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[
"Paul Foyster",
"Chairman",
"Ukip South Holland",
"The Deepings"
] | 2016-08-28T06:49:06 | null | 2016-08-28T06:00:38 | The recent Holbeach public meeting regarding the market and car park entrances was the largest demonstration of opinion in our town that I’ve seen for years. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.spaldingtoday.co.uk%2Fnews%2Flatest-news%2Fyour-view-public-opinion-is-very-clear-in-holbeach-over-market-and-car-park-entrance-1-7539812.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.spaldingtoday.co.uk/webimage/1.7539817.1471953974!/image/image.jpg | en | null | YOUR VIEW: Public opinion is very clear in Holbeach over market and car park entrance | null | null | www.spaldingtoday.co.uk | The recent Holbeach public meeting regarding the market and car park entrances was the largest demonstration of opinion in our town that I’ve seen for years.
Even now, people are telling me that they would have attended the meeting if they had known about it.
Not everyone reads the local press, even though they did a good job of publicising the event.
Residents were standing in the corridors and the church hall car park to listen and contribute.
It’s not unreasonable that South Holland District Council should ask for suggestions on how to deal with the problem, but there is now no way it can pretend to be ignorant of how we feel about its decisions.
This was miles away from the few letters our Spalding masters say they received.
Various petitions are now circulating around town which should add further weight to the argument, but public opinion is already very clear.
The question now is the best way forward. My own opinion is that appropriate signage restricting access between Park Road and Boston Road with maybe a speed bump and some extra bollards should be sufficient to satisfy the majority of safety concerns.
Failing that, dividing the area into two and keeping both entrances open would be a passable second best.
Clearly cost is something that concerns the district council rather more then the predictable results of whatever changes are made.
The parish council has offered to help with that. I will contribute from my ward budget and I invite the other two Holbeach councillors to do likewise. We should, however, look to use the most cost-effective materials available.
We are told 90-odd vehicles used the area as a shortcut to avoid the traffic lights in a peak hour.
Imagine the queue at the Market Hill traffic lights if you add those to the present traffic.
The lights may need re-sequencing, new road markings may be required and further expense incurred.
The movement of the market looks quite expensive in retrospect.
Who will pay for these probable extra changes? No doubt, some of the section 106 money, which the law states is to be used for public open space, affordable housing, education, highways and town centre improvements, will be earmarked as new building in town increases the problems. | http://www.spaldingtoday.co.uk/news/latest-news/your-view-public-opinion-is-very-clear-in-holbeach-over-market-and-car-park-entrance-1-7539812 | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | www.spaldingtoday.co.uk/7ce0b8cebd2e3617b0f5ea4e52f9f177b56ba82849c6e393bfeb5d45c9206e41.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:06:44 | null | 2016-08-23T09:01:04 | Neil Johnson reflects on the opening weekend of the season... | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.spaldingtoday.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Fboston-saturday-league-round-up-1-7539208.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.spaldingtoday.co.uk/webimage/1.6788544.1472120469!/image/image.jpg | en | null | BOSTON SATURDAY LEAGUE: Round-up | null | null | www.spaldingtoday.co.uk | Neil Johnson reflects on the opening weekend of the season...
The Boston Saturday Football League has kicked off another season, with plenty of goals and even a keeper getting on the scoresheet.
East Coast, Fulbeck, Horncastle Town Reserves and two new reserve sides, Fosdyke Reserves and Boston College Reserves, have all joined the league.
Several clubs opted for a blank fixture for the opening day, while East Coast had no coach to manage the side and had to pull out of their contest, leaving nine fixtures.
In the Taylors Garages Premier Division, defending champions Wyberton Reserves came unstuck in spectacular fashion in their opening match as they began their defence of the title away at Pointon, falling to a 5-2 defeat.
Pointon striker Ian Jacquest hit an impressive hat-trick while Jamie Andrews and Casey Kemp completed the rout.
Spilsby Town thumped Heckington Millers 8-0.
The Millers remained in the game during the first half as they trailed 2-0 to a home team who were slowly clicking into gear.
A dominant second half display saw Spilsby completely overrun their opponents, and they could easily have run up double figures as several further chances went begging.
Michael Hardy and Jordan Smith both grabbed a brace, while Jordan Turner, Josh Wood, Jordan Wood and Eddie Rich made sure of a faultless start to their campaign.
There were more goals at Swineshead Institute where the home side eventually saw off the challenge of Ruskington Rovers.
The 6-2 home win was probably slightly misleading as Ruskington found themselves trailing only 3-2 for the majority of the game.
It was only a late goal blitz that finally saw Swineshead put the game to bed.
Swineshead’s match-winners were Jack Houghton (two), Richard Barker (two), Bert Snaith and Callum Simmons.
If there was glut of goals in the top flight, the opposite was evident in the Taylors Peugeot Division One, where only one goal was scored in the two games.
Freiston and Fishtoft produced a dour 0-0 draw, although Freiston went close with two efforts which struck the woodwork.
Railway started life in Division One with an away trip to FC Kirton, and the newly-promoted side were very much on top throughout.
As the game wore on Railway created chance after chance but FC Kirton Keeper Phil Mcallister kept his side in the contest with a string of important saves.
That was until the game entered the final five minutes when a Ryan Mason cross from the left wing found debutant Leon Creasey, and he headed home to seal an opening day victory.
In the Taylors Ford Division Two, Fishtoft Reserves hosted Sibsey - and the home side didn’t get off to the best of starts as they ended up empty-handed.
Sibsey enjoyed most of the possession early on and they were rewarded with the opening goal when a long throw caused panic in the Fishtoft box and the ball fell loose to a Sibsey player who tapped the ball home.
It didn’t long for the away side to double their lead as Fishtoft lost possession and Sibsey broke away and rounded the Fishtoft keeper before sliding the ball home into an empty net.
As Fishtoft tried to get back into the game, a couple of chances in quick succession went begging and Sibsey made them pay with a third from a corner due to miscommunication in the Fishtoft defence.
Fishtoft came out revitalised for the second half, knowing they had under performed in the first half and they really pushed on to try and get back in the game.
They finally got on the score-sheet when a corner was bundled home by Jack Cridland.
Fishtoft’s heads were up now and when another corner was whipped in by Liam Reece it was headed home by Ben Carter to give them a glimmer of hope.
With time running out, Sibsey were reduced to 10 men with a red card following a last-man challenge when the Fishtoft striker was through on goal, but from the following free kick, the visiting defence blocked the shot and instantly broke away on the counter to score and make the final score 4-2.
The Taylors Vauxhall Division Three saw a strong Benington Reserves side given a stern test by Holbeach Bank who, on this showing, will be looking to bounce straight back up following last season’s relegation.
The visitors created a number of good chances in the opening period, but were foiled by an inspired display from Will Newton in the Benington goal.
Benington then broke the deadlock on the stroke of half-time when Ryan Lawson rifled home from the edge of the box.
Gavin Bell doubled the home side’s advantage midway through the second period when he lobbed the advancing Bank goalkeeper after being sent clear by a sublime Dean Stevens pass.
Bank halved the deficit late on from the penalty spot but, despite some sustained pressure, were unable to find an equaliser.
Spalding Harriers travelled away to Leverton Reserves where the strong wind played a major factor in the game, with the visitors struggling to push beyond the halfway line for most of the first half.
Leverton struck first when Craig Mitchell swept home from the edge of the area to put Leverton ahead.
A quick throw in then found its way to James De Lorenzo who also found the bottom corner from the edge of the area.
Leverton continued to press for a third, first hitting the crossbar and then when a stray pass from the Spalding keeper left Leverton 30 yards out with an open goal, they missed the target and it remained 2-0 at the break.
The second half saw Spalding able to use the wind to apply pressure and attempt to keep Leverton contained in their own half.
The home side defended stubbornly, but luck wasn’t on their side when a long-range effort from Regan Smalley found itself being carried goalwards before finding the far top corner.
Leverton did have chances to extend their lead but a couple of poor finishes from close range kept Spalding in the game - both efforts being fired straight at the keeper.
The Spalding goalkeeper had the final say too, when he produced a huge clearance which sailed high over the opposing keeper’s head and into the net, much to the surprise of everyone.
Leverton were therefore left cursing their luck and Spalding breathed a sigh of relief after their bizarre last minute equaliser.
Wyberton A and Boston Titans produced a very tight match at The Causeway and the visitors were thankful, once again, for the finishing prowess of striker Matt Howden, who bagged a hat-trick in a 3-3 draw.
The Titans’ Mike Mcphail was also at his creative best with two assists for his team.
Wyberton salvaged a point with goals from Jack Reeson, Logan Hare and Jason Allen. | http://www.spaldingtoday.co.uk/sport/football/boston-saturday-league-round-up-1-7539208 | en | 2016-08-23T00:00:00 | www.spaldingtoday.co.uk/06ae33bc879671b9cb848568a66cc0b8ac03e9816805fc36384c869fdaa867ea.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:04:12 | null | 2016-08-24T16:29:28 | Kirton rider Ben Wilson has returned to the Vauxhall International North West 200 circuit where he was injured during the 2016 event. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.spaldingtoday.co.uk%2Fsport%2Fother-sport%2Fmotorcycling-ben-goes-back-to-crash-scene-1-7542117.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.spaldingtoday.co.uk/webimage/1.7542116.1472053398!/image/image.jpg | en | null | MOTORCYCLING: Ben goes back to crash scene | null | null | www.spaldingtoday.co.uk | Kirton rider Ben Wilson has returned to the Vauxhall International North West 200 circuit where he was injured during the 2016 event.
He discussed possible safety improvements to the circuit with event director, Mervyn Whyte MBE, along with Ryan Farquhar and Nico Mawhinney, who also crashed and were seriously injured.
“The surgeons have sorted my leg out now and I hope to get back on the bike as soon as I can,” Wilson said after suffering a broken femur.
“This is the first time back to where I crashed – the only thing is this time my leg is not hanging off!”
He is currently undergoing intensive treatment to grow the top of his femur until it reaches the bottom half of it. It is a painful experience but once it joins up the surgeons are confident the bones will knit together.
“It is great to see all three of these guys back on their feet and returning to the North West 200,” Whyte said.
“Ryan, Ben and Nico know better than anyone the dangers of road racing and we really value their support and advice as we strive to improve safety around the track.
“They still have some way to travel with their own recoveries and everyone at the North West wishes them well with that.” | http://www.spaldingtoday.co.uk/sport/other-sport/motorcycling-ben-goes-back-to-crash-scene-1-7542117 | en | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | www.spaldingtoday.co.uk/9b37b2e279f912b40b3345c90cf801de29b35e7f15ff99921a80160084c63e1b.json |
[] | 2016-08-31T14:51:05 | null | 2016-08-31T14:51:38 | Deeping Rangers will get back on the road to Wembley on Saturday as they host Gresley in the FA Cup’s first qualifying round. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.spaldingtoday.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Frangers-hit-the-wembley-trail-but-gresley-offer-stern-test-1-7554434.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.spaldingtoday.co.uk/webimage/1.7554433.1472651476!/image/image.jpg | en | null | Rangers hit the Wembley trail, but Gresley offer stern test | null | null | www.spaldingtoday.co.uk | Deeping Rangers will get back on the road to Wembley on Saturday as they host Gresley in the FA Cup’s first qualifying round.
With the winners collecting £3,000 in prize money, as well as the chance to advance, Michael Goode’s side will be extra keen to book their place in the next round.
Rangers will be buoyed after collecting their first United Counties League Premier Division victory of the campaign at the weekend, beating Kirby Muxloe 4-1.
But Gresley - currently sixth in the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League Division One South - will be no pushovers.
The Moatmen are curtrently unbeaten in all competitive matches so far this campaign, having recorded three wins and two stalemates in all competitions.
Kick off at the Hayden Whitham Stadium will be at 3pm.
Deeping will return to league action on Tuesday with another tough task - hosting early table-toppers Peterborough Sports.
Sports have won all four of their opening UCL Premier contests.
The hotshots have also netted 32 times in their opening seven matches in all competitions.
Kick off will be at 7.45pm.
Deeping Rangers recorded their first league win of the season with a 4-1 victory at Kirby Muxloe’s Ratby Lane home.
Scott Mooney had an effort disallowed for offside before they broke the deadlock on 40 minutes. Henry Dunn advanced from halfway to the edge of the box, his touch finding the advanced Tom Smith whose shot was spilled, allowing Scott Coupland to pounced and prod the ball into the net.
Deeping were celebrating a second goal on 48 minutes – Dan Schiavi’s free-kick was cleared back out to him with his second attempt flying to the far post, where Coupland was on hand to half volley past the dive of Mickey Turner.
Rangers were well in control and increased the lead on 56 minutes. Schiavi’s corner was driven to the far post where Callum Madigan saw his volley go through the defenders on the line to hit the net.
Kirby got a consolation on 73 minutes through Dan Agar, but Mooney restored Rangers’ three-goal advantage on 77 minutes.
Deeping: Stainsby, Flack, Smith, Avis, Hunnings, Madigan, Dunn, Coulson, Mooney, Coupland (Bird 70 mins), Schiavi (Vieira 70 mins). Sub not used: Mann. | http://www.spaldingtoday.co.uk/sport/football/rangers-hit-the-wembley-trail-but-gresley-offer-stern-test-1-7554434 | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.spaldingtoday.co.uk/0975326da6b55db36ce00635199457917e9ddf9d2e8c970b80d4d5857c1355bf.json |
[
"Jeremy Ransome",
"Jeremy.Ransome Jpress.Co.Uk"
] | 2016-08-26T16:48:07 | null | 2016-08-26T15:58:24 | Good progress is being made on Crosskeys Marina, an impressive new gateway to Lincolnshire. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.spaldingtoday.co.uk%2Fnews%2Flatest-news%2Fsmooth-sailing-for-sutton-bridge-marina-project-1-7546735.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.spaldingtoday.co.uk/webimage/1.7546734.1472223490!/image/image.jpg | en | null | Smooth sailing for Sutton Bridge marina project | null | null | www.spaldingtoday.co.uk | Good progress is being made on Crosskeys Marina, an impressive new gateway to Lincolnshire.
The new £900,000 commercial and leisure marina for Sutton Bridge continues to take shape, with contractors Drake Towage well advanced with the fixing of the pontoons, which will provide two lines of moorings for leisure craft.
In a change from the norm, the pontoons have been floated down the River Nene from Wisbech, reducing the need for HGV journeys and creating something of a local spectacle.
It is anticipated that the leisure moorings will cater for up to 20 boats (a combination of those owned by local boaters and visiting craft), while the commercial moorings will ensure that both the Nene navigation pilot boat and Eastern IFCA (a fisheries protection agency) can remain based in Sutton Bridge.
Each mooring point will provide boaters with electricity and water connections at the tie-up point, while a car park will allow marina users to leave their cars safely off the road while tending their boats.
Coun Colin Davie, executive member for economic development at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “I’m very pleased with the progress that has been made so far, and am confident the marina will be up and running well before the next boating season.
“We’ve already had a lot of interest from the boating fraternity, with over 70 people having applied to rent a mooring.
“We anticipate the project will lead to increased visitor numbers, many of whom will be using local shops, pubs and restaurants. We also expect to see opportunities arise for businesses providing services for the boating community.
“This will provide a significant boost to the local economy, something that will benefit businesses and residents alike.”
The works are expected to be completed in the coming months, and boat owners are likely to be able to use the new facility from early 2017.
Funding for the project has come from Lincolnshire County Council, an s106 community development fund for Sutton Bridge, and the two commercial users.
Applications from boat owners seeking mooring space can be made to the Lincolnshire County Council’s Economic Development Service via development@lincolnshire.gov.uk and 01522 550600. | http://www.spaldingtoday.co.uk/news/latest-news/smooth-sailing-for-sutton-bridge-marina-project-1-7546735 | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.spaldingtoday.co.uk/6a559bc8fe384ef2fc6bdce7a7a6f2775534ab22013dbae8525e92599c05b888.json |
[] | 2016-08-31T14:50:47 | null | 2016-08-31T14:47:32 | The annual president’s day at Spalding Town featured England captain Heather Knight. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.spaldingtoday.co.uk%2Fsport%2Fother-sport%2Fcricket-england-captain-gives-masterclass-at-spalding-1-7554424.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.spaldingtoday.co.uk/webimage/1.7554417.1472651214!/image/image.jpg | en | null | CRICKET: England captain gives masterclass at Spalding | null | null | www.spaldingtoday.co.uk | The annual president’s day at Spalding Town featured England captain Heather Knight.
Aged just 25, she has been a regular in the England ladies team for a number of years.
In her first one-day international as England captain, she scored 50 not out and took 5-26 – a format in which she has excelled, averaging 33 with the bat and a miserly 21 with the ball.
Knight had a ‘masterclass’ training session with the Spalding ladies team.
Also on Sunday there were multiple matches, children’s entertainment and coaching sessions plus the 200 Club prize draw and a raffle.
The day ended with the academy awards presentation.
Eyes on the ball
England captain Heather Knight
Catch it!
Presidents Cup match between Spalding (batting) and Winchmore Hill | http://www.spaldingtoday.co.uk/sport/other-sport/cricket-england-captain-gives-masterclass-at-spalding-1-7554424 | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.spaldingtoday.co.uk/a176c953efeaf0fbc9251fdd445146ce42833948e191f34da47793d61e1c6e6a.json |
[] | 2016-08-27T14:48:42 | null | 2016-08-27T14:00:22 | Luke Settle recording his song in the studio. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.spaldingtoday.co.uk%2Fnews%2Flatest-news%2Fbudding-rap-star-thrilled-after-song-played-on-radio-1-7545889.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.spaldingtoday.co.uk/webimage/1.7545886.1472206119!/image/image.jpg | en | null | Budding rap star thrilled after song played on radio | null | null | www.spaldingtoday.co.uk | Luke Settle recording his song in the studio.
Luke, AKA Hybrid, was thrilled to bits when his song ‘Let Me Explain’ was played on BBC Radio Lincolnshire’s Introducing programme recently.
The Swineshead rapper (26) said: “When the track was broadcasted on BBC Radio Lincolnshire via the Introducing team, I felt like I had achieved one of my main goals within music.
“I’m ecstatic that this has happened to me and I feel it has opened people’s eyes and ears to the world of rap and hip hop music.
“It was the first song I have had broadcasted by BBC Radio and I believe it will not be the last. This has motivated me to assure completion of my debut album.”
Luke hopes his 17-track solo debut album, called ‘My Anthology’, will be released by the end of this year, and will include his song ‘Let Me Explain’.
The song ‘Let Me Explain’ was produced entirely by Luke after breaking up with his long term girlfriend.
He spent two years delaying the recording of the song once the lyrics were written because he knew there would be a “lump in my throat for the whole process of vocal takes”.
Luke said: “We have remained best friends ever since and so I wanted to explain to her how she made me feel throughout our relationship and thank her for all that she did for me.
“I owe her more than she probably realises.”
Luke has always had a keen interest in music, he’s been writing music since he was 14 and has a home studio in which he writes, mixes and masters all of his own tracks.
He sold sweets at school and did paper rounds to save up for a guitar and then afford guitar lessons at a music shop in Boston.
Luke said: “He started teaching me when I was 16 and continued for two years.
“I will be eternally grateful for what he showed me.”
He is employed at NSL Care Services and drives ambulances to transport patients, so any music production he does is in his spare tme.
He had to teach himself how to operate digital audio workstations (DAWs) such as Cubase and Ableton.
Luke’s preferred style of genres to work in are rap and hip hop, often incorporating electronic instruments, as well as acoustic and electric guitars. | http://www.spaldingtoday.co.uk/news/latest-news/budding-rap-star-thrilled-after-song-played-on-radio-1-7545889 | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.spaldingtoday.co.uk/8da89e33a708cba612f87aeaf6af925f92756f44cdec1329f4670480cd57a02f.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:10:55 | null | 2016-08-23T16:20:37 | Hanging Moon by Pennyless, Rowdy Farrago Records, Out Now | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.spaldingtoday.co.uk%2Fwhat-s-on%2Flifestyle-and-leisure%2Falbum-review-when-the-hardest-part-is-keeping-your-standards-high-1-7540341.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.spaldingtoday.co.uk/webimage/1.7540339.1472028190!/image/image.jpg | en | null | ALBUM REVIEW: When the hardest part is keeping your standards high | null | null | www.spaldingtoday.co.uk | Hanging Moon by Pennyless, Rowdy Farrago Records, Out Now
Bands like Queen, Dire Straits, U2 and Radiohead don’t get where they are by putting out sub-standard albums.
Instead, they build on what has gone before and make the next instalment even better.
Bourne psych-folk band Pennyless have learned that lesson with their fourth album Hanging Moon which had an almost impossible job matching the widely acclaimed previous offering, Tales from the Tulgey Wood.
Pennyless afficionados will be familiar with the traditional folksy Love Fairy and the cultish Hanging Moon from the band’s concerts this year, including Smith’s Cider and Sausage Festival in Bourne on Sunday afternoon at 3pm.
The album is also notable for the introduction of bass guitarist Colin Benton to the band, along with instrumental tracks Blues in the Kitchen and Arthur’s Farewell.
Hanging Moon, the fourth album by Bourne-based psuch-folk band Pennyless.
There are, however, some tracks that might need several listens to warm to like Arthur Quelling and Motley Crew.
But these are balances by the sounds of Ireland which run right through Big Blisters, Les Woods with his take on Johnny Cash with Travelling Man and the star song on the album, If You Don’t Believe in Magic.
Leonard Cohen himself could have written it which makes Hanging Moon far from a miss on Juke Box Jury.
Review by Winston Brown | http://www.spaldingtoday.co.uk/what-s-on/lifestyle-and-leisure/album-review-when-the-hardest-part-is-keeping-your-standards-high-1-7540341 | en | 2016-08-23T00:00:00 | www.spaldingtoday.co.uk/6780159131ab7952c2e59c2e5b75d8d5b4a38507761d8b5d7f60e99677ca70ad.json |
[] | 2016-08-31T14:50:49 | null | 2016-08-31T15:03:37 | The Sutton Bridge Seniors Open, sponsored by Leesons Garage, was played in glorious weather on a superbly prepared course and proved a great success. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.spaldingtoday.co.uk%2Fsport%2Fother-sport%2Fgolf-seniors-open-is-success-at-sutton-bridge-1-7554488.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.spaldingtoday.co.uk/webimage/1.7554487.1472652197!/image/image.jpg | en | null | GOLF: Seniors Open is success at Sutton Bridge | null | null | www.spaldingtoday.co.uk | The Sutton Bridge Seniors Open, sponsored by Leesons Garage, was played in glorious weather on a superbly prepared course and proved a great success.
The golf was to a high standard and very competitive.
A bacon roll and a coffee for starters and a tasty post-match meal prepared by Maggs and her staff were much appreciated by all.
The presentation of the prizes by John Cooper, dealer principal of Leesons Garage, followed.
Seniors captain Barry Irwin, whose charity was supported, introduced the winners.
The overall winners after a countback, scoring 45 points, were Mervyn Williamson and Daryll Askew.
Runners-up were Sid Everitt and Gareth Jones.
Prizes were also awarded to third and fourth place and for nearest the pin on the par 3s –the winners being Roger Williamson and Steve Saffer.
The prize for the longest drive went to Ishak Ishmail.
The prize giving was followed by an auction, some of the items having been donated by Travis Perkins, in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support for which £385 was raised.
This rounded off an excellent day enjoyed by all.
TYDD ST GILES
ANNUAL OPEN CHARITY DAY
120 golfers from around the region took part in a team fourball Stableford competition and raised £1,351 for East Anglia Air Ambulance.
Results: 1 Tony Stuart, Trevor Bevan, Mike Stevens & Stu Watson (Wensum Valley) 141 points, 2 Dave Thompson, Steve Thompson, Tim Boldero & Neil Williams (Middleton Hall) 136, 3 Russell Doy, Mike Parker, Dennis Savory & Brian Newby (Tydd St Giles) 127.
Nearest the pin – 4th hole Kevin Goude (Tydd St Giles),
8th hole Brian Newby (Tydd St Giles), 11th hole John Dodson (Newark), 16th hole Jim Holland (RAF Marham).
SOUTH LINCOLNSHIRE SCRATCH LEAGUE
Division Two: Tydd St Giles 2½ Greetham Valley 3½ – Clive Barber & Neil John lost 6&4, Lenk Gostic & Mark Whittaker lost 5&4, Rupert Barlow & Andy Jackson lost 5&3, Luke Rowell & Ady Rowell won 1 up, Ian Edrupt & James Horscroft won 1 up, Tim Hines & Adey Bills halved.
SENIORS STABLEFORD TROPHY
Division One – 1 Mick Vassall 40 points, 2 Ken Parker 37, 3 Noel Bratt 35.
Division Two – 1 Garry Brown 38 points, 2 Mike Parker 36, 3 Terry Sambridge 35.
Division Three – 1 Keith Horspole 34, 2 ocb Salvatore DiBella 31, 3 Tony Petch 31.
SPALDING
SENIORS
Spalding 4 Peterborough Milton 4 – Dennis Farnsworth & Lester Pybus won 2&1, Jim Dobson & Neil Knighton won 5&4, Albert Jacobs & Peter Bridge won 3&2, Alan Lambert & John Tilling won 3&2, John Camm & Rod Filby lost 1-down, Steve Leggett & Howard Greaves lost 4&2, Roger Davey & Paul Hooper-Roe lost 1-down, Ron Rolfe & John Cretney lost 2-down.
Seacroft 7½ Spalding ½ – Albert Jacobs & Malcolm Hole halved, John Camm & David Tasker lost, Mike Gould & Lester Pybus lost, Rod Filby & Steve Leggett lost, Neil Wilkinson & Jim Dobson lost, John Cretney & Brian Reynolds lost, Peter Gooderson & Rod Hunt lost, Bernard Herbert & Monty Brittain lost.
Spalding 8 Newark 2 – Mike Gould & Lester Pybus won 5&3, Ron Sudbury & Sid Chapman won 6&4, Dennis Farnsworth & Monty Brittain won 1-up, Ged Cox & Barrie Hutson won 3&2, Rod Hunt & Albert Jacobs won 1-up, Steve Leggett & John Beba won 5&3, Tony Holbrook & John Tilling won 1-up, Ron Rolfe & Rod Filby won 4&3, John Camm & Roger Davey lost 4&3, Bernard Herbert & Brendon D’Abreo lost 1-down.
Belton Park 5½ Spalding 2½ – Albert Jacobs & Howard Greaves won 3&1, Roger Davey & John Patton won 5&3, Jim Dobson & Monty Brittain halved, John Camm & Bernard Herbert lost 5&4, Lester Pybus & Stuart Fitzjohn lost 2&1, Tony Holbrook & John Tilling lost 2&1, Peter Bridge & Rod Filby lost 5&3, Mike Browning & Alan Pritchard lost 3&2.
GEDNEY HILL
Hubbard Mixed Pairs: 1 David Lord & Jenny Venters 48 points, 2 Rob Newns & Janet Davis 44, 3 Stan Cleaver & Lynn Exley 41.
MEN’S
Strawberry Cup: 1 Steve Coe 57nett, 2 Adam Britton 66, 3 ocb Chris Gilbert 68.
SENIORS
Away Day (Boston): 1 Neil Sargeant 40 points, 2 ocb Richard Senior 36, 3 Peter Orbine 36, 4 Don Hinshelwood 35.
Nearest the pins: hole 2 Don Hinshlewood, hole 5 Peter Orbine, hole 14 Greg Walsh. Best front 9: Carol Plume 17 points. Best back 9: Bill Smith 17. Hidden 4 holes: Bob Townsend 8 points.
LADIES
Shop Trophy: 1 Kim Markillie 79 nett, 2 Janet Davis 80, 3 Diane Moore 109. | http://www.spaldingtoday.co.uk/sport/other-sport/golf-seniors-open-is-success-at-sutton-bridge-1-7554488 | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.spaldingtoday.co.uk/ac3d9e8c28f7cb765f547d84ccae767781866a502fbf756e48a1ccfe2d427b98.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:56:28 | null | 2016-08-25T16:12:08 | Only tears of happiness could be found at Spalding High School when GCSE students found all their hard work had paid off. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.spaldingtoday.co.uk%2Fnews%2Feducation%2Fspalding-high-school-s-amazing-gcse-performance-sees-20-per-cent-of-all-grades-at-a-1-7544721.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.spaldingtoday.co.uk/webimage/1.7544719.1472139014!/image/image.jpg | en | null | Spalding High School’s amazing GCSE performance sees 20 per cent of all grades at A* | null | null | www.spaldingtoday.co.uk | Only tears of happiness could be found at Spalding High School when GCSE students found all their hard work had paid off.
The vast majority of Year 11 students are staying on at the school’s sixth form to study A-Level courses along with a large number of transferees from different schools.
Celebrating their results are Aleks Browko (left) and Megan Speechley.
Headmistress Michele Anderson was “very pleased” with the students as 97 per cent of them achieved at least five A* to C grades, and 20 per cent of all grades achieved were A*s.
She said: “This is a lovely cohort of young women who have worked incredibly hard over the last five years to do so well at the High School.
“They approached the examination period with determination and resilience and have been rewarded with a credible set of grades.”
Lily Smith (16), of Holbeach, who got A*s for all 11 of her subjects, said: “I’m feeling amazing although I can’t stop shaking and smiling.
This is a lovely cohort of young women who have worked incredibly hard over the last five years to do so well at the High School. Headmistress Michele Anderson
“I’m very proud of myself and happy with what I achieved. I’d like to thank all my teachers for being so amazing.” she added. Lily will stay on at the High School to study A-Levels in Drama, Biology, Art and History.
Abbie Crunkhorn (16), of Gosberton, who also came away with 11 A*s, said: “My results are so good and I don’t know what to think, my mind has gone blank.”
She will now study A-Levels in English Literature, Classical Civilisations, History and German at the High School’s sixth form.
Emily Douglas (16), of Crowland, achieved ten A*s and one A. She will stay at the High School to study A-Levels in English Literature, German, History and Geography.
She said: “I’m so happy that all my hard work has paid off, and it’s thanks to my teachers and my friends for their support.”
Other successes include Millie Dougherty (16), of Thorney, who achieved eight A*s and three As and was “very happy” with her results.
Also Aleks Browko (16), of Spalding, who came away with five A*s, three As and two B grades and was “really happy” with her results. She will study A-Levels at the Spalding Grammar School. | http://www.spaldingtoday.co.uk/news/education/spalding-high-school-s-amazing-gcse-performance-sees-20-per-cent-of-all-grades-at-a-1-7544721 | en | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | www.spaldingtoday.co.uk/57aeaaf018b570ac1b0e8cbe80f495d0fc5beba8887179fee4a9e9e75ef203f3.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:04:48 | null | 2016-08-22T15:30:17 | David Tasker hosted his captain’s day at Spalding and it was a resounding success with around 170 golfers on the course. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.spaldingtoday.co.uk%2Fsport%2Fother-sport%2Fgolf-climo-claims-honours-on-captain-s-day-1-7538378.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.spaldingtoday.co.uk/webimage/1.7538376.1471877285!/image/image.jpg | en | null | GOLF: Climo claims honours on captain’s day | null | null | www.spaldingtoday.co.uk | David Tasker hosted his captain’s day at Spalding and it was a resounding success with around 170 golfers on the course.
Scoring was good and 10 handicapper Gary Climo came out the winner with 41 Stableford points, followed closely by Dick Parker, Stuart Armstrong and Neil West one behind.
The annual Presidents Putter competition was won by former junior captain Calum Lewis with a nett 65, with Paul Funnell and Trev Horrocks one shot back plus Chris Ward and Richard Hare with 67.
Third-team captain Andy Rafferty’s open day was played by more than 100 golfers with 16-28 handicaps.
Spalding’s Rod Filby came out on top with 69 points for the 31-hole competition, beating Adrian Forrest and Monty Brittain with Mark Sanderson coming fourth.
The August medal was won by Cliff Harrison winning with a nett 67 on countback from Andy Elms with Dave Perrott and Paul Green a shot further back.
Spalding’s first team, captained by Andy Grimwood, left their early-season form behind and finished strongly to ensure they will play again next year in the first division of the South Lincs Scratch League.
A 5-1 win against leaders Sleaford was followed by a 3-3 draw against fellow strugglers Stoke Rochford.
The relegation decider away to Burghley Park saw Spalding record a 5½-½ win.
There were wins for Andy Grimwood & Tom Ladbrook, Dan Hines & Lloyd Chatham, Hugo Kedzlie & Calum Lewis, Wayne Wallace & Harry Hunt and Keith Hearne & Mark Cooley with Liam Pucill and Mal Wray halving their match.
Spalding’s scratch golfers crowned off their season by winning the Elsham Trophy, beating Waltham Windmill in the semi and Carholme in the final.
Mark Mitchell, James Crampton, Andy Grimwood, Simon Richardson, Daniel Hines and Charles Lacey won by a 14-up margin.
Grimwood was joined by Tasker in the Commemoration Jug at Welwyn Garden City.
He was in 14th place overall after a three-over-par 73 in the morning but then came in with 70, including a hole in one on the 132-yard hole to finish sixth. His ace was only the second ever to be recorded at this event which has been running for 29 years.
Vice-captain Mike Crampton was at the helm for the mixed fixture against Toft and they secured a 4-2 win.
The winning pairs were Crampton & Hannah Thorold, Andy Thomas & Liz Holbrook, Tony Holbrook & Carol Thomas and David Barkway & Carole Holland.
Tasker took charge for the fixture at Milton as Spalding secured a 4-4 draw.
Winning pairs were Peter Bridge & Carol Thomas, Roy Blake & Sybil Thorpe and Sandy Watson & Anne Ellis. With Max Ellis & Liz Holbrook and Andy Thomas & Eileen Bridge halving their matches.
Ladies section
Friendly: Seacroft 3 Spalding 1 – Paula Brown & Hannah Thorold lost 2 down, Avril Norton & Olive Gooderson lost 4&3, Angela Roper & Anne Ellis lost 2&1, Lesley Williams & Margaret Barkway won 3&2.
Friendly: Boston 1 Spalding 3 – Paula Brown & Maureen Orwell lost 3&1, Theresa Starbuck & Jean White won 4&3, Anita Cross & Deborah Ellis won 7&5, Barbara Newcombe & Millie Thorold won 4&3.
Myrtle Glenny (Stableford competition): 1 Elaine Macleman 40 points, 2 Eileen Bridge 38, 3 Wendy Revill 36.
TYDD ST GILES
Men’s August Stableford
Division One: 1 Steven Thompson 36 points, 2 ocb Scott Williams 34, 3 ocb Andy Betts 34.
Division Two: 1 Vinney Day 37 points, 2 Gary Withers 36, 3 ocb Tom Ainsley 34.
Division Three: 1 ocb Steve Gray 38 points, 2 Derek Wroe 38, 3 Matthew Prudence 37.
Bob Johns Classic
1 Tony Kierman, Shaun Shales, Martin Kierman, & Jamie Kierman 142 points, 2 Trevor Hunt, Dave Morris, Toby North & Marin Pike 125.
Mens Sewell Salver & Ciuffini Shield round two
Division One: 1 Ian Millett 84-21=63, 2 Andy Sleath 81-10=71, 3 ocb Keith Jakings 84-12=72, 4 ocb Adey Bills 78-6=72.
Seniors Stableford Vouchers competition
Division One: 1 Dennis Savory 43 points, 2 Paul Burrell 42, 3 Ken Parker 40.
Division Two: 1 ocb Russell Doy 39 points, 2 Albert Haxell 39, 3 ocb John Ormiston 38.
Division Three: 1 Brian Gough 38 points, 2 Tony Petch 37, 3 ocb Malcolm Miller 36.
GEDNEY HILL
Professionals Open Competition: 1 Steve Coe 43 points, 2 Paul Hanson 42, 3 Rob Newns 39.
Seniors section
John Parson Shield: 1 Keith Lawrence 43 points, 2 Ralph Ragosa 40, 3 ocb Keith Cooper 37.
Ladies section
Challenge Shield: 1 Lynn Exley 34 points, 2 Maggie Bingham 31, 3 Christine Lord 30. | http://www.spaldingtoday.co.uk/sport/other-sport/golf-climo-claims-honours-on-captain-s-day-1-7538378 | en | 2016-08-22T00:00:00 | www.spaldingtoday.co.uk/04822d39128be292d10c30f97f7c045cd88a6de14f8e450784722a3f1a169ffe.json |
[] | 2016-08-28T18:49:17 | null | 2016-08-28T18:00:37 | A charity that provides support to families and other witnesses attending inquests is appealing for volunteers to assist its work in Lincolnshire. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.spaldingtoday.co.uk%2Fnews%2Flatest-news%2Fappeal-for-help-with-inquests-1-7545989.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.spaldingtoday.co.uk/webimage/1.6951716.1472224863!/image/image.jpg | en | null | Appeal for help with inquests | null | null | www.spaldingtoday.co.uk | A charity that provides support to families and other witnesses attending inquests is appealing for volunteers to assist its work in Lincolnshire.
The Coroners’ Court Support Service has made the call, saying volunteers play an important role in its service, offering practical and emotional support to help everyone involved understand the processes and procedures at an inquest.
Volunteers are given thorough training, induction, and ongoing support through Samantha Shaw, a volunteer co-ordinator for the service.
She said: “People who find themselves attending an inquest often have no idea about what to expect and may feel thrown into an alien environment. Volunteers are crucial in helping us to support families and witnesses with what can be a daunting experience at a difficult time in their lives.
“Volunteers don’t need any prior knowledge of the legal or coronial system, or a counselling qualification. We want to hear from people with a caring, supportive nature, with excellent listening skills and who are able to empathise.”
The service is currently recruiting volunteers who are able to cover Lincolnshire. The majority of inquests are held at Lincoln, however there are also courts at Spilsby, Boston, Stamford and Spalding. A willingness to travel is essential, out-of-pocket travel expenses will be paid.
Barry Wantling, a volunteer, said: “Having been with the organisation for several months I enjoy meeting and providing support to families and witnesses. I believe that we can make a difference and help families when hearing the events surrounding the bereavement.”
Volunteers must be able to give at least two full days a month and to be available for quarterly team meetings and ongoing supervision.
Anyone interested needs to be able to speak and write in clear English, be punctual, and to be confident in working alongside other professionals.
For more information and an application form, email info@ccsupport.org.uk
You can also learn more about the service at www.coronerscourtsupport service.org.uk | http://www.spaldingtoday.co.uk/news/latest-news/appeal-for-help-with-inquests-1-7545989 | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | www.spaldingtoday.co.uk/b7b7d646cffccb395cd2302c977b74b860468f58f78fe0ea046d121e5deed06b.json |
[] | 2016-08-27T12:48:41 | null | 2016-08-27T12:00:59 | South Lincolnshire’s first war memorial to those who gave their lives in World War 1 was unveiled in Pinchbeck in 1916. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.spaldingtoday.co.uk%2Fnews%2Flatest-news%2Fpinchbeck-war-memorial-first-for-district-1-7543099.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.spaldingtoday.co.uk/webimage/1.7543097.1472116749!/image/image.jpg | en | null | Pinchbeck war memorial first for district | null | null | www.spaldingtoday.co.uk | South Lincolnshire’s first war memorial to those who gave their lives in World War 1 was unveiled in Pinchbeck in 1916.
The memorial – consisting of a brass tablet – was unveiled and dedicated in the village’s parish church.
The tablet was the gift of Mr W S Royce, JP, who lived at Pinchbeck Hall. It was described as “handsome even in its great simplicity” and contained the 101 names of those who had died “in the early days of this great struggle”.
The men had, according to the report, “volunteered despite all the consequences, and before any suggestion of compulsory service for the manhood of the nation was suggested”.
Around 1,200 people were present at the unveiling, performed by Mr Royce, “the largest and the most highly representative ever known at the ancient church of Pinchbeck”. There was seating for 800, and in addition the aisles, the front of the chancel and the western portion of the church were crowded, and a number of people were not able to get in.
The report said: “It was an historical and unique occasion, and it was accorded most patriotic and universal sympathy and support”.
The memorial was to be placed on the north wall of the church at Pinchbeck as a permanent memorial and honour to “those valiants of the village, who risked all, irrespective of the greatness of the sacrifice”.
Mr Royce had four volunteer sons in the service, the parish vicar had two – though one had made “the greater sacrifice”. The great majority of households in the parish were represented on the tablet.
The parish vicar, “the highly respected” the Rev F F Wayet, preached at a service “of the simplest and most patriotic character” and the dedication of the tablet was performed by the Rev E C Gee, a native of Pinchbeck. | http://www.spaldingtoday.co.uk/news/latest-news/pinchbeck-war-memorial-first-for-district-1-7543099 | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.spaldingtoday.co.uk/b4b65551611f6ca5315efe2bd9cedf609c85e71f3e284c0e12583f08efa96369.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:50:33 | null | 2016-08-26T10:54:42 | Cowardly vandals trashed a garden fence belonging to a 92-year-old war veteran on Saturday night. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.spaldingtoday.co.uk%2Fnews%2Flatest-news%2Fvandals-trash-pinchbeck-war-veteran-s-fence-1-7545842.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.spaldingtoday.co.uk/webimage/1.7545841.1472205264!/image/image.jpg | en | null | Vandals trash Pinchbeck war veteran’s fence | null | null | www.spaldingtoday.co.uk | Cowardly vandals trashed a garden fence belonging to a 92-year-old war veteran on Saturday night.
