With South African soprano Pretty Yende as Violetta, American tenor Jonathan Tetelman as Alfredo, and Italian baritone Simone Piazolla as Giorgio Germont, all three making their company debuts, this new production of Verdi’s La Traviata capped off an exciting Fall season of San Francisco Opera’s Centennial year. Not only was the singing of the three principals in La Traviata sensational, the new production by director Shawna Lucey, the first to be built by the Company in 35 years, was impeccably designed and executed. Add in the acutely sensitive conducting of Music Director Eun Sun Kim and you have a La Traviata for the ages. 

Alexander Dumas fils’ 1848 novel La Dame aux Camélias, which formed the basis of Verdi’s La Traviata, recounted the brief but spectacular life of the famed Parisian courtesan Marie Duplessis. 

Rising from poverty in rural France and an abusive father who nearly beat her mother to death, 

Marie Duplessis found herself alone in Paris at age 11 or 12. As stage director Shawna Lucey writes in the program for La Traviata, Marie Duplessis not only taught herself to read and write but also worked her way up the informal ladder from grisette to full-blown sex-worker as a society courtesan hosting the most sophisticated Parisian salons. Marie Duplessis died in 1847, presumably of tuberculosis, at the age of 23. 

Giuseppe Verdi, who himself was living with a woman, Giuseppina Strepponi, who had formerly been the mistress of a well-known theatre impressario and was the mother of two illegitimate children, had personally experienced the opprobrium of ‘proper’ society over his personal life. Thus he was drawn to the story of Marie Duplessis; and in writing La Traviata with a libretto by Francesco Maria Piave, Verdi intended that his opera be set in the contemporary Paris of the 1840s. Writing to a friend, Verdi described La Dame auc Camélias as “a subject for our time.” However, the administration of Venice’s Teatro la Fenice, where La Traviata premiered in 1853, insisted on setting the opera in the distant past rather than in the contemporary social milieu Verdi wanted. Thus, they attempted to weaken the implied criticism of the more scandalous and yet hypocritical aspects of this story. It wasn’t until the 1880s that Verdi’s wishes for a contemporary setting of La Traviata were respected. 

Act I of La Traviata opens in the salon of Violetta Valéry where party-goers frivolously cavort until Alfredo draws Violetta aside and issues his impassioned declaration of love. Initially, Violetta scoffs at Alfredo’s belief in love. But a bit later, when alone after her guests have left and she hears Alfredo’s voice through her open window extolling the mysterious beauty of love, Violetta has second thoughts. She sings “Ah, fors’ è lui”/“Ah, perhaps he’s the one” who can bring love into her frivolous life. However, in the caballetta, she rejects this thought as “Folia!” and launches into Sempre libera, declaring her resolve to go on leading a life of idle pleasures. As Violetta, Pretty Yende amply displayed the gorgeous tone and sensational high notes that have brought her international fame. Likewise, tenor Jonathan Tetelman as Alfredo displayed the vocal gifts, power and resonant tone, that have made him a rising star in the operatic world. 

In Act II the plot thickens. Violetta and Alfredo are now living together happily in a country house rented by Violetta. But when Alfredo discovers that Violetta is secretly selling off her valuables to pay for the rent, Alfredo vows to take over paying their costs. He immediately goes off to Paris to arrange his finances. During Alfredo’s brief absence, his father, Giorgio Germont, arrives and confronts Violetta with news that Alfredo’s liaison with a noted courtesan is bringing shame to his family and risks ruining his sister’s engagement to the young man she loves. 

Germont begs and cajoles Violetta to renounce her liaison with Alfredo and leave him. When Violetta insists that her love for Alfredo is real and the most important thing in her life., Germont begins to perceive the sincerity and depth of character in Violetta. Nonetheless, he cruelly insists that Violetta leave Alfredo. In the role of Giorgio Germont, Italian baritone Simone Piazzola sang with dazzling intensity of tone and true depth of feeling, even as he cruelly continues to insist on Violetta’s sacrifice of her love for Alfredo. Ultimately, amidst her tears, Violetta agrees to Germont’s demands. She hastily writes a note to Alfredo informing him that she is returning to her former lover Baron Douphal, and she leaves for Paris. No sooner is this note delivered to Alfredo than his father returns to comfort his son. In the aria Di Provenza al mar, Simone Piazzola did his ravishing vocal best to comfort and persuade Alfredo to accept the loss of Violetta. But Alfredo will have none of it and abruptly leaves for Paris to seek revenge on Violetta. 

Act II, Scene II takes place at a Parisian party hosted by Violetta’s friend Flora. Male members of the Opera Chorus sing of the love-life of Spanish matadors while four female dancers wearing s version of the matador’s “suit of lights” perform a dance imitating the matador’s passes in the bullring. All this gaiety is splendidly executed in this production. The mood quickly darkens as Alfredo arrives soon followed by Violetta with Baron Douphal. Alfredo and Baron Douphal butt heads and display their mutual animosity and contempt. When the party-goers leave the room for dinner, Viioletta tries to calm Alfredo and assuage his jealousy. But Alfredo only insults Violetta by throwing money at her in repayment, he says, for her expenses during their love idyll in the country.. Germont, who has followed his son to Paris, arrives in time to witness Alfredo’s insult to Violetta and reproaches his son for this act. In an implausible bit of staging, Shawna Lucey has nearly every female at this party histrionically break off affectionate relations with their lovers in an expression of female solidarity with Violetta. This directorial conceit may be justified on feminist terms, but it remains highly implausible. Meanwhile, Baron Douphal is indignant and challenges Alfredo to a duel, which challenge Alfredo accepts. 

Act III opens with Violetta now deathly ill, waiting in vain for Germont and Alfredo to visit her as Germont has promised, assuring her that he has told Alfredo of her sacrifice. Father and son have temporarily left the country after Alfredo injured Baron Douphal in their duel. Violetta’s physician tries to offer her hope though he confides to Annina, Violett’s attendant, that Violetta has not long to live. Suddenly, Alfredo arrives, soon followed by his father. Violetta and Alfredo declare their eternal love, and Alfredo launches into the song Parigi o cara offering a vision of the imminent happiness and health that await them in leaving Paris for the country. Interestingly, Jonathan Tetelman sings the first verse of this song mezza voce, and Violetta in turn takes up the tune by singing it piano due to her weak state. Then Alfredo reprises it by singing fortissimo, as if he’s trying to convince himself as well as Violetta of a future he no doubt realises is illusory. Suddenly, Violetta has a momentary absence of pain and thinks maybe she will live. But she collapses in Alfredo’s arms and dies, as the opera ends. 

This production of La Traviata promises to be a keeper. The Company considers it as a Legacy Production they intend to recycle many times in future. Let us just hope that in future offerings of La Traviata their casting includes such wonderful singers as Pretty Yende, Jonathan Tetelman, and Simone Piazolla. This may be a large challenge, but if they manage to bring it off, they will have succeeded beyond alll expectations.

These are the approximate words of my father when joking of calamity: "If everyone around you is panic-stricken, believing disaster is happening, and freaking out, and you're not, there is probably something wrong with you." (I can't reproduce his exact words--I have only a vague memory.) Of course, there are many men and many women who would never admit to being afraid. Yet all are at some point. But we should remember, a hard situation is very frequently not about us. 

Right now, society appears to be falling apart at the seams, and not as many things are working as they should. So, when something goes wrong or isn't working, you should not instantly blame yourself. You should not personalize it when someone or something malfunctions, because it probably has nothing to do with you. 

Symptoms of paranoia often entail self-oriented interpretations, in which everything that goes wrong is because "they're out to get me." But "neurotypical" people often have the very same reaction. 

I deal with getting and keeping government benefits. I also write. Some of it doesn't pay anything and some does. So, what do I tell Uncle Sam? Nothing? If so, am I guilty of concealing income and/or concealing work? The fact that I make a miniscule amount of money at it means that it probably isn't worth bringing up. But I did make the dumb mistake about 5 years ago of bringing it up to a government agency because I had some warped idea of telling the truth. Then, same government agency sent me a letter informing me that they were conducting an audit. I have not heard anything about it since then. They probably haven't found anything definitive, and that's because there is nothing definitive. 

But dealing with attempts at work while receiving government benefits is universally a problem, so far as I can see. Everyone I've spoken to talks of piles of paperwork to receive a few crumbs. And to keep those crumbs and add a few crumbs that we've gotten on our own, summons yet another massive pile of paperwork, and scrutiny on top of that. 

The abovementioned is an example of where there is no conspiracy; there is bureaucracy. This is not about me; it is about the dumb rules of the system of government benefits. If you don't fit neatly into a category, it doesn’t compute. 

The fact of everything being so expensive in the Bay Area means that any disabled person should sign up for as many perks as available. But each one comes at a price. They've got to have all your information. They've got to have their forms filled out. They've got to do their computer cross-check. They've got to scare ya, because if they didn't scare ya, ya might be happy, and we can't have that. 

The government is good at adding teeth to socioeconomic classism. They have their algorithms, their restrictions, their ordinances, their "notice[s] of action". If you get money from the government, the government thinks it owns you, sort of. Do I have a right to complain? Yes, I do. I haven't been afforded a fair shake at making a living and it comes down to the last resort of begging for money from the government. Is it pleasant? No, it isn't. But it does beat starvation and it does beat living as they did in Imperial China, over a hundred years ago, when, during a famine, people were said to be so hungry they'd eat dirt or eat bark off trees. 

Despite all the big to-do and hoo-ha, very little has been done to help homeless people. It has been attributed to untreated mental illness, but this just isn't accurate. If homeless and mentally ill, you don't last, because symptoms of severe mental illness will prevent surviving. If homeless, you have to have your wits or you'll be deceased within a few weeks or picked up by the "authorities" such as cops, and thrown in jail, or into a psych hospital. Mentally ill people, as I see it, can't survive homelessness. Homelessness is caused by the fact of people hoarding the wealth, and not giving a damn. And there is probably a sadistic element. 

