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Halcyon Neighborhood Association E-News 3/1/12

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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. Work Party in Halcyon Commons & Surrounding Neighborhood, Sat. 3/17, 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

2. Disaster Prep Updates: Reports on Preparedness for Pets, Radio Communications, and Upcoming Drill 5/19

3. Get Up and Go Kits Essential in Case Evacuation Is Necessary Following a Disaster

4. Plugging Our Neighborhood Facebook Group Once Again!

5. Free Fire Wood Available on Prince Street

6. Crime Watch Updates: Recent Crimes in the Neighborhood; Arrest of Robbery Suspect; Burglaries on Prince; Car Break-in on Prince; Stolen Catalytic Converters

7. Volunteers Needed: Neighborhood Flyer Distribution 4x a Year; Crime Watch, Disaster Prep, Neighborhood Work Parties, Community-Building & Family-Friendly Teams

8. Whole Foods News: Next Drop-in Progress Meeting, Weds. 3/7, 8:30 a.m.

9. The Place to Call for City Services: 3-1-1!

10. Berkeley Community Chorus Fundraiser, Sat. 3/24

11. Youth Ancestral Project Starts This Weekend

12. Berkeley Home Energy Efficiency Workshop, Tues. 3/6

13. Free Food Within Your Reach, Berkeley Community Health Commission, Thurs. 3/8

14. South Branch Library to Be Closed for Fifteen Months; Tool Library Relocated

Editor’s Introductory Note

Last month our neighborhood took some additional steps forward in disaster preparedness thanks to our new Disaster Preparedness Coordinator, Susan Snyder of Wheeler Street, who made it possible for HNA to sponsor the City’s pilot neighborhood class on radio communications right here in the Halcyon neighborhood. Other members of our Disaster Preparedness Committee are also pitching in, with neighbors Shael Barger and Mikel Delgado leading a workshop on preparedness for pets and neighbor Stephen Pitcher in the process of researching recommendations for seismic safety and excess flow valves (results to be shared in an upcoming newsletter). Thanks to all of you for stepping forward, including those of you who attended one or both of the workshops, and those of you who are signing up for the excellent free CERT classes offered by the City of Berkeley.

We’d like to get our Crime Watch team in as good shape as our Disaster Preparedness team. Since Dawn Trygstad (formerly Rubin) had to step down as coordinator, our efforts have been more episodic. Thanks to Dawn and to HNA Co-Chairs John Steere and Nancy Carleton for reaching out to family members and neighbors affected by the homicide on Emerson Street in January. Our goal for March is to hold a community meeting on Wednesday, March 28, focusing on crime watch; given the homicide and recent burglaries and car break-ins, it would be good timing for us to focus in again on how we can keep our neighborhood as safe as possible. But we can only move forward if a couple more neighbors agree to help plan this event. Please email halcyon92@gmail.com if you’re willing to step forward to help (our goal is to have a committee of folks focused on crime issues so that no one person is overly burdened), and I’ll pass your contact information on.

Wishing everyone a safe and happy March!

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

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1. Work Party in Halcyon Commons & Surrounding Neighborhood, Sat. 3/17, 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Location: Halcyon Commons (Halcyon at Prince)

Time Frame: Come anytime between 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Sat. 3/5 (even twenty minutes helps!)

Goals: Weed and mulch in the park and nearby planted areas; remove graffiti & trash in the larger neighborhood; enjoy the company of neighbors and student volunteers

Fuel: Refreshments & lunch courtesy of Whole Foods Market; fresh coffee courtesy of Mokka Café at Telegraph & Dowling

Once again we’ll enjoy the help of volunteers from the Berkeley Project as students from UC help us weed in the park and spread mulch. If you can help, just show up at Halcyon Commons. Bring your own weeding tools, or we’ll loan you some. Children welcome!

