Join Halcyon Neighborhood AssociationÕs Facebook group!
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Halcyon
Neighborhood Association E-News 5/5/11
* * * * * * * * * * * *
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.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Contents
1. Your Help Needed: Work
Party in the Park, Sat. 5/14, 9:30 a.m.–1 p.m.
2. Halcyon Neighborhood: Family Disaster
Preparedness Discussion, Thurs. 5/26, 8–9 p.m.
3. Neighborhood Disaster Preparedness Drill,
Sunday 6/5, 3–5 p.m., Halcyon Commons
4. Halcyon Garden Potluck Party, Sunday 6/5,
5:30-7:30 p.m.
5. Hiatus in Free Monthly Tai Chi Chih in the
Park
6. Multi-Block Yard Sale on Saturday 6/11?
RSVP if Interested
7. Take a Survey to Help UCB City Planning Researchers
8. Sign Up to Receive UCBÕs Cal Neighbors Newsletter
9. Yellow Emperor Acupuncture Clinic Offering Qi Gong Class, Tuesdays, 7:15-8:15 p.m.
10. Drop-In Progress Meetings at Whole
Foods Market, Weds. 5/11 & 5/25, 8:30–9 a.m.
11. Email
halcyon92@gmail to get on Our Disaster Preparedness and Crime Watch Listservs!
12. Crime Watch
Alert: Burglaries Targeting Daytime At-Home Seniors
13. Volunteers Needed: Someone to
Photocopy Flyers; Flyer Distributors
14. Fitness Classes at Ed Roberts Campus:
Link to Current Calendar
15. May Events Sponsored by Whole Foods
Market
16. Link to Contribute to Toby EagleÕs SonsÕ
College Fund
17. Black Infant Health Program
Open House, Fri. 5/13, 3:30-7 p.m.
EditorÕs
Introductory Note:
Disaster preparedness is on many of our minds following the devastating
earthquake in Japan. There are two important opportunities in our neighborhood
to move both your personal disaster preparedness and our neighborhood readiness
forward (see items 2 and 3). As youÕll see from items 3 and 4, Sunday, June 5,
is an important day in the neighborhood. Please mark your calendars now for our
annual disaster preparedness drill followed by a garden potluck, and if you can
help plan the drill please let us know!
As always, if you have crime-watch reports and/or positive news or
announcements to share with the neighborhood, email them to me at halcyon92@gmail.com
before the first of the next month.
Enjoy this beautiful Spring!
—Nancy Carleton, HNA Co-Chair and E-News Editor, halcyon92@gmail.com
* * * * * * * * * * * *
1. Your Help Needed: Work Party in the Park, Sat. 5/14, 9:30
a.m.–1 p.m.
Work
Party in the Park (and Surrounding Neighborhood): Volunteers Needed!
Meet at Halcyon Commons
(Halcyon at Prince)
Delicious refreshments courtesy of Whole Foods Market.
Fresh coffee courtesy of Mokka (cafe at Telegraph and Dowling).
* Weeding & light mulching in Halcyon Commons and nearby landscaped
barriers (rain or shine)
* Picking up litter from streets in the larger neighborhood (rain or shine)
* Graffiti removal in the
larger neighborhood (if sunny & if we have sufficient help)
Many hands make light
work: Please lend yours! Even half an hour helps. Children welcome. Bring your
own tools if you have them, or use ours if you donÕt.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
2. Halcyon Neighborhood: Family
Disaster Preparedness Discussion, Thurs. 5/26, 8–9 p.m.
EditorÕs note: This
is a great opportunity for families in the neighborhood to explore how to take
the next step in disaster prep. Sponsored by Susan Snyder, co-founder of
Halcyon Play Date and one of the coordinators of our Disaster Preparedness
Committee.
Family
Disaster Preparedness Discussion
Thursday, May 26th, 8–9 p.m.
Please join us for a discussion about
the special issues involved in preparing yourself and your children for a major earthquake. WeÕll brainstorm ideas, share
resources, and also see if there is interest in holding a drill that gets
children involved. Please contact Susan at halcyonplaydate@gmail.com
for more information, including location.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
3. Neighborhood Disaster
Preparedness Drill, Sunday 6/5, 3–5 p.m., Halcyon Commons
Neighborhood
Disaster Prep Event
Sunday, June 5, 3–5 pm.
Meet at Halcyon Commons (in the park on Halcyon Court across from the Supply Cache)
Join with your neighbors to increase our preparedness and to refresh our plans
of response. This afternoon of information and training will include:
* an update on BerkeleyÕs and our neighborhoodÕs level
of preparedness
* hands-on training for the cache supplies, including whatÕs in the cache which
helps us to launch an organized response.
