Kensington Community CouncilMARCH 2003 VOL. 60 Nº 2

Nonprofit. Org.U.S. POSTAGE

P A I DPermit Nº1058Berkeley, Calif.

On Tuesday, March 11 at 5:30 p.m.,community members will have anopportunity to learn CPR for infantsand children. The location is to bedetermined. “Our CPR for Family andFriends course targets all lay rescuers,such as family members, new mothersand fathers, babysitters, or thoseresponsible for caring for infants orsmall children on a regular basis,but donot require a full CPR certificationcard,” said Officer Shelly Crain.

During this course, primary focusesare on:u Pediatric Chain of Survival and

Injury Preventionu Rescue Breathing and CPRu Foreign Body Airway Obstruction This course is not recommended for

those suffering from any acute back, legor knee problems, as this course incor-porates practice on mannequins withvideo and instructor training. Shouldyou have an ailment and still wish toparticipate, the instructors will makeevery effort to accommodate you.

There is no charge for this class for

Kensington residents. Please contactOfficer Shelly Crain at 526-4141 byMonday, March 10.

OUTLOOK59 Arlington AvenueKensington

California 94707-1037

KENSINGTON

Proposed Zoning Ordinance UpdateAs a follow-up to the town meeting

held in early January and in response tothe input his office has received,ContraCosta County Supervisor John Gioia’soffice will mail a survey to every Kens-ington household by the end of April.The survey will include complete infor-mation about the most recent versionof the proposed ordinance and willgive every resident an opportunity togive input on different aspects of theproposal.The funds for the mailing willcome from the county.

“This input will be valuable as wecontinue to develop and improve theordinance,” said Gioia.

In the meantime, the most currentversion of the proposed ordinance canbe found on Gioia’s website athttp://www.co.contra–costa.ca.us/depart/dis1/kensington.htlm.According to Gioia, asubstantial environmental reviewprocess, including many more public

and community meetings, will occurbefore the Board of Supervisors voteson the ordinance.This process will takeat least 9 to 12 months.

The proposed ordinance is the resultof community workshops and input. Inthe fall of 1999, the Kensington Com-munity Advisory Council (KMAC) senta questionnaire to 2,315 residencesregarding the issue. Based upon thefavorable response of the 20 per centof households who returned the sur-vey, a steering committee was formedto undertake the writing of what istermed the Kensington CombiningOrdinance. Members of the steeringcommittee include Gloria Morrison,president, Kensington ImprovementClub; Gail Feldman, president, Kensing-ton Property Owners’ Association; JimCarman, president, Kensington Munici-pal Advisory Council; and Lynn Wolter,community member.

By Pat CaftelI am often asked what individuals

can do to be alert for homeland securi-ty.Taking basic preparedness steps willhelp ready us for any disaster,natural orotherwise. Here are some ideas:

• Develop a household disaster plan,including an evacuation plan.

• Have a family meeting to discusswhat to do and to practice your plan.

• Have an out-of-state contact phonenumber so members of the family maycommunicate through someone in aregion not affected by the disaster.

• Make sure everyone in the familyknows this number.

• Assemble disaster supply kits forhome, work, school, and auto withwater, food, first aid supplies, flashlight,portable radio, and extra batteries.

• Learn how to shelter in place,including how to create a safe room by

sealing off one room with plastic sheet-ing and duct tape.

• If you have special needs, discussthem with family,friends,and employers.

• Check with school and work todetermine their emergency plans.

• Report hazardous or suspiciousincidents or activities to authorities.

• Contact neighbors to discuss theirplans and needs and how you can helpeach other.

For a more complete list of emer-gency supplies, check the B Section ofyour phone book‚ white pages, or theAmerican Red Cross website:www.red-cross.org.

The NEAT Program (NeighborhoodEmergency Assistance Teams) promotessafety and preparedness for Kensingtonand El Cerrito. For information, contactNEAT Program Director Pat Caftel at510-525-7268, caftel@juno.com.

NEAT Offers Homeland Security Tips

Kensington Community Center59 Arlington Ave.

PUBLIC MEETINGSKensington Community CouncilMonday, March 3, 7:30 p.m.(Call 525-0292 to confirm.)

Kensington Fire Protection DistrictWednesday, March 12, 7:30 p.m.(Call 527-8395 to confirm.)

Kensington Police Protection and Community Service DistrictThursday, March 13, 7:30 p.m.(Call 526-4141 to confirm.)

Kensington Municipal Advisory CouncilTuesday, March 25, 7:30 p.m.(Call 526-5546 to confirm.)

Friends of the Kensington LibraryLibrary, 61 ArlingtonMonday, March 11, 7:00 p.m.(Call 524-3043 to confirm.)

CPR Class for Family and Friendsof Infants and Children

The KensingtonCommunity Council(KCC) board of direc-tors would like to

thank the many members of the com-munity who have already mailed theirannual tax-deductible donations. If youhaven’t done so already, please consid-er making your gift today.

Thanks to these generous gifts, KCCis able to support the Outlook (thenewspaper you are reading), the Kens-ington After School Enrichment Pro-gram (KASEP), children’s classes, adultclasses, maintain the Community Cen-ter, the Annex and Building E, the much-

used tennis courts and the new parkspace for use by the community.

If you haven’t done so already, pleasemail your contribution (payable toKCC) to the KCC Annual Fund Drive,59Arlington Ave., Kensington CA 94707-1037. Donations are tax-deductible tothe extent allowed by law.

Donors whose contributions of $50 ormore were received by February 1 are asfollows:Anonymous,Elena Caruthers,theMurphee family,Egon Hoyer and AnnetteMcCoubrey-Hoyer,Phillip Eaton,Carl andLisa Brodsky, Robert and Olive Shaner,Russell Dedrick,Betsy Gardiner,and Mau-rice and Roberta Schlatter.

KCC FUND DRIVE

Eugene J. Millstein and AssociatesReal Estate and Andronico’s MarketUnderwrite the Fundraising Party

The Kensington Community Coun-cil (KCC) invites all Kensingtonians tothe 15th Annual Spring Celebration onSunday, March 23 from 3:30 to 7 p.m.at the Kensington Community Center,59 Arlington Ave. Join KCC for an after-noon of fabulous hors d’oeuvres,scrumptious desserts, fine wines andnon-alcoholic beverages.The ever-pop-ular Millennium Strings will again pro-vide music. There will be a silentauction of works by local artists andauthors. Child-care, including a lightmeal and entertainment, will be avail-able for children 3 to 11.

Spring Party UnderwritersEugene J. Millstein and Associates

Real Estate at 264 Arlington Ave. andAndronico’s Market are once again gen-erously underwriting this year’s event.Proceeds from the fund-raiser will ben-efit the maintenance and renovations

of Building E and Kensington Park, aswell as the expansion of the recreationprogram and the Kensington AfterSchool Enrichment Program (KASEP).

Silent AuctionOne of the highlights of the event is

the silent auction. Among the itemsthat have been donated so far are aride on a tug boat, donated by KCCmember Ted Blanckenburg, a tennisparty for kids and a tennis clinic foradults donated by tennis pro AlexBrown, a pie-a-month donated byNation’s Foodservice, Inc., and booksfrom Boadecia’s Books. Local artistshave donated pieces, including BarbaraTapp, Dena Fredric, Elizabeth Kavaler,Anne Stewart and Carla Van Slyke.Other auction donors include CiaraWood, Patty and Leo Carrousel, andJeremy Knight.To donate items for thesilent auction, call Danielle Power at524-6737. For more information aboutthe event, call Vida Dorroh at 527-3169or Ciara Wood at 525-7806.

Ticket Information Tickets for the party are $25 per per-

son for adults. Child-care is free. Checkspayable to KCC (and marked “SpringCelebration”) should be sent to KCCCelebration, 59 Arlington Ave., Kensing-ton, CA 94707-1037. Tickets will beheld at the door.Those who are unableto attend are urged to send donations.Donations are tax-deductible to theextent allowed by law.

