Press Releases

Dear Friends-

Over the past year and a half as your Councilmember, I have been an independent voice on the Berkeley City Council, fighting for District 4 and continuing Dona Spring’s legacy of progressive leadership. 

I have authored legislation on a wide range of issues from expanding tenants rights, promoting a just immigration policy to calling for UC accountability and promoting the humane treatment of animals. 

I have also worked hard over the past five years to develop a plan for our Downtown and have opposed proposals to allow out of scale development that compromise our historic resources and our neighborhoods. I believe that we should create more housing in our Downtown but at a more human scale and that new development should address the environmental impacts they create on our community and contribute to Downtown improvements. 

I have stood up for my constituents and with community members have written a consensus plan which allows for new development Downtown while respecting our historic character and our neighborhoods. This plan presents a progressive vision for our Downtown and will create new housing and jobs, stimulate economic growth, improve the pedestrian experience by creating safer streets with trees and other amenities and new public open space, as well as ensure that Downtown is a diverse neighborhood through real policies and real requirements to create new affordable housing. As a longtime supporter of a pedestrian plaza on Center Street, I also authored legislation to approve Walter Hood’s design plan for Center Street, including a daylighted Strawberry Creek. 

I have used my office as a platform in advocating for social change, and I have been out in the streets organizing and speaking out, including getting arrested recently with UC workers speaking against the privatization of the UC system. (It was my first time being arrested for civil disobedience and I don’t think anyone has ever been happier being arrested) As a longtime activist, I have been an outspoken voice for progressive values and I have never been afraid to stand up for what I know to be right. 

Because of my strong advocacy on behalf of my constituents and for progressive values, powerful interests have targeted me for removal. I will face three opponents, who of which have already been endorsed by Mayor Tom Bates and will likely have considerable financial resources. We face the real threat of losing progressive leadership for District 4 and for Berkeley. I need your support now more than ever! 

Please join me on Thursday, August 12th to support my progressive leadership on the Berkeley City Council. 

What: Re-Elect Jesse Arreguín for City Council Reception 

Where: PiQ (Pane Italiano Qualita), 91 Shattuck Sq. at Addison Avenue 

When: Thursday, August 12 6:30pm-8:30pm 

PiQ (Pane Italiano Qualita) is a soon-to-be-open cafe in the downtown that will provide fresh pastries and breads baked on site in a beautiful venue that features custom Italian decor. PiQ is located at 91 Shattuck Sq. (across the street from Half Price Books and the BART station). 

Contribution sliding scale $20 - $250 (NO ONE WILL BE TURNED AWAY FOR LACK OF FUNDS) 

Contribute online here. 

Contributions sent by mail may be sent to: 

Jesse Arreguin for City Council 2010 

PO Box 9153 

Berkeley, CA 94709 

The maximum contribution limit is $250 per person. Please be sure to include your occupation and employer on the check. 

Hasta La Victoria Siempre! 

Jesse Arreguin Signature 

Jesse Arreguín 

To sponsor or volunteer, please e-mail Anthony Sanchez (anthonysanchez07@gmail.com)