a.m.–9 p.m. 

 

An interview with Jenny Fleming: 

http://www.sfgate.com/ cgibin/ 

article.cgi?f=/c/a/2001/09/01/ 

HO110880.DTL&hw=Ron+Sullivan&sn=125&sc=630


About the House: Imagining the Ideal Electrical System for Your House

By Matt Cantor
Friday April 04, 2008

I’m actually a very sensitive person. My feelings are easily hurt and I prefer to have an exchange of kind words: “I like you” is nice. On a good day someone might say “I like you, too.” Isn’t that nice. Then I wake up and realize, once again, that I’m a home inspector and no matter how I try to slice it, I have to criticize a few dozen things every day and, invariably, I’m going to have hurt someone’s feelings, made them angry or maybe a little scared. Well, at least I’m not in politics. 

Electrical systems take a lot of hits from me. After all, they do burn down houses. In the recent past, statistics have estimated 32,000 fires each year associated with electrical systems. That’s about 9 percent of all fires in the home. This also accounts for roughly 220 death and almost 1,000 injuries a year as well as roughly $700 million dollars in damage in the U.S. 

I had a call from a young renter the other day (Hello, yes, I am responding to your question) who was concerned with the danger of using her outside breaker panel in the rain, in the dark. 

I gave her something of an answer, while dancing a mazurka and spinning yarn from dog hair. In short, I didn’t really answer the question to my own satisfaction, so I thought about it for a while and realized that amidst all the criticisms I’ve made in the line of duty and all the notions I’ve posited in this column, I’ve never really defined the kind of electrical system I’d like to see and what clients should be looking for. So here’s a short textual diagram of my idea of a really good electrical system. 

 

The drop 

The wires coming from the power pole are called the service drop. Frankly, I’d rather see an underground service than anything as 18th century as a system of wires and poles strewn about our, otherwise, arcadian metropolis (the Tarzan system of power delivery). With underground wiring, there’s less to fail in an earthquake and yes, Olivia, we are waiting on a big one. If it has to be overhead, it should be out of the trees so it won’t get worn to bare wires and explode (yes, they explode and then burn; my artist-friend, Bill Shulte can attest to this. He lost his home of many years over an exploding main drop). I also like to see them high enough so that nobody’s going to hit it with their RV or extension ladder. 

 

The Main 

I’ve often gotten the following question: “Shouldn’t the main panel be inside where it can’t be tampered with?” No, a single main breaker for each living unit should be outside where it can be turned off by emergency service personnel without entering the dwelling (although in some places, like San Francisco, that’s not possible and they allow them to be inside the basement or garage)… BUT, my favorite recipe calls for all the rest of the system to be inside. Now, this usually costs more because you’re adding at least one more panel than you could get away with by putting all the breakers in the outside panel but here’s my thinking. We need one breaker outside but ideally (and here’s where we answer my young reader’s interrogative) the rest should be found in a convenient spot inside the dwelling where it’s warm, dry, safer and possibly a light (there may only be one tripped breaker and the light you need may still be on.)  

Isn’t it nicer to find and reset a tripped breaker when you don’t have to run out in the rain at night in that horrible frock and nightcap? Also, being less than fully insulated when operating breakers outside is less than ideal (although most modern panels do a smashing good job of protecting the person resetting breakers). 

This inside “sub-panel” isn’t so pretty. For years, electricians installed them in closets and I’d like to offer a general apology to all of you who’ve had their lava lamps, Sergio Mendez records and Star Trek memorabilia mashed by me as I attempted to get inside these panels. Putting panels in closets is a bad idea, not only because of the possibility of fire but also for the safety of electricians. Building codes addressed this quite a while back and bravo to them (as you may know, my praise for the codes is not unbridled).  

I like to see panels in places where they don’t compete with Wayne Thiebaud. If you don’t have a suitable basement, I’d tend to put it behind a door that’s usually swung against a wall. A blank wall in a laundry room is a good choice. It’s important that opening this panel involves no gymnastics because it’s dangerous enough working on these things as it is. That’s a very short version of a very long section of the code. 

 

Circuits 

I like lots and lots of circuits and lots and lots of outlets. Here’s how this works. You provide a given load: one TV (tuned only to PBS or the history channel of course), two computers, one toaster, one hairdryer and so forth. You would be using this bunch of stuff pretty much anywhere you went. The house may have more or less lighting, and you may use it more or less depending on how parsimonious you are or how many are in the clan, BUT the point stands that you will tend to use power more as a function of your own personal stuff and predilections than as a function of the electrical system you have. 

SO, if you have a system that has more circuits, those circuits are likely to each carry a smaller portion of your load. This translates to heat. On a typical day, you might be running 5,000 watts (a wild guess). If you have 10 circuits, each one might be carrying 500 watts, which is tolerable. With 4 circuits at 1,250 each and a few bad wiring splices hidden here and there (or a fried switch, or outlet, or cord), you may be heating the wiring up to a point where a fire can start. So one of the best ways to construct a safe electrical system is a build one with plenty of circuits. 

Another way is to have plenty of outlets. This is similar but not the same thing. If we add plenty of receptacles to our healthy number of circuits then we reduce the use of extension cords (circuits are like the branches on a tree and the panels are like the trunk, in fact, we use the word branch for circuits and, long ago, used the word trunk to describe the main wires coming into a system).  

X-cords are made of smaller wires than those in the wall. This means that they become resisters when we run power through them. They’re bottlenecks full of hot little electrons that want to run free and express themselves. (Hey, Ned, your house is on fire!) When you run a typical 2,000-watt electric heater on a small extension cord, the cord might get hot enough to melt or set fire to your dissertation on polynomial geometry so when building an ideal electrical system, don’t skimp on circuits or outlets. 

 

Lighting 

A true exploration of my preferences, alone, on this delightful and complex subject is beyond any sensible exploitation of this article, but I’ll hit a few high points anyway. Don’t miss out on lighting. Lighting shapes spaces, creates mood, allows one room to wear many outfits, if you will, and turns useless spaces into favored niches. Don’t miss the party. Lighting is one of the things that makes all that wiring worthwhile. That said, I now favor the use of compact fluorescents when and wherever you can manage. Bulbs are now available in dimmable versions and floods too. They’re also much better than just five years ago so come back and give them another try.  

I’m hoping that many of you will include LED lighting in your rehabs soon but the market IS lagging a bit on this amazing innovation. The reason for my excitement about fluorescent and even more for LED is that these do two great things. First, they lower your bill while decreasing energy waste (which also has far reaching political and environmental implications) while lasting years longer (your LED lamps might NEVER require replacement). Second, they make your house SAFER by lower ing the temperature of all the wires that feed to the lighting. Lighting can be one of the top energy users in your house and when we use CFLs or LEDs, the house runs cooler and safer.  

Additionally, the wiring and switches live longer since they’re not being “cooked” all evening from the heat created by typical higher wattage incandescent lighting. If you do have a scary-funky electrical system today, changing to CFL or LED is a pretty cheap way to make things a lot safer. 

The parting shots I’ll add before closing, will be to make a short case for new improved breakers. My ideal electrical system uses the new AFCI fire-sensing breakers wherever it’s practical to do so (talk to your Sparky) and used GFCI shock preventing outlets or breakers for anywhere that serious shock is a possibility: bath, basement, etc. 

I have long felt that there was more bang for the buck with electrical than in virtually any other system in our homes so this is not the place to cut corners. Buy cheaper cuts of meat. 

Remember, 32,000 home will burn as a result of sparks this year. My feeling is that when you’re looking for something to add sparks to, try your marriage instead. 

Thanks to the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) and the annual NFPA fire experience survey for the numbers cited above. 

 

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


Arts & Events

Arts Calendar

Tuesday April 08, 2008

TUESDAY, APRIL 8 

FILM  

“Intimate Communications: Films by Audrius Stonys” with the artist in person at 7:30 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $5.50-$9.50. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Susan Griffin on “Wrestling with the Angel of Democracy: On Being and American Citizen” at 7:30 p.m. at First Congregational Church of Berkeley, 2345 Channing Way. 559-9500. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Slide Hampton, interactive presentation at 7 p.m. at Oakland Public Conservatory of Music, 1616 Franklin St., Oakland. Tickets are $10-$20, free for youth under 13. www. BrownPaperTickets.com/event/3087 

Bandworks at 7:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $5. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Singers’ Open Mic with Kelly Park at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $5. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

Natalia Zukerman, Heather Combs at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $17.50-$18.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

George Cotsirilos Trio at 7 p.m. at Caffe Trieste, 2500 San Pablo Ave., at Dwight. 548-5198.  

Eric Alexander Quartet, featuring Harold Mabern, at 8 and 10 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $10-$16. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

Jazzschool Tuesdays, a weekly showcase of up-and-coming ensembles from Berkeley Jazzschool at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 843-8277. 

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9 

EXHIBITIONS 

“Paul Robeson, A Hero for All Time” A exhibit celebrating the 100th anniversary of Paul Robeson’s birth. Opening reception at 5 p.m. at Oakland City Hall Rotunda, corner of 14th and Broadway. www.bayarearobeson.org 

FILM  

“Belle de Jour” with lecture by Marilyn Fabe at 3 p.m. Film and Video Makers at Cal at 7:30 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $5.50-$9.50. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

“Portraits: Faces and Emotions” with Dr. Paul Ekman at 7:30 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $10 and up. Benefit for Ethsix Magazine. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

Micheline Aharonian Marcom introduces “Draining the Sea” at 7:30 p.m. at Cody's Books, 2201 Shattuck Ave. 559-9500. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Wednesday Noon Concert, with Rachel Li, piano, Kai Chou, cello, Jessica Ling, violin, at Hertz Hall, UC Campus. Free. 642-4864. http://music.berkeley.edu 

Carla Kaufman Ensemble with Noel Jewkes and Benny Watson at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $8. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

Mazacote at 9:30 p.m. at Shattuck Down Low, 2284 Shattuck Ave. Salsa dance lessons at 8:30 p.m. Cost is $5-$10. 548-1159.  

Stephane Wrembel at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 843-8277. 

Martin Hayes & Dennis Cahill at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $25.50-$26.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

Keola Beamer & Chris Yeaton at 8 and 10 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $14-$20. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

THURSDAY, APRIL 10 

EXHIBITIONS 

“Call & Response” Works from Richmond High School and the National Institute of Art & Disabilities. Opening reception at 5 p.m. at NIAD, 551 23rd St., Richmond. 620-0290. www.niadart.org 

Enrique Chagoya: Borderlandia Guided tour at 12:15 p.m. at Berkeley Art Museum. Cost is $5.50-$9.50. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

“Eccentrics, Heroes, and Cutthroats of Old Berkeley” slide talk by author Richard Schwartz featuring highlights of Berkeley’s history from 1850 to 1925 at 7 p.m. at El Cerrito Library, 6510 Stockton Ave., El Cerrito. 526-7512. 

“The Radical Jack London” with author Jonah Raskin at 1 p.m. at Oakland Museum of California, 10th and Oak Sts. 238-2200. www.museumca.org 

“Forms in the Abyss: A Philosophical Bridge Between Sartre and Derrida” with author Steve Martinot, in conversation with Sandra Luft at 5:30 p.m. at University Press Books, 2430 Bancroft Way. 548-0585. www.universitypressbooks.com 

Adam Mansbach on “The End of the Jews” at 7:30 p.m. at the JCC of the East Bay, 1414 Walnut St. 848-0237. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Don Carlos, Jah Levi, reggae, at 9:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $18-$20. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Martin Hayes & Dennis Cahill at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $25.50-$26.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

Jazzalicious! at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $10. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

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

Holly Near & emma’s revolution at 8 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $20-$25. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

Akosua Mireku, Ghanaian-American folk-singer, at 9:30 p.m. at Beckett’s Irish Pub, 2271 Shattuck Ave. 647-1790. www.beckettsirishpub.com 

Omar Sosa Afreecanos Quartet at 8 and 10 p.m., through Sun. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $10-$22. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

Moped at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 843-8277. 

FRIDAY, APRIL 11 

CHILDREN  

Storytelling from Japan Traditional Japanese folktales, songs and games at 7 p.m. at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. Workshop follows to learn how to make toys from recyceld materials. 525-2233. 

THEATER  

Altarena Playhouse “Chicago” Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2 p.m. at Altarena Playhouse, 1409 High St., Alameda, through April 12. $17-$20. 523-1553. altarena.org 

Aurora Theatre “The Trojan Women” Wed.-Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2 and 7 p.m. at 2081 Addison St., through May 11. Tickets are $40-$42. 843-4822. www.auroratheatre.org 

California Conservatory Theatre “The Turn of the Screw” Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m., Sat. and Sun. at 2 p.m. at 999 East 14th St., San Leandro City Hall Complex, near BART, through April 27. Tickets are $20-$22. 632-8850. 

Contra Costa Civic Theater “Foxfire” Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2 p.m. at 951 Pomona Ave. at Moeser, El Cerrito, through May 11. Tickets are $11-$18. 524-9132. www.ccct.org 

Masquers Playhouse “Tartuffe” Fri.-Sat. at 8 p.m., some Sun. matinees at 2:30 p.m. at 105 Park Place, Pt. Richmond, through April 26. Tickets are $18. 232-4031. www.masquers.org 

Shotgun Players “Mrs. Warren’s Profession” by George Bernard Shaw. Thurs.-Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 5 p.m., through April 27, at The Ashby Stage, 1901 Ashby Ave. Tickets are $17-$25. 841-6500. www.shotgunplayers.org 

Teen One Acts Festival with the winners of the Teen writing competition Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m. at Berkeley Rep School of Theater, 2017 Addison St. Tickets at the door ate $6-$12. 647-2917. 

TheatreFirst “Future Me” Thurs.-Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 3 p.m. at Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant Ave. Tickets are $23-$28. 436-5085. www.theatrefirst.com 

EXHIBITIONS 

“Fiber 2008” Works by Ingrid Cole, Tom Chen, Donna Duguay, Karin Lusnak, and Alexandra von Burg. Reception at 6 p.m. at ACCI Gallery, 1652 Shattuck Ave. 843-2527. 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Coffee House Press Night Readings by Joseph Lease and Martha Ronk at 7:30 p.m. at Moe’s Books, 2476 Telegraph Ave. 849-2087. 

Paul Belz and Norm Milstein will read their poetry at 7 pm on Friday, April 11th at Nefeli Caffe, 1854 Euclid Avenue, a little north of Hearst, in Berkeley, as part of the Last Word Reading Series. There is also an open reading.  

