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.
Homelessness
Top Stories
Berkeley mayor vows to set up sanctioned homeless camp as Willard Park conditions worsen
Six months into the coronavirus pandemic, which has seen an increase in homeless campsites around town, Berkeley is stepping up efforts to tackle problematic behavior and firming up plans for its first sanctioned camp.
‘The leadership that came from the streets has been decapitated’: Deaths of 5 homeless advocates in a year leaves a void
The loss of so many leading Berkeley activists who worked to give unsheltered people a greater say in their living conditions is sorely felt, but the fight will go on, say advocates.
In brief
Barbara Brust spends her time helping those who are unsheltered. Now she needs the help
Brust runs Consider the Homeless which delivers soup, food and groceries to those living on the streets of Berkeley. She now has advanced cancer and needs funds for her medical care.
Berkeley nonprofit puts finishing touches to colorful âtiny house villageâ for youth in Oakland
Itâs been a long road for Berkeley’s Youth Spirit Artworks project, which could house 22 homeless youth starting in the fall.
Berkeley City Council
Look up your council district. See the Berkeley City Council roster. Review council meeting agendas.
Berkeley launches new 3-site ‘respite program’ for unhoused people
The city of Berkeley is set to move dozens of unhoused people into 18 RVs and a rehabbed house as part of a new respite program approved by officials Tuesday night in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
Landlords can’t conduct criminal background checks in Berkeley anymore
The Berkeley City Council unanimously approved the “fair chance” legislation Tuesday, after hearing emotional testimony.
Council votes to launch nightly RV parking program in some municipal lots
The city of Berkeley is moving ahead with a plan to grant three-month renewable permits to 25 RV dwellers so they can stay overnight at certain municipal parking lots once the program is up and running.
Berkeley could open sites for overnight parking for 25 RVs
Up to 25 select, vulnerable RV households would get access to the “safe parking” sites if Tuesday’s City Council proposal passes.
Affordable housing
‘A mini-urban miracle,’ new Berkeley homeless housing could be model for the state
It’s been a big week for subsidized housing in Berkeley. And it just got bigger.
Berkeley wins $42 million in grants for 150 units of affordable housing
Mayor Jesse ArreguĂn said it’s the largest amount he could recall Berkeley ever having gotten from the state for affordable housing over his 16 years serving the city.
Alameda County to lease 2 hotels in Berkeley for homeless housing
As many as 60 people from Berkeley will now move indoors from shelters or tents.
Berkeley’s most ambitious homeless housing project ever breaks ground
The project also includes 89 units of affordable housing, at 50%-60% of the area median income, that will be available to the general public on a lottery basis. It is slated to open in 2022.
Coronavirus
Who is feeding People’s Park residents during the pandemic?
With UC Berkeley closed and Telegraph Avenue mostly shuttered, the 35-40 people who call the park home depend on donated meals from East Bay Food Not Bombs and other charitable groups.
Clash over contract kills plan to move homeless into Berkeley hotel
La Quinta was set to open Friday as a respite for homeless individuals in Alameda County, including many who live in Berkeley, but now the deal is dead. Each side holds the other responsible for the breakdown.
La Quinta hotel to serve as isolation site for homeless without symptoms
City and county officials are setting up a new isolation site at the 113-bed LaQuinta Inn on University Avenue for homeless individuals who appear to be healthy, Berkeley’s city manager reported Wednesday evening.
Berkeley homeless shelter closed after resident tests positive for COVID-19
The person who had been living at the Pathways/STAIR Center has been moved to a hotel in Oakland to recover from the virus. Most of the other residents have moved to a nearby hotel.
RV living
‘Quarantine Diary’ captures the experience of living in an RV in Berkeley
Multimedia journalist Yesica Prado has spent the past year examining the local culture of vehicle living. She created a short film that documents her own daily life living in an RV.
Berkeley council split over $11M Measure P budget, new outdoor homeless camp
Last week, officials voted to spend about $11 million in tax revenue on new and existing services to address homelessness, including an RV parking program and an outdoor homeless shelter for up to 50 people.
A ‘safe parking’ site for RVs in Berkeley may open by Nov. 1
Negotiations are continuing so city officials aren’t ready to state where the first site will be. It will not be at the Berkeley Marina, however.
Recent stories
Are you unhoused in Oakland, Berkeley, or Emeryville? Caltrans might owe you money
Homeless people whose belongings were confiscated by Caltrans can file a claim under a new settlement. Here’s how.
