Alcatraz Avenue Neighborhood Association

June 2002 Minutes

Alcatraz Avenue Neighborhood Association

Minutes of Meeting: June 12, 2002, 7:00 p.m.
Location: Over 60 Health Center: 3260 Sacramento St. Berkeley, CA 94703

Attendees:
City of Berkeley: Ofc. Robert Rittenhouse (Badge #62)

AANA Officers: Ron Casimere (Chair) and Fredia Smith (Treasurer)

Alcatraz Avenue Neighbors/Visitors

1. Meeting called to order at 7:13. Roll Call of AANA officers.

2. Introductions of those attending the meeting.

3. Reading of the minutes: Presented by Ladelle Casimere. Motion to adopt the minutes passed unanimously.

4. Financial Report: Presented by Fredia Smith. Balance Carried Over = $ 281.91
Current Balance (checking and savings) = $ 282.26
(Funds collected at/for the block party = $122.50)

5. The Block Party was a success. Mr. Charles Daniels was acknowledged for his hard work in getting prizes donated by local businesses for the Block Party. Public officials present at the Block Party included Berkeley Police and Fire Departments, as well as Mayor Dean and Councilmembers Breland, Worthington, and Shirek. Councilmember Shirek spoke briefly about her office, and announced that if she had known about the block party, she would have made a donation. We will hold Ms. Shirek at her word next year, and inform her office again regarding the AANA Block Party.

6. City of Berkeley Police Update:
Ofc. Rittenhouse was in attendance. He reported the following:
a. BPD has rounded up a number of people with outstanding warrants. b. BPD is offering Home Security Survey for our area. We can make use of this by contacting Ofc. Rittenhouse, or the Community Service Bureau. c. Community Beat Information (CBIM) offers communication/information about crime in our neighborhoods. Call 981-5771 (hit #3 for our area). d. Drug task force working together for better communication. e. Ofc. Rittenhouse is interested walking our area to identify and be informed about problems/concerns. f. Ron redirected question about 'hot spots'. Stanford Liquor Store has been identified as a hot spot. Discussion about getting drug dealers and people who are just loitering out of the area. Several suggestions were made.

7. City of Berkeley Update:
a. Mr. Hightower is doing very well. Cards recommended by Ron Casimere to be sent. b. From Councilmember Breland's office, Patricia Duncan-Hill reports that several commissions are open. Children are wanted by commission also. For information call 981-7120. c. National Night Out is scheduled for August 6, 2002.

8. Ongoing Business:
Adjacent Neighborhood Issues: Many neighbors from 62nd / 63rd Street Neighborhood Group were in attendance. Among other issues, 62nd St. & California has been identified as a problem area. Neighbors are very concerned. Discussion about 62nd/63rd Street group and the AANA joining together to better address our mutual problems/concerns. Ron Casimere will poll the AANA, Ralph Adams will poll his group to determine whether there is interest in joining. Ron will contact Councilmember Breland about this issue.

9. New Business:
a. A neighbor reported a specific blighted property in the 1600 block of Alcatraz. A 62nd/63rd St. neighbor gave information on who to contact: Blighted Property: Keitcha 644-6622 #204, or 981- 5400 (Housing/blighted private property). Will route concerns to proper area within COB. b. Public Nuisance defined as offensive behavior to neighbors.

10. Next Meeting is scheduled for July 10, 7:00 pm at the Over 60 Health Center.

11. Meeting adjourned at 8:44 pm.