Albany Bulb's topics - tribe.net

Blackberry heaven

RadicalFun — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 21:33:55 GMT

My husband and I spent about 40 minutes picking out there today and got about a gallon of blackberrys from just two areas. It looks like in another week, the place will be drowning in them, but there are plenty to go around right now.

posted in Albany Bulb - 2 replies

cop crack down on the bulb- help save it

serra — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 07:48:53 GMT

There are two emails below, both updates on the recent cop crack-down on not only the residences of the bulb, but on the art as well. Read 'em both, pass them along, and do what you can for this lovely place. If you're able to get more involved or want more info, contact Andy (details below). He'll be starting a list for updates. If anyone wants, I can also just keep posting his emails here. Let me know.
Cheers,
Serra

____________________________________

____________________________________

____________________________________

From: andyk@riseup.net <andyk@riseup.net>
To: andyk@riseup.net
Date: Jul 7, 2008
Subject: Albany Bulb 7/6 evening news

Hello everyone who loves the Albany landfill!

If you have been to the Bulb lately you must have noticed that the City of
Albany has been busy on many projects there, cutting many bushes to turn
paths into roads, destroying the skateboard park and new driftwood bridge
near the castle...

And just before the 4th of July, as taxpayers received their stimulus
checks from Uncle Sam, 3 residents of the landfill were given tickets for
unlawful camping without the customary warning of a couple days at least.

A group of us landfill lovers are very upset about all of these things,
and we feel that we need to come together before the City does anything
else.

We feel that all these things are true:

1. The landfill is better left exactly how it is, undeveloped, and those
who want a picnic bench and dogs on leashes should go to the Berkeley
Marina.

2. The City should not destroy any artwork.

3. The people who live at the landfill should be respected by the City and
left alone. They improve the landfill with their art, by building and
maintaining trails, and being on fire watch- all things that the City of
Albany does not do.

These are starting points for a conversation about making the City respect
the landfill for what it is: user-developed.

Soon we will have an online forum where we can post thoughts, etc. and
also a listserve. I'm sorry if you don't want to receive these emails
from me, soon we'll have a listserve and i'll stop spamming everyone.

until we get that and can talk further, please contact me if you want to
help out with this, if you can donate to our legal defense fund or know
of/are a lawyer who would like to help, if you know people in the City of
Albany who can help, AND if you want to come to the Bulb and help us get
people to sign a petition that the folks who live there are making, that
would be great.

Osha Neumann is working to get some lawyers together to get an injunction
placed on the City so they must stop the tickets and cannot evict.

If you know anyone in the Press please let me know too!

Thank you so much!
I love you all!

andy
510-689-8081

____________________________________

____________________________________

____________________________________

From: andyk@riseup.net <andyk@riseup.net>
To: andyk@riseup.net
Date: Jul 9, 2008 1:31 AM
Subject: Albany Bulb 7/8 evening news

news from the landfill, evening of tuesday july 8:

please forward this widely!

someone was ticketed today with 3 tickets, one for camping, one for
building in the park, and one for hanging things from the tree!

these are all in reference to the public library at the albany bulb, and
the tree which is woven into the library and has beautiful fabric
streamers blowing in its branches... and everyone's favorite
librarian/bartender/storyteller the 'bow...

the cops are expected to rain again tomorrow, as they said they were going
to go to more camps but left abruptly because they received a call to go
do something in town.

this is what people at the bulb want us to do:

come out and watch the cops,
call these city officials and tell them to leave the people in peace
because of all the reasons stated in my earlier email which i have pasted
below. Also include this very important reason:

In September of last year, the police came several times a week for 2
weeks and warned everyone that they would have to move out soon, no
tickets were ever issued. when they finally came and gave notice of an
eviction date, 3 days later, a lawyer sent the City of Albany officials a
letter informing them that enforcing the camping ban is illegal in albany
because they do not have a homeless shelter nor a temporary housing plan.
the officials received the letter, contacted the lawyer and apparently
decided that he was correct because the cops did not come on eviction day
and they haven't made any moves against people on the issue of camping
until now, almost a year later.

It is illegal to do what they are doing, they already know it, and they
are doing it anyway. At least, the cops are doing it, it's possible the
cops are acting of their own accord without city council's knowledge, so
we best make them aware that their guard dogs are biting someone!

mayor Robert Lieber: 558-9054. liebtaub@sbcglobal.net

city council
Marge Atkinson: 684-9582. cityhall@albanyca.org
Fared Javandel: 528-5710. 528-5777. cityhall@albanyca.org
Jewel Okawachi: (510) 527-5583, jokawachi@jps.net
Joanne Wile: (510) 528-5710. cityhall@albanyca.org

also an elected official: city attorney Robert Zweben: (510) 528-5858

not elected, but someone who councilmember Joanne Wile told me she will
ask 'what's going on': City Administrator, Beth Pollard (510) 528-5710

thank you for calling them. say whatever you feel, of course, and let me
know if you can talk any information out of them about what's happenning
or if they commit to looking into it for you, or if they give you names of
people to contact.

Here are some upcoming City of Albany meetings:
July 14th waterfront committee 7:30 pm- (these folks might not know
anything about what's going on, but they might be at the center of it too,
i don't know).

Monday july 21st, city council meeting 8 pm (this is the last city
council meeting before the council is closed for the month of august!
let's go!)

And finally, thank you for reading this far, I think i want to have a
movie night fundraiser on friday july 18th to rally us up for the city
council meeting... would anybody like to help me? we would watch bum's
paradise, and talk about what's going on.

love,
andy

posted in Albany Bulb - 0 replies

Sniff Show: Out Of The Fill at Eclectix Gallery

Patricia — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 16:36:30 GMT

The Sniff Show: Out Of The Fill
Featuring The Art Group Sniff: Scott Hewitt, Scott Meadows and David Ryan
Artist Reception: Friday,July 18th from 5 to 8 PM
Exhibit Dates: July 5th Thru August 3rd, 2008
at
Eclectix Gallery
7523 Fairmount Ave.
El Cerrito, CA 94530
See website for hours & other info.
http://www.eclectixgallery.com

posted in Albany Bulb - 0 replies

Deleted mis-post to wrong tribe

Ptony — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 18:46:50 GMT

Oops :-)

posted in Albany Bulb - 0 replies

More photos

RadicalFun — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 01:39:30 GMT

I found a flickr account with some photos here:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyerai/2394910578/

posted in Albany Bulb - 0 replies

Fire at the Bulb!

heatherlyn — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 21:25:30 GMT

Was out at the Bulb this early afternoon, in the Ampitheatre, and off to the west we started smelling burned synthetics...... there was a big black cloud of smoke that looked to be spreading fast. We booked it out of there and went around to the outer reaches of the lagoon, where we could see that the "house" that perched on the side of the hill was in flames.

(Side note: anyone know anything about that house? It looked pretty finished with construction material siding, and I know it had a crappy little chimney-- source of the fire, maybe?)

The trees looked to be catching a bit, but it's pretty damp out there this time of year, so I don't think it was too bad. The Albany Fire Department got there and were blundering around, lost on the paths, trying to get a fire truck up there (oy). I showed them the closest, widest path to get near there....but of course, it's the Bulb, and not designed for fire trucks! Heh.

I'll drop a few photos into the tribe album, taken with my camera phone.

posted in Albany Bulb - 2 replies

Is the spirit gone?

RadicalFun — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 18:41:36 GMT

Anyone been out to the bulb lately? I have just been up to the plateau, everything is very dead there, even the plateau that isn't anywhere near the water. I feel like there is also this big brother kind of presence. When you drive up, there is a big highway style sign that says dogs have to be on-leash everywhere in the park.

Ugh...a friend was saying that it will be much easier to make it into a soccer field now...

posted in Albany Bulb - 2 replies

Crude oil spill

RadicalFun — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 04:26:19 GMT

Uck. My roommate and his dog just got home from the bulb. He was out there at night, so he didn't know what his pup was getting into out there. He got out of the water and his whole lower half is now completely gunked up with a tar-like substance. This tanker accident did some SERIOUS damage to our bay. Careful with your dogs out there.

posted in Albany Bulb - 3 replies

So, anyone been out there?

heatherlyn — Thu, 04 Oct 2007 18:53:13 GMT

What's the status? I haven't been in over a week, wondering if they're still cleaning, etc?

posted in Albany Bulb - 0 replies

Albany Bulb ART REPORT Sept. 25, 2007

*NetworkGirl* — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 03:10:14 GMT

THIS WAS JUST AN ALBANY BULB 911 TEST

Ok, well Meg, got us going! and we do appreciate the enthusiasm.
Its nice to see everyone is alive and well, and still ready to act
to protect the Art of Albany Bulb.

--------------

I went down to the Bulb today and I am happy to report the Art is fine and in fact thriving! With a new 'skate' park and re-use of the 'Sniff' pieces. I was getting really sad watching the 'Sniff' work fade into history and being destroyed by taggers but now new artists have replaced the past...different, but at least showing that the Bulb is still alive with new energy.