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2. Disaster Prep Updates: Reports on Preparedness for Pets, Radio Communications, and Upcoming Drill 5/19

Editor’s note: Thank again to neighbors Shael Barger and Mikel Delgado (both on the Disaster Preparedness Committee and HNA Steering Committee members) who recently hosted a disaster prep module on disaster preparedness for our companion animals. Here’s the report they submitted.

Disaster Preparedness for Your Pets

On February 8, neighbors Mikel Delgado and Shael Barger hosted a small information sharing session on preparing for your companion animals safety during a disaster. We were a small group but had a great resource sharing discussion, with most of the discussion focused on cats since four of the five attendees had cats. Both Mikel and Shael had gathered information from various resources. Copies for all in attendance were available (later we hope to post these on the neighborhood website). Shael shared as well a list of crucial items and the reasons for having them, per the Veterinarian from Montclair Veterinary who was the discussion leader on Pet Preparedness at the Disaster Prep workshop for Alameda County held last October. We would welcome suggestions and information on birds, rabbits, and exotic pet care you are able to glean from your Veterinarian to add to our data base and ask that you share them as attachments to HNAdisasterprep@gmail.com so they can eventually be shared with the neighborhood. We are still discussing the ways to make a more centralized online resource guide for these documents and will notify the neighborhood when it is up and running. One neighbor who attended has already researched what shelter accommodations the city has in its plans for companion animals; this type of information will be included in the online resource guide for HNA when it is developed; until then, please send them as attachments to emails to Shael Barger at HNAdisasterprep@gmail.com.

Things you can do to be “pet-prepared” for a disaster:

1.Your pet depends on you to be prepared; search and rescue will be focused on human rescue in an emergency. The better prepared you are, the better the odds that you can rescue your pets.

2. Include pet supplies in your emergency kits.

3. Remember that traumatized pets may be unsafe to handle. Animal bites can cause serious injury, and there will be limited medical resources during a disaster. Handle with care! Keep leather gloves and perhaps a muzzle or carrier available if appropriate for your pet.

4. Have a backup person(s) in the neighborhood who know(s) about your pet in case you can’t get to your home.

5. Consider taking a pet first aid class.

Editor’s note: Thanks again to HNA Disaster Preparedness Coordinator Susan Snyder for hosting the City’s first pilot neighborhood class in Radio Communications last month and for spearheading HNA’s participation in a citywide disaster preparedness drill coming up on May 19. Please consider getting involved in preparing for the drill. The more of us who participate, the safer our neighborhood — and our loved ones, including children, pets, and seniors, who may depend on the rest of us for help — will be.

Radio Communications Class Report

HNA hosted the pilot class of Berkeley CERT’s new neighborhood education program. We had a great turnout and an excellent presentation on the basics of using FRS radios, including hands-on practice. Our thanks to Christine Sarkis, CERT volunteer presenter, and Khin Chin from the Berkeley's Office of Emergency Services for the opportunity to be the test audience.

HNA Participating in Citywide Disaster Preparedness Drill on Saturday 5/19, 9-11:30 a.m.

SAVE THE DATE! Citywide disaster drill on Saturday, May 19, 9-11:30 a.m.

HNA will be participating in this citywide event. Please mark your calendars, and plan to join us in practicing emergency response in our neighborhood. Volunteers to help run our drill are needed! This involves a modest, time-focused commitment. Please contact Susan at hnaprepared@gmail.com if you’re willing to help.

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3. Get Up and Go Kits Essential in Case Evacuation Is Necessary Following a Disaster

Editor’s note: Lisa Bullwinkel from the Fulton-Russell Neighborhood Association List shared the following useful disaster preparedness perspective and information.

I’ve been reading some of the info coming out of the Berkeley Preparedness Network and want to share this thought with you. [One of our neighbors] has been actively trying to get us all to have Get up and Go Kits by our beds. (She rocks!) Of course we all resist! Just one more thing to do. And I kept telling myself that my house isn’t in a lot of danger as we have retrofitted it and it is only a one-story house, blah, blah, blah. But then I read this bit about the possibility of having to evacuate a neighborhood because of some hazard.

