Alcatraz Avenue Neighborhood Association

March 2003 Minutes

Alcatraz Avenue Neighborhood Association

Minutes of Meeting: March 12, 2003, 7:00 p.m.
Location: Over 60 Health Center: 3260 Sacramento St. Berkeley, CA 94703

Attendees:
City of Berkeley: Patricia Duncan-Hall, Ofc. Robert Rittenhouse
AANA Officers: Ron Casimere (Chair) and Lori Lott (Secretary)
12 Alcatraz Avenue Neighbors/Visitors

1. Meeting called to order at 7:15. Roll Call of AANA officers.

2. Introductions of those attending the meeting.

3. Reading of the minutes: Lori Lott. Motion to accept minutes passed unanimously.

4. Financial Report: Fredia Smith is on a leave of absence. Lori reported treasury report:
Previous balance: $350.26
Current balance: $304.82

5. City of Berkeley Police Update: Ofc Rittenhouse reported that
1. the Drug Special Enforcement Unit has been working hard, and has made a number of outstanding drug arrests, gun confiscations, etc. in our neighborhood.
2. COB police have updated their website to address the public's requests for more information. The site now includes more information on recent arrests, names, etc. He requested that those with internet access to look at it, and provide him with feedback.
3. COB police department would like to implement a "problem-solving forum" where a larger area of the community (i.e. citizens within each Beat) come together with the police to address problems and discuss solutions.
Questions were raised regarding specific incidents, including the investigation of the Ronald Easiley Homicide, problem areas, and whether Chief Meisner has any specific plans to increase Berkeley's "Community Oriented Policing".

6. City of Berkeley Update: Taj Johns informed Lori that she will be our new Neighbhorhood Services Liaison. However, she was facilitating the Town Hall meeting on Disaster Resistant Berkeley Program. so she was unable to attend tonight. Patricia Duncan Hall was present to represent Councilmember Breland. Margaret has a new aide Mel Martin, but he will be unable to attend our meetings because he teaches at Berkeley Adult School). Otherwise, she doesn't have anything specific to report, Patricia was mostly present to hear us. Mention was made (again) of pedestrian street lights in the 1700 block to link up Alcatraz with Adeline, and she was asked to check up on the status of the Traffic Calming issue.

7. 62nd / 63rd Street Neighborhood Association Update: Charles was unable to attend due to illness, and other key members are on vacation. Ralph reported that the group has been in contact with an attorney re: a nuisance property (house that has been vacant for 15 years).

8. New/ Ongoing Business: A) Neighborhood Cleanup: Still up in the air. B) Block Party: Ron reported that the Block Party will be held on May 10th (and asked Patricia to forward this information to Margaret). It will not be the same kind of party as in the past. There is less money available for kid's games, etc. so we need to change the focus. He asked for volunteers to help with planning, suggestions. Ladelle volunteered to help with the block party, but we need more help! B) Diaster Resistant Berkeley: Lori mentioned this important program (including dates of Town Hall Meetings, Free CERT classes, neighborhood organization, and that the application dealine has been extended for placement of cache of emergency supplies).

9. Next Meeting is scheduled for April 9, 7:00 p.m. at the Over 60 Health Center.

10. Meeting adjourned at 8:05 p.m