• In March 2021, Deputy Speaker Vaturi, made a controversial statement on social media that Israel’s war on Gaza was “too humane” and called for the burning of Gaza. 

• Responding to the Hamas attack 0f October 7, 2023, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared ‘We will turn Gaza into a deserted island. To the citizens of Gaza, I say you must leave now. We will target each and every corner of the Strip. 

• Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has compared Palestinians to the Amalek. In the Bible, God commands Jews to wipe out the Amalek community in its entirety -including infants in their cradles. 

• PM Netanyahu, in replying to criticism of the Israeli Culture Minister, stated ‘Israel is not a country of all its citizens’ and is for “Jews alone. Roughly 25% of Israeli citizenship owners are Palestinians – or as Israel describes them “Arab Israelis”. 

• Defence Minister Yoav Gallant's in October 2023 declared ‘there will be no electricity, no food, no fuel, everything is closed. We are fighting human animals, and we will act accordingly.’ 

• Ayelet Shaked, Israeli Justice Minister– ‘Behind every terrorist stand dozens of men and women without whom he could not engage in terrorism. They are all enemy combatants, and their blood shall be on their heads. Now this includes the mothers of the martyrs who send them to hell with flowers and kisses. They should follow their sons; nothing would be more just. They should go as well as the physical homes in which they raised the snakes.’ 

• Major General Chassan Alian ‘Human animals must be treated as such. There will be no electricity and no water; there will be only destruction. You wanted hell, you will get hell’

A recent holiday jaunt took us to the Caribbean where, on arriving, we discovered my checked-in luggage had acquired a long gash somewhere in transit between Frisco and Port of Spain. 

We dutifully filled out a Baggage Claim Form with United and the next day went online to confront the airline's long electronic form for travelers seeking reimbursement for lost or damaged property. The form asked for all the numbers printed on our bag-tags and explained that claims for lost contents would require providing receipts showing the purchase price of every item of clothing, footwear, and electronics. (Sample: "1 red shirt. $65.") 

After filing our claim, we happily went back to the business of visiting family and friends. 

On our return to SFO, my partner suggested we pause to visit UA's baggage department. "Why bother!" I kvetched. "We've filed a claim. All they'll do is tell us how long we'll need to wait for a reply." 

I finally agreed, fully expecting my partner's expectations would soon be dashed. Instead, the clerk on duty—Ken Chance, a genial 30-plus-year employee with a mellow attitude, a white beard, and a long white pony-tail—offered an option: Would we like to wait for UA to respond to our claim or would we like an immediate replacement? 

I was awestruck but quickly accepted the offer. Chance (who told us he prefers the French pronunciation of his name—Shawnce) headed off to UA's baggage vault. To my amazement, he returned with a match in two minutes. Same size, hard-backed and unused! We gave him our torn and battered bag and he handed over the new model with only one small scrap of paperwork! 

We gushed our appreciation and I complimented him on his problem-solving skills and his long, white pony-tail. 

"Like they say," he smiled, "I'm 'the only with the pony.'") 

Meeting My Downfall  

After leaving SFO and boarding BART's Yellow Line to the East Bay, I discovered a small difference with the new luggage: the wheels on the new bag tended to roll a bit too easy. 

At one point near the start of our journey, I walked to the middle of the BART car to check out the screen with a map of our journey. I noticed an oddity: the map only showed the Yellow Line to Richmond and failed to present the system's other routes. I also noticed that the station announcements failed to advise passengers when they reached stations (like West Oakland) that serve as transfer stops to board BART lines to other destinations. I did notice that maps showing the entire BART network of stations and destinations were on display on the walls of the stations we were passing. 

While I was pondering this oversight, I became aware of a small commotion behind my back. At first I thought a toddler-on-rollerskates was loose on the train but when I turned around, I discovered my new luggage bag had rolled about 20 feet from where I'd been sitting and had come to a stop cuddling against my left leg. 

"Ahh," I heard someone say, "Your luggage misses you!" 

Turns out the luggage had another surprise waiting for me. 

Exiting North Berkeley Bart via the escalator, the new bag started rolling backwards off the step I was standing on. When I tried to pull it forward, the shifting weight caused me to fall backwards. I tumbled down three steps, taking my partner down with me. Fortunately, a bystander knew about the emergency stop buttons at the top and bottom of the escalator and halted moving staircase within seconds. 

Did you know that escalators have "emergency stop" buttons? I didn't. This could be leg-saving information. Pass it along. 

Just over a week ago UC Berkeley orchestrated a paramilitary-style invasion of the neighborhood surrounding People’s Park. Defenders of the park were removed by police, and now the park is surrounded by a 16-foot high border wall of double-stacked shipping containers. 

We are still awaiting a hearing date to be followed by a decision from the California Supreme Court (Supreme Court case #S279242) on our CEQA case. The greatest complication in that case is AB1307, which passed through the state legislature with no public input and negated the very claims we won in the California Court of Appeal (Appeal Court case #A165451). 

With UC’s re-occupation of People’s Park, we are considering a legal challenge to the shipping container wall, which may halt construction on the site and perhaps save the park. We may also challenge the many civil liberties violations that occurred during the police occupation of the South Campus neighborhood surrounding the park. 

A teach-in on the UC Berkeley campus is being planned in collaboration with students and professors. Unbelievably this will be the first public airing of the People’s Park issue on campus. 

Please contribute to our legal fund by going to https://www.peoplesparkhxdist.org/donate-now/. Donate safely by GoFundMe, Venmo or check. Thanks for any support - big or small. Our legal efforts have already stopped construction for two years plus. Hopefully further legal action can continue to prevent UC from destroying the park and enable UC to reach a reasonable settlement with park supporters. 

Long Live People's Park!

I don’t know Rigel Robinson, nor who harassed him into quitting a race for Mayor in Berkeley, but I know that Joe Garafoli’s article [in the San Francisco Chronicle] on the situation is a “whitewash”. Appropriately, Garafoli centers the housing crisis, but he misrepresents it, reinforcing stereotypes.  

Yes, there are always NIMBYs who don’t want more housing built. But advocacy for more housing breaks down into those who insist that a large proportion of new rental housing be affordable and low income, opposed by powers who don’t. Developers and their politicians realize that building less than market rate housing in this crazy market isn’t profit conducive. Berkeley wants to attract developers by advocating for profitability.  

Mayor Arreguin himself is not a progressive. Take, for example, his and his Council’s blocking a Gaza Ceasefire Resolution as all our large neighbors (Oakland, Richmond, San Francisco) have passed. Arreguin is in bed with the Israel-lobby, accepting an all expense paid junket to Israel during earlier bombing of Gaza.  

Berkeley and UC might have honored Peoples’ Park’s history by creating a new community with 50% low and very low rent housing; and by ending raids and sweeps that destroy the property of homeless all over the city. 

--

They say that if you remember 1967 you weren’t there.

Trust me, I was there. I met my husband Tom there, had six kids with him – five of them adopted including three post-polio kids, two of whom came out of the Vietnam War. Thirteen years of me studying Indian music and dance with Balasaraswati, and an MA in South Asian Studies from Cal, before he left me behind. But before he did, we started a music venue called 1750 Arch Street and produced concerts and made records with some of the best Bay Area musicians, and we marched against the war and gave money to anti-war causes, which earned us the honor of being put on President Nixon’s enemies list. I half-toned the list, and used it as my personal stationery, on which I wrote my application to Boalt Law School, which I graduated from 12 years later with a JD degree to join my BA in Anthropology from Michigan, and my MA in Indian Studies and MPH in Maternal Child Health from Berkeley.

The years at Cal were memorable for, among other things, fire-bombings, bomb scares, helicopters circling overhead, and tear gas on the way to class. Ah! There is nothing like the smell of tear gas in the morning. We went from driving a drive-away car to San Francisco, wearing flowers in our hair, to planting flowers in People’s Park, and the Park became a symbol of peace and flowers and no war and music, free food, and kindness.  

I took the kids down on many an afternoon to listen to Tom Fogarty of Credence, and Country Joe, and guys with no shirts beating on Conga drums, and people dancing. Free. Everything free. When my oldest son, Paul, was only three Tom and I took him to the park where he used his little shovel to plant our living Christmas tree, which was hardly taller than he was. When I last checked on our tree, just before COVID, it was easily forty feet tall.  

Bad stuff happened, too. In one of the demonstrations, a friend who was an Indian drummer had his arm broken by a police baton. Another friend, who suffered from schizophrenia ended up living in the park sometimes. After Cody’s closed it was no longer a place I went at night.  

But here is something. Once I was on Telegraph Avenue and I blacked out, in the road just up from the Med. I had done it once before, while driving on the freeway. This time an ambulance came, along with a big fire-engine, while I was lying in the street. I do not remember much about how I got to the hospital, but the doctors there said I needed less stress (they had heard about the seven kids I now had), and in a more medical diagnosis I was diagnosed with a cardiac condition that caused my blood pressure to plummet, which they have since fixed with pills.  

But while I was lying in the street, I remember one thing. A street- woman came and sat with me and put my head in her lap as she sat on the curb. The ambulance people questioned her, and she said, “I hope she is okay. She is not from the street. Here is her purse. I kept it for her so it would be safe.” I remember feeling very happy there on the pavement. And very safe.  

I had an office in the old Daily Cal building where from my window I could see folks who were apparently homeless sometimes. One young man went through the garbage can every noontime looking for food. Next day I bought two sandwiches instead of one and went down and offered the second one to him. He bolted. I had apparently scared him with this gesture. After that I put the second sandwich in its little bag, into the garbage can for him to find, which worked well – and he was almost always there to grab it.  

Now that I work on the border I know Shura Wallin, who is one of our heroes on the border. I have gone out into the desert with her many times, looking for folks who need help – food or water or medical care. Shura is the woman, who when she lived in Berkeley, started the program that provides free meals in People’s Park. So, there is that.  

Down on the border, where Shura and I work, some genius decided that a good way to keep migrants out of the US would be to stack up railroad cars along the border, and for a while there was a horrible eye-sore that blocked migration of not only people, but of wild animals. The court’s stopped it, and a lot of money got spent in taking the railcars back out again. A documentary called “American Scar” talks about the hidden impact of those unfortunate walls.  

And now we have the same thing in Berkeley. And to make sure that no one can sneak in and actually spend time in People’s Park, they have added razor wire to you can’t surreptitiously jump into the park from the roof of a nearby building.  

I have only one thing to say.  

Are you fucking kidding me?  

