Flash-bangs, launchers: BPD brought out specialized gear less often in 2023, but used it more
The fluctuations took place as crime rates rose year-to-year and the department condensed its beat structure in the middle of 2023.
Lanes, sidewalks on San Pablo Ave. to close amid disability access upgrades
The work will happen in phases in Berkeley and Albany. Caltrans said it will put up signs to direct pedestrians and motorists where and when sidewalks and parking will be affected.
latest stories
Oakland’s Cafe Noir is cooking up big things in a tight space
The French-style bistro with a “soulful twist” operates out of a small but busy kitchen that also handles catering and large-scale contracts.
Kids conquer obstacles at Richmond’s ‘ninja’ gym
Traverse Fitness offers classes and camps for kids, as well as training for adults.
Berkeley hires Vallejo official as new Public Works director
Terrance Davis, assistant city manager of Vallejo, will oversee a $189 million budget and over 350 employees who work on the city’s streets, sewers, pipes and infrastructure.
Gusty winds, thunderstorms possible in Berkeley this weekend
Wind gusts of up to 45 mph are possible in the Berkeley Hills on Friday
In-N-Out departs Oakland, Roya Afghan to close this weekend
A running list of restaurants that have recently closed in Berkeley, Oakland and beyond.
Around Berkeley: Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Bioneers conference, spring egg hunt
Other events include a low tide walk at the Berkeley Marina, dance party with stick puppets and a concert by The Alaya Project
Bay Area legend Carol Doda gets her own documentary
The topless dancer parlayed a career waiting tables in San Francisco to world fame.
BUSD reparations survey finds support for educational payments, curriculum changes
The survey results will inform the creation of a possible program in the Berkeley public schools to offer reparations to Black students for the legacy of racism and segregation stemming from chattel slavery in the U.S.
City
Horse racing fans may still have a place to go after closure of Golden Gate Fields in Berkeley
Last week, the California Horse Racing Board allocated 26 dates this fall to the Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton.
Wildflower season has arrived: here’s where to enjoy the blooms in the East Bay and beyond
California’s wildflower season peaks from mid-March to May and the Bay Area has several notable parks where you can find them.
Funny and fast-paced, ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ inspires love and harmony
Featuring a multi-tier, colorful set and a mix of period and modern costumes, Shotgun Players’ Berkeley production is imaginative and cheerful.
Berkeley voters could face dueling rent measures in November
If they gain enough signatures, the “Renters Relief & Homeowners Protection Act” and “Berkeley Tenant Protection and Right to Organize Act” would both appear on the ballot.
Crime & safety
The 2024 Berkeley gunfire map
Berkeley and university police had investigated at least nine shooting incidents in the 2024 calendar year as of March 27. At least five people had been wounded.
schools
A debate over Israel-Palestine curriculum flares at Berkeley schools
Berkeleyside reviewed a series of lessons on Israel-Palestine taught at Berkeley High. Here’s what they said.
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ARTS
Berkeley’s Freight & Salvage attempts to bounce back after nearly $1M deficit
The folk and traditional music venue is hoping to draw younger and more diverse audiences as it battles soaring costs.
Business
Some Berkeleyans may lose landlines if AT&T clears regulatory hurdle
AT&T wants to abandon much of its landline telephone network, but some residents in the hills say that’s their only reliable means of communication.
Community
UC Berkeley falcons Annie and Archie welcome four eggs to their nest
This year’s eggs — Annie has raised young on the tower each year since 2016 — arrived about two days and four hours apart.
Nature
What a mountain lion attack in Washington can tell Berkeley residents about conservation and safety
Mountain lion attacks are extremely rare in California. Researchers share tips on staying safe — and helping to protect these magnificent animals.
Berkeley Wire
News about Berkeley from around the web.
Share your photos with us on Flickr and we may feature them on Berkeleyside.
Opinion
Opinion: The housing preservation measure that may prevent housing
The demolition ordinance be heard before the Berkeley City Council meeting on Tuesday, March 26.
Opinion: Cecilia Lunaparra is the student champion we need in Berkeley’s District 7
Lunaparra revolutionized student engagement in local politics. Now she’s taking that revolution to the ballot box.
Opinion: Now is the time for reparations in Berkeley schools
The task force will present the survey results at a community engagement event at 5:30 p.m. Monday, March 25, in the BUSD board room.
Opinion: Our obligation is to animals in Berkeley’s shelter
At Berkeley Animal Care Services, the city’s open-admissions shelter, the stream of incoming animals is unending.
How we work
7 ways Berkeleyside can help you
We can help you tell your story, remember your loved one or spread the word about your events. And there are a few ways you can help us, too.
We’ve made a few changes to Berkeleyside comments
We’ve shortened the commenting window, removed downvotes and made a few other adjustments to improve the quality of discussion on Berkeleyside.
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Berkeleyside’s approach to public safety reporting
Our goal is to keep the Berkeley community informed of incidents that may impact their safety while focusing on explanatory and accountability reporting.

