The full newsletter (with a bit of formatting) is online at http://www.halcyonneighborhood.org
Neighbors, join Halcyon Neighborhood AssociationÕs Facebook group at http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=292160762499!
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Halcyon Neighborhood Association E-News 1/7/13
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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. HNA Annual Fundraising Appeal
2. Post-Holiday
Progressive Potluck, Sunday, January 27, 2013
3. December
Crime-Watch Reports
4. Whole Foods Market
News: Community Meeting, Weds. 1/9/13, 8:30-9 a.m.
5. Disaster
Prep: Upcoming Free Classes & Other News from OES
6. Improvements at the Shattuck/Prince
Intersection
7. Bugs, Rats, Mold &
Abandoned Vehicles, Thursday 1/10, 7:30-8:30 p.m.
8. Crime Prevention Alert: Cell
Phone Thefts
9. Community Meeting on City Redistricting, Thursday 1/24,
6-7:30 p.m.
10. Halcyon Neighborhood AssociationÕs
Guiding Principles
EditorÕs Introductory Note:
I hope everyoneÕs enjoying a good start to the new year! An important reminder since many appear to have overlooked the appeal in the busy month of December: If you appreciate the role Halcyon Neighborhood Association plays in making this a safer, more engaged, and more neighborly community, we hope youÕll consider pitching in as part of our annual fundraising appeal (see item 1). If we all give something, weÕll be able to keep Halcyon neighborhood moving forward in 2013! Everything our Steering Committee members do is on a volunteer basis; please cheer us on by providing the resources for the supplies that make our work possible!
—Nancy Carleton, HNA Co-Chair and E-News Editor, halcyon92@gmail.com
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1. HNA Annual Fundraising Appeal
HNA
doesnÕt have a formal membership structure or require annual dues because we
wanted to keep participation as broad as possible. At the same time, we incur
various expenses during the course of a year, including paper for flyers,
photocopying and ink cartridges, supplies for events in the park (such as the
bouncy castle at this yearÕs anniversary celebration) and for disaster
preparedness drills, and other miscellaneous costs,
and by yearÕs end our coffers are depleted. In addition, each year we raise
funds to enable us to supplement and enhance the supplies in our neighborhood
disaster preparedness supply shed (these items are intended to benefit the
entire neighborhood in the event of disaster and include first aid, search
& rescue, and communications supplies plus items for command center setup
in Halcyon Commons park; they are not
intended to substitute for individual household preparedness, but they will
help us save lives and minimize disruption after a large earthquake).
There
are three ways you can respond to this appeal: (1) Give a financial
contribution directly to HNA (not tax-deductible, but allows us maximum
flexibility): make the check out to HNA, and mail or drop it off to HNA Treasurer
Susan Hunter, 3044 Halcyon Court, Berkeley, CA 94705; (2) Make a tax-deductible
financial contribution with check made out to Berkeley Partners for Parks
(BPFP, our nonprofit fiscal sponsor), earmarked Halcyon Commons, and mail or
drop it off to HNA Treasurer Susan Hunter, 3044 Halcyon Court, Berkeley, CA
94705; or (3) Make a direct donation of any of the items listed in our Disaster
Supply Cache Wish List found on our HNA website. Contact halcyon92@gmail.com to arrange to drop
them off.
No
contribution is too small (or too large!). Our neighborhood associationÕs
health and vitality depend on your ongoing support! And in the event of a big
earthquake, some of our lives may very well depend upon it too. Please pitch
in!
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2. Post-Holiday Progressive Potluck, Sunday, January 27, 2013
EditorÕs note: HNA Potluck organizer and Steering Committee member Tory Finn sent the following announcement. We hope to see many neighbors for all or part of this fun annual event! A flyer reminding you of all the addresses will be going out later this month.
Post-Holiday Progressive Potluck,
Sunday, January 27, 2013, 5:30-8:45 p.m.
One of the most popular Halcyon events of the year! Join
your neighbors as we progress from house to house for a fabulous multi-course dinner;
attend one course or all four.
First Course: Appetizers, 5:30–6:15 p.m.
2144 Emerson (between Shattuck and Wheeler)
Second Course: Salads, 6:20–6:55 p.m.
2141 Emerson (between Shattuck and Wheeler)
Third Course: Main Dishes, 7:00–7:45 p.m.
2308 Prince (between Deakin and Halcyon)
Fourth Course: Desserts, 7:50–8:45 p.m.