An additional confirmation of the current state of Art from HeatherLyn:

"Update: I spoke with the supervisor with the City of Albany Public Works department, who is in charge of the Albany Bulb cleanup. He was a very nice guy, and reassured me that they're JUST cleaning out the "trash". The art won't be touched, according to him, even stuff that isn't clear whether it's "trash" or "art" will also be left alone. He said to me that he heard "from the higher-ups" that protecting the art during this cleanup process is their first priority. I'm not sure how
much that MEANS, but it was nice to speak with someone who truly sounded like they cared about the art there. So yes, please contact anyone and everyone about this, but please don't say that they're tearing down the art. At this point,they aren't. Who knows what the future will bring, though."

My Photos of the Art and the Eviction Results:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/thenetworkgirl/sets/72157602162633931/
HeatherLyn's ACTION SHOTS!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/hlscotland/sets/72157602150157245/

HOMELESS EVICTION

Nothing positive to report on the eviction of the homeless - IT IS
HAPPENING!

The place is a total mess...garbage every where. If the bull-dozer
technique is all they are going to do we are going to be stuck with
avenues of garbage floating around thru the Winter season. Unless
they also have the plan to have people hand pick the garbage...(doubt it).

It was ironic there was a ton of surgical gloves floating around, probably used to "protect the workers" from the garbage. I examined a lot of the garbage curious to see if there would be the typical perception of homeless people garbage ie. needles and drugs stuff but there was a lot of organic food wrappers etc., which is an interesting
sign of the times or a reflection of current dumpster dive finds...

There was a bike along a path and I kept an eye out to see
if I could talk to the person, (assumedly homeless)
about their situation but I also didn't want to be intrusive.

I have to be honest I am not much of a resource in regards to
public services for homeless but I know Osha has been a huge
advocate in this regards and writing to politicians is our right
so that is something you can do today.

You may also want to contact Daniel to see what else can be done:
Daniel Barth - BOSS Harrison House - 510-688-3844 lemonlit@hotmail.com

He wrote earlier today: "as the director of the homeless shelter nearest to the Bulb I will give any testimony needed to substantiate Osha's argument, and support leverage the City of Albany to alleviate the lack of service for poor people in Albany. if my folks are needed to support lobbying, let me know. please pass this on to Osha and whomever. we also need to bring in the experience of cities such as Portland, where encampment had for some time been accepted; the
bay area continues to lack such resourcefulness. the state park's 'eminent domain' needs our perspective as much as we will get baseball fields - in that vein, isn't it wise to have one undeveloped portion of waterfront remain unspoiled? and not this the best argument for the Bulb's preservation? if so, we have larger political
forums to confront; we have allies in the County."

Once again, I thank you and the Bulb thanks those who are always watching and protecting what we love... Please forward this information a long to anyone that you think would help with the guard.

TheNetworkGirl

JOIN THE GROUP
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/albanybulbwaterfront/

http://www.networkgirl.com/albany911.html

http://xpress.sfsu.edu/1001words/2005f/03story.htm (Photos and Conversation about the Bulb)

MOVIE ABOUT THE HOMELESS story and their art: http://www.bumsparadise.com/

Imagine this?! an Art Park: http://www.networkgirl.com/albany/AlbanyBulbBrochure.pdf
Art parks from around the world:
http://www.networkgirl.com/albany/artparks.htm

posted in Albany Bulb - 0 replies

Call to Arms - for the ART! City to Remove 9/24

*NetworkGirl* — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 03:59:11 GMT

on behalf of; mcbracken [gypsypeacock@gmail.com]

The last truly free place for freedom of expression and free living
here in the bay is once again IN JEOPARDY.
The city of Albany plans to evict the homeless encampment and remove
artwork from the Albany Landfill also known as the Albany Bulb, on
Monday morning, the 24th of September and ongoing all week. Their
reasoning has something to do with making the Albany Bulb into a state
park, giving up the city's jurisdiction over the park and handing it
over to the state.

PLEASE! If you have video cameras or other cameras and are available,
please come down and document and/or agitate the potential destruction
of our creative sanctuary!

Osha Neumann, predominant artist in the landfill, homeless advocate
and attorney has prepared the document attached at the bottom of this
message. His letter has phone numbers you can call to protest this
abomination. If you do go to the Albany Bulb you will see a sign out
front with a DPW phone number on it, CALL THEM TOO! Let them hear your
opinion about the evictions and removal of art!

If you do get photos or footage, we encourage you to broadcast it
anyway you can! Contact local media, contact Tomas McCabe
(documentarian on the Albany Bulb) at tomas@bumsparadise.com, or post
your footage on YouTube yourself.

For more information on the Albany Bulb / Landfill:
http://www:bumsparadise.com

Off-Leash Art Movie on Youtube.com:
youtube.com/watch

groups.yahoo.com/group/alb...aterfront/

groups.yahoo.com/group/albanybulb/

and
ON TRIBE:
tribes.tribe.net/f87d90e6-...0b3941e752

__________________________________________________________
Re: Planned evictions on the Albany Landfill

Dear Sirs and Madame:

I am writing to protest the City of Albany's plans to evict homeless
people from the Albany Bulb.

On Friday, September 21, Albany city officials were out at the Bulb
and announced that on Monday, the 24th, they would begin evicting
people who had been living there. Police had previously passed out
notices to some of the people warning that they were in violation of
Albany's Municipal Code section 8-4.4 prohibiting "camping."

Albany still has no shelters where a homeless person who doesn't have
the means to rent or buy a place to live can spend the night legally
within the City. In 1999, when far more people were living out on the
Landfill, the City at least made a gesture towards providing temporary
housing. Not this time. The City has waited till the rainy season to
kick people out into the cold with no place to go. The message is
clear: Get out of town. There is no place for you here.

This eviction is not only inhuman, it's illegal. Enforcing Albany's
camping ordinance against the homeless when there are no shelter beds
available constitutes cruel and unusual punishment in violation of the
Eighth Amendment of the United States Constitution.

In Jones v. City of Los Angeles, 444 F.3d 1118 (April 2006), the Ninth
Circuit Court of Appeals held that a Los Angeles ordinance
criminalizing sitting, lying, or sleeping on public streets and
sidewalks at all times and in all places within Los Angeles city
limits violated the Eighth Amendment as applied to homeless
individuals involuntarily sitting, lying or sleeping on the street due
to the unavailability of shelter in Los Angeles. It held that "the
Eighth Amendment prohibits the City from punishing involuntary
sitting, lying, or sleeping on public sidewalks that is an unavoidable
consequence of being human and homeless without shelter in the City of
Los Angeles." (Id. at 1138. ) It remanded the case back to the
district court for appropriate injunctive relief.

Albany's vague and broadly written camping ordinance applies to all
open spaces within its borders including parks, undeveloped areas,
streets, and sidewalks. Its provisions against camping, loitering, and
lodging criminalize anyone who happens to be homeless who attempts to
spend the night with the City limits. To avoid its sanctions a
homeless person would have to stay awake and constantly on the move.
It applies to anyone who at any time attempts to secure a living space
in Albany who can't afford to rent a room. Because Albany has not a
single shelter bed, its camping ordinance, like the ordinance
considered by the court in Jones, cannot be used against homeless
individuals currently living on the Bulb without violating the
Constitution's Eighth Amendment prohibition against cruel and unusual
punishment. Nor can Albany claim an exemption from the logic of Jones
by pointing those it evicts to shelters in neighboring jurisdictions.
Its neighbors have their own homeless population and their shelters
are almost always full.

In In re Eichorn (1998) 69 Cal.App.4th 382, the court held that a
homeless man cited for violating a Santa Anna camping ordinance, who
had presented evidence that on the night he was cited every shelter
bed in the city was occupied could raise a defense of necessity. He
could argue that he violated the law only to "(1) prevent a
significant evil, (2) with no adequate alternative, (3) without
creating a greater danger than the one avoided, (4) with a good faith
belief in the necessity, (5) with such belief being objectively
reasonable, and (6) under circumstances in which he did not
substantially contribute to the emergency." (Id. at 389.) The court
noted that "Sleep is a physiological need, not an option for humans."
Eichorn could reasonably argue that the "significant evil" he avoided
by violating the camping ordinance was "loss of sleep." (Ibid. )

There is a close analogy between the defense of necessity and a claim
that prosecution violates the Eighth Amendment prohibition on cruel
and unusual punishment. In the one case that went to trial arising out
of the evictions of homeless people from the Bulb in 1999, People v.
Michael Reed Smith, Berkeley Municipal Court Case no. 162913), a jury
found "Picasso" Mike Smith not guilty based on a defense of necessity,
when he showed that Albany then, as now had no shelters.

If the City intends to evict homeless individuals currently living on
the Bulb, it must first provide them lodging for a length of time
sufficient for them to secure an alternative place to live. If they
don't have the means for obtaining housing, it must provide them real,
effective assistance. If it proceeds with evictions without providing
viable alternative housing it not only places the lives of those it
displaces at risk, it places itself at significant risk of liability
for knowingly violating their rights.

Finally, should Albany choose to proceed with the evictions, it
must take care to preserve and store the possessions of those who are
forced out of their campsites on the Bulb. By the manner in which they
are kept, those possessions are easily distinguishable from trash. If
there is ambiguity the City should err on the side of caution. In a
recent case, Kincaid v. City of Fresno 2007 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 63528 the
court issued a preliminary injunction barring the City from seizing
and immediately destroying the personal property of homeless people
found during raids on their encampments. It agreed with the Lawyers
Committee on Civil Rights, the ACLU of Northern California and the law
firm of Heller Ehrman who represented the plaintiffs that the practice
appeared to violate their constitution rights.

