Extra
New: THE BERKELEY ACTIVIST'S CALENDAR: May 11-18
Worth Noting:
The most important meeting of the week is the EMBER Community Workshop on ZOOM on Thursday from 6 – 7:30 pm. For program information and to RSVP to receive the ZOOM link or to RSVP for the in person Tuesday, May 27 from 6 – 7:30 pm go to Berkeley Fire Safe website
https://www.berkeleyfiresafe.org
And, go to the Fire Safe website for details on the EMBER program and resources.
The May 20 City Council agenda is available for comment and posted at the bottom of the calendar.
- Monday, May 12, 2025
- At 2 pm the 3 x 3 Committee meets in the hybrid format.
- At 6 pm is the Mental Health Services Act Community Meeting in person.
- At 6:30 pm the Youth Commission meets in person.
- Tuesday, May 13, 2025
- At 4 pm City Council meets in closed session. The previously scheduled presentation on the Fire Department Evacuation Study is cancelled with no new date announced yet.
- From 5 – 7:30 pm is the in person Mental Health Awareness Month Event.
- Wednesday, May 14, 2025
- At 1 pm is the Mental Health Services Act community meeting on zoom.
- At 5 pm the Commission on Disability meets in person with street design on the agenda.
- At 5 pm is the in person Bike Share Expansion Community Meeting.
- At 5:30 pm is the Free Gardening and Cooking Class.
- At 7 pm the Parks, Recreation and Waterfront Commission meets in person.
- Thursday, May 15, 2025
- At 10 am the Budget Committee meets in the hybrid format.
- At 1 pm the 4 x 6 Committee, City/UC/Student Relations meets in the hybrid format.
- At 5:30 pm the Zero Waste Commission meets in person.
- From 6 – 7:30 pm is the Zoom Workshop on EMBER Community Program.
- At 6 pm is the CERT Unit 2 training.
- At 6:15 pm the Transportation and Infrastructure Commission meets in person.
- At 6:30 pm the Design Review Committee (DRC) meets in person
- At 6:30 pm the Fair Campaign Practices/Open Government Commission meets in the hybrid format.
- At 7 pm the Rent Board meets in the hybrid format.
- Friday, May 16, 2025
- At 12 pm in the Waterfront Walk and Talk.
- At 2:30 pm the Civic Arts Commission Grants Subcommittee meets on Zoom.
- From 5 – 6 pm is the Stop the Coup Rally.
- Saturday, May 17, 2025
- From 9 – 11 am is the 3rd Saturday Shoreline Cleanup.
- At 9 am is CERT training Unit 2.
- From 12 – 1:30 pm is Stop the DOGE Destruction Rally.
Check City website for meetings posted on short notice https://berkeleyca.gov
May 6, 2025 City Council agenda is available for comment.
If you are unable to attend a meeting in person and/or it is not offered in the hybrid or an accessible format, TO REQUEST A DISABILITY RELATED ACCOMMODATION(S) TO PARTICIPATE IN THE MEETING, including auxiliary aids or services, please contact the Disability Services specialist at 510-981-6418 (V) or 510-981-6347 at least 3 days before the meeting (the sooner the better). Thomas Gregory is the ADA Program Coordinator.
There is no guarantee that if we attend rallies, stand up to be counted, resist the authoritarian takeover of this country in every nonviolent way we can, we will win, but if we stay home and don't resist we are guaranteed to lose. Use the websites to look for more rallies and actions.
