Specialized Care Unit

After years of community advocacy, the city of Berkeley plans to launch a mental health crisis response team that is independent from law enforcement this summer.

Mari Mendonca has launched a campaign for District 8 City Council with platforms focused on rent stabilization, diverse representation and government transparency.  

On May 25, 2020, George Floyd was murdered by former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, sparking worldwide protests against police brutality and racism.

In June 2011, then Berkeley City Councilmember Jesse Arreguín was involved in the passage of the city’s budget for fiscal years 2012 and 2013. At the time, 54% of the budget was dedicated to public safety, with the Berkeley Police Department receiving roughly $55 million.

The Berkeley City Council approved its fiscal year 2022 budget proposal Tuesday, prioritizing economic recovery from the pandemic.

Berkeley City Council’s Budget and Finance Committee met Monday to discuss Mayor Jesse Arreguín’s supplemental recommendations to the proposed budget for the 2022 fiscal year.

The budget is a reflection of our community’s values, and as the mayor of Berkeley, I want to make it clear that my proposed budget recommendations, which are still in development, will take into consideration the voices and needs of our community.

During Tuesday’s Berkeley City Council meeting, city deputy manager David White presented his office’s budget recommendations for fiscal year 2022. In the report, White said the city should allocate $8 million to expand its Specialized Care Unit, or SCU.   

Come June 29, your chance to act will be gone. So, which is it? Will Berkeley fund the police with 33% of our budget, leaving only 3% for community agencies? Or are we going to do something about it?

A coalition of community groups assembled on the steps of Berkeley City Hall on Wednesday to express disappointment toward the proposed city budget.