Events
THE BERKELEY ACTIVIST'S CALENDAR: March 24-31
Worth Noting:
City Council will be on spring recess from March 27 to May 6 returning on May 7, 2024. The District 7 councilmember election is April 16. The District 4 councilmember election is May 28.
Recommended goto meetings are bolded: Tuesday - City Council at 6 pm and Wednesday - Environment and Climate Commission.
- Monday: At 4 pm recreation activity “Design a Medicine Bag”
- Tuesday:
- At 4 pm City Council meets in closed session in the hybrid format.
- At 6 pm City Council conducts a regular meeting in the hybrid format with the Demolition Ordinance (23) and Human Welfare and Community Action (24 a & b) on the agenda under action.
- Wednesday:
- At 4 pm the Loan Administration meets in person.
- At 6 pm the Environment and Climate Commission meets in person with the Urban Forestry Program on the agenda.
- At 6 pm the Civic Arts Commission meets in person.
- At 6:30 pm the Police Accountability Board (PAB) meets in the hybrid format.
- At 7 pm the Disaster and Fire Safety Commission meets in person.
- Thursday:
- At 6:30 pm the Community Health Commission meets in person.
- At 7 pm the Mental Health Commission meets in person.
- At 7 pm the Zoning Adjustment Board (ZAB) meets in the hybrid format with one project on the agenda.
- Friday: The Recreation Department has a Silent Disco from 6 -8 pm and a flashlight egg hunt from 7:30 – 9 pm for 5th – 8th graders.
- Saturday: The Recreation Department has a scavenger hunt with prizes and an egg hunt at 9:30 am in the Marina and a Low Tide walk at 10 am.
Check the City website for late announcements and meetings posted on short notice at: https://berkeleyca.gov/
Directions with links to ZOOM support for activating Closed Captioning and Save Transcript are at the bottom of this calendar.
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BERKELEY PUBLIC MEETINGS AND CIVIC EVENTS
Sunday, March 24, 2024 – no city events found
Monday, March 25, 2024
DESIGN a MEDICINE BAG: FREE 2-PART ART WORKSHOP at 4 pm
Location: at 1900 Sixth Street
Use link for details and to register (medicine bag is for herbals and flowers)
https://berkeleyca.gov/community-recreation/events/design-medicine-bag-free-2-part-art-workshop
Tuesday, March 26, 2024
CITY COUNCIL Closed Session at 4 pm
A Hybrid Meeting
In-Person: at 1231 Addison St. in the School District Board Room
Videoconference: https://cityofberkeley-info.zoomgov.com/j/1613042201
Teleconference: 1-669-254-5252 or 1-833-568-8864 (toll free)
Meeting ID: 161 304 2201
AGENDA: 1. Pending Litigation Fisher et al v CoB, US District Court, Norther District of CA Case No. 3:23-cv-04280-TSH, 2. Anticipated Litigation Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to Section 54956.9(d)(2) arising from paint installation at the intersection of Allston Way and MLK, the ceasefire mural with a figure with a book, a keffiyeh, one potential case, 3. Conference with Labor Negotiators, employee organizations Berkeley Fire Fighters Local 1227 I.A.F.F., Berkeley Chief Fire Officers Association Local 1227 I.A.F.F., Berkeley Police Association, SEIU 1021 Community Services and Part-time Recreation Activity Leaders, SEIU 1021 Maintenance and Clerical, Public Employee Union Local 1, Unrepresented Employees.
https://berkeleyca.gov/city-council-special-closed-eagenda-march-26-2024
CITY COUNCIL Regular Meeting at 6 pm
A Hybrid Meeting
In-Person: at 1231 Addison St. in the School District Board Room
Videoconference: https://cityofberkeley-info.zoomgov.com/j/1618014669
Teleconference: 1-669-254-5252 or 1-833-568-8864 (toll free)
Meeting ID: 161 801 4669
AGENDA: Use the link and choose the html option to select single agenda items for detail, pdf for the full documents or use the full agenda “quick peak” listed at the end of the calendar. The demolition ordinance is 23 under Action. The Human Welfare and Community Action Commission (HWCAC) is listed as 24 a & b under Action.
