Local regulators have cited West Berkeley’s Pacific Steel Casting for releasing foul smelling air from its factories, plant General Manager Joe Emmerichs confirmed Thursday. 

The citation, issued by the Bay Area Regional Air Quality Management District, came after the district’s inspector traced seven confirmed reports of a burning plastic smell last Wednesday to the plant. Air district rules require five confirmed reports within 24 hours to issue a violation notice. 

The surge in complaints comes at a time when local residents and workers have begun mobilizing people to contact the air district with complaints. 

Sarah Simonet, an elementary school teacher and renter, started the drive a year ago going door-to-door with flyers she printed. “I’m not convinced that the particles coming out of there are not toxic,” she said. “A lot of children breath the air out of that factory.” 

“This is a major deal for us,” said Councilmember Linda Maio, who represents the affected area. “Now we are on the map with the air district.”  

The citation includes a $1,000 fine and the threat of escalating fines if more violations follow. Although a citation does not require that the air district step up regulation of a plant, Maio said she has learned that because of the recent findings, the air district will perform a long-awaited air quality study at the plant. 

Air district spokesperson Emily Hopkins confirmed that a study of Pacific Steel is scheduled, but added that it remained uncertain if it would include on-site testing or an analysis of past tests. 

“There is definitely an odor problem in that area,” Hopkins said. “We are aware of it and we will proceed with deliberate speed.” 

Complaint calls to the air district over Pacific Steel have been on the rise in recent years, air district records show. Last year the district received 112 smell complaints directed at Pacific Steel, compared to 49 in 2003 and 18 in 2001. Pacific Steel has topped the air district’s complaint list in Berkeley every year since 2000. 

Emmerichs acknowledged that Pacific Steel was responsible for the odor, neighbors complained about Wednesday, but insisted that a foul smell was not tantamount to foul air. “Our emissions are not toxic,” he said. “We’ve been checked out before and we’ve passed every test.” 

Located over three blocks at Second Street, just south of Gilman Street, Pacific Steel operates three factories that heat metal to a molten state and then pour it into molds. The melting and pouring process release compounds that neighbors for years have compared to the smell of burning pot handles. 

After receiving 46 notices of violation from the air district between 1981 and 1985, Pacific Steel installed carbon filters at two of its factories. They determined that the third and newest factory, built in 1981, did not have enough activity to require the filter. 

Emmerichs said that work had increased at the third factory, but held that it was not responsible for the reports of foul air. 

The City Council has previously called for air studies at the plant. A 2000 city air monitoring report with a monitoring station near the plant did not provide a large enough sample to capture and analyze the smell, said city Hazardous Materials Manager Nabil Al-Hadithy. In addition to air monitoring studies, Al-Hadithy has asked the air district to require an independent analysis of the plant’s air filtration systems. 

“We are waiting for the air district to give us a definitive answer to the risks,” he said. “Considering that they haven’t jumped at our requests, I assume they have determined this is not a high risk area.” 

Al-Hadithy said previous air district studies have shown that plant emissions for cancer-causing substances have always just barely passed state standards. He added that the influx of new residential and park space in the area has spurred the city to seek updated studies. 

Even if air studies show that the plant is not a health risk, the air district could come down on Pacific Steel for creating a nuisance. In 1982, the district issued an abatement order against the plant, “to cease and desist from discharging to the atmosphere odorous or annoying compounds generated in the course of melting and pouring operations.” 

Over citizen objections, an air district hearing board in 2000 voted to lift the abatement order. 

Alex Cox, an engineer at a firm five blocks from the station, was one of the seven people last Wednesday to register a confirmed complaint. 

“I’m concerned about my health,” he said. “I don’t care about the smell. I just want to know that the air I’m breathing is clean.” Cox said he smells the “burning pot handle” smell on days when the wind blows east, and that several of his complaint calls have gone unconfirmed, because by the time the inspector arrives, the wind has changed direction. 

Cox and Simonet said they wanted to press Pacific Steel to improve its air quality not chase it out of town. But L.A. Wood, an environmental activist who has opposed the plant for years, doesn’t see how it can remain in the face of the influx of residents and recreation-seekers to West Berkeley. 

“It’s like two freight trains running into each other,” he said. “People aren’t willing to admit that the two uses are incompatible.” 

Tupper & Reed Music—downtown Berkeley’s oldest business—is closing its doors after 99 years. 

“I desperately wanted to make it to 100,” says owner Wayne Anderson, “but I feel sort of relieved that I’ve finally made a decision I should’ve made five years ago.” 

“It’s really a shame,” said Deborah Badhia, executive director of the Downtown Berkeley Association. “It’s an important part of downtown Berkeley.” 

It’s especially hard for Anderson, who came to Berkeley in 1967 to study at the American Baptist Seminary of the West, paying his way by teaching piano and working part-time as a church musician. 

Then one day he walked into Tupper & Reed Music at 2277 Shattuck Ave. to buy a guitar. Four months later, he owned a piece of the business. 

“It changed the course of my life,” he said. 

And now, 99 years after the business first opened its doors, Anderson is presiding over its demise. 

Tupper & Reed has played a vital role in the musical life of Berkeley. Take the clerk who sold Anderson the six-stringer—Thomas Rarick, who two years later became the founding conductor of the Berkeley Symphony Orchestra. 

Owner Richard Cartano, another symphony founder, liked Anderson and offered him the job. Rarick, who had taken a leave to study under the great English conductor Sir Adrian Boult, returned to find that his one-time customer had become his boss. 

Generations of Berkeley residents have patronized the store, buying everything from Edison Talking Machines to Steinway grand pianos and taking lessons in the basement sound rooms on all manner of instruments. 

A diminishing customer base 

Founded in the same year as the great San Francisco earthquake, the Shattuck Avenue retailer has been felled by a variety of forces, some national in scale and others specific to doing business in downtown Berkeley. 

To begin with, Anderson explains, music stores have a very small potential market—the 5 percent of the population who buy and continue to play musical instruments.  

“There are only 9,000 music stores in the United States, and they are dropping like flies,” Anderson said. “Five or six stores within an hour’s drive of here have failed this year.” Stores that do survive are starting to open up space for other in-store businesses, most notably coffee shops. 

The number of music stores continues to diminish as cash-strapped schools across the country eliminate music programs. Anderson said it didn’t help his business when Berkeley’s school board eliminated music programs for the fourth, fifth and sixth grades. 

Then there are the profit margins, especially for sheet music, which Anderson said are notoriously slender. 

Despite its numerous vulnerabilities, Anderson’s not giving up on the music business. Though he’s shuttering his Berkeley store, he will continue to operate Stanroy Music Center in Santa Rosa, a 58-year old business he bought from its founder in 1980. He once owned a third store, in Walnut Creek, which closed when the landlord decided to replace his building with a bigger one. 

While his Berkeley store drowned in red ink, the Santa Rosa business continues to thrive, and Anderson has given a lot of thought to the reasons why. At the top of his list are contrasting city policies toward downtown development. 

Downtown Berkeley’s Downturn 

Downtown Berkeley was an entirely different creature when Anderson first walked into Tupper & Reed. The scene was one of a vibrant commercial culture that drew residents in search of major purchases. 

“When I started, there were nice shops downtown,” he said, including a furniture store with five full floors of offerings, a full service hardware store, top-line clothiers and a major department store. “The list is endless.” 

“Now you can see a movie, get a cup of coffee, eat a meal and buy a book in downtown Berkeley, and that’s about it,” Anderson said. “And I’m not sure how much longer the bookstores will last.” 

Stores complement each other in a strong commercial center, where customers drawn by one store stay to browse and buy at others, he said. But if stores close and landlords can’t replace them, the remaining stores find it harder to survive. 

“Ross is our biggest retailer, and you can tell they’re not doing well when you walk through the store,” Anderson said. “I went in to buy shoes last week, and they didn’t have anything in my size. When they first opened, you could barely get in. Their shelves were always full and there were long lines at the checkout counter. But take a look now.” 

Anderson points to the shuttered storefronts in his own block, where “we’ve had them continuously since 1980.” 

Badhia acknowledges that the lack of concentration of retailers in today’s downtown makes it difficult to create the synergies on which small retailers thrive. 

“We have good retail, but it’s spread out,” she said. 

Why should Santa Rosa retain a vibrant commercial core while Berkeley’s has fallen to decline? Anderson thinks city parking policies have played a major role in both cases. 

“The most difficult thing in Berkeley over the last decade has been the rise in parking rates and the decline in places to park. When the old Hink’s parking lot closed on Kittredge Street last year, our volume dropped by 25 percent,” Anderson said. “That was the final straw.” 

“Charging more for parking and raising fines is a quick fix to a city’s financial problems,” Anderson said, “but it risks killing the goose that lays the golden egg.”  

While parking spaces became fewer and costlier in downtown Berkeley, they became more numerous and mostly free in Santa Rosa. 

“They decided in Santa Rosa that they would rely on sales and business taxes instead of parking fees,” building a large free parking structure downtown to encourage patrons of local merchants, Anderson said. 

But the unrelenting economic pressures on California cities, created in part by Proposition 13 limits on property taxes and in part by dwindling contributions from state and federal coffers, have started a reevaluation of Santa Rosa’s policies. 

“There’s talk of raising parking rates,” Anderson acknowledges. “So Berkeley is just a few years ahead of the curve than Santa Rosa.” 

Badhia, of the downtown association, said she had no reason to doubt Anderson’s conclusions about the effect of parking on his business, and was particularly struck by the downturn in his clientele after the Kittredge Street parking structure was closed. 

A possible future on-line 

Anderson is contemplating one more major change in his business practices. As with so many other businesses, the rise of the Internet also played its role in the music business, and Anderson is the first to admit he should’ve jumped onto the e-tailing bandwagon. 

“I stayed out mostly because I don’t like the experience of buying online,” he said, “but I recognize that others don’t feel the same way.” 

While he presides over the closing of his Berkeley business, he’s also planning an increased web presence for Stanroy, complete with online ordering. His initial focus will be on sheet music orders. 

He also hopes to revive the Tupper & Reed name in the East Bay at some future date, though it won’t be in downtown Berkeley. Anderson said he will finally shutter the Shattuck Avenue store after most of the major items have moved. Then he’ll ship the remaining inventory to Santa Rosa. He estimates the process should take about two months. 

“I hate to close, but it was either that or to throw my house and my other store into the business,” he said.

When it came down to whether or not Terri Schiavo should live or die, many in Berkeley’s famously left-wing disabled community found themselves in lock step with the Christian Right. 

“There’s a rift between the able-bodied Left and the disability movement over this,” said Ruthanne Shpiner, who has been confined to a wheelchair since a bicycle accident 20 years ago. “Jeb Bush might be wrong 99 percent of the time, but I don’t think he missed the boat here.” 

On Thursday Schiavo, a severely brain damaged woman, died at a Florida hospice, 13 days after her feeding tube was removed. While Christian conservatives leaders fought to restore the tube as a right-to life issue, many local disabled residents viewed her plight as a matter of disability rights. 

“Basically they’re saying that it’s OK to starve people with disabilities who can’t communicate and must be fed through a tub. It’s quite frightening,” said Nicholas Feldman, whose cerebral palsy causes a speech impediment. “For someone like me it’s especially frightening, because there’s a risk my wishes could be misunderstood by doctors.” 

Disabled rights groups are particularly upset with the American Civil Liberties Union, a traditional ally, which represented Michael Schiavo in his effort to remove his wife’s feeding tube over the objection of her parents. 

“The ACLU is giving more weight for a person on death row than they would for Terri Schiavo,” Shpiner said. 

Schiavo was an able-bodied woman until she suffered cardiac arrest 15 years ago that deprived her brain of oxygen and left her in what doctors called “a persistently vegetative state.” According to the National Institute of Health, people in such a state cannot think, speak or respond to commands and are unaware of their surroundings. Schiavo could breath under her own power, but couldn’t swallow without the feeding tube. 

Her condition was not as hopeless as some would assume, said those interviewed. “Even if she was in a vegetative state, she’s still alive,” said Blaine Beckwith, who was born with a spinal condition. “I use a breathing tube every second, but I have a productive life.” 

“A feeding tube is not life support,” Shpiner said. “It’s just how she got her nourishment.” 

The Schiavo case made headlines at a time when many disabled people fear that popular culture has pushed the notion that death is a respectable alternative to living with a disability. This winter several disabled rights groups protested the Oscar-winning film Million Dollar Baby, over its ending that portrayed the assisted suicide of the lead character as an act of mercy after she became disabled. 

Several people interviewed drew parallels with Schiavo. “The idea that they’re doing this woman a favor by ending her life is deplorable,” Beckwith said. “I’m offended that this woman is viewed as someone in abject misery that needs to be relieved from her suffering.” 

While disabled residents interviewed all favored restoring Schiavo’s feeding tube, they differed on the wider subject of assisted suicide. Leading disability rights organizations have long opposed the right to die. The Berkeley-based Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund strenuously objected to a failed euthanasia bill in 1999 drafted by former Berkeley Assemblywoman Dion Aroner. 

“With profit-driven managed health care, there’s a serious risk that HMOs will overrule the patient’s wishes,” said Marilyn Golden, a disabled woman and police analyst for DREDF. 

Michael Pachovas, who became disabled after an injury he suffered while in the Peace Corps, said, “Of all the exemptions we could have to improve our lives, the right to kill ourselves shouldn’t be at the top of the list.” 

But Ron Washington, a quadriplegic, fears that the federal government’s interference to save Terri Schiavo could herald a drive to keep him from having the final say over his life. 

“I don’t want to offend anyone in the disabled community, but personally for me I would not want to have my life extended if I was unconscious for a number of years,” he said. 

When it came to Schiavo, most of those interviewed would have sanctioned her death had she made her wishes clear in writing and her entire family was in agreement. The case has spurred many of them to consider drafting living wills and determine at what point, if tragedy struck or their condition worsened, they might want their life ended.  

For Feldman, who also approves of physician assisted suicide, he wanted to remain alive as long as his brain functioned, but didn’t want to be on life support for more than 48 hours. Shpiner said she would direct her loved ones to keep her on life support for at least six months if doctors agreed other treatments would not revive her. Pachovas said he would want to be kept alive. “If I can still enjoy the feel of a woman’s breath against my cheek, they better keep me breathing.”

The task force charged with rewriting Berkeley’s contentious creeks law is scheduled to approve a plan Monday that will ask the city to grant it up to $200,000. 

Last year, the city’s 15-year-old creek law that restricted new construction along creekside properties erupted into a political maelstrom when the city released maps showing that roughly 2,400 property owners were affected. 

The law, as amended in 2002, forbade property owners living within 30 feet of an open or culverted creek from adding on to their homes or buildings, or, as interpreted by city officials, from rebuilding them in the event of an earthquake or fire. The council amended the law last November to allow property owners to rebuild after a disaster, but left other outstanding issues to the task force to resolve.  

The draft plan calls on the task force to begin its work by determining which waterways will be regulated as creeks, how far new construction should be set aside from the waterways, and what type of structures should be permitted. After a consensus is reached on those issues, the plan calls for the task force to consider opportunities for unearthing creeks that have been driven underground in concrete culverts and establishing policies to manage creek watersheds. 

The proposed $200,000 funding request is only a third of the amount first proposed by city officials to pay for consultants to research setback requirements that would better reflect the watersheds surrounding 75,000 feet of creeks in the city. 

With Berkeley facing an $8.3 structural budget deficit for the coming year and no money budgeted for the creeks effort, Planning Director Dan Marks urged the task force to keep expectations low. 

“There should be some assessment of existing conditions,” Marks said. “As far as in depth studies, that would cost far more than what the council is thinking.” 

Much of the technical data the task force will use will come from studies done in other cities and past city reports, said task force member Tom Kelly. Although the task force will seek to recommend more flexible guidelines on setbacks required for construction along creeks, task force chair Helen Burke said that any new rules would be somewhat arbitrary. 

On the budget question, the task force is still debating whether to devote all of its allotted money to consultant work or whether it should spend $100,000 on a creeks coordinator position to amass data and oversee the implementation of the new law. 

The task force’s current plan is ambitious. Although it contains provisions for the task force to scale back the scope of work as it learns more about creeks, a few members last week unsuccessfully pushed for it to focus its concerns more narrowly on the issues of setbacks and building requirements. 

“To me it looks overwhelming. I would like to see a document we could actually do,” said task force member Jana Olson.  

The task force is also considering whether to study several Berkeley creek watersheds or just study one as a sample case. 

If the work plan is approved by both the Planning Commission and the City Council, the task force will reconvene in May to begin collecting data.  

The Berkeley Historical Society announced the winning photographers for its Life Magazine-Style Photo Essay Competition this week. 

The contest, held to coincide with Berkeley’s 127th birthday on April 1, was open to any photographs, as long as they had some connection to the city of Berkeley. 

Thirty-eight photographers submitted panels of up to six photographs. Twenty-five Berkeley High School students entered work. 

The winning entries will be displayed during the Historical Society meeting at the Berkeley History Center, 1931 Center St., on Sunday, April 10 from 3-5 p.m. All entries will become part of the Historical Society archives. 

The photographers were divided into four categories: adult, seniors, college and high school. In the high school category, two students won second place and two students won third. Since there were only two entries from college students, only one was awarded a third prize. 

Winners were awarded $127 for first place (in honor of the city’s 127th birthday), $75 for second place, and $50 for third place.  

The Daily Planet, which was a co-sponsor of the contest, will run a selection of the winning photographs in the coming weeks. 

Photo Essay Winners 

Adults: First place, Jim Hair; second place, Brian Shiratsuki; third place, Miki Jurcan. 

Seniors: First place, John Jekabson; second place, Lawrence Wolfley; third place, Lea Delson. 

College: Third place, Brittany Nickerson. 

High School: First place, Rosa Rangel; second place, Tito Rodriquez and Jennifer Wheelerstein; third place, Rachel Koslofsky and Misha Yerlick. 

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City-mandated upgrades to Berkeley Iceland will be delayed by six months, according to rink owners, after city officials rejected the rink’s initial proposal to upgrade its facility. 

In response, Iceland requested Tuesday that they have until next April to fix code violations that city officials deemed serious enough to threaten shutting down the rink last January. 

A city audit of Iceland last year found 36 violations, the most serious connected to the rink’s ammonia-based system used to chill the ice surface. 

While Iceland’s submittal included three major ammonia system safeguards, required by the Fire Department, it didn’t provide enough detail about their specifications and it didn’t integrate them with other code upgrades requested by the city, according to a letter from Planning Director Dan Marks. 

“The city has determined that the submittal is not comprehensive or detailed enough to meet the minimum requirements...,” he wrote. Without more details, he wrote, the city would not forward the plan to a consultant for further review. 

Marks said that the city has not yet had time to review Iceland’s latest submission. 

Iceland officials were not available for comment at press time. 

Despite the recent city decision to landmark one of the buildings he plans to demolish, developer Dan Deibel is pushing ahead with plans for a major residential and commercial block in West Berkeley. 

Deibel told a small gathering of interested residents Wednesday that he intends to tear down two of the three structures now on the site, including Celia’s restaurant, a structure recently declared a structure of merit by the city’s Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC). 

Also destined for the wrecking ball is Brennan’s Irish Pub, which the LPC declined to landmark. The popular watering hole and dining spot would move into the third structure on site, the now vacant 1913 Southern Pacific Railroad Station, which was declared a full city landmark four years ago. 

Because of Celia’s new designation, Deibel can’t demolish the building without City Council approval. His Urban Housing Group (UHG) has appealed the designation, and the council is scheduled an April 26 hearing on the matter, LPC secretary Giselle Sorensen said Thursday. 

Meanwhile, Deibel said he will present a project overview to the city Zoning Adjustment Board (ZAB) on April 14, where he will request the creation of a work group of ZAB and community members to help shape the final proposal. 

Deibel’s firm is a subsidiary of Marcus & Millichap Co.—the nation’s largest real estate investment brokerage, co-founded by University of California Regent George M. Marcus—and specializes in building mixed-use projects at transportation hubs. The University Avenue site was chosen because of the proximity of rail, bus and freeway service. 

Deibel said he hasn’t decided on a final plan, having rejected an earlier design by Berkeley architect Kava Massih, who has worked on other Urban Housing Group projects. 

“His design wasn’t met with very much pleasure,” Deibel said. “Everybody hated it basically. I love Kava, but nothing nice was said about it.” 

To replace Massih, Deibel has retained Christiani/Johnson, a firm formed by a pair of Berkeley architects, one of whom was present for Wednesday’s gathering.  

“We’re hear to listen with fresh ears,” said David Johnson. 

Deibel said the biggest concerns with Massih’s design were the sheer mass of the project and its lack of permeability. Other concerns included the design’s lack of relationship to nearby Aquatic Park and the pedestrian bridge over Interstate 80. 

While the presence of ground-floor business and parking spaces along with the mandatory units for rental to lower-income tenants would give UHG the right to build 256 units of housing, UGH opted for 212 units in the Massih plan, and Deibel said the new design will probably include fewer units. 

As currently envisioned, the project will consist of two new structures, a larger building along Fourth Street extending well down Addison and University, and a smaller structure near the train station. Whatever its final form, a significant part of the larger building will reach five stories, though some parts may be lower, especially near the old railroad station. 

Unlike most of Berkeley’s recent apartment construction, which Deibel characterized as buildings with small units catering to college students, his project will offer full-size market rate one- and two-bedroom apartments with rents estimated between $1,400 and $2,600 per unit. 

Unlike many of the newer projects, which offer less than one parking space for every three apartments, Deibel said his project will offer one space for every unit. He said the commercial spaces will also be larger than the shallow and frequently unrented “window dressing spaces” in other recent mixed use projects. 

John McBride, a preservation activist, in the audience immediately thought of one such developer. 

“There are people like Patrick Kennedy who did the minimum to get the maximum, and they were approved as long as they had ground floor retail, and in many cases the retail has just been window dressing,” he said. 

“You’ll notice I never mentioned the name Patrick Kennedy,” Deibel told a reporter after the meeting ending, referring to Berkeley’s most controversial developer of mixed-use projects.  

Deibel’s presentation met with a fair share of skepticism from his audience of 14, the total response to the 600 announcements he said he had distributed to owners and residents within a 1,600-foot radius of the project site. For the previous meeting, a mailing of 175 announcements within a 900-foot radius had generated a turnout of 13. 

As trains rumbled and whistled by on the track that forms the western border of the project, one audience member asked, “Who would want to rent an apartment with all this noise?”  

Deibel said his firm had commissioned a noise and vibration study to determine the best strategies for overcoming a very real problem. 

“There are various ways to accomplish a minimal noise level,” he said, adding that the final structure will offer an interior ventilation system so residents on the track side of the project can keep their windows closed when they are home. 

Builder and preservationist Richard Schwartz told Deibel that people he had talked to “said this project is out of proportion with the rest of West Berkeley, totally overwhelming this building (the station) which is national landmark eligible.” 

Deibel said that if parts of the buildings near the station were reduced in height, other parts would have to be increased to keep the whole economically viable. 

Schwartz also worried that one parking space per unit might not be sufficient, leading residents to park second and third cars on already congested streets. 

One West Berkeley resident complained that city staff “dumps on” West Berkeley residents, adding, “They don’t want us to live here.” 

“It’s a very attractive place,” Deibel countered. “There’s transportation and what’s going on Fourth Street. It’s a very convenient place to live.” 

“No, it’s inconvenient,” McBride said. “There’s not a lot of services.” 

“And most of what was here has been driven out,” added Bart Selden. 

Architect Johnson offered the example of a similar UHG project near the main rail station in Mountain View. “It was rented right away,” he said. “And here, once you get above the first floor, you have fantastic views of the bay.” 

The meeting ended with no firm conclusions, though Deibel said he will continue to seek public input on the project.Ã

Click here to view the latest work by Planet cartoonist Justin DeFreitas9

SPECIAL ELECTION 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

Gov. Schwarzenegger’s call for a special election in November is ill conceived and self-serving. We don’t need an election which will cost up to $70 million, when a regularly scheduled election will take place only six months later. What’s the rush? Arnold is trying to make an end run around election laws by bringing his agenda before the voters in 2005. In that way, he can continue to raise funds from his base of millionaire supporters, something he would not be able to do once he declares his candidacy for re-election in 2006. Equally important is the fact that in 2006, California law will require a voter verified paper trail. A special election in 2005 will have no paper trail and no way to validate the results if they are questioned. We don’t want what happened in Ohio to happen in California. 

Michael Marchant  

Albany 

• 

TEACHERS’ UNION 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

Becky O’Malley writes in her March 22 editorial that “there’s no easy answer to the question of whether a teachers’ union is good or bad for students,” pointing out that the all-time worst and two of the best Berkeley teachers she’s known were all high officials in the teachers’ union. 

But the main issue is not whether good teachers or bad teachers belong to teachers’ unions. Naturally, both do. The main issue is why the union goes to such great lengths to protect the job of the all-time worst teacher. 

Our teachers, most of whom are excellent, ought to ask themselves whether they would enjoy far more public support for higher pay and benefits if their union didn’t so stubbornly resist getting rid of the bad ones. 

Russ Mitchell 

• 

SILENT VIGIL 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

Last Saturday, I spent several hours participating in a silent vigil for our military (and Iraqi) dead at UN plaza in San Francisco. We sat among 1,525 pairs of combat boots and countless civilian shoes representing fallen soldiers and civilians. Each pair of boots was tagged with a soldiers name, age and home state. It was a very powerful experience to read the individual names and chilling to realize that most of these people are the age of my own children. As I sat there, I thought about how disgraceful and disrespectful it is that the war makers and their media ignore this reality and try to hide it from public view. What if Terri Schiavo were a combat casualty? I wish every US citizen could visit this display. This war would be popular no more. 

Robert MacConnell 

• 

JEFFERSON SCHOOL 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

To the first-grade teacher and others who think it would be insensitive to leave the name of a slave holder on a building with a large black student population, I can only wonder how there can be so much ignorance in any American school system. Who do you think inspired Lincoln and the abolitionist movement? Who do you think inspired the world to believe that everyone should be equal before the law? With a little research, your teachers could uncover the agony of Jefferson and Washington in having to live with slavery and uncover their writings that led to its abolition. 

Howard Bull 

Mountain View 

• 

ANOTHER SUGGESTION 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

Now that the enlightened citizens of Berkeley are considering renaming Jefferson School, and are contemplating calling the post office the Maudelle Shirek Post Office, will we soon be entertaining the idea of putting Johnnie Cochran’s name on the Hall of Justice?  

Steve Schneider 

• 

ONE BAD MOVE 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

One lesson for the children at Jefferson school, if their school is renamed, is that one bad move in life negates positive achievement, even if the achievement is writing the Declaration of Independence. Conservatives play this game when they denounce Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. for being an adulterer. Played consistently, the lesson for children is that all people are no damned good.  

Rather than outright rejection of Jefferson, students could be taught that while he showed his allegiance to the hideous institution of slavery, there was a brief moment in his life when he rose above his putrid environment, as occasionally happens with individuals of the exploiter class. Sometimes, they even switch sides in the eternal battle between power and justice. When our young people grow up, the social crisis of the day may be so strong that humanity would be greatly helped if some in power could be coaxed to switch. Our young people will be poorly prepared to coax if they have been taught that the men in the big house are without redemption. 

Ted Vincent 

• 

CHANGE ALL THE NAMES 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

As a native of Berkeley, I know how passionate people are about everything from fire danger signs that “lower property values” to designs for ergonomic wheelchair-accessible curbs. It should come as no surprise then that some in the city have taken on a new passion to wipe Berkeley of the shameful memory of slavery. The move to rename Jefferson School should really only be the beginning. A few years ago a fellow journalist, her name now gratefully sought by this correspondent, suggested Berkeley give a nod to its strong, vibrant lesbian heritage by re-naming Berkeley “Sister City.” Berkeley’s own name comes from that of George Berkeley; while he was an eminent Irish philosopher and Anglican bishop of Cloyne (Ireland) he also was for a short period a farmer in Rhode Island (1728-31) and perhaps had slaves himself. This should raise enormous concern for those who seek to completely abolish slavery’s legacy in Berkeley.  

It is time for a complete analysis of all of Berkeley’s place and official names and solicit the public and the intellectual community in Berkeley to re-name the city and its integral boulevards for future generations to enjoy and know they are free from civic commemoration of slavery’s violent past.  

I would suggest we rename Jefferson School for the comments of Dora Dean Bradley, the parent of a third-grader who said succinctly that the Declaration of Independence was not written for her benefit. Despite seeming to enjoy the finer points of the First Amendment, which Jefferson drafted. Perhaps we can name it after all the activists in Berkeley who feel so full of zeal they must waste the city’s and public’s time in needless reviews of something so frivolous as this. We could rename the school after all of the people over the years whose public passions have made Berkeley a laughing stock for the rest of the state and nation.  

It is sad that Ms. Dean Bradley forgets about the thousands of graduates of Jefferson School who will lose out on the chance to cement their memories of the school by the continued use of its name. I only hope that whatever actions are taken by the school board, it does make a point to remember Jefferson’s own legacy and how free speech and its, in my opinion, sad use lead to the name change in the first place. 

John Parman 

Birmingham, England 

• 

CITY SWIMMING POOLS 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

Regarding the city’s proposal to close all public swimming pools for six months this coming fall and winter: This is a bad idea.  

I disagree with this proposal on a number of grounds: 

1. As a health professional I see the ill-effects of obesity and overall declining health of Americans every day. With obesity, diabetes and hypertension rates rising exponentially, this is a time to commit more funds to exercise programs—not less. Poor health is a financial liability to every community. 

2. Losing swimmers = losing revenue. There are many, many committed swimmers who choose Berkeley’s pools. If pools close, swimmers will be compelled to go elsewhere and pay their fees to surrounding cities’ pools or the YMCA—and they and their steady fees may not return. 

3. Good faith: City pools are part of basic city services. Why do we pay some of the highest property taxes in the Bay Area if we can’t keep (for example) these beautiful, oft-used pools going year round? 

Recommendations for raising money for the pools: 

• Raise the fees, if only temporarily.  

• Raise the age of the senior discount from 55 to 65. 

• Expand pool hours. Longer lap and family swim hours. For historical support: “Pre-masters,” a relatively new program at King Pool, is always packed.  

Thank you for your time. I strongly urge the city to keep all pools open the entire year.  

Carey Kozuszek 

• 

SIERRA CLUB ELECTIONS 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

Helen Burke’s letter on the Sierra Club elections is long on innuendo but short on substance. Prior to a 1996 board decision, the club called for reduced immigration as part of a comprehensive population stabilization campaign. 

In support of her position that rampant population growth in California and the United States is not a problem, Burke cites environmental heavyweights Robert Redford and Robert (“I only have four children”) Kennedy, Jr. Those who have called for reduced immigration as part of a comprehensive population policy include local hero David Brower, Greenpeace founder Paul Watson, Earth First founder Dave Foreman, Harvard biologist E.O. Wilson, Worldwatch Institute founder Lester Brown, and Earth Day founder Sen. Gaylord Nelson. 

When Brower resigned from the club’s board over its failure to confront crucial environmental issues, he said, “Overpopulation is perhaps the biggest problem facing us, and immigration is part of that problem. It has to be addressed.” 

Burke is right that there is the threat of a takeover at the Sierra Club. It might be taken over by environmentalists. (For more information, go to www.sustainablesierra.org .) 

Members who want to get the club back on the conservation track should vote for the population stabilization ballot question in favor of reduced birthrates and immigration and for the following environmentalist candidates: Gregory Bungo, Alan Kuper, James McDonald, Robert Roy van de Hoek. 

Mark Johnson 

• 

JEANNETTE RANKIN 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

In response to Michael Steinberg’s assertion, in a letter to the Planet, that Jeannette Rankin’s vote against U.S. entry into WWII was “an expression of rigid ideology”: 

On Dec. 8, 1941, Jeannette Rankin asked that the War Resolution be sent to committee. Hers was a lawful request made by a duly elected member of the House of Representatives. She had many concerns about the resolution that she believed should have been addressed before the vote was taken. The speaker, Sam Rayburn, broke the law by choosing not to recognize her on the floor that day. She voted appropriately. A shamefully dishonest history paints her as nothing but a wide-eyed pacifist. Jeannette Rankin was a great, pragmatic, clear-headed stateswoman whose role in American history has been jaded by jingoistic, reductive nonsense. 

Jeanmarie Simpson 

Reno, Nevada 

EDITOR’S NOTE: Ms. Simpson is the artistic director of the Nevada Shakespeare Company and the author of A Single Woman, in which she plays the role of Rankin. The final local performance is 2:30 p.m. Saturday at the Claremont House, 4500 Gilbert St., Oakland. For tickets, write to Loma64@yahoo.com or call 587-3228. 

