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Halcyon Neighborhood Association E-News 7/11/11

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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 Editor’s introductory comments express her personal viewpoint.

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Contents

1. Neighborhood Sing-along, Sunday 7/17, 4-6 p.m., Wheeler Street

2. Neighborhood “Mocktail” Party, Tuesday 7/26, 6-7:30 p.m., 2329 Webster Street

3. National Night Out Against Crime, Tuesday 8/2, Community Potluck & Safety Walk, 6-8:30 p.m.

4. Remembering Neighbor John Leverick, Saturday 7/30, Noon at Halcyon Commons

5. Emerson Street Neighbor Requests Your Action on Fan Noise from Smokey J’s

6. Crime Watch Alert: Suspicious Ice Cream Truck on Prince Street near Deakin

7. Drop-In Progress Meetings at Whole Foods Market, Weds. 7/26, 8:30-9 a.m.

8. Prince Street Neighbor’s Alert Regarding Redistricting Proposal to Create a Supermajority Student District

9. Neighborhood Honey Available!

10. Interested in Another Multi-Household Yard Sale in August?

11. Wheeler Street Neighbor Asks Others to Support Her Clothesline Policy Initiative

12. Crime Watch Alert: Car Break-in on Shattuck & Car Theft on Fulton

13. Safer Crossing at Ashby/Deakin Thanks to Webster Street Neighbor

14. Bees Wanted (If You See a Swarm, Please Contact Bruce Wicinas)

15. BORP Offering New (and Continuing) Classes!

16. Prince Street Neighbor Judith Schwartz Offering Tai Chi Classes

Editor’s Introductory Note:

Along with the rest of the news in this edition, please note three fun neighborhood events coming up (items 1, 2, and 3), one of which includes a crime-watch focus (item 3). A fourth neighborhood gathering is announced in item 4, which relays the sad news of the death of former Deakin Street neighbor John Leverick and offers a chance to gather in his memory.

Because of the Independence Day holiday followed by a summer virus last week, I’m late in getting this July E-News out. Even in an ordinary month, news keeps happening in between newsletters. Our HNA Facebook group, now up to 65 members, is starting to come into its own, with a variety of neighbors sharing news and raising issues. It offers a great space for neighbors to network directly with one another. If you’re a Halcyon neighbor or businessperson and you don’t want to miss out on late-breaking announcements (and perhaps wish to share some of your own), please request to join at https://www.facebook.com/groups/292160762499. And if your interest focuses on crime watch or disaster preparedness, please make sure to email halcyon92@gmail.com to request to join the Yahoo group listservs devoted to those topics (include your email, address, and phone with your request).

I’m closing this edition of the E-News in memory of John Leverick, who looked out for the safety of our neighborhood even when his own life took a turn for the worse.

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

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1. Neighborhood Sing-along, Sunday 7/17, 4-6 p.m., Wheeler Street

Editor’s note: Wheeler Street neighbor Roz Harder submitted the notice about the following fun neighborhood event, which could become a tradition. Note that you need to rsvp to get the exact address!

LIKE TO SING? Please join us for a neighborhood SING-ALONG on Sunday July 17, 4-6 p.m.

Bring along the printed lyrics of at least one song you’d like to sing, with a few copies to share around the room. If you have a “Rise Up Singing” book, please bring that as well. A Woolsey Street neighbor has agreed to accompany us on the piano, for the songs she knows or for which YOU can provide sheet music. Other instruments warmly welcomed!

We will provide beverages. Feel free to bring something snacky & simple (e.g., grapes, baby carrots) if you can. Rsvp and/or send questions to Wheeler Street neighbor Roz Harder at rrahoode@yahoo.com.  If you can’t make it at this date and time but wish you could, let me know for future reference. 

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2. Neighborhood “Mocktail” Party, Tuesday 7/26, 6-7:30 p.m., 2329 Webster Street

Editor’s note: John and Michelle Thelen-Steere are hosting a special community get-together to replace the canceled June potluck. “Mocktails,” for those unfamiliar with the term, are nonalcoholic mixed beverages concocted from sparking water and various juices. Here’s Michelle’s invitation to neighbors. Perhaps this is the start of another neighborhood tradition?