If you have any questions or concerns, or would like to discuss these
matters further, please contact me at your earliest convenience.

Very truly yours,

Osha Neumann
Attorney at Law
1840 Woolsey Street
Berkeley, California 94703
(510) 644-2429
(510)540-4821 (fax)

Cc: Vice Mayor Marge Atkinson
Councilmember Farid Javandel
Councilmember Jewel Okawachi
Councilmember Joanne Wile

posted in Albany Bulb - 8 replies

Who here lives in Albany?

Autumn — Mon, 06 Mar 2006 04:10:15 GMT

I'm new to this tribe so I was wondering how many people live in Albany and how many visit the bulb from someplace else?

posted in Albany Bulb - 6 replies

Missing dogs

RadicalFun — Thu, 16 Nov 2006 18:40:15 GMT

Two days in a row different people told me that a dog was missing out at the bulb. Yesterday, a woman said that every few weeks a dog goes missing out there. I am out there every few days and had never heard or noticed this.

I go there partly because it is the only place that my dogs really DON'T run off. I mean, there is just not very far to go, either. It is pretty much surrounded by water...

posted in Albany Bulb - 0 replies

Interviews anyone?

Tara — Sun, 15 Oct 2006 09:33:49 GMT

I am looking to interview some of the artists that have contributed art work to the Albany Bulb project. It is for a research essay that I am writing for my English 5 class at Laney Community College. I would really appreciate any help or leads that anyone may have.
Thank you all- TARA

posted in Albany Bulb - 2 replies

Victory!!!...for now, at least.

Rebren — Fri, 21 Jul 2006 22:15:08 GMT

Developer Declares Albany Mall Plan Dead

Though an angry Rick Caruso said early Tuesday that he’s pulled the plug on his plans for a $300 million Albany waterfront mall, project foes say they expect him back.

"Well, you don’t have to worry about me screwing up your waterfront," Caruso told a political opponent at the end of a volatile Albany City Council meeting that shortly before 1 a.m. Tuesday.

"It was pretty painful in the end," he said to a supporter.

Albany City Administrator Beth Pollard emailed councilmembers Tuesday afternoon that Matt Middelbrook, the former Los Angeles Deputy Mayor who has been running the developer’s campaign to win over Albany residents, had called to say "Caruso will not be moving forward with an application."

Councilmember Robert Lieber said Wednesday that he doubts Caruso is really withdrawing, and Mayor Alan Maris said he plans to call Caruso and ask him to reapply.

"I’m hoping for it," Maris said Wednesday. "I would like to see the opportunity for him to go through the normal application process."

Caruso staged a similar, much-publicized walkout two years ago in Glendale before the city council there agreed to his terms for a downtown mall. He had already spent $5 million on the project, according to an account in the Glendale News-Press. Three days later, he announced he’d reconsider given public and City Council support.

Five months later, he defeated a referendum brought by opponents.

Caruso and the city broke ground for the $324 million mall last month.

A Santa Monica lawyer who represented Glendale and Caruso in a lawsuit filed by another mall owner was hired by Albany officials to handle legal work. He appeared at Monday night’s council meeting as an advisor to the council.

The Albany council also voted unanimously Monday to approve placing an initiative on the November ballot after its proponents--environmentalists and other mall foes--secured the signatures of a fourth of the city’s electorate.

That measure still faces a legal challenge that could keep it off the ballot (see related article).

Developer demand

Caruso insisted that the city commit to giving his project a full environmental impact review (EIR) even before it had seen a project application-- that led to Monday night’s showdown.

His demand would have meant the city couldn’t reject his proposal out of hand, regardless of whether it violated city codes, plans or zoning, until it had gone through the extensive EIR process.

City staff and fellow councilmembers weren’t ready to pass the resolution introduced by Councilmember Jewel Oakachi, both because they hadn’t had time to study it and because it was drafted by Caruso’s own attorneys.

In a joint report, Pollard, City Attorney Robert Zweben and Community Development Director Ann Chaney declined to endorse it.

"I do not recommend passage of a resolution drafted by Mr. Caruso," said Zweben.

If the council wanted to endorse the intent of the resolution, he said, staff should prepare their own version.

When Okawachi moved approval, the attempt died for lack of a second.

Councilmember Robert Good then moved that the council take no action on the proposal, pending submission of an application that presented Caruso’s plans in detail. Lieber offered a second, but the motion died on an three-two vote.

Farid Javandel then moved that the staff prepare a resolution "that reassures the applicant that we would accept and process his application like any other." Joined by Lieber and Good, that resolution carried the day against opposition from Okawachi and the mayor.

The five-hour meeting ended moments later.

Both votes had been preceded by long public comment periods, featuring sometimes heated remarks.

Albany Unified School District board member David Farrell blasted what he called "the takeover initiative ... which threatens to rob the school district of badly needed funds and for the exclusion of the school board" from representation on the task force that will charter a future for the shoreline.

That panel will consist of one member appointed by each of the city’s five councilmembers and one representative each from four environmental groups: Citizens for the Albany Shoreline, Sustainable Albany, the Sierra Club and Citizens for East Shore Parks.

Project proponents hailed the mall plans as an economic stimulus for a cash strapped city increasingly forced to rely on bond measures to maintain basic services. Escape from increased property taxes was repeatedly invoked.

Foes cited the potnetial threat to merchants on Solano and San Pablo avenues and the need to protect an environmentally sensitive waterfront.

The project

By Tuesday morning, rumors were already flying that had Caruso looking for new sites in Berkeley and Richmond.

Middlebrook confirmed late Thursday that his firm is talking with officials in other cities, and said the firm is a eager to find another location in the East Bay.

He declined to identify the specific cities.

"We’ve had a number of calls in the last couple of days about potential opportunities," he said.

Caruso Affiliated Holdings had teamed with track owners Magna Entertainment to propose a $300 million mall on the track’s northwestern parking lot, complete with shops and major retailers--the Nordstrom name was bandied about and talk of apartments overhead.

Shoreline renovations, a new park and public beach access were assured.

The plan was paired with another joint effort at Magna’s Santa Anita race track in Southern California.

Caruso and Magna waged a long detailed campaign to win over voters, holding innumerable "coffees" and other meetings where tax benefits were stressed, often by Caruso himself.

Aiding the effort has been the public relations firm of Dion Aroner, former state Assembly member and a close political ally of her successor, Loni Hancock, and Berkeley Mayor Tom Bates, a former holder of the assembly seat and Hancock’s spouse.

Caruso, a Southern California developer--a well-connected Republican and Bush donor who told another supporter he’d recently met with Karl Rove--has built his father’s rental car fortune into a shopping center empire.

One mall, The Grove in the Los Angeles Fairfax District, even outdraws its next door neighbor, the famed Farmers Market, once the state’s most popular tourist attraction.

Caruso builds historically themed open air shopping "experiences," with broad, scenic expanses and designs architectural critics either love or hate. City governments usually love them for the sales taxes they bring.

posted in Albany Bulb - 3 replies

cat found at bulb parking lot

monkeyshines — Fri, 12 May 2006 03:42:40 GMT

small, recently pregnant female kitty found in the Bulb parking lot. (kittens couldn't be found). message me on Tribe and describe her to claim her.
thanks,
Diana

posted in Albany Bulb - 0 replies

Stop the Mall!

Autumn — Mon, 13 Mar 2006 01:38:51 GMT

I got this on from the Stop the Mall listserv, so I'm passing it on. their website is www.albanyshoreline.org. Apologies for the duplication to anyone who got this already from someplace else.

Also, only Albany voters can vote on this or even gather signatures, even though what happens to the shoreline will affect a lot more people than just Albany residents. Lame, but it makes sense, I guess.

If you can, please help keep the mall off our shore!

Autumn

THE NEXT STEP

Now that the Albany Shoreline Protection Initiative (ASPI) has been
formally delivered to the City, the next big step is to obtain
enough signatures to qualify the ASPI for the November 7, 2006,
ballot. See the full text on our website: www.albanyshoreline.org.

Your neighbors and friends will soon start canvassing the City to
obtain signatures from Albany voters. In order to qualify as a
ballot measure, a certain percentage of Albany voters must sign--not
for approval of the ASPI, but simply to place the matter before the
voters for an up or down vote. (Any signatures gathered cannot and
will not be used for any other purpose.)

VOLUNTEER AND/OR DONATE

If you are an Albany voter, please call to volunteer a few hours of
your time to gather signatures starting soon.

To volunteer, contact Patricia Jones at: 510-461-4665.

Also, donations can be made payable to: Citizens for the Albany
Shoreline, P. O. Box 6087, Albany, CA 94706.

ON AGAIN--OFF AGAIN

Albany City Attorney, Robert Zweben, was reported in the Daily
Planet last week as believing the pro-developers would offer up an
alternative initiative to ASPI. Then this week, the pro-developer's
Howard McNenny recanted: the pro-developers would not be doing an
alternative initiative as previously reported.

Many of the pro-developers listed on the recently circulated, ASPI-
attack sheet were opposed to Measure C, which gives voters the last
right of approval. The pro-developers tried to confuse the voters
then by offering up several competing measures, but the voters saw
through the subterfuge and Measure C won in a landslide. If not a
competing initiative, then there are other means by which the pro-
developers can place an alternative measure on the ballot; such as,
through the City Council. Stay tuned.