• 

THE HORROR OF RAPE 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

As a feminist and single mom I was disturbed to read Ms. Litman’s attack on Ms. Delaney (Daily Planet, March 25-29). No matter how she parses her words it is evident Rabbi Litman is seeking to minimize the horror of rape. Ms. Litman says we should only worry about women being raped in Berkeley. According to Ms. Litman rape is a “terrible crime,” but voicing complaint about the failure to punish U.S. military personnel who engage in rape is, for some reason, not something Berkeley should not waste our time on. Berkeley takes stands on many issues. We opposed the war with Iraq, we support Tibet and we oppose casinos in San Pablo, but somehow, in Ms. Litman’s opinion, the rape of women is not worthy of our efforts. 

I was also taken aback by the hostile tone of Ms. Litman’s letter. Such hostility seems inappropriate for a woman addressing another woman who did nothing more then express concern about Ms. Litman’s comments. It’s almost as if Ms. Litman was telling Ms. Delaney that she was above criticism, and that she had no right to be concerned about comments indicating rape was not a violation of a woman’s human rights. If Ms. Litman resents people speculating about her experience with rape then perhaps she ought not to use her position as a rabbi or commissioner to say—in any circumstances—that rape is somehow less of a human right’s violation than crimes such as torture. I myself doubt the decency of any person, regardless of their rape history, who would make such a foolish and insensitive statement. All Ms. Litman’s talk about her feminist credentials means nothing if she spends her time urging the Berkeley City Council to be any less critical of rape then it is about other issues.  

As a single mother of a school daughter I was doubly shocked when I learned that in addition to being associated with Beth-El, Ms. Litman is School Board Director Shirley Issel’s appointee. Is this the type of attitude Ms. Issel promotes? Does she favor hiring teachers that would have our children learn rape does not violate a woman’s human rights? Are these the type of moral teachings that rabbis are promoting at Beth-El? Both Beth-El and Shirley Issel owe the people of Berkeley an apology for the comments of their representative. 

Judith Clancy 

• 

TSUNAMI AFTERMATH 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

Mickey Howley, here, in Khao Lak, Thailand. An article in the Daily Planet in which I was mentioned was just brought to my attention by one of my fellow volunteers here at the Tsunami Volunteer Center. I must say that the article was an accurate representation of the goings-on in the area, although there is much less of the “eerie” side of things now than there was back when I arrived at the end of January. I’ll just say that some events in those earlier days caused me to rethink some of my formerly-held spiritual beliefs. I wanted to let you know that I have been invited to speak at NYU upon my return in mid-April to foster the volunteer spirit (no pun intended). This will be the initial engagement of a U.S. major university tour to include a multimedia presentation, talk and question and answer session about volunteering at the Tsunami Volunteer Center in Khao Lak. It has been a wonderful opportunity that those who have been here have experienced, without exception. Not offering that opportunity to others would be doing them and the affected peoples here a grave disservice. A presentation fee will be solicited to offset costs. Major universities are considering a $2,500 fee per engagement, with proceeds going to benefit the affected people of this area. I am working with a former six-figure San Francisco Graphic Design and Multimedia expert (whose former clients include the Caesars Group), and a former New York producer (both volunteers here—it is amazing the resources that become available in the name of goodwill!) to put this together. Please let me know if Berkeley will be interested to be a part of this tour. On a side note, my landlord in Bellingham, WA is a retired Berkeley Engineering Dept. Librarian. Ask some of the older set (Gordon is 73 now) if they remember Nathan “Gordon” McClure. And keep up the good work with the Daily Planet! 

Mickey Howley 

Project Coordinator,  

The 100-Days Tsunami Memorial 

• 

PACIFIC STEEL CASING 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

On Friday March 25, I called in a complaint to the BAAQMD about Pacific Steel Casing. This was the first time I have complained about PSC. 

My companions and I were overtaken by the odor while exercising out at Cesar Chavez Park. When the wind blows a certain way, all the people at Cesar Chavez Park, “out for a breath of fresh air,” get PSC instead. We have been inhaling this periodically for years. 

I wanted to let you know what the field agent from BAAQMD told me, upon my pressing for some answers. 

He said that the odor is simply “unpleasant” to some people and that it has been deemed “not toxic” by some sort of authority. I told him that it seemed like it was actually some sort of particulate matter that was sticking in people’s throats, and he said that if I felt that way I should go to my doctor and be tested to see if I was personally having a problem. As if this was my problem only and not an air pollution problem. 

Furthermore, he said that PSC had just been cited in the last few days, and that they are cited periodically. If this is the case, then it seems to me that any fines they pay are not high enough to deter the polluting. 

The BAAQMD agent also told me that my complaint would not “count” very much because it was not affecting me in my residence, but instead in a public space. Huh? It’s okay to pollute public parks? 

Catherine Courtenaye 

• 

ACRID CLOUD 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

I read with great interest the commentary by L.A. Wood on the air quality problems caused by the Pacific Steel Casting company. For years I have wondered how, in this otherwise green community, a source of wretchedly foul-smelling, if not toxic odors could continue with seeming impunity, and now with his article I finally have some clarity on the issue. 

I have called the Air Quality Board on several occasions with unsatisfactory results, and I am aware of the city’s plan to retain manufacturing jobs in west Berkeley and how it is that local politicians might dodge the issue, but this acrid cloud is often more than one can reasonably tolerate. 

It is my hope that Woods’ piece will stimulate some action towards solving this problem. 

G. B. Carson 

• 

POLARIZATION, EXPLOITATION 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

Terri dies: Now politicians and religious pontificators can’t use and crucify her for their gains and agendas any longer. Would you like to have been kept alive in a vegetative state for 15 years to bankrupt your parents or children and become a trinket in the hands of the polarizing forces of America?  

I am sure our Gracious God said to Terri, it’s time to come home and play in the bliss of true love. You’ve been used and exploited long enough. 

Ron Lowe 

Nevada City  

• 

OIL IN ALASKA 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

It is up to people who are concerned about indigenous people’s rights and the environment to fight an attempt to drill for oil in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska. The Senate recently approved the deal. It is a victory for President Bush, who wants to please his oil buddies. 

The Senate used a back-door plan, attaching the bill to a budget bill. The refuge is home of the Gwich’in people. They live in their own way of life there and they should be left alone.  

Billy Trice, Jr. 

Oakland 

• 

GLASS ON THE STREETS 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

I take the bus to work every day. I walk six blocks on my way to the bus stop. On every corner I notice broken bottles and splinters of sharp glass. Who are the people tossing glass on the pavement that children and youngsters and elders walk on? Who are the people who don’t know any better? Is there a way to include them so that they feel they are one of us? How can we transform their anti-social behavior into care for our community? 

Romila Khanna] 

Albany 

• 

THE ENGLISH PATIENT 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

Just a word of thanks for your wonderful paper which I devour word for word! 

Are we in trouble or what with this “English Patient” in the Big House? Puppet Regime R Us. 

Loved Bob Burnett’s “Bush’s Decision-Making Style” article which added to the fire of the book I’m currently absorbed with (Bush on the Couch by Justin A. Frank). 

Incredible information. Our people are starving, losing their jobs due to many reasons, food is getting so expensive, no medical coverage for most while the fat cats are filling their bottomless pockets. Not too much hope for a disabled elderly person like me. The past seems like a dream for which I have gratitude to have experienced. 

Grushenka Vicari 

• 

LIBRARY WORKERS 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

If workable money-saving alternatives exist to doing so, then laying off library workers, thus thrusting them into a bleak job market, is unjust and unnecessary. Replacing the human face, voice and warmth of our library with technology is a heartless and unwise move.  

Countless times in my long-time daily use of the library, the smiles, humor and gentle spirit of the workers checking my books out to me has eased my woes and given me hope. No machine will ever do that for me. 

The threat of job loss looms for library workers. This continued demoralization of library workers, and further alienation of concerned patrons seems a foolish path to tread. 

Sue Pector 

• 

ANIMAL CARE SERVICES 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

Berkeley has financial difficulties, like most cities. Berkeley’s City Council wants to reduce one staff member of the Berkeley Animal Care Services and I think that would be dreadful. Recently, the city has taken away two staff members of Animal Care Services and now the staffing is at a minimal level to function. If they take away more Animal Control officers, Animal Care Services will close for one day per week. That means nobody will adopt dogs, cats or other animals that are home there on that day. The volunteers will not walk dogs or pet cats on that day. The owner/guardians will not look for their lost animals on that day. There would be no intervention for potential animal abuse, pick up of dead animals, and a whole lot of other things that the Animal Care Services staff is there for on that day. 

If the volunteer coordinator position were eliminated, adoption website postings will suffer, which will severely hinder animal adoptions. The volunteer coordinator enables all those extra hands to make the adoption process work.  

As a Berkeley citizen, I am finally proud of the animal shelter because it’s a humane and caring place for dogs and cats. If you feel like I do, that it is essential what we keep the staff in place, please write to your city councilmember, the mayor and newspapers to make your feelings known and attend the budget meetings this spring to protest the elimination of any more Animal Staff Services staff members. Berkeley citizens and animals thank you for your help. 

Cindi Goldberg 

• 

BRINK OF EXTINCTION 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

We are living in the sixth great extinction on Planet Earth. This time it is being caused by the human race and its destruction of habitat. It is estimated that 50 percent of all species will be extinct in the next 100 years. 

We have already fished out 90 percent of the large fish in the oceans. Endangered wild game in Africa is being killed for food. The hole in the ozone layer is growing each year, allowing UV radiation to kill off krill in the southern oceans which is the basis of the food chain for fishes. Tropical forests are being torched to clear land for cattle, soybeans and corn. The carbon dioxide released into the air each year is overwhelming the planet’s ability to absorb it and is causing global warming and major climate changes worldwide. There is little we can do about this because we are too many and our lifestyles are incompatible with the rest of the planet’s ecosystems. 

The human race will survive, but it will have evolved into a different species, fewer in numbers, with more respect for other life forms on Planet Earth, on which it is dependent. 

Stephen Jory 

• 

PINCHING PENNIES 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

Berkeley’s city manager, pinching away at unspent funds, has spotted our pennies committed to city fathers and mothers for roof repairs, BHS warm pools. Our little piggy bank was given to us six or seven years ago; last year we saved it from his, the manager’s, clutches with a dramatic last-minute appeal to the City Council. This year he simply pulled the plug on the drafting machine churning out the drawings for the roof contractor. Yanking on a cord, a pig’s tail, pinching away, he makes us squeal and shout. (We’re used to it, but it’s still no fun.) 

The city fathers and mothers continuously supported swim programs for seniors and the disabled for many years, uninterrupted at BHS south warm pool, threatened now by a rotten, leaky roof gushing a waterfall or two indoors, the repair of which, to save a few pennies, might be delayed indefinitely. Is this pound-foolish? 

Cynics whose numbers grow daily in this swim community now believe the school district will be happy to close the doors forever on our tacky, ancient, crumbling, unsafe, ugly, unloved (except by us) building, attached to the old gym that is scheduled or planned to be demolished. BUSD recently grandly announced the gift of a vacant lot where a new warm pool might someday be constructed with funds from unknown sources (some funds were collected from voters for repairs at the existing building, but far from adequate for a new pool and enclosure of any quality). Washing their hands of the old building(s) and the communities that depend on them surely will permit them, BUSD, at long last once again to focus their full attention on their true calling: education of their charges. 

The beneficence of their gift overwhelms them and us. All we have to do now is stand on street corners, cups in hand, all 300 of us, and collect pennies for a new building. This will take far less than 70 years, the life of the building we now use. Working hard at begging will make us good, strong and hardworking, and teach us the value of piggy banks. 

We deeply appreciated this lesson in the enduring, selfless beneficence of our city mothers and fathers. Learning self-sufficiency and independence from large handouts and from a building and from a therapy pool will give us all a stiff upper lip. 

Terry Cochrell 

™

In this small, sad space where the overwhelming emotions seem to have temporarily waned with the death of Terri Schiavo, and before we have forgotten this issue entirely and moved onto other things, it seems appropriate to take some time to talk calmly and quietly about the issues that have been raised. This is an issue which ought to rise above partisan politics. 

Unfortunately, far too many of my liberal-or-progressive friends both began and ended their Schiavo discussions with a denunciation of what they call the hypocrisy of Mr. Bush and his allies on the conservative Christian right. It is certainly an easy target, going after a president who urges us to “err on the side of life” while in the midst of conducting a war of choice that has cost thousands upon thousands of deaths. But while taking public delight at the misery of political enemies may be attractive, it misses the point that this is a thoughtful time that requires a more serious discussion. 

But it is also unfair to say, as conservative columnist David Brooks wrote last week in a New York Times op-ed piece, that “the socially liberal argument is pragmatic, but lacks moral force.” Reacting to the position—advanced by many on the left—that Schiavo (through the assertions of her husband, since Schiavo can no longer speak for herself) should be allowed to decide her own fate rather than the medical community or the various branches of government, Brooks called that advocacy “morally thin. Once you say that it is up to individuals or families to draw their own lines separating life from existence, and reasonable people will differ, then you are taking a fundamental issue out of the realm of morality and into the realm of relativism and mere taste. … You end up exactly where many liberals ended up this week, trying to shift arguments away from morality and on to process.” 

The point Mr. Brooks misses, I believe, that if we as a common society were to make a decision on who is to live and who is to die on moral grounds, we would first have to decide on a common morality. And that, of course, is more difficult than some commentators would have us believe. 

One of the great liberating factors of the American experiment was the decision to divorce government from religious tests. Without such a division, both African-Americans and American women in general might still be living in second class subservience, since the conditions of both were declared unconstitutional by the courts at the same time it was argued by some religious believers that those conditions were sanctioned and encouraged by God. 

But the same thing make you laugh, make you cry, as they say back South. And so the division of church and state in America left Americans without a common moral denominator, remanding it to citizens to make the decision of what is right and what is wrong on our own, using our various religious beliefs as a personal guide, if we so choose, but eliminating religion as the ultimate authority. 

My conservative Christian friends argue that this was never actually intended by the Founding Folks, and the moral authority of God ought to be the ultimate standard by which the decisions of our government are judged. 

But even amongst Christians, agreement on even the simplest of God’s words seems difficult to come by. 

For me, for example, the dictum that “thou shalt not kill” always seemed plain enough. Never. Under any circumstances. It was, after all, the one backsliding act that kept the great Moses out of the Promised Land, if I read that part of the story right. 

But I have many friends—good, practicing Christians, all—who feel quite comfortable in the belief that God did not intend that ban to be applied to soldiers at war, or police officers shooting suspects, or hangmen at the gallows. Or that, while God’s condemnation of killing might have applied to the old covenant established at the time of Exodus, it was superceded by a new covenant that came with the birth and death of Jesus. And so to them, “thou shalt not kill” is a qualified commandment, appended by a “depending.” 

If Christians by themselves cannot agree on the meaning of what seems to be the clearest out of 10 simple laws passed down to the Jewish exiles at Mount Sinai, how can the great diversity of America religious and non-religious beliefs—atheists, Muslims, agnostics, Jews, wiccans, Hindus, Buddhists, Christians, Ifans, and more—find some sort of religious common ground on the complex issues raised by the impending death of Terri Schiavo? 

Assuming, for a moment, that Michael Schiavo and the courts are correct, and Terri Schiavo long ago expressed her will not to continue live in her present condition, it seems ghastly that the only recourse is to be starved and deprived of liquids until she dies of malnutrition. Even if she does not feel any pain from the procedure, as her doctors contend, we do in watching her waste away from day to day, regardless of which side of the issue on which we stand. But as a society, we have outlawed the alternatives. By law, her doctors can withdraw the feeding tubes from Ms. Schiavo that we all know will bring her to death, but the doctors themselves cannot legally inject an overdose of morphine or other drug that would hasten that death in a more humane manner. Neither can her husband nor any agent nor even Ms. Schiavo herself, were she able, which has always seemed to me to be the oddest of circumstances, since the ban against suicide is the one law impossible to punish if the perpetrator actually succeeds in the breaking it. Perhaps those laws need some more thought. 

Just as disturbing, as well, is the question raised by the Schiavo case of who makes the decisions of who is to live and who is to die when the individuals themselves are not in a position to speak on the matter. The legislature? The medical professionals? The parents? The spouse? In a nation of laws, it is the courts which often decide these fates, necessarily taking it out of the hands of the people we love and trust the most, putting it in the hands of strangers. If we do not wish those strangers to decide, how would we change the laws to make it so? 

We should not try to abandon our religious, or non-religious, or political or ideological beliefs in approaching these issues. That is how we interpret the world. But we also should accept the fact that others of equal but different moral views—whether those morals are derived from a religious foundation or flow from some other fount-might properly come to different conclusions. We might agree, for a starter, that it is reasonable to assume that Michael Schiavo and Robert and Mary Schindler have equal love for Terri Schiavo, but based upon that love, had an honest, understandable, and wrenching disagreement on how and if her life should have continued. It is a familiar tragedy often played out in other lives. If nothing else, that assumption might at least stop the shouting as we debate the life and death of Terri Schiavo, and what it means for the fate of the rest of us. Let us have some dignity about ourselves while we’re doing it, friends. A woman in the next room has died, after all. 

The defining moment for me in the O.J. Simpson trial was not Simpson’s acquittal and the firestorm that it ignited nationally. It was a note I got from an associate in Johnnie Cochran’s law firm. He said that Johnnie wanted me to know that he admired my comments about the case. I was one of the legion of talking heads during the trial, and like many of the other analysts, I was critical of some of Cochran’s legal maneuvers.  

I thought he badly overplayed the race card, and deliberately played to the anti-police sentiments of some of the black jurors. But Cochran still went out of his way to pay me the compliment. I then paid even closer attention to Cochran’s arguments and presentation in the trial. By the end, Cochran convinced me that there was more than enough reasonable doubt to acquit Simpson.  

Most legal experts who worked with him and battled against him in major criminal and civil cases in the more than four decades of his legal career agreed that Cochran was more than a flamboyant, race-conscious courtroom showman. He was a consummate legal professional who sought to use his prodigious legal talent to defend the rights of the poor and the dispossessed. Cochran set a lofty standard for advocacy law that influenced a generation of criminal and public advocacy attorneys.  

He was deeply influenced by the monumental legal battles that civil rights legends Charles Houston and Thurgood Marshall fought against segregation and police violence. Cochran publicly credited them with inspiring him to champion civil rights causes in the courtroom.  

Cochran stamped his biggest imprint on the volatile issue of police abuse. In 1966, he defended Leonard Deadwyler, an unarmed black motorist shot by an LAPD officer while he was taking his pregnant wife to the hospital. The LAPD had long been recognized by many as America’s poster police department for brutal treatment of blacks. Deadwyler was the latest in a legion of blacks who had been shot by the police under dubious circumstances.  

During the coroner’s inquest into the Deadwyler killing, which was televised, Cochran riveted public attention on the LAPD’s policies and practices. The officer was exonerated, but Cochran’s skill at fingering police abuse heightened public awareness of racism, police violence and the need for major reforms in police practices.  

Over the years, Cochran’s fame and reputation grew, and he got richer in the process. Yet, he still continued to battle police abuse. He waged a quarter-century fight to free Black Panther Elmer Geronimo Pratt, who was falsely convicted of murdering a white woman in 1972. Cochran exposed how the government used paid agents to frame black militants and disrupt black organizations. Pratt was released in 1997. Cochran repeatedly called the Pratt victory the defining moment of his career. But the case was an extension of his relentless fight for justice in the courts.  

To Cochran, the Simpson case was yet another example of how a black defendant, even a rich black celebrity defendant, could be victimized by the criminal justice system. The issues again were racism and police misconduct. Cochran did not, as I mistakenly believed, play on race to manipulate the jurors and get Simpson off. He meticulously picked apart the flaws, contradictions and inconsistencies in the prosecution’s case. The case was won on the evidence, or lack thereof, and not race.  

But Cochran paid a steep price for his skill. Much of the public, enraged at the verdict, blamed him for letting a murderer skip away free. Cochran would spend the next decade explaining his actions in the case in speeches, two autobiographies and several articles.  

In those years I would occasionally see Cochran at different functions, and each time he did not duck the thorny issues in the Pratt, Simpson and the other police abuse cases in which he had been involved. The audiences always sat in rapt attention, and when he finished they would leap to their feet in sustained applause.  

In his final years, Cochran railed at the Bush administration for trampling on civil rights in the war on terrorism. In one of his last major speeches at the mostly white, upper-crust Commonwealth Club in Los Angeles in 2002, Cochran blasted then-Attorney General John Ashcroft for eroding civil rights. He warned, “They’re not going to say later, hey, you know, we’re just taking those for a little while until we work this little problem out.” Cochran understood that civil rights were not a “little problem,” but were precious commodities that had to be safeguarded at all costs. That’s why we should remember Johnnie Cochran for much more than O.J.  

Earl Ofari Hutchinson is a political analyst and social issues commentator, and the author of The Crisis in Black and Black (Middle Passage Press).?

Cellular Intimidation 

A bandit threatened a Berkeley woman into handing over her cell phone about 4:50 p.m. Monday as she was walking along California Street near the University Avenue intersection, reports Berkeley Police spokesperson Officer Shira Warren. 

Library Tree Vandal 

Police were called to the Berkeley Public Library shortly after 7 a.m. Tuesday after a witness reported that someone had vandalized a street tree near the building’s entrance at 2090 Kittredge St. 

Good Place for Crash 

A woman was trapped in her car after a collision near the corner of Russell Street and College Avenue at 1 p.m. Tuesday, said Officer Warren. 

Fortunately, the crash happened within feet of Fire Station No. 3, so help was right at hand. 

According to a firefighter, the woman’s car was driven up a utility pole support wire and flipped over, trapping the driver inside until the jaws of life arrived. 

The woman was taken to a local hospital for treatment of her injuries. 

Rat Pack Stick-up 

A gang of five young males forced an 18-year-old Berkeley resident to fork over his wallet after they braced him near the corner of Woolsey and Ellis streets a few minutes before midnight Tuesday. 

Rape Reported 

Officer Warren said she was unable to offer any additional information about a rape that was reported at 4 p.m. Wednesday near the corner of Spaulding Avenue and Addison Street.a

AMSTERDAM, Netherlands—After a 19-year-old man of Moroccan descent was run down and killed in January by a Dutch woman driver trying to recover her stolen purse, mourners blamed Immigration Minister Rita Verdonk for the death.  

Gathered at a makeshift m emorial here earlier this winter, the mourners said Verdonk’s tough immigration reforms have increased Dutch xenophobia against Muslims, spurring the woman’s violent reaction against the alleged thief.  

Yet some voices here say that it is, ironically, the famous Dutch tolerance —euthanasia, gay marriage and soft-drug use are allowed here—that may have laid the foundation for current ethnic tensions.  

“The problem is we have been tolerant of the intolerant, and now we are paying the bill,” says Bart Jan Spruyt, director of the conservative Edmund Burke Foundation in The Hague.  

In a nation of 16 million, 1 million residents are Muslim. But according to Spruyt, cultural relativism has reigned so long that there has been little, if any, push to integrate immigrants from Morocco and Turkey into Dutch society.  

As a result, he says, “Muslim immigrants...developed their own parallel society” that is not only alienated from the Dutch mainstream, but also has a “hatred of the modern West” that led, Spruyt says, to the execution-style murder of filmmaker Theo van Gogh last November.  

Van Gogh, a descendant of the painter Vincent van Gogh, was shot, stabbed and had his throat slit in Amsterdam by an alleged Islamic radical with Dutch and Moroccan citizenship.  

The murder was in apparent retribution for Van Gogh’s criticism of Islam in a film that depicted Muslim women with texts from the Koran written on their bodies. The implication was that Islam tolerates violence against women.  

A January screening of th e film was canceled due to threats, which have become commonplace and have forced several politicians to live in secret locations under constant guard.  

Among those is Geert Wilders, a member of Parliament and one of the most outspoken figures in Dutch p olitics.  

“Islam and democracy are fully incompatible,” Wilders told the Washington Post in February. “They will never be compatible—not today, and not in a million years.”  

Wilders has called for a five-year ban on all non-Western immigrants as well as the pre-emptive arrest of those considered to be Islamic radicals.  

Yassin Hartog, coordinator of Islam & Citizenship, a nonprofit that promotes active Muslim citizenship in Dutch society, says that such measures would only aggravate tensions and increase separation.  

Hartog, who is native Dutch but converted to Islam in the early 1990s, says “increased interaction” is the only solution.  

“Muslims will have to move about in Dutch society more, and Dutch people will have to learn that they cannot have a one-sided debate which only serves to give Muslims a message,” he says.  

Indeed, Muslims and Dutch share core democratic values and there “is no empirical ground for an often assumed incompatibility of Islam with democratic rights and liberties in the Netherlands,” wrote Karen Phalet, a research fellow with the Utrecht-based European Research Centre on Migration and Ethnic Relations, in a report called “Muslim in the Netherlands.”  

But conservatives such as Spruyt argue that Islam prevents a division between secular and religious law.  

“That is at the heart of the matter,” Spruyt says. “You have to understand that the rules of your personal faith are not the rules of your country.”  

In the Netherlands, those rules are becoming increasingly tough on immigrants.  

Efforts are underway to require non-Western immigrants to pass an integration exam. The test would compel an estimated 14,000 annual applicants to demonstrate competency in the Dutch language as well as an understanding of societal norms, su ch as acceptance of topless sunbathing and gay marriage.  

Such initiatives are the result of a shift in the political climate in the Netherlands that started with the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks in the United States and was strengthened by the slaying of politician Pim Fortuyn.  

After the Sept. 11 attacks, Fortuyn gained popularity by declaring that “Holland is full,” referring to the nation’s status as the most densely populated country in Europe.  

He pointed the finger at Muslims, saying they were “busy conquering Western Europe” and called for a “Cold War against Islam.”  

The message resonated with many native Dutch, particularly in cities such as Rotterdam and Amsterdam where many immigrants live.  

When Fortuyn was gunned down by an animal rights activist in May 2002, the country was shocked. Nine days later, his party took second place in the national elections and was ultimately included in the centre-right coalition government that was formed.  

Still in power, the coalition pushed through nearly 100 new anti-terror measures in February. In airports and train stations, police will be allowed to search anyone at any time. Terror suspects not yet tried in a court of law can be banned from public places and from doing certain jobs, and will be requir ed to report to police regularly.  

In the meantime, the trial for the alleged killer of van Gogh is getting underway. And for the first time, Hartog notes, the defendant’s picture has been released to the public. Traditionally, defendant identities are k ept private.  

The woman driver who killed the alleged purse thief will not be charged, and her identity has not been made public.  

“In the minds of many young Moroccans,” says Hartog, “all Dutchmen are equal, but some are more equal than others.”  

Jennifer Hamm is a freelance journalist based in the Netherlands, and can be reached through her website, www.JenniferHamm.com.  

American culture is driven by consumerism. As a result, from time to time our favorite brands get new packaging: the Coca-Cola can features a new paint job; the New York Times gets a facelift; Cadillac introduces an SUV. This process has even affected that venerable institution, Christianity.  

Over the past two decades a new form of the religion of Jesus has made its presence known in the marketplace: Christianity Lite. This is a watered-down version of America’s favorite religion specially packaged for today’s narcissistic consumer. It’s Jerry Springer’s introduction to the teachings of Jesus complete with talk-show preachers, rock ‘n’ roll hymns, and saccharine homilies for every occasion. Stripped of the ethical framework laid down by Jesus, devoid of the hard personal work that leads to deep religious devotion, this decaffeinated version of Christian doctrine picks and chooses from the Old and New Testament to support its positions; thus, capital punishment is good, while euthanasia is bad. In the place of personal revelation it offers rote memorization; rather than serious ethical discussion, it substitutes sensationalism. A sad example of this process is the Terri Schiavo case, which Christianity Lite has made its cause célèbre and, thereby, turned a family tragedy into a media festival. 

The struggle over the right of Schiavo to die in dignity illustrates the three weaknesses in Christianity Lite, the problems that arise when erstwhile Christians are relentlessly fed a diet of pop theology. The first weakness is that this updated version of the teachings of Jesus focuses almost exclusively on the endpoints of the continuum of life. Christianity Lite is obsessed with the subject of abortion, demanding that any fetus be carried to term, regardless of the surrounding circumstances: whether the mother was raped or her life placed in peril by the pregnancy. Once the baby is born, Christianity Lite abruptly loses interest; it cannot be bothered with issues such as the desperate lives of children born into poverty or those who are subjected to physical or psychological abuse.  

At the other end of the spectrum of life, Christianity Lite is fixated on euthanasia. In the process, it ignores the many problems of our aging population: their lack of access to adequate housing and medical care, the reality that many nursing homes and residences for the elderly are dreadful. In essence, Christianity Lite believes that it is acceptable for an octogenarian to live a lonely, marginal existence; it becomes interested only if she should be beset with painful, terminal cancer and wish to end her life. 

Jesus, however, focused on the full range of human life and preached a message of compassion that extends to all of us. In the Sermon on the Mount, and other teachings, he exhorted his followers to care for the poor, the helpless, the scapegoated, and the outcast. 

The second weakness evident in Christianity Lite’s handling of the Schiavo case is that it ignores the history of the Christian church. Freedom of religion is a relatively new phenomenon in Western History. It dates from a proclamation in 1689 by England’s King William and Queen Mary. Even in modern times, freedom of religion has been an issue in the European Community; for example, many religious practices were banned in Nazi Germany (and the cross was replaced by the swastika.) Because of this difficult history, mainstream Christianity has typically kept government at arms length—welcomed the separation between Church and State. Christianity Lite, on the other hand, has formed an unholy alliance with self-serving factions within the Republican Party and seems all too willing to transform what have been theological questions into judicial ones. But no system of jurisprudence can determine when life begins or ends; these are questions that are spiritual, not secular. Forcing their deliberation in the court system weakens the separation between church and state that has been such a vital component of American democracy. This new form of Christianity asks the state to determine who lives and who dies, who can be married, and what texts our children read at school. One can only imagine what is next on their agenda: probably strict censorship of the media. 

Finally, the third weakness of Christianity Lite is its willingness to make public what historically have been deeply personal matters: whom we choose to marry, whether to carry a damaged fetus to term, or how to attend to a loved one trapped in a painful slide to death. This assault on the right of privacy is consistent with a subculture that has developed a pathological love for public confession, particularly if it is in front of a national television audience.  

The decline of Terri Schiavo is a tragedy, but it is a personal, family drama that involves only her husband, Michael, and her parents. With its insistence on sensationalizing this sad affair, Christianity Lite reveals it dark attraction to religious voyeurism. In doing so it betrays the most elemental teaching of Jesus, his admonition that we treat others as we wish to be treated ourselves. 

Bob Burnett is a Berkeley activist, writer, and Quaker. He can be reached at bobburnett@comcast.net. 

In the March 25-28 Daily Planet, Heath Maddox, a city staffer and union member, replies to my query—given that the city’s current contracts with unionized employees grant salary increases of 28.5 percent or (for fire and police) 31.5 percent over six yea rs, how is budgeting zero raises for two years after the current contracts expire asking city workers, in the words of a Planet reporter, “to sacrifice”?  

First off, Mr. Maddox says that the “managers at the city were given their raise[s] (27 percent) al l at once,” while “union rank and file were promised raises over a six-year period.” If this is true, it’s totally unfair. But even if it is true, how does it involve a sacrifice on the part of the rank and file?  

The larger question remains: Where’s the sacrifice in asking all city staff to forgo increases in the two years following the expiration of their current six-year contracts, given the terms of those contracts?  

My initial letter to the Planet mentioned only the 28.5 percent and 31.5 percent sa lary raises. When benefits are factored in, the increases in compensation assume truly amazing proportions, considering the state of the economy and the city’s finances. Salaries and benefits per each full-time employee in 2001 averaged $71,174. As adopted for fiscal year 2005, they averaged $101,330—an increase of 42.4 percent. For Berkeley police, the percentage change was only slightly greater—42.6 percent—but the average total compensation per full-time employee was substantially higher: from $87,561 to $124,894. A major factor in these figures is that Berkeley city employees contribute nothing toward their pensions.  

Mr. Maddox also states that “[m]embers of the city’s various employee unions voluntarily deferred 2.26 percent of our cost of living a djustment (COLA) for the last fiscal year.” Acknowledging that this “deferred adjustment will be restored later this year,” he observes that “union members will not receive retroactive pay for the 11 months that we sacrificed our COLA.”  

Again, these sta tements—all true—need to be viewed in a larger context. Between 2000 and 2004, the Consumer Price Index for all urban consumers in the Bay Area went up by only 11.1 percent. Between 2001 and 2005, Berkeley’ s General Fund revenues increased by only 9 percent. The total fiscal year 2006 General Fund deficit is now projected at $8.9 million. For fiscal years 2007 through 2009, the projected General Fund deficit ranges from $8.4 million to $9.5 million.  

Despite these conditions, in return for the 11-month COLA giveback, the unions got the council to promise that the city would not ask them for further concessions.  

