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Final Berkeley Election Results (Unofficial)

Rob Wrenn
Wednesday November 20, 2024 - 11:21:00 AM

Ishii Elected Mayor

Adena Ishii 19,268 (38.2%)

Sophie Hahn 18,827 (37.3%)

Kate Harrison 11,388 (22.6%)

Others 989 ( 2.0%)

Total 52,448

Ranked Choice Vote

Ishii 25,131 (51.1%)

Hahn 24,092 (48.9%)

Kate Harrison voters favored Ishii over Hahn by 4841 to 4174 with 3086 making no second choice. 

Results are still unofficial, but the final official results in the Statement of Vote for this election will not be more than slightly different if past elections are any guide. The California Secretary of State had reported that 17,675 ballots remained to be counted, and this last undate which increased countywide turnout from 69.1% to 71.02% is consistent with all those votes having been counted. 

Nikki Fortunato Bas Elected Supervisor 

In a very close race, Bas defeated Bauters by 415 votes.  

Bas 71,136 (50.2%) 

Bauters 70,721 (49.9%) 

Bas won in South and West Berkeley, and in student areas, while Bauters won mostly precincts in the Berkeley hills.  

Turnout 

Despite the threat to democracy posed by Trump, turnout in Berkeley was down a lot this year. In 2016 when Jesse Arreguin defeated Laurie Capitelli for mayor, 58,994 votes were cast for mayor. In 2020, when Arreguin easily won re-election over animal rights activist, Wayne Hsiung, 57,885 votes were cast. But this year only 52,448 voted for someone for mayor, a big drop.  

Ishii is the first candidate for mayor since Gus Newport in 1979 to be elected without having first held some other elected office. 

This election marks the first time in over 50 years, if not longer, where there were three mayoral candidates who each topped 20% of first choice votes. Up to now, Berkeley elections have come down to a choice between two major candidates, usually one more progressive or left, and the other more liberal/moderate. Ranked choice voting and second choice votes were crucial this year. As a result, Ishii is the first person elected mayor in at least the last five decades who received less than 40% of the vote.  

Campaign Contributions 

Hahn, who did not opt to participate in public financing, raised more money than Ishii, but not by much. Based on numbers available so far, Ishii, who took advantage of public financing raised about $30,000 less than Hahn. 80% of 351 early contributors to Ishii’s campaign, those who contributed in 2023, were people who live outside Berkeley. Like Buffy Wicks, who was also unknown to voters when she ran for Assembly in 2018, Ishii relied on out of town money to get her campaign going and to make herself known. For the election as a whole, close to half of her contributors were not Berkeley residents. In a later post, a fuller assessment of campaign finances will be provided. 

Independent expenditures in support or opposition to mayoral candidates did not play any role in this year’s election. Independent expenditures played a big role in the District 5 supervisor’s race where real estate groups poured money into hit pieces attacking Nikki Bas. Union expenditures by a committee sponsored by SEIU Local 1021 supported Bas.  


Ban anti-personnel landmines and cluster munitions

Jaagjit Singh
Thursday November 21, 2024 - 12:21:00 PM

The Washington Post reports that President Biden has quietly approved the provision of new anti-personnel landmines to Ukraine, adding to his earlier authorization of cluster munitions and another type of anti-personnel mine. These actions blatantly violate the Mine Ban Treaty, also known as the Ottawa Convention, which 164 countries have ratified—though neither the U.S. nor Russia is among them. g The International Campaign to Ban Landmines recently released its annual report, revealing over 5,700 deaths and injuries from landmines worldwide last year—an increase of 1,000 from 2022. The campaign’s director strongly condemned the use of these "vile weapons" under any circumstances and called on all nations to join the Mine Ban Treaty to end the suffering they cause.


Building the Resistance

Bob Burnett
Wednesday November 20, 2024 - 08:38:00 PM

We lost the election. That doesn’t mean we have lost hope. 

Meaningful progress takes a long time. “The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” Our 2024 election defeat means we have more work to do. Nonetheless, Democracy is worth fighting for. 

There are 652 days between inauguration day, January 20, and the midterm elections, November 3, 2026. Starting today, there are 712 days before Democrats take back the House and Senate. 

In the interim, here are ten things that each of us can do: 

1. Take care of ourselves: The next 712 days will be a marathon. We must condition ourselves, physically and mentally, for a hard slog. Take time to exercise daily. Whatever your spiritual tradition, make time for a daily ritual of prayer or meditation. 

Take time in silence and make the space to listen to your inner voice. This is a situation that requires each of us to have a strong moral compass. Trust yourself. 

2. Spend quality time with your friends and family. Comfort those you love. Cherish your fortune to be among good people. 

3. Resist the “Pollyanna syndrome.” Push back on the belief that everything will be okay if we think happy thoughts. 

The danger of Trump has not been exaggerated. MAGA rule will be awful. The next 712 days will be difficult, but we can prevail if we are disciplined. 

Begin by acknowledging the truth: Donald Trump has no respect for the rule of law. 

4. Prepare for an extended period of bad news. Don’t get overwhelmed by MAGA mania. 

Don’t stick your head in the sand but take time, each day, to focus on something positive. 

5. Protect the most vulnerable in your community. Under the MAGA regime, the vulnerable include women. members of racial and ethnic minorities, the physically disabled, members of the LGBT community, the poor, anyone on Trump’s “enemies list… Donald Trump is a bully. He will lash out at vulnerable populations. 

MAGA’s form of abuse will vary by community. For example, in California, I expect Trump’s immigration policies to impact Latinos in every county. Many of us have Latino friends who are productive members of the community but whose immigration status makes them vulnerable. These individuals need our support. 

6. Think globally but focus locally. For most of us, our point of personal leverage is in our community. It’s convenient to sit in front of the TV and rail at Trump, but we can be more productive working with our friends and neighbors. For example, public health services will come under attack, and we can expect MAGA attacks on environmental laws. Public health and environmental protection are actions best taken at local levels. 

7. Find your allies. You are surrounded by potential allies. You need to seek them out and develop new coalitions. For example, your church or synagogue may have a social justice group you can join. You might also consider joining the local chapter of the ACLU, Sierra Club, or Indivisible. 

When we hold hands with our allies, we are not alone. 

8. Combat disinformation. A serious problem in MAGA world is the constant level of disinformation. 

As we build the new resistance we must seek out, and publicize, trustworthy sources of information. 

9. Remember that MAGA is not a majority agenda. In 2024, Trump got 5 million fewer votes than Biden did in 2020, and less than half the popular vote. On every policy issue, the MAGA position is in the minority. 

The people will have the power, if we organize. 

10 .Make a difference. “The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” Each of us has a role to play in the defense of democracy. 

 

 


Massive U.S. and Israeli crimes

Jagjit Singh
Monday November 18, 2024 - 08:43:00 PM

The ongoing slaughter and starvation of Palestinians by the Israeli government marks a dark chapter in human history. Despite widespread outrage, the Biden administration continues to enable these atrocities by supplying more weapons to Israel, compounding the moral and humanitarian crisis. Both the U.S. and Israel seem to have forgotten the spiritual truth: "What you sow, so shall you reap." These actions cast a grim shadow over the future of both nations and their leaders, including Biden, Harris, Netanyahu, and especially Trump, who hypocritically claims to revere the Bible. 

Pope Francis has called for an investigation into whether Israel’s actions in Gaza amount to genocide. What more evidence does the Pope require? As the official death toll in Gaza nears 44,000—likely an undercount—the world must grapple with the scale of this humanitarian disaster. On Sunday, an Israeli airstrike on a residential tower in Beit Lahia killed as many as 72 people. Just a day earlier, strikes on a school in Gaza City and the Bureij refugee camp claimed 20 lives, including those of displaced civilians. Survivors, like Eid Abou Rikab, question why peaceful people in their homes are being targeted, describing these attacks as unprecedented crimes. 

Meanwhile, Israel continues to escalate its bombardment of Lebanon, killing eight paramedics and assassinating Hezbollah’s media chief, Mohammed Afif, in a strike on central Beirut. Despite talks of a ceasefire, the violence persists, leaving countless civilians in peril. 

Even within Israel, protests grow against Prime Minister Netanyahu, with demonstrators calling for a ceasefire to secure the release of hostages in Gaza. These events highlight not only the brutality of ongoing conflicts but also the moral failure of leaders who ignore their role in perpetuating such suffering. It is time for global leaders, particularly those in the U.S., to stop enabling violence and instead pursue justice and peace.


New: SMITHEREENS: Reflections on Bits & Pieces: Make America Grate Again

Gar Smith
Sunday November 17, 2024 - 04:24:00 PM

Corporate "Reform" as a Money-making Ruse  

One of the Big Grips that helped steer the November vote into a ditch was the rising complaint about inflation and the rising cost of food, medicine, and household bills. The Dems failed to focus on the corporate tricksters driving the rising prices at the check-out counter. While the Inflation Reduction Act was doing real good, the GOP saw Corporate America intentionally raising prices to stoke consumer anger in the heat of the presidential election. Not only were inflated price-gouging practices leaving American shoppers feeling ripped off, but Corporate America was profiting from artificially hiking the cost of products and services. A lose-lose situation for voters: a big win-win for the corporate class. 

Stats to Gasp At 

Sometimes numbers can just be numbing but there are times when numerals leave you thinking about funerals. Case in point: The Brady anti-gun organizatioin has posted a chart showing the "Number of Gun Violence Deaths Per Year by Country" that shows the US at the top while most of the top 13 gun-death countries score in the triple digits—with only Germany (1,020) and France (2,098) making it to the low thousands. The US is far and away in the lead with a gasp-tronomical 37,040 yearly gun deaths. That's many times more bullet-riddled carnage that was reported in all the other countries combined! 

As the Brady group notes: "People in the US are 26 times more likely to die by firearm homicide than in other high-income countries." And that figure doesn't include the record 27,300 gun-owning Americans who committed suicide-by-bullet—a 12% increase over the previous peak of cartridge carnage in 2019. 

And here's another stunning stat courtesy of the Economic Policy Institute editorial cartoon labeled "50 Years of Progress… for CEOs." In 1970 the average Chief Executive Officer made as much money as 20 employees. By 2020, the average CSO was pocketing as much loot as 350 employees. 

Bernie Burns over Billionaires 

In related news, Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders asks a simple question: "Why don't we discuss that Musk, Bezos and Ellison own more wealth than the bottom HALF of Americans?" 

Fashion Plates
Personalized license plates spotted around town:
RAKNROB
YUUHU [heart]
CO81FO 

 

Crazy Car-go
Plate-spotting was a bit slow this week, so here's a sighting of some weird adverting painted on the side of a business van parked near the Berkeley Bowl:
"PURSUIT FARMS. Wagyu. Mangalista Pork. Fat Tail Sheep. Named BEST MEAT IN AMERICA." 

Bumpersnickers
Make Art Not War
Hang Up and Drive
Fear Not. Covenant Church
Go Green. Go Vegan.
Science Is Our Salvation
We All Live Downstream
My Pugs Are Smarter than Your Honor Student 

We're Talking about Nuclear War, for Pete's Sake! 

In a clip of a recent interview, Pete Hegseth, Trump's nominee for Secretary of Defense, was asked: "Are you concerned about nuclear war?" Here is his "unenlightened dimwit" response: 

"I mean, yes, in a, in a general sense, I guess . . . I just, I found it overinflated from the beginning, this idea that Vladimir Putin's uh attack on Ukraine was going to lead to nuclear war or a war across the continent. I've always felt like it was, from the beginning, like a couple days in, this feels like Putin's getting-my-shit-back war. It kind of feels like, I feel like you have been pushing pretty hard and we used to have the former Soviet Union and we're pretty proud of that. And Ukraine was a part of that and all these other countries — and I want my shit back. And I think I am at the right time when I am powerful enough to do it. And you're not quite on my border yet, and Biden's AWOL, so I'm going for it." 

DoD's PR Crew Strikes Out over F-35 Lightning 

Here's something that would-be Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth might want to look into. The image on a Pentagon Veterans Day poster featured a plane identified as an F-35—a notoriously over-budget and under-performing boondoggle but the image left Military.com reporter Jared Keller scratching his head:
"We have many questions. Mainly: Where did those twin engines on the JPO [Joint Programs Office] image come from? The F-35 uses a single Pratt & Whitney turbofan engine…, whereas the fighter in the JPO tweet appears to resemble the twin-engine Chinese People’s Liberation Army Air Force fighter jet…. 

Yep, as you may have guessed, the Pentagon's publicity flunkies, grabbed the wrong photo. For reference, here's a video clip of a real F-35 in action: 

 

"Unfortunately, this sort of public affairs flub happens all too often," Keller continues. "For July 4th last year, the US Pacific Fleet's official account tweeted a photo that appeared to show a Russian Kashin-class destroyer and five Sukhoi-27s fighter jets against the backdrop of an American flag. Back in 2021, the Naval Criminal Investigative Service used a photo composite showing an American flag alongside a Russian Kirov-class battle-cruiser to wish the U.S. Navy a happy birthday. 

"[T]his is quite embarrassing – especially on Veterans Day. But between missed readiness goals and rising costs, it makes sense that the F-35 Joint Programs Office has other stuff to focus on—other than accurately representing its primary aircraft on social media." 

Warren Charges Trump with Breaking US Ethics Law 

Senator Elizabeth Warren writes: "We are just over one week since the election, and Donald Trump and his transition team are already breaking the law. I would know — I wrote the law." 

Warren continues:
"You see, an earlier law, the Presidential Transition Act, was passed in 1963 to ensure a smooth transfer of executive powers between administrations. Its aim is to prevent any government disruptions that would harm the American public or our national security. 

"I authored the Transition Team Ethics Improvement Act to add new ethical standards to that law, like: 

 

  • Requiring eligible presidential candidates to develop and release transition team ethics plans and disclose how they will address their own conflicts of interest before the election. These disclosures are required by October 1st in an election year, providing the public with the opportunity to assess candidates' ethics plans prior to a general election;
  • Requiring transition team members to sign an ethics-specific code of conduct; and
  • Establishing a set of minimum requirements for transition team ethics plans, including information about how the transition team will enforce a code of ethical conduct and address the role of lobbyists on transition teams.
"These provisions of my bill were included in bipartisan legislation that was enacted in 2020.
"But Trump and his transition team have not signed the legally required ethics agreement. This is what illegal corruption looks like. Plain and simple. 

 

"We already knew that Trump didn’t respect the law. That’s been proven in court. But I won’t accept standing idly by and watching as he swats away ethics requirements and bulldozes checks and balances — and we need to call out and fight back against this corruption with every chance we get. 

Warren ends her letter with a modest request: "Add your name if you’re with me: Trump must follow the rule of law and sign the ethics agreements required under the Presidential Transition Act." 

Beware the Ocher Ogre 

And speaking of ethics, here's a headline writer's reaction to the news that D. Trump has nominated Matt Gaetz—the subject of an investigation into sex-trafficking and drug abuse—to serves as the country' next Attorney General: 

"Good Lord. It's the Devil's Henchman! God save us from the Gaetz of Hell." 

Hands Off Hands-on Activism  

On February 11, 2024, during a " a non-violent, peaceful, non-arrestable, and dramatic" anti-war protest at Nancy Pelosi's SF home, Code Pink organizer Cynthia Papermaster was arrested and charged with a felony for putting water-based red handprints on Pelosi’s garage door. (Yep, she was caught red-handed.) According to Code Pink, "The handprints could easily be washed off with a hose or in the next rain. This was an expression of protected Free Speech, akin to chalk graffiti on a sidewalk. We hope the charges will be dropped. Please sign the petition if you have not and feel so inclined." 

Toss Your Black Plastic Spatulas! 

ICYMI, the Chronicle has raised an alarm that kitchen utensils and household implements made of black plastic are contaminated with cancer-causing "forever chemicals." 

Beware the Ocher Ogre's Alter Ego 

And speaking of ethics, here's a headline writer's reaction to the news that D. Trump has nominated Matt Gaetz—the subject of an investigation into sex-trafficking and drug abuse—to serves as the country' next Attorney General: 

"Good Lord. It's the Devil's Henchman! God save us from the Gaetz of Hell." 


Updated: Berkeley Election Results Update

Rob Wrenn
Sunday November 17, 2024 - 03:43:00 PM

Only about 30% of ballots were counted countywide on election night. An update was posted by the county Registrar of Voter on Friday. The Registrar’s Web site says the next update will be on Monday, which is Veteran’s Day. We’ll see if that happens, but there will certainly be more updates next week. 

