In a surprise move to anyone watching City of Berkeley politics, City Manager Dee Williams-Ridley resigned (as reported on Berkeleyside) one hour after the scheduled City Council Closed Session with one agenda item: city manager evaluation.  

Brushing aside public performance concerns In November 2021, the City Council under the recommendation of Mayor Jesse Arreguin awarded Williams-Ridley a 28% raise of $84,732 to the new annualized salary of $386,160 making Berkeley’s City Manager the fourth highest paid city administrator in the San Francisco Bay Area.  

Of the thirteen cities surveyed for salary comparisons, Berkeley rated 13th in area (10.5 square miles) and 11th in population (124,321). The highest paid administrator in the survey was the Contra Costa County Administrator at $393,216 with an area of 716 square miles and a population of 1,165,927.  

In the recent months, Berkeley has had an unusual number of very visible resignations. Councilmembers Rigel Robinson and Kate Harrison resigned. Liam Garland, Director of Public Works resigned. Farid Javandel, Transportation Division Manager left in 2023 after the Hopkins Corridor Project fell apart.  

Williams-Ridley’s last day is reported as being July 10, 2024.

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I hate to say I told you so, but… I wrote this as a Berkeley Daily Planet editorial just about 20 years ago, in April of 2004.

“The ancient Greeks told stories about the history of the world as they knew it which are still a useful way to predict what will happen to humans in the modern world. Hercules, half man and half god, was one of the central figures in Greek mythology. Like Superman in the 20th century, he dedicated his career to stamping out evil wherever he found it. One of the labors, or heroic tasks, of Hercules was killing the legendary Hydra.

“Whoever is calling the shots in Israel today would be well advised to study the lesson of Hercules and the poisonous Hydra, depicted below. 

“According to Bullfinch, ‘the Hydra had nine heads, of which the middle one was immortal. Hercules struck off its heads with his club, but in the place of the head knocked off, two new ones grew forth each time.’ 

“At the moment, Israeli leaders are engaged in the seemingly futile task of cutting off the heads of Hamas. They can be sure that for every leader they assassinate, two will grow in his place. 

[Note to my faithful Zionist correspondents: we are not talking about morality here. We are talking about strategy and logic.] 

“Now, it’s true that Hercules eventually defeated the Hydra, as Bullfinch recounts: ‘At length with the assistance of his faithful servant Iolaus, he burned away the heads of the Hydra, and buried the ninth or immortal one under a huge rock.’ 

“But what Sharon and his ilk should also keep in mind is Hercules’ ultimate fate. He dipped his arrows into the Hydra’s venom, which gave them magical powers to vanquish enemies. This, however, eventually resulted in the hero’s death. A venom-dipped arrow was used to kill one Nessus. As he was dying, Nessus persuaded Hercules’ wife to dip a shirt in his blood to use as a love potion. She gave it to Hercules to wear, and when he put it on it, it killed him. 

“The Latin poet Ovid described the gruesome outcome in Metamorphoses: 

‘Desperately he tried to tear the fatal shirt away; each tear tore his skin too, and, loathsome to relate, either it stuck, defeating his attempts to free it from his flesh, or else laid bare his lacerated muscles and huge bones. Why, as the poison burned, his very blood bubbled and hissed as when a white-hot blade is quenched in icy water. Never an end! The flames licked inwards, greedy for his guts; dark perspiration streamed from every pore; his scorching sinews crackled; the blind rot melted his marrow ... In wounded agony he roamed the heights of Oeta [and died escaping pain in the flames of his funeral pyre].’ 

“Israel, half secular state and half theocracy, with the help of its faithful servant the United States, might be able to destroy Hamas. Americans have traditionally admired Israel, and condemned Hamas’ suicide bomber tactics. But if Israeli leaders dip their arrows into the venom of those they despise, they could be creating the means for their own nation’s destruction.” 

In the two decades since, many similar warnings that Israel has been creating the means for its own destruction have been published, a substantial number as editorials or Public Comments in the Planet, along with the small number of counter arguments which were submitted here in that period. 

The critiques of Israel were mostly gentle, but a few were inartful at best. What happened is what is sometimes called these days “weaponizing anti-semitism.” That is to say, attributing motivation for being told something unpleasant to prejudice against Jews on the part of the messenger and using this charge to advocate killing the messenger. 

For an excellent road map of how that works, read this June 2009 article by the great Richard Brenneman: The Campaign Against the Daily Planet. Click through all the links to get the full picture of how it worked. 

That campaign became a major contributing factor in the O’Malley family’s reluctant decision the following February that we were unable to continue to provide financial support for a print publication. 

We made an effort to create a graphic version which could be printed on demand at a copy shop, but the shop we were working with had to withdraw after threats from the usual suspects. 

We got some threats at home too, easily found since we’ve lived in the same old house on a busy Berkeley street for a half-century. The funniest one was from the guy whose announced plan was to urinate on our garage. As far as I know he never followed through. 

The most controversy was provoked by a commentary by an Iranian English as a Second Language student claiming that “So long as the Zionists have no regard for the lives of others, people around the world will turn into anti-Semites, regardless of their religions.” 

That’s a message, true or false, that a lot of people say they just don’t want. A lot of people in the general category of militant Zionists have never wanted to hear bad news. 

The Wicked Witch in “The Wiz” tells it like this: Don’t Nobody Bring Me No Bad News. 

The nay-sayers here included a full complement of local politicians, such as Berkeley Mayor Tom Bates and his wife Loni Hancock, who signed a letter delivered (and probably circulated) by a rabbi, ending “We therefore call on Ms. O’Malley to apologize to the community.” 

Well, I call on the signers to apologize to me, and once again I thank the many community members, both Jewish and not, who came to our defense. And the pols should apologize to the innocent Palestinians who have been killed by Israeli acts since then, and to the Israelis who died on October 7. 

The hydra-headed monster which began with Israel’s assassination of Hamas leaders is now propagating in Gaza, and Israel’s leaders are dipping into the hydra’s venom to “punish” Gaza. 

Here I must repeat that I’m just talking about strategy, not morality. Israel’s current activities in Gaza are of course unspeakably evil, but also transparently stupid. 

Killing tens of thousands of innocents, including at least 13,000 children who were not even born when I wrote that editorial, will inevitably produce hundreds of thousands of new recruits from the, yes, non-Jewish denizens of the Semitic worlds which they historically have shared with the Jews. More will be radicalized in the next two decades if Israel can’t stop the killing in Gaza so the parties can make peace. It’s true that Hamas started the fight this time with the vicious October 7 raid which killed close to two thousand people, but the (democratically elected) Netanyahu government of Israel prolonged and amplified it—and they’ve assassinated a few more Palestinian leaders lately to prove the point, as well murdering many thousands of innocent bystanders. 

To all Semites, regardless of denomination or history: It’s time to cut it out. 

Don’t say you haven’t been warned. 

It’s even in all of your holy books, not just in the Planet and the L.A. Times. 

God gave Noah the rainbow sign, / No more water, the fire next time. 

Going through the 20+ years of Berkeley Daily Planet archives to find the links which appear here, I see that a remarkable number of opinions and news articles could just be re-run as is, because not much has really changed. 

From my own adopted tradition, the sadly prophetic words of the eternal Pete Seeger: 

When will they ever learn? When will they ever learn? 

 

 

Momanomics

In the afterglow of Mother's Day, a report from the Coalition on Human Needs (CHN) casts a somber shadow over the economic plight of America's moms. "Did you know," CHN Action begins, "74% of mothers are working moms?" According to the stats, 43% of White moms, 49% of Latina moms, 64% of Native moms, and a whopping 79% of Black moms are "the major breadwinners of their families."

This institutionalized "motherhood penalty" leaves millions of working moms earning an average "lifetime wage" that is $237,000 less than the average wage pocketed by men. And that means 20% less payback from Social Security retirement benefits.

CHN has a solution: "a national paid family leave program that would allow more moms to stay in the workforce while cutting down on career penalties for mothers." Currently, only 27% of private sector workers benefit from paid-family-leave programs. And only 6% of low-wage workers (mainly women of color—and mothers) have access to paid-leave support.

Colbert Clobbers; Kimmel Klobbers

When it comes to dumping on Trump, the Battle of the Late-Night Comedy Kings continues to surge. In the latest use of conjured taglines to brand their late-night episodes, the two hosts continue to deliver. But, while Colbert remains competitive, it's Kimmel who rules as Caption King. Here are last week's offerings:
Colbert: "Eye of the Stormy." "Gag, You're It." "Wormaggedon" (a ref to JFKJr's brainworm).
Kimmel: "Porn Star Witness," "Lepre-Con Man," "Count Flatula," "Founding Farter." 

Fashion Plates 

Personalized license plates spotted about town:
CRIKETS
SAMI GK
GMC FIT
MARI TAN
NNOV8 (Innovate)
JPASION (Japan Passion?)
PRK GRNT (Park Grant? Pork Grunt?) 

Bumper Snickers
Adults Onboard. We Want to Live Too
Nobody Cares About Your Stick-figure Family
Gardening Is a Deep-rooted Therapy and You Get Tomatoes
I'll Believe Corporations Are People When Texas Executes One 

Park Your Enthusiasm
One of the signs that summer is approaching is the appearance of the East Bay Regional Park District's Activity Guide, which is celebrating the 90^th anniversary of our local parks, hills, lakes and woodlands. In addition to lots of photos and short nature essays, the Guide also contains puzzles for kids that help impart factoids about the wonders of nature. One example is a half-drawn connect-the-dots image of a Steller's Jay which, one reads in a nearby sentence, has an "exceptional memory" and can imitate the calls of "other bird species and even some mammals!" ("Mom? Did that bird just bark at us?") 

On a facing page, there were short items about "naturalist programs" on offer in Tilden Park. "Insects play a very important part in our ecosystems," one entry began. "From decomposition to food, bugs help make the world go round. We'll read a story about animals that rely on insects for food then make old-fashioned ice cream—topped with bugs!" 

My eyes bounced right off that disclosure and sought some comfort in a nearby activities schedule where the following options were on display: Drag Story Hour and Pride Walk with Goats. 

Fruit Bats and Roadkill: It's Just Music
Another sign of summer is the return of outdoor music festivals—largely promoted by colorful posters stapled to wooden powerpoles. Last week there was the Mill Valley band-fest (May 11-12). Among those appearing on stage were: Fleet Foxes, Fruit Bats, St. Paul and the Broken Bones, Thee Sacred Souls, Greensky Bluegrass, Rebirth Brass Band, David Nance and Mowed Sound, Roadkill, Solace, and Mullet Daddy. 

And then there's the playbill the Bay Area's been waiting for: The Mosswood Meltdown (July 6-7 at Oakland's Mosswood Park) hosted by legendary filmmaker John "Pink Flamngos" Waters. 

The colorful collection of edgy performers includes: The B-52s, Redd Kross, Mummies, Pure Hell, Hunx & His Punx, Big Freedia, Egyptian Lover, Go Sailor, Pansy Division, Die Spitz, Wifey, and Bush Tetras Gibby Haynes and the Paul Green Rock Academy. Also on the bill: a "Peaches Christ Drag Contest." 

US Genocide Training 101
It has been appalling to watch video-after-video of US police decked out in riot gear attacking nonviolent students protesting Israel's Gaza genocide. On college campuses across the US, American police have been armed to disrupt and attack nonviolent student protest camps. Police have beaten students with clubs, enveloped them in clouds of tear gas, and opened fire with rifles loaded with rubber bullets. And this was happening on the anniversary of the Kent State massacre! (Four unarmed students murdered. Nine others wounded.) 

American students and professors are being attacked as they exercise their First Amendment right to "peacefully assemble for a redress of grievances." They are being attacked as if they were crowds of unarmed Palestinians under assault by the IDF or armed settlers. Protesting genocide is not an act of anti-Semitism. It is an act of humanism. 

Radio Free Palestine: KPFK May 14-15
On the 76th anniversary of the ongoing Palestinian Nakbah and resistance to Israeli apartheid and occupation, Radio Free Palestine will launch at Midnight Eastern time on dozens of stations across North America to air 24 hours of programming from radio stations and producers across five continents, hosted by Pacifica station WPFW in Washington DC. There will be separate streams in Arabic, English, French and Spanish.
Overnight and all-day presentation of this coast-to-coast broadcast on Pacifica stations and affiliates will include discussions, speeches, music, poetry, news updates, and the voices of students currently or previously participating in encampments. Radio Free Palestine begins live on KPFK 90.7 at 9:00 PM Tuesday May 14 (midnight Wednesday on the east coast). https://www.kpfk.org. 

The Free Speech Movement Revisited: KPFA Interview
NYU Professor of History and Social Studies Robert Cohen (author of "Freedom's Orator: Mario Savio and the Radical Legacy of the 1960s") was recently interviewed on KPFA during a week filled with media requests from the US and abroad. Cohen's take on the experience: "The past week was really a reminder that much of the nation, and especially most campus administrators and politicians, know little about student activism other than the fact that they do not like it." 

 

Welcome to ‘Bloody Blinken Land’
Bet you didn't see THIS encampment on the national broadcast news. 

On January 31, dozens of activists set up a protest camp in front of Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s Virginia home. Braving snow and freezing weather, the activists' gathered at the ‘Bloody Blinken Land’ tent camp to protest the US-supported Gaza genocide—deploying bottles of (washable) fake blood, messages taped on Blinken's front gate, and raucous morning "wake-up" calls. 

 

If We Had a Department of Peace….
This pitch for creating a Department of Peace shows up at the end of the short, award-winning, war-versus-forgiveness film, "Admissions": 

"In 1793, Benjamin Rush, a founding father of the United States, called for the creation of a Department of Peace that would be on equal footing with the Department of War. The department's purpose was to cultivate peace with all humankind, subdue passion for war and inspire veneration for human life. 

In 1935, the first bill was introduced in Congress calling for the creation of a United States Department of Peace. Since the, over 100 similar bills have been introduced in 31 other Congressional sessions. No bill has ever passed." 

PeaceNow.com—in partnership with the UN's Culture of Peace working groups and The Global Alliance for Ministries & Infrastructures for Peace—is in the proess of gathering ONE BILLION signatures to enact a groundbreaking UN Global Resolution that would create "Ministries, Departments and Infrastructures for Peace in governments worldwide." To sign on to this historic global peace movement, visit: PeaceNow.com. 

Bernie Sanders on the First Amendment 

 

 

Judge Aileen Cannon's decision to indefinitely postpone trump's trial for stealing and mis-handling government secrets is an attack on Justice. Not bringing the former president to account for his dangerous behavior also attacks our national security. With boxes of top secret documents stacked in his bathroom and elsewhere, there is no accounting for who may have seen sensitive military secrets. Indeed, we don't know whether the former president tried to trade some of those secrets for his personal benefit, as befits his character and previous schemes.

Prosecutor Jack Smith ought to call for a replacement judge. The judge's bias favoring trump has been exposed by several of her decisions that were subsequently reversed by the higher Appellate Court. American voters need to know before the election whether this candidate engaged in traitorous disregard for our national security. Top secrets about nuclear weapons and foreign agents must be kept secret.

People’s Park Historic District Advocacy Group and Make UC A Good Neighbor submitted on April 29, 2024 a Public Records Act (PRA) request to UC Berkeley due to the recent registration of a Native American site adjacent to People’s Park (listed on the National Register of Historic Places). UCB hasn’t disclosed any of the information about this site. Results of any subsequent investigation, subsequent discussions, or writings about it within UCB have not been shared with the public.

In response to the PRA request on May 7, 2024, UC Berkeley acknowledged it was holding responsive documents, but did not plan to produce this potentially highly significant information for 10 weeks.

There is urgency in the request because UCB is awaiting a State Supreme Court decision that could come at any day allowing initiation of construction at People’s Park. Before any construction begins at the park, the nature of the Native AMerican site must be determined by appropriate and thorough archeological investigative techniques and testing. 

Within the immediate vicinity of People’s Park, the Native American site was recently registered at the California Historical Resources Information System’s Northwest Information Center (NWIC). The site location is said to be within about one block from People’s Park, deemed to be sizable and significant, containing important habitation and dating evidence not found in any other Berkeley site. 

There may be other Native American sites, including burials, close to People’s Park that have records submitted and are awaiting assignment numbers at the NWIC.  

The potential that the People’s Parks site holds cultural remains and information not found in any other Berkeley site is most credible. The open landscape of the park affords a unique opportunity to explore not only the potential for on-site and immediate resources, including burial sites, adjacent to a flowing creek (Derby Creek), but also an opportunity to incorporate, predict, and understand the wider area. The site could be vitally important to understanding the Ohlone history in Berkeley and the East Bay.  

Finding a native site near the park wouldn't prevent the university's needed housing project from being built, since there are several alternative university-owned sites, including one just a block and a half from the park, on which the project could be located

The major harm that mountain biking does is that it greatly extends the human footprint (distance that one can travel) in wildlife habitat. E-bikes multiply that footprint even more. Neither should be allowed on any unpaved trail. Wildlife, if they are to survive, MUST receive top priority!

What were you thinking??? Mountain biking and trail-building destroy wildlife habitat! Mountain biking is environmentally, socially, and medically destructive! There is no good reason to allow bicycles on any unpaved trail!

Bicycles should not be allowed in any natural area. They are inanimate objects and have no rights. There is also no right to mountain bike. That was settled in federal court in 1996: https://mjvande.info/mtb10.htm . It's dishonest of mountain bikers to say that they don't have access to trails closed to bikes. They have EXACTLY the same access as everyone else -- ON FOOT! Why isn't that good enough for mountain bikers? They are all capable of walking....

Why do mountain bikers always insist on creating illegal trails? It's simple: they ride so fast that they see almost nothing of what they are passing. Therefore, they quickly get bored with any given trail and want another and another, endlessly! (In other words, mountain biking is inherently boring!) 