2329 Webster Street (two doors west of Whole Foods)
Potluck suggestions:
E-J: Appetizer * K-O: Salad * P-Z: Main Dish * A-D:
Dessert
Please bring a festive dish for 10-12, and, if possible, a beverage to share as well (it really helps if enough folks bring beverages too). Children welcome. If not obvious, kindly attach a label with ingredients for your dish to alert those with vegetarian and other diets. Bring the item assigned for your letter to the designated household, or substitute another suggestion if you wonÕt be attending the course for your letter.
* In addition, if you havenÕt already donated this year, PLEASE bring along a check or cash contribution to HNA of whatever size (no amount is too small or large — see item 1; your contribution will help us upgrade our neighborhood disaster supply cache, maintain Halcyon Commons, and continue to duplicate flyers in 2013)!
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3. December Crime-Watch Reports
EditorÕs note: Our HNA Facebook group at http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=292160762499 often shares breaking crime reports in between E-News editions. If youÕre a neighbor who isnÕt yet part of this closed Facebook group, youÕre missing out! Remember, we rely on neighbors to fill in the details of crimes in our neighborhood, so, in addition to being sure to file a Police report, please email halcyon92@gmail.com to pass the word on to your neighbors, or share it on our Facebook page, so we can all stay aware and vigilant!
HNA Steering Committee member Mikel Delgado submitted the following summary of crimes in or near the neighborhood. Thank you, Mikel!
12/1 car break-in, Prince at Wheeler
12/3 car break-in Telegraph at Woolsey
12/7 theft Deakin near Webster
12/14 theft Telegraph at Ashby
12/18 burglary Ashby & Fulton
12/19 robbery Ashby & Wheeler ~9 p.m.
Also 12/17, 12/18, and 12/20 reports of Vandalism: Prince at
Telegraph and at Fulton and also Deakin at Ashby
Also note on 12/13 three home burglaries on Alcatraz and Raymond, not
technically Halcyon neighborhood but nearby.
EditorÕs note: Re car break-ins: ItÕs very important for people to heed the advice never to leave any valuables visible in your car (and remember that something may not look valuable to you, but to a thief a jacket over the seat might have something of value in the pocket). Over the years weÕve seen that car break-ins come in waves. When thieves succeed in stealing valuables in a given area, they keep targeting it. Let's be hypervigilant!
A Wheeler Street neighbor submitted the following:
ÒI am a recent resident of the 3000 block on Wheeler Street, just south of Ashby. Last night at around 2:30AM we had a suspicious event where a woman in her 20s or early 30s came to our door and rang the doorbell numerous times. When my roommate answered the door, he said she looked very surprised and, with her hand over her mouth, asked if she could come in for a minute. He said no, and she started to back away from the door. Ten minutes later the doorbell rang again, but he hesitated to answer so he woke my husband and me up. When he finally went to the door, she was gone. We have a feeling and think it may have been something with bad intentions -- maybe they thought it was only girls living in our house (itÕs my husband and I, another couple, and two girls upstairs) and was surprised when our roommate answered. She was acting very suspicious and may have had a partner or car waiting in the street. There was something off about it and just wanted to report our suspicions and alert our neighbors in case they experience similar things.Ó
A Deakin Street neighbor reported:
ÒI reside [in the 3000 block of Deakin]. Shortly upon my arrival [in August] I received numerous phone calls re: a certain prisoner at Santa Rosa prison. Assuming it was a wrong phone number, some wrong identity error, I didnÕt pay much attention. On September 3 the prison kept sending messages that the prisoner was released from jail at 7:30 and if I feared for my safety I should call 911 or contact the prison. I tried to do this to the latter, but not able to provide the last name of the person released, I received no help. Around 8 p.m., hearing steps on my entrance, I did call the Police. The policeman checked around, he knew the criminal released and sort of reassured me [a family member was out of town at the time]. Unfortunately last December 17 around 9.50 p.m. someone knocked on my front door rather energetically. Frightened, I didnÕt answer but went to the back bedroom and started leaving a phone message to [a family member]. Not yet finished, all hell broke loose in my house; it was literally shaking, vibrating even the floor, like through an earthquake. . . . Somebody was kicking my door violently, punching it with fists -- the noise was unbearable!!! Managed to call the Police; he came fast to find my door badly damaged, covered with mud, the part in the wall broken with a one-inch gab, the lock . . . not functioning. The very kind and supportive Sgt. Macintosh stayed quite a while with me, checked with the neighbors, and made sure that I should absolutely leave the house, which I did at midnight. The next day an emergency repair was done to the door. The kind Sgt. Macintosh came in the evening to oversee the situation. I am very grateful for his assistance. I was also advised to inform you about this horrifying for a very old person experience.Ó
EditorÕs note: Link to a Berkeleyside article noting an uptick in robberies in Berkeley recently (one of them on Ashby near Shattuck, at the edge of our neighborhood). Be mindful and alert out there (and avoid displaying your electronics)!
http://www.berkeleyside.com/2012/12/28/32-robberies-in-recent-30-day-stretch-in-berkeley/
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4. Whole Foods Market News: Community Meeting, Weds. 1/9/13, 8:30-9
a.m.
