scrmbld409b.html

4/18/09

Police action, Friday 4/17, 6:37 PM on 8th between Grayson and Heinz.

BPD officers are searching for a robbery suspect around an Eigth Street house.

The suspect was seen by a neighbor jumping the fence about 20 minutes ago. He wore a "white tee-shirt and red baseball " cap.

The neighbor said he "robbed a woman" earlier.

BPD were on the scene within minutes

Friday robbery update

I'm told by a reliable source that one of the robbery suspects was caught--an 18 year old African-American male. He was apprehended on the 9th Street French School playground. It is believed he is the suspect that jumped over the fence.

The other suspect had not been caught as of Friday PM. But it is believed he will be ID'd.

Berkeley PD secured the area early-on and blanketed backyards with officers, weapons at-the-ready.

Though not confirmed, I'm told the suspects had held up the "check-cashing" store on San Pablo.

futher Friday update

I'm told that a woman leaving the check cashing store was beaten and robbed.

Friday night/Saturday morning several businesses were SERIOUSLY tagged in Potter Creek.

Our Angela emails about a special meeting of the Zoning Adjustments Board. It's about

920 Heinz Avenue--West Berkeley Bowl

Modification #09-70000007 to Use Permit #04-10000084 to allow approved "full-
service grocery marketplace" to open without required traffic signal at Heinz/San Pablo
and left turn signal at Ashby/San Pablo, but with interim mitigations until required
signals are installed: (1) prohibit left turns at Heinz/San Pablo and direct northbound
traffic to Seventh St.; (2) prohibit westbound left turns at Ashby/San Pablo
The Zoning Adjustments Board of the City of Berkeley
will hold a special meeting on the above matter on

Monday, April 27, 2009 at 6:00 p.m.
Location: Maudelle Shirek Building (Old City Hall), Council Chambers
2134 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Berkeley, CA 94704

Please direct questions and comments to: Aaron Sage, 510-981-7425, asage@cityofberkeley.info

The Wooden Duck is closing their 7th Street, Potter Creek store. Anyone interested in the property should contact John Norheim at Norheim and Yost, (510) 527-3400. There is another Berkeley store on the east frontage road off Highway 80 north of University.

"Planning Commission Approves New Downtown Plan" reports Richard Brenneman of our Planet.

"Planning commissioners voted 7-2 Wednesday, April 15, to approve their taller, denser rewrite of the plan that will guide the development of downtown Berkeley for the next 20 years. "

" Students, Parents Thank School Board for Preserving Bilingual Program" is a story by Riya Bhattacharjee at dailyplanet.com.

"A large number of parents and students from Franklin State Preschool and Parent Nursery showed up at the Berkeley Board of Education meeting Wednesday night to thank the district for not changing the school's half-day Spanish bilingual program."

"So can I sell you the Golden Gate Bridge?" asks Himanshu Burte at livemint.com.

"I see the iconic bridge in the distance, a number of times everyday as I walk from home to the University campus in Berkeley, California. Berkeley is just across the bay from San Francisco. Primarily known for the campus of the University of California there, it is also a small and beautiful city that climbs up a hillside and ends up looking out over the bay. The campus is on higher ground than much of the city. From the foot of the main clock tower of the campus, you can look down an internal street, straight to the bay in the distance and, a few miles away beyond, to the north pylon of the Golden Gate Bridge. "

"Owner of malls files for bankruptcy" reports Tom Abate, Chronicle Staff Writer.

"The nation's second-largest shopping mall owner filed for bankruptcy Thursday, crushed under $27 billion in debt that it had used to acquire such retail destinations as San Francisco's Stonestown Galleria.

The Chapter 11 filing by Chicago's General Growth Properties affects more than 220 malls nationwide. It's the largest real estate bankruptcy in U.S. financial history, according to BankruptcyData.com.

But the collapse may have no visible effect on the company's Bay Area properties such as Hayward's Southland Mall, the Shops at Tanforan in San Bruno, Eastridge in San Jose and the NewPark Mall in Newark."

"Wineries turn to low-cost, eco-friendly online tastings" reports Michelle Locke, Associated Press Writer at usatoday.com.

"US company 'to harvest energy from solar rays in space'" is a story at telegraph.co.

"A Californian electricity company is looking to the heavens in its quest to find the next source of renewable energy.

Pacific Gas and Electric, which serves San Francisco and northern California, has announced it will seek approval from US regulators to purchase 200 megawatts worth of solar energy delivered from solar panels located in space. "

"Solving the energy crisis and ending bailouts- for real!" by Chris Hrabovsky is at creativeloafing.com.

"For those of us growing weary of hearing about the energy crisis, coupled with the concept of more bailouts for corporations such as AIG and the rest of Wall Streets finest, we may finally have the 'pick-me-up' you've been craving, in the form of green sustainability."

4/19/09

Quote of the week.

"I know so many one liners, I can't speak in complete sentences anymore" Gene Agress.

Berkeley Mills has just leased a 7,000 square foot showroom in an historic building in Santa Monica. A former movie studio, it is a few blocks from the ocean.

Anoher reminder that chutzpah was not invented by the Nordics.

This month, this site has received visits from these countries-in order of frequency.

(Italy) (Canada) (Iran) (France) (Netherlands) (United Kingdom) (India) (Poland) (Brazil) (Russian Federation) (China) (Japan) (Germany) (Mexico) (Czech Republic) (Finland) (Argentina) (Bulgaria) (Greece) (Australia) (South Korea) (Portugal) (Hungary) (Spain) (Sweden) (Belgium) (Vietnam) (Singapore) (Romania) (New Zealand) (Denmark) (Switzerland) (Indonesia) (Norway) (Austria) (Slovak Republic) (Latvia) (Ireland) (Turkey) (Yugoslavia) (Chile) (Ukraine) (Afghanistan, Islamic State of) (Thailand) (Estonia) (United Arab Emirates) (Malaysia) (Hong Kong) (Lebanon) (Lithuania) (Colombia) (Tuvalu) (Peru) (Albania) (Cocos [Keeling] Islands) (Tunisia) (El Salvador) (Belarus) (Iceland) (Luxembourg) (Dominican Republic) (Croatia) (Israel) (Malta) (Cyprus) (Bahamas) (Uruguay)

Iran ranks third in frequency of visits.

d#%n, . . . we're big in Persia.

Early this morning while working on Scrambled Eggs, I took a break, looked out through the open-Dutch-door to see a whore get out of a large black pickup which was parked behind an RV and van across from Kruse. By the time I got my camera she and the truck had gone.