https://berkeleyca.gov/your-government/city-council/city-council-agendas
Wednesday, March 27, 2024
LOAN ADMINISTRATION BOARD at 4 pm
In-Person: at 2180 Milvia, Cypress Room. 1st floor
AGENDA: B) i) East Bay Media Center #0445 - loan modification request to reduce monthly RLF payments of $683.44 to $200, ii) Minuteman Press #0474 – loan modification request to defer $2,865.17 until the sale of the business is complete. The sale would allow the remaining balance of $52,969.25 to be fully paid off.
https://berkeleyca.gov/your-government/boards-commissions/loan-administration-board
ENVIRONMENT and CLIMATE COMMISSION at 6 pm
In-Person: at 1901 Hearst, North Berkeley Senior Center
AGENDA: 7. Presentation & Discussion Urban Forestry Programs, 8. Presentation & Discussion Proposed Utility Tax.
https://berkeleyca.gov/your-government/boards-commissions/environment-and-climate-commission
CIVIC ARTS COMMISSION at 6 pm
In-Person: at 1901 Russell, Tarea Hall Pittman South Branch Library
Agenda: 6. Presentations, Discussion & Action Items a) Approve Art Subcommittee recommendation of 2024/2025 Cube Space Curator, b) Demographics for FY 2024 Grants, c) Civic Arts Grants-funded Community Festivals Quarterly Report.
https://berkeleyca.gov/your-government/boards-commissions/civic-arts-commission
POLICE ACCOUNTABILITY BOARD (PAB) at 6:30 pm
A Hybrid Meeting
In-Person: t 1901 Hearst, North Berkeley Senior Center
Videoconference: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82653396072
Teleconference: 1-669-900-6833
Meeting ID: 826 5339 6072
AGENDA: Not posted check after Monday
https://berkeleyca.gov/your-government/boards-commissions/police-accountability-board
DISASTER and FIRE SAFETY COMMISSION at 7 pm
In-Person: at 997 Cedar, Fire Department Training Classroom
AGENDA: 4. Support the request by the Fire Department to fund a Program Manager II Position, 5. Amendment of City Documents for a Definition of “Public Safety”
https://berkeleyca.gov/your-government/boards-commissions/disaster-and-fire-safety-commission
Thursday, March 28, 2024
COMMUNITY HEALTH COMMISSION at 6:30 pm
In-Person: at 2939 Ellis, South Berkeley Senior Center
AGENDA: Response to Resolution #69,980 – N.S. “To Accererate the City of Berkeley’s transition to Plant-Based Foods.
https://berkeleyca.gov/your-government/boards-commissions/community-health-commission
MENTAL HEALTH COMMISSION at 7 pm
In-Person: at 1901 Hearst, North Berkeley Senior Center
AGENDA: 5. Mental Health Manager’s Report and Caseload Statistics, 6. Discuss Proclamation for May is Mental Health Month, 7. Discussion about requesting a new Councilmember to the MHC, 8. Re-appoint Monica Jones to Mental Health Commission.
https://berkeleyca.gov/your-government/boards-commissions/mental-health-commission
ZONING ADJUSTMENT BOARD (ZAB) at 7 pm
A Hybrid Meeting
In-Person: at 1231 Addison St. in the School District Board Room
Videoconference: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81337792513
Teleconference: 1-669-900-6833 or1-669-444-9171
Meeting ID: 813 3779 2513
AGENDA: 2136-2154 San Pablo – Use Permit #ZP2021-0046 – SB 330 project - to demolish an existing one-story, non-residential building and construct a 6-story (69 feet, 6 inches), 82824 sq ft mixed-use building with 122 units (including 10 very low-income density bonus qualifying units), 3-live/work units, 2490 sq ft of commercial space and ground floor parking garage for 50 spaces.
