Berkeley police reform work to ramp up in January
Officials are forging ahead with efforts to reimagine policing in Berkeley and voted unanimously Tuesday night to launch a new community task force focused on that work in January.
Berkeley City Council
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Cheryl Davila says goodbye to the ‘hostile territory’ of public office
Her colleagues commended Cheryl Davila for her “unbridled passion” and commitment to the environment and the unhoused. Then she told them what she really thought of them.
After hostile workplace allegations, city paid Davila aide $31,000 to resign
Davila’s attorney told Berkeleyside on Tuesday that “any accusations of misconduct or hostile work environment are untrue and unfounded.”
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In brief
Former City Councilmember Darryl Moore wins an election in Virginia
Moore left Berkeley to be closer to his eight grandchildren, but couldn’t resist the lure of local politics.
In brief
Berkeley votes to give its mayor and City Council members significant pay raises
The salaries of the mayor and City Council members will increase by 75%, thanks to the apparent passage of Measure JJ.
Berkeley hopes new Ceasefire program will curb violence
Citing an “alarming rise in shootings” this year, officials pledged Tuesday night to work to create a new Ceasefire program designed to “address gun violence” in Berkeley.
Annual crime report sees shootings rise for the third straight year
The 2020 Berkeley crime report shows that shootings have risen as other crimes have dropped.
Firefighters pour money into Berkeley ballot measure that would raise $8.5 million a year
Supporters have contributed $44,000 to Measure FF. It would raise property taxes to improve 911 service and help prepare Berkeley for disasters, they say. Opponents contend there are no controls on the fund.
Berkeley will be first in the nation to ban candy, soda at checkout aisles
City Council passed an ordinance banning unhealthy food from checkstands at large retailers. In March 2021, stores like Whole Foods and Berkeley Bowl will have to replace chips and candy with healthier options.
Berkeley’s first police chief supported eugenics, prompting calls to rename Vollmer Peak
August Vollmer has long been lauded for the innovations he brought to policing. But revelations about some of his beliefs are making people reexamine his legacy.
Berkeley may start fining people $100 when they don’t wear face masks
Currently, the city must seek a criminal prosecution to do anything other than warn people to wear masks. A proposed ordinance will allow officials to hand out an administrative citation instead.
In brief
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.
