City Jobs, Storms Response, and More Berkeley News

City Response to Significant Storms, FEMA Funding Available

The City responded to eight downed trees at the Marina.

From late December through mid-January, Berkeley and California was inundated by a series of storms fueled by potent atmospheric rivers. While this brought much needed snow to the mountains, increases to reservoir levels, and a reduction in the severity of the drought, significant storm impacts were felt throughout the state, resulting in at least 22 deaths. Berkeley was fortunate to avoid the worst of the impacts, despite experiencing 55 mph wind gusts and over 16 inches of rain since December 29th. 

Our Public Works, Forestry, and Emergency Operations Center staff were busy responding to hundreds of storm related calls between December 29th and January 19th. Public Works handled over 300 storm related calls, including clearing storm drains and addressing localized flooding. Forestry dealt with over 70 calls relating to downed trees and branches. Fire also handled 86 storm related calls, including downed power lines, downed trees, and flooding. Over 5,000 sand bags were provided to Berkeley residents and businesses during the storms. The City responded to a landslide that took place on January 16th, safely evacuating residents of impacted households while taking steps to reduce the hazard. Thank you to our City Staff who worked in treacherous conditions to keep our community safe. To learn more on how to prepare for future storms, click here.

Thanks to efforts in partnership with Congressmember Barbara Lee’s Office, President Biden has recently expanded the disaster declaration to include Alameda County. This opens up access to funding from FEMA to respond to damages caused by the storms. Individuals who have been impacted by the storms can apply for FEMA support by going to the Federal Government’s Disaster Assistance website or calling 1-800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585).

City of Berkeley Now Hiring

Despite an economic rebound and more job opportunities than there were before the pandemic, nationwide there continues to be a worker shortage. The “Great Resignation” has impacted all job sectors, with 48.7 million workers nationwide quitting their jobs in 2021, almost twice the annual average over the past 20 years. The City of Berkeley is no different, which currently has a 16% vacancy rate in our workforce. Over the past three years, retirements and resignations have outpaced hiring, and applications for employment for the City have dropped nearly 40% compared to pre-pandemic levels. 

The City of Berkeley is the fourth largest employer in Berkeley, with around 1,500 employees. The significant vacancies we face have an impact on our ability to provide a wide range of services to the community. Highlights include delays and reductions in services for physical and mental health services, increasing backlogs on Public Works maintenance and improvement projects, increased overtime costs for Fire and Police, extended response times for calls for service, less parks activities, and lower morale. 

Providing high quality services remains an essential goal of the City’s work to the community, but this can only be obtained through adequate staffing. This is not an issue that is unique to Berkeley; similar sized cities throughout the region have similar vacancy rates. Recruitment campaigns are underway, and the City offers competitive wages and generous benefit packages. If you are someone you know is looking for a job, consider working for the City of Berkeley. There are currently dozens of job openings covering a wide range of occupations. For more information and to apply, visit the City’s jobs webpage.

Commemorating Black History Month

February is Black History Month, a time to celebrate the vibrant and diverse culture and history of African Americans. Sadly, this comes at the time of yet another death of an unarmed Black person at the hands of the police. The death of Tyre Nichols shows that institutional racism still runs deep in this country and the need for police reform. In Berkeley, we are taking steps to remove armed police officers from minor traffic enforcement to reduce unnecessary and fatal encounters, and to build a safer and more just city for all.

In February 2021, we sent out a newsletter highlighting the history of African Americans in Berkeley and the instrumental role they have played in advancing civil rights, desegregation, and housing. Click here to read that newsletter.

Community Wildfire Protection Plan

This spring, Council will be adopting the City’s first Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP), which provides a blueprint for how the City and community members can mitigate wildfire risks. The draft CWPP will be posted in mid-February, in which there will be opportunities for public feedback for a month. The Disaster and Fire Safety Commission will review the draft report at its February meeting, and it is anticipated that Council will adopt the final version in May. 

While the draft of the plan is scheduled to be published next month, there are ways you can get engaged right now. The CWPP Hub webpage has been set up that provides maps and ways to provide feedback. 

Over the past decade, a combination of climate change and sprawling development along the wildland-fire urban interface has significantly increased wildfire danger throughout California. Eight of the ten largest wildfires in state history, in terms of acreage burned, happened since 2017. 2023 marks the 100th anniversary of the 1923 Berkeley fire, which destroyed the Northside and La Loma neighborhoods. 640 structures burned down, but fortunately there was no loss of life.

Equity for Black Berkeley People's Assembly

On February 11, Healthy Black Families is hosting a People’s Assembly to engage with the community on the future of South Berkeley, specifically around the Adeline Corridor and the Ashby BART Station. A key aspect of this is Equity for Black Berkeley, a vision for how the City of Berkeley can repair harm to the Black community caused by institutional racism, segregation and redlining.

Complimentary lunch and childcare will be provided on-site, but people must RSVP to reserve a lunch spot. Whether or not you are able to attend, you can also fill out a community survey to share your thoughts. 

WHAT: Equity for Black Berkeley People’s Assembly 

WHEN: Saturday, February 11, 12:30pm-4:30pm

WHERE: Francis Albrier Community Center, San Pablo Park, 2800 Park St

RSVP: Click Here