Arts & Events

The Berkeley Activist's Calendar, November 29 - December 5

Kelly Hammargren, Sustainable Berkeley Coalition
Saturday November 27, 2021 - 05:58:00 PM

Worth Noting:

Expect extra Council meetings to be called on short notice before Council leaves on Winter Recess. Council Winter recess is December 15, 2021 – January 17, 2022. https://www.cityofberkeley.info/Clerk/City_Council/City_Council__Agenda_Index.aspx



December 1, 2021 at 5 pm is the deadline to submit response to the DEIR for the Ashby and North Berkeley BART Station Housing Projects is https://www.cityofberkeley.info/bartplanning/ (395 pages)



Vision 2050 Survey – the City is planning for a major bond measure in 2022 on infrastructure: tinyurl.com/2050survey



Sunday, November 28th is the Berkeley Equity Summit series at 6 pm provided in collaboration with Friends of Adeline on protecting your home ownership.

Monday the Agenda and Rules Committee at 2:30 pm will be reviewing the agenda for December 14, the last council meeting before winter recess.

Tuesday is the Regular City Council meeting at 6 pm. The agenda is long with 24. Development Agreement and certification of FEIR with Bayer, 26 Commission Reorganization merging the Parks and Waterfront Commission and the Animal Care Commission, 27 The Surveillance Technology Report and 28 the Budget Referral for Automatic License Plate Readers.

Wednesday the FITES Committee meets at 2:30 pm on establishing emergency GHG emission limits ordinance and native plant ordinance referral. The Energy Commission meets at 5 pm, the Independent Redistricting Commission meets at 6 pm and the Planning Commission meets at 7 pm.

Thursday the Land Use Committee meets at 10:30 am and the Landmarks Preservation Commission meets at 7 pm. The Reimagining Public Safety Task Force is scheduled to meet, however, it is not posted. Check after Monday for time and zoom link. https://www.cityofberkeley.info/RIPST.aspx

Saturday, December 4th is the Native Plant extravaganza from 10 am – 4 pm with a percentage of the proceeds going to support the spring Native Plant Garden Tour. If you are unfamiliar with why native plants our so important to the health of pollinators (bees and butterflies) and birds and us watching one of the many videos with Douglas Tallamy should help here are two to choose from:

Restoring the Little Things that Run the World (60 minutes)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cN7-jzL40zQ

Nature’s Best Hope Conservation that Starts in Your Yard (90 minutes)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IAzDP0wQI78



Sunday, November 28, 2021

Berkeley Equity Summit Series 6 at 6 pm

Videoconference: https://bit.ly/3qHQV2H

Teleconference: 1-669-900-6833 or 1-253-215-8782 Meeting ID: 810 7490 9352 Passcode: 692041

AGENDA: Community Conversation about Receivership, Probate, Pitfalls and Deceptive Tactics to steal BIPOC Homeownership. Protect your home and stop BIPOC Displacement. 

Series provided in collaboration with Friends of Adeline Neighborhood Group 

 

Monday, November 29, 2021 

Agenda and Rules Committee at 2:30 pm 

Videoconference: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85877795250 

Teleconference: 1-669-900-9128 or 1-877-853-5257 Meeting ID: 858 7779 5250 

AGENDA: Public Comment on non-agenda items and items 1-7, 2. Review of 12/14/2021 6 pm Regular city Council meeting – full proposed agenda follows list of city meetings by day or use link, 3. Berkeley considers, 4. Adjournments in memory, 5. Council worksessions, 6. Referrals for scheduling, 7. Land use calendar, REFERRED ITEMS for REVIEW: 8. Impact of COVID-19 on meetings, 9. In-person meetings, UNSCHEDULED ITEMS: 10. Design and strengthening of policy committee process, 11. Strengthening and supporting city commissions. 

https://www.cityofberkeley.info/Clerk/City_Council/Policy_Committee__Agenda___Rules.aspx 

 

