2020 Newsletter Archive

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Use Berkeley’s online 311 form (either through the General Request form or a specific topic) or call 311 from a landline, or 510-981-2489. Please note that my office routes all the service requests we receive through this customer service center, so your request will be handled most efficiently by directly contacting 311.

March 8, 2020

Coronavirus/COVID-19

Please take a moment to sign up for City of Berkeley emails here and visit the City of Berkeley’s COVID-19 website here.

About COVID-19

COVID-19 is a respiratory disease which has now spread to the United States.

It is mild for most people, but can cause severe illness and result in death for some. Older adults and people with chronic medical conditions, such as heart disease or diabetes, have the greatest risk of becoming severely ill.

There is no vaccine and no medications approved to treat COVID-19 at this time.

How it spreads

COVID-19 spreads from person to person, mainly through coughs and sneezes of infected people or between people who are in close contact.

How we’re responding

We activated our Emergency Operations Center in January to coordinate response and prepare for a potential outbreak. Our Public Health staff have been and continue to work closely with regional, state, and federal officials to protect our community as we respond to this developing situation.

This is a new disease, and scientists are learning more about it daily. Recommendations may change rapidly. Stay up to date with City messages by signing up for our community news email list.

Protect yourself and others

The most important thing you can do is to practice everyday healthy behaviors that prevent the spread of germs.

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Don’t touch your face with unwashed hands.
Use alcohol based hand sanitizer when soap and water aren’t available. Look for one with at least 60% alcohol.
Avoid contact with people who are sick.

These actions don’t just protect you. They help keep our whole community safe, especially our most vulnerable residents, by slowing the spread of the disease.

The CDC website has additional information about how to get your household ready for a potential outbreak.

Travel advisories

Several countries are experiencing rapid community spread of COVID-19. The CDC recommends avoiding all nonessential travel to these countries. If you have trips planned, check the latest CDC travel guidelines.

When you’re sick, stay home

Don’t spread infections to others. When you’re sick with any respiratory illness:

Stay home. Don’t go to school or work.
Minimize contact with others in your household.
Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. If you don’t have a tissue, cough into your elbow rather than your hand.
Wash or sanitize hands immediately after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, like doorknobs, phones, and faucets.

COVID-19 Symptoms

If you suspect you are infected with COVID-19, call ahead before visiting a medical facility so they can prepare. Do not go to an emergency room with mild symptoms.

The symptoms of COVID-19 are:

fever
cough
shortness of breath

Call your doctor right away if you experience these symptoms and have:

been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19, or
recently traveled from an area with ongoing community spread

CDC has a factsheet with more information about what to do if you are sick with COVID-19.

Resources

Click here for general resources on COVID (bottom of the page)

Sincerely,

Lori Droste

Berkeley City Councilmember, District 8

March 13, 2020

Community Spread of COVID-19 Heightens Need for Social Distancing, Berkeley Schools Closing, Follow Public Health Guidelines to Slow the Spread of COVID-19

This newsletter acts as a clearinghouse for a LOT of COVID-19-related information about

Staying informed
Community spread
Social distancing
Changes to city services
Senior centers
Testing through clinicians
School closures
Worker resources
Public Health information,
Actions to help our unhoused community, and
Updates from the Office of Economic Development

Scroll down and expand content in order to read important information.

CORONAVIRUS/COVID-19

Please sign up now for City of Berkeley emails here and visit the City’s COVID-19 website here. Please remember to get public health information from official public health channels (City of Berkeley’s Public Health Department, County of Alameda Public Health, CDC, WHO, etc.), and not social media posts.

COMMUNITY SPREAD IN ALAMEDA COUNTY–MESSAGE FROM BERKELEY’S PUBLIC HEALTH OFFICER

Please read the following message from our Public Health Officer, Dr. Lisa B. Hernandez, MD, MPH

Alameda County on Thursday evening announced that they had two lab-confirmed COVID-19 cases where there is no known exposure or travel history – a development that increases the urgency to add social distancing actions since the new coronavirus is now spreading in unknown ways in all of the inner ring of Bay Area counties.

Our county joins Contra Costa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, and Solano counties in seeing this development, known as “community spread,” even as our city has only three lab-confirmed cases, who each had known exposures not acquired in the community and are isolated.

As the City of Berkeley’s Health Officer, I encourage parents to use social distancing measures for children who are home from closed schools. For the general population, stronger social distancing measures will help reduce cases of severe illness, especially among the most vulnerable – those over 60 and those with chronic conditions.

Flatten the curve: effective social distancing and hygiene measures reduce spikes in hospital visits

With no pharmaceutical response available to treat this new coronavirus, hospital capacity becomes a concern, and we need to collectively reduce the number of people getting severe COVID-19 illness. I fully support the further reduction in non-essential gatherings, as recommended by the California Department of Public Health, and urge tighter guidelines to protect the most vulnerable. Organizers should cancel or postpone:

Gatherings of more than 250 people.
Smaller gatherings that do not allow six feet of space between people.
Gatherings of 10 or more people over 60 or who have underlying health conditions.

For gatherings of less than 250, consider the following factors:

Size: Smaller is better. The risk of getting the virus increases as the size of the crowd increases.
Duration: Shorter is better. The risk of getting the virus increases as the duration of the event increases (e.g., a 2-hour meeting is lower risk than a 2-day conference).
Density: Risk of getting the virus increases in crowded settings. If the venue or setting doesn’t enable people to keep social distance (more than arm’s length of one another), the risk of spreading the virus increases. People should avoid crowded places where large numbers of people are within arm’s length of one another.
Geographic reach: Mixing of people across regions, states, and countries currently raises risk

These recommendations provide an additional layer of behaviors to hygiene measures everyone should take:

Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, alcohol-based hand sanitizer can be used.
Avoid close contact with other people
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands

Collective social action is powerful. The more that take these actions, we amplify the power of our most powerful weapons against COVID-19. In doing so, we prevent hospitals from being overwhelmed with severe cases.

Changes to City Services

Actions by City Manager

City Manager Dee Williams-Ridley has moved quickly on these recommendations and the following actions are underway:

Cancellation of almost all city-sponsored or permitted events.
Closure of our senior centers starting Monday March 16, while allowing pickup lunches.
Cancellation of most boards and commission meetings for 60 days, except for critical items for a few commissions
City council meetings will be teleconferenced, and will have a publicly accessible location for public comment and meeting observation.

Senior Centers: Pick-up lunches still available

In an effort to facilitate important service while maintaining social distancing for a vulnerable group, the City of Berkeley’s senior centers will provide members the opportunity to pick up a nutritious lunch daily, between the hours of 11:00 am – 12:00 pm only. Please note that this will be for PICK-UP ONLY with NO dine-in option.

North Berkeley Senior Center

1900 Sixth Street

Building Hours: CLOSED

Lunch Pick-up Service: Monday – Friday, 11:00am – 12:00pm

South Berkeley Senior Center

2939 Ellis Street

Building Hours: 8:00am – 11:00am

Lunch Pick-up Service: Monday – Friday, 11:00am – 12:00pm

Testing through clinicians

I know that many people are frustrated with the shortage in testing. I am, too. However, not everyone with symptoms needs to be tested for COVID-19.

Those who have mild symptoms of a cold or flu should stay home. With no pharmaceutical response, going to a hospital may expose you to other illnesses.
If your symptoms worsen or you have concerns, call your primary care physician.

All testing is done through clinicians. Our public health clinics do not test for COVID-19. Right now, the top priority for public health response is to implement and encourage community-wide, non-pharmaceutical actions that reduce exposures to this new coronavirus.

As I strive to serve our City of 120,000 people, I recognize that people are making many tough, complex decisions. Use the frameworks I’ve provided to help make decisions in consultation with those you trust and respect.

Our personal and group actions have great power. Help others. This is the time to act.

Lisa B. Hernandez, MD, MPH

City of Berkeley Health Officer

SCHOOL CLOSURES

Berkeley Unified School District (BUSD) announced that schools are closing through at least April 6, 2020. All BEARS/LEARNS programs, adult schools, facility rentals, athletics, practices, and school transportation will be suspended during this time. Find more information on BUSD’s website. Home learning resources are also available on their website.

If your child’s school is closed, it is important to follow public health recommendations on healthy behaviors and social distancing measures:

Stay home as much as possible. The intention behind school closures is to slow the spread of disease by reducing opportunities for exposure.
Avoid large gatherings. If you need to go out with your child, avoid crowded places where large numbers of people are within arm’s length of one another.
Children should avoid contact with high-risk groups, including grandparents and older caretakers. While children are less affected by COVID-19, they can spread the disease to others. Adults over 60 and people with underlying health conditions are at the highest risk.

To find out what work/leave options you have available to you if your child’s school or daycare closes, please click here.

While School Is Closed: Food Is Available

Mientras Que La Escuela Está Cerrada: Hay Alimentos Disponibles

The Berkeley Unified School District Nutrition Department is serving FREE BREAKFAST AND LUNCH as take-away meals for school-age children 18 and younger.

Monday-Friday March 16-27

8:00 am – 9:30 am for Breakfast and 11:00 am – 1:00 pm for Lunch

There will be a tent set up outside our central kitchen at King Middle School

1781 Rose St, (enter behind the school at Grant/Rose, through gate)

9:00 – 9:30 am for Breakfast and 12:00 – 12:30 pm for Lunch

Students can also go to any one of these convenient locations:

Berkeley Arts Magnet Elementary, 2015 Virginia Street
Rosa Parks Elementary, 920 Allston Way
Longfellow Middle School, 1500 Derby Street
Willard Middle School, 2425 Stuart Street
Berkeley High School, 1980 Allston Way

__________________________________________

El Departamento de Nutrición de Berkeley Unified School District está sirviendo DESAYUNO Y ALMUERZO GRATUITOS en comidas para llevar para los niños en edad escolar 18 y menores.

Lunes-Viernes Marzo 16-27

8:00 am – 9:30 am para Desayuno y 11:00 am – 1:00 pm para el Almuerzo

En la Cocina Central: – Se colocará una carpa afuera cerca de la cocina central en

King Middle School 1781 Rose St, (entre por la parte de atrás de la escuela en Grant/Rose, a través del portón)

9:00 am – 9:30 am para Desayuno y 12:00 am – 12:30 pm para el Almuerzo

Los alimentos también estarán disponibles en 6 ubicaciones – el estudiante puede ir a la ubicación que más le convenga:

Berkeley Arts Magnet Elementary, 2015 Virginia Street
Rosa Parks Elementary, 920 Allston Way
Longfellow Middle School, 1500 Derby Street
Willard Middle School, 2425 Stuart Street
Berkeley High School, 1980 Allston Way

Everyone of all ages should continue to practice healthy behaviors that slow the spread of disease::

Wash your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds
Cover your cough with a tissue or your elbow
Stay home when sick, except to get medical care

If you need to go out, follow public health guidance about social distancing, and try to maintain at least an arm’s length of space between yourself and others.

For advice on talking to children about COVID-19, refer to guidance from the CDC.

RESOURCES FOR WORKERS

If you live in California and are losing wages due to COVID-19, you can apply for family leave benefits, unemployment, wage loss, or disability benefits here.

Do you have questions about paid sick leave, paid leave, work requirements, and/or compensation? Please visit California’s Department of Industrial Relations here.

PUBLIC HEALTH INFORMATION

About COVID-19

COVID-19 is a respiratory disease which has now spread to the United States.

There is no vaccine and no medications approved to treat COVID-19 at this time.

How it spreads

COVID-19 spreads from person to person, mainly through coughs and sneezes of infected people or between people who are in close contact.

How we’re responding

This is a new disease, and scientists are learning more about it daily.

Recommendations may change rapidly. Stay up to date with City messages by signing up for our community news email list.

Protect yourself and others

The most important thing you can do is to practice everyday healthy behaviors that prevent the spread of germs.

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Don’t touch your face with unwashed hands.
Use alcohol based hand sanitizer when soap and water aren’t available. Look for one with at least 60% alcohol.
Avoid contact with people who are sick.

These actions don’t just protect you. They help keep our whole community safe, especially our most vulnerable residents, by slowing the spread of the disease.

The CDC website has additional information about how to get your household ready for a potential outbreak.

Travel advisories

WHEN YOU’RE SICK, STAY HOME

Don’t spread infections to others. When you’re sick with any respiratory illness:

Stay home. Don’t go to school or work.
Minimize contact with others in your household.
Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. If you don’t have a tissue, cough into your elbow rather than your hand.
Wash or sanitize hands immediately after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, like doorknobs, phones, and faucets.

COVID-19 Symptoms

If you suspect you are infected with COVID-19, call ahead before visiting a medical facility so they can prepare. Do not go to an emergency room with mild symptoms.

The symptoms of COVID-19 are:

fever
cough
shortness of breath

Call your doctor right away if you experience these symptoms and have:

been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19, or
recently traveled from an area with ongoing community spread

CDC has a factsheet with more information about what to do if you are sick with COVID-19.

Click here for general resources on COVID (bottom of the page)

PUBLIC HEALTH EFFORTS TO HELP THE UNHOUSED COMMUNITY

The City of Berkeley has deployed dozens of handwashing stations, hand-delivered over hundreds of public health information and sanitation kits to the unhoused, and given hundreds more to partner providers. The City of Berkeley has been working with homeless services partners on guidance as it evolves. All of these efforts are in addition to an array of other existing resources, such as portable toilets, showers, shelter, housing assistance, professional mental health services, and more.

Our local news organization Berkeleyside wrote about the city’s efforts here.

UPDATE FROM THE OFFICE OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Stop COVID-19 from spreading in Berkeley–preventative measures your business can take.

Review the preventative precautions your business, non-profit or arts organization can take to avoid COVID-19 from spreading.

If you own or run a business, now is the time to get ready for the impact of increased coronavirus spread within the Bay Area.

Adopt policies and practices that support current public health recommendations, and plan ahead to take more stringent measures when risk levels increase. Find detailed preparedness recommendations for businesses on the CDC website.

Specific actions the City of Berkeley is recommending include the following.

Tell sick employees to stay home

Actively remind workers to stay home if they are sick. Use verbal reminders, all-staff memos, and signage in common areas to ensure all employees are aware they should not be coming to work when ill.

Adopt workplace policies that reinforce this position:

If an employee shows up sick, send them home right away.
Adopt non-punitive sick leave policies so employees don’t have incentives to come to work sick. Make sure employees are aware of these policies.
Don’t require a doctor’s note when employees stay home. Increased spread of coronavirus will place a significant burden on health care providers, and they may not be able to provide documentation in a timely manner.

People who have been sick should not come to work until they have been free of fever and other symptoms for at least 24 hours.

In an outbreak, a greater number of employees than usual may be out sick for extended periods of time, or be needed at home to care for sick family members. Put plans in place now to support operations during periods of high absenteeism.

Stress the importance of healthy behaviors

Post signage in common areas promoting behaviors that slow the spread of disease, such as:

Washing hands often
Avoiding touching your face
Covering coughs with a tissue or your elbow and promptly disposing of tissues
Avoiding close contact with those who are ill
Get plenty of sleep
Eat healthy food

Make it easy for employees to follow health recommendations by providing tissues and no-touch disposal bins.

Place alcohol-based hand sanitizers in common spaces and conference rooms, and keep sink areas stocked with hand soap.

Perform routine cleaning

Regularly clean your facility, including common areas and frequently touched surfaces such as doorknobs, tables, and workstations with standard cleaning agents. If you think there has been potential exposure at your facility, follow CDC guidance for cleaning and disinfection.

Provide disposable wipes for employees so they can wipe down keyboards, phones, and remote controls before each use.

Prepare to support “social distancing.” As confirmed COVID-19 cases rise, Public Health authorities will recommend implementing “social distancing” measures to slow further spread.

For employers, this will require finding ways to increase physical distance between employees. Think about how you’ll implement measures to:

Encourage remote work
Support telecommuting for any employees who are able to do so. Get prepared by checking your information technology infrastructure to ensure you’ll be able to support employees working from home. Create documentation reminding employees how to perform common tasks such as checking email and voicemail remotely.
Adopt staggered shifts
Ask employees to adjust working hours to reduce the number of people in an office at one time.
Cross-train personnel
Make sure that essential business functions can be performed by multiple people.

Other potential guidance may include suspending non-essential travel and canceling in-person meetings and conferences. Start making plans now for how you will incorporate these recommendations into your operations.

Resources

The CDC and City of Berkeley have created materials you can print and post to promote healthy behaviors at your workplace:

Handwashing fact sheets in English and Spanish (CDC)
Handwashing posters in multiple languages (CDC)
Posters promoting healthy behaviors in English and Spanish (CDC)
Coronavirus precautions recommended by CDC and Berkeley Public Health

Small Business Administration provides low-interest disaster loans to help businesses and homeowners recover from declared disasters.

Sincerely,

Lori Droste

Berkeley City Councilmember, District 8

March 16, 2020

Shelter In Place Order Starting at Midnight Tonight (12:01am on 3/17)

As of midnight tonight (12:01 Tuesday), seven Bay Area jurisdictions, including residents of Berkeley, are ordered to shelter in place. Please read the Shelter In Place Order here. Please abide by this order to limit activity, travel and business functions to only the most essential needs. Make sure to wash your hands frequently and don’t touch your face with unwashed hands.

If you have questions, send them our way and we’ll do our best to answer them for you. Email [email protected]

PRESS RELEASE BY ALAMEDA COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH AGENCIES

Seven health officers within six Bay Area counties are taking a bold, unified step to slow the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and preserve critical health care capacity across the region.

On March 16, the Public health officers of Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo, and Santa Clara counties announced, with the City of Berkeley, a legal order directing their respective residents to shelter at home for three weeks beginning March 17. The order limits activity, travel and business functions to only the most essential needs. The guidance comes after substantial input from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and best practices from other health officials around the world.

Scientific evidence shows social distancing is one of the most effective approaches to slow the transmission of communicable disease. The shelter-at-home order follows new data of increasing local transmission of COVID-19, including 258 confirmed cases of COVID-19 with 4 deaths shared by the seven jurisdictions, as of March 15. The Bay Area’s collected confirmed cases is more than half of California’s case count. This does not account for the rapidly increasing number of assumed cases of community transmission. As testing capacity increases, the number of laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases is expected to increase markedly.

“Temporarily changing our routine is absolutely necessary to slow the spread of this pandemic,” said Dr. Sara Cody, Santa Clara County Public Health Officer. “The Health Officers from the largest jurisdictions in the San Francisco Bay Area are united and we are taking this step together to offer the best protection to our respective communities.”

The order defines essential activities as necessary for the health and safety for individuals and their families. Essential businesses allowed to operate during the recommended action include health care operations; businesses that provide food, shelter, and social services, and other necessities of life for economically disadvantaged or otherwise needy individuals; fresh and non-perishable food retailers (including convenience stores); pharmacies; child care facilities; gas stations; banks; laundry businesses and services necessary for maintaining the safety, sanitation and essential operation of a residence. In addition, health care, law and safety, and essential government functions will continue under the recommended action. For the full list, please see section 10 of the order.

“While the goal is to limit groups congregating together in a way that could further spread the virus, it is not complete social shutdown,” said Dr. Matt Willis, Marin County’s Public Health Officer. “You can still complete your most essential outings or even engage in outdoor activity, so long as you avoid close contact.”

On January 30, the World Health Organization declared the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern, and the United States followed the next day by declaring a federal public health emergency. On February 26, the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed community transmission of COVID-19 in the San Francisco Bay Area, meaning the afflicted patient had no signs of associating with anyone who had been diagnosed with the virus. This collective legal order comes one day after Governor Gavin Newsom ordered older adults, age 65 and older, stay home.

“Limiting interpersonal interactions is a proven strategy to slow and reduce viral spread and protect the most vulnerable among us — individuals who are 60 years of age and older, people with chronic and underlying medical conditions, and people experiencing homelessness.” Dr. Erica Pan said, “Our counties share borders and many people live in one county and work in another. It’s absolutely critical for us to be aligned on COVID-19 mitigation efforts.”

For more information about COVID-19 activities in these areas, visit the Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Santa Clara, San Francisco, San Mateo, or Berkeley COVID-19 websites.

CORONAVIRUS/COVID-19

Please SIGN UP for City of Berkeley emails here and visit the City’s COVID-19 website here. Recommendations may change rapidly. Please remember to get public health information from official public health channels (City of Berkeley’s Public Health Department, County of Alameda Public Health, CDC, WHO, etc.), and not social media posts. (***Note: The City of Berkeley’s website is experiencing high volume. The most critical piece of information is in “the shelter in place” order linked at the beginning of this newsletter.)

COVID-19 Symptoms

If you suspect you are infected with COVID-19, call ahead before visiting a medical facility so they can prepare. Do not go to an emergency room with mild symptoms.

The symptoms of COVID-19 are:

fever
cough
shortness of breath

Call your doctor right away if you experience these symptoms and have:

been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19, or
recently traveled from an area with ongoing community spread

CDC has a factsheet with more information about what to do if you are sick with COVID-19.

Click here for general resources on COVID

Sincerely,

Lori Droste

Berkeley City Councilmember, District 8

March 21, 2020

BERKELEY RELIEF FUND #berkeleyrelieffund

Last week City Council unanimously adopted legislation to create an emergency relief fund for arts nonprofits, small businesses, and residential tenants hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic. We have dedicated up to $3 million dollars to this endeavor. The official launch is Sunday, March 22 at 3pm-4pm but we are taking donations in advance. Please consider donating to support our beloved local community. Author Michael Lewis, along with Mayor Jesse Arreguín, will host the event for what will be an hour of interviews, impact videos, and entertainment, all from our sheltering community. You can visit the online launch at berkeleyrelieffund.org and Berkeleyside will be streaming the event as well. All donations are tax-deductible. Funds will be used only for emergency grants. Applicants will be able to apply soon.

SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES

A number of businesses in Elmwood are still offering service through pickup and delivery. We are working with merchants on an inclusive list of all businesses in our neighborhood that are still offering service. Below are a few of the businesses that we have confirmed are still operational. Also, please reach out to your favorite store via email or calling to see if you can purchase gift certificates. If you would like us to add your business to the list please email my legislative assistant at [email protected]. We are updating the list continuously and will follow up on ways to help.

