Emergency Shelter Activated, Public Input Process for Measure T1 and More Funds for Community Wellness Center
January 2017 Newsletter
Welcome to my monthly newsletter. I hope that this publication will help keep you informed and serve as a resource for your civic engagement.
A Note From Jesse
Dear Berkeley residents,
I want to express, once again, my sincere gratitude for the trust you demonstrated in electing me as your Mayor and the support you have offered this past month. Since my inauguration on December 1st, my staff and I have hit the ground running to tackle the issues that are important to Berkeleyans and that I pledged to address during my campaign.
At the new City Council’s first meeting on December 13th, we voted to immediately activate an Emergency Operations Center (EOC), a regional declaration that will expedite the provision of immediate services to the homeless. As a result of the EOC, in a space of days, the bed capacity of Berkeley’s Emergency Storm Shelter doubled, our warming centers added daytime hours, shuttle van transportation was introduced to boost shelter accessibility, and encampment outreach was increased with daily visits from community agency staff.
Council also established an ad-hoc committee to work with the City Manager and staff to create emergency and interim measures to address homelessness. The committee has since developed an immediate action list and begun work towards its implementation. Another major accomplishment was the December 23 opening of a new 45-bed shelter on 2nd Street, which features pet kennels, bike and possession storage.
In addition to homelessness and affordable housing, my office will continue to address major issues including but not limited to economic development, community health and well being, educational opportunities, and climate action.
Please know that the work I do is always on behalf of all Berkeley community members. I work for each and every constituent, including those who voted for my very worthy fellow candidates. It is your concerns and input that drive Council discussions and fuel new proposals and ordinances. Please do not hesitate to contact my office with any questions, concerns, or suggestions.
Best,
Mayor Jesse Arreguín
Updates
The Berkeley/Albany Mental Health Commission voted to increase funds to a community wellness center and redirect monies to renovate the Berkeley Mental Health Adult Services Clinic. Commissioners also allocated funds to support permanent housing units for the homeless located on McKinley Avenue. Council will vote on the commission budget at the upcoming meeting on January 24.
On December 20, the Ad-Hoc Committee on homelessness recommended the creation of a 24 hour shelter environment, storage space and accommodation of pets at shelter locations, transportation to warming centers and night shelters, continued encampment outreach, research towards accessible shelters with intensive case management, continued exploration of a structured encampment and other measures.
The public input process for the allocation of Measure T1 tax revenue for infrastructure projects will begin in the first quarter of this year. More information to come.
Events
Community Outreach in the Library
January 25
Central Library, 2090 Kittredge St
Community Outreach in the Library (COIL) is a weekly opportunity for community organizations to connect with homeless Berkeleyans, and sometimes housed people in need, to offer information, resources, and referrals. Berkeley Food and Housing Project (BFHP) and Youth, Education, Advocacy, and Housing (YEAH!) provide outreach on Wednesdays from 11:30am-1pm. Center for Independent Living is a disability resource on Thursdays from 10am-12pm. Berkeley Free Clinic addresses medical needs on the first Saturday of the month from 12pm-2pm. For more information, call the library Reference Desk at 510-981-6148.
Women’s March Bay Area
Saturday, January 21
Oakland, San Francisco, San Jose
In solidarity with Women’s Marches across the country, three Bay Area marches will bring thousands of people together for a public expression of unity for human rights, civil liberties, and social justice. In the midst of a dark national climate, these events are open to all as a place to find healing and strength. There are no tickets, but participants are encouraged to register on Eventbrite. For more information and registration links for each event, click here.
Mayor's Office Hours
Saturday, January 28, 10am-1pm
Downtown Farmers Market, Center/Milvia
Join Mayor Jesse Arreguin for his monthly office hours. This month's location will be at the Downtown Farmers Market (weather permitting). In the event of inclement weather, office hours will be held at Au Coquelet, 2000 University Ave. We look forward to hearing from you.
Upcoming Council Meetings
The City of Berkeley places great value on public participation at City Council meetings. Your voice matters to our office and it is important to us that Berkeleyans are informed on current Council items. Communications to the Mayor and all Councilmembers, email council@cityofberkeley.info. If you have questions regarding public comment, council communications, or meeting order, please click here. A complete list of agendas can be found here.
Tuesday, January 24, 2017, 7pm
Council Chambers, 2134 MLK Jr. Way
Tuesday, January 31, 2017, 7pm
Council Chambers, 2134 MLK Jr. Way