- Check Indivisible East Bay for events and rallies - https://indivisibleeb.org/
- Check 50501 Fifty Protests Fifty States One Movement - https://www.fiftyfifty.one/events
- Check 5Calls.org for pending legislation and government appointments https://5calls.org
- Check https://www.activateamerica.vote for outreach to voters, phone banking, postcards,
BERKELEY PUBLIC MEETINGS AND CIVIC EVENTS
Sunday, May 11, 2025 – Mother’s Day no meetings
Monday, May 12, 2025
3 x 3 Committee at 2 pm
Members: Kesarwani, Bartlett, Humbert and 3 members from Berkeley Housing Authority
Hybrid Meeting
In-Person: at 2180 Milvia, 1st Floor – Cypress Room
ZOOM: https://cityofberkeley-info.zoomgov.com/j/1609107322?pwd=BammWgiAYyjkrzpmObLcwyUvQzbQ4g.1
Teleconference: 1-669-444-9171
Meeting ID: 160 910 7322
AGENDA: 6. North Berkeley BART Update, 7. Discussion: Timeline and Next Steps for Establishing PBV Framework for Future Projects, 8. Discussion: Federal Funding Update a. Supporting residents in response to federal funding and regulation changes, b. other changes.
https://berkeleyca.gov/your-government/city-council/council-committees/3x3-committee
YOUTH COMMISSION at 6:30 pm
In-Person: at 1730 Oregon, Martin Luther King Jr. Youth Services Center
AGENDA: 8. Guest Speaker Nina Goldman presentation on Youth Voter Registration, 9. Discussion Youth Voter Registration.
https://berkeleyca.gov/your-government/boards-commissions/youth-commission
MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES ACT (MHSA) COMMUNITY INPUT MEETING at 6 pm
In-Person: at 1901 Hearst, North Berkeley Senior Center, Gooseberry Room
AGENDA: Share information and elicit input on proposed MHSA FY 2026 annual update, Proposition 1 and mental health needs in Berkeley. Use link for more information
Tuesday, May 13, 2025
CITY COUNCIL Closed Session at 4 pm
Hybrid Meeting
In-Person: at 2180 Milvia, 6th Floor, Redwood Room
ZOOM: https://cityofberkeley-info.zoomgov.com/j/1614066505
Teleconference: 1-669-254-5252 or 1-833-568-8864 (toll free)
Meeting ID: 161 406 6505
AGENDA: 1. Conference with Labor Negotiators, employee organizations: Berkeley Fire Fighters Association Local 1227 I.A.F.F., Berkeley Chief Fire Officers Association Local 1227 I.A.F.F., Berkeley Fire EMS Professionals Association, Berkeley Police Association, SEIU 1021 Community Services and Part-Time Recreation Activity Leaders, SEIU 1021 Maintenance and Clerical, IBEW Local 1245, Public Employee Union Local 1, Unrepresented Employees, 2. Conference with Real Property Negotiators 200 Marina Blvd, 3. Conference with Real Property Negotiators 235 University, 4. Conference with Real Property Negotiators 199 Seawall, 5. Conference with Legal Counsel pending litigations a. Welch v. City Case No. 23CV048497, b. Leon v. City Case No. 24CV069677.
https://berkeleyca.gov/city-council-closed-meeting-eagenda-may-13-2025
MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH EVENT from 5 – 7:30 pm
Location: at 1901 Hearst, North Berkeley Senior Center
Use link for details and to register
https://berkeleyca.gov/community-recreation/events/mental-health-awareness-month-event
Wednesday, May 14, 2025
MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES ACT (MHSA) COMMUNITY INPUT MEETING from 1 – 2:30 pm
Zoom: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/8446733966?pwd=OGp3Tm5LQTc5TGdhb2tYW11KcDVhdz09&omn=88557423950
Teleconference: 1-669-444-9171
Meeting ID: 844 673 3966 Password: 081337
AGENDA: Share information and elicit input on proposed MHSA FY 2026 annual update, Proposition 1 and mental health needs in Berkeley. Use link for more information
COMMISSION on DISABILITY at 5 pm
In-Person: at 1901 Hearst, North Berkeley Senior Center, Aspen Room
AGENDA: 7. Presentation Traffic and Parking Design by Larry Yee, Discussion/Action Items: 8. Edited Active Icon recommendation to Council, 9. Accessibility language prior to and needs at City meetings/events, 10. Recommendation for FF, 11. Work Plan Development.
