If you’re a neighbor, join Halcyon Neighborhood Association’s Facebook group!

 

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Halcyon Neighborhood Association E-News 4/16/12

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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. Report on March Community Meeting

2. Disaster Preparedness Drill May 19 and Pre-Drill Preparations

3. Crime Watch Update: Burglaries, Car Break-ins, etc.

4. Steering Committee Meeting, Weds. May 2 or 9, 6:30-8 p.m.

5. Whole Foods Market News with e-Cycle Drive April 22

6. Update on Tool Lending Library Relocation

7. News from Councilmember Kriss Worthington’s Office

8. Teen CERT info from FEMA

 

 

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1. Report on March Community Meeting

 

Editor’s note: Here’s a write-up on the March community meeting from HNA Co-Chair John Steere. And many thanks to HNA Steering Committee members John Steere, Scott Nesbit, Susan Snyder, and Mikel Delgado for putting on a great meeting!

 

 HNA held its first community meeting in almost five years, hosted by the Model School (where HNA met for its first five years, when we were planning and implementing Halcyon Commons). It was an inspiring gathering of almost 50 neighbors, and it was great to see many in attendance, including some who have lived here for decades but who have not come out to HNA’s events or work parties before, as well as many new neighbors. To quote one of the participants who came, Michelle Thelen Steere, “I felt proud to be an HNA’er and am looking forward to more general meetings in the future. The desire of the neighbors to contribute more than in recent times past was palpable.”

 

The meeting was facilitated by John Steere, HNA Co-Chair, and by Scott Nesbit, HNA’s new Crime Watch Team Coordinator. John gave a brief history of HNA and the creation and evolution of the Halcyon Neighborhood from 1992 to the present. Then neighbors introduced themselves to everyone, indicating who they were, where they lived, and for how long, as well as what their community interest of contribution would be. Quite a number signed up on the volunteer form under one or more of HNA’s teams.

 

Officer Kyle White, one of our neighborhood’s beat cops, spoke about crime in our area, noting that the most common type was car break-ins. He recommended that residents leave nothing of value in their vehicles. He reinforced the value of being observant of suspicious behavior that might lead to a break-in or theft and to call the police whenever a crime is suspected. He said to call 911 or 981-5911, the Berkeley Police’s emergency line from cellphones, or 981-5900 if it’s a nonemergency situation.

 

Steering Committee member Mikel Delgado gave a crime report synopsis following Officer White’s. Here’s a synopsis: She Informed neighbors of the resource http://www.crimemapping.com/map.aspx?loc=Berkeley%2C+Ca, which allows visitors to view recent crimes in the area, and allows for searches based on location, crime type, and date. She reviewed recent crimes in the area since January 2012. Currently, Mikel shares crime reports regularly on the HNA Facebook group page (another reason to join!). The HNA Facebook page is also a good resource for immediate information as well as direct contact with neighbors to organize events such as safety walks. She noted that nighttime safety walks in the past were successful and a good way to connect with neighbors. The City of Berkeley has resources on more organized neighborhood watches, if anyone would like to pursue it:

http://www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/contentdisplay.aspx?id=3988

 

HNA Disaster Preparedness Coordinator Susan Snyder gave a lively update on disaster prep, providing an overview of what disaster prep means for our neighborhood. Due to our unique size, the importance of helping one another and being prepared to help others who end up in our neighborhood (because of BART being down, etc) is crucial. Following a major earthquake, all of our gifts and skills will be needed (neat handwriting, first-aid skills, bikes to deliver messages, two-way radio skills, calm demeanor to sit with injured folks, watch kids, organize messages, etc).

 

As a first step, Susan asked everyone to commit to getting water and, if they have water, getting more water — the most important thing is to have a barrel of water available (or at least a week’s worth of drinking water) and to store it for no more than a year before replenishing. In terms of storing food, it was noted that storing food you actually like in a safe place is a close second. Susan briefly discussed and promoted CERT classes. She also went over the handout Five Ways to Participate in the May 19th Citywide Drill. The full information is announced in the Disaster Preparedness section of this E-News [see item 2].

 

Representatives from the Yellow Emperor Community Acupuncture Clinic and the Self-Realization Fellowship also attended and pledge their support and spoke of their willingness to do their part (ten SRF members are CERT certified, and an acupuncturist at the Yellow Emperor who lives nearby is willing to provide acupuncture following a disaster). Michelle Thelen Steere asks us to remind neighbors that in the event of a big earthquake, Halcyon Commons is our general meeting point (after you’ve secured your own household). Michelle also signed up to head up a membership drive among neighborhood businesses, spiritual centers, and nonprofits. And she notes, “Five people at the HNA general meeting signed up for a Neighborhood Levity committee. Hopefully, the neighbors that laugh together . . . staff together.<#:-)” If you’d like to help with any of the areas mentioned, such as the membership drive, disaster prep or crime watch, please email halcyon92@gmail.com.

