Monthly Newsletter from Berkeley Mayor Adena Ishii
THE MAYOR'S MONTHLY
March 2025
Welcome Message from Mayor Ishii
IN THIS ISSUE
Meet Team Ishii
Connecting With Community
Noteworthy News
Small Business Spotlight
Events Around Town
City Resources
MEET TEAM ISHII
Amelia Lopez-Helm (she/her)
Chief of Staff
Amelia's experience is rooted in project management, systems building, human centered organizational support, community relations, and policy analysis. She has worked across several different sectors and has extensive policy experience in Youth Development, Workforce Development and Programming, and Public Health. She enjoys spending her free time learning to garden, crafting with her toddler, and exploring family friendly locals in and around the Bay Area. Amelia attended Mills College in Oakland, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy, with a concentration in Youth Development (2011), and Master's in Public Policy (2012).
Anthony Rodriguez (he/él/they)
Deputy Chief of Staff
Raised by his teenaged mother in a multi-generational household, Anthony harnesses his lived experiences to drive the values of inclusivity, abundance, innovation, and compassion through his work. Currently, he leads our office’s legislative and policy agenda to ensure alignment across a broad spectrum of strategies and task forces, staffs the Mayor on regional bodies and council appointments, and oversees our internship program. Anthony is a proud LA Chicano with Mayan ancestry, deeply inspired by his family's sacrifices and the resilience of countless others striving for a better life. Outside of his professional endeavors, he enjoys traveling, curating music playlists, attending live music events, staying physically active, and exploring new ways to stay connected to his roots and communities.
Julie Sinai, (she/her)
Senior Policy Advisor
Julie brings more than three decades of accomplishment in the nonprofit and public sector with a focus on equity and access to housing, education, jobs, and health care. Prior to joining our office, Julie served as the Chief Strategy Officer at LifeLong Medical Care. Julie served as both an appointed (2013-2014) and elected member of the Berkeley Unified School Board (2018-2022). From 2003 to 2011, Julie was the Policy Advisor and Chief of Staff to the Mayor of Berkeley. Her work in education includes leading the Berkeley Unified School District’s School-Linked Programs, local government relations at UC Berkeley, and managing a regional college and career pathways program with Peralta and Contra Costa Community College systems. Julie received her BS in Community Service and Public Affairs at the University of Oregon and her Masters in Public Administration at the University of San Francisco.
Cydney Chilimidos,
Senior Policy Analyst
Cydney grew up in Sacramento. They completed their undergraduate degree in Sociology of Law, Criminology, and Deviance at the University of Minnesota — Twin Cities in 2016, and graduated law school at Santa Clara University School of Law in 2022. Their focus in law school was disability rights advocacy, especially as it pertains to employment discrimination and investigations into mental health facilities. In their position in our office, they're focused on all things public safety. Cydney also manages Mayor Ishii's schedule.
Melissa Male (she/her)
Communications Director
A dedicated public servant and advocate for positive social, economic, and environmental change, Melissa brings over 20 years of experience working in government and the nonprofit sector. She most recently served as Communications Director for former Alameda County Supervisor Keith Carson. Melissa has also been very active in the local community, serving on the boards of several disability-focused Berkeley organizations. Born and raised in New York, Melissa is a graduate of UC Berkeley, where she received both her BA in Political Science and her law degree (JD). In her free time, Melissa can be found visiting museums, attending live theater and concerts, and enjoying the diverse culinary scene of the Bay Area.
Qing Xu
Intern
Qing is currently a junior at UC Berkeley, studying Political Science with a specialization in Comparative Politics. In her free time, she enjoys reading thrillers and scootering around campus. Qing is also a trumpet player and show designer in the Cal Band. GO BEARS!
CONNECTING WITH COMMUNITY
From special events to introductory meetings, my staff and I have been busy connecting with the community. Here are just a few highlights:
Met wonderful people and businesses at the Gilman District Mixer. Check out all of the fun things to do in the Gilman District.
Ribbon cutting ceremony for the new 24-hour public restroom on Channing & Telegraph. Learn more about this project.
