Members of an African American parent group at Berkeley High expressed anger Thursday that the school planned a program to aid failing students without consulting them. 

Although the parents, members of the group Parents of Children of African Descent, have run a program to help failing students at the school since January, the school administration apparently did not deem it important to seek their input in creating a similar program for next year, members of the PCAD Steering Committee said. 

PCAD Steering Committee member Michael Miller said the organization’s members didn’t even know that the high school was creating a program to assist failing students after the PCAD program ends this summer – something PCAD has been asking them to do – until the program was presented to the school board at its Thursday meeting.  

Berkeley High Principal Frank Lynch said in an interview Friday that school staff should have solicited feedback from PCAD members months ago and that he regrets this didn’t take place. He added, however, that he considers the plan he proposed Thursday a “framework” on which to build, and that he looks forward to fine tuning the plan with the aid of PCAD members over the summer. 

“I’m more than willing now to sit down with them,” he said. 

The so-called Critical Pathways program, as proposed by Lynch Thursday, would provide new support services for students entering Berkeley High as ninth graders, who have been identified as “at risk” of academic failure.  

Chief among these services are a one week summer school program in August to help prepare students emotionally and academically for the difficult transition to high school, and literacy classes offered during the regular school year to help students with reading skills below grade level keep up with their freshman curriculum. 

PCAD members said the program is not nearly enough to keep students from failing.  

“Our mistake is that we kept expecting that they were going to do something, and (that) we wouldn’t have to do all of it,” Miller said. Now, he added, PCAD “has got to come up with something because we know they aren’t going to do a damn thing.” 

Rebound, the PCAD program ending this summer, placed 50 students failing two or more subjects at mid-year in special English and math classes that were half the size of regular freshman classes and twice as long. With more time to work with – and fewer students to accommodate – teachers were able to build relationships with students and get them to engage in their academic work at the high school for the first time, PCAD members argue. 

Miller and other PCAD members said they may now have to consider how to continue these efforts next year. Lynch’s offer to collaborate may have come too late, they said. 

“This is not acceptable,” Rebound teacher and PCAD member Katrina Scott-George said repeatedly at the Thursday school board meeting. “What makes you think we would sit at the table with you now.” 

“For Lynch to turn around and say, ‘We commend you guys and we want to work with you guys,’ – to me, that was a slap in the face,” said Miller. “He has had all kinds of opportunities to communicate with us about this program.” 

School board members offered both praise and criticism of the Critical Pathway program Thursday. 

“You’ve put together a program with the cards we’ve dealt you,” said board President Terry Doran, pointing to the financial constraints faced by the high school in a year of budget cuts. 

But Doran and others expressed concern that, while Lynch’s Critical Pathway proposal targets around 100 kids to receive additional support services as freshman, the number of freshman failing two or more classes at the end of the first semester this year was closer to 200 students. 

“We need to develop a program where all the students that we identify as needing help can get it,” said board Director Joaquin Rivera. 

Lynch said the 100 students targeted by the program, who have already been invited to attend summer school this August, were chosen based on a review of their middle school grades, attendance and behavior and interviews with their middle school teachers.  

If more than 100 of the 800 freshman expected to enter Berkeley High next year need extra help to avoid failing classes, the Critical Pathways could easily be expanded during the year, Lynch said. This is because, rather than placing students in separate classes with separate teachers, Critical Pathways provides additional support to students within regular classes, he said. 

Rivera defended Lynch Friday against PCAD claims that he did not encourage parental involvement while planning his Critical Pathways proposal. 

“Maybe he could have done more of that, but the truth is, sometimes things are talked to death,” Rivera said. “Sometimes you have to move forward and develop a plan. 

“At this point, the best thing would be to have (PCAD) work with us in developing Critical Pathway, to make sure that this program is the best it can be,” Rivera added. 

Lynch said Thursday that he would like to meet with PCAD members before the school board’s Aug. 15 meeting to discuss the program. 

Saturday, July 7

Free Sailboat Rides  

1 - 4 p.m. 

Cal Sailing Club 

Berkeley Marina 

The Cal Sailing Club, a non-profit sailing and windsurfing cooperative, give free rides on a first come, first served bases on the first full weekend of each month. Wear warm clothes and bring a change of clothes in case you get wet. Children must be at least five years old and must be accompanies by an adult.  

Visit www.cal-sailing.org  

Berkeley Farmers’ Market 

10 a.m. - 3 p.m. 

Center Street between Martin Luther King Jr. Way and Milvia Street 

548-3333 

Sunday, July 8

Free Sailboat Rides  

1 - 4 p.m. 

Cal Sailing Club 

Berkeley Marina 

The Cal Sailing Club, a non-profit sailing and windsurfing cooperative, give free rides on a first come, first served bases on the first full weekend of each month. Wear warm clothes and bring a change of clothes in case you get wet. Children must be at least five years old and must be accompanies by an adult.  

Visit www.cal-sailing.org  

Tibetan Nyingma Institute  

Open House 

3 - 5 p.m. 

Tibetan Nyingma Institute 

1815 Highland Place 

Free introduction to Tibetan Buddhist culture, including: Prayer wheel and meditation garden tour, Tibetan yoga demonstration, information on Tibetan art project, class and program counseling and a talk on “Relaxation and Meditation.” Followed at 6 p.m. by “Mind and Mental Events.” Free.  

Buddhist Psychology 

6 p.m. 

Tibetan Nyingma Institute 

1815 Highland Place 

Sylvia Gretchen on “Mind and Mental Events.” Free. 

843-6812 

West Berkeley Market 

11 a.m. - 5 p.m. 

University Ave., between 3rd and 4th  

Opening day for the new, family-oriented West Berkeley Market. 

Crafts, music, produce, and specialty foods. 

654-6346 

Bay-to-Barkers 

10 a.m. 

Cesar Chavez Park 

Berkeley Marina 

Fund-raiser and dogwalk hosted by the Berkeley-East Bay Humane Society. Demos, contests, food and product booths, raffles, and a 1.3 mile dog parade. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. 

845-3665 

Monday, July 9

Draft Environmental  

Impact Report for UC Berkeley Northeast Quadrant project 

7 - 8:30 p.m. 

105 North Gate Hall 

UC Berkeley 

Public hearing on the Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Northeast Quadrant Science and Safety Projects, which will replace old, seismically poor research facilities with modern, safe structures. 

642-7720 

Tuesday, July 10

Berkeley Camera Club  

7:30 p.m. 

Northbrae Community Church  

941 The Alameda  

Share your slides and learn what other photographers are doing. Monthly field trips. 

Call Don, 525-3565 

Writing and Resistance  

In A Culture of Amnesia 

6 - 7:45 p.m. 

La Peña Cultural Center 

3105 Shattuck Avenue 

Classroom #2 

Part of a workshop series on concepts and strategies for resistance through the spoken and written word, taught by Joyce E. Young. $12. 

849-2568 www.lapena.org 

Berkeley Farmers’ Market 

2 - 7 p.m. 

Derby Street at MLK Jr. Way 

Regular market plus annual peach tastings. 

548-3333 

Wednesday, July 11

What’s Cooking? 

Noon - 2 p.m. 

Lawrence Hall of Science 

UC Berkeley 

Part of the Lawrence Hall of Science Wednesday FUN-days. Fun experiments you can do in your own kitchen. Museum admission $3 - $7. 

642-5132 

“Global Banquet”  

7:30 p.m. 

La Peña Cultural Center 

3105 Shattuck Avenue 

Part of the Anti-Globalization series. Tonight a presentation of “Global Banquet,” a look at farmers both local and in developing countries trying to survive in the global economy. Discussion led by Anuradha Mittal. Small donation requested. 

849-2568 www.lapena.org 

Thursday, July 12

Summer Noon Concerts 2001 

Noon - 1 p.m. 

Downtown Berkeley BART Plaza 

Shattuck at Center St. 

Weekly concert series. This week East Bay Science and Arts Middle School evoke the sounds of Trinidadian Carnival with a steel drum performance. 

Hiking the Tahoe Rim Trail 

7 p.m. 

Recreational Equipment, Inc. 

1338 San Pablo Ave. 

Slide Presentation. 

Twenty years in the making, the 150-mile Tahoe Rim Trail is now complete. Tahoe Rim Trail Association board member Trena Bristol joins TRT through-hikers Steve Andersen and Art Presser for a slide presentation on great day hikes and backpacking trips on the TRT. Free. 527-4140 

Quit Smoking Class 

6 - 8 p.m. 

South Berkeley Senior Center 

2939 Ellis Street 

A six week quit smoking class. 

Free to Berkeley residents and employees. 

Call 644-6422 or e-mail at: quitnow@ci.berkeley.ca.us 

Pain: The Fifth Vital Sign 

5:30 - 7:30 p.m. 

North Berkeley Senior Center 

1902 Hearst Avenue 

A public hearing on AB 487, Remediation of Under Prescribing Pain Medication, with Assemblywoman Dion Aroner, medical experts, and patients. 

540-3660 

art.SITES SPAIN 

7:30 p.m. 

Easy Going Travel Shop and Bookstore 

1385 Shattuck Avenue 

Sidra Stitch, author of “art.SITES SPAIN: Contemporary Art and Architecture Handbook,” will present a slide show and talk on the most recent trends in art and architecture in Spain. Free. 

843-3533 

Friday, July 13

Therapy for Trans Partners  

6 - 7:30 p.m.  

Pacific Center for Human Growth  

2712 Telegraph Ave. (at Derby)  

A group open to partners of those in transition or considering transition. Intake process required. Meeting Fridays through August 17. $8 - $35 sliding scale per session 548-8283 x534 or x522 

Friday the 13th Dance 

7:30 - 10 p.m. 

Berkeley Arts Festival Gallery 

2200 Shattuck Avenue 

Celebrating the success of this years Berkeley Arts Festival, supporters can dance to jazz, swing and slow songs at this Friday the 13th Dance: The post hoc ergo propter hoc Hop. “Just Friends” will provide the music. Admission by donation, to benefit the Festival. 486-0411 

Saturday, July 14

Berkeley Farmers’ Market 

10 a.m. - 3 p.m. 

Center Street  

Regular market plus annual peach tastings. Free. 548-3333 

Sunday, July 15

Hands-On Bicycle Repair  

Clinics  

11 a.m. - Noon  

Recreational Equipment, Inc.  

1338 San Pablo Ave.  

Learn drive train maintenance and chain repair from one of REI’s bike technicians. All you need to bring is your bike. Free 527-4140 

Buddhist Practice 

6 p.m. 

Tibetan Nyingma Institute 

1815 Highland Place 

Mark Henderson on “Fearlessness on the Bodhisattva Path.” Free. 

843-6812 

Second Annual Wobbly High Mass 

7:30 p.m. 

La Pena Cultural Center 

3105 Shattuck (@ Prince St.) 

Presented by Folk This! and friends, an evening of musical satire, subversion and sacrilege. This year’s theme is “Reclaiming Tomorrow,” a historical journey toward a future society without classes or bosses. 

$8 

849-2568 

— compiled by Sabrina Forkish and Guy Poole 

West Berkeley Market 

11 a.m. - 5 p.m. 

University Ave., between 3rd and 4th Streets  

Family-oriented weekly market. Crafts, music, produce, and specialty foods. 

654-6346 

Skronkathon BBQ 

1 - 11 p.m. 

Tuva Space 

3192 Adeline 

The First Annual Transbay Skronkathon Barbecue. Dozens of Bay Area musicians will play “multi-conceptual-deconstructed-creative-music.” Charcoal provided, bring your own items to barbecue. Free. 

649-8744 

The Wizard School of Magic 

1:30 p.m. 

Lawrence Hall of Science 

UC Berkeley 

Part of the LHS Top of the Bay Family Sundays, “Benny and Bebe and The Wizard School of Magic” is inspired by the Harry Potter stories. Learn what it takes to become a real wizard. Museum admission $3 - $7. 

642-5132 

PedalPower 

8:30 a.m. 

Lake Merritt Garden Center 

666 Bellevue Avenue, Oakland 

Bike ride and pancake brunch fund-raiser for the Asian Domestic Violence Clinic which provides free or low-cost legal services for abused women and children in the East Bay. Fourteen mile ride from Lake Merritt to Portview Park and back. $5 - $25. 

415-567-6255 

Don’t drive out another good institution 

Editor: 

So now Congregation Beth is being compared to the South African government under apartheid. (Ted Vincent's letter of July 3.)  

Has Berkeley no shame? 

Ten years ago we drove the Berkeley Shakespeare Festival out of Berkeley so a few residents could live in their yuppie enclaves unmolested by sounds of urban life.  

Now we are working toward driving out Beth El, a synagogue that has been part of Berkeley's spiritual life for over half a century.  

The organizations we are suppressing are not oil refineries, but the cultural and spiritual institutions that form the very fabric of life in an urban community.  

Let us remember: we all chose to live in an urban environment, not in a suburb. 

Codornices Creek runs through my backyard, and I have probably looked into the creek three or four times a day for over 30 years.  

I have never seen a steelhead trout – or any other trout – in the creek. I am not saying that the steelheads that were observed came from a local fish store, but I am saying that steelhead trout are not part of the environment of Codornices Creek. 

I would like those neighbors of Beth El who are suddenly so involved in creek politics to ask themselves honestly how interested they were in creek restoration before Beth El planned to expand.  

Isn't this just ordinary NIMBYism wrapping itself in a self-righteous environmentalist cloak? 

Gail Todd 

Berkeley 

Beth El should be encouraged at its new site 

Editor: 

We write this in support of Congregation Beth-El.  

The congregation is a Berkeley institution with a long history of service to the community.  

It has outgrown the current location on Arch Street and could better serve, not only its membership, but the Berkeley community at large, on the new site.  

Its plan for the new building should be encouraged.  

Instead it is meeting opposition. 

We question the motives of the people who protest for the sake of Codornices Creek.  

How many of the home owners whose property borders the creek are willing to sacrifice their homes for the good of the creek?  

It seems to us that daylighting the creek should also require the loss of some property in addition to the proposed Beth-El structure. This is never mentioned. 

Let the congregation build! 

Hilda Amdur 

Berkeley 

Why advertise Reddy’s restaurant 

Editor: 

Why is it that – despite your excellent coverage of the case of the Reddy father and sons accused of immigration and tax fraud – you continue to feature in your newspaper a large advertisement for their Pasand restaurant? 

Marinella Manzano 

Berkeley 

Because there’s a solid wall between our advertising department and our editorial department – and we’re proud of it. 

– Judith Scherr, editor 

Eliot Abrams unfit for post 

Editor: 

The appointment by “President” George W. Bush of Eliot Abrams to be senior director of the National Security Council’s office for democracy, human rights, and international operations, which position does not require congressional confirmation, should alert the congress to the immediate need for legislation to disqualify for public employment of any kind all persons who have accepted presidential pardons. 

At the time of Ford’s presidential pardon of Nixon it was publicly affirmed that under the Constitution acceptance of presidential pardon is an admission of culpability. 

A few days before he left the Oval Office to Clinton, our current “President”’s father, George Bush Sr., gave Abrams a presidential pardon on Christmas Eve, 1992.  

Abrams had withheld Iran-Contra information from Congress, tantamount to lying under oath, or, in plain English, perjury, grounds for disbarment and even imprisonment. 

Abrams’ recent appointment waited to be announced to the press only on a Thursday, three days after Abrams assumed the job – no doubt so the story would appear in Saturday editions where it would have light circulation and be least likely to be noticed!  

Congress should certainly take notice and immediately make all those who have received a presidential pardon ineligible for government employment.  

Concurrently, Congress should as well seek a way immediately to remove Abrams from the post Dubya has misguidedly given him. 

Judith Segard Hunt 

Berkeley 

Bad practices in raising calves for slaughter 

Editor: 

Because most people now know the horrendous cruelty involved in raising calves for veal, the market for it has dropped.  

So the beef industry has decided to push a new “casual” form of veal: veal burgers.  

Promotions of the baby-animal-flesh-in-a-bun will begin soon. 

Veal is sickeningly tender-mushlike because baby calves are stolen from their mothers the day they are born and chained by their necks, each alone in a veal crate, for their short miserable lives.  

Rather than frolicking a their mothers’ sides as nature intended, they are immobilized so they can’t move backwards, forwards or sideways.  

They can’t even wash themselves or bite at flies on their rumps.  

They are unable to see, to eat grass, to feel the comfort of their mothers’ love.  

All to keep their flesh non-muscular, so people don’t have to exert their jaws chewing it. 

The little calves’ legs become so weak that many of them soon are unable to stand.  

They lie on the slatted stall floor in their own waste, their necks still chained.  

When the slaughterhouse truck comes, these beautiful babies have to be carried out and thrown onto it, just as they will next be thrown onto the bloody slaughterhouse ramp. 

Since cows must bear calves repeatedly in order to keep lactating, the dairy industry spawns the veal industry. 

Carla Bennett 

Senior Writer for the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals 

Norfolk, Virginia 

Habitot Children’s Museum “Back to the Farm” An interactive exhibit gives children the chance to wiggle through tunnels, look into a mirrored fish pond, don farm animal costumes, ride on a John Deere tractor and more. “Recycling Center” Lets the kids crank the conveyor belt to sort cans, plastic bottles and newspaper bundles into dumpster bins. $4 adults; $6 children age 7 and under; $3 for each additional child age 7 and under. Monday and Wednesday, 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Tuesday and Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed Sundays, Memorial Day through Labor Day) Kittredge Street and Shattuck Avenue 647-1111 or www.habitot.org  

UC Berkeley Museum of Paleontology Lobby, Valley Life Sciences Building, UC Berkeley “Tyrannosaurus Rex,” ongoing. A 20 by 40-foot replica of the fearsome dinosaur made from casts of bones of the most complete T. Rex skeleton yet excavated. When unearthed in Montana, the bones were all lying in place with only a small piece of the tailbone missing. “Pteranodon” A suspended skeleton of a flying reptile with a wingspan of 22-23 feet. The Pteranodon lived at the same time as the dinosaurs. Free. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. 642-1821 

UC Berkeley Phoebe Hearst Museum of Anthropology “Approaching a Century of Anthropology: The Phoebe Hearst Museum,” open-ended. This new permanent installation will introduce visitors to major topics in the museum’s history. “Ishi and the Invention of Yahi Culture,” ongoing. This exhibit documents the culture of the Yahi Indians of California as described and demonstrated from 1911 to 1916 by Ishi, the last surviving member of the tribe. $2 general; $1 seniors; $.50 children age 17 and under; free on Thursdays. Wednesday, Friday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Thursday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Kroeber Hall, Bancroft Way and College Ave. 643-7648  

Lawrence Hall of Science “Science in Toyland,” through Sept. 9. Exhibit uses toys to demonstrate scientific principles and to help develop children's thinking processes. “Space Weather,” through Sept. 2. Learn about solar cycles, space weather, the cause of the Aurorae and recent discoveries made by leading astronomers. This interactive exhibit lets visitors access near real-time data from the Sun and space, view interactive videos and find out about a variety of solar activities. “Within the Human Brain,” ongoing. Visitors test their cranial nerves, play skeeball, master mazes, match musical tones and construct stories inside a simulated “rat cage” of learning experiments. “Saturday Night Stargazing,” First and third Saturdays each month. 8 - 10 p.m., LHS plaza. Space Weather Exhibit now - Sept. 2; now - Sept. 9 Science in Toyland; Saturdays 12:30 - 3:30 p.m. $7 for adults; $5 for children 5-18; $3 for children 3-4. 642-5132 

Holt Planetarium Programs are recommended for age 8 and up; children under age 6 will not be admitted. $2 in addition to regular museum admission. “Constellations Tonight” Ongoing. Using a simple star map, learn to identify the most prominent constellations for the season in the planetarium sky. Daily, 3:30 p.m. $7 general; $5 seniors, students, disabled, and youths age 7 to 18; $3 children age 3 to 5 ; free children age 2 and younger. Daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Centennial Drive, UC Berkeley 642-5132 or www.lhs.berkeley.edu  

924 Gilman St.July 13: Special Duties, Oppressed Logic, Violent Society, Zero Bullsh*t, Born Dead; July 14: Lonely Kings, Onetime Angels, Stay Gold, Thought Riot, Youth Gone Wild; July 15, 5 p.m.: Bobbyteens, Los Rabbis, Finky Binks, Off Balance, $5. Music at 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted. 924 Gilman St. 525-9926. 

Ashkenaz July 7: 9:30 p.m., Kotoja, Dance lesson with Comfort at 9 p.m. Afro-beat. $11; July 10: 9 p.m., Anoush, The Kolevs, Balkan music with an 8 p.m. dance lesson by Steve Kotansky. $10; July 11: 9 p.m., Mz. Daa and Blues Alley, West Coast swing and blues with an 8 p.m. dance lesson by Nick and Shanna. $8; July 12: 9 p.m., Boubacar Traore, Delta blues, Mali-style with this string master. $12; July 13: 9:30 p.m., Tamazgha, Middle Eastern. $10; July 14: 9:30 p.m., Paul Pena, Zulu Exiles, Tuvan throat singing and township jive. $12.1317 San Pablo Ave 525-5099 www.ashkenaz.com 

Berkeley Opera “Carmen” by Georges Bizet, Jonathan Khuner conducting, July 13 through July 22. Final production of the season. Russell Blackwood directs the opera which is sung in a new English adaptation by David Scott Marley. Special Family Matinee: “How an Opera is Put Together,” July 8, 2 p.m. $10 general; $5 children under 14. $30 general; $25 seniors; $15 youths and handicapped; $10 student rush. Friday, 8 p.m.; Sunday, 7 p.m.; July 14, 2 p.m.; July 22, 7 p.m. Julian Morgan Theater, 2640 College Ave., Berkeley. (925) 798-1300, (510) 841-1903 or www.berkeleyopera.com 

Freight & Salvage July 7:Ferron $18.50; July 8: Ambuya Beauler Dyoko, Zimbabwean thumb piano (mbira) music $16.50; July 12: Kevin Welch, Kieran Kane, Renegade Country $16.50; July 13: Jeremy Cohen's Violinjazz Vintage string swing $16.50; July 14: Tim O'Brien and Darrell Scott, American roots music $18.50; July 15: Carol McComb, Sterling originals $17.50 Music at 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted. 1111 Addison St. 548-1761 or 762-BASS or www.thefreight.org 

Jupiter July 7: “Post Junk Trio” July 10: Strictly Tango. July 11: “Salvation Air Force” Sizzling “hard-acid-free-groove jazz” Enjoy beers and beats under the stars. July 12: 19, 26: “Beatdown with DJs Delon, Yamu, & ADD1” Chilled-out downtempo beats and cutting-edge visual displays. July 13: UHF- Mod Rock from Portland. July 14: Fred Zimmerman Quartet- Local Piano and Jazz. July 17: Amaldecor- Combination of traditional Eastern European and French Swing. July 18: Cannonball w/ DJ Aspect- “hiphop-groove-latin-jazz-funk”. July 20: Koochen & Hoomen- local electronic. July 21: Orbit 4- hip-hop, drum ’n’ bass, breakbeat, jungle and jazz. July 24: Stringthoery- local jazz blues and rock. July 25: Suite 304- vocal harmany-based groove pop. July 27: Sexfresh- traditional American pop. July 28: Corner Pocket- Jazz. July 31: Basso Trio- Local sax, blues and jazz. All music starts at 8:00 p.m.www.jupiterbeer.com; or call the hotline: THE-ROCK (843-7625)  

La Pena Cultural Center, July 7: 8:30 p.m., Jackeline Rago, Venezualan Music Project and Aquiles Baez- Music to celebrate the Summer Solstice Festivities of Venezuela. $14. July 8, 22: 5 p.m., La Pena Flamenca- A Flemenco jam session for musicians and dancers. $3. July 15: 3:30 p.m., Domingo do Rumba- Local aces of Rumba, Cuban rhythem and dance. Free. 7:30 p.m., Laborfest- this year’s theme is “Reclaiming Tomorrow” a historical journey towards a future society without classes or bosses. $8 donation. July 19: 8:00 p.m., Rebecca Riots with Kim & Krista- Singer/songwriters from Berkeley ... radical folk. $12-$14 sliding scale. July 20: 8 p.m., Collective Soul- hip-hop, spoken word. $7. 9:30 p.m., Mermelada’s Latin American music jam with Quique Cruz. Free. July 21: 8:00 p.m., Family amd Friends- Talent Showcase with soul, hip-hop and spoken word. $5 adult, $3 children, under 10 free. July 22: 7 p.m., It Takes a Community to Raise a CD- Mary Watkins & Lisa Cohen, Gwen Avery, Avotcja, June Millington & the Slamming Babes, Blackberri and more. $12 - $25 sliding scale. 3105 Shattuck Avenue 849-2568 

Live Oaks Concerts Berkeley Art Center, July 15: David Cheng, Marvin Sanders, Ari Hsu; July 27: Monica Norcia, Amy Likar, Jim Meredith. All shows at 7:30 unless otherwise noted Admission $10 (BACA members $8, students and seniors $9, children under 12 free) 

Rose Street House of Music July 13: 8 p.m. “Doria Roberts & Making Waves” Featuring special guest slam poet Aya de Leon. $8-20 donation. No one turned away for lack of funds.1839 rose street 594-4000 wxt. 687 

Starry Plough Pub July 7: Faun Fables, Majesty's Monkey $6; July 12: The Clumsy Lovers, Mad Hannan, $6; July 13: Drums and Tuba, Mega Mousse, $7; July 14: Jerry Joseph and The Jackmormons, The John Shipe Band $7 

Sunday and Wednesday, 8 p.m.; Thursday, 9:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 9:45 p.m. unless otherwise noted. 3101 Shattuck Ave. 841-2082. 

“Romeo and Juliet” Through July 14, Thurs. - Sat. 8 p.m. Set in early 1930s just before the rise of Hitler in the Kit Kat Klub, Juliet is torn between ties to the Nazi party and Romeo’s Jewish heritage. $8 - $10. La Val’s Subterranean Theater 1834 Euclid 234-6046 

“A Life In the Theatre” Runs through July 15. Wed. - Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. David Mamet play about the lives of two actors, considered a metaphor for life itself. Directed by Nancy Carlin. $30-$35. $26 preview nights. Berkeley City Club 2315 Durant 843-4822 

“The Laramie Project” Through July 22: Weds. 7 p.m., Tues. and Thur. -Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. (After July 8 no Wednesday performance, no Sunday matinee on July 22.) Written by Moises Kaufmen and members of Tectonic Theater Project, directed by Moises Kaufman. Moises Kaufman and Tectonic members traveled to Laramie, Wyo., after the murder of openly gay student Matthew Shepherd. The play is about the community and the impact Shepherd’s death had on its members. $10 - $50. The Roda Theatre, Berkeley Repertory Theatre 2015 Addison St. 647-2949 www.berkeleyrep.org 

“Iphegenia in Aulis” Through August 12: Sat. and Sun. 5 p.m. No performances July 14 and 15, special dawn performance on August 12 at 7 a.m. A free park performance by the Shotgun Players of Euripides’ play about choices and priorities. With a masked chorus, singing, dancing, and live music. Feel free to bring food and something soft to sit on. John Hinkel Park, Southhampton Place at Arlington Avenue (different locations July 7 and 8). 655-0813 

La Peña Cultural Center, July 18: 7 p.m., Laborfest- International Working Class Film & Video Festival. “Resistance as Democracy” by Larry Mosque, “The International” by Peter Miller, “Songs of the Thai Labor Movement” by Wayne. $7 donation. July 29: 2:00 p.m., Laborfest- International Working Class Film & Video Festival. “Not in my Garden” by Video 48. $7. 3105 Shattuck Avenue 849-2568 

Pacific Film Archive Family Classics Film Festival July 8 through Aug. 26. July 8: “The Seventh Voyage of Sinbad”; July 15: “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory”; July 29: “A Boy Named Charlie Brown”; $4. Sundays, 3 p.m. New PFA Theatre, 2575 Bancroft Way 642-1412 

“Watershed 2001” Through July 14, Wednesday - Sunday Noon - 5 p.m. Exhibition of painting, drawing, sculpture and installation that explore images and issues about our watershed. Berkeley Art Center 1275 Walnut St. 644-6893 

Rachel Davis and Benicia Gantner Works on Paper Through July 14, Tues. - Sat., 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Watercolors by Davis, mixed-media by Gantner. Opening reception June 13, 6 - 8 p.m. Traywick Gallery 1316 Tenth St. 527-1214 www.traywick.com 

Constitutional Shift Through July 13, Tuesdays - Fridays, noon - 5 p.m. Permanence and personal journey link Hee Jae Suh, Ursula Neubauer and Marci Tackett. Korean-born Suh explores an inner psychological world with a dramatic series of self-portraits. Neubauer explores self-portraiture as a travel map of identity with multiple points of view. Tackett explores Antarctica’s other-worldly landscape in a series of stunning digital photographs. Kala Art Institute 1060 Heinz Ave. 549-2977 

“The Trip to Here: Paintings and Ghosts by Marty Brooks” Through July 31, Tues. - Sun. 11 a.m. - 1 a.m. View Brooks’ first California show at Bison Brewing Company 2598 Telegraph Ave. 841-7734  

Bernard Maisner: Illuminated Manuscripts and Paintings Through Aug. 8 Maisner works in miniature as well as in large scales, combining his mastery of medieval illumination, gold leafing, and modern painting techniques. Flora Lamson Hewlett Library 2400 Ridge Rd. 849-2541 

“Musee des Hommages” Masterworks by Guy Colwell Faithful copies of several artists from the pasts, including Titian’s “The Venus of Urbino,” Cezanne’s “Still Life,” Picasso’s “Woman at a Mirror,” and Boticelli’s “Primavera” Ongoing. Call ahead for hours 2028 Ninth St. (at Addison) 841-4210 or visit www.atelier9.com 

“New Visions: Introductions 2001” July 12 - August 18, Wed. - Sat.: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Juried by Artist- Curator Rene Yanez and Robbin Henderson, Executive Director of the Berkeley Art Center, the exhibition features works from some of California’s up-and-coming artists. Reception July 12 from 6 - 8 p.m. Pro Arts 461 Ninth St., Oakland 763-9425 

“Geographies of My Heart” Collage paintings by Jennifer Colby through August 24; Flora Lamson Hewlett Library 2400 Ridge Rd. 649-2541 

Images of Portugal Paintings by Sofia Berto Villas-Boas of her native land. Open after 5 p.m. Voulez-Vous 2930 College Ave. (at Elmwood) 

“Queens of Ethiopia: Intuitive Inspirations” the exceptional art of Esete-Miriam A. Menkir. Through July 11. Women’s Cancer Resource Center Gallery 3023 Shattuck Ave. 548-9286 ext. 307 

“The Decade of Change: 1900 - 1910” chronicles the transformation of the city of Berkeley in this 10 year period. Thursday through Saturday, 1 - 4 p.m. Through September. Berkeley History Center, Veterans Memorial Building, 1931 Center St. Wheelchair accessible. 848-0181. Free.  

Cody’s 7:30 p.m. July 9: Sheila Kohler reads “Children of Pithiviers”. Kohler is also the author of “Cracks”. $2 donation; July 10: 7:30 p.m. Mandy Aftel talks about her book, “Essence and Alchemy”. $2 donation; July 12: 7:30 p.m., Carol Muske-Dukes reads “Life After Death”; July 14: 7:30 p.m., Alexander Cockburn and John Strausbaugh discuss Cockburn’s book “Five Days That Shook the World” and Strausbaugh’s “Rock ‘Til You Drop” ; July 15: 7:30 p.m., Jimmy Santiago Baca discusses “A Place to Stand”; July 16: 7:30 p.m., “Critical Resistance to the Prison-Industrial Complex” A panel discussion. Organizers and participants in the 1998 Berkeley conference Critical Resistance produced a special issue of the journal Social Justice, about the prison industrial complex.  

$2 donation. 2454 Telegraph Ave. 845-0837 

Cody’s 1730 Fourth St. July 12: 7 p.m., Debra Levi Holtz, “Of Unknown Origin”; July 13: 7 p.m., Joe Di Prisco reading “Confessions of Brother Eli”  

$2 donation. 559-9500 

La Peña Cultural Center, July 11: 7:30 July 13: 8:00 p.m., Word Descarga Series- Poets and musicians collaborate across cultures. Devorah Major, Babatunde Lea, Kash Killian, Richard Howell and more. $10. July 14: 8:30 p.m., Word Descarga Series- Mingus Amungus, Melissa Lozano, Grito Serpertino and more. $12. 2105 Shattuck Avenue 849-2568 

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory Free. University of California, Berkeley. 486-4387 

Berkeley City Club Tours 2315 Durant Ave., Berkeley. The fourth Sunday of every month, Noon - 4 p.m. $2 848-7800  

Golden Gate Live Steamers Grizzly Peak Boulevard and Lomas Cantadas Drive at the south end of Tilden Regional Park Small locomotives, meticulously scaled to size. Trains run Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Rides: Sunday, noon to 3 p.m., weather permitting. 486-0623  

Jupiter “Strictly Tango” July 10: 8 p.m. Dale Meyer heads up this ensemble as they perform original compositions and dance-style tangos. www.jupiterbeer.com or call the hotline: THE-ROCK (843-7625)

Two-sport star reportedly unhappy with new offense 

Three weeks after declaring intentions to transfer to St. Mary’s and days after his first experience playing with his new basketball teammates, DeMarcus Nelson decided earlier this week not to attend the Berkeley school. 

According to St. Mary’s assistant coach Mark Olivier, the sudden switch surprised the St. Mary’s staff. 

“To be very honest, when I heard it surprised the hell out of me,” said Olivier, who also coaches the Oakland Soldiers, Nelson’s summer team. “But you have to send the kid where he’s going to be happy.” 

It is unclear whether Nelson will head back to Vallejo High, or if he will be looking at other schools. Calls to the Nelson family home yesterday were not returned. 

Nelson, who will be a sophomore next year, was expected to bring a shot of athleticism to both the football and basketball squads at St. Mary’s. He was the Cal-Hi Sports freshman of the year in basketball last season, and was expected to slide into the vacant small forward spot for the Panthers. Nelson was also the favorite to win the starting quarterback slot in the fall. 

But St. Mary’s head basketball coach Jose Caraballo said his team will be just as good without Nelson. 

“It would have been nice to have him, but we’ll do just as well without him,” Caraballo said. “My kids have been through the wars, and they know how to play. It’s not like we can’t win without him.” 

A source close to the St. Mary’s program said Nelson felt he wasn’t going to get enough shots with the Panthers next season. He played with St. Mary’s at the Cal Basketball Team Camp last weekend for the first time, and apparently felt he was being shut out of the offense in the Friday night game against De La Salle.  

Nelson reportedly has a friendly relationship with St. Mary’s senior guards DeShawn Freeman and John Sharper, who also play for the Oakland Soldiers. But Freeman and Sharper are the keys to the Panther offensive and defensive plans, and apparently Nelson wasn’t confident he would become an equal partner. 

But after the Friday morning game, a win over Modesto Christian, Nelson said he was just fine with his role on the team. 

“I can do other things than shoot and score. I can pass, I can rebound, I can defend. So it’s not a real big adjustment for me,” Nelson said. 

Comments like that make the move hard to figure out for Caraballo. 

“It kind of contradicts everything he said before, doesn’t it?” he said. 

The Panthers won the Division IV state championship last season, and will move up to Division I next year.

While UC Berkeley planners say they must retrofit buildings for earthquake safety on the northeast quadrant of the campus, at least one local resident is questioning the need for the work and the increased traffic the remodeled buildings might bring. 

Residents will have a chance to pose their questions Monday night at a 7 p.m. public hearing at 105 North Gate Hall on the campus. 

The hearing will offer the public an opportunity to provide input to the university’s recently-completed Draft Environmental Impact Report, on the Northeast Quadrant Science and Safety Project. Public input will continue through Aug. 1, at which time planners will evaluate the public’s recommendations. They will respond to the recommendations before submitting the EIR to the University of California Board of Regents for approval.  

The main components of the NEQSS include the demolition and reconstruction of two buildings, Stanley Hall and Davis Hall North, and the addition of a new building next to Soda Hall, dubbed the “Soda Hall Expansion.”  

Other components of the plan involve the renovation and seismic retrofitting of Cory Hall, Davis Hall South and the Naval Architecture Building, as well as the placement of additional parking spaces atop the Lower Hearst Parking Structure, a space presently set aside for recreation. 

“They’re using the seismic thing as a way to produce some monster projects,” said nearby resident Jim Sharp, who holds a masters degree in city planning from UC Berkeley. 

But aside from the size, the NEQSS project involves some really “backwards planning,” Sharp said. He claims the plan fails to properly account for three things in particular:  

• The increased traffic that 544 new jobs would cause, particularly in the high-traffic area above the campus’ north gate.  

• How the project will be rolled into the university’s “New Century Plan” - a master plan for new UC building projects - which will not be released until after NEQSS is slated to move forward. 

• How the project will impact the university enrollment increases already predicted, as the babies of the baby-boomers leave home for college.  

David Duncan, one of the principal planners on the NEQSS project, said that neither the traffic nor the population increases of the project are considered significant.  

“As far as the 1990 Long Range Development Plan,” Duncan said, “we’re not increasing over what the projected increases are.” 

But Sharp believes that, even if this is true, the university is making it very difficult for someone who’s not a city planner to have any input into what’s happening.  

“The whole thing is sliding under most people’s radar,” he said. “They’ve made this project so immense, there’s no way you can analyze it unless you spend inordinate amounts of time.”  

Duncan disagrees. The standard length of time for public comment on such projects is 45 days, he said, and that’s what’s been allotted.  

“It’s not so lengthy a document that (people) wouldn’t be able to be read it thoroughly in that time period. That’s just my opinion.” 

The two-volume document is slightly more than 1 and one-half inches thick.

Camps 

City of Berkeley Summer Fun Camps 

Through August 17 

Summer Fun Camps for children feature sports, games, arts and crafts and special events. Events and trips will be planned in and out of the Berkeley area. Supervised play and activities held Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for kids 5-12 years of age. Before and after care will be available at additional cost. Fees on a sliding scale. 

Sites: Frances Albrier, Southwest Berkeley – 644-8515; James Kenney, West Berkeley – 644-8511; Live Oak Park, North Berkeley – 644-8513; Willard Club House, Southeast Berkeley – 644-8517; MLK Youth Services Center, South Berkeley – 644-6226. 

P.A.L. Adventure Camp 2 

July 9-27 

Camp for ages 11-17. Three-week camp teaches bicycle basics. Learn care and maintenance, changing flat tires, fixing the chain and cables. Daily rides designed to increase endurance for a final three-day, 122-mile ride to Coloma and a two-day rafting trip. $180, limited scholarships available. Call 845-7193 for more information. 

P.A.L. Adventure Camp 3 

August 6-24 

Camp for ages 11-17. Three week camp will provide skills for overnight and wilderness camping. First two weeks include instruction on cooking, first aid, cleanup and low impact camping. Rafting, ropes course and daily hikes. Week three is five days in a California wilderness area using newly-learned skills. $180, limited scholarships available. Call 845-7193 for more information. 

Berkeley Tennis Club Kids  

Camp 

Sessions begin July 9, July 23, August 6 

These camps are designed for the beginner to low advanced player aged 7-14. Each session is two weeks long. The first week emphasizes proper stroke and footwork techniques, conditioning and game play. The second week concentrates on competition on both an individual and team level. Students will be divided according to ability, so they progress at their own pace. Student-intructor ratio of 6/1. Clinics are 9 a.m. to noon. $250 for B.T.C. members, $300 for non-members. Call 841-9023 for information. 

