When I was eighteen, I was arrested because I had been behaving in a bizarre manner, I was a nuisance, and, technically speaking, I had broken the law. The arrest did not involve physical resistance against the cops. I was jailed and was in there far too long. I wasn't going to be let out. Then, my mother spoke to the judge. I credit her with not only bringing me into this world, but also with saving my life.

When incarcerated, apparently people assumed I was high on drugs. At some point, when I continued to become increasingly disoriented and disconnected, it was apparent that illicit drugs were not the problem. This is because plenty of time had elapsed in which I would have detoxed, had drugs been the problem. I was taken to Highland Hospital.

Over the last three and a half decades, as a mentally ill man, I've had my share of dealings with police. In 1996, when I was 5150'd, in my most recent psychotic break, I nonviolently resisted police. A parishioner, possibly the minister, was present when I was picked up by the cops at a church in Pleasant Hill.

Police in this case did not resort to pepper spray and did not use an inappropriate level of force. They tried some judo holds on me, such as trying to inflict pain to my hands, and that was all. They were about to up the ante when I began to cooperate. I am alive partly because even though I have a psychotic disorder, I seem to retain a compartment that does not get sick, and that allows me to act based on observable facts. 

I have only been incarcerated the one time. In successive psychotic episodes, I was fortunate enough to be taken directly to a locked ward of a psych hospital.  

I have heard a number of stories of mentally ill people dying when far too young. Police are human beings and are subject to human immorality. Being a member of the police force doesn't automatically deem you a good or bad person. Some of them appear to have joined police forces for the wrong reasons. There is not much they can currently do to me since I'm not doing anything wrong. 

About twenty-five years ago, I spoke to a woman whose son had died in a police transport van. While in custody, the well-being of fragile people is not acknowledged, much less safeguarded. They put you in cages and you are on your own. If you need medication, such as high blood pressure meds or diabetes meds, it's too bad. If you need psych meds, it's too bad. If you need medical attention, if you're lucky enough, you will be transported to a hospital; and if superlatively lucky, this happens before it is too late. 

Our "criminal justice system" lacks justice, and it is criminal. I couldn't compare it to that of other countries--where it is probably even worse. Human beings need to learn not to treat their fellow human beings in such a raw, disrespectful, and heinous manner. Being incarcerated is about the worst thing that can happen to a person. This is a crime against human dignity and against human life. Society can do better than this. 

I have nothing against police. I feel that the vast majority of them are very brave individuals who want to help their communities be safe places to live. However, sometimes if they are afraid or suffering from the belief that the individual with whom they are dealing is a "bad person" they may inappropriately abuse their power. Police could be trained to have more sensitivity toward mentally ill and that might solve ninety percent of the problem. Police should also be more accountable for bad actions than they currently are. 

The Senate Parliamentarian recently ruled that a raise in the minimum wage to $15-an-hour could not be part of President Joe Biden’s $1.9 trillion stimulus package as it was not proper under budget conciliation. Biden signaled that his administration would abide by the ruling. The only alternative is to offer it as a separate bill although it probably would not get the 60 votes necessary to pass unless the Senate filibuster rule is eliminated. 

According to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), raising the minimum wage to $15-an-hour by 2025 would affect 17 million workers whose wages would otherwise be below $15 per hour, and many of the 10 million workers whose wages would otherwise be slightly above that wage rate would also be affected. This is the same workforce that has borne the economic brunt of the pandemic. The CBO also estimates outlays would fall for these public assistance programs, as they predict the higher minimum wage would lift nearly 1 million people out of poverty. However, employment would be reduced by 1.4 million or 0.9%. Poverty would be reduced by 0.9 million. 

Is $15 too much when as of August 31, 163,735 total U.S. businesses on Yelp closed, 97,966 of them permanently due to the pandemic? Or should the minimum wage be more targeted — more in higher cost-of-living states like California and New York and lower in lower cost-of-living states or continue to leave the amount of a minimum wage up to each individual state? Presently 25 states are changing their minimum wage in 2021. 

Senator Bernie Sanders said he will work with other Senate Democrats on "an amendment to take tax deductions away from large, profitable corporations that don't pay workers at least $15 an hour and to provide small businesses with the incentives they need to raise wages." 

The Senate Republicans proposed an alternative called the Higher Wages for American Workers Act, the bill, which would gradually raise the federal minimum wage to $10, from its current level of $7.25, by 2025 and then index the wage to inflation every two years. The proposal would give businesses with fewer than 20 employees two extra years to meet the minimum, and would mandate that all employers check the legal status of workers through the Department of Homeland Security's E-Verify system. But they have tied the minimum wage hike to a more traditional Republican issue: immigration compliance measures. 

The equities seem to favor a raise in the minimum wage regardless of the projected job loss. And Americans agree. According to a Pew Research Center survey, two-thirds of Americans (67%) support raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour, including 41% wh say they strongly favor such an increase. Perhaps a compromise between Democrats and Republicans can be reached whereas the minimum wage could be set somewhere between $10 and $15. The Congressional Democrats shouldn’t stubbornly demand a $15-an-hour minimum wage; it shouldn’t be an all or nothing exercise.

Lawrence Ferlinghetti

What a loss but what a legacy.
Poems and paintings
and books galore.
The dog trots freely in the street
as my mind revisits Coney Island.
Ferlinghetti was a living landmark
and now, alas,
our City Lights briefly dim.
The Brits had Laurence of Arabia
but we had our
Laurence of Bay Area.
He was as beloved and present
as Frisco's famous fog.
So as Karl the Fog continues
to curl around the Seven Hills,
Imagine:
Ferlinghetti is not gone but,
like Karl's atmospheric caress,
still wraps the Cool Grey City
in an abiding cloak of recollections and love.
He will be mist.
Dishing MTG in DC 

This just in—an e-dispatch from the Bold Progressives Election Team: Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene tried to block the Equality Act today that's designed to protect LGBTQ people, calling it 'disgusting, immoral, and evil.' 

So progressive Congresswoman Marie Newman (IL-03)—who has a transgender daughter and whose office is right across the hall—put up a transgender flag so Greene 'can look at it every time she opens her door.' 

Long may it wave. 

2021's Top Influencers: Their TIME Has Come 

The March 8 issue of TIME Magazine features a 67-page section honoring the world's top 100 influencers. 

As per usual in TIME's best-lists, the editors solicit reviews from well-known personalities who share something in common with the Chosen Few. NBC political data-cruncher Steve Kornacki is profiled by MSNBC's Rachel Maddow. Anya Taylor-Joy, who starred as Beth in the Netflix hit, The Queen's Gambit, is praised by chess master Garry Kasparov. Inaugural Poet Amanda Gorman is rhapsodically touted by rap-happy Lin-Manuel Miranda. 

But there's another source of pleasure to be found in the current line-up of change-makers. Only 20 of the awardees are Caucasians. TIME has assembled one of the most diverse groups of individuals ever to take a shared bow. Here are a few of the "names to remember." 

Maktreyi Ramakrishnan. Koyoharu Gotouge. Izkia Siches Pastén. Telfar Clemens. Kizzmekia Corbett. Sarah Al Amiti. Olugbenga Agboola. Sohla El-Waylly. Nsé Ufot. Ranga Dias. Li Jiaqi. Chloe Zhao. Rohan Pavuluri. Rishi Sunak. Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr. Vijaya Gadde. Vanessa Nakate. Apoorva Mehta. Svetlana Tikhanovskaya. Amoako Boafo. Salman Toor. Amber Ruffin. Dairon Elisondo Rojas. Jang Hye-yeong. Nadeed Ashraf. Aurélia Nguyen. Hadi Al Khatib. Shikha Gupta. Meyne Wyatt. Ijeoma Oluo. Chandra Shekhar Aazad. Julian Brave NoiseCat. 

Springtime in Berkeley: A Sight for Sore Eyes 

Forget springtime, it's summertime in Berkeley. Hummingbirds are everywhere, baby sparrows are bursting from the bushes, even some of the cherry trees that started blooming in January are already starting to drop their petals in February. 

The air is warm and clear—but apparently filled with pollen. 

A few days ago, my eyes started itching so badly I couldn't keep them open. 

So I stumbled, half-blind, into the bathroom to see if one of those small Eye Drop bottles would bring some relief. 

I popped a few drops into my right eye and—yowch!—instant mega-pain!  

I started splashing my face with cold water. Que Pasa? 

It turns out that what looked like a bottle of "Eye Drops" was actually a bottle of "Ear Drops." 