Tuesday, November 30, 2021 

City Council CLOSED session at 3:30 pm 

Videoconference: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84061822756 

Teleconference: 1-669-900-9128 or 1-877-853-5257 Meeting ID: 840 6182 2756 

AGENDA: 1. Conference with Legal Counsel whether to register as an eligible Non-litigating Subdivision in nationwide settlements to resolve all opioid litigations, 2.a. Existing litigation Oceanview Neighborhood Council v. CoB 1444 Fifth St RG21091748, b. .Existing litigation Oceanview Neighborhood Council v. CoB 1442 Fifth St Case No. 21CV001971, 3. Conference Real Property Negotiators 1007 University, (Bauman College) 4. Conference with Labor Negotiators: Employee Organizations Berkeley firefighters Local 1227, Berkeley Fir Fighters Association Local 1227 I.A.F.F. / Berkeley Chief Fire Officers Assoc., IBEW, Local 1245, SEIU 1021, Community Services and Part-Time Recreation Activity Leaders, DEIU 1021 Maintenance and Clerical Public Employees Union Local 1, Unrepresented Employees, Berkeley Police Assoc. 

https://www.cityofberkeley.info/Clerk/City_Council/2021/11_Nov/City_Council__11-30-2021_Closed_Meeting_Agenda.aspx 

 

City Council REGULAR Meeting at 6 pm, 

Videoconference: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82259683632 

Teleconference: 1-669-900-9128 or 1-877-853-5257 Meeting ID: 822 5968 3632 

AGENDA: Use link or go to end of email for full agenda  

https://www.cityofberkeley.info/Clerk/City_Council/City_Council__Agenda_Index.aspx 

 

Wednesday, December 1, 2021 

City Council Facilities, Infrastructure, Transportation, Environment & Sustainability Committee at 2:30 pm, 

Videoconference: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81902157907 

Teleconference: 1-669-900-9128 or 1-877-853-5257 Meeting ID: 819 0215 7907 

AGENDA: CONSENT: Public Comment on non-agenda items, 2. Harrison, co-sponsor Hahn - Adopt an Ordinance Adding New Chapter 12.01 to BMC Establishing Emergency Greenhouse Gas Limits, Process for Updated Climate Action Plan, Monitoring, Evaluation, Reporting and Regional Collaboration, 3. Taplin - Native and Drought Resistant Plants and Landscaping Ordinance Referral. 

https://www.cityofberkeley.info/Clerk/Home/Policy_Committee__Facilities,_Infrastructure,_Transportation,_Environment,___Sustainability.aspx 

 

Disaster and Fire Safety Commission at 7 pm 

Videoconference: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85215150264 

Teleconference: 1-669-900-9128 Meeting ID: 852 1515 0264 

AGENDA: 1. a. Measure FF, b. Measure GG, c. Dept activities, 3. Revisiting Cmmission’s Recommendations to Use FF Funds, 4. Criteria for Use of Portion of Measure FF Funds for Vegetation Clearance on Private Land, 6. More Budget Details for Measure GG v. General Fund Allocation for Overtime, 7. Timeline for Input on Budget Cycle, 8. Policy on Eucalyptus trees removal and suppression, 9. Defensible Space, 10. Home Hardening, 11. Possibility of recording meetings, 12. CERT and Related Preparedness Programs, 13. Grant Programs. 

https://www.cityofberkeley.info/Clerk/Commissions/Commissions__Disaster_and_Fire_Safety_Commission_Homepage.aspx 

 

Energy Commission at 5 pm 

Videoconference: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82889451883 

Teleconference: 1-669-900-9128 Meeting ID: 828 8945 1883 

AGENDA: 5. Update Chair, 6. Update Staff on Climate Equity Fund, EBCE transition outreach, staffing update, Discussion and Action: 7. Presentation on vision 2050 Infrastructure Bond, 8. Consideration of Berkeley Energy Commission 2022 Calendar, 9. Commission consolidation with CEAC, 10. Response to council referral on Reusable Bags. 

https://www.cityofberkeley.info/Clerk/Commissions/Commissions__Energy_Commission_Homepage.aspx 

 