Greetings, Halcyon neighbors! I hope that you all can make it to our HNA-sponsored Summer Mocktails & Merriment in the Redwood Room at Webster Haven (2329 Webster Street, second house west of Whole Foods) on Tuesday, July 26, 6-7:30 p.m. B.Y.O.J&Hd'O (Bring your own juice/sparkling water and hors d’oeuvres). Wear a summery hat!!!! :-)

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3. National Night Out Against Crime, Tuesday 8/2, Community Potluck & Safety Walk, 6-8:30 p.m.

HNA is once again participating in National Night Out Against Crime. Please join us. Your participation in this fun evening is crucial to our efforts to create a safer, healthier, and friendlier neighborhood!

Tuesday, August 2, Halcyon Commons (Halcyon at Prince)

6:00-7:30 p.m.: Community Potluck in the park, with visits from the Police Department, Fire Department, and City officials (including an invitation to our Council representatives to stop by)

7:30-8:30 p.m.: Neighborhood Safety Walk to include the Oakland border and Ed Roberts campus area and identify any problem spots or issues

Delicious Mediterranean appetizers courtesy of Whole Foods Market!

Bring a dish to share for 8-10 (plus a beverage to share too if possible)

Potluck suggestions: Salad: R–Z * Main Dish: I–Q * Dessert: A–H

(If not obvious, kindly attach a label with ingredients for your dish to alert those with vegetarian and other diets. It’s really helpful if some of you also bring a beverage to share. Children welcome!)

This event is a great chance to ask questions and introduce yourselves and your children to police officers and firefighters. It’s also an opportunity to show representatives from the City that we’re concerned about crime and are willing to work in partnership to help address it.

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4. Remembering Neighbor John Leverick, Saturday 7/30, Noon at Halcyon Commons

Editor’s note: Deakin Street neighbor Judy Jones submitted the following announcement, which includes sad news for those of us who were fond of John.

Neighbors:

There will be an informal gathering on Saturday, July 30, at 12 noon, in Halcyon Commons (Halcyon at Prince), to remember long-time Deakin Street friend and neighbor John Leverick. As some of you may know, John died in late June. If you would like to bring some food or drink to share, that would be fine.

For further information please contact: Judy, judeseven@sbcglobal.net, or Tobias, saibot1005@yahoo.com.

Thank you,

Judy

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5. Emerson Street Neighbor Requests Your Action on Fan Noise from Smokey J’s

Editor’s note: Neighbor Donna Argentina submitted the following item about noise from the kitchen fan at newly opened restaurant Smokey J’s (Shattuck at Emerson) and requests that other nearby neighbors take action to help resolve the situation.

Neighbors:

Since the opening of the Smokey J’s restaurant on Shattuck, the kitchen fan located on the roof of the building has been running 24/7. It is loud and has a high-pitch decibel ring that is heard a block away in either direction. I have spoken to owner Joshua Kemper three times and he has as yet offered no solution. I have called the City of Berkeley environmental noise complaint hotline and registered a complaint over two weeks ago and still did not get any answer. The constant noise from this fan is ruining the quality of life for me and my neighbors on Emerson Street. We need to pressure the owner of this business and the City to rectify this situation. I sent an email to the district’s city councilmember, Max Anderson, asking for assistance. If you can hear this fan, please call the city and register a noise complaint, write our city council person, and/or contact Josh using the contact information listed below.

Thank you

Donna Argentina

donnaargentina@sbcglobal.net

Smokey J’s located @ 3015 Shattuck Ave

Owner: Joshua Kemper

510-647-8442

Max Anderson

City council rep for this district  manderson@CityofBerkeley.info 

(510) 981-7130 P

(510) 981-7133 F

Division of Environmental Health, 1947 Center St., Third Floor, Berkeley, CA 94704

TEL: (510) 981-5310, FAX: (510) 981-5305, TDD: (510) 981-6903

Office Hours: Mon-Fri 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., E-mail: envhealth@ci.berkeley.ca.us

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6. Crime Watch Alert: Suspicious Ice Cream Truck on Prince Street near Deakin

Editor’s note: A Prince Street neighbor reported the following, expressing concern since last year a similar ice cream truck was reported as casing the Bateman neighborhood.

