Councilmember Igor Tregub's Berkeley District 4 October 2026 Newsletter
- Support police investigation and accountability for downtown violence
- Advance RENAISSANCE proposal to reduce commercial vacancies and blight
- Oppose coal and petroleum coke transport through Berkeley
- Support restoration of local public art
- RENAISSANCE proposal to address storefront vacancies
- Resolution opposing coal and petroleum coke transport
- Coordination meeting with City, BHS, BUSD, and DBA on violence prevention
- Vision 2050 infrastructure plan
- District 4 Office Hours on October 25, 2026
- Urgent joint meeting with City, BHS, BUSD, and DBA leadership
Email from Councilmember Igor Tregub October 2026 – Berkeley District 4 Newsletter and Office Hours Dear Neighbors, As we move into October and settle further into the fall season, I’m pleased to share the latest updates from District 4 and Berkeley City Council. With the Council’s legislative session underway, we are continuing to move forward on policies and initiatives that reflect our community’s priorities, from supporting local businesses to improving accessibility, advancing climate action, and building a more affordable and inclusive Berkeley. This month’s newsletter includes updates on key policy items, upcoming Council actions, our recent and current work on issues to address the challenges our downtown and city face, and opportunities for you to stay engaged in the decisions shaping Berkeley. Thank you, as always, for staying informed, participating in our civic process, and sharing your perspectives. I look forward to continuing this work with you throughout the fall. RESPONDING TO FRIDAY'S INCIDENTS IN THE DOWNTOWN I recently became aware of several extremely disturbing incidents in Downtown Berkeley on Friday, October 16, during “Freshman Friday.” Videos and reports indicate that several individuals brutally assaulted at several Berkeley High School (BHS) students, an elderly community member, and a Downtown Berkeley Association (DBA) Ambassador. Based on the footage and descriptions shared with me, all of these attacks appear to have caused severe harm. I unequivocally condemn these violent attacks and wish everyone affected, physically and emotionally, a speedy and complete recovery. I fully support the Berkeley Police Department's swift investigation and efforts to hold those responsible accountable. According to the Berkeley Police Chief: "Our detectives are actively investigating the crimes reported that day. We have also met with BHS staff to strengthen planning and coordination for future school-related events. We are working collaboratively with BHS to follow up on reported incidents and make referrals to Juvenile Probation when appropriate. As many of these cases involve juveniles, we cannot share additional details." As soon as I received this information from a constituent and the DBA, I contacted the City Administration and the Berkeley Police Chief. We are organizing an urgent joint meeting with leadership from the City, BHS, Berkeley Unified School District (BUSD), and DBA to coordinate an immediate response, identify preventive measures, and ensure clear and timely communication among all involved agencies and stakeholders. The involvement of BHS and BUSD leadership is particularly important because the attacks involved a BUSD student, and at least two of the attacks occurred during the unsanctioned BHS "Unity Day" lunch hour on Friday, October 17, which also included "egging." The egg throwing and large amounts of trash left behind, while they pale in comparison to the gravity of the violent offenses, placed a considerable burden on the resources and budgets of both the City of Berkeley and the DBA Ambassadors. The Berkeley Police Chief also shared the following about its response on Friday: "On Friday, we assigned officers specifically to patrol downtown. Throughout the afternoon and early evening, officers, sergeants, and the patrol lieutenant responded to multiple incidents involving groups of students. The circumstances presented significant challenges. At times, groups of approximately 100 students gathered, engaged in disruptive behavior, and dispersed before officers arrived, only to regroup elsewhere." I share the concerns and calls for action from BHS students and parents, as well as other constituents and organizations. We must ensure that our city, schools, and community partners have the coordination, communication, and tools necessary to intervene early, prevent further violence, and protect the safety of everyone in our community. As the Berkeley Police Chief emphasized: "We encourage anyone who was victimized, witnessed criminal activity, or has video footage of these incidents to contact the Berkeley Police Department so we can investigate and take appropriate action." DISTRICT 4 OCTOBER OFFICE HOURS When: Sunday, October 25th | 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM Where: District 4 location provided upon RSVP Join Councilmember Tregub for office hours on Sunday, October 25th from 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM. This is a great opportunity to connect, ask questions, and share your thoughts directly. Priority will be provided to those residing or working in Berkeley Council District 4 (Downtown Berkeley, Central Berkeley, and North Shattuck south of Cedar St.) Use this link to RSVP! ADVANCING KEY POLICY PRIORITIES Since the start of the fall legislative session on September 15, I have continued advancing legislation focused on clean energy, environmental protection, vibrant commercial districts, affordable housing, long-term infrastructure, and preserving Berkeley’s cultural assets. Filling Storefronts, Preventing Blight, Revitalizing Downtown: Revitalizing our downtown and preventing blight continues to be among my top priorities, and I am doing my part by working with many affected constituents to author solutions that work. I introduced the second part of the RENAISSANCE proposal to tackle prolonged ground-floor commercial vacancies and blight by removing barriers for