I believe the Spanish diagnosis for this condition is: "Ojos rojos." 

At least it's good to know that I've removed any and all wax from my eyeballs. 

Houston, We Have a Misquote 

April 15 will mark the 50^th anniversary of the Apollo 13 moon mission—and the equipment malfunction that endangered the space capsule's safe return to Earth. The movie version memorialized astronaut Jack Swigert's call to NASA command but it also misquoted it. Swigert didn't say: "Houston, we have a problem." He actually said: "Houston, we've had a problem here." The filmmakers thought the scene would play better if Swigert's understated call was delivered in the present tense, not the past tense 

Instead of GoFundMe, How about ComeDefendMe? 

When a major humanitarian disaster—a hurricane, flood, or earthquake—claims the world's attention, organizations like the International Red Cross and Doctors Without Borders spring into action. 

But what happens when thousands of people in Myanmar or Hong Kong are faced with violence unleashed by armed security forces? 

Is there an IRC for the masses of people in countries around the world who risk arrest, beatings, and death for nonviolent resistance to state repression? (Amnesty International focuses on defending activists languishing in jail rather than activists dodging tear-gas and rubber bullets in the streets.) 

Could the world's nongovernmental organizations play a role in expanding the global response to these situations by establishing direct contacts with local activists and journalists to provide first-person accounts how nonviolence can become a powerful tool in the defense of democracy and civil rights? 

Purportedly "democracy loving" nations should be compelled to punish repressive regimes with painful economic sanctions. (On February 10, President Biden imposed sanctions on Myanmar's military after it staged a coup following a major electoral defeat.) 

Unfortunately, instead of using its economic "big stick" to extend democracy, the US has a long history of imposing harsh economic sanctions to stage punishing "regime change" attacks on non-allied countries like Cuba, Venezuela, and Iran.  

In addition to providing publicity, would it be acceptable for peace organizations and human rights advocates to offer direct financial support? Instead of a GoFundMe page, a global "GoDefendMe" fund could provide aid for people at risk for acts of nonviolent resistance. Does such an option exist? If not, should it? 

The Book of Washington's Favorite Dictators 

David Swanson, the executive director of World BEYOND War, is an astonishingly prolific author. He has been in the habit of writing a book-a-year for the past decade-plus. How does he do it? He typically asks WBW for a week or two "vacation time." Next thing you know: another book. Here's a partial list of Swanson's tomes. Daybreak: Undoing the Imperial Presidency and Forming a More Perfect Union (2009), War Is a Lie (2010), When the World Outlawed War (2011), The Military Industrial Complex at 50 (2011), Tube World (2012), War No More: The Case for Abolition (2013), Killing Is No Way of Life (2014), Global Security System: An Alternative to War (2015), War Is Never Just (2016), Curing Exceptionalism (2018), Leaving World War II Behind (2020). 

In his spare time, Swanson writes critical essays on peace and war, serves as campaign coordinator for RootsAction.org and hosts Talk World Radio. He also blogs at DavidSwanson.org and WarIsACrime.org and is a Nobel Peace Prize nominee and was awarded the US Peace Memorial Foundation's 2018 Peace Prize. 

Here's Swanson's Top 20 List of Washington's Favorite Despots: 

• King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain • His Majesty Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Muizzaddin Waddaulah of Brunei • President Abdel Fattah el Sisi of Egypt • President Paul Kagame of Rwanda • King of Saudi Arabia Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, President Salva Kiir Mayardit of South Sudan • President Emomali Rahmon of Tajikistan • Prime Minister Prayut Chanocha of Thailand • Arkadag Hero of Turkmenistan The Peoples Horse Breeder President Gurbanguly Mälikgulyýewiç Berdimuhamedow of Turkmenistan • President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni of Uganda, Shiekh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan Crown Prince of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the United Arab Emirates • President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea • King Mswati III of Eswatini formerly Swaziland, President Ali Bongo Ondimba of Gabon • Abdullah bin Hussein bin Talal bin Abdullah Abdullah II of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan • President Kassym Jomart Kemeluly Tokayev of Kazakhstan • His Majesty the King Mohammed the Sixth Commander of the Faithful May God Grant Him Victory of Morocco • Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said of Oman • President and Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Uzbekistan Shavkat Miromonovich Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan. 

(Hopefully, Rep. Illhan Omar will re-introduced her proposed legislation to halt US arms sales to foreign dictators—H.R. 5880, the Stop Arming Human Rights Abusers Act.) Meanwhile, here's an interview with Swanson providing details and insight on his Top 20 Lists of Downright Evil Leaders. 

Voter Suppression: It's GOP Policy 

The Sierra Club is organizing to protect more than our trees, mountains and streams, these days. The Bay Area-based Club is lobbying hard to protect our public elections. According to the Club's Executive Director Mike Brune: "For decades we've been watching mounting attacks on voting rights. But we've never seen anything like this." In state after state, the Grand Oil Party has been quietly putting laws in place to restrict access to the polls or completely deny the right to vote. Brune is alarmed that, at last count, "there were over 165 voter suppression laws on the table!" involving everything from gerrymandering and race-based poll-purging, to voter-ID laws, reducing the number of polling stations, and banning absentee ballots 

These rub-out-the-vote shenanigans usually take place in the shadows but they took center stage on January 6 when, as The Nation reported: "147 Republican lawmakers voted to straight-up overturn the results because Black people had overcome the white supremacy baked into the Electoral College." 

According to the Brennan Center for Justice, state legislatures have come up with three times as many restrict-the-vote bills as were proposed before the 2020 elections. The BCJ reports: “Twenty-eight states have introduced, prefiled, or carried over 106 restrictive bills this year (as compared to 35 such bills in fifteen states on February 3, 2020)." 

In Senator Josh Hawley’s Missouri, nine voter suppression bills were in the docket while Georgia had introduced 11 bills designed to re-Red the state after Georgia's voters went Blue with the election of two Democrat Senators. 

Of course, one of the biggest steps toward introducing a real, functioning democracy in the US would be to abolish (or circumvent) the Electoral College. While Joe Biden won the popular vote with a 7-million-plus margin, he only captured the Electoral College with a margin of 43,000 votes in three critical states. 

One cure would be for a majority of states to join The National Popular Vote Interstate Compact, which would award all electoral votes to whichever candidate wins the overall popular vote. Many states have already signed onto the Popular Vote compact, which needs only 74 more state electoral votes to come into effect. Meanwhile, the League of Women Voters is also campaigning to expose and challenge state-level voter suppression laws and the American Civil Liberties Union is laboring to protect the ballot-box from vote-suppressing partisan manipulations. 

Nuclear-powered Nuclear Weapons? 

Here's something new to worry about: Russia's newest "super weapons." In addition to inventing hypersonic nuclear-armed missiles that can dance around in the sky to avoid interception, Russian scientists have also created nuclear weapons powered by nuclear engines. The Burevestnik cruise missile relies on a nuclear engine to deliver its nuclear blow. And then there's the Poseidon, an atomic-powered undersea weapon twice the size of a US Trident missile. As an article in Forbes put it, the Poseidon is "a weapon worthy of a Bond villain." 

With "virtually unlimited range and high autonomy" the Poseidon—unlike a traditional shoot-and-sink weapons—can lurk in the ocean for months, quietly awaiting a signal to strike. It can even be programmed to chose its own targets (that's the "autonomy" part of the weapon's profile). 

According to Forbes, the Pentagon has described this weapon as "an intercontinental, nuclear-armed, undersea autonomous torpedo." Or you could think of it as a sea-based atomic drone. 

One problem. Where there's an accident, these weapons can release clouds of deadly radioisotopes. It's already happened at least once. In 2019, five Rosatom employees were killed in an accidental radioactive blast while trying to recover a Burevestnik missile lost in the waters off Archangel. 

So what happens if any of these nuclear-powered, nuclear-armed weapons were to stray too close to a continental boundary. What are the rules—if any—to prevent, say, a US Navy destroyer from launching a conventional torpedo at a Burevestnik "nukepedo" cruising in contested waters? 

Wouldn't this run the risk of causing (A) a significant release of radioactive debris into the ocean and/or (B) a full-blown atomic detonation? 

Ban These Bombs 

But why should we be forced to think about such weapons at all? The Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) recently became world law when it was ratified on January 22, 2021. (Thank you, Honduras!) 

Unfortunately, the countries that currently maintain nuclear stockpiles—the US, Russia, China, United Kingdom, France, India, Pakistan, Israel, North Korea—have refused to ratify the TPNW. 