https://berkeleyca.gov/your-government/boards-commissions/zoning-adjustments-board
Friday, March 29, 2024
SILENT DISCO from 6 – 8 pm
Family friendly event open to all ages
Location: 2800 Park, Frances Albrier Community Center
Use link for details and to register
https://berkeleyca.gov/community-recreation/events/silent-disco
Flashlight EGG HUNT from 7:30 pm – 9 pm
Teens in grades 5th – 8th
Location: 2800 Park
Use link for details and to register
https://berkeleyca.gov/community-recreation/events/flashlight-egg-hunt-0
Saturday, March 30, 2024
SPRING EGG HUNT EXTRAVAGANZA at 9:30 am
Location: Start at Berkeley Marine Center at 11 Spinnaker Way
Egg Hunt is scheduled by age groupings from 1 year old to 12 year olds
Use link for details and to register
https://berkeleyca.gov/community-recreation/events/spring-egg-hunt-extravaganza-1
LOW TIDE WALK from 10 am – 12:15 pm
Location: at 160 University
Use link for details and to register, $12 per person, program will be cancelled if there is heavy rain
https://berkeleyca.gov/community-recreation/events/low-tide-walk
WATERFRONT SCAVENGER HUNT from 9:30 am – 1:45 pm
All ages welcome. $200 in gift cards will be given to winning teams.
Location: Start at Berkeley Marine Center at 11 Spinnaker Way
Use link for details and to register
https://berkeleyca.gov/community-recreation/events/waterfront-scavenger-hunt
Sunday, March 31, 2024 – no city events found – Easter Sunday
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CITY COUNCIL AGENDA for Regular 6 pm Meeting on March 26, 2024
Hybrid Meeting
In-Person: at 1231 Addison St. in the School District Board Room
Videoconference: https://cityofberkeley-info.zoomgov.com/j/1618014669
Teleconference: 1-669-254-5252 or 1-833-568-8864 (toll free)
Meeting ID: 161 801 4669
https://berkeleyca.gov/your-government/city-council/city-council-agendas
AGENDA on CONSENT:
- Murray, Lease Agreement: Dorothy Day House d.b.a. Dorothy’s Closet at 2425a Channing in the Telegraph-Channing Mall and Garage for 5-year term retroactive to 5/1/2023 with option to renew one additional 5 year term.
- Numainville, City Clerk – Minutes for approval
- Radu, CM office – Amend Contract 32200202 add up to $975,756 total $4,872,158 with Shree Jalasai Lodging, LP for 1461 University for purpose of extending the interim non-congregate shelter program on a month to month basis for no longer than 6 months
- Radu, CM office –Contract Housing Consortium of the East Bay (HCEB) to operate shelter at the Rodeway Inn thru 9/30/2024 for $1,925,256 (pdf page 141 - 146)
- Oyekanmi, Finance – Amend Contract No. 31900162 add $1,400,000 total $5,125,735 with Pride Industries for Janitorial Services through 6/30/2025 estimated annual spending going forward $1,000,000 per year
- Oyekanmi, Finance – Amend Contract No. 32000060 add $210,000 and $720,000 for two-year extension total $1,750,000 with Toshiba for Multi-function Devices thru 9/15/2025
- Oyekanmi, Finance – Amend Contract 32400009 add $50,000 with Stella Courier for Satellite Mall Services/Mail Room coverage
- Sprague, Fire – Contract $275,000 over 2-year period with Marina Landscape for Wildfire Safe Model Garden Construction at Firehouse #4
- Ernst, HHCS – Amend Contract No. 32400033 add $50,000 total $200,000 and extend 1/15/2025 with Strategic Economics for Affordable Housing Requirements Economic Feasibility Analysis
- Ernst, HHCS – Amend Contract No. 31900225 add $15,300 total $2,873,947 with Lifelong Medical Care to fund No Place Like Home (NPLH) supportive services at Maudelle Miller Shirek
- Ernst, HHCS – Amend Contract add $50,000 total $100,000 with The Labor Compliance Managers for Labor Standards Enforcement Services.