Society is changing. You need to be tougher than you once did if you want to survive. I'm seeing a newer breed of young people who are stronger than their predecessors. I, too, must adapt, and I have to admit it is kind of fun to face the challenge of upping my game. I'm emerging from a longstanding delusional system and finding greater clarity. I'm realizing that many people are skeptical of me and don't like me, while some accept me and appreciate me. But I can't personalize any of it, and I have to realize that there probably isn't a conspiracy to do away with me or otherwise ruin me. Or maybe there is, but does it really matter? Do I have to be thinking about this? No. 

When you take personalization out of the picture and stop blaming yourself or cursing others for unfortunate events, I believe you come closer to an accurate picture of reality. This is part of getting well. 

For the third straight year the United States has experienced over 600 mass shootings in which four or more people, other than the attacker, were shot. Just recently, five people were killed in a mass shooting at Club Q nightclub in Colorado Springs, Colo.; six were killed at a Walmart in Chesapeake, Va.; four more were killed at the University of Idaho; and three were killed and two others wounded at the University of Virginia. This is intolerable. 

Mass shootings are having a powerful impact on many people’s mental health as they happened in spaces where people typically feel safe. 

When our safe place becomes the place of trauma, we as a society cannot rely on these places to provide safety, resulting in unpredictably, distress and confusion. 

Why are American men so obsessed with guns? The United States is a violent nation with the highest rate of firearm-related deaths among the industrialized nations. The US ratio of 120.5 firearms per 100 residents far surpasses that of other countries around the world. In 2021, about 42% of U.S. households had at least one gun in their possession. I carried a 45 caliber standard issue handgun while serving in the U.S. Army in Vietnam. I have never owned gun or intend to ever own a handgun and I do not feel any safer knowing that so many other Americans own them. 

In his article, America as a Gun Culture, historian Richard Hofstadter popularized the phrase "gun culture" to describe America's long-held affection for firearms, with many citizens embracing and celebrating the association of guns and America's heritage. According to Hofstadter, the right to own a gun and defend oneself is considered by some, especially those in the South and the Southwest, as a central tenet of the American identity. 

A state-by-state approach to gun control laws doesn’t work. California, for example, has strict gun control laws. But in Nevada, individuals can legally sell a firearm to another resident at a gun show for cash without exchanging paperwork or conducting a background check. This makes it easy for criminals to purchase guns in Nevada and bring them into California. That's why the need for federal gun control laws. 

A very modest Bipartisan Safer Communities Act recently signed by President Biden will help states administer red flag laws; closes the so-called boyfriend loophole by barring individuals from possessing a firearm for at least five years if they are convicted of a misdemeanor crime of violence involving a current or former romantic partner; enhances background checks for gun purchasers between the age of 18 and 21(but not those older); and makes obtaining firearms through straw purchases or trafficking a federal offense.  

The Act also provides about $11 billion to improve mental health programs. While money for mental illness programs is needed considering that less than half of Americans with a mental disorder get adequate treatment. It is unlikely, however, that the Act will noticeably curb the gun violence in this country. Jeffrey Swanson, a psychiatry professor at the Duke University School of Medicine who studies the intersection of gun violence and mental illness said of the Act, "It’s kind of a gun safety law wrapped in a mental health bill.”  

Regardless, it is unfair to blame those suffering from mental illness for the cause of gun violence in this country as research shows that of all the violence that occurs in the United States, 96% is due to risk factors other than mental illness. In fact, people with mental illness are far more likely to be the victims of violence than perpetrators of violence. 

On Thanksgiving Day, President Joe Biden again stated that he was "going to try” to pass stricter gun control legislation but seemed to acknowledge that it is unlikely to happen, especially as the Republicans take control of the House of Representative in January. The influence of the National Rifle Association; the unfortunate interpretation of the Second Amendment by the U.S. Supreme Court in District of Columbia vs. Heller finding that individual Americans have a Second Amendment right to "keep and bear arms;” and the present conservative Supreme Court’s decision in New York State Rifle & Pistol Assoc. v. Bruen striking down a New York concealed handgun law, makes efforts to pass reasonable gun control legislation harder. 

Unfortunately, supporting gun control measures has become the third rail of Republican politicians. 

Worth Noting:

I think I caught every announcement and change, however, the long holiday weekend means some meeting postings will not appear until Monday. Check https://berkeleyca.gov/ for meetings posted on short notice. The Council will be approving adjustments to the AAO (Annual Appropriations Ordinance – City Budget) on December 13. Expect meetings of the Budget Committee to be posted prior to December 13. 

Monday at the Agenda Committee at 2:30 pm item 23 in the draft agenda for the December 13 City Council meeting is a redesign of University Avenue with a Bus Rapid Transit lane and boarding platforms. This would be the fifth Emergency Access and Evacuation Route targeted for redesign resulting in road narrowing. This is serious stuff. https://citywatchla.com/index.php/cw/los-angeles/24745-la-traffic-who-put-the-die-in-road-diets The Sugar Sweetened Beverage Subcommittee meets at 4 and council is in closed session at 4:30 pm 

Tuesday City Council meets at 6 pm with the last action item on the agenda the redesign of Adeline at the Ashby BART Station (this is on the city map as an emergency access and evacuation route). The Civic arts Commission policy subcommittee meets at 9:30 am. The Zero Waste Commission meets at 6 pm with a recycling market update and the Community Health Commission meets at 6:30 pm on Psychedelic Drug Policy. 

Wednesday the 4 x 4 Committee meets at 3 pm on amendments to the eviction moratorium. The Environment and Climate Commission meets at 5 pm on EV Charging stations and Native Plants and my go to meeting is the Ohlone Park meeting at 6:30 will be on the public restroom and park lighting. 

Thursday the Land Use Committee meets at 10:30 am on tenant habitability, relocation assistance and tenant conflict resolution. The Park-Addison Project at 6 pm is on bike access/safety and the North Berkeley Objective Design Standards drop-in open hours starting at 6 pm is in follow-up to the community meeting. The Landmarks Commission will have a presentation/review of the Civic Center Park and Fountain at 7 pm, another go to meeting. 

No weekend meetings were found. 

The December 6 City Council agenda is posted and available for comment. 

Monday, November 28, 2022 

AGENDA AND RULES COMMITTEE Meeting at 2:30 pm 

Videoconference: https://cityofberkeley-info.zoomgov.com/j/1601730715 

Teleconference: 1-669-900-9128 or 1-877-853-5257 (toll free) Meeting ID: 160 173 0715 

AGENDA: Public Comment on non-agenda and items 1 – 7. 1. Minutes, 2. Review and Approve 9/20/2022 draft agenda – use link or read full draft agenda after list of city meetings, 3. Berkeley Considers, 4. Adjournment in Memory, 5. Council workssessions, 6. Referrals for scheduling, 7. Land Use Calendar, Referred Items for Review: 8. COVID, 9. Return to In-person meetings for legislative bodies, Unscheduled Items: 10. Discussion Regarding Design and Strengthening of Policy Committees, 11. Supporting Commissions, Guidance on Legislative Proposals. 

https://berkeleyca.gov/your-government/city-council/council-committees/policy-committee-agenda-rules 

CITY COUNCIL Closed Session 4:30 pm 

Videoconference: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81072611640 

Teleconference: 1-669-900-9128 or 1-877-853-5257 (toll free) Meeting ID: 810 7261 1640 

AGENDA: 1. Conference with Real Property Negotiators 1718 8th Street (parties City of Berkeley and Bay Area Hispano Institute for Advancement) and 2. Pending litigation a. Claim of Susan Simonds & Michael Wentworth, b. Claim of Selamawit Tezare. 

https://berkeleyca.gov/your-government/city-council/city-council-agendas 

Sugar Sweetened Beverages - PREVENTION, STRATEGIES AND OUTCOMES at 4 pm 

Videoconference: https://cityofberkeley-info.zoomgov.com/j/1611906570?pwd=Vys1dkc0cU1vY2MvZkllbGRKRnRyQT09 

Teleconference: 1-669-254-5252 Meeting ID: 161 190 6570 Passcode: 495674 

AGENDA: 1. Finalize selection criteria questions for RFP 

https://berkeleyca.gov/your-government/boards-commissions/sugar-sweetened-beverage-product-panel-experts 

Tuesday, November 29, 2022 

CIVIC ARTS COMMISSION Policy Subcommittee at 9:30 am 

Videoconference: https://cityofberkeley-info.zoomgov.com/j/1614776545 

Teleconference: 1-669-254-5252 Meeting ID: 161 477 6545 

AGENDA Discussion/Possible Action: 5. A. Draft Capital Grants Guidelines, b. Poet Laureate program ideas and possible partnership with Library. 

https://berkeleyca.gov/your-government/boards-commissions/civic-arts-commission 

CITY COUNCIL Regular Meeting at 6 pm 

Videoconference: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82196348694 

Teleconference: 1-669-900-9128 or 1-877-853-5257 (toll free) Meeting ID: 821 9634 8694 

AGENDA: Use link, click on HTML or check full agenda for November 29 at the end of this post.  

https://berkeleyca.gov/your-government/city-council/city-council-agendas 

ZERO WASTE COMMISSION at 6 pm 

Videoconference: https://us02web.zoom.us/s/82587046286 

Teleconference: 1-669-900-9128 Meeting ID: 825 8704 6286 

AGENDA: 6. Staff Updates Zero Waste Rates, Zero Waste Integrated Waste Management Plan, Transfer Station Redesign, SB 1383 Implementation, staff changes, Discussion/Action: 1 Recycling markets update, 2. 2023 meeting schedule. 

https://berkeleyca.gov/your-government/boards-commissions/zero-waste-commission 

COMMUNITY HEALTH COMMISSION Special Meeting at 6:30 pm 

Videoconference: https://cityofberkeley-info.zoomgov.com/j/1616383982?pwd=TFZWb0x3MnlUdVRyWUpBWk1Yak13Zz09 