UPDATE from Bateman neighbor: “I live just east of you in Bateman and wanted to give you a quick update on #6 today.  The ice cream truck should not be seen as a threat.  He comes through our neighborhood at least a few nights a week and we have bought ice cream from him and have seen numerous other neighbors doing the same.  There are no signs that he is casing the neighborhood and I think that original email thread got way out of control before people realized what they were talking about.  None of the thefts that had occurred could be remotely linked to the truck and I think we need to be careful about making assumptions.”

“We’re on Prince Street near Deakin, and I heard an ice cream truck playing “Turkey in the Straw” tonight (Tuesday, June 21) at about 7:30 p.m., just like last year. I remembered a posting by Bateman Neighborhood Watch Coordinator Marcy McGaugh from last year, and alerted my husband. He ran out and saw the same color ice cream truck as he had then, which was pink, headed down Prince Street, past Fulton, toward Shattuck. He didn’t get a good look, though, and neither time did he see it clearly, so he can’t I.D. it. We have a video camera ready in case we get lucky, though. When we heard it two years ago, it was on cool days. At least this was a hot day, which is more plausible. But it seemed very odd that it always came by around dusk, as it did tonight. When I was a kid the ice cream truck came by in the heat of the day and when the children were out playing. Perhaps it’s time for the adults to revisit their childhood and try to buy some ice cream.” [see update above]

From October 2010 E-News: Marcy McGaugh, Crime Watch Coordinator for Bateman Neighborhood Association, forwarded the following [September] warning submitted by a Bateman neighbor: “Have you noticed a pink truck driving slowly through our neighborhood playing ice cream truck music? He stops occasionally and looks around. My daughter tried to buy ice cream while he was stopped and he does not sell ice cream. When we were gone for a few days last holiday weekend someone dragged my bike out through the window opening in our garage. I have seen this truck trolling our hood several times and decided to follow. He turned down Derby and when I looped around the block he was stopped and looking down someone’s driveway. Deciding he was just casing houses I called the Berkeley police. They say the plate is registered in El Sobrante. They also recommend that next time we see the truck we call them and let them know. They would like to check out an ice cream truck that does not actually sell ice cream. If you see or hear this truck I recommend you call the Berkeley Police nonemergency number (510) 981-5900 and let them know where it is.” [see update above]

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7. Drop-In Progress Meetings at Whole Foods Market, Weds. 7/26, 8:30-9 a.m.

Editor’s note: Marketing Team Leader Jim Hallock at Whole Foods Market let us know that Whole Foods Market will be holding one drop-in progress meeting open to the community this month, on Wednesday 7/27. Also see http://wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/berkeley/store-calendar/ for the store’s special events in July.

Progress Meetings

These meetings are held at the Community Table at the front of the store, and the purpose is to share our plans for noise abatement, the store remodel project [now rescheduled for 2012], street litter control, and progress on any of the ongoing issues we discuss [with HNA reps and nearby neighbors] quarterly. Mel and I will meet, and anyone is welcome to join us. Of course there will be complimentary coffee, tea, and snacks. Our goal is to follow up immediately on any issues that we hear about, and to hear how the store can be a better neighbor. This month’s meeting is scheduled from 8:30 to 9 a.m. on Wednesday 7/27.

Noise

Note that Mel has asked that anyone who had noise complaints to please call the store immediately, at 649-1333, and ask for the Shift Manager, so we can identify and stop the noise. Shift Managers are available from around 7:30 a.m. to midnight. If the noise is before 7:30 a.m., please ask for the Receiving Dock. If you can’t reach anyone, please make a note of the time and date, and call a Shift Manager after 7:30 a.m. You can also email me so we can follow up.

