Berkeley Unified considering 20% fee increase for after-school program amid budget woes
The district removed after-care coordinators from its layoff list, but now must find new revenue to support the popular program.
At Berkeley bakery staffed by Ukrainian refugees, news alerts chime as much as oven timers
At Outbaking, which exclusively makes rugelach and began in 2023 as a way to support those fleeing the war with Russia, news alerts chime as much as oven timers.
latest NEWS
City
Berkeley could pull money from affordable housing to balance budget deficit
Critics warn the budget maneuver would violate the trust of voters who passed Measure U1, a 2016 tax pitched as a funding source for affordable housing.
Fire at BART’s San Leandro station causes service disruptions across the East Bay
Trains were halted in much of the East Bay and South Bay on Tuesday morning, marking the system’s second major service disruption this month.
Berkeley to close Cesar Chavez Park Tuesday and Wednesday as a drone tests for methane leaks
The city was fined last year for air quality violations related to methane leaks at the former landfill. Other parts of the Marina will be closed for short periods Wednesday and Thursday.
Cracking down on fare jumpers didn’t make BART safer or increase revenue, report finds
The Center for Policing Equity partnered with BART to produce a report that’s skeptical of the agency’s claims.
Crime & safety
South Berkeley fatal shooting leads to probation sentence
A judge had already thrown out a murder charge against the shooter in the killing on Adeline Street last August, determining the man had acted in self-defense.
schools
BUSD avoids mass layoffs, but tough budget decisions ahead
Over 160 layoff notices were rescinded following strong community opposition. But district leaders still need to close a nearly $8 million budget deficit by June.
Housing & Development
Update: Berkeley gives Ohlone Park campers 2 weeks to leave
Ohlone Park is just the latest stop in the itinerant lives of many unhoused people. Neighbors have complained of noise and trash and at least one especially concerning camp resident.
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ARTS
Berkeley-born drag superstar ready to sashay into Berkeley Rep for her ‘Big Reveal’
Sasha Velour brings a new show full of drag history and family stories to Berkeley Rep next month.
Business
Berkeley shop that exclusively sold high-end dog collars has padded off to Tennessee
The bulk of Paco Collars’ sales came not from its “rinky-dink” Shattuck Avenue storefront, but from competitions and trade shows outside California. Founder Ana Poe moved east with dogs and goats in tow.
Community
Berkeley WWII veteran, 99, helped liberate Nazi concentration camp. Now he warns of fascism in U.S.
Eight decades after the end of World War II, longtime Cal engineering professor George Leitmann says he’s unsettled that “large parts of the population support fascist ideas.”
Nature
The East Bay Regional Park District wants your input on the future of its parks
A public survey about the next district plan is available through the end of July.
Berkeley Wire: EBMUD considers rate hike; Cal’s Moffitt Library closed ’til fall 2026
Also: A driver was stabbed in the head by a electric skateboard rider in the Berkeley Hills, police say.
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Opinion
Opinion: Berkeley should save the historic UA Theater
A developer plans to demolish almost the entire 93-year-old United Artists theater. Do we, as a community, want to let this happen?
Berkeley Law faculty: The rule of law is under threat
Over 90 faculty members at UC Berkeley Law signed an open letter condemning efforts to undermine basic legal norms.
Opinion: Construction compromises safe access to Longfellow Middle School
The students and staff at Longfellow have adjusted to a new site after the old one was deemed unsafe. Now, their safety is again at risk due to construction that will create hazards for those who walk and bike to school.
Opinion: There are too many pedestrian deaths in Berkeley, including in my neighborhood
Two pedestrian deaths in a little over two months in my neighborhood were shocking. They should compel the city to do even more to ensure that collisions like these don’t happen.
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