"Berkeley School District Will Receive Stabilization Funds" writes Riya Bhattacharjee of our Planet.

"The U.S. Department of Education Friday approved $4.9 billion in funds for California's public schools over the next two years, which will help prevent teacher layoffs and improve student achievement."

"How California Benefits from Obama High Speed Rail Plan" is a story by Robert-Cruickshank at californiaprogressreport.com.

"Painter Squeak Carnwath's last 15 years of work unveiled at the Oakland Museum" is an appreciation by Laura Casey of the Contra Costa Times.

"Lessons from the Great Depression" is a story by Tyche Hendricks, Chronicle Staff Writer.

"EPA Honors Northern California Environmental Heroes" is a report at imperialvalleynews.com.

"San Francisco, California - During the agency's 11th annual Environmental Awards Ceremony in San Francisco today, U.S. EPA acting Regional Administrator Laura Yoshii recognized 19 Northern California organizations and individuals in recognition of their efforts to protect and preserve the environment in 2008."

"Spare the Air, Monday, April 20!" is a notice fron BAAQMD.

"April 20 is a Spare the Air Day in the Bay Area. There will be NO free transit.

Spare the Air Program

The Spare the Air Program was established by the
Bay Area Air Quality Management District to educate people about air pollution, and to encourage them to change their behavior to prevent it."

4/21/09

Hot debate ahead on Berkeley's energy plans" reports Carolyn Jones at sfgate.com.

"The classic Berkeley home - a creaky Victorian with drafty windows, a Wedgewood stove and musty furnace - will undergo a drastic makeover under the city's aggressive new plans to fight global warming.

Within the next few years, the city is likely to mandate that all homes meet strict energy standards. In many cases this would mean new double-paned windows, insulation in the attic, walls and floors, a new white roof that reflects heat, a forced-air furnace and high-efficiency appliances.

The cost: upward of $33,800."

At this time I'm unable to open and copy our City Manager's pdf response. I'm also told some who received the email have the same problem

Jarad emails

The Berkeley climate action plan is being discussed on KQED Forum this morning

It is playing on the radio now and the archive of the discussion should be posted on the KQED web site tomorrow.

http://www.kqed.org/epArchive/R904210900

Linda Maio emails about the "Climate Action Plan"

Ron, here is my message to the folks who wrote to me:

Thank you for writing and expressing your concern about our emerging Climate Action Plan. Given the information that was reported in the SF Chronicle, your concern was entirely warranted.

I am taking this opportunity to clarify and state, emphatically, that the City will not be mandating an expensive energy audit and upgrade to your home, or to mine.

Since 1989 Berkeley has required that certain energy efficiencies be installed when a home is sold (ceiling insulation and water-heater wrapping come to mind). The new Climate Action Plan states that we may add additional energy improvements (emphasis on "may") that make sense when a home is sold, as has been our practice. Thanks to the 1989 legislation and other programs our housing stock has been much improved, in more ways than just energy improvements (most notably in seismic upgrades) when a home changes ownership. In addition to energy improvements at point of sale, the Plan also states that the City wants to guide rehab projects to favor green construction. I understand that the staff tried to clarify this with the Chronicle reporter.

Given that the language in the Plan is general, we should probably add some clarifying language about this issue tomorrow night. I want to assure you that, contrary to what was reported in the SF Chronicle, the City of Berkeley will not subject homeowners to a burdensome and costly energy retrofit requirement. I hope this addresses your concern. If not, please do let me know.

"Climate Action Plan: Chronicle Got it Wrong, Say Berkeley Officials" is by J. Douglas Allen-Taylor of our Planet.

"Berkeley city officials are hitting back swiftly against a recent San Francisco Chronicle article which the officials say 'mischaracterized' the city's proposed Climate Action Plan (CAP)."

Carolyn Jones emails

Hi Ron,

Just wanted to say, my story is accurate. The city is now backing off the proposal due to the uproar.

Carolyn Jones
Reporter, East Bay bureau
San Francisco Chronicle
(510) 433-5989

the Mayor emails his April report

1.Berkeley's Climate Action Plan Comes Before Council Tonight

City staff is presenting a revised (3rd draft) of Berkeley's Climate Action Plan to City Council on Tuesday, April 21st at City Council Chambers, 2134 Martin Luther King, Jr. Way, Berkeley CA. That evening Council will consider approving the plan for the purpose of environmental review.

An updated version (3rd draft) of the Berkeley Climate Action Plan is now available online. Please visit http://www.berkeleyclimateaction.org/ to access the report.

Examples of strategies that are new to this version of the plan include a more detailed and specific emphasis on local food production and specific strategies regarding preparing local residents for emerging green job opportunities

2.Car Free

Read Monday's San Francisco Chronicle article detailing how I have given up my car and now depend solely on public transit, walking and City CarShare. My goal is to reduce my carbon footprint to its absolute minimum.

3. Check Out My Facebook Page for Real Time Updates

Over the coming months, I will be taking advantage of social media and networking sites on a more regular basis. This is a wonderful opportunity to connect and share important news and information about Berkeley. Updates will include key information about City projects, events and policies.

Check out the following:
On Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/people/Tom-Bates/1391378876
On Vimeo: http://www.vimeo.com/mayortombates
On YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/mayortombates

I hope you will participate on these powerful new platforms to help make Berkeley the best it can be!

4. Berkeley Wins 2009 California Clean Air Award

The City of Berkeley and I received the 2009 Clean Air Award for Technology and Research (for the Berkeley First program). This year's 19th annual Clean Air Awards focus on positive initiatives that are being taken to reduce global warming and air pollution. For more info go to http://www.cleanairawards.org

5.Debut of The Berkeley Show on BTV

Please tune into the first ever episode of The Berkeley Show airing on Berkeley Community Media (channels 33 and 28). The Berkeley Show is a 30-minute program dedicated to highlighting interesting Berkeley-based people, events, initiatives, and businesses.

Please click on links below for The Berkeley Show air times:

Channel 28:
http://206.110.32.32/Cablecast/Public/Main.aspx?ChannelID=1

Channel 33:
http://206.110.32.32/Cablecast/Public/Main.aspx?ChannelID=2

6.All Day Open House at the David Brower Center

Free and family-friendly celebrate Mother's Day at the Brower Center!
Sunday, May 10 / 11 a.m. 7:30 p.m.