Couple things here: 

1) This park has been here for more than fifty years now. 2) It is symbolic of many things to many people (opposition to the terrible Vietnam war, kindness to people who need help, art, music, green space, happiness) 3) The fact that there is crime, or danger of crime, is the responsibility of those who prevent crime. It is not the responsibility of the park for existing. 4) Shame on the university, who truly should definitely provide housing for its students, for making their tuitions (so many now of high paying overseas students) a priority over the city that generously houses them. 5) Since Cal students are generally low income, and because they make up a large percentage of the Berkeley population, Berkeley (where home values are high) looks on paper like a very poor city. This, I’ve been told, enables Berkeley developers to get federal housing loans available to poor cities, to build and build and build, as long as a few spaces are guaranteed to be rented to low income persons. This is a gift to developers, but less of a solution for the unhoused, who continue to pitch their tents beside the parking meters of Berkeley. 6) What to do? I would suggest that CAL build its dorm somewhere else (the racetrack comes to mind). I would also suggest that UC contribute more funds to Berkeley to help with the increased costs that its presence engenders. And thirdly, I would suggest that UC open its doors even more widely to the city to share arts and education programs broadly. The ghettoization of part of the city for students serves no-one.  

As for the little grassy plot that has recently been massacred by bulldozers, and surrounded by men with guns, I would suggest a complete re-evaluation of what this park means to the people of Berkeley, and frankly to the world.  

The meaning of People’s Park is not what is assigned, by this or that committee or commission or legal document. People’s Park is bigger than that, and better than that. If UC wants to do something there, they can create rational and friendly security, they can provide social service advice and transport for people who need a place to sleep. They can keep the tradition of food and music and sitting in the sunshine in the grass. They can teach classes outdoors in the park, in the tradition of Rabindranath Tagore and his peace school in Shantiniketan in India. They can let people come for Tai Chi and yoga and chess.  

What happened to creativity and what happened to empathy and kindness? People’s Park stands for Berkeley, and for the history of Berkeley that sprouted during the summer of love.  

You weren’t there? Look it up!  

And put some goddamned flowers in your hair!

Well, there’s plenty of blame to go around, that’s for sure. This publication and many more are filled with passionate denunciations of Hamas’s brutal invasion of Israel and Israel’s appalling war against the people of Gaza ( most of whom happen to be women, old folks or kids) by both sides. Some opinion writers choose one side to support, but many say a plague on both their houses. 

Next to my front door there’s a little brown box, like a picture frame with a glass window. Inside are three compartments. Two contain metal objects that I don’t understand: One looks like an eye. The other looks like a hand, or maybe a bell, and it has the word “millenium”, the number 2000 and what looks like a fish on it. There are some iridescent balls, like ball bearings, rolling around in the frame. In the third section there’s a tiny plaque with these words on it: 

BLESSING OF THE HOUSE 

MAY SORROW NOT
ENTER HEREIN
NEITHER TROUBLE
WORRY OR FRIGHT
MAY IT NEVER BE
A HOUSE DIVIDED
HAPPINESS AND PEACE
PRESIDE WITHIN 

This object was a gift to my late mother almost two decades ago, from two Israeli girls who were touring the world to avoid being drafted into the Israel Defense Force. They were pacifists and conscientious objectors, and if I understood them correctly Israel’s law at the time made no provision for people who didn’t want to fight, except of course for religious males. Per recent Wikipedia analyses, not much has changed. Everyone is expected to serve in the armed services, though in practice many avoid it. The girls stayed in my mother’s spare room for about a year and became fast friends with her. They finally decided to go home and face the music. The last I heard about them, one (was her name Yael?) was in jail because she still refused to serve in the Israel Defense Force. Others have met the same fate. 

Nonetheless, I hope that the peaceable sentiments on that house blessing, which I inherited, are still honored by some Israelis. The appalling Hamas invasion has made it hard to be an Israeli pacifist, though reports in Ha’aretz, the Guardian and other media reveal that they still exist. 

But being a dissenter in Israel these days is not easy, it appears. Friday’s Guardian had a story about a history teacher in Israel who was handcuffed and jailed in solitary after he posted questions about Gaza on his Facebook page. 

Many observers of that country’s current war on Gaza, both those in Israel and in the Jewish diaspora, blame Bibi Netanyahu and his political allies for what they perceive as serious over-reaction. Yes, the Hamas invasion of October 7 was beyond appalling, and retribution was inevitable and understandable, but the more-than-excessive number of non-combatant deaths and injuries among Palestinians, especially children, angered many of Israel’s former allies. Decades of abuse of Palestinians didn't help. Of course, critics are accused of antisemitism. 

I can recite chapter and verse about the consequences of any criticism of Israel, justified or not. Check the Berkeley Daily Planet archives between 2006 and 2009 for documentation. 

It’s not my job to advise Israel of how to regain its formerly honored position in the world, and it’s probably too late anyway, but remembering that experience reminded me of a quip from my own religious tradition. 

It’s what the Great St. Theresa reputedly said to God during a rough patch in their relationship: 

“If this is the way you treat your friends, it’s no wonder you have so few.” 

Amen to that. 

 

 

 

There is a belief among many White evangelical Protestants that Trump was anointed by God to lead this country. It is fair to ask—why doTrump supporters believe Trump is even a Christian when he is so un-Christ like, a man who is more intimately acquainted with the seven deadly sins than the contents of the Bible? Robert P. Jones, the author of and the CEO of the Public Religion Research Institute suggests: 

"It was really the 'Make America Great Again' mantra. I think most of the power of that slogan was in the last word: again. It was hearkening back to a kind of 1950s America, where white Christians and particularly white Anglo-Saxon Protestants were more dominant in the society demographically and culturally." 

Of course, Jim Crow laws proliferated back in the 1950s, until they were overruled by the Civil Rights Act of 1964. And the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Brown v. Board of Education that separating children in public schools on the basis of race was unconstitutional in 1954. 

Anthea Butler, chair of religious studies at the University of Pennsylvania asked, "Why is it that evangelicals have not come to grips with the racism that's been inherent in their movement?" she asked National Catholic Reporter. "And why [does] everybody else let them pretend that they're really moral people when this is about power, not morality?”  

Unfortunately when someone like Trump acquires power, that person too often believes no ethics or laws apply to him. And Trump’s MAGA followers meekly support him no matter what he says or does. 

Can demilitarization put an end to global hunger? 

That question is about to go viral with the imminent appearance of six massive billboards coming soon to Oakland and Berkeley. The eye-catching message on the billboards is one that could stop traffic as drivers brake to reread the startling rooftop message: "3% of U.S. Military Spending Could End Starvation on Earth.” (Click here for a PDF of billboard graphic.) 

The advertising campaign is the work of World BEYOND War, a growing global anti-war, pro-peace organization that is celebrating its tenth anniversary this month with a growing number of members and chapters worldwide—in North America, South America, Europe, Asia, the South Pacific, the Middle East and Africa. 

But the "3% campaign" wouldn't have gotten off the ground without the support of Ben Cohen, the first half of the radical grassroots duo that founded Ben & Jerry's, the beloved ice cream empire. 

B&J has already been a voice in the anti-war movement. In addition to offering quirky flavors like Chunky Monkey and Karamal Sutra, the company has also offered tasty cartons of Imagine Whirled Peace. And thanks to Ben Cohen's generous support, WBW's billboards will soon be raising the startling connection between Pentagon spending and world hunger. 

So What's With This 3% Figure?

Let's let WBW explain: 

"A trillion dollars is not a concept one can easily visualize, but it is a very conservative underestimate of what the U.S. government spends each year on the military, including the Pentagon base budget, plus war budget, plus nuclear weapons in the Department of Energy, plus the Department of Homeland Security, and other military spending. 

"This does not include various additional spending bills, such as those now under consideration to put over $100 billion into more weapons for Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan, and the border of Mexico. 

"Three percent of a trillion dollars, or $30 billion, is still not easy to visualize, but it could end starvation everywhere, or hire 33 thousand teachers at $90,000 each, or provide 3 million units of public housing at $10,000 each, or provide 60 million households with wind power at $500 each. And those alternatives would not only benefit huge numbers of people, but also have greater positive economic impact. 

"Far from being the jobs program often claimed, military spending produces fewer jobs than other public spending, and fewer jobs than never taxing the money from working people at all." 

Where Will You Find the Billboards?

Six billboards are set to appear starting in the week of January 22nd (depending on weather). Five of the billboards will debut in Oakland (at Grand & Mandana, Telegraph & 20^th, Broadway & 27^th, Broadway & 25^th, Harrison & 27^th) and one in Berkeley, at University & Sacramento. (Here are photos and addresses of the exact locations.) (And here is a link that explains where that statistic comes from: worldbeyondwar.org/explained.) 

Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony Planned for Jan. 28 

Events are being planned in partnership with CODEPINK and other organizations starting with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 28th, in front of the First Congregational Church of Oakland at 2501 Harrison St, Oakland — near one of the billboards. A reception will follow inside the church from 2:30 – 3:30 p.m. with speakers, music, and food. The gathering will serve as a fundraiser for Food Not Bombs, which provides food to those in need. 

Among those taking part will be: 

David Swanson, Executive Director of World BEYOND War
Keith McHenry, Founder of Food Not Bombs
Francisco Hererra, musician
John Lindsay-Poland, American Friends Service Committee
Paul Cox, Veterans For Peace
Cynthia Papermaster, CODEPINK S.F. Bay Area
Jackie Cabasso, Western States Legal Foundation
Jim Haber, War Tax Resistance
David Hartsough, Co-Founder of World BEYOND War 

ACTION: RSVP to reserve your spot and to support Food Not Bombs. 

For updates check this page: https://worldbeyondwar.org/oakland 

(Full disclosure: The author is a member of the WBW board.)

The bigger local news of the week we finished on January 13, 2024, is definitely not the meetings I attended; it is the people who are leaving their Berkeley careers behind and moving on. 

Another department director is leaving Berkeley. Supriya Yelimeli from Berkeleyside covered it. Lisa Warhuus, the Director of Health, Housing and Community Services, f is leaving Berkeley for less money and more responsibility in Marin. Warhuus is taking almost a $50,000 pay cut, $46,723 to be exact according to the article, to manage a staff “almost eight times as large…with about double the budget” as her job in Berkeley. 

A website titled bestplaces listed the cost of living in San Rafael where offices are located as 15% higher than Berkeley though average home prices in Berkeley are $110,000 more in the chart.This is not to comment about Warhuus’ work here in Berkeley, except to state that there is a threshold where people want more challenging, satisfying work and will accept a lower salary and benefit package to move on. Warhuus will still receive a generous salary package in Marin which makes another point for the ridiculousness of the salary ranges for the City of Berkeley administrators. 

Some us recall that under Mayor Jesse Arreguin’s leadership and recommendation in 2021, the Berkeley City Council gave Berkeley City Manager Dee Williams-Ridley a 28.11% raise of $84,732 to elevate her to be the fourth highest paid manager of thirteen City/County manager positions surveyed in the Bay Area, when Berkeley is the smallest city in square miles (land area 10.5 sq mi) of the thirteen cities surveyed, and was eleventh in population (124,321). This move placed the Berkeley City Manager as receiving $2,784 less than the Santa Clara County Executive a county of 1304 square miles and 1,936,259 people. 

Prior to the raise, Williams-Ridley was earning $18,624 more than the city manager of Richmond and $7,716 more than the city manager of Concord which seems reasonable. 

