Neighbors, join Halcyon Neighborhood AssociationÕs Facebook group!

 

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Halcyon Neighborhood Association E-News 7/3/12

 

* * * * * * * * * * * *

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: Mini Work Party in the Park, Thursday, 7/19, 9:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.

2. National Night Out Against Crime: Ice Cream Social in the Park, Tuesday, 8/7, 6:30-8 p.m.

3. Summary of June Crimes in the Neighborhood & Notice from Police on Rent Crime Trends

4. Whole Foods Market News: Community Meeting Weds. 7/11, 8:30-9 a.m. plus Fourth of July Barbecue/Jazz

5. Fourth of July at the Berkeley Marina

6. Link to Interview with HNA Co-Chair John Steere

7. Use Your Berkeley Library Card for Free Tickets

8. RompinÕ with Ruby Summer Activity Camp

9. Easy Does It Emergency Services Available to Seniors and People with Disabilities

 

 

EditorÕs Introductory Note:

 

Many thanks to all who helped with the work party in early June, including Whole Foods Market and Mokka cafˇ for their generous donations. IÕd particularly like to thank Alyson Greenlee, a new member of our HNA Steering Committee, who has stepped forward to lead graffiti removal crews at the last two work parties; her efforts have made a big difference in staying on top of graffiti in the neighborhood. WeÕll be experimenting with a late-afternoon work party this month, to catch up with the late-spring growth spurt of weeds. If our Saturday or Sunday work parties donÕt typically work into your schedule, please consider coming out for all or part of our mini work party on Thursday, July 19 (see item 1); there will be delicious refreshments courtesy of Whole Foods Market as always.

 

The Multi-Block Yard Sale on Saturday, June 2, was very successful for the households involved. Thanks to HNA Treasurer and Steering Committee member Susan Hunter for organizing it!

 

Finally, IÕd like to call your attention to a very important neighborhood event in early August, so you can mark your calendars: HNAÕs annual participation in the nationwide National Night Out Against Crime (see item 2) on Tuesday, August 7. WeÕre changing the format a bit this year, with the hope of stimulating a larger turnout. Instead of a potluck, which doesnÕt seem to work well for many folks on a weeknight, weÕre having an ice cream social, and a few neighbors will be making homemade ice cream (plus a dairy-free alternative) to share with everyone. In addition, there will be generous Middle Eastern appetizer trays courtesy of Whole Foods Market. And, of course, members of the Police Department, firefighters, and City officials weÕll be stopping by, so itÕs a great chance to express your concerns, and give your kids a chance to meet police and see firefighting equipment up close.

 

Happy Independence Day, and have a great July!

 

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

 

 

* * * * * * * * * * * *

1. Your Help Needed: Mini Work Party in the Park, Thursday, 7/19, 9:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.

 

Mini Late-Afternoon Work Party in the Park (and Surrounding Neighborhood

Meet at Halcyon Commons (Halcyon at Prince), THURSDAY, July 19, 4:30-6:30 p.m.

Delicious refreshments courtesy of Whole Foods Market.

* Weeding in Halcyon Commons and nearby landscaped barriers

* Picking up litter from streets in the larger neighborhood

* Graffiti removal in the larger neighborhood (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. We donÕt have any student volunteers to help with this work party, so itÕs up to us neighbors!

 

* * * * * * * * * * * *

2. National Night Out Against Crime: Ice Cream Social in the Park, Tuesday, 8/7, 6:30-8 p.m.

 

Ice Cream Social in the Park for National Night Out Against Crime

Halcyon Commons (Halcyon at Prince)

Tuesday, August 7, 6:30-8 p.m.

Delicious Middle Eastern appetizers courtesy of Whole Foods Market.

Homemade Ice Cream (and nondairy alternative) courtesy of neighborhood volunteers.

Children welcome and encouraged to attend!

 

Please mark your calendars. WeÕre anticipating a fun summer evening in the park, with visits from police, firefighters, and city officials. This event is a crucial part of our neighborhood watch program, so please support it with your presence! If youÕre willing to contribute some homemade ice cream, please email halcyon92@gmail.com.

 

* * * * * * * * * * * *

3. Summary of June Crimes in the Neighborhood & Notice from Police on Rent Crime Trends

 

EditorÕs note: A reminder to join the HNA Facebook group at Facebook group at http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=292160762499 for 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!