* (1) first-aid and (2) house hazards presentations
* brief community discussion
You wonÕt be bored!
Call for volunteers! Help us put on a successful event on June 5th. We
need a few volunteers to help on the day of the drill. Help set up or
clean up, lead groups from station to station, share your expertise in (1)
first aid and (2) dwelling preparation issues, and help dramatize action roles
like search and rescue. To help, please contact halcyon92@gmail.com, and your contact
information will be forwarded to event organizers Bruce Wicinas and Susan
Snyder.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
4. Halcyon Garden Potluck
Party, Sunday 6/5, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Halcyon Garden Potluck Party
Sunday, June 5,
5:30–7:30 p.m., 2329 Webster (near
Whole Foods)
Come appreciate the
spirit of our community, share neighborhood news and delicious food, and enjoy
the company of your neighbors in John & MichelleÕs English Garden backyard.
Potluck suggestions:
Appetizer: O–S * Salad:
T–Z * Main Dish: H–N
* Dessert: A–G
(If not obvious, kindly attach a label with ingredients for your dish to alert those with vegetarian and other diets. If so inspired, it's really helpful if you can also bring a beverage to share. Children welcome!)
* * * * * * * * * * * *
5. Hiatus in Free Monthly Tai
Chi Chih in the Park
EditorÕs note: Prince Street neighbor Judith Schwartz needs
to take a break from offering free monthly Tai Chi Chih practice in Halcyon
Commons due to travel and personal plans. Our last sponsored community practice
was for the World Tai Chi/Qigong Day event on April 30, which was attended by
16 people who enjoyed treats from Whole Foods Market and green tea from Mokka
CafŽ. Thank you, Judith, for bringing the positive energy of Tai Chi Chih to
the park and the community. We look forward to the possibility of practices
resuming when youÕre willing and able to lead us. (Keep an eye on the E-News
for announcements of future practice in the park, and if you want to learn or
refresh your Tai Chi Chih skills in the meantime, feel free to contact Judith
at 510-843-2062 to find out about ongoing
classes she offers in her Prince Street gardens).
* * * * * * * * * * * *
6. Multi-Block Yard Sale on
Saturday 6/11? RSVP if Interested
EditorÕs note: HNA Treasurer and past organizer of
successful Multi-Block Yard Sales Susan Hunter submitted the following
announcement. Multiblock sales tend to draw a much larger crowd of potential
customers, so if youÕre interested please be sure to reply soon so thereÕs time
to plan.
Spring Cleaning?
Pre-Summer Sale? Anyone else out there up for another Multi-Block Yard Sale
sponsored by HNA? We need to get at least a dozen households signed up if so
(no matter what, a few of us will still do a smaller-scale multi-family sale on
Webster at Halcyon that Saturday, June 11, so let us know if youÕd want to
participate in that as a backup). Cost to participate will be $5 toward ads and
supplies for flyers, and weÕll need help creating signs and flyers and then
posting them the week of the sale. Email halcyon92@gmail.com
and your response will be forwarded to the event organizer, Susan Hunter.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
7. Take a Survey to Help UCB
City Planning Researchers
EditorÕs note: The survey in question is needed back as soon as possible; this is the final week for collecting responses. It just takes a few minutes to complete the survey online.
I am a Ph.D. student at UC-Berkeley working on a research study on neighborhood housing headed by Professor Karen Chapple. The study is examining the relationship between housing and parking in areas that are within a half mile of five East Bay BART stations, one of which is Ashby. We would welcome responses from homeowners in your neighborhood. The identities of all respondents will be kept strictly confidential. Respondents can choose to be enrolled in a raffle drawing for the following: 1st prize - $200 Apple card, 2nd prize - $150 BART card, 3rd prize - $100 BART card. To take the survey online in English, respondents should go to
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/X6DRWZH
In Spanish: Para participar en la encuesta en Espa–ol, por favor haga click en el siguiente direcci—n de Internet: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/X59G6ZG
Thank you!
Jake Wegmann
Ph.D. Student
Department of City and Regional Planning
University of California, Berkeley
* * * * * * * * * * * *
8. Sign Up to Receive UCBÕs Cal Neighbors Newsletter
EditorÕs
note: The following press
release was submitted by UCBÕs Community Relations Director Caleb Dardick, who
also happens to be a Halcyon neighbor. Signing up for the
e-newsletter is a great way to stay informed about campus news and events.