MUSIC AND DANCE 

California’s Música Mexicana with Dr. Loco’s Rockin’ Jalapeño Band and La Familia Peña-Govea at 8:30 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $10-$12. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

Jovino Santos Neto and Harvey Wainapel Brazilian music from yesterday, today and tomorrow at 7:30 p.m. at Chapel of the Chimes, 4499 Piedmont Ave., Oakland. Tickets are $10-$15, children under 12 free. 228-3218. 

Ben Stolorow & His Quartet at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $12. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

Stompy Jones, East Coast Swing, at 9:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Dance lesson at 8 p.m. Cost is $13. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Ron Thompson, blues, at 8 p.m. at Caffe Trieste, 2500 San Pablo Ave., at Dwight. 548-5198.  

Ramana Viera Ensemble at 8 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $18. 845-5373. www.jazzschool.com 

Karla Bonoff with Kenny Edwards at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $26.50-$27.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

Charles Wheal & the Excellorators, blues, at 9 p.m. at Downtown. 649-3810.  

Resistant Culture, Black Fire, Disobediencia Civil 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. 

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

Bird Head at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 843-8277. 

SATURDAY, APRIL 12 

CHILDREN  

Celebration of Children’s Literature with Marissa Moss, Gennifer Choldenko, Thacher Hurd, Elisa Kleven, Joel ben Izzy, Gary Lapow, LeUyen Pham, and Sarah Klise at 11:30 a.m. at Tolman Hall, UC Campus. http://gse.berkeley. edu/admin/childlit.html  

East Bay Children’s Theater “The Emperor’s New Clothes” at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. at the Oakland Museum of California, 10th and Oak St. Cost is $10. 655-7285.  

Los Amiguitos de La Peña with Jerry Kennedy, blues and soul music, at 10:30 a.m. at La Peña. Cost is $5 for adults, $4 for children. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

Active Arts Theatre, “The Emperor’s New Clothes” Sat. and Sun. at 2 p.m. at Julia Morgan Center for the Arts, 2640 College Ave. Tickets are $14-$18. www.activeartstheatre.org 

J. Otto Seibold on illustrating “Seamore, The Very Forgetful Porpoise” at 4 p.m. at Cody’s Books, 2201 Shattuck Ave. 559-9500. 

THEATER  

San Leandro Players “Redwood Curtain” Sat. at 8 p.m. and Sun. at 2 p.m. at San Leandro Museum Auditorium, Casa Peralta, 320 W. Estudillo Ave., through May 4. Tickets are $10-$15. 895-2573. www.sanleandroplayers.org  

EXHIBITIONS 

“Dancing for Joy” Group art show celebrating dance and movement. Opening reception at 6 p.m. at Expressions Gallery, 2035 Ashby Ave. Gallery open Wed.-Sat., noon to 5 p.m., Sun. noon - 3 p.m. www.expressionsgallery.org 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Moazzam Sheikh reads from his new book “The Idol Lover” at 4 p.m. at Eastwind Books of Berkeley, 2066 University Ave. 548-2350, www.asiabookcenter.com 

Small Press Distribution Open House from noon to 4 p.m., readings by Joanne Kyger, Marjories Welish, Taylor Brady and Rob Halpern at 2 p.m., at 1341 7th St. at Gilman. 524-1668. 

Book Party for “Love, Grandma” letters written mostly by women activists to their grandchildren, telling how they became activists, at 2 p.m. at Redwood Gardens, 295l Derby St. 549-2210. www.gawba.org 

West Coast Live with Germaine Greer, author of “Shakespeare’s Wife,” Sue Miller, author of “The Senator’s Wife,” and Mark Wilson, author of “Julia Morgan, Architect of Beauty” at 10 a.m. at Freight & Salvage Coffee House, 1111 Addison St. Tickets are $13-$18. 415-664-9500. www.ticketweb.com 

Robert Kourik explains “Roots Demystified: Change Your Gardening Habits to Help Roots Thrive” at 4 p.m. at Mrs. Dalloways, 2904 College Ave. 704-8222. 

 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Oakland Youth Chorus “Music of Our World Concert” at 3 p.m. at First Unitarian Church of Oakland, 685 14th St., Oakland. Suggested donation $5 per family. 893-6129. www.uuoakland.org 

Animal Crackers! Music by Gershwin, Whitacre, PDQ Bach at &:30 p.m. at Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley, 1 Lawson Rd., Kensington. Tickets are $15-$20, no one turned away for lack of funds. 525-0302. 

Oakland Ballet “The Secret Garden” at 2 and 8 p.m. at Oakland Paramount Theater 2025 Broadway, Oakland. Tickets are $15-$50. 465-6400. www.paramounttheatre.com.  

Kensington Symphony with Geoffrey Gallegos, conductor, Kelsey Walsh, piano, at 8 p.m. at Northminster Presbyterian Church, 545 Ashbury Ave., El Cerrito. Suggested donation $12-$15, children free. 528-2829. 

San Francisco Bay Area Chamber Choir “Utterly English” Choral music of Britten, Rutter Howells at 7 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Alameda, 2001 Santa Clara at Chestnut. Suggested donation $10-$15. 522-1477. 

Akademie fur Alte Musik Berlin at 8 p.m. at First Congregational Church, Dana and Durant. Tickets are $48. 642-9988. 

Kat Parra, jazz vocalist, at 1 p.m. at Downhome Music, 1809b Fourth St. 204-9595. 

Nosotras at 8:30 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $13-$15. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

Macy Blackman & The Mighty Fines at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $14. 841-JAZZ. AnnasJazzIsland.com 

“Rock the Planet” A Benefit for Greenaction with Nu Snowmen, Lebo, The Jolly Gibsons and David Gans at 8:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz, 1317 San Pablo. Tickets are $20-$40. www.ashkenaz.com  

Geoff Muldaur at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $18.50-$19.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

Vocal Masters Series: Nancy King and Steve Christofferson at 8 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $20. 845-5373. www.jazzschool.com 

Dave Rocha Jazz at 9 p.m. at Downtown. 649-3810.  

Roger Rocha & The Goldenhearts at 9:30 p.m. at Beckett’s Irish Pub, 2271 Shattuck Ave. 647-1790. www.beckettsirishpub.com 

Blue Bone Express, New Orleans jazz, at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 843-8277. 

Street Eaters, and showing of film “156 Rivington” 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. 

Omar Sosa Afreecanos Quartet at 8 and 10 p.m., through Sun. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $10-$22. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

SUNDAY, APRIL 13 

EXHIBITIONS 

Darfur Humanitarian Aid “Tents of Hope” outdoor painting project for Darfur Humanitarian Aid from 1 to 5 p.m. at Congregation Beth El, 1301 Oxford St. 813-3777. 

“The Nature of LA” Paintings by Samantha Fields, Portia Hein, Stas Orlovski and Andre Yi at Traywick Contemporary, 895 Colusa Ave. through June 28. By appointment. 527-1224. 

FILM  

The Magnificent Orson Welles “It’s All True” at 2 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $5.50-$9.50. 642-0808.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Victor Martinez and Enrique Chagoya in discussion at 2 p.m. at Berkeley Art Museum Galleries Cost is $5.50-$9.50. 642-0808.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

Rusty Morrison, Barbara Claire Freeman and Elizabeth Robinson read their poetry at 7:30 p.m. at Pegasus Books Downtown, 2349 Shattuck Ave. 649-1320. 

Jazz/Poetry with poet Michael McClure and saxophonist George Brooks at 2 p.m. on the 5th flr of Berkeley Public Library, 2090 Kittredge St. 981-6100. 

Kota Ezawa: The History of Photography Remix Artist lecture at 3:30 p.m. at the Oakland Museum of California, 10th and Oak St. Cost is $5-$8. 655-7285.  

“Freedom Illuminated: The History of The Szyk Haggadah” with Rabbi Irvin Ungar at 2 p.m. at the Judah L. Magnes Museum, 2911 Russell St. Cost is $6-$8. RSVP to 549-6950. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Community Women’s Orchestra, Dr. Kathleen McGuire, conductor, at 4 p.m. at Lake Merritt United Methodist Church, 1330 Lakeshore Ave., Oakland. Suggested donation $10, children free. 463-0313. www.communitywomensorchestra.org 

Art Lande & Paul McCandless Duo at 7 p.m. at The Berkeley Hillside Club, 2286 Cedar St. Tickets are $10-$15. 845-135. 

The Itchy Mountain Men “Kickgrass” at 4 p.m. at St. John’s Presbyterian Church, 2727 College Ave. Tickets are $10-$20. 684-7563. 

San Francisco Chamber Orchestra celebrates the 175th birthday of Johannes Brahms at 3 p.m. at First Congregational Church, 2345 Channing WAy. Free. 415-248-1640. www.sfchamberorchestra.org  

The Grassroots Composers and Performance Workshop A two-hour jazz ecture/performance event at 3 p.m. at Chapel of the Chimes, 4499 Piedmont Ave., Oakland. Tickets are $10-$15, children under 12 free. 228-3218. 

Kate Royal, soprano, Roger Vignoles, piano, at 3 p.m. at Hertz Hall, UC Campus. Tickets are $42. 642-9988. www.calperformances.net 

Anton Schwartz Quartet with Tim Bulkley at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $10. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

The Angry Pholosophers at 9:30 p.m. at Beckett’s Irish Pub, 2271 Shattuck Ave. 1790. www.beckettsirishpub.com 

Dave Ellis “A Tribute to Joe Henderson” at 4:30 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $18. 845-5373. www.jazzschool.com 

Reilly & Maloney: Tribute to Tom Dundee at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $18.50-$19.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org


TheatreFirst Stages Stephen Brown’s ‘Future Me’

By Ken Bullock, Special to The Planet
Tuesday April 08, 2008

Empathy—it’s a muscle. If you don’t use it, it wastes away.” What “society’s monsters”—that is, child molesters—experience, in Stephen Brown’s play Future Me at the Berkeley City Club, seems to have little to do with empathy—with their victims, from society, with themselves.  

But this uncanny exploration of this difficult subject manages to open up a hidden world, unknown territory even to its troubled inhabitants, avoiding melodrama as well as the temptation to resolve a complex human tragedy with assertions or answers in scenes that follow the tortuous path of a seemingly normal, even successful offender, from the moment an e-mail from his computer is sent out to everyone in his address book with a child porn photo attached. 

“It hasn’t crashed—more of a malfunction.”  

Right from the start, ironic lines highlight questions that are never answered, true dramatic, living ambiguity. Is Peter (Dana Jepsen)—a mature, charming London attorney with everything going for him—outed by a bizarre technical accident or by an unacknowledged wish to get caught? The text of the play makes no comment on this incident or the others that follow, offers no speculation nor whisper of inference, just the events as they unfold in time—a time of duration which ripens certain memories and reflections, while others become more elusive. 

The scenes cluster around relationships—Peter with his journalist girlfriend Jenny (Maggie Mason), with his techie brother Mike (Ryan Purcell) and their always-offstage father, with other offenders both sympathetic (Dana Kelly as Harry) and rowdy or mocking (Ryan Purcell as Patrick, Peter Ruocco as Tim), as well as with a rehab specialist (TheatreFIRST founding member Alison Studdiford as Ellen).  

In a challenging role, Dana Jepsen plays both protagonist and straightman, seemingly amazed by his own story, only gradually able to begin to see the part he played in making it. This corresponds to an unusual feature in Brown’s dramaturgy: the ongoing sense of hiddenness and revelation, of something shown both obliquely, yet very directly. 

The whole cast, with Dylan Russell’s careful direction, explores this minefield of concealed and overt emotions in nuanced performances, each with an individual point of view, the perspectives contradicting, overlapping, or snarling up—as when Harry, a lifelong offender, chides Peter for missing his cry for help (which the audience may very well admit to having missed as well), or Jenny, in a tension-filled confrontation with Ellen, tells of the terrible fantasy in lovemaking of being a child victim. 

But there’s much humor, and the irony’s never cold, often communicated through puns in language and situation. Meeting again, once they’re “out,” Peter and Harry talk about life, staying clean and temptation—at the dog races: “We went to the dogs.” Harry’s genial, even eager awkwardness is expressed through some bad pub guitar. The moods shift subtly as the questions turn, displaying different facets and reflections. 

“Sometimes I can sit quite outside myself,” Peter says, maybe echoing the thoughts of a spectator of this exploration of engagement and detachment, in which achieving or even just thinking about your desires may get you “more than you wanted—exactly what you wanted.”  

 

FUTURE ME 

Presented by TheatreFirst at 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday and at 3 p.m. Sunday at Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant Ave. $23-$28. 

436-5085, www.theatrefirst.com.


Playwright Comes To Town for ‘Future Me’ Premiere

By Ken Bullock, Special to The Planet
Tuesday April 08, 2008

Future Me is about how society deals with its monsters,” said British playwright Stephen Brown, “what we do with people who’ve done terrible things.” 

Brown, visiting to catch TheatreFirst’s U.S. premiere of his play at the Berkeley City Club, summarized its point of departure: a bright, young, successful London barrister is about to move in with his girlfriend, with everything going well, when his computer sends out an e-mail to everybody in his address book with child pornography attached.  

The play follows him over the next five years, into and back out of prison, showing the people he meets (two other sex offenders, a probation officer who works in a treatment program) and the impact his troubles have on his girlfriend and his brother. 

“It deals with desire and anger, with what happens when our reasonable mind hits the iceberg of our buried visceral reactions, when we don’t know what to think,” said Brown. “Ungoverned desire provokes ungoverned anger. It’s slow burning. How to stay calm, think clearly—to punish, rehabilitate? When does punishment end? And what does it mean to say you’re sorry?” 

Brown emphasized Future Me is in no way a tract or merely an educational problem play: “It has a lot of black humor in it. How do humans cope with strong emotions on a day-to-day basis? Maybe by laughing a lot, not beating their chests. It also has a lot of story.” 

Brown, who’s written plays professionally “for four or five years,” started out as “a freelance journalist working in publishing,” publishing and writing for the British political magazine Prospects for the better part of a decade, then writing theater reviews for Prospects, the Times Literary Supplement and others. 