Teleconference: 1-669-254-5252 Meeting ID: 161 636 3982 Passcode: 695502  

AGENDA: 5. Public Comment (Speakers will have up to 5 minutes each), Discussion/Action 2. Approve commission recommendation (Responsible Psychedelic Drug Policy in Berkeley) for City Council referral on Entheogenic Plants 

https://berkeleyca.gov/your-government/boards-commissions/community-health-commission 

Wednesday, November 30, 2022 

4x4 JOINT TASK FORCE COMMITTEE ON HOUSING: Rent Board/City Council at 3 pm 

Videoconference: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84125201403?pwd=OGoxUzdUWEZ0T0tuaEczcWRqVWc2QT09 

Teleconference: 1-669-900-6833 Meeting ID: 841 2520 1403 Passcode: 554148 

AGENDA Discussion/possible action: 6. Recommendations on signage related to Elevator Ordinance, 7. Amendments to Eviction Moratorium (BMC13.110), 8. Council’s use of Emergency Powers to limit/reduce the 4.4% Annual General Adjustment rent increase for 2023 for rent-controlled units. 

https://berkeleyca.gov/your-government/city-council/council-committees/4x4-joint-task-force-committee-housing 

ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE COMMISSION at 5 pm 

Videoconference: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83852085610 

Teleconference: 1-669-444-9171 or 1-669-900-6833 Meeting ID: 838 5208 5610 

AGENDA Discussion/Action: a. Zoning Changes to Encourage EV Charging/Discourage Gas Stations (subcommittee McGuire, Allen, Lunaparra, Tahara), b. Transportation Public Space Reallocation subcommittee (Hedlund, McGuire, Lunaparra, Gould), c. Native Plants and Pesticide Reduction Subcommittee (Ranney, McGuire, Allen) 

https://berkeleyca.gov/your-government/boards-commissions/environment-and-climate-commission 

OHLONE PARK RESTROOM &LIGHTING IMPROVEMENTS Community Meeting 6:30  

Register: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0vc-6rrzsqHNFeBrR1Ac86VdVAKMab_NsJ?_x_zm_rtaid=-OoWkV-ASEKrkZS9OnT_XQ.1669435965119.df4d7f586c7c0c7ac7ad44f20d34558f&_x_zm_rhtaid=222 

Teleconference: 1-669-900-6833 Meeting ID: 892 4731 0065  

AGENDA: 

Thursday, December 1, 2022 

CITY COUNCIL LAND USE, HOUSING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE at 10:30 am 

Videoconference: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83318619669 

Teleconference: 1-669-900-9128 or 1-877-853-5257 (toll free) Meeting ID: 833 1861 9669 

AGENDA: 2. Arreguin, co-sponsor Hahn - Referral to CM: Tenant Habitability Plan and Amendments to Relocation Ordinance, 3. Taplin – Amends BMC Chapter 13.84 to Expand Relocation Assistance and Conflict Resolution for Tenants. 

https://berkeleyca.gov/your-government/city-council/council-committees/policy-committee-land-use-housing-economic-development 

PARKER-ADDISON MOBILITY AND SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT at 5:30 pm 

Videoconference: check link after Monday 

Teleconference: Meeting ID: check link after Monday 

AGENDA: this project is related to the State of California Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities (AHSC) $1,420,302 grant. 

https://berkeleyca.gov/your-government/our-work/capital-projects/parker-addison-bike-boulevard 

North Berkeley BART OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS Office Hours 6 – 7:30 pm 

Videoconference: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83922787814 

Teleconference: 1-669-900-6833 Meeting ID: 839 2278 7814 

AGENDA: Drop-in Office Hours on objective design standards to ask questions 

https://berkeleyca.gov/community-recreation/events/north-berkeley-bart-objective-design-standards-office-hour-virtual 

LANDMARKS PRESERVATION COMMISSION at 7 pm 

Videoconference: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83362259429 

Teleconference: 1-669-444-9171 Meeting ID: 833 6225 9429 

AGENDA: 5. 2100 MLK Jr Way – Referral for the Civic Center Park and Fountain site 

6. 2113-2115 Kittredge – Structural alteration Permit for the California Theater – demolish theater, but retain façade into the design of new mixed-use building. 

https://berkeleyca.gov/your-government/boards-commissions/landmarks-preservation-commission 

Friday, December 2, 2022 & Saturday, December 3, 2022 & Sunday, December 4, 2022  

No city meetings found 

++++++++++++++++ 

November 28 - AGENDA AND RULES COMMITTEE Meeting at 2:30 pm 

Draft Agenda for December 13, 2022 Regular 6 pm City Council Meeting  

Videoconference: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89020212227 

Teleconference: 1-669-900-9128 or 1-877-853-5257 (toll free) Meeting ID: 890 2021 2227 

https://berkeleyca.gov/your-government/city-council/council-committees/policy-committee-agenda-rules 

AGENDA CONSENT: 

1. 2nd reading Fair WorkWeek Ordinance
2. Resolution ratifying local COVID emergency
3. Resolution legislative bodies to continue to meet via videoconference
4. Waiver of Sanctuary City Contracting Ordinance for AG Witt LLC for the City’s FEMA Cost-Recovery Contract
5. Adopt a Resolution approving the City of Berkeley’s State and Federal Legislative Platform
6. Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Execute a License Agreement with East Bay Community Energy for Electric Vehicle Fast Charging Stations on Municipal Property
7. Ordinance No. 7,626-N.S. IKE Smart City Kiosk Locations, Phase Two add 22 locations for Phase two.
8. Contract $400,000 with Herbert Gene Hern, MD as Berkeley Fire Medical Director for 5 years from 7/1/2022 – 6/30/2027
9. Contract $70,907 Statewide Prevention and Early Intervention Project FY2023 Participation Agreement – California Mental Health Services Authority through 6/20/2023
10. Contract $150,000 with Resource Development Associates to design and implement an evaluation for program effectiveness of the Specialized Care Unit and Community Crisis Response Services (Bridge Services) 1/1/2023 to 6/30/2025
11. Contract $4,500,000 with Bonita House 2/1/2023 to 1/30/2025 to implement Berkeley’s Specialized Care Unity for 2 year pilot.
12. Reserving Predevelopment Funds $500,000 for the Development of Affordable Housing at the North Berkeley BART Station, contingent team’s selection and BART Board approval at Dec 1metting
13. Contract $1,120,344 (includes 20% contingency $186,724) with California Constructures for Ohlone Park (East) Playground Replacement and Site Improvements Project
14. Contracts $5,000,000 for On-Call Transportation Planning services 1/1/2023 – 6/30/2028 with $1,000,000 each with Alta +Design, Inc, Community Design + Architecture, Fehr & Peers, NN Engineering, In and Toole Design Group, LLC
15. Contracts total $10,000,000 for On-Call architectural services ELS Architecture and Urban Design (ELS) $3,333,334, Noll & Tam Architects (N&T) $3,333,333 and Siegal & Strain Architects (SSA)
16. Authorization for additional Commission on Disability meeting
17. Disaster and Fire Safety Commission – Measure FF Budget Recommendation, the Council Public Safety Committee recommended adopting the Companion Report from the CM/Fire Chief Sprague
18. Environmental and Climate Commission – Send a letter to Wicks and Skinner to advance a proposal to allow cities to dedicate parking spaces for Zero-Emission Vehicles
19. Arreguin – Relinquishment of funds to Berkeley Holiday Fund
20. Taplin, co-sponsor Harrison – Support Trip Reduction Alternative for BUSD Berkeley High Tennis team and Parking Structure

21. Zoning Ordinance Technical Edits and Corrections to BMC Title 23
22. Adopt 1st reading of FY 2023 AAO 7,828-N.S. (Annual Appropriations Ordinance) adjustments $172,583,851 (gross) and $170,322,312 (net)
23. Taplin – University Avenue Bus Rapid Transit, 1. Refer to CM and Public Works the initiation of a University Multimodal Corridor Project that centers on creation of a Bus Rapit Transit (BRT) corridor along University Avenue with dedicated lanes and elevated platforms, refer $300,000 for consultant for the project, refer $30,000 for elevated platforms on a pilot basis
24. Barlett, co-sponsor Taplin – Refer to Civic Arts Commission to Create an Official Song, Motto and Flag for the City of Berkeley
25. Barlett – Refer to Health Commission and Environmental Commission to propose regulations on the sale of miniture bottles of alcohol

26. FY 2022 Preliminary Year End Status
27. Status Report – Berkeley’s Financial Condition (FY 2012 – FY 2021) Pension Liabilities and Infrastructure Need Attention.

NOVEMBER 29, 2022 CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING at 6 pm 

Videoconference: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82196348694 

Teleconference: 1-669-900-9128 or 1-877-853-5257 (toll free) Meeting ID: 821 9634 8694 

https://berkeleyca.gov/your-government/city-council/city-council-agendas 

AGENDA CONSENT: 

1. 2nd Reading Ordinance No. 7,841-N.S. Sewer and Access Road Easement and Installation Agreement with Paulonia Investment, LLC
2. 2nd Reading Ordinance No. 7,842-N.S. Sewer and Access Road Easement and Installation Agreement with James Robert Higgins
3. 2nd Reading Ordinance No. 7,843-N.S. Sewer and Access Road Easement and Installation Agreement with Paulonia Investment, LLC and Little Tree Investment, Inc.
4. 2nd Reading Ordinance No. 7,844-N.S. to Regulate the Use of Carryout and Produce Bags and Promote the Use of Reusable Bags
5. Resolution direction legislative bodies to meet via videoconference and teleconference
6. Amend Contract 42200065 (Agreement A22-0056) add $750,000 total $1,250,000 I-80 Gilman Interchange Improvement Project funding agreement with Alameda CTC fix drainage and grading issues for future fire lane
7. Arreguin & Taplin – Budget Referral (AAO): Strawberry Creek Lodge Food Program $50,000
8. Arreguin - Grant Approval: Accept $75,000 from San Francisco Foundation to renew supporting the Equitable Black Berkeley Initiative to develop a reparative approach to new development at Ashby BART Station and Adeline Corridor with goal of maximizing affordability of new housing
9. Arreguin – Excused absence for Councilmember Ben Bartlett

