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Hello Diane,
With Thanksgiving Day quickly approaching, I want to take a moment to wish you and your loved ones a very happy holiday. This time of the year brings with it a moment to pause, reflect, and tap into gratitude. Personally, I have so much to be thankful for – my wonderful family and friends, my students, my community, my co-workers and staff, and the privilege of serving you on the Berkeley City Council.
As we head into the final weeks of the year, the City Council is wrapping up its legislative work and looking forward to 2026. I cannot believe we are approaching one year since I first took office. My goal for my first year was to focus heavily on constituent services and ensure that everyone who reaches out to our office receives a response. I’m so proud of the work we've done thus far and I know next year will only bring more opportunities for growth, engagement, and partnership.
As always, thank you for sharing your thoughts and ideas, and please never hesitate to reach out.
Warmly,
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In this issue:
- Council Recap
- Call for Neighborhood Group Leaders
- Serving on a Commission
- 2025 Berkeley Tenant and Landlord Rent Registry Survey
- Middle Housing
- Daylighting Updates
- Zero-Emission Vehicle Incentives
- Nightlife Council Application
- Holiday, Library, and City Events
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Corridors Zoning Update – Earlier this month, the Berkeley City Council, alongside the Planning Department, hosted a worksession to discuss the Corridors Zoning Update. The CZU is part of the City’s roadmap to meet its housing goals under the state-mandated Housing Element, which designated Solano, North Shattuck, and College Avenues as priority commercial and transit corridors. The meeting included a presentation from City Staff that sought to address the most commonly asked questions, the findings of a citywide survey, a robust public comment session, as well as comments and questions from Council. You can view the full presentation here.
One key takeaway from the meeting was that residents would like to see stronger protections for existing small businesses. As someone who understands that our local businesses make our neighborhoods unique and special, I strongly advocated for such protections at the meeting and expect them to be a feature of the next iteration of the proposal.
The recording from this meeting is available on the City Council website here (my comments start at 4:33:50). If you’d like to stay updated on future work sessions and progress, you can subscribe to the Corridors newsletter here.
If you have any additional questions about the Corridors Zoning Update, feel free to reach out to our office at sok...@berkeleyca.gov.
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Vibrant Storefronts Policy – After months of research, conversations with staff, colleagues, and the business community, Councilmember Tregub introduced a new item – the Vibrant Storefronts Policy – which I am co-sponsoring. The item asks the City Manager and City Attorney to develop a new set of policies that set performance standards and consider additional strategies to address a growing number of ground-floor storefront vacancies in Berkeley’s commercial districts. I’m proud to co-sponsor this effort and want to thank Councilmember Tregub for his leadership and commitment to supporting vibrant and lively commercial districts.
Unmanned Aerial Systems and Drones as First Responders – Earlier this month, Councilmember Taplin introduced an item to initiate the Surveillance Technology Ordinance process for the Berkeley Police Department to acquire Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), aka drones. BPD and the Berkeley Fire Department already use drones, borrowing them from neighboring jurisdictions for certain operations. This item begins the process of looking into vendors and updating our use policy, and is not in itself an approval or green light to acquire drones.
With many police departments across the country already enlisting the help of drones, and with our Police Chief affirming that they are useful in keeping our police officers safe, I listened with an open mind. That said, I continue to have concerns over privacy – specifically audio surveillance – and would like to ensure that if the City does acquire drones, the list of approved uses is narrow, surveillance abilities are tightly controlled, and that we have strong public reporting of their usage to ensure accountability.
| Neighborhood Group Leaders | | |
Our office is still looking for residents who are interested in forming neighborhood groups or who are already involved in neighborhood groups.
Knowing your neighbors can make a huge difference in an emergency and create a sense of community, safety, and belonging for everyone. I’ve met with existing groups to discuss a range of issues, help with disaster preparedness, and get to know D5 residents better. It’s truly one of my favorite parts of the job.
If you would like to create a group (which could be as small as the folks within a block of your house) but don’t know where to start, or if you’d like to connect new neighbors with your preexisting group, please let us know. I would love to attend the first meeting to help get you off the ground, and my office would also be happy to provide support.
