Berkeley Weekly Update - 3/13/24

City Takes Action to Address Rising Crime

Last month the Mayor held a press conference to announce a new regional public safety partnership to address regional crime trends.

The 2023 Police Report has been published, showing overall a 10.5% increase in crime. The biggest cause of this increase was due to robberies and burglaries, with auto thefts spiking nationwide in early 2023 due to a security flaw in certain vehicles. While these trends are reflective of rising crime in the East Bay, we recognize that this is not an acceptable reality. Despite these challenges, Berkeley PD has had higher clearance rates (successfully closing a case) compared to other jurisdictions, including all homicides over the past three years within one year.

A major concern is the rise in hate crimes. While part of this is due to better reporting of such crimes, there has been a noticeable surge in anti-semitic incidents since October 7 and the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Before October 7, 17% of hate crimes and hate incidents were anti-Jewish and 8% were anti-Arab or anti-Muslim. Since October 7, 50% of hate crimes and hate incidents were anti-Jewish and 3% were anti-Arab or anti-Muslim. Several of these incidents have taken place at Council meetings, which is causing harm to our democratic values. Hate has no place in Berkeley, and these statistics show that we must remain vigilant and do more to oppose creeping anti-semitism that is spreading globally.

A positive part of the report is that efforts to implement Fair and Impartial Policing policies have been effective in addressing racial disparities. One key metric in understanding if implicit biases are causing disparities is looking at the yield rate for stops. When an individual is searched, data shows that the amount of times contraband is found among Whites (50%) compared to Blacks (47%) and Latinos (52%) are statistically identical. If racial bias was a motivating factor, we would expect to see a lower yield rate among people of color. Similarly, when we look at the demographics of people who are stopped for moving violations, compared to those involved in collisions, it shows similar results. This means that stops are influenced by driving behavior rather than implicit biases.

To address rising crimes and regional crime trends, especially as it pertains to violent crimes and organized retail theft, the Mayor’s Office launched a regional public safety partnership. The purpose of this convening is to unify efforts across the region in enhancing overall public safety, with specific focus on the prevention, deterrence, and accountability of violent and property crimes. Meetings will take place quarterly, which will provide an opportunity for elected officials and law enforcement throughout the East Bay to work collaboratively on public safety objectives. The first meeting took place in January.

Bayer Community Grant Applications

The 2022 agreement allowed Bayer to expand its campus in exchange for significant community benefits.

When the City and Bayer, the City’s largest private employer, signed a 30-year development agreement in January 2022, Bayer committed over $33 million in community benefits through 2052. One aspect of this is to provide support to local nonprofits that are making a positive impact in West Berkeley. The first round of funding, which provides around $25k annually to local organizations, has helped support a wide range of actions such as job opportunities, climate resilience, and health equity. To learn more about last year’s recipients, click here.

This year, Bayer is seeking applications for another cohort of nonprofits that work to advance the West Berkeley community. Interest form submissions are due by April 5. From that, 15 organizations will be selected to submit full applications, due June 14, with six organizations being selected in September. For more information and to apply, click here.

Adopt a Pet

In 2009, then Councilmember Arreguin adopted a cat from the Berkeley animal shelter.

Adopt your next dog, cat, guinea pig, bunny, and more from the City of Berkeley’s animal shelter, whose staff and volunteers nurture animals for new homes.

At Berkeley Animal Care Services, you can meet delightful dogs like Maia the husky, a curious explorer with a nose for adventure, or wirehaired terrier Misty, a gentle affection pup, who loves lap time. They also have fabulous felines like Mimi and even a white rabbit named Puff. Each pet has a unique personality waiting to be discovered. Whether you're seeking a hiking buddy, a cuddle companion, or a mischievous sidekick, they've got a match for you. Their dedicated team ensures each animal receives love, enrichment, and veterinary care.

To make it easier to take home your newest family member, Berkeley Animal Care Services has waived pet adoption fees through March. The Animal Shelter at 1 Bolivar Drive is open Monday - Saturday from 10am-4pm and Sunday from 11am-3pm. No appointment is necessary. For more information, click here.

AC Transit Realign Proposal

After receiving community feedback, AC Transit has extended implementation of their Realign proposal by six months so that the service plan can be further refined. Realign is a comprehensive review of the bus network to respond to shifts in riders' travel patterns. The proposed timeline will include a plan revision and public feedback period.

The AC Transit Board of Directors will discuss an update on Realign today. For details, click here.