https://berkeleyca.gov/your-government/boards-commissions/commission-disability
PARKS, RECREATION and WATERFRONT COMMISSION at 7 pm
In-Person: at 2800 Park, Frances Albrier Community Center
AGENDA: no posted as of 5/9/2025 at 9:17 pm check later
https://berkeleyca.gov/your-government/boards-commissions/parks-recreation-and-waterfront-commission
BIKE SHARE EXPANSION COMMUNITY MEETING from 5 – 7 pm
Location: at 1901 Hearst, North Berkeley Senior Center
Use link for details
https://berkeleyca.gov/community-recreation/events/bike-share-expansion-community-meeting
FREE GARDENING and COOKING CLASS SERIES from 5:30 pm
Location: at 1640 Stuart
Use link for details and to register
https://berkeleyca.gov/community-recreation/events/free-gardening-and-cooking-class-series-6
Thursday, May 15, 2025
EMBER COMMUNITY WORKSHOP from 6 – 7:30 pm
ZOOM: to register for zoom link go to website at the bottom of the EMBER page.
https://www.berkeleyfiresafe.org
BUDGET AND FINANCE COMMITTEE at 10 am
Members: Ishii, Kesarwani, Blackaby, Alternate: Tregub
Hybrid Meeting
In-Person: at 2180 Milvia, 1st Floor, Cypress Room
Videoconference: https://cityofberkeley-info.zoomgov.com/j/1606748374
Teleconference: 1-669-254-5252 or 1-833-568-8864 (Toll Free)
Meeting ID: 160 674 8374
AGENDA: 2. Taplin, co-sponsors Blackaby, Humbert, Ishii – Fire Facility Revenue Measures, refer to CM the assessment of potential 2026 revenue ballot measures to support capital improvments to fire department facilities, 3. Oyekanmi, Finance - FY 2026 Mid-Biennial Budget Update, 3. Ferris, Parks – Presentation Marina Fund FY 2026 Updated Budget and 5-year forecast.
CITY/UC/STUDENT RELATIONS COMMITTEE at 1 pm
Members: Tregub, Blackaby, Lunaparra, Humbert, Alternate: Ishii
Hybrid Meeting
In-Person: at 2465 Bancroft, 5th Floor, Bayview Room
ZOOM: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84408246418?pwd=LD8VjksrPfoDziKvOdgq9yilNB1tg0.1
Teleconference: 1-669-900-9128
Meeting ID: 844 0824 6418 Passcode: 040597
AGENDA: 4. North Building at the Berkeley Innovation Zone – Presentation from Campus Capital Strategies, 5. Campus and City coordinated response to federal Immigrants and Customs Enforcement (ICE), 7. Discussion and possible recommendation on Complete Street treatments around campus, 8. Use of LRDP Settlement Funds.
COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM (CERT) Unit 2: CERT Organization at 6 pm
In-Person: at 997 Cedar, Fire Department Training Facility
Use link to register and for details
DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE at 6:30 pm
In-Person: at 1901 Hearst, North Berkeley Senior Center, Gooseberry Room
AGENDA: A. 2109 Virginia at Shattuck – DRCP2024-007 – Preliminary Design Review – to demolish a 2-story commercial building and construct an approximately 89-foot, 8-story, mixed-use building (113,000 sq ft) with 110 units including 9 very low income units and 9 moderate-income Density-Bonus qualifying units, 690 sq ft of commercial space, and 103 parking spots on a split-zoned lot.
B. UC Berkeley Innovation Zone North Building – Informational Item – Proposed project would include labs, offices, and other collaboration spaces and be a hub for research and start-ups in the areas of life and climate sciences and their related fields
https://berkeleyca.gov/your-government/boards-commissions/design-review-committee
FAIR CAMPAIGN PRACTICES COMMISSION (FCPC) / OPEN GOVERNMENT COMMISSION (OGC) at 6:30 pm
Hybrid Meeting
In-Person: at 2180 Milvia, 1st Floor, Cypress Room
Videoconference: https://cityofberkeley-info.zoomgov.com/j/1614055306
Teleconference: 1-669-900-6833
Meeting ID: 161 405 5306
AGENDA: FCPC: 8. Report from Negotiating Subcommittee: Yes on Measure CC / No on Measure BB, 9. Public financing matching funds disbursement process, 10. Report and discussion from subcommittee on review and possible revision of Procedures for the FCPC, OGC: 12. Publicizing commission work and vacancies, 13. Referral of non-filing quarterly lobbying reports: Yuri Sadiki-Torres, 14. Lobbyist Registration Act processes and administration, 15. Council Rules of Procedure and Order, 16. Progress in providing remote access to Commission and Board meetings.