Ken Bird and his family are now left wondering why he was picked on – and are appealing for witnesses to contact police with the names of those involved.
The retired watch and clock designer/engineer moved to Flaxmill Lane, Pinchbeck, two-and-a-half years ago in the hope of enjoying peace and quiet.
But in that short time he’s had copper wire fencing stolen and now three panels of his front garden fence damaged, seemingly from “karate kicks”.
Ken says one panel is completely caved in, a second is damaged at the top and a third at the bottom.
He believes teenagers are to blame and is appealing to them – and their parents – to call a halt now.
“The police would like to have names,” said Ken. “The thing is we would like to stop it before it gets going. They have got away with one thing and they might try something else.”
Ken’s daughter, Nicola Holloway, is astounded an elderly gentleman like her dad should be targeted.
“He’s an old man, not doing anybody else any harm,” said Nicola. “You don’t expect vandalism at his age. He retired up here for a quiet life.”
The family know Ken’s fence was damaged at some time between 9pm and midnight.
Some of his garden plants were also trampled.
Ken served in the Fleet Air Arm during the Second World War, fighting the Japanese in the Far East.
He spent his working life in Hampshire.
Ken was born and brought up in a more genteel age and wonders why things are so different now.
He said: “The people in those days were nicer. Youngsters seemed more respectful to their parents.
“People nowadays couldn’t care less. It’s so changed.
“It’s a funny old world now. Youngsters seem to do as they like. It’s a pity they stopped using the birch.”
Nicola took photographs of the damaged fence.
She said: “There were some youngsters there very interested in what I was doing.”
Ken added: “I think it’s teenagers involved, actually.”
Ken and his family hope his story will at least persuade those involved to stay away from his home so he can do what he set out to do when he moved to the village: enjoy his remaining days in peace.
Although Ken’s fence is damaged in three separate places, police believe it may have resulted from someone being “reckless” but have urged the person responsible to “do the decent and moral thing and come forward”.
A Lincolnshire Police spokesman told us: “Whilst this damage may have been caused recklessly by someone falling onto the fence rather than deliberate vandalism, the end result leaves a vulnerable victim upset and out of pocket. “We would urge the person responsible to do the decent and moral thing and come forward to police so that the matter can be resolved in an appropriate way to meet the best interests of the victim.”
• Witnesses or anyone who knows who was responsible can call police on 101. | http://www.spaldingtoday.co.uk/news/latest-news/vandals-trash-pinchbeck-war-veteran-s-fence-1-7545842 | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.spaldingtoday.co.uk/31ed80df47e71919d563d44fe1d15affdb0d913d81dc9dc0c65bd937c652a03b.json |
[
"Berkeley Daily Planet",
"Berkeley California"
] | 2016-08-26T20:50:47 | null | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | The East Bay's Non-commercial Voice | http%3A%2F%2Fberkeleydailyplanet.com%2Fissue%2F2016-08-26%2Farticle%2F44811%3Fheadline%3DPig-.json | http://berkeleydailyplanet.com/issue/2016-08-26/article/44811?headline=Pig- | en | null | Public Comment from The Berkeley Daily Planet | null | null | berkeleydailyplanet.com | You can put lipstick on a pig and it's still a pig. This is a perfect description of Donald Trump, who marches to his own drummer, adheres to his own set of morals, and has seduced millions of Americans into believing that his tremendous brain and business acumen are just what the country needs.
Now Donald Trump is playing on the fears of Republican gun owners saying that a President Hillary Clinton would take their guns away. Liar, liar, pants on fire! But, the worst part of Donald's lie is that some loner could believe it, act on it, creating a tragic reality.
At the end of the day, when Trump takes the lipstick off his expressive, puckery lips, he's still an amoral liar, bigot and con man. Do you really want this man to be president of the United States and representing you? | http://berkeleydailyplanet.com/issue/2016-08-26/article/44811?headline=Pig- | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | berkeleydailyplanet.com/f9efb6cb9812cb1353600ca1f03a87369466c44cabda18e7710f1d918caed223.json |
[
"Berkeley Daily Planet",
"Berkeley California"
] | 2016-08-30T20:48:32 | null | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | The East Bay's Non-commercial Voice | http%3A%2F%2Fberkeleydailyplanet.com%2Fissue%2F2016-08-26%2Farticle%2F44819%3Fheadline%3DBerkeley-city-officials-offer-15k-reward-for-information-about-homicide.json | http://berkeleydailyplanet.com/issue/2016-08-26/article/44819?headline=Berkeley-city-officials-offer-15k-reward-for-information-about-homicide | en | null | Berkeley city officials offer $15k reward for information about homicide | null | null | berkeleydailyplanet.com | Berkeley city officials announced today they are offering a $15,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction in the fatal shooting of a 22-year-old man earlier this month.
Alex Goodwin, a Berkeley resident, was found when officers responded at 11:58 p.m. on Aug. 19 to a report of a shooting in the area of Burnett and Mabel streets, according to police.
Goodwin was unresponsive and lying outside of his family's home. He was taken to a hospital, where he later died of his injuries, police said.
No suspect information has been released in connection with the shooting, which was Berkeley's first homicide of 2016.
Anyone with information about the case is urged to call the Police Department's homicide detail at (510) 981-5741. | http://berkeleydailyplanet.com/issue/2016-08-26/article/44819?headline=Berkeley-city-officials-offer-15k-reward-for-information-about-homicide | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | berkeleydailyplanet.com/3bab10b9cf1a2a0cd24c1e0316ab89fbbf5162a383dbd3016c0752232dc65e7b.json |
[
"Berkeley Daily Planet",
"Berkeley California"
] | 2016-08-26T12:52:37 | null | 2016-08-19T00:00:00 | The East Bay's Non-commercial Voice | http%3A%2F%2Fberkeleydailyplanet.com%2Fissue%2F2016-08-19%2Farticle%2F44796%3Fheadline%3DStairway-to-Heaven-br-Pacific-School-of-Religion-might-partner-with-Rhoades-client-for-market-rate-development-on-Holy-Hill-Reportage-Op-ed-.json | http://berkeleydailyplanet.com/issue/2016-08-19/article/44796?headline=Stairway-to-Heaven-br-Pacific-School-of-Religion-might-partner-with-Rhoades-client-for-market-rate-development-on-Holy-Hill-Reportage-Op-ed- | en | null | Stairway to Heaven: | null | null | berkeleydailyplanet.com | EDITOR'S NOTE: Council candidate Fred Dodsworth, a former Planet reporter, submitted this colorful piece with the above tag. You be the judge, but for a more conventional report from the excellent Tom Lochner in the East Bay Times, see http://www.eastbaytimes.com/ breaking-news/ci_30285536/ berkeley-developers-outline- proposed-senior-facility- north-uc.
For extensive reproduction of the promoter's renderings which purport to show the proposed development, see berkeleyside.com: http://www.berkeleyside.com/2016/08/24/pacific-school-of-religion-to-build-265-unit-senior-center/
Tuesday night the latest iteration of grotesque and inappropriate over-development visited north Berkeley like the ghost of some nightmarish future. For the very summit of Holy Hill, just one block from CAL-Berkeley, the Pacific School of Religion AND Mather-Lifeways have proposed a “market-rate” (read obscenely expensive) senior living complex which would be best described as an undistinguished, ugly, five-story pile of stucco and concrete, —the sort of monolithic wall of office buildings (not homes) one finds a-plenty of in Sunnyvale or Walnut Creek. If Berkeley’s Bard, the fabulous Malvina Reynolds were alive today I’m sure she would quickly pen a new verse regarding these “little boxes made out of ticky tacky — they all look just the same.” Unfortunately, in the senior housing context such “little boxes” take on a much darker meaning.Berkeley’s busiest developer mouthpiece, Mark Rhoades played wrangler for PSR/MLW’s proposal. In exchange for not taking the wrecking ball to the historic chapel on campus and the Maybeck designed home further down the hill, Mr Rhoades implied that the neighborhood owed PSR/MLW the right to cover more of the site than the city’s already over-generous zoning allows. Rhoades threatened the attendees with even taller buildings looming over their bucolic residential streets if the neighborhood didn’t quickly fall into line. Rhoades also insisted that no one was allowed to record the presentation (just because), and that they wouldn’t take questions out loud from the audience, a stricture that was roundly ignored by the 50 or 60 unhappy neighbors in attendance. After an hour of astonishingly dull explanations as to why and how this was the most important and best use of these historic structures and endangered open space, the Rhoades show broke up into a half a dozen stations where folks could speak directly to the various so-called experts in color and texture and transportation, which, as might be expected, led to a mass exodus of neighbors, affording the various consultants and PSR/MLW principals the opportunity to continue speak to each other.
Meanwhile in the animated discussions taking place outside the building immediately afterwards, several parties claimed PSR had already sold the entire property to Mather, conditional on prompt approval of their atrocious scheme; that PSR was already bankrupt. (I mean really, who sends their sons or daughters off to an exciting life in the church these days?) Rumors have it that enrollment at PSR is negligible although PSR’s pleasant President David Vásquez-Levy mumbled something about maybe 250 students if one counted all the folks who weren’t actually enrolled; that both CAL and ASUC were eyeing the site; that many in the community would much prefer PSR privately sell off the various residential properties contiguous to the campus for private ownership; and most humorous to this correspondent, the elderly female CEO of Mather (who lives in a Mather senior complex in Illinois) suggested those neighbors over 60 could sell their very valuable homes and they might still have just enough left over to buy into the PSR/Mather project for the grand privilege of paying an exorbitant monthly fee to live in the same neighborhood in which they currently reside. Sounds just fabulous. | http://berkeleydailyplanet.com/issue/2016-08-19/article/44796?headline=Stairway-to-Heaven-br-Pacific-School-of-Religion-might-partner-with-Rhoades-client-for-market-rate-development-on-Holy-Hill-Reportage-Op-ed- | en | 2016-08-19T00:00:00 | berkeleydailyplanet.com/14a34fc18080b890008ba8316f45950c19ada0f3272353bc61dac2be43723424.json |
[
"Berkeley Daily Planet",
"Berkeley California"
] | 2016-08-26T12:55:02 | null | 2016-08-19T00:00:00 | The East Bay's Non-commercial Voice | http%3A%2F%2Fberkeleydailyplanet.com%2Fissue%2F2016-08-19%2Farticle%2F44800%3Fheadline%3DThey-re-at-it-again.json | http://berkeleydailyplanet.com/issue/2016-08-19/article/44800?headline=They-re-at-it-again | en | null | The Editor's Back Fence | null | null | berkeleydailyplanet.com | This just in: another city council meeting to tinker with the minimum wage proposals for the November ballot. Still nothing about the Black Lives Matter or the Brown By-Right proposals however. How do we know? From the DBA, of course. The city of Berkeley seems to pay someone to write press releases, which seem to go first to the campaign funders who make up the Downtown Business Association. | http://berkeleydailyplanet.com/issue/2016-08-19/article/44800?headline=They-re-at-it-again | en | 2016-08-19T00:00:00 | berkeleydailyplanet.com/73eac0c60c9e1dff085d2f943465f44933e7d42711c8bbe4bfa81f553480035e.json |
[
"Berkeley Daily Planet",
"Berkeley California"
] | 2016-08-26T12:58:01 | null | 2016-08-19T00:00:00 | The East Bay's Non-commercial Voice | http%3A%2F%2Fberkeleydailyplanet.com%2Fissue%2F2016-08-19%2Farticle%2F44784%3Fheadline%3DBerkeley-Police-investigate-fatal-shooting.json | http://berkeleydailyplanet.com/issue/2016-08-19/article/44784?headline=Berkeley-Police-investigate-fatal-shooting | en | null | Berkeley Police investigate fatal shooting | null | null | berkeleydailyplanet.com | Police in Berkeley are investigating a shooting that occurred Thursday night and left one person dead.
Officers with the Berkeley Police Department responded at 11:58 p.m. Thursday to multiple calls of shots fired in the area of Mabel and Burnett streets.
Responding officers located an unresponsive male shooting victim. h There victim was transported to the hospital, where he was pronounced deceased, police said.
The suspect or suspects in the shooting remain at large.
Police said the shooting does not appear to be random, and they do not believe there is an immediate threat to the community.
Anyone with information on the shooting is asked to call the Berkeley Police Department at (510) 981-5741. | http://berkeleydailyplanet.com/issue/2016-08-19/article/44784?headline=Berkeley-Police-investigate-fatal-shooting | en | 2016-08-19T00:00:00 | berkeleydailyplanet.com/065b9d2d679e62310efc2f9275f3b9b0269e27ee50853244b3c880e39e4321da.json |
[
"Berkeley Daily Planet",
"Berkeley California"
] | 2016-08-26T12:57:37 | null | 2016-08-19T00:00:00 | The East Bay's Non-commercial Voice | http%3A%2F%2Fberkeleydailyplanet.com%2Fissue%2F2016-08-19%2Farticle%2F44786%3Fheadline%3DECLECTIC-RANT-Homeless-encampments-may-be-here-to-stay-until-adequate-shelters-for-all-are-provided.json | http://berkeleydailyplanet.com/issue/2016-08-19/article/44786?headline=ECLECTIC-RANT-Homeless-encampments-may-be-here-to-stay-until-adequate-shelters-for-all-are-provided | en | null | ECLECTIC RANT: Homeless encampments may be here to stay until adequate shelters for all are provided | null | null | berkeleydailyplanet.com | Homeless encampments are springing up in Berkeley, Oakland, San Francisco, and elsewhere in the Bay Area because local governments are unable to provide shelter, let alone permanent housing, to their homeless. The homeless are, therefore, forced to find their own self-help shelter in tents, under bridges, in doorways, and in our parks.
Courts and the federal government have said it's illegal to criminalize someone's status rather than their conduct, and therefore enforcing a no-camping ordinance when homeless people don't have viable alternatives is criminalizing their state in life. A shelter is a basic human right and efforts to remove the homeless self-help shelters are likely to run afoul of the law. Without shelter, the homeless are exposed to the dangerous condition of living on the streets.
In April, eleven homeless people facing eviction from city-owned property filed suit against the city of Eureka, California. In Cobine v. City of Eureka, Oakland U.S. federal District Judge Jeffrey White opined:
"Getting injunctive relief in a federal court is no easy task. To do so, plaintiffs much show three things: that their case has merits and a likelihood of success at trial; that without a temporary restraining order, they would suffer irreparable harm; and that a temporary restraining order would be in the public interest." Judge White decided that all factors tipped in the plaintiff's favor.
The Court found that the Fourth and Fourteenth Amendments to the Constitution protected plaintiffs from seizure of their possessions and their "homeless retreats regardless how ramshackle."
The Court also found that laws criminalizing an individual's status, rather than specific conduct, are violations of the Eighth Amendment. Further, the Court found, the Eighth Amendment protections against cruel and unusual punishment are irreparable,while the city's potential harm are monetary.
The Court issued a restraining order prohibiting the eviction of the eleven plaintiffs until Eureka identifies housing for the eleven and provides assurances that the homeless plaintiffs' possessions will be stored and accounted for.
While this case applies to only eleven homeless in Eureka, Judge White's reasoning is compelling.
That does not mean, of course, that cities cannot enact restrictions on homeless encampments to maintain hygiene, safety, and lawful conditions. As homeless encampments are here to stay at least for the foreseeable future, local governments may have to provide portable toilets, trash bins, trash, trash removal, other amenities to make the encampments more livable, and enforce laws preventing blocking of streets, sidewalks, and entrances to businesses.
Until adequate shelters are provided to all the homeless, homeless encampment are now part of the urban environment. | http://berkeleydailyplanet.com/issue/2016-08-19/article/44786?headline=ECLECTIC-RANT-Homeless-encampments-may-be-here-to-stay-until-adequate-shelters-for-all-are-provided | en | 2016-08-19T00:00:00 | berkeleydailyplanet.com/5d4d3cd75b66fe64faae63bb80b8124b068470c04d76f420a1414410a0cbd9f6.json |
[
"Berkeley Daily Planet",
"Berkeley California"
] | 2016-08-26T12:55:30 | null | 2016-08-19T00:00:00 | The East Bay's Non-commercial Voice | http%3A%2F%2Fberkeleydailyplanet.com%2Fissue%2F2016-08-19%2Farticle%2F44792%3Fheadline%3DWar-Crimes.json | http://berkeleydailyplanet.com/issue/2016-08-19/article/44792?headline=War-Crimes | en | null | Public Comment from The Berkeley Daily Planet | null | null | berkeleydailyplanet.com | In a perverse twist to its stated reason for promoting “stability within the region," the U.S. continues to sell large numbers of weapons to Saudi Arabia, (a staggering $110 billion) — which the Saudis have been raining down on a predominantly civilian population in Yemen. President Obama bypassed Congress to facilitate the sales.
The State Department recently approved an additional $1.5 billion in arms sales. Our British and European cousins are also jumping on the bandwagon eager to participate in the bonanza.
Despite clear marking and GPS coordinates provided to the warring factions, a Doctors Without Borders hospital was recently attacked - again, killing medical personnel, patients, and civilians.
The attack on DWB and their support facilities was the fourth attack in the past year. The war has killed 6,500 people and displaced 2.5 million. We also continue to ignore mounting evidence of Saudi’s close alliance to terrorist groups (including the perpetrators of 9/11) and its long history of exporting its Wahhabism strain of Sunni Islam which has fueled greater intolerance of “non-believers”. Daniel Benjamin, a former State Department coordinator for counterterrorism, has called Wahhabism "a devastating invasive species in Islam's enormous ecosystem”.
It is time the American people raise their collective voices and demand an immediate halt to further weapons sales to Saudi Arabia. Failure to do so will make us complicit in Saudi’s war crimes.
As Senator Chris Murphy, Democrat of Connecticut told CNN: “There’s an American imprint on every civilian life lost in Yemen.” Shameful. | http://berkeleydailyplanet.com/issue/2016-08-19/article/44792?headline=War-Crimes | en | 2016-08-19T00:00:00 | berkeleydailyplanet.com/b89d8bdf37af64358ac0cd08a3c8aa9b0b8cd5fe194cd6c2ea94c6f9a7586cb2.json |
[
"Berkeley Daily Planet",
"Berkeley California"
] | 2016-08-26T20:49:25 | null | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | The East Bay's Non-commercial Voice | http%3A%2F%2Fberkeleydailyplanet.com%2Fissue%2F2016-08-26%2Farticle%2F44804%3Fheadline%3DAROUND-ABOUT-THEATER-Solo-Show-About-Dr.-Carlton-Goodlett.json | http://berkeleydailyplanet.com/issue/2016-08-26/article/44804?headline=AROUND-ABOUT-THEATER-Solo-Show-About-Dr.-Carlton-Goodlett | en | null | AROUND & ABOUT THEATER: Solo Show About Dr. Carlton Goodlett | null | null | berkeleydailyplanet.com | AfroSolo: Black Voices Performance Series, with a Solo Performance About Dr. Carlton Goodlett
Dr. Carlton Goodlett (1914-97), publisher of the Sun-Reporter, the California Voice and seven other Northern California black weekly newspapers, was a seminal figure, from the late 40s until his death, for the Californian black community—as well as union, progressive and left causes, including Anti-Vietnam action and the student strike at SF State. Goodlett also traveled internationally, including to East Germany and the Soviet Union, at a time when that was highly unusual, in pursuit of journalistic and socio-political goals.
Goodlett, a very active physician in the community, was also one of the first black American psychologists, receiving his PhD from UC Berkeley in 1938.
This weekend, Thomas Robert Simpson, founder of AfroSolo, will perform a solo piece about Goodlett and his work, in a program with several other performers of various arts, part of "a community program."
In a phone conversation, Simpson said he was inspired by remembering Goodlett's kind recognition of AfroSolo at its inception 20 years ago, writing personally to Simpson with his congratulations.
Simpson also said he hoped—and had some indications—that his Goodlett piece would be performed again for community events.
The program—with performances also by dancer Antoine Hunter, poet Aquiella M. Lewis and comedienne Luna Malbroux—will be at 8 on Friday, August 26 ($25) and Saturday, August 27 (gala reception with light refreshments at 7—$35 inclusive) and Sunday the 28th at 3 ($25) at the African-American Cultural Complex, 762 Fulton Street (between Laguna and Webster, four blocks west of War Memorial Opera House), San Francisco. afrosolo.org | http://berkeleydailyplanet.com/issue/2016-08-26/article/44804?headline=AROUND-ABOUT-THEATER-Solo-Show-About-Dr.-Carlton-Goodlett | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | berkeleydailyplanet.com/c309caabbf3fa729a8cab019fd205285edbddaa19d464b789aeb9ee7a65d1364.json |
[
"Berkeley Daily Planet",
"Berkeley California"
] | 2016-08-26T12:51:35 | null | 2016-08-19T00:00:00 | The East Bay's Non-commercial Voice | http%3A%2F%2Fberkeleydailyplanet.com%2Fissue%2F2016-08-19%2Farticle%2F44791%3Fheadline%3DLo-and-Behold-Will-the-Internet-Save-Us-or-Destroy-US-.json | http://berkeleydailyplanet.com/issue/2016-08-19/article/44791?headline=Lo-and-Behold-Will-the-Internet-Save-Us-or-Destroy-US- | en | null | Lo and Behold: Will the Internet Save Us or Destroy US? | null | null | berkeleydailyplanet.com | Opens August 19 at the Shattuck Landmark
Lo and Behold is a magician's-trick of the movie. It is metaphorical, metaphysical, metawhimsical, and metapocalyptic. It's a film by Werner Herzog, which is to say it is thoroughly "meta."Herzog's new film doesn't feature man-eating bears (a la Grizzly Man), demented conquistadors on self-destructive quests (Fitzcaraldo; Aguirre: Wrath of God), or spelunking through 30,000-year-old art galleries (Cave of Forgotten Ancestors). In Lo and Behold: Reveres of a Connected World, Herzog trains his camera—and his quirky curiosity—on the world of computers. And the Internet. And social media. And robots. And solar flares. . . .
Werner Herzog seems an unlikely guide for a journey trough the realms of electronic escapism. Recently profiled in Wired magazine as a "flamboyantly dour Bavarian Luddite," Herzog has savagely scorned social media as a "massive, naked onslaught of stupidity." He only owns a single cell phone and uses it rarely. "I'm nostalgic for the days when there were no smart phones and no constant availability," he grumps. "My social network is basically the table in my home. Our social network happens across our dinner table."
Herzog's interest in the "connected world" spiked in February of 2015 when "the Internet of things" dramatically fell apart in Arizona. Cell phones went dead, gas pumps wouldn't work, and ATMs froze in mid-transaction. If there's one thing that attracts Herzog's attention, it is the whiff of imminent, universal disaster.
Not surprisingly, this is a hodgepodge of a film. In about a dozen episodic vignettes, Herzog hops from one setting to another, plunging into whatever electronic detour grabs his fancy and chasing it down with the focused intensity of a hungry foxhound.
Once he has his interviewers cornered, he delights in sending them squirming with unexpected queries like: "Do you love your robots?" "Does the Internet dream?" "Does the Internet need us?"
At one point, while listening to Elon Musk expound on mankind's first trip to Mars, Herzog interrupts to announce: "I would come along!" The unexpected comment leaves Musk startled, befuddled, and silenced.
Meeting the Pioneers of the Internet
The 28 people interviewed in the film are good matches for Herzog. Like the filmmaker, they are all somewhat strange—talented but otherworldly outliers. (The majority of the people interviewed hail from Carnegie Mellon University.) There is Ted Nelson, the pioneer techie who came up with the word "hypertext," Internet protocol honcho Bob Kahn, World Wide Web creator Tim Berners Lee, and hacker-icon Kevin Mitnick (an author, activist, and a one-time fugitive who serve five years in a federal prison for various computer "crimes").
Herzog starts off with a walk down a dingy corridor at UCLA where Prof. Leonard Kleinrock unlocks a room that houses the refrigerator-sized proto-computer that gave rise to electronic forum that lead to the Pentagon's ARPANET and, ultimately, to the Internet.
Kleinrock merrily pounds the historic hunk of metal with his fist and recounts the historic moment in 1969 when a computer in Los Angeles successfully sent a message to another computer at Stanford University. This first attempt was only a partial success, however, but it gave rise to the delicious "insiders' joke" that also provided Herzog with the title for his documentary. (I'm tempted, but I won't reveal the punch-line in this review.)
Because the Internet is "all pervasive," Herzog observes, it inevitably "seeps into the dark side of human existence as well." And he provides a cringe-worthy example with a visit to a grieving family scorched by flames flung by Internet trolls. After losing a daughter in a horrific automobile accident, the parents and the girl's two sisters were forced to suffer further anguish after photographs of the young girl's mangled body were posted on the Internet and prompted a viral storm that generated a flood of cruel comments and merciless taunts.
Facing Herzog's camera, the family stands defensively behind a kitchen counter. No one moves during their interview, they just stare, dull-eyed. Finally, the mother offers one of the film's most haunting lines: "I have always believed that the Internet is a manifestation of the Antichrist."
Herzog provides more evidence that Google's mantra, "Do No Harm," is not the guiding principle in the world of electronic innovation. At one point, he visits a team of robotics engineers who are creating cyber-soldiers for the Pentagon. In another segment, he looks on as a gang of skinny twenty-somethings scrambles around a laboratory floor watching two teams of hand-made robots play a fierce game robo-soccer. (Looking at all these detached males "nerding-out" in security-clearance-level labs and cubicles, you may find yourself asking: Do these guys ever get outside and play real soccer? Do any of them have girlfriends or partners?)
One of the few women in the documentary is astronomer Lucianne Walkowicz. Dr. Walkowicz is made-to-order for Herzog's World—she is smart, she is critical, and (look closely) she has a scene from Herzog's Caves of Forgotten Ancestors tattooed on her shoulder.
Walkowicz warns that the Internet, while "a manifestation of human consciousness, [is] almost a separate being—that's comprised of human activity but has a life of it's own."
In Lo, Herzog includes several meta-episodes that circle the main theme in fairly wide orbits. Walkowicz covers one of them—the threat of Coronal Mass Ejections. Yep, it turns out that the powerful blasts of energy regularly released by solar flares can bring down the Internet. Also at risk: entire electric grids, thereby posing a threat to transportation, the delivery of food and water, and even risking the mass meltdowns of nuclear reactors. Herzog and Walkowicz discuss these possibilities against a stunning visual backdrop of massive electromagnetic storms erupting on the surface of the sun.
Another of Herzong's distant-orbits revolves around a small community of electro-sensitive people who have fled their urban livelihoods to seek refuge in rural hinterlands far from cell towers, radiowaves, and the baggage of modern electric appliances. While the connection to the Internet is spotty, Herzog's interviews still capture some interesting personal histories.
Finally, kudos are due to Jim McNeil and the folks at the Internet security firm NetScout for providing Herzog with the opportunity—and the funding—to exercise his curiosity over the course of a feature-length documentary.
As McNeil has explained in various interviews: "We wanted to explore how the Web can be used for ill, as well as who might be trying to bring it down. What could happen if the connected world is interrupted? We didn't set out to scare the daylights out of people, but it would be quite easy to do."
Recent examples are easy to find: The growth of the Dark Web, the spread of electronic organized criminal activity, the creation of cyberwar tools designed to attack critical networks in other countries, and the hacking of supposedly "protected" data controlled by political figures, the Democratic National Committee and even the National Security Agency.
The Internet, McNeil notes, is "capable of doing so many wonderful things, and it's also capable of being used to do really horrific things. If we do not educate ourselves in a meaningful and intelligent way, we are all going to be very disappointed at some point in the future. It might stop working the way we wanted to."
Issuing his own judgment on technological "progress," Herzog is more succinct: "It's doable, sure," he says. "But should we do the doable? That's my question. I think we should not." | http://berkeleydailyplanet.com/issue/2016-08-19/article/44791?headline=Lo-and-Behold-Will-the-Internet-Save-Us-or-Destroy-US- | en | 2016-08-19T00:00:00 | berkeleydailyplanet.com/96d161f85752382b97ae9ab7c32a12f3f0c4f6a027fc2db5db3d0cb885613cc2.json |
[
"Berkeley Daily Planet",
"Berkeley California"
] | 2016-08-26T12:57:10 | null | 2016-08-19T00:00:00 | The East Bay's Non-commercial Voice | http%3A%2F%2Fberkeleydailyplanet.com%2Fissue%2F2016-08-19%2Farticle%2F44794%3Fheadline%3DBerkeley-Shooting-Victim-Identified-by-Police.json | http://berkeleydailyplanet.com/issue/2016-08-19/article/44794?headline=Berkeley-Shooting-Victim-Identified-by-Police | en | null | Berkeley Shooting Victim Identified by Police | null | null | berkeleydailyplanet.com | Police have identified a man who was fatally shot late Thursday night in Berkeley as 22-year-old Alex Goodwin.
Goodwin, a Berkeley resident, was found unresponsive in the vicinity of Mabel and Burnett streets after officers responded to that area at 11:58 p.m. on report of shots fired.
He was transported to a hospital and pronounced dead, according to police.
Information about the suspect or suspects was not immediately available, but police said the shooting did not appear to be random.
Anyone with additional information is asked to call investigators with the Berkeley Police Department at (510) 981-5741. | http://berkeleydailyplanet.com/issue/2016-08-19/article/44794?headline=Berkeley-Shooting-Victim-Identified-by-Police | en | 2016-08-19T00:00:00 | berkeleydailyplanet.com/b7e8e7c195ecf933bad828cf0166fd7e27813d836dfbcedb0b3066c1a8f499c7.json |
[
"Berkeley Daily Planet",
"Berkeley California"
] | 2016-08-26T12:48:59 | null | 2016-08-19T00:00:00 | The East Bay's Non-commercial Voice | http%3A%2F%2Fberkeleydailyplanet.com%2Fissue%2F2016-08-19%2Farticle%2F44788%3Fheadline%3DDISPATCHES-FROM-THE-EDGE-Dangerous-Seas-China-The-U.S..json | http://berkeleydailyplanet.com/issue/2016-08-19/article/44788?headline=DISPATCHES-FROM-THE-EDGE-Dangerous-Seas-China-The-U.S. | en | null | DISPATCHES FROM THE EDGE:Dangerous Seas: China & The U.S. | null | null | berkeleydailyplanet.com | A combination of recent events underpinned by long-running historical strains reaching back more than 60 years has turned the western Pacific into one of the most hazardous spots on the globe. The tension between China and the U.S. “is one of the most striking and dangerous themes in international politics,” says The Financial Times’ longtime commentator and China hand, Gideon Rachman.
In just the past five months, warships from both countries—including Washington’s closest ally in the region, Japan—have done everything but ram one another. And, as Beijing continues to build bases on scattered islands in the South China Sea, the U.S. is deploying long-range nuclear capable strategic bombers in Australia and Guam.
At times the rhetoric from both sides is chilling. When Washington sent two aircraft carrier battle groups into the area, Chinese defense ministry spokesman Yang Yujun cautioned the Americans to “be careful.” While one U.S. admiral suggested drawing “the line” at the Spratly Islands close to the Philippines, an editorial in the Chinese Communist Party’s Global Times warned that U.S. actions “raised the risk of physical confrontation with China.” The newspaper went on to warn that “if the United States’ bottom line is that China has to halt its activities, then a U.S.-China war is inevitable in the South China Sea.”
Earlier this month China’s Defense Minister Chang Wanquan said Beijing should prepare for a “people’s war at sea.”
Add to this the appointment of an extreme right-wing nationalist as Japan’s defense minister and the decision to deploy anti-ballistic missile interceptors in South Korea and the term “volatile region” is a major understatement.
Some of these tensions go back to the 1951 Treaty of San Francisco that officially ended WW II in Asia. That document, according to Canadian researcher Kimie Hara, was drawn up to be deliberately ambiguous about the ownership of a scatter of islands and reefs in the East and South China seas. That ambiguity set up tensions in the region that Washington could then exploit to keep potential rivals off balance.
The current standoff between China and Japan over the Senkakus/Diaoyu islands—the Japanese use the former name, the Chinese the latter—is a direct outcome of the Treaty. While Washington has no official position on which country owns the tiny uninhabited archipelago, it is committed to defend Japan in case of any military conflict with China. On Aug. 2 the Japanese Defense Ministry accused China of engaging in “dangerous acts that could cause unintended consequences.”
Tokyo’s new defense minister, Tomomi Inada, is a regular visitor to the Yasukuni shrine that honors Japan’s war criminals, and she is a critic of the post-war Tokyo war crimes trials. She also has called for re-examining the 1937 Nanjing massacre that saw Japanese troops murder as many as 300,000 Chinese. Her appointment by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe seems almost calculated to anger Beijing.
Abe is also pushing hard to overturn a part of the Japanese constitution that bars Tokyo from using its military forces for anything but defending itself. Japan has one of the largest and most sophisticated navies in the world.
Over the past several weeks, Chinese Coast Guard vessels and fishing boats have challenged Japan’s territorial claims on the islands, and Chinese and Japanese warplanes have been playing chicken. In one particularly worrisome incident, a Japanese fighter locked its combat radar on a Chinese fighter-bomber.
Behind the bellicose behavior on the China and U.S. sides is underlying insecurity, a dangerous condition when two nuclear-armed powers are at loggerheads.
From Beijing’s perspective, Washington is trying to “contain” China by ringing it with American allies, much as the U.S. did to the Soviet Union during the Cold War. Given recent moves in the region, it is hard to argue with Beijing’s conclusion.
After a 20-year absence, the U.S. military is back in the Philippines. Washington is deploying anti-missile systems in South Korea and Japan and deepening its military relations with Australia, Vietnam, Indonesia and India. The Obama administration’s “Asia pivot” has shifted the bulk of U.S. armed forces from the Atlantic and the Middle East to Asia. Washington’s Air Sea Battle strategy—just renamed “Joint Concept for Access and Maneuver in the Global Commons”—envisions neutralizing China’s ability to defend its home waters.
China is in the process of modernizing much of its military, in large part because Beijing was spooked by two American operations. First, the Chinese were stunned by how quickly the U.S. military annihilated the Iraqi army in the first Gulf War, with virtually no casualties on the American side. Then there was having to back down in 1996, when the Clinton administration deployed two aircraft carrier battle groups in the Taiwan Straits during a period of sharp tension between Beijing and Taipei.
In spite of all its upgrades, however, China’s military is a long ways from being able to challenge the U.S. The Chinese navy has one small aircraft carrier, the U.S. has 10 enormous ones, plus a nuclear arsenal vastly bigger than Beijing’s modest force. China’s last war was its disastrous 1979 invasion of Vietnam, and the general U.S. view of the Chinese military is that it is a paper dragon.
That thinking is paralleled in Japan, which is worrisome. Japan’s aggressive nationalist government is more likely to initiate something with China than is the U.S. For instance, the crisis over the Senkaku/Diaoyus was started by Japan. First, Tokyo violated an agreement with Beijing by arresting some Chinese fishermen and then unilaterally annexed the islands. The Japanese military has always had an over-inflated opinion of itself and traditionally underestimated Chinese capabilities.
In short, the U.S. and Japan are not intimidated by China’s New Model Army, nor do they see it as a serious threat. That is dangerous thinking if it leads to the conclusion that China will always back down when a confrontation turns ugly. Belligerence and illusion are perilous companions in the current tense atmosphere.
The scheduled deployment of the U.S. Theater High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) anti-missile systems has convinced Beijing that the U.S. is attempting to neutralize China’s nuclear missile force, a not irrational conclusion. While anti-missile systems are billed as “defensive,” they can just as easily be considered part of the U.S.’s basic “counterforce” strategy. The latter calls for a first strike on an opponent’s missiles, backstopped by an anti-ballistic missile system that would destroy any enemy missiles the first strike missed.
China is pledged not to use nuclear weapons first, but, given the growing ring of U.S. bases and deployment of anti-missile systems, that may change. China is considering moving to a “launch on warning” strategy, which would greatly increase the possibility of an accidental nuclear war.
The AirSea Battle strategy calls for conventional missile strikes aimed at knocking out command centers and radar facilities deep into Chinese territory. But given the U.S.’s “counterforce” strategy, Chinese commanders might assume those conventional missiles are nuclear tipped and aimed at decapitating China’s nuclear deterrent.
According to Amitai Etzioni of Washington University, a former senior advisor to President Jimmy Carter, “China is likely to respond to what is effectively a major attack on its mainland with all the military means at its disposal—including its stockpile of nuclear arms.”
A report by the Union of Concerned Scientists concluded that if China moves to “launch on warning,” such a change “would dramatically increase the risk of a nuclear exchange by accident—a dangerous shift that the U.S. could help to avert.”
President Obama is said to be considering adopting a “no first use” pledge, but he has come up against stiff opposition from his military and the Republicans. “I would be concerned about such a policy,” says U.S. Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James. “Having a certain degree of ambiguity is not necessarily a bad thing.”
But given the possibility of accidents—or panic by military commanders—“ambiguity” increases the risk that someone could misinterpret an action. Once a nuclear exchange begins it may be impossible to stop, particularly knowing that the U.S. “counterforce” strategy targets an opponent’s missiles. “Use them, or lose them” is an old saying among nuclear warriors.
In any case, the standard response to an anti-missile system is to build more launchers and warheads, something the world does not need more of.
While China has legitimate security concerns, the way it has pursued them has won it few friends in the region. Beijing has bullied Vietnam in the Paracel islands, pushed the Philippines around in the Spratly islands, and pretty much alienated everyone in the region except its close allies in North Korea, Laos and Cambodia. China’s claims—its so-called “nine dash line”—covers most the South China Sea, an area through which some $5 trillion in trades passes each year. It is also an area rich in minerals and fishing resources.
China’s ham-fisted approach has given the U.S. an opportunity to inject itself into the dispute as a “defender” of small countries with their own claims on reefs, islands and shoals. The U.S. has stepped up air and sea patrols in the region, which at times has seen Chinese and American and Japanese warships bow to bow and their warplanes wing tip to wing tip.
The recent decision by the Permanent Court of Arbitration at The Hague that China has no exclusive claim on the South China Sea has temporarily increased tensions, although it has the potential to resolve some of the ongoing disputes without continuing the current saber rattling.
China is a signatory to the 1982 Law of the Sea Treaty, as are other countries bordering the South China Sea (the U.S. Senate refuses to ratify the Treaty). China has never tried to interfere with the huge volume of commerce that traverses the region, a trade that, in any case, greatly benefits the Chinese. Beijing’s major concern is defense of its long coastline.
If the countries in the region would rely on the Law of the Sea to resolve disputes, it would probably work out well for everyone concerned. The Chinese would have to back off from their “nine dash line” claims in the South China Sea, but they would likely end up in control of the Senkakus/Diaoyu islands in the East China Sea.
But to cool the current tensions Washington would also have to ratchet down its military buildup in Asia. That will be difficult for the Americans to accept. Since the end of WW II, the U.S. has been the big dog on the block in the western Pacific, but that is coming to an end. According to the International Monetary Fund, China surpassed the U.S. economy in 2014 to become the world’s largest. Of the four largest economies on the globe, three are in Asia: China, Japan and India.
Simple demographics are shifting the balance of economic and political power from Europe and the U.S. to Asia. By 2015, more than 66 percent of the world’s population will reside in Asia. In contrast, the U.S. makes up 5 percent and the European Union 7 percent. By 2050, the world’s “pin code” will be 1125: one billion people in Europe, one billion in the Americas, two billion in Africa, and five billion in Asia. Even the CIA predicts, “The era of American ascendancy in international politics that began in 1945—is fast winding down.”
The U.S. can resist that inevitability, but only by relying on its overwhelming military power and constructing an alliance system reminiscent of the Cold War. That should give pause to all concerned. The world was fortunate to emerge from that dark period without a nuclear war, but relying on luck is a dangerous strategy.
Conn Hallinan can be read at dispatchesfromtheedgeblog.wordpress.com and middleempireseries.wordpress.com | http://berkeleydailyplanet.com/issue/2016-08-19/article/44788?headline=DISPATCHES-FROM-THE-EDGE-Dangerous-Seas-China-The-U.S. | en | 2016-08-19T00:00:00 | berkeleydailyplanet.com/34888f009ae997f06f7f7052dfd9c0ddff0e1d32e76805cea98f2c0bd483fee4.json |
[
"Berkeley Daily Planet",
"Berkeley California"
] | 2016-08-26T12:51:02 | null | 2016-08-19T00:00:00 | The East Bay's Non-commercial Voice | http%3A%2F%2Fberkeleydailyplanet.com%2Fissue%2F2016-08-19%2Farticle%2F44799%3Fheadline%3DHAVE-YOUR-VOICE-HEARD-Council-Special-Meeting-re-MINIMUM-WAGE-Tomorrow-Friday-Aug-26-11-30am-Old-City-Hall-2134-MLK-Jr.-Way..json | http://berkeleydailyplanet.com/issue/2016-08-19/article/44799?headline=HAVE-YOUR-VOICE-HEARD-Council-Special-Meeting-re-MINIMUM-WAGE-Tomorrow-Friday-Aug-26-11-30am-Old-City-Hall-2134-MLK-Jr.-Way. | en | null | Extra from The Berkeley Daily Planet | null | null | berkeleydailyplanet.com | The Berkeley City Council has called a Special Meeting for tomorrow morning, to revisit the Berkeley Minimum Wage. The meeting will be held at 11:30am in Council Chambers on the 2nd Floor of Old City Hall at 2134 MLK Jr. Way.
