No more free parking? City could charge for spots in much of Elmwood, Southside
Berkeley’s solution to the “shuffle” of drivers moving their cars every two hours is getting pushback from some businesses and residents.
Nico Savidge
Nico Savidge joined Berkeleyside in 2021 as a senior reporter covering city hall. Born and raised in Berkeley, he got his start in journalism at Youth Radio as a high-schooler in the mid-2000s. Since then, he has covered transportation, law enforcement, education and college sports for the San Jose Mercury News, EdSource, the Wisconsin State Journal, The Janesville Gazette and The Daily Cardinal. A graduate of Berkeley High School and the University of Wisconsin-Madison, he now lives in Oakland with his wife and dog.
Articles by Nico Savidge
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Berkeley leaders call for change after study finds ‘shocking’ disparities in city contracting
Firms owned by people of color and women lost out on millions as contracts flowed disproportionately to white men, a report found.
In brief
Almost half of Berkeley kids 5-11 have gotten COVID-19 vaccine, city says
About 3,000 Berkeley 5- to 11-year-olds — 48.5% of the age group — were partially vaccinated as of Thursday.
Here’s what the Biden infrastructure bill could mean for Berkeley
The $1.2 trillion bill could fund a faster BART commute and repair Bay Area bridges — but don’t expect it to fix Berkeley’s potholes.
Council approves 28% pay raise for city manager
Seven other officials will get salary bumps too. City officials contend the raises bring top Berkeley leaders’ pay in line with what other local governments offer.
Number of unvaccinated city workers still unclear as deadline approaches
At least 80% of Berkeley’s city workers are fully vaccinated, based on limited data released Wednesday.
New push for Telegraph bus lane seen as step toward car-free future
Officials are considering plans to redesign four busy streets near UC Berkeley. City leaders rejected an effort to add bus lanes to Telegraph more than a decade ago.
Walgreens to close Southwest Berkeley location Nov. 17
“It’s going to have a serious impact, especially on low-income folks,” Councilmember Terry Taplin said.
Parking vs. bike lanes: Berkeley’s Hopkins Street faces a stark choice
One plan would replace much of the corridor’s parking with protected bike lanes. Another would keep parking, but leave bicyclists vulnerable.
Berkeley to loosen mask mandate for vaccinated people in limited settings
Offices, gyms and more could soon drop face-covering requirements — but only if they follow strict guidelines.
2-story backyard homes approved in Berkeley flats; rules in hills will take more study
Homeowners outside the hills could get quick approval for accessory dwelling units up to 20 feet tall under new regulations.
Update: Storm dumped nearly 9 inches of rain in Berkeley Hills over weekend
Gauges near Ohlone and Strawberry Creek parks also totaled over 7 inches, taking into account rain that fell Saturday evening and Sunday morning.
City grapples with housing crisis, fire danger as it writes rules for ADUs in hills
New state laws require swift approval for many ADU projects. Should those rules be more strict in areas facing wildfire risk?
Apartment building could rise at former site of Albatross Pub
The proposed 44-unit project aims to take advantage of Berkeley’s move to eliminate parking requirements at new apartment buildings.
California Theatre closing: Landmark won’t reopen Berkeley’s movie palace
Landmark Theatres is vacating the century-old theater. One of downtown’s most distinctive buildings now faces an uncertain future.
Bayer, city agree on $33M community benefits package tied to big expansion
The benefits are part of a broader 30-year development agreement for a major expansion at Bayer’s West Berkeley campus.
