Oral arguments will be heard tomorrow morning for Make UC A Good Neighbor (MUCGN) and the Peoples Park Historic District Advocacy Group (PPHDAG) lawsuit against UC before the First District Appellate Court of California, Division 5, San Francisco.

New information received yesterday by PPHDAG in the letter below clearly shows that despite UC's claim that supportive housing is integral to Housing Project #2, it is willing to undermine funding for it and jeopardize the project. Because People's Park is on the National Register of Historic Places, a federal environmental review is required to be eligible for HUD vouchers. Despite the PR spin put on this project, this new information clearly undermines their stated intention.  

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From: "Toal, Stanley W" <Stanley.W.Toal@hud.gov> 

Subject: Supportive Housing in People's Park, UC Berkeley 

Date: January 10, 2023 at 7:45:39 AM PST 

To: People’s Park Historic District Advocacy Group 

Sent via email 

The Supportive Housing in People’s Park, UC, Berkeley (the Project) was selected for Project-Based Vouchers (PBVs) through the competitive process administered by the Berkeley Housing Authority (BHA). Resources for Community Development (RCD) requested 27 to 54 PBVs in its application to BHA, and BHA conditionally committed 27 PBVs to the proposed project.  

BHA submitted notice to HUD on December 12, 2022, with the following record.  

RCD has reached the end of our investigation of whether we can use Project-based Vouchers in the development of Supportive Housing in People’s Park and concluded that the way that CEQA was conducted in combination with UC Berkeley starting construction on the student housing next year [2023] is incompatible with NEPA regulations. In brief, no construction or other "choice limiting actions" may start prior to the completion of NEPA, and the ability to demonstrate that the supportive housing was a separate project completely independent of UC's projects was negated when UC entered a brief in court defending the CEQA arguing that alternate sites for Housing Project #2 were not studied because they would not fit both UC's programs along with the supportive housing, which was intrinsic and interrelated to the UC development at People’s Park. Since UC is not willing to delay its projects for the completion of NEPA, no federal funds may be used on the supportive housing. On 11/4/22 RCD notified Berkeley Housing Authority that we will need to return the conditional commitment of 27 PBVs and have canceled our contract with the NEPA consultant. We have submitted an application to California Department of Social Services Community Care Expansion program for grant funding to replace the rental subsidies lost by the vouchers so that we can fulfil our commitment to serving those with the fewest options. 

BHA notified HUD that the federal application has been rescinded and the conditional commitment canceled. HUD had no objection to the BHA’s decision to accept the rescissions of the application and to cancel the conditional commitment of the 27 PBVs to the Project. HUD funds or assistance is no longer anticipated to be used at the Project, and there are no HUD funding or assistance eligibility requirements to be maintained by RCD. The Project is now a non-federal action, as NEPA no longer applies to the Project. 

Persons and agencies seeking redress in relation to the CEQA review cited by RCD shall deal directly with the Regents of the University of California, and not with HUD.

City Council sent Lori Droste off into the sunset as a former two term Councilmember with nearly 1 ½ hours of accolades on December 6, 2022. Sometime before signing off that last evening Droste submitted two proposals that were first seen in the draft agenda for the January 17, 2023 City Council meeting as items 26 and 27 at the January 4, 2023 Agenda and Rules Committee. 

The Agenda and Rules Committee, with members Mayor Arreguin and Councilmembers Hahn and Wengraf, rarely receives much attention. There are only two or three regular public attendees (I am one) and city staff. 

If you have been following Kevin McCarthy’s quest for Speaker of the House, and the concessions made to get the gavel, including three spots on the House Rules Committee for Freedom Caucus members, then you might have heard Representative Jim McGovern, Democrat from Massachusetts, describe the Rules Committee as the most powerful committee that no one knows anything about. The House of Representatives Rules Committee decides what gets to the floor for a vote. And the rules, McCarthy’s concessions, most of which are in a secret appendix, determine how the House of Representatives will operate. 

Berkeley’s City Council Agenda and Rules Committee does much the same: determines what reaches the final agenda for a Council vote and how Council meetings are managed. For now, the Council Agenda and Rules Committee referred Droste’s parting gestures back to itself for further discussion, but that shouldn’t give anyone any assurance that Council won’t get behind these changes. 

Draft Agenda Item 26 was “Bureaucratic Effectiveness and Referral Improvement and Prioritization Effort (BE RIPE).” This agenda item would limit each councilmember to no more than one major legislative proposal or set of amendments to any existing ordinance per year, with the mayor allowed two proposals. Budget referrals and allocations must be explicitly related to previously established or passed policies or programs. 

Droste’s proposal for limiting legislation and budget referrals would certainly dampen Berkeley’s position as a progressive city, though other than Councilmember Harrison’s natural gas ban in new construction in 2019, Berkeley has fallen off a cliff when it comes to innovation. Looking at submissions, the two councilmembers who would be most affected by limiting legislation are Taplin and Harrison. Every councilmember would feel the pinch on budget referrals. 

Councilmember Taplin turns out a stack of legislative proposals every month, more than what would be reasonably produced by his office staff/legislative aide, with Taplin turning over presentations and responses to questions to others. I can only think of one Taplin proposal that didn’t end up as a referral for the City Manager to finish, and that was the ordinance on giving priority to native plants. By the time it reached a council vote it was so watered down it can best be described as a near meaningless gesture, when what is really needed is recognition of the critical importance of urban forests, support for ecosystems and firm thresholds for native plants which research shows should not drop below 70%. 

The other councilmember that turns in significant legislation is Kate Harrison. The difference between the two councilmembers is that Harrison knows her legislative proposals thoroughly, goes through steps of refinement, and is ready to answer questions, which frequently turns into grilling requiring explaining every facet. Little to nothing is left to finish except implementation if approved. 

Droste’s Draft Agenda Item 27 “Reforms to Public Comment Procedures at meetings of the Berkeley City Council“ consolidates all public comment—non-agenda, agenda, consent and action into a single comment period with a limit on the number of speakers at the beginning of meetings and additional time at the end of meetings, using BUSD (Berkeley Unified School District) School Board as a model. This rule revision is proposed as temporary during COVID-19; however, no one should feel confident if it is passed that this would not be extended. 

This would leave public comment to emails/letters. Since it appears that some council members never finish reading the agenda packet, it invites question about how they do with reading emails/letters. 

I remember sitting at a BUSD board meeting with two others until I was called on at 1:35 am to give public comment. I also remember months ago when Mayor Arreguin said at a public meeting that commenters opposing his plan for a ferry didn’t represent Berkeley. I can think of no better way to create a bubble of sycophants around the mayor and council than to shut down public comment. 

The Landmarks Preservation Commission started off Thursday evening January 5, 2023 ordinarily enough with a demolition referral for the rather non-descript box like commercial building at 1652 – 1658 University last occupied by Radio Shack. There was the usual back and forth over how a new building (size and mass unknown) might impact the existing historical buildings next door. 

Mark Hulbert, “Preservation Architect”, hired by the developer to do the demolition assessment of 1652-1658 University concluded: 

“[T]he subject property and building are not associated with the movement or evolution of religious, cultural, government, social or economic developments of the City (LPO Section A.2). In its mid-University Ave. and mid-20th century commercial development context there are no development patterns of any potential historic importance associated with this property or its ordinary store and office building.” 

The conclusion in the staff report by Allison Riemer, Associate Planner was similar: 

“[A] study of its construction history, ownership and occupancy records revealed no information linking this site to any events or singular episode of primary importance to Berkeley’s history or economic development.” 

Both the Preservation Architect and City staff missed what Fran Cappelletti, Archivist for the Berkeley Architectural Heritage Association found. 

In 1923, a permit was taken for the West Gate Masonic Association to build a building on that corner (University and Jefferson) for the Masonic Lodge for African Americans. Objections arose from the neighbors who did not want African Americans at this site in any form and went so far as to pressure the City to change the zoning. The City Council did not approve the zoning change, but the construction stopped and the lot sat vacant for twenty-four years until the current commercial building was constructed in 1947. 

Commissioner Finacom asked for a plaque to be at the site to commemorate the history, but was met with pushback and objections from Commission Chair Enchill, “So I think we can find those type of histories and stories throughout the city, and I don’t think there’s enough for me to that that’s a particularly unique story that the developer should be required to provide a plaque here.” Commission Crandall agreed as did the rest of the commissioners. 

Commissioner Finacom stated he respectfully disagreed and spoke to the vanishing collective history. “[I]f there is a plaque, it seeps its way into a public consciousness, because people read it, and they mention it… it actually has a cultural context to the property and the story of Berkeley.” 

Commissioner Chair Encill’s statement that there is nothing particularly unique about the history of 1652 – 1658 University seems to be all the more reason to memorialize how racism ended building a Masonic Lodge for African Americans at the corner of University and Jefferson. How many other stories need to be told and memorialized? 

If we look to the cover story in the December 2022 issue of the Atlantic, “Monuments to the Unthinkable America still can’t figure out how to memorialize the sins of our history. What can we learn from Germany?” by Clint Smith, we should have plaques everywhere. https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2022/12/holocaust-remembrance-lessons-america/671893/ 

Smith gives us a lot to think about. How do we come to grips with the sins of our history and the continuing racism that seeps into every corner of this country? 

Councilmember Hahn put forward the land acknowledgement to remind us of our history, that we are on unceded Indigenous land. Hahn also authored the letter sent by Council to the leaders of the House of Representatives and Representative Barbara Lee to honor the Treaty of New Echota and seat the official delegate nominated by the Cherokee Nation. 

It is a start. 

As I finish this Diary it is 100 years to the day, January 10, 1923 since a white mob burned the Black town of Rosewood, Florida to the ground and murdered six Black residents. Florida is now the state where Governor Ron DeSantis proudly champions legislation designed to limit instruction about racism and privilege in the STOP W.O.K.E. Act https://www.flgov.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Stop-Woke-Handout.pdf 

I did attend the Homeless Services Panel of Experts meeting on January 4, but about halfway through the long rambling discussion that ate up most of the meeting with Sharon Byrne from Santa Barbara, I lost focus. Byrne detailed the effort and collaboration of unlikely partners, redirecting little more than a handful of disruptive chronically homeless persons into housing and productive behavior. No meeting actions were taken other than approving the minutes and agreeing on the meeting agenda. 

After listening to the first two taped interviews in the audiobook The Trump Tapes by Bob Woodward, 2022, 11 hours and 29 minutes I was about ready to hang it all up, but I pushed ahead and finished the entire audiobook. As with nearly every book I pick up, the impact is so much greater by reading or listening in its entirety. Listening to Trump in his own words, adds even more to the question of how it can be that he has a solid core of true believers, somewhere around 30% - 40% of the voting public. 

The Trump tapes are amazing in so many ways, like how Woodward attempted to lead Trump to self-reflection, only for Trump to bark back his grievances and self-aggrandizement. 

Woodward reminds us that a switch of 44,000 votes in Arizona, Wisconsin and Georgia would have given Trump and Biden an electoral tie, sending the election back to the House of Representatives where each state would have one vote. Since more states were Republican dominated, Trump would have won. 

Woodward concludes that Trump lives in his own self-inflicted melodrama where “everything is mine, I do what I want” and is totally unfit for office. 

Dangerous Personalities: An FBI Profiler Shows you How to Identify and Protect Yourself from Harmful People, by Joe Navarro and Toni Sciarra Poynter, published in 2014, was the perfect reading companion to the Trump tapes. Navarro and Sciarra Poynter describe four dangerous personality types: narcissistic, unstable, paranoid and predator, and they give a check list with scoring for the lay reader. 

I went through the exercise of going through every list, checking the boxes and scoring Trump. I fully expected the outlandishly high score for the narcissistic personality, but I was less prepared for scoring as a predator to land in the dangerous territory too. I should have been ready with all the reports of swindling investors and contractors, the assaults on women, the Trump University scandal, the Fair Housing Act discrimination settlement, the conviction of the Trump Corporation and Trump Payroll Corporation of criminal tax fraud and falsifying business records, the Trump Foundation charity scam and the January 6, 2021 insurrection. 

Remember how pre-election Trump promoters said he will become presidential when he is elected, and how Susan Collins said after the first impeachment that Trump has learned a lesson. He did: He can get away with anything. 

