Extra
THE BERKELEY ACTIVIST'S CALENDAR: April 20-27
Worth Noting:
April 28, 2025 at 5 pm City Council will hold a special meeting to consider the Ceasefire Resolution passed by the Peace and Justice Commission last September 30, 2024. The April 28 meeting on the Ceasefire Resolution is scheduled, but not yet posted under City Council April meetings. You can still comment.
April 29, 2025 the last item on the City Council agenda is the General Plan Amendments for Middle Housing.
To comment email council@berkeleyca.gov
There is no guarantee that if we attend rallies, stand up to be counted, resist the authoritarian takeover of this country in every nonviolent way we can, we will win, but if we stay home and don't resist we are guaranteed to lose. We have work to do. Gene Sharp's Dictatorship to Democracy is an excellent guide. https://www.nonviolent-conflict.org/resource/from-dictatorship-to-democracy-a-conceptual-framework-for-liberation/
There are local rallies every week including, the every Saturday rally at the Berkeley Tesla dealership. Use the websites to look for more.
- Check Indivisible East Bay for events and rallies - https://indivisibleeb.org/
- Check 50501 Fifty Protests Fifty States One Movement - https://www.fiftyfifty.one/events
If you are unable to attend a meeting in person and/or it is not offered in the hybrid or an accessible format, TO REQUEST A DISABILITY RELATED ACCOMMODATION(S) to PARTICIPATE in a MEETING, including auxiliary aids or services, please contact the Disability Services specialist at 510-981-6418 (V) or 510-981-6347 at least 3 days before the meeting (the sooner the better). Thomas Gregory is the ADA Program Coordinator.
- Monday, April 21, 2025
- At 2:30 pm the Agenda Committee meets in the hybrid format.
- Tuesday, April 22, 2025
- At 6 pm is the special City Council meeting on the appeal of Appeal 2274 Shattuck Avenue – (the United Artists movie theater site)
- Wednesday, April 23, 2025
- At 3:45 pm Health, Life Enrichment, Equity & Community meets in the hybrid format.
- At 6 pm the Civic Arts Commission meets in person.
- At 6 pm the Environment and Climate Commission meets in person
- At 6:30 pm the Police Accountability Board meets in the hybrid format.
- Thursday, April 24, 2025
- At 10 am the Budget & Finance Committee meets in the hybrid format and begins the mid-cycle budget for FY 2026.
- From 4 – 5:30 pm is class #3 in the free gardening and cooking series.
- At 7 pm the Mental Health Commission meets in person.
- At 7 pm the Zoning Adjustment Board meets in the hybrid format
- Health Commission meeting is cancelled.
- Saturday, April 26, 2025
- The Berkeley Bay Festival starts at 11 am.
- From 11 am – 12 pm is disaster preparedness class.
- At 11 am is the Go Green Mobility Fair in El Cerrito.
- From 12 – 1:30 pm is the weekly Berkeley Tesla Takedown Rally.
- Sunday, April 27, 2025
- From 1 – 2:30 pm is the Indivisible East Bay all member meeting on zoom.