Well, I wouldn’t be ready and, frankly, I don’t want to have to spend a week in dirty underwear and without a toothbrush. So I’m going to go find some old backpacks at the Salvation Army and put some stuff together for each of us — time you did too! Here’s a blurb:

Make sure you are ready to evacuate within minutes by having a Go-Kit already created. It’s a great idea to have these for every member of the family located near/under their bed, since there is a 33 percent chance that the earthquake will happen while everyone is in bed. You can go here for a video on how to make one: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5SOch5FbIV8

If an evacuation is directed, the information will be broadcast on 1610 AM radio and the BENS system, if operational. Grab your Go-Kits and follow the directions. Parking officials and other BPD volunteers will be directing traffic to get people to safety. If you see a situation in your area that requires an evacuation, use common sense when making your decision. Don’t wait until you are told to leave. If you would like to see an evacuation map of the major thoroughfares in Berkeley, you can go to this website:

http://www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/uploadedFiles/IT/Level_3_-_General/EmerEvacNetwork.pdf

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4. Plugging Our Neighborhood Facebook Group Once Again!

Editor’s note: Our HNA Facebook group, a closed group open only to neighbors and those just over the border in nearby neighborhoods who participate regularly in our activities, has now reached 115 members. More and more, people are sharing information about crime watch and disaster preparedness through this forum. So far this year, those who were part of this group got to be the first to hear the sad news of the homicide on Emerson while events were still unfolding, get immediate information about burglaries and car break-ins, and view postings about missing (or found) pets, CPR classes, and free fire wood. One neighbor rounded up some others to join her in morning bike rides. It’s a great resource, and you’re missing out if you haven’t yet signed up for it. Even if you’re not keen on being a frequent Facebook user, you can opt to tune in just to posting from our neighborhood group (one of the settings allows you to receive emails when new messages are posted, though you can also choose to tune into the page only when you decide to visit). Since there are over 400 people on our E-News subscription list, I know there are many of you who are already using Facebook but who haven’t yet signed up for our Facebook group. Please consider going to http://www.facebook.com/groups/292160762499/ and signing up today! Let’s take full advantage of twenty-first-century tools for creating better ways to network while we build a stronger sense of community.

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5. Free Fire Wood Available on Prince Street

Editor’s note: Prince Street neighbor Dave Fogarty submitted the following announcement. Wood is still available!

Free firewood. Unfortunately our incense cedar tree died. Good news is that we have lots of fragrant firewood to share. If you’d like some, email Dave Fogarty dmfogs@gmail.com or tweet me @BerkBoyz. Near Prince and Fulton.

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6. Crime Watch Updates: Recent Crimes in the Neighborhood; Arrest of Robbery Suspect; Burglaries on Prince; Car Break-in on Prince; Stolen Catalytic Converters

Editor’s note: Recent crimes in the neighborhood FYI (list courtesy of neighbor Mikel Delgado):

Recent crimes in the Halcyon neighborhood:

1/27 homicide Emerson & Shattuck

1/27 burglary Prince & Halcyon

1/31 strong-arm robbery Woolsey & Telegraph

2/2 thefts Adeline & Woolsey and Essex & Wheeler

2/8 2 car break-ins (Deakin near Webster; Prince near Fulton)

2/8 theft Ashby @ Deakin

2/10 2 burglaries on Prince near Halcyon

2/12 car break-in Prince near Deakin

2/13 car theft Webster & Halcyon

2/15 car theft 66th & Telegraph

Editor’s note: A Wheeler Street neighbor reported the following arrest of a robbery suspect.

“[On February 24 at] around 5:50 p.m., a man was apprehended by police near the corner of Wheeler and Emerson streets. There had been a pursuit (multiple police cars, suspect on foot) following a suspected robbery in the neighborhood. The pursuit ended in hedges [near Wheeler and Emerson].”

Editor’s note: A Prince Street neighbor reported two burglaries on Prince Street near Halcyon.