Come tour the Center, celebrate the planet, and explore some of the most important environmental and social issues of our time. With films, interactive events, and lectures.
·        Meet the Center's resident organizations
·        See carnivorous plants, a solar telescope, and take a nature drawing class
·        Learn about the lives and work of environmental heroes like Dave Brower and Aldo Leopold
·        Explore the relationships between economy and ecology, social equity and a sustainable environment
·        Hear about local farms and healthy rivers around the world

7.Berkeley's Farmers' Market 1st in Nation to Eliminate Plastic Bags and Packaging

The Berkeley Farmers' Markets, a program of the Ecology Center, are eliminating plastic bags and packaging from all three of its weekly markets, making them the first in the nation to do so. The goal of the markets' "Zero Waste" campaign is to remove, reduce and recycle plastic and to recycle and compost all materials generated at the markets.

In conjunction with Berkeley's Earth Day Celebration, the Saturday, April 25 market will hold a Zero Waste Event from 10 am-3 pm on Center Street at Martin Luther King, Jr. Way.

"Cal Football: More recruits flock to Berkeley to become Golden Bears" reports examiner.com. "The Golden Bears continue to make moves to turn their 2010 recruiting class into a defensive juggernaut."

"NewsNet student recalls visit to Berkeley" is written by Astrid Munn, NewsNetNebraska.

"First came a grocery sack of baguettes. Buckets of tabouli and a pound of sliced turkey came next. Our professor had brought lunch for the class, her pet dog following behind her. We tore at the bread with our bare hands and shared water out of Sigg bottles.

Although this is beginning to sound like the crunchy-granola-type story expected from a Nebraskan surprised by the relaxed style of Berkeley, Calif., the relaxedatmosphere ended there. When class started, story ideas bounced around the room of about 20 students, and I would be lying if I said my suggestions squeaked out without scrutiny."

"California dreamin' of Darth and arugula" is a story by Maureen Dowd of the Cleveland Plaindealer.

"The first thing I wanted to do in the Bay Area was go out to Skywalker Ranch and ask George Lucas about a disturbing conversation we'd had at an Obama inaugural party in Washington.

Lucas, the creator of 'Star Wars,' had told me that I had gotten Dick Cheney completely wrong, that Cheney was no Darth Vader. I felt awful. Had I been too hard on Vice? "

"Sungevity Launches in New Markets and Now Covers 65% of California - Making Solar Power Easy, Affordable, and Available Online" is a press release at prnewswire.com.

"With California state and federal incentives cutting the price of solar systems by as much as 50%, going solar has never been more affordable. Now, with Sungevity's proprietary remote solar design technology, going solar has never been easier - all you have to do is go online.

Sungevity, a Berkeley-based solar energy company, offers homeowners free online quotes for going solar at www.sungevity.com. With a home address and an email, Sungevity provides homeowners information about their solar potential, environmental benefits, and return on investment; and shows what the house would look like with different solar system designs - usually within 24 hours. "

"Xinet Releases WebNative Suite Plug-ins to Support Adobe Creative Suite 4" is a press release at ca.sys-con.com.

"As we use less, we could pay more for water" reports Kelly Zito, Chronicle Staff Writer.

"About time, good for him" says Marsha Wacko who has never learned to drive, and has "taken the bus" or bicycled since she was a kid in Boston.

"Berkeley mayor gives up his car for the bus" reports Carolyn Jones, Chronicle Staff Writer.

"Some mayors tool around in Priuses and hybrid Civics. But Berkeley Mayor Tom Bates has taken green transit a step further.

No more cars for him, at all.

The 71-year-old mayor is trading in his 2001 Volvo for an AC Transit pass and a sturdy pair of walking shoes."

Kubik says "Come on down here for a walk, real early morning is good."

Don't mind the ladies, pimps and dealers, please

"Obama to regulate 'pollutant' CO2" is by Richard Black, Environment correspondent, BBC News website.

"The US government is to regulate carbon dioxide emissions, having decided that it and five other greenhouse gases may endanger human health and well-being."

"Dueling Reports" continues

our Angela Gallegos-Castillo forwards an email from Da Boz

"Yesterday, I received a letter from the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) with a copy of the results of the Air Monitoring Study around Pacific Steel Casting. I'm deeply relieved that the comprehensive study found that West Berkeley residents are not exposed to increased cancer or other health risks
The study found that West Berkeley air quality met applicable state and national ambient air quality standards, with the exception of PM2.5 (PM2.5 levels are similar to most other Bay Area locations) and that the air quality was also below all of the acute and chronic Reference Exposure Levels established by the Cal/EPA Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment.
The BAAQMD air quality study took place over a one-year through the end of 2008."

[Mayor, Tom Bates]

Good ta know "cough, hack" Boz. "wheez."

These two photos are of a used carbon pre-filter from one of my four Honeywell HEPA, CPZ air-filters. This pre-filter surrounds a particulate filter-drum that in-turn surrounds a gas filter-drum.

The filter was used for two and one-half weeks, from the end of January 2009 to Saturday, February 14th, 2009.

The filter is in a front room in my warehouse--the room is enclosed with its door closed much of the time.

The room is cleaned regularly.

This warehouse is immediately across from the French School playground.

This is the Honeywell 17450 HEPA, GPZ filter.

4/22/09

"Berkeley councilors: Home upgrades not required" reports our Carolyn Jones, Chronicle Staff Writer.

"Berkeley officials Tuesday stood by their plan to require homeowners to make extensive energy efficiency improvements to their homes, but appeared to back off the more costly elements of the proposal."

And "Berkeley delays vote on green home upgrades" is also by Carolyn Jones, Chronicle Staff Writer.

-"The Berkeley City Council postponed a vote on a controversial climate-change plan early today after more than an hour of heated public comment.
More Bay Area News

Under the plan, each home would be audited and homeowners would be required to upgrade their homes to make them more energy efficient. Some changes could be caulking over cracks, replacing faulty roofs or windows or installing insulation. "

"Berkeley: New signs planned for Highway 13" is a report at sfgate.com.

"Berkeley thoroughfare: A week after Chronicle Watch highlighted a problematic thoroughfare in Berkeley, the corridor is set to get new signs."

"Many Contra Costa crooks won't be prosecuted" reports Henry K Lee at sfgate.com.

"Misdemeanors such as assaults, thefts and burglaries will no longer be prosecuted in Contra Costa County because of budget cuts, the county's top prosecutor said Tuesday.

