The popular Little Farm in Tilden Regional Park will be closed from Oct. 1 through the end of next February because of major sewer construction work. In addition to Little Farm, Indian Camp parking lot, picnic areas, play structure, and restroom; and Big Leaf picnic area and restroom will be closed. Funding for the sewer work comes from the Measure WW bond, passed by voters in 2008.
Crime in Berkeley dominated the news this week. On Tuesday, Alameda County district attorneys charged an Oakland parolee with two robberies committed in late August in Berkeley. Jahton Green, 27, was accused of robbing a 75-year old man near Russell and Harper and a 62-year old man on the 1900 block of Los Angeles Avenue, both on Aug. 22. Green’s pre-trial hearing is scheduled for Oct. 15 and, as a parolee, he is not eligible for bail. Also this week, the Berkeley Police Association reiterated its call for Berkeley police to be issued Tasers, claiming the device could have prevented a near-death in a suicide attempt last week.
The City of Berkeley shut down Berkeley High’s swimming pool on Wednesday after tests showed an unacceptably high pH level in the water. Boys on the BHS water polo team had reportedly experienced loss of body hair, whitening of hair and irritated eyes after training in the pool. According to the water polo coach, Bill Gaebler, remedial measures and a new testing procedure could mean the pool reopening in the coming week.
UC Berkeley’s new Chancellor, Nicholas Dirks, will be speaking at Uncharted: The Berkeley Festival of Ideas. So will Randall Grahm, Kate Kendell, Markos Moulitsas, Mollie Katzen, and many more. Uncharted is two days of provocative thinking, inspiring speakers, workshops, and a big party — all in downtown Berkeley in October. Read all about it, be part of it, and register on the Uncharted website.