Baker and Commons

Boichik Bagels

Donato & Co.

House of Curries

Humphry Slocombe

In the Wood Gastropub

La Mediterranee

Manpuku Japanese

Nabolom Pizzeria and Bakery

Roma Coffee

Shen Hua

Summer Kitchen

Timeless Coffee

Elmwood Stationers

Palm + Perkins

Mrs. Dalloway’s

Your Basic Bird

Rue Atelier

Vintage Wine Shop

FUTURE NEWSLETTER TOPICS

Coming up in future newsletters we will be discussing some clarity around some of the guidance in the shelter in place order specifically around construction. If there are areas of clarification or topics you would like us to address please email Bre Slimick at [email protected]

QUESTIONS ABOUT EXERCISING WITH FRIENDS AND SOCIAL DISTANCING

Some of you have contacted me about my guidance on hiking and exercising with friends while maintaining social distance of six feet. While I understand the need to socialize is important to mental health, I am explicitly recommending more caution with regard to the order. Many of us can still socialize with friends via telephone or online applications (Zoom, FaceTime). I understand that this is a more explicit risk-averse direction of the order but I would rather err on the side of caution. As a result, I’m recommending a lower-risk approach–that you exercise outside only with members of your household. My approach is to recommend behaviors that will aggressively flatten the curve.

CORONAVIRUS/COVID-19

COVID-19 Symptoms

If you suspect you are infected with COVID-19, call ahead before visiting a medical facility so they can prepare. Do not go to an emergency room with mild symptoms.

The symptoms of COVID-19 are:

fever
cough
shortness of breath

CDC has a factsheet with more information about what to do if you are sick with COVID-19.

Click here for general resources on COVID

Sincerely,

Lori Droste

Berkeley City Councilmember, District 8

March 24, 2020

Stay Home, Save Lives. Do You Have Extra n95 Masks? New Testing Requirements, Berkeley Relief Fund, Essential Services, and Governor’s Executive Order

First of all, thank you to all essential workers for your service to our community. To the rest of you, thank you for staying home to help keep us all safe. We all have a role to play. We will work through this together and I’ve been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support to our community.

Stay Home, Save Lives and Wash Your Hands

We are entering into a critically important two weeks and we all have a responsibility to limit the spread of COVID19. Prepare now to care for yourself or your family if infected with COVID-19. I am urging you to stay home except to go for essential needs (food, medical care/materials, banks, and quick exercise). Our parks are now closed as well. Simply put, stay at home as much as possible. Please don’t socialize (even at 6’!), hike or meet up with people outside your immediate household. If you need help figuring out Zoom or a platform that can help you connect with people via technology, please email us and we will provide you with help.

Personal Protective Equipment

Berkeleyside wrote about N95 masks here. If you have extra unopened Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in your earthquake kits, please email us at [email protected]

Bay Area Jurisdictions Order Laboratories Testing for COVID-19 to report Testing Data to State and Local Authorities

On March 24, the Public Health Officers of Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo, and Santa Clara, with the City of Berkeley, announced an order with new reporting requirements for laboratories that test for the novel coronavirus. Laboratories must report results of tests for all residents of each jurisdiction to the ordering health care provider and the appropriate state and local health officials.

Currently, labs report only positive results, making it difficult for public health officials to know how many people are being tested overall. The new order requires laboratories to report all positive, negative, and inconclusive results, and information that allows health officials to better locate the person tested. The more comprehensive information will improve health officials’ understanding of the rates of infection and the location of possible infection clusters.

You can find all the information on the City of Berkeley’s News Main Page located here.

Berkeley Relief Fund #berkeleyrelieffund

The City of Berkeley launched an emergency relief fund for arts nonprofits, small businesses, and residential tenants hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic. Thank you for your donations. If you haven’t donated and are able to, you can visit the berkeleyrelieffund.org All donations are tax-deductible. Funds will be used only for emergency grants. Applicants will be able to apply soon.

Please cancel all home services and in-person appointments.

Many people have written to me to inquire about personal and non-essential household services. Please cancel them. If applicable and you are financially able to, please consider paying your barber, gardener, bodyworker, household cleaner, and any other personal service provider.

COVID updates

- Parking lots at state parks and beaches are closed to deter visiting.
- California adds 2,000 beds through FEMA
- Income tax, student loans, DMV and smog check deadlines extended.
Property tax deadlines NOT extended.
AC Transit is free for now. Board in the rear unless you require accommodations.
Price gouging is illegal (and repugnant). Report cases here.

COVID-19 information

Food for Healthcare Workers

Ayelet Waldman and Michael Chabon organized #EastBayFeedER to support local businesses by purchasing meals to feed local health care workers. To donate, contact [email protected]. If you are an interested restaurant owner, fill out this form here.

Governor of California’s EXECUTIVE ORDER N-33-20

The Governor of California, Gavin Newsom, issued an executive order last week that you can find here. Governor Newsom issued a stay at home order to protect the health and well-being of all Californians and to establish consistency across the state in order to slow the spread of COVID-19.

The executive order expands the state’s response to the COVID-19 outbreak. The order gives the state the ability to increase the health care capacity in clinics, mobile health care units and adult day health care facilities. It also allows local governments more flexibility to utilize the skills of retired employees and reinforces the importance of the delivery of food, medicine and emergency supplies.

Alameda County has already been under a shelter in place so this statewide order won’t change much for us living here in the Bay Area. The Governor’s Office has listed exceptions that you can find here that also includes frequently asked questions.

Future Newsletter Topics

If there are areas of clarification or topics you would like us to address please email Bre Slimick at [email protected]

CORONAVIRUS/COVID-19

COVID-19 Symptoms

If you suspect you are infected with COVID-19,

call your doctor
Stay at home except to seek medical care
Stay away from others at home
Monitor your symptoms
Wash your hands
Cover your coughs and sneezes

The symptoms of COVID-19 are:

fever
cough
shortness of breath

If someone in your home is sick,

Watch for worsening symptoms
Clean high touch surfaces daily
Practice healthy behaviors

Get more information about all of this here.

CDC has a factsheet with more information about what to do if you are sick with COVID-19.

Click here for general resources on COVID

Sincerely,

Lori Droste

Berkeley City Councilmember, District 8

https://www.shawl-anderson.org/sadconline

April 1, 2020

Fill Out Your Census Today

Our city really needs you to take the Census.

The national emergency we now see with COVID-19 is an example of why this document is so important. You can respond entirely while sheltering-in-place at home:

Online at my2020census.gov

Phone: 844-330-2020

By mail, using the form sent to your home

Each person who gets counted brings back an estimated average of $1,000 per year in funding for critical services and infrastructure. For every person that goes uncounted, local communities lose $10,000 over the next decade.

For more information, click here.

COVID-19 Topics in this Newsletter:

Shelter in Place Extended
Mask Donations and Other PPE updates
Berkeley Relief Fund applications open
East Bay Regional Parks Guidance
Gardeners and House Cleaners should shelter in place
Prepare Now to Care For Yourself and Others with COVID-19
Mayor’s Town Hall
AC Transit Modified Service Schedule
Free Online Dance Classes
More COVID-19 information

Shelter In Place Extended Until May 3rd

The City of Berkeley’s Health Officer along with 6 other Bay Area Health Officers are extending a previous stay-at-home order through May 3, 2020 in order to minimize hospital surge and an increased spread of infections.

The Bay Area Health Officers have determined that more and stricter social distancing will be required to slow the spread of the virus, prevent deaths, and stop the health care system from becoming overwhelmed and over capacity.

The new order adds some clarifying language around essential business and activities, as well as some new directives, including:

Use of playgrounds, dog parks, public picnic areas, and similar recreational areas is prohibited. These areas must be closed to public use.
Use of shared public recreational facilities such as golf courses, tennis and basketball courts, pools, and rock walls is prohibited. These facilities must be closed for recreational use.
Sports requiring people to share a ball or other equipment must be limited to people in the same household
Requires essential businesses to develop a social distancing protocol before April 3
Most construction-residential and commercial-is prohibited
Funerals limited to no more than 10 people attending
Essential businesses expanded to include service providers that enable residential transactions (notaries, title companies, realtors, etc.); funeral homes and cemeteries; moving companies, rental car companies and rideshare services that specifically enable essential activities
Essential businesses that continue to operate facilities must scale down operations to their essential component only

The full updates and more information can be found here

Visit cityofberkeley.info/covid19 for additional information on COVID-19, recommendations from Berkeley Public Health, and information on other changes to City services.

Mask Donations and Personal Protective Equipment Information Updated

The City of Berkeley has set up a program for Personal Protective Equipment donations for Berkeley’s firefighters, nurses, police and others on the frontlines of COVID-19 response. Let us know (again) if you have extra masks, gloves, hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes and sprays, and/or goggles. This mask and PPE guidance supersedes previous guidance. So please fill out this form so we can track your donation efficiently. To learn more, read here.

Berkeley Relief Fund Applications Open (1st round deadline Monday, April 6 at 5pm)

The City of Berkeley opened grant applications to support residents and businesses facing COVID-19 hardships Berkeley’s low-income renters, arts organizations, small businesses, and other non-profit organizations can apply now for emergency relief funds to help them withstand the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The City of Berkeley has committed $3 million to these emergency relief grants. Additional funding, made possible by charitable contributions from individuals and businesses to the Berkeley Relief Fund, will also be available to grant applicants. Apply now (see links below) or donate to the Berkeley Relief Fund here.

If you would like to donate

The City of Berkeley launched the emergency relief fund for arts nonprofits, small businesses, and residential tenants hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic. Thank you for your donations. If you haven’t donated and are able to, you can visit berkeleyrelieffund.org . All donations are tax-deductible. If you would like to donate through a donor-advised fund, the tax ID is 94-6070996. The fiscal agent is the East Bay Community Foundation. Funds will be used only for emergency grants.

New East Bay Regional Parks Closures

The Park District has announced *some* closures to limit overcrowding and address public and staff safety. Closures are through Thursday at April 30th. Keep in mind that East Bay Regional Parks may close down more parks if visitors aren’t practicing social distancing. Also, if you are walking a dog, pack out the dog waste instead of leaving it on the trails or in bags alongside the trails. Visit ebparks.org for up-to-date information on closures and ways to help keep parks open and safe.

Gardeners and House Cleaners Should Shelter in Place

Many of you have written to ask about whether gardeners and house cleaners can continue to work. No, they may not. If you are financially able to do so, I urge you to continue paying them.

Stay Home, Save Lives and Wash Your Hands

We all have a responsibility to limit the spread of COVID19. Prepare now to care for yourself or your family if infected with COVID-19. I am urging you to stay home except to go for essential needs (food, medical care/materials, banks, and quick exercise). Stay at home as much as possible. Please don’t socialize (even at 6’!), hike or meet up with people outside your immediate household. If you do go out, stay 6 feet away from others. Don’t touch your face and cover your coughs with your elbow. You can even spread COVID-19 if you don’t know you are infected. Also, disinfect your surfaces but don’t mix chemicals!

Prepare Now to Care For Yourself and Others Infected with COVID-19

As COVID-19 spreads, learn how to take care of someone who is ill. You or other people may get mild symptoms. We need those people to stay home entirely. This will slow the spread. If you are sick, call your doctor. For more guidance on what to do if you are sick or if someone else is sick, please click here.

COVID-19 information

Mayor’s Town Hall

On Saturday, Berkeley Mayor Jesse Arreguin, City of Berkeley Health Officer Dr. Lisa Hernandez and City Manager Dee Williams-Ridley held a Virtual Town Hall via ZOOM Video Conferencing to answer your questions about the impacts of the COVID-19 crisis on the City of Berkeley and the City’s response. The video recording of the Town Hall can be found here.

AC Transit Modified Service Schedule — Effective Tuesday, March 31

AC Transit will begin operating a modified service schedule in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Although similar to the existing Sunday service, arrival times will differ from it.

Local service:

Many lines will operate with minor time changes from the Sunday schedule.

Weekday-only local lines will not operate, including supplemental service.

Transbay service:

Lines F, NL, O, and 800 will continue operations
Weekday-only Transbay lines will not operate.

All Nighter service:

Lines 800 and 801 will operate hourly.
Line 1 will operate hourly between midnight and 5:00 a.m.

Trip Planning

Updated schedules and printable PDF timetables will be available on the website. Bus location and departure predictions will not be available after this change takes effect. The following systems will again show bus predictions after several days, when AC Transit’s systems are updated:

ACT RealTime

Google Maps

Other third-party websites and mobile apps

511 predictions
Electronic signs in bus shelters and at BART stations

FREE Online Dance and Movement Classes for Adults Through Nonprofit Shawl-Anderson Dance Center

From our community members at 61 year old nonprofit Shawl-Anderson Dance Center: We are offering 28 classes for adults right now, online and live through Zoom. Free of charge. Yoga, Pilates, modern, jazz, and ballet for all levels. Please join in this week to inspire movement while in Shelter in Place.

Future Newsletter Topics

If there are areas of clarification or topics you would like us to address please email Bre Slimick at [email protected]

CORONAVIRUS/COVID-19

COVID-19 Symptoms

If you suspect you are infected with COVID-19,

call your doctor
Stay at home except to seek medical care
Stay away from others at home
Monitor your symptoms
Wash your hands
Cover your coughs and sneezes

The symptoms of COVID-19 are:

fever
cough
shortness of breath

If someone in your home is sick,

Watch for worsening symptoms
Clean high touch surfaces daily
Practice healthy behaviors

Get more information about all of this here.

CDC has a factsheet with more information about what to do if you are sick with

COVID-19.

Click here for general resources on COVID

Sincerely,

Lori Droste

Berkeley City Councilmember, District 8

April 4, 2020

I apologize for the multiple emails but I want to make sure you are getting the most current guidance from the City of Berkeley. Please remember that the City of Berkeley COVID-19 website and the State of California’s Department of Public Health are great sources of information.

I want to thank all of our first responders, essential workers and City staff for working extra hard to prepare and keep our community safe.

COVID-19 TOPICS IN THIS NEWSLETTER:

Important public health guidance
Ways to get/give Help
Prepare for COVID-19
More COVID-19 information
Public school information
Bay Area Book Festival April 5th at 3pm in support of the Berkeley Relief Fund

GUIDANCE FROM THE CITY OF BERKELEY

You should be aware of the following:

We are now advising individuals to cover their noses and mouths with cloth when leaving home for essential visits to supermarkets, pharmacies, or doctor’s offices. Bandanas, scarves, and cloths are recommended. Please leave N-95 masks for health care workers and first responders if you haven’t already used it. This is to prevent the spread of COVID-19. This direction is in addition to distancing.
Please stop socially-distancing block parties, dance parties and cocktail parties. Now is not the time to socialize in person, even at a distance. This is a public health pandemic. Of course, we encourage you to call or email your neighbors, friends, and loved ones for wellness checks, particularly if they are elderly or have a pre-existing condition but I want to be clear that you must stay at home as much as possible. It is also a punishable misdemeanor.
Stay at home as much as possible. You should only leave your home to get groceries, go to the doctor, provide essential work, travel for essential business/care, and/or get essential exercise (only with your household). That is it.
There are new restrictions on construction. If you have questions or concerns about an active construction project, please email [email protected] or call 510-981-7410. We’ll need a) the project’s address and b) a short description of the activity you are concerned with.

Although modeling potential COVID-19 patients is challenging, California is expected to reach its pandemic peak in about three weeks. Exposure is happening now. Take this seriously so we don’t threaten the health and lives of our community.

DO YOU NEED HELP OR WANT TO GIVE BACK?

Help Vulnerable Members of Our Community

A few neighborhood groups have created websites to help high risk neighbors in need by pairing them with lower-risk individuals (please keep in mind that everyone is at risk). Please visit berkeleymutualaid.org if you would like to volunteer or need help. Another nonprofit aimed towards helping vulnerable people is Helping Hands.

Donate or Volunteer at Food Bank

Www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org

510-635-3663

For more information about food access, please visit cafoodbanks.org

Support Nonprofits and Berkeley Businesses and Arts Organizations

Donate to the Berkeley Relief Fund. To apply for small business grants click here. To apply for arts organization grants, click here. To apply for housing retention grants, click here. The first round of deadlines is on Monday, April 6.

Support your local favorite business or arts organizations by donating or purchasing a gift certificate.

Our local news organization, Berkeleyside, also has launched a platform for local businesses to share fundraisers. To learn more visit here.

Donate Blood

You can donate blood at 6230 Claremont Ave. In Oakland. Please check with the Red Cross website to see if appointments are available before visiting.

Donate Masks, Gloves, Hygiene Supplies, Goggles, New Thermometers, etc.

If you have personal protective equipment to donate to our firefighters, nurses, police, and others on the frontlines of the COVID-19 response, please fill out this form. For more information, click here.

Take The Census

This may not seem like a lot but this can really help our city. The national emergency we now see with COVID-19 is an example of why this document is so important. You can respond entirely while sheltering-in-place at home:

Online at my2020census.gov

Phone: 844-330-2020

By mail, using the form sent to your home

For more information, click here.

Deliver Meals

PREPARE NOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF & OTHERS INFECTED WITH COVID-19

COVID-19 INFORMATION

Coronavirus/COVID-19

COVID-19 Symptoms

If you suspect you are infected with COVID-19,

call your doctor
Stay at home except to seek medical care
Stay away from others at home
Monitor your symptoms
Wash your hands
Cover your coughs and sneezes

The symptoms of COVID-19 are:

fever
cough
shortness of breath

If someone in your home is sick,

Watch for worsening symptoms
Clean high touch surfaces daily
Practice healthy behaviors

Get more information about all of this here.

CDC has a factsheet with more information about what to do if you are sick with

COVID-19.

Click here for general resources on COVID

BUSD DISTANCE LEARNING STARTS NEXT WEEK

I commend the school board, principals, teachers, staff and the district for providing distance learning. Governor Newsom has indicated that parents should be prepared for schools to be closed the entire year. To learn about chrome book distribution and free or reduced Internet connections for students, please click here. To learn about meal distribution for students, click here. To see the Distance Learning Plan, click here.

BAY AREA BOOK FESTIVAL PRESENTS “Literary Berkeley”

The Bay Area Book Festival presents “Literary Berkeley” in support of the Berkeley Relief Fund at 3pm on April 5th. Visit the Berkeley Relief Fund for more information and check out the YouTube channel as well.

Sincerely,

Lori Droste

Berkeley City Councilmember, District 8

April 10, 2020

Moving forward, I’m going to try to include the most pertinent information in the subject line just in case you are overwhelmed by all of these emails.

Over the past month, I have seen the true character of so many Berkeley residents. Whether it’s by small acts of kindness, helping out at food banks, contributing to the Berkeley Relief Fund, donating your N95 masks to the City, or simply remaining home, I continue to be proud of our residents. Let’s keep it up!

For some of you, I can hear you are struggling. It is undoubtedly a stressful time. Please make sure to be gentle with yourself, reach out if you need help, and assume the goodwill of others. See below for community and state resources that may help you.

Please remember that the City of Berkeley COVID-19 website and the State of California’s Department of Public Health are great sources of information. The State of California also provides a great deal of information here.

I want to thank all of our first responders, essential workers and City staff for working tirelessly to prepare and keep our community safe.

Although modeling potential COVID-19 surges is challenging, exposure is happening now. Take this seriously so we don’t threaten the health of our community. Sadly, a Berkeley resident in their 40s lost their life this week. According to our public health officer, our curve is not flat yet but we have seen some successes with slowing of the cases. It is not over so please continue sheltering in place.

COVID-19 Topics in this Newsletter

New—wear mask outside doing everything
No gatherings of any type, even holidays or socially-distant activities
New–Extra Precautions and Local Resources to Help Keep Seniors Safe
New-Support Information
Ways to Get/Give Help—New Info: Double Helping Hands, Berkeley Food Pantry, etc.
New–Bus lines out of service
Prepare for COVID-19
More COVID-19 information
Updated Construction Guidance

TAKE THE CENSUS

Online at my2020census.gov

Phone: 844-330-2020

By mail, using the form sent to your home

For more information, click here.

GUIDANCE FROM THE CITY OF BERKELEY

1. MORE MASK GUIDANCE We are now advising individuals to cover their noses and mouths with cloth when leaving home for everything, not just essential visits to supermarkets, pharmacies, or doctor’s offices. Bandanas, scarves, and cloths are recommended. Please leave N-95 masks for health care workers and first responders if you haven’t already used it. This is to prevent the spread. This direction is in addition to social distancing.

2. NO GATHERINGS. Now is not the time to socialize in groups, even at a distance. This is going to be particularly challenging with the holidays but please refrain from having any gatherings with people outside your household. Also, please do not schedule holiday dinners, neighborhood egg hunts or anything of that nature.

3. PRECAUTIONS FOR SENIORS OVER 60 and those with underlying health conditions. Berkeley Aging Services urges all seniors to take extra steps to protect themselves from COVID-19 as people over 60 years old are at increased risk of severe illness from the disease.We encourage you to call or email your neighbors for wellness checks, particularly if they are elderly or have a pre-existing condition.

Have a plan if you get sick. Know how to stay in touch with friends, family, neighbors and community health workers by phone or email so that you can reach out should you become sick. Determine who can care for you if your caregiver gets sick.
Obtain extra medication. Avoid unnecessary trips to the pharmacy. Consider using mail-order for medications.
Stock up on supplies that will help you stay at home. If eligible, consider shopping during specially designated hours for those that are high risk.

Andronico’s: 7-9am Tuesdays and Thursdays

Berkeley Bowl: 8-10am Monday, Wednesday, and Friday

Piedmont Grocery: 9-10am every day for those 65 or older

Safeway: 7-9am Tuesdays and Thursdays

Target: 8-9am Wednesdays for older adults or those with underlying health conditions

Trader Joe’s: 8-9am every day

Whole Foods: 8-9am every day for those 60 or older

Access resources to help keep you at home
Consider ways to have food and other supplies brought to your home. Here are some resources: Meals on Wheels
Regularly checking in with family, friends and neighbors can help. The Crisis Support Services of Alameda County is also providing daily phone calls for homebound seniors during the COVID-19 Crisis. For more information or sign up, call 510-282-9089 or email Andrea Henderson at [email protected]

For more information on senior help, click here.