10. Renewal of Solano Avenue Business Improvement District for Calendar Year 2023
11. Referral Response: Amendments to the Sign Ordinance and establish new fee
12. 2nd reading – Ordinance 7,839-N.S.Adoption of Berkeley Building Codes, including local amendments BMC Chapters 19.28 – 19.37 and adopting related procedural and stricter provisions
13. 2nd reading - Re-enactment of Berkeley Housing Code repealing 12.48 and repealing and re-enacting chapter 19.40
14. Return to In-Person City Council meetings December 6, 2022and Status of Meetings of City Legislative Bodies
15. Adeline Street at Ashby BART Conceptual Design

16. Climate Action Plan and Resilience Update
17. City Policies for Managing Parking Around BART Stations
18. Fair Campaign Practices Commission FY2022-2023 Work Plan
19. Open government Commission FY2022-2023 Work Plan

December 6, 2022 CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING at 6 pm 

Videoconference: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84189893148 

Teleconference: 1-669-900-9128 or 1-877-853-5257 (toll free) Meeting ID: 841 89893148 

https://berkeleyca.gov/your-government/city-council/council-committees/policy-committee-agenda-rules 

AGENDA CONSENT: 

1. Urgency Ordinance for leasing 1720 San Pablo Avenue term 5 years
2. Amend Contract No. 32100161 add $612,559 with Dorothy Day House to cover costs to extend Safe RV parking program through 12/31/2022 and operate the Horizon Village Shelter through 6/30/2023 total $2,270,177
3. Formal bid solicitations $2,581,000
4. Classification and salary ADA Program Coordinator monthly salary $9,231.73 - $11162.67 (annual $110,780.76 - $133,952.04)
5. Donation $3,400 for Memorial bench at Cesar Chavez Park in memory of Linda Loh
6. Taplin, co-sponsors Harrison, Hahn, Robinson - Office of Racial Equity: Re-Entry Employment and Income Programs Refer to Budget process $50,000 for consultant to recommend a Universal Income Pilot Program for Berkeley and Refer to City Manager study re-entry programs, supports and systems already available for Berkeley residents and to establish evaluation processes for all social services programs recommended through the Reimagining Public Safety Process

7. Update BPD efforts related to improving Hate Crimes Reporting and Response
8. Renewal of Elmwood Business Improvement District for 2023
9. 2nd reading Adoption of 2022 CA Fire Code with Local Amendments
10. Public Hearing – updating Citywide Affordable Housing Requirements

11. FY 2022 Fourth QTR Investment Report, ended June 30, 2022

LAND USE CALENDAR: 

Public Hearing to be scheduled 

2065 Kittredge (construct 8-story mixed-use building) 1/31/2023 

1262 Francisco (add 40 sq ft and 2nd story balcony) 2/28/2023 

Remanded to ZAB or LPC 

1205 Peralta – Conversion of an existing garage 

WORKSESSIONS: 

Local Pandemic/Endemic Update Report 2/21/2023 

Housing Preference Policy 2/21/2023 

Annual Crime Report 3/14/2023 at 4 pm 

Civic Arts Grantmaking Process & Capital Grant Program 3/21/2023 at 4 pm 

Civic Center Vision Project 3/21/2023 at 4 pm 

Fire Facilities Study Report 5/16/2023 

Unscheduled Presentations 

Housing Element - Local Adoption of the Housing Element in January possibly Tuesday, January 17 

Adoption of Election Results, adoption of vice-mayor, seating and committees publish on dec 8 or 9 for meeting on dec 13 (December 2022) 

African American Holistic Resource Center (January 2023) 

Zero Waste 5-Year Rate Schedule (February 2023) 

(removed - BART tentative December 13, 2022) 

Kelly Hammargren’s on what happened the preceding week can be found in the Berkeley Daily Planet www.berkeleydailyplanet.com under Activist’s Diary. This meeting list is also posted at https://www.sustainableberkeleycoalition.com/whats-ahead.html on the Sustainable Berkeley Coalition website. 

If you would like to receive the Activist’s Calendar as soon as it is completed send an email to kellyhammargren@gmail.com. If you wish to stop receiving the weekly summary of city meetings please forward the weekly su 

WORKSESSIONS: 

September 20 Residential Objective Standards for Middle Housing at 4 pm 

October 6 Measure O Report and Update at 4 pm 

Unscheduled Presentations 

Civic Arts Grantmaking Process & Capital Grant Program 

Fire Facilities Study Report 

African American Holistic Resource Center (November 15) 

(removed - Cannabis Health Considerations) 

Kelly Hammargren’s on what happened the preceding week can be found in the Berkeley Daily Planet www.berkeleydailyplanet.com under Activist’s Diary. This meeting list is also posted at https://www.sustainableberkeleycoalition.com/whats-ahead.html on the Sustainable Berkeley Coalition website. 

If you would like to receive the Activist’s Calendar as soon as it is completed send an email to kellyhammargren@gmail.com. If you wish to stop receiving the weekly summary of city meetings please forward the weekly summary you received to kellyhammargren@gmail.com 

So much happened this last week it is hard to know where to begin. And much of it has been in the news already. Here is how the Tuesday evening, November 15, 2022 Berkeley City Council meeting rolled out:

Jennifer Louis’s appointment as Berkeley Police Chief was supposed to slide through on consent, with 21 other items and likely no comment from the council other than congratulations, but the entirety of the appointment broke open Monday afternoon when Nathan Mizell, vice-chair of the Police Accountability Board (PAB) ,sent out a press release published in the Planet and elsewhere. A dump of derogatory, racist texts alluding to arrest quotas sent by Berkeley police officers, which had been released by whistleblower Corey Shedoudy, a former Berkeley police officer who was fired earlier in the year, started circulating in emails on Tuesday morning. 

The PAB held an emergency online meeting about this at 2 pm Tuesday afternoon, November 15. It was there that we learned the PAB had received the notification of the allegations on the previous Thursday. After a long discussion the PAB agreed on a letter to the Berkeley City Council, to be sent after the close of the meeting, requesting a delay in the appointment of Louis as police chief and the formation of a subcommittee to handle the matter. The PAB will also do its own investigation, separate from whatever investigations are performed by the city manager.At just 22 minutes into that evening’s Council meeting, Mayor Jesse Arreguin called on Brandon Woods, Public Defender for Alameda County who made this statement: 

“I’m coming on to discuss my issues. I’m urging you to delay the confirmation of interim chief Louis until the full investigation is completed ,and my belief come comes from my interactions or lack of with her. On July 6, I sent her an email outlining outrageous conduct by her officers as they refused to read the Miranda Rights on the phone with our attorneys. A new law provides minors should be allowed to speak to an attorney when they are read the Miranda Rights to make sure they understand. The officers were hostile and rude and often hang up on our attorneys. The Oakland Police Department did the same conduct and corrected the conduct when addressed. 

“I emailed [the Berkeley Police] on July 6, no response, I emailed on July 10 and on July 11. I see the response from a captain. On August * I emailed the chief again and today I have not received a response from her correcting their practices. That’s the way she responds to the Public Defender of Alameda County and the way she handled minors in her custody and I don’t have faith she’ll respond properly to the new allegations. Arrest quotas, derogatory comments about unhoused people and racism have no place in policing, but seem to be present in the Berkeley Police Department and prevalent under the current leadership. I’m asking, I’m requesting, the least the Council can do is postpone this vote tonight. Thank you for giving me the time and space to advocate for the residents of Alameda County and the residents of Berkeley and for the people that I’m honored to represent. Thank you.” 

The council meeting went on for the next half hour with the usual blather about agenda items until 6:57 pm when Councilmember Bartlett was called on and in a subdued, unemotional voice asked for item 2, the appointment of Jennifer Louis as Chief of Police, to be removed from consent and moved to action. The council rules require three councilmembers to remove a consent item and place it on action. Councilmembers Harrison and Hahn joined Bartlett. 

No mention of Mizell’s letter from the PAB requesting delay was ever made during the evening. 

Arreguin told meeting attendees before opening public comment on the consent calendar that they would need to wait to comment on the appointment of the chief until. “we get to the item.” 

Item 17 on the consent calendar was declaring November 13 – 19th, 2022 as United Against Hate Week. Andrea Pritchett did what the mayor and council did not do: she tied Uinited Against Hate to the police texts in question during her allotted one minute, 

“I’m definitely appreciative of the efforts to address hate speech and I would like to think that we are united against hate. But, I fear that more than events and posters and more than slogans, is the actions of our city leaders that can really direct our city. So when racist messages appear in the city police department, when people are made aware of it, or when people in positions of authority ignore it, then that undermines the good intentions of your United Against Hate Week. I hope you understand that the most potent, the best work we can create against hate crimes is good leadership that is willing to being brave in situations that are uncomfortable.” 

The appointment of Louis as Chief of Police remained as the last discussion and action item of the evening until 10:10 pm when the City Manager Dee Williams-Ridley announced that she was withdrawing the appointment of Jennifer Louis as Chief of Police until the investigation was complete, stating: “Chief Lewis is still the Interim Chief. I also believe that ultimately the outcome of the investigation will find she was not aware of this , and has made a public statement, to this effect, to my understanding, and if she were aware of it she would have taken immediate action to address the issue. I hope that the outcome of an investigation will collaborate that.” 

Back in 2017, the City Council received the report from the Center for Policing Equity on biased policing in Berkeley. Residents of Berkeley have been reporting incidents of harassment at public meetings. There was a task force that met for months on Reimagining Public Safety, there was the task force on Fair and Impartial Policing. Harassment has been reported in the Planet. 

