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Rashi Kesarwani Profile
Rashi Kesarwani

@RashiKesarwani

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Councilmember fighting for smart policy over politics. Champion of homes, safe streets, equity, fiscal oversight, data-driven decisions. RTs โ‰  endorsements

Berkeley, CA
https://t.co/KQLsyLWsgu
Joined July 2008
Don't wanna be here? Send us removal request.
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@RashiKesarwani
Rashi Kesarwani
@RashiKesarwani
2 years
We did it! Thank you, District 1, for believing in the progress we have fought for - homes, safe paved streets, equity, fiscal oversight. We are not afraid to do hard things. Here's to 4 more years of working our hearts out for a safe, healthy, and welcoming place for all.
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@RashiKesarwani
Rashi Kesarwani
@RashiKesarwani
2 years
You can't be the progressive safe haven if the entry fee is $800k median home value in CA. Just sayin.
@kylegriffin1
Kyle Griffin
@kylegriffin1
2 years
California Gov. Gavin Newsom is running ads in Florida over the Fourth of July weekend encouraging Floridians to come live in his state.
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@RashiKesarwani
Rashi Kesarwani
@RashiKesarwani
1 year
Great letter, my dude!
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@RashiKesarwani
Rashi Kesarwani
@RashiKesarwani
3 years
Free parking is not a human right.
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@RashiKesarwani
Rashi Kesarwani
@RashiKesarwani
3 years
Is giving away free curb parking to some โ€“ & nothing to ppl who cannot afford (or choose not to own) a car โ€“ fair? @idothethinking recently pointed out that indeed it is unfair & detrimental to offer free parking - but paid public transit - on Sundays. This is a๐Ÿงตabout parking
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@RashiKesarwani
Rashi Kesarwani
@RashiKesarwani
2 years
Just so we're clear, the plan to "destroy" People's Park includes 1,100 beds of student housing & 125 beds of supportive housing for homeless people. Call me crazy, but I'd rather see formerly homeless people housed at People's Park rather than dead: 1/
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Man found dead at People's Park

The man had lived in a tent at People's Park for at least a year, according to his neighbors. He hasn't yet been identified by the coroner.