4. SUPPORT INFORMATION

24-hour Suicide Prevention Lifeline:

1-800-273-8255 or text 838255

24-hour Domestic Violence Hotline:

1-800-799-7233 or click Chat Now

Call 911 if you or the person you are helping is in immediate danger.

If you struggle with substance abuse, check out some resources here.

5. DO YOU NEED HELP OR WANT TO GIVE BACK?

Donate or Volunteer at Food Bank

510-635-3663

For more information about food access, please visit cafoodbanks.org

Support Nonprofits and Berkeley Businesses and Arts Organizations

Donate to the Berkeley Relief Fund. We will be doing another round of funding applications. Stay tuned!

Support your local favorite business or arts organizations by donating or purchasing a gift certificate. Berkeleyside has launched a platform for local businesses to share fundraisers. To learn more visit here.

Donate to Double Helping Hands to help both small businesses and our homeless population. Learn more here.

Support Healthcare Workers

Our neighbor Ayelet Waldman set up East Bay FeedER to help feed individuals working in hospitals. Please support! Ayelet also asks me to let you know to please work through them and don’t show up at the hospital with food.

Donate Masks, Gloves, Hygiene Supplies, Goggles, New Thermometers, etc.

Donate Blood

You can donate blood at 6230 Claremont Ave. In Oakland. Please check with the Red Cross website to see if appointments are available before visiting.

Help Vulnerable Members of Our Community

6. AC TRANSIT UPDATE

AC Transit will not be able to operate some scheduled service due to conditions created by COVID 19. Currently, lines 7, 29, 36, 52, 65, 67, 79, 80, and 96 are not in service.

Please follow them on Twitter and Facebook to stay informed about current service.

7. PREPARE NOW TO HELP YOURSELF AND OTHERS INFECTED WITH COVID-19

8. CORONAVIRUS/COVID-19

COVID-19 Symptoms

If you suspect you are infected with COVID-19,

call your doctor
Stay at home except to seek medical care
Stay away from others at home
Monitor your symptoms
Wash your hands
Cover your coughs and sneezes

The symptoms of COVID-19 are:

fever
cough
shortness of breath

If someone in your home is sick,

Watch for worsening symptoms
Clean high touch surfaces daily
Practice healthy behaviors

Get more information about all of this here.

CDC has a factsheet with more information about what to do if you are sick with

COVID-19.

Click here for general resources on COVID

9. Updated Construction Guidelines and Reporting Process

Construction continues to be a big source of confusion. The guidelines outlining construction projects has been updated by the City of Berkeley. Workers on the few allowed construction sites must keep at least six feet distance from one another at all times except when closer contact is immediately necessary to complete specific tasks.

Construction is only allowed for:

healthcare facilities directly related to COVID-19 response shelters and temporary housing
shelters and temporary housing
affordable housing (projects must include at least 10% affordable units onsite)
projects that provide critical services to vulnerable individuals
public works projects deemed essential by the City
limited essential residential or business repairs, when the work is immediately necessary to ensure safety and habitability

Reporting

If you have questions or concerns about an active construction project, email [email protected] or call us at (510) 981-7410. We’ll need:

the project’s address
a short description of the activity you’re concerned about

You can find more detailed information on the City of Berkeley Main News Page here.

Sincerely,

Lori Droste

Berkeley City Councilmember, District 8

Want to request a City service?

April 20, 2020

Please continue to stay home. If you must leave your home for essential needs, please use a mask to cover your nose and mouth, stay at least six feet away from others, and don’t socialize with people outside your household.

Topics in this Newsletter

- New—stricter mask regulations go into effect April 22, 2020.
- New— Masks, symptom checks, and temperature screenings at skilled nursing and residential care facilities
- New— managing anxiety and stress during COVID-19
- Ways to give/get help—New—join the California Health Corps
- Protect yourself and others
- New— Berkeley COVID-19 stats
- Support for businesses
- New–Updated AC Transit Information
- New-Shower Program Expansion
- More COVID-19 Resources
- New—Tuesday’s 4/21/2020 Council agenda
- New—Give feedback on the proposed People’s Park project. Deadline is 4/28/20.

FACE COVERINGS MANDATE

The City of Berkeley Health Officer has issued a new order mandating face coverings to prevent people without symptoms from unintentionally spreading Covid-19. Many people have already been covering their face while in public but we need to do more to protect public health. Enforcement will begin on April 22, 2020. Face coverings need to be matched with other mitigation measures such as maintaining 6 feet distance, washing your hands, and staying home unless it’s necessary for you to leave. You can find more information about the new face mask requirement here.

Here are some quick takeaways:

Face coverings required for customers and workers in essential businesses. For more information about business and customer requirements, click here. To help with compliance, call (510) 981-7530 or email [email protected].
Masks are not required when you are at home, in a car, exercising outdoors more than 6’ feet away from others, or have a physical disability that prevents you from wearing a face covering. More information and exemptions here. Nevertheless, you should always keep a mask on hand, even if you are exercising.
Make your own mask! You can sew your own mask or use an old t-shirt to make a mask.

HEALTH OFFICER ORDER FOR SKILLED NURSING FACILITIES

City of Berkeley Health Officer Dr. Lisa Hernandez issued an Order imposing new requirements on skilled nursing facilities. Temperature and symptom screenings will be required for all staff and visitors before entry. Staff will now have to wear masks at all times, and residents must wear masks when outside their rooms.

MANAGING ANXIETY AND STRESS DURING COVID-19

Sheltering in place is critical to protecting our community and it is essential that we all take good care of our mental health during this unprecedented challenging time. The City of Berkeley’s Mental Health Department put together a few tips for managing anxiety and stress that we included below. You can also visit the link at the City of Berkeley’s website that contains more information for you here.

Be informed
Understanding the facts about COVID-19 and the actual risk to yourself and people you care about can make an outbreak less stressful. Turn to trusted sources for information such as the CDC, WHO, or the City of Berkeley for accurate information. Share information with loved ones.

Take breaks
Take care of your body
Connect with others.
Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling. Stay in touch with members outside your household through the phone, video chat, and other communication tools. If you or a loved one feels overwhelmed with emotions, see our mental health resources below.

California Peer-Run Warm Line – 855-845-7415

Non-emergency number for those feeling anxiety or seeking emotional support.

24 Hour Crisis Support Line – 800-273-8255

Crisis Support of Alameda County

Trained Crisis Line Counselors are available 24/7 to take your call. For those struggling with difficult life circumstances or uncomfortable thoughts and emotions. You do not need to be experiencing suicidal thoughts or feelings to call.

Berkeley Mental Health Crisis Triage Line – (510) 981-5244

City of Berkeley Mental Health Division

Speak to a local mental health professional for support and resources over the phone. The crisis line is open Monday through Friday 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

24-hour Suicide Prevention Lifeline:

1-800-273-8255 or text 838255

24-hour Domestic Violence Hotline:

1-800-799-7233 or click Chat Now

Call 911 if you or the person you are helping is in immediate danger.

If you struggle with substance abuse, check out some resources here.

DO YOU NEED HELP OR WANT TO GIVE BACK?

Find out about some ways the City is doing to help our community here

Join the California Health Corps

The State of California is recruiting health care professionals to help support the urgent need. For more information or apply online, click here.

Donate Masks, Gloves, Hygiene Supplies, Goggles, New Thermometers, etc.

If you have personal protective equipment to donate to our firefighters, nurses, police, and others on the front lines of the COVID-19 response, please fill out this form. For more information, click here.

Donate or Volunteer at Food Bank

Every $1 you give to the food bank provides $7 worth of food to neighbors in need. Donate online or volunteer by contacting [email protected]

For more information about food access, please visit cafoodbanks.org

Donate Blood

You can donate blood at 6230 Claremont Ave. In Oakland. Please check with the Red Cross website to see if appointments are available before visiting.

Help Vulnerable Members of Our Community

Support Nonprofits and Berkeley Businesses and Arts Organizations

Donate to the Berkeley Relief Fund. We will be doing another round of funding applications. Stay tuned!

Donate to Double Helping Hands to help both small businesses and our homeless population. Learn more here.

Support Healthcare Workers

Berkeley resident Ayelet Waldman set up East Bay FeedER to help feed individuals working in hospitals. Please support! Ayelet also asks me to let you know to please work through them and don’t show up at the hospital with food.

PROTECT YOURSELF AND OTHERS

Stay home except for essential needs
Cover your face when out
Practice social distancing
Wash your hands
Don’t touch your face
Disinfect surfaces

For more information, click here.

Prepare to care for yourself or someone sick at home

As COVID-19 spreads, learn how to take care of yourself or someone who is ill. You or other people may get mild symptoms. We need those people to stay home entirely. This will slow the spread. Here is more information.

Everyone should be ready to care for themselves or a family member. When sick, it’s important to:

Avoid contact with other household members
Stay in one room and use a separate bathroom if possible
Clean and disinfect commonly touched surfaces every day
Monitor your condition and look out for emergency warning signs

CDC has a factsheet with more information about what to do if you are sick with COVID-19.

BERKELEY COVID-19 STATISTICS

The City of Berkeley is keeping stats updated on the web page where you can find the most recent statistics. As of 9:00am April 20, 2020, there are 44 lab-confirmed cases and 1 death attributed to COVID-19 in Berkeley. The case count includes 2 passengers from the Diamond Princess cruise ship. Of a total of 752 tests conducted on Berkeley residents, 5.6% have been positive.

SUPPORT FOR BUSINESSES

There are federal, state, and local resources available to support businesses, non-profit organizations, and workers impacted by COVID-19. You can find more information here.

SHOWER PROGRAM EXPANSION

The City has expanded our free shower program to the West Campus pool. This is in addition to the shower program at Willard Pool which offers clean towels, soap, and hot water to community members seven days a week at no charge. The service is available to all, with no ID or deposit required. In light of the threat COVID-19 poses to our unhoused community, we expanded the hours of the existing program in March. vide this important hygiene resource at West Campus Pool as well.

New shower program hours

Willard shower program, 2701 Telegraph; Mon-Fri, 5:30pm-8:30pm, Sat-Sun: 9am-12pm
West Campus shower program, 2100 Browning; Mon-Fri, 9am-12pm, Sat-Sun, 3pm-6pm

AC TRANSIT GUIDELINES AND SERVICE CHANGES–New Changes

AC Transit is functioning as an essential service. To assist with keeping passengers safe new thresholds have been established for different types of transit vehicles that are listed below.

30’ feeder coach – 6 passengers; 40’ standard coach – 10 passengers; 60’ articulated coach – 16 passengers, and; 44’ double decker coach – 24 passengers.

Once the on board count nears or reaches the new COVID-19 passenger thresholds, the operator may bypass stops. For waiting riders, the external head-sign will convert to “Drop-Off Only,” alerting that the bus will not stop. For riders on board, the operator will continue to recognize requests to exit. In addition to social distancing, AC Transit strongly encourages riders to follow CDC guidelines to wear a cloth face mask on board, covering the nose and mouth, effective immediately. Riders will continue to experience their bus operator wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) including gloves, eyewear, and masks. Riders should avoid interactions with the bus operator.

CORONAVIRUS/COVID-19 RESOURCES

Please SIGN UP for City of Berkeley emails here. Recommendations may change rapidly. Please remember to get public health information from official public health channels and not social media posts.

Sincerely,

Lori Droste

Berkeley City Councilmember, District 8

Want to request a City service?

April 24, 2020

SEVEN BAY AREA HEALTH OFFICERS TO EXTEND THE SHELTER IN PLACE ORDERS THROUGH MAY

The Public Health Officers of the Counties of Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo, and Santa Clara as well as the City of Berkeley will later this week issue revised shelter-in-place orders that largely keep the current restrictions in place and extend them through May. Thank you to all the residents across the Bay Area for helping us to slow the spread of Covid-19. While we have made significant progress in slowing the spread of the disease, it is critical that we continue these efforts. We do not want to lose the progress we have made. More work is still required to ensure that we can safely re-open our communities and businesses. The new order will include limited easing of specific restrictions for a small number of lower-risk activities. More information can be found on the Berkeley News Main Page.

Topics in this Newsletter

New–City Auditor report Navigating the Impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic on Berkeley’s Finances
New–Weekly Budget and Finance meetings
New—Berkeley COVID-19 stats
New–Help Protect Refuse and Recycling Workers
New—Tuesday’s 4/28/2020 Council agenda
New–State announces financial relief from debt collection and private student loans
New–Support for businesses
New–Discovered in Berkeley
New–Business owners— take a survey before May 1.
Stricter mask regulations are in effect.
Masks, symptom checks, and temperature screenings at skilled nursing and residential care facilities

CITY AUDITOR REPORT – NAVIGATING THE IMPACT OF THE COVID- 19 PANDEMIC ON BERKELEY’S FINANCES

The COVID-19 pandemic is a public health crisis with devastating social and economic impacts. The City Auditor has published a report to help guide Berkeley’s leaders in navigating the financial challenges ahead. The auditor’s office conducted interviews and reviewed data from government finance and budget officials to compile information estimating the financial impact of the pandemic on the local economy. You can find more information here.

BUDGET AND FINANCE COMMITTEE

For the foreseeable future, the Budget and Finance committee will meet at 10am on Mondays. You can access this meeting via telephone or Zoom. More information is here. At this morning’s meeting, city staff presented on COVID-19 responses and a budget update.

BERKELEY COVID-19 STATISTICS

As of April, 27, 2020, there are 49 lab-confirmed cases and 1 death attributed to COVID-19 in Berkeley. The case count includes 2 passengers from the Diamond Princess cruise ship.
Of a total of 965 tests conducted on Berkeley residents, 4.9% have been positive.
Information is updated daily here.

PROTECT BERKELEY’S REFUSE WORKERS

Put trash in a closed plastic bag
Make sure lid closes completely
Wash hands before and after putting out waste.
Due to the greater load of trash and recycling generated during Shelter-In-Place, please avoid cleaning out basements, attics
Wear a face covering when handling your bins.

For more information about all of these recommendations, recycling, Zero Waste, or the Transfer station, please click here.

DEBT RELIEF

Governor Newsom signed an executive order to stop debt collectors from garnishing COVID-19 related financial assistance, including stimulus checks. Checks that have been garnished already will have to be returned.
He also announced a multi-state relief agreement with 21 of the largest private student loan services, which will benefit 1.1 million Californians. Borrowers will get a minimum of 90 days payment forbearance, waived late fees, and protection against negative credit reporting.

SUPPORT FOR BUSINESSES

There are federal, state, and local resources available to support businesses, non-profit organizations, and workers impacted by COVID-19. You can find more information here.
Our Office of Economic Development has a lot of information on its website for local businesses. See more here
To access the forgivable loans authorized by the Paycheck Protection Program, contact your lender ASAP. If you need help finding a lender accepting PPP applications from new customers, email [email protected]
Berkeley Business Forum on Outbreak Responses Tuesday from 10am-11:30am. The Berkeley Chamber, in collaboration with OED, hosts Berkeley Business Digital Forums weekly for business and community leaders to ask questions, share best practices, and connect with peers. Register here to attend.

DISCOVERED IN BERKELEY

The City of Berkeley’s DiscoveredinBerkeley campaign continues to highlight local businesses enriching our community and building a better world. The latest article showcases companies that are innovating through the shelter-in-place restrictions and exemplify the campaign’s “Food Forward” theme, which recognizes how Berkeley’s foodie heritage not only includes ‘slow food’ pioneers but also sustainable agriculture champions, culinary experts, social innovators, and contemporary food tech companies.

THE IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON YOUR BUSINESS

Provide critical information about the impact of the global COVID-19 pandemic and local shelter-in-place order on your business. Your input will help the City of Berkeley — and the East Bay region — effectively plan recovery efforts and advocate for high priority needs. TAKE THE SURVEY HERE.

FACE COVERINGS MANDATE

The City of Berkeley Health Officer has issued a new order mandating face coverings to prevent people without symptoms from unintentionally spreading Covid-19. Many people have already been covering their face while in public but we need to do more to protect public health. Face coverings need to be matched with other mitigation measures such as maintaining 6 feet distance, washing your hands, and staying home unless it’s necessary for you to leave. You can find more information about the new face mask requirement here.

Here are some quick takeaways:

Face coverings required for customers and workers in essential businesses. For more information about business and customer requirements, click here. To help with compliance, call (510) 981-7530 or email [email protected].
Masks are not required when you are at home, in a car, exercising outdoors more than 6’ feet away from others, or have a physical disability that prevents you from wearing a face covering. More information and exemptions here. Nevertheless, you should always keep a mask on hand, even if you are exercising.
Make your own mask! You can sew your own mask or use an old t-shirt to make a mask.

HEALTH OFFICER ORDER FOR SKILLED NURSING FACILITIES

MANAGING ANXIETY AND STRESS DURING COVID-19

California Peer-Run Warm Line – 855-845-7415

Non-emergency number for those feeling anxiety or seeking emotional support.

24 Hour Crisis Support Line – 800-273-8255

Crisis Support of Alameda County

Berkeley Mental Health Crisis Triage Line – (510) 981-5244

City of Berkeley Mental Health Division

Speak to a local mental health professional for support and resources over the phone. The crisis line is open Monday through Friday 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

24-hour Suicide Prevention Lifeline:

1-800-273-8255 or text 838255

24-hour Domestic Violence Hotline:

1-800-799-7233 or click Chat Now

Call 911 if you or the person you are helping is in immediate danger.

If you struggle with substance abuse, check out some resources here.

DO YOU NEED HELP OR WANT TO GIVE BACK?

Find out about some ways the City is doing to help our community here

Donate Masks, Gloves, Hygiene Supplies, Goggles, New Thermometers, etc.

Join the California Health Corps

The State of California is recruiting health care professionals to help support the urgent need. For more information or apply online, click here.

Donate or Volunteer at Food Bank

Every $1 you give to the food bank provides $7 worth of food to neighbors in need. Donate online or volunteer by contacting [email protected]

For more information about food access, please visit cafoodbanks.org

Donate Blood

You can donate blood at 6230 Claremont Ave. In Oakland. Please check with the Red Cross website to see if appointments are available before visiting.

Help Vulnerable Members of Our Community

Support Nonprofits and Berkeley Businesses and Arts Organizations

Donate to the Berkeley Relief Fund. We will be doing another round of funding applications. Stay tuned!

Donate to Double Helping Hands to help both small businesses and our homeless population. Learn more here.

Support Healthcare Workers

PROTECT YOURSELF AND OTHERS

Stay home except for essential needs
Cover your face when out
Practice social distancing
Wash your hands
Don’t touch your face
Disinfect surfaces

For more information, click here.

Prepare to care for yourself or someone sick at home

Everyone should be ready to care for themselves or a family member. When sick, it’s important to:

Avoid contact with other household members
Stay in one room and use a separate bathroom if possible
Clean and disinfect commonly touched surfaces every day
Monitor your condition and look out for emergency warning signs

CDC has a factsheet with more information about what to do if you are sick with COVID-19.

CORONAVIRUS/COVID-19 RESOURCES

Sincerely,

Lori Droste

Berkeley City Councilmember, District 8

May 1, 2020

SHELTER IN PLACE ORDERS UPDATED AND EXTENDED THROUGH MAY

The Public Health Officer of the City of Berkeley, along with neighboring public health officers, has issued a revised shelter-in-place order that begins Monday, May 4th, and extends through May 31. You still need to shelter in place and use facial coverings. You can access the full health order here.

Thank you to everyone who is continuing to shelter in place and help us slow the spread of the disease and save lives.

Here are the major updates:

Construction. Construction projects will now be permitted to continue. Contractors will be required to follow strict safety protocols.
Outdoor Businesses. Certain outdoor businesses, such as nurseries, will be able to reopen. The new guidelines also allow for gardeners to return to work using increased protocols.This does NOT include restaurants and bars with outdoor seating.
Childcare for Children of Essential Workers. Childcare establishments and other “educational or recreational institutions or programs” serving essential workers will be allowed in “stable” groups of 10-12 or fewer children.* See pp. 9-12 of the order. This does NOT include playdates with members outside of your household or with a self-designated quarantine group.
Outdoor Recreation Activities. Some outdoor recreational areas, like skate parks, can open if they can accommodate social distancing and deter social gatherings. Sports and outdoor activities that involve close proximity, shared equipment, or physical contact with people outside of your household remain prohibited and dog parks will remain closed. Tennis, soccer, basketball, climbing, and other similar recreational activities are still prohibited. More information will be provided next week.

*These orders are generally consistent with the state’s shelter in place order. On any issue where the local and state orders may differ, the stricter order applies.

Topics in this Newsletter

NEW–Eviction Protections for Renters–renters must notify landlords in writing to protect themselves from eviction
NEW—Berkeley Relief Funds—awards and donations
NEW–Weekly Budget and Finance meetings
NEW—Berkeley COVID-19 stats
NEW: Ways to give/get help—Help Berkeley—affordable meals for neighbors at risk
Support for businesses
Stricter mask regulations are still in effect. Please wear a mask.
Managing anxiety and stress during COVID-19
Protect yourself and others
More COVID-19 Resources

EVICTION PROTECTIONS

If you are struggling to pay rent due to COVID-19, you are protected by Berkeley’s emergency eviction moratorium–but you must notify your landlord no more than 7 days after your rent is due. A template is available here. More information is available here.

HELP MAKE THE CITY’S NEW WEBSITE EASY TO USE

Sign up to help test the City of Berkeley’s future online home, a site designed for everyone to quickly get the services and information they need around the clock from any device.

BERKELEY RELIEF FUND AWARDS

The Berkeley Relief Fund has awarded $1.7 million to 352 businesses and 47 arts organizations to help them withstand the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Berkeleyside wrote an article about the allocation that can be read about here. There is going to be another round of funding available for arts and businesses so stayed tuned for more information. If you would like to contribute to the Berkeley Relief Fund, you can make a donation on the website.

BUDGET AND FINANCE COMMITTEE

For the foreseeable future, the Budget and Finance committee will meet on Monday at 10am. You can access this meeting via telephone or Zoom. More information is here. City staff previously presented on COVID-19 responses and a budget update.

