March 18, 2020

COVID-19 Updates: Council Action to Protect Renters and Businesses - Plus More

Illustration of a coronavirus. Credit: CDC/ Alissa Eckert, MS; Dan Higgins, MAM

City Council Takes Swift Action to Address Tenants, Small Businesses, and Arts Organizations

Last night, the Berkeley City Council took multiple urgent steps to address the growing economic fallout caused by COVID-19. The items approved include:

A COVID-19 Relief Fund that will be used to support small businesses and their workers who may be struggling to make rent. It will also assist arts organizations that have been significantly impacted by the pandemic. Members of the public who are able to donate will be able to contribute. The City of Berkeley will match the contributions with a starting donation of up to $3 million in public dollars. A formal campaign for the Relief Fund will launch on Sunday 3/22; stay tuned for updates/details.
An urgency ordinance that is the first in California to prohibit the eviction of commercial tenants for non-payment of rent. The ordinance also prohibits evictions of residential tenants for non-payment of rent and no-fault evictions. Specifically, for individuals who demonstrate their inability to pay is a result of COVID-19, the ordinance prohibits a landlord or other entity from evicting or attempting to evict an occupant during the emergency
Direction to the City Manager to further increase strategies to protect vulnerable populations, including the homeless, seniors, and people with disabilities.

The City Council will not be meeting on March 24th, with the earliest possible date for the next meeting being its reconvening after its previously scheduled spring recess on April 14th.

Questions on Shelter in Place

As we enter the evening of day two of the Shelter in Place, please review the Order and the frequently asked questions. We understand there are many questions as to what is or is not allowed under the Order, and our staff is actively answering questions you may have. If you have a question that is not answered in the FAQ, contact 311 (or 510-981-2489 from a cell phone).

Food Resource List

The Berkeley Food Network, along with its partners and volunteers, remain committed to providing food to those in need during the COVID-19 emergency. Below is a list of options. Be sure to double check their website in case there is a change in the hours of operation.

Berkeley Food Network - 1925 Ninth Street

Available for Berkeley and Albany citizens.

Hours:

Monday – Thursday 10am – 2pm;

Monday and Wednesday 5 – 7pm;

First and third Saturdays 10am – 12pm

Berkeley Unified School District

Available for school aged children 18 and under.

Locations:

Berkeley Arts Magnet Elementary

2015 Virginia Street

Tables will be set up between Milvia & Shattuck

Rosa Parks Elementary

920 Allston Way

Tables will be set up under the portico

Longfellow Middle School

1522 Ward Street

Tables will be set up between Sacramento & California

Willard Middle School

2425 Stuart Street

Tables will be set up near Telegraph

Berkeley High School

1980 Allston Way

Tables will be set up in the breezeway on Milvia near Kittredge St

Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School

1781 Rose Street

Enter on Grant and drive onto the basketball courts. Tables will be set up at the front doors of the Dining Commons

Times:

BUSD Meal Distribution from Tuesday March 17 – Friday March 20 (Daily)

Time: Open from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. to pick up both breakfast and lunch

Note: Friday pickup includes Friday lunch and Monday breakfast

BUSD Meal Distribution the week of March 23 – 27 (Monday, Wednesday, Friday)

Days: Monday, Wednesday, Friday

Time: Open from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. to pick up multiple meals

Other Locations:

Urban Adamah, 1151 Sixth St. The farm is open 11 a.m.-noon, Wednesday.
Berkeley Food Pantry, 1600 Sacramento St. The pantry is open 2-4 p.m., Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

State and Federal Response to COVID-19

In addition to advancing public health initiatives, both the State of California and the United States federal government is working on legislation and executive action to help small businesses, workers, and renters. Such proposals and new policies are rapidly changing. For the latest information on state and federal efforts, visit:

Additional Information

These sources have useful information, resources, and news on COVID-19. Bookmark and visit frequently for the latest information.