Berkeley Weekly Update - 1/17/24

Defending Democracy in the Face of Incivility

Multiple disruptions have taken place at Berkeley City Council meetings in recent months.

As we enter a new year that will have profound implications for the future of our country, it is not lost on me that our democracy is under threat. The world watched in horror on January 6, 2021, when the United States Capitol was attacked by those who refused to accept the democratic will of the people. We witnessed the disruption of democratic proceedings, death threats, harassment and abuse toward elected officials, violence against peace officers, and the destruction of property. It breaks my heart to see the same vitriol unfold right here in our community.

As mayor, I want to make sure that our community’s diverse opinions are heard, and I feel obligated to speak out against the incivility that has recently plagued our city. Shutting down council meetings and threatening those you disagree with creates harm to those who want to engage with our government in good faith. Last week, I wrote an op-ed about these threats and actions that are prohibiting our ability to conduct the people’s business, and how we must work together despite our differences to properly engage in civic discourse. We must call for civility and overcome our differences to create a future that the next generation will be proud of.

Councilmember Robinson Resignation

Councilmember Rigel Robinson, who has represented District 7 since 2018, has resigned from his position, effective January 12th. I am saddened to see him leave, but respect this difficult and personal decision.

I have known Councilmember Robinson since he was a student at UC Berkeley. During my time as a Councilmember, he even interned in my office. As a student involved in the ASUC (UC Berkeley’s student government), he worked on getting students more engaged in local government, especially on issues relating to housing and transportation. His efforts would culminate in becoming the youngest person ever elected to the Berkeley City Council in 2018 at age 22. While on the Council, he led efforts on upzoning Southside, which will create an additional 2,650 new units within walking distance of UC Berkeley, improving transportation and safety through the Southside Complete Streets Project, and has been heavily involved with the Waterfront Specific Plan, among many other accomplishments.

In an op-ed announcing his resignation, Rigel cites “various forms of harassment, stalking, and threats” that has caused a “perpetual state of stress and exhaustion” as reasons for stepping down. As mentioned in my op-ed above, I am deeply disappointed and upset that a small group of individuals have resorted to an intense campaign of harassment and abuse to the point where they bullied an elected official out of office, silencing the voices of the majority that voted for him. Such actions must be fully condemned. We need more people like Rigel in public office, especially these days with our democratic values under attack. I wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors, knowing that he has made a positive impact on the Berkeley community.

Housing Preference Policy Takes Effect

The new law will prioritize new affordable housing units for people impacted by displacement and redlining, among other criteria.

Last year, the City Council approved a Housing Preference Policy to address the historic harms caused by redlining and other factors that have negatively impacted underserved communities. The policy was created after years of discussions with residents and community organizations, including Healthy Black Families (HBF) and East Bay Community Law Center (EBCLC) to address gentrification and displacement in Berkeley. For example, in the 1970 US Census, African Americans made up 23.5% of the City’s population. 50 years later the population plummeted to below 8%.

The policy, which went into effect at the beginning of the year, would prioritize placement in affordable housing for the following categories:

Descendant of someone displaced by the construction of BART in Berkeley.
Displaced due to foreclosure since 2005.
Displaced due to a no-fault or non-payment eviction within the past seven years.
Households with at least one child aged 17 or under.
Homeless who are not eligible for Permanent Supportive Housing or at risk of homelessness with a current/former address in Berkeley.
Has lived in a redlined area in Berkeley or a descendent of one.

For more details on this policy and eligibility, and to apply for affordable housing in Berkeley, click here.

Spring 2024 Berkeley City College Free Tuition

Berkeley City College (BCC) and all Peralta Colleges will have free tuition for most new and returning students. Free tuition is available for those who enroll in at least six units this semester, and includes free weekly meals and an AC Transit bus pass. To qualify, students must enroll and complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the California Dream Act Application for undocumented students. Those who do not qualify for federal financial aid are still eligible for free tuition. This offer is not available to international or out-of-state students.

Classes at BCC begin on January 22, and the last day to add a class is February 2. For more information about the program, including eligibility requirements, and to sign up, click here.

East Bay Regional Parks District 90th Anniversary

Brickyard Cove is a recent addition to the McLaughlin Eastshore State Park along the Berkeley waterfront.

2024 marks the 90th anniversary of the East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD). In 1934, during the midst of the Great Depression, voters in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties approved a tax measure to establish the Park District. Two years later, the first parks, including Wildcat Canyon at Tilden, were opened. Today, EBRPD manages 73 parks over 125,000 acres, including 55 miles of shoreline and over 1,300 miles of trails, making it the largest regional park district in the country.

EBRPD is planning events throughout the year to commemorate the anniversary, including monthly “Explore Your Parks” adventure programs and a large anniversary this spring. To learn more about the history of EBRPD and upcoming events, click here.