Email our office at sok...@berkeleyca.gov or fill out this Google form with your information, and we will reach out to you with the next steps.
| | Interested in Serving on a Commission? | | |
My office is looking for dedicated community members to volunteer their time by serving on one of our vacant boards or commissions. Boards and commissions advise the City Council on a wide variety of subjects through policy recommendations on important topics.
Commissions with a vacant District 5 seat currently include: the Commission on Labor, the Elmwood BID Advisory Board, and the Homeless Services Panel of Experts. We are also looking for Alternate Commissioners. If you take an interest in any of these appointments, I encourage you to fill out this form or email my office. To learn more about serving on a board or commission, click here.
Please note: District 5 residency is not required — applicants only need to be residents of Berkeley.
| | Help Guide Rent Board Services | |
The Berkeley Rent Board is seeking feedback from tenants, landlords, and property managers about their experience with the Rent Registry.
Please respond to the 2025 Berkeley Tenant & Landlord Rent Registry Survey by December 14 to help shape Rent Board services. No prior experience with the Rent Registry is needed. If you have not used it, we would like to know why! If you have used it, we want to learn what is or isn't working for you!
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The Middle Housing zoning changes that Council adopted in July have taken effect as of November 1st, 2025.
You can now visit the new Middle Housing webpage, which includes a summary of the Middle Housing zoning changes, a map and address locator tool to determine whether an address is subject to these changes, and links to application forms and submittal requirements.
| | The City of Berkeley’s dedicated Public Works Transportation Division staff has made incredible progress on painting red curbs at intersections, as mandated by state law. This practice is known to improve sightlines and improve crosswalk safety for pedestrians. As of October 24, 1,426 out of 1,754 intersections, or about 81%, have been painted. | | Zero-Emission Vehicle Incentives | |
Are you looking to upgrade to a cleaner vehicle? The Bay Area Air District’s Clean Cars for All program recently relaunched and can provide up to $12,000 for eligible residents to retire their old vehicle and replace it with a new or used electric, plug-in hybrid, or fuel cell electric vehicle. Participants can also choose to get a pre-paid public transit card or an e-bike.
Applicants must live within the Air District’s jurisdiction and meet income limits based on household size. For more information or to apply for Clean Cars for All, visit www.baaqmd.gov/cleancarsforall.
| | Call for Nightlife Council Applicants | |
You are invited to apply to serve on the Nightlife Council Subcommittee!
The Nightlife Council, of which I am a member, will include a mix of Councilmembers, business owners, and community members who are interested in exploring ways to create a thriving nightlife scene across Berkeley. If you would like to be considered for this opportunity, you can apply by scanning the QR code below or by clicking here.
The deadline to apply is December 5, 2025.
| | Apply to Create Public Art that Supports Wildlife | |
Experienced artists and artist teams are invited to apply for the creation of two vertical public art pieces that also provide nesting and shelter for birds and non-stinging insects in a new Berkeley public park. The public art will be part of the Santa Fe Trackbed to Park Conversion, a four-block park under development between Blake and Ward Streets along Acton Street.
The pieces should aim to achieve a variety of goals, such as strong design aesthetics, a focus on environmental awareness, and complementing the surrounding area.
If you or someone you know is interested, they can view the submission guidelines and apply through the Application Portal by 5:00 p.m. on January 12, 2026.
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When: Thursday, December 4, 2025 | 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Where: Hotel Shattuck Plaza
The Berkeley Chamber is excited to announce that the 7th Annual Berkeley Holiday Gift Fair will be back in person on Thursday, December 4, 2025, from 3-7pm at Hotel Shattuck Plaza in Downtown Berkeley!
Are you interested in being a vendor? Submit an application. For more information, visit here!
| Holiday shoppers will be treated to an abundance of good cheer, great music, fine food, with unique and unusual handcrafts by some of Northern California’s finest artists. There are 200+ local artisans offering their handcrafted wares for sale, there will be something for everyone! You can learn more about the fair here! | And don’t miss Santa on Solano! Find more information here. | | |
Get excited for Joyful Village, the upcoming holiday event happening on North Shattuck, Saturday, December 13, from 11:00am to 5:00pm.
