Berkeley approves union contracts, pay agreements affecting over 900 city workers
The City Council approved deals with three of the unions representing Berkeley workers.
City
Top Stories
Berkeley and 7 Bay Area counties mandate mask use as of Tuesday, Aug. 3
Everyone in Berkeley, Alameda County, and in six other Bay Area counties must wear a face covering whenever they gather indoors starting at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday morning.
In brief
One of Berkeley’s ‘worst streets’ is set for repaving
Work will start in mid-August on a $6.2 million project improving University Avenue and other roads at the Berkeley Marina.
City budget
Berkeley, SEIU 1021 are back at the table Tuesday to work on labor deal
The city’s contract with the union expired at the end of June, but both sides have continued to work toward an agreement.
Berkeley firefighters get $12.7M to tackle growing wildfire threat
Measure FF funds will allow the fire department to prepare for wildfires, and hire and train more staff.
Mayor’s budget puts focus on cleaner Berkeley streets, climate equity
The mayor’s proposals are just one small piece of the city’s overall $600 million budget for the upcoming fiscal year.
Labor negotiations are public for the first time after push from SEIU 1021
The union’s contract is set to expire this weekend, with the final bargaining session scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday. Here’s how to tune in.
Coronavirus
In brief
Berkeley, Bay Area health officers recommend mask use indoors amid rising COVID-19 cases
The mask recommendation applies to both vaccinated and unvaccinated residents in an effort to prevent COVID-19 virus spread among all groups.
In brief
Berkeley’s mass vaccination site at Golden Gate Fields closes after 4 months
People in Berkeley who still want to get a vaccine can do so at the West Berkeley site, 1701 San Pablo Ave., which is open Tuesday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
A free online camp? UC Berkeley students create a winner
UC Berkeley students Danielle Egan and Saumya Goyal launched Connect-In-Place and were overwhelmed by the response they received.
So long, social distancing: What ‘back to normal’ day was like in Berkeley
With the mask mandate lifted, businesses are weighing employee and customer safety in deciding new rules.
Housing
Spenger’s development can proceed on site of Ohlone shellmound, court rules
The decision by the California Supreme Court means a 260-unit complex with 130 units of affordable housing can proceed on the contested Ohlone land.
UC Berkeley will explore moving 8-unit rent-controlled building as part of $82.6M settlement
The university will also pay $920,000 into the city’s Housing Trust Fund as recompense for the structure.
Neighborhood groups are still battling UC Berkeley to cap enrollment and build more beds
Even though the city of Berkeley has reached a settlement, others are fighting the university in court.
UC Berkeley must review impact of student enrollment increase, judge rules
The ruling comes as the city and Berkeley are nearing an agreement on issues surrounding payments, housing, and enrollment.
Homelessness
New West Berkeley homeless shelter opens as city emerges from COVID-19 pandemic
The Grayson shelter has space for about 50 people, and organizers hope it will be a warm, transitional space, rather than a permanent home.
Berkeley looks at $7M earmark for expanded mental health services
Most of the money is for a new Specialized Care Unit that would respond instead of armed police to people in crisis.
New West Berkeley 24-hour emergency homeless shelter to open July 1
Dorothy Day House will operate the emergency city homeless shelter from July 1 until September 2022.
Berkeley emergency homeless shelter closes for the season, relocates some residents
The BESS ran from November to April this year, and remained open 24 hours a day with reduced capacity.
Transportation
Dana Street redesign to add protected bike track, cut car lane near UC Berkeley
It could be the first of several street changes in the Southside neighborhood to benefit pedestrians, bicyclists and public transit riders.
More buses returning to Ashby Avenue; other Berkeley transit cuts likely to linger
AC Transit will restore bus service on Ashby next March by extending Line 79. New federal money is expected to help keep the agency afloat as it plans major changes to its network by August 2022.
Plans firm up to remove police from traffic stops, but it’s a long road ahead
State law does not currently allow civilian traffic enforcement, but Berkeley is working to change that.
Berkeley’s plans to make Dwight and California safer get mixed reviews
The city is exploring two options — a median or flashing lights — to allow people on California Street, which is a “bike boulevard,” to safely cross Dwight Way.
Berkeley City Council
Look up your council district. See the Berkeley City Council roster. Review council meeting agendas.
In brief
Berkeley could make city-provided meals vegan, but questions abound
The resolution would apply at city facilities such as the jail, senior centers and youth programs, among other possible venues.
Berkeleyside hires Nico Savidge as senior reporter
The award-winning reporter will cover City Hall. He comes from the Mercury News where he covered more than two dozen transportation agencies.
Neighborhood groups sue to stop Berkeley’s $83M settlement with Cal
Voting in closed session and then not reporting it is a violation of California’s open meeting laws, the groups contend.
Recent stories
A running list of East Bay bars and restaurants that require proof of vaccination
Every East Bay restaurant and bar that requires vaccination proof, negative testing, or other COVID-19 protections.
Berkeleyside’s wildfire guide: Everything you need to know to prepare for and survive wildfires
Preparation advice, evacuation guidance and answers to your questions about air quality, power outages and defending your property.
In brief
Berkeley deputy city manager David White leaving for top role in Santa Monica
White will become city manager for Santa Monica, which has a population of about 90,000 people.
East Bay health experts worry about delta variant as the vaccination campaign continues
COVID-19 infections are increasing in Berkeley and Alameda County, including in long-term care facilities.