BERKELEY COVID-19 STATISTICS

As of April 30, 2020, there are 54 lab-confirmed cases and 1 death attributed to COVID-19 in Berkeley.
Of a total of 1,087 tests conducted on Berkeley residents, 4.97% have been positive.
Information is updated daily here.

DO YOU NEED HELP OR WANT TO GIVE BACK?

Donate Masks, Gloves, Hygiene Supplies, Goggles, New Thermometers, etc.

Join the California Health Corps

The State of California is recruiting health care professionals to help support the urgent need. For more information or apply online, click here.

Food Access

Every $1 you give to the food bank provides $7 worth of food to neighbors in need. Donate online or volunteer by contacting [email protected]

NEW— Help Berkeley

Help Berkeley helps provide affordable meals for neighbors at risk. Two meals for $10 prepared by local restaurants and delivered for free. Order meals if you are over 60, at-risk, in self-isolation, quarantined, or sick at home.

Donate Blood

You can donate blood at 6230 Claremont Ave. In Oakland. Please check with the Red Cross website to see if appointments are available before visiting.

Help Vulnerable Members of Our Community

Support Nonprofits and Berkeley Businesses and Arts Organizations

Donate to the Berkeley Relief Fund. We will be doing another round of funding applications. Stay tuned!

Support your local favorite business or arts organizations by donating or purchasing a gift certificate.

Berkeleyside has launched a platform for local businesses to share fundraisers. To learn more visit here.

Donate to Double Helping Hands to help both small businesses and our homeless population. Learn more here.

Support Healthcare Workers

East Bay FeedER helps feed individuals working in hospitals.

SUPPORT FOR BUSINESSES

There are federal, state, and local resources available to support businesses, non-profit organizations, and workers impacted by COVID-19. You can find more information here.
Our Office of Economic Development has a lot of information on its website for local businesses. See more here
To access the forgivable loans authorized by the Paycheck Protection Program, contact your lender ASAP. If you need help finding a lender accepting PPP applications from new customers, email [email protected]

FACE COVERINGS MANDATE

The City of Berkeley Health Officer has issued an order mandating face coverings to prevent people without symptoms from unintentionally spreading COVID-19. Many people have already been covering their face while in public but we need to do more to protect public health. Face coverings need to be matched with other mitigation measures such as maintaining 6 feet distance, washing your hands, and staying home unless it’s necessary for you to leave. You can find more information about the new face mask requirement here.

Here are some quick takeaways:

Face coverings required for customers and workers in essential businesses. For more information about business and customer requirements, click here. To help with compliance, call (510) 981-7530 or email [email protected].
Masks are not required when you are at home, in a car, exercising outdoors more than 6’ feet away from others, or have a physical disability that prevents you from wearing a face covering. More information and exemptions here. Nevertheless, you should always keep a mask on hand, even if you are exercising.
Make your own mask! You can sew your own mask or use an old t-shirt to make a mask.

MANAGING ANXIETY AND STRESS DURING COVID-19

California Peer-Run Warm Line – 855-845-7415

Non-emergency number for those feeling anxiety or seeking emotional support.

24 Hour Crisis Support Line – 800-273-8255

Crisis Support of Alameda County

Berkeley Mental Health Crisis Triage Line – (510) 981-5244

City of Berkeley Mental Health Division

Speak to a local mental health professional for support and resources over the phone. The crisis line is open Monday through Friday 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

24-hour Suicide Prevention Lifeline:

1-800-273-8255 or text 838255

24-hour Domestic Violence Hotline:

1-800-799-7233 or click Chat Now

Call 911 if you or the person you are helping is in immediate danger.

If you struggle with substance abuse, check out some resources here.

PROTECT YOURSELF AND OTHERS

Stay home except for essential needs
Cover your face when out
Practice social distancing
Wash your hands
Don’t touch your face
Disinfect surfaces

For more information, click here.

Prepare to care for yourself or someone sick at home

Everyone should be ready to care for themselves or a family member. When sick, it’s important to:

Avoid contact with other household members
Stay in one room and use a separate bathroom if possible
Clean and disinfect commonly touched surfaces every day
Monitor your condition and look out for emergency warning signs

CDC has a factsheet with more information about what to do if you are sick with COVID-19.

CORONAVIRUS/COVID-19 RESOURCES

Sincerely,

Lori Droste

Berkeley City Councilmember, District 8

May 11, 2020

SHELTER IN PLACE ORDERS STILL IN EFFECT

Berkeley’s shelter in place order remains in effect, even as some statewide rules for retail businesses are relaxed.

Some parts of California have begun moving into stage 2 of the statewide resilience roadmap, which allows for the gradual reopening of lower-risk workplaces, including curbside pickup for non-essential retail.

When announcing these changes, state officials stressed that stricter restrictions are still needed in many parts of California, including the Bay Area, and that readiness to reopen must be assessed on a regional basis. While we have made significant progress towards flattening our curve, we still have work to do to ensure we will be able to contain COVID-19 growth as rules in our community are eased.

The regional shelter-in-place orders in the City of Berkeley and six Bay Area counties have not changed. When local and state rules on shelter in place differ, the stricter of the two applies. The following rules still apply to businesses in Berkeley:

Curbside pickup is only allowed for essential businesses and outdoor businesses, as defined in the Health Order.
Non-essential businesses may make deliveries of existing inventory but may not restock inventory.
Businesses are not permitted to serve anyone not wearing a face covering, unless they meet specific exemptions defined in the order.

Regional Health Officers will use local data to guide decisions on further easing of shelter-in-place restrictions. Specifically, they’re tracking five indicators to measure progress in containing COVID-19 and ensuring we have the infrastructure in place to protect the community as we begin to reopen:

Total number of cases and hospitalized patients is flat or decreasing
Sufficient hospital capacity to meet the needs of our residents
Sufficient viral detections tests are being conducted
Sufficient case investigation, contact tracing, and isolation/quarantine capacity
30-day supply of personal protective equipment for all healthcare workers

These indicators are designed to provide measurable goals that will spur action on the part of the community at large, and complement the high-level metrics being tracked by the State of California.

Visit cityofberkeley.info/covid19 for more information on COVID-19, recommendations from Berkeley Public Health, and changes to City services.

********Questions can be sent to [email protected]**********

TESTING SITE OPEN FOR ALL SYMPTOMATIC PEOPLE IN BERKELEY

Anyone in Berkeley with COVID-19 symptoms can now get tested for free at a City of Berkeley testing site. If you have a health care provider, first call them to get tested as capacity has greatly expanded in recent weeks. Your provider will always be the source of any follow-up care or advice.

Those with or without a health care provider who have symptoms can call a City nurse who will screen calls. We will test symptomatic children who are at least 2 years old. A Berkeley Public Health nurse will screen callers and schedule an appointment at our West Berkeley site.

City of Berkeley COVID-19 Test Screening Line

510-981-5380, Monday-Friday, 9am-4pm

For more information, please click here.

AS STUDENTS MOVE OUT, KEEP BERKELEY CLEAN

As the remaining students move out for the summer, tenants and landlords can help keep our streets clean and refuse workers safe by planning ahead, using City of Berkeley services, and properly discarding the items they no longer need. Dumping mattresses and other items on the sidewalk creates a mess and doesn’t promote reuse. Please utilize mattress recyclers for mattress disposal. Use your building’s dumpsters or other resources listed below to discard, re-use or recycle what you don’t need. Avoid fines for illegal dumping that can reach up to $1,000 a day. For more information, please click here.

BERKELEY HIGH MENTAL HEALTH “WARM LINE”

Students, families and teachers of Berkeley High School and Berkeley Technical Academy can now connect with a licensed mental health care professional during the BUSD school closure. This new “warm line” offers bilingual support, information, consultations, and resources with a call to (510) 981-5240, Monday through Friday from 11:30 am – 4 pm. Services are available in English and Spanish. For more information, please click here.

FIRE FUEL CHIPPER AND DEBRIS BIN PROGRAM

This year’s Fire Fuel Chipper and Vegetation Debris Bin Program will begin on Monday, June 1, 2020 and end on Friday, September 18, 2020.The Fire Fuel Chipper and Debris Bin Program is part of the city’s Vegetation Management Program. This program, which began in the spring of 1993, provides a brush chipping service and debris bins to Berkeley residents that live in the designated areas. It is funded by a surcharge on the refuse bills residents in the Fire Surcharge Area pay. The program is intended to assist residents in maintaining a defensible area around structures by lessening the amount of flammable vegetation on their property. Debris resulting from general commercial tree service operations will not be picked up nor will debris from properties that do not pay the surcharge. Property owners who do not pay the surcharge are still encouraged to have a commercial service remove their debris to maintain their own defensible area around structures. The Schedule can be found on the Fire Fuel Chipper and Debris Bin Program webpage.

PREPARE FOR FIRE SEASON

Fire season is now approaching and it’s time for everyone to begin preparing their households for potential power shut offs and evacuations. The Berkeley hills are especially vulnerable in another year where we are seeing drought conditions and an increased wildfire threat. Please go to the Wildfire Evacuation website for more information. We have included some tips below.

Get emergency alerts: Sign up for notifications via AC Alert. Register as many means of contact as possible so you will be notified wherever you are.
Pack or refresh your “go bag”: Everyone in your household should have a go bag with the things you would need to safely evacuate. In the era of COVID-19, this includes face coverings and hand sanitizer. If you have a go bag already, check it this week and replace any expired items, like food or batteries.
Use our evacuation checklist: In an emergency, you have to act quickly. Even if you’ve planned ahead, it can be challenging to remember everything while under the pressure of an evacuation. Print out our wildfire evacuation checklist to use as a reference.

CITY COUNCIL MEETING ON TUESDAY, MAY 12

City Council will be meeting on Tuesday to discuss the budget and surveillance technology. For the full agenda, click here.

SKATE PARKS ARE OPEN BUT MOST RECREATIONAL FACILITIES ARE CLOSED

The Berkeley Skate Park (711 Harrison) will be open from noon to 8pm 7 days a week.

City staff will control the entrance to the park and allow only a limited number of skateboarders into the park at one time. Skaters can pre-register online for a one-hour time slot.

Play structures and athletic courts remain closed. This includes tennis courts, pickleball courts, volleyball, and basketball courts.

Most sports fields and open spaces in parks are still open for community members to enjoy alone or with members of their household, but fields remain closed for permits or organized play. Please do not gather in parks with people you don’t live with.

The following District 8 facilities remain closed entirely:

Parks

Bateman Mall Park, 3027 Colby St.

Recreation Centers

Willard Clubhouse, 2720 Hillegass

Recreation Facilities

All recreation space is closed with the exception of open space in large parks. All play structures, basketball courts, tennis courts, pickleball courts, volleyball courts, and climbing/bouldering areas are closed.

For information on other closures or recreation, please click here.

BUDGET AND FINANCE COMMITTEE

The Budget and Finance committee is meeting weekly via Zoom through June. The committee will be meeting on:

Tuesday, May 19 at 10:00
Tuesday, May 26 at 10:00
Thursday, June 4 at 10:00
Thursday, June 11 at 10:00
Thursday, June 18 at 10:00
Thursday, June 25 at 10:00.

These meetings are in addition to Council meetings regarding our budget.

You can access this meeting via telephone or Zoom. More information is here.

MESSAGE FROM UC CHANCELLOR CHRIST

Please read the email that Chancellor Christ and Provost Alisvisatos sent to the campus community about the steps UC Berkeley is taking to prepare for and make decisions about campus operations for the Fall semester: https://news.berkeley.edu/coronavirus/

MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES

May is National Mental Health Awareness month. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), 1 in 5 adults in the United States experience mental illness each year.

On average, the Berkeley Police Department receives 8-9 calls per day that potentially involve a person in mental health crisis. When calling for help, you can assist the officers by making sure to let the Dispatcher know:

What the person is doing right now
If the person has any weapons or access to weapons
The person’s physical description
Any past diagnosis or history of violence (if you know)

Hotlines:

CALL 911 for an emergency

1-510-981-5254 Berkeley Mental Health Crisis Line

1-800-309-2131 Crisis Support Services of Alameda County 24-Hour Crisis Hotline

1-800-273-TALK (8255) National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

For more information on our Mobile Crisis Team and Crisis Intervention teams, click here.

BERKELEY COVID-19 STATISTICS

As of May 10, 2020, there are 66 lab-confirmed cases and 1 death attributed to COVID-19 in Berkeley.
Of a total of 1,540 tests conducted on Berkeley residents, 4.29% have been positive.
Information is updated daily here.

DO YOU NEED HELP OR WANT TO GIVE BACK?

Find out about some ways the City is doing to help our community here

Donate Masks, Gloves, Hygiene Supplies, Goggles, New Thermometers, etc.

Join the California Health Corps

The State of California is recruiting health care professionals to help support the urgent need. For more information or apply online, click here.

Food Access

Every $1 you give to the food bank provides $7 worth of food to neighbors in need. Donate online or volunteer by contacting [email protected]

Help Berkeley

Donate Blood

You can donate blood at 6230 Claremont Ave. In Oakland. Please check with the Red Cross website to see if appointments are available before visiting.

Help Vulnerable Members of Our Community

Support Nonprofits and Berkeley Businesses and Arts Organizations

Donate to the Berkeley Relief Fund. We will be doing another round of funding applications. Stay tuned!

Donate to Double Helping Hands to help both small businesses and our homeless population. Learn more here.

Support Healthcare Workers

East Bay FeedER helps feed individuals working in hospitals.

PROTECT YOURSELF AND OTHERS

Stay home except for essential needs
Cover your face when out
Practice social distancing
Wash your hands
Don’t touch your face
Disinfect surfaces

For more information, click here.

Prepare to care for yourself or someone sick at home

Everyone should be ready to care for themselves or a family member. When sick, it’s important to:

Avoid contact with other household members
Stay in one room and use a separate bathroom if possible
Clean and disinfect commonly touched surfaces every day
Monitor your condition and look out for emergency warning signs

CDC has a factsheet with more information about what to do if you are sick with COVID-19.

CORONAVIRUS/COVID-19 RESOURCES

Sincerely,

Lori Droste

Berkeley City Councilmember, District 8

BERKELEY RESTAURANT WEEK MAY 18-24

May 18, 2020

NEW PUBLIC HEALTH ORDER FROM THE CITY OF BERKELEY

Please see this joint statement from the Bay Area Public Health officers. Due to your commitment, the Bay Area has seen progress on several key health indicators. In light of this progress, public health officers are issuing a new order today that allows retail establishments to offer curbside pick-up and also allows manufacturing, warehousing, and logistical operations to resume. Please keep in mind that residents are still required by health order to stay home as much as possible, should wear face coverings when they leave home, and follow the precautions that have helped make the region make progress to slow the spread of COVID-19.

HEALTHY STREETS INITIATIVE

This weekend during the Mayor’s town hall, our City Manager announced Transportation staff will unveil a plan for slow streets, shared streets limited to local traffic, on May 21st. Full details have not been released so stay tuned for more information later this week. This plan will be coordinated with the volunteer group Walk Bike Berkeley.

CITY COUNCIL MEETING ON TUESDAY, MAY 26

City Council will be meeting on Tuesday to discuss the budget and commercial tenancies, among other things. For the full agenda, click here. You can access this meeting via telephone or Zoom. Instructions are written on the linked agenda.

TOWN HALLS

Mayor Jesse Arreguin is holding weekly town halls on YouTube with our City Manager Dee Williams-Ridley and our Public Health Officer Dr. Lisa Hernandez. They provide a lot of valuable information to residents. If you would like to submit a question, you submit a question through his website.

CENSUS REMINDER

College students should mark on the Census 2020 where they would have been living had school not shut down.

CHIPPER SCHEDULE

The Fire Fuel Chipper and Debris Bin Program is part of the city’s Vegetation Management Program. This program provides a brush chipping service and debris bins to Berkeley residents that live in the designated areas. It is funded by a surcharge on the refuse bills residents in the Fire Surcharge Area pay. Only properties that pay the refuse bill surcharge are eligible for using this program. Find the updated 2020 schedule here.

CAL MOVEOUT

As Cal students move out for the summer, tenants and landlords can help keep our streets clean and refuse workers safe by planning ahead, using City of Berkeley services, and properly discarding the items they no longer need. UC Berkeley also has an extensive list of resources for students and a guide to moving out here.

Join us in supporting our beloved Telegraph and Downtown District Restaurants in this campaign to “Eat Good & Do Good.” With price points at $15, $20 and $25 per person, you can enjoy some of Berkeley’s cuisine right at home! Each restaurant is working with a charitable organization to help those most in need. Follow @BRWToGo on Instagram and Facebook for more and stay connected for #BRWToGo Gift Certificate Contests. Menu offerings have likely changed due to the shelter in place orders, so check with your favorite restaurant and order soon. To help our community members in need before you place your order, please visit the Berkeley Food & Housing Project.

BERKELEY COVID-19 STATISTICS

As of May 18, 2020, there are 70 lab-confirmed cases and 1 death attributed to COVID-19 in Berkeley.
Of a total of 1,900 tests conducted on Berkeley residents, 3.68% have been positive.
Information is updated daily here.

NEW – SUPPORT YOUR MENTAL HEALTH

While staying home to combat the spread of COVID-19, support your mental health by reaching out and connecting to friends and family – and use local support lines if you need more help. Berkeley’s Mental Health division manager recommends several ways to care of yourself during the COVID-19 pandemic. Read some ideas for staying emotionally close with loved ones while we’re separated physically here.

DO YOU NEED HELP OR WANT TO GIVE BACK?

Find out about some ways the City is doing to help our community here

Donate Masks, Gloves, Hygiene Supplies, Goggles, New Thermometers, etc.

Join the California Health Corps

The State of California is recruiting health care professionals to help support the urgent need. For more information or apply online, click here.

Food Access

Every $1 you give to the food bank provides $7 worth of food to neighbors in need. Donate online or volunteer by contacting [email protected]

Berkeley Humane Society Pet Food Pantry

Help Berkeley

Donate Blood

You can donate blood at 6230 Claremont Ave. In Oakland. Please check with the Red Cross website to see if appointments are available before visiting.

Help Vulnerable Members of Our Community

Support Nonprofits and Berkeley Businesses and Arts Organizations

Donate to the Berkeley Relief Fund. We will be doing another round of funding applications. Stay tuned!

Donate to Double Helping Hands to help both small businesses and our homeless population. Learn more here.

Support Healthcare Workers

East Bay FeedER helps feed individuals working in hospitals.

PROTECT YOURSELF AND OTHERS

Stay home except for essential needs
Cover your face when out
Practice social distancing
Wash your hands
Don’t touch your face
Disinfect surfaces

For more information, click here.

Prepare to care for yourself or someone sick at home

Everyone should be ready to care for themselves or a family member. When sick, it’s important to:

Avoid contact with other household members
Stay in one room and use a separate bathroom if possible
Clean and disinfect commonly touched surfaces every day
Monitor your condition and look out for emergency warning signs

CDC has a factsheet with more information about what to do if you are sick with COVID-19.

CORONAVIRUS/COVID-19 RESOURCES

Sincerely,
Lori Droste
Berkeley City Councilmember, District 8
www.LoriDroste.com

Want to request a City service?

May 26, 2020

BERKELEY RELIEF FUND

Many of you have emailed about the small business/arts organization component of the Berkeley Relief Fund. We could surely use your help. Please consider donating to the Berkeley Relief Fund to help our local businesses. Over 1,058 businesses across Berkeley applied for financial help during the last round of funding and 352 businesses/42 arts organizations received financial assistance. Details regarding eligibility criteria and fund recipients are specified here. The Office of Economic Development then determined recipients based upon a scoring matrix which consisted of: number of years based in Berkeley, worker ownership, priority industry sectors, household income of primary business owner, etc.

Although it is extraordinary and unprecedented that a city of our size was able to allocate nearly $1 million to help these businesses and nearly $800,000 for arts organizations, it was not enough to meet the demand. Hundreds of local businesses and organizations couldn’t receive help. There will be a second round of funding and we could use extra assistance to supplement the city’s efforts for the final allocation. Please donate here.

FIRE SAFETY AND OTHER TOWN HALLS

Fire Preparedness

This Thursday, May 28th at 7pm, we are joining Councilmember Susan Wengraf for the annual fire safety forum. Many thanks to Councilmember Wengraf for organizing this event and consistently spearheading efforts to address fire safety in our City. This virtual forum is an unprecedented opportunity to hear about new strategies from our city, East Bay Regional Parks, and PG&E about efforts to protect us from a wildfire in extremely dry and dangerous drought conditions, compounded by the pandemic and Stay at Home orders.

Speakers include David Brannigan, Chief, City of Berkeley Fire, Scott Ferris, Director, City of Berkeley Parks, Aileen Thiele, Chief, East Bay Regional Parks District Fire, John Walsh, Public Safety Specialist, Wildfire Operations PG&E, and Keith May, Assistant Chief/PIO, City of Berkeley Fire.

Click here to join the meeting

If you are asked for “Screen name” enter your first name.
You can call in with this phone number to listen only: Telephone: 669-900-9128
Webinar ID: 950 4214 9128
I encourage you to use a computer rather than a cell phone because of the many different visual media used in the presentations.

Mayor Arreguin’s Weekly Town Hall

Mayor Jesse Arreguín is holding weekly town halls on YouTube with our City Manager Dee Williams-Ridley and our Public Health Officer Dr. Lisa Hernandez. They provide a lot of valuable information to residents. If you would like to submit a question, you submit a question through his website. If you have COVID-19 questions, please email [email protected]

BERKELEY COVID-19 STATISTICS

As of May 25, there are 86 lab-confirmed cases and 1 death attributed to COVID-19 in Berkeley.
Of a total of 2,575 tests conducted on Berkeley residents, 3.34% have been positive.
Information is updated daily here.

WHEN CAN WE REOPEN?

Many of you have asked when we can resume a semblance of our previous lives. This decision will be based on five indicators. Berkeley’s Health Officer along with six bay area jurisdictions have been partnering together and have created five indicators to measure the virus’ movements as well as the development of a public health infrastructure. This is where we stand today:

Indicator 1: Cases & Hospitalizations Flat or Decreasing

Success criteria: Cases and hospitalizations flat or decreasing

Current status in Berkeley

Number of cases identified is increasing.
Number of hospitalized patients is slightly trending upward

Status: Goals not currently met.