Jim Hallock
Marketing Team Leader

Whole Foods Market Berkeley

3000 Telegraph Ave.

Berkeley, CA 94705

510.649.1333 ext. 261

Jim.Hallock@wholefoods.com

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8. Prince Street Neighbor’s Alert Regarding Redistricting Proposal to Create a Supermajority Student District

Editor’s note: Prince Street neighbor Yolanda Huang submitted the following to the Le Conte Chat list. The redrawing of the eight City Council district lines to equalize population based on reports from the 2010 Census will be taking place soon. While according to our Guiding Principles HNA doesn’t take positions on potentially controversial issues unless there’s near unanimity among neighbors (and therefore is unlikely to become involved in redistricting specifics), we do encourage all neighbors who have strong opinions one way or the other to contact their elected representatives and make your views known. Council contact information can be found at http://ci.berkeley.ca.us/ContentDisplay.aspx?id=18496.

Today [July 7], in the Daily Cal, there’s an article saying that [District 7 City Councilmember] Gordon Wozniak is pushing for redistricting to allow a student district: http://www.dailycal.org/2011/07/06/student-government-advocates-for-super-majority-student-district/
This sounds like the push is to turn the South campus area into a separate district, or somehow shoehorn it into District 7, so that District 7 has a majority of students. Wozniak is making a motion to push back the Nov. 1 deadline to allow the creation of a proposed “Super-majority student district” that would be 75-85% students.  This proposal calls for taking the north part of Districts 7 and 8 and combining it into one district, and the southern part of Districts 7 and 8, and combining it into a new district. This is the further ghettoization of the south of campus area. I already phoned Alejandro, Kriss Worthington’s aide, and told him that the further ghettoization of South Campus will create greater ruin for the area, that what should be happening is an effort to diversify South Campus — by encouraging seniors, graduate students, and families to be part of south of Campus, that the economic failure of Telegraph Avenue stems from the fact that only students and nobody else shops on Telegraph. Folks need to call Gordon Wozniak to tell him what you feel about this “super student” district.

Yolanda Huang

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9. Neighborhood Honey Available!

Editor’s note: The following announcement was submitted by a Prince Street neighbor.

I just harvested some more honey from my hives on Prince Street. The bees have been foraging through our yards all spring. I am selling pint jars (~1.3 lbs) for $10 each. People interested in purchasing honey can call me at 510-849-1772 or email: djames@microprop.com. I am grateful to all my neighbors who provide flowers year round in their gardens. Our neighborhood honey is sweet and fragrant.

Doug James

Prince Street

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10. Interested in Another Multi-Household Yard Sale in August?

Editor’s note: Halcyon neighborhood (and HNA Treasurer) Susan Hunter didn’t get her fill of selling during June’s multiblock yard sale. She asked me to include the following notice.

Whether or not your participated in our successful multi-family June sale, would you be interested in another one in August (likely August 20 or August 27, TBD)? I still have some valuable items to sell, and I’d welcome company. (We get bigger turnouts if we sell together.) If we get at least ten households to participate, it will be another HNA sale ($5 to cover costs from each participating household plus help posting flyers/signs). Email halcyon92@gmail.com to let me know if you’d like to be included!

Susan Hunter

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11. Wheeler Street Neighbor Asks Others to Support Her Clothesline Policy Initiative

Editor’s note: Ardys, a Wheeler Street neighbor, wishes to remind us all about using clotheslines to dry our laundry, and submitted the following item to encourage neighbors to contact their councilmembers in support of a “Unified Clothesline Policy.” As noted earlier, councilmember contact information can be found at http://ci.berkeley.ca.us/ContentDisplay.aspx?id=18496.

Neighbors:

I would like it if people could speak with their respective council persons about this. Also, if you feel it should be changed in any way please contact me at firedeer@lmi.net if you wish. The wording could be easily changed to other locales, other cities, etc.

Clothesline Resolution:

A Comprehensive and Unified Clothesline Policy

WHEREAS, much produced energy be it electric or gas to dry clothing is increasingly expensive and harmful to the environment.

WHEREAS, the City of Berkeley is committed to responsibly using energy.

WHEREAS, the City of Berkeley sees clotheslines as a way to responsibly dry clothing with wind and solar energy.

 NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Berkeley that the City of Berkeley adopts the following policy concerning clotheslines.     

1. The City of Berkeley believes that drying laundry with wind and solar energy should be encouraged.

2. Clotheslines that dry laundry with wind and solar energy should not be forbidden in apartments, dormitories, or single family housing in the City of Berkeley.

Thank you,

Ardys of Berkeley

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12. Crime Watch Alert: Car Break-in on Shattuck & Car Theft on Fulton

Editor’s note: A Shattuck Street neighbor reported the following incident.

“Sometime in the early morning (or during sleeping hours) of Friday, May 27, the rear window of our Scion XB, parked in our driveway, was shattered.  Our nearly 4-year-old daughter’s Specialized Balance Bike (purple) was taken. Left behind were her helmet and a jogging stroller. It appears nothing else was taken. Just thought I’d let you know as part of the ongoing monitoring of crime in our neighborhood. Also, last fall, we had our small GPS unit taken from our unlocked car overnight as well. I never got around to reporting it but I think I should make sure to do it this time.” [Editor’s note: It is indeed important to report all crimes, large or small, as this is the only way Police will know what’s happening in our neighborhood, and such reports can play a role in the resources allocated to certain areas even if they don’t result in recovery of stolen items.]

Editor’s note: A Fulton Street neighbor (just across Ashby from the Halcyon neighborhood) reported the following.

“I had my Honda stolen the day after July 4 from out in front of our house.  The BPD got it back for me really fast and it was unharmed. But keep using those clubs and locking your doors!”

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13. Safer Crossing at Ashby/Deakin Thanks to Webster Street Neighbor

Editor’s note: Webster Street neighbor Jeanne Panek deserves special thanks for staying on top of a request to get Caltrans to add zebra strips on Ashby at Deakin. See her note here.

“FYI. Caltrans responded to my request from last September, and FINALLY painted zebra stripes for kids walking across Ashby to Le Conte from our neighborhood. They [have also installed] school zone signs — the day after school [got] out for the summer.  Figures ;-) I had to bug them to get them to finish the work [she provided a transcript of emails back and forth]. The good news? The stripes and signs will last for a LONG time.”

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14. Bees Wanted (If You See a Swarm, Please Contact Bruce Wicinas)

Editor’s note: Bruce Wicinas and his family are also Prince Street beekeepers, and they currently have an opening in one of their two hives. Bruce submitted the following announcement.

If a bee swarm is sighted in the neighborhood, please contact us. The swarm needs to be overnighting in a tree, not already inhabiting a cavity in a building structure. We are on the lookout for a swarm to house in our presently vacant second backyard hive.

Bruce, 510-848 1797

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15. BORP Offering New (and Continuing) Classes!

Editor’s note: Reba Knickerbocker at BORP, our neighborhood’s very own fitness center at the Ed Roberts Campus, submitted the following.

Neighbors!

The BORP Fitness Studio has added a string of new classes. Come on over to the Ed Roberts Campus Building and visit one of our exceptional classes. Lots of Yoga options, in addition to Core Conditioning, Upper Body Strengthening, and ZUMBA! We have some fantastic new classes appearing on the schedule. New classes, low fees, fantastic instructors, and an easy connection to public transportation — it doesn’t get much better than that.

Always check the BORP website for details on classes at http://www.borp.org/programs/fitness-program/fitness-center-calendar.

Or visit our online scheduler at https://clients.mindbodyonline.com/ASP/home.asp?studioid=13882 for the most up-to-date info on class additions and/or cancellations.

We are here to offer Every Body a path towards fitness and wellness.

Looking forward to seeing you in class!

Reba

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16. Prince Street Neighbor Judith Schwartz Offering Tai Chi Classes

Editor’s note: Prince Street neighbor Judith Schwartz submitted the following announcement.

“I’m extending my beginning Tai Chi Chih class three more Mondays in July: the 11th, the 18th, the 25th; if anyone who knows the practice and wants to join us for an evening of the full practice plus instruction, it begins at 6:15 on Mondays, and will be $45.00 for the series. Contact me for registration: 510-843-2062”

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