Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Berkeley Voter Guide 2026: What's On The Ballot, Voting & More

Coming up on the Berkeley Patch calendar: The Importance of Being Earnest, by Oscar Wilde

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Coffee in hand, Berkeley? We've got the latest town updates for you. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • See who's running and what Berkeley measures could reshape city services.
  • Want a quiet, reflective afternoon? Step into Berkeley Art Center's new show.
  • What major Berkeley stories are unfolding alongside a notorious figure's death?

Also on today's calendar: The Importance of Being Earnest, by Oscar Wilde and 11 more events.

Today's riddle: Why did the cookie go to the hospital? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Friday: Areas of fog, then sun, with a high of 68 and low of 59 degrees.
  • Saturday: Breezy in the afternoon, temps: high: 67, low: 50.
  • Sunday: Areas of low clouds, then sun, with a high of 67 and low of 53 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Berkeley Voter Guide 2026: What's On The Ballot, Voting & More (patch.com) — Berkeley voters are getting a detailed look at what's on their November ballot, from competitive City Council and School Board races to major local measures on infrastructure, taxes, rent stabilization, arts funding, and a public bank. The guide also walks residents through voting options like mail-in ballots and early voting, and outlines key statewide offices and propositions that will shape California's taxes, housing, healthcare, and election rules.
   

2. Berkeley Art Center's 'I see every wave' installations invite meditation (localnewsmatters.org) — 'I see every wave' at the Berkeley Art Center invites you to slow down with meditative installations that respond to Live Oak Park, water, and inner life, on view through Nov. 22. Featuring works by Joshua Morena, Ruby T, and Annie Albagli, the show culminates in a beeswax-and-water fountain, with the curator and artists offering a public talk on Oct. 10.
   

3. The Wire: Bill Harris, who kidnapped Patty Hearst in Berkeley, has died (berkeleyside.org) — Berkeley readers are reminded of the city's history as Bill Harris, involved in Patty Hearst's 1974 Berkeley kidnapping, has died, while several fresh local stories are unfolding. Recent highlights include UC Berkeley reopening Strawberry Canyon to students, a fatal I-80 crash in Berkeley, a Central Berkeley home's eye-popping sale, and new campus research milestones.
   

4. Manhattan Food Stops and a Space Sauce Debate (indonewyork.com) — A Supper Club rooted in Berkeley turned a long-running debate over the best single condiment for space travel into a detailed food tour of Manhattan, where soy sauce ultimately won the vote. Members sampled pizza, towering pastrami sandwiches, Korean dishes and dim sum while continuing their sauce arguments. The story highlights how a quirky Berkeley conversation shaped a day of serious eating in New York.
   

5. St. Nersess Seminary Celebrates 65th Anniversary in Northern California • MassisPost (massispost.com) — A recent 65th-anniversary brunch for St. Nersess Armenian Seminary brought clergy, alumni, and supporters together at the Claremont Resort & Club in Berkeley, highlighting the city's role as a gathering point for the Western Diocese. Speakers reflected on the seminary's impact across North America and urged continued community support to train future Armenian Church leaders. Attendees left with keepsake pomegranate ornaments symbolizing faith and tradition.
   

📸 Around Berkeley

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Berkeley

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📣 Berkeley Shout Outs!

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Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

 

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Birds love the fresh water that flows into the bay from Strawberry Creek.
    Seagulls, ducks, geese, all drink and bath there. Herons and smaller shore birds hunt there. It appears to be a favorite rest stop for migrators, so… (Nextdoor Glendale-Terraceview)
  • Looking for personal trainer who specializes in older women!
    Last time I posted this query here I was referred to someone fantastic, but she's now closing her practice. Looking for 1-on-1 personal training… (Nextdoor Rose District)
  • Albertsons Company posted a job opening for Sous Chef in Berkeley. Apply here.
  • Taco Bell posted a job opening for Shift Lead in Albany. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Berkeley here.

Ok Berkeley! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: "Why did the cookie go to the hospital?" — Because he felt crummy. (Thank you Sanda J. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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