On June 14 Berkeley City Council put on the ballot a measure (Measure BB) that would increase the minimum wage to $15 by 2019, double paid sick leave from 24 to 48 hours per year, provide for a health care credit, and provide a youth training exemption.
A citizen led measure (Measure CC) also on the ballot, would raise the minimum wage to $15 in 2017, and CPI plus 3% up to the City Living Wage (approximately $20/hr. in 2023). This measure has no health care credit, and no youth training exemption.
A new ordinance being considered by Council at the special meeting tomorrow would: raise the minimum wage to $15 in 2018, raise paid sick leave to 72 hours for employers of 25 or more persons, and eliminate the health care credit, and phase out a youth training exemption by 2020.
Currently the Berkeley minimum wage is $11/hour and is scheduled to increase to $12.53/hour on Oct 1 of this year.
Please show up or email council at council@cityofberkeley.info ASAP regarding your thoughts about this revised measure.
From City of Berkeley's website:
Adoption of revised Minimum Wage Ordinance Chapter 13.99 and new Paid Sick Leave Ordinance Chapter 13.100
Recommendation:
1. Adopt first reading of an Ordinance repealing the existing Minimum Wage Ordinance and adopting a revised Minimum Wage Ordinance Chapter 13.99.
2. Adopt first reading of an Ordinance adopting a new Paid Sick Leave Ordinance Chapter 13.100.
3. Instruct staff to attempt to withdraw and replace ballot argument for Measure BB (Minimum Wage Ordinance) urging voters to reject existing Minimum Wage measures.
Financial Implications: See report | http://berkeleydailyplanet.com/issue/2016-08-19/article/44799?headline=HAVE-YOUR-VOICE-HEARD-Council-Special-Meeting-re-MINIMUM-WAGE-Tomorrow-Friday-Aug-26-11-30am-Old-City-Hall-2134-MLK-Jr.-Way. | en | 2016-08-19T00:00:00 | berkeleydailyplanet.com/e6fd8150b8ffa7781853f4ecd2900f2fd4c1c932f6d7e7d14296fae4190b7e87.json |
[
"Berkeley Daily Planet",
"Berkeley California"
] | 2016-08-26T20:51:27 | null | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | The East Bay's Non-commercial Voice | http%3A%2F%2Fberkeleydailyplanet.com%2Fissue%2F2016-08-26%2Farticle%2F44803%3Fheadline%3DWho-knew-Marty-Nemko-s-Odd-Man-Out-reveals-entertains-and-moves-.json | http://berkeleydailyplanet.com/issue/2016-08-26/article/44803?headline=Who-knew-Marty-Nemko-s-Odd-Man-Out-reveals-entertains-and-moves- | en | null | Who knew? Marty Nemko’s “Odd Man Out” reveals, entertains, and moves! | null | null | berkeleydailyplanet.com | When I was in graduate school, our professor Mel Shapiro—who was a two time Tony winner-- wrote an important book on Acting. The first exercise was to tell your life story in ten minutes. But you couldn’t just talk about it. You had to act it out, use props, add whatever you like.
Marty Nemko is an important figure in the Bay Area. The San Francisco Bay Guardian named Nemko "The Bay Area's Best Career Coach." He has been a frequent guest on CNN, ABC, PBS, and NPR and has appeared on the Today Show (twice), CBS's Early Show, Oprah and Friends, and NPR's Talk of the Nation (twice.), ABC-TV's 20-20, and the New York Times and Wall Street Journal described him as "job coach extraordinaire.” You can hear his New York accent and expertise on KGO and KALW in his weekly show “Work with Marty Nemko.”
He and I have collaborated on a couple of projects. He is a piano player “extraordinare” also.
He plays (by ear) with 7 fingers since a rare (but painless) disease has disabled three digits.
The intersection of these tidbits connect in his show, “Odd Man Out,” in which he tells—and enacts—for his audience his story, interspersed with his playing—and accompanying Dani Bee, an extraordinary singer and Bay Area Theatre Critics perennial award-winner.
I drove to Napa to see it in the Lucky Penny theatre, a charming black box theatre in an office park.
The house was packed.
Sometimes one’s persona does not match the background. Woody Allen was the president of his high school, the first one to be picked for stick ball, and earning $500 a month writing jokes while he was still in high school. Unlike his neurotic, mewling, Jewish/NYC mask.
Marty stands that on its head. As prolific as Woody in his own field, Marty is a serious counselor, first class interviewer, and outgoing hail-fellow-well-met. But his background in Queens was torturous as the ultimate wimp who refused to do anything except that which he wanted. The teachers nearly failed him. What a laugh on them when he got a Ph. D. from UCB.
Acting along with him is his actress wife Barbara who doubles as Superintendent of Schools for Napa County.
It is an evening of laughs, jaw-dropping personal history and charming music.
At the final curtain, he got a standing ovation from a tearful, joyful audience.
Go see it.
“Eventbrite” is producing it at San Francisco Public Library on Saturday, September 17, 2016 from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
AND…if you want a charming weekend evening, drive up to Napa, and instead of ingesting all world-class comestibles and getting tipsy on the vintage (since that is precursor to snoozing) and go see a show at the Lucky Penny. Better yet, stay over at a B&B so you can indulge the next day! Lucky Penny’s season line-up includes The Miracle Worker, I Wanna Be Bad, Big River, A Little Night Music, Maple and Vine, and more in the eight production season.
The Lucky Penny Community Arts Center is located at 1758 Industrial Way, with the main entry at Suite 208. Tickets and info at http://www.luckypennynapa.com/ or call 707-266-6305 | http://berkeleydailyplanet.com/issue/2016-08-26/article/44803?headline=Who-knew-Marty-Nemko-s-Odd-Man-Out-reveals-entertains-and-moves- | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | berkeleydailyplanet.com/7733d47c9e4f4aab4e57454d161c8fa1f6513746bcdd49c1c2703b0e09bdf88e.json |
[
"Berkeley Daily Planet",
"Berkeley California"
] | 2016-08-26T20:50:26 | null | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | The East Bay's Non-commercial Voice | http%3A%2F%2Fberkeleydailyplanet.com%2Fissue%2F2016-08-26%2Farticle%2F44808%3Fheadline%3DCan-we-regain-our-reputation-as-decent-Americans-.json | http://berkeleydailyplanet.com/issue/2016-08-26/article/44808?headline=Can-we-regain-our-reputation-as-decent-Americans- | en | null | Can we regain our reputation as decent Americans? | null | null | berkeleydailyplanet.com | Can we accord priority to the most important issue? It seems we don’t give sufficient importance to values-orientated education. By ‘education’ I don’t mean the acquisition of book knowledge or perfection in sports. I mean awareness of our responsibilities towards other human beings as I was shocked to learn about how some American athletes behaved in Rio. Winning a gold medal should not entitle an athlete to behave badly. I wish our team had the character to act responsibly while they were guests. Can we regain our reputation as decent Americans?
We should emphasize character-building education from early schooling on. We should encourage the practice of thinking well of others. As teachers, we should dwell on the positive in our students, and encourage them as students to recognize the positive in one another.
We all are connected to other human beings. Our behavior must express how much we owe for our survival and privilege to the human web. | http://berkeleydailyplanet.com/issue/2016-08-26/article/44808?headline=Can-we-regain-our-reputation-as-decent-Americans- | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | berkeleydailyplanet.com/5d5636ddb8d5481d4fc4600976bdc3e0a0ee2f17b957631602525e0fa339ca3e.json |
[
"Berkeley Daily Planet",
"Berkeley California"
] | 2016-08-26T12:49:27 | null | 2016-08-19T00:00:00 | The East Bay's Non-commercial Voice | http%3A%2F%2Fberkeleydailyplanet.com%2Fissue%2F2016-08-19%2Farticle%2F44789%3Fheadline%3DThe-Keystone-Cops-are-running-the-Berkeley-City-Council.-So-what-else-is-new-.json | http://berkeleydailyplanet.com/issue/2016-08-19/article/44789?headline=The-Keystone-Cops-are-running-the-Berkeley-City-Council.-So-what-else-is-new- | en | null | The Keystone Cops are running the Berkeley City Council. (So what else is new?) | null | null | berkeleydailyplanet.com | Rule #1 for reporting on politics, especially Berkeley politics: Never attribute to conspiracy what incompetence will also explain.
That said, the trail of conspiracy/incompetence which led to Councilmember Laurie Capitelli’s aborted City Council meeting a couple of weeks ago was remarkable, even for Berkeley. I’ve spent the last week asking around, getting lots of answers, only some for attribution on the record, and my conclusion is (drumroll): What happened was just what appeared to happen.
A colossal screw-up, maybe intentional, maybe not.
Short form summary:
Councilmember and mayoral candidate Laurie Capitelli reneged on a meeting he’d called himself, with the only public notice that he was to be a no-show provided “at the midnight hour” (an hour before the announced start time) not by the city staff, but by the Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Berkeley Association via emails to their members.Evidently those who pay the piper (i.e. actual or potential corporate donors to Capitelli’s campaign fund) called the tune. It’s more, I think, on the conspiracy side of the calculus, but at best it was inexcusably sloppy, a waste of time(=money) for the city staff who had to prepare for the meeting, open the council chambers, etc.
Long form explanation:
Capitelli engaged in a series of negotiations with SEIU, the public employees’ union, brokered by attorney Andy Katz, who’s run for a variety of local offices both public and organizational, and is now serving in several of them. The goal was to reach consensus on what kind of council resolution was needed to improve Berkeley’s minimum wage and sick leave regulations. As things now stand, there are competing ordinance initiatives for these topics on the November ballot, both likely to be defeated because when voters have too many alternatives they just vote no on everything.
Katz issued a press release saying that there had been a meeting of the minds, appropriate language soon to be submitted to the Berkeley City Council for ratification.
A “Proclamation” calling a special meeting of the council for Thursday, August 11, 2016,
6:00 P.M was submitted, with signatures of convenors affixed as follows:
s/Jesse Arreguin, Councilmember, District 4
s/Laurie Capitelli, Councilmember, District 5
s/Lori Droste, Councilmember, District 8
s/Darryl Moore, Councilmember, District 2
s/Kriss Worthington, Councilmember, District 7
And then, when the appointed time arrived, Arreguin, Worthington and Moore were in place on the dais in the council chambers in the Maudelle Shirek Old City Hall, but (without a word of warning to their colleagues) Droste and and Capitelli were no-shows, so the meeting lacked a five-member quorum.
Vice-Mayor Maio was in Europe. Mayor Tom Bates was “unavailable” at an undisclosed location. Susan Wengraf pleaded family obligations, though rumored to have been available if needed.
Retiring District 3 Councilmember Max Anderson, however, was definitely on call at home, ready to come in to make a quorum if needed despite persistent back pain.
There’s some sort of murky narrative about the timing of the release of the proposed language as it relates to Berkeley’s four-month-old Open Government Ordinance (OGO) which I’m not even going to bother to track for you. I talked to the city attorney who finalized the draft, and even he wasn’t willing to guess what the problem might have been.
In any event, the escape clause would have been that if six councilmembers had managed to arrive, they could have waived whatever requirement might exist in the OGO and gone on with the meeting. (Moore + Arreguin + Worthington + Anderson + Droste + Capitelli=6).
Another version of the story is that Capitelli possessed the draft language in time to meet the deadline for publication for a five-member quorum, but held it back in order to torpedo the meeting when he changed his mind about supporting it. Choose your poison pill.
In any event, the two draft ordinances (one re minimum wage , the other re paid sick leave ) in motion were finally placed in limited release by Capitelli just yesterday.
Berkeley increasingly seems to be governed by the Keystone Cops. Mr. Capitelli has been on the Berkeley City Council since before the creation of the universe, and yet he orchestrated this farcical performance and hasn’t even apologized for it.
And, no, I haven’t even bothered to ask him what he thought he was doing, because the sequence between the Downtown Business (error intended) Association’s CEO John Caner’s whiny first press release and Capitelli's abortion of the council meeting with notice only to his patrons in the corporate sector is obvious. He didn’t even tell Andy Katz that he would miss the meeting, it seems.
As we used to say in law school, res ipsa loquitur (the thing speaks for itself).
Oh those wicked politicians, they’re all the same, one is tempted to say. But this case provides an unusually clearcut example of which councilmembers are trustworthy and which are not, and also, which two mayoral candidates operate in good faith and which one doesn’t. (Since Droste, not up for re-election for couple of years, was also a no-show, it seems to indicate that she’s marching to Capitelli’s drummer, but there’s no way to prove it.)
Meanwhile, the reigning council majority members (Capitelli, Bates, Maio, Wengraf, Moore, Droste) have blithely embarked on their lengthy summer vacation without dealing with the other two of the most pressing issues now facing Berkeley.
One of them, just today, seems to have resolved itself without Berkeley’s input: Jerry Brown’s attempt to impose pro-developer by-right zoning on cities like ours in return for a trivial amount of funding for affordable housing. A coalition of labor, environmental and housing activists from all over the state seems to have persuaded legislative Democrats to turn him down on what would be a very bad deal for us.
But Berkeley has still not dealt with the very serious grievances articulated by citizens involved in Black Lives Matter advocacy. The most recent outrage on this front was the way some mid-level city bureaucrats, fronted by an assistant city manager and a press guy and backed up by a phalanx of uniformed police officers, denied entry to the city administration building during business hours to a committee of eight activists who had scheduled a meeting with a councilmember, simply because of an unsubstantiated rumor that they were planning a sit-in.
If the activists had actually overstayed their welcome by sitting in somewhere, then a foolish city administrator might have tried charging them with trespass, but keeping them out of a public building before they’d even done anything was patently illegal. They said they came to talk, and that request should have been honored.
The constitution of the US&A, the same one that Mr. Khan carries a copy of, has been interpreted by the courts as forbidding pre-censorship of speech, including symbolic speech, on the basis of content. And what about the right to petition the government for a redress of grievances? This just in: No Prior Restraint.
. It appears that the City Manager wasn’t even consulted before the doors were barred. The Mayor and Vice-Mayor were Unavailable, as usual. Who’s in charge, anyway?
Here’s a radical idea: if it was possible to call a special city meeting at the behest of labor activists to deal with wage issues, even if Capitelli bailed at the last minute, how about trying again for a properly noticed special meeting about all three major items of unfinished business left on the table when the council took off? Perhaps five councilmembers would sign off on that.
This time, however, it might be a good idea to ask the Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Association for permission beforehand, since they appear to be running Berkeley these days….
I’ll say it again: it’s time for a change. We don’t need any more of this stuff, whether it’s conspiracy or incompetence. The election’s in November: precinct walking in progress this weekend and beyond.
Background reading
Here's the full set of links. Read them and weep. In reverse order of occurrence, roughly. Betrayal at the Berkeley City Council (Public Comment) Harry Brill 08-11-2016 Flash: No Special Berkeley City Council Meeting Tonight Re Minimum Wage John Caner, CEO Downtown Berkeley Assn. 08-11-2016 Flash: Whole Lotta Shakin' at a special City Council Meeting tonight? Becky O'Malley 08-11-2016 City of Berkeley News: City Council Special Meeting, Thursday August 11 at 6:00PM Councilmember Kriss Worthington 08-11-2016 Press Release: Berkeley City Council to hold special meeting on raising minimum wage Stefan Elgstrand, Office of Councilmember Jesse Arreguin 08-11-2016 Press Release: HAVE YOUR VOICE HEARD: Council Special Meeting re MINIMUM WAGE, Tomorrow, Thurs, Aug 11, 6pm, Old City Hall, 2134 MLK Jr. Way. John Caner, C.E.O. Downtown Berkeley Association 08-11-2016 Press Release: Agreement Reached on Berkeley Minimum Wage
Attorney Andy Katz led negotiations for Special City Council vote Thursday Andy Katz, andy@andykatzlaw.com 08-11-2016 Press Release: PROCLAMATION CALLING A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE BERKELEY CITY COUNCIL From Leslie D. Harris, City of Berkeley City Clerk Department 08-11-2016 | http://berkeleydailyplanet.com/issue/2016-08-19/article/44789?headline=The-Keystone-Cops-are-running-the-Berkeley-City-Council.-So-what-else-is-new- | en | 2016-08-19T00:00:00 | berkeleydailyplanet.com/561eb237b12e99d3093808a2e68d6640faf09c1c5c9cda247dc3f2bb12460519.json |
[
"Berkeley Daily Planet",
"Berkeley California"
] | 2016-08-26T20:48:04 | null | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | The East Bay's Non-commercial Voice | http%3A%2F%2Fberkeleydailyplanet.com%2Fissue%2F2016-08-26%2Farticle%2F44802%3Fheadline%3DON-MENTAL-ILLNESS-More-Rehashing-of-Employment.json | http://berkeleydailyplanet.com/issue/2016-08-26/article/44802?headline=ON-MENTAL-ILLNESS-More-Rehashing-of-Employment | en | null | ON MENTAL ILLNESS: More Rehashing of Employment | null | null | berkeleydailyplanet.com | If you have a life-changing psychiatric illness, the expectation that you can't work a job can be bad for you, yet so can the expectation that you can. Either way, you are dealing with some type of expectation that affects how you perceive yourself. Expectations or judgments that we can or can't work could come from family, from mental health workers or from oneself.
If mental health practitioners and others tell you that you cannot work, this detracts from work attempts, and it may "program" you to be unemployable. Other people's judgments may affect our level of confidence. We might not even try to get a job, and our outlook, as a result, could become a lot less hopeful. In our culture, the bulk of a person's supposed worth is based on their job.
On the other hand, if you work in unskilled positions, it won't bring much respect. People might be valued more if they are an unemployed "professional", who is "between jobs" as opposed to someone who works in a car wash, a job many people would believe to be worthless. (It isn't worthless.)
Some mental health practitioners told me I couldn't work. Yet, for a number of years I did do fairly well at some of the jobs I obtained. Later on, it is possible that my illness got worse and/or that the medication I was on (and still am) took a toll. I experienced a number of employment fiascos.
I also tried self-employment. At times, I was moderately successful at that. By twenty-five, I was looking at throwing in the towel, at least for the time being. I needed income, and I conceded that the job situations weren't working out. So, I obtained SSDI and SSI.
The admission that I needed Social Security to live on was both good and bad. The good part was that I had income, and I didn't have to work to survive. I was, and continue to be, grateful for that. Yet, it came with a number of drawbacks.
Trying to meet a self-imposed or externally imposed "work ethic" can be as bad as wanting to work and being told you can't. Some psychiatric medications do a lot to hinder one's energy level; and this may prevent keeping up a competitive pace of work. Yet, without medication, we could have uncontrolled symptoms, and this will prevent functioning in a job, much more so.
People of my age are starting to become grandparents and are starting to think about retirement in the not too distant future. People are enjoying the fruits of decades of work, may have income from investments, and may be enjoying many of the good things life has to offer at this age. It hurts to be deprived of that. If I'd had a chance to do it over again, maybe things would have turned out better. Then again, when I was younger, I lacked the basic clarity that most people probably take for granted.
(However, it might be unfair to compare myself to those who do not have a disability. For someone with my condition, my outcome is probably as good as can be expected. Probably, many people who knew me twenty or thirty years ago, would be surprised that I am even alive and not incarcerated or institutionalized.)
For most people with a psychiatric illness, there is a lot of emotional baggage in the area of work. This affects our ability to become employed and maintain employment. Not all of it comes from ourselves.
I haven't tried to do conventional employment in the past fifteen years. It is not a "fit" for me. I do not feel able to punch a time card every morning, try to keep up with an expected work pace, and even fit in interpersonally, among coworkers. Perhaps the most daunting part of this is that I would be expected to adapt to a very different environment. I no longer feel very adaptable. If I did do employment, it would have to be self-employment, possibly an eBay business.
I have decided to only pursue writing as my career, even with the knowledge that most published authors are unable to make a living at it. I'm doing better as a writer than I did at technical positions and unskilled positions.
I know of someone who has run a small business doing physical work, and that person, due to health problems, is not able to continue. Psych meds can do a lot to limit a person. Furthermore, the health problems triggered by psych meds can make someone physically disabled--in some instances before reaching thirty.
If wanting to work, it is important to have a support system, preferably one unrelated to the mental health treatment system. I was given emotional support by individuals in the mental health treatment system during several jobs I held. When I got closer to becoming substantially successful, the rug was pulled out from under me--the programs were terminated.
However, receiving support and encouragement from others is important. The best way to obtain the emotional support needed in order to stay in a job, is from supervisors and coworkers at that job. When you have that, going to work becomes a good thing as much as it is a difficult thing.
Our self-worth ought not to be dependent on work. Self-worth consists in large part of the thoughts we generate that we use to describe ourselves. If we find we are getting too many "self-trashing" thoughts, perhaps we could just find ways to stop those thoughts. Doing that is an easier approach than trying to make our lives match improbable expectations.
If you are upset about where you are or aren't in life, you could mentally shift away from the big picture and focus on what you are doing in the moment. The self-talk on the issue of valuing ourselves or not valuing ourselves can be stopped, and we can get some enjoyment from what is happening today. | http://berkeleydailyplanet.com/issue/2016-08-26/article/44802?headline=ON-MENTAL-ILLNESS-More-Rehashing-of-Employment | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | berkeleydailyplanet.com/5531b15055e534e584060fefaca4953ad59dc2df914a2b2cc56037df17412999.json |
[
"Berkeley Daily Planet",
"Berkeley California"
] | 2016-08-26T12:50:31 | null | 2016-08-19T00:00:00 | The East Bay's Non-commercial Voice | http%3A%2F%2Fberkeleydailyplanet.com%2Fissue%2F2016-08-19%2Farticle%2F44790%3Fheadline%3DSilk-Road-Ensemble-Plays-Berkeley-s-Greek-Theatre.json | http://berkeleydailyplanet.com/issue/2016-08-19/article/44790?headline=Silk-Road-Ensemble-Plays-Berkeley-s-Greek-Theatre | en | null | Silk Road Ensemble Plays Berkeley’s Greek Theatre | null | null | berkeleydailyplanet.com | Founded in 1998 by cellist Yo-Yo Ma, the Silk Road promotes cross-cultural music performance and international collaboration. On Thursday evening, August 18, the Silk Road Ensemble performed an inspiring concert of world music at Berkeley’s Greek Theatre. Performing with the Silk Road Ensemble, Yo-Yo was admirably self-effacing in this concert, as he allowed the group and its individual members to enjoy the spotlight. Yo-Yo Ma’s famed abilities as a cello soloist were only featured in one number in this concert, a Finnish folksong for piano and cello by Michio Mamiya, in which Yo-Yo Ma was accompanied on piano by Spanish artist Cristina Pato. Ms. Pato was also featured in the concert’s opening number, this time on Galician bagpipes. In this opening work, a Fanfare for Gaita and Suona, Cristina Pato was paired with Chinese pipist Wu Man; and the two musicians serenaded each other and the audience from opposite sides of the Greek Theatre’s stage, occasionally coming together at center stage only to retreat once again to the sides. This opener was exhilarating and exciting, and it foreshadowed the wonderful music to come.
Next came a Tuareg song from Mali in West Africa. Although the Silk Road Ensemble includes no African or African-American musicians, they played this Tuareg song with appropriate attention to its rhythms, which are derived from the movements of textile dyers working in indigo pits. Following this piece came a very popular Irish fiddle tune, O’Neill’s Cavalry March, featuring Colin Jacobson on violin. Next came a piece composed by Wu Man, who first heard the melody hummed by his four year-old son. Wu Man turned the tune into a composition entitled Green. Although it starts out softly, Green builds and builds into a very loud – indeed too loud –finale, which rivals in cacaphonous volume many a heavy metal finale. Following this piece came a duet from Syrian clarinetist Kinan Azmeh and bassist Jeffrey Beecher. Entitled Syrian Improvisations, this was an atmospheric, moody piece of great poignancy. After the aforementioned Finnish folksong played by Yo-Yo Ma on cello and Cristina Pato on piano came a duet with Wu Man on pipes accompanied by a Chinese female artist Wu Tong, who played a traditional Chinese equivalent of a guitar.
By far the longest and most complex work on this concert’s program was Atashgah, composed by Silk Road Ensemble violinist Colin Jacobson, who took his inspiration for this piece from an ancient Zoroastrian fire temple he saw while visiting his colleague Kayhan Kalhor in the latter’s native Iran. Kalhor himself was featured prominently in this beautiful work on kamencheh, a spiked violin from Persia. Incidentally, one novelty in this piece was a cello played standing up by Mike Block, something I had never seen before. Next came a piece featuring Sandeep Das on tabla and Wu Man on pipes. Entitled If you shall return, this piece was inspired by boatsmen’s songs heard by Sandeep Das on India’s Brahmaputra River as well as by boatsmen’s songs heard by Kojiro Umezaki on China’s Yangtse River. Following this work was an arrangement by William Arms Fisher of Antonín Dvorák’s Going Home. Featured on vocals in this piece was Wu Man, whose ringing tenor voice sang in Mandarin and English. Closing out the first half of the concert was an arrangement by Silk Road percussionist Shane Shanahan of Billy Strayhorn’s famous jazz tune Take the “A” Train.
After intermission, Silk Road Ensemble returned to play Cut the Rug, composed for the group by David Bruce, who took his inspiration from the tribal rugs woven in Central Asia and Turkey as well as from gypsy music and flamenco. Next came an arrangement by Ensemble member Colin Jacobson of Paco de Lucia’s influential Zyryab, a piece celebrating the 9th-century Kurdish poet Ziryab, who worked at the court of the Umayyad Caliphate in Cordoba, Spain, where he introduced the Persian lute and thus became a sort of godfather to the Spanish guitar and flamenco. Wu Tong was featured in this piece on the Chinese equivalent of a guitar. The final work on this concert’s printed program was Wedding, a composition by clarinetist Kinan Azmeh, who set out to capture the musical atmosphere of a Syrian village wedding. As part of this long work there was a thrilling bit of wordless vocalise in Arabic musical style sung by Wu Man. Silk Road Ensemble then went on to play two lively encores. Many of the pieces performed in this concert can be heard on the group’s latest CD, Sing Me Home. | http://berkeleydailyplanet.com/issue/2016-08-19/article/44790?headline=Silk-Road-Ensemble-Plays-Berkeley-s-Greek-Theatre | en | 2016-08-19T00:00:00 | berkeleydailyplanet.com/9844b51b4c6ed40ad147a650ff3a7cf02bea183af1baf5237b2bcf37275367a0.json |
[
"Berkeley Daily Planet",
"Berkeley California"
] | 2016-08-26T12:53:37 | null | 2016-08-19T00:00:00 | The East Bay's Non-commercial Voice | http%3A%2F%2Fberkeleydailyplanet.com%2Fissue%2F2016-08-19%2Farticle%2F44801%3Fheadline%3DBerkeley-City-Council-to-consider-compromise-on-minimum-wage-once-again-tomorrow-at-another-special-meeting-.json | http://berkeleydailyplanet.com/issue/2016-08-19/article/44801?headline=Berkeley-City-Council-to-consider-compromise-on-minimum-wage-once-again-tomorrow-at-another-special-meeting- | en | null | Extra from The Berkeley Daily Planet | null | null | berkeleydailyplanet.com | Flash: Berkeley City Council to consider compromise on minimum wage once again tomorrow at another special meeting
The Berkeley City Council will vote at a surprise meeting on Friday morning on a new ordinance that would raise the city's minimum wage to $15 in two years. Previously, a mayoral candidate and councilmember, realtor Laurie Capitelli, orchestrated a supposed compromise with the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), but then failed to show up for a special council meeting he himself had called.
The latest special meeting during the council's summer recess was only announced this morning. The proposed ordinance, which would raise Berkeley's minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2018, is intended to stave off confusion from dueling measures on the November ballot.
According to city documents, the ordinance up for vote Friday is a compromise between proponents of the two measures. If passed, the city would urge voters to reject both measures.
Berkeley's minimum wage is set to go to $12.53 on Oct. 1, still below the minimum wage in neighboring cities of Emeryville and Oakland.
If the proposed ordinance is passed on Friday, Berkeley's minimum wage would rise to $13.75 on Oct. 1, 2017, and then to $15 on Oct. 1, 2018. It would go up according to the consumer price index after that.
Voters will still be faced with a choice on competing ballot measures to raise the minimum wage this November. If the compromise is passed, the City Council will recommend that voters reject both measures, one previously recommended by the city that wouldn't raise the minimum wage to $15 until 2019 and another that would raise it aggressively to $15 next year.
The ballot measures have divided the City Council. Council members Max Anderson, Jesse Arreguin and Kriss Worthington along with labor leaders have supported the more aggressive Measure CC while Mayor Tom Bates and the Berkeley Chamber of Commerce support the competing Measure BB.
Aware that Berkeley is falling behind other area cities, the City Council has been considering raising the minimum wage since it passed its last series of hikes in 2014. The council considered an aggressive plan at a meeting last year that would have raised it to $19 in 2020 but after hours of public discussion the meeting ended without an agreement.
Each time the council discusses the issue, labor advocates clash with business owners, who claim that sudden, drastic increases in the minimum wage are untenable.
Meanwhile, Oakland, Emeryville and San Francisco have passed faster schedules to raise the minimum wage. Oakland's is currently $12.55 and set for an increase based on the consumer price index on Jan. 1, Emeryville's is $13 an hour for businesses with 55 or fewer employees and $14.82 for businesses with more, and San Francisco's is set to rise to $15 in 2018.
In March, Gov. Jerry Brown announced a deal that would bring the statewide minimum wage to $15 by 2022. | http://berkeleydailyplanet.com/issue/2016-08-19/article/44801?headline=Berkeley-City-Council-to-consider-compromise-on-minimum-wage-once-again-tomorrow-at-another-special-meeting- | en | 2016-08-19T00:00:00 | berkeleydailyplanet.com/9e5bd9419ec0251a077f38ecac8d6186681a21ee292f586e45715941aaea6cc0.json |
[
"Berkeley Daily Planet",
"Berkeley California"
] | 2016-08-26T12:54:06 | null | 2016-08-19T00:00:00 | The East Bay's Non-commercial Voice | http%3A%2F%2Fberkeleydailyplanet.com%2Fissue%2F2016-08-19%2Farticle%2F44795%3Fheadline%3DPolice-seek-help-in-finding-UC-Berkeley-Library-vandals-thieves.json | http://berkeleydailyplanet.com/issue/2016-08-19/article/44795?headline=Police-seek-help-in-finding-UC-Berkeley-Library-vandals-thieves | en | null | Police seek help in finding UC Berkeley Library vandals, thieves | null | null | berkeleydailyplanet.com | Police are asking for help tracking down four suspects caught on video vandalizing and stealing from the University of California at Berkeley library in June.
Police on Tuesday released a surveillance video still of the four suspects. They are suspected of stealing and damaging property at the Doe Memorial Library on June 23.
The video was taken when the suspects went into the library at about 10:20 p.m., after it was closed.
Anyone who recognizes the four suspects has been asked to call Detective Brendan Tinney at (510) 642-3658 or btinney@berkeley.edu. | http://berkeleydailyplanet.com/issue/2016-08-19/article/44795?headline=Police-seek-help-in-finding-UC-Berkeley-Library-vandals-thieves | en | 2016-08-19T00:00:00 | berkeleydailyplanet.com/897b5fee095d60db1599fd9d31f10a539a07ac46f03cce50c1eab0a8a6cd4239.json |
[
"Berkeley Daily Planet",
"Berkeley California"
] | 2016-08-26T12:49:57 | null | 2016-08-19T00:00:00 | The East Bay's Non-commercial Voice | http%3A%2F%2Fberkeleydailyplanet.com%2Fissue%2F2016-08-19%2Farticle%2F44797%3Fheadline%3DSENIOR-POWER-Looking-back-ahead-.json | http://berkeleydailyplanet.com/issue/2016-08-19/article/44797?headline=SENIOR-POWER-Looking-back-ahead- | en | null | SENIOR POWER: Looking back ahead | null | null | berkeleydailyplanet.com | Women finally got a piece of the action in 1920. Passage of the 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution provided American women with full voting rights fifty years after all American men were enabled to vote. Sixteen other nations had already guaranteed women this right.
August 26th is designated as Women's Equality Day to commemorate this event. Women’s Equality Day is officially proclaimed in some locales. It was instituted by Congressional Representative Bella Abzug (1920-1998) when she was 60 years old. Women and girls have come a long way but there is still much work to be done to achieve true equity. Women’s Equality Day is not on the calendars of the Berkeley public library, the City of Berkeley, nor Berkeley senior centers.
What does this have to do with senior power, with old Americans? One might also ask whether old women vote. Voter turnout is the percentage of eligible voters who cast a ballot in an election. Just who is or is not eligible to vote varies by country. Some nations discriminate based on sex, race, and/or religion; age and citizenship are usually among the criteria. Low senior voter turnout has been attributed to a variety of factors, and it may be due to disenchantment, indifference, or contentment.
In 1995, then-First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton (1947- ) made international news in her speech at the Fourth World Conference on Women. She declared, "It’s time for us to say here in Beijing, for the world to hear, that it is no longer acceptable to discuss women's rights as separate from human rights."
Quingrong Ma (1943- ), Chinese women’s rights advocate and Nobel Peace Prize recipient believes that “The only way to solve the problem of women’s subordination is to change people’s mindset and to plant the new idea of gender equality into every mind.”
Mahnaz Afkhami (1941- ), Executive Director of the Foundation for Iranian Studies, and former Minister of State for Women's Affairs in Iran, sees “The connection between women’s human rights, gender equality, socioeconomic development and peace … increasingly apparent.”
The Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), an international treaty adopted in 1979 by the United Nations General Assembly, has not been ratified by the U.S. A coalition of 100+ organizations signed a letter urging the U.S. Senate to ratify this treaty. President Obama endorses ratification, and has identified the Convention as a multilateral treaty priority. Opponents claim that the Civil rights Act of 1964 protects women from discrimination. It has been downgraded in a sense to a Committee.
xxxx
“Housing is a human right,” declared labor and senior-rights advocate Helen Corbin Lima (1917-2005). She was a resident of Strawberry Creek Lodge (SCL) senior housing. Strawberry Creek Lodge -- referred to locally as The Lodge or Strawberry -- was built in 1962 in Berkeley, California. Its purpose was affordable rental housing for lower to middle income senior citizens. Three adjoining buildings in a park-like setting provided 150 units—most were studios, some one-bedroom apartments, each with a bathroom and kitchenette. An elective, not-free evening meal was introduced when there no longer was a supermarket within walking distance.
Housing problems especially for low-income and disabled seniors in Berkeley were and are in the news. At SCL (1320 Addison) and Redwood Gardens (2951 Derby), for example. (December 19, 2014 Planet “Troubles in Berkeley's Redwood Gardens.”)
In 1991, when Lima moved into a tiny SCL studio, her only income was Social Security. She applied for Section 8 housing, and a whole new realm of political activity opened up for her. From then until her death, she was active in the fight for so-called affordable housing (which differs from low-income housing) and to save Section 8, which was threatened. Until her deteriorating health made it no longer possible, she was also actively involved in a SCL Tenants Association.
Section 8 refers to Section 8 of the Housing Act as repeatedly amended. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) manages Section 8 programs. It authorizes the payment of rental housing assistance to private landlords on behalf of millions of low-income households in the United States. The largest part of the Section is the Housing Choice Voucher program which pays a large portion of the rents and utilities of households.
Section 8 also authorizes a variety of "project-based" rental assistance programs, under which the owner reserves some or all of the units in a building for low-income tenants, in return for a federal government guarantee to make up the difference between the tenant's contribution and the rent in the owner's contract with the government.
In 1997 Lima founded Save Section 8, a nonprofit self-help, grass-roots effort in behalf of American seniors who need rent-subsidized apartments. No admission or membership fees were charged to attend meetings. Activities included picketing, petitions, meetings, newspaper publicity, publications, presence at California’s annual senior rally, counseling individuals and providing speakers. Income came from voluntary contributions.
Rent was and is charged for non-senior related events held in Berkeley senior centers rooms. Save Section 8 meetings in the large meeting room of the North Berkeley Senior Center were not always viewed by the City fathers as senior events. I corresponded with the City Manager’s office about this perception and Save Section 8 was finally able to hold monthly meetings without paying rent. Collecting contributions within the senior center towards Save Section 8 expenses was prohibited. Center Rules prohibit soliciting. Some gutsy seniors resorted to standing outside on the corner with tin cans, but this was discouraged.
Lima was responsible for the production of a video, Housing is a Human Right: Seniors and Section 8 (22 minutes, closed captioned). The Santa Clara City Library had it in its collection; the Berkeley Public Library did not. (It appears no longer to be in libraries, possibly attributable to public libraries discarding VHS’s in favor of DVD’s. I have a copy, and film director Anahita Forati may have copies.)
It was generally agreed that SCL buildings were in poor shape when, in August 2009, it received a 66.69 inspection score, which was 23.2% worse than the average HUD inspection score (100=best) for all Section 8.
By 2012, the Lodge was a not-for-profit complex governed by a Board of Trustees whose meetings were attended by a Tenants Association representative. SCL was managed by Church Homes of Northern California (CCH). Income was derived from residents’ rents and HUD subsidies under Section 8.
Most recently, Satellite Affordable Housing Associates – SAHA – “acquired SCL and is partnering with Strawberry Creek Lodge Foundation to refinance and remodel the Lodge including seismic and building upgrades. SAHA … also provides property management services, as well as … on-site service coordination.” [Internet]
xxxx
BOOK REVIEW: "Living past 100 will force us to rethink retirement," a review of The 100-Year Life: Living and Working in an Age of Longevity , by Lynda Gratton and Andrew Scott, reviewed by Justin Fox (Bloomberg News via Chicago [Illinois] Tribune, August 23, 2016).
TV REVIEW: “ Better Late Than Never sends (William) Shatner, (Henry) Winkler, (Terry) Bradshaw and (George) Foreman on adventure through Asia and tired old tropes," by Robert Lloyd (Los Angeles Times, August 23, 2016). NBC 10 PM Tuesday. | http://berkeleydailyplanet.com/issue/2016-08-19/article/44797?headline=SENIOR-POWER-Looking-back-ahead- | en | 2016-08-19T00:00:00 | berkeleydailyplanet.com/f1b38c2d69231dcf38d7a76a8ba7994e00694650745f67086c8859f0e858e779.json |
[
"Berkeley Daily Planet",
"Berkeley California"
] | 2016-08-27T18:47:27 | null | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | The East Bay's Non-commercial Voice | http%3A%2F%2Fberkeleydailyplanet.com%2Fissue%2F2016-08-26%2Farticle%2F44815%3Fheadline%3DBerkeley-POLICE-ADVISORY.json | http://berkeleydailyplanet.com/issue/2016-08-26/article/44815?headline=Berkeley-POLICE-ADVISORY | en | null | Extra from The Berkeley Daily Planet | null | null | berkeleydailyplanet.com | POLICE AND FIRE ACTIVITY IN AREA OF 6TH ST AND UNIVERSITY AVE. PLEASE AVOID THE AREA. | http://berkeleydailyplanet.com/issue/2016-08-26/article/44815?headline=Berkeley-POLICE-ADVISORY | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | berkeleydailyplanet.com/7d0d30c8b2f0a2085b88d0b9babe550b74c9b9789b748ae1a1238a58cbe07db6.json |
[
"Berkeley Daily Planet",
"Berkeley California"
] | 2016-08-26T20:49:46 | null | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | The East Bay's Non-commercial Voice | http%3A%2F%2Fberkeleydailyplanet.com%2Fissue%2F2016-08-26%2Farticle%2F44810%3Fheadline%3DECLECTIC-RANT-Devastating-Louisiana-Flooding.json | http://berkeleydailyplanet.com/issue/2016-08-26/article/44810?headline=ECLECTIC-RANT-Devastating-Louisiana-Flooding | en | null | ECLECTIC RANT: Devastating Louisiana Flooding | null | null | berkeleydailyplanet.com | By mid-morning on August 12, more than a foot of rain had fallen near Kentwood, Louisiana, in just a 12-hour stretch — a downpour with an estimated likelihood of just once every 500 years, and roughly three months’ worth of rainfall during a typical hurricane season. It’s the latest in a string of exceptionally rare rainstorms that are stretching the definition of “extreme” weather. It’s exactly the sort of rainstorm that’s occurring more frequently as the planet warms.
The rain fell for days, sometimes 3 inches or more in a single hour, as streets became rivers and rivers ate up entire neighborhoods in southeast Louisiana. Between Aug. 11 and Aug. 14, more than 20 inches of rain fell in and around East Baton Rouge, one of the hardest-hit parishes. And in some parishes in the region, as much as 2 feet of rain fell in 48 hours. Just west of Baton Rouge the town of Livingston, for example, received a total of 25.5 inches in the four days, according to weather service data. That would mean for the town with just over three square miles, over one billion gallons of water fell.
