infrastructure

Supported the Hopkins Street protected bike lane referral on behalf of Walk Bike Berkeley and coalition partners.

Objected to aggressive new parking meter rules extending hours to Sundays and evenings without sufficient public input.

Owner of the Bay Area Adult Soccer League, urged funding for the Harrison Park turf conversion to relieve extreme congestion at Tom Bates fields.

Co-president of the Berkeley Historical Society urged the council to recognize that Old City Hall and the Veterans Building are active, vital community spaces, not vacant structures, and requested increased funding for their restoration.

Former mayor and state senator spoke in favor of saving historic buildings, highlighting the historical society and veterans building as essential to Berkeley's cultural soul.

Questioned the definition of 'user-friendly' smart bathrooms and asked for clarification on budget allocations for King Pool if locker room repairs were removed.

Representing the Downtown Berkeley Association, supported the FEMA grant match strategy for civic center buildings and asked for ballot language flexibility so funds could be reallocated if federal grants fall through.

Expressed strong support for park projects and native plant median conversions, noting their popularity and benefits for climate resilience and low maintenance.

Speaking as an art commissioner and resident, advocated for fixing existing infrastructure and increasing funding for the Veterans Building to create a proper downtown arts center.

Spoke on behalf of the Berkeley Historical Society, asking the council to approve the bond, increase the funding for Old City Hall, and support their museum mission.

Highlighted that Old City Hall and the Veterans Building house critical community services like Dorothy Day House and Options Recovery, warning of the severe danger of inaction in an earthquake.

Representing East Shore Alliance FC, urged funding for the artificial turf conversion at Harrison Park soccer fields and restroom upgrades to address urgent health and safety issues for youth sports.

Speaking as a resident, urged the council to reject the $300 million cap and return with a higher bond amount capable of solving a larger share of the city's infrastructure backlog.

Supported native plant median conversions and the Francis Albreyer Community Center project at San Pablo Park.

Speaking for Berkeley community media and as a District 2 resident, voiced full endorsement for civic center investments.

Commissioner for the Bay Area Adult Soccer League supported the Harrison Park field conversion and praised field maintenance staff.

Suggested adding language regarding volunteer maintenance and water carts for native plant medians to minimize permanent irrigation costs.

Urged the city to fund and construct planned green infrastructure at Channing Way and Aquatic Park to avoid losing a federal EPA grant.

Raised concerns about sidewalk safety and long city waitlists for sidewalk repairs, urging more mindful spending.

Spoke on behalf of the Commission on Disability, urging the city to set aside dedicated funding for accessibility rather than forcing it to compete with expensive civic center projects.

Strongly supported investing in downtown and historic civic center buildings.

Praised the staff report and polling process, emphasizing the importance of leveraging grant funds and effective messaging.

Spoke as President of the Berkeley Historical Society, urging full funding to complete the Old City Hall and Veterans Building restoration.

Supported seismic retrofits for old city buildings and a revitalized civic center.

Expressed opposition to extensive polling.

Agreed that the sample size was too small and called for a larger, randomized study.

Jokingly supported conducting even more polls.

Suggested considering parcel taxes based on square footage rather than assessed value for greater equity among homeowners.

Questioned how bond sidewalk funding aligns with Measure FF street funds and raised concerns about staffing levels and consultant spending.

Urged funding for the retrofit of Old City Hall and the Veterans Building.

Speaking as President of BAHA, emphasized the historical and civic importance of restoring Old City Hall.

Argued that the survey sample size of 500 people was too small to be meaningful and should be discarded.

Expressed surprise and pleasure at positive survey numbers, noting that loud public commenters do not always represent the silent majority of voters.