From Wednesday, June 10 at 11:00 PM until Thursday, June 11 at 9:00 AM, the National Weather Service predicts “Red Flag” dry and windy conditions that lead to quick ignition and spread of wildfires. The weather service predicts winds of 10 to 20 miles per hour with gusts up to 45 miles per hour. In addition, humidity is forecast between 12 to 18%.  Residents in the high-risk zones…

Help keep Berkeley safe this holiday by not using fireworks within the city, especially in the hills – where non-resident access will be limited. Fireworks are illegal in Berkeley and many surrounding cities. They can cause severe injuries and start fires. Explosives, sparklers, and other fireworks pose particular risks in the hills, where dry plants and shrubs can fuel fast-spreading fires…

On July 4th, officers arrested a 40-year-old man in connection with a sexual assault in Downtown Berkeley.On July 4 at about 3 pm, a suspect followed a woman into her apartment building in Downtown Berkeley.  The suspect cornered the woman inside of the elevator—where he proceeded to expose himself and grope the woman.Thankfully the woman was able to escape when the elevator reached a floor…

This July and beyond, Berkeley Police Department encourages drivers to follow the speed limit and “slow the fast down.”During the month of July, the Berkeley Police Department will have additional officers on patrol looking for drivers who are speeding or driving too fast for conditions.Speeding remains a leading factor in deadly crashes and is consistently the top safety concern among surveyed…

If you hear the City of Berkeley’s outdoor warning system—a wailing siren tone followed by a voice message—check the City’s emergency map and alerting systems to find out if you need to evacuate or shelter in place.Once you hear the siren and voice message, take emergency protective action, which would be detailed in our text, email, and online emergency notifications.A wildfire may prompt an…

On July 23, Berkeley Police officers arrested two suspects in connection with a criminal operation involving stolen vehicles that were stripped for parts. While investigating an auto theft case in which several vehicles were stolen in a single night, Berkeley officers developed an investigative lead that brought them to an area along the railroad tracks in East Oakland, between 50th Avenue…

Register your block and even apply to shut down your street to host a neighborhood gathering for National Night Out in August. The annual event showcases gatherings around Berkeley as a way for neighbors to meet each other, get to know City staff, and build community.  Registering by July 20 gets your gathering listed on a Citywide map, which will make it easier for newcomers to…

On July 29, Berkeley Police officers arrested a 19-year-old man in connection with a June shooting that left a young woman seriously injured near Ashby Avenue and Adeline Street.On June 14th at 11:13 pm, officers responded to the 1900 block of Ashby Avenue following reports of gunfire. When officers arrived, they located a 19-year-old woman suffering from a gunshot wound to the face. She was…

Come to a public meeting and use an online survey to inform the selection of Berkeley’s next Director of Police Accountability, who works as the operational arm of the Police Accountability Board to oversee civilian oversight of the Berkeley Police Department.Your feedback will guide the Mayor and Council, who will oversee the hiring and ongoing oversight of this position.The Mayor and Council…

Parents, check that your children return to school up to date on vaccinations. If necessary, schedule a visit with your family’s doctor or with the City of Berkeley’s Immunization Clinic to catch up.Vaccines protect your household and also limit the spread of diseases such as measles and polio. The greater the vaccination rate in a community, the more protection for everyone – especially the most…