Independent Redistricting Commission at 6 pm 

Videoconference: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84948847183 

Teleconference: 1-669-900-9128 or 1-877-853-5257 Meeting ID: 849 4884 7183 

AGENDA: 2. Appointment at-large alternate commissioner, 3. Review of Community of Interest Form Submissions, 4. Review of Map Submissions. 

https://www.cityofberkeley.info/irc/ 

https://redistricting-commission-berkeley.hub.arcgis.com/ 

 

Planning Commission at 7 pm 

Videoconference: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83800308140 

Teleconference: 1-669-900-6833 Meeting ID: 838 0030 8140 

AGENDA: 9. Public Hearing: Tentative Tract Map #8621 – 1169 – 1173 Hearst – would convert the sole ownership of the entire property into individual units – two duplex units (common interest development / condominiums) and an existing single-family dwelling unit for a total of seven buildings and 13 dwelling units, 

10. Presentation: Zoning Ordinance Revision Project ZORP (updating zoning) 

https://www.cityofberkeley.info/Clerk/Commissions/Commissions__Planning_Commission_Homepage.aspx 

 

Thursday, December 2, 2021 

City Council Land Use, Housing & Economic Development Committee at 10:30 am 

Videoconference: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83358093456 

Teleconference: 1-669-900-9128 or 1-877-853-5257 Meeting ID: 833 5809 3456 

AGENDA: Public Comment non-agenda items, 2. Taplin, Streamlining Toxic Remediation in Manufacturing Districts. 

https://www.cityofberkeley.info/Clerk/Home/Policy_Committee__Land_Use,_Housing___Economic_Development.aspx 

 

Reimagining Public Safety Task Force at 6 pm (check time when posted) 

AGENDA and zoom link are not posted, check after Monday 

https://www.cityofberkeley.info/RIPST.aspx 

 

Landmarks Preservation Commission at 7 pm 

Videoconference: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82744090204 

Teleconference: 1-669-900-6833 Meeting ID: 827 4409 0204 

AGENDA: 5. 2523 Piedmont – Wurts-Lenfest House – open public hearing consider to grant designation status to residential property 

6. 1940 Hearst – James T. Stocker-Loni Ding House– open public hearing consider to grant designation status to residential property 

7. 1710 University – Demolition referral 

9. Initiative for city-wide historic resources survey 

http://www.cityofberkeley.info/landmarkspreservationcommission/ 

 

Friday, December 3, 2021 – no meetings or events found 

 

Saturday, December 4, 2021 

Native Plant Extravaganza 10 am – 4 pm 

A percentage of the proceeds go to support the spring Berkeley Native Plant Tour  

Shop in-person:  

East Bay Wilds Native Plant Nursery at 2777 Foothill Blvd corner of 28th Ave and Foothil with entrance on 28th (accept cash, check or Paypal – no credit cards) https://www.eastbaywilds.com/ 

Watershed Nursery at 601 Canal St in Point Richmond https://www.watershednursery.com/ 

On-line 

Green Thumb Works https://www.greenthumbworks.net/ 

 

Sunday, December 5, 2021 

Watershed Nursery at 601 Canal St in Point Richmond https://www.watershednursery.com/ 

Is open on Sunday 10 am – 4 pm 

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Agenda and Rules Committee at 2:30 pm  

(FULL DRAFT AGENDA for Dec 14th) 

