Anti-Asian harassment widespread in Berkeley, survey suggests
Twice as many Asians and Asian Americans in Berkeley have reported physical attacks during the pandemic, according to preliminary results of a new survey.
City
Top Stories
Teens built secret mountain bike course. Now they’re rallying to save ‘The Jumps.’
The city said the unauthorized course would be removed, but demolition has been postponed at Councilmember Susan Wengraf’s request.
Coronavirus
Why are some Berkeley ZIP codes getting COVID-19 vaccines faster?
Income, politics and systemic racism in health care are all factors, experts say.
Pfizer’s vaccine is now approved for kids as young as 12. Here’s what you need to know.
The FDA has given Pfizer emergency authorization so preteens can get vaccinated against COVID-19.
In brief
Berkeley COVID-19 vaccines available without appointments
No appointment is needed for a one- or two-shot COVID-19 vaccine at the Bayer site in West Berkeley. Drop-ins are also open at Golden Gate Fields.
Families can hug again at Berkeley care facilities
As California virus rates improve, lockdown restrictions are easing in group living settings.
Housing
City looking for feedback on electrification blueprint
The meeting drew about 100 people who raised concerns about equity and affordability.
In historic vote, Berkeley puts $53M toward affordable housing at BART
It is the single largest investment in affordable housing Berkeley has made, the mayor said Tuesday night.
Berkeley issues scathing response to Cal’s long-range plan; calls for it to be redone
UC Berkeley wants to add 12,000 people to its campus in the next 15 years and build 8 million square feet of housing, research space and parking.
Berkeley real estate is in a pandemic rise to the stratosphere
The cost of Berkeley homes has surged in the past year, and the median price, by at least one measure, has now surpassed that of San Francisco. Why?
Homelessness
Berkeley mobile clinic offers COVID-19 vaccines at shelters, People’s Park
Several people who received a single-dose vaccine Thursday at People’s Park said they felt relieved to be fully vaccinated.
Alameda County decides not to count homeless population this year
COVID-19 risks have prompted a year-long delay in the point-in-time homeless count, a “crucial data source.”
In brief
Alameda County program aims to match landlords with people transitioning out of homelessness
Berkeley says the initiative means property owners can receive a stable rental income while supporting the health of the community.
Memorial for Berkeley ‘warriors no longer with us’ highlights strain of pandemic, weather on the unhoused
A coalition of advocates for Berkeley’s homeless community gathered online to sing, pray and demand justice for the unhoused people.
Transportation
Hate the Gilman interchange? Safer routes are on the way
Caltrans will begin work in May to install two new roundabouts and a new pedestrian/bike bridge at what some call the “most dysfunctional intersection in the country.”
Berkeley votes to limit low-level traffic stops to reduce policing disparities
Officers will focus on investigative stops and pulling over dangerous drivers rather than “random observations of minor equipment violations,” Police Chief Andrew Greenwood said.
Interested in plans for housing at BART? Take these surveys by Feb. 22
The city is collecting community input on affordable housing, land use, building form and public space as part of the public process around plans to build housing at BART.
Berkeley overhauls off-street parking with an eye toward greener future
“I know this is scary for people,” said Councilmember Kate Harrison. “It’s a change. But it’s a change I feel we have to make.”
Berkeley City Council
Look up your council district. See the Berkeley City Council roster. Review council meeting agendas.
Berkeley leaders demand more data about ‘militaristic’ police equipment
Data about where police use rifles, launchers and other “controlled” equipment will now be public. Officials said it’s a matter of racial justice.
Police should track mental health, homeless calls better, new audit says
The 80-page analysis — the first known assessment of its kind — was published Thursday by city auditor Jenny Wong.
FAA abandons plans to reroute flight patterns over Berkeley
The announcement came during a public meeting about Oakland and San Francisco airport noise.
Recent stories
Berkeley Rose Garden opens in time for Mother’s Day
The historic garden, which fell into disrepair, was restored to glory through various tax measures and the general fund.
In brief
Update: Berkeley Hills red flag warning extended to Tuesday
Dry, gusty conditions are combining to increase wildfire risk in the Berkeley and East Bay hills.
In brief
Kaiser medical office building opens in West Berkeley. Here’s what it looks like inside.
Medical services include adult and family medicine, OBGYN and pediatrics.
