Vaccine Update, MLK Breakfast, and More Berkeley News
On Inauguration Day, Berkeleyans Are Encouraged to Usher in New Era by Flying the American Flag
This Wednesday, January 20th at 12 noon, our country will have a new President, Joe Biden, and Vice President, Berkeley’s very own Kamala Harris. To mark this momentous occasion, we are encouraging Berkeley residents and businesses to blanket the city with American flags. By flying our nation’s flag in one of the America’s most progressive and inclusive cities to mark the peaceful transfer of power, we can help restore integrity to the American flag, ensuring that red white and blue continues to serve as an undying symbol of freedom, democracy, and hope to both Americans and our friends around the world. Please join me on January 20th in proudly raising our American Flag!
Join Berkeley Community Virtually at the 10th Annual MLK Jr. Celebration
This Monday, January 18th is Martin Luther King Jr. Day, in remembrance of the incredible life and legacy of Dr. King and his non-violence struggle for civil rights of Black Americans and all people. This MLK Day has special meaning after last year’s murder of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis Police and the national movement for Black Lives. In recognition of this moment in our history, this year’s theme for the Berkeley MLK celebration is “Black Lives Matter”. We know that systemic racism is the dark underpinning of our nation and manifests itself throughout every aspect of our society - criminal justice, housing, education, health. The COVID-19 pandemic has also brought to light the stark disparities in health access and outcomes, with African Americans disproportionately contracting COVID at higher rates nationally.
Because of social distancing protocols, this year’s Berkeley MLK celebration will take place virtually and there will be no physical location. Tickets are free, with an option to donate. All donations will be used for donations to community organizations working to fight against food insecurity exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
What: 10th Annual Berkeley Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration
When: Monday, January 18th, 9am-10am
Where: Online (Register Here)
COVID-19 Vaccine Update
With the COVID-19 vaccine rollout underway, we have received many questions from Berkeley residents about the City’s vaccination plans. The City of Berkeley has set up a webpage that will be frequently updated to provide you the latest information on when and how you can get vaccinated.
Once Phase 1A (healthcare workers, skilled nursing facilities residents and staff) vaccinations are completed, we will move onto vaccinating people aged 75 and older. This is because people 75 and over are significantly more likely to suffer serious complications from COVID-19 and, at this time, there is still limited vaccine being delivered. People 75 and older account for 60.0% of deaths.
The availability of the vaccine is controlled by the CDC and also the State of California. The State, based on data, makes available vaccines on a weekly basis. The City is working in partnership with health care providers, clinics, and pharmacies to help administer the vaccine. The City has also set up vaccine clinics for city employees and other essential workers. At the present time, the City has received 1,100 doses of COVID vaccine and has administered 92% of the doses available. We will continue to request as much vaccine as possible from the state so we can ramp up the number of individuals vaccinated.
Healthcare providers such as Kaiser and Sutter are directly receiving vaccine shipments. People covered by those medical providers who are over 75 years or older can sign up on their websites to schedule an appointment to get vaccinated.
Additional information will be available in the coming days and weeks, and you can find the latest on the City’s vaccine webpage. We will provide you with major updates and opportunities to sign up for a vaccine from City providers soon.
Seeking Applicants for Reimagining Public Safety Task Force
Last month, the City Council voted to establish a Reimagining Public Safety Task Force, which will begin a robust community engagement process led by the National Institute for Criminal Justice Reform (NICJR). The Task Force will also provide input and make recommendations to NICJR for a new and transformative model of positive, equitable, and community-centered safety for Berkeley.
The Task Force will be appointed with an eye toward ensuring a diversity of views, perspectives, and experiences including: (1) representation from impacted communities including formerly incarcerated individuals, victims/family members of violent crimes, our immigrant community, (2) reflecting a wide-range of relevant expertise in areas such as violence prevention, youth services, mental health, public health, crisis intervention and restorative or transformative justice, law enforcement operations, city budget operations, and (3) commitment to the goals of the Task Force.
The deadline to submit this application is Sunday, January 24, at 11:59 p.m. To apply, and for more information, click here.
Berkeley Public Library Receives Highest Distinction
The Berkeley Public Library was recently given the distinction of being recognized as one of the best libraries in the country. According to Library Journal, the Berkeley Public Library was given five stars, one of just two libraries in California to receive the distinction. Criteria in the assessment include physical circulation, circulation of electronic materials, successful retrievals of electronic information, library visits, program attendance, public internet computer use, and Wi-Fi sessions.
This National honor likely comes as no surprise to anyone who has ever checked out a book, attended an event, or perused the shelves of our Public Library system. The Berkeley Public Library has long been a shining star in our city, known for its helpful staff, extensive collection, and community engagement efforts. At a time when seeking truth and engaging in public discourse is especially important, I am grateful to the Berkeley Public Library staff and supporters for their tireless efforts and dedication to the public good.