Alcatraz Avenue Neighborhood Association

July 2003 Minutes

Alcatraz Avenue Neighborhood Association

Minutes of Meeting: July 9, 2003, 7:00 p.m.
Location: Over 60 Health Center: 3260 Sacramento St. Berkeley, CA 94703

Attendees:
City of Berkeley: Taj Johns, Ofc. Robert Rittenhouse
AANA Officers: Ron Casimere (Chair), Charles Daniels (Vice Chair), Fredia Smith (Treasurer), Lori Lott (Secretary)
15 Alcatraz Avenue Neighbors/Visitors

1. Meeting called to order at 7:12. Roll Call of AANA officers.
2. Reading of the minutes: By Lori Lott. Motion to accept minutes passed unanimously.
3. Financial Report: Presented by Fredia Smith Balance Carried Over = $ 487.42
Current Balance = $ 586.42
Fredia also reminded us that annual dues ($25 per household) are also due for several members.

4. City of Berkeley Update: Taj Johns was present from the City. 1) Regarding the barricade removal / traffic circle issue, Peter Hillier is currently on vacation. A meeting will be set-up with groups involved, and there will be a public hearing before any change is made. Taj was asked about traffic calming on Alcatraz issue and she suggested that AANA representatives attend the meeting with 62nd/63rd to ask Peter Hillier about it. 2) Cleanup started along Adeline (steam-cleaned sidewalks). 3) There is currently an ABC case against J&B. We have copies of the list of J&B conditions: Please contact Taj to let her know if conditions aren't being met. 4) Taj reminded us about the new Code Enforcement Unit: Can issue administrative citations to get property owners to comply. 5) Neighbors identified another trouble spot (@ Prince and Sacramento) associated with a liquor store.

5. City of Berkeley Police Update: Ofc. Rittenhouse was present. 1) Announced the Town Hall Meeting (Thursday July 17) to introduce community involved policing. 2) Reported on the recent rash of gun violence on the Berkeley / Oakland border. The violence appears to be the result of two groups colliding over respect issues. The police have responded with increased presence, extra patrols, etc. which has resulted in warrants and arrests. This is an ongoing investigation, so he was unable to share more information. Police advice = take precautions, be mindful of time of day and surroundings. Also keep in mind that shooters rent (or steal) cars / U-Hauls or use stolen plates when committing crimes. 3) Beats 11 and 12 have new beat officers, who are enthusiastic and willing to work with the community. Ofc. Rittenhouse heard neighbor's concerns about a) the recent altercation at Black &White liquors, b) gangs of youths who appear to be wearing white t-shirt "uniforms" and c) what can be done about children selling drugs on 62nd street? Go door to door, let parents know. Taj stated that Sgt. Odom has been meeting with pastors in South and West Berkeley to deal with these types of issues. Neighbors offered kudos to motorcycle patrols active along Alcatraz Ave. (63rd St. neighbors suggested that motorcycles could slip through barricades in order to patrol those streets in our community with barricades! )

6. 62nd & 63rd Street Neighborhood Association / Adjacent Neighborhoods Update: A question was raised about the location in the 1600 block of 62nd Street where actor Sean Penn's stolen gun was found. (Ofc. Rittenhouse emailed information the next day: The gun was recovered, two females were arrested. There is no indication that the gun was used in the commission of any crimes.) Neighbors reported that problems are escalating near Prince & California and Woolsey & California.

7. New/ Ongoing Business:
1) Grace Neufeld was present from Neighborhood Solutions, Inc. Her organization helps neighbors who are having problems with public nuisance properties. Provided handouts and described the services her business can provide to neighbors with problem properties. She answered a number of questions. (Contact information for Neighborhood Solutions, Inc.: voicemail = (510) 392-0115; email = SolutionsInc@ev1.net) 2) Announcement made about National Night Out to be held Aug. 5 from 6:30 -10 pm. The AANA will be joining our neighbors from adjacent streets along California in solidarity against ongoing drug activity and recent gun violence. 3) A representative from BOSS Urban Gardening announced that fresh produce will be sold every Thursday from 4-7 pm at Sacramento and Oregon. 4) Copies of the Disaster Resistant Berkeley Summer CERT class schedule were distributed.

8. Next Meeting: Reminder that the AANA voted to take the month of August off, so the next meeting is scheduled for September 10, 7:00 p.m. at the Over 60 Health Center.
9. Meeting adjourned at 8:35 pm.