Sports 

City youth Baseball 

Summer baseball program for boys and girls ages 5-15. The focus is on developing skills, sportsmanship and enjoyment rather than competitiveness. Leagues are structured to address both skill level and age group. Players are assigned to teams on a city-wide basis. Beginner teams (5-6 years) meet weekdays from noon to 2 p.m. All other teams meet from 3:30 to 7 p.m. weekdays or 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays. All players must participate. Playoffs and awards will follow the regular season in older leagues. Fees: $34 ages 5-8 ($70 non-resident), $40 ages 9-15($86 non-resident). For more information call 981-5153. 

City adult softball 

Leagues available for men, women and co-rec. Three levels of competition. Games played weekday evenings, Saturday afternoons and evenings. 10 games plus playoffs. $561 per team. Call 981-5150 for more information. 

City tennis lessons 

Three sessions throughout summer. 

Youth and adult lessons available for beginner, advanced beginner and intermediate. 10 one-hour lessons. $45 for youth ages 8-15, $65 for adults. Call 981-5150 for more information. 

Twilight basketball 

July 13-August 25 

The City of Berkeley Twilight Basketball Program is an educational sports program which offers youths ages 11-18 the opportunity to play in the competitive league and be exposed to educational workshops. Subjects include tobacco prevention, HIV/STD prevention, domestic violence prevention, academic improvement and youth violence prevention. All participants must attend a one-hour workshop before each game in order to play. Free, players recieve a jersey. Ten game season with playoffs at MLK Youth Services Center. For more information call Ginsi Bryant at 644-6226. 

City adult basketball 

Summer league 

Open, competitive league with games on Monday and Wednesday evenings at the MLK Youth Services Center. All games officicated by certified referees. Awards for top three teams. Teams already formed for summer, but some have openings. Interested players should show up and talk to coaches about playing. 

Programs 

City-Wide Playground  

Programs 

Through August 17 

Free supervised activities include arts and crafts, games, sports, special event days and local trips. Program hours are noon to 5 p.m. Proof of Berkeley residency required at registration. 

Sites: All Play Together – 981-5150; Rosa Parks – 981-5150; Malcolm X School – 644-6226. 

Summer Teen Program 

Through August 27 

Events include adventure trips, swimming, sports, games, cooking, educational workshops and special local events. Call your local center for details, registration and costs. Sliding scale. 

Sites: Frances Albrier, Southwest Berkeley – 644-8515; James Kenney, West Berkeley – 644-8511; Live Oak Park, North Berkeley – 644-8513; Willard Park Club House, Southeast Berkeley – 644-8517; MLK Youth Services Center, South Berkeley – 644-6226.

As part of the city’s effort to address the power crisis, Mayor Shirley Dean will bring a recommendation to the City Council Tuesday that could lead to a citywide community-based energy conservation plan. 

Dean’s program would rely on neighborhood groups to distribute energy-efficient fluorescent light bulbs and information on energy conservation. The city would provide incentives to the associations involved if they manage to get a specific number of households to change their lighting. 

“(We have adopted) a number of energy-saving measures, but this is the first one in terms of getting a lot of people to convert,” said Dean during a phone interview Friday. “This is a distribution plan.” 

The proposed program offers a number of advantages. It would allow the city to reach out quickly to many people; it would help the city meet its goal of reducing energy use by 20 percent. It would also help residents achieve the 20 percent credit that PG&E offers those who save energy. 

A compact fluorescent bulb, the mayor says in her recommendation, uses 75 percent less energy than incandescent bulbs and saves at least $26 in energy costs over the bulb’s lifetime. If the City Council adopts the recommendation and provides incentives, the mayor predicts that 90 percent of the households would participate in the conversion to energy-efficient lighting. 

The recommendation asks the city manager and the Energy Commission to determine incentives the city would provide to attract the neighborhood associations’ and watch groups’ participation, and it gives some suggestions as well:  

“Incentives might be another dumpster, a cash voucher to assist with costs associated with a block party; flower seeds, street trees or the like,” according to the document. 

The neighborhood groups will not be contacted until the council approves the recommendation and the incentives have been defined. Some organizations, however, already reacted to the proposal.  

While the mayor said she would fund the program from the utility user tax windfall, Ted Edlin, president of the Council of Neighborhood Associations, argues that the mayor does not say exactly how the program would be financed or its cost. 

“The problem with the item is there is no money attached to it,” he said. “It says the city will buy the bulbs at the discretion of the city manager, but it doesn’t provide any money.” 

Edlin also said there ought to be more specific provisions to help low income people save energy. 

This recommendation is not the city’s first effort to get Berkeley residents and businesses to switch to energy-efficient lighting. A partnership between the city and Philips Lighting Company led to the replacement of all the bulbs on a whole block of Telegraph Avenue last week. And at the end of June, the city announced it was working with a group of experts from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and UC Berkeley to find local solutions to the energy crisis.  

For additional information on energy-saving programs visit: 

http://www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/energy/incentives.html 

By Judith Scherr 

Daily Planet staff 

One hundred twenty or so workers will be jobless in two months if Market Services Group, Inc. Direct moves its telemarketing operations from 1950 Addison St. to southern California. 

There will be no move at all, however, if union activists have anything to say about it. 

Ari Krantz, attorney for the International Longshore & Warehouse Union, says it looks like the company’s trying to leave town to avoid negotiating a union contract. The union has asked the courts for an injunction to stop the company from moving away. Labor law prohibits companies from moving to avoid unions. 

MSGi Direct management did not return numerous calls made to its Berkeley and Venice, Calif. offices. Krantz says the company’s position is that Bay Area rents are too high. 

MSGi’s history with its workers has been one of hostility toward unionization, Krantz said. Workers contacted the ILWU early in 1999 and began efforts to unionize the company, which telefundraises for many nonprofits including the Sierra Club and the Berkeley Symphony.  

A majority of workers signed cards in March 1999 stating that they wanted the ILWU to act as their bargaining agent, but the company turned down the “card check,” which, with the employer’s OK, would have allowed workers to unionize without a formal vote. 

There was an election on June 3, 1999, which the union lost. However the union challenged the failed election, saying that the company had bribed workers with added pay and ergonomic chairs so that they would vote against the union. A judge agreed with the union and issued a “bargaining order,” requiring the company to accept unionization. 

The ILWU was then ready to negotiate a contract. But when negotiators went into a May 29 meeting to begin contract talks, “the company came in and announced it was moving its facility to L.A.,” Krantz said. 

The ILWU responded by filing an unfair labor practices complaint, alleging that the employer was “retaliating against its employees and seeking to avoid the union,” Krantz said. The union is hoping to get a temporary, then permanent, court order to prevent the company from leaving town. 

According to an ILWU statement, workers have no sick days, vacations, health insurance or retirement benefits. Wages begin at $7 an hour.

When the trustees of the College of California commissioned Frederick Law Olmsted to develop a plan for their new campus in 1864, they also asked him to design a residential neighborhood southeast of the college property, between the college and the proposed state school for the deaf and blind.  

The residential subdivision Frederick Law Olmsted designed for the College of California, was called the “Berkeley Property” and extends from College Avenue to Prospect Street and from Gayley Road to Dwight Way and includes Hillside Avenue and Hillside Court. Piedmont Avenue, with its landscaped median, is the main boulevard. At Channing Way and Piedmont Avenue a landscaped circle is created by generously rounded corners. The Berkeley Property merges with the College Homestead Tract at College Avenue. 

The “Berkeley Property” was Olmsted’s first fully developed landscape plan for a residential subdivision and he accompanied the plan with an extensive written report outlining the social and healthful benefits of his physical plan. Olmsted's ideas, formulated for this residential neighborhood were based on the English garden suburb.  

Olmsted believed that “...large domestic houses, on ample lots with garden set backs, enhanced by sidewalk boulevards and plantings that would become luxuriant and graceful to shelter the visitor from the sun (would) express the manifestations of a refined domestic life.” The neighborhood was to serve as a retreat from the congested life in the city. 

The Berkeley Property Tract, far from the center of town and transportation, did not sell quickly at first. Rev. Samuel H. Willey, then president of the College of California, purchased the first lot and built the first house near the intersection of Dwight Way and College Avenue in 1865. At the top of Bancroft Way C. T. H. Palmer bought a lot in 1866 and built the large Victorian house in 1875. It was demolished when International House was built in 1929.  

Today, the Berkeley Property Tract remains, even in somewhat diminished form, the neighborhood Olmsted envisioned.  

Susan Cerny writes Berkeley Observed in conjunction with the Berkeley Architectural Heritage Association.

LOS ANGELES — It took a decade, but the last of 250 GPS monitoring stations was installed this week, allowing scientists to record, with unprecedented precision, the minute movements of the Earth associated with earthquakes, seismologists said Friday. 

Unlike traditional networks of seismometers, which record ground shaking, the global positioning system units will track the subtle creep of the Earth’s crust as strain builds on faults – only to be released later as quakes. 

Standing on spindly legs, and painted a dull gray, the stations pepper a wide swath of Southern California and the Baja California peninsula in Mexico. 

Seismologists began building the Southern California Integrated GPS Network, or SCIGN, a decade ago; the 250th station was installed Monday. 

“We have in Southern California over half of the nation’s earthquake risk, and we are applying GPS technology in new ways to assess this risk,” said Ken Hudnut, of the U.S. Geological Survey and SCIGN’s chairman. 

Linked to an orbiting cluster of satellites, the GPS stations will provide continuous data – for 50 years or more – about otherwise imperceptible shifts in the Earth’s crust. 

The network is so precise it can record as little as .04 inches of distortion of the ground or movement along a fault.  

The movement typically occurs steadily, but slowly, without the ground-shaking associated with earthquakes. 

The buildup of strain is directly tied to earthquake potential.  

Tracking it will help scientists create hazard assessments. 

“Now with SCIGN, Southern California is ’wired’ like no place else in the U.S. Never before has a network like SCIGN been built,” said John Filson, national program coordinator of the USGS’s earthquake hazards office. 

When a significant earthquake does occur, the network will measure the release of strain and the deformation that follows, often for months afterward. 

Scientists positioned the bulk of the stations in and around Los Angeles because of its large population and significant seismic risk. 

The stations sit on private property, alongside freeways, atop dams and, in at least one case, on an oil drilling platform. 

Past measurements have shown that the Los Angeles basin is being compressed in a north-south direction, shrinking by about .03 inches a year thanks to the clash of the Pacific and North American plates. 

SCIGN is a project of the Southern California Earthquake Center.  

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, the Scripps Institution of Oceanography and USGS are the program’s main participants. 

On the Net: http://www.scign.org/

LOS ANGELES — In its strongest stance yet against standardized testing, the National Education Association on Friday voted to support legislation giving parents the ability to let their children skip the tests. 

“If you want to know how your child is doing, you don’t wait seven months to get the results of a standardized test,” said Judi Hirsch, an Oakland algebra teacher who introduced the measure. “You ask your kid’s teacher.” 

The teachers union has long warned against an overreliance on standardized tests, which are a cornerstone of President Bush’s proposed education plan and a key element of many school district programs. Bush wants the test results to determine how much federal funding schools should get. 

The measure directs the NEA’s lobbyists to fight mandatory testing requirements on a federal level. It doesn’t direct state delegations to lobby for laws allowing parents to opt out of testing, but it does promise union support to state-level lobbyists who do so. 

“The delegates have indicated that they do not want high-stakes testing,” said Mary Elizabeth Teasley, the NEA’s director of government relations. While the union doesn’t oppose testing in general, it favors using a variety of indicators to help schools decide whether children are learning. 

The NEA’s 9,000 delegates on Friday also approved a resolution encouraging state and local school officials to use several kinds of assessments when testing whether students have learned. 

Congress this year is expected to approve sweeping K-12 education legislation that includes mandatory state testing in reading and math. Every public school student in grades three through eight and one year in high school would be tested. President Bush campaigned on the theme, which has widespread support in both the House and Senate. 

Meanwhile, more school districts are mandating standardized tests as they move toward giving taxpayers a complete picture of student performance. Some tests, deemed “high-stakes,” even determine whether students graduate or are promoted. 

Across the nation, small groups of parents and students have begun boycotting the tests. 

Most recently, dozens of high schoolers at a New York City school boycotted the state Board of Regents exam in English, saying the time spent preparing for the exams could be better used for other school projects. 

Last spring, two-thirds of the eighth-graders at Scarsdale Middle School in prosperous Westchester County, N.Y., boycotted state exams. Similar boycotts have been staged in Michigan and Massachusetts. 

“I’m delighted,” said Deborah Rapaport, a Scarsdale parent who helped organize the May boycott. “It’s going to be one more thing that (school districts) have to pay attention to, that their own teachers are not happy with a testing-oriented system.” 

Hirsch said many standardized tests, which place children’s performance on a 0-100 percent scale, put an average student at 50 – a figure usually associated with a failing grade. 

“It’s just a total setup for failure,” she said in an interview. “We know poor kids, working-class kids, are going to do poorly.” U.S. Education Department spokeswoman Lindsey Kozberg said a standardized test score is an important tool for teachers and parents looking for answers about children’s performance. 

“It’s a source of information that every parent, every teacher, every school administrator and every educational policy maker in the country needs to have about student progress,” she said. “This data is what’s going to tell us what’s working and what isn’t.” 

In other action, the union approved forming a partnership with the American Federation of Teachers, once a rival union.  

AFT members will vote on the partnership July 11. 

The NEA has about 2.6 million members nationwide. AFT has more than 1 million members, most located in urban school districts. Unlike those in the NEA, AFT members belong to AFL-CIO. 

——— 

On the Net: 

National Education Association: http://www.nea.org 

American Federation of Teachers: http://www.aft.org 

Physicists have taken some of the most precise measurements so far of the behavior of matter and antimatter, and their findings could help explain why the universe is filled with something rather than nothing. 

Researchers have long known that during the Big Bang 13 billion years ago, equal amounts of matter and antimatter were created. And researchers also know that when these two forms of matter collide, they annihilate each other. 

But there is almost no antimatter in the universe today. This raises a question that has fascinated and perplexed physicists: Why is the universe still filled with matter – stars, planets and people? Why isn’t the cosmos a complete void? 

Physicists have tried to answer the question by reproducing antimatter in particle accelerators, then comparing its behavior – its rate of decay – to that of regular matter. 

In a paper submitted Friday for publication in Physical Review Letters, an international team of physicists working at Stanford University announced they have found differences in the decay rates of so-called “B” meson subatomic particles and their antimatter counterparts. 

That could help explain why matter rather than antimatter dominates the universe today. 

“B” mesons and anti-“B” mesons, which are created for a trillionth of a second by high-speed particle collisions in accelerators, are actually the second subatomic particle in which researchers detected a difference in the decay rate, known as a charged-parity violation. 

The phenomenon was first detected in 1964, while researchers were studying the kaon, or “K” meson, and its antimatter equivalent. Those researchers, based at Brookhaven National Laboratory in New York, won the Nobel Prize for their work. 

“After 37 years of searching for further examples of CP violation, physicists now know that there are at least two kinds of subatomic particles that exhibit this puzzling phenomenon,” said Stewart Smith, a Princeton University physicist and member of the international team. 

Physicists seeking CP violations measure their results on a scale from zero to plus or minus one. The work done at the Stanford accelerator is significant because the result is not zero, which would mean the rates of decay are the same. 

“This is the first result that has come out that is convincingly different from zero, which is a very important result,” said Val Fitch, who shared the Nobel in 1980 for the 1964 kaon discovery. 

The paper released Friday is not the first to show CP violation in the “B” meson particles. A team in Japan released similar results, though their measurements have not been as precise. 

Smith and more than 600 scientists and engineers from 73 research institutions around the world have done this research using BaBar, a 1,200-ton “B” meson detector at the Stanford Linear Accelerator Center. 

On the Net: 

Physical Review Letters: http://prl.aps.org/ 

Stanford Linear Accelerator Center: http://www.slac.stanford.edu 

A Walnut Creek pharmacy suspected of selling contaminated cortisone shots that caused three deaths must stop compounding medicine, an administrative law judge ordered Friday. 

Judge Ruth Astle ruled Doc’s Pharmacy can stay open and sell prescription medicine, but it can’t compound it or dispense any sterile medications. 

The state attorney general’s office had sought to close the pharmacy, according to Deputy Attorney General Lloyd Paris. The office alleged “gross negligence” by the pharmacy and its owner, Robert Horwitz.  

It said Horwitz did not supervise the technician who prepared the batch of shots and that she did not properly sterilize her hands. 

Up to 38 people received contaminated cortisone shots prepared at Doc’s Pharmacy. Of those, 13 were hospitalized following the injections. 

Five of those people contracted meningitis and three later died. 

Horwitz could not be reached for comment. 

The matter will be back in court Aug. 8.

SACRAMENTO — After months of struggling to keep the lights on and his political fortunes intact, Gov. Gray Davis’s re-election committee is launching a statewide radio advertising campaign. 

The election is more than a year away, but the 58-year-old first-term Democrat is already tapping his deep campaign treasury to launch a $150,000-a-week, statewide radio ad next week. He has also set up a campaign Web site. 

“It seems very early for a governor to be involved in a re-election campaign, but this has been a very unusual period of time for Californians,” said Mark Baldassare, a pollster for the Public Policy Institute of California. 

Republicans have attacked Davis for his handling of the power crisis and are awaiting word on whether former Los Angeles Mayor Richard Riordan – considered the most formidable GOP foe on the horizon – will run for governor. 

Riordan has said he’ll decide by September if he will take on Davis. State and national Republicans, including President Bush, have encouraged him to run. 

So far, two Republicans have gotten into the race: California Secretary of State Bill Jones and millionaire businessman William E. Simon Jr., whose father was treasury secretary in the Ford and Nixon administrations. 

Davis’ chief campaign consultant Garry South unveiled the statewide radio campaign on Friday. 

The 60-second spot features Davis calmly thanking residents for conserving energy and explaining his plan to remedy the power crunch, including the licensing of 16 new power plants since he took office. 

“We’re making progress, but we are not out of the woods yet,” Davis says in the advertisement, which is being financed by the Governor Gray Davis Committee. 

The ad will be played in all of the state’s major media markets, South said, including San Francisco, Sacramento, Palm Springs, Los Angeles, Bakersfield, Fresno and San Diego. The committee plans to run radio spots for at least two months, but may change the message, South said. 

Meanwhile, his campaign Web site features a photo of Davis next to actor Martin Sheen, who plays a liberal Democratic president on NBC’s “The West Wing.” The site also lists Davis’ accomplishments and contains links to “tips on saving energy.” 

Davis’ approval ratings plummeted amid the power crisis to their lowest level since he took office. A Field Institute poll in May found that 42 percent approved of his job performance, while 49 percent disapproved. In January, the governor’s approval rating was 60 percent. 

An attack-ad campaign against Davis began in June, credited to a group called the American Taxpayers Alliance but produced by GOP strategists and paid for by electricity generators. It criticizes Davis for failing to secure long-term, cost-saving contracts before wholesale prices soared. 

Davis’ opponents have said he acted too late in the power crunch, failing to prevent soaring electricity prices and six days of rolling blackouts since January. 

“His inattention to duty, inaction and lack of leadership has unnecessarily caused much of the economic turmoil our state faces today,” Jones said last month. 

Determined to shed the negative image that can come with self-financing campaigns, Simon’s aides announced late last month that he had raised more than $2 million in fund-raisers in New York City and Los Angeles. 

Figures were not available Friday morning for the Jones’ campaign. 

——— 

On the Net: 

Davis’ campaign Web site: http://www.gray-davis.com 

WASHINGTON — President Bush, after faulting the Kyoto climate treaty for excluding developing nations from its requirements, wants to cut U.S. aid for helping Third World countries combat global warming. 

While asking Congress for nearly $4 billion to address climate change, roughly the same as last year, Bush proposes reducing assistance to other countries by $41 million from last year’s $165 million. He calls for shifting more responsibility to private industry. 

The figures are contained in a June 29 report, a copy of which was obtained by The Associated Press, that Bush sent to House Speaker Dennis Hastert and Sen. Robert C. Byrd, D-W.Va., the Senate president pro tem. The White House had no comment Friday. 

The 52-page report provides the first public look at an inventory of Bush spending on climate change. The issue, along with Bush’s related energy policies, has become increasingly prominent with Bush’s reversal of a campaign pledge to regulate carbon dioxide pollution and his rejection of the 1997 Kyoto accord that has been broadly supported but not ratified by any U.S. allies in Europe. 

Much of Bush’s climate change budget amounts to shifting about $400 million toward areas such as burning coal more cleanly, insulating homes to use less energy and giving tax credits for electricity produced from wind and less-polluting agricultural waste. 

Europeans have been unhappy with Bush’s condemnation of the Kyoto agreement, which commits industrialized countries to reduce emissions such as carbon dioxide that are believed to trap heat in the atmosphere, warming it like a greenhouse. 

Just before heading to Europe, Bush told reporters on June 11 the U.S. should help reduce heat-trapping pollution from Third World countries. “We want to work cooperatively with these countries in their efforts to reduce greenhouse emissions and maintain economic growth,” he said. 

However, his budget would reduce money for programs intended to assist countries like Brazil, India, Indonesia, Mexico, the Philippines, Poland, Russia, South Africa and Ukraine increase their industrial development with only minimal contributions to global warming. 

In his report, Bush says several U.S.-backed projects are ready to be privatized. Those include projects creating more efficient lighting in Mexico and wind power in India, using agricultural waste as fuel for electric power and heat in Brazil and expanded coal-bed methane recovery in China. 

Critics say the report hurts Bush’s credibility. 

“The president has said he wants to be a leader on global warming and instead he’s not only undermined the Kyoto agreement but slashed the programs he’s telling the public are important to him. That’s not leadership – that’s a sham,” said Philip Clapp, president of the National Environmental Trust. 

Bush also proposes: 

• $1.1 billion in energy tax credits over 10 years for solar and renewable energy sources to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. 

• Federal environmental regulators in 2002 “will demonstrate technology for an 85-mile-per-gallon, mid-size family sedan that has low emissions and is safe, practical and affordable.” 

• Cutting NASA’s climate change research by $90 million, or almost 8 percent from last year’s $1.2 billion. 

Rep. George Miller, D-Calif., and 35 other Democrats had told White House budget director Mitch Daniels he must turn over any budget and planning documents related to the Bush administration’s policies on global warming. The documents were required to be submitted to Congress as part of the Foreign Operations Appropriations Act. 

The report notably excludes any price tags for the new initiatives Bush announced last month to study the rise in the Earth’s temperature, fund research for technology to cut heat-trapping emissions and bolster coordination among research institutions throughout the world. 

On the Net: 

EPA: http://www.epa.gov/globalwarming 

National Academies: http://www.nationalacademies.org 

United Nations: http://www.ipcc.ch 

NEW YORK — Some of the country’s top colleges and universities are changing their rules to better calculate how much financial aid students need, The New York Times reported Friday. 

Yale, Cornell, Stanford and 25 other institutions were expected to announce new guidelines Friday for need-based financial aid, the newspaper said. 

The schools adopting the new guidelines have agreed to increase aid for the neediest students, with some getting increases of more than $1,500 a year, university officials said. The schools said that some students may receive less assistance under the guidelines. 

The new principles are being adopted at a time when states and colleges are increasingly directing aid toward merit-based scholarships. 

“In all too many instances, aid is going to the squeakiest wheel, rather than the neediest students,” Charles Vest, president of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, told the Times. MIT is one of the 28 participating schools. 

The new guidelines include considering the cost of living in more expensive cities; reducing the amount families are expected to contribute to students’ tuition; learning more about the financial status of students from divorced or separated parents; and making allowances for parents not covered under retirement programs. 

The new guidelines could take more than a year to implement. 

The participating colleges all have need-blind admission policies, meaning students are admitted regardless of their ability to afford tuition, and are then given financial aid. 

Two of the country’s wealthiest universities, Harvard and Princeton, said they agree with the guidelines but did not sign up because they would have been forced to reduce the aid they give to students, the Times said.  

They already offer more financial aid than most of their competitors. 

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Former FBI agent Robert Hanssen pleaded guilty to spying for Moscow in an agreement aimed at providing a full accounting of the damage from one of America’s gravest espionage cases. 

Looking thin and wearing a green jumpsuit with “prisoner” stamped on the back, Hanssen, 57, stood before a federal judge Friday, hands clasped behind his back, and admitted to giving a host of U.S. secrets about defense plans, nuclear weapons systems and American intelligence gathering to his Soviet and Russian handlers. 

“Guilty,” Hanssen replied when U.S. District Court Judge Claude Hilton asked how he pleaded. 

Hanssen admitted to 15 criminal counts, including 13 of espionage and one of attempted espionage. Six counts against him were dropped. 

Under a plea agreement submitted to the court on June 14 and unsealed Friday, Hanssen will give a full confession of his activities in exchange for a sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole, thus averting the death penalty. 

But, to protect that commitment, he’ll have to tell all. The government has until Jan. 11, the time of Hanssen’s sentencing, to debrief him. If he breaks faith with the plea agreement, the government can back out of it. 

Hanssen provided Moscow with information about U.S. satellites, early warning systems, defense or retaliation against nuclear attack, communications intelligence and major elements of defense strategy, the government said. 

Deputy Attorney General Larry Thompson said waiving the death penalty was the only way the government could obtain Hanssen’s cooperation and assess the damage he’d done. 

Prosecutors said Hanssen, accused of trading secrets for about $1.4 million in cash and diamonds, was a traitor motivated by greed. 

“His plea of guilty today brings to a close one of the most disturbing and appalling stories of a turncoat imaginable,” said Kenneth Melson, U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “The reassuring news is that Hanssen will spend the rest of his natural life under the watchful eye of a prison guard.” 

Hanssen’s lawyer, Plato Cacheris, said his client “very much wanted to make amends” for his deeds.  

“He’s very troubled by what he’s done.” 

The lawyer also spoke of Hanssen’s cunning in not being caught for so many years. He said Hanssen kept his identity hidden even from his Russian handlers. 

“He was in control. He never met any Russians,” said Cacheris. “I think he was pretty good.” 

Under terms of the plea agreement, Hanssen’s family gets to keep their home in Vienna, Va., and the family’s three vehicles. As long as his wife, Bernadette “Bonnie” Hanssen, cooperates with authorities, she will receive a spousal annuity equivalent to 55 percent of his government pension. Based on government pension rules, the benefit could be worth at least $36,300. 

The annuity is contingent on Hanssen keeping his part of the plea bargain. His wife is eligible for the benefit under federal law because the government did not have evidence that she was criminally culpable. 

Cacheris told Hilton that Hanssen had spied on and off since 1979 – several years earlier than originally believed – and took several breaks, including one from 1992 to 1999. 

He said Hanssen had a premonition that he was going to be arrested — as he was — when he went to a Virginia park to leave a bag full of documents for his Russian handlers last Feb. 18. 

Plea papers unsealed Friday contain letters Hanssen exchanged over the years with his Russian contacts in which he discusses drop-off plans and classified FBI information. In the last one, he says he believes his spying may have been detected: “Something has aroused the sleeping tiger.” 

The 25-year FBI veteran is accused of giving Soviet and later Russian agents thousands of pages of classified documents detailing some of the nation’s most closely held secrets about weapons systems and espionage. 

Hanssen is accused of disclosing the identities of Russian agents secretly working for the United States who later were executed. 

His lawyer said Hanssen had been examined by a psychiatrist who advised against a mental defense, pleading insanity. It would have been an uphill battle to plead innocent because of all of the charges, Cacheris said. 

The plea agreement calls for Hanssen to give a full accounting of his spying activities and the activities of others. He will be given lie detector tests. 

Hanssen has already spoken to officials in two five-hour sessions. 

“We expect him to be candid with us and truthful with us and completely open about his espionage activities,” said Melson. 

Hanssen also agreed to forfeit the $1.4 million he was paid. The government is still looking for most of it. 

Cacheris said he hoped that Hanssen would be sent to a federal prison at Allenwood, Pa., because it would be convenient for his family to visit him there. 

“His family very much stands with him,” Cacheris said. 

The agreement provides that Hanssen cannot write or help write any book, article, film or documentary, including giving interviews to writers or media organizations without receiving permission from the FBI. Any profits would go to the government. 

Cacheris told the court that the plea agreement was a victory for both his client and the government. 

Melson took issue with that. 

“He is not a winner, and he will never be a winner. He disgraced himself, and he disgraced his badge,” said Melson. 

——— 

On the Net: 

FBI background: http://www.fbi.gov/pressrel/pressrel01/hanssen.htm 

SILVER SPRING, Md. — Steve Perna is wired, though not from his morning coffee. 

Every day, the car salesman clips a cellular telephone, an e-mail-capable pager and palm-sized personal digital assistant to his waist. 

He also carries a laptop and has desktop computers at home and the office. 

“When you get all those things hanging off your belt it looks like Batman’s utility belt or something,” joked Perna, who manages online sales for a Lincoln-Mercury dealership outside Washington. 

A caped-crusading superhero he is not. But Perna is among millions of people for whom the art of staying in touch and going about their daily business would seem all but impossible without wireless telephones and other electronic gizmos that started gaining popularity in the mid-1990s. 

This year, the typical family will spend $595 on communications services – to surf the Internet, use a wireless phone or page someone – up from $175 in 1995, according to the Consumer Electronics Association, an industry trade group. 

These modern inventions have created an entirely new category of monthly communications spending – a far cry from the days when people just dropped a check in the mail to pay for the phone, and maybe cable television. 

Cell phones and Internet access via a cable modem on a home computer costs Beth Dougherty, 37, a consultant from Fairfax, Va., and her husband more than $200 per month. 

What couldn’t she live without? Cable TV, for starters. “I love my 120 channels.” 

Nathaniel Ennis, 35, of Washington, a temporary mail clerk at the International Monetary Fund, uses his home computer to send out resumes and surf the Internet. Add cell phones for him and his wife and premium cable TV, and the monthly communications bill runs about $140. 

“My wife and I have been talking about getting a fax, too,” Ennis said during lunch in a park near his Washington office, a cell phone tucked into in his shirt pocket. 

Michael Powell, who guides telecommunications policy as chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, questions how much people can afford to spend on electronic gadgetry. 

Powell uses a BlackBerry e-mail-capable pager, three cell phones and a Palm Pilot. At home with his wife and their two sons, he has two computers, two phone lines and a fax machine. 

“It’s a big chunk of my budget,” Powell told The Associated Press. 

Some 118 million Americans have wireless phones — nearly four times the number in December 1995, according to the Cellular Telecommunications & Internet Association, an industry trade group. 

More than half, or 54 percent, of the 105 million U.S. households have at least one cell phone, according to Forrester Research, a technology research firm in Cambridge, Mass. 

One in 10 households has a pager; 6 percent use a Palm Pilot. 

“This is ballooning into two, three-hundred dollar communications bills,” Powell remarked. 

Such costs are certain to climb as the technology is put to new uses. 

For example, families moving into 18 houses being built in the Seattle suburb of Renton can look forward to controlling any device, appliance or system in their homes using the TV remote control, mobile phone, personal digital assistant or some other wireless device. 

Perna, 43, has his cell phone and BlackBerry pager costs covered by his employers, leaving him with a bill of about $80 a month for Internet access and a home phone line. 

His Handspring Visor palm-sized computer was a gift from his wife. 

Not everyone sees the need to load up life with technology. 

Krystal Williams, who heads to business school at Dartmouth College in the fall, said she recently canceled her cell phone because she didn’t use it enough to justify the cost. 

But she has a computer at home and wants to get a laptop for school. She also won a Palm Pilot during orientation for business school, but hasn’t powered it up yet. 

“I think my world will get increasingly high-tech when I start business school, but right now I just can’t afford some stuff,” said Williams, 27, of Chapel Hill, N.C. 

Two years with the Peace Corps in the Dominican Republican taught her that she can live without any of the gadgets. 

“People have things because we like to appear we’re important,” Williams said. 

On the Net: Consumer Electronics Association: http://www.ce.org 

Cellular Telecommunications & Internet Association: http://www.wow-com.com 

——— 

Associated Press Writer Brooke Donald contributed to this report. 

Dear Tom and Ray: 

A couple of weeks ago, I went to Albuquerque, N.M., on vacation. I stopped to fill my ’99 Honda Civic with gas at a local station. The tank holds 11.9 gallons, and, according to the pump, I took 11.7 gallons.  

But that can't be, because I was still a quarter full when I pulled into the gas station. I don't believe my gas gauge is broken, because I've run the tank much lower than that and not run out of fuel. I think the pump was rigged. My question is, how often are gas pumps checked for accuracy?  

Who checks them? And what can a consumer do if she suspects that a pump is rigged? — Nancy 

RAY: Good questions, Nancy. Each state has its own bureau of weights and measures (or something with a similar name) that's responsible for checking the accuracy of gasoline pumps and other scales and meters used to sell things to consumers. 

TOM: In New Mexico, it’s called the Standards and Consumer Services Division, and it falls under the state Department of Agriculture. Hey, what do you want from us? We don't organize state bureaucracies, we just answer car questions. 

RAY: In New Mexico, we're told that every gasoline pump is inspected within 30 days of being installed or repaired by an authorized service person. Additionally, every pump in the state is subject to a surprise inspection at least once a year.  

And if it's found to be off by a meaningful amount, it can be shut down immediately by the inspector. And if there's reason to believe that it was tampered with intentionally, civil penalties can be imposed. 

TOM: Of course, there are always sleazeballs who find ways around the laws. So the department also sends out inspectors to respond to consumer complaints about specific gas stations or pumps. And, according to Joe Gomez of the division, it puts those inspections at the top of the priority list. 

RAY: So if a pump’s readings seem fishy, in New Mexico you can call (505) 646-1616. In other states, look for a listing in the phone book for the equivalent of the state department of weights and measures. Or, if your attorney general's office has a consumer-protection division, it should be able to refer you to the right place. 

TOM: Just keep in mind, these bureaus only handle complaints about the accuracy of the pumps. Complaints about other gas-station issues, like the cleanliness of restrooms or the personal hygiene of the attendants, should go directly to my brother at his home number.  

••• 

Dear Tom and Ray: 

Why is a pickup truck called a one-and-a-half-ton pickup? — Nadeen 

TOM: Great question, Nadeen. 

RAY: A lot of people are confused by this. When a pickup truck is said to be a “one-and-a-half-ton” pickup, that means its payload capacity is 1 1/2 tons. Which means the maximum amount of weight it can carry, including passengers, is 3,000 pounds. 

TOM: By the way, you can often tell a pickup truck's payload by its name – or, more correctly, its number. Ford uses the number 150 for its 1.5-ton pickups (F150), 250 for its 2.5-ton pickups (F250) and so on. GM and Chrysler simply add a zero and use 1500, 2500 and 3500 designations. 

RAY: Of course, tonnage is such an abstract concept that we've been campaigning for a new, more easily understandable payload designation. We want the average man on the street to quickly understand how much he can put in his vehicle.  

But so far, only Mercedes has adopted our new standard. You’ll notice they have the ML320 and the ML430, which are rated for payloads of 3.2 and 4.3 mothers-in-law, respectively.  

••• 

Dear Tom and Ray, 

I have a 1993 Cadillac, and my problem is water pumps. Including the original pump, I have had four pumps on this car since buying it new -- an average of 12,000 miles per pump.  

The first three pumps were new from GM. The last pump, which was installed last week, is an aftermarket pump with a lifetime guarantee for the part only. I wrote to GM and asked why these pumps keep failing (always a failed bearing), and the only advice they gave me was to buy some water-pump lubricant at the auto-parts store. Any thoughts?— Pat 

TOM: Well, that's pretty lame advice, Pat. I guess they want you to lubricate your wallet so you'll be ready to spring for another pump in 12,000 miles. 

RAY: Clearly, something is causing these pumps to go bad, and my guess would be a belt that's too tight. If the belt that drives the water pump is too tight (or if it's the wrong belt and it's too short), it could be pulling too hard on the water-pump shaft. That would put extra stress on the shaft's bearing and cause it to fail too soon. And that's exactly what's happening. 

TOM: So before this new pump gets ruined, I'd go to your Cadillac dealer and ask the mechanic to do several things. First, I'd ask him to check and see if there's a technical service bulletin (TSB) about this problem.  

My guess is that you're not the only one it's affecting, and perhaps the dealer has a bulletin by now on how to fix it. 

RAY: If nothing turns up, I'd ask him to change the serpentine belt (assuming that it hasn't been changed recently) and have him check the automatic belt tensioner. A faulty tensioner could be pulling the belt too tight. And if it's the fault of the tensioner, you'll lose another water pump, even with a new belt. Good luck, Pat.  

••• 

Got a question about cars? Write to Click and Clack through e-mail them by visiting the Car Talk section of cars.com on the World Wide Web.

Wall Street’s buyers have vanished, perhaps to seek out such summertime comforts as the swimming pool and a good book. Why shouldn’t they? After all, the season promises to be chilly for the stock market. 

Investors simply see no reason to buy, knowing that starting this month hundreds of companies in a cross-section of industries will release dismal second-quarter earnings. Since May, more than 720 firms have warned that results will miss expectations, outnumbering those of last year’s second quarter 3 to 1, according to Thomson Financial/First Call. 

So what about Wall Street’s usual summer rally? Unlikely. 

“There is no catalyst,” said Alan Ackerman, executive vice president of Fahnestock & Co. 

While the past week was shortened by the Independence Day holiday, it yielded enough big earnings warnings — the biggest of which came Thursday from Federated Department Stores, Advanced Micro Devices and EMC – to really rattle the market. The warnings ignited a selloff Friday when the Dow Jones industrial average sank 227 points, and suffered its seventh straight weekly decline. 

Friday’s selling could have been the typical kind that follows a string of warnings, said Chuck Hill, director of research for Thomson Financial/First Call. 

“The Street tends to overreact on the negative side during the (earnings) warning season and to overreact on the positive side during the actual announcement season,” Hill said. 

Along that line, this doesn’t mean Wall Street won’t see any advances between now and autumn. The market stands to have some relief rallies when companies announce earnings in line or slightly better than lowered expectations. And it might climb once the anxiety over earnings season has passed. 

But it’s not likely the gains will lead to upward momentum that can be sustained over an extended period, analysts said. 

It seems that this past week’s warnings, among the last for the second quarter, cemented growing doubts on Wall Street that business will indeed improve in the second half. 

“Those were blockbuster announcements. And, they were a bit surprising in that so late in the game there is such a big shortfall,” Hill said. “You have to have some sense that the bottom is in sight. I don’t think that hasn’t happened yet.” 

As buyers take a break from the stock market, perhaps they should put the market into perspective, said Jon Brorson, director of equities at Northern Trust in Chicago. Stocks will head higher and the economy will grow again, he said, but not at the stampede-style pace that defined the late 1990s. 

“We have to reset our image of a bull market – not of a virile, robust bull, but a skinny, scrawny bull,” Brorson said. 

Like many analysts, Brorson believes business will improve in the second half, and that the broader market, reflected in the Standard & Poor’s 500 index, will end 2001 up 10 percent to 12 percent. 

By the fourth quarter, analysts believe that businesses will have begun to benefit from the six interest rate cuts that the Federal Reserve has made this year. By then companies and consumers are expected to borrow more money and increase their spending. 

And by the last months of 2001, companies – from retailers like Federated to chip makers like Advanced Micro Devices – will have had time to whittle down excess inventory. 

