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🌱 Patch AM: Which Berkeley theater shows are coming to local stages next?

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

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Hey there, Berkeley! Let's get started with what's happening in and around town. Read on and stay in the loop. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • Which Berkeley theater shows are coming to local stages next?
  • How UC Berkeley scientists may reinvent plastics with protein‑like polymers
  • What a UC Berkeley sports doctor reveals about your muscles’ potential

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: I quit my job as a banker. 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

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

  • Friday: Cloudy, a little rain; windy, with a high of 62 and low of 55 degrees.
  • Saturday: Becoming windier with rain, temps: high: 63, low: 54.
  • Sunday: Windy with rain at times, with a high of 59 and low of 49 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Bookwaves/Artwaves – January 1, 2026: The Probabilities Archive. Jack Arnold (1916-1992), Science Fiction Film Director (kpfa.org) — Berkeley arts lovers get several options this winter, with Actors Ensemble of Berkeley, Berkeley Playhouse, Berkeley Rep, Shotgun Players and more staging shows across the Bay Area in early 2026. Alongside a remastered 1980 interview with sci-fi director Jack Arnold, the piece rounds up key in-person and streaming theater and literary events, with reminders to confirm dates and COVID-related changes before heading out.
   

2. Researchers uncover new rules for designing protein-like polymers (berkeley.edu) — Researchers led by UC Berkeley professor Ting Xu have discovered new “design rules” for creating synthetic polymers that behave like, and sometimes outperform, natural enzymes. Centered at UC Berkeley and Lawrence Berkeley Lab, the work could eventually enable greener plastics and materials that better balance durability with environmental impact, including breaking down pollutants like antibiotics in waterways.
   

3. A Book Excerpt from On Muscle: The Stuff That Moves Us and Why It Matters (nobhillgazette.com) — A Bay Area author’s new book on muscle features insights from a UC Berkeley sports medicine doctor who treats student athletes with a wide range of injuries and goals. Through his experience and that of other specialists, the excerpt explores how adaptable our muscles are, and how everyday people can build strength, resilience, and longevity without needing to look like elite athletes.
   

4. UC Berkeley team is highlighted in '60 Minutes' story pulled from broadcast (berkeley.edu) — UC Berkeley’s Human Rights Center Investigations Lab played a key role in researching abuses at El Salvador’s CECOT megaprison, work that underpinned a controversial 60 Minutes segment briefly pulled from U.S. broadcast. Berkeley students used open-source techniques to corroborate human-rights testimony, highlighting both the city’s academic influence and growing concerns about political pressure on investigative journalism and access to information.
   

5. Homeless youth say they need more from schools, social services (idahocapitalsun.com) — Research led in part by UC Berkeley highlights how youth homelessness often stems from family conflict, unsafe homes, and trauma rather than the job losses that drive many adult cases. Young people nationwide told researchers that earlier school-based support, youth-specific housing, mental health care, and cash assistance could prevent them from ever reaching shelters, offering local educators and service providers ideas to adapt in Berkeley.
   

📸 Around Berkeley

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • measles in the east bay 😷 i saw on the news yesterday that contra costa county health officials confirmed a breakthrough case of measles on 12/29.
    there is currently an outbreak of measles with 2,000+ cases reported by the CDC as of monday. the infected person was a healthy vaccinated adult -… (Nextdoor Lorin District)
  • Dog found wandering at 4th St and Grove Ave in Richmond.
    He's super friendly and seems like someones pet, but no collar or microchip or anyone nearby searching for their dog. (Nextdoor South Berkeley)
  • University of California Berkeley posted a job opening for Lecturer Pool - Political Economy - ISSP - College of Letters & Science in Berkeley. Apply here.
  • Jobs for Humanity posted a job opening for Mathematics and Science Teachers 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 just lost interest.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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