Cal Neighbors Connects the Community to
the Campus
UC
Berkeley relaunched Cal Neighbors as an e-newsletter this
year. For over a decade the campus delivered a printed copy to every household
in Berkeley. Now the university has embraced a more timely,
environmentally friendly, and cost-effective method of informing the community
about campus news and events. ÒThe primary goal of Cal Neighbors is to connect the surrounding Berkeley community
to the campus by informing residents about construction updates, campus events,
and other topics of interest,Ó said Caleb Dardick, director of community
relations. ÒThis is only our second edition so weÕd like to hear what people
think about it. I hope everyone will sign up to receive it quarterly, and
then take our brief three-minute
survey so that we can tailor it to meet the communityÕs interests,Ó said
Dardick. For more information, please contact the Office of Government and
Community Relations at (510) 643-5299 or calneighbors@berkeley.edu.
Caleb Dardick
Director, Local Government & Community Relations
Office of the Chancellor
2130 Center Street
Berkeley, CA 94720-4208
TEL: (510) 643-5296
FAX: (510) 643-0281
http://communityrelations.berkeley.edu
* * * * * * * * * * * *
9. Yellow Emperor Acupuncture Clinic Offering Qi Gong Class, Tuesdays, 7:15-8:15 p.m.
EditorÕs note: Our neighborhoodÕs own sliding-scale community acupuncture clinic, Yellow Emperor, on Shattuck just south of La Pe–a, is offering a drop-in class on Qi Gong basics, emphasizing conscious breathing.
What: Qi Gong for Health
When: Tuesdays, 7:15–8:15 p.m.
Where: Yellow Emperor Community Acupuncture Clinic, 3111 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley
Details: Qi Gong is an ancient Chinese healing art. The term Qi Gong means to exercise with emphasis on the breathing. This class offers a series of easy-to-learn exercises that integrate a variety of movements with deep, full breaths. Practicing of Qi Gong provides an immediate boost of circulation, which can reduce stress and fatigue and bring about greater mental acuity. Regular practice of Qi Gong can have long-term benefits, such as regulating metabolism and strengthening the immune system.
Cost: $10 per class on a drop-in basis
Website: http://the-yellow-emperor.com/?p=328
Phone: 510-227-4028
* * * * * * * * * * * *
10. Drop-In Progress
Meetings at Whole Foods Market, Weds. 5/11 & 5/25,
8:30–9 a.m.
EditorÕs note: Marketing Team Leader Jim Hallock at Whole Foods Market let us know that he and new Store Team Leader Melody Mestemacher will be continuing drop-in progress meetings during May Òto directly address noise levels, to brainstorm, and to keep interested neighbors apprised of our noise abatement action plan and any other issues that arise.Ó Neighbors interested in tracking noise abatement and parking issues are especially encouraged to attend, though those with other issues are also welcome. Preliminary information about the interior store remodel planned to commence in August and to last 40 weeks will be available. Thanks again to Mel and Jim for offering this additional outreach to the neighborhood!
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 scheduled for later this
year, 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. The upcoming meetings
are scheduled from 8:30 to 9 a.m. on Wednesday 5/11 and 5/25.
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 canÕt 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
* * * * * * * * * * * *
11. Email halcyon92@gmail to get on Our Disaster Preparedness and Crime
Watch Listservs!
EditorÕs note: Your participation is what keeps our neighborhood safer and better prepared to prevent crime and to get ready for a big earthquake. News reports of earthquakes in Japan and New Zealand and their aftermath are sobering for those of us who also live near active faults. HNA needs additional participation on the disaster preparedness listserv (planning our early summer neighborhood drill plus discussing ways to upgrade our neighborhood disaster supply cache so it will better serve us in the event of a large earthquake on the Hayward Fault). Your participation is also needed on the crime-watch listserv (originally started to plan night-time safety ÒdogÓ walks but now broadened to allow us to share breaking crime-watch news plus discuss other ways to improve neighborhood safety); by joining this listserv, you can receive breaking crime-watch reports more quickly. Email halcyon92@gmail.com to request an invitation to join either or both of these Yahoo group listservs. For all our safety, please be sure to include your full name, address, and phone with your request (we need to know the neighbors weÕre talking to when it comes to neighborhood watch — i.e., this isnÕt the place for anonymity). Messages are kept on topic so your in-box will be treated gently. Please sign up!
* * * * * * * * * * * *
12. Crime Watch Alert: Burglaries Targeting Daytime At-Home Elderly
EditorÕs note: This is an alert from Officer Nabozny in the Berkeley Police Department Community Services Bureau.
