Happy Holidays!

24Dec 2025 by Kieryn Darkwater

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 can make a donation HERE.

For holiday waste, take note of changed pickup schedule and properly dispose holiday tree

If your home or business gets trash, recycling, and compost normally collected on a Thursday or Friday, put your bins out a day later due to Christmas and New Year’s days.

Following those holidays, customers with regular Thursday pickups should place their bins curbside on Friday mornings by 7 a.m. And those with Friday pickups should set out their bins on Saturday by the same time. 

Please be advised that collection may occur later in the day than usual. However, if your collection is more than a day behind, report a missed pickup by submitting an online form or calling Customer Service at (510) 981-7270.

When you’re ready to dispose of your holiday tree, cut it up and place it in your bin for curbside pickup or drop it off whole at the City’s Transfer Station (1201 2nd Street off Gilman). The Transfer Station will accept compostable trees for free in the month of January.

2025 Annual Report from the City Manager

From City Manager Paul Buddenhagen:

“Collectively, our work in 2025 reflects Berkeley’s commitment to serving all residents.

Through careful fiscal management and collaborative planning, the City continues to turn opportunity into lasting value for residents. By leveraging local bond funding with state and federal resources, Berkeley has upgraded core infrastructure, improved civic access, and laid the groundwork for future innovation and economic growth.

What you’ll find in the summary below are not isolated efforts, but part of a larger story about resilience, inclusivity, and responsible governance. From expanded Wi-Fi and safer intersections to public art, youth programs, and zoning that supports emerging industries, these investments serve the full spectrum of daily life.

Each project, large or small, underscores a simple truth: when a city is well-resourced and well managed, it can deliver more efficient services and a better future for all.”

Read the full 2025 Annual Report HERE.