Alcatraz Avenue Neighborhood Association

January 2001 Meeting

Minutes of Meeting: January 10, 2001

Alcatraz Avenue Neighborhood Association
Minutes of Meeting: January 10, 2001, 7:00 p.m.
Location: Over 60 Health Center: 3260 Sacramento St. Berkeley, CA 94703

Attendees:
City of Berkeley: Ronnie Turner and Cesar Melero.
AANA Officers: Ron Casimere (Chair), Fredia Smith (Treasurer), Andrea Cesar (Communications Coordinator) and Lori Lott (Secretary)

1. Meeting called to order at 7:22. Roll Call of AANA officers.

2. Introductions of those attending the meeting

3. City of Berkeley Police Update:

Officer Cesar Melero had another meeting to attend at the same time as ours, so the reading of the minutes of the last meeting was postponed until after his update.

Officer Melero provided us with a report of the police activity taking place in our neighborhood. This included a list of arrests/activities the Safe Block officers have been involved with from 11/18 - 12/20. Most of the arrests on the list took place at night. The Safe Block operation is still going on.

There has been some criminal activity near our street included a break-in on King St. near Alcatraz, a strongarm robbery on Alcatraz, and various crimes (robberies, "loud reports" and a shooting) on Ashby. Officer Melero reminded us to be "street smart" (don't be a target, there's safety in numbers, and always be aware of your surroundings). Further information on crime prevention tips and crime statistics are available on the Police Department website: www.BerkeleyPD.org). Also remember to use THE-COPS (843-2677) to report suspicious activity.
It is anonymous, but if you leave your name, the authorities have more leverage to prosecute.

On a positive note, one resident reported that more of the celebrants around our neighborhood chose to "ring in the New Year" with fireworks rather than gunfire, which is a nice change!

One of the problem buildings that residents brought to Officer Melero's attention at the last meeting has been taken care of (and neighbors noted that the parking near that residence improved too!). He also wanted us to know that he reported the other problem building we discussed last time to Drug Enforcement, and they are currently working on it.

Residents reported another building in the 1500 block where drug activity is suspected, and Officer Melero will be looking into it.

4. Reading of the minutes by Secretary Lori Lott.

Motion to adopt the minutes passed unanimously.

5. Financial Report:

Treasurer, Fredia Smith reported a balance of $212.73, with no expenditures. There is still no word on getting the Tax ID number we need to open a checking account. Lee Hightower, who has been working with Fredia on this, has been promoted to a new position, and has been difficult to contact. Ronnie Turner noted that he has a special project he wants to present to our group, so we should see him soon.

6. City of Berkeley Update:

Ronnie Turner reported that the new owner of 1616 Alcatraz was supposed to attend the meeting to present his plans for the property, but something must have come up. Ronnie will try again to get him to attend our next meeting.

Ronnie was asked about the status of the Adeline Project Streetscape (providing trees lighting and ramps). He hasn't spoken to Tom Myers lately, but will ask him for an update. In related news, the empty lot at the intersection of Adeline and Martin Luther King is supposed to be the site of 37 units of senior housing, but there is no word yet on how that is progressing.

7. New Business:

A. Vice Chair Anida Weyl was not in attendance due to her second surgery. We wish her a rapid recovery.

B. Andrea Cesar reported that the trash problem along the street seems worse than ever. It is especially noticeable at the border between Oakland and Berkeley (where Oakland is much cleaner, due in part to more frequent street sweeping). When the AANA has brought this matter up in the past, the City has not been receptive to the idea of increasing street sweeping (there is evidently already a long waiting list for extra sweep days). Although Alcatraz is zoned residential there are many businesses (including several small stores), which tends to increase the amount of trash.

Ronnie said that he will bring this problem to the attention of Councilmember Margaret Breland and the Public Works department, but we should also write letters to the Director of Public Works, being sure to cc the Mayor, the City Manager, and the Councilmembers for Alcatraz. Andrea and Lori will draft a letter to present to the group at the next meeting.

C. Our group was asked to decide if we would like to hold another Block Party this year. All were in favor of having it again, and Cheryl Beauchamp volunteered to be the Chair of the Block Party Committee. Ronnie Turner reminded us that we need to contact Councilmember Breland as soon as possible to let her know when the Party will be, and what we would like from the City. May 19, 2001 was the date selected. Ron Casimere will inform the City of this date, and a separate meeting will be set up to discuss plans for Alcatraz Avenue Block Party 2001!

8. Next Meeting is scheduled for February 14 at 7:00 pm at the Over 60 Health Center.

9. Meeting adjourned at 8:30 pm.