Berkeley Police Department (BPD) received a report of a disturbance with a woman yelling for help near the intersection of Russell Street and Otis Street.

BPD officers arrived within minutes after the call was received. They observed a male subject, matching the description provided by callers flee on foot. Officers pursued him into the block, where he was quickly detained in the 2900 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Way.

Other officers located a female victim, in her 70s, suffering from severe injuries at the corner of Otis Street and Russell Street. Officers rendered first aid until Berkeley Fire Department personnel arrived on scene. BFD paramedics transported the victim to a local hospital with life threatening injuries. -more-

I am gravely concerned about the expansion of U.S. airstrikes into Syria and continuation of airstrikes in Iraq.

It is clear we are rapidly becoming more involved in another war in the Middle East.

President Obama has put together a strong international and regional coalition to address the ISIS threat. We must now leverage this regional coalition to achieve the political solution that will end this crisis. Only a political solution that respects the rights of all Iraqis and Syrians will ultimately dismantle ISIS. -more-

Based on positions Elizabeth Echols has taken over the past several weeks, Jesse Arreguin has dropped his endorsement for her. Jesse has made the choice to fully support Tony Thurmond in his bid to become our next Assemblyperson in AD15. You'll find his name under elected endorsers on Tony's campaign website shortly. -more-

Unlike two controversial measures on the November ballot, the parks tax increase, Measure F, is a straightforward proposition. It’s a repairs bill.

Measure F stands for fix-it, or to be more accurate, fix them: the 52 parks, 30 park buildings, 100 pathways, and 35,000 street trees that the City Parks, Recreation and Waterfront department maintains on a shoestring, only 3% of the general fund and 6% of the overall budget.

Since 1982, parks and forestry have been funded by a special parcel tax, which has not been adjusted upwards in 14 years. Population growth has increased both use and the cost of keeping our parks safe and clean and the urban forest properly cared for.

Time and weather have taken a toll on outdoor facilities including basketball and tennis courts, sports field, and community centers, which urgently need repair. Despite job cutbacks, the parks budget faces a deficit. -more-

The battle against the militant group ISIS has started off badly. According to Human Rights Watch, Iraq has been accused of indiscriminately bombing Sunni areas. 31 civilians, including 24 children died when a school was bombed – no Islamic fighters were around the school site. The grotesque beheading of several western reporters has invoked seething anger and desire for revenge. Inexplicably, President Obama has proposed a bombing campaign devoid of any serious diplomatic efforts. -more-

Tony Thurmond, former Richmond City Councilmember and school board member, announced today that Berkeley City Councilman Jesse Arreguin has shifted his endorsement from his opponent's to his own campaign for State Assembly. -more-

After the previous election some readers complained that they couldn't locate the Planet's endorsements when they went to vote. To make it as easy as possible, between now and the election we're going to maintain this corner of the front page where you can always find our endorsements along with links to editorial material with more detail about specific candidates and issues.

First, click here for the full story: Which Berkeley City Council Candidates Should You Support?

Short Answers: District 1, Alejandro Soto-Vigil; District 4, Jesse Arreguin (unopposed); District 7, Kriss Worthington; District 8, Jacquelyn McCormick (rank her first, followed by George Beier, second, and Lori Droste, third. Skip fourth place. )

Then , check out this May editorial with a self-explanatory title: Tony Thurmond is the Best Choice for California Assembly ...

We're pleased to see that Berkeley Councilmember Jesse Arreguin has added his endorsement to Tony's long list of fans.

In this video you can see Tony explain his campaign in person at a Berkeley house party: -more-

In his September 10th speech about middle-eastern terrorists, ISIL, President Obama gave the classic rationale for US involvement: “America is better positioned today to seize the future than any other nation on Earth… Abroad, American leadership is the one constant in an uncertain world.” What kind of leadership? -more-

Thinking about U.S. foreign policy these days brings to mind a line from songwriter/comedian Tom Lehrer: if you are feeling like a Christian Scientist with appendicitis you have good reason. -more-

If you have a disability whether it is psychiatric or physical, many people might think you're off the hook concerning dealing with ordinary challenges. I am talking about the difficulties that nondisabled people must deal with, such as showing up for work and going to the store to buy a loaf of bread. After all, who would expect someone in a wheelchair or someone with schizophrenia to deal with conducting business and surviving in general? -more-

The Zero Theorem, Terry Gilliam's latest film fantasy, nibbles off more than it can crunch. It is a grandiose presentation of a story that remains opaque and inscrutable. At the same time, it's a full-bore visual treat, filled with color, energy, invention and ambition. Still, the result is something like a applying a cruise liner paint job to a wooden raft. -more-

This Ain't No Mouse Music is the story of local cultural icon Chris Strachwitz—founder of El Cerrito-based Down Home Records—and his 54 years as a student, fan, collector, curator and producer of "the people's music." This ain't no lie: This Ain't No Mouse Music is one of the best musical documentaries since Twenty Feet from Stardom. A ticket to this film is a ticket to a non-stop carousel of eclectic musical encounters—from blues to zydeco to conjunto to bluegrass and beyond.

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Tuesday 9/23, 5 pm, Upper Sproul Plaza FREE Concert of the UC Chamber, Gospel, and University Choruses led by Marika Kuzma and Mark Wilson joined by members of Danza, and the African Music Ensemble joined by ALL who assemble! -more-

Berkeley Citizens Action, Berkeley Tenants Union, and the Social Justice Committee of the Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists, for the first time, combine forces to hold an Election Forum on Sunday, Sept 21 from 3:30 to 6:30. Local candidates and speakers on local measures and propositions will present from 3:30 to 6. When the forum is concluded, current BCA and BTU members may vote for their respective endorsements. The forum will be held at 1924 Cedar Street on the corner of Bonita at the Fellowship Hall. Child care will be provided and there will be refreshments. -more-

Intertribal dancing, Contest dancing, Round dancing. Native American foods, Arts & Crafts and American Indian culture. Celebrate with us in honor of all our ancestors, the people continuing the spirit today, and future generations. 10 am – 12:00 - Exhibition Dancing, featuring Native California and Aztec Dancers; 12:00 Noon - Grand Entry; 12:00 Noon – 6pm: Contest dancing. Intertribal dancing. All Day: Raffles, Native American Food, American Indian Arts & Crafts. Free Admission. Wheelchair accessible. Bring your own blankets or chairs. Berkeley Civic Center Park, Allston Way at M.L. King Way. Public transportation encouraged, 2 blocks from Berkeley BART station. No Alcohol or Drugs Allowed. Sponsored by the City of Berkeley. Information and message line (510) 595-5520 or www.ipdpowwow.org -more-