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BERKELEY PUBLIC MEETINGS AND CIVIC EVENTS
Sunday, April 20, 2025 – Easter Sunday, Passover ends at sundown
Monday, April 21, 2025
AGENDA AND RULES COMMITTEE Meeting at 2:30 pm
Members: Ishii, Humbert, Taplin alternate: Bartlett
Hybrid Meeting
In-Person: at 2180 Milvia, 6th Floor – Redwood Room
Videoconference: https://cityofberkeley-info.zoomgov.com/j/1612873811
Teleconference: 1-669-254-5252 or 1-833-568-8864 (Toll Free)
Meeting ID: 161 287 3811
AGENDA: Public Comment on non-agenda and items 1 – 7. 1. Minutes, 2. Review and Approve 5-6-2025 -- draft agenda – use link or read full draft agenda below at the end of the list of city meetings, 3. Adjournment in Memory, 4. Council Worksessions, 5. Referrals for scheduling, 6. Land Use Calendar, Referred Items for Review: 7. City Council Legislative Redesign, Unscheduled Items: none
https://berkeleyca.gov/your-government/city-council/council-committees/policy-committee-agenda-rules
Tuesday, April 22, 2025
CITY COUNCIL Special Meeting at 6 pm
Hybrid Meeting
In-Person: at 1231 Addison St. in the School District Board Room
Videoconference: https://cityofberkeley-info.zoomgov.com/j/1604791189
Teleconference: 1-669-254-5252 or 1-833-568-8864 (toll free)
Meeting ID: 160 479 1189
AGENDA: one agenda item 1. ZAB Appeal 2274 Shattuck Avenue – (the United Artists movie theater site) Use Permit #ZP2023-0079 - Appeal of the approval of a 17-story (183 ft plus 5-foot parapet), 214,032 sq ft, mixed-use residential building with 227 dwelling units including 23 very low-income density bonus qualifying units and one ADA parking space. This is a SB 330 project (which limits council actions). Staff recommends dismiss appeal and approve the project.
https://berkeleyca.gov/your-government/city-council/city-council-agendas
Wednesday, April 23, 2025
HEALTH, LIFE ENRICHMENT, EQUITY & COMMUNITY at 3:45 pm
Members: Bartlett, Tregub, O’Keefe, alternate: Taplin
Hybrid Meeting
In-Person: at 2180 Milvia, 6th Floor, Redwood Room
Videoconference:
Teleconference: 1-669-254-5252 or 1-833-568-8864 (toll free)
Meeting ID: 161 920 2556
AGENDA: 2. O’Keefe, co-sponsors Ishii, Blackaby, Lunaparra – Alternative Housing Options for People Experiencing Homelessness to identify a list of potential locations of City properties for the purpose of establishing alternative housing options,
CIVIC ARTS COMMISSION at 6 pm
In-Person: at 1901 Russell, Tarea Hall Pittman South Branch Library
AGENDA: 6. Presentations, Discussion & Action Items a) add $41,685 to Festival Grants to bring total to $200,000 in FY 2026, b) Work Plan, c) Civic Arts Grants-funded Community Festivals Quarterly Report, d) Public Art on Private Development Quarterly Report.
https://berkeleyca.gov/your-government/boards-commissions/civic-arts-commission
DISASTER and FIRE SAFETY COMMISSION at 7 pm
In-Person: at 997 Cedar
AGENDA: 4. Fire Weather Outreach, 5. Work Plan Groups, 6. Review of Work Group Plans, 7. Letter Regarding AB 612 – directs local governments to consult with local fire depaartments when making road improvements to ensure improvements do not negatively impact emergency response times.
https://berkeleyca.gov/your-government/boards-commissions/disaster-and-fire-safety-commission
ENVIRONMENT and CLIMATE COMMISSION at 6 pm
In-Person: at 1901 Hearst, North Berkeley Senior Center
AGENDA: 7. Elect Commissioner to serve on Measure FF Safe Streets Oversight Committee. 8. 2025 Climate Action and Resilience Update, 9. Work Plan subcommittee updates.
https://berkeleyca.gov/your-government/boards-commissions/environment-and-climate-commission
POLICE ACCOUNTABILITY BOARD (PAB) at 6:30 pm
Hybrid Meeting
In-Person: at 1900 Addison, 3rd floor
Videoconference: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89174589069
Teleconference: 1-669-900-6833
Meeting ID: 891 7458 9069
AGENDA: 4. Public Comment on agenda and non-agenda items, 10. Discussion and Action Items a. BPD’s Mutual Aid Agreements with other law enforcement agencies, b. ODPA’s presentation of Policy Complaint #19 concerning the detention and release of inebriated individuals, c. Pending PAB request to City stakeholders, d. Recap, discussion and action on next steps i. Berkeley Police Department Texting Offences, ii. Fair and Impartial Policing Implementation Report, e. BPD’s 2024 Police Equipment and Community Safety Ordinance Report, 11. Public Comment, 12. Closed Session.