Indicator 2: Sufficient Hospital Capacity to meet community needs

Success criteria: No more than 50%of patients in staffable non-surge hospital beds are COVID-19 positive

Status: Goal currently met.

Indicator 3: Sufficient Testing Capacity

Success criteria: Sufficient COVID-19 viral detection tests are being conducted each day through private and public sites. The goal for Berkeley would be 245 tests per day.

Hospitals, labs, our City site and others are reporting 54 tests per day, an increase of 22% since last week.

Status: Goal shows progress.

Indicator 4: Sufficient Disease Containment (case investigation, contact tracing, and isolation/quarantine)

Success criteria:

90% of all cases are reached and contacts identified – currently at 97%
90% of cases that we reach are isolated safely — currently at 95%
90% of all contacts identified — currently at 97%
90% of identified cases can safely quarantine — currently at 90%

Status: Goals currently met.

Indicator 5: Sufficient Personal Protective Equipment

Success criteria:

At least 30-day supply of PPE for all health care providers
No hospitals, clinic, skilled nursing facility, other long term care facility, or first responder agency is struggle with obtaining PPE to submit a request for assistance
None have needed to submit a resource request for assistance in obtaining PPE to EOC in the last 14 days

Current status: While the acute care hospital in City of Berkeley has certified that they have access to 30 supply of PPE, other health care providers are still making significant requests for PPE.

Status: Goal not currently met.

The status can signal progress or, if conditions worsen, could lead to tightening, as has happened in places around the world. Stabilized cases and hospitalizations permitted more activities using disease prevention guidelines on May 4, as construction and outdoor businesses were allowed to return. Last week, on May 18, Health Officers used those indicators to loosen restrictions, permitting curbside retail, manufacturing and logistics.

IMPORTANT BUDGET INFORMATION

As Chair of the Council Budget Committee, today we had detailed discussions regarding how to address our City budget deficit. You can view the presentation by City staff here and find a detailed list of proposed deferrals by department here.

DO YOU NEED HELP OR WANT TO GIVE BACK?

Find out about some ways the City is doing to help our community here

Donate Masks, Gloves, Hygiene Supplies, Goggles, New Thermometers, etc.

If you have personal protective equipment to donate to our firefighters, nurses, police, and others on the frontlines of the COVID-19 response, please email [email protected]

Join the California Health Corps

The State of California is recruiting health care professionals to help support the urgent need. For more information or apply online, click here.

Food Access

Alameda County Community Food Bank Every $1 you give to the food bank provides $7 worth of food to neighbors in need.

Berkeley Humane Society Pet Food Pantry

Help Berkeley Help Berkeley helps provide affordable meals for neighbors at risk. Two meals for $10 prepared by local restaurants and delivered for free. Order meals if you are over 60, at-risk, in self-isolation, quarantined, or sick at home.

Donate Blood

There is a blood drive on June 17 at Berkeley High. Please learn more and book an appointment here.

You can also donate blood at 6230 Claremont Ave. In Oakland. Please check with the Red Cross website to see if appointments are available before visiting.

Help Vulnerable Members of Our Community

Support Nonprofits and Berkeley Businesses and Arts Organizations

Donate to the Berkeley Relief Fund. We will be doing another round of funding applications. Stay tuned!

Donate to Double Helping Hands to help both small businesses and our homeless population. Learn more here.

Support Healthcare Workers

East Bay FeedER helps feed individuals working in hospitals.

PROTECT YOURSELF AND OTHERS

Stay home except for essential needs
Cover your face when out
Practice social distancing
Wash your hands
Don’t touch your face
Disinfect surfaces

For more information, click here.

Prepare to care for yourself or someone sick at home

Everyone should be ready to care for themselves or a family member. When sick, it’s important to:

Avoid contact with other household members
Stay in one room and use a separate bathroom if possible
Clean and disinfect commonly touched surfaces every day
Monitor your condition and look out for emergency warning signs

CDC has a factsheet with more information about what to do if you are sick with COVID-19.

CORONAVIRUS/COVID-19 RESOURCES

Sincerely,
Lori Droste
Berkeley City Councilmember, District 8

June 8, 2020

We are at a watershed moment in our nation to demand change and continue to voice our support for Black lives. Alongside our neighbors, many of us broke a three month quarantine (at a masked social distance) and joined with the thousands of others in advocating for racial justice this past weekend. In my capacity as Budget Chair, I will continue to talk about how to reinvest in our community with an equity lens. Many of you have written in with suggestions on how to best achieve racial justice and with questions and commentary on our General Fund allocations. Thank you for your input and I look forward to hearing more at our budget subcommittee meeting and at City Council. You have my commitment to addressing these issues with an eye toward systemic change. City Council will be discussing the budget tomorrow at 4pm. The budget committee is also meeting weekly. Read the full budget agenda here. You can view the presentation by City staff here and find a detailed list of proposed budget deferrals by department here.

“Black Lives Matter” Painting in Downtown Berkeley

After seeing beautiful images of Washington D.C. and Oakland streets painted with “Black Lives Matter,” our City Manager Dee Williams-Ridley and her team let me know today that they will paint “Black Lives Matter” in Downtown Berkeley. This work was slated to begin tomorrow morning but subsequent to this conversation, an urgency council item was introduced to add Ohlone recognition. Since this item will now most likely be on an official agenda tomorrow (upon 2/3rds vote), Council can officially weigh in and the City Manager wants to wait a day for Council direction on details. Thank you to Ms. Williams-Ridley and the City of Berkeley team for being a receptive and collaborative partner. It should go without saying that we understand that this gesture of placemaking and unity is symbolically important but it has to also complement the hard work we all need to do to undertake to address complex issues regarding racial disparities.

Credit: Executive Office Of The Mayor Via AP: Khalid Naji-Allah

Council Items and Potential Ballot Measures

Tomorrow (6/9) at 4pm, Council will be discussing many urgency items around policing and public safety. Here is a run-down:

An item directing a revised use of force policy for Council review before summer recess. You can find the item here.
Another item for urgency consideration is to ban the use of tear gas during the COVID-19 pandemic.
An item addressing Local Emergency declarations.

At the same meeting, Council will also discuss several potential ballot measures for the November 2020 ballot, including:

A parcel tax, at varying levels per square foot, to address fire, emergency medical service, and public health needs. This tax requires a two-thirds vote for approval.
A parcel tax for wildfire prevention activities. This tax requires a two-thirds vote for approval.
An increase in the utility user tax by 2.5 percent to generate resources for a climate action fund. A special tax requires a two-thirds vote for approval and a general tax requires approval by a simple majority of voters.
A tax on wholesale distributors of gas and diesel fuel to generate resources for a climate action fund. A special tax requires a two-thirds vote for approval and a general tax requires approval by a simple majority of voters.
Council is also considering an amendment to the City’s Charter to designate the offices of Mayor and Councilmember as full-time positions. This amendment would designate the offices as full-time and task the Personnel Board with setting the salaries of Mayor and Council based on surveys of other full-time Mayors and City Councils.

As always, you can email [email protected] to share your thoughts on these agenda items.

New Public Health Order

The most recent health order alllows childcare and camps to provide services to all children, permits public libraries to offer curbside pickup services, and allows residential housecleaners, dog walkers, pet grooming, and clothing alteration businesses to resume operations. The order also allows outdoor gatherings between people who have collectively agreed to limit their in-person social activities to 12 people total for at least three weeks – a “social bubble.” Read the order here.

Social Bubbles

The new order permits small outdoor gatherings between people who have collectively agreed to limit their social activities to only each other for at least three weeks — a “social bubble.”

Social bubbles may include up to 12 people, including children, and must remain stable for at least three weeks. During this period, adults in the bubble may only socialize in-person outdoors with other members of this bubble.

All members of a single household must be part of the same bubble. A child in shared custody can be in a household bubble for each parent or guardian. In addition to their household bubble, children may be part of no more than one other stable group over at least three weeks that primarily includes other children – either in an official childcare setting or in a youth extracurricular activity, such as a sports team, club or summer camp, so long as these organizations abide by the childcare rules set by the regional public health officers. For more information, see here.

Members of a social bubble may gather together outdoors in public or private settings. During gatherings, everyone over 12 years old should still wear a face covering. After three weeks, if there is no concern about sickness, members can form a new bubble with different people to exclusively socialize with outdoors for the next three weeks.

If anyone in the social bubble is concerned about being sick, they should avoid socialization. If they are concerned about COVID-19 sickness, they should follow City and CDC recommendations to contact their doctor, stay home and avoid spreading illness in their own household. If anyone in the social bubble has COVID-19, everyone in the group should quarantine themselves and contact their health care providers.

For more information, please click here or email [email protected] if your questions aren’t answered on the webpage.

Stricter Face Masks Regulations

As more people mix, the risk of transmission is greater. A growing body of science supports the idea that use of the face coverings is one of the most powerful tools we have to reduce the spread of COVID-19, as Berkeley’s Public Health Officer, Dr. Hernandez states in the second health order issued today.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IeeE4-DfRqs&feature=youtu.be

June 19, 2020

June 18th Health Order: Allows Outdoor Dining, Retail, Religious and Fitness Activities — but Caution Urged

Parallel health orders in effect on Friday June 19 allow people in Berkeley and the rest of Alameda County to attend religious ceremonies, dine with others in their “social bubble” at restaurants with outdoor seating, and go inside retail stores.

The orders will also allow groups of 12 to take part in outdoor non-contact fitness classes and non-contact athletic training for college teams. A previous order allowed children to have both a household bubble as well as a bubble for extracurricular activities, such as sports.

Each business or group will be required to put measures into place to limit spread of COVID-19, which has no vaccine or proven medical treatment and is particularly lethal to those over 65 and those with high-risk conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease.

Dr. Hernandez and other health officials recommend that everyone should take these steps during this pandemic:

Staying home remains the safest place to be, especially for vulnerable groups
Wash hands frequently with soap and water — or hand sanitizer as a last resort
Keep six feet apart from those outside your household
Wear a face covering when outside
If worried about infection, get tested — regardless of symptoms.

Everyone should assess the risks for themselves or their households when taking part in additional activities. Reduce risk by being outdoors, having shorter activities, and using merchants that visibly abide by protocols.

The rules being put into place by the two Public Health jurisdictions closely align with state guidance. Merchants should see our streamlined process for getting permits for commerce in sidewalks and streets and for creating parklets.

Retail Stores

All retail stores are now allowed to operate as long as they follow guidelines to limit the spread of COVID-19. They are encouraged to make goods available for curbside pickup.

Retailers operating indoors must have enough space so that patrons and staff can be six feet apart and no more than 50 percent of normal occupancy.

All stores must make reasonable efforts to ensure that staff and customers wear face coverings, and comply with social distancing intervals, such as marking six foot intervals for customers to stand in line at pickup areas.

Stores may move goods outside for display or sale — as long as they get appropriate City permits and do not cause congestion or block the path of travel.

Merchants must also comply with state guidance for retailers.

Outdoor Dining

Restaurants can now serve sit-down meals outside as long as they have the required City permits and follow state guidance. Groups of six people who are part of a social bubble together can go out for a meal together and must wear masks, except when eating.

Tables and lounge areas must be arranged so that there is at least six feet between people of different social bubbles. Entertainment is not allowed.

Restaurants that have been closed for at least a month will have to comply with a number of regulations, the specifics of which can be seen in the order.

All restaurants must sanitize areas that have not been used, post their Site-Specific Protection Protocol, follow the state General Checklist for Dine-in Restaurants, and designate a COVID-19 supervisor, who is on site during business hours and in charge to ensure the implementation of the food facilities’ Site-Specific Protection Plan.

Lines for curbside pickup or takeaway must be in a separate area that prevents them from accessing the outdoor dining area.

Please see the full Health Order for details.

Places of Worship

Mosques, churches, temples and other places of worship may hold in-person religious services and cultural ceremonies as long as they follow state guidance. Livestreaming services are still encouraged as in-person religious services and cultural ceremonies can involve extended periods of close contact — increasing the risk of COVID-19 transmission.

Services or ceremonies may not exceed 100 attendees or 25 percent of the building’s capacity, whichever is less. Organizers should consider keeping contact information for event attendees for 21 days. That would allow city, county or regional contact tracers to reach people should an outbreak occur in these settings.

Non-contact outdoor fitness classes and college sports training

College sports teams as well as outdoor fitness classes can now hold non-contact practices or classes, respectively, in groups of 12 athletes or participants. One coach or instructor may also be present.

Everyone must wear a face covering, except when participating in high-intensity aerobic activities. Participants must keep at least six feet apart at all times. No equipment may be shared and should be sanitized after each practice, class or use.

Class operators must get permission from private owners or managers of the outdoor space. Locker rooms, weight rooms, or other indoor facilities may not be used at this time.

Everyone has a role in keeping our community safe

Increased activities and movements will lead to more COVID-19 cases. Doing so in a gradual fashion lessens the impact and allows health officials to monitor the effects of each phase.

City Budget

As I have noted before, Council is addressing a budget deficit of $28.7 million in FY 2021. To resolve this General Fund shortfall, departments worked to identify General Fund savings that represent 10%, 12%, and 15% of their FY 2021 General Fund budget. Council has been reviewing these proposed deferrals for several weeks. You can look at the proposed budget deferrals here.

On June 30th, Council will adopt a FY2021 Budget. Prior to that, there is one more meeting of the Budget and Finance Committee (6/25) and one Council work session on the budget (6/23). Agendas for these meetings have not yet been posted but Council will discuss the proposed budget deferrals along with other new proposals for consideration,

UC Berkeley Announces Plans for Fall Semester

UC Berkeley plans to offer a hybrid model of learning to accommodate students in the fall semester. This includes limited in-person classes for students who wish to come to campus, and remote class offerings. Read the full announcement here.

Virtual Town Hall on Race, Policing, & Health in a Time of Pandemic – Watch the Recording

If you were not able to join us virtually, you can watch a recording here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c_s5rtcAJYg

Food Assistance for Families With Children who are Eligible for Free or Reduced-Price Meals

California provides pandemic food assistance (P-EBT) for families with children who qualify for free/reduced price meals. Families who have not received P-EBT by 5/22 must apply online before 6/30! Learn more here.

Fire Safety Town Hall – Watch the Recording

Last week I participated in our annual Fire Safety Virtual Town Hall. If you weren’t able to join us virtually, you can watch the meeting online here:

Many thanks to Councilmember Susan Wengraf for providing this vital fire safety information to members of our community.

CORONAVIRUS/COVID-19 RESOURCES

Sincerely,
Lori Droste
Berkeley City Councilmember, District 8
www.LoriDroste.com

new rules dictate that people must wear a face covering when:

Outside and when anyone else is within 30 feet (or ten yards)
In the workplace, except in a private space not generally used by others
When preparing food or other items for sale or distribution to people who are not members of their household

The order has exceptions:

when eating or drinking if they are alone or with only members of their household or “Social Bubble”
Children between age 2 and 12 should wear a face covering are not required to wear one. If they do, they should be supervised
Children less than 2 years of age should not wear one
People with a disability or medical condition that prevents them from wearing a face covering, or others for whom face coverings would pose a health or safety risk

The virus that causes COVID-19 spreads through respiratory droplets expelled when we speak, sneeze, and breathe. Without a vaccine or medical treatment and with so many asymptomatic carriers, this is a powerful, simple tool we can all use to protect our community.

Fire Safety Town Hall – Watch the Recording

Last week I participated in our annual Fire Safety Virtual Town Hall. If you weren’t able to join us virtually, you can watch the meeting online here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IeeE4-DfRqs&feature=youtu.be

Many thanks to Councilmember Susan Wengraf for providing this vital fire safety information to members of our community.

CORONAVIRUS/COVID-19 RESOURCES

Sincerely,
Lori Droste
Berkeley City Councilmember, District 8
www.LoriDroste.com

As Businesses Re-open, Meter Enforcement to Start July 1

June 30, 2020

The City is facing unprecedented challenges in 2020 with the COVID-19 pandemic. Over the course of three months, we have had to adjust our city budget for a new economic reality. Thankfully, City Council has strong reserves and strengthened the criteria for using these reserves so we are able to weather this economic storm better than many other cities. Nevertheless, we have had to address a $39 million dollar shortfall for FY2021.

As the Chair of the Budget and Finance committee for the City of Berkeley, I am committed to ensure that we can weather this economic recession.

Yesterday, with Mayor Jesse Arreguín and Councilmember Davila, we were able to unanimously pass an amended Mayoral budget out of the Budget and Finance committee which Council will be weighing in on tonight. Please write [email protected] if you’d like to provide input.

Because of the current economic recession, all departments were asked to propose deferrals of up to 15% so we could meet the budget shortfall. In addition to these deferrals, the Budget and Finance committee was able to reduce or defer ~3.4 million in expenditures and reallocate monies from a variety of sources, including the police department, previous Council and Measure P allocations that were never realized or will not be realized due to the COVID-19 pandemic. City Auditor Jenny Wong also offered approximately ¾ million dollars from her office to be donated back to the City’s General Fund.

With these expenditure reductions and deferrals, the Budget and Finance committee was able to recommend reinvestment in a variety of areas for Fiscal Year 2021, with our biggest investments directed towards health, race and equity.

Public Health

Even though COVID-19 has had dramatic implications for the economy, this budget recommendation ensures our Health, Housing and Community Services staff can continue to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic by conducting extensive COVID-19 testing, contact tracing, case monitoring and outbreak prevention management.

City staff have also engaged in an extensive education campaign and have distributed hand sanitizer, masks and food/hot meals to community members in need. The City is also offering unhoused residents assistance through a shower programs and laundry services. Additional port-a-potties and handwashing stations have been distributed throughout the City to encourage proper sanitation. Through housing retention grants the City has assisted 214 households and expanded shelter opportunities to include 18 RVs, and a house for vulnerable populations.

This budget recommendation also ensures that Berkeley continues to provide nutritional assistance to families and seniors, housing and assistance for our unhoused population and youthworks programs.

In addition to these programs, the Budget and Finance committee voted to reinstate four Health, Housing and Community Services positions to better equip our community for the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic and support the Berkeley High School Health Center.

Mental Health Services and Homelessness

The Budget and Finance committee’s recommendation ensures that mental health services will continue with increased usage of telehealth, mobile crisis services, and expanded homeless programs. The City’s mental health system provides comprehensive treatment for low-income families, adults and children with major mental health concerns. Additionally, the Mobile Crisis Team responds to mental health emergencies and crisis situations. This budget also includes funding for the Homeless Outreach and Treatment Team (HOTT) program, an expanded and more coordinated outreach effort to engage people experiencing homelessness in Albany and Berkeley and connect them to services. It also includes funding for the Crisis Triage Line to help those in crisis.

The Budget and Finance committee also recommended the reallocation of close to a million dollars of Measure P homeless expenditures to a homeless solutions fund to prepare our unhoused community for the ongoing pandemic.

Investments in Affordable Housing, Anti-Displacement Programs, and Community Services

Creating affordable housing and ongoing support services for our most vulnerable community members is one of my top priorities. The City is moving forward to implement Measure O, a community approved bond measure to expand affordable housing options. The City is working diligently to oversee the initial six projects, including one located at 1601 Oxford St. which is scheduled to start construction this year which will include 34 affordable units for seniors. This budget also includes ongoing support to implement the expansion of our Shelter+ Care program through the addition of 53 new housing vouchers.

The Budget and Finance supported additional investments in housing retention, the creation of the African American Holistic Center and an undocumented basic needs fund. We also ensured that two community agencies dedicated to the health and wellness of Black families and an organization dedicated to our deaf community were not going to lose their funding for the fiscal year.

Protecting Our Community

Public Safety

Cities throughout the nation are having important conversations about systemic racism within our communities and there is great interest in reforming policing to address these biases. A key element of this budget proposal is to reallocate a portion of the Berkeley Police Department’s budget (a portion of overtime costs and asset forfeiture funding, and three vacant officer positions), to construct an African American Holistic Wellness Center and a community wide public safety reimagining to help ensure public safety. Community members and the Chief of Police have both expressed interest in shifting the mental health calls from the police department so they can focus on addressing serious crime in the City. Council will also be discussing a proposal to reorient traffic enforcement to ensure a racial justice lens as well. Additionally, we are recommending funding for the award-winning Auditor’s office to conduct a police call audit so we can ensure that our police response is efficient, effective, and equitable.

Fire Safety

Berkeley’s Fire Department needs to continue its COVID-19 emergency response, which includes staffing our Emergency Operations Center and tracking exposure and staffing test sites. Our firefighters will continue to provide fire, emergency, hazardous waste, vegetation management, and water rescue response in addition to fire and EMS training. Additionally, our Fire Department will be able to continue its annual wildfire prevention inspections, annual park maintenance, and its evacuation planning and exercises.

The Budget and Finance Committee also approved additional fire prevention, evacuation and safety funding that are especially important during this high fire risk season.

Economic Wellbeing

COVID-19 has challenged our business community in several ways and the Budget and Finance committee recommended additional investments into our businesses, arts and special events. Since business closures must comply with shelter in place orders and ongoing public health orders to maintain social distancing, our retail, restaurant, and services sectors have been deeply impacted. To assist local business owners, the Office of Economic Development oversaw the distribution of over $3 million for emergency relief grants to small businesses, nonprofit arts organizations, and residential tenants that are hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. Staff will continue to assist commercial district organizations, merchant groups and other business networks to foster a sustainable, dynamic, and locally based economy.

Strengthening Berkeley’s Built Environment

Infrastructure Improvements

Berkeley’s open space is a unique feature of our City. Our parks and waterfront are widely used for recreation and community gatherings. This budget includes funding for seismic upgrades to the Live Oak Community Center, planning for improvements to the Willard Clubhouse and Frances Albrier Community Center, a visioning process for Berkeley’s Civic Center, and tennis court/playground upgrades in San Pablo park. These projects help the City meet our goal of providing state of the art infrastructure and amenities. In addition, the Budget and Finance Committee recommended dedicating $550,000 towards meeting Berkeley’s waterfront capital needs.

In line with the City’s zero waste goals, this budget supports the renovation of our Transfer Station in West Berkeley, where waste materials are sorted. This will include a robust public participation process. By reconstructing and updating this site, the City will be able to recover additional material for recycling and reuse, thus minimizing what is sent to landfills.

