 Close the Detention Camps Rally
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Please join us for a
City of Berkeley sponsored
Rally for Children in Federal Migrant Detention Centers
12-2 p.m.
Saturday, July 13
Berkeley Civic Center Park
The reports of unhealthy and traumatizing conditions for children and
adults at migrant detention centers on the U.S. Mexican border demand our urgent attention and action.
In cooperation with Lights for Liberty National Day of Action, the City of Berkeley will host a rally to demand that children are cared for in a humane way and that the detention centers be shut down. Join us to express your support. Please spread the word to your neighbors and friends.
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PG&E Helicopter
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Photo: David Middlecamp, Tribune News
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I am certain that you all heard and saw the helicopter flying at low altitude over our neighborhoods this past weekend. I received many emails and NEXTDOOR was buzzing with inquiries asking what was going on.
Unfortunately, PG&E neglected to inform anyone at the City that this would be happening this past weekend. So, along with all of you, I was trying to figure out what that helicopter was doing and why it was flying at 300 feet on a Saturday and Sunday.
Earlier in the month, I did receive a letter from PG&E, describing the new Community Wildfire Safety Program and alerting me that the helicopter inspections would begin on July 30th. So I was surprised when the program started on July 6th
I suspect that the helicopter will be back, but I do not know their schedule. I know that crews are working twelve hours a day, six days a week to try to identify hazardous conditions. If you have questions, please direct them to PG&E Customer Service at 1-877-660-6789.
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How to Prepare for Power Outages
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PG&E has announced that they may shut off power at transmission lines, if they predict that extreme weather conditions are ripe for a wildfire. They warn that we may be without power for more than 48 hours. Electrical power can also be lost as the result of an earthquake.
Being prepared to deal with the reality of no electricity is essential to the health and safety of you and your loved ones. Here are a few suggestions that I have put together to help you manage in the event of a power outage:
If you have warning (PG&E promises 48 hours):
- Fill up your car with gas or charge to full capacity if you own an EV.
- Withdraw cash from bank, enough for a week for your family's needs.
- Park your car facing downhill. If your car is in a garage, park face forward. If you have an electric garage door, learn how to operate your garage door manually or consider leaving the garage door open.
- Charge your mobile phone. Consider purchasing a battery charger.
I strongly recommend the following:
- LED head flashlight. This straps around your head allowing you to have the use of both of your hands. They are also available in children's sizes.
- LED Lanterns - can sit or hang and lasts more than 24 hours.
- Battery powered radio with extra batteries.
- Battery backup power supply (UPS) for your electronics
If you have the need for any medical equipment that is electrical, please consult with your doctor about your options in the event of a power outage.
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Insurance questions?
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Part of planning for an emergency includes a re-evaluation of your home insurance policies, especially if your home is in a high hazard fire area or earthquake zone.
Please take a moment to review your policies. Here are a few suggestions for things to look for, but call your agent for more information:
- Does your policy provide for 100% replacement of your home at current building code standards (Building Code Upgrade)? Does it include demolition, debris removal and foundation replacement?
- Is there a specified $ amount per sq. footage of replacement cost?
- Do you have an Extended Replacement Cost clause?
- Does your coverage include personal property? Read the fine print.
- How long will your rent and related expenses be covered while your home is being reconstructed?
Replacing a home in Berkeley can be more expensive than in other areas of the country. Check with your insurance agent to be sure that you have adequate coverage in the event that your home is damaged or destroyed in a catastrophic disaster.
Also, I have heard from friends in the Oakland hills that some companies are sending out cancellation notices. if you receive a letter from your insurance company warning of cancellation of your policy because you live in an area vulnerable to wildfire, please let me know.
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RVs in Berkeley
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Photo: Berkeleyside
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Berkeley is struggling to figure out a solution to the proliferation of people living in RVs on our streets. As a consequence of high housing costs, more people are choosing to live in RVs to get by and survive.
How can we deal with this challenge in a responsible, and at the same time compassionate way?
The Mayor has put forth a proposal which you can read here that will be considered by City Council on July 23rd.
There is another proposal before us to allow two week permits for RV parking throughout the city. You can read that here.
If NEXTDOOR is indicative, residents have strong opinions on this issue. As your representative, I am interested in knowing what your thoughts are on this. I always strive to find a balanced approach to complex and controversial issues, and your input will be important to my final decision. Please send me your thoughts at: swengraf@cityofberkeley.info.
If you want all council members to receive your email, send to:
Also, please take this opportunity to participate in the Town Hall discussion at Berkeley Considers by clicking here.
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City Budget
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General Fund Expenditures by Department
The 2020-2021 Budget was unanimously passed by the City Council at the end of June.
Some highlights that I introduced and/or supported include:
- Allocating resources to Transportation to reduce pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities and injuries.
- Investing in wildfire safety; training, equipment, and vegetation management programs.
- Upgrading police gear for active shooter situations; funding a gun buyback program.
- Resources for a Solano Avenue Revitalization Study.
- Funds for waterfront/Marina improvements.
- Increased funding for housing, anti-displacement and homeless services.
- Investment in the arts and culture organizations and programs
- Contributions to our reserves and to funds to address our unfunded liabilities.
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Emergency Notifications
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 AC Alert will be Berkeley's primary emergency alerting system for the public. It is one of the tools the City of Berkeley uses to communicate emergency information and instructions to the community. AC Alert can send:
- Voice alerts to phones
- SMS text messages
- Email
- TTY/TDD messages
Listed AT&T "land lines" are automatically included to receive voice messages from AC Alert for emergency warnings. Community members must sign up to receive voice or text alerts on cell phones, VoIP phones, unlisted phones, TTY/TDDs or through email.
If you want to receive emergency alerts and updates, sign up for AC Alert.
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311
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 Need a new refuse can?- Have a favorite pothole you want filled?
- Want to report illegal dumping?
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Councilmember Susan Wengraf