While it is a little like comparing apples and oranges, San Francisco's annual rainfall for all of 2015 was 23.26 inches.
After the floods recede, residents may have no choice but to leave. Thirteen people died in the flooding and more than 60,000 homes are estimated to be damaged by flooding and many are not insured. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has already paid out $127 million in assistance and more than 116,000 have registered with FEMA for support, including temporary shelter, rental assistance and emergency repairs.
Louisiana already has the fourth highest unemployment rate in the U.S. at 6.3%; it has lost 2,000 oil and gas drilling jobs in the last two years. If Louisiana loses population, this will mean loss of money spent on businesses and taxes. For example, the population of Louisiana slipped 6% in the year after hurricanes Katrina and Rita hit the area in 2005, and it took more than five years for the population to come back to pre-storm levels.
Rick Ramsey, mayor of Walker, Louisiana -- about 20 miles from Baton Rouge -- has threatened to sue the State of Louisiana and the federal government, saying they were the cause of the flooding. He blames the construction of Interstate 12 for the rising waters. Ramsey said he warned officials about the chance of flooding because of the road's construction. About 80 percent of homes were flooded in the area. Ramsey expects many insurance companies will want to join the potential lawsuit because they now face having to pay billions of dollars in claims.
Unless we take immediate action to reduce global warming, these impacts will continue to intensify, grow ever more costly and damaging, and increasingly affect the entire planet. | http://berkeleydailyplanet.com/issue/2016-08-26/article/44810?headline=ECLECTIC-RANT-Devastating-Louisiana-Flooding | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | berkeleydailyplanet.com/f0a462db7173b7fe250dc09ce1a9c2b9777ff2414b82fd1ef6d0c52d6768dafe.json |
[
"Berkeley Daily Planet",
"Berkeley California"
] | 2016-08-26T20:48:44 | null | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | The East Bay's Non-commercial Voice | http%3A%2F%2Fberkeleydailyplanet.com%2Fissue%2F2016-08-26%2Farticle%2F44812%3Fheadline%3DSelf-driving-Vehicle-Blues-3-4-time-written-on-Route-79-on-the-way-to-the-Augusta-Music-Heritage-Festival-.json | http://berkeleydailyplanet.com/issue/2016-08-26/article/44812?headline=Self-driving-Vehicle-Blues-3-4-time-written-on-Route-79-on-the-way-to-the-Augusta-Music-Heritage-Festival- | en | null | Self-driving Vehicle Blues (3/4 time,written on Route 79 on the way to the Augusta Music Heritage Festival) | null | null | berkeleydailyplanet.com | a self-driving car tried to take me
to a place I did not want to go
it kept going faster and faster
when I wanted to go really slow
that self-driving car was annoying
it just had a mind of its own
it wanted a clear destination my dear
and me I just want to go home
Chorus: I'll take me a self-shooting shotgun
and I wouldn't mind self-tying shoes
but the self-driving car
is going too far
got the self-driving vehicle blues
sometimes we're beyond understanding
sometimes we are lost now it's true
and sometimes we know we don't know where to go
even though we keep thinking we do
but I'm trying to steer clear of computers
I got one at home I can't stand
on the information highway I look
just like the road kill I am (chorus)
Bridge:
if you don't wanna drive you don't have to
you can hop yourself up on a bus
the only thing that will be different
is accepting you're just one of us
if you don't wanna drive you have choices
in a taxi you sit at your ease
if Aunt Sally's around she will sit herself down
at the wheel if you give her the keys
if a self-driving car has to get me
it can take me the day that I die
there won't be a lot of folks weeping
and nobody waving goodbye
when I cash it in it can take me
for the better my friend or the worse
on the day that I die they will be sending by
a beautiful self-driving hearse (chorus) | http://berkeleydailyplanet.com/issue/2016-08-26/article/44812?headline=Self-driving-Vehicle-Blues-3-4-time-written-on-Route-79-on-the-way-to-the-Augusta-Music-Heritage-Festival- | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | berkeleydailyplanet.com/f7d3663745ab800af062f67a6779cc0d9c19bc6b32faca6bd23d848fb293ae8f.json |
[
"Berkeley Daily Planet",
"Berkeley California"
] | 2016-08-26T20:47:44 | null | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | The East Bay's Non-commercial Voice | http%3A%2F%2Fberkeleydailyplanet.com%2Fissue%2F2016-08-26%2Farticle%2F44807%3Fheadline%3DA-milestone-anniversary-for-Berkeley-s-beloved-fountain.json | http://berkeleydailyplanet.com/issue/2016-08-26/article/44807?headline=A-milestone-anniversary-for-Berkeley-s-beloved-fountain | en | null | Features from The Berkeley Daily Planet | null | null | berkeleydailyplanet.com | On Sept. 15, 1996, thousands of people gathered at The Circle in Berkeley’s Northbrae neighborhood to celebrate a landmark occasion: the dedication of the restored Fountain at The Circle, the sparkling centerpiece of the city’s first public art project.
Designed by famed architect John Galen Howard and erected in 1911, the original fountain had been gone from The Circle for nearly 40 years, after being struck and destroyed by a runaway truck in 1958. Meanwhile, Howard’s adjacent Fountain Walk had become overgrown and fallen into serious disrepair.
This month, the fountain celebrates another landmark: its 20th birthday – a milestone reached thanks in large part to neighbors and friends near and far who have donated generously to keep it smoothly functioning and flowing over the years.
Those donations have supported the work of Friends of the Fountain and Walk (FOFW), the small, all-volunteer neighborhood nonprofit that was created in the early 1990s to bring the fountain and Fountain Walk back to life.
Now, 20 years on, FOFW is, like these historic treasures, still an everyday presence in the Northbrae neighborhood, working diligently in partnership with the City of Berkeley to keep these beloved landmarks operating and preserved for future generations.
With the help of volunteers and the support of tax-deductible donations, FOFW has been able to make numerous improvements to the fountain and walk over the years, most recently overhauling the aging pump system that powers the fountain.
Other projects have included restoring crumbling elements of the classical balustrade surrounding The Circle and along Fountain Walk; replanting lower Fountain Walk; resurfacing the fountain’s main pool; adding cast-stone benches around The Circle; and making 3-D images of all the elements of the fountain structure in order to easily replace any that might become damaged or worn.
Volunteer work parties, meanwhile, are held the first Saturday of every month to do cleanup and regular maintenance on The Circle and walk, while another crew of volunteers regularly inspects and maintains the fountain works. During the winter holiday season, volunteers add lights around the fountain and place wreaths on the bears.
For years, all these efforts have been led by two neighbors: Sara and Harvard Holmes. They helped shape the role of FOFW as a true partner with the City of Berkeley – making it the first community organization of its kind in the city. Whether raising funds, enlisting volunteers, working alongside city staff, or dropping everything to attend to a fountain emergency, the couple has done anything needed to ensure that the treasure they helped rebuild remains a valued and viable hallmark of our city.
Now, after more than 20 years of leading FOFW, they are stepping down from their roles as FOFW president and treasurer, respectively. Having been the heart and soul of the organization from its inception, their decision marks another major milestone for FOFW. Former Berkeley Mayor Shirley Dean, who helped establish FOFW and served on the board for many years, has also stepped down from her post as a director.
Fortunately, other neighbors dedicated to FOFW’s mission have stepped forward to help carry on their work. As of July, an expanded board of directors has been seated, and new officers of the organization have been elected. They are:
Michael Gray, president; Charles Wilson, treasurer; Patricia McKee, secretary; Scott Dunlap, Harvard Holmes, Sara Holmes, Jim Reynolds, Holly Rose, Steve Weindel, directors.
Twenty years is a true milestone. FOFW plans to mark it simply, erecting a banner noting the anniversary – and seeking continued support for its efforts -- on The Circle. Look for it to go up in September. It will also present an exhibit on the fountain and walk in a month-long display opening Sept. 1 at the Albany Public Library.
You can find more about the history of the fountain and walk, the work of FOFW, and how you can donate or volunteer on our newly redesigned website: http://www.friendsofthefountainandwalk.org.
You can reach FOFW by email at fountainandwalk@gmail.com, and connect on Facebook at facebook.com/friendsofthefountainandwalk. | http://berkeleydailyplanet.com/issue/2016-08-26/article/44807?headline=A-milestone-anniversary-for-Berkeley-s-beloved-fountain | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | berkeleydailyplanet.com/5c868270fbff43ae1018d9e88f932ead4e1fdeaa8f21ffcc856b4ddd27ecb06b.json |
[
"Berkeley Daily Planet",
"Berkeley California"
] | 2016-08-26T20:51:07 | null | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | The East Bay's Non-commercial Voice | http%3A%2F%2Fberkeleydailyplanet.com%2Fissue%2F2016-08-26%2Farticle%2F44805%3Fheadline%3DAROUND-ABOUT-Opera-Fresh-Voices-XVI-Two-New-Operas-Closing-This-Weekend-at-the-Lesher-Center.json | http://berkeleydailyplanet.com/issue/2016-08-26/article/44805?headline=AROUND-ABOUT-Opera-Fresh-Voices-XVI-Two-New-Operas-Closing-This-Weekend-at-the-Lesher-Center | en | null | AROUND & ABOUT Opera: Fresh Voices XVI: Two New Operas Closing This Weekend at the Lesher Center | null | null | berkeleydailyplanet.com | Fresh Voices XVI, Memories & Desires, the always fresh, always entertaining ongoing program of new opera, artsong and composition, is closing this weekend, with two shows—Friday the 26th and Saturday the 27th, both at 8:15—at the Lesher Center, 1601 Civic Drive in Walnut Creek.
The two hour program includes 'Rosetta's Stone,' "one man's descent into Alzheimer's," music by John G. Bilotta and Jostein Stalheim (of Norway) with lyrics by John F. McGrew and Odded Ben Horen—and an epigraph from Emerson: "Every man's condition is a solution in hieroglyphic to those inquiriess he would put.He acts it as life before he apprehends it as truth"—and Mark Alburger's ''Alma Maria Schindler Mahler Gropius,' "an opera in 85 years," with libretto by the title character ("as her autobiography has increasingly been revealed to be false, misleading and unreliable—so the opera")", which also sports an epigraph, from Emerson's admirer Nietzche: "Whoever falls should also be given a push." $35 (discounts available). www.goat-hall.org/ | http://berkeleydailyplanet.com/issue/2016-08-26/article/44805?headline=AROUND-ABOUT-Opera-Fresh-Voices-XVI-Two-New-Operas-Closing-This-Weekend-at-the-Lesher-Center | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | berkeleydailyplanet.com/c817f9cd57be9c53a5797dfacbebf8beb952571d293e6ce36f57d10fafabc235.json |
[
"Berkeley Daily Planet",
"Berkeley California"
] | 2016-08-26T12:48:33 | null | 2016-08-19T00:00:00 | The East Bay's Non-commercial Voice | http%3A%2F%2Fberkeleydailyplanet.com%2Fissue%2F2016-08-19%2Farticle%2F44787%3Fheadline%3DTHE-PUBLIC-EYE-Top-10-Trump-Predictions.json | http://berkeleydailyplanet.com/issue/2016-08-19/article/44787?headline=THE-PUBLIC-EYE-Top-10-Trump-Predictions | en | null | THE PUBLIC EYE:Top 10 Trump Predictions | null | null | berkeleydailyplanet.com | As Donald Trump stumbles towards the November 8th election, it’s clear that each week will bring a new Trump screwup. Here are my top ten predictions.
10. Trump’s tax returns will be hacked. Donald Trump has refused to release his tax returns. He called upon Russian hackers to obtain Hillary Clinton’s emails and release them to the press. Trump’s remark has some hackers promising to make public Trump’s tax returns. On a recent Bill Maher show, the host asked WikiLeaks editor Julian Assange when they were going to release Trump’s returns; Assange replied, “We’re working on it.” It’s only a matter of time before someone releases Trump’s recent returns. They’ll likely show zero taxes paid, no charitable contributions, and scary ties to Russian oligarchs.
9. Trump will drop any pretense of political correctness. Trump is in a death spiral: he makes an offensive remark; his ratings lower; his fragile ego is shaken; Trump lashes out with another offensive remark. How low will he go? Recently, he accused Obama and Clinton of “founding” ISIS. Soon Trump will sink lower and call them “traitors.” Trump’s bad behavior will egg on his crowds and poison the presidential debates. (Trump’s August 17th hiring of Steve Bannon is proof of this.)
8. Trump will receive only a limited security briefing because of his ties to Russia. On August 17th, Trump was given a general national security briefing. Subsequently, Trump will ask for a detailed briefing on Russia; this will be denied because of the ties between his staff (Paul Manafort and Boris Epshteyn) and Russian interests. Trump will blurt out this news. (This week, the New York Times published information about Manafort’s ties to subterranean Ukrainian-Russian politics.)
7. Most GOP swing-state senatorial candidates will move away from Trump. It’s already started to happen; incumbent Republican candidates with tough re-election races – such as Illinois Senator Kirk – disavow Donald Trump. By Labor Day, if Trump doesn’t change his ways, most challenged Republican incumbents will move away from him. This list includes: Ayotte (NH), Blunt (MO), Burr (NC), Grassley (IA), Johnson (WI), McCain (AZ), Portman (OH), Rubio (FL), and Toomey (PA). (If Trump bombs in the September 26th presidential debate, the majority if GOP congressional candidates will abandon him.)
6. Trump fundraising will tank. As an inevitable counterpart to a faltering candidate, Republican presidential fundraising will decline. In order to secure big donations, Trump promised to appear more presidential and to run a conventional campaign. He hasn’t done this and, as a consequence, large donations will dry up. (Big Republican donors will give to Senate and House candidates.) This won’t impact Trump’s visibility but it will mean few Trump TV ads and a miniscule get-out-the-vote effort.
5. Trump will escalate crowd anger. As Donald Trump spirals downward, his anger and frustration will egg on his supporters. His crowds won’t get any smaller – Trump’s base is about 30 percent of likely voters – but they will sense that the election is slipping away. Trump will feed their anger by telling them the system is rigged and accusing Obama and Clinton of being “traitors.” (The Secret Service will warn Trump about his rhetoric but he will continue to ignore these admonitions.)
4. Because of his erratic behavior, two-thirds of Americans will find Trump “unfit” for office. The current Huffington Post poll of polls indicates that 64.5 percent of Americans have an unfavorable view of Donald Trump (32.5 percent view Trump favorably). Trump’s unfavorability will continue to decline. (Can it get to 70 percent?)
3. US/Iraqi forces will drive ISIS out of Iraq. Politico contributor Mark Perry writes that Iraqi and Kurdish forces, led by US advisors, are preparing a major push into Mosul that should result in ISIS forces being pushed out of Iraq just before the election. This should bolster Obama-Clinton favorability and further diminish Trump’s chances. (Either this or the leaking of Trump’s tax returns will be the dreaded “October surprise.”)
2. Only one presidential debate will occur. After non-stop whining about the debate format, Donald Trump will show up at the September 26 Presidential debate at New York’s Hofstra University. Even though he understands how important this debate is to his Presidential aspirations, Trump won’t be able to control himself: he will be evasive and irritating. He will refuse to abide by the debate format: six 15-minute segments, each on a particular topic; with each candidate having two minutes to respond followed by an opportunity to question each other. Trump will refuse to honor the time limit; he’ll interrupt Clinton during her response; and call her “crooked Hillary” and other derogatory terms. When questioned, Trump will refuse to give straight answers. Trump will lose the substantive debate and his favorability rating will further decline.
1. Clinton will win by 11 points and garner 348 electoral votes. After the September 26th debate, the course of the election will be clear: Hillary will defeat Trump by a convincing margin. The MSM focus will turn to competitive Senate races.
Bob Burnett is a Berkeley writer. He can be reached at bburnett@sonic.net | http://berkeleydailyplanet.com/issue/2016-08-19/article/44787?headline=THE-PUBLIC-EYE-Top-10-Trump-Predictions | en | 2016-08-19T00:00:00 | berkeleydailyplanet.com/c4397c193716f2ec676487efd7d11d3ab0d73d23b86e339094fccf5297ceb211.json |
[
"Berkeley Daily Planet",
"Berkeley California"
] | 2016-08-27T16:47:25 | null | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | The East Bay's Non-commercial Voice | http%3A%2F%2Fberkeleydailyplanet.com%2Fissue%2F2016-08-26%2Farticle%2F44814%3Fheadline%3DBerkeley-City-Council-passes-new-minimum-wage-ordinance-at-a-second-try-do-over-special-meeting.json | http://berkeleydailyplanet.com/issue/2016-08-26/article/44814?headline=Berkeley-City-Council-passes-new-minimum-wage-ordinance-at-a-second-try-do-over-special-meeting | en | null | Berkeley City Council passes new minimum wage ordinance at a second try do-over special meeting | null | null | berkeleydailyplanet.com | After failing for months to reach a consensus on the issue, the Berkeley City Council voted unanimously at a special meeting today to raise the city's minimum wage to $15 an hour in two years.
Council members said they will now ask Berkeley voters to reject two competing ballot measures that are on the November ballot.
Measure BB, which was put on the ballot by the council's majority earlier this year, would have raised the minimum hourly wage to $15 by 2019, a slightly less aggressive timeline than the Oct. 1, 2018, deadline set in today's vote.
Measure CC, which was supported by labor groups, was more aggressive and would have called for reaching $15 an hour in 2017.
City Councilman Laurie Capitelli, who is running for mayor, said the measure approved today "is a consensus document, not a compromise document," and was reached in negotiations that included the Service Employees International Union and the Berkeley City Council.
City Councilman Jesse Arreguin, who also is running for mayor, said "This is a really important step for economic justice in our city and in avoiding two conflicting ballot measures."
However, Arreguin said, "I want to see a pathway to a living wage in the future" that would call for an even higher minimum wage down the road.
The City Council has discussed the minimum wage issue for many months and scheduled a special meeting on the issue on Aug. 11 but the meeting had to be canceled because there wasn't a quorum of council members.
Currently, Berkeley's minimum wage is set to go to $12.53 on Oct. 1, which is still below the minimum wage in neighboring cities of Emeryville and Oakland.
The ordinance that was approved today calls for increasing Berkeley's minimum wage to $13.75 on Oct. 1, 2017, and then to $15 on Oct. 1, 2018. It would go up according to the consumer price index after that.
The City Council will have a second reading on the issue at another special meeting on Monday morning but because today's vote was unanimous it's expected that it will be approved again.
For youth job training program participants, the minimum wage will rise to $12 an hour on Oct. 1, 2017, increase by $1.25 on Jan. 1, 2019 and by the same amount annually until it equals the general minimum wage.
Oakland, Emeryville and San Francisco have passed faster schedules to raise the minimum wage in their cities. Oakland's is currently $12.55 and set for an increase based on the consumer price index on Jan. 1, Emeryville's is $13 an hour for businesses with 55 or fewer employees and $14.82 for businesses with more, and San Francisco's is set to rise to $15 in 2018.
In March, Gov. Jerry Brown announced a deal that would bring the statewide minimum wage to $15 by 2022.
Many labor leaders and community activists praised the council's vote today but many small business owners and nonprofit groups said the faster increase in the minimum wage will hurt them and the community at large.
Gina Moreland, who founded the Habitot Children's Museum at 2065 Kittredge St. in downtown Berkeley in 1992 and serves as its executive director, said 14 of her 32 employees currently make less than $15 an hour and increasing their pay to that level would cost the nonprofit $20,000, an amount that she said will be difficult to raise.
Moreland told the council, "Think hard about the rollout (of the wage hike) and its impact on nonprofits like us."
Kristine Seinsch, the owner of the Jazz Café at 2087 Addison St., said the wage increase will hurt small businesses such as hers and result in an influx of more big businesses such as Target and Panera Bread that can afford to pay their workers more money.
Mary Canales, the owner of Ici Ice Cream at 2948 College Ave., said in an email, "Such proposed increases in wage will force us to close and lay off 30-plus people."
Canales said she has employed more than 200 people in her 10 years running her business, including several people for whom it was their first job and "went on to other, higher-paying work or started their own businesses."
Canales said, "Margins are very thin in the food world. The wage increase is putting pressure on our business and will likely turn it into a money-losing endeavor."
Capitelli said that if the council approves the wage hike at its second reading Monday morning it will ask a judge later in the day to approve changes in the ballot arguments for the two minimum wage measures to make it clear that it's now asking voters to vote against both of them. | http://berkeleydailyplanet.com/issue/2016-08-26/article/44814?headline=Berkeley-City-Council-passes-new-minimum-wage-ordinance-at-a-second-try-do-over-special-meeting | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | berkeleydailyplanet.com/dda01dc4bd9310ae6c0a79849873684b1ef88ff13c58fa9c4f7b5c4d690cca28.json |
[
"Berkeley Daily Planet",
"Berkeley California"
] | 2016-08-26T20:48:24 | null | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | The East Bay's Non-commercial Voice | http%3A%2F%2Fberkeleydailyplanet.com%2Fissue%2F2016-08-26%2Farticle%2F44813%3Fheadline%3DThe-Political-Dilemma-of-African-Americans-From-the-1960s-to-Now-.json | http://berkeleydailyplanet.com/issue/2016-08-26/article/44813?headline=The-Political-Dilemma-of-African-Americans-From-the-1960s-to-Now- | en | null | The Political Dilemma of African Americans: From the 1960s to Now | null | null | berkeleydailyplanet.com | Consider the major differences in the political life of African Americans during the 1960s and now. Let's take the very important issue of voting rights. Among the major achievements then was the voting rights bill in 1965, which gave African Americans their long overdue right to vote. Also, suffrage has served for some as a springboard for political office. Over 40 African Americans, for example, now serve in the House of Representatives. Many others have been elected to State and local government positions.
Although the inclination of the southern establishment to enforce the law was spotty, the gains made were substantial. And the courts not only supported the Voting Rights Law. They even strengthened it. The three branches of government were on the same page. They leaned toward building a more democratic society.
However, in 2013 the Supreme Court struck down a key provision of the Voting Rights law. Specific states where past discrimination was egregious had been required to obtain federal approval before it altered a voting law. The court eliminated this requirement. Only a few hours after this notorious decision, Texas enacted measures that restrict African Americans from voting. Other states followed the leader soon after.
Because African Americans and low income citizens tend to vote for Democratic Party candidates, the attempt to stack the deck has been engineered by the Republican Party. Although some of the racially discriminatory clauses have been successfully challenged in court, a substantial number of black citizens will be denied the right to cast a ballot in the November election.
In the 1960s, despite the persistence and militancy of the civil rights movement, the major decision makers in the southern states refused to grant suffrage to African Americans. However, the federal government had broader concerns that it could not ignore. The United States was involved in a cold war with the Soviet Union. The Soviet Union was relentless in its efforts to turn public opinion against the United States. It understood that racism in the United States was its Achilles heel. By broadcasting to listeners in Africa, Asia, and South America, the Soviet Union continually publicized the racist practices occurring in the United States. Particularly worrisome to the State Department was the claim that the United States was also contemptuous of minorities abroad.
Indeed, foreign diplomats who are Blacks or Asians were humiliated by the racism they experienced when setting foot in the United States. In 1964, 55 UN representatives from Africa and Asia submitted a petition asking the United Nations to relocate to another country where they would be treated as equal human beings. Undoubtedly they shared their experience with others including citizens in their own country.
The internationally publicized racist problems in the United States made the business community very nervous. Business was concerned about protecting and expanding its market abroad and also having access to foreign resources. It did not want to unnecessarily create tensions abroad. As a result, the business establishment lobbied in favor of the Voting Rights Bill.
Among the major corporations that lobbied for the legislation were CBS, Eli Lilly, Coca Cola, Pepsi, Walt Disney Co. and the Pharmaceutical giant Pfizer. The business umbrella organization, the US Chambers of Commerce, lobbied Congress as well. The civil rights veteran, John Lewis, who is an African American Democratic Party Congressman representing Georgia, remarked that he has never seen anything like it from U.S. corporations before.
The civil rights movement certainly won major victories. But ironically, the gains it made precipitated a major assault on African Americans and their achievements. Beginning with President Nixon, the consensus in the establishment was to do what it could to frustrate any serious attempts by African Americans to recreate another formidable grass roots political movement. The brilliant black professor, Michelle Alexander, calls it "The New Jim Crow". The establishment manufactured the "Drug War" mainly to criminalize black Americans and also the antiwar left.
In an interview with one of Nixon's former top aides, John Ehlichman of the Watergate scandal, confirmed our worse fears: “You want to know what this war was really all about. The Nixon campaign in 1968, and the Nixon White House after that, had two enemies: the antiwar left and black people. By getting the public to associate the hippies with marijuana and blacks with heroin, and then criminalizing both heavily, we could disrupt those communities. We could arrest their leaders, raid their homes, break up their meetings, and vilify them night after night on the evening news. did we know we were lying about the drugs? Of course we did."
To make matters worse, Bill Clinton signed into law a very punitive crime bill that includes a federal mandate of life imprisonment for three felony convictions including of drug crimes. As a result of the racist policies of both the Democratic and Republican parties, the prison population, disproportionately blacks, exploded from several hundred thousand in the early seventies to over two million currently. As prison inmates. they are deprived of the right to vote. And almost 6 million African Americans who had been convicted of felony crimes are barred from voting when they get out of jail.
Especially troublesome, the refusal to indict cops who unjustifiably kill blacks is tantamount to giving the police the license to kill. Take Oakland, for example. The East Bay Express reports that although blacks represent 28 percent of the city's population, 74 percent of the 90 who were killed by cops since 2000 were black.
Many African Americans, who have been protesting the murders by police, have been building the Black Lives Matter movement. Although it doesn't replicate the 1960s Civil Rights movement, at least not yet, these morally indignant and courageous activists have been holding rallies and marches to inform the public of their concerns and to put an end to police brutality. Progressive whites must ally with this movement to make sure that they are not isolated.
Clearly, we need to build jointly a genuinely democratic and just society so that all minorities as well as the rest of us will experience government as our democratically elected ally rather than as an enemy of the people. | http://berkeleydailyplanet.com/issue/2016-08-26/article/44813?headline=The-Political-Dilemma-of-African-Americans-From-the-1960s-to-Now- | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | berkeleydailyplanet.com/cf82ec6bab4e8610170acfef245dac57d0ee1dfd6208f75b627f3587e06f45da.json |
[
"Berkeley Daily Planet",
"Berkeley California"
] | 2016-08-26T20:50:06 | null | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | The East Bay's Non-commercial Voice | http%3A%2F%2Fberkeleydailyplanet.com%2Fissue%2F2016-08-26%2Farticle%2F44809%3Fheadline%3DCommunity-Presentation-by-The-TreeSpirit-Project-Why-are-Berkeley-Oakland-forest-being-cut-down-then-herbicides-And-what-you-can-do-about-it-.json | http://berkeleydailyplanet.com/issue/2016-08-26/article/44809?headline=Community-Presentation-by-The-TreeSpirit-Project-Why-are-Berkeley-Oakland-forest-being-cut-down-then-herbicides-And-what-you-can-do-about-it- | en | null | Public Comment from The Berkeley Daily Planet | null | null | berkeleydailyplanet.com | Hundreds of thousands of healthy trees are targeted for eradication; precious SF East Bay forests that mitigate global warming, create oxygen, sequester carbon, are home to wildlife and provide renewal for you, your children and your grandchildren. Thousands of gallons of Monsanto Roundup and Dow Garlon will follow the deforestation, poisoning plants, land, waterways, wildlife, pets, children and adults alike.
LEARN MORE about the environmentally devastating plan to deforest — then apply herbicides across 2,000 acres of Berkeley & Oakland hillsides for the next 10 years.
INCLUDES: “Native” vs. “non-native” trees FIRE DEMO; Q&A; videos, and more.
WHEN: 2pm-4pm, Sunday, August 28, 2016
WHERE: Redwood Gardens Apartments Community Room, 2951 Derby St. (at Claremont Blvd (NOT Claremont Ave.; also near Belrose Ave.), Berkeley, CA. | http://berkeleydailyplanet.com/issue/2016-08-26/article/44809?headline=Community-Presentation-by-The-TreeSpirit-Project-Why-are-Berkeley-Oakland-forest-being-cut-down-then-herbicides-And-what-you-can-do-about-it- | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | berkeleydailyplanet.com/eae5278a6c45a411171078fc28f8d764c3a15f9ef1d287c16a5bfc0a21e8b426.json |
[
"Berkeley Daily Planet",
"Berkeley California"
] | 2016-08-26T12:56:42 | null | 2016-08-19T00:00:00 | The East Bay's Non-commercial Voice | http%3A%2F%2Fberkeleydailyplanet.com%2Fissue%2F2016-08-19%2Farticle%2F44798%3Fheadline%3DArmed-robbery-at-Blake-and-Dana.json | http://berkeleydailyplanet.com/issue/2016-08-19/article/44798?headline=Armed-robbery-at-Blake-and-Dana | en | null | Extra from The Berkeley Daily Planet | null | null | berkeleydailyplanet.com | An armed robbery took place at approximately 1:50 a.m. Wednesdy morning at the intersection of Blake and Dana streets, Berkeley police said. The victim described the two suspects as 25-year-old black men, about 6 feet tall, both wearing black hooded sweatshirts and black jeans. Both suspects reportedly had handguns. After taking the victim's cellphone, they fled north on Dana Street. The victim was not harmed. | http://berkeleydailyplanet.com/issue/2016-08-19/article/44798?headline=Armed-robbery-at-Blake-and-Dana | en | 2016-08-19T00:00:00 | berkeleydailyplanet.com/8cdbe64fa4919c4b5bfcf31773059b1e972488f15c6e362a418270e6deeae060.json |
[
"Berkeley Daily Planet",
"Berkeley California"
] | 2016-08-26T12:54:35 | null | 2016-08-19T00:00:00 | The East Bay's Non-commercial Voice | http%3A%2F%2Fberkeleydailyplanet.com%2Fissue%2F2016-08-19%2Farticle%2F44793%3Fheadline%3DAGRIPPINA-A-Rollicking-Handel-Opera.json | http://berkeleydailyplanet.com/issue/2016-08-19/article/44793?headline=AGRIPPINA-A-Rollicking-Handel-Opera | en | null | Arts & Events from The Berkeley Daily Planet | null | null | berkeleydailyplanet.com | West Edge Opera’s third and final production of this summer’s festival offered George Friedrich Handel’s Agrippina directed by Mark Streshinky and with sets designed by Sarah Phykitt. Streshinky states in program notes for Agrippina that he wanted sets to evoke Hieronymus Bosch’s famous painting The Garden of Earthly Delights. I suppose the sets provided by Sarah Phykitt satisfied Streshinsky, though I fail to comprehend how they added anything to an opera set in Nero’s Rome. I found the accordion-folding sets a distracting conceit that contributed nothing to this Handel opera.
Agrippina is in many ways a kind of prequel to Claudio Monteverdi’s magnificent opera of 1642 L’Incoronazione di Poppea. Whereas Monteverdi’s opera deals with the courtesan Poppea’s opportunistic dropping of her lover Ottone to take up with Emperor Nero, Handel’s Agrippina explores the maneuvers of Nero’s mother, Agrippina, to have her son proclaimed Emperor. In these efforts Agrippina ultimately succeeds, though most of her maneuvers involve tricking Poppea and Ottone and using Nero’s lusting after Poppea to her own advantage in gaining for her son the Imperial throne.
With the orchestra conducted by Jory Vinokour, West Edge Opera’s Agrippina offered fine singing by a uniformly excellent cast. As Agrippina, soprano Sarah Gartshore gave a lush-voiced performance, with flawless technique and fine diction in Italian. Likewise, mezzo-soprano Céline Ricci gave an outstanding performance in the trousers-role of Nero. Ricci’s singing was utterly gorgeous, and her acting prowess was simply stupendous! Ricci nearly stole the show! As Poppea, soprano Hannah Stephens was superb. Her bright-toned soprano rang out crystal-clear, and her acting as the beautiful courtesan desired by all the male characters was spot-on, full of demure flirtatiousness that allowed her always to remain in control of the men who pursued her.
As for the male singers, countertenor Ryan Belongie gave an impassioned performance as Ottone, who ends up refusing the throne if it means giving up his beloved Poppea, who shares his love. In the role of Agrippina’s second husband, Claudio, baritone Carl King was excellent. When Claudio arrives in Rome to report on his success in pacifying Britain, Carl King entered from the back of Oakland’s vast abandoned train station, and he proceeded by shaking hands and greeting scores of audience members just as any demagogue would do as he made his way to the stage and mounted the podium to make a grandiose speech with extravagant hand-gestures reminiscent of Benito Mussolini. Likewise, Carl King’s singing voice was full-throated and vigorous, with fine Italian diction.
In minor roles, baritone Nikolas Nackley was a spirited Pallante, mezzo-soprano Johanna Bronk was a fine Narciso, and baritone Nick Volkert ably sang the role of Lesbo. Lighting was by Kevin August Landesman and costumes were designed by Alice Ruiz. Especially effective was the costume for Nero, a sequined vest over a black tunic and trousers. The dramatic highlight of this Agrippina involved Nero stripping off most of his costume in his lusty haste to get at Poppea, who nonetheless rebuffs him. As Nero, Céline Ricci removed the vest and dropped her/his trousers. However, in her/his haste she/he neglected to step out of her/his trouser-legs, with the result that her/his lustful advances on Poppea were by hopping forward with trousers around the ankles, looking almost like a child hopping in a potato-sack race. This moment of hilarity brought down the house, with the audience reserving the loudest applause at the close of the opera to the well-deserving Céline Ricci for her trousers-role portrayal of Nero. Finally, conductor Jory Vinokour deserves admirable mention for leading a fairly brisk account of Handel’s tuneful Agrippina. | http://berkeleydailyplanet.com/issue/2016-08-19/article/44793?headline=AGRIPPINA-A-Rollicking-Handel-Opera | en | 2016-08-19T00:00:00 | berkeleydailyplanet.com/6ba4280c56a74ed6c7b09b41db1ab776393c10c0a5610bdb56ac837de2c21e40.json |
[
"Berkeley Daily Planet",
"Berkeley California"
] | 2016-08-26T20:51:48 | null | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | The East Bay's Non-commercial Voice | http%3A%2F%2Fberkeleydailyplanet.com%2Fissue%2F2016-08-26%2Farticle%2F44806%3Fheadline%3DTHE-PUBLIC-EYE-Donald-Trump-s-Heart-of-Darkness.json | http://berkeleydailyplanet.com/issue/2016-08-26/article/44806?headline=THE-PUBLIC-EYE-Donald-Trump-s-Heart-of-Darkness | en | null | THE PUBLIC EYE:Donald Trump’s Heart of Darkness | null | null | berkeleydailyplanet.com | On August 17th, Donald Trump once again shook up his campaign. While there were early indications that Trump would “soften” his image, these were refuted by the August 19th release of his first general election campaign ad “Two Americas: Immigration”. This TV ad stems from the same darkness that fueled Trump’s acceptance speech: bigotry and hate.
Trump’s ad packs four lies into 30 seconds. It begins with a familiar Trump assertion: “In Hillary Clinton’s American the system stays rigged against Americans.” (It goes on to proclaim that immigrants are gaming the system.) Politifact notes that Trump has often claimed “the US election system is rigged.” It rates these claims totally false (“Pants on Fire”). More specifically, The Dallas Morning News reported that immigration has “slowed sharply” and illegal immigration “is near record lows.”
Trump’s next assertion is that “Syrian refugees flood in.” According to the New York Times the US plans to accept 10,000 Syrian refugees this year but as of the end of April had only take 1726. While Donald Trump asserts, “there is no system to vet Syrian refugees,” Politifact states this is another Trump lie; the process takes one to two years. Most of those accepted have been women and children.
The ad follows with a three-part assertion: “Illegal immigrants convicted of committing crimes get to stay, collecting Social Security benefits, skipping the line.” Huffington Post acknowledges that “Some people convicted of crimes considered minor are able to avoid deportation, and others stay because their home countries won’t take them back.” However, the number of these cases pales in comparison to the deportations – 460,000 in fiscal 2015.
The most controversial part of the Trump ad is the assertion that illegal immigrants get to collect social security benefits. The Washington Post gives this claim “four Pinocchio’s” for extreme falsehood. Most undocumented immigrants pay into Social Security but receive no benefits.
The reference that Trump gives for his “illegal immigrants get to collect social security benefits” assertion is an April paper by The Center for Immigration Studies a right-wing anti-immigration organization. MSNBC commentator Rachel Maddow reported:
The Center for Immigration Studies, for example, will distribute essays from Holocaust deniers every now and again… They keep finding themselves digesting and sending around work by white nationalists… You slip back into that really fast when you're circulating arguments like, "the native ethnic stock that founded and built the U.S. is systematically being replaced through massive third world immigration."
That’s right. In his first ad, Trump cites a racist organization.
The ad’s fourth assertion is “[Under Hillary Clinton] our border [would be] open.” In her web site Clinton calls for a continuation of the Obama border-security, “Hillary will focus resources on detaining and deporting those individuals who pose a violent threat to public safety, and ensure refugees who seek asylum in the U.S. have a fair chance to tell their stories.” (Unlike Trump, Clinton is for “comprehensive immigration reform.”) Factcheck.org says the Trump ad, “misleads the viewer.”
In her August 25th Reno speech, Hillary Clinton addressed Trump’s hateful rhetoric. “Donald Trump has built his campaign on prejudice and paranoia. He is taking hate groups mainstream and helping a radical fringe take over the Republican Party.” “This is not Republicanism as we have know it. These are race-baiting ideas, anti-Muslim and anti-immigrant ideas, anti-woman –– all key tenets making up an emerging racist ideology known as the ‘Alt-Right.’” “We need good debates. But we need to do it in a respectful way, not finger pointing and blaming and stirring up this bigotry and prejudice.”
Hillary Clinton observed that Trump’s real campaign slogan is, “Make America hate again.”
Bob Burnett is a Berkeley writer. He can be reached at bburnett@sonic.net | http://berkeleydailyplanet.com/issue/2016-08-26/article/44806?headline=THE-PUBLIC-EYE-Donald-Trump-s-Heart-of-Darkness | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | berkeleydailyplanet.com/feecfeac66ed16ff2542302effc6da80067549185f25ff2fff7f06a5e1e5162b.json |
[
"Berkeley Daily Planet",
"Berkeley California"
] | 2016-08-28T22:47:47 | null | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | The East Bay's Non-commercial Voice | http%3A%2F%2Fberkeleydailyplanet.com%2Fissue%2F2016-08-26%2Farticle%2F44816%3Fheadline%3DSENIOR-POWER-Looking-back-ahead.json | http://berkeleydailyplanet.com/issue/2016-08-26/article/44816?headline=SENIOR-POWER-Looking-back-ahead | en | null | SENIOR POWER: Looking back ahead | null | null | berkeleydailyplanet.com | Women finally got a piece of the action in 1920. Passage of the 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution provided American women with full voting rights fifty years after all American men were enabled to vote. Sixteen other nations had already guaranteed women this right.
August 26th is designated as Women's Equality Day to commemorate this event. Women’s Equality Day is officially proclaimed in some locales. It was instituted by Congressional Representative Bella Abzug (1920-1998) when she was 60 years old. Women and girls have come a long way but there is still much work to be done to achieve true equity. Women’s Equality Day is not on the calendars of the Berkeley public library, the City of Berkeley, nor Berkeley senior centers.
What does this have to do with senior power, with old Americans? One might also ask whether old women vote. Voter turnout is the percentage of eligible voters who cast a ballot in an election. Just who is or is not eligible to vote varies by country. Some nations discriminate based on sex, race, and/or religion; age and citizenship are usually among the criteria. Low senior voter turnout has been attributed to a variety of factors, and it may be due to disenchantment, indifference, or contentment.
In 1995, then-First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton (1947- ) made international news in her speech at the Fourth World Conference on Women. She declared, "It’s time for us to say here in Beijing, for the world to hear, that it is no longer acceptable to discuss women's rights as separate from human rights."
Quingrong Ma (1943- ), Chinese women’s rights advocate and Nobel Peace Prize recipient believes that “The only way to solve the problem of women’s subordination is to change people’s mindset and to plant the new idea of gender equality into every mind.”
Mahnaz Afkhami (1941- ), Executive Director of the Foundation for Iranian Studies, and former Minister of State for Women's Affairs in Iran, sees “The connection between women’s human rights, gender equality, socioeconomic development and peace … increasingly apparent.”
The Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), an international treaty adopted in 1979 by the United Nations General Assembly, has not been ratified by the U.S. A coalition of 100+ organizations signed a letter urging the U.S. Senate to ratify this treaty. President Obama endorses ratification, and has identified the Convention as a multilateral treaty priority. Opponents claim that the Civil rights Act of 1964 protects women from discrimination. It has been downgraded in a sense to a Committee.
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“Housing is a human right,” declared labor and senior-rights advocate Helen Corbin Lima (1917-2005). She was a resident of Strawberry Creek Lodge (SCL) senior housing. Strawberry Creek Lodge -- referred to locally as The Lodge or Strawberry -- was built in 1962 in Berkeley, California. Its purpose was affordable rental housing for lower to middle income senior citizens. Three adjoining buildings in a park-like setting provided 150 units—most were studios, some one-bedroom apartments, each with a bathroom and kitchenette. An elective, not-free evening meal was introduced when there no longer was a supermarket within walking distance.
