Together we can…
Once upon a time there was a town where every child had an enriching and enjoyable place to socialize, learn crafts, do homework, play games and more, all at no financial cost. This same town provided long term parking for a nominal fee to those living in their vehicles, along with basic services like running water. Diversity was valued in this town, as rent control and affordable housing allowed for a broad spectrum of socioeconomic residents, including those of very modest means. If you thought towns like this only exist in fairy tales, you’d be wrong. This town was our very own Berkeley in the not too distant past. Sadly, this is no longer the case. The good news, though, is that we still have a chance to turn this around. With four council members up for reelection this November, we have the opportunity to flip the script on the race toward gentrification, surveillance and exclusion of the poor our city’s leadership has been committed to.
One example of this misguided leadership: In November 2020, Councilmember Kesarwani attempted to get $1M in security/surveillance cameras passed. It failed. Unfortunately, with the help of Councilmember Taplin and an increase in gun incidents in 2021, the council agreed last month to spend $1.2M for security cameras to be installed around town, even though there is no evidence that cameras such as these reduce gun violence or even crime in general. The council could have invested those funds in proven solutions to decrease gun violence, but instead chose the pet project supported by the past and current chiefs of police.
Another significant misstep by the city council last year was the travesty of 1921 Walnut Street. This 112 year old 8-unit rent controlled building was unceremoniously demolished in December to make room for a luxury dorm for UC’s foreign students. Early on in the struggle, Mayor Arreguin and many council members unequivocally supported the tenants of 1921 Walnut. Sadly, their integrity went up for sale when UC made an offer they couldn’t refuse. Last summer, UC agreed to pay the city an additional $4M/year for 16 years. In exchange, the city dropped three lawsuits against UC and agreed to no future lawsuits involving UC’s current and future development projects, including building on People’s Park.
Thus far, this agreement has resulted in the demolition of eight households. The current council claims to support a housing first approach “which seeks to maintain households in housing whenever possible.” Why wasn’t this building relocated to one of the many empty lots in Berkeley to save these precious affordable units? The fealty of the city council to the university was evident when the transient housing needs of the unnecessarily growing body of students were prioritized over the housing needs of longtime Berkeley residents.
With all that bad news, there is some good news — the reimagining public safety process is reaching completion and now is the time to have your voice heard! For four consecutive Thursdays from 6 to 8pm starting January 13 via Zoom, residents of Berkeley are asked to give their input and feedback. Find all of the details including the consultant’s draft final report at: https://berkeley-rps.org/
Together, we can combine past blueprints with innovative ideas to create a city that will once again be a beacon of equitable, visionary and progressive values.
This article was first published in the Berkeley Times on January 13, 2022.