A favorite myth of mountain bikers is that mountain biking is no more harmful to wildlife, people, and the environment than hiking, and that science supports that view. Of course, it's not true. To settle the matter once and for all, I read all of the research they cited, and wrote a review of the research on mountain biking impacts (see https://mjvande.info/scb7.htm ). I found that of the seven studies they cited, (1) all were written by mountain bikers, and (2) in every case, the authors misinterpreted their own data, in order to come to the conclusion that they favored. They also studiously avoided mentioning another scientific study (Wisdom et al) which did not favor mountain biking, and came to the opposite conclusions.

Mountain bikers also love to build new trails - legally or illegally. Of course, trail-building destroys wildlife habitat - not just in the trail bed, but in a wide swath to both sides of the trail! E.g. grizzlies can hear a human from one mile away, and smell us from 5 miles away. Thus, a 10-mile trail represents 100 square miles of destroyed or degraded habitat, that animals are inhibited from using. Mountain biking, trail building, and trail maintenance all increase the number of people in the park, thereby preventing the animals' full use of their habitat. See https://mjvande.info/scb9.htm for details.

Mountain biking accelerates erosion, creates V-shaped ruts, kills small animals and plants on and next to the trail, drives wildlife and other trail users out of the area, and, worst of all, teaches kids that the rough treatment of nature is okay (it's NOT!). What's good about THAT?

To see exactly what harm mountain biking does to the land, watch this 5-minute video: http://vimeo.com/48784297.

In addition to all of this, it is extremely dangerous: https://mjvande.info/mtb_dangerous.htm .

The latest craze among mountain bikers is the creation of "pump tracks" (bike parks). They are alleged to teach bicycling skills, but what they actually teach are "skills" (skidding, jumping ("getting air"), racing, etc.) that are appropriate nowhere! If you believe that these "skills" won't be practiced throughout the rest of the park and in all other parks, I have a bridge I'd like to sell you! ...

For more information: https://mjvande.info/mtbfaq.htm .

The common thread among those who want more recreation in our parks is total ignorance about and disinterest in the wildlife whose homes these parks are. Yes, if humans are the only beings that matter, it is simply a conflict among humans (but even then, allowing bikes on trails harms the MAJORITY of park users -- hikers and equestrians -- who can no longer safely and peacefully enjoy their parks).

The parks aren't gymnasiums or racetracks or even human playgrounds. They are WILDLIFE HABITAT, which is precisely why they are attractive to humans. Activities such as mountain biking, that destroy habitat, violate the charter of the parks.

Even kayaking and rafting, which give humans access to the entirety of a water body, prevent the wildlife that live there from making full use of their habitat, and should not be allowed. Of course those who think that only humans matter won't understand what I am talking about -- an indication of the sad state of our culture and educational system.
 

 

The long-standing conflict between Palestinians and Israelis has continuously evolved since 1948, raising critical questions about the nature of oppression and the right to resistance. This discourse often labels one group, the Israelis, as the oppressor, and the other, the Palestinians, as the oppressed. 

This parallels the horrors experienced by indigenous natives who were driven from their lands onto reservations by early white settlers in the United States. 

Historically, since the establishment of Israel in 1948 and subsequent Arab Israeli conflicts, Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank have lived under conditions that many international observers label as oppressive. The imposition of military control, restrictions on movement, economic sanctions, and settlement expansions by the Israeli government are often cited as major grievances by Palestinians and their advocates. 

In this context, the right to resist oppression is a fundamental human principle and is enshrined in international law, including the United Nations' Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Palestinians, therefore, argue for their right to resist what they perceive as Israeli oppression. 

The role of external actors such as Britain and the United States cannot be overlooked. Historically, Britain's role in the partition of Palestine and its aftermath has been significant. Moreover, the United States' consistent support of Israel, politically, economically, and militarily, has also influenced the dynamics of the conflict, often seen as exacerbating the situation rather than aiding in the resolution of the Palestinian plight. 

Labeling Hamas as "terrorists" oversimplifies the scenario and does little to advance a peaceful solution, delegitimize the other side’s actions, and struggles. Such labels may also shift focus from the core issues at hand—namely, the quest gfor self-determination, justice, and lasting peace.

The resignation of the City Manager, Dee Williams-Ridley wasn’t the only surprise on May 6, 2024. 

This was the email sent at 1:09:20 PM PDT on May 6, 2024 to the Peace and Justice Commissioners by Peter Radu giving notice to the Commissioners that the evening Commission meeting scheduled at 7 pm was cancelled. (Note: Okeya is the Peace and Justice Commission Secretary.) 

“Dear Commissioners, 

With sincere apologies for the late notice, I am writing to inform you that the City Manager has directed staff to cancel tonight’s Peace and Justice Commission meeting. We will pause on rescheduling this meeting until City staff can meet to discuss how we can better plan for and accommodate meetings with potentially volatile agenda items, at this and other commissions. [emphasis added] 

Okeya will be taking the formal administrative steps to cancel tonight’s meeting shortly. But I wanted to give you advanced notice, out of respect for your schedules this evening. 

Respectfully, 

Peter Radu 

Assistant to the City Manager - Neighborhood Services 

Interim Deputy Director – Health, Housing, and Community Services Department 

The three Discussion/Action items for the evening were: 8. Update on Planning Gaza Peace Conversation for Berkeley Residents. 9. Discussion on History of Commission Action in the Past Years and Potential 2024 Actions., 10. Discussion and Possible Action on Potential UC Police Removal of Demonstrators from Sproul Plaza. 

College student pro-Palestinian demonstrations have taken center stage with some national media anchors and pundits calling students terrorists, comparing them to January 6, 2021 insurrectionists, describing them as brainwashed and a string of other derogatory terms. 

Chris Hayes had this to say on the long history of college activism in his eight-minute commentary on All In on May 1, “What I find particularly maddening about the focus on the protesters of the conflict is that it is an evasion. It avoids the difficult task of being universally empathetic to our fellow human beings and truly reckoning with the scale of devastation that is wrought by our country in our names, with our support.” (the full commentary at https://youtu.be/LZi7gxXEh5I?si=z85rQf870F8QlvIG ) 

On Saturday, May 4 Ayman Mohyeldin made his commentary on pro-Palestine protests by starting his first hour with Israa University in Gaza established in 2014 to ensure poverty would not stand in the way of pursuing a college degree. He described the University’s main building as constructed as a love letter to Islamic architecture. The school planned to open a museum in celebration of its tenth anniversary with more than 3000 artifacts from Roman to modern pieces of history and culture. 

On January 17, 2024, the IDF demolished that beautiful Israa University building. Nothing is left but rubble, but you can see what it was in pictures of the main building, past conferences, activities and events on the Israa University website. https://en.israa.edu.ps 

The UN describes the destruction of educational institutions in Gaza as Scholasticide. 

Rashid Khalidi, Palestinian-American historian of the Middle East, the Edward Said Professor of Modern Arab Studies at Columbia University and author of The Hundred Years’ War on Palestine said this about the complete and partial demolition of five of seven educational institutions in Gaza including Israa University, “You are not fighting Hamas, you’re fighting the existence of Palestinians. You’re fighting their capability to have memory and to have records and be educated.” 

Friday afternoon, I walked up to Sproul Plaza with a friend to see the UC Berkeley pro-Palestinian encampment. On the sidewalk outside campus grounds members of the worldwide peace movement Women in Black greeted us offering 4” by 6” cards with “Apartheid Israel” in large bold letters. https://womeninblack.org 

On one side were four maps with the title “Israeli Theft of Palestinian & Syrian Land, 1947 to Present” with the website, https://ifamericansknew.org at the bottom. On the other side were three quotes from Ariel Sharon. The first quote dated 1973 stated “We’ll make a pastrami sandwich of them… we’ll insert a strip of Jewish settlements in between the Palestinians, and then another strip of Jewish settlements right across the West Bank, so in 25 years’ time, neither the United Nations nor the United States, nobody, will be able to tear it apart.” The third quote dated 2000 stated “the Bantustan model was the most appropriate solution to the conflict.” 

Given all the media coverage of police violently clearing student encampments across the country, we weren’t sure what we would find at Berkeley. 

The demonstration was unexpectantly quiet. Other than a speaker surrounded by people sitting quietly on the plaza and two young people (presumably students) with information and free buttons not much was happening. There was a woman painting a portrait on one of the large plywood boards. The tents were packed in closely on the grass in front of Sproul Hall with several porta potties barely visible on north end. Not everyone was paying attention to the encampment. People were walking around on the plaza as one might expect on any normal pleasantly sunny noontime day.

< I am writing to express my deep concerns regarding the reporting and editorial practices surrounding the December 28 article, "Screams Without Words," which detailed allegations of widespread sexual violence by members of Hamas on October 7. This piece has significant implications, especially given its utilization by Israeli leaders and Western allies to justify a military campaign in Gaza. 

More than 60 journalism professors across the United States have echoed these concerns, calling for an independent review of how the story was reported, written, and published. Their concerns are not isolated, as numerous other media outlets have similarly critiqued the veracity and sourcing of the report. 

It is particularly troubling that the freelance journalist chiefly involved had previously expressed biased views on social media, which fundamentally undermines the journalistic impartiality required for such a sensitive subject. This issue is compounded by internal discrepancies within The New York Times itself, as highlighted by subsequent reporting from your outlet that contradicts key elements of the original article. 

Journalism’s core should be integrity and accountability. Therefore, I urge The New York Times to heed the call from the academic community for an independent investigation into this matter. Ensuring transparency and accuracy in reporting is crucial, especially when the stakes involve human lives and international relations. 

Furthermore, the broader implications of how such narratives could potentially dehumanize and escalate conflicts should not be overlooked. As readers and global citizens, we rely on institutions like yours to deliver not only news but also ethical journalism. It is extremely troubling that President Biden and several members of Congress repeated these Israeli propaganda talking points to justify the shipment of U.S. weapons to Israel, causing the death and injuries of tens of thousands of Palestinians. I look forward to your response and a resolution that upholds the highest journalistic standards.

I am writing to express my deep concern over the recent resignation of Hala Rharrit, an esteemed diplomat from the State Department, who took a courageous stand against the United States' militaristic approach in the Gaza Strip. 

Rharrit articulated the failure of the Biden administration's policies, particularly in supporting Israel's assault and siege of Gaza. With 18 years of diplomatic service, Rharrit's decision to resign highlights the moral imperative to reassess our foreign policies. 

Rharrit rightfully points out the inhumanity and ineffectiveness of these policies, which neither benefit Palestinians nor Israelis. She underscores the contradiction of sending military aid to countries accused of human rights abuses, in violation of domestic law and international norms. 

Furthermore, Rharrit sheds light on the troubling influence of special interest and lobbying groups on our foreign policy decisions. The perpetuation of arms sales, fueled by institutionalized corruption, raises serious ethical concerns about the profit-driven nature of our politicians' involvement in conflicts. 

Her brave stance calls into question the integrity of our foreign policy apparatus and demands a reevaluation of our priorities. It is imperative that we prioritize diplomacy and humanitarian aid over militaristic approaches that only perpetuate suffering and injustice.

"If you're going to take away the money, then you should take away the label." --the words of a long-deceased friend, an activist in mental health with a spotty reputation and background. And he was on spot with that comment. It was his response to the griping of taxpayers who don't want to foot the bill of paying the livelihood of mentally ill disabled people. 

When words of medical and scientific weight are used to describe us as less than, it impacts our lives; it excludes us from employment, and it negatively impacts how we are regarded. And who wants to be defined as less than, a person thought to be intrinsically inferior? When you label someone as "schizophrenic", it shapes how we are perceived by people, and it impacts self-respect. 

Words have power. They shape people's perceptions and thoughts. And when you have enough people agreeing that mentally ill people are bad, are "unclean" are "nuisances", it paves the way for us to be segregated, discriminated against, or worse. 

The word "delusion" has derogatory implications. People with psychosis are said to have delusions, while those considered normal but who are just wrong--have "illusions." What is the difference? "Delusions" seem to be caused by a neurological disease while illusions are mostly the result of being mistaken. Yet it certainly doesn't feel very good to be called "delusional." 

One opening that some perpetrators and abusers take, when targeting people for abuse, is to defame the intended victim(s) with accusations, with insults, or with implications of being less than human.  

*** 

People could be at varying places on the yardstick. On one end of the yardstick are those with severe psychosis who can't acknowledge even the simplest, most basic realities. On the other end, you would find someone whose thinking is about as error-free as human beings get. But who is to be the judge of this? Most people believe themselves to be the correct one. (And if you don't take your own side, no one else will.) 

Psychosis is a physically caused disease that harmfully impacts the mind, especially the ability to reason. Psychotic conditions, as with many other diseases, can kill you. If you have a psychotic condition, you should take it seriously. 

If you are too far gone, you can't realize that you have psychosis. By that time, other people must intervene and get you to safety. 

Illusion poses a threat. And when you come out of illusion, you will likely face trouble that was created by you when ill. And while you were out, much of this trouble was created by not addressing what was needed, and secondly, by your mind and body speaking and acting on illusions. 

*** 

When I woke in the morning before I began this essay, I had a horrible feeling of pessimism. Pessimism--what good is it? Does it impel a person to solve their problems? Or does it cause us to hide under the bed? 

What does getting upset do to us or for us? 

When the mind becomes overly upset, it reduces usable mental capacity. If we are to do things for ourselves that could better our life circumstances, we are better off when we have a method of clearing up the upset emotions, so that we will have more mental resources with which to tackle a problem. Clearing an upset can happen in many ways. Sometimes a pill will do it for us. Sometimes a cognitive technique will do it. 

It seems as though the medications intended to help calm the mind are just as effective when an upset feeling is reality based versus not. The antianxiety pill doesn't care; it just changes brain activity, affecting the function of the mind. The same goes for a cognitive method. If you employ a cognitive method, or a mindfulness method, to clear up a negative emotion, it will work whether the upset from something is from something accurate or not. 

I can't give advice about psychiatric medications or medical treatment in these writings. I can tell you that I consume prescribed medication and it makes the difference. Usually, if doctors say you need treatment, they could be telling you the truth. 

My pessimism came about when I stopped substituting delusions for facts. My life path is in jeopardy. I need to take action to fix that. 

The great writers whose work I've read started out when young with a day job. Meanwhile, even while I'm doing everything in reverse order, and while I have a substantial and multifaceted disability, I need to get a job. I will update you in next month's edition of how the job search is going. 

Those who live in illusion but whose minds haven't gone into total psychosis are a source of opportunity for the unscrupulous. Magical thinking can leave a person and their pocketbook wide open.  

When illusion substitutes itself for facts, we are in trouble. When we reach facts, we may acknowledge this trouble. This can cause emotional upset. When we realize things have been neglected or done wrong, and further, when we become aware of how this has impacted us, it can cause a lot of distress. Consequently, it is not an easy feat to leave psychosis behind and connect to reality. 

They say "naivete is not a virtue." In some instances, the mind produces illusions because it is too hard to face an ugly truth. 

Even when we seek a job, honest work for honest pay, we need to filter out the scams, and we need to be vigilant for them. When you can't accept and deal with how hard it is, your mind is tempted to return to delusion, because delusion might be telling you comforting things. You can't keep following that path indefinitely. At some point, if you are to survive, you must face at least some level of uncomfortable realities.  

---

gg  

Jack Bragen writes commentary and some fiction, and lives in the East Bay.

As reported by the World Food Program (WFP) Chief, Cindy McCain, there are alarming signs of famine spreading rapidly throughout the territory, particularly in northern Gaza. 

The humanitarian situation in Gaza has been exacerbated by almost seven months of conflict, resulting in what experts describe as a severe human-made hunger crisis.  

Israeli’s constant bombardment, with massive American support, makes our government complicit in the most horrific war crimes. 

During the initial weeks of the conflict, Israel imposed a "complete siege" on Gaza, severely limiting access to essential resources such as electricity, food, water, and fuel. While some restrictions have been eased, there have been accusations of genocide and mass starvation as a weapon of war. 

A meticulous inspection process has been implemented, creating bottlenecks that hinder the delivery of crucial aid supplies. This situation has been further compounded by the destruction of Gaza's port, restrictions on fishing, and the bombing of agricultural areas. 

The international community must step up efforts to address this unfolding humanitarian catastrophe. Israel's policies regarding aid in Gaza, which have been criticized by the UN human rights chief, Volker Türk, as potentially constituting war crimes, must be re-evaluated to ensure unhindered access to humanitarian assistance. ggg It is imperative that a cease-fire is established to allow for the swift and effective distribution of aid, particularly in the most affected areas of northern Gaza. As Ms. McCain rightly emphasizes, the situation is a horror that demands immediate action to prevent further suffering and loss of life.

Make Some Noise for Peace
Don't let a few raindrops get in the way: There's a big Stop Genocide rally set for San Francisco's Ferry Building Plaza at the Embarcadero today from 12:30 to 2.

The organizers, a raucous team of radical rascals previously known as RACCOON have just announced their latest free-speech event—calling for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza.

Now known by the moniker MegaMouth Rebels, MMR's pre-protest posters promise the "Let Gaza Live" event will feature "Chants! Noise! Art! Angry Speech!" And when it comes to making noise, MMR isn't kidding. Their open-air auditory assault promises to include "8 megaphones, 7 air horns, 6 soccer trumpets, and chalk."

For the erudite in the crowd, MMG promises a "Palestinian Culture Quiz with Watermelon Prize!" And for the iconoclasts on hand, MMG plans a hands-on attraction called: "Tomato-Tossing at Bibi / Netanyahu Image." 

 

Late Night TV Hosts Are Busy Roasting Trump
One way the political pontificators of late-night comedy get their giggles is by sub-titling a Trump-related title to each day's dish of Trump-dumping. 

Here are two lists of recent self-titled episodes from two leading late-night gag-grabbers—Stephen Colbert and Jimmy Kimmel. 