The message throughout the book is that people with dangerous personalities do not change. They are an emotional, physical and financial threat. 

Donald J. Trump fits the profile of a narcissistic personality and a predator. Donald J. Trump is not going to change, and using the profiles we all need to remember he is not just a narcissist, he is also a predator. 

There is one more thing to remember. It took fifteen cycles of voting and a pile of concessions for Kevin McCarthy to be elected Speaker of the House. Let us not forget who McCarthy made those concessions to. Out of the 218 Republican members in the House of Representatives, 121 were re-elected after voting against certifying the election of President Biden on January 6, 2021. We are in for a rough ride with a caucus bent on burning the House down. 

It has been over four years since Berkeley voters approved Measure P for homeless and general city services, and to my knowledge, there has not been an accounting of its basic finances and uses.

Measure P raised the property transfer tax from 1.5% to 2.5% for the top third of properties and was initially applied to sales of $1.5 million or more. Thereafter, it is adjusted every year to capture the top third of sales.

The measure also established a Homeless Services Panel of Experts (HSPE). Like other city commissions, the HSPE plays an advisory role in making recommendations to council.

According to the city’s website, Measure P is to be used to fund immediate street conditions and hygiene, emergency shelter, permanent housing, and homelessness prevention.

However, because Measure P is a general tax and therefore part of the General Fund, it can also be used for other municipal purposes. Councilmember Hahn recently voiced her concern of that possibility at a city council meeting on December 13th:

"We have made a representation to the public that we are going to be using Measure P money for homeless matters. Last time I saw, we still had a big homeless problem and I want to make sure that we are not going to be digging into money that the public gave us for those purposes to fill other needs."  

While the original estimate of revenue from Measure P was $6 to $8 million annually, since its passage, the city has collected far more than expected. According to the Finance Department’s audited financials, at least $45.6 million from Measure P has been collected over the last four years. This includes an extraordinary $20.6 million in FY2022 due to $2.06 billion in property sales: 

In FY2019: $3.4 million (note: collected for only part of the year) 

In FY2020: $9.9 million 

In FY2021: $11.7 million 

In FY2022: $20.6 million 

An overview of how the Measure P revenue has been spent — including the sizable ending fund balance (unspent money) each year — is provided in this spreadsheet on the city’s website.  

According to the spreadsheet, the ending fund balance in FY2021 was $17.0 million; and in FY2022 was $21.7 million. But this accounting does not appear in the city budget or audited statements, so it is unclear whether this money is still available for Measure P programs or has already been spent on other municipal needs as Councilmember Hahn suggested it might. 

For the current fiscal year, FY2023, the estimated total revenue and balance of Measure P funds is $35.8 million with an estimated ending fund balance of $18.3 million. Are there no plans this year for spending the $18.3 million on the homeless?  

It is notable that money is being taken from Measure P to fund programs previously funded by the General Fund (e.g., Equitable Clean Streets and 5150 Response and Transport) or which would have been funded through the General Fund. Although legal, it does not honor the intent of Measure P in creating new programs for the homeless. Therefore, the HSPE would prefer that recommendations come to the panel first before funding recommendations are passed by council.  

In 2022, the HSPE made three recommendations above what staff or council recommended: expanding the days and purposes of the warming center/emergency shelter (with which staff concurred and council passed with an additional allocation); a Berkeley-based crisis stabilization center; and a domestic violence transition house for single women and women with children fleeing domestic violence. While the latter two were discussed by council, they were not passed.  

In the first meeting of 2023, the HSPE voted on a recommendation for a centralized system to address inclement weather needs for the unsheltered. Council should not delay funding this recommendation. 

According to Carole Marasovic, Chair of the HSPE, “The blessing of unanticipated additional Measure P revenue should be utilized to create and expand needed homeless service programs consistent with community needs which are always evolving.”  

I’m sure most Berkeleyans would agree with Ms. Marasovic’s sentiment. And I imagine many would also wish to see more transparency in the accounting of Measure P. The City Auditor’s report on homelessness this year should shed light on these matters. 

 

On the fifteenth vote, Rep. Kevin McCarthy finally got enough votes to become House Speaker, a hollow victory at best. The anti-government Republicans used their new power to bring the House to a halt until they obtained major concessions from McCarthy.  

The concessions include allowing a rule change in which a single lawmaker can force a snap vote (motion to vacate) at any time to oust him from the speakership, leaving McCarthy at the mercy of hardcore conservative lawmakers if he crossed them, essentially agreeing to be in permanent jeopardy of losing his job. 

McCarthy also committed to allowing these hardcore faction to handpick a third of the party’s members on the powerful Rules Committee and in key committee leadership posts. The Rules Committee controls what legislation reaches the floor and in what form as well as opening spending bills to a freewheeling debate in which any lawmaker could force a vote on proposed changes, including those designed to scuttle or sink the measure. He also agreed to unlimited amendments to spending bills, inviting chaos. 

What we witnessed on the two-year anniversary of the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection was another insurrection by the hardcore conservative wing of the Republican Party. To save his own political ambitions, McCarthy agreed to institutionalize the chaos — not just for the next two years — but for future congresses. These hardcore Republicans are now inside our government — sort of fifth columnists — working to obstruct the functioning of our government; government shutdowns and a default on the national debt are now more likely.  

McCarthy has himself to blame for agreeing to a diminished speakership by excusing Former President Donald Trump’s key role in the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. To assure everyone knew where his allegiance lies, McCarthy thanked Trump for standing with him and for making late calls “helping get those final votes.”  

Welcome to 2023, a likely year of political chaos.

(The Militarization of the Police– Part 3)

This series of articles on police militarization was initiated in response to the government (Dept. of Defense) policy of providing military equipment to local police departments. We have evaluated this policy in the context of social violence, under which term we have included both civilian violence against persons and property and police violence against civilians. Though a false separation between these two forms of violence has been created by labeling only one of them "criminality," that is a distinction that has been rejected here. It is false insofar as police violence serves as a role model for civilian violence. And police deployment of military equipment (assault rifles, tear gas, armored vehicles, etc.) implies or even admits to a comparability of enactment.

At the core of police militarization resides their power to command civilians with an expectation of immediate obedience (as in the army, thus imposing induction on civilians into military organization without consent). To the role played by police violence, their presumption to punish disobedience by beating or handcuffing to shooting people must be added, as if the role of judge and jury could also be played, but with the omission of due process. They complete the portrait of “police state” that this outlines by often approaching civilians with guns drawn, as an expression of "gun-nationalism." 

Do all police act within such militarized intention? Some may comport themselves differently. But all wear the same uniform as those who fully adopt the stance of “gun-nationalism,” and thus carry the dress and insignia of those who enact it. It happens in Berkeley as well as in Chicago, or Minneapolis, or on highways. 

Two political aspects contextualize the police-state reference. In most cities, civilians are essentially excluded from policy-making, and thus from democratic participation in police policies. People are granted "input," but not a seat at the table on policy that will affect them. And second, civilian life has in general become ever more expensive, stressful, and beyond budgeting control. The militarization of social control abandons them to their stress and insecurity, and thus exacerbates precisely the tendencies toward social violence that ooze out from under political and economic constraints. 

State government seems (in some cases) to have recognized this paradox. In California, a bill (AB481) has been passed that requires the police to go through City Council monitoring and decision-making before gaining access to military weaponry. It provides for people’s forums at which civilian thinking as well as choices can be expressed. But even so, what community residents will propose for making their streets safer will differ significantly from police opinion since the latter will of necessity omit inclusion of their own activity as a source of social violence. In effect, the pretense to “make society safer" becomes mere rhetoric. And the unbalanced interaction between public thinking as "input" and police thinking as "expert" will simply sweep aside the central problem of "race" and racialization with respect to policing. 

Racializing militarism or militarizing racialization? 

"Militarization" and "racialization" are the same kind of word. They refer to processes, not things. Well in advance of Dept. of Defense enhancement of police militarism, the command and obedience paradigm is in full militarist effect. And racially biased law enforcement, even in the face of prohibitory ordinances, memos, and regulations, the concept of racialization as an operating principle emerges precisely from police “gun-nationalism.” The guns are pulled more routinely on people of color than on whites. And the media focuses its "crime-stories" more on people of color than on whites. And this exercise of racial bias occurs in the context of on-going redlining of black communities, inferior health care and education, a statistically significant greater number of people in communities of color succumbing to disease under the pandemic than white people. 

And we may ask, is it perhaps in anticipation of some anger by those subjected to marginalization by racialized hierarchy that the government is issuing military equipment to the police? After all, tear gas, riot gear, drones, and armored vehicles are designed for crowd control (when not in a war). And for US cities, given US structures of racialization, mere exhibition of such weaponry could even be used to escalate demonstrations into riots. 

The historic relation between these two terms is clear. While police brutality has grown over the last few decades, it takes its precedence from the white response to black emancipation from enslavement. As standard Jim Crow procedure, the police (typically in the south) would raid black communities and arrest a few people off the street, charging them with vagrancy (a catch-all misdemeanor that focused on the impoverished). By levying fines for simply having been arrested, a "debt" was created for which the captive (aka prisoner) could be contracted to local farmers and plantations to work it off. 

The structure is roughly the same as contemporary policing. An official encounters a black person, imposes a condition (command) on that person’s existence (color), captures or harms the person, and transports them from their own social space to an enslaving space where they are made to work for nothing for members of an alien social economy (white restricted social framework in the case of Jim Crow, imprisonment in the largest prison system in the world in the case of today’s policing). Even the very origin of whiteness, white supremacy, and race deployed this structure. People in Africa were encountered by officials (European), captured, transported (by ship to a different continent), and tortured into providing free labor for an alien society. In its present form, the cop commands and charges disobedience, the mode of transportation is a police car or an ambulance, and one is removed from one’s social space to an alien space in which one serves as the socio-political "resource" for a white-nationalist economic structure. 

In present practices, the labor performed by the captive is sometimes drug trafficking, sometime information gathering about social justice movements, and sometimes producing items for the state while in prison. There are cops who pad their income using teenagers (of color) to sell drugs for them, demanding the return of a pre-established amount of money each month (Cf. Video: “One Who Survived,” by Thalia Drori). Failure to accede to the cop’s demands will ultimately lead to death. This is one of the on-going details of that totally corrupt campaign known as “the war on drugs.” 

In 2012, the black toll of police killings in the US was around 315, or roughly one every 28 hours (Cf. Malcolm X Grassroots Movement). By 2015, that number was up to around 1100, or roughly three a day. In response, the cry went up that “Black Lives Matter.” Many people attempted to shrug at the implications of that slogan by corrupting or counter-appropriating it (“blue lives matter,” “white lives matter,” etc.), as if it were just a philosophical statement. But it isn’t; it’s a demand: “Stop Killing Black People.” 

The latest police attempt to kill a black person in Berkeley is instructive. Vincent Bryant, a homeless man (or rather, “houseless” if his community of the "unhoused" is his actual "home"), got so hungry one day, he had to take a sandwich from a Walgreens, for which he left a dollar. When cornered two blocks away by the police, while eating his sandwich, he was ordered to lie down on the ground. He refused and remained standing. A cop shot him from 50 feet, hitting him in the jaw. The cop had to be aiming for his head in order to do that; and that means he intended on killing him. This happened in 2019. 

Many black people get guns to defend themselves – in part, perhaps, because the blue uniform does not cover the white sheet hiding underneath it. Few, however, get desperate enough to actually use the gun. To defend oneself in public against the police, for instance, is to call down upon oneself a massive battalion-strength counter-attack. The example of Lovelle Mixon comes to mind. He shot two cops whom he logically concluded were following him to kill him (Oakland, March 21, 2009). The cops claim it was a “routine traffic stop,” but the cops, who were on motorcycles, had followed him home from his parole officer’s office. Forty cops then descended on the scene, cornering him and shooting him dead. 

For people living in a situation controlled by an army of occupation, perhaps it becomes easier to turn the guns on each other. The police can then speak about black-on-black crime, exonerating themselves from any causal links to social violence, while militarizing themselves in order to benefit from the impunity provided by that exoneration. Their super-patrolling communities of color, however, effectively remove many residents by means of arrests (many due to disobedience), and leave big holes in the community’s social fabric. Thus, the police add their efforts to the destructive aspects attending gentrification, poor medical services, and rent-gouging. 