In all races but rent board, candidates who were leading widened their lead. Hahn iincreased her lead for mayor. Babbitt is further behind for school board, with Berkeley Federation of Teachers endorsed candidates Jen Corn and Ana Vasudeo in the lead for the two seats on the board. Andy Kelley in third place for rent board outperformed second place Dominique Walker in this round. 

Mayor – Ranked Choice Voting 

Since Sophie Hahn has less than 50% of votes cast for mayor, and will certainly have less than 50% when all votes are counted, then second choice votes for two minor candidates and Kate Harrison will be counted to determine the winner under Berkeley’s Ranked Choice Voting system. 

In the ballots counted so far, 27.4% of Kate Harrison voters voted only for her. 36.4% favored Sophie Hahn as their second choice; and 35.8% favored Adena Ishii. As more ballots are counted not only could the first choice candidate change, but the second choice preference of Harrison voters could also change. 

With the ballots counted so far, after the ranked choice vote allocation is completed, Sophie Hahn wins with 10,889 votes (52.61%) to 9,808 votes (47.39%) for Adena Ishii. 

How Many Votes Have Been Counted? 

Countywide turnout is up from 24.8% to 34.8%. Probably about 37% of mayoral ballots have been counted so far if you assume that probably about 60,000 voted for someone for mayor this year. 58,375 votes were cast for mayoral candidates in 2000. I would guess at least that many, if not more voted for mayor this year, but we won’t know the total until all votes are counted. 

Berkeley Mayor 

Current count and change from previous count 

Hahn 8853 +1879 

Ishii 7779 +1658 

Harrison 5118 +1020 

Harrison second choice votes 

To Hahn 1913 

To Ishii 1882 

Measure BB pro-tenant rent control measure - only local measure where vote was close 

Yes 11,713 52.2% +2302 

No 10,714 47.8% +2261 

School board – Electing 2 School Directors 

Jen Corn 13,190 +2900 

Ana Vasudeo 10,635 +2235 

Laura Babbitt 9,486 +2030 

Rent Board - Electing 4 commissioners 

Xavier Johnson 10,938 +2232 

Dominique Walker 10,431 +2069 

Andy Kelley 10,405 +2246 

Alfred Twu. 9,448 +1992 

Carole Marasovic 8,840 +1888 

Avery Arbaugh. 8,054 + 1596 

 

The above are the only local Berkeley races, in this writer's opinion, where Election night winners might not be the winners when all votes are counted. 


New: THE BERKELEY ACTIVISTS' CALENDAR, NOVEMBER 17-24

Kelly Hammargren
Sunday November 17, 2024 - 04:16:00 PM

Worth Noting:

The coming week is very busy as Boards and Commissions reschedule meetings around Thanksgiving week and fit in meetings before the winter recess. The City Council winter recess is from December 11 through January 20, 2025.

Ballots are still being counted. The next release is expected November 20. Over 17,000 ballots in Alameda County are left to count. You can follow election results with this link. https://alamedacountyca.gov/rovresults/252/

Go to meetings are in BOLD. 

  • Sunday, November 17, 2024:
    • From 6 am to 2 pm city streets are restricted for the Half Marathon
  • Monday, November 18, 2024
    • At 10:30 am the Public Safety Committee meets in the hybrid format.
    • At 2:30 pm the Agenda Committee meets in the hybrid format.
    • At 6 pm the City Council special meeting on the Waterfront Specific Plan is in the hybrid format.
    • At 7 pm the Peace and Justice Commission meets in person with a round table on Gaza on the agenda.
  • Tuesday, November 19, 2024
    • At 4 pm the City Council meets in closed session.
    • At 6 pm the City Council meets in the hybrid format with the mid-year budget (AAO#1) on action and the Equity for Black Berkeley (E4BB) Initiative on consent. The Black Repertory Group Theater is not mentioned in the E4BB.
  • Wednesday, November 20, 2024:
    • At 1:30 pm the Commission on Aging meets in person
    • At 6 pm the Human Welfare and Community Action Commission meets in person.
    • At 7 pm the Commission on Labor meets in person.
    • At 7 pm the Commission on the Status of Women meets in person.
  • Thursday, November 21, 2024:
    • At 5:30 pm the Zero Waste Commission meets in person
    • At 6:15 pm the Transportation and Infrastructure Commission meets in person.
    • At 6:30 pm the Community Health Commission meets in person
    • At 6:30 pm the Design Review Committee meets in person with the San Pablo Avenue Plan and 2274 Shattuck the 17-story housing project at the UA Cinema site on the agenda.
    • At 6:30 pm the Fair Campaign Practices/Open Government Commission meets in the hybrid format with multiple campaign complaints and enforcements on the agenda.
    • At 7 pm the Mental Health Commission meets in person.
    • At 7 pm the Rent Board meets in person.
  • Friday, November 21, 2024
    • At 2 pm the Civic Arts Commission Grants subcommittee meets on Zoom.
    • At 3 pm the 2 x 2 Committee meets in the hybrid format.
  • Saturday, November 22, 2024:
    • At 10 am is nature journaling for children aged 7 and up.
    • At 12 pm is Aqua Zumba.
Check City website for meetings posted on short notice https://berkeleyca.gov 

If you are unable to attend a meeting in person and/or it is not offered in an accessible format, to REQUEST A DISABILITY RELATED ACCOMMODATION(S) TO PARTICIPATE IN THE MEETING, including auxiliary aids or services, contact the Disability Services specialist at 510-981-6418 (V) or 510-981-6347 at least 3 days before the meeting (the sooner the better). Thomas Gregory is the ADA Program Coordinator. 

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 

BERKELEY PUBLIC MEETINGS AND CIVIC EVENTS 

Sunday, November 17, 2024  

HALF MARATHON from 6 am – 2 pm 

Use link to check route, street closures, intermittent access points. 

https://berkeleyca.gov/community-recreation/news/berkeley-half-marathon-nov-17-street-closures-bus-route-info 

Monday, November 18, 2024 

PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE at 10:30 am 

Members: Taplin, Barlett, Tregub 

Hybrid Meeting 

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

Videoconference: https://cityofberkeley-info.zoomgov.com/j/1616399725 

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

Meeting ID: 161 639 9725 

AGENDA: 2. Taplin – City’s Progress on Reimagining Public Safety, 3. Taplin – City’s Approach to Traffic Enforcement, 4. Taplin – City’s Progress on Vision Zero Action Plan, Hahn, co-sponsor Tregub – Community Safety Plans for a Safe and Resilient Berkeley. 

https://berkeleyca.gov/your-government/city-council/council-committees/policy-committee-public-safety 

AGENDA AND RULES COMMITTEE Meeting at 2:30 pm 

Members: Arreguin, Hahn, Wengraf 

Hybrid Meeting 

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

Videoconference: https://cityofberkeley-info.zoomgov.com/j/1612287632 

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

Meeting ID: 161 228 7632 

AGENDA: Public Comment on non-agenda and items 1 – 7. 1. Minutes, 2. Review and Approve -10/29/2024 -- 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: none, Unscheduled Items: 8.Discussion and Possible Action on City Council Rules of Decorum, Procedural Rules, and Remote Public Comments, 9. City Council Legislative Redesign, 10. Modifications or Improvements to City Council Meeting Procedures, 11. Strengthening and Supporting City Commission: Guidance on Development of Legislative Proposals, 12. Discussion and Recommendations on the Continued Use of Berkeley Considers Online Engagement Portal, 13. Consideration of Changes to Supplemental Material Timelines 

  • Removed from list of unscheduled items - Discussion Regarding Design and Strengthening of Policy Committees Process and Structure (Including Budget Referrals),
https://berkeleyca.gov/your-government/city-council/council-committees/policy-committee-agenda-rules 

CITY COUNCIL Special 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/1600846103 

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

Meeting ID: 160 084 6103 

AGENDA: one agenda item: Update on the Waterfront Specific Plan for the City of Berkeley Public Tidelands Area – council to provide feedback and direction. 

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

PEACE and JUSTICE COMMISSION at 7 pm 

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

AGENDA: 9. Gaza Roundtable Discussion and Action, 9. Discussion of Possible Actions in Light of Elections, 10. Work Plan. 

https://berkeleyca.gov/your-government/boards-commissions/peace-and-justice-commission 

Tuesday, November 19, 2024 

 

CITY COUNCIL Closed Session at 4 pm  

Hybrid Meeting 

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

Videoconference: https://cityofberkeley-info.zoomgov.com/j/1604706234 

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

Meeting ID: 160 470 6234 

AGENDA: 1. Anticipated Litigation WCAB #ADJ16181002 and Claim #BER2200087, 2. Existing Litigation DS Properties 17 LP v. City of Berkeley, 3. Conference with Labor Negotiators Employee Organizations Berkeley Fire Fighters Association Local 1227 I.A.F.F., Berkeley Fire Fighters Associations, 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 1021 Maintenance and Clerical, Public Employee Union Local 1, Unrepresented Employees 

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

CITY COUNCIL 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/1613688984 

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

Meeting ID: 161 368 8984 

AGENDA: Use the link and choose the html option to review agenda items individually or pdf to see the entire packet as one document. or go to the agenda listed at the end of the calendar. 

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

Wednesday, November 20, 2024 

COMMISSION on AGING at 1:30 pm 

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

AGENDA: Presentation on congregate meal services for senior centers & Meals on Wheels, Introduction to interim Aging Services Division Manager, Discussion: 1. Commission handbook, 2. Roster of new city council and commission appointments. 

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

HUMAN WELFARE and COMMUNITY ACTION COMMISSION at 6 pm 

In-Person: at 2180 Milvia, 1st Floor – Cypress Room (THIS MEETING IS IN A ROOM THAT IS FULLY EQUIPPED for ZOOM and ZOOM/VIDEOCONFERENCE IS NOT OFFERRED) 

AGENDA: 2. Commission strategic plan technical assistance update, 3. Commission bylaws, 4. Draft revised strategic plan, 5. Financial reports J-Sei program, 6. Audit for year ended June 30, ADA audits of City programs. 

https://berkeleyca.gov/your-government/boards-commissions/human-welfare-and-community-action-commission 

COMMISSION on LABOR at 7 pm 

In-Person: 2939 Ellis 

AGENDA: No agenda posted, check website before going. Commission has not met 72 hour posting notification. 

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. Empowering East Bay Girls: Trends, Needs, and Opportunities for Partnership, 8. Discussion of Possible Tour of Bridget House, 9. Staff recommendation on Domestic Violence. Gender-Based Violence. 

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

Thursday, November 21, 2024 

COMMUNITY HEALTH COMMISSION at 6:30 pm 

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

AGENDA: 2. CHA/CHIP and Public Health Update 

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

DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE at 6:30 pm 

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

AGENDA: 1. San Pablo Avenue Specific Plan, 2. 2274 Shattuck (between Bancroft and Kittredge) – DRC2023-0008 – Preliminary Design Review – to demolish commercial building preserving and renovating the front façade and lobby and construct a 17-story 183ft plus 5 ft parapet, 214,032 sq ft mixed use building with 227 dwelling unites including 23 very low income density bonus qualifying units. United Artists movie theater site. 

https://berkeleyca.gov/your-government/boards-commissions/design-review-committee 

FAIR CAMPAIGN PRACTICES COMMISSION (FCPC) & OPEN GOVERNMENT COMMISSION (OGC) at 6:30 pm 

Hybrid Meeting 

In-Person: at 2180 Milvia, 1st Floor – Cypress Room 

Videoconference: https://cityofberkeley-info.zoomgov.com/j/1614055306 

Teleconference: 1-669-254-5252 

Meeting ID: 161 405 5306 

AGENDA: FCPC - 8. Report from negotiating subcommittee: Mike Chang for School Board 2022, possible stipulated agreement, 9. Complaint Yes on Measure CC / No on Measure BB, 10. Berkeleyans for Effective Climate Action, No on GG, 

11. Enforcement referral regarding Andy Kelley for Rent Board 202, 12. Enforcement referral regarding Campaign for Police Accountability, 13. Enforcement referral regarding Vanessa Danielle Marrero, Rent Stabilization Board Commission, 14, Review and possible revision of Procedures for FCPC, 

OGC – 21. Training Presentation Brown Act, Information Item: 2024 campaign contribution report. 

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

MENTAL HEALTH COMMISSION (MHC) at 7 pm 

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

AGENDA: Interview and vote on nomination of Lisa Teague to the Mental Health Commission, 5. Commission bylaw review and possible updates, 6. City of Berkeley finance and Mental Health department 7. Caseload statistics, 9. How can MHC be most useful to BH and Council. 

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

TRANSPORTATION and INFRASTRUCTURE COMMISSION at 6:15 pm 

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

AGENDA: Discussion Items: 1. Informational briefing on UC Berkeley Bancroft Student Housing Project, Informational Briefing on AC Transit’s Transit-Supportive Design Guidelines, Informational briefing on draft daylighting policy. 

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

ZERO WASTE COMMISSION at 5:30 pm 

In-Person: 1326 Allston, Corporation Yard, Ratcliff Building, Willow Room 

AGENDA: No agenda posted, check later 

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

BERKELEY RENT STABILIZATION COMMISSION at 7 pm 

Hybrid Meeting: 

In-Person: Location not posted 

Videoconference: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86351823870?pwd=StV8iv1VnftDeahcLsszUQPN5RdeeE.1 

AGENDA: not posted check later 

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

Friday, November 22, 2024 

CIVIC ARTS COMMISSION Grants Subcommittee at 2 pm 

Videoconference: https://cityofberkeley-info.zoomgov.com/j/1608531790 

AGENDA: not posted check later 

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

2 X 2 at 3 pm 

Members: Hahn, Taplin and BUSD Vasudeo, Shanoski 

Hybrid Meeting: 

In-Person: at 1005 Parker (new location) 

Videoconference: https://berkeley-net.zoom.us/j/86302629263?pwd=avUmiLSvahS1WlDOOXHB4NV8sJfJT0.1 

Teleconference: 1-669-900-6833 

Meeting ID: 863 0262 9263 

AGENDA: 6. Discussion Items 6.1 Traffic Safety at Cragmont Elementary, 6.2 Expanding Afterschool Programs. 

https://berkeleyca.gov/your-government/city-council/council-committees/2x2-committee 

Saturday, November 23, 2024 

NATURE JOURNALING CLUB at 10 am 

Location: at 160 University 

Use link for details and to register, cost $10 for ages 7 and older 

https://berkeleyca.gov/community-recreation/events/nature-journaling-club-1 

AQUA ZUMBA PARTY at 12 pm 

Location: at 1700 Hopkins 

Use link for details and to register, cost $20 

https://berkeleyca.gov/community-recreation/events/aqua-zumba-party-2 

Sunday, November 24, 2024 – no city meetings, events found 

++++++ AGENDA & RULES COMMITTEE, Tuesday, October 15, 2024 +++++++++++ 

AGENDA and RULES COMMITTEE at 2:30 pm on Tuesday, October 15, 2024 

Members: Arreguin, Hahn, Wengraf 

Hybrid Meeting 

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

Videoconference: https://cityofberkeley-info.zoomgov.com/j/1603237401 

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

Meeting ID: 160 323 7401 

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

++++++++++++++ NOVEMBER 18 - AGENDA and RULES at 2:30 pm ++++++++++++++ 

AGENDA and RULES at 2:30 pm  

Hybrid Meeting: 

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

Videoconference: https://cityofberkeley-info.zoomgov.com/j/1612287632 

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

Meeting ID: 161 228 7632 

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

DRAFT AGENDA for City Council Regular 6 pm Meeting on , DECEMBER 3, 2024  

LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT 

CEREMONIAL MATTERS: PLEDGE of ALLEGIANCE 

CITY MANAGER COMMENTS 

PUBLIC COMMENTS on NON-AGENDA MATTERS 

AGENDA on CONSENT: 

