The American Red Cross

1. The American Red Cross Serving people in need on a worldwide level on key issues such as *People affected by disasters, such as fires, hurricanes, earthquakes *Providing support for military members and their families *Blood collections and distribution *Providing health and safety support and training *International relief and development Aireen Pablo • The Red Cross of Oakland focuses on two areas affecting the surrounding community and bay area region • Disaster Cycle Services: Living in a heavily populated, mixed climate area, we are prone to human and natural disasters, such as house fires and earthquakes. When such disasters occur, the Red Cross mobilizes to aid people who are displaced with temporary housing or shelters. As well as providing relief supplies and added support. • Services to the Arm Forces : Provides support to military members as well as their families addressing issues before, during, and after active duty. Acting as a liaison when emergent or time sensitive information needs to provided to military personal.

2. The Red Cross has identified South Berkeley as a neighborhood we will be concentrating on with assessing community needs. Considering 17.4% of the population live below the poverty line, a notable increase in the homeless population, possible health concerns along with a diverse and aging community are aspects taken into account when assessing the needs and support this area may benefit from. The South Berkeley community is a part of Berkeley often overlooked. It’s city borders lie along Dwight Street extending onto the Oakland borders of Telegraph Street and extending to Sacramento and San Pablo Ave. It also holds several heavily commuted streets; Ashby Ave where Highway 13 runs through South Berkeley as well Martin Luther King Jr and Telegraph which turns into Adeline Street.

3. Physical Environment The streets are lined with homes, scattered among one to two story dwellings with a mixture of apartment buildings on flat land. Natural greenery and abundance of tree’s provide shade for sunny days. No two streets are the same. The side walks look aged with uneven pavement, some shattered. Along Telegraph there are numerous areas to sit, such as sitting stone walls as well as park benches. The heavy commuter areas create smog pots, most notable after bus traffic. Health and Social Services Within South Berkeley there is LifeLong Care, a non-profit organization providing primary care to Berkeley residents. Family, Youth, and Children’s Services (FYC) is a health center which is a collaboration of the city and community servicing Berkeley residents. And there are two major hospitals within a 5 mile radius of South Berkeley, UCSF Children’s Hospital, and Alta Bates Hospital, along with several urgent care centers.

4. Transportation Transportation is easily accessible by a variety of different ways. I observed many people using the bus service AC Transit. Ashby Ave Bart station is along Adeline Street, providing plenty of bicycle parking as well as commuter parking for either a fee per day or permit pass. Walkability is ideal provided by large sidewalks, stoplights and pedestrian islands in between the intersections. Most stop lights assist pedestrians primarily the blind with an audible alert. Along heavily traffic streets such as Ashby Ave which holds Highway 13 walkways provide guided flashing yellow alerts for drivers to stop for pedestrian traffic. Although pedestrians should take caution as the cars do not often stop because the lights are flashing. Two cars zoomed by me before the third car actually stopped for me to cross.

5. Safety The Berkeley Police department is north of South Berkeley. There is a crime view community site which reports information intended to keep the community aware of neighborhood crimes such as vandalism and break-ins. The crime rate is high with theft being the most prevalent at 599 to date. There is a visible homeless presence as well as gang activity as seen by the graffiti on numerous side streets and on buildings as well as groups of young kids congregated in front of parks and liquor stores. Although speaking to a resident he had little to no perception of the high crime rate as it had not effected them (Male resident, personal communication, October 10, 2017) Government South Berkeley’s zone is District Three. Overseen by Council member Ben Bartlett, addressing citizen concerns by providing a newsletter as well as holding town meetings. There is the Station 5 Fire Department along Shattock Ave. The Tarea Hall Pittman South Branch library is across Grove Park providing ample amount of opened hours.

6. Recreation Throughout South Berkeley there is one large park, Grove Park on Martin Luther King Drive. A large recreational field; Moellering Field is fenced and used for sports leagues associated with Berkeley High and Berkeley Technology Academy, as well as for community and recreational play throughout the week. There is a weekend flea market held in the parking lot of the Ashby Bart Station. Often offering homemade items from independent vendors which the community appreciates all the eclectic items being showcased. For South Berkeley’s aging population there is a Senior Center offering different kinds of classes throughout the week such as knitting, a computer class and daily lunches for a fee. Communication There was no firm communication outlet identified. People know there is a newspaper specific to Berkeley. Most information is communicated through word of mouth. One resident stated there use to be a corner store which acted as a news outlet by providing printed information on its walls (“Mama”, personal communication, October 10, 2017). The Senior Center has a news letter called The Nugget available online and in print at its center. There are also several online news outlets such as Berkeleyside.com, and CityofBerkeley.info