Sponsored by the North Shattuck Association, the event will feature community crafts, live music and caroling, cookie decorating, a hot cider station, and more! RSVP here to participate.
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Presented by the Downtown Berkeley Association (DBA) in coordination with the Saturday Farmer's Market, this event features fun kid activities, Italian Hot Chocolate from Almare Gelato, music, community caroling / sing-along, face-painting, a visit from Santa, and shopping galore.
To register for the holiday bazaar as a vendor, please email ven...@downtownberkeley.com and sign up here!
| | Don’t forget to check out the Berkeley Public Library’s events calendar. Our libraries host hundreds of events a month. You can check out the full list of offerings here. | | |
Nature Journaling Club
Address: 160 University Ave, Berkeley, CA, 94710
Date: Saturday, November 22, 2025 | 10:00am - 12:00pm
Join Sammi for a fun, family-friendly way to develop closer connections with nature while sketching and watercoloring the wildlife at the Berkeley Waterfront!
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Teen Night Turn Up Holiday Dance
Venue: Frances Albrier Community Center
Address: 2800 Park Street, Berkeley, CA 94702
Date: Friday, December 5, 2025 | 6:00pm - 9:00pm
The venue will be decked out with sparkling holiday lights, snowflakes, and a mix of holiday decorations to set the mood. Enjoy a night of epic music, from the latest chart-topping hits to classic holiday tunes that will keep the energy high all night long.
Pre-registration is required; there will be no onsite registration available at the event.
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Tots Winter Carnival
Venue: Live Oak Community Center
Address: 1301 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley, CA 94709
Date: Saturday, December 6, 2025 | 10:00am - 10:00pm
Come experience our annual Winter Wonderland as your toddler explores all the festive fun at this Winter Carnival designed for little friends with big imaginations!
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Workshop: Recreation Program Scholarship Application Support
Venue: James Kenney Community Center
Address: 1720 Eighth St, Berkeley, CA 94710
Date: Tuesday, December 9, 2025 | 6:00pm - 7:30pm
The City of Berkeley’s scholarship program helps low-income residents access recreation and enrichment opportunities that support wellness and equity. By addressing barriers like cost, the City is working to expand programs that benefit Berkeley families and foster community well-being.
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Aquatic Park Winter Fun Run
Venue: Aquatic Park
Address: 80 Bolivar Dr, Berkeley, CA 94710
Date: Saturday, December 13, 2025 | 10:30am - 12:00pm
Join us for a Fun Run around Aquatic Park! The course provides a safe yet fun and challenging trek across the park. Check-in starts at 10:30 am, with the Fun Run set to begin at 11:30 am. Registration is required. All participants will receive an event t-shirt, bib, and goodie bag. Registration fee: $10.
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Winter Youth Festival
Venue: Aquatic Park
Address: 80 Bolivar Dr, Berkeley, CA 94710
Date: Saturday, December 13, 2025 | 12:00 pm - 4:00pm
Join us at Aquatic Park for family-friendly games and activities celebrating Berkeley’s youth and the winter season!
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Pancake Breakfast with Santa
Venue: Live Oak Community Center
Address: 1301 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley, CA 94709
Date: Saturday, December 20, 2025 | 8:30am - 12:00pm
Join us for a delicious pancake breakfast complete with eggs, fruit, and sausage. During breakfast, you have a meet-and-greet photo opportunity with Santa and his North Pole friends!
Pre-registration is required for this event.
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Third Saturday Cleanup
Venue: Shorebird Park
Address: 160 University Ave, Berkeley, CA 94710
Date: Saturday, December 20, 2025 | 9:00am - 11:00am
Individuals, families, and groups are welcome to join us on the third Saturday of each month for small clean-ups that meet here at the Shorebird Park Nature Center.
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