Encouraging Alternative Modes of Transportation

Berkeley residents are deeply concerned about climate change and committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This budget allocates funding to major bicycle improvements along Milvia St., one of Berkeley’s major bicycle boulevards. Through its commitment to Vision Zero, the City will continue to utilize a safe systems approach to transportation planning and improvements so that we can eliminate traffic related fatalities and injuries.

In a City with a strong tradition of pedestrian travel, we need to ensure that our intersections, sidewalks, and streets allow users to enjoy our neighborhoods, shopping districts, schools, and pathways. Berkeley’s last Pedestrian Plan was developed in 2010, and this budget funds an update to that plan, which guides City efforts to make walking in Berkeley safe, attractive, easy, and convenient for people of all ages and abilities.

In closing, I’m confident that the recommendation from the Budget and Finance Committee balances the needs of our City within this challenging financial landscape. I want to thank the Mayor for his thoughtful proposal and thank Councilmember Davila for her critical role on the committee. I’m pleased we could reach a consensus at the committee.

As pandemic conditions allow more stores to open up, the City will start enforcing parking meters on July 1 to ensure turnover and create available parking for customers.

The price of meter parking remains at 50 cents an hour in most areas, though high-demand areas such as downtown and the south side of campus are priced at $1 per hour.

Pairing parking regulations with demand has long been part of Berkeley’s strategy to create more available spaces, reduce congestion and more efficiently use the large amount of public space dedicated to parking. As conditions change, City staff will continue to monitor demand and adjust hours and prices.

Enforcement continues for safety and access violations

We will continue to issue citations for parking violations that impact public safety or impede access to essential services, as these issues become even more important during a public health emergency. This includes:

red curbs and fire hydrants
disabled parking blue zones
street sweeping
yellow zones in commercial areas
double parking

You can pay for or contest any citations online. Appeals outside of the process outlined on that page, such as emails to the City Manager, will not be accepted. Residential parking permits renewals are expected to start on August 1, with existing permits valid until Oct. 1.

July 17, 2020

Over the past few weeks, City Council has had several discussions about the role of policing in our community. This is a long email but I felt it was necessary because there is a lot of information and misinformation out there and I want to make sure that you have accurate information around what Council voted on.

The Short Version on Policing

In short, this is what Council supported on Tuesday:

Promised our community an extensive stakeholder engagement to improve racial disparities in policing, improve public safety, and use data to inform future decision making around policing.
Took a first step in analyzing how we can allow specialized units to respond to nonviolent and non-emergency incidents using data as a guide while allowing our police department to focus on serious crime.

Council did not support:

Cutting the police department in half with no plan or
Banning police officers from enforcing laws or arresting criminals in cars.

The Long Version on Policing

Traffic Enforcement

Many of you may have seen news coverage of Councilmember Rigel Robinson’s Department of Transportation legislation. It is a cutting edge piece of legislation that I was proud to cosponsor. I have been dismayed by some news reports that implied police officers will no longer enforce laws or be prevented from pulling over people who have committed crimes. I want to assure you that is an incorrect assessment. This is the exact wording of our legislation and what Council passed with regard to traffic enforcement:

Pursue the creation of a Berkeley Department of Transportation (BerkDOT) to ensure a racial justice lens in traffic enforcement and the development of transportation policy, programs, & infrastructure
Identify & implement approaches to reduce and/or eliminate the practice of pretextual stops based on minor traffic violations

I believe it is our obligation to address racial disparities in our pedestrian, bicycling, and vehicle stops. Council has expressed a desire to look at ways we can move some of these functions out of the police department. Many details have yet to be ironed out, including pre-emption by certain state laws, but I feel that it is important to begin this first step of examining possible alternatives to reduce or eliminate pretextual stops based on minor traffic violations. Ample research has shown that police officers across the nation and in Berkeley are more likely to pull over and search Black and Latinx drivers. Berkeley has always led on these issues of progressive policing and racial justice. This is no different and is a completely reasonable and forward-thinking action to take.

Furthermore, Berkeley once housed its transportation work in the office of the City Manager, which was managed by an Assistant to the City Manager for Transportation. I have long yearned for a Department of Transportation which stood on its own so we could fully realize all of our important pedestrian and bicycling safety visions. I’m excited about this prospect but also understand we face challenging budget realities in the midst of an economic recession. Nonetheless, this is a worthwhile endeavor to pursue.

The Mayor’s Omnibus Legislation

On Tuesday night, Council voted (8-0-1) to take several steps to rethink and re-envision the role of police. Mayor Jesse Arreguín put forward a thoughtful omnibus bill, taking into consideration all of the various policing proposals, including the preceding Department of Transportation legislation. He wrote about his rationale here. Some elements of the omnibus bill include:

The initiation of public, transparent community forums (sponsored by Councilmember Wengraf) to support communities of color, promote violence prevention and restorative justice, and improve community health and safety.
Funding for the nonpartisan auditor’s office to conduct an analysis of BPD call (sponsored by Councilmember Bartlett) and response data to inform future decision making on police responses.
The utilization of the results of audits, budget analyses, and extensive stakeholder feedback to help City Council and City Management shape future budgetary and staffing discussions of what these specialized care units and our police department would need to properly address public safety and crime in our community.
The evaluation of non-emergency functions currently served by the Berkeley Police Department that could be better addressed by trained non-sworn city staff or community partners (previously passed by Council and allocated during the June budget process). This could lead to the development of a pilot program to re-assign non-criminal police service calls (mental health, homelessness, etc.) to a Specialized Care Unit. This unit could consist of a combination of EMTs or mental health professionals trained in crisis response but will be determined after extensive stakeholder input.
The incorporation of the aforementioned pretextual stops and Department of Transportation legislation.

Councilmember Davila’s alternative measure asked for an immediate reduction of 50% of the police department budget that the majority of Council, including myself, did not support (3-6).

First of all, Council already passed our mid-cycle budget update two weeks ago. Secondly, it is irresponsible to cut approximately 90 positions with no transition plan in place in the middle of a pandemic. A recent auditor’s report cited chronic understaffing in our dispatch as a reason why we are seeing a delay in 911 responses. Additionally, some members of our homeless outreach or mobile crisis teams have reported that they don’t feel safe without police back up when a community member is having a psychotic break and acting violently. I share the objective of many advocates in figuring out how to reduce non-emergency types of police interactions with the community. However, we still need to have a transition plan to help keep everyone, including our most vulnerable, safe. Our police officers didn’t sign up to be social workers and we should lessen the burden on their shoulders but we need to have a plan in order to do so. Furthermore, we have heard from staff that we need 166 sworn employees to provide baseline services and keep our community safe. I welcome an analysis into how that number was derived and what constitutes “public safety.” At the same time, this is the number we have to work with and an immediate 50% cut would amount to a reduction of~80 sworn employees for a total of 96 from our budgeted amount of 176. Unless we have a transition plan, we would lack the capacity to investigate homicides, shootings, robberies, sexual assaults, and domestic violence cases. A 50% cut would also mean that half of our jail staff and dispatch would be dismissed as well. Finally, Councilmember Davila’s proposed legislation recommended that law enforcement not respond to domestic violence calls. I fundamentally believe we need to enforce laws against domestic violence.

The Mayor’s nuanced omnibus legislation did not rule out a larger percentage reduction in police spending. The difference between the proposals, however, was that the Mayor’s recommendation was to use data as a guiding principle for potential reductions, along with our stated goals of addressing racial disparities and preventing violence. Council has the responsibility of looking deliberately at our budget to determine how we can transform public safety to have police officers respond to serious crime and dangerous incidents while having specialized units respond to mental health crises. As I wrote in a previous newsletter, Council has already expressed a desire to examine our police overtime budget and how it impacts our General Fund spending.

I hope this explanation helps to answer your questions.

COVID-19 INDICATORS FOR PROGRESS IN REOPENING

Please see our new webpage to explain our COVID-19 indicators at https://www.cityofberkeley.info/covid19-indicators/

Declining COVID-cases: Goal Not Met
Sufficient Hospital Capacity: Goal Met
Daily Testing: Goal Met
Disease Containment: Goal Not Met
Personal Protective Equipment: Goal Not Met

Healthcare Facilities Have a 30 Day Supply: Goal Met
Healthcare facilities and agencies can obtain PPE easily by standard channels: Goal Not Met
Health facilities and agencies can obtain PPE without assistance: Goal Not Met

CITY OF BERKELEY’S CORONAVIRUS/COVID-19 MESSAGE

With a surge in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations threatening Berkeley and the region, take action to avoid exposures to yourself, unwittingly exposing others and reduce risk of bringing this untreatable virus home to your loved ones.

People should only socialize outdoors among a group of 12 people that’s stable for at least three weeks, a social bubble. Everyone you live with – even if you live in a fraternity, co-op or large, shared house – is automatically in the shared bubble. While socializing, keep a distance of six feet and wear a mask.

Staying home remains the safest place to be. Indoor spaces with people outside of your household are the most dangerous.

“The virus threatens our community in an unprecedented way,” said. Dr. Lisa B. Hernandez, Berkeley’s Health Officer. “Every person has to take these actions. Our collective will ultimately holds the power to limit the virus’ spread.”

The local surge comes amidst a statewide surge — which are prompting new state rules affecting Berkeley. Alameda County remains on California’s Monitoring List because local case rates remain higher than 100 per 100,000 per day. Both the City and the County will continue to align with the State’s orders for Monitoring List counties.

Outdoor Dining Allowed

State, county and City of Berkeley Health Orders allow outdoor dining in Berkeley as of the morning of Wednesday July 15. Restaurants can also provide delivery and take out of food and drinks, which can include alcohol.

These resumption of dining is possible because Alameda County, with the assistance of the City of Berkeley as a separate local health jurisdiction, received approval for a state variance to allow outdoor dining.

All industries should know that the growing impact of the virus can affect their business and the even tighter restrictions.

Restaurateurs interested in using streets or sidewalks for dining can prepare permit applications for eventual outdoor dining by seeing our guidance for outdoor commerce and dining.

Indoor Worship Prohibited

State rules in effect Wednesday also prohibit any indoor worship services in Berkeley.

Any social gathering outside your household poses risk, even if masks and distancing and hygiene habits are followed perfectly. People should avoid singing and chanting, which expel airborne droplets that could carry the virus leading to COVID-19 disease.

Social Gatherings

The rise in Berkeley cases is closely connected to people holding social gatherings and ignoring requirements, such as meeting outside, wearing face coverings and keeping at least six feet of distance between participants that are not in the same social bubble.

Several new COVID-19 cases were tied to outsized gatherings associated with the University, which has told students that the rise in campus cases threatens the ability of the University to bring back students as envisioned.

If you live in a setting where you are unable to keep social distancing — such as a fraternity house, co-op or large, shared home – consider those in your household as part of your social bubble of up to 12 people.

Everyone over the age of 2 should wear a face covering and stay six feet apart when gathering outdoors with other members of their social bubble.

See our socializing guidance for more information.

If you’re worried about an exposure or infection, get tested.

“The virus depends on social interactions to fuel its spread,” said Dr. Hernandez. “We can limit its power with simple steps that each individual can take today.”

MESSAGE FROM UC BERKELEY REGARDING THEIR LONG RANGE DEVELOPMENT PLAN

A multiyear process is underway to update two important documents that guide the planning and future development of the UC Berkeley campus: the Long Range Development Plan and the Campus Master Plan. I invite you to participate this summer in a virtual open house(link is external) to see results from the first phase of the work underway and to learn about our integrated planning approach – that means considering how one planning topic, like transportation/mobility, relates to another, like climate resilience. After each section, I hope you will take a moment to answer a few questions and to share your thoughts and ideas.

Broad campus and community participation is vitally important in our multiyear effort to envision and plan the campus of tomorrow. The first phase of work engaged students, faculty, and staff in hundreds of focus groups, workshops, and presentations, as well as tabling sessions and public open houses open to everyone. This summer’s virtual open house(link is external) is another opportunity for everyone on campus and in the community to learn about progress being made and to share their perspectives and feedback. To participate, visit the virtual open house anytime before August 31, 2020.

Sincerely, Wendy Hillis, AIA, Campus Architect and Assistant Vice Chancellor, Capital Strategies

Learn more and provide feedback here.

Sincerely,
Lori Droste
Berkeley City Councilmember, District 8
www.LoriDroste.com

Want to request a City service?

July 20, 2020

Tomorrow, 7/21, City Council will be discussing several potential ballot measures for the upcoming election in November. I’ve summarized the potential ballot measures below:

Repealing the residency requirement for sworn members of the Berkeley Fire Department (read proposed language here). Currently, language in the City Charter requires that “Any sworn member of the fire department who is hired subsequent to January 1, 1995, may not reside greater than a radius of forty (40) air miles from the boundaries of the City of Berkeley.” Since this language was adopted, BFD has dramatically increased participation in mutual aid programs. In other disasters such as earthquakes or even on normal days in the Bay Area, recall time to the City will be dependent on traffic conditions and damaged infrastructure more than miles traveled.
Placing a special tax measure to fund firefighting, emergency medical response and communication, and wildfire prevention/preparedness on the ballot (read proposed language here). This measure would enact a tax at a rate of $0.1047 per square foot of building/structural improvements, which is estimated to generate $8.5 million annually for firefighting, emergency medical response, 9-1-1 communications services, and wildfire prevention and preparedness, until repealed by the voters. Since this would provide restricted general revenue, it would require passage by two-thirds of voters.
Adopting a tax on transportation network companies (read proposed language here). This measure would enact a tax on users of Transportation Network Companies (such as Uber or Lyft) for prearranged trips originating in Berkeley, at a rate of 50 cents per trip for private trips and 25 cents per trip for pooled trips, regardless of the number of passengers on the trip, which is estimated to generate $910,000 annually for general municipal services. Oakland and Emeryville are considering similar measures.
Adopting an increase in utility users tax from 7.5% to 10% and to increase the gas users tax by up to an additional 2.5% to fund general municipal services, to establish a climate equity action fund that may receive a portion of the revenues from the increase in electricity and gas users taxes (read proposed language here). In 2009, the City adopted a Climate Action Plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. A significant impediment to greater progress on the City’s Climate Action Plan is the lack of funding. This tax would provide an estimated $4 million annually.
Direct the City Manager to: prepare a ballot tax measure to increase the electricity and gas portion of the Utility Users Tax by 2.5%, except for CARE customers, for the purpose of funding a Climate Equity and Action Fund, and providing authority to the Council to potentially raise the gas portion an additional 5% at a rate of 1% per year (read proposed language here). This proposal comes from the City’s Energy Commission, which recommends that a referendum be placed on the ballot to ask voters to create an ongoing funding stream for carbon reduction activities, called a Climate Action Fund, with annual revenues of $5 million to $10 million.
Amending the City Charter to make the office of Mayor and City Councilmember full-time positions, with remuneration set at a level reflecting full-time employment (read proposed language here).

On 7/28, Council will discuss an additional set of amendments to the Rent Stabilization and Eviction for Good Cause Ordinance for the November ballot proposed by the Rent Board which would include the following (read proposed language here):

Adopt a secondary Registration fee for three types of partially-exempt units (single family homes, condominiums, and newly constructed units);
Amend the Rent Stabilization and Eviction for Good Cause Ordinance to limit the substantive basis for eviction for nonpayment of rent so that it does not apply to rent payments that come due during a state or local state of emergency when triggered by applicable federal, state, or local emergency legislation;
Repeal the “golden duplex” exemption for owner-occupied duplexes that were owner occupied on December 31, 1979, so tenants in eligible owner-occupied duplexes will have rent control and/or eviction protections;
Repeal the Accessory Dwelling Unit exemption for rental units in a residential property containing a single, lawfully established and fully permitted Accessory Dwelling Unit where the landlord also occupies a unit in the same property as his/her principal residence and the tenancy was created after November 7, 2018, so tenants in eligible Accessory Dwelling Units will have rent control and/or eviction protections.

Council is holding a special meeting on Thursday which includes discussion of revisions to the Berkeley Police Department’s use of force policy. The proposal is from the Police Review Commission, in response to a Council directive to update the City’s use of force policy. Recommendations include adoption of minimal use of force and minimal reliance standards, comprehensive reporting of uses of force and threats of force, adoption of core principles to provide the philosophical foundation for a use of force policy.

To provide input on any of the potential ballot measures or Council items, you can write to [email protected]. If you want to participate virtually in one of the Council meetings, you can find instructions to call-in or join via Zoom at the top of each meeting agenda (7/21 agenda here, 7/23 agenda here, and 7/28 agenda here).

City of Berkeley COVID-19 Resources

Sincerely,
Lori Droste
Berkeley City Councilmember, District 8
www.LoriDroste.com

July 27, 2020

As I wrote last week, Council is in the process of approving measures to go on the November 2020 ballot before we begin summer recess. This week we will discuss a variety of ballot measures:

charter amendments which include residency requirements for firefighters and an amendment to make the City Attorney’s office independent from the City Manager.
councilmember salaries
climate equity action fund funded by an increase to the utility users tax, which I summarized in the last newsletter.
Rent Board proposal (which is up for discussion tomorrow night). The Rent Board’s proposal includes changes to the City’s current Golden Duplex and ADU regulations regarding rent control, etc. You can read the proposal here.

Many of you have expressed interest in the golden duplex and accessory dwelling unit Rent Board provisions. Since I last wrote, the Mayor has proposed amendments to the Rent Board measure. His proposal maintains exemptions for ADU’s on owner occupied single family homes. It also has a new proposal regarding golden duplexes, which I’ve copied here:

The Mayor is also proposing that the Council not approve the Rent Board’s proposed repeal of the “golden duplex” exemption, but rather approve a compromise which would continue to exempt owner-occupied duplexes provided that the same owner resided in the property as their principal residence on March 1, 2020. This exemption is limited to rental units that would have been exempt under the provisions of this chapter had this chapter been in effect on December 31, 1979.

This would have the effect of phasing out the “golden duplex” exemption whenever the current owner as of March 1, 2020 no longer resides on the property. Those units would then be subject to full rent and eviction controls. This compromise intends to preserve existing rights for small landlords, while gradually phasing out “golden duplexes” to ensure that all tenants have the same rights under local rent control law.

There is another item on tomorrow night’s agenda about short term rentals that makes changes to the City’s policies, putting more compliance responsibilities on the hosting platform instead of the host, stipulating that the host only have one residence, and limiting rentals to single ADU’s, single accessory buildings, or golden duplexes not rented for the past ten years. You can look at the whole agenda here.

To provide input on any Council items, you can write to [email protected]. If you want to participate virtually in one of the Council meetings, you can find instructions to call-in or join via Zoom at the top of each meeting agenda.

COVID-19 Update

Worsening COVID-19 data – take action

COVID-19 has infected 350 Berkeley residents and killed three as of July 24, 2020 — those numbers do not fully speak to the virus’ threat. It is critical that we all wear face coverings, wash hands regularly and maintain distance from those outside of our household.

Everyone should use face coverings, social distancing and hygiene to slow the rise of COVID-19. Merchants should follow business guidance, especially completing their site specific protocols.

COVID-19 indicators weekly dashboard (Information as of Friday, 7/27):

Indicator 1: Cases & Hospitalizations Flat or Decreasing

Current status: Goals not currently met

Number of cases identified in Berkeley is increasing. There were 107 new cases in the last 14 days
Number of hospitalized patients in Alameda County is increasing, with an increase of 33 people over the last 14 days.

Indicator 2: Sufficient Hospital Capacity to meet community needs

Success criteria: No more than 50%of patients in staffable non-surge hospital beds in Alameda County are COVID-19 positive.

Goal currently met.

Indicator 3: Sufficient Testing Capacity

Success criteria: Sufficient COVID-19 viral detection tests are being conducted each day through private and public sites. The goal for Berkeley is 245 tests per day, giving an effective lens into the workings of the virus in our community.

Over the last two weeks, we have seen an average of 275 tests per day of Berkeley residents, no matter where they were tested — private hospitals, labs or our City site.

Goal currently met.

Indicator 4: Sufficient Disease Containment (case investigation, contact tracing, and isolation/quarantine)

Success criteria:

90% of all cases are reached and contacts identified – currently at 75%
90% of cases that we reach are isolated safely — currently at 72%
90% of all contacts identified — currently at 87%
90% of identified cases can safely quarantine — currently at 81%

Goals currently not met

Indicator 5: Sufficient Personal Protective Equipment

Success criteria:

At least 30-day supply of PPE for all health care providers – Goal Met
No hospitals, clinic, skilled nursing facility, other long term care facility, or first responder agency is struggling to obtain PPE – Goal Not Met
None have needed to submit a resource request for assistance in obtaining PPE to EOC in the last 14 days – Goal Not Met

Overall Goal not currently met.

Sincerely,
Lori Droste
Berkeley City Councilmember, District 8

Levine-Fricke Softball Field Improvements Project

Want to request a City service?

In accordance with established University of California procedures, UC Berkeley Chancellor Christ will consider approval of the Levine-Fricke Softball Field Improvements Project; approval is anticipated no sooner than Friday, July 31, 2020. In accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the University of California guidelines for the implementation of the CEQA, UC Berkeley has published an Addendum to the 2020 Long Range Development Plan Environmental Impact Report for the proposed Levine-Fricke Softball Field Improvements Project. The purpose of this notice is to advise the public of the proposed approval action of the project.

Project Inquiries: (510) 495-5786 or [email protected]

DOWNTOWN BERKELEY LAUNCHES “DINE 3 TIMES” PROMOTION

Win Free Collectible Poster & Chance for Dinner for Two

The Downtown Berkeley Association (DBA) launched today the “Dine 3 Times” restaurant promotion for Downtown Berkeley, encouraging Berkeleyans and others to rediscover the dining scene in Downtown Berkeley, with over 20 restaurants offering takeout and/or outdoor dining in the Downtown. Folks who dine three times in the Downtown by August 30 will receive a collectible “Welcome to Downtown Berkeley – VISIT SAFELY” historic poster 18”x24” on high quality paper–and will entered to win a dinner for two in Downtown Berkeley.

