Tragedy in Berkeley

The Flaneur just passed by the location where

a balcony collapsed early morning on Tuesday
killing six young people five from Eire

 1.

Mourning

Representatives of Ireland and of the Irish-American community

Laid wreathes with the Irish flag Wednesday night

Catholic prayers were said by a large turn-out of mourners

 I known a number of young Irish residents of the Bay area over the years,

They are usually funny, sweet, and attractive,
and yes, they like having the craic

 I looked at the photographs on the shrine for only a few seconds.

 Stopped a short distance away and made the sign of the cross 

To pray for their souls 

To pray for their poor sad families, almost weeping myself

 2.

Aftermath

Library Gardens

Last night I heard on KPFA radio that the builders immediately sold it 

To an absentee investor who hired another firm to manage the building,

I saw it built from the clear vantage point of the windows of the Library .

Like a lot of contemporary construction, it looked flimsy to me

Like they were using pressed-board, plywood, and matchsticks,
A high rate of tenant complaints to the housing office is reported

18 June 2015