We were caught by a delightful surprise yesterday! A neighbor came to our house excited to tell us that the City of Berkeley was painting crosswalks and curbs on the dangerous turn from Mabel onto Derby where a car sped around at 40mph, hit our son and fled the scene. We know that crosswalks wouldn't have stopped that criminal from speeding, hitting & running, but we also know that these visual cues will help pedestrians and bikers get across a little safer going forward. Arlo was very proud to see this happening. Big smiles!
A couple of news items:
- Check out the articles on Berkeleyside and Berkeley Scanner.
Join me at the City Council Meetings!
I am 100% positive that these crosswalks WOULD NOT have been painted if I hadn't gone to the City Council meeting on 11/15/23 and advocated for immediate action in this quietly dangerous intersection. At the meeting it was clear that the one thing holding back more safety measures across the City is funding. There is no money. OR IS THERE??
In 2021 Measure GG enacted a tax on ride shares that would generate revenue to go toward Berkeley's streets, safety and environment. Currently the $900,000 in revenue that is raised annually goes into the General Fund and not specifically toward traffic calming measures. We need that funding for safer streets as intended!
Councilmember Harrison is proposing to establish an ongoing policy of investing Measure GG funds into citywide traffic calming measures and bike/pedestrian safety, but she needs our help getting it into the Mayor's Budget. She’s been a great advocate, and we’d love to flood the room or zoom with public comments in favor. Please consider making your voice heard!
- City Council Meeting - Speak up on Agenda Item #12
Tuesday, December 5, 2023 after 6 PM
In person: School District Board Room, 1231 Addison
or on Zoom. - Special Budget & Finance Committee - Speak up on Agenda Item #2
Monday, December 8, 2023 @ 9 AM
In person: 2180 Milvia Street, 6th Floor - Redwood Room
or on Zoom
Please consider calling in or emailing your Councilmember, advocating on behalf of this budget referral, and share with any groups or other neighbors that would be interested in supporting.