ARCADIA SISTER DEVELOPMENT

The opponents of the second Magna/Caruso mall at Santa Anita
racetrack report that several municipal initiatives are circulating
in Arcadia: one to require that any parking be free and NOT pay-to-
park. Just like at Bay Street in Emeryville, a Caruso mall at GGF
obviously would have pay-to-park structures to replace the thousands
of parking spaces lost to the ball fields at Gilman, burrowing owls
on the Plateau, and the mall itself in the north parking lot.

If you want to walk your dog on the waterfront, take a stroll on the
beach, or visit the Bulb, then pay-to-park first!

GOLDEN GATE FIELDS MAILER

The March, 2006, three-fold from GGF lists contributions they have
made to the City. We are not against GGF. They should stay as long
as they wish in Albany. However, just like any other landowner, GGF
does not have the right to change the current zoning in order to
build a large project that is out of scale and character in Albany,
and has precious little if anything to do with horseracing.

Nothing in the ASPI requires the racetrack to close; however,
reasonable people should plan for that contingency given GGF
supplying almost 5% of the general fund and the vagaries of gambling.

SOLANO AVE DE-CONSTRUCTION

In the same mailer, we see the YMCA receiving their annual check, a
charitable contribution that the California Horse Racing Association
MANDATES gambling institutions pay to charity, in this case the Y.
Further, the republican LA developer, Rick Caruso, plans to include
extracting the YMCA from near Solano Avenue down to the mall, where
patrons will have to drive rather than walk, and pay-to-park.

Instead of buying a tea at the tea shop and a muffin at the Solano
corner shop, Y foot traffic and business would be shifted into cars
and the Starbucks and Denny's at the mall.

Any increased revenue promised by the mall would be offset by the
added costs for police, fire, and schools, as well as, business lost
from Solano and San Pablo Avenues.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Canvassing for Voter Signatures starts soon: call Patricia Jones at:
510-461-4665.

Tuesday, March 14 @ 7:00 pm, At the Library, YES on Albany Library
Tax Campaign Meeting

posted in Albany Bulb - 1 reply

April 1st Party for the love of the Bulb and Performance Art

Thu, 23 Mar 2006 22:08:40 GMT

This is a group I am supporting which supports the Albany Bulb, the place we all love. If you don't have any plans please come! - TheNetworkGirl, Jeanavive

-----Original Message-----
From: AVA [mailto:agentava@gmail.com]
Sent: Wednesday, March 22, 2006 11:31 AM
To: agentava@weplayers.org
Subject: Fools Luck.

Friends...

welcome to fools luck...

Saturday April 1
8pm til 8am
the Wharehouse at
1800 Illinois St, SF
(chavez and 3d)

a Benefit Party to support WE PLAYERS
and our spring 2006 production of Shakespeare's The TEMPEST

to transform and transpire upon the enchanted isle of the Albany Bulb,
aka the landfill art park on the waterfront north of Berkeley.

a night of dancing...and i mean all night
featuring
LoCura - (reggaelicious flamenkito)
es lo mismo
The Stardust Collecting - (old skool hip-hop and jungle funk breed
with infectiously improvised keys and guitars...jamming from the heart
of your inner city's heart)
and records spinning til dawn...

also featuring...
the lounge of lush-iousness
the signature spanking booth
wondrous costume tag sale arena
photobooth
massage station
steaming vats of chai
and pancakes if you make it til dawn.

come and celebrate foolery and conjuring of the storm.

$10-25 suggested donation at the door

Evite on the way - please rsvp to this as we shall have a guest list
at the door...

spread the word...
bring your friends
pack the house
yeeee haw!

*

--

We Players
www.weplayers.org
agentava@weplayers.org

posted in Albany Bulb - 0 replies

Support Shirley dean Support the Landfill

Mon, 13 Mar 2006 17:56:15 GMT

Feedback is needed today!! Please support Shirley Dean, who has
promised to support us at the Landfill.

Anyone who can go to the meeting tomorrow afternoon at 2:00 pm can
also give comment - Norman LaForce supporters WILL be there, and we
must have strong opposition to him:

Tues March 14, 2:00 pm
East Bay Regional Park District
2950 Peralta Oaks Court
P.O. Box 5381
Oakland, CA 94605 (2pm,

=> PHONE CALLS to: Clerk of the Board (Sharon Marshall) 510-544-2020

=> EMAIL to: smarshall@ebparks.org (Clerk of the Board),
cseverin@ebparks.org (Carol Severin President Ward 3),
jsutter@ebparks.org (John Sutter VP Ward 2), tradke@ebparks.org (Ted
Radke Secretary Ward 7),dsiden@ebparks.org (Doug Siden Ward 4),
awieskam@ebparks.org (Amy Wieskamp Ward 5), blane@ebparks.org
(Beverly Lane Ward 6)

You can cut and paste the email addresses into email that you send.
Be sure to state your city of residence and zip code (this is
relevant to Ward assignment). Most of us live in Ward 1. See
http://www.ebparks.org/district/board.htm to find out more about
wards. If you know your ward representative on a name basis, please
try to call him or her as well.

More on Shirley Dean:

Jean Siri's vacant seat should be filled by someone who will carry
forward Jean vision, someone who would honor Jean's work and the fact
that she had no intention of standing down to some of the very people
now seeking to replace her. The person best qualified for this
appointment is Shirley Dean. She has been working for 30 years to
create recreation opportunities, preserve the natural environment,
and protect San Francisco Bay as a volunteer, a member of the
Planning Commission, Waterfront Committee, City Council, 2 terms as
Mayor, and as the representative of East Bay Cities on BCDC. Shirley
Dean's commitment runs all the way from successfully working for a
5-year tax measure to increase Berkeley park lands, protecting the
waterfront, opposing oil drilling in the Arctic Wilderness,
establishing joint City/Park District fire services to protect our
homes from the wildfires, making our playground structures safe,
supporting access to off-leash dog areas in Cesar Chavez Park, Pt.
Isabel and elsewhere, leading the effort to build the acclaimed I-80
pedestrian overpass, restricting the use of harmful pesticides,
preserving Tilden Park's Merry-Go-Round and encouraging the
proliferation of butterflies in an urban environment-to name a few!
Shirley Dean has publicly stated her strong opposition to building a
gambling casino on Point Molate, housing on toxic contaminated ground
on the Richmond shoreline and the proposed mega shopping mall on
Golden Gate Fields. Shirley Dean has proven to be a hard-worker,
well-prepared on the issues, and someone who will actually meet with
community groups and individuals, take phone calls and actually
listen to what they have to say! Her program is one of balance
between preserving the natural environment and providing recreation
opportunities.

Yahoo! Groups Links

<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/albanybulbwaterfront/

<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
albanybulbwaterfront-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

posted in Albany Bulb - 0 replies

Not your everyday art show !

RPMcMurphy — Thu, 02 Mar 2006 20:15:42 GMT

http://images.tribe.net/tribe/upload/photo/416/9ea/4169ea9b-295a-4049-962e-2e8a47e1a228
Expect the unexpected.

posted in Albany Bulb - 0 replies

Bums Paradise Showing Wed. in SF

Mon, 20 Feb 2006 19:35:13 GMT

-----Original Message-----
From: Mike Aisenfeld
Sent: Monday, February 20, 2006 11:26 AM
To: Mike Aisenfeld; Jeanavive Marie - TheNetworkGirl; Karen J; Heidi
West; Kelly; Dylan and Sophie; Charlotte Simpson; Tom Dubberke
Cc: Me Subject: Bum's Paradise Showing

OK, so we're all set for the Wednesday night showing
of Bum's Paradise http://www.bumsparadise.com/.
We found a warehouse space with a
projector and screening setup, so we'll be able to
watch it on the big screen and have plenty to
stretching space!

Here's the details, Hope everyone can make it!

When:
Wednesday, the 22nd @ 8pm

Where:
354 5th St. between folsom and harrison

Other Stuff:
Feel free to bring some snacks and beverages to share
and invite friends who you think might enjoy the
movie.

See you Wednesday,

MIke

posted in Albany Bulb - 0 replies

WSJ article re: Caruso and Albany 2/6/06

WS Burroughs — Sat, 11 Feb 2006 03:12:13 GMT

The Property Report
Placating the Locals --- Developers Try More Incentives To Win Residents' Approval; Mr. Caruso Appeases Kayakers
By Thaddeus Herrick
1284 words
8 February 2006
The Wall Street Journal
B1
English
(Copyright (c) 2006, Dow Jones & Company, Inc.)

Albany, Calif. -- ON A RECENT Tuesday evening, developer Rick Caruso worked the living room of a Bay Area bungalow as if he were running for mayor.

Yet his pitch to the 20 or so residents of this small town next to Berkeley was strictly business, not politics. Mr. Caruso's Los Angeles firm, Caruso Affiliated, wants to build a $300 million outdoor mall and apartments on 45 acres across the bay from San Francisco.

Mr. Caruso has his work cut out for him: It's the same parcel that many residents envision as an extended coastal park. To defuse opposition, Mr. Caruso is offering to build a 25,000-square-foot YMCA, devote a portion of land for the park, and rebuild a pier.

