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Councilmember Susan Wengraf
Newsletter #34
October, 2013
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Dear friends and neighbors, As I write this newsletter the wind is roaring and the air is filled with smoke from fires raging in Suisun Bay. Last night I smelled strong smoke from fires in Napa and Berryessa. October is high fire season here in the Bay Area. It was 22 years ago when fire devastated thousands of families and destroyed homes in Oakland and Berkeley. I remember it all too vividly, and when the weather gets dry and windy, I become worried. Loaded with vegetation, our Berkeley hills are ripe for a firestorm. Please be cautious. When winds are high and the air is dry, do not operate machinery that could spark a fire. Reschedule the barbecue for another time. If you smoke, please extinguish your butt safely. And call 911 immediately if you see flames or smoke. I have included some fire safety tips from our Fire Department for your information. Please take this advice seriously. Most wildfires are started by carelessness, and if conditions allow, will spread very rapidly and cause major destruction to both life and property. Best, Susan 
Included in this newsletter is information about: |
FIRE SEASON
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Fire Season Safety Tips 
October is high hazard fire season. Please help to keep us all safe by creating a defensible area around your home.
A defensible space breaks up the continuous path of plants that could carry wildfire to your home. It also gives firefighters a safe zone from which to fight a wildfire. It's worth your effort.
- Remove all flammable vegetation including dead branches and debris around all structures.
- Trim trees so branches are six feet from the ground and 10 feet from your chimney. Remove branches overhanging your roof.
- Ensure your rain gutters and roofs are clear of combustible dead vegetation.
- Remove any dead trees.
- Cut weeds and dead grasses six inches or shorter.
- Ask your local nursery about landscaping with fire-resistant plants.
- Maintain defensible space by cleaning up plant litter and watering properly.
Any questions? Call the Fire Prevention Division at: 981-5585
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CRIME ALERT! SMARTPHONE & LAPTOP SAFETY TIPS
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The City of Berkeley has been challenged with an increase in pedestrian robberies of smartphones and other small electronic devices. Why? Because they can be wiped clean. In addition, they can be transferred to any other carrier. This makes the iPhone and other smartphones very valuable.
- Be alert to your surroundings and people around you.
- Do not lend your phone to anyone you do not know or take it out of your purse, pocket or bag to give someone the time, if asked
- Whenever feasible, walk, jog or travel with a friend or friends.
- Walk confidently and at a steady pace.
- Don't talk on cell phones or listen to iPods when alone, as they significantly limit awareness (especially at night).
- Be aware of locations and situations which make you more vulnerable to crime such as alleys, doorways, parking lots and stairwells.
- If you are the victim of a robbery, immediately call the police or yell for someone to call police. An immediate report, including the suspect description, direction of flight, any associated vehicles and vehicle license plate number gives responding officers the best possible chance of locating the suspect and ultimately making a successful case.
Listed below is a sampling of some theft recovery programs that have helped people get lost/stolen/misplaced devices back. They also support officers and detectives in furthering successful investigations (and making arrests)! |
Apple
| | Program | Cost | | GadgetTrak | Starting at $20 per year | | Lojack for Laptops | Starting at $30 per year | MobileMe
(transitioning to iCloud) | To be released
Unknown pricing
| | Prey | Free for 3 devices OR
Plans | | Undercover by Orbicule | Starting at $39 per computer |
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Android
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Program
| Cost | | GadgetTrak | Starting at $20 per year | | Lookout | Free OR
$3 per month for extra features | | Prey | Free for 3 devices OR
Plans starting at $3 per month
www.preyproject.com
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Lastly, have your serial numbers stored in a accessible, handy location so that officers can enter them into the Automated Property System (APS) that is a national database for stolen property.
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THE FUTURE OF YOUR PARKS
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The City's new Parks and Waterfront Commission wants to hear from you about ideas for improvements to the City's recreational facilities. Parks in North Berkeley will be discussed WHEN: October 9, 2013 WHERE: Live Oak Community Center Fireside Room 1301 Shattuck Ave. 7pm - 9pm Parks in South Berkeley will be discussed WHEN: October 16, 2013 WHERE: South Berkeley Branch Library, 1901 Russell at ML King Way 6pm - 7:30pm Childcare provided at both meetings.
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FEE INCREASE FOR HAZARDOUS WASTE PROGRAM
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Residential and multifamily property owners in Alameda County are encouraged to attend a meeting in Berkeley to discuss the countywide residential household hazardous waste program and its future.
WHEN: October 15th 7:00 - 9:00pm
WHERE: North Berkeley Senior Center
1901 Hearst Ave, 2nd Floor
Hear more about the countywide residential household hazardous waste program and its future. The program provides safe, legal, environmentally sound disposal options for residential household hazardous waste such as paint, solvents, and pesticides. Without these options, most household hazardous waste will be illegally and improperly disposed of (e.g., abandoned on streets, poured down drains, placed in garbage or recycling carts). Improper disposal often pollutes our waterways, detracts from property values, or forces the community or others to pay for cleanup (e.g., through street maintenance, wastewater, or stormwater budgets; or expenses to private property owners).
The Alameda county household hazardous waste collection program is currently paid for through a per ton fee on municipal solid waste disposed in landfills. However, the fee has not changed since 2000 and the program either needs to be cut back dramatically or provided with additional funding. The meeting seeks feedback from single family and multi-family property owners regarding a proposed fee of less than $10 per year per dwelling unit to be paid with property tax bills each year.
If you are unable to attend the meeting but would like to make comments or ask questions, please send an email here or call Wes Sullens at 891-6500.
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PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION DISPOSAL
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NATIONAL PRESCRIPTION DRUG TAKE-BACK DAY
WHERE: Sacramento & Oregon Streets
WHEN : Saturday, October 26, 2013
10 am-2:00 pm
COST: Free!
The City of Berkeley is inviting residents to participate in the first nationwide prescription drug take-back program. On October 26, residents can come to the corner of Oregon and Sacramento Streets in South Berkeley and safely and anonymously dispose of all unused, unneeded and expired prescription medications.
Unused medications that are flushed contaminate the water supply. Turning in old medication reduces the risk of accidental poisoning, overdose, theft and abuse. Proper disposal of unused drugs saves lives and protects the environment.
Residents can bring any medication to the booth on the corner of Oregon and Sacramento Streets for disposal. No identification is required and no records are kept. Residents can keep or dispose of the containers. No needles, please.
Pharmacies generally cannot accept controlled substances such as Vicodin, Percocet, OxyContin, and Codeine; stimulants such as Adderall, Ritalin, and Dexedrine; or sedatives and tranquilizers.
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ELECTRIC CAR TAX BREAKS SET TO EXPIRE
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Even as more electric cars appear all over Berkeley, a key tax incentive is set to expire soon. The expiring federal tax credits for installing electrical vehicle charging stations, either at home or at work, must be applied for by Dec. 31.
The price of waiting can be high. A homeowner who waits until the New Year could lose out on up to $1,000 in tax credits. For a business, the amount can be up to $30,000.
If you own a business and are interested in the electrical vehicle charging station tax credit, see the Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Tax Credit. To speed the process, Berkeley has a streamlined permit system for businesses wanting charging stations in their parking lots.
Homeowners can learn about the City's quick, over-the-counter permit process for home charging stations here.
Berkeley has approximately 70 permitted electric charging stations in homes and parking lots, including two new Level 2 charging stations at the Center Street Garage.
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Susan Wengraf
Berkeley City Council District 6
510-981-7160
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