But remember, Brorson cautioned, “It’s going to be a slow, grinding market, rather than off to the races.” 

For the week, the Dow lost 249.72 points, or 2.4 percent, after dropping 227.18 to 10,252.68 on Friday. 

The Nasdaq composite index fell 156.38, or 7.2 percent, for the week, following a 75.95-point decline to 2,004.16 Friday. 

The S&P 500 index lost 33.83 for the week, falling 2.8 percent. It dipped 28.65 Friday to 1,190.59. 

The Russell 2000 index, which measures the performance of smaller company stocks, fell 29.38 for the week, a 5.7 percent decline. It lost 9.47 on Friday to close at 483.26. 

The Wilshire Associates Equity Index, the market value of NYSE, American and Nasdaq issues was $11.06 trillion Friday, down $347.56 billion from last week. A year ago, the index was $13.85 trillion.

LOS ANGELES — The Walt Disney Co.’s ambitious attempt to open a chain of virtual theme parks has come to an end with the announcement that DisneyQuest in Chicago will close at the end of the summer. 

Disney Regional Entertainment said the five-story indoor interactive theme park that featured 3D computer-animated versions of popular Disney attractions, such as “Pirates of the Caribbean” and “Space Mountain,” simply didn’t make enough money. 

“Although the concept has been a great creative success and exceptionally well-received by our guests, we have concluded that the expected returns on the investment required to achieve DisneyQuest’s cutting edge technology standard in a stand-alone environment will not meet the company’s financial requirements for this type of business,” said Randall Baumberger, senior vice president of Disney Regional Entertainment. 

The park’s 270 employees – about 70 percent of them are part-time – will lose their jobs, although Disney said an effort will be made to transfer the workers to its nearby ESPN Zone restaurant or one of 14 Disney Stores in greater Chicago. 

The facility will close Sept. 4. Full refunds will be issued to people holding annual passes or prepaid tickets. 

DisneyQuest was launched in 1998 at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando and trumpeted as a means to bring the thrill of Disney’s theme parks to people who lived too far away from Anaheim, Orlando, Tokyo or Paris. The company hoped to open 15 to 20 of the indoor “virtual theme parks” at a cost of about $30 million each. 

The centers featured sophisticated virtual reality rides, including “CyberSpace Mountain,” where two people could design their own roller coaster, then “ride” it while sitting in a capsule that rolled and pitched 360 degrees. 

The second DisneyQuest opened in Chicago in 1999. A third was scheduled to anchor a major development in downtown Philadelphia, a few blocks from the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. The $90 million high-tech entertainment center — with a 20-screen movie complex, shops and restaurants in addition to the five-story indoor theme park — had been set to open this summer, but was scrapped by the city because of problems with the developer. 

Disney said in June 2000 it would halt further development of its DisneyQuest parks while it reevaluated the business model behind the concept. That announcement came just a few months after the company held its annual shareholder’s meeting in Chicago, in part to highlight the opening of the second DisneyQuest location. 

The flagship DisneyQuest in Orlando will remain open. 

——— 

On the Net: 

http://disney.go.com/disneyquest/index.html 

PARIS — A locked iron gate and double metal doors now block the entrance to a cave in western France that archaeologists say contains the most important prehistoric engravings ever discovered in Europe. 

Just past the newly erected barricade to Cussac cave is a winding succession of galleries decorated with engravings of women, beasts – including bison, mammoth and Paleolithic horses – and erotic imagery dating back as early as 28,000 B.C. 

But the public is unlikely ever to glimpse the prehistoric art because of the high levels of carbon dioxide that fill the cave’s passageways, said Norbert Aujoulat, director of the Culture Ministry’s department for prehistoric cave art and the chief archaeologist for the Cussac excavation. 

Authorities are considering creating a replica of Cussac cave for tourists as they did with the famed Lascaux cave, which holds the world’s oldest cave paintings that date back about 18,000 years. Both caves are located in France’s Dordogne valley. 

The cave was discovered by amateur explorer Marc Delluc in September, but the find was not announced until this week. 

“It is as important for engraving as Lascaux is for painting,” said Dany Baraud, chief archaeologist at the Regional Direction of Cultural Affairs of Aquitaine in western France. 

Cussac is notable for what experts say is the remarkably well-preserved condition and vivid imagery of its art. Experts suspect that after months of exploration they’ve seen only the beginning of the cave’s treasures. 

“There is no other cave with engravings that compare to Cussac – in France or the rest of Europe,” Aujoulat said. 

Cussac’s narrow passageways open into large galleries at intervals of about 165 feet, experts said. 

Most impressive is a gallery 825 feet from the entrance that shows about 50 well-defined figures of animals and voluptuous female figures. 

Among the artwork is a picture of a bison that measures 13 feet long, thought to be the largest prehistoric engraving ever found, Aujoulat said. 

Archaeologists have also found seven graves containing human skeletons but have not yet determined whether they date to the same period as the art. Test results are expected by next month. 

So far, experts have only been able to advance just over a half mile into the cave, partly because the carbon dioxide has forced them to limit their time inside to four hours at a time. 

The cave’s delicate limestone walls and soft clay floor could be damaged by hasty exploration. 

“We’ve only had a partial viewing. The big question is, ‘What haven’t we seen?”’ Aujoulat said. “We expect to be pleasantly surprised.”

OKINAWA CITY, Japan — Ending a stalemate that threatened to cast a shadow over a key security alliance, the United States surrendered an American serviceman accused of rape to Japanese authorities Friday, allowing police formally to arrest him. 

Prolonged deliberations by U.S. officials on whether to hand over Timothy Woodland to Japanese police had caused friction between Tokyo and Washington and enraged people on Okinawa, where American soldiers have committed a series of sex crimes in recent years. 

“We have every reason to believe that completely fair and humane treatment will be accorded this serviceman,” the State Department’s No. 2 official, Richard Armitage, said in Washington. 

Armitage said he expects Japanese who oppose the American military presence in Okinawa to try to take advantage of the case to promote a U.S. withdrawal, but believes the sergeant was turned over to Japanese authorities soon enough to prevent the situation from getting out of control. 

Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi welcomed Friday’s handover, but urged Washington to take ensure that troops behave. 

“I’d like more efforts taken by the United States in overseeing U.S. servicemen so they are more disciplined,” Koizumi told reporters. 

Woodland, a 24-year-old staff sergeant, was arrested on suspicion of forcing an Okinawan woman up against a car and raping her June 29 in a parking lot outside a row of bars. The arrest came four days after police obtained a warrant. 

On Friday, Okinawan police assumed custody of Woodland at Kadena Air Base, where he has been stationed, hours after U.S. Ambassador Howard H. Baker announced that Washington had given the go-ahead. 

“In our discussion with the Japanese government, we have satisfied ourselves that our U.S. service member will receive fair and humane treatment,” Baker said in Tokyo after talks with Foreign Minister Makiko Tanaka. 

The U.S. government had been reluctant to hand Woodland over because of concerns about his legal defense under Japan’s judicial system, which convicts more than 95 percent of suspects whose cases go to trial. 

Okinawan police tried to allay fears that Woodland, who has denied the allegations, may be treated unfairly. 

“We will pay maximum attention to his rights as well as to the victim’s privacy,” Chief Detective Isamu Inamine said after Woodland’s arrest. 

As is customary in Japan, no defense attorney had been present during the pre-arrest questioning of Woodland. An interpreter has been provided at Woodland’s interrogation sessions. 

Although the diplomatic obstacle over the suspect’s transfer has been cleared, rancor in Okinawa over the alleged rape is not likely to subside any time soon. 

People on this small island have long bridled at holding more than half of the 50,000 U.S. troops posted in Japan.  

And they are outraged over repeated sexual attacks involving U.S. soldiers, despite promises from Washington to ratchet up discipline. There were huge demonstrations on this southern tropical island in 1995 following the rape of a 12-year-old schoolgirl by three U.S. servicemen. 

This week, the Okinawa prefectural assembly adopted a resolution condemning the alleged attack on June 29, and residents have staged several noisy protests. 

The Japanese side had appeared to be losing patience with American demands that they change their legal procedures to ensure that Woodland’s rights are respected. 

“Crimes committed in Japan should be tried according to Japanese law,” said Defense Agency chief Gen Nakatani. “Privileges should not be applied in this case just because the suspect is a U.S. serviceman.” 

Other senior government officials expressed relief that the transfer put the U.S. and Japan on track to lay aside differences that threatened to hinder their strategic relationship. 

“We both might have lacked understanding about each other, but we eventually reached an amicable solution, and that’s good,” said Chief Cabinet Secretary Yasuo Fukuda. 

Woodland has become only the second American serviceman turned over to Japanese authorities before the filing of actual charges, and the first on Okinawa. He had been held in U.S. military custody following the alleged attack, but underwent questioning at a Japanese police station. 

Although Woodland was formally arrested Friday, prosecutors have not yet charged him. He will likely be tried in a Japanese court, and face several years in a Japanese prison if convicted. 

The case has renewed criticism of the special legal status granted to the 26,000 troops stationed here. Under an agreement governing the U.S. military presence in Japan, local officials generally need U.S. approval to take custody of military suspects. 

Okinawa Gov. Keiichi Inamine said the agreement governing U.S. military affairs in Japan should be revised to speed the handover of suspects. 

“The slow progress has fueled anger and frustration among people in Okinawa,” the governor said. 

An African American firefighter filed a lawsuit against the city of Berkeley and the California Occupational Health and Safety Administration (CALOSHA) for racial and disability discrimination on Tuesday, claiming that the two entities had prevented him from fighting fires due to safety rules that discriminate against black workers. 

In November 1998, CALOSHA adopted regulations that forbid employees with any facial hair from wearing the tight-fitting respirators firefighters are required to use at a fire scene. Harry Vernon, a 47-year old Berkeley firefighter, says these rules discriminate against the many African Americans who, like him, suffer from a medical condition called pseudofolliculitis barbae that gives them facial skin infections if they shave. 

In a statement made public on Monday, the plaintiff’s attorneys accused CALOSHA of being discriminatory by preventing any person with facial hair “from even taking the mask seal test.” They also blamed Berkeley for complying with state regulations that cause racial discrimination against African Americans and people suffering from the facial skin condition. 

“The law requires an employer to step up and stop discrimination that occurs in a workplace,” said attorney Lawrence D. Murray, during a phone conversation Thursday. “(Berkeley) has admitted that this law is discriminatory against blacks and has refused to sue CALOSHA to stop it.” 

The city attorney’s office immediately reacted to the suit, filing a statement specifying that the city administration is required by law to follow CALOSHA’s regulations. “Although the city of Berkeley is sympathetic to and has advocated to CALOSHA the cause espoused by Berkeley’s firefighters...the city of Berkeley has no choice but to follow the state law,” the statement read. 

Vernon, who has been working for Berkeley’s fire department for 24 years, said he was removed from his position as an active firefighter and placed in a 40-hour a week administrative job in October 1999, after he protested against the city’s implementation of the new respiratory protection policy. 

“Because I had visible facial hair I was said to have failed the test without even participating in the procedure,” said Vernon, who wears his beard cropped short. “It was a known fact that I had passed the same procedures in the past, and I have since passed that same test to prove to CALOSHA that I could pass it with a beard.” 

In addition to losing his original job Vernon said he has been subjected to a hostile work environment. The hostility was expressed through letters threatening to force him out of the fire department.  

Furthermore, “They have not paid me according to the pay scale for the work that I was doing,” he said. “I have been cast as a trouble maker.”  

The stress Vernon was put under, he said, led him to spend some time in a hospital and to stop working for 11 months.  

To CALOSHA, however, this legal action has little to do with discrimination. 

“We don’t see this as a discrimination issue, this is purely a safety and health issue.” said Dean Fryer, the institution’s spokesperson, adding that the state shouldn’t be charged for implementing regulations coming form above. “The lawsuit is filed against California, but California is following regulations that are federal,” he said. 

Fryer also said that CALOSHA could not accept Berkeley’s request for an exception to the rule, or a “permanent variance,” because the city had not proved it has found an alternative method that would guarantee the firefighter’s safety. CALOSHA, he added, is now waiting for the results of some testing the city is doing in conjunction with the University of California as part of an application for an experimental variance that would allow employees with a stubble to safely use a mask. 

According to Carroll Wills, communications director of the California Professional Firefighters, Vernon is the only firefighter in the state to have initiated legal action of this kind.  

However, similar cases have been reported in other states. Last May for instance, six firefighters from Washington, D.C. filed a federal lawsuit against the fire department. Their purpose is to obtain a court order that would allow them to keep the beard and long hair they wear for religious reasons despite safety policies. 

And in California, Vernon says he is not alone. “There are others that are suffering,” said Vernon. “But they are suffering in silence.” 

Friday, July 6

Disability Awareness and Outreach Committee 

1 - 3 p.m. 

Martin Luther King, Jr. Civic Center Building 

2180 Milvia Street 

Maple Room (Third Floor north) 

Agenda includes guidelines for accessibility of special events 

Therapy for Trans Partners  

6 - 7:30 p.m.  

Pacific Center for Human Growth  

2712 Telegraph Ave. (at Derby)  

A group open to partners of those in transition or considering transition. The group is structured to be a safe place to receive support from peers and explore a variety of issues, including sexual orientation, coming out, feelings of isolation, among other topics. Intake process required. Meeting Fridays through August 17.  

$8 - $35 sliding scale per session  

Call 548-8283 x534 or x522 

James Joyce Conference 

9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. 

Clark Kerr Campus 

2601 Warring Street 

Part of a week-long conference entitled “Extreme Joyce/Readings On the Edge.” Today includes panels on Ulysses, Ireland and the Politics of Culture, Joycean Border-Crossings, and Joyce and Frank Zappa. $15 - $25.  

642-2754 

James Joyce Conference  

Closing Banquet 

6 - 11 p.m. 

UC Faculty Club 

UC Berkeley Campus 

Joycean entertainment and dancing. Reservations required, call 415-392-1137. 

Homage to Chiapas 

7 p.m. 

Ecology Center 

2530 San Pablo Avenue 

Bill Weinberg, author of “Homage to Chiapas.” 548-2220 

Saturday, July 7

Free Sailboat Rides  

1 - 4 p.m. 

Cal Sailing Club 

Berkeley Marina 

The Cal Sailing Club, a non-profit sailing and windsurfing cooperative, give free rides on a first come, first served bases on the first full weekend of each month. Wear warm clothes and bring a change of clothes in case you get wet. Children must be at least five years old and must be accompanies by an adult.  

Visit www.cal-sailing.org  

Berkeley Farmers’ Market 

10 a.m. - 3 p.m. 

Center Street between Martin Luther King Jr. Way and Milvia Street 548-3333 

Sunday, July 8

Free Sailboat Rides  

1 - 4 p.m. 

Cal Sailing Club 

Berkeley Marina 

The Cal Sailing Club, a non-profit sailing and windsurfing cooperative, give free rides on a first come, first served bases on the first full weekend of each month. Wear warm clothes and bring a change of clothes in case you get wet. Children must be at least five years old and must be accompanies by an adult.  

Visit www.cal-sailing.org  

Tibetan Nyingma Institute  

Open House 

3 - 5 p.m. 

Tibetan Nyingma Institute 

1815 Highland Place 

Free introduction to Tibetan Buddhist culture, including: Prayer wheel and meditation garden tour, Tibetan yoga demonstration, information on Tibetan art project, class and program counseling and a talk on “Relaxation and Meditation.” Followed at 6 p.m. by “Mind and Mental Events.” Free.  

Buddhist Psychology 

6 p.m. 

Tibetan Nyingma Institute 

1815 Highland Place 

Sylvia Gretchen on “Mind and Mental Events.” Free. 

843-6812 

West Berkeley Market 

11 a.m. - 5 p.m. 

University Ave., between 3rd and 4th  

Opening day for the new, family-oriented West Berkeley Market. 

Crafts, music, produce, and specialty foods. 654-6346 

Monday, July 9

Draft Environmental  

Impact Report for UC Berkeley Northeast Quadrant project 

7 - 8:30 p.m. 

105 North Gate Hall 

UC Berkeley 

Public hearing on the Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Northeast Quadrant Science and Safety Projects, which will replace old, seismically poor research facilities with modern, safe structures. 642-7720 

Tuesday, July 10

Berkeley Camera Club  

7:30 p.m. 

Northbrae Community Church  

941 The Alameda  

Share your slides and learn what other photographers are doing. Monthly field trips. 

Call Don, 525-3565 

Writing and Resistance  

In A Culture of Amnesia 

6 - 7:45 p.m. 

La Peña Cultural Center 

3105 Shattuck Avenue 

Classroom #2 

Part of a workshop series on concepts and strategies for resistance through the spoken and written word, taught by Joyce E. Young. $12. 

849-2568 www.lapena.org 

Wednesday, July 11

What’s Cooking? 

Noon - 2 p.m. 

Lawrence Hall of Science 

UC Berkeley 

Part of the Lawrence Hall of Science Wednesday FUN-days. Fun experiments you can do in your own kitchen. Museum admission $3 - $7. 642-5132 

“Global Banquet”  

7:30 p.m. 

La Peña Cultural Center 

3105 Shattuck Avenue 

Part of the Anti-Globalization series. Tonight a presentation of “Global Banquet,” a look at farmers both local and in developing countries trying to survive in the global economy. Discussion led by Anuradha Mittal. Small donation requested. 

849-2568 www.lapena.org 

Thursday, July 12

Summer Noon Concerts 2001 

Noon - 1 p.m. 

Downtown Berkeley BART Plaza 

Shattuck at Center St. 

Weekly concert series. This week East Bay Science and Arts Middle School evoke the sounds of Trinidadian Carnival with a steel drum performance. 

Hiking the Tahoe Rim Trail 

7 p.m. 

Recreational Equipment, Inc. 

1338 San Pablo Ave. 

Slide Presentation. 

Twenty years in the making, the 150-mile Tahoe Rim Trail is now complete. Tahoe Rim Trail Association board member Trena Bristol joins TRT through-hikers Steve Andersen and Art Presser for a slide presentation on great day hikes and backpacking trips on the TRT. Free. 527-4140 

Quit Smoking Class 

6 - 8 p.m. 

South Berkeley Senior Center 

2939 Ellis Street 

A six week quit smoking class. 

Free to Berkeley residents and employees. 

Call 644-6422 or e-mail at: quitnow@ci.berkeley.ca.us 

Remediation of Under  

Prescribing Pain Medication 

5:30 - 7:30 p.m. 

North Berkeley Senior Center 

1902 Hearst Avenue 

A public hearing on AB 487, Remediation of Under Prescribing Pain Medication, with Assemblywoman Dion Aroner, medical experts, and patients. 

540-3660 

art.SITES SPAIN 

7:30 p.m. 

Easy Going Travel Shop and Bookstore 

1385 Shattuck Avenue 

Sidra Stitch, author of “art.SITES SPAIN: Contemporary Art and Architecture Handbook,” will present a slide show and talk on the most recent trends in art and architecture in Spain. Free. 

843-3533 

Friday, July 13

Therapy for Trans Partners  

6 - 7:30 p.m.  

Pacific Center for Human Growth  

2712 Telegraph Ave. (at Derby)  

A group open to partners of those in transition or considering transition. The group is structured to be a safe place to receive support from peers and explore a variety of issues, including sexual orientation, coming out, feelings of isolation, among other topics. Intake process required. Meeting Fridays through August 17.  

$8 - $35 sliding scale per session  

Call 548-8283 x534 or x522 

Strong Women; The Arts,  

Herstory and Literature 

1:15 - 3:15 p.m. 

North Berkeley Senior Center  

1901 Hearst Ave. Taught by Dr. Helen Rippier Wheeler, author of “Women and Aging: A Guide to Literature,” this is a free weekly cultural studies course in the Berkeley Adult School’s Older Adults Program. Free.  

Call 549-2970 

— compiled by Sabrina Forkish and Guy Poole 

Habitot Children’s Museum “Back to the Farm” An interactive exhibit gives children the chance to wiggle through tunnels, look into a mirrored fish pond, don farm animal costumes, ride on a John Deere tractor and more. “Recycling Center” Lets the kids crank the conveyor belt to sort cans, plastic bottles and newspaper bundles into dumpster bins. $4 adults; $6 children age 7 and under; $3 for each additional child age 7 and under. Monday and Wednesday, 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Tuesday and Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed Sundays, Memorial Day through Labor Day) Kittredge Street and Shattuck Avenue 647-1111 or www.habitot.org  

UC Berkeley Museum of Paleontology Lobby, Valley Life Sciences Building, UC Berkeley “Tyrannosaurus Rex,” ongoing. A 20 by 40-foot replica of the fearsome dinosaur made from casts of bones of the most complete T. Rex skeleton yet excavated. When unearthed in Montana, the bones were all lying in place with only a small piece of the tailbone missing. “Pteranodon” A suspended skeleton of a flying reptile with a wingspan of 22-23 feet. The Pteranodon lived at the same time as the dinosaurs. Free. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. 642-1821 

UC Berkeley Phoebe Hearst Museum of Anthropology “Approaching a Century of Anthropology: The Phoebe Hearst Museum,” open-ended. This new permanent installation will introduce visitors to major topics in the museum’s history. “Ishi and the Invention of Yahi Culture,” ongoing. This exhibit documents the culture of the Yahi Indians of California as described and demonstrated from 1911 to 1916 by Ishi, the last surviving member of the tribe. $2 general; $1 seniors; $.50 children age 17 and under; free on Thursdays. Wednesday, Friday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Thursday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Kroeber Hall, Bancroft Way and College Ave. 643-7648  

Lawrence Hall of Science “Science in Toyland,” through Sept. 9. Exhibit uses toys to demonstrate scientific principles and to help develop children's thinking processes. “Space Weather,” through Sept. 2. Learn about solar cycles, space weather, the cause of the Aurorae and recent discoveries made by leading astronomers. This interactive exhibit lets visitors access near real-time data from the Sun and space, view interactive videos and find out about a variety of solar activities. “Within the Human Brain,” ongoing. Visitors test their cranial nerves, play skeeball, master mazes, match musical tones and construct stories inside a simulated “rat cage” of learning experiments. “Saturday Night Stargazing,” First and third Saturdays each month. 8 - 10 p.m., LHS plaza. Space Weather Exhibit now - Sept. 2; now - Sept. 9 Science in Toyland; Saturdays 12:30 - 3:30 p.m. $7 for adults; $5 for children 5-18; $3 for children 3-4. 642-5132 

Holt Planetarium Programs are recommended for age 8 and up; children under age 6 will not be admitted. $2 in addition to regular museum admission. “Constellations Tonight” Ongoing. Using a simple star map, learn to identify the most prominent constellations for the season in the planetarium sky. Daily, 3:30 p.m. $7 general; $5 seniors, students, disabled, and youths age 7 to 18; $3 children age 3 to 5 ; free children age 2 and younger. Daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Centennial Drive, UC Berkeley 642-5132 or www.lhs.berkeley.edu  

Berkeley Opera “Carmen” by Georges Bizet, Jonathan Khuner conducting, July 13 through July 22. Final production of the season. Russell Blackwood directs the opera which is sung in a new English adaptation by David Scott Marley. Special Family Matinee: “How an Opera is Put Together,” July 8, 2 p.m. $10 general; $5 children under 14. $30 general; $25 seniors; $15 youths and handicapped; $10 student rush. Friday, 8 p.m.; Sunday, 7 p.m.; July 14, 2 p.m.; July 22, 7 p.m. Julian Morgan Theater, 2640 College Ave., Berkeley. (925) 798-1300, (510) 841-1903 or www.berkeleyopera.com 

Jupiter “Post Junk Trio” July 7: 8 p.m. “Beatdown with DJs Delon, Yamu, & ADD1” July 12, 19, 26: 8 p.m. Chilled-out downtempo beats and cutting-edge visual displays. “Ben Krames & Candlelight Dub” July 6: 8 p.m., “Salvation Air Force” July 11: 8 p.m., Sizzling “hard-acid-free-groove jazz” Enjoy beers and beats under the stars. www.jupiterbeer.com; or call the hotline: THE-ROCK (843-7625) 

Freight & Salvage July 7:Ferron $18.50; July 8: Ambuya Beauler Dyoko, Zimbabwean thumb piano (mbira) music $16.50; July 12: Kevin Welch, Kieran Kane, Renegade Country $16.50; July 13: Jeremy Cohen's Violinjazz Vintage string swing $16.50; July 14: Tim O'Brien and Darrell Scott, American roots music $18.50; July 15: Carol McComb, Sterling originals $17.50 Music at 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted. 1111 Addison St. 548-1761 or 762-BASS or www.thefreight.org 

Ashkenaz July 7: 9:30 p.m., Kotoja, Dance lesson with Comfort at 9 p.m. Afro-beat. $11; July 10: 9 p.m., Anoush, The Kolevs, Balkan music with an 8 p.m. dance lesson by Steve Kotansky. $10; July 11: 9 p.m., Mz. Daa and Blues Alley, West Coast swing and blues with an 8 p.m. dance lesson by Nick and Shanna. $8; July 12: 9 p.m., Boubacar Traore, Delta blues, Mali-style with this string master. $12; July 13: 9:30 p.m., Tamazgha, Middle Eastern. $10; July 14: 9:30 p.m., Paul Pena, Zulu Exiles, Tuvan throat singing and township jive. $12.1317 San Pablo Ave 525-5099 www.ashkenaz.com 

924 Gilman St. July 13: Special Duties, Oppressed Logic, Violent Society, Zero Bullsh*t, Born Dead; July 14: Lonely Kings, Onetime Angels, Stay Gold, Thought Riot, Youth Gone Wild; July 15, 5 p.m.: Bobbyteens, Los Rabbis, Finky Binks, Off Balance, $5. Music at 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted. 924 Gilman St. 525-9926. 

Rose Street House of Music July 13: 8 p.m. “Doria Roberts & Making Waves” Featuring special guest slam poet Aya de Leon. $8-20 donation. No one turned away for lack of funds. 

Live Oaks Concerts Berkeley Art Center, July 15: David Cheng, Marvin Sanders, Ari Hsu; July 27: Monica Norcia, Amy Likar, Jim Meredith. All shows at 7:30 unless otherwise noted Admission $10 (BACA members $8, students and seniors $9, children under 12 free) 

The Starry Plough Pub July 7: Faun Fables, Majesty's Monkey $6; July 12: The Clumsy Lovers, Mad Hannan, $6; July 13: Drums and Tuba, Mega Mousse, $7; July 14: Jerry Joseph and The Jackmormons, The John Shipe Band $7 Sunday and Wednesday, 8 p.m.; Thursday, 9:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 9:45 p.m. unless otherwise noted. 3101 Shattuck Ave. 841-2082. 

“Romeo and Juliet” Through July 14, Thurs. - Sat. 8 p.m. Set in early 1930s just before the rise of Hitler in the Kit Kat Klub, Juliet is torn between ties to the Nazi party and Romeo’s Jewish heritage. $8 - $10. La Val’s Subterranean Theater 1834 Euclid 234-6046 

“A Life In the Theatre” Runs through July 15. Wed. - Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. David Mamet play about the lives of two actors, considered a metaphor for life itself. $30-$35. $26 preview nights. Berkeley City Club 2315 Durant 843-4822 

“The Laramie Project” Through July 22: Weds. 7 p.m., Tues. and Thur. -Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. (After July 8 no Wednesday performance, no Sunday matinee on July 22.) Written by Moises Kaufmen and members of Tectonic Theater Project, directed by Moises Kaufman. Moises Kaufman and Tectonic members traveled to Laramie, Wyo., after the murder of openly gay student Matthew Shepherd. The play is about the community and the impact Shepherd’s death had on its members. $10 - $50. The Roda Theatre, Berkeley Repertory Theatre 2015 Addison St. 647-2949 www.berkeleyrep.org 

“Iphegenia in Aulis” Through August 12: Sat. and Sun. 5 p.m. No performances July 14 and 15, special dawn performance on August 12 at 7 a.m. A free park performance by the Shotgun Players of Euripides’ play about choices and priorities. With a masked chorus, singing, dancing, and live music. Feel free to bring food and something soft to sit on. John Hinkel Park, Southhampton Place at Arlington Avenue (different locations July 7 and 8). 655-0813 

Films 

Pacific Film Archive, Family Classics Film Festival July 8 through Aug. 26.  

July 8: “The Seventh Voyage of Sinbad”; July 15: “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory”; July 29: “A Boy Named Charlie Brown”; $4. Sundays, 3 p.m. New PFA Theatre, 2575 Bancroft Way 642-1412 

Exhibits 

“Watershed 2001” Through July 14, Wednesday - Sunday Noon - 5 p.m. Exhibition of painting, drawing, sculpture and installation that explore images and issues about our watershed. Berkeley Art Center 1275 Walnut St. 644-6893 

Rachel Davis and Benicia Gantner Works on Paper Through July 14, Tues. - Sat., 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Watercolors by Davis, mixed-media by Gantner. Opening reception June 13, 6 - 8 p.m. Traywick Gallery 1316 Tenth St. 527-1214 www.traywick.com 

Constitutional Shift Through July 13, Tuesdays - Fridays, noon - 5 p.m. Permanence and personal journey link Hee Jae Suh, Ursula Neubauer and Marci Tackett. Korean-born Suh explores an inner psychological world with a dramatic series of self-portraits. Neubauer explores self-portraiture as a travel map of identity with multiple points of view. Tackett explores Antarctica’s other-worldly landscape in a series of stunning digital photographs. Kala Art Institute 1060 Heinz Ave. 549-2977 

“The Trip to Here: Paintings and Ghosts by Marty Brooks” Through July 31, Tues. - Sun. 11 a.m. - 1 a.m. View Brooks’ first California show at Bison Brewing Company 2598 Telegraph Ave. 841-7734  

Bernard Maisner: Illuminated Manuscripts and Paintings. Through Aug. 8 Maisner works in miniature as well as in large scales, combining his mastery of medieval illumination, gold leafing, and modern painting techniques. Flora Lamson Hewlett Library 2400 Ridge Rd. 849-2541 

“Musee des Hommages,” Masterworks by Guy Colwell Faithful copies of several artists from the pasts, including Titian’s “The Venus of Urbino,” Cezanne’s “Still Life,” Picasso’s “Woman at a Mirror,” and Boticelli’s “Primavera” Ongoing. Call ahead for hours 2028 Ninth St. (at Addison) 841-4210 or visit www.atelier9.com 

“New Visions: Introductions 2001” July 12 - August 18, Wed. - Sat.: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Juried by Artist- Curator Rene Yanez and Robbin Henderson, Executive Director of the Berkeley Art Center, the exhibition features works from some of California’s up-and-coming artists. Reception July 12 from 6 - 8 p.m. Pro Arts 461 Ninth St., Oakland 763-9425 

“Geographies of My Heart” Collage paintings by Jennifer Colby through August 24; Flora Lamson Hewlett Library 2400 Ridge Rd. 649-2541 

Images of Portugal Paintings by Sofia Berto Villas-Boas of her native land. Open after 5 p.m. Voulez-Vous 2930 College Ave. (at Elmwood) 

“Queens of Ethiopia: Intuitive Inspirations,” the exceptional art of Esete-Miriam A. Menkir. Through July 11. Women’s Cancer Resource Center Gallery 3023 Shattuck Ave. 548-9286 ext. 307 

“The Decade of Change: 1900 - 1910” chronicles the transformation of the city of Berkeley in this 10 year period. Thursday through Saturday, 1 - 4 p.m. Through September. Berkeley History Center, Veterans Memorial Building, 1931 Center St. Wheelchair accessible. 848-0181. Free.  

Readings 

Cody’s 7:30 p.m. July 9: Sheila Kohler reads “Children of Pithiviers”. Kohler is also the author of “Cracks”. $2 donation; July 10: 7:30 p.m. Mandy Aftel talks about her book, “Essence and Alchemy”. $2 donation; July 12: 7:30 p.m., Carol Muske-Dukes reads “Life After Death”; July 14: 7:30 p.m., Alexander Cockburn and John Strausbaugh discuss Cockburn’s book “Five Days That Shook the World” and Strausbaugh’s “Rock ‘Til You Drop” ; July 15: 7:30 p.m., Jimmy Santiago Baca discusses “A Place to Stand”; July 16: 7:30 p.m., “Critical Resistance to the Prison-Industrial Complex” A panel discussion. Organizers and participants in the 1998 Berkeley conference Critical Resistance produced a special issue of the journal Social Justice, about the prison industrial complex.  

$2 donation. 2454 Telegraph Ave. 845-0837 

Cody’s 1730 Fourth St. July 12: 7 p.m., Debra Levi Holtz, “Of Unknown Origin”; July 13: 7 p.m., Joe Di Prisco reading “Confessions of Brother Eli”  

$2 donation. 559-9500 

Tours 

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory Free. University of California, Berkeley. 486-4387 

Berkeley City Club Tours 2315 Durant Ave., Berkeley. The fourth Sunday of every month, Noon - 4 p.m. $2 848-7800  

Golden Gate Live Steamers Grizzly Peak Boulevard and Lomas Cantadas Drive at the south end of Tilden Regional Park Small locomotives, meticulously scaled to size. Trains run Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Rides: Sunday, noon to 3 p.m., weather permitting. 486-0623  

Dance 

Jupiter “Strictly Tango” July 10: 8 p.m. Dale Meyer heads up this ensemble as they perform original compositions and dance-style tangos. www.jupiterbeer.com or call the hotline: THE-ROCK (843-7625)

Camps 

City of Berkeley Summer Fun Camps 

Through August 17 

Summer Fun Camps for children feature sports, games, arts and crafts and special events. Events and trips will be planned in and out of the Berkeley area. Supervised play and activities held Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for kids 5-12 years of age. Before and after care will be available at additional cost. Fees on a sliding scale. 

Sites: Frances Albrier, Southwest Berkeley – 644-8515; James Kenney, West Berkeley – 644-8511; Live Oak Park, North Berkeley – 644-8513; Willard Club House, Southeast Berkeley – 644-8517; MLK Youth Services Center, South Berkeley – 644-6226. 

Police Activities League Adventure Camp 

Through July 6 

Camp for graduating 4th and 5th graders only. Activities include rock climbing, nature hikes and whitewater rafting. $100, limited scholarships available. Call 845-7193 for more information. 

P.A.L. Adventure Camp 2 

July 9-27 

Camp for ages 11-17. Three-week camp teaches bicycle basics. Learn care and maintenance, changing flat tires, fixing the chain and cables. Daily rides designed to increase endurance for a final three-day, 122-mile ride to Coloma and a two-day rafting trip. $180, limited scholarships available. Call 845-7193 for more information. 

P.A.L. Adventure Camp 3 

August 6-24 

Camp for ages 11-17. Three week camp will provide skills for overnight and wilderness camping. First two weeks include instruction on cooking, first aid, cleanup and low impact camping. Rafting, ropes course and daily hikes. Week three is five days in a California wilderness area using newly-learned skills. $180, limited scholarships available. Call 845-7193 for more information. 

Berkeley Tennis Club Kids  

Camp 

Sessions begin July 9, July 23, August 6 

These camps are designed for the beginner to low advanced player aged 7-14. Each session is two weeks long. The first week emphasizes proper stroke and footwork techniques, conditioning and game play. The second week concentrates on competition on both an individual and team level. Students will be divided according to ability, so they progress at their own pace. Student-intructor ratio of 6/1. Clinics are 9 a.m. to noon. $250 for B.T.C. members, $300 for non-members. Call 841-9023 for information. 

Sports 

City youth baseball 

Summer baseball program for boys and girls ages 5-15. The focus is on developing skills, sportsmanship and enjoyment rather than competitiveness. Leagues are structured to address both skill level and age group. Players are assigned to teams on a city-wide basis. Beginner teams (5-6 years) meet weekdays from noon to 2 p.m. All other teams meet from 3:30 to 7 p.m. weekdays or 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays. All players must participate. Playoffs and awards will follow the regular season in older leagues. Fees: $34 ages 5-8 ($70 non-resident), $40 ages 9-15($86 non-resident). For info call 981-5153. 

City adult softball 

City leagues available for men, women and co-rec. Three levels of competition. Games played weekday evenings, Saturday afternoons and evenings. 10 games plus playoffs. $561 per team. Call 981-5150 for more information. 

Tennis lessons 

Three sessions throughout summer. 

Youth and adult lessons available for beginner, advanced beginner and intermediate. 10 one-hour lessons. $45 for youth ages 8-15, $65 for adults. Call 981-5150 for more information. 

Twilight basketball 

July 13-August 25 

The City of Berkeley Twilight Basketball Program is an educational sports program which offers youths aged 11-18 the opportunity to play in the competitive league and be exposed to educational workshops. Subjects include tobacco prevention, HIV/STD prevention, domestic violence prevention, academic improvement and youth violence prevention. All participants must attend a one-hour workshop before each game in order to play. Free, players recieve a jersey. Ten game season with playoffs at MLK Youth Services Center. For more information call Ginsi Bryant at 644-6226. 

City adult basketball 

Summer league 

Open, competitive city league with games on Monday and Wednesday evenings at the MLK Youth Services Center. All games officicated by certified referees. Awards for top three teams. Teams already formed for summer, but some have openings. Interested players should show up and talk to coaches about playing. 

Programs 

City-Wide Playground  

Programs 

Through August 17 

Free supervised activities include arts and crafts, games, sports, special event days and local trips. Program hours are noon to 5 p.m. Proof of Berkeley residency required at registration. 

Sites: All Play Together – 981-5150; Rosa Parks – 981-5150; Malcolm X School – 644-6226. 

Summer Teen Program 

Through August 27 

Events include adventure trips, swimming, sports, games, cooking, educational workshops and special local events. Call your local center for details, registration and costs. Sliding scale. 

Sites: Frances Albrier, Southwest Berkeley – 644-8515; James Kenney, West Berkeley – 644-8511; Live Oak Park, North Berkeley – 644-8513; Willard Park Club House, Southeast Berkeley – 644-8517; MLK Youth Services Center, South Berkeley – 644-6226. 

P.A.L. Adventures in Sailing 

Overnight sailing tour the San Francisco Bay. Visit the Bay Model, Angel Island, Treasure Island and Sausalito. Voyage dates: July 13-14 and 28-29, August 9-10, 16-17 and 23-24. $20 per voyage. Call 845-7193 for more information. 

Adult Tennis Workshops 

Sessions begin July 9 and July 23. 

These four-day sessions at the Berkeley Tennis Club are designed to five adults a chance to improve their game in just one concentrated week. Two levels offered – NTPR rating between 4.0-4.5 and 3.5-below. Both sessions will have a doubles strategy emphasis. $110 per session. Call 841-9023 for more details. 

P.A.L. Fishing Trips 

July 26, August 20, August 30 

Hands Extended will be having three fishing outings this summer for kids ages 7-15. The first one is at San Pablo Dam. Transportation, food and rods, reels and bait will be provided. Registration is required. Deadline to register is 07/12/01. Please call 845-3161. 

To submit information for the Berkeley Daily Planet Summer Sports Calendar, please e-mail information to sports@berkeleydailyplanet.net or send to Sports, 2076 University Ave., Berkeley, CA 94704.

On a misty Tuesday morning 12 teens made their way slowly up the winding roads of the Berkeley Hills. With a left on Prospect Street, up past Memorial Stadium, a right onto Panoramic Way, and a turn somewhat resembling a backwards G to somehow remain on Panoramic, the 12 students trudged on with great determination.  

