Standing up for our LPO

Delaware Street Historic District (photo: Daniella Thompson, 2004)

This November, we’re up against the most important preservation challenge we’ve ever faced.

For the past several years, development forces have attempted to take control over our community’s cultural, historical, archeological, and nature resources. Lamentably, the City of Berkeley has turned from a national leader in historic preservation to a roadblock in the way of preservation.

As a result, the citizens of Berkeley are in real danger of losing control over the designation and protection of historic resources.

If you are concerned about the fate of our resources, read the Message from the Vice-President, published in the current issue of the BAHA Newsletter.

Historic Albany-Berkeley border walking tour

Lueders House, Peralta Park (photo: Daniella Thompson, 2006)

The Albany and Berkeley historical societies are planning a joint boundary walk on Saturday, 6 September 2008. This commemorative walk marks the 30th anniversary of the Berkeley Historical Society and the 100th anniversary of the city of Albany. It starts at the eastern boundary between Albany and Berkeley and ends at the western boundary.

Learn about the antics of M.B. Curtis, famous star of Sam’l of Posen, and his upscale community on the Albany-Berkeley border. Visit historic churches and families, members who have attended church there for generations. See where Codornices Creek is being daylighted, visit the homes of Albany’s most famous developer, Charles M. MacGregor, and revisit the site of the infamous Garbage Wars.

The walk will last about two hours, starting at 10 am. Participation is limited and reservations are on a first-come, first-served basis. The cost is $10. To register, mail a check for $10 per person to the Berkeley Historical Society, Walking Tours, PO Box 1190, Berkeley, CA 94701-1190. Include your name, address, phone number, and e-mail address so we can send you a reservation confirmation and the location of the beginning of the walk. The History Center phone number is (510) 848-0181.