Neighbors, join Halcyon Neighborhood Association’s Facebook group!

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

Halcyon Neighborhood Association E-News 5/4/15

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

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.

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

Contents

1. Steering Committee Meeting, Tues. 5/5, 7:30 - 8:30 p.m.

2. Crime-Watch Update

3. Whole Foods Market News: Next Drop-in Progress Meeting Fri., May 15, 8:15-8:45 a.m.

4. Adeline Corridor Planning Process and Survey

5. Disaster Prep: Free CERT Classes

6. Halcyon Neighborhood Association’s Guiding Principles

Editor’s Introductory Note

HNA’s mid-year Steering Committee meeting is taking place on Tuesday, May 5. Let us know at halcyon92@gmail.com if you’d like to join the team that holds our neighborhood container (see item 1).

Happy spring!

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

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

1. Steering Committee Meeting, Tues. 5/5, 7:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Editor’s note: This is the HNA Steering Committee’s mid-year meeting to follow up on plans for neighborhood activities during the remainder of 2015, including work parties to maintain Halcyon Commons, disaster preparedness drills, crime-watch meetings, and social events, such as our popular neighborhood potlucks, celebrations in the park, Halloween parade, and more. This year we’re also planning for a fundraising event for our halcyon bird sculpture project as well as a big volunteer work party to refurbish the d.g. pathway in the park. So much is possible in our neighborhood, but we depend on new neighbors getting involved to help keep us keep moving forward. The HNA Steering Committee uses a Yahoo listserv group for most of its planning to spare us from too many meetings in our already commitment-full lives (we’ll likely have just two in all of 2015). We would very much welcome your participation!

Please email halcyon92@gmail.com if you want more information. All neighbors willing to work in the spirit of HNA’s Guiding Principles (see item 6 below) are welcome to join the Steering Committee. We’re very much open to new projects (for example, a couple of neighbors came forward to organize play dates for neighborhood children; another organized a neighborhood singalong some years back, etc.). So if you have an aspect of the neighborhood you’d like to see addressed, please step up! And if you have a special interest in crime watch or disaster preparedness, we especially need your help. For a modest investment of time, you can make a big difference right here where you live.

HNA Steering Committee Meeting
Tuesday, May 5, 7:30-8:30 p.m.

Meeting will take place at a home on Webster Street. Email halcyon92@gmail.com for details.

This meeting is open to Steering Committee members plus interested members of our Crime Watch and Disaster Preparedness groups, and others who are willing to work together in the spirit of HNA’s Guiding Principles.

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

2. Crime-Watch Update

Editor’s note: Our HNA Facebook group at http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=292160762499 shares breaking crime reports in between E-News editions (your home and email addresses plus phone are required to participate so we can be sure the group is kept safe for neighbors, and we require this information prior to accepting your request). Remember, we rely on neighbors to fill in the details of crimes in our neighborhood, so, in addition to filing a police report (which can now be done online through the City of Berkeley website for some kinds of crimes: http://www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/onlinereport/), 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!

Thanks to HNA Steering Committee member Mikel Delgado for assembling this list of crimes (from http://www.crimemapping.com/) in and near our neighborhood (Mikel is now including a broader territory, including incidents outside the boundaries of our neighborhood, in her reports, so take that into account when comparing this with prior reports). Thank you, Mikel!

2/10 vehicle stolen, Ellsworth & Ashby

2/11 vehicle break-in, Telegraph & Ashby

2/17 vehicle stolen, Shattuck & Russell

2/18 theft, Woolsey & Wheeler

2/19 theft, Deakin & Prince

2/19 residential burglary, Ashby & Lorina

2/19 theft, Ashby & Lorina

2/21 theft, Woolsey & Shattuck

2/24 vehicle break-in, Deakin & Prince

3/1 vehicle stolen, Emerson & Shattuck

3/2 theft, Deakin & Prince

3/7 robbery, Webster & Colby, 11:30 a.m.

3/8 theft, Telegraph & Prince

3/11 vehicle break-in, Fulton & Ashby

3/15 commercial burglary, Telegraph & Prince

3/16 residential burglary, Woolsey & Whitney

3/16 residential burglary, Prince & Shattuck

3/18 vehicle break-in, Webster & Ashby

3/20 gun/weapon, Shattuck & Ashby

3/22 vehicle break-in, Ellsworth & Ashby

3/26 commercial burglary, Telegraph & Prince

3/28 vehicle stolen, Telegraph & 66th

3/30 burglary, Deakin near Woolsey

3/30 robbery, Webster & Hillegass, 3:30 p.m.