So what countries are on the side of international law? The current 86 signatories include a number of countries that US foreign policy has in its crosshairs. Among them: Cuba, Venezuela, Sudan, Bolivia, Nicaragua, and Palestine. And, even though it has not yet signed or ratified the TPNW, Iran participated in negotiating the treaty at the United Nations and has voted in favor of its adoption. 

With Nukes Now Illegal Can We Refuse to Pay for Them? 

Here's a question for the legal community. Can US taxpayers now cite the TPNW and refuse to pay the portion of their taxes that would otherwise go to financing the maintenance and expansion of the Pentagon's now-illegal arsenal of atomic weapons? 

Under FY 2021 budget, the US plans to spend nearly $20 billion a year on its nuclear arsenal—about six percent of total Pentagon spending. 

The National Priorities Project notes that, while the average taxpayer works 63 days a year to fund total military spending, only 13 of those days labor actually supports the troops. The Pentagon hands over half of that workday money to corporate contractors. So the average taxpayer winds up working two days to support Boeing and four days to enrich Lockheed Martin. 

The NPP estimates the average taxpayer pays around $100 to support the Pentagon's nuclear programs. With the TPNW now legally in force in 54 countries, the average war-resisting taxpayer may now have extra legal standing for refusing to pay the cost for world-ending nuclear weapons. 

San Francisco-based peace activists David and Jan Hartsough routinely send the following statement tucked inside their Tax Day envelope: 

We are Quakers and cannot in conscience contribute in any way to the killing of our brothers and sisters in other parts of the world. Fifty-four percent of our tax dollars go for wars and preparations for wars. Together with our IRS Form, we are sending a check for 46% of what we owe made out to the Dept. of Health and Human Services. We ask that you designate all those funds for health and education and human well-being —and NONE for war and killing. 

The other 54%, which goes for war and killing. We are contributing to organizations working for peace and justice and programs meeting human and environmental needs in the US and around the world.”  

Founders Sing Is Looking for Collaborators  

Want to conspire with one of the country's leading practitioners of political satire? If so, here's your chance. Founders Sing is looking for ideas, suggestions, complaints . . . and fresh targets. 

My proposal: A duet with gun-slinging solons Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene and Lauren Boebert. I picture them singing a new version of the "Jet Song," from West Side Story. The new version would go: "When you're reject, you're reject all the way, from your first trigger-click to your last ricochet." 

I normally end my Activist’s Diary with what I am reading, but this week it is also the start. There is good reason why Robin Wall Kimmerer’s 2013 book Braiding Sweetgrass is on the best seller list. It is a lovely book about living with nature and the environment, consuming only what is needed and being a good steward. Kimmerer weaves in those who see resources as a commodity to be consumed until depleted, nature as an inconvenience to be conquered and the waste left behind to be disregarded. She leads us to contemplate that we are at a crossroads. Which road do we chose, the path of stewardship of the living world or the path of consumption and destruction?

It was a scattered week of too many meetings, impossible to do justice to more than a few.

At the 4 pm February 23 Special City Council meeting the single subject was the Report and Recommendations from the Mayor’s Fair and Impartial Policing Working Group. It started with a report of the findings, need for improvements and recommendations. The testimony from the public at the February 9 Council meeting on the Vote of No Confidence in the Police Chief, my own attendance as an observer at the last two Fair and Impartial Working Group meetings and Police Chief Greenwood’s response to the report and recommendations, define a police chief who is defensive and obstructive. In situations where leadership performance is at issue and care of the person still matters, the result would be a private conversation and a graceful retirement exit. This is not Berkeley, at least not yet. 

As the meeting was reaching the end and a $50,000 cost was on the table for program implementation, the City Manager said such an amount could not be found in the budget and implementation certainly couldn’t happen now. 

At 2:36.39 into the meeting video you can hear Councilmember Bartlett state that in the last two years Berkeley has paid out $580,000 in fines for police misconduct, $63,000 in auto accidents and $28,000 in wrongful towing, making the point that surely $50,000 can be found. Nearly $700,000 is small compared to the lawsuits brought against some cities for wrongful deaths at the hands of police, but it is enough to demonstrate there is a problem with policing in Berkeley that needs correction. Bartlett interrupted comments to say he received notification that the community would come up with the money, a loan, so the implementation program could start now. 

When it comes to the flood of zoning and development proposals appearing on meeting agendas, I’m beginning to feel like ALEC (American Legislative Council) has come to town. 

Smart growth seems to have lost some of its luster as the phrase du jour to upend zoning and give free reign to developers. The new banner to achieve the same end and move the posts even further is racism. Racism is being waved to justify eliminating zoning codes and it is working as demonstrated by the calls on Tuesday evening at the regular February 23 City Council meeting with declarations of support for the Resolution to End Exclusionary Zoning in Berkeley on the basis of an end to racist zoning practices. It also worked in Minneapolis in 2019, the city of the 2020 police murder of George Floyd. 

Racism runs deep and redlining is a long ugly history. What is happening here is different, especially the rush, the immediacy of changing the zoning codes to make way for apartment buildings, quadplexes, triplexes and duplexes. The entire flood of proposals, resolutions and ordinances are worrisome as the people who are supposedly going to benefit from the land use changes look to be the target. 

There is a rush to dismantle what are already inadequate ordinances in place to safeguard Berkeley from a changing climate while accommodating population growth. Berkeley population density is 11,632 per sq. mile which may not mean much until there is comparison with its neighbors and Portland and Minneapolis, two cities which are cited in proposals as examples to be followed. For comparison the population per sq. mile of Sacramento is 5342, Oakland 7787, San Jose 5677, Richmond 1976, Emeryville 9411, El Cerrito 6921. San Francisco is 18,440. The population density of two “example” cities are Portland, 4740, and Minneapolis, 8130. These numbers will change as new census data comes in. 

The point is that Berkeley is already a very population dense city. It is more than shortsighted to think and act as if the responsibilities of the City of Berkeley begin and ends with eliminating zoning codes and establishing ministerial approval for major structures. 

There are considerations to be made when building, like the impact of urban heat islands. Urban heat islands occur when cities replace natural land cover with dense concentrations of pavement and buildings. Heat islands increase energy costs, air pollution, heat-related illness and mortality. There are actions that counter heat island effect, like reducing hardscape, pavement, cement, asphalt by using permeable paving to direct water into the ground instead of runoff into the bay. There is more like adding green roofs, a program to maintain mature trees and plant native trees selected by how many species they support. 

Cities are home to a significant fraction of the world’s biodiversity and take on greater importance in protecting biodiversity as plummeting insect populations threaten the collapse of ecosystems. Planning for people, plants and animals with nature friendly urban design makes cities more livable and resilient. The present and future framework for well-designed cities integrates urban ecological science for supporting nature with planning. We have experts at our fingertips. The San Francisco Estuary Institute and Aquatic Science Center is a start https://www.sfei.org/projects/making-natures-city 

Ministerial approval of projects (signing approval at the counter with no public meetings) is the new companion in the land use proposals and a major concern. As we saw Thursday evening at the Zoning Adjustment Board (ZAB), even when architects come with impressive credentials, it does not mean that a project should go forward without review. 

Charles Kahn, AIA, LEED AP ( meaning he is an Accredited Professional with advanced depth of knowledge in green building practices) recused himself from the ZAB meeting on Thursday evening, stating he was the architect of record for 2317 Channing, which was being reviewed. Another person from his firm, KDA Studio, presented the project to ZAB. No one objected to replacing the 2-story medical office building with housing. The problem was the design, and it was more than disappointing that someone who is a member of both ZAB and DRC, someone who has asked other architects and developers to consider including native plants, bird safe glass, all sustainable features, would not do the same with the project under his name. There was excessive hardscape, poorly planned greenspace and exotic plants rather than natives. If we can’t count on the people who should know better, how can we depend on developers who have no exposure to best practices through public review? 

Teresa Clarke made a number of recommendations to the building design, some of which are still to be worked out with the DRC planner. 

Public comment pointed out lack of native plants. Only one of the twelve plant choices is a native to California. Insects, pollinators and plants evolve together, i.e. native butterflies like the Pipevine Swallowtail will lay their eggs only on a pipevine. Using the California Native Plant Society website https://calscape.org by the architect and staff instead running to exotic non-native plants means avoidance of invasive species, less herbicides, pesticides, lower maintenance, essentially better plant survival, habitat for insects all with less work and pollution. Even humans are not immune to the toxicity of herbicides and pesticides. This project should have gone to DRC to really work through issues. 

