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 Berkeley,
California (Tuesday, July 11, 2000)
– An appreciation luncheon is being held on Thursday,
July 13th to recognize the collaborative efforts of City of Berkeley
staff and Telegraph Community members who have worked together to
make the Telegraph area a more friendly, clean, and safe environment
for everyone.
This
collaboration effort, targeted at reducing crime and improving the
quality of life for visitors, merchants, and residents of the area,
involved many aspects of the community including: Telegraph
Neighbors, Berkeley City Council, City Manager’s Office, Telegraph
Area Association, Business Improvement District, Telegraph Health
and Safety Team, Berkeley Police Department, Health and Human
Services, Chaplaincy to the Homeless Youth Drop-in, Center for
Independent Living, Mobile Crisis Team, Homeless Outreach Team,
Parks and Waterfront Department, Public Works Department, Building
Opportunities for Self Sufficiency, Berkeley Emergency Food and
Housing Project, and the University of California, Berkeley.
Working
together, this exemplary teamwork has resulted in many tangible
community improvement outcomes including; an increase in the number
of people assisted with accessing and securing social services, and
improvements in the physical environment (specifically, clean
streets, clean sidewalks, and the removal of graffiti and other
blight). Coordinated public safety activities have reduced
problematic behavior and increased the friendly feeling and
perception of safety in the greater Telegraph area.
Businesses
are once again thriving. Locals
and visitors have boosted business activity in the Telegraph area
resulting in a 6.5% increase in City sales tax revenues over the
previous year. This
represents an increase in City sales tax revenue of $65,000 and an
increase in business activity of $6,500,000 in the Telegraph area.
Congratulations
are due to each member of this important community effort.
If
you have not been to Telegraph Avenue lately, now is a great time to
drop by the Telegraph area and enjoy arts, entertainment, great
food, and a bit of the local culture.
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