Of course, neither of those cities have a 2.8 acre plot of land officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) and a commons recognized internationally surrounded by stacked shipping containers with razor wire on top guarded by police and other persons with SECURITY on the chest of their dark uniforms. It’s quite a scene. 

No one seems to want to admit how the City of Berkeley allowed UC Berkeley to take such actions. The Berkeley City Council has been all in on the clear cutting of over 80 mature trees covering the NRHP plot of land and the erasure of historic memory of Peoples Park under the premise that student housing had to be built there when there were and are plenty of other available plots of land owned by UCB to build. State Assembly person Buffy Wicks is all in on this too. 

In less than two months ballots for selecting who should replace Nancy Skinner in the California State Senate will be in our mailboxes for the March 5 primary. You might want to skip by the emails from Arreguin about his latest endorsements and take a hard look at the other four candidates: Lybarger, Kalb, Swanson and Beckles. I know I will. 

I attended the early debates/forums last fall. There should be more in the coming weeks. The best forums were sponsored by East Bay Community Activists (EBCA) at Live Oak Park last September and October, where Lybarger, Kalb and Beckles each had their own Saturday afternoon to be peppered with unscreened, unfiltered questions until everyone who attended ran out of things to ask. These were so much better than all the candidates sitting together in a row answering the same questions and raising their hands as to who identified as a YIMBY. Lybarger, who has said she doesn’t believe in “trickle down housing”, and Swanson skipped that chance and kept their hands in their laps. 

Councilmember Rigel Robinson resigned from the Berkeley City Council and ended his bid for mayor, writing that he was “spent” and “burnt out”,that he has had to tolerate various forms of harassment and that he is prioritizing his well-being and his family and that he will focus on his “greatest passion: wedding planning.” 

Really? I guess when you are 27 your wedding day is the biggest day in your life. 

Robinson, who was 22 when first elected and 27 when he left office last week, managed to attain a lengthy article in the Chronicle and space in Berkeleyside. 

Those of us on the sidelines expect there will be some flourish over an “unexpected opportunity” in the coming months that is probably already in the works. 

The SF Chronicle listed Robinson as having been a front runner for mayor. I’m not so sure about that analysis. The YIMBYs were able to take over the Northern Alameda County Sierra Club as only 6% of the membership bothered to vote. 

Councilmembers Sophie Hahn and Kate Harrison are the two remaining candidates for mayor, but others have until August to jump in. 

The second week of January was full of City meetings. I made three of them, the Parks, Recreation and Waterfront Commission, the Zoning Adjustment Board and the Berkeley Neighborhoods Council on Saturday. When every meeting was on ZOOM it was so much easier to pick up more meetings. 

Brennan Cox, landscape architect and Parks, Recreation and Waterfront Commissioner gave a presentation to the Parks Commission on traditional versus innovative play equipment for children. The differences are stark, especially when it comes to designing play areas in public spaces that also welcome children with disabilities. The traditional play equipment really isn’t accessible and the usual play area design often isn’t planned in a way that welcomes the adult accompanying the child who may need accessible space and seating options. 

Cox also shared a picture of non-gende- assigned public restrooms in a public park that had a central hand washing area surrounded by toilet stalls with full doors for privacy. Such an arrangement could certainly solve the freak out in “conservative” areas over transgender bathroom use or even help caregivers/parents assisting a child or disabled adult of a different sex. 

Scott Ferris, Director of Parks, Recreation and Waterfront stated he expects the proposed February 6 date for the Waterfront Specific Plan presentation to City Council to be moved. Ferris said that there are still documents / reports /updates that need to be posted on the City Waterfront Specific Plan webpage. https://berkeleyca.gov/your-government/our-work/capital-projects/waterfront-specific-plan 

The Zoning Adjustment Board meeting was more interesting than I expected. The first project of the evening, at 2420 Shattuck, a 17-story 132 unit building of which 14 units will be available to very low-income households, was continued to a date uncertain. It is an SB 330 project which means that it only has to comply with the ordinances in place at the time the application was complete. 

The next project at 2120 McKinley to raise a house (needing lots of love) three feet passed on consent. 

The last project of the evening at 2113 - 2115 Kittredge was an ambitious SB 330 18-story project with 211 units of which 22 are for very low-income households. The project is at the site of the now closed California movie theater. The project will retain the street-facing California Theater façade (building up behind it) and proposes to include a 24,273 square foot live performance theater. 

The City of Berkeley requires a total of 20% of the units to be affordable with 10% for very low income households and 10% to be available to low income households or to pay an in lieu mitigation fee instead of providing all or a portion of the affordable units. The project will provide the 10% very low-income units (22) to qualify for the state density bonus and pay the in lieu fee of $81,161.58 instead of providing the other 10% for low income households. 

Imagine that. When we desperately need affordable housing this project gets a 50% bonus, 70 more units for 22 very low-income units and $81,161.58. The 211 units consists of 133 studio units with 14 BMR (below market rate), 66 2-bedroom units with 7 BMR and 12 4-bedroom units with one BMR. 

Mark Rhoades, representative for the developer, said they have been working with the community on the live performance theater. If they can’t make the numbers work, make it financially feasible, they will be back requesting a modification to omit the theater. Conveniently the plans put the theater in levels B1 and B2, so it would be pretty easy to just build from the ground up. This project like nearly every project planned as student housing has no parking. 

Since the application was complete in 2022 before the Bird Safe Ordinance passed, as an SB 330 project, the building is exempted from that requirement though Rhoades did say they will do bird safe glass for the first 36 feet, better than nothing, but the ordinance calls for the first 75 feet and all high risk features. The balconies are designed as glass so that means every balcony will have the hazard that killed the fledgling peregrine falcon Lux. After that incident UC installed bird safe streamers to prevent future accidents. 

A tenant from the neighboring building spoke to his concern regarding adding so many people and the sidewalk and street traffic that will come with them next to a building with a number of disabled persons. 

Board member Igor Tregrub, appointed by Arreguin, made a motion to approve 2113 – 2115 Kittredge with two recommendations, 1) that the applicant evaluate and if possible conform to the Bird Safe Glass Ordinance currently in effect and 2) the applicant abide by the provisions of the Hard Hats Ordinance (relates to prevailing pay and benefits). Board member Deborah Sanderson, a former Planning Department employee appointed by Councilmember Humbert, vehemently opposed adding recommendations and made a substitute motion without the recommendations which passed. 

It often feels like there is a game to stall ordinances so developers can get their applications completed before ordinances are passed and go into effect. Non-binding recommendations are the only persuasive tool the ZAB has with the SB 330 projects. 

In November it is expected that there will be two ballot measures to fund fixing the streets in Berkeley. Given the poor condition of streets in Berkeley of which 42% are classified as failed or poor it is also expected that both measures will gain substantial support over the 50% threshold to pass. Whichever one gets the most votes wins. 

In the City’s 2020 survey of Berkeley voters for city council to determine the probability of what ballot measures would pass, the voter’s preference was a parcel tax for street repairs and a small bond measure for infrastructure. The city council chose to ignore the survey results and instead threw everything into the whopping $650 million Measure L with a grab bag of ideas and commitment to none. Measure L failed. 

On Saturday at the Berkeley Neighborhoods Council, Nancy Radar and James McGrath presented the Berkeleyans for Better Planning special parcel tax measure. Click on the “view the measure” to read the full proposed ballot initiative. https://www.berkeleyansforbetterplanning.org/our-measure/ 

Basically, the parcel tax ballot initiative ($0.13 per square foot of improvements for 12 years) from Berkeleyans for Better Planning is to repair all the existing Berkeley streets, sidewalks and pedestrian paths starting with those in the worst condition in the neediest neighborhoods until all are brought to good condition using an index that grades the entire street not an average where poor or fair conditions are hidden. Very low-income property owners are exempted. 

Rebeca Mirvish who is represents the other proposal ($0.17 per square foot over 14 years) will be presenting the other measure on February 10. 

As you are wondering what to do during the rainy days ahead here are two suggestions. 

If you are one of the many who never believed the Warren Commission Magic Bullet theory that Lee Harvey Oswald was the lone assassin of President Kennedy, the final episode of ten-part podcast serial Who Killed JFK finished on January 10. 

President Biden signed the Memorandum on Certifications Regarding Disclosure of Information in Certain Records Related to the Assassination of President John F. Kennedy on June 30, 2023 that left 4,684 documents still withheld from the public. But, there is enough already released to put pieces together of who was likely involved and it wasn’t Lee Harvey Oswald. You can search for Who Killed JFK in your podcast ap, your browser or use this link. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt29898350/episodes/?season=1 

I finished the book Sedition Hunters: How January 6th Broke the Justice Department by Ryan J. Reilly. The book starts out slow going through all the missteps and outdated equipment and methods. As I was just about ready to give up ever getting the story, Reilly moves on to the citizen sleuths who used the publicly available January 6th tapes, facial recognition, Facebook, twitter and a variety of applications. The National Book Review by Paul Markowitz does a much better job of describing the book than I can ever do here, but reading the book is way better than thinking you have the whole picture by scanning the review. Sedition Hunters is available at our local libraries. https://www.thenationalbookreview.com/features/2023/10/21/review-how-online-amateur-detectives-helped-bring-down-the-jan-6-insurrectionists 

 

I made this Public Records Act request #24-31 to the city Berkeley as of January 5,2024:

"I ask to see the permits from the city that authorized the University of California and the law enforcement agencies assisting it in its closure of People's Park to close streets to parking, to cordon off city streets, and to tow cars from the closed area."

I received this response:

"The Berkeley Police Department has completed its search for responsive records and has found no responsive records exist. With this response, staff has completed their work to process and respond to your Public Records Act request."

Does this mean that the university carried out this action without the city of Berkeley's authorization? Is that legal?

When Fred and Pat Cody built the former Cody's Bookstore location at the corner of Haste and Telegraph they deliberately built an inset designed as a space for people to congregate so that they could meet each other, talk about books, have poetry readings, even panhandle. They could have done what most retail store owners do, and built to the hilt of the sidewalk's footprint which is now common all over town. But they loved Telegraph Avenue and its lively pedestrian culture. They sacrificed retail space to benefit the people who love it, too. 

Parklets are the opposite of that; they're usually linked to sales in a retail outlet and in no way public. Even renowned composer and classical guitar player Philip Rosheger was chased out of a north Berkeley "parklet" for playing music celebrated worldwide by the best classical musicians. 

The Berkeley City Council has an easy fix to address the "issue" of people quietly playing chess: get over it. Ticket them for smoking if they smoke, but celebrate the centuries-old tradition of chess players who learn and teach by playing with each other, just as musicians do in a jam. You can learn by playing or by watching and listening. This is public space at its best. 

In addition, it should be obvious by now that the university's "security fence", which was technically permitted under the current legal stay, is nothing any court or any judge ever envisioned. Four-ton coulble-stacked cargo containers topped with anti-personnel razor wire is quite a look, let alone a danger, in a residential neighborhood with no parks within a quarter mile. The Berkeley City Council looks weak already, but it looks all the weaker raising no objection to transforming the most landmarked area of Berkeley, literally a garden, into a war zone. 

