Jenny Wong, City Auditor
Promoting transparency and accountability in Berkeley government.
Audit News
from the City Auditor
September 2021
Initiating Financial Condition Audit
Today my office initiated an audit of the City’s financial condition from our Audit Plan for FY 2022. We aim to present a snapshot of the City’s financial well-being by calculating financial ratios, analyzing trends, and comparing the results to other cities. This audit will provide context about the City’s finances to help inform the biennial budget process. It is due to be released in spring of 2022.
September is National Preparedness Month, which is a great reminder to take steps now to be ready for
emergencies that may require quick evacuation, such as catastrophic wildfires or earthquakes. One way to prepare is to create a Financial First Aid Kit that contains the critical information needed to begin the recovery process after an emergency evacuation or other incident. Check out our guide to create your Financial First Aid Kit and be better prepared should you and your family face an emergency. 
Proof of vaccination required in certain businesses

  • Sept. 10: Certain businesses required to verify full vaccination of patrons
  • Oct. 15: Certain employers required to verify full vaccination of employees

A City of Berkeley Health Officer Order requires employees of certain businesses to be vaccinated while also requiring a portion of those businesses to also verify proof of full vaccination for patrons who are at least 12 years old. The requirement to verify vaccination of both employees and patrons focuses on indoor environments where airborne droplets or particles containing the virus spread easily because people:

  • remove a face covering, such as to eat or drink in a restaurant, bar, or club
  • breathe at more intense levels in a group, such as a gym, yoga studio or dance class
  • crowd together in groups of 1,000 or more 
 
Video Series
The City's Office of Emergency Services has created a video series to help community members understand the growing wildfire threat facing Berkeley and what you can do to take control before a fire starts. These videos walk you through making a fire weather plan for your household, explain how weather conditions relate to fire risk, and highlight the behind-the-scenes work the Berkeley Fire Department is doing to prepare our community for the 2021 wildfire season and beyond. Download our fire weather planning tool and watch our video guide to help craft a fire weather plan that meets your household's needs.
Evacuation Zones and Zonehaven App
Berkeley now has pre-defined evacuation zones that officials will use to deliver alerts and instructions in an emergency. Everyone needs to know their evacuation zone number. Look up your evacuation zone now and write it down. Bookmark community.zonehaven.com on your computer and phone. During a fire, emergency responders will use this portal to post real-time, zone-specific evacuation warnings and orders.
AC Transit: Fare-Free Fridays in September
AC Transit is excited to welcome riders back, and are providing free rides every Friday in September with Fare-Free Fridays. Fare-Free Fridays applies to all AC Transit local and Transbay lines, allowing riders to board without fare payment from 12 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. on September 3, 10, 17, and 24. Riders can expect to see fareboxes and Clipper card readers covered, Tempo ticket vending machines turned off, and mobile fare payment deactivated during this time. 
Vaccinations are open to all Alameda County residents age 12 and over.
 
Drop-in COVID-19 vaccinations are available at pop-up Berkeley Public Health clinics around the city. 

There are additional ways to get vaccinated, and the City recommends that Berkeley residents sign up for:
 
Resources For COVID-19 Information and Updates
Berkeley City Auditor | Website