Government was not originally constituted (as a text) to kill its own people. After the massive demonstrations of 2020 that shut down whole cities for weeks on end, and were themselves defenses against a militarized police, many people concluded that society does not need that kind of policing. Perhaps policing needs to be replaced by something more democratic and lawful. But the efforts of the federal government seem to be aimed at beefing up police violence. How are we to arrive at a resolution to social violence when we have to constantly wade through the government’s own masking of its own causal relation to it? 

Is de-racialization the solution to the problem of social violence? If the police are focused on race in their comportment toward the people, and the police are the role model for social violence, then their othering of the non-white races is one of its driving forces. We must conclude that giving military equipment to the police is precisely a refusal to resolve the problem of social violence. 

What does the term "racialization" mean? 

To ask about racialization with respect to the early colonies is to inquire into the political and social content of colonialism. Upon encountering the inhabitants (peoples of color) of three continents, Europeans set themselves in supremacy and superiority by force, both political and military. It was not yet a racial supremacy; the modern concept of "race" had not been invented yet. But the concept of supremacy evolved from a certain evangelistic form of Christianity (seen even in Columbus’s diaries). It was in the Virginia Colony that the modern concept of race first emerged. During the first half of the 17th century, the English did not identify themselves as culturally white; only chromatically white. They developed a cultural identity of whiteness only after codifying the enslavement of Africans in 1682. 

The concept of race was invented in Europe in the wake of that first emergence of a white cultural identity. The Africans, the Indigenous, the Asians were then identified as races by Europeans after the Virginians had produced a supremacy of whiteness. (Cf. Steve Martinot, “The Rule of Racialization”). In sum, racialization refers to the cultural structure by which a society creates "race" and lives according to the existence of the racial categories it invents for itself. 

Like militarization, racialization refers to a process. Militarization refers to what a community or a nation is doing when it militarizes territories by putting them under military command. Racialization refers to what a community or nation does when it invents racial categories for people – and different communities or nations invent their hierarchies of race differently. Militarizing an area is something that people (those with military power) do to it. The verb is “to militarize.” And similarly, racializing people is something that some people (those with racializing power) do to other people. The verb is “to racialize.” To racialize a group of people as "black" is something that people who do not see themselves as black do to others. 

In short, "race" is a verb; it is something that one group of people does to others. As a verb, the concept named by the word "race" is transformed from a characteristic of a person into something produced at the level of cultural enactment, in the context of a society that allows that to happen. In Brazil, in Mexico, in the early English Virginia Colony, the structures of racialization were all different; what was the same in each case was a hierarchy with white people on top, and a context of colonialism and enslavement. 

The logical implication of this is that (in the US) black people are not born black; they are made black by white supremacist society. Indigenous people are not born indigenous; they are made indigenous by white people who come from elsewhere, take control the land, and call the people they find there "indigenous." And white people are not born white. They are made white by white supremacist society; that is, they are made white by other white people enacting that whiteness as the process of racializing others. 

With respect to white people, a small difference accrues. While black people are racialized as black, and become "black" because so racialized, white people, who are racialized as white, do not become white because so racialized; they become white by becoming racializers. Racialized society is a system of cultural classes divided between the racializers and the racialized. 

Like all class divisions, it has its specific grammatical distinctions. The racializers occupy the subject position of the verb while the racialized occupy the object position (like "owners" occupy the subject position of capitalist production as people while the workers who work for them are known by their skills trades – machinists, welders, etc.). We see this even among white liberals who strongly object to racism, to enslavement, to white supremacy and all its tactics of segregation, and still find it difficult to stop objectifying black or brown people. “We know what you want. We can speak for you.” And thus, they reserve the subject position for themselves. 

Part of the substance of racialization is the ability of the racializers to invent whatever characteristics or qualities they decide they want, and to tell whatever stories they like about those they racialize. And they make those characteristics real by reducing the racialized, as objects of their process of racialization, to a condition in which those invented characteristics take on the aspect of an "objective" reality. That is, the process of racialization is not only the inferiorization and abrogation of the humanity of the racialized by the racializers; it completes itself as a structure of power by means of torture, labor, impoverishment, and endless disparagement or derogation deemed to confirm that the chosen character of the racialized is real. In other words, those characteristics that become socially known as valid generalizations about the racialized are conditions invented and produced by the racializers. All generalizations of people are invented by others; people don’t generalize themselves. But in the case of racialization, it is a version of the command and obedience power that the racializers have that imposes their invented stories as generalizations (black-on-black crime, for instance), and thus imbues them with a validity. 

The police inferiorize persons by giving them a superiorized command that is humiliating, a command designed to reduce the social and political standing of a person to subordinate status – handcuffing, for instance, or the command to lie on the ground face down. It is given without caring whether the commanded persons see themselves as free and self-respecting. What the cop relies on is a refusal of the humiliation. The cop has the power to do this because of his militarization, because he can enforce his command and obedience paradigm whenever he wishes. When the cops specifically focus this attitude on black people, they are enacting the process of racializing black people in general. 

Police militarization is thus a dimension of the structure of racialization in US society. In that light, the government is thus enhanced and aggravating that structure by granting military equipment to the police. But similarly, the structure of racialization is a dimension of police militarization, the inner logic of which operates through the command and obedience paradigm. The initials for “Command and Obedience Paradigm” are C.O.P. It is the symbol for both militarism and racialization.

Kevin McCarthy flapping on a hook
Elon Musk flapping on a hook
Donald Trump flapping on a hook
let's all sing a song
Kari Lake flapping on a hook 

Elise Stefanik flapping on a hook
Dee Williams-Ridley flapping on a hook
let's all sing a song

Chorus: let's all sing a song
let's all sing a song, sweet baby
let's all sing a song
let's all sing a song

Jesse Arreguin flapping on a hook
Berkeley City Council flapping on a hook
Supreme Court flapping on a hook
let's all sing a song

Chorus: let's all sing a song
let's all sing a song, sweet baby
let's all sing a song
let's all sing a song

Mark Zuckerberg flapping on a hook
Sam Bankman-Fried flapping on a hook
Carol Christ flapping on a hook
let's all sing a song

Chorus: let's all sing a song
let's all sing a song, sweet baby
let's all sing a song
let's all sing a song

A major critic of Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, is Indian journalist and Washington Post contributor, Rana Ayub. Ayub takes aim at Modi’s Hindu-nationalist government which has rejected its secular democratic roots in favor of promoting a fanatical Hindu State. She recently won the highest award for press freedom from the National Press Club. She is now headed back to India to face trial for money laundering, a favorite ploy of Modi’s government to silence influential journalists. 

Ayyub has long been a target of trumped-up investigations. The court accused Ayub of mishandling funds that she raised for victims of COVID-19. Ayyub was defiant. “It’s the Indian government who has leveled charges against me.” She has also been accused of tax evasion; a common threat aimed at other journalists. 

Another prominent, journalist, Siddique, has been in prison for two years on trumped up charges. And just when he was about to be freed, the government enforcement agency, leveled five new charges against him. The conviction rate for such charges is less than 1 percent! 

The “Committee to Protect Journalists”, and a United Nations body has called these charges” judicial harassment”. Responding to questions why the government has set its sights against her, Ayub responded, “I have been critical off the Modi government rule since 2014, following his last press conference.” 

In the last eight years, I have been calling out his Hindu nationalism, the attack on the 220 million Muslim minorities. In the world press freedom index rating, India has plummeted to 150. Journalists in Kashmir are being arrested under “the public safety act”. They're not even allowed to leave the country to collect their awards. 

Ayub, “My image has been mocked on a porn video and circulated all over the country. My phone number has been circulated on social media. My address has been put out there. Burned copies of my book have been sent to my residence”. Another one of India's leading journalists, Gauri Lankesh, was shot dead in 2017. It is tragic that the Modi government has been relegated to a “Gunda raj. Jagjit Singh

A 1973 movie, Soylent Green, starring Charlton Heston, was science fiction that projected a dystopic future including the "Greenhouse Effect," which is global warming, plus out-of-control overpopulation, and the death and putrefaction of Earth's oceans. Sound familiar? Science has known about global warming and the threat to the oceans since the 1970's and before. The movie was based on a 1966 novel by author Harry Harrison, called "Make Room, Make Room." 

Yet, even though science has known this would happen for more than fifty years, nothing has been done until now--and by now it may be too late. 

The big oil and fossil fuel producers have known about this. They're not stupid. The problem of fossil fuels, to explain it, is that hydrocarbons are taken from the earth's crust and introduced into the atmosphere. The fossil fuels were deposited in the ground for hundreds of millions of years by plant life. 

This might cause Earth's climate to change to resemble how it was in prehistoric times before plant life deposited the material in the ground. But really, we face something unpredictable, because no one can predict the outcome of reintroducing the hydrocarbons. 

This is a matter of top executives of energy conglomerates fattening their thick wallets with more and more money, with a complete disregard for what it does to future generations. They should remember that their grandchildren will have to live with the outcome of this. 

 

Long abandoned by the Biden administration and much of the Islamic world, the Taliban and their geriatric brethren in Iran, have long declared their war on women. Many girls are lamenting they were born in such intolerant male dominant societies where they are forever tormented by the morality police who beat them mercilessly even if a few wisps of hair are protruding from their burkas or hijabs. They are forced to wear head to toe suffocating clothes to protect them from the gazing eyes of men. 

They cannot leave their homes or travel long distances without male escorts. Many have lost husbands and brothers and are therefore trapped in their homes. Yong girls are banned from attending secondary schools’ and colleges. Boys have no strict dress code or travel restrictions and will always maintain an elite status in Muslim countries. Girls have few options, early marriages and manufacturing babies. Others sell body organs to survive. 95% of the population is suffering from acute starvation. $billions of Afghan funds is lying in US banks frozen by US sanctions. According to the Human Rights Council, more and more girls are ending their lives rather than live under such a repressive, draconian inhumane societies. 

Religious teachings are supposed to purify our minds, make us more compassionate, and align us to God’s will. Is Islam a region of peace and tolerance? The facts would suggest otherwise. The final straw occurred when a recent fatwa was issued ordering NGOs to fire their female employees or close down their operations.  

I urge Muslims around the world to raise your collective voices in defense of your faith. Silence is not an option. Finally, Afghan translators who risked their lives for American troops have long forgotten, relegated to a foot note in history.

Decades ago, and probably through centuries, it seems when women and men partnered, there was little question they would stay together. When I say decades, I really mean more than sixty years. In the nineteen sixties, it appears that human consciousness evolved, and as a byproduct, divorce has become extremely common. I have witnessed some of this in my lifetime. 

Today, it is very common to see interracial marriages, same sex marriages, partnered non-binary people, multiple marriages, children born outside of marriage, in vitro fertilization, and anything else imaginable. And with this limitless multitude of options, we have not escaped the malady of conflict. When I say malady, in many cases it is a mild way of expressing it. There are abusive husbands, and yes, some wives are abusive. And when I use the term husband and wife, I'm including common-law marriages. Cohabitants in a house, condo, or apartment, need to be able to coexist for a living arrangement to work. And often, people can't coexist. 

And where does this leave poor people in a relationship? 

If a person outgrows his or her relationship, or if they feel their partner is abusive, it may be time to get out. But if you are living on public benefits, this can be very hard to carry out. You may need money to pay movers, you need first month's rent and deposit, you need to be proficient in packing your belongings. You need to stick with any decision you make, because changing your mind at a partway point can result in disaster. 

On television, I saw a movie about a wife who kept winning pie baking contests and saved the money in a glass jar that she kept hidden. It was her moving out money. I won't go into detail about the plot, but that's the kind of thing many people could be facing. It is difficult to leave someone who is very invested in you staying in. They could go ballistic, and/or you could lose your nerve. It is easier in the short-term to remain in a situation that could be far from ideal than it is to face massive uncertainty about a new living situation. And there is no promise that a new living situation will turn out to be better. 

