Berkeley schools are soon eligible to open. But the question is, when?
Community transmission rates, a long list of logistics and multiple sets of standards will determine when they can move forward.
Supriya Yelimeli
Supriya Yelimeli joined the Berkeleyside staff as a general assignment reporter in May 2020 after contributing reporting since 2018 as a freelance writer. Yelimeli grew up in Fremont and has written for outlets across the Bay Area and Southern California, including as a breaking news reporter for Bay City News, and a contributor at Mission Local, NBC Los Angeles and the Pacific Coast Business Times. Yelimeli earned her undergraduate degree at UC Santa Barbara where she was Editor-in-Chief of the Daily Nexus. She's always reachable by Twitter and email for tips, criticism and all other feedback.
Articles by Supriya
Page 1
Some of Berkeley’s downtown ‘ambassadors’ now carry batons and pepper spray
The patrolling guards are trained to de-escalate violent activity, assist police with arrests and act as a buffer for smaller crimes, in addition to providing hospitality.
In brief
Berkeley may see looser health orders with Alameda County moving into ‘red’ COVID-19 tier
The county will have to maintain its status for at least two weeks, and will not be making any immediate changes to its health orders. Berkeley and the county could also choose to be more restrictive than the state.
Fireworks, ‘dangerous activity’ at Grizzly Peak has to end, residents say
The concerns are at an all-time high during a historically destructive fire season.
Wildfire smoke may not leave Berkeley for another week — maybe longer
Experts say hazy skies and poor air quality will continue if slow winds are unable to disperse the smoke and ash coming from dozens of wildfires.
Berkeley opens temporary emergency shelter for wildfire smoke
Many homeless shelters have limited capacity during the pandemic, and most evening drop-in services are unavailable. This is one bridge option, says the city.
Poor Berkeley air quality from wildfires could improve by Monday
Smoke from multiple Northern California wildfires is mixing with the marine layer in the Bay Area, creating thick smog and blocking the sun. An air quality advisory is in effect in Alameda County.
Berkeley residents can now apply to oversee mapmaking for election districts
The citizens’ commission will be in charge of reviewing maps for the eight City Council districts, revised every 10 years after the census.
Why isn’t Berkeley air quality impacted by red, smoky skies today?
Strong winds are pushing smoke from the August Complex fires about 5,000 feet up in the air through a process called “turbulent mixing.” It has to be at about ground level to affect the air quality.
Berkeley salons and barbershops can open their doors to customers starting Sept. 4
There are several restrictions to the indoor haircuts, including an appointment-only system and mask use.
He’s been selling his wares on Telegraph Avenue for decades. Now COVID-19 has decimated his business
Tamai Pearson moved to Berkeley 45 years ago and became a Telegraph Avenue vendor, but he’s facing immobilizing financial worries during the pandemic.
Most Berkeley buses won’t run until Monday due to COVID-19 cleaning
The bus routes include lines that also run in Albany, Emeryville, Alameda and Oakland.
Berkeley schools are relying on technology to kick off distance learning this fall, with mixed results
Berkeley schools are back in session, and technology can be both a solution and an obstacle when it comes to distance learning during a pandemic.
Berkeley schools’ Ed Hub closed due to poor air quality, low supplies
The Ed Hub is running low on Chromebooks and WiFi hotspots, but BUSD hopes to have more hotspots by next Wednesday if it can reopen.
We want to hear from you about the first week of distance learning at Berkeley schools
We want to hear from parents and students about the successes and the challenges as they navigate the first week of remote learning.
Musicians transform store lines into mini-concerts during the pandemic
The performances are a collaboration between Commotion West Berkeley and several local artists.