AREA 2 COMMUNITY ALERT
The following
burglaries/suspicious activity have targeted elderly
people at home during the day time hours. The suspects use a ruse of
impersonating sewer workers/tree trimming services. All listed cases have
similar suspects and similar vehicle. If you see any suspicious activities
and/or see anyone or vehicles matching the description given below, please
contact the Berkeley Police Department.
Burglary, approximately 5 p.m., 2700 Block of Belrose Ave., BPD CASE #11-17974
On
04/01/11 at around 5:00 p.m., suspect #1 knocked on the front door of a house
in the 2700 block of Belrose Ave in regards to his tree trimming service. The
victim spoke to suspect #1 in her backyard for over an hour. The victim went
inside her house and saw suspect #2 crouched in her front yard with her pillow case filled with her belongings. The victim noticed
suspect #1 and suspect #2 get into a large gold/grey pick-up truck parked in
her driveway. The victim went upstairs to a locked room, noticed it was pried
opened, and many personal belongings stolen. Officers conducted an area search
for the suspects and the vehicle but were unable to locate the suspects or the
vehicle.
SUSPECTS:
1.) Hispanic/Gypsy male adult, 30-40
years old, 5Õ9Ó, thin build, light brown hair, blue eyes, wearing a white t-shirt.
2.) Hispanic/Gypsy, male adult, 30-40
years old, 5Õ9Ó, heavy build, dark complexion, wearing a black shirt and
carrying a pillow case.
VEHICLE:
Large,
light-colored pick-up truck, possibly driven by suspect #1
Burglary, approximately 6 p.m., 100 Block of Tunnel Road, BPD
CASE# 11-20323
On
04/13/11 at around 5:55 p.m., suspect #1 knocked on the front door of a house
in the 50 block of Tunnel Rd in regards to a sewer problem. The victim went to
the backyard with suspect #1 but remembered that he had to turn off his stove.
The victim went inside his house and saw suspect #2/suspect #3 walking around
the foyer of his house. Suspect #2/suspect #3 saw the victim and ran out of the
house. The victim locked his doors and called the police. Officers conducted an area search for
the suspects but were unable to locate them.
SUSPECTS:
1.) Hispanic/Gypsy male,30-40 yrs old, 5Õ10Ó, medium build, yellow hard hat, blue
denim work shirt ÒTonyÓ name label, dark pants, holding a walkie-talkie
2.) Hispanic/Gypsy
male, 20-30 yrs old, reddish top
3.) Hispanic/Gypsy
male, 20-30 yrs old, unknown clothing
SUSPICIOUS
ACTIVITY
Casing Activity, approximately 2 p.m., 900 Block of Virginia
St., BPD CASE #11- 20279
On
04/13/11 at around 2:15 p.m., two suspects knocked on the front door of a house
in the 900 block of Virginia St. The two suspects told the homeowner that they
were doing work on the rear house of his property and that they had broken a
sewer line. The two suspects asked the homeowner if they could walk through his
house to the backyard to check the sewer line. The homeowner refused, locked
the front door and went to the rear of the house with the two suspects. The
homeowner did not see any damage in his backyard and asked the suspects for a
business card. The homeowner stated that the suspects left in a vehicle and did
not return. Officers conducted an area check for the suspects and the vehicle
but were unable to locate the suspects or the vehicle.
SUSPECTS:
1.) Hispanic male, 5Õ6Ó to 5Õ7Ó,
light complexion, heavy, white t-shirt with the words HMF home repair
2.) Hispanic male, 5Õ6Ó to 5Õ7Ó,
light complexion, thin, white t-shirt with the words HMF home repair with
possible gold front teeth
VEHICLE:
Large,
white, newer pick-up truck
PREVENTION TIPS: (FROM THE NATIONAL CRIME PREVENTION COUNCIL WEBSITE):
( WWW.NCPC.ORG)
* Ask for photo identification from
service or delivery people before letting them in. If you are the least
bit worried,
call the company to verify.
* Be aware of individuals claiming
to represent companies, consumer organizations, or government
agencies that offer to recover lost money
from fraudulent telemarketers for a fee.
* If youÕre suspicious, check it
out with the police, the better business bureau, or your local consumer protection office. You
can also call the National Consumers League Fraud Information Center at
800-876-7090.
CONTACT NUMBERS:
Berkeley Police Non-Emergency: 510-981-5900
Berkeley Police Emergency number
for cell phones: 510-981-5911
Anonymous Drug Tip Line:
ÒTHE-COPSÓ 510-843-2677
Ofc Nabozny #118, Area 2
Coordinator 510-981-5778
* * * * * * * * * * * *
13. Volunteers Needed:
Someone to Photocopy Flyers; Flyer Distributors
EditorÕs note: Here are two simple ways to help the neighborhood. Please email halcyon92@gmail.com if youÕre willing to help.