As stated repeatedly in previous “Diaries”, city boards and commissions could use improvement. We need ZAB and DRC appointees who will speak to problems, offer suggestions, do not hesitate when the practitioner is a colleague and practice what they purport to support. We need appointees who do more than just carry credentials, but actually use them. We need stewards of urban habitat for biodiversity and a forester who chooses trees by how many species are supported. We could really benefit from a member of ZAB and DRC from the disability community to give input on project designs. We could use a lot including planners who incorporate biodiversity into urban design for a healthier city. 

600 Addison was also up for preview at ZAB. This is the commercial research and development project that abuts Aquatic Park and plans to use park land, Bolivar Drive eight hours a day as a shuttle thoroughfare. The developer seems to be coming around with a commitment to bird safe glass, and they are lining up the support from the construction unions and with the local Native American representative. The developer has yet to reroute the shuttle off our park. The call will continue. 

Worth Noting:

The most consequential meetings of the week are on Monday, the Public Safety Committee meeting at 10:30 am on police use of non-lethal weaponry and controlled equipment and the Land Use Committee Special meeting at 1:30 on Quadplex Zoning. If the vote on Quadplex Zoning is not taken on Monday, it will rollover to the Thursday Land Use Committee meeting.



On Wednesday, the FITES agenda includes two environmental issues, electrification of the city fleet and the rights of nature.



Affordable housing funds for the BART station projects is on the agenda at the Measure O Bond Oversight Committee at 6 pm on Monday and the Housing Advisory Commission on Thursday at 7 pm.



The City Council March 9 regular meeting agenda is available for review and comment and follows the list of City meetings.



If you have a meeting you would like included in the summary of meetings, please send a notice to kellyhammargren@gmail.com by noon on the Friday of the preceding week. To read the Activist’s Diary of what happened last week go to www.berkeleydailyplanet.com.



Sunday, February 28, 2021

No City meetings or events found



Monday, March 1, 2021

City Council Closed Session 9 am

https://www.cityofberkeley.info/Clerk/City_Council/City_Council__Agenda_Index.aspx

Videoconference: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86861132018

Teleconference: 1-669-900-9128 or 1-877-853-5257 (toll free) Meeting ID: 868 6113 2018

AGENDA: 1. Labor Negotiations Public Employees Union Local 1



City Council Public Safety Committee, 10:30 am

https://www.cityofberkeley.info/Clerk/Home/Policy_Committee__Public_Safety.aspx

Videoconference: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83787178426

Teleconference: 1-669-900-9128 or 1-877-853-5257 (toll free) Meeting ID: 837 8717 8426

AGENDA: 2. Introduce an Ordinance permanently banning the use of less lethal weaponry, chemical irritants, smoke projectiles, acoustic weapons, directed energy weapons, water cannons, disorientation devices and ultrasonic cannons used by police on civilians, 3. Providing our Unhoused Community with Fire Extinguishers, 4. Adopt Ordinance adding chapter BMC 2.64.170 regulating Police Acquisition and Use of Controlled Equipment, 5. Presentation by the Fire Dept on Evacuation Plan,  

City Council Special Land Use, Housing & Economic Development Committee, 1:30 am 

https://www.cityofberkeley.info/Clerk/Home/Policy_Committee__Land_Use,_Housing___Economic_Development.aspx 

Videoconference: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87963480871 

Teleconference: 1-669-900-9128 or 1-877-853-5257 (toll free) Meeting ID: 879 6348 0871 

AGENDA: 2. Quadplex Zoning, proposal directs referral to CM and Planning Commission that staff begin work immediately on revisions to the zoning code and general plan to require proposed housing developments containing up to 4 residential units to be considered ministerially (no public review/hearings except in certain circumstances), 

Measure O Bond Oversight Committee, 6 pm 

https://www.cityofberkeley.info/Clerk/Commissions/Commissions__Measure_O_Bond_Oversight_Committee.aspx 

Videoconference: https://zoom.us/j/99240323565 

Teleconference: 1-669-900-6833 Meeting ID: 992 4032 3565 

AGENDA: 5. Affordable Housing Development Funds: Ashby and North Berkeley BART and future housing funding 

Police Review Commission – Outreach Subcommittee, 6 pm 

https://www.cityofberkeley.info/Clerk/Commissions/Commissions__Police_Review_Commission_Homepage.aspx 

Videoconference: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82258644009 

Teleconference: 1-669-900-6833 Meeting ID: 822 5864 4009 

AGENDA: 4. Plan for promoting the mission of the Police Review Commission 

Tuesday, March 2, 2021 

Berkeley Rent Stabilization Board IRA/AGA Committee, 5 pm 

https://www.cityofberkeley.info/rent/ 

Videoconference: https://zoom.us/j/99307513057?pwd=N1IxemRUUXZLWnVDZXBZYWVzR0VkUT09 

Teleconference: 1-669-900-6933 Meeting ID: 993 0751 3057 Passcode: 127788 

AGENDA: 6. Inclusive Neighborhood Scale and Quadplex Zoning and potential impacts on rent control 

Wednesday, March 3, 2021 

City Council Facilities, Infrastructure, Transportation, Environment & Sustainability Committee, 2:30 pm 

https://www.cityofberkeley.info/Clerk/Home/Policy_Committee__Facilities,_Infrastructure,_Transportation,_Environment,___Sustainability.aspx 

Videoconference: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89572199909 

Teleconference: 1-669-900-9128 or 1-877-853-5257 (toll free) Meeting ID: 895 7219 9909 

AGENDA: 2. Presentations on the Electrification of the Municipal Fleet and Citywide Electric Vehicle/Mobility Infrastructure, 3. Refer to CM to Prioritize Establishment of Impact/Mitigation Fees to Address Disproportionate Private and Public Utility Impact to the Public Right of Way (i.e. roads, sewer, waste, other utilities), 4. Recognize the Rights of Nature a resolution to recognize that the natural world has a right to exist, protect ecosystems 

Board of Library Trustees, 6:30 pm 

https://www.berkeleypubliclibrary.org/about/board-library-trustees 

Videoconference - Teleconference: check website posted links showing as expired 

AGENDA: II. B. revised holiday and early closing schedule, C. Reappointment Judy Hunt 

Homeless Services Panel of Experts, 7 pm 

https://www.cityofberkeley.info/Clerk/Commissions/Commissions__Homeless_Services_Panel_of_Experts.aspx 

Videoconference: https://zoom.us/j/91377246651 

Teleconference: 1-669-900-6833 Meeting ID: 913 7724 6651 

AGENDA: 5. Chair/vice chair election, 6. Work Plan 

Thursday, March 4, 2021 

City Council Land Use, Housing & Economic Development Committee, 10:30 am 

https://www.cityofberkeley.info/Clerk/Home/Policy_Committee__Land_Use,_Housing___Economic_Development.aspx 

Videoconference: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88089267316 

Teleconference: 1-669-900-9128 or 1-877-853-5257 (toll free) Meeting ID: 880 8926 7316 

AGENDA: 1. Quadplex Zoning – refer to CM and Planning Commission to initiate work immediately on revisions to the zoning code and general plan to require proposed housing developments containing up to 4 residential units to be considered ministerially (no public review except in certain circumstances), 2. Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act, 3. Resolution Recognizing Housing as a Human Right; Referral to CM to study financial feasibility of Municipal Housing Development Pilot Program with Cooperative, Nonprofit and Public Ownership Models, 4. Affordable Housing Overlay, 

Housing Advisory Commission – Special Meeting, 7 pm 

http://www.cityofberkeley.info/Housing_Advisory_Commission/ 

Videoconference: https://zoom.us/j/95339567365 

Teleconference: 1-669-900-6833 Meeting ID: 953 3956 7365 

AGENDA: 5. Draft Annual Action Plan (AAP) for HUD, 6. Affordable Housing Development Funds: Ashby and North Berkeley BART 

Landmarks Preservation Commission, 7 – 11:30 pm 

http://www.cityofberkeley.info/landmarkspreservationcommission/ 

Videoconference: https://zoom.us/j/99202219224 

Teleconference: 1-669-900-6833 Meeting ID: 992 0221 9224 

AGENDA: 5. 2527 San Pablo – Section 106 Consultation Referral National Preservation Act, 6. 2000 University demolition referral, 2001 Milvia demolition referral, 1634 San Pablo demolition referral, 9. Archaeological Resources and Native Cultural Heritage discussion, 10. 1227-1229 Bancroft Way City Landmark or Structure of Merit initiation, 