Clive Chafer, TheatreFirst’s cofounder and director of Future Me, had read reviews of the play last summer. “I’d been looking for a play on this subject,” he said. “Then in September I picked up a copy of the script in the bookstore of the National Theatre before a show, read half of it standing in the shop, then at intermission—even though the play was good—went to a pub and read the second half. By the end, I was wrung out. It’s the final taboo, which has reduced intelligent and rational people to monosyllables. We’ll have six post-show discussions with professionals who are in the rehabilitation field. We certainly want to make people think—but it’s important to remember it’s a play, not an essay.”  

Brown stressed how “very exciting it is for me to see a cast of American actors, with a different style, reveal different aspects of what I’ve written. I’ve started seeing lines, scenes opened up a bit. More open emotion.” 

TheatreFirst, an Oakland-based troupe for more than 13 years, has been searching for a new home after their site at the Old Oakland Theatre on 9th Street near Broadway became unavailable last spring after a successful season, for which the company won awards from the Bay Area Theater Critics Circle. 

“It’s astonishing that a city of over 400,000 doesn’t have a professional, full-season-producing theater company,” Chafer said. 

TheatreFirst is negotiating for a space for a 99-seat theater not far from the Paramount Theater, where they will pay commerical rates, in the range of $50,000 for the year. The group receives some city funding and has also secured some private funds to help compete for commercial rents. 

“The area around the Paramount and Fox theaters is being talked about as an arts district and is coming up rapidly,” said Chafer. “We’ve planned our next season, planning to go from three to four plays.”


MOVING PICTURES: Scorsese, Stones Team Up for ‘Shine a Light’

By Justin DeFreitas
Tuesday April 08, 2008
The Rolling Stones — Mick Jagger, Ron Wood, Keith Richards and Charlie Watts — take a bow on the stage of New York’s Beacon Theater at the end of Martin Scorcese’s concert film Shine a Light.
The Rolling Stones — Mick Jagger, Ron Wood, Keith Richards and Charlie Watts — take a bow on the stage of New York’s Beacon Theater at the end of Martin Scorcese’s concert film Shine a Light.

You may ask, Why another Rolling Stones concert film? Aren’t they a tad past their prime? And haven’t these guys had enough camera time over the past 45 years?  

The answer is simple: Not only is it unprecedented for a rock ’n’ roll band to stay together this long, to keep recording and performing well into their 60s, but the Stones are undoubtedly a better live band today than they’ve ever been.  

Martin Scorsese’s new concert film, Shine a Light, showing at Shattuck Cinemas and in an IMAX version at San Francisco’s Metreon, captures the latter-day Stones in its current incarnation as the hardest-working band in show business.  

The dynamics of the band’s performances have changed over the years, and at nearly every significant stage of their development they’ve had a great director drop in to document the proceedings. In the early 1960s they were a British white-boy blues band, with much of their repertoire drawn from the songbooks of their Chicago blues idols: Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, Willie Dixon, Buddy Guy. By the late ’60s, the band was something quite different, having carved out its own identity with a unique sound that blended their influences into an idiosyncratic new brand of rock. The band’s image had grown darker, and their live shows began to take on a somewhat menacing air—the Stones seemed genuinely dangerous. The era reached its conclusion with the infamous free concert at Altamont in which a man was murdered by Hell’s Angels right in front of the stage, a harrowing moment caught on film in the first of the great films about the Stones, Gimme Shelter.  

By the early ’70s the aura of danger had faded a bit, and the Stones took on an air of camp rock ’n’ roll decadence, dabbling in reggae and disco, glitter and makeup, and staging ever more outrageous live performances. Once again, they were put on the big screen in Ladies and Gentlemen, The Rolling Stones. In the 1980s, the Stones set out on rock’s first stadium tour, proving that even while pushing 40, they were still the biggest band in the world, and legendary director Hal Ashby caught it all on film in Let’s Spend the Night Together. Since that time, as the band morphed into a smoothly run global enterprise, they’ve been competently filmed by a variety of lesser-known directors for the band’s various DVD releases. 

But here they get another great director, one able to go beyond the mechanics and craft of a concert film to strive for something more, to attempt to capture the essence of a live performance and transform it into something distinctly cinematic.  

Critics have complained that Shine a Light isn’t a documentary, that it neither seeks nor provides much insight into the inner workings of the band and the secret to its longevity. These critics are missing the point. There is no shortage of documentaries about the band’s storied career. Perhaps it is true that the definitive Stones documentary has yet to be made, and perhaps Scorsese, coming off well-received films about Bob Dylan and blues, is just the man to do it. But this is not that film. Here Scorsese is simply interested in the performance itself. The Stones have never been particularly introspective, never sentimental, never prone to dwelling on the past. Thus it is entirely fitting that Shine a Light should simply focus on the moment. 

A good concert film first requires a good concert, but more than that it requires an understanding of what makes that concert good. Most of the ingredients are here: a great band at the peak of its form; a great venue, New York’s Beacon Theater, intimate and packed to the rafters; and a great director to capture it all. What is missing from Shine a Light is a true Stones crowd. The occasion was a benefit concert for Global Warming Awareness, with Bill and Hillary Clinton and their vast entourage taking up the center of one balcony. But the real problem is the floor crowd, which Scorsese decided to fill with a bevy of photogenic 20-something women—hardly the Stones’ prime demographic these days. As a result, much of the first few rows are filled with young fillies more focused on being photographed than on the band and the music. Their conspicuous placement and posturing only detracts from the film. 

Still, you’ve never seen such a beautifully photographed concert. Scorsese matches the movement of his cameras to the pace of the band, following guitarists Keith Richards and Ron Wood around the stage, registering the crack of Charlie Watts’ tightly controlled drumming, and relentlessly pursuing singer Mick Jagger as Jagger relentlessly pursues the audience. Scorsese built a team of top-notch cinematographers to man the 17 cameras that relentlessly traverse the theater to keep pace with the whirling dervish that is Jagger. Low-angle shots transform the lights and ceilings into a dizzying pattern that swirls above the heads of the band as they roam the stage and dart in and out along the catwalk. Close-ups of the guitarists give a glimpse of the band’s unique dual-guitar attack, in which both trade off playing lead and rhythm. And plenty of screen time is given to the cast of backing musicians, most of whom have been touring with the Rolling Stones for at least 20 years, and, in the case of saxophonist Bobby Keyes, for nearly 40. 

And Scorsese never loses sight of the crowd, keeping them dappled in warm light and misty shadow, as much a part of the tableau as the gilded theater and set design.  

Though the set list begins and ends with stalwart Stones classics, 12 of the concert’s 18 songs are lesser-known or at least less-often-performed tracks. After the behind-the-scenes prologue, which, in the IMAX version, is projected at standard movie size, the frame immediately expands to full IMAX size at the first notes of “Jumpin’ Jack Flash,” and the frenetic pace, rapid editing and flashing lights make the experience a bit overwhelming. But things settle down a bit with “Shattered,” as the Stones settle into gear and highlight album tracks and overlooked gems, with a special emphasis on 1978’s Some Girls album. And in between, Scorsese peppers the film with brief archival clips from interviews with the Stones through the decades, most of them adding a light comedic touch to the proceedings. There is just one misstep, as Scorsese interrupts Richards’ rendition of the rarely performed “Connection” with clips of interviews with the guitarist. 

Fittingly, the one moment where Scorsese’s restless camera comes to a stop, if only for a few seconds, is for a prolonged close-up of guest star Buddy Guy. Fitting because Guy, as one of the still-living icons of the Chicago blues sound of the 1950s, is at the very center of what the Stones are all about. He joins them for a cover of “Champagne and Reefer,” a song by the great Muddy Waters, the man who more than anyone else inspired the Stones’ music and identity. They even took their name from a Waters song. Sure, most of their signature riffs are based on the guitar work of Chuck Berry, and there were myriad other influences along the way. But it was Waters, along with the rest of the electrified, urban, plugged-in Chicago blues masters, that led the way for a quintet of English white boys in the early 1960s. 

The Stones have always been loyal to those roots and paid homage to them, sharing the stage with their idols and helping to bring greater fame to those elder gentlemen, even when it means getting blown off the stage by them. For all of Jagger’s manic energy and cheeky posturing, for all Keith Richards’ swaggering attitude, it is Buddy Guy who summons the essence of the hard, driven sound that inspired them, with his deft, soulful guitar work and powerful, resonant voice. As Guy solos, standing firmly at center stage, the band circles him, surrounding the man like worshippers paying tribute to the sound and spirit which launched them on their five-decade journey.


Green Neighbors: Endangered in Its Home, Enthusiastic in Gardens: Malva Rosa

By Ron Sullivan
Tuesday April 08, 2008
Leaf and blossom of Lavatera assurgentifolia, malva rosa, island bush mallow.
Ron Sullivan
Leaf and blossom of Lavatera assurgentifolia, malva rosa, island bush mallow.

Joe and I spent the other afternoon moving dirt and reshaping the malva rosa by the garage, to allow some sun on the pile we were making. This isn’t the first time we’ve radically reshaped the thing, and it won’t be the last. Except for the fact that it’s so inherently bewildering, I’d call this plant the ideal first thing to learn pruning with: it’s woody but soft; it puts out lots and lots of branches to choose from, and it can take a severe pruning and recover.  

It’s also quite malleable in form. I’ve seen hedges of it—good as a background loose hedge, not so good sheared into wan-looking cubes—and big full self-directed airy mounds, and what could pass for trees. 

Maybe it’s not quite a regulation-sized tree, but Lavatera assurgentiflora, the malva rosa or island tree-mallow, comes close. One source says it can attain a height of fifteen feet, and ours is close to that. It’s usually considered a shrub, though, and a highly decorative one. 

The legendary California plantswoman Lester Rowntree was fond of it. In her Flowering Shrubs of California and Their Value to the Gardener, she called it “a valiant battler with the elements and a courageous bloomer. In spring it is gay with flowers….when most wild shrubs are overtaken by drought and relax into rest, there are usually a few blooms left on the mallow. It is only when the cold January winds thrash it about that L. assurgentiflora begins to look depressed...” 

Rowntree praised its bright green maple-ish leaves and two-inch-wide flowers: “rosy pink, a little paler toward the center, and striped with deep purple-carmine, suggesting in their detail an old flower picture.” Her only caveats were that the mallow needed pruning to help it keep its shape, and that it could be prolific: “As it will volunteer all over the place, you may expect to see a whole forest of little Mallows.” We haven’t had volunteers, but the thing would eat the yard if we let it.  

Like its neighbor the Catalina ironwood, the island mallow is a Channel Islands plant that made good. Those islands are as close as California comes to a Galapagos, an evolutionary funhouse full of ancient relicts and newly minted neoendemics. Most of the specialties are plants, but the islands are also inhabited by an oversized scrub-jay, a miniature gray fox, and-formerly-the oxymoronic pygmy mammoth. 

L. assurgentiflora has a northern subspecies native to Anacapa and San Miguel Islands and a southern subspecies native to Santa Catalina and San Clemente. It has had to contend with browsing by exotic ungulates, notably goats, and few survive in the wild. On Catalina, it’s down to two isolated rocks near the island’s isthmus. Old accounts talk about forests of malva rosa on San Clemente, but the goats have pretty much done for them. 

But the mallow does well in cultivation, and has naturalized itself on the southern California mainland coast as well as parts of Baja California, Peru, Ecuador, and Chile. Several cultivars are available, one of which, Purisima mallow, is a hybrid between L. assurgentiflora and L. venosa from the San Benito Islands off the Pacific coast of Baja. 

The island tree-mallow’s closest relatives are all Mexican island species, with two occurring on goat-bombed Guadalupe Island. The other Lavateras are native to the Mediterranean region, central and eastern Asia, and Australia; a few are also tree-sized. The genus was named for the Lavater brothers, a pair of 16th-century Swiss naturalists. Lavatera is a member of the Malvaceae, the mallow family, along with hollyhocks, hibiscus, okra, cotton, and (in the latest classification) the cacao tree.  

You’ll see other bush-sized native mallows in the trade, including the endangered San Clemente Island bush mallow (Malacothamnus clementinus). They tend to be more compact than the tree-mallow and to have white or gray foliage, due to tiny hairs that may cause skin rash in the susceptible. They also bear their flowers in spikes rather than singly, as Lavatera does. 

Like Rowntree, contemporary garden writers stress the need for discipline. Carol Bornstein, David Fross, and Bart O’Brien, in California Native Plants for the Garden, refer rather harshly to the mallow’s “rank growth and coarse appearance [which] make it a poor choice for formal garden settings.” They also describe it as short-lived, vulnerable to a virus specific to the mallow family, and popular with leaf-eating insects, gophers, and deer. We’ve never has an insect problem on ours (knock wood) and we don’t have many deer or gophers in the neighborhood.  

On the other side of the ledger, it grows fast and tolerates wind and salt spray. No salt spray here either, so the fast growth is untrammeled except by the garage and people getting there. And periodic attacks of Felco shears and Silky saws, of course.  

 

 

 

Ron Sullivan is a former professional gardener and arborist. Her “Green Neighbors” column appears every other Tuesday in the Berkeley Daily Planet, alternating with Joe Eaton’s “Wild Neighbors” column. Her “Garden Variety” column appears every Friday in the Planet’s East Bay Home & Real Estate section.


Berkeley This Week

Tuesday April 08, 2008

TUESDAY, APRIL 8 

Tuesdays for the Birds Tranquil bird walks in local parklands, led by Bethany Facendini, from 7 to 9:30 a.m. Today we will visit the Albany Bulb of the Eastshore State Park. Call for meeting place and if you need to borrow binoculars. 525-2233. 

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

Board Games Days, for 4th -8th graders, Tues.-Thurs. from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave. 526-3720, ext. 17. 

“Kayaking 101” at 7 p.m. at REI, 1338 San Pablo Ave. 527-4140. 

End the Occupation Vigil every Tues. at noon at Oakland Federal Bldg., 1301 Clay St. www.epicalc.org 

Family Storytime at 7 p.m. at Kensington Library, 61 Arlington Ave. 524-3043.  

Street Level Cycles Community Bike Program Come use our tools as well as receive help with performing repairs free of charge. Youth classes available. Tues., Thurs., and Sat. from 2 to 6 p.m. at at 84 Bolivar Dr., Aquatic Park. 644-2577. www.watersideworkshops.org  

Teen Playreaders meets to read and discuss plays at 4:30 p.m. at Claremont Branch Library, 2940 Benvenue. 981-6121. 

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

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

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

Sing-A-Long Group from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Albany Senior Center, 846 Masoni Ave., Albany. 524-9122. 

