Each Friday, Pacific Union International takes a look at the people, places, and things we’re talking about in our Bay Area neighborhoods. Here’s what caught our eye this week:
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
Artwork recently installed in a downtown Walnut Creek fountain has left some residents scratching their heads. The sculpture, entitled “Fountain Head,” is a larger-than-life fiberglass head partially submerged in a basin at the corner of North Main and Duncan. So far the community response to the work of artist Seyed Alavi has been mixed. “Fountain Head” is the second fountain to be renovated as part of a joint venture involving the city, the Downtown Business Association and Wells Fargo and Mechanics Banks.
SAN FRANCISCO
City College of San Francisco could face closure next March after a report from the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges questioned the school’s sustainability. The agency ordered CCSF to “show cause” why it should keep its accreditation. Without it, the school would be ineligible for state funding, forcing it to close.
NAPA COUNTY
In June 2010, the St. Helena Public Library was forced to reduce its hours of operation, from 52 to 49 per week, due to budget cuts and staffing limitations. After a recent community survey showed strong support for more hours, the library reconfigured its schedule and, effective July 1, a new plan increases the total hours open each week to 57.
MARIN COUNTY
This week, the San Rafael City Council approved a second boxing event in Albert Park. 51-year-old San Anselmo resident Paul Nave, will once again run the show. A former World Boxing Federation welterweight title-holder, Nave will also headline the event after losing an eight-round decision in last year’s bout. In spite of noise complaints from Albert Park neighbors last year, the city council praised the event overall. Nave intends to take steps to alleviate noise issues by pointing speakers away from nearby homes.
SONOMA COUNTY
Investigative drilling, part of the Healdsburg Memorial Bridge rehabilitation scheduled for next year, is set to begin in early August. The goal of next month’s drilling is to learn soil characteristics that will affect the design of the span’s new centerpiece and foundation. The bridge will close to cars for at least two days during this initial phase, which should be a minor interruption compared with the 18 to 24 months expected for the major work that begins next year.
ALAMEDA COUNTY
Joint efforts by the University of California Police Department, Berkeley Police Department and Albany Police Department to acquire an armored vehicle have been canceled. University administrators concluded that such a vehicle is not necessary on the campus, and Berkeley Mayor Bates said a similar vehicle could be borrowed from police in Oakland and San Francisco if it’s needed.
(“Fountain Head” image courtesy of insidebayarea.com; boxing in Albert Park image courtesy of marinij.com.)