https://berkeleyca.gov/your-government/boards-commissions/fair-campaign-practices-commission
TRANSPORTATION and INFRASTRUCTURE COMMISSION at 6:15 pm
In-Person: at 1901 Hearst, North Berkeley Senior Center, Aspen Room
AGENDA: B. Discussion/Action Items: 1. 6:45 pm - Mechanical Street Sweeping Opt-in Request 2900 block of Regent Street – Action requested (between Webster and Russell – will require alternate side of the street parking regulations, 2. 7:45 pm - Informational Presentation on UC Berkeley’s Innovation Zone.
ZERO WASTE COMMISSION at 5:30 pm
In-Person: at 1326 Allston Way, Corporation Yard, Ratcliff Building, Willow Room
AGENDA: Discussion and Action Items: 6:15 pm 1. Presentation by Californians Against Waste (CAW), Legislative Associate Krystal Raynes, 6:45 pm 2. Presentation on Plastics by Commissioner Curtis, 7:00 pm 3. 2026 Work Plan, 7:15 4. Report outs from the Special events Subcommittee and Green Building Subcommittee.
https://berkeleyca.gov/your-government/boards-commissions/zero-waste-commission
BERKELEY RENT STABILIZATION BOARD at 7 pm
Hybrid Meeting
In-Person: at 1231 Addison, School District Board Room
ZOOM: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82673809589?pwd=AghQhOkOTSC3kI2hDsqIxgiso6kYXh.1
Teleconference: 1-669-444-9171
Meeting ID: 826 7380 9589 Passcode: 244637
AGENDA: 6. Consent items Ministerial Waivers, 7. Action Items: a. (1) Measure BB Fee structure on non-profit affordable housing, (2) New Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)-Condo Conversion rules chapter in Title 21, b. Special Presentation legislative Update.
https://rentboard.berkeleyca.gov/elected-rent-board/rent-board-meetings
Friday, May 16, 2025
WATERFRONT WALK and TALK at 12 pm
Location: at 124 University
Use link for details
https://berkeleyca.gov/community-recreation/events/waterfront-walk-and-talk
CIVIC ARTS COMMISSION Grants Subcommittee at 2:30 pm
ZOOM: https://cityofberkeley-info.zoomgov.com/j/1601342343
Teleconference: 1-669-254-5252
Meeting ID: 160 134 2343
AGENDA: 5. a) FY 2026 Grants Subcommittee Workplan.
https://berkeleyca.gov/your-government/boards-commissions/civic-arts-commission
ONGOING STOP the COUP PROTEST from 5 – 6 pm
Location: at College and Ashby, Berkeley
Focus: Rally every Friday Stop the Coup Protest, Music
https://www.mobilize.us/indivisible/event
Saturday, May 17, 2025
3rd SATURDAY SHORELINE CLEANUP from 9 - 11 am
Location: at 160 University
Use link for details
https://berkeleyca.gov/community-recreation/events/3rd-saturday-shoreline-cleanup-may
COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM (CERT) Unit 2: CERT Organization at 9 am
In-Person: at 997 Cedar, Fire Department Training Facility
Use link to register and for details
PUBLIC WORKS WEEK CELEBRATION from 10 am – 2 pm
Location: at 1260 Allston, Strawberry Creek Park
Use link for details
https://berkeleyca.gov/community-recreation/events/public-works-week-celebration
STOP the DOGE DESTRUCTION from 12 – 1:30 pm
Location: at 1731 Fourth Street, between Virginia and Delaware, outside Tesla Showroom
Focus: Every Saturday, Stop Doge Destruction
https://www.mobilize.us/indivisible/event
Sunday, May 18, 2025 – no city meetings, events found
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
++++++ CITY COUNCIL AGENDA for Tuesday, May 20, 2025+++++++++++
CITY COUNCIL Regular 6 pm Meeting on ???