Finally they made a left onto Mosswood Road and ascended the towering Arden Steps to enter the home of Sarah Robinson. 

The dozen teenagers embarked upon this journey not to find some wild party, to eat up all of some poor woman’s food or to start any kind of trouble; they were gathered in Robinson’s home to learn to serve the community. 

Berkeley Youth Energy Services (Berkeley YES) trained its second set of teen home energy retrofitters on June 26. The group now is poised to pair off and perform free energy retrofits on Berkeley homes throughout the summer. They will install Compact Fluorescent Light bulbs, weather stripping and low-flow water devices. They will also clean refrigerator coils and adjust water heater temperatures. 

The program is the brainchild of Rising Sun Energy Center Owner Hal Aronson, or, as he is known to the students: “Solar Man.” He came up with the idea for the program while he was working at Berkeley High teaching students about solar power and energy conservation and he was, as he said, “quote-unquote hit with the energy crisis.” 

“I think most young people don’t get enough opportunities to help others the way this program lets them,” said Aronson, “but when they do get the opportunity, they like it and they want to do it more.” 

Berkeley YES began in April when Aronson made presentations to Berkeley High students in Common Ground, the small learning community devoted to environmental studies.  

At that time the students were asked to work without pay and only to serve the poor, elderly and disabled. But over the summer, thanks to program sponsors, the students will be paid to perform the free retrofits on any house in Berkeley. 

“I got involved in the spring because I knew it was a good cause,” said 2001 Berkeley High graduate Hong Nguyen, a teen retrofitter in the program. “I liked helping the elders and I like learning about energy conservation.” 

Berkeley YES is run by Aronson, Youth Coordinator Emily Gjeltema, Project Managers Robinson, Jessica Blinn, Juile Belknap and various volunteer supervisors. While all these people are involved in the program in very different ways and have very different responsibilities, they are all participating for the same reason.  

“Throughout the spring we were all looking forward to expanding our client base in the summer,” said Gjeltema, “because it’s good for the city and it’s good for every resident in Berkeley to conserve energy in their homes.” 

During the summer the majority of Berkeley YES’ clientele will be reached through leafleting by the students and through word-of-mouth advertising. In the spring it was much the same, only since they were ministering to a more specific client-base, they were also able to receive other help.  

The Community Energy Services Corporation, another Berkeley non-profit, produced a list of elderly and low-income residents who said they would be interested in having free improvements made to their homes. 

“The CESC gave us a list of all the people who they thought we might be able to serve back in February, and we have done retrofits on the homes of almost all the people who responded to a flier we sent out in March,” said Gjeltema.” 

Most people involved seemed to think that Tuesday’s training was a great success and all of the students seemed prepared for the retrofits they would perform later that day, later that week, and for the rest of the summer. Supervisor Rob Shapera taught the students how to perform all the tasks they would need to know about for a retrofit: how to check for air-leakage by looking for light on the borders of a locked door and how to remove old and install new weather stripping. He taught the students how to install low-flow faucets and shower heads, how to clean refrigerator coils and he made sure they all knew how to screw in a light bulb. 

“I wanted to do something practical and concrete in the community to help people deal with the increasing costs of energy,” said Shapera. “I’m glad I can teach these kids how to make simple home energy improvements, both on their own homes and on the homes that they visit through this program.” 

Roxanne Seraphin, who will be a senior at Berkeley Alternative High School in September, was a newcomer in the summer. She performed her first retrofit on her own home on June 27 with her partner Cassidy, under the supervision of experienced retrofitters Nguyen, and 2001 Berkeley High graduate Russell Andrews. 

“I think the training went well,” said Seraphin, “I learned a lot and I feel very confident about doing the retrofits.” 

At the Seraphin home the group installed three sets of weather-stripping, cleaned and installed some CFL’s then moved on to their next appointment. 

Suzanne Seraphin, Roxanne’s mother, was pleased with the changes. “I think It went really well, it has really made a difference in my home; the temperature is a lot nicer and it’s way less drafty than before,” she said. “They did a great a job and I would definitely recommend this service to anyone.” 

According to Aronson, Oakland is prepared to start a similar program in its schools this year if Berkeley’s summer program proves successful. 

“What’s amazing about this program is the balance of activism and education,” said Belknap.  

“This is a really vital seed project right now because once people find out about it being a free service that will make electricity bills go down, there is going to be a lot of interest all over.” 

For more information about Berkeley YES or to schedule a retrofit for your home call 644-6227 or send e-mail to BerkeleyYES@yahoo.com. 

Daily Planet intern Kenyatte Davis covers Berkeley teens. Teens or their sponsors can suggest stories at news@berkeleydailyplanet.net.

Berkeley Police Sergeant Eric Gustafson isn’t worried yet. 

But he sure is busy. 

Gustafson is the man charged with pulling in enough new recruits to replace the officers the Berkeley Police Department expects to lose to retirement this year and next year. 

The department is already understaffed, with just 195 of the 204 positions filled that were in the 2000-2001 budget.  

And the department’s annual retirement rate has been on the rise for the last couple of years, as many of the officers who joined the force during the late ’60s and early ’70s – busy years for a department charged with keeping the peace in a city whose very name was synonymous with civil unrest – are now reaching retirement age. 

According to the estimates Gustafson was able to pull together Thursday, nine officers retired last year, compared to just five in 1999.  

This rate could accelerate still more if the Berkeley Police Association succeeds in its negotiations for a new retirement policy this summer. Under the new policy, a number of senior officers would become eligible to receive the maximum retirement pay: 85 percent of their current salary. This could leave them little incentive to stay on the force, Gustafson said – particularly for those who’ve already put in 30 years.  

With the policy in place, Gustafson estimates that the department could lose 15 officers to retirement by then end of this year, and similar numbers the following year. 

To try to keep up with this rate of attrition, the Berkeley Police Department has given its recruitment efforts a boost. A special Recruitment Committee has been meeting for the last six months, brainstorming new ways to get the word out to would-be candidates. 

For the first time, the department has begun advertising its job openings as far away as Sacramento and San Jose.  

It’s listed on trendy Web sites like Hotjobs.com, and translated its pitch into Spanish and Vietnamese for advertisements in prominent ethnic newspapers. 

For the first time this year the Police Department had a recruitment booth and the city’s Cinco de Mayo festival at Civic Center Park. 

Other plans in the offing include giving officers more paid released time so they can visit colleges with good criminal justice programs and sing the virtues of the Berkeley Police Department.  

But in the face of fierce competition for a limited pool of officer candidates in the Bay Area, and around the nation, all these efforts have barely managed to maintain recruitment numbers, let along increase them, Gustafson said. 

“Everybody else is in the same boat we are, and we’re all fishing in the same pond,” Gustafson said. 

He still holds out hope, however, for the department’s efforts to recruit people who haven’t necessarily been on the track to becoming police officers. Ads in the San Jose Mercury News, the paper of record for Silicon Valley, look promising, Gustafson said.. 

“It’s a calculated roll of the dice,” he said. With the recent battering of the technology sector “there are a lot of people out of a job,” Gustafson said.  

“So let’s throw our net over there.” 

Berkeley Police Department has long gone out of its way to recruit people from fields that may not seem to be directly related to police work. 

“Some of our best officers come from backgrounds in English, sociology or psychology,” Gustafson said. “They’re often better prepared in a lot of ways” for police work, he added. 

The Berkeley Police Department has a fair share of officers who were once teachers, Gustafson said, explaining the skills needed for the two professions overlap in more ways than many might think. Both teachers and police need to be able to communicate well, give instruction, and maintain order, Gustafson said. 

Furthermore, Gustafson said, whereas a starting teacher in the Bay Area might make between $35,000 and $45,000 a year, the starting salary for a Berkeley police officer is $57,000. 

Still, Gustafson said it’s difficult for the department to come up with a strategy for recruiting high numbers of new officers overnight, particularly given the sheer complexity of the process for becoming a new police officer – a process that can take anywhere from three months to a year to complete. 

The written test – which includes sections on writing, logic and some basic math – isn’t so hard. More than 90 percent of candidates pass this test. And the physical test – running the obstacle course - is nothing that the average person can’t handle, Gustafson said. 

It’s the thorough background check where many would-be candidates are eliminated, Gustafson said, for things such as recent drug use, or a pattern of questionable behavior. 

“We aren’t looking for perfect people,” Gustafson said. “We’re looking for people who, if they’ve made mistakes in their lives, they’ve learned from them.” 

Of the 60 to 90 people who take the Berkeley Police Department’s written test, which is offered three or four times a year, somewhere between five and 10 might be approved for hire, Gustafson said. Of these, another 15 to 20 percent might be lost in the course of trying to complete the required 23 week police academy program. 

Gustafson said the Berkeley Police Department is doing everything it can to make the process smooth and swift for desirable candidates, however. 

“We’re moving on applicants before the dust has settled on the testing process,” he said. 

Finally, asked whether the loss of Berkeley’s most veteran police officers could have a negative impact on the force, Gustafson was ambivalent. 

“We’ve been so fortunate with the level of ability, education and maturity of our young people,” he said. “But you can’t replace a person with 30 years experience with someone with no experience and expect the department to be in the same position.” 

For more information about how to become a Berkeley police officer call 981-5977 and to apply, call the city Personnel Department at 981-6888. 

The Meiklejohn Civil Liberties Institute, a nonprofit organization based in Berkeley, has assembled a delegation to attend the U.N. World Conference Against Racism in South Africa – the nation where what is perhaps the most important battle against racism in recent history, the fight against apartheid, was fought and won. 

The 12-person delegation is made up, ethnically, of eight African Americans, two Native Americans, a Jewish American and an Irish American; professionally, of seven lawyers, two professors, two healthcare professionals and a student. 

The conference has been long in the making – the U.N. General Assembly decided to have it in 1997. It will take place in Durban, South Africa from Aug. 31 to Sept. 7. 

Ann Fagan Ginger, a lawyer and executive director of the Meiklejohn Institute, said she believes the conference is something people should know about, particularly since the U.N. treaties that will be discussed there are binding for all U.S. citizens.  

“The U.S. government has actually ratified three treaties on human rights, and most people don’t even know we did it,” Ginger said. “When you ratify (a treaty), it becomes part of basic U.S. law. It applies to the city of Berkeley.” 

The Meiklejohn Institute assists lawyers and activists in the usage of U.S. and U.N. law, though many organizations, even the ACLU, often fail to refer to U.N. law, Ginger said. 

Carole Kennerly, a health professional and former Berkeley City Council member, considers Berkeley’s continued engagement with issues of race, like those the conference will address, of great importance.  

“We have a history that is thoroughly engaged. We’re often on the cutting edge of these issues,” she said, “and it’s important that it remains that way.” 

Since it is composed of U.S. citizens, the Meiklejohn delegation is concerned about one issue in particular: the United State’s compliance with the treaties it has ratified. 

Each country that ratifies a U.N. treaty is required to report back to the U.N. periodically about how well it has complied. In October 1994, the United States ratified a treaty calling for the “Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination,” and according to Ginger, it has been late in filing its progress reports. It issued its first report last year, though the treaty mandated it be completed by 1995. 

According to a U.S. State Department spokesperson, the binding date by which reporting must occur is five years after ratification, so the government was not “really late” with its report on the treaty.  

“These are legally-obligating treaties,” said the spokesperson, who asked for anonymity, “and we try to take them seriously, as we should.”  

But the alleged tardiness is only part of Ginger’s concern.  

“The first report (to the U.N.) can be federal, but after that, they’ve got to say what’s happening at the city, county and state level,” she said. “And the U.S. hasn’t done that.” 

According to Ginger, the government is obligated to publicize the content of these treaties and promote adherence to them across the country.  

“It’s required, and that’s our big message,” Ginger said. “We’re going to put on a workshop in Durban emphasizing that these (treaties) apply at the city and county level. 

There are some distinctions between U.S. law and U.N. law, Ginger admitted. A citizen cannot file a lawsuit based solely on treaty stipulations. But since the U.N.’s human rights treaties usually articulate more specifically what the Bill of Rights states in general, they usually find solid ground in U.S. law. 

Kennerly considers the Durban conference a place where the U.S. government will be called on to fulfill its treaty commitments. 

“The U.S. has to demonstrate its own willingness to conform to these international standards,” Kennerly said, “or withstand a lot of pressure from countries around the world.” 

For Ginger, the conference has the potential to be something unprecedented. 

“This is the first time in the history of the world that the richest and most powerful countries had to answer to an international body for racial discrimination in its country,” Ginger said. “Now, that’s pretty impressive. Nobody pays attention (to U.N. treaties), but that’s the reality.” 

San Pablo Avenue post office closes for 3 months 

Beginning Monday, the post office at 2111 San Pablo Ave. will be closed for remodeling for about three months. 

Post office patrons will continue to get the post office box, will call and “no response” mail from a trailer in the yard at the station.  

“I am very sorry for any inconvenience this might cause you, but the end result will allow us to provide much better service,” says Postmaster George Banks in a written statement. 

Power outage affects 6,600 PG&E customers 

Some 1,600 PG&E customers lost their electricity Thursday morning, when a car hit a power pole at 2:20 a.m. at Lexington and Fairmont avenues in El Cerrito.  

As crews were repairing the outage, other circuits became affected, according to PG&E spokesperson Staci Homrig, adding another 5,000 households, from Richmond to Berkeley, to those already without power.  

Everyone’s power was back on by about 8 a.m., Homrig said. 

Mediation Awareness Week can help many 

Community Mediation Awareness Week is the week of July 16 in Berkeley. 

“Community mediation is the cornerstone of conflict resolution and violence prevention within our local communities,” Tami Graham, case manager at Berkeley Dispute Resolution Service said in a press statement.  

“Mediation is a process that brings people together to resolve their differences in a safe, neutral space.”  

Community mediation is offered free or at a minimum cost.  

All volunteer mediators in the Bay Area have been trained in accordance with the Dispute Resolution Programs Act.  

For more information contact Tami Graham at 428-1811 or e-mail tami@bdrs.org.

SACRAMENTO — The state Senate Judiciary Committee has approved a measure that would expand a civil rights law protecting transsexuals from job and housing discrimination. 

The bill passed 4-2 Tuesday and is expected to be passed by the full Senate and signed by Gov. Gray Davis. It extends the Fair Employment and Housing Act to cover those who have undergone sex-change operations, those who are changing from one gender to another and men and women who act or dress in ways “different from that traditionally associated with a person’s sex at birth.” 

“We are all created differently but all, I hope, equally,” said Assemblyman Jackie Goldberg, D-Los Angeles, who wrote the measure. 

The California Chamber of Commerce and the California Manufacturers and Technology Association were two businesses opposed to the legislation, because of undefined terms such as “perception,” “identity,” “appearance” and “behavior.” 

“These are things that are very hard to measure,” said Willie Washington, a lobbyist with the association. “They are very hard to do objectively. We have no way of knowing what employees are thinking.” 

Goldberg has agreed to define who is responsible for notifying employers about gender status and the possibility for discrimination. 

“You can’t have someone say they are being discriminated against who never informed the employer,” Goldberg said. 

Conservative groups have labeled the legislation “the year’s most dangerous” bill, but employment lawyers say women are being harassed, demoted or fired for acting too masculine or too “aggressive” toward their male bosses. The bill would cover those women from discrimination. 

The bill would deal with the issue in much the same way is dealt with in anti-discrimination legislation. Employers don’t automatically know someone’s religion, so workers must inform their bosses when they need time to pray or what holy days they cannot work. 

About two dozen cities and states, including Rhode Island, Minnesota and Washington, D.C. have a variety of civil rights protections in place for those who do not match traditional gender traits. 

On the Net: 

http://www.assembly.ca.gov/defaulttext.asp

LOS ANGELES — As the number of charter schools grows nationwide, school districts should make sure they are held to the same standards as other public schools, the nation’s largest teachers’ union said Thursday. 

On the second day of its national convention, the National Education Association adopted a new policy on charter schools, its first major statement on the subject since the schools began proliferating in the mid-1990s. 

NEA President Bob Chase said the policy simply clarifies the union’s position, including its opposition to granting charters to for-profit companies. 

Publicly funded but independently managed, charter schools generally operate under fewer regulations than traditional public schools, promising in their charters, or operating agreements, that student performance will improve. 

About 2,100 charter schools operate in 34 states and the District of Columbia. Most are run by parent groups, nonprofit organizations or for-profit education companies. 

About 518,000 of the nation’s 45 million school-aged children attended charter schools last spring, many in urban school districts. 

While many charter schools have been successful, Chase said, “They have been implemented poorly in some instances.” 

Among the recommendations, the proposed policy said charter schools should: 

• hire state-certified or licensed teachers; 

• have adequate startup and construction funds without relying heavily on tax revenue; 

• be subject to student assessment similar to other public schools; 

• allow teachers to keep their collective bargaining rights, such as allowances for breaks and lunch hours without work duties. 

Chris Braunlich, vice president of the Washington-based Center for Education Reform, said such requirements – especially forcing charter schools to hire only certified teachers – could inhibit innovation. 

“What they’re in essence saying is that you can have charter schools, but they’re charter schools in name only,” he said. “It’s sort of like saying, ’We favor the concept of airplanes, but we don’t want them to have wings.”’ 

Eddie Davis, a North Carolina high school teacher who chaired the NEA charter school committee, said the union was trying to balance innovation and accountability. 

“To have a school where you just grab a bunch of people because they happen to be smart and to say, ‘Well, we’ll give our children over to you,’ might not be quite as responsible as we want people to be,” he said. 

On the Net: 

NEA: http://www.nea.org 

CER: http://www.edreform.com

LOS ANGELES — The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission has ordered a company to stop large shipments of radioactive materials because of concerns the packages could break open in an accident. 

The action was sparked by complaints by French officials that JL Shepherd & Associates of San Fernando had shipped an irradiator that had not been packaged in a way that conformed with U.S. regulations. 

A follow-up inspection of the Los Angeles-area company in late May left NRC officials without “the requisite assurance that (Shepherd’s) current operations can be conducted ... in compliance with the commission’s requirements,” the order, issued Tuesday and effective immediately, read in part. 

“This is a significant action,” said Tim Kobetz, a project manager with the NRC.  

“When we issue an order it’s because we certainly have a concern in this area and there is the potential the public’s safety and health could be impacted.” 

Federal officials discovered the company had altered the design of the packaging that houses one of its irradiators, a medical device used to irradiate blood, without gaining government approval. 

The device contains 18,000 curies of cobalt-60, a highly radioactive material.  

If the substance breached the protective packaging that shields it – including a double-walled steel cylinder – it could cause serious injuries or death. 

No one was exposed to radiation because of the improperly packaged irradiator, federal officials said. 

The NRC identified a similar issue with how Shepherd packaged its products in 1999, but was later assured by the company it had fixed the problem in accordance with federal regulations, Kobetz said. 

The company declined to comment on the action. 

“This matter is between JL Shepherd and the NRC and there is no comment,” said a woman who answered a company phone but refused to identify herself. 

The device was shipped from California to New York and then on to the United Kingdom last summer. French officials refused to admit the irradiator when they discovered its housing design varied from that approved by the U.S. government. 

The irradiator was later shipped back to California. 

Without federal approval, JL Shepherd & Associates cannot ship large radioactive sources in certain packages, but will be able to ship some smaller quantities. 

The company now has 20 days to answer the order, either consenting to it or explaining why it should not have been issued.  

It may also request a formal hearing on the matter. 

On the Net: 

http://www.nrc.gov/ 

http://www.jlshepherd.com/

SACRAMENTO — Three pit bulls attacked a 43-year-old Sacramento woman as she was walking down the street, tearing an artery in her leg, before a construction worker and a sheriff’s deputy stepped in to save her, police said. 

“There’s a good chance she would have died without their help,” said Sacramento Police Sgt. Daniel Hahn. 

Debra Scott was taken by ambulance Tuesday to UC Davis Medical Center, where she remained in fair condition Thursday morning. She had been in danger of bleeding to death as a result of a torn artery in her right leg. 

Despite the help of the construction worker, whose name was not released, the pit bulls continued to attack Scott until sheriff’s Deputy Alex McCamy passed by while on patrol, police said. The deputy fired two or three shots, killing one dog and scaring off the other two. 

Angel Dreyden, who lives down the street from where the attack took place, said she went outside after she heard the shots. “I saw the (woman), her right leg and stomach looked really bad.” 

Officials said they cannot pinpoint who owns the dogs, but Hahn said an animal control officer tracked the bulls that fled to a yard in the 4500 hundred block of 12th Avenue. 

The dog’s ownership remained under investigation, Hahn said. The dogs wore thick collars but had no tags.

The wife of Rep. Gary Condit was questioned by law enforcement officers Thursday in the disappearance of former federal intern Chandra Levy, according to the congressman’s lawyer. 

Carolyn Condit and the investigators met in the Washington area, said a statement from the congressman’s lawyer, Abbe Lowell. 

The statement did not reveal anything that was said and indicated that Condit, D-Calif., will continue his public silence about Levy, whom he has described as a “great person and a good friend.” 

“The congressman hopes and believes that the caring public will not confuse his well-founded reasons for not fueling a misguided media frenzy with his continued willingness to speak with those professionals who are working day and night to find Chandra Levy,” the statement said. 

It also said Condit will “resist efforts by the media to dissect and mischaracterize his and his family’s private lives.” 

“Unlike some, Congressman Condit remains singularly focused on what is the central mission at this time – locating Chandra Levy,” Lowell said, reading the statement. 

Levy, 24, of Modesto, Calif., was last seen April 30 at a Washington health club. Her internship at the U.S. Bureau of Prisons had ended and she was planning to return home to attend her graduation ceremony at the University of Southern California. 

Condit’s office has denied a romantic relationship between Levy and the 53-year-old married congressman, who has represented her hometown since 1989. Levy’s mother has said her daughter told her she was seeing Condit. 

Law enforcement officials have given no indication why they wanted to question Mrs. Condit other than their repeated statements that they wanted to talk to anyone who might shed light on the case. Mrs. Condit was on a rare trip to Washington during the time when Levy disappeared, according to Mike Lynch, Condit’s chief of staff. 

Police Chief Charles Ramsey said in a news conference Thursday that officers have interviewed 100 people about Levy. Police also have used cadaver-sniffing dogs to search some area landfills, he said. 

“The good news is we haven’t found anything that indicates she’s met with foul play. The bad news is that we haven’t found anything at all, period,” Ramsey said. 

“As time goes on, the possibility of suicide becomes more and more remote, only because you think you would find the remains.” 

A search of her apartment found nothing missing but her keys. Police have no evidence of a crime, no suggestion that Levy ran off, no similarities between Levy’s case and those of other missing persons, Ramsey said. 

“We’ve not been able to find any links and believe me, we have looked,” he said. 

The police chief talked carefully about Condit. Police have interviewed him twice and will do so a third time if necessary, Ramsey said, though they have said repeatedly he is not a suspect in Levy’s disappearance. 

Ramsey played down the relevance to the Levy investigation of allegations by flight attendant Anne Marie Smith that she had a 10-month affair with Condit. “It’s a heck of a leap. We’re not the sex police here. We’re trying to investigate a missing person,” Ramsey said. 

Condit’s private life “only matters to me if it relates to the Chandra Levy case,” he said. Although police have questioned Condit’s neighbors in his Washington condominium, they have not searched his apartment. 

Condit canceled appearances at three Independence Day parades in his central California district, telling organizers he didn’t want to be a distraction. 

CONDIT’S STATEMENT 

Text of a statement issued Thursday by Rep. Gary Condit’s attorney, Abbe Lowell, concerning the disappearance of Chandra Levy, 24, of Modesto, Calif.: 

For weeks, Congressman Condit has stated that he would assist the police in their efforts to locate Chandra Levy. 

Today, the Congressman’s wife, Carolyn, met with law enforcement officials to provide whatever information she could. To expedite this, Congressman Condit accompanied Mrs. Condit to the Washington area in order to facilitate her meeting with investigators and consequently was unable to participate in traditional 4th of July events in Modesto. 

Even prior to Mrs. Condit’s interview, Congressman Condit had given two substantial interviews to the police and directed his staff to provide information that may be requested of them. 

In light of the ongoing and central importance of the police investigation, Congressman Condit has issued statements to the press only when doing so would not interfere with the work of law enforcement authorities.  

It is clear from a review of other similar cases that broad and detailed dissemination of confidential police interviews can seriously compromise police investigations.  

With Chandra Levy’s whereabouts unknown, this is not a risk that Congressman Condit, or anyone else, should be willing to take. 

The media’s intense interest in Ms. Levy’s disappearance is completely understandable. Consequently, I have asked Marina Ein, someone I know from the communications world, to assist me with media inquiries. As the fierce competition to fill pages, airtime and Web sites threatens to spin this story out of control, Congressman Condit has resisted and will continue to resist efforts by the media to dissect and mischaracterize his and his family’s private lives.  

Unlike some, Congressman Condit remains singularly focused on what is and remains the central mission at this time – locating Chandra Levy.  

Congressman Condit hopes and prays for Chandra Levy’s safe return.  

It is his belief that the media can play an important role in helping this investigation reach a positive conclusion. It is also his belief that the media risks losing its focus with what has been a recent and seemingly unbounded effort to expose highly personal and private Condit family matters. None of these matters pertain to Ms. Levy’s disappearance or the ability of law enforcement to determine what has happened to her. To all of you, I ask that you return your focus to that priority. 

In summary, Congressman Condit has twice met with the police, followed up with the police by telephone, and reached out to meet and speak with Chandra Levy’s family. In addition, Congressman Condit’s wife has herself met with the police. 

The police have stated that Congressman Condit is not a suspect, that he has been cooperative and that his meetings with them have been productive. These are their words. 

The Congressman hopes and believes that the caring public will not confuse his well-founded reasons for not fueling a misguided media frenzy, with his, Mrs. Condit’s, and his staff’s continued willingness to speak with those professionals who are working day and night to find Chandra Levy. 

On the Net: 

Condit’s site: http://www.house.gov/gcondit 

Nearly 5 million Pacific Gas and Electric Co. ratepayers could lose out on billions in power price refunds if they are not represented as a committee in its bankruptcy case, an attorney with the U.S. Trustee told a federal bankruptcy judge Thursday. 

It is the second time in the bankruptcy proceeding that U.S. Trustee Linda Ekstrom Stanley, whose role is to appoint creditor committees in cases, has taken the unusual step of trying to create a separate committee of ratepayers. 

“It’s very difficult to get a judge to change his mind, but I think we have sufficient grounds,” Stanley said. 

PG&E and the official creditors committee disagreed with appointing a ratepayers committee, saying there’s simply no legal authority for it. 

Such a committee would give ratepayers legal standing and the ability to voice opinions on how the billions PG&E owes more than 50,000 creditors should be doled out. It would also be able to vote on the final reorganization of the company, which could affect power service and rates in the future. 

At issue is whether ratepayers are in fact creditors. Patricia Cutler, an attorney with the office of the U.S. Trustee argued they are because they possibly stand to lose money refunded from power bought before PG&E filed for bankruptcy April 6. 

When state power regulators hiked rates in May, they said ratepayers would receive refunds if state and federal investigations could prove that out-of-state power companies overcharged California utilities for electricity. 

Not having residential customers represented could also prompt creditors who do have a voice to look at ratepayers as a source of cash to help the utility pay its debts, Cutler said. 

“Unlike other creditors, ratepayers will not look first at ratepayers as a source of payment,” Cutler told U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Dennis Montali. 

Jim Lopes, an attorney for PG&E, said the creditors committee could not raise electric rates even if they wanted to, citing Montali’s recent decision to not challenge the rate-setting authority of the state Public Utilities Commission. 

Lopes said several companies serving on the creditors committee are also ratepayers, naming several small alternative power plants known as qualifying facilities. 

“You could have 40 committees in this case ... and I don’t think that would be appropriate,” he said, adding that if more groups are involved, it would take longer for the utility to pay them. 

In May, Montali agreed with PG&E and ruled that the ratepayer groups did not have a legal right to join other creditor committees in participating in the Chapter 11 case. 

Ongoing negotiations in Washington between power companies and the state could result in as much as $8.9 billion in refunds for power sold into California that has been deemed overpriced by Gov. Gray Davis. 

Without a committee to represent all ratepayers, Stanley is concerned they could be barred from filing claims for that money or for other grievances against PG&E after a September cutoff. 

Montali has not decided whether to allow the ratepayers committee, but should rule July 10. Stanley said she will consider appealing the case in U.S. district court if Montali rules against the committee. 

On the Net: 

http://www.canb.uscourts.gov

The Swedes have a way of taking over derivative forms and making them their own, a point made by authors Barbara and Rene Stoeltie in “Country Houses of Sweden.” 

Most famously, the ornate architecture and furnishings that originated from the reigns of Louis XIV and Louis XV in France were reinterpreted by Sweden’s king and his craftsmen. 

“This quintessentially Swedish furniture borrowed its original outlines from France; corrected and revised by Gustavus III, the great king-arbiter of good taste, it carries the beautiful name of ’gustaviansk,’ Gustavian,” write the authors. 

Their book profiles several great country houses as exemplars of the style, such as Svartjo castle on Lake Malaren and Gustav’s Haga pavilion in Uppland. 

But it also looks at homes being revised and lived in now, as well as those which belonged to some of the country’s artists. The most famous of these is the Lilla Hyttnas farm in Dalecarlia owned and colorfully embellished by painter Carl Larsson and his wife Karin, a textile specialist, in a mix of country, Gustavian, and arts and crafts styles. 

Also note: 

• In a nod to the less-is-more trend in shelter, architect Dale Mulfinger and writer Susan E. Davis consider “The Cabin” (Taunton Press, $34.95 hardcover, September). Often a weekend or vacation retreat, this humble house can offer comfort and style while staying in tune with its surroundings. 

• Some fresh looks in traditional fabrics are on show in Ann Grafton’s “Interior Transformations” (Little, Brown/Bulfinch Press, $45 hardcover). Grafton, creative director of the Colefax Group of fabric firms, displays schemes that are bold and clear without being artsy or avant garde. 

• Another salvo in the campaign to move away from oversized houses is “Small House, Big Style” (Meredith Books/Better Homes and Gardens, $34.95 hardcover), with Paula Marshall, editor. She cites examples of houses built from scratch, such as a 650-square-foot tapering house fitted onto a small triangular plot in Del Mar, Calif., and many existing small houses, built before the McMansion era, that were remodeled from the inside to open up space. 

• If you’ve got pets at home, the vision of redecorating is governed by what all those little paws and claws might do to the final picture. So, consider “Animal House Style” (Little, Brown/Bulfinch Press, $35 hardcover, September), by Julia Szabo. She offers advice about choosing furnishings that will thrive and survive, letting both you and your animal companions feel at home. 

• Converting the garage and leaving the car somewhere else always has been an obvious way of gaining living and work space. Kira Obolensky, in “Garage” (Taunton Press, $32 hardcover, October), points out that many a successful enterprise started in garage workshops or offices — Walt Disney or Henry Ford, for example. (Ford’s space originally was a coal shed, transformed into a garage as the birthplace of his horseless carriage.) And of course, the garage has often become the “mother-in-law apartment.” Obolensky looks at the history and the possibilities. 

• Home spaces turned into work spaces is the newest old thing, with the proliferation of home offices. In “At Work At Home” (Taunton Press, $29.95 hardcover, October), architect Neal Zimmerman frames dozens of ideas for stylish and ingenious conversions of the spare spot to work center. He notes that while many home workplaces do double-duty as family or guest rooms, more and more of his clients are opting for dedicated facilities reserved for work. 

- Country isn’t what it used to be. The simplicity and re-use of furnishings survive from more rustic days, but today’s versions — often weekend retreats for city people — are far more sophisticated interpretations. Some of them are profiled in “New Country Style” (Meredith Books/Country Home, $39.95 hardcover), edited by Vicki Ingham. 

- If all the decorating advice you’ve been given seem to fit like a straitjacket, forget it, urges Christy Ferer in “Breaking the Rules” (Simon & Schuster, $40 hardcover). Some of the rooms she shows in her book show complete and sometimes daffy abandon, such as a period kitchen decorated in candy colors, complete with contrasting water pipes, or an antique secretary pressed into service as a dressing table and linen closet. 

WASHINGTON — Two-thirds of Americans – both adults and teenagers – say they support the legal drinking age of 21, says an Associated Press poll. Teen-agers support the law even though teen drinking remains widespread. 

Even more people – three-fourths of both teens and adults – say they think laws on the drinking age should be enforced more vigorously, according to the poll conducted for the AP by ICR of Media, Pa. 

The enthusiasm among teens for strict enforcement is not as unusual as it may seem, said Ralph Hingson, a researcher on alcohol and youth at Boston University’s School of Public Health. 

“In a given year, the majority of high school seniors drink, but only a small proportion are drinking heavily,” Hingson said. “On balance, they are supportive of legislation that will reduce the risks to themselves. Teens recognize the seriousness of drinking and driving.” 

After dropping significantly in the 1980s, when the legal drinking age was raised to 21 in all 50 states, the level of teen drinking has settled in at a rate many consider too high and a continuing health hazard. 

School officials and drug abuse experts are now looking for ways to regain momentum against a problem associated with 2,273 traffic fatalities among people 15 to 20 in 1999, the most recent statistics available. 

Fake IDs and underage drinking have been in the news since the 19-year-old twin daughters of President Bush, Jenna and Barbara, had a brush with the law. The sisters were cited by police after their visit May 29 to a Mexican restaurant in Austin. Two weeks earlier, Jenna Bush had pleaded no contest to underage drinking and was ordered to receive alcohol counseling and perform community service. 

The average age that teens start drinking dropped from about 18 in the mid 1960s to about 16 in the late 1990s, research suggests. Those who start drinking younger are more likely to become alcohol dependent. 

“We need to re-evaluate what we’re doing and do something different now,” said Mark Weber, a spokesman for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Options include tougher enforcement, community education and promotions to tell students drinking is less rampant than they might think. 

In a 1999 survey, about half of all high school students said they had consumed alcohol in the past month. Drinking levels grow higher for older teens. 

The legal drinking age had reached 21 nationwide by 1988 – spurred by a 1984 federal law that tied federal highway dollars to compliance by the states with that drinking age. 

Research suggests the amount of teen drinking dropped by about 13 percent after states raised the drinking age. The number of alcohol-related traffic deaths of those between 15 and 20 dropped by almost half in the decade after the drinking age was changed, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. 

“It’s clear that the move in the age to 21 is the most successful effort that we’ve had in the last couple of decades to reduce drinking and alcohol,” said University of Minnesota researcher Alexander Wagenaar. 

Dwight Heath, an anthropologist at Brown University in Providence, R.I., counters that Europeans are right to expose people to drinking at a younger age and demystify alcohol so that it causes fewer problems than in this country. 

Both adults and teens in the poll thought penalties such as losing a driver’s license would have the most influence on persuading teens not to drink, according to the poll. The survey of 1,008 adults and 514 teens was taken June 6-10. It had error margins of plus or minus 3 percentage points for adults and 4 percentage points for teens. 

Both students and school officials say teen drinking remains very popular in high school. 

“Most of them have easy access to alcohol in their homes, their friends’ homes and fake IDs,” said Ted Feinberg, a school psychologist. 

For Mara Conheim, a 20-year-old student at the University of Maryland, “freshman year was all about finding a fake ID.” Another Maryland student, 21-year-old Brent Robbins, said older students often lend IDs to younger classmates. Gary Paleva, director of the college’s office of judicial programs, says the college does all it can to prohibit drinking, but “sometimes parents have lost control before students get here.” 

“Drinking is caused more by peer pressure,” said Detroit high school teacher Cassandra Jerrido. “I don’t see any of our efforts working.” 

On the Net: 

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration — http://www.nhtsa.gov 

National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism — http://www.niaaa.nih.gov 

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration – http://www.samhsa.gov

WASHINGTON — President Bush named veteran prosecutor Robert Mueller to take over the FBI and begin repairing the nation’s premier law enforcement agency after embarrassments ranging from bungled Oklahoma City bombing documents to the discovery of an FBI spy. 

Mueller has previously won top-level appointments from Bush’s father and from President Clinton, but both Republicans and Democrats suggested there will be pointed questioning at confirmation hearings. 

If confirmed by the Senate, Mueller, a 56-year-old Republican and decorated Vietnam veteran, will fill a 10-year term as the ninth man to direct the FBI. 

Louis Freeh retired last month, two years before his term would have expired. 

Attorney General John Ashcroft, who had championed Mueller as a trusted team player, interrupted his vacation in Missouri to attend Thursday’s Rose Garden ceremony where Bush charged Mueller with assuring the nation that the FBI is “independent of politics and uncompromising in its mission.” 

“The FBI has a great tradition that Mr. Mueller must now affirm and some important challenges he must confront,” the president said. 

The most immediate challenge will be winning over senators fed up with what they see as the FBI’s we-know-best attitude and with its headline-making mishaps: the botched investigation of former nuclear scientist Wen Ho Lee; the mishandling of evidence in the Oklahoma City bombing trial that forced the postponement of Timothy McVeigh’s execution, and the discovery in February that veteran FBI agent Robert Hanssen had been spying for the Russians for more than 15 years. 

Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., said Mueller inherits an FBI “beleaguered by a series of high-profile mistakes and by a culture that too often does not recognize and correct its errors.” 

Added Leahy: “I will be interested in hearing Mr. Mueller’s views, his willingness to acknowledge and correct the bureau’s problems and his ability to meet these challenges head on.” 

Another committee member, Republican Charles Grassley of Iowa, said he wants a personal meeting with Mueller to see if he is equipped to overhaul the agency’s “management culture with an air about it that the FBI can do no wrong” and to restore public confidence in federal law enforcement. 

FBI Deputy Director Tom Pickard, who was named acting director on June 22, will continue in that post until Mueller is confirmed. 

Bush settled on Mueller (pronounced MULL-er) last Friday, some three or four weeks after interviewing him in the Oval Office, said White House press secretary Ari Fleischer. 

Mueller had long been the front-runner for the job but subsequent to his interview, Bush ordered aides to take one last look at other candidates. He wanted, aides said, a director capable of reining in the independent streak that the FBI had taken on under Freeh, who had a bitter and distrusting relationship with the Clinton administration. 

Asked about the kind of relationship Bush wanted to establish between his Justice Department and any reshaped FBI, Fleischer told reporters: “It’s not a question of deference; it’s a question of judgment. The president believes that under Bob Mueller, the FBI will be headed by a man with sound judgment based on matters of law and justice – and not politics.” 

Mueller, a former acting deputy attorney general at Justice, won Ashcroft’s support by aiding in the transition from the Clinton administration from January until May, when he resumed his job as U.S. attorney in San Francisco – the appointment he was given by Clinton. 

Under the first President Bush, Mueller served as assistant attorney general in charge of the Justice Department’s criminal division, where he supervised the prosecutions of Panamanian leader Manuel Noriega and mobster John Gotti and headed the investigations of the BCCI banking scandal and the 1988 bombing of Pan Am 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland. 

FBI watchers said Mueller’s task now will be to change the bureau’s culture and opening it to greater scrutiny by outside and internal watchdogs. 

“People who are going to be sitting in judgment of his nomination will want to hear that,” said Michael Bromwich, former Justice Department inspector general. 

Steve Colgate, another former Justice Department official, credited Mueller with a no-nonsense — and successful — approach to turning around troubled organizations. He cited Mueller’s work as chief of the homicide division at the U.S. attorney’s office in Washington and as U.S. attorney in San Francisco, where he replaced a number of prosecutors and reorganized the office. 