  1. Arreguin, co-sponsors Humbert, Tregub – 2nd reading Amending BMC Section 9.04.165 – Tax Exemption for Research & Development Grants
  2. Hollander, Economic Development - Adopt the updated Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) Adminstrative Plan and transfer RLF program to Working Solutions, a federally certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI)
  3. Ferris, Parks – Donation $3400 Memorial Bench at the Cesar Chavez Park in memory of Lawrence “Lon” Mullen
  4. Ferris, Parks – Donation $86,496 from the Eli Kane Fund to complete phase 3 of the Solano-Peralta Park Improvement Project, including a memorial bench/table in memory of their son Eli Kane
  5. Ferris, Parks – Contract $882,278 plus $69,198 for Add Alternatives No. 2 and 3 and a 15% contingency $115,080 with Azul Works, Inc for Ohlone Park Restroom and Lighting Project.
  6. Klein, Planning Contracts on-call planning and Environmental Services listing 16 consulting groups totaling $10,700,000.
  7. Davis, Public Works – 10-year Lease Agreement Telegraph-Channing Mall and Garage with The Framer’s Workshop at 2435 and 2439 Channing with option to extend for two additional 5-year terms
  8. Davis, Public Works – 5-year Lease Agreement Telegraph-Channing Mall and Garage with We Wield The Hammer a 501c3 at 2440 Durant with option to extend for one additional 5-year term.
  9. Davis, Public Works – 5-year Lease Agreement Telegraph-Channing Mall and Garage with Dorothy Day House dba Dorothy’s Closet a 501c3 at 2425a Channing with option to extend for one additional 5-year term
  10. Davis, Public Works – Amend Contract No. 32500091 add $500,000 with Adura Group, Inc for onsite engineering services through 6/30/2026
  11. Parks and Waterfront Commission – Officially Name the Harrison Skate Park in Honor of Terrance McCrary
  12. Taplin, co-sponsors Bartlett, Kesarwani – Refer Berkeley Green New Deal: Environmental Justice and Workforce Development to City Manager, Land Use Housing and Economic Development, Planning Commission, Environment and Climate Commission for inclusion in General Plan
  13. Taplin, co-sponsor – Affordable Housing for Artists: AB-812 Implementation and Cultural District Statutory Standardization
AGENDA on ACTION: 

  1. Hollander, Economic Development – Renewal of the Solano BID (Business Improvement District for Calendar 2025
  2. Klein, Planning – Zoning Ordinance Amendments: Keep Innovation in Berkeley to encourage Research and Development
INFORMATION REPORTS: 

  1. Cardwell, City Manager’s Office – Staff Shortages Status Report
  2. Sprague – Measure FF Audit Status Report
  3. Louis – Audit Recommendation Status to manage Overtime and Security Work for Outside Entities
++++++ NOVEMBER 19, 2024 CITY COUNCIL REGULAR 6 pm meeting agenda ++++++ 

CITY COUNCIL Regular Meeting at 6 pm on Tuesday, November 19, 2024 

Hybrid Meeting 

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

Videoconference: https://cityofberkeley-info.zoomgov.com/j/1613688984 

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

Meeting ID: 161 368 8984 

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

LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT 

CEREMONIAL MATTERS: PLEDGE of ALLEGIANCE 

CITY MANAGER COMMENTS 

PUBLIC COMMENTS on NON-AGENDA MATTERS 

PUBLIC COMMENT by EMPLOYEE UNIONS 

AGENDA on CONSENT: 

  1. Numainville, City Clerk –Approve Minutes for Oct 1, 15, 21, and 29
  2. Numainville, City Clerk – 2024 Annual Commission Attendance and Meeting Frequency Report
  3. Radu, City Manager’s Office – Contract $5,313,826.28 with Dorothy Day House to operate interim housing program at the Howard Johnson Motel (1619 University) from 1/1/2025 – 12/31/2028
  4. Radu, City Manager’s Office – State of CA Encampment Resolution Funding Round 3 Grant Award $5,395,637.04
  5. Radu, City Manager’s Office – Urgency Ordinance for Leasing 1512 University for term of 48 months
  6. Oyekanmi, Finance – Formal Bid Solicitations $14,963,099 for Roadway/Streets
  7. Sprague, Fire – Contract $6,000,000 with Royal Ambulance for Mental Health Transport Services from 1/1/2025 – 12/31/2027
  8. Gilman, HHCS – Amend Contract No. 32300144 add $40,000 total $290,000 with Resource Development Associates for Specialized Care Unit
  9. Gilman, HHCS – Request For Proposals (RFP) for Housing Trust Fund Rehabilitation Projects releasing approximately $6,000,000 for rehabilitiation of existing affordable rental housing developments.
  10. Gilman, HHCS – Accept 2025 Community Services Block Grant for 1/1/2025 – 4/30/2026
  11. Fong, IT – Amend Contract No. 112798-1 add $50,000 total $549,411 with Geographic Technologies Group for Geographic Information System (GIS) Strategic Work[lan from 9/14/2016 – 6/30/2026
  12. Ferris, Parks – Exclusive Negotiation Agreement with TSA Holdings, LLC for 199 Seawall Drive (HS Lordships Restaurant)
  13. Klein, Planning – Ashby BART Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Legal Agreements with BART
  14. Davis, Public Works – Contract $424,465 with Nema Construction for FY 2023 Street Lighting Project
  15. Davis Public Works – Contract $2,390,000 with Sposeto Engineering, Inc for Southwest Berkeley Bikeway and Bus Stop Improvements Project, Specification Nos. 24-11640-C & 24-11666-C
  16. Davis, Public Works – Contract $2,413,689 (includes $314,829 contingency) with W.E. Lyons Construction, Co. for Telegraph-Channing Parking Garage Restroom Renovation & Elevator Improvements
  17. Davis, Public Works – Amend Contract No. 31900036 add $6,073,974 total $22,326,349 with LAZ Parking LLC for Managing City-Owned Off-Street Parking Facilities and extend to 12/31/2026
  18. Davis, Public Works – Amend Contract No. 31900026 add $750,000 total $1,750,000 with Bellecci & Associates, Inc for On-Call Civil Engineering Services and extend to 6/30/2026
  19. Davis, Public Works – Amend Contract No. 31900162 add $1,100,000 total $6,225,735 with Pride Industries, Inc for Custodial Services coverage of the Living Wage Ordinance
  20. Davis, Public Works – Amend Contract No. 32000179 add $900.000 total $4,450,000 with Allied Universal Security Service for Citywide Unarmed Security Services and extend 2/28/2026
  21. Davis, Public Works – Amend Contract No. 32300177 add $100,000 total $125,000 with Baker Tilly for On-Call Professional Development Services and extend 12/31/2027
  22. Mental Health Commission – Appointment of Maria Sol and Ashley (Jiahao) Go to the Mental Health Commission
  23. Arreguin & Hahn – Exploring the Formation of Joint Powers Authority (JPA) or other entity to Publicly Finance the Development of a Hospital to Meet Regional Healthcare Needs
  24. Arreguin – Referral to City Manager Equity for Black Berkeley (E4BB) Initiative includes Berkeley Flea Market, African Holistic Center, Black Arts and Cultural District, Black Health Equity Zone and pursue creating a non-governmental organization to manage community investment beyond 2026.
AGENDA on ACTION: 

  1. Friedrichsen, Budget Manager – Amendment: FY 2025 Annual Appropriations Ordinance (AAO#1) Adopt first reading of adjustments to budget
  2. Klein, Planning – Amendments to BMC Chapter 22.16, Development Agreement Procedures
+++++++++++++++++++ Land Use - Work Sessions - Special Meetings +++++++++++++++ 

 

LAND USE CALENDAR 

  • 3000 Shattuck (construct 10-story mixed-use building) TBD
  • 2708 Prince (construct duplex)1/21/2025
WORK SESSIONS & SPECIAL MEETINGS: 

  • November 18 - Draft Waterfront Specific Plan - Action
UNSCHEDULED WORK SESSIONS & SPECIAL MEETINGS 

  • Affordable Housing Feasibility Study Follow Up Session (winter 2025)
  • BPD Annual Report (March 2025)
UNSCHEDULED PRESENTATIONS 

  • Economic Dashboards Update (February 2025)
  • Evacuation Study (Winter 2025)
  • Unfunded Liabilities (April/May 2025) (Taplin Added at Agenda on September 16, 2024)
PREVIOUSLY LISTED WORKSESSIONS and SPECIAL MEETINGS REMOVED FROM LIST 

  • Fire Department Standards of Coverage & Community Risk Assessment
  • Dispatch Needs Assessment Presentation
  • Presentation on Homelessness/Re-Housing/Thousand-Person Plan (TBD regular agenda)
++++ How to get on or off the Activist’s Calendar and Activist’s Diary email list ++++++++ 

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. 

 


Bad News from the Blue Backwoods

Don Macleay
Wednesday November 13, 2024 - 04:20:00 PM

Here in Oakland California, we had our own slip into darkness on election day.

Our local version of the reactionary backlash in the deep Democrat part of dark Blue California does not conform to the liberal-radical reputation we have across the country.

That is a good reputation that we do not deserve.

To start with, two reactionary recalls won hands down. Oakland will be without our mayor and our Alameda County will be without our progressive district attorney. They are being blamed to for high crime rates and other things that have nothing to do with them and had started literally before they were born.

Our own Oakland Local mini-Musk bankrolled the expensive signature gathering required, starting only weeks after the mayor and DA had been sworn into office, two years ago.

The subsequent, well-funded advertising campaign sounded a lot like the campaign against the progressive San Francisco District Attorney Chesa Boudin two years ago. We all know the Trump song about how the liberals just let the criminals go without consequences and how we need to teach those bad people a lesson with harsh policing and harsher punishments. Well, the song sung around here by recall people should open them up for copywrite infringement. 

It is all BS of course, but it tugs at the heart strings of the common people who are sick of seeing their car windows broken. The failure of local law enforcement and total failure of rehabilitation was not on the ballot, or even discussed. The public is at wits end and these demagogues who have failed to provide public safety found a convenient scapegoat that that they also used for political revenge. What Chesa Boudin in San Francisco in 2022 and our Alameda County Pamela Price had in common was that they were progressive district attorneys. There is no reason to believe that they would not prosecute criminals. There is every reason to believe that they would prosecute misbehaving police, and that is why they faced recall. 

And yes, some of the people who backed the recalls on this side of the bay were involved in the one on the other side of the bay. For some history, that was the second time San Francisco got rid of a progressive DA. The first time was via the ballot box and the “moderate” replacement was none other than Kamala Harris. 

And after all of this, crime in San Francisco had not gone down. 

Just as disappointing as the recall campaign, was the campaigns for some of our local offices. There was not a lot to get excited about on the local lists, but there we some bad apples. 

The bad apples got elected. 

We have a local state legislator called Buffy Wicks. She used to work for Obama and once called herself “Buffy the Bernie Slayer”. After running a campaign with dirty false accusations against a local progressive, her parachute landed her in state house after a long history of doing absolutely nothing in local politics. 

Buffy’s candidates did really well this time. One for state Senate against the same highly qualified local representative Buffy slandered in her run. One for Alameda County Supervisor with a union busting track record, running against an honest progressive, president of the local Oakland City Council. 

' [Editor's Note: The writer, being from Oakland, didn't include the fascinating fact that Margot Smith got more than 30% of the vote against Buffy for State Rep this time. Margot is 94 years old and ran her own campaign.]  

The ballot in California is eight pages long, so I will cut this short right here. 

It is only after the election that one gets a look at how bad some of the candidates are. We don’t like Trump in the White House. Well, we got little blue Trumps in State House and County Court House. 

Not all of the worse ones won. A few were really good. Some were shoe-ins provided by our local Democrats giving the public a pre-managed limited choice. Other candidates were just people working on their careers. Few stand out in a good way. A couple stand out in a bad way. 

All in all, it was another good election for the funders representing real estate ownership, real estate speculation and real estate development along with the Silicon Valley money that is spreading out from San Francisco. Our mini-Musk of the recall fame is into hedge funds or something like that. 

Our all-blue elections were swamped with all-blue campaign funding.
There was a constant, misleading barrage of advertising in Oakland and across the state. 

San Francisco takes the lead with rich people paying to get themselves elected mayor and supervisor. 

Other big winners who are telling us about how good their work is and how this election shows progress of our values are the local pro-charter school NAACP, the pro charter Great Oakland Public Schools and the pro charter school group Faith in Action. The school board elections were not great, and the only good news was that we may at least keep a couple good people. The school board majority? Meh… 

While on the subject of the local NAACP, lets keep in mind that their pro-recall community includes the former prosecutor, now judge, who ran against our recalled district attorney, the former council member who lost the election to our freshly recalled mayor and the police chief that our recalled mayor fired for not implementing internal discipline. The undisciplined officer in question was racking up something like a quarter million in extra salary, and did things that included setting off his gun in an elevator. 

You see, we don’t need Republicans to be a farce. 

Not all of the turn to the right required knowing who the players were. The mood of so-called progressive California showed its colors in some statewide ballot initiatives. Of course, the vote to take the prohibition of gay marriage out of the state constitution won. It was only necessary because not too long ago, an anti-gay marriage proposition called Prop 8 had passed. 

This time we add to our shameful votes a big NO on an end to prison slavery. NO was also the answer to raising the minimum wage. The answer was NO on allowing local governments to have rent control. 

A YES vote was there to punish the AIDS health and housing people who promote rent control. Another big YES vote was there to punish criminals more than we already do. 

We saw bucketloads of the same advertising themes as used for our local recalls, but statewide.
The advertising against rent control was exceptionally dishonest. 

Our governor is holding an emergency session of the California State Legislature to discuss how to keep our civil liberties. I suppose that means keeping the religious extremists out of our bedrooms, clinics and the panties of little girls trying to go to the bathroom. But what else? Not electoral reform. 

Are they going to tell us that people voted Trump because they are ignorant? 

Will any of them recognize that their own shenanigans turn people off? 

When you actually live here you can see why the Democrats don’t really offer a lot in leadership.


Ishii Likely Winner of Mayor's Race

Rob Wrenn
Friday November 15, 2024 - 05:32:00 PM

It looks very likely that YIMBY candidate Adena Ishii will be Berkeley’s next mayor. 

There are still some ballots to be counted as the total votes counted for mayor so far amounts to only 50,472, and certainly more votes than that were cast. 57,885 were cast mayoral candidates in 2020 and over 58,000 were cast in 2016. 

Ishii has been gaining as more ballots are counted and Harrison voters have been trending toward Ishii as a second choice. It’s very unlikely that a count of the remaining ballots will help Hahn enough for her to regain the lead, and even if she regains the lead in first choice votes, she would also have to do better with Harrison’s second choice voters. 

In this update, Ishii gained 5638 votes, while Hahn gained 4564 votes. Unless the remaining uncounted ballots are heavily from the parts of the city where Hahn has her strongest support, which does not appear to be the case, she will not overcome Ishii’s current lead. 

Countywide, turnout is up to 69.1% 

With the latest large update by the County Registrar of Voters, the results are: 

Ishii 19,268 +5638 

Hahn 18,827 +4564 

Harrison 11,388 +3151 

Others. 989 

50,472 

With the ranked choice count of Kate Harrison’s second choice votes, Ishii leads 24,265 (51.2%) to 23,120 (48.8%) 

Harrison’s second choice ballots favored Ishii over Hahn 4,676 to 4,010 with 2949 Harrison voters making no second choice 

 

The County Registrar will do a 1% manual tally on Monday to verify the results countywide and will presumably release more results at some point. The Statement of Vote with final results by precinct should be available by early December. 

Alameda County Board of Supervisors, District 5 

Nikki Fortunato Bas has taken the lead over John Bauters in the race for County Supervisor as more ballots have been counted. Her lead is slim, just 106 votes 

Fortunato Bas 68,736  

Bauters 68,630 

Berkeley Measure BB, Rent Control - Passed 

Yes 28,332 55.7% 

No 22,517 44.3 

Berkeley Measure CC - Defeated 

landlord-backed to weaken Rent Control 

Yes. 32,381 65.2% 

No 17,296 34.8% 

Berkeley Rent Stabilization Board 

Incumbents Xavier Johnson, Dominique Walker and Andy Kelley will be re-elected, along with YIMBY newcomer Alfred Twu, part of the Tenant Convention slate is in fourth place. Avery Arbaugh in fifth place is 3037 votes behind Twu 

Berkeley School Board 

Berkeley Federation of Teachers endorsed candidates Jen Corn and Ana Vasudeo have won the two seats on the school board, with incumbent Laura Babbitt finishing third, votes behind Vasudeo 

For all the results from Alameda County: https://alamedacountyca.gov/rovresults/252/ 


SMITHEREENS: Reflections on Bits & Pieces: Make America Grieve Again

Gar Smith
Tuesday November 12, 2024 - 10:50:00 AM

MoveOn Shares this Dire Warning:g 

"We know what we’re up against. Trump and MAGA Republicans have already shown us their playbook. And Project 2025—their “180-day transition playbook”—could destroy the checks and balances of our government and pave the way for Trump’s authoritarian rise to power. 

"We still live in a democracy. But Project 2025 wants to change that. 