“It is citizens like Ms. Bronstein,” Mr. Maddox concludes, “who will make major sacrifices in reduced quality of city services if the wages o ffered by the city are allowed to sink significantly behind those of neighboring cities and Berkeley’s qualified and competent workers respond by seeking employment that will allow them to support their families.”  

Yes, the departure of qualified and com petent workers (the staff of the city clerk’s office leap to mind) for better-paying jobs would be a serious loss.  

On the other hand, citizens like myself feel that our quality of life is already being diminished by ill-advised projects such as the Offi ce of Transportation’s scheme for Marin Avenue and by the arbitrary administration of the city’s Zoning Ordinance by the Planning Department, the Housing Department and the city attorney’s office. In these cases, absent basic reforms, a change of personne l might be a boon.  

There are more fundamental issues than ensuring that City of Berkeley salaries are commensurate with those of other municipalities. When we’re looking at annual deficits of $8-9 million, can we really afford to pay city staff 42 perce nt more than what they made in 2001 without making the ultimate sacrifice—radically altering the character of our city?  

Before Mayor Bates and the City Council go along with City Manager Kamlarz’s recommendations for cutting even more services or the mayor’s plans for turning Berkeley into Emeryville, these questions need to be answered. But first, somebody in City Hall has to ask them.  

Zelda Bronstein is a former chair of the Berkeley Planning Commission.

I hope you assign some of your reporters to follow up on the statements summarized below made in a letter by SEIU union member Heath Maddox published in your March 25-28 issue. In his letter, Mr. Maddox lists a number of “sacrifices” city employees have made to reduce city expenses. 

1. Mr. Maddox wrote that the current labor contract with union members gives them a 28.5 percent raise over a six-year period, while city managers were given a 27 percent raise all at once. I’m not sure why he refers to this in the context of sacrifices by unionized employees, but it does seem to me that a 27 percent raise in one year is excessive. Which city managers received such generous raises, and what did they do to deserve such large increases? 

2. According to Mr. Maddox, some city employees have to take time off without pay during office closures. I thought that since full-time city employees get from two to six weeks of paid vacation annually, 13 scheduled and three personal paid holidays a year, and can carry over up to eight weeks of unused vacation days, no full time employee would actually see a reduction in their monthly pay check as a result of city office closures. What percentage of full-time city employees will actually see a reduction in their monthly take-home pay as a result of these office closures? How are part-time employees affected by these closures? Are their work-schedules adjusted so as to prevent reductions in their take-home pay too? 

3. Mr. Maddox concludes that the failure of Berkeley to keep up with other cities in wages offered to its employees will result in an exodus of many of these employees to greener pastures. This would be a problem if the positions they vacated could not be filled by qualified replacements. What is the percentage of positions Berkeley has open for which it is having difficulty attracting qualified applicants (i.e. for which it has received fewer than four applications in a month from candidates who meet the minimum requirements of the job)? I recently spoke to an analyst in the city’s Human Resources Department who indicated that his department does not keep track of the number of qualified applicants per open position. Perhaps his department should do so. 

It is my understanding that none of the “sacrifices” Mr. Maddox mentioned and none of the proposed cuts to city services would be necessary if city employees simply agreed to contribute the same proportion of their wages and salaries to their own pension plan as those of us in the private sector do through Social Security taxes. Currently, union employees contribute nothing to their own publicly funded retirement plan. This allows them to retire totally at the Berkeley property tax payers’ expense with pensions that are better than many of these taxpayers will ever receive themselves. Could one of your reporters verify whether my perceptions are correct? 

Keith Winnard is a Berkeley resident.?

The commentary by Bill Hamilton (“Disarming Violence: Three Choices,” March 29-31) presents a nice convenient package for commenting, but fails to accurately portray important aspects of the situation. It is but the latest from among the people who pontificate between lattes, cop-bashing, and massage appointments. Far from being illuminating, it muddles the controversy by framing incongruous circumstances as the same. It also shows a bit too much of the self-righteousness hypocrisy the Bay Area is renowned for. Much like other cases of officious largesse, the choices proffered don’t fit the actual situation. I’m getting used to people who, by age alone, should know better. More than one professional writer, among them inappropriately anointed and self-appointed spokespersons for the Black community, have wrongly referred to my act of self-defense as vigilantism, in spite of the fact that the word choice is obviously incorrect and that I have publicly criticized vigilante acts. 

We needn’t spend much time analyzing his unexplained conclusion that everyone is very lucky Ms. Smith did not try to use a gun. Apparently under the circumstances reported in the press, she had no opportunity or need to defend herself with physical force. Indeed she was literally at the mercy of her remorseful assailant, who, luckily, was amenable to her merciful plea. 

My family has never felt we were held hostage, but presumptuous Bill feels comfortable making his statement for us. To the contrary, I feel free as a bird and have always been bemused by those whom presume I haven’t taken the Emancipation Proclamation to heart. I feel so free that I look with disdain upon those who would so forsake their responsibilities to the law-abiding neighbors of his workplace who live in—rather than visit—“war zones,” that rather than report the malignant criminal behavior of drug dealers, they would unashamedly say about their relationship: “We made a deal.” 

Unlike some visitors, it didn’t take a period “over time” for me to recognize the plight of my brothers and sisters in the streets, for I was born among them. A neighbor and I have talked with many of the youth and offered help over the years. We’ve met with youth organizers and have offered to teach electrical, carpentry, and other building trades at the recreation center from which drugs were sold. I have helped several youngsters repair their vehicles and even given some of them my home number to call if they need legal help. I haven’t been a visitor or interloper, but someone whose life has been formed in the black community. I know all about the pathos and aspirations, hope and possibilities; far better, I dare say, than a person who visits the neighborhood to cut wood. Certainly using a cheap labor pool of entrepreneurial pushers is in the spirit of capitalism and down right convenient to boot, but I wonder how many West Oakland residents can claim their lives have been improved by folks who make deals with thuggish drug dealers. 

In his exposition, like many officious liberals, he fails to deal with the important aspect of race. Ms. Smith, and I’ll bet Mr. Hamilton, are whites dealing with black criminals. In reality, black people are far more likely than whites to be the victim of black criminals perpetrating violence. It’s easy to choose to be unarmed if your choices also include simply not going to the dangerous area. It seems all too easy, but fashionable, for some to impute their choices to others whose lives are different. Bill only had to deal with property damage and apparently left after office hours. In my case, after having survived one ambush beating by three thugs upset that I reported them to the police, I had to deal with one gun about to be pointed at me from among a mob that had at least one other gun. Yes, there could have been another outcome: I could have been the subject of a chalk outline on the sidewalk. 

Patrick McCullough is a City of Berkeley employee and a North Oakland resident. 

If you’d like a preview of the university’s expanded future—the big dog that already wags the tail that is Berkeley, drive or walk up to Channing Way and Bowditch, stand on the end of the grand old Anna Head site, and take in the dramatic transformation from a sea of boring temporaries to gleaming, state-of-the-art architecture. 

Immediately across the street sits Crossroads, the spanking new Student Dining Facility, a dazzling assemblage of architectonic shapes and effects, backed-up by the larger mass of Residential and Student Services to make one assertive all-or-nothing statement. Left and ahead, further up Channing, a huge new wall of strident colors and dramatic forms announces just-completed residential in-fill on the old late ‘50s student dormitory sites. Finally turn around and enjoy the equally new but refreshingly low-key residential complex across Channing immediately south of Bowditch, an attractive composition of three to four story wood-shingled pavilions that seems positively therapeutic after the above shock and awe. 

If you haven’t much followed Cal’s grand designs, you might not know that these dramatic developments are the result of seemingly rational planning that ranks central control, economic advantage and seismic safety way above gentle change. Not necessarily bad in the right location, such military planning has been particularly destructive here, in this vulnerable strip of Southside, a shared UC and city environment graced with many distinguished buildings, among them Bernard Maybeck’s Christian Science Church, and his Town and Gown Club, Julia Morgan’s Berkeley City Club and Baptist Seminary, and in more recent time Joseph Esherick’s graceful YWCA, and Mario Ciampi’s University Art Museum. 

The above mentioned late ‘50s dormitories immediately below College Avenue were the first big university assault on this gentle neighborhood. Rapidly increasing enrollment, plus pressure from parents for UC-provided accommodation, led in 1956 to a design competition, won by the San Francisco firm of Warneke and Associates. Their solution, strongly influenced by European Modern Movement apartment buildings, consisted of two superblocks, each with four identical nine-story towers pushed out to the corners, leaving the center areas free for playful, low-rise dining pavilions with lavishly landscaped garden-terraces. Initially appealing as a concept—toylike models usually are—these bland but invasive buildings amounted to a disruptive assault on the old tree-lined streets, shingled villas, and gracious community structures. Forty-five years later, it still jars the senses to see those mediocre towers making an uninvited backdrop to Maybeck’s splendid church. 

Now alas, the invasion has intensified. Justified by a bigger-than-ever student population, a stronger than ever concern for seismic safety, and buildable land free from City of Berkeley interference, the university’s “Underhill Plan” has rumbled into action. The landscaped dining rooms, the nicest feature of these superblocks, have been demolished, and replaced by residential in-fill structures designed to co-exist with the Warneke towers. Upper Durant and Dwight Way feel walled-in, the original neighborhood openness is lost, and the on-site density is 50 percent higher than that of Manhattan! 

Simultaneously, demolition of the dining rooms has led to the creation of a long-desired central restaurant facility on the nearby site of the temporaries, while the displaced activities housed in those dismal huts have found a more glamorous home in a big new Residential and Student Services Building. Presumably, for lack of space and seismic advantage, these two very different facilities have been piggy-backed into one strange architectural tour-de-force—the Jewel in the Crown of the Underhill Empire! 

When we recoil from such dramatic change, we tend to blame the architects, but in reality those hard-working professionals have little power to control development. Usually both program and site are handed to them by others, and the most they can do is make the buildings work well and look interesting. 

“Interesting” if not downright novel describes the residential infill designed by EHDD, Joe Esherick’s old firm in San Francisco. More like apartments than traditional dormitories, the new buildings step-up from four to eight stories between the old nine-floor towers, leaving a comfortable gap at their low end, and at the high end, almost joining the existing structures. The two blocks step-up in opposite directions, creating pleasing variety within the garden court. To further emphasize this novel stepping, the facades are treated almost like independent buildings, differentiated by bold color—orange, soft yellow, pale green, deep blue, white— and enlivened at their upper levels by bold, projecting metal-clas window bays. Most striking here is the powerful contrast between the workday double-hung windows and the high tech boxed-out bays. Indeed, despite their looking at fist glance like something facing the harbor in Rotterdam, they still at heart possess a certain non-slick Bay Area character. 

This homey quality is particularly successful from inside the new enclosed gardens, the first of which, between Haste and Dwight, is now completed and accessible to the public. This elegant landscaped court, just below sidewalk level at the College Avenue end, is actually a lid covering a big basement of impressive student amenities—recreation and music lounges, study areas, computer center, etc.—all pleasantly daylit around the perimeter, where glass walls look out at stands of bamboo. Up at garden level, surrounded by handsome paving, raised planters containing infant trees will soon overflow with groundcover and flowering bushes, while one area with deeper soil already nurtures a stand of redwoods. Big stainless steel ventilators add a nautical touch. Two matching little steel-framed pavilions shelter bicycles and wood decks. In total contract to the “English Romantic Landscape” of the original UC campus, this is a truly modern garden, an integral part of the architecture rather than a setting for it. 

At present the new frontages on Channing Way and Haste face each other across an enormous hole in the ground, site of a future three-level parking structure with a recreational field on top. Preliminary designs show a park-like expanse, stepping gently down from an expanded landscaped sidewalk at College Avenue to the swathe of planting already installed below the east front to the new Student Affairs Building. This huge, visually-public open space, defined on three sides by new buildings, deserved development by world-class designers. If most of it must remain rather two-dimensional, except for street trees along the flanking avenues, there could be at least bold, vine covered loggias across the step-down points, particularly at the area’s westerly end, which at this juncture seem insufficiently dramatized by architecture. 

What a pity, after all this expensive effort, that the building which forms the back half of the ambitious complex fronting Bowditch should appear so unheroic on its long easterly front—in urban design terms, not a success. 

The new facility does come alive however at its northerly end. This main entrance facade, set back from Channing, is easily the most elegant and understated part of the whole twin complex, while the office-levels within, with their spacious lounges, splendid views and state-of-the-art air conditioning, are as luxurious a work setting as any corporate management person could desire. 

As for the much-trumpeted Central Dining Facility next door, understated is the one thing it is not. Novel and impressive on first encounter, the trendy but confused design puzzles and irritates on closer inspection. Look at it carefully from across Bowditch. Set against the long more sober backdrop of Student Services, two glassy pavilions with dramatically swooping roofs are separated by a low connecting structure that projects forward almost to the sidewalk, enclosing on its left a raised garden-terrace and the building’s main entrance. Further south along Bowditch, immediately past the second pavilion, another projecting “box” completes the strung-out frontage. The curved roofs shelter separate dining halls, the lower structure houses kitchens, cafeteria-counters, etc. while white box-like projections contain a smaller dining room and a future coffee chop. 

There’s something dramatically appealing about the white cubist cutout set against the green glass of the corner dining hall, the crossways opposition of curving roofs, and the way the long frontage jogs around big existing redwoods. In the merged Los Angeles Practices of Cannon-Dworsky, some courageous designer tried. Perhaps others failed to guide this playful vision into a real-live good building. We’ll never know. 

For flaws detract on all sides. The white wall of the “coffee chop” collides clumsily into the elegant glass grid instead of sliding past it. The terrace is a confusion of stairs, railings and a ramp masked by flimsy looking wood boards. An impressive vine trellis nearby supports neither a vine nor a planter for a future one. At Channing and Bowditch, what should be a friendly public corner seems barricaded by huge stone planters reminiscent of some anti-tank barrier, while the dining hall’s glassy north side is marred by yet more baffling boxes. 

As for the Student Affairs building being a backdrop to the more flamboyant dining hall, its flimsy sunshade “eyebrow,” colliding visually with the over-thick fascia of the big curved roof, creates even more chaos. Any one of John Galen Howard’s original campus buildings has a strength and simplicity way beyond this picturesque assemblage, which, in spite of acres of glass, reveals almost nothing of the noisy, youthful activity within. It’s to be fervently hoped that, if built, the proposed joint UC-City hotel, conference center and art museum on the edge of Shattuck Square will be equally bold, equally lively, but better. 

The last of these three Underhill projects, the Channing-Bowditch Apartments facing the north side of Anna Head, couldn’t be more different that the flawed “Masterpiece” described above. An impressive exercise in the flexible and ever-functional Shingle Style—the residential Arts and Crafts movement of the late 1900s, it looks at first glance to have been designed in 1901 and built 95 years later. Under big sheltering roofs, three-story wings project toward the street from a long four-level spine, creating pleasant shady courts in-between. The design ‘vocabulary’ is very familiar, and easier to handle than the more dramatic ‘all-glass-all-blank’ collisions of the dining commons. 

Traditional features dominate—generous overhangs with exposed rafters, cozily-enclosed balconies, and the old “alpine chalet” device of a recessed under-the-eaves attic. The exterior colors are a refreshing modern touch. Bold orange at the base, dark blue and sea-green elements above, and lots of white trim, all help to enliven the bland stained shingles that will weather over time to a darker more gutsy tone. 

Sad to say, in the presence of all this happy creating, the repetition throughout of small ungenerous double-hung windows diminishes much of the poetry. The designers have made a heroic effort to achieve some variety, to group, combine or space-out these prosaic “high-performance” openings, now mandated by the university for all its residential projects, yet they still look sadly institutional compared with the huge studio-windows and welcoming casements of the original full-blown Shingle Style. 

Michael Pyatok, the project’s talented name-architect, seems to have become the darling of the Berkeley Architectural Heritage Association and the conservation brigade, thus specially useful to the PR-conscious bureaucrats of UC. His gently retro student dorms are better than bad modern any day, yet I can’t help wondering how his very competent design-team would have handled the more prestigious, higher budget statement across the corner. I’d love to see them given such a chance!?

“From the Hills to the Bay” might have been an appropriate theme for the Berkeley Historical Society’s spring series of history walking tours starting this weekend. 

The tours range over Berkeley from the edge of West Berkeley’s railroad tracks to the hillside heights above the UC campus. The tour season begins Saturday morning, April 2, with a steep climb up the still verdant slopes of Charter Hill above the Greek Theatre.  

Looking down on spectacular views of Berkeley, the by, and Strawberry Canyon, the tour (led by the author) leads to the big “C,” the yellow-painted concrete letter above the campus. 

This is a momentous year for the C. It turned exactly a century old on March 23.  

Back in 1905, Cal freshmen and sophomores cooperatively constructed the monumental letter to symbolically bury “The Rush,” an annual hillside conflict between rival classes that had taken place for several years in increasingly boisterous circumstances, until banned by university officials. 

The spirit symbol caught on, not only at Cal but in other locations. In the 1980s, research by UC Professor of Geography James Parsons and colleagues established that the C is not only the oldest of all the hillside letters that are now found throughout the Western American landscape, but also the clear progenitor of similar letters at several other colleges. 

The story of the building of the C, which also provoked one of Berkeley’s first conservation conflicts, will be told on the trail, along with other tales from UC and local history, including an account of annual Thanksgiving services held in the Berkeley hills early in the 20th century by and for members of the Sierra Club. 

Each tour in the Berkeley Historical Society series is led by a different volunteer guide recruited by the group. All take place on Saturdays, from 10 a.m. to approximately noon. 

Individual tickets cost $10 for the general public, $8 for Historical Society members. Anyone who goes on at least three tours gets to participate in a bonus sixth tour at the end of the series. 

On Saturday, April 16, the series focus descends to the west Berkeley flatlands when local historical researcher Bruce Goodell leads a tour past several of Berkeley’s “Glass Block Buildings.”  

Also known as “Concrete Grid Form” buildings, these structures are easily identifiable by their distinct diamond-shaped patterns of glass blocks set in concrete. About half of the two dozen known buildings of the type in the East Bay are found in Berkeley.  

They represent a distinctive design that originated locally and involved architects as prominent as Bernard Maybeck who used the style to design a distinctive community house on University Avenue for the Mobilized Women of Berkeley organization (the structure is now the middle part of the Amsterdam Art complex). Goodell, a West Berkeley resident, has sleuthed out the locations and history of several of these once industrial structures, now used for a variety of purposes. 

The mid-point of the tour season comes on Saturday, April 30, when Historical Society Board member and photographer Allen Stross will lead a walk around Berkeley’s “Holy Hill,” the site of several seminaries and religious schools north of the UC campus. Stops will include the Bade Museum of archaeological artifacts unearthed in Palestine by Pacific School of Religion president (and Sierra Club enthusiast) William Frederic Bade, as well as the last building designed by architect Louis Kahn. 

On Sunday, May 15, the tour route goes “Around the World in 80 Minutes” at the University’s Botanical Garden in Strawberry Canyon. The tour, led by volunteer Garden docents, will travel through much of the 36-acre Garden visiting plant collections representing regions from Australia to the Mediterranean. 

Ashby Station—not the BART Station, but the rail stop and community that preceded it—will be the subject of the fifth and last regular tour on Saturday, May 21. Historic preservationist Dale Smith will guide tour-goers through the site and numerous historic 19th and early 20th century streetscapes and buildings of the old Mark Ashby Farm, near the intersection of Ashby and Adeline in South Berkeley. Events of the 1960s and ‘70s in the neighborhood and planned new buildings will also be described. 

Finally, those who have attended at least three tours can sign up for a free “bonus tour” on Saturday, June 4 (with slightly altered hours of 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.) This tour will focus on a square block of much interest to present-day Berkeleyans, the area just south of Spenger’s Restaurant and the University Avenue viaduct, where a large new development is proposed. 

Current buildings on the site include the old Southern Pacific railroad station, and Celia’s and Brennan’s Restaurants. Part of 19th century Oceanview, Berkeley’s first American-era settlement, this is also part of Berkeley’s oldest “neighborhood,” with research underway to see what remnants of the Berkeley Shellmound might be buried in the vicinity.  

Steven Finacom is a Board member of the Berkeley Historical Society and will be leading the Big C tour on April 2.c

To attend the 10 a.m. tour this Saturday morning, gather at Founder’s Rock—Gayley Road and Hearst Avenue—and purchase tickets then. Wear good climbing shoes for the steep hike. 

To reserve for future tours, send your name, address, and telephone number to the Berkeley Historical Society at P.O. Box 1190, Berkeley, 94701-1190, listing the tours you want to attend. Keep a copy of your order and enclose a check—payable to Berkeley Historical Society—totaling $10 per individual for each tour you’d like to attend ($8 for BHS members). 

If you’d like to join the BHS, the membership cost is $20 for individuals, $25 for families. BHS members can also purchase a “season ticket” for all five tours at a discounted $30 price. Call 848-0181 for further information. If you call between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Thursday or Friday before a tour, you can find out if space is still available. 

FRIDAY, APRIL 1 

EXHIBITIONS 

“Woodblock Prints by Paul Jacoulet” opens at the Schurman Fine Art Gallery, 1659 San Pablo Ave. 524-0623. www.schurmanfineartgallery.com 

“Irish Crochet Lace: 150 Years of a Tradition” Reception at 6 p.m. at Lacis Museum of Lace and Textiles, 2982 Adeline St. 843-7290. www.lacismuseum.org 

FILM 

“EarthDance: The Short-Attention-Span Film Festival” at 6 p.m. at Oakland Museum of California, 10th and Oak Sts. After-party at 9 p.m. Tickets are $5-$8. Reservations recommended. 238-3818. www.museumca.org 

Edgar G. Ulmer: “Bluebeard” at 7 p.m, and “The Strange Woman” at 8:45 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $4-$8. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

THEATER 

Berkeley Repertory Theater “For Better or Worse” at the Thrust Stage, 2025 Addison St. and runs through April 24. Tickets are $20-$55. 647-2949. www.berkeleyrep.org 

“The Motown Story” Fri. at 8 p.m., Sat. and Sun. at 6 p.m. at Julia Morgan Center for the Arts. Tickets are $15-$38. 925-798-1300. www.juliamorgan.org 

“Proof” by David Auburn, Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m. through May 7 at The Masquers Playhouse, 105 Park Place, Point Richmond. Tickets are $13. 232-4031. www.masquers.org 

Shotgun Players “The Just” by Albert Camus. Thurs.- Sun. at 8 p.m. at The Ashby Stage, 1901 Ashby Ave. through April 10. Tickets are $10-$30. 841-6500. www.shotgunplayers.org 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Iris Stewart introduces “Sacred Women, Sacred Dance” at 7 p.m. at Belladonna, 2436 Sacramento St. www.belladonna.ws 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Cudamani, Balinese music and dance, at 8 p.m. at Zellerbach Hall, UC Campus. Tickets are $32-$56. 642-9988. www.calperfs.berkeley.edu 

University Symphony Orchestra at 8 p.m. at Hertz Hall, UC Campus. Tickets are $3-$10. 642-9988.  

All-Oakland Talent Show at 7 p.m. at the Malonga Casquelourd Arts Center, 1428 Alice St. Tickets are $10. www.oaklandleaf.org 

Rafael Manríquez & Duamuxa at 8 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $12. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

Erik Aliana and Korongo Jam, African, at 9:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $11-$13. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Sherry Austin & The Hog Ranch Rounders at 8 p.m. at Caffe Trieste, 2500 San Pablo Ave., at Dwight. 548-5198.  

Laurie Lewis & Tom Rozum at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $17.50-$18.50. 548-1761.  

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

Lost Cats, jazz at 7:30 p.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344. www.nomadcafe.net 

The Bottom Dwellers, Real Sippin’ Whiskeys, A.J. Roach at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $5. 841-2082.  

Tragedy, Nightmare, Riistetyt at 8 p.m. at 924 Gilman St. Cost is $6. 525-9926. 

Monkey, The Struts, The Barbary Coasters, ska, rock n’ roll, at 9:30 p.m. at Blakes on Telegraph. Cost is $5-$7. 848-0886.  

Vinyl, Brown Baggin’ at 9 p.m. at Shattuck Down Low, 2284 Shattuck Ave. Cost is $5. 548-1159.  

Grand Groovement at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 848-8277. 

Kenny Garrett at 8 and 10 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square, through Sun. Cost is $14-$22. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

SATURDAY, APRIL 2 

CHILDREN 

Los Amiguitos de La Peña with Kevin Griffin and Alisa Peres, songs from traditional folk to Latin America, at 10:30 a.m. at La Peña. Cost is $5. 849-2568.  

Paper Characters with Elisa Kleven, author of “Abuela, The Paper Princess” at 2 p.m. at Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave. 526-3720, ext. 17. 

EXHIBITIONS 

“Interlude” Reception and book signing from 2 to 4 p.m. at A New Leaf Gallery, 1286 Gilman St. 525-7621. 

“Trouble Man” in homage to Marvin Gaye. Reception from 1 to 4 p.m. at the African American Museum and Library, 659 14th St., Oakland. Exhibit runs to May 28. 637-0200.  

FILM 

Edgar G. Ulmer “American Matchmaker” at 9:15 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $4-$8. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

THEATER 

“A Single Woman” the story of Jeannette Rankin at 2:30 p.m. at Claremont House, 4500 Gilbert St., Oakland. Tickets are $10-$20. RSVP to 587-3228. loma64@yahoo.com 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Bay Area Poets Coalition open reading from 3 to 5 p.m., at Strawberry Creek Lodge Dining Hall, 1320 Addison St. 527-9905. poetalk@aol.com 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Jazz House Tribute to Mingus and Dolphy with saxophonist Howard Wiley at 9 p.m. at 21 Grand Art Gallery, 449B 23rd St., Oakland. Cost is $10. www.thejazzhouse.org 

Trinity Chamber Concert “Duo Terra Antiqua” with Zoe Vandermeer, soprano, at 8 p.m. at Trinity Chapel, 2320 Dana St. Cost is $8-$12. 549-3864. http://trinitychamberconcerts.com 

Vox Populi “Mother and Son,” devotional music from 15th cent. England at 8 p.m. at the Chapel of St. Joseph of Arimathea, 2316 Bowditch St. Free. www.vox-pop.org 

University Symphony Orchestra at 8 p.m. at Hertz Hall, UC Campus. Tickets are $3-$10. 642-9988.  

Larry Karush, jazz pianist and composer, at 8 p.m., at the Hillside Club, 2286 Cedar St. Tickets are $10-20 at the door. 527-0450. 

“Bare Bones” Randee Paufve Dance at 8 p.m. at Western Sky Studio, 2547 Eighth St. Tickets are $12, available one hour before the show. www.paufvedance.org 

Laurie Lewis & Tom Rozum at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $17.50-$18.50. 548-1761.  

Mujeres: Rebeca Mauleón & Quintet at 8 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $15. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

Aux Cajunals, Cajun, at 9 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $11-$13. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Eric Crystal Trio at 9 p.m. at Downtown. 649-3810.  

Samantha Raven at 7:30 p.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344.  

Monkey Knife Fight at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 848-8277. 

Braziu at 9 p.m. at Shattuck Down Low, 2284 Shattuck Ave. Cost is $10-$12. 548-1159.  

Moore Brothers, Mandarin, Thread at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $6. 841-2082. www.starryplough.com 

Joe Rut, Jason Kleinberg, indy rock, at 8:30 p.m. at Epic Arts, 1923 Ashby Ave. Cost is $5-$10.  

Meli at 7 and 9 p.m. at Spud’s Pizza, 3290 Adeline St. Cost is $5. 597-0795. 

Tape, Pomegranate, The Wearies at 9 p.m. at Blakes on Telegraph. Cost is $4-$7. 848-0886.  

Love Songs, Angry for Life, Darlington at 8 p.m. at 924 Gilman St. Cost is $5. 525-9926. 

SUNDAY, APRIL 3 

EXHIBITIONS 

“Drawn by the Brush: Oil Sketches of Peter Paul Rubens” guided tour at 2 p.m. at Berkeley Art Museum, 2625 Durant Ave. 642-0808.  

FILM 

Crying in Color: “How Hollywood Coped When Technicolor Died” at 4:30 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $4-$8. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Poetry Flash with Sophie Cabot Black and David Breskin at 7:30 p.m. at Cody’s Books. Donation $2. 845-7852. www.codysbooks.com 

“Painting Out of Conflict: Velasquez, Rubens, and the Dutch in Time of War” with Svetlana Alpers, Prof. Emerita, Art History, at 3 p.m. at the Berkeley Art Museum, 2626 Bancroft Way. 642-0808. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Takacs Quartet at 3 p.m. at Hertz Hall, UC Campus. Tickets are $42. 642-9988. www.calperfs.berkeley.edu 

San Francisco City Chorus and Berkeley Chancel Choir with California Chamber Symphony performing Mozart’s Requiem, at 3 p.m. at First Congregational Church of Berkeley, 2345 Channing Way. Tickets are $13-$20. 415-701-SONG. www.sfcitychorus.org 

Klezmatics with guest Joshua Nelson at 4 p.m. at Wheeler Auditorium, UC Campus. Followed by party at BRJCC. Tickets are $23-$50. www.brjcc.org 

Lavay Smith and Her Red Hot Skillet Lickers at 4:30 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $20. 845-5373.  

Imagining Peace with Betsy Rose, Edie Hartshorne, Nicole Milner and others at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $17.50-$18.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

Green and Root, James Lee Stanley, acoustic folk pop, at 7:30 p.m. at Epic Arts, 1923 Ashby Ave. Cost is $5-$10.  

Darin Schaffer at 10 a.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344. www.nomadcafe.net 

RU36, Fuller at 4 p.m. at Blakes on Telegraph. Cost is $8. All ages show. 848-0886.  

7 Seconds, Groovie Ghoulies, Whiskey Rebels at 5 p.m. at 924 Gilman St. Cost is $6. 525-9926. 

MONDAY, APRIL 4 

EXHIBITIONS 

“Acting Out: Claude Cahun and Marcel Moore” at the Judah L. Magnes Museum, 2911 Russell St., through July 31. 549-6950.  

FILM 

Buddhism and Film: “My Dinner with André” at 3 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $4-$8. 642-0808.  

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Robert Richter describes “The Battle Over Hetch Hetchy” at 7:30 p.m. at Cody’s Books. 845-7852. www.codysbooks.com 

Sidra Stich will show slides and introduce “art-SITES- Northern Italy” at 7:30 p.m. at Black Oak Books. 486-0698.  

Actors Reading Writers “Russian Masters” stories by Sholom Aleichem and Anton Chekhov, at 7:30 p.m. at Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant Ave.  

Poetry Express, 3rd Anniversary featuring Nazelah Jamison from 7 to 9:30 p.m., at Priya Restaurant, 2072 San Pablo Ave. berkeleypoetryexpress@yahoo.com 

The Last Word Poetry reading with Carlye Archibeque and Scott Wannberg at 7 p.m. at Pegasus Books Downtown, 2349 Shattuck Ave. 649-1320. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Dimitri Matheny’s “Nocturnes” at 8 and 10 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $10. 238-9200.  

TUESDAY, APRIL 5 

CHILDREN 

Puppet Company “Trickster Tales” at 7 p.m. at Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave. 526-3720, ext. 17. 

EXHIBITIONS 

“Betwen Dimensions” Large sculptural paintings of the atmosphere by Ruth von Jahnke Waters, opens at Gallery 940, 940 Dwight Way at Ninth St.  

Contemporary Japanese Calligraphy with Keiji Onodera at 5 p.m. at IEAS Conference Room, 2223 Fulton St. 642-2809. 

FILM 

Alternative Visions: “A Darkness Swallowed” at 7:30 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $4-$8. 642-0808.  

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Ronald Wright discusses “A Short History of Progress” at 7:30 p.m. at Black Oak Books. 486-0698. www.blackoakbooks.com 

Keith Devlin describes “The Math Instinct: Why You’re a Mathematical Genius (Along with Lobsters, Birds, Cats and Dogs)” at 7:30 p.m. at Cody’s Books. 845-7852. www.codysbooks.com 

“American Labor and the Cold War” with authors William Issel, Kenneth Burt and Don Watson at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Public Library, 2090 Kittredge St. 981-6100.  

MUSIC AND DANCE 

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

Mudbath, Aroarah, alt pop rock, at 9 p.m. at Blakes on Telegraph. Cost is $5. 848-0886.  

“Bright River” A hip-hop retelling of Dante’s Inferno, at 8 p.m. at Oakland Metro, 201 Broadway. Tickets are $12-$35. 415-256-8499.  

Baby Buck, Cowpokes for Peace, Bob Harp, alt country, at 9:30 p.m. at The Stork Club, 2330 Telegraph Ave., Oakland. Tickets are $5. 444-6174.  

Maria Muldaur at 8 and 10 p.m. Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $10-$16. 238-9200.  

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

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6 

THEATER 

Laney College Theater, “Legacy for LoEshe” in memory of a girl slain in West Oakland, Wed.-Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2 p.m., through April 21, at 900 Fallon St., Oakland. Tickets are $5-$9. 464-3544. 

FILM 

Film 50: History of Cinema “Mulholland Drive” at 3 p.m. and Games People Play, “Machinima” at 7:30 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $4-$8. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Zac Unger describes “Working Fire: The Making of An Accidental Fireman” at 7:30 p.m. at Cody’s Books. 845-7852.  

Cara Black reads from her new mystery novel, “Murder in Clichy” at 7:30 p.m. at Black Oak Books. 486-0698.  

Josh Kearns, UC student and contributing author reads from “What We Think: Young Voters Speak Out” at 2:30 p.m. at the Cal Student Store. 642-7294. 

Ross Tobia reads from his new book “Grand Unified Theory, Physics for a New Age” at 7 p.m. at the Albany Public Library Meeting Room, 1247 Marin Ave., Albany. 

Berkeley Poetry Slam at 8:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $5-$7. 841-2082. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Wednesday Noon Concert “Jazz and Vocal” at Hertz Hall, UC Campus. Free. 642-4864. http://music.berkeley.edu 

Za’Bava! Izvorno at 8:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz at 7:30 p.m. Cost is $9. 525-5054.  

Ravi Abcarian Trio at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 848-8277. 

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

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

Julio Bravo, salsa, at 9:30 p.m. at Shattuck Down Low, 2284 Shattuck Ave. Cost is $5-$10. 548-1159. 

Dave Holland Big Band at 8 and 10 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square, through Fri. Cost is $14-$20. 238-9200.  

THURSDAY, APRIL 7 

EXHIBITIONS 

“Drawn by the Brush: Oil Sketches of Peter Paul Rubens” guided tour at 12:15 and 5:30 p.m. at Berkeley Art Museum, 2625 Durant Ave. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

“North by Northwest” new and experimental works on paper by members of Seattle Print Arts. Reception at 6 p.m. at Kala Art Institute, 1060 Heinz Ave. 549-2977. www.kala.oeg 

“Jewish Life and Culture in Norway: Wergeland's Legacy” Reception at 7 p.m. with Jo Benkow, former President of the Norwegian Parliament, at Townsend Center for the Humanities, 220 Stephens Hall, UC Campus. RSVP to 642-5355. 

THEATER 

Albany High School Theater “Wit” and “Benefactor” Thurs. at 7 p.m., Fri. at 8 p.m. and Sat. at 2 and 8 p.m. through April 16, at Albany High School Little Theater, 603 Key Route Blvd., Albany. Tickets are $5-$10. 558-2500, ext. 2579.  

FILM 

Marina Goldovskaya: “The Prince is Back” at 7:30 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Free screening. 642-0808.  

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Lunch Poems with Suji Kwock Kim at 12:10 p.m. at Morrison Library in Doe Library, UC Campus. 642-0137.  

“A Mirror of Threads: Weaving and Self-Representation in Mexico” with Alejandro de Avila from Oaxaca at 5 p.m. at Phoebe Hearst Museum, Bancroft Way at College. 643-7648. 

Grace Marie Grafton reads her poetry at 7 p.m. at Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave. 526-3720, ext. 17. 

Amy Prior reads from “Lost on Purpose: Women in the City” at 7:30 p.m. at Black Oak Books. 486-0698.  

Prof. Robert Ogilvie discusses “Voluntarism, Community Life, and the American Ethic” at 1:30 p.m. at the Cal Student Store. 642-7294.  

Word Beat Reading Series at 7 p.m. with Nancy Wakeman and Jeanne Powell at Mediterraneum Caffe, 2475 Telegraph Ave. 526-5985.  

Stan Goldberg explains “Ready to Learn: How to Help Your Preschooler Succeed” at 7 p.m. at Cody’s Books on Fourth St. 559-9500. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Emam & Friends, world music, at 9 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $10. 525-5054.  

Kelly Joe Phelps at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $19.50-$20.50. 548-1761.  

Old Time Square Dance with Amy and Karen, and the Barnburners at 9 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $8. 841-2082.  

Peter Barshay & Weber Iago at 8 p.m. at Downtown. 649-3810.ª

Warm spring days beckon us out of our homes like monarchs emerging from their cocoons. Time to brighten our views and feel the touch of the sun. Time to renew our dreams of travel to destinations far and away. 

Distant travel may be beyond our immediate reach but botanic travel is close at hand in three locations right outside our doors in the East Bay hills. Huckleberry Botanic Regional Preserve, in Oakland, Regional Parks Botanic Garden, in Tilden Park, and the UC Botanical Garden in Berkeley each offer a unique sense of place and a welcome outdoor adventure. Visit them to walk through a primordial north coast landscape, tour a living museum of California’s native plants and enjoy a trip around the world on footpaths leading you among the flora of Southern Africa, Asia and Central America. 

Devote a day to all three or escape on a quiet morning to spend just one blissful hour witnessing the renewable cycle of life.  

What you see at Huckleberry Preserve you won’t see anywhere else in the East Bay. The collection of California natives on 235 acres of ocean floor strata laid down 12 million years ago is a reminder of a cooler, moister climate, a landscape caught in time. 

Huckleberry Path, a 1.69-mile loop along a self-guided nature trail, traverses a wide range of landscapes as it meanders along the canyon. You’ll get a good workout on this leaf-littered footpath with its series of steep undulations down to a mature bay forest and back to the upper trail. 

The nature path brochure, available at the trailhead, draws your attention to unique vegetation in the densely wooded canyon and contrasts it with chaparral thickets on the rocky knolls, while providing lessons on ecological succession and competition for resources, especially water and light. Between coast huckleberry, ceonothus, chinquapin, madrone, and a wide variety of flowering shrubs, there is a year-round display of color in leaves, branches and blooms. 

My visit in early spring was timed perfectly with emerging blossoms and tender new growth: tiny leaves forming from velvety buds on the bare branches of western leatherwood, dangling clusters of pink and white flowers on flowering current, delicate green uncurling fronds of sword and wood fern, tiny white milkmaids and violet Douglas iris.  

Walking through the steep canyon terrain I saw unusual growth in the dense forest of California bay and oaks. Down-slope branches arched almost horizontally across the canyon while those on the up-slope stretched vertically toward the light. I felt far away—on Oregon’s beautiful coast or in a Tolkien dream—not just a few miles from home.  

When does a botanic garden feel like a wooded retreat? When you walk through California at Regional Parks Botanic Garden. Here it’s difficult to tell where nature ends and the garden begins. From natural pathways of gravel and stone to hand painted illustrated signs identifying each section, from secret rustic benches to towering trees, this is truly a natural outdoor experience.  

Established in 1940 for the growth and preservation of California’s native plants, the park can boast of displaying the entire botanical range of all 160,000 square miles of the state. Native specimens from seacoast bluffs, interior valleys, alpine mountains and sun-scorched deserts, all contained in just ten acres.  

Learn the names of your favorites from color-coded labels or follow pathways, listening to bird life and the sound of Strawberry Creek running its course through the garden. Keep a mental list of botanic wonders and observe their cycle of life next season. You really need to visit at least four times a year in order to enjoy the monthly succession of blooms. 

My recent visit left these lasting memories: the tiny flowers of ceonothus (wild lilac) bushes in clusters of blue, pink, and white; a pink flowering current framed against the patchy white trunk of a western sycamore; small groves of slender quaking aspen brightly coated with orange lichen, sentinels amid a field of bright green; the smooth, satiny bark of the brittleleaf manzanita, it’s sculptured branches as lovely as the finest piece of art. Toward the top of the garden I came upon a towering grove of redwoods, below them the ground carpeted with soft tri-leafed sorrel abloom in pale pink. On this foggy morning, faint shafts of light slanted down through the branches onto a weathered bench where I sat. Within this natural cathedral, I took a quiet moment to reflect on the soothing beauty of nature and the wisdom of subtle maintenance amid a natural landscape.  

Broaden your floral horizons at the UC Botanical Garden where specimens from across the globe thrive in a Mediterranean climate. Photographers, artists, gardeners, lovers of nature or those seeking beautiful surroundings will want to return time and again.  

Established in 1890, the oldest campus botanical garden in the United States’ 34 acres contains over 13,000 species attractively landscaped in nine geographical regions and several special collections. Amble along the main route in one hour, take two to explore the web of footpaths leading you through each area or spend an afternoon with a picnic and a book on the lawn or at one of the many sheltered benches throughout the park. 

The Garden brochures direct you to specific sections and tours. A seasonal tour pamphlet describes garden highlights on a 45-minute self-guided circuit. The California Natives brochure connects the plants in this diverse section with the indigenous people of 250 years ago. Another pamphlet leads you to the Chinese Medicinal Herb Garden providing instruction in traditional Chinese medicine as it points out over one hundred herbs.  

My recent ramble through the garden was a flower lovers dream. My eyes were immediately drawn to the Southern Africa section, a palette of soft pastels in orange, yellow, blue and lavender. The entire hillside glowed with specimens of oxalis, cape cowslip and homeria. This area is heavily featured in the “water wise” garden tour, the plants well adapted to our Bay Area climate. To my right resided the guardians of the garden in the New World Desert, where some of the oldest specimens are found. Stately cacti, yucca and agave, formidably adorned with needles, thorns and early blooms, were highlighted by the sun.  

More flower profusion met me on the path to the Japanese pool, a scene of beauty with its massive stones, snow lantern, pond lilies, camellias and dogwoods. Rhododendron, magnolia and tree peonies, festooned with multi-sized blooms in Easter-egg colors, decorated the path approaching the central lawn and the Tropical House. Inside, the warm humidity soaked into my pores while the fronds of palms and banana trees dripped overhead. Don’t pass up the Fern and Carnivorous Plant House where you can dream about ridding the world of those pesky flies with a giant forest of Venus Fly traps and Pitcher Plants. 

The largest section of the garden represents California’s native plants, organized by plant community. Here you will see old favorites from the Regional Botanic as well as many others, such as those stunted trees in the Pigmy Forest and the aquatics in the vernal pool. One of my favorites is the giant coreopsis, its whimsical feathery stalks with large yellow flowers right out of a Dr.Seuss book. 

Complete your visit across from the main garden at the redwood grove, always quiet and mystical. Often forgotten, here you will find the giants of California’s coast, ramrod straight, filtering the light and creating an environment unique unto itself. Consider their years of growth and hope that it’s merely a fraction of their time in this living museum.  

Travel complete, return home inspired and infused with plans for a personal garden, an adventure afar or another visit among the botanic landscapes of the East Bay hills.  

Huckleberry Botanic Regional Preserve: Take Grizzly Peak Blvd. and cross Fish Ranch Road. Continue on Grizzly Peak 0.24-miles to Skyline Blvd. Turn left onto Skyline and drive 0.8 miles to the park entrance on the left, just past Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve. Chemical toilet and one picnic table at parking lot. Dogs allowed off leash. 

Regional Parks Botanic Garden: Located in Tilden Park on Wildcat Canyon Road, near its intersection with South Park Drive. Open daily 8:30-5 p.m., free. Classes and lectures offered through the Visitor Center. 

www.ebparks.org. 

UC Botanical Garden at Berkeley: 200 Centennial Dr., midway between the UC Berkeley Memorial Stadium and Lawrence hall of Science. Open from 9-5 p.m. Adults $3, children $1. 643 2755. http://botanicalgarden.berkeley.edu.

FRIDAY, APRIL 1 

Outings on Fridays with Berkeley Architectural Heritage Association Tour of the Cohen-Bray House (1884) in Fruitvale, at 11 a.m. Cost is $15. Reservations required. 841-2242. www.berkeleyheritage.com 

City Commons Club Noon Luncheon with VIncent H. Resh, on “Rivers Over the World”. Luncheon at 11:45 a.m. for $13, speech at 12:30 p.m., at the Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant St. 526-2925. 

Bear Swimming Open House for ages 5 to 11, at 4 p.m. at the West Campus Pool, 2100 Browning at Addison. Bring your swim suit and towel. 287-9010. bearswimming.com 

“Citizenship and Power” A conference hosted by the Center for Popular Education, UCB, at First Unitarian Church, Oakland. For details see www.cpepr.net  

First Friday at St. Joseph the Worker with the film “Romero” honoring the 25th anniversary of the assassination of Archbishop Oscar Romero at 7:30 p.m. at St. Joseph the Worker Church, 1640 Addison St. Free. 482-1062. 

“Fifty Years in Science and Religion: Ian G. Barbour and His Legacy” panel discussion and reception at 7:30 p.m. at Badé Museum, Pacific School of Religion, 1798 Scenic Ave. 848-8152. www.ctns.org 

“Three Beats for Nothing” a small group meeting weekly at 10 a.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center to sing for fun and practice, mostly 16th century harmony. No charge. 655-8863, 843-7610.  

Berkeley Chess Club meets Fridays at 7:15 p.m. at the East Bay Chess Club, 1940 Virginia St. Players at all levels are welcome. 845-1041. 

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

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

SATURDAY, APRIL 2 

Sick Plant Clinic UC plant pathologist Dr. Robert Raabe, UC entomologist Dr. Nick Mills, and their team of experts will diagnose what ails your plants from 9 a.m. to noon at the Botanical Garden, 200 Centennial Dr. 643-2755.  

Berkeley Historical Society Walking Tour of Charter Hill and the Centennial of the Big “C” led by Steve Finacom, from 10 a.m. to noon. Cost is $8-$10. 848-0181. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/histsoc/ 

Ponds, Creeks and Puddles An introduction to water chemistry to discover what is there besides bugs and algae, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Visitor Center, Botanical Garden, Tilden Park. Cost is $30-$35. 845-4116. www.nativeplants.org 

Spring Rhododendron Walk with Elaine Sedlack, horticulturist, at 10 a.m. at UC Botanical Garden, 200 Centennial Drive. Cost is $8-$12, registration required. 643-2755. http://botanicalgarden.berkeley.edu 

Succulents for Bold Garden Effects with Hank Jenkins at 10 a.m. at Magic Gardens Nursery, 729 Heinz Ave. 644-2351. www.magicgardens.com 

Tilden Toddlers An afternoon of exploration to look for amphibians, for ages 2-3 with adult companions, at 2 p.m. at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. 525-2233. 

Kid’s Garden Club for ages 7-12 to explore the world of gardening, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Tilden Nature Area, Tilden Park. Cost is $5-$7, registration required. 525-2233. 

“Gardening from the Ground Up” from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Bay-Friendly Demonstration Garden, Lakeside Park, 666 Bellevue Ave., Oakland. To register call 444-7645. www.bayfriendly.org 

Landscape Watering Systems Learn how to conserve water with proper design and installation of drip irrigation, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Building Education Center, 812 Page St. Cost is $50. 525-7610.  

Building with Books: Garage Sale Sat. and Sun. at 2728 Elmwood Ave. All funds raised will go to building a schoolhouse in Nepal. Sponsored by The Global Action Club at Berkeley High School. To donate items call 387-861, 776-9686. 

Alameda County Criminal Records Expungement Summit Find out about your rights, what you do and don’t need to tell employers, and learn about possible court remedies, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Laney College, 900 Fallon St. Sponsored by Congresswoman Barbara Lee and the East Bay Community Law Center. 548-4040, ext. 373. www.ebclc.org 

Free Garden Tours at Regional Parks Botanic Garden Sat. and Sun. at 2 pm. Regional Parks Botanic Garden, Tilden Park. Call to confirm. 841-8732. www.nativeplants.org 

“AAUP and Women in the Academy” with Mary Burgan, past president of the American Assoc of University Professors, and Debra Rolinson on “Time to Thrive, not Just Survive” at 1:30 p.m. at 180 Tan Hall, UC Campus. www.wage.org 

Progressive Democrats of the East Bay meets at 1 p.m. at the Temescal Oakland Library, 5205 Telegraph Ave. 526-4632. wjlawler@hotmail.com 

“Visualization for Health” with LauraLynn Jansen at 4 p.m. at the Women’s Cancer Resource Center, 5741 Telegraph Ave. at 58th St., Oakland. Free, pre-registration requested. 420-7900, ext. 111. margo@wcrc.org 

“Why Study Theology?” Panel discussion for prospective students with all nine GTU schools, from 9 a.m. to noon at Hewlett Library, 2400 Ridge Rd. 649-2460. gtuadm@gtu.edu 

Church Divinity School of the Pacific Open House from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 2451 Ridge Rd. Faculty seminars, tours, and discussions. To register call 204-0755. www.cdsp.edu 

SUNDAY, APRIL 3 

Alan Rinzler’s Writer’s Workshop First-come, first-served at 3 p.m. at Cody’s on Telegraph Ave. 845-7852. 

Hands-on Bicycle Clinic: Safety at 10 a.m. at REI, 1338 San Pablo Ave. Free. 527-4140. 

The Light and Dark of Life Learn about biological clocks, and how plants tell time, from 10 a.m. to noon at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. 525-2233. 

Six-Legged Sex: The Erotic Lives of Insects from 2 to 4 p.m. at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. 525-2233. 

Alternative Materials: Cob and Strawbale A workshop on two natural building methods from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Building Education Center, 812 Page St. Cost is $75. 525-7610.  

Cuba Solidarity Event including a report on the Cuban 5 case at 7 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center, 3105 Shattuck Ave. Cost is $5-$10 sliding scale. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

War Tax Resistance Workshop from 1 to 4 p.m. at 3122 Shattuck Ave. Sponsored by California War Tax Resistance. 843-9877. www.nowartax.org 

Tour of the Flora Lamson Hewlett Library at 3:30 p.m. at the Graduate Theological Union, 2400 Ridge Rd. Reservations required. 649-2420. 

Family Film Sunday “The Music Man” at 11 a.m. at Julia Morgan Center for the Arts, 2640 College Ave. Cost is $5.  

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 

Elderflower WomanSpirit Festival with entertainment, workshops, food, and crafts, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Humanist Hall, 390 27th St., Oakland. Cost is $25-$40. http://elderflower.org 

Tibetan Buddhism with Erika Rosenberg on “Heart Practices for Daily Life” at 6 p.m. at the Tibetan Nyingma Institute, 1815 Highland Pl. 843-6812. www.nyingmainstitute.com 

MONDAY, APRIL 4 

Tea and Hike at Four Taste some of the finest teas from the Pacific Rim and South Asia and learn their natural and cultural history, followed by a short nature walk. At 4 p.m. at Tilden Nature Area, in Tilden Park. Cost is $5-$7, registration required. 525-2233.  

Bird Watching Basics with Dennis Wolff, Audubon Society member, Mondays through April 25, from 9:30 a.m. to noon at UC Botanical Garden, 200 Centennial Drive. Cost is $65-$75, registration required. 643-2755. http://botanicalgarden.berkeley.edu 

Jumping Jupiter! You’ll have to wait to 2010 to get a better view of Jupiter than right now. Meet at Inspiration Point, Tilden Park, and we’ll walk down Nimitz Way to see this gas giant and other worlds and stars. 525-2233. 

Romero Presente! A week-long celebration of the life of Bishop Oscar Romero of El Salvador, at the Graduate Theological Union. For details contact RomeroPresente@fst.gtulink.edu 

National Organization for Women Oakland/East Bay Chapter meets at 6 p.m. at the Oakland YWCA, 1515 Webster St. The speaker will be Melanie Sweeney Griffith, from Black Women Organized for Political Action. 

“The U.S. and Mexico: A View from Zacatecas” with Amalia García Medina, governor of the state of Zacatecas, Mexico at 4 p.m. in the Geballe Room, 220 Stephens Hall, UC Campus. 642-2088. www.clas.berkeley.edu 

TUESDAY, APRIL 5 

Mid-Day Meander in Briones to see the spring migratory birds. From 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. For details call 525-2233. 

Bird Walk along the Martin Luther King Shoreline to see marsh birds at 3:30 p.m. for information call 525-2233. 

“California Wild” A slide presentation with author and photographer Tim Palmer at 7 p.m. at REI, 1338 San Pablo Ave. Free. 527-4140. 

Robert Reich on “How Unequal Can America Get Before We Snap?” at 7 p.m. at Wheeler Auditorium, UC Campus. Free, but tickets required. 642-9988. 

“American Labor and the Cold War: Grassroots Politics and Postwar Political Culture” with authors William Issel, Kenneth Burt and Don Watson at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Central Library, Community Room, 2090 Kittredge St. 981-6100.  

“Advice for Small Business Owners” with Susan Urquhart-Brown, author of “The Accidental Entrepreneur: Practical Wisdom for People Who Never Expected to Work for Themselves” at 7 p.m. at El Cerrito Library, 6510 Stockton Ave. 526-7512. 

“Resolving Conflicts Through Dialogue” with Drs Jerry Diller and Meshulam Plaves, Tues. April 5, 12, 19 at 7:30 p.m. at the BRJCC. Cost is $40. 848-0237, ext. 110. 

Berkeley Salon Discussion Group meets to discuss Tax Reform from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Berkeley Richmond Jewish Community Center, 1414 Walnut St. Please bring snacks and soft drinks to share. No peanuts please. 601-6690.     

“Will Your Bones Carry You into the Future?” with Beverley Tracewell, CCRC, at 4 p.m. at Jewish Family & Children’s Services, 828 San Pablo Ave., Suite 104, Albany. To register call 558-7800. 

Introductory Buddhist Meditation Class at 7 p.m. at Dzalandhara Buddhist Center, in Berkeley. Suggested donation $7-$10. For directions call 559-8183. www.kadampas.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. Introduction to Legal Assistance at 11 a.m. 845-6830. 

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6 

Tilden Tots Join a nature adventure program for 3 and 4 year olds, each accompanied by an adult (grandparents welcome)! We’ll discover plant parts from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Bring a plain, light-colored t-shirt. Cost is $6-$8. Registration required. 636-1684. 

Great Decisions 2005: “Global Water Issues” with Prof. Isha Ray, Energy and Resources Group, UCB from 10 a.m. to noon at the Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant St. Cost is $5. For information and reservations call 526-2925. 

“The Forest for the Trees: Judi Bari vs. the FBI” a new documentary at 7:30 p.m. at La Pena, 3105 Shattuck Ave. Cost is $10. Benefits Forest Defenders’ Pepper Spray Q-tip lawsuit. 849-2568. 

“When Hate Happens Here” a screening and community discussion of a new documentary at 7 p.m. at Grand Lake Theater, Oakland. Sponsored by KQED and The Working Group. Free, but please RSVP to 415-553-3338. ylee@kqued.org 

Quit Smoking Class from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. and April 20 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at 2326 Tolman Hall, UC Campus. Sponsored by the City of Berkeley. to register call 981-5330. 

“Unprecedented” and “Votergate” two documentaries at 7 p.m. at Humanist Hall, 390 27th St., Oakland. 393-5685. 

St. Paul’s Episcopal School Community Outreach Breakfast at 7:30 a.m. at 116 Moncito Ave., Oakland. Reservations required. 285-9613. 

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

Berkeley School Volunteers Training workshop for volunteers interested in helping in Berkeley Public schools at 7 p.m. at 1835 Allston Way. 644-8833. 

WomenFirst Open House and introduction for volunteers to assist women in transition to self-sufficiency, from noon to 2 p.m. at 7200 Bancroft Ave., Suite 260, Oakland. Please RSVP to Yasmeen at 729-6236. 

Home Buyer Assistance Information Session at 6 p.m. at 1504 Franklin St., Oakland. Sponsored by the Home Buyer Assistance Center. Reservations required. 832-6925, ext. 100. www.hbac.org 

AARP Free Tax Assistance for taxpayers with middle and low incomes, with special attention to those 60 years and older. From 12:15 to 4:15 p.m. at the Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave. This service will continue through April. Appointments required. 526-3720, ext. 5. 

Walk Berkeley for Seniors at 9:30 a.m. at the Sea Breeze Market, just west of the I-80 overpass. 548-9840. 

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

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

Berkeley Peace Walk and Vigil at the Berkeley BART Station at 6:30 p.m. www.geocities.com/vigil4peace/vigil 

Artify Ashby Muralist Group meets every Wed. from 5 to 8 p.m. at the South Berkeley Senior Center, to plan a new mural. Call Bonnie at 704-0803. 

THURSDAY, APRIL 7 

Early Morning Bird Walk in Tilden Meet at 7 a.m. opposite the Pony Ride for a Gorge Trail tramp. 525-2233. 

Tilden Tots Join a nature adventure program for 3 and 4 year olds, each accompanied by an adult. We’ll discover plant parts from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Bring a plain, light-colored t-shirt. Cost is $6-$8. Registration required. 636-1684. 

“Seafood Watch” a lecture with Jennifer Dianot of the Monterey Bay Aquarium on depletion of fish stocks around the world and health of the oceans at 7 p.m. at the Zimmer Auditorium, Oakland Zoo. Cost is $8-$10. 632-9525, ext. 142. 

“Know Your Soil” with Richard Strong, soil scientist, at 7 p.m. at the Ecology Center, 2530 San Pablo Ave. 548-2220, ext. 233. 

Salvemos Nuestros Pueblos at 7 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center, 3105 Shattuck Ave. Donation $5-$15. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

BUSD West Campus Site Planning Meeting on “Alternatives to Development” at 7 p.m. in the cafeteria, 1222 University Ave. 644-6066. 

Berkeley Partners for Parks meets at 7:30 p.m. at The City of Berkeley's Corporation Yard, 1326 Allston Way, Assembly Room-The Green Room. All welcome. 649-9874. 

Diversity Films: “Beauty Before Age” at 6:30 p.m. at Ellen Driscoll Theater, Frank Havens Elementary School, 325 Highland Ave., Piedmont. Discussion follows. Free. 599-9227. www.diversityworks.org 

“Invest in Yourself and Your Community” Information on credit unions, loan funds and other financial services that help local communities at 7:30 p.m. at BRJCC, 1414 Walnut St. Free. 839-2900, ext. 261. 

Commemorate Oakland Docks Anti-War Picket A benefit for Willow Rosenthal injured on April 7, 2003, at 7 p.m. at Café Van Kleef, 1621 Telegraph Ave., Oakland. 

“The Future of the U.S. and Mexico: The Role of Education” with Juan Ramón de la Fuente of the National Autonomous University of Mexico at 4 p.m. in the Lounge, Women’s Faculty CLub, UC Campus. 642-2088. www.clas.berkeley.edu 

“Medicare, MediCal & Long-Term Insurance?” with Bruce Feder, attorney, at 7 p.m. at Jewish Family & Children’s Services, 828 San Pablo Ave., Suite 104, Albany. To register call 558-7800. 

National Alcohol Screening Day from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Options Recovery Services, 2020 Milvia St., fourth floor. Call Ellen or Celeste for an appointment 666-9900. 

“The Rhythm of Life’s Transitions” Learn exercises and ritual at 7 p.m. at Changemakers for Women, 6536 Telegraph Ave. Cost is $15-$25. RSVP to 286-7915. 

East Bay Mac User Group from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Expression Center for New Media, 6601 Shellmound St. http://ebmug.org 

CITY MEETINGS 

Creeks Task Force meets Mon. April 4, at 7 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Erin Dando, 981-7410. www.ci.ber- 

keley.ca.us/commissions/creeks 

Council Agenda Committee meets Mon., April 4, at 2:30 p.m., at 2180 Milvia St. 981-6900. www.ci.berkeley.ca. 

us/citycouncil/agenda-committee 

Berkeley Rent Stabilization Board meets Mon. April 4, at 7 p.m. in City Council Chambers, Pam Wyche, 644-6128 ext. 113. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/rent 

Landmarks Preservation Commission meets Mon., April 4, at 7:30 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Gisele Sorensen, 981-7419. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/landmarks 

Peace and Justice Commission meets Mon., April 4, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Manuel Hector, 981-5510. www.ci.berkeley.ca. 

us/commissions/peaceandjustice 

Solid Waste Management Commission Mon., April 4, at 7 p.m., at 1201 Second St. Tania Levy, 981-6368. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/solidwaste 

Youth Commission meets Mon., April 4, at 6:30 p.m., at 1730 Oregon St. Philip Harper-Cotton, 981-6670. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/youthô

A page 2 headline in the March 29-31 issue for an article on a hazardous waste pickup contained errors. The program is not free, but requires a $10 copay. Also, it is a door-to-door program, not a curbside program.

Six months after a hacker broke into a UC Berkeley research computer containing the names and Social Security numbers of more than 600,000 health care workers and patients, the university has suffered another embarrassing security breach: the theft of a laptop containing personal information on nearly 100,000 graduate students. 

In a press advisory released this week, two weeks after the March 11 robbery at the Graduate Division offices, UC Berkeley Director of Media Relations Marie Felde said that the theft occurred when the office doors were momentarily left unlocked and unattended during the noon hour. The laptop was stolen from a worker’s office inside the division. 

“Campus police believe this was just a crime of opportunity, with someone seeing a chance to steal a purse or anything they could get their hands on,” Felde said in a telephone interview. “It didn’t appear that the thief would have known what information was in the computer.” 

Felde said that an employee saw someone walking out with the computer and notified campus police. The theft is still under investigation. 

Even though UC officials do not believe that the personal information was the actual target of the theft, California law requires the university to attempt to contact all of the individuals whose personal information was listed in the computer to inform them that they are potentially the targets of identity theft. Felde said that attempts to contact the individuals by mail are being hampered by the fact that some of the contact information is 30 years old. 

Felde said that the university waited until this week to begin notifying potential victims because “campus police thought they had a good chance of identifying the suspect and recovering the computer.” She said that when that didn’t occur, university officials decided they could not wait any longer to begin the notification process. She said that in addition to the news release, e-mails and letters to the 98,369 present and former graduate students, whose information was in the computer, began going out on Monday. 

The university has also set up a web page at http://newscenter.berkeley.edu/security/grad/ to inform potential victims of steps to take to ensure their identity information has not been compromised, as well as a toll-free information number (800-372-5110) and a contact e-mail address (idalert@berkeley.edu). 

The stolen computer contained names and Social Security numbers of individuals who applied to non-law school graduate programs at the university between fall 2001 and spring 2004, graduate students who enrolled at UC Berkeley between fall 1989 and fall 2003, and recipients of doctoral degrees from 1976 through 1999. Felde said that in addition, at least one-third of the files contained either birth dates or addresses of the individuals. 

Felde said that the laptop was password-protected but the data was not encrypted. 

“The university has been systematically installing encryption software on all personal computers containing such data,” she said. “This particular computer had been scheduled to be encrypted within a day or two of the theft, so it was of particular bad luck that the computer was stolen at that time.” 

Felde said that “the encryption software installation has been accelerated” in the wake of the theft. “We are ensuring that doors are being kept locked” leading to areas in the university that might have sensitive data, and “the university is conducting training on how to protect personal property.” 

The West Berkeley warehouse, declared a fire hazard by city officials, could have a potential buyer who wants to preserve the building as a live-work space for artists. 

The Northern California Land Trust has inquired about the property, said Executive Director Ian Winters. 

“There have been a number of tenants and residents who have approached us to see if it were possible to purchase the building,” Winters said. He added that the agency would need more time to determine if it might make a bid. 

Meanwhile the owner of the Drayage warehouse, at the corner of Addison and Third streets, said he would declare bankruptcy should the city make good on its promise to charge him to post a fire company outside the building. 

“I’m not a developer, I don’t have deep pockets,” the property owner, Dr. Lawrence White, a physician, said in a Friday interview. 

At the urging of city councilmembers and the more than two dozen warehouse residents, city officials last week extended a 15-day evacuation order from April 1 to April 15, on condition that White pay roughly $5,500 a day for a fire company to safeguard the building. 

White had previously agreed to sell the building to developer Ali Kashani for $2.05 million, but the deal fell through after Kashani learned there were residential tenants. An address confirmation inquiry by Kashani led to a fire inspection that found 255 code violations at the property. 

At a Friday meeting with his tenants, White suggested that Kashani had used his influence with city officials to send building inspectors to the site because he knew it wasn’t up to code. “I think Kashani wanted to bring down the price of the building,” White told his tenants. “He just wanted to steal it.” 

Kashani, the former head of Affordable Housing Associates, rejected White’s charges. “The city doesn’t follow my orders,” he said.  

White said he thought the city’s demand that he pay for the fire company was a pressure tactic for him to sweeten the deal for tenants to leave the building by April 1. At Friday’s meeting he offered to pay for hotel rooms for each of them for two weeks beginning on the first, but the residents remained adamant that somehow they would find a way to stay in their homes. 

“This is not going to happen in Berkeley,” said Claudia Viera, a resident who runs a mediation business out of her loft. “I see a lot of opportunity to fix a lot of the issues the fire marshal is concerned about, while allowing people to live here.”  

But Deputy Chief Orth, who also serves as the city’s fire marshal, said that ultimately the tenants would have to vacate. “The way the living spaces have been constructed, there’s a huge fire risk,” he said. “This is the type of building where we would lose a lot of firefighters.” 

On the list of violations, the Fire Department was especially concerned that several of the tenants used propane stoves, had built multi-story residences without proper railings, and set up welding shops next to living spaces. 

Although the City Council cannot overturn a decision of the fire marshal, Councilmember Kriss Worthington, noting that Orth had initially wanted the warehouse evacuated immediately, said he saw some potential wiggle room for the tenants to remain. “When the community expresses concerns, there is always some flexibility,” he said. He added, however, that he not yet seen any workable solution to keep tenants at the building past April 15. 

White, who bought the warehouse for $1.08 million in 1997, owns other East Bay properties, according to county records. In 2000 he bought a medical building on Webster Street for $1.125 million. In 1999 he paid $850,000 for a commercial property at 759 San Pablo Avenue. In 1998 he purchased an office building at 1307 Solano Avenue for $290,000. 

After White and his former wife, Michelle J. Schwartz, divorced in 2003, she assumed sole ownership of a mixed-use building at 1700 Shattuck Ave. that the couple bought for $1.375 million in 1999. 

White said he stands to pay more than $75,000 in fire expenses should the tenants remain at the warehouse through the 15th. If tenants stay past the deadline, the city could choose to continue billing him for the fire company and fine him an extra $2,500 a day. 

›

Forget the gaping, empty stare and the gross green garb. New owner John Gordon said that when he is finished, the bedraggled old Victorian on College and Ashby avenues is going to make a dramatic comeback. 

The distinctive structure, clad in mal de mer green stucco, has been sitting vacant for years, right in the vital heart of one of Berkeley’s most vibrant commercial neighborhoods. 

The Victorian relic is just part of the bloc of property Gordon’s firm purchased from the heirs of its previous owner, who neighbors said had resisted any attempts to improve the property. Gordon had been the listing agent. 

Gordon refused to say how much he had paid for the bloc of buildings, which consist of six retail spaces, only saying that he paid a reasonable price. He added that he would have to put a lot of money into renovations. Escrow closed on the building around the beginning of March. 

Gordon said he has submitted his renovation plans to the city for design review. He said the building is not listed on any historic registry, so no review by the Landmarks Preservation Commission would be required. 

The corner building, built around 1906, is possibly the oldest commercial structure in the Elmwood commercial district, said Anthony Bruce, a staff member of the Berkeley Architectural Heritage Association. 

Should things turn out as Gordon hopes, the bedraggled old hulk may soon shed decades of stuccoed neglect like a chrysalis and emerge anew in all her former glory—at least as soon as Gordon can find out just what that was. 

“We’re looking for pictures,” said Gordon, a leading player in Berkeley’s commercial real estate world both as a broker and, increasingly, as a property owner teamed with partner Jim Novosel. 

The sale hangs a cloud over the future of one tenant, Wright Automotive, whose lease is soon to expire, Gordon acknowledged. 

Wright is one of three businesses which have been located in the attached storefronts extending west along Ashby Avenue. One, Picture It Sold!, an outfit that displays and sells customer belongings on e-Bay, le3ft months ago for a West Berkeley location, and the other, Dream Fluff Donuts, has a solid lease and “we intend to keep them,” said Gordon. 

But the car repair shop is another question. 

An in-person inquiry about the fate of the garage met with a terse response Monday. 

“You’ll have to talk to the owner,” declared a gentleman with receding salt-and-pepper hair. “Not the owner of this business, but the owner of the building.” 

“Is that something the neighborhood wants?” Gordon mused aloud. “But that’s for the second phase,” he adds. “Right now, I’m worried about the corner building.” 

Gordon is asking the public’s help in locating any photographs that might show the building in its earlier incarnations to aid in restoration.  

Workers have already removed a small section of stucco next to a second floor window on the Ashby Avenue side of the corner building, revealing the original alternating wide and narrow planking that once faced the street and may do so again. 

Restoration won’t be simple. Gordon says he’ll be installing a new roof, handicapped restrooms and other upgrades, along with a voluntary seismic retrofit. 

Once the main building is restored, the question then becomes, who moves in? 

That’s not a simple question in the Elmwood, which is one of Berkeley’s regulated commercial districts, where certain businesses are restricted by a quota system established to protect existing businesses, especially those serving the surrounding residential community. 

“It took months to figure out the quota system on College,” said Gordon. “The quotas in the neighborhood were done 20 years ago, and a lot of things are very different now.” 

The neighborhood is currently maxed out on eat-in restaurants, bookstores and clothiers. The latter category prompted the most recent quota battle, triggered by the latest expansion of the ever-growing Jeremy’s clothing outlet catercorner from Gordon’s new building. 

Gordon said he is working closely with Moriarty, City Councilmember Gordon Wozniak and neighborhood councils in the area to make sure the final project addresses their concerns.›

A key state official with a vital say over the funding of the planned Ed Roberts Center says he can’t make his decision and placed the blame this month on city officials. 

The Ed Roberts Center, planned to rise above the site of the Ashby Bart Station at 3075 Adeline St., is supposed to be the crown jewel of universal design, a building equally accessible to all with disabilities. 

Located at a crucial transportation hub in a city famous for embracing activism, it will house a wide range of training and service programs and the offices of disability rights activist groups, located in an easily accessible locale. No one has questioned the need for the center nor its location. The only bones of contention have been scale and the appropriateness of the architectural plans for the surrounding neighborhood. 

Before federal funds can be allocated to the project, the state Office of Historic Preservation must sign off on a statement about the project’s potential adverse impacts on nearby properties included in or eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. 

Though final approval of the federal appropriation has yet to come, no federal funds can flow to the project until the state agency signs off on the project. Federal law requires that before the Department of Housing and Urban Development can release funds to such projects, the relevant state agency must evaluate the impact on any properties in the immediate area of potential effects (APE) that are included in or might be eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. 

And therein lies the city’s failure, State Historic Preservation Officer Milford Wayne Donaldson informed Tim Stroshane of the city Housing Department in a March 9 letter. 

In a Feb. 2 letter from the city claiming that the project wouldn’t have any adverse impacts on the architectural heritage of the surrounding neighborhood, the city acknowledged that nationally eligible properties might lie within the APE—but then made no effort to identify them. 

“I do not believe that the city has made a reasonable level of effort regarding the identification and evaluation of historic properties,” Donaldson wrote. Until the city does that, Donaldson said any evaluation by his office would be premature. 

Citing papers by the Berkeley Architectural Heritage Association and historical consultants Page and Turnbull, Donaldson wrote that the area around the site may include “one or more National Register eligible districts.” One focuses on the neighborhood’s development structured around the turn of the 19th century streetcar networks and the other on the profusion of Colonial Revival houses in the area. 

Donaldson also faulted the officials for failing to present the issue to the Landmarks Preservation Commission until January 2005. At their January meeting, commissioners gave the project their blessings, finding no adverse impacts on the surrounding area.  

The tempest remains confined to a bureaucratic teapot until the federal appropriations measure makes it all the way through the legislative process and wins a signature from President Bush. 

?

Many Berkeley residents looking for a cheap and easy way to dispose of computer monitors, televisions, herbicides or other toxic substances lying around their house can now have the items picked up at their doorstep. 

Through a $120,000 state grant the city will provide the hazardous waste pick-up service for eligible residents through next March. 

The service, which started last week, is open to seniors, the disabled, low-income households (income under $52,000), and households without a car. A $10 co-pay is required. 

“We’ve found that Berkeley has a lot of eccentrics who collect interesting stuff,” said Berkeley Hazardous Materials Manager Nabil Al-Hadithy, explaining why the city applied for the grant. “We get a lot of calls from realtors saying there’s a bunch of vile stuff in here.” 

Acceptable hazardous waste includes paints, herbicides, aerosols, batteries, oil filters, pesticides, antifreeze, televisions, computer monitors, circuit boards, mercury and other chemicals. The program does not cover explosives, fire extinguishers, gas cylinders, radioactive materials, ammunition, or any containers that are unlabeled or more than five gallons. 

Although California last year passed a law requiring residents to dispose properly of unwanted computer monitors and televisions, Al-Hadithy said Berkeley must still contend with residents who leave the items on the curb. 

“The public works department picks them up at a tremendous cost,” he said. Hazardous waste picked up in Berkeley is hauled off to a county hazardous waste facility, the closest one of which is in Oakland. 

The city encourages eligible residents to call 1-800-449-7587 to learn more about the program and schedule a pick up. For residents who don’t qualify, the Alameda County Computer Resource Center will dispose of monitors for $10, televisions for $15, and computers for $5 at their Berkeley location, 1501 Eastshore Highway. Computer monitor and television drop-offs are free on Fridays. The agency will schedule pick-ups for a minimum cost of $500.i

The assistant Alameda County district attorney in charge of juvenile prosecutions says that he has not yet seen a report on a female student accused of bringing a gun on to the Berkeley High campus one month after Berkeley police officials say they sent it to the district attorney’s office. 

“Where this stuff has gone is anybody’s guess,” said Assistant District Attorney Walter Jackson. “The Berkeley police told me they put it in the mail, but because we don’t have anybody’s name that they gave it to, I don’t have anybody to contact directly to find out where the report is. I still haven’t seen hide nor hair of it.” 

The student was arrested by Berkeley police and later expelled by the Berkeley Unified School District for allegedly bringing a loaded pistol to school in her backpack in early February. Berkeley High officials said that the girl told them that the gun was given to her for safekeeping by her father, and brought to school inadvertently. Because she is a juvenile, the student’s name has never been released by either the school district or the police department. 

Berkeley Police Information Officer Joe Okies said earlier this month that the report was turned over to the district attorney’s office the first of March. The district attorney could charge either the student or her father, or both, but not without first seeing the police report. 

Jackson said police reports on possible crimes by juveniles first go to an officer in the Alameda County Probation Department and then to the district attorney’s Office. “But some of the probation officers are so backed up, it takes months to get a report off their desks,” Jackson said. He added that he recently had one case where the probation officer had not processed a report for a year. 

Calls to the Juvenile Division of the Probation Department concerning the case were not returned. 

The 16-year-old girl who authorities say slashed the throat of a Berkeley woman near the Rose Garden was with a county worker, assigned to juvenile hall, at the time of the attack, said County Supervisor Keith Carson. 

Carson, who would not disclose the woman’s name, said she had not called police after the incident and had been placed on administrative leave from her part-time job as a guidance counselor. 

He added that it was county policy for social workers stationed at Juvenile Hall not to spend time with clients off the premises, other than in special sanctioned cases. 

The suspect, identified as “Marilyn” of Oakland, is currently in custody at Juvenile Hall awaiting the results of a psychiatric exam requested by her defense attorney. Carson did not know if the counselor had been assigned to the girl during her previous stays in the detention center. 

“We still don’t know if her presence [at the crime scene] was a coincidence or if it was sanctioned by county authorities,” he said. 

Berkeley police officer Steve Rego confirmed that police have spoken to the counselor and added that they would soon turn over their findings to the district attorney. At the time of the March 16 incident, police labeled the counselor as an accomplice, but after they arrested the 16-year-old, they said they knew the identity of the companion and that she was not a suspect. 

In her original statement to police, the counselor said she was merely passing by at the time of the attack, according to Assistant District Attorney Walter Jackson. She has since provided a second statement, he said. 

“I’m going on the assumption that she was the second individual who was at the scene,” said Jackson. 

The 16-year-old has been charged with attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon for grabbing a 75-year-old Berkeley woman by the neck and slashing her throat with an eight-inch kitchen knife. 

The Berkeley Federation of Teachers has publicly rejected the Berkeley Unified School District’s offer of a 1.2 percent teacher pay raise, saying that the contract offer would actually amount to a $2,000-a-year net loss to teachers when coupled with the district’s medical benefits proposals. 

BFT President Barry Fike said in a telephone interview last week that “no settlement is in sight.” 

BUSD Public Information Officer Mark Coplan revealed the district’s offer in an interview in the Daily Planet last Tuesday. The BFT issued their reply following a day-long bargaining session last Thursday between union and district contract negotiators through the state-appointed mediator. The Thursday meeting was the second of two bargaining sessions held last week. 

The next bargaining session is scheduled for April 21, but with an ongoing teacher “work to rule” action having a continuing effect throughout the district, representatives of both sides said they were attempting to move up the date for the next round of contract talks. 

Up until now, details of those talks have been secret. 

But Coplan said the district decided to release details of its contract offer “because the community made it clear to us that they wanted some information on what was going on.” Coplan said that BUSD Superintendent Michele Lawrence released the information only after clearing it with the school district’s attorney. 

Lawrence was unavailable for comment. 

According to Coplan, Lawrence made a request of BFT representatives at last Monday’s bargaining session that “any future information from the negotiations be put out jointly by the BFT and the BUSD.” 

On Wednesday of last week, however, after BUSD’s contract offer appeared in the Daily Planet, BFT instead sent out a document to its members entitled “BFT Negotiations Update.” In the document, later released to the Planet, the BFT said that “until now, BFT has refrained from disclosing either side’s proposal details. However, now that BUSD has chosen to publicly announce their specific raise proposal [in the Daily Planet] and since they have done so without providing it within the context of their total compensation proposal, BFT felt it was important to inform [its members] of the bigger picture.” 

In a flyer released at the same time as the update, the BFT estimated that the district’s 1.2 percent salary increase proposal would amount to an average of $647 in extra pay for Berkeley teachers in 2005-06. The union said that the district offered no salary increase for 2006-07. 

In addition, the union says that “the District offered to pay one-fourth of an expected 12 percent increase in medical benefits for 2005-06 and to pay for zero percent of an equally large increase in 2006-07. If we were to accept this ‘offer,’ the average teacher would pay an additional contribution of over $2,710 to benefits during the next two years. That’s a net loss of over $2,000.” 

The BFT flyer called the district benefits proposal “particularly dangerous for teachers with children. Their net loss ranges from $2,768 to $3,971, depending on their health plan.” 

In addition to comparing salary and benefit proposals, the BFT negotiations update also compared proposals on the other issue dividing the two sides: class size. The BFT said that the BUSD “proposes contract provisions centered around class size averages” without a maximum class size cap, a policy which, the union says, has “resulted in the dramatic class size increases we have experienced over the last few years.” The BFT says it has proposed both class size averages and a class size limit of 30 students for kindergarten through fifth grade, 32 for sixth, seventh and eighth grades, and 33 for ninth through twelfth grades. 

Asked if the public release and counter-release of negotiating positions by the two sides might hurt the ongoing mediation effort, Coplan said, “potentially,” but added that “the district has looked over the union’s release, and we don’t think there’s anything in it that is detrimental to the negotiation effort.” Coplan said that “we’re still hoping we can work together” with the union to put out joint releases from the negotiations, rather than separate releases by each side. 

Meanwhile, BFT president Barry Fike said that the union is mobilizing its members to attend the April 6 meeting of the BUSD Board of Directors “to express their frustration about the district’s contract position.” Fike said that a rally is planned for the steps of Old City Hall shortly before the 7 p.m. starting time of the meeting.›

A Berkeley developer’s plans for a $700 million luxury casino resort at the foot of the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge will move another step closer to realization Thursday night. 

The Point Molate casino proposal, the brainchild of environmental clean-up expert-turned-gambling entrepreneur James D. Levine, will be the subject of a federal hearing starting at 7 p.m. in Richmond Memorial Auditorium, 403 Civic Center Plaza. 

Conducted by officials of the Sacramento office of the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs, the meeting will feature comments from anyone who signs up to speak on the proposal. 

Levine’s plan is one of two surviving Las Vegas-scale slot-machine and table game resorts proposals still flourishing in the Richmond area. 

A third proposal, calling for a 2,500-slot-machine gaming palace at the Casino San Pablo card room, was withdrawn last week in the face of federal hearings and strong opposition in the state Legislature. 

The withdrawal by the Lytton Rancheria Pomos isn’t a concession of defeat, and the tribe could revive its proposal later. 

For his proposal, Levine has teamed with the Guidiville Rancheria Band of Pomo tribespeople, gambling giant Harrah’s Entertainment, former Defense Secretary William Cohen and Loew’s Entertainment to present plans for a massive four-hotel resort with a major showroom at the site of the former Point Molate U.S. Navy fueling station. 

Thursday night’s hearing is an environmental scoping session to gather the widest possible range of written and verbal comments to be used in preparing an environmental impact statement on the proposal. 

Before a casino can be built at Point Molate, the Bureau of Indian Affairs would have to first agree to take the land into trust for the tribe. 

The financially strapped Richmond City Council has been the project’s biggest backer, looking for new jobs for its residents, a major stimulus to ailing businesses and millions in payments from the tribe. 

If approved, the resort would feature a massive casino installed in the landmarked Winehaven building, featuring 2,500 to 3,000 slot machines and 125 to 160 table games. 

In addition to running the casino, Harrah’s would operate its own 350-400 room hotel at the site, with Loew’s running the remainder of Point Molate’s 1,100 rooms. 

The other Richmond proposal comes from Noram Richmond LLC, a special purpose corporation formed by a Florida firm to team with the Scott’s Valley Pomo band to purchase a 30-acre site between Parr Boulevard and Richmond Parkway in North Richmond, where they have planned the Sugar Bowl Casino, a 225,000-square-foot, 1,940-slot Las Vegas-style gambling palace. 

That proposal is much further along in the regulatory process. The BIA scoping session on Sugar Bowl was held last summer. 

Two lawsuits dog the Point Molate proposal. The first, filed by environmental groups, challenges the city’s sale of the property. 

The second, filed by the same Florida developer behind the Sugar Bowl proposal, charges that the Point Molate developers improperly enticed the Guidivilles to breach a contract with Noram that predated the firms involvement with the Scott’s Valley Pomo tribe.

CORRECTION 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

Thank you for the story on my appointment to the Berkeley Public Library Board of Trustees and for your coverage of the library in general. The Daily Planet has certainly tapped into a major concern for many people in Berkeley concerned about the welfare of the library following the failure of the tax measure this last November.  

I have a correction to make however. The Planet was correct in quoting me as saying that “I didn’t believe in tracking library checkouts,” but I did not say that I am opposed to the board’s decision to install RFID (radio frequency identification devices). When asked about the adoption of the system I said that I did not know enough about RFID and needed to learn more. There will be an opportunity for all of us to learn more about RFID as the board decided, at its March meeting, to hold a public forum on RFID; the date of that forum has yet to be decided. Please note that I was not yet a trustee of the library and therefore did not vote on the motion.  

Ying Lee 

• 

JUDICIAL NOMINEES 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

All judicial nominees are evaluated by the American Bar Association (ABA) that is composed of individuals of all political persuasions. Traditionally, those approved by this organization were virtually assured of being appointed. Things have now changed. Severe criticism of appointees has come from pressure groups despite overwhelming approval of the ABA! The criticism has been patently false on several occasions (claiming appointees were racist even though the black community testified against the charges)! And now the Senate minority is insisting on 60 votes for approval rather the traditional majority vote! Why use these obstructionist tactics? Does it mean that your cause is a weak one and therefore requires activities that deny American traditions of honesty and integrity? If your cause is just you should win, but, if not there will be an overwhelming backlash to these tactics! 

Charles L. Pifer 

Orinda 

• 

CREEKS TASK FORCE 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

I’d like to thank Matthew Artz for his intelligent Feb. 11 article on the Berkeley Creeks Task Force. Although I’ve been following this issue closely and consider myself well-informed, Mr. Artz’s article provided new and relevant information. He demonstrated a good grasp of the complexities of the issue, and I think he could make an important contribution to the community by closely following the work of the task force. I hope the Daily Planet makes this coverage a priority. Somehow I missed Mr. Artz’s article when it appeared, but I found it tonight when I visited the Neighbors on Urban Creeks website.  

Thanks again for this reporting.  

Joan Sprinson 

• 

DRAYAGE BUILDING 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

I’m writing in response to Matthew Artz’s March 25 article “Eviction Reprieve For Drayage Tenants, But Fight Continues.” City officials were correct in granting a two week extension to the April 1 eviction deadline of all residential tenants who occupy the site, regardless of the political pressure that had to be imposed upon them to do so. However, that does not go far enough. The City Council should also add this issue as an agenda item to be discussed at the April 12 meeting when they receive a staff report on the property. 

One rogue Fire Chief such as Steve Orth should not be allowed by the city to play good cop/bad cop with the lives and livelihoods of over two dozen Drayage residents because he feels it’s for their own good. Chief Orth’s classification of the property as an extreme fire hazard and an imminent danger to its occupants appears to be an egregious attempt to quickly render vacant for development the last low-income, live-work space in West Berkeley. Is it not the responsibility of the Fire Chief to thoroughly inspect the entire building on an annual basis? Why were these violations just recently discovered upon the owner’s interest in selling the building? I find it very hard to believe that Fire Chief Orth had no prior knowledge of the history of the Drayage’s residential occupants before this recent inspection. 

West Berkeley has a long history of social and civic activism of neighbors, labor activists, business people, and artists committed to making the neighborhood a place where many different kinds of people can flourish. Ultimately, I believe that West Berkeley’s diversity of people and businesses is its greatest strengths. The City Council must incorporate multi use, affordable, warehouse space such as the Drayage into the future planning and development of the West Berkeley area in order to preserve the integrity and long standing diversity of such a unique neighborhood. 

Nancy A. Whalen 

El Cerrito 

• 

VIOLENCE 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

As a Berkeley resident for over 25 years my personal experience and observation has proved to me that batterers, rapists and other violent criminals are treated with the utmost leniency in the City of Berkeley. So much so that friends of mine who are criminal defense lawyers, in other cities, are shocked to hear the kinds of violent crime that goes unpunished (or even acknowledged) in Berkeley. 

I would submit, respectfully, because I am not familiar with the work of Jane Litman or the Peace and Justice Commission, that the commission is “misguided and a waste of time” for its ineffectiveness and irrelevance. 

Berkeley has lost its way with regard to violence in its own city. 

In my opinion, the City of Berkeley has little right to voice its supposed moral superiority regarding the rest of the world. 

John Herbert 

• 

JEFFERSON SCHOOL 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

I do not, in any way, condone slavery. But I did go to Jefferson School, Garfield School, and I walked down Grove Street. I see little point in changing names. Named places make a city what it is. 

Instead of focusing all the energy on changing the names of school (tokenism) why not use the same energy in eliminating slavery where it still exists in this world today? 

Cultural norms change. In 350 years today’s do-gooders may be vilified for riding in combustion powered vehicles, consuming more than they produce, spending more for arms than education or allowing CEOs earn more than 1,000 times the minimum wage. 

It probably doesn’t matter, as those who think changing the names of schools is important won’t be remembered in 350 years. Before you vilify Jefferson, do something important yourself. 

Gary Herbertson 

• 

A NEW NAME 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

Regarding the re-naming of Jefferson Elementary School, how about George Orwell Elementary School? 

Phil Allen 

• 

RFID 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

Thank you for printing the letter by Don McKay about the Library Board of Trustees and the RFID system. I had been wondering about the way that the RFID decision was made. I knew of no publicity about the choice to use this expensive system, no publicity about the large amount of money that had to be borrowed. I think that this decision involved so much money and so much change for library users and staff that information should have been given out and citizen opinion asked for before any decision was finalized. 

I agree with Don McKay that making the RFID decision without publicity and without citizen input was like the action of an authoritarian government; it was not a democratic decision. 

I’ll be walking by the main library to see if I can find Gene Bernardi. 

Julia Craig 

• 

DICTATORSHIP 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

The signs of a U.S. dictatorship are getting kind of hard to ignore. The head of the Democratic Congressional delegation, a liberal San Franciscan, goes to Iraq (eight hours isolated in the Green Zone) and proclaims that there is progress in the imperial war and we must continue the occupation (and Faluja-ization) in the name of U.S. democracy. Keep up the murder ‘n’ torture boys. That’s the opposition party. The Congress and president tell us that we should die on their terms (with a feeding tube in place or a Humvee on our back). They strip out laws to protect women’s right to abortion and eliminate laws to prosecute terrorist actions against women’s clinics. And a Court says that testosterone King Arnold can spend as much money as he wants to create a smokescreen special election to remove the democracy Californians hold dear. Call this democracy? That’s Orwellian. 

Marc Sapir 

• 

TEACHERS’ UNION 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

Becky O’Malley writes in her March 22 editorial that “there’s no easy answer to the question of whether a teachers’ union is good or bad for students,” pointing out that the all-time worst and two of the best Berkeley teachers she’s known were all high officials in the teachers’ union. 

But the main issue is not whether good teachers or bad teachers belong to teachers’ unions. Naturally, both do. The main issue is why the union goes to such great lengths to protect the job of the all-time worst teacher. 

Our teachers, most of whom are excellent, ought to ask themselves whether they would enjoy far more public support for higher pay and benefits if their union didn’t so stubbornly resist getting rid of the bad ones. 

Russ Mitchell 

• 

MORE ON RFID 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

As a businesswoman and taxpayer, I am dismayed to learn that the Berkeley Public Library has invested $600,000 in a new RFID system which depends on proprietary hardware and software from Checkpoint Systems, Inc. I have to ask, will Checkpoint—or any other company—always be there in the future when the library may need new equipment, software upgrades, or even a new batch of tags to keep its RFID system up and running. 

Historical evidence is not promising. RFID is a new technology, in use in only about 1 percent of America’s 13,000 public and academic libraries so far. It is usual for new technologies like RFID to attract lots of competing companies (as was the case for early cars, computers, and VCRs.) Over time, only a few of the companies survive, ones with the very best technologies to sell and the most money to outlast the competition. Companies that are financially weaker or can only offer inferior products disappear (as did Yugo cars, Commodore computers, and Betamax VCRs.) The unfortunate buyers of such failed technologies are left with total losses. 

Today there are about 100 companies developing RFID systems. Along with Checkpoint, they include such giants as IBM, Microsoft, Hewlett-Packard, 3M, Texas Instruments, SAP, and Sun Microsystems. Checkpoint’s primary business has been installing closed circuit televisions and other security devices in stores. They enter the RFID field as a relatively tiny competitor, with a research and development budget of just $16-million a year. By comparison, IBM alone is investing $250-million in its rival RFID system. Of course, these companies hope to use RFID for more than just libraries, but if they can develop systems that are more secure and reliable, easier to install, less expensive, and perhaps safer, there is no reason to think any of them would ignore such a potentially valuable and wide-open market as libraries. 

One way to reasonably estimate Checkpoint’s possibility of success against such formidable rivals in this market is to see how it has been doing as a business. Checkpoint’s working capital—a good measure of its ability to continue to finance research and competitive expansion—has declined 67 percent since 1996. And, where investors risk their own money, its stock price has declined over 50 percent in the same period. Checkpoint was in better financial shape and worth more as a company before it entered the RFID business. 

It could be Checkpoint will be in the RFID business five or ten years from now, but what if Checkpoint and its proprietary hardware and software are gone. What does a public library with Checkpoint’s RFID system do then? Will the library be left to buy an entirely new system? Is it prudent to assume that another company will step in with a compatible system? Having spent so much public money on Checkpoint’s system, one would have hoped that the Public Library had conducted not only a sophisticated risk analysis of the likelihood of Checkpoint’s failure, but would have also insured their RFID investment against just such a failure as well. Apparently, they did neither. 

Sylvia Maderos-Vasquez 

• 

POLICE STATE 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

I was in a long line in the post office on Monday. The man next to me told that he has had a post office box for more than 10 years. Now that he was renewing it, he had to prove his U.S. citizenship by showing his California driver’s license and his U.S. passport to the window clerk. He was furious that now the post office scrutinizes him for a little post box. Later, I found out that almost all post office box holders had received letters requiring that they had to prove their citizenship to receive mail. The letter was threatening box holders that failure to do so in five days would lead to termination of services by the post office. The clerk at the window told the man that the information collected by the post office will be entered in a central computer.  

I was thinking to myself that this is just the tip of the iceberg. Last month, the House of Representatives passed the Read ID ACT. This Act soon will become a law. Then, next time you are renewing your driving license, you have to prove your US citizenship and provide lots of other documents. Your information will be stored in a central database system. 

And people in Berkeley are worried about the RFID in the library books? Get this. Yesterday, it was in the news that biometric passports have started to get into circulation. Such passports have RFID tags on them. So, you will be on constant watch. Not long ago, people in occupied Europe would have been stopped by Gestapo to show their papers. We will be experiencing the same fate; except, it is now done electronically! 

Helena Bautin 

• 

DEFENDING TEACHERS 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

In his most recent diatribe against teachers, local political gadfly and teacher-hater Michael Larrick claims that teachers get one “free” period a day. He uses this canard and the notion that teachers do not work beyond their seven-hour duty day to extrapolate how teachers are overpaid compared to other workers. 

As a Berkeley teacher these past 15 years I can attest to the fact that this “free” period (commonly known as a prep period) is certainly not free from work. Indeed the prep period is used by teachers to grade papers, make photocopies, fill out forms and complete myriad other tasks. Larrick’s decision to view us through the prism of the seven-hour day is similarly misleading. Most teachers stay late to help students and, when he do get home, we have papers to grade. There are also phone calls to make, e-mails to answer, and sometimes research to be done. (As teachers work to contract—the seven- hour, 10-minute day—it is hoped that the Berkeley community will realize just how much we do above and beyond the call of duty.)  

Teachers are by necessity a reflective group. We are constantly reviewing our days, how classes went, assessing interactions with individual students, wrestling with how to handle an on-going discipline issue, preparing for a parent conference the next day, considering ideas for the betterment of the school to be brought to the next staff meeting, etc. It is impossible to measure the time spent tossing and turning over decisions made or to be made during our teaching day—our spouses and significant others can attest to the on-going work-related insomnia that plague many of us.  

Larrick is part of an American culture that not only fails to appreciate teachers and public education in general, but also denigrates us at every turn. While many of our high school and college classmates with comparable or even lesser academic achievements are raking in considerably more money, teachers have to make do with what then California Gov. Jerry Brown referred to as psychic income. We, as teachers, think so much of our community’s children and place such importance on nurturing and inspiring their souls and minds that we sacrifice the chance at a yacht or summer home in Cape Cod. 

And when we want a fairer share of the pie, guys like Larrick answer with a figurative slap in the face. 

Here is your conundrum Mr. Larrick: You obviously hold us in low regard. You want better class of people in the teaching profession? You’re going to have to pay them, pal. Meanwhile you’re stuck with us, and just because we’re altruistic doesn’t mean we’re suckers. 

Richard Hourula 

Teacher, Willard Middle School  

• 

SIERRA CLUB ELECTIONS 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

For the second year in a row, those sleepy Sierra Club national elections have turned into a battleground. If you’re a Sierra Club member, you have either received or are about to receive a national club ballot. Please consider the following before you vote. 

Last year Sierra Club members voted in record numbers to defeat a hostile takeover attempt by outside groups trying to promote their anti-immigration agenda. Now they’re back—they’ve placed an anti-immigration measure on the 2005 ballot that would change the Sierra Club’s neutral position on immigration and force the club to advocate for more restrictions on immigration into the U.S.—a policy that will do nothing to protect the global environment but will distract, divert and divide the club. As Robert Redford has said, “It’s disheartening to see the board of directors and membership of one of our nation’s most powerful and influential groups, the Sierra Club, distracted and diverted by a struggle over immigration policy, of all things.” 

That’s why I and other concerned Sierra Club volunteers, along with Robert Kennedy Jr. and Carol Browner, are working to defend the Sierra Club by urging members to vote no on the ballot question on immigration. (For more information, go to www.groundswellsierra.org.) 

On the same ballot, I am asking you to vote for five of the following six experienced club leaders committed to the club’s core conservation agenda supporting parks and open space, clean air, clean water, and clean and efficient energy. (Note: Vote only for five; if you vote for six, your ballot will not be valid): 

Joni Bosh, Phoenix, AZ, former board member 

Jim Catlin, Salt Lake City, UT, current board member and wilderness advocate 

Jennifer Ferenstein, Missoula, MT, former club president 

Chuck McGrady, Tuxedo, NC, former club president 

Barbara Frank, La Crosse, WI, club leader or Jim Dougherty, club leader 

Helen Burke 

• 

SCOPING SESSION 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

The Lawrence Berkeley Lab is holding a scoping meeting for the public from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, March 31 at the North Berkeley Senior Center to present its plan to demolish the Bevatron and Building 51. The University of California will prepare the environmental impact report for this seven-year project.  

The dust and debris from the tens of thousands of tons of radioactive/hazardous waste produced from the smashing of the concrete shielding blocks and metals in these facilities will contain toxic materials (which may also be radioactive) such as asbestos, mercury, lead, PCBs, chlorinated VOCs, and aromatic hydrocarbons. Some of the radioactive materials include Cobalt 60, Cesium 137 and Europium 154. Radioactive energy from Cobalt 60 can be 59 times greater in intensity than that of an ordinary X-ray.  

These radioactive and hazardous wastes will be hauled by thousands of heavily loaded trucks down Hearst Avenue to Oxford, south on Oxford to University Avenue and down University to I-80. From there they will proceed to landfills in Altamount, the Nevada test site, and Clive, Utah. The lab anticipates this will take seven years.  

An alternative to demolition and removal would be the sound environmental practice of containment thus allowing the radioactivity to decay in place. This would also preserve the historic aspects of the Bevatron, as it is eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places for the research in particle physics, which resulted in four Nobel prizes.  

If you don’t want Radioactive Asbestos Dust in your neighborhood, stores, or at bus stops, or in a truck next to your car on the street, come to the scoping session and express your concerns.  

James Cunningham 

Pamela Sihvola 

Committee to Minimize Toxic Waste  

• 

JEANNETTE RANKIN 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

In regard to the article on Jeannette Rankin: While I have nothing but respect for Jeannette Rankin in general, and understand that her vote against  

entering World War I was a reasonable and honorable position to take, agree with it or not, I do not understand her vote against entering World War II, except as an expression of rigid ideology. Without actual warning Pearl Harbor had just been bombed, several thousand Americans killed, much of the Pacific fleet destroyed, American soldiers and sailors in the Philippines were also attacked, and she still voted against entry into the war? 

We were at war, like it or not. If someone stabs you, kicks you and punches you, you are in a fight, whether or not you approve of fighting. 

And, as awful as war is, some wars have to be fought. The United States in 1941 was by our standards today, terribly sexist, racist, and homophobic. And, it was part of a great coalition that destroyed one of the worst menaces in human history, Adolf Hitler’s Nazi nightmare. Does anyone actually think that World War II settled nothing?  

Now, imagine if Hitler had won his war; imagine a Nazi empire stretching from the Atlantic coast of France or Britain to Siberia; imagine a vast dreadful empire of slavery, murder, and death protected by nuclear weapons, the latest technology, and the sickest ideology in human memory. Does anyone actually think that if Hitler had won his war the death camps would have stopped, or that he would have limited his victims to Europe’s Jews? (He had already killed millions of others in those camps) Had Hitler won his war, hundreds of millions of innocent victims of all ethnicities and religions whose only crime was that of being born, would certainly have been exterminated by the Nazi death factories. Think about it. 

And, imagine now, if Hitler’s close ally, Imperial militarist Japan had won its war in the Pacific. Nobody to this day knows how many Chinese died under Japanese occupation. Conservative estimates are in the millions. Ask the people of the Philippines, of Korea, of China, of Burma, how they would have felt about Japanese victory in Asia. 

Japan and Germany had to be defeated, their visions for the future of humanity had to be destroyed. And if the world that came from the war was imperfect, troubled, dangerous, unfair, racist, sometimes painfully blind, and if it nearly destroyed itself in nuclear fire during the Cold War, that also is the story of imperfect human beings, often doing their best, often making terrible mistakes... 

Its history...I know, I teach the stuff. (And yes, for the record, that fact that I teach the topic doesn’t make me always right!) 

Michael Steinberg 

• 

LIVING WILLS 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

A profound growth process may occur when people embrace the pain of loss and death. The internal transformation toward awareness and compassion doesn’t occur in a heated political battle like the Schiavo case in Florida, or the Wendland case in California. A new documentary film by Nancee Sobonya, The Gifts of Grief, explores how seven remarkable people learn to live with their loss and now engage life on a higher level. 

A simple legal form called Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care (living will,, advanced directive) can help prevent an ugly public spectacle. Readily available from stationary stores, the California Medical Association, or Kaiser, a person declares how far they want health care providers to go in prolonging their life in the event of terminal illness, irreversible coma, or persistent vegetative state. One may also choose another to make health care decisions in the event one is unable to do so. 

Most people with living wills are affluent middle-aged people who have consulted pricey estate planning lawyers. However an affordable and accessible option is available. For the past five years I have guided hundreds of people through the process in evening classes at the Albany and Berkeley Adult Schools. Everyone should have a living will, especially young adults. 

Lynn Sherrell 

• 

UC CONTRIBUTIONS 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

I read with interest Steve Finacom’s March 18 commentary (“University Contributes Much to Public Projects”). If his list is complete, it serves to reinforce my long-standing impression that the university’s material contributions to the city over the past century have been rather paltry. 

In particular, I would like to take issue with Steve’s statement that “in May of 2004 the Northside Neighborhood Association wrote to city officials applauding this project and stating ‘this is a great example of how the city, the university and the community working together can achieve positive solutions for the challenges that we face.’” 

The letter was not from the Northside Neighborhood Association but from a handful of individuals who represent only themselves and not the neighborhood at large. 

Far from applauding the university for agreeing to pay 50 percent of the cost of improving the Hearst/Le Conte/Arch intersection, we think that the traffic at that intersection is at least 50 percent UC-related, and UC should pay to mitigate it. 

Furthermore, we believe that helping to improve one intersection is a patently inadequate mitigation for the cumulative negative impacts heaped on the Northside neighborhood by UC’s Northeast Quadrant building boom. 

The author of the letter cited by Steve shares this opinion. 

Daniella Thompson 

• 

RIDER-UNFRIENDLY BUSES 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

As a regular rider of the new fleet of AC Transit buses, I concur with the complaints of Dorothy Bryant and others, published previously in the Berkeley Daily Planet. Ideally the ghoulish Van Hools could be gutted and their interiors restored to the design of the rider-friendly older buses. 

These new vehicles, borrowing technology from the old, address the needs of wheelchair-bound passengers. But many other members of the community who need to use public transit have significant vulnerabilities that put them at risk in the Van Hool models. 

For example, a passenger with low bone density could sustain a nasty spill if, while her foot was planted in the narrow low trench of an aisle, she attempted to bend up into the (gripless) high seat above while the bus—invariably in motion at such a juncture—lurched to a sudden stop. Bruises and broken ribs could be a painful result of this bad aisle/seat geometry. A spiral fracture of her lower leg could be a serious and actionable result. 

Public funds may not be forthcoming to correct design dangers in these hundreds of buses: the train has, so to speak, left the station. But couldn’t the incumbents of the AC Transit District Board, several of whom approved this hideous design, insist that their drivers always wait until a passenger is fully seated before they hit the accelerator? 

Anne Richardson 

Albany 

• 

SPECIAL ELECTION 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

Gov. Schwarzenegger’s call for a special election in November is ill conceived and self-serving. We don’t need an election which will cost up to $70 million, when a regularly scheduled election will take place only six months later. What’s the rush? Arnold is trying to make an end run around election laws by bringing his agenda before the voters in 2005. In that way, he can continue to raise funds from his base of millionaire supporters, something he would not be able to do once he declares his candidacy for re-election in 2006. Equally important is the fact that in 2006, California law will require a voter verified paper trail. A special election in 2005 will have no paper trail and no way to validate the results if they are questioned. We don’t want what happened in Ohio to happen in California. 

Michael Marchant  

Albany 

• 

STOP THE MONEY MACHINE 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

Are you as sick of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s corporate fund-raising as I am? Ever since he got into office, Schwarzenegger has broken records for campaign cash and sold off social policy to the highest bidder. The most egregious examples include his slashing the education budget and cutting the ratio of nurses to patients in hospitals, all for the good of his big-bucks buddies. 

Let’s do something about it. 

On April 5, the California Nurses Association, as well as a wide variety of labor, education, and other progressive groups, are going to mobilize 10,000 people into the streets outside a major corporate fund-raiser that the governor is holding in San Francisco. It will be at 6 p.m., Tuesday, April 5 in front of the Ritz-Carlton Hotel at the corner of Stockton and California Streets. Please join us. To learn more, write Allies@CalNurses.org, visit www.CalNurses.org, or call 273-2240. 

Of course, if you have $89,000 you can just buy a seat at the table. If so…please ask the governor to do right by patients and students. 

Mary Orisich 



Click here to view the latest work by Planet cartoonist Justin DeFreitas›

Dateline New York, Spring Break, 2005: Now that I’m a coed, after a 31 year hiatus, I get to celebrate spring break with my fellow party-going students. I don’t remember spring break being a big deal when I was an undergraduate, or if we even had spring break, but then I don’t recall much about 1970 through ‘74.  

Back then I may have hitchhiked to and from Florida along not quite finished Interstate 95, gotten arrested in a small town in Georgia, and waited until dawn to be released. It could have happened, but it probably didn’t. More than likely I worked at a fast food joint during the holiday and returned to the dorm in my sticky polyester uniform smelling like the deep fryer and dreaming of mad chickens.  

So here I am in 2005 with a 10-day break from school and no vacation plan. I see a photograph in a newspaper of buxom, bikini-clad women laying on a white sand beach and read the caption that appears underneath. I learn that San Pedro Island, Texas is the most popular place in North America to celebrate spring break. Mmm, I don’t think so. I don’t have the body, the bucks, or the mindset to go to Texas so I do what I always do when it’s party time: I head for my parents house in New Jersey where I’ll get my pants beat off playing cutthroat Scrabble (who says I can’t spend spring break partially unclothed?), and, like my imagined jail time in Georgia, wait until dawn to escape. 

Alas, this year there is an exit route. I’m invited by my friend Taffy to spend part of the week at her cabin in the Catskills. Could there be any better way for a 53-year-old coed to celebrate spring break than to spend it fully-clothed, huddled around a fireplace in the dreary, depressive Catskills? I accept immediately, take the bus from Atlantic City to Manhattan, and settle in for the drive over the Tappan Zee and up 87.  

We get off the thruway at Woodstock where I’m reminded of another youthful humiliation: failure to show up for the concert, but who wouldn’t believe me if I said that I didn’t go because of traffic? My friends Mac and Susie use this excuse with their kids every time they mention their disappointment with their parents’ unhipness. “We were gonna go but the thruway shut down,” explains Mac. “No excuse,” shouts their daughter Amy. Cursed with uncool parents, she slinks off to Cancun for her spring break, the number nine most popular place to spend it I have read in the Times.  

Back in the Catskills Taffy and I play Trivial Pursuit (the ‘60s version), Texas Hold’em Poker, and cutthroat Scrabble. I take long walks in the snow-covered woods and bake chocolate chip cookies. Taffy says they’re the best cookies she has ever eaten but next time I should add oatmeal to the recipe. I remind her that they have oatmeal in them already. 

“Yes, of course,” she says, “and next time you should add walnuts too.” I tell her that she must be eating around the walnuts because they are included.  

“Perfect,” she says. “No,” I counter. “I forgot to put raisins into the batter.” “Forget it,” she says. “I don’t like raisins.” I decide right then to beat the imaginary hotpants off Taffy at Trivial Pursuit (winning question: What British quartet appeared on Ed Sullivan 18 times?), Texas Hold’Em (I’ll bluff my way into claiming the “ten million dollar” pot), and Scrabble (she doesn’t know I play once a month with the incredibly accomplished Scrabblettes of Berkeley). 

“You know,” says Taffy, ignoring the fact that I have just made BINGO for the second time in five marathon games, “the problem with these cookies is that they don’t have pot in them.” 

“I don’t think so,” I argue. “The problem with these cookies is that we’re eating them in the village of Fleichmanns when we should be laying half nude somewhere along the Florida coast.” 

“Been there, done that,” says Taffy, grabbing another cookie. “It’s your turn, and I raise you five million.”  

Spring Break Chocolate Chip  

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies 

1?2 cup butter 

1?2 cup brown sugar 

1?2 cup white sugar 

1 egg 

1?4 teaspoon baking soda 

1?4 teaspoon baking powder 

1?2 teaspoon vanilla 

1?2 cup flour 

1 cup old fashioned rolled oats 

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips 

3?4 cup walnut pieces 

3?4 cup raisins 

Cream butter with sugars. Beat in egg. Add vanilla and dry ingredients. Drop by tablespoon on foil covered 

cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 12 minutes.  

Knife Robbery 

A man with a knife demanded cash from a woman pedestrian outside the Pet Food Express at University and San Pablo avenues just before 9 a.m. Thursday. When the woman complied, the bandit fled on foot, said police spokesperson Officer Steve Rego. 

Hot Prowl 

The resident of a dwelling near the corner of Sacramento Street and Hearst Avenue received an unpleasant surprise shortly before 3:30 p.m. Thursday—a burglar busting in his back door. 

Mutually stunned by their encounter, the burglar bolted and the resident called police. No suspects were arrested. 

Teen Knife Flasher 

A 13-year-old boy called police after a 14-year-old confronted him with a knife near the corner of Derby and Sacramento streets Thursday afternoon. 

Simulated Pistol 

Two fellows confronted a pedestrian near the corner of University and San Pablo avenues Thursday afternoon. While one made with the “I’ve-got-a-pistol-in-my-pocket” gesture, the other heavy jumped their victim, grabbing his wallet before they fled. 

Uncooperative 

A Berkeley police officer got more than he bargained for when he stopped a pedestrian near the corner of Mabel and Parker streets shortly before 7 p.m. Thursday. 

The 65-year-old pedestrian turned on the officer, and when the dust settled, the fellow had accumulated a hefty set of criminal charges, including assault with a deadly weapon, injuring a police officer, destroying evidence and parole violation, said Officer Rego. 

Middle School Knife Flasher 

Police are looking into the case of a Willard Middle School student who reportedly shoved and cursed at a teacher after being ordered to the school office Friday morning, then returned after school to flash a knife with a three-inch blade, said Officer Rego. 

Aquatic Park Blaze 

Police responded to Aquatic Park along with the Berkeley Fire Department after three youngsters were seen fleeing the area where a grass fire started about 4 p.m. Friday. 

While firefighters doused the blaze, police searched the area for the three youths believed to have set the fire but came up empty-handed. 

Teenage Strong-Arm 

Three teenagers, one with gold caps on his front teeth, robbed a woman of her purse and cell phone outside the Berkeley Public Library on Kittredge Street about 6:15 p.m. Friday, said Officer Rego. 

Officers found a 19-year-old Oakland man in possession of some of the woman’s property. He was booked on suspicion of robbery and possession of stolen property. 

Young Robbers 

Alerted by the screams of a victim, a resident of the area near the corner of College Avenue and Garber Street called police just before 10 p.m. Friday. 

Arriving officers found that a pair of strong-arm robbers, their ages estimated at between 12 and 15, had robbed a pair of pedestrians. 

Small Silver Gun 

A 24-year-old man called police about 1:15 Saturday morning to report that two darkly clad men had just robbed him with a small silver gun near the corner of Bowditch Street and Bancroft Way, said Officer Rego. 

They made off with a wallet and cell phone. 

Gotta Smoke—er, Wallet? 

Two young men approached a pedestrian near the corner of University Avenue and California Street about 4:40 a.m. Saturday and asked for a smoke—then proceeded to mug the hapless fellow for his wallet. 

They had already rung up a charge on one of the stolen credit cards by the time they were reported missing. 

Bronco Brandishers 

A caller told police that both occupants of a white Ford Bronco had brandished pistols in his direction near the corner of Dwight Way and Dana Street just before 6 p.m. Saturday. The vehicle and its pistoleros were last reported headed southbound on Telegraph Avenue, said Officer Rego. 

Strange Shooting 

The occupant of a residence near the corner of Derby and California streets called police at 11 p.m. Saturday to report that a fellow had fired off a pistol round inside his domicile about ten minutes before. 

Described as a fellow in a black peacoat, the gunman had possibly departed in a gray motor vehicle of uncertain make. 

Home Invasion 

Police are investigating a reported home invasion at a Panoramic Way residence near Orchard Lane about 11:30 p.m. Sunday, said Officer Rego. 

Two suspects knocked on the door, and when the resident answered, the pair forced their way in, tied him up and proceeded to ransack the home before fleeing in a gray Nissan Altima. 

Officer Rego said the resident was uncertain what, if anything, had been taken in the incident. 

There is a dire need for more foster parents, as well as for “fost-adopt”” parents (adults who are approved to pursue the adoption of foster children), throughout the county and state, and in many other parts of the country.  

Each day children of all ages—everyone from drug exposed newborns to emotionally scarred teens—enter the foster care system in Alameda County; “truckloads,” says one veteran social worker. Typically, these are children who have been sexually or physically abused, exploited, abandoned, or taken from negligent parents. 

Children brought into the foster care system (some with little more than the clothing on their backs) start unwittingly to amass a legal paper trail not unlike that of an incarcerated adult, one which can involve social workers, adoption caseworkers, lawyers, and hearings. Some foster children eventually return home, but others never will. The fortunate ones are placed in high quality private foster homes, or in fost-adopt homes. 

But when no appropriate placement can be found, as is often the case with older foster children, they wind up in group homes. And group homes are rife with tales of the kids no one wants: the violent ones; the ones with emotional problems; children and teens whose already shaky sense of self-worth is further eroded by loss and upheaval. A domino effect can ensue: As diminishing confidence results in increasingly alienating behaviors, these foster kids become less and less likely ever to be adopted, even youth whose parents’ rights have already been terminated. 

Here in Alameda County, it’s possible to become a foster parent or a fost-adopt parent in just a few months or less, by either having your home licensed as a foster family home through the county, or being certified by a private agency. In both cases the process includes completion of a foster parent training program; a background check, interview, paperwork, Home Study, CPR and first aid classes, and you must be over 21. There is no fee, nor is there a fee for adopting a foster child. The county offers stipends to help offset the costs of caring for both foster and adopted foster children, and there are generous tax incentives for adoptive parents as well. And in California, unlike in some other states, gay and single parents can foster and adopt children. 

In an overburdened social services system with frequent staff turnover, children are too often the ones who get shortchanged. For once they’re in the foster care system, they can be swept up in a bureaucratic maze characterized by burned-out social workers, or social service agencies that bear the weight of ill-conceived permanency plans for the children in their jurisdiction. Media scare stories of horrific foster care placements are no help, and even people who might consider fostering are uneasy about taking on responsibilities for some of society’s most troubled children. 

The statistics are dismal: over 500,000 foster children in the United States. California, with a population of 34 million, has about 100,000 alone. Over 120,000 foster children are available for adoption across the U.S. Some of these children have already suffered trauma greater than many adults will ever face.  

About 20,000 18-year-olds foster youth age out of the system every year, and find themselves alone in society. Without the backbone of support from a loving family, they are expected to go on in school or find gainful employment. It’s no surprise that rates of homelessness, unemployment, and incarceration are higher within this population. 

As grim as this picture may seem, there have been some improvements. It was in 1980 that the Adoption Assistance and Child Welfare Act was signed into law, encouraging the adoption of children from foster care by providing the first federal subsidies. In 1994, President Clinton signed the Multi-Ethnic Placement Act, which stipulates that race cannot be used as the sole determining factor in adoptive placement. 

Yet there are still far too many children whose lives have been compromised from insufficient numbers of good foster homes, or fost-adopt placements. 

A vital component of taking on foster children is a commitment to meet challenges beyond those of normal parenting. It’s not for everybody. Bonds and trust can be broken as quickly as they are created, and undertones of attachment and loss are commonplace. 

But being a foster parent--embracing a slice of humanity as vulnerable as any; or becoming a fost-adopt parent and providing a permanent home for a child who otherwise may never have one, can be enormously gratifying. 

What if all the all the politically minded folks of the Bay Area; the ones committed to positive social change, and as passionate about their politics as their produce, considered adopting a foster child? 

Imagine that. 

Freelance writer Annie Kassof lives in Berkeley. She adopted her first foster child in 2001, and continues to foster other children. She is certified with A Better Way Foster Family and Adoption Program, which is always recruiting new foster and fost adopt parents. They can be reached at 601-0203.›

Have you smelled it? For more than three decades, Berkeley residents have told stories about encountering the mysterious, Oceanview burnt pot handle smell. These citizen accounts often describe this nauseous odor as “burning rubber” and “toxic.” In fact, this northwest Berkeley phenomenon of the burnt pot handle smell has generated more nuisance phone calls to city officials and the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) than any other environmental concern in Berkeley.  

Even today, calls about the stink of burnt pot handles, or BPH, continue. Those who now telephone the BAAQMD Hotline to report this historic nuisance may be surprised to hear the tale of the BPH and why this odor continues unabated.  

History has not recorded the first of what must now be hundreds of telephone complaints over the BPH or exactly when this smell began to blanket west Berkeley neighborhoods. Fifty years ago, the odious BPH would have been but one component of the primordial mix of industrial odors that hung over the Oceanview district. In the early 1970s during west Berkeley’s redevelopment, greater attention was brought to the area’s air quality. Not long after, the BPH odor was finally connected with the operations of Pacific Steel Castings (PSC), a large steel foundry that currently operates three plants at Second and Gilman streets.  

Public controversy over the stink culminated in 1984 when PSC was forced into a series of zoning hearings to address the odor nuisance. As a result, the foundry was facing the closure of plant No. 2. However, instead of forced reductions in operations, PSC was placed under an unconditional order of abatement. The abatement decree appeared to be a step forward since PSC was forced to install odor emission controls. In addition, PSC was also subject to a complaint process to ensure compliance. But even after the installation of a million-dollar odor abatement system, the number of complaints from neighbors about the BPH smell did not lessen.  

It should be noted that the BPH odors are thought to be sporadic and puff-like in nature. This helps explain why sustaining five official confirmations of this nuisance has been so problematic. BAAQMD has made minor changes in the complaint process, but little has changed in this cat-and-mouse game.  

New Incinerator  

Today, the presence of BPH in northwest Berkeley is linked to the city’s historic pro-business stance regarding Oceanview. Because of PSC’s considerable tax base, the city has protected the foundry in every round of neighborhood insurgency over the BPH stink since 1984. This reluctance to confront the BPH nuisance or questions about community health was never more apparent than in 1997 when the City of Berkeley and BAAQMD authorized PSC to install an incinerator.  

The incinerator was permitted at the same time PSC was under an abatement order that restricted any increase in emissions and odors. Approving the incinerator made a complete mockery of both the court-ordered nuisance abatement and air district’s hearing process.  

From the beginning, PSC’s incinerator was little more than greenwashing since the new equipment has only exacerbated the area’s air pollution problems. The incinerator, which is called a thermo recycler by PSC, burns up the chemical binders used in their sand molds so they don’t have to haul those waste materials off site.  

PSC’s argument for the incinerator was based on a claim that sand from the trucks hauling the sand molds off site caused a fugitive dust problem in the area. This was certainly true, but look at what PSC is allowed to do instead. Now the foundry stack is dispersing the same dust and pollutants into the air, impacting even a greater portion of the area’s residences. And predictably, the foundry’s incinerator has only added to the BPH odor emissions.  

The sand recycler system may have saved PSC lots of money, but at what cost to residents and other local businesses? No wonder Oceanview has earned the dubious distinction of having the worst air quality in the city! Clearly, the incinerator was inappropriately zoned given its close proximity to neighborhood residences, schools and childcare activities.  

Health Risks  

After PSC cranked up its new incinerator, the City of Berkeley gave the foundry an environmental award, a real slap in the face for long-suffering and outraged residents. In response to increased public agitation over PSC’s operations, council requested that BAAQMD conduct a health risk screening for the factory’s emissions.  

The air district has ignored this request for more than two years. The fact that the air district’s toxic screening has never flagged PSC or required a health risk evaluation of this “hot spot” is unconscionable given the huge amount of pollution produced by the foundry. Even if the health analysis is ever completed, the BAAQMD risk evaluation will mean little without verification via ambient air and soil testing.  

The city also asked the air district to conduct a study of the cumulative impact of all permitted air dischargers within a quarter mile of PSC. Such a study would let nearby residents know if the concentration of so many BAAQMD discharge permits has adversely impacted their health.  

The air district was quick to publicly take on this task, but now refuses to follow through. After all, such a study would show how inadequate the city zoning is when it allows live-work housing, residential neighborhoods, and our city’s homeless shelters to locate under the stacks of Oceanview’s industry.  

Perfume and Politics  

Despite the dismissal of its the longstanding, court-ordered abatement, PSC is still being scrutinized by its neighbors. The complaint line has never stopped ringing. Perhaps this is why PSC began to mask the BPH smell with a scented air freshener product. Over a year ago, BAAQMD was queried about this practice of scenting emissions. The air district callously responded that PSC wasn’t using anything that couldn’t be bought over the counter in any convenience store in Berkeley.  

Today residents are discouraged from wearing scented products to city functions and must stand 20 feet from any business door if they choose to smoke. So why should PSC, or any business, have the right to perfume an entire neighborhood area without some kind of broader community health discussion. Masking the BPH smell may make a pervasive odor less obnoxious, but it doesn’t erase the concern over the toxicity of these scented emissions or other “odorless” airborne pollutants.  

Another round of PSC community discussions is being orchestrated by the mayor’s office and Oceanview representative Linda Maio. Neighbors should expect little from this pro-business councilwoman. History shows that Maio has failed to address this reoccurring community concern about PSC’s stink in her dozen years of elected office. She has supported the new incinerator and the increase in PSC’s pollution as well as the overexpansion other large business operations in her district such as Berkeley Asphalt. It’s not surprising that this northwest neighborhood is choking, too!  

The time has come to stop pointing the finger at Oceanview’s smaller industrial polluters and Interstate 80 auto activity instead of the 800-pound guerrilla, PSC. Have you smelled it? ?

Sometimes news consumers should take a breather, stand back, and try to make sense out of what we are hearing. By juxtaposition maybe we can learn more than facts. I would like to consider three stories side by side: the 59th Street/ Shattuck Avenue neighborhood activist, Patrick McCullough, who shot and wounded a young neighbor who was allegedly part of a North Oakland drug gang; the young Ashley Smith who “disarmed” the Atlanta gunman with religion and pancakes, and my own story. 

How does a “good citizen” deal with the criminal element that threatens our life or our way of life.? That is a question that we all must face from time to time. Although from different circumstances, Patrick McCullough and Ashley Smith had different answers to that question.  

Ashley was held hostage by her gunman for just a short time. Her quick decision to treat her captor as a human being and relate to him as an individual and not as the enemy saved her life and possibly many other lives. Everyone was very lucky that she did not try to use a gun. On the other hand Patrick and his family felt like they were being held hostage in their own home for many years by neighborhood drug dealers. It seems that the relationship between Patrick and some of his neighbors grew more and more contentious over the years until it resulted in a shooting this year. Could there have been a different outcome?  

My own story could be illuminating. I was part of the Splinter Group woodworking cooperative in a very marginal neighborhood of West Oakland for 20 years. We were surrounded by grinding poverty, crime and “gangs of drug dealers.” For many years the surrounding crime and social pathology resulted in many broken windows and some break-ins. Unlike our friends in the streets we only experienced property losses. Over time we recognized that those drug dealers were young jobless kids from the neighborhood who had parents, brothers, sisters, and friends many of whom were killed or in jail. We would see them come and go. Their world was a war zone and we were right in the middle of it during our working hours. 

Because we did not have the resources and were unable to move our shop to a better neighborhood we decided to try to reach an agreement with our young entrepreneurial neighbors. We invited the leaders into our shop for a talk. We told them that we were in business and that we needed to have a safe and secure place to work. We suggested that they also needed a safe and secure place to work and live. We made a deal. If they conducted their activities in a business-like manner we would not call the police. 

Even though many kids were still hanging out and dealing they became our friends and toned down their more obvious illegal activities. Some kids (the lucky ones are now adults) worked for us and their families looked out for our shop. Never once in the 35 years at this West Oakland location did anyone in the Splinter Group ever use or want a gun. We did not threaten them and they did not threaten us. We used the Ashley Smith method, but without the pancakes or the religion. This last year we were unwillingly forced to move out of that West Oakland neighborhood and we miss our friends. Those kids are just like everyone else, they want work, education and hope. 

Bill Hamilton is a Berkley resident. 

Ã

In 1965, the late Hunter Thompson got his first break as a journalist when he was asked to write an article for the venerable Left journal The Nation, about Berkeley after the Free Speech Movement. 

His piece is of interest automatically, as the first significant work by a fellow who came to be regarded as a seminal figure in transforming the journalism of an era. Many will scan it for early developmental traces of Thompson’s famous “gonzo” style. But in truth, those exuberant flights of prose, those feverish fictions illuminating sordid realities, that sprang from his subsequent adventures with the Hells Angels and mind-loosening drugs, are barely hinted here. What interests me instead—in this reflective portrait of the social fauna and culture of this seminal town in a seminal time—is how clearly Thompson recognized and characterized the polarities of “cultural” and “political” activism whose complex interaction and effect in the larger society worked out during the next decade. 

It’s notable that his observations and analysis were made entirely within the young white activist community—with only tangential reference to Berkeley’s proportion then of 25 percent Negroes, and no hint that this high point preceded a population decline as dramatic as the paradoxical rise of black power in the city’s bureaucratic politics. But hey, why not? Why shouldn’t Thompson have focused simply on white youth activism as a barely-differentiated generative force? It was the moment after the FSM made everything strange and catalyzed a community that could begin to wonder what it was; it was the moment before the anti-war movement began to march, the day before the name “hippie” was coined to explain a conundrum away. By late spring of 1965, when he wrote, the local Civil Rights movement had hardly advanced past summoning white sympathizers from the campus to sit-in against job discrimination—let alone to calling itself Black. The Farmworkers had just begun to march, half a state away, not yet calling for grape boycott. The women’s movement had not yet become aware that it was emerging; ditto for the gays’; the modern ecology and environmental movement(s) were pregnant unphrased as growing numbers of young whites began to smoke weed and sense the pulses of grass and planet, pollutions of air and food.  

In this moment of complex, opened potentials in the yeasty culture of a still-white-university town, Hunter focused on the mythical and actual persona of the “non-student.” His entire article explores only this—but in this, how observant and clear he was, and how much ground he covered! The divergences, tensions, and dialectic between “hippies” and “politicos”; the incipient commune movement; the deinstitutionalization and alternative-institutionalization of higher education; the development of underground media—all these and more are visible here in presage, as early traces of profound developments, more surely than the early traces of Thompson’s peculiar style. From this distance, 40 years later, he is visible working entirely within the journalistic canons of the time, as a journalist quietly superb.›

At the height of the “Berkeley insurrection” press reports were loaded with mentions of outsiders, nonstudents and professional troublemakers. Terms like “Cal’s shadow college” and “Berkeley’s hidden community” became part of the journalistic lexicon. These people, it was said, were whipping the campus into a frenzy, goading the students to revolt, harassing the administration, and all the while working for their own fiendish ends. You could almost see them loping along the midnight streets with bags of seditious leaflets, strike orders, red banners of protest and cablegrams from Moscow, Peking or Havana. As in Mississippi and South Vietnam, outside agitators were said to be stirring up the locals, who wanted only to be left alone. 

Something closer to the truth is beginning to emerge now, but down around the roots of the affair the fog is still pretty thick. The SprouI Hall sit-in trials ended in a series of unexpectedly harsh convictions, the Free Speech Movement has disbanded, four students have been expelled and sentenced to jail terms as a result of the “dirty word controversy, and the principal leader, Mario Savio, has gone to England, where he’ll study and wait for word on the appeal of his four-month jail term—a procedure which may take as long as 18 months. 

As the new semester begins—with a new and inscrutable chancellor—the mood on the Berkeley campus is one of watchful waiting. The basic issues of last year are still unresolved, and a big new one has been added: Vietnam. A massive nation-wide sit-in, with Berkeley as a focal point, is scheduled for October 15-16, and if that doesn’t open all the old wounds, then presumably nothing will. 

For a time it looked as though Governor Edmund Brown had sidetracked any legislative investigation of the university, but late in August Assembly Speaker Jesse Unruh, an anti-Brown Democrat, named himself and four colleagues to a joint legislative committee that will investigate higher education in California. Mr. Unruh told the press that “there will be no isolated investigation of student-faculty problems at Berkeley,” but in the same period he stated before a national conference of more than 1,000 state legislators, meeting in Portland, that the academic community is “’probably the greatest enemy” of a state legislature. 

Mr. Unruh is a sign of the times. For a while last spring he appeared to be in conflict with the normally atavistic Board of Regents, which runs the university, but somewhere along the line a blue-chip compromise was reached, and whatever progressive ideas the Regents might have flirted with were lost in the summer lull. Governor Brown’s role in these negotiations has not yet been made public. 

One of the realities to come out of last semester’s action is the new “anti-outsider law,” designed to keep “nonstudents” off the campus in any hour of turmoil. It was sponsored by Assemblyman Don Mulford, a Republican from Oakland, who looks and talks quite a bit like the “old” Richard Nixon. Mr. Mulford is much concerned about “subversive infiltration” on the Berkeley campus, which lies in his district. He thinks he knows that the outburst last fall was caused by New York Communists, beatnik perverts and other godless elements beyond his ken. The students themselves, he tells himself, would never have caused such a ruckus. Others in Sacramento apparently shared this view. The bill passed the Assembly by a vote of 54 to 11 and the Senate by 27 to 8. Governor Brown signed it on June 2. The Mulford proposal got a good boost, while it was still pending, when J. Edgar Hoover testified in Washington that 43 Reds of one stripe or another were involved in the Free Speech Movement. 

On hearing of this, one student grinned and said: “Well I guess that means they’ll send about 10,000 Marines out here this fall. Hell, they sent 20,000 after those 58 Reds in Santo Domirigo. Man, that Lyndon is nothing but hip!” 