But sometimes for the sake of having a decent life, you must get out. And although this is very hard, it is better than facing a lifetime of being picked on, being abused, and/or being battered. Genders, to a large extent, are not relevant. A man can potentially be on the receiving end of abuse. 

The court systems and the mental health treatment system operate with the assumption that the female is the victim. But really, this isn't accurate. There are plenty of methods by which a female can abuse a male. For example: defamation. For example, verbally expressed negativity or even rage. When the female in a relationship is a professional victim, the male is subject to all manner of legal or other hassle. I am aware that use of the term: "professional victim" will probably offend some readers. Yet, they really in some instances do exist and aren't a myth like the Loch Ness Monster. 

This is not to discredit all women who cry foul. More often, it is the man who is the bully in the relationship, and this is due to how men and women are constructed--and also due to how men and women learn to relate as we mature. Yet, on occasion, the accusing woman is a liar, and that's why both sides should have an opportunity to tell their version. 

If a man is victimized by being defamed, he should leave. He can't do that if his subsidized housing has both persons' names on it. In the San Francisco Bay Area, there aren't a lot of choices of where to live if you are disabled. Thus, leaving is a gradual process: you have to save up money, you have to get on waitlists, you have to figure out logistics, you have to emotionally detach from the other person. And because of this time factor, a lot can happen in the intervening period. 

Gaslighting and other forms of brainwash can prevent a partner from acting. Also, bribing a person with gifts so that she or he feels obliged, can and often does happen. I know of a man who hit his wife. To make up with her, at one point he bought her a brand-new Cadillac a day after an especially bad fight. 

But this can all be prevented. Ideally, if you live on disability, you should not mix your living situations with a relationship. Instead, have them over one night a week. This rule holds true for people living on disability who have established themselves in housing, and it holds true for anyone of limited resources. It also holds true for those who do not necessarily feel strong enough to just leave, if it turns out that a situation is abusive. 

---

Jack Bragen lives in Martinez, California, and is author of "Revising Behaviors that Don't Work."

In the arena of love, romance and sex there are many ersatz victims. The ongoing saga of would-be Berkeley Police Chief Louis evoked, for me, some deeper thoughts on love, romance and sex. 

Face it, love, romance and sex have been endemic to all human interactions since forever, at least for those within a certain age range. Where are people going to find partners? Nowadays, on the job of course, for one place, since so many are on the job. And swiping Tinder definitely has its limitations. But, now, this (and the workplace) is a fraught undertaking, and the silliness and risk that have developed around it is breathtaking in its stupidity. We have all gone too far and are destroying normal and harmless flirtation and seduction. Those who are innocently looking for love and/or romance and/or sex are, and will, pay the price in a large reduction of opportunity. 

The "victims" of mild flirtation and seduction attempts really need to shape up and learn to handle themselves without the intervention of the authorities (and, often, the lure of big legal payouts, usually from innocent taxpayers). And the law and authorities need to back off from frivolous interventions. 

Good luck to all the romantically needy in this day and age. I myself am happily past that point. 

I believe this Chief Louis saga has the ring of Nero fiddling while Rome is burning. My biggest issue is that, when all is said and done, we have no viable Police Chief, and law, order and justice in Berkeley are on a rapid decline. We managed to throw Chief Greenwood, a good Chief and good person, under the bus for no good reason. If we hadn't done that, we might not have to endlessly recruit for a new Police Chief and dwindling police staff, and hear about the silly although titillating peccadilloes of a few BPD staff looking for love, romance and sex. 

Maybe we need to bring back Chief Greenwood.

I always think I've seen it all. I yawned a little during the recent knife fight over the Republican battle for Speaker of the House having been part of the earliest People's Park meetings which patiently harbored international strays of nearly unintelligible stripe, a deliberate custom which proved a valuable, albeit creative challenge. Free Radio Berkeley's earliest meetings were routinely fiascos; champions of profanity facing off with the community mission-driven over the best illustration of free speech. I did hard time at Occupy, and then there were the cascade of nonprofits I worked for, one of which sat pleasantly by while one employee graphically described his weekend workshop with a group willing to give each other naked presentations on the assumption that this would be valuable while clearly it was at the very least lucrative for the organizers. 

But the Berkeley Tenants Union's relatively public disintegration is enabled by intelligent people at meetings during which absolutely no business directly connected to the organization's mission or purpose is any part of the agenda, let alone allowed discussion. I've witnessed, by request, two such meetings at this point, and witnessed the dubious business of valuable community members subjected to a pointless purge.  

No attendees without rapidly shrinking "steering committee" status were allowed to speak, ensuring perfect insularity. Like the Hotel California, you can check in, but you can never leave without the echo of disparaging dialogue following you because it's now embedded in the bylaws and minutes, including the specific use of people's given names - sometimes only first names. Here's my creative example: 

"Special meetings may be called by the chair, the Executive Committee, or a simple majority of the board of directors, but not by Susie Creamcheese because she is such a butthead. A petition signed by five percent (5%) of voting members may also call a special meeting or if Richard Chucklehead thinks we should do it unless somebody tells Susie Creamcheese, at which point the meeting is cancelled." Yes, I made that up. But it is that bad right now in the vague name of nebulous goals such as, "so we can move on." If I hear "so we can move on" one more time I'm one nonviolent political activist who's going to punch somebody. 

I've been personally targeted. It's no fun. I've been sued for a quarter million dollars by the UC regents, framed by former Chief of Police Dash Butler and former City Manager Michael Brown, both of whom had to resign when news footage video revealed their creative testimony. I have a concussion right now as I write, the result of an assault by the same man who has repeatedly assaulted me yet never been arrested despite witnesses, video, and even videotaped confessions. It can suck being a politically engaged person; the police dismiss you, hogtie you, or both. 

But as small as it might look in comparison to be marginalized by a community group, it remains, to me, a serious matter. In my experience it reveals more about the weakness of the group than the group's targets, in this case two people whose demeanor couldn't be more distinct but in both cases is being cited as equally objectionable without even a kite length of connection to any actual policy issue. 

One steering committee member launched a loose-leafed accusation of racism unattached to any comment, any person, any policy, anything in particular said at any meeting, just a basket of implications that flew through the meeting unquestioned which apparently hit some unknown wall and stuck, because it appeared to satisfy all speaking parties that some applicable evidentiary standard had been met. 

I know two of the people now apparently purged from the Berkeley Tenants Union's Steering Committee, and know that such immense talent and institutional memory tends to find welcome just down the road. But it pains me to watch as storied a group as BTU devour itself pointlessly; a public putsch tends to cause as much difficulty as it is purported to solve. To quote one of my favorite poems from out of Occupy; 

the drunk at your general assembly 

is like a basking shark 

with minimal movement 

and a wide mouth 

he nourishes himself 

in a vast migratory pattern 

he annoys some 

he frightens others 

but he is a participant 

exclude him 

at your ecological peril 

 

My most radical thought after watching this dubious passion play is of Amos Tuckahoe, torn out of the park he called home, thrown out of Alta Bates because he had no hope of recovery. My household rented a hospital bed, put it in our shared household's living room, opened up all the windows so he could smoke indoors, and let him live there for the brief period he had left. It made all the difference, perhaps to him, but certainly to us. We are not at all alike, most of us, and none of us perfect. But dang it if we aren't all one.  

Institutional memory is often reposed in the long-term community members whose age, style, and diction may be found comic, if not offensive. One relatively new Berkeley resident told me recently that he didn't mind that the IKE kiosks involuntarily vacuumed up his cell phone data as he passed by since they were a "symbol of progress." He had little if any concept of private information. He couldn't imagine anyone caring. We might still be Berkeley, but we are a long way from Cointelpro. 

BTU's point and purge program does nothing to address the cascade of scandals they and the Rent Stabilization Board should address with gravity and humility. It's an embarrassment when a group insists that supporting a tenant slate is inconsistent with also supporting an independent voice, for example. In this community in particular, it is just silly. Our community is deep with talent, rich with history, and steeped in exceptions in every creative respect. 

My advice to BTU after having witnessed two of these purge meetings, is that a community-wide purge of everyone from everything be scheduled immediately and subject to no cancellation, points of order, or motions to adjourn. After which we take a long, deep breath and get back to work. 

 

The brain is the most important organ of the human body--you already know that. Conceivably, any organ in the body other than our brains could be artificially, or by transplant, replaced. Yet if your brain doesn't work, there is no point. Psychiatric drugs modify brain function with the intent of producing a patient who can conform to what is needed in society. Medication does not mean the end of consciousness--it marks a change to consciousness. 

Antipsychotics suppress brain activity. That's how they work to stop hallucinations and delusions. But it also equals out to fewer and less abilities for someone who takes antipsychotics. You can't create and sustain as much activity. You are fighting against a drug in your system that wants to shut things down. If you try to defy that, it can be very painful. You could be up against a barrier of the physical side-effects of meds. To accomplish things, you need to elevate the serotonin. If you don't do that, you will be out of sync with what your body is able to do. 

Of course, it is not great that antipsychotics suppress brain activity. It doesn't precisely mean that the drugs are making you dumb. It means you have less overall ability. For example, before I took antipsychotics, I was quite a powerful reader. Today, I can read about eleven pages of a book, and anything after that generates painful side effects--in some cases, anxiety. Writing, for me, generates less of a problem than reading. I don't understand why this is. However, if we work an area of function enough, the antipsychotics have less power than they otherwise would to shut down function in such area. 

I have noted that some who work as providers of treatment in the mental health treatment system categorize many of our inabilities as generated by the illness with which we were diagnosed, when actually a deficit is sometimes produced by the medication interfering with our abilities. And this is not to say the illnesses don't do a lot of horrible things to us, and not to say that we don't truly need medication to address these problems. 

Antipsychotics do more to protect the brain than they do toward ruining it. For this to be true, it assumes that you need antipsychotics to protect you from psychosis. Psychosis does more to damage the brain than medication. In this way, appropriate medication helps protect the body. Yet inappropriate medication, such as when a doctor prescribes way too much or too many, or when medication is given at too low a dosage, does not help the brain, which is part of the body. 

If you do right by your body, it is more likely that your body will do well and last. Part of maintaining the body is where you choose the needs of your body above and beyond activities that others or you might want you to accomplish, activities that are over the top and that could compromise the systems. I am not a doctor or biologist. However, I am keenly aware that if I exceed what my body can readily to do, I will pay consequences. You don't normally want to prioritize performance above wellness. Our bodies are a gift, sometimes a fragile one, and if we wreck the body, which can happen with too much force, what have we got left? 

Aside from antipsychotics, anyone can sustain damage, meds, or no meds, through exceeding physical, mental or emotional limits. A factor in this is what we are acclimated to be able to do. If you've been running ten miles a day for the past ten years, it is less likely that you'll be damaged by excessive exercise (such as a stress-induced heart attack) versus someone not accustomed to exercise who tries to run. If you are accustomed to high stress situations and crowds, such as if you're a politician, even if you're in your seventies, your blood pressure might not get very elevated by activities that many others would consider excessively stressful. 

We should be aware of the things that are truly bad for us, versus something for which we could potentially develop a proficiency, through repeated practice. The truism "no pain, no gain," is true some of the time. At other times, I would put forth the slogan: "Heed your pain." It doesn't matter whether you're trying to do something you "ought to be able to do" or something you are expected to do. If you can't do a task or activity because it will be damaging to your mental or physical health, you might want to decline it, when and if you are at liberty to refuse. Some things you can't get out of. In that circumstance, think of coping mechanisms, and think of the possibility of taking breaks. 

I stopped doing the 330-mile drive between Martinez and Ashland, Oregon where in-laws live. I had done it many times, but medication combined with age take a toll. I did not feel that it was a wise thing to try any longer. In one instance, I found myself driving with my wife in the mountains in a blizzard of snow, in a two-wheel drive Nissan Altima, with no snow chains. I lucked out, as I was behind a snowplow. Even so, I had to be very attentive. A number of four-wheel drive pickups decided to pass me on the right, presumably because they didn't want to be behind me if I were to spin out--they didn't want any part of what they believed could be a multi car collision. The feared spinout didn't happen. And I made a few more such trips afterward. But it was at some point that I instinctively knew I should not do that drive any more. 