“My apartment was one of the [two apartments] broken into on Friday [February 10]. Kitchen window (on side of building) was pried open with crow bar — standard window locks just popped. Cash stolen and apartment ransacked, but I had no laptop to steal. Camera was fortunately overlooked. Nothing else (obvious) was taken (i.e., desktop computer, TV, etc.). I was away all day and most of the evening, but reported it to Berkeley police upon returning home around 11:30 p.m. Due to a separate incident that evening (purse, gym bag containing checkbook and house keys had been stolen from trunk of my car in Oakland, Lake Merritt area), I had doors rekeyed and am working on fortifying the kitchen window, point of entry.” [Editor’s note: Another apartment was also burglarized that same day and had even more stuff taken.]

Editor’s note: A Prince Street neighbor reported a car break-in on Prince Street at Fulton. I see from Mikel’s list that there was a second car break-in reported that night, on Deakin near Webster.

“Our car was broken into [the night of February 8] (window smashed) near the corner of Prince and Fulton. Any other similar incidents in the neighborhood [February 8/9]?”

Editor’s note: Catalytic converter thefts continue. Here are two reports, the first from Essex Street and the other from Wheeler.

“My catalytic converter was taken [February 2], the whole thing unbolted. Cost to replace, $580.00 at Ron’s Berkeley Muffler. They told me to come in for free hi-temp silver paint job once every three months to prevent theft because thieves can’t sell a new converter. I plan to get my own can. I did call the police. We also had gas and a gas cap stolen a couple weeks ago, via crowbar. Replaced with locking cap. I also had the entire passenger side windshield wiper assembly stolen at some point recently — not just the wiper, the whole arm — didn’t notice until it rained.” 

“[Our] catalytic converter was stolen on Saturday night [February 4/5] — we think about 3 a.m. because that’s when the dog was barking. This is the fourth one I know of in the neighborhood in about two weeks. [One off our other car] was stolen in another round of thefts a few years ago. So, if you have a truck, especially a Toyota, I strongly recommend getting your catalytic converter soldered on and then painted silver regularly. Ron’s Mufflers give neighbors a deal.”

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7. Volunteers Needed: Neighborhood Flyer Distribution 4x a Year; Crime Watch, Disaster Prep, Neighborhood Work Parties, Community-Building & Family-Friendly Teams

Flyer Distributors Needed: HNA’s Flyer Distribution Coordinator, Jay Migliaccio, let me know that a few more flyer distributors are needed to fill in gaps. Our Halcyon flyers come out quarterly, and we have a team of a couple of dozen neighbors who help with the distribution so that no one person is unduly burdened. Each stretch of a block or two takes 35 minutes or less, and is somewhere within easy walking distance in the Halcyon neighborhood (between Telegraph and Tremont, and Ashby and Woolsey). This is an easy volunteer task that really helps us maintain communication in the neighborhood and allows us to reach out to new neighbors (we live in a high turnover area with many tenants, and we want everyone to have a chance to find out about the ways we create a safer, friendlier neighborhood) and to those who don’t have easy access to the Internet, as well as to remind all of us of HNA’s bigger events and disaster preparedness plans. Please email halcyon92@gmail.com if you’d be willing to become a regular flyer distributor four times a year or if you’re willing to serve as an occasional alternate (Jay recruits alternates to fill in when regulars are out of town or otherwise unable to help with a particular flyer). Many thanks!

Team Members Needed for Our Crime Watch Team, Disaster Prep Team, Neighborhood Work Parties Team, Community Building Team & Family-Friendly Team: We welcome neighbors to join our HNA Steering Committee and participate in one or more of these areas to improve and strength our neighborhood. As we approach HNA’s twentieth anniversary later this year, it’s a great time for new participation and involvement. Please email halcyon92@gmail.com if you’d like to find out more about how you could get involved. As I mentioned in this month’s introductory note, we especially need more members for our Crime Watch Team. For our neighborhood to thrive, we need you to participate!