 

Recent crimes, fresh from CrimeView Cyberwatch notification (you can have them sent to your email!):

6/2 Larceny Theft Misc. (Under $950), 2500 Block Prince St

6/5 Halcyon & Webster, motor vehicle theft

6/9 Motor Vehicle Theft Vehicle Stolen, 3000 block Telegraph Ave

6/13 Larceny Theft Felony (Over $950), Prince St / Telegraph

6/15 Larceny Theft Felony (Over $950), 3000 Block Telegraph

6/16 Commercial burglary, Shattuck and Ashby
6/18 Vehicle break-in and vehicle theft, Telegraph and Ashby

 

In addition, a Fulton Street neighbor reported:

 

ŅOur car was broken into Tuesday night [June 12], FYI. We live near Ashby and Fulton.Ó

 

EditorÕs note: Some important and useful information from Officer Byron White of the Berkeley Police Department.

 

Catalytic Converter Thefts

 

Over time, the City of Berkeley Police Department has noticed a pattern of theft of catalytic converters throughout the city — much as in other parts of country. A catalytic converter is a piece of the vehicleÕs exhaust system (made of precious metals) that converts toxic emissions to less toxic substances. Because of the rising values of precious metals over time, catalytic converter thefts (as well as the theft of other items containing precious metals — such as brass railings, auto gates, etc.) have become a cost-effective means for suspects to turn a quick buck. From what I understand, a person who steals a catalytic converter can get up to $200 per device.

 

The typical Modus Operandi of the catalytic converter suspect in the City of Berkeley is a suspect operating during the nighttime hours — taking advantage of shadows and darkness of the night. The suspect will most likely be equipped with a reciprocating saw (aka: saber saw, sawzall) and some form of bag or backpack to carry the saw and stolen catalytic converters. Catalytic converter theft suspects may be walking on foot, riding a bicycle, or driving a vehicle. When the suspect identifies a vehicle to steal the catalytic converter from, the suspect lies down underneath the rear of the vehicle at the tail pipe. The suspect then utilizes their reciprocating saw to simply cut the catalytic converter from the tail pipe. According to Edmunds.com, a suspect can steal your catalytic converter in under two minutes. The most commonly hit vehicles are SUVs and trucks, especially late-model Toyotas, because they sit higher off the ground — making for easier access.

 

Auto Burglary Smash & Grabs

 

Much like catalytic converter theft suspects, smash & grab auto burglary suspects also operate during darkness. Instead of taking the time to actually break a window, open the door, and get into a vehicle, these snatch & grab auto burglary suspects will simply break a window, reach inside the vehicle, and take whatever is visible within armÕs reach. One might think that the breaking of a window would cause lots of noise for persons in the area to notice, but these snatch & grab auto burglary suspects are much more clever than that. Suspects today are resorting to using tricks to muffle the noise — like putting a towel against the window or using spark plugs to break the window (there is a type of reaction between the materials found in spark plugs and the vehicle windows — causing the window to break). Because of methods like these, auto burglary suspects can burglarize your vehicle in moments. To combat this, make sure you do not leave any valuables visible in your vehicle.

 

Auto Thefts

 

Over time, the County of Alameda has noticed a countywide increase of auto thefts. According to the Alameda County Regional Auto Theft Task Force (www.acratt.org), late 80Õs model Honda Accords, Honda Civics, and Toyota Camrys top the list of most stolen vehicles.

 

In addition to making sure your possessions are secured, parking in well-lit areas, and using anti-theft devices (steering wheel locks, etc.) one of the best methods for preventing crimes such as these, is to promptly report suspicious activity to the police department.

 

What Is a Suspicious Person?

 

į When someone is paying an unusual amount of attention to the people or places around himself/herself. The persons may be preparing to commit a criminal act when no one is watching.

į Someone lingering in dark or obscured areas. Criminals want to be unseen and anonymous.

į When someone flees or runs away from a car or home when they notice you are watching or have seen them.

į Someone going door-to-door in the neighborhood or wandering with no purpose. Anyone can walk on our streets, but looking into cars, home windows, or down a driveway is known as Ņcasing.Ó

į Someone wandering or loitering in the halls of a business complex or office complex and you do not recognize the person, or they do not appear to have legitimate business — know your neighbors and neighboring businesses/employees.

į Slow moving cars, cars driving without headlights, or someone conducting business from a car.

į Persons walking or bicycling down the street carrying property or household items in an awkward manner.

į When someone screams and you cannot determine why the person is screaming.

į You see someone removing property or materials from a closed business or at unusual hours.

į A stranger entering a neighborÕs home or business when your neighbor appears away from home or work.