It is advisable for anyone to learn their actual limits and not to go past them; I don't care who you are or whether you are considered disabled. And this includes limits that may not make sense to other people, or maybe even yourself. If something is bad for you, you should recognize it. 

People could accuse you of being lazy or a troublemaker if you don't do what they expect you to do. You must decide which is more important, and I am not going to tell you which way to decide. A person could have some form of authority over you that entails complications if you fail to do as they expect. Therefore, each situation is different. If merely dealing with someone's opinion about you in the absence of consequences, the weight of the opinion is or maybe none. 

In situations of someone's health and safety being in jeopardy, there are instances where you have to take action, whether this stresses you out too much or not. While we have limits, and while exceeding them could take a toll on your condition, you may encounter situations in which you don't have an alternative, when something really needs to get done. 

Especially, and this brings up another topic entirely, don't strain yourself to "rescue" a person in a codependent scenario. There is no shortage of people who will take advantage. When you have something going for you, this attracts scammers. A classic example is where there is an attractive woman who enlists the help of a needy man, one who has no actual chance at having the woman. The woman could need to be "rescued" in a number of situations where she has brought about problems, and the unfortunate man is left cleaning up the situation in the hope he will get a little bit. This also happens when the roles are reversed in terms of gender, but it is less common. As I say, this is another topic, but I felt it was necessary to bring it up, since a person who has someone duped could cause fool involved to exceed his capacity. 

And I want to add here a note on sleep. When we lack sleep, we shortchange our bodies. When we try to do without sleep, it is bad for nearly all of the systems in the body. A night job is not appropriate for someone with psychiatric illness. Failing to sleep at night and be awake during the day, except maybe for taking some naps, in other words, a reversed sleep cycle, is detrimental. 

---

Jack Bragen is author of "Jack Bragen's 2021 Fiction Collection," and "Instructions for Dealing with Schizophrenia: A Self-Help Manual."

Waterballoongate has the best name in a wild field of choices for worst Berkeley police scandal. Berkeley's police scandal list recently had to add homeless arrest quotas, a matter discovered when a whistleblower from within the Berkeley Police Department (BPD) decided to reveal text messages affirming the fact now under what passes in this town for investigation. 

But the Waterballoongate police scandal hit the Los Angeles Times, although it was tucked discretely into the "California" section. Arrest quotas are illegal under California law. Berkeley police officers may not be legendary for having familiarity with the law, but one would think any police captain angling for Chief of Police would keep an eye on that kind of thing. 

Dee Williams-Ridley, the current Berkeley City Manager, could certainly be forgiven for absorbing the culture of obfuscation and absolution which continues to characterize what's left of a once-sterling standard for police accountability now a tattered in-name-only banner. Any allegations upheld by the new "Police Accountability Board" which replaced the old "Police Review Commission" are overseen by and can be dismissed entirely by, you guessed it, the City Manager, whose only review is a City Council too cowardly to comment beyond being "concerned" about the sexual harassment allegations against her proposed candidate for Chief of Police. "Waterballoongate" is a milder appellation than "Nipplegate", but both have that little something extra that "Homeless Quotagate" doesn't have. 

But we've had the wholesale disappearance of drugs from the BPD evidence lockers, police shootings of unarmed, vulnerable Berkeley residents, sweeps of the poor which included the wholesale destruction of residents' belongings joining redoubtable moments where Berkeley judges and city council representatives were given a pass on criminal behavior because of their positions. We have lots to choose from over the years, including moments when an experienced Berkeley police captain explained to the assembly of League of Women Voters that applying pain compliance to arrestees was a way to streamline policing since the court cases take so long. 

My favorite, of course, is having to watch both the Chief of Police and the Berkeley City Manager swear in court under oath that they had personally seen me assault the Chief in the middle of a Berkeley City Council meeting right before my defense attorney put a videotape of undisputed news footage into the court's video player proving they were both lying and shortly had to resign their respective positions. But then, that's just me. The Berkeley City Manager's effort to omit sexual harassment allegations from her preferred candidate's resume might look like a small matter, but the fallout, according to the Los Angeles Times, should prove rare entertainment besides being sad commentary on the state of police accountability in the city of Berkeley.

It's a new year, so let's get it going with a smattering of traditional irrelevance. Herewith: a salute to some personalized license plates spotted in the closing days of 2022. 

Fashion Plates 

Light Gray KIA: BALNCE 

Gray BMW: SHUPNET (Shupnet is a Berkeley-based YouTube operation) 

Dark Gray Audi: MR Q N A (Mister Question and Answer) 

Dark Gray Chevy Volt: FIYRBLT (Fire Bolt?) 

Black Toyota: BLKBRDX (Blackbird X) 

A Small Truck: ACMEART (A company car from Acme Art) 

Black Lincoln: DENIECE (If this is a tribute to "da niece," is there a plate for DENEPH and DEUNCL?) 

The Pentagon's Grinchs Just Stole Another Christmas 

From artist/activist Donald Smith—the host and resident visionary at progressivememes.org—comes a link to "Some AI-generated images about the military Grinch who stole Christmas and who is sitting on a huge pile of money." Here's a link to a line-up of grimacing Grinch imaging that may prove more than even Dr. Seuss could handle: https://progressivememes.org/ai-images/grinch/ 

Also from the Donald the Wordsmith, this reflection on Woke:
"Wokeness about racial, gender, and economic inequality needs to be extended to include wokeness about militarism. In fact, I think the emphasis of the media and many politicians on racial and gender wokeness is in part a distraction from the REAL issues confronting us, including militarism and economic inequality. 

"Maybe someone should make a rap video about the need to be Woke about how the US Provoked [Putin's invasion-turned-proxy-war]: 'Yo! Be woke, don't be a dope. We provoked the bloke (show Putin). And now we're going broke. This ain't no joke.... '" 

Ollie North on Biden Choosing Hegemony over Harmony 

Investigative reporter Max Blumenthal tweets: 

"Amazing candor from Iran-Contra felon Ollie North: Ukraine is just like Reagan's dirty wars in Central America, Africa and Afghanistan. Most of the aid is a kickback to US weapons makers and Beltway contractors. The proxy war is preparation for a larger war with China over Taiwan. https://twitter.com/i/status/1608560675835768833" 

Truth Is an Inconvenience: Destroy It! 

"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." — William J. Casey, CIA Director (Note: This infamous quote now appears on a bumpersticker that you can purchase from Amazon for nine bucks.)  

Microplastics Have Metastasized Globally 

In it's year-end roundup, Steve Newman's Earthweek column noted that a plague of microplastics (the "biodegradable" pollution legacy of the Plastics Industry) has spread from the deepest ocean depths to the summits of the world's tallest mountains. Microplastics are now found in sea-life, in the rain that falls from the sky, and in the blood that flows through our veins. 

So it was not comforting to discover a plastic bag from Crown Poly ('"The Green Leader in Sustainable Products") that advertized its produce sacks are "made of 30% Post-Industrial Recycled Resin." I'm not sure that qualifies as "Organic." 

English Bibles Disagree on God's Word 

How is this possible? I've just discovered that one of the most famous lines in the Holy Bible is not exactly "writ in stone." At issue is the translation of the New Testament's Book of Luke, chapter 2, verse 14. 

I grew up reading the King James Version of the Bible, in which Luke 2:14 seems to make an offer of God's unconditional love. The King James translation reads: "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men." 

But the translation in the New International Version reads:  

“Glory to God in the highest heaven and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” 

And the translation in the English Standard Version reads: 

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”  

While the first version offers peace towards all men, the other two stipulate that God's grace has to be earned by actions that "please God" and win his "favor."  

In other words: you have to work to earn God's nod. 

A Reflection on Luke 2:14 from Ukraine  

Yurii Sheliazhenko, a devoted peace activist in Ukraine, has shared some further discoveries about the differing versions of God's promise in the Gospel of Luke. Yurii is thelhead of Ukraine's Pacifist movement and is a colleague of mine at World Beyond War. Here are Yurii's comments, written from his cold apartment in Kyiv, a city under Russian bombardment: 

"Original in Russian is close to King James Bible, saying about benevolence among people (below, Google translator got it a little wrong in underlined part), not about peace only among people with whom God is pleased.  

«Слава в вышних Богу и на земле мир, в людях благоволение!»
(Евангелие от Луки 2:14) 

"Google translates this from Russian to English: 

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill towards people!”
"Interestingly, I found that differences in translations of Luke 2:14 are very old. Take traditional Latin Bible, Vulgate: it says "gloria in altissimis Deo et in terra pax in hominibus bonae voluntatis" (Glory to God in the highest: and on earth peace to men of good will) https://vulgate.org/nt/gospel/luke_2.htm 

"In Vulgate, I like the notion of peace as a result of choice, of good will. 

"Here at the pages 226-228 there is text in Greek, and New Testament was written in Koine Greek, so I hope someone will help to understand what Greek original says. https://archive.org/details/novumtestamentum00unse/page/226/mode/2up 

"Anyway, it could explain why some Christians still don't know how to live in peace if even some translators of Bible had no idea that peace is a state of the universe when people don't wish harm to each other, and wish all the best to each other instead. 

"Perhaps authors of the English Standard Version or New International Version even thought that peace is when God's own angry mob of sinner worshippers (e.g. NATO) will crush all other angry mobs of sinner worshippers and in that way achieve 'peace by victory.' They probably confused religion with cock-fights. It seems a very pagan idea to believe that fate and gods like victors. How do you think, do the English Standard Version and New International Version indicate that the world is shifting to paganism?" 

Anagrams from Ukraine 

In a separate email, Yurii offered some thoughts in response to an article published by The Atlantic Council titled Preparing for victory: A long-haul strategy to help Ukraine win the war against Russia—and secure the peace. Yurii writes: 

"So familiar and self-contradictory title. 'Long-haul' emphasis, along with no-negotiations and 'Israelization' policies, hardly looks like a 'win' for Ukraine suffering every day. 

"But war profiteers 'win' a lot from a process more important than result. Meanwhile, our TV continues to promise quick victory—this spring or at least in 2023, and people still believe...  

"By pure coincidence, NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR DEMOCRACY is anagram for CIA LED DOOMY CNN NATO WAR FOMENTER. 

"And, similarly, SUPPORTING FREEDOM AROUND THE WORLD is anagram for WE ODD HORDING FOR PURE MENTAL STUPOR." 

The GOP's Dishonor Role 

Talking Points Memo notes that 34 Congressional Republicans exchanged text messages with Donald Trump's Chief of Staff Mark Meadows regarding plots to reverse the 2020 election results. At least 459 messages were exchanged between Meadows and potential coupsters in on the Hill — including prominent Republicans like Texas Sen. Ted Cruz and Ohio Rep. Jim Jordan.  

Here is the Dishonor Role of the GOP mob that conspired with Meadows and Trump in hopes of usurping results of a presidential election:
Rep. Rick Allen (Georgia)
Rep. Brian Babin (Texas)
Rep. Andy Biggs (Arizona)
Rep. Dan Bishop (North Carolina)
Rep. Kevin Brady (Texas)
Rep. Mo Brooks (Alabama)
Rep. Ted Budd (North Carolina)
Rep. Andrew Clyde (Georgia)
Sen. Kevin Cramer (North Dakota)
Sen. Ted Cruz (Texas)
Rep. Warren Davidson (Ohio)
Rep. Tom Emmer (Minnesota)
Rep. Bob Gibbs (Ohio)
Rep. Louie Gohmert (Texas)
Rep. Paul Gosar (Arizona)
Rep. Mark Green (Tennessee)
Rep. Jody Hice (Georgia)
Rep. Richard Hudson (North Carolina)
Rep. Mike Johnson (Louisiana)
Sen. Ron Johnson (Wisconsin)
Rep. Jim Jordan (Ohio)
Rep. Fred Keller (Pennsylvania)
Rep. Mike Kelly (Pennsylvania)
Sen. Mike Lee (Utah)
Rep. Billy Long (Missouri)
Rep. Barry Loudermilk (Georgia)
Sen. Cynthia Lummis (Wyoming)
Rep. Barry Moore (Alabama)
Rep. Greg Murphy (North Carolina)
Rep. Ralph Norman (South Carolina)
Sen. David Perdue (Georgia)
Rep. Scott Perry (Pennsylvania)
Rep. Chip Roy (Texas)
Rep. Marjorie Taylor-Greene (Georgia)  

Let's Hear from the Clickocracy 

Does that criminal list of political ne're-do-wells get your dander up? If so, here's a dandy activist prescription—a to-do list from the feisty political agitators at the Oakland-based Daily Kos. 