Stephen Colbert on Trump's Courtroom Slumbers 

One Fine Day 

Jury Up and Wait 

Bar None 

Justice Is Swerved 

Blubber Mouth 

Snooze Crimea
Super Snoozeday 

Easter Dummy 

Oaf of Wall Street 

A Grift from God 

Sixth, Lies, And Videotape 

The Fascist and the Furious 

The Joe Must Go On 

Jimmy Kimmel on Trump's Courtroom Rumbles 

Gaseous Clay 

The Toot Fairy
Al Ca-Porn
Naptain America
Hypocritters 

 

The Free Speech Ruckus at NYU
New York University History Prof. Robert Cohen and co-author of "The Free Speech Movement: Reflections on Berkeley in the 1960s" writes with an update on the political turmoil at NYU:
"The NYU encampment here—which has about 100-150 or so protesters here in its third day…. I get to speak to the students whenever I walk my dogs. In fact, the only disruption the protesters are guilty of is taking the space my dogs usually walk through. But the dogs have not called for the arrest or eviction of the protesters, which means that these Scottish terriers are smarter than many campus admins…." 

"The media frenzy around the protests has been like nothing I have ever experienced," says Cohen, a leading authority on the FSM and free speech challenges. "Today, aside from a KPFA interview, I spoke with the BBC, the CBC, the Orange County Register, and am about to speak with a French reporter, then the WPost, and an Italian reporter. I was interviewed by ABC TV news in SF the other night, along with Vox, the NYT, German TV etc, etc." 

 

FSM Vets Issue a Proclamation:
Free Speech – 1964 and 2024
The following statement of support from veterans of the 1964 Free Speech Movement was delivered to the occupation site on the steps of Sproul Hall on behalf of the Free Speech Movement Archives (www.fsm-a.org). 

In the fall of 1964, the administration of the University of California at Berkeley, under external political pressure and spurred on by an administrator who was working with the FBI, attempted to ban political speech or activity on campus. This resulted in a 3-month struggle that gave birth to the Free Speech Movement, a successful campaign that organized the campus and culminated in massive peaceful civil disobedience, resulting in a complete victory for free speech rights. 

In recent weeks, we have witnessed the depressing spectacle of university administrators at USC, Columbia, and NYU buckling under to external political pressure and attempting to silence voices demanding a ceasefire in Gaza and humanitarian aid for civilians. A valedictorian was prevented from addressing the graduating class, peaceful protests have faced mass arrests of students and faculty, faculty firings and student suspensions. 

We urge these administrators to get off their knees, and stand up for free speech and academic freedom on the campuses it is their duty to lead and protect. Without the free exchange of ideas, there can be no learning, only indoctrination. The prohibition of ideas can only be for one reason; there is no way to rebut them with facts or logic. Invoking police power to close discussion is an admission of intellectual bankruptcy. 

We applaud the development of a rapidly growing campus movement all over the country in solidarity with USC, Columbia and NYU. Free speech must be defended, now as it was in our time. 

Free Speech Movement Archives Board 

Jack Radey, President; Anita Medal, Treasurer; Bettina Aptheker; Robert Cohen; Susan Druding; Lee Felsenstein; Barbara Garson; Jackie Goldberg; Steve Lustig: Lynne Hollander Savio; Gar Smith; Barbara Stack 

 

60 Years Later, Freedom of Speech
Still Eludes College Students
An Ethnic Media Services article based on an interview with Lynne Hollander Savio is available at this link. 

Lynne Hollander Savio on the FSM 

Ethnic Media Services 

 

More Tents, Less Tension: The Sprawl at Sproul
With the news that a pro-Palestinian/anti-genocide occupation of the Sproul Steps was underway, I donned one of my tattered, decades-old Free Speech Movement T-shirts and trotted off to reconnoiter with some of my fellow FSM vets to show my support for the current generation of student protesters.

Recent days had been filled with apocalyptic scenes of police crackdowns as peacefully protesting students (and some faculty) were being falsely accused of supporting Hamas and promoting anti-Semitism, I was concerned that I might find Sproul Plaza playing host to a hoard of campus, city, and state cops, sheriffs, and troops.

Instead, the visit to the "tent-in" at Sproul Hall was a refreshing break from the plethora of video clashes that have been flashing on media screens from colleges and universities across the nation. Instead of another crackdown involving pepper-spray, batons, tasers and tie-downs, the tent city on the sanctified "free speech steps" of Sproul Hall was calm, quiet, and kempt.

Instead of hand-to-hand tussles with the fuzz, students were writing slogans on the Sproul Steps with an array of colored chalk. Instead of lines of chanting students, a single loudspeaker was placed on the steps, above the seated and passing students. Instead of a line-up of fiery orators, a series of calm, pre-recorded addresses streamed from the amplifier—somewhat garbled by a background noise that sounded like a weed-whacker. (Intentional electronic interference?)

Everyone was in good spirits, including a few homeless souls who visited the support tents to pick up some free fresh fruit. And, topping if off, the Cal Band's horn-and-drum team showed up to perform the Golden Bears' fight song and a stage-worthy rendition of ABBA's "Dancing Queen."

And there was much information available in handouts, flyers, and posters. One handbill advised hummus-lovers: "Don't dip into Israeli Apartheid." Instead, boycott Sabra and Tribe brand spreads. The pro-active pamphlet also contained a recipe for home-made hummus next to a photo of a picket sign reading "No Justice. No Chickpeas."

With all the violence at Columbus, Yale, Austin, USC and UCLA, it was a relief to see the authorities at UCB responding with non-confrontational acceptance. It looked like the lessons of the Free Speech Movement had left a lasting legacy here in Berkeley—an abiding respect for protest and debate limited only by the constraints of "time, place and manner." An exemplary model for other citadels of learning. 

Fashion Plates
PIX13
SAIL SF
LND ART
SMALLER (On a Mini Cooper)
AMNPLMN (Amen P. Lemon?)
HUIS[Palm symbol]23 (Who Is Psalm 23? Jesus?)
JHC1951 (Jesus H Christ? Born again in 1951?)
6FUHOO2 (Don't know what it means. It's just fun to say "Six Fha Hoo Two') 

Bumper Snickers
Don't Worry Be Hopy
Smile. You're on Dash Cam
Please Don't Honk. I'm Sensitive
Do You Follow Jesus This Closely?
My Ex-Wife's Other Car Is a Broom!
You Just Got Passed by a Bad Driver
My Bumper Sticker Is More Ironic Than Yours
Back Off Bumper Humper. My Brakes Are Good. How's Your Insurance? 

Lexiconfusion 

I just heard the word "fraternal" used to reference a gathering of members of a fraternity. That got me wondering—would the equivalent word for a gathering of members of a sorority be "sororital," "sororinal," "sororial," "sororitical? 

Kid Cudi's Chronic Condition
The Chronicle is known for placing puns in its headlines but sometimes the word-play sneaks into the copy as well. On April 27, under the headline "Kid Cudi postpones tour after stage-jumping injury," the Chron reported that Cudi broke his foot at the Coachella Valley Music festival forcing him to delay the "kick off" of the "North American leg" of his concert tour. 

In the same edition of the newspaper, reporter Kevin Fagan (who moonlights as a band member of "The Irish Newsboys") contributed a write-up about Congressmember-and-Senate-Candidate Adam Schiff having his luggage stolen from his car, which had been left in a parking garage. Schiff was forced to appear before an elegantly attired audience and deliver a fund-raising speech "in his shirt sleeves and a hiking vest." 

As Fagan phrased it, Schiff "was unruffled by the kerfuffle." Which is so much cooler than being "nonplussed." 

"Billions for Bullets": Not a Life-Saver
A New York Times headline on April 24 raised the question: "Is $60 Billion Enough to Save Ukraine?" 

The funds in question were proffered as a means to improve the Ukraine's military response to resurgent Russian forces. As the Times put it: 

"Congress approved a new aid package after months of delay, potentially throwing the county a lifeline in its war with Russia." 

One might question the NYT's choice of words here: Throwing a "lifeline" to prolong and expand a savage and bloody war? Instead of a lifeline, I'd say spending more on war would be a case of tossing "death throes" not throwing lifelines. 

How about Billions for Bedrooms? 

Each year more than 1,000 tornados rage over the US. The 2023 tornado season caused more than a billion dollars in property damage. According to Forbes, it costs around $300,000 to rebuild a house (clearly an underestimate for many of the towns and cities located in Tornado Alley). 

The House and Senate recently approved the President's $95 billion aid bill, most of which will go to waging wars in Ukraine and Palestine while preparing for a future war with China. Instead of investing borrowed billions that will only add to the country's already unsustainable $274 trillion national debt, wouldn't it be prudent to invest some of these billions to help US victims recover from the ravages of Big Oil's Climate Catastrophe? 

 

Let the Gaza Peace Flotilla Sail! 

 

Code Pink activist and former Bay Area resident Medea Benjamin recently posted an online video-plea for assistance. The video was recorded in a street in Türkiye where Benjamin and 800 other Freedom Flotilla Coalition volunteers from 40 countries found themselves stranded during an attempt to reach Gaza with 5,500 tons of food and medicine for the millions of displaced Palestinians facing death by bombardment or starvation. (Given the scale of the project and the international nature of the participants, it's disturbing that the Flotilla has received virtually no publicity in the Western media. See the video below for more background.) 

"The US government has been putting pressure on Türkiye to stop us from sailing," Benjamin explains before making a plea to call the US State Department demanding support for the humanitarian effort. 

I called (202) 501-4444 and reached an "information specialist" who listened to my concerns about the millions of suffering Palestinians and heard my appeal for the US to cease pressuring Türkiy and allow the flotilla to continue its life-saving mission. His dismissive response: "You will have to speak with the Türkiye Embassy." 

On April 26, the United Nations joined the International Court of Justice in demanding that Israel offer safe passage for the ships to sail to Gaza. 

But there are reasons to be concerned for the safety of the flotilla's crew and activists. In 2010, Israel troops boarded and attacked the Mavi Marmara—a Freedom Flotilla ship sailing in international waters—shooting and killing 10 activists and wounding others. Among those murdered was Furkan Doğan, a 19-year-old American videographer. 

 

The following statement of support from veterans of the 1964 Free Speech Movement was delivered to the occupation site on the steps of Sproul Hall on behalf of the Free Speech Movement Archives (www.fsm-a.org).

In the fall of 1964, the administration of the University of California at Berkeley, under external political pressure and spurred on by an administrator who was working with the FBI, attempted to ban political speech or activity on campus.

This resulted in a 3-month struggle, which gave birth to the Free Speech Movement, a successful campaign that organized the campus and culminated in massive peaceful civil disobedience, resulting in a complete victory for free speech rights.

In recent weeks, we have witnessed the depressing spectacle of university administrators at USC, Columbia, and NYU buckling under to external political pressure and attempting to silence voices demanding a ceasefire in Gaza and humanitarian aid for civilians. A valedictorian was prevented from addressing the graduating class, peaceful protests have faced mass arrests of students and faculty, faculty firings and student suspensions.

We urge these administrators to get off their knees, and stand up for free speech and academic freedom on the campuses it is their duty to lead and protect. Without the free exchange of ideas, there can be no learning, only indoctrination. The prohibition of ideas can only be for one reason; there is no way to rebut them with facts or logic. Invoking police power to close discussion is an admission of intellectual bankruptcy.

We applaud the development of a rapidly growing campus movement all over the country in solidarity with USC, Columbia and NYU. Free speech must be defended, now as it was in our time.

Free Speech Movement Archives Board

Jack Radey, President; Anita Medal, Treasurer; Bettina Aptheker; Robert Cohen; Susan Druding; Lee Felsenstein; Barbara Garson; Jackie Goldberg; Steve Lustig: Lynne Hollander Savio; Gar Smith; Barbara Stack 

60 Years Later, Freedom of Speech Still Eludes College Students 

An Ethnic Media Services article based on an interview with Lynne Hollander Savio is available at this link. 

Lynne Hollander Savio on the FSM 

Ethnic Media Services 

 

“Confessions” under torture are inadmissible and at $13 million per prisoner an appalling waste of taxpayer funds. 

In a noteworthy development, Colonel Matthew N. McCall, a military judge, recently conducted a visit to a former CIA "black site" at Guantanamo Bay. This marks the first such visit to the site, known as Camp Echo, which was operational from 2002 to 2009 as part of a secretive CIA network hosting "high-value detainees" at various global locations. This historic event underscores the ongoing complexities and legal challenges surrounding the Guantanamo Bay trials. 

The significance of Col. McCall's visit is amplified by its connection to the legal proceedings against Khalid Shaikh Mohammed, the alleged architect of the September 11 attacks, and three other defendants. A central issue in these proceedings is the admissibility of statements made by the defendants in 2007, which followed years of alleged torture. The prosecution contends that these statements were voluntary, while the defense argues they were coerced under severe conditions. 

This visit followed a defense request aimed at illustrating the long-term psychological impact of harsh treatment on the detainees, which is crucial to understanding the context of their subsequent interrogations at Guantanamo. The visit highlights ongoing concerns about the treatment of detainees and the fairness of their trials. Additionally, this event is set against the broader implications of potentially indefinite detentions for these individuals, regardless of trial outcomes. The estimated cost of $13 million per detainee per year further amplifies the need for scrutiny and reassessment of Guantanamo's continued operation. 

Given these factors, it is imperative to reconsider the operation of Guantanamo Bay, which remains a controversial aspect of U.S. foreign policy. The prison not only represents a significant financial burden but also poses moral and legal challenges, suggesting a pressing need for its closure.

May 4 and May 5 are the in person Bringing Back the Natives Garden tours from 10 am – 5 pm. There are sixty gardens big and small open to the public over the weekend. The tour is free (donations are welcome). You must register to receive the garden tour addresses. https://www.bringingbackthenatives.net/2024-tour-registration

While you are waiting for the email from Kathy Kramer with the tour addresses, start checking out the garden descriptions and photos listed on the 2024 in-person tour webpage.
• BAYSIDE CITY LOCATIONS (number of gardens): Alameda (1), Albany (3), Berkeley (10), Castro Valley (5), El Cerrito (2), Hayward (4), Kensington (1), Oakland (8), Piedmont (1), Pinole (2), Richmond (3), San Leandro (2), San Pablo (1)
• INLAND CITY LOCATIONS (number of gardens): Antioch (1), Clayton (1), Concord (1), Danville (1), Lafayette (1), Livermore (5), Martinez (2), Moraga (1), Pleasant Hill (1), San Ramon (3) Walnut Creek (1)

How to make your windows bird safe is on the Saturday Garden Tour at Keith Johnson’s and Erin Diehm’s house in Berkeley. Their display includes multiple samples of window film and inexpensive DIY projects. (44% of bird glass collisions occur on 1,2, & 3 story buildings)

Most of us have heard by now that if we don’t have milkweed, we don’t have Monarch butterflies. There is so much more to native plants. Native plants are easier to care for, bring joy with butterflies and hummingbirds and full of beauty.

If native plants haven’t been on your priority list please watch the Douglas Tallamy YouTube video with Tallamy giving us the “why” little bites out of plant leaves from caterpillars is reason to celebrate, not a reason to take a trip to by pesticide poisons. Caterpillars are the perfect baby bird food. Even Hummingbird babies need bugs to grow and fledge. https://youtu.be/ft7tWw470sY?si=PpujMALov3q9_hVP

Calscape, the native plants resource, is filled with thousands of choices which makes going on the in person tour the perfect way to start. https://calscape.org

Tour Instructions: If you are someone who takes your dog everywhere, note dogs are not allowed in the gardens. The tour planners and volunteers request, please leave your dog at home.

This month I have six mystery/thriller novels to recommend and one to avoid. There wasn’t a sure-fire winner in April, as there was in March with Tana French’s The Hunter. This month’s novels shared a common flaw: their endings were convoluted. 

(A) How to Solve Your Own Murder -- Kristen Perrin (5 stars) 

A mystery set in (mythical) Castle Knoll, England. 

An entertaining mystery based upon this premise: in 1965 Frances Adams visits a fortune teller and receives a prophesy that she will be murdered. Frances spends the rest of her life trying to figure out who will kill her. Many years later, Frances brings her closest relatives together for the reading of her will. Before this can happen, she is murdered. 

Frances’ great niece, Annie, has been summoned to Castle Knoll for the will reading. After Frances is killed, Annie determines to find the murderer. Because Frances has been working on this for almost 60 years, everyone in Castle Knoll is a suspect. 

A lot of fun. 

(B) The Truth About the Devlins -- Lisa Scottoline (5 stars) 

A mystery set in Philadelphia. 

The youngest of three children, T.J. Devlin is the black sheep of the (rich) Devlin family. A recovering alcoholic, T.J. spent a year in prison for a drunken action. Now he’s a “go fer” in the family law firm because he’s otherwise unemployable. One night his brother John, a star lawyer, asks him for help because John believes he has killed someone. Then the body goes missing. 

A slightly implausible murder mystery kept alive by Lisa Scottoine’s adept characterization of T.J. and the Devlin family dynamics. 

(C) The Last Word - Elly Griffiths (5 stars) 

A mystery set in Shoreham, England 

Although billed as the fourth in the Harbinder Kaur series, this novel has little to do with DI Khan. The principals are the formidable Natalie Kolisnyk, an intrepid Ukrainian refugee, her partner Benedict Cole, and their elderly friend Edwin Fitzgerald. Natalie and Edwin have a private investigation firm and are hired to investigate the suspicious deaths of two writers. They focus on a writers’ retreat. Then there is a murder. 

The principals are entertaining, although not as indomitable as Elly Griffiths’ retired sleuth Ruth Galloway. This novel might be characterized as a cozy if there weren’t so many deaths. 

(D) A Death in Diamonds -- S.J. Bennett (4 stars) 

A historical mystery set in 1957 London. The fourth book in the series: “Her Majesty the Queen Investigates.” 

The previous three books followed the crime-solving escapades of Queen Elizabeth II in her eighties – the third book was set in 2016. The fourth book turns back the clock to 1957, when the Queen was thirty years old and still settling into her role. It’s an interesting period where England’s status in the world order is changing as is the role of the monarchy. Elizabeth’s power is constrained by male advisers she inherited from her father five years previous. She pushes back and enlists the support of her unconventional personal secretary Joan McGraw. 

AT the center of “A Death in Diamonds” is a gruesome double murder in Chelsea. The plot also concerns the question of who is trying to sabotage the Queen’s public appearances and the vexing issue of the whereabouts of Prince Philip on the night of the murders. 

