When George Soros, one of the world’s richest men, announced this week that he’s made getting rid of George W. Bush “the central focus of my life,” it was good news for Berkeley-based MoveOn.org. -more-
Tom Ross says he’s been trying to bring “Lobby Hero” to the Aurora Theater ever since he first saw it in New York three years ago at the Playwright’s Horizon. He’s finally made it: The play opens this weekend on Friday night and runs through Dec. 21. -more-
In a distinct escalation of the ongoing battle between Berkeley developers and some Berkeley citizens, Councilmember Dona Spring has called for what amounts to a full city investigation of the way major developers do business in Berkeley. -more-
The Berkeley City Council will consider a proposal Nov. 18 to form a BID (Business Improvement District) on Solano Avenue in Berkeley. -more-
When a North Oakland “troublemaker” was released on bail, Oakland Police Officer Robyn Clark e-mailed over 200 neighbors the following: Hi everyone! Mr. [Name withheld] is NOT currently wanted by the police. This information is being disseminated to you, because everyone needs to be very cautious of [Name withheld]. -more-
The University of California—under court order—finally posted all of the investment data for their risky venture capital funds, and the numbers aren’t pretty. -more-
Eleven years after the California State Legislature created the privately-run Fiscal Crisis and Management Assistance Team (FCMAT) to help keep the state’s at-risk school districts from going under, the California State Auditor’s office is about to take its first formal look at just how well the rapidly expanding, Bakersfield-based agency is actually living up to its job. -more-
Though more than two weeks have passed since three UC Berkeley students presented their arguments to an independent tribunal that was to recommend appropriate university punishment for their participation in an anti-war sit-in last March, they’re still waiting to learn their fates. -more-
Knowing firsthand what it’s like to face student conduct charges, I have to admit I find myself sympathizing to some degree with the students who stand accused of violating the UC Berkeley student code of conduct. -more-
Berkeley residents can voice their concerns about the future of Lawrence Berkeley National Lab at a scoping session at 6:30 p.m. Monday at the Berkeley Senior Center, 1901 Hearst St. -more-
When Solano Avenue Restaurateur Juan Romo saw the hired security guard napping while the party promoter pocketed fistfuls of bills from dozens of teenagers overflowing his 80-person capacity party room, he knew he’d made a mistake. -more-
They built the nation’s capital on the banks of the Potomac River to satisfy the powerful Virginia lords of the time who, presumably, did not want to travel far from home to assume the presidency and other perks which they considered their own peculiar destiny. What the Virginians failed to let on before the plans were drawn up—clever fellows—was that the Potomac ran through the midst of a sickly swamp bottom. -more-
EDITOR’S NOTE: As the situation in Iraq deteriorates, President Bush has outlined a grand vision for democracy in the Middle East. But the U.S. will have to change tactics quickly if legitimate elected bodies are to rule in Iraq. -more-
EDITOR’S NOTE: This is one of an ongoing series of articles by UC Berkeley journalism students on the paths of Berkeley. -more-
“I thought this started at 11 a.m. They’re late, just like the army,” grumbled the veteran leaning against his bike. A woman turned and reminded him, “They start at eleven minutes after eleven o’clock to observe Armistice Day.” -more-
Baily Hopkins is no senior-year slacker. The Berkeley High student plays violin in the Young People’s Symphony Orchestra, will perform in the upcoming student performance of Anything Goes, just finished field hockey season, and next month will lead her Boy Scout crew to Nicaragua. -more-
EDITOR’S NOTE: This is one of an ongoing series of articles by UC Berkeley journalism students on the paths of Berkeley. -more-
By J. DOUGLAS ALLEN-TAYLOR -more-
The call for help came to Berkeley fire stations on Sunday afternoon three weeks ago, and by nighttime a strike team was heading due south. -more-
Protesters facing three misdemeanor charges after their arrests at the Oakland Port anti-war demonstration last April were cleared of disturbing the peace charges Friday after an Alameda County Superior Court judge told the District Attorney’s office there wasn’t sufficient evidence to sustain the charge. -more-
“You’re a risk taker,” said my therapist, staring at me, the eraser end of her pencil pressed to her cheek. -more-
A UC Berkeley lecturer jailed in Iran for nearly four months was released Sunday, but will remain in Iran for the time being while the investigation against him continues, a friend said. -more-
A big box Target is coming to Eastshore frontage road near Gilman Street just north of the Berkeley line. At the same time, a proposal is being floated to rezone west Gilman from manufacturing to commercial, to catch the regional retail traffic. Development of this kind will profoundly affect the whole city. -more-
Right now, the projected all-fund city deficit moves from about $9.4 million in 2004-2005 to $19.6 million in 2008-2009. If the recently-triggered Vehicle License Fee (VLF) increase is somehow repealed, as threatened, the city will lose an additional $6 million annually, bringing the all-fund deficit to about $15.4 million next year and $25 million in just five years. Between now and fiscal year 2008-2009, the cumulative city deficit (excluding the VLF and other potential state impacts) is projected to be $71 million. These figures do not account for other likely losses due to additional cuts in outside fund infusions (foundations and federal and state grants) and additional losses resulting directly or indirectly from the effects of economic recession on our taxpaying residents. -more-
Michael Baker’s got more in common with Mel Blanc than just initials. For one, they’re both entertainers—although the late Blanc is arguably the more famous, a genuine Hollywood celebrity who created the voices of Bugs Bunny, Elmer Fudd, Daffy Duck, and a host of other animated characters. -more-
A three-way deal between the City of Berkeley, Comcast Cable Communications and a Christian broadcaster at the end of October has resulted in a channel shuffle, with Berkeley’s public access station moving from channel 25 to channel 28 and the local government station from channel 78 to channel 33. -more-
“See! I am dancing. On the edge of -more-
By Clark Suprynowicz -more-
High enough and deep enough into the Santa Cruz Mountains to help visitors forget its location between Silicon Valley’s concrete boxes and the touristy tackiness of the Santa Cruz Boardwalk, Felton is a perfect diversion and Excursion. -more-
Yes, Berkeley people do read the San Francisco Chronicle on occasion. It’s always amusing to know what Chris Daly is up to. Sad to say, there’s less and less to read in the Chronicle these days. The Datebook section is increasingly pathetic. If the budget permits an occasional excursion to The City, Joshua Kosman’s reviews, though sometimes irritatingly choleric, are the best way to make sure you get some bang for your buck at the major SF performances. Otherwise, today’s Chronicle is pretty forgettable. -more-
The November issue of BDA Update, the monthly newsletter of Berkeley Design Advocates, a group of architects and others who work in the local building industry, has an interesting article on its front page, entitled “From Impalas to Incense”. It reports on a proposal by the Buddhist Church of America to add yet another nonprofit institution to the Southside area. The article reports that the church has bought the old Howard Automobile showroom on the corner of Fulton and Durant, and plans to turn it into a Buddhist Studies Institute, complete with a bookstore, offices, classrooms and dormitory spaces. -more-
