A Newsletter for the Neighbors of the University of California, Berkeley

Community Bulletin Board

Search for a new chancellor
A nationwide search for a new UC Berkeley chancellor is underway, following the announcement by Chancellor Robert Berdahl that he will step down from his post in June. UC President Robert Dynes is chairing the 17-member search committee, which includes university regents, faculty, staff, students, alumni representatives.

During his seven-year tenure, Berdahl, 66, oversaw an unprecedented rebuilding of the campus, returned the university’s library to national preeminence, reorganized campus leadership to improve undergraduate education, and raised private giving to the highest level in UC Berkeley’s history.

University Village
Plans for Steps II and III of the revitalization of University Village in Albany are nearing completion. Public comment on the draft environmental impact report on both steps closed March 17. A final EIR and design will be submitted to the UC Regents for certification in late spring. Pending approval, construction on Step II could start as early as fall 2004.

The first phase of the residential redevelopment was completed in 2000, replacing most of the 1940s housing and a portion of the 1960s units with the new construction of 392 units. These attractive new apartments offer amenities specially designed for students with small children. Step II will add 606 new units of housing for students with families.

The third and final step will relocate the two Little League fields, build a community center, complete restoration of Village and Codornices Creeks, and add as many as 727 units for single graduate students and junior faculty. The project also calls for the development of a neighborhood grocery store and shops along San Pablo Ave. The existing soccer and softball fields will remain, with some modification, to accommodate the creek improvement.

Some have objected to the project, citing concerns over increased rent for the new units. While the student units will be below market rate, rents will be higher than that of the housing being replaced. The university is working with students on a transition plan to help them find comparable alternate housing during construction. Some have expressed concerns, as well, over the loss — under the current plans — of the agricultural land known as the Gill Tract, where the community center and playing fields are scheduled to be located.

   For information on the University Village project, call Jeff Bond, UC Facilities Services, at (510) 643-6869.

Foothill Bridge redesign
UC Berkeley has redesigned a proposed pedestrian bridge linking student housing at LaLoma Ave. and Ridge Road with the Foothill/Stern student housing and community facilities across the street. The proposal has been submitted to the city of Berkeley for a permit to construct the bridge across upper Hearst Ave.

The new bridge design, which would provide wheelchair access for disabled students and improve pedestrian safety, responds to concerns raised in the past about views, seismic and fire safety, and emergency vehicle access. The bridge design is scheduled for review by a number of city commissions this spring, including Public Works, Disability, Planning, Design Review, and Landmarks. The proposal will ultimately be reviewed by the city council.

   Questions on the Foothill Pedestrian Bridge may be directed to David Mandel, UC Berkeley Facilities Services, (510) 643-0694.

Mystery writers workshop
UC Extension is offering a one-day seminar, “Bay Area Mystery: Writing and Publishing Mysteries, Noir, and Crime Novels,” on Saturday, June 12, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The cost is $175. Speakers will address all the necessary steps to write and publish mystery novels, from initial concept to what to do once a manuscript is finished. Participants will also receive advice on plotting, narrative voice, and personal style; manuscript preparation do’s and don’ts; and insights on what publishers are looking for. The instructor is Martha Conway; speakers include Cara Black, Eddie Muller, and Shelley Singer.

   For information and to register, visit www.unex.berkeley.edu or call (510) 642-4111.

UC Berkeley bicycle plan receives grant
UC Berkeley has received a $61,250 grant from the Alameda County Transportation Improvement Authority to create the first bicycle plan for the campus. The plan will address bicycle access to the campus, circulation within the campus, and the need for bike parking facilities and other amenities. The project will begin in December 2004 and be completed in February 2006.

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