Housing problems especially for low-income and disabled seniors in Berkeley were and are in the news. At SCL (1320 Addison) and Redwood Gardens (2951 Derby), for example. (December 19, 2014 Planet “Troubles in Berkeley's Redwood Gardens.”)
In 1991, when Lima moved into a tiny SCL studio, her only income was Social Security. She applied for Section 8 housing, and a whole new realm of political activity opened up for her. From then until her death, she was active in the fight for so-called affordable housing (which differs from low-income housing) and to save Section 8, which was threatened. Until her deteriorating health made it no longer possible, she was also actively involved in a SCL Tenants Association.
Section 8 refers to Section 8 of the Housing Act as repeatedly amended. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) manages Section 8 programs. It authorizes the payment of rental housing assistance to private landlords on behalf of millions of low-income households in the United States. The largest part of the Section is the Housing Choice Voucher program which pays a large portion of the rents and utilities of households.
Section 8 also authorizes a variety of "project-based" rental assistance programs, under which the owner reserves some or all of the units in a building for low-income tenants, in return for a federal government guarantee to make up the difference between the tenant's contribution and the rent in the owner's contract with the government.
In 1997 Lima founded Save Section 8, a nonprofit self-help, grass-roots effort in behalf of American seniors who need rent-subsidized apartments. No admission or membership fees were charged to attend meetings. Activities included picketing, petitions, meetings, newspaper publicity, publications, presence at California’s annual senior rally, counseling individuals and providing speakers. Income came from voluntary contributions.
Rent was and is charged for non-senior related events held in Berkeley senior centers rooms. Save Section 8 meetings in the large meeting room of the North Berkeley Senior Center were not always viewed by the City fathers as senior events. I corresponded with the City Manager’s office about this perception and Save Section 8 was finally able to hold monthly meetings without paying rent. Collecting contributions within the senior center towards Save Section 8 expenses was prohibited. Center Rules prohibit soliciting. Some gutsy seniors resorted to standing outside on the corner with tin cans, but this was discouraged.
Lima was responsible for the production of a video, Housing is a Human Right: Seniors and Section 8 (22 minutes, closed captioned). The Santa Clara City Library had it in its collection; the Berkeley Public Library did not. (It appears no longer to be in libraries, possibly attributable to public libraries discarding VHS’s in favor of DVD’s. I have a copy, and film director Anahita Forati may have copies.)
It was generally agreed that SCL buildings were in poor shape when, in August 2009, it received a 66.69 inspection score, which was 23.2% worse than the average HUD inspection score (100=best) for all Section 8.
By 2012, the Lodge was a not-for-profit complex governed by a Board of Trustees whose meetings were attended by a Tenants Association representative. SCL was managed by Church Homes of Northern California (CCH). Income was derived from residents’ rents and HUD subsidies under Section 8.
Most recently, Satellite Affordable Housing Associates – SAHA – “acquired SCL and is partnering with Strawberry Creek Lodge Foundation to refinance and remodel the Lodge including seismic and building upgrades. SAHA … also provides property management services, as well as … on-site service coordination.” [Internet]
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BOOK REVIEW: "Living past 100 will force us to rethink retirement," a review of The 100-Year Life: Living and Working in an Age of Longevity , by Lynda Gratton and Andrew Scott, reviewed by Justin Fox (Bloomberg News via Chicago [Illinois] Tribune, August 23, 2016).
TV REVIEW: “ Better Late Than Never sends (William) Shatner, (Henry) Winkler, (Terry) Bradshaw and (George) Foreman on adventure through Asia and tired old tropes," by Robert Lloyd (Los Angeles Times, August 23, 2016). NBC 10 PM Tuesday. | http://berkeleydailyplanet.com/issue/2016-08-26/article/44816?headline=SENIOR-POWER-Looking-back-ahead | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | berkeleydailyplanet.com/5c89dd9cd85645e258d7b44dcdc83b1453d43555161d64f69a2c3af5414769a1.json |
[
"Berkeley Daily Planet",
"Berkeley California"
] | 2016-08-30T00:48:03 | null | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | The East Bay's Non-commercial Voice | http%3A%2F%2Fberkeleydailyplanet.com%2Fissue%2F2016-08-26%2Farticle%2F44817%3Fheadline%3DFull-speed-ahead-and-damn-the-facts-CEQA-in-operation-in-Berkeley.json | http://berkeleydailyplanet.com/issue/2016-08-26/article/44817?headline=Full-speed-ahead-and-damn-the-facts-CEQA-in-operation-in-Berkeley | en | null | Full speed ahead, and damn the facts! CEQA in operation in Berkeley | null | null | berkeleydailyplanet.com | “What is a weed? A plant whose virtues have not yet been discovered.”
― Ralph Waldo Emerson
.Weed: a wild plant growing where it is not wanted and in competition with cultivated plants.”
--Google
“A weed is a plant considered undesirable in a particular situation, "a plant in the wrong place".
--Wikipedia
Last weekend I had two more lessons in how powerless the California Environmental Quality Act is to inform politically-based decisionmaking. One was at the Wellstone Democratic Club's endorsement meeting and the other was the Superior Court hearing on the EIR for 2211 Harold Way.
It was disappointing, but not surprising, to hear both candidates for Berkeley’s District Five City Council seat who spoke at the Wellstone Democratic Club meeting on Saturday endorse the ongoing plan to cut down many of the blue gum eucalyptus trees in the East Bay Hills and kill off the stumps with Roundup. Coincidentally or not, both are trained as lawyers.
This is a controversy that has been going on for quite a while now, all over the country in many contexts. For my money, the best analysis of the politics involved, with a side of science cites, can be found in a story which ace reporter Andrew Cockburn wrote for Harpers Magazine last year: Weed Whackers: Monsanto, glyphosate, and the war on invasive species. It’s well worth reading end to end, and you can do it online for free.
A lot of environmental decision-making is mistakenly based on the Sesame Street principle: Which one of these things is not like the other? When the eucalyptus tree has been scrutinized, a lot of the analysis comes down in the end to personal preference: love ‘em or hate ‘em: natives good, introduced bad—or maybe it’s the other way round. Unfortunately, it’s not that simple.
We attempt, with inadequate data and cumbersome legalistic processes, to make decisions which are more properly scientific, or would be if the data existed. For a decent view of what facts we have, see Management of blue gum eucalyptus in California requires region-specific consideration in the January issue of California Agriculture.
As near as I can determine, the Achilles heel of the East Bay Regional Park/FEMA scheme is the promised “restoration” plan: what will happen in the park after the trees have been chopped down and the stumps nuked with Roundup. We just don’t know enough to be sure that the lovely native grasslands which preceded the trees can be sure to come back as before, and some park users might prefer woodlands to grass, an even more difficult goal. In situations like this one, the paper’s authors suggest, eucalyptus roots may have altered the soil in which they grow with persistent chemicals which kill other plants.
A professor of environmental studies of my acquaintance tells me that “restoration is a moving target, an evolving field”. It’s frequently a promised mitigation in an environmental impact study, but more often than not it just doesn’t happen as planned, either from unforeseen scientific impossibility or lack of funding. And sometimes it’s cynically promised by governmental bodies with no intention of enforcing compliance. In Santa Cruz there’s a “restored wetland” which was promised to mitigate a building project elsewhere that is routinely clearcut by city officials worried that criminal activity might thrive among those “weeds”.
Another manifestation of the flaws in our environmental decision-making was on view Friday in Oakland in the court of Superior Court Judge Frank Roesch, hearing the challenge to the environmental impact report on the project for 2211 Harold Way in Berkeley, which was approved on December 8 by Berkeley’s clownish City Council. Petitioners were citizens James Hendry and Kelly Hammargren, appearing individually on their own without benefit of lawyers, a Herculean task which they executed remarkably well, all things considered.
Next time you hear Governor Jerry Brown whining that his developer pals are suffering mightily under the heavy burden of the California Environmental Quality Act’s reporting requirements, please laugh out loud with me. Here we have a multi-million-dollar project to construct 18 stories of luxury apartments, tearing down in the process a film center which is a mainstay of the downtown Berkeley economy, tunneling under a historic building which is built on infill on a creekbed with a ceramic foundation.
(Some of you may have seen the reports of a building in San Francisco also built on fill which has started to sink…)
Despite CEQA, we were in the last round on Friday, and the chances of two private citizens stopping the project were slim.
In the developer’s corner: the Manatt law firm, the great big one which has historically represented all the bigtime Democratic pols.
Representing the public interest: a retired nurse and an economist, doing their damndest to figure out what CEQA should have done to inform the decision-makers adequately.
Here again, it’s a matter of separating the weeds from the flowers. CEQA is supposed to do that, but it fails.
Judge Roesch did a kind and sympathetic job of explaining to the petitioners that the merits of the project cannot be considered in an appeal like this one. All that can be done by the time it gets into court is to determine whether the council knew what they were doing when they decided to approve it, no matter how bad it is. So the judge had the unenviable responsibility of rejecting most of the petitioners’ heartfelt pleas as “political” arguments, though he read them through and heard them out courteously before delivering the bad news.
The decision wasn’t out at the time of writing, but from my audience perspective a couple of items seemed to show some modest promise for petitioners. The judge had clearly had read the transcript of the December 8 meeting, a disgraceful rout even by the ever-lower standards of the majority of the Berkeley City Councilmembers.
Choleric Mayor Tom Bates, whose lifetime supply of patience seems to have run out about five years ago, rammed through a last-minute draft of required findings that overriding considerations justified a decision that had bad environmental impacts. He overlooked taking a vote of councilmembers to add his draft to the council’s agenda, which their rules require.
Jim Hendry, an economist who deals with EIRs in his day job, did a lucid job of explaining what had happened. I was there that night, and it was yet another instance of the“slam-bam-thankyou-ma’am-and-the-public-be-damned” style of governance which Bates and his allies favor. That meeting ended, as many do, in chaos.
Most remarkably, Berkeley City Attorney Zack Cowan nonchalantly told the judge that he’d drafted significant parts of the reported findings after the meeting was over, without a request from the council to do so and without returning the language to them for final approval.
Judges traditionally defer to even the worst decisions of elected officials, but they tend to look more harshly on bodies not following their own rules. The judge could decide to send this matter back to the council to be voted on properly, though it would be a fast fix for the council simply to re-vote. He might well decide that it’s not worth the trouble.
The other fishy fact situation which got the judge’s attention was the economic information which the developers had presented in order to persuade the decision-makers that there was no financially feasible alternative. To grossly oversimplify, they’d claimed that the whole parcel for which according to county records they’d paid $20millionwas a $40 million investment.
The interesting part of this discussion was the city manager’s on-the-record admission at the council meeting that the city staff had not actually reviewed this claim, so couldn’t vouch for its accuracy, though Hendry had challenged it in several prior meetings. The question is, what is the effect of her admission? Does it prove that the councilmembers were informed that they had funky data, and chose to go forward anyhow? And is that okay by CEQA?
The saddest thing about this whole process is that though I’d been to many, many of the Berkeley hearings (the developer’s attorneys said there were 37) I’d never heard a single member of the 200+ citizens who showed up to protest given more than 5 minutes to explain their analysis of these complicated questions.
In Roesch’s court, they finally had a bit of an opportunity to be interrogated by an intelligent and fair-minded person at a reasonable length, so they could make their points without being shouted down, but it was probably too late. The problem with CEQA is that most of the time it’s used to rubberstamp governmental indifference to facts which have been provided but are ignored. The Berkeley City Council’s performance on December 8 was no exception. There’s not much the courts can do about that.
There is an election in November. A better city council might be the only way to prevent future travesties like this one. | http://berkeleydailyplanet.com/issue/2016-08-26/article/44817?headline=Full-speed-ahead-and-damn-the-facts-CEQA-in-operation-in-Berkeley | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | berkeleydailyplanet.com/d49d498217c71f9c4b57236f91906d65b148e3efc3b804b397d1412440f2f129.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T18:50:03 | null | 2016-08-26T14:23:12 | Staff Report Eighty-four golfers are signed up for Keegan Bradley’s annual Charity Golf Classic Aug. 29 at the Woodstock Inn and Resort. The Woodstock native | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thevermontstandard.com%2F2016%2F08%2Fkeegan-bradley-returning-for-fifth-charity-golf-classic%2F.json | http://www.thevermontstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/KeeganBradley-428x300.jpg | en | null | Keegan Bradley Returning for Fifth Charity Golf Classic | null | null | www.thevermontstandard.com | Staff Report
Eighty-four golfers are signed up for Keegan Bradley’s annual Charity Golf Classic Aug. 29 at the Woodstock Inn and Resort. The Woodstock native has hosted the event since 2012. This year, the event is sandwiched between the Barclays Aug. 25-28 in New York and the Deutsche Bank Championship Sept. 2-5 in Massachusetts. The event benefits the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation, the Vermont Cancer Center and Vermont Children’s Hospital. The event has raised $100,000 or more in past years. Bradley turned professional in 2008. In his first full year on the PGA Tour, he won the 2011 Byron Nelson Championship and the PGA Championship, a major tournament. In his first four seasons, he never finished worse than 33rd in the FedEx Cup standings. He is currently ranked 106th in the FedEx Cup this season. “Woodstock is home for him and he is thrilled to return for a great tournament and the opportunity to support the (Vermont Cancer Center) and all (Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation) does for children and families coping with pediatric cancer across the country and especially in Vermont,” said Katherine White, who represents Bradley at K Sports & Entertainment.
The Charity Golf Classic starts at 9:30 a.m. with brunch, followed by a clinic with Bradley at 11 a.m. The tournament begins at 11:30 a.m. At 4:30 p.m. is a cocktail reception, followed by an awards ceremony and raffle at 5:30 p.m. The day ends at 6:30 p.m.
In the past Bradley has brought his family and other PGA Tour members like Brendan Steele and Jon Curran.
Attempts to contact Bradley were not successful. | http://www.thevermontstandard.com/2016/08/keegan-bradley-returning-for-fifth-charity-golf-classic/ | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.thevermontstandard.com/66e7a1e22c983806d6d8608f68d02692785f1e8f73db9c619f352d70fee0e3a5.json |
[] | 2016-08-29T18:51:08 | null | 2016-08-29T13:07:52 | During the first week of the Summer Olympics, many people became enamored of the Fiji story. The tiny island nation won its first Olympic gold medal in over 50 | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thevermontstandard.com%2F2016%2F08%2Fupper-valley-rugby-club-looking-for-members%2F.json | http://www.thevermontstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/favicon.ico | en | null | Upper Valley Rugby Club Looking for Members | null | null | www.thevermontstandard.com | By David Miles, Sports Correspondent
During the first week of the Summer Olympics, many people became enamored of the Fiji story. The tiny island nation won its first Olympic gold medal in over 50 years of competition — and the medal was in rugby.
Rugby had returned to the Olympics after a long, long absence. The USA was the defending champion — if you can consider a nation a defending champ for 92 years.
A lot has changed in the world of sports in that near-century. The chances of an American rugby medal are considerably less. But members of the newly formed Upper Valley Rugby Club hope that the game receives a boost from its Olympic inclusion.
“Having rugby in the Olympics has helped bring the sport to the forefront,” says Brian Frampton, one of the founders of the UVRC. “Having the IOC funding adds to the sport’s legitimacy and makes it more attractive. We used the Olympics to create a Facebook post that we used for recruiting a few new players.”
Frampton has been recruiting players since the start of the calendar year for the Upper Valley Mountain Men, who will be joining the New England Rugby Football Union this fall. No previous rugby experience is necessary for participation.
The team practices every Tuesday evening from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in Lebanon at the former Lebanon Middle School at 75 Bank St. Games will be Saturday afternoons at 1 p.m. with the season opener at home on Saturday, May 3 against Framingham (Mass.). Nine teams from Vermont (Rutland, Bennington, and Ludlow), New Hampshire (Upper Valley and Keene), and Massachusetts comprise the nine-team league.
There are four divisions in the NERFU, with the Upper Valley squad being placed in Division IV because it is the team’s inaugural season.
Frampton notes that rugby is one of the fastest growing sports in the country, with an 81 percent growth in the past five years. And that is before the potential Olympic boost.
The Olympic format was a 7-on-7 game, a faster-paced version of the more traditional game with 15 players to the side. Rules and scoring are essentially the same for both games. Even the slightly slower paced 15-player version has far fewer breaks in game action than American football The UVRC hopes to have at least 15-25 players available on a regular basis, with at least double that number to build a solid practice squad from which it can draw on in case of absences to fill out a full roster for all contests.
Want to play rugby?
Contact Brian Frampton, at (717) 817-0545 or visit Facebook.com/UpperValleyRugby/ | http://www.thevermontstandard.com/2016/08/upper-valley-rugby-club-looking-for-members/ | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.thevermontstandard.com/dadb31333813327f41a635aee315898c770d9e97a042fa277a2b2606a74ca364.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T18:50:27 | null | 2016-08-26T13:15:42 | The Quechee Games – formerly known as the Quechee Scottish Festival – is up and running this year and will offer not only the same events but more, according to | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thevermontstandard.com%2F2016%2F08%2Fquechee-highland-festival-keeping-the-scottish-tradition-alive%2F.json | http://www.thevermontstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/quecheescottishfestival-450x300.jpg | en | null | Quechee Highland Festival, Keeping the Scottish Tradition Alive | null | null | www.thevermontstandard.com | By Virginia Dean, Standard Correspondent
The Quechee Games – formerly known as the Quechee Scottish Festival – is up and running this year and will offer not only the same events but more, according to overseer Lezlie Webster of sponsor Scottish Arts, Inc. of New Hampshire.
“The Scottish Games continue because we feel they are important in our competition and Highland Games season,” said Webster. “We’re excited and have made some great changes to what people want to have in addition to what was already there. The games will go on as usual with many of the same faces.”
With gates opening on Saturday, Aug. 27 at 9 a.m., some of the same popular events include the Vermont Sheepdog Trials, the welly toss, ladies’ rolling pin toss, kilted mile race, solo bag pipe and chanter competition, Highland dancing competition, Scottish arts and crafts, Highland athletics and Scottish wares.
“This year, we’re adding a fiddle competition, a petting zoo for instruments, Scottish ceilidh dancing for everyone, eating a Scotch egg, putting on a kilt, learning about a clan’s history, and two scavenger hunts around the games for prizes,” said Webster. “Salt Hill Pub of various locations in New Hampshire is providing the food, and we have entertainment in the beer tent.”
The scavenger hunts include one for children under 12 and one for teens and adults, Webster said. Prizes include gifts from vendors and supporters of the games.
The festival, which has attracted people from all over New England and Canada as well as other parts of the world for over 40 years, is being sponsored by Scottish Arts, Inc., headquartered in Manchester, New Hampshire, and presided over by piper and Highland dancer Webster.
There are also at least eight individual committees that have helped to organize the event, she noted. Aside from the Scottish Arts, sponsors include the St. Andrews Dancers of Vermont; the St. Andrews Vermont Pipe Band; Jack Tulley — Tulley BMW, Ian Bowker — Icon Broadcast; Holiday Inn Express, White River Junction; Hampton Inn, White River Junction; White River Inn and Suites, White River Junction; and the Quechee Club, Quechee.
“This is a completely communal effort by all of us who have fronted the money,” said Webster. “It’s a very Vermont way of thinking, to be communal. We’ll put a rainy day fund together for the event to happen next year if we make a profit this year. The rest goes into the bands to keep the competitors and groups going.”
Some of the events include open stone, Braemar stone put, heavy weight for distance, light weight for distance, heavy hammer, caber toss, sheaf toss, and weight for height. Some of the pipe bands are the St. Andrews of Vermont Pipes and Drums (grade 5), NH Pipes and Drums (grades 4-5), North Shore Pipe Band (grade 4), Catamount (grade 5), Clan MacPherson Pipe Band (grade 5), Mystic Highland Pipe Band (grade 5), NH Police Association Pipes and Drums (grade 5) and the Highland Light Pipe Band (grade 5).
“Clans are thrilled to know they are returning to their favorite games,” said Webster. “Competitors are glad to have the event on the calendar. We’re bringing our A game onto the field.”
Some of the vendors attendants can look forward to include Gibson Bagpipes, Highland Leatherwork, Metals and Pieces, Neal’s Yard Remedies, The Wee Piper, Faire Isles Trading Company, Patricia Smith and Judith Sullivan kiltmakers, and Thistles and Things.
Some of the nearly 25 clans being represented include Shaw, Gunn, Stewart, Johnstone, Mackintosh, Chattan, Rose, Campbell, MacLean, Davidson and MacInnes.
“The festival gives everybody a glimpse of the richness and complexity of the Scottish culture,” said Webster. “It’s not just about the colors of the beautiful tartans, but the amazing music, food, and fun activities. It’s all such an incredible tradition. We have very accomplished performers, and everyone’s so friendly. It’s a lot to take in, but we ask people to be Scottish for the day and to be proud of it.”
Up until this year, the festival relied on the owner of Scotland by the Yard, Don Ransom, to continue to function. Ransom became involved with the retail business in 1975 primarily to help at the festival that was established four years earlier, just after the store’s first opening.
Ransom, however, has since retired, closing his business and all its amenities.
Just relisted with Williamson Group Sotheby’s International Realty, the $395,000 price tag includes the shop building, three-bay oversized garage barn, sheep run-in shed and the yellow 2,000-square foot house that sits above the store on five acres overlooking Route 4, according to Ransom.
Tickets are $15 for regular admission; $10 for seniors 65-plus; and children under 12 free. The festival takes place at the Quechee polo field. Gates close at 5 p.m. | http://www.thevermontstandard.com/2016/08/quechee-highland-festival-keeping-the-scottish-tradition-alive/ | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.thevermontstandard.com/9d9706b6f17b5d392b56daf4a783499f7fd7eb887e3bc9b3813e90db6574c12b.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T16:51:34 | null | 2016-08-30T10:59:31 | On Saturday, September 10, hundreds of majestic Monarch butterflies will take flight simultaneously during the Wings of Hope butterfly release event to be held | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thevermontstandard.com%2F2016%2F08%2Fwings-of-hope-butterfly-release-sept-10%2F.json | http://www.thevermontstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/favicon.ico | en | null | Wings of Hope Butterfly Release, Sept. 10 | null | null | www.thevermontstandard.com | Lebanon, NH – On Saturday, September 10, hundreds of majestic Monarch butterflies will take flight simultaneously during the Wings of Hope butterfly release event to be held in Colburn Park in Lebanon from 1-3 p.m. The annual fundraiser, now in its seventh year, is presented by Visiting Nurse and Hospice for Vermont and New Hampshire (VNH) and is the biggest fundraiser of the year for the non-profit organization. Purchase of a butterfly for release is $20 and proceeds help support hospice care programs, patients and their families.
Taking part in the butterfly release ceremony is a unique way to remember those who have passed. “Butterflies symbolize the cycle of life – birth, transition, healing and renewal,” says Jeanne McLaughlin, President and Chief Executive Officer for VNH. “This is a fun, visually stunning ceremony and it raises money for a great cause – to support VNH Hospice programs.”
In addition to the butterfly release ceremony, the day will also feature inspirational reflections from VNH employees and performances from the First Congregational Church of Lebanon Choir & Friends, vocalist Lily Sylvestre and a Scottish Highland Bagpipe performance by Matt Phelps. To purchase a butterfly, visit vnhcare.org/wingsofhope or call (888)300-8853. | http://www.thevermontstandard.com/2016/08/wings-of-hope-butterfly-release-sept-10/ | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.thevermontstandard.com/0a1bbd4950034c0b004b3922b06b1d4a62300484c131d10742b852b10d2f964c.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:05:23 | null | 2016-08-24T13:40:16 | WINDSOR — Graveside services will be held Aug. 27, at 10 a.m. in the Ascutney Cemetery in Windsor for Vivienne Z. Wakefield, 86, who died Aug. 19, at the Cedar | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thevermontstandard.com%2F2016%2F08%2Fvivienne-wakefield-obituary-86%2F.json | http://www.thevermontstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/favicon.ico | en | null | Vivienne Wakefield Obituary, 86 | null | null | www.thevermontstandard.com | WINDSOR — Graveside services will be held Aug. 27, at 10 a.m. in the Ascutney Cemetery in Windsor for Vivienne Z. Wakefield, 86, who died Aug. 19, at the Cedar Hill Continuing Care Community in Windsor. The Rev. Bill Sheldon will officiate.
She was born June 5, 1930, in Woodstock, daughter of Harry and Zola (Harris) Sanderson.
Vivienne grew up in Windsor and graduated from Windsor High School in 1948.
She married Walter F. Wakefield on May 1, 1948 in Shelburne. They made their home in Windsor where they raised their nine children. Mr. Wakefield passed away on March 6, 2003.
Vivienne was an exceptional photographer and a few of her photographs won local awards. She also enjoyed knitting and crocheting and often donated her handwork to local churches and organizations. She was a member of the Freedom in Christ Church in Ascutney.
Vivienne is survived by five sons, Walter “Butch” Wakefield of South Pomfret, Terry Wakefield of Reading, Wakefield of Reading, Kent Wakefield of Windsor and Kip Wakefield of Reading; three daughters, Jana Childs of Enfield, New Hampshire, Sandra Depecol of Chester, and Sue Longfellow of Edgewater, Florida; 16 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; three great-great-granddaughters; two sisters, Shirley Hammond of Brownsville and Marjorie Waters of Springfield; and many nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her husband; a son, Randy; and two brothers, Sonny Sanderson and Howard Sanderson.
The Knight Funeral Home in Windsor is entrusted with the arrangements.
Condolences may be expressed to her family in an online guestbook at www.knightfuneralhomes.com.
This obituary will also appear in the August 25, 2016 edition of the Vermont Standard.
To leave condolences, thoughts or stories, please comment below.
To see more obituaries click here. | http://www.thevermontstandard.com/2016/08/vivienne-wakefield-obituary-86/ | en | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | www.thevermontstandard.com/12c7f9d86dd243ff05b36f7b3d930a7a9b560273ed256ed0853a9ab22451b953.json |
[
"Dale Hillard"
] | 2016-08-26T13:01:23 | null | 2015-08-28T12:59:34 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thevermontstandard.com%2Fevent%2Fharper-lees-go-set-a-watchman-discussion-with-margaret-edwards%2Fcomment-page-1%2F.json | http://www.thevermontstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/favicon.ico | en | null | Harper Lee’s “Go Set A Watchman” Discussion with Margaret Edwards | null | null | www.thevermontstandard.com | null | http://www.thevermontstandard.com/event/harper-lees-go-set-a-watchman-discussion-with-margaret-edwards/comment-page-1/ | en | 2015-08-28T00:00:00 | www.thevermontstandard.com/5ee36c76b3dba57dc7db42e455f3c74796437bf23e27801a994910985150634f.json |
[
"Bruce Davis",
"Nbick Ferro"
] | 2016-08-26T12:49:51 | null | 2016-07-07T14:32:17 | NORTH SPRINGFIELD —Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, July 8, at the Congregational Church in Springfield for John Megown Von Bargen, 70, who | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thevermontstandard.com%2F2016%2F07%2Fjohn-von-bargen-obituary-70%2Fcomment-page-1%2F.json | http://www.thevermontstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/favicon.ico | en | null | John Von Bargen Obituary, 70 | null | null | www.thevermontstandard.com | NORTH SPRINGFIELD —Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, July 8, at the Congregational Church in Springfield for John Megown Von Bargen, 70, who passed away from lung cancer on July 4, at his home surrounded by his family. A reception will follow at the Von Bargen’s home.
John was born on Sept. 25, 1945, in Ironwood, Michigan, son of John and Jessie Von Bargen. He is the brother of Mary Von Bargen Frederick. John’s childhood was spent in a number of states in the Midwest as his father was in the United States Forest Service. He attended and graduated from Lehigh University with a degree in Economics. After concluding his education, he traveled the United States as a comb salesman and in so doing, visited Vermont where he met and fell in love with his wife Leslie Bibens.
On Aug. 24, 1975, he and Leslie were married and started their life together. In the years to come, John and Leslie built a home together in North Springfield and had two children, John Eric Von Bargen and Julie Von Bargen Thom. They had an admirable marriage that ended after three years of John’s unwavering loving care of Leslie, who passed away of ovarian cancer July 9, 2012. In June 2016, John was married to Veronica Todorovic, and their time was cut too short by John’s illness.
He is survived by his wife, Veronica; two children, John and Emily Von Bargen; Jason and Julie Thom; and his three grandchildren, John Eric Von Bargen Jr, Henry Richard Von Bargen and Evie Leslie Thom.
With a desire to work with his hands, John made the improbable decision to train himself as a silversmith. First selling his jewelry at local craft fairs, he eventually opened his first store, The Silver Mine in Killington in 1975. These entrepreneurial learnings coupled with John’s passion for quality and his risk taking mindset led to the founding of his first Von Bargen’s jewelry store in Springfield. John gradually expanded to four store locations and developed an industry-wide respected business known for its quality and ethics.
John’s charisma, enthusiasm and engaging conversation often left those with whom he interacted with an unforgettable impression. He had incredible energy and a wild streak that revealed his love of and appreciation of life. As an addict to the New York Times, a long standing VPR supporter and a voracious reader, John could speak to any topic at length. His confidence and delivery made him a great story teller, and he never let the facts get in the way of a good story. He may have been often wrong but he was never in doubt.
John will be missed intensely by his family and by the many friends he developed throughout his life.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in John’s honor to The Norris Cotton Cancer Center Research Fund (ph. 603-653-0745).
This obituary will also appear in the July 8, 2016 edition of the Vermont Standard.
To leave condolences, thoughts or stories, please comment below.
To see more obituaries click here. | http://www.thevermontstandard.com/2016/07/john-von-bargen-obituary-70/comment-page-1/ | en | 2016-07-07T00:00:00 | www.thevermontstandard.com/ed905ed3aafa2a27647bf27373a83c848b2c1f66ea45456c0e0900b9387fa322.json |
[
"Anna Cody"
] | 2016-08-26T12:59:02 | null | 2016-08-22T11:33:21 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thevermontstandard.com%2Fevent%2Fshakespeare-alive-a-bard-based-variety-show-stand-up-shakespeare-co%2Fcomment-page-1%2F.json | http://www.thevermontstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/favicon.ico | en | null | “Shakespeare Alive! A Bard-Based Variety Show”, Stand Up Shakespeare Co. | null | null | www.thevermontstandard.com | null | http://www.thevermontstandard.com/event/shakespeare-alive-a-bard-based-variety-show-stand-up-shakespeare-co/comment-page-1/ | en | 2016-08-22T00:00:00 | www.thevermontstandard.com/9e052a978aa747cd89b7e633540de539fe9278b2876f6f4831fcb8e49b888a88.json |
[] | 2016-08-29T14:51:10 | null | 2016-08-29T10:48:19 | A handful of new teachers and administrative staff are coming to the schools of Windsor Central Supervisory Union. The Vermont Standard talked with five of them | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thevermontstandard.com%2F2016%2F08%2Fwcsu-new-educators-ready-for-challenges%2F.json | http://www.thevermontstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/favicon.ico | en | null | WCSU New Educators Ready for Challenges | null | null | www.thevermontstandard.com | A handful of new teachers and administrative staff are coming to the schools of Windsor Central Supervisory Union. The Vermont Standard talked with five of them:
Hannah Leland loves learning so much that she hasn’t stopped since she graduated from Johnson State College. She earned a master’s degree from Plymouth State University in 2009 and now she’s working on her certificate of advanced graduate studies in secondary school administration and plans to earn her doctorate within the next 10 years.
“I love school. I love learning new things! So I have always planned to continue my education and one day acquire my doctorate. I also am doing it to show my daughter the importance of education and that if you want something bad enough, you can achieve it with enough effort,” she said in an email.
Leland is the new dean of students at Woodstock Union High School.
She will oversee student discipline at WUHS, taking over the position from Jeff Thomas.
Leland was the curriculum, instruction and assessment coordinator at the Hartford Area Career and Technology Center. She has eight years of experience teaching English. She taught sophomore English at Mascoma Valley Regional High School in Canaan, New Hampshire and before that taught at the Caledonia School in St. Johnsbury. Outside of learning, she loves community. She’s the director of the North Haverhill Fair, a fair she started volunteering at when she was 15, after being involved in 4-H and a competitor in the horse show.
“Without a strong community what do you have? You have to learn to give to others and do so selflessly. I grew up in the community where the fair is and have always felt a sense of pride being a part of that community,” she said.
Sarah Hahn is a new science teacher at Woodstock Union High School.
The 28-year-old spent this past year teaching science in Leeds, England.
“I always wanted to teach abroad,” said Hahn.
Hahn grew as a teacher in the United Kingdom, where she said the education system is heavily geared toward testing. Before her stay in England, she taught for five years at Naperville Central High School in the suburbs of Chicago.
Hahn has a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction. She lives in Lebanon now.
“I wanted to come to WCSU because of the community and the passion and dedication of the teachers at WUHS. I’m really excited about the direction the science department is heading,” she said.
Katie Jacobsen and Ashley Stagner
Two new teachers, Katie Jacobsen and Ashley Stagner, taught at Hamilton Central School District in New York before they both coincidentally applied to the Windsor Central Supervisory Union at the same time.
Stagner, 28, is the new part-time art teacher at Woodstock Union High School and Jacobsen will teach first grade at Prosper Valley School.
“It was a delightful surprise,” Stagner said.
Stagner and Jacobsen were both at Hamilton Central for about three years. Stagner taught elementary, middle and high school art classes while Jacobsen taught third grade.
Last spring, Jacobsen, 27, was named one of PBS’ most innovative educators for her use of technology in the classroom.
Students in her class ran a blog, published their writing and created videos and podcasts, for example. Jacobsen views technology as a tool, “especially in a rural environment to bring the world to the classroom,” she said.
Allison Greene
Allison Greene is the new fifth grade teacher at Prosper Valley.
Greene, 33, is an avid trail runner, hiker and cross-country skier, spent two years teaching outdoor environmental education in Montana, California and Wyoming.
She has a master’s degree at Columbia University in New York City and had been a second and fourth grade teacher in Brooklyn before applying to the job in Pomfret.
“I love building strong communities in my classroom, getting kids excited about great books, playing math games, and teaching hands-on science,” said Greene, 33, who lives in Woodstock.
“I recently had a baby and my husband and I both love being outside, so we were ready to move out of the big city,” she said.
This article first appeared in the August 25, 2016 edition of the Vermont Standard. | http://www.thevermontstandard.com/2016/08/wcsu-new-educators-ready-for-challenges/ | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.thevermontstandard.com/1aa7017c236d0f04fd150887a950f95cd780f4cd79d53f9ab9752e9d36973dc7.json |
[] | 2016-08-29T14:51:08 | null | 2016-08-29T09:46:34 | Cathy Knight knew in sixth grade when her teacher said, “you can do anything, be anything you want” that she wanted to be a teacher. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thevermontstandard.com%2F2016%2F08%2Freading-elementary-school-hires-w-windsor-resident-to-be-principal%2F.json | http://www.thevermontstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Cathyspic.jpg | en | null | Reading Elementary School Hires W. Windsor Resident to Be Principal | null | null | www.thevermontstandard.com | Staff Report
Cathy Knight knew in sixth grade when her teacher said, “you can do anything, be anything you want” that she wanted to be a teacher.
Knight went home and played “school” with her dolls, teaching them lessons she learned in school.
“My sixth-grade teacher used to tell me as long as you’re learning, you’re alive. As soon as you stop learning, you die.” Knight said. “School embodies that thirst for learning…It’s just a matter of igniting that passion for learning.”
Now Knight, 57, is grown up and has students of her own. Knight is the new principal at Reading Elementary School, hoping to ignite that passion in the 60 or so students there.
Knight is the type who listens to children’s books in her car so she can recommend books for her students to read.
“(Learning is) such a doorway to the world,” she said. “I’ve always been a teacher, I’m a teacher at heart.”
Knight worked her way up from community college to the University of Maryland to Johns Hopkins University, as her finances allowed.
Knight is returning to the school she taught fourth and fifth grade at 10 years ago. Knight was a full-time teacher at Reading from 2005-2007. She ran the summer program in 2006. Then left the school in 2007 to become the principal at Albert Bridge School.
Former Principal Zooey Zullo’s resignation was accepted when the school board released her from her contract July 15.
John Fike, a former Reading school board member was “pleasantly surprised” by Knight’s return.
Fike hasn’t spoken to her and wasn’t part of the decision to hire her, but he remembers her being a good teacher.
Knight lives in West Windsor. She was most recently the principal at the Rochester School, a K-12 school, where she spent three years.
“I was driving an hour-and-a-half each way to work,” she said. “Last December on one day it took me three hours. I decided I was tired of the commute.”
She handed in her resignation then.
“I gave my heart and soul and I feel that there’s a lot I could offer here,” she said.
Her commute to work is now 15 minutes.
She’ll be at Reading four days a week—three days as principal overseeing the staff and students and the other day she’ll be the librarian, integrating technology into classroom assignments.
“I’m very techie,” she said.
Attempts to reach Zullo, who was hired in 2014, by phone weren’t successful. Phone calls to the three Reading Elementary school board members also weren’t returned. As a part-time principal, Zullo was paid a salary of $47,393 in the 2014-15 school year, according to the Reading town report. Attempts to obtain salary figures for Knight’s contract were unsuccessful, though the office of the principal budget (which includes an administrative assistant) totals $114,822 with a $49,792 salary for the principal, documents show.
Knight is upgrading the school website and plans to write a weekly blog.
Knight’s focus is on sustainability — in this case, sustainable learning and making sure that children who grow up in Vermont stay in Vermont, or at least are able to come back.
“I’m going to do all I can to sustain the learning,” Knight said.
Knight starts to miss school around this time every year. She kept in touch with her sixth-grade teacher until the teacher died five years ago. The lessons that teacher taught her are still with her.
This article first appeared in the August 25, 2016 edition of the Vermont Standard. | http://www.thevermontstandard.com/2016/08/reading-elementary-school-hires-w-windsor-resident-to-be-principal/ | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.thevermontstandard.com/16ab60e4678eb13e45db48477bea1f6d7ff7fb8e7929e8e258ce5318298260bc.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T18:50:20 | null | 2016-08-26T13:12:15 | The Greater Killington Women’s Club (formerly known as the Sherburne Women’s Club) is a civic organization founded in Killington over 50 years ago by Susan | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thevermontstandard.com%2F2016%2F08%2Fmember-drive-for-killington-womens-club%2F.json | http://www.thevermontstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/favicon.ico | en | null | Member Drive For Killington Women’s Club | null | null | www.thevermontstandard.com | The Greater Killington Women’s Club (formerly known as the Sherburne Women’s Club) is a civic organization founded in Killington over 50 years ago by Susan Smith, the wife of the resort’s founder Preston Smith. In more than a half-century of service to the Killington community, the club has given away over $100,000 to local organizations, schools and nonprofits.
The recently rebranded club is now reaching out to invite members (current, former and potential) to renew or join and consider supporting this very worthwhile organization that does so much for the community. Membership applications can be found on their website at swcvt.com/membershipapplication.htm.
The Greater Killington Women’s Club is a charitable organization whose focus is providing supporting fundraising efforts and a socializing network to nurture our local community. For more info go to: swcvt.com. | http://www.thevermontstandard.com/2016/08/member-drive-for-killington-womens-club/ | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.thevermontstandard.com/a7cd48266e316b537c7a41d9d72638795e49c90588338e2faae4e4dd1b7dd29d.json |
[
"Bill Kennett"
] | 2016-08-26T12:57:43 | null | 2015-02-25T13:21:55 | HARTLAND — A private family celebration will be held for Ronald F. Kennett, 57, who died while vacationing in Ft. Myers, Florida on Feb. 10. Ron was born in | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thevermontstandard.com%2F2015%2F02%2Fronald-kennett-obituary-57%2Fcomment-page-1%2F.json | http://www.thevermontstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/favicon.ico | en | null | Ronald Kennett Obituary, 57 | null | null | www.thevermontstandard.com | HARTLAND — A private family celebration will be held for Ronald F. Kennett, 57, who died while vacationing in Ft. Myers, Florida on Feb. 10.
Ron was born in Springfield, on Oct. 5, 1957, the only son of Francis and Helen Kennett.
Ron is survived by Linda Johnston of Hartland; her two daughters, Amy Hoisington and her husband, Jay and Jessica Johnston, Gregory Kennett of Hartland; and Greg’s mom, Karen James of Chester. He is also survived by his father, Francis Kennett and his wife, Etta of North Springfield; and his mother, Helen Kennett of Perkinsville. Ron was predeceased by Helen’s companion Joseph Maynard, whom he admired. Ron leaves behind two sisters, Vicki Hood and her husband Don, and Tamra Howe and her husband, Mike; his nephews, Jeremy and Jonathan Hood; and his niece, Christina Howe; and his grandson, William Joseph Hoisington.
The gift of his life and the memories shared, are treasures that will last forever and live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Vermont Chapter, 300 Cornerstone Drive, Suite 128, Williston, VT 05495.
This obituary first appeared in the February 26, 2014 print edition of the Vermont Standard.