“A Death in Diamonds” works as a historical mystery because of the rich period detail and superb characterizations. It’s not as successful as straight mystery because it is slow, and the plot is overly complicated. 

(E) Toxic Prey -- John Sandford (4 stars) 

A thriller set in northern New Mexico, primarily Taos. 

This is the 34th novel in the Prey series and the first to be billed as “A Lucas and Letty Davenport Novel.” It’s primarily a Letty Davenport novel; perhaps John Sandford is telling us that Lucas is ready to retire, and daughter Letty is taking over the franchise. 

Infectious disease guru Lionel Scott disappears from classified Los Alamos labs and the US national security apparatus suspects he is up to no good. Letty Davenport is assigned to track him down and determines that Scott is planning a horrendous terrorist attack. She enlists her father, Lucas, and his US Marshall buddies and they track Scott and company throughout northern New Mexico. 

Entertaining but grim. 

(F) Everyone in my Family has Killed Someone -- Benjamin Stevenson (4 stars) 

A mystery set at an Australian ski resort. 

A clever murder mystery that mostly works. The troubled Cunningham family goes on a family “retreat” to celebrate the release from prison of one of the brothers, Michael. From the perspective of another brother, Ernest, we learn why Michael went to prison and the backstory for every family member. And then there’s a murder. 

I liked this novel, but I felt that the author, Benjamin Stevenson, tried too hard to be witty. And the ending was very convoluted. 

A Novel to Avoid: 

Close to Death -- Anthony Horowitz (3.5 stars) 

A mystery set in London. 

This is the 5th Hawthorne and Horowitz novel written by the accomplished British writer Anthony Horowitz. It’s ambitious but confusing. In the small, gated community of Riverside Close, obnoxious tenant Giles Kentworthy is murdered. The other five tenants are the prime suspects. 

The novel is unsuccessful for two reasons. First, the plot – stolen from Agatha Christie – is byzantine. Second, the point of view switches between Hawthorne and Horowitz in a manner that is confusing. 

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

Worth Noting:

Nice weather is here, before you go out and make all kinds of gardening mistakes check out the resources on Bringing Back the Native Garden Tour including the YouTube channel with Douglas Tallamy on why to use native plants, Erin Diehm on how to make your windows bird safe and garden tour videos, https://www.bringingbackthenatives.net Then go to Calscape restore nature one garden at a time to choose plants and find nurseries that specialize in native plants. http://calscape.org

Note bolded meetings:

• Monday:
  • At 9 am the Budget and Finance Committee meets in the hybrid format on the FY 2025-2026 budget. There will be an audio recording (NOT video) of the meeting.
  • At 6:30 pm the Youth Commission meets in person.
• Tuesday:
  • At 11 am the Solano BID meets in person.
  • At 4:30 pm (hybrid format) the Police Accountability Board presents the 2021-2023 report to City Council.
  • At 6 pm City Council meets in the hybrid format with items 25-PICKUPS/loading drop-off zones, 26-prioritizing referrals (see table at https://tinyurl.com/bdnnrfvu ), 27-reimagining public safety, 28-implementing AB 1033 selling ADUs separately
• Wednesday:
  • At 1:30 pm the Commission on Aging meets in person with a presentation by ACTC on the San Pablo Corridor Plan,
  • At 2 pm FITES meets in the hybrid format.
  • At 6:30 pm the HWCAC meets in person in a fully equipped room for hybrid meetings.
  • At 7 pm the Commission on Labor meets in person on Fair Work Week Ordinance.
  • At 7 pm the Commission on the Status of Women meets in person.
• Thursday:
  • At 10 am the Health, Life Enrichment, Equity & Community meets in the hybrid format with NOX on the agenda.
  • At 5:30 pm the Zero Waste Commission meets in person.
  • At 6:15 pm the Transportation and Infrastructure Commission meets in person on bicycle blvds.
  • At 6:30 pm the Community Health Commission meets in person.
  • At 6:30 pm the Design Review Committee meets in person.
  • At 6:30 pm the FCPC/OGC meet in person in the Cypress Room fully equipped for hybrid meetings.
• Saturday: At 9 am is shoreline cleanup.

At the bottom are the directions for getting on or off the email list for the Activist’s Calendar and Activist’s Diary and how to make the most out of ZOOM with closed captioning, zoom transcripts and converting YouTube to a transcript.

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

Check for email from Karen Klatt for MHSA Advisory Committee meeting

BERKELEY PUBLIC MEETINGS AND CIVIC EVENTS 

Sunday, May 12, 2024 – Mothers’ Day 

Monday, May 13, 2024 

BUDGET and FINANCE COMMITTEE at 9 am 

A Hybrid Meeting 

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

Videoconference: https://cityofberkeley-info.zoomgov.com/j/1604602151 

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

Meeting ID: 160 460 2151 

AGENDA: 1. Department Budget Presentations a. City Attorney, b. Measure P and U1, Discussion on Budget Balancing Strategies, 2. Discussion and Recommendations 

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

YOUTH COMMISSION at 6:30 pm  

In-Person: 1730 Oregon 

AGENDA: 9 & 10. Berkeley High Restroom Recommendation Letter, 11-13. Youth Commission Work Plan. 

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

Tuesday, May 14, 2024 

SOLANO AVENUE BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARD (Solano BID) at 11 am 

In-Person: 1849 Solano, Solano Oriental Rug Gallery 

AGENDA: 4. Financial Update, 5. Discussion Items: Enhancing Public Safety, Solano Avenue beautification, budget and finance. 

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

CITY COUNCIL - Location & Zoom - Special Meeting at 4:30 pm and Regular Meeting at 6 pm 

A Hybrid Meeting 

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

Videoconference: https://cityofberkeley-info.zoomgov.com/j/1617988895 

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

Meeting ID: 161 798 8895 

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

CITY COUNCIL Special Meeting at 4:30 pm 

AGENDA: 1. One item – Presentation of PAB – ODPA Triennial Report [2021-2023], Police Accountability Board, Office of the Director of Police Accountability 

https://berkeleyca.gov/city-council-special-meeting-eagenda-may-14-2024 

CITY COUNCIL Regular Meeting at 6 pm 

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, May 15, 2024 

FACILITIES, INFRASTRUCTURE, TRANSPORTATION, ENVIRONMENT (FITES) and SUSTAINABILITY at 2 pm (members: Taplin, Humbert, Lunaparra) 

A Hybrid Meeting 

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

Videoconference: https://cityofberkeley-info.zoomgov.com/j/1602195838 

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

Meeting ID: 160 219 5838 

AGENDA: 1. Harrison, co-sponsor Bartlett, Hahn – Adopt Ordinance adding a new chapter BMC 12.01 Establishing Emergency GHG limits, process for updated Climate Action Plan, Monitoring, Evaluation, Reporting and Regional Collaboration, 3. Harrison – Discussion Progress on the Bike and Pedestrian Plans, 4. Taplin – Discussion Train Quiet Zones in West Berkeley, 5. Environment and Climate Commission – Develop Curb Management Plan 6. CM – 5 Year Street Rehabilitation Plan FY 2024 – 2028, 7. Bartlett – EVITP (Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program) to address increasing safety and fire concerns to provide training and require 50% of electricians per job to be trained on installing and maintaining city-funded EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment). 

https://berkeleyca.gov/your-government/city-council/council-committees/policy-committee-facilities-infrastructure-transportation-environment-sustainability 

COMMISSION on AGING at 1:30 PM 

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

AGENDA: Presentation Alameda County Transportation Commission San Pablo Avenue Multimodal Corridor Project Update-Aleida Andrino-Chavez, ACTC Transportation Planner, Discussion / Action Items :1. Proposed Letter to City Council on Publicizing Berkeley Rides for Seniors & Disabled-Karin-Evans, 2. Presentation proposal: Wendy Peterson of the Senior services Coalition of Alameda County to discuss her group’s work – Phyllis Orrick, e. Presentation proposal: Disaster and Fires Services Commissioner Mike Wilson presenting the Street Trauma Prevention Initiative and the commission’s report to City Council – Phyllis Orrick, 4. Presentation Proposal: Justin Horner will speak on Berkeley’s new Missing Middle zoning – Phyllis Orrick, 5. Presentations for future meetings discussion-Margot Smith, Commissioner reports 1. Public Safety and Crime Prevention for Elders-Roni Cochran, 2. Clarity regarding “removing” items from agenda – George Porter, 3. Agenda submission form, to be approved – George Porter 

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

COMMISSION on LABOR at 7 pm 

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

AGENDA: 7. Discussion and Possible Action on Fair Workweek Ordinance Implementation, 8. Discussion and Possible Action on Labor Education. 

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: Discussion and Possible Action: 6. Presenter, Tech CEO on the Impact of AI on Women and Creating Economic Opportunities in Small Businesses, 7. Presenter, Healthy Black Families on Small Businesses 

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

HUMAN WELFARE and COMMUNITY ACTION COMMISSION (HWCAC) at 6:30 pm 

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

AGENDA: 2. Draft letter to Council regarding recommendations on appointments to HWCAC, 3. 2024 HWCAC Strategic Plan Discussion, 4. Review City of Berkeley funded agency Program and Financial reports a. LifeLong Medical Care program and financial reports, 5. Swear-in eligible low-income representative commissioners, 6. HWCAC private sector representatives, 7. City ADA violations, 8. San Pablo plan and Ohlone bike path in light of the Community Risk Assessment, 9. Hybrid meetings. 

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

Thursday, May 16, 2024 

 

HEALTH, LIFE ENRICHMENT, EQUITY & COMMUNITY at 10 am (members: Kesarwani, Bartlett, alternate Hahn) 

A Hybrid Meeting 

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

Videoconference: https://cityofberkeley-info.zoomgov.com/j/1608402725 

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

Meeting ID: 160 840 2725 

AGENDA: 2. Kesarwani, co-sponsors Humbert, Wengraf, Taplin - Referral for Development of RFP to Support Berkeley-Based Non-Profit Food Assistance Providers Serving Food Insecure Households, 3. Bartlett, co-sponsor Harrison – Adopt Amendment Healthy Checkout requiring stores 2500 sq ft and under to sell more nutritious food and beverage options in their checkout areas, 4. Bartlett – Small business support, promote greater transparency about business licensing process, 5. Klein, Planning – Re-adoption of Building codes NOX provisions. 

https://berkeleyca.gov/your-government/city-council/council-committees/policy-committee-health-life-enrichment-equity-community 

COMMUNITY HEALTH COMMISSION at 6:30 pm 

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

AGENDA: 5. Review Commission’s Workplan, Priorities and Goals 

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: 3030 Telegraph – Final Design Review – to demolish existing 1-story 10,000 sq ft medical office building and 2 duplexes and construct new 5-story mixed used building with approximately 1550 sq ft of commercial area and 144 dwelling units, including 8-below market rate units 

1598 University – Final Design Review – to demolish an existing non-residential structure and construct a 134,409 sq ft 8-story mixwed-use residential building containing 207 dwelling units (including 21 very low-income units) and 5,787 sq ft commercial space, 39 parking spaces and 92 bicycle parking spaces. 

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

FAIR CAMPAIGN PRACTICES COMMISSION (FCPC) / OPEN GOVERNEMENT COMMISSION (OGC) at 6:30 pm 

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

AGENDA: FCPC all discussion and possible action: 6. Report from negotiating subcommittee for Mike Chang for School Board 2022, 7. Request for opinion from Todd Andrew pursuant to BMC 2.12.220, 8. Request for opinion from Re-Elect Mayor Jesse Arreguin 2024 pursuant to BMC 2.12.220, 9. Request for opinion from Nicholas Sanders pursuant to BMC 2.12.220, OGC 11. Public Records Act Complaint filed by Chris Nardi. Joint FCPC-OGC 13. 2024-2025 Workplans. 

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

TRANSPORTATION and INFRASTRUCTURE at 6:15 pm 

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

AGENDA: B. Discussion/Action Items: 1. (approximate time 7:10 pm) Active Transportation Program (ATP) grant applications – Action requested for following projects: Southwest Berkeley Bike Blvds for up to $4,000,000; Adeline Street Quick-Build for up to $1.05 million. Staff request commission action to authorize the chair to write to write a letter of support for the grant in the Commission’s capacity as the City of Berkeley Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC), 2. (approximate time 7:25 pm) Informational update on the Link21 Program* 

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

ZERO WASTE COMMISSION at 5:30 pm 

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

AGENDA: 6 pm – 6. Staff Updates Progress on SB-1383 Implementation, SUDs Ordinance Implementation/Enforcement, Organics Sampling, Discussion and Action Items: 6:15 pm 1. Report out from the Special Events Subcommittee and Green Building Subcommittee, 

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

Friday, May 17, 2024– No City meetings or events found 

Saturday, May 18, 2024 

3rd SATURDAY SHORELINE CLEANUP at 9 am 

Meet: At 160 University 

https://berkeleyca.gov/community-recreation/events/3rd-saturday-shoreline-cleanup-6 

Sunday, May 19, 2024 – No City meetings or events found 

≈+++++++++++++++++ City Council Agenda for May 14, 2024 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 

CITY COUNCIL AGENDA for May 14, 2024 at 6 pm 

A Hybrid Meeting 

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

Videoconference: https://cityofberkeley-info.zoomgov.com/j/1617988895 

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

Meeting ID: 161 798 8895 

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

RECESS ITEM: 

1. Grant Application: Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act (LEMWHA) Program Grant to support contract with the Public Safety Family Counseling Group (PSFG) for Crisis Intervention and Critical Incident Stress Management Services

AGENDA on CONSENT: 

2. Brown, City Attorney - Repeal of BMC 12.80 Natural Gas Ban in new construction, 9th Circuit Court of Appeals found ordinance unlawful in California Restaurant Association v. City of Berkeley
3. Friedrichsen, Budget Manager – Amendment FY 2024 Annual Appropriations Ordinance $64,477,630 (gross) and $52,604,888 (net)
4. Sprague, Fire – Grant Application - $200,000 California Fire Safe Council (CFSC) Grant to establish an Alameda County Coordinator
5. Gilman, HHCS – amend Contract No. 32100126 add $25,000 total $175,000 with Anjanette Scott LLC for Housing Consultant Services
6. Kouyoumdjian, HR – Reinstatement of sick Leave
7. Ferris, Parks – Amendment #1 MOU with WETA (Water Emergency Transportation Authority) to accept up to $3,000,000 in WETA funding for the engineering, design and environmental phase of the new pier-ferry project at Berkeley Marina
8. Ferris, Parks – Contract $6,500,000 includes $250,000 Contingency with COWI North America, In for engineering and design of the Berkeley Water Transportation Pier Ferry Project
9. Davis, Public Works - Accept Donation $18,000 from Friends of Fountain Walk for installation of Benches and Repairs to Balustrades of Fountain at Marin Circle
10. Davis, Public Works – Accept Donation $50,000 from Residents of The Uplands from residents of 255 – 305 The Uplands to resurface City owned parcel (public street)
11. Davis, Public Works – Bike Share Electric-Assist Bicycle Expansion Agreement with Lyft Bikes and Scooters, LLC for the addition of 221 docked electric-assist bicycles and 11 infill bike share stations
12. Davis, Public works – Amend Contract No. 32300096 add $1,530,000 total $2,244,022 with SCS Engineers for Landfill Post-Closure Maintenance and Monitoring Services
13. Davis, Public Works – Amend Contract No. 32300080 add $750,000 total $1,500,000 with CSW Stuber-Stroeh Engineering Group for on-call engineering services and extend contract from 12/31/2025 - 6/30/2027
14. Davis, Public Works – Contract (Specification No 23-11556-C)$460,350 with Koios Engineering, Inc. for MRP Trash Capture FY 2023 Project
15. Davis, Public Works – Final Map of Tract 8639: 3000 San Pablo for 79-unit condominium project consisting of 78 residential units and 1 commercial unit at 3000 San Pablo
16. Davis, Public Works – Increase PO No. 22203563 for Nicholas K Corp dba Ford Store San Leandro add $20,000 total $155,000 for increased cost new vehicles
17. Davis, Public Works – PO $500,000 with SWARCO McCain Inc for Traffic Signal Controllers until 6/30/2026
18. Davis, Public Works – Revised Fees for Public Use of City-Owned EV Charging Ports
19. Arreguin, co-sponsors Hahn, Wengraf – Support SB 1060 (introduced by Senator Becker, coauthor Senator Dodd) – bill text (it is short) https://legiscan.com/CA/text/SB1060/2023 SB 1060 requires the insurer to use risk models that account for wildfire risk reduction associated with hazardous fuel reduction, home hardening, defensible space and fire prevention activities.
20. Arreguin, co-sponsors Hahn, Wengraf – Support SB 1144 (Skinner) – directed to sale of stolen goods online - bill text (medium length) https://legiscan.com/CA/text/SB1144/id/2929074 SB 1144 requires that online high-volume (200 sales or more or $5,000 or more in gross revenue) 3rd party seller to Californians produced, procured, purchased, or acquired consumer products in legal manner.
21. Arreguin - City Council Committee and Regional Body Appointments
22. Arreguin – Elections Code 9212 Report on Street Paving Initiatives
23. Taplin – Budget Referral $110,000 for BYA (Berkeley Youth Alternatives) Counseling Center and Summer Jam Day Camp
24. Hahn , co-sponsors Taplin, Wengraf, Humbert– Relinquishment of Council Budget Funds to Berkeley Symphony Spring Benefit
25. Humbert, co-sponsors Taplin, Lunaparra, Hahn – Staff direction and budget referral for Practical Interventions to Clear and Keep Using Parking Spaces (PICKUPS) - creates evening/nighttime 10 and/15 minute parking/loading zones on Shattuck between Berkeley Way and Addison, Durant between Dana and Bowditch, University between Milvia and Shattuck Telegraph between Blake and Bancroft and other areas recommended by staff, $50,000 for revised signage and $75,000 for targeted nighttime enforcement.

