Rashi Kesarwani

23Oct 2025 by Kieryn Darkwater

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

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…

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…

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…

17Dec 2024 by Kieryn Darkwater

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…

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…

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…

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…

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)…

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…

24Oct 2022 by Kieryn Darkwater

Fall News: N. Berkeley BART Developer Public Presentations & More

News, Newsletter

Dear Neighbor, Our community mourns the senseless loss of three young people—Isamaeli (Eli) Mata’afa and Jazy and Angel Sotelo Garcia—to gun violence. You can support their families and memory by making a donation: Support the family of Isamaeli (Eli) Mata’afa by clicking HERE. The Berkeley Public Schools Fund has established the Jazy and Angel Scholarship Fund. As Chair of the Council's Public Safety Policy Committee, I will continue to advocate for investments to ensure families feel safe in their homes and neighborhoods. In this newsletter: - SAVE THE DATE: N. Berkeley BART Developer Candidate Public Presentations on Thurs., Nov. 10- Residential Preferential Parking (RPP) Permit Expansion to West Berkeley- Construction Updates: Gilman Interchange and Ohlone Greenway- Support Old Finnish Hall- Covid Recovery Grants SAVE THE DATE: N. Berkeley BART Developer…

Category: News