About KCC KCC is a 501c3 non-profit corporation,

which sponsors educational programs forcommunity enrichment. KCC publishesthe Outlook and sponsors classes foradults and children, the Kensington AfterSchool Enrichment Program and SummerDay Camp.The organization also improvesand administers educational facilities inKensington Park in conjunction with theKCSD. In 2002, in addition to KCC’s regu-lar programs, KCC committed significantfunding to the completion of the new TotLot in Kensington Park.

KCC Presents the 15th Annual Spring Celebration KFD UpdateThe Kensington Fire District (KFD)

approved two key expenditure items attheir February 12 meeting. Both itemshad been budgeted for fiscal year 2002-2003. Phase IV of the Kensington WaterSystem Improvement Master Plan wasapproved, which will allow water flowwork to continue on Purdue Avenuenorth of Willamette Avenue. Members ofthe Maybeck Property Owners’ Associa-tion had expressed concern that the road-way be returned to its original statefollowing construction.“We made a com-mitment to do it,” said Don Dommer.Theamount authorized to complete the workis $326,740.

The current KFD reserve fire engineneeds to be replaced. According to FireChief Mark Scott,“It is not economical tobring the 1983 Mack to National Fire Pro-tection Association standards.”The boardapproved the purchase of a new fireengine at a price of $255,174.The truckwill be a combination pumper for use asa reserve fire apparatus as well as for useas a wild-land interface fire-fighting vehi-cle. The delivery date will be betweenDecember 2003 and February 2004.

2 KENSINGTON OUTLOOK

Unitarian Universalist

Church EventsMARCH SCHEDULE

Unitarian Universalist ChurchPrograms

Every Sunday morning at the Unitar-ian Universalist Church of Berkeley, 1Lawson Road, Kensington, lay leadershold a meditation service at 8:30 a.m.At 9:30 a.m., community members leadPersonal Theology Seminars, discussinga different topic of relevant interesteach week. The worship service fol-lows at 10:45 a.m. Visitors are alwayswelcome and childcare is provided.

March Worship ServicesOn March 2 the topic will be “Abra-

ham’s Children: Christianity, Islam,and Judaism” led by Revs. Barbara andBill Hamilton-Holway and Intern Min-ister Sofia Betancourt. Their topic onMarch 9 will be “We Are the Ones.” OnMarch 16 they will discuss “Taking theWar Out of Words” and on March 23they will talk about “Planting Seeds ofTrust.” Acting Director of ReligiousEducation Sally White will take overthe pulpit on March 30 with her dis-cussion of “What’s God Got to DoWith It?”

Religious Education Special EventsAll are invited to attend the Familiy

Hymn Sing on Thursday, March 6 at7p.m. followed by a discussion of “ThePower of Myth: Love and the Goddess”from 7:30-9:30 p.m.

Zoning Ordinance FeedbackDear Editor:

How would you feel if one day younoticed a construction project next doorto your home and your view of Mt.Tamal-pais or San Francisco Bay was being oblit-erated? What if you had no recourse toobject? This is exactly what can happenunder current land use rules.

I have been working for the last twoyears with a broad array of Kensingtonresidents to develop an ordinance toaddress the growing concern of theimpact of new construction on neigh-bors and community character. A steer-ing committee composed of theleadership of KPOA, KIC, KMAC and aformer KCSD board member have beendiligently working with me on this issue.

The goal of the ordinance is to pre-serve such values as views, sunlight,pri-vacy, and neighborhood compatibilitywith regard to bulk and scale. Contraryto some residents’ belief, there is NOprotection of views under currentcounty law.

There have been several town hallmeetings and numerous meetings withcommunity leaders on this issue. Theordinance continues to undergochanges in response to public input. Itwill be at least 9 to 12 months andmany more public meetings before theBoard of Supervisors votes on the pro-

posed ordinance.Unfortunately,Mr.David Hertzer’s let-

ter to the Outlook last month mischar-acterized many of the facts regardingthis issue.He placed wrong informationinto the public debate and created fearamong residents.

I want to assure Kensington resi-dents that as your only elected repre-sentative on local land use issues, I amcommitted to making sure that therecontinues to be broad public discus-sion and input on this issue.

Shortly, I will be mailing to everyKensington household complete infor-mation about the current draft of theproposed ordinance and asking resi-dents to complete a survey. Every resi-dent will have a chance to provideinput about different aspects of theproposal.Your input will be valuable aswe continue to thoughtfully developand improve the ordinance.

John Gioia,Contra Costa County Supervisor

Dear Editor,The zoning ordinance under consid-

eration for Kensington has been devel-oped and conducted in an openparticipatory manner with extensivecommunity involvement over severalyears, which included many communi-

Policy: The opinions expressed in Letters to the Editor are those of the contributors. They do not necessarily repre-sent the opinion of the Outlook, its editor, or the publisher, the Kensington Community Council. Residents are invit-ed to submit letters on matters of interest to the community. Letters must be signed and include the author’s addressand telephone number. Publication is subject to space limitations. Letters of 250 or fewer words are preferred.

Letters to the Editor

continued on page 4 continued on page 3

Gloria Polanski (510) 292-3049

MARCH 2003 3

KENSINGTON OUTLOOKEditor: Linda Lettieri — 528-012959 Arlington Ave, Kensington, CA 94707

outlook@sbcglobal.netAdvertising

Ad. Mgr.: Alma Key — 526-3241Call for rates, space availability and size restric-tions. Deadline for Ad and News Copy: on orbefore the 10th of the month preceding publicationas noted below. Published 10 times a year as acommunity service by a non-profit corporation:

1. Feb. 6. July/Aug.2. March 7. September3. April 8. October4. May 9. November5. June 10. Dec./Jan.

©2003 Kensington Community Council59 Arlington Ave, Kensington, CA 94707-1037

EDITORIAL: 510-528-0129CLASSIFIED ADS: 510-528-0129DISPLAY ADS: 510-526-3241

NEXT OUTLOOK DEADLINEApril Issue: March 10

Plans for Lenten SeasonThe Arlington Community Church,

which is located virtually across thestreet from the library, welcomes all toits services and programs. Sundaymorning worship at 10 a.m. is precededby choir rehearsal and adult Bible studyat 8:45 a.m. Sunday School for childrenis offered during morning worship.

On the first Sunday of the monthcommunion will be celebrated and KyleLovett’s ministry at ACC will be hon-ored. On March 9, Pastor Bromley willspeak on “The Rainbow Connection.”Her topic on March 16 will be “What’sin a Name?” “Remembering” and“Patience” will be the sermon topics onthe last two Sundays of the month.

Lent at ACCThe six-week period prior to Easter is

known as Lent.March 4, the last Tuesdaybefore Lent, is Mardi Gras or Fat Tues-day, as historically housewives used upall the fat in the house prior to the six-week period of fasting and sober reflec-tion. On March 5, Ash Wednesday, atACC there will be a service of worshipheld in the Chapel at 7 p.m.

On the six Thursday evenings com-mencing March 6, Pastor Shirlee Brom-ley will lead a discussion of the bookMemories of God by Roberta Bondi.This special study will enable partici-pants to explore their own life storiesand experiences that have formed theirown beliefs about God.The discussiongroup will meet in the Fireside Room at7 p.m. All are welcome. To sign up forthe series, please call 526-9146.

Second Mini-ConcertThe second of the Spring Mini-Con-

certs will be given Friday evening,

March 21, at 7:30 p.m in the Sanctuary.The spring-like program will feature Dr.Cheryl Fulton, America’s premier per-former of historical harps. She will beplaying Celtic and contemporarymusic. Tickets may be purchased inadvance by calling the church office.The advance admission is $10. Ticketspurchased at the door are $12.