• Sign if you agree: Gov. Greg Abbott continues to fail and harm Texans and vulnerable communities.
• Sign the petition: The Jan. 6 committee is doing critical work. They must keep going.
• Sign the petition: Expel members of Congress who supported the Jan. 6 insurrection
• Sign the petition: Trump attempted a coup on January 6. He will try again.
• Sign the petition to President Biden: Declare a climate emergency
• Sign the petition: Elect the president by national popular vote
• Sign the petition: Justice Clarence Thomas must resign
• Sign the petition: Don't let the Jan. 6 Committee's work go to waste. DOJ must investigate and prosecute Donald Trump

Pope Emeritus Pope Benedict XVI (formerly Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger) died at age 95. He was head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of the Vatican City State from 19 April 2005 until his resignation on 28 February 2013. 

Benedict’s death is an opportunity to reexamine the policies and practices of the Vatican and high-level officials of the Catholic Church that have covered up and enabled the heinous crimes of pedophilia among the Roman Catholic clergy. Some observers have estimated that the number of victims of sexual violence by Church clergy that occurred over the past three decades is 330,000 . 

Since 1981, when then Cardinal Ratzinger headed the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, he had primary responsibility for dealing with the clergy's sex crimes. His refusal to decisively address the epidemic – and discipline Church officials who protected predator priests – was exacerbated when he became Pope. He failed to enforce a zero tolerance policy for sexual abuse. About 4% of priests in ministry from the study period (1950-2002) were accused of sexual abuse. Pope Francis has been quoted as saying about 1 in 50 pedophile Catholic priests, bishops and cardinals are still active in the Church. 

And we hear very little about the victims of these pedophile priests. Pedophile priests acted criminally by taking advantage of the intimate trust of their youngest and most vulnerable parishioners. But it is also apparent that the Catholic Church itself, rather than acting decisively to end the victimizations and facilitate prosecutions, had engaged in a systematic effort to shield predator priests dating back several decades. Childhood sexual abuse can lead to long-term consequences including higher levels of depression, guilt, shame, self-blame, eating disorders, somatic concerns, anxiety, dissociative patterns, repression, denial, sexual problems, and relationship problems. 

The heinous nature of pedophilia among Roman Catholic priest was brought home to me in the two-part Canadian docudrama based on real events, "The Boys of St. Vincent." The first part of the docudrama is set In the 1970s, where boys at St. Vincent's, a Roman Catholic orphanage in St. John's, Newfoundland, are repeatedly victimized emotionally and physically by the brutal superintendent, Brother Lavin, as well as by other members of the clergy. Eventually the orphanage's secrets are laid bare, but the church seeks to cover up the scandal. 

The second part is set fifteen years later when the various boys are brought in to testify against the brothers, who are now finally standing trial for assaulting them when they were children. The former head of the orphanage, Peter Lavin, has been married for several years at this point, has two children, and is living in Montreal when he is placed under arrest and brought to stand trial. While he maintains his innocence, the boy he favored during those years, are faced with revisiting the abuse and trauma they sustained as children. 

At Benedict's resignation and self-imposed exile, the reputation of the Catholic Church was left in tatters. There continues to be speculation whether Benedict was forced to resign or did so of his own accord. 

Editor's Note: The latest issue of the Pepper Spray Times is now available.

You can view it absolutely free of charge by clicking here . You can print it out to give to your friends.

Grace Underpressure has been producing it for many years now, even before the Berkeley Daily Planet started distributing it, most of the time without being paid, and now we'd like you to show your appreciation by using the button below to send her money.

This is a Very Good Deal. Go for it! 

During the extremely rainy weather in the Bay Area over the recent holidays, like many people I mostly stayed home. One of the ways I entertained myself was to take another look, perhaps for the umpteenth time, at the 1942 film Casablanca directed by Michael Curtiz and memorably starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman. I have fond memories of viewing that film while in Cyprus with an Iranian friend who was a dissident of the theocratic regime of Iran’s Islamic Republic. My friend’s tales of the oppression enforced by Iran’s morality police dovetailed appropriately with the Nazis’ attempted oppression in the Unoccupied France of wartime Casablanca. 

Of course, a key moment in Casablanca occurs when freedom fighter Victor Laszlo, played to perfection by Paul Henreid, invites the band in Rick’s nightclub to play La Marseillaise, and the French patrons sing loudly in order to drown out the song Die Wacht am Rhein being sung by the German Nazi officers. This scene is indeed a stirring one, though I question whether it needed to end with a close-up on the tear-streaked face of Yvonne, played by Madeleine Lebeau, who shouts “Vive la France! Vive la démocratie!” 

Anyone who has watched Casablanca closely must be aware that the character of Yvonne is hardly beyond reproach. We first see her at the bar at Rick’s drinking brandy. She is rude to Sascha, the Russian bartender, who keeps telling her “I loff you.” Yvonne’s response is “Oh! Shut up!” When Rick approaches,Yvonne asks Rick “Where were you last night?” 

Rick replies “That’s so far in the past I don’t remember.” Yvonne then asks Rick “Will I see you tonight?” Rick replies “I never plan that far ahead.” To this Yvonne bemoans the fact that she should “fall for a guy” like Rick, suggesting that there has been something going on between Rick and Yvonne. Then Rick instructs Sascha not to serve any more brandy to Yvonne, telling her she’s already had too much to drink. Then Rick escorts Yvonne out of the nightclub and orders a cab to take her home, against her objections. And Rick orders Sascha to accompany Yvonne to make sure she gets home safely, though he adds, to Sascha’s chagrin, that Sascha should come right back to the nightclub. 

We next see Yvonne defiantly returning to Rick’s nightclub on the arm of a German Nazi officer. 

Seeing this, Rick observes that Yvonne seems to be “switching sides.” Tensions mount when a French officer standing at the bar where the Nazi officer brings Yvonne mutters “Sales Boches!” 

Overhearing this the Nazi picks a fight with the Frenchman. Rick intervenes and orders the Nazi to leave, which he does, leaving Yvonne behind. 

Thus far, what little we can say about Yvonne is that she seems to be throwing herself at Rick, perhaps against his wishes or at least against his better judgement, drinking too much, and then objecting to being sent home by Rick, only to return the next day on the arms of a German Nazi officer. Yvonne seems a very young, immature, almost ditzy woman, quite capricious in her behaviour and apparent lack of convictions. 

Going online after my reviewing of Casablanca, I was intrigued to discover an article entitled “In Casablanca, Madeleine Lebeau Became Forever the Face of French Resistance.” This article was written by Noah Isenberg and appeared in the journal Humanities, Winter 2017, Vol. 38, No. 1. Having done quite a bit of research about the French resistance, and having written a review of the remarkable documentary film on the French resistance Le Chagrin et la Pitié by Marcel Ophuls, (which appeared in my book Film and Revolution, Indiana University Press, 1975), I was truly confounded by the argument that Madeleine Lebeau’s portrayal of Yvonne in Casablanca somehow became forever the face of French resistance. This, it seemed to me, could only be the opinion of an American who gets his or her view of history from Hollywood movies, even if, like Casablanca, it is a rare good Hollywood movie. 

However, I was truly dumbfounded when, at the end of Isenberg’s article, he quoted Audrey Azulay, France’s Minister of Culture, asserting of Madeleine Lebeau’s portrayal of Yvonne in Casablanca, “She will forever be the face of the French resistance.”This is not only claptrap. It is plainly wrong and, moreover, is yet another attempt by the French government to distort and co-opt the true nature of the French resistance against the Nazis. As the documentary film Le Chagrin et la Pitié made abundantly clear, the French resistance was largely carried out by working-class members of the French Communist Party joining with simple peasants. Granted, there were a few intellectuals who provided inspiration and leadership, but the true core of the resistance was by left-wing communists, socialists, and anti-fascists. For anyone to argue, on the basis of a close-up of a tearful but patriotic Yvonne in Casablanca that Madeleine Lebeau became forever the face of French resistance is ideologically pernicious poppycock. 

 

Worth Noting:

Wednesday is the evening where every meeting has agenda items that fit as a go to meeting and the Golden Gate Audubon Society with other local chapters is sponsoring Douglas Tallamy speaking on creating landscapes that enhance local ecosystems.

• Monday: The Youth Commission meets at 6:30 pm. The Peace and Justice Commission and the Personnel Board both meet at 7 pm. The Personnel Board Packet includes a report on City staff vacancies. The modifications in the Police Recruit and Officer job descriptions are to meet new CA law. Peace and Justice Commission has invited Indigenous Representatives to discuss the Shellmound and the Land Acknowledgement.
• Tuesday: Council meets at 10 am to vote to continue virtual meetings until the COVID emergency ends on February 28, 2023.
• Wednesday: The go to meeting of the week is Nature’s Best Hope with Douglas Tallamy at 7 pm. The Disability Commission meets at 6 pm and will take up Berkeley Bike Plan and Barriers to Pedestrians and Bike Safety and IKE Kiosks. The Police Accountability Board (PAB) meets at 6:30 pm. The PAB agenda includes the LA Times report on the Interim Chief and sexual harassment investigation and Bike Unit allegations. The Parks Commission meets at 7 pm. Turtle Island Monument and T1 shortfall are on the agenda. A letter in the packet from Todd Jersey Architects states the pier is safe for pedestrian access and should be reopened.
• Thursday: WETA meets at 1 pm. The Zoning Adjustment Board has 7 projects listed on consent, two 7-story projects 2439 Durant and 1752 Shattuck and two 5-story projects 1773 Oxford and 1820 San Pablo.

City Council is officially on recess through January 16. The January 10 meeting is just to renew legislative body virtual meetings. The agenda for the January 17 regular City Council meeting is available for comment. Use link or check agenda list at the end of this post. The January 18 special City Council at 4 pm is for the adoption of the 2023 – 2031 Housing Element. The packet with the report is 1428 pages. https://berkeleyca.gov/your-government/city-council/city-council-agendas

Check the City website for late announcements and meetings posted on short notice at: https://berkeleyca.gov/

BERKELEY PUBLIC MEETINGS AND SPECIAL EVENTS

Sunday, January 8, 2023 – No city meetings listed. 