All folks need to do is take a photo or scan their receipts from three different restaurants in Downtown Berkeley, and email to [email protected], with name and address and the DBA will mail poster—while supplies last! All entries will also be entered to win $50 meal gift certificate in Downtown Berkeley. For more information about the Dine 3 Times promotion please visit https://www.downtownberkeley.com/dine-3-times/

City of Berkeley COVID-19 Resources

Notice of Preparation of an Environmental Impact Report: University of California, Berkeley Clark Kerr Campus Beach Volleyball Complex

August 19, 2020

With air quality and energy advisories in effect, stay inside, stay informed, and take precautions

With smoke from fires around the Bay Area affecting air quality and a statewide heat wave threatening rolling blackouts, stay inside and take steps to conserve energy.

Stay inside when air quality is poor

Air quality levels are rated “moderate” at the Berkeley air monitor in Aquatic Park as of 1pm on Wednesday, August 19. Be aware that conditions can change quickly depending on the wind and other factors.

Use an airnow.gov interactive map, which is updated hourly, to monitor local air quality status throughout the day. The City’s air quality webpage has recommendations about what precautions to take at different Air Quality Index (AQI) levels.

Everyone can protect their health by reducing physical activity and staying indoors with doors and windows closed. You should also:

Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water.
Set air conditioning units to re-circulate so you don’t bring outside air in.
Don’t smoke, burn candles, or use incense.
Don’t use gas, propane or wood burning stoves. Avoid frying or broiling meat.
Avoid vacuuming.

Do not use N-95s

Do not use an N-95s respirator unless you have been specifically instructed by a medical professional to do so and have been properly fitted.

N-95 respirators are not meant everyone and can be dangerous for certain people. There is currently a shortage of N-95s due to COVID-19, which means that it is especially important to reserve the supply for the situations they are designed for, including healthcare providers and emergency workers in active fire zones.

Conserve energy to help prevent power outages

Berkeley residents could experience rolling blackouts this evening due to statewide energy demand exceeding our electric grid’s capacity. These outages are initiated by the California Independent System Operator (CAISO), the organization that manages the state’s grid.

Similar warnings were issued the past two nights, but outages were averted thanks to the efforts residents took to conserve energy. As the statewide heat wave continues, it is important to continue limiting energy use today:

Set thermostats to 78 degrees or higher. When you’re not at home, turn thermostats to 85 degrees.
Close drapes and blinds to keep rooms cool.
Don’t turn on your oven.
Use ceiling fans to keep rooms cool, even if you have air conditioning. Keeping a ceiling fan running allows you to raise the thermostat by 4 degrees with no reduction in comfort.
Turn off lights and fans when you leave a room.
Limit use of energy-intensive appliances like washing machines and dishwashers during peak hours. Clean clothes and dishes early in the morning or after 10pm at night.
Prepare for a possible outage by fully charging your essential devices and backup power sources, check your emergency supplies to confirm you have flashlights and batteries for everyone in the household, and make a paper list of emergency contacts.

Stay informed by signing up for outage alerts from PG&E and emergency notifications from the City of Berkeley at acalert.org.

Airnow.gov air quality status map
Protecting yourself during poor air quality (Berkeley Public Health)
Prepare for rotating power outages through Wednesday (City of Berkeley)
Wildfire smoke and COVID-19 (CDC)
Bay Area wildfire smoke Spare the Air alert (Bay Area Air Quality Management District)
Energy conservation needed statewide 2-9pm

COVID-19 Update

Get tested: self-administered COVID-19 test kiosk through Aug. 23. Results expected within 24-48 hours

Sign up now to be tested for COVID-19 at a walk-up kiosk where people can swab their own mouth and place it in a receptacle — all while under supervision. The kiosk will be at Berkeley Adult School parking lot at 1701 San Pablo for a full week. Testing is available Tuesday Aug. 18 through Sunday Aug. 23, from 9am to 12pm and from 1pm to 5:30.

Make an appointment online. Test results are expected within 24-48 hours.

Kiosk pilot expands access to testing

Curative, Inc is a California-based company supplying the self-administered oral fluid COVID-19 test. The Curative test is widely used for drive-up and walk-up testing across the country, processing approximately 70,000 COVID-19 samples per day.

This pilot, which offers the same test in a walk-up kiosk, is part of the City’s efforts to expand access to testing for everyone in our community. Over the eight previous days, the kiosk has led to testing of about 300 people a day in Berkeley.

The Curative kiosk tests are free to those without insurance, as are the two other Berkeley sites coordinated through the City.

People with insurance should always coordinate with their provider, as your primary physician would be important for any follow-up care. For those with insurance, be prepared to provide that information. Federal and state rules mandate that all patients with full-service Medi-Cal or commercial insurance in California will have copays, coinsurance, and deductibles waived for COVID-19 testing and screening.

Testing is at the core of Berkeley’s COVID-19 response

Testing is a crucial part of the City’s public health response — one element in a public health infrastructure that partners closely with Alameda County and the state and is more effective when supported on a national level.

For every positive test of a Berkeley resident, City of Berkeley Public Health staff investigate and trace to identify others potentially exposed. The quicker people get tested, the quicker that response begins.

To provide increased testing for vulnerable populations, the City has sent a mobile testing unit to senior housing complexes, organizations with connections to Latinx and Black people, and skilled nursing facilities. The City has also provided testing to hundreds of people working in the City, such as essential workers in grocery stores.

Sincerely,
Lori Droste
Berkeley City Councilmember, District 8
www.LoriDroste.com

Want to request a City service?

City of Berkeley COVID-19 Resources

#Saveyourcinema

Our friends at Rialto Cinemas/Elmwood Theater have asked for your support in the #saveyourcinema campaign. Please visit https://saveyourcinema.com/ to voice your support.

Cal Move-In

In keeping with public health guidance, the number of students who will be living in our residence halls this year was reduced drastically and occupancy in each room is limited to one student. As today, we are expecting to house a total of 2, 250 students.

To allow for a safe, social-distanced Move-In this process will be staggered over a four-day period—Thursday August 20th through Sunday August 23rd, 2020. Approximately 600 students will move in each of the four days.

The Move-In Team is coordinating with Transportation, BPD and other city offices to manage traffic flow throughout the four days. With the reduced number of students moving in over a longer period we anticipate the impact on the adjacent neighborhoods will be minimized. There will be no road closures. However, traffic may be heavier than usual near the corner of Bancroft Way and Fulton street; as students make their way through our COVID-19 Testing Site which is located in the parking lot between the Spiker Pool and the Public Affairs Building at 2200 Bancroft.

Once students are tested they will proceed to the registration tables just outside their assigned residence on the Southside. Move-In appointments for students in our Residence Halls will be between 10 AM and 7PM Thursday (8/20) through Saturday (8/22); the Move-In on Sunday (8/23) is expected to end at 6:30 PM.

Student Move-In to apartments are scheduled to take place on Friday (8/21) from 10 AM to 7PM. Three of the apartment buildings are on or adjacent to Telegraph Avenue: Panoramic Apartments (2539 Telegraph), the New Sequoia (2441 Haste at the corner of Telegraph), and the Enclave Apartments (2503 Haste at the corner of Telegraph). The fourth, Garden Village, is located at the corner of Dwight Way and Fulton.

For details on the COVID-19 related measures and supports UC Berkeley will provide students living in university housing during the Move-In and the Fall Semester, please review the information at the link below: https://housing.berkeley.edu/fall2020covid

Legal support for lease negotiations

Berkeley’s COVID-19 Emergency Response Ordinance allows both residential and commercial tenants who have been impacted by COVID-19 to defer rent payments during the local state of emergency.

Although this ordinance enables renters to defer rent for twelve months after the emergency ends, State of CA law requires commercial tenants to abide by the terms stipulated by their commercial lease, regardless of local ordinances, and thus they still owe all the deferred rent to their landlord unless they are able to negotiate new lease terms.

See Commercial leases during COVID-19 on the City of Berkeley website for more information about the eviction moratorium and for resources that can help you with commercial lease negotiations. Note: legal resources listed can also be used to access pro bono or reduced rate counsel on other issues.

UC Berkeley will prepare an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the Clark Kerr Campus Beach Volleyball Complex project. The proposed project would include two components: 1) development of the beach volleyball complex for the women’s Intercollegiate Athletic beach volleyball program and other recreational uses; and 2) partial demolition of Building 21. Currently, there are two beach volleyball courts located on Clark Kerr Campus, approximately 800 feet from the proposed project site. These courts do not meet Title IX requirements.

The proposed project would involve the construction of an Intercollegiate Athletics and recreational beach volleyball facility with four courts, a support building with team rooms, locker rooms, restrooms, coaches’ offices and storage, new lighting and scoreboard, a public address system, and a lawn area for spectators attending matches, to support UC Berkeley’s ongoing compliance with Title IX. The facility would be primarily used by female student athletes who participate in the Intercollegiate Athletics beach volleyball program. The new facility would be constructed on the site of the existing CKC recreational softball field.

Learn more about the environmental review, public comment opportunities, and scoping session here.

Download: Notice of Preparation (PDF)

Project Inquiries: (510) 495-5786 or [email protected]

Volunteers needed to help shape Berkeley’s future elections – join the Independent Redistricting Commission

Every ten years following the federal census, Berkeley reviews its eight City Council district boundaries to ensure districts are balanced with the same number of residents. The City of Berkeley needs 13 dedicated residents from Berkeley’s diverse population to join an Independent Redistricting Commission in 2021-2022.

Commissioners will hold public meetings, review draft maps, and decide the final district boundaries. Support and training will be provided. No experience or technical knowledge is needed – but there are some eligibility requirements. The application period will be open September 8, 2020 through October 9, 2020. To be added to our interest list or for questions, email the City Clerk Department at [email protected] or call (510) 981-6908. https://www.cityofberkeley.info/redistricting/

Local Initiatives Support Corporation Grants for Small Businesses

Through a program we’re calling Neighborhood Business Grants, funded by our partner Lowe’s, LISC will award $20,000 grants to 750 businesses in 15 cities nationwide, including the Bay Area. Designed to help small business owners meet their most immediate needs, grant funds may be used to:

Pay rent and utilities
Meet payroll
Pay outstanding debt to vendors
Upgrade technology infrastructure
Take care of other immediate operational costs

The application window is August 18-23, the application will open on Tuesday, 8/18 @ 6am PT and close on Sunday, 8/23 @ 8:59pm PT. The Neighborhood Business Grants program will focus on underserved communities that often lack access to flexible, affordable capital. This includes businesses owned and led by minorities and women. We will also prioritize businesses in these sectors: Construction, Manufacturing, Retail, Transportation, Warehousing, Real Estate Renting or Leasing. Note that small businesses in other sectors may still apply, though we will prioritize the sectors listed above.

Tuesday, September 29, 3pm-5pm

October 1, 2020

Red Flag Warning for Berkeley Hills Extended Until 9pm Tonight

AC Alert as of 10am Monday, Sept. 28th

Reminder to review evacuation routes, park off-street, and sign up for emergency alerts.

A high fire danger warning that was issued for the Berkeley hills for Saturday 9/26 through Monday 9/28 has been extended until 9:00 pm on Monday 9/28. Berkeley hills residents in particular should prepare for by signing up for alerts, reviewing evacuation routes and parking off street when possible.

Please also take steps to prevent fires. Use extreme caution when operating BBQs, power equipment, or other heat sources such as idling cars. Remember that fireworks are always completely forbidden in Berkeley and surrounding areas.

Now is a great time to:

Sign up for AC Alert. Make sure everyone in your home is registered for AC Alert, the City’s emergency notification service.
Review your household’s evacuation routes. Make sure to plan at least two routes away from your neighborhood. During an evacuation you may not be able to drive, so consider using the network of Berkeley Path Wanderers paths in your evacuation plans. See CityofBerkeley.info/wildfire for evacuation information and download our printable evacuation checklist.
Park off-street. Use your driveway or garage, leaving streets clear for emergency vehicles.

Take steps to prepare and keep your household safe during this Red Flag Warning.

Measure T1 Community Meetings

In 2016, Berkeley voters overwhelmingly passed Measure T1 to provide funding for infrastructure improvements throughout the City. The community meeting for District 8 residents to discuss the second round of T1 projects and funding will be on Thursday, October 1‐ 6:30 ‐8:30 PM. Please provide input and advocate for the Willard clubhouse renovation and redesign.

The meeting is virtual and can be accessed through this zoom link: https://zoom.us/j/97867174185 or by dialing in from a phone: +16699006833, 97867174185#

If you can’t make it to the meeting, you can email your thoughts to [email protected].

Make a plan to vote!

This year all ballots will be mailed. The Alameda County Registrar of Voters will start mailing ballots on October 5th.

Vote In Person: Accessible voting locations (AVLs) are listed below

Epworth United Methodist Church, 1953 Hopkins St.
Northbrae Community Church, 941 The Alameda
MLK Student Union 3rd floor Pauley Ballroom, 2455 Bancroft Way
Berkeley High School Gym, 1980 Allston Way
Willard Middle School, 2425 Stuart St .
Longfellow School Gym, 1500 Derby St.
Ed Robert Campus, 3045 Adeline St
Lawrence Hall Of Science, 1 Centennial Dr.
City Of Berkeley Private Building, 1011 University Ave.

AVLs will be open for voting beginning on Saturday, October 31, and will generally be open from 8:30am-5pm on Saturday 10/31, Sunday 11/1, and Monday 11/2, and 8am-8pm on Election Day, 11/3. If there are updates to the locations and timings, that will be provided in a future email. For more details on ballot drop boxes and AVLs, visit the Alameda County Registrar of Voters.

Drop off your ballot (ballot boxes are still being installed):

Frances Albrier Rec. Center, 2800 Park Street
Claremont Branch Library, 2940 Benvenue Avenue
North Branch Library, 1170 The Alameda
West Branch Library, 1125 University Ave
Civic Center Building, 2180 Milvia Street
UC Berkeley (Campus) Sather Gate/Architects & Engineers Bldg.

Vote by Mail – Return by mail—must be postmarked on or before Election Day and received no later than 3 Days after Election Day. No postage required.

Sincerely,
Lori Droste
Berkeley City Councilmember, District 8
www.LoriDroste.com

Want to request a City service?

Use Berkeley’s online 311 form (either through the General Request form or a specific topic) or call 311 from a landline, or 510-981-2489. Please note that my office routes all the service requests we receive through this customer service center, so your request will be handled most efficiently by directly contacting 311.

City of Berkeley COVID-19 Resources

Wildfire Evacuation Preparedness Online Workshop

In a community that is vulnerable to risks of fast spreading wildfires, like Berkeley, wildfire preparedness has to be a priority for all of us. Self-evacuation is the most common way for residents to respond to a wildfire. There’s a lot we can do to get ready. During this workshop, participants will learn about and discuss key actions to be better prepared.

Wednesday, 9/30, 6p https://www.eventbrite.com/e/berkeley-wildfire-evacuation-preparedness-registration-122636090849

Don’t wait for the workshop, visit the City’s Wildfire Evacuation webpage for information on how to improve on your family’s wildfire preparedness today.

Also see the National Fire Protection Association’s virtual public education workshops.

PG&E Helping Customers Prepare in Advance of Public Safety Power Shutoff Events with New Watch and Warning Notifications

As Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) continues to improve vital safety communications for customers that will be used before turning off power to prevent wildfires during severe weather, the company has enhanced its notifications to provide more detail about when power is expected to go out, when it may be restored and where customers can go to find additional information.

New Watch and Warning Designations Add Important Details

In response to direct customer feedback requesting more information as soon as possible to ensure they have time to prepare and plan in advance of a potential Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) event, PG&E will provide Watch and Warning notifications this year.

Watch Alert

Whenever possible, an initial Watch notification will be sent two days in advance of a potential PSPS event, followed by an additional Watch notification one day before the potential PSPS event, notifying customers of the possibility of a PSPS event in their area based on forecasted conditions.

Warning Alert

A PSPS Watch will be upgraded to a Warning when forecasted conditions show that a safety shutoff will be needed, and that it is going to happen soon. Whenever possible, Warning notifications will be sent approximately four to 12 hours in advance of the power being shutoff.

Both Watch and Warning notifications are directly tied to weather forecasts, which can change rapidly. For example, predicting the time and area of landfall for tropical storms and hurricanes in the southeast United States.

As an example of how notifications have been improved for 2020, customers will see an estimated time when their power will be restored two days before it goes out. Last year, that estimated time of restoration wasn’t provided until the power had been turned off.

Watch and Warning alerts will be issued via automated calls, texts and emails. Both Watch and Warning alerts have been enhanced since 2019, tested with customers, adjusted based on their feedback, and will now provide new essential information, including:

Your address so you know you’re getting the accurate information for your home.
The date and time when power is estimated to be shut off. (For example, between 6 and 10 p.m. on Oct. 7.)
The estimated date and time when we expect power will be restored. (For example, by 4 p.m. on Oct. 9)

When power is turned off, PG&E will provide updates to customers at least once a day until power is restored. Power will remain off until the weather has passed, and equipment has been inspected. PG&E is seeking to cut restoration times in half compared to 2019 so that power is restored to the majority of customers within 12 daylight hours after severe weather has passed. PG&E will send a final notification once power has been restored.

Additional resources

By September, PG&E’s emergency website (www.pge.com/pspsupdates) will be available in 13 languages. Currently, the website is available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Tagalog, Russian, Vietnamese and Korean. Six additional languages will be available by September to include Farsi, Arabic, Hmong, Khmer, Punjabi and Japanese. Customers will have the opportunity to choose their language of preference for viewing the information when visiting the website.

Customers are encouraged to update their contact information and indicate their preferred language for notifications by visiting www.pge.com/mywildfirealerts or by calling 1-800-742-5000, where in-language support is available.

Tenants and non-account holders can sign up to receive PSPS ZIP Code Alerts for any area where you don’t have a PG&E account by visiting www.pge.com/pspszipcodealerts.

PG&E has launched a new tool on our online Safety Action Center (www.safetyactioncenter.pge.com) to help customers prepare. By using the “Make Your Own Emergency Plan” tool and answering a few short questions, visitors to the website can compile and organize the important information needed for a s personalized family emergency plan. This includes phone numbers, escape routes and a family meeting location if an evacuation is necessary.

HELP US MAKE BERKELEY’S LAND USE RULES EASIER TO UNDERSTAND

Send feedback on draft revised Zoning Ordinance by September 30

Give feedback to help us make it easier to understand Berkeley’s zoning laws, which govern what can be built and what activities can take place in a particular location. These laws can be complicated, full of technical jargon and hard-to-find “hidden rules.” Berkeley is no exception.

Simplifying these rules increases equity. Please give your input before September 30, and share this message with others. When making suggestions, keep in mind those who have the least access to architects, lawyers or resources to navigate systems.

Making Berkeley’s zoning easier to understand

We want every community member to be able to look at the Zoning Ordinance and easily understand:

What can be built on a particular piece of property
What uses are permitted on that property
What process is required to get a project approved

The revised ordinance does not include any substantive changes to policy, zoning, or development standards. It simply reorganizes and reformats existing regulations to make them more accessible.

Changes include:

Adopted a simpler writing style, using shorter paragraphs, outlines, and subheadings to make it easy for anyone to understand the intent of a particular section at a glance
Reorganized the document to be easier to navigate
Consolidated similar sections to remove redundant information
Replaced text descriptions of district borders with maps
Added tables summarizing allowed uses for all residential, commercial, and manufacturing districts
The entire draft baseline Zoning Ordinance is available for review online.

Give feedback online using Berkeley Considers

We’re asking community members to help us ensure the revised code is easy to understand by completing a short survey on Berkeley Considers, the City’s moderated online engagement platform.

Berkeley Considers also offers the option of saving your comments and revisit the survey later to add comments on additional sections. The survey closes September 30th.

Online Office Hours September 29

Ask questions or share your comments directly with project staff during drop-in online “office hours.” Upcoming dates are:

For instructions on joining office hours by phone, or to see future opportunities to participate, visit the project webpage.

This Zoning Ordinance Revision Project is one part of Berkeley’s larger Strategic Plan efforts to increase access and transparency in local government. Please complete the survey and help the City more clearly articulate its land use rules for easy use by you and your neighbors.

Send questions or comments to Justin Horner, Associate Planner, at [email protected]

AC Transit resumes fare collection on Monday, October 19. All rides on Tempo Line 1T are free through November 8th.

AC Transit introduced multiple changes in the wake of COVID-19. These included rear-door boarding and no fare collection in order to facilitate social distancing and help protect the safety of our riders and operators.

In addition, AC Transit introduced the reNew Plan outlining our commitment to enhanced health and safety practices. These include the installation of face mask and hand sanitizer dispensers onboard. We have begun outfitting our buses with a protective barrier to help safeguard operators and riders by the farebox area, and while the bus is in service.

The installation of the dispensers and protective shields is set to be completed by Friday, October 16. Following these upgrades, fare collection and front-door boarding resume on Monday, October 19, 2020.

For more information, please check the Fares and Clipper page on our site, contact the Customer Call Center at 510-891-4777, or submit input on the AC Transit website.

Need more help? Go to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).

As the rate of COVID-19 spread slows, more public activities to open with restrictions

October 15, 2020

If you haven’t already completed the Census, today, October 15th, is the last day! Time is running out to secure the federal funding and political power that our community deserves. www.my2020census.gov

Red Flag Warning for the Berkeley Hills

Review evacuation routes, park off-street, and sign up for emergency alerts

A high fire danger warning is in effect until 11 a.m. Friday Oct. 16. Sign up for alerts, review evacuation routes, pack or refresh “go bags,” and park off street when possible. This “Red Flag” warning, means that people should use extreme caution when operating BBQs, power equipment, or other heat sources such as idling cars. Remember that fireworks are always completely forbidden in Berkeley and surrounding areas. See the fireworks legislation I co-sponsored with Councilmember Susan Wengraf here.

Now is a great time to:

Sign up for AC Alert. Make sure everyone in your home is registered for AC Alert, the City’s emergency notification service.
Review your household’s evacuation routes. Make sure to plan at least two routes away from your neighborhood. During an evacuation you may not be able to drive, so consider using the network of Berkeley Path Wanderers paths in your evacuation plans. See cityofberkeley.info/wildfire for evacuation information and download our printable evacuation checklist.
Pack or refresh your go-bag. Everyone in your household should have a go bag with the things you would need to safely evacuate. In the era of COVID-19, this includes face coverings and hand sanitizer. If you have a go bag already, check it and replace any expired items, like food or batteries.
Park off-street. Use your driveway or garage, leaving streets clear for emergency vehicles.