Youth EventsIn anticipation of their annual snow

trip, the young people will be having anovernight marathon event on March 1to raise needed funds.

On March 9, the youth will meet at4:30 p.m. to prepare and serve dinnerfor the homeless at the winter shelterin Richmond.

Dinners for the HomelessIn connection with GRIP (Greater

Richmond Interfaith Project), Arling-ton Community Church will bepreparing and serving breakfast anddinner to the homeless during theweek of March 8 to 14. If you wouldlike to participate in this communityservice, please call the church office,526-0146, between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.for more information.

Musical OpportunityThe Arlington Community Church

Choir is beginning to prepare the“Durufle Requiem” for their Good Fri-day service.The work, though contem-porary, has the flavor of Gregorianchant. Community singers are welcomeand invited to join in preparation andperformance. Rehearsals are Wednes-day evenings from 8:45 p.m. to 9:30p.m. Music is available. If you havequestions, call 526-9146.

SUPPORT KENSINGTON COMMUNITY COUNCIL

J. Malcolm Good J. Malcolm Good, 84, passed away on

December 26, 2002.A Kensington resi-dent, he was employed for over 35years with Jenkel-Davidson OpticalCompany in San Francisco. He wasknown as a pioneer in the develop-ment of contact lenses. He is survivedby his wife Evelyn.

Stephen Okasaki Stephen Okasaki passed away Friday,

January 17, 2003 at his home at the ageof 52. He lived in Kensington for 28years. Okasaki grew up in Berkeley andgraduated UC Berkeley. He is survivedby his wife Nancy Okasaki of Kensing-ton; his daughter Stefani Okasaki ofAlbany; his sister Nancy Okasaki Erick-son of Gardena and his father AmileOkasaki of Berkeley. Donations inSteve’s memory may be sent to theAmerican Diabetes Assn., P.O. Box2680, North Canton, Ohio 44720.

Inez Goding SchuytenInez Goding Schuyten died on Janu-

ary 11, 2003, in her home in Kensing-ton at the age of 90.She was a graduateof U.C. Berkeley, Class of ’37. Shebegan her long career teaching Englishand history to middle school studentsin Antioch and continued for 23 yearsat Roosevelt Junior High and AdamsJunior High. She is survived by her hus-band of 63 years, John Schuyten; herthree daughters, Suzanne McDowell,Meredith Escudier, and Johanna Ton-dre; and her six grandchildren, Caro-line and Morgan McDowell, Harley andDylan Escudier, and Caleb and Imo-gene Tondre. Contributions in hermemory may be made to the East BaySymphony League, #1, Davies Sympho-ny Hall, San Francisco, Ca. 94102 or theAmerican Civil Liberties Union(ACLU), 1663 Mission St., #460, SanFrancisco, Ca. 94103.

Sis VelasquezSis Velasquez passed away on Janu-

ary 10,2003,at 86 years of age.A nativeof Pierce,Arizona, she resided in Kens-ington for over 30 years. Survived byher husband of 67 years, ManuelVelasquez of Kensington; daughter,Suzanne Velasquez of Concord; sonand daughter-in-law, Richard and ZeniaVelasquez of Lafayette; daughter-in-law,Virginia Velasquez of Fairfield; brothersand sisters-in-law, Leonard and AnitaDuran, and Lawrence and Carol Duran,all of Pinole; granddaughter, MichelleVelasquez of Martinez; grandson, GregVelasquez of San Ramon; grandsonsand their wives, Gary and PattiVelasquez of Vacaville, and Tony andCarrie Velasquez of Fairfield; and greatgrandchildren,T.J., Justine, and MitchellVelasquez of Fairfield. Mrs. Velasquezwas a homemaker, and attended St.John the Baptist Roman CatholicChurch in El Cerrito.Memorial dona-tions may be made to Pathways Hos-pice, 7901 Oakport St. 3500, Oakland,CA 94621.

IN MEMORIAM Arlington Community Church News

Personal Theology Seminars On March 2, Father Robert Cromey,

author, retired Rector of Trinity Episco-pal Church in San Francisco, activist incivil rights for all minority groups willtackle the topic “From Piety to Politics.”Kendra Smith, psychologist, meditationteacher, long time student of Buddhismwill speak on March 9 and 16 regarding“Tibetan Buddhism.” On March 23George Millikan, active in BerkeleyQuaker Fellowship will talk about “TheFaith and Practice of a Quaker Agnos-tic.” Finally, on March 30 Fritz Tubach,professor of German at the Universityof California at Berkeley will discuss“Meister Eckhart: Overcoming the Sep-aration of Subject and Object.”

For more information or for direc-tions, call the church at 525-0302.

Unitarian Church continued from page 2

4 KENSINGTON OUTLOOK

ty wide meetings held by differentorganizations. The working group thatdrafted the ordinance consisted ofabout 15 residents with a wide range ofopinions about how developmentshould occur. These residents volun-teered during a community meetingheld almost two years ago.

The ordinance intends to balance theinterests of property owners who wantto expand the exterior areas of theirhomes, and neighboring property own-ers that bought homes with the expec-tation that their views, sunlight andprivacy would not be unduly compro-mised when expansions occurred. Theintention and outcome is to improvefairness and provide better guidelinesin order to decrease the amount of cost-ly redesign that occurs when projectsare initially denied.

We would hope that open discussionon the merits of the ordinance provi-sions can be discussed without distor-tion and misinformation.We encourageowners to read the ordinance. If thereare specific elements in the ordinancethat need to be reexamined, then soundreasoning needs to be presentedregarding those issues.The KensingtonProperty Owners Association has beensending our comments to SupervisorGioia and working with the committeein an effort to design a fair and reason-able ordinance.

Gail FeldmanPresident of KPOA

Dear Editor,When people purchase a home with

a view, they would like to know thatthey are not going to lose that view —along with a huge chunk of their prop-erty’s value. The good news about theproposed revision of Kensington’s zon-ing ordinance is that it will protect ahomeowner’s view, light, and privacy inimportant ways that the current countyordinance does not.

The proposed ordinance wouldrequire builders to consider theirneighbors’ views, light, and privacywhen planning additional construction.This does not make additional con-struction impossible; it simply meansthat builders and architects will have toplan carefully and considerately.

The proposed ordinance honors the

rights of those homeowners who wishto add to their homes. It offers guide-lines for how much square footage maybe added to an existing home.The newguidelines are based on 175 samplehomes from three Kensington neigh-borhoods. The resulting figures werethen increased by ten percent toensure the feasibility of additions forthe great majority of homes.

The drafters of this ordinance ana-lyzed guidelines from other view com-munities like Sausalito, Pasadena, andCarmel to ensure that the new ordi-nance would not exceed the restric-tions in the comparable ordinances. It isvery important to note that once thosecommunities had a law moderatingimpacts on views, they all experienceda rise in property values.

Implementing the new ordinancemay cost each homeowner as much as$17 (a one-time only cost)— an incred-ible bargain when you realize the bene-fits we’ll all reap. In the next month orso, all Kensington homeowners willreceive a survey from Supervisor JohnGioia’s office. We encourage everyonewho values their view, light, and priva-cy to respond to that survey with aresounding “Yes!”

John and Kathy Stein, Beverly Rd.Walt and Gretchen Gillfillan,Coventry Rd.

Dear Editor,The proposed revision of Kensing-

ton’s zoning ordinance has been dis-cussed at length in community meetingsfor two years. Developing the ordinancehas been a scrupulously open process,with working group sign-ups and town-hall meetings receiving front pageannouncements in the Outlook.

In 1999, a survey was distributed toall Kensington homes.Twenty-one per-cent of Kensington homeownersresponded to the survey. (Among pro-fessional survey takers, a 21 percentresponse is considered extraordinarilyhigh.) The responses, tabulated by Mar-ianne Loring of the KensingtonImprovement Club, indicated that 86%of respondents favored changes to theexisting code that would give consider-ation to a new project’s impact onneighbors’ view and light.