- Bustamante, HHCS – Contract $30,000 with Dr. Gail Newel for Health Officer services when the City Health Officer is out of the office (backup) from 5/1/2024 – 5/1/2025
- Kouyoumdjian, HR – Appointment of Terrance Davis as Director of Public Works effective 4/15/2024 at an annual salary of $260,000, previously director of Public Works for Vallejo, BA in Ethnic Studies and MBA
- Kouyoumdjian, HR – MOU Berkeley Chief Fire Officers Association
- Ferris, Parks – Amend Contract No. 32400015 add $303,000 total $350,000 with California Consulting for on-call grant writing services
- Murray, Public Works – FY 2025 Street Lighting Assessments initiating proceedings
- Murray, Public Works – Purchase Order Extensions for equipment, parts and services through 1/30/2025: 1. PO with Golden State Emergency for Fire vehicles repairs add $500,000 total $800,437.50, 2. PO with Pape Machinery add $375,000 total $666,697.50, 3. PO with City Auto Supply add $250 total $432,447.50, 4. PO Fleetwash, Inc. add $200,000 total $372,615, 5. PO with Coast Counties Truck & Equipment C, add $225,000 total $351,730, 6. PO with Arata Equipment Co add $210,000 total $320,180, 7. PO with TEC of California add $200,000 total $305,000, 8. PO with Future ford of Concord add $205,000 total $300,000, 9. PO with Acme Rigging & Supply Company, In. add $200,000 total $285,995, 10. PO with Western Truck $260,000, 11. PO with Southern Counties Lubricants LLC add $175,000 total $238,500, 12. PO with McNeilus Truck and Manufacturing Co add $150,000 total $200,000, 13. PO with California Covers add $60,000 total $110,881.01, 14. PO with berry Brothers add $15,000 total $50,000
- Human Welfare and Community Action Commission – Confirm Cheryl Atkinson District 1 as an elected representative of the poor
- Community Health Commission – Response to Council referral Long Term Care Facility Oversight (1) refer to CM and budget process the establishment of an enhanced Ombudsperson program for oversight of SNF and Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly and (2) early implementation of Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) proposal for minimum staffing levels ahead of the 3-year period proposed by CMS
- Hahn, co-sponsors Wengraf, Taplin, Humbert – Budget referral $200,000 for study and implementation of traffic control measures on upper Marin to address urgent safety needs for pedestrians
- Wengraf, co-sponsors Arreguin, Hahn, Taplin – Proclamation for Holocaust Remembrance Day,
- Wengraf, co-sponsors Arreguin, Hahn, Taplin – Relinquishment of Council Office Budget Funds for 2024 Virtual Holocaust Remembrance Day Program not to exceed $500 per member
- Klein, Planning – Zoning Amendments BMC 23.326 Demolition and Dwelling Unit Controls
- a. Ernst, HHCS - Dissolution of the Human Welfare and Community Action Commission and the Peace and Justice Commission and the establishment of the Human Welfare, Peace and Justice Commission, b. Ernst, HHCS - Reform the Human Welfare and Community Action Commission by amending rules regarding the Commission’s composition, number of members, filling of vacancies, election of low-income representatives, enumerated functions, and other changes. (documents in pdf pages 375 – 697, 24b. Reform the HWCAC starts on pdf page 553 with another complete attachment of same state documents, tables, communications for 24a)
- Friedrichsen, Budget Manager - FY 2024 Mid-Year Budget Update
- Homeless Services Panel of Experts – Two consecutive meetings canceled for lack of quorum
- Request by City Manager and Fire Chief to reschedule for May 7 - Disaster and Fire Safety Commission – Use Measure FF to Support Understory Mitigation for one-time eucalyptus understory cleanups on select participating private properties
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LAND USE CALENDAR
2113-2115 Kittredge (California Theater) 6/4/2024
3000 Shattuck (construct 10-story mixed-use building) TBD
WORK SESSIONS & SPECIAL MEETINGS:
- May 21 at 4 pm (tentative)Inclusionary Housing In-Lieu Fee Feasibility Study
- October 22 Draft Waterfront Specific Plan
- Ashby BART Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Berkeley – El Cerrito Corridor Access Plan Presentation
- Dispatch Needs Assessment Presentation
- Presentation on Homelessness/Re-Housing/Thousand-Person Plan (TBD regular agenda)
- Fire Department Standards of Coverage & Community Risk Assessment