Hybrid Meeting
In-Person: at 1231 Addison, School District Board Room
ZOOM: https://cityofberkeley-info.zoomgov.com/j/1615868875
Teleconference: 1-669-254-5252 or 1-833-568-8864 (toll free)
Meeting ID: 161 586 8875
https://berkeleyca.gov/your-government/city-council/council-committees/policy-committee-agenda-rules
FINAL AGENDA for City Council Regular 6 pm Meeting on May 20. 2025
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
CEREMONIAL MATTERS: PLEDGE of ALLEGIANCE
CITY MANAGER COMMENTS
PUBLIC COMMENTS on NON-AGENDA MATTERS
PUBLIC COMMENT by EMPLOYEE UNIONS
AGENDA on CONSENT:
- Blackaby – 2nd reading – Adding qualifying skillset for appointment, a. background in ADA compliance and the accessible infrastructure challenges that seniors and disabled face.
- Friedrichsen, Budget Manager – Amendment FY 2025 Annual Appropriations Ordinance adjustments $78,091,135 (gross) and $58,150,646 (net)
- Numainville, City Clerk – Minutes 4/14/2025, 4/15/2025, 4/22/2025, 4/25/2025, 4/28/2025, 4/29/2025
- White, CM Office - Contract $108,000 with Townsend Public Affairs, Inc for Legislative and Funding Advocacy Strategy from 7/1/2025 – 6/30, 2027
- White, CM Office – Appointment of Director of Human Resources Janelle Rodrigues effective 6/9/2025 annual salary of $240,000
- Oyekanmi, Finance – Formal Bid Solicitations total $7,436,690.18, Installation of manual generator transfer switch $75,000, South Cove ADA Gangway Float $121,690.18, Tom Bates Regional Sports Complex Community Facility, Pickleball Courts and U8 Soccer Field $6,075,000, Installation of Above Ground Storage Tank and Removal of Underground Storage Tanks $865,000, and Public Art Coordination services $300,000
- Gilman, HHCS – Amend Contract No. 32300104 – add $250,000 total $1,000,000 with The Village of Love for Telegraph Neighborhood Sacred Rest Drop-In-Center and extend to 5/31/2026
- Gilman, HHCS – Grant Application for award up to $5,400,000 California Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities in connection with proposed North Berkeley BART Affordable Housing project
- Gilman, HHCS – Revenue Grant Agreements for FY 2026 from State of California and Alameda County $33,688 TB prevention and control, $32,080 for Public Health Infrastructure
- Walker, HR – Adopt Resolution establishing the Unrepresented Job Class Specification and Pay Scale of Fire Mechanic Lead hourly pay $51.0771 - $54.1740
- Walker, HR – Revise the Personnel Rules and Regulations to Add Section 9.02.1 Promotion – Salary Step Placement
- Walker, HR – Revise SEIU-MC MOU Section 17.13 Special Class Commercial Driver’s License Premium to Add 5% for Out-of-Class Lists
- Walker, HR - Revise Unrepresented Manual Section 13.19 to Add 5% Differential to Program Manager 1 Assigned to City Manager’s Office
- Fong, IT - Amend Contract No. 10789 add $300,000 total $1,270,778.14 for network support of hardware, installation and professional services term 7/1/2017 – 6/30/2026
- Fong, IT – Amend Contract No. 084534-1 add $191,136 total $1,010,472.20 and extend from 9/30/2010 to 6/30/2026
- Fong, It – Purchase Order $900,000with Protiviti Government Services Inc (Protiviti) Using General Services Administration to purchase vehicle GS-35F-0280X thru 6/30/2026
- Ferris, Parks - Purchase Order $150,000 for Operation Pride for tennis programs and tournaments thru 6/30/2026
- Ferris, Parks Purchase Order $270,000 for Samuel Kidane dba Life Long Tennis Academy to provide youth and adult tennis services
- Ferris, Parks – Amend Contract add $60,000 total $616,953 with Baldoni Construction Services, Inc for Echo Lake Camp Accessibility Upgrades