“You have someone who has a clear record of moving into an organization that is troubled and analyze the situation, make recommendations and carry them out,” said Colgate. 

WASHINGTON — Researchers have found serious abnormalities in cloned mice, a finding that strengthens the belief of many scientists that the technique used to clone Dolly the sheep should not be used on humans. 

The findings are based on the use of embryonic stem cells in cloning and come as the Bush administration considers whether to allow federal funds for non-cloning stem cell research. The research appears Friday in the journal Science. 

“This study confirms the suspicions of many of us that cloning of humans would be really dangerous,” said Rudolf Jaenisch, senior author of the study and a researcher at the Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research and at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. 

David Humpherys, first author of the study, said that many of the mice cloned in the experiment appeared to be normal, including having normal genes, but there was evidence that during embryonic and fetal development the genes did not work properly. 

“It is quite likely that just the animals that are most nearly normal make it to birth (in cloning), but our study shows that doesn’t mean they are completely normal,” said Humpherys. “There may be changes in gene expression that could affect them later in life.” 

In cloned humans, Jaenisch said the gene expression flaws could affect personality, intelligence and other human attributes. 

Humpherys said there was no evidence that the genes in the cloned animals were altered, but that the way in which the genes made proteins was flawed and unstable. In effect, the researchers found that even though the biological blueprint was intact in the cloned animals, the way that the blueprint was read and interpreted was flawed. This could result in abnormal tissues and organs, they said. 

Humpherys and Jaenisch said that a number of scientists doing cloning experiments with mice, pigs, sheep and cattle have reported that even apparently normal animals develop disorders later in life. Jaenisch said that extreme obesity has developed in many cloned animals, including Dolly, the first mammal cloned from an adult cell. 

Dr. David A. Prentice, an Indiana State University professor of life sciences, said the MIT-Whitehead study shows the hazards of the current cloning technology. 

“Development is a finely orchestrated ballet of cells forming tissues and organs at the right place and time,” said Prentice. “It takes only one going awry at the wrong time and place to have a seriously flawed individual.” 

In the study, the researchers made the mouse clones using embryonic stem cells, the primordial cells known to be able to form virtually any tissue in the body. The DNA from the cells was removed and inserted into a mouse egg that had been stripped of its DNA. The resulting embryos were then implanted in mother mice and allowed to grow to birth. 

The researchers monitored the expression, or action, of genes that play a role in embryo and fetal development. They found that the genes, even from nearly identical stem cells, worked differently. In fact, said Humpherys, stem cells are unstable in gene expression even in the laboratory dish. 

This instability raises the possibility that using stem cells to treat health disorders may not work as well as some scientists have suggested, said Dr. Joann A. Boughman, vice president  

of the American Society  

of Human Genetics. 

“When we grow (embryonic stem) cells for a curative situation, we will need to precisely control the process,” she said. “This paper shows that we’ve got a very long way to go to fully understand this whole process.” 

Some researchers have suggested that embryonic stem cells could be cloned from a patient and used to grow cells that could be used to restore that patient’s ailing heart or liver or other organs. 

Jaenisch said that it is unlikely that genetic instability would block the curative use of embryonic stem cells. He said in developing cells for therapeutic use, researchers would harvest and inject into patients only those cells that are normal. 

During cloning, he said, no such selection is possible because an embryo must use the DNA provided and cannot select only that which is perfect. 

Regulations that would permit federal funding of embryonic stem cell research has been delayed by President Bush who ordered a review of the whole issue. Some in Congress oppose embryonic stem cell research because obtaining the cells involves the death of a human embryo. Many scientists, however, believe that embryonic stem cell research could relieve suffering for millions of patients with a variety of disorders. 

——— 

On the Net: 

Science: http://www.eurekalert.org 

Cloning: http://genomics.phrma.org/cloning.html 

WASHINGTON — Treasury Secretary Paul O’Neill, citing continued strong demand in such key sectors as autos and housing, predicted on Thursday that a $40 billion flood of tax rebate checks this summer will give the economy a needed boost that should carry into next year. 

Meeting with reporters prior to weekend talks in Rome on the global economy, O’Neill’s assessment of the U.S. economy was more upbeat than many private economists, who are still worried that the country is in danger of falling into a recession. 

O’Neill said while some industries, notably telecommunications and computers, were experiencing significant weakness, he “took comfort” from the fact that housing sales and auto sales have remained strong, despite the overall slowdown. “We have real strength in our economy and we are bouncing around in narrow positive territory,” O’Neill told reporters at a Treasury news conference. 

He said growth should be aided further in the next 2.5 months as the government begins mailing out $40 billion in tax refund checks, the first wave of the $1.35 trillion tax legislation passed by Congress earlier this year. 

He said this infusion of cash into consumers’ pockets “will give us a bounce and that bounce will carry forward into next year.” 

“I am confident that the U.S. economy will move to a higher growth rate later this year,” O’Neill said. “We are thus doing our part to contribute to strong and stable growth worldwide.” 

O’Neill will deliver an assessment of the U.S. economy’s prospects when he meets on Saturday for discussions with finance ministers from the world’s seven richest industrial countries – the United States, Japan, Germany, France, Britain, Italy and Canada. O’Neill will also hold private discussions with Russian economic officials in preparation for a trip he and Commerce Secretary Donald Evans will make to Russia later this month at the request of Bush, who is looking for ways to increase economic ties between the two nations. 

While some administration officials have expressed concerns that Europe and Japan must do their part to boost their own lagging economies to support the U.S. recovery, O’Neill sidestepped any direct criticism of other nations. 

He did say he hoped that Japanese Finance Minister Masajuro Shiokowa will be able to discuss a timetable for which his government plans to implement an ambitious economic reform program aimed at lifting the world’s second largest economy out of a decade of weak growth. 

Speaking of both Japan and Europe, O’Neill said, “Europe and Japan are very big and important and they can play a locomotive role and it would be helpful for them to play a locomotive role” in restoring global growth prospects. 

O’Neill, who last week termed “off-the-wall” the European Union’s adverse review of $43 billion merger between General Electric and Honeywell International, was more circumspect in his comments on Thursday, saying that U.S. regulators focus more on the consumer impact of potential mergers, while Europeans worry more about the impact on other competitors. 

He said he did not believe the EU rejection of the merger would be a part of the formal discussions among finance ministers on Saturday but could be part of “gossipy chit chat” over lunch. 

O’Neill said that the administration’s push to overhaul the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank would be a major topic of discussion, saying he believed from earlier discussions that “most of the ministers are like-minded, directionally at least.” 

Efforts to crack down on money laundering and tax cheating will also be on the agenda for the finance meeting, which will be used to prepare the economic part of the agenda for this year’s economic summit which President Bush will attend in Genoa, Italy, on July 20-22. 

——— 

On the Net: 

Treasury Department: http://www.ustreas.gov/ 

NEW YORK — Stocks fell Thursday as profit warnings from Federated Department Stores and British telecom firm Marconi reminded investors how badly business is suffering here and abroad. 

The warnings added to the market’s dread over second-quarter earnings results, which companies begin issuing this month. Profit warnings from chip maker Advanced Micro Devices and data storage company EMC Corp. after the market closed added to the chances that Wall Street will endure additional pressure on Friday. 

“No one is in a hurry to buy. Earnings warnings continue to surface at a fast and furious pace,” said Alan Ackerman, executive vice president of Fahnestock & Co. 

“Retail sales are due to be reported next week, so this has set up a very high level of anxiety,” Ackerman said. “With Federated numbers as they are, it appears shoppers are doing more browsing than buying, not just on Wall Street.” 

He added that the market is worried that consumer spending, which accounts for two-thirds of the nation’s economy, will continue to shrink. On the positive side, however, retailing and other consumer stocks could soon trend higher as federal income tax rebate checks begin hitting mailboxes this month. 

The technology and telecommunications sectors came under pressure from Marconi, which announced Wednesday it was halving its earnings forecasts for 2001, and will cut 4,000 jobs. Marconi shares on the Nasdaq plunged $3.68 to $3.35, a 52 percent drop. 

Other telecom shares fell, including equipment makers Alcatel, down $3.54 at $17.46, and JDS Uniphase, declining $1.06 to $11.61. 

Still, analysts said investors shouldn’t be too alarmed by Marconi’s news, calling it nothing new in the struggling telecom sector. 

“Who could be surprised today with a telecom provider announcing they are not go to meet expectations. You would have to have your head in the sand if you thought we were out of the woods there,” said Jon Brorson, head of equities at Northern Trust in Chicago. 

The market also focused on WorldCom after it lowered earnings projections for fiscal year 2002, but raised revenue forecasts based on the restructuring efforts of operations in Brazil. WorldCom slipped 19 cents to $14.28. 

Advanced Micro Devices announced after the market closed that it expects to earn 3 cents to 5 cents a share for the second quarter, below the 27 cents a share previously expected. Trading of AMD, which blamed weak demand and competitive pressure that drove down prices, fell $4.64, or 16 percent, to $24 in after-hours trading, adding to a drop of $1.12 to $28.64 in the regular session. 

AMD’s big competitor, Intel, traded lower in sympathy. Intel fell $1.20 in extended session after dropping 62 cents to $29.84 in regular dealings on the Nasdaq. 

Meanwhile, EMC said it expected to earn 4 cents to 6 cents per share for the second quarter, well short of the 17-cent consensus of analysts surveyed by Thomson Financial/First Call.  

Shares of EMC fell $4.74, or 16 percent, to $25.29 in extended trading, compounding a 5 percent, or $1.59, decline in the regular session, when it closed at $30.03. 

The warnings are the latest in a stockpile preceding the second-quarter earnings reports that companies will start releasing this month. 

Although Wall Street has been expecting the most recent quarter to be quite weak, the market has been rattled by the extent to which companies have suffered. Since late May, investors have heard more than 600 warnings, many of which reduced already lowered forecasts, according to Thomson Financial/First Call. 

Investors are still holding out hope that business will improve in the second half after the benefits of six interest rate cuts have begun to take hold. 

Wall Street’s losses on Thursday were spread across market sectors. Only three of the Dow’s 30 stocks finished higher. 

Honeywell rose $1.59 to $36.50. New CEO Lawrence A. Bossidy, said late Tuesday the company — whose merger with General Electric is effectively dead — will remain independent until he can “stabilize” the operation, which could take a year. 

The other gains came from SBC Communications, which advanced 68 cents to $41.30, and Alcoa, rising 53 cents to $40.78. 

A Labor Department report also reminded investors of the weak economy. The government said the number of Americans filing new claims for state unemployment insurance rose last week after falling for three weeks in a row. The jump provided fresh evidence that the struggling economy continues to take a toll on workers. 

However, Brorson, of Northern Trust, also cautioned against “reading too much” into Thursday’s weakness, which was exagerrated by lighter-than-normal trading in a holiday week in which many traders were not around. The market was closed Wednesday for the Independence Day holiday. 

Declining issues outnumbered advancers slightly more than 8 to 7 on the New York Stock Exchange. Consolidated volume came to 1.09 billion shares, compared with 732.63 million shares on Tuesday when the market was open for just half the day. 

The Russell 2000, which measures the performance of smaller company stocks, index fell 4.10 to 492.73. 

Overseas markets were lower Thursday. Japan’s Nikkei stock average closed down 0.2 percent. In Europe, Germany’s DAX index fell 0.3 percent, France’s CAC-40 lost 1.0 percent, and Britain’s FT-SE 100 declined 0.9 percent. 

——— 

On the Net: 

New York Stock Exchange: http://www.nyse.com 

Nasdaq Stock Market: http://www.nasdaq.com 

Families from all over the East Bay joined Berkeley residents for a daylong Fourth of July celebration at the Marina Wednesday.  

The alcohol-free event, which organizers predicted would attract from 5, 000 to 6,000 people during the day and as many as 60,000 for the evening’s fireworks, offered a variety of activities, many of which were designed for children.  

Some of the festivities took place in the sailing club parking lot, where a few dozen organizations and food vendors set up their booths. Across the street, organizers had erected a stage on a lawn, where Professor Gizmo, a colorful one-man band, kicked off the event playing accordion, cymbals and harmonica simultaneously thanks to a peculiar multi-task instrument. A group of belly dancers followed, and the program would later include Oakland blues artist Birdlegg and Latin music. 

The rest of the activities took place near the Shorebird Nature Center, where dozens of people laid out blankets, set up chairs and fired up barbecue grills on the picnic area. A Berkeley Police Department booth took fingerprints that children could take home with them, which would help police if the child was ever reported missing. A group of musicians formed a “community drumming circle” and there was space for Frisbee, football, and volleyball. Kids who felt more creative could become carpenters for a few hours, building and painting wooden structures at Adventure Playground.  

Little in this fifth daytime Fourth of July event at the Marina evoked the historic significance of the national holiday. A clown dressed in the colors of the American flag, and the stage decorations were the only indicators this was a patriotic celebration. At the beginning of the afternoon, event promoter Lisa Bullwinkel, said a statement would be read from Sen. Barbara Boxer talking about what the Fourth of July means for the community, but more than anything the celebration was a family friendly event, an opportunity for people to relax and have fun. 

And to many people indeed, that is what the Fourth of July is all about. 

When asked what this holiday means to him, Jimmy Fuentes, a Mexican American who lived his whole life in Berkeley and attends the Marina celebration with his wife and two children every year, answered: “En verdad, fiesta...It’s just to take the family out and enjoy the sun.” 

To Scott Kellstedt, father of two, the Fourth of July means the same. “It means summer,” he said, before adding that it had not always been that way for him. A native of New England, Kellstedt sees a difference between the way the national holiday is celebrated in his home state and in California. 

“The Fourth of July in New England is much more patriotic, much more giving that feeling of how important that event is in our history. Here in California it just seems like a summer holiday.”  

Kellstedt said when he was a kid, he would put a copy of the Declaration of Independence on his bike, ride to the Fourth of July parade, and salute when soldiers went by. 

Bullwinkel said part of the reason for the local lack of patriotism could be that, in Berkeley, people enjoy much more freedom than residents of other areas, and therefore give less weight to the original meaning of Independence Day. “ (The Fourth of July) is about life liberty and the pursuit of happiness,” she said. “In Berkeley, we make sure that we have all these rights in a big way, so some people think that celebrating the Fourth of July in Berkeley is a little patriotic and hokey.” 

However, even in the liberal Bay Area, there are still people who demonstrate their attachment to the value of the nation’s history. Cookie and Cote Reese, a couple of musicians from El Cerrito, stuck out of the crowd. Dressed in colorful Fourth of July costumes, they came to the Marina attracted by the program, but that was not their only motivation to celebrate. 

“It’s independence day, it’s the moment when this country was formed and became an entity,” said Cookie Reese. “The country is the way it is because of that break with the colonial power. We’re very aware of that.” 

Thursday, July 5

Public Works Commission 

7 p.m. 

North Berkeley Senior Center 

1901 Hearst Ave. 

Discussion and possible action regarding adoption of a new street-sweeping policy. 

Housing Advisory Commission 

7:30 p.m. 

South Berkeley Senior Center 

2939 Ellis St. 

The Rental Housing Safety Program will be among the items under discussion. 

Summer Noon Concerts 2001 

Noon - 1 p.m. 

Downtown Berkeley BART Plaza 

Shattuck at Center St. 

Weekly concert series. This week Capoeira Arts Cafe and company, Brazilian extravaganza. 

LGBT Catholics Group  

7:30 p.m. 

Newman Hall  

2700 Dwight Way (at College)  

The lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender Catholics group are “a spiritual community committed to creating justice.” This meetings discussions will center on “What do we/can we expect from the Church?”  

654-5486 

Berkeley Metaphysical  

Toastmasters Club  

6:15 - 7:30 p.m.  

2515 Hillegass Ave.  

Public speaking skills and metaphysics come together. Ongoing first and third Thursdays each month.  

Call 869-2547 

Bear Safety 

7 p.m. 

Recreational Equipment, Inc. 

1338 San Pablo Ave. 

Learn how to travel in bear country without mishap. Wilderness guide Ken Hanley will discuss the characteristics of black bears and grizzlies for anyone venturing into their territories. Free. 

527-4140 

Quit Smoking Class 

6 - 8 p.m. 

South Berkeley Senior Center 

2939 Ellis Street 

A six week quit smoking class. 

Free to Berkeley residents and employees. 

Call 644-6422 or e-mail at: quitnow@ci.berkeley.ca.us 

James Joyce Conference 

9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. 

Clark Kerr Campus 

2601 Warring Street 

Part of a week-long conference entitled “Extreme Joyce/Readings On the Edge.” Today includes panels on Dubliners, Ulysses, Marginal Feelings in Joyce, and Joyce and Anarchy. From 4 - 5:30 p.m. workshops and reading groups on Teaching Joyce. $15 - $25. 642-2754  

Community Environmental  

Advisory Commission 

7 p.m. 

2118 Milvia Street 

First floor conference room 

Among agenda items, a follow up on arsenic in playgrounds and the California Environmental Quality Act and Skate Park tank enforcement. 

705-8150 or 644-6915 (TDD) 

Friday, July 6

Disability Awareness and  

Outreach Committee 

1 - 3 p.m. 

Martin Luther King, Jr. Civic Center Building 

2180 Milvia Street 

Maple Room (Third Floor north) 

Agenda includes guidelines for accessibility of special events 

Therapy for Trans Partners  

6 - 7:30 p.m.  

Pacific Center for Human Growth  

2712 Telegraph Ave. (at Derby)  

A group open to partners of those in transition or considering transition. The group is structured to be a safe place to receive support from peers and explore a variety of issues. Intake process required. Meeting Fridays through August 17.  

$8 - $35 sliding scale per session  

Call 548-8283 x534 or x522 

Strong Women: The Arts,  

Herstory and Literature 

1:15 - 3:15 p.m. 

North Berkeley Senior Center  

1901 Hearst Ave. (at MLK Jr. Way) 

Taught by Helen Rippier Wheeler, this is a free weekly cultural studies course in the Berkeley Adult School’s Older Adults Program. Today, view the 1939 movie “The Women.” Free.  

Call 549-2970 

James Joyce Conference 

9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. 

Clark Kerr Campus 

2601 Warring Street 

Part of a week-long conference entitled “Extreme Joyce/Readings On the Edge.” Today includes panels on Ulysses, Ireland and the Politics of Culture, Joycean Border-Crossings, and Joyce and Frank Zappa. $15 - $25.  

642-2754 

James Joyce Conference  

Closing Banquet 

6 - 11 p.m. 

UC Faculty Club 

UC Berkeley Campus 

Joycean entertainment and dancing. Reservations required, call 415-392-1137. 

Homage to Chiapas 

7 p.m. 

Ecology Center 

2530 San Pablo Avenue 

Bill Weinberg, author of “Homage to Chiapas.” 

548-2220 

Saturday, July 7

Free Sailboat Rides  

1 - 4 p.m. 

Cal Sailing Club 

Berkeley Marina 

The Cal Sailing Club gives free rides on a first come, first served bases on the first full weekend of each month. Wear warm clothes and bring a change of clothes in case you get wet. Children must be at least five years old and must be accompanies by an adult. www.cal-sailing.org  

Berkeley Farmers’ Market 

10 a.m. - 3 p.m. 

Center Street between Martin Luther King Jr. Way and Milvia Street 548-3333 

Sunday, July 8

Free Sailboat Rides  

1 - 4 p.m. 

Cal Sailing Club 

Berkeley Marina 

The Cal Sailing Club gives free rides on a first come, first served bases on the first full weekend of each month. Wear warm clothes and bring a change of clothes in case you get wet. Children must be at least five years old and must be accompanies by an adult.  

Visit www.cal-sailing.org  

Tibetan Nyingma Institute Open House 

3 - 5 p.m. 

Tibetan Nyingma Institute 

1815 Highland Place 

Free introduction to Tibetan Buddhist culture, including: Prayer wheel and meditation garden tour, Tibetan yoga demonstration, information on Tibetan art project, class and program counseling and a talk on “Relaxation and Meditation.” Followed at 6 p.m. by “Mind and Mental Events.” Free.  

Buddhist Psychology 

6 p.m. 

Tibetan Nyingma Institute 

1815 Highland Place 

Sylvia Gretchen on “Mind and Mental Events.” Free. 843-6812 

West Berkeley Market 

11 a.m. - 5 p.m. 

University Ave., between 3rd and 4th  

Opening day for the new, family-oriented West Berkeley Market. 

Crafts, music, produce, and specialty foods. 654-6346 

— compiled by Sabrina Forkish and Guy Poole 

Waving the flag no simple matter for Asian Americans 

By Ling-Chi Wang 

Pacific News Service 

In May, Oregon Congressman David Wu – the nation’s first and only Asian American member of the House of Representatives – was invited to the U.S. Department of Energy to deliver a speech to Asian Americans in celebration of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. 

But he was stopped at the door by a security guard who asked – several times, the Congressman says – if he was an American. Wu offered his identity card showing he was a member of Congress. The guards still denied him entry. 

Eventually, a supervisor intervened and Wu and an aid were allowed to enter the building so that he could give his talk about Asian American community progress during the last 200 years. 

The Energy Department claims the question is asked of everyone entering, but Wu’s colleague, Congressman Michael E. Capuano, passed the door the next day by simply checking a box on a form. 

For most Chinese Americans, this was another illustration of how pervasive racial profiling has become, and how paranoid our government is in its dealing with any Chinese Americans. 

An outraged S.B. Woo, key founder of the 80/20 Initiative, a Chinese American political action committee, urged every Chinese American to buy an American flag and hang it out the window or display it in the front yard on July 4. 

S.B. Woo is a former lieutenant governor of Delaware and a professor of atomic and molecular physics. His deep admiration for American democracy gave him a vision of many thousands of Chinese homes festooned with American flags sending out the message that “we too are Americans.” 

But no sea of flags can uproot America’s deep racism against Chinese Americans. Professor Woo fails to recognize this. He should know that citizenship and loyalty don’t involve flag-waving or pledges of allegiance. They come from the exercise of our rights under the U.S. constitution. 

Flag-waving has particular significance for older Chinese Americans because, during the 1950s and 1960s, they were compelled to raise the flag of the Republic of China (Taiwan) on every ceremonial occasion to prove their loyalty to the U.S. Why? Because flying the ROC flag also signified their hatred of Taiwan and America’s then-number-one enemy, “Red China.” 

No amount of American flag raising will prevent what happened to Congressman David Wu – who may well wear an American flag pinned on his lapel, and has lots of flags in his offices in Washington, D.C. and in Portland. 

Only courageous actions, not words – definitely not flag-flying – will get us anywhere. Silence and meaningless gestures mean acceptance of second-class citizenship. 

Accused Los Alamos scientist Dr. Wen Ho Lee also has an American flag in his home. That did not protect him from being subjected to judicial lynching instigated by the government and to nine months of cruel and unusual punishment. 

Nothing in the U.S. Constitution requires any American to raise a flag in order to establish citizenship or prove loyalty. 

The U.S. Supreme Court has steadfastly overturned the conviction of any American who burned the American flag as an act of protest. Burning of the American flag is an act of desecration and presumably, disloyalty, yet the court sees it as a legitimate expression of commitment to the Bill of Rights and patriotism. 

I am not advocating flag-burning, but I do not think people should hang their American flags on July 4. Both are legitimate exercises of free speech guaranteed by the Constitution. 

PNS Contributor Prof. Ling-Chi Wang is Chair of the Ethnic Studies Department at the University of California at Berkeley. 

Oxford Street opponents of Beth El should have purchased property 

Editor: 

Regarding the letter “Good deeds” (7/3), the author must be laboring under the old prejudicial conundrum that all Jews are obscenely wealthy and their temples are lined with gold.  

I am not a member of temple Beth El, but I know many of their congregants and they are elderly and on fixed incomes. The younger members are struggling financially to provide their children with a good education.  

To ask the Temple to sell its newly acquired property to the City of Berkeley for $1 is ridiculous!  

The Temple must have already spent a small fortune to purchase the land and to do studies, drawings and engineering to protect the ecology of the land and to try to satisfy their new neighbors.  

On the other hand I have noticed hundreds of signs saying “Save Codornices Creek” and they are in front of typically expensive Berkeley hills homes. If each of these concerned home owners were to ante up a few hundred or more dollars, they could have easily purchased this choice property and kept the Temple “out of my backyard...any place but not in my backyard!”  

A. Broudy  

Berkeley

UC Berkeley Museum of Paleontology Lobby, Valley Life Sciences Building, UC Berkeley “Tyrannosaurus Rex,” ongoing. A 20 by 40-foot replica of the fearsome dinosaur made from casts of bones of the most complete T. Rex skeleton yet excavated. When unearthed in Montana, the bones were all lying in place with only a small piece of the tailbone missing. “Pteranodon” A suspended skeleton of a flying reptile with a wingspan of 22-23 feet. The Pteranodon lived at the same time as the dinosaurs. Free. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. 642-1821 

UC Berkeley Phoebe Hearst Museum of Anthropology “Approaching a Century of Anthropology: The Phoebe Hearst Museum,” open-ended. This new permanent installation will introduce visitors to major topics in the museum’s history. “Ishi and the Invention of Yahi Culture,” ongoing. This exhibit documents the culture of the Yahi Indians of California as described and demonstrated from 1911 to 1916 by Ishi, the last surviving member of the tribe. $2 general; $1 seniors; $.50 children age 17 and under; free on Thursdays. Wednesday, Friday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Thursday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Kroeber Hall, Bancroft Way and College Ave. 643-7648  

Lawrence Hall of Science “Science in Toyland,” through Sept. 9. Exhibit uses toys to demonstrate scientific principles and to help develop children's thinking processes. “Space Weather,” through Sept. 2. Learn about solar cycles, space weather, the cause of the Aurorae and recent discoveries made by leading astronomers. This interactive exhibit lets visitors access near real-time data from the Sun and space, view interactive videos and find out about a variety of solar activities. “Within the Human Brain,” ongoing. Visitors test their cranial nerves, play skeeball, master mazes, match musical tones and construct stories inside a simulated “rat cage” of learning experiments. “Saturday Night Stargazing,” First and third Saturdays each month. 8 - 10 p.m., LHS plaza. Space Weather Exhibit now - Sept. 2; now - Sept. 9 Science in Toyland; Saturdays 12:30 - 3:30 p.m. $7 for adults; $5 for children 5-18; $3 for children 3-4. 642-5132 

Berkeley Opera “Carmen” by Georges Bizet, Jonathan Khuner conducting, July 13 through July 22. Final production of the season. Russell Blackwood directs the opera which is sung in a new English adaptation by David Scott Marley. Special Family Matinee: “How an Opera is Put Together,” July 8, 2 p.m. $10 general; $5 children under 14. $30 general; $25 seniors; $15 youths and handicapped; $10 student rush. Friday, 8 p.m.; Sunday, 7 p.m.; July 14, 2 p.m.; July 22, 7 p.m. Julian Morgan Theater, 2640 College Ave., Berkeley. (925) 798-1300, (510) 841-1903 or www.berkeleyopera.com 

Albatross Pub Music at 9 p.m. unless noted otherwise. July 5: Keni “El Lebrijano.” 1822 San Pablo Ave. 843-2473  

Jupiter “Post Junk Trio” July 7: 8 p.m. “Beatdown with DJs Delon, Yamu, & ADD1” July 12, 19, 26: 8 p.m. Chilled-out downtempo beats and cutting-edge visual displays. “Ben Krames & Candlelight Dub” July 6: 8 p.m., “Salvation Air Force” July 11: 8 p.m., Sizzling “hard-acid-free-groove jazz” Enjoy beers and beats under the stars. www.jupiterbeer.com; or call the hotline: THE-ROCK (843-7625) 

Freight & Salvage July 6 and 7:Ferron $18.50; July 8: Ambuya Beauler Dyoko, Zimbabwean thumb piano (mbira) music $16.50; July 12: Kevin Welch, Kieran Kane, Renegade Country $16.50; July 13: Jeremy Cohen's Violinjazz Vintage string swing $16.50; July 14: Tim O'Brien and Darrell Scott, American roots music $18.50; July 15: Carol McComb, Sterling originals $17.50 Music at 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted. 1111 Addison St. 548-1761 or 762-BASS or www.thefreight.org 

Ashkenaz July 6: 9:30 p.m., Ras Midas, Junior Jazz, Native Elements,Reggae. $11; July 7: 9:30 p.m., Kotoja, Dance lesson with Comfort at 9 p.m. Afro-beat. $11; July 10: 9 p.m., Anoush, The Kolevs, Balkan music with an 8 p.m. dance lesson by Steve Kotansky. $10; July 11: 9 p.m., Mz. Daa and Blues Alley, West Coast swing and blues with an 8 p.m. dance lesson by Nick and Shanna. $8; July 12: 9 p.m., Boubacar Traore, Delta blues, Mali-style with this string master. $12; July 13: 9:30 p.m., Tamazgha, Middle Eastern. $10; July 14: 9:30 p.m., Paul Pena, Zulu Exiles, Tuvan throat singing and township jive. $12.1317 San Pablo Ave 525-5099 www.ashkenaz.com 

924 Gilman St. July 7: The Stitches, Real Mackenzies, The Briefs, The Eddie Haskells, The Spits; July 13: Special Duties, Oppressed Logic, Violent Society, Zero Bullsh*t, Born Dead; July 14: Lonely Kings, Onetime Angels, Stay Gold, Thought Riot, Youth Gone Wild; July 15, 5 p.m.: Bobbyteens, Los Rabbis, Finky Binks, Off Balance, $5. Music at 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted. 924 Gilman St. 525-9926. 

Rose Street House of Music July 13: 8 p.m. “Doria Roberts & Making Waves” Featuring special guest slam poet Aya de Leon. $8-20 donation. No one turned away for lack of funds. 

Live Oaks Concerts Berkeley Art Center, July 15: David Cheng, Marvin Sanders, Ari Hsu; July 27: Monica Norcia, Amy Likar, Jim Meredith. All shows at 7:30 unless otherwise noted Admission $10 (BACA members $8, students and seniors $9, children under 12 free) 

The Starry Plough Pub July 6: Deke Dickerson and The Eccofonics $8; July 7: Faun Fables, Majesty's Monkey $6; July 12: The Clumsy Lovers, Mad Hannan, $6; July 13: Drums and Tuba, Mega Mousse, $7; July 14: Jerry Joseph and The Jackmormons, The John Shipe Band $7 

Sunday and Wednesday, 8 p.m.; Thursday, 9:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 9:45 p.m. unless otherwise noted. 3101 Shattuck Ave. 841-2082. 

Theater 

“Do You Hear What I Am Seeing?” July 5: 7:30 p.m. One man show by David Norris, a two-hour sampling of Joyce’s works with Norris’ insights. Part of the week-long conference “Extreme Joyce/Reading on the Edge.” $10. Julia Morgan Theater 2640 Collage Ave. 925-798-1300 

“Passionate Words Passionate Moves” July 5: 8 p.m. Latin American dance and storytelling in Spanish. 

“Romeo and Juliet” Through July 14, Thurs. - Sat. 8 p.m. Set in early 1930s just before the rise of Hitler in the Kit Kat Klub, Juliet is torn between ties to the Nazi party and Romeo’s Jewish heritage. $8 - $10. La Val’s Subterranean Theater 1834 Euclid 234-6046 

“A Life In the Theatre” Runs through July 15. Wed. - Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. David Mamet play about the lives of two actors, considered a metaphor for life itself. Directed by Nancy Carlin. $30-$35. $26 preview nights. Berkeley City Club 2315 Durant 843-4822 

“The Laramie Project” Through July 22: Weds. 7 p.m., Tues. and Thur. -Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. (After July 8 no Wednesday performance, no Sunday matinee on July 22.) Written by Moises Kaufmen and members of Tectonic Theater Project, directed by Moises Kaufman. Moises Kaufman and Tectonic members traveled to Laramie, Wyo., after the murder of openly gay student Matthew Shepherd. The play is about the community and the impact Shepherd’s death had on its members. $10 - $50. The Roda Theatre, Berkeley Repertory Theatre 2015 Addison St. 647-2949 www.berkeleyrep.org 

“Iphegenia in Aulis” Through August 12: Sat. and Sun. 5 p.m. No performances July 14 and 15, special dawn performance on August 12 at 7 a.m. A free park performance by the Shotgun Players of Euripides’ play about choices and priorities. With a masked chorus, singing, dancing, and live music. Feel free to bring food and something soft to sit on. John Hinkel Park, Southhampton Place at Arlington Avenue (different locations July 7 and 8). 655-0813 

Exhibits 

“Watershed 2001” Through July 14, Wednesday - Sunday Noon - 5 p.m. Exhibition of painting, drawing, sculpture and installation that explore images and issues about our watershed. Berkeley Art Center 1275 Walnut St. 644-6893 

Rachel Davis and Benicia Gantner Works on Paper Through July 14, Tues. - Sat., 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Watercolors by Davis, mixed-media by Gantner. Opening reception June 13, 6 - 8 p.m. Traywick Gallery 1316 Tenth St. 527-1214 www.traywick.com 

Constitutional Shift Through July 13, Tuesdays - Fridays, noon - 5 p.m. Permanence and personal journey link Hee Jae Suh, Ursula Neubauer and Marci Tackett. Korean-born Suh explores an inner psychological world with a dramatic series of self-portraits. Neubauer explores self-portraiture as a travel map of identity with multiple points of view. Tackett explores Antarctica’s other-worldly landscape in a series of stunning digital photographs. Kala Art Institute 1060 Heinz Ave. 549-2977 

“The Trip to Here: Paintings and Ghosts by Marty Brooks” Through July 31, Tues. - Sun. 11 a.m. - 1 a.m. View Brooks’ first California show at Bison Brewing Company 2598 Telegraph Ave. 841-7734  

Bernard Maisner: Illuminated Manuscripts and Paintings. Through Aug. 8 Maisner works in miniature as well as in large scales, combining his mastery of medieval illumination, gold leafing, and modern painting techniques. Flora Lamson Hewlett Library 2400 Ridge Rd. 849-2541 

“Musee des Hommages,” Masterworks by Guy Colwell Faithful copies of several artists from the pasts, including Titian’s “The Venus of Urbino,” Cezanne’s “Still Life,” Picasso’s “Woman at a Mirror,” and Boticelli’s “Primavera” Ongoing. Call ahead for hours 2028 Ninth St. (at Addison) 841-4210 or visit www.atelier9.com 

“New Visions: Introductions 2001” July 12 - August 18, Wed. - Sat.: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Juried by Artist- Curator Rene Yanez and Robbin Henderson, Executive Director of the Berkeley Art Center, the exhibition features works from some of California’s up-and-coming artists. Reception July 12 from 6 - 8 p.m. Pro Arts 461 Ninth St., Oakland 763-9425 

“Geographies of My Heart” Collage paintings by Jennifer Colby through August 24; Flora Lamson Hewlett Library 2400 Ridge Rd. 649-2541 

Images of Portugal Paintings by Sofia Berto Villas-Boas of her native land. Open after 5 p.m. Voulez-Vous 2930 College Ave. (at Elmwood) 

“Queens of Ethiopia: Intuitive Inspirations,” the exceptional art of Esete-Miriam A. Menkir. Through July 11. Women’s Cancer Resource Center Gallery 3023 Shattuck Ave. 548-9286 ext. 307 

“The Decade of Change: 1900 - 1910” chronicles the transformation of the city of Berkeley in this 10 year period. Thursday through Saturday, 1 - 4 p.m. Through September. Berkeley History Center, Veterans Memorial Building, 1931 Center St. Wheelchair accessible. 848-0181. Free.  

Readings 

Cody’s 7:30 p.m. July 9: Sheila Kohler reads “Children of Pithiviers”. Kohler is also the author of “Cracks”. $2 donation; July 10: 7:30 p.m. Mandy Aftel talks about her book, “Essence and Alchemy”. $2 donation; July 12: 7:30 p.m., Carol Muske-Dukes reads “Life After Death”; July 14: 7:30 p.m., Alexander Cockburn and John Strausbaugh discuss Cockburn’s book “Five Days That Shook the World” and Strausbaugh’s “Rock ‘Til You Drop” ; July 15: 7:30 p.m., Jimmy Santiago Baca discusses “A Place to Stand”; July 16: 7:30 p.m., “Critical Resistance to the Prison-Industrial Complex” A panel discussion. Organizers and participants in the 1998 Berkeley conference Critical Resistance produced a special issue of the journal Social Justice, about the prison industrial complex.  

$2 donation. 2454 Telegraph Ave. 845-0837 

Cody’s 1730 Fourth St. July 12: 7 p.m., Debra Levi Holtz, “Of Unknown Origin”; July 13: 7 p.m., Joe Di Prisco reading “Confessions of Brother Eli”  

$2 donation. 559-9500 

Weekly Poetry Nitro Mondays 6:30 p.m. sign up, 7 - 9 p.m. reading. Performing poets in a dinner atmosphere. June 25: Featuring Steve Arntsen; July 2: Featured artist April Ipock. Cafe de la Paz 1600 Shattuck Ave. 843-0662 

Tours 

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory Free. University of California, Berkeley. 486-4387 

Berkeley City Club Tours 2315 Durant Ave., Berkeley. The fourth Sunday of every month, Noon - 4 p.m. $2 848-7800  

Golden Gate Live Steamers Grizzly Peak Boulevard and Lomas Cantadas Drive at the south end of Tilden Regional Park Small locomotives, meticulously scaled to size. Trains run Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Rides: Sunday, noon to 3 p.m., weather permitting. 486-0623  

Dance 

Jupiter “Strictly Tango” July 10: 8 p.m. Dale Meyer heads up this ensemble as they perform original compositions and dance-style tangos. www.jupiterbeer.com or call the hotline: THE-ROCK (843-7625)

The Board of Education will consider a resolution to investigate the use of biodiesel fuel for its school buses tonight, at the last regular meeting before the board’s one month summer recess. 

Biodiesel fuel is made from vegetable oil and the recycled oil of deep fryers, like the kind McDonald’s uses for its French fries.  

Studies by the EPA have found that vehicles using biodiesel fuel emit up to 80 percent less pollution into the atmosphere than vehicles burning petroleum-based fuel. 

Berkeley’s 10 recycling trucks already run on 100 percent biodiesel fuel.  

School buses in Phoenix, Ariz., and Medford, N.J., have shifted to the fuel as well. 

The resolution on the school board’s agenda tonight calls for school district staff to report back to the board by October on the possible benefits of a shift to biodiesel fuel, and any financial implications. 

Also at tonight’s meeting, the board could vote to approve staff recommendations that call for a public hearing to be held in September to reexamine the district’s 2001-2002 budget.  

Citizen members of a board advisory committee are calling for the hearing, arguing that the district’s budget information was so disorganized in the days leading up to the budget’s passage that there may well be pools of money that were not properly accounted for. 

District staff argue in their recommendation to the board they will have all their final budget information in place by September, enabling them to give the board and the public a clear picture of any extra funds that may have become available.  

The hearing would give the public a chance to weigh in on how extra funds ought to be spent. 

A number of board members are on record saying they would move first to fund teaching positions cut from the high school this spring if funds become available. 

Other ideas floated by board members for where unexpected funds ought to be directed next year include: to increase the district’s custodial budget; to add one administrative position at Berkeley High; to restore two middle school safety officers who were terminated as part of this spring’s budget cuts; and to fund the creation of an Emergency Disaster Plan.

No self-respecting James Joyce scholar would fail to be in Dublin on June 16, 2004; but this year, anyway, Berkeley is the place to be. 