Monday, January 9, 2023 

PEACE AND JUSTICE COMMISSION at 7 pm 

Videoconference: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86100920098 

Teleconference: 1-669-900-9128 Meeting ID: 861 0092 0098 

AGENDA: B. Discussion/Action items: 8. Shellmound Issue and Possible Modification of Land Acknowledgement Language with Indigenous Representatives, 9. Interim report to Council Reproductive Services and Education Access Survey, 10. BUSD Ethnic Studies, 11. Seating in Berkeley Post Offices. 

https://berkeleyca.gov/your-government/boards-commissions/peace-and-justice-commission 

PERSONNEL BOARD at 7 pm 

Videoconference: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86538887981?pwd=eUFzelVyaFkySlR3T2ZPVUx4S3VhQT09 

Teleconference: 1-669-900-9128 Meeting ID: 865 3888 7981 Passcode: 532989 

AGENDA: V. Recommendation Amending Police Officer Recruit and Police Officer Job Class Specifications (packet 148 pages) 

https://berkeleyca.gov/your-government/boards-commissions/personnel-board 

YOUTH COMMISSION at 6:30 pm 

Videoconference: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87640969306?pwd=RkE3ZnlGaGNlRmhKN2lZSFBseWl6dz09 

Teleconference: Meeting ID:  

AGENDA: 9. Letter to BUSD regarding School Safety, 10. Workplan. 

https://berkeleyca.gov/your-government/boards-commissions/youth-commission 

Tuesday, January 10, 2023 

CITY COUNCIL Special Meeting at 10 am 

Videoconference: https://cityofberkeley-info.zoomgov.com/j/1619573075 

Teleconference: 1-669-254-5252 or 1-833-568-8864 (Toll Free) Meeting ID: 161 957 3075 

AGENDA CONSENT: Only one item: 1. Resolution making required findings for legislative bodies to continue to meet via videoconference. 

https://berkeleyca.gov/city-council-special-meeting-eagenda-january-10-2023 

Wednesday, January 11, 2023 

COMMISSION on DISABILITY at 6 pm 

Videoconference: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88401482394?pwd=UlNUTThyaU5uLzBFd1dNYlQ1Z1BMQT09 

Teleconference: 1-669-44499171 or 1-669-900-9128 Meeting ID: 884 0148 2394 Passcode: 900267 

AGENDA: B. Re-submit letter to Council regarding current vacancies, C. 1. In-person meetings, 2. Inclusive Disaster Registry, 3. Accessibility of Voicemail System, 4. Public Participation, 5. COD meeting schedule, 6. Changing time to 5 pm, 7. Berkeley Bike Plan\Barriers to Pedestrians and Bike Safety, 8. IKE. 

https://berkeleyca.gov/your-government/boards-commissions/commission-disability 

PARKS, RECREATION and WATERFRONT COMMISSION at 7 pm 

Videoconference: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89698730836 

Teleconference: 1-669-900-6833 Meeting ID: 896 9873 0836 

AGENDA: 8. Annual workplan, 9. Civic Center Turtle Island Monument | Fountain Project, 10. T1 shortfall for current projects, 11. Summer camp fee increases, 12. Council reports, 13. Future items Parks Development fee, Citywide accessibility plan, BMASP, Animal Care. Letter from Todd Jersey AIA on reopening the pier is listed under communications page 14 in packet. 

https://berkeleyca.gov/your-government/boards-commissions/parks-recreation-and-waterfront-commission 

POLICE ACCOUNTABILITY BOARD at 6:30 pm 

Videoconference: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82653396072 

Teleconference: 1-669-900-6833 Meeting ID: 826 5259 6072 

AGENDA: 3. Public Comment on agenda and non-agenda items, 5. Staff report, 6. Chair & Board Reports, 7. Chief Reports, 8. A. Subcommittee reports Controlled Equipment, b. Policy and practices relating to Downtown Task Force and Bike Unit Allegation, 9. A. Discussion regarding future access to BPD Internal Affairs Bureau Reports and Information, 10. A. Nomination of PAB chair and vice-chair, b. review updated Lexipol policies, c. Discussion LA Times article (Interim Chief Louis and sexual harassment from 2017 https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2022-12-29/top-berkeley-official-failed-to-reveal-investigation-into-her-police-chief-pick ), d. Presentation and Recommendations for Policy Complaint #31 Drone Usage Policy. CLOSED SESSION: Complaint #21, Complaint #30 

https://berkeleyca.gov/your-government/boards-commissions/police-accountability-board 

*****Nature’s Best Hope with Douglas Tallamy at 7 pm***** 

Videoconference: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85077996614?pwd=OElEbGR2U0JFbVhrUVpWZGdDR1NXdz09 

Teleconference: (not given 1-699-900-6833 might work) Meeting ID: 850 7799 6614  

Passcode: 844579 

AGENDA: Creating landscapes that enhance local ecosystems, creating a Homegrown National Park in our yards and spaces. Sponsored by Golden Gate Audubon, Ohlone Audubon, Marin Audubon, Sequoia Audubon, Santa Clara Audubon, Napa-Solano Audubon. 

https://goldengateaudubon.org/speaker_series/natures-best-hope/ 

Thursday, January 12, 2023 

 

LANDMARKS PRESERVATION COMMISSION (LPC) meeting on Thursday, January 12 will not be public.  

AGENDA: It was announced at the January 5, 2023 LPC Meeting, a subcommittee (unnamed with unannounced members) will meet with Scott Ferris to review city projects during the day on the 12th. It was stated that under relaxation of Brown Act rules during the COVID emergency, subcommittee meetings do not need to be public and the meeting with Scott Ferris will not be public. 

https://berkeleyca.gov/your-government/boards-commissions/landmarks-preservation 

ZONING ADJUSTMENT BOARD at 7 pm 

Videoconference: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87165669901 

Teleconference: 1-669-900-6833 or 1-669-444-9171 Meeting ID: 871 6566 9901 

AGENDA: 2. 1820 San Pablo – on consent – density bonus project – demolish the commercial building, retain and restore existing façade, construct 5-story, 44-unit (including 4 very low income units), 42,831 sq ft mixed-use building with 6840 sq ft ground floor commercial space, 

3. 2439 Durant – on consent – demolish 2-story commercial building, construct 36,529 sq ft 7-story mixed-use building with 8332 sq ft commercial space and 26,906 sq ft for 22 dwellings and roof deck, 

4. 1773 Oxford – on consent – demolish 6-unit multi-family building, construct 5-story, 21,048 sq ft multi-family building with 24 units (including 3 very low income) State density bonus, 

5. 573 Santa Rosa – on consent – construct 3rd story major residential addition exceeding 14 feet in average height and 20 feet maximum height, add 6th bedroom to the lot, and convert existing detached garage to habitable accessory building 

6. 1329 Albina – on consent – enclose covered porch and replace entry stairs in nonconforming front setback of single-family dwelling on a lot over lot coverage, 

7. 469 Kentucky – on consent – demolish single-family dwelling and construct 3,310 sq ft 3-story single-family residence and 2-car garage, 

8. 1752 Shattuck – on consent – demolish 1-story commercial building and accessory structures and construct 47,137 sq ft 7-story mixed-use building with 68 dwelling units (including 7 very low income), 1,210 sq ft ground floor commercial floor area, State density bonus. 

https://berkeleyca.gov/your-government/boards-commissions/zoning-adjustments-board 

WATER EMERGENCY TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY (WETA) at 1 pm 

Videoconference: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89718217408 

Teleconference: 1-669-900-6833 Meeting ID: 897 1821 7408 Passcode: 33779 

AGENDA: 5. Staff Reports weather service impacts, Federal Diesel Particulate Filter Earmark (DPF), State Operating Assistance, 2022 Ridership summary, business plan update, 6. Consent adopt resolution regarding remote meetings, 7. Approve legislative program, 8. Adopt final FY2024 – 2028 short range transit plan, 9. FY 2024 Fare program. 

https://weta.sanfranciscobayferry.com/next-board-meeting 

Friday, January 13, 2023 – A Reduced Service Day 

Saturday, January 14, 2023 

Berkeley Neighborhoods Council at 10 am 

Videoconference: 

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/4223188307?pwd=dFlNMVlVZ2d6b0FnSHh3ZlFwV2NMdz09 

Teleconference: 1-669-444-9171 Meeting ID: 8422 318 8307 Passcode: 521161 

AGENDA: Not yet posted, check later in the week 

https://berkeleyneighborhoodscouncil.com/ 

Sunday, January 15, 2023 – No city meetings listed. 

++++++++++++++++ 

 

Agenda for January 17, 2023 CITY COUNCIL Regular Meeting at 6 pm 

Videoconference: https://cityofberkeley-info.zoomgov.com/j/1610052107 

Teleconference: 1-669-254-5252 or 1-833-568-8864 (Toll Free) Meeting ID: 161 005 2107 

https://berkeleyca.gov/your-government/city-council/city-council-agendas 

AGENDA CONSENT:  

1. 2nd Reading - Zoning Ordinance Technical edits and corrections to BMC Title 23
2. 2nd Reading – Annual Appropriations Ordinance (mid-year budget allocations) $178,289,951 (gross) $172,028,412 (net)
3. Minutes
4. Approval donated sculpture gift Queen Shamiram by Fred Parhad valued $225,000 for inclusion in City of Berkeley Art Collection
5. Formal bid solicitations and RFP $3,506,00
6. Amend contract #32000146 for $1,017,000 with Aramark for uniforms and laundering thru FY2025
7. Amend contract #32000064 add $21,078 total $141,077.73 and extend to 1/31/2024 with Tiana Sanchez International, LLC for HHCS Equity Consultant
8. Revenue Grant Agreement: $2,473,611 for 7/1/2022 – 6/30/2028 from State of California Home Visiting Program for public health promotion and prevention services
9. ***Item Removed from Agenda by the City Manager*** Amend Contract 32000226 $125,000 thru 12/31/2022 with MidAmerica Administrative & Retirement Solutions for SRIP | Disability, Police Employees Retirement Income Plan, and Health Reimbursement Accounts for Retiree Health Premium Assistance Plan Reimbursements
10. Establish Classification and Salary Medical Director $15,671.76 - $17,802.72 monthly or $188,061.12 - $213,632.64 annually
11. Contract $822,512 with Presidio for Micro-Segmentation
12. 15-year Lease agreement with Bay Area Hispano Institute for Advancement to use 1718 8th Street in James Kenny Park 3/1/2023 – 2/1/2038
13. Arreguin – Support for SB 4: Affordable Housing on Faith Lands Act
14. Arreguin - 12th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration on 1/16/2023
15. Arreguin – Amend Contract 32200161 add $75,000 total $125,000 with Community Development Partners to extend consulting work associated with Equitable Black Berkeley Initiative
16. Kesarwani – Referral for a Security Assessment of the 1700 and 1600 blocks of San Pablo 2 months after City of Berkeley lease of 27-room motel at 1720 San Pablo
17. Wengraf, co-sponsors Harrison, Humbert, Hahn – Support SB-36 (Skinner) Out-of-state criminal charges: prosecution related to abortion and gender-affirming care
18. Robinson – Relinquishment of Council Office Funds for Pacific Center for Human Growth

ACTION: 

19. Status Report – Berkeley’s Financial Condition (FY 2012 – FY 2021) Pension Liabilities and Infrastructure Need Attention
20. City Manager -Ferris- Changes to Selection Camps Programs Fees
21. City Manager – Klein & Warhuus – Affordable Housing Requirements – amending BMC 23.328
22. Taplin, co-sponsor Harrison - Resolution Supporting Trip Reduction Alternative for BUSD BHS Tennis and Parking Structure Project

+++++++++++++++++++ 

Agenda for January 18, 2023 CITY COUNCIL Special Meeting at 4 pm 

Videoconference: https://cityofberkeley-info.zoomgov.com/j/1619486060 

Teleconference: 1-669-254-5252 or 1-833-568-8864 (Toll Free) Meeting ID: 161 948 6060 

AGENDA: Adoption of 2023- 2031 Housing Element (packet 1386) 

https://berkeleyca.gov/your-government/city-council/city-council-agendas 

+++++++++++++++++++ 

LAND USE CALENDAR:* 

Public Hearings 

2065 Kittredge (construct 8-story mixed-use building) 1/31/2023 

1262 Francisco (add 40 sq ft and 2nd story balcony) 2/28/2023 

Remanded to ZAB or LPC 

1205 Peralta – Conversion of an existing garage 

 

WORK SESSIONS & SPECIAL MEETINGS: 

January 18 – Housing Element at 4 pm 

January 31 – Measure T1 funding 

February 2 – Hopkins Corridor Plan at 6 pm  

February 21 - Local Pandemic/Endemic Update Report, Housing Preference Policy 

March 7 - Berkeley Marina Area Specific Plan 

March 14 – Annual Crime Report at 4 pm 

March 21 - Civic Arts Grantmaking Process & Capital Grant Program at 4 pm, Civic Center Vision Project 

May 16 - Fire Facilities Study Report 5/16/2023 

Unscheduled Presentations: 

Climate Action Plan and Resilience Update 

Zero Waste 5-Year Rate Schedule (February 2023) 

Kelly Hammargren’s summary on what happened the preceding week can be found in the Berkeley Daily Planet under Activist’s Diary at: www.berkeleydailyplanet.com. 

This meeting list is also posted at: https://www.sustainableberkeleycoalition.com/whats-ahead.html 

If you would like to receive the Activist’s Calendar as soon as it is completed send an email to kellyhammargren@gmail.com. 

If you wish to stop receiving the weekly summary of city meetings please forward the email you received to kellyhammargren@gmail.com with the request to be removed from the email list. 

________ 

 

* The Land Use Calendar / Notice of Decision (NOD) and Use Permits with the End of the Appeal Period 

webpages with easy to find listing of building projects in the appeal period has been removed as another casualty of the conversion to the new City of Berkeley website. 