AGENDA on ACTION: 

26. Numainville, City Clerk – 2024 City Council Referral Prioritization using Re-Weighted Range Voting (this is where council reviews referrals to the CM prioritizes and eliminates referrals from the list
27. Arredondo, CM Office – Reimagining Public Safety Update
28. Kesarwani – Refer to CM to implement AB 1033 (Ting - passed 2023) allowing ADUs to be sold separately from primary residence – bill text (long) https://legiscan.com/CA/text/AB1033/id/2832426 ADUs defined as not exceeding 1200 sq ft if separate /detached or if attached shall not exceed more than 50% of existing primary dwelling

INFORMATION REPORTS: 

29. Kouyoumdjian, HR – Update response to Audit Directives
30. Wong, Auditor – Audit Follow-up Status

DISPOSITION of ITEMS REMOVED FROM DRAFT AGENDA: 

Referred to Parks, Waterfront and Recreation Commission - Taplin – Adopt Resolution designating J-Dock for community service and recreational educational uses and direct CM to retain 2 slips for Cal Sailing Club 

+++++++++++++++++ City Council Agenda for May 21, 2024 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 

CITY COUNCIL AGENDA for Regular 6 pm Meeting on May 21, 2024 

A Hybrid Meeting 

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

Videoconference: https://cityofberkeley-info.zoomgov.com/j/1604289924 

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

Meeting ID: 160 428 9924 

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

AGENDA on Consent: 

1. Kouyoumdjian, HR - Amend BMC 4.04.120(A) to rename the Legislative Assistant classification as Legislation Aide
2. Taplin, co-sponsor Lunaparra – Add Chapter 13.22 to BMC to prohibit discrimination on the basis of family or relationship structure
3. Oyekanmi, Finance - Notice of Appropriations Limit for FY 2025
4. Oyekanmi, Finance – Request for Proposals $325,000, County Coordinator $200,000, Miyawaki Forest $125,000
5. Gilman, HHCS – Contract $250,000 with Social Policy Research Associates for consulting services 6/1/2024 – 6/30/2025
6. Gilman, HHCS – Amend Contract No. 32300104 add $250,000 total $750,000 and extend to 5/31/2025 with The Village of Love for Telegraph Neighborhood Sacred Rest Drop-In Center
7. Gilman, HHCS – Amend Contract No. 6252 for real property at 819 Hearst (813 Delaware) for purposes of assigning ground lease from current owner, Ocean View, LLC to Orbach Affordable Housing Solutions (OAHS) Ocean View LP and extend ground lease term to 6/30/2089
8. Ferris, Parks – Grant Application/Accept grant $76,000, city share $7,600 removal and disposal abandoned vessels
9. Klein, Planning - LOA requests for Mabel Athanasious and Shanza Syed absence requests for Environment & Climate Youth Commissioners for meeting dates June 26, 2024 and July 24, 2024
10. Klein, Panning - Contract $622,2215 with Online Solutions, LLC (DBA Citizenserve) for Housing Inspection and Code Enforcement Software from 6/17/2024 – 6/16/2029
11. Klein, Panning – Contract $600,000 with Raimi + Associates for planning services for North Shattuck, College and Solano Avenue corridors zoning update 6/6/2024 – 12/31/2026
12. Louis, Police – Amend Contract No. 32300103 add $150,000 total $200,000 with Bay Area PL Services of on-call phlebotomy and sexual assault exams and extend 12/31/2028
13. Davis, Public Works – Declaration of Intent – FY 2025 Street Lighting Assessments
14. Arreguin – Direct CM to develop a pilot program for 5-10 Seriously Mentally Ill (SMI) persons who have required frequent interventions
15. Arreguin – Adopt 1st reading of ordinance amending BMC 3.02 to allow the Mayor to approve LOA for a commissioner appointed by the council as a whole
16. Arreguin – Budget referral $630,00 restarting 4th of July celebration
17. Arreguin – Relinquishment of office budget funds for 2024 Taste of Downtown event
18. Arreguin – Budget referral $31,250 Berkeley Youth Alternatives Part-time Garden Assisstant
19. Bartlett - Relinquishment of office budget funds for Juneteenth Festival
20. Bartlett – Refer to CM to analyze potential for speed bump on Russell at King

AGENDA on ACTION: 

21. Friedrichsen, Budget Manager – Budget Presentation and Public Hearing #1
22. Gilman, HHCS – Rescinding and Adopting the Environmental Health Division Fee Schedule
23. Gilman, HHCS – Increase the Senior Center Facility Rental Security deposit from $350 to $500
24. Ferris, Parks – Selected Sports Field Fee increase
25. Klein, Planning – Planning Department Fee Schedule

INFORMATION REPORTS: 

26. Louis, Police – Audit Recommendation to manage overtime and security work for outside entities

DISPOSITION of ITEMS REMOVED FROM DRAFT AGENDA: 

Ballot Measure to be reviewed at May 23, 4 pm meeting on Ballot measures - Mayer, BOLT – BOLT request for City Council to place a limited library tax on November 2024 ballot 

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

 

LAND USE CALENDAR 

2113-2115 Kittredge (California Theater) 6/4/2024 

3000 Shattuck (construct 10-story mixed-use building) TBD 

WORK SESSIONS & SPECIAL MEETINGS: 

• May 14 at 4:30 pm Annual Report: Police Accountability Board and Office of the Director of Police Accountability Worksession
• May 21 at 4 pm Inclusionary Housing In-Lieu Fee Feasibility Study – worksession
• May 23 at 4 pm (tentative) Ballot Measures for November 2024 Library Tax Ballot Measure, Webinar that night on insurance crisis at 7 pm
• June 13 Ballot Measures for November 2024 and results Community Survey
• September 17 - open
• October 22 Draft Waterfront Specific Plan

UNSCHEDULED WORK SESSIONS & SPECIAL MEETINGS 

• Ashby BART Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Berkeley – El Cerrito Corridor Access Plan Presentation
• Dispatch Needs Assessment Presentation
• Presentation on Homelessness/Re-Housing/Thousand-Person Plan (TBD regular agenda)

COUNCIL REFERRALS to AGENDA and RULES COMMITTEE and UNFINISHED BUSINESS 

• Demolition Ordinance - Zoning Amendments BMC 23.326 Demolition and Dwelling Unit Controls

. 

++++ 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. 

+++++++++ HINTS for MANAGING CLOSED CAPTIONING and TRANSCRIPTS ++++++++ 

For ZOOM Meetings 

CLOSED CAPTIONING, SAVE TRANSCRIPT OVERVIEW, CHAT, DIRECTIONS and ZOOM SUPPORT LINKS: 

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

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

ATTENDEES 

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

Saving CHAT: There are three dots at the bottom of the CHAT. If you click on these you should get a menu to save the CHAT. 

How to FLOAT / DETACH the CHAT or TRANSCRIPT from the ZOOM SCREEN so you can see one or both  

At the upper corner of the transcript and the chat there is a tiny box with an arrow. If you click on this the transcript and chat will pop out of being connected to the zoom screen. You can then move these on your screen for easier continuous viewing. 

If you activated the CHAT or the TRANSCRIPT and it has disappeared look for the header at the top of the zoom screen that says “exit full screen”. Click on that and you should see the CHAT or TRANSCRIPT again. 

 

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

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

FOR THE HOST Creating / Scheduling a ZOOM Meeting 

HOW TO SET UP TRANSCRIPTS, CLOSED CAPTIONING 

When scheduling a meeting go to “Settings” scroll down to “Automated Captions” and allow captions, then allow “Full Transcript” and “Save Captions”. Once you change these settings, they will stay as part of your profile. 

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

+++++++ HOW TO CONVERT a YOUTUBE VIDEO INTO a TRANSCRIPT ++++++++ 

Open the website https://youtubetranscript.com/ 

Copy the YouTube url into the box with “enter a youtube url” and click on go 

The transcript (not perfect, some words will be missed, but close) will appear instantaneously 

Worth Noting:

Busy week, City Council returns from recess on May 7, 2024. The council agendas for May 7 and May 14, plus the Agenda Committee draft Council agenda for the May 21 council meeting make this Activist’s Calendar very long (sorry)

• Sunday, May 5: From 10 am – 5 pm is the inland cities Bringing Back the Natives Garden Tour.
• Monday, May 6:
  • At 2:30 pm the Civic Arts Commission Grants Subcommittee meets online.
  • At 3 pm the City Council meets in the hybrid format in closed session to evaluate the City Manager.
  • At 7 pm the Peace and Justice commission meets in person.
  • At 7 pm the Personnel Board meets in person.
• Tuesday, May 7:
  • At 2:30 pm the Agenda Committee meets in the hybrid format.
  • The Council meets in the hybrid format starting at 4 pm to swear in Cecilia Lunaparra for District 7.
  • At 4:15 pm is the Council public hearing on the allocation of federal funds.
  • At 6 pm is the Council regular meeting.
• Wednesday, May 8:
  • At 9 am the Budget and Finance Committee meets in the hybrid format with 7 department budget presentations for FY 2025.
  • At 5 pm the Commission on Disability meets in the hybrid format for commissioners and in person only for the public. (The zoom link is not shared with the public.)
  • At 6:30 pm the Police Accountability Board (PAB) meets in the hybrid format.
  • At 7 pm the Parks, Recreation and Waterfront Commission meets in person.
• Thursday, May 9:
  • At 9 am the Budget and Finance Committee meets in the hybrid format with 6 department budget presentations for FY 2025.
  • From 4 – 6pm there is a community safety meeting at San Pablo Park.
  • At 7 pm the Zoning Adjustment Board meets in the hybrid format.
  • At 1 pm WETA meets in the hybrid format with an amendment to the WETA Berkeley MOU as agenda item 9.
• Saturday, May 11: From 10 am – 12 pm the Berkeley Neighborhoods Council meets online.

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

At the bottom of the calendar are the directions for getting on or off the email list for the Activist’s Calendar and Activist’s Diary and how to make the most out of ZOOM with closed captioning, zoom transcripts and converting YouTube to a transcript.



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



BERKELEY PUBLIC MEETINGS AND CIVIC EVENTS 

 

Sunday, May 5, 2024  

 

BRINGING BACK the NATIVES GARDEN TOUR (free) from 10 am – 5 pm  

 

• YOU MUST REGISTER TO RECEIVE GARDEN ADDRESSES
• PREVIEW GARDENS on website and REGISTER: Tour is free, donations encouraged, https://www.bringingbackthenatives.net/view-gardens
• INLAND CITY LOCATIONS (number of gardens): Antioch (1), Clayton (1), Concord (1), Danville (1), Lafayette (1), Livermore (5), Martinez (2), Moraga (1), Pleasant Hill (1), San Ramon (3) Walnut Creek (1)

 

Monday, May 6, 2024 

 

CIVIC ARTS COMMISSION Grants Subcommittee at 2:30 pm 

Videoconference: https://cityofberkeley-info.zoomgov.com/j/1613675746 

Teleconference: 1-669-254-5252 

Meeting ID: 161 367 5746 

AGENDA: 5. A) FY 2024 Capital Projects grant funding scenarios. 

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

 

CITY COUNCIL Closed Session at 3 pm 

Hybrid Meeting 

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

Videoconference: https://cityofberkeley-info.zoomgov.com/j/1615209195 

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

Meeting ID: 161 520 9195 

AGENDA: 1. Public Employee Performance Evaluation – City Manager 

https://berkeleyca.gov/city-council-closed-meeting-eagenda-may-6-2024 

 

PEACE and JUSTICE COMMISSION at 7 pm 

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

AGENDA: 8. Update on Planning Gaza Peace Conversation for Berkeley Residents, 9. Discussion on history of Commission, 10. Discussion and possible action on potential UC polic removal of demonstrators from Sproul Plaza. 

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

 

PERSONNEL BOARD at 7 pm 

In-Person: at 1301 Shattuck, Live Oak Park 

AGENDA: V. Recommendation to Revise Job Class Specification - Paramedic 

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

 

Tuesday, May 7, 2024 

 

AGENDA AND RULES COMMITTEE Meeting at 2:30 pm 

Hybrid Meeting 

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

Videoconference: https://cityofberkeley-info.zoomgov.com/j/1602929074 

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

Meeting ID: 160 292 9074 

AGENDA: Public Comment on non-agenda and items 1 – 7. 1. Minutes, 2. Review and Approve 5/21/2024 -- 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 Systems Redesign, UNSCHEDULED ITEMS: 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. (packet --- pages) 

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

 

CITY COUNCIL AGENDAS for 4 pm meeting, 4:15 pm meeting and 6 pm regular meeting  

Hybrid Meeting – (all three meetings have the same zoom link) 

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

Videoconference: https://cityofberkeley-info.zoomgov.com/j/1602251843 

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

Meeting ID: 160 225 1843 

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

 

CITY COUNCIL 4 pm Special Session 

AGENDA on CONSENT: 

 

1. Confirming the results of the April 16, 2024 election – Cecilia Lunaparra elected.

https://berkeleyca.gov/city-council-special-meeting-eagenda-may-7-2024-0 

 

 

CITY COUNCIL 4:15 pm Special Meeting 

AGENDA on ACTION: 

 

1. Public Hearing on submission of PY 2024 (program year) (FY 2025) Annual Action Plan Containing Allocations of Federal Funds to Community Agencies and Recommendation of Other Local and State Funding to Community Agencies for FY 2025 – 2028, includes HUD funds and allocation of federal funding for community agencies.

https://berkeleyca.gov/city-council-special-meeting-eagenda-may-7-2024 

 

 

CITY COUNCIL Regular Meeting at 6 pm 

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, May 8, 2024 

 

BUDGET and FINANCE COMMITTEE at 9 am 

Hybrid Meeting 

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

Videoconference: https://cityofberkeley-info.zoomgov.com/j/1606662356 

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

Meeting ID: 160 666 2356 

AGENDA: 2. FY 2025 – 2026 – Budget Overview, 3. Budget Presentations: a. Police, b. HHCS (Health, Housing and Community Services), c. City Clerk, d. HR (Human Resources), e. IT (Information Technology), f. Finance, g. CM (City Manager), h. Debrief. 

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

 

COMMISSION on DISABILITY at 5 pm 

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

AGENDA: 7. Presentation: San Pablo Avenue Corridor Project by AC Transportation Commission staff 

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

 

PARKS, RECREATION and WATERFRONT COMMISSION (PRW) at 7 pm 

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

AGENDA: 9. PRW Capital Projects, 10. FY 2025 Sports Field Permit Fee Increases, 11. Nexus Study for Development Impact fee for Parks, 12. Update Cal Sailing Club’s berth slips on J-dock, 13. Update Cesar Chavez Park Landfill. 

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

 

POLICE ACCOUNTABILITY BOARD (PAB) at 6:30 pm 

A Hybrid Meeting 

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

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

Teleconference: 1-669-900-6833  

Meeting ID: 826 5339 6072 

AGENDA: 3. Public comment on agenda and non-agenda items, 9. Discussion and action on a. the Budget & Metrics, b. BPD Equipment Reporting i. Correction 2023 Police Equipment and Community Safety Ordinance Annual Report, ii. AB 481 Military Equipment Annual Report, c. Potential changing of the regular meeting location. 10. Public comment, 11. Closed Session. 

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

 

Thursday, May 9, 2024 

 

BUDGET and FINANCE COMMITTEE at 9 am 

Hybrid Meeting 

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

Videoconference: https://cityofberkeley-info.zoomgov.com/j/1603849755 

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

Meeting ID: 160 384 9755 

AGENDA: 1 Budget Presentations: a. Fire, b. PAB (Police Accountability), c. Parks, Recreation & Waterfront, d. Public Works, e. City Auditor, f. Planning and Development, g. Debrief/Review of Questions. 

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

 

COMMUNITY SAFETY MEETING from 4-6 pm 

In-Person: at San Pablo Park 

AGENDA: Meet with Councilmembers Taplin, Bartlett, Berkeley Police and representative from the City Manager’s office. 

Announced by Councilmember Taplin 

 

ZONING ADJUSTMENT BOARD at 7 pm 

A Hybrid Meeting 

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

Videoconference: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89027085667 

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

Meeting ID: 890 2708 5667 

AGENDA: 2037 Durant – Use Permit #ZP2023-0064 – on consent – SB 330 Density Bonus Project to demolish 1-story 13,000 sq ft commercial building and construction 8-story (90) feet) 76,373 sq ft mixed-use building with 74 dwelling units, including 4 very lo income units and 1552 sq ft ground floor commercial space. 

1894 University – Use Permit #ZP2023-0165 – on consent – establish an outdoor use for a mobile food truck in the C-U, abutting the residential 2-family district. 

3031 Adeline – Use Permit #ZP2018-0156 – on action – SB 330 Density Bonus Project – 10/20/2021 application deemed complete, resubmittals, project revised –9/14/2023 revised project application deemed complete, 7-story (75 feet) 60 units 25% BMR units, 4,000 sq ft commercial space, 21 off-street parking spaces, 84 bicycle spaces. 

