Fire season is underway: Here’s what’s new in Berkeley this year
“We know we have big challenges ahead,” Berkeley Fire Chief Abe Roman said recently. “We all have to adapt to this new normal.”
Susan Wengraf
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Hundreds of antisemitic flyers dropped in Berkeley Hills driveways
The flyers have been tied to a fringe white supremacist group. Similar flyers have been distributed across the Bay Area.
Worried about wildfires, City Council limits number of ADUs in Berkeley Hills
Critics say the move won’t make the Berkeley Hills safer during a wildfire, but will block new housing from wealthy neighborhoods.
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New street paving policy could create ‘Equity Zone’ with priority for repairs
The plan would shift much of the city’s spending from major corridors to neighborhood streets, with a focus on West and South Berkeley.
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?
Berkeley parents ask for safer streets after fatal crash near Cragmont school
Many Cragmont families saw the collision, which happened on the afternoon of May 11 at Marin and Santa Barbara Road as children were getting out of class.
In Berkeley Hills council race, wildfires, housing and disaster response are the hot topics
Incumbent Susan Wengraf and challenger Richard Illgen both have decades of experience, but differ on the best approaches to address Berkeley’s challenges.
City, community groups protest UC Berkeley’s plan to update long-range plan in middle of pandemic
Critics say the university should postpone plans until the COVID-19 crisis is over. UC Berkeley officials say the law requires the school to proceed now.
Downtown Berkeley Harold Way deal for 18 stories, 300 units is officially over
The city has decided not to grant developer Hill Street Realty more time to secure financing for the 18-story Berkeley Plaza project on Harold Way.
Berkeley council split over $11M Measure P budget, new outdoor homeless camp
Last week, officials voted to spend about $11 million in tax revenue on new and existing services to address homelessness, including an RV parking program and an outdoor homeless shelter for up to 50 people.
Former Berkeley school to become 50,000-square-foot home, artist colony
Neighbors are pleased a Finnish tech entrepreneur-turned-artist is improving the site, but some are worried about continued public access.
The Berkeley Hills are kindling: City takes steps to tackle wildfire danger
A resolution approved by the Berkeley City Council will influence future funding to prioritize vegetation removal, clearing pathways and other prevention measures.