Videoconference: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85877795250 

Teleconference: 1-669-900-9128 or 1-877-853-5257 Meeting ID: 858 7779 5250 

Review of DRAFT AGENDA for 12/14/2021 6 pm Regular city Council meeting 

CONSENT: 1. Resolution to continue Legislative meetings via Videoconference and Teleconference, 2. Resolution ratifying COVID-19 Emergency, 3. Minutes, 4. Extension of Interim Director of Police Accountability Board, 5. PO $70,000 with Protiviti Government Services: Using GSA for vehicle no. GS-35F-0280X. 5. Formal bid solicitations $960,000, 7. Contract $150,000 with RLH & Associates, initial contract for 2 years, for Providing Temporary Governmental Financial Consulting Services for the Finance Department, 8. Contract $150,000 with Valdes and Moreno for Professional Services for the Microbond Financing Pilot Program, 9. Contract $300,000 from 9/13/2021 – 8/31/20211 with Galney Scientific for Project Management & Consulting for the Fire Dept with an option to extend for an additional 2 years for total contract amount not to exceed $900,000, 10. Revenue $80,000 FY2022 Federal COVID-19 Funding from HHS CARES Act Provider Relief Fund, 11. Revenue Contract $250,000 with Positas College for Instructional Service Agreement to support Fire Dept Training 7/20/021 – 7/19/2024, 12. Contract $65,956 Participation Agreement and any amendments with CA Mental Health Services Authority for Statewide Prevention and Early Intervention Project thru 6/30/2022, 13. Contract to accept $274,202 Community Services Block Grant, 14. Authorize Amendment to CalPers Contract to effect changes to cost sharing agreement between City and Unrepresented PEPRA members in Unrepresented Employees Group, 15. Contract add $381,137 total $996,117 from 12/15/2021 – 6/30/2024 with Digital Hands for Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) Monitoring, 16. Contract $300,000 with Alcor Solutions, Inc. for Managed Services and Upgrade for ServiceNow Application 7/1/2022-6/30/2024, 17. Contract add $133,420 total $2,192,611 from 12/12/2021-6/30/2023, 18. Contract add $733,720 total $2,288,950 and extend term to 6/30/2024 with Tyler technologies, Inc for Professional Services and Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) software, 19. Cash Donation $26,566 to install fencing for a dog park at Aquatic Park, 20. Contract $900,000 from 1/3/2021-6/30/2025 with Cumming Management Group, Inc for Project Management Services for the African American Holistic Resource Center, 21. Contract $100,000 includes contingency $8,251.33 with Get IT Tech for new electronic gate system at the waterfront, 22. Contract $326,723 with Best Contracting Services, Inc for Fire Station No. 3 Re-Roofing Project at 2710 Russell, 23. PO $345,000 with Arata Equipment Company for one 18-year rear loader, 24. Ratification of Police Accountability Board’s Standing Rules, 25. Authorization for additional Public Works Commission meeting in 2021, 26. Arreguin – Allocating Remainder of Berkeley Relief Fund, 27. Arreguin – Relinquishment of up to $500 to 11th Annual MLK Jr Celebration, 28. Arreguin – Resolution support Bay Adapt: Regional Strategy for Rising Bay, 29. Taplin – Budget Referral Pedestrian Crossing Improvements at Ashby and Action, 30. Taplin – Russell Bicycle and Pedestrian Improvements, $50,000-Traffic Circle at Russell & King, $60,000-Cycle Track Crossing at Russell & San Pablo, $250,000-Pedestrian Hybrid Beacons at Russell & Sacramento, 31. Taplin, co-sponsors Bartlett, Hahn, Arreguin – Just Transition from Fossil Fuel Economy, 32. Taplin – Reaffirm City Endorsement of a Carbon Fee and Dividend letter to Barbara Lee, Dianne Feinstein and Alex Padilla, 33. Robinson – Letter to UC President Michael Drake in Support of Student Researchers United-UAW, 34. Taplin – Letter of Support for H.R. 4194 Peoples Response Act which would create Division of Community Safety and provide grants to local governments, state governments and community based organizations to support non-carceral approaches to public safety, ACTION: 35. CM – Response to Council - Amendments to ADU Ordinance, 36. CM-Response to Council Amendments to ADU Ordinance Public Safety Concerns, 37. CM – Amending paragraph NN of BMC Section 19.48.020, 38. CM – Public Hearing Residential Preferential Parking Program on 1600 block of Lincoln, 39. CM – FY 2021 Year-End and FY 2022 First Quarter Budget Update, 40. Amendment FY 2022 Annual Appropriations Ordinance $177, 309,914 (gross) and $163,076,585 (net), 41. City of Berkeley’s 2022 State and Federal Legislative Platform, 42.a.Liam Garland & b. Public Works Commission Street Maintenance and Rehabilitation Policy and 5-year Paving Plan, 43.a. Parks and Waterfront Commission & b. Scott Ferris Adopt-a-Spot, 44. Kesarwani, co-sponsors Wengraf, Droste, Bartlett – Referral to CM to Streamline ADU Permit Review and Approval, 45. Barlett – Refer to CM and Community Health Commission Health Care Facility Oversight, 46. Hahn – Consideration of Expansion of Paid Parking to 7 days per week to Support Parking Meter Fund and Improved Pedestrian and Bicycle Facilities, INFORMATION REPORTS: Tobacco Prevention Program. 