 

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2. Disaster Preparedness Drill May 19 and Pre-Drill Preparations

 

Editor’s note: HNA’s Disaster Preparedness Coordinator Susan Snyder submitted the following notice about the upcoming drill on May 19 and what you can do to participate. Please contact Susan at the email provided if you willing to commit to attending one planning meeting prior to the drill!

 

Citywide Disaster Preparedness Drill with Halcyon Neighborhood Participation

Saturday, May 19, 9-11:30 a.m.

Halcyon Commons (Halcyon at Prince)

Coffee courtesy of Mokka Cafe

 

Great meeting in March, neighbors! Thank you to all of you who came out to connect and learn how we can make our neighborhood a stronger community and safer place.

 

Here's a reminder about ways to participate in the citywide disaster drill on May 19th:

 

* REGISTER to receive a message from the Berkeley Emergency Notification System (BENS). To register to receive the exercise message, send an email to Khin Chin at the Office of Emergency Services at KChin@ci.berkeley.ca.us . Include your name and cellphone number, and indicate you are part of the Halcyon neighborhood group. (This ONLY registers you to receive the drill message.)

 

* On May 19th, after you receive the exercise notification, CALL OR TEXT your out-of-state contact and request a response.

 

* TUNE IN to Berkeley's emergency information radio broadcast on 1610 AM. If you can’t hear the message, try moving to a different part of the house or a different part of the neighborhood.

 

* COME TO HALCYON COMMONS to participate in the neighborhood response part of the drill on May 19. The Incident Command Center will be set-up prior to the 9 a.m. drill start time. Sign-in and take on a role that fits your skill set. We need people in teams with the two-way radios from the HNA cache going out into the neighborhood to report back on specific set-up scenarios. We need on-site folks to log radio communications and write up messages to go to Berkeley OES. We need bike messengers to bring messages for Berkeley OES to local fire stations and return with the responses. We need YOU to make our drill a success!

 

* VOLUNTEER! Whether you can commit to attending one planning meeting in April OR take on a preassigned role the day of the exercise OR volunteer your home to have a scenario posted on it, we need YOU!

 

Contact Susan at HNAprepared@gmail.com to volunteer or with questions. Thank you!

 

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3. Crime Watch Update: Burglaries, Car Break-ins, etc.

 

Editor’s note: A reminder to join the HNA Facebook group at Facebook group at http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=292160762499 to receive breaking crime reports in between E-News editions!

 

HNA Steering Committee member Mikel Delgado submitted the following summary of crimes in or near the neighborhood:

 

3/1 theft Ashby and Fulton
3/3 assault Woolsey & Shattuck
3/7 burglary Tremont & Woolsey

Deakin & Woolsey commercial burglary
3/8 theft Telegraph & Ashby and 2200 block of Woolsey
3/12 car theft or break-in (Fulton b/w Prince & Ashby)

3/20 Prince/Telegraph vehicle break-in
3/21 Wheeler/Ashby vehicle break-in
3/22 Essex/Shattuck vehicle stolen
Woolsey/Whitney burglary
3/23 Essex/Shattuck burglary
Woolsey/Shattuck burglary
3/25 Ashby/Telegraph theft
4/3 Ashby/Telegraph vehicle break-in

 

A neighbor west of Shattuck submitted the following report of multiple incidents.

 

“I want to report an instance of someone breaking and entering into the foreclosed and vacant property at 2022 Woolsey Street, on Woolsey just west of Shattuck. This property is for sale by a realty company but is in poor condition. On Thursday 3/22 at about 11:15 p.m., I heard the sound of breaking glass and went out to investigate. Other neighbors heard it too and were out looking around. One of them saw a person on the back porch of this property, and saw a broken window there. I went around to the front of this property, and encountered a woman who said she had just bought this house for $600K (the house is for sale for $399K) and said that “someone is in the house.” The woman seemed spacey and made other doubtful claims. We called the Police. The Police came and arrested her, and also an ambulance was summoned since the woman claimed to have a heart condition. Since no one had clearly seen that the woman was the one who broke the window, Police cited her for trespassing and released her. The next morning, 3/23, at 8:45 a.m., I observed the same woman arrive and go around to the back of the house, and remove glass from the window. I called police, who arrived just as she was climbing through the window and entering the house. They arrested her again, and this time sent her to John George psychiatric hospital as she was clearly mentally ill. Since John George will probably only hold her for a few days, the woman may be back again if she doesn’t have someone to care for her. Description: slender black woman with attractive features, subdued and nonthreatening manner, blue jeans, orange top, light brown jeans type jacket, long black straight hair, blue sweater, black high-heeled shoes. 