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

 

WETA (Water Emergency Transportation Authority) at 1 pm 

A Hybrid Meeting 

In-Person: at Port of San Francisco, Bayside Conference Room, Pier 1 

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

Teleconference: 1-669-900-6833  

Meeting ID: 897 1821 7408 Password: 33779 

AGENDA: 9. Approve Amendment #1 to Memorandum of Understanding for the Berkeley Marina Ferry Facility Project. (Choose full board packet for MOU) 

https://weta.sanfranciscobayferry.com/next-board-meeting 

 

Friday, May 10, 2024 – no City meetings found 

 

Saturday, May 11, 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 for agenda 

https://berkeleyneighborhoodscouncil.com/ 

 

Sunday, May 12, 2024 – Mother’s Day 

 

+++++++ DRAFT AGENDA for MAY 21 – TO BE REVIEWED ON MAY 7, 2024 +++++++ 

 

AGENDA AND RULES COMMITTEE Meeting at 2:30 pm on Tuesday, May 7, 2024 

 

DRAFT AGENDA for May 21, 2024 Regular City Council Meeting 

Hybrid Meeting 

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

Videoconference: https://cityofberkeley-info.zoomgov.com/j/1602929074 

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

Meeting ID: 160 292 9074 

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

 

AGENDA on Consent: 

 

1. Oyekanmi, Finance - Notice of Appropriations FY 2025
2. Oyekanmi, Finance – Request for Proposals $325,000
3. Gilman, HHCS – Contract $250,000 with Social Policy Research Associates for consulting services 6/1/2024 – 6/30/2025
4. Gilman, HHCS – Amend Contract No. 32300104 add $250,000 total $750,000 and extend to 5/31/2025 with The Village of Love for Telegraph Neighborhood Sacred Rest Drop-In Center
5. Ferris, Parks – Grant Application/Accept grant $76,000, city share $7,600 removal and disposal abandoned vessels
6. Klein, Planning - LOA requests for Mabel Athanasious and Shanza Syed absence requests for Environment & Climate Youth Commissioners for meeting dates June 26, 2024 and July 24, 2024
7. Klein, Panning - Contract $622,2215 with Online Solutions, LLC (DBA Citizenserve) for Housing Inspection and Code Enforcement Software from 6/17/2024 – 6/16/2029
8. Klein, Panning – Contract $600,000 with Raimi + Associates for planning services for North Shattuck, College and Solano Avenue corridors zoning update 6/6/2024 – 12/31/2026
9. Louis, Police – Amend Contract No. 32300103 add $150,000 total $200,000 with Bay Area PL Services of on-call phlebotomy and sexual assault exams and extend 12/31/2028
10. Davis, Public Works – Declaration of Intent – FY 2025 Street Lighting Assessments
11. Mayer, BOLT – BOLT request for City Council to place a limited library tax on November 2024 ballot
12. Arreguin – Budget referral $630,00 restarting 4th of July celebration
13. Arreguin – Relinquishment of office budget funds for 2024 Taste of Downtown event
14. Arreguin – Budget referral $31,250 Berkeley Youth Alternatives Part-time Garden Assisstant
15. Bartlett - Relinquishment of office budget funds for Juneteenth Festival
16. Friedrichsen, Budget Manager – Budget Presentation and Public Hearing #1
17. Gilman, HHCS – Rescinding and Adopting the Environmental Health Division Fee Schedule
18. Gilman, HHCS – Increase the Senior Center Facility Rental Security deposit from $350 to $500
19. Ferris, Parks – Selected Sports Field Fee increase
20. Klein, Planning – Planning Department Fee Schedule
21. Arreguin – Direct CM to develop a pilot program for 5-10 Seriously Mentally Ill (SMI) persons who have required frequent interventions
22. Arreguin – Adopt 1st reading of ordinance amending BMC 3.02 to allow the Mayor to approve LOA for a commissioner appointed by the council as a whole
23. Bartlett – Refer to CM to analyze potential for speed bump on Russell at King

INFORMATION REPORTS: 

 

 

24. Louis, Police – Audit Recommendation to manage overtime and security work for outside entities

 

++++++++++++++ City Council Agenda for May 7 ++++++++++++++++ 

 

CITY COUNCIL AGENDA Regular Meeting Agenda for May 7, 2024 at 6 pm 

Hybrid Meeting 

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

Videoconference: https://cityofberkeley-info.zoomgov.com/j/1602251843 

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

Meeting ID: 160 225 1843 

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

 

RECESS ITEMS: 

 

1. Bustamante, HHCS – Contract $30,000 with Dr. Lisa Hernandez for Health Officer Services during periods when City Health Officer is out of the office, 4/1/2024 – 4/1/2026
2. Fong, IT – Purchase Order $135,189 with SHI for KnowBe4 Products and Services for cyber security
3. Ferris, Parks - Amend 4 Contracts – add $500,000 to each Bay Area Tree Specialists (31900202), Hamilton Tree Service (31900193, Professional Tree Care (31900212) and West Coast Arborists (31900218) for as-needed tree services and extend terms to 5/28/2026
4. Ferris, Parks – Contract $95,000 with School Foodies for Summer Food Service 6/1/2024 – 5/31/2025 with option to extend for four 1-year extensions total not to exceed $475,000
5. Ferris, Parks – Contract $8,593,200 (includes 10% contingency of $781,200) with THE DUTRA GROUP for Docks D & E Replacement Project at Berkeley Marina. Authorizes City Manager to execute amendments, extensions and change orders until project is completed
6. Ferris, Parks – Amend Contract No. 32300187 add $198,000 total $374,669 with First Serve Productions for additional sport court repair
7. Ferris, Parks – Contract $4,612,920 (includes 5% contingency of $230,646) with THE DUTRA GROUP for Berkeley Marina Dredging Authorizes City Manager to execute amendments, extensions and change orders until project is completed

AGENDA on CONSENT: 

 

 

8. Ernst, HHCS – 2nd reading to reform the Human Welfare and Community Action Commission (Kesarwani voted no on the first reading)
9. Numainville, City Clerk - Minutes for approval
10. Numainville, City Clerk – Calling for Consolidated General Municipal Election for November 5, 2024
11. Numainville, City Clerk – Ballot Measure increasing the City’s Appropriations Linit to allow expenditure of tax proceeds for FY 2025 – 2028
12. Numainville, City Clerk – Designate Ballot Measure Argument Authors – Initiative Ordinance Prohibiting Animal Feeding Operations
13. Radu, CM Office – Amend Contract No. 117569-1 add $25,000 total $127,218 with Animal Fix Clinic to provide no-cost spay and neuter surgeries to pets of eligible owners and shelter animals for FY 2024
14. Radu, CM Office – Return Unspent Funding $400,140.17 of $2,200,000 to UC Berkeley for Rodeway Inn for Winter Shelter
15. Oyekanmi, Finance – Formal Bid Solicitations $3,700,000, Comprehensive Permit Management Software Solution $3,500,000 and Dispatch Implementation and Ongoing Support $200,000
16. Sprague,Fire – Contact $4,000,000 for As-Needed Hazardous Fire Fuel Management and Treatment 1. California Tree Solutions $1,000,000, 2. Mountain Enterprises Inc. $1,000,000, 3. Small World Tree Co. $1,000,000, 4. Bay Area Tree Specialists $1,000,000 5/18/2024 – 5/17/2028
17. Sprague, Fire – Grant Application for FEMA for up to $7,703,926.83 with no city matching funds to hire additional fire fighters to meet National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1710 standard for fire suppression operations
18. Sprague, Fire – Contract $213,000 with Marin SB Advisor LLC to provide management for Berkeley Chipper Day from 6/1/2024 – 5/31/2027 with option to extend for 3 additional years for $250,000 total $463,000
19. Sprague, Fire – Modification and Adoption of Berkeley Fire Code Local Amendments and Incorporation of California Intervening Code Adoption Cycle Amendments Based on 2022 California Fire Code
20. Bustamante, HHCS – Amend Contract No. 32300108 add $100,000 total $199,500 with Street Level Advisors, LLC for Housing Consulting Services and extend to 6/30/2025
21. Bustamante, HHCS – Contract $150,000 with The Labor Compliance Managers for Labor Compliance Consultant for HARD HATS Ordinance 8/1/2024 – 7/31/2027
22. Bustamante, HHCS – Amend Contract 32300144 add $15,000 total $250,000 with Resource Development Associates (RDA) for SCU evaluation
23. Bustamante, HHCS – Amend Contract No. 32200191 add $250,000 total $500,000 with Options Recovery services for Substance Use Disorder 1/1/2022 – 6/30/2025 adds 2 years to existing contract
24. Bustamante, HHCS – Contract $166,080 ($41,520 / year) with City Data Services for Streamlined Community Agency Contract Administration and Monitoring 7/1/2024 – 6/30/2028
25. Bustamante, HHCS – Revenue Grant Agreements: Funding from State of California and Alameda County for Public Health Services, 1. HIV/AIDS Surveillance $25,701/year total $128,505 for FY 2025 – 2029, 2. Sexually Transmitted Infection Prevention $13,625/year total $27,250 for FY 2025 – 2026, 3. TB prevention $35,197 for FY 2025 from Alameda County, 4. Public Health Infrastructure $32,080 FY 2025 from Alameda County
26. Bustamante, HHCS – Amend Contract No. 32300134 add $275,000 total $4,845,500 to funding from State of CA Crisis Care Mobile Units with Bonita House for Specialized Care Unit
27. Kouyoumdjian, HR – 2023 Fee assessment – State of California Self-Insurance Fund (Worker’s Comp) authorizes payment for FY 2022-2023 for $240,397.76
28. Kouyoumdjian, HR – Rename Legislative Assistant to Legislative Aide and approve job specifications and salary range
29. Fong, IT – Contract $500,000with Catalls Public Works and Citizen Engagement, LLC for New Community Relationship Management (DRM) System, 6/1/2024 – 6/30/2029
30. Ferris, Parks - Amend Contract No. 32000188 add $200,000 total $425,000 with GSI Environmental Inc for environmental consulting services
31. Ferris, Parks - Donation $10,000 from Friends of the Rose Garden/Berkeley Partners
32. Ferris, Parks – Amend Contract No 32200098 add $115,000 total $1,453,000 with ERA Construction, Inc. for O & K Docks Electrical Upgrades Project
33. a. Commission on Aging – Refer to the CM steps to revisit and act on the recommendations of the Berkeley Age-Friendly Action Plan, b. Bustamante, HHCS – Companion Report 1. Refer to Transportation Commission to collaborate with Commission on Aging to assess public transportation options for older adult and disabled community, 2. Refer to the Housing Advisory Commission to collaborate with staff to assess the level of affordable, accessible housing options for older adults, 3. Refer Commission on Aging’s request for increased funding to the Budget and Finance Committees
34. Disaster and Fire Safety Commission (DFSC) – DFSC Supports funding of a Program Manager II Position
35. Disaster and Fire Safety Commission – Use Measure FF to Support Understory Mitigation, one-time eucalyptus understory cleanups

Council Consent Items: 

 

 

36. Arreguin – Budget Referral $70,000for school supplies
37. Arreguin – Budget Referral $50,000 Replenish Business Mitigation Fund due to vandalism and other problematic behavior
38. Arreguin – Budget Referral $10,000 maintenance of Cesar Chavez Solar Calendar
39. Taplin – Budget Referral $320,000 SafeCity Connect Downtown Berkeley Pilot Program for 2-year security camera program
40. Taplin – Budget Referral $82,000 for Waterside Workshops to support youth enrichment and climate resilience programs following revenue losses due to construction and street closures on Bolivar Drive
41. Taplin, co-sponsors Wengraf and Humbert – Ordinance amending BMC to include non-discrimination protections based on family and relationship structure
42. Taplin, - Budget Referral $300,000 unior Jackets Capacity-Building Grant to provide Young Lives Matter Foundation, Inc with funding for 2 years of operating costs for the Berkeley Junior Jackets Football and Cheer youth sports program and to develop longer-term sustainability and growth plans for the organization. Direct the CM to evaluate organizational capacity and strategic planning supported by this funding on a rolling basis consistent with Reimagining Public Safety and Gun Violence Prevention Program
43. Taplin, co-sponsor Humbert – Budget Referral $200,000 Vision Zero Rapid Response on Bicycle Blvd 1. Refer to CM to incorporate Oakland’s Neighborhood Bike Route implementation Guide for all Bicycle Blvds in Berkeley’s Bicycle Plan, 2. Refer $200,000 for Pilot Implementation of Neighborhood Bikeway standards and Complete Streets and prioritizing implementation on Bicycle Blvds on high injury streets and/or the Equity Priority Area
44. Bartlett, co-sponsor Hahn – Expenditure of discretionary council office budget for Celebracion Cultural Sylvia Mendez
45. Bartlett – Budget Referral $60,000 to support Healthy Black Families Community Engagement – Ashby BART Development and Equitable Black Berkeley
46. Hahn, co-sponsors Taplin, Bartlett – Budget Referral Fund Small Sites Program to Acquire, Rehabilitate, and Protect Existing Small Scale Housing $200,000 in FY 2025 and $150,000 FY 2026 for Capacity Building grants to the Bay Are Community Land Trust to support expanded participation in the City’s Small Sites Program,
47. Hahn, co-sponsors Humbert, Taplin, Bartlett – Budget Referral $360,000 over two FY 2025 & FY 2026 to continue Market match Program for Low-Income Berkeley Residents in accessing fresh local produce from Berkeley Farmer’s Markets
48. Hahn, co-sponsor - Hahn, co-sponsor Wengraf – Budget Referral $20,000 ($10,000 per year) to support the September Solano Stroll events
49. Hahn, co-sponsor Arreguin – Budget Referral CARE Program for Berkeley Fire Department, 1) Pilot Project to screen for cancer $40,000/year for 2 years, 2. Add FTE to Fire Dept for an in-House Fire Mechanic to service Fire Apparatus on-site $203,107 inclusive of benefits, $350,000 in one-time funds to purchase the necessary tools and equipment, 3. Fire Reserve Program to support recruitment $120,000/year ongoing to cover salaries for 6 interns training, supervision and equipment, 4. For one-time FFE (furniture, fixtures and equipment) upgrades to all Fire Stations Total $140,000 over 2 years for new appliances/enhancements to prevent cancer
50. Hahn, co-sponsor Wengraf – Resolution in Support of the Campaign for a Safe and Healthy California Send to Newsom endorse campaign upholding SB 1137 which prohibits new oil and gas wells within 3200 feet of homes, schools, nursing homes and hospitals and requires companies to adopt health, safety and environment standards.
51. Hahn, co-sponsor – Budget Referral $200,000 for Development of Voluntary Design Guidelines
52. Wengraf, co-sponsors Humbert, Taplin, Hahn – Budget Referral $7,000 per year for City of Berkeley Annual Holocaust Remembrance Day
53. Wengraf , co-sponsor Hahn – Budget Referral - $22,000 for Crossing Guard for Cragmont School
54. Wengraf – Budget referral $110,000 for Hybrid Commission Meetings for infrastructure costs to conduct hybrid commission meetings
55. Wengraf, co-sponsors Taplin, Hahn – Budget Referral $70,000 to evaluate pedestrian safety and implement solutions on Euclid between Eunice and Bay View Place
56. Wengraf – Budget Referral $300,000 Civic Center Plan III Advancing Pre-Design & Construction Activities for Berkeley’s Maudelle Shirek and Veterans Buildings

AGENDA on ACTION: 

 

 

57. Klein, Planning – Re-Adoption of Berkeley Building Codes, Including Local Amendments to the 2022 California Building standards Code including adopting a resolution setting forth findings of local conditions that justify more stringent regulations than those provided by the 2022 California Building Standards. First reading of ordinance
58. Agenda and Rules Committee – Proposed Changes to Public Comment Refer to City Manager to review and implement recommendations by the Open Government Commission to improve public access, transparency, meeting procedures and public comment at City Council and commission meetings. Direct the CM to return back to Council with amendments to the City Council Rules of Procedure and Order to implement these recommendations (committee - qualified positive recommendation)

INFORMATION REPORTS: 

 

 

59. Environment and Climate Commission 2024 Work Plan.

 

DISPOSITION of ITEMS REMOVED from DRAFT AGENDA: 

Referred to Public Safety Committee – Item 53 in draft agenda – Panoramic Hill a. Disaster and Fire Safety Commission – Adopt a resolution approving the development of a plan regarding Panoramic Hill Secondary Evacuation egress road, b. Sprague, Fire – Companion Report – Adopt a resolution directing the Fire Department to reach out to other impacted landowners to determine interest in pursuing and coordinate costs sharing to conduct a feasibility study to identify a safe secondary evacuation and access route for Panoramic Hill and share results with Public Safety Committee 

Referred to FITES – Item 58 in draft agenda - Bartlett – Recommendation that mayor and council establish EVITP (Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program) to address increasing safety and fire concerns. Ordinance would require 50% of electricians per job installing and maintaining city-funded EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment and infrastructure to be certified by EVITP 

 

+++++++++++++++++ City Council Agenda for May 14, 2024 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 

 

CITY COUNCIL AGENDA for May 14, 2024 at 6 pm 

Hybrid Meeting 

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

Videoconference: https://cityofberkeley-info.zoomgov.com/j/1617988895 

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

Meeting ID: 161 798 8895 

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

 

RECESS ITEM: 

 

1. Grant Application: Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act (LEMWHA) Program Grant to support contract with the Public Safety Family Counseling Group (PSFG) for Crisis Intervention and Critical Incident Stress Management Services

AGENDA on CONSENT: 

 

 

