Features

Berkeley Briefs

By JAKOB SCHILLER
Tuesday November 18, 2003

 

Identity Theft Forum 

Have you ever had your identity stolen? Do you know when you might be at risk? 

According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in the U.S. with 9.9 million people affected in 2002. Here in Alameda county, according to County Supervisor Keith Carson, the numbers were even higher because of the area’s urban setting. 

That’s why Carson, along with the Alameda County Consumer Affairs Commission will be sponsoring a free forum today (Tuesday, Nov. 18) to help educate local resident about how to prevent and, if need be, deal with identity theft. 

Representatives from the FTC, Department of Justice, Department of Motor Vehicles, Social Security Administration, the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office and the Post Office will be available to answer questions at the event, which starts at 1:15 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center, 1901 Hearst Ave., and is free to the public. 

For more information, contact Tahera Kapasi in Keith Carson’s office at 208-9599.  

 

 

Turkey Call 

The Berkeley Food and Housing project has put out an urgent call for turkeys, asking people to donate so they can have enough birds for their annual Thanksgiving dinner at the Trinity Church and the Men and Women’s shelters. 

Due to funding problems, the program has received fewer than normal turkeys from the local food bank and instead has had to turn the community for donations. 

Right now they only have four of the 50 turkeys they say are needed for the holiday meals. 

Donations can be dropped at either the Trinity Church, 2362 Bancroft Way, or at the program office, 2140 Dwight Way. Both locations are open between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. 

For more information contact Jamie Boreen at 649-4965 ext. 302.