Any Berkeley City Councilmember who wishes to run for mayor in this town should consider how difficult it will be to take their candidacy seriously once it is clear that they will serve up any part of the town the university orders destroyed, even a landmark on the National Register of Historic Places, and only say, "would you like fries with that?"

am writing to express my support for South Africa's recent contention that Israel is committing genocide against the Palestinian people, particularly in Gaza. As a concerned citizen, I believe it is essential to address the impact of our tax dollars, which have contributed to bombings resulting in the tragic deaths and injuries of children in what UNICEF identifies as the world's most dangerous place for children. 

I argue against the notion that the Israeli military faces a binary choice of either leveling Gaza or doing nothing. Drawing a parallel with historical events, I question the double standard applied to Israel's actions compared to the military actions of other nations, including the United States in Hiroshima and Dresden. 

Furthermore, I highlight the potential strategic consequences of large-scale civilian casualties, as suggested by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. I emphasize the imperfect record of wars achieving their aims, citing examples such as Vietnam, Afghanistan, Iraq, and Israel's 1982 invasion of Lebanon. 

The ongoing conflict poses a significant risk of escalation and broader regional crises, making it crucial to prioritize negotiation and dialogue over military actions. I also express concern over the potential for a conflagration involving Israel, Lebanon, an uprising in the West Bank, or even a war with Iran. 

In light of the current situation, I commend South Africa's initiative to bring Israel to trial for genocide before the International Court of Justice. The historic moment calls for accountability for the decades-long imposition of a settler-colonial and apartheid regime against the Palestinian people. 

South Africa's call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, including the cessation of bombings and the lifting of the blockade, is a necessary step to address the humanitarian crisis. The provisional measures they seek, such as stopping actions leading to the deaths, destruction of homes, expulsion, displacement, and the blockade on essential resources, are critical for the well-being and survival of the Palestinian population. 

It is my hope that international efforts, including the proceedings at the International Court of Justice, will bring about a resolution that prioritizes peace, justice, and the protection of innocent lives in the region.

The City of Berkeley Rent Board Environmental Sustainability Committee is meeting roughly monthly now. Here's what's up:

Today on the 10th of January 2024 the committee reviewed a Kate Harrison proposed ordinance to require housing operators to disclose to new tenants the past energy use of the unit. Committee members expressed concern that the requirement is at lease signing rather than at advertising time, and concern that the data could be highly inaccurate if the old and new tenants have differing energy habits (work from home, grow lamps, tenant froze but just wore a lot of jackets, etc). The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy has published renter studies on this topic. 

Igor Tregub reported on changes at the California Public Utilities Commission that make Solar for renters less viable (program name VNEM 3.0). The full rent board will vote on a resolution asking the CPUC to reconsider. 

Your author, Bryce Nesbitt, reported on policy at the California Energy Commission that deems ineligible for grant funding electric vehicle chargers assigned to a given tenant. This means even renters with access to solar can't set up to charge their own vehicles with their own electrons, and it means tenants must pay the owner or service company a markup to use electricity from the building's common meter (program name: Communities in Charge). Condominium, single family and multifamily pay-per-use EV charging setups remain eligible for grant funding. Comments are due to the CEC by 19th January at 4pm.

Many of our worries could help us in making sure that we mind the many details in life. However, we know there are downsides to excessive worry.  

If you have psychiatric issues, especially paranoid tendencies, the worries that you might get could be very farfetched, your belief in them could be stronger, and the intensity of the worry could be at a level where it is debilitating. Another point: It is harder for a mentally ill person to assess the realism of their worry. Worry for someone who has paranoid symptoms could be akin to Superman's Kryptonite. The one substance that horribly poisons a person who might be otherwise strong (or at least normal in this case) . A paranoid person's condition can often be defined by them having irrational fears. But also, a psychotic person's psychotic condition can be defined by beliefs that aren't realistic, and sometimes by hallucinations. Additionally, a psychotic person might get "delusions of grandeur." (I've been accused of having delusions of grandeur until I reached a point where it could be demonstrated, they weren't delusions.)  

Regardless of the forementioned, irrational worries are a problem. If we have worry about something that normally wouldn't happen, sometimes obsessing over it and speaking about it too much could trigger the event to happen even though it normally wouldn't. The saying is "Don't borrow trouble."  

We were given the capacity to worry for very good evolutionary reasons. Yet the mindless forces of mother nature do not guide us in how the worry will work in our daily lives. Nature gives us something that will probably help us at least half of the time, but nature doesn't know anything and doesn't anticipate our lives. Thus, it is up to us, as conscious individuals, to shape the worry and customize it into something that helps us more than it hurts us.  

For someone with a paranoid condition, too much worry is poison. It is like a diabetic eating half a chocolate cake and three ice cream cones. Worry is like the high blood sugar that characterizes people with diabetes. Some doctors, in this vein, want to medicate away the worry. I won't go any farther with this line of discourse because I can't give medical or anti-medical advice in this column. 

If we can just learn how to calm down, to relax, to de-stress, and to check in with our bodies and minds, we can reduce the worry. If we can identify what the worries are about, it can alleviate some of the worry. We may never become fully immune to worry and that's because we aren't machines that could be modified in any way we choose. And we would never want to be fully without worry, because that would cripple us.  

Worry can trigger an increase in delusional thought. An increase in delusions can bring about more worry. Most people have mechanisms that prevent "runaway worry"--something in which the worry and delusions cycle into an ever-increasing distress.  

I don't have the perfect solution to the worry quandary. Probably a combination of things will work to alleviate it. It is an uncomfortable emotion to experience, and we should realize that being worried doesn't always mean that anything is actually wrong. For a mentally ill person it is more important to keep it from rising to too high a level. But a little bit of it shouldn't do us any harm. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 

Jack Bragen lives and writes in Martinez, California.

Worth Noting:

Goto meetings and agenda items are bolded.

• Monday:
  • At 10 am City Council holds a special meeting in the hybrid format with item 2 rules for conduct at public meetings.
  • At 4 pm the 8-part series on Mindfulness begins. Registration required.
• Tuesday: A
  • t 10 am the Solano BID meets in person.
  • At 3 pm City Council holds a closed session in the hybrid format with agenda item 4 relating to council meetings and public participation.
  • At 6 pm City Council holds a special meeting on Re-imagining Public Safety update
• Wednesday:
  • At 5:30 pm is the in person San Pablo Specific Plan Presentation and Open House.
  • At 1:30 pm is an online HAC subcommittee meeting.
  • At 6 pm the Environment and Climate Commission meets in person.
  • At 6:30 pm the PAB meets in the hybrid format.
  • At 7 pm the Disaster and Fire Safety Commission meets in person.
  • From 12 – 3 pm the City offers appointments for displacement certificates. Pre-registration for appointments required.
• Thursday:
  • At 10 am the Budget & Finance Committee meets in the hybrid format.
  • At 6:30 pm the Community Health Department meets in person.
  • At 7 pm the Mental Health Commission meets in person.
  • At 7 pm the ZAB meets in the hybrid format. Note the 2587 Telegraph project chopped 2 feet off of the standard height for ground floor commercial (13 foot height instead of 15 foot height).

City Council Regular Meeting Agenda for January 30 is available for review. Item 29 is a budget referral on Security cameras and proposed locations. See Agenda at the bottom of the post or go to https://berkeleyca.gov/city-council-regular-meeting-eagenda-january-30-2024



Check the City website for late announcements and meetings posted on short notice at: https://berkeleyca.gov/

Directions with links to ZOOM support for activating Closed Captioning and Save Transcript are at the bottom of this calendar.

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BERKELEY PUBLIC MEETINGS AND CIVIC EVENTS 

Sunday, January 21, 2024 - no city meetings or events found 

Monday, January 22, 2024 

CITY COUNCIL Special Meeting at 10 am 

A Hybrid Meeting 

In-Person: at 1231 Addison St. in the School District Board Room 

Videoconference: https://cityofberkeley-info.zoomgov.com/j/1616910770 

Teleconference: 1-669-254-5252 or 1-833-568-8864 (toll free)  

Meeting ID: 161 691 0770 

AGENDA: All items on CONSENT  

 

1. Call for a Special Election for April 16, 2024 to fill the City Council District 7 Vacancy
2. Amendment to Council Rules of Procedure and Decorum – Amplified Sound and Decorum
3. Temporary Hiatus for City Council Policy Committees from January 22 – March 1 with certain exceptions due to vacancy in District 7.

https://berkeleyca.gov/city-council-special-meeting-eagenda-january-22-2024 

 

MINDFULNESS WORKSHOP SERIES from 4 – 5:30 pm 

REGISTER: use link 

In-Person: at 1900 Sixth Street, West Berkeley Wellness Center 

WORKSHOP: Every Monday January 22 – March 18 on Mindfulness ages 11 and up 

https://berkeleyca.gov/community-recreation/events/free-mindfulness-workshop-series 

Tuesday, January 23, 2024 

SOLANO AVENUE BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT Advisory Board at 10 am 

In-Person: 1801 Solano, Mechanics Bank 

AGENDA: 4. 2024 Workplans, equity, parking and sidewalks, Peralta Services Feedback, 5. Public comment. 

https://berkeleyca.gov/your-government/boards-commissions/solano-avenue-business-improvement-district-advisory-board 

CITY COUNCIL Closed Session at 3 pm 

A Hybrid Meeting 

In-Person: at 1231 Addison St. in the School District Board Room 

Videoconference: https://cityofberkeley-info.zoomgov.com/j/160421762 

Teleconference: 1-669-254-5252 or 1-833-568-8864 (toll free)  

Meeting ID: 160 421 7623 

AGENDA: 1. Conference with legal counsel anticipated litigation a. Worker’s Comp ADJ16352062, 2. Conference with legal counsel pending litigation a. SEIU Local 1021 CSU/PTRLA b. City of Berkeley Arb No. 21-0278, 3. Conference with Labor Negotiators, Labor Organizations Berkeley Fire fighters Local 1227 I.A.F.F., Berkeley Fire fighters Local 1227 I.A.F.F. / Berkeley Chief Fire Officers Association, Berkeley Police Association, SEIU 1021 Community Services and Part-time Recreation Activity Leaders, SEIU 1021 Maintenance and Clerical, Public Employee Union Local 1, Unrepresented Employees, 4. Conference with legal counsel anticipated litigation – Berkeley People’s Alliance (relates to conduct of city council meetings). 

https://berkeleyca.gov/city-council-closed-meeting-eagenda-january-23-2024 

CITY COUNCIL Special Meeting at 6 pm 

A Hybrid Meeting 

In-Person: at 1231 Addison St. in the School District Board Room 

Videoconference: https://cityofberkeley-info.zoomgov.com/j/1613079321 

Teleconference: 1-669-254-5252 or 1-833-568-8864 (toll free)  