Public Works Commission, 7 – 10 pm 

https://www.cityofberkeley.info/Clerk/Commissions/Commissions__Public_Works_Commission_Homepage.aspx 

Videoconference: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84312916787 

Teleconference: 1-669-900-9128 Meeting ID: 843 1291 6787 

AGENDA: not posted check after Monday 

Ohlone Park Community Meeting, 6:30 – 8 pm 

Videoconference: https://zoom.us/j/99595288548 

Teleconference: 1-669-900-6833 Meeting ID: 995 9528 8548 

AGENDA: discuss future improvements 

WETA – Water Emergency Transport Authority, 1:30 pm 

Videoconference: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89718217408 

Teleconference: 1-669-900-6833 Meeting ID: 897 1821 7408 Passcode: 33779 

AGENDA: 5. Reports of Staff : b. Monthly Review of Financial Statements, e. Monthly Ridership, 10. Berkeley Ferry Terminal Feasibility Study Update 

Friday, March 5, 2021 & Saturday, March 6, 2021 & Sunday, March 7, 2021 

No City meetings or events found 

_____________________ 

City Council Regular Meeting, March 9 at 6 pm, available for comment 

email: council@cityofberkeley.info 

https://www.cityofberkeley.info/Clerk/City_Council/City_Council__Agenda_Index.aspx 

Videoconference: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87992485568 

Teleconference: 1-669-900-9128 or 1-877-853-5257 (toll free) Meeting ID: 879 9248 5568 

AGENDA: 2. Settlement Stahlschmidt v. COB $75,533, 3. Commission stipend $100/meeting adjustment for qualifying annual household income < 50% Alameda Co AMI with annual CPI inflator, 4. Confirm At-Large appointments to Reimagining Public Safety Task Force, 5. Deferral $676,464 remaining building permit fees, etc for 2009 Addison Berkeley Rep Theater project, 6. $48,994 Kitchen electrification grant from EBCE for North and South Berkeley Senior Centers, 7. Amend contract add $270,000 total $630,000 with United Site Service for additional portable toilet and handwashing stations for period of 2 yr with option to extend for 3-12 month periods, 8. Contracts $1 million each with AnchorCM and Park Engineering, Inc for on-call Capital Improvement Projects at Berkeley Waterfront 4/1/2021 – 6/30/2024, 9. Loan agreement $5,500,000 for replacement D & E docks at Berkeley Marina, 10. Grant Application $500,000 Environmental Enhancement and Mitigation Project (EEMP) to plant urban forest trees, 11. Amendments to BERA to regulate Officeholder accounts and to change donations to nonprofit organizations made in the name of the entire City Council (not individuals), 12.a&b. Amend Source of Income Discrimination Ordinance to establish Enforcement Procedure – Council Land Use Committee made qualified recommendations to a. with referral to 4 x 4 committee to explore enforcement alongside fair chance ordinance, 13. Council discretionary funds to HelpBerkeley, 14. Declare 3/21/2021 – 4/10/2021 as Cesar Chavez-Delores Huerta Commemorative Period, 15. Budget Referral Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFB) at 6^th and Addison, 16. Budget referral George Florence Park Traffic calming (10^th Street between University and Allston), 17. Resolution Supporting HR 25 Calling for Federal Investigation on Sedition at US Capitol and Expulsion of Complicit Members of Congress, 18. Support SB 260 Climate Corporate Accountability Act, 19. Support Vision 2025 for Sustainable Food Policies (increasing plant based food) Council Committee Health, Life Enrichment recommends adopt resolution as amended, 20. Resolution in Support of Establishing Statewide Targets for 100% Zero-Emission Vehicle sales, 21. Budget Referral to allocate Transportation Network Companies Tax (Uber, Lyft, etc.) to Bicycle Boulevards and Street Repair Programs, 22. Council discretionary funds to Kala Art Institute, 23. Resolution Condemning Anti-Asian Hate and Violence, 24. Affirm COB Support for People of Tibet, ACTION: 25. Resolution Clarifying Eligibility for Historic Landmark Designation for Residences of Notable Residents, 26. Berkeley Economic Dashboards Update, INFORMATION REPORTS: 26. Peace and Justice 2021-2022 Workplan, 27. Youth Commission Workplan, 

_______________________________ 

Public Hearings Scheduled – Land Use Appeals 

1200-1214 San Pablo 3/23/2021 

Notice of Decision (NOD) and Use Permits with End of Appeal Period 

1328 Alcatraz 3/11/21 

1528 Berkeley Way 3/16/2021 

31 Florida 3/2/2021 

2634 MLK 3/16/2021 

1481 Stannage 

https://www.cityofberkeley.info/Planning_and_Development/Land_Use_Division/Current_Zoning_Applications_in_Appeal_Period.aspx 

LINK to Current Zoning Applications https://www.cityofberkeley.info/Planning_and_Development/Land_Use_Division/Current_Zoning_Applications.aspx 

___________________ 

WORKSESSIONS 

March 16 – 1. Capital Improvement Plan (Parks & Public Works), 2. Digital Strategic Plan/FUND$ Replacement Website Update, 3. FY 2021 Mid-Year Report and Unfunded Liabilities Report (tentative) 

May 18 – (tentative) – 1. Bayer Development Agreement, 2. Affordable Housing Policy Reform 

Unscheduled Workshops/Presentations 

Cannabis Health Considerations 

Berkeley Police Department Hiring Practices (referred by Public Safety Committee) 

Update Zero Waste Priorities 

Civic Arts Grantmaking Process & Capital Grant Program 

Systems Realignment 

This meeting list is also posted on the Sustainable Berkeley Coalition website. 

http://www.sustainableberkeleycoalition.com/whats-ahead.html and in the Berkeley Daily Planet under activist’s calendar http://www.berkeleydailyplanet.com 

To Check For Regional Meetings with Berkeley Council Appointees go to 

https://www.cityofberkeley.info/Clerk/City_Council/City_Council__Committee_and_Regional_Body_Appointees.aspx 

To check for Berkeley Unified School District Board Meetings go to 

https://www.berkeleyschools.net/schoolboard/board-meeting-information/ 

If you wish to stop receiving the Weekly Summary of City Meetings please forward the weekly summary you received to kellyhammargren@gmail.com, 

Worth Noting: 

The most consequential meetings of the week are on Monday, the Public Safety Committee meeting at 10:30 am on police use of non-lethal weaponry and controlled equipment and the Land Use Committee Special meeting at 1:30 on Quadplex Zoning. If the vote on Quadplex Zoning is not taken on Monday, it will rollover to the Thursday Land Use Committee meeting.  

On Wednesday, the FITES agenda includes two environmental issues, electrification of the city fleet and the rights of nature.  

Affordable housing funds for the BART station projects is on the agenda at the Measure O Bond Oversight Committee at 6 pm on Monday and the Housing Advisory Commission on Thursday at 7 pm.  

The City Council March 9 regular meeting agenda is available for review and comment and follows the list of City meetings. 

If you have a meeting you would like included in the summary of meetings, please send a notice to kellyhammargren@gmail.com by noon on the Friday of the preceding week. To read the Activist’s Diary of what happened last week go to www.berkeleydailyplanet.com. 

Sunday, February 28, 2021  

No City meetings or events found 

Monday, March 1, 2021 

City Council Closed Session 9 am 

https://www.cityofberkeley.info/Clerk/City_Council/City_Council__Agenda_Index.aspx 

Videoconference: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86861132018 

Teleconference: 1-669-900-9128 or 1-877-853-5257 (toll free) Meeting ID: 868 6113 2018 

AGENDA: 1. Labor Negotiations Public Employees Union Local 1 

City Council Public Safety Committee, 10:30 am 

https://www.cityofberkeley.info/Clerk/Home/Policy_Committee__Public_Safety.aspx 

Videoconference: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83787178426 

Teleconference: 1-669-900-9128 or 1-877-853-5257 (toll free) Meeting ID: 837 8717 8426 

AGENDA: 2. Introduce an Ordinance permanently banning the use of less lethal weaponry, chemical irritants, smoke projectiles, acoustic weapons, directed energy weapons, water cannons, disorientation devices and ultrasonic cannons used by police on civilians, 3. Providing our Unhoused Community with Fire Extinguishers, 4. Adopt Ordinance adding chapter BMC 2.64.170 regulating Police Acquisition and Use of Controlled Equipment, 5. Presentation by the Fire Dept on Evacuation Plan,  