How soon we forget what happened to Jorge Colon, Program Manager at the Berkeley Drop-In Center on February 2, 2022 (on Jennifer Louis’s watch). Four police officers approached Colon from behind with guns drawn and forced him to the ground,then handcuffed and detained him. What was Colon’s sin? Hanging Black History Month Decorations while Black. https://www.berkeleydailyplanet.com/issue/2022-03-06/article/49638?headline=Un-armed-Berkeley-Drop-In-Center-Manager-Detained-at-Gun-Point-by-BPD-Letter-to-Berkeley-Mayor-Arreguin--Katrina-Killian-Executive-Director-Alameda-County-Network-of-Mental-Health-Clients- Was there ever an apology, was there ever an investigation of police behavior? What was the follow-up with the four police officers, and is it the same four police officers that wrote the string of texts released now? 

The release of texts that are racist with arrest quotas should come as a surprise to no one. It is Louis’s excuse of “not knowing” that comes as a surprise from someone who has been a member of the Berkeley Police Dpartment for 23 years. 

Jennifer Louis has been with the BPD since 1999. She became a Police Captain in 2016 and was appointed Interim Police Chief in March 2021. 

Not knowing what is going on in a department makes a police chief just as incapable and ineffectual as a Chief of Police that knows and does nothing. 

Darren Kacalek is on the downtown bike patrol, the center of the arrest quotas and texts. President of the Berkeley Police Association, the police union, he is now on leave of absence. 

Adam Serwer, journalist, senior editor at The Atlantic and author of the 2021 book The Cruelty Is the Point: The Past, Present and Future of Trump’s America had this to say about police unions: “This is not a system ruined by a few bad apples. This is a system that creates and protects bad apples by design. Being a good cop can get you in trouble with your superiors, your fellow officers, and the union that represents you. Being a bad one can get you elected as a union rep.” 

Reflecting on past public comment at city meetings about harassment of the poor, the homeless, of People of Color leaves a lot of questions. From the outside, what looks like a failure of meaningful follow-through says more about who we are as a city than a declaration of United Against Hate. 

While the City Council’s Health, Life, Enrichment, Equity & Community Policy Committee was considering Councilmember Taplin’s proposed Office of Racial Equity: Re-Entry Employment and Guaranteed Income Program, the Ashby Village/Elder Action and Berkeley Friends/Racial Justice Action Team was moderating “Shining the Light on The Militarization of Police Departments” to discuss AB 481. 

California AB 481 requires law enforcement agencies to obtain approval for the acquisition and use of military equipment and for the governing body to either disapprove or authorize the controlling ordinance(s) annually. In Berkeley the PAB writes/reviews the policy and City Council approves the final version often with council modifications. Berkeley and the PAB are further along in the process than Oakland and Richmond. 

I wouldn’t label the video of the panel discussion on the Militarization of Police Departments as a must see, but it helped me put together the responsibilities of the PAB and City Council in relation to controlling the availability and use of military equipment. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H9gHJyvaI-E . Given the Oakland panelist Omar Farmer’s description of the use of the bearcat (a tank with wheels instead of treads) and military equipment in Oakland and multi-million-dollar settlements to everyone in Berkeley who fought against military equipment here, it was and is worth the fight. 

As for Taplin’s proposal on guaranteed income and re-entry employment, it was modified and passed out of committee and now sits in the draft agenda for the December 6 council meeting. Like so much that comes out of Taplin’s office it is a referral to the city manager which means it could be months or years before we see it again. The re-entry employment part was diluted to review available services. 

The in-person public meeting on the Civic Center design started with a presentation by Susi Muzuola from Siegel & Strain Architects and followed with four stations to give comment on the design of the Maudelle Shirek and Veterans Buildings, the Civic Center Park and reconfiguration of MLK Jr. Way. https://berkeleyca.gov/sites/default/files/documents/Berkeley-Civic-Center-Phase-II_Open-House-Presentation.pdf 

The proposed plan is to move city council into new offices in the Maudelle Shirek Building, build a 14,000 square foot addition (or close to that size) for new city council meeting chambers and put the Media Center and Historical Society Museum in the basement. And also, to bring the Maudelle Shirek building to “ immediate occupancy (IO)” seismic standards (the level used for hospitals). 

The Veterans Building seismic upgrade would be downgraded to “basic life safety plus” without buttressing that would have added needed backstage space to increase functionality. 

The plan for Martin Luther King Jr Way, an Emergency Access and Evacuation Network Route, is to put this evacuation route on a “road diet” with narrowing driving lanes, widening sidewalks and pedestrian bulb outs. 

There appears to be a disconnect. A large chunk of Berkeley sits in high fire hazard zones, and evacuation from fire in the high fire hazard zones is already challenged. This means that a rapidly moving fire will likely overtake people trying to escape (evacuate) under current conditions. This is before, according to the evening presentation, the architects, city planners, and the transportation department will put together a plan for the Civic Center to narrow yet another emergency access and evacuation route. 

We would all do well to listen to those warning of the hazard of narrowing roads. Margot Smith has been sounding the alarm in Berkeley of the looming danger of putting Emergency Access and Evacuation Routes on road diets. Before any of us dismiss those warnings we should all remember, Mildred Eselin’s words to the city council of Paradise, California as reported in the Los Angeles Times. 

“Town recordings show a lone voice of concern at the 2014 council meeting giving final approval to the road narrowing. ‘The main thing is fire danger,’ said Mildred Eselin, 88. ‘If the council is searching for a way to diminish the population of Paradise, this would be the way to do it.’” https://www.latimes.com/local/california/la-me-camp-fire-deathtrap-20181230-story.html 

Reading a little further in the article you will come across this, 

“Paradise officials repeatedly told The Times they never envisioned a firestorm reaching the town. But the 2005 state fire management plan for the ridge, developed in consultation with some of those same Paradise planners, warned that canyon winds posed a ‘serious threat’ to Paradise. The ‘greatest risk’ was an ‘east wind’ fire, the document said, ‘the same type of fire that impacted the Oakland-Berkeley Hills during the Oct. 20, 1991, firestorm’ that killed 25 people.” 

The meeting on setting objective standards for North Berkeley BART development started with an hour-long large group introduction and a 90-page presentation, which is on the city website for the North Berkeley BART housing project. https://berkeleyca.gov/sites/default/files/documents/NB-BART_PreODS_Community_Meeting_1_v1.pdf 

The introduction was followed by breakout groups, but the evening closed without reports of breakout group discussions. Nothing was decided and there will be more meetings on establishing objective standards. 

The Open Government Commission heard my complaint and request and will be following up in January. For the complaint I submitted a list of the committees, boards and commissions that are not posting draft meeting minutes within 14 calendar days of meeting (as recommended by the Open Government Commission and passed by City Council). The list includes the 2 x 2 (Council and BUSD), 3 x 3 (Council and Housing Authority), 4 x 4, (Council and Rent Stabilization Board) City/UC/Student Relations Committee Housing, Board of Library Trustees, Commission on Disability, Community Health Commission, Fair Campaign Practices Commission, Landmarks Preservation Commission, Mental Health Commission, Youth Commission and the Zoning Adjustment Board. 

The request was that live transcription be made available at all city meetings (not just city council) as a requirement. 

This is long already. I will cover the webinar “Light at Night a Glowing Hazard” in the next Diary. 

I’ve already included a short quote from Adam Serwer’s The Cruelty Is the Point: The Past, Present and Future of Trump’s America. With Trump declaring he is running for President again, the book is worth reading. Serwer is a senior editor for the Atlantic. The book is an expansion on his articles. Trump and his devotees, his cult revolve around cruelty, revenge, name calling, blaming, getting even, greed and selfishness. 

It is all such a sharp contrast to the link a friend sent me on why / how/ what lead people to call themselves socialists. Their responses to why they were socialists were all about caring about the welfare of others. This is a link worth pulling up when you feel everything is hopeless. Click on comments. 

https://www.reddit.com/r/Socialism_101/comments/yyvk79/what_radicalized_you/?$deep_link=true&correlation_id=f61652b9-c969-402d-a50e-78d2b78b4b2a&post_fullname=t3_yyvk79&post_index=2&ref=email_digest&ref_campaign=email_digest&ref_source=email&utm_content=post_title&$3p=e_as&_branch_match_id=762809381718527897&utm_medium=Email Amazon SES&_branch_referrer=H4sIAAAAAAAAA22PXWrDMBCET+O+2Ulkx4kLoRRKL9ADiLW0SZboD2ld1z19103zVpBg9I1mtLoyp/K82WS0lriBlBpH4bZp00ulujadUEN5EhkzXSiA01N2p+uaqtrXSr3Lmue5+cub6AVk2R/REDgqXu+2OzmL4zFwEbksn7fDsAavwDqDJSM3v9HqJU5rZSutnUVMep2lat84T1ip3sSc0QFTDJqs8HO/6/dqHGoz9EPdbZWtYb/F+nC0ajwcx25UILkUC+vz5FwAj2tdqx8z3D0KFr/EUAIynkWhB3La0gUL36E24BPQJfzvljhlgw9P4MRemxhYPi309xkmdvgDbWP5QXIBAAA= 

. FIFA, the sponsoring agency for world soccer, has a long history of corruption. Inexplicably, they chose Qatar to host the world soccer games which should have been automatically disqualified because of its soaring high temperatures. This is yet another chapter illustrating how one nation with incredible wealth could mistreat migrant workers with such callousness and inhumanity. 

Qatar is the richest country in the world, that is almost entirely dependent for its very existence on imported labor. It has a population around 380,000 with another 90% of imported labor. 

Following Qatar’s nomination to host the 2022 world soccer games, it went on a recruitment frenzy hiring to do the back breaking work from predominantly south Asian countries, Nepal, India and Pakistan. Work began in 2010. Workers were forced to borrow high recruitment fees for the right to work. Passports were confiscated on arrival leaving laborers with no rights. Many complained of being forced to work under brutal conditions. Their complaints were ignored. 

Their assigned tasks: Build 9 new stadiums, a new airport, 100 new hotels, and a new metro system. The price tag, $100 billion. 

The housing facilities were inadequate with workers packed eight to a room. The kitchens were non-functional. The beds were crawling with bugs. 15- men shared 2 bathrooms. The bathrooms overflowed with sewage. False sirens were activated to circumvent inspections. Water was given sparingly in the form of crushed ice. Many fainted, others died. 

