==Updates on our local treasure:

==Have you all seen the new trellis in the Rose Garden? Now is a great time to take a look. As a result of the new irrigation system, the roses are still blooming! It's been a while since we have seen such a strong bloom in mid-July.

==More progress! The new surfacing on tennis courts 1 and 2 should be complete by the end of the month.

==Please stop by to enjoy and see the excellent work that has been done to renovate and restore this local gem.

==Our City Rosarian Miguel Cortes is inviting anyone interested in volunteering in the Rose Garden to contact him at: mcortes@cityofberkeley.info. No experience is necessary and tools and gloves are provided. It’s a great way to spend a few hours every week.

==Accessory Dwelling Units have evolved in the past few years. Once considered quaint backyard cottages also known as "granny flats," under new state law, ADUs now can be as large as a 1200 sq. ft. with multiple bedrooms, and up to two stories, with no parking required. No notification of intent to build is required to neighbors, no study and consideration is offered by a zoning board, there is no owner occupancy requirement, and no appeal is allowed. State law dictates that all cities and counties in California must issue "by right" building permits for ADUs in all residential zones, even if they are located in a Very High Fire Zone, Earthquake zone, tsunami or flood zone. (Read the State ADU Handbook here.) This may be fine in some areas of the City, but in others, like the Very High Hazard Zone of North Berkeley and Panoramic Hill, it is foolhardy.

==The State of California needs more affordable housing. ADUs can add to our housing stock, but I am particularly concerned about increasing density of both people and vehicles in the areas of the city where we know we are at extreme risk of disasters like wildfires and earthquakes. We know we currently have a very bad situation. Why would we exacerbate that situation and expose our residents to an even higher risk by putting more people in harm's way and putting more cars in the way of emergency responders and evacuation routes? We need a more balanced and nuanced approach. We need to allow ADUs to be built, but we need regulations to keep us as safe as possible under our extreme conditions. If you agree, I am asking for your help.

==On Tuesday night, July 13th, the City Council will conduct a Public Hearing and consider the adoption of a local Accessory Dwelling Unit Ordinance.

==I don't think many Berkeley residents are aware of the public hearing, content and implications of the ordinance, or possible action by the City Council. In my opinion, the public would be better served by extending the public hearing and postponing a vote on this matter until after our summer break, in the Fall.

==In addition, the State clarified that the ordinance can only be amended by changes to the local Fire Code. Since the Fire Department is currently working on modifying the local Fire Code, I think we need to see the Fire Code amendments before we move forward with adopting a local ADU Ordinance.

==Please write to: council@cityofBerkeley.info ASAP and request that the Public Hearing on item #14 be kept open until the Fall so that the fire code amendments can be considered at the same time as the ADU Ordinance. Please try to get your emails in by 12 noon on Monday so that they can be included in the supplemental council packet. Sorry for the late notice.

==Let me know your thoughts about this. Your safety is my top priority.

==If you live in the Very High Severity Fire Zone, chances are you received a mailer from Interim Fire Chief Abe Roman. Our Fire Department is ramping up programs to educate and prepare our community for the threat of wildfire.

==This work is happening as a result of the overwhelming generosity of our voters, who passed Measure FF in November 2020. Now, with revenues of $8 million annually, our Fire professionals can begin to plan proactive programs to help you and the entire city to be safer.

==The mailer from Chief Roman has lots of extremely valuable information about how to manage the vegetation around your home to reduce risk. Please read it carefully, because the City is also expanding inspections of privately owned properties starting in August. The mailer includes a checklist for you to self-inspect your own property, and a copy of a sample checklist that will be utilized when an inspector comes to your home. There is also a drawing that clearly presents what is required immediately around your home.

==If you did not receive the mailer, or inadvertently recycled it, let me know. I can send you a scanned copy of the one that I received.

==Another aspect of Measure FF programs that will begin shortly is to clear narrow roads of obstacles for emergency access. If you live on a narrow street, there is a possibility that parking will be limited in the future. Please start thinking about your off street options for parking your vehicle.  Many of you have written to me and requested red zones so that emergency vehicles can safely pass. Please continue to send me these requests. I am collecting these locations to pass on to Public Works and Fire for further evaluation. Send me street name and house numbers for boundaries.

Do you have any accumulated vegetation waste?

Is your car blocking any fire apparatus access to roads? Fire trucks need a minimum lane of 26 feet wide and 13' 6" tall for clearance. We recommend backing your vehicle into driveways on Red Flag warning days.

Can you see your address from the street? Address identification must be seen from the street in the day or night time and contrast in color from their background.

Are the power lines cleared? There must be a minimum of 4 feet of clearance from high voltage conductor. If the power lines are obstructed, contact PG&E to request trimming around the power lines.

Is there clearance of brush from roadways? Minimum of 10-feet on each side of the roadway must be cleared of vegetation such as tall grass, weeds or brush.

Is there defensible space around your home? Some things to consider:

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