Font ResizeSome question raise for Kensington chief
There may be some outcry when the Kensington Police Protection and Community Service District board meets at 7 p.m. Aug. 9 at the Community Center, 59 Arlington Ave.
Critics are calling for residents to attend the meeting to protest what they say is a 17 percent a raise in salary and compensation given to Greg Harman, who is the unincorporated town's police chief and general manager of the community services district. The increase was approved by a 3-2 vote of the board and critics contend that a subcommittee offered no written justification that the public could scrutinize for recommending the increase.
Board President Charles Toombs said the board considered Harman's compensation compared to chiefs at other agencies, also factoring in his additional duties as administrator of the KPPCSD and the fact that the position's last increase was in 2009.
Hands Across the Sand promotes clean energy
Local supporters of clean energy alternatives will participate in a gathering at noon Saturday at Albany Beach as part of an international event, the second Hands Across the Sand.
Similar gatherings, all at noon local time, will be held in more than 40 countries (www.handsacrossthesand.org).
"We are joining hands for clean energy, to keep near and offshore oil drilling out of
Simply show up at the beach at Albany Waterfront Park at the foot of Buchanan Street just north of the Golden Gate Fields parking lot.
Participants will join hands at noon for 15 minutes to form a line along the shoreline as part of the international event and are welcome to stay for reflection and refreshments.
For more details contact Stephanie Thomas at skthomas@flash.net.
Free movie showing at public safety event
A free showing of the 2011 Disney-Pixar animated feature "Cars 2" will be presented by the El Cerrito Police Department at a special event at 5 p.m. Monday as part of outreach leading up to National Night Out on Tuesday.
The free family evening at Rialto Cinemas Cerrito, 10070 San Pablo Ave., will include a traffic safety presentation for children 3 to 10, a free small popcorn from Rialto Cinemas, a special appearance by McGruff the Crime Dog and a chance to meet and talk to police officers.
Seating is limited and priority will be given to El Cerrito residents.
Cities promote National Night Out gatherings
Neighborhoods in Albany and El Cerrito are encouraged by police to register and organize a block party for the National Night Out crime prevention event on Tuesday. The event provides residents the opportunity to establish links with each other and law enforcement, becoming educated and organized and increasing safety in the process.
Details, participating locations and registration for El Cerrito's event, which has won awards for several years, can be found online at www.el-cerrito.org/index.aspx?nid=100. Or contact Detective Sgt. Scott Cliatt at 510-215-4418.
Albany's event, which police said had participation from 22 blocks last year, has information and registration available online at www.albanyca.org/index.aspx?page=903.
Details: greenalbany@albanyca.org or 510-528-5710.
Screening celebrates Marilyn Monroe
The next Cerrito Classic screening will salute Marilyn Monroe with a showing of the 1955 film "The Seven Year Itch," directed by Billy Wilder, at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Rialto Cinemas Cerrito, 10070 San Pablo Ave. in El Cerrito.
"It's time to celebrate the incandescent Marilyn Monroe, who left us exactly 50 years ago -- far too early," write the Friends of the Cerrito Theater, the nonprofit group that hosts the classics series.
Details: rialtocinemas.com.
Free compost event for Albany residents
Albany residents can free two free bags of compost Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. or while supplies last at the north parking lot at Golden Gate Fields, 1100 Eastshore Highway. Bring proof of residency or Waste Management bill.
-- Chris Treadway