- May 16 - Fire Facilities Study Report, Wildfire Prevention Plan https://berkeleyca.gov/city-council-special-meeting-eagenda-may-16-2023-6-pm
- June 20 (WS) - Climate Action Plan & Resilience Update, Berkeley Economic Dashboards Update reports available https://berkeleyca.gov/your-government/city-council/city-council-agendas/city-council-2023-06-20
+++++++++++++ SIGNING UP FOR EMAILS or UNSUBSCRIBING ++++++++
Kelly Hammargren’s summary on what happened the preceding week is posted on the What Happened page at: https://www.sustainableberkeleycoalition.com/what-happened.html and in the Berkeley Daily Planet https://www.berkeleydailyplanet.com/
The Activist’s Calendar of meetings is posted on the What’s Ahead page at: https://www.sustainableberkeleycoalition.com/whats-ahead.html
+++++++++ HINTS for MANAGING CLOSED CAPTIONING and TRANSCRIPTS ++++++++
For Online Public Meetings
CLOSED CAPTIONING, SAVE TRANSCRIPT OVERVIEW, CHAT, DIRECTIONS and ZOOM SUPPORT LINKS:
ZOOM has as part of the program -(for no extra cost)- Closed Captioning (CC). It turns computer voice recognition into a text transcript. Closed Captioning and show full transcript and the save option are only available when the person setting up the ZOOM meeting has activated these options. If you don’t see CC ask for it. If it can’t be activated for the current meeting ask for it for future meetings.
The accuracy of the Closed Captioning is affected by background noise and other factors, The CC and transcript will not be perfect, but most of the time reading through it the few odd words, can be deciphered--for example "Shattuck" was transcribed as Shadow in one transcript.
For the online attendee, the full transcript is only available from the time the attendee activates Show Full Transcript. But if you sit through a meeting and then remember 10 minutes before it is over to click on Show Full Transcript you will only get the last 10 minutes, not the full transcript – So click often on both Save Transcript and on Save to Folder during the meeting for best results.
When you click on Show Full Transcript it will allow you to scroll up and down, so if want to go back and see what was said earlier you can do that during the meeting while the transcript is running.
At the bottom of the transcript when we as attendees are allowed to save there will be a button for, "Save Transcript," you can click on the button repeatedly throughout the meeting and it will just overwrite and update the full transcript. If you lose connection during a zoom meeting your transcript will be from when you started it to the last time you clicked on save transcript. Clicking on the Save Transcript repeatedly as the meeting is coming to an end is important because once the host ends the meeting, the transcript is gone if you didn't save it.
Near the end of the meeting, after you click on "Save Transcript," click on "Save to Folder." The meeting transcript will show up (as a download to your desktop) in a separate box as a text file. (These text files are not large.) After you have done your last Save Transcript and Save to Folder (after the meeting is over) you can rename the new transcript folder on your computer, and save it (re-read or send or share it).
Remember, allowing us attendees to save the meeting transcript does not require the public meeting host to save the transcript (for public record.)
Saving CHAT: There are three dots at the bottom of the CHAT. If you click on these you should get a menu to save the CHAT.
At the upper corner of the transcript and the chat there is a tiny box with an arrow. If you click on this the transcript and chat will pop out of being connected to the zoom screen. You can then move these on your screen for easier continuous viewing.
Here is the link to ZOOM Support for how to set up Closed Captioning for a meeting or webinar:
https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/8158738379917#h_01GHWATNVPW5FR304S2SVGXN2X
Here is the link to ZOOM Support for attendees in how to save Closed Captions:
https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/360060958752-Using-save-captions#h_01F5XW3BGWJAKJFWCHPPZGBD70
How to convert a YouTube video into a transcript
Copy the YouTube url into the box with “enter a youtube url” and click on go https://youtubetranscript.com/
The transcript (not perfect, but very close) will appear instantaneously