City Council Special Land Use, Housing & Economic Development Committee, 1:30 am 

https://www.cityofberkeley.info/Clerk/Home/Policy_Committee__Land_Use,_Housing___Economic_Development.aspx 

Videoconference: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87963480871 

Teleconference: 1-669-900-9128 or 1-877-853-5257 (toll free) Meeting ID: 879 6348 0871 

AGENDA: 2. Quadplex Zoning, proposal directs referral to CM and Planning Commission that staff begin work immediately on revisions to the zoning code and general plan to require proposed housing developments containing up to 4 residential units to be considered ministerially (no public review/hearings except in certain circumstances), 

Measure O Bond Oversight Committee, 6 pm 

https://www.cityofberkeley.info/Clerk/Commissions/Commissions__Measure_O_Bond_Oversight_Committee.aspx 

Videoconference: https://zoom.us/j/99240323565 

Teleconference: 1-669-900-6833 Meeting ID: 992 4032 3565 

AGENDA: 5. Affordable Housing Development Funds: Ashby and North Berkeley BART and future housing funding 

Police Review Commission – Outreach Subcommittee, 6 pm 

https://www.cityofberkeley.info/Clerk/Commissions/Commissions__Police_Review_Commission_Homepage.aspx 

Videoconference: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82258644009 

Teleconference: 1-669-900-6833 Meeting ID: 822 5864 4009 

AGENDA: 4. Plan for promoting the mission of the Police Review Commission 

Tuesday, March 2, 2021 

Berkeley Rent Stabilization Board IRA/AGA Committee, 5 pm 

https://www.cityofberkeley.info/rent/ 

Videoconference: https://zoom.us/j/99307513057?pwd=N1IxemRUUXZLWnVDZXBZYWVzR0VkUT09 

Teleconference: 1-669-900-6933 Meeting ID: 993 0751 3057 Passcode: 127788 

AGENDA: 6. Inclusive Neighborhood Scale and Quadplex Zoning and potential impacts on rent control 

Wednesday, March 3, 2021 

City Council Facilities, Infrastructure, Transportation, Environment & Sustainability Committee, 2:30 pm 

https://www.cityofberkeley.info/Clerk/Home/Policy_Committee__Facilities,_Infrastructure,_Transportation,_Environment,___Sustainability.aspx 

Videoconference: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89572199909 

Teleconference: 1-669-900-9128 or 1-877-853-5257 (toll free) Meeting ID: 895 7219 9909 

AGENDA: 2. Presentations on the Electrification of the Municipal Fleet and Citywide Electric Vehicle/Mobility Infrastructure, 3. Refer to CM to Prioritize Establishment of Impact/Mitigation Fees to Address Disproportionate Private and Public Utility Impact to the Public Right of Way (i.e. roads, sewer, waste, other utilities), 4. Recognize the Rights of Nature a resolution to recognize that the natural world has a right to exist, protect ecosystems 

Board of Library Trustees, 6:30 pm 

https://www.berkeleypubliclibrary.org/about/board-library-trustees 

Videoconference - Teleconference: check website posted links showing as expired 

AGENDA: II. B. revised holiday and early closing schedule, C. Reappointment Judy Hunt 

Homeless Services Panel of Experts, 7 pm 

https://www.cityofberkeley.info/Clerk/Commissions/Commissions__Homeless_Services_Panel_of_Experts.aspx 

Videoconference: https://zoom.us/j/91377246651 

Teleconference: 1-669-900-6833 Meeting ID: 913 7724 6651 

AGENDA: 5. Chair/vice chair election, 6. Work Plan 

Thursday, March 4, 2021 

City Council Land Use, Housing & Economic Development Committee, 10:30 am 

https://www.cityofberkeley.info/Clerk/Home/Policy_Committee__Land_Use,_Housing___Economic_Development.aspx 

Videoconference: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88089267316 

Teleconference: 1-669-900-9128 or 1-877-853-5257 (toll free) Meeting ID: 880 8926 7316 

AGENDA: 1. Quadplex Zoning – refer to CM and Planning Commission to initiate work immediately on revisions to the zoning code and general plan to require proposed housing developments containing up to 4 residential units to be considered ministerially (no public review except in certain circumstances), 2. Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act, 3. Resolution Recognizing Housing as a Human Right; Referral to CM to study financial feasibility of Municipal Housing Development Pilot Program with Cooperative, Nonprofit and Public Ownership Models, 4. Affordable Housing Overlay, 

Housing Advisory Commission – Special Meeting, 7 pm 

http://www.cityofberkeley.info/Housing_Advisory_Commission/ 

Videoconference: https://zoom.us/j/95339567365 

Teleconference: 1-669-900-6833 Meeting ID: 953 3956 7365 

AGENDA: 5. Draft Annual Action Plan (AAP) for HUD, 6. Affordable Housing Development Funds: Ashby and North Berkeley BART 

Landmarks Preservation Commission, 7 – 11:30 pm 

http://www.cityofberkeley.info/landmarkspreservationcommission/ 

Videoconference: https://zoom.us/j/99202219224 

Teleconference: 1-669-900-6833 Meeting ID: 992 0221 9224 

AGENDA: 5. 2527 San Pablo – Section 106 Consultation Referral National Preservation Act, 6. 2000 University demolition referral, 2001 Milvia demolition referral, 1634 San Pablo demolition referral, 9. Archaeological Resources and Native Cultural Heritage discussion, 10. 1227-1229 Bancroft Way City Landmark or Structure of Merit initiation, 

Public Works Commission, 7 – 10 pm 

https://www.cityofberkeley.info/Clerk/Commissions/Commissions__Public_Works_Commission_Homepage.aspx 

Videoconference: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84312916787 

Teleconference: 1-669-900-9128 Meeting ID: 843 1291 6787 

AGENDA: not posted check after Monday 

Ohlone Park Community Meeting, 6:30 – 8 pm 

Videoconference: https://zoom.us/j/99595288548 

Teleconference: 1-669-900-6833 Meeting ID: 995 9528 8548 

AGENDA: discuss future improvements 

WETA – Water Emergency Transport Authority, 1:30 pm 

Videoconference: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89718217408 

Teleconference: 1-669-900-6833 Meeting ID: 897 1821 7408 Passcode: 33779 

AGENDA: 5. Reports of Staff : b. Monthly Review of Financial Statements, e. Monthly Ridership, 10. Berkeley Ferry Terminal Feasibility Study Update 

Friday, March 5, 2021 & Saturday, March 6, 2021 & Sunday, March 7, 2021 

No City meetings or events found 

_____________________ 

City Council Regular Meeting, March 9 at 6 pm, available for comment 

email: council@cityofberkeley.info 

https://www.cityofberkeley.info/Clerk/City_Council/City_Council__Agenda_Index.aspx 

Videoconference: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87992485568 

Teleconference: 1-669-900-9128 or 1-877-853-5257 (toll free) Meeting ID: 879 9248 5568 

AGENDA: 2. Settlement Stahlschmidt v. COB $75,533, 3. Commission stipend $100/meeting adjustment for qualifying annual household income < 50% Alameda Co AMI with annual CPI inflator, 4. Confirm At-Large appointments to Reimagining Public Safety Task Force, 5. Deferral $676,464 remaining building permit fees, etc for 2009 Addison Berkeley Rep Theater project, 6. $48,994 Kitchen electrification grant from EBCE for North and South Berkeley Senior Centers, 7. Amend contract add $270,000 total $630,000 with United Site Service for additional portable toilet and handwashing stations for period of 2 yr with option to extend for 3-12 month periods, 8. Contracts $1 million each with AnchorCM and Park Engineering, Inc for on-call Capital Improvement Projects at Berkeley Waterfront 4/1/2021 – 6/30/2024, 9. Loan agreement $5,500,000 for replacement D & E docks at Berkeley Marina, 10. Grant Application $500,000 Environmental Enhancement and Mitigation Project (EEMP) to plant urban forest trees, 11. Amendments to BERA to regulate Officeholder accounts and to change donations to nonprofit organizations made in the name of the entire City Council (not individuals), 12.a&b. Amend Source of Income Discrimination Ordinance to establish Enforcement Procedure – Council Land Use Committee made qualified recommendations to a. with referral to 4 x 4 committee to explore enforcement alongside fair chance ordinance, 13. Council discretionary funds to HelpBerkeley, 14. Declare 3/21/2021 – 4/10/2021 as Cesar Chavez-Delores Huerta Commemorative Period, 15. Budget Referral Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFB) at 6^th and Addison, 16. Budget referral George Florence Park Traffic calming (10^th Street between University and Allston), 17. Resolution Supporting HR 25 Calling for Federal Investigation on Sedition at US Capitol and Expulsion of Complicit Members of Congress, 18. Support SB 260 Climate Corporate Accountability Act, 19. Support Vision 2025 for Sustainable Food Policies (increasing plant based food) Council Committee Health, Life Enrichment recommends adopt resolution as amended, 20. Resolution in Support of Establishing Statewide Targets for 100% Zero-Emission Vehicle sales, 21. Budget Referral to allocate Transportation Network Companies Tax (Uber, Lyft, etc.) to Bicycle Boulevards and Street Repair Programs, 22. Council discretionary funds to Kala Art Institute, 23. Resolution Condemning Anti-Asian Hate and Violence, 24. Affirm COB Support for People of Tibet, ACTION: 25. Resolution Clarifying Eligibility for Historic Landmark Designation for Residences of Notable Residents, 26. Berkeley Economic Dashboards Update, INFORMATION REPORTS: 26. Peace and Justice 2021-2022 Workplan, 27. Youth Commission Workplan, 

