Posted inCity

State files legal action against Library Gardens contractor

The fifth-floor balcony at Library Gardens in downtown Berkeley collapsed in June 2015, falling on top of the fourth-floor balcony, killing six. Photo: David Yee The fifth-floor balcony at Library Gardens in downtown Berkeley collapsed in June 2015, falling on top of the fourth-floor balcony, killing six. Photo: David Yee A state agency is seeking to revoke […]

Posted inCrime & Safety, Housing & Development

Five contractors face possible license revocation in balcony collapse review

The balcony at Library Gardens which collapsed in June 2015, killing six. Photo: Emily Dugdale The balcony at Library Gardens which collapsed in June 2015, killing six. Photo: Emily Dugdale An investigation by the California State License Board (CSLB) has found five contractors involved in the Library Gardens balcony collapse were in “probable violation of law.” The […]

Posted inOpinion

Op-ed: Library Gardens before and after the tragedy

Mold at Library Gardens. Photo, taken on March 4, 2015 after a Feb. 27 pipe failure, by Devisadaria Duchine-Khauli In 2009, moving to Library Gardens seemed like a dream come true. It’s within walking distance to transportation, restaurants, movie theatres, schools, colleges, workout facilities, the library and city offices, not to mention its scenic downtown […]

Posted inCrime

Library Gardens builder seeks to stop DA from examining Berkeley balcony without it being present

Segue Construction, which built Library Gardens, scene of an accident that killed six on June 16, 2015, will ask a judge to issue a restraining order preventing the DA’s office from examining the two balconies unless one of their representatives is present. Photo: David Yee Segue Construction, which built Library Gardens, scene of an accident […]

Posted inCity

No ‘smoking gun’ in Berkeley balcony design

Reporters from the Associated Press, Bay Area News Group and the San Francisco Chronicle pore over the architectural drawings for Library Gardens in the Berkeley Planning Department on June 18, 2015. Photo: Frances Dinkelspiel Reporters from the Associated Press, Bay Area News Group and the San Francisco Chronicle pore over the architectural drawings for Library Gardens in […]

Posted inCommunity

Firm that built Berkeley complex has been fined, sued

Two balconies were removed from Library Gardens after a deadly accident Tuesday. Photo: Emily Dugdale In a series of stories, Berkeleyside examines the building where six people died and seven were seriously injured Tuesday after a balcony collapsed. Part 1 looks at a history of complaints by residents, Part 2 examines potential issues surrounding the balcony construction, and […]