Several months later, the Outlookannounced the formation of a workinggroup tasked with drafting a new ordi-

nance.The working group was open toany and all Kensington homeownerswishing to participate. After manythoughtful and lively discussions, theworking group drafted a balanced ordi-nance designed to protect both home-owners’ rights to add to their homesand their neighbors’ rights to retainexisting views and light.

In a new survey,soon to be distributedby Supervisor John Gioia’s office, Kens-ington homeowners will have an oppor-tunity to register their opinions of theproposed ordinance. Anyone who isinterested may obtain a copy of the ordi-nance at the Kensington Library or atSupervisor John Gioias website:www.bos.co.contra–costa.ca.us/depart/dist1/kensington.htm

We support the proposed zoningordinance and fully approve of theprocess that developed it.

Lynn Wolter,Williamette Ave.Gloria Morrison,Windsor Ave.

Dear Editor,I have read the “Planning Ordinance

Update” article in the Feb. 2003 issueand Draft 3 of the Kensington Combin-ing District Ordinance. I am concernedabout the ordinance itself and the Gen-eral Plan amendment study.

I have been a property owner inKensington for 23 years.The proposeddraft ordinance is one of the mostrestrictive I have read for a communitynot covered by CC&Rs. We currentlyhave zoning laws and the cumbersomesmall lot review process in place. Wehave a view ordinance. We have a treeprotection ordinance. We have noticerequirements for those who live within300 feet of a proposed project. Dothese laws work? Well, look around. Ofcourse they work.

Aside from the issue of not needingmore burdensome building require-ments, I very strongly object to payingfor the required General Plan amend-ment study.The Outlook states that costestimates for the study range from$25,00 to $100,000. Guess what end ofthe price range it will come in at. Inorder to avoid a vote on a special tax,the Outlook article states that oursupervisor, John Gioia, and the commu-nity steering committee haveapproached various Kensington groupsfor contributions toward the cost of theamendment study.

Is this yet another attempt to burdenKensington residents without allowingus to vote?

Letters to the Editor continued from page 2

continued on page 5

MARCH 2003 5

Kensington Community Education

ACRYLIC PAINTINGStan Cohen leads this informal but pro-

fessional workshop for established andserious beginning artists. Mornings aredevoted to developing painting,with assis-tance available. Afternoons are reservedfor class critique. Enrollment is limited.

Instructor approval required.Instructor: Stan CohenWednesdays, 9:45 a.m.-1:30 p.m.$32 per monthNon-residents add 10 percent

COMMUNITY CENTER

PORTRAIT AND STILL LIFE OIL PAINTING CLASS

Beginning and advanced students willpaint from live models using the ReileyMethod, a process of painting which isbroken down into steps. Students willlearn how to do a “wash-in” under-paint-ing and how to mix the “controlledpalette,” starting with a gray scale fromblack to white, with all other colorsmixed and arranged in correspondingvalue scale. Students will learn to seecolor and shape in terms of the value pat-tern of the subject. Materials and paintapplication techniques will be discussed.For more information,call Barbara Ward at528-2983.To sign up, call the KCC office.

Instructor: Barbara WardPortrait:Thursdays, 7 p.m.-10 p.m.Still Life: Sundays, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.8 weeks: $200 per resident

$220 per non-residentBUILDING E

EXERCISE TO MUSICNon-impact aerobics; ongoing.Instructor: Michele DorntgeMonday,Tuesday, Friday: 9-10 a.m.Fees per resident (10 weeks):$40/1 x week, $80/2 x week$120/3 x week, $4.50 drop-inNon-residents add 10 percent

COMMUNITY CENTER

DOG OBEDIENCE TRAININGHandlers must be at least 14 years of

age. Dogs must be a least five monthsold, have had all their shots, and beaccustomed to a leach.

Instructor: Nancy Cuccia (233-4500)Wednesdays

Beginners: 7-8 p.m.Next session starts April 166 weeks: $36 per resident

$40 per non-residentConformation: 8-8:45 p.m. $4/classIntermediate/Advanced: 9–9:45 p.m.

$4/classCOMMUNITY CENTER

TENNISAlex Brown, USPTA tennis pro, offers

classes to a minimum of four students.To register, call Brown at 524-5495Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9-10 a.m.5 classes: $40 per resident

$45 per non-residentTENNIS COURTS (West Court)

KASEPKENSINGTON AFTER SCHOOL

ENRICHMENT PROGRAM

REGISTRATION!Tuesday, March 4

7:00 p.m. Kindergarten7:15 p.m. Grades 1-4Community Center

KASEPKENSINGTON AFTER SCHOOL

ENRICHMENT PROGRAM

Building E, 59 Arlington Ave.Kensington, CA 94707-1037

OFFICE HOURS10 a.m. to 5p.m. Monday–FridayHelen Horowitz, Director525-0292, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.Elma Conley, On-Site Supervisor 525-0292,during class hoursSandy Thacker,Curriculum Coordinator 482-1258

WINTER SESSIONThe winter session will end on March 21.

SPRING SESSIONRegistration for the spring session willbe held in the Community Center, 59Arlington Ave.on Tuesday,March 4 at 7p.m. for 1st through 6th graders. Class-es will begin on Monday, March 24.

KCCKENSINGTON COMMUNITY

COUNCIL

Helen Horowitz,AdministratorKensington Community CouncilBuilding E, 59 Arlington Ave.Kensington, CA 94707-1037525-0292

OFFICE HOURS10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Mon.-Fri.

KCC OFFICE LOCATIONBuilding E is located across thegrassy field from the CommunityCenter Annex that houses TheNeighborhood School.

NOTICESTo Register for ClassCall the office unless otherwisespecified. Some classes haveenrollment limits. Those register-ing will be notified if they cannotbe enrolled.Tennis Court ReservationsReservations are taken for week-ends and holidays only. The earli-est reservation is for 9 a.m. Feesare $2 per hour for Kensingtonresidents, $5 for others.Community CenterCall Helen Horowitz for rental andreservation information.

ADULT CLASSES

YOUTH CLASSES

GYMNASTICS11:45 a.m.-1:05 p.m./A.M.Kindergartners2:30 p.m.-3:20 p.m./Grades 1-32:50 p.m.-3:40 p.m./Grades 4-6

Students should wear loose clothingsuch as leotards, sweatpants, or shorts.Long hair must be tied in a ponytail.Toenroll, call Judy Baker at 233-1833.

Instructors: Judy Baker and Jean JayTuesdays, 11 weeks, March 25–June 10

Kindergartners:$135/resident; $150/non-resident

Other students:$110/resident; $125/non-residentAdministration fee: $25

COMMUNITY CENTER

TENNIS In this class for students in Grades 6,7,and

8,Alex Brown teaches the fundamentals oftennis, including strokes, tactics, and sports-manship.Classes consist of instruction,drills,and play, and continue through the schoolyear.Students must register by the month forone or two days a week.

Instructor:Alex Brown (524-5495)Tuesdays and/or Thursdays3:40-5:20 p.m.Fees (payable monthly):$10 per class/resident$11 per class/non-resident

TENNIS COURTS

It was not too long ago that a specialassessment was added to residential(not commercial) property tax bills inKensington. Do you remember votingon assessing yourself $100.00+ annual-ly for a park? No, you never voted onthat.There are now state laws prevent-ing this type of thing from happeningagain. However, there is no state lawpreventing the solicitation of donationsto pay for an amendment study andthen pushing an ordinance through theBoard of Supervisors without a vote byaffected property owners.