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9 

Bus Rapid Transit in Berkeley A community discussion at the Planning and Transportation Commission meetings, at 7 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 

Sudden Oak Death Preventative Treament Training Session Meet at 1 p.m. at the Tolman Hall portico, Heast Ave. and Arch/Leconte, UC Campus for a two-hour field session, rain or shine. Pre-registration required. SODtreatment@nature.berkeley.edu 

Cycling Lecture with Gary Fisher, bicycle racer, at 7 p.m. at Velo Sport Bicycles, 1615 University Ave., enter at 1989 California St. RSVP to 849-0437. 

Board Games Day, for 4th -8th graders, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave. 526-3720, ext. 17. 

Radical Movie Night “Fern Gully—The Last Rainforest” at 8:30 p.m. at the Long Haul, 3124 Shattuck Ave. 

“Behind Every Terrorist There is a Bush” A documentary with stand-up comics and stage artists questioning the “War on Terror” at 7:30 p.m. at Humanist Hall, 390 27th St., Oakland. Donation $5. www.Humanist Hall.org 

“The Ugly Side of the Beauty Industry” Learn about toxics in beauty products with author Stacy Malkan at 7 p.m. at Elephant, 1607 Shattuck Ave. 549-9200.  

Green Home Improvement 101 A lecture at 6 p.m. at 2619 San Pablo Ave. www.ecohomeimprovment.com  

“About Face: The Psychology of Portraiture and the Human Face” A benefit lecture for Ethsix* magazine featuring psychologist and facial expert Dr. Paul Ekman at 7:30 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center, 3105 Shattuck Ave. Donation $10 and up. 849-2568. 

Teen Chess Club from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the North Branch Library, 1170 The Alameda at Hopkins. 981-6133. 

Theraputic Recreation at the Berkeley Warm Pool, Wed. at 3:30 p.m. and Sat. at 10 a.m. at the Berkeley Warm Pool, 2245 Milvia St. Cost is $4-$5. Bring a towel. 632-9369. 

After-School Program Homework help, drama and music for children ages 8 to 18, every Wed. from 4 to 7:15 p.m. at St. John’s Presbyterian Church, 2727 College Ave. Cost is $5 per week. 845-6830. 

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

Berkeley Peace Walk and Vigil at the Berkeley BART Station, corner of Shattuck and Center. Sing for Peace at 6:30 p.m. followed by Peace Walk at 7 p.m. www.geocities.com/vigil4peace/vigil 

Morning Meditation Every Mon., Wed., and Fri. at 7:45 a.m. at Rudramandir, 830 Bancroft Way at 6th. 486-8700. 

Stitch ‘n Bitch at 6:30 p.m. at Caffe Trieste, 2500 San Pablo Ave., at Dwight. 548-5198.  

THURSDAY, APRIL 10 

Alternatives to the Aerial Spray Program A forum on the spray plan for the Light Brown Apple Moth and alternatives to the spary, with agroecologist and UC Berkeley professor Miguel Altieri, Mayor of Albany and registered nurse Robert Lieber, and farmers Robert Shultz and Ames Morison, and healthcare worker John Davis, at 7 p.m. at the Ecology Center, 2530 San Pablo Ave., near Dwight Way. 548-2220 ext. 233, erc@ecologycenter.org 

Poverty Truth Commission at 6:15 p.m. at the Bade' Museum Building, Pacific School of Religion Campus, Graduate Theological Union, 1798 Scenic Ave. For more information, contact 845-6232, ext.103 glettini@sksm.edu 

“Eccentrics, Heroes, and Cutthroats of Old Berkeley” slide talk by author Richard Schwartz featuring highlights of Berkeley’s history from 1850 to 1925, at 7 p.m. at El Cerrito Library, 6510 Stockton Ave., El Cerrito. 526-7512. 

“Growing Dinosaur Salad” a discussion with UC Botanical Garden Director, Dr. Paul Licht on Cycads, primitive cone-bearing plants that have survived for over 200 million years, and once provided food for dinosaurs, at 7 p.m. at Espresso Roma, 2960 College Ave. at Ashby. 644-3773. 

Berkeley School Volunteers Orientation from noon to 1 p.m. at 1835 Allston Way. Come learn about volunteer opportunities. 644-8833. 

Creative Movement and Sign Language for ages 5-10 at 3:30 p.. at Elephant, 1607 Shattuck Ave. 549-9200.  

Board Games Day, for 4th -8th graders, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave. 526-3720, ext. 17. 

Babies & Toddlers Storytime at 10:15 and 11:15 a.m. at Kensington Library, 61 Arlington Ave. 524-3043.  

Fitness Class for 55+ at 9:15 a.m. at Jewish Community Center, 1414 Walnut St. 848-0237. 

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

FRIDAY, APRIL 11 

City Commons Club Noon Luncheon with Charles Wollenberg on “Berkeley: A City in History” Luncheon at 11:45 a.m. for $14.50, speech at 12:30 p.m., at the Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant St. For information and reservations call 524-7468.  

East Bay Sanctuary Covenant: Celebrating 26 Years in Berkeley at 7 p.m. at St. Joseph the Worker Church, 1640 Addison St. Free, donations gratefully accepted. 527-0324. 

Celebrating Cesar Chavez and the Farmworkers’ Movement with a screening of the Cesar E. Chavez Foundation film “Common Man, Uncommon Vision: The Cesar Chavez Story” and “Immokalee: From Slavery to Freedom,” at 7 p.m. at the Ecology Center, 2530 San Pablo Ave, near Dwight Way Free. 548-2220, ext. 233. 

California Studies Conference “Changing Climates: Class Culture, and Politics in an Era of Global Warming” Fri.-Sun. at Berkeley City College, 2050 Center St. For details see http://geography.berkeley.edu/ProjectsResources/californiastudies.html 

“Ministry as Vocation” A week-end long free conference open to all at Pacific School of Religion, 1798 Scenic Ave. For information call 849-8253.  

Girls Inc. of Alameda County 50th Anniversay Gala at 6 p.m. at the Rotunda Bldg., 300 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, Oakland. Tickets are $250. RSVP to 357-5515, ext. 282. 

Friday Films for Teens at 3:30 pm. at the Berkeley Puplic Library, 2090 Kittredge St. For details call 981-6121. 

Non-Toxic Cleaning at noon at Elephant, 1607 Shattuck Ave. 549-9200.  

Berkeley Women in Black weekly vigil from noon to 1 p.m. at Bancroft and Telegraph. Our focus is human rights in Palestine. 548-6310. 

SATURDAY, APRIL 12 

John F. Kennedy High School 40th Anniversary Celebration from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 4300 Cutting Blvd., Richmond. Activities include art exhibits, carnival games, entertainment, and food. 231-1433, ext. 25883. 

Goats are Groovy Meet the new goats at the Little Farm in Tilden Park, learn how we care for them, and take them for walks. For ages 6-10 at 2 p.m. at Tilden Park. 525-2233. 

The 2008 Edith Coliver Festival of Cultures from 11 a.m. at 6 p.m. at International House, 2299 Piedmont Ave. 642-9461. http://ihouse.berkeley.edu  

“California Budget Crisis: How Tax Reform Can Solve It” at 7 p.m. at the Alameda Free Library, Conf. Room A, 1550 Oak St. at Lincoln, Alameda. Sponsored by the Alameda Public Affairs Forum 841-9592. www.alamadaforum.org 

Music and Crafts the Ohlone Way including dances by the Maidu-Miwok Dance Group, stories from the elders and other cultural events, from to 2 to 4 p.m. at Peralta Hacienda Historical Park, 2465 34th Ave., Oakland. Free. 532-9142. 

“The Power of Community” a film on urban organic farming and how Cuba met the oil depletion crisis, at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists 1924 Cedar St at Bonita. Suggested donation $5. 540-1975. www.bfuu.org  

“On Sacred Grounds: Religion and the Counterinsurgency in Iraq” with Prof. Ron Hassner, UC Berkeley, at 7 p.m. at Congregation Beth El, 1301 Oxford St. 642-3398. 

“Once Upon a Time...” Spring benefit for The Museum of Children’s Art with artists and authors from the annual children’s book illustrators exhibit, at 5:30 p.m. at 538 Ninth St., Oakland. Tickets $150. For details call 465-8770. 

The USS Hornet Museum Commemorates the Doolittle Raid in a Living Ship Day demonstration from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. onboard the aircraft carrier berthed at 707 W Hornet Ave, Pier 3, in Alameda. Museum admission is $14 for adults and $6 for children 5-17. 521-8448. www.hornetevents.com. 

 

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 

The Berkeley Lawn Bowling Club provides free instruction every Wed. and Sat. at 10:30 a.m. at 2270 Acton St. 841-2174.  

Oakland Artisans Marketplace Sat. from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sun. from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Jack London Square. 238-4948. 

SUNDAY, APRIL 13 

Learn About Plankton An adventure for the whole family to look at the tiny organisms that live in Jewel Lake, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. in Tilden Park. 525-2233. 

Little Farm Open House Meet the animals, learn some new songs, make a craft and more from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Tilden Little Farm, Tilden Park. 525-2233. 

Native Plant Garden Tour “Meet the Do-It-Yourselfers” A self-guided tour of gardens in San Leandro, Oakland and Berkeley, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Cost is $30. To register see www.bringinbackthenatives.net 

Earth Day Electronics Recycling & Safe Medicine Disposal Event from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Elephant Pharmacy, 1607 Shattuck Ave. 

Free Hands-on Bicycle Class on Flat Repair at 10 a.m. at REI, 1338 San Pablo Ave. 527-4140. 

Talk with Cheri Huber, Zen teacher and author of books on meditation and psychology at 7 p.m. at Northbrae Community Church, 941 The Alameda. www.eastbayopencircle.org  

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

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 

Berkeley Chess Club meets every Sun. at 7 p.m. at the Hillside School, 1581 Le Roy Ave. 843-0150. 

Tibetan Buddhism with Erika Rosenberg on “Seeing through Self-Images” at 6 p.m. at the Tibetan Nyingma Institute, 1815 Highland Pl. 809-1000 www.nyingmainstitute.com 

Sew Your Own Open Studio Come learn to use our industrial and domestic machines, or work on your own projects, from 4 to 8 p.m. at 84 Bolivar Dr., Aquatic Park. Also on Fri. from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cost is $5 per hour. 644-2577. www.watersideworkshops.org 

MONDAY, APRIL 14 

Tax Day Event: People’s Life Fund Granting Ceremony Join Bay Area War Tax Resisters are the donte over $10,000 in resisted taxes to groups that are working for peace, justice and human needs, at 7 p.m. at 2220 Sacramento St. Pot-luck at 6 p.m. 843-9877. 

Uhuru Forum and Call to Action for Social Justice in Oakland with presentations by Wendy Snyder and Bakari Olatunji at 7 p.m. at Humanist Hall, 390 27th St., Oakland. 

Berkeley School Volunteers Orientation from 4 to 5 p.m. at 1835 Allston Way. Come learn about volunteer opportunities. 644-8833. 

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. 

Dragonboating Year round classes at the Berkeley Marina, Dock M. Meets Mon, Wed., Thurs. at 6 p.m. Sat. at 10:30 a.m. For details see www.dragonmax.org 

Free Boatbuilding Classes for Youth Mon.-Wed. from 3 to 7 p.m. at Berkeley Boathouse, 84 Bolivar Dr., Aquatic Park. Classes cover woodworking, boatbuilding, and boat repair. 644-2577. www.watersideworkshops.org 

ONGOING 

E-Waste Recycling St. Vincent de Paul of Alameda County accepts electronic waste including computers, dvd players, cell phones, fax machines and many other ewaste products for disposal free of charge at many of its locations throughout Alameda County. Free bulk pick-up available. 638-7600.  

Free Tax Help If your 2007 household income was less than $42,000, you are eligible for free tax preparation from United Way's Earn it! Keep It! Save It! Sites are open now through April 15 in Alameda and Contra Costa counties. To find a site near you, call 800-358-8832. www.EarnItKeepItSaveIt.org 

CITY MEETINGS 

Commission on Disability meets Wed., April 9, at 6:30 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-6346. TDD: 981-6345.  

Homeless Commission meets Wed., April 9, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-5426.  

Planning Commission meets Wed., April 9, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-7484.  

Police Review Commission meets Wed., April 9, at the South Berkeley Senior Center, 981-4950. 

Waterfront Commission meets Wed., April 9, at 7 p.m., at 201 University Ave. 981-6740. 

Community Health Commission meets Thurs., April 10 at 6:45 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-5356.  

Zoning Adjustments Board meets Thurs., April 10, at 7 p.m., in City Council Chambers. 981-7410. 


Arts Calendar

Friday April 04, 2008

FRIDAY, APRIL 4 

THEATER 

Altarena Playhouse “Chicago” Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2 p.m. at Altarena Playhouse, 1409 High St., Alameda, through April 12. Tickets are $17-$20. 523-1553. www.altarena.org 

Aurora Theatre “The Trojan Women” Wed.-Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2 and 7 p.m. at 2081 Addison St., through May 11. Tickets are $40-$42. 843-4822. www.auroratheatre.org 

California Conservatory Theatre “The Turn of the Screw” Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m., Sat. and Sun. at 2 p.m. at 999 East 14th St., San Leandro City Hall Complex, near BART, through April 27. Tickets are $20-$22. 632-8850. 

Masquers Playhouse “Tartuffe” Fri.-Sat. at 8 p.m., some Sun. matinees at 2:30 p.m. at 105 Park Place, Pt. Richmond, through April 26. Tickets are $18. 232-4031. www.masquers.org 

Shotgun Players “Mrs. Warren’s Profession” by George Bernard Shaw. Thurs.-Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 5 p.m., through April 27, at The Ashby Stage, 1901 Ashby Ave. Tickets are $17-$25. 841-6500. www.shotgunplayers.org 

Teen One Acts Festival with the winners of the teen writing competition Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2 p.m. at Berkeley Rep School of Theater, 2017 Addison St. Tickets at the door ate $6-$12. 647-2917. 

TheatreFirst “Future Me” Thurs.-Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 3 p.m. at Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant Ave. Tickets are $23-$28. 436-5085. www.theatrefirst.com 

CHILDREN 

Splash Circus “Inspiruption: In Case of Emergency, Open Mind to Release Circus” Fri. at 8 p.m., Sat. at 2 and 7 p.m., Sun. at 2 p.m. at Head Over Heels Gymnastics, Spur Alley, off 45th St., btwn Hollis and Doyle, Emeryville. Tickets are $10-$15.  

