16Jan 2026 by Kieryn Darkwater

Jan. News: Public Health Alert – Lepto at Harrison Encampments

Homelessness, News, Newsletter
Dear Neighbor, I’m writing to you this morning to share an important Public Health Alert from our City’s Public Health Officer issued earlier this week. In and near the Harrison Street encampments, numerous rats and at least two dogs have tested positive for Leptospirosis—a treatable disease that can have severe and potentially fatal impacts to people and dogs who are exposed to infected water or mud. Rats and their urine are the vectors for Leptospirosis. To date, no human infections have been diagnosed.  Rats have made conditions unsafe for encampments in the area bounded by San Pablo Avenue, Gilman Street, Codornices Creek and the railroad tracks. The City’s Health Officer Dr. Noemi Doohan strongly recommends that encampment residents move out of the defined area (see map below) and at least…
Read More
24Dec 2025 by Kieryn Darkwater

Happy Holidays!

News, Newsletter
Dear Neighbor, As we wrap up 2025, I want to wish you and your loved ones a joyful and peaceful holiday season. Serving as your Councilmember is a true honor, and I am constantly inspired by the resilience and spirit of our Berkeley community. Whether you are celebrating Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, or simply enjoying the winter break, I hope your days are filled with warmth and connection. I look forward to continuing our work together in the New Year. Happy Holidays! Warmly, From left, Councilmembers Terry Taplin, Igor Tregub, Mayor Adena Ishii, Berkeley Food Network Executive Director Andrew Crispin, and Councilmembers Rashi Kesarwani and Cecilia Lunaparra at the Mayor's Community Holiday Party in support of Berkeley Food Network. To support their work to address food insecurity in our community, you…
Read More
04Nov 2025 by Kieryn Darkwater

REMINDER: Food Assistance During Federal Government Shutdown

News, Newsletter
Dear Neighbor, Because of the ongoing federal government shutdown, CalFresh food assistance benefits, which are funded by the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will lapse Saturday, Nov. 1—unless Congress takes immediate action or the courts intervene. This means that money will not be added at the beginning of the month to EBT cards. If you have unused funds on your EBT card, you can continue to use those funds until they are depleted. For more information, please visit the state's CalFresh FAQ webpage. The California Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program, which provides food benefits to families with pregnancies and children under 5, is not impacted and benefits will continue for WIC recipients. Berkeleyside has prepared a list of resources for those in need of food assistance and those…
Read More
23Oct 2025 by Kieryn Darkwater

Oct. News: Possible ICE Deployment in Bay Area, Nov. Special Election & More

Event, News, Newsletter
Hi Neighbor,  The latest news reports from this morning suggest that it is "not immediately clear" whether a major federal immigration operation will proceed as planned in the Bay Area. I am sharing below a statement from Mayor Adena Ishii and City Manager Paul Buddenhagen released late yesterday that provides guidance and resources during this uncertain and challenging time. Please take care.  Statement from Berkeley Mayor Adena Ishii and City Manager Paul Buddenhagen It has been confirmed that ICE is coming to the Bay Area and is currently mobilizing 100 agents to conduct operations within and around San Francisco, including East Bay cities. We have known that it was only a matter of time before we were faced with this challenge here. The time is now, and we want to…
Read More
17Sep 2025 by Kieryn Darkwater

Sept. News: Sanctuary City Ordinance, New Bathrooms & More

Event, News, Newsletter, Sidewalks and Streets
Dear Neighbor, I hope you had an enjoyable summer! The Council has returned from its summer recess, and it was a delight to walk with members of the Berkeley City Council, Mayor Adena Ishii, and Alameda County Supervisor Nikki Fortunato Bas during the Solano Stroll on Sunday. And thank you to the 1300 block of Talbot Avenue for inviting me to your block party later on Sunday. Please know that my calendar is always open for your block party invitations or other community gatherings! As we endure difficult times, it feels especially important to find moments to come together and enjoy each other’s company. If you'd like to come say hello, I'll be holding a Drop-In Meeting: This Sun., Sept. 21 from 4-5 p.m.Picnic tables at James Kenney Park Members…
Read More
25Jun 2025 by Kieryn Darkwater

June News: Judge Authorizes Ohlone Encampment Closure & Middle Housing Mtg TONIGHT

Homelessness, Middle Housing, News, Newsletter
Hi Neighbor, I'm writing to you this morning with an update on the Ohlone Park Encampment court case. The judge in the case Berkeley Homeless Union v. City of Berkeley issued an order yesterday afternoon denying the plaintiffs request for a preliminary injunction to prohibit the City’s planned encampment closure of Ohlone Park. Our City Manager now has the court’s clearance to proceed with the encampment closure, and is working to do so as expeditiously as possible. The City must provide new notice (of at least 72 hours) prior to closing the Ohlone encampment and must comply with all of its policies and procedures, including as it relates to the storage of personal belongings. Here is a short summary of the ruling: The court denied the Berkeley Homeless Union’s motion…
Read More
17Dec 2024 by Kieryn Darkwater
Reminder: Winter News: Encampment Policy Update, N. Berkeley BART Entitlement Issued & More

Reminder: Winter News: Encampment Policy Update, N. Berkeley BART Entitlement Issued & More

Homelessness, News, Newsletter, North Berkeley Bart
Hi Neighbor, I want to wish you a joyful holiday season!  On the City Council, I’m pleased to welcome Mayor Adena Ishii, new Councilmembers Shoshana O’Keefe (District 5) and Brent Blackaby (District 6), and newly re-elected Councilmembers Terry Taplin (District 2) and Ben Bartlett (District 3). I look forward to working productively and collaboratively with all of my Council colleagues to address District 1 priority issues, particularly homeless encampments, public safety, and street paving. From left, Councilmember Ben Bartlett, Mayor Adena Ishii, Councilmembers Terry Taplin, Shoshana O'Keefe, and Brent Blackaby taking the oath of office. Photo: Eric Panzer In this newsletter:  Homeless Encampment Policy Update #2  N. Berkeley BART: Land Use Entitlement Issued!   A Call for Civility at Public Meetings  Sign Up for Emergency Alerts Homeless Encampment Policy Update #2…
Read More
07Dec 2023 by Rashi Kesarwani

Winter News: Final BART Mtg, Street Paving, AC Transit Routes

Event, News, Newsletter, North Berkeley Bart, Sidewalks and Streets
Hi Neighbor, Happy Hanukkah to all those celebrating this evening. In this season of giving thanks, I feel especially grateful for the opportunity to serve our community. A large part of my service involves reading and listening to your varied perspectives—from local issues such as housing at N. Berkeley BART and street paving to the war in the Middle East. I offer my prayers for peace, and my prayers for those in our community who have lost loved ones and are experiencing deep grief and pain. I respect the right of all to protest, and I understand and sympathize with strongly-held beliefs on issues of war and peace that we have heard of late in the Council chambers. Because of the disruption at recent Council meetings, the Mayor has been…
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
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