Alcatraz Avenue Neighborhood Association

October 2002 Minutes

Alcatraz Avenue Neighborhood Association

Minutes of Meeting: September 11, 2002, 7:00 p.m.
Location: Over 60 Health Center: 3260 Sacramento St. Berkeley, CA 94703
Attendees:
City of Berkeley: Ofc. Robert Rittenhouse, Rick Mattessich, Charles O’Neil, Laurie Wonnell, Denisha Delane
AANA Officers: Ron Casimere (Chair) and Lori Lott (Secretary)
6 Alcatraz Avenue Neighbors/Visitors

1. Meeting called to order at 7:08. Roll Call of AANA officers.

2. Introductions of those attending the meeting.

3. Reading of the minutes: Presented by Lori Lott. Motion to adopt the minutes passed unanimously.

4. Financial Report: Balance Carried Over = $ 305.26
Current Balance (checking and savings) = $ 328.26

5. City of Berkeley Police Update: Ofc. Rittenhouse reported that most current crimes in our area are burglaries, auto break-ins and robberies. Typically, the method of entry is through an open window or unlocked door. He also has information available for parents: Child safety during the holidays, car seats, handgun safety, and Megan’s Law (he reports that there is a lot of detailed information available from registered sex offenders, and if parents are interested in having a special presentation re: Megan’s Law, to let him know).

6. City of Berkeley Update: A. Michael Caplan was unable to attend due to other City business. B. Rick Mattessich and Charles O’Neil from Berkeley Housing Authority were present to discuss the City-owned, problem property that was identified at the last meeting (and several times previously). Specific issues included: blight, drug dealing on the premises, and squatters who moved into a vacant unit. There is not enough funding to provide live-in management for properties such as this, and they need to contract out maintenance. Rick and Charles reported that they are in the process of getting things together. The plan is to work on the essentials first (safety and issues directly related to the complaints: lighting, fencing), and then focus on the appearance (painting, resurfacing the area where a tree was removed, fix gate, etc). They would like to get feedback from the neighbors and the police on these issues. They were asked several questions: 1. How to respond to them? (contact Rick directly), What is the time frame on getting a tenant into the vacant unit? (depends on funding, etc. but approx 2 months). They will attend the next AANA meeting to discuss further and give us a progress report. C. Laurie Wonnell was present to discuss the Rent Stabilization Board and the services they provide to tenants and landlords. This includes: tenant and landlord counseling, the "security deposit video project" (a free service documenting the condition of property when leaving or arriving), guides to rent control, housing inspections, rights and responsibilities of tenants and landlords, etc. Check out their website for further information. D. Denisha Delane was present from Councilmember Breland’s office to hear from us. She also reported on the councilmember’s support of Education Nutrition Bill, Walk to School Day, and Back to School, Stay in School. Denisha also reported on a candidate’s forum provided by YAP on Friday night.

7. 62nd / 63rd Street Neighborhood Association Update: They are working with Michael Caplan to address certain problem properties (drug activity, excess trash, blight, car repair, etc) in their area. Charles reported attending the CAT meeting, and learning that they meet weekly with the mayor to present problems their group is identifying.

8. Other Business: A. In regard to the letter we sent to the ABC re: J&B liquor store: The ABC didn’t deny the license transfer, but the City has added a number of conditions to the transfer. B. For our information, Berkeley Safe Neighborhood Committee meets at the Public Safety Building on Martin Luther King Jr., the first Monday of each month from 6:30 to 8:00 pm. Their goal is to promote better relationships between the Police, neighborhood associations, and the general public.

9. Next Meeting is scheduled for November 13, 7:00 pm at the Over 60 Health Center.

10. Meeting adjourned at 8:30 pm.