Lisa Warhuus

After years of community advocacy, the city of Berkeley plans to launch a mental health crisis response team that is independent from law enforcement this summer.

Berkeley City Council members sought to define the intersection of homelessness and mental illness in order to develop an action plan to address both at a work session Tuesday.

A new city-coordinated mobile COVID-19 testing site will open January 23 at San Pablo Park. The site will be operated by Curative and provide tests Sundays and Mondays until February 14.

The Berkeley City Council Budget and Finance Committee met Tuesday to discuss the city’s budget on issues ranging from Measure P to climate equity.

Berkeley Mayor Jesse Arreguín hosted a town hall Monday to discuss COVID-19 updates, the city’s plan for reopening and rental assistance questions. 

Berkeley Mayor Jesse Arreguín held a virtual town hall Monday evening to discuss the declining COVID-19 rates in the city and Alameda County, as well as address audience questions about topics such as summer programs and housing assistance.

A series of questions regarding vaccinations, health care and Berkeley’s future amid the COVID-19 pandemic were answered during Berkeley Mayor Jesse Arreguín’s virtual town hall Monday.

Mayor Arreguín’s virtual town hall Monday provided COVID-19 updates, including information regarding the new strain of COVID-19 from the United Kingdom.

After receiving a stamp of approval from the Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup on Sunday, the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine may be available in Berkeley later this week.

Berkeley City Council received an update on the ongoing process of reimagining public safety and approved a consulting firm to begin the design of a crisis response unit during its regular Tuesday meeting.