Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: What Berkeley neighbors actually checked out most from the library in 2025

And on the Berkeley Patch calendar - Crossing Over with Psychic Medium John Edward live in San Francisco, CA!

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Hello Berkeley! Stay connected with the latest updates from around town. Let's dive in! ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • What Berkeley neighbors actually checked out most from the library in 2025
  • How a forgotten teenage artist reshaped a Berkeley church’s sacred light
  • Why a UC Berkeley activist just left jail early

Also on today's calendar: Crossing Over with Psychic Medium John Edward live in San Francisco, CA! and 9 more events.

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

Today's riddle: What did the little needle say to the mother needle when it brought home a failing report card? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

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

  • Thursday: Windy with periods of rain, with a high of 57 and low of 50 degrees.
  • Friday: Cloudy, showers around; windy, temps: high: 55, low: 44.
  • Saturday: Times of clouds and sun, with a high of 54 and low of 39 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Miranda July's ‘All Fours' and extension cords: What Berkeley library patrons checked out most in 2025 (berkeleyside.org) — Berkeley readers packed the public library this year, with laptops and 50-foot extension cords topping overall checkouts while Miranda July’s novel “All Fours” led adult fiction. Detailed circulation stats reveal what adults, teens, and kids in Berkeley borrowed most, plus a reminder that cardholders can snag state parks passes, tools, toys, and even kitchen gear for free.
   

2. At 17, she designed a Berkeley church's stunning stained glass windows. Now 88, she's finally been recognized (berkeleyside.org) — An 88-year-old artist has finally been publicly honored at Northbrae Community Church in Berkeley for designing its vibrant stained glass windows as a 17-year-old in 1954. The story traces how her long-overlooked contribution was rediscovered, the Berkeley pastor’s inclusive vision for the windows, and the emotional service where the congregation celebrated both her work and the church’s diverse spiritual identity.
   

3. Animal Rights Activist Zoe Rosenberg Released From Jail: Watch (patch.com) — A UC Berkeley student and animal rights activist has been released from Sonoma County jail halfway through a 30-day sentence and will serve the rest on house arrest, according to Berkeley-based group Direct Action Everywhere. The case, involving a protest at a Petaluma poultry facility, has galvanized Berkeley activists who recently marched and petitioned state leaders for her early release.
   

4. Fernando Mendoza makes history after being awarded the 2025 Heisman Trophy (oaklandpostonline.com) — A former UC Berkeley quarterback and Haas School of Business graduate, Fernando Mendoza has made history by winning the 2025 Heisman Trophy after transferring to Indiana and leading the Hoosiers to a top-10 season. He’s the first Cuban American and first Indiana player to earn the award, highlighting both his standout play and the Berkeley roots that helped launch his college career.
   

5. California law could force 2M homeowners to rip out gardens due to fire risk (nypost.com) — Berkeley residents are among those pushing back on California’s coming “zone zero” fire-safety rules, which could force homeowners to remove plants within five feet of their homes. The statewide policy, expected to take effect around 2029, aims to reduce wildfire risk but has many East Bay gardeners worried about losing beloved greenery.
   

📸 Around Berkeley

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • It pays to advertise.
    The MINUTE I posted the "lost kitty" notice STELLA casually waltzed in the back door. So thank you, Next Door!!!! (Nextdoor North Berkeley)
  • "Avoid the area" due to traffic incident in Fremont, California.
    12:58PM on Dec 23: Fremont Police Department advises to avoid the area of Mission Blvd and Warm Springs Blvd due to a traffic incident causing signal… (Nextdoor )
  • TradeJobsWorkforce posted a job opening for Walmart Grocery Associate in Berkeley. Apply here.
  • University of California Berkeley posted a job opening for Lecturer-Economics-College of Letters and Science 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 guess I’m not as sharp as I thought.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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