https://berkeleyca.gov/your-government/boards-commissions/police-accountability-board
Thursday, April 24, 2025
BUDGET & FINANCE COMMITTEE at 10 am
Hybrid Meeting
In-Person: at 2180 Milvia, 1st Floor, Cypress Room
Videoconference: https://cityofberkeley-info.zoomgov.com/j/1618234365
Teleconference: 1-669-254-5252 or 1-833-568-8864 (toll free)
Meeting ID: 161 823 4365
AGENDA: 2. Friedrichsen, Budget Manager– FY 2026 Mid-Biennial Budget Update, 3. Taplin, co-sponsors Ishii, Humbert – Referral to City Manager Potential 2026 revenue ballot measures to support capital improvements to fire department facilities and return recommendations to council.
MENTAL HEALTH COMMISSION at 7 pm
In-Person: at 1901 Hearst, North Berkeley Senior Center, Poppy Room
AGENDA: 3. Request Council recommend local participants in local based innovative behavioral health innovations, 4. Review, discuss and actions regarding updated By-Laws for Berkeley Behavioral Health Commission, 5. Review, discuss and action application for appointment to Berkeley Behavioral health commission, 7. Interview and vote for new applicant Ian Hunt, 8. Interview and vote for new applicant – Patrician Fontana-Narell.
https://berkeleyca.gov/your-government/boards-commissions/mental-health-commission
COMMUNITY HEALTH COMMISSION at 6:30 pm - cancelled
ZONING ADJUSTMENT BOARD (ZAB) at 7 pm
Hybrid Meeting
In-Person: at 1231 Addison St. in the School District Board Room
Videoconference: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83646064175
Teleconference: 1-669-2900-6833
Meeting ID: 836 4606 4175
AGENDA: one project 2. 1627 Jaynes street – new public hearing – Use Permit #ZP2024-0129 – to demolish 1,476 sq ft, 2-story 3-bedroom, single family dwelling and construct 2,234 sq ft 2-story (27 ft 6 in, 5-bedroom, single family dwelling on a 4,684 sq ft lot, proposed project improves rea and side (west) non-conforming setbacks by moving new dwelling in a more centralized location on the lot.
https://berkeleyca.gov/your-government/boards-commissions/zoning-adjustments-board
FREE GARDENING and COOKING CLASS SERIES from 4 pm – 5:30 pm
Location: at 1640 Stuart
Use link for details and to register
https://berkeleyca.gov/community-recreation/events/free-gardening-and-cooking-class-series-3
Friday, April 25, 2025 - no city meetings, events found
Saturday, April 26, 2025
Berkeley TESLA TAKEDOWN RALLY 12 – 1:30 PM
Every Saturday at 4th street midway between Delaware and Virginia
BERKELEY BAY FESTIVAL AT 11 AM
Use link for details and to register
https://berkeleyca.gov/community-recreation/events/berkeley-bay-festival
SIX CRITICAL STEPS TO DISASTER PREPAREDNESS from 11 am – 12 pm
Use link for details and to register
GO GREEN! Mobility Fair at 11 am
Location: at 515 Richmond St, El Cerrito
Use link for details
https://berkeleyca.gov/community-recreation/events/go-green-mobility-fair
Sunday, April 27, 2025
INDIVISIBLE EAST BAY ALL MEMBERS MEETING from 1 – 2:30 pm
Use link to sign up for ZOOM meeting (even months on ZOOM)
https://indivisibleeb.org/event/ieb-all-members-meeting-zoom-2/