District Attorney Robert Kochly also said that beginning May 4, his office will no longer prosecute felony drug cases involving smaller amounts of narcotics. That means anyone caught with less than a gram of methamphetamine or cocaine, less than 0.5 grams of heroin and fewer than five pills of ecstasy, OxyContin or Vicodin won't be charged. "

"Living steam' lures train fans" is a story by Sam Richards, Contra Costa Times.

"The pressures of job and family don't leave much time for hobbies, but I took a personal day for myself Monday. I'm a train buff, and the big Union Pacific steam engines don't often come to the Bay Area."

"US Freddie Mac chief found dead" report bbcnews.com. "The acting chief financial officer of struggling US mortgage giant Freddie Mac has been found dead, police say."

"Mortgages Falling to 4% Become Bernanke Housing Focus" is by Brian Louis and Kathleen M. Howley at bloomberg.news.com.

"Grace and John Pitts got a 4 percent interest rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage when they bought their Cape Cod-style home in Quincy, Massachusetts, in 1951.

That was about the lowest rate anybody got in the next 60 years.

Those days may be returning as history provides Federal Reserve Chairman Ben S. Bernanke lessons on how to rescue the U.S. from the housing slump."

"Obama Nudges Israel on Palestinian Statehood" is a report originally from Rueters at truthout.org.

"Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas (right) meets with US Middle East envoy George Mitchell. The US has renewed efforts toward Middle East peace.

Washington - President Barack Obama nudged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday to accept the goal of a Palestinian state, as he pressed Israel and the Palestinians to "step back from the abyss."

Mal Scharpe emails

Club owners complain about slobs in our audience

Have you looked in the mirror lately? It is necessary to secure the
following device before attempting entry at any future Big Money in
Jazz gigs. This goes into effect Thursday, April 23 at 8pm, for our
show at Armando's in Martinez .
http://www.buy.com/retail/product.asp?sku=210992019&adid=17992&dcaid=17992
http://www.armandosmartinez.com/

Meanwhile, it looks like we will be doing monthly shows this Summer at
Silo's in the Napa Valley. Stay tuned.... and think about switching
from Bourbon to Wine.

DON'T LOOK AT THE TROMBONES, IT ONLY ENCOURAGES THEM---Richard Strauss

4/23/09

The New York Times reports"Michael Goldin, president of Swerve, a company that shows it is still possible to manufacture high-quality products in one of the most expensivelocations in the United States - even in the grip of an economic recession"

in "A Label of Pride That Pays

Michael Goldin, an architect and industrial designer, has also tied his company's fate to that trend. For the last 14 years, Mr. Goldin has been contributing to the rejuvenation of a light-industrial district in Berkeley. He transformed an abandoned model airplane motor factory into his office and has designed and outfitted streamlined, open-plan office spaces for lawyers, architects and dotcom start-ups in Berkeley and neighboring Emeryville."

"Jim Powell: Irascible poet with stolen license" is a story by Edward Guthmann, Special to The Chronicle.

"In the tiny Berkeley apartment where Jim Powell has lived since 1992, there's a California license plate on the wall that says 'POETICS.' Powell didn't buy it, but found it years ago while clearing litter alongside Interstate 880 in Oakland.

'You know on the roadside you'll see a sign that says, 'This section of freeway cleaned by 'so-and-so'? " So a group of Deadheads I knew decided to clean the mile beside the Coliseum. Caltrans gives you an orange Day-Glo vest and gloves. You go down there beside the freeway and everything is covered with 14 layers of diesel soot."

"Berkeley's Opinion Space Maps Online Comments:New visualization tool groups like-minded commentators into 'opinion clusters' to facilitate better communication" is by K.C. Jones, Information Week.

"The Berkeley Center for New Media at the University of California, Berkeley, has launched a new visualization and mapping system to encourage dialogue between Internet users who post comments online.

"Opinion Space" is an experimental opinion visualization system that represents people's viewpoints in relation to each other. Opinions appear as stars in a constellation that puts like viewpoints together and differing opinions farther apart."

"Berkeley police: Intruder climbs through window, tries to sexually assault resident" is a report by Kristin Bender, Oakland Tribune.

"Police are looking for a man who climbed through a woman's unlocked window in North Berkeley early this morning and attempted to sexually assault her. "

4/24/09

Karen emails

I wanted to let you know about the newish Two Mile Wines on San Pablo at Grayson. . . . Andrew and I have been over to check it out and it's definitely worth a visit in case you want to pass this on to Potter Creek folks! They're having a spring release tasting event this Saturday, April 25th, see below.

http://www.twomilewines.com/twomilewines/index.jsp

Karen

email from Mary Kay Clunies-Ross, PIO, City Manager's Office, (510) 981-7008

on traffic impacts in downtown this weekend

Berkeley, California (Thursday, April 23, 2009) - Because of multiple events being held in downtown Berkeley on Saturday, April 25, visitors and residents are being urged to use public transit, bicycles or walk when traveling in and around downtown. Street closures around Civic Center Park will restrict auto traffic throughout the day and will also require the relocation of the City CarShare vehicles.

The weekly Farmers' Market, the annual Earth Day festival, and the rare appearance of the Dalai Lama are all coinciding around the City's Civic Center Park on Martin Luther King, Jr. Way. Some event details:

Farmers Market, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Center Street, between Milvia and MLK
The Berkeley Farmers' Markets will be celebrating being the first farmers' market in the nation to eliminate plastic bags and packaging! There will be a raffle for Zero Waste Kits, gift certificates, and other prizes. Free raffle tickets will be given for each container or bag you bring that moves us closer to our Zero Waste goal.

Berkeley Earth Day, noon - 5 p.m., Martin Luther King, Jr. Civic Center Park, 2151 MLK, Jr. Blvd at Center St.
Berkeley sponsors this annual event to celebrate Earth Day and the global environmental movement. Enjoy music, dance, demonstrations of bio-diesel and electric cars, solar power, and many other fun-filled activities.

Dalai Lama at Berkeley's Community Theater, 1930 Allston Way
Gate close at 3:15 p.m., event begins at 3:45 p.m.

There are no tickets are available for this event.

Transportation and Parking:

Expanded valet bike parking will be available Civic Center Park, corner of Milvia and Allston Way;
Take BART or AC Transit to Downtown Berkeley, walk 1 block west;
There will be no vehicle parking available behind Civic Center Building anytime Saturday, April 25;
City CarShare vehicles will be relocated to the south side of Center Street, east of Milvia. Signs will also be posted to direct the users to the site of the vehicles. The relocation only applies to Saturday.
Allston Way will be closed between Milvia and MLK from 10 a.m.-6 p.m..