Joyce, the Irish novelist who probably changed the face of literature more than any other person this century, has something of  

a following.  

By setting his master-work, “Ulysses,” on June 16th, 1904 - an un-newsworthy day in Dublin when most everything happens in the minds of those you meet - Joyce revealed the everyday as epic poetry.  

As a result, the day’s a holiday. Called Bloomsday (after the protagonist of “Ulysses,” Leopold Bloom), it’s the day all the Joyceans will see the road rise up to meet them on their way to Dublin in 2004 for the centennial celebration and accompanying literary conference.  

But this year the Joyce conference, called “Extreme Joyce/ Reading on the Edge,” is in Berkeley. 

“We have people here from Uruguay, Germany, Spain, France, England, Ireland and all over the states. This conference occurs every year,” said UC Berkeley English professor, John Bishop, one of the conference organizers. “Every odd numbered year in North America, every even year in Europe, and it floats from city to city.  

“Last year it was in London, year before in Charleston, S.C., year before that in Rome, Bishop said. “So this is Berkeley’s turn to play host to all the people who play host to us.”  

The conference is taking place at UC Berkeley’s Clark Kerr campus throughout the week, and Tuesday night the program brought a number of performers to the Krutch Theater from the Bay Area and far beyond.  

Interwoven with some Irish singers performing the traditional ballads and limericks Joyce’s work is full of, the night was highlighted by a drama and a set of dramatic readings from Joyce’s work. 

The drama, performed by Rory Johnston’s Strolling Players, presented a collection of excerpts from Joyce’s last and most-difficult work, “Finnegans Wake.” 

“That ‘Finnegans Wake’ play was the West Coast premier of a play that was written by the Irish playwright, Denis Johnston,” Bishop said. “The director is the playwright’s son. It was kind of hard to follow if you don’t know Joyce’s work, so I wish it had been set up better.”  

The set of dramatic readings were entitled “Joyce’s Women.” They enlivened, with a welcome passion and sensuality, some of the richest passages in all of Joyce’s work. Performed by the Bay Area Bloomsday Players, a quartet of women who - transplants from Ireland, garbed in period dress - had brogues to accompany them.  

“(Grania Flanagan) did a good job of reading Molly (Bloom from ‘Ulysses,’) and that reminded me of what a strong feeling Joyce had for, let’s say, the physical actuality of a woman’s life,” said Sheldon Brivic, professor of English at Temple University and author of “Joyce’s Waking Women: An Introduction to Finnegans Wake.”  

“Even though (Joyce) was born in the 19th century and had certain old-fashioned attitudes,” Brivic said, “his attention to the psychological lives of women was very important. It influenced and impressed a lot of women at the time, (especially) women writers.” 

Some might wonder who comes to these things - if it’s just academics, or maybe just people with a stunning likeness to Joyce - but Bishop says there are others.  

“There’s many academics or people who are really devoted to Joyce, but there’s also a lot of lay people,” Bishop said, “who come regularly, who are unaffiliated with the schools at all. They may be into the arts, or just interested.”  

Of course, the term “lay people” begs comparison to a certain type of religious commitment, and the Joyceans don’t deny it. 

“(The Joyce Scholar) Fritz Senn said studying Joyce is a great substitute for life,” Brivic said with a grin. “I’ve been studying Joyce for 35 years. It’s something that engages, keeps you discovering new things. I’ve written four books on Joyce, and I’m doing something else right now, but I hope to get back to it.” 

Michael O’Shea, professor of English at Newberry College in South Carolina, perceived a distinct difference between students of Joyce and those who spend their time with other authors. 

“Of all the literary groups I’ve been involved with, this one seems able to retain a sense of enjoyment of literature,” O’Shea said. “The work is serious in the sense of being rigorous, methodical, thoroughly-researched and examined, but most of the people working with Joyce’s texts retain a sense of humor and retain the capacity to weave that humor into their work.” 

They look a little more ragged than they do on their respective campuses, where, wearing their collared-shirt uniforms, they stride absently between desks and podiums.  

This week they wear blue jeans, beat-up sneakers and conference t-shirts, shabbily tucked, which say things like “Extreme Joyceans” or “Unmitigated Joyce.” They look like kids with lollipops. Their candy – James Joyce.  

So is the Joyce conference the literary equivalent of a religious gathering, a world entered yearly by a group of devotees who find true community perhaps only with each other? 

“‘Ulysses’ is about two people who are alone, and they come together at the end and sit down and drink cocoa and talk,” Bishop said. “So I think Joyceans - just because they like the book - are drawn toward the value of communion and coming together. Everybody I know that comes to these things, or almost everybody, likes joke-telling and song-telling and nonsense and being a little off-color – the things that Joyce is.”  

He looked across the verandah of Krutch Theater to the staircase and the people milling out and off towards downtown and Beckett’s Irish Pub to rejoin the rest of the crowd.  

“We also have kind of a bash,” he said. 

Tonight: A two-hour, one-man show, sampling Joyce’s work along with commentary, performed by Trinity College Don and Joyce Scholar David Norris. Julia Morgan Theater, 2640 College Avenue Admission: $10. Call the box office at 925-798-1300 

WALNUT CREEK — State officials say they will attempt to shut down a pharmacy believed to be the source of cortisone shots tainted by meningitis that caused three deaths. 

The Attorney General’s Office filed a petition Tuesday alleging Doc’s Pharmacy in Walnut Creek used inadequate sterilization equipment and improperly used equipment, contributing to the May 11 contamination, the Contra Costa Times reported. 

Up to 38 people received the shots at two Contra Costa outpatient clinics.  

Of those, 13 were hospitalized following the injections, five of whom contracted meningitis, including the three that later died. Twenty-five other patients continue to be monitored and receive care. 

The petition alleges “gross negligence” by the pharmacy and its owner, Robert Horwitz. It says Horwitz did not supervise the technician who prepared the batch of shots and that she did not properly sterilize her hands. 

Horwitz is scheduled to appear before an administrative law judge in Oakland on Friday.  

Officials say they will seek to shut down the pharmacy and to suspend Horwitz’ pharmacy license until a hearing is held. 

“There has been a significant departure from the standard of care here that we believe poses an extreme threat to public health,” said Lloyd Paris, a deputy attorney general working on the case.

EL SEGUNDO — Aviation experts building a flying replica of the world’s first airplane have found the Wright stuff was a little wrong. 

Orville and Wilbur Wright made four brief flights Dec. 17, 1903, marking the first time a manned, heavier-than-air plane sustained powered flight. That same day, a gust of wind mangled their handmade aircraft and it never flew again. 

Now, new research on the 1903 Flyer – including by Air Force test pilots who flew a jet modified to behave like the original plane – shows the beginnings of aviation could well have meant the death of the Wrights that winter day. 

“I’d say it was almost a miracle they were able to fly it,” said Jack Cherne, a TRW Inc. engineer who is chairman of the Wright Flyer Project, sponsored by the Los Angeles chapter of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics. 

The group is one of at least three nationwide that aim to complete flying reproductions in time for the 100th anniversary of the Wright brothers’ flights near Kitty Hawk, N.C. 

None, however, has accumulated the wealth of data that the AIAA group has on the 1903 Flyer, which was later reconstructed and is now on display at the Smithsonian’s Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C. 

“It’s like balancing a yardstick on one finger, two at one time. If you lose it, it goes – quickly,” said Fred Culick, a professor of aeronautics at the California Institute of Technology who is first in line to pilot the plane. 

The exercise also humbled Air Force test pilots, each with hundreds of hours of experience flying the world’s most advanced aircraft, when they recently tried their hands at the stick. 

“Every pilot, his first try, crashed the simulator. It took less than a second. That’s how quickly it gets away from you,” said Capt. Tim Jorris, one of a small group of pilots at Edwards Air Force Base who took turns flying the simulator as part of a senior project. 

The pilots eventually took to the skies in a Learjet 24D programmed to fly like the original Flyer. Most had to rely on a computer-assisted stability augmentation system to keep the business jet aloft. 

“I thoroughly cannot imagine the Wright brothers, having very little experience in powered aircraft, getting this airborne and flying,” said Major Mike Jansen. “My respect for what they did went up immediately the first time I took the controls.” 

As the project’s members begin work on the replica they intend to fly, perhaps as early as next summer, they are tweaking the Wrights’ original design to improve the plane’s performance. 

Modifications will include changes to the plane’s airfoil, or shape of its wings, and its canard, which will boost its stability in the crucial pitch axis. A more powerful Volkswagen engine will drive the twin propellers. And a computer feedback system will assist the pilot in keeping the plane aloft. 

The “stand-off” replica will ultimately seem virtually identical to the original to the casual observer. 

“The only point to this is to give the public the impression of the first flight — repeatedly and safely,” Culick said. 

Ken Hyde, a retired American Airlines pilot who is spearheading his own effort to complete a flying reproduction, said straying from the original design defeats the purpose of honoring the Wrights. 

Hyde said his The Wright Experience flyer would change nothing from the original design, except the quality of some materials. He hopes to learn to fly the airplane — while tethered in a Virginia wind tunnel — before attempting to leave the ground. 

“What is the purpose of changing the airplane in the first place? You’re not going to learn their secrets of how they were able to develop flight in such a short time,” Hyde said. “It’s certainly not a tribute to them; it’s a tribute to us today.” 

Members of the AIAA group said their effort balances authenticity with safety. 

“We want the experience, but we don’t want to kill ourselves,” said Cherne, who worked on the Apollo moon missions. 

——— 

On the Net: http://www.wrightflyer.org 

OPEC’s decision not to increase oil output beyond current levels offered little to cheer consumers, but some energy analysts suggested that motorists and buyers of home heating oil might still benefit if Iraq moves quickly to resume its crude exports. 

The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries agreed Tuesday to stick with its existing production quotas and to meet again in September to review market conditions at that time. 

The cartel braced for softer crude prices as Iraqi President Saddam Hussein showed a willingness to resume the oil shipments he suspended a month ago in a dispute with the United Nations. 

“Maybe Saddam has done the American consumer a favor,” said Peter Gignoux, head of the petroleum desk at Salomon Smith Barney in London.  

“I guess the consumer comes out the winner in this because prices will come down.” 

The head of Iraq’s OPEC delegation, Saddam Hassan, told reporters earlier that Baghdad was prepared to renew its daily exports of 2.1 million barrels of oil “within a week” – if the U.N Security Council extends the oil-for-food humanitarian program for Iraq without any reference to a proposal to overhaul sanctions. 

Iraq had vigorously objected to the U.S.-backed British proposal. In the face of Russian opposition, Britain abandoned the plan in favor of a simple rollover of the oil-for-food program now in effect. 

On Tuesday, the Security Council voted to extend by five months the oil-for-food program, which allows Baghdad to sell unlimited amounts of oil provided revenues are used to buy food, medicine and other essentials. 

Afterward, Iraq’s U.N. Ambassador Mohammed al-Douri declined to say whether Baghdad will accept the extension and resume its oil exports.  

He said a reference in Tuesday’s resolution to a prior June 1 resolution, which refers to the U.S.-British plan, “is unacceptable in principle.” 

OPEC president Chakib Khelil told a news conference that a resumption in Iraqi exports might have a short-term “psychological” impact on oil markets but added that OPEC expected prices to stabilize later in July and August whether or not Iraq comes back to market. 

“There was a complete consensus on not increasing production at this stage,” he said after the OPEC meeting. 

OPEC pumps about two-fifths of the world’s oil, with an official production of 24.2 million barrels a day. 

Several oil ministers played down Iraq’s potential impact on prices. 

“It’s just another source of supply and we have said we will handle either shortage or glut in the market,” Saudi Arabian Oil Minister Ali Naimi told reporters just before the meeting. Saudi Arabia is OPEC’s biggest producer. 

Naimi foresaw an increase in seasonal demand for crude as refiners begin processing heating oil for sale this winter. 

“We will probably see (inventory) withdrawals in the next few months,” he said. 

Mehdi Varzi, senior energy consultant at London-based investment bank Dresdner Kleinwort Wasserstein, agreed that oil prices were unlikely to collapse if Iraq restores the exports it suspended on June 4. 

He said, “I don’t see why prices should spike, unless there’s a rebound in the world economy.” 

OPEC delegates plan to meet again Sept. 26 to review market conditions at that time.  

A possible decrease in demand due to the slowing U.S. economy and a downturn in growth in Europe was “our main concern,” OPEC Secretary-general Ali Rodriguez told the news conference. 

Leo Drollas, chief economist at the London-based Center for Global Energy Studies, warned that the rising demand for heating oil was sure to push up crude prices in the fall and winter. 

“The U.S. is out of the woods as far as gasoline is concerned, but in Asia and Europe, the demand for oil is starting to build up again,” Drollas said.

GENEVA — After 15 years of knocking at the door of the World Trade Organization, China is finally on the verge of entering the global trade forum. 

Officials said Wednesday that after six days of talks at WTO headquarters, just about every aspect of terms of membership was settled, clearing the way for China to join the Geneva-based body soon. 

“This meeting has resulted in a major breakthrough in all the issues regarding China’s accession,” said Pierre-Louis Girard, the Swiss diplomat chairing the talks. 

“As a result of this development I think we can with some confidence envisage a wrapping up of this process, which has lasted now for 15 years, in what I hope will be the very near future,” he said. 

Chinese chief negotiator Long Yongtu said he would stay in Geneva until the next round of talks, scheduled July 16, to speed things along. 

The hope is that China’s entry into the WTO can be officially endorsed at November’s ministerial meeting in Doha, Qatar, to add gloss to what are otherwise likely to be tricky discussions on whether to launch a new round of trade talks following the collapse of the Seattle conference in 1999. 

Under this scenario, China would become a full member early next year. 

“After going through this long negotiation process we know it is still not time for celebration, and there is still a lot of work before us,” said Long. 

However, Girard listed a whole series of areas where agreement had been reached, including patents and other intellectual property rights; subsidies; agriculture and antidumping measures. 

One of the outstanding arguments over agriculture was apparently resolved Wednesday, relating to concern felt by developing countries about a U.S.-Chinese deal on agricultural subsidies. 

Under WTO rules, developing countries have the right to subsidize 10 percent of agricultural output, but Washington refused to accept that figure for China. The two nations finally agreed on 8.5 percent. 

India, South Korea and Malaysia were concerned that this may set a precedent, and might even prompt the United States to demand stricter subsidy terms for developing countries across the board in the future. 

They therefore insisted that the final WTO agreement must contain a sentence stating that the U.S.-China bilateral deal does not set a precedent. Washington rejected this. 

Girard refused to elaborate on the nature of the compromise. But he said that the wording of the WTO text would make it clear that the agricultural subsidy commitments “are solely those of China and will not prejudice developing countries existing rights or future negotiations.” 

The biggest remaining problem to finalizing the Chinese terms of entry appeared to be over what constitutes a “branch” of a company — an issue linked to U.S. insurance giant AIG. 

Under the membership agreement, new companies entering the life insurance market in China must have 50 percent Chinese ownership. 

AIG claims that it is exempt from this because it is already doing business in China. It is not clear whether a new AIG office would be a branch of the head office or would constitute a new company — in which case the 50 percent ownership rule would apply. 

The issue has caused strife between the United States and the European Union, which insists that the same rules must apply to all insurance companies. EU companies operating in China are joint ventures, with a high level of Chinese ownership. 

Beyond the WTO-wide talks, China is still trying to settle a bilateral deal with Mexico. That also may hold up the process as other nations wait to see the details of the Mexican agreement. 

Other countries waiting to join the 141-nation WTO include Russia, Saudi Arabia and Vietnam. 

———— 

On the net: 

World Trade Organization — http://www.wto.org 

“Discretionary” money is a rare bird these days in the jungle of school finances. 

As the Berkeley Unified School District’s budget continues to shrink, central office staffers are doing all they can to pull in new state and federal grants to bolster the funding at various school sites. 

In some cases schools are entitled to state and federal money – based on enrollment and income levels – that comes earmarked for specific programs. In other cases, the district must file a competitive application, describing in minute detail what it plans to do with funds, and then wait with fingers crossed as the first day of school looms larger and larger on the horizon. 

But what about money for those ideas that teachers hatch over the summer? What about money for a “Classroom Publishing Center,” so students can truly grasp the power of the written word; or a few hundred dollars for a sculpture class that exposes students to an entirely different form of expression. 

How about field trips to Aquatic Park, the Museum of Tolerance in Los Angeles, or the public library? How about $50,000 to support an unprecedented, community-driven effort to help failing high school freshman get back on track? 

Money for these kinds of things very likely would not exist if it were not for the Berkeley Public Education Foundation. 

The foundation was founded in 1983, just five years after Proposition 13 capped local property taxes, leaving parents and others to watch in despair as local school funding dried up. 

“If you think the (school) board meetings are tough today, they were pretty horrendous (in the early ’80s),” said Berkeley Public Education Foundation Executive Director Mary Friedman. 

Friedman witnessed the change as her three children passed through Emerson elementary school from 1973 to up until 1986. At the beginning of the period, Friedman said, “It was how a school is supposed to be.” There was art and music instruction twice a week for every class. There was a nurse and a P.E. specialist and more.  

By the mid-’80s, all of it had fallen victim to budget cuts. 

Friedman and a number of her friends got so fed up with watching the school board approve cut after cut that they decided to form the Berkeley Public Education Foundation.  

Although former school board member Steve Lustig helped spearhead the movement to launch the foundation, the level of public discontent with the school board ran so high at the time that Friedman et al decided to keep the foundation completely separate from the board. Its mission was to give direct support to Berkeley’s public school teachers, and show them how much they were appreciated by the community. 

In its first few years, the foundation was a modest affair. In the 1984-85 school year it gave away $6,684 to help schools buy extra books and begin to build “school gardens.” The following year the number doubled to $13,298, with the money going again towards books, maps and extra science equipment. 

For contributions, Friedman used any list she could get her hands on: lists of neighborhood residents; lists of parents at certain schools; lists of parents associated with particular sports teams. For an office, she used her dining room table. 

“It was very primitive,” Friedman said. 

But the money poured in at an increasing rate. The wake of Proposition 13 was so devastating, Friedman said, that all through the eighties there was a heightened awareness about the need to direct more money back into schools, in any way possible. When the state government gave a tax rebate in 1988, for example, the foundation raised $120,000 by asking people to hand their rebate checks over to the foundation. 

All around the state, “Local Education Foundations” like the Berkeley Public Education Foundation were popping up, giving the communities a way to come together and lend support to schools, whether financial or otherwise. 

“You had programs being cut that people really thought were important and were counting on,” said Susan Sweney, executive director of the California Consortium of Education Foundations. 

“Most of the foundations (there are over 400 in California today) got started with something being cut, or (people) wanting to do some creative, innovative things that they couldn’t do,” Sweney added. 

As the Berkeley Public Education Foundation grew, it took on a leadership role around issues of education in the community. When it looked like the district would have to go a year with no music program at all in the mid-’90s (until new funding kicked in through the Berkeley Educational Excellence Project (BSEP) parcel tax), the foundation raised $300,000 in six months and presented it to the school board. The program was saved. 

“That’s the best kind of campaign,” Friedman recalled with evident pride. “When you’re just looking at bridge funding.” 

A few years later, the foundation launched a campaign to raise the money needed to fully fund the district’s ambitious plans for the new Rosa Parks school, created through months of meetings and consultation with the people living in the neighborhood around the school.  

Before becoming involved in a project, Friedman said, “We need to see that the people who are going to benefit most directly are really committed.” 

Tapping foundations, businesses and individual donors, the Berkeley Public Education Foundation was able to raise the $1.1 million needed to move forward with the construction of Rosa Parks. 

The foundation has helped with other spontaneous fund raising campaigns over the years. It has grown from a organization of concerned outsiders to an organization that partners closely with the school board and even has an office in the district’s central administrative building. 

And all the while the foundation has continued to pump discretionary funding to Berkeley teachers, one at a time, for everything from Winter Mountaineering lessons, to a lesson meditating on “African Oral Tradition & Walt Disney.”  

In the 2000-2001 school year, the Berkeley Public Education Foundation contributed $717,209 in classroom grants, money for the Longfellow Theater remodeling, and money for the Berkeley High Health Center.  

The dollar amounts may not be staggering, but the base of community support that the foundation represents for school initiatives is invaluable, according to Sweney. 

“Really it isn’t a lot of money,” Sweney said. “What it is, is money that has no strings on it. It’s discretionary. That’s what makes it very powerful. 

“It’s money that allows a community to do something that they think is very important.”

Tuesday, July 3

Berkeley Camera Club  

7:30 p.m. 

Northbrae Community Church  

941 The Alameda  

Share your slides and learn what other photographers are doing. Monthly field trips. 

Call Don, 525-3565 

James Joyce Conference 

9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. 

Clark Kerr Campus 

2601 Warring Street 

Part of a weeklong conference entitled “Extreme Joyce/Readings On the Edge.” Today includes panel on Finnegans Wake as well as looking at issues such as Joyce and carnality, computers, border-crossings, and cinema. From 4 - 5:30 p.m. workshops and reading groups on Teaching Joyce.  

$15 - $25. 642-2754  

Landmarks Preservation Commission 

4 p.m. 

Civic Center Park 

MLK Jr. Way and Center Street 

Review of the Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Repair and Rehabilitation of Martin Luther King Jr. Civic Center Park. 

705-8111 or 644-6915 (TDD) 

Wednesday, July 4 

Ice Cream Social 

Noon - 2 p.m. 

Lawrence Hall of Science 

UC Berkeley 

Part of the Lawrence Hall of Science Wednesday FUN-days. Bring your own picnic, ice cream provided by LHS. Free museum admission today with a library card, regular admission $3 - $7. 

642-5132  

4th of July at the  

Berkeley Marina 

Noon - 10 p.m. 

Families are invited to picnic on international food, hit the beach, take free sailboat rides, get their faces painted or relax with a massage. People can decorate their bikes at the Shorebird Nature Center and participate in the Decorated Bicycle Parade at 7 p.m. Madame Ovary’s egg puppets will perform and Adventure Playground will be open all day. Wacky Art Cars will be on display. Music begins at 2 p.m. with Zambombazo 2; Bird Legg and the Tite Fit Blues Band come on at 5 p.m.; Kollasuyo it at 7 p.m. and MotorDude Zydeco’s at 9 p.m. Fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Cars in by 7 p.m. when street closes to traffic, out only after 10 p.m. Free admission. No alcohol. Sponsored by the city. 548-5335 

Thursday, July 5

Public Works Commission 

7 p.m. 

North Berkeley Senior Center 

1901 Hearst Ave. 

Discussion and possible action regarding adoption of a new street-sweeping policy. 

Housing Advisory Commission 

7:30 p.m. 

South Berkeley Senior Center 

2939 Ellis St. 

The Rental Housing Safety Program will be among the items under discussion. 

Summer Noon Concerts 2001 

Noon - 1 p.m. 

Downtown Berkeley BART Plaza 

Shattuck at Center St. 

Weekly concert series. This week Capoeira Arts Cafe and company, Brazilian extravaganza. 

LGBT Catholics Group  

7:30 p.m. 

Newman Hall  

2700 Dwight Way (at College)  

The lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender Catholics group are “a spiritual community committed to creating justice.” This meetings discussions will center on “What do we/can we expect from the Church?” 654-5486 

Berkeley Metaphysical  

Toastmasters Club  

6:15 - 7:30 p.m.  

2515 Hillegass Ave.  

Public speaking skills and metaphysics come together. Ongoing first and third Thursdays each month. Call 869-2547 

Bear Safety 

7 p.m. 

Recreational Equipment, Inc. 

1338 San Pablo Ave. 

Learn how to travel in bear country without mishap. Wilderness guide Ken Hanley will discuss the characteristics of black bears and grizzlies for anyone venturing into their territories. Free. 

527-4140 

Quit Smoking Class 

6 - 8 p.m. 

South Berkeley Senior Center 

2939 Ellis Street 

A six week quit smoking class. 

Free to Berkeley residents and employees. 

Call 644-6422 or e-mail at: quitnow@ci.berkeley.ca.us 

James Joyce Conference 

9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. 

Clark Kerr Campus 

2601 Warring Street 

Part of a week-long conference entitled “Extreme Joyce/Readings On the Edge.” Today includes panels on Dubliners, Ulysses, Marginal Feelings in Joyce, and Joyce and Anarchy. From 4 - 5:30 p.m. workshops and reading groups on Teaching Joyce. $15 - $25. 642-2754  

Community Environmental  

Advisory Commission 

7 p.m. 

2118 Milvia Street 

First floor conference room 

Among agenda items, a follow up on arsenic in playgrounds and the California Environmental Quality Act and Skate Park tank enforcement. 

705-8150 or 644-6915 (TDD) 

Friday, July 6

Therapy for Trans Partners  

6 - 7:30 p.m.  

Pacific Center for Human Growth  

2712 Telegraph Ave. (at Derby)  

A group open to partners of those in transition or considering transition. The group is structured to be a safe place to receive support from peers and explore a variety of issues, including sexual orientation, coming out, feelings of isolation, among other topics. Intake process required. Meeting Fridays through August 17.  

$8 - $35 sliding scale per session  

Call 548-8283 x534 or x522 

Strong Women: The Arts,  

Herstory and Literature 

1:15 - 3:15 p.m. 

North Berkeley Senior Center  

1901 Hearst Ave.  

Taught by Helen Rippier Wheeler, this is a free weekly cultural studies course in the Berkeley Adult School’s Older Adults Program. Today, view the 1939 movie “The Women.” Free. Call 549-2970 

James Joyce Conferenc 

9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. 

Clark Kerr Campus 

2601 Warring Street 

Part of a week-long conference entitled “Extreme Joyce/Readings On the Edge.” Today includes panels on Ulysses, Ireland and the Politics of Culture, Joycean Border-Crossings, and Joyce and Frank Zappa. $15 - $25.  

642-2754 

James Joyce Conference  

Closing Banquet 

6 - 11 p.m. 

UC Faculty Club 

UC Berkeley Campus 

Joycean entertainment and dancing. Reservations required, call 415-392-1137. 

Homage to Chiapas 

7 p.m. 

Ecology Center 

2530 San Pablo Avenue 

Bill Weinberg, author of “Homage to Chiapas.” 

548-2220 

Saturday, July 7  

Free Sailboat Rides  

1 - 4 p.m. 

Cal Sailing Club 

Berkeley Marina 

The Cal Sailing Club, a non-profit sailing and windsurfing cooperative, give free rides on a first come, first served bases on the first full weekend of each month. Wear warm clothes and bring a change of clothes in case you get wet. Children must be at least five years old and must be accompanies by an adult.  

Visit www.cal-sailing.org  

Berkeley Farmers’ Market 

10 a.m. - 3 p.m. 

Center Street between Martin Luther King Jr. Way and Milvia Street 

548-3333 

Sunday, July 8 

Free Sailboat Rides  

1 - 4 p.m. 

Cal Sailing Club 

Berkeley Marina 

The Cal Sailing Club, a non-profit sailing and windsurfing cooperative, give free rides on a first come, first served bases on the first full weekend of each month. Wear warm clothes and bring a change of clothes in case you get wet. Children must be at least five years old and must be accompanies by an adult.  

Visit www.cal-sailing.org  

Tibetan Nyingma Institute Open House 

3 - 5 p.m. 

Tibetan Nyingma Institute 

1815 Highland Place 

Free introduction to Tibetan Buddhist culture, including: Prayer wheel and meditation garden tour, Tibetan yoga demonstration, information on Tibetan art project, class and program counseling and a talk on “Relaxation and Meditation.” Followed at 6 p.m. by “Mind and Mental Events.” Free.  

Buddhist Psychology 

6 p.m. 

Tibetan Nyingma Institute 

1815 Highland Place 

Sylvia Gretchen on “Mind and Mental Events.” Free. 

843-6812 

West Berkeley Market 

11 a.m. - 5 p.m. 

University Ave., between 3rd and 4th  

Opening day for the new, family-oriented West Berkeley Market. 

Crafts, music, produce, and specialty foods. 

654-6346 

Monday, July 9 

Draft Environmental  

Impact Report for UC Berkeley Northeast Quadrant project 

7 - 8:30 p.m. 

105 North Gate Hall 

UC Berkeley 

Public hearing on the Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Northeast Quadrant Science and Safety Projects, which will replace old, seismically poor research facilities with modern, safe structures. 

642-7720 

Tuesday, July 10 

Berkeley Camera Club  

7:30 p.m. 

Northbrae Community Church  

941 The Alameda  

Share your slides and learn what other photographers are doing. Monthly field trips. 

Call Don, 525-3565 

Writing and Resistance  

In A Culture of Amnesia 

6 - 7:45 p.m. 

La Peña Cultural Center 

3105 Shattuck Avenue 

Classroom #2 

Part of a workshop series on concepts and strategies for resistance through the spoken and written word, taught by Joyce E. Young. $12. 

849-2568 www.lapena.org 

Wednesday, July 11 

What’s Cooking? 

Noon - 2 p.m. 

Lawrence Hall of Science 

UC Berkeley 

Part of the Lawrence Hall of Science Wednesday FUN-days. Fun experiments you can do in your own kitchen. Museum admission $3 - $7. 

642-5132 

“Global Banquet”  

7:30 p.m. 

La Peña Cultural Center 

3105 Shattuck Avenue 

Part of the Anti-Globalization series. Tonight a presentation of “Global Banquet,” a look at farmers both local and in developing countries trying to survive in the global economy. Discussion led by Anuradha Mittal. Small donation requested. 

849-2568 www.lapena.org 

Thursday, July 12 

Summer Noon Concerts 2001 

Noon - 1 p.m. 

Downtown Berkeley BART Plaza 

Shattuck at Center St. 

Weekly concert series. This week East Bay Science and Arts Middle School evoke the sounds of Trinidadian Carnival with a steel drum performance. 

(gp) 

Hiking the Tahoe Rim Trail 

7 p.m. 

Recreational Equipment, Inc. 

1338 San Pablo Ave. 

Slide Presentation. 

Twenty years in the making, the 150-mile Tahoe Rim Trail is now complete. Tahoe Rim Trail Association board member Trena Bristol joins TRT through-hikers Steve Andersen and Art Presser for a slide presentation on great day hikes and backpacking trips on the TRT. Free. 

527-4140 

(gp) 

Quit Smoking Class 

6 - 8 p.m. 

South Berkeley Senior Center 

2939 Ellis Street 

A six week quit smoking class. 

Free to Berkeley residents and employees. 

Call 644-6422 or e-mail at: quitnow@ci.berkeley.ca.us 

Remediation of Under Prescribing  

Pain Medication 

5:30 - 7:30 p.m. 

North Berkeley Senior Center 

1902 Hearst Avenue 

A public hearing on AB 487, Remediation of Under Prescribing Pain Medication, with Assemblywoman Dion Aroner, medical experts, and patients. 

540-3660 

art.SITES SPAIN 

7:30 p.m. 

Easy Going Travel Shop and Bookstore 

1385 Shattuck Avenue 

Sidra Stitch, author of “art.SITES SPAIN: Contemporary Art and Architecture Handbook,” will present a slide show and talk on the most recent trends in art and architecture in Spain. Free. 

843-3533 

Friday, July 13 

Therapy for Trans Partners  

6 - 7:30 p.m.  

Pacific Center for Human Growth  

2712 Telegraph Ave. (at Derby)  

A group open to partners of those in transition or considering transition. The group is structured to be a safe place to receive support from peers and explore a variety of issues, including sexual orientation, coming out, feelings of isolation, among other topics. Intake process required. Meeting Fridays through August 17.  

$8 - $35 sliding scale per session  

Call 548-8283 x534 or x522 

Strong Women; The Arts, Herstory and Literature 

1:15 - 3:15 p.m. 

North Berkeley Senior Center  

1901 Hearst Ave. (at MLK Jr. Way) 

Taught by Dr. Helen Rippier Wheeler, author of “Women and Aging: A Guide to Literature,” this is a free weekly cultural studies course in the Berkeley Adult School’s Older Adults Program. Free.  

Call 549-2970 

Saturday, July 14 

Sunday, July 15 

Hands-On Bicycle Repair Clinics  

11 a.m. - Noon  

Recreational Equipment, Inc.  

1338 San Pablo Ave.  

Learn drive train maintenance and chain repair from one of REI’s bike technicians. All you need to bring is your bike. Free  

527-4140 

Buddhist Practice 

6 p.m. 

Tibetan Nyingma Institute 

1815 Highland Place 

Mark Henderson on “Fearlessness on the Bodhisattva Path.” Free. 

843-6812 

(gp) 

Second Annual Wobbly High Mass 

7:30 p.m. 

La Pena Cultural Center 

3105 Shattuck (@ Prince St.) 

Presented by Folk This! and friends, an evening of musical satire, subversion and sacrilege. This year’s theme is “Reclaiming Tomorrow,” a historical journey toward a future society without classes or bosses. 

$8 

849-2568 

West Berkeley Market 

11 a.m. - 5 p.m. 

University Ave., between 3rd and 4th Streets  

Family-oriented weekly market. Crafts, music, produce, and specialty foods. 

654-6346 

Monday, July 16 

Tuesday, July 17 

Intelligent Conversation  

7 - 9 p.m.  

Berkeley Richmond Jewish Community Center 

A discussion group open to all, regardless of age, religion, viewpoint, etc. This time the discussion will center on best vacations, trips, and travel experiences. Informally led by Robert Berend, who founded similar groups in L.A., Menlo Park, and Prague. Bring light snacks/drinks to share. Free  

527-5332 

Berkeley Camera Club  

7:30 p.m. 

Northbrae Community Church  

941 The Alameda  

Share your slides and learn what other photographers are doing. Monthly field trips. 

Call Don, 525-3565 

Berkeley School Volunteers 

10:30 a.m. - noon 

1835 Allston Way 

Orientation for volunteers interested in helping in academic and recreation programs being held in Berkeley public schools this summer. 

644-8833 

Writing and Resistance  

In A Culture of Amnesia 

6 - 7:45 p.m. 

La Peña Cultural Center 

3105 Shattuck Avenue 

Classroom #2 

Part of a workshop series on concepts and strategies for resistance through the spoken and written word, taught by Joyce E. Young. $12. 

849-2568 www.lapena.org 

(gp) 

Wednesday, July 18 

Blisters No More: Finding the Proper Boot Fit 

7 p.m. 

Recreational Equipment, Inc. 

1338 San Pablo Ave. 

REI footwear expert Brad Bostrom will show you how to make your feet more comfortable out on the trail. Bring your boots and socks to this interactive clinic. Free. 

527-4140 

(gp) 

Berkeley Communicator Toastmasters Club 

7:15 a.m. 

Vault Cafe 

3250 Adeline 

Learn to speak with confidence. Ongoing first and third Wednesdays each month. 

527-2337 

Ice Cream Day at LHS 

Noon - 2 p.m. 

Lawrence Hall of Science 

UC Berkeley 

Part of the Lawrence Hall of Science Wednesday FUN-days. Make your own ice cream and compare it to a commercial brand. Museum admission $3 - $7. 

642-5132 

(gp) 

Support Group for Family/Friends  

Caring for Older Adults 

4 - 5:30 p.m. - 3rd Wednesday of each month 

Alta Bates Medical Center  

Herrick Campus 

2001 Dwight Way 

3rd floor, Room 3369B (elevator - B) 

The group will focus on the needs of the older adult with serious medical problems, psychiatric illnesses, substance abuse, and their caregivers. Facilitated by Monica Nowakowski, LCSW. 

Free. For more information call 802-1725 

Thursday, July 19  

LGBT Catholics Group  

7:30 p.m. 

Newman Hall  

2700 Dwight Way (at College)  

The lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender Catholics group are “a spiritual community committed to creating justice.” This meeting will be a game night.  

654-5486 

Summer Noon Concerts 2001 

Noon - 1 p.m. 

Downtown Berkeley BART Plaza 

Shattuck at Center St. 

Weekly concert series. This week The Waikiki Steel Works perform vintage acoustic Hawaiian steel guitar music. 

Berkeley Metaphysical Toastmasters Club  

6:15 - 7:30 p.m.  

2515 Hillegass Ave.  

Public speaking skills and metaphysics come together. Ongoing first and third Thursdays each month.  

Call 869-2547 

(gp) 

Quit Smoking Class 

6 - 8 p.m. 

South Berkeley Senior Center 

2939 Ellis Street 

A six week quit smoking class. 

Free to Berkeley residents and employees. 

Call 644-6422 or e-mail at: quitnow@ci.berkeley.ca.us 

(gp) 

Backpacking Yosemite’s High Country 

7 p.m. 

Recreational Equipment, Inc. 

1338 San Pablo Ave. 

Slide Presentation. 

Marvin Schinnerer will share highlights from two favorite trips out of Yosemite’s Tuolumne Meadows. Free. 

527-4140 

Berkeley School Volunteers 

3 - 4:30 p.m. 

1835 Allston Way 

Orientation for volunteers interested in helping in academic and recreation programs being held in Berkeley public schools this summer. 

644-8833 

Friday, July 20  

Therapy for Trans Partners  

6 - 7:30 p.m.  

Pacific Center for Human Growth  

2712 Telegraph Ave. (at Derby)  

A group open to partners of those in transition or considering transition. The group is structured to be a safe place to receive support from peers and explore a variety of issues, including sexual orientation, coming out, feelings of isolation, among other topics. Intake process required. Meeting Fridays through August 17.  

$8 - $35 sliding scale per session  

Call 548-8283 x534 or x522 

Strong Women; The Arts, Herstory and Literature 

1:15 - 3:15 p.m. 

North Berkeley Senior Center  

1901 Hearst Ave. (at MLK Jr. Way) 

Taught by Dr. Helen Rippier Wheeler, author of “Women and Aging: A Guide to Literature,” this is a free weekly cultural studies course in the Berkeley Adult School’s Older Adults Program. Free. 

Call 549-2970 

Saturday, July 21 

(gp) 

Ohtani Bazaar 

4 p.m. - 9 p.m. 

Berkeley Higashi Honganji Temple 

1524 Oregon Street 

Games, prizes and activities for children. Japanese food will be available. Free admission. 

236-2550 

Sunday, July 22 

(gp) 

Ohtani Bazaar 

Noon - 7 p.m. 

Berkeley Higashi Honganji Temple 

1524 Oregon Street 

Games, prizes and activities for children. Japanese food will be available. Free admission. 

236-2550 

Buddhist Practice 

6 p.m. 

Tibetan Nyingma Institute 

1815 Highland Place 

Jack Petranker on “Going Beyond the Way We Live Now.” Free. 

843-6812 

West Berkeley Market 

11 a.m. - 5 p.m. 

University Ave., between 3rd and 4th Streets  

Family-oriented weekly market. Crafts, music, produce, and specialty foods. 

654-6346 

Tuesday, July 24 

Berkeley Camera Club  

7:30 p.m. 

Northbrae Community Church  

941 The Alameda  

Share your slides and learn what other photographers are doing. Monthly field trips. 

Call Don, 525-3565 

Round-the-World Journey 

7:30 p.m. 

Easy Going Travel Shop and Bookstore 

1385 Shattuck Avenue 

Brad Newsham, author of “Take Me With You: A Round-the-World Journey to Invite a Stranger Home,” will present a talk and slide show. Newsham took a 100-day trip through the Philippines, India, Egypt, Kenya, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, and South Africa looking for a stranger to bring to America. Free. 

843-3533 

Writing and Resistance  

In A Culture of Amnesia 

6 - 7:45 p.m. 