7. Residents reiterated the long and rich history which South Berkeley holds. The South Berkeley Senior Center has a history wall highlighting leaders who contributed to the community through their governing bodies as well as volunteers who helped shape the growth and culture of the area. This appreciation for history is also seen though the naming of the South Berkeley Library Branch, Tarea Hall Pittman, a civil, social, and community rights activists who was active within the community. • People share the common sentiment that having a cohesive community is very important. The feeling of belonging and having a neighbor to reach out to provides comfort and a sense of family. Knowing their neighbors provides an opportunity for outreach, communication and safety. • The community is open to positive growth and opportunities within the area. Residents acknowledged the increase in commerce providing job opportunities. The renovations of several community areas such as the senior center, the library and currently in process the Grove Park area provides the opportunity for residents to gather creating community connections.

8. Public Health Concern #1 • Although South Berkeley provides several community areas for recreational use such as The Martin Luther King Jr. Youth and Services Center, along with the Senior Center and a YMCA. Most facilities are for indoor use. Parks are scares. Grove Park, the one large area is currently under construction with renovations to add a tennis and basketball court to the already completed baseball field. Though a sign outside the construction site estimated the duration to be five months with the start date noted back to July 2016. Moellering Field is primarily used for structured sports leagues and is available to the public when a game is not occurring. There were two small play structures primarily for ages five and younger attached to The Martin Luther King Jr. Youth and Services Center, but was not noted as a park on an areal map. • The lack of accessible outdoor activity areas does not promote physical activity, providing a more sedimentary lifestyle which could cause further health issues. Primary and secondary prevention can be assessed by providing areas where physical activity can take place. Creating a healthier community by providing age appropriate play structures, ample amount of greenery for non-league sports use and providing running/walking trails would improve cardiovascular health. Promoting community involvement through outdoor walking excursions, running clubs and youth and toddler playdates are several activities which would encourage a healthier lifestyle.

9. Public Health Concern #2 • The make up of numerous neighborhoods is a mixture of old and renovations of older homes. The older homes are un-kept with overgrown brush. With the close proximity of the homes as well as scattered brush this can put the neighborhood at high risk for fire danger. Upon further assessment and interactions with people the risk of house fires was not an issue they were aware or educated on. • Primary prevention can be provided through assessments of fire safety such as whether people have working fire alarms, presence of a fire extinguisher and appropriate use. Also knowing where resources are available to help support or provide needs before, during and after a home fire.

10. Public Health Concern #3 • The visible increase in the homeless population is concerning due to the health risk these individuals hold. This population is at an increase risk for exposure and spread of communicable diseases such as tuberculosis (TB) and hepatitis due to unsanitary living and or environmental hazards, which can be spread to the general population. • Attributing factors to homelessness may be due to lack of resources, length of time on the streets and acute on chronic health conditions which could be exacerbated by a mental health component. Primary prevention through health education by teaching this population how to practice and prevent the spread of germs and diseases, through proper hand washing and or being able to recognize unsafe environments. Secondary prevention can be provided through free health clinics geared towards preventing the spread of diseases through vaccinations, flu shots during flu season and assessing their current health care needs. Also by providing clean cloths, sanitary items, and further resources such as homeless shelters, daily meals, and other available health agencies.

11. References http://www.bart.gov/stations/ashb http://www.berkeleyfleamarket.com/home.html http://www.berkeleyside.com https://www.berkeleypubliclibrary.org/locations/tarea-hall-pittman-south-branch http://www.berkeleyschools.net/departments/facilities/current-construction-projects/derby-field/ http://www.city-data.com/neighborhood/South-Berkeley-Berkeley-CA.html https://www.cityofberkeley.info/council3/ https://www.cityofberkeley.info/Health_Human_Services/Mental_Health/Family,_Youth_and_Children’s_Services_(FYC).aspx https://www.cityofberkeley.info/uploadedFiles/Health_Human_Services/Level_3__Division_on_Ageing/_Nugget_OCTOBER%202017_WEB.pdf https://www.cityofberkeley.info/uploadedFiles/Public_Works/Level_3_-_Bids_-_Contracts/10959.Grove%20Park.ProjectSign.pdf

12. References (cont) https://www.google.com/maps/place/South+Berkeley,+Berkeley,+CA/@37.8557034,-122.278508,15z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x80857e8137ab0fd1:0xd85306a3680203e4!8m2!3d37.8604881!4d-122.2710602 http://www.lifelongmedical.org http://www.redcross.org/about-us/our-work/disaster-relief http://www.redcross.org/about-us/our-work/military-families https://www.trulia.com/real_estate/South_Berkeley-Berkeley/535/crime