Red roses Bird of paradise Prode of madeira orange flowers

Councilmember Susan Wengraf   
Councilmember Susan Wengraf


 
Newsletter #57

                   

May, 2017

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

    Currently the Berkeley City Council is dealing with some very big, complex issues including the budget, implications of sanctuary city status, and homelessness, while also being ground zero for the protests regarding free speech.  We are also addressing divestment from Wells Fargo Bank, a new library board (BOLT), and whether or not to have our police and fire departments participate in Urban Shield trainings.  I have introduced two budget referrals for increased funding for traffic calming and street lighting, both very important city-wide issues.

    With Spring comes the blossoming of roses, the birth of deer, and an increase in mosquitoes.  In addition, the heavy rains have encouraged growth of vegetation and increased fire hazards, especially in our hills area. Please read below to learn more about what can be done to help us stay safe.

    Your responses to the parking survey are critical to my understanding of what is important to my constituents with regards to parking policy in the hazardous fire area. Take 5 minutes to answer the survey, please!

My best regards,
 
 
 

Susan Wengraf
list  
RosegardenMothers Day Rose Garden Celebration

    These days it is a relief to have the opportunity to celebrate something positive, like the completion of the first phase of the renovation of the Rose Garden!  Please join us on Saturday, May 13th at 11am for an early Mother's Day celebration at the Rose Garden. There will be activities for children, music, and a good time for all. The mid-section of the pergola has been beautifully reconstructed, the paths have been improved, and the tennis courts re-sealed. We are looking forward to Phase 2 when the remainder of the pergola will be completed.

    Please help us support the Friends of the Rose Garden by visiting their new website and making a contribution to future improvements to this community treasure. Go to: berkeleyrosegarden.org.
Rose Garden Mothers Day Celebration
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surveyHills Fire Zone Parking Survey
Narrow streets    
 
  For years, we have been struggling with possible solutions to emergency responders' ability to navigate our narrow and curvy streets.  With increased density as a result of Air B&B and Accessory Dwelling Units, parking has become even more of an issue
 
    By completing this survey, you will help to inform my approach to the problem.
 
    Special thanks to Victoria Legg, Fire and Disaster Safety Commissioner, and Jessica L'Esperance, District 6 resident and volunteer, for creating and formatting the survey.  It only takes a few minutes to complete!
 
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meetingSave The Date !  Town Hall Meeting With Fire & Police
No crime  
    Every year I hold a forum on fire safety and crime.  This year I will be combining the two, with the first half dedicated to fire danger and fire safety issues, and the second half to crime and public safety matters.
 The meeting will be co-hosted by Council member Hahn who now represents District 5.
  
    What:    Town Hall Meeting on public safety with Fire and Police
    Where:  Northbrae Community Church, 971 The Alameda
    When:   Thursday, June 8th, 7-9:30 pm

mosquitoMosquitoes In Your Neighborhood?
Mosquito
    With the heavy rain season that we've just experienced, mosquitoes are breeding in large numbers. Berkeley is a member of the Alameda County Mosquito Abatement District which provides service to Alameda County residents.

    If you are noticing mosquitoes in or around you home, please contact them at: http://www.mosquitoes.org/services/.  They will come out to inspect your property and suggest ways to abate the problem.

deerLiving With Wild Deer
Deer jumping fence  
    My office has been receiving calls about our deer population with concerns about the threat they present to our safety. This time of year, fawns are born, and the mothers can be very protective.

    The following information, suggestions, and resources have been compiled with information provided by Berkeley's Animal Services and the California Department of Fish and Game
 
Deer acting aggressively towards dogs

    Every year in spring and summer Animal Services receives a few calls about deer acting aggressively towards pet dogs. Wildcare, a wildlife rescue organization in Marin advises the following:

    If the deer is female, she is most likely protecting her fawn that will be hiding nearby.  A male deer may behave aggressively during mating season (Autumn). Both these behaviors are hormonal and are seasonal. Keep your dogs on leash and avoid the area for a couple of weeks. The deer will move on.

    Relocating wildlife is illegal in California and, although relocation sounds humane, in most cases relocation results in the death of the animal. Removed from its den, food and water sources and comfort zone, most wildlife will perish.

    Feeding deer is illegal.  Do not intentionally or unintentionally feed deer.  Additionally, discourage neighbors from doing the same. 
 
Deer in residential areas
  • Leave the deer alone unless it is causing a traffic hazard.  If this is the case call animal services or the police department.
  • Do not chase or scare the deer unless it is acting aggressively toward you or destroying your landscape.  If so, use hazing techniques such as waving an umbrella, banging a large pot with a spoon, spraying with a hose, or installing a motion activated sprinkler to exclude it from an area.
  • If the deer is in a back yard, leave it alone.  In most cases it will move on during the evening or night when it feels safe to do so. 
  • If it appears sick or injured call animal services. 
  • If it has become habituated into the backyard use hazing techniques, provide adequate exclusionary fencing, and remove attractants (fallen fruit, bedding area, etc.) 
  • If it is merely transient and passing through, then it is best to leave it alone.
    Mother deer leave their fawns alone for large portions of the day. The fawn will settle down and wait for her, curled up in a small ball in that "don't notice me" position. This is normal, so don't disturb a fawn who is laying down.

     If the fawn looks cold, hungry, confused, or sick (eg. staggering, panting, head held low with tongue sticking out, or obvious injury, such as a broken limb or large laceration) call and report it to Animal Services. Do not feed the animal.  
Living with deer
  • Deer pose a serious risk to motorists and quite a few deer are struck and killed by vehicles . BE ALERT AND DRIVE CAREFULLY.
  • The best way of controlling deer is fencing. Deer fences should be at least 8' high. The fence should be slanted towards the approach area.
  • Plant shrubs and trees that are known to be deer-resistant. For a list of plants and trees that are deer-resistant, write to the Resources Agency, California Department of Fish and Game, Resources Bldg., 1416 Ninth St., Sacramento, CA 95814 or contact the California Native Plant Society.
  • There are some deer repellents that work, but you have to be very diligent about applying them (this too can be costly for large areas).
  • Motion activated sprinklers appropriately placed and calibrated are highly effective.
  • Effigies work for a while, but they must be moved daily, otherwise the deer will habituate to them as long as they no longer perceive them as a threat. The same holds true for scare devices.

For more information contact

 

    Berkeley Animal Care Services           (510) 981-6600   
    Wildcare Solutions                            (415) 456-SAVE   
    Department of Fish and Game           (707) 944-5500
 
To report a violation or a trapped or wounded deer, contact

    Berkeley's Animal Care Services                  (510) 981-6600
    Department of Fish and Game dispatcher     (831) 649-2801.
 
Publications

    Outdoor California, a bi-monthly magazine with color photography and in-depth articles featuring outdoor adventures and the status of the state's wondrous living resources.  P.O. Box 944209,  Sacramento, Ca 94244-2090.

   
Gardener's Guide to Preventing Deer Damage
 
Internet Resources


Susan Wengraf
Berkeley City Council District 6
510-981-7160
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