 

_____________________ 

 

November 30, 2021 City Council Regular meeting at 6 pm 

(Nov 30th FULL AGENDA) 

Videoconference: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82259683632 

Teleconference: 1-669-900-9128 or 1-877-853-5257 Meeting ID: 822 5968 3632 

https://www.cityofberkeley.info/Clerk/City_Council/Policy_Committee__Agenda___Rules.aspx 

AGENDA CONSENT: 1. Opt-in to Countywide Organics Reduction and Recycling Ordinance, 2. Minutes, 3. Grant Approval - Application for $50,000 from San Francisco Foundation support for 100% affordable housing at BART stations, 4. MOU between CoB and Rent Board to implement Ronald V. Dellums Fair Chance Housing Ordinance, 5, Formal bid solicitations $340,000, 6. Proposed Ordinance Rescinding Ordinance 7.788-N.S. and Amending Paragraph NN of BMC Section 19.48.020 (“Amendments to the California Fire Code”) to language which existed prior to October 26, 2021 – this is about the requirements for sprinklers in projects in fire zones 2 & 3 in the hills, 7. Contract $99,000 with Blaisdell’s Business Products for new office and classroom furniture for the North Berkeley Senior Center, 8. Amend Contract add $210,000 and extend for 1 year with Youth Spirit Artworks Mental Health and Case management Services, 9. Amend contract add $47,999 total $400,915 thru June 30, 2024 with Mental Health Services Help@Hand Participation Agreement, 10. Contract $1,200,000 with Alameda County Network of Mental Health Clients (Berkeley Drop-in Center), Options Recovery and Women’s Daytime Drop-in Center, 11. Contract $150,000 with NEED (Needle Exchange Emergency Distribution 7-1-2021 – 6-30-2024, 12. Grant Application $1,104, 320 with CAL FIRE and Community Forestry tree planting, 13. Resolution approving electrification strategy of existing Berkeley Buildings, 14. Resolution to adopt Cities Race to Zero Campaign to establish 2030 emission reduction target 60.5% from 2018 levels, 15. Add $300,000 total $600,000with Siemens Industry for Fire and Life Safety Systems Maintenance and extend to 12-31-2024, 16. Contract add $150,000 total $650,000 with First Carbon Solutions, Inc for CEQA compliance for Solid Waste Recycling and extend to 6-30-2022, 17. Purchase order $305,900 with PB Loader Corporation for two chipper trucks, 18. Arreguin – refer $20,000 to 2021 AAO (mid-year budget) for Berkeley Age-Friendly Continuum, 19. Arreguin – Reappointment of Dr. P. Robert Beatty to Alameda Co. Mosquito Abatement District Board of Trustees, 20. Arreguin – Budget Referral $100,000 to support recovery of Habitot, 21. Harrison, co-sponsor Bartlett - Budget Referral Establishing a Pilot Existing Building Electrification, 22. Hahn, Co-sponsor Harrison – Referral to CM to create system to better document, communicate, and prioritize Public Works requests from BUSD and establish protocols for BUSD to coordinate directly with Public Works, 23. Wengraf – Budget referral $100,000 to improve pedestrian safety where sidewalks are NOT provided, ACTION: 24. Public Hearing – Bayer Healthcare LLC Certification of FEIR and Development Agreement, 25. Fair Campaign Practices Commission – Amendments to Berkeley Election Reform Act: 1) Make public financing available to candidates for Auditor, School Board Director, Rent Stabilization Board Commissioner, 2) Clarify use of funds, 3) requirements for unspent funds, 4) new process to return unused funds, 5) cost of living adjustment for contributions in January of each odd0numbered year, 26. Commission Reorganization: Creating the Parks, Recreation and Waterfront Commission – merges the existing Children, Youth and Recreation Commission and the existing Berkeley Animal Care Commission into the Parks and Waterfront Commission, 27. CM – Resolution accept Surveillance Technology Report for Automatic License Plate Readers (ALPR), GPS Trackers, Body Worn Cameras, an Street Level Imagery Project, 28. Taplin, co-sponsors Droste, Wengraf – Budget Referral for Automatic License Plate Readers (ALPR), INFORMATION REPORTS: 29. Quarterly Update on short term referral process, 30. 4th Quarter Investment Report, 31. Annual Report Condominium Conversion Program, 32. Berkeley’s Community-wide GHG inventory. 