 

“There was also a burglary on the same day, 3/22, at a house two doors down on Whitney Street, where the perpetrator kicked in the back door. Police do not believe this was the same person. In that instance, a neighbor observed a young black man with a bicycle and a large messenger-type bag, emerging from the backyard of the house that was burglarized, claiming he was looking for his dog, at about 3 p.m. Police say many burglaries are happening in this area between 2 and 4 p.m., so be on the lookout regarding this same MO and call police if you see such a person trespassing on others’ property claiming to be ‘looking for my dog.’ 

 

After what already had seemed too much criminal activity in my immediate area this week, I witnessed another incident the morning of 3/29/12. At 10:20 a.m., I heard loud yelling outside, and went to investigate. I witnessed a man standing on the street very loudly yelling at someone in a car, at the intersection of Woolsey and Tremont. He stood very close to the car, and gestured and yelled, continually using the N-word. At one point I observed him punch the person in the car. He was a black male, about 35 years old, about 6 feet tall, fairly bald, medium build, wearing a black t-shirt, faded blue jeans, brown work-type boots. The individual in the car was a black male—I think only one person. The car was a white Jeep Cherokee or similar, license plate starting 4KZ. The man in the car stayed in the car and did not seem to do anything to fight back. Soon, the car left, heading up Woolsey to Shattuck. The individual walked away. I called Berkeley Police and reported this incident as I observed it. I also saw other neighbors had come outside and were observing, and perhaps also calling Police.”

 

A Wheeler Street neighbor reported the following theft of a doormat.

 

“I had a strange crime occur at my place on Wheeler St. Between Prince and Essex sometime between 9 p.m. Friday March 30 and 3 a.m. Sat. March 31. I was awakened at 3 a.m. by the continual slamming of my front gate due to the heavy winds we were experiencing. I went out my front door to secure the gate and saw that my front doormat was missing. It was too heavy to have blown away. Nothing else on my front porch was missing or looked like it was moved. The mat would not have been visible from the sidewalk so someone had to have come to my front door to find it and take it. I have walked around the area looking for it, but no success. While not a high-value item, I liked it, so if any one finds it, I wouldn’t mind having it back. It was a brown and tan woven mat approximately 2 x 3 ft. It was made of plastic but looked like jute. I was wondering if anyone else experienced a case of mat pilfering?”

 

A Telegraph Avenue neighbor reported the following act of car vandalism to our HNA Facebook group.

 

“Just came out to my car (a dark blue Toyota Scion) to find it vandalized. Had it parked in its usual spot on Telegraph, between Prince and Webster. Someone bashed in the back windshield with a 2x4, for no apparent reason. Didn’t take anything. Go figure.”

 

Another neighbor, this one on Prince Street, also had her car’s windshield smashed that same night.

 

“Same 2x4 sticking out of your car was used to bash my windshield. I heard a guy raging at 3:00 in the morning, heard a funny sound, and his morning I saw your car first and then mine.”

 

A Halcyon neighbor reported the following bike theft.

 

“I lost my bike last night [March 9]. I was unloading it, became distracted, then it was gone from my porch. I love this bike. If anyone sees it, it is a silver trek FX 7.7.”

 

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4. Steering Committee Meeting, Weds. May 2 or 9, 6:30-8 p.m.

 

Editor’s note: The Steering Committee meeting originally planned for April 18 is being rescheduled to the first or second Wednesday in May (we are currently polling Steering Committee members to decide which). If you’re interested in getting more involved with crime watch, disaster preparedness, community building, neighborhood work parties, family-friendly activities, or outreach to neighborhood businesses and spiritual centers, please email halcyon92@gmail.com for more information. We welcome your participation!

 

HNA Steering Committee Meeting

Wednesday, May 2 or 9, 6:30-8 p.m. (starts & ends promptly)

Email halcyon92@gmail.com for location.

 

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5. Whole Foods Market News with e-Cycle Drive April 22

 

Editor’s note: News from Whole Foods Market courtesy of Jim Hallock.

