Free Community College Tuition, Volunteer and Donation Opportunities, and More Berkeley News

Apply for Seismic Retrofit Grants By November 29

Last month a magnitude 5.1 earthquake struck near San Jose, which was felt throughout much of Northern California. Source: USGS

California homeowners have until November 29th to apply for the Earthquake Brace + Bolt program, which provides $3,000 grants for seismic upgrades for owner-occupied single-family residences and small multifamily buildings (1-4 units). Households with annual incomes below $72,080 could qualify for up to 100% of the seismic retrofit cost. 

Last month, a magnitude 5.1 quake struck the South Bay, the largest earthquake to hit the Bay Area in 8 years. While only very minor damage was recorded near the epicenter, it served as a reminder that the Big One could happen anytime and we must continue our efforts to prepare for it. Seismic retrofits can help prevent homes from sliding and collapsing in the event of a major earthquake. 

Since March 2016, 485 Berkeley homeowners have received Earthquake Brace + Bolt rebates, bringing nearly $1.5 million in state funding to Berkeley residents while increasing the resilience of our community. For more information and to apply, click here.

Free Tuition at Berkeley City College

Berkeley City College is extending its program of free tuition to California residents (regardless of citizenship or financial aid eligibility) for the Spring 2023 semester. This semester, it will be free regardless of how many units you take. Students will also have access to a free weekly meal. Those who take at least six units will also have access to a $150 clipper card and free parking.  Students who enroll in 12 or more units will be eligible for a Student Success Grant of up to $1,500. 

Enrollment began on November 21st. First day of classes for the Spring semester begins on January 23rd. For more information and to apply, click here. If you have any questions, contact Berkeley City College at 510-981-2800 or bccambassadors@peralta.edu.

COVID-19 and Monkeypox/MPX Updates

COVID-19

As of Monday, November 21st, there have been 21,197 cases of COVID-19 in Berkeley. These are lab confirmed cases, and do not include unreported cases discovered through home test kits. Over the last 30 days, there were 349 cases, and we are currently averaging 9 daily cases over the last seven days. The case rate, which is based on last week’s numbers, is 12.1 cases per 100,000 residents per day. Test positivity is at 6.2%, which has been starting to go up this month after many months of decline. This is expected as cases do rise in the late fall and winter months. Hospitalizations are also beginning to climb throughout the County, but ICU numbers remain stable. 70 Berkeley residents have died from COVID-19 to date, with 13 deaths recorded so far in 2022, the latest one occurring on October 14th. 96% of Berkeley residents are fully vaccinated, with 88% of vaccinated people receiving at least one booster. For more information, visit the City's COVID-19 Dashboard.

There are plenty of opportunities to schedule a vaccine appointment. One of the easiest ways is to contact your primary healthcare provider. In most cases you should be able to get an appointment within a couple of weeks, if not earlier. You can also get a flu shot at the same time. For more options and information on where to book an appointment, click here.

Monkeypox/MPX

Starting in May 2022, the Monkeypox/MPX virus had its largest international outbreak in memory. The virus spread to over 110 countries across six continents. Yet six months later, cases are virtually nonexistent. Over the last month, an average of around 2 cases are being reported daily across the State and declining. At its peak over the summer, 143 daily cases were being reported. As of November 18, there have been 5,572 cases in California, including 241 in Alameda County. 

How were we able to contain the spread, especially after being unable to stop COVID? For starters, MPX is much more difficult to spread than COVID, primarily requiring sustained skin-on-skin contact. Additionally, vaccines were already available for MPX. Despite a slow initial rollout, vaccines did become available to those most at risk of contracting the virus, with supply now outpacing demand. While anyone could catch it, most cases were among men who have sex with men. Those most at risk took the virus seriously, and took the necessary steps to reduce their risk, helping stop the spread. While it is always possible we could see a resurgence, we are in a good position to eradicate it. 

Volunteer and Donation Opportunities this Holiday Season

The Berkeley Fire Department's Toy Drive is one of many opportunities to give back to the community.

As we enter the holiday season, many people are looking for ways to get engaged and volunteer. While volunteers are needed year-round, we wanted to take this opportunity to highlight some ways you can get involved, whether it be over the next month or the next year. 

Berkeley Animal Shelter

Volunteers are needed to provide care and support for cats and/or dogs. Dog volunteers provide exercise, practice walking on-leash, and off-leash play time, which helps promote good behavior and social skills, making them more adoptable. Cat volunteers provide playing and petting, helping relieve their stress and anxiety. Training is required and provided. For more information and to apply, click here.

Berkeley Food Network

The Berkeley Food Network, which distributes healthy and high-quality food to those in need, has multiple volunteer opportunities. Pantry volunteers have 3-hours shifts for stocking and organizing the pantry and helping clients in selecting and packing groceries. Warehouse volunteers have 2-hour shifts to assembly grocery bags for agency partners. For those with experience in cooking, kitchen volunteers are needed to cook vegetarian meals. For more information and to apply, click here.

Berkeley Food Pantry

Long-term volunteers (three-month commitment) are requested to help on a variety of tasks, including picking up, stocking and sorting food, preparing grocery bags, and distributing food. 2 hour shifts take place on Mondays-Fridays, except Thursdays. For more information and to apply, click here.

Holiday Food Drive

From now through November 30th, people can drop off non-perishable food at most city buildings, including the civic center, libraries, and community centers. The donation wish list includes canned foods, healthy snacks/nutrition bars, gluten-free grains and pasta, condiments and seasonings, in addition to toiletries such as toothpaste, soap, and deodorant.  

Holiday Toy Drive

The Berkeley Fire Department is running a toy drive to provide to children in need. People can drop off new, unwrapped toys at any fire station. Toys should be for children between the ages of 4-16 years old. Clothes and gift cards cannot be accepted. 

Meals on Wheels

Volunteers are needed to help pack and deliver meals for seniors across Berkeley. Volunteers have an option of packing meals, delivering them, or both. Those without a car can request a walking or biking route. Shifts are available on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. For more information and to apply, click here.

Buy Local at the 4th Annual Holiday Gift Fair

The Berkeley Chamber, in partnership with the City of Berkeley, is excited to host the 4th annual Berkeley Holiday Gift Fair. The fair features dozens of local retail and service vendors. After the Holiday Gift Fair, make sure you check out one of the many downtown restaurants to top off your evening. It’s a great way to kick off the holiday season! 

Berkeley Chamber is also producing the #berkeleyholidays gift guide. Their favorite part of the holiday season is the opportunity to support all the local Berkeley Businesses that make this city so special. It’s a win-win! Money stays local and we help support the community while the gifts we give are homegrown and full of Berkeley’s unique character. I hope you will all join the Chamber to help find new and creative ways to support Berkeley’s businesses this holiday season. Shop the guide HERE. 

The event takes place on Thursday, December 8th from 4pm-7pm at the Hotel Shattuck Plaza, 2086 Allston Way.