į If you hear unusual noises that you cannot explain — like breaking glass or pounding noises.

 

When and How to Report Suspicious Events

 

The police need accurate information as quickly as possible about suspicious activity or crimes in progress. Call the police immediately. If a criminal activity has occurred, the police can only catch the criminal when we are notified in a timely manner.

 

In Berkeley, dial 911 or 981-5911 from your cell for emergencies and/or crimes in progress. Dial 981-5900 to make a delayed or after-the-fact report. Reports can be made anonymously if you wish. Give the dispatcher as much information as you can, including the following:

 

į Briefly describe what you saw and why you think the event is suspicious.

į Location where you saw the event (address, building description, direction they were going, etc.)

į Describe the person(s) involved from top to bottom (sex, race, height, weight, age, hair, clothing, etc.)

į Describe any cars involved or if you heard a car, including the license plate number.

 

 Officer Byron White #17

 Operations Division Area Coordinator–Area 1

 BPD Webmail Administrator

 Berkeley Police Department

 2100 MLK Jr. Way

 Berkeley, CA, 94704

 

* * * * * * * * * * *

4. Whole Foods Market News: Community Meeting Weds. 7/11, 8:30-9 a.m. plus Fourth of July Barbecue/Jazz

 

EditorÕs note: News from Whole Foods Market courtesy of Jim Hallock.

 

Drop-In Progress Meeting

(usually on the first Wednesday of each month; rescheduled this month due to the Fourth of July)

Wednesday, July 11, 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.

 

Fourth of July Bar-b-Que with Live Jazz

 

Celebrate the Fourth with something off the grill! Join us for a Bar-b-Que featuring burgers, sausages, hot dogs and vegan options, along with side dishes, drinks and ice cream. ItÕs all a fundraiser for the Sprouts Cooking Club, teaching kids the art of good food. And back by popular demand, MB Hanif and the Sound Voyagers, a local combo offering some very cool jazz for the afternoon. May the fourth be with you!

 

KidÕs Club Coloring Contest

July 1 through July 31

 

Hey kids, get your crayons out! WeÕre having a coloring contest, and you can win a nice gift bag from popchips, including a $10 gift card, popchips, and lots of other goodies. Just stop by the Customer Service Desk and ask for your free popchips treat and coloring page. Turn in your masterpiece by July 31, and youÕll be entered to win. No purchase necessary of course, so good luck!

 

Music Events This Summer and Fall

 

A jazz group that performed on Memorial Day will be back on July 4 and Labor Day. Here are the remaining music events we have scheduled. All music will be between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Please join us!

 

July 4

August 18

September 3

October 31

 

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

 

* * * * * * * * * * *

5. Fourth of July at the Berkeley Marina

 

EditorÕs note: Please enjoy the fireworks at the Berkeley Marina, and keep them out of our neighborhood, where theyÕre illegal and they traumatize many dogs and cats! The information below is from the City of BerkeleyÕs website. (A recent posting on the Facebook event page for the Marina fireworks notes that as of this point, the forecast for Wednesday night is for clear weather and good viewing.)

 

http://www.cityofberkeley.info/ContentDisplay.aspx?id=20060

 

Fourth of July and the Berkeley Marina! The Fourth of July is a great day to have a lot of fun. The biggest party is at the Berkeley Marina & Cesar Chavez Activity Park from noon-10 p.m. with all kinds of free fun! Adventure Playground, always a favorite, is open 11am-8pm. Get your face painted, try the giant slide, or splash in the water at the beach! Cesar Chavez Activity Park on the north side of the marina holds a day of physical fun with clear Zorbing balls that you step inside of to roll down the hill; a Slackline Stunt Show by artists who were in the Superbowl Half-time Show; a climbing wall, bungee run, jousting, a bungee trampoline, and lots more. Additional food booths and a preview of the Giant Show Kites from the Berkeley Kite Festival make it a super fun area.

The event is sponsored by the City of Berkeley and produced by http://www.AnotherBullwinkelShow.com.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

6. Link to Interview with HNA Co-Chair John Steere

 

EditorÕs note: HNA Co-Chair John Steere, who co-founded Halcyon Neighborhood Association along with me, Susan Hunter, Bruce Wicinas, and various other neighbors twenty years ago this fall, is featured in an interview to be found at the link below. Congratulations, John!