"Enjoying a world of beauty at UC gardens" by Ginny Prior at mercurynews.com.

"Berkeley High Plans Safety Overhaul" a report by Riya Bhattacharjee of our Planet.

"Berkeley High School officials plan to ramp up safety and security measures as a result of multiple written complaints from members of the school's Safety Committee earlier this year."

"Bay Area rents down for second straight quarter" James Temple, Chronicle Staff Writer.

"There's an upside to the economic downturn for at least one group: Bay Area renters are able to strike increasingly favorable deals."

"Pelosi Said She Knew Harman Was Wiretapped" by Edward Epstein is at truthout.com, originally in Congressional Quarterly.

"Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Wednesday that she was first informed in a confidential briefing a few years ago that Rep. Jane Harman had been recorded by spy agencies, but that she couldn't tell Harman or anyone else about it. "

"How to Manage Your Reputation Online" by Azadeh Ensha is at nytimes.com.

"On Tuesday, Google announced that it has started displaying Google profile results on name queries to help give users more control over their Google identity."

"Bidding Wars Are Emerging on Foreclosures:Prices Are Generally Falling, But a Few Markets Have Shortages of Midpriced Homes" is a story by James R Hagerty at wsj.com.

"Falling home prices are starting to ignite bidding wars in a few parts of the U.S. as first-time buyers compete with investors for the same foreclosed properties."

4/25/09

The sets of cables crossing streets in Potter Creek are monitoring traffic.

Lots of city vehicles criss-crossing Potter Creek these days. Tiding up for the Bowl?

The first quarter of 2009, this site has received visits from these one-hundred-fourteen countries--in order of frequency.

(Italy) (China) (Germany) (United Kingdom) (Canada) (France) (Netherlands) (Japan) (Australia) (Russian Federation) (Mexico) (Iran) (Brazil) (Czech Republic) (Finland) (Belgium) (Poland) (Vietnam) (Argentina) (Spain) (Greece) (Switzerland) (South Korea) (Singapore) (Denmark) (Hungary) (Portugal) (Sweden) (India) (Austria) (Ireland) (Indonesia) (Norway) (Romania) (Slovak Republic) (Colombia) (Bulgaria) (Turkey) (New Zealand) (Thailand) (Croatia) (Chile) (Israel) (Latvia) (Estonia) (Malaysia) (South Africa) (Hong Kong) (Lithuania) (Tuvalu) (Peru) (Taiwan) (Ukraine) (Yugoslavia) (Philippines) (United Arab Emirates) (Iceland) (Saudi Arabia) (Pakistan) (Morocco) (Kazakhstan) (Sri Lanka) (Uruguay) (Venezuela) (Luxembourg) (Costa Rica) (Cyprus) (Afghanistan, Islamic State of) (Bosnia-Herzegovina) (Moldavia) (Dominican Republic) (Seychelles) (Paraguay) (Belarus) (Slovenia) (Aruba) (Tonga) (El Salvador) (Guatemala) (Egypt) (Bahrain) (Georgia) (Netherlands Antilles) (Lebanon) (Qatar) (Monaco) (Ecuador) (Tunisia) (Bermuda) (Macedonia) (Andorra, Principality of) (Albania) (Honduras) (Brunei Darussalam) (Bolivia) (Mongolia) (Malta) (Kyrgyz Republic (Kyrgyzstan)) (Cocos (Keeling) Islands) (Mozambique) (Dominica) (Syria) (Azerbaidjan) (Ghana) (Nicaragua) (Tanzania) (Cayman Islands) (Polynesia (French) (Jordan) (Armenia) (Uzbekistan) (Bahamas) (Gabon)

the first-ever Scrambled Eggs post

OCTOBER 2002

We find in The City of Berkeley's West Berkeley Plan, of which Potter Creek is part "Yet while all parts of Berkeley felt they benefited (between 1906-1941) from growth, political issues remained between West and East Berkeley. West Berkeley made a serious, though unsuccessful attempt to secede from Berkeley in 1908. One major reason for the effort was the incorporation in the 'reform' City Charter of 1909 of a complete prohibition on bars and alcohol sales in Berkeley, more than a decade before national prohibition." When I came to Cal in 1963 I found there were still no bars within a mile of Campus - I'd come from the University of Wisconsin, Madison where beer was served in the Student Union. 10/22/02

from

http://ronpenndorf.com/scrmbldmayI06.html

Scrambled Eggs and Lox, May 2006

900 GRAYSON'S

opening day, April 2006

from Scrambled Eggs & Lox

2/26/05

From long-ago Herb Caen

"The San Franciscan of today is more interested, for instance, in the exploits of a Pierre Monteux than in the socialite descendants of the florid, hard-hitting millionaires who left their stamp on the city in the form of gingerbread mansions and ever-fading legends.

At seventy-three, the bouncy, bubbly little maestro of the San Francisco Symphony is richly enjoyed by thousands who never attend a concert. With his thick mane of black hair and his white Santa Claus mustache, he is a daily sight to see as he walks his French poodle, Fifi, around the Fairmont Hotel. Delighted passersby on the California cable car are likely to lean out from their perches and shout "Hiya, maestro!" or even, if they're among the cognoscenti, "Yoo-hoo, Chummy" -- that, for reasons unknown to the management, being his nickname. Chummy obligingly answers any and all public greetings with a Gallic wave of his arm, a bow of his leonine head, and voilà! more admiring non-attenders for the San Francisco Symphony.

In 1948 the amazingly vital M. Monteux conducted one hundred and fifty-three concerts -- more than any other major conductor in the country. His Symphony records sold so widely and steadily that his annual royalties from them alone totaled $40,000. He scampers out onto the stage of the Opera House at such a furious rate that there has been some talk among Symphony directors of banking the sharp turn from the rear of the stage to his podium.

In fact, I've been able to detect only two small signs of approaching age in the redoubtable maestro. A small step has been affixed to the podium to allow him to mount it more easily. And now, when he conducts from a score, which is seldom, he wears glasses.

Even his wife, Doris, an equally energetic person, is unable to explain this perpetual youth. 'Maybe,' she ventures, 'it's because he eats a plateful of oysters, washed down with champagne, after each concert.' With more than one hundred and fifty concerts on the agenda each year, you can see that M. Monteux makes deeper inroads into the oyster world than even the pearl industry.