_______________________________ 

Public Hearings Scheduled – Land Use Appeals 

1200-1214 San Pablo 3/23/2021 

Notice of Decision (NOD) and Use Permits with End of Appeal Period 

1328 Alcatraz 3/11/21 

1528 Berkeley Way 3/16/2021 

31 Florida 3/2/2021 

2634 MLK 3/16/2021 

1481 Stannage 

https://www.cityofberkeley.info/Planning_and_Development/Land_Use_Division/Current_Zoning_Applications_in_Appeal_Period.aspx 

LINK to Current Zoning Applications https://www.cityofberkeley.info/Planning_and_Development/Land_Use_Division/Current_Zoning_Applications.aspx 

___________________ 

WORKSESSIONS 

March 16 – 1. Capital Improvement Plan (Parks & Public Works), 2. Digital Strategic Plan/FUND$ Replacement Website Update, 3. FY 2021 Mid-Year Report and Unfunded Liabilities Report (tentative) 

May 18 – (tentative) – 1. Bayer Development Agreement, 2. Affordable Housing Policy Reform 

Unscheduled Workshops/Presentations 

Cannabis Health Considerations 

Berkeley Police Department Hiring Practices (referred by Public Safety Committee) 

Update Zero Waste Priorities 

Civic Arts Grantmaking Process & Capital Grant Program 

Systems Realignment 

This meeting list is also posted on the Sustainable Berkeley Coalition website. 

http://www.sustainableberkeleycoalition.com/whats-ahead.html and in the Berkeley Daily Planet under activist’s calendar http://www.berkeleydailyplanet.com 

To Check For Regional Meetings with Berkeley Council Appointees go to 

https://www.cityofberkeley.info/Clerk/City_Council/City_Council__Committee_and_Regional_Body_Appointees.aspx 

To check for Berkeley Unified School District Board Meetings go to 

https://www.berkeleyschools.net/schoolboard/board-meeting-information/ 

If you wish to stop receiving the Weekly Summary of City Meetings please forward the weekly summary you received to kellyhammargren@gmail.com, 

Worth Noting: 

The most consequential meetings of the week are on Monday, the Public Safety Committee meeting at 10:30 am on police use of non-lethal weaponry and controlled equipment and the Land Use Committee Special meeting at 1:30 on Quadplex Zoning. If the vote on Quadplex Zoning is not taken on Monday, it will rollover to the Thursday Land Use Committee meeting.  

On Wednesday, the FITES agenda includes two environmental issues, electrification of the city fleet and the rights of nature.  

Affordable housing funds for the BART station projects is on the agenda at the Measure O Bond Oversight Committee at 6 pm on Monday and the Housing Advisory Commission on Thursday at 7 pm.  

The City Council March 9 regular meeting agenda is available for review and comment and follows the list of City meetings. 

If you have a meeting you would like included in the summary of meetings, please send a notice to kellyhammargren@gmail.com by noon on the Friday of the preceding week. To read the Activist’s Diary of what happened last week go to www.berkeleydailyplanet.com. 

Sunday, February 28, 2021  

No City meetings or events found 

Monday, March 1, 2021 

City Council Closed Session 9 am 

https://www.cityofberkeley.info/Clerk/City_Council/City_Council__Agenda_Index.aspx 

Videoconference: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86861132018 

Teleconference: 1-669-900-9128 or 1-877-853-5257 (toll free) Meeting ID: 868 6113 2018 

AGENDA: 1. Labor Negotiations Public Employees Union Local 1 

City Council Public Safety Committee, 10:30 am 

https://www.cityofberkeley.info/Clerk/Home/Policy_Committee__Public_Safety.aspx 

Videoconference: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83787178426 

Teleconference: 1-669-900-9128 or 1-877-853-5257 (toll free) Meeting ID: 837 8717 8426 

AGENDA: 2. Introduce an Ordinance permanently banning the use of less lethal weaponry, chemical irritants, smoke projectiles, acoustic weapons, directed energy weapons, water cannons, disorientation devices and ultrasonic cannons used by police on civilians, 3. Providing our Unhoused Community with Fire Extinguishers, 4. Adopt Ordinance adding chapter BMC 2.64.170 regulating Police Acquisition and Use of Controlled Equipment, 5. Presentation by the Fire Dept on Evacuation Plan,  

City Council Special Land Use, Housing & Economic Development Committee, 1:30 am 

https://www.cityofberkeley.info/Clerk/Home/Policy_Committee__Land_Use,_Housing___Economic_Development.aspx 

Videoconference: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87963480871 

Teleconference: 1-669-900-9128 or 1-877-853-5257 (toll free) Meeting ID: 879 6348 0871 

AGENDA: 2. Quadplex Zoning, proposal directs referral to CM and Planning Commission that staff begin work immediately on revisions to the zoning code and general plan to require proposed housing developments containing up to 4 residential units to be considered ministerially (no public review/hearings except in certain circumstances), 

Measure O Bond Oversight Committee, 6 pm 

https://www.cityofberkeley.info/Clerk/Commissions/Commissions__Measure_O_Bond_Oversight_Committee.aspx 

Videoconference: https://zoom.us/j/99240323565 

Teleconference: 1-669-900-6833 Meeting ID: 992 4032 3565 

AGENDA: 5. Affordable Housing Development Funds: Ashby and North Berkeley BART and future housing funding 

Police Review Commission – Outreach Subcommittee, 6 pm 

https://www.cityofberkeley.info/Clerk/Commissions/Commissions__Police_Review_Commission_Homepage.aspx 

Videoconference: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82258644009 

Teleconference: 1-669-900-6833 Meeting ID: 822 5864 4009 

AGENDA: 4. Plan for promoting the mission of the Police Review Commission 

Tuesday, March 2, 2021 

Berkeley Rent Stabilization Board IRA/AGA Committee, 5 pm 

https://www.cityofberkeley.info/rent/ 

Videoconference: https://zoom.us/j/99307513057?pwd=N1IxemRUUXZLWnVDZXBZYWVzR0VkUT09 

Teleconference: 1-669-900-6933 Meeting ID: 993 0751 3057 Passcode: 127788 

AGENDA: 6. Inclusive Neighborhood Scale and Quadplex Zoning and potential impacts on rent control 

Wednesday, March 3, 2021 

City Council Facilities, Infrastructure, Transportation, Environment & Sustainability Committee, 2:30 pm 

https://www.cityofberkeley.info/Clerk/Home/Policy_Committee__Facilities,_Infrastructure,_Transportation,_Environment,___Sustainability.aspx 

Videoconference: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89572199909 

Teleconference: 1-669-900-9128 or 1-877-853-5257 (toll free) Meeting ID: 895 7219 9909 

AGENDA: 2. Presentations on the Electrification of the Municipal Fleet and Citywide Electric Vehicle/Mobility Infrastructure, 3. Refer to CM to Prioritize Establishment of Impact/Mitigation Fees to Address Disproportionate Private and Public Utility Impact to the Public Right of Way (i.e. roads, sewer, waste, other utilities), 4. Recognize the Rights of Nature a resolution to recognize that the natural world has a right to exist, protect ecosystems 

Board of Library Trustees, 6:30 pm 

https://www.berkeleypubliclibrary.org/about/board-library-trustees 

Videoconference - Teleconference: check website posted links showing as expired 

AGENDA: II. B. revised holiday and early closing schedule, C. Reappointment Judy Hunt 

