Fwd: Mayor's Berkeley Weekly Update - 6/12/24

[Alan Gould]

FYI....

Begin forwarded message:

From: Mayor Jesse Arreguin <ma...@cityofberkeley.info>

Subject: Berkeley Weekly Update - 6/12/24

Date: June 12, 2024 at 12:56:43 PM PDT

To: adg...@comcast.net

Reply-To: ma...@cityofberkeley.info

People's Park Ruling A Win-Win A rendering of the supportive housing planned for People’s Park, as seen from the open space that will cover over 60% of the site. (Image: LMS Architects/Hood Design Studio) Last week, the State Supreme Court ruled that UC Berkeley can move forward on construction at the People’s Park site. The project will include 1,100 beds of student housing, over 100 units of permanent supportive housing for extremely-low income individuals, and the preservation of more than 60% of the site for public open space that commemorates the legacy and history of the site. The ruling overturned a previous decision which equated student noise as pollution, allowing the project which has overwhelming support in the community to proceed.  I am pleased at the common sense decision of the State Supreme Court to allow construction of much needed student housing, supportive housing, and open space at People’s Park. This decision is a win-win that will benefit our community and the next generation of students. UC Berkeley provides the least amount of student housing across the entire UC system. This is beginning to change, with thousands of units of student housing in the pipeline, which in turn will improve housing accessibility across the city. This project will provide permanent housing for the neediest people in our community, including those currently living on the streets. The student housing and permanent supportive housing will be located in separate buildings on the site. With a majority of the site open to green space, it will create a safe environment that is open to all.  The University has not announced a date for when construction will resume, but has said it will provide construction updates in the weeks ahead.  Homeless Response Team Update Unsheltered homeless has plummeted 45% in two years, while more people are now in supportive shelters.  Last month it was announced that homelessness in Berkeley had dropped by 20% over the past two years, including a dramatic 45% drop in the unsheltered population. While much of this progress can be attributed to shifting resources to addressing homelessness, including funds raised by the passage of Measure O and Measure P to increase affordable housing and homeless services, it is the day-to-day work of City staff that makes this possible. Specifically, the Homeless Response Team (HRT), which began its work in 2021, has made major inroads in sheltering the unhoused and encampment resolution. The HRT, which is an inter-departmental agency coordinated by the Neighborhood Services Division, has three primary goals. Goal one is to provide shelter. In addition to the 45% reduction in unsheltered homelessness over the last two years, the City saw a 57% increase in sheltered homelessness, showing the efforts to expand shelter and supportive housing options have been successful in giving people stability. Goal two is to mitigate health and safety hazards in encampments. Since its formation, the HRT has been involved with 109 encampment interventions, helping connect people to safer living arrangements. Goal three is to create a cleaner city. There has been a 45% reduction of debris being picked up year over year as a result of problematic street encampments being resolved.  The work that has been done over the last few years demonstrates that we can make a noticeable difference in addressing homelessness if we apply the resources needed to address it. To learn more about the work of the HRT and data on its accomplishments during the first quarter of 2024, click here.  Celebrating Juneteenth The City of Berkeley is celebrating the 35th annual Berkeley Juneteenth Festival on Sunday, June 16 from 11am-7pm at Adeline St/Alcatraz Ave. The event will feature activities for all ages, including a Kid Zone with a rock wall, art programs, and STEM activities, and two stages with music, dance, and spoken word. The Juneteenth festival provides an opportunity to celebrate African American culture, music, and traditions, while highlighting the significant contributions African Americans have made to the City of Berkeley.  Juneteenth, which became a federal holiday in 2021, marks the final emancipation of slaves on June 19, 1865. The City of Berkeley will be closed in recognition of the holiday on Friday, June 21. BUSD Free Meals Program This summer, the Berkeley Unified School District will be providing free breakfast and lunch to all students 18 years and younger. Students do not need to be enrolled in Berkeley schools to participate in the program. The program, funded by the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program, marks the fourth year the School District has provided free meals. BUSD has been providing free meals since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, and in 2021, California became the first state to launch a Universal Meals Program for school children.  For a list of locations and times for when meals are provided, click here. Upcoming City, Council, and Commission Meetings Below is a list of City meetings over the next week. Check the City’s Events webpage for a full list of meetings and for any changes to meetings.  City Council Special Meeting: June 14, 2pm Commissions Parks, Recreation, and Waterfront Commission: June 12, 7pm Civic Arts Grants Subcommittee: June 17, 10am Other Meetings Berkeley Housing Authority: June 13, 5:30pm

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