Incidentally, Mme. Monteux is a woman of almost limitless capabilities. Along with acting as her husband's manager, press agent, and one-woman claque, she is an indefatigable speech maker on any subject you'd care to mention. One day in 1946 I followed her with awe and admiration as she spoke on 'Medicine in Russia' at the San Francisco Breakfast Club; 'Commercial Aspects of Music' at Mills College; and 'Football and Football Coaches'at St. Ignatius High School.

Mme. Monteux is also a patron of the arts, to the point where the Monteux apartment in the Fairmont is crammed with paintings by young San Francisco artists struggling to get ahead. Her special pet was the now successful Tom Lewis, who was 'discovered' by Mme. Monteux working away in a tiny Montgomery Street garret.

After she had already bought a stack of Lewis's paintings, Mme. Monteux insisted on taking her husband up to Lewis's studio. There, she made the young painter display one after another of his works, and each time she would turn to the maestro and murmur: 'Isn't that wonderful?' And each time Monteux would nod: 'Yes, it's beautiful, but--'

At last his wife demanded: 'Chummy, why do you always say It's beautiful, but'?' 'Because,' twinkled Monteux, 'if I don't say `but' you'll want to buy it!'"

For more stories about "Chummy,"read Pierre Monteux, Maître

Monteux's San Fransico Years

The Monteux Era

from Scrambled Eggs & Lox , July 1, 2004

Declaration of Independence

"WHEN in the Course of human Events, it becomes necessary for one People to dissolve the Political Bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the Powers of the Earth, the separate and equal Station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent Respect to the Opinions of Mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the Separation.

WE hold these Truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness -- That to secure these Rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just Powers from the Consent of the Governed, that whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these Ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its Foundation on such Principles, and organizing its Powers in such Form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient Causes; and accordingly all Experience hath shewn, that Mankind are more disposed to suffer, while Evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the Forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long Train of Abuses and Usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object, evinces a Design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their Right, it is their Duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future Security. Such has been the patient Sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the Necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The History of the present King of Great- Britain is a History of repeated Injuries and Usurpations, all having in direct Object the Establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid World."

The Bill of Rights

Amendment I Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

Amendment II A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.

Amendment III No Soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the Owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.

Amendment IV The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.

Amendment V No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.

Amendment VI In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defence.

Amendment VII In suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise reexamined in any Court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law.

Amendment VIII Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.

Amendment IX The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.

Amendment X The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.

"Hillside Houses of the Early and Mid-20th Century" is the Berkeley Architectual Heritage Association Spring House Tour and Reception.

"Three area theaters among 7 California organizations to receive NEA Shakespeare grants" is a story at latimes.com.

"Friends, Romans, countrymen, get off the Bluetooth and lend us your ears already: Merrily we come with news that three area theaters are among the seven California organizations to receive the 2009-2010 Shakespeare for a New Generation (SNG) Grants from the National Endowment for the Arts."

"Artistic legacy of Chagall and Russian Jewish Theater showcased in San Francisco" is a review by Jennifer Modenessi, Contra Costa Times.

"Although artist Marc Chagall gets top billing in "Chagall and the Artists of the Russian Jewish Theater, 1919-1949,' those expecting a show devoted to the beloved painter's work are in for a surprise.

"Stanza extravaganza: Ukiah backwardhaiku bash" by Michelle Locke, Associated Press Writer.

"Things are taking a turn for the verse in this Northern California city as the local literati throw their annual bash celebrating all things haiku."

"California regulators approve low-carbon fuel standard" is by Tracy Seipel, Mercury News.

"As part of their efforts to meet California's aggressive goals to reduce global warming, state regulators on Thursday approved a new standard for all transportation fuels aimed at cutting the amount of greenhouse gas emissions they create.

4/26/09

Living legend, . . . aw jeeesh.

"Marvin Lipofsky - Living Legend" a story about our longest-here, but not oldest, resident is at examiner.com.

"Fine art glass sculptors, such as the Dale Chihuly, and his proteges at the Pilchuk Glass School, line the Pacific Northwest from Washington, all the way down to Jamex and Einar de la Torre's studios, traversing California's southernmost border town and a sliver of Mexico. In between lies the San Francisco Bay Area, one of the richest repositories of award-winning glass sculpture in the world. Local glass artists such as Julie Alland, Elin Christopherson, Jaime Guerrero, Clifford Rainey, David Ruth, Randy Strong, Pamina Traylor, Chuck Vannatta, and Dana Zed, are but a few. The most exciting of these artists is Berkeley resident, Marvin Lipofsky, an internationally recognized, and understated, pioneer of the contemporary glass movement, whose sculpture and educational efforts over the past 40+ years are fundamental to establishing glass as a fine art medium.

Originally from Chicago, Marvin Lipofsky lives in his beautifully modern Berkeley home studio, where he continues to sculpt."

In 2001 I wrote

Demicello's Story

I knew I was supposed to like the Casals Bach 'Cello Suites, but I didn't.

The Suites had just been released on LP by Angel in its Great Recordings series, and Albert, my boss, assured me they were great-he remembered them from 78s. When I asked my 'cello teacher Bonnie Hampton, what her favorite performances on record were, she replied almost without thinking: "The Casals, Collin has the 78s." But what was easy to find and to hear were the Angel COLH LP dubs. I bought all three records and listened eagerly to all six suites. They were terrible!.

Casals' sound was exactly what G.B. Shaw had described as "a bee buzzing in an empty stone jar." (Shaw didn't much like the 'cello.) Still, Albert assured me that they were great, and Bonnie remarked, again almost without thinking, that the LPs were probably better than the 78s. I found out later, in the early '80s that they weren't.

Only the 78 rpm mastering capture Casals totally-all LP masterings seem vague and dull. They somehow miss both the essence of Casals and the Suites.

The Suites are very much made up of dance movements, yet their texture is complex and full of counterpoint. Casals understands both their structure and their dance. In many of Casals' faster movements the listener finds himself instinctively moving to their rhythms. Yet Casals brings forth all the suggested counter-melodies. At times it seems he is playing as many as three different parts at once. And hearing the 78s the listener can sense Casals' zeal and fervor.

Apparently I'd heard the wrong Casals.

I find the Bach Suites more spiritual than most religious works I've read and I've devoted years of my life to the study of the Suites and have played the first five. The Sixth Suite is written for a five string 'cello, an instrument of Bach's time. And although I could play the Sixth Suite, I found its sound pinched and tight when played on a four string instrument-a result of playing much of the piece in the higher positions with half-stopped strings.