Qatar officials claimed that migrants were treated humanely and worked in safe environments. 

Minky Worden of Human Rights Watch, describes how millions of migrant workers from the world’s poorest countries have faced deadly and forced labor conditions working on less than $2 a day. 

The construction was carried out under enormous suffering. Over 6500 migrants died. No compensation was given to the grieving families. 

FIFA’s callous response, “don’t quibble, let's dribble.”

Many people, sometimes without realizing it, have lives filled with work. Brushing and flossing your teeth is work. Cleaning the kitchen is work. Checking the oil on one's car is work. In my case, my life is filled with various kinds of work. The effort to earn money at writing involves a lot. Not only is there the writing itself; I must keep track of where pieces are sent; I must read and understand any feedback** from editors explaining a rejection and benefiting from this if possible; I must analyze style and find ways to improve both style and content; and there is more--much more. And let's not forget the reality that almost any writer is competing with millions of Americans who lost their jobs to the pandemic and who've decided to become writers, because they now have the time. More than ever, my endeavor of writing feels like work. And a related activity is the upkeep of my computer. It is aged, and when new it was a cheapie. 

Early tomorrow morning I need to go to the laundromat because I'm without clean clothes. You can't function if you have nothing clean to put on. And you must be certain your car has gas. Additionally, I have a spouse. One hopes that my spouse and living with her doesn't feel like work. But I did need to give her a ride to the dentist today, in heavy traffic. I get massively stressed out from driving. And I normally take a nap in the middle of the day, which I could not do today. The lack of a nap was highly uncomfortable. 

At some point, I must decide "enough is enough." I have to take a rest. Maybe something doesn't get done, god forbid. Maintaining mental health needs to happen. In the past, getting and maintaining mental health was the big thing. Now it is sidelined because I have that established. But it still needs some amount of attention. And this entails, in some instances, stopping the work and getting some rest, or doing something pleasurable. A person can't live by work alone. You must do things you enjoy. I enjoy writing because it is a labor of love. But as I say, it is becoming increasingly like a job. 

Some people scoff at my assertion that I'm a writer. It takes internal work to minimize the harm this does to my mind. All I can say is "consider the source." 

...I am resuming this essay after letting it sit a few weeks. I just got back from the post office. I opted to delay going there earlier in the week because lack of sleep and a changed medication regimen that caused me fatigue. If I sit in the driver's seat of a car and if something doesn't feel right, the most I might do is to drive it around the corner to put the car in the carport. You can be impaired from psychiatric medication and fatigue. And although the illegality may not be precisely the same, the hazard of it is. 

In some instances, I can't do what is convenient for other people, what is expected, or what I think I'm supposed to be doing, because resting the body sometimes takes priority. Part of resting the body must be that you allow yourself to feel...good. 

In very recent times, I discovered an FM radio station that plays old rock, often tasteful stuff, that helps me feel good. For years, I've been a Classical Music nut. And while this is very cerebral and sometimes emotional, it doesn't speak to the part of me that really wants to relax. 

The musician is invariably the one that gets the girl. I'm not a musician, I'm a writer, and I will never become a musician. Where does that leave me? Music is also a spectator endeavor. Even listening to music when I'm shut in a room by myself, can do me some good. The other kind of music might be silence, in which I can hear myself think. 

It can't be all work. You'll die a young death that way. 

**If an editor gives personal feedback, consider yourself fortunate, because usually you'll receive only a form letter. 

g

Two women, who are elected office holders, have shown outstanding integrity, superior intelligence, deep compassion for the less fortunate, and sincere dedication to good governance. They could deliver a restorative redemption team for our torn and tattered democracy, if elected to the White House in 2024. And, they both have the same first name, Elizabeth! While they differ markedly on many policy issues, Elizabeth Warren and Liz Cheney both have shown the capacity and ability to find common objectives and join forces with adversaries to accomplish effective policies. If Elizabeth and Liz were a governing team, their presence would bridge the political divide that is tearing our country asunder. 

While Liz Cheney advocates for private solutions to public problems and Elizabeth Warren favors government intervention where the market fails, both realize the severity and need to respond to impending problems like the climate crisis. Together, they could create public-private policy solutions. Together, they could agree on letting private enterprises earn reasonable profits while also fulfilling their public responsibilities, including paying their fair share to maintain essential government services. 

If their respective teams were to sit down and examine problems of national defense, global stability, social justice, economic security, health care and education for the next generation of Americans, their shared goals would reveal policy pathways that honor their respective tactical predispositions. Hybrid solutions would emerge because both leaders value effective governance over petty partisan politicking. What is good for the country supersedes what may be tactically cunning for their political parties. 

How could such a bipartisan team get elected? Suppose, for a moment, that each candidate wins her party's Presidential nomination with the promise to select the other as Vice-Presidential nominee. The winning vote-getter would become President and the other candidate, Vice President. Imagine that as a team, they would select Cabinet officials willing and able to fulfill their hybrid vision for effective policy. Judges would be chosen by mutual consensus rather than partisan loyalty. Congressional parties would work for their mutual success rather than simply trying to tear down the others' proposals. 

Leadership from The Two Lizes' example, would encourage voters to return to a civilized Middle instead of arming themselves for civil strife.

Cryptocurrency Truancy

Could the collapse of FTX, the cryptocurrency giant, have been prevented? I have no idea but I do feel the collapse could have been predicted.

In a case of what seems like a public predestination of failure, the news accounts reveal that a major "responsible party" was FTX's controller—whose name happens to be Sam Banker-Fried. That now seems like an obvious sign of trouble. Who would trust their retirement income to a fellow named "Banker-Fried"?

Once thing's for sure: In the aftermath of the disaster that brought down FTX, this is one banker who's certainly been fried.  

The Scam They Am  

The red flags in the emailed scamgram that recently came my way were too numerous to note, but the real payoff is at the end. Here's the pitch:  

Sir,
Your tax refund is updated to $178,414,99 to help you eliminate debt and reduce bills but it's obvious your response is slow to update address where you can pick the visa-card attached for cash withdrawal and avoid being hijacked.
Verify where to send the package development for your reference to prevent hackers from stopping your success this time. Download WhatsApp app on your mobile phone and confirm where to label the parcel shipment, Nearest Airport... /Receiver Name... and Phone No
I'm certainly not happy with your late reply.
Mathew Emmanuel, Lawyer
The email claims to be from an account named "foreign settlements" but the return address for "Office Management" turns out to be the address for an entity creepily called "ambushanto." (Can't say we weren't warned.)  

Fashion Plates  

Subaru Outback: TKNODAD ("TecknoDad")  

Black BMW: SPAZL (Someone who really loves German dumplings made with eggs)  

Blue Toyota: OSLP2BK ("Oh Slip to Book"? Possible clue: the plate's frame reads: "Cartelligent")  

Toyota van: ENTWIFE (Could be a married Ear Nose and Throat specialist but I prefer "ent," as in the creatures in J. R. R. Tolkien's Middle-earth fantasy who closely resemble trees.)  

Bumper Snickers  

"EVERYONE Does Better When EVERYONE Does Better."  

"If You Can't Afford to Take Care of Veterans, Don't Go to War."  

"If You Hate Socialism, Get Off My Public Road."  

"They Tried to Bury Us. They Did Not Know We Were Seeds."  

"All We Want Is the Same Health Care Plan as Congress."  

"If We Don't Sin, Jesus Died for Nothing." 

Reich On!  

In the wake of Nancy Pelosi's departure from the House Speaker's podium, UC Prof and former Clinton White House Labor Secretary Robert Reich has a good proposal: If the House ever builds a fourth office building (as it has talked about since 1975), the building should be named after Madame Speaker Pelosi. (The three extant House buildings commemorate former GOP Speakers Joseph Gurney Cannon and Nicolas Longwith and fomer Democatic Speaker Sam Rayburn.) I kinda like the sound of the "Pelosi House Office Building (aka the PHOB). 

And that's not all. Reich has also posted "What Happens Now?"—the title and topic of a new video featuring Reich in conversation with California Contressmember Ro Khanna. Have a look and a listen: 

The US Is a Randy Empire 

In 2019—long before Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine but well after the US-backed 2014 coup that toppled Ukraine's democratically elected (but pro-Russian) leader—the Rand Corporation published a blueprint for how the US could further destabilize Russia's leader, Vladimir Putin. The study was titled "Overextending and Unbalancing Russia: Assessing the Impact of Cost imposing Options" and it contained an explicit game-plan that stated: 

"Providing lethal aid to Ukraine would exploit Russia’s greatest point of external vulnerability. But any increase in US military arms and advice to Ukraine would need to be carefully calibrated to increase the costs to Russia of sustaining its existing commitment without provoking a much wider conflict in which Russia, by reason of proximity, would have significant advantages." 

No One's Above the Law: Except for Kings and Killers 

There's a phrase we've been hearing a lot lately and it's this one: "Nobody is above the law." It's usually applied to powerbrokers and politicians, especially the twice-impeached former occupant of the White House who lost the 2016 popular vote by neatly 3 million votes and went on to lose the 2020 popular vote by a whopping 7 million. 

But the Biden administration is now hell-bent on granting an exception from prosecution to a fellow who's suspected of ordering the murder of a Washington Post reporter and chopping him up with a chainsaw. The suspect in this case is Mohammed bin Salman, the strongman/Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia. 

During his election run, Biden promised to avenge Jamal Khashoggi's death at the hands of the Saudi's "pariah" state. Now, with the Saudis cutting back on oil shipments and cozying up to Russia, Team Biden has opted to offer MBS some breathing room by granting a claim of "sovereign immunity." 

As the Associate Press notes, there's another reason for Washington to support the idea that crown princes, kings, dictators, and autocrats are uniquely immune from the laws that supposedly apply to everyone in a free-and-equal, democratic society. As the AP put it: "Upholding the concept helps ensure that American leaders in turn don't have to worry about being hauled into foreign courts" for a grizzly host of global crimes committed over the past 50 years. 