"Project 2025 will further erode abortion access, implement mass deportations, reverse birthright citizenship, roll back LGBTQ+ rights, and dismantle public education. Disturbingly, it seeks to give Trump control over currently independent federal agencies, like the Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. 

"But it gets worse. 

"There's a 'fourth pillar' that the architects of Project 2025 have refused to release that could completely overhaul the executive branch of government. We have to be prepared. 

"This is a dark chapter in US history. But together, we can make sure it's not the final chapter. Let every Democrat in Congress know their constituents are watching. 

"This is not 2016. We know what we're up against. Demand elected leaders show up with political courage to fight back against every policy, every nomination, and every bill that threatens our collective future." 

Do Elected Democrats Really Promote Organizing? History Tells a Different Story

In a November 4 Substack posting journalist and Georgetown University professor Arun Gupta writes: 

 

"Under Bush and Cheney there were dozens of protests of more than 100,000 people against the Iraq War. This includes more than half-a-million people in New York City on February 15, 2003, and during the 2004 RNC. Other protests in NYC, Washington, DC, Boston, and San Francisco drew six-figure crowds. The left organized them and liberals turned out. 

"In 2006, during the 'Day Without an Immigrant' protests, perhaps the only general strike in US history, Democratic operatives and politicians encouraged the walkouts by millions to protest a GOP anti-immigrant bill. 

"But Obama co-opted organizing from the Bush years. Obama presented himself as pro-immigrant, pro-environment, and antiwar candidate. As president he illegally bombed seven countries, carried out mass surveillance, sabotaged climate change accords in Copenhagen, oversaw massive expansion of fracking, fought illegal drone wars, bailed out criminal Wall Street banks, screwed over millions of workers and homeowners, and deported 2 million immigrants. It all happened without a peep from liberals." 

Fashion Plates
Personalized license plates spotted around town:
JBUCK38
SALUTT
ADD1CUP
JEDI IAM
ID8MOMS (I Date Moms)
EL4M8D (El Fore-Mated?)
C1TRUZ (See One Trues?)
MZDAMBN (Miz Dambian?) 

Bumpersnickers
(All spotted on a single Toyota Prius!)
I Love Sodomy
Department of Sexy
I Love My Gay Dog
Hello, My Name Is Car
This Is the Back of My Car
You Just Got Passed by a Bad Driver
Party Rockers in the House Tonight
My Kid Beat Up Your Honor Student
HaHa Caught You Reading, Nerd
If You Honk at Me I Will Kill Myself
If You Were the Last Man on Earth I'd Say Yes
My Other Car Drove Me Off a Cliff and Now I'm a Ghost
Women Fear Me/ Fish Fear Me/ Men Turn Their Eyes Away from Me/ As I walk/ No Beast Dare/ Make a Sound in My Presence/ I'm Alone on the Barren Earth
I Hate Buperstickers 

Committing Biblical Genocide at God's Command

Sachs writes:
"What Netanyahu did not tell his fellow leaders (most of whom had in any event vacated the hall), was that Moses laid out a genocidal path to the Promised Land—in Deuteronomy 31:"
"[The LORD] will destroy these nations before you, and you shall dispossess them. Joshua is the one who will cross ahead of you, just as the LORD has spoken.
“The LORD will do to them just as He did to Sihon and Og, the kings of the Amorites, and to their land, when He destroyed them. The LORD will deliver them up before you, and you shall do to them according to all the commandments which I have commanded you.” 

Sachs also cites Joshua's destruction of Hebron. (Joshua 10): 

"They captured it [Hebronh and struck it and its king and all its cities and all the persons who were in it with the edge of the sword. He left no survivor…. And he utterly destroyed it and every person who was in it."  

Israeli Soldier Kills Self After Recall For Gaza Duty

Times Of India 

 

 

Killing Civilians, Women and Children: Why?
Anadolu English TV 

g


What Broke and How to Fix It

Bob Burnett
Tuesday November 12, 2024 - 10:32:00 AM

Democrats should begin to prepare for the 2026 midterms. Before we get started, we need to understand what broke in 2024. 

1.Democrats didn’t get out the vote. 

In 2020, there were 155 million voters; Joe Biden defeated Trump by four percentage points, 81 million votes to 74 million. In 2024, there were 145 million voters; Donald Trump defeated Kamala Harris by two + percentage points, 74 million votes to 71 million votes. 

Between 2020 and 2024, Trump’s absolute vote total remained constant at 74 million. However, the Democratic candidate’s total diminished by 10 million votes (a loss of 6 percent of 155 million.) These voters didn’t disappear, they made a choice. 

2.It’s the Economy, Stupid.  

A) In the 2024 presidential election, why did the presidential Democratic vote diminish by 10 million? The prevailing explanation is that was a result of the post-pandemic economy. This same pattern happened in all the western democracies after the pandemic: about six percent of voters abandoned the ruling party and voted elsewhere in the next election. 

Pollsters theorize that because of the economic malaise produced by the pandemic, western-world voters were angry. Therefore, they penalized the ruling party – on the average of six percent. For example, in England, voters moved from the Conservative Party to Labor. 

In the United States, angry Democrats penalized the Party by not voting for Kamala Harris. Other Americans chose to show displeasure by not voting for any major Presidential candidate. For example, RINOs did not leave the Republican Party; they chose to not vote for Trump or Harris. 

In 2024, 10 million votes were not cast for President. This means that Trump supporters are in the minority; the true size of the Trump opposition is 81 million. 

B) In the US there hasn’t been an actual economic recession, but for many voters it feels like there has been one. Polls consistently show; a strong majority “… feel like the US is going in the wrong direction.” (61.3 percent according to the last Real Clear Politics poll.) 

gRobert Reich writes, “On [11/5], according to exit polls, Americans voted mainly on the economy — and their votes reflected their class and level of education. While the economy has improved over the last two years according to standard economic measures, most Americans without college degrees — that’s the majority — have not felt it. Most of the geconomy’s gains have gone to the top… This has caused many Americans to feel frustrated and angry. Trump gave voice to that anger. Harris did not.” 

gOf course, racism and sexism were factors in the election. I’m arguing that the dominate factor was the economy. 

3.Trump can’t fix it. 

In this dark hour, there are several positives to consider. Trump voters are the minority. Trump may govern as if he has a “mandate,” but the reality is different. 

ggTrump talks about many issues, but for 2024 voters the number one issue was the economy. Trump has two years to fix the economy. He has 24 months to respond to the economic malaise that led to his election victory. 

Trump won’t be able to fix the economy because 1) he, personally, has no idea what to do. And 2) the Republican Party’s economic philosophy does not provide the answer. Republicans believe in” trickle-down” economics; they believe that if they give tax cuts to billionaires then “a rising tide will lift all boats.” Trickle-down economics won’t fix the current economic malaise. 

Going forward: whenever Trump/Republicans do something outrageous, the opposition should say, “What’s this got to do with fixing the economy?” 

By the 2026 midterms, voters will blame Trump for the bad economy. The missing 10 million voters will return to the Democratic opposition, which will have a clear majority. 

4.in 2026, Voters will repudiate Republicans. 

g Trump was elected by a minority of the electorate and given a chance to fix the economy. He won’t be able to accomplish this, Instead, Trump will bring chaos to American society. 

Democrats have a clear path to victory in the 2026 midterms: Develop a plan for a just economy. Reach out to disaffected voters. Mobilize. 

The 2026 midterm themes are clear: Fix the economy. Stop the chaos. Vote Democratic. 

 


Ishii gains on Hahn in Mayor’s race

Rob Wrenn
Monday November 11, 2024 - 08:37:00 PM

In the latest batch of votes posted by the Registrar of Voters this afternoon, Adena Ishi surpassed Sophie Hahn by 441 votes, narrowing Hahn’s lead to 633 votes. Hahn has 38.8% to 37.1% for Ishii. More importantly for Ishii, Kate Harrison’s second choice ballots in the latest batch favored Ishii 1323 to 1084 in the ranked choice count. Sophie leads in that count 17,437 to 17,055, a margin of only 382 votes, 50.6% to 49.5%. 

As much as 40% of the votes cast for mayor are still uncounted. If the remaining votes favor Ishii by as much as batch of votes in today’s update, then she will overtake Hahn and win by a comfortable margin. 

Berkeley Mayor 

Current count and change from previous count Hahn 14263 +5410 Ishii 13630 +5851 Harrison 8237 +1020 

Harrison second choice ballots Ishii 3205 Hahn 2997 

Ranked Choice Count: 

Hahn 17,437 50.55% Ishii 17,055 49.45% 

In other races, Jen Corn and Ana Vasudeo have solid leads for school; Vasudeo’ lead over Laura Babbitt continues to grow and the final tally will almost certainly show that she has been re-elected. 

Xavier Johnson, Dominique Walker Andy Kelley and Alfred Twu are still leading in the rent board race and Twu’s margin over Carole Marasovic increased.  

Measure BB is still ahead with 52.4%. It will pass when all the votes are reported.


Exploring Myths and Legends about Mentally Ill People

Jack Bragen
Saturday November 09, 2024 - 03:18:00 PM

Hello dear readers. I am not here to argue with psychiatric wisdom or with established science. If you have a severe mental illness, especially one that involves psychosis, you probably need to be medicated. Medicating people with mental illness to help them (us) recover has worked since the early nineteen fifties, with the discovery of Thorazine. 

However, beyond the fundamental idea of medication, I have to tell you that many treatment practitioners have it wrong about us, and many in the public have it wrong. 

When we see a person in public sitting on a bench, possibly smoking, or drinking a cup of coffee, and we see they are rocking forward and back in their upper body, it is easy to think the person is "whacked", or that they are a very ill person and not worth speaking to or respecting. Unfortunately, people are judged based on appearances. The public ought to learn that the packaging doesn't always reflect what is in the person. 

It seems that before hearing so much as a sentence issue from my lips, people have decided I'm dumb. I keep wondering, is it the informality of how I dress and groom? Is it that I have big shoulders (because I worked out and did manual labor as a teenager)? Or do people have x-ray vision so that they know my brain is badly damaged, or not present? 

The person sitting with a rocking motion may not be mentally ill. There are other possible causes. In the case of mental illness, the disease doesn't create the rocking motion, the medication does. Many psychiatric medications won't give you a moment's rest. You might feel as though you want to jump out of your skin. 

Psych meds can make a person unable to sit still. 

The restlessness can be unbearable; and again, it is the medication(s) causing this. Psych meds are a raw deal for the people who take them. We wouldn't be taking these meds unless we had to. Sometimes the court has forced it on us, and we must receive injections under the threat of force. Other times, we are spiritually awakened enough to know we have to take the meds, and we are strong enough to follow through with the medication regimen and do this consistently. 

Yes, above I used the term "spiritually awakened"! You can be “enlightened” and be mentally ill. You continue to need medication. The meditation community doesn't understand this idea. The self-proclaimed "psychics" are even worse. 

The meditation community for the most part has people just as uninformed about mental illness and they assume we have a less than normal consciousness. Many mentally ill people’s conscious minds are as good as or better than normal. 

I have seen a man gyrate in his chair. He was gyrating, probably because of the medication, and two big burly men were summoned to take him out of group and put him in a restraint area. That area might or might not include being tied down, such that we cannot even scratch an itch on the body. And we can't move even though the body really wants to move. 

The presumption that every difference you might observe in a mentally ill person is caused by the illness--it doesn't hold water. But many in the public believe this. Compassion and understanding come about when a family has a nephew or niece, uncle, son or daughter, diagnosed with schizophrenia. Then, the family member of the ill relative can learn to treat us with something a little better than instant dismissal. 

The three areas of massive difficulty for a person with serious mental illness are: The disease itself, potentially bringing disability, danger and a wrecked life; Next, the mandatory psychiatric medication which limits the brain, and which often limits a person's capabilities to the point where we need a lot more help even accomplishing basic things; public perception. For public perception I offer readers the challenge to look at yourselves in the mirror and to try put yourselves in our shoes.  

Jack Bragen lives and writes in Martinez, California.


THE BERKELEY ACTIVISTS' CALENDAR, November 10-17

Kelly Hammargren
Saturday November 09, 2024 - 02:52:00 PM

Worth Noting:

Monday, November 11, 2024 is the Veteran’s Day Holiday.

The agenda for the November 19, 2024 City Council meeting is available for comment.

Check City website for meetings posted on short notice https://berkeleyca.gov

Go to meetings are: City Council on Tuesday, the Parks Commission on Wednesday, EBWC on Thursday and the San Pablo Specific Plan (walking) tour on Saturday November 16. 

 

  • Tuesday,
    • At 11 am the Solano Avenue Business Improvement District meets in person.
    • At 6 pm the City Council meets in the hybrid format with action agenda items: 16. Tax Exemption for Research & Development, 17. Annual Surveillance Technology Report for Body Worn Cameras, GPS Trackers, Fixed Surveillance Video Cameras, Automatic License Plate Readers, the Street Level Imagery Project, and Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and 18. Resolution Opposing the Criminalization of Poverty and Homelessness.
    • At 6:30 pm the Youth Commission meets in person.
  • Wednesday,
    • At 5 pm the Commission on Disability meets in person.
    • At 6:30 pm the Police Accountability Board meets in the hybrid format
    • At 7 pm the Parks, Recreation and Waterfront Commission meets in person with a presentation on the Draft Waterfront Specific Plan as agenda item 11.
  • Thursday,
    • At 11 am in the Berkeley Marina Lien sale.
    • At 12 pm the Budget and Finance Committee meets in the hybrid format.
    • At 1 pm the East Bay Wildfire Coalition of Governments (EBWC) meets in the hybrid format with Vegetation Management and Insurance Status on the agenda.
    • At 7 pm the Zoning Adjustment Aboard meets in person in the hybrid format.
  • Saturday,
    • From 9 – 11 am is the 3rd Saturday Shoreline Cleanup.
    • From 10:30 am – 12 pm is the San Pablo Avenue Specific Plan Site (walking tour 1.2 miles) Tour.
 

If you are unable to attend a meeting in person and/or it is not offered in the hybrid or an accessible format, TO REQUEST A DISABILITY RELATED ACCOMMODATION(S) TO PARTICIPATE IN THE MEETING, including auxiliary aids or services, please contact the Disability Services specialist at 510-981-6418 (V) or 510-981-6347 at least 3 days before the meeting (the sooner the better). Thomas Gregory is the ADA Program Coordinator. 

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 

 

BERKELEY PUBLIC MEETINGS AND CIVIC EVENTS 

 

Sunday, November 10, 2024 - no city meetings, events found 

Monday, November 11, 2024 – Veteran’s Day Holiday  

 

Tuesday, November 12, 2024 

 

SOLANO AVENUE BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT at 11 am 

In-Person: at 1849 Solano 

AGENDA: 3. Report from Secretary, 4. Financial update, 5. 2025 Work Plan, Web Development and Postcard for Branding, Peralta Services Corp Revised Contract for 2025, 6. Public Comment. 

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

 

CITY COUNCIL 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/1612850642 

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

Meeting ID: 161 285 0642 

AGENDA: Use the link and choose the html option to review agenda items individually or pdf to see the entire packet as one document. or go to the agenda listed at the end of the calendar. 

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

 

YOUTH COMMISSION Meeting at 6:30 pm 

In-Person: at 1730 Oregon 

AGENDA: 9. Guest Speaker about communications, 10. Event Planning Subcommittee, 11. Mental Health Subcommittee, 12. Safety and Homelessness at Berkeley High. 

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

 

Wednesday, November 13, 2024 

 

COMMISSION on DISABILITY at 5 pm 

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

AGENDA: 7. 2025 Calendar, 8. Accessible Parking and Street Redesign/Bancroft, 9. Work Plan Items a. Active Accessibility Icon, b. contract clause WCAG compliance, c. contract clause WCAG compliance. 

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

 

PARKS, RECREATION and WATERFRONT COMMISSION at 7 pm 

In-Person: at 2800 Park, Frances Albrier Community Center 

AGENDA: 9. Director’s Report, 10. Public hearing on City’s Notice of intent for Council to Adopt a Mitigated Negative Declaration for Tom Bates Regional Sports Complex Restrooms and Community Space Project, 11. Presentation Draft Waterfront Specific Plan, 12. Appoint commissioner to speak at Council meeting Nov 18, 2024. 

https://berkeleyca.gov/your-government/boards-commissions/parks-recreation-and-waterfront-commission 

 

POLICE ACCOUNTABILITY BOARD (PAB) at 6:30 PM 

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 agenda and non-agenda items, 5. a. Presentation by BPD of Automated License Plate Readers (ALPRs), 6. OPDA Staff report, 7. Chair report, 8. Chief report, 9. Subcommittee, 10. New Policy Complaint 2024-PR-0006, b. Operation & Processes Subcommittee’s proposed PAB Policy Review Process, c. PAB work plan, d. Location of meetings 1900 Addison, 3rd flow alternative North Berkeley Center, 11. Public Comment, 12. Closed Session. 

