A municipal sales tax relief program for cannabis dispensaries would take effect retroactively to January. The City Council is close to a final vote on the program.
Politics
Posted inCity
Berkeley’s $729M budget puts a pause on police reform programs
Advocates say they fear Berkeley is abandoning its vision for public safety. Officials say they still want to create departments of community safety and transportation, among other reforms, once the citywide staffing crisis abates.
Posted inCity
Remembering Gus Newport, former Berkeley mayor and lifelong progressive activist
Newport led Berkeley from 1979 to 1986, pursuing a bold progressive agenda that included divesting from South Africa and strengthening rent control.
Posted inCity
Remembering Dorothy Walker, who pushed for desegregation, housing density and traffic calming, long before it was popular in Berkeley
Walker’s six decades of local activism touched practically every aspect of Berkeley life.
Posted inCommunity
‘Pentagon Papers’ whistleblower Daniel Ellsberg diagnosed with pancreatic cancer
Ellsberg, who has lived near Berkeley for more than 40 years, said he plans to continue his advocacy work for as long as he can.
Posted inPolitics
Berkeley labor leader launches state Senate campaign
In her first attempt at running for public office, Kathryn Lybarger, president of the California Labor Federation and AFSCME Local 3299, wants to replace the termed-out Nancy Skinner.
Posted inPolitics
Berkeley Mayor Jesse Arreguín launches state Senate campaign
Arreguín’s campaign announcement positioned him as a regional progressive leader fit to replace termed-out Sen. Nancy Skinner.
Posted inCity
Berkeley Mayor Jesse Arreguín files for state Senate run
Campaign finance records show Arreguín has filed to run in 2024 for termed-out state Sen. Nancy Skinner’s seat in Sacramento.
Posted inCity
Map: Have your Berkeley neighbors voted?
Our interactive map includes ballots issued and return rates by Berkeley City Council district.
Posted inObituaries
Remembering Ying Lee, WWII refugee who became Berkeley’s first Asian American councilmember
Lee, a refugee from Shanghai, hung out with Maya Angelou and was crowned Miss Chinatown before winning a 1973 City Council election.
Posted inCity
Berkeley could vote on 2 measures to build affordable housing, pave streets
Officials say a proposed $28M per year parcel tax increase could bring the city’s roads to “good” condition in a decade.
Posted inCommunity
Ukrainian diaspora in Berkeley watches in horror as Russia invades Ukraine
“I hope I’ll have a country to come back to,” said Nataliia Goshylyk, who is visiting Berkeley for the year from Ukraine.
