CCCC meetings
Ann Harlow
CCCC notes 3/11/24
John Caner, Lisa Bullwinkel, Erin Diehm, Deb Durant, Arlene Silk, Ann Harlow
Susi Marzuola, John Aronovici, David Flores, Wyndy Knox Carr, Karen Chapman, Sally Nelson, Sara Cerami, Kelly Hammargren, Mark Steyer, Deborah Matthews, Gordon Russell, Tom Bates, Loni Hancock, Mark Rhoades, Aleks Wolan, George Petty (2:35
Turtle Island Monument: Council has consent calendar vote tomorrow for $1,676,000 for areas around fountain (to keep CalTrans grant) but not whole project. John may speak about importance of fountain area and has been in touch with Sophie Hahn and two city staffers. Kelly recommended it’s generally best to stay under the radar when items have made it to the consent calendar. There will be an update report at 3/27 Civic Arts meeting.
Civic Center funding:
Had been hoping for federal earmark but doesn’t look promising.
John told Sophie Hahn he hopes if she becomes mayor she will prioritize Civic Center project.
Loni thinks we’ve reached a dead end. We need to give it back to the City. They have two beautiful buildings that are functionally unusable. We need a workshop with the Council. Three choices: Tear down, let eventually collapse, or figure out something City would put more energy into making happen. They could reactivate super-subcommittee or Arts and Parks commissions for next recommendation. But may be too much to ask in current partial leadership vacuum.
Arlene reported BAHA has sent a strongly worded letter resolution requesting a City Council work session. They plan to send a questionnaire to mayoral candidates.
Any possible funding from State or County? Doesn’t look good right now.
Lisa: New Capital Projects for the Arts has $300K/yr for nonprofit arts orgs to improve buildings. Not something we could “put into pot” for future, though could apply once in a future year. Civic Center could be a great “feel-good opportunity” for Berkeley. Thinks pier project a very bad idea. “City can’t give money to the City,” so wouldn’t work for Vets Bldg unless it were being managed by a nonprofit (which could be a fundraising arm for a City operation). Lack of PR for CCCC lately.
Arlene has been working hard to get John King to write something in SF Chronicle.
Loni would volunteer if Lisa and others would help to develop a PR plan. An article in Berkeleyside, leafleting at Farmers Market again, a short questionnaire to mayor candidates and offer to meet with them. Filing for mayor won’t close until mid-July. Arlene, Ann, David interested. Lisa suggests a banner on each bldg—Would You Miss Me If I Were Gone? When I’m gone? You’ll Miss Me? BCM could help.
Tom: Need someone in the City to take responsibility!
Kelly: suggests postcard survey in addition to banners – need to identify level of support
Karen suggests a program for Berkeley Breakfast Club – many people in it with a lot of “pull”
Deborah: ask people to endorse project on our website
City has been monitoring water intrusion, so far so good per Elmar (via Susi)
Susi can share “next steps” list after checking with Eleanor—prioritized “asks” for if someone can write a “6-figure check”
Donation page? Reminder of Berk Partners for Parks? Do a campaign?
Creek project – City (Public Works) has authorized $25K for a daylighting feasibility first step (data review and update) needed before grant can be applied for–ESA—Jordan Bloomberg, who was involved in 1999 study; Siegel & Strain will have mostly administrative role.
District 4 election May 28 – John meeting with candidates
Tom: get questionnaire out to Council candidates too—do you support renovation of Civic Ctr & if so how?
Next meeting April 15 12-1 pm