City

City of Berkeley removes ‘Berkeley Big People’ statues from Interstate 80 bridge

Photo of Big People statues on the I-80 pedestrian bridge
Sam Albillo/File
Berkeley’s Civic Arts Commission voted to deaccession both 'Berkeley Big People' statues in July 2019 following a conservator’s assessment that found 'systemic material failure' caused by the use of 'unsuitable materials' in their construction.

After 12 years atop the Interstate 80 pedestrian and bicycle overpass, the “Berkeley Big People” statues have been removed by the city of Berkeley due to their costly maintenance and repair needs, as first reported by Berkeleyside.
Read More…

City

City of Berkeley officials organize Interstate 80 underpass cleanup

On Feb. 29, the city of Berkeley Mayor’s Office organized a cleanup of the area under the underpass on the east side of Interstate 80 and University Avenue for the homeless community residing there. The cleanup effort had more than 20 people assisting, including Mayor Jesse Arreguín, city Councilmembers Sophie Hahn and Rigel Robinson, city staff and homeless service organizations.
Read More…