La Peña Cultural Center 

3105 Shattuck Avenue 

Classroom #2 

Part of a workshop series on concepts and strategies for resistance through the spoken and written word, taught by Joyce E. Young. $12. 

849-2568 www.lapena.org 

Wednesday, July 25 

Toymaker Day 

Noon - 2 p.m. 

Lawrence Hall of Science 

UC Berkeley 

Part of the Lawrence Hall of Science Wednesday FUN-days. Make toys out of recycled materials with artists from the East Bay Depot for Creative Reuse. Museum admission $3 - $7. 

642-5132 

Thursday, July 26 

Summer Noon Concerts 2001 

Noon - 1 p.m. 

Downtown Berkeley BART Plaza 

Shattuck at Center St. 

Weekly concert series. This week The Brazilian Workshop under the direction of Marcos Silva, Jazzschool students perform traditional Brazilian music. 

(gp) 

Quit Smoking Class 

6 - 8 p.m. 

South Berkeley Senior Center 

2939 Ellis Street 

A six week quit smoking class. 

Free to Berkeley residents and employees. 

Call 644-6422 or e-mail: quitnow@ci.berkeley.ca.us 

(gp) 

Wilderness First Aid 

7 p.m. 

Recreational Equipment, Inc. 

1338 San Pablo Ave. 

Jim Morrisey, senior instructor at Wilderness Medical Associates, will teach you the basics of field repair for the human body: Blisters, wounds, fractures, lightning strikes, snake bites and more. Free. 

527-4140 

(gp) 

Ancient Native Sites of the East Bay 

7:30 p.m. 

Room 160 Kroeber Hall, University of California Campus 

Andrew Galvan, an Ohlone Indian and co-owner of Archaeor, will discuss and share the benefits of osteological studies of prehistoric human skeletal remains. Prof. Ed Luby, research archaeologist for the Berkeley Natural History Museums, will discuss his work on mortuary feasting practices. $10 

841-2242 

Southeast Asia and Japan 

7:30 p.m. 

Easy Going Travel Shop and Bookstore 

1385 Shattuck Avenue 

William Ford, author of “Southeast Asia and Japan: Unusual Travel,” will present a talk and slide show of his adventure travels. Free. 

843-3533 

Return of the Zapatour 

7 p.m. 

La Peña Cultural Center 

3105 Shattuck Avenue 

Members of the Chiapas Support Committee report on their trip to Chiapas, including slides and videos. $8 - $15. 

849-2568 www.lapena.org 

Friday, July 27  

Therapy for Trans Partners  

6 - 7:30 p.m.  

Pacific Center for Human Growth  

2712 Telegraph Ave. (at Derby)  

A group open to partners of those in transition or considering transition. The group is structured to be a safe place to receive support from peers and explore a variety of issues, including sexual orientation, coming out, feelings of isolation, among other topics. Intake process required. Meeting Fridays through August 17.  

$8 - $35 sliding scale per session  

Call 548-8283 x534 or x522 

Strong Women; The Arts, Herstory and Literature 

1:15 - 3:15 p.m. 

North Berkeley Senior Center  

1901 Hearst Ave. (at MLK Jr. Way) 

Taught by Dr. Helen Rippier Wheeler, author of “Women and Aging: A Guide to Literature,” this is a free weekly cultural studies course in the Berkeley Adult School’s Older Adults Program. Free. 

Call 549-2970 

Saturday, July 28 

Sunday, July 29 

Hands-On Bicycle Repair Clinics  

11 a.m. - Noon  

Recreational Equipment, Inc.  

1338 San Pablo Ave.  

Learn how to adjust your brakes from one of REI’s bike technicians. All you need to bring is your bike. Free  

527-4140 

Buddhist Teacher 

6 p.m. 

Tibetan Nyingma Institute 

1815 Highland Place 

Eva Casey on “The Life of Padmasambhava.” Free. 

843-6812 

West Berkeley Market 

11 a.m. - 5 p.m. 

University Ave., between 3rd and 4th Streets  

Family-oriented weekly market. Crafts, music, produce, and specialty foods. 

654-6346 

Tuesday, July 31 

Berkeley Camera Club  

7:30 p.m. 

Northbrae Community Church  

941 The Alameda  

Share your slides and learn what other photographers are doing. Monthly field trips. 

Call Don, 525-3565 

Wild Women Travel Writers 

7:30 p.m. 

Easy Going Travel Shop and Bookstore 

1385 Shattuck Avenue 

An evening with members of the Wild Women Travel Writers’ Group, authors of “Wild Writing Women: Stories of World Travel,” will read from their book and conduct a panel discussion on the “Art of Travel Writing.” Free. 

843-3533 

Writing and Resistance  

In A Culture of Amnesia 

6 - 7:45 p.m. 

La Peña Cultural Center 

3105 Shattuck Avenue 

Classroom #2 

Part of a workshop series on concepts and strategies for resistance through the spoken and written word, taught by Joyce E. Young. $12. 

849-2568 www.lapena.org

Throw the rascals out; vote third party in 

Editor: 

It seems that none of the state legislators who voted for deregulation of the power industry will be running for re-election. So how are we going to turn the rascals out? 

Simple. Just remember that all the politicians who got us into this mess were members of either the pro-business Republican Party or the pro-business Democratic Party. If we can’t vote against individual rascals, we can vote against the two parties who joined hands to perpetrate this outrage. 

But since you can only vote against someone by voting for someone else, we need to have a party on the ballot that is not responsible for the current energy mess. 

The Peace and Freedom Party is close to having enough voters registered as its supporters to regain its ballot status.  

Voter registrars are reporting a big swing in registrations away from the two major parties and into the independent category. But the “Declines to State” classification will not be putting any candidates on the ballot. 

So at this point, a very useful step towards resolving the energy crisis might be to switch our registrations, to get the Peace and Freedom Party back on the ballot. 

Marion Syrek 

Oakland 

Look behind headlines to understand Oklahoma City 

Editor: 

There is a similarity and a difference between the children killed at Waco and the ones killed at Oklahoma City. The similarity is that none of the children deserved to die; the difference is that one of the groups of children was killed by U.S. government agents who are paid by our federal tax dollars. 

While outraged letter writers use the words “monster” or “the devil” to describe McVeigh, you’ll notice none of them used the words “crazy” or “insane” since anyone who saw McVeigh on TV knew these terms didn’t apply. 

I grew up in western New York and attended the same business school as McVeigh (although I had graduated before he was born), served in the U.S. Army overseas (he during the Gulf War era, myself during the Vietnam War era) and am labeled an “Urban Terrorist” by the Feds for my participation and frequent arrests and jail terms for non-violent civil disobedience protesting nuclear weapons and nuclear power. 

What the U.S. media focused on was “what” happened at Oklahoma City rather than “why” it happened.  

My point being that while I don’t condone killing children at Waco or Oklahoma City, I can understand why the former led to the latter. 

Joe Kempkes 

Oakland 

Editor:  

In the true tradition of good works, Beth El should sell the Codornces creek area of its Oxford property to the city for a dollar, and Beth El should scale back the size of its project. This would update Beth El good works to present day living conditions. 

Timely good works today in Berkeley include creek opening and actions to minimize projects that use lots of automobiles - those global warmers and polluters.  

The Beth El help for after school programs and for the elderly are certainly admirable. But the historic tradition of good works includes many instances wherein a doer cites such things as helping the elderly, when the doer would be more relevant to the spirit of good works by taking on a different issue.  

In South Africa of some 15 years ago, for instance, the government touted its wonderful social welfare system for elders.  

The government talked a lot about its help to the elderly.  

But what was needed 15 years ago was good works to change the South African government so that black as well as white seniors in South Africa received the good works.  

It is hoped that Beth El will seize the moment and join forces with others engaged in Berkeley's updated good works, such as opening the creeks.  

Ted Vincent 

Berkeley

The residents of the 19th century Victorian at 1545 Dwight Way would be the first to admit how spacious and attractive their front porch is, but they tend not to sit out on it too much. 

They know what they like about it: the pleasant breeze, the late afternoon and its fade to the colors of twilight. But they want to keep the neighbors at ease and avoid any mistaken ideas. 

“The stigma’s still there,” Tim Falke said. “It would be, ‘Well, they’re just a bunch of drug addicts hanging out on the porch.’ 

“Until I became one, I was saying the same thing. And at the same time I was saying that, I was addicted and I couldn’t quit.” 

Falke is a recovering, prescription-drug addict, and the Dwight Way house, a clean and sober home, is owned, run and under continued renovation by a non-profit organization called STEPS (Sobriety Through Education and Peer Support). 

After completing treatment for drug addiction at a program in Oakland, Falke learned about the STEPS house and thought the peer support there would help his recovery.  

But the name STEPS also stands, in a way, at least, for Gary Ferguson, who founded it. A recovering addict, Ferguson lives in the house and is its community director. 

“There were six people here when we started,” Ferguson said. “Currently there are 15 people, and eight available beds.” 

But before the move-in could even happen in April 2000, Ferguson and others had their work cut out  

for them. 

“This place was filthy,” Ferguson said. “Me and three other board members came in and just did a bunch of stuff.” Then (the non-profit organization) Christmas in April came in and worked on the house. 

Alameda County Supervisor Keith Carson attended the open house STEPS hosted last month, and said he liked what he saw. 

“Many of the programs in the county that offer assistance to individuals with alcohol and drug addictions have been started by grassroots individuals who have themselves gone through some of these challenges,” Carson said in a telephone interview Monday.  

“I’ve known Gary for a long time, and he’s going about all these things the right way.” 

Ferguson explained that there had been some misunderstandings about the kind of house it was when the project was first announced. 

“These are the same people that say they’re liberals, and that’s why they came to Berkeley. But when healthcare comes, and this is healthcare,” he said, pointing down to the floor of the kitchen. “When the reality of healthcare comes, they say, ‘Oh, no, what is this a halfway house?’  

“It’s not a halfway house,” Ferguson said, “and that needs to be made clear. It’s a clean-and-sober house for people who choose to live in a clean and sober environment so they can repair some of the things that have happened in their lives.” 

While it’s not a halfway house, rules are strict. Residents must attend two meetings each week and there is random drug testing. If a resident fails, he can reapply once for readmission after an absence of 30 days, Ferguson said. 

Ferguson, like Falke, says he feels no hostility toward the members of the community. He saw very clearly why misconceptions occur. 

“What I can do for that man is show him, through my life, that I have changed,” Ferguson said. “That I have made other choices, that I am an asset to this community, and that I deserve a place in this community just like he does.”  

Ferguson laughed, relating how one neighbor, seeing all the volunteers working to bring the house together, had had a change of heart. 

“He said, ‘Anybody that’s got that many kinds of people helping them work on their house can’t be all that bad, but we got our eye on you.’ And he smiled.” 

Carson said he hoped that the community even more. 

“If there are private organizations like Christmas in April to help them further improve the facility,” Carson said, “that would go a long way towards creating the right kind of environment. 

“They need an environment that doesn’t take them away from the community, and that gives them support and helps them remain productive people,” Carson said. “We need to identify different segments of the community to work as a board, who could help bring resources to this facility.”  

Like any good program director, Ferguson expressed, in his own genial way, the types of assistance the house is still in need of.  

“There’s a bathroom area that needs to be redone,” Ferguson said. “There’s some electrical work that needs to be done as well. 

“We’re asking for carpenters, plumbers, all people of trades to come and help us restore this house to its original beauty so it can change and become beautiful just like the people who are changing inside of it.” 

Bedroom furniture, garden equipment, the needs are plenty. But Ferguson is confident. 

“I’m hoping people (will see us) and say, ‘You know what, man, those people are really trying, not just talking about it. They’re doing their part.’  

“STEPS is doing its part, so I’m hoping we can get people to come and help,” he said. “That’s what it’s all about.”  

STEPS can be reached at 540-5459.

Berkeley Lite’s an occasional column of commentary, illuminating those who’d like to shine us on.  

You’ve seen these commercials on TV. 

Oh, come on, even YOU turn the tube on sometimes. 

There’s this woman from Philip Morris grinning in a helicopter (not a hair out of place, dare I say) as she delivers supplies to (well-dressed) war-ravaged refugees - some smokes, too, I’d wager. Think the ad’ll make us forget loved ones lost to lung cancer?  

Good deeds. There’s the wealthy landlord Reddy, importer of underage girls for his (and allegedly his sons’) sexual greed. The judge took the man’s good works – seems he had a school built in his home town in India – into account when handing down the sentence.  

Charity. Also makes me think of that check-cashing company purchase of 100 dictionaries for Franklin Microsociety School in west Berkeley, an area from which most real banks have long-since fled. Hope the microcity school teaches the young’uns to calculate the interest these places charge. 

Another grammar school lesson: When you put scrawny trees out in the street, some SUV’s gonna clobber them. 

Doesn’t take a scientific genius to figure that out. Well, surprise, a couple of the ah, immature trees – red sunset maples (which will grow up in a quarter of a century) stuck out in the street on University Ave. got knocked over. Our Measure S dollars at work – right?  

All that work building little islands for trees that will be run over and still, the nearby intersection at Shattuck and University avenues remains un-reengineered and dangerous as ever. 

On the brighter side of lite. 

That judge in the Reddy case who knocked time off for “charitable” behavior, also added jail time for the severity of the man’s misdeeds. This part of the ruling actually gave me faith (me of little of that stuff) to see a Judge Saundra Brown Armstrong stand up to the prosecution and defense, which had suddenly become a team- imagine the Giants holding hands with the Dodgers. The guys had struck a deal, a plea bargain in lawyer-babble. The judge, however, said the prosecution-defense agreement failed to take full account the girls’ trauma and Reddy’s attempt to shut witnesses up. Would a male judge have done the same? Hope so. 

In another justice story, remember the local cops who were giving out lattes to people who – mon dieu – obeyed the speed laws. 

Well, I’ve got a better one. How ’bout us simple citizens giving lattes or something to Berkeley’s finest who do 25 in the 25-mile zones posted on our main streets. Ever seen a cop doing 25 on Dwight Way, Ashby or Sacramento? Give him (or her) a latte.  

Or a voucher to the City Hall Cafe. 

That’s the now-empty room on the left when you walk into the newly renovated Civic Center Building. 

More of our tax dollars at work. The powers that be thought someone would want to open a cafe there but, according to Deputy City Manager Phil Kamlarz, cafe owners don’t think they can make a big enough profit from the city hall crowd. Now the city’s looking for someone with a coffee cart - or something. 

Meanwhile, they seem to keep the lights burning bright in the to-be-cafe room.  

I guess it’s just in case some coffee-cart person wants to check it out. 

Or something. 

AT&T Communications of California Inc. is accusing Pacific Bell Telephone Co. of overcharging for access to its local telephone infrastructure to keep competition at bay, according to suit filed Monday in U.S. District Court. 

The suit is a high-stakes dispute in the aftermath of the 1996 Telecommunications Act, a law Congress adopted to open monopolistic phone services to competitors to cut consumer costs. It allowed competitors to build their own infrastructure, buy phone time from their competitors to resell, or lease a competitor’s infrastructure to offer a competing phone service. 

AT&T, along with MCI Worldcom Network Services Inc., allege that San Francisco-based Pac Bell, which controls about 75 percent of California’s residential telephone market, is unlawfully making it too expensive to compete in an area that Congress required opened to competition. 

Pac Bell, a unit of San Antonio-based SBC Communications, the nation’s second-largest local phone company, said the lawsuit’s motive was an effort to thwart or stall Pac Bell’s entrance into California’s $16 billion annual long-distance market. AT&T, MCI and Sprint carry 80 percent of California long-distance phone service. 

“It’s clearly an effort by them to stall our entry,” said Bill Mashek, a Pac Bell spokesman.  

“The rates that we charge our competitors to use our network were set by the Public Utilities Commission here in San Francisco.” 

The suit came nearly a week after Pac Bell asked regulators to allow it to move into the state’s long-distance market. 

Regulators, using a carrot-and-stick-approach, said that Pac Bell could only sign up long-distance customers if it convinces state and federal officials that its local phone market is truly competitive. One provision is that competitors have access to phone lines and other technology to provide their services. 

The suit also contends that the state’s Public Utilities Commission has unlawfully allowed the alleged lofty prices for the competitors to use Pac Bell’s infrastructure.  

AT&T and MCI said that the PUC authorized Pac Bell to charge $1 billion in overhead costs to lease local telephone systems, a figure that is more than double what AT&T and MCI said is necessary. 

An AT&T vice president told The Associated Press that California’s local residential telephone market, which is virtually controlled by Pac Bell, could never be opened to competitors if the courts do not alter the pricing arrangements that the state Public Utilities Commission approved in 1999. AT&T said Pac Bell is authorized to charge more for AT&T to lease equipment than it could recover from residential customers. 

“We have no plans to enter the market ... if prices remain the same,” Rose Johnson, an AT&T vice president, said. “This is not a threat. This is a fact.” 

AT&T, a subsidiary of AT&T Co. of New York, is separately challenging the PUC’s approval of non-overhead costs of leasing the equipment from Pac Bell necessary to offer local phone service. The PUC is reviewing those costs. 

Commission spokesman Armando Rendon said regulators have not seen the suit and could not comment. 

AT&T’s Johnson acknowledged that she hoped the suit could thwart Pac Bell’s application into the long-distance arena until it reduces leasing prices. 

“If they’re allowed into the long distance marketplace while they have these conditions, they will very quickly monopolize,” Johnson said. 

On Wednesday, Pac Bell submitted a 3,000-page application with the PUC in a bid to provide long-distance service in California. The PUC said that it would not make a recommendation to federal regulators for at least two months. 

SACRAMENTO — California enters the third day of the new fiscal year Tuesday without a state budget, while Democrats are faced with rounding up an additional Republican vote because a lawmaker left for a trip abroad. 

Democratic Assemblyman Lou Papan of Millbrae left Sunday morning for a 10-day vacation to Spain. Now, Assembly Democrats must find five GOP votes instead of four to approve a 2001-02 budget by the required two-thirds margin. 

Papan voted for the estimated $101 billion budget three times last week. Each time, Republicans held out over a quarter-cent sales tax issue and the budget failed to gather enough votes in the Assembly. 

The Senate also failed to approve the budget early last week and hasn’t voted on it since. 

Neither chamber took up the budget Monday, and the Senate adjourned until Thursday. 

Assembly Speaker Robert Hertzberg of Van Nuys ordered members to stay within three hours travel time from Sacramento, but no sessions were scheduled until Thursday. 

Papan, whose district includes south San Francisco, Daly City and Millbrae, is not eligible for re-election next year because of term limits. 

Papan’s office issued a statement Monday that said he scheduled the trip “several months ago,” anticipating the Legislature would meet the June 15 constitutional deadline to approve a state budget. 

A six-member panel of lawmakers negotiating a budget plan did not send a budget to the full legislature until June 22. The June 15 deadline is rarely met and holds no penalties. 

The next missed deadline was Sunday, the day the budget was to take effect. Previous court rulings prevent the state from shutting down if a budget isn’t adopted by July 1. 

Meanwhile, budget negotiations continued Monday among party leaders, but little progress was made. 

As a condition for voting for the budget, Republicans are insisting that the Legislature agree to extend a quarter-cent sales tax cut that is scheduled to expire Jan. 1 because of a sagging economy and lower state budget reserves. 

Allowing the cut to expire would give the state an additional $600 million in the new fiscal year. 

Democratic leaders tried to pick up Republican support for the budget Friday by offering an array of agriculture-friendly and other targeted tax breaks. But GOP lawmakers say they won’t budge on a spending plan that includes a tax increase. 

—— 

On the Net: 

See budget information at http://www.lao.ca.gov 

Papan’s Web site at http://democrats.assembly.ca.gov/members/a19/ 

WASHINGTON — Consumers, a key force keeping the economy afloat, continued their vigorous spending in May. That, along with improvements in manufacturing and solid construction activity, made economists more hopeful the country will be able to skirt a recession this year. 

The latest batch of economic news Monday offered encouraging signs for an economy that has been stuck in low gear since last year. 

“There’s light at the end of the tunnel. It may not be a beacon but it’s promising,” said Richard Yamarone, economist with Argus Research Corp. “All three reports are good news and support an economic recovery.” 

Consumer spending, which accounts for two-thirds of all economic activity, rose in May for the second month in a row by 0.5 percent, a better-than-expected showing that came despite the choppy economy and a rash of layoffs. 

The Commerce Department’s report also showed that Americans’ incomes grew by 0.2 percent for the second straight month. The spending and income figures aren’t adjusted for inflation. 

“The consumer has been the economy’s savior,” said Joel Naroff of Naroff Economic Advisors. “Neither rain, nor heat nor lack of income will stay the consumers from their rounds of spending money.” 

Meanwhile, a key gauge of industrial activity in June turned in its best performance in seven months. Even with the improvement, the measure was at a level indicating that the manufacturing sector of the economy remained in recession. 

The National Association of Purchasing Management said its purchasing index rose to 44.7 percent from 42.1 percent in May. An index above 50 signifies growth in manufacturing, while a figure below 50 shows contraction. June’s 44.7 percent reading was the highest since 47.9 percent in November. 

Analysts were heartened that the index regained some lost ground and were hopeful that the worst of the manufacturing recession may be over. 

“Manufacturing remains weak but is firming,” said Merrill Lynch economist Stan Shipley. 

In a third report, construction spending rose by a bigger-than-expected 0.3 percent in May, following a 0.4 percent rise. Lower interest rates have helped keep the industry stable during the slowdown. 

All of May’s strength came from spending on big government projects, such as schools and highways, and increased spending on housing. 

To stave off recession, the Federal Reserve has slashed interest rates six times this year. The most recent reduction, of a quarter-point, came last week. The other five cuts were each by a bolder half-point. 

Economists predict that the economy in the recently ended second quarter will probably hit its lowest point since the slowdown began in the second half of last year. Many believe the economy grew by a barely discernible rate of 0.5 percent in the April-June quarter. 

Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan has said one of the biggest factors determining whether the country will skirt a recession is how well consumers hold up during the slowdown. 

With Monday’s reports, economists said they are increasingly hopeful the economy will rebound near the end of the year as the Fed’s interest-rate cuts and Congress tax-cut refunds take hold. 

The increase in consumer spending in May was led by a 1.2 percent jump in purchases of costly manufactured goods, such as cars and washing machines. That followed a tiny 0.1 percent rise in April. 

Spending on nondurable goods such as clothes and food rose 0.5 percent in May, compared with a previous 1 percent increase. Spending on services grew by 0.3 percent for the second month in a row. The services category includes such things as gas and electric utilities, visits to doctors, bus and train fares and rent for housing. 

None of the spending figures are adjusted for inflation. 

With spending outpacing income growth, the personal savings rate — savings as a percentage of after-tax income — dipped from a negative 1 percent in April to a negative 1.3 percent in May, matching a record monthly low set in January. 

The savings rate doesn’t provide a complete picture of household finances because it doesn’t capture gains realized from such things as higher real estate values or financial investments, economists say. 

“Consumers are staying in red and meanwhile keeping the overall economy in the black,” said National Association of Manufacturers President Jerry Jasinowski. 

——— 

On the Net: 

Consumer income and spending: http://www.bea.doc.gov/briefrm/tables/ebr8.htm 

Purchasing managers: http://www.napm.org/ 

WASHINGTON — The Bush administration is proposing the first new offshore drilling in the Gulf of Mexico in more than a decade with plans to offer new oil and gas leases in an area covering 1.47 million acres, Interior Secretary Gale Norton announced Monday. 

Norton said the lease area along the Outer Continental Shelf – at least 100 miles from the shorelines of Florida, Alabama and Mississippi – has enough oil to run a million families’ cars for six years and enough natural gas to heat the homes of a million families for 15 years. 

“Clearly, development of resources in the OCS is an important part of our national energy strategy,” she told reporters. “My decision today represents a very reasonable compromise.” 

A final decision on the sale will be made in October and, if approved, an auction for the leases would take place in December, Norton said. 

Interior officials said they expect the auction to raise $136 million. Since 1982, the government has collected $110.4 billion from its oil leases. Drilling could begin in the next two to 10 years, officials said. 

White House spokesman Ari Fleischer said President Bush listened to the people of Florida and worked with governors of states adjoining the Gulf of Mexico to “come out with a plan that is environmentally sensitive and balanced.” 

The area, known as Lease Sale 181, originally covered 5.9 million acres when it was proposed by the Clinton administration in 1997 after consultations with then-Florida Gov. Lawton Chiles. 

Opposition from Florida’s tourist industry and environmentalists delayed the sale. Bush revived the plan when he took office, but it met with immediate opposition from his brother, Jeb Bush, who succeeded Chiles as Florida’s governor. 

Speaking from his parents’ summer home in Kennebunkport, Maine, Jeb Bush said the compromise “reflects significant progress in Florida’s fight to protect our coastline.” 

“Any lease sales that do occur in the 181 area will occur off the coast of Alabama, not Florida,” he said. “Floridians have spoken loud and clear, and their voices have been heard by President Bush.” 

Charles Lee, senior vice president of the Florida Audubon Society, said the proposed sale “sounds like a big improvement over what was put on the table in Lease Sale 181. 

“I think most of us would prefer to prevent drilling anywhere in the eastern Gulf of Mexico, but it sounds like it’s moving in the right direction, and the right direction is as far away from Florida as we can get it,” he said. Some environmental groups were still upset. 

“More rigs mean more pipelines and tankers, and thus a higher risk to Florida and Alabama’s coastal economies and fisheries,” said Frank Jackalone, the Sierra Club’s Florida staff director. 

The House, with Florida Reps. Jim Davis, a Democrat, and Joe Scarborough, a Republican, leading the effort, voted last week to block the sale as part of an appropriations bill for the Interior Department. The Senate has not acted on the legislation and it could be September before any ban could become law. 

While the decision reduces the size of the leasing area, Sen. Bob Graham, D-Fla., expressed worry that it also might foreshadow more drilling and exploration. 

“Now is the time to begin serious consideration of a national energy policy that doesn’t put sensitive coastlines or other environmental systems at risk in order to drain America first,” he said. 

Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla., called the proposal “the proverbial camel’s nose under the tent — to allow big oil companies into the rest of the Gulf of Mexico.” 

The sale area originally came as close as 17 miles to Pensacola in Florida’s Panhandle. The area being offered for lease was reduced to one-fourth its original size in response to widespread opposition in Florida and from environmentalists nationwide. 

The new lease area would begin 285 miles west of Tampa and would be at least 138 miles from Panama City, Fla. It also is 146 miles from Port Fourchon, La., but only 64 miles from Venice, La., Interior Department officials said. 

Oil and gas rigs now dot the western and central waters of the Gulf of Mexico, but no federal lease has been offered in the eastern gulf since 1988. Officials estimate that the new, reduced lease area contains at least 185 million barrels of oil and 1.25 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. 

All but one of Florida’s 23 House members voted against offshore oil drilling. Many said they now support the administration’s proposal, partly because Florida risked infringing on neighboring states that want the oil leasing revenues. 

“There’s only so far we can push our sovereign rights,” said Rep. Mark Foley, R-Fla. “It’s only so long before the state’s going to look a spoilsport in the equation.” 

Scarborough said the House measures last week to delay new leases and to ban new permits for Great Lakes drilling were “political earthquakes for the administration and had a very significant impact on moving them toward the inevitable.” 

ZAMBOANGA, Philippines — A Muslim separatist group said Monday it was looking into an unconfirmed report that its rebels saw members of the extremist Abu Sayyaf moving hostages, including an American the abductors say they beheaded. 

Despite the Abu Sayyaf’s repeated claims to have killed Guillermo Sobero of Corona, Calif., three weeks ago, soldiers scouring Basilan island in the southern Philippines for kidnappers and captives have never found his body. 

Eid Kabalu, a spokesman for the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, said Monday that its rebels reported seeing the Abu Sayyaf marching hostages through the jungle about 10 days ago, including all three Americans seized at a beach resort May 27. 

Kabalu stressed the information could not immediately be verified, and MILF leaders were seeking a better explanation from rebels in the field. 

“They said they saw the Americans and they were still alive and Sobero was still alive,” Kabalu told The Associated Press by telephone. “We are still trying to verify this.” 

That might take days, he said. 

Kabalu said the Americans were recognizable “by the color of their skin and the shape of their noses.” 

Military chief of staff Diomedio Villanueva said he did not know whether the report was credible. 

“I don’t have any confirmation from our ground troops,” Villanueva told Associated Press Television News. “It will be better if (the MILF) can help us in this matter by bringing out the body or the person of Mr. Sobero.” 

A spokesman for the military’s Southern Command said officials had not given up trying to find Sobero alive. 

“In the absence of concrete proof that he is dead, our position is that he is still alive, and that would add credence to the report of the MILF,” Lt. Col. Danilo Servando said. 

U.S. Embassy officials did not return phone calls. 

The Philippine Daily Inquirer on Monday quoted the MILF as saying Sobero might still be alive. 

The MILF has helped in the past with hostage releases and recently signed a cease-fire with the government. 

The two other American hostages are Martin and Gracia Burnham, a Christian missionary couple from Wichita, Kan., who have lived for years in this impoverished Southeast Asian island nation. 

The Abu Sayyaf says it is fighting for an independent Muslim state. The government calls the group a band of bandits specializing in kidnappings for ransom.

A 78-year-old woman was nearly killed Saturday afternoon when an attempted purse snatch escalated on the 2300 block of McGee Avenue. 

As the victim prepared to leave her home about 3:30 p.m. she noticed a car driving slowly back and forth along her street, said Lt. Russell Lopes, spokesperson for the Berkeley Police Department. When she was about to get into her car, a man allegedly grabbed her from behind, took her purse and ran to the car parked directly behind hers.  

He ran to the same car she had seen driving up and down the block earlier. Lopes said the victim started screaming that her purse had been stolen, and her 60-year-old brother, who shares the McGee Avenue home, ran out and began punching the suspect in the face through the open car window as the suspect attempted to start the car.  

At the same time, the victim opened the passenger door and attempted to retrieve her purse from the seat, Lopes said. When the victim had her upper body in the car the suspect allegedly sped in reverse causing the open car door to deeply cut the victims legs, which caused her to fall and hit her head on the cement.  

Lopes said the suspect then sped away. 

The victim was in stable condition after surgery at Highland Hospital in Oakland.  

Police are still looking for the suspect described as a white or Hispanic male, 26-30 years old, 5 feet 10 inches to 6 feet 1 inch with black hair in a ponytail driving a blue or gray 1989 to 1991 model two-door car. 

••• 

A man walking home was attacked and cut deeply by a man with a knife near Mabel and 67th streets just after midnight on Saturday. 

Lopes said the victim was approached by a casual acquaintance that accused the victim of owing him $20. The suspect allegedly pulled a folding blade and slashed at the victim, cutting him severely on the right hand. 

The victim was treated at Alta Bates Hospital in Berkeley and released. No arrests have been made. 

••• 

The manager of the Ramada Inn at 920 University Ave. was arrested for spraying a traveler in the face with an aerosol can of air freshener. 

Lopes said the victim, who lives in Hartford, Conn., was loitering with a group of friends in the lobby of the Ramada Inn when the manager asked him to leave.  

When he refused, the manager allegedly sprayed him in the face with an air freshener burning the victim’s eyes. 

The suspect was arrested and charged with assault with a caustic chemical and the victim, who declined medical attention was served a citation for trespassing. 

Coming off of a rousing victory over Modesto Christian on Friday, the St. Mary’s boys’ basketball team went into the weekend portion of the Cal Basketball Team Camp with hig spirits. But after an easy win over outmanned Mater Dei, the Panthers came crashing back down to earth. 

Going up against Northgate in the first round of the 16-team tournament that ended the camp, the Panthers were the favorites. Even without sophomore DeMarcus Nelson, who injured his knee and back on Friday, St. Mary’s took a quick 9-0 lead in the opening minutes. But Northgate’s 3-2 zone slowed the Panther attack, forcing point guard DeShawn Freeman to dish the ball by denying him penetration, and the Northgate shooters came alive. 

Without Nelson, the Panthers’ pressing defense was a step slow in their second game of the day, leading to several easy layups for the Mustangs. When their wing shooters got hot late in the first half, the Panthers found themselves down by six at halftime. 

It got worse in the second half, as Northgate continued to get open looks as the Panthers scrambled around on defense. They extended their lead to 17 with six minutes to go, and looked assured of a big upset win. Freeman took things into his own hands in the closing minutes, blowing by the defense for several acrobatic layups. But in the end, the best St. Mary’s could do was close the gap to six points with less than a minute remaining. 

“We looked really slow out there today,” St. Mary’s head coach Jose Caraballo said after the loss. “I’m not sure we deserve to win tonight if we play like we just did.” 

But the Panthers still had an inspired effort left in them to close Saturday’s action. They were up against BSAL rival Salesian, who had fallen in overtime to Riordan (San Francisco). The Panthers beat Salesian three times last season, and Chieftan star John Winston plays on the Oakland Soldiers with Freeman, Nelson and St. Mary’s sharpshooter John Sharper, so the teams are very familiar with each other. 

Playing without Nelson and center Simon Knight, who is out for the summer following knee surgery, Freeman and Sharper dominated, leading their team to an eight-point victory in their third game of the day. 

The Panthers didn’t have much rest ahead, however, as the win over Salesian earned them a spot in Sunday’s consolation final four. Facing Bishop O’Dowd, St. Mary’s once again showed why Caraballo feels they are ready to take on the top teams in the state with a dominating 20-point win. 

“This tournament is a good test for us to prove we’re ready to take on the D-1 level schools,” Freeman said. “We’re going to be a force to be reckoned with.”

Habitot Children’s Museum “Back to the Farm” An interactive exhibit gives children the chance to wiggle through tunnels, look into a mirrored fish pond, don farm animal costumes, ride on a John Deere tractor and more. “Recycling Center” Lets the kids crank the conveyor belt to sort cans, plastic bottles and newspaper bundles into dumpster bins. $4 adults; $6 children age 7 and under; $3 for each additional child age 7 and under. Monday and Wednesday, 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Tuesday and Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed Sundays, Memorial Day through Labor Day) Kittredge Street and Shattuck Avenue 647-1111 or www.habitot.org  

UC Berkeley Museum of Paleontology Lobby, Valley Life Sciences Building, UC Berkeley “Tyrannosaurus Rex,” ongoing. A 20 by 40-foot replica of the fearsome dinosaur made from casts of bones of the most complete T. Rex skeleton yet excavated. When unearthed in Montana, the bones were all lying in place with only a small piece of the tailbone missing. “Pteranodon” A suspended skeleton of a flying reptile with a wingspan of 22-23 feet. The Pteranodon lived at the same time as the dinosaurs. Free. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. 642-1821 

UC Berkeley Phoebe Hearst Museum of Anthropology “Approaching a Century of Anthropology: The Phoebe Hearst Museum,” open-ended. This new permanent installation will introduce visitors to major topics in the museum’s history. “Ishi and the Invention of Yahi Culture,” ongoing. This exhibit documents the culture of the Yahi Indians of California as described and demonstrated from 1911 to 1916 by Ishi, the last surviving member of the tribe. $2 general; $1 seniors; $.50 children age 17 and under; free on Thursdays. Wednesday, Friday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Thursday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Kroeber Hall, Bancroft Way and College Ave. 643-7648  

Lawrence Hall of Science “Math Rules!” A math exhibit of hands-on problem-solving stations, each with a different mathematical challenge. “Within the Human Brain,” ongoing. Visitors test their cranial nerves, play skeeball, master mazes, match musical tones and construct stories inside a simulated “rat cage” of learning experiments. “Saturday Night Stargazing,” First and third Saturdays each month. 8 - 10 p.m., LHS plaza. Space Weather Exhibit now - Sept. 2; now - Sept. 9 Science in Toyland; June 21: 6 a.m., Solar Eclipse Day Computer Lab, Saturdays 12:30 - 3:30 p.m. $7 for adults; $5 for children 5-18; $3 for children 3-4. 642-5132 

Holt Planetarium Programs are recommended for age 8 and up; children under age 6 will not be admitted. $2 in addition to regular museum admission. “Constellations Tonight” Ongoing. Using a simple star map, learn to identify the most prominent constellations for the season in the planetarium sky. Daily, 3:30 p.m. $7 general; $5 seniors, students, disabled, and youths age 7 to 18; $3 children age 3 to 5 ; free children age 2 and younger. Daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Centennial Drive, UC Berkeley 642-5132 or www.lhs.berkeley.edu  

The UC Berkeley Art Museum is closed for renovations until the fall. 

