Dear Downtown Stakeholder:

We wanted you inform you of four new initiatives to improve the quality of life for everyone in Downtown Berkeley:

 

1) Care to Share

The Downtown Berkeley Association (DBA) is launching our Care to Share program today. With "Care to Share" we ask merchants, businesses, nonprofits, and other stakeholders to report problems to the DBA and City when they happen so we can respond on a timely basis, and capture accurate data of how we are doing in the Downtown. Ambassadors are distributing Care to Share cards, instructions and a cover letter over the next couple days to all merchants, businesses and nonprofits.  Also, you should receive Care To Share information in the mail with your invitation to the DBA Annual Meeting on April 14th.  And you can access documents online by clicking Care to Share here. We hope you can join us for a Care to Share briefing one of the following times at the DBA Office:  3pm on Wednesday March 11; or 11am or 3pm on Thursday March 12.

 

2) Positive Change

On March 10th the City is expected to approve the Positive Change donation box pilot program, sponsored by Councilmembers Jesse Arreguin and Linda Maio. Positive Change provides an alternative to giving money to panhandlers, and donations go to provide services for those in need.   We expect the first donation boxes to be up by mid-April.

 

3) Community Commercial Sidewalks and Public Spaces Initiative

On March 17th, City Council will be considering the Community Sidewalks and Public Spaces initiative (see pages 47 & 48) sponsored by Councilmembers Jesse Arreguin and Linda Maio. This initiative makes recommendations for 11 new measures to make Downtown Berkeley and other commercial areas more welcoming for everyone.  It is important that your voice is heard on these issues, so please come speak to Council on March 17th and/or write the Mayor and Council.

 

4) Social service information boards

The DBA is deploying two social service information boards on Shattuck Avenue informing people in need of the free food, showers, clothes washing and social services available daily at the Multi Agency Service Center at 1931 Center Street.

 

Please do not hesitate to call or email if you have any questions, comments, or suggestions.

 

Sincerely,

John Caner, CEO
Downtown Berkeley Association
2230 Shattuck Ave. Suite C
Berkeley, CA 94704
510.549.2230 x12

email: [email protected] web: downtownberkeley.com Tel: 510.549.2230