Alcatraz Avenue Neighborhood Association

October 2001 Minutes

Minutes of Meeting: October 10, 2001, 7:00 p.m.

Attendees:
City of Berkeley: Sgt Sanchez (COB Police)

AANA Officers: Ray Pelegrino (Vice Chair), Andrea Cesar (Communications Coordinator), Fredia Smith (Treasurer) and Lori Lott (Secretary)

Alcatraz Avenue Neighbors

1. Meeting called to order at 7:18. Roll Call of AANA officers.

2. Introductions of those attending the meeting

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

4. City of Berkeley Police Update: The Police representative scheduled to attend was unable to be here due to a serious traffic incident. Sgt. Sanchez stopped by at the beginning of our meeting to let us know, and to hear any complaints from neighbors. He is not familiar with the details of our specific area, but reported some drug activity on Adeline, robberies, and car thefts. Lori will contact Officer Pierantoni about attending the next meeting.

5. City of Berkeley Update: No representative from the City of Berkeley was present at the meeting.

6. Financial Report: Presented by Fredia Smith
Balance Carried Over = $ 392.73
Current Balance (checking and savings) = $ 366.73

7. New Business: One resident noted that COB crime statistics (available on the web), show much greater activity in our area than other parts of Berkeley. The suggestion was made that the AANA send out mailings about crime activity and other happenings in our area. At future meeting we should discuss this possibility and perhaps find someone who would be willing to head up a committee to do this.
Another resident presented flyers announcing a celebration by the Co-op Credit Union.
It was suggested that it may be time to schedule another neighborhood clean-up day. A question was also raised about whether the City can fine apartment owners for letting trash accumulate on the sidewalks / street.

8. Ongoing Business: 2001 Initiatives:
1. Liquor Store Initiative: Andrea Cesar reported that she has been unable to contact Tom Myers regarding a meeting with other neighborhood groups who have worked on similar issues in Berkeley. We need to document problems we see with the stores, and she will bring copies of forms to the next meeting.
2. Contacting with Other Neighborhood Groups: Ray Pelegrino reported that he has had some difficulty in getting other people involved. We need to find a way to be more visible (attending other group's meetings (like CAT, SBNDC), as well as showing up for City Council Meetings). He also brought up the issue of finding a way to get the City to offer incentives to get desirable businesses to move into our neighborhood.

9. Next Meeting is scheduled for November 14, 7:00 pm at the Over 60 Health Center.

10. Meeting adjourned at 8:20 pm.