The Truth of Herschel Walker’s Violent Past

Commies In The Closet 

The Free Speech Movement Archives (www.fsm-a.org) is pleased-pink to share the news that former Berkeley student and Free Speech firebrand, Betinna Aptheker has published a new book titled: Communists in Closets: Queering the History 1930s–1990s. 

"Communists in Closets" delivers a first-hand hidden history of gays, lesbians, and non-heterosexuals who joined the Communist Party despite its ban against "gender-non-performing" revolutionaries—a ban that lasted sixty-years. According to this tell-all insider's history, "Queer communists contributed to the political and theoretical foundations for lesbian and gay liberation and women’s liberation; they also helped advance peace, social justice, civil rights, and Black and Latinx liberation movements." 

According to Mary Helen Washington, Distinguished University Professor at the University of Maryland and author of The Other Blacklist: The African American Literary and Cultural Left of the 1950s: "This book is at once a deeply personal portrait of Bettina Aptheker and her struggles as a gay woman in the Communist movement, but also a generous, appreciative and carefully historicized portrait of the many others who were gay, feminist, and Communist. The chapter on Lorraine Hansberry is especially enriched by Aptheker’s triple vision." 

The book is available from Taylor & Francis under its Routledge imprint. (A 20% discount may apply: Try entering the code FLE22 at checkout.) 

In related news, on January 24, 2023 (5:30PM live via Zoom), the California Historical Society will be hosting a free "Communists in California" discussion between Bettina and Estelle Freedman, author and Professor Emerita at Stanford University. More Info and Register. 

Taking Stock of Politicians Taking Stock 

Representatives elected by the people should not be entwined with corporations that deal with the government to increase profits. 

What is the worst form of a "conflict of interest"? When elected leaders accept money from powerful arms lobbies. That constitutes having an "interest in conflicts." 

We need less war and more healing on this wounded planet. 

The cure would be an immediate vote on and passage of HR6678 and S3631 which would ban stock-owning and trading by Senators, Congress Members, and their spouses. It's good to see someone's paying attention to what we're being forced to pay. But where's the media? Every week, thousands of words are devoted to recounting foot/basket/baseball games; squat for political spending games. 

In the meantime, RootsAction has created an online petition to demand that our elected leaders should no longer be allowed to own investments that may benefit from the very individuals who hold the government's purse-strings and authorize federal spending. 

Joe Manchin (R-WV), are you listening? 

Meet the World's Smallest Woman 

The world's shortest person appears to be Jyoti Amge and she lives in Nagpur, India. She's only two-feet tall. Owing to an inherited a mutation called "primordial dwarfism," her body stopped growing at the age of 3. She is now in her late twenties. With a child's voice and a wide smile, she's very animated—like a miniature Disney princess come to life. 

And, in the interest of gender equality, here's a link to a profile of Sultan Kosen, The World's Tallest Man 

Worth Noting:

Monday is absolutely packed with meetings.

The big meeting on Monday is the special City Council meeting at 5 pm with one agenda item – Fair Workweek. Recall that Taplin, Kesarwani, Droste and Wengraf filibustered the passage of the Fair Workweek on November 3, by running out the clock and declining to extend the council meeting to vote on the Fair Workweek ordinance. Fair Workweek applies to workers earning less than twice the minimum wage. See Activist’s Diary for full description. https://berkeleydailyplanet.com/issue/2022-11-06/article/50047?headline=A-Berkeley-Activist-s-Diary-Week-Ending-November-6-2022--Kelly-Hammargren

The Disaster and Fire Safety Commission recommendation for control of vegetation in fire zones with Measure FF funds is up against the City Manager companion report from Chief Sprague to resubmit a year from now at the Public Safety Committee at 10:30 am.

The Civic Center meeting is at noon.

The Agenda Committee at 2:30 pm covers the council draft agenda for December 6.

After the unraveling of the appointment of the police chief last week, the Police Accountability Board meeting at 3 pm is worth considering.

Unless you are an artist or festival organizer skip the 2 pm Civic Arts Commission subcommittee meeting.

Tuesday the Land use Committee at 9:30 am is an amendment to the COVID eviction moratorium. Property owners with rentals and tenants should take a close look at the amendment.

The November 29 council agenda is available for comment. Redesign of Adeline at Ashby BART is item 15.

Happy Thanksgiving, refresh, rejuvenate and reconnect!

Monday, November 21, 2022 

PUBLIC SAFETY POLICY COMMITTEE at 10:30 am 

Videoconference: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85723890728 

Teleconference: 1-669-900-9128 or 1-877-853-5257 (toll free) Meeting ID: 857 2389 0728 

AGENDA: 2a. Disaster and Fire Safety Commission (DFSC)- Measure FF Budget Recommendation – Expanded Fire Prevention Inspection Program, Clear vegetation build-up and overgrowth within 100 feet of structures, Berkeley Very High Fire Severity Zones (2&3). Include no-interest loan program to clear vegetation, emphasis on eucalyptus removal, 2b. Companion report – reaffirm support for (current) work and report will be considered for FY2024 if DFSC chooses to resubmit. 3. Review of Policy 1043 Extra Duty Employment. 

https://berkeleyca.gov/your-government/city-council/council-committees/policy-committee-public-safety 

AGENDA AND RULES COMMITTEE Meeting at 2:30 pm 

Videoconference: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87938618399 

Teleconference: 1-669-900-9128 or 1-877-853-5257 (toll free) Meeting ID: 879 3861 8399 

AGENDA: Public Comment on non-agenda and items 1 – 7. 1. Minutes, 2. Review and Approve 12/6/2022 draft agenda – use link or read full draft agenda after list of city meetings, 3. Berkeley Considers, 4. Adjournment in Memory, 5. Council workssessions, 6. Referrals for scheduling, 7. Land Use Calendar, Referred Items for Review: 8. COVID, Unscheduled Items: 9. Discussion Regarding Design and Strengthening of Policy Committees, 10. Supporting Commissions, Guidance on Legislative Proposals. 

https://berkeleyca.gov/your-government/city-council/council-committees/policy-committee-agenda-rules 

CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING at 5 pm 

Videoconference: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83549098964 

Teleconference: 1-669-900-9128 or 1-877-853-5257 (toll free) Meeting ID: 835 4909 8964 

AGENDA: One agenda item 1. Fair Workweek Ordinance: Adding Berkeley Municipal Code Chapter 13.102 

https://berkeleyca.gov/your-government/city-council/city-council-agendas 

CIVIC ARTS COMMISSION GRANTS SUBCOMMITTEE at 2 pm 

Videoconference: https://cityofberkeley-info.zoomgov.com/j/1609443051 

Teleconference: 1-669-254-5252 Meeting ID: 160 944 3051 

AGENDA: 5. A. Grant Guidelines a. Eligibility related to direct city funding for General Operating Support grants and festival grants and b. Creative Spaces grant guidelines. 

https://berkeleyca.gov/your-government/boards-commissions/civic-arts-commission 

POLICE ACCOUNTABILITY BOARD SPECIAL MEETING at 3 PM  

Videoconference: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81552103949 

Teleconference: 1-669-900-6833 Meeting ID: 815 5210 3949 

AGENDA: 3. Finalize review of draft proposed permanent regulations for handling investigations and complaints. 

https://berkeleyca.gov/your-government/boards-commissions/police-accountability-board 

COMMUNITY FOR A CULTURAL CIVIC CENTER at 12 noon 

Videoconference: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84610947314?pwd=MytWamtoR1VRSU5WMEZEclZyOEJNdz09 

Teleconference: 1-669-900-9128 Meeting ID: 846 1094 7314 Passcode: 004451 

AGENDA: CCCC General meeting 

https://berkeleycccc.org/ 

Tuesday, November 22, 2022 

LAND USE, HOUSING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AT 9:30 AM 

Videoconference: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81579865688 

Teleconference: 1-669-900-9128 or 1-877-853-5257 (toll free) Meeting ID: 815 7986 5688 

AGENDA: Wengraf & Harrison – Amendments to BMC Chapter 13.110 COVID-19 Emergency Response Ordinance – relates to eviction moratorium, owner move-in and tenants may be evicted beginning 2/1/2023 if tenants fail to pay rent and cannot demonstrate a Covered Reason for Delayed Payment (use link for full language of amendment) 

https://berkeleyca.gov/your-government/city-council/council-committees/policy-committee-land-use-housing-economic-development 

Wednesday, November 23, 2022 – Sunday, November 27, 2022 NO MEETINGS 

City offices are closed on Friday, November 25 after Thanksgiving 

++++++++++++++++++++ 

November 21 - AGENDA AND RULES COMMITTEE Meeting at 2:30 pm 

Draft Agenda for December 6, 2022 Regular 6 pm City Council Meeting  

Videoconference: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87938618399 

Teleconference: 1-669-900-9128 or 1-877-853-5257 (toll free) Meeting ID: 879 3861 8399 

https://berkeleyca.gov/your-government/city-council/council-committees/policy-committee-agenda-rules 

AGENDA CONSENT: 

1. Urgency Ordinance for leasing 1720 San Pablo Avenue term 5 years
2. Amend Contract No. 32100161 add $612,559 with Dorothy Day House to cover costs to extend Safe RV parking program through 12/31/2022 and operate the Horizon Village Shelter total $2,270,177
3. Force bid solicitations $2,581,000
4. Classification and salary ADA Program Coordinator monthly salary $9,231.73 - $11162.67 (annual $110,780.76 - $133,952.04)
5. Donation $3,400 for Memorial bench at Cesar Chavez Park in memory of Linda Loh
6. Taplin, co-sponsors Harrison, Hahn, Robinson - Office of Racial Equity: Re-Entry Employment and Income Programs Refer to Budget process $50,000 for consultant to recommend a Universal Income Pilot Program for Berkeley and Refer to City Manager study re-entry programs, supports and systems already available for Berkeley residents and to establish evaluation processes for allsocial services programs recommended through the Reimagining Public Safety Process

