Rashi Kesarwani | Updates

16Oct 2023 by Kieryn Darkwater

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

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…

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…

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…

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…

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)…

10Feb 2023 by Rashi Kesarwani

February News: BART Meeting Next Week, Ohlone Greenway Upgrades & More

Newsletter

Hi Neighbor, This Black History Month, we mourn the tragic death of Tyre Nichols and we witness an alarming assault on African American Studies. Here in Berkeley, I pledge my continued commitment to fighting for racial justice. This month, I will be holding two drop-in meetings for residents: Cedar Rose Park (amphitheater area)Sat., Feb. 18 | 9:30-10:30 a.m. West Berkeley Service Center, 1900 Sixth St.Thurs., Feb. 23 | 5-6:30 p.m. On Thurs., March 2 (5:30-6:30 p.m.), I will hold a safety meeting at the Berkeley Adult School for the 1600 to 1700 blocks of San Pablo Avenue with Berkeley Police Lt. Matt McGee and Head of Neighborhood Services Peter Radu—pursuant to my Council item requesting a security assessment for the area. In this newsletter: Hopkins Street Safety Plan Special Council…

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…

08Dec 2022 by Kieryn Darkwater

Dec. News: Hopkins Corridor Virtual Meeting on Dec. 12 & More

Newsletter

Hi Neighbor, I want to wish you a very happy holiday season! Here’s more information on how you can shop local and support our small businesses this holiday season. In this newsletter: Hopkins Corridor Virtual Meeting on Mon., Dec. 12 Give Input on Ohlone Park Restroom Hopkins Corridor Virtual Meeting on Mon., Dec. 12 The City Public Works Department is holding a virtual community workshop this Mon., Dec. 12 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. to consider ideas for improving transportation safety along Hopkins Street from Gilman to San Pablo. Consistent with the Berkeley Climate Action Plan and Vision Zero Action Plan to eliminate fatal and severe traffic crashes, the project seeks to: Improve safety for people biking and walking along Hopkins Street Provide easier access by bike and on foot…

10Nov 2022 by Kieryn Darkwater

BART Meetings: Developer Public Presentations TONIGHT & Design Meeting Next Week

Event, Newsletter, North Berkeley Bart

Hi Neighbor, There are two upcoming meetings about N. Berkeley BART Station Development: 1) TONIGHT: The City and BART will hold a Public Presentations Meeting with developer candidates from 7 to 9 p.m. Click HERE to register, if you haven't already. 2) SAVE THE DATE: The City and BART will hold their first Objective Design Standards Meeting on Wed., Nov. 16 from 7 to 9 p.m. Please see more details for both meetings below TONIGHT: N. Berkeley BART Developer Candidate Public Presentations The City and BART will hold a Public Presentations Meeting with developer candidates TONIGHT from 7 to 9 p.m. The meeting will take place in a hybrid format, with in-person and online participation available. Each developer team will present their credentials, experience, and past projects, followed by a…

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…