EXHIBITIONS 

“Nature Study” Three Bay Area artists working with nature as a subject and/or medium. Opening reception at 6 p.m. at Chandra Cerrito Contemporary, 25 Grand Ave., upper level, Oakland. www.chandracerrito.com 

“Earth Days” Works by Carrie Lederer, Irene Imfeld and Andrew Kaluzynski. Reception at 7 p.m. at Oakopolis, 447 25th St., Oakland. Runs through May 3. 663-6920. 

“Protest in Paris 1968” Photographs by Serge Hambourg. Artist talk at 5 p.m. at PFA Theater Gallery. Cost is $5.50-$9.50. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

“Second Nature” Paintings of San Francisco artist, Elizabeth Garsonnin, and artist Doron Fishman of Oakland. Opening reception at 6 p.m. at NoneSuch Space, 2865 Broadway at 29th St, 2nd Fl, Oakland. 

FILM 

EarthDance: Short Attention Span Film Festival at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. at Oakland Museum of California, 10th and Oak Sts. 238-2200. www.museumca.org 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Chris Vitiello and Mary Burger read their poetry at 7:30 p.m. at Pegasus Books Downtown, 2349 Shattuck Ave. 649-1320. 

Miriam Chase and Remi Barron, followed by open mic at 7 p.m. at Expressions Gallery, 2035 Ashby Ave. www.expressionsgallery.org 

Jonathan Rosen explores our paradoxical relationship to nature in “The Life of the Skies Birding at the End of Nature” at 7 p.m. at Cody’s Books, 2201 Shattuck Ave. 559-9500. 

Tim Wise, anti-racism activist and author at 7:30 p.m. at the First Unitarian Church of Oakland, 685 14th St., Oakland. Tickets are $12 - $20 sliding scale. 800-838-3006. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Lacey Baker and The Black Diamond Blues Band at 5 p.m. at Oakland Museum of California, 10th and Oak Sts. 238-2200. www.museumca.org 

Citywater: The Music of Steve Mackey at 8 p.m. at Hertz Hall, UC Campus. 642-4864. http://music.berkeley.edu 

Dan Zemelman Quartet at 8 p.m. at The Berkeley Hillside Club 2286 Cedar St. Tickets are $10-$15. 845-1350.  

Orquesta d’Soul at 9 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $12. 849-2568.  

Europa Galante “Music Before 1850” at 8 p.m. at First Congregational Church, Dana and Durant. Pre-perfomance talk with musicologist John Prescott at 7 p.m. Tickets are $48. 642-9988. 

RoShamBo & Guests, all a cappella night at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $15. 841-JAZZ.  

Inner Visions, reggae tribute to Mikey Dread at 9:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $10-$12. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Solo Piano Night, with Fred Weed, Nannick Bonnel, Carol Belcher, and Hadley Louden at 8 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $10. 845-5373.  

Anton Schwartz, jazz saxophone, at 8 p.m. at Caffe Trieste, 2500 San Pablo Ave. 548-5198.  

Carol McComb & Kathleen Larisch at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $18.50-$19.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

Braindrill, Scarecrow, Arise, Zombie Holocaust 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. 

Red Summer at 9 p.m. at Shattuck Down Low, 2284 Shattuck Ave. Cost is $7-$15. 548-1159.  

Code Name: Jonah at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 843-8277. 

SATURDAY, APRIL 5 

CHILDREN  

Los Amiguitos de La Peña with Bonnie Lockhart, guitar and vocals at 10:30 a.m. at La Peña. Cost is $5 for adults, $4 for children. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

Splash Circus “Inspiruption: In Case of Emergency, Open Mind to Release Circus” Sat. at 2 and 7 p.m., Sun. at 2 p.m. at Head Over Heels Gymnastics, Spur Alley, off 45th St., btwn Hollis and Doyle, Emeryville. Tickets are $10-$15.  

EXHIBITIONS 

“Open Range” The art of Douglas Light, Michele Hofherr and Scott Courtenay-Smith. Artist reception at 6 p.m. at Esteban Sabar Gallery, 480 23rd St., Oakland. 444-7411. www.estebansabar.com 

“La Scuola di Antonio Holdsworth” Group show of paintings by Daniel Altman, Marvin Dalander, Susan Feiga, Lynne Hillock, Anthony Holdsworth, Tracy O’Neill, Michael Selvin, Ariella Seidenberg, Sally Stewart, Rolayn Tauben, O’Brien Thiele, April Watkins. Reception at 2 p.m. at The Art of Living Center, 2905 Shattuck Ave. 848-3736.  

THEATER 

San Leandro Players “Redwood Curtain” Sat. at 8 p.m. and Sun. at 2 p.m. at San Leandro Museum Auditorium, Casa Peralta, 320 W. Estudillo Ave., through May 4. Tickets are $10-$15. 895-2573. www.sanleandroplayers.org  

READINGS AND LECTURES 

“Rachel Corrie Speaks” A dramatic reading of her journals by her mother and father and numerous young women peace activists, with original music by composer and cellist Matthew Owens, at 8 p.m. at King Middle School, 1781 Rose St. Tickets are $12-$15. 848-6767, ext. 609. www.kpfa.org  

Bay Area Poets Coalition Open Reading at 3 p.m. at Strawberry Creek Lodge, 1320 Addison St. Park on the street, not in Lodge parking lot. Free. 527-9905. poetalk@aol.com 

“Jingletown Junction” Works by ten artists from the Jingletown neighborhood. Artists’ talk at 1 p.m. at ProArts Gallery, 550 Second St., Oakland. www.proartsgallery.org 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra “Coronation & Victory” Works by Handel and Purcell, at 8 p.m. at First Congregational Church of Berkeley, 2345 Channing Way. Tickets are $30-$72. 415-392-4400. 

“Sekar Jaya” Music and dance of Bali st 8 p.m. at Julia Morgan Theater, 2640 College Ave. Tickets are $10-$18. 925-798-1300. www.gsj.org 

Anthony Brown’s Asian American Orchestra at 3 p.m. at Oakland Museum of California, 10th and Oak Sts. 238-2200. www.museumca.org 

The First Berkeley Piano Competition at 3 p.m. at Hertz Hall, UC Campus. 642-4864. http://music.berkeley.edu 

Burlesque ‘n Brass with Hot Pink Feathers and Blue Bone Express at 9 p.m. at Café Van Kleef, 1621 Telegraph Ave. 763-7711. 

Rachel Sage in Concert with child friendly activities available and the concert will be preceded by a magic show by Zappo the Magician at 1 p.m. at University Village, 1123 Jackson St., Albany. 867-8632. www.rachaelsage.com  

Sweet Honey in the Rock, African-American female a capella ensemble, at 8 p.m. at Zellerbach Hall, UC Campus. Tickets are $24-$58. 642-9988. www.calperformances.net 

Bolokada Conde, West African drummer at 8:30 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $15-$20. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

Darryl Rowe & His Quartet at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $14. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

Backyard Party Boys, Betsy Maudlin & the Maudulators, JJ Schultz at 7:30 p.m. at Epic Arts, 1923 Ashby Ave. Cost is $10. 644-2204.www.twangcafe.com  

Eliyahu & Qadim, mystical music o fthe Near East, at 8:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $12-$15. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com  

Sotaque Baiano at 9 p.m. at Shattuck Down Low, 2284 Shattuck Ave. Cost is $5-10. 548-1159. www.shattuckdownlow.com 

Doppler Trio at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 843-8277. 

Susan Werner at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $18.50-$19.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

Harish Raghavan Trio at 8 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $15-$12. 845-5373. www.jazzschool.com 

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

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

DCOI, Static Thought, Knuickle Puck 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. 

The Latin Giants of Jazz, featuring members of the Tito Puente Orchestra at 8 and 10 p.m., through Sun. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $18-$26. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

SUNDAY, APRIL 6 

CHILDREN 

Hank Hooper CD Release Party for Children (and their Families) at 2 p.m. at Rhythmix Cultural Works, 2513 Blanding Ave., Alameda. Cos tis $5-$15 per family, sliding scale. www.rhythmix.org 

EXHIBITIONS 

“The Legacy of Berkeley Parks: A Century of Planning and Making” opens at Addison Street Windows Gallery, 2018 Addison St, and runs through May 17. 981-7546. 

“Through My Eyes” A photography exhibit by Ann Kraynak. Opening reception at 1 p.m. at Chapel of the Chimes, 4499 Piedmont Ave., Oakland. 228-3218. 

Enrique Chagoya: Borderlandia Guided tour at 2 p.m. at Berkeley Art Museum. Cost is $5.50-$9.50. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Dennis Fritzinger reads from “Earth National Park” a new book of poetry at 7 p.m. at the Ecology Center Bookstore, 2530 San Pablo Ave. 548-2220, ext. 227. www.kirklumpkin.com 

Joe Fisher talks about Balinese Art at 3 p.m. at Moe’s Books, 2476 Telegraph Ave. 849-2087. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Chamber Music Sundaes with San Francisco Symphony members and friends at 3 p.m. at St. John’s Presbyterian Church, 2727 College Ave. Tickets at the door are $18-$22. www.chambermusicsundaes.org 

Telemann Celebration concert by Florilegia at 3 p.m. at St. Alban’s Episcopal Church, 1501 Washington Ave., Albany. Free, but donationa accepted. 526-0722. 

San Francisco Choral Artists “Music Home-Grown” at 4 p.m. at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 114 Montecito Ave., Oakland. Tickets are $9-$28. 415-979-5779. www.sfca.org 

Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra “Coronation & Victory” Works by Handel and Purcell, at 7:30 p.m. at First Congregational Church of Berkeley, 2345 Channing Way. Tickets are $30-$72. 415-392-4400. 

Animal Crackers! Funny Songs & Delicious Desserts Music by Gershwin, Whitacre, PDQ Bach, at 7 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley, 1 Lawson Rd., Kensington. Tickets are $15-$20. 525-0302. 

John Santos Quintet “What is Jazz Anyway?” at 4 p.m. at Chapel of the Chimes, 4499 Piedmont Ave., Oakland. Tickets are $10-$15, children under 12 free. 228-3218. 

Swedish Chamber Orchestra at 8 p.m. at Zellerbach Hall, UC Campus. Tickets are $34-$58. 642-9988. www.calperformances.net 

W. Allen Taylor & His Trio at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $10. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

Train Wreck Riders, Kemo Sabe, The Skinny at 7:30 p.m. at Epic Arts, 1923 Ashby Ave. Cost is $10. 644-2204.www.twangcafe.com  

Bandworks at noon at Ashkenaz. Cost is $5. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Jarrett Cherner Trio at 4:30 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $15-$18. 845-5373. www.jazzschool.com 

Claudia Schmidt at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $19.50-$1920.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

MONDAY, APRIL 7 

EXHIBITIONS 

“Call & Response” Works from Richmond High School and the National Institute of Art & Disabilities opens at NIAD, 551 23rd St., Richmond. 620-0290. www.niadart.org 

FILM 

New Digital Films from Palestine and Lebanon “The Roof” with filmmaker Kamal Aljafari, in person at 5:30 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $5.50-$9.50. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

PACES, with poet Alan Bern and choreographer and dancer Lucinda Weaver at 6:30 p.m. at Oakland Public Library, Piedmont Ave. Branch, 160 41st St., Oakland. 597-5011. jmurphy@oaklandlibrary.org 

Art, Technology and Culture Colloquium “text, Slides and Videotapes” with artist Kota Ezawa, at 7:30 p.m. at 160 Kroeber Hall, UC Campus. 643-9565. http://atc.berkeley.edu 

Ellen Pulleyblank Coffey reads from “Blowing on Embers: Stories for Hard Times” at a brown bag lunch, at 12:30 p.m. at the Edith Stone Room of the Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave. 526-3720, ext. 17. 

Steve Hinshaw describes “Breaking the Silence: Mental Health Professionals Disclose their Personal and Family Experiences of Mental Illness” at 7 p.m. at Cody’s Books, 2201 Shattuck Ave. 559-9500. 

“Julia Morgan’s Unique Place in American Architecture” at 7:30 p.m. at Hillside Club, 2286 Cedar St. at Arch. Donation $5. 644-2967. 

Poetry Express 6th Anniversary with Kathleen Daly at 7 p.m. at Priya Restaurant, 2072 San Pablo Ave. 644-3977. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Slide Hampton in an interactive presentation at 7 p.m. at Oakland Public Conservatory of Music, 1616 Franklin St., Oakland. Tickets are $10-$25, no one turned away. www.BrownPaperTickets.com/event/3087 

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

Debbie Poryes Trio at 8 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $10. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

TUESDAY, APRIL 8 

FILM 

“Intimate Communications: Films by Audrius Stonys” with the artist in person at 7:30 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $5.50-$9.50. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Susan Griffin on “Wrestling with the Angel of Democracy: On Being and American Citizen” at 7:30 p.m. at First Congregational Church of Berkeley, 2345 Channing Way. 559-9500. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Slide Hampton, interactive presentation at 7 p.m. at Oakland Public Conservatory of Music, 1616 Franklin St., Oakland. Tickets are $10-$20, free for youth under 13. www.BrownPaperTickets.com/event/3087 

Bandworks at 7:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $5. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Singers’ Open Mic with Kelly Park at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $5. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

Natalia Zukerman, Heather Combs at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $17.50-$18.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

George Cotsirilos Trio at 7 p.m. at Caffe Trieste, 2500 San Pablo Ave., at Dwight. 548-5198.  

Eric Alexander Quartet, featuring Harold Mabern, at 8 and 10 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $10-$16. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

Jazzschool Tuesdays, a weekly showcase of up-and-coming ensembles from Berkeley Jazzschool at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 843-8277. 

