09Sep 2024 by Kieryn Darkwater

Sept. News: Encampment Policy ACTION ALERT, N. Berkeley BART Funding Update & More

Newsletter, North Berkeley Bart
Dear Neighbor, I want to inform you about an important policy item I have authored to address unsafe homeless encampments that have persisted for years in West Berkeley, causing detrimental impacts to residents, workers, business owners, and visitors. The Encampment Policy Resolution, co-sponsored by Councilmembers Susan Wengraf and Mark Humbert, would enable the City of Berkeley to finally take action to close hazardous encampments in the Harrison corridor and Cedar and Second Street area of District 1, and deter re-encampment through hardscaping, signage, and enforcement of state and local laws. The policy is a balanced reasonable approach that continues the City’s commitment to offer shelter whenever practicable, and also allows City staff to address encampments that pose a fire, imminent health hazard or other serious risk, as narrowly defined in the…
Read More
24Apr 2024 by Kieryn Darkwater

April News: San Pablo Safety Upgrades, Gilman District Street Fair, Bike Race & More

Newsletter
Hi neighbor, Happy Spring! I’m honored to share that the City of Berkeley has earned a “Pro-Housing” Designation from the state’s Housing and Community Development Department (HCD). By earning the Pro-housing Designation, Berkeley will now be eligible to receive exclusive access to pro-housing grants and additional points in the scoring of competitive housing, community development, and infrastructure funding programs administered by HCD. Among our housing policy achievements, the state highlighted our Planning Department’s work to simplify the permit application process for backyard cottages, or Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs): …the city facilitates Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) production by prioritizing ADU permit applications, having one dedicated ADU planner, and providing a website with FAQs and links to ease ADU planning. These important process improvements, which follow best practices proven to be effective…
Read More
12Mar 2024 by Kieryn Darkwater

March News: Community Safety Mtg, Ohlone Greenway Funding & More

Newsletter
Hi Neighbor, I was disheartened to hear about the multiple reports of auto break-ins in District 1 locations over the last month. On Feb. 21, 23 car break-ins occurred at the N. Berkeley BART parking lot; and the following evening, several blocks in West Berkeley experienced more than 50 car burglaries. According to Police Chief Jen Louis, the victimized areas in West Berkeley include residential parking lots in the 2000 blocks of Fourth and Fifth streets, 1400 block of Seventh Street, 800-1000 block of Jones, 900 block of Cedar, 1400 block of Santa Fe and possibly the 2700 block of Acton. The perpetrators primarily rifled through center consoles and glove boxes. Police investigators are following leads taken from security cameras installed close by. I have introduced and supported Council items…
Read More
23Jan 2024 by Kieryn Darkwater

January News: San Pablo Ave Community Mtg & Coat Drive

Homelessness, Newsletter
Hi Neighbor, I wish you my best as we begin a new year.  Earlier this month, the Mayor lamented the deterioration of civil discourse among a subset of activists in the Council chambers. The loss of life, suffering, and destruction in Gaza is hard to witness, and I pray everyday for a sustainable lasting peace. My heart breaks for victims of this war on both sides, and for their loved ones here and around the world. Still, it is deeply regrettable that some find it acceptable to shout down those with whom they disagree. I pray that we seek kindness over vitriol, empathy over self-righteousness, and unity over division.   All of us who serve in elected office have at times been on the receiving end of uncivil behavior, often…
Read More
16Oct 2023 by Kieryn Darkwater

Oct. News: Middle East Conflict and Safety in Our Community, N. Berkeley BART Mtg

Event, News, Newsletter
Like many of you, I’ve been following the news of the vicious terror attack unleashed by Hamas near the Gaza border in Israel, which claimed the lives of an estimated 1,300 innocent Israeli civilians—including babies, children, and the elderly—on a Jewish holy day. I unequivocally condemn this deliberate and brutal act of terrorism, and my heart breaks for all those who have lost loved ones. At the same time, I feel deep empathy for the suffering of innocent Palestinians and grieve for the civilian loss of life in Gaza. As this conflict unfolds, we know there will be more casualties, including civilians in Gaza and Israel. My thoughts are with all members of our community who are directly impacted by events in the region. I also pray that we sustain…
Read More
24Aug 2023 by Kieryn Darkwater

Aug. Updates: Ohlone Greenway Redesign and N. Berkeley BART & Public Safety Meetings