Take steps to prepare and keep your household safe during this Red Flag Warning.

Voting Information

Ballots have been mailed

If you are registered to vote, you should have received your ballot by now for this November’s election. Check your mail from the last few days and make sure to find your ballot. Ballots were mailed to every registered voter to minimize the spread of COVID-19, allowing us to safely vote from home and avoid going in person to a polling place. If you have not yet received your mail-in ballot, you can track its status here.

You can vote now

Just fill out your ballot, using blue or black ink, follow the folding instructions, and put your completed ballot in the return envelope
Be sure to sign your name on the back and seal the envelope
Then put it in the mailbox. No stamps are necessary

If you choose not to mail your ballot through the U.S. Postal Service, you can drop off your completed, signed ballot at one of the official drop box locations. Berkeley locations are listed below:

Frances Albrier Rec. Center 2800 Park Street
Claremont Branch Library, 2940 Benvenue Avenue
North Branch Library, 1170 The Alameda
West Branch Library, 1125 University Ave
Civic Center Building, 2180 Milvia Street
UC Berkeley (Campus) Sather Gate /Architects & Engineers Bldg.

You can also drop off your ballot at one of the voting locations on election day:

Epworth United Methodist Church, 1953 Hopkins St
Northbrae Community Church, 941 The Alameda
MLK Student Union 3rd floor Pauley Ballroom, 2455 Bancroft Way
Berkeley High School Gym, 1980 Allston Way
Willard Middle School, 2425 Stuart St .
Longfellow School Gym, 1500 Derby St.
Ed Robert Campus, 3045 Adeline St
Lawrence Hall Of Science, 1 Centennial Dr.
City Of Berkeley Private Building, 1011 University Ave.

Accessible Voting Locations will be open for voting beginning on Saturday, October 31, and will generally be open from 8:30am-5pm on Saturday 10/31, Sunday 11/1, and Monday 11/2, and 8am-8pm on Election Day, 11/3. If there are updates to the locations and timings, that will be provided in a future email. For more details on ballot drop boxes and AVLs, visit the Alameda County Registrar of Voters.

Voting now will help ensure that your ballot is among those that gets counted by Election Night. Reminder: Ballots must be put in a drop box, delivered to a polling place, or postmarked by no later than Nov. 3.

Track your ballot

After you have mailed in your ballot or dropped it off, you can check its status here. You can also use this same link to sign up for alerts about your ballot’s status and find out whether your ballot was accepted or needs further action by you.

If you are not yet registered to vote, don’t worry, it’s not too late. You can register online until Oct. 19 by going here. You can also register in person through Election Day, Nov. 3. If you just need to change your address or want to check your registration status, go online here.

Finally, please do not discard your mail-in ballot if you plan to vote in person. Instead, bring it with you to the polling station. Bringing it with you shows the poll workers that you have not yet voted and will prevent you from having to cast a “provisional” ballot. Provisional ballots don’t get counted right away, because they have to go through an additional review.

Ranked Choice Voting

Voters can — but aren’t required to — indicate their first, second, third, fourth, and fifth choice for an office. Some voters choose only one top choice. If a candidate receives a majority of first choice votes, they are the winner.

If no candidate receives more than 50 percent of first place votes, then the ranked choice process is used:

First, the candidate with the fewest first place votes is eliminated.
Second, voters who selected the eliminated last place candidate have their votes transferred to their second choice. If they didn’t choose a second choice, they do not have a vote in the second round.
Third, votes are re-counted to see if there is a candidate with more than 50 percent of the vote.
If no candidate receives more than 50 percent, the process of eliminating the last place candidate and transferring votes is repeated until a majority winner is declared.

For more information, visit The Alameda County Registrar of Voters RCV website at www.acvote.org/voting/rcv or call (510) 272-6933.

Updated Health Order

Collective actions taken by people in Berkeley and Alameda County along with diligent public health work have led to decreasing daily COVID-19 case rates and lower test positivity — metrics that mean that other public activities using safeguards will be allowed in the coming weeks.

This marks the second consecutive month in which those key state measurements have gone down, allowing the City and County to plan to open additional activities in a phased manner that minimizes potential for a surge of cases, hospitalizations and deaths.

Elementary schools, personal care services, gyms and indoor museums and galleries can already open with restrictions, aligning with the state. Please keep in mind that Berkeley Unified School District is working with city and county public health officials to prepare for a gradual reopening of elementary schools, when it is safe to do so. The District has created an Elementary School Reopening Readiness dashboard, updated weekly, to communicate its progress.

Berkeley’s Health Officer will also over the coming weeks allow opening of several public activities permitted by the state.

Playgrounds can open Friday Oct. 16, though the City will be inspecting each of its more than 60 playgrounds before announcing openings. Other activities may open with restrictions starting Oct. 26:

Indoor dining up to 25% capacity or less than 100 people, whichever is less
Indoor worship services up to 25% capacity or less than 100 people, whichever is less
Indoor movie theaters up to 25% capacity or less than 100 people, whichever is less
Expansion of indoor retail and malls at up to 50% of capacity and permitting food courts

Just because an activity is permitted doesn’t eliminate risk of infection. In fact, we know that indoor activities pose greater risk of transmission than outdoor ones. Shared, high-touch surfaces remain a potential source of exposure. People age 60 and over or those with underlying health conditions remain at greater risk of severe illness.

“COVID-19 remains a threat, so each person will need to evaluate their own risks and assess which activities they would like to prioritize and participate in,” said Dr. Lisa B. Hernandez, the City of Berkeley Health Officer. “Developing good habits and making good choices collectively allow us to advance together.”

Good habits and smart choices reduce risk

Everyone should ask three questions when considering a public activity. Instead of doing all public activities, budget your risk by prioritizing which ones are the most important and forgoing others.

While making tradeoffs to choose activities, everyone should always do the essentials: stay home when sick, wear face coverings, wash hands frequently, and keep physical distance with those not in your household. Get a flu shot.

Businesses can now serve more people outside, as the City has streamlined permitting processes and significantly expanded the range of allowed outdoor activities on both public and private property. See our outdoor commerce guide for assistance.

Playgrounds to open, but risk remains

Playgrounds may open on Friday Oct. 16 in compliance with the requirements in the State’s guidance. But parents and guardians will need to be conscious of the risk, and, if they choose to have their children use them, take steps to reduce those risks. They include:

Keeping face coverings on anyone over the age of 2
Using playgrounds only when 6 feet of distance or a capacity limit is met
Consider alternate, less busy times
Don’t eat or drink while at playgrounds
Washing or sanitizing hands before and after use
Limiting use to 30 minutes
Avoiding coming to playgrounds if you are over age 60 or have underlying health conditions that put you at higher risk of severe COVID-19 illness.

“I am hopeful that the strong practices our community has embraced will continue to move us forward,” said Dr. Hernandez. “We cannot control the virus, but the actions we do control have an impact and help open up more activities for us all.”

Sincerely,
Lori Droste
Berkeley City Councilmember, District 8
www.LoriDroste.com

Want to request a City service?

City of Berkeley COVID-19 Resources

The Elmwood Halloween Scavenger Word Scramble

Elmwood merchants have put together a safe socially-distanced scavenger hunt everyone can enjoy. Letters have been hidden in 28 store windows in the Elmwood.

Get your game card map and find the letters. Once you have all the letters found, unscramble the words to find your Elmwood Halloween message!

Print your game card from the website shoptheelmwood.com or pick up printed cards from Gai Barn (2985 College Ave.) or Your Basic Bird (2940 College Ave.)

When you have solved the phrase, submit your card to [email protected], post to instagram @shoptheelmwood, or give to Gai Barn or Your Basic Bird.

Completed & submitted game cards will be entered in a drawing to win one of five $20 gift certificates from the participating business of your choice.

Have a great and safe adventure through the Elmwood!

As the rate of COVID-19 spread slows, more public activities to open with restrictions

October 21, 2020

As Halloween approaches, be safe. There will be no Halloween gathering on Russell St.

Bay Area Health Officials urge everyone to limit Halloween and Dia de Los Muertos activities to those you live with and use the time to focus on activities, like decorations or virtual costume parties, that keep physical distancing and other safeguards in place.

Trick-or-treating increases contact with people outside of your household who may not be as careful about COVID-19 prevention. Parties mix people who don’t live in the same home. These high-risk activities increase chances the virus can pass from one person to another and mirror the kind of gathering and mixing that Bay Area contact tracers have seen contribute to infection. Read more here.

Red flag warning for the Berkeley hills – October 21st

Power shutoffs not expected in Berkeley

Hills residents should prepare for a high fire danger warning starting at 10pm on Wednesday, October 21 by signing up for alerts, reviewing evacuation routes, packing or refreshing “go bags,” and parking off street when possible.

This “Red Flag” warning, which is scheduled to end at 8am Friday October 23, means that people should use extreme caution when operating BBQs, power equipment, or other heat sources such as idling cars. Fires that start during Red Flag Warnings can spread rapidly due to high winds and dry vegetation. Remember that fireworks are always completely forbidden in Berkeley and surrounding areas.

Take these steps to prepare:

Sign up for AC Alert and leave your phone turned on. Make sure everyone in your home is registered for AC Alert, the City’s emergency notification service. Keep your phone on in case a fire starts while you are sleeping.
Review your household’s evacuation routes. Make sure to plan at least two routes away from your neighborhood. During an evacuation you may not be able to drive, so including walking routes in your plans. See https://www.cityofberkeley.info/wildfire/ for evacuation information and download our printable evacuation checklist.
Pack or refresh your go-bag. Everyone in your household should have a go bag with the things you would need to safely evacuate. In the era of COVID-19, this includes face coverings and hand sanitizer. If you have a go bag already, check it and replace any expired items, like food or batteries.
Park off-street. Back your car into your driveway or garage, leaving streets clear for emergency vehicles.
Power shutoffs not expected in Berkeley

PG&E has announced plans for a “Public Safety Power Shutoff” (PSPS) in some areas of Alameda County. The expected shutoff area does not currently include Berkeley. If a shutoff is announced for Berkeley, there will be a notification on AC Alert.

Voting Information

Ballots have been mailed

You can vote now

- Just fill out your ballot, using blue or black ink, follow the folding instructions, and put your completed ballot in the return envelope
- Be sure to sign your name on the back and seal the envelope
- Then put it in the mailbox. No stamps are necessary

If you make a mistake on your ballot, you will need to go to the Alameda County Registrar of Voters office in Oakland to surrender your ballot and get a new one. You should call the ROV at 510.272.6973 to confirm hours and visitor protocols.

Frances Albrier Rec. Center 2800 Park Street
Claremont Branch Library, 2940 Benvenue Avenue
North Branch Library, 1170 The Alameda
West Branch Library, 1125 University Ave
Civic Center Building, 2180 Milvia Street
UC Berkeley (Campus) Sather Gate /Architects & Engineers Bldg.

You can also drop off your ballot at one of the voting locations on election day:

Epworth United Methodist Church, 1953 Hopkins St
Northbrae Community Church, 941 The Alameda
MLK Student Union 3rd floor Pauley Ballroom, 2455 Bancroft Way
Berkeley High School Gym, 1980 Allston Way
Willard Middle School, 2425 Stuart St .
Longfellow School Gym, 1500 Derby St.
Ed Robert Campus, 3045 Adeline St
Lawrence Hall Of Science, 1 Centennial Dr.
City Of Berkeley Private Building, 1011 University Ave.

Track your ballot

If you are not yet registered to vote, you can also register in person through Election Day, Nov. 3. If you just need to change your address or want to check your registration status, go online here.

Ranked Choice Voting

If no candidate receives more than 50 percent of first place votes, then the ranked choice process is used:

First, the candidate with the fewest first place votes is eliminated.
Second, voters who selected the eliminated last place candidate have their votes transferred to their second choice. If they didn’t choose a second choice, they do not have a vote in the second round.
Third, votes are re-counted to see if there is a candidate with more than 50 percent of the vote.
If no candidate receives more than 50 percent, the process of eliminating the last place candidate and transferring votes is repeated until a majority winner is declared.

For more information, visit The Alameda County Registrar of Voters RCV website at www.acvote.org/voting/rcv or call (510) 272-6933.

Updated Health Order

Berkeley’s Health Officer will also over the coming weeks allow opening of several public activities permitted by the state.

Playgrounds opened on Oct. 16. Other activities may open with restrictions starting Oct. 26:

Indoor dining up to 25% capacity or less than 100 people, whichever is less
Indoor worship services up to 25% capacity or less than 100 people, whichever is less
Indoor movie theaters up to 25% capacity or less than 100 people, whichever is less
Expansion of indoor retail and malls at up to 50% of capacity and permitting food courts

Good habits and smart choices reduce risk

Everyone should ask three questions when considering a public activity. Instead of doing all public activities, budget your risk by prioritizing which ones are the most important and forgoing others.

Playgrounds to open, but risk remains

Keeping face coverings on anyone over the age of 2
Using playgrounds only when 6 feet of distance or a capacity limit is met
Consider alternate, less busy times
Don’t eat or drink while at playgrounds
Washing or sanitizing hands before and after use
Limiting use to 30 minutes
Avoiding coming to playgrounds if you are over age 60 or have underlying health conditions that put you at higher risk of severe COVID-19 illness.

November 17, 2020

As Cases Surge, State Restricts Indoor Activities in Berkeley and Throughout State

State officials, noting a surge in COVID-19 cases locally, moved Berkeley and the rest of Alameda County into the more restrictive tier that requires certain businesses to only operate outdoors.

The new restrictions reflect some truths about the virus that can be used by everyone: half of all COVID-19 cases are believed to be unknowingly spread by those who feel fine; face coverings are powerful; and the virus more easily spreads indoors.

That also means we each hold tools to slow the spread.

Everyone should always do the essentials:
- stay home when sick
- wear face coverings
- wash hands frequently
- keep physical distance with those not in your household and
- get a flu vaccine.
When leaving the safety of home, use three questions to help assess and choose lower risk activities: Where will you go? Who will attend? What will happen?
Budget your risk by being selective about what activities you choose to do and forgo others.

These questions should guide you to limit activities within a small, stable group of no more than 20 people that meets outdoors and uses both face coverings and distance when with 3 or fewer households.

These questions should also help you avoid confined spaces, crowds and close contact with those outside your household.

“California is experiencing the fastest increase in cases we have seen yet – faster than what we experienced at the outset of the pandemic or even this summer,” Governor Gavin Newsom said in a statement that placed 41 of the state’s 58 counties in the most restrictive, “Purple” tier. “The spread of COVID-19, if left unchecked, could quickly overwhelm our health care system and lead to catastrophic outcomes.”

Restricting indoor activities that mix multiple households

The state decision, which is reflected in a new City of Berkeley Health Order effective Nov. 18, prohibits certain indoor activities while allowing others to operate with capacity limits and other restrictions.

The following businesses must only operate outdoors: restaurants, wineries, museums, galleries, botanical gardens, movie theaters, family entertainment centers, exhibition spaces, gyms, fitness centers, dance studios, yoga centers, churches, swimming pools.

State law will allow certain industries to remain open indoors, but limited to 25 percent capacity: retail stores, shopping centers, strip malls.

Grocery stores and convenience stores can open at 50 percent capacity.

Many businesses that operate indoors using restrictions – from nail salons to barbers – will remain open, but will need to continue to use the City’s Health Order and state guidance, such as one for personal care services. See what’s open or closed in Berkeley.

All TK-12 schools were given the option to open in Berkeley. The state decision means that schools currently teaching students in person may continue to do so. Effective November 18, those schools that have not yet opened except for state-defined “cohorts,” — small-group, in-person services in controlled, supervised, and indoor environments.

Without action, surge in cases forebodes much worse

The rate of growth is a critical metric for COVID-19, which spreads quickly unless people improve behaviors or restrictions are imposed. In the nation, state and even locally, the data shows a dramatic rise.

Cases statewide doubled in the last ten days. In addition, from November 1-7, cases increased by 51.3 percent over the previous seven-day period. That’s the fastest growth since the pandemic began, Newsom said.

In Berkeley, the new case rate per 100,000 people over 7 days in late October was 0.7 cases. Last week, it reached 5.6 cases per 100,000. The state as a whole on Nov. 17 was at 16.5 new cases per 100,000. Of Berkeley’s 916 cases since the start of the pandemic, 111 were reported in the last two weeks. One million of the nation’s 11 million cases were reported in the last week.

“With cases surging, we face a critical threat to our community, region and state as a whole,” said Dr. Lisa B. Hernandez, Berkeley’s Health Officer. “These state restrictions limit some high-risk environments for spread. But our own actions have a huge impact.”

“Each of us must take immediate steps,” said Hernandez. “To drive down infection rates now, we all must limit gatherings, wear face coverings, use physical distancing, wash hands frequently and stay home when sick.”

December 7, 2020

Today, regional public health officers decided to implement the state’s stay at home order beginning on Monday, December 7th at 12:01am. At a press conference today, our public health officer Dr. Lisa Hernandez said “We have reached a point where more drastic action is needed. Until we get through this wave, you should not meet in person with anyone you do not live with, even in a small group and even outdoors with precautions. If you have a social bubble, it is now popped.” Please see the official City of Berkeley message below. More guidance will become available over the next day or two. We will share more once we receive that information.

Yesterday, Governor Newsom announced that all sectors other than retail and essential operations would be closed in regions of the State where less than 15 percent of ICU beds are available under a new Regional Stay Home Order. Although health officials throughout the Bay Area are glad to see the State take action in light of the rapidly escalating surge in hospitalizations statewide, many believe even more aggressive action is necessary in the Bay Area to slow the surge and prevent our local hospitals from being overwhelmed.

Rather than waiting until Intensive Care Unit (ICU) bed availability reaches critical levels and delaying closures that are inevitable, the Health Officers for the Counties of Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco, and Santa Clara as well as the City of Berkeley are jointly announcing that they will implement the State’s Regional Stay Home Order now.

“It takes several weeks for new restrictions to slow rising hospitalizations and waiting until only 15 percent of a region’s ICU beds are available is just too late,” said San Francisco Health Officer Dr. Tomás Aragon. “Many heavily impacted parts of our region already have less than 15 percent of ICU beds available, and the time to act is now.”

“We are seeing a surge in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations here in Contra Costa County and across our region,” said Contra Costa County Health Officer Dr. Christopher Farnitano. “The number of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 in our county has doubled in just the past couple of weeks, and we are at risk of exceeding our hospital capacity later this month if current trends continue.”

“We cannot wait until after we have driven off the cliff to pull the emergency break,” said Santa Clara County Health Officer Dr. Sara Cody. “We understand that the closures under the State order will have a profound impact on our local businesses. However, if we act quickly, we can both save lives and reduce the amount of time these restrictions have to stay in place, allowing businesses and activities to reopen sooner.”

“Rising hospitalization rates across the region threaten not only our community members with severe COVID-19, but anyone who may need care because of a heart attack, stroke, accident, or other critical health need,” said Alameda County Health Officer Dr. Nicholas Moss. “By acting together now we will have the greatest impact on the surge and save more lives.”

“Each of us can fight the spread,” said Dr. Lisa B. Hernandez, the City of Berkeley Health Officer. “Keep your family safe by avoiding even small gatherings outside of your household and not traveling. We don’t want holiday gatherings and travel to create a spike of cases on top of the surge we’re already seeing.”

“Although Marin has fared better than some other counties in our region over the last few weeks, we know it is only a matter of time before rising case and hospitalization put pressure on our hospitals too,” said Marin County Health Officer Dr. Matthew Willis. “We must act now, and must act together to ensure all hospitals in the Bay Area have the capacity they need to care for our residents.”

Consistent with the State framework, the six jurisdictions are working to ensure that all sectors have at least 48-hour notice of these closures. Most of the Bay Area Health Officers will implement the State’s Regional Stay At Home Order as of Sunday December 6, 2020. In Alameda County, it is scheduled to take effect on Monday, December 7, 2020, and Marin County’s order will take effect Tuesday, December 8. The new restrictions will remain in place until January 4, 2021.

The sector closures and restrictions on activity under the State’s Regional Stay Home Order are described here.

Sincerely,
Lori Droste
Berkeley City Councilmember, District 8
www.LoriDroste.com

Want to request a City service?

City of Berkeley COVID-19 Resources

Upcoming Town Hall with State Senator Nancy Skinner and Public Health Experts and Officials

Senator Nancy Skinner’s office will host a virtual Town Hall on Tuesday, Dec. 8, from 4-5 p.m. Experts will provide updates on coronavirus vaccines and how California plans to distribute them, as well as information about how to have a healthy and safe holiday season.

Featured speakers include:

Dr. Nicholas Moss, Alameda County Health officer
Dr. Noha Aboelata, CEO of Oakland’s Roots Community Health Center. Dr. Aboelata will provide information on the spread of the disease in impacted communities, along with issues concerning equity of care
Dr. Bob Wachter, chair of UC San Francisco’s Department of Medicine. Dr. Wachter will provide the latest updates on vaccines and distribution and the spread of the disease.

This virtual Town Hall will be available to view on Senator Skinner’s website, from 4-5 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 8. If you would like to submit a question on a topic listed above, please do so here by 11 a.m., Tuesday, Dec. 8.

UC Berkeley Long Range Development Plan (LRDP) and Campus Master Plan Update

Two documents guide the planning and future development of the UC Berkeley campus. A multi-year effort is underway to update these plans: the Long Range Development Plan (LRDP) and the Campus Master Plan.

You are invited to participate in our second virtual open house as part of this effort, which focuses on the Campus Master Plan.

Click here to visit the Campus Master Plan virtual open house!

Open house is online through 1/31/2021. Your feedback wanted: Virtual Open House for campus and community open through January 31.

Our second virtual open house explores early ideas and potential planning concepts for the forthcoming Campus Master Plan. After each section that explores some potential planning ideas, you’ll be asked some questions. Your feedback could help determine which concepts become part of the Campus Master Plan. All students, faculty, staff, and campus neighbors are invited to participate in this open house… [visit the open house]