Eucalyptus trees in Claremont Canyon will be cut down to make room for native species and reduce fire risk if FEMA funding is approved. Photo: Tracey Taylor
The plan by UC Berkeley to reduce fire risk in Claremont and Strawberry canyons by eradicating non-native trees has attracted both praise and criticism from neighborhood groups. Over 22,000 eucalyptus, Monterey pine and acacia trees will be chopped down, making room, according to the university, for native trees like oak and California bay laurel.
A homicide on Grizzly Peak Boulevard early last Sunday morning closed the road for much of the day as police investigated the crime. On Wednesday, police released details of the suspect in the killing of 21-year old Fremont student Alverto Santana-Silva. Berkeleyside’s Emilie Raguso also analyzed the 25% rise in robberies in Berkeley this year. According to Berkeley police, most of the robberies involve pedestrians walking alone while carrying a cell phone that’s visible. The opportunity to target victims in this position may be on the increase as more and more people buy smart phones and tend to use them on the go.
The future of the old Cody’s building on Telegraph continues to concern our readers (71 comments and counting). Ken Sarachan, owner of the building, received approval to open his Mad Monk Center for Anachronistic Media from the Zoning Adjustments Board.
What posts stood out to you this week? Are there other stories you’d like to see? Let us know in the comments or by writing to us at editors@berkeleyside.com.
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