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9 

EXHIBITIONS 

“Paul Robeson, A Hero for All Time” A exhibit celebrating the 100th anniversary of Paul Robeson’s birth. Opening reception at 5 p.m. at Oakland City Hall Rotunda, corner of 14th and Broadway. www.bayarearobeson.org 

FILM 

“Belle de Jour” with lecture by Marilyn Fabe at 3 p.m. Film and Video Makers at Cal at 7:30 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $5.50-$9.50. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

“Portraits: Faces and Emotions” with Dr. Paul Ekman at 7:30 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $10 and up. Benefit for Ethsix Magazine. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

Micheline Aharonian Marcom introduces “Draining the Sea” at 7:30 p.m. at Cody's Books, 2201 Shattuck Ave. 559-9500. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Wednesday Noon Concert, with Rachel Li, piano, Kai Chou, cello, Jessica Ling, violin, at Hertz Hall, UC Campus. Free. 642-4864. http://music.berkeley.edu 

 

 

Carla Kaufman Ensemble with Noel Jewkes and Benny Watson at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $8. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

Mazacote at 9:30 p.m. at Shattuck Down Low, 2284 Shattuck Ave. Salsa dance lessons at 8:30 p.m. Cost is $5-$10. 548-1159.  

Stephane Wrembel at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 843-8277. 

Martin Hayes & Dennis Cahill at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $25.50-$26.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

Keola Beamer & Chris Yeaton at 8 and 10 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $14-$20. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

THURSDAY, APRIL 10 

EXHIBITIONS 

“Call & Response” Works from Richmond High School and the National Institute of Art & Disabilities. Opening reception at 5 p.m. at NIAD, 551 23rd St., Richmond. 620-0290. www.niadart.org 

Enrique Chagoya: Borderlandia Guided tour at 12:15 p.m. at Berkeley Art Museum. Cost is $5.50-$9.50. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

“Amy Arbus: The Fourth Wall” A multi-media presentation by the photographer on her most iconic images at 6:30 p.m. at Sibley Auditorium, UC Campus. Tickets are $10. www.fotovision.org 

“Eccentrics, Heroes, and Cutthroats of Old Berkeley” slide talk by author Richard Schwartz featuring highlights of Berkeley’s history from 1850 to 1925 at 7 p.m. at El Cerrito Library, 6510 Stockton Ave., El Cerrito. 526-7512. 

“The Radical Jack London” with author Jonah Raskin at 1 p.m. at Oakland Museum of California, 10th and Oak Sts. 238-2200. www.museumca.org 

“Forms in the Abyss: A Philosophical Bridge Between Sartre and Derrida” with author Steve Martinot, in conversation with Sandra Luft at 5:30 p.m. at University Press Books, 2430 Bancroft Way. 548-0585. www.universitypressbooks.com 

Adam Mansbach on “The End of the Jews” at 7:30 p.m. at the JCC of the East Bay, 1414 Walnut St. 848-0237. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Don Carlos, Jah Levi, reggae, at 9:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $18-$20. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Martin Hayes & Dennis Cahill at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $25.50-$26.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

Jazzalicious! at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $10. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

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

Holly Near & emma’s revolution at 8 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $20-$25. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

Akosua Mireku, Ghanaian-American folk-singer, at 9:30 p.m. at Beckett’s Irish Pub, 2271 Shattuck Ave. 647-1790. www.beckettsirishpub.com 

Omar Sosa Afreecanos Quartet at 8 and 10 p.m., through Sun. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $10-$22. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

Moped at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 843-8277. 


Sims and Buchanan Sing For Four Seasons Concert Series

By Ken Bullock, Special to The Planet
Friday April 04, 2008

Baritone Robert Sims and Soprano Alison Buchanan, who originally sang together in 1998, will give a joint recital for Four Seasons Concerts on Saturday at Holy Names University. 

Buchanan, originally from Bedford, England, will sing songs by Michael Head, Richard Strauss and Leo Delibes, African-American Art Songs by Florence Price, Betty Jackson King and Adolphus Hailstork and Spirituals arranged by Moses Hogan, Hall Johnson and Jacqueline Hairston of Oakland. 

Sims will sing songs by Leonard Bernstein, Hugo Wolf, Henri Duparc, Aaron Copeland, Roland Carter and Spirituals arranged by Lena McLin, Roland Hayes and by Sims.  

Buchanan and Sims will also perform duets by Purcell, Mendelssohn, Gounod, Gershwin and Jacqueline Hairston. Pianist Dennis Helmrich will accompany. 

Sims, familiar to East Bay concertgoers from his work with Four Seasons and a Martin Luther King tribute concert with the East Bay Oakland Symphony, as well as with Friends of Negro Spirituals, spoke last week of his long friendship and collaboration with Buchanan. 

“We met each other at the Music Academy of the West, in Santa Barbara, when we were just kids, singing opera,” he said. “She went back to London to continue her studies and I went to Oberlin. Then Allison came back to the states to finish her master’s and was singing with San Francisco Opera ... and we met up again.” 

Dr. Williams, the founder of Four Seasons Concerts reintroduced them, Sims remembered. Williams then organized a sold-out house for the duo at Oakland’s Scottish Rites Temple in 1998, and then brought them back the following year, shortly before Williams died.  

“He gave us as young artists so much,” Sims said. “He was the most impressive impressario of the Bay Area. Many huge opera stars were presented by him—William Warfield, Marian Anderson’s farewell—and so many African-American singers got their debuts from him.” 

Talking about Saturday’s show, Sims said, “It’s great about this concert—Alison’s British, so she’ll open with Purcell. I’ll begin with Bernstein, a simple song. Then contemporary British composers ... The second half is all English and American, contemporary African-American songs for Alison, then Copeland and Spirituals for me. We’ll do a duet.” 

Sims just did a concert with Odetta in Virginia, and will teach in the Young Musicians Program at UC Berkeley this summer, as he did last year. 

Sims spoke of a book he’s working on with Christopher Brooks of Commonwealth University on Roland Hayes, “the father of African-American concert singers, who gave Marian Anderson cameos in his recitals from the time she was 11. He was a great arranger of Spirituals, traveled the world, and was the first African-American millionaire recitalist.”


TheatreFirst Stages ‘Future Me’

By Ken Bullock, Special to The Planet
Friday April 04, 2008

“Future Me is about how society deals with its monsters,” said British playwright Stephen Brown, “what we do with people who’ve done terrible things.” 

Brown, visiting here to catch TheatreFirst’s final rehearsals and opening night of the U.S. premiere of his play, tonight at the Berkeley City Club, summarized its point of departure: a bright, young, successful London barrister is about to move in with his girlfriend, with everything going well, when his computer sends out an e-mail to everybody in his address book with child pornography attached.  

The play follows him over the next five years, into and back out of prison, showing the people he meets (two other sex offenders, a probation officer who works in a treatment program) and the impact his troubles have on his girlfriend and his brother. 

“It deals with desire and anger, with what happens when our reasonable mind hits the iceberg of our buried visceral reactions, when we don’t know what to think,” said Brown. “Ungoverned desire provokes ungoverned anger. It’s slow burning. How to stay calm, think clearly—to punish, rehabilitate? When does punishment end? And what does it mean to say you’re sorry?” 

Brown emphasized Future Me is in no way a tract or merely educational problem play: “It has a lot of black humor in it. How do humans cope with strong emotions on a day-to-day basis? Maybe by laughing a lot, not beating their chests. It also has a lot of story.” 

Brown, who’s written plays professionally “for four or five years,” started out as “a freelance journalist working in publishing,” publishing and writing for the British political magazine Prospects for the better part of a decade, then writing theater reviews for Prospects, the Times Literary Supplement and others. 

Clive Chafer, TheatreFirst’s cofounder and director of FUTURE ME, had read reviews of the play last summer. “I’d been looking for a play on this subject,” he said. “Then in September I picked up a copy of the script in the bookstore of the National Theatre before a show, read half of it standing in the shop, then at intermission—even though the play was good—went to a pub and read the second half. By the end, I was wrung out. It’s the final taboo, which has reduced intelligent and rational people to monosyllables. We’ll have six post-show discussions with professionals who are in the rehabilitation field. We certainly want to make people think—but it’s important to remember it’s a play, not an essay.”  

Brown stressed how “very exciting it is for me to see a cast of American actors, with a different style, reveal different aspects of what I’ve written. I’ve started seeing lines, scenes opened up a bit. More open emotion.” 

TheatreFirst, an Oakland-based troupe for more than 13 years, has been searching for a new home after their site at the Old Oakland Theatre on 9th Street near Broadway became unavailable last spring after a successful season, for which the company won awards from the Bay Area Theater Critics Circle. 

“It’s astonishing that a city of over 400,000 doesn’t have a professional, full-season producing theater company,” Chafer said.  

TheatreFirst is negotiating for a space for a 99-seat theater not far from the Paramount Theater.  

“The area around the Paramount and Fox Theaters is being talked about as an arts district and is coming up rapidly,” said Chafer. “We’ve planned our next season, planning to go from three to four plays. We have city funding and private funding to compete for commercial rents.” 

 

 


East Bay, Then and Now: Parsons House: A Pioneering Design for Accessible Living

By Daniella Thompson
Friday April 04, 2008
A brick ramp leads to the Parsons house, designed by Albert J. Mazurette in 1911.
Daniella Thomspon
A brick ramp leads to the Parsons house, designed by Albert J. Mazurette in 1911.

Since the enactment of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, standards for accessible design have guided new construction and building retrofits. A plethora of products, from doors to bathroom fixtures, are especially designed with accessibility in mind. 

Imagine the plight of the mobility-challenged a hundred years ago, when only the well-to-do could afford to live in relative comfort. Making life comfortable for the disabled invariably entailed custom building at a time when practically no precedents existed for barrier-free architecture. 

This was the challenge facing architectural engineer Albert J. Mazurette in 1911, when he was commissioned to design an accessible house in Berkeley for William Parsons, a retired lumber dealer. 

Albert Joseph Mazurette (1887-1978) was born to French-Canadian parents in Detroit. He came to California in 1900 with his widowed father, who held positions in various sawmills. In 1904, after attending public schools in Stockton and Oakland, Albert entered a special course in drawing at the Polytechnic High School in Oakland. This course marked the end of his formal education. As his biography in Past and Present of Alameda County, California (1914) noted, “his later valuable training was acquired in the ‘university of hard knocks.’” 

In 1905, Mazurette obtained a job in a Santa Clara planing mill, where he “learned every branch of the business.” He must have been a quick study, for the same year he moved on to the Enterprise Planing Mill in Stockton, where he worked as a designer under Ralph P. Morrell—one of the leading architects in San Joaquin County—to whom he was “indebted for the major part of his present knowledge of the profession.” 

Mazurette returned to Oakland in early 1906, spending a year at the Pacific Coast Lumber & Mill Company. The following year, as the East Bay experienced a building boom in the wake of the San Francisco earthquake and fire, he entered the employ of Karl H. Nickel, Oakland’s “bungalow king.” After three years with Nickel, Mazurette established his own architectural practice in the Bacon Building, downtown Oakland. 

In 1914, Mazurette would found the Melbourne Construction Company, but when he received the commission to design the Parsons house, the architect relied on his former employer, Karl H. Nickel, for contracting services. 

Nickel was best known for his brown-shingle bungalows, photographs of which appeared in his full-page ads in the Architect and Engineer of California. Mazurette no doubt designed scores of such bungalows for Nickel, and it was this experience that most likely led to his selection as Parsons’ architect. 

Not a great deal is known about William Parsons. He was born in Massachusetts about 1836. His father, a resident of Newton, appears to have been a wealthy Surinam and East-India merchant and later a leader in the manufacturing development of Massachusetts. The younger Parsons attended Harvard, graduating in 1856. Having begun his career as a merchant with his father, he moved to Charleston, West Virginia, where he was recorded as a bookkeeper in the 1870 U.S. census. In 1880, he was a lumber dealer in Chicago. Nothing further is noted of him until 1899, when the Report of the Secretary of Harvard College listed him at the Anglo-California Bank in San Francisco. 

Subsequent Harvard alumni listings follow Parsons into retirement and to 2924 Benvenue Avenue in Berkeley. But before moving to Berkeley, Parsons was recorded in the 1910 census as a 74-year-old widower residing in Pacific Heights with two live-in nurses. 

Even the sparse information currently available about Parsons paints the picture of an elderly invalid. This portrait is reinforced by the layout of the Benvenue Avenue brown-shingle house designed for him by Albert Mazurette. 

Although the house has both attic and basement, all the living spaces were originally concentrated on the ground floor. A brick ramp leads from the street to the house, indicating that William Parsons was wheelchair-bound. Further evidence of his condition is offered by the ample and straight porch leading to the front door, the generous width of this door and of the corridor bisecting the house, and the unusual spatial layout of the rooms. 

At the front, easily accessible from the front door, is an elegantly spacious, lofty-ceilinged living room with windows on three sides. This would have been Mr. Parsons’ day room, where he could sit by the large fireplace or at one of the full-length windows. His books were near at hand, housed in low, glazed built-in cases whose shelves could be reached from a sitting position. 

On sunny days, Parsons could be wheeled out to the front deck through a pair of French doors. At night, he retired to his bedroom by way of a door that opened directly from the living room. 

The Parsons house is long-for many years legend had it that Parsons was a sea captain who built his house “in the image of the longboats he had sailed around the world.” In reality, the length of the house served to separate the invalid owner’s quarters from the centers of activity and noise. Both kitchen and dining room are located at the very rear, 42 feet away from the living room. At mealtimes, Parsons could be wheeled down the corridor and through sliding, leaded-glass pocket doors into his wood-paneled, Arts and Crafts dining room. Meal over, he would be wheeled away from the clutter of dishes, back to the calm of the living room. 

As in San Francisco, a resident nurse lived on the premises. Her name was Effie Murchison, born circa 1881 to Canadian immigrants in Nicolaus, Sutter County. Her father, a farmer from Prince Edward Island, died prematurely in 1887, leaving a young widow and seven children, six of them girls. As soon as they were old enough, the Murchison girls-four of whom would never marry-went off to San Francisco to learn a trade or profession. In 1900, Effie was a boarder nurse-student at a hospital on Jones Street run by Edward M. Bixby, M.D. Ten years later, she was one of William Parsons’ two live-in nurses in Pacific Heights. 

By then, Effie’s mother had left the farm and was living in San Francisco with her unmarried daughters and the only son, a bookkeeper at a state prison. When Effie accompanied her employer to his new Berkeley home, the other Murchisons followed, settling a block away, at 2953 Hillegass Avenue. 

William Parsons died about 1916, leaving his house to Effie. The 1917 Berkeley directory listed Effie, her mother Margaret, her sisters Kathryn, Sarah, and Grace, and her brother John at 2924 Benvenue. 

