Berkeley reports first omicron COVID-19 case; Alameda County has 11 more
The city of Berkeley released this statement Friday just after 5:30 p.m. Officials said there would be no further comment.
City
Top Stories
Street projects at North Berkeley BART aim to make walking, biking safer
A new stoplight at Virginia and Sacramento streets will soon be joined by other changes around the station.
Berkeley ends its ‘Healthy Streets’ road barrier program
The city closed 4.2 miles of Berkeley roads to cars during the pandemic. The city manager says lessons from the program will inform a future bike plan.
City budget
Berkeley ponders paid parking to aid cash-strapped Marina Fund
One council member called paid parking “a no-brainer” and others said it would align with the city’s climate goals.
Council seeks $15M state earmark to help revive Berkeley Marina
The marina has $113 million in unfunded infrastructure needs.
Officials vow to increase police staffing, with available officers at historic low
The pledge came amid a lengthy discussion on the annual crime report, use-of-force and police stop data, traffic collision statistics and more.
Officials say security cameras could help curtail gun violence in West Berkeley
Some community members say the cameras will turn Berkeley into a “surveillance city” while others say they are sick of the violence.
Coronavirus
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.
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.
I got my COVID-19 booster at a Berkeley Walgreens. Here’s how to get yours.
Eligible Berkeleyans can get their booster shot at local pharmacies, walk-up clinics or private health care providers.
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.
Housing & Development
Council approves $33M Bayer development agreement
The deal paves the way for a building boom at the Bayer campus in West Berkeley, which could add 1,000 new jobs.
Berkeley rent board appoints DéSeana Williams as new executive director
Williams will make a starting salary of $200,366 on an initial three-year contract.
Planning Commission on BART housing: 7 stories is not enough
The EIR comment period runs through Dec. 1. Learn how to weigh in.
After failed landmarking, Berryman triplex to become 4-story townhouses
The home was built 132 years ago but wasn’t deemed worthy of landmark status.
Homelessness
Berkeley parking law will force RV dwellers to move on
The new parking law allows vehicles a four-hour time limit, which would force unhoused people to find other spaces to park.
Alameda County gears up for major homeless count
Canceled last year for COVID-19 safety concerns, this year’s Point-in-Time assessment “counts more” than any before it, organizers say.
With $6.6M grant, homeless youth in Alameda County will design programs for their community
Young unhoused people in Berkeley and surrounding cities will lead the decision-making process about how to use the federal grant.
Grayson Street proposal could add to West Berkeley’s life sciences boom
The project is planned for the site of Berkeley’s Grayson Street homeless shelter. City officials have long known the site was only temporary.
Transportation
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.
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.
City’s transportation czar is back to work after driver hit him head-on while biking
Farid Javandel sustained a sprained wrist but was otherwise largely OK: “I got up and walked away from it. I feel pretty fortunate in that regard.”
Electric scooters, e-bike rentals finally get green light in Berkeley
Micromobility rentals could start later this year after the city approved a set of long-delayed regulations for the industry.
Berkeley City Council
Look up your council district. See the Berkeley City Council roster. Review council meeting agendas.
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
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.
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.
Related stories
Berkeley Marina hotel workers seek union contract
Hospitality workers at the DoubleTree by Hilton at the marina have been working without a contract since 2018.
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.
Brickyard construction plan raises questions about Seabreeze diner’s future
Seabreeze Market and Deli has been serving its loyal fans for decades, but a multimillion-dollar park improvement project could close it for good.
City-funded art installations aim to buck up spirits after pandemic
Berkeley has given artists and performers $200,000 in grants to create public displays that will enliven the city’s spirits.
Residents favor shifting some police duties to unarmed staff, new survey says
A city consultant asked 630 Berkeley residents for their views about public safety and transportation. Here’s what they said.
