Although Berkeley voters rejected Measure S, a controversial proposal that would have criminalized sitting on commercial sidewalks, we shouldn’t mistake it as an endorsement of inaction. The simple fact still remains: we need to address homelessness. I didn’t support Measure S, but I’m not calling it a day as many do post-election. Next Tuesday, City […]
Measure S
Posted inCity
City could face most dramatic redistricting in 27 years
A reference map of existing boundaries forms part of the redistricting packet Berkeley is seeking redistricting plans for the city’s eight council districts. Since 1986, Berkeley redistricting has been constrained to boundaries resembling the 1986 lines. After the passage of Measure R in November, those geographic constraints have been removed. Redistricting plans must be submitted […]
Posted inCommunity
Has it gotten harder to be homeless in Berkeley?
New policies at the Berkeley Library prohibit bringing in items larger than 24 inches. One reader wondered if the change were related to the failure of Measure S to pass. Photo: Emilie Raguso After the failure of Measure S to pass in November, we heard from one reader who said there seemed to have been harsher […]
Posted inBerkeleyside, Crime & Safety, Schools
The most important stories in Berkeley in 2012
Spring storms over Berkeley. Photo: Joe Parks Berkeley in 2012 was filled with drama — a contested election, a failed nomination for a new school superintendent, a few missteps by the Chief of Police, and major changes at the University of California, among other events. Here’s a recap of the issues that had the deepest […]
Posted inCity
Tom Bates to Kriss Worthington: Move away from me
Mayor Tom Bates (right) and Councilman Kriss Worthington currently sit next to one another at meetings. Photo: Emilie Raguso Mayor Tom Bates is moving away from City Councilman Kriss Worthington. Not politically. Just physically. Bates has put an item on Tuesday’s council agenda to change the seating arrangements of city council members on the dais. […]
Posted inVideo
Berkeley voting: Where you live is how you vote… sort of
Interactive map with precinct-by-precinct results for Measure S. Click the green arrows to conceal info boxes. View the map on Geocommons here. Although most of the results of Berkeley’s 2012 election were known on Nov. 6, and the final tally completed over a week ago, an analysis of the precinct-by-precinct certified results provides a number […]
Posted inCity
Vote update: Yes on Measure T slips further behind
Staff at the Registrar of Voters go through vote by mail ballots. Photo: Tracey Taylor The staff at the Alameda County Registrar of Voters worked throughout the weekend, ploughing through the thousands of vote by mail ballots. With the updated figures posted on the registrar’s website yesterday afternoon, Measure T, which would alter the zoning […]
Posted inCity
Mayor Bates hails election as harbinger of change
Berkeley’s Tom Bates campaign HQ on election night: with his re-election as mayor, and the possible failure of two key measures he supported, are we back to square one? Photo: D. H. Parks Berkeley’s Tom Bates campaign HQ on election night: with his re-election as mayor, and the possible failure of two key measures he […]
Posted inCity
Remaining Berkeley votes could change close contests
Measure T, which calls for the rezoning of West Berkeley, narrowly failed but uncounted votes may change the outcome. Photo: Tracey Taylor Update, 11:45 a.m.: According to election law, the remaining votes must be counted and reported within 31 days of the election, so by Dec. 7. Councilman Gordon Wozniak, writing in our Comments section, […]
Posted inCity
Still undecided about the election? Let us help
Will you miss all the lawn signs on Berkeley medians after tomorrow? Photo: Alan Tobey Over the last several months, Berkeleyside has run many dozens of articles on Berkeley’s mayoral election, council seat races, the school board contest, the rival rent board slates and most of the 10 city measures on the ballot tomorrow. On […]
Posted inOpinion
Op-Ed: We can do better with civil sidewalks
My support for Measure S, the Berkeley Civil Sidewalks ordinance, was not an easy decision for me. I came to it after many hours of conversation with people from all parts of the community, and a careful reading of the ordinance to see what it actually does and doesn’t do. I have come to the […]
Posted inOpinion
Op-Ed: Measure S doesn’t measure up
“Helps People. Saves Jobs.” This is the campaign slogan in favor of Measure S, the “Civil Sidewalks” ordinance on Berkeley’s ballot next Tuesday. Proponents argue that by banning sitting in commercial areas during business hours, Measure S will increase economic activity and help homeless people access social services. Like anyone who lives in Berkeley, we have grappled with issues […]