During the Depression, the Murchisons divided the house into two units, converting one of the four bedrooms into a kitchen and letting the front part to renters. From 1934 to 1937, their tenants were Jacob I. Del Valle, a merchant and importer, and his wife May, a music teacher. Both were in their 60s. During World War Two, the front unit was occupied by Robert E. Ferguson, a U.S. Navy navigator, and his wife Nancy. Perhaps this is how the “sea captain” legend came into being. 

The youngest of the Murchison sisters died in 1968, and the house was left to their nephew, Craig Murchison, who sold it in 1971. The following year, it was on the market again, after new owners developed the attic. In June 1973, the house was sold to Arthur M. and Ruth Forbes Young, entering a new phase of its remarkable history. 

Arthur Middleton Young (1905-1995) was a mathematician, engineer, inventor, astrologer, investigator of parapsychological phenomena, and the elaborator of a unified field theory of consciousness called the Theory of Process, which he described in the books The Reflexive Universe and The Geometry of Meaning. 

Beginning in 1928, Young designed and developed what would become the Bell 47 helicopter, the first helicopter to be awarded a commercial license, in 1946. Concurrent with their purchase of the Parsons house in 1973, Arthur and Ruth Young founded the Institute for the Study of Consciousness, which was based in the house. 

The institute’s program was rich and active. A relic found in the house is a hand-written poster board displaying the institute’s weekly schedule and special events for a two-month period. On Mondays, Young’s theme was “Conversations on Consciousness”; on Tuesdays, he lectured on “Yoga of Thinking”; on Wednesdays, Alan Vaughn spoke on “Advanced Parapsychology.” The Thursday colloquiums featured a rotation of such thinkers as Frances Farelly, Ingo Swann, Hal Putoff, Kenneth Pelletier, Jack Schwarz, Geoffrey Chew, Fritjof Capra, and Joseph Chilton Pearce. On Fridays, Saul Paul Sirag presented “Paradigm or Paradox?” The special events included a Wheeler Hall discussion by Mad Bear and Doug Boyd on “Emergence of the Fourth World” and a conference at Dwinelle Hall in benefit of the Tibetan Aid Project, with seven notables discussing “Science & Mysticism.” 

Following Arthur Young’s death, Ruth Young-great granddaughter of Ralph Waldo Emerson, painter, and founder of the International Peace Academy-devoted herself to encouraging the study of her husband’s Theory of Process. She died in 1998, leaving the house to the Institute for the Study of Consciousness. Shortly thereafter, the house was sold. The current owners have returned it to single-family use, although vestiges of the second kitchen remain. 

The house retains its charming Arts and Crafts details, including beautifully proportioned windows, natural wood paneling, box-beamed ceilings, built-in cabinetry, and a great deal of leaded art glass in doors, windows, and cabinet glazing. It will be open for viewing on BAHA’s Spring House Tour, May 4, 2008. 

 

Beautiful Benvenue, Elegant Hillegass 

Berkeley Architectural Heritage Spring House Tour 

Sunday, May 4, 2008 

1 p.m. to 5 p.m. 

Tickets: $35; BAHA members $25 

(510) 841-2242 

berkeleyheritage.com 

 

Daniella Thompson publishes berkeleyheritage.com for the Berkeley Architectural Heritage Association (BAHA). 

 

 


Garden Variety: Thank You, Jenny Fleming

By Ron Sullivan
Friday April 04, 2008

I owe a personal debt to Jenny Fleming, and so do you. Mine is perhaps more specific: Jenny was one of a group of people who saved my sanity after I crashed and burned out of nursing.  

It was purely an accidental group and I have no reason to believe they knew they were doing anything of the sort, but I managed to conjure them by enrolling in the Hort Department up at Merritt College and, waiting for the semester to start, joining the Tuesday propagation sessions that California Native Plant Society volunteers had there.  

A good handful of sweet gray-haired old ladies with razor-sharp minds (and tongues, when the occasion warranted) seemed to be the core of that group, and Jenny, with her aristocratic bearing and the look of eagles, was one of them. I heard about her legendary garden, and toured it during a Merritt California native plants class. It was astonishing. 

I worked as a gardener while taking those classes, and in due course Jenny hired me for a short term of maintenance there. Fellow students had passed on some combination of warning and promise about this, as quite a few of them had done similar stints. They were right.  

A few days of clinging with my toes to that amazingly vertical space, one foot on a rock upslope and one downslope and the rest of me wobbling between, prying weeds and planting seedlings and not daring to slip to my death for fear of crushing some botanical treasure I prized more than my own bones, rendered me as strong and limber as I’ve ever been in my life.  

It was worth the gymnastics of course, for the chance to learn, to work beside Jenny and enjoy her company with those marvelous plants in that marvelous place. It’s hitched in true John Muir fashion to the Tilden Park Botanic Garden, the California Native Plant Society, and our remaining wild places. Like those wild places, it rewards every moment of attention with beauty and learning. Like CNPS and the Tilden garden, it protects and propagates plant species that are under threat in their home ranges. Jenny was one of the people who founded CNPS after a successful campaign to keep the Tilden garden intact and working where it is.  

Jenny has passed on but her and Scott’s garden lives as one of her several interwoven legacies. It’s a plant collector’s paradise: thriving specimens in a beautiful, well-organized, integrated space, everyone looking right at home. Don’t take my word for it: the garden’s on this year’s free “Bringing Back the Natives Garden” Tour. Reserve your tour now, and get to the Flemings’ early; parking is a challenge there.  

Local CNPS members have (I hope) already seen the invitation to a memorial for Jenny hosted by her family on Saturday, April 5. If your Bay Leaf has been delayed or gone missing, I suggest emailing India Fleming-Farris: farris@dcn.org or calling (530) 758-4210; the invitation directs responses there.  

 

California Native Plant Society 

http://www.cnps.org 

2707 K Street, Suite 1  

Sacramento, CA 95816-5113 

(916) 447-2677, Mon–Fri, 9 a.m.–5p.m.) 

East Bay Chapter 

http://www.ebcnps.org/ 

 

Bringing Back the Natives  

Free Garden Tour 

http://www.bringingbackthenatives.net 

See the site for promising, modestly priced Select Tours! 

Questions?  

Kathy@kathykramerconsulting.net  

(510) 236-9558, 9 a.m.–9 p.m. 

 

An interview with Jenny Fleming: 

http://www.sfgate.com/ cgibin/ 

article.cgi?f=/c/a/2001/09/01/ 

HO110880.DTL&hw=Ron+Sullivan&sn=125&sc=630


About the House: Imagining the Ideal Electrical System for Your House

By Matt Cantor
Friday April 04, 2008

I’m actually a very sensitive person. My feelings are easily hurt and I prefer to have an exchange of kind words: “I like you” is nice. On a good day someone might say “I like you, too.” Isn’t that nice. Then I wake up and realize, once again, that I’m a home inspector and no matter how I try to slice it, I have to criticize a few dozen things every day and, invariably, I’m going to have hurt someone’s feelings, made them angry or maybe a little scared. Well, at least I’m not in politics. 

Electrical systems take a lot of hits from me. After all, they do burn down houses. In the recent past, statistics have estimated 32,000 fires each year associated with electrical systems. That’s about 9 percent of all fires in the home. This also accounts for roughly 220 death and almost 1,000 injuries a year as well as roughly $700 million dollars in damage in the U.S. 

I had a call from a young renter the other day (Hello, yes, I am responding to your question) who was concerned with the danger of using her outside breaker panel in the rain, in the dark. 

I gave her something of an answer, while dancing a mazurka and spinning yarn from dog hair. In short, I didn’t really answer the question to my own satisfaction, so I thought about it for a while and realized that amidst all the criticisms I’ve made in the line of duty and all the notions I’ve posited in this column, I’ve never really defined the kind of electrical system I’d like to see and what clients should be looking for. So here’s a short textual diagram of my idea of a really good electrical system. 

 

The drop 

The wires coming from the power pole are called the service drop. Frankly, I’d rather see an underground service than anything as 18th century as a system of wires and poles strewn about our, otherwise, arcadian metropolis (the Tarzan system of power delivery). With underground wiring, there’s less to fail in an earthquake and yes, Olivia, we are waiting on a big one. If it has to be overhead, it should be out of the trees so it won’t get worn to bare wires and explode (yes, they explode and then burn; my artist-friend, Bill Shulte can attest to this. He lost his home of many years over an exploding main drop). I also like to see them high enough so that nobody’s going to hit it with their RV or extension ladder. 

 

The Main 

I’ve often gotten the following question: “Shouldn’t the main panel be inside where it can’t be tampered with?” No, a single main breaker for each living unit should be outside where it can be turned off by emergency service personnel without entering the dwelling (although in some places, like San Francisco, that’s not possible and they allow them to be inside the basement or garage)… BUT, my favorite recipe calls for all the rest of the system to be inside. Now, this usually costs more because you’re adding at least one more panel than you could get away with by putting all the breakers in the outside panel but here’s my thinking. We need one breaker outside but ideally (and here’s where we answer my young reader’s interrogative) the rest should be found in a convenient spot inside the dwelling where it’s warm, dry, safer and possibly a light (there may only be one tripped breaker and the light you need may still be on.)  

Isn’t it nicer to find and reset a tripped breaker when you don’t have to run out in the rain at night in that horrible frock and nightcap? Also, being less than fully insulated when operating breakers outside is less than ideal (although most modern panels do a smashing good job of protecting the person resetting breakers). 

This inside “sub-panel” isn’t so pretty. For years, electricians installed them in closets and I’d like to offer a general apology to all of you who’ve had their lava lamps, Sergio Mendez records and Star Trek memorabilia mashed by me as I attempted to get inside these panels. Putting panels in closets is a bad idea, not only because of the possibility of fire but also for the safety of electricians. Building codes addressed this quite a while back and bravo to them (as you may know, my praise for the codes is not unbridled).  

I like to see panels in places where they don’t compete with Wayne Thiebaud. If you don’t have a suitable basement, I’d tend to put it behind a door that’s usually swung against a wall. A blank wall in a laundry room is a good choice. It’s important that opening this panel involves no gymnastics because it’s dangerous enough working on these things as it is. That’s a very short version of a very long section of the code. 

 

Circuits 

I like lots and lots of circuits and lots and lots of outlets. Here’s how this works. You provide a given load: one TV (tuned only to PBS or the history channel of course), two computers, one toaster, one hairdryer and so forth. You would be using this bunch of stuff pretty much anywhere you went. The house may have more or less lighting, and you may use it more or less depending on how parsimonious you are or how many are in the clan, BUT the point stands that you will tend to use power more as a function of your own personal stuff and predilections than as a function of the electrical system you have. 

SO, if you have a system that has more circuits, those circuits are likely to each carry a smaller portion of your load. This translates to heat. On a typical day, you might be running 5,000 watts (a wild guess). If you have 10 circuits, each one might be carrying 500 watts, which is tolerable. With 4 circuits at 1,250 each and a few bad wiring splices hidden here and there (or a fried switch, or outlet, or cord), you may be heating the wiring up to a point where a fire can start. So one of the best ways to construct a safe electrical system is a build one with plenty of circuits. 

Another way is to have plenty of outlets. This is similar but not the same thing. If we add plenty of receptacles to our healthy number of circuits then we reduce the use of extension cords (circuits are like the branches on a tree and the panels are like the trunk, in fact, we use the word branch for circuits and, long ago, used the word trunk to describe the main wires coming into a system).  

X-cords are made of smaller wires than those in the wall. This means that they become resisters when we run power through them. They’re bottlenecks full of hot little electrons that want to run free and express themselves. (Hey, Ned, your house is on fire!) When you run a typical 2,000-watt electric heater on a small extension cord, the cord might get hot enough to melt or set fire to your dissertation on polynomial geometry so when building an ideal electrical system, don’t skimp on circuits or outlets. 

 

Lighting 

A true exploration of my preferences, alone, on this delightful and complex subject is beyond any sensible exploitation of this article, but I’ll hit a few high points anyway. Don’t miss out on lighting. Lighting shapes spaces, creates mood, allows one room to wear many outfits, if you will, and turns useless spaces into favored niches. Don’t miss the party. Lighting is one of the things that makes all that wiring worthwhile. That said, I now favor the use of compact fluorescents when and wherever you can manage. Bulbs are now available in dimmable versions and floods too. They’re also much better than just five years ago so come back and give them another try.  

I’m hoping that many of you will include LED lighting in your rehabs soon but the market IS lagging a bit on this amazing innovation. The reason for my excitement about fluorescent and even more for LED is that these do two great things. First, they lower your bill while decreasing energy waste (which also has far reaching political and environmental implications) while lasting years longer (your LED lamps might NEVER require replacement). Second, they make your house SAFER by lower ing the temperature of all the wires that feed to the lighting. Lighting can be one of the top energy users in your house and when we use CFLs or LEDs, the house runs cooler and safer.  

Additionally, the wiring and switches live longer since they’re not being “cooked” all evening from the heat created by typical higher wattage incandescent lighting. If you do have a scary-funky electrical system today, changing to CFL or LED is a pretty cheap way to make things a lot safer. 

The parting shots I’ll add before closing, will be to make a short case for new improved breakers. My ideal electrical system uses the new AFCI fire-sensing breakers wherever it’s practical to do so (talk to your Sparky) and used GFCI shock preventing outlets or breakers for anywhere that serious shock is a possibility: bath, basement, etc. 

I have long felt that there was more bang for the buck with electrical than in virtually any other system in our homes so this is not the place to cut corners. Buy cheaper cuts of meat. 

Remember, 32,000 home will burn as a result of sparks this year. My feeling is that when you’re looking for something to add sparks to, try your marriage instead. 

Thanks to the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) and the annual NFPA fire experience survey for the numbers cited above. 

 

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


Berkeley This Week

Friday April 04, 2008

FRIDAY, APRIL 4 

EarthDance: Short Attention Span Film Festival at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. at Oakland Museum of California, 10th and Oak Sts. 238-2200. www.museumca.org 

City Commons Club Noon Luncheon with Prof. Edouard Mayoral on “Recent Changes in the European Union and Some Consequences of These Changes.” Luncheon at 11:45 a.m. for $14.50, speech at 12:30 p.m., at the Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant St. 524-7468.  

Tim Wise, anti-racism activist and author of “White Like Me; Reflections of Race from a Privileged Son” and “Affirmative Action: Racial Preference in Black and White” speaks at 7:30 p.m. at First Unitarian Church of Oakland, 685 14th St.. Tickets are $12-$20 sliding scale. 800-838-3006. www.brownpapertickets.com 

Friday Films for Teens at 3:30 pm. at the Berkeley Public Library, 2090 Kittredge St. For details call 981-6121. 