To leave condolences, thoughts or stories, please comment below.
To see more obituaries click here. | http://www.thevermontstandard.com/2015/02/ronald-kennett-obituary-57/comment-page-1/ | en | 2015-02-25T00:00:00 | www.thevermontstandard.com/cb19554bb25aa816dec0078c499a7e3b80f298017548869cbed26444568c20b4.json |
[
"Karen Bollinger Wiswell",
"Nancy Ferrero",
"Heather Atwater Kennedy"
] | 2016-08-26T13:00:53 | null | 2016-07-20T13:53:53 | John (Jack) StewartJohn ‘Jack’ Stewart LANARK VILLAGE, Florida - Per his wishes there will be no memorial service for John Richard Stewart (Jack), 89, who | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thevermontstandard.com%2F2016%2F07%2Fjohn-stewart-obituary-89%2Fcomment-page-1%2F.json | http://www.thevermontstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Stewart-Jack-345x300.jpg | en | null | John Stewart Obituary, 89 | null | null | www.thevermontstandard.com | John ‘Jack’ StewartLANARK VILLAGE, Florida – Per his wishes there will be no memorial service for John Richard Stewart (Jack), 89, who passed away on July 12, following a brief illness.Jack was born July 4, 1927 in Salem, Massachusetts, son of John and Emma Stewart.He is a veteran of WWII and was stationed in Germany during the war. He was a long-time resident of Barnard where he served the community for many years as a volunteer firefighter, town selectman, Boy Scout leader, and member of the school board.Jack worked as a carpenter for Frizzell and Sons and ended his career working for the Billings Farm Museum as a conservator where he restored the majority of the museum’s collection of farm implements and antiques. The last several years spent time in Florida.Jack was survived by his children, Douglas Stewart, Richard Stewart, Elaine Stratton, Dale Stewart, Carol Redman and Donald Stewart; three grandchildren Trevor, Elias, and AJ; and his friend, Toy Storey of Norwich.He was predeceased by his wife of 42 years, Edith Corrine (Dash) Stewart; as well as a daughter Ellen Stewart.Memorial donations can be made in his memory to the Barnard Volunteer Fire Department.The Knight Funeral Home in White River Jct. handled arrangements.
This obituary will also appear in the July 28, 2016 edition of the Vermont Standard.
To leave condolences, thoughts or stories, please comment below.
To see more obituaries click here. | http://www.thevermontstandard.com/2016/07/john-stewart-obituary-89/comment-page-1/ | en | 2016-07-20T00:00:00 | www.thevermontstandard.com/79242689756e1444b2bf3c1c1d48aaeaae1207a41d5676d14bbf44a37afd6f46.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:03:33 | null | 2016-08-24T12:20:13 | The annual fundraising event for the Hartland Christmas Project. The race this year was part of the Upper Valley Runners Series and brought in a much larger | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thevermontstandard.com%2F2016%2F08%2Fphotos-under-the-tree-5k-race-2016%2F.json | http://www.thevermontstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/UnderTheTree-350x232.jpg | en | null | Photos: Under The Tree 5K, Race 2016 | null | null | www.thevermontstandard.com | The annual fundraising event for the Hartland Christmas Project. The race this year was part of the Upper Valley Runners Series and brought in a much larger crowd than in previous years.
Rick Russell Photos
A portion of these photos will appear in the August 25, 2016 print edition of the Vermont Standard.
Click here if you are having trouble viewing the collection of photo galleries, click on an image below to view in a larger format and to see more photos. To see more photo galleries Click Here | http://www.thevermontstandard.com/2016/08/photos-under-the-tree-5k-race-2016/ | en | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | www.thevermontstandard.com/8f6f37296ee2db9b9167e76ee73cae73e29f6ef32bd6ff6fada023c42d18f891.json |
[
"Tiffany Bergeron-Pereslete"
] | 2016-08-26T13:01:49 | null | 2016-05-25T13:47:51 | Sarah MitchellSarah Lincoln Lorenz Mitchell, teacher and friend, mother and grandmother, died peacefully and quietly during the night of May 1 with her son Adam | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thevermontstandard.com%2F2016%2F05%2Fsarah-mitchell-obituary-78%2Fcomment-page-1%2F.json | http://www.thevermontstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Sarah-Mitchell-205x300.jpg | en | null | Sarah Mitchell Obituary, 78 | null | null | www.thevermontstandard.com | Sarah Lincoln Lorenz Mitchell, teacher and friend, mother and grandmother, died peacefully and quietly during the night of May 1 with her son Adam beside her at Dartmouth Hitchcock hospital. Her three sons and many grandchildren had visited her in her last few days, after she decided her 10-year struggle with lung cancer had gone on too long. “I have decided to die,” she had said to her family a few days earlier. Long a champion of student autonomy and personal agency, Sarah died as she had lived, with fierce self-determination. She was 78.A celebration of Sarah Mitchell’s life will be held at the St. James Episcopal Church in Woodstock, where she was a longtime parishioner. The service is scheduled for 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 25.Sarah Mitchell was born in Peoria Illinois, April 9, 1938, the only child of Ingebor Lincoln and Robert Lorenz, who eventually settled in Marlboro, Vermont when Sarah was nine.Encouraged by her parents’ love of books and culture, Sarah cultivated her own love for the life of the mind as she attended a one room school house and came to think of herself as a Vermonter. She grew up loving Vermont’s “old ways” and loved telling tales of Vermont all her life. Sarah’s mother was a Smith College graduate who participated in the founding of Marlboro College and for years ran the Marlboro Post Office out of the Lorenz home.When she was thirteen, Sarah went to the Woodstock Country School as a ninth grade boarder. While there she was especially active in the drama program. As a junior she played a gypsy who portrayed the Virgin Mary in “Christmas in the Marketplace.” As a senior she was Juliet in “Romeo and Juliet.” Her experience at Woodstock in many ways shaped her adult life as a proponent and advocate of student-centered, progressive education. After graduating in 1955, Sarah went on to Bennington College.In 1957, Sarah married Mark Mitchell, a recent Dartmouth College graduate and aspiring architect. They began their 54-year, peripatetic marriage in El Paso, Texas, where Mark did his military service and Sarah wrote advertising copy for a local department store. After Mark trained in architecture at Harvard University, the Mitchells moved to Hawaii where their first son, Christopher, was born. A few years later, in New Haven, Connecticut, and Boston, Massachusetts, Sarah gave birth to sons Adam and Benjamin. She raised her three energetic boys in a cloud of spackle dust, melting solder and wiring fragments, as they moved from architectural landmark to architectural landmark, “flipping houses” long before the term even existed in English.Sarah began her own professional life in the 1970s in Boston, teaching adult students with dyslexia how to read. She taught English for ten years at the Winsor School, founded 1886, “for academically promising girls in grades 5-12.” While there, Sarah created the school’s “Choices Program” for empowering young women to think critically about themselves in society, with a fierce advocacy for the voice of the individual. Despite having no undergraduate degree, Sarah’s professional accomplishments were enough to get her into the Harvard Graduate School of Education, where she earned her Master’s in Education in 1972.Sarah found her intellectual and spiritual home at the Adult Degree Program of Vermont College where she was a tenured professor for 25 years. At Vermont College, Sarah continued to read widely, think deeply and fight tirelessly for the highest potential of each of her students. Working to create a world class teacher training program as well as Masters of Ed program, Sarah was the steward to a generation of Vermont Teachers, many of whom carry on her radical belief in the immeasurable value of every student. While continuing to teach, Sarah earned her Ph.D. from the Union Institute and University for non-residential higher education, based in Cincinnati, with a center in Brattleboro.Remaining busy in retirement, Sarah taught classes on novels by Jane Austen, Leo Tolstoy, and George Eliot and a variety of other subjects for the Woodstock Learning Lab for seven years. As she summed up her life for the Lab’s course brochures, Sarah “graduated from the Woodstock Country School in the mid-fifties, the Harvard Graduate School of Education in the mid-seventies, and gained her Ph.D. in the mid-nineties, demonstrating her commitment to lifelong learning.”After the her husband Mark died in 2011, Sarah moved to Woodstock where she nestled in with her books and her cat, continuing to teach and maintaining a busy social life. In 2015 she reconnected with her Country School sweetheart, master thespian and radical writer/educator, William Boardman, recently widowered. In this relationship, she lived the last year of her life almost like a teenager, filled with joy and laughter and gratitude.Sarah’s life was punctuated with interesting buildings and fascinating people, all of whom she loved with reckless abandon. But wherever she was, Sarah Lincoln Lorenz Mitchell was at her greatest completeness when she was engaged in a vigorous dialog with a young mind striving to realize her or his full potential.Sarah is survived by her three sons: Christopher and his wife Judy of Harvard, Massachusetts; Adam and his wife Aileen of Cambridge, Massachusetts, and Benjamin of Westminster; and six grandchildren: Emily, Alison, Nicholas, Caleb, Isla and Lucy; as well as her black, partly-Siamese cat, Nuit.Gifts in memory of Sarah’s vibrant life may be made to the Norman Williams Public Library in Woodstock.
This obituary will also appear in the May 26, 2016 edition of the Vermont Standard.
To leave condolences, thoughts or stories, please comment below.
To see more obituaries click here. | http://www.thevermontstandard.com/2016/05/sarah-mitchell-obituary-78/comment-page-1/ | en | 2016-05-25T00:00:00 | www.thevermontstandard.com/f045111027ac909da35db42611e12df55fd9c7bc1fd0c2ee562494c40cebf902.json |
[] | 2016-08-27T14:50:06 | null | 2016-08-27T10:16:33 | Area fire departments came together Aug. 18 to salute Levi Parker, 21, of Springfield. Parker is a volunteer fire fighter with West Weathersfield Fire | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thevermontstandard.com%2F2016%2F08%2Fsaluting-levi-area-fire-department-come-together%2F.json | http://www.thevermontstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/LeviParker_sendoff-350x234.jpg | en | null | Saluting Levi, Area Fire Department Come Together | null | null | www.thevermontstandard.com | Area fire departments came together Aug. 18 to salute Levi Parker, 21, of Springfield.
Parker is a volunteer fire fighter with West Weathersfield Fire Department who has recently been diagnosed with acute anemia.
The fire fighters in the West Weathersfield station put the call out to area fire companies to line Route 106 with fire trucks and rescue vehicles as Levi and his family made their way towards the interstate to head to Boston for a bone marrow transplant. About 20 fire trucks from fire stations as far away as Westminster and Charlestown, N.H. line the road as Levi followed behind a police cruiser escort. The family will need to be in Boston for about a month while Levi undergoes treatment. West Weathersfield Fire has sold about 600 fundraising bracelets and will host a spaghetti dinner on Oct. 1 at the station in Perkinsville to raise money for the family’s travel and medical costs. Contact NaToshya Spaulding at (603) 322-3287 for more information
Nancy Nutile-McMenemy Photos | http://www.thevermontstandard.com/2016/08/saluting-levi-area-fire-department-come-together/ | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.thevermontstandard.com/d7f74a8563d8af546e2f0cab6abf76f395c3602d85368f4b23adf179763ad37a.json |
[
"Deborah Rubin"
] | 2016-08-26T12:59:59 | null | 2016-07-30T06:25:34 | Five years ago, Hartland Elementary School improved its playground, replacing wood chips with shredded tires, deemed the safest material around. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thevermontstandard.com%2F2016%2F07%2Fhartland-elementary-school-scraps-its-playground-bits%2Fcomment-page-1%2F.json | http://www.thevermontstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/HES_girls-350x224.jpg | en | null | Hartland Elementary School Scraps Its Playground Bits | null | null | www.thevermontstandard.com | Shredded Tire Material Toxic, Students Say
By Katy Savage, Standard Staff
Five years ago, Hartland Elementary School improved its playground, replacing wood chips with shredded tires, deemed the safest material around.
At six inches deep, the springy material, called shredded mulch rubber, was sought after because it prevented injury from trips and falls. It was “trendy” and “aesthetically pleasing,” Principal Jeff Moreno said.
The rubber was installed for a total cost of $11,809 in 2011.
The Hartland school board agreed to release up to $25,000 from a reserve fund to replace the rubber with pulverized wood chips this summer. State Street School in Windsor is doing the same with the rubber at its playground. The rubber mulch is also at Barnard Academy.
The aesthetically pleasing material could cause cancer, HES fifth-grade students found.
Four students spent several months researching their playground material after seeing its potential harm on the news last fall. They wrote a persuasive essay and presented to the school board this spring.
They researched a list of toxic chemicals with names they had to study to pronounce correctly, like styrene, benzene, mercury, styrenebutadiene, polyclinic anomic hydrocarbons, carbon, lead and arsenic. All of which, and more, are on their playground, they found.
“Styrene is a neuro-toxic chemical, it can cause injury to the brain and nervous systems. Plus it could affect your lungs and other vital organs…so why is it on the playgrounds?” the students asked in their research report.
The shredded rubber is made of recycled tires, similar to crumb rubber found on artificial turf fields.
In June 2015, the Environment and Human Health, Inc., a nonprofit that protects people from environmental harm, said 153 athletes who play on crumb rubber had been diagnosed with cancer, many of whom were student athletes, particularly soccer players.
The Environment and Human Health, Inc. commissioned a study with Yale University, which found 96 chemicals in the recycled tire product. Ten of those chemicals were “probable carcinogens.” In 2012 researchers found air pollutant levels to be “extremely high” in rubber mulch samples collected from playgrounds in Europe. Researchers said, “uses of recycled rubber tires, especially those targeting play areas and other facilities for children, should be a matter of regulatory concern.”
Research regarding the harm of recycled tires in play areas is limited and the harm of the rubber material is debated.
A study at four Connecticut artificial turf fields in 2012 found about 200 air chemicals at each field. The levels of chemicals didn’t pose a health threat, but the Department of Public Health recommended ventilation and said that developers of new indoor fields should consider alternatives to crumb rubber.
“Limited studies have not shown an elevated health risk from playing on fields with tire crumb, but the existing studies do not comprehensively evaluate the concerns about health risks from exposure to tire crumb,” the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said in a recent press release.
The EPA is working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry and Consumer Product and Safety Commission on an investigation to better understand the harm of the rubber product, according to a press release from the CDC. The investigation launched in February 2016 and a report is expected later this year.
The material at Hartland and Windsor schools comes from Ulti-Play Parks & Playgounds, Inc., a Massachusetts-based company that works with schools throughout New England.
Mike Parody, the president of the company, assured the product is safe, distinguishing the shredded tire mulch from the crumb rubber on turf fields, where the soccer athletes may have developed cancer.
“It’s like walking on the moon,” Parody said.
The product is manufactured by Creative Rubber Works, which has sold millions of pounds of the product across the country.
Creative Rubber Works Vice President Susan Weinstein said she doesn’t know about the toxicity. According to company website, “Creative Rubber Works (CRW) exceeds the standards set by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.”
The rubber product from CRW is certified by the International Play Equipment Manufacturer’s Association, an organization that certifies playground products in the United States and Canada.
In March 2012, IPEMA released a statement on tire mulch, saying “IPEMA does not dictate or recommend whether its members use recycled rubber in their products. It is the choice of the individual member.”
IPEMA said it “is always interested in reviewing new safety information, including any independent, third party, scientific studies concerning the use of recycled tires.”
Research up until now hasn’t swayed the organization to call the tire mulch unsafe.
The group of female Hartland students spent lunch and recess time researching the past year, working with Moreno and other teachers.
“Before (our research) we were almost burying each other in it, like sand, especially the younger kids were putting it in their mouths, throwing it, kicking it,” student Megan Lang said. “It gets on my hair, it gets on my clothes.”
The material is hard to avoid. It rests outside the play area. Pieces of it get carried into the school building.
“It like sticks to everything,” student Alexina Peckinpaugh said.
It also smells, especially after it rains.
“I knew we needed to get rid of it rather than wait for empirical data to tell us what our guts and brains are telling us is not good,” Moreno said, calling the student research “eye opening.”
The replacement of the recycled tires received mixed feelings.
Before the students presented to the school board, they presented to their peers. Some were convinced by the students, others were disrespectful.
“They didn’t understand our point,” Megan said.
Students, including their younger siblings, continued to play on the playground despite the advice of their peers. The school staff is also weary of calling the material harmful.
Windsor Schools Building and Ground Director Jim Taft said the material is being replaced because it’s messy, not because it’s toxic.
Windsor Southeast Supervisory Union Superintendent David Baker echoed what Taft said. Baker said the fifth-grade students had nothing to do with the products’ removal.
“They created an unsightly mess and they needed to go. That decision was made during budget time last year. I have no idea where the fifth-grade project came from, but I applaud their effort. The two are not related,” Baker said in an email.
Toxic or not, the student’s research was enough to convince school board members.
“It was the first I had heard about it,” school board chair Bettina Read said. “I was surprised about it because it was not that many years ago we replaced it to what it is now. At that time nobody had any concerns about it.”
The group of four ambitious students is best friends and their younger brothers are also best friends.
Between them they have a hefty extra-curricular schedule, including gymnastics, softball, 4-H and other activities.
They’ve approached Moreno about other school issues, like assigned seating at lunch. The students made petition posters about the rubber mulch in case the school board said no to its removal.
“If there is even a little chance (which there is) that it can be dangerous for young children then why do people put it on playgrounds where little kids play?” the students asked in their report.
This article first appeared in the July 21, 2016 edition of the Vermont Standard. | http://www.thevermontstandard.com/2016/07/hartland-elementary-school-scraps-its-playground-bits/comment-page-1/ | en | 2016-07-30T00:00:00 | www.thevermontstandard.com/c1afd476cab42c1d8758aa69e3e6b6ba464b4b6f6af04543dab8f8eeaee5f056.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:06:18 | null | 2016-08-25T06:00:23 | Congratulation to Lauren Carvalho of East Barnard . TheVermontStandard.com readers voted over the past week and chose Lauren's photo as the Grand Prize Winner | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thevermontstandard.com%2F2016%2F08%2Fpet-photo-contest-winner-submissions-2016%2F.json | http://www.thevermontstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/These-are-photos-of-my-4.5-year-old-Golden-Retriever-Milo-taken-this-summer-in-East-Barnard-350x233.jpg | en | null | Pet Photo Contest Winner & Submissions 2016 | null | null | www.thevermontstandard.com | Congratulation to Lauren Carvalho of East Barnard . TheVermontStandard.com readers voted over the past week and chose Lauren’s photo as the Grand Prize Winner with 51.5% of the votes (486) out of 944.
Thank you to all the participants. Congratulations to all the winners. Please contact the Vermont Standard to claim your prize(s) 802-457-1313. Click on an image to view larger.
Save | http://www.thevermontstandard.com/2016/08/pet-photo-contest-winner-submissions-2016/ | en | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | www.thevermontstandard.com/4071de6438817b822f03447f6806eeccd0ab8ae08b811ac4f001d104e60bfd46.json |
[
"Mary Anne Riley"
] | 2016-08-26T13:02:17 | null | 2016-08-03T14:58:56 | ASCUTNEY - The funeral service was held July 27 for Marcia W. Farmer, 86, of Ascutney, who died July 21 in her home. Rev. Lance Harlow officiated. Committal | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thevermontstandard.com%2F2016%2F08%2Fmarcia-farmer-obituary-86%2Fcomment-page-1%2F.json | http://www.thevermontstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/favicon.ico | en | null | Marcia Farmer Obituary, 86 | null | null | www.thevermontstandard.com | ASCUTNEY – The funeral service was held July 27 for Marcia W. Farmer, 86, of Ascutney, who died July 21 in her home. Rev. Lance Harlow officiated. Committal services will be held in the Woodlawn Cemetery in Newfane.
She was born July 16, 1930, in Hampton, New York, daughter of Harold and Dorothy (Douglas) Whitaker. She was raised in Newfane and graduated from Brattleboro High School.
She was the first woman to graduate from Vermont Technical College in Randolph Center, earning her associate’s degree.
She married Samuel F. Farmer in Newfane in 1963 and they moved to Ascutney.
Marcia was employed as an x-ray technician at Brattleboro Hospital, Mount Ascutney Hospital and Springfield Hospital. She retired from Mount Ascutney Hospital in Windsor in 1999.
Survivors include her daughter, Catherine Henault of Perkinsville; stepson David Farmer of Anchorage, Alaska; brother Raymond Whitaker of Panton; two grandchildren, two step-grandchildren, one great-grandson; and several nieces and nephews.
Her husband died in 1982; she is also predeceased by her parents; and a brother, John Whitaker.
Memorial contributions may be made to BAYADA Hospice in Norwich; or to the American Cancer Society.
Condolences may be left at to www.knightfuneralhomes.com
This obituary will also appear in the August 4, 2016 edition of the Vermont Standard.
To leave condolences, thoughts or stories, please comment below.
To see more obituaries click here. | http://www.thevermontstandard.com/2016/08/marcia-farmer-obituary-86/comment-page-1/ | en | 2016-08-03T00:00:00 | www.thevermontstandard.com/ba8f98b392f4c4494b51a1867327bb756e5862aca204bfb734ac802f41517943.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:05:42 | null | 2016-08-24T12:15:25 | The Norman Williams Public Library held an artist opening reception for the works of Laurel Tobiason now on display on the Mezzanine at the library. Each piece | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thevermontstandard.com%2F2016%2F08%2Fphotos-under-glass-art-show-laurel-tobiason%2F.json | http://www.thevermontstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/ArtistLaurelTobiason-350x234.jpg | en | null | Photos: “Under Glass” Art Show, Laurel Tobiason | null | null | www.thevermontstandard.com | The Norman Williams Public Library held an artist opening reception for the works of Laurel Tobiason now on display on the Mezzanine at the library. Each piece was either painted or printed on glass.
Rick Russell Photos
A portion of these photos will appear in the August 25, 2016 print edition of the Vermont Standard.
Click here if you are having trouble viewing the collection of photo galleries, click on an image below to view in a larger format and to see more photos. To see more photo galleries Click Here | http://www.thevermontstandard.com/2016/08/photos-under-glass-art-show-laurel-tobiason/ | en | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | www.thevermontstandard.com/9788511b0a1901c0bf18d42869d0d0ed27991c41da5c20511d27d9463353a1e7.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T10:51:21 | null | 2016-08-30T06:05:45 | Last week Woodstock Police Chief Robbie Blish traveled to the White House for a briefing on 21st Century Policing. What he discovered was that the Woodstock | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thevermontstandard.com%2F2016%2F08%2Fmr-blish-goes-to-washington-police-chief-learns-about-social-media-at-the-white-house%2F.json | http://www.thevermontstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Blish_whitehouse-225x300.jpg | en | null | Mr. Blish Goes to Washington: Police Chief Learns About Social Media at the White House | null | null | www.thevermontstandard.com | Last week Woodstock Police Chief Robbie Blish traveled to the White House for a briefing on 21st Century Policing. What he discovered was that the Woodstock Police Force was already doing many of the things recommended by the President’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing.
“It is gratifying to know that you are on the right track,” Blish said.
The 96-page report of the task force says its mission is “to strengthen community policing and trust among law enforcement officers and the communities they serve— especially in light of recent events around the country that have underscored the need for and importance of lasting collaborative relationships between local police and the public.”
“I don’t think there has been a large review of policing since the 70s,” Blish says noting the need for the task force review. The task force initially conducted seven public listening sessions around the country in 2015 to gather input from community and faith leaders, law enforcement personnel, youth leaders and academics to gather the input needed to fuel their recommendations.
In order to improve those community relations, the White House has been inviting police chiefs from around the country to attend six-hour briefings about the report all summer. The discussions center around six primary pillars: building trust and legitimacy, policy and oversight, technology and social media, community policing and crime reduction, training and education, and officer wellness and safety.
Blish says the biggest aspect of establishing trust is transparency. One way they accomplish that in Woodstock is by maintaining a Facebook page with information and putting every incident on Twitter.
“If you do not have trust you do not have legitimate authority to get people to follow the law,” Blish says.
However, based on the briefing, Blish says he may add one more social media platform for the Woodstock police force – TUMBLR. “You can create a page and customize it,” Blish says of TUMBLR. “On Facebook if someone makes negative comments, there is not much you can do about it. On TUMBLR, it (those comments) go back to their (the writer’s) page.”
Another aspect of transparency emphasized at the briefing was the use of body cameras. “They say it can improve police practice,” Blish says noting that one challenge with these devices, even after purchase (the Woodstock police officers all wear them) is who pays for it?
“Data storage is expensive,” he says.
Blish learned at the briefing about a police data initiative that he is planning to take part in. He notes that police departments can enter data on a data.gov site in over 150 different data sets to keep track of everything from traffic stops to shootings. “It lays a foundation for problem solving in the community,” he said noting it gives the ability to look for trends in a new way.
Chief Blish emphasizes that his trip to the White House did not cost Woodstock residents anything. “I was actually there on behalf of the Vermont Association of Chiefs of Police.” He is currently the president of that organization.
Police chiefs from Colchester, Burlington, and Springfield, Vermont attended the same briefing and the Burlington chief gave a brief presentation about their online citizen complaint form. “They put it online because people may feel intimidated coming to the police station to complain,” Blish says. However, he notes this does not seem to be a problem in Woodstock. “Here they are pretty quick to tell me if they are not happy with something.”
Overall, Blish says he feels like it was a worthwhile trip. “Their recommendations were not concrete, it’s really kind of a best practices model.”
This article first appeared in the August 25, 2016 edition of the Vermont Standard. | http://www.thevermontstandard.com/2016/08/mr-blish-goes-to-washington-police-chief-learns-about-social-media-at-the-white-house/ | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.thevermontstandard.com/c5119e9b53297a8c972a2d43a1f89792de4baf97702a224655bbeba2e4866db1.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:06:01 | null | 2016-08-24T13:53:38 | Judi WoodFriends may gather at Artistree Community Art Center in South Pomfret on Sept. 11 from 5 - 7 p.m. to share refreshments and memories, and a celebration | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thevermontstandard.com%2F2016%2F08%2Fjudianne-wood-obituary-55%2F.json | http://www.thevermontstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/judi-wood-228x300.jpg | en | null | Judianne Wood Obituary, 55 | null | null | www.thevermontstandard.com | Friends may gather at Artistree Community Art Center in South Pomfret on Sept. 11 from 5 – 7 p.m. to share refreshments and memories, and a celebration ceremony will take place at 6 p.m. for Judianne Wood, 55, who died at her home in West Woodstock on July 16.Judi grew up in Ohio and graduated from St. Clairsville High School. She moved to Tampa, Florida where she worked toward an electrical degree before moving to Mountain City, Georgia to work on machinery for the Fruit of the Loom Company.In 2004, she and her partner Olivia moved to Stockbridge, where she enjoyed her animals and the raising of sheep. Judi was very active in caring for animals, working with VSNIP as a volunteer. For the past seven years Judi has been a dedicated worker and “family” member of the Cumberland Farms in Woodstock. She was a bright and shining person to both work with and to be greeted by every day. In addition to adding color to all our lives Judi enjoyed coloring as an art form. Most precious in Judi’s life was the love she had for her grandchildren and her animals.Judi is survived by her mother Patricia Tribbie; her daughter Stephanie Wood-Hollars and her husband Todd; three grandchildren; Kenaniah, Rachel, and Eli; her brother Michael Tribbie and his three children; Michael, Patrick, and Matthew; her adopted family at “Cumbys” Scott, Charmaine, Donna S., Jean, Donna P., Lexi, Ambrosia, Felisha, Gieovanna, Shawn, Cheyenne, and Manuel.She was predeceased by father Jack Tribbie; husband James E. Wood, Jr.; her partner Olivia Bradford; and her sister-in-law Pam Tribbie.Memorial donations may be made to the Lucy Mackenzie Humane Society, P.O. Box 702, Brownsville, 05037.Arrangements are under the direction of the Cabot Funeral Home in Woodstock, Vermont an online guest book can be found at cabotfh.com
This obituary will also appear in the August 25, 2016 edition of the Vermont Standard.
To leave condolences, thoughts or stories, please comment below.
To see more obituaries click here. | http://www.thevermontstandard.com/2016/08/judianne-wood-obituary-55/ | en | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | www.thevermontstandard.com/bbabc646b3dc2314d545e9a9ac83867fc24124d74c2605c6c16f06ad3d57b183.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:04:18 | null | 2016-08-24T13:49:25 | FARMINGTON, New Mexico — A celebration of life will be held Aug. 27 at 1 p.m. at the Lakeshore Reception Center, 6200 Lake Shore Drive, Flora Vista (NM), | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thevermontstandard.com%2F2016%2F08%2Fgilbert-gibby-wood-obituary-68%2F.json | http://www.thevermontstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/favicon.ico | en | null | Gilbert ‘Gibby’ Wood Obituary, 68 | null | null | www.thevermontstandard.com | FARMINGTON, New Mexico — A celebration of life will be held Aug. 27 at 1 p.m. at the Lakeshore Reception Center, 6200 Lake Shore Drive, Flora Vista (NM), facilitated by his nephew Jake Chrisman for Gilbert H. “Gibby” Wood, 68, who passed away Aug. 17 after battling a long illness. Friends and business associates are invited to attend and share their favorite stories and remembrances, and/or post their thoughts, memories and photos at serenityandcompany.com.
Gibby was born June 30, 1948, in Windsor and raised in Woodstock.
After graduating high school, he served in the U.S. Navy from 1966-1969 and worked on the flight deck of the U.S.S. Coral Sea during Vietnam. Following his service, he attended the University of Vermont where he received a bachelor of science in finance in 1974.
His employment by Rock Resorts in the mid-70s took Gibby to St. Marten, Jackson Hole and ultimately Tamarron Resort at Durango. He fell in love with the Southwest and, in 1979, met and married his wife Joni.
Gibby was involved with numerous businesses during his four decades in the Four Corners. He began his real estate career at Durango Realty, then opened Wood Realty and worked in securities and investments in Durango throughout the 80s and early 90s. He and Joni moved to Farmington in 1994 and, in 1995, Gibby and Charlie Todd founded RE/MAX of Farmington where he worked until 2015.
Gibby enjoyed life thoroughly and brought smiles and humor into the lives of everyone he met. His optimism was contagious and his support for business associates, legendary. Throughout his illness he remained upbeat, never once complaining about the traveling, treatments or complications. We are so very blessed to have known him.
He is survived by his wife Jonna “Joni” Wood of Farmington, New Mexico; stepson Lynn Mortimer and wife Sara, and grandson Ian Mortimer of Durango, Colorado; two brothers Gary (Robin) Wood of Woodstock, and Greg (Rhonda) Wood of Thetford; two sisters Gail McEwan of North Hartland, and Gretchen Wood of Woodstock; and a multitude of sisters-/brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Irene Wood.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Gibby’s memory be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
Gibby’s care is entrusted to the Brewer, Lee and Larkin Funeral Home, 103 E. Ute St. in Farmington, 505-325-8688.
Those who wish to express their condolences may do so at serenityandcompany.com.
This obituary will also appear in the August 25, 2016 edition of the Vermont Standard.
To leave condolences, thoughts or stories, please comment below.
To see more obituaries click here. | http://www.thevermontstandard.com/2016/08/gilbert-gibby-wood-obituary-68/ | en | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | www.thevermontstandard.com/88817886ae01c4a8f3af5bbcced8bbc91870eb8d84b14c4ecf2ddd8e56206055.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T20:49:53 | null | 2016-08-26T15:12:13 | On Aug. 27, Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., join the park for its 100th anniversary party with the Centennial Celebration. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thevermontstandard.com%2F2016%2F08%2F100-anniversary-party-for-national-park-saturday%2F.json | http://www.thevermontstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/MBRNP_gardens-350x234.jpg | en | null | 100 Anniversary Party For National Park, Saturday | null | null | www.thevermontstandard.com | On Aug. 27, Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., join the park for its 100th anniversary party with the Centennial Celebration.
Explore some of the hidden spaces throughout the park’s historic buildings like the bowling alley or fallout shelter. Pack a picnic and play lawn games, golf or tennis. Paint with the 2016 artist-in-residence and enjoy some music while relaxing on the porch. Kids activities and games will be offered through the day.
This is a day we also want to hear from you — share your memories of exploring the landscapes of Mount Tom or special associations you have with the property with our historians. | http://www.thevermontstandard.com/2016/08/100-anniversary-party-for-national-park-saturday/ | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.thevermontstandard.com/26d9689dc545419da8cdea15bf167155925ec2defd2844008b7e6aef330df135.json |
[
"Theresa Morey"
] | 2016-08-26T12:58:38 | null | 2016-08-03T15:00:56 | John E. Griggs, 94, of Woodstock died peacefully on July 30. “Jack” was born in New Brunswick, New Jersey on Oct. 2, 1921 and grew up in Highland Park, New | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thevermontstandard.com%2F2016%2F08%2Fjohn-griggs-obituary-94%2Fcomment-page-1%2F.json | http://www.thevermontstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/john-e-griggs-obit-200x300.jpg | en | null | John Griggs Obituary, 94 | null | null | www.thevermontstandard.com | John E. Griggs, 94, of Woodstock died peacefully on July 30.
“Jack” was born in New Brunswick, New Jersey on Oct. 2, 1921 and grew up in Highland Park, New Jersey. After serving in the Army Air Corps during WWII, he went on to graduate from Rutgers University in June 1948 with a B.S. in Agriculture. While at Rutgers he met Janet Warden, who attended a nearby nursing school, on a blind date. They married in 1948 and moved to Middlebury.
From 1948 until he retired, he was a Soil Scientist for the Soil Conservation Service with the federal Department of Agriculture. What he enjoyed most about his job was getting out and walking the land, with only an aerial photo as a guide, and meeting the local farmers and occasionally bringing home wild berries in his lunchbox. While still working for the SCS, he was transferred to the Essex Junction office for four years, and in 1968 Jack and Janet moved to their home in Woodstock.
After retiring, he continued to work as a private soils consultant, as well as working in a local flower nursery. As an avid Ham radio enthusiast, Jack took great pleasure in not only talking with fellow Ham operators around the world, but also in building and repairing all manner of electronic devices. His “radio room” was literally filled with projects; to him, these projects were jigsaw puzzles keeping his hands and mind busy.
While living in Middlebury, Jack was very active in the sport of archery, and duck hunting with his son, David, and close friends. In recent years, he enjoyed the mini apple orchard in his backyard, and the growing family of grand, and great-grandchildren.
Jack is survived by his wife, Janet; two children, David and Salli; three grandchildren, Abrah, Erik, and Katy; and four great-grandchildren, Gavin, Ethan, Jack, and Carter.
Please convey your condolences through the Cabot Funeral Home website, www.cabotfh.com
This obituary will also appear in the August 4, 2016 edition of the Vermont Standard.
To leave condolences, thoughts or stories, please comment below.
To see more obituaries click here. | http://www.thevermontstandard.com/2016/08/john-griggs-obituary-94/comment-page-1/ | en | 2016-08-03T00:00:00 | www.thevermontstandard.com/2c30f77719f09d7ac77944a04d31532fd3f232a8dabdf3c44f506ca450b37b64.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:03:08 | null | 2016-08-24T13:19:49 | Weathersfield Parks and Recreation Guided Hikes continued on Saturday, Aug 20 with a trek up Little Ascutney. The 2.5 hour roundtrip adventure took hikers to | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thevermontstandard.com%2F2016%2F08%2Fphotos-little-ascutney-hike%2F.json | http://www.thevermontstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/LittleAscutneyHike_6129-350x234.jpg | en | null | Photos: Little Ascutney Hike | null | null | www.thevermontstandard.com | Weathersfield Parks and Recreation Guided Hikes continued on Saturday, Aug 20 with a trek up Little Ascutney. The 2.5 hour roundtrip adventure took hikers to the ledges, very near to the summit of Little Ascutney (1709 feet) on the Wildlife Area Management land. (Nancy Nutile-McMenemy Photos)
A portion of these photos will appear in the August 25, 2016 print edition of the Vermont Standard.
Click here if you are having trouble viewing the collection of photo galleries, click on an image below to view in a larger format and to see more photos. To see more photo galleries Click Here | http://www.thevermontstandard.com/2016/08/photos-little-ascutney-hike/ | en | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | www.thevermontstandard.com/ba73387f3f2bb44d22a3c67f2324b0efbafcefd70a0521ec84a30f21db8c9a43.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:02:43 | null | 2016-08-25T11:05:52 | hree Chateauguay Road property owners complained of policy violations and conflicts of interest at a select board meeting Tuesday. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thevermontstandard.com%2F2016%2F08%2Fbridgewater-residents-question-board-chairs-road-projects%2F.json | http://www.thevermontstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/favicon.ico | en | null | Bridgewater Residents Question Board Chair’s Road Projects | null | null | www.thevermontstandard.com | By Katy Savage, Standard Staff
BRIDGEWATER — Three Chateauguay Road property owners complained of policy violations and conflicts of interest at a select board meeting Tuesday.
Warren Blanchard, his son and his nephew, confronted the board on Tuesday and suggested chair Nope Martin made plans to improve the class 4 Chateauguay Road for a new resident prior to select board approval — going against town policy.
Martin owns Martin Excavating and is also the town’s road commissioner in addition to his role as select board chair.
“It’s just one thing after another,” Blanchard said after the meeting.
Blanchard, who has owned a camp on Chateauguay Road for 30 years, became suspicious when he saw Martin riding the road with the new resident one weekend.
“That’s a big conflict of interest, man,” Blanchard said on Tuesday.
The select board budgets $5,000 a year to improve class 4 roads and it has policy that says the town will do minimal maintenance. If private parties want to maintain the road, they can, as long as they get select board approval.
The landowner, Theodore Schulze, said later over the phone that he wants to make the road better so heavy trucks can get up there. He wants to put solar power on his property, improve a pond and build a barn.
Martin Excavating is doing the work according to Schulze, who hoped the work would start this month.
“I wasn’t told anything that I needed to go through the select board,” said Schulze, a part-time resident who explained any road repair would be minimal.
Martin is in a position of power over town roads. As select board chair, he has a say in budgeting and as road commissioner, he’s the supervisor of the highway department.
The select board members and road foreman said they didn’t have any plans to improve Chateauguay Road.
Blanchard said Martin confirmed he was doing roadwork on Chateauguay when confronted that weekend. But at the meeting Martin backtracked. Martin apologized to the three Chateauguay Road property owners for lying on Tuesday when they called him out.
This isn’t the first time Martin and the select board members have been confronted for a conflict of interest.
Martin was awarded a $33,580 contract this past spring to stabilize the bank on a section of Little Sherburne Road. The losing local contractors, Craig Mosher and Jeff Bridge, who made bids of $19,722 and $15,300, approached the board for an explanation.
Select board member John Timken was quick to say at that spring meeting that Martin recused himself from that vote.
On Tuesday, Martin Excavating won another bid to improve a 40-foot section of Little Sherburne Road that eroded away due to weather. Martin was the low bidder at about $2,100. Jeffrey Bridge Excavations bid $6,000 and Craig Mosher of Mosher Excavating bid $5,200.
In a similar fashion, Timken jumped to Martin’s defense.
“I did the measurements and I came up with a specification of eroded material to put in that area. I invited Jeff Bridge, Craig Mosher and Martin Excavating to replace the material,” Timken said. “It was all done by me,” Timken continued, emphasizing those words. “Martin and Oldenburg had nothing to do with it. It was all me.”
Oldenburg and Timken voted to award the project to Martin on Tuesday. Martin recused himself from the vote.
Through the years Martin Excavating has bid on most highway projects.
The problem, Blanchard’s nephew Chris said on Tuesday after the meeting, is that the select board “wouldn’t even be looking at it unless there was a private job that Martin was going to get out of the deal.”
Warren Blanchard said he saw a rock pile sitting on Little Sherburne Road days before the bids were opened. Timken shrugged on Tuesday when Blanchard asked him how the rocks got there. Nobody at the meeting admitted to putting them there.
This article first appeared in the August 18, 2016 edition of the Vermont Standard. | http://www.thevermontstandard.com/2016/08/bridgewater-residents-question-board-chairs-road-projects/ | en | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | www.thevermontstandard.com/32eee72590720623d4f9ad557732f760e7de053428c55ccd0a1acb3e9765ac23.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T22:49:54 | null | 2016-08-26T17:34:14 | A driver of a Dead River Company van was seriously injured in a head-on collision on Route 4 near the White Cottage Snack Bar on Friday afternoon. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thevermontstandard.com%2F2016%2F08%2Fdriver-of-dead-river-co-van-injured-in-route-4-accident%2F.json | http://www.thevermontstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/DSC_0933-350x269.jpg | en | null | Driver of Dead River Co. Van Injured in Route 4 Accident | null | null | www.thevermontstandard.com | Staff report
A driver of a Dead River Company van was seriously injured in a head-on collision on Route 4 near the White Cottage Snack Bar on Friday afternoon.
The Dead River van driver was taken by Woodstock ambulance with unknown injuries around 5 p.m. to the Woodstock Union High School campus — where officials planned to wait for a medical helicopter to take the man to Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center.
The Dead River van was traveling east on Route 4 when the driver of a white pickup truck crossed the center line heading west, according to preliminary police investigation, Woodstock Police Chief Robbie Blish said. The driver of the pickup truck had a small cut on his face but appeared to be OK, before emergency officials put the man in an ambulance. The cause of the accident is still under investigation and the names of those involved will be released, according to police.
