Novartis to cut 2500 Jobs Globally, No Cuts for Emeryville

Novartis plans to cut their global work force by 2500 jobs to save $1.6 billion. Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics division in Emeryville and the bulk drug manufacturing facility in Vacaville will be unaffected.

Berkeley hopes to restore its downtown to life... like Emeryville

I just read this article in the San Francisco Chronicle about Berkeley's plan to revitalize it's downtown core, near Shattuck and University, where "Shuttered businesses dot the streets like tumbleweeds in a ghost town".

And the best excerpt from the article:

"Berkeley's downtown plan has resulted in a wonderful, vibrant, mixed-use community. It's called Emeryville," said Will Travis, chairman of the city committee charged with revitalizing the beleaguered commercial district around Shattuck and University avenues.

EUSD Board of Trustees' Roles and Responsibilities

The Emery Unified School District is pleased to announce new roles and responsibilities for the members of our Board of Trustees that were agreed upon at their regular meeting on Wednesday, December 5, 2007. Effective immediately, the members have assumed their new positions as follows:

• President - Joshua Simon
• Vice President - Kurt Brinkman
• Clerk - Melodi Dice
• County Representative - Miguel Dwin
• Board Member - Cheryl Webb

We are thankful for their continuing efforts on behalf of our students and the Emeryville community!

In Service,

Wanda L.Stewart
Public Information Exchange Officer
Emery Unified School District

Gingerbread House Parties at Arizmendi Bakery

Arizmendi's is hosting their third annual Gingerbread House Parties on the following dates:

Monday, December 10th from 5-7 PM and

Sunday, December 16th from 6:30-8:30 PM.

Gingerbread, frosting, and some candy decorations will be provided, but all house-builders are encouraged to bring their own decorations for sharing. Space is limited, so drop by the bakery to reserve a spot at these popular events. The cost is $10 per house and can be paid at the door; there will also be some light refreshments for sale. Be sure to bring your children of all ages (and don’t forget that inner child as well).
FYI - Arizmendi is a worker owned collective associated with Berkeley's Cheese Board.

ARIZMENDI EMERYVILLE BAKERY & PIZZERIA
4301 San Pablo Ave., Emeryville, CA
Hours: Mon 7-3, Tues-Fri 7-7, Sat 8-7, Sun 8-6
www.arizmendi-bakery.org ~ (510) 547-0550

Future Pedestrian/Bike Bridge to Bay Street - Community Mtg., Thurs., 7 p.m.

Dear Emeryville neighbors,
Come to a community meeting to learn about the future pedestrian/bike bridge to Bay Street, and share your ideas:

Thursday, December 6th, 7 to 9 p.m.
Novartis Auditorium
1450 53rd Street

Secure bicycle parking will be available on 53rd Street. Vehicle parking will be available in the Novartis parking garage on Horton Street. To request special accommodation, please contact Ignacio Dayrit, project manager, City of Emeryville, 596-4356:
idayrit@ci.emeryville.ca.us

For at least twenty years, the city has intended to construct a
pedestrian/bike bridge across the railroad tracks in the area where the Bay Street shopping center is currently located. Now, we are finally moving forward to design the bridge.

The city council formed a committee to guide the design process. More information about the committee's work is available at the following:

http://www.ci.emeryville.ca.us/econdev/sbpedbikebridge.html

The meeting on Thursday will be the first of several community meetings that will be held as part of the process in designing the bridge. Please come!

Posted by: John Fricke

City of Emeryville Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) has Vacancies

The City of Emeryville Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) has vacancies, which will be filled in early December 2007. The BPAC meets monthly, currently on the first Monday, with city staff and police, to advise on policy and projects. The Emeryville BPAC has exceptionally close access to city staff.

What does a Pedestrian/Bicycle Advisory Committee Do?

• Review projects and questions placed before us by City Council and Staff.
• Seek out and comment on project plans in the public process.
• Establish a relationship with City Council and Staff.
• Articulate a vision for the community. Act as ambassadors for bike/ped issues.
• Monitor regional plans and goals, for consistency with local plans and goals.
• Monitor implementation of promised improvements.

While upholding high standards of ethics, civility, and respect for due process. Membership is open to Emeryville residents, and representative commuters.

To apply, contact: pschultze-allen@ci.emeryville.ca.us

Posted by: Bryce Nesbitt Outgoing chair, Emeryville BPAC

Emery Go Round - Emeryville's Free Bus Service

If you live in Emeryville, you're probably in the know about the Emery Go Round, the  free bus/shuttle service that will get you to and from BART or Amtrak and all around Emeryville. This great service is available for free to anyone whether you are living or visiting Emeryville. Want to go shopping on Bay Street? Catch the BART to MacArthur station, then jump on the Emery Go Round and it will take you straight there. Just look for for the big yellow and purple buses. You can't miss them.

The Emery Go Round is a free shuttle to Emeryville California from MacArthur BART and Emeryville Amtrak train stations. Buses run every day, with a frequency of 10-12 minutes during weekday commute hours.

Each of our vehicles is equipped with a satellite tracking unit. You can view the location of each vehicle on a live map, or get computerized arrival estimates.