Let us vote on another special tax.Nancy Mulvany,

Arlington Avenue

Dear Editor:It appears that the proposed zoning

ordinance has very far reaching impli-cations for most of us who reside inKensington and it should therefore be

the subject of a very thorough publicdiscussion followed by an advisory voteduring the next general election if alarge percentage of voters desire toplace it on the ballot.This is an initiativesponsored by an appointed (not elect-ed) group of dedicated Kensington res-idents. I admire them all. But thisrequires a public process. It is not goodpublic policy to draft legislation out ofthe public domain and then to rush itthrough the legislative process.

Cathie Kosel,Windsor Avenue

Dear Editor:I agree wholeheartedly with David

Hertzer’s letter in opposition to the pro-posed Kensington Zoning Ordinance(Feb 2003 Outlook). His arguments andcomments are right on the mark.

I remodeled my house in 1989-90and found that the existing permit sys-tem was reasonable to all concerned.The focus of that system was on any

variances required, which do needreview to ensure that they are justified.

I think it is critical to understandinstances of problems with the existingpermit system. I have no heard of anysuch problems. If there are multiplesevere instances of problems, then thesystem may need revision to changespecific problem areas. In the absenceof such demonstrated problems, nochanges are justified, especially whole-sale changes that will bring more prob-lems than they will solve.

To expand review to include “viewprotection, obstructions, privacy, quiet,parking, protection of mature trees, andcompatibility with regard to bulk andscale, access to sunlight, and isolationfrom offensive emissions” will turn thepermit system into a “stagmire” ofbureaucratic litigious NIMBY’ism. Wecan see this happening in neighboringcommunities.

Arlin Peters,Yale Avenue

Dear Editor:I object to the proposed zoning ordi-

nance in Kensington. I live on SunsetDrive and my main concern is the viewportion of the ordinance.We have twolarge redwood trees on our propertywhich have lived on our lot muchlonger than most of our neighbors havebeen in Kensington. In fact, when theKnowles sold us the property in 1994,they included in the sale documents astipulation that the two redwood treesbe preserved. I’m afraid that if this ordi-nance passes it will eventually allowproperty owners (who wish to have aview) to force others (who wish tohave redwoods) to cut them down ormutilate them. I have no objection tothe rights of those property ownerswho have an existing view to maintainthat same view. However, I think Kens-ington would be a much less attractiveplace to live if wholesale tree cutting &

Letters to the Editor continued from page 4

continued on page 6

The Kensington Community Council(KCC) Summer Day Camp is for childrengrades 1 through 6 in the Fall 2003.Thecamp runs from June 16 through August22 Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to5 p.m. Campers may enroll on a weeklybasis.To ensure the best experience foreach child, our camp has a maximum of60 children per week. We employ twodirectors, five counselors, two or morecounselors-in-training, and a “specialtyconsultant” for each two-week specialtysession to work with the campers. Drop-ins are not permitted.

Day Camp Staff ReturnsDirector Brian Barfield and Assistant

Director Jessica Smith are returning forthis year’s camp along with head coun-selor Hayley Strandberg, Andrew Erd-mann, Valerie Fike-Rosales, TeddyFirestone,Evan Horowitz Joe Starkey, andDJ McIntyre. KCC is delighted that theyhave chosen to work again at its camp.

FeesThe cost for the Kensington Summer

Day Camp is $165 per week with thecost prorated for July 4th week to $132.This fee covers all transportation costs,snacks, entrance fee, activities and a KCCSummer Camp T-shirt for field trips. Feesmust be paid 10 days before each week

begins. Children whose fees have notbeen paid may not attend until fees havebeen paid to the KCC administrator. Reg-istration, waiver and emergency formsmust be submitted prior to the start ofeach week. Forms must accompany theappropriate fees. A non-refundabledeposit of $25 per child per weekrequested is required with the applica-tion. The $25 deposit is deducted fromthe balance due of camp. If a week is fulland space is not available, applicants willbe notified immediately. We cannotrefund fees if a child drops out after asession begins.

RegistrationRegistration will take place as follows:

Thursday, March 6, 7 p.m.Community CenterKensington residents & camp alumni

Friday, March 7, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.KCC OfficeKensington residents and camp alumni

Monday, March 10, 10 a.m to 4 p.m.Open registration. Parents may regis-ter their children on a space availablebasis during KCC office hours.

Brochures availableFor more information or a brochure,call the KCC office at 525-0292.

Special Activities Schedule:Carpentry with Sandy Thacker

Week 1...........June 16–June 20Drama with Kelly Donahue

Week 2...........June 23–June 27Carpentry with Sandy Thacker

Week 3...........June 30–July 3(July 4th holiday)

Drama with Kelly DonahueWeek 4...........July 7–July 11

Gymnastics with Judy BakerWeek 5...........July 14–July 18

Gymnastics with Judy BakerWeek 6...........July 21–July 25

Sports & Games with Tristan StickelWeek 7...........July 28–August 1Week 8...........August 4–August 8Week 9...........August 11–August 15Week 10.........August 18–August 22

Plus Tennis with Alex Brown, three daysa week each session!

COME JOIN US AT KCC SUMMER DAY CAMP 2003

6 KENSINGTON OUTLOOK

ABCs of FKLThe Friends of the Kensington

Library found themselves again dis-cussing budget questions at their Feb-ruary meeting. As mentioned lastmonth, the decreased state revenueshave caused a sharp reduction inmonies available through the PublicLibrary Fund to Conta Costa County.Already we have had the elimination ofone of the two newly added libraryassistant positions here in Kensington.The reductions will hit hardest later, aswe are now operating on the budgetallocated last year.Within FKL we notethat contributions and sales at ourongoing in-library book sale are bothdown from the level seen last year atthis time. So, we are going to work hardto make as big a success of our AnnualSpring Sale, to be held May 10 and 11,and to work on matching last years rev-enues, or exceeding them. This wouldallow FKL to make up for some of theshortfall in funding until the State andCounty economies recover. There willbe a need for books, CDs, materials andpossible facility renovations, as newcarpeting in a year or so, hopefully.

Dreamy Future BeckonsFKL will sponsor a program by Alan

Siegel, Ph.D., March 24, from 7-8 p.m. atthe library. Dr. Siegel is a therapist, pro-fessor and researcher who has pub-lished, among other things, the bookDreamchasing: Every Parent’s Guide ToUnderstanding Children’s Dreams andNightmares. He has also served as thepresident of the Association for Studyof Dreams. Dr. Siegel, who is a veryentertaining lecturer by all reports, canbe expected to also offer insights intohow dreams may play a part in theunderstanding of what is going on withthe growing child, if not why so manyhave recurring dreams of having apaper due, no time to write it, and theircollege career being dependent on get-ting the paper in immediately, or was itan FKL article?

In regard to the Monday night pro-grams, you might want to check at theLibrary, as most will not be noted in thiscolumn as planing is usually not that far

ahead to allow a timely notice to begiven here. Barbara Fergason, Kensing-ton’s Librarian, set these up, and mayoffer such things as how to researchthings on the computer, or use sometype of a program.These will not neces-sarily involve outside speakers, but willoffer material keyed to the varied needsor curiosities of Kensington patrons.

Mystery CloudsFKL was happy to be contacted and

offered a chance to once again have aMystery Writer Night as part of the annu-al National Mystery Writer’s Week activi-ties. In the past, we had several years ofhosting a mystery writer in coordinationwith the Bay Area Chapter of the Nation-al Association of Mystery Writers, whoremained strangely silent the last threeyears. However, this year we havealready heard from several writers will-ing to talk about their work. In the pastwe have both had single and paired pre-senters on our Mystery evening, and aswe have heard from more than oneauthor this time, we may plan for morethan one to appear together. Details arebeing worked on, including both whoand when. Flyers and further details inthis paper will emerge, but for now FKLis still a bit clueless.