Just before I stopped playing, I bought a five-string 'cello, with the idea of learning the Sixth Suite on the instrument for which it was written. And one afternoon about that time, the auburn-haired Mary Kate Connor brought a five-string player to my apartment. She'd told me about him before: "You should hear this guy. He plays Bach on a five-string 'cello on Telegraph Avenue. I think he's good."

A few days later the 'cellist arrived at my door with M.K. Although from the street, he looked just like a regular person and after introductory pleasantries, he began removing his 'cello from its well-worn hard case. As he did, we talked about Bach and the instrument, which was a modern four-string that he'd had converted. The instrument was beautiful and well cared for. After tuning he asked what I wanted to hear. "Bach." I replied, expecting to hear the Sixth Suite. Instead he began to play the Partitia in d minor for Unaccompanied Violin. It is a difficult enough piece for the violin and I thought it was unplayable on the 'cello. Yet he played it perfectly. In the fast movements his fingers flashed over the fingerboard with ease, his bow moving in a graceful Baroque style. The slow movements were perfectly drawn out. When he finished, I was speechless. I had never heard or seen such musical virtuosity. I finally got out something like, "That's pretty good. It must be hard to play." After some talk about the score-his careful, loving transcription of the Urtext-he left.

I went to the Avenue several times hoping to see him, but I never heard or saw him again.

In 2009 the movie, The Soloist is released.

"Tribune editor was the real deal" is an appreciation by Martin Snapp at cctimes.com.

"Some people deserve their names - for example, Gray Davis and Michael Savage.

Roy Grimm, on the other hand, was anything but. Behind his no-nonsense persona and his ever-billowing pipe was a truly kind human being with a delightfully impish sense of humor.

Roy, the longtime managing editor of the Oakland Tribute, died on April 11 at age 83. Even though it's been 20 years since he retired, everyone who had the privilege of working for him still remembers him as the epitome of what a journalist should be."

"New back to the land movement with urban homesteading:Urbanites embrace back-to-the-land movement" by Laura Casey, Contra Costa Times.

Kubik's been growing-his-own as long as I can remember. Well, so have other Potter Creekers for that matter.

"Neighbors Clash with Berkeley Bowl, City over West Berkeley Traffic Lights" by Riya Bhattacharjee of our Planet.

In his story about recently passed Tribune editor, Roy Grimm, Snapp writes "Roy . . . had three strict but simple rules: Get the facts right, don't play favorites, and don't cut any corners."

I've actually not seen neighbors clashing, though I have seen Auerbach scurrying about the neighborhood papers in hand. Perhaps Ms Bhattacharjee should have spoken to neighbors other than Rick Auerbach, our WEIBAC lobbyist.

on 4/18/09 I posted

Our Angela emails about a special meeting of the Zoning Adjustments Board. It's about

920 Heinz Avenue--West Berkeley Bowl

our David Bowman emails

(excerpts)

During the Bowl approval process a group of neighbors including the French school created what they considered to be a reasonable traffic mitigation plan that would have kept a significant amount of cars out of the neighborhood. The City's response to this plan was that they would measure normal Bowl traffic for six months after the opening and then determine if any further mitigation was warranted. There will now be no "normal" Bowl traffic to measure until the lights are installed six months to a year from now. That pushes out any further traffic relief for the neighborhood to at least a year away.

Anyone interested please get in touch and please, look for a notice on a neighborhood get together to talk about it this weekend, and please come to the hearing. 549-0190

Zoning Adjustments Board Hearing 6PM Monday 4/27 6PM Council Chambers

"Budget Deal Includes Fast-Track for Health Reform" by Walter Alarkon at truthout.com originally from The Hill.

"A Senate budget deal included putting health care reform on the fast track. Democrats in Congress and the White House have struck a tentative budget deal that includes reconciliation instructions that will make it easier to push through healthcare reform this year."

4/27/09

"Berkeley's environment-friendly center to open" reports Carolyn Jones, Chronicle Staff Writer.

"In a splash of bamboo, concrete and solar panels, Berkeley will unveil a temple to the environmental movement next week with the opening of the Brower Center."

"The Mercury News Interview: Kenneth Rosen, real estate expert" with Pete Carey.

"We caught up with real estate expert Kenneth Rosen while he was headed to Washington, D.C., last week. He planned to meet with officials there to discuss his ideas for dealing with the housing crisis. "

"Steinham to give keynote address at UC Berkeley conference" is a CBS 5 KPIX-TV news release.

"Social activist Gloria Steinem will be among two dozen nationally prominent activists and authors today at a University of California at Berkeley conference that will explore the next generation of feminism.

The feminist pioneer who founded Ms. Magazine will give the keynote address Sunday at the weekend-long 'Multicultural Women's Leadership Conference,''' hosted by nonprofit women's leadership organization Engage Her.

The event is co-sponsored by UC Berkeley's Multicultural Student development unit in the Division of Equity and Inclusion.

The second day of the conference will begin at 8 a.m. today in the Valley Life Sciences Building Auditorium. The conference will conclude at 7 p.m. with a conversation between Steinem, United Farm Workers Union co-founder Dolores Huerta, Aileen Hernandez, former president of the National Organization for Women and human rights activist Yuri Kochiyama."

"In Berkeley, Aretha's hat man on top of world" is a story by Carolyn Jones, Chronicle Staff Writer.

"For the churchgoing crowd, it was as if Moses himself stepped into the Berkeley Hat Co. on Friday.

Women oohed and aahed, autographs were bestowed, hugs and nervous smiles abounded.

Luke Song, the Detroit milliner who designed the crystal-studded bow hat that Aretha Franklin wore to President Obama's inauguration and that has since become an international fashion sensation, paid an hourlong visit to the Telegraph Avenue hat boutique to meet adoring fans."

"Domestic terrorist" is a notice at suomenkuvalehti finland.

"This is an undated file photo provided by the Federal Bureau of Investigation of Daniel Andreas San Diego, an animal rights activist."

"Dalai Lama promotes peace through dialogue" report Peter Fimrite,Matthai Kuruvila, Chronicle Staff Writers.

" The Dalai Lama told a standing room only crowd of some 7,000 at UC Berkeley's Greek Theatre on Saturday that peace and nuclear disarmament can be accomplished if only the world's leaders could talk to one another in a compassionate and understanding way."

"2 Hitler watercolors auctioned in Germany" is a story at sfgate.com.