4/2 vehicle stolen, Telegraph & Woolsey

4/4 vehicle break in Fulton near Russell

Reported to our HNA Facebook group on April 14:

“Hi neighbors, I just spoke with the craftsman working at my home. Yesterday, around 3 p.m., two boys (~14 years old) were hanging around my property (Webster near Halcyon). They asked the craftsman if they could get into my house. He answered ‘No,’ and then they proceeded to get into his truck and rifled around his front seat. He chased after them, but they ran. I reported this to the police this morning, but wanted you all to be aware too.”

Reported to our HNA Facebook group on April 13:

“I just wanted to pass on that I had a daytime break-in of my home today on the 2100 block of Prince Street. Items taken were a laptop, iPad, and all jewelry. Burglars used perhaps a crowbar to force open a locked window (by breaking off old window latch and side button lock) by the front porch -- in plain view of the street.”

Reported to our HNA Facebook group on April 13:

“FYI, yesterday we had a man come on our property and refuse to leave -- quite belligerent. Police were called and came out. I later saw him on Fulton riding south across Ashby. Police said he was probably casing out our property (Webster near Halcyon).”

Reported to our HNA Facebook group on March 25:

“Hello, everyone. I live close to Berkeley Bowl near Ashby. Last night around 2:30 a.m., I woke up to the sound of a handsaw. Someone was in the process of stealing a bike that was chained to a wood fence on our neighbor’s upstairs balcony. By the time I got up and called the police, he had fled with the bike, apparently leaving another one behind. The one he left behind was nice, but our guess is that he could only carry one and chose the pricier one. The police took the recovered bike. Seems like the thief was going down the block with a handsaw looking for an opportunity to steal bikes left on the front of properties, either by sawing off the lock, or the wood fence that the lock is attached to. He was about 5'10" or so, medium built, athletic (I saw him run off and he was quite agile), African American man, dressed in black from head to toe, including a black baseball cap. It was too fast to figure out his age. Anyways, don’t leave stuff in the front yard, even if it is locked to your fence!”

Reported to our HNA Facebook group on March 18:

“Someone brought a dead tree to the intersection of Prince and Deakin last night at 10:30 p.m. and set it on fire. It was a huge fire, very close to the little parklet (trees and shrubs) and a house on the corner. Neighbors leapt in to put out the blaze while we waited for the fire department. I’m assuming some kid did this, but it was very dangerous and could easily have led to a house catching on fire. If anyone knows anything about this, please contact Berkeley PD.” [Editor’s note: The tree burned had been abandoned on the grounds of the Model School for at least the prior six weeks; a large, dried-out Christmas tree, it became a hazardous creative nuisance; it was a large tree so it may have taken a few people to drag it to the other end of the block.]

Reported to our HNA Facebook group on March 15:

“Someone broke into our car [on Woolsey] and stole the diaper bag (an new expensive backpack with all the baby clothes, diapers, sweaters, a pair of mom’s clothes). Very disturbing; [am] feeling unsafe.”

Reported to our HNA Facebook group on March 11:

“Bikes stolen from locked basement, Deakin/Ashby: We had three bikes stolen from our basement, probably last night, possibly this a.m. 1) turquoise Bianchi carbon racing bike with custom components 2) silver specialized road bike with custom components; 3) specialized stump jumper mountain bike.”

Berkeleyside link from April 13:

http://www.berkeleyside.com/2015/04/13/shooting-at-ashby-and-shattuck-sends-two-to-hospital/

Berkeleyside link on upswing in home burglaries:

http://www.berkeleyside.com/2015/04/07/berkeley-home-burglaries-spike-in-2015-over-prior-year/

From the BPD:

Community: Berkeley Police Community Advisory, Residential Burglary Increase

Berkeley Police Community Advisory: Pattern of Residential Burglaries

Over the first few months of this year, the Berkeley Police Department has noticed a significant increase in residential burglaries in the City of Berkeley in comparison with the first few months of last year. Based on what we are seeing, the most noticeable pattern of burglaries are occurring in the neighborhoods east of Ohlone Park, south of UC Berkeley campus, and the Elmwood neighborhood.