Here is the old website link (no longer functional), Please ask for it to be restored. 

https://www.cityofberkeley.info/planning_and_development/land_use_division/current_zoning_applications_in_appeal_period.aspx

Worth Noting:

2023 is off to a quiet start with four meetings.

• Wednesday the Agenda Committee meets at 2:30 pm to plan the 1/17/2023 City Council Regular Meeting. The Board of Library Trustees meets at 6:30 pm. The Homeless Services Panel of Experts meets at 7 pm. The 206-page City of Berkeley Crisis Response Models Report – Specialized Care Unit included in the meeting packet is not listed as an agenda item.
• Thursday the Landmarks Preservation Commission meets at 7 pm. There is a demolition referral for the site of the former Radio Shack - watch for a mixed use building to appear on the DRC and ZAB agendas in the near future. The letter from Elyce Klein listed under correspondence lays open some questions on what is behind the changes in the Turtle Island Monument plans.

Check the City website for announcements and meetings posted on short notice at: https://berkeleyca.gov/ 

CITY REQUESTS FOR PUBLIC COMMENT: 

Deadline to comment January 2, 2023 - Ohlone Park Lighting and Restrooms 

To review the plans and options go to the city webpage on Ohlone Park Restroom and Lighting Improvements scroll to past events and pick the 3rd document in the list, the presentation – at: https://berkeleyca.gov/your-government/our-work/capital-projects/ohlone-park-restroom-and-lighting-improvements 

Send comments to echan@cityofBerkeley.info 

and/or srutherford@cityofberkeley.info.  

The deadline for public comment in the City survey January 5, 2023 - Civic Center Planning for the Civic Center Park, Maudelle Shirek Building (former City Hall) and Veterans Memorial Building 

To submit your comment, go to the survey at: https://qualtricsxmjph7lvfxl.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_aa71ggvGKG50ZIa 

To review the Civic Center presentation go to: https://siegelstrain.sharefile.com/share/view/se8d26a6b71d4449ea51c40655e6e0bd4 

A Daylighted Creek – Restore Strawberry Creek in Civic Center Park is a survey option 

Strawberry Creek in Strawberry Creek Park used to flow underground in a concrete culvert. Removing the culvert and restoring the creek to its natural state above ground open to air and light is called daylighting. There is State of California grant money available for daylighting creeks through The Urban Creeks Restoration and Flood Control Act of 1984 and other grants. 

If you would like to see Strawberry Creek daylighted in Civic Center Park please check that box in the MLK Jr. Civic Center Park survey section and let the project team know why you support daylighting Strawberry Creek in the comment boxes.  

To be added to the list of creek advocates email: tkelly@kyotousa.org. 

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BERKELEY PUBLIC MEETINGS AND SPECIAL EVENTS 

Sunday, January 1, 2023 New Year’s,  

Monday, January 2, 2023 City Holiday,  

Tuesday, January 3, 2023 - No city meetings found 

Wednesday, January 4, 2023 

AGENDA AND RULES COMMITTEE Meeting at 2:30 pm 

Videoconference: https://cityofberkeley-info.zoomgov.com/j/1605904304 

Teleconference: 1-669-254-5252 or 1-833-568-8864 (toll free) Meeting ID: 160 590 4303 

AGENDA: Public Comment on non-agenda and items 1 – 7. 1. Minutes, 2. Review and Approve 1/17/2023 draft agenda – use link or read full draft agenda after list of city meetings, 3. Berkeley Considers, 4. Adjournment in Memory, -- Scheduling: 5. Council works sessions, 6. Referrals for scheduling, 7. Land Use Calendar, -- Referred Items for Review: 8. COVID, -- Unscheduled Items: 9. Hahn - Amending City Council Rules of Procedure and Order to Allow Policy committee Track Items with budget Referral to be Referred to the Budget & Finance Committee and one Subject Matter Policy Committee, 10. Discussion Regarding Design and Strengthening of Policy Committees, 11. Supporting Commissions, Guidance on Legislative Proposals, 12 Discussion of Potential Changes and Enhancements to the City Council Legislative Process. 

https://berkeleyca.gov/your-government/city-council/council-committees/policy-committee-agenda-rules 

BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES (BOLT) Regular Meeting at 6:30 pm 

Videoconference: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86042306505 

Teleconference: 1-669-900-9128 Meeting ID: 860 4230 6505 

AGENDA: III. A. Proposed Personnel Changes Impact to Budget FY 2023-24, B. Report on recruitment process to fill BOLT vacancy Davenport term ends 5/15/2023. 

https://www.berkeleypubliclibrary.org/about/board-library-trustees 

HOMELESS SERVICES PANEL of EXPERTS (HSPE) at 7 pm  

Videoconference: https://zoom.us/j/92491365323 

Teleconference: 1-669-900-6833 Meeting ID: 924 9136 5323 

AGENDA: 5. Santa Barbara collaborative approach to address community fears of homeless, 6. Chair Report, 7. Recommendation for centralization of inclement weather needs, 8. Recommendation for hot line identifying whether warming center will be open that same evening, 9. Relocation of recreational vehicle lot formerly at SPARK, 10. Allocation for health care benefits for DDH shelter workers and possible requirement for back-up staffing in the event of an emergency, 11. Site visits to Harrison/Sankofa House and Bridget House and plan next site visit, 12. Impact that HSPE has on council decisions in oversight, funding and new programs. (packet 260 pages includes 206 page City of Berkeley Crisis Response Models Report – Specialized Care Unit) 

https://berkeleyca.gov/your-government/boards-commissions/homeless-services-panel-experts 

Thursday, January 5, 2023 

 

LANDMARKS PRESERVATION COMMISSION at 7 pm 

Videoconference: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81578977877 

Teleconference: 1-669-444-9171 Meeting ID: 815 7897 7877 

AGENDA: 5. 1325 Arch Street – Structural Alteration Permit for Schneider/Kroeber House 

6. 1652-1658 University – Demolition Referral – former Radio Shack location, 

7. Land Acknowledgement. 

11. Correspondence From Elyce Klein re: Civic Center Park, Turtle Island Monument 

https://berkeleyca.gov/your-government/boards-commissions/landmarks-preservation-commission 

Friday, January 6, 2023 &  

Saturday, January 7, 2023 & 

Sunday, January 8, 2023 

No city meetings or events found 

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AGENDA AND RULES COMMITTEE Meeting at 2:30 pm 

DRAFT AGENDA for City Council Regular Meeting Jan 17, 2023 

Videoconference: https://cityofberkeley-info.zoomgov.com/j/1605904304 

Teleconference: 1-669-254-5252 or 1-833-568-8864 (toll free) Meeting ID: 160 590 4303 

AGENDA CONSENT:  

1. 2nd Reading - Zoning Ordinance Technical edits and corrections to BMC Title 23
2. 2nd Reading – Annual Appropriations Ordinance (mid-year budget allocations) $178,289,951 (gross) $172,028,412 (net)
3. Minutes
4. Approval donated sculpture gift Queen Shamiram by Fred Parhad valued $225,000 for inclusion in City of Berkeley Art Collection
5. Formal bid solicitations and RFP $3,506,00
6. Amend contract #32000146 for $1,017,000 with Aramark for uniforms and laundering thru FY2025
7. Contract add $21,078 total $141,077.73 and extend to 1/31/2024 with Tiana Sanchez International, LLC for HHCS Equity Consultant
8. Revenue Grant Agreement: $2,473,611 for 7/1/2022 – 6/30/2028 from State of California Home Visiting Program for public health promotion and prevention services
9. Amend Contract 32000226 $125,000 thru 12/31/2022 with MidAmerica Administrative & Retirement Solutions for SRIP | Disability, Police Employees Retirement Income Plan, and Health Reimbursement Accounts for Retiree Health Premium Assistance Plan Reimbursements
10. Establish Classification and Salary Medical Director $15,671.76 - $17,802.72 monthly or $188,061.12 - $213,632.64 annually
11. Contract $822,512 with Presideo for Micro-Segmentation
12. 15-year Lease agreement with Bay Area Hispano Institute for Advancement to use 1718 8th Street in James Kenny Park 3/1/2023 – 2/1/2038
13. Arreguin – Support for SB 4: Affordable Housing on Faith Lands Act
14. Arreguin - 12th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration on 1/16/2023
15. Wengraf – Support SB-36 (Skinner) Out-of-state criminal charges: prosecution related to abortion and gender-affirming care
16. Robinson – Relinquishment of Council Office Funds for Pacific Center for Human Growth

ACTION CALENDAR: 

17. City Manager -Ferris- Changes to Selection Camps Programs Fees
18. City Manager – Klein & Warhuus – Affordable Housing Requirements – amending BMC 23.328
19. Status Report – Berkeley’s Financial Condition (FY 2012 – FY 2021) Pension Liabilities and Infrastructure Need Attention
20. Taplin, co-sponsor Harrison - Resolution Supporting Trip Reduction Alternative for BUSD BHS Tennis and Parking Structure Project
21. A. Recommendation from Sugar Sweetened Panel of Experts – Allocation of $3,000,000 over FY 2024 and FY 2025, b. City Manager – Companion report cuts allocations from $1,275,000 to $712,000 for BUSD and same for RFP, and increases cost allocated to staff for program to $576,000
22. A. Youth Commission – add a seat to the Environment and Climate Commission for person under 18 nominated by Student Director on BUSD Unified School Board, b. City Manager – refer to CM to evaluate feasibility of 10th voting member, prepare legal language & confirmed by a suitable board of elected officials
23. Arreguin – Amend Contract 32200161 add $75,000 total $125,000 with Community Development Partners to extend consulting work associated with Equitable Black Berkeley Initiative
24. Kesarwani – Referral for a Security Assessment of the 1700 and 1600 blocks of San Pablo 2 months after City of Berkeley lease of 27-room motel at 1720 San Pablo
25. Adopt an Ordinance Amending Berkeley Municipal Code Chapter 3.82 Modifying Membership and Appointment Procedures for the Environment and Climate Commission.

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LAND USE CALENDAR:* 

Public Hearings 

2065 Kittredge (construct 8-story mixed-use building) 1/31/2023 

1262 Francisco (add 40 sq ft and 2nd story balcony) 2/28/2023 

Remanded to ZAB or LPC 

1205 Peralta – Conversion of an existing garage 

 

WORK SESSIONS: 

Local Pandemic/Endemic Update Report 2/21/2023 

Housing Preference Policy 2/21/2023 

Annual Crime Report 3/14/2023 at 4 pm 

Civic Arts Grantmaking Process & Capital Grant Program 3/21/2023 at 4 pm 

Civic Center Vision Project 3/21/2023 at 4 pm 

Fire Facilities Study Report 5/16/2023 

Council Special Meeting: Housing Element 

Meeting for Local Adoption of the Housing Element is tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, January 18 at 4 pm as a virtual meeting. 

Unscheduled Presentations: 

African American Holistic Resource Center (January 2023) 

Zero Waste 5-Year Rate Schedule (February 2023) 

Kelly Hammargren’s summary on what happened the preceding week can be found in the Berkeley Daily Planet under Activist’s Diary at: www.berkeleydailyplanet.com. 

https://www.berkeleydailyplanet.com/issue/2022-12-18/article/50116?headline=A-BERKELEY-ACTIVIST-S-DIARy-week-ending-December-18--Kelly-Hammargren 

This meeting list is also posted at: https://www.sustainableberkeleycoalition.com/whats-ahead.html 

If you would like to receive the Activist’s Calendar as soon as it is completed send an email to kellyhammargren@gmail.com. 

If you wish to stop receiving the weekly summary of city meetings please forward the email you received to kellyhammargren@gmail.com with the request to be removed from the email list. 

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* The Land Use Calendar / Notice of Decision (NOD) and Use Permits with the End of the Appeal Period 

webpages with easy to find listing of building projects in the appeal period has been removed as another casualty of the conversion to the new City of Berkeley website. 

Here is the old website link (no longer functional), Please ask for it to be restored. 

https://www.cityofberkeley.info/planning_and_development/land_use_division/current_zoning_applications_in_appeal_period.aspx