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

 

Thursday, November 14, 2024 

 

BERKELEY MARINA LIEN SALE at 11 am 

Location: at 201 University 

AGENDA: use link for viewing dates and time 

https://berkeleyca.gov/community-recreation/events/berkeley-marina-lien-sale 

 

BUDGET and FINANCE at 12 pm 

Hybrid Meeting 

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

Videoconference: https://cityofberkeley-info.zoomgov.com/j/1611365976 

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

Meeting ID: 161 136 5976 

AGENDA: 1. FY 2025 Annual Appropriations Ordinance (AAO#1), 2. Legislative Systems Redesign, 3. Accept the Risk Analysis for Long Term Debt (bonding capacity). 

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

 

EAST BAY WILDFIRE COALITION of GOVERNMENTS (EBWC) from 1 pm – 3:30 pm 

Hybrid Meeting 

In-Person: at 10890 San Pablo, El Cerrito, El Cerrito City Hall ,Council Chambers 

Videoconference: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86497018058?pwd=gjwRO5rbbk9qa8qRDTpZe2rIDrYvnJ.1 

Teleconference: 1-669-444-9171 

Meeting ID: 864 9701 8058 Passcode: 667500 

AGENDA: 4. Proposal & Discussion of Vegetation Management/CEQA Study from San Francisco Estuary Institute, Tukman Geospatial and Ascent, recommended by Fire Safe Council Alliance, 8. Presentation by Amy Bach of United Policyholders on Insurance Status. 

https://eastbaywildfire.org/ 

 

ZONING ADJUSTMENTS BOARD (ZAB) at 7 PM 

Hybrid Meeting 

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

Videoconference: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82494161372 

Teleconference: 1-669-444-9171 or 1-699-900-6833  

Meeting ID: 824 9416 1372 

AGENDA: 2. 0 Parker (APN 55-1829-11, 215 Parker) – on consent - USE PERMIT #ZP2024-0100 – construct 1-story, 1624 single family residence with average height of 14 ft, 11 in on vacant lot with 8 ft 4 in fence along the front and west-side property lines, 

3. 2530 Bancroft Way – on consent - Use Permit #ZP2023-0126 – demolition of 1-story, 15,665 sq ft commercial structure and construction of 12-story (134.5 feet), 139,833 sq ft mixed use residential development with 110 dwelling units, including 11 very low -income units, and 2,195 sq ft of ground floor commercial space. The project seeks 50% density bonus (37 units) by providing 15% of the base project as affordable to very low-income households (11 VLI units) 

4. 59 Arden Road – on action – Use Permit #ZP2022-0127 to widen an existing curb cut and establish a parking pad, a 2 ft 6 in retaining wall, a 6-ft fence, and gate within a required setback on a lot with a single-family dwelling in the ES-R (Environmental Safety Residential – Very High Fire Severity Hazard Zone 3 – highest risk fire zone in Berkeley) Zoning District in Panoramic Hill, Fire Zone 3 in CA National Register of Historic Places 

5. 2820 San Pablo and 2817-2821 Tenth Street – on action – Use Permit #ZP2022-0038 – 1) to construct a 4-story (50 ft) 15,195 sq ft mixed-use building with one single-family dwelling on top floor, offices and research and development uses at 2820 San Pablo, 2) demolish a 1-story 12,193 sq ft non-residential building at 2821 Tenth St and construct a 2-story (34 ft 8 in 14,362 sq ft building with office, research and development and light manufacturing uses and a garage with 23 off-street parking spaces and one loading space. 

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

 

Friday, November 15, 2024 

 

Saturday, November 16, 2024 

 

3rd SATURDAY SHORELINE CLEANUP from 9 - 11 am 

Location: at 160 University 

Use link for details 

https://berkeleyca.gov/community-recreation/events/3rd-saturday-shoreline-cleanup-11 

 

SAN PABLO AVENUE SPECIFIC PLAN SITE TOUR from 10:30 am – 12 pm  

Location Start: at 2435 San Pablo, Meet at the northeast corner of San Pablo and Dwight, 

AGENDA: Tour covers approximately 1.2 miles. This is a chance for insight on specific plan. Tour is for informational purposes only and is focused on the specific plan. It is not a forum for feedback or opinions on entitled or ongoing projects 

https://berkeleyca.gov/community-recreation/events/san-pablo-avenue-specific-plan-site-tour 

 

Sunday, November 17, 2024 – no city meetings, events found 

 

++++++ NOVEMBER 12, 2024 CITY COUNCIL REGULAR 6 pm meeting agenda ++++++ 

 

CITY COUNCIL Regular Meeting at 6 pm on Tuesday, November 12, 2024 

Hybrid Meeting 

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

Videoconference: https://cityofberkeley-info.zoomgov.com/j/1612850642 

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

Meeting ID: 161 285 0642 

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

 

LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT 

CEREMONIAL MATTERS: PLEDGE of ALLEGIANCE 

CITY MANAGER COMMENTS 

PUBLIC COMMENTS on NON-AGENDA MATTERS 

PUBLIC COMMENT by EMPLOYEE UNIONS 

 

URGENCY ITEM: Arreguin – Excused Absence for Councilmember Hahn 

AGENDA on CONSENT:  

 

  1. Radu, Assistant to City Manager – Cooperative Agreement with East Bay Regional Parks District to collaborate to manage free-roaming cat populations and educate the public and minimize the impact on sensitive wildlife areas
  2. Radu, Assistant to City Manager – Amend Contract No. 108410-1 add $10,000 total $144,466 with Paw Fund for Spay and Neuter Services and extend to 10/31/2026
  3. Oyekanmi, Finance – Formal Bid Solicitations $10,200,000, South Cove West Parking Lot $1,200,000, Sanitary Sewer Adeline-Shattuck Rehab $9,000,000
  4. Arreguin – Berkeley Holiday Fund
  5. Taplin – Budget Referral AAO#1 - $250,000 South Cove Seawall Design Project
  6. Taplin – Budget Referral AAO#1 – $500,000 F and G Deck Replacement
  7. Taplin – Budget Referral AAO#1 - $300,000 Afterschool Program Expansion
  8. Tregub, co-sponsor Hahn – Budget Referral AAO#1 - $50,000 Fund Traffic Study and Pedestrian Safety Operations at the Pedestrian Crossing on Shattuck and Delaware after study direct remainder of funds to implementing safety measures at crosswalk
  9. Tregub - Budget Referral AAO#1 - $30,000 Accessible Pedestrian Signal (APS) at intersection of Sacramento and Allston
  10. Hahn - Budget Referral AAO#1 - $100,000 for Berkeley Art Center
  11. Wengraf – Budget Referral AAO#1 - $150,000 multi-year Sustainable and Comprehensive Recovery Plan for the Arts and Culture Sector in Berkeley
  12. Wengraf - Budget Referral AAO#1 - $250,000 for design and planning for replacement of play structures and ADA access improvements at Glendale La Loma Park
  13. Humbert – Budget Referral AAO#1 - $150,000 for consultants, conceptual design, and public engagement to create a City Park at Parkside Drive terminus median for converting the median informally known as round park to an official city park.
  14. Humbert, Tregub – Budget Referral AAO#1 - $70,000 to bridge funding to the Bread Project
AGENDA on ACTION: 

 

 

  1. Klein, Planning – Contract Ava Community Energy for Energy Resilient Critical Municipal Facilities “Solar + Storage to install solar and battery back-up storage systems at critical municipal facilities
  2. Arreguin – Amending BMC Section 9.04.165 – Tax Exemption for Research & Development Grants to exempt gross receipts (income relating to government and philanthropic research and development grants in the public interest)
  3. Louis, Police – Annual Surveillance Technology Report for Body Worn Cameras, GPS Trackers, Fixed Surveillance Video Cameras, Automatic License Plate Readers, the Street Level Imagery Project, and Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) [unmanned aerial systems are the components used for communicating with and controlling Unmanned Aerial Vehicles – a technical way of describing police use of drones].
  4. a. Peace and Justice Commission - Resolution Opposing the Criminalization of Poverty and Homelessness – refrain from any criminalization or effective prohibition of sleeping while unhoused, including citation or arrest simply for sleeping outside if no adequate shelter is available, without precluding enforcement of laws banning actions that threaten the health and safety of the whole community. b. Companion report – Radu, Assistant to City Manager – take no action, City adopted amended Encampment Policy 9/102024
INFORMATION REPORTS: 

 

 

  1. Civic Arts Commission Work Plan
  2. Civic Arts Commission FY 2025 Public Art Budget
 

++++++ NOVEMBER 19, 2024 CITY COUNCIL REGULAR 6 pm meeting agenda ++++++ 

 

CITY COUNCIL Regular Meeting at 6 pm on Tuesday, November 19, 2024 

Hybrid Meeting 

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

Videoconference: https://cityofberkeley-info.zoomgov.com/j/1613688984 

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

Meeting ID: 161 368 8984 

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

 

LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT 

CEREMONIAL MATTERS: PLEDGE of ALLEGIANCE 

CITY MANAGER COMMENTS 

PUBLIC COMMENTS on NON-AGENDA MATTERS 

PUBLIC COMMENT by EMPLOYEE UNIONS 

 

AGENDA on CONSENT: 

 

  1. Numainville, City Clerk –Approve Minutes for Oct 1, 15, 21, and 29
  2. Numainville, City Clerk – 2024 Annual Commission Attendance and Meeting Frequency Report
  3. Radu, City Manager’s Office – Contract $5,313,826.28 with Dorothy Day House to operate interim housing program at the Howard Johnson Motel (1619 University) from 1/1/2025 – 12/31/2028
  4. Radu, City Manager’s Office – State of CA Encampment Resolution Funding Round 3 Grant Award $5,395,637.04
  5. Radu, City Manager’s Office – Urgency Ordinance for Leasing 1512 University for term of 48 months
  6. Oyekanmi, Finance – Formal Bid Solicitations $14,963,099 for Roadway/Streets
  7. Sprague, Fire – Contract $6,000,000 with Royal Ambulance for Mental Health Transport Services from 1/1/2025 – 12/31/2027
  8. Gilman, HHCS – Amend Contract No. 32300144 add $40,000 total $290,000 with Resource Development Associates for Specialized Care Unit
  9. Gilman, HHCS – Request For Proposals (RFP) for Housing Trust Fund Rehabilitation Projects releasing approximately $6,000,000 for rehabilitiation of existing affordable rental housing developments.
  10. Gilman, HHCS – Accept 2025 Community Services Block Grant for 1/1/2025 – 4/30/2026
  11. Fong, IT – Amend Contract No. 112798-1 add $50,000 total $549,411 with Geographic Technologies Group for Geographic Information System (GIS) Strategic Work[lan from 9/14/2016 – 6/30/2026
  12. Ferris, Parks – Exclusive Negotiation Agreement with TSA Holdings, LLC for 199 Seawall Drive (HS Lordships Restaurant)
  13. Klein, Planning – Ashby BART Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Legal Agreements with BART
  14. Davis, Public Works – Contract $424,465 with Nema Construction for FY 2023 Street Lighting Project
  15. Davis Public Works – Contract $2,390,000 with Sposeto Engineering, Inc for Southwest Berkeley Bikeway and Bus Stop Improvements Project, Specification Nos. 24-11640-C & 24-11666-C
  16. Davis, Public Works – Contract $2,413,689 (includes $314,829 contingency) with W.E. Lyons Construction, Co. for Telegraph-Channing Parking Garage Restroom Renovation & Elevator Improvements
  17. Davis, Public Works – Amend Contract No. 31900036 add $6,073,974 total $22,326,349 with LAZ Parking LLC for Managing City-Owned Off-Street Parking Facilities and extend to 12/31/2026
  18. Davis, Public Works – Amend Contract No. 31900026 add $750,000 total $1,750,000 with Bellecci & Associates, Inc for On-Call Civil Engineering Services and extend to 6/30/2026
  19. Davis, Public Works – Amend Contract No. 31900162 add $1,100,000 total $6,225,735 with Pride Industries, Inc for Custodial Services coverage of the Living Wage Ordinance
  20. Davis, Public Works – Amend Contract No. 32000179 add $900.000 total $4,450,000 with Allied Universal Security Service for Citywide Unarmed Security Services and extend 2/28/2026
  21. Davis, Public Works – Amend Contract No. 32300177 add $100,000 total $125,000 with Baker Tilly for On-Call Professional Development Services and extend 12/31/2027
  22. Mental Health Commission – Appointment of Maria Sol and Ashley (Jiahao) Go to the Mental Health Commission
  23. Arreguin & Hahn – Exploring the Formation of Joint Powers Authority (JPA) or other entity to Publicly Finance the Development of a Hospital to Meet Regional Healthcare Needs
  24. Arreguin – Referral to City Manager Equity for Black Berkeley (E4BB) Initiative initiative includes Berkeley Flea Market, African Holistic Center, Black Arts and Cultural District, Black Health Equity Zone and pursue creating a non-governmental organization to manage community investment beyond 2026.
AGENDA on ACTION: 

 

 

  1. Friedrichsen, Budget Manager – Amendment: FY 2025 Annual Appropriations Ordinance (AAO#1) Adopt first reading of adjustments to budget
  2. Klein, Planning – Amendments to BMC Chapter 22.16, Development Agreement Procedures
 

+++++++++++++++++++ Land Use - Work Sessions - Special Meetings +++++++++++++++ 

 

LAND USE CALENDAR 

 

  • 3000 Shattuck (construct 10-story mixed-use building) TBD
  • 2708 Prince 1/21/2025
WORK SESSIONS & SPECIAL MEETINGS: 

 

 

  • November 18 - Draft Waterfront Specific Plan - Action
(Moved to November after election per Hahn’s request at Agenda on September 16, 2024) 

 

UNSCHEDULED WORK SESSIONS & SPECIAL MEETINGS 

 

  • Feasibility Study Follow Up Session (housing feasibility moved to fall)
  • BPD Annual Report (March 2025)
UNSCHEDULED PRESENTATIONS 

 

 

  • Economic Dashboards Update (January 2025)
  • Evacuation Study (Fall 2025)
  • Taplin Added at Agenda on September 16, 2024 – Unfunded Liabilities
PREVIOUSLY LISTED WORKSESSIONS and SPECIAL MEETINGS REMOVED FROM LIST 

 

 

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

++++ How to get on or off the Activist’s Calendar and Activist’s Diary email list ++++++++ 

 

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. 

 


Berkeley Election Results Update

Rob Wrenn
Saturday November 09, 2024 - 02:31:00 PM

Only about 30% of ballots were counted countywide on election night. An update was posted by the county Registrar of Voter on Friday. The Registrar’s Web site says the next update will be on Monday, which is Veteran’s Day. We’ll see if that happens, but there will certainly be more updates next week. 

In all races but rent board, candidates who were leading widened their lead. Hahn iincreased her lead for mayor. Babbitt is further behind for school board, with Berkeley Federation of Teachers endorsed candidates Jen Corn and Ana Vasudeo in the lead for the two seats on the board. Andy Kelley in third place for rent board outperformed second place Dominique Walker in this round. 

Mayor – Ranked Choice Voting 

Since Sophie Hahn has less than 50% of votes cast for mayor, and will certainly have less than 50% when all votes are counted, then second choice votes for two minor candidates and Kate Harrison will be counted to determine the winner under Berkeley’s Ranked Choice Voting system. 

In the ballots counted so far, 27.4% of Kate Harrison voters voted only for her. 36.4% favored Sophie Hahn as their second choice; and 35.8% favored Adena Ishii. As more ballots are counted not only could the first choice candidate change, but the second choice preference of Harrison voters could also change. 

With the ballots counted so far, after the ranked choice vote allocation is completed, Sophie Hahn wins with 10,889 votes (52.61%) to 9,808 votes (47.39%) for Adena Ishii. 

How Many Votes Have Been Counted? 

Countywide turnout is up from 24.8% to 34.8%. Probably about 37% of mayoral ballots have been counted so far if you assume that probably about 60,000 voted for someone for mayor this year. 58,375 votes were cast for mayoral candidates in 2000. I would guess at least that many, if not more voted for mayor this year, but we won’t know the total until all votes are counted. 