small businesses, creating incentives to fill empty storefronts, and holding developers financially accountable for leaving properties vacant, neglected, or unusable. Strengthening Opposition to Coal in Berkeley and the East Bay: This resolution marks yet another strong, community-powered effort to stop allowing big corporations to bully us and pollute our neighborhoods! I authored it as part of a grassroots community effort to ensure that Berkeley voices its strong opposition to the plan to transport thousands of tons of coal and petroleum coke through communities along railroad tracks and joins many other Bay Area cities in standing up against this terrible plan fueled by the federal administration. Supporting our Local Artists: I was honored to meet Mokhtar Paki, the artist who created the “Sinbad Voyage” mural, at a UN Association East Bay event last year and was devastated to learn that it had been vandalized. My staff and I immediately sprang into action, visiting the site and helping secure the funds needed to restore the mural. Mokhtar’s hard work and dedication were instrumental and inspiring in bringing this deeply meaningful work of art back to our community. I am humbled to have played a small part in helping him and our community overcome this loss through camaraderie and support. I am deeply grateful to my Council colleagues for their generosity in making this contribution substantial and meaningful. Turning Vision 2050 into Real Action for Berkeley’s Infrastructure: Berkeley’s aging infrastructure and growing maintenance needs demand thoughtful planning and concrete action. Together with Mayor Ishii, Councilmembers Terry Taplin and Shoshana O’Keefe and a dedicated team of multidisciplinary professionals, and in close collaboration with our city staff, we developed this directive to turn our long-term infrastructure priorities into a coordinated, actionable plan. I am excited to see this effort moving forward toward tangible improvements on the ground, with clear priorities, accountability, and regular progress reports to the City Council. MAKING OUR STREETS SAFER FOR EVERYONE! District 4 Transportation Map Over the last two years, we have worked closely with many community members and our dedicated Public Works staff to bring tangible traffic safety improvements to neighborhoods throughout District 4! While change in government, and frankly in any large organization, rarely happens overnight, we have made meaningful progress in several parts of our district and continue working on resolving many more concerns you bring to our attention. Our goal is to make our streets safer and more accessible for all, however you get to and through our district. We have created this map to share the progress we have made, highlight ongoing projects, and keep you informed about the transportation improvements we are working to deliver across District 4! HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT CITY PERMITS? Thank you for reaching out to our office with your permit questions! We’re happy to help connect you with the information and resources you need. For permit applications, status updates, and other permit-related information, please visit the City of Berkeley’s online permit portal. We encourage you to check the online portal first, as it may have the information you’re looking for and can help you find answers quickly and conveniently. If you don’t see the information you need, or your question isn’t addressed there, please don’t hesitate to email our office. Thank you for reaching out and for giving us the opportunity to assist you! CITY COMMISSIONS – PLEASE VOLUNTEER! District 4 Parks, Recreation, and Waterfront Commission Opening District 4 is seeking interested residents to serve on the Parks, Recreation, and Waterfront Commission! This is an opportunity to help shape the future of our parks, open spaces, recreation programs, pools, Waterfront, and more. If you’re passionate about creating vibrant, welcoming spaces for our community, please consider getting involved. Visit here for more information! And please email itregub@berkeleyca.gov if you are interested. Berkeley Behavioral Health Commission Recruitment The Berkeley Behavioral Health Commission is seeking community members to fill vacancies on the Commission and help ensure continued compliance with state requirements. The commission is seeking candidates who can fill these urgent needs: Youth member: A Berkeley community member age 25 or younger Local educator: An educator who lives or works in the local community Veteran: A community member who has served in the U.S. military If you or someone you know may be a good fit, we encourage you to consider applying or sharing this opportunity with your network. Your participation can help strengthen community representation and support the work of the Commission. Visit here for more information! CITYWIDE AND OTHER LOCAL UPDATES El Niño Weather Preparedness Update As the City prepares for the upcoming winter season and potential Super El Niño weather conditions, Public Works staff are taking proactive steps to help maintain the City’s drainage systems and prepare for increased rainfall. Staff have been working diligently to clear approximately 1.4 miles of the V-Ditch on Wildcat Canyon, removing 54.44 tons of sediment, vegetation, and other debris. This work is essential to maintaining proper stormwater flow and helping reduce the risk of blockages and drainage issues during periods of heavy rain. This is just one of the many efforts underway by Public Works to prepare for the winter season. The City will continue to share updates on preparedness efforts and additional information as it becomes available. Residents are encouraged to stay informed and take steps to prepare for potential winter weather. F YouthWorks Winter Interest Form Now Open! Part-time paid internships through YouthWorks offer Berkeley residents valuable work experience, training, professional development and career growth opportunities. Interested in becoming a YouthWorks intern this Winter? Fill out