"Local President Donald Trump's return to power has driven many of Berkeley's biggest stories this year with his administration's attacks on immigrants, academic independence and diversity in opposition to many of the liberal city's core values. Other major stories include the approval of a zoning plan allowing apartments on most lots in the flats, new fire safety rules cracking down on vegetation around many Berkeley Hills homes and stalled housing construction that's left blighted lots in downtown."
"International students with visas revoked then reinstated. Day laborers working through fear to pay their bills. A 73-year-old former seamstress denied toilet paper while being deported. Kids missing school as rumors swirl. Berkeley strengthening its sanctuary policies amid threats by the U.S. Department of Justice. A caravan of masked federal agents arriving at Coast Guard Island for a planned-then-abandoned operation."
"While ICE and other federal agencies have carried out a number of actions locally, Berkeley and the Bay Area have been on eggshells waiting for the type of widespread raids seen in other blue regions. The clawback of science grants has led to layoffs of about 3% of the 3,000 employees at Berkeley Lab, while UC Berkeley has lost over $50 million in grant funding, including $6 million at the Lawrence Hall of Science."
President Trump's return sparked protests and mobilization in Berkeley over immigration enforcement, academic independence and diversity. Zoning changes approved apartments on most flats lots, while new fire-safety rules target vegetation around many Berkeley Hills homes. Housing construction stalled, leaving blighted downtown lots. Federal immigration actions prompted visa revocations and reinstatements for international students, fear among day laborers, and individual deportation hardships. Berkeley strengthened sanctuary policies amid threats from the U.S. Department of Justice and a caravan of masked federal agents appeared at Coast Guard Island. Clawbacks of science grants caused layoffs and $50 million in lost UC Berkeley funding.
Read at www.berkeleyside.org
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