Berkeley Mayor 

Current count and change from previous count 

Hahn 8853 +1879 

Ishii 7779 +1658 

Harrison 5118 +1020 

 

Harrison second choice votes 

To Hahn 1913 

To Ishii 1882 

 

Measure BB pro-tenant rent control measure - only local measure where vote was close 

Yes 11,713 52.2% +2302 

No 10,714 47.8% +2261 

 

School board – Electing 2 School Directors 

Jen Corn 13,190 +2900 

Ana Vasudeo 10,635 +2235 

Laura Babbitt 9,486 +2030 

 

Rent Board - Electing 4 commissioners 

Xavier Johnson 10,938 +2232 

Dominique Walker 10,431 +2069 

Andy Kelley 10,405 +2246 

Alfred Twu. 9,448 +1992 

Carole Marasovic 8,840 +1888 

Avery Arbaugh. 8,054 + 1596 

 

 

The above are the only local Berkeley races, in this writer's opinion, where Election night winners might not be the winners when all votes are counted. 


Election Results as of Nov. 6 at 1 PM:

Margot Smith
Wednesday November 06, 2024 - 01:39:00 PM

https://alamedacountyca.gov/rovresults/252/ 

Mayor - Berkeley (RCV) 

32 of 32 Precincts Reported(100.00% ) 

Vote for One (1) Only 

Contest 

 Votes 

 Percentage 
Sophie Hahn 

 6,915 

 39.46 % 
Adena Ishii 

 6,096 

 34.79 % 
Kate Harrison 

 4,077 

 23.27 % 
Logan Bowie 

 222 

 1.27 % 
Naomi D. Pete 

 212 

 1.21 % 
Member, City Council, District 2 - Berkeley (RCV) 

4 of 4 Precincts Reported(100.00% ) 

Contest 

 Votes 

 Percentage 
Terry Taplin 

 1,503 

 69.68 % 
Jenny Guarino 

 654 

 30.32 % 
Member, City Council, District 3 - Berkeley (RCV) 

4 of 4 Precincts Reported(100.00% ) 

Contest 

 Votes 

 Percentage 
Ben Bartlett 

 1,069 

 53.18 % 
Deborah Matthews 

 526 

 26.17 % 
John 'Chip' Moore 

 415 

 20.65 % 
Member, City Council, District 5 - Berkeley (RCV) 

4 of 4 Precincts Reported(100.00% ) 

Contest 

 Votes 

 Percentage 
Shoshana O'Keefe 

 2,234 

 67.41 % 
Todd Andrew 

 654 

 19.73 % 
Nilang Gor 

 426 

 12.85 % 
Member, City Council, District 6 - Berkeley (RCV) 

4 of 4 Precincts Reported(100.00% ) 

Contest 

 Votes 

 Percentage 
Brent Blackaby 

 1,712 

 63.20 % 
Andy Katz 

 997 

 36.80 % 
Margot Smith 


Opinion

Public Comment

Margot Smith for State Assembly Asks for Your Vote

Margot Smith
Saturday November 02, 2024 - 02:11:00 PM

I'm a Democrat running for our State Assembly District 14 because I object to the state housing laws that Assembly member Buffy Wicks, votes for.  

 

We need housing for everyone, not just the rich. I will work to legislate housing for veterans, us elders on Social Security, teachers, students, families, people who want to live near their work. 

 

I care that people travel long distances from home to work, couch surf, live in cars, camp on the street. We need housing for everyone, not just the rich 

 

How do I differ from State Assemblymember Buffy Wicks? 

 

Margot: We need low cost housing for families, workers, elders. 

Buffy: Voted housing for the rich, developers give her money.  

 

Margot: Pass Health Care for All, California must lead the way. 

Buffy: Killed Health Care for All in committee.  

 

Margot: Supports environmental laws; we must protect the planet. 

Buffy: Bypass environmental laws to speed development.  

 

Margot: Fund public schools; small classes, safe schools. 

Buffy: Supports Charter Schools with less for public schools. 

 

Margot: Respect local lawmakers, our elected city councils. 

Buffy: Lets developers bypass city councils, build anywhere.  

 

Margot: Protect local newspapers, local reporters. 

Buffy: Let Google, Yahoo and Meta give us the news.  

 

Vote Margot Smith for State Assembly 

Democrat / District 14, East Bay 

 

WEBSITE: https://www.margotsmithforassembly.com/  

VIDEO: https://youtu.be/78AfCZNbYHU 

DONATE: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/margot-smith-for-assembly-1 

 

Issues I Care About... 

• Housing for everyone, not just the rich. 

• Health Care for All: Be well. Stay well. 

• Education: PUBLIC, not Charter schools; tuition free college. 

• Tenants Rights: Fund those in need, prevent evictions. 

• Restore Affirmative Action: Justice for all. 

• Police Reform: Keep us safe with civilian oversight. 

• Fix Prop 13: Fair taxes on big corporations: Chevron, Disney. 

• Save the Planet: Use solar, sustainable energy. 

 

Vote Margot Smith for State Assembly 

Democrat / District 14, East Bay 

 
 

As a Doctor of Public Health from UC Berkeley I worked for decades as a research social scientist for the California State Health Department in mental health, environmental health and access to health care. At Stanford researched rural health care, at UC Davis, health planning. After retirement, I produced political videos. I'm running for office to work on creating better lives, housing and health care for all Californians. I was born in San Francisco and live in Berkeley. I have children and grandchildren. I care about their futures. 

 

ENDORSERS 

• Our Revolution East Bay 

• Richmond Progressive Alliance 

• Health Care for All, California 

• Gayle McLaughlin, Former Richmond Mayor 

• Shirley Dean, Former Berkeley Mayor 

• Vincent Casalaina, Progressive Caucus CDP 

• Becky O'Malley, Berkeley Daily Planet 

• David Weintraub, Wellstone Club, Berkeley 

• Willie Phillips, NAACP, Berkeley 

 

Elect Margot Smith for State Assembly 

State Assembly District 14 

Berkeley, El Cerrito, Piedmont, Albany, Richmond, San Pablo, Pinole, Hercules and a part of Oakland. 

 
Unsubscribe 

 

FPPC #146308
Margot Smith for Assembly
P. O. Box 9379, Berkeley, CA 94709
MargotSmith14@sonic.net
510-660-5508


Trump & Johnson’s “great secret” to win the election

Jagjit Singh
Saturday November 02, 2024 - 11:35:00 AM

With the November 5 presidential election rapidly approaching, growing concerns have emerged about potential Republican efforts to manipulate the results and secure a victory for Donald Trump. At a recent rally at Madison Square Garden, Trump hinted at a “little secret” with House Speaker Mike Johnson that would significantly impact the election outcome, though he provided no further explanation.
 

Elie Mystal, justice correspondent for The Nation, sheds light on what this “secret” might entail. According to Mystal, Trump and Johnson may be planning to exploit the 12th Amendment, which allows for a contingent election if no candidate secures a majority of the Electoral College. In such a scenario, the House of Representatives, currently controlled by Republicans, would choose the president, granting Trump an advantage.


Key to this strategy is reducing the number of “electors appointed.” By delaying or obstructing state certification of electoral results, Trump and his allies could decrease the total electors, lowering the threshold needed for an Electoral College majority. If they prevent states that Vice President Kamala Harris wins from submitting electors by the December 11 deadline, Speaker Johnson could refuse to count those votes, effectively rigging the election in Trump’s favor. Any challenge to this maneuver would ultimately end up before the conservative-leaning Supreme Court, which has a track record of ruling in Trump’s favor.

Mystal highlights the anti-democratic nature of the Electoral College and the looming constitutional crisis. Regardless of Trump’s likely loss in the popular vote, his camp’s legal and procedural manipulations could still undermine the democratic process. As Americans, we must remain vigilant and committed to safeguarding electoral integrity.


Hahn’s Hypocrisy

Harvey Smith
Friday November 01, 2024 - 01:35:00 PM

Sophie Hahn’s recent election email message “Expanding Our Parks and Green Spaces!” takes her to new heights of hypocrisy and certainly brings into question her other campaign goals. Just start with the first sentence – “As Berkeley grows, it’s essential to invest in public spaces that serve all of our residents—especially in neighborhoods with fewer green spaces.” The South Side is the densest neighborhood in Berkeley, and plans by both the City of Berkeley and the University of California are to make it even more densely populated. Sophie was part of the council majority that voted to support UC’s efforts to destroy People’s Park, a much-needed urban green space. 

Sophie advocating for planting urban forests in Berkeley is laudable, but obviously it is nonsensical to destroy the established urban forest that was People’s Park and then call for recreating it elsewhere. People’s Park had many redwoods and mature oak trees and other California native trees, some dating back to when houses occupied the lot. There were also native plants, flower and herb gardens. In October 2020 a one-hour bird survey revealed 17 species of birds, many with multiple individuals, including a red-tailed hawk. People’s Park was an urban forest ecosystem that was developed by the community over more than a half-century. 

Add to this the proposed Ohlone Greenway Safety Improvements Project which threatens the over twenty-five years of volunteer work to establish the Ohlone Greenway Native Plant Garden. The message of the volunteers to the city is: “Please reconsider the destruction of such a successful, educational, and valuable community-oriented project.”  

The communitarian ecological work to establish both the Ohlone Greenway Native Plant Garden and People’s Park deserves both recognition and support of the City Council and anyone running for mayor in Berkeley. Both destructive projects ignore the City’s 1986 voter approved Measure L, which requires the City Council to preserve, maintain and acquire parks and open space, particularly in neighborhoods having less than the minimum amount of open space relative to population. 

Sophie’s support for UC Berkeley’s People Park project and her Parks, Recreation & Waterfront Commissioner Brennan Cox’s support of the Ohlone Greenway Safety Improvements Project obviously ignore these obligations under Measure L. Also ignored are the international, national and state standards for urban green space. Additionally ignored is Sophie’s own call for neighborhood access to “beautiful, sustainable, thriving green spaces, and places to play and exercise.” 

Faux progressivism and opportunistic politicking is a horrible thing to watch. Berkeley deserves better. Many in the our city so much miss the legacy and voices of Maudelle Shirek, Ying Lee, Gus Newport and Ron Dellums. Seemingly many of our current candidates for political office have forgotten them and their truly progressive values and initiatives.


SMITHEREENS: Reflections on Bits & Pieces: Masks, Musk and the Red Mirage

Gar Smith
Saturday November 02, 2024 - 02:31:00 PM

Comic Strip's 'Bawdy Language'
The syndicated comic strip Luann has broken another taboo. A few weeks ago, two characters in the strip could be heard having a robust sexual encounter on the other side of a closed bedroom door. And now, on November 2, Luann became the first daily 'toon (that I know of) to close with an obscene hand gesture! Here's how it plays out. 

Two young women (Stef and Tiff) wind up competing for the attention of the same young man on the university's football team. When Stef tells Tiff that Kip is her boyfriend—and that's a lock because she's a cheerleader and she knows something about "body language"—Tiff responds with some body language of her own. 

In the final panel, she appears to be holding her iPhone out to snap a photo of her rival. On closer inspection, it's not a phone in her hand—it's a black rectangle covering her hand as Tiff gives Stef "the finger." A different kind of "body language," for certs! 

Colbert vs. Kimmel vs. Trump
Two of our leading late-night TV satirists, Stephen Colbert and Jimmy Kimmel, are in the habit of choosing dicey titles for each night's episodes. In the competition for the most enjoyably salacious stints as Trump-roast show-hosts, Kimmel's writers once again take the lead in tagging Trump with memorable descriptives. Here's last week's round-up of Trump-tweaking titles: 

Colbert: Crowd Pleaser, Dump Scare, Face Palmer, Read My Ellipse, Madison Square Garbage
Kimmel: Dumpster Führer, Getting Serious, Whiny Little Bitch, The Turd Reich, Rignoramus 

Continued on the Next Weblink
The October 30 edition of the East Bay Express featured some eye-grabbing cover art for its lead story, "Billionaires on Mars." The colorful cover featured a montage that looks like an AI-generated image of Elon Musk, Donald Trump, and a third passenger (not Jeff Bezos; not Richard Branson) peering from the open moon-roof of a rocket-ized Tesla cruising through the cosmos. 

But it turns out that the article isn't about billionaires colonizing Mars. It's about "The Radicalization of Elon Musk'—which is to say, a study in how a left-leaning Trump-dishing entrepreneur morphed into a potential cabinet member in a possible Trump administration. 

The article is informative but it would have been more so except for what readers encounter following the third subhead on the essay's second page. In an editorial experiment that may be totally unprecedented in the history of print journalism, the cover story abruptly ends in mid-sentence with a three-dot ellipses followed by a short italicized sentence instructing readers to; "Read more online at eastbayexpress.com." 

Alas, there are guardrails involved. In order to finish reading the cover story, one needs to be older than 21 and must sign up for an online account/subscription. 

Fashion Plates 

Personalized license plates spotted around town. 

AUTAN
KOALEH
L084CO
D007TL
METRPOL (Metropol? Meter Police?)
NOTAPL8 (Not Appellate?)
THX2GOD (Thanks to God) 

Bumpersnickers 

Lollygagging
I Used To Be Cool 

If You're Rich I'm Single
Tell Your Dog I Said "Hi"
Horn Broken. Look for Finger
This Is the Back of My Car
We're Proud of Our Tadpole Wizard
I Had a Life… But My Job Ate It
I Hate Bumper Stickers 

Robert Reich: Beware Trump’s Election Night Trick  

 

 

Surviving War: A Day in the Life of a Gaza Orphan

 

 


Making a Start

Marc Sapir
Saturday November 02, 2024 - 02:11:00 PM

One day before the presidential election (November 4, 2024), the Chronicle published the Open Forum piece: Trump’s power could go unchecked by Erwin Chemerinsky, preeminent liberal Constitutional Law scholar and dean of the UC Berkeley School of law. Surely, no one who read the piece learned anything they did not already know about Trump. Surely, Erwin changed not a single vote; so what’s the point? 

Many Americans are working to get out the vote. I spent October making 1,650 phone calls into Georgia for that purpose. The op/ed is how Chemerinsky and the faltering liberal institutions of American power contributed—too little too late. They still defend the capitalist framework and relationships and the teetering house of cards they helped to erect. 

Bolstering America’s monstrous wars throughout the world (such as Vietnam, Iraq, now Palestine and Lebanon) they’ve promoted ruthless “unchecked” criminality. Now, with their weak pseudo-democratic checks and balances collapsing they still preach the nonsense to a dwindling choir, while crying out in despair. They might instead seek forgiveness for the fecklessness of a national pedagogy based upon nonsense by denouncing today’s American funded genocide and more. That honesty would be a start.


The U.S. continues to weaponize Israel’s terror groups as they continue to starve and slaughter innocent civilians

Jagjit Singh
Monday November 04, 2024 - 01:42:00 PM

As Israel continues to block lifesaving humanitarian aid to northern Gaza, international organizations are describing the siege as “apocalyptic,” warning of mass starvation and death. Rachael Cummings of Save the Children International reports from Deir al-Balah that aid groups are unable to reach northern areas, where the crisis worsens daily. Israel recently bombed a polio vaccination center in Gaza City’s Sheikh Radwan district, even after agreeing to a humanitarian pause for polio immunizations. The attack has intensified parents’ fears about bringing their children to health facilities. 

The situation is dire. UNICEF reports that over 50 children were killed in Israeli strikes on the Jabaliya refugee camp in just 48 hours, with two residential buildings sheltering displaced families reduced to rubble. A UNICEF vehicle was also attacked by an Israeli drone, highlighting the constant danger aid workers face. In response, humanitarian organizations are urgently demanding a ceasefire and unimpeded access for aid deliveries. 

The World Health Organization confirms that the polio immunization campaign has been severely disrupted, leaving 15,000 children across northern Gaza without this critical vaccine. The loss of UNRWA’s support, following Israel’s recent vote to sever ties, further jeopardizes humanitarian efforts. UNRWA provides essential services, from health consultations to shelter management, and its absence will have catastrophic consequences. 

A Palestinian mother in Gaza City, Azhar Al-Najjar, describes the plight of her children, who missed polio vaccinations due to the ongoing siege: “Those who do not die from bombardments are dying from hunger,” she pleads. Aid workers warn that Gaza’s children have endured relentless trauma, with education suspended and living conditions deteriorating. They stress the urgent need for sustained humanitarian aid and global intervention to end this crisis. 