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++++++ AGENDA & RULES COMMITTEE, Monday, April 21, 2025 +++++++++++
AGENDA AND RULES COMMITTEE Meeting at 2:30 pm
Members: Ishii, Humbert, Taplin alternate: Bartlett
Hybrid Meeting
In-Person: at 2180 Milvia, 6th Floor – Redwood Room
Videoconference: https://cityofberkeley-info.zoomgov.com/j/1612873811
Teleconference: 1-669-254-5252 or 1-833-568-8864 (Toll Free)
Meeting ID: 161 287 3811
https://berkeleyca.gov/your-government/city-council/council-committees/policy-committee-agenda-rules
DRAFT AGENDA for City Council Regular 6 pm Meeting on May 6, 2025, 2025
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
CEREMONIAL MATTERS: PLEDGE of ALLEGIANCE
CITY MANAGER COMMENTS
PUBLIC COMMENTS on NON-AGENDA MATTERS
AGENDA on CONSENT:
- Sprague, Fire – 2nd reading – Adoption of CALFIRE Map and Additional Areas Designated as the City of Berkeley Fire Hazard Severity Zones
- Hollander, Economic Development – Re-Establishment of the Berkeley Tourism Business Improvement District (BTBID)
- Sprague, Fire – Contract: Adopt a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to contract with Diablo Fire Safe Council (DFSC) to serve as the fiscal sponsore for donations that support home hardening work in Berkeley, particularly in its Fire Hazard Severity Zones for a term of five years.
- Walker, HR – Amend Contract No. 32400192 add $108,884.79 with GovernmentJobs.com (dba NEOGOV) for online dta management services and extend from 5/16/2025 to May 15, 2028
- Ferris, Parks – Reject all bids and re-scope and re-bid the work associated with South Cove West Lot Repaving Project
- Klein, Planning – Amend Contract No. 32200042 with WCG for updates to the BESO Programs’s Salesforce Software System
- Davis, Public Works – Amend Contract No. 117441-1 add $375,574.42 total $1,625,574.42 with Chrisp Company for Painting Red Curbs to Enhance Compliance with California’s Daylighting Law (AB 413)
- Sprague, Fire – 2nd reading – Modification and Adoption of Berkeley Fire Code Local Amendments
- Klein, Planning - ZAB Appeal: 1048 Keith Avenue, Use Permit ZP2024-0014 – to demolish 2,760 sq ft single-family dwelling and construct a 2-story (25 ft tall, 3,600 sq ft single family dwelling including building setback from 20 ft to 15 feet, 2 unenclosed off-street parking spaces within the front setback, the construction of a trellis within the front setback, and the installation of a fence and retaining wall along the lot line.
- a. Commission on the Status of Women – Notice, tacking and enforcement of CA SB 1343 sexual harassment prevention training for Berkeley private, public and non-profit employers and employee with more than 5 employees, b. White, CM office – Companion Report – take no action on Commission Recommendation – City is already implementing and meeting the commission recommendations for City Employees, enforcement of non-City businesses is covered by the State of California’s Civil Rights Department and not within the City’s jurisdiction to enforce.
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++++++ CITY COUNCIL AGENDA for Tuesday, April 29, 2025+++++++++++
CITY COUNCIL Regular 6 pm Meeting on April 29, 2025
Hybrid Meeting
In-Person: at 1231 Addison, School District Board Room
Videoconference: https://cityofberkeley-info.zoomgov.com/j/1613068832
Teleconference: 1-669-254-5252 or 1-833-568-8864 (toll free)
Meeting ID: 161 306 8832
https://berkeleyca.gov/your-government/city-council/council-committees/policy-committee-agenda-rules
FINAL AGENDA for City Council Regular 6 pm Meeting on April 29, 2025
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
CEREMONIAL MATTERS: PLEDGE of ALLEGIANCE
CITY MANAGER COMMENTS
PUBLIC COMMENTS on NON-AGENDA MATTERS
PUBLIC COMMENT by EMPLOYEE UNIONS
AGENDA on CONSENT:
- Numainville, City Clerk – Minutes
- Oyekanmi, Finance – Formal Bid Solicitations $1,850,000, Zero Waste $850,000, Mar-Coastal Conservancy Marina Operations/Maint Capital Improvements $1,000,000
- Sprague, Fire – Contract $200,000 with Public Consulting Group (PCG)for Professional Services related to Ground Emergency Medical Transport (GEMT), Quality Assurance Fee (QAF), Intergovernmental Transfer (IGT), Public Provider Ground Emergency Transport (PP-GEMT) using General Services Agency’s (GSA) contract No. 47QTCA20D004Y 4/1/2025 – 3/31/2027 with two 2 year extensions to 3/31/2032 not to exceed $300,000 in total
- Walker, HR – Amend Berkeley Police Association (BPA) MOU Section 19.5 Administrative leave for Captains increase from 50 hours to 60 hours
- Fong, IT - Amend Contract No. 31900270 add $2,786,057 total $8,197,733 with Dell Computers for hardware, software and related services utilizing County of Riverside Agreement 808445 11/1/2019 – 10/31/2027
- Fong, IT – New Contract $171,323 with Tyler Technologies Inc. for Open Data Portal’s (ODP) Hosting Services, thru 6/30/2027
- Aguilar, Office of Director PAB – Process for Adjusting PAB Stipend following AAO#1 Carryover Approval $12,000 in FY 2024 carryover funds for PAB Committee + Training Stipends Adjustments
- Klein, Planning – Amend Contract No. 32200208 add $100,000 total $1,600,000 with West Coast Code Consultants
- Klein, Planning – Amend Contract No. 32200207 add $100,000 total $1,600,000 with Telesis for Plan Checking Services
- Davis, Public Works – Amend PO add $75,000 total $505,000 with Braun Northwest Inc. for two 2025 F-450 North Star Engine Remount of Ambulance Bodies to New Chassis
- Davis, Public Works – Final Map of Tract 8717: 805 Jones Street
- Davis Public Works – Contract $12,323,848 with Bay cities Paving & Grading, Inc. for 2025 Street Maintenance and Rehabilitation Project
- Davis, Public Works – Contract $4,208,200 includes 10% contingency for South Berkeley Bikeway and Bus Stop Improvements Projects
- Davis, Public Works – 2 Contracts $150,000 each with M&A Towing and City Towing for towing services
- Taplin – Budget Referral $300,000 for Afterschool Program Expansion to FY 2026 Mid-Biennial Budget Update
- Taplin – Budget Referral $250,000 for F and G Dock Deck Replacement
- Bartlett – Berkeley Juneteenth Festival: Relinquishment of Council Office Budget Funds
- Authors Tregub, O’Keefe, co-sponsors Ishii, Taplin – Bay Area Robotics Education Sustainability Alliance: Relinquishment of Council Office Budget Funds for 2025 Berkeley High Robotics Team’s East Bay Regional Robotics Competition
- Harrison – Policy Committee recommendation, negative – Opposition to Police Brutality and Use of Force on Nonviolent Protestors
- O’Keefe – Letter in support of SB 456 Muralist Exemption from having to obtain a contractor’s license
- Blackaby – Budget Referral $200,000 for Deportation Defense Legal and Education Funds
- Blackaby, co-sponsor – Add ADA expertise to the Safe Streets Citizen Oversight Committee Lunnaparra - $25,000 to June 2025 Mid-Biennial Budget Process to Partially Cover Street Spirit’s Operational and Programming Costs
- Blackaby, co-sponsors Taplin, O’Keefe, Humbert – Resolution to request amend AB-645 (2023-2024) to add Berkeley to California Automated Speed Enforcement Pilot Berkeley