 

_______________________________ 

 

Public Hearings Scheduled – Land Use Appeals 

1527 Sacramento – 2nd story addition date 2-22-2021 

2956 Hillegass - addition to nonconforming structure date 2-8-2021 

Remanded to ZAB or LPC 

1205 Peralta – Conversion of an existing garage 

Notice of Decision (NOD) and Use Permits with End of Appeal Period,  

SFD = Single Family Dwelling 

1860 Capistrano – Alterations in the non-conforming left side yard and addition over 14 ft in average height to enclose the 15 sq ft balcony and the 43 sq ft rear balcony to add 58 sq ft, 12-7-2021 

2345 Channing – rebuild the fire damaged 20,794 SF Pilgrim Hall addition with a new 9,675 SF wing on the campus of the First Congregational Church of Berkeley 12-2-2021 

725 Folger – Add business support service use to an existing office building 12-7-2021 

1488 Grizzly Peak – Major Residential addition over 14 ft and over 20 ft in Hillside Overly 12-7-2021 

2717 Marin – Install an unenclosed hot tub in a side yard of a SFD 12-7-2021 

628 San Miguel – Unenclosed hot tub to rear of SFD 12-7-2021 

1812 Virginia – 2-story residential addition to existing SFD including partial demolition of a portion of the rear of the house 12-7-2021 

https://www.cityofberkeley.info/Planning_and_Development/Land_Use_Division/Current_Zoning_Applications_in_Appeal_Period.aspx 

LINK to Current Zoning Applications https://www.cityofberkeley.info/Planning_and_Development/Land_Use_Division/Current_Zoning_Applications.aspx 

___________________ 

WORKSESSIONS 

December 7 –1. WETA/Ferry Service at the Marina, 2. Presentation by Bay Restoration Authority, 3. Update Zero Waste Rates and Priorities, 

January 20 (Thursday) – Update on City’s COVID-19 Response and 

Public Works/Infrastructure Presentation 

February 15 – Homeless and Mental Health Services 

March 15 – Housing Element Update 

April 19 – Fire Department Standards of Coverage Study 

Unscheduled Workshops/Presentations 

Cannabis Health Considerations 

Alameda County LAFCO Presentation 

Civic Arts Grantmaking Process & Capital Grant Program 

Civic Center – Old City Hall and Veterans Memorial Building 

Mid-Year Budget Report FY 2022 

 

Kelly Hammargren’s comments on what happened the preceding week can be found in the Berkeley Daily Planet www.berkeleydailyplanet.com under Activist’s Diary. 

If you have a meeting you would like included in the summary of meetings, please send a notice to kellyhammargren@gmail.com by noon on the Friday of the preceding week. 

This meeting list is also posted on the Sustainable Berkeley Coalition website. 

http://www.sustainableberkeleycoalition.com/whats-ahead.html and in the Berkeley Daily Planet under activist’s calendar http://www.berkeleydailyplanet.com 

 

If you or someone you know wishes to receive the weekly summary as soon as it is completed, email kellyhammargren@gmail.com to be added to the early email list. If you wish to stop receiving the Weekly Summary of City Meetings please forward the weekly summary you received to kellyhammargren@gmail.com