The biggest news of the past week concerned the devastating fire that destroyed the historic Sequoia Building on Telegraph and Haste. Not only did 68 people lose their homes, but three restaurants were destroyed and the ripple impact of the blaze was felt by businesses all along Telegraph Avenue. On top of that, on Friday came the news that the Andronico’s further down Telegraph will soon close.
Berkeleyside’s story on Nathan Simmons, the former Berkeley High school president who went to Harvard, left, became a rapper, and was arrested in late October on charges of burglary and attempted rape drew many comments. Some readers felt it was unfair to publicize this case in Simmons’ hometown because he has only been charged, not convicted, of any crimes. Others criticized the headline which said the rapper “tumbled.” They thought that was too soft on the 26-year old.
And in what is just another typical week for Berkeley, there were a few stories that showed the richness of our town, including a feature on Andre Green, the food services coordinator for the Berkeley Food & Housing Project, a story on Berkeleyans scouting for birds at Aquatic Park, and the Berkeleyside editors’ A to Z things we are thankful for in Berkeley. (Please add your own in the comments.)
We hope you are thankful for Berkeleyside, which does its part in keeping residents informed about what is going on in town. Please show your thanks by making a donation or subscribing. Your support will help us continue for another year. For all of you who already support us, thank you.
Photo by A Ess Bee/Berkeleyside Flickr pool.