Keeping Up the Good WorkFKL reflects on how nice it is to have

a great community of readers. Yourdonations of cash to the fund drive andbooks to our book sales as well as theturnout we get on our book sales is arecurring theme in Kensington. Keepour library strong and continue whatyou do best! Our next meeting will beat 7 o’clock Tuesday, March 11 at thelibrary and visitors are welcome. Ourusual meeting is the first Tuesday of themonth, but the Dr. Seus program on the4th forced a change next month. If anyadvice or help is needed with bookdonations (Only tobe delivered duringopen hours at thelibrary.) can be madeto Adrian Jennings,our Book Sales Chair-man at 524-2508.

ABCs of the FKLBy John Gossard

removal were to ensue.I sincerely hope that at the very

least we will all have an opportunity tovote on this!

Diana Krampf, Sunset Drive

Dear EditorI do not believe that the revised zon-

ing ordinance which Supervisor Gioia isattempting to rush through the Board ofSupervisors without adequate Kensing-ton input is in the best interests of Kens-ington. Nor do I believe, if we are givena chance to evaluate and discuss theproposed ordinance, that it will bedesirable to the vast majority of Kens-ington residents. Rather, I believe theSupervisor is being hoodwinked by avocal minority who wish to dictate theirview of a Kensington devoid of theeclectic building styles which have, tillnow, reflected our diverse population.

This minority wishes us all to marchlockstep into some Disneyland fantasyworld of make-believe “better” housesmore suited for their fictional world ofOzzie and Harriet, right out of a Holly-wood 1940s – ’50s studio backlot.Theywant a zoning ordinance which

KindergartenRegistration

March 1–31 is kindergarten registra-tion period in the West Contra CostaUnified School District. If your childturns five years old on or beforeDecember 2, 2003, he or she is eligibleto register for kindergarten at your localneighborhood school for next fall. Thetentative date for the first day of schoolfor the 2002-2003 has not been set.

Register your child at your school ofresidence from 9:00 a.m. to 12 noon,or1:00 to 3:00 p.m.on school days duringMarch. Call Kensington School formore information. To register yourchild for kindergarten, bring the fol-lowing papers to your school:

1. Proof of age, such as a birth cer-tificate or baptismal record.

2. Proof of immunizations.3. Proof of residence, such as a cur-

rent PG&E bill.Telephone bills are notaccepted as proof of residence.

Letters to the Editor continued from page 5

continued on page 8

MARCH 2003 7

SUPPORT KCCEl CerritoDemocratic ClubThe public is invited to attend the

Tuesday, March 25 meeting of the ElCerrito Democratic Club, at the North-minster Presbyterian Church on 545Ashbury Avenue in El Cerrito. Themeeting will be held at 8 p.m., follow-ing the 7:30 p.m. general businessmeeting of the club.Nathan Britton, theNorthern California political directorfor California Peace Action, will discussterrorism, the military budget, “roguestates” and national security. ContactJoe Franaszek at 524-4659 for moreinformation.

KensingtonRepublican

Women MeetThe Kensington Area Republican

Women (KARW) will meet on March26 at the Mira Vista Country Club, 7900Cutting Blvd., El Cerrito at 12 noon.Lunch will be served at 12:30 p.m.

The speaker will be Stuart Posselt,president of the Benicia Congress ofRepublicans. Posselt is currently chair-man of the resolution committee ofContra Costa Republicans. He willspeak about the coming meetings ofthe state Republican party.

Tickets are $12 per person andreservations should be made withCatherine Weeks at 524-5689.

Garden Clubsto Meet

Berkeley Garden Club“Mushrooms: Edible & Poisonous”

will be the topic presented by DebbieViess on Tuesday,March 18 at the Berke-ley Garden Club. Ms.Viess is the Educa-tion Chair, Mycological Society of SanFrancisco. The club meets at theEpworth United Methodist Church,1953 Hopkins St., Berkeley. Guests arewelcome to attend the business meet-ing at 1 p.m.as well as the free programat 2 p.m.Call 524-4374 for more details.

El Cerrito Garden ClubThe El Cerrito Garden Club will

meet at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, March13, in the El Cerrito Community Cen-ter, 7007 Moeser Lane. Following thebusiness meeting, refreshments, andmonthly plant sale, a program on “Get-ting Started with Bonsai” will be pre-sented by Evelyn Humphrey from theBerkeley Garden Club. Guests are wel-come and may pay $3 at the door. Formore information please call 234-0135.

KARO To MeetThe next meeting for the Kensington

Amateur Radio Operators (KARO) willbe March 10 at 7:30 p.m. in the Kens-ington Community Center at 59 Arling-ton Ave. Anyone interested in amateurradios is welcome.The group currentlyhas five emergency communicationsradio stations installed in Kensingtonand welcomes new members.For moreinformation about KARO, contact KenHorne at 526-8349.

55+Activity Center

Celebrating 28 Years of SeniorActivities in Kensington

The Kensington Senior Activity Cen-ter meets on Thursdays 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.at Arlington Community Church SocialHall, 52 Arlington Avenue, Kensington.The West Contra Costa Adult Schooland community volunteers provide theCenter’s program of life-long learning.Everyone over 55 is welcome to visit,join the seniors in activities and friend-ly conversation and be a volunteer ifyou choose.

Schedule for MarchOngoing classes at the center

include meditation, a German conver-sation group, cultural, history, traveland art videos. On the first Thursday ofthe month, a massage therapist is avail-able and the fire department is on-handto check guests’ blood pressure.

On March 6, the movie The Treasureof the Sierra Madre will begin at 10:30a.m. and will be followed by a potlucklunch. Please note the early start timefor the movie.At 11 a.m. on March 13,Nancy Erb will discuss “Conflict Reso-lution Across Generations.” Birthdayswill be celebrated on that day. On Mar20, Ray and Friends will sing and playIrish songs in honor of the season. Fol-lowing lunch, guests are invited to stayand watch the video Life of St. Patrick.Jan Stecher returns on March 27 tolead the “Rosen Movement for Seniors”class at 11 a.m.

Contact Virginia Walker,Teacher-Direc-tor, at 547-1969 for more information.

Retired TeachersTo Meet

The California Retired Teachers Asso-ciation,West Contra Costa Division No.58, will meet at noon on Thursday,March 6 at the Masonic Hall of Rich-mond, 5050 El Portal Drive, ElSobrante. Dr. Helen Carr, president ofContra Costa College, will speak abouther experiences as an educator in a talkentitled, “Backward Glance, PresentStance, Future Chance.” Call 234-3046by Monday,March 6 for luncheon reser-vations. Cost is $10.

LWV KensingtonStudy Group

The League of Women Voters Rich-mond Area, Kensington Study Groupwill meet March 10 at the home ofLucille Parker, 51 Highland Blvd. at 12noon for a light lunch followed at 1p.m. by a meeting and discussion. Newcomers are welcome. Call Lucille at527-1538 to confirm.

POLICE NUMBERS911: Emergency

233-1214: Dispatch Center526-4141: Business Office

8 KENSINGTON OUTLOOK

THE KENSINGTON OUTLOOK CLASSIFIEDS

The following incidentswere among those report-

ed by the Kensington Police Departmentduring January 2003.

WEEK OF DECEMBER 29. A resident complained of loud noisecoming from a party near Edwin Dr.and Kerr Ave.. At 8:45 a.m. on New Year’s Day,someone reported hearing loud bang-ing coming from a home on NorwoodCourt.A construction crew had report-ed for work.. Officers served a supoena to anEdgecroft Rd. resident.. A truck was impounded on ColgateAve. for expired registration.. The morning newspaper was stolenfrom a Columbia Ave. residence.. A neighbor complained of a loudradio coming from a Coventry Rd. con-struction site.. Kenyon Ave. residents reported a dis-agreement over property.. An Ocean View Ave. resident calledpolice to issue a complaint over treat-ment by her adult children.. A citizen was locked out of his homeon Vassar Ave. Because he took part inthe House Key Program with KPD, offi-cers had a spare key on hand.. A Highland Blvd. resident asked forassistance with an insect problem.Theresponding officer removed the potatobug from the home and released it inthe back yard.. An Anson Way resident reported acase of I.D. theft. Goods and servicesvalued at $25,000 were obtained in thevictim’s name.. A resident on Ocean View Ave. wastaken to Martinez County Hospital forevaluation.. A tree fell down in front of theCarmelite Monastery off Rincon Rd.. A computer monitor was found onFranciscan Way.. The owner of a Cadillac parked onArlington Ave. reported a hit and run.The damage to the front grill and miss-ing emblem were valued at $800.