Homeless Services Panel of Experts, 7 pm 

https://www.cityofberkeley.info/Clerk/Commissions/Commissions__Homeless_Services_Panel_of_Experts.aspx 

Videoconference: https://zoom.us/j/91377246651 

Teleconference: 1-669-900-6833 Meeting ID: 913 7724 6651 

AGENDA: 5. Chair/vice chair election, 6. Work Plan 

Thursday, March 4, 2021 

City Council Land Use, Housing & Economic Development Committee, 10:30 am 

https://www.cityofberkeley.info/Clerk/Home/Policy_Committee__Land_Use,_Housing___Economic_Development.aspx 

Videoconference: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88089267316 

Teleconference: 1-669-900-9128 or 1-877-853-5257 (toll free) Meeting ID: 880 8926 7316 

AGENDA: 1. Quadplex Zoning – refer to CM and Planning Commission to initiate work immediately on revisions to the zoning code and general plan to require proposed housing developments containing up to 4 residential units to be considered ministerially (no public review except in certain circumstances), 2. Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act, 3. Resolution Recognizing Housing as a Human Right; Referral to CM to study financial feasibility of Municipal Housing Development Pilot Program with Cooperative, Nonprofit and Public Ownership Models, 4. Affordable Housing Overlay, 

Housing Advisory Commission – Special Meeting, 7 pm 

http://www.cityofberkeley.info/Housing_Advisory_Commission/ 

Videoconference: https://zoom.us/j/95339567365 

Teleconference: 1-669-900-6833 Meeting ID: 953 3956 7365 

AGENDA: 5. Draft Annual Action Plan (AAP) for HUD, 6. Affordable Housing Development Funds: Ashby and North Berkeley BART 

Landmarks Preservation Commission, 7 – 11:30 pm 

http://www.cityofberkeley.info/landmarkspreservationcommission/ 

Videoconference: https://zoom.us/j/99202219224 

Teleconference: 1-669-900-6833 Meeting ID: 992 0221 9224 

AGENDA: 5. 2527 San Pablo – Section 106 Consultation Referral National Preservation Act, 6. 2000 University demolition referral, 2001 Milvia demolition referral, 1634 San Pablo demolition referral, 9. Archaeological Resources and Native Cultural Heritage discussion, 10. 1227-1229 Bancroft Way City Landmark or Structure of Merit initiation, 

Public Works Commission, 7 – 10 pm 

https://www.cityofberkeley.info/Clerk/Commissions/Commissions__Public_Works_Commission_Homepage.aspx 

Videoconference: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84312916787 

Teleconference: 1-669-900-9128 Meeting ID: 843 1291 6787 

AGENDA: not posted check after Monday 

Ohlone Park Community Meeting, 6:30 – 8 pm 

Videoconference: https://zoom.us/j/99595288548 

Teleconference: 1-669-900-6833 Meeting ID: 995 9528 8548 

AGENDA: discuss future improvements 

WETA – Water Emergency Transport Authority, 1:30 pm 

Videoconference: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89718217408 

Teleconference: 1-669-900-6833 Meeting ID: 897 1821 7408 Passcode: 33779 

AGENDA: 5. Reports of Staff : b. Monthly Review of Financial Statements, e. Monthly Ridership, 10. Berkeley Ferry Terminal Feasibility Study Update 

Friday, March 5, 2021 & Saturday, March 6, 2021 & Sunday, March 7, 2021 

No City meetings or events found 

_____________________ 

City Council Regular Meeting, March 9 at 6 pm, available for comment 

email: council@cityofberkeley.info 

https://www.cityofberkeley.info/Clerk/City_Council/City_Council__Agenda_Index.aspx 

Videoconference: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87992485568 

Teleconference: 1-669-900-9128 or 1-877-853-5257 (toll free) Meeting ID: 879 9248 5568 

AGENDA: 2. Settlement Stahlschmidt v. COB $75,533, 3. Commission stipend $100/meeting adjustment for qualifying annual household income < 50% Alameda Co AMI with annual CPI inflator, 4. Confirm At-Large appointments to Reimagining Public Safety Task Force, 5. Deferral $676,464 remaining building permit fees, etc for 2009 Addison Berkeley Rep Theater project, 6. $48,994 Kitchen electrification grant from EBCE for North and South Berkeley Senior Centers, 7. Amend contract add $270,000 total $630,000 with United Site Service for additional portable toilet and handwashing stations for period of 2 yr with option to extend for 3-12 month periods, 8. Contracts $1 million each with AnchorCM and Park Engineering, Inc for on-call Capital Improvement Projects at Berkeley Waterfront 4/1/2021 – 6/30/2024, 9. Loan agreement $5,500,000 for replacement D & E docks at Berkeley Marina, 10. Grant Application $500,000 Environmental Enhancement and Mitigation Project (EEMP) to plant urban forest trees, 11. Amendments to BERA to regulate Officeholder accounts and to change donations to nonprofit organizations made in the name of the entire City Council (not individuals), 12.a&b. Amend Source of Income Discrimination Ordinance to establish Enforcement Procedure – Council Land Use Committee made qualified recommendations to a. with referral to 4 x 4 committee to explore enforcement alongside fair chance ordinance, 13. Council discretionary funds to HelpBerkeley, 14. Declare 3/21/2021 – 4/10/2021 as Cesar Chavez-Delores Huerta Commemorative Period, 15. Budget Referral Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFB) at 6^th and Addison, 16. Budget referral George Florence Park Traffic calming (10^th Street between University and Allston), 17. Resolution Supporting HR 25 Calling for Federal Investigation on Sedition at US Capitol and Expulsion of Complicit Members of Congress, 18. Support SB 260 Climate Corporate Accountability Act, 19. Support Vision 2025 for Sustainable Food Policies (increasing plant based food) Council Committee Health, Life Enrichment recommends adopt resolution as amended, 20. Resolution in Support of Establishing Statewide Targets for 100% Zero-Emission Vehicle sales, 21. Budget Referral to allocate Transportation Network Companies Tax (Uber, Lyft, etc.) to Bicycle Boulevards and Street Repair Programs, 22. Council discretionary funds to Kala Art Institute, 23. Resolution Condemning Anti-Asian Hate and Violence, 24. Affirm COB Support for People of Tibet, ACTION: 25. Resolution Clarifying Eligibility for Historic Landmark Designation for Residences of Notable Residents, 26. Berkeley Economic Dashboards Update, INFORMATION REPORTS: 26. Peace and Justice 2021-2022 Workplan, 27. Youth Commission Workplan, 

_______________________________ 

Public Hearings Scheduled – Land Use Appeals 

1200-1214 San Pablo 3/23/2021 

Notice of Decision (NOD) and Use Permits with End of Appeal Period 

1328 Alcatraz 3/11/21 

1528 Berkeley Way 3/16/2021 

31 Florida 3/2/2021 

2634 MLK 3/16/2021 

1481 Stannage 

https://www.cityofberkeley.info/Planning_and_Development/Land_Use_Division/Current_Zoning_Applications_in_Appeal_Period.aspx 

LINK to Current Zoning Applications https://www.cityofberkeley.info/Planning_and_Development/Land_Use_Division/Current_Zoning_Applications.aspx 

___________________ 

WORKSESSIONS 

March 16 – 1. Capital Improvement Plan (Parks & Public Works), 2. Digital Strategic Plan/FUND$ Replacement Website Update, 3. FY 2021 Mid-Year Report and Unfunded Liabilities Report (tentative) 

May 18 – (tentative) – 1. Bayer Development Agreement, 2. Affordable Housing Policy Reform 

Unscheduled Workshops/Presentations 

Cannabis Health Considerations 

Berkeley Police Department Hiring Practices (referred by Public Safety Committee) 

Update Zero Waste Priorities 

Civic Arts Grantmaking Process & Capital Grant Program 

Systems Realignment 

This meeting list is also posted on the Sustainable Berkeley Coalition website. 

http://www.sustainableberkeleycoalition.com/whats-ahead.html and in the Berkeley Daily Planet under activist’s calendar http://www.berkeleydailyplanet.com 

To Check For Regional Meetings with Berkeley Council Appointees go to 

https://www.cityofberkeley.info/Clerk/City_Council/City_Council__Committee_and_Regional_Body_Appointees.aspx 

To check for Berkeley Unified School District Board Meetings go to 

https://www.berkeleyschools.net/schoolboard/board-meeting-information/ 

If you wish to stop receiving the Weekly Summary of City Meetings please forward the weekly summary you received to kellyhammargren@gmail.com, 

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