SEPTEMBER 1, 2015 Creating a stronger Cal community With a renovated Lower Sproul Plaza as a common hub, student leader Yordanos Dejen hopes to strengthen students' sense of a shared community. The ASUC president talks about her priorities, and herself, in a Q&A with Berkeley News. > Read the full article... New poll on taxes, minimum wage Most Californians oppose higher gas taxes or vehicle registration fees, even when they are told that the state faces a $59 billion backlog of road repair projects, according to a new poll by UC Berkeley's Institute for Governmental Studies. But they do strongly favor raising the minimum wage.    > Read the full article... A back-to-school kaleidoscope UC Berkeley plunged into the 2015-16 academic year in a flurry of solemn speeches, festive gatherings and, of course, classes. We gathered all the stories  - videos, slideshows, articles - on a special Back to School grid, where you can click in and out at will.   > Start clicking... CAMPUS NEWS Revamped, remarkable ASUC Student Union opens Campus unveils community hub. Coming soon: 24/7 library Moffitt makeover is underway. Measles health alert One case confirmed on campus; what you need to know. Bike security: tips for owners 'Bait bikes' helping thwart thieves. Climate Action Champion One faculty member to be honored for work on climate change; applications invited. Helicopter flyover Wednesday   Feds studying naturally occurring radiation. STUDENTS Vets find healing in a wicked river run Cal Vets Group takes to the water. Call it home, all 250 square feet Team works on affordable housing fix. 10 years after Katrina Student volunteers still keeping their pledge to New Orleans. New Cal Performances discounts Student passes offer access to the arts.   RESEARCH Millet: grain of the future? California a good fit for this nutritious dryland food, researchers find. New carbon-capture development Material not only traps greenhouse gas but converts it into something useful.     PEOPLE Four alums join Council of Economic Advisers Panel counsels the White House. Africa's bright young scholars take on Berkeley Two dozen arrive via MasterCard program. (Slideshow) A hip-hop exploration Undergrads, local youth partner to experiment with the genre. (Slideshow) VISUAL ARTS 'Exceptional Expos' Exhibit showcases the riches of two San Francisco world fairs. Posters by undocumented queer 'artivist' Show is up now in Ethnic Studies Library. 'Living by the Book' at the Magnes Sacred, everyday objects explore the Jewish Bible.   Breaking News   Campus Calendar   News tips or feedback? Please contact us at e-news@berkeley.edu Berkeleyan archive Managers & supervisors: Please print and post a copy of this newsletter for any staff who don't have access to email.