Berkeley News Page
Berkeley Neighborhoods to Participate in Simulated Earthquake Exercise
On May 19, Berkeley CERTs will practice emergency-response skills
It's not too late to sign up!
On May 19, members of Berkeley’s Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) from across the City will be testing their preparedness plans and their response skills. In the course of the Saturday-morning exercise, CERT members will be practicing communicating in four different directions: with their own families, with their own neighborhoods, with the City Emergency Operation Center and with other neighborhoods.
“In a disaster, communication is the first and biggest challenge,” said Berkeley Fire Chief Debra Pryor. “Although we can’t completely simulate a disaster, the coordinated exercise gives our neighborhood groups and our staff the chance to work together and practice disaster response in Berkeley neighborhoods. One of the exciting aspects about this exercise is that it’s not just for CERT groups—any community group or individual can participate.”
Keep reading for more information about how you and your neighbors can prepare for an earthquake.
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Upcoming Events
Visit the Community Calendar for coming events!
On May 15th, International Conscientious Objectors' Day, Celebrate the 6th Annual Peace & Justice Commission sponsored Peace Flag raising ceremony for Berkeley C.O. and War Resisters' Day @ 11:30am. The first of two flag raisings will be a the Civic Center Building flagpole located at 2180 Milvia Street at the corner of Allston Way. The second flag raising will be at the flagpole @ Civic Center Park and Martin Luther King, Jr. Way.
Celebrating youth health and fitness! All kids are encouraged to join the fun, and take the challenge of this swim-bike-run event, to be held at King Pool, surrounding park and middle school. The race benefits the City of Berkeley's youth swim team. Pre-registration is required. Deadline to register is May 12, 2012. Entry form may be downloaded from the website at
www.cityofberkeley.info/recreation (Under Special Events or Aquatics).
City Council
City Board and Commissions, May 14-May 24
The City of Berkeley has more than 40 commissions, on which more than 350 residents volunteer as members. Members of boards and commissions provide an invaluable service to our City by advising the City Council on important policy matters. For more information, visit the City Clerk's web site.
Mind Your Health: Free “Feel Good Day” - Berkeley and Albany residents are invited to attend a free “feel good day” and learn techniques for healthier living, including meditation, nutrition, massage and yoga. This all-day event is sponsored by the City’s Health, Housing and Community Service Department to celebrate May as Mental Health Month. [more...]
Free Summer Meals for Berkeley Youth: UPDATED SCHEDULE - Children who are 18 years old or younger are invited to eat free in Berkeley. The City of Berkeley, in collaboration with the State of California Department of Education, will offer free summer lunches and snacks to all Berkeley children at locations across the City between June 18 and August 17. Dates, times and locations are listed below. [more...]
City of Berkeley Gets New Planning Director: Eric Angstadt, the City of Berkeley’s new Planning Director, started work this week. His appointment was confirmed by the City Council at their April 3 meeting.
“Eric is a 16-year veteran of planning and economic development, and has considerable technical knowledge and experience,” said Interim City Manager Christine Daniel, who made the selection after a nationwide search. “He also has the leadership skills necessary to help the department maintain and improve its services in the face of very difficult budget times.” [more...]
Highlighted City of Berkeley Web Resources
Visit the full list on the A-Z Services page
Open Government Ordinance: The Open Government Ordinance is a city ordinance that provides additional assurances that community members have access to public meetings and public documents (over and above what is already guaranteed by state law). Berkeley's ordinance covers four primary areas: the agenda process, conduct of meetings, access to records, and oversight. This page acts as a clearinghouse for the various documents and information guaranteed to citizens.
Download City Council meetings: Were you watching Glee intstead of the City Council on Tuesday? Don't worry-- you can now have both! Audio and video podcasts of City Council meetings are now available for 2010 and 2011.
Fire Prevention: For great information on how to reduce the fire danger in your home, visit the Fire Prevention page and learn about smoke detectors, fire protection presentations and inspections, vegetation management and more. City Staff Directory: Did you know that you can find the email address and phone number for any City staff person?
Public Health Alerts: Stay informed about public health information about infectious disease occurrences in Berkeley by subscribing to this page.
Who Are These Suspects? Berkeley Police Department presents a new web feature to showcase recent crimes where community members can assist our Detectives with information. During some BPD investigations, we are able to get surveillance or other photographs of crime suspects, but we do not know who they are.
Adopt a Pet: Berkeley Animal Care Services has many dogs and cats available for adoption right now! Look at the animals online and come get your new pet today!
Subscription Services: Web visitors can subscribe directly to dozens of the City’s web pages, and be notified when those pages are updated. This service allows anyone with an email address to be notified when a media advisory is released, a new agenda is posted, a Request for Proposals is issued, and more.
The Berkeley News Page is an online digest of tidbits about City programs and services. For more news and information, visit the main press releases page, our list of Bay Area news outlets or the A-Z Services Index. You can also subscribe to dozens of pages throughout the City's website by visiting the Subscription Page. For questions about this page, please email Mary Kay Clunies-Ross at mclunies-ross@CityofBerkeley.info.