2. Brown, City Attorney - Repeal of BMC 12.80 Natural Gas Ban in new construction, 9th Circuit Court of Appeals found ordinance unlawful in California Restaurant Association v. City of Berkeley
3. Friedrichsen, Budget Manager – Amendment FY 2024 Annual Appropriations Ordinance $64,477,630 (gross) and $52,604,888 (net)
4. Sprague, Fire – Grant Application - $200,000 California Fire Safe Council (CFSC) Grant to establish an Alameda County Coordinator
5. Gilman, HHCS – amend Contract No. 32100126 add $25,000 total $175,000 with Anjanette Scott LLC for Housing Consultant Services
6. Kouyoumdjian, HR – Reinstatement of sick Leave
7. Ferris, Parks – Amendment #1 MOU with WETA (Water Emergency Transportation Authority) to accept up to $3,000,000 in WETA funding for the engineering, design and environmental phase of the new pier-ferry project at Berkeley Marina
8. Ferris, Parks – Contract $6,500,000 includes $250,000 Contingency with COWI North America, In for engineering and design of the Berkeley Water Transportation Pier Ferry Project
9. Davis, Public Works - Accept Donation $18,000 from Friends of Fountain Walk for installation of Benches and Repairs to Balustrades of Fountain at Marin Circle
10. Davis, Public Works – Accept Donation $50,000 from Residents of The Uplands from residents of 255 – 305 The Uplands to resurface City owned parcel (public street)
11. Davis, Public Works – Bike Share Electric-Assist Bicycle Expansion Agreement with Lyft Bikes and Scooters, LLC for the addition of 221 docked electric-assist bicycles and 11 infill bike share stations
12. Davis, Public works – Amend Contract No. 32300096 add $1,530,000 total $2,244,022 with SCS Engineers for Landfill Post-Closure Maintenance and Monitoring Services
13. Davis, Public Works – Amend Contract No. 32300080 add $750,000 total $1,500,000 with CSW Stuber-Stroeh Engineering Group for on-call engineering services and extend contract from 12/31/2025 - 6/30/2027
14. Davis, Public Works – Contract (Specification No 23-11556-C)$460,350 with Koios Engineering, Inc. for MRP Trash Capture FY 2023 Project
15. Davis, Public Works – Final Map of Tract 8639: 3000 San Pablo for 79-unit condominium project consisting of 78 residential units and 1 commercial unit at 3000 San Pablo
16. Davis, Public Works – Increase PO No. 22203563 for Nicholas K Corp dba Ford Store San Leandro add $20,000 total $155,000 for increased cost new vehicles
17. Davis, Public Works – PO $500,000 with SWARCO McCain Inc for Traffic Signal Controllers until 6/30/2026
18. Davis, Public Works – Revised Fees for Public Use of City-Owned EV Charging Ports
19. Arreguin, co-sponsors Hahn, Wengraf – Support SB 1060 (introduced by Senator Becker, coauthor Senator Dodd) – bill text (it is short) https://legiscan.com/CA/text/SB1060/2023 SB 1060 requires the insurer to use risk models that account for wildfire risk reduction associated with hazardous fue reduction, home hardening, defensible space and fire prevention activities.
20. Arreguin, co-sponsors Hahn, Wengraf – Support SB 1144 (Skinner) – directed to sale of stolen goods online - bill text (medium length) https://legiscan.com/CA/text/SB1144/id/2929074 SB 1144 requires that online high-volume (200 sales or more or $5,000 or more in gross revenue) 3rd party seller to Californians produced, procured, purchased, or acquired consumer products in legal manner.
21. Arreguin - City Council Committee and Regional Body Appointments
22. Arreguin – Elections Code 9212 Report on Street Paving Initiatives
23. Taplin – Budget Referral $110,000 for BYA (Berkeley Youth Alternatives) Counseling Center and Summer Jam Day Camp
24. Hahn , co-sponsors Taplin, Wengraf, Humbert– Relinquishment of Council Budget Funds to Berkeley Symphony Spring Benefit

AGENDA on ACTION: 

 

 

25. Numainville, City Clerk – 2024 City Council Referral Prioritization using Re-Weighted Range Voting (this is where council reviews referrals to the CM prioritizes and eliminates referrals from the list
26. Arredondo, CM Office – Reimagining Public Safety Update
27. Kesarwani – Refer to CM to implement AB 1033 (Ting - passed 2023) allowing ADUs to be sold separately from primary residence – bill text (long) https://legiscan.com/CA/text/AB1033/id/2832426 ADUs defined as not exceeding 1200 sq ft if separate /detached or if attached shall not exceed more than 50% of existing primary dwelling
28. Taplin – Adopt Resolution designating J-Dock for community service and recreational educational uses and direct CM to retain 2 slips for Cal Sailing Club

INFORMATION REPORTS: 

 

 

29. Kouyoumdjian, HR – Update response to Audit Directives
30. Wong, Auditor – Audit Follow-up Status

 

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

 

LAND USE CALENDAR 

2113-2115 Kittredge (California Theater) 6/4/2024 

3000 Shattuck (construct 10-story mixed-use building) TBD 

 

WORK SESSIONS & SPECIAL MEETINGS: 

 

• May 7 at 4:15 pm Community Agency Allocation Process
• May 7 at 5:45 pm (tentative) Adopt the Results of the April 16 Special Election
• May 7 City Manager Comments BINDEX Update
• May 14 at 4:30 pm Annual Report: Police Accountability Board and Office of the Director of Police Accountability Worksession
• May 21 at 4 pm Inclusionary Housing In-Lieu Fee Feasibility Study – worksession
• May 23 at 4 pm (tentative) Library Tax Ballot Measure, Webinar that night on insurance crisis at 7 pm
• September 17 - open
• October 22 Draft Waterfront Specific Plan

 

UNSCHEDULED WORK SESSIONS & SPECIAL MEETINGS 

 

• Ballot Measures for November 2024 (May special Meeting – 5/23 at 4 pm tentative)
• Ballot Measures for November 2024 and results Community Survey (June Special meeting 6/13 at 6 pm tentative)

• Ashby BART Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Berkeley – El Cerrito Corridor Access Plan Presentation
• Dispatch Needs Assessment Presentation
• Presentation on Homelessness/Re-Housing/Thousand-Person Plan (TBD regular agenda)

 

COUNCIL REFERRALS to AGENDA and RULES COMMITTEE and UNFINISHED BUSINESS 

 

• Demolition Ordinance - Zoning Amendments BMC 23.326 Demolition and Dwelling Unit Controls

. 

 

++++ 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. 

 

+++++++++ HINTS for MANAGING CLOSED CAPTIONING and TRANSCRIPTS ++++++++ 

 

For ZOOM Meetings 

CLOSED CAPTIONING, SAVE TRANSCRIPT OVERVIEW, CHAT, DIRECTIONS and ZOOM SUPPORT LINKS: 

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

 

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

ATTENDEES 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Saving CHAT: There are three dots at the bottom of the CHAT. If you click on these you should get a menu to save the CHAT. 

 

How to FLOAT / DETACH the CHAT or TRANSCRIPT from the ZOOM SCREEN so you can see one or both  

 

At the upper corner of the transcript and the chat there is a tiny box with an arrow. If you click on this the transcript and chat will pop out of being connected to the zoom screen. You can then move these on your screen for easier continuous viewing. 

 

If you activated the CHAT or the TRANSCRIPT and it has disappeared look for the header at the top of the zoom screen that says “exit full screen”. Click on that and you should see the CHAT or TRANSCRIPT again. 

 

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

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

 

FOR THE HOST Creating / Scheduling a ZOOM Meeting 

HOW TO SET UP TRANSCRIPTS, CLOSED CAPTIONING 

 

When scheduling a meeting go to “Settings” scroll down to “Automated Captions” and allow captions, then allow “Full Transcript” and “Save Captions”. Once you change these settings, they will stay as part of your profile. 

 

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

 

+++++++ HOW TO CONVERT a YOUTUBE VIDEO INTO a TRANSCRIPT ++++++++ 

 

Open the website https://youtubetranscript.com/ 

Copy the YouTube url into the box with “enter a youtube url” and click on go 

The transcript (not perfect, some words will be missed, but close) will appear instantaneously 

Worth Noting:

May 4 and May 5 are the free in person Bringing Back the Natives Garden tours from 10 am – 5 pm. Visit gardens planned around butterflies, hummingbirds, and caterpillars (baby bird food). Previewing the gardens online before going out is highly recommended. Saturday East Bay bayside cities list 42 gardens open to the public (all are private gardens except (1) the pollinator pathway). Sunday - Inland cities list 18 gardens (all are private except (1) the John Muir Historic site).

• You must REGISTER to receive the garden tour addresses (email will arrive from Kathy Kramer with subject line Garden Tour addresses, maps and tickets) https://www.bringingbackthenatives.net/view-gardens
• How to make your windows bird safe is on the Saturday Berkeley Garden Tour at Keith Johnson’s and Erin Diehm’s house. Their display includes multiple samples of window film and inexpensive DIY projects.
• The YouTube channel with webinars and videos of prior Bringing Back the Native Garden Tours is at: https://www.youtube.com/c/BringingBacktheNativesGardenTour
• Douglas Tallamy gives the “why” of seeing little bites out of plant leaves is reason to celebrate and not take a trip to by pesticide poisons. Even Hummingbird babies need insects to grow and fledge. https://youtu.be/ft7tWw470sY?si=PpujMALov3q9_hVP
• Calscape is the California Native Plant resource https://calscape.org

This is the 20th year of the annual garden tours. Several tour stops include all electric green homes.

 

• Tuesday, April 30, 2024: From 11 am – 12:30 pm the MHSA Advisory Committee meets in the hybrid format (this is a new meeting posting)
• Wednesday, May 1, 2024:
  • At 2:30 pm the Agenda and Rules Committee meets in the hybrid format. At 6:30 pm the Board of Library Trustees meets in person.
  • At 7 pm the Homeless Services Panel of Experts meets in person.
  • At 6 pm the Planning Commission meets in person.
• Thursday, May 2, 2024:
  • At 6 pm the Zero Waste Strategic Plan workshop meets in person.
  • At 6:30 pm the Landmarks Preservation Commission meets in person.
  • At 7 pm the Housing Advisory Commission meets in person.
• Saturday, May 4, 2024: From 10 am – 5 pm, forty-two native plant gardens in East Bay bayside cities are opened to the public through the Bringing Back the Natives Garden Tour.
• Sunday, May 5, 2024: From 10 am – 5 pm, eighteen native plant gardens in East Bay inland cities are opened to the public through the Bringing Back the Natives Garden Tour.

 

Other Notes:  

• The City Council May 7, 2024 Agenda is available for comment
• The City website format change for retrieving agendas for Boards and Commissions and Council Committees – click on the carrot/down arrow to right of date for meeting locations, agendas, documents, and communications.
• Agendas and minutes now go back to January 2019.
• Check the City website for late announcements and meetings posted on short notice at: https://berkeleyca.gov/
• At the bottom are the directions for getting on or off the email list for the Activist’s Calendar and Activist’s Diary and how to make the most out of ZOOM with closed captioning, zoom transcripts and converting YouTube to a transcript.

 

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++  

 

BERKELEY PUBLIC MEETINGS AND CIVIC EVENTS 

 

Sunday, April 28, 2024 – No City meetings found 

Monday, April 29, 2024– No City meetings found 

 

Tuesday, April 30, 2024 

 

MHSA ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING from 11 am – 12:30 pm 

A Hybrid Meeting 

In-Person: at 2640 Martin Luther King Jr Way 

Videoconference: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/8446733966?pwd=OGp3Tm5LQTc5TGdhb2tYWllKcDVhdz09&omn=89904190742 

Teleconference: 1-669-444-9171  

Meeting ID: 844 673 3966 Passcode: 081337 

AGENDA: not provided 

KKlatt@berkeleyca.gov 

 

Wednesday, May 1, 2024 

 

AGENDA AND RULES COMMITTEE Meeting at 2:30 pm 

Hybrid Meeting 

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

Videoconference: https://cityofberkeley-info.zoomgov.com/j/1617670267 

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

Meeting ID: 161 767 0267 

AGENDA: Public Comment on non-agenda and items 1 – 7. 1. Minutes, 2. Review and Approve 5/14/2024 -- 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 Systems Redesign, 10. Amend BMC Chapter 3.78 to Expand Eligibility Requirements for Representatives of The Poor to Serve on The Human Welfare and Community Action Commission, UNSCHEDULED ITEMS: 11. Modifications or Improvements to City Council Meeting Procedures, 12. Strengthening and Supporting City Commission: Guidance on Development of Legislative Proposals, 13. Discussion and Recommendations on the Continued Use of Berkeley Considers. (packet --- pages) 

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

 

BOARD of LIBRARY TRUSTEES (BOLT) at 6:30 pm 

In-Person: at 1125 University, West Branch 

AGENDA: II. B. Amend Contract No. 31900013 add $260,829 total $795,651 from 7/1/2024 – 6/30/2027 for software licensing and maintenance for Library’s CARL X Integrated Library System, III.A. Proposed Budget for FY 2025- 2026 (expenditures exceed revenue difference made up with grants, Friends of Library and Foundations) 

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

 

HOMELESS SERVICES PANEL of EXPERTS (HSPE) at 7 pm 

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

AGENDA: 6. Presentation Homeless System and All Homes Gaps Analysis, 7. Chair Update, 8. Safety protocol in Berkeley shelters, 9. Discussion/possible action on accountability of community-based providers under contract with City of Berkeley, 10. Staff presentation on CES (Coordinated Entry System) and HMS (Homeless Management Information System), information collected 

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

 

PLANNING COMMISSION at 6 pm 

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

AGENDA: 10. Keep Innovation in Berkeley receive staff report and provide direction to prepare zoning ordinance amendments. 

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

 

Thursday, May 2, 2024 

 

HOUSING ADVISORY COMMISSION (HAC) at 7 pm 

In-Person: 2939 Ellis 

AGENDA: 6. Presentation Bay Area Housing Finance Agency (BAHFA) Regional Bond Measure, 7. Presentation San Pablo Specific Plan Update, 8. HAC Work Plan Process. 

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

 

LANDMARKS PRESERVATION COMMISSION (LPC) at 6:30 pm  

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

AGENDA: 2462 Bancroft Way – Demolition Referral (Use Permit #ZP2023-0107) – to demolish commercial building over 40 years old, 7. 1401 LeRoy – Structural Alteration Permit (LMSAP2024-0002) for the John Galen Howard House – public hearing – request to make repairs and improve fire safety, 8. Annual Report to City Council. 

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

 

ZERO WASTE STRATEGIC PLAN from 6 – 7:30 pm 

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

AGENDA: Project Overview with public comment (virtual workshop offered on May 15 from 6 – 7:30 pm) 

https://berkeleyca.gov/city-services/trash-recycling/zero-waste-strategic-plan 

 

Friday, May 3, 2024 – No City meetings found 

 

Saturday, May 4, 2024 

 

BRINGING BACK the NATIVES GARDEN TOUR (free) from 10 am – 5 pm  

• YOU MUST REGISTER TO RECEIVE GARDEN ADDRESSES
• PREVIEW GARDENS on website and REGISTER: Tour is free, donations encouraged, https://www.bringingbackthenatives.net/view-gardens
• BAYSIDE CITY LOCATIONS (number of gardens): Alameda (1), Albany (3), Berkeley (10), Castro Valley (5), El Cerrito (2), Hayward (4), Kensington (1), Oakland (8), Piedmont (1), Pinole (2), Richmond (3), San Leandro (2), San Pablo (1)

Tour includes small and large gardens, all electric green homes and display of bird safe glass treatments at Keith Johnson and Erin Diehm in Berkeley, check out Stephanie Pruegel in San Leandro 

 

Sunday, May 5, 2024 

 

BRINGING BACK the NATIVES GARDEN TOUR (free) from 10 am – 5 pm  

• YOU MUST REGISTER TO RECEIVE GARDEN ADDRESSES
• PREVIEW GARDENS on website and REGISTER: Tour is free, donations encouraged, https://www.bringingbackthenatives.net/view-gardens
• INLAND CITY LOCATIONS (number of gardens): Antioch (1), Clayton (1), Concord (1), Danville (1), Lafayette (1), Livermore (5), Martinez (2), Moraga (1), Pleasant Hill (1), San Ramon (3) Walnut Creek (1)

 

+++++++ DRAFT AGENDA for MAY 14 – TO BE REVIEWED ON MAY 1, 2024 +++++++ 

 

AGENDA AND RULES COMMITTEE Meeting at 2:30 pm on Monday, May 1, 2024 

 

DRAFT AGENDA for May 14, 2024 Regular City Council Meeting 

Hybrid Meeting 

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

Videoconference: https://cityofberkeley-info.zoomgov.com/j/1617670267 

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

Meeting ID: 161 767 0267 

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

 

RECESS ITEM: 

1. Grant Application: Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act (LEMWHA) Program Grant to support contract with the Public Safety Family Counseling Group (PSFG) for Crisis Intervention and Critical Incident Stress Management Services

AGENDA on CONSENT: 

2. Brown,City Attorney - Repeal of BMC 12.80 Natural Gas Ban in new construction, 9th Circuit Court of Appeals found ordinance unlawful in California Restaurant Association v. City of Berkeley
3. Friedrichsen, Budget Manager – Amendment FY 2024 Annual Appropriations Ordinance $64,477,630 (gross) and $52,604,888 (net)
4. Sprague, Fire – Grant Application - $200,000 California Fire Safe Council (CFSC) Grant to establish an Alameda County Coordinator
5. Gilman, HHCS – amend Contract No. 32100126 add $25,000 total $175,000 with Anjanette Scott LLC for Housing Consultant Services
6. Kouyoumdjian, HR – Reinstatement of sick Leave
7. Ferris, Parks – Amendment #1 MOU with WETA (Water Emergency Transportation Authority) to accept up to $3,000,000 in WETA funding for the engineering, design and environmental phase of the new pier-ferry project at Berkeley Marina
8. Ferris, Parks – Contract $6,500,000 includes $250,000 Contingency with COWI North America, In for engineering and design of the Berkeley Water Transportation Pier Ferry Project
9. Davis, Public Works - Accept Donation $18,000 from Friends of Fountain Walk for installation of Benches and Repairs to Balustrades of Fountain at Marin Circle
10. Davis, Public Works – Accept Donation $50,000 from Residents of The Uplands from residents of 255 – 305 The Uplands to resurface City owned parcel (public street)
11. Davis, Public Works – Bike Share Electric-Assist Bicycle Expansion Agreement with Lyft Bikes and Scooters, LLC for the addition of 221 docked electric-assist bicycles and 11 infill bike share stations
12. Davis, Public works – Amend Contract No. 32300096 add $1,530,000 total $2,244,022 with SCS Engineers for Landfill Post-Closure Maintenance and Monitoring Services
13. Davis, Public Works – Amend Contract No. 32300080 add $750,000 total $1,500,000 with CSW Stuber-Stroeh Engineering Group for on-call engineering services and extend contract from 12/31/2025 - 6/30/2027
14. Davis, Public Works – Contract (Specification No 23-11556-C)$460,350 with Koios Engineering, Inc. for MRP Trash Capture FY 2023 Project
15. Davis, Public Works – Final Map of Tract 8639: 3000 San Pablo for 79-unit condominium project consisting of 78 residential units and 1 commercial unit at 3000 San Pablo
16. Davis, Public Works – Increase PO No. 22203563 for Nicholas K Corp dba Ford Store San Leandro add $20,000 total $155,000 for increased cost new vehicles
17. Davis, Public Works – PO $500,000 with SWARCO McCain Inc for Traffic Signal Controllers until 6/30/2026
18. Davis, Public Works – Revised Fees for Public Use of City-Owned EV Charging Ports
19. Arreguin – Support SB 1060 (introduced by Senator Becker, coauthor Senator Dodd) – bill text (it is short) https://legiscan.com/CA/text/SB1060/2023 SB 1060 requires the insurer to use risk models that account for wildfire risk reduction associated with hazardous fue reduction, home hardening, defensible space and fire prevention activities.
20. Arreguin – Support SB 1144 (Skinner) – directed to sale of stolen goods online - bill text (medium length) https://legiscan.com/CA/text/SB1144/id/2929074 SB 1144 requires that online high-volume (200 sales or more or $5,000 or more in gross revenue) 3rd party seller to Californians produced, procured, purchased, or acquired consumer products in legal manner.
21. Taplin – Budget Referral $110,000 for BYA (Berkeley Youth Alternatives) Counseling Center and Summer Jam Day Camp
22. Hahn – Relinquishment of Council Budget Funds to Berkeley Symphony Spring Benefit

AGENDA on ACTION: 

23. Naumainville, City Clerk – 2024 City Council Referral Prioritization using Re-Weighted Range Voting (this is where council reviews referrals to the CM prioritizes and eliminates referrals from the list
24. Arredondo, CM Office – Reimagining Public Safety Update
25. Kesarwani – Refer to CM to implement AB 1033 (Ting - passed 2023) allowing ADUs to be sold separately from primary residence – bill text (long) https://legiscan.com/CA/text/AB1033/id/2832426 ADUs defined as not exceeding 1200 sq ft if separate /detached or if attached shall not exceed more than 50% of existing primary dwelling
26. Taplin – Adopt Resolution designating J-Dock for community service and recreational educational uses and direct CM to retain 2 slips for Cal Sailing Club
27. Kouyoumdjian, HR – Update response to Audit Directives
28. Wong, Auditor – Audit Follow-up Status

 

+++++++++++++++ CITY COUNCIL AGENDAS FOR MAY 7, 2024 ++++++++ 

 

CITY COUNCIL AGENDAS for May 7, 2024 

Hybrid Meeting 

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

Videoconference: https://cityofberkeley-info.zoomgov.com/j/1602251843 

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

Meeting ID: 160 225 1843 

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

 

CITY COUNCIL 4:15 pm Special Meeting 

AGENDA on ACTION: 

1. Public Hearing on submission of PY 2024 (program year) (FY 2025) Annual Action Plan Containing Allocations of Federal Funds to Community Agencies and Recommendation of Other Local and State Funding to Community Agencies for FY 2025 – 2028, includes HUD funds and allocation of federal funding for community agencies.