"A pair of watercolors signed 'Adolf Hitler' and depicting farm scenes fetched a combined total of euro32,000 ($42,000) at an auction in Germany on Saturday, an auction house official said."

4/28/09

I'm told that ZAB has approved

I talked to Kubik today. He says the lettuce are coming along nicely in his garden.

Street sweepers are working in Potter Creek this morning.

our Ryan Lau emails
I wanted to let you all know about a Council workshop regarding some important issues that will come before the City Council in the near future: the West Berkeley Project and the West Berkeley Circulation Master Plan.
The West Berkeley Project is meant to allow some flexibility in some of West Berkeley's light industrial zoning districts. You can find out more about the West Berkeley Project at http://www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/ContentDisplay.aspx?id=10764. The West Berkeley Circulation Master Plan (WBCMP) is, as its name suggests, a master planning process that is intended to develop a long-term transportation planning strategy so as to take into account future development. You can read more about the WBCMP at http://www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/ContentDisplay.aspx?id=556. This is a great opportunity to get a quick and dirty lesson on these planning documents and get a better understanding for these issues before they come before Council.
What: City Council Workshop on the West Berkeley Project and West Berkeley Circulation Master Plan
When: Tuesday, April 28th at 5:00 pm
Where: Council Chambers in Old City Hall, 2134 Martin Luther King Jr. Way

Sincerely,
Ryan Lau
Council Aide
Councilmember Darryl Moore

"Dellums should take some cues from Mayor Bates" writes Chip Johnson at sfgate.com.

"Oakland and Berkeley, two cities that rub shoulders and comprise the metropolitan core of the East Bay, are at opposite sides of the political spectrum when it comes to local government.

If there is one thing that it does show, it's the difference between a mayor engaged in a city's most pressing issues and one who just isn't there."

"Union Activist Appointed to Labor Department" is by Sam Hananel of the AP at truthout.com.

"Swine flu could mean new threat to US economy" reports Jeannine Aversa, AP Economics Writer.

"Industry analysts downgrade Wells Fargo rating" by James Temple, Chronicle Staff Writer.

"Two industry analysts downgraded their ratings on Wells Fargo & Co. in recent days, citing the San Francisco bank's stretched capital position and exposed home loan portfolio."

"18 more reasons to skip traditional TV, go DVD" is a column at sfgate.com by Tim Goodman.

"As a recent column pointed out, there's more than enough television brilliance boxed in DVD sets to keep you from ever having to watch in real time. Or pay for cable.

It's the new, economy-fueled, savvy-viewer paradigm shift in television."

4/29/09

Today is Duke Ellington's 110th Birthday. Check out Clancy's 6:00AM show on KCSM-FM for Ellington's music.

"Four strong-arm robberies reported near UC Berkeley campus" reports Bay City News Service.

"Berkeley police are cautioning residents to be aware of their surroundings following four strong-arm robberies that occurred south of the University of California campus on Sunday."

from my log

3/3/09--10:49 AM--SERIOUS irritant in warehouse front, light head, wear mask. ~2:15 PM--"chlorine bleach like" oder in warehouse.

4/8/09--10:51 AM--irritant in warehouse front, dry eyes, mouth.

4/9/09--8:58 AM--irritant in front room, dry eyes, dry mouth, light head, leave.

4/11/09--6:58 PM--VERY SERIOUS irritant in warehousr front and IMMEDIATELY in front of warehouse, cough, eyes, mouth burn, "chlorine-bleach-like" odor.

4/12/09--8:52 AM--SERIOUS iiritant in front room, light head, dry eyes, dry mouth, wear mask.

4/13/09--5:51 AM--irritant in warehouse.

Off-and-on all weekend, irritant in warehouse front and front of warehouse, watery eyes, stuffed nose, neighbor "under-the-weather" on weekend.

4/14/09--off-and-on all day irritant in warehouse.

4/17/09--8:35 AM--irritant in warehouse front and IMMEDIATELY in front of warehouse, light head.

4/18/09--4:14 PM--VERY SERIOUS irritant in warehouse, headache, light-head.

4/22/09--10:51 AM--SERIOUS irritant in front room, light head, leave.

4/25/09--8:30 AM--SERIOUS irritant in front room, cough, light head, leave.

4/27/09--7:04 AM--SERIOUS irritnat in warehouse front and IMMEDIATELY in front of warehouse. 8:50 Am--SERIOUS irritant in front room, leave.

Eternally useful links

Bay Area home prices from sfgate.com

Bay Area foreclosures from sfgate.com

Our City Council update is here.

Our Planning Commision update is here

You can find more information about our current weather conditions than is good for you at www.wunderground.com

Want to see weather coming in, going out, beautiful sunsets, and much, much more? Check out http://sv.berkeley.edu/view/ This very hip site was in an email from reader and contributor, Tony Almeida. Read Tony's Jimi Hendrix story on the only page that routinely gets more hits than Scrambled Eggs.

Best gas prices in 94710, as well as all of US and Canada, are here at gasbuddy.com

Kimar finds Costco routinely has the lowest price.

Richmond Ramblers' motorcycle club member, Cliff Miller emails a very

useful link

If you ever need to get a human being on the phone at a credit card company or bank, etc., this site tells you how to defeat their automated system and get you to a human being within a few seconds.

http://gethuman.com/

Markets is not just a reference for Berkeley-Hills radicals with 1.5 mil homes and considerable portfolios.

Our City of Berkeley Boards and Commissions page is here--redone and friendly.

Berkeley Police reports at insidebay area.com are here.

Our Berkeley PD Site with crime statistics and more is here.

Crime Log for 94710 is here

This site is NOT affiliated with Berkeley PD.
Take time to report crime!

All reports of crime-in-progress should first go to Berkeley PD dispatch--911 or non-emergency, 981-5900. THEN make sure you notify EACH of these City people.

The contacts are below:

Our new Area Coordinator is Officer Karen Buckheit, Berkeley PD - 981-5774 kbuckheit@ci.berkeley.ca.us

Angela Gallegos-Castillo, City Mgr Off - 981-2491 agallegos-castillo@ci.berkeley.ca.us

Ryan Lau, aid to Darryl Moore - 981-7120 rlau@ci.berkeley.ca.us

Darryl Moore, City Councilman dmoore@ci.berkeley.ca.us

More Scrambled Eggs & Lox, here

and

Stories about Berkeley and stories about recorded-music

are at

Journal of Recorded Music 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11

ronpenndorf@earthlink.net

The original owner of all posted material retains copyright. The material is used only to illustrate