Author Archives: Diana Arbas
UC student holds bake sale to raise tuition funds
A new shop of sorts opened up on Solano Avenue yesterday. Amalia Mourad, 18, brightly greeted passersby from behind a table displaying her own homemade chocolate chip and oatmeal cookies, Rice Krispies squares, extra-large cupcakes and brownies above a large sign that read, “Help Me Go To College.”
A passing woman, her tween daughter in tow, stopped short in front of Mourad’s sign with a groan and an “Awww.” A donation quickly followed. Her children will soon apply to college … Continue reading »
UC Berkeley student Ju Hong: Undocumented and unafraid
Ju Hong looked tired. Uncharacteristic stubble peppered his chin and there were shadows under his eyes when we met at a Temescal coffee shop. But then again, he’d had a crazy week. Most Cal students spend the warmer months taking summer courses, doing internships or catching up with hometown friends and family. Hong, an ASUC senator-elect and political science major, spent time in jail.
Police arrested 21-year-old Hong and six other undocumented student activists for blocking a major street at a … Continue reading »
Enjoy some jazz with your cicchetti
No need to trek to North Beach to enjoy music, vino and Venetian-style nibbles for a couple of carefree hours. Berkeley’s own Cioccolata Di Vino, on Shattuck in the Gourmet Ghetto, now serves up live local jazz and cicchetti snacks on weekend afternoons.
Rebecca Bernstein, Cioccolata Di Vino’s executive chef and co-owner, has always wanted to create a place for people to come relax and enjoy the experience. “In my very initial business plan,” she said, “I wrote that I wanted people to feel like they were in their own living room, except they could order food and a glass of wine.”
Cioccolata Di Vino’s living room experience has only gotten richer. Cicchetti, or bite-sized Italian snacks, debuted Saturday afternoon, ranging from baccala mantecato (whipped salt cod served on crostini) to fried stuffed olives with herb ricotta. And the delizioso offerings came paired with the new summer jazz series, kicked off by JetBlacq, an Oakland-based group that prides itself on being the show — not background music. … Continue reading »
Summer weather = more home burglaries in Berkeley
Summer has officially begun, bringing warmer weather and increased crime.
At a town hall meeting last week hosted by Councilman Darryl Moore, an officer from the Berkeley Police Department gave San Pablo Park neighbors tips on how to protect themselves against crime and report suspicious activity. In turn, the neighbors challenged police and city officials to do their part addressing area burglaries and youth nuisance.
Officer Karen Buckheit, Area 4 Coordinator, credited the neighbors for police success in catching repeat youth offenders. She encouraged the neighbors to continue calling in suspicious activity. … Continue reading »
