Berkeley’s plastic bag ban could get a whole lot tougher
Plastic bags in the produce aisle and thicker bags for groceries and takeout would be banned under a proposal in its early stages.
Kate Harrison
Top Stories
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.
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.
Recent stories
Berkeley police will track, share more use-of-force data under new rules
Berkeley officials voted early Friday morning to adopt an updated use-of-force policy for police that will expand what types of force officers track and report, and how they make this information available to the public.
Berkeley pares $9.3M from police budget amid clamor for reform
The Berkeley City Council shifted more than $9 million out of the police department budget Tuesday night to help pay for a range of reforms called for by community members and city officials alike in recent weeks.
Renters rally against UC Berkeley’s possible attempt to evict them from rent-controlled building
Cal is buying 1921 Walnut St. and may tear it down to make way for a student housing complex that can hold 850 to 1,000 students.
Council may require developers to build low-income units in ‘opportunity zones’
Council was set to vote on whether to require developers to include affordable housing units in their projects downtown and in parts of South and West Berkeley. The item was postponed.
Berkeley officials vote in favor of sanctioned homeless camp pilot program
A Berkeley City Council majority voted yes Tuesday night to the idea of a sanctioned homeless camp pilot program, location to be determined, and have asked city staff to figure out the details and report back.
City seeks input on plan for homeless camps under overpass, elsewhere
Officials have put forward a proposal for a homeless camp, for up to 120 tents, that could be located below the University Avenue overpass. Council is set to vote Tuesday and the city has asked for public input.
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.
California Restaurant Association sues Berkeley over natural gas ban
The California Restaurant Association filed a lawsuit against the city of Berkeley in federal court Thursday over its decision in July to ban natural gas in many new buildings.
Berkeley first city in California to ban natural gas in new buildings
The city of Berkeley will no longer allow natural gas pipes in many new buildings starting Jan. 1, 2020. It’s the first city in California to pass such a law, officials said.