and submit a YouthWorks Interest Form! The Winter 2026/2027 Interest Form will be closing on October 30th at 5 pm. Visit here for more information! More Affordable Housing Opportunities! A Front Porch Community Service: Home Match Home Match streamlines the process of finding the right person to share your home. Our vetted, no-cost shared housing program connects home seekers with home providers who have an extra bedroom, in-law unit, or ADU on their property. Visit here for more information! UPCOMING EVENTS PERFORMANCE: A Reading of the Noitutitsnoc WHEN: Saturday, October 24th | 1:00 PM – 2:45 PM WHERE: Berkeley Public Library, 2090 Kittredge St, Berkeley, CA In a poetic questioning of who gets to have the agency, power and presence to interpret the U.S. constitution, artist Christy Chan deconstructs our nation’s founding document by reading it “backwards” at the Berkeley Public Library. Visit here for more information! Jocelyn's Porch Concerts Porch Concert #46 WHEN: Saturday, October 24th | 4:00 PM WHERE: 2213 Spaulding Avenue, Berkeley CA In less than a week, it will be the last FREE OUTDOOR CONCERT for 2026. It has been a WONDERFUL Year with enthusiastic audiences, fabulous musicians and an array of new music! 7th Annual Halloween Strings Driveway Concert WHEN: Sunday, October 25th | 1:00 PM WHERE: Channing Way between Grant & McKinley, Berkeley, CA 94703 Come hear some scary tunes, classical & pop, for string quintet and drums! Downtown Berkeley Halloween Hootenanny WHEN: Friday, October 30th | 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM WHERE: Downtown Berkeley Plaza Downtown Berkeley Halloween Hootenanny – an informal, lively gathering or party where people play acoustic folk music, sing, and often join in together – is bigger, better, and spookier than ever! Zero Empty Spaces Berkeley Grand Opening + Ribbon Cutting WHEN: Saturday, November 7th | 5:00 – 8:00 PM WHERE: 2036 Shattuck Avenue, Berkeley CA 94704 I am so happy to see this space being revitalized! Like many of you, I was saddened and concerned when this prime storefront became vacant. Fortunately, through the combined efforts of the Downtown Berkeley Association, Visit Berkeley, our wonderful Economic Development staff, and your District 4 Council team, this space is being transformed into a beloved gathering place filled with vibrancy and diverse art. This celebration will showcase the transformation of the former Half Price Books storefront into a vibrant retail arts marketplace, gallery, and community gathering place in the heart of Downtown Berkeley and the Addison Arts District. Visit here for more information! Berkeley High Theater presents: A Year With Frog and Toad WHEN: November 7th and 15th | Times vary WHERE: David Brower Center, 2150 Allston Way, Berkeley, CA 94704 Catch Berkeley High Theater’s whimsical production of A Year with Frog and Toad, the Musical at the David Brower Center from November 7–15! Visit here for more information! COUNCILMEMBER TREGUB IN THE COMMUNITY Mayor Ishii’s State of the City 2026 I was pleased to join Mayor Adena Ishii, my colleagues on the City Council, and community members for the 2026 State of the City Address at The Freight in Downtown Berkeley. The mayor’s address focused on “Doing Business in Berkeley” and the future of our downtown and commercial districts, including supporting small businesses, creating more housing for all, and strengthening the vitality of our local economy – some of the priorities I share. I appreciated the opportunity to come together with Berkeley residents and community leaders to reflect on our progress and the work ahead for our city. Berkeley City College West Campus Opening The new Berkeley City College West has opened! As the Councilmember representing District 4, I am especially proud to see this significant investment in our downtown and in the students and families who make Berkeley their home. The new campus expands access to classrooms, student services, learning resources, community spaces, and a wellness center, strengthening Downtown Berkeley as a hub for education, opportunity, and community. “Berkeley Is...” mural at our Central Library! I was delighted to visit the beautiful new “Berkeley Is...” mural at our Central Library! Created by Berkeley YouthWorks interns in collaboration with artist Hannah Pae, Café Ohlone, and the Library’s Equity, Diversity & Inclusion team, this artwork celebrates Berkeley’s past, present, and future while honoring its Indigenous roots. Many thanks to the Berkeley Public Library Foundation for supporting this wonderful project! Berkeley Bird Festival 2026! I was deeply moved by my visit to the Berkeley Bird Festival, including by the powerful “Splitting Skies” dance performance by Eco Performance Lab! I also connected with bird-safe glass advocates (and District 4 advocates) to discuss opportunities for collaboration to protect birds from deadly window collisions. The festival was a beautiful reminder of our connection with nature and the importance of protecting the wildlife we share our world with! KEEP UP TO DATE WITH WHAT’S HAPPENING — STAY IN THE LOOP! I look forward to continuing our work together this month and beyond. Your input and engagement are crucial to building the vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable community we all deserve. Let’s keep pushing forward, for a better and more resilient future. See details for all upcoming city events and the Downtown Berkeley Association’s fabulous calendar of events, including arts performances in downtown and throughout the City. Please share this newsletter with your friends and neighbors. They can sign up to get on our list @ https://bit.ly/Igornews. All residents of Berkeley and beyond are welcome to join. For a Berkeley we can all call home, Igor Tregub Berkeley City Councilmember, District 4 2180 Milvia St, Berkeley, CA 94704 Office: (510) 981-7140 Email: itregub@berkeleyca.gov Councilmember Igor Tregub | 2180 Milvia St., 5th Floor | Berkeley, CA 94704 US Unsubscribe | Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice