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Halcyon Neighborhood Association E-Update 4/14/10

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Items appearing in the HNA E-Update are deemed to be of general interest to neighbors but do not necessarily reflect the views of Halcyon Neighborhood Association (HNA), its Steering Committee, or the Editor. The EditorÕs introductory comments express her personal viewpoint.

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a. Meeting This Sunday, April 18, 4:30-6 p.m. to Plan May Disaster Prep Drill

b. City Council to Hear Public Input on BRT, Tuesday, April 20

c. National Library Week: Survey on Berkeley Public Library

d. Le Conte Neighborhood Association Meeting, Thursday, April 15, 7:30 p.m.

 

EditorÕs Introductory Note:

 

While not everyone is able to participate in ongoing neighborhood organizing, some of you have wondered how you could help out in time-limited, focused ways. Participating in planning the disaster preparedness drill schedule for May is one way to help out, and make both your family and our neighborhood better prepared when the Big One strikes; see item (a) for information about the planning meeting taking place this Sunday. As before, please note that the HNA E-Update comes out in between regular E-Newsletters and contains information that would be outdated for the next regular edition (the next one will be the first week in May).

 

The April edition of the E-News is still up online at http://www.HalcyonNeighborhood.org, and from now on prior editions will be indexed there as well.

 

—Nancy Carleton, HNA Co-Chair and E-News Editor, halcyon92@gmail.com

 

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a. Meeting This Sunday, April 18, 4:30-6 p.m. to Plan May Disaster Prep Drill

 

HNA Neighborhood Watch Coordinator Dawn Trygstad Rubin submitted the following announcement:

 

Hello Neighbors,

 

We need your help to plan the Halcyon Neighborhood disaster drill on 5/23. A neighborhood flyer to be distributed next week says:

 

Neighborhood Disaster Prep Drill

Sunday, May 23, 3–5 p.m.

Meet at Halcyon Commons (Halcyon at Prince)

This year weÕve all seen the devastation a major earthquake can cause. ItÕs important to remember that in Halcyon Neighborhood we live almost on top of a major fault. Scientists say there is an 80 percent chance of a major quake in the next twenty years. WHEN (not if) we have an earthquake, we need to be prepared to survive on our own for at least a week before outside help arrives. Our neighborhood has a basic disaster preparedness plan and a supply cache on Halcyon Court. Come out May 23rd for our annual drill as we practice setting up an Incident Command Center in Halcyon Commons, using walkie-talkies, and more. To help plan the drill, contact halcyon92@gmail.com.

 

I canÕt prepare for or execute the drill alone. Ideally we need 10-12 people to help plan it and make it happen. At the very least the drill will repeat what weÕve done before: meet at the cache, open it, assign roles, test the walkie-talkies. But it would be nice to do more. IÕve seen some good examples through the BDPNN lately and would also like to include 2-3 patients to triage and a small search/rescue operation.  This can't happen without YOU.

 

Please attend a first planning meeting:

4:30-6:00 p.m. on Sunday, 4/18

Wheeler Street

RSVP to FamilyRubin@comcast.net for address

510-843-3793  

 

Thanks, in advance, for your help!

Ciao,

Dawn

 

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b. City Council to Hear Public Input on BRT Build Alternative options, Tuesday, April 20

 

EditorÕs note: The following announcement was received from City staff. (Note that some community groups have been requesting that the meeting be held in a larger venue to accommodate the large crowd anticipated, so check before the meeting to make sure of the location.)

 

The City Council will discuss BRT Build Alternative options, to be used in an environmental study, at the next meeting:

 

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

7:00 p.m.

City Council Chambers

2134 Martin Luther King Jr. Way

 

This meeting was continued from the March 23rd City Council meeting. It will be the first item on the agenda after the Consent Calendar; it is scheduled to begin at 8:00 p.m. No action will be taken at this meeting.

 

The Build Alternative is not a decision on BRT in Berkeley, but rather a decision on an option for study in AC TransitÕs Final Environmental Impact Study/Report (FEIS/R) for the BRT project. The staff report and attachments for this meeting are currently available on the City ClerkÕs website under the March 23rd agenda: http://www.cityofberkeley.info/ContentDisplay.aspx?id=9868 (see the Regular Meeting agenda, Item 38). The agenda for the meeting and any supplemental information will be available on the City ClerkÕs website by Thursday, April 15th at 5:00 p.m.

 

The City Council will consider, and possibly take action on, a Build Alternative for study in AC TransitÕs FEIS/R at a future Council meeting.  Information on that meeting will be sent in a separate email.

 

Please contact me if you have any questions.

 

Sincerely,

 

Elizabeth Ruess Greene, AICP

Senior Planner

City of Berkeley

Phone - 510-981-7484

Fax - 510-981-7490

 

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c. National Library Week: Survey on Berkeley Public Library

 

EditorÕs note: The following information was received from City staff.

 

Celebrating National Library Week

April 11-17, 2010

 

National Library Week is an annual celebration of the contributions of our nationÕs libraries and librarians. All types of libraries — school, public, academic and special — participate. The theme for 2010 is ÒCommunities thrive @ your library,Ó and libraries across the nation look for ways to raise awareness about libraries and library services during this week. This theme is especially appropriate this year, reflecting how many citizens are turning to their public libraries for assistance and solace during these times of economic distress.

 

Please Fill Out our Survey! We Need Your Input!

 

Each April, the staff of the Berkeley Public Library devotes activities and programs in honor of this important recognition of how libraries everywhere play a vital role in supporting the quality of life in their communities. This year, Library staff is launching the first of a planned annual patron satisfaction survey, to monitor what the LibraryÕs users think of the library services they receive, and to receive feedback on potential areas of improvement. Please fill out our Berkeley Public Library Customer Satisfaction survey available at any Information or Reference Desk or http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/JYBDVWC

 

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d. Le Conte Neighborhood Association Meeting, Thursday, April 15, 7:30 p.m.

 

EditorÕs note: Received from Karl Reeh, President of Le Conte Neighborhood Association, whose boundaries overlap with part of the Halcyon Neighborhood.

 

The Le Conte Neighborhood Assn. will be meeting this Thursday, April 15th at 7:30 p.m. at the ART HOUSE, 2905 Shattuck Ave. (three doors south of Russell Street). A large sign will be posted.

 

THE AGENDA WILL INCLUDE:

A. The Laundromat proposed for 3095 Telegraph.

B. An Update on local crime reports.

C. Public heating on ÒParker PlaceÓ Development (Toyota Showroom/Shop)

D. Bus Rapid Transit (BRT)

E. Nominations for LNA Board (Election May 20th)

F. Survey of local Disaster Preparation Groups

G. The Berkeley Sunshine Ordinance.

 

We will be considering other items for the May meeting such as sharing information concerning bond and tax issues in the June election.

 

Cheers, Karl Reeh, President

510-843-2602

 

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Halcyon Neighborhood Association E-News 4/5/10

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Items appearing in the HNA E-News are deemed to be of general interest to neighbors but do not necessarily reflect the views of Halcyon Neighborhood Association (HNA), its Steering Committee, or the Editor. The EditorÕs introductory comments express her personal viewpoint.

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Contents

1. New HalcyonNeighborhood.org website

2. Input Sought for Meeting with Whole Foods, This Thursday, April 8

3 World Tai Chi and QiGong Day, Saturday, April 24,  2010, 10-11 a.m., Halcyon Commons

4. Crime Watch Focus: Request for Alternates to Attend SNCPC

5. Crime Watch Update: Assault on Telegraph at Prince; Catalytic Converter Stolen, Essex at Wheeler

6. ChancellorÕs Community Partnership Fund Grant Workshop, Wednesday, April 7, 5:30–7:30 p.m.

7. Disaster Prep ÒDo Something Day,Ó Saturday, April 24

8. HNA Planning Disaster Prep Drill on Sunday, May 23, 3–5 p.m.: Can You Help?

9. New Yellow Emperor Community Acupuncture Clinic on Shattuck between Prince & Woolsey

10. South Berkeley Planning Process Underway

11. The 2010 Census: Berkeley Sites for Forms in Various Languages

12. AC Transit Route Changes: Links

13. Laundromat Permit Update: Link

 

EditorÕs Introductory Note:

 

This edition of the E-News eliminates the placeholders found at the end past editions, including For Your Calendar, HNAÕs Disaster prep Supply Cache Wish List; City of Berkeley Useful Contact Information; and HNAÕs Guiding Principles. This information will still be available, stored on our new HalcyonNeighborhood.org website, thanks to neighbor Bruce Wicinas (see item 1). Keeping this ongoing information stored on the website will allow me to streamline the E-News and keep it focused on new material. Thank you, Bruce!

 

And donÕt forget to join our Halcyon Neighborhood Association (HNA) group on Facebook if you havenÕt yet. ItÕs a great way to get to know your neighbors better!

 

—Nancy Carleton, HNA Co-Chair and E-News Editor, halcyon92@gmail.com

 

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1. New HalcyonNeighborhood.org website

 

Prince Street neighbor Bruce Wicinas — one of the founders of HNA and a key organizer behind the creation of Halcyon Commons — has started a new website for the neighborhood, which can be found at www.HalcyonNeighborhood.org. Still in its infancy, the website will evolve as we see what works best and what kind of information weÕd like to store. If you have feedback or historical material to offer, please email halcyon92@gmail.com.

 

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2. Input Sought for Meeting with Whole Foods, This Thursday, April 8

 

Several Halcyon neighbors and HNA Steering Committee members have been meeting every few months with team leaders from Whole Foods Market to address issues of mutual concern and strengthen our relationship in taking care of our shared neighborhood. Ongoing issues weÕve been addressing include parking issues, crime watch, graffiti removal, litter pickup, watering of street trees, reducing smoking on the Webster Street approach, traffic management, and more. Please email halcyon92@gmail.com by Wednesday, April 7, if you have an issue or concern youÕd like us to pass on in our regular meeting this Thursday morning, April 8. (Please indicate whether you wish your comment to remain confidential or if itÕs okay to pass on your contact information.)

 

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3. World Tai Chi and QiGong Day, Saturday, April 24,  2010, 10-11 a.m., Halcyon Commons

 

Instead of the regular tai chi chih practice on fourth Sundays, this month weÕll be holding our free monthly tai chi chih practice on Saturday, April 24, at 10 a.m., joining a wave of tai chi and qigong practitioners and healers around the world. Prince Street neighbor Judith Schwartz will once again be facilitating, and she invites those who want to practice tai chi chih as well as others who wish to share their healing or energy work (without charge) to join us in the park to be part of this worldwide wave of healing energy and chi. (Regular fourth Sunday tai chi chih practice in the park will resume May 23 at 11 a.m.)

 

World Tai Chi and QiGong Day, Sat. 4/24, 10–11 a.m.

Note: Rain cancels.

Halcyon Commons (Halcyon at Prince)

Facilitated by Prince Street neighbor Judith Schwartz, 510-843-2062

www.judithschwartz.com[EditorÕs Note: Judith also offers ongoing classes to teach the Tai Chi forms in her Prince Street gardens; you can contact her for more information.]

 

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4. Crime Watch Focus: Request for Alternates to Attend SNCPC

 

HNA Neighborhood Watch Coordinator Dawn Trygstad Rubin submitted the following update and request regarding the SNCPC:

 

Many of you know that Halcyon Neighborhood participates as the unofficial Òsector 8Ó with the Shattuck Neighborhood Crime Prevention Council (SNCPC) in Oakland just south of us. Dawn Trygstad Rubin, HNA Neighborhood Watch Coordinator, attends monthly meetings with elected resident and business representatives from Oakland's Police Beat 11 and their PSO (problem-solving officer from the police department) and their neighborhood services liaison (from the MayorÕs office).  She reports that it is consistently the most productive meeting she attends anywhere, with excellent cooperation between residents, business owners, police, and city staff working together to produce real results. The SNCPC has done proactive work with the Recreation Center at Bushrod Park, funded kids going to summer camps, closed drug houses, addressed nuisance issues, solved crimes, and more.

 

Twice each year the SNCPC hosts public meetings where they invite all residents and business owners/employees to gather. That means US TOO in the Halcyon Neighborhood. Last year there was an excellent meeting focused on the (still-ongoing) war between gangs in Oakland, Berkeley, and Richmond over drug issues. Last month the first semiannual meeting focused on issues related to marijuana — both legal for medical purposes and illegal. Later this year in October (date TBD), the second semiannual meeting of the SNCPC will serve as the HNA annual crime watch meeting; look for the announcement in this E-News as the time approaches.

 

Dawn is looking for HNA residents to be alternates for our Òsector 8Ó to attend the monthly meetings with her from time to time and to be alternates for the few times each year she is unable to attend.  Please contact her at familyrubin@comcast.net or 510-843-3793 for more information.

 

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5. Crime Watch Update: Assault on Telegraph at Prince; Catalytic Converter Stolen, Essex at Wheeler

 

HNA Crime Watch Coordinator Dawn Trygstad Rubin, who attended the recent Bateman Neighborhood Association crime watch meeting, passed on the following information:

 

ÒThere was a disturbing report. A lady was assaulted Friday [March 19]. She was outside the church (Prince and Telegraph), and a man was screaming obscenities. She asked him to stop and he attacked her pretty violently. A man walking on the other side of the street came to her rescue and the attacker fled. I didnÕt get a good description — I think she said he was Caucasian and probably in his late twenties.Ó

 

An Essex Street neighbor submitted the following report:

 

ÒCatalytic converter sawed off and stolen from my 4runner overnight Monday, March 22, on Essex at Wheeler Street. . . . At RonÕs Berkeley Muffler they told us someone called in 15 minutes later from around the corner with the same problem. They said it takes two guys about two minutes to do the damage. Some people are in for $1,000 damage. It ÔonlyÕ cost us $425.Ó

 

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6. ChancellorÕs Community Partnership Fund Grant Workshop, Wednesday, April 7, 5:30–7:30 p.m.

 

New collaborations sought for Chancellor's Community Partnership Fund

Grant Workshop on Wednesday, April 7, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. at the

North Berkeley Senior Center (1901 Hearst Avenue at Martin Luther King Jr. Way)

 

The Chancellor's Community Partnership Fund at the University of California, Berkeley, is now accepting grant applications for its 2010-11 grant cycle. The fund will distribute $225,000 in grants this year to support projects and programs that link UC Berkeley faculty, staff, and students with residents and community-based organizations to improve the quality of life in Berkeley. The fund will host a workshop for interested applicants as well as potential community or university partners on April 7th.

 

ChancellorÕs Community Partnership Fund

UC Berkeley Office of Local Government and Community Relations

510-643-5299

calpartnershipfund@berkeley.edu

communityrelations.berkeley.edu

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7. Disaster Prep ÒDo Something Day,Ó Saturday, April 24

 

The Berkeley Disaster Prep Neighborhoods Network (Òthe NetworkÓ) is sponsoring Saturday, April 24, as a day for each family and individual to take at least one small step in increasing their level of disaster preparedness. See Berkeleydailyplanet.com.

 

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8. HNA Planning Disaster Prep Drill on Sunday, May 23, 3–5 p.m.: Can You Help?

 

HNA is planning a disaster preparedness drill on Sunday, May 23rd, with all interested neighbors encouraged to attend! In order to make the drill as useful as possible, Neighborhood Watch Coordinator Dawn Trygstad Rubin would appreciate some assistance with the planning and preparation for the drill. Please email halcyon92@gmail.com if youÕd be willing to help.

 

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9. Yellow Emperor Community Acupuncture Clinic Opens on Shattuck between Prince & Woolsey

 

[EditorÕs note: IÕm always glad to pass on the word about new businesses in the neighborhood. This one recently held an open house and several neighbors passed on the word.]

 

Yellow Emperor Community Acupuncture Clinic

3111 Shattuck Ave. (between Prince & Woolsey)

Berkeley 94705

510-227-4028

www.yellowemperorclinic.com

yellowemperorclinic@gmail.com

 

Hours: Tuesday–Friday: 3- 7 p.m.

Saturday: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Sunday: 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Regular treatments $20-40 sliding scale

 

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10. South Berkeley Planning Process Underway

 

EditorÕs note: While HNAÕs Guiding Principles preclude us from getting involved in lobbying on potentially controversially topics, we do our best to let neighbors know about City planning that may affect our neighborhood. Neighbors interested in current planning taking place over the coming months (Òthe South Berkeley Community ProjectÓ) may wish to consult www.cityofberkeley.info/uploadedFiles

 

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11. The 2010 Census: Berkeley Sites for Forms in Various Languages

 

EditorÕs note: ItÕs Census time, and for our city and county to receive the full federal funding to which weÕre entitled, everyone needs to be counted! If you misplaced your census form or need one in a language other than English, here are some places with blank questionnaires.

 

Be Counted Only Sites in Berkeley (no questionnaire assistance but can pick up blank questionnaires in English, Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese and Russian):

Berkeley Public Library-West Branch, 1125 University

Berkeley Free Clinic, 2339 Durant

Downtown Berkeley Library, 2090 Kittredge

City of Berkeley - Customer Service Center, 1947 Center St.

Mi Tierra, 2082 San Pablo

Berkeley Public Library-South Branch, 1901 Russell St.

Over 60/Lifelong, 3260 Sacramento

 

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12. AC Transit Route Changes: Links

 

berkeleydailyplanet.com

 

actransit.org

 

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13. Laundromat Permit Update: Link

 

EditorÕs note: A link for those of you whoÕve been following the laundromat permitting issue.

 

berkeleydailyplanet.com