==Congratulations to those of you who live in ZIP Code 94708! COVID-19 vaccination data indicates that the residents of this ZIP code have achieved an 86% fully vaccinated rate. Another 8% will receive their second shots within the next three weeks, bringing 94708 to a fully vaccinated rate of 94%.

==For more information on vaccination rates in other ZIP codes, click here.

==My gratitude to the City of Berkeley staff who worked tirelessly to establish our testing and vaccination programs, and to our residents for so enthusiastically participating.

==Vaccinations are still readily available without an appointment. Let's see if we can get to 100%!

==Join us for a forum that will address the complexities of new approaches to policing, and an increase in disturbing mental health behaviors.

==It is hosted by Councilmember Lori Droste with Mayor Arreguin, Councilmember Susan Wengraf, our Interim Police Chief, City Manager, and the head of our Health, Housing, and Community Services Department.

==We will discuss community safety, addressing mental health crises, and what Berkeley can do to ensure the safety of our residents.

==RSVP to kbirnbach@cityofberkeley.info to register and receive the Zoom link.

==Your input on this critical matter is important to me. The City will be making major decisions about City/UC planning in the coming weeks. Please take a few minutes to participate in this survey.

==This survey is designed to both inform Berkeley residents of UC Berkeley's proposed expansion and development plans as well as gather your opinions and ideas regarding how the City of Berkeley can best work with the University to accommodate UC Berkeley's growth while preserving and enhancing the City's quality of life, safety, and sustainability.

==The Southside Neighborhood Consortium is made up of ten neighborhood organizations representing over 1,500 residents in areas of the City impacted most by UC Berkeley's development.

==The information provided in this survey is drawn from a variety of public documents, including UC Berkeley's draft Long Range Development Plan, City of Berkeley fiscal impact studies, and UC system-wide online enrollment reports. You can read the Long Range Development Plan here.

==Please take the survey here so that I have your feedback on the University's plan to expand over the next 15 years.

==The sale, possession, or use of fireworks of all types and sizes (including Safe and Sane fireworks) are banned and illegal to use in Berkeley.

==Berkeley Police will have extra officers working on the 4^th of July and will confiscate all fireworks and cite and arrest violators.

==Offenders could also face up to $500.00 dollars in fines. Possession of dangerous fireworks such as M-80’s or cherry bombs, constitutes a felony and could result in fines up to $5,000.00 dollars and possible jail time.

==There are a number of challenges to enforcement of fireworks laws. In order to make an arrest or to issue a citation, an officer needs to be able to witness the violation or otherwise catch those responsible in possession of fireworks, or alternately, have a witness who can identify the suspect and be willing to sign a private person’s arrest.

==We need your help! If you see fireworks being set off in Berkeley, please report it to the police department by calling dispatch at 510-981-5911.

==The City of Berkeley, in partnership with Dorothy Day House and Rebuilding Together, will soon be opening up a new shelter, the Horizon Transitional Village Program, located on Grayson St. Once open, this new shelter will be able to provide 50 people a place to live, in addition to providing meals, workshops, and services.

==We need your help in completing the final work that must be done before we can open. Volunteers are needed for a wide range of tasks, including painting, landscaping, carpentry and construction, cleaning, and administrative support. If you are able to spend a couple of hours over the next few weeks, your support will be greatly appreciated, and your efforts will be going towards a very good cause. 

==For more details on volunteer opportunities click here. To sign up, click here.

==With the threat of wildfire here in Berkeley increasing every year, we welcome new technologies that will help to keep all of us safer in the event of a conflagration.

==This month, a long-awaited emergency evacuation software program, Zonehaven, will be launched here in Berkeley. Zonehaven will allow officials to alert you to evacuate in the event of a disaster.

==Your job is to learn your zone number. You can look up your designated zone here. You should write this zone number down in a prominent location so you can reference it when you receive an alert.

==Read more about it in this Berkeleyside Q&A.

==In the near future, we will also be getting an outdoor warning system. Stay tuned for time lines and locations.

==Receive emergency notifications through ACAlert.

==Sign up here.