EditorÕs note: News from Whole Foods Market courtesy of outgoing Community Relations Team Leader Jim Hallock. Jim has just received a promotion to the regional headquarters. Jim, thank you for all youÕve done to move positive community relations to a new level at the Berkeley Whole Foods Market. It has been a delight having you here, and I know other neighbors join me in wishing you well in your new position!
Drop-In Progress Meeting, Wednesday, January 9, 8:30-9 a.m.
(usually on the first Wednesday of each month)
8:30-9:00 a.m.
Whole Foods Market (check in at Customer Service)
These meetings are held at the Community Table
at the front of the store, and the purpose is to share our plans for ongoing changes
in the store, street litter control, and progress on any of the ongoing issues
we discuss [with HNA reps and nearby neighbors]. The Store Team Leader will be
present, 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.
Healthy Living
Fair
Saturday, January 19
10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
You can do it! Come and get advice, encouragement, and free samples from our vendors and in-house experts on cleansing, healthy diets, skin and body care, and all things healthy.
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5.
Disaster Prep: Upcoming Free Classes & Other News from OES
EditorÕs
note: The CityÕs Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) class schedule is
now available online at http://www.cityofberkeley.info/ContentDisplay.aspx?id=57314.
Classes fill quickly so sign up now! HNA currently hosts a disaster supply
cache to help Halcyon neighbors east of Shattuck get organized in the event of
a disaster, and our Steering Committee would be delighted to help support an
application for a similar cache west of Shattuck. Email halcyon92@gmail.com
if youÕd like to help the part of our neighborhood between Shattuck and Adeline
(Ashby to Woolsey) apply for a cache! The following announcement is from the
CityÕs CERT Program Manager Khin Chin. Neighbors are also encouraged to email halcyon92@gmail.com if youÕre interested
in joining our Halcyon listserv focused on disaster prep.
Hi CERT Community,
Just a notice that more classes have
recently been added to the CERT Class schedule. See the Berkeley CERT website for the
current schedule of classes: http://www.cityofberkeley.info/ContentDisplay.aspx?id=57314
Thank you,
Khin Chin
CERT Program Manager
Berkeley Fire Department
Office of Emergency Services
2013 CERT Citywide Exercise
http://www.cityofberkeley.info/cert/exercise/
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6. Improvements at the Shattuck/Prince Intersection
EditorÕs note: A neighbor posted the following comment to our HNA
Facebook group.
ÒThank you to the city and those who advocated for additional safety measures at the Prince and Shattuck intersection. Hopefully this will decrease if not eliminate the familiar sound of collisions and increase safety for all. It looks like they moved the original crosswalk sign across the street to a more visible spot and added the two signs that sit in the middle of the road [to alert drivers to the presence of pedestrians].Ó
EditorÕs note: And as I commented on the Facebook thread: ÒYes, thanks to all who raised this issue with Council representatives and City departments. Good to see this progress. HereÕs hoping it makes a big difference!Ó
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7. Bugs, Rats, Mold
& Abandoned Vehicles, Thursday 1/10, 7:30-8:30 p.m.
EditorÕs note: Received from Councilmember Max AndersonÕs office.
Happy New Year, District 3
Constituents:
Below is a good informational
presentation that I thought you may find helpful.
Berkeley Community Health
Commission (CHC) invites
you to a presentation about bugs, rats, mold, and abandoned vehicles. How
to get help from the City of Berkeley!
Thursday, January 10, 2013
7:30 to 8:30 p.m.
South Berkeley Senior Center,
2839 Ellis Street at Ashby Avenue.
Center is wheelchair accessible
Guest Speakers: Manuel Ramirez from the Environmental
Health Division & Brent Nelson from the Housing Division
Contact: Dr. J. Berreman, Secretary to the Community
Health Commission 510-981-5301
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8. Crime Prevention
Alert: Cell Phone Thefts
EditorÕs note: Received from the Berkeley Police Department
The Berkeley Police Department (BPD) is
currently investigating several reports of cell phone thefts through the use of
a ruse. The suspects are targeting peopleÕs willingness to help others. The
suspects will ask to use a victimÕs phone usually claiming the need to contact
a sick family member. Once the suspect has the phone they drive off in a
vehicle stealing the phone.