 

Earth Day e-Cycle Drive

Sunday, April 22, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

 

Time for Spring Cleaning! To celebrate Earth Day, bring in your old TVs, monitors, and laptops for free, responsible recycling. (Please, no microwaves!) There will be a $5 donation requested for some items, such as CRTs, large speakers, and most household electrics and electronics. Please see our Customer Service Desk for a complete list. All proceeds go to the Berkeley High School Green Academy.

 

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

Wednesday, May 2, 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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6. Update on Tool Lending Library Relocation

 

Editor’s note: The following press release was received from the Berkeley Public Library.

Tool Lending Library Now Open

Beginning Tuesday, March 20, Berkeley Public Library’s Tool Lending Library will be open to the public at its temporary location 2525 8th Street, at Dwight Way. The Tool Library will operate out of this temporary location while the South Branch Library is closed for approximately 15 months to allow for the construction of a new 8,700 square foot library. The South Branch is closed as of Saturday, March 17, 2012.

The Tool Lending Library hours of service are Tuesday & Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Wednesday & Thursday 12 noon to 7:30 p.m. and Friday 1:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., closed on Sunday and Monday.

The Tool lending library carries a wide range of hand and power tools available for loan to Berkeley residents and property owners at no cost. A full list of the tools available for checkout with a valid Berkeley library card is available at: http://www.berkeleypubliclibrary.org/about_the_library/neighborhood_branches/tool_lending_library/index.php

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 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. For more information call 510-981-6101.

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7. News from Councilmember Kriss Worthington’s Office

 

Editor’s note: Here’s part of a recent newsletter from Councilmember Kriss Worthington’s office. If you want to get on his direct recipient list, contact KWorthington@ci.berkeley.ca. (I pass on items when I receive them close enough to an E-News publication, but they often come on a different cycle.)

 

Cesar Chavez “State of Latinos in Berkeley”

Thursday, April 19, at 6:30 p.m.

1701 San Pablo Ave, Berkeley Adult School Auditorium

Panels: Health, Education, and Empowerment Opportunities

Beatriz Leyva-Cutler, Jesse Arreguin, Father Rigoberto Caloca-Rivas, Tanya Moore, Jose Ducos

 

Tenth Holocaust Remembrance Day

Only in Berkeley do we have an official City annual recognition program

Sunday, April 22, at 12 noon

2121 Allston Way, Magnes Museum of Jewish Life and Art

Performance by Linda Hirschhorn, Isaac Pastor-Chermak, Kol Hadov

Marta Fuchs, author of Legacy of Rescue: A Daughter’s Tribute

 

Cinco de Mayo in Berkeley

Sunday, May 6, at 1 p.m.

2506 Haste St, Remy’s Mexican Restaurant

Food and Entertainment Provided

 

City Commissioners Needed

Alice Lin and Sydney Fang conducted a study of diversity in City Commissions, which showed

Asians and Latinos very underrepresented, African Americans somewhat underrepresented,

and students dramatically underrepresented. One noteworthy, surprising fact is there are 58 vacancies that need volunteers! You can volunteer at sfang@asuc.org or email us directly at KWorthington@ci.berkeley.ca.

 

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8. Teen CERT Info from FEMA

 

Editor’s note: The following item appeared in the Berkeley Disaster Preparedness Neighborhood Network listserv.

 

The New Teen CERT Materials are here!

 

Based on the success of the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program and the demand to create tools to support the nationwide effort to train teenagers on CERT, FEMA is pleased to announce the following NEW resources:

 

* Teen CERT web page, which includes a new Public Service Announcement and Teen CERT Annexes to the CERT Basic Training and Train-the-Trainer Instructor Guides. To see the new Teen Cert web page, sign into the new CERT Online Discussion Forum!

http://community.fema.gov/connect.ti/readynpm/view?objectId=166042&exp=e2

 

* Free National CERT Online Discussion Forum for exchanging information and ideas among CERT members across the country (same link)

 

By training teens in emergency preparedness and response, you have the ability to empower our nation's future with the skills necessary to protect themselves and assist others in the event of an emergency. Students learn basic disaster response skills including fire suppression, light search and rescue, team organization, disaster psychology, terrorism awareness, and disaster medical operations. Participation in CERT is an excellent opportunity for teenagers to learn preparedness and leadership skills that last a lifetime!

 

If you are interested in starting a Teen CERT in your school or community, contact your local CERT Program today to learn more about getting started. Additionally, if you are considering integrating youth preparedness into an existing program or want to learn more about sustaining an existing youth preparedness program, the Youth How-To-Guide serves as a great resource for guiding you through the process.

 

Download these materials today and share your best practices via the CERT Online Discussion Forum on the National Preparedness Coalition website.

 

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