Attended Berkeley Public Library Foundation's 22nd Authors Dinner. Proceeds from this annual event benefit the Berkeley Public Library. Learn more about this year's honored authors.
Hosted my first meeting with members of the Berkeley Latino Nonprofit Network.
Members of the Network include: Multicultural Institute, La Peña Cultural Center, Latinos Unidos, Bay Area Hispano Institute for Advancement (BAHIA), Casa de Cultura, and RISE
Celebrated Valentine's Day with tots at Live Oak Community Center.
Learn more about the various programming available at the Community Center.
Spoke at the launch of the new Future of Food exhibit at the Lawrence Hall of Science.
I encourage everyone to plan a visit to learn more about how our food choices and farming practices can contribute to healthier communities and a more sustainable planet.
Assemblymember Buffy Wicks joined us for a visit to Fire Station 7 with Berkeley Fire Chief David Sprague to learn more about Berkeley’s wildfire prevention efforts.
Took a tour of Urban Adamah, the first urban Jewish community farm in the United States. Located in West Berkeley.
NOTEWORTHY NEWS
Reaffirming Berkeley's Sanctuary City Status
On January 21, I joined Councilmembers Lunaparra and Taplin to co-sponsor Councilmember Blackaby’s council item which affirmed the City of Berkeley's Sanctuary City status, requesting policies and procedures to be circulated across city staff, and asking the City Attorney to explore support to help “sensitive sites” defend themselves against civil litigation.
Last month, my office convened the kickoff to the Sanctuary City Taskforce, where over 40 attendees and 21 organizations, as well as elected officials, were present to identify resources, gaps, and needs as we move forward. The Taskforce will work to protect our immigrant community by sharing and leveraging information, and identify opportunities to stay aligned and organized on responding to threats and circumstances as they arise.
Berkeley has a long history as a Sanctuary City, starting with the war in Vietnam. Learn more about the role our city has played in this recent article by Berkeleyside.
Rebranding Vision 2050
In 2017, the City of Berkeley developed a long-term infrastructure plan to create a city that is resilient and sustainable for future generations, dubbed Vision 2050. Because Berkeley recently elected a new Mayor, four new Councilmembers, and hired a new City Manager and Public Works Director, my office found it would be valuable for the new leadership to have a voice in how we want to address Berkeley’s unfunded infrastructure needs now and into the future, as well as create an update to the existing plan, given the change in political, economic, and environmental landscapes.
The proposed task force, made up of a diverse array of Berkeley residents spanning relevant areas of expertise, has agreed upon these objectives:
Review and further develop the extensive work done through the Vision 2050 initiative process.
Update the known environmental stressors and the available sustainable and resilient technologies since Vision 2050 was completed.
Factor in the ideas and approaches of the new leadership in Berkeley.
Provide a plan to restore Berkeley’s infrastructure to be the foundation for the City’s economic vibrancy and quality of life.
Keep Pedestrians Safe - Ticketing Begins April 1
On January 1 of this year, a new statewide law went into effect prohibiting parking within 20 feet of a crosswalk on the approaching side – the right side on a two-way street or both sides on a one-way street. The City of Berkeley has been issuing warnings for parked cars in violation of the law during the first 3 months of 2025. Starting April 1, parking in those spots risks a $64 ticket – regardless of whether it’s painted red. On Cal Football gamedays in the autumn, the fine will be increased to $96.
By removing the visual barrier of those parked cars, fellow motorists are able to more easily see the transition point where people walk onto pavement – both the crosswalk ahead of the driver as well as the crosswalk passed over on a right-turn.
Thank you for doing your part to keep everyone safe!
Bay Area Health Officials Urge Vaccination for Measles
Bay Area health officials, including the City of Berkeley’s, urge those who didn’t have measles as children and are unsure of their vaccination status to get the vaccine.
After exposure or travel, everyone should be aware of the highly contagious virus’ symptoms, which include fever, cough, runny nose, and conjunctivitis (pink eye), followed 2-4 days later by a rash. It can cause serious illness and death.
The safe and highly effective measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine offers the best protection against the virus. Protect yourself by making sure each member of your family who is 12 months to 3 years old is vaccinated with one dose of MMR vaccine, and each person who is age 4 or older has gotten two doses of MMR vaccine.