Wooing locals is nothing new to developers, though they often received a rubber stamp to build shopping centers and residential complexes as cities grew in the past 50 years. Today, however, the best prospects are increasingly urban and suburban redevelopment projects, on land often surrounded by residents with the money, the know-how and the will to fight. As a result, developers must run something akin to a political campaign to get their projects approved -- and in the process, give residents much of what they demand.

"What else?" the tanned and trim Mr. Caruso, neatly dressed in a three-button blazer and black Dolce & Gabbana shoes, asked residents as he displayed sketches of the proposal. "What else do people want?"

Making the neighbors happy is more time-consuming now. Developers who might have spent six months gaining community support for suburban projects several decades ago now are spending some three years undergoing the same process, said John McIlwain, senior fellow for housing at the Urban Land Institute, a Washington, D.C., land-use think tank. Urban redevelopments require similarly exhaustive battles, Mr. McIlwain said, though developers undertook few such efforts before the 1990s.

Only a few developers go as far as Mr. Caruso, who has completed eight retail projects in Southern California collectively valued around $2 billion. In Arlington, Va., McCaffrey Interests Inc. held no fewer than 40 meetings with locals to win support for a redevelopment project several years ago called The Market Common. The company ultimately built townhouses as a buffer between its retail center and an existing neighborhood of single-family homes.

"People understand they can stop projects," said Dan McCaffrey, president of the Chicago firm. "You either participate or you die on the vine."

Residents usually resist development for reasons that range from increased traffic to distaste for the ubiquitous strip mall. "These days the reaction is, `Oh no, not another retail center,' " said Beau Arnason, chief operating officer at developer Steiner & Associates in Columbus, Ohio.

For developers, the key is to allow residents input during the design stage while ending up with a profitable project. Even Mr. Caruso, who has been known to spend lavishly on details for his malls, such as imported Italian kiosks that sell food, has his limits. "The question is how many benefits a project can support before it no longer makes sense?" he said.

Mr. Caruso's strategy rests on acquiring relatively cheap land, often parcels where other developers have failed to win approval. He then tries to win over the same community that shot down the previous projects. In one project, neighbors asked for an upscale grocery store, and Mr. Caruso delivered Bristol Farms, a Southern California specialty chain. In another, he provided a seasonal ice rink, which sits on a man-made lake. In a third, he bused residents to a nursery to select trees that would landscape the retail development.

Mr. Caruso, a former president of the Los Angeles Police Commission, has political experience that makes him well suited to play in today's real-estate arena. He's a big Republican donor and a friend of California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. Mr. Caruso, son of Dollar Rent a Car founder Harry Caruso, even pondered a run for Los Angeles mayor in 2005.

But Mr. Caruso's passion, since he was a boy, has been real estate. "It's the way I'm wired," said the 47-year-old developer. He started out with small retail developments in the early 1990s and has since tackled increasingly complex projects. In 2002, he opened The Grove, a $160 million outdoor mall in Los Angeles with an eclectic mix of traditional streetscapes and plazas. While some critics dismiss the style as phony and the project as yet another mall, it's now seen by others as having revitalized the venerable Los Angeles Farmers Market next door and provided Angelinos a much-needed gathering place, attracting some 18 million visitors a year.

Mr. Caruso is willing to play hardball. In Glendale, Calif., General Growth Properties Inc., one of the country's largest mall operators, sponsored a ballot initiative to derail a Caruso project, Americana at Brand, that would compete with an existing General Growth mall. But Mr. Caruso, a lawyer by training, won the 2004 referendum and is now suing General Growth in California Superior Court for anticompetitive practices. He plans to break ground in April on his Glendale project. General Growth declined to comment.

Albany promises to be one of Mr. Caruso's toughest fights. He will be taking on not only residents but also Bay Area environmentalists in his first project outside Southern California. The development concerns a parcel of land now occupied by Golden Gate Fields, an aging horse-racing track. Opponents are pitching a proposal that assumes Golden Gate Fields will someday close and the town will buy the track and parking lot from its owners, Magna Entertainment Corp. of Toronto. Those backing this proposal say the town could build a conference center on a small parcel and use the rest to extend an 8.5-mile-long coastal park.

Mr. Caruso, who plans to partner with Magna, has a different plan. He wants to revitalize the race track and build high-end stores and restaurants with views of San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge. He also plans to restore wetlands and provide access for kayakers at the behest of residents.

Still, the locals won't get everything they want. Mr. Caruso initially warmed to the community's request for a hotel, but he scratched the idea because he won't be able to make a profit. And he's pushing ahead with a plan to position an anchor tenant such as Nordstrom's at the north end of the mall, where residents, in early meetings, had asked for open space with views across the bay.

But Mr. Caruso faces bigger hurdles. A local ordinance requires voter approval for any change in the use of waterfront property, which Mr. Caruso must have in order to proceed with his plans. And two weeks ago, opponents said they are trying to gather signatures for a ballot initiative that would seek a two-year moratorium on development and re-zoning of the site, a move that could derail the project altogether.

There is further concern that Mr. Caruso's pedestrian streetscape would threaten business along Solano Avenue, Albany's increasingly trendy commercial thoroughfare, though Mr. Caruso said just the opposite would be true: he argues that his project will bring in more shoppers. "We have a real main street," said Robert Cheasty, president of Citizens for East Shore Parks and Mr. Caruso's most vocal critic. "We don't need a make-believe one."

---

posted in Albany Bulb - 2 replies

Bulge - Dope Dealers, Malls and Bay Area Backroads

Fri, 10 Feb 2006 02:41:52 GMT

Hello everyone, I went to 2 major meetings this week at the Albany City Hall. On Monday the meeting went on from 8pm till past 1am in the morning. I left by 11:30. A lot of discussions about the Mall, and a new counter proposal by the Sierra Club & (other environ. orgs More info here: http://www.networkgirl.com/albany/news.html

Its almost like a crazy sitcom between the Albany residents - name calling, finger pointing and on Mon. night there was very little mention about the Bulb until one white haired gentleman rattled off about all the city hasn't been doing ie. taking care of the Bulb - my favorite sound bite - was about the BULGE and all the DOPE DEALERS that hang out there ( he is also a mall supporter)

On Wed. night the Caruso PR Team was at the City Hall presenting to the Park and Recs about the 'Mall' - same cast of Albany residents were present expect MORE mall supporters this time. 2- woman stuck out in my mind talking about shopping and how great it will be and that they went to the waterfront/bulb once and it was awful and they would never go back again.

I am curious why the locals don't enjoy the bulb and why so many of us go out of are way from other areas to go?

As well, Tomas informed me that BAY AREA BACK ROADS has been out there with Osha and they are doing a piece on the Bulb. May be helpful to us.

Bottom line though whether you live in Albany or not the MALL is a major issues. Far bigger than trying to protect the Art if this goes in guaranteed the dogs are out, the art is out AND imagine what it is going to be like trying to get thru the maze on 80 past this East Bay DISNEYLAND, which is exactly how it is depicted in Caruso's plans -

posted in Albany Bulb - 0 replies

Yahoo Group - Announcements

Mon, 06 Feb 2006 07:06:56 GMT

Hello Ladies and Gents,

I started a Topica email announce list BUT I have been told that Topica is too difficult to sign up for and I am hoping that Yahoo Groups is a little easier. But Yahoo Groups has many other features that makes it worth the switch: A Calendar ( so we can
keep better track of ALL the meetings), we can post files/spreadsheets, we can post photos, chat...

I will continue to post to Topica for the month till everyone can make the switch. I will always be on Tribe but not everyone utilizes Tribe. I would like to just be able to sent direct emails but my internet service provider limits how many emails I can send out in bulk.

Technology can be a pain sometimes but it does work.

To Subscribe:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/albanybulbwaterfront/

Or send an email to: albanybulbwater-@yahoogroups.com

Regards,

Jeanavive - TheNetworkGirl

posted in Albany Bulb - 0 replies

Feb 6th (Mon) City Council Meeting 8 pm

Mon, 06 Feb 2006 04:34:24 GMT

Feb 6th (Mon) City Council Meeting

Council member Robert Lieber, a champion of prudent planning to protect the waterfront, has placed a new planning process proposal on the agenda. This is a countermeasure to help in the process of preventing a MALL to be built next to the race track. We need to go to these meetings to also keep an ear out for plans for the Bulb.

8:00 pm Albany City Hall 1000 San Pablo Avenue.

Tom from 'Let it Be' is coming out, I will be there and I hope some of you can also make it.

On a micro level what's going on locally represents what's going on in our nation politically - stay informed about your community, be involved, stayed involved locally and soon it can effect things on a larger scale.

posted in Albany Bulb - 0 replies

Feb 11th Albany-Bulb Art Park Tour

Sat, 04 Feb 2006 19:32:19 GMT

Hello Everyone!

Per my request, 'Tom Dubberke' (Albany-Bulb Artist) has agreed to do an Art Tour. The premise at first was to take me along to take photos and document the names and stories of each piece in order to create an Art Map (now will be used in the Art-Park Brochure). Than I thought, "well everyone should have the opportunity to come along"...

Feb 11th, Meet at 11am at the rock stairs at the front of the park.

