Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Could Berkeley soon get its tallest tower yet on Shattuck?

Also check out 2025 XmasPalooza on the Berkeley Patch calendar

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Coffee in hand, Berkeley? We've got the latest town updates for you. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • Could Berkeley soon get its tallest tower yet on Shattuck?
  • Why a nearby mayor’s antisemitic posts are alarming Bay Area Jewish groups
  • How UC Berkeley scientists just rewrote Earth’s seasonal calendar

Also on today's calendar: 2025 XmasPalooza and 9 more events.

Find out what's happening in Berkeleyfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: What did the balloon say to the doctor? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Berkeleyfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Sunday: Windy with periods of rain, with a high of 60 and low of 54 degrees.
  • Monday: Rain; breezy in the morning, temps: high: 62, low: 54.
  • Tuesday: Breezy with showers around, with a high of 61 and low of 50 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. SFYIMBY Year In Review: January 2025 (sfyimby.com) — Big changes are on the horizon for Downtown Berkeley, with new renderings for a 23‑story tower at 2029 University Avenue and design review scheduled for what could become the city’s tallest building at 1950‑1998 Shattuck Avenue. The roundup also touches on major affordable housing and development proposals in San Francisco, Oakland, and San Jose that could reshape the wider Bay Area.
   

2. Jewish group calls for resignation of California mayor who spread antisemitic Bondi Beach conspiracy theories (clevelandjewishnews.com) — A Bay Area Jewish advocacy group is demanding the resignation of Richmond Mayor Eduardo Martinez after he reposted antisemitic conspiracy theories about a deadly Hanukkah attack, describing Richmond as just north of Berkeley. Local readers may see ripple effects in regional politics and interfaith relations, as Martinez’s comments and subsequent apologies draw criticism from Jewish organizations and the Anti-Defamation League.
   

3. Earth's natural calendar is far more fragmented than scientists expected (primetimer.com) — UC Berkeley researchers helped reveal that Earth’s seasons are far less synchronized than we assume, with neighboring regions often experiencing peak growth weeks or months apart. Using 20 years of satellite data, the team mapped global vegetation timing and found strong local differences that could reshape how scientists model climate change, biodiversity, and agriculture worldwide.
   

4. ICE agents banned from using West Contra Costa schools, Pinole city property (mercurynews.com) — Bay Area cities are expanding so‑called ICE‑free zones, and Berkeley officials are now weighing a similar policy that would bar federal immigration agents from using city property. Recent votes in Pinole and the West Contra Costa school district show how nearby communities are trying to reassure immigrant residents and limit local support for federal immigration operations.
   

📸 Around Berkeley

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • University of California Berkeley posted a job opening for Lecturer - Teacher Special Programs (TSP) – Department of Mus in Berkeley. Apply here.
  • Compass Group, North America posted a job opening for Warehouse Runner in Berkeley. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Berkeley here.

Ok Berkeley! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I feel lightheaded!
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