 

CITY COUNCIL 6 pm Regular Meeting Agenda 

RECESS ITEMS: 

1. Bustamante, HHCS – Contract $30,000 with Dr. Lisa Hernandez for Health Officer Services during periods when City Health Officer is out of the office, 4/1/2024 – 4/1/2026
2. Fong, IT – Purchase Order $135,189 with SHI for KnowBe4 Products and Services for cyber security
3. Ferris, Parks - Amend 4 Contracts – add $500,000 to each Bay Area Tree Specialists (31900202), Hamilton Tree Service (31900193, Professional Tree Care (31900212) and West Coast Arborists (31900218) for as-needed tree services and extend terms to 5/28/2026
4. Ferris, Parks – Contract $95,000 with School Foodies for Summer Food Service 6/1/2024 – 5/31/2025 with option to extend for four 1-year extensions total not to exceed $475,000
5. Ferris, Parks – Contract $8,593,200 (includes 10% contingency of $781,200) with THE DUTRA GROUP for Docks D & E Replacement Project at Berkeley Marina. Authorizes City Manager to execute amendments, extensions and change orders until project is completed
6. Ferris, Parks – Amend Contract No. 32300187 add $198,000 total $374,669 with First Serve Productions for additional sport court repair
7. Ferris, Parks – Contract $4,612,920 (includes 5% contingency of $230,646) with THE DUTRA GROUP for Berkeley Marina Dredging Authorizes City Manager to execute amendments, extensions and change orders until project is completed

AGENDA on CONSENT: 

8. Ernst, HHCS – 2nd reading to reform the Human Welfare and Community Action Commission (Kesarwani voted no on the first reading)
9. Numainville, City Clerk - Minutes for approval
10. Numainville, City Clerk – Calling for Consolidated General Municipal Election for November 5, 2024
11. Numainville, City Clerk – Ballot Measure increasing the City’s Appropriations Linit to allow expenditure of tax proceeds for FY 2025 – 2028
12. Numainville, City Clerk – Designate Ballot Measure Argument Authors – Initiative Ordinance Prohibiting Animal Feeding Operations
13. Radu, CM Office – Amend Contract No. 117569-1 add $25,000 total $127,218 with Animal Fix Clinic to provide no-cost spay and neuter surgeries to pets of eligible owners and shelter animals for FY 2024
14. Radu, CM Office – Return Unspent Funding $400,140.17 of $2,200,000 to UC Berkeley for Rodeway Inn for Winter Shelter
15. Oyekanmi, Finance – Formal Bid Solicitations $3,700,000, Comprehensive Permit Management Software Solution $3,500,000 and Dispatch Implementation and Ongoing Support $200,000
16. Sprague,Fire – Contact $4,000,000 for As-Needed Hazardous Fire Fuel Management and Treatment 1. California Tree Solutions $1,000,000, 2. Mountain Enterprises Inc. $1,000,000, 3. Small World Tree Co. $1,000,000, 4. Bay Area Tree Specialists $1,000,000 5/18/2024 – 5/17/2028
17. Sprague, Fire – Grant Application for FEMA for up to $7,703,926.83 with no city matching funds to hire additional fire fighters to meet National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1710 standard for fire suppression operations
18. Sprague, Fire – Contract $213,000 with Marin SB Advisor LLC to provide management for Berkeley Chipper Day from 6/1/2024 – 5/31/2027 with option to extend for 3 additional years for $250,000 total $463,000
19. Sprague, Fire – Modification and Adoption of Berkeley Fire Code Local Amendments and Incorporation of California Intervening Code Adoption Cycle Amendments Based on 2022 California Fire Code
20. Bustamante, HHCS – Amend Contract No. 32300108 add $100,000 total $199,500 with Street Level Advisors, LLC for Housing Consulting Services and extend to 6/30/2025
21. Bustamante, HHCS – Contract $150,000 with The Labor Compliance Managers for Labor Compliance Consultant for HARD HATS Ordinance 8/1/2024 – 7/31/2027
22. Bustamante, HHCS – Amend Contract 32300144 add $15,000 total $250,000 with Resource Development Associates (RDA) for SCU evaluation
23. Bustamante, HHCS – Amend Contract No. 32200191 add $250,000 total $500,000 with Options Recovery services for Substance Use Disorder 1/1/2022 – 6/30/2025 adds 2 years to existing contract
24. Bustamante, HHCS – Contract $166,080 ($41,520 / year) with City Data Services for Streamlined Community Agency Contract Administration and Monitoring 7/1/2024 – 6/30/2028
25. Bustamante, HHCS – Revenue Grant Agreements: Funding from State of California and Alameda County for Public Health Services, 1. HIV/AIDS Surveillance $25,701/year total $128,505 for FY 2025 – 2029, 2. Sexually Transmitted Infection Prevention $13,625/year total $27,250 for FY 2025 – 2026, 3. TB prevention $35,197 for FY 2025 from Alameda County, 4. Public Health Infrastructure $32,080 FY 2025 from Alameda County
26. Bustamante, HHCS – Amend Contract No. 32300134 add $275,000 total $4,845,500 to funding from State of CA Crisis Care Mobile Units with Bonita House for Specialized Care Unit
27. Kouyoumdjian, HR – 2023 Fee assessment – State of California Self-Insurance Fund (Worker’s Comp) authorizes payment for FY 2022-2023 for $240,397.76
28. Kouyoumdjian, HR – Rename Legislative Assistant to Legislative Aide and approve job specifications and salary range
29. Fong, IT – Contract $500,000with Catalls Public Works and Citizen Engagement, LLC for New Community Relationship Management (DRM) System, 6/1/2024 – 6/30/2029
30. Ferris, Parks - Amend Contract No. 32000188 add $200,000 total $425,000 with GSI Environmental Inc for environmental consulting services
31. Ferris, Parks - Donation $10,000 from Friends of the Rose Garden/Berkeley Partners
32. Ferris, Parks – Amend Contract No 32200098 add $115,000 total $1,453,000 with ERA Construction, Inc. for O & K Docks Electrical Upgrades Project
33. a. Commission on Aging – Refer to the CM steps to revisit and act on the recommendations of the Berkeley Age-Friendly Action Plan, b. Bustamante, HHCS – Companion Report 1. Refer to Transportation Commission to collaborate with Commission on Aging to assess public transportation options for older adult and disabled community, 2. Refer to the Housing Advisory Commission to collaborate with staff to assess the level of affordable, accessible housing options for older adults, 3. Refer Commission on Aging’s request for increased funding to the Budget and Finance Committees
34. Disaster and Fire Safety Commission (DFSC) – DFSC Supports funding of a Program Manager II Position
35. Disaster and Fire Safety Commission – Use Measure FF to Support Understory Mitigation, one-time eucalyptus understory cleanups

Council Consent Items: 

36. Arreguin – Budget Referral $70,000for school supplies
37. Arreguin – Budget Referral $50,000 Replenish Business Mitigation Fund due to vandalism and other problematic behavior
38. Arreguin – Budget Referral $10,000 maintenance of Cesar Chavez Solar Calendar
39. Taplin – Budget Referral $320,000 SafeCity Connect Downtown Berkeley Pilot Program for 2-year security camera program
40. Taplin – Budget Referral $82,000 for Waterside Workshops to support youth enrichment and climate resilience programs following revenue losses due to construction and street closures on Bolivar Drive
41. Taplin, co-sponsors Wengraf and Humbert – Ordinance amending BMC to include non-discrimination protections based on family and relationship structure
42. Taplin, - Budget Referral $300,000 unior Jackets Capacity-Building Grant to provide Young Lives Matter Foundation, Inc with funding for 2 years of operating costs for the Berkeley Junior Jackets Football and Cheer youth sports program and to develop longer-term sustainability and growth plans for the organization. Direct the CM to evaluate organizational capacity and strategic planning supported by this funding on a rolling basis consistent with Reimagining Public Safety and Gun Violence Prevention Program
43. Taplin, co-sponsor Humbert – Budget Referral $200,000 Vision Zero Rapid Response on Bicycle Blvd 1. Refer to CM to incorporate Oakland’s Neighborhood Bike Route implementation Guide for all Bicycle Blvds in Berkeley’s Bicycle Plan, 2. Refer $200,000 for Pilot Implementation of Neighborhood Bikeway standards and Complete Streets and prioritizing implementation on Bicycle Blvds on high injury streets and/or the Equity Priority Area
44. Bartlett, co-sponsor Hahn – Expenditure of discretionary council office budget for Celebracion Cultural Sylvia Mendez
45. Bartlett – Budget Referral $60,000 to support Healthy Black Families Community Engagement – Ashby BART Development and Equitable Black Berkeley
46. Hahn, co-sponsors Taplin, Bartlett – Budget Referral Fund Small Sites Program to Acquire, Rehabilitate, and Protect Existing Small Scale Housing $200,000 in FY 2025 and $150,000 FY 2026 for Capacity Building grants to the Bay Are Community Land Trust to support expanded participation in the City’s Small Sites Program,
47. Hahn, co-sponsors Humbert, Taplin, Bartlett – Budget Referral $360,000 over two FY 2025 & FY 2026 to continue Market match Program for Low-Income Berkeley Residents in accessing fresh local produce from Berkeley Farmer’s Markets
48. Hahn, co-sponsor - Hahn, co-sponsor Wengraf – Budget Referral $20,000 ($10,000 per year) to support the September Solano Stroll events
49. Hahn, co-sponsor Arreguin – Budget Referral CARE Program for Berkeley Fire Department, 1) Pilot Project to screen for cancer $40,000/year for 2 years, 2. Add FTE to Fire Dept for an in-House Fire Mechanic to service Fire Apparatus on-site $203,107 inclusive of benefits, $350,000 in one-time funds to purchase the necessary tools and equipment, 3. Fire Reserve Program to support recruitment $120,000/year ongoing to cover salaries for 6 interns training, supervision and equipment, 4. For one-time FFE (furniture, fixtures and equipment) upgrades to all Fire Stations Total $140,000 over 2 years for new appliances/enhancements to prevent cancer
50. Hahn, co-sponsor Wengraf – Resolution in Support of the Campaign for a Safe and Healthy California Send to Newsom endorse campaign upholding SB 1137 which prohibits new oil and gas wells within 3200 feet of homes, schools, nursing homes and hospitals and requires companies to adopt health, safety and environment standards.
51. Hahn, co-sponsor – Budget Referral $200,000 for Development of Voluntary Design Guidelines
52. Wengraf, co-sponsors Humbert, Taplin, Hahn – Budget Referral $7,000 per year for City of Berkeley Annual Holocaust Remembrance Day
53. Wengraf , co-sponsor Hahn – Budget Referral - $22,000 for Crossing Guard for Cragmont School
54. Wengraf – Budget referral $110,000 for Hybrid Commission Meetings for infrastructure costs to conduct hybrid commission meetings
55. Wengraf, co-sponsors Taplin, Hahn – Budget Referral $70,000 to evaluate pedestrian safety and implement solutions on Euclid between Eunice and Bay View Place
56. Wengraf – Budget Referral $300,000 Civic Center Plan III Advancing Pre-Design & Construction Activities for Berkeley’s Maudelle Shirek and Veterans Buildings

AGENDA on ACTION: 

57. Klein, Planning – Re-Adoption of Berkeley Building Codes, Including Local Amendments to the 2022 California Building standards Code including adopting a resolution setting forth findings of local conditions that justify more stringent regulations than those provided by the 2022 California Building Standards. First reading of ordinance
58. Agenda and Rules Committee – Proposed Changes to Public Comment Refer to City Manager to review and implement recommendations by the Open Government Commission to improve public access, transparency, meeting procedures and public comment at City Council and commission meetings. Direct the CM to return back to Council with amendments to the City Council Rules of Procedure and Order to implement these recommendations (committee - qualified positive recommendation)

INFORMATION REPORTS: 

59. Environment and Climate Commission 2024 Work Plan.

 

DISPOSITION of ITEMS REMOVED from DRAFT AGENDA: 

Referred to Public Safety Committee – Item 53 in draft agenda – Panoramic Hill a. Disaster and Fire Safety Commission – Adopt a resolution approving the development of a plan regarding Panoramic Hill Secondary Evacuation egress road, b. Sprague, Fire – Companion Report – Adopt a resolution directing the Fire Department to reach out to other impacted landowners to determine interest in pursuing and coordinate costs sharing to conduct a feasibility study to identify a safe secondary evacuation and access route for Panoramic Hill and share results with Public Safety Committee 

Referred to FITES – Item 58 in draft agenda - Bartlett – Recommendation that mayor and council establish EVITP (Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program) to address increasing safety and fire concerns. Ordinance would require 50% of electricians per job installing and maintaining city-funded EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment and infrastructure to be certified by EVITP 

 

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

 

LAND USE CALENDAR 

2113-2115 Kittredge (California Theater) 6/4/2024 

3000 Shattuck (construct 10-story mixed-use building) TBD 

 

WORK SESSIONS & SPECIAL MEETINGS: 

• May 7 at 4:15 pm Community Agency Allocation Process
• May 7 at 5:45 pm (tentative) Adopt the Results of the April 16 Special Election
• May 7 City Manager Comments BINDEX Update
• May 14 at 4:30 pm Annual Report: Police Accountability Board and Office of the Director of Police Accountability
• May 21 at 4 pm Inclusionary Housing In-Lieu Fee Feasibility Study
• September 17 - open
• October 22 Draft Waterfront Specific Plan

 

UNSCHEDULED WORK SESSIONS & SPECIAL MEETINGS 

• Ballot Measures for November 2024 (May special Meeting – 5/23 or 5/28)
• Ballot Measures for November 2024 (June Special meeting 6/6 or 6/13

• Ashby BART Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Berkeley – El Cerrito Corridor Access Plan Presentation
• Dispatch Needs Assessment Presentation
• Presentation on Homelessness/Re-Housing/Thousand-Person Plan (TBD regular agenda)

 

COUNCIL REFERRALS to AGENDA and RULES COMMITTEE and UNFINISHED BUSINESS 

• Demolition Ordinance - Zoning Amendments BMC 23.326 Demolition and Dwelling Unit Controls

. 

++++ 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. 

 

+++++++++ HINTS for MANAGING CLOSED CAPTIONING and TRANSCRIPTS ++++++++ 

 

For ZOOM Meetings 

CLOSED CAPTIONING, SAVE TRANSCRIPT OVERVIEW, CHAT, DIRECTIONS and ZOOM SUPPORT LINKS: 

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

 

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

ATTENDEES 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Saving CHAT: There are three dots at the bottom of the CHAT. If you click on these you should get a menu to save the CHAT. 

 

How to FLOAT / DETACH the CHAT or TRANSCRIPT from the ZOOM SCREEN so you can see one or both  

 

At the upper corner of the transcript and the chat there is a tiny box with an arrow. If you click on this the transcript and chat will pop out of being connected to the zoom screen. You can then move these on your screen for easier continuous viewing. 

 

If you activated the CHAT or the TRANSCRIPT and it has disappeared look for the header at the top of the zoom screen that says “exit full screen”. Click on that and you should see the CHAT or TRANSCRIPT again. 

 

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

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

 

FOR THE HOST Creating / Scheduling a ZOOM Meeting 

HOW TO SET UP TRANSCRIPTS, CLOSED CAPTIONING 

 

When scheduling a meeting go to “Settings” scroll down to “Automated Captions” and allow captions, then allow “Full Transcript” and “Save Captions”. Once you change these settings, they will stay as part of your profile. 

 

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

 

+++++++ HOW TO CONVERT a YOUTUBE VIDEO INTO a TRANSCRIPT ++++++++ 

 

Open the website https://youtubetranscript.com/ 

Copy the YouTube url into the box with “enter a youtube url” and click on go  

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