BPD would like to
remind and encourage people to employ a few crime prevention measures that can
help reduce your risk as well as discourage those who commit these types of
crimes:
- DonÕt lend your
phone to anyone you donÕt
know or take it out of your purse, pocket or bag to give someone the time, if
asked.
- Walk with
purpose: Project an
assertive image that conveys you know where you are
going.
- Avoid Isolation: Avoid uninhabited parks, parking lots,
garages, and alleyways; stick to well-lit, high-traffic areas.
- Keep a safe
distance: DonÕt let people get
too close, even if they appear to have a reason, such as asking for the time.
- DonÕt talk on cell phones or listen to iPods when
alone outside as they significantly limit awareness.
- Trust your
Instincts: Trusting your own
instincts that a situation seems ÒwrongÓ can be the best personal safety tool
you have.
BPD is encouraging
anyone to report suspicious persons or activity. In Berkeley dial 911 or (510) 981-5911
from your cell for emergencies and/or crimes in progress. Dial (510) 981-5900
to make a delayed or after the fact report.
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9. Community Meeting on City Redistricting, Thursday 1/24,
6-7:30 p.m.
EditorÕs note: Received from Acting City Clerk Mark Numainville. At least some parts of the Halcyon neighborhood are likely to be affected by redistricting, so I encourage neighbors to pay attention to the process as it unfolds.
Hello,
Please see the attached notice regarding a community
meeting on the redistricting process in the City of Berkeley. The meeting is being hosted by the League of Women Voters of Berkeley,
Albany, and Emeryville. Please share with members of your organization
and the community at large.
What:
Community Meeting on City Redistricting in Berkeley
When:
Thursday, January 24, 2013, 6-7:30 p.m.
Where:
South Berkeley Senior Center Multi-Purpose Room, 2339 Ellis Street,
Berkeley
Who: League
of Women Voters of Berkeley, Albany & Emeryville; City staff from the City
ClerkÕs Office, City AttorneyÕs Office, City ManagerÕs Office, and Department
of Information Technology
For more information about this process, visit www.CityofBerkeley.info/redistricting.
Mark Numainville
Acting
City Clerk
City of Berkeley
2180 Milvia Street
Berkeley,
CA 94704
(510) 981-6900
clerk@cityofberkeley.info
www.cityofberkeley.info
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10. Halcyon Neighborhood
AssociationÕs Guiding Principles
EditorÕs note: A good reminder as we start a new year.
HNA is a community
group dedicated to stewardship of the Halcyon Neighborhood in South Berkeley
(bounded by Telegraph, Ashby, Adeline, and Woolsey). We encourage positive,
proactive, partnership-oriented approaches to improving the well-being
of our neighborhood, with an emphasis on the following goals:
* Community building (such as regular potlucks, special events in the park,
mutual support among neighbors, and multiblock yard sales);
* Ongoing care of Halcyon Commons (a park conceived of and created by the
neighbors who founded HNA) under the nonprofit umbrella provided by Berkeley
Partners for Parks and in partnership with the City of Berkeley;
* Continued greening and care of the neighborhood (planting trees, cleaning
litter off streets, graffiti removal, and helping maintain public landscaped
features);
* Strengthening neighborhood watch (crime watch, community safety walks,
emergency preparedness, and disaster supply cache);
* Networking with the larger Berkeley community (nearby neighborhood groups,
neighborhood businesses, City staff, and elected officials);
* Sharing information and empowering residents to become proactive in
addressing neighborhood needs and in expressing individual viewpoints regarding
civic affairs (spreading news through meetings, flyers, and the HNA E-News, and
providing contact information).
To fulfill these goals, HNA provides a sanctuary from partisan politics so that
neighbors with diverse viewpoints feel welcome to participate. Thus, HNA only
takes stands on larger issues when there is near-unanimity among neighbors. By
focusing on immediate local concerns, we find we can have a greater impact and
get better results from the time we invest. Guided by these principles, HNA
invites neighbors who are willing to work together in a spirit of partnership
to participate at whatever level makes sense for them. Opportunities for
serving on our volunteer Steering Committee and project-oriented committees are
available to neighbors who are willing to roll up their sleeves and work
together in a nonpartisan spirit. Neighbors are invited to step forward into
leadership positions defined by the work they do in accordance with HNAÕs
primary goals and guiding principles.
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