Berkeley Weekly Update - 11/21/23

Berkeley Leads United Against Hate Week Events

Mayor Arreguin speaks at last week's United Against Hate Week kick off.

Last week was United Against Hate (UAH) Week, Now a nationwide event, it was first launched in Berkeley six years ago in response to white supremacist rallies. UAH Week provides an opportunity for local residents to take action in their communities under the simple, yet powerful principle that, when cities and their residents work together against hate, we can restore respect and discourse, embrace the strength of our diversity, and build inclusive and equitable communities for all.

A kick-off event was held at MLK Jr Civic Center Park with representatives from the California Civil Rights Department/CA vs Hate, LA vs Hate, Not in Our Town, the NAACP, and other local and regional officials. Over the last few years, we have seen this event grow exponentially, yet there is still so much work to be done. Now more than ever, in the face of growing hate crimes, we must take a stand to bring our communities together against hatred.

Keep Updated on Vaccines this Winter

Respiratory illnesses caused by COVID-19, the flu, and RSV increase during the fall and winter. While these viruses typically present mild symptoms in healthy adults, they can cause severe illness in seniors and those with preexisting respiratory conditions or those who are immunocompromised. The best way to protect yourself and others is to get vaccinated. Every year, an updated flu vaccine is provided based on the most prominent strains. Similarly, a new COVID-19 vaccine has recently been approved which provides protection against the latest major variants. New this year is a vaccine for RSV, which is recommended for adults 60 and over and infants 19 months and younger (the two age groups at highest risk to severe illness from RSV). Consult your healthcare provider to book an appointment. Both the flu and COVID-19 vaccines can be administered at the same time.

Beginning November 20, all households can apply for four free at-home test kits for COVID-19. Households who did not apply for this offer when it was made in September can get a total of eight test kits.

Berkeley Youth Equity Partnership Update

The Berkeley Youth Equity Partnership, or YEP, is the successor to Vision 2020 - an initiative that aims to end racial disparities in academic achievement. YEP brings together stakeholders from the City, along with educational institutions including the Berkeley Unified School District, Berkeley City College, and the University of California, Berkeley. YEP lays out five different objectives to improve access to quality education:

Expand kindergarten readiness and access to childcare
Success in school through educational support activities
Provide equitable outcomes to prepare students for college and/or career
Improve mental health, development, wellbeing, and sense of belonging
Help parents/guardians support their child at school and at home

To support Berkeley YEP, the City is committed to providing $1.7 million annually over the next four years in YEP-sponsored programs and opportunities to help African American/Black and Latinx young people who live and go to school in Berkeley thrive academically, physically, and emotionally.

Business License Renewal

Next month, 13,000 Berkeley businesses will receive notice to renew their business license by March 1st. The Business license is a revenue tax that is used for general municipal purposes. Last fiscal year, $28.7 million was generated through the business license tax. An active license is proof that a business license tax has been paid; it is not a regulatory permit nor authorizes the conduct or continuance of any business.

There are three ways businesses can file their tax, with most businesses able to do so online.

Online at the City website. When renewing online, businesses receive a copy of their license immediately.
Mail: Finance Department, Revenue Collection, 1947 Center Street, 1st Floor, Berkeley, CA 94704
In person: Customer Service Center at 1947 Center Street, 1st Floor Hours of operation are Monday – Thursday, 8:30-2:00.

2023 Holiday Gift Fair

Kick off your holiday shopping in Downtown Berkeley! The 5th Annual Berkeley Holiday Gift Fair is back on Thursday, November 30th from 3-7pm at Hotel Shattuck Plaza. Get gifts for everyone on your list in one place while supporting 25+ local businesses. This community event is free to attend. Enjoy complimentary eco-friendly gift wrapping by Berkeley Rotary Club.

What: 5th Annual Berkeley Holiday Gift Fair

When: Thursday November 30th, 3-7pm

Where: Hotel Shattuck Plaza, 2086 Allston Way

This year’s Fair is presented by Berkeley Chamber with support from City of Berkeley, Hotel Shattuck Plaza, Mechanics Bank, and Martin Marietta Berkeley Asphalt & Readymix.

Mayor's Office Holiday Party

You are invited to my third annual holiday party and food drive!

Friday, December 15 from 6pm-8pm

at Triple Rock, 1920 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley.

No need to RSVP. In lieu of tickets, canned food or a monetary donation will be appreciated*. Light refreshments will be provided along with a no host bar. Wearing an ugly sweater is optional, but recommended!

Contact my office if you have any questions mayor@cityofberkeley.info, 510-981-7100.

I Hope to see you there!

*Canned food will be donated to the Alameda County Community Food Bank. Monetary donations (cash, check, online/credit card) will be donated to the Berkeley Holiday Fund.