Berkeley Women in Black weekly vigil from noon to 1 p.m. at Bancroft and Telegraph. Our focus is human rights in Palestine. 548-6310. 

SATURDAY, APRIL 5 

Healthy Communities, Healthy Planet Sponsored by the Transportation and Land Use Coalition, from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at First Unitarian Church, 685 14th St., Oakland. Cost is $30 at the door. www.transcoalition.org 

Teens Touch the Earth Learn about caring for the environment while earning community service credits, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Miller/Knox Regional Shoreline. For ages 13-19. Registration required. 1-888-EB-PARKS. 

“Rachel Corrie Speaks” A dramatic reading of her journals by her mother and father and numerous young women peace activists, with original music by composer and cellist Matthew Owens, at 8 p.m. at King Middle School, 1781 Rose St. Tickets are $12-$15. 848-6767, ext. 609. www.kpfa.org  

Alameda County Office of Education Credentialing Fair for individuals interested in becoming a credentialed teacher in California, from 9 a.m. to noon at 313 West Winton Ave., Conf. room 142, Hayward. 670-4224. www.acoe.org 

Models and Designs for a Proposed Center Street Plaza, developed by landscape architect Walter Hood for nonprofit Ecocity Builders, will be on display at Cody's Bookstore in downtown Berkeley, Shattuck Ave. and Allston Way, through April 12. www.ecocitybuilders.org 

Jack London Aquatic Center Ergathon Athletes take turns on a Concept2 rowing machine and pull non-stop for 12 hours, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Jack London Aquatic Center by the Oakland Estuary. You can sponsor a rower, or row yourself. 208-6067. 

Latin Giants of Jazz: Sam Burtis and Sonny Bravo Clinic and master class from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Oakland Public Conservatory of Music, 1616 Franklin St., Oakland. Cost is $20-$50, Students, $10, youth up to age 15, free. 836-4649. 

“Passport to the East Bay Wine Trail” featuring eight winery tasting rooms in Oakland, Berkeley and Emeryville, from noon to 5 p.m. Tickets are $30-$35. www.eastbayvintners.com 

Political Affairs Readers Group meets to discuss excerpts from Gerald Horne’s forthcoming book “Blows Against the Empire: US Imperialism in Crisis” at 10 a.m. at Niebyl Procter Marxist Library, 6501 Telegraph Ave., Oakland. 595-7417. www.marxistlibr.org 

AHIMSA's Conference on the Human Capacity for Peace, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Badè Museum, Pacific School of Religion, 1798 Scenic Ave. www.ahimsaberkeley.org 

CopWatch Training Learn your rights when stopped by police, officers, as well as how to observe and document police misconduct, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 2022 Blake St. Free. 548-0425.  

“Spring Blooming Perennials” with Aerin Moore at 10 a.m. at Magic Gardens, 729 Heinz Ave., off Seventh St. 644-2351. 

Auditions for the Woodminster Summer Musicals for adult singers and dancers of all ages and children who appear to be 8-10. For details see www.woodminster.com/Webpages/opportunities.html 

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 

The Berkeley Lawn Bowling Club provides free instruction every Wed. and Sat. at 10:30 a.m. at 2270 Acton St. 841-2174.  

Oakland Artisans Marketplace Sat. from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sun. from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Jack London Square. 238-4948. 

SUNDAY, APRIL 6 

“Why Care About Tibet?The Protests, the Crackdown and the Olympics Connection” with Topden Tsering, former president of San Francisco Chapter of Tibetan Youth Congress and former editor of Tibetan Bulletin, at 4 p.m. at Connie Barbour Hall, BFUU, 1924 Cedar St. at Bonita Ave. 

Family Pond-tacular Learn about metamorphosis as your explore the ponds with naturalist Meg Platt, from 10:30 a.m. to noon in Tilden Park. 525-2233. 

Family Footprints Learn about animal tracks and see what you can spot with naturalist Meg Platt, from 1:30 to 3 p.m. in Tilden Park. 525-2233. 

Berkeley Historical Society 30th Anniversary from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Hillside Club, 2286 Cedar St. Charles Wollenberg will speak about his new book, “Berkeley, a City in History.” There will be music and refreshments. Reservations requested. berkeleyhistorical@yahoo.com 

The Crisis at KPFA and Pacifica A community forum with speakers Maria Gilardin, Les Radke, Joe Wanzala, from 2 to 6 p.m. at North Berkeley Senior Center, 1901 Hearst at M L King Way. www.peoplesradio.net/ 

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“What it Takes to Get Your Book Published” with Alan Rinzler at 3 p.m. at Cody’s Books, 2201 Shattuck Ave. 559-9500. 

Friends and Family Day celebrating the 60th anniversary of the State of Israel, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Judah L. Magnes Museum, 2911 Russell St. 549-6950. 

“US Labor, Chinese Workers and the Meaning of International Labor Solidarity” with Ellen David Friedman at 12:30 p.m. at SEIU Local 1021, 447 29th St., Oakland. Enter at rear between Telegraph and Broadway. Suggested donation $5-$10.  

“Kiss My Wheels” A film about a nationally ranked wheelchair basketball team at 2 p.m. at Berkeley Public Library, 2090 Kittredge St., 3rd Flr. 981-6107. 

Films from the Center for African Diasporic Culture “Cubamor” at 6 p.m. and “Favela Rising” at 8:30 p.m. at La Peña, 3105 Shattuck Ave. Cost is $10 for each film, or $15 for both. 849-2568. 

Old Time Radio East Bay Collectors and Listeners gather to enjoy shows together at 5 p.m. at a private home in Richmond. For more information email DavidinBerkeley at Yahoo.com. 

Home Graywater Systems Slideshow & Tour Learn about the permitted greywater system at the Ecohouse. We will discuss the principles and process of safely irrigating with shower, bathroom sink, and laundry waste water. The workshop includes a 1 hour slide show presentation of greywater design and the application process. Tours at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Pre-registration required. Cost is $15 sliding scale, no one turned away for lack of funds. 548-2220 ext. 242. ecohouse@ecologycenter.org 

Berkeley Rep’s Family Series, a monthly theater workshop for the entire family from 11. a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Berkeley Rep School of Theatre, Nevo Education Center, 2071 Addison St. Free, but bring a book to donate to the library at John Muir Elementary School. 647-2973. 

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

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 

Berkeley Chess Club meets every Sun. at 7 p.m. at the Hillside School, 1581 Le Roy Ave. 843-0150. 

Tibetan Buddhism with Robin Caton on “Compassion and Well-Being” at 6 p.m. at the Tibetan Nyingma Institute, 1815 Highland Pl. 809-1000  

Sew Your Own Open Studio Come learn to use our industrial and domestic machines, or work on your own projects, from 4 to 8 p.m. at 84 Bolivar Dr., Aquatic Park. Cost is $5 per hour. 644-2577.  

MONDAY, APRIL 7 

El Cerrito Green Party Happy Hour at 8 p.m. at The Sky Lounge, 10458 San Pablo Ave, north of Stockton St. 526-0972. 

Yah Village Community Circle with children from Hoover Elementary School who have created Super Heroes who stand against violence at 6:30 p.m. at St. Mary’s Center, 925 Brockhurst St., Oakland. www.ahc-oakland.org 

“Castoffs” Knitting Group meets at 7 p.m. at the Kensington Library, 61 Arlington Ave., Kensington. 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. 

Dragonboating Year-round classes at the Berkeley Marina, Dock M. Meets Mon, Wed., Thurs. at 6 p.m. Sat. at 10:30 a.m. For details see www.dragonmax.org 

TUESDAY, APRIL 8 

Tuesdays for the Birds Tranquil bird walks in local parklands, led by Bethany Facendini, from 7 to 9:30 a.m. Today we will visit the Albany Bulb of the Eastshore State Park. Call for meeting place and if you need to borrow binoculars. 525-2233. 

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

Board Games Days, for 4th -8th graders, Tues.-Thurs. from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave. 526-3720, ext. 17. 

“Kayaking 101” at 7 p.m. at REI, 1338 San Pablo Ave. 527-4140. 

End the Occupation Vigil every Tues. at noon at Oakland Federal Bldg., 1301 Clay St. www.epicalc.org 

Family Storytime at 7 p.m. at Kensington Library, 61 Arlington Ave. 524-3043.  

Street Level Cycles Community Bike Program Come use our tools as well as receive help with performing repairs free of charge. Youth classes available. Tues., Thurs., and Sat. from 2 to 6 p.m. at at 84 Bolivar Dr., Aquatic Park. 644-2577. www.watersideworkshops.org  

Teen Playreaders meets to read and discuss plays at 4:30 p.m. at Claremont Branch Library, 2940 Benvenue. 981-6121. 

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

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

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

Sing-A-Long Group from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Albany Senior Center, 846 Masoni Ave., Albany. 524-9122. 

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9 

Bus Rapid Transit in Berkeley A community discussion at the Planning and Transportation Commission meetings, at 7 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 

Sudden Oak Death Preventative Treatment Training Session Meet at 1 p.m. at the Tolman Hall portico, Heast Ave. and Arch/Leconte, UC Campus for a two-hour field session, rain or shine. Pre-registration required. SODtreatment@nature.berkeley.edu 

Cycling Lecture with Gary Fisher, bicycle racer, at 7 p.m. at Velo Sport Bicycles, 1615 University Ave., enter at 1989 California St. RSVP to 849-0437. 

Board Games Day, for 4th -8th graders, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave. 526-3720, ext. 17. 

Radical Movie Night “Fern Gully—The Last Rainforest” at 8:30 p.m. at the Long Haul, 3124 Shattuck Ave. 

“Behind Every Terrorist There is a Bush” A documentary with stand-up comics and stage artists questioning the “War on Terror” at 7:30 p.m. at Humanist Hall, 390 27th St., Oakland. Donation $5. www.Humanist Hall.org 

“The Ugly Side of the Beauty Industry” Learn about toxics in beauty products with author Stacy Malkan at 7 p.m. at Elephant, 1607 Shattuck Ave. 549-9200.  

Green Home Improvement 101 A lecture at 6 p.m. at 2619 San Pablo Ave. www.ecohomeimprovment.com  

“About Face: The Psychology of Portraiture and the Human Face” A benefit lecture for Ethsix* magazine featuring psychologist and facial expert Dr. Paul Ekman at 7:30 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center, 3105 Shattuck Ave. Donation $10 and up. 849-2568. 

Teen Chess Club from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the North Branch Library, 1170 The Alameda at Hopkins. 981-6133. 

Theraputic Recreation at the Berkeley Warm Pool, Wed. at 3:30 p.m. and Sat. at 10 a.m. at the Berkeley Warm Pool, 2245 Milvia St. Cost is $4-$5. Bring a towel. 632-9369. 

After-School Program Homework help, drama and music for children ages 8 to 18, every Wed. from 4 to 7:15 p.m. at St. John’s Presbyterian Church, 2727 College Ave. Cost is $5 per week. 845-6830. 

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

Berkeley Peace Walk and Vigil at the Berkeley BART Station, corner of Shattuck and Center. Sing for Peace at 6:30 p.m. followed by Peace Walk at 7 p.m. www.geocities.com/vigil4peace/vigil 

Morning Meditation Every Mon., Wed., and Fri. at 7:45 a.m. at Rudramandir, 830 Bancroft Way at 6th. 486-8700. 

Stitch ‘n Bitch at 6:30 p.m. at Caffe Trieste, 2500 San Pablo Ave., at Dwight. 548-5198.  

THURSDAY, APRIL 10 

Alternatives to the Aerial Spray Program A forum on the spray plan for the Light Brown Apple Moth and alternatives to the spray, with agroecologist and UC Berkeley professor Miguel Altieri, Mayor of Albany and registered nurse Robert Lieber, and farmers Robert Shultz and Ames Morison, and healthcare worker John Davis, at 7 p.m. at the Ecology Center, 2530 San Pablo Ave., near Dwight Way. 548-2220 ext. 233, erc@ecologycenter.org 

Poverty Truth Commission at 6:15 p.m. at the Bade' Museum Building, Pacific School of Religion Campus, Graduate Theological Union, 1798 Scenic Ave. For more information, contact 845-6232, ext.103 glettini@sksm.edu 

“Eccentrics, Heroes, and Cutthroats of Old Berkeley” slide talk by author Richard Schwartz featuring highlights of Berkeley’s history from 1850 to 1925, at 7 p.m. at El Cerrito Library, 6510 Stockton Ave., El Cerrito. 526-7512. 

Berkeley School Volunteers Orientation from noon to 1 p.m. at 1835 Allston Way. Come learn about volunteer opportunities. 644-8833. 

Creative Movement and Sign Language for ages 5-10 at 3:30 p.. at Elephant, 1607 Shattuck Ave. 549-9200.  

Board Games Day, for 4th -8th graders, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave. 526-3720, ext. 17. 

Babies & Toddlers Storytime at 10:15 and 11:15 a.m. at Kensington Library, 61 Arlington Ave. 524-3043.  

Fitness Class for 55+ at 9:15 a.m. at Jewish Community Center, 1414 Walnut St. 848-0237. 

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

ONGOING 

E-Waste Recycling St. Vincent de Paul of Alameda County accepts electronic waste including computers, dvd players, cell phones, fax machines and many other ewaste products for disposal free of charge at many of its locations throughout Alameda County. Free bulk pick-up available. 638-7600.  

Free Tax Help If your 2007 household income was less than $42,000, you are eligible for free tax preparation from United Way's Earn it! Keep It! Save It! Sites are open now through April 15 in Alameda and Contra Costa counties. To find a site near you, call 800-358-8832. www.EarnItKeepItSaveIt.org 

CITY MEETINGS 

Commission on Disability meets Wed., April 9, at 6:30 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-6346. TDD: 981-6345.  

Homeless Commission meets Wed., April 9, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-5426.  

Planning Commission meets Wed., April 9, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-7484.  

Police Review Commission meets Wed., April 9, at the South Berkeley Senior Center, 981-4950. 

Waterfront Commission meets Wed., April 9, at 7 p.m., at 201 University Ave. 981-6740. 

Community Health Commission meets Thurs., April 10 at 6:45 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-5356.  

Zoning Adjustments Board meets Thurs., April 10, at 7 p.m., in City Council Chambers. 981-7410.