- Louis, Police – Amend Contract No. 32400003 add $280,000 total $580,000 with Cooke & Associates Background Investigations for background investigation for public safety personnel for Police and Fire Departments
- Louis, Police – 2024 Police Equipment and Community Safety Annual Report
- Davis, Public Works – Contract $147,096 includes $13,372 contingency with Shaw Integrated and Turf Solutions inc, for Civic Center Building 2nd floor carpet replacement
- Davis, Public works – Amend Contract No. 831C add $25,000 total $235,743 with RouteSmart Technologies, Inc. Software Maintenance
- Davis, Public Works – Declaration of Intent – FY 2026 Street Lighting assessment
- Environment and Climate Commission – Recommendation to Authorize the CM to evaluate and develop amendments to the 2025 Energy and CALGreen Codes and/or other ordinances to accelerate Building decarbonization
- Taplin, co-sponsors Kesarwani, Humbert, Blackaby – Letter in Support of CA SB 692 Relating to Vehicles and Homelessness. Bill allows city, county to adopt an ordinance for removal of vehicles formerly used as shelter and modifies current 10-day notice of intent, read bill at https://legiscan.com/CA/text/SB692/id/3207717
- Tregub, co-sponsors Ishii, Bartlett – Resolution recognizing the Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) community CA AB 91 mandates creation of MENA groups in official demographic data starting 1/1/2027 read bill at https://legiscan.com/CA/text/AB91/id/3040032
- Tregub, co-sponsors Ishii, Kesarwani, Lunaparra – Relinquishment of Funds for 2025 Asian Cultural Festival
- O’Keefe, co-sponsors Ishii, Blackaby, Lunaparra – Alternative Housing Options for People Experiencing Homelessness
- Friedrichsen, Budget Manager – Hearing #1 Proposed Budget Update and FY 2026 Proposed Budget Update
- Klein, Planning – Appeal 2500-2512 San Pablo Landmark Application #LMIN2024-0004
- Numainville, City Clerk – Appointment of Four Berkeley Residents to the Safe Streets Citizen Oversight Committee
DISPOSITION of ITEMS REMOVED from DRAFT AGENDA:
- Referred to Budget and Finance Committee - Disaster and Fire Safety Commission – Remove pre-transfer eligibility restriction of the transfer tax rebate for wildfire hardening BMC 7.52.060
- Referred to Land Use Committee - Tregub, co-sponsors Bartlett, Taplin – Referral to 4 x 4 Committee and Rent Board Removing On-Site Exemption Loophole for Certain Multi-Family Properties that are Adjacent and/or share the same common area.
- Referred to Land Use Committee - Taplin – Resolution to form Berkeley Nightlife Council as an ad hoc committee convened by District 2 to support nighttime economic activity.
+++++++++++++++++++ Land Use - Work Sessions - Special Meetings +++++++++++++++
LAND USE CALENDAR
Council Referral: Social Housing previously listed as Mixed-Income Housing (June or July)
FUTURE INFORMATION REPORTS
- R
- Fire Department Standards of Coverage & Community Risk Assessment
- Dispatch Needs Assessment Presentation
- Presentation on Homelessness/Re-Housing/Thousand-Person Plan (TBD regular agenda)
++++ How to get on or off the Activist’s Calendar and Activist’s Diary email list ++++++++
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
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 want to receive the Activist’s Diary send an email to kellyhammargren@gmail.com. If you wish to stop receiving the weekly calendar of city meetings please forward the email you received to- kellyhammargren@gmail.com -with the request to be removed from the email list.
