Westbrae Nursery, in existence since the 1930s, now has seven worker-owners. Catch up on this and other Berkeley retail and small business news.
North Berkeley
Posted inCity
New bike lanes coming to Hopkins Street despite some neighbors’ objections
Some of the area’s residents and merchants vehemently opposed plans for new bike lanes that will require the removal of parking spaces.
Posted inCity
First North Berkeley affordable housing in over 30 years, Jordan Court, opens
Tenants began moving into the 34-unit affordable senior housing project in March after being chosen among 1,000 applicants.
Posted inCrime & Safety
Man gets 24-year sentence in armed Berkeley stranger rape series from 2008
The trail went cold for nearly a decade until police got the man’s fingerprints due to a minor traffic violation in 2016.
Posted inCrime & Safety
Police ask for help to find assailant from North Berkeley sex crime Thursday
A woman was walking on Colusa Avenue when a stranger approached her from behind, threatened to have a knife and then sexually assaulted her.
Posted inCity
From 7 stories to 12: Commission backs taller height limit for BART housing
The City Council is set to vote on the controversial zoning change, which one commissioner called a “fireball,” later this spring.
Posted inCity
Hopkins Street bike lane plan seeks middle ground for contentious project
A new proposal would add protections for cyclists and pedestrians, while keeping most of the parking in front of businesses.
Posted inCity
Berkeley BART stations set to have much less parking when housing gets built
Under the current proposal, there will be 85 parking spots at Ashby BART and 200 spots at North Berkeley BART, including in a satellite lot.
Posted inCrime & Safety
Police: Man charged with sex crimes after chasing young women in Berkeley
One of the women told police she had been terrified by the encounter. The other waved down a stranger driving by and got into their car to escape.
Posted inCity
Berkeley housing: Projects could bring more than 500 new apartments
Recent proposals include North Shattuck’s tallest building, 210 units on University Avenue and a replacement for shuttered Dollar Tree.
Posted inBusiness
The 100-year-old Berkeley nursery that sparked fuchsia and rhododendron crazes
George Budgen opened the Berkeley Horticultural Nursery in 1922. His great-grandson now runs day-to-day operations.
Posted inArts
Taller than 1 inch? You won’t fit into this Berkeley art gallery.
Andrea Scharff’s Art & Lit Gallery, opened in April 2021, rotates its selection every few weeks, showing miniature photographs, hand drawings, a Frida Kahlo exhibit and more.