WEEK OF JANUARY 6. While backing out of a parking spacein front of Arlington Pharmacy, a ToyotaCorolla hit a Honda Odyssey.. A person was reported missing onVassar Ave.. Officers and fire department person-nel responded to a report of a chimneyfire on Norwood Ct.They found no fire.. Someone went to the door of a YaleAve. resident to ask for money to feedhis children.. A resident reported a hit-and-runincident to a Mercedes-Benz parked onYork Ave.. At 1994 Acura Integra was stolen fromin front of a Grizzly Peak Blvd. residence.. An Ardmore Rd. resident was injuredwhen a glass door knob shattered in hishand. He was taken to Brookside Hos-pital for stitches.. Officers recovered a stolen BMW atColusa Ave. near Ocean View Ave.. A 1996 Honda Civic was stolen fromWellesley Ave.. A case of attempted auto theft wasreported on Arlington Ave.

WEEK OF JANUARY 13. Broken tree branches were reportedon Arlington Ave. near the El Cerritoborder.. An older resident needed assistance.. Kensington Chevron reported thatsomeone had dumped trash at 1:30 a.m.. The victim of a recent auto theftreported that a blonde woman in a redToyota appeared to be watching herresidence.. There was a fight among 8 to 12year-olds at Kensington Hilltop School.. Someone left a water heater at Fran-ciscan Way. Officers took it to thedump.. Following a minor accident on Arling-ton Ave.near Cowper Ave., a driver com-plained of chest pains. The driver leftagainst the advice of Engine 65 EMTs.. A resident on Grizzly Peak Blvd.reported that his neighbor had beenacting strangely at night.. A 26 year-old female died of an over-dose on Yale Ave.

. Someone found a portable radiobelonging to El Cerrito Public Works.. Items were taken from an unlocked1996 Ford parked on Arlington Ave.. An Arlmont Dr. resident died.. A possible bullet hole was reportedin the window of the Arlington Phar-macy.No bullets or casings were found.. A 1997 Staturn was stolen fromRugby Ave.. A fire alarm went off on Highgate Rd.. A resident reported difficulty breath-ing on Highgate Rd.. A 1988 Toyota truck was stolen frontof an Anson Way residence.. Officers notified a resident onPlateau Dr. that a relative living over-sees had died.. A Toyota van that had been stolenfrom Wellesey Ave. was found on High-gate Rd.. Officers were involved in a child cus-tody dispute on Ardmore Rd.. A Volkswagen Jetta in violation of the72-hour parking limit was towed fromCoventry Rd.. A resident drove into a ditch afterrunning into a mailbox.. Officers responded to an ArdmoreRd.report of gunshots.They found juve-niles playing with fireworks.. Vandalism was reported at Kensing-ton Hilltop School.. Caller complained of pain. The AnsonWay resident was taken to Kaiser Hospital.. Someone dropped off a leather jack-et at the Police Department.. A neighbor reported an open door atan Avon Rd. residence. Officers deter-mined that wind was the cause.. A Coventry Rd. resident suffered astroke and was taken to Alta Bates Hospital.. The alarm was accidentally trippedat a home on Yale Ave.. A vehicle with expired registrationwas towed from a Grizzly Peak location.

WEEK OF JANUARY 27. Someone left the door open at theCommunity Center.. A Kensington resident ran into adeer in Berkeley.. A 15-year old skate boarder was teas-ing third graders at Kensington HilltopSchool after school hours.. Someone reported child neglect onCanon Dr.. A resident was the victim of roadrage in El Cerrito.. A 1990 Volvo was reported on fire onLos Altos Rd. The fire was out whenofficers and KFD arrived.. Neighbors on Purdue Ave. arguedover a dog.. A resident complained that someonehad dumped mulch on his propertythat was smoldering.. Tired of waiting in line at Young’sKensington Market, a resident walkedout without paying for a magazine. Hewent back and paid for it later.. Officers noticed an auto withexpired registration driving along Keny-on Ave. The driver tried to avoid theofficers. It turned out that the driverwas unlicensed and just been releasedfrom jail. The car was impounded andtowed.. A resident on Kingston Rd. calledpolice when members of the Feral CatFoundation took back the cat they hadsold her.. Following up on the report of suspi-cious activity on Highland Blvd,officersfound juveniles talking loudly.

.

The Kensington Police Blotter

CLASSIFIED ADSMonthly Rates $6 per line

($12 minimum)There are 45 space per line. Count each letter,punctuation mark, and space between words.Enclose payment (payable to KCC) and mail to:Kensington Outlook Classified Ad Department,59 Arlington Avenue, Kensington, CA 94707-1037. We reserve the right to reject any ad. Toreceive a copy of the Outlook in which your adappears, please enclose a stamped (80¢), self-addressed envelope. Completed classified adsmust be pre-paid and received in our office byMarch 10 for the April 2003 issue.

No telephone calls please!Your cancelled check is your receipt.

SCHOOL FUNDRAISER? Get shirts-aprons-bags at Pri-mal Screen: 549-0526 Teams-Clubs-Classes.

PROFESSIONAL EDITOR/WRITER. Memoirs, fiction,newsletters, brochures, proof, dissertations, essays, arti-cles. Words Into Print. 236-0919.

IN-HOME CARE/LT. HSKP/MEALS Mature woman, localrefs. M-F, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. $20/hr. 510-382-1630.

MASSAGE-Relax, refresh, rejuvenate, heal. JoanProvencher, CMT, 525-2750.

ALL THINGS MACINTOSH. Troubleshooter for hire! Inter-net making you crazy: Solve mysterious freezes. Improveperformance. References. Roslyn, 510/526-1209.

CLEANING/HOUSEKEEPER Homes, offices, commercial,moving assistance. Good References. Monica 510-528-2428.

HOUSE AND OFFICE CLEANING. Responsible, honest,efficient. Excellent work. Good references. I’ve worked inthe area 6 years. Please call 524-7787.

GREAT HOUSE CLEANING with great local references.Call Rosie at 234-9471.

MY WONDERFUL CLEANING LADY is available. Kens-ington, Berkeley, References 510-536-6817.

MY TERRIFIC BRAZILIAN HELPERS (housekeeper &babysitter) need work. Reliable, friendly & flexible.Excellent ref. Please call 528-3663.

TUTORING: Math, Chemistry, Physics, SAT I & II tests.College-level courses included. Sessions held at yourhome. Evenings & weekends OK. Reasonable Rates.Questions welcome. Call 510-524-1833.

KENSINGTON TEACHER TUTORS reading and math forgrades K-6. 510-234-4883.

MUSIC THEORY/CLARINET LESSONS. $25 per hour.Call Nicholas Yip 510-526-8144.

PAULA’S PET CARE. Vacation/daily pet care. Bonded,insured, reliable. Experienced 558-9191.

FOR DOG’S SAKE, dog walking & pet sitting. Individualdog walks or visits while you are on vacation. Licensed,insured, references. 368-5410.

HOME REPAIR EXPERT. Fences, decks, carpentry, tilework, doors and locks, glass and windows, small electri-cal/plumbing jobs, odd jobs. Local references. Rick,464-5934.