Newsletter, North Berkeley Bart, Sidewalks and Streets
Hi Neighbor, A number of alarming crime incidents have occurred in our district recently, and certain property and violent crimes are on the rise, based on the 2022 crime report. Please SAVE THE DATE for a District 1 Public Safety Meeting on Thurs., Sept. 28 from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Berkeley Adult School Multipurpose Room (1701 San Pablo Ave.) with Berkeley Police Lt. Matt McGee of the Community Services Bureau. In addition to answering your questions, we will share the latest crime statistics for our district, strategies to protect yourself and your property, and review the status of public safety tools that the Council has recently authorized as well as the status of filling vacant police positions.  Last month, the Council approved the use of automated license plate readers, which…
Read More
17Jul 2023 by Kieryn Darkwater

Summer News: City Budget & Staffing, Addressing Encampments & BART Updates

Homelessness, News, Newsletter, Sidewalks and Streets
Hi Neighbor, I hope you’re able to take time this summer to slow down and enjoy these warm sunny days with your family and friends. Last month, the Council approved a balanced budget for FY 2023-24, which you can read about in Berkeleyside and The Berkeley Scanner. In the years I have served on the Council, it has been concerning to watch some of my Council colleagues attempt to initiate new costly programs and services without appearing to consider the annual ongoing cost and the availability of staff to deliver on their ambitions. In this year’s budget, there was a recognition by Mayor Arreguín that the City does not currently have the financial or staff capacity to deliver on some of his Reimagining Public Safety initiatives. This is something I…
Read More
08May 2023 by Kieryn Darkwater

May News: N. Berkeley BART Open House, Police Chief Appointment & More

Event, Newsletter, Sidewalks and Streets
Hi Neighbor, Happy May! I wanted to remind you that the selected N. Berkeley BART development team will be hosting an open house this Wed., May 10 and you may drop in anytime from 6 to 8 p.m. at the N. Berkeley Senior Center (1901 Hearst). They will be seeking your input on a variety of issues listed in the flyer below. Light refreshments and children’s activities will be available. If you require any special accommodations, please e-mail nbb@bridgehousing.com as soon as possible. Also, please SAVE THE DATE for my next Drop-In Meeting: Tues., May 30 from 5-6 p.m. at the Ohlone Park playground picnic table (near Hearst and McGee). In this newsletter: May 9: Council Considers Permanent Appointment of Jennifer Louis as Police Chief Gilman Street Closed Between Second…
Read More
28Mar 2023 by Kieryn Darkwater

March News: San Pablo Ave Corridor Meeting, Street Paving, Gilman District Street Fair & More

News, Newsletter
Hi Neighbor, Happy Spring! Our City staff are continuing to clear downed trees from last week's powerful storm, which is expected to take one month. If you have wood debris (including shrubs, brush, limbs, woody bushes, broom, cypress, eucalyptus, juniper, firewood, etc.) on your property, you can schedule an appointment for the City’s chipper service HERE. In light of the recent storm, this service is being offered citywide beginning April 17.   Please SAVE THE DATE for my next Drop-In Meeting: Sun., April 2, 10-11 a.m.Berkeley Way Mini-Park (1294 Berkeley Way)(Seating is limited here, so please feel free to bring your own folding chair if you like.) In this newsletter: - San Pablo Avenue Corridor Project Open House this Thurs., March 30, 6-8 p.m. at the Adult School (1701 San Pablo)…
Read More
04Jan 2023 by Kieryn Darkwater

Weather Alert: Safety Reminders for Heavy Rain and Wind

News, Newsletter
Hi Neighbor, Happy New Year! This e-mail includes safety reminders for heavy rain and wind from the City of Berkeley and AC Alert. From AC Alert: "There’s still time to prepare for today's storm: Sign up for alerts, get sandbags, charge your phone, prepare an emergency kit with flashlights, prescriptions, and important documents." "Avoid driving, if possible. Don’t drive through road closures or flood waters: Turn Around, Don’t Drown!" Alameda County Prepare for Winter Storms Webpage From City of Berkeley: With another "atmospheric river" expected to bring heavy rain and strong winds starting today, help keep Berkeley safe by doing your part to reduce flooding in your neighborhood and by reporting downed power lines, clogged drains, fallen trees, and other storm-related issues. The National Weather Service has issued a High…
Read More