 

Transition Man. Interview with John Steere, Environmental Alchemist / Planner by Willi Paul, Planetshifter.com Magazine

Submitted by Willi Paul on Mon, 07/02/2012 – 08:30

 

http://planetshifter.com/node/2030

 

* * * * * * * * * * *

7. Use Your Berkeley Library Card for Free Tickets

 

EditorÕs note: The following information is from the Berkeley Public Library.

 

Starting from the LibraryÕs website (http://www.berkeleypubliclibrary.org/), patrons can access the Discover & GO link using their Berkeley Public Library card number. From there, itÕs easy to locate available passes, searching by location or by date. Then reserve, print, and go! Passes are available for a wide range of venues, ranging from large well-known museums like the Asian Art Museum and the California Academy of Sciences to smaller niche locations, including the Cartoon Art Museum and the Pacific Pinball Museum. Family favorites like the Bay Area Discovery Museum, Exploratorium, Lawrence Hall of Science, and the Oakland Zoo are included as well.

 

Things to Remember

į Passes are valid only for a specific date. Passes can be identified by venue or by date. 

į Only two passes can be reserved/checked out at a time. There is no limit on total passes checked out.

į Some venues allow only one pass per cardholder per year. 

į Most passes provide admission for 2, many provide a family pass, but a few have more restricted offerings, so itÕs important to read the full offer.

Current list of participating institutions (more offerings are being added all the time):

Asian Art Museum

Aquarium of the Bay

Bay Area Discovery Museum

Bedford Gallery

Blackhawk Museum

California Academy of Sciences

California Historical Society

California Shakespeare Theatre (select plays only)

Cartoon Art Museum

Charles M. Schulz Museum (child pass only)

Contemporary Jewish Museum

Exploratorium

GLBT History Museum (1 person/pass)

Lawrence Hall of Science

Lindsay Wildlife Museum

The Marine Mammal Center (free tours)

Museum of ChildrenÕs Art (2 children/pass)

Museum of Craft and Folk Art

Museum of the African Diaspora

Napa Valley Museum

Oakland Aviation Museum

Oakland Museum of California

Oakland Zoo

Pacific Pinball Museum

Peralta Hacienda Historical Park

Saint MaryÕs College Museum of Art

San Jose Museum of Art

The Tech Museum of Innovation (discount)

USS Hornet Museum

Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum

Yerba Buena Center for the Arts

 

Eve Franklin, Administrative Secretary

City of Berkeley, Berkeley Public Library / Administration

2090 Kittredge Street Berkeley, CA 94704

Phone: (510) 981-6102 Fax: (510) 981-6111

Website: www.berkeleypubliclibrary.org Email: efranklin@ci.berkeley.ca.us

 

* * * * * * * * * * * *

8. RompinÕ with Ruby Summer Activity Camp

 

EditorÕs note: A nearby sixteen-year-old neighbor submitted the following announcement.

 

RompinÕ With Ruby

A different kind of summer activity — one small group of kids, one fun leader, and lots of adventures! 

 

During our fun-filled weeklong sessions for kids ages 7-10, weÕll do everything from visiting the Little Farm, to tie-dying shirts, to running a lemonade stand, to flying kites at the Marina! In a small group of four kids we will use public transportation to get around — I live one block away from both the bus stop and Ashby BART — and when weÕre not on the go, weÕll be enjoying our large, sunny yard in South Berkeley.

 

I am:

į             An incoming High-school senior

į             National Safety Council First Aid and CPR certified

į             An experienced babysitter

į             Bilingual in Spanish

 

One-week sessions at $125 per child per session

Mon-Fri, 9 a.m.- 3 p.m.

August 6-10 (room for 3 kids, preferably 5-8 years old, either gender)

 

Contact me for more information or to sign up for a session! References available.

Ruby Moore-Bloom

(510) 908-1397

rubyfmb@gmail.com

 

* * * * * * * * * * * *

9. Easy Does It Emergency Services Available to Seniors and People with Disabilities

 

EditorÕs note: A neighbor who makes use of their services asked me to remind people that low-cost help is available to seniors and people with disabilities through Easy Does It Emergency Services, which is subsidized by the City of Berkeley.

 

Easy Does It Emergency Services

Attendants & Wheelchair Repair: 510-704-2111

Office: 510-845-5513

info@easydoesitservices.org

 

Need an emergency attendance? Transportation? [Wheelchair] Repair? Did your attendant call in sick? Did your wheelchair break down in the rain? Need a ride to your doctorÕs appointment. Easy Does It Emergency Services provides assistance to the elderly and individuals with disabilities living independently in the City of Berkeley.

 

* * * * * * * * * * * *