- Lunaparra – Refer $25,000 to the June 2025 Mid-Year Bienial Budget Process to Partially Cover Street Spirit’s Operational and Programming Costs
- Lunaparra – Resolution supporting State and Regional Funding for Bay Area Public Transit
- Lunaparra – Resolution Supporting a State Budget Request for CalFresh Fruit and Vegetable EBT Program and Endorsing AB 936 supplemental benefits program
- Humbert – Defer $150,000 for Round Park from Nov 2024 FY 2025 AAO#1
- Gilman, HHCS – Submission of the 2025-2030 Consolidated Plan and Program Year 2025 Annual Action Plan – allocation of federal Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) Emergency Solutions Grant, HOME Investment Partnership Grant (measure includes defining percentage to administration
- Davis, Public Works – Residential Preferential Parking (RPP) Program on 1500 block of Virginia
- Klein, Planning – General Plan Amendments relating Middle Housing
- 2025 Police Accountability Board Work Plan
- Wong, Auditor – Restaurant Inspections Audit Report Wins National Recognition
DISPOSITION of ITEMS REMOVED from DRAFT AGENDA:
- Referred to Land Use, Housing & Economic Development - Taplin – Referral to CM feasibility analysis and request for recommendation for Berkeley Green New Deal Workforce Development to create pathways to green jobs and accelerate the transition to a fossil-free local economy
- Referred to Budget and Finance Committee - Taplin – Refer to City Manager to assess potential 2026 revenue ballot measures to support capital improvements to fire department facilities
- Referred to Facilities, Infrastructure, Transportation, Environment and Sustainability Committee (FITES) - Tregub, co-sponsor Lunaparra – Budget Referral $400,000 - Oxford for All IV bicycle facility on the east side of Oxford Street and Fulton Street between Bancroft and Hearst,
+++++++++++++++++++ Land Use - Work Sessions - Special Meetings +++++++++++++++
LAND USE CALENDAR
- 2274 Shattuck (UA theater Project) 4/22/2025
- 1048 Keith (single family house) 5/6/2025
- 2500-2512 San Pablo / 1094-1098 Dwight 5/20/2025
- 2500-12 San Pablo / 1094-96 Dwight Way 5/20/2025
- 1950-1998 Shattuck 6/3/2025
- 2138 Kittredge TBD 6/3/2025
- 2655 Shattuck TBD 7/22/2025
- 2425 Durant – Laura Tull Property (landmark designation) TBD
- April 22 (6 pm) City Council ZAB Appeal Hearing for UA Theater Project
- April 28 (5 pm) Peace and Justice Ceasefire Resolution
- May 5 (4 pm) Brown Act Training
- May 13 (new date) (6 pm) Evacuation Study and Response Times
- May 20 (new date and time)(4:30 pm) Presentation on City’s Unfunded Liabilities
Council Referral: Social Housing previously listed as Mixed-Income Housing (June or July)
FUTURE INFORMATION REPORTS
- Reimagining Public Safety Update
- Affordable Housing Fee Feasibility Study
- Berkeley Fire Department Annual Report
- Greenhouse Gas Inventory / Climate Action Plan Update
- Fire Department Standards of Coverage & Community Risk Assessment
- Dispatch Needs Assessment Presentation
- Presentation on Homelessness/Re-Housing/Thousand-Person Plan (TBD regular agenda)
++++ How to get on or off the Activist’s Calendar and Activist’s Diary email list ++++++++
Kelly Hammargren’s summary on what happened the preceding week is posted on the What Happened page at: https://www.sustainableberkeleycoalition.com/what-happened.html and in the Berkeley Daily Planet https://www.berkeleydailyplanet.com/
The Activist’s Calendar of meetings is posted on the What’s Ahead page at: https://www.sustainableberkeleycoalition.com/whats-ahead.html
If you would like to receive the Activist’s Calendar as soon as it is completed send an email to: kellyhammargren@gmail.com.If you want to receive the Activist’s Diary send an email to kellyhammargren@gmail.com. If you wish to stop receiving the weekly calendar of city meetings please forward the email you received to- kellyhammargren@gmail.com -with the request to be removed from the email list.