Traffic was backed up for more than an hour as crews cleaned up the scene. | http://www.thevermontstandard.com/2016/08/driver-of-dead-river-co-van-injured-in-route-4-accident/ | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.thevermontstandard.com/4d1cf80cf05b5f28b38a2e505cba47ec3c55bc30be9731ffcd5df040bc4a6c44.json |
[] | 2016-08-27T16:50:09 | null | 2016-08-27T12:28:26 | The President Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site hosts the 12th annual Plymouth Folk and Blues Festival on Labor Day Weekend, Sept. 3-4, 2 to 5 p.m. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thevermontstandard.com%2F2016%2F08%2Ffolk-blues-festival-at-coolidge-site-takes-place-labor-day-weekend%2F.json | http://www.thevermontstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/PlymouthFolk-350x243.jpg | en | null | Folk, Blues Festival at Coolidge Site Takes Place Labor Day Weekend | null | null | www.thevermontstandard.com | The President Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site hosts the 12th annual Plymouth Folk and Blues Festival on Labor Day Weekend, Sept. 3-4, 2 to 5 p.m. The event showcases Vermont stars as well as nationally known musicians. The following concerts are free, though a donation is suggested:
Saturday, Sept. 3:
Sherman Holmes and George Kilby Jr. Acoustic Trio (2 to 3 p.m.), Bow Thayer (3 to 4 p.m.), Jesse Terry (4 to 5 p.m.), Jam Session/Open Mic with Jay Ottaway (8 to 10 p.m.) at Good Commons, 4771 Route 100A in Plymouth. All are welcome to play and listen.
Sunday, Sept. 4:
Julia Mark (2 to 3 p.m.), Zak Trojano (3 to 4 p.m.), Samantha Farrell (4 to 5 p.m.)
This year’s festival also features a food drive for the Vermont Food Bank (please bring non-perishable food items). Other highlights: face painting and children’s arts and crafts, wagon rides on Saturday. At noon on Saturday, prior to the concert, enjoy “Shakespeare Alive!” at the Union Christian Church. For information about this full-filled presentation by a troupe of New York City actors, contact the Coolidge Foundation: education@calvin-coolidge.org or call 802-6723389.
The Plymouth Folk and Blues Concerts are organized by Jay Ottaway and the Vermont Division for Historic Preservation, and generously supported by Calvin Coolidge Presidential Foundation, Clear Lake Furniture, Echo Lake Inn, Good Commons, The Mountain Times, Okemo Regional Chamber of Commerce, Plymouth Artisan Cheese, Ramunto’s Pizza, and Vermont Standard. The concerts are held rain or shine. In case of inclement weather, performances will be in the Union Christian Church. For more information, visit the website: plymouthfolk.com.
The President Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site is open daily through Oct. 16, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. For further information about other programs and special events, call 802-672-3773, or visit the state-owned historic sites online at HistoricSites.Vermont.gov. | http://www.thevermontstandard.com/2016/08/folk-blues-festival-at-coolidge-site-takes-place-labor-day-weekend/ | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.thevermontstandard.com/45077b1fb3fe8081488a5dd504935bc7589a0a5beb099f282a403fe684f741f2.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:04:58 | null | 2016-08-24T13:44:39 | WASILLA, Alaska — A celebration of life will be held at the Thetford Center Community Center, Thetford Center, on Sept. 24 from 2 - 4 p.m. for John “Pops” | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thevermontstandard.com%2F2016%2F08%2Fjohn-pops-lamountain-obituary-73%2F.json | http://www.thevermontstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/favicon.ico | en | null | John ‘Pops’ LaMountain Obituary, 73 | null | null | www.thevermontstandard.com | WASILLA, Alaska — A celebration of life will be held at the Thetford Center Community Center, Thetford Center, on Sept. 24 from 2 – 4 p.m. for John “Pops” Edward LaMountain, 73, who passed away Aug. 5 at his home in Wasilla, with family at his bedside.
John was born Sept. 28, 1942 in Hanover, New Hampshire, son of Earl and Rita (Doyle) LaMountain of East Thetford.
John grew up on his family’s dairy farm, and graduated from Thetford Academy in 1960. He joined the United States Air Force in 1961, and this is what brought him to Fairbanks, Alaska.
John was honorably discharged from the Air Force in 1965, and then served four years working for the Fairbanks Police Department before transferring to the Fairbanks Fire Department in 1969. The police and fire departments were located within the same building and he described the transition as just coming to work in a different uniform the next day.
During this time, in addition to being a full-time firefighter, John became an auctioneer and owner of a construction firm with friend and fellow firefighter, Skip Causey. When John was not working, he enjoyed racing at the dirt track in North Pole, Alaska.
After 17 years with the Fairbanks Fire Department, he retired as Fire Captain in 1986. He frequently has been credited for being the best engine driver the Fairbanks Fire Department has ever seen. John resided in Fairbanks until 1990.
During the Exxon Valdez oil crisis of 1989, John headed the security division. Shortly afterward, he lived in the “lower 48” states, to include Kentucky, New York, and Washington before returning to Alaska in 2004.
In his retirement, he loved cruising around in his Ford Raptor and enjoying time with his children and grandchildren. He also spent summers at his family’s farm, and later with his sister Shirley at her family’s farm, whenever possible. He continued his childhood hobby of coin collecting and pursued a longtime passion for car racing with his son, Damian. John always had the racing spirit within him. In his later years he was able to continue the racing lifestyle through Damian and the many friends they made within the racing community. He was fondly known as “Pops” by his track family and friends.
Son, Zane: “He was a selfless person, good friend and wonderful dad. I will miss his big laugh, his hugs and his sense of adventure.”
Son, Damian: “Even through Pops was a giant among men, the biggest thing about him was his heart.”
Daughter, Maya: “I’ve never known someone so thoughtful and generous. He was always there to offer advice and support to both longtime friends and those he had just met. His presence around the racetrack and around his family will be sorely missed. We will carry on his legacy by following his lead in looking out for others and chasing new adventures.”
John was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Rita LaMountain; and two sisters, Louise Maville and Marie Wurtz. He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Zane and Jill LaMountain and their son, Reid LaMountain, of Ellicott City, Maryland; his son, Damian LaMountain, of Wasilla, Alaska; his daughter and son-in-law, Maya and Kevin Wheeler and their sons, Brayden and Caleb Wheeler, of Hillsboro, Oregon; his brother and sister-in-law, Roger and Clydene Trachier, of Hartland; his sister and brother-in-law, Shirley and Wayne Tullar of Lyme, New Hampshire; his sister and brother-in-law, Nancy and Kevin Richard, of Indianapolis, Indiana; his brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Alice LaMountain, of East Thetford; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, donations to support cancer research, or a charity of your choice is requested.
This obituary will also appear in the August 25, 2016 edition of the Vermont Standard.
To leave condolences, thoughts or stories, please comment below.
To see more obituaries click here. | http://www.thevermontstandard.com/2016/08/john-pops-lamountain-obituary-73/ | en | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | www.thevermontstandard.com/20e779f9a39cb72581d9f35dcd3eff6e97232901f250b9d7815d37e2d19f3900.json |
[] | 2016-08-27T22:49:37 | null | 2016-08-26T17:34:14 | A driver of a Dead River Company van was seriously injured in a head-on collision on Route 4 near the White Cottage Snack Bar on Friday afternoon. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thevermontstandard.com%2F2016%2F08%2Fdriver-of-dead-river-co-van-injured-in-route-4-accident%2Fcomment-page-1%2F.json | http://www.thevermontstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/DSC_0933-350x269.jpg | en | null | Driver of Dead River Co. Van Injured in Route 4 Accident | null | null | www.thevermontstandard.com | Staff report
A driver of a Dead River Company van was seriously injured in a head-on collision on Route 4 near the White Cottage Snack Bar on Friday afternoon.
The Dead River van driver was taken by Woodstock ambulance with unknown injuries around 5 p.m. to the Woodstock Union High School campus — where officials planned to wait for a medical helicopter to take the man to Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center.
The Dead River van was traveling east on Route 4 when the driver of a white pickup truck crossed the center line heading west, according to preliminary police investigation, Woodstock Police Chief Robbie Blish said. The driver of the pickup truck had a small cut on his face but appeared to be OK, before emergency officials put the man in an ambulance. The cause of the accident is still under investigation and the names of those involved will be released, according to police.
Traffic was backed up for more than an hour as crews cleaned up the scene. | http://www.thevermontstandard.com/2016/08/driver-of-dead-river-co-van-injured-in-route-4-accident/comment-page-1/ | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.thevermontstandard.com/e404498e18f2fb6a076e06c0c2ddf78795ed3580f09daa4f5e049d494cd6681a.json |
[
"J. E.",
"Zip"
] | 2016-08-28T12:49:43 | null | 2014-02-12T15:59:01 | The Vermont Flurry preparation is under way. Boxes that are set to hold large blocks of snow for sculpting over the weekend are being erected on the Green in | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thevermontstandard.com%2F2014%2F02%2Fbuilding-snow-boxes-on-the-green%2Fcomment-page-1%2F.json | http://www.thevermontstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/favicon.ico | en | null | Building Snow Boxes On The Green | null | null | www.thevermontstandard.com | The Vermont Flurry preparation is under way. Boxes that are set to hold large blocks of snow for sculpting over the weekend are being erected on the Green in Woodstock. The boxes are filled with snow with equipment and time donated by Jerry Murphy of Pomfret and snow is packed in by Gina Auriema, Bill Dagger and Adrien Tans.
Read more about the flurry coming up this weekend… click here. | http://www.thevermontstandard.com/2014/02/building-snow-boxes-on-the-green/comment-page-1/ | en | 2014-02-12T00:00:00 | www.thevermontstandard.com/45d7310bf67508d54245ac1d8ac386edeeb5d1b4792a26f4861a5bd5a2a8988b.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:03:54 | null | 2016-08-24T16:31:47 | Top headlines found in the August 25, 2016 edition of the Vermont Standard. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thevermontstandard.com%2F2016%2F08%2Fthis-weeks-headlines-august-25-2016%2F.json | http://www.thevermontstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/pages4-350x186.jpg | en | null | This Week’s Headlines, August 25, 2016 | null | null | www.thevermontstandard.com | Read these stories and more on the eEdition, new edition available Wednesday nights, pick it up a copy on the newsstands Thursdays or subscribe.
Ruin to Renewal
by Cassie Horner, Special to the Standard
Top Stories
Five Years Later, Irene Still Lingers
by Katy Savage, Standard Staff
RES Hires W.Windsor Resident to Be Principal
Staff Report
WSESU Narrows Its Consolidation Options
Staff Report
History: Up, Up and Away in the Upper Valley
by Curt Peterson, Standard Correspondent
Resident Requests Memorial for Founder of Historical Society
by Virginia Dean, Standard Correspondent
Mr. Blish Goes to Washington, Police Chief Learns About Social Media at the White House
by Michelle Fields, Standard Correspondent
Tennis Tourney to Honor Cate Stratton’s Memory
by Curt Peterson, Standard Correspondent
Keeping the Scottish Tradition Alive
by Virginia Dean, Standard Correspondent
WCSU New Educators Ready For Challenges
Off The Grid Summer Camp Offer Kids New Experiences
by Chloe Powell, Barnard News
French Photographer Featured in Opening of Hood’s New Exhibition Space
Editorial: There’s More to Our National Park Than You Know
OBITUARIES
Gilbert ‘Gibby’ Wood
John ‘Pops’ LaMountain
Judianne Wood
Vivienne Wakefield
PHOTO GALLERIES
Bridgewater Celebration
The annual celebration put on by the Bridgewater Volunteer Fire Department was held in Bridgewater with a barbecue, games, fireworks and activities.
Naked Table Lunch
This annual Sustainable Woodstock and ShackletonThomas event has participants building tables from local wood and then uses the tables on the Middle Bridge in Woodstock to serve lunch on for the participants and some of the community.
Under Glass Art Show, Laurel Tobiason
The Norman Williams Public Library held an artist opening reception for the artwork now on display on the Mezzanine at the library.
Under The Tree 5K, Race 2016
The annual fundraising event for the Hartland Christmas Project. The race this year was part of the Upper Valley Runners Series and brought in a much larger crowd than in previous years.
Little Ascutney, Guided Hike, 2016
Weathersfield Parks and Recreation Guided Hikes continued on Saturday, Aug 20 with a trek up Little Ascutney. | http://www.thevermontstandard.com/2016/08/this-weeks-headlines-august-25-2016/ | en | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | www.thevermontstandard.com/ef5a9154a8e881af4de70e6c2611f1aa5393a625f6da43f91f93e5a3e1453fb4.json |
[] | 2016-08-28T10:50:44 | null | 2016-08-28T06:00:12 | Although Killington Police Chief Whit Montgomery was awarded his position by the select board in 2013 on the condition that he would complete the Level III | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thevermontstandard.com%2F2016%2F08%2Fboard-not-worried-about-chiefs-lack-of-certification%2F.json | http://www.thevermontstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/favicon.ico | en | null | Board Not Worried About Chief’s Lack of Certification | null | null | www.thevermontstandard.com | By Curt Peterson, Standard Correspondent
Although Killington Police Chief Whit Montgomery was awarded his position by the select board in 2013 on the condition that he would complete the Level III Vermont Police Academy training, the selectmen and town manager say they participated in the decision to skip the course this year.
“We looked into the matter very thoroughly,” selectman Chris Bianchi said. “Whit has taken all of the courses in that training program, at the same school, during his career.”
He said the board is looking into having Montgomery certified at Level III on that basis. Both Bianchi and select board chair Patty McGrath are confident they will be able to convince the Police Academy to recognize Montgomery’s piecemeal participation in the course as evidence he has earned certification.
But the Level III certification isn’t the only complication facing Killington.
Until last month, the police department included Chief Montgomery, a part-time officer named Jay Riehl, and Brent Howard, who was a fulltime officer. Howard left under unexplained circumstances in July, leaving the town’s law enforcement down to Montgomery and Riehl.
“Not enrolling Chief Montgomery in the program at this time was the best thing for the town,” McGrath said. “Otherwise our chief would be gone for four months and we’d be down to one part-time officer.”
Riehl has the Level III certification, which, if he were the case manager in a criminal investigation, would allow Montgomery to participate in the process.
In 2015 Montgomery left the four-month residential training session halfway through the course, explaining that he had come down with the flu. Although some residents called for his resignation for lack of credentials, the select board said the training and authority he had at the time was adequate for the demands made on him in this resort town of 800 fulltime residents. His Level II training qualifies him to investigate minor criminal action, such as breaking local and traffic laws, drug possession, domestic disputes and disturbing the peace.
Last year Montgomery told the Vermont Standard he was qualified to handle situations that he actually faces, and would call in the state police for more serious investigations such as homicide or drug distribution anyway, as they have the manpower, training and labs necessary to deal with the more egregious felonies. He indicated that he intended to obtain the certification when he had the next opportunity.
The course is given twice a year, starting in February and again in August, but Montgomery has not enrolled in either session.
He is one of very few Vermont chiefs of police who have not achieved the Level III certification, according to an academy spokesperson.
In other business, all three selectmen agreed to form a golf foursome with one of Bianchi’s sons to participate in the Vermont League of Cities and Towns Golf Tournament on Aug. 24 at the Green Mountain International Golf Course. Schwartz agreed to drive one of their carts, as she has yet to take up the game.
Whimsically, Jim Hoff, the only member of the public present at the meeting, suggested the board should officially “warn” a meeting of the board for the golf event, as they would all be together. The public has to know when that occurs, he noted, so they can attend if they want to. Otherwise it’s a “secret meeting.”
“You wouldn’t want that to come back and bite you some day,” Hoff said.
The board took his suggestion seriously and voted to warn the Board would be meeting at the golf outing.
“I hope the course has enough carts for members of the public who might show up,” Bianchi said.
This article first appeared in the August 18, 2016 edition of the Vermont Standard. | http://www.thevermontstandard.com/2016/08/board-not-worried-about-chiefs-lack-of-certification/ | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | www.thevermontstandard.com/4d20373cad56ba7e9ddcaf6ce95993e2a3514e9a46a04a4ded9bedd6332ac229.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:55:24 | null | 2016-08-17T11:38:12 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fhobbsnews.com%2F%3Fp%3D1843.json | http://www.hobbsnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/speeding-1-300x199.jpg | en | null | Traffic crashes down in 2016 | null | null | hobbsnews.com | Kelly Farrell
News-Sun
According to Hobbs police statistics, car crashes are down 27 percent citywide this year.
When comparing year-to-date number of accidents from January through July to last year's tally, the numbers reflect a decrease of 132 crashes — a drop from 487 during the same time last year to 355 this year. Hobbs police say it's a result of “hot spot” policing or increased visibility along areas with frequent crashes. For example, two crash “hot spots” last month were Joe Harvey Boulevard with seven accidents and North Turner Street with nine. The hot spots can vary month-to-month.
“That’s our goal to reduce crashes in the city and make it a safer motoring environment for our citizens,” Hobbs Police Chief Chris McCall said. “That’s the whole point of traffic enforcement — try to gain voluntary compliance and make for a safer traveling environment.”
There were a total of 34 crashes in July while HPD officers conducted 4,511 traffic stops and wrote 1,249 citations. There were 71 crashes reported in July 2015.
McCall said the department is always looking to improve and acknowledged the decreases are not always significant each month. He added that it’s hard work for the traffic units to identify the areas and credited the "motoring public" as well.
“We’re happy with the reduction,” he said. “That means fewer injuries and less property damage, but our goal is always zero.”
In fact, traffic crashes have gone down in previous years too. There were 923 wrecks clocked in 2010 compared to 738 last year. The numbers are there, but is the decline discernible by police officers on the street?
Officer Travis Jackson works in the traffic unit and is a 13-year veteran with the department. He said they’ve noticed an improvement in driving behavior since the end of 2014.
“We do work almost all the crashes that come out during our tour of duty,” he said. “We went from probably four or five a day — where we would just go from one crash to the next — to we might have one or two a day.”
Jackson said Highway 18 (North Lovington Highway), Joe Harvey Boulevard and Grimes Street “constantly” make the list of the top places for crashes and injuries in town.
“It only takes 25 miles an hour to kill a person if they’re unrestrained, so when you're dealing with 40 and 45 miles an hour — the potential for injury goes way up,” he said. “The cost of the damage goes way up.”
In his position, Jackson has produced monthly reports on traffic crashes during the last two years and said he's seen a “steady decline” with occasional spikes. He attributed such spikes to other factors like weather or students let out for summer break.
“Some of the things that we have the biggest problems with is following too close and speed is a factor in almost every crash,” he said. “Folks don’t realize that if they’re driving just a few miles over the speed limit — that every second they do that — they’re feet closer to their crash. All of our crashes can be avoided with just an extra second and an extra few feet.”
Hobbs Mayor Sam Cobb and District 2 Commissioner Jonathan Sena reacted positively about the decrease and mentioned the amended traffic ordinance that was unanimously approved August 1 by the commission. The ordinance raises traffic fines and goes into effect September 5.
“Well, I think it’s good news,” Cobb said. “That was one of the reasons that we wanted to increase our enforcement — to reduce crashes, which at the end of the day, saves people on their automobile insurance. There’s a direct savings to the taxpayer from police reminding people to drive a little slower and be more careful.”
Cobb added the crash reductions are “good for everybody” and encouraged residents to be sensitive to the ordinance and not drive so fast.
“The fines are really not something that we think about as a revenue source for our community, but we do want it to be a deterrent to people that are not driving the speed limit for sure,” he said.
Meanwhile, Sena said he’s observed first-hand the work of Hobbs police’s partnership with the Hobbs City Commission and community to reduce reckless driving.
“We have worked so hard for so many years to make our streets safer,” Sena said. “We have to continue this. Our continued efforts coupled with our new traffic ordinance will only serve to make our community that much safer.”
He acknowledged there’s not one “silver bullet” to reduce reckless driving since it concerns humans with human behavior. However, Sena says a combination of traffic enforcement, engineering and education can make a positive impact.
One method of enforcement are those speed limit trailers around town that remind people how fast they're driving. McCall said the trailers possess a software that can be used to conduct traffic studies, and noted there have been “numerous requests” for trailers in residential areas. Citizens can request a trailer to be placed in their respective neighborhoods or report traffic concerns at 575-397-9284.
Kelly Farrell can be reached at 391-5437 or by email. | http://hobbsnews.com/?p=1843 | en | 2016-08-17T00:00:00 | hobbsnews.com/af31335e520bba8aa2aa6d4e2f7da3e4abae20f52059c40077cd1454e78b9e7f.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:53:56 | null | 2016-08-01T15:54:59 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fhobbsnews.com%2F%3Fp%3D1774.json | http://www.hobbsnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/one-in-ten-300x201.jpg | en | null | 1-in-10 Lea workers unemployed | null | null | hobbsnews.com | Levi Hill
News-Sun
Nearly one in every 10 Lea County workers is unemployed.
According to numbers from the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions, Lea’s unemployment rate stands at 9.7 percent (unadjusted). Unadjusted numbers do not include seasonal jobs not yet tallied by the state.
It’s an unemployment rate the likes of which Lea County hasn’t seen since 1999 when the rate climbed as high as 11.1 percent and stayed at or above 10 percent for five months of the year. The average unemployment rate in 1999 was 9.2 percent.
While the state has changed how it computes unemployment, making a comparison of 1999 to today difficult, but a look at recent numbers show how far Lea’s oil and gas industry has fallen in the past year and a half — with the county losing some 22 percent of its oil and gas extractive jobs.
According to the state’s numbers, Lea County reached its largest workforce in 2014 with an estimated 30,544 available workers and some 29,189 of them employed. Since then Lea’s workforce has fallen by 1,566 workers and the number of employed has fallen by 3,026 to just 26,163 employed workers.
Conversely, the number of unemployed workers actively seeking work has more than doubled from 1,355 in 2014 to 2,815 as of June. That figure does not include employable workers not seeking work, so the number of unemployed could be higher.
Whether that is the case is unclear as new and continued unemployment claims data could not be obtained from the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions as of press time. However, the state website estimates there are 1,787 jobs openings in Lea County.
However, some of those not seeking work could be in the 1,566 workers that have left the workforce in the past two years.
Lea County has lost some 715 jobs since June 2015 and many of those may be attributed to the shuttering of Baker Hughes and Halliburton, both of which shut down their local shops and moved staff to offices in Texas.
Since 2015, Lea County has lost an estimated 522 oil and gas mining jobs. Based on the most recent numbers which date to last quarter 2015, since 2014 the county’s number of oil and gas mining jobs have fallen from 8,836 to 6,829, a 22 percent drop. The department reports mining jobs declined by 5,900 jobs statewide in June alone.
Staffing companies in Lea County said oilfield jobs have been lost in “waves” since December 2014.
“It was really bad, really bad,” said Bretlye Lucas, manager of Elwood Staffing. “We’ve been losing jobs for about a year and a half. Once (oil) went down in December 2014, by February it was done and they have been laying people off in rounds ever since. This is the lowest of the low I’ve seen the oilfield go in the 15 years I’ve been here.”
Noticeably, Lea has faired worse than neighboring county Eddy, which currently has an unemployment rate of 6.7 percent and which saw its oil and gas jobs decline by only 577 jobs, or 8 percent from 7,275 jobs in 2014 to 6,698 jobs at the end of 2015.
This difference between Lea’s and Eddy’s numbers may be due to Lea’s proximity to Texas, with oil companies moving Lea workers to Texas but keeping offices in Eddy County because of the long commute from the Midland/Odessa area to active fields south of Carlsbad in Eddy County.
One barometer for Lea’s oilfield is the New Mexico Junior College Department of Workforce Solutions, which provides training for oilfield jobs.
Jeff McCool, vice president of Training and Outreach, said demand for the department’s services follows the flow of the oilfield economy.
“We tend to go the way of the economy,” he said. “Our numbers have tended to go down as unemployment has gone up. In order for people to train they have to have money.”
As such, demand for services are down at the department, but not out, according to Steve Sauceda, director of workforce training.
“I would say we are steady,” he said. “If you want to compare to last year, then yes the numbers are down, but we are staying consistent with the CDL training.”
He said the size of most classes have been cut in half in the last year because of the downturn.
The question remains; when will the oilfield turn around? There are rumblings it could be starting even though oil has once again dipped back to $40 a barrel after reaching $50 in late May.
The Permian Basin Petroleum Association reported Friday that Texas added 15 active rigs in the past week and New Mexico added four (its largets gain since July 2015). For the Permian Basin, the rig count was up for the sixth straight week.
Lucas said her staffing company is finally seeing signs of life as well after months of inactivity.
“I am starting to see a slight pickup,” she said. “My pickup has been in the general labor sector — that is not a full-time permanent job — but that is me being able to keep guys busy going here and there. This is the first time I’ve been able to do that in nearly a year and a half. We are seeing a little pick-up in construction and a little in the oilfield. Hopefully, that continues to grow, whether it will or not is unclear. The oilfield will come back, but when?”
Levi Hill can be reached at 391-5438 or by email.
Lea County Unemployment by yearly average
Year Labor Force Employed Unemployed Rate
2011 27,297 25,774 1,523 5.6%
2012 28,403 27,063 1,340 4.7%
2013 29,329 28,013 1,316 4.5%
2014 30,544 29,189 1,355 4.4%
2015 29,428 27,601 1,827 6.2%
June 2016* 28,978 26,163 2,815 9.7%
*June numbers are not a yearly average for 2016
Lea Vs. Eddy oilfield jobs (mining, trucking and warehousing)
2014 2015* Percent change
Lea 10,685 8,519 22 percent
Eddy 8,512 7,881 7 percent | http://hobbsnews.com/?p=1774 | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | hobbsnews.com/f7633dd1374e64255a53de4e2a25ebea073b47555a5e3121a47edb1f18272497.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:50:58 | null | 2016-08-01T15:21:41 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fhobbsnews.com%2F%3Fp%3D1771.json | http://www.hobbsnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/one-in-ten-300x201.jpg | en | null | 1-in-10 Lea workers unemployed | null | null | hobbsnews.com | Levi Hill
News-Sun
Nearly one in every 10 Lea County workers is unemployed.
According to numbers from the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions, Lea’s unemployment rate stands at 9.7 percent (unadjusted). Unadjusted numbers do not include seasonal jobs not yet tallied by the state.
It’s an unemployment rate the likes of which Lea County hasn’t seen since 1999 when the rate climbed as high as 11.1 percent and stayed at or above 10 percent for five months of the year. The average unemployment rate in 1999 was 9.2 percent.
While the state has changed how it computes unemployment, making a comparison of 1999 to today difficult, but a look at recent numbers show how far Lea’s oil and gas industry has fallen in the past year and a half — with the county losing some 22 percent of its oil and gas extractive jobs.
According to the state’s numbers, Lea County reached its largest workforce in 2014 with an estimated 30,544 available workers and some 29,189 of them employed. Since then Lea’s workforce has fallen by 1,566 workers and the number of employed has fallen by 3,026 to just 26,163 employed workers.
Conversely, the number of unemployed workers actively seeking work has more than doubled from 1,355 in 2014 to 2,815 as of June. That figure does not include employable workers not seeking work, so the number of unemployed could be higher.
Whether that is the case is unclear as new and continued unemployment claims data could not be obtained from the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions as of press time. However, the state website estimates there are 1,787 jobs openings in Lea County.
However, some of those not seeking work could be in the 1,566 workers that have left the workforce in the past two years.
Lea County has lost some 715 jobs since June 2015 and many of those may be attributed to the shuttering of Baker Hughes and Halliburton, both of which shut down their local shops and moved staff to offices in Texas.
Since 2015, Lea County has lost an estimated 522 oil and gas mining jobs. Based on the most recent numbers which date to last quarter 2015, since 2014 the county’s number of oil and gas mining jobs have fallen from 8,836 to 6,829, a 22 percent drop. The department reports mining jobs declined by 5,900 jobs statewide in June alone.
Staffing companies in Lea County said oilfield jobs have been lost in “waves” since December 2014.
“It was really bad, really bad,” said Bretlye Lucas, manager of Elwood Staffing. “We’ve been losing jobs for about a year and a half. Once (oil) went down in December 2014, by February it was done and they have been laying people off in rounds ever since. This is the lowest of the low I’ve seen the oilfield go in the 15 years I’ve been here.”
Noticeably, Lea has faired worse than neighboring county Eddy, which currently has an unemployment rate of 6.7 percent and which saw its oil and gas jobs decline by only 577 jobs, or 8 percent from 7,275 jobs in 2014 to 6,698 jobs at the end of 2015.
This difference between Lea’s and Eddy’s numbers may be due to Lea’s proximity to Texas, with oil companies moving Lea workers to Texas but keeping offices in Eddy County because of the long commute from the Midland/Odessa area to active fields south of Carlsbad in Eddy County.
One barometer for Lea’s oilfield is the New Mexico Junior College Department of Workforce Solutions, which provides training for oilfield jobs.
Jeff McCool, vice president of Training and Outreach, said demand for the department’s services follows the flow of the oilfield economy.
“We tend to go the way of the economy,” he said. “Our numbers have tended to go down as unemployment has gone up. In order for people to train they have to have money.”
As such, demand for services are down at the department, but not out, according to Steve Sauceda, director of workforce training.
“I would say we are steady,” he said. “If you want to compare to last year, then yes the numbers are down, but we are staying consistent with the CDL training.”
He said the size of most classes have been cut in half in the last year because of the downturn.
The question remains; when will the oilfield turn around? There are rumblings it could be starting even though oil has once again dipped back to $40 a barrel after reaching $50 in late May.
The Permian Basin Petroleum Association reported Friday that Texas added 15 active rigs in the past week and New Mexico added four (its largets gain since July 2015). For the Permian Basin, the rig count was up for the sixth straight week.
Lucas said her staffing company is finally seeing signs of life as well after months of inactivity.
“I am starting to see a slight pickup,” she said. “My pickup has been in the general labor sector — that is not a full-time permanent job — but that is me being able to keep guys busy going here and there. This is the first time I’ve been able to do that in nearly a year and a half. We are seeing a little pick-up in construction and a little in the oilfield. Hopefully, that continues to grow, whether it will or not is unclear. The oilfield will come back, but when?”
Levi Hill can be reached at 391-5438 or by email.
Lea County Unemployment by yearly average
Year Labor Force Employed Unemployed Rate
2011 27,297 25,774 1,523 5.6%
2012 28,403 27,063 1,340 4.7%
2013 29,329 28,013 1,316 4.5%
2014 30,544 29,189 1,355 4.4%
2015 29,428 27,601 1,827 6.2%
June 2016* 28,978 26,163 2,815 9.7%
*June numbers are not a yearly average for 2016
Lea Vs. Eddy oilfield jobs (mining, trucking and warehousing)
2014 2015* Percent change
Lea 10,685 8,519 22 percent
Eddy 8,512 7,881 7 percent | http://hobbsnews.com/?p=1771 | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | hobbsnews.com/95a5fe6403fafbaaac92f2a994f9d04680c9c40a12f149fd93eda611e0eac205.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:54:53 | null | 2016-08-15T15:18:55 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fhobbsnews.com%2F%3Fp%3D1839.json | http://www.hobbsnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Healthyhome-300x225.jpg | en | null | Is Hobbs’ housing market healthy? | null | null | hobbsnews.com | Levi Hill
NEWS-SUN
Just how healthy is Hobbs’ housing market?
It is a question that lies at the center of the City of Hobbs’ housing incentive program and one that may have begged asking two weeks ago when Commissioner Marshall Newman quoted a figure of 269 homes on the market in Hobbs before voting against setting aside $400,000 in incentive funds for new homes under development at Zia Crossing subdivision north of Hobbs.
Newman said he voted against the incentives because of the number of the homes on the market and the current state of the city’s budget with falling gross receipts tax revenues from the slumping oilfield.
“I was looking at the fact that we have close to 300 homes on the market at the current time and I don’t see a whole lot of people moving in,” he said. “And, given our current decline in revenues, I just didn’t feel like now was the right time to do an additional incentive to put additional homes on the market.”
Marshall said he hopes the incentives work for Zia Crossing, but said he is unsure if the market will bear it out.
How is “healthy” measured?
According to Total Mortgage (www.totalmortgage.com), there are a number of ways health of a housing market is measure.
One measure is called “Month’s Supply” which is how fast it would take all
homes currently on the market to disappear at the current rate of purchase.
A time frame of six months is considered healthy.
With 223 homes on the market in Hobbs at the current rate of about 30 homes a month, Hobbs’ market has a 7-month supply.
Time on market is the second indicator and 90 days is considered a national average for a healthy market, according to the website.
Finally, a series of factors known as “list-to-sale,” “sale-to-list,” and “list-to-close” are a final measure. Those factors, in essence, give a percentage rating to how close homes sell to the asking price. Home markets with sales around 100 percent are considered healthy. A percentage above 100 is a seller’s marker and below 100 a buyer’s market too high or low either way and the market is unhealthy.
Number of homes
Is Hobbs’ market healthy? The answer is not a simple yes or no, but the answer is much closer to “yes” now than it has been in years.
“We probably have as healthy a market as we have had in many years,” said Hobbs Realtor Bobby Shaw, citing there are 223 homes listed for sale in all of Lea County. That number could climb by some 50 homes when adding in those being sold by the owners.
“My personal opinion is we should have somewhere around 400 or so,” Shaw added of the number of homes Hobbs needs on the market. “There was a time when there probably wasn’t 47 across the whole county. That’s unhealthy. People have to have a choice.”
Currently, there are 34 homes on the market in Lea County priced under $100,000. Shaw said just last year there were no more than five in that price range — a price that is needed to meet the demand for workers on the lower end of the pay scale.
There are currently 108 homes in the $100,000-$200,000 price range, 56 in the $200k-$300k range and 25 in the $300k-$1 million range.
Leon Ivie, project manager for Zia Crossing, possibly Hobbs’ fastest-growing subdivision, has built subdivisions in markets across the country and Hobbs’ market is still not his estimation of healthy, but it is getting there.
“We would consider a market of 43,000-50,000 (population) needs a minimum of 500 homes on the market,” he said. “A healthy community like we are building, within three years 10 percent of our homes should be on the market for resale — that is healthy turnover. We have built 192 homes. We should have 20-25 on the resale market and we have two.”
He said the 10 percent turnover is an expected average nationally and the fact his Hobbs project isn’t seeing that much turnover is a sign the market isn’t yet healthy enough to allow for enough migration.
“There needs to be more rental single-family homes than there is,” he said. “The market is still showing a housing shortage when you still have two-four generations living in one home. We need enough housing where these people can gain some independence.”
Time on market
According to Gretchen Koether, president of the Hobbs Realtor’s Association, the average time for a home on the market in Hobbs is 120 days, but that is not necessarily a sign of a bad market.
“It is taking us longer to close now because of the new federal regulations,” she said. “Last year we could have closed a home in 45 days on the outside, now if we do so in 45 it is lucky. It is usually taking 60 days from getting a contract to closing now and it is often longer than that.”
By comparison though, Koether said the time listed has dropped, a possible sign homes are still selling quickly, just not closing fast.
Looking at numbers back to 2013, home sales remain relatively flat with about 35 homes sold countywide each month and about 60 homes coming onto the market each month.
Ivie said during last year’s oil boom his company was selling an average 12 homes a month. It has slowed to 7-8 a month, but to stop now would be to invite disaster, Ivie said.
“If we were to stop building and wait for oil to come back, and it will, then you (as a community) are behind the 8-ball again,” he said.
Home pricing and movement
Looking at the percentage rating used for measuring a housing market, the Hobbs market is coming in around 95 percent, meaning homes are selling slightly lower than asking price, an indication the market is a buyer’s market — something Hobbs’ market hasn’t been in 3-4 years.
“We are dealing with a new dynamic here,” Shaw said. “Lea County has changed so drastically over the last five or six years, due to one fact — new construction. Previous to all this, when someone wanted to buy a house, they had to look at an older house built in the ‘70 or early ‘80s. Very few people could get a new construction without ordering a custom build.”
Now new homes are becoming available thanks in part to the city’s incentive program and it is not only causing migration as owners of older homes upgrade to newer properties, but driving down the price of older homes, both of which are good for a market even though it may not thrill those selling older homes.
“It is really affecting the older house market,” Shaw said. “The give and take is the buyer will sacrifice 300-400 square feet to get something new. You can spend $200,000 on a larger older home or sacrifice some space for a newer one. It is a dynamic we have never had before, which is my opinion makes it healthy here. It makes me, as a home seller, be more competitive to update and clean my property up.”
Ivie said housing selection is still wanting from his viewpoint.
“I would say you are still very lacking in selection,” he said. “If you look at the number of listings and the conditions, you have to consider 40-50 of those homes are not livable without a major infusion of cash.”
A bust turnover isn’t happening - yet
Some might expect the oil bust to be causing an influx of repossessed properties to hit the market, but according to Shaw, the multiple listing service shows only eight repos listed and he estimates at most there may be 10 more coming in the next month.
Ivie too said turnover of Zia Crossing homes just isn’t happening since only two are up for sale.
“We have a lot of people who bought in here, they were making a lot of overtime and now they are not,” he said. “A few of the wives have had to go to work, but they haven’t packed up and left town. It is retaining the people in town.”
So a bust turnover isn’t happening, at least not yet in the home sales market. It is in rental properties though, Koether said.
“I work with a lot of apartment owners and they are freaking out,” she said. “They are seeing 50 percent occupancy rates and their prices have been cut drastically just to keep people in them.”
It sounds bad for rental owners, but considering that for the past three years occupancy rates ran near 100 percent and rents were estimated at double what would normally be expected, renters have been riding a high wave that is finally leveling out.
If the oil bust continues for too long the number of foreclosures could increase, but so far homes are still being bought and held onto.
By the numbers
Looking at a broader area, Lea’s housing market seems about in line now with neighboring counties with smaller populations.
Lea has about 270 homes on the market in all, with a population of about 71,000, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
By comparison, Eddy County, with its some 55,400 residents, has 240 homes on the market and the mirror imaging gets closer.
Lea has 34 homes under $100,000. Eddy has 43. Lea has 108 homes in the $100,000-$200,000 range. Eddy has 106. Lea has 56 homes in the $200,000-$300,000 range. Eddy has 52.
That’s a narrow margin for a county with nearly 20,000 fewer people and an unemployment rate that is 3 percent lower than Lea’s at 6.7 percent.
Lea’s neighbors to the north, Roosevelt and Curry counties, combining the towns of Portales and Clovis, have 70,553 residents and 507 properties on the market with about double the homes in every category compared to Lea.
How fast homes are moving in Eddy and Roosevelt/Curry counties is unclear.
What is clear, at least to Ivie, is that the Hobbs housing incentive is essential to keeping builders in Lea and the community ready for the next oil boom.
For instance Ivie said Zia Crossing is in the midst of permitting a 45-unit gated community for 55-plus aged residents and demand is high.
“We have had a tremendous amount of interest,” he said. “What is nice about this is it isn’t related to the oil. These are older people who want to downsize, but don’t want to move to Lubbock or some place like that.”
And even with regular home sales taking a dip, Ivie said keeping the incentives and keeping builders building is essential to getting Hobbs’ housing market to a healthy level that can be maintained and part of that is because it helps keep costs on homes down for buyers.
“Those incentives are a pass-through to the buyer. The buyer will save, on average, about $9,500 because of them,” he said. Those incentives reimburse the builder for the installation of public utilities, such as water and sewer lines.
1,000 more homes
Ivie’s final word on Hobbs’ housing market echoes what the community heard from University of New Mexico researchers just two years ago, that Lea is still woefully under-housed — the report estimated Lea needed 1,200 new homes just to meet its population in 2014 and the county is growing some 2 percent annually even in non-boom years.
“I think we could easily build another 1,000 homes in the next 4-5 years and this market would still not be flooded,” Ivie said.
Levi Hill can be reached at 391-5438 or by email. | http://hobbsnews.com/?p=1839 | en | 2016-08-15T00:00:00 | hobbsnews.com/b02782ab1e8a40c082d76e4c8b445aff673c93bb04739e3064c402274580b828.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:52:00 | null | 2016-08-08T14:44:26 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fhobbsnews.com%2F%3Fp%3D1823.json | http://www.hobbsnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/skellyhousesecondTEST-300x198.png | en | null | Home explosion | null | null | hobbsnews.com | TODD BAILEY
NEWS-SUN
On Thursday, Victor and Alma Dominguez saw what was left of their home following Tuesday night’s explosion in South Hobbs.
“It was a sad thing to see,” Dominguez said. Hobbs Fire Marshal Shawn Williams was still conducting his investigation as HFD officials searched through the debris looking for a cause.
On Friday, the investigation concluded. Hobbs Fire Chief Manny Gomez said a gas leak developed in the front half of the house and reached the explosive limit range of 4 to 15 percent. He said the ignition is believed to be a spark from an electrical light fixture.
“What we believe happened was there was a mixture of gas that migrated throughout the house,” Gomez said. “Based on our data collection and analysis there were gas pockets throughout the house that we believe was the fuel source. With further investigation we believe the ignition source came from an electrical light fixture. We found some evidence of charring or what we believe was a flash around the ignition source.”