We continue to monitor this trend to attempt to identify factors associated with the increase. We are providing extra patrols and conducting special operations directed towards the apprehension of these burglars. While we work to catch these thieves, you can help the Police Department by taking a few measures.

* Be sure to lock up.

* Most burglaries occur during daylight hours and through unlocked doors/windows. If you have an alarm or surveillance system, make certain they are activated and recording.

* Promptly report suspicious activity.

* If you see something, say something! If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. Frequently, the community’s tips have been instrumental in the successful closure of many burglary cases.

* Keep your house from looking empty

* If you are going away for a few days, have your mail and/or newspapers stopped and consider installing timers for your interior lights.

For emergencies, dial 911

For Non-Emergencies, dial (510) 981-5900

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

3. Whole Foods Market News: Next Drop-in Progress Meeting Fri., May 15, 8:15-8:45 a.m.

Editor’s note: News from Whole Foods Market. If you’d like to be added to the neighbor notification list that Lizzie Brimhall maintains for the neighborhood-WFM meetings (and to notify neighbors when work is being done at the store), please email her at lizzie.brimhall@wholefoods.com.

Next Drop-in Progress Meeting, Friday, May 15, 8:15-8:45 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 is usually present, and anyone is welcome to join us. Of course there will be complimentary coffee or tea. 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.”

As always, if there are ever any urgent issues, please call the store at 510-649-1333 and ask for the shift manager on duty. If it’s between 7:30 a.m. and 5 p.m., Melody, Kelly, or Ross will be in the store, so always feel free to swing by too, if you’d like to have a word with us. Or call the store during business hours (8 a.m. - 10 p.m.) at 649-1333 and ask for a shift manager:

Melody.Mestemacher@wholefoods.com

Ross.Burgstead@wholefoods.com

Kelly.Fox@wholefoods.com

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

4. Adeline Corridor Planning Process and Survey

Editor’s note: Received from Councilmember Max Anderson’s office. The survey at the link takes only a few minutes to complete.

Adeline Corridor Planning Process:

Greetings!

Over the next few months, our primary goal is to actively listen to the thoughts and ideas of the community. We want to hear from as many community members as we can. Here are some of the many opportunities to share your ideas:

Visit us at the Adeline Community IDEA Center! Please come and share your thoughts and ideas with us about the future of the Adeline Corridor. The IDEA Center is open Mondays from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. and on Thursdays from 11am to 3pm at 3192 Adeline Street in space generously donated by the Firehouse Art Collective. We extended Monday evening hours until 7 p.m. in response to community feedback.

NEW: Saturday hours for the IDEA Center -- 1st and 3rd Saturdays of the month from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.! In response to community feedback, we are adding weekend hours for the IDEA Center. We are still in the process of securing a location(s) for our Saturday IDEA Center, but we will preliminarily launch the first Saturday IDEA Center [on] Saturday, May 2nd at Sweet Adeline Bakery at 3350 Adeline St. Please stop by and share your ideas!

Take a short survey! Let us know what is special to you about the Adeline Corridor and what changes you would like to see made. Please share this Community Survey with your friends and neighbors (online or PDF version). https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/adelineplan

Join us at the Berkeley Juneteenth Festival, Saturday, June 21st! Please stop by our Juneteenth booth to share your ideas and to learn more about the planning process.

Don’t forget to check the project website often and look out for postings at the Adeline Community IDEA Center, the South Berkeley Senior Center, the South Branch Library for updates about upcoming community events and other project announcements.

Do you know of a place where we can regularly post project announcements? Please share that with us. Contact Alisa Shen (see contact info below).

As always, we need and appreciate your help to spread the word about these community opportunities to participate in shaping this exciting and important plan!

Thank you!

Adeline Corridor Plan Staff

Questions or Comments? Contact: Alisa Shen, Project Manager | City of Berkeley | Phone: 510.981.7409 | Email: ashen@cityofberkeley.info

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

5. Disaster Prep: Free CERT Classes

Editor’s note: Follow the link for the latest free classes the City of Berkeley is offering in emergency preparedness.

http://www.cityofberkeley.info/ContentDisplay.aspx?id=57314

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

6. Halcyon Neighborhood Association’s Guiding Principles

Editor’s note: Given our upcoming Steering Committee meeting (see item 1), this E-News features HNA’s Guiding Principles (which can always be found on our website).

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 HNA’s primary goals and guiding principles.

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