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8. Whole Foods News: Next Drop-in Progress Meeting, Weds. 3/7, 8:30 a.m.

Editor’s note: Representatives of Whole Foods Market met with neighbors last week to address concerns over their permit application for new refrigeration equipment on the roof of the store. HNA Co-Chair John Steere was one of the neighbors in attendance and reported that good progress was made in addressing neighbors’ concerns about added noise. If you’re concerned about noise or any other issue related to Whole Foods Market, please consider attending one of their monthly drop-in progress meetings. My experience is that concerns are taken seriously and steps are taken to address them.

Drop-In Progress Meeting (first Wednesday of each month)

Wednesday, March 7, 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 noise abatement, the store remodel project [scheduled for 2012], street litter control, and progress on any of the ongoing issues we discuss [with HNA reps and nearby neighbors]. Mel [Store Team Leader] 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.

Jim Hallock

Community Relations Team Leader

Whole Foods Market Berkeley

3000 Telegraph Ave.

Berkeley, CA 94705

P: 510-649-1333 ext. 260

F: 510-649-1474

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9. The Place to Call for City Services: 3-1-1!

Editor’s note: I picked up this item from Le Conte Neighborhood Association President Karl Reeh’s post on Le Conte chat. I’m repeating it since it’s such a good reminder that you only need to remember one simple number to call if you have issues related to City services or infrastructure.

A number you should remember and use often is 3-1-1
This is the Customer Service number for the City of Berkeley. Anytime you want information or service, this is the number to call: 3-1-1
Missed garbage pickup, broken streetlight, sidewalk repair, tree branch down, etc. It’s easy to use and remember, and usually the services are fast.

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10. Berkeley Community Chorus Fundraiser, Sat. 3/24

Editor’s note: At least a couple of Halcyon neighbors are involved in the Berkeley Community Chorus and asked me to pass this notice on.

A spring fundraiser for all the family the Berkeley Community Chorus presents: Ragin’ Cajun with live music by the Creole Belles. It will be held on Saturday, March 24, at the Northbrae Community Church in North Berkeley. 6-7:30 p.m. is the optional potluck, 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. will be the dancing, with dance instruction included. The cost for adults is $25 and for children $12. For tickets email LIZZRD@MAC.COM

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11. Youth Ancestral Project Starts This Weekend

Editor’s note: Received from Supervisor Keith Carson’s office.

Dear Students and Parents,

You are invited to participate in a special series of classes that are part of the Youth Ancestral Project, a program that teaches East Bay youth how to use research and storytelling techniques to gain a deeper understanding of their own ancestral roots. Initiated by Alameda County Supervisor Keith Carson with the help of the Oakland Family History Center and the African American Genealogical Society, the project reached more than 50 youth in 2011. This year, a professional genealogist from the San Francisco Bay Area Jewish Genealogical Society will bring the class to Congregation Netivot Shalom in Berkeley. We hope you can join us! Please see below for a class description and schedule. The classes are free and open to all youth in grades 9-12. 

Click here for the flyer:

http://keithcarson.org/Ancestral_Project_Netivot_Shalom.pdf

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12. Berkeley Home Energy Efficiency Workshop, Tues. 3/6

Editor’s note: An announcement forwarded by Councilmember Max Anderson’s office.

Berkeley Home Energy Efficiency Workshop

Tuesday, March 6, 6:00-7:30 p.m.

Berkeley Public Library, Main Branch

2090 Kittredge St, Berkeley, CA

RSVP: www.berkeleyenergyworkshop.eventbrite.com

Learn How to Save Energy, Get Rebates, and Earn Money for Local Schools!

Is your home drafty on rainy days or stifling hot on summer days? Planning to put in a new furnace or add insulation or just wondering how to make your home more energy efficient? If so, check out Energy Upgrade California — it’s a statewide program offering homeowners rebates up to $4,000 to pay for one-time home improvements that provide increased comfort, energy savings and enhanced home value.