Over 300 measles cases have been reported in the United States as of March 14, 2025. This includes a large outbreak among primarily unvaccinated children in Texas and nearby states. At this time, there have been two deaths. These were the first measles deaths in the United States since 2015.
There are five reported measles cases in California as of March 11, 2025. All five cases were separately reported after international travel, and there is no evidence they are connected to the outbreak in Texas.
From cafes to manufacturers, Berkeley has no shortage of creative and innovative small businesses that add to the vibrancy of our city.
In that spirit, I want to take the opportunity to shine a spotlight on some of those businesses by featuring one from a particular district each month
This month, I am starting with a business in District 1.
Brushstrokes
Celebrating its 30th year, Brushstrokes is a creative art studio for gathering with friends and family or for some solo creative time to nurture the artist within.
Drop-in hours to paint pottery are available 6 days a week. No experience necessary, no reservations required.
Brushstrokes also offers parties, classes, camps, baby imprints, and creative gatherings by reservation.
It's a great place to get creative, de-stress, and make something beautiful to keep or give as a gift!
Brushstrokes Studio, Inc.
745 Page Street | Berkeley, CA 94710
Open 6 days a week, 12 pm - 7 pm. Closed Tuesdays.
Frances Albrier Community Center | 2800 Park Street
BUSD middle schoolers, bring your good vibes and your brightest neon outfits to the City of Berkeley's Neon Glow Dance!
Glow sticks and other glow items will be handed out at the entrance. City of Berkeley staff will be on site to ensure a safe and fun experience. Food will be provided.
Pre-registration required. Bring your school ID. Leave your backpacks at home. Security will be on-site.
Join Visit Berkeley for Berkeley Restaurant Week and experience March Munch Madness—a celebration of incredible local dining with a sweet twist!
This year, we’re highlighting the magic of chocolate with a diverse array of delicious dishes, alongside special prix-fixe menus and exclusive dining deals.
Whether you want to try something new or visit an old favorite, please participate if you can and help support local business!
Berkeley Public Library - West Branch | 1125 University Avenue
In recognition of César Chávez Birthday, West Branch will be showing the film "A Song For Cesar: The Music and Movement", the 2021 documentary built around the music, musicians, artists, and other important supporters who were instrumental in assisting Cesar Chavez and the UFW (United Farm Workers).
There will also be crafts for children and light refreshments for all.
Healthy Black Families invites you to join Suzette Chaumette, MPH, for Healthy Living and discover how to grow your own food—whether you have a big backyard or just a small indoor space!
Get inspired, enter the raffle for amazing prizes like raised beds, kits, and seeds, and walk away with something to kick-start your gardening journey!
Join staff to plant trees and large shrubs, place mulch, and spread flower seeds in open space at the Berkeley Waterfront near the Shorebird Nature Center.
Stay after the tree planting to join nature activities hosted by the Shorebird Nature Center and the Berkeley Waterfront.
The new plants will help to add habitat, clean the air, and add additional greenspace to the Berkeley Waterfront.
Please join the Berkeley Chamber for Berkeley Today and Tomorrow 2025, a dynamic panel discussion and luncheon.
This year's event spotlights the State of the City, featuring Mayor Adena Ishii and UC Berkeley Chancellor Richard K. Lyons in a conversation about building a stronger, more connected Berkeley.
Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with local leaders and be part of the conversation shaping our city's future!
Applyfor jobs, business licenses, and building permits.
Requestpublic records, birth certificates, library cards, and street tree maintenance.
Reportissues like graffiti, missed trash pickups, and illegal dumping.
Pay bills for refuse collection, residential parking, and parking tickets.
Resourceful: Your Path to Zero Waste
Confused about how to sort your trash? Use Resourceful - an easy tool to find answers to your waste questions!
Find out what items go in which cart, here in Berkeley. Updated weekly by Ecology Center helpdesk staff.
That's all there is for this month. We hope you find this newsletter informative and engaging. If there are events you would like the Mayor's office to share, please email mmale@berkeleyca.gov.