Meeting ID: 161 307 9321 

AGENDA: Re-Imagining Public Safety Update 

https://berkeleyca.gov/your-government/city-council/city-council-agendas 

Wednesday, January 24, 2024 

SAN PABLO SPECIFIC PLAN OPEN HOUSE from 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm 

In-Person: at 1701 San Pablo, Berkeley Adult School 

AGENDA: PRESENTATION from 5:30 – 6 pm followed with open house from 6 pm until 7:30 pm 

https://berkeleyca.gov/community-recreation/events/san-pablo-avenue-specific-plan-open-house 

HOUSING ADVISORY COMMISSION (HAC) CDBG Subcommittee at 1:30 pm 

Videoconference: https://cityofberkeley-info.zoomgov.com/j/1611764563?pwd=SnVnU0x4dU5HaURGcmpINUhjVFZNZz09 

Teleconference: 1-669-254-5252 or 1-833-435-1820 (toll free) 

Meeting ID: 161 176 4563 Passcode: 534703 

AGENDA: 4. FY2025 – FY2028 Community Agency Request for RFP 

https://berkeleyca.gov/your-government/boards-commissions/housing-advisory-commission 

ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE COMMISSION at 6 pm 

In-Person: at 1901 Hearst, North Berkeley Senior Center 

AGENDA: 6. Update from staff on BESO, Just Transition Pilot, 7. Presentation on Native Plants and Pest Reduction, 8. 2024 Draft Workplan, 9. Reports from Commission Liasons, 10 Subcommittee Updates a. Vehicle Miles Traveled, Native Plants, Electrification. 

https://berkeleyca.gov/your-government/boards-commissions/environment-and-climate-commission 

POLICE ACCOUNTABILITY BOARD at 6:30 pm 

A Hybrid Meeting 

In-Person: at 1901 Hearst, North Berkeley Senior Center 

Videoconference: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82653396072 

Teleconference: 1-669-900-6833 

Meeting ID: 826 5339 6072 

AGENDA: 3. Public comment on non-agenda and agenda items, 5. Staff Reports, Chair and Board Reports, Chief of Police Reports, 8. Subcommittee reports, 9. Legislative Updates, 10. New Business, a. Elections, b. Recap of 50th Anniversary of Civilian Oversight, c. 2024 PAB Strategic Planning session, d. Report on Policy Complaint No. 2023-PR-0009, e. Presentation of new ODPA Policy Complaint No. 2024-PR-0001, f. BPD MOU with other agencies, 11. Public Comment, 12 Closed Session. 

https://berkeleyca.gov/your-government/boards-commissions/police-accountability-board 

DISASTER and FIRE SAFETY COMMISSION at 7 pm 

In-Person: at 997 Cedar, Fire Department Division of Training Classroom 

AGENDA: 2. Fire Department Staff Report, 4. Workplan 

https://berkeleyca.gov/your-government/boards-commissions/disaster-and-fire-safety-commission 

DISPLACEMENT CERTIFICATE Application Assistance Appointments from 12 – 3 pm 

Relates to application for affordable housing preferences. Use this link for overview of eligibility: https://berkeleyca.gov/community-recreation/affordable-housing-berkeley/apply-affordable-housing-preferences 

Use this link to register for an appointment: https://berkeleyca.gov/community-recreation/events/displacement-certificate-application-assistance-appointments-0 

4 x 4 JOINT TASK FORCE COMMITTEE on HOUSING – Cancelled 

CIVIC ARTS COMMISSION - Cancelled 

Thursday, January 25, 2024 

 

BUDGET and FINANCE at 10 am 

A Hybrid Meeting 

In-Person: at 2180 Milvia, 6th Floor Redwood Room 

Videoconference: https://cityofberkeley-info.zoomgov.com/j/1606002506 

Teleconference: 1-669-254-5252 or 1-833-568-8864 (toll free) 

Meeting ID: 160 600 2506 

AGENDA: 1. Williams-Ridley - Federal and state Legislative Update, 2. Radu, CM Office - State of California Encampment Resolution Funding Program – Round 3. 

https://berkeleyca.gov/your-government/city-council/council-committees/policy-committee-budget-finance 

COMMUNITY HEALTH COMMISSION at 6:30 pm 

In-Person: 2939 Ellis, South Berkeley Senior Center 

AGENDA: 7. 2024 Workplan, 8. City council referral on Long Term Care Facility Oversight. 

https://berkeleyca.gov/your-government/boards-commissions/community-health-commission 

MENTAL HEALTH COMMISSION at 7 pm 

In-Person: 1901 Hearst, North Berkeley Senior Center 

AGENDA: 3. SCU Update, 4. Cares First, Jails Last Update, 5. Proposal for Early Intervention in Psychosis Program, 6. Meeting calendar, 7. Proposal to establish subcommittee concerning statewide effort to build residential facilities, 8. Revisit conducting meetings in hybrid format, Mental Health Manager Report. 

https://berkeleyca.gov/your-government/boards-commissions/mental-health-commission 

ZONING ADJUSTMENT BOARD at 7 pm  

A Hybrid Meeting 

In-Person: at at 1231 Addison St. in the School District Board Room 

Videoconference: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84697222602 

Teleconference: 1-669-444-9171 

Meeting ID: 846 9722 2602 

AGENDA:  

 

2. 2587 Telegraph (between Parker & Blake) – on consent – Use Permit #ZP2023-0068 – State Density Project SB 330 - demolish 2-story retail building and construct 8-story 112,562 sq ft mixed-use with 52 units including 6 very low-income units, 78 long term, 6 short term bicycle parking spaces. (In lieu fee for remaining low income units to meet Berkeley 20% requirement not provided in documents) Ground floor commercial is proposed with floor height of 13 feet instead of standard 15 feet making building look top heavy and out of place with neighboring buildings.
3. 1840 Woolsey – on consent – Use Permit #ZP2023-0127 – convert existing 920 sq ft 2nd floor office space of single-family dwelling unit into a separate dwelling unit. No changes to height and structure.

https://berkeleyca.gov/your-government/boards-commissions/zoning-adjustments-board 

 

Friday, January 26, 2024 – no city meetings or events found 

Saturday, January 27, 2024 - no city meetings or events found 

Sunday, January 28, 2024 - no city meetings or events found 

+++++++++++++++++++ 

 

CITY COUNCIL AGENDA for Regular 6 pm Meeting on January 30, 2024 

Hybrid Meeting 

In-Person: at 1231 Addison St. in the School District Board Room 

Videoconference: https://cityofberkeley-info.zoomgov.com/j/1600654738 

Teleconference: 1-669-254-5252 or 1-833-568-8864 (toll free)  

Meeting ID: 160 065 4738 

https://berkeleyca.gov/your-government/city-council/city-council-agendas 

RECESS ITEMS: 

 

1. Sprague, Fire – Purchase Order Firehouse Alerting System $175,000
2. Sprague, Fire – Reject all bids and negotiate with contractors for Berkeley Fire station landscape project No. 24-11622

AGENDA on CONSENT: 

 

 

3. Klein, Planning - 2nd Reading Prevailing Wage Requirements in the Southside Plan Area add BMC 13.108 for projects exceeding 50 units or 50,000 sq ft
4. Hollander, Economic Development – 2nd Reading Expansion of the Elmwood Business Improvement District (BID) Levy Assessments in the District for 2025 and Authorize a Contract with Elmwood Business Association (EBA) to receive revenue
5. Oyekanmi, Finance – Formal Bid Solicitations $200,000 (Staff uniforms and resale items for Recreation Division)
6. Sprague, Fire – Grant Application $1,100,000 from California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL Fire) Wildfire Prevention Grant to Implement an Incentive Program for Residents in Berkeley’s Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone
7. Sprague, Fire – Grant Application $99,600 to State Homeland Security Grant Program to implement CAD to CAD interface between the City of Berkeley Communications Center and the Alameda County Regional Dispatch Center
8. Sprague, Fire – Contracts total $4,000,000 for hazardous fire fuel treatment and removal 2/1/2024 – 1/30/2028 with $1,00,000 each to Julian Tree Care, Professional Tree Care, West Coast Arborist Inc, West Coast Tree Service
9. Warhuus, HHCS – Revenue Contract accept Community Service Block Grant (CSBG) Contract Number 24F-3001 for $299,495 from CA State Department of Community Services and Development 1/1/2024 – 5/31/2025
10. Warhuus, HHCS - Revenue Grant $300,000 from State of CA Tobacco Control Program for Tobacco Control Program for FY 2025
11. Expenditure Contract $159,000 Alameda County Public Health Department (Office of Dental Health) to provide dental services in BUSD 1/1/2024 – 6/30/2027
12. Warhuus, HHCS – Expenditure Contract $150,000 with Berkeley Free Clinic for Laboratory Services 7/1/2024 – 6/30/2027
13. Warhuus, HHCS – Amend Contract No. 32300149 add $30,000 total $158,315 with mySidewalk, Inc for HHCS Web-Based Population Health Data Platform through 3/4/2026
14. Warhuus, HHCS - Amend Contract No. 32300112 add $20,000 total $145,000 with Harold Dichoso for COVID-19 Outreach and Education
15. Warhuus, HHCS – Martin Luther King Jr. House RFP recommendation 1. Approve transfer from RCD to Insight Housing, 2. Extend $1,178,974 funding reservation to Insight Housing, 3. Reserve $822,014 from Housing Trust Fund to Insight Housing, 4. Waive Sections I.A.1 and IV.C.1 of Housing Trust Fund Guidelines, 5. Authorize CM to amend contracts
16. Transfer Tax Refund $95,625 for 1741-1747 Russell to Insight Housing to support renovation at 1741-1747 Russell
17. Kouyoumdjian, HR – At-Will Designations – 1. Amend BMC 4.04.120(A) designate unrepresented classifications of Employee Relations Manager and Assistant to the City Attorney as at-will, 2. Approve 5% salary differential for the Employee Relations Manager classification and modify job specification to state that the incumbent “may act as department head in the absence of the Director of Human Resources.”
18. Ferris, Parks – Donation $3,400 Memorial Bench at Cesar Chavez Park in memory of Samuel Lepie Hallward
19. Louis, Police - Amend Contract No. 31900143 extend contract due to expire 2/4/2024 by 2 years with Passport Labs Incorporated for a Parking Management System
20. Murray, Public Works – Contract $814,680 with CESCORP, dba Cal Elite Builders for Corp Yard City Fleet EV Charger Project Specification No.23-11546-C
21. Murray, Public Works – Contract $1,566,000 (includes contingency $261,000) with CESCORP, dba Cal Elite Builders for Central Library HVAC Replacement Project
22. Murray, Public Works – On-Call Contracts totaling $8,400,000 with $2,800,000 each 1/1/2024 – 6/30/2025 with 1. Hollins Consulting, Inc. (Hollins), 2. Kitchell/CEM, Inc (Kitchell), 3. O’Connor Construction Management, Inc. (OCMI)
23. Murray, Public Works – Contract $311,348 (includes $29,045 contingency) with Shaw Industries, Inc. for Civic Center Building Carpet Replacement Project
24. Murray, Public Works – Amend Contract No. 108007-1 add $650,000 total $1,073,534 with Don’s Tires Services, Inc for City fleet vehicles and extend through 6/30/2025
25. Murray, Public Works – 5 Year Lease Agreement with We Wield The Hammer at 2440 Durant in the Telegraph-Channing Mall and Garage