Please bring your digital cameras if you like to take photos, and people who are good at taking notes please bring your note pads and plan to type up the stories after the event so we can compile them all. Also, Osha Newman is working on a book and is looking for digital images so this might be a great opportunity to take some photos for it.

If you aren't writing or taking photos PLEASE bring a garbage bag and pick-up trash along the way...

RSVP and let us know if you can make it!

Perhaps afterwards we can grab some food at Picante's on Gilman.

Thanks! - Jeanavive - TheNetworkGirl

=======================================================

PLEASE FORWARD THIS EVENT POSTING TO PEOPLE:

More info about the Albany Bulb: (Area next to the proposed Mall)
http://www.networkgirl.com/albany911.html

Albany-Bulb Art-Park Brochure:
http://www.networkgirl.com/albany/AlbanyBulbBrochure.pdf

Please Join the Newsletter - so you can find out about future events, there is a subscribe box on the above web page or go to:

http://lists.topica.com/lists/albany911

Please Also Join The Albany Group on Tribe.net for discussions (Search):
"Albany Bulb"

posted in Albany Bulb - 0 replies

Conceptual Albany Bulb Art Park Brochure

Sun, 29 Jan 2006 19:12:51 GMT

Conceptual Albany Bulb Art Park Brochure
A piece of my presentation to help preserve the Bulb:

http://www.networkgirl.com/albany/AlbanyBulbBrochure.pdf

=======================================================

Sorry if you get this twice still working out my email lists

PLEASE FORWARD ALONG:

More info about the Albany Bulb:
http://www.networkgirl.com/albany911.html

Please Join the Newsletter - so you can find out about future events, there is a subscribe box on the above webpage or go to:

http://lists.topica.com/lists/albany911

Please Also Join The Albany Group on Tribe.net for discussions (Search): "Art of the Albany Bulb"

posted in Albany Bulb - 4 replies

Albany City Hall Meeting Thurs!!!!!

Wed, 02 Nov 2005 16:13:54 GMT

Waterfront Committee Meeting. Albany City Hall
November 03, 2005
7:30PM
City Hall Conference Room, 1000 San Pablo Avenue

Other info they have on the issue:
http://www.albanyca.org/dept/GGFields.html

Agenda:
http://www.albanyca.org/archive2/2005/wc_g1131038486.html

Go for the info even if your not a resident!

posted in Albany Bulb - 3 replies

Art Grant

Sun, 29 Jan 2006 02:14:02 GMT

http://www.blackrockarts.org/grantapp.html

What do you think? anyone want to make a proposal for the Grant? for Art at the Albany Bulb?

-Jeanavive
TheNetworkGirl

==================================================
PLEASE FOWARD ALONG:

More info about the Albany Bulb:
http://www.networkgirl.com/albany911.html

Please Join the Newsletter - so you can find out about future events, there is a subscribe box on the above webpage or go to:

http://lists.topica.com/lists/albany911

posted in Albany Bulb - 1 reply

SATURDAY Dump Cleanup Day

Thu, 26 Jan 2006 02:46:57 GMT

Dump Cleanup

join Tomas, Tom and Rabbit
11am
on Saturday January 28th

that's this weekend!

bring out the troupes!
bring your energy and love to the site!
rah rah rah!

"We will be meeting at the Sniff Art at the end of the Bulb (the very end of the Landfill) at 11 am. I will be bringing garbage bags and I believe that Tomas will be bringing some tools, so if you decide to join us, please bring your own water or other beverages.

Tom Dubberke"

posted in Albany Bulb - 1 reply

January 26 - Meeting. 7 pm to 9 pm

WS Burroughs — Sun, 22 Jan 2006 19:18:11 GMT

Multipurpose Room Albany Highschool
603 Key Route Blvd. (at Portland)

Get the Real Scoop

Hear the latest news on the proposed Albany Waterfront Mall
Sponsored by the Cizens for the Albany Shoreline, Sierra Club and CESP

-Hear about an alternative vision for Albany Shoreline open space
-Learn why we are against the huge Caruso waterfront mall.
-discuss whays to have an open, citizen-driven community planning process vx. Albany's current developer dominated process.

There will be Ice Cream Scoops provided.

Questions - or if you want to be involved: call Brian Parker - 510-525-6740 (brain@pacbell.net) or Anna Wagner at 510-848-0800 X307

posted in Albany Bulb - 4 replies

Next Popcorn-Anti-Theater

hernancortez — Tue, 17 Jan 2006 16:24:08 GMT

Feburary 12th
9pm

Come early stay late.

Rabbit is writing a script about A

Post Apocalypse B-Movie Drive-in Love Story.

This will be Rabbit's first theater showing in a while. Come and help us celebrate art on the edge of society.

We need circus, burlesque, cabaret or fire acts.
We cherish all arts and skill levels. Joins us in the scenic out of doors and warm your selves by the fire.

posted in Albany Bulb - 0 replies

STEPS of ACTION!

Thu, 22 Dec 2005 01:41:27 GMT

If you can help with any of the following please contact me!

Seymour Rosen for SPACES - Suggested Steps to Action
(he was one of the major players in the preservation of the Watts Towers)
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Develop the following list of people and organizations you will have to deal with. All of them could be useful to fulfill your goals. Having these numbers easily available will prove very useful.

All these people and organizations should know that you exist, have some substantive information on the site you are trying to save an important work of art and cultural attraction. Make sure you have a contact name.

Local people and organizations
Arts oriented
Historic
Chamber of Commerce/business organizations
Local/state/federal politicians responsible for your are
Public figures
Possible committee members
Celebrities
Service Organizations
Media
Local/state papers
T.V.
State magazine
Local radio
Universities/colleges/schools
Local/State
Potential energy sources (volunteers)
Old folks group
Service organizations
Church groups
Guilds/Unions
Funding
State/Local governmental arts organizations
Local business
Corporations with plants in the area
Local foundations
get guidelines and dates for submission from granting organizations, NOW
Maintenance
Conservation Corps
Service organizations
Potential users of property
Day care,
Senior Citizen Center
Arts Center
Schools
Neighbors
Extremely important
People with skills you need to save/repair

People for Advisory Board
Folks with titles
Artists’ relatives

when possible get exact names and titles of those listed above.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

What You Should Know We get a lot of letters and telephone calls asking for our help in preserving a site, many at the 11th hour when “The bulldozers are at the otr end of the block”. Even after 20 something years of trying we have found no magic way to do instant preservation. To make your preservation efforts a little easier, SPACES has developed lists of things you should do or be ready to do as well as other information you will need to preserve a site. The following is an abridged set of questions that should be asked when preparing to save a site. We are of course available to answer your questions, to support your activities and help plan the glorious experience of saving an important bit of Americana. You should be ready to answer these questions:

1.) Status of the Artist: Is the artist old, ill, or dead? Is there a person responsible for the artist? (Name-relation-address) Does the artist have any family, children, resources, or insurance? (In the case of poor health) If not, who can you identify to look after him/her? If the person is hospitalized or dies who can be responsible to look after him/her?

2.) Ownership of the Property: Has the artist expressed a desire to save the site, or his/her works? Does the artist own the property? Does the artist want to sell the property? If not who does? Are they willing to sell/rent it? If so for how much? Who can secure the property? Are there no relatives, or do the relatives want to sell the property? Is the area being developed?

3.) Description of the Site and the Artist’s Work: Is this a physical place with art or is the place the piece? What is the condition of the site? Does saving the artifacts in situ enhance their artistic value? Can the artifacts be moved, repaired, and/or restored? Does it matter if they are moved? Is there an inventory of artifacts and physical property or papers? Who has other examples of the artists’ work? Have they been purchased, loaned, donated or are they on consignment?

4.) Preservation Needs: What is the local attitude toward the site? Is there local interest in the artist, in the site? What will it take to preserve the site/artifacts? How long will it take? How much will it cost? How immediate is the need to preserve the site? What are the major threats to preserving the site? What will happen if it is saved on site/off site? Is there a place to move it to? (college, museum, some other place in town) Could the site eventually serve as a tourist destination, and/or enhance the quality of the life of the community? Is there/will there be a person, group of people, organization willing to do the above? Can the artist or his/her family assist in preservation efforts?

5.) Written Documentation on the Site: Is there any substantive documentation? Is there a bibliography? Is there a list of exhibitions or other notable events? Where? Is it available? Are there personal papers or a history of the artist and the site?

6.) Future Transfer of the Property: Will he/she transfer ownership to a non-profit, public entity, other, to accomplish preservation? Is there a will? Will he/she change/write a legal document to that effect? If so, what restrictions are necessary ?: Does he/she wants to live on site until death? Will the transfer of ownership not be complete until that time? Does the artist need some money now?

7.) Expenses and Funding: Do you know of potential funding sources and volunteers at the local, state, or national levels? Can the site be made self supporting? What are the yearly taxes? What other current expenses exist?

Gaining recognition for the site: State and Local Level Achieving notoriety for an artist and his/her site should first be accomplished at the state or local level. While each state has its own criteria for statewide recognition, some individual states have various levels of status. Write the State Historic Preservation Officer at your state capitol for specific details. This is the place to begin.