Photocopy volunteer needed: From time to time, longtime volunteers need to move on to other endeavors, or even move out of the neighborhood altogether. We need to find a replacement volunteer or two to take on the task of photocopying our neighborhood flyers four or five times a year (or a couple of people to share the responsibility). What would be ideal would be someone whose home business or place of employment would be willing to donate the photocopying (around 860 double-sided copies; HNA will supply the paper), but we have some funds available for reimbursing you if the only way to get it done is via a photocopy store. The job also includes dividing the copies into a couple of dozen packets (which then go to an existing volunteer, who drops them off to flyer distributors). Even if you can only do this once, it would help relieve existing volunteers who already are doing multiple tasks for the neighborhood!
Flyer distributors and alternates: We could use a few more regular flyer distributors (task is to cover a stretch within the larger neighborhood around five times a year — typically takes a half hour or less), plus some alternates (alternates fill in occasionally when one of our regular distributors is out of town when the flyer comes out).
* * * * * * * * * * * *
14. Fitness Classes at Ed
Roberts Campus: Link to Current Calendar
EditorÕs note: WouldnÕt it be great if there were wonderful
health and fitness classes available within easy walking distance? Turns out
there are, at the new Ed Roberts Campus. Check out their calendar, with
includes classes on Yoga, Tai Chi/Qi Gong, Upper Body Strengthening, and more
for people of all abilities.
http://www.borp.org/programs/fitness-program/fitness-center-calendar
* * * * * * * * * * * *
15. May Events Sponsored by
Whole Foods Market
EditorÕs note: The following list was
forwarded to us by Jim Hallock at Whole Foods Market.
May 5, Whole Foods Market Supports BUSD
On
May 5, it's a day of "5's" to benefit the Berkeley Unified School
District. That day, 5/5, Whole Foods Market on Telegraph and Ashby will donate
5% of all sales to the school district. This is a great way for the schools to
earn much-needed funds at the end of the year. The more you shop, the more the
district gets — and this year we're trying to top $5000 as the donation.
So support your schools and shop at Whole Foods Market in Berkeley on Thursday,
5/5. Pick up their specially decorated ÒBUSD cupcakes — 5 for $5,Ó and
get a free cup of coffee. 5% donation on 5/5. A great
way to celebrate Cinco de Mayo!
May 30, Memorial Day Music
WeÕll
be kicking off our summer music series on Memorial Day, May 30. Stop by between
11 a.m. and 3p.m. for free treats, music, and a great kickoff to summer!
Jim Hallock
Marketing Team Leader
Whole Foods Market Berkeley
* * * * * * * * * * * *
16. Link to Contribute to Toby
EagleÕs SonsÕ College Fund
EditorÕs note: In March, we learned the sad news that Ann
StrongÕs son, Toby Eagle, who grew up in our neighborhood, was shot to death at
his home in central Berkeley (see http://www.berkeleyside.com/2011/03/10/family-wonders-why-toby-eagle-was-slain/#comments).
A college fund for TobyÕs sons, Tobias, 10, and Julian, 7, has been set up by
one of Ann StrongÕs co-workers. Visit http://www.tobiasandjulian.blogspot.com/
if youÕd like to contribute. Any amount helps!
* * * * * * * * * * * *
17. Black Infant
Health Program Open House, Fri. 5/13, 3:30-7 p.m.
EditorÕs
note: The following announcement was submitted by
Councilmember Max AndersonÕs office.
The
City of Berkeley Black Infant Health Program invites you to attend our Open House
Friday, May 13, 2011
3:30–7 p.m.
Black
Infant Health, 1645 Oregon St. Berkeley
Full
BBQ Meal and Refreshments Served
RSVP
by Tuesday, May 10th to Sandra or Ramona 510 981-2390
Guest
Speaker: Dr. Vicky Alexander, BIH Board Chair
The
City of Berkeley Black Infant Health Program has been in existence since 2001.
The program serves African American women through group intervention and case
management, with a goal of improving health and social conditions for African
American women and their families. The primary goal is to reduce the risk of
the number of African American women having low birth weight babies and to
reduce the rate of babies born with infant mortality and morbidity. Meet the BIH
staff, hear from some of our participants, and see our new facility. Please
bring your business cards and program brochures to share.
Charlene Washington,
Legislative Aide, District 3
Councilmember Max Anderson
2180 Milvia Street, 5th Floor , Berkeley, CA
94704
Tel: 510.981.7130/Fax: 510.981.7133
cwashington@CityofBerkeley.info
* * * * * * * * * * * *