MASTER CARPENTER. 30 years’ experience in homeremodeling and renovation: stairs, doors, windows, cab-inets, bookcases, trim, drywall, decks, fencing. Framingthrough finish. Large or small jobs. Local residentGeorge Spilsbury, 525-4051.

HANDYMAN: winterize, repair, build, elec., plumb.,roofing, gutter clean, de-pest, etc. Lee, 525-1945.

TILE MARBLE STONE SETTING, restoration related trades& remod. Paint plumb cabinetry 30 yrs local exp portfo-lio refs Roger 526-0872.

MORTENSEN ELECTRICAL. License #423101. Specializ-ing in residential wiring. Honest, bonded and insured.Call John, 527-6711.

THE PAINT COMPANY. Highest quality work inside andout. Estimates and consultation are free. Many satisfiedlocal references. Fully insured. License #515120. Call ustoday at 527-2673.

BRIDGE PAINTING paints houses! Top quality, int/ext, A-1 prep. for lasting finish, Sr. discount, fully ins, Lic.639300, free est, see display ad inside. 232-3340.

AURORA PAINTING & DECORATING. Interior, exterior,waterproof coatings, wood restoration, color consulta-tion. License #721226. Kensington references. 655-9267 for free estimate.

TOPCOAT PAINTERS. Old world craftsmanship. Customcolor mixing, wood finishes, plaster repair. Free decorat-ing service. Interior and exterior. Residential and com-mercial. Kensington references. License #684698.525-3444.

TFQ PAINTERS CO. Express painting, acoustic & wallpa-per removal. Wall & ceiling texturing. Int. & ext. repaint.Scrape, sand, prime, waterproof around windows. Men-tion ad for $500 off. Free est. Lic. #782719. References.Bonded & ins. 774-5839/VM 716-0991.

HANDYMAN YARD PAINTING Carpenter. Fence, deck,roof, locks, hauling, glass, etc. Bruce 318-4819.

PERSON FRIDAY. Home/Office Task/Detail Oriented.Stable, Reliable P/T Ref’s & Transp. 234-8400 after 2p.m.

OFFICE SERVICES FOR SMALL BUSINESSES. Book-keep-ing, invoices, word processing, Excel. Legal/corp., pro-posal prep, edit/proof. Kens. Resident w/20 yrs exp.Judy Gorman, 526-2668.

TWO STRONG WOMEN HAUL-AWAY SERVICE. Pick up,clean out, deliver, recycle almost anything, anytime. Callfor March Special. Leslie, 235-0122.

HELPING MISS DAISEY HOME SERVICES Customizedcare by skilled organizer. Lt. Hskp, laundry,shopping/taxi service. Top refs. Leslie, 235-0122.

CAREGIVER/HSKP/COOK/LNDRY/DRIVE. MatureWoman/Refs. $15/hr. Less if livein. 510-504-4516.

HOME MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS. Kitchen, bath,decks, fences, electrical, plumbing, and painting. Dave,420-6947.

ABE’S TREE AND YARD CARE. Trimming, pruning,removals. Weeding, hedge maintenance, clean-up.Large or small jobs. Insured. Local resident. 724-6956.

CLARK KELLEY’S CALIFORNIA GARDENS. All phases oflandscape construction, plant design, irrigation and gar-den installation. Flagstone and brick patios. Local refer-ences. License #534467. 869-2788.

MR. MIGHTY MAN HAULING. Clean out/up home,basement, garage. Dump runs. 757-6431. 548-0499.

SUNSET WINDOW AND GUTTER CLEANING. Free esti-mates. Jim, 524-9605.

ARLINGTON PAINTING & REFURBISHING Quality inte-rior & exterior Estimates, References lic#622357 CallMichael 510-237-4360.

TILE MARBLE STONE SETTING, restoration related tradesand remod paint plumb cabinetry 30 yrs. Local exp.Portfolio refs Roger L. 526-0872.

TAX PREPARATION-California Registered Tax Preparer.Seven years experience. Reasonable rates. Bonded. JoanProvencher 525-2750.

VACATION BEACH HOUSE, Big Island of Hawaii, N.Kona Coast. Lovely 3 bdrms, 2 ba, ocean, mountainviews, owned by Kens. Residents. 527-2009.

SHARE CONDO FOR SALE Near Disney World, Kissim-mee, Fla. Sleeps 8 or 2 lock off for 4. Below marketprice. Mozelle 510-525-9030.

SHORT-TERM ACCOMMODATIONS in peaceful guestsuite. B&B ambience, kitchen, laundry, DSL. No pets,smokers. 1 week +. Terry 528-9970.

INCLINE VILLAGE TAHOE CONDO. 3 bdrms + loft.Amenities. 10 min walk to beach, Hyatt Casino, Dia-mond Peak. Local owners. 510-812-8611.

BARTER FOR ROOM. Mature female scholar seeks roomfor study near transp. Garden/pay utilities in exchange.Flex. Hrs. 510-549-0699.

FREE KENSINGTON AREA CLASSIFIED ADS and eventslistings. www.aboutKensington.com. List your services oryour organization’s events. Free to Kensington business-es and residents. Call Aaron Gobler at 558-1534.

CLASSIFIED AD FORMS are available in the Colusa Cir-cle business district at Kensington Cleaners, and onArlington Avenue at Young’s Market, The MechanicsBank, Kensington Library and the KCC office.

PLEASE NOTE: Anyone who offers services as a buildingcontractor offering materials and services over $500must be licensed and must display a license nº in the ad

Grizzly Peak Flyfishers

Grizzly Peak Flyfishers will meet onThursday, March 13 at the KensingtonCommunity Center, 59 Arlington Ave.Alight dinner will be available at 7 p.m.for $4.The meeting will follow at 7:30p.m. Mike Caul, who runs a lodge andguide service, will discuss fly-fishing inwestern Montana. There will be a flytying demonstration for beginners at6:30 p.m. Beginner and “wannabe” fly-fishers and their families are welcome.For more details, call 524-0428.

requires architects, contractors andhome owners desiring even the slight-est modification to be subject to theirunknown and unknowable whim.Theywant a voice in how we all live andwant the right to veto any idea whichruns afoul of their frozen mindset. Wealready saw their type of “zone control”in their prolonged attempts to blockone homeowner from executing anattractive, well-planned, code-compli-ant modification to her home much inneed of renovation. Some of them evenproposed in public hearing that sincethe homeowner didn’t want to bow totheir whim, she should leave town.

I believe the vast majority of Kens-ington residents eschew this type ofKafka-esq intrusion of “the people” intoour lives. We have existing zoningrequirements which have worked well.They are understandable. Homes andrenovations can be designed to theirstandards. There is a viable procedurefor any desired design review throughKMAC, the county planning dept., andultimately, the Board of Supervisors. Ifwe need modifications to our ordi-nance, fine. Let’s discuss them andthrash them out in community debateand local ballot box. Instead, these pro-

ponents of this ill-cooked mess of pot-tage fear such scrutiny, urging insteadexpidited vote by the Board of Supervi-sors. They seek haste in hoisting thisupon us, hiding behind the assertionthat democracy is too expensive andcumbersome.

Bill HalpinHighgate Road

Eagle Scout Photos Available.

Dear Editor,Eagle Scouts (and/or their parents

and families) from Troop 100 and fromother Troops in the area may be inter-ested in a reminder that Barry Evans Stu-dio in Pinole has a number of portraitsof Eagle Scouts now available at halfprice. The studio has for many yearsphotographed Eagle Scouts from theTroops that are connected with CampHerms in El Cerrito. After the photo-graph has been on the walls at CampHerms for two years, the studioretrieves it and makes it available forpurchase; the frame is extra.The studio’stelephone number is (510) 758-8267.

Anna-Maria HertzerArdmore Road

Letters to the Editor continued from page 6