As for where the leak came from, Gomez said there were several appliances hooked up to the gas line and any one of them could have been the source. The evidence also indicated the area of the explosion’s origin was in the front half of the house where Dominguez was sleeping.
“Based on our information Mr. Dominguez was in a front bedroom at the time of the explosion,” Gomez said. “It’s just a blessing he survived. This is not a common occurrence, from this type of explosion to Mr. Dominguez surviving. You just don’t see this every day.”
While Dominguez was a bit relieved to hear the investigation’s findings, he had more important matters to tend to.
“I’m on my way to the hospital. They moved my surgery to today,” said Dominguez, who was to have a rod placed in his broken arm, the only serious injury he received from the accident.
“It had to be something,” added Dominguez regarding the investigation’s findings. “There was no fire. Either way, I am alive and that is what counts right now for me. I guess we’ll get the investigation report and we’ll go from there. My main goal right now is to get better and get back to work and we’ll deal with the other stuff (the home) later on.”
Dominguez said he was asleep when the explosion took place.
“It happened so quickly,” Dominguez said. “I went to bed around 9 o’clock and then there was the explosion and as I woke up I saw the stars in my room and I was covered in debris. Then I was hearing people yelling. I saw that my arm was broken and I got up. There were no walls in my bedroom and my neighbors grabbed me.”
Luckily, Dominguez was the only occupant in the house. His wife, Alma, was in Amarillo at the time. He was taken to Lea Regional Medical Center and then released Wednesday afternoon. His employer, Paul Campbell, got a hotel room for the Dominguez’s and the Red Cross got involved to help with clothes and supplies. Dominguez also said their neighbors are keeping an eye on what salvageable items were found during the investigation.
“I am so grateful to everyone who has prayed for our family and helped us,” Dominguez said. “I am very grateful to Mr. Campbell for what he has done for us.”
A GoFundMe page has been created to help the Dominguez’s. It can be accessed at www.gofundme.com/2huvj3z8. | http://hobbsnews.com/?p=1823 | en | 2016-08-08T00:00:00 | hobbsnews.com/24294a468eba1e19b25d2689316daa4dfb54cb4aa599ffab19467a6ee70deadc.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:52:30 | null | 2016-08-04T13:10:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fhobbsnews.com%2F%3Fp%3D1793.json | http://www.hobbsnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/OFSHoot-300x197.jpg | en | null | Artesia officer involved in shooting former News-Sun journalist | null | null | hobbsnews.com | New Mexico State Police have identified the Artesia police officer who fatally shot an armed man last week.
Former Hobbs News-Sun reporter and current officer Beth Hahn shot and killed 36-year-old Juan Reynaldo Duran after responding to a call about shots being fired.
According to police, Duran pointed a firearm at Artesia police officers several times and ignored repeated commands to drop his weapons.
Duran died at the scene.
Hahn has been employed by the Artesia Police Department for more than two years.
The shooting remains under investigation. | http://hobbsnews.com/?p=1793 | en | 2016-08-04T00:00:00 | hobbsnews.com/96183fbfd1e9e97785e2bee23409504dd289096f5368934a374a7e111aba107c.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:54:25 | null | 2016-08-04T12:23:22 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fhobbsnews.com%2F%3Fp%3D1786.json | http://www.hobbsnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/explode-1-1-300x214.jpg | en | null | Hobbs home explodes, cause unknown | null | null | hobbsnews.com | Todd Bailey
News-Sun
Raul Alvarado woke up late Tuesday night to the sound of shattering glass.
He thought the worst.
“All I heard was this big boom and I thought someone broke into the house,” he said. “I got my gun, went downstairs and saw the window was broken. Then I heard someone screaming for help.”
The person screaming was his next door neighbor, Victor Dominguez, who was underneath the rubble that had been his house. The home, located on the 400 block of Skelly in South Hobbs, had just exploded.
“But there isn’t any fire damage,” said Hobbs Fire Marshal Shawn Williams early Wednesday morning. “We are still investigating what happened.”
Once Alvarado realized what happened he rushed back to his room to put his gun away, grab his shoes and his phone.
“Then I called 911, by the time I got back downstairs my younger brother had helped (Dominguez) out of his home,” Alvarado said.
The destroyed home belongs to Alvarado’s parents, who were renting it to Dominguez. Alvarado said Dominguez was walking around minutes after the explosion, but was later taken by ambulance to Lea Regional Medical Center from what HFD personnel called “potentially serious injuries.”
That injury turned out to be a severely broken arm according to Dominguez who was resting Wednesday afternoon. He has no idea what caused the explosion and recognized no smell of gas or fire after the explosion.
“It happened so quickly,” Dominguez said. “I went to bed around 9 o’clock and then there was the explosion and as I woke up I saw the stars in my room and I was covered in debris. Then I was hearing people yelling. I saw that my arm was broken and I got up. There were no walls in my bedroom and my neighbors grabbed me.”
Dominguez felt that if there had been fire in the explosion he would have died.
“We thank God so much for keeping us alive,” said Dominguez. He lived in the house with his wife, Alma, who was in Amarillo Tuesday visiting her son. “I got to my hospital room around 1:30 a.m., but I didn’t call Alma until around 5. I didn’t want the chance of another accident to happen. When I told her she came back and she’s here now.”
Dominguez said he was discharged around 10:30 a.m. but is set to return to the hospital today for surgery. A rod is to be inserted into his damaged arm.
A hotel room was provided for the Dominguez’s by Victor’s employer, Paul Campbell, who owns Forrest Tire. Campbell said Dominguez has worked for the tire company for the past “six or seven years.”
“Victor’s a good guy and a hard worker,” said Campbell, who added local Red Cross officials are working to find some clothes and supplies. “The house is a complete mess. I don’t think there is much that is salvageable.”
HFD Battalion Chief Brandon Roberts, who was on call when the incident took place, said everything about the explosion is unique.
“It’s pretty phenomenal that the guy walked out (of the house) the way he did,” Roberts said. “There isn’t any fire damage or anything like that. This is an event that is very rare.”
Roberts said that as he responded to the incident, his initial thoughts were on if there was anyone trapped in the house. Once that question was answered and Dominguez was safe, his next issue was on containment.
“We needed to isolate the incident to prevent from any other homes getting damaged,” he said. “That’s why we shut off the gas to the area and the power to the affected house. Something like that could have led to more of an exposure. Once that was taken care of I began to wonder what could have caused this.”
Roberts added that the homes on each side of the affected home and a third home directly behind had their gas shut off. Those families will have to notify Zia Natural Gas Co. about having the gas turned back on.
Alvarado said his parents have owned the home, “for at least the past 25 years” and that the family never thought of anything like this ever happening.
“It’s just crazy how this all happened,” Alvarado said.
Two 911 calls were placed, one by Alvarado and another by his younger brother, at around 11:48 p.m. Tuesday. Hobbs firefighters working at HFD Station one, more than a mile away, said they heard the explosion’s boom. Neighboring residents mentioned on social media that they not only heard the boom, but felt it. There are other posts from residents who heard the blast miles away.
“It shook the whole south side,” said Hobbs neighboring resident Corey Cruce.
Roberts quickly shot down a social media theory that the explosion’s cause was because it was used in developing methamphetamine.
“During our preliminary examination there didn’t appear to be any sign that there was a meth lab here,” said Roberts.
What happens now is the investigation, which Roberts said is being conducted by HFD and the fire marshal’s office at a slow pace.
“We are starting to take that building apart one piece at a time, slowly and methodically, trying to identify a fuel source as well as an ignition source to identify what happened,” said Roberts. “It will be a very long process and all public works, building officials, community services, fire marshal’s office, utilities ... they’re all involved with this.”
Alvarado and his family, and others evacuated from their homes were able to return to their beds around 1:30 a.m. But given what they experienced, there’s a chance no one fell back to sleep.
Alvarado said a GoFundMe page has been created to help the Dominguez’s. It can be accessed at www.gofundme.com/2huvj3z8.
Todd Bailey can be reached at 391-5440 or at by email. | http://hobbsnews.com/?p=1786 | en | 2016-08-04T00:00:00 | hobbsnews.com/6db5000f1e2c2c03e3072f34da9cc7021c63d4c748564cb644538147334bcd59.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:51:30 | null | 2016-08-08T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fhobbsnews.com%2F%3Fp%3D1780.json | http://www.hobbsnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/0802Quirozmug-300x225.jpg | en | null | Fugitive caught after two standoffs, two chases | null | null | hobbsnews.com | Finally. Lea County law enforcement got their man.
After multiple attempts, the Lea County Sheriff’s Department apprehended Anthony Quiroz Friday afternoon following a police and foot chase that ended at a North Dal Paso residence.
Quiroz, 28, of Hobbs, was charged with aggravated fleeing a law enforcement officer, firearms or destructing device transferred or receipt by felon and receiving or transferring stolen vehicle, all fourth-degree felonies; and on a bench warrant (probation violation). Quiroz was booked at the Lea County Detention Center and appeared at his arraignment Monday in Hobbs Magistrate Court.
Lea County Sheriff's officials are happy with Quiroz's capture.
“The sheriff’s department is glad to get anybody that’s a wanted fugitive off the streets to ensure the safety of the citizens of Lea County,” Lea County Chief Deputy Tony Budrow said Monday. “Mr. Quiroz had some serious charges and he was arrested on Friday with additional charges. He was armed at the time of his arrest — of course — any fugitive that we get off the streets that’s armed is a positive outcome without anybody getting hurt.”
According to the criminal complaint, Lea County sheriff’s personnel learned information Friday that Quiroz was driving a gold colored truck, which was reported stolen July 22 to the Hobbs Police Department. The truck was seen traveling southbound at the North Fowler and Commanche intersection in Hobbs around 2:38 p.m. and police did a U-turn to pull the truck over. It increased speed and the deputy and other patrol cars then got involved in a “high-speed pursuit” through residential and business areas of Hobbs.
The complaint states Quiroz ignored traffic signs and signals during the pursuit while “weaving” between other vehicles, including turning in the direction of oncoming traffic. At one point, police struck the truck’s “rear panel” after it left the Highland Middle School parking lot, but the pursuit continued and ultimately ended at the 2700 block of North Dal Paso.
Quiroz reportedly drove to the back of the Dal Paso residence, got out of the truck and then began running on foot before sheriff’s personnel took him into custody in the front yard. Police also recovered a .45-caliber handgun, magazine and bullets in the area. A witness near the scene Friday reported hearing a “squeal” of the truck as it turned the corner and drove behind the home.
Hobbs Police Chief Chris McCall said the sheriff’s department was the main agency involved Friday, but Hobbs police assisted. Several unmarked vehicles, Hobbs police and sheriff’s cars were present on Dal Paso after Quiroz was apprehended.
“We’re happy to get him in custody and glad that we’re able to do that without anybody getting injured,” McCall said. “Obviously, it’s not under the best of circumstances. He should’ve just (gone) ahead and turned himself into our custody.”
McCall said there are other “active investigations” involving Quiroz, and District Attorney Dianna Luce declined to comment about his arrest.
As reported earlier, Quiroz was allegedly involved July 21 in another police pursuit involving the sheriff’s office. Personnel learned he would pick up, Hobbs resident Kristen McLauren, from a Hobbs restaurant using her vehicle. During the pursuit, Quiroz allegedly drove in a “reckless manner” and it was called off for safety reasons. McLauren was later arrested and charged with aiding/harboring a felon.
Quiroz had also been named in two July SWAT team standoffs involving Hobbs police and the sheriff’s department in north and South Hobbs. In both instances, Quiroz was not inside the respective residence that was surrounded by authorities. New Mexico court records indicate Quiroz has felony convictions dating back to 2007, including aggravated battery in 2008.
After Quiroz's capture, Magistrate Judge Craig LaBree found probable cause to set Quiroz's bond at a $10,000 cash surety, meaning Quiroz could bond out with a $1,000 payment. During Monday's arraignment Magistrate Judge Willie Henry reiterated Labree's original bond and scheduled Quiroz's next magistrate court appearance for 1 p.m. Aug. 15.
However, the Hobbs magistrate bond is one of three bonds issued to Quiroz and is in the smallest amount. A Fifth Judicial District bond for probation violation keeps Quiroz in custody until his potential district trial. There is also a $100,000 cash bond issued July 21 from Lovington Magistrate Court for aggravated fleeing from law enforcement that would have to be paid in full in order to be released.
Kelly Farrell can be reached at 391-5437 or by email. | http://hobbsnews.com/?p=1780 | en | 2016-08-08T00:00:00 | hobbsnews.com/94ae2eb8a1e63ff49b6f716931ca1b10a14b9bdbc359afb98181e2fc8e1db435.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:55:48 | null | 2016-08-04T12:38:30 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fhobbsnews.com%2F%3Fp%3D1796.json | http://www.hobbsnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/BANG-300x221.jpg | en | null | Suspect ID’ed in Eunice shooting | null | null | hobbsnews.com | The New Mexico State Police has released the identity of the suspect who was shot by a Eunice police officer Tuesday.
The NMSP preliminary investigation indicates that Eunice officers responded to a home on the 600 block of South Main in reference to a domestic violence call. One officer entered the home and found Roberto Granados Ocona, 41, armed with a knife. A struggle ensued that resulted in the officer shooting Ocona in the chest.
After two attempts for helicopter medical service, an ambulance took Ocona to Lea Regional Medical Center for treatment. He is currently listed in stable condition. Helicopter service was unavailable due to the large thunderstorm that his the Eunice area Tuesday afternoon.
The officer was not injured in the incident and has been placed on paid administrative leave while NMSP official investigate the incident.
Eunice Police Chief Jimmie Jones didn't believe there was a threat of danger to anyone else outside of the residence. He said the placing of the officer on paid administrative leave is standard with an officer-involved shooting.
"His identity will be released once the investigation concludes," said Sgt. Chad Pierce, NMSP Public Information Officer. "Usually these investigations take about two weeks to conduct. The investigators will interview the officers involved and collect any data or evidence."
As earlier reported, Eunice dispatch received a 911 call at around 4:31 p.m. Dispatch logs indicate that an argument between Ocona and a female took place with the female stating, “why do you want to kill me? You just came to kill me.”
Ten minutes after the officer arrived, the ambulance was requested in reference to a subject with two gunshots to the chest.
Jones, who has been with the Eunice Police Department for five years, believes the last officer-involved shooting in Eunice that he knows about occurred in the late 1980s or early 1990s when there was a bank robbery in downtown Eunice.
“It happened at the bank that is now our Wells Fargo bank at Main Street,” Jones said. | http://hobbsnews.com/?p=1796 | en | 2016-08-04T00:00:00 | hobbsnews.com/ec1e391780952b3672bcbb43cac98c71fb4a15282caff9d085ed503b42d1d470.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T16:57:24 | null | 2016-08-04T12:08:22 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fhobbsnews.com%2F%3Fp%3D1783.json | http://www.hobbsnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/speeding-300x220.jpg | en | null | Speeding fines to increase Sept. 5 | null | null | hobbsnews.com | LEVI HILL
NEWS-SUN
You shouldn’t speed in Hobbs, but if you do, don’t do it after Sept. 5.
That’s when the city’s new traffic code goes into effect and the fines for traffic violations will increase almost threefold.
Monday night the Hobbs City Commission threw out the old traffic code and adopted a new one that is more in line with traffic fines across the state.
Some of the changes to fines include speeding fines being raised from the $15-150 range to a $40-$180 range and no license fines will go from $25 to $80 and running a stop sign or red signal from $10 to $45. A $29 assessment fee would also be added to these fines.
The new traffic code has been in talks for several years and comes in response to the growing number of citywide, annual traffic violations.
In 2014, Hobbs Municipal Court saw a total of 14,780 traffic cases — 2,420 of those were speeding citations. In 2015, municipal court saw 19,278 total traffic cases — 3,603 of those were speeding citations.
The commission unanimously passed the new traffic code, with Commissioner Jonathan Sena making the motion. Sena has been a proponent of traffic safety for years and said it is the No. 1 issue he hears about.
“The issue of traffic calming is the No. 1 issue ever brought to me by my constituents, by the passing of this ordinance we are moving forward in the responsiveness to our community and making our streets safer for our children,” he said.
Mayor Sam Cobb said he is disappointed higher fines are needed, but hopes they make a difference.
“I would have hoped some of the enforcement we are doing would have made a bigger impact on some of our residents. I would encourage them to take it to heart when they see the article,” he said.
City Attorney Efren Cortez, one of the framers of the new code, told the commission last month he knew a new code was needed when a speeder laughed in his face, opting to pay the fine rather than take a defensive driving course.
Other changes in the new code include; allowing the commission to change the fines as they see fit in the future, establishes a traffic bureau to help with the number of traffic offenses seen by the Hobbs Municipal Court and increase the time that violators are given to address their tickets from five days to 30 days.
Levi Hill can be reached at 391-5438 or by email. | http://hobbsnews.com/?p=1783 | en | 2016-08-04T00:00:00 | hobbsnews.com/3e94f2b3b15a5a985ef268a1cc28590a0b0dbe5509c44c07a3a5a958d80f0856.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T16:46:27 | null | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fclermontsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F26%2Frob-portman-hope-across-ohio%2F.json | http://clermontsun.com/wp-content/themes/sun/favicon.ico | en | null | ROB PORTMAN Hope across Ohio | null | null | clermontsun.com | August 26th, 2016 Author: Administrator Filed Under: Opinion
For the last three years I have worked on legislation to transform the federal government’s response to the heroin and opioid addiction epidemic that is devastating too many Ohio communities. The legislation is called CARA, the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act.
After a big bipartisan vote in the Senate and the House, CARA was signed into law in July. It represents a change in the way we prevent, treat, and help people recover from addiction. It ramps up prevention and education efforts in the face of this epidemic, treats addiction like a disease—requiring treatment—and is the first federal law to emphasize the need for longer term recovery, which substantially increases the chances of success. It provides law enforcement and other first responders with the resources and training they need on the front lines. CARA directs hundreds of millions of dollars in new resources toward those efforts every year, helping every community across Ohio. As it is implemented, it will help save lives.
In the past month alone, I have visited a dozen cities in Ohio to see the impact of the opioid addiction epidemic. I have heard consistently from prosecutors, police chiefs and county sheriffs that the epidemic is responsible for most of the crime in our neighborhoods. Firefighters have told me they make more runs to administer the miracle drug, Narcan, to reverse the effects of an overdose than they do fire runs. And, sadly, drug overdoses have now surpassed car accidents as the number one cause of death in Ohio.
During these visits, I have met with hundreds of people whose addictions have taken their lives off track, torn their families apart, separated them from work and generally prevented them from reaching their potential in life. The stories are heartbreaking.
But I have also seen a lot of good reasons for hope.
Many of those who are struggling have made the decision to the throw off the grip of addiction by seeking treatment and getting into longer term recovery. And so many compassionate people in our communities are reaching out to help—often in new and innovative ways.
In Dayton, I visited Ohio’s first Federal Veterans court, and one of the first in the country, and met with graduates who were helped not only with their addiction but also with jobs skills and employment and a fresh start on life. I heard from Chris, a proud graduate of the program who served time in prison and is in recovery. Thanks to the program, he’s been sober for several years and has his own successful business that employs others who have served time.
In Lakewood, I toured the impressive Woodrow Project Home for Women, where women who are in long-term recovery from addiction can live in a supportive and safe environment. I met a young woman named Avril, who suffers from an addiction to prescription painkillers and other drugs. With help from the staff and with the support from her peers, she has been sober for a year, is starting college, and hopes to someday work in human resources so that she can help people get the right jobs for them and live out their potential to the fullest.
At the Veterans Treatment Center at Youngstown State University, I met Bill, an Army veteran who used to self-medicate with drugs and alcohol and who eventually became addicted. When he was facing jail time, a veterans treatment court offered him a second chance. Bill just graduated from the program in June, and now he is giving back and helping others get a second chance, too.
In Lancaster, I toured the Pearl House and Recovery Center. I met Dustin, who struggles with an addiction to oxycodone and heroin. He lost his sister to an opiate overdose, and now she is his inspiration to do whatever it takes to beat his own addiction. He’s fighting hard and, thanks to the Pearl House, he’s winning.
In Logan, I visited the Hocking County Municipal Vivitrol Drug Court, where Judge Fred Moses uses compassion and accountability to turn people’s lives around who are in the criminal justice system because of heroin or prescription drug addiction. Judge Moses got reports from those in the program and his treatment team on their progress or failure. We heard testimony from people at various stages on the road to recovery and I had a chance to ask those in the program about what worked and what didn’t. Some were struggling not following the rules, and they faced consequences. One man was sent back to prison, others to community service. Most were succeeding and received applause and encouragement from the dozens of people in the courtroom.
And in Chillicothe, I visited the Adena Women’s Pregnancy Center and met with pregnant women and new moms who suffer from addiction—women like Elizabeth, who developed an addiction after she was prescribed morphine following surgery to remove her appendix. I also met Connie, who became addicted to prescription painkillers after breaking her arm. Both women are now sober and successful thanks to the doctors, counselors, and volunteers at Adena.
In Columbus, I visited the Hope Over Heroin event led by pastors from Ohio and Kentucky. Even with another day to go, they had already helped a number of people get into treatment.
These visits showed me once again that there is hope for those who struggle with addiction. While the toll of this opioid addiction epidemic has been getting worse, not better, these success stories show how the right kind of treatment and recovery can work.
I am encouraged by the positive examples I see in Ohio, and pleased that our new legislation, CARA, will support these successful programs and help write more of these Ohio success stories. | http://clermontsun.com/2016/08/26/rob-portman-hope-across-ohio/ | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | clermontsun.com/42705639ccc87156fb5fe5d86817a7f7d88e1d1c97d04767a2fc05e53070c16d.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:49:34 | null | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fclermontsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F25%2Fbatavia-soccer-seeking-title-in-2016%2F.json | http://clermontsun.com/wp-content/themes/sun/favicon.ico | en | null | Batavia soccer seeking title in 2016 | null | null | clermontsun.com | August 25th, 2016 Author: Administrator Filed Under: Sports
By Garth Shanklin
Sports Editor
The Batavia Bulldogs boys’ soccer team lost a few key pieces from a 2015 season that saw them contend for a Southern Buckeye Academic and Athletic Conference title, but that won’t stop the team from making another championship run in 2016.
Head coach Kevin Scheel said the 2015 campaign was a very good season for his team.
“It was great,” Scheel said. “It was our second year being in the bigger division and we knew we’d have heavy competition, but we like that. Hopefully that prepares us to compete for league and in tournaments.”
Batavia had a shot at the league title last year, but two losses to the New Richmond Lions ended that run. The Lions would finish one game ahead of Batavia in the championship standings.
The team lost four players from 2015, including goalkeeper Josh Bauer. Bauer played in the all-star game last year. Mark Knauer was a “tremendous” player, according to Scheel, who added he “never had to worry about him.”
Morgan Walker earned first-team all-conference honors in 2015, and was an “explosive” player, according to Scheel. Adam Roller did a good job servicing the ball and setting up teammates while also scoring a few clutch goals of his own, according to the coach.
After an offseason that consisted of the Batavia Preseason Soccer Tournament and a few scrimmages, Scheel said he felt like the team was able to fill those roles. He specifically mentioned junior goalkeeper Jack Gibson, and added he felt that the team will be balanced in 2016.
“We’ll be balanced on offense and defense,” Scheel said. “We have a full roster for the first time, there are 36 kids in the program. When one guy goes down, we have players ready to step up.”
While some players are expected to step up into larger roles than they’re used to, Scheel pointed at senior Austin King as a player he believes could have a huge year.
“He was a starter for all of last year and part of his sophomore year,” Scheel said. “I look for him to explode onto the scene. He’ll be a key, integral part of the team.”
Alex Hornschmeier, a junior, is another player Scheel tabbed as a breakout candidate.
“He’s very talented, great foot skills,” Scheel said. “He didn’t get much time last year due to numbers and his spot in pecking order, but he’s dominant in attack.”
The Bulldogs have several goals for the season, including restarting a lengthy streak that came to an end last season.
“The lead goal for the team is to get the league championship,” Scheel said. “The streak was at 13, last year snapped it. New Richmond deserved it, they played tremendous this year and I think they’ll be tough this year as well.”
Scheel also said the team looks to make waves in the sectional tournament.
“My concern is to make a statement in the tournament,” Scheel said. “Hopefully we get a sectional championship, get to that district final and see what we can do. That’s my ambition.”
Even before the postseason begins, Scheel said there’s plenty to look forward to in the regular season.
“We’re excited to play again,” Scheel said. “We’ve got our last games against Amelia and Norwood for the time being, and Amelia’s been a huge rivalry for us. We’re looking forward for two more go-rounds with them. On Sept. 29, we’re going to be hosting a breast cancer awareness game. We’ve done this every year but this year there’s a family member in the program that is dealing with that. It’s a bit bigger of a priority for us and it coincides with senior night.”
The Bulldogs opened their regular-season campaign with a 3-3 draw at home against New Richmond. They will host Goshen on Thursday, Aug. 25 at 5 p.m.
Tags: Batavia Bulldogs Soccer | http://clermontsun.com/2016/08/25/batavia-soccer-seeking-title-in-2016/ | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | clermontsun.com/a9152ad0a3b3886575ae5c978b209637a814fc83b4539a40a01409c3067f36fd.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T16:46:39 | null | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fclermontsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F26%2Frick-houser-the-way-to-start-a-day%2F.json | http://clermontsun.com/wp-content/themes/sun/favicon.ico | en | null | RICK HOUSER The way to start a day | null | null | clermontsun.com | August 26th, 2016 Author: Administrator Filed Under: Opinion
I’m not just sure when this began but I’m going to say the early 1980s. My parents were living at the edge of Bethel and my dad had become a member of the Lions Club at Bethel. My parents were always involved in the social activities of their communities and Dad had become very fond of this organization. He liked how much they did to help people; he had worked his way up to being the treasurer and kept that title until his passing. During this time in the 80s it had been decided that twice a year the Lions Club would put on a breakfast to raise money and to socialize at.
Since Dad was the treasurer and he and I ran a real estate business at this time with several sales people he made certain that each was offered free tickets not just for them but their entire families. He gave tickets to friends and relatives. He wanted the breakfast to be a success and have a good sized crowd and he just wanted to be kind, as he always was. He even made sure that I got the same offer of tickets for my family also. Seldom did all or some of us not make the breakfast. It was always good and served with generous portions.
One year when it came time for the fall pancake breakfast dad gave me the tickets and asks a favor from me. After a handful of free tickets it was impossible to tell him no. He told me he had offered two ladies that were from Felicity tickets but they didn’t drive anymore and would I bring them. I gave a sigh and said of course but who were they? He said Lucy Edwards Ayres and Lena Utter. When I heard their names I smiled and said dad this will be a pleasure for sure.
These two ladies had known my grandparents and known my parents all their lives and I had known them as long as I could remember. They were a part of where I lived and had seen them in passing almost every day. Lucy had been the midwife for Dr. Barber the night I came into this world and would proudly tell folks that she was the first to see and powder my bottom. This caused blushing on my part and the more I blushed the more she told it. Lena and her husband had farmed in the Fruit Ridge area over on Maple Creek Road and upon selling her farm she had moved to Felicity and was the school cook for what I thought had been forever and she was a very good cook! They now both were in their upper eighties so being their chauffeur was a pleasure.
Brendan my son was still too small to keep calm in a crowd for as long as we would be there, so my wife stayed home with him but my daughter Meghan very much wanted to go. She wanted to visit with her grandparents and eat those pancakes as she had a sweet tooth. I told her as we pulled out of the drive that we had a couple ladies riding with us. She asks who but when I told her she didn’t yet recognize the names. (This was to change forever before noon even would arrive!) We picked them up and I got the door for them but first they said Meghan would have to sit in the back with them and in between them so they could get to know her. Although a little hesitant at first she became very much at ease as she figured out they just wanted to find out what all she would tell them about things at home as these ladies were experts in the field of gossip.
When we got to the breakfast Dad welcomed them in and then even to my surprise they worked the room speaking to almost every person there as they already knew them and to say they were well known was to make an understatement.
After a few hours passed they agreed it was time to return to Felicity where they had chores to do like prepare a lunch. (Really?) When we got to Lena’s home both she and Lucy got out and Lena said, “Now you just wait here a minute as I have something for you.” I thought I am not taking any money for the trouble and Meghan wanted to get home as it had been a long morning. A few minutes passed and out of the house appeared Lena with something wrapped up in a cloth. She said “I baked these this morning and I want you two to take them as payment.” I looked inside the towel and there were a dozen homemade yeast rolls. Now I thought to myself I will take these gladly as payment as I had said she was a very good cook! Now Meghan had never tasted one of these before but on the way home she tried one and understood why I accepted them.
When we got home and into the kitchen Meghan quickly told her mom and brother of the treasure we brought home and I got out the butter to put on them. Meghan gave Brendan one and he learned at a very early age what a yeast roll was. Meghan said the conversation was great as one would say something and the other would say “what?’” to which the other would say she can’t hear thunder” or” she just don’t listen.” So when the next pancake breakfast occurred Meghan and I were more than ready to transport the two. I know Meghan asked me if we were going to get rolls again and I said it doesn’t matter as we are doing this to be kind. Deep inside I was hoping for rolls also and we were never let down.
Both of these ladies Lucy and Lena lived into their nineties and Lucy just missed the century mark. They both had faced hard times and worked their ways through them and showed just how strong they were yet kind all the way along the journey. I’m pretty sure the Lions Club still holds pancake breakfasts and I suggest if you were to go you would get your monies worth. Just look for the sign outside of the high school. As for my dad he would welcome you all to a warm hospitable event. Dad loved people and the people he knew made it very easy to love them. At least that was the way I saw it and that would have been without the yeast rolls.
Rick Houser grew up on a farm near Moscow in Clermont County and loves to share stories about his youth and other topics. He may be reached at houser734@yahoo.com. | http://clermontsun.com/2016/08/26/rick-houser-the-way-to-start-a-day/ | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | clermontsun.com/4f15b2df8a713a36933b567da7c6750e2de18b9a8eb2d3ecca38a85693b8e849.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:51:14 | null | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fclermontsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F25%2Fann-benjamin-95%2F.json | http://clermontsun.com/wp-content/themes/sun/favicon.ico | en | null | Ann Benjamin, 95 | null | null | clermontsun.com | August 25th, 2016 Author: Administrator Filed Under: Obituaries
Ann Benjamin, 95 of Williamsburg, OH passed away Saturday, August 20, 2016, at Hospice of Cincinnati Anderson Care Center. She was born March 18, 1921, in Michigan and was the daughter of the late Ruby and Charles Bruckner. Ann was preceded in death by her three husbands, Arthur Walsh, Frank Anson and Austin Benjamin. She was a teacher and counselor at Williamsburg High School, a home health nurse in Englewood Florida, and a member of the Carmelite Organization in the Catholic Church.
Ann is survived by her son, Gregory Walsh (Jeri) and two daughters, Margaret Kools and Patricia Marshall, along with five Grandchildren and two Great Grandchildren.
Services will be held at St Ann’s Church in Williamsburg, OH at 10:00 am on Thursday, August 25, 2016, by Father Bachman, and the burial services will be at Mt Moriah Cemetery. Visitation was at T.P. White Funeral home in Mt. Washington on Wednesday, August 24, 2016 from 5:00 until 7:00 pm. | http://clermontsun.com/2016/08/25/ann-benjamin-95/ | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | clermontsun.com/01e59aa29a7749d4aa3f6bee76723919283f4610a508f9abb316210b51519b3f.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:48:13 | null | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fclermontsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F25%2Fstate-route-222-lane-closures-scheduled%2F.json | http://clermontsun.com/wp-content/themes/sun/favicon.ico | en | null | State Route 222 lane closures scheduled | null | null | clermontsun.com | August 25th, 2016 Author: Administrator Filed Under: Community
Pavement repair work is scheduled to begin on Aug. 23 on state Route 222.
One lane of traffic will be maintained on state Route 222 between Batavia and state Route 125 each weekday from 7 a.m. to approximately 6 p.m. through Friday, Sept. 2.
Arrow boards and/or signs will be in place to alert motorists of the upcoming work zone and lane closures. All work is weather dependent.
To help ensure the safety of the construction workers as well as the traveling public, motorists should remain alert, reduce their speed and watch for stopped traffic while passing through the work zone. | http://clermontsun.com/2016/08/25/state-route-222-lane-closures-scheduled/ | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | clermontsun.com/7de9e67c4eb5480811bc514795ad93c0b7857073234c585e8d32510553a8c3aa.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T16:46:22 | null | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fclermontsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F26%2Fmarc-hoover-signs-of-fall-halloween-thanksgiving-and-pro-football%2F.json | http://clermontsun.com/wp-content/themes/sun/favicon.ico | en | null | MARC HOOVER Signs of fall: Halloween, Thanksgiving and pro football | null | null | clermontsun.com | August 26th, 2016 Author: Administrator Filed Under: Opinion
As summer fades into the past, Ohioans will have a new reason to complain—cold weather. According to the Farmer’s Almanac, Ohioans can expect a cold winter. Thankfully, before it gets too cold, we can enjoy Thanksgiving and Halloween.
When it comes to keeping up with the seasons, I just look at professional sports. For instance, a new Cincinnati Reds season indicates spring. And when fall arrives, it indicates the latest season of professional football. It also means another Bengals team will call Paul Brown Stadium home.
Strangely, the Bengals play like tigers during the regular season, but then become paper tigers in the playoffs. The Bengals haven’t won a playoff game in years. From 2005 to 2015, the Bengals earned playoff berths on seven occasions. Unfortunately, like an old television rerun, each appearance finished with the same ending—a first round loss.
The last time the Bengals won a playoff game was on January 6, 1991 when they crushed the Houston Oilers 41-14. The Oilers eventually moved to Tennessee, became the Titans and lost a Super Bowl. Although the Bengals cannot win a playoff game, the team is still competitive. If not for a few emotional outbursts in last year’s playoffs, they would have beaten the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Soon, NFL fans will start wearing their favorite gear and preparing their fantasy league teams. Many employers also have jersey days and allow employees to wear their favorite sports jerseys on certain days.
So will Andy Dalton lead the Bengals into the second round in 2016? If so, they must enter the new season with a boulder sized chip on their shoulder. So it’s time to shed the shorts and tee shirts and replace them with hoodies and sweatshirts. Fall is just around the corner. Are you ready for some football? | http://clermontsun.com/2016/08/26/marc-hoover-signs-of-fall-halloween-thanksgiving-and-pro-football/ | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | clermontsun.com/5755161b144a08283c6e4245f1ebc906a20da7bd1fc69f837f7f486e3508fcf4.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:47:43 | null | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fclermontsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F25%2Famelia-volleyball-looking-to-go-out-on-top%2F.json | http://clermontsun.com/wp-content/themes/sun/favicon.ico | en | null | Amelia volleyball looking to go out on top | null | null | clermontsun.com | August 25th, 2016 Author: Administrator Filed Under: Sports
By Garth Shanklin
Sports Editor
The Amelia Lady Barons volleyball team enters the 2016 campaign looking to avenge a loss from 2015 while also going out on top.
The Barons finished last year 12-11, with a three-set loss to Western Brown the roadblock that prevented the team from finishing last season as the Southern Buckeye Academic and Athletic Conference champions.
Now, the team returns this year with a conference title on their minds. Three seniors earned all-conference honors for the Barons in 2015, and head coach Dan Coyne said replacing them won’t be easy.
“Our seniors brought the experience of playing volleyball at the varsity level,” Coyne said. “Their ability to help mentor our younger players and their on-court contributions will be hard to replace.”
One player who could have helped the Barons this season was junior Kandice Miller. Miller earned first-team all-SBAAC honors in 2015, but according to Coyne she will not play for the Lady Barons this season.
“She’s a big loss for the program,” Coyne said. “Her leadership and athleticism will be missed.”
However, it’s not all bad news for the Barons. Coyne said he feels junior hitter Allie Brown could step up and play a huge role in the team’s success this season.
“She’s the undisputed leader on and off the court,” Coyne said. “She’s my number one left-side hitter who plays all six rotations. She has the ability to terminate plays with her powerful swing.”
Brown will lead a team with several new players in different roles this season. Junior Sam Beach is expected to play on the left side for the team, while sophomore Allisa Marios has the middle. A pair of juniors, Kayla Mills and Emily O’Rouke, will serve as defensive specialists for the team.
Two freshman, Carly Simons and Jenna Batchler will be utilized as setters, as will junior Katie Howard.
Despite the youth, Coyne said his team’s goals have not changed in 2016.
“Our team goal as always is to win the league,” Coyne said. “I know I have a very young team and there are two very good teams in our way. I have two freshman setters who are going to be outstanding by the end of the season. They’ll have a big learning curve at the start as they transition from eighth-grade volleyball to varsity. I also have a new sophomore middle who I expect great things from this se season.”
The Lady Barons started the 2016 campaign with a three-set loss to Ross on Monday, Aug. 22. They dropped the match by scores of 25-20, 25-11, and 25-22. The team will look to rebound in their first road contest of the season on Thursday, Aug. 25 at Milford. The game is expected to begin at 7 p.m.
Tags: Amelia Lady Barons Volleyball | http://clermontsun.com/2016/08/25/amelia-volleyball-looking-to-go-out-on-top/ | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | clermontsun.com/5183add07257f2780d6ca3b3c9957ff721f6a28952b33849142ddb075fce0121.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T18:46:37 | null | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fclermontsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F26%2Flee-hamilton-the-media%25E2%2580%2599s-responsibility-to-our-democracy%2F.json | http://clermontsun.com/wp-content/themes/sun/favicon.ico | en | null | LEE HAMILTON The media’s responsibility to our democracy | null | null | clermontsun.com | August 26th, 2016 Author: Administrator Filed Under: Opinion
Politicians spend a good bit of their time complaining about the media. But why should they have all the fun?
I’m going to join in, though I tend to get upset about different things than most sitting politicians do. You see, I don’t actually mind when journalists — whether in print, on television or online — treat what politicians say with skepticism. That means they’re doing their jobs.
But this doesn’t happen nearly as much these days as it should. The media today is less objective, more ideological and much showier than it once was. What you see can be eye-catching — both the graphics and the personalities — but it is also brash and relentlessly self-promoting. A lot of journalists don’t just want to report the news, they want to be players and affect policy. They see politics as a blood sport, often exaggerating the differences among players.
As one observer said, the media is drawn to “superficiality, sensationalism, scandal and sleaze.” They’re all too happy to seize on small points of contention and fan them into major points of discord. They make building a consensus — the key task of the democratic process — much harder.
The field has been moving in this direction over decades, and there’s a reason for it: all these changes have been well received by the public. They draw viewers, readers and clicks. And they’ve encouraged consumers to pay attention only to the sources that reflect and broadcast their own viewpoint.
I don’t want to be a fogey here. Yes, I grew up in the days of Edward R. Murrow and Walter Cronkite, and I still think they were solid journalists, but what I miss is not the voice-of-authority-from-on-high that’s so often associated with them. Instead, what I too often find lacking now is the spirit that drove the profession in those days. I think the news media had a sense of responsibility to make representative democracy function. Journalists imbued their work with a palpable sense that they were involved in a public service.
There are still really excellent journalists out there who are doing their best to serve both their profession and the country. Every day they struggle to make sense of enormously complex events. What they understand — and what I wish more of their colleagues believed — is that democracy demands journalism that improves its workings. Properly done, journalism can bridge differences, help consensus emerge, improve the knowledge and judgment of voters and sharpen the performance of public officials and government as a whole.
In the end, the democratic process is about overcoming disagreement. This is virtually impossible without a solid base of information and analysis.
Governing well is immensely difficult, and good journalism can keep government open and honest — which serves not just the voters, but politicians who are trying to resolve the problems facing the country. Journalists can and should be watchdogs, keeping a watchful eye on politicians — what they do, what they say…and what they don’t do or say. They should serve not just the elites, but the underdogs and have-nots in society.
The independence of our press was hard to win, and it’s vital that we sustain it. People must have sources they can rely on in order to make our system work. Our democracy needs well-informed citizens making decisions based on facts about both policies and politicians.
This means that the model of the journalist that seems to be going out of fashion — reporters who were reasonably objective, independent of outside groups and even independent of their company’s owners — is actually crucial to representative government. Curious, skeptical journalists who point out inconsistencies, draw attention to mistakes, call out misleading statements and identify outright lies serve a larger purpose: they provide citizens what they need to know in order to be a good citizen, and public officials what they need in order to do their work well.
This is quite an ideal, especially in this age of economic turmoil within the media universe. But I don’t think it’s too much to hope that as the profession sorts out its future, it takes seriously its leadership role in advancing the public good, and doesn’t sacrifice its part in making representative democracy work properly.
Lee Hamilton is a Senior Advisor for the Indiana University Center on Representative Government; a Distinguished Scholar, IU School of Global and International Studies; and a Professor of Practice, IU School of Public and Environmental Affairs. He was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives for 34 years. | http://clermontsun.com/2016/08/26/lee-hamilton-the-media%E2%80%99s-responsibility-to-our-democracy/ | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | clermontsun.com/6e95f1e6c7455fa32c390f0e1932d4fd87b29662a87f24c865e6c7d42dcf9a2e.json |
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