To learn more about available rebates, benefits of a home energy upgrade, and to speak directly with Participating Contractors, come attend this FREE workshop.

Also, when you sign up for a home energy upgrade, Energize for the Prize will award $100 to the school of your choice! Plus, the school that signs up the most households between now and April 30 will earn an additional $5,000. www.energizefortheprize.org has a list of participating schools and more information about the fundraising program.

Questions? Contact Lou Riordan LRiordan@stopwaste.org

or 510-891-6553

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13. Free Food Within Your Reach, Berkeley Community Health Commission, Thurs. 3/8

Editor’s note: An announcement forwarded by Councilmember Max Anderson’s office.

Free Food Within Your Reach

Training on Food Resources at the Berkeley Community Health Commission

Thursday, March 8 at 6:30 p.m.

South Berkeley Senior Center, 2939 Ellis Street at Ashby

If you had a friend, neighbor or a patient who seemed to be having trouble getting enough food on the table, where could you send them?

Learn about:

· Food Resources in Berkeley

· Myths and Facts about Food Stamps

· Where to get emergency food, hot meals, gardening groups, senior meals and other programs, share resources

· Plan to take the message out to the community:

Leave with a complete packet including PowerPoint, presentation plan and samples of all materials. Use them to share the information:

· Teach a class or lead a discussion group

· Present a talk at your church

· Organize a talk at your senior or community organization, or simply

· Share information with friends, family and neighbors

Who should attend: Berkeley Residents, Neighborhood organizers, WIC Program educators, Church Health Ministry members, Seniors Program staff, Outreach workers, Nurses and Medical providers, Social work program staff

This presentation will take place during the regularly scheduled Community Health Commission meeting and members of the public are invited to hear about local initiatives and programs to improve their homes. This meeting is being held in wheel chair accessible site. 

Call to make a reservation or for information:

Tasha Tervalon, Commission Secretary at (510) 981-5347

Or Pam Speich, Commission Chair at (415) 342-1384

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14. South Branch Library to Be Closed for Fifteen Months; Tool Library Relocated

Editor’s note: An announcement forwarded by Councilmember Max Anderson’s office.

South Branch Library Celebration & Temporary Closure for Construction

Beginning Monday, March 19, the South Branch Library will be closed for approximately fifteen months to allow for the construction of a new 8,700 square foot library. To celebrate the beginning of construction for the new library, a community event will be held on Saturday, March 10, 2012 from 2 to 5 p.m.; everyone is invited. Refreshments and entertainment are planned with a brief program at 3 p.m. The last open day for public service will be Saturday, March 17, 2012.

We extend our thanks and appreciation to everyone for their support of Measure FF and, since that time, participation in the public design and approval process, which has brought us to this milestone. The new library will be built following the demolition of the current facility. The replacement Library, designed by the San Francisco firm of Field Paoli Architects, will meet all current codes, provide adequate space for users of all ages, and is designed to be warm and inviting; creating a welcoming civic presence and enhanced services to the community. The Tool Lending Library will be part of the new space, with increased room for storage and an improved layout. 

During the closure, patrons are encouraged to visit the remaining open library facilities. In addition, Library BranchVan service will begin on Monday, March 26, on Oregon Street, just west of Grant Street. Check out the Library’s Branch Construction Projects webpage or pick up a South Branch Temporary Closure Guide for more service information during the temporary closure that includes the BranchVan and children’s storytime schedules.

The Tool Lending Library located at 1901 Russell Street is closed as of Friday, February 17, and will reopen in its temporary location, 2547 8th Street, beginning Tuesday, March 20. 

The Library will continue to post project information and updates on its website at: berkeleypubliclibrary.org/branchimprovements and hopes to see you at the South Branch Library grand re-opening, anticipated in Spring 2013.

We look forward to bringing you a beautiful, current code compliant, seismically safe, fully accessible green building in the near future. The branch library improvement program is funded by Measure FF, passed by voters in November 2008.

For more information contact: Donna Corbeil, Library Director, 510-981-6195

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