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Councilmember Susan Wengraf
Newsletter #31
Summer, 2013 |
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Dear friends and neighbors,
Summer weather allows for wonderful walks through our beautiful streets, full of distinctive architecture, thriving gardens and fascinating public art. The banner above is actually a mosaic by Ernesto Olmos installed on the fence of a home on Euclid Avenue between Eunice and Keith that I recently discovered.
The sign on the fence reads, in part:
"This visual delight is also a gift to my neighborhood of 44 years - with a hope to spark interest in bringing more art, color and samples of ancient civilizations to this quiet corner of Berkeley. Art captivates the eye, touches the emotions and connects its viewers by a common awe and appreciation. May it do that for us!"
Thank you to the sponsor and the artist for this generous gift to the citizens of Berkeley. June and July were busy months for local government. The City of Berkeley unanimously passed a balanced budget, and we affirmed Gil Dong as our new Fire Chief and Scott Ferris as our new Director of Parks and Recreation. Chief Dong has the distinction of being the first Asian-American Fire Chief in the country. Both are very committed to our city and I believe that we are lucky to have them working here in Berkeley. Property crime continues to plague our district. The police department has stepped up patrols, and neighborhoods are working together to get group discounts on the purchase and installation of security systems, locks, and lighting. This upswing in crime seems to be a regional phenomenon, with homes in Kensington and Montclair also experiencing an increase in incidents. Open windows and unlocked doors are the entry points for more than 50% of the crime in homes in Berkeley. Please take the time to make sure that your windows and doors are securely locked before you depart. If you are planning a summer vacation, please make arrangements for your newspapers and mail to be picked up on a daily basis or stop delivery. Put your interior lights on a few different timers so that your home appears to be occupied. City Council will be on break for the month of August, but I look forward to returning in September with a renewed sense of purpose and energy, focusing on making Berkeley a better place to live and work. I wish you a peaceful and relaxed summer.
My best, Susan 
Included in this newsletter is information about:
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Plastics Recycling
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 This week the Ecology Center officially begins expanded curbside recycling of plastics. This is the next step on our path to Zero Waste. As plastic pollution is not a problem we can simply recycle our way out of, we are suggesting ways that people can reduce their use of plastics as well.
We are adding clean plastic containers to the list of acceptable materials. These include yogurt, cottage cheese, and food storage containers like Tupperware, tubs, and trays. There are still many plastic materials that are not acceptable for curbside recycling such as styrofoam blocks and peanuts, plastic bags, wrap, coffee lids, straws, utensils, and compostable plastics. Large items like play structures, buckets, and lawn furniture can be dropped off at 2nd and Gilman.
Please go here for the Ecology Center web site, or call the customer service hotline (510) 527-5555 for further information.
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| Final Measure M Community Meeting |
Have your voice heard!
All community members are invited to the third community meeting on Measure M planning. The purpose of the third meeting is to seek input from community members on the proposed criteria and scorecard for prioritizing street and related watershed improvements. The third community meeting will be on July 18, 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm at the South Berkeley Senior Center.
I attended the last meeting and was very impressed with the level of insightful dialogue. I hope that some of you will be able to join us on July 18th. I need all the support I can get to have streets in the hills improved!!
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Community Crime View Map
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Property crime continues to be a challenge in our area. The Police Department has made available an interactive website where all reported crimes can be located on a map of a specific area. For those with an interest in crime, this can be an extremely useful tool. Click here to get started.
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National Night Out
|  SAVE THE DATE!! National Night Out Tuesday, August 6, 2013 The City of Berkeley welcomes all Neighborhood Watch Groups, local businesses, faith based organizations and community groups to organize and join us in a festive and positive night. Let's celebrate community, the fight against crime, safety, and disaster preparedness with members of the City of Berkeley Police and Fire Departments as well as City of Berkeley Staff on Tuesday, August 6, 2013. In the past, groups have hosted BBQs, pot lucks, picnics, ice cream/dessert socials, kid parades, neighborhood clean-ups, and music performances. It's a fun event which has been very successful in promoting crime prevention activities, strengthening police-community relations, and supporting neighborhoods. HOW TO SIGN UP: Residents can download the registration form here. To complete the registration, all groups must submit a block permit with the City of Berkeley for street closures for this event. Please read the Block Party permits and necessary requirements to download the necessary forms. Residents with questions can contact Officer Stephanie Polizziani at 510-981-5772 or via email at [email protected]. If you would like me to make a quick appearance at your gathering, please let me know. I will try to make it! | |
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Police Newsletter
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The Berkeley Police Department is now publishing a city-wide newsletter that is full of interesting and useful information.
You can read this 12 page edition here.
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Susan Wengraf
Berkeley City Council District 6
510-981-7160
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