Thousands of Palestinians have fled to neighboring Jordan and beyond, becoming refugees in their own homeland under Israel’s cruel and barbaric colonial occupation. The U.S. must immediately halt all weapons transfers to Israel, demand the resumption of food, water, and fuel deliveries to feed starving Palestinians, and ensure that UNRWA can continue its critical operations. It is time to stop coddling Israel’s apartheid, non-democratic government, which uses U.S. weapons to terrorize defenseless Palestinian civilians.


Arts & Events

A Harrowing but Challenging HANDMAID’S TALE at San Francisco Opera

Reviewed by James Roy MacBean
Tuesday November 12, 2024 - 10:47:00 AM

 

Danish composer Paul Ruders’ opera based on Margaret Atwood’s 1984 novel The Handmaid’s Tale received its first performance in Copenhagen in a Danish-language production. This opera’s first US production was at Minnesota Opera in 2003. The present production here was originally scheduled for 2020, but the Covid pandemic intervened and this production was postponed until now. So on September 14 Paul Ruders’ The Handmaid’s Tale opened at San Francisco Opera; and I attended the Sunday matinee on September 22. This is a new production with an English-language libretto by Paul Bentley and directed by John Fulljames. 

Like the Margaret Atwood novel on which it is based, Paul Ruders’ The Handmaid’s Tale pulls no punches regarding the lengths patriarchal authoritarian regimes will go in reducing women to second or even third-class citizens, who have no rights to own property, have no rights over their own bodies, and are forbidden to read or write. Instead, in Atwood’s fictional version of a future USA she calls Gilead, women are separated from their husbands, partners, and even their children, and are assigned to bear children to previously childless couples whose husbands are high members of the Commanders class that rules in Gilead after a violent coup that brought them to power. 

The opera, like the novel, is told from one young woman’s point of view. She is called Offred, a name given her by the Commanders. Arrrested when she, her husband Luke, and their 5 year-old daughter were attempting to flee across the border to escape the cruel regime in Gilead, Offred is sent to a Red Centre where she and other women are indoctrinated with the religious views underlying the Judeo-Christian evangelical roots of Gilead.. Elder women called “Aunts” hector 

the child-bearing women about their duty to provide babies for the class of Commanders and their childless wives. Soprano Sarah Cambridge is Aunt Lydia, who stridently harangues the young women about their duties. Paul Ruders’ music for these harangues is violent and highly percussive. It is NOT pleasant to listen to. In fact, throughout this opera, most of the music is strident and not pleasant to listen to. But there are, thankfully, many moments when Offred, alone and lonely, as sung by mezzo-soprano Irene Roberts, expresses her emotional emptiness in plaintive tones that are quite moving. And I add that this opera creates an Offred-double, beautifully sung by mezzo-soprano Simone McIntosh, who sings ebulliently of Offred’s life before the Gilead coup. 

Before continuing on with this opera;’s plot, I note that I previously wrote an article on Margaret Atwood’s novel and the current anti-abortion push, which article appeared in the August 14, 2022 

issue here. Further, I note that in a most serendipitous manner on the very Sunday morning I was to attend this opera I heard on NPR’s Weekend Edition an interview with journalist Matthew D. Taylor about his newly published book, The Violent Take It By Force. In this book, Taylor focuses on Christian evangelicals who formed a group called New Apostolic Reformation, which preaches that what’s needed is a spiritual war in which angels are pitted against demons, and this war must be led by “apostles and prophets,” charismatic leaders who can inspire multitudes to follow their lead. Taylor reports that many of these New Apostolic Reformation leaders went to Washington DC on or before September 6, 2021, to inspire the insurrection. Whereas those who physically invaded the Capital on September 6 have been prosecuted, found guilty, and sentenced to jail time, none of the New Apostolic Reformation leaders have ever been prosecuted. 

In the role of Serena Joy, ageing wife of the high Commander to whom Offred is assigned, mezzo-soprano Lindsay Ammanni was effective though hardly likeable, either vocally or psychologically. Bass John Relyea was The Commander, and he sang the part well and with nuanced feelings, as his character tried to negotiate a bit of intimacy into a highly impersonal situation. Tenor Christopher Oglesby was a naively optimistic Luke, the husband of Offred before the Gilead coup. 

Soprano Rhoslyn Jones sang the role of Ofglen, who eventually introduces Offred to a resistance movement whose password is “Mayday.” Soprano Caroline Corrales was Moira, who manages to escape from the Rad Centre but ends up as a prostitute at the Jezebel Club for Commanders, where Offred is taken by her Commander for an illicit evening out. Soprano Katrina Galka was Janine, later called Ofwarren, whose baby was initially celebrated but soon discovered to have deformities and was euthanized. Jasmine was taken away to be killed. 

The Commander’s household has two servants, Rita, sung by contralto Sara Couden, and Nick, sung by tenor Brenton Ryan. Both sang well in their respective roles. Tenor Matthew Dibattista sang the obnoxious role of the doctor whose gynecological exam of Offred turns into an attempt to seduce her. Mezzo-soprano Gabrielle Beteagn sang the role of Offred’s mother, who before the Gilead coup tries to warn Offred of the perils that await under a Gilead rule. There are numerous other small roles, too peripheral to be mentioned here. Suffice it to say, in conclusion, that Offred accepts to have an illicit affair with Nick, and she is eventually alerted by him that police are coming to arrest her. But Nick assures her with the password “Mayday” that these police are members of the resistance she should trust to help her. As the opera ends, Offred sings that she doesn’t know whether this is the end of her story or a new beginning, and she hesitantly wonders if she’s stepping into darkness or the light. 

Conductor Karan Kamensek faithfully rendered this highly percussive orchestral score, and director John Fulljames’s staging brilliantly moved fluidly between past and present, between Prior Times before the Gilead coup and the Now time of repressive Gilead. Set designer was Chloe Lamford, Costume Designer was Christina Cunningham, who clothed the Handmaids in red with white headdresses. Lighting Director was Fabiana P.iccini. All told, this was a courageous opera, but it was also one where I wish the music had been a bit less strident and often downright unpleasant. Nonetheless, the music fits the story! 

 

 


Verdi’s UN BALLO IN MASCHERA Is A Huge Success at San Francisco Opera

Reviewed by James Roy MacBean
Tuesday November 12, 2024 - 10:34:00 AM

Opening the 2024-25 Season at San Francisco Opera, Giuseppe Verdi’s Un Ballo in Maschera brought together a splendid international cast under the baton of Music Director Eun Sun Kim. 

American tenor Michael Fabiano sang the role of King Gustavus III of Sweden; Armenian soprano Lianna Haroutounian portrayed Amelia; Mongolian baritone Amartuvshin Enkhbat sang the role of Renato; Chinese soprano Mei Gui Zhang sang the trousers role of Oscar; and Romanian mezzo-soprano Judit Kutasi sang Ulrica;. This production of Un Ballo in Maschera was designed by Italian director Leo Muscato. At the Sunday matinee I attended on September 15, all the principal singers, with the possible exception of Judit Kutasi, were in top form with soprano Lianna Haroutounian being the most outstanding. 

Following her successes here in three operas by Puccini — Madama Butterfly, Tosca, and Manon Lescaut, plus the role of Nedda in Leoncavallo’s Pagliacci, Lianna Haroutounian demonstrated here in Un Ballo in Maschera why she is celebrated worldwide as a great interpreter of Verdi In the role of Amelia, Lianna Haroutounian’s clarion high notes were extraordinary! They were perfectly phrased and possessed a bell-like clarity. As if her splendid vocal talents weren’t enough, she’s also a fine actress who digs deep into the personality of her characters. Where Amelia is concerned, Haroutounian portrayed the hesitant, conflicted elements of Amelia as she tried to deal with her feelings of love for King Gustavus while married to the King’s best friend and most loyal ally, Renato. In this respect her Amelia was well-matched by Michael Fabiano’s portrayal of Gustavus’s inner conflicts over his secret, undeclared love for Amelia. 

Malking his SF Opera debut as Renato was baritone Amartuvshin Enkbhat, who proved to be a real discovery! His plangent voice and perfect phrasing were outstanding; and his Act III aria “Eri tu,”when he shifts his anger from what he mistakenly thinks is his wife’s betrayal to that of Gustavus, was one of this opera’s many vocal highlights. Likewise, Chinese lyric soprano Mei Gui Zhang sang splendidly as Oscar,, the King’s page and friend. My only reservation about Mei Gui 

Zhang’s performance was that she flounced and shimmied all over the stage in a manner that was inappropriately feminine in a trousers role. As for Judit Kutasi’s performance as Ulrica, the sorceress, it was well-acted but surprisingly lacked the vocal impact this role demands. I say surprising because I previously lauded Judit Kutasi with praise for her singing here as Ortrud in Wagner’s Lohengrin. While Judit Kutasi didn’t sing badly as Ulrica, she was somehow underwhelming in what should be a big dramatic vocal role. Maybe she just had a bad day when I heard her on September 15h. In small roles, Korean bass-baritone Jongwon Hani was Tom, and local bass Adam Lau was Samuel, the leaders of a conspiracy against King Gustavus. 

In this Leo Mu,scato production of Un Ballo in Maschera, sets were designed by Frederica Parolini, and lighting was by Alessandro Verazzi. My only reservations are over their handling of the nighttime scene at the gallows where Amelia has been sent by Ulrica to pluck a herb that will make her forget her secret love for Gustavus. There was no gallows, and what at first seemed like fog or mist suddenly became flames leaping up from the ground. To be sure, this scene heats up when Gustavus follows Amelia and declares his secret love, getting from her an admission that she too loves him. Then the scene heats up still more when Renato arrives, warning Gustavus of a group of conspirators coming to kill him. But to have what seemed like fog or mist turn into flames was far too much heating up, in my view. 

Costumes were by Silvia Aymonino; and choreography in this opera’s final scene was by Colm Seery. Opera Chorus Director John Keene led his singers in the brief crowd scene at Ulrica’s den. Music Director Eun Sun Kim did her usual masterful job of conducting Verdi’s wonderful music. She is a real treasure! Un Ballo in Maschera continues through September 27. Don’t miss it!


Mysteries and Thrillers Read in October

Bob Burnett
Saturday November 09, 2024 - 03:04:00 PM

In this month I have seven mystery/thriller novels to recommend. 

(A) Beyond Reasonable Doubt Robert Dugoni (5 stars) 

A legal thriller set in Seattle. 

Robert Dugoni’s second Keera Duggan novel finds the ace criminal attorney supplanting her father, Patsey, as the lead attorney at the famous family law firm. Keera takes the case of Jenna Bernstein the notorious CEO of a failed biotech startup. (Bernstein’s character is patterned after Elizabeth Holmes founder of the ill-fated Theranos.) Bernstein is accused of killing her ex=partner and lover. It turns out that Keera Duggan and Jenna Bernstein went to school together; Keera regards her client as a habitual liar and likely sociopath. 

A compelling read featuring a vivid characterization of Keera Duggan and spot-on detail of the criminal investigation and trial process. One of the best thrillers of the year. 

 

(B) Like Mother, Like Daughter Kimberly McReight (Five stars) 

A thriller set in New York City. 

Cleo, an 18-year-old NYU student, arrives at her Brooklyn home to have dinner with her mother, Katrina, and finds her missing. In the kitchen, Cleo finds signs of a struggle and calls the police. Cleo has been having problems with her mother, but she sets that aside to investigate Katrina’s disappearance. Cleo discovers that her mother had a secret life. 

A fun page-turner told from two points-of-view: Katrina in flashbacks and Cleo as she searches for her mother. 

(C) Midnight and Blue Ian Rankin (5 stars) 

A police-procedural mystery set in Saughton prison, Edinburgh, Scotland. 

This is the 25th Inspector Rebus book. We find John Rebus in prison for the murder of a gangster. While his appeal is being considered, Rebus must fend off his fellow convicts, including the notorious gang boss, Darryl Christie. Then there’s a murder. 

At the age of seventy, Rebus hasn’t lost his investigation skills. A compelling plot steeped in prison atmosphere. 

 

(D) The Waiting Michael Connelly (5 stars) 

A police-procedural mystery set in Los Angeles. 

This is the 6th book in the Renee Ballard-Harry Bosch series. Usually, each book has two cases to follow: one pursued by Bosch and the other by Ballard. The Waiting has three cases. The first starts with the theft of Ballard’s gun and badge from her parked car while she is surfing. The second case is pursued by Ballard’s cold case” unit and involves new DNA evidence regarding “the pillowcase rapist.” The third case is followed by Harry’s daughter, Maddie, who happens upon new evidence concerning the legendary “Blue Dahlia” murder. 

Michael Connelly is the best American writer generating police-procedural mysteries. His characters are interesting and his plots authentic. The Waiting is a worthy addition to the series. 

 

 

(E) The Last One at the Wedding Jason Rekulak (5 stars) 

A thriller set at a lavish rural New Hampshire estate. 

Frank Szatowski is estranged from his daughter Maggie. The reason why is central to the plot and, therefore, is slowly revealed by author Rekulak. After three years of no contact, Maggie calls Frank and invites him to her wedding. Maggie works at a very successful startup and is marrying the founder’s son, Aidan Gardner. Frank goes to the wedding and finds Aidan emotionally detached and Maggie evasive. Then there’s a murder. 

Original and entertaining. 

 

(F) I Need You to Read This Jessa Maxwell (4.5 stars) 

A thriller set in New York City. 

Alex Marks is a recluse in New York City. Her only friends are Janice and Raymond, who inhabit the Bluebird Café, across the street from her apartment building. Alex mostly works at home as a copywriter. 

Every Sunday, Alex reads the advice column, Dear Constance, written by her hero, Francis Keen. Then Francis is murdered. The paper advertises for a replacement and Alex replies. To her surprise, Alex is selected to become the new Dear Constance. She slips into the role and finds disturbing clues about the murder of Francis Keen. Alex’s newfound fame threatens to open her up to threats from the past. 

A superior thriller marred by a convoluted denouement. 

 

(G) Original Sins Erin Young (3.5 stars) 

A police-procedural mystery set in Des Moines. Iowa. 

FBI rookie, Riley Fisher, is assigned to a dysfunctional FBI field office, where everyone has a secret. She’s ordered to assist with an investigation into a threat to the newly elected female governor, Jess Cook. Riley finds evidence that links the threat to a separate search for a notorious serial killer. She can’t count on her FBI partner, Peter Altman, because he’s been compromised. Riley makes friends with a local police detective, Julius “Fogg” Verne. 

Good characterization of Riley Fisher. However, the denouement is overly complicated and, therefore, unbelievable. 

Summary: 2024’s best novels are: All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker, The Hunter by Tana French, The Night We Lost Him by Laura Dave, and Beyond Reasonable doubt by Robert Dugoni. 

 

If you want to read my book reviews, check out my FACEBOOK page: https://www.facebook.com/KateSwift.mysteries/ 

 

 

 

 

 


THE BERKELEY ACTIVISTS' CALENDAR: Nov. 3-10

Kelly Hammargren
Saturday November 02, 2024 - 02:22:00 PM

Worth Noting:  

The agenda for the November 12 City Council meeting is available for comment with item 16. Tax Exemption for Research & Development Grants to exempt gross receipts, item 17. Annual Surveillance Technology Report for Body Worn Cameras, GPS Trackers, Fixed Surveillance Video Cameras, Automatic License Plate Readers, the Street Level Imagery Project, and Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and 18. Resolution Opposing the Criminalization of Poverty and Homelessness – refrain from any criminalization or effective prohibition of sleeping while unhoused on the Agenda. 

Daylight Savings Time Ends Sunday November 3. 

  • Monday, November 4, 2024:
    • At 10 am the Civic Arts Grants Subcommittee meets on Zoom.
    • At 2:30 pm the Agenda and Rules Committee meets in the hybrid format.
    • At 7 pm the Personnel Board meets in person.
  • Tuesday, November 5, 2024: no meetings on election day
  • Wednesday, November 6, 2024:
    • At 6 pm the Planning Commission meets in person.
    • At 6 pm South Cove Sailing Basin Dredging and Seawall Repair Study Community meeting is on Zoom.
    • At 6:30 pm the Board of Library Trustees meets in person.
    • At 7 pm the Homeless Services Panel of Experts meets in person.
  • Thursday, November 7, 2024:
    • At 10 am the Budget Committee meets in the hybrid format on the AAO1 budget adjustment.
    • At 6 pm is the Cedar Rose Park Playground Renovation Community Meeting on Zoom.
    • At 6:30 pm the Landmarks Preservation Commission meets in person.
  • Saturday, November 9, 2024
    • At 10 am Berkeley Neighborhoods Council meets on Zoom.
 

Check City website for meetings posted on short notice https://berkeleyca.gov 

If you are unable to attend a meeting in person and/or it is not offered in the hybrid or an accessible format, TO REQUEST A DISABILITY RELATED ACCOMMODATION(S) TO PARTICIPATE IN THE MEETING, including auxiliary aids or services, please contact the Disability Services specialist at 510-981-6418 (V) or 510-981-6347 at least 3 days before the meeting (the sooner the better). Thomas Gregory is the ADA Program Coordinator. 

 

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 

 

BERKELEY PUBLIC MEETINGS AND CIVIC EVENTS 

 

Sunday, November 3, 2024 – Daylight Savings Ends, Clocks Fall Back 

 

Monday, November 4, 2024 

 

CIVIC ARTS COMMISSION Grants Subcommittee at 10 am 

Videoconference: https://cityofberkeley-info.zoomgov.com/j/1600080486 

AGENDA: Grants, no agenda posted. 

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

 

AGENDA AND RULES COMMITTEE Meeting at 2:30 pm 

Members: Arreguin, Hahn, Wengraf 

Hybrid Meeting 

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

Videoconference: https://cityofberkeley-info.zoomgov.com/j/1610456803 

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

Meeting ID: 161 045 6803  

AGENDA: Public Comment on non-agenda and items 1 – 7. 1. Minutes, 2. Review and Approve -11/19/2024 -- 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. City Council Legislative Redesign, 10. Discussion and Recommendations on the Continued Use of Berkeley Considers Online Engagement Portal, Unscheduled Items: 11. Modifications or Improvements to City Council Meeting Procedures, 12. Strengthening and Supporting City Commission: Guidance on Development of Legislative Proposals, 13. Consideration of Changes to Supplemental Material Timelines 

  • Removed from list of unscheduled items - Discussion Regarding Design and Strengthening of Policy Committees Process and Structure (Including Budget Referrals).
https://berkeleyca.gov/your-government/city-council/council-committees/policy-committee-agenda-rules 

 

PERSONNEL BOARD MEETING at 7 pm 

In-Person: at 1301 Shattuck, Live Oak Community Center, Creekside Room 

AGENDA: V. Recommendation to Revise Personnel Rules and Regulations Section 9.03, Promotion Through a Non-Competitive Personnel Action, VI. Recommendation to Establish Job Class specification and Pay Scale – Senior Paralegal, VII. Recommendation to Establish Job Class specification and Pay Scale – Firefighter, VIII. Recommendation to Establish Job Class specification and Pay Scale – Police Officer Recruit. 

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

 

Tuesday, November 5, 2024 – ELECTION DAY – NO MEETINGS – REDUCED SERVICE DAY 

 

Wednesday, November 6, 2024 

 

PLANNING COMMISSION at 6 pm 

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

AGENDA: 10. Public Hearing: Gilman Gateway Rezone Project, 11. Planning Commission 2024-2025 Work Plan and 2025 Planning Commission Calendar. 

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

 

SOUTH COVE SAILING BASIN DREDGING and SEAWALL REPAIR STUDY COMMUNITY MEETING #2 at 6 pm 

Videoconference: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88386237517 

AGENDA: 2nd meeting updated volumes and costs based on desired dredge depths and areas 

https://berkeleyca.gov/community-recreation/events/south-cove-sailing-basin-dredging-and-seawall-repair-study-community 

 

BOARD of LIBRARY TRUSTEES at 6:30 pm 

In-Person: at 1125 University, West Branch Library 

AGENDA: II. B Holiday and Early Closing Schedule, C. 22nd Annual Authors Dinner, III. A. Election of President, B. Election of Vice President 

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

 

HOMELESS SERVICES PANEL of EXPERTS MEETING at 7 pm 

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

AGENDA: 6. Presentation with Q&A from Homeless Full Service Partnership Team from Berkeley Mental Health, 9. Recommendation to Council to allocate additional funding for a location based on the former Horizon model, at 742 Grayson, to address community concerns, 10. Discussion of an urgent increase in number of sanitation facilities to serve basic health needs of Berkeley’s unsheltered and partly sheltered citizens, 11 Discussion of an urgent need for a 24/7 services capability due to the increased unsheltered or partly shelter citizens in Berkeley struggling with addition, mental health challenges and physical insecurity. 

https://berkeleyca.gov/your-government/boards-commissions/homeless-services-panel-experts 

 

Thursday, November 7, 2024 

 

BUDGET & FINANCE at 10 am 

Members: Arreguin, Hahn, Kesarwani 

Hybrid Meeting 

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

Videoconference: https://cityofberkeley-info.zoomgov.com/j/1607554622 

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

Meeting ID: 160 755 4622 

AGENDA: 2. FY 2025 Annual Appropriations Ordinance Amendment (AAO#1) (mid-year budget adjustment). 

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

 

CEDAR ROSE PARK PLAYGROUND RENOVATION COMMUNITY MEETING at 6 pm 

Videoconference: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84840433881 

Meeting ID: 8484043 3881 Passcode: 233277 

AGENDA: Presentation of preferred conceptual design for improvements to the Age 2-5 playground and the Age 5-12 playground at Cedar Rose Park 

https://berkeleyca.gov/sites/default/files/documents/Cedar%20Rose%20Playground%20Community%20Meeting%20Flyer.pdf 

 

LANDMARKS PRESERVATION COMMISSION at 6:30 pm 

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

AGENDA: 6. 640 Gilman, Gilman Gateway – Notice of Draft EIR (Environmental Impact Report) 

7. 2201-2207 Blake and 2517 Fulton – structural Alteration Permit (#LMSAP2024-0004) for the Bartlett Houses 

8. 3192 Adeline – Street-level Design Review Referral (DRSL2024-0006) 

9. 2035 Francisco – Landmark or Structure of Merit Designation (#LMIN2024-0003) 

10. 2231 McKinley - Landmark or Structure of Merit Designation (#LMIN2024-0004) 

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

 

Friday, November 8, 2024 – no city meetings found 

 

Saturday, November 9, 2024 

 

BERKELEY NEIGHBORHOODS COUNCIL (BNC) at 10 am 

Videoconference:  

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/4223188307?pwd=dFlNMVlVZ2d6b0FnSHh3ZlFwV2NMdz09 

Teleconference: 1-669-444-9171 Meeting ID: 422 318 8307 Passcode: 521161 

AGENDA: check later in the week for the agenda 

https://berkeleyneighborhoodscouncil.com/ 

 

Sunday, November 10, 2024 – no city meetings, events found 

 

++++++ AGENDA & RULES COMMITTEE, Monday, November 4, 2024 +++++++++++ 

 

AGENDA and RULES COMMITTEE at 2:30 pm  

Members: Arreguin, Hahn, Wengraf 

Hybrid Meeting 

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

Videoconference: https://cityofberkeley-info.zoomgov.com/j/1610456803 

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

Meeting ID: 161 045 6803  

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

 

DRAFT AGENDA for City Council Regular 6 pm Meeting on November 19, 2024 

 

LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT 

CEREMONIAL MATTERS: PLEDGE of ALLEGIANCE 

CITY MANAGER COMMENTS 

PUBLIC COMMENTS on NON-AGENDA MATTERS 

PUBLIC COMMENT BY EMPLOYEE UNIONS 

 

AGENDA on CONSENT: 

  1. Friedrichsen, Budget Manager – Amendment: FY 2025 Annual Appropriations Ordinance (AAO#1) Adopt first reading of adjustments to budget
  2. Numainville, City Clerk – Approve Minutes for Oct 1, 15, 21, and 29
  3. Numainville, City Clerk – 2024 Annual Commission Attendance and Meeting Frequency Report
  4. Radu, City Manager’s Office – Contract $5,313,826.28 with Dorothy Day House to operate interim housing program at the Howard Johnson Motel (1619 University) from 1/1/2025 – 12/31/2028
  5. Radu, City Manager’s Office – State of CA Encampment Resolution Funding Round 3 Grant Award $5,395,637.04
  6. Radu, City Manager’s Office – Urgency Ordinance for Leasing 1512 University for term of 48 months
  7. Oyekanmi, Finance – Formal Bid Solicitations
  8. Sprague, Fire – Contract $6,000,000 with Royal Ambulance for Mental Health Transport Services from 1/1/2025 – 12/31/2027
  9. Gilman, HHCS – Amend Contract No. 32300144 add $40,000 total $290,000 with Resource Development Associates for Specialized Care Unit
  10. Gilman, HHCS – Request For Proposals (RFP) for Housing Trust Fund Rehabilitation Projects releasing approximately $6,000,000 for rehabilitiation of existing affordable rental housing developments.
  11. Gilman, HHCS – Accept 2025 Community Services Block Grant for 1/1/2025 – 4/30/2026
  12. Fong, IT – Amend Contract No. 112798-1 add $50,000 total $549,411 with Geographic Technologies Group for Geographic Information System (GIS) Strategic Work[lan from 9/14/2016 – 6/30/2026
  13. Ferris, Parks – Exclusive Negotiation Agreement with TSA Holdings, LLC for 199 Seawall Drive (HS Lordships Restaurant)
  14. Klein, Planning – Ashby BART Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Legal Agreements with BART
  15. Davis, Public Works – Contract $424,465 with Nema Construction for FY 2023 Street Lighting Project
  16. Davis Public Works – Contract $2,390,000 with Sposeto Engineering, Inc for Southwest Berkeley Bikeway and Bus Stop Improvements Project, Specification Nos. 24-11640-C & 24-11666-C
  17. Davis, Public Works – Contract $2,413,689 (includes $314,829 contingency) with W.E. Lyons Construction, Co. for Telegraph-Channing Parking Garage Restroom Renovation & Elevator Improvements
  18. Davis, Public Works – Amend Contract No. 31900036 add $6,073,974 total $22,326,349 with LAZ Parking LLC for Managing City-Owned Off-Street Parking Facilities and extend to 12/31/2026
  19. Davis, Public Works – Amend Contract No. 31900026 add $750,000 total $1,750,000 with Bellecci & Associates, Inc for On-Call Civil Engineering Services and extend to 6/30/2026
  20. Davis, Public Works – Amend Contract No. 31900162 add $1,100,000 total $6,225,735 with Pride Industries, Inc for Custodial Services coverage of the Living Wage Ordinance
  21. Davis, Public Works – Amend Contract No. 32000179 add $900.000 total $4,450,000 with Allied Universal Security Service for Citywide Unarmed Security Services and extend 2/28/2026
  22. Davis, Public Works – Amend Contract No. 32300177 add $100,000 total $125,000 with Baker Tiller for On-Call Professional Development Services and extend 12/31/2027
  23. Mental Health Commission – Appointment of Maria Sol and Ashley (Jiahao) Go to the Mental Health Commission
AGENDA on ACTION: 

  1. Klein, Planning – Amendments to BMC Chapter 22.16, Development Agreement Procedures
  2. Arreguin – Exploring the Formation of Joint Powers Authority (JPA) or other entity to Publicly Finance the Development of a Hospital to Meet Regional Healthcare Needs
  3. Arreguin – Referral to City Manager Equity for Black Berkeley (E4BB) Initiative initiative includes Berkeley Flea Market, African Holistic Center, Black Arts and Cultural District, Black Health Equity Zone and pursue creating a non-governmental organization to manage community investment beyond 2026.
 

++++ CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING AGENDA, Tuesday, November 12, 2024 ++++ 

 

CITY COUNCIL Regular Meeting at 6 pm on Tuesday, November 12, 2024 

Hybrid Meeting 

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

Videoconference: https://cityofberkeley-info.zoomgov.com/j/1612850642 

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

Meeting ID: 161 285 0642 

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

 

LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT 

CEREMONIAL MATTERS: PLEDGE of ALLEGIANCE 

CITY MANAGER COMMENTS 

PUBLIC COMMENTS on NON-AGENDA MATTERS 

PUBLIC COMMENT by EMPLOYEE UNIONS 

 

AGENDA on CONSENT:  

  1. Radu, Assistant to City Manager – Cooperative Agreement with East Bay Regional Parks District to collaborate to manage free-roaming cat populations and educate the public and minimize the impact on sensitive wildlife areas
  2. Radu, Assistant to City Manager – Amend Contract No. 108410-1 add $10,000 total $144,466 with Paw Fund for Spay and Neuter Services and extend to 10/31/2026
  3. Oyekanmi, Finance – Formal Bid Solicitations $10,200,000, South Cove West Parking Lot $1,200,000, Sanitary Sewer Adeline-Shattuck Rehab $9,000,000
  4. Arreguin – Berkeley Holiday Fund
  5. Taplin – Budget Referral AAO#1 - $250,000 South Cove Seawall Design Project
  6. Taplin – Budget Referral AAO#1 – $500,000 F and G Deck Replacement
  7. Taplin – Budget Referral AAO#1 - $300,000 Afterschool Program Expansion
  8. Tregub, co-sponsor Hahn – Budget Referral AAO#1 - $50,000 Fund Traffic Study and Pedestrian Safety Operations at the Pedestrian Crossing on Shattuck and Delaware after study direct remainder of funds to implementing safety measures at crosswalk
  9. Tregub - Budget Referral AAO#1 - $30,000 Accessible Pedestrian Signal (APS) at intersection of Sacramento and Allston
  10. Hahn - Budget Referral AAO#1 - $100,000 for Berkeley Art Center
  11. Wengraf – Budget Referral AAO#1 - $150,000 multi-year Sustainable and Comprehensive Recovery Plan for the Arts and Culture Sector in Berkeley
  12. Wengraf - Budget Referral AAO#1 - $250,000 for design and planning for replacement of play structures and ADA access improvements at Glendale La Loma Park
  13. Humbert – Budget Referral AAO#1 - $150,000 for consultants, conceptual design, and public engagement to create a City Park at Parkside Drive terminus median for converting the median informally known as round park to an official city park.
  14. Humbert, Tregub – Budget Referral AAO#1 - $70,000 to bridge funding to the Bread Project
AGENDA on ACTION: 

  1. Klein, Planning – Contract Ava Community Energy for Energy Resilient Critical Municipal Facilities “Solar + Storage to install solar and battery back-up storage systems at critical municipal facilities
  2. Arreguin – Amending BMC Section 9.04.165 – Tax Exemption for Research & Development Grants to exempt gross receipts (income relating to government and philanthropic research and development grants in the public interest)
  3. Louis, Police – Annual Surveillance Technology Report for Body Worn Cameras, GPS Trackers, Fixed Surveillance Video Cameras, Automatic License Plate Readers, the Street Level Imagery Project, and Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) [unmanned aerial systems are the components used for communicating with and controlling Unmanned Aerial Vehicles – a technical way of describing police use of drones].
  4. a. Peace and Justice Commission - Resolution Opposing the Criminalization of Poverty and Homelessness – refrain from any criminalization or effective prohibition of sleeping while unhoused, including citation or arrest simply for sleeping outside if no adequate shelter is available, without precluding enforcement of laws banning actions that threaten the health and safety of the whole community. b. Companion report – Radu, Assistant to City Manager – take no action, City adopted amended Encampment Policy 9/102024
INFORMATION REPORTS: 

  1. Civic Arts Commission Work Plan
  2. Civic Arts Commission FY 2025 Public Art Budget
 

+++++++++++++++++++ Land Use - Work Sessions - Special Meetings +++++++++++++++ 

 

LAND USE CALENDAR 

  • 3000 Shattuck (construct 10-story mixed-use building) TBD
  • 2708 Prince 1/21/2025
WORK SESSIONS & SPECIAL MEETINGS: 

  • November 12 (4 pm tentative) – California Theater Project
  • November 18 - Draft Waterfront Specific Plan - Action
(Moved to November after election per Hahn’s request at Agenda on September 16, 2024) 

UNSCHEDULED WORK SESSIONS & SPECIAL MEETINGS 

  • Feasibility Study Follow Up Session (housing feasibility moved to Winter 2025)
  • BPD Annual Report (March 2025)
UNSCHEDULED PRESENTATIONS 

  • Economic Dashboards Update (February 2025)
  • Evacuation Study (Winter 2025)
  • Taplin Added at Agenda on September 16, 2024 – Unfunded Liabilities (April/May 2025)
PREVIOUSLY LISTED WORKSESSIONS and SPECIAL MEETINGS REMOVED FROM LIST 

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

++++ How to get on or off the Activist’s Calendar and Activist’s Diary email list ++++++++ 

 

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.