Who Can Help You Save a Site To supplement our suggested list of questions you should be prepared to answer prior to preserving a site, following is a list of individuals and organizations both at the local and state levels that you should contact. Select those individuals and organizations that are most applicable to the particular needs of the artist and the site. Contact with the first group listed should be initiated immediately. Above all, do not be overwhelmed. Retain your sense of humor and perseverance. Letters of support from any of these individuals and organizations will help obtain recognition for the artist and promote preservation of the site:

1. Local Service Organizations and Resources - contact immediately a.) Certain groups wield political and economic power: arts service organizations could act as advocates, and are also attractive because they have their own accountants and lawyers; historic preservationists can provide expert advice; the Chamber of Commerce, an amalgam of local businessmen, could also be a funding source; celebrities, responsible politicians including the Mayor, City Councilmembers, County Government personnel and other public figures can serve as eloquent and powerful spokespersons; b.) some of the most fruitful outlets for advertising the needs of the artist and the environment are the media, including publications (local newspapers; statewide magazines), television and radio stations; c.) local universities and/or community colleges potentially provide contact persons in departments such as architecture (where one could find someone to draw a site plan), art, folklore, or geography; d.) other organizations are sources of prospective volunteers: churches; special interest groups (e.g. the Boy Scouts, Foxfire, Grey Panthers) as support networks; other service organizations (e.g. Civilian Conservation Corps); e.) local businesses, foundations, and corporations may be interested in funding local, state, or national projects; and finally, f.) for ongoing site maintenance, construction trade workers can estimate the cost of restoration and/or the extent of structural damage, or perhaps restore the site (verify their qualifications: certification is required of private contractors hired by State to work on a cultural resource).

2. State and Federal Government The support of these politically powerful individuals can only help hasten the restoration and preservation of an environment: the Governor; Secretary of State; State Senators; and local Congresspersons.

3. State Government Offices and Arts Agencies These offices and agencies could help pinpoint individuals and/or documentation assisting preservation efforts: the State Chamber of Commerce; Department of Tourism; Library and Archives; Department of Parks and Recreation; Museums; Historical Preservation organizations; Architectural associations; and Folklore/Folklife Departments.

4. Other
In the longer term you may want to contact local and county libraries that may serve as resources for, or repositories of a site archive; museums/galleries/art centers; and individuals with site documentation (slides; photographs; tapes; and other unpublished material).

State Arts Supports Be sure to familiarize yourself with the types of art support programs in your state, which could either fund restoration of the site, or else provide names of individuals or organizations who would. Check if your state is one of the fortunate few to have a Per Cent for Art Program; this kind of program can facilitate funding documentation, preservation and restoration work, particularly if a folk art environment could be deemed an appropriate location for a park, and as long as the art works are ensured a safe haven.

National Register Criteria Listing a folk art environment on the National Register is no guarantee that the site will be preserved for future generations to enjoy, but can be an important part of preservation efforts while also providing recognition for the artist and his or her work. To have a property considered for listing on the National Register of Historic Places you first need to complete an NRHP nomination form which may be obtained from your local State Historic Preservation Officer who will be able to help you further. The proposal form should demonstrate how well-documented the site is and emphasize how significant it is in the eyes of the community. SPACES would be happy to provide more preservation and documentary assistance as the need arises.

According to the National Register criteria, the site must first be at least 50 years old and the artist must be dead, unless the site demonstrates outstanding cultural significance. The kinds of properties eligible for possible listing on the Register include single architectural structures such as houses, park sites, districts -- “groups of buildings, structures, or sites that make up a coherent whole, such as a neighborhood or an industrial complex,” and finally, large-scale objects, “not portable museum objects, but large movable properties such as fountains and monuments.” Most relevant to large-scale contemporary folk art environments, the National Register outlines several qualities that these properties should possess. The site should provide a sense of history, whether architectural or cultural. A site should serve as a good example of vernacular architecture, a particular style, or possess “high artistic values.” Despite the “National” status of the Register, it was conceived to include properties which are of foremost importance to the local community, not just significant at the national level as “great national landmarks.” Eight folk art environments are currently listed on the Register. Citing them in your proposal will help support your efforts.

To receive a copy of “What Are the National Register Criteria?” as well as “How to Apply the National Register Criteria,” write to: The National Register of Historic Places, Interagency Resources Division, National Park Service, PO Box 37127, Washington, D.C. 20013-7127
Source: “What Are the National Register Criteria?”

Please let SPACES know how your preservation efforts are going.

You might also check SOS on the web. Save Our Sculpture, a Smithsonian survey of sculpture in the U.S..
They were to give condition reports.

If your site is listed, mention it in the PR materials you send out.

I need a lot more information on the site before I can suggest anything specific.

I hope the material above is of some use. Have fun!

Remember the words “Cultural Destination” when talking to politicians or business people.

Seymour Rosen for SPACES.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Some things you should know if you want to save a site.

You should be ready to answer these questions.

What's the problem? — artist old, ill, dead, artist wants to sell property, no relatives, relatives
who want to sell the property, area being developed... lack of local interest?

Has the artist expressed a desire to save the site, the works?

Does artist own the property?

Is there a person responsible for the artist? Name - relation - address

Is this a physical place with art or is the place the piece?

Does saving the artifacts in situ enhance its artistic value?

Can the artifacts be moved, repaired, restored? Does it matter if they are moved?

Is there a will? Will he/she/they transfer ownership to a non — profit, public entity, other, to accomplish preservation? Will he/she/they change/write a legal document to that effect? If so, what restrictions are necessary — he/she/they want to live on site until death?

Description of the site (include condition & legal description)

Is there an inventory of artifacts and physical property — papers?

Is there a bibliography? Is there a list of exhibitions or other notable events? Are there personal papers
or a history of the artist and the site? Is there a Time-Line on the artist?

If applicable - Who has or where are examples of the artists’ work. Sold? On Loan? Gallery?

What is the local attitude toward the site?

What will it take to preserve site/artifacts? How long will it take? How much will it cost?

How immediate is the need to preserve the site? What are the major threats to preserving the site?

What will happen if it is saved on site/off site? (tourist spot, enhance the quality of the life of the community?)

Is there a place to move it to? (college, museum, some other place in town) Local interest carries more weight than outsider concerns. Is there/will there be a person, group of people, organization willing to do all the above?

Do you know of potential funding sources, energy (workers) local, state wide, national? What are your local assets - businesses, places of culture, Chamber of Commerce / Tourism.

••Know all the players. Immediately develop a roster of media, art organizations, politicians, whose district the site is in, and others.

SPACES would love to know what you have discovered — please send us copies for our Archives.
Feel free to call on us! Good luck! Seymour Rosen for SPACES

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

posted in Albany Bulb - 7 replies

Fresh Art

Sun, 04 Dec 2005 05:09:18 GMT

Come by tomorrow AM for some phresh art.

posted in Albany Bulb - 5 replies

Visit the Bulb Monday, Jan 16th?

cicadaloca — Mon, 16 Jan 2006 08:01:30 GMT

I know this is late notice but I have tomorrow off and haven't been to the bulb in a while. I read the thread regarding some pieces along the shoreline being destroyed by the recent storms. Still, I'd really like to go for a visit!! Anyone peeps out there care to join me? I'll check emails up until noon tomorrow. Good night!! =)

posted in Albany Bulb - 0 replies

January 21st

Fri, 13 Jan 2006 06:05:54 GMT

I am out of town this weekend but it would be GREAT to have some of you out there talking to these people about the bulb, what could happen to the Art and about the dog issue - COLLECT EMAIL and invite them to the list - any takers?

=============================
Dog and Member Meet-up: Four-Legged Focus Group at Albany Bulb in the East Bay
January 21 (Sat) - 2:30pm - 3:30pm

East Bay

SF/IABC is sponsoring a focus group and meet-up for dogs and their IABC guardians at Albany Bulb in the East Bay. The focus group will explore what SF/IABC members/dog owners prefer in terms of dog/human meet-ups. From the dog's point of view, what's not to like? They get an off-leash romp with other like-minded dogs and humans. And members? Come and share your thoughts and suggestions about this quarterly event.
To reserve a spot and get a chance to win a beach towel and beach ball, contact either Tomas at tomas@connectconsultinggroup.com or Liz Guthridge at liz.guthridge@connectconsulting.com or at (510) 527-1213.

posted in Albany Bulb - 0 replies

destruction at the bulb?

brookswift — Thu, 12 Jan 2006 05:23:54 GMT

so i went out to the bulb with a friend today, and to my great dismay, there was great damage and destruction in the little area of structures on the water in front of the watchmen (like the guy on the dragon). the only structure left is the hollow rectangular block. the rest is covered with driftwood and debris. the foam gate has fallen, the little house on the water has been completely destroyed... so much is missing. it was terrible. does anyone know anything about this? i thought maybe that the big storms over the past month might have done something, but major structures were completely decimated.

posted in Albany Bulb - 3 replies

This Sat. Artists Meet

Fri, 13 Jan 2006 01:32:31 GMT

--- AVA <agentava@gmail.com> wrote:

> Date: Fri, 23 Dec 2005 15:23:49 -0800
> From: AVA <agentava@gmail.com>
> To: "agentava@weplayers.org" <agentava@weplayers.org>
> Subject: tempestuous
>
> dear friends
>
> i have either met with you, talked with you, worked with you, or seen
> your work...
> you are some kind of artist – graphiti, sculpture, painting, design...
> you are some kind of performer, musician, mover, dancer, dreamer...
> you are an activist, a writer, a thinker...
> maybe you just like to gather and play....
>
> i am inviting YOU
> to participate
> in the unique performance work of We Players
> There are many participation possibilities - from acting to
> protesting, painting rocks and sculpting with rebar, to cooking, to
> becoming a living sculpture yourself, to making music, to speaking the
> timeless words of my main man Mr. William S.
>
> We Players
> shall create a Tempest
> shakespeare style
> this spring 2006
> at the Albany Dump, in the east bay.
>
> CHECK IT OUT:
> gathering and breifing on Saturday January 14th from 2-4pm at the Albany Bulb
>
> TO GET THERE:
> Albany Waterfront Park is at the west end of Buchanan Street. From
> i-80 east, take the Buchanan St. exit and turn left under the freeway
> overpass. From i-580 east, take the Albany exit and turn right under
> the overpass. There is no convenient public transit access. But you
> could bart to North Berkeley bart stop and ride your bike. If
> transportation is a problem, let me know, we'll arrange carshares/bart
> pick-up.
>
> find more info on the Bulb at:
> http://www.bumsparadise.com/offleashart3.html
> http://www.bumsparadise.com/
>
>
> WE PLAYERS present performance events that transform open-air public
> spaces into realms of participatory theater.
> More info at: www.weplayers.org
>
> if you are interested in the work, but can not make it on January
> 14th, get in touch with me and we'll arrange another time to meet.
> other questions? contact agentava@weplayers.org
>
> feel free to bring other creative players
>
> peace
> *
> ava
>
> agentava@weplayers.org
> 413-441-7138
> www.weplayers.org
>

posted in Albany Bulb - 0 replies

Mini Interim Web Page

Mon, 31 Oct 2005 01:42:30 GMT

http://www.networkgirl.com/albany911.html

Send a link to this to your friends, invite them to Tribe, get people involved.

From my past 2 trips to the bulb I was able to gather 50 email addresses of people interested and only a few Allbany residents.

I have asked a cartoon artist to create a flyer that can be posted around Albany.

posted in Albany Bulb - 3 replies

Your Inspiration! Here it is please!! look, wonder, help

Sat, 17 Dec 2005 18:19:05 GMT

In Pictures and Words, here is the Bulb,

Please help me, help the place we love -

http://xpress.sfsu.edu/1001words/2005f/

I was even quoted in this - Jeanavive

Story 3 the battle of the bulb.

posted in Albany Bulb - 1 reply

Enjoy the Bulb, adopt a dog for a few hours

Sat, 17 Dec 2005 18:56:51 GMT

Hello, I learned on a recent visit to the Bulb that there is the:

The Milo Foundation (www.milofoundation.org)
Milo Pet Adoption Store (510-527-PETS)

They will let you 'borrow' a dog for a few hours and what better place to bring them but the Bulb - a great thing for you, the dog, and a new way to partake in the Bulb. Contact them for more info. I think its great and perhaps you will find a dog a new home in the process. Let me know if you are going to do this and we can set a doggy date and do it together!

posted in Albany Bulb - 0 replies

Popcorn Anti-Theater, Dec 15 thursday 9pm

hernancortez — Sat, 26 Nov 2005 19:20:55 GMT

Popcorn will be moving to a secret location near and dear to all of you.

please join our tribe. http://popcornantitheater.tribe.net/

We are processional theater that utilizes natural outdoor locations to provide staging and inspiration to performance artists.

Popcorn Anti-Theater is processional theater meaning the audiences parades from performance space to performance space.
All performances are short, 2-8 minutes long. We ask that you wear rugged walking shoes (no heels, this is not a cocktail party nor burninman) bring a flashlight, snacks and refreshments. There will be a bar for your conveinience but it is cheaper to brownbag it. The bar will sell hot tea!

Yes we are the ones who used to have a bus. We are ditching the bus so that we get closer to the land and the art.

At our "super secret spot" parking is a bust. too many cars parked there - will let on that we are there.
We ask that you utilize our shuttle van or carpool.
Or get dropped off and arrange to take the shuttle van back or cellphone for pick-up.

We are looking for some singers and an accordianist, if you want to participate, we gaurantee a lot of fun.

posted in Albany Bulb - 3 replies

Reply from the - East Bay Reg. Park.

Wed, 02 Nov 2005 20:54:24 GMT

A reply to my email. What questions do we have for these people? We should develop a good letter of questions/concerns -- anyone a good writer?

=======================================

Hi Jeanavive Janssen-

Your email to the East Bay Regional Park District ("Park District") regarding the Albany Bulb has been referred to me for response. The Albany Bulb is owned by the City of Albany, and current planning, land uses, and services are under City of Albany control. Judy Lieberman, Assistant City Administrator, City of Albany, is a good contact person regarding the Bulb, and I am providing her with a copy of this email.

The Park District took the lead in preparing the Eastshore State Park General Plan. As part of the process to prepare the General Plan, over 4,000 citizens participated in the planning process to determine the allowable uses at Eastshore State Park. The General Plan established goals and policies for the future land uses at the Bulb when it becomes part of Eastshore State Park. Although it has not been implemented, the City of Albany and the California Department of Parks and Recreation have a lease agreement that provides for the Bulb to become part of the Eastshore State Park.

If you are interested in reviewing the Eastshore General Plan, a copy is posted on the Park District website (www.ebparks.org) under Documents. Please let me know if you have any questions or need clarification about the Eastshore General Plan. Thanks.

Larry Tong, Interagency Planning Manager
East Bay Regional Park District
2950 Peralta Oaks Court
Oakland, CA 94605
510/544-2621 Phone
510/569-1417 Fax
ltong@ebparks.org

>>> "Jeanavive Janssen" <jeanavive@networkgirl.com> 10/16/2005 10:11 AM >>>

Hello,

I would like to be put in contact with the individual working on the details
related to the planning around the Albany Bulb/landfill.

Regards,

Jeanavive Janssen
Oakland Resident.

posted in Albany Bulb - 8 replies

This is it! Albany wants ART! Call for Art Images!

Wed, 02 Nov 2005 15:59:42 GMT

http://www.albanyca.org/home/pdf/postcardcontest2.pdf

Ok People this is it, the city wants pictures of Art for a contest. What better way to get in front of the people of the city of Albany. Deadline December 1st.

Even if entries don't win we can use part of the idea and make our own postcards to save the Art of Albany and give them to the same stores for free.

posted in Albany Bulb - 4 replies

Last Sat.

Thu, 27 Oct 2005 16:21:23 GMT

Hello Everyone,

Went to the bulb last Sat. for the meet we had 2 people show up Margo and WS showed up with their wonderful canine's by the time we left we had two pages of emails for people who cared about the art, dogs, and the mall issue. I have been crazy busy with work but will invite them all to this Tribe.

BTW can we change the name to Albany Bulb, or Albany Bulb 911 want people to feel they can participate also based on the other issues. Just a thought. I think to be effective we need to encompass all interested parties of the bulb.

Since I am busy this week PLEASE DO! start chattering about ideas.

posted in Albany Bulb - 1 reply

Albany residents? Roll Call

Thu, 20 Oct 2005 05:43:37 GMT

Ok, we need to start reaching Albany residents. Any in this Tribe? Introduce yourself.

I have emailed anyone on Tribe listing themselves as a resident.

Who do you know in Albany have you talked to them about the bulb?

posted in Albany Bulb - 3 replies

It worked in LA

Sun, 16 Oct 2005 16:36:38 GMT

We still have time to start influencing the Park Dept. with some ideas how art and their visions can so-exist. It worked in Venice Beach Calif. :

http://www.brntwdmagazine.com/jan.feb.02/venice/venice-2.html

"The trickiest reincarnation came with the decision to tear down the seismically challenged Venice Pavilion, originally built back in the ’60s as a public music venue. The tattered building had become an irresistible challenge to skaters (Kathleen Chan was horrified when she first visited the site and witnessed the death-defying stunts of the skaters: “Oh my God! Have you ever seen what those kids used to do on that thing?”). The Pavilion also became home to an underground art movement when graffiti muralists deemed it the gallery of choice for their informal rotating art shows.

The final design willed the site of a second abandoned structure, the old Danson Oil facility, to the skaters for construction of a new park to be made up of adjustable ramps, currently being designed with the help of the Venice Skate Association. And in an unprecedented move, two walls were retained where the Pavilion used to stand and turned over to In Creative Unity, an organization founded by graffiti artist Stash to challenge teens starting to tag to express themselves as muralists. The graffiti walls provide a legally sanctioned space for the graffiti muralists, installing their art into the overall composition of the art installed throughout the Boardwalk. With the cooperation of long-time Venice art organizations like SPARC and Beyond Baroque, the work of other local artists was scattered across the park, including tiles commemorating the Venice murals, a map of the old Venice canals laid into the main plaza at Winward, spectacular mosaic murals by Bill Attaway splashed across the bathroom structures and trash cans painted by local kids working with the Venice Arts Mecca."

Other battles for Public Free Art:

http://www.laweekly.com/ink/05/01/news-ehrenreich.php

Their Battle website: Not sure what the results are but going to send them an email, perhaps a Pacific Coast free Art Organization will spring out of it.

Are you inspired yet? Lets find something to do.

http://www.belmontartpark.com/

posted in Albany Bulb - 1 reply