Council Consent Items: 

 

 

26. Arreguin - City Council Committee and Regional Body Appointments through 1/31/2025
27. Hahn & Robinson - Support for ACA 4 Elections: Eligibility to Vote repeal constitutional requirement disqualifying electors incarceration for felony convictions
28. Wengraf, co-sponsors Humbert, Hahn, Harrison - Adopt Resolution urging PG&E to underground utilities in Berkeley’s VHFHSZ (Very Hire Fire Hazard Severity Zone)

AGENDA on ACTION: 

 

 

29. Humbert – Budget Referral: Additional Security Cameras at Intersections Experiencing Increased Violent Crime proposed intersections: Alcatraz and College, Woolsey and Telegraph, Woolsey and Shattuck, Alcatraz and Adeline, Alcatraz and Sacramento

INFORMATION REPORTS: 

 

 

30. Removed by City Manager - Warhuus, HHCS – Receive Presentation on Bay Area Housing Finance Authority (BAHFA) and its preparation for a $10 to $20 billion Regional General Obligation Affordable Housing Bond under consideration for the November 2024 election
31. LPO NOD: 2119 Marin #LMSAP2023-003
32. LPO NOD: 910 Indian Rock #LMIN2023-0002

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 

 

LAND USE CALENDAR PUBLIC HEARINGS: 

 

• 2924 Russell 2/27/2024
• 1960 San Antonio 645 Arlington Avenue 2/13/2024
• 3000 Shattuck Avenue (Construct 10-story mixed-use building) – TBD

WORK SESSIONS & SPECIAL MEETINGS: 

 

 

• January 23, 2024 – Re-Imagining Public Safety Update (special meeting)
• January 30 at 3 pm – Ashby BART TOD (Tentative), Berkeley – El Cerrito Corridor Access Plan Presentation (tentative)
• February 6, 2024 – Office of Economic Development (OED) Dashboards Presentation
• February 6, 2024 - Draft Waterfront Specific Plan (tentative) – rescheduled from November 2, 2023)

UNSCHEDULED WORK SESSIONS & SPECIAL MEETINGS 

 

 

• Fire Department Standards of Coverage & Community Risk Assessment - (removed)
• Dispatch Needs Assessment Presentation
• Presentation on Homelessness/Re-Housing/Thousand-Person Plan (TBD regular agenda)

PAST MEETINGS with reports worth reading: 

 

 

• May 16 - Fire Facilities Study Report, Wildfire Prevention Plan https://berkeleyca.gov/city-council-special-meeting-eagenda-may-16-2023-6-pm
• June 20 (WS) - Climate Action Plan & Resilience Update, Berkeley Economic Dashboards Update reports available https://berkeleyca.gov/your-government/city-council/city-council-agendas/city-council-2023-06-20

. 

 

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Kelly Hammargren’s summary on what happened the preceding week is posted on the What Happened page at: https://www.sustainableberkeleycoalition.com/what-happened.html and in the Berkeley Daily Planet https://www.berkeleydailyplanet.com/ 

 

The Activist’s Calendar of meetings is posted on the What’s Ahead page at: https://www.sustainableberkeleycoalition.com/whats-ahead.html 

 

If you would like to receive the Activist’s Calendar as soon as it is completed send an email to: kellyhammargren@gmail.com.If you want to receive the Activist’s Diary send an email to kellyhammargren@gmail.com. If you wish to stop receiving the weekly calendar of city meetings please forward the email you received to- kellyhammargren@gmail.com -with the request to be removed from the email list. 

______________ 

For Online Public Meetings 

CLOSED CAPTIONING, SAVE TRANSCRIPT OVERVIEW, DIRECTIONS and ZOOM SUPPORT LINKS:
.
ZOOM has as part of the program -(for no extra cost)- Closed Captioning (CC). It turns computer voice recognition into a text transcript. Closed Captioning and show full transcript and the save option are only available when the person setting up the ZOOM meeting has activated these options. If you don’t see CC ask for it. If it can’t be activated for the current meeting ask for it for future meetings. 

The accuracy of the Closed Captioning is affected by background noise and other factors, The CC and transcript will not be perfect, but most of the time reading through it the few odd words, can be deciphered--for example "Shattuck" was transcribed as Shadow in one recent transcript. 

For the online attendee, the full transcript is only available from the time the attendee activates Show Full Transcript. But if you sit through a meeting and then remember 10 minutes before it is over to click on Show Full Transcript you will only get the last 10 minutes, not the full transcript – So click often on both Save Transcript and on Save to Folder during the meeting for best results. 

 

When you click on Show Full Transcript it will allow you to scroll up and down, so if want to go back and see what was said earlier you can do that during the meeting while the transcript is running. 

 

At the bottom of the transcript when we as attendees are allowed to save there will be a button for, "Save Transcript," you can click on the button repeatedly throughout the meeting and it will just overwrite and update the full transcript. Clicking on the Save Transcript repeatedly as the meeting is coming to an end is important because once the host ends the meeting, the transcript is gone if you didn't save it. 

 

Near the end of the meeting, after you click on "Save Transcript," click on "Save to Folder." The meeting transcript will show up (as a download to your desktop) in a separate box as a text file. (These text files are not large.) After you have done your last Save Transcript and Save to Folder (after the meeting is over) you can rename the new transcript folder on your computer, and save it (re-read or send or share it). 

 

Remember, allowing us attendees to save the meeting transcript does not require the public meeting host to save the transcript (for public record.) 

 

Here is the link to ZOOM Support for how to set up Closed Captioning for a meeting or webinar:
https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/8158738379917#h_01GHWATNVPW5FR304S2SVGXN2X 

 

Here is the link to ZOOM Support for attendees in how to save Closed Captions: 

https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/360060958752-Using-save-captions#h_01F5XW3BGWJAKJFWCHPPZGBD70 

How to convert a YouTube video into a transcript 

Copy the YouTube url into the box with “enter a youtube url” and click on go https://youtubetranscript.com/ 

The transcript (not perfect, but very close) will appear instantaneously 

 

*****

A historical mystery set in 1944 Berkeley. One of 2023’s best debuts.

This multi-layered mystery features Berkeley Detective Al Sullivan struggling to determine who murdered a presidential candidate, Walter Wilkinson, at Berkeley’s famous Claremont hotel. The novel features wonderful period detail. And Amy Chua, who grew up in Berkeley, is not afraid to talk about the rampant racism of the period – for example, Al Sullivan was born Alejo Gutierrez but took his mother’s surname because it was impossible to get a decent job as a Hispanic. 

What’s good: The period detail. The intriguing plot: the death of Wilkinson seems connected to the mysterious death of a young girl a decade prior 

What’s not so good: Without giving away the plot, the murder investigation is too complicated. There’s an unnecessary ancillary murder. And there’s too much discussion about the racism of the period: we get it; rich white guys acted badly.

Worth Noting:

City Council returns from winter recess on Tuesday.

• Tuesday:
  • At 2:30 pm the agenda Committee meets in the hybrid format. Item 10 in the agenda Legislative Redesign is proposed to focus on mandatory guidelines for major council items per Hahn.
  • At 6 pm the City Council meets in the hybrid format, Item 23- Stop sign at McGee Hopkins and Item 25-Chess Club are on consent.
• Wednesday:
  • From 11 am – 12 pm is the online Arts Program webinar on grants.
  • At 1:30 pm the Commission on aging meets in person.
  • At 6 pm the Planning Commission meets in person and holds a hearing on the Demolition Ordinance.
  • At 7 pm the Commission on the Status of Women meets in person.
• Thursday:
  • At 5:30 pm the Zero Waste Commission meets in person.
  • At 6:30 pm the Fair Campaign Practices and Open Government Commission meets in person.
  • At 7 pm the Transportation Commission meets in person and will receive a presentation on the Ohlone Greenway improvements.
  • At 7 pm the Rent Board meets in the hybrid format.
• Friday:
  • From 9 am – 12 pm the Climate Emergency Mobilization Task Force online webinar is on Climate and Gender.
  • From 11 am – 12 pm Civic Arts offers an online webinar on Capital Projects Grants.

Cancelled meetings: Civic Arts Commission, Design Review Committee. Commission on Labor no agenda posted – probable cancellation.

Directions with links to ZOOM support for activating Closed Captioning and Save Transcript are at the bottom of this calendar.

Check the City website for late announcements and meetings posted on short notice at: https://berkeleyca.gov/

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

BERKELEY PUBLIC MEETINGS AND CIVIC EVENTS 

Sunday, January 14, 2024 - no City meetings or events found 

Monday, January 15, 2024 – Martin Luther King Jr Holiday – all City offices closed 

Tuesday, January 16, 2024 

AGENDA AND RULES COMMITTEE Meeting at 2:30 pm 

Hybrid Meeting 

In-Person: at 2180 Milvia, 6th Floor – Redwood Room 

Videoconference: https://cityofberkeley-info.zoomgov.com/j/1608547170 

Teleconference: 1-669-254-5252 or 1-833-568-8864 (Toll Free)  

Meeting ID: 160 854 7170 

h AGENDA: Public Comment on non-agenda and items 1 – 7. 1. Minutes, 2. Review and Approve 1/30/2024 draft agenda – use link or read full draft agenda below at the end of the list of city meetings, 3. Berkeley Considers, 4. Adjournment in Memory, 5. Council Worksessions, 6. Referrals for scheduling, 7. Land Use Calendar, REFERRED ITEMS FOR REVIEW: 8. Discussion and Possible Action on City Council Rules of Decorum Procedural Rules, and Remote Public Comments, 9. Harrison, co-sponsor Bartlett – Amend BMC 3.78 To Expand Eligibility Requirements for Representatives of The Poor to Serve on The Human Welfare and Community Action Commission or any successor commission, to consider the current geographic information of poverty in Berkeley, 10. City Council Legislative Systems Redesign, UNSCHEDULED ITEMS: 11. Modifications or Improvements to City Council Meeting Procedures, 12. Strengthening and Supporting City Commission: Guidance on Development of Legislative Proposals, 13. Discussion and Recommendations on the Continued Use of the Berkeley Considers Online Engagement Portal. 

https://berkeleyca.gov/your-government/city-council/council-committees/policy-committee-agenda-rules 

CITY COUNCIL AGENDA Regular Meeting at 6 pm 

Hybrid Meeting 

In-Person: at 1231 Addison St. in the School District Board Room 

Videoconference: https://cityofberkeley-info.zoomgov.com/j/1619411775 

Teleconference: 1-669-254-5252 or 1-833-568-8864 (toll free)  