924 Gilman St. All shows begin at 8 p.m. unless noted $5; $2 for year membership. All ages. July 6: Victim’s Family, Fleshies, The Modern Machines, Once For Kicks, The Blottos; July 7: The Stitches, Real MacKenzies, The Briefs, The Eddie Haskells, The Spits 525-9926  

Albatross Pub Music at 9 p.m. unless noted otherwise. July 3: 9 p.m., pickPocket ensemble; July 4: Whiskey Brothers; July 5: Keni “El Lebrijano.” 1822 San Pablo Ave. 843-2473  

Berkeley Arts Festival June 30: 7:30 p.m. Marvin Sanders and Vera Berheda, plus Mozart, Beethoven, Hadyn and Fuare in the gallery; July 1: 11 a.m., “Free Jazz on the Pier” The Christy Dana Quartet (on the Berkeley Pier). All shows at 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted Donations requested 2200 Shattuck Avenue 665-9496 

Freight & Salvage All music at 8 p.m. July 6 and 7: Ferron. 1111 Addison St. www.freightandsalvage.org; 548-1761 

Live Oaks ConcertsBerkeley Art Center, July 15: David Cheng, Marvin Sanders, Ari Hsu; July 27: Monica Norcia, Amy Likar, Jim Meredith. All shows at 7:30 unless otherwise noted Admission $10 (BACA members $8, students and seniors $9, children under 12 free) 

Leopold’s Fancy July 2: 8 p.m., Traditional Irish music, part of “Extreme Joyce/Reading On the Edge,” a conference celebrating the works of James Joyce. Free. 2271 Shattuck Ave. 642-2754 

Dramatic Joyce July 3: 7:30 p.m. Dramatic interpretations of the works of James Joyce by local and international actors. Introduction by UC Berkeley Professor John Bishop with commentary by and conversation with the audience. Part of the week-long conference “Extreme Joyce/Reading on the Edge.” Free. Krutch Theater, Clark Kerr Campus 2601 Warring Street 642-2754 

“Cuatro Maestros Touring Festival” July 4: 8 p.m. Music and dance performed by four elder folk artists and their young counterparts, accompanied by Los Cenzontles. $12 - $18. Julia Morgan Theater 2640 Collage Ave. 925-798-1300 

“Do You Hear What I Am Seeing?” July 5: 7:30 p.m. One man show by David Norris, a two-hour sampling of Joyce’s works with Norris’ insights. Part of the week-long conference “Extreme Joyce/Reading on the Edge.” $10. Julia Morgan Theater 2640 Collage Ave. 925-798-1300 

“Romeo and Juliet” Through July 14, Thurs. - Sat. 8 p.m. Set in early 1930s just before the rise of Hitler in the Kit Kat Klub, Juliet is torn between ties to the Nazi party and Romeo’s Jewish heritage. $8 - $10. La Val’s Subterranean Theater 1834 Euclid 234-6046 

“A Life In the Theatre” Runs through July 15. Wed. - Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. David Mamet play about the lives of two actors, considered a metaphor for life itself. Directed by Nancy Carlin. $30-$35. $26 preview nights. Berkeley City Club 2315 Durant 843-4822 

“The Laramie Project” Through July 22: Weds. 7 p.m., Tues. and Thur. -Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. (After July 8 no Wednesday performance, no Sunday matinee on July 22.) Written by Moises Kaufmen and members of Tectonic Theater Project, directed by Moises Kaufman. Moises Kaufman and Tectonic members traveled to Laramie, Wyo., after the murder of openly gay student Matthew Shepherd. The play is about the community and the impact Shepherd’s death had on its members. $10 - $50. The Roda Theatre, Berkeley Repertory Theatre 2015 Addison St. 647-2949 www.berkeleyrep.org 

“Iphegenia in Aulis” Through August 12: Sat. and Sun. 5 p.m. No performances July 14 and 15, special dawn performance on August 12 at 7 a.m. A free park performance by the Shotgun Players of Euripides’ play about choices and priorities. With a masked chorus, singing, dancing, and live music. Feel free to bring food and something soft to sit on. John Hinkel Park, Southhampton Place at Arlington Avenue (different locations July 7 and 8). 655-0813 

Pacific Film Archive July 3: 7:30 p.m., Pineapple. Pacific Film Archive Theater 2575 Bancroft Way (at Bowditch) 642-1412 

Ako Castuera, Ryohei Tanaka, Rob Sato Through June 30, Tues. - Sat. 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Group exhibition, recent paintings. Artist’s reception June 9, 6:30 - 9 p.m. with music by Knewman and Espia. !hey! Gallery 4920 B Telegraph Ave., Oakland 428-2349  

“Watershed 2001” Through July 14, Wednesday - Sunday Noon - 5 p.m. Exhibition of painting, drawing, sculpture and installation that explore images and issues about our watershed. Berkeley Art Center 1275 Walnut St. 644-6893 

Rachel Davis and Benicia Gantner Works on Paper Through July 14, Tues. - Sat., 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Watercolors by Davis, mixed-media by Gantner. Opening reception June 13, 6 - 8 p.m. Traywick Gallery 1316 Tenth St. 527-1214 www.traywick.com 

Constitutional Shift Through July 13, Tuesdays - Fridays, noon - 5 p.m. Permanence and personal journey link Hee Jae Suh, Ursula Neubauer and Marci Tackett. Korean-born Suh explores an inner psychological world with a dramatic series of self-portraits. Neubauer explores self-portraiture as a travel map of identity with multiple points of view. Tackett explores Antarctica’s other-worldly landscape in a series of stunning digital photographs. Kala Art Institute 1060 Heinz Ave. 549-2977 

“The Trip to Here: Paintings and Ghosts by Marty Brooks” Through July 31, Tues. - Sun. 11 a.m. - 1 a.m. View Brooks’ first California show at Bison Brewing Company 2598 Telegraph Ave. 841-7734  

Bernard Maisner: Illuminated Manuscripts and Paintings. Through Aug. 8 Maisner works in miniature as well as in large scales, combining his mastery of medieval illumination, gold leafing, and modern painting techniques. Flora Lamson Hewlett Library 2400 Ridge Rd. 849-2541 

“Musee des Hommages,” Masterworks by Guy Colwell Faithful copies of several artists from the pasts, including Titian’s “The Venus of Urbino,” Cezanne’s “Still Life,” Picasso’s “Woman at a Mirror,” and Boticelli’s “Primavera” Ongoing. Call ahead for hours 2028 Ninth St. (at Addison) 841-4210 or visit www.atelier9.com 

“New Visions: Introductions 2001” July 12 - August 18, Wed. - Sat.: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Juried by Artist- Curator Rene Yanez and Robbin Henderson, Executive Director of the Berkeley Art Center, the exhibition features works from some of California’s up-and-coming artists. Reception July 12 from 6 - 8 p.m. Pro Arts 461 Ninth St., Oakland 763-9425 

“Geographies of My Heart” Collage paintings by Jennifer Colby through August 24; Flora Lamson Hewlett Library 2400 Ridge Rd. 649-2541 

Images of Portugal Paintings by Sofia Berto Villas-Boas of her native land. Open after 5 p.m. Voulez-Vous 2930 College Ave. (at Elmwood) 

“Queens of Ethiopia: Intuitive Inspirations,” the exceptional art of Esete-Miriam A. Menkir. Through July 11. Women’s Cancer Resource Center Gallery 3023 Shattuck Ave. 548-9286 ext. 307 

“The Decade of Change: 1900 - 1910” chronicles the transformation of the city of Berkeley in this 10 year period. Thursday through Saturday, 1 - 4 p.m. Through September. Berkeley History Center, Veterans Memorial Building, 1931 Center St. Wheelchair accessible. 848-0181. Free.

1-2-3-What are we fighting for? 

Editor: 

Let me get this straight: The CIA brings peace to Jerusalem; Bush and Putin exchange Father’s Day greetings. Listen, folks ... the revolution’s gone and frankly, comrades, I don’t give a damn. 

George Kauffman 

Berkeley 

Beth El gave neighbors lip service while stonewalling 

Editor: 

I am writing with reference to the Beth El Project and a statement which is constantly made by Beth El spokesmen. I would like to set the record straight regarding the allegation that Beth El has been trying to work with the neighbors over a four-year period and, in fact, has met with them a number of times (15 was mentioned at the June 24 City Council meeting), all to no avail. The implication of this is, of course, that the neighbors are difficult, demanding, and unreasonable. 

I would like to point out that in all of these meetings, Beth El has not responded in any significant way to the requests of the neighborhood regarding size and parking. We met, Beth El listened, went away, and returned with its plan unchanged except for a few minor revisions which in no way significantly impacted the design or project. 

This has certainly been a frustrating process: Beth El paying lip service while stonewalling. Whenever I think of what could have been, in terms of cooperation between citizens and developers, I am reminded of a ZAB meeting at which neighbors of a Dwight Way project that was approved by ZAB, spoke about how they supported the project. From the very beginning, they said, the developer worked with them in a straightforward and honest fashion to reach a conclusion acceptable to all. They were pleased and proud to speak in support of the project. I was struck, at the time, by the difference between that project and the one we are faced with on Oxford Street. And, I might add, I still am. 

This project has taken four years to get to this point. If Beth El sticks to the facts and tries to work out the problems in a forthright, cooperative manner rather than appealing to the emotions, we might get somewhere. 

Carol Connolly 

Berkeley

Monday, July 2

James Joyce Conference 

9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. 

Clark Kerr Campus 

2601 Warring Street 

Part of a week-long conference entitled “Extreme Joyce/Readings On the Edge.” Today includes panels on Ulysses, A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man, Finnegans Wake, and Joyce in the Classroom. From 4 - 5:30 p.m. workshops and reading groups on Teaching Joyce. $15 - $25. 

642-2754  

Tuesday, July 3

Berkeley Camera Club  

7:30 p.m. 

Northbrae Community Church  

941 The Alameda  

Share your slides and learn what other photographers are doing. Monthly field trips. 

Call Don, 525-3565 

James Joyce Conference 

9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. 

Clark Kerr Campus 

2601 Warring Street 

Part of a week-long conference entitled “Extreme Joyce/Readings On the Edge.” Today includes panel on Finnegans Wake as well as looking at issues such as Joyce and carnality, computers, border-crossings, and cinema. From 4 - 5:30 p.m. workshops and reading groups on Teaching Joyce. $15 - $25. 

642-2754  

Wednesday, July 4

Ice Cream Social 

Noon - 2 p.m. 

Lawrence Hall of Science 

UC Berkeley 

Part of the Lawrence Hall of Science Wednesday FUN-days. Bring your own picnic, ice cream provided by LHS. Free museum admission today with a library card, regular admission $3 - $7. 

642-5132  

4th of July at the Berkeley  

Marina 

Noon - 10 p.m. 

Families are invited to picnic on international food, hit the beach, take free sailboat rides, get their faces painted or relax with a massage. People can decorate their bikes at the Shorebird Nature Center and participate in the Decorated Bicycle Parade at 7 p.m. Madame Ovary’s egg puppets will perform and Adventure Playground will be open all day. Wacky Art Cars will be on display. Music begins at 2 p.m. with Zambombazo 2; Bird Legg and the Tite Fit Blues Band come on at 5 p.m.; Kollasuyo it at 7 p.m. and MotorDude Zydeco’s at 9 p.m. Fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Cars in by 7 p.m. when street closes to traffic, out only after 10 p.m. Free admission. No alchohol. Sponsored by the city. 548-5335 

Berkeley Communicator  

Toastmasters Club 

7:15 a.m. 

Vault Cafe 

3250 Adeline 

Learn to speak with confidence. Ongoing first and third Wednesdays each month. 

527-2337 

Thursday, July 5

Summer Noon Concerts 2001 

Noon - 1 p.m. 

Downtown Berkeley BART Plaza 

Shattuck at Center St. 

Weekly concert series. This week Capoeira Arts Cafe and company, Brazilian extravaganza. 

LGBT Catholics Group  

7:30 p.m. 

Newman Hall  

2700 Dwight Way (at College)  

The lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender Catholics group are “a spiritual community committed to creating justice.” This meetings discussions will center on “What do we/can we expect from the Church?”  

654-5486 

Berkeley Metaphysical  

Toastmasters Club  

6:15 - 7:30 p.m.  

2515 Hillegass Ave.  

Public speaking skills and metaphysics come together. Ongoing first and third Thursdays each month.  

Call 869-2547 

Bear Safety 

7 p.m. 

Recreational Equipment, Inc. 

1338 San Pablo Ave. 

Learn how to travel in bear country without mishap. Wilderness guide Ken Hanley will discuss the characteristics of black bears and grizzlies for anyone venturing into their territories. Free. 

527-4140 

Quit Smoking Class 

6 - 8 p.m. 

South Berkeley Senior Center 

2939 Ellis Street 

A six week quit smoking class. 

Free to Berkeley residents and employees. 

Call 644-6422 or e-mail at: quitnow@ci.berkeley.ca.us 

James Joyce Conference 

9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. 

Clark Kerr Campus 

2601 Warring Street 

Part of a week-long conference entitled “Extreme Joyce/Readings On the Edge.” Today includes panels on Dubliners, Ulysses, Marginal Feelings in Joyce, and Joyce and Anarchy. From 4 - 5:30 p.m. workshops and reading groups on Teaching Joyce. $15 - $25. 

642-2754  

Friday, July 6

Therapy for Trans Partners  

6 - 7:30 p.m.  

Pacific Center for Human Growth  

2712 Telegraph Ave. (at Derby)  

A group open to partners of those in transition or considering transition. The group is structured to be a safe place to receive support from peers and explore a variety of issues, including sexual orientation, coming out, feelings of isolation, among other topics. Intake process required. Meeting Fridays through August 17.  

$8 - $35 sliding scale per session  

Call 548-8283 x534 or x522 

Strong Women; The Arts,  

Herstory and Literature 

1:15 - 3:15 p.m. 

North Berkeley Senior Center  

1901 Hearst Ave. (at MLK Jr. Way) 

Taught by Dr. Helen Rippier Wheeler, author of “Women and Aging: A Guide to Literature,” this is a free weekly cultural studies course in the Berkeley Adult School’s Older Adults Program. Free.  

Call 549-2970 

James Joyce Conference 

9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. 

Clark Kerr Campus 

2601 Warring Street 

Part of a week-long conference entitled “Extreme Joyce/Readings On the Edge.” Today includes panels on Ulysses, Ireland and the Politics of Culture, Joycean Border-Crossings, and Joyce and Frank Zappa. $15 - $25.  

642-2754 

James Joyce Conference  

Closing Banquet 

6 - 11 p.m. 

UC Faculty Club 

UC Berkeley Campus 

Joycean entertainment and dancing. Reservations required, call 415-392-1137. 

Saturday, July 7  

Free Sailboat Rides  

1 - 4 p.m. 

Cal Sailing Club 

Berkeley Marina 

The Cal Sailing Club, a non-profit sailing and windsurfing cooperative, give free rides on a first come, first served bases on the first full weekend of each month. Wear warm clothes and bring a change of clothes in case you get wet. Children must be at least five years old and must be accompanies by an adult.  

Visit www.cal-sailing.org  

 

Berkeley Farmers’ Market 

10 a.m. - 3 p.m. 

Center Street between Martin Luther King Jr. Way and Milvia Street 

548-3333

More than 50 environmental organizations settled their stands on Civic Center Park on Saturday to celebrate Berkeley’s first David Brower Day. The event was sponsored by the Earth Island Institute, the city of Berkeley, the Ecology Center and radio station KPFA. The five-hour event began at noon and attracted about 2,500 people.  

Instituted by the City Council last November, the David Brower Day is meant to honor the late environmental activist, but it is also an opportunity for his followers to raise awareness of environmental issues.  

“This is about getting young people tuned into the environment and the need to protect the environment,” said John A. Knox, executive director of the Earth Island Institute.  

One of the big attractions of the afternoon was the so-called Eco-Restoration Decathlon, an 11-step course from stand to stand destined to make children think about the environment in an entertaining way. After taking part in a number of activities such as making recycled paper, climbing a wall, recording a video on energy or tasting roasted corn from Chez Panisse, the children received a certificate of completion.

Campaign finance reform will be taken up by the House of Representatives just after returning from the Fourth of July recess, sometime during the week of July 9. The League of Women Voters warns that now is the critical time for concerned citizens to mobilize to get Congress to pass no bill other than the ”real reform bill,” the Shays-Meehan Campaign Finance Reform Bill.  

This is the strong, bipartisan bill previously pushed through the House twice and based on the McCain-Feingold bill that the Senate passed in April. It will stop corporations, unions, and wealthy individuals from giving unlimited amounts of money to candidates’ campaigns and the political parties. 

The League of Women Voters urges you, yes YOU, to act! We need a landslide of public support from members of all parties and independents for the Shays-Meehan bill. Here’s what you can do. Write, call, fax, or e-mail your Representative in Congress — both in Washington and at here in California. 

The message is: 

•You support the Shays-Meehan campaign finance reform bill because it will ban soft money and close the sham “issue” ad loophole that allows campaign spending to escape from disclosure; 

•You oppose all weakening amendments and especially ”poison pills” designed to kill the bill or weaken bi-partisan support; 

•You want the voices of citizens to be heard in politics over special interest money and only Shays-Meehan will do this. 

(Address your letters to: Representative, U.S. Congress, Washington, D.C., 20515. Call the Capital switchboard with a direct message or to get an e-mail address: 202-224-3121 or your representative’s local district office.) 

This is a tough battle that needs every citizen's involvement, regardless of party affiliation. Although the House leadership has agreed that campaign finance reform legislation will be scheduled for floor action right after the Fourth, they will be pushing the Committee on House Administration bill. 

This bill falls short of the definition of meaningful campaign finance reform and doesn’t ban soft money or limit money for sham ”issue” ads. The champions of reform in the House, Rep. Chris Shays (R-CT) and Rep. Marty Meehan (D-MA), will offer their bill on the floor as a substitute to the committee bill. You need to make your Representative understand the importance to you that s/he support only Shays-Meehan. 

Background on the process clarifies why only Shays-Meehan will do. If Shays-Meehan, based on McCain-Feingold, passes, it will go directly to the Senate for final passage and we will know exactly what the provisions are. 

It would bypass a conference committee, controlled by opponents in the House leadership and necessary to resolve the differences between some other House bill and the Senate’s McCain-Feingold. The opportunity to pass meaningful campaign finance reform legislation will not have been squandered. 

President Bush says he will sign campaign finance reform into law if Congress passes it. We need to give him that opportunity with Shays-Meehan/McCain-Feingold. Contact your Representative today! 

Jo Ann B. Price is the president of the Berkeley/Albany/Emeryville League of Women Voters

The City Council decided not to include a campaign finance reform program as part of the $524 million budget approved last week because the city manager’s office decided the proposed program had not been thoroughly studied. 

Councilmember Dona Spring had proposed funding $150,000 over the next two years for the Local Campaign Finance Reform program. The voluntary program, in theory, would have reduced the influence of well-heeled campaign contributors on local politics by setting campaign spending limits and providing public matching funds to serious candidates. 

But the city manager recommended the council hold off on approving the funds until the policy is thoroughly discussed and evaluated, according to Deputy City Manager Phil Kamlarz. 

Spring said the finance reform program could be considered again during the midyear budget cycle.  

“The Berkeley mayoral race now costs upwards of $300,000 and that’s as much as some congressional races cost in rural areas,” Spring said. “When candidates have to raise those kind of dollars, they become beholden to whatever special interest they’re getting money from.” 

Spring added that the high cost of campaigns precludes potential candidates who don’t have access to large contributors from participating in the public process.  

“Democracy is not working correctly if only those with the gold rule,” she said. 

Philips Lighting Company, one of the world’s largest lighting company’s with 10,000 employees in North America alone, has chosen Berkeley as the place to show the nation how its energy efficient light bulbs can help ease the growing energy crisis. 

Starting last week, the company began a project to replace all the bulbs along an entire block of Telegraph Avenue – in ground level businesses and more than 40 residential units – free of charge. 

Philips officials estimate that the move will reduce energy consumption on the block by up to 45 percent, cutting the amount the block pays PG&E each year to $5,840 from an estimated $10,512. 

“A big part of these projected savings come from installing compact fluorescent bulbs, which are a fantastic but surprisingly little-known solution for home and office,” said Larry Wilton, President and CEO of Philips Lighting Company North American, in a written statement. “Really, if we could stop debating over long-term

A night of stories was the idea, and a lot of people seemed to have it Friday night as an eclectic group of writers, scholars and performers assembled for a panel discussion at the Julia Morgan Theater. 

Part of the Berkeley Arts Festival, the Berkeley Stories event was organized to benefit the David Brower Center, an environmental and art center recently proposed and partially approved by the city. 

As people edged slowly through the doorway into the dimmed theater, smiling at the few spare seats, a steady hum was rising.  

As panel moderator Malcolm Margolin of Heyday Books began his introduction, the event title received his quick and candid attention.  

“There’s something a little bit self-indulgent or self-congratulatory or almost embarrassing about devoting an evening to Berkeley stories,” Margolin said. “You know: ‘Aren’t we unique?’ and ‘Aren’t we wonderful?’ or something like that.  

“Yet on the other hand, it’s something that I really feel strongly we have to do. That this sense that Berkeley is unique,” he said, “is something that really had better be made articulate.” 

The panel members all lived in Berkeley at some time or another. Usually they arrived as part of the strange migration to the Bay Area that began in the late ‘50s and stretched out into the ‘70s. Most have been here since. 

But to call it a ‘panel discussion’ isn’t right. It was a chat. Or a tete-a-tete. It was informal, intimate. 

Before beginning his story, artist Leonard Pitt wondered if the audience might reach the mass critical to the resolution of a serious question.  

“Does anyone here remember Wilkinson’s Restaurant on Shattuck Avenue?” he asked. 

To some nods and yesses, he responded excitedly.  

“You do?” he said. “I’ve not been able to find anybody who remembered that place, and I thought I couldn’t pass up this evening with all of you here.”  

Determined, Pitt cut into the roaring laughter.  

“It was on Shattuck on the east side of the street. Can anyone remember exactly what block it was on? Between Center and Allston, or between Center and...?” 

“Between University and the next street south,” a woman in the audience yelled. 

“Really?” he responded, seeming surprised. “On the last block?” 

“Yeah,” she replied, irrefutably. 

Sometimes, instead of a question that needed answering, it was just a brief confirmation passed between friends.  

“I got a place, by the way, on Dwight Way,” said poet Al Young. “And I don’t know how many of you remember Al Baker, I think his name was. He ran a cigar store?”  

To the audience shouts he responded, “You remember him,” and went on.  

“Al said, ‘I own a property on Dwight Way, and there’s an empty place in there,’ he said. ‘Why don’t you just go over there until further notice?’  

“I didn’t know he was gonna sell the place,” Young laughs. 

Sometimes there was simply the feeling of doors being opened. 

“Then meeting Maxine,” said actor Earl Kingston of panel member and author Maxine Hong Kingston, “of course she was the Berkeley co-ed of my dreams.” 

This intimacy gave way to many kinds of stories, many of which related to each other in strange ways. 

“You’re going to hear about a lot of connections tonight,” author Ernest Callenback said, “some of which we [panel members] don’t know about either. 

A panel- member would tell a story and it would later come out that the story’s subject had contributed to a publication or acted in a film that another panel member had been involved in. And these were only the connections that occurred within the panel. 

“I want to finish by telling you another paranoid story,” Callenbach said. “We’re going to probably fall into patterns here this evening.” 

Callenbach told a story about the day the editors of the Canyon Cinema News, a periodical calendar of underground film events, discovered that they had some unexpected subscribers. 

“We received a check from the CIA library,” Callenbach said. “Worse of all the check was not for [the usual subscription price] of $3, it was for $2.40. They had given themselves a discount.  

“Now, after a few more beers, we decided we would play a little game. We made up a cryptogram and it said, ‘CIA cheapskates take unwarranted discounts and do not pay full price.’”  

They sent the CIA its last issue with this note.  

“About 10 days later a check comes in the mail for [the difference],” Callenbach said. 

Later, political-scientist Jeff Lustig confirmed Callenbach’s belief that there would be some content overlap.  

“Being on a panel is like being in the surf or something, with the different currents,” Lustig said, “I keep getting pulled off what I was thinking of saying. 

“Ernest Callenbach mentioned Canyon [Cinema] and paranoia,” Lustig said, which made him think of a related anecdote about his friend Bob Turpin. 

“We were driving in from Canyon to Berkeley,” Lustig said, “telling some jokes or something, and his 7-year-old daughter said, ‘Daddy, what’s paranoia?’ because the word kept cropping up. And he very pertly said, ‘Paranoia, honey, is when you think there’s more people after you than there really are.’”

SAN FRANCISCO – News that Gov. Gray Davis intervened in contract negotiations between Bay Area Rapid Transit and several unions has cooled most BART employees, delaying a possible strike that was scheduled to begin at midnight Saturday. 

None of the three major unions went on strike, despite threats earlier Saturday from one union that said it planned to strike regardless of Davis’ intervention if a resolution wasn’t reached by the deadline. 

Norma Del Mercado, president of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 3993, issued a statement six minutes prior to midnight, saying the union would not strike as a sign of solidarity with BART’s other unions. 

BART officials said commuter trains would continue running as usual. 

“BART service will operate according to normal schedules as a result of the governor’s decision to begin the fact-finding process associated with a 60-day cooling off period,” BART Board President Willie B. Kennedy said in a statement Saturday. “We are disappointed that we were unable to reach a new contract agreement by June 30.” 

Larry Hendel, spokesman for the Service Employees International Union Local 790, also said the members of that union would report to work. 

A spokeswoman for the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1555 confirmed they would hold off on picketing as well. 

But Del Mercado said the AFSCME may take further action. 

“First we question the governor’s legal authority to issue an order affecting our union when neither AFSCME nor BART management has requested a ’cooling off’ period,” Mercado said in the statement. “Early next week we intend to get a court order to remove our union from the governor’s order.” 

Del Mercado said union members are “trying to protect our jobs and our membership.” She said BART district management has used the “language in our contract to erode our union one by one.” 

Del Mercado alleged that when a union member leaves a position, the job description is “tweeked” and then a non-union person is brought in to fill that job. 

AFSCME members fill budget, payroll, financial and construction supervisor positions at BART, Del Mercado said. They also hold train controller positions, a job that’s similar to air traffic controllers, Del Mercado said. 

Davis convened the panel to help quell heated contract negotiations between the groups and prevent a disruption of public transportation. 

BART’s three largest unions, represent 2,800 employees. 

Union organizers requested Thursday that the governor intervene to keep commuter trains running through the summer. On Friday, San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown also urged Davis to invoke the “cooling off period,” saying it would allow further negotiations and a continuation of transit service. 

“A work stoppage or lockout would create a grave disruption to thousands of people commuting for work throughout the Bay Area,” Davis said in a statement. “A prolonged work stoppage would cost millions to businesses and employees and may even cost many their jobs.” 

Carol Vendrillo of El Cerrito, Franklin Silver of Oakland and Berkeley Judge Joseph R. Grodin were appointed by Davis on Friday to investigate the issues surrounding the labor dispute. 

Grodin is a former State Supreme Court justice and Vendrillo and Silver are professional arbitrators, according to Davis’ spokeswoman Hilary McLean. 

She said both BART and union organizers were amenable to the three looking into the matter. And she confirmed the panel may be doing more than just fact-finding. 

“They have expertise in the area of mediating disputes,” McLean said. “And I believe that’s part of their goal — that they can aid in resolving the dispute. That would be in everyone’s best interest.” 

The panel will likely hold public hearings in a fact-finding effort before submitting a written report to Davis by July 6.

RICHMOND – Unidentified attackers killed two young men on a residential street shortly before midnight Friday, police said. 

Jason DePaul Reed and Stanley Arness Gordon Jr., both 19, died from multiple gunshot wounds at the scene, said Deputy Bill Brinks with the Contra Costa Coroner’s Office. 

Richmond homicide Detective Joe Valle said Saturday police investigators did not know what events led to the attack or the motive behind the shooting, the Contra Costa Times reported. 

The bodies were found next to a gray Chevrolet that Reed’s mother, Loretta Anderson, said belonged to him. 

“When other people had some kind of dispute, he would step in and try to resolve things,” Anderson said. 

Gordon, who lived with a guardian in Hercules, had been shot and wounded a few months ago, Anderson said. He had been friends with Reed since junior high school.

LOS ANGELES – A laid-back but focused attitude prevailed Sunday morning among representatives of movie and television actors and producers negotiating to avoid an industry-crippling strike. 

The contract for the Screen Actors Guild and American Federation of Television and Radio Artists expired at 12:01 a.m., but most of the 100 negotiators appeared in good spirits as they returned to the headquarters of the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers later that morning. 

“We’re all working over there,” said SAG spokesman Greg Krizman, who would not comment on whether an agreement was close at hand. But unnamed sources told the Los Angeles Times that an agreement could be reached as soon as Sunday. 

The alliance’s courtyard also offered a sign that the closed-door negotiations were heating up. 

During talks Saturday, the courtyard invariably held at least five or six negotiators taking a break; some of them killed time tossing a football. After two and a half hours of talks Sunday, the courtyard had drawn only a few people for cigarette breaks. 

“We couldn’t find the football,” Krizman joked. 

Television crews crowded outside the headquarters Sunday in anticipation of an agreement. The pace of the talks picked up as the contract deadline approached, although the expired contract will remain in effect as long as the talks progress. 

Both sides said they remain committed to reaching a new contract that would avert a potentially damaging walkout for the entertainment industry. Neither side has commented in detail about the status of negotiations. 

Uncertainty over the negotiations had prompted studios to accelerate production. Even with an agreement, Hollywood production could stall because producers wouldn’t start a new movie until an actors’ deal was made final, and it takes nearly eight weeks to complete preproduction work. 

Fall TV shows, which begin filming in the summer, also could be delayed for weeks. 

Among the guilds’ top concerns is increasing pay for the nearly 75,000 actors who earn between $30,000 and $70,000 annually. 

Only about 2 percent of the guilds’ membership earn more than $100,000 a year, including multimillion-dollar celebrities such as Jack Nicholson and Russell Crowe. 

Krizman said a strike was not imminent. Even if talks broke down, he said, the guild would require a strike authorization vote from members before initiating a work stoppage. 

That vote would take between four and five weeks to complete. 

Fears of a walkout rumbled through the entertainment industry for much of last year when the robust economy prompted speculation that union demands would be steeper. 

The fluctuating market has since cooled that sentiment and has been credited with pressuring both sides to reach a compromise without a work stoppage. 

Last year, the actors’ unions staged a six-month strike by commercial actors that might have driven as much as $1 billion worth of work overseas. 

The actors’ negotiations have been more low-key than the Writers Guild of America talks in May. 

The writers guild settled its new contract in early June, increasing overall pay by more than $41 million over the previous agreement. After that, many analysts predicted the actors would accept a similar deal.

SAN QUENTIN — San Quentin State Prison, the forbidding, 149-year-old stone fortress that is home to California’s death row, may have served its time. 

Officials are considering closing the prison, or at least moving out the “worst of the worst” inmates. 

One of the main problems with San Quentin: With its byzantine corridors built during the Gold Rush, the prison has become increasingly dangerous for guards. 

The prison, home to the acid-green gas chamber now used in lethal injections, houses about 5,700 men, including the more than 550 occupants of death row. 

While death row generally is one of the quietest spots in the prison, attacks on guards have tripled in the past year and a half in the Adjustment Center, where the most disruptive condemned men are sent, officials say. Forty-five of the center’s 85 inmates have attacked guards. 

“It just simply isn’t as secure as it should be to have that kind of inmate there,” said Stephen Green, assistant secretary of the state Youth and Adult Correctional Agency. 

On a sunny day, San Quentin bears a passing resemblance to a grand resort, a sweeping expanse of red-roofed buildings beside the shimmering San Francisco Bay. Up close, razor wire, cracked concrete and gun towers reveal the place for the aging fortress it is. 

The prison began in 1852 when a two-masted ship dropped anchor off Point Quentin, loaded with convicts who were put to work laying stone. 

No one guessed that this windy, briny outpost would one day become a stunning suburb connected to San Francisco by the graceful Golden Gate Bridge – or realized that using sea water to mix the concrete and building the place on landfill would be a foolish mistake in earthquake country. 

The architectural style is long on history – the tall, spiked gate that admitted stagecoach robber Black Bart still clangs shut behind modern-day visitors – but short on efficiency and safety. Built piece by uncoordinated piece, San Quentin has blind spots and murky alcoves. 

In 1999-2000, it cost $11.3 million to cover basic costs at San Quentin, including maintenance. The bill for 9-year-old Wasco State Prison, which has about the same number of inmates, was $8.4 million. 

Part of the nation’s largest prison system – California has 160,000 inmates – San Quentin does not have the no-contact design of modern prisons, which use remote-control doors and other innovations to keep prisoners separate from guards. 

Instead, guards on death row have constant hand-to-hand dealings with inmates, pushing in and retrieving food trays, exchanging clean laundry for dirty, and escorting prisoners to the showers and exercise yards. The cells have metal screens across the bars, but they are not enough to stop inmates from hurling urine and feces at passing guards. 

Officers also are at risk when they collect food trays. The design of the food slot means the guard and inmate are inches apart, and if the officer is distracted, sometimes intentionally by another inmate, the prisoner can pull the officer’s hands through the slot. 

“We’ve had officers that have had their arms grabbed as they’re trying to issue a tray of food and the inmate takes a slashing device and slashes at their wrists,” said Tony Jones, president of the guards union. 

Some inmates have made spears by rolling up a newspaper tightly, coating it with oatmeal to create a hard crust and attaching a piece of metal to the tip, creating a weapon “strong enough to stick into a cement wall or stick into you,” Jones said. 

A state study calculated that the prison grounds could be worth nearly $665 million if they were developed into homes. If San Quentin is closed, the inmates cannot simply be sent to other prisons, because they are already overcrowded, officials say. The study estimates it would cost more than $800 million to replace San Quentin with two new prisons elsewhere. 

Whether any of that will ever happen is unclear. Studies on closing San Quentin go back at least to 1984. 

A more modest proposal making its way through the Legislature would send up to 30 of the most troublesome inmates to a prison near Sacramento. The bill is to be heard in a Senate committee Tuesday. 

Inmate advocates oppose the idea of moving death row away from San Francisco, which is where a number of death row lawyers practice. 

They say not all of the recent violence can be blamed on inmates, suggesting that some of the trouble may have been in reaction to restricted access to exercise yards and changes in visiting rules.  

Contact visits were suspended for death row inmates after a fight broke out in the visiting room last year and were only recently reinstated in revised form. 

Steve Fama of the Prison Law Office, which provides free legal services to help improve inmates’ living conditions, said he is concerned that inmates who get moved out will not have the same access to legal resources like law libraries and will be allowed fewer attorney visits. 

“The idea that moving 10 or 20 inmates is going to solve the problem is a little naive,” he said.

SAN FRANCISCO — Gov. Gray Davis is asking a state court for a 60-day cooling-off period to avert a BART strike. 

Attorney General Bill Lockyer is scheduled to make the request Friday morning in San Francisco Superior Court. 

Three unions representing 2,800 workers of the San Francisco Bay area’s commuter train system have voted to strike.  

A cooling-off period would keep contract negotiations going, and prevent a strike for the summer. 

“It would take effect very soon, if the court acts on it,” said Lockyer spokesman Nathan Barankin. 

Davis made the request Thursday after receiving a fact-finding report warning a strike would “endanger the public’s health, safety, and welfare.” 

A strike would affect 335,000 commuters in the San Francisco Bay area.  

The last BART strike, in 1997, paralyzed Bay Area traffic – and BART ridership has increased since then. 

Union leaders who requested the cooling-off period last week said they were pleased by the governor’s move and noted that four such periods in recent decades have led to negotiated contract settlements.  

Only the 1997 cooling-off period led to a strike.

American business men buy IDs in back-alley market 

ORLANDO, Fla. — The mother of a Marine killed in Vietnam received his dog tags in an Independence Day ceremony after two Florida businessmen found them for sale in a back-alley market in Ho Chi Minh City. 

Rob Stiff and Jim Gain were so sickened at the discovery of Lance Cpl. Allan George Decker’s tags that they returned to Vietnam in May to buy them and hundreds of others.  

Upon returning to America, they began trying to reunite soldiers and their families with the lost tags. 

On Wednesday, the men gave Decker’s mother the tags at the Orlando cemetery where he was buried after his death in 1968. 

“I just hope that other families can find the kind of peace that I have felt today,” Ruth Decker said. “The Lord had his hand in this from the beginning.” 

Since the end of the war, Vietnamese field workers have found all sorts of military debris: boots, helmets, badges, buttons, medals and dog tags. 

Servicemen usually wore the tags – silver discs that listed a soldier’s name, military identification number and blood type – around their necks, but in the field many put them in their boots so they wouldn’t jingle. 

Stiff and Gain weren’t looking for war mementos when they traveled to Vietnam in January. They wanted to check the commercial climate for possible business ventures. But in a market not frequented by tourists, they found the dog tags dangling from a string. 

“It was really eerie and we were disgusted,” said Stiff, 27. 

Despite their revulsion, they left the tags there. But back home in America, they couldn’t escape the memory. 

“People asked, ‘What if they’re fake?”’ Stiff said.  

“Well, our question was, ’What if they’re real?”’ 

In May, they returned to Vietnam to buy all the American dog tags they could find. It took days to scour Ho Chi Minh City and sort through thousands of tags – some printed in Vietnamese, others destroyed or illegible – and returned home with about 640. 

The total cost of the tags was $180. They sometimes paid less than 14 cents each. 

Stiff and Gain transcribed what was printed on each the best they could, then complied a database of names and ID numbers to list on their Web site: www.founddogtags.com. 

A dozen tags matched names listed on the black granite Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. 

“One day, Jim comes into my office and says, ’You won’t believe this. We’ve got matches for the Wall,”’ Stiff said. 

One of the first names they uncovered was Decker’s. With the help of Rep. Ric Keller, an Orlando Republican, and the Defense Department they tracked Ruth Decker to her home in Punta Gorda and called her June 21. 

“She was so full of joy,” Stiff said. 

Decker began his Vietnam tour as a machine-gunner with the 2nd Battalion, 27th Regiment of the 3rd Marine Division on Feb. 16, 1968. 

On Aug. 25, 1968, the 19-year-old Marine was killed in Quang Nam province, one of more than 58,000 Americans to die in Vietnam. He had lost his dog tags during his six months in Vietnam. 

“Allan was killed on a Sunday, and we didn’t receive the word until the following Thursday,” said Ruth Decker. “My husband and I were just crushed.” 

“But the next day, we received a letter from his buddy,” she said. “He said that Allan believed in God very strongly, and He will take care of him. And that was my consolation right from the beginning.”

CHICAGO — United Airlines is pulling the plug on its $4.3 billion purchase of US Airways – a deal that has been in trouble for months because of a weakened economy, industry woes and antitrust concerns. 

While stopping short of declaring the deal dead, the two airlines said Monday that they are talking about scuttling it. 

United is convinced the deal will not win regulatory approval, according to a person familiar with the matter who spoke on condition of anonymity. 

Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta said last month he expected the government to reject the merger. 

The deal would have been the biggest airline merger in history. But both airlines have problems of their own to sort out – United has slipped to No. 2 behind American Airlines and US Airways has shaky finances. 

Some experts see the long-expected collapse of the deal as good news for everyone. 

“It’s good for United because it can focus on its real business challenges. It’s good for US Air because they can focus on being a stand-alone carrier. And it’s good for the consumer, who won’t lose a lot of competition because of the merger,” said Michael Boyd, an industry consultant in Evergreen, Colo. 

United unveiled the merger plan in May 2000, hoping to increase its presence in the lucrative East Coast market and nearly triple its daily flights to more than 6,400 a day. 

It quickly ran into opposition from rivals, unions, Congress, consumer groups and state attorneys general, many of whom complained it would reduce competition, particularly in the Washington area. 

To try to ease antitrust concerns, United agreed in January to sell some US Airways assets to American Airlines, including half of US Airways’ Washington-New York-Boston shuttle. 

But experts said a complicated, costly deal no longer made financial sense for United. 

The airline reported a worse-than-expected first quarter loss of $313 million and said it expects a double-digit decline in revenue for the second quarter. United also signed a contract with its pilots last year, giving them 45 percent raises over four years. 

The Association of Flight Attendants had threatened to strike United if the merger proceeded. 

United will have to pay US Airways a $50 million breakup fee if it ends the agreement after Aug. 1. Before that date, the breakup fee is substantially higher, but United is asking to pay only $50 million. 

US Airways stock sank $3.41 to close at $20.89 Monday on the New York Stock Exchange. United’s parent, UAL Corp., fell 45 cents to $34.70.

Mail pouring in for hospitalized boy attacked by pit bull 

OAKLAND – Tensions are rising and extra workers have been brought in to handle the high volume of mail from well-wishers to the Richmond boy attacked by three pit bulls earlier this month. 

Officials at Mechanics Bank have clerks working steadily to sort through letters, cards and checks to Shawn Jones, who lies in critical but stable condition recuperating from his wounds. 

The account set up for Jones by the Richmond Police Department is off-limits to everyone, even Jones’ family, until a trust has been set up. 

Police say several of Jones’ relatives who have had little contact with him have come forward seeking access to the money donated to him. This has caused concern among potential donors, volunteers say. 

“The majority of (donors) I have spoken with are very concerned about where the money will be directed,” said Richmond police Sgt. Enos Johnson. “They have clearly stated that the money should go to the boy and have been adamant about that.” 

Central Oakland improving crime record with new residents 

OAKLAND – New residents in Central Oakland have helped transform the once violent neighborhood into a family haven. 

The high tech boom not only created new jobs but attracted thousands of new residents — mainly young families — into this East Bay community, displacing drug violence. 

With a population of about 400,000, Oakland is improving its crime record faster than similar-sized cities with higher murder rates. 

Gwendolyn Singleton, a long time Central Oakland resident, feels happy to see children playing and her neighbors working in their yards. For her it’s difficult to believe it is the same street where her son was gunned down six years ago. 

Oakland homicide rate plummeted 53 percent between 1992 and last year. 

Only one of the 37 slayings during the first half of this year was in Oakland’s central area. 

A San Francisco Chronicle analysis shows that last year drugs were the motive for only 14 percent of the 85 killings in the entire city of Oakland. 

Drugs motivated 40 percent of the city’s slayings in 1992.