Recent events in the Gaza Strip have drawn global attention to a rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation. Reports indicate a severe escalation in violence, leading to the tragic loss of thousands of lives. Most notably, an incident resulting in the deaths of at least five individuals on a single day underscores the ongoing crisis. The cumulative toll of these conflicts is profoundly disturbing, with claims of over 31,300 Palestinians having lost their lives. The situation in Gaza is further exacerbated by restrictions on essential supplies, including food, water, and electricity. This has pushed the region to the brink of famine, with 27 reported deaths due to starvation, including 23 children. The impact on civilian life is devastating and unacceptable. -more-

Harassment exists where someone doesn't want to be contacted, and where the other person is violating this expressed need. Harassment can exist in numerous contexts. Harassment causes people to lose their jobs. Even presidents of universities have lost their beloved job because they have abused their position. Harassment is a major issue in the modern world, where society is trying to evolve into something better. -more-

Spring Equinox: Celebrate at the Chavez/Huerta Sundial
Tuesday, March 19
6:30 to 7:30 pm
Sunset at 7:20 pm
Chávez/Huerta Tribute Site @ Solar Calendar

This year's Equinox Celebration—high atop the northern-most summit of the Berkeley Marina—will be led by Alan Gould, from the Lawrence Hall of Science.

Alan will address the timely question: “What is the meaning of the vernal (spring) equinox." (Alan's FAQ page is here: https://gss.lawrencehallofscience.org/the-solar-calendar/.)

The Vernal Equinox marks the traditional start of spring planting. The Tribute Site, which honors "the social and environmental justice legacy of César Chávez and Dolores Huerta," is organized around four cardinal directions—Tolerance, Courage, Determination, and Hope. As site overseer Santiago Casal notes, spring is the time to honor the virtue of Hope—and the United Farm Worker rallying cry "¡Viva La Causa!" -more-

When we look around us, at the world, at our neighborhood, at the politics of people we have met, we are often led to ask, what is happening to the world? -more-

Worth Noting:

City Council Spring Recess is scheduled from March 27 through May 6, 2024. The two special elections are April 16 to fill the vacant District 7 Council seat and May 28 to fill the vacant District 4 Council seat.

District 4 candidates: Soli Alpert, Elana Auerbach, John Haracz, Ruben Hernandez Story, Igor A. Tregub

District 7 candidates: James Chang, Cecilia Lunaparra,

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

• Monday: At 3 pm the City Council meets in the hybrid format in closed session.
• Tuesday:
  • At 4 pm the Civic Art Commission Public Art Subcommittee meets online.
  • At 6 pm the City Council meets in the hybrid format with a master lease on small cell telecommunication facilities on streetlight poles.
• Wednesday:
  • At 1:30 pm the Commission on Aging meets in person.
  • At 7 pm the Commission on the Status of Women meets in Person.
  • No agenda is posted for the Commission on Labor. Check later if cancelled
• Thursday:
  • At 6:15 pm the Transportation and Infrastructure Commission meets in person.
  • At 6:30 pm the Design Review Committee meets in person on one multi-family project.
  • No agenda is posted for the Fair Campaign Practices and Open Government Commission which should be meeting at 6:30 pm.
  • At 7 pm the Rent Board is scheduled to meet in the hybrid format. No agenda is posted.
• Friday: At 2:30 pm the 2x2 Committee (CoB & BUSD) meets in the hybrid format
• Saturday: At 12:30 pm is an Aqua Zumba Party a CoB recreation event.