Meeting ID: 161 941 1775 

AGENDA: Use the link and choose the html option or see the agenda listed at the end of the calendar. 

https://berkeleyca.gov/your-government/city-council/city-council-agendas 

CIVIC ARTS COMMISSION - Cancelled 

Wednesday, January 17, 2024 

CIVIC ARTS GRANT WEBINAR: ARTS PROGRAMS #1 from 11 am – 12 pm 

AGENDA: Grants guidelines and application process 

Register and Information at: https://berkeleyca.gov/community-recreation/events/civic-arts-grant-webinar-arts-programs-1 

COMMISSION on AGING at 1:30 pm 

In-Person: at 1901 Hearst, North Berkeley Senior Center 

AGENDA: Presentation/Updates 1. Tenant Policies by Leah Simon-Weisberg, Berkeley Rent Board, 2. Senior Services, Discussion/Action Items: 1. Data on housing aging homeless, 2. Peoples Park update, 3. 24/7 use of public paths by pedestrians and bicyclists for the purpose of transportation, 4. Ohlone Greenway Safety and Modernization Project, 5. Mixed population in housing for the aging. 

https://berkeleyca.gov/your-government/boards-commissions/commission-aging 

PLANNING COMMISSION at 6 pm 

In-Person: at 1901 Hearst, North Berkeley Senior Center 

AGENDA: 10. Public Hearing: Demolition Ordinance 

https://berkeleyca.gov/your-government/boards-commissions/planning-commission 

COMMISSION on LABOR at 7 pm 

In-Person: at 2939 Ellis, South Berkeley Senior Center 

AGENDA: NO AGENDA POSTED check Tuesday if meeting is on or cancelled. 

https://berkeleyca.gov/your-government/boards-commissions/commission-labor 

COMMISSION on the STATUS of WOMEN at 7 pm 

In-Person: at 1901 Hearst, North Berkeley Senior Center 

AGENDA: 5. Presentation on title IX and Affirmative Consent with Q & A, 6. Possible Presentation on sex Trafficking, 7. Update from Small Business Subcommittee 

https://berkeleyca.gov/your-government/boards-commissions/commission-status-women 

Thursday, January 18, 2024 

 

ZERO WASTE COMMISSION at 5:30 pm 

In-Person: at 1326 Allston, City of Berkeley Corporation Yard, Ratcliff Building, Willow Room 

AGENDA: Discussion & Action Items: 1. Update on the Zero Waste Stragetic Plan, 2. Subcommittee report Green Building Requirement, 3. SB-54 and opposition to the Taxpayer Protection and Government Accountability Act, 4. Form Sub-Committee to propose Special Events Ordinance, 5. Legislative Update. 

https://berkeleyca.gov/your-government/boards-commissions/zero-waste-commission 

DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE - Cancelled 

FAIR CAMPAIGN PRACTICES & OPEN GOVERNMENT COMMISSION at 6:30 pm 

In-Person: at 2180 Milvia, 4th Floor 

AGENDA: 6. Mandated cost of living adjustments 1) threshold for filing quarterly campaign reports for ballot measure committees; 2) threshold for listing “top four” contributors on certain campaign communications, 7. Special election to fill City Council District 7 vacancy, 

https://berkeleyca.gov/your-government/boards-commissions/fair-campaign-practices-commission 

TRANSPORTATION and INFRASTRUCTURE COMMISSION at 7 pm 

In-Person: at 1901 Hearst, North Berkeley Senior Center 

AGENDA: 1. Informational Briefing on the Ohlone Greenway Safety Improvements Project, (discussion no action) 

https://berkeleyca.gov/your-government/boards-commissions/transportation-and-infrastructure-commission 

RENT BOARD at 7 pm 

A Hybrid Meeting 

In-Person: at 1231 Addison St. in the School District Board Room 

Videoconference: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86351823870?pwd=6u9aivTslet7SqNRO_IBL3QRcsH57w.WN9X-NdkqPRvYdDc 

Teleconference: 1-669-900-9171 

Meeting ID: 863 5182 Passcode: 662299 

AGENDA: 5.d. Waiver of late registration penalties, 6. Appeal Case No. T-6046 (2218 Durant, Unit 7) (will not be heard before 7:30 pm, 7. Action Items: a. 1) Demolition Ordinance Application, 2) Update on the Empty Homes Tax, b. Utility Tax 

https://rentboard.berkeleyca.gov/elected-rent-board/rent-board-meetings 

Friday, January 19, 2024 

CIVIC ARTS GRANT WEBINAR: CAPITAL PROJECTS from 11 am – 12 pm 

AGENDA: Webinar will cover guidelines and the application process. 

Register and Information at: https://berkeleyca.gov/community-recreation/events/civic-arts-grant-webinar-capital-projects 

 

CLIMATE EMERGENCY MOBILIZATION TASK FORCE from 9 am – 12 pm 

Webinar is virtual 

RSVP at: https://www.cemtf.org/event/climate-gender 

AGENDA: Climate and Gender. 

(Webinar is free though donations are appreciated to continue programming) 

https://www.cemtf.org/ 

Saturday, January 20, 2024 - no City meetings or events found 

Sunday, January 21, 2024 - no City meetings or events found 

+++++++++++++++++++ 

 

AGENDA AND RULES COMMITTEE Meeting at 2:30 pm on January 16, 2024 

1/30/2024 DRAFT AGENDA 

Hybrid Meeting 

In-Person: at 2180 Milvia, 6th Floor – Redwood Room 

Videoconference: https://cityofberkeley-info.zoomgov.com/j/1608547170 

Teleconference: 1-669-254-5252 or 1-833-568-8864 (Toll Free)  

Meeting ID: 160 854 7170 

https://berkeleyca.gov/your-government/city-council/council-committees/policy-committee-agenda-rules 

RECESS ITEMS: 

1. Sprague, Fire – Purchase Order Firehouse Alerting System $175,000
2. Sprague, Fire – Reject all bids and negotiate with contractors for Berkeley Fire station landscape project No. 24-11622

AGENDA on CONSENT: 

3. Oyekanmi, Finance – Formal Bid Solicitations $200,000
4. Sprague, Fire – Grant Application $1,100,000 from California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL Fire) Wildfire Prevention Grant to Implement an Incentive Program for Residents in Berkeley’s Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone
5. Sprague, Fire – Grant Application $99,600 to State Homeland Security Grant Program to implement CAD to CAD interface between the City of Berkeley Communications Center and the Alameda County Regional Dispatch Center
6. Sprague, Fire – Contracts total $4,000,000 for hazardous fire fuel treatment and removal 2/1/2024 – 1/30/2028 with $1,00,000 each to Julian Tree Care, Professional Tree Care, West Coast Arborist Inc, West Coast Tree Service
7. Warhuus, HHCS – Revenue Contract accept Community Service Block Grant (CSBG) Contract Number 24F-3001 for $299,495 from CA State Department of Community Services and Development 1/1/2024 – 5/31/2025
8. Warhuus, HHCS - Revenue Grant $300,000 from State of CA Tobacco Control Program for Tobacco Control Program for FY 2025
9. Expenditure Contract $159,000 Alameda County Public Health Department (Office of Dental Health) to provide dental services in BUSD 1/1/2024 – 6/30/2027
10. Warhuus, HHCS – Expenditure Contract $150,000 with Berkeley Free Clinic for Laboratory Services 7/1/2024 – 6/30/2027
11. Warhuus, HHCS – Amend Contract No. 32300149 add $30,000 total $158,315 with mySidewalk, Inc for HHCS Web-Based Population Health Data Platform through 3/4/2026
12. Warhuus, HHCS - Amend Contract No. 32300112 add $20,000 total $145,000 with Harold Dichoso for COVID-19 Outreach and Education
13. Warhuus, HHCS – Martin Luther King Jr. House RFP recommendation 1. Approve transfer from RCD to Insight Housing, 2. Extend $1,178,974 funding reservation to Insight Housing, 3. Reserve $822,014 from Housing Trust Fund to Insight Housing, 4. Waive Sections I.A.1 and IV.C.1 of Housing Trust Fund Guidelines, 5. Authorize CM to amend contracts
14. Transfer Tax Refund $95,625 for 1741-1747 Russell to Insight Housing to support renovation at 1741-1747 Russell
15. Kouyoumdjian, HR – At-Will Designations – 1. Amend BMC 4.04.120(A) designate unrepresented classifications of Employee Relations Manager and Assistant to the City Attorney as at-will, 2. Approve 5% salary differential for the Employee Relations Manager classification and modify job specification to state that the incumbent “may act as department head in the absence of the Director of Human Resources.”
16. Ferris, Parks – Donation $3,400 Memorial Bench at Cesar Chavez Park in memory of Samuel Lepie Hallward
17. Louis, Police - Amend Contract No. 31900143 extend contract due to expire 2/4/2024 by 2 years with Passport Labs Incorporated for a Parking Management System
18. Murray, Public Works – Contract $814,680 with CESCORP, dba Cal Elite Builders for Corp Yard City Fleet EV Charger Project Specification No.23-11546-C
19. Murray, Public Works – Contract $1,566,000 (includes contingency $261,000) with CESCORP, dba Cal Elite Builders for Central Library HVAC Replacement Project
20. Murray, Public Works – On-Call Contracts totaling $8,400,000 with $2,800,000 each 1/1/2024 – 6/30/2025 with 1. Hollins Consulting, Inc. (Hollins), 2. Kitchell/CEM, Inc (Kitchell), 3. O’Connor Construction Management, Inc. (OCMI)
21. Murray, Public Works – Contract $311,348 (includes $29,045 contingency) with Shaw Industries, Inc. for Civic Center Building Carpet Replacement Project
22. Murray, Public Works – Amend Contract No. 108007-1 add $650,000 total $1,073,534 with Don’s Tires Services, Inc for City fleet vehicles and extend through 6/30/2025
23. Murray, Public Works – 5 Year Lease Agreement with We Wield The Hammer at 2440 Durant in the Telegraph-Channing Mall and Garage
24. Arreguin - City Council Committee and Regional Body Appointments through 1/31/2025
25. Hahn & Robinson - Support for ACA 4 Elections: Eligibility to Vote repeal constitutional requirement disqualifying electors incarceration for felony convictions

AGENDA on ACTION: 

26. Warhuus, HHCS – Receive Presentation on Bay Area Housing Finance Authority (BAHFA) and its preparation for a $10 to $20 billion Regional General Obligation Affordable Housing Bond under consideration for the November 2024 election
27. Klein Planning – Proposed Amendments to the Building Emissions Saving Ordinance (BESO) 1. Amend BMC 19.81 to establish a flexible building performance standard for small residential buildings containing up to 4 units, 2. Adopt a resolution setting forth findings of local conditions that justify a building performance standard for Berkeley’s small residential buildings
28. Wengraf, co-sponsors Humbert, Hahn - Adopt Resolution urging PG&E to underground utilities in Berkeley’s VHFHSZ (Very Hire Fire Hazard Severity Zone)
29. Humbert – Budget Referral: Additional Security Cameras at Intersections Experiencing Increased Violent Crime proposed intersections: Alcatraz and College, Woolsey and Telegraph, Woolsey and Shattuck, Alcatraz and Adeline, Alcatraz and Sacramento

