Opinionator
Op-Ed: Measure S doesn’t measure up
“Helps People. Saves Jobs.” This is the campaign slogan in favor of Measure S, the “Civil Sidewalks” ordinance on Berkeley’s ballot next Tuesday. Proponents argue that by banning sitting in commercial areas during business hours, Measure S will increase economic activity and help … Continue reading »
Op-Ed: Vote No on Alameda County Parcel Tax, Measure A1
The Oakland Zoo claims it needs more money to care for its animals and keep educational programs going. But the Oakland Tribune reports that the zoo’s operating budget is close to balanced and, when asked, zoo officials were unable to … Continue reading »
Santa Cruz is a model for Berkeley civil sidewalks
In the early 1990s, Pacific Avenue merchants were suffering in Santa Cruz. We had encampments of youth sitting on our sidewalks in front of businesses and in our public spaces, often with pit bulls and belongings. They engaged in unwelcoming … Continue reading »
Vote no on Measure T: let’s not lose local talent, treasures
My husband and I have an architecture and design firm in West Berkeley. On any given day, I am searching for plumbing fixtures, light fixtures, hardware, windows, doors, cabinets, tile, flooring, decking and furniture, to name a few. I have … Continue reading »
Say yes on Measure S: help those living on the streets
Earlier this month I spent several afternoons walking along Telegraph and then Shattuck Avenues because I wanted to talk one-on-one with the people, particularly the young people, who are sitting and lying on the streets panhandling. I judged that almost … Continue reading »
Measure T: A step towards a more consistent set of rules
It’s easy to dismiss the most vocal opponents of Measure T (West Berkeley up-zoning) as nimbies and bananas (Build Absolutely Nothing Anywhere Near Anything). It’s also easy to see that the objections to development near Aquatic Park on environmental grounds … Continue reading »
Five lies about Measure S — from both sides of the debate
According to Goebbels, you could establish a lie as true by repeating the lie often, and loudly. This worked until the collapse of the Third Reich.
Berkeley is presently up to its eyeballs in an emotional debate over a proposed … Continue reading »
Yes on Measure S mailer is full of falsehoods
Recently a mailer went out across Berkeley that puts a false ‘kinder, gentler’ spin on Measure S than actually lies at the heart of this ordinance. The language on the mailer sounds good, naturally. “Yes on S: Helps People. Saves … Continue reading »
Sunday Streets every day in Berkeley?
On Sunday Oct. 14, people experienced public space in a new way in Berkeley by strolling, cycling, and skating along a car-free Shattuck Avenue from Haste to Rose. I really had no idea what to expect with the first Sunday … Continue reading »
The trouble with Measure T: A lack of definition
In endorsing NO on Measure T, the SF Bay Guardian says: “Everyone agrees the area needs updated zoning, but this is too loose.” This captures the fundamental problem with Measure T — a lack of definition regarding the scope of … Continue reading »
Measure T is a new chapter in the West Berkeley story
Berkeley west of Sixth Street has long supported a vibrant community of small manufacturers, artists, artisans and local-serving businesses. Yet much of the rest of the district has been contributing little to the city, holding abandoned former manufacturing sites and … Continue reading »
Have a say in how the city’s district lines are drawn
Electoral districts, either within a city, a county, or a state, are drawn to best represent the people and communities within them. That is, unless you live in Berkeley.
In 1986, Berkeley adopted districts for its City Council. Yet rather … Continue reading »
Measure S is a step backwards for Berkeley
When I told my five-year-old that it could soon be illegal to sit on a sidewalk in Berkeley, he said, “But we sit on the sidewalk!” I saw him imagining the police arresting him and his two-year-old sister and reassured … Continue reading »