Where Mr. Hoover got his figure is a matter of speculation, but the guess in Berkeley is that it came from the San Francisco Examiner, a Hearst paper calling itself “The Monarch of the Dailies.” The Examiner is particularly influential among those who fear King George III might still be alive in Argentina. 

The significance of the Mulford law lies not in what it says but in the darkness it sheds on the whole situation in Berkeley, especially on the role of nonstudents and outsiders. Who are these thugs? What manner of man would lurk on a campus for no reason but to twist student minds? As anyone who lives or works around an urban campus knows, vast numbers of students are already more radical than any Red Mr. Hoover could name. Beyond that, the nonstudents and outsiders California has legislated against are in the main ex-students, graduates, would-be transfers, and other young activist types who differ from radical students only in that they don’t carry university registration cards. On any urban campus the nonstudent is an old and dishonored tradition. Every big city school has its fringe element: Harvard, New York University, Chicago, the Sorbonne, Berkeley, the University of Caracas. A dynamic university in a modern population center simply can’t be isolated from the realities human or otherwise, that surround it. Mr. Mulford would make an island of the Berkeley campus but, alas, there are too many guerrillas. 

In 1958, I drifted north from Kentucky and became a nonstudent at Columbia. I signed up for two courses and am still getting bills for the tuition. My home was a $12-a-week room in an off-campus building full of jazz musicians, shoplifters, mainliners, screaming poets and sex addicts of every description. It was a good life. I used the university facilities and at one point was hired to stand in a booth all day for two days, collecting registration fees. Twice I walked almost the length of the campus at night with a big wooden box containing nearly $15,000. It was a wild feeling and I’m still not sure why I took the money to the bursar. 

Being “non” or “neo” student on an urban campus is not only simple but natural for anyone who is young, bright and convinced that the major he’s after is not on the list. Any list. A serious nonstudent is his own guidance counselor. The surprising thing is that so few people beyond the campus know this is going on. 

The nonstudent tradition seems to date from the end of World War II. Before that it was a more individual thing. A professor at Columbia told me that the late R.P. Blackmur, one of the most academic and scholarly of literary critics, got most of his education by sitting in on classes at Harvard. In the age of Eisenhower and Kerouac, the nonstudent went about stealing his education as quietly as possible. It never occurred to him to jump into campus politics; that was part of the game he had already quit. But then the decade ended, Nixon went down, and the civil rights struggle broke out. With this, a whole army of guilt-crippled Eisenhower deserters found the war they had almost given up hoping for. With Kennedy at the helm, politics became respectable for a change, and students who had sneered at the idea of voting found themselves joining the Peace Corps or standing on picket lines. Student radicals today may call Kennedy a phony liberal and a glamorous sellout, but only the very young will deny that it was Kennedy who got them excited enough to want to change the American reality, instead of just quitting it. Today’s activist student or nonstudent talks about Kerouac as the hipsters of the ‘50s talked about Hemingway. He was a quitter, they say; he had good instincts and a good ear for the sadness of his time, but his talent soured instead of growing. The new campus radical has a cause, a multipronged attack on as many fronts as necessary: if not civil rights, then foreign policy or structural deprivation in domestic poverty pockets. Injustice is the demon, and the idea is to bust it. 

What Mulford’s law will do to change this situation is not clear. The language of the bill leaves no doubt that it shall henceforth be a misdemeanor for any nonstudent or nonemployee to remain on a state university or state college campus after he or she has been ordered to leave, if it “reasonably appears” to the chief administrative officer or the person designated by him to keep order on the campus “that such person is committing an act likely to interfere with the peaceful conduct of the campus.” 

In anything short of riot conditions, the real victims of Mulford’s law will be the luckless flunkies appointed to enforce it. The mind of man could devise few tasks more hopeless than rushing around this 1,000-acre, 27,000-student campus in the midst of some crowded action, trying to apprehend and remove—on sight and before he can flee—any person who is not a Cal student and is not eligible for readmission. It would be a nightmare of lies, false seizures, double entries and certain provocation. Meanwhile, most of those responsible for the action would be going about their business in legal peace. If pure justice prevailed in this world, Don Mulford would be appointed to keep order and bag subversives at the next campus demonstrations. 

There are those who seem surprised that a defective rattrap like the Mulford law could be endorsed by the legislature of a supposedly progressive, enlightened state. But these same people were surprised when Proposition 14, which reopened the door to racial discrimination in housing, was endorsed by the electorate last November by a margin of nearly 2 to 1. 

Meanwhile, the nonstudent in Berkeley is part of the scene, a fact of life. The university estimates that about 3,000 nonstudents use the campus in various ways: working in the library with borrowed registration cards; attending lectures, concerts and student films; finding jobs and apartments via secondhand access to university listings; eating in the cafeteria, and monitoring classes. In appearance they are indistinguishable from students. Berkeley is full of wild-looking graduate students, bearded professors and long-haired English majors who look like Joan Baez. 

Until recently there was no mention of nonstudents in campus politics, but at the beginning of the Free Speech rebellion President Kerr said “nonstudent elements were partly responsible for the demonstration.’’ Since then, he has backed away from that stand, leaving it to the lawmakers. Even its goats and enemies now admit that the FSM revolt was the work of actual students. It has been a difficult fact for some people to accept, but a reliable poll of student attitudes at the time showed that roughly 18,000 of them supported the goals of the FSM, and about half that number supported its “illegal” tactics. More than 800 were willing to defy the administration, the Governor and the police, rather than back down. The faculty supported the FSM by close to 8 to 1. The nonstudents nearly all sided with the FSM. The percentage of radicals among them is much higher than among students. It is invariably the radicals, not the conservatives, who drop out of school and become activist nonstudents. But against this background, their attitude hardly matters. 

“We don’t play a big role, politically,” says one. “But philosophically we’re a hell of a threat, to the establishment. Just the fact that we exist proves that dropping out of school isn’t the end of the world. Another important thing is that we’re not looked down on by students. We’re respectable. A lot of students I know are thinking of becoming nonstudents.” 

“As a nonstudent I have nothing to lose,” said another. “I can work full time on whatever I want, study what interests me, and figure out what’s really happening in the world. That student routine is a drag. Until I quit the grind I didn’t realize how many groovy things there are to do around Berkeley: concerts, films, good speakers, parties, pot, politics, women—I can’t think of a better way to live, can you?” 

Not all nonstudents worry the lawmakers and administrators. Some are fraternity bums who flunked out of the university, but don’t want to leave the parties and the good atmosphere. Others are quiet squares or technical types, earning money between enrollments and meanwhile living nearby. But there is no longer the sharp division that used to exist between the beatnik and the square: too many radicals wear ties and sport coats; too many engineering students wear boots and Levi’s. Some of the most bohemian looking girls around the campus are Left puritans, while some of the sweetest-looking sorority types are confirmed pot smokers and wear diaphragms on all occasions. 

Nonstudents lump one another—and many students—into two very broad groups: “political radicals” and “social radicals.” Again, the division is not sharp, but in general, and with a few bizarre exceptions, a political radical is a Left activist in one or more causes. His views are revolutionary in the sense that his idea of “democratic solutions” alarms even the liberals. He may be a Young Trotskyist, a Du Bois Club organizer or merely an ex-Young Democrat, who despairs of President Johnson and is now looking for action with some friends in the Progressive Labor Party. 

Social radicals tend to be “arty.” Their gigs are poetry and folk music, rather than poliltics, although many are fervently committed to the civil rights movement. Their political bent is Left, but their real interests are writing, painting, good sex, good sounds and free marijuana. The realities of politics put them off, although they don’t mind lending their talents to a demonstration here and there, or even getting arrested for a good cause. They have quit one system and they don’t want to be organized into another; they feel they have more important things to do. 

A report last spring by the faculty’s Select Committee on Education tried to put it all in a nutshell: “A significant and growing minority of students is simply not propelled by what we have come to regard as conventional motivation. Rather than aiming to be successful men in an achievement-oriented society, they want to be moral men in a moral society. They want to lead lives less tied to financial return than to social awareness and responsibility.” 

The committee was severely critical of the whole university structure, saying: “The atmosphere of the campus now suggests too much an intricate system of compulsions, rewards and punishments; too much of our attention is given to score keeping.” Among other failures, the university was accused of ignoring “the moral revolution of the young.” 

Talk like this strikes the radicals among “the young” as paternalistic jargon, but they appreciate the old folks’ sympathy. To them, anyone who takes part in “the system” is a hypocrite. This is especially true among the Marxist, Mao-Castro element—the hipsters of the Left. 

One of these is Steve DeCanio, a 22-year-old Berkeley radical and Cal graduate in math, now facing a two-month jail term as a result of the Sproul Hall sit-ins. He is doing graduate work, and therefore immune to the Mulford law. “I became a radical after the 1962 auto row (civil rights) demonstrations in San Francisco,” he says. “That’s when I saw the power structure and understood the hopelessness of trying to be a liberal. After I got arrested I dropped the pre-med course I’d started at San Francisco State. The worst of it, though, was being screwed time and again in the courts. I’m out on appeal now with four and a half months of jail hanging over me,” 

DeCanio is an editor of Spider, a wild-eyed new magazine with a circulation of about 2,000 on and around the Berkeley campus. Once banned, it thrived on the publicity and is now officially ignored by the protest-weary administration. The eight-man editorial board is comprised of four students and four nonstudents. The magazine is dedicated, they say, to “sex, politics, international communism, drugs, extremism and rock’n’roll.” Hence, S-P-I-D-E-R. 

DeCanio is about two-thirds political radical and one-third social. He is bright, small, with dark hair and glasses, clean-shaven, and casually but not sloppily dressed. He listens carefully to questions, uses his hands for emphasis when he talks, and quietly says things like: “What this country needs is a revolution; the society is so sick, so reactionary, that it just doesn’t make sense to take part in it.” 

He lives, with three other nonstudents and two students, in a comfortable house on College Avenue, a few blocks from the campus. The $120-a-month rent is split six ways. There are three bedrooms, a kitchen and a big living room with a fireplace. Papers litter the floor, the phone rings continually, and people stop by to borrow things: a pretty blonde wants a Soviet army chorus record, a Tony Perkins type from the Oakland DuBois Club wants a film projector, Art Goldberg—the arch-activist who also lives here—comes storming in, shouting for help on the “Vietnam Days” teach-in arrangements. 

It is all very friendly and collegiate. People wear plaid shirts and khaki pants, white socks and moccasins. There are books on the shelves, cans of beer and Cokes in the refrigerator, and a manually operated light bulb in the bathroom. In the midst of all this it is weird to hear people talking about “bringing the ruling class to their knees,” or “finding acceptable synonyms for Marxist terms.” 

Political conversation in this house would drive Don Mulford right over the wall. There are riffs of absurdity and mad humor in it, but the base line remains a dead-serious alienation from the “Repugnant Society” of 20th-century America. You hear the same talk on the streets, in coffee bars, on the wall near Ludwig’s Fountain in front of Sproul Hall, and in other houses where activists live and gather. And why not? This is Berkeley, which DeCanio calls “the center of West Coast radicalism.” It has a long history of erratic politics, both on and off the campus. From 1911 to 1913, its Mayor was a Socialist named Stitt Wilson. It has more psychiatrists and fewer bars than any other city of comparable size in California. And there are 249 churches for 120,300 people, of which 25 per cent are Negroes—one of the highest percentages of any city outside the South. 

Culturally, Berkeley is dominated by two factors: the campus and San Francisco across the Bay. The campus is so much a part of the community that the employment and housing markets have long since adjusted to student patterns. A $100-a-month apartment or cottage is no problem when four or five people split the rent, and, there are plenty of ill-paid, minimum-strain jobs for those without money from home. Tutoring, typing, clerking, car washing, hash slinging and baby sitting are all easy ways to make a subsistence income; one of the favorites among nonstudents is computer programing, which pays well. 

Therefore, Berkeley’s nonstudents have no trouble getting by. The climate is easy, the people are congenial, and the action never dies. Jim Prickett, who quit the University of Oklahoma and flunked out of San Francisco State, is another of Spider’s nonstudent editors. “State has no community,” he says, “and the only nonstudent I know of at Oklahoma is now in jail.” Prickett came to Berkeley because “things are happening here.” At 23, he is about as far Left as a man can get in these times, but his revolutionary zeal is gimped by pessimism. “If we have a revolution in this country it will be a Fascist take-over,” he says with a shrug. Meanwhile he earns $25 a week as Spider’s star writer, smiting the establishment hip and thigh at every opportunity. Prickett looks as much like a Red menace as Will Rogers looked like a Bantu. He is tall, thin, blond, and shuffles. “Hell, I’ll probably sell out,” he says with a faint smile. “Be a history teacher or something. But not for a while.” 

Yet there is something about Prickett that suggests he won’t sell out so easiIy. Unlike many nonstudent activists, he has no degree, and in the society that appalls him even a sellout needs credentials. That is one of the most tangible realities of the nonstudent; by quitting school he has taken a physical step outside the system—a move that more and more students seem to find admirable. It is not an easy thing to repudiate—not now, at any rate, while the tide is running that way. And “the system” cannot be rejoined without some painful self-realization. Many a man has whipped up a hell broth of reasons to justify his sellout, but few recommend the taste of it. 

The problem is not like that of high school dropouts. They are supposedly inadequate, but the activist nonstudent is generally said to be superior. “A lot of these kids are top students,” says Dr. David Powellson, chief of Cal’s student psychiatric clinic, “but no university is set up to handle them.” 

How then are these bright mavericks to fit into the super-bureaucracies of government and big business? Cal takes its undergraduates from the top eighth of the state’s high school graduates, and those accepted from out of state are no less “promising.” The ones who migrate to Berkeley after quitting other schools are usually the same type. They are seekers—disturbed, perhaps, and perhaps for good reason. Many drift from one university to another, looking for the right program, the right professor, the right atmosphere, the right way to deal with the deplorable world they have suddenly grown into. It is like an army of Holden Caulfields, looking for a home and beginning to suspect they may never find one. 

These are the outsiders, the nonstudents, and the potential—if not professional—troublemakers. There is something primitive and tragic in California’s effort to make a law against them. The law itself is relatively unimportant, but the thinking that conceived it is a strutting example of what the crisis is all about. A society that will legislate in ignorance against its unfulfilled children and its angry, half-desperate truth seekers is bound to be shaken as it goes about making a reality of mass education. 

It is a race against time, complacency and vested interests. For the Left-activist nonstudent the race is very personal. Whether he is right, wrong, ignorant, vicious, super-intelligent or simply bored, once he has committed himself to the extent of dropping out of school, he has also committed himself to “making it” outside the framework of whatever he has quit. A social radical presumably has his talent, his private madness or some other insulated gimmick, but for the political radical the only true hope is somehow to bust the system that drove him into limbo. In this new era many believe they can do it, but most of those I talked to at BerkeIey seemed a bit nervous. There was a singular vagueness as to the mechanics of the act, no real sense of the openings. 

“What are you going to be doing 10 years from now?” I asked a visiting radical in the house where Spider is put together. “What if there’s no revolution by then, and no prospects of one?” 

“Hell,” he said. “I don’t think about that. Too much is happening right now. If the revolution’s coming, it had better come damn quick.”™

Edward Rowland Sill was once as well known as Mark Twain or Bret Harte. He was certainly important here in Berkeley—the first star to appear in the galaxy of poets we’ve come to associate with our city.  

Born in Windsor, Conn., in 1841, he grew up in what he described as a “green and peaceful countryside” among “cornfields and hayfields, and maple-shaded houses.” This sunny childhood idyll ended with the death of his mother and, two years later, when he was 14, the death of his father. Forlorn, the young orphan was sent to live with an uncle in Cuyahoga Falls, a village near Cleveland, Ohio. His uncle proved kind, giving him a good home and providing for his education, even sending him to Yale. 

As a religious child in a religious society, Sill probably tried to reconcile himself to the death of his parents as the will of God. But the trauma lasted, leaving him with deep feelings of insecurity. One manifestation of this in his later life was an eccentric need to use unnecessary pseudonyms. This began at Yale, where his first poems were published and everybody knew him, and continued throughout his career. He published under his own name, of course. But the pseudonyms seem to have given him the freedom to write without feeling he was tempting the fate that befell his parents.  

After his graduation from Yale he sailed by clipper ship to California, hoping to improve his lifelong poor health. His ship departed New York in December, 1861. Skirting the shores of the Confederacy, it sailed south to Argentina, and then north to San Francisco, arriving in March, 1862. He kept a journal, later published as Around the Horn, which gives a lively account of this voyage. 

He made his way to Sacramento, where he accumulated the kind of resume many poets have today—mail clerk, ranch hand, teacher, handyman—and discovered a love of camping and outdoor life. All this time he kept writing poems, publishing them, and wondering what to do with his life. His religious impulse led him to decide in 1867 to enter the ministry. Gathering up his poems, published and unpublished, he traveled East to the Harvard Divinity School. 

At this time the United States was still an intensely religious country, shaped by belief in the historical truth of the Bible. There was what amounted to a national consensus that the quest for salvation on Biblical terms gave life its meaning. Right and wrong depended on the Scriptures. The Pilgrim’s Progress and Ben Hur were the popular novels.  

When Sill arrived at Harvard, he found (as Santayana remarked) “a provincial little college” buffeted by strange new doctrines, especially the theory of evolution and—just arrived from Germany—the Higher Criticism of the Bible.  

As Darwin’s theory appeared to make the Biblical story of creation untenable as fact, the “Higher Criticism,” which subjected Scripture to the methods of modern linguistic analysis, seemed to demonstrate that Moses could not have written the first five books of the Bible. 

Together Darwinism and the Higher Criticism severely damaged the national consensus on the authority of the Scriptures, and appeared to cut the historical ground out from under Christianity (and Judaism and Islam as well, for that matter). We experience the aftershocks of that cultural earthquake whenever school boards try to put Genesis back into high school science curricula. 

While Sill’s professors at the Divinity School wrestled with modern thought, trying to salvage something from the Bible, Louis Agassiz lectured nearby on the classification of fish fossils that were thousands of years older than they should have been, according to Genesis. We know Sill attended these lectures avidly. He went through a devastating crisis of belief from which he emerged as an agnostic. He abandoned theological studies within a year.  

Taking stock of himself, he finally realized that poetry—not the ministry—was his real vocation. He committed himself to writing as his profession, assembled his published work and put out his first book, The Hermitage. To support himself he worked as an editor at the New York Evening Mail. Then he had the good luck to marry his cousin Elizabeth, who helped him to keep his life on a solid footing. They returned to California, and he took a high school teaching job in Oakland. Despite the pseudonyms, he became widely known as a promising poet. 

In 1874 an opening occurred for a professor of English at the fledgling University of California. Two candidates stepped forward: Sill and Bret Harte. When Sill was chosen for the job, no one felt the University had settled for second best. In Berkeley, Sill came into his own. He was tall and slender, a romantic figure, with a rich and flexible voice. His dramatic flair helped make him an inspiring teacher. He became, as George Stewart wrote, “a loved and conspicuous figure” as he rode around the small town on a handsome black horse. 

The Sills lived in a flower-covered cottage. They enjoyed climbing in the hills behind the campus and joined the geologist Joseph Le Conte on camping expeditions in the mountains. Sill’s literary career continued to prosper. Locally, his work appeared in the University of California Magazine, The Californian, and the famous Overland Monthly. Nationally he was a regular contributor to The Atlantic, often under the name “Andrew Hedbrooke.”  

In 1880 he had the unpleasant experience of being attacked by Oakland newspapers for spreading atheism through his teaching. He was not an atheist, even though he remained conflicted in his beliefs. In his writing and in his teaching, Sill freely expressed his engagement with issues of doubt and disbelief. He told the truth as he saw it; and for him, the meaning of life remained a riddle. He put it clearly in “The Book of Hours,” a smoothly-written, unflinching sonnet: 

As one who reads a tale writ in a tongue 

He only partly knows, -- runs over it 

And follows but the story, losing wit 

And charm, and half the subtle links among 

The haps and harms that the book’s folk beset -- 

So do we with our life. Night comes, and morn: 

I know that one has died and one is born; 

That this by love and that by hate is met. 

But all the grace and glory of it fail 

To touch me, and the meanings they enfold. 

The Spirit of the World hath told the tale, 

And tells it and ‘tis very wise and old. 

But o’er the page there is a mist and veil: 

I do not know the tongue in which ‘tis told. 

To a friend who reproached him for staying in a backwater like Berkeley and not pursuing his literary career more vigorously, he wrote, “I am contented to die unknown if I can arrive at the truth about certain great matters and can put others in the way thereof...Let a man work his work in peace.”  

In 1883 he resigned from the University staff in order to return to Cuyahoga Falls. But he lingered in Berkeley for another six months, helping Millicent Shinn revive the Overland Monthly and preparing his second volume of poems, The Venus of Milo. This slim volume has the distinction of being the first book ever published consisting largely of poems written in Berkeley.  

Back in Ohio, Sill took to full time writing like a duck to water. As he became increasingly prominent, he remained prolific, sending out large numbers of pieces under his own name and under his pseudonyms. He kept in touch with his friends in Berkeley. “It is evidence,” he wrote to one, “of the irrational attachment one gets (as cats do) to places that the Berkeley postmark gives me always a pleasant twinge of homesickness.”  

But he died suddenly, on Feb. 27, 1887. When the news reached Berkeley, his friends grieved at his passing. They felt a permanent sense of loss. Nine years later Joseph Le Conte named a mountain peak for him in Kings Canyon National Park.  

In Boston, on the other side of the country, Sill’s editor at Houghton Mifflin wrote that for quite some time after Sill died, new poems by him kept appearing in the latest magazines. It was, he said, as if after Sill turned a corner and disappeared from view, “we could still hear him singing as he went on his way.” 

Sill’s reputation rose for another decade, and collected editions of his works were published. Then the language and style of poetry changed, and time began to wash his work away, the good with the bad, leaving little of interest for readers today. He has become invisible, even in Berkeley. His name is not on the Berkeley Poetry Walk, and the public library does not keep his poetry on the shelves. Sill’s friends believed his fame was secure and we would remember him as the Shelley of their generation. They were mistaken. The truth is, none of us can read the future, and we can never tell  

...what names immortal are; 

‘Tis night alone that shows  

How star surpasseth star. 

This jewel box of a bookstore/newsstand sits a half-block north of the UC Berkeley campus, where it serves a select clientele. The person browsing beside you might be a nationally renowned author who teaches at the nearby UC journalism school, or a Los Angeles Times or San Francisco Chronicle columnist who lives nearby. 

Perhaps that explains the surprisingly rich selection of international newspapers and magazines. Looking for the previous day’s edition of La Repubblica, at about the same price you’d pay in Rome? It’s here. 

Owner Nima Shokat and his predecessors have built up an equally stellar book selection to challenge their print-hungry patrons. I often learn more about new, must-read books by scanning this store’s front table than by reading two weekly book reviews. 

Also prominent are graphic novels, art books, prints, and edgy McSweeney’s publications (or what one fellow patron calls “irreverent-looking books for smart and arrogant young people.”) 

But you’ll need to bring your own arrogance, because this is a very friendly store. Shokat—who recently purchased and renamed it—is a welcoming presence, as are his literate staffers. A Berkeley native, Shokat has ink in his blood: His father used to run Albany Press, a local print shop that published books and poster art. 

—Michael Katz 

Analog Books (formerly Signal Books) 

1816 Euclid Ave., Berkeley 

843-1816 

›

TUESDAY, MARCH 29 

THEATER 

The Shotgun Players Theatre Lab, “Monster in the Dark” at 8 p.m. at The Ashby Stage, 1901 Ashby Ave. at MLK. Tickets are $10. 841-6500. www.shotgunplayers.org 

FILM 

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

READINGS AND LECTURES 

An Evening in Honor of Thomas Flanagan at 7:30 p.m. at Black Oak Books. 486-0698. www.blackoakbooks.com 

Jeff McGowan describes “Major Conflict: One Gay Man’s Life in the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell Military” at 7:30 p.m. at Cody’s Books. 845-7852. www.codysbooks.com 

The Whole Note Poetry Series with Eugene David and John Rowe at 7 p.m. at The Beanery, 2925 College Ave., near Ashby. 549-9093. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Swamp Coolers at 8:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cajun dance lesson at 8 p.m. Cost is $9. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Music for Tsunami Relief with David Grisman, Laurie Lewis & Tom Rozum, Geoff Muldaur and others at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $24.50- $25.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

Bill Jackman & Terry Hilliard at 8 p.m. at Downtown. 649-3810. 

Sweetbriar, The Brownbums, THe San Antonio Kid, alt country, at 9:30 p.m. at The Stork Club, 2330 Telegraph Ave., Oakland. Tickets are $5. 444-6174. www.storkcluboakland.com 

Opie Bellas at 8 and 10 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $10. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

Randy Craig Trio at 7:30 p.m. at Caffe Trieste, 2500 San Pablo Ave., at Dwight. 548-5198.  

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 30 

CHILDREN 

Berkeley Youth Arts Festival Students from Whittier EDC celebrate peace and love through poetry and song at 6 p.m. at the Berkeley Art Center. 644-6893. www.berkeleyartcenter.org 

EXHIBITIONS 

“Blues Paintings and Beyond” mimimalist collage and haiku by Wavy Gravy at The Trout Fram Antiques, 2179 Bancroft. Runs to April 19, Wed.- Sun. 1 to 5 p.m. 843-3565. 

“Rhythmic Seasons” a Metal/Textile BFA exhibition. Reception from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at California College of the Arts, Irwin Center Gallery, 5215 Broadway, Oakland. 

FILM 

Cine Contemporaneo: “El Leyton: Hasta que la Muerte nos Separe” at 7 p.m. in the CLAS Conference Room, 2334 Bowditch St. 642-2088. www.clas.berkeley.edu 

History of Cinema: “Rashomon” at 3 p.m. and Games People Play: “Death Race 2000” at 7:30 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $4-$8. 642-0808.  

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Cokie Roberts introduces her new book, “Founding Mothers” at 7:30 p.m. at Wheeler Auditorium, UC Campus. Tickets are $10, available from Cal Performances 642-9988.  

Kala Fellowship Artists Talk with Inga Dorosz on digital print and video works and Laura Splan on digital print and drawing combinations at 7 p.m. at Kala Art Institute, 1060 Heinz Ave. 549-2977. www.kala.org 

Elizabeth George talks about her mystery novel “With No One as Witness” at 7 p.m. at the Berkeley Public Library, 2090 Kittredge St. Tickets are free with purchase of the book. Sponsored by Cody’s Books. 845-7852. www.codysbooks.com 

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

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Wednesday Noon Concert, “Masterpieces from early 17th century Italy” with Passamezzo Moderno at Hertz Hall, UC Campus. Free. 642-4864. http://music.berkeley.edu 

Music of Easter An organ concert at noon at First Presbyterian Church of Oakland, 2619 Broadway. 444-3555. www.firstchurchoakland.org 

Jennifer Clevinger and Dennis Geaney at 8 p.m. at Downtown. 649-3810.  

Mal Sharpe & Big Money in Gumbo at 8 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $9. 525-5054.  

Orquestra America, salsa, at 8 p.m. at Shattuck Down Low, 2284 Shattuck Ave. Cost is $5-$10. 548-1159.  

Cheryl Wheeler at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $22.50-$23.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

Memoir, The Scatter at 9:30 p.m. at The Stork Club, 2330 Telegraph Ave., Oakland. Tickets are $5. 444-6174.  

Muraski Ensemble at 8 and 10 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $10. 238-9200.  

THURSDAY, MARCH 31 

THEATER 

“A Single Woman” The life, times and fortitude of the first US Congresswoman Jeannette Rankin at 7 p.m. at Redwood Gardens, 2951 Derby St. Tickets are $10 sliding scale. 587-3228. http://ncmdr.org/singlewoman 

EXHIBITIONS 

“La Causa” Photographs of the Farmworkers’ Movement at The Free Speech Movement Cafe, Moffitt Library, UC Campus, through Oct. 482-3336. 

“Drawn by the Brush: Oil Sketches of Peter Paul Rubens” guided tour at 5:30 p.m. at Berkeley Art Museum, 2625 Durant Ave. 642-1295. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

“Blind at the Museum” guided tour at 12:15 p.m. at Berkeley Art Museum, 2625 Durant Ave. 642-1295. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

FILM 

Film and Video Makers at Cal: “Cries of the City” at 7 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $4-$8. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Jennifer Washburn describes “University Inc. The Corporate Corruption of Higher Education” at 7:30 p.m. at Cody’s Books. 845-7852.  

David Riggs discusses “The World of Christopher Marlowe” at 7:30 p.m. at Black Oak Books. 486-0698.  

Word Beat Reading Series at 7 p.m. with featured readers Eugene David and John Rowe at Mediterraneum Caffe, 2475 Telegraph Ave. 526-5985. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Dhol Patrol, Bhangra and Pan-Arabic beats, at 9 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $8. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

LoCal Music Expo, acoustic folk/rock, at 8:30 p.m. at Epic Arts, 1923 Ashby Ave. Cost is $5-$10.  

Cheryl Wheeler at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $22.50-$23.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

Steve Poltz at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $12. 841-2082 www.starryplough.com 

Peter Barshay Duo at 8 p.m. at Downtown. 649-3810.  

Kenny Garrett at 8 and 10 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square, through Sun. Cost is $10-$22. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

FRIDAY, APRIL 1 

EXHIBITIONS 

“Woodblock Prints by Paul Jacoulet” opens at the Schurman Fine Art Gallery, 1659 San Pablo Ave. 524-0623. www.schurmanfineartgallery.com 

“Irish Crochet Lace: 150 Years of a Tradition” Reception at 6 p.m. at Lacis Museum of Lace and Textiles, 2982 Adeline St. 843-7290. www.lacismuseum.org 

FILM 

“EarthDance: The Short-Attention-Span Film Festival” at 6 p.m. at Oakland Museum of California, 10th and Oak Sts. After-party at 9 p.m. Tickets are $5-$8. Reservations recommended. 238-3818. www.museumca.org 

Edgar G. Ulmer: “Bluebeard” at 7 p.m, and “The Strange Woman” at 8:45 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $4-$8. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

THEATER 

Berkeley Repertory Theater “For Better or Worse” at the Thrust Stage, 2025 Addison St. and runs through April 24. Tickets are $20-$55. 647-2949. www.berkeleyrep.org 

“The Motown Story” Fri. at 8 p.m., Sat. and Sun. at 6 p.m. at Julia Morgan Center for the Arts. Tickets are $15-$38. 925-798-1300. www.juliamorgan.org 

“Proof” by David Auburn, Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m. through May 7 at The Masquers Playhouse, 105 Park Place, Point Richmond. Ticlets are $13. 232-4031. www.masquers.org 

Shotgun Players “The Just” by Albert Camus. Thurs.- Sun. at 8 p.m. at The Ashby Stage, 1901 Ashby Ave. through April 10. Tickets are sliding scale $10-$30. 841-6500. www.shotgunplayers.org 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Iris Stewart introduces “Sacred Women, Sacred Dance” at 7 p.m. at Belladonna, 2436 Sacramento St. www.belladonna.ws 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Cudamani, Balinese music and dance, at 8 p.m. at Zellerbach Hall, UC Campus. Tickets are $32-$56. 642-9988. www.calperfs.berkeley.edu 

University Symphony Orchestra at 8 p.m. at Hertz Hall, UC Campus. Tickets are $3-$10. 642-9988.  

“The Motown Story” Fri. at 8 p.m., Sat. and Sun. at 6 p.m. at Julia Morgan Center for the Arts. Tickets are $15-$38. 925-798-1300. www.juliamorgan.org 

Rafael Manríquez & Duamuxa at 8 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $12. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

Erik Aliana and Korongo Jam, African, at 9:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $11-$13. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Sherry Austin & The Hog Ranch Rounders at 8 p.m. at Caffe Trieste, 2500 San Pablo Ave., at Dwight. 548-5198.  

Laurie Lewis & Tom Rozum at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $17.50-$18.50. 548-1761.  

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

Lost Cats, jazz at 7:30 p.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344. www.nomadcafe.net 

The Bottom Dwellers, Real Sippin’ Whiskeys, A.J. Roach at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $5. 841-2082. www.starryplough.com 

Tragedy, Nightmare, Riistetyt at 8 p.m. at 924 Gilman St., an all-ages, member-run, no alcohol, no drugs, no violence club. Cost is $6. 525-9926. 

Monkey, The Struts, The Barbary Coasters, ska, rock n’ roll, at 9:30 p.m. at Blakes on Telegraph. Cost is $5-$7. 848-0886. www.blakesontelegraph.com 

Vinyl, Brown Baggin’ at 9 p.m. at Shattuck Down Low, 2284 Shattuck Ave. Cost is $5. 548-1159.  

Kenny Garrett at 8 and 10 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square, through Sun. Cost is $14-$22. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

SATURDAY, APRIL 2 

CHILDREN 

Los Amiguitos de La Peña with Kevin Griffin and Alisa Peres, songs from traditional folk to Latin America, at 10:30 a.m. at La Peña. Cost is $5. 849-2568.  

Paper Characters with Elisa Kleven, author of “Abuela, The Paper Princess” at 2 p.m. at Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave. 526-3720, ext. 17. 

EXHIBITIONS 

“Interlude” Reception and book signing from 2 to 4 p.m. at A New Leaf Gallery, 1286 Gilman St. 525-7621. 

Soul Salon 10, “Trouble Man” in homage to Marvin Gaye. Reception from 1 to 4 p.m. at the African American Museum and Library, 659 14th St., Oakland. Exhibit runs to May 28. 637-0200. www.oaklandlibrary.org 

FILM 

Edgar G. Ulmer “American Matchmaker” at 9:15 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $4-$8. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Bay Area Poets Coalition open reading from 3 to 5 p.m., at Strawberry Creek Lodge Dining Hall, 1320 Addison St. 527-9905. poetalk@aol.com 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Jazz House Tribute to Mingus and Dolphy with saxophonist Howard Wiley at 9 p.m. at 21 Grand Art Gallery, 449B 23rd St., Oakland. Cost is $10. www.thejazzhouse.org 

Trinity Chamber Concert “Duo Terra Antiqua” with Zoe Vandermeer, soprano, at 8 p.m. at Trinity Chapel, 2320 Dana St. Cost is $8-$12. 549-3864. http://trinitychamberconcerts.com 

Vox Populi “Mother and Son,” devotional music from 15th cent. England at 8 p.m. at the Chapel of St. Joseph of Arimathea, 2316 Bowditch St. Free. www.vox-pop.org 

University Symphony Orchestra at 8 p.m. at Hertz Hall, UC Campus. Tickets are $3-$10. 642-9988.  

Larry Karush, jazz pianist and composer, at 8 p.m., at the Hillside Club, 2286 Cedar St. Tickets are $10-20 at the door. 527-0450. 

“Bare Bones” Randee Paufve Dance at 8 p.m. at Western Sky Studio, 2547 Eighth St. Tickets are $12, available one hour before the show. www.paufvedance.org 

Laurie Lewis & Tom Rozum at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $17.50-$18.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

Mujeres: Rebeca Mauleón & Quintet at 8 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $15. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

Aux Cajunals, Cajun, at 9 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $11-$13. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Eric Crystal Trio at 9 p.m. at Downtown. 649-3810.  

Samantha Raven at 7:30 p.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344. www.nomadcafe.net 

Braziu at 9 p.m. at Shattuck Down Low, 2284 Shattuck Ave. Cost is $10-$12. 548-1159.  

Moore Brothers, Mandarin, Thread at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $6. 841-2082. www.starryplough.com 

Joe Rut, Jason Kleinberg, indy rock, at 8:30 p.m. at Epic Arts, 1923 Ashby Ave. Cost is $5-$10.  

Meli at 7 and 9 p.m. at Spud’s Pizza, 3290 Adeline St. Cost is $5. 597-0795. 

Tape, Pomegranate, The Wearies at 9 p.m. at Blakes on Telegraph. Cost is $4-$7. 848-0886. www.blakesontelegraph.com 

Love Songs, Angry for Life, Darlington at 8 p.m. at 924 Gilman St. Cost is $5. 525-9926. 

SUNDAY, APRIL 3 

EXHIBITIONS 

“Drawn by the Brush: Oil Sketches of Peter Paul Rubens” guided tour at 2 p.m. at Berkeley Art Museum, 2625 Durant Ave. 642-1295.  

FILM 

Crying in Color: “How Hollywood Coped When Technicolor Died” at 4:30 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $4-$8. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Poetry Flash with Sophie Cabot Black and David Breskin at 7:30 p.m. at Cody’s Books. Donation $2. 845-7852. www.codysbooks.com 

“Painting Out of Conflict: Velasquez, Rubens, and the Dutch in Time of War” with Svetlana Alpers, Prof. Emerita, Art History, at 3 p.m. at the Berkeley Art Museum, 2626 Bancroft Way. 642-0808. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Takacs Quartet at 3 p.m. at Hertz Hall, UC Campus. Tickets are $42. 642-9988. www.calperfs.berkeley.edu 

San Francisco City Chorus and Berkeley Chancel Choir with California Chamber Symphony performing Mozart’s Requiem, at 3 p.m. at First Congregational Church of Berkeley, 2345 Channing Way. Tickets are $13-$20. 415-701-SONG. www.sfcitychorus.org 

Klezmatics with guest Joshua Nelson at 4 p.m. at Wheeler Auditorium, UC Campus. Followed by party at BRJCC. Tickets are $23-$50. www.brjcc.org 

Lavay Smith and Her Red Hot Skillet Lickers at 4:30 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $20. 845-5373.  

Imagining Peace with Betsy Rose, Edie Hartshorne, Nicole Milner and others at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $17.50-$18.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

Green and Root, James Lee Stanley, acoustic folk pop, at 7:30 p.m. at Epic Arts, 1923 Ashby Ave. Cost is $5-$10.  

Darin Schaffer at 10 a.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344. www.nomadcafe.net 

RU36, Fuller at 4 p.m. at Blakes on Telegraph. Cost is $8. All ages show. 848-0886. www.blakesontelegraph.com 

7 Seconds, Groovie Ghoulies, Whiskey Rebels at 5 p.m. at 924 Gilman St. Cost is $6. 525-9926. 

MONDAY, APRIL 4 

FILM 

Buddhism and Film: “My Dinner with André” at 3 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $4-$8. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Robert Richter describes “The Battle Over Hetch Hetchy” at 7:30 p.m. at Cody’s Books. 845-7852. www.codysbooks.com 

Sidra Stich will show slides and introduce “art-SITES- Northern Italy” at 7:30 p.m. at Black Oak Books. 486-0698. www.blackoakbooks.com 

Actors Reading Writers “Russian Masters” stories by Sholom Aleichem and Anton Chekhov, at 7:30 p.m. at Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant Ave.  

Poetry Express, 3rd Anniversary featuring Nazelah Jamison from 7 to 9:30 p.m., at Priya Restaurant, 2072 San Pablo Ave. berkeleypoetryexpress@yahoo.com 

The Last Word Poetry reading with Carlye Archibeque and Scott Wannberg at 7 p.m. at Pegasus Books Downtown, 2349 Shattuck Ave. 649-1320. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Songwriters Symposium at 8:30 p.m. at Blakes on Telegraph. 848-0886.  

Dimitri Matheny’s “Nocturnes” at 8 and 10 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $10. 238-9200. www.yoshis.comw

There are only a few fernleaf Catalina ironwood trees in public places in Berkeley. These include a couple on the west end of Ohlone Park; in Strawberry Creek Park, where the creek was daylighted, near Bonar; and a row of them against a wall on the Camellia Street side of REI’s San Pablo Avenue store. Once you’ve seen this distinctive small tree, you’ll likely start noticing more. 

Lyonothamnus floribundus subspecies asplenifolia is a California native. It’s one of many trees called “ironwood,” but isn’t related to most of them; like a lot of things, it’s in the rose family. It hails from the Channel Islands, down by Santa Barbara, and is a good example of that substrate of biology (and marvelous demonstration of how evolution happens) called “island biogeography.” That phenomenon happened a lot in California, as our mountains and deserts, climatic zones, odd mineral substrates, and geologically shifting terrain make effective biological islands on which populations get isolated to develop into species. For more on this subject, read some of the late Ernst Mayr’s work, which is accessible to read and not hard to find. 

In its home habitat fernleaf ironwood doesn’t make many seedlings, though its tine seeds are easily enough dispersed by wind. It reproduces by sprouting new trees from underground runners. This makes for dense single-species groves without much understory. I’ve never heard of a cultivated Catalina ironwood throwing sprouts from runners, though. That’s more a concern with things like wisteria, which can slowly take over a yard under the right conditions without some attention. 

Aside from the handsome notched leaves, fernleaf ironwood can be distinguished by its flat panicles of little white flowers and its narrowly shredding bark, which starts out brown and weathers to gray. On the islands, that bark serves one odd purpose: island scrub-jays, larger and a bit brighter than our closely related local scrub-jay species, use the spaces behind the shreds to cache their food, often alligator lizards. Apparently scrub-jays, like shrikes, appreciate lizard jerky. 

The other living Lyonothamnus subspecies, L.f. ssp. floribundus, appears, despite its name, to be derived from the fernleaf sorts of ironwood and its simple, long leaves often have a notch or two at the base, a sort of vestigial trace of its ancestry. The fossil record shows Lyonothamnis species with very similar ferny leaves in places as scattered as northern Oregon, Nevada, southern California, and a simpler-leafed sort right near us, in Moraga. In general, the plain floribundus types have been found in more coastal locations, and the fernleaf types in the interior. Pliocene fossils of the asplenifolius sort have been found in Death Valley.  

(Joe, that guy who writes about Berkeley wildlife on opposite Tuesdays, and I just got back from a quick trip to Death Valley. I have urgent advice: Drop everything and go. Make motel reservations first, in Beatty Nevada or Ridgecrest California; lodging is tight this year, but the park itself absorbs its masses easily. It’s even better than you’ve heard. Drive in, get out of the car, stand still, look carefully, and inhale. The scents of the desert flowers are as symphonically gorgeous as the geologic, meteorologic, and biologic vistas.)  

This ironwood’s journey to our area is a homecoming of sorts. The species—any variation of it—no longer occurs naturally on the mainland. But in 1894, a botanist named Francesco Franceschi, brought some seeds and a live tree back from Santa Cruz Island. He and his two sons were sailing back to Santa Barbara with their precious cargo when their little boat was beset by high winds, rough seas, and suspicious coast guards, who thought the little family group were outlaws—smugglers, I suppose.  

The guards fired shots at the vessel, which was being swamped already, and it began to sink. Dr. Franceschi navigated while his sons bailed water, and all survived to reach harbor safely. The imperiled tree flourished in Franceschi’s nursery, and within three years in produced enough stock to be introduced to the nursery trade.  

I’d like to see more of this tree in Berkeley. If it’s tough enough to ride out the ages and survive attack by proto-Homeland Security agents, let it encourage us all.  

›

TUESDAY, MARCH 29 

Early Morning Bird Walk Meet at 7:30 a.m. at Island picnic site to look for the birds of the Botanic Garden. 525-2233. 

“Sacred Mountains: A Pilgrimage in Yosemite and Tibet” a slide presentation with Chris Bessonette and Joanna Cooke at 7 p.m. at REI, 1338 San Pablo Ave. 527-4140. 

“Eat in Season” for National Nutrition month with cooking demonstrations at 3:30 p.m. at the Berkeley Farmers’ Market, Derby St. at MLK, Jr. Way. 548-3333. www.ecologycenter.org 

“Invisible Children: The Effect of the Sudanese Civil War on Children” with UCB Prof. Darren Zook at 6:15 p.m. at the FSM Cafe at Moffitt Library, UC Campus. fsm-info@library.berkeley.edu 

Berkeley PC Users Group Problem solving and beginners meeting to answer, in simple English, users questions about Windows computers. At 7 p.m. at 1145 Walnut St. corner of Eunice. All welcome, no charge. 527-2177.  

Sing-A-Long every Tues. from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. at the Albany Senior Center, 846 Masonic. All ages welcome. 524-9122. 

Tap Into It Jazz and Rhythm Tap classes at Montclair Recreation Center, 6300 Moraga Ave., Oakland. Experienced at 6:30 p.m., beginners at 7:30 p.m. 482-7812. 

Organic Produce at low prices sold at the corner of Sacramento and Oregon Streets every Tuesday from 3 to 6 p.m. This is a project of Spiral Gardens. 843-1307. 

Family Story Time at the Kensington Branch Library, Tues. evenings at 7 p.m. at 61 Arlington Ave. 524-3043. 

Brainstormer Weekly Pub Quiz every Tuesday from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Pyramid Alehouse Brewery, 901 Gilman St. 528-9880. 

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. 

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 30 

Great Decisions 2005: “Middle East” with Abbas Kadhim, Grad. student UCB, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant St. Cost is $5. For information and reservations call 526-2925. 

Community Meeting on 700 University Avenue Mixed Use Development A meeting to provide an overview of plans for the property, the planning process, and to gather input from the community at 7 p.m. at 700 University Ave., Southern Pacific Railroad Station. For information call Dan Deibel at 650-340-4340. ddeibel@urbanhousinggroup.com 

“Judi Bari’s Victory Trial” dcumentary at 7 p.m. at Humanist Hall, 390 27th St,. midtown Oakland. Donation of $5 requested.  

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

Bayswater Book Club discusses “The Mythmaker: Paul and the Invention of Christianity” by Hyam Maccoby at 6:30 p.m. at Barnes and Noble Coffee Shop, El Cerrito Plaza. 433-2911. 

AARP Free Tax Assistance for taxpayers with middle and low incomes, with special attention to those 60 years and older. From 12:15 to 4:15 p.m. at the Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave. This service will continue through April. Appointments must be made in advance. 526-3720, ext. 5. 

Artify Ashby Muralist Group meets every Wed. from 5 to 8 p.m. at the South Berkeley Senior Center, to plan a new mural. New artists are welcome. Call Bonnie at 704-0803. 

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

Chanting Circle for Women Wed. at 7 p.m. through April 6, at Belladonna, 2436 Sacramento St. Tuition is $160. For information see www.edgeofwonder.com 

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 

THURSDAY, MARCH 31 

Early Morning Bird Walk Meet at 7:30 a.m. at the end of Taft St., Albany, for a steep hike down Albany Hill for see woodland and creekside birds. 525-2233 

“Celebrating the Environmental Leadership of Cesar Chavez and the Farmworkers’ Movement” with the film “Fight in the Fields” at 7 p.m. at the Ecology Center, 2530 San Pablo Ave. 548-2220, ext. 233. 

“Reducing Violence Against Women” a town hall meeting sponsored by Black Women Organized for Political Action, at 5:30 p.m. at Laney College Forum, 900 Fallon St., Oakland. 763-9523. www.bwopa.org 

“Estate Planning and Power of Attorney” with Priscilla Camp, attorney, at 7 p.m. at Jewish Family & Children’s Services, 828 San Pablo Ave., Suite 104, Albany. To register call 558-7800. 

FRIDAY, APRIL 1 

Outings on Fridays with Berkeley Architectural Heritage Association Tour of the Cohen-Bray House (1884) in Fruitvale, at 11 a.m. Cost is $15. Reservations required. 841-2242. www.berkeleyheritage.com 

Bear Swimming Open House for ages 5 to 11, at 4 p.m. at the West Campus Pool, 2100 Browning at Addison. Bring your swim suit and towel. 287-9010. bearswimming.com 

“Citizenship and Power” A conference hosted by the Center for Popular Education, UCB, at First Unitarian Church, Oakland. For details see www.cpepr.net  

First Friday at St. Joseph the Worker with the documentary “Romero” honoring the 25th anniversary of the assassination of Archbishop Oscar Romero at 7:30 p.m. at St. Joseph the Worker Church, 1640 Addison St. Free. 482-1062. 

“Fifty Years in Science and Religion: Ian G. Barbour and His Legacy” panel discussion and reception at 7:30 p.m. at Badé Museum, Pacific School of Religion, 1798 Scenic Ave. 848-8152. www.ctns.org 

“Three Beats for Nothing” a small group meeting weekly at 10 a.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center to sing for fun and practice, mostly 16th century harmony. No charge. 655-8863, 843-7610.  

Berkeley Chess Club meets Fridays at 7:15 p.m. at the East Bay Chess Club, 1940 Virginia St. Players at all levels are welcome. 845-1041. 

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

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

SATURDAY, APRIL 2 

Sick Plant Clinic UC plant pathologist Dr. Robert Raabe, UC entomologist Dr. Nick Mills, and their team of experts will diagnose what ails your plants from 9 a.m. to noon at the Botanical Garden, 200 Centennial Dr. 643-2755.  

Berkeley Historical Society Walking Tour of Charter Hill and the Centennial of the Big “C” led by Steve Finacom, from 10 a.m. to noon. Cost is $8-$10. 848-0181. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/histsoc/ 

Ponds, Creeks and Puddles An introduction to water chemistry to discover what is there besides bugs and algae, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Visitor Center, Botanical Garden, Tilden Park. Cost is $30-$35. 845-4116. www.nativeplants.org 

Spring Rhododendron Walk with Elaine Sedlack, horticulturist, at 10 a.m. at UC Botanical Garden, 200 Centennial Drive. Cost is $8-$12, registration required. 643-2755. http://botanicalgarden.berkeley.edu 

Succulents for Bold Garden Effects with Hank Jenkins at 10 a.m. at Magic Gardens Nursery, 729 Heinz Ave. 644-2351. www.magicgardens.com 

Tilden Toddlers An afternoon of exploration to look for amphibians, for ages 2-3 with adult companions, at 2 p.m. at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. 525-2233. 

Kid’s Garden Club for ages 7-12 to explore the world of gardening, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Tilden Nature Area, Tilden Park. Cost is $5-$7, registration required. 525-2233. 

“Gardening from the Ground Up” from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Bay-Friendly Demonstration Garden, Lakeside Park, 666 Bellevue Ave., Oakland. To register call 444-7645. www.bayfriendly.org 

Landscape Watering Systems Learn how to conserve water with proper design and installation of drip irrigation, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Building Education Center, 812 Page St. Cost is $50. 525-7610.  

Alameda County Criminal Records Expungement Summit Find out about your rights, what you do and don’t need to tell employers, and learn about possible court remedies, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Laney College, 900 Fallon St. Sponsored by Congresswoman Barbara Lee and the East Bay Community Law Center. 548-4040, ext. 373. www.ebclc.org 

Church Divinity School of the Pacific Open House from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 2451 Ridge Rd. Faculty seminars, tours, and discussions. To register call 204-0755. www.cdsp.edu 

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 

“AAUP and Women in the Academy” with Mary Burgan, past president of the American Assoc of University Professors, and Debra Rolinson on “Time to Thrive, not Just Survive” at 1:30 p.m. at 180 Tan Hall, UC Campus. www.wage.org 

Progressive Democrats of the East Bay meets at 1 p.m. at the Temescal Oakland Library, 5205 Telegraph Ave. 526-4632, 524-4244. wjlawler@hotmail.com 

“Visualization for Health” with LauraLynn Jansen at 4 p.m. at the Women’s Cancer Resource Center, 5741 Telegraph Ave. at 58th St., Oakland. Free, pre-registration requested. 420-7900, ext. 111. margo@wcrc.org 

“Why Study Theology?” Panel discussion for prospective students with all nine GTU schools, from 9 a.m. to noon at Hewlett Library, 2400 Ridge Rd. 649-2460. gtuadm@gtu.edu 

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

SUNDAY, APRIL 3 

Alan Rinzler’s Writer’s Workshop First-come, first-served at 3 p.m. at Cody’s on Telegraph Ave. 845-7852. 

Hands-on Bicycle Clinic: Safety at 10 a.m. at REI, 1338 San Pablo Ave. Free. 527-4140. 

The Light and Dark of Life Learn about biological clocks, and how plants tell time, from 10 a.m. to noon at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. 525-2233. 

Six-Legged Sex: The Erotic Lives of Insects from 2 to 4 p.m. at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. 525-2233. 

Alternative Materials: Cob and Strawbale A workshop on two natural building methods from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Building Education Center, 812 Page St. Cost is $75. 525-7610.  

Cuba Solidarity Event including a report on the Cuban 5 case at 7 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center, 3105 Shattuck Ave. Cost is $5-$10 sliding scale. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

War Tax Resistance Workshop from 1 to 4 p.m. at 3122 Shattuck Ave. Sponsored by California War Tax Resistance. 843-9877. www.nowartax.org 

Tour of the Flora Lamson Hewlett Library at 3:30 p.m. at the Graduate Theological Union, 2400 Ridge Rd. Reservations required. 649-2420. 

Family Film Sunday “The Music Man” at 11 a.m. at Julia Morgan Center for the Arts, 2640 College Ave. Cost is $5 at the door.  

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 

Elderflower WomanSpirit Festival with entertainment, workshops, food, and crafts, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Humanist Hall, 390 27th St., Oakland. Cost is $25-$40. http://elderflower.org 

Tibetan Buddhism with Erika Rosenberg on “Heart Practices for Daily Life” at 6 p.m. at the Tibetan Nyingma Institute, 1815 Highland Pl. 843-6812. www.nyingmainstitute.com 

MONDAY, APRIL 4 

Tea and Hike at Four Taste some of the finest teas from the Pacific Rim and South Asia and learn their natural and cultural history, followed by a short nature walk. At 4 p.m. at Tilden Nature Area, in Tilden Park. Cost is $5-$7, registration required. 525-2233.  

Bird Watching Basics with Dennis Wolff, Audubon Society member, Mondays through April 25, from 9:30 a.m. to noon at UC Botanical Garden, 200 Centennial Drive. Cost is $65-$75, registration required. 643-2755. http://botanicalgarden.berkeley.edu 

Jumping Jupiter! You’ll have to wait to 2010 to get a better view of Jupiter than right now. Meet at Inspiration Point, Tilden Park, and we’ll walk down Nimitz Way to see this gas giant and other worlds and stars. 525-2233. 

Romero Presente! A week-long celebration of the life of Bishop Oscar Romero of El Salvador, at the Graduate Theological Union. For details contact RomeroPresente@fst.gtulink.edu 

National Organization for Women Oakland/East Bay Chapter meets at 6 p.m. at the Oakland YWCA, 1515 Webster St. The speaker will be Melanie Sweeney Griffith, from Black Women Organized for Political Action. 

Trivia Cafe at 6:30 p.m. at Ristorante Raphael 2132 Center St. 644-9500. 

World Affairs/Politics Discussion Group for people 60 years and over meets Mondays at 9:45 a.m. at the Albany Senior Center, 846 Masonic Ave. Join at any time. Cost is $2.50 with refreshments. 524-9122. 

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

TUESDAY, APRIL 5 

Mid-Day Meander in Briones to see the spring migratory birds. From 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. For details call 525-2233. 

Bird Walk along the Martin Luther King Shoreline to see marsh birds at 3:30 p.m. for information call 525-2233. 

“California Wild” A slide presentation with author and photographer Tim Palmer at 7 p.m. at REI, 1338 San Pablo Ave. Free. 527-4140. 

Robert Reich on “How Unequal Can America Get Before We Snap?” at 7 p.m. at Wheeler Auditorium, UC Campus. Free, but tickets required. 642-9988. 

“American Labor and the Cold War: Grassroots Politics and Postwar Political Culture” with authors William Issel, Kenneth Burt and Don Watson at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Central Library, Community Room, 2090 Kittredge St. 981-6100.  

“Advice for Small Business Owners” with Susan Urquhart-Brown, author of “The Accidental Entrepreneur: Practical Wisdom for People Who Never Expected to Work for Themselves” at 7 p.m. at El Cerrito Library, 6510 Stockton Ave. 526-7512. 

“Resolving Conflicts Through Dialogue” with Drs Jerry Diller and Meshulam Plaves, Tues. April 5, 12, 19 at 7:30 p.m. at the BRJCC. Cost is $40. 848-0237, ext. 110. 

Berkeley Salon Discussion Group meets to discuss Tax Reform from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Berkeley Richmond Jewish Community Center, 1414 Walnut St. Please bring snacks and soft drinks to share. No peanuts please. 601-6690.     

“Will Your Bones Carry You into the Future?” with Beverley Tracewell, CCRC, at 4 p.m. at Jewish Family & Children’s Services, 828 San Pablo Ave., Suite 104, Albany. To register call 558-7800. 

Organic Produce at low prices sold at the corner of Sacramento and Oregon Streets every Tuesday from 3 to 6 p.m. This is a project of Spiral Gardens. 843-1307. 

Introductory Buddhist Meditation Class at 7 p.m. at Dzalandhara Buddhist Center, in Berkeley. Suggested donation $7-$10. For directions call 559-8183. www.kadampas.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. Introduction to Legal Assistance at 11 a.m. We offer ongoing classes in exercise and creative arts, and always welcome new members over 50. 845-6830. 

CITY MEETINGS 

Creeks Task Force meets every Monday at 7 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center through April 4. Erin Dando, 981-7410. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/creeks 

Council Agenda Committee meets Mon., April 4, at 2:30 p.m., at 2180 Milvia St. 981-6900. www.ci.berkeley.ca. 

us/citycouncil/agenda-committee 

Berkeley Rent Stabilization Board meets Mon. April 4, at 7 p.m. in City Council Chambers, Pam Wyche, 644-6128 ext. 113. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/rent 

Landmarks Preservation Commission meets Mon., April 4, at 7:30 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Gisele Sorensen, 981-7419. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/landmarks 

Peace and Justice Commission meets Mon., April 4, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Manuel Hector, 981-5510. www.ci.berkeley.ca. 

us/commissions/peaceandjustice 

Solid Waste Management Commission Mon., April 4, at 7 p.m., at 1201 Second St. Tania Levy, 981-6368. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/solidwaste 

Youth Commission meets Mon., April 4, at 6:30 p.m., at 1730 Oregon St. Philip Harper-Cotton, 981-6670. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/youth ™

If the front page looks a bit brighter to you today, it’s because we’ve made a few small changes to what’s called “the flag” by newspapers insiders. The dictionary and many civilians still call it the masthead, but these days the pros seem to reserve that term for the place on the inside that lists the address and the staff. In any event, it’s that strip across the top of the paper that lets you know what you’re getting when you pick the paper up.  

We’ve made it a bit smaller, because these days we’ve got so many stories for the front pages, and so many fine photos, that we’ve been having trouble fitting everything in. That’s heresy in some press circles, where the tendency is for newspapers to contain ever-less copy under ever-larger headlines, but then we pride ourselves on doing things differently. We’ve lightened the lines in the flag, called “rules,” added color to our Planet Earth icon, and moved it up a bit so that it intersects a rule, causing, of course, bad jokes around the newsroom about how we like to “break the rules.”  

The change is timed to coincide with our second anniversary of publication, discussed at some length in this space just a week ago. We thought Saving the Planet was a big job when we launched this venture, but Running the Planet, twice a week whether you need it or not, turns out to be an even bigger job. Sometimes under pressure of just getting papers out on the stands we’re tempted to lose sight of why we’re doing this, so we thought it would be a good idea to re-visit what we said when we started.  

Here are the last few paragraphs of our April 1 editorial of two years ago: 

“Our agenda is a simple one: Tell people what’s going on, give them a paper to discuss it in, and trust that they’ll make the right decisions. The last few months have tested our belief in the wisdom of an informed public. One of the most discouraging aspects of the country’s turn toward the Bush doctrine of pre-emptive aggression is not how poorly it’s been covered in print. In fact, the failed effort to head off the Iraq war has produced an outpouring of some of the best prose this country has ever seen. Molly Ivins, Norman Mailer, Henrick Hertzberg, Tony Lewis, Jon Carroll. There’s a seemingly endless supply of cogent argument from articulate writers, and it doesn’t seem to have worked. 

“But we still want to do what we can with what we’ve got. Local coverage well done can still give local citizens the information they need to take responsibility for the actions of local government. How this translates to the national and international levels is a discussion that should be going on right now. It can take place in a newspaper like this, among other places. Joe Liebling, a cynical commentator on the press in the middle of the last century, used to say that the press was free for those who owned one. Now that we seem to own one, we want to share it with Berkeley citizens, so that together we might be able to figure out how to save the world. 

“And what better place for a free press than Berkeley? Berkeley was chartered on April Fools’ Day and named for a philosopher. Carol Denney likes to remind us that Berkeley was the home of the Free Speech Movement because of the University of California’s determined opposition to free speech, not because free speech was protected here. Berkeley needs a newspaper which remembers its complex and paradoxical past, and which understands and accepts its responsibility for shaping the future.”  

Have we done what we set out to do? Well, we haven’t gotten any further in stopping the federal government’s insane Iraq expedition. We do think we’ve held to the course described in the last paragraph. 

We’re particularly proud of having just about ended the Beserkely-only coverage of Berkeley which two years ago was a staple of the metro dailies. We’ve printed the real news about what’s going on around here, and the big dailies have been shamed into picking up our stories—often, of course, a few days later and with their own slant.  

But we weren’t aware when we started of all the unreported news outside of Berkeley. As the megalopolis expands, stories about what goes on in Richmond and San Pablo and El Cerrito and Albany and all of Oakland’s neighborhoods are increasingly important to all of our readers, no matter where they live. We’ve spotlighted casino frenzy and building on toxic waste to the north, school mismanagement to the south, and bending zoning rules to enrich speculators all over the East Bay, especially right here in Berkeley. Has coverage changed anything? It’s too early to tell—citizens throughout our readership area are taking responsibility for the actions of local government, but successful change is never quick. 

What’s next? Well, we’re still hoping to break even financially. We expect our new real estate insert to make a big splash. Our “Dining Out” advertising section has become a colorful and appealing addition to the center of the paper. Retail advertising depends to a certain extent on the health of local retail, and conversely local merchants should take advantage of advertising in papers like ours. We’re sorry to see a well-stocked music store closing its Berkeley downtown location, but we can’t help thinking that if they’d advertised in the Planet they might have had more customers. When you shop, tell the stores that they should be advertising in the Planet, for their own sake as well as ours.  

As always, keep those cards and letters coming. The difference between our opinion pages and most blogs is that our writers seem to take considerably more care with their writing than bloggers. We’re very proud of the high quality of our opinion contributors, and we thank you for your support. 

The only dignified voice to appear in the midst of the outrageous media circus which has been created around the slow death of Theresa Marie Schindler Sciavo has been that of the disabled community. Ms. Schindler Sciavo is familiarly called in the media by her childhood nickname, Terri, reflecting her dependent status in recent years as a childlike love object for her birth parents and as the legal ward of the husband she married at a young age. Since she can no longer speak for herself, a great deal of space has been devoted to speculation about what she “would have” or “might have” wanted, with no concrete information available to answer this question.  

Less-than-admirable established politicians were falling all over themselves to take positions which they believed would please a substantial segment of the voting public. Many Republicans came out against the states’ rights position which they preached during the civil rights movement. Some Democrats abandoned their historic reliance on the federal government as the protector of individual rights against possible encroachment by the states. It now appears, if we are to believe the polls, that they all got it wrong.  

A weekend Planet correspondent seems to have captured the real mood of many in the public, both Republicans and Democrats, with a one line unsigned comment: “Where is the money coming from and for the last 15 years, are they paying out from Medicare, and if so is that the reason our monthly payments have increased?”  

That’s exactly what thoughtful members of the disabled community are worried about. This isn’t really about the last wishes of poor young Ms. Schindler Sciavo, whose personal medical catastrophe seems to have been caused by a potassium deficiency which was the result of bulimia, a vomiting disorder often caused by the patient’s belief that she is “too fat.” There’s been little discussion about the circumstances surrounding her purported statement that she might prefer death to disability, no examination of her possible frame of mind when she might have said what she’s not been proven to have said. 

Such questions are raised by thoughtful disabled people when “death with dignity” bills are under discussion. There’s a clear implication in some of these discussions that the life of a disabled person is somehow lacking in dignity, no matter how much bill sponsors choose to deny it. There’s an underlying calculation of the costs of maintaining helpless individuals, with the concomitant temptation to fear, like our correspondent, that “saving her might be costing me.” There’s a tendency to applaud the human tendency to say that “I don’t want to be a burden,” though it often arises from the same kind of low self esteem that is associated with eating disorders in young women like Terri. 

The most compelling irony in the Sciavo situation is that as the disingenuous Congressional Republicans try to exploit it, they are also working hard to dismantle the federal government’s financial support for vulnerable individuals. Without comprehensive no-questions-asked health care, which has never existed in this country and which is getting farther away all the time, being “pro-choice” doesn’t mean much when the question is how disabled or incapacitated people can choose to keep living under extreme conditions without the money to do so. 

A few congressional Democrats are finally trying to make some sense of the legal issues involved. Senator Tom Harkin of Iowa, who has supported the disability rights movement for many years, told reporters recently that, “Where there is a genuine dispute as to what the desires of the incapacitated person really are, then there ought to be at the end some review by a federal court outside of state jurisdiction.” This only makes sense, since state courts can and do differ wildly on these issues. Just because the Schindler-Sciavo dispute seems to have been captured by the anti-abortion crowd doesn’t mean that there aren’t many important and genuine questions that need to be answered. 

Excellent analysis from the perspective of the disabled community can be found in the online magazine Ragged Edge (raggededgemagazine.com), including Senator Harkin’s complete statement explaining his position. Progressives (and conservatives) are prone to knee-jerk assertions that the correct answers to questions like these are obvious, but that’s not true here. Terri Schiavo will eventually die, whether soon or later, but the dilemma her case has highlighted will not disappear with her death.  

—Becky O’Malley?