INFORMATION REPORTS: 

30. LPO NOD: 2119 Marin #LMSAP2023-003
31. LPO NOD: 910 Indian Rock #LMIN2023-0002

++++++++++++++++++ 

CITY COUNCIL AGENDA for Regular 6 pm Meeting on January 16, 2024 

Hybrid Meeting 

In-Person: at 1231 Addison St. in the School District Board Room 

Videoconference: https://cityofberkeley-info.zoomgov.com/j/1619411775 

Teleconference: 1-669-254-5252 or 1-833-568-8864 (toll free)  

Meeting ID: 161 941 1775 

https://berkeleyca.gov/your-government/city-council/city-council-agendas 

AGENDA on CONSENT: 

1. 2nd reading FY 2024 Annual Appropriations Ordinance No. 7,892-N.S. $270355,759 (gross) and $258,134,257 (net)
2. Minutes for Approval
3. Radu, CM Office - Grant $60,000 All animals Grant Award from Koret Shelter Medicine Program at UC Davis
4. Radu, CM Office – Amend Contract No. R9710 with City of Piedmont for Animal services. City of Piedmont will pay the City of Berkeley $196,572 for services performed from FY 2024 – FY 2026, revised maximum $708,388
5. Radu, CM Office – Extension of Declaration of Homeless Shelter Crisis to January 17, 2029
6. Hollander, Economic Development – Grant $30,000 Accept Grant from the National Endowment for the Arts for a new Civic Arts grant program totaling $60,000 to begin in FY 2025
7. Oyekanmi, Finance – Formal Bid Solicitations $3,434,341, Advanced Medical Response Unit $525,000, Towing Services $90,000, Ohlone Park Restroom and Lighting T1 Funds $966,200, Lorin & Gilman Parking Benefit District(s) Formation Services, Fleet Vehicle Washing Services $300,000, Mental health support and consultation services for home visiting and case management $100,000
8. Warhuus, HHCS – Contract $70,000 with Healthy Black Families for Housing Preference Policy Outreach and Education from 1/17/2024 – 1/17/2025
9. Warhuus, HHCS – Amend Contract No. 32300203 add $73,060 total $172,600 with Hansine Fisher & Associates for Targeted Race Management (TCM) from 7/1/2023 – 6/30/2024
10. Warhuus, HHCS – Amend Contract No. 32300134 Bonita House for Specialized Care Unit Provider add $11,500 of State Crisis Care Mobile Units (CCMU) grant funding total $4,579,500
11. Warhuus, HHCS – Revenue Contract $920,557 with BUSD to conduct first aid services at BHS Health Center 7/1/2023 – 6/30/2028
12. Kouyoumdjian, Human Resources - Correct Effective Date for Salary Range Adjustments from 1/1/2023 to 12/1/2022 for Senior Building Maintenance Supervisor, Senior Equipment Supervisor, Senior Public Works Supervisor and Senior Solid Waste Supervisor amenda Resolutions No. 70,993-N.S.
13. Fong, IT – Amend Contract No. 32200162-1 $230,000 total $275,000 with ThirdWave Corporation for Professional Services through 6/30/2025
14. Fong, IT – Amend Contract No. 32100080 add $270,000 total $757,249 with Assetworks LLC Software Modules and Professional Services to provide additional modules and professional services and extend through December 2028
15. Ferris, Parks - Grant Application for $535,000 to Caltrans Sustainable Transportation Grant Program for I80 at Aquatic Park Tide Tube Renovation Project
16. Ferris, Parks – Grant Application to Cal Fire Wildfire Prevention Grants Program to mitigate hazardous tree conditions at Berkeley overnight camps
17. Ferris, Parks – 3 Contracts total $162,000 for As-needed Derelict Vessel and Debris Removal and Disposal Services 1/17/2024 – 1/16/2026, 1. Lind Marine $162,000, 2. Power Engineering Construction $162,000m 3. Silverado Contractors $162,000
18. Klein, Planning - Adopt 1st reading Prevailing Wage Requirements in the Southside Plan Area add BMC 13.108 for projects exceeding 50 units or 50,000 sq ft
19. Wong, Auditor – Contract $100,000 with Ethico for Whistleblower Hotline and Case Management Services from 2/1/2023 – 1/31/2027

Council Consent Items: 

20. Arreguin & Kesarwani (authors), co-sponsors Hahn, Wengraf – RFP for Development of West Berkeley Service Center at 1900 Sixth Street
21. Bartlett, co-sponsor Hahn – Relinquishment of funds for Black History Month Event to Juneteenth Association, Inc 501(c)3
22. Hahn, co-sponsor Robinson – Support Installation Permanent Chess/Games Tables on Telegraph and Propose Resolution of Concerns at 2454 Telegraph
23. Hahn, Co-sponsor Humbert, Bartlett, Arreguin – Install 3-way Stop at the Intersection of Hopkins and McGee
24. Wengraf, co-sponsor Hahn, Kesarwani – Resolution Support of City of Berkeley for Proposition 1
25. Robinson & Harrison authors, co-sponsor Hahn – Referral to City Manager for Policies to Accommodate Chess Club

ACTION CALENDAR: 

26. Hollander, Economic Development – Expansion of the Elmwood Business Improvement District (BID) Levy Assessments in the District for 2025 and Authorize a Contract with Elmwood Business Association (EBA) to receive revenue
27. Kouyoumdjian, Human Resources – Amending the Miscellaneous CalPERS Contract to (a) Eliminate PEPRA Cost Sharing for Unrepresented Employee (b) Add Paramedic and Limited Term EMT to Safety Category
28. Cardwell, CM Office – Consideration for BHS Staff Parking
29. Robinson, Bartlett & Taplin (authors) – Neighborhood-Scale Commercial
30. Harrison – (to be moved to consent to reschedule to date certain) Adopt Ordinance adding BMC 12.75 to Establish Protections Relating to Horses Held, Owned, Used, Exhibited or Otherwise Kept for Racing or Other Sport Entertainment or Profit

INFORMATION REPORTS: 

31. Friedrichsen, Budget Manager – FY 2023 Preliminary Year-End Status

++++++++++++++++++++++ 

LAND USE CALENDAR PUBLIC HEARINGS: 

• 2924 Russell 2/27/2024
• 1960 San Antonio 645 Arlington Avenue 2/13/2024
• 3000 Shattuck Avenue (Construct 10-story mixed-use building) – TBD

WORK SESSIONS & SPECIAL MEETINGS: 

• January 23, 2024 – Re-Imagining Public Safety Update (special meeting)
• January 30 at 3 pm – Ashby BART TOD (Tentative), Berkeley – El Cerrito Corridor Access Plan Presentation (tentative)
• February 6, 2024 – Office of Economic Development (OED) Dashboards Presentation
• February 6, 2024 - Draft Waterfront Specific Plan (tentative) – rescheduled from November 2, 2023)

UNSCHEDULED WORK SESSIONS & SPECIAL MEETINGS 

• Fire Department Standards of Coverage & Community Risk Assessment - (removed)
• Dispatch Needs Assessment Presentation
• Presentation on Homelessness/Re-Housing/Thousand-Person Plan (TBD regular agenda)

PAST MEETINGS with reports worth reading: 

• May 16 - Fire Facilities Study Report, Wildfire Prevention Plan https://berkeleyca.gov/city-council-special-meeting-eagenda-may-16-2023-6-pm
• June 20 (WS) - Climate Action Plan & Resilience Update, Berkeley Economic Dashboards Update reports available https://berkeleyca.gov/your-government/city-council/city-council-agendas/city-council-2023-06-20

. 

* * * * * 

Kelly Hammargren’s summary on what happened the preceding week is posted on the What Happened page at: https://www.sustainableberkeleycoalition.com/what-happened.html and in the Berkeley Daily Planet https://www.berkeleydailyplanet.com/ 

 

The Activist’s Calendar of meetings is posted on the What’s Ahead page at: https://www.sustainableberkeleycoalition.com/whats-ahead.html 

 

If you would like to receive the Activist’s Calendar as soon as it is completed send an email to: kellyhammargren@gmail.com.If you want to receive the Activist’s Diary send an email to kellyhammargren@gmail.com. If you wish to stop receiving the weekly calendar of city meetings please forward the email you received to- kellyhammargren@gmail.com -with the request to be removed from the email list. 

______________ 

For Online Public Meetings 

CLOSED CAPTIONING, SAVE TRANSCRIPT OVERVIEW, DIRECTIONS and ZOOM SUPPORT LINKS:
.
ZOOM has as part of the program -(for no extra cost)- Closed Captioning (CC). It turns computer voice recognition into a text transcript. Closed Captioning and show full transcript and the save option are only available when the person setting up the ZOOM meeting has activated these options. If you don’t see CC ask for it. If it can’t be activated for the current meeting ask for it for future meetings. 

The accuracy of the Closed Captioning is affected by background noise and other factors, The CC and transcript will not be perfect, but most of the time reading through it the few odd words, can be deciphered--for example "Shattuck" was transcribed as Shadow in one recent transcript. 

For the online attendee, the full transcript is only available from the time the attendee activates Show Full Transcript. But if you sit through a meeting and then remember 10 minutes before it is over to click on Show Full Transcript you will only get the last 10 minutes, not the full transcript – So click often on both Save Transcript and on Save to Folder during the meeting for best results. 

 

When you click on Show Full Transcript it will allow you to scroll up and down, so if want to go back and see what was said earlier you can do that during the meeting while the transcript is running. 

 

At the bottom of the transcript when we as attendees are allowed to save there will be a button for, "Save Transcript," you can click on the button repeatedly throughout the meeting and it will just overwrite and update the full transcript. Clicking on the Save Transcript repeatedly as the meeting is coming to an end is important because once the host ends the meeting, the transcript is gone if you didn't save it. 

 

Near the end of the meeting, after you click on "Save Transcript," click on "Save to Folder." The meeting transcript will show up (as a download to your desktop) in a separate box as a text file. (These text files are not large.) After you have done your last Save Transcript and Save to Folder (after the meeting is over) you can rename the new transcript folder on your computer, and save it (re-read or send or share it). 

 

Remember, allowing us attendees to save the meeting transcript does not require the public meeting host to save the transcript (for public record.) 

 

Here is the link to ZOOM Support for how to set up Closed Captioning for a meeting or webinar:
https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/8158738379917#h_01GHWATNVPW5FR304S2SVGXN2X 

 

Here is the link to ZOOM Support for attendees in how to save Closed Captions: 

https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/360060958752-Using-save-captions#h_01F5XW3BGWJAKJFWCHPPZGBD70 

How to convert a YouTube video into a transcript 

Copy the YouTube url into the box with “enter a youtube url” and click on go https://youtubetranscript.com/ 

The transcript (not perfect, but very close) will appear instantaneously