7. Renewal of Elmwood Business Improvement District for 2023
8. 2nd reading Adoption of 2022 CA Fire Code with Local Amendments
9. Public Hearing – updating Citywide Affordable Housing Requirements
10. Update BPD efforts related to improving Hate Crimes Reporting and Response
11. Amend Council Rules of procedure & order to allow policy committee track items with budget referrals to be referred to Budget & Finance Committee and one Subject Matter Policy Committee

12. FY 2022 Fourth QTR Investment Report, ended Jule 30, 2022

NOVEMBER 29, 2022 CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING at 6 pm 

Videoconference: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82196348694 

Teleconference: 1-669-900-9128 or 1-877-853-5257 (toll free) Meeting ID: 821 9634 8694 

https://berkeleyca.gov/your-government/city-council/city-council-agendas 

AGENDA CONSENT: 

1. 2nd Reading Ordinance No. 7,841-N.S. Sewer and Access Road Easement and Installation Agreement with Paulonia Investment, LLC
2. 2nd Reading Ordinance No. 7,842-N.S. Sewer and Access Road Easement and Installation Agreement with James Robert Higgins
3. 2nd Reading Ordinance No. 7,843-N.S. Sewer and Access Road Easement and Installation Agreement with Paulonia Investment, LLC and Little Tree Investment, Inc.
4. 2nd Reading Ordinance No. 7,844-N.S. to Regulate the Use of Carryout and Produce Bags and Promote the Use of Reusable Bags
5. Resolution direction legislative bodies to meet via videoconference and teleconference
6. Amend Contract 42200065 (Agreement A22-0056) add $750,000 total $1,250,000 I-80 Gilman Interchange Improvement Project funding agreement with Alameda CTC fix drainage and grading issues for future fire lane
7. Arreguin & Taplin – Budget Referral (AAO): Strawberry Creek Lodge Food Program $50,000
8. Arreguin - Grant Approval: Accept $75,000 from San Francisco Foundation to renew supporting the Equitable Black Berkeley Initiative to develop a reparative approach to new development at Ashby BART Station and Adeline Corridor with goal of maximizing affordability of new housing
9. Arreguin – Excused absence for Councilmember Ben Bartlett

10. Renewal of Solano Avenue Business Improvement District for Calendar Year 2023
11. Referral Response: Amendments to the Sign Ordinance and establish new fee
12. 2nd reading – Ordinance 7,839-N.S.Adoption of Berkeley Building Codes, including local amendments BMC Chapters 19.28 – 19.37 and adopting related procedural and stricter provisions
13. 2nd reading - Re-enactment of Berkeley Housing Code repealing 12.48 and repealing and re-enacting chapter 19.40
14. Return to In-Person City Council meetings December 6, 2022and Status of Meetings of City Legislative Bodies
15. Adeline Street at Ashby BART Conceptual Design

16. Climate Action Plan and Resilience Update
17. City Policies for Managing Parking Around BART Stations
18. Fair Campaign Practices Commission FY2022-2023 Work Plan
19. Open government Commission FY2022-2023 Work Plan

LAND USE CALENDAR: 

Public Hearing to be scheduled 

2065 Kittredge (construct 8-story mixed-use building) 1/31/2023 

1262 Francisco (add 40 sq ft and 2nd story balcony) 2/28/2023 

Remanded to ZAB or LPC 

1205 Peralta – Conversion of an existing garage 

WORKSESSIONS: 

Local Pandemic/Endemic Update Report 2/21/2023 

Housing Preference Policy 2/21/2023 

Annual Crime Report 3/14/2023 

Civic Arts Grantmaking Process & Capital Grant Program 3/21/2023 

Civic Center Vision Project 3/21/2023 

Fire Facilities Study Report 5/16/2023 

Unscheduled Presentations 

Housing Element - Local Adoption of the Housing Element in January possibly January 17 or 19, 2023 

Adoption of Election Results (December 2022) 

African American Holistic Resource Center (January 2023) 

Zero Waste 5-Year Rate Schedule (February 2023) 

(removed - BART tentative December 13, 2022) 

Kelly Hammargren’s on what happened the preceding week can be found in the Berkeley Daily Planet www.berkeleydailyplanet.com under Activist’s Diary. This meeting list is also posted at https://www.sustainableberkeleycoalition.com/whats-ahead.html on the Sustainable Berkeley Coalition website. 

If you would like to receive the Activist’s Calendar as soon as it is completed send an email to kellyhammargren@gmail.com. If you wish to stop receiving the weekly summary of city meetings please forward the weekly summa 

v

Right from the outset, indeed, beginning with the overture, this new production of Orfeo ed Euridice, staged by Matthew Ozawa and choreographed by Rena Butler, strikes boldly at the heart of this drama — the grief of Orpheus at losing his Eurydice to a deadly snakebite on their wedding day. As acclaimed early music interpreter Peter Whelan conducts Gluck’s vigorous overture, dancers in flowing costumes perform harrowing break-dances emphasising the writhing, tortured expressions of grief as couples embrace then are violently separated. Included among the break- dancers is none other than Polish countertenor Jakub Józef Orliński, himself an accomplished break-dancer who sings the role of Orpheus in this production. As that rare phenomenon a distinguished opera singer who is also a remarkable break-dancer, Jakub Józef Orliński has been the subject of feature articles in the New York Times, New Yorker and Polish Vogue. 

One might wonder what break-dancing has to do with an ancient Greek myth retold in an 18th century opera, but in some ways this is true to everything the composer Gluck sought to achieve in creating a unity of simple, directly emotional arias, choral music and dance. Christoph Willibald Gluck is famous, above all, for instituting a reform of opera practices, especially those that had accrued in Italian opera seria, with its stilted rhetoric and convoluted librettos by Metastasio. In Vienna Gluck began working with a like-minded librettist, Ranieri de’ Calzabigi, to pare away all elements that did not advance in direct fashion the basic drama. In some ways, Gluck and Calzabigi took as a model the 17th century French operas of Jean-Baptiste Lully, which were noted for their extreme dramatic unity of arias, choruses and dance. In using this model for their 1762 Orfeo ed Euridice Gluck and Calzabigi combined the best of French musical style with the declamatory style of Italian comic opera, thereby setting the course of opera on a new path, one devoid of the stilted rhetoric of Metastasio’s convoluted librettos for opera seria and its reliance on pyrotechnic effects and melismas to show off the singers’ flexibility. (There are almost no syllables in Gluck’s Orfeo ed Euridice that are sung with more than one note and at the most two.) 

Once the overture is completed, there ensues in Orfeo ed Euridice a funeral chorus for Eurydice. 

Amidst this chorus, Orpheus utters three grief-stricken outbursts comprised simply of the name “Euridice.” These unearthly cries, as uttered in extreme distress by Jakub Józef Orlińsky, are almost beyond grief, indeed, almost beyond anything human. Thus we are instantly plunged into the developing stages of grief explored in this opera. Orfeo’s first great aria, “Chiamo il mio ben così’ finds him lamenting that all he gets when in anguish he utters his beloved’s name is the echo of his own voice resounding in nature. 

In Gluck’s Orfeo ed Euridice there are only three characters, and Euridice herself does not appear until near the end of Act Two. The third character is the goddess Amore, who in this production descends from the heavens on a swing and takes pity on Orpheus. Sung by soprano Nicole Heaston, Amore is portrayed almost as a caricature, gesturing floridly with fluttering hands as she grants Orpheus the right to enter Hades and reclaim his Eurydice on condition that he not look at her or even reveal why he will not look at her until they have successfully returned from Hades to the upper world. Orpheus foresees the difficulties these conditions will entail, but he accepts the challenge and sets off for Hades. 

In an impressive scene, Orpheus confronts the monstrous, black-shrouded Furies, who try to strike terror in this intruder’s heart, writhing in tortured dances and shrieking their “NO!” in response to Orfeo’s request to pass. But Orfeo uses his immortal gift of song to express the love that leads him onward to the depths of Hell. The Furies, finally impressed by his devotion, let him pass. Then Orpheus proceeds to the Elysian Fields, where souls who have come to terms with their grief enjoy a blissful oblivion. In his aria “che puro ciel” Orpheus finds this realm of Hades almost a paradise, though he laments that he still hasn’t encountered his Eurydice. There ensues the famous “Dance of the Blessed Spirits.” Then a chorus of blessed spirits assures Orpheus that Eurydice approaches, and, at last they are reunited. 

In the role of Eurydice, Chinese soprano Megui Zhang sang beautifully in a light, lyric soprano voice. Initially, Eurydice can hardly believe that her life is restored. But very soon, Eurydice is In aback that her husband will neither embrace her nor even look at her. She asks why this is so, but gets no answer from Orpheus other than his urging that they hastily depart from Hades. Imploring Orpheus to at least look at her, Eurydice complains at the cruel fate that makes her pass from death to such grief as a seeming loss of love from Orpheus. Torn by anguish, Orpheus eventually fails to abide by the conditions set by Amore and embraces his beloved. But in this embrace, Eurydice dies once more. Realising that she is now lost forever, Orpheus sings the famous aria, “Che farò senza Euridici.” He is now utterly beside himself in his grief and is ready to take his own life. 

Once again, however, Amore descends from the heavens and with more fluttering hand gestures that are almost comical — and did indeed evince audience laughter at the November 18 performance I attended— Amore brings Eurydice back to life yet again and grants the couple release from Hades. The opera ends with a choral celebration. 

In the role of Orpheus, countertenor Jakub Józef Orlińsky sang impressively. His refined legato and impeccable diction served the direct simplicity of Calzabigi’s libretto and Gluck’s music. 

Conductor Peter Whelan led the Opera Orchestra in a splendidly brisk performance that proceeded without intermission over a 90-minute duration. As mentioned earlier, Matthew Ozawa was director and Rena Butler was choreographer. Sets were by Alexander V. Nichols and Yuki Nakase Link was lighting designer. Costumes were by Jessica Jahn. The Opera Chorus was ably led by John Keene. Gluck’s Orfeo ed Euridice continues on 11/20, 11/26, and 12/1.