A dozen new books with Berkeley ties for summer reading
The first work of fiction by PBS News Hour’s Elizabeth Farnsworth and a journalist’s account of his 18-month quest to “become Gandhi” (the Dalai Lama wrote the foreword) are among the new books by Berkeley authors.
latest stories
Swim instructor held without bail in Berkeley child sex assault investigation
BPD had found five male victims, all younger than 10, by the time they arrested 25-year-old Tyler R. Livingston Thursday, and are asking any other potential victims to contact them at 510-981-5715.
The Graduate, Understory, Nomad Tibetan among June departures
Several East Bay restaurants also relocated in June 2024.
Remembering Debra Jean Crider with a letter from her sister
Jody Rivera writes that her sister accepted her as no one else had, despite racial and other differences.
Five people with one name collide in ‘Collective Rage: A Play in Five Betties’
Previews begin July 20 on Shotgun Players’ Ashby Stage.
UC Berkeley arson: Feds charge suspect in UCPD cruiser fire
Federal agents accused Casey R. Goonan of using a shopping bag stuffed with six Molotov cocktails to start a fire under a police car on June 1.
Shawarmaji makes a short move, Caspers down to five remaining locations
A running list of restaurants that have recently closed in Berkeley, Oakland, Richmond and beyond.
Report: Berkeley needs $750M over 10 years to battle homelessness crisis
The city’s homelessness team says spending on the crisis needs to increase from about $35 million annually to $75 million.
Around Berkeley: American blues and rock legend Elvin Bishop, chair yoga, Bastille Day pig roast
Other events include a teen production of the “Mean Girls” musical at the Berkeley Playhouse and a documentary screening Other events include a teen production of the “Mean Girls” musical at the Berkeley Playhouse and a documentary screening on the dismantling of Russell City
City
Remembering Howard Sutherland, whose handbook was considered the bicycle mechanic’s bible
Sutherland set out to help bicycle shops run more efficiently in order to help more people enjoy cycling.
Berkeley restaurants routinely go uninspected, finds jaw-dropping new audit
Due to short staffing, only 55% of Berkeley’s restaurants and food facilities were inspected in 2023, compared with 97% in Alameda County, the report says. The city was found too slow in response to most foodborne illness complaints.
City Council says Berkeley teens can vote in this year’s school board race
Teens age 16 and 17 in Berkeley and Oakland will be able to vote this fall for school board if the county can finish preparing technology systems in time. Some Berkeley council members think teens should also be able to run for school board, or vote citywide.
Berkeley teens may finally get to vote for school board this fall
Berkeley voters approved youth voting back in 2016. After years of county logistics hurdles, 16- and 17-year-olds could at last be allowed to vote for school board directors.
Crime & safety
EBMUD working on Berkeley Marina water main break
The cause of the break was still under investigation Monday, with service expected to resume in the evening, according to the East Bay Municipal Utility District.
schools
Personal finance course will soon be required to graduate high school
Berkeley High already offers personal finance as an elective for seniors. Last year, the state’s superintendent of public instruction sat in on the Berkeley class as lawmakers considered mandating the subject for all California students.
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ARTS
Syrian refugees’ plight comes into full view in Green Border
Director Agnieszka Holland’s film follows a family’s harrowing attempt to relocate in Sweden only to be stalled at the Belarus-Poland border.
Business
Patelco promises account access will soon be restored after ransomware attack
Although online banking is still unavailable, transactions are now being processed after a security breach practically shut down the credit union.
Community
Equinox, the peregrine falcon, rescued at the Berkeley Marina
Annie and Archie’s youngest chick broke a bone in his wing and was found in distress.
Nature
Berkeley and Oakland to close roads on Fourth of July, citing fire risk
Fireworks remain prohibited in Berkeley, Oakland and in East Bay Regional Parks. Here’s where to watch them.
Berkeley Wire
News about Berkeley from around the web.
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Opinion
Opinion: Shellmound victory — the city of Berkeley did the right thing for the Ohlone peoples
A celebration of the transfer of the former Spenger’s site in West Berkeley to a local Indigenous land trust will be held Saturday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Opinion: Time for Berkeley to break up with PG&E and Ava
It’s time for Berkeley to get serious about rooftop solar and storage; we can save millions on overpriced grid energy bills, and reduce our emissions, too.
Opinion: Alzheimer’s treatments give us hope, but diagnosis needs improving
California’s primary care providers aren’t ready to diagnose the growing number of Alzheimer’s and other dementia patients. But as Berkeley residents, we can make a difference in fighting this health crisis.
Opinion: Berkeley should design streetscapes that create safe neighborhoods
Incorporating Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design into its policies and plans would improve safety for all Berkeley residents and support resilient and vibrant communities.
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