www.berkeleyside.org
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@RashiKesarwani
Rashi Kesarwani
@RashiKesarwani
11 months
Some ppl write to me to express their opposition to create homes. Then turn around & write to me to express their opposition to homeless encampments. Guess what? Your positions are incompatible. If we want to solve tough problems, we have to tell the truth about what's required
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@RashiKesarwani
Rashi Kesarwani
@RashiKesarwani
4 years
Most CA public schools are closed for in-person instruction indefinitely. Many private schools catering to the wealthy have been open since October. We cannot accept this injustice as normal.
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@RashiKesarwani
Rashi Kesarwani
@RashiKesarwani
3 years
We just UNLEASHED ADUs (backyard cottages) in the Berkeley flats!!! โœ…20 ft (2 stories) by right! โœ…ALL garage conversions by right up to 850 sq ft (studios/1-bedrooms) & 1000 sq ft (2-bedrooms), even if located w/in 4 ft setback โœ…Allows equipment to be stored in 4 ft setback
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@RashiKesarwani
Rashi Kesarwani
@RashiKesarwani
3 years
Uh oh, what about putting ๐Ÿฅ‘ on your Boichik bagel? Financial suicide? Not many can afford to keep up with CA home prices, regardless of their bagel consumption. Let's stop acting like not having $1.4 mill for a home is a personal failing. Our home prices are a policy failure.
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@RashiKesarwani
Rashi Kesarwani
@RashiKesarwani
8 months
Taking N. Berkeley @SFBART just hits different after you approve 750 homes on the parking lot - half affordable to low-income households. There is no world in which this isn't a good thing for our community.
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@RashiKesarwani
Rashi Kesarwani
@RashiKesarwani
8 months
Sometimes good things require getting rid of a lil bit of parking. Widened Ohlone Greenway to and from N. Berkeley BART!
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@RashiKesarwani
Rashi Kesarwani
@RashiKesarwani
3 years
Why did I push for 2-story backyard cottages? Bc the price of modest homes is too damn high ๐Ÿ‘‡๐Ÿฝ ADUs large enough to house a family can be built for ~$250k Lots of neighbors asked for this flexibility. Let's give families the ability to house their loved ones!
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@RashiKesarwani
Rashi Kesarwani
@RashiKesarwani
4 years
#BidenHarris are not responsible for single-family home zoning. That is on us at the local level. An inclusive community is one that includes a diversity of home types - homes of all shapes and sizes at all income levels, not just $1.3 million single-family homes.
@KristenClarkeJD
Kristen Clarke
@KristenClarkeJD
4 years
This was absolutely one of the most racist moments of the night. The McCloskeyโ€™s call to preserve single family zoning has roots in racist zoning policies and redlining efforts aimed at keeping communities racially segregated and isolated. #RNC2020
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@RashiKesarwani
Rashi Kesarwani
@RashiKesarwani
1 year
#CEQA once again weaponized by a small group of neighbors to delay infill housing in CA. This ruling will be appealed & a state legislative fix is welcomed. State spent millions helping us rehouse homeless at park. Tragic delay but housing will prevail.
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@RashiKesarwani
Rashi Kesarwani
@RashiKesarwani
7 months
The era of NO must give way to a new era of shared sacrifice for the collective good. THAT is how we honor the history of People's Park: we update our priors and realize it is NOT progressive to BLOCK housing for students and homeless people. 2/2
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@RashiKesarwani
Rashi Kesarwani
@RashiKesarwani
5 years
I just went on a stroll thru my Berkeley hood, noting all the lovely fourplexes (& larger apartment buildings) mixed into a single-family hood close to N Berk BART. Let's #makefourplexeslegalagain so our teachers, nurses, service workers, etc. can live near work. #MissingMiddle
@Scott_Wiener
Senator Scott Wiener
@Scott_Wiener
5 years
Fourplex = same height/bulk as single-family home but provides homes to four families instead of one. If weโ€™re serious about solving the housing crisis, this is part of the future.
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@RashiKesarwani
Rashi Kesarwani
@RashiKesarwani
2 years
I condemn the use of this imagery in connection to a mtg about homes at N. Berkeley BART. Homes, including those for low-income people, are not weapons of war destroying our neighborhood. We will extend a welcoming hand, not lift the ladder up behind us.
@nagle_nico
Nico Nagle
@nagle_nico
2 years
Berkeley NIMBYs think it's appropriate to compare creating new homes at a transit center to literal carpet bombing. That is wildly inappropriate. Show up tonight to call them on their shit. Town Hall details in the thread:
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@RashiKesarwani
Rashi Kesarwani
@RashiKesarwani
1 year
"A few wealthy...homeowners" have been empowered to block progress for too long. When we fail to create student beds & permanent supportive housing, it harms low-income residents who compete for inadequate supply of homes. Guess who isn't hurt? Homeowners weaponizing #CEQA
@CAgovernor
California Governor
@CAgovernor
1 year
A few wealthy Berkeley homeowners should not be able to block desperately needed student housing for years and even decades. CEQA needs to change and we are committed to working with the legislature so California can build more housing.
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@RashiKesarwani
Rashi Kesarwani
@RashiKesarwani
2 years
We did it! Thank you, District 1, for re-electing me to serve as your Councilmember for a second term. It is with tremendous gratitude that I declare victory. I look forward to serving all residents of District 1 and the greater good of our city.
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@RashiKesarwani
Rashi Kesarwani
@RashiKesarwani
5 years
This is a major loss for Berkeley's climate & affordability goals. 2211 Harold Way would have created about 300 homes just steps from the Downtown BART station & added a whopping $10 mill to the affordable housing trust fund (for below-market-rate affordable homes). THREAD
@berkeleyside
Berkeleyside
@berkeleyside
5 years
Developer suddenly pulls the plug on 18-story Harold Way complex in Berkeley
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@RashiKesarwani
Rashi Kesarwani
@RashiKesarwani
3 years
We shd pay attn to Bokovoy's comments here. It's a painful reminder that CA's anti-growth sentiment (cloaked as concern abt insufficient infrastructure) is often veiled racism. He essentially says, Cal's (Asian) students shd live in a segregated undesirable area - away from him.
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@RashiKesarwani
Rashi Kesarwani
@RashiKesarwani
2 years
More than 2 years later, the N. Berk @SFBART lot remains nearly empty. Surveys of Bay Area employers on days/week of office return suggest lot will remain underutilized indefinitely. The world has changed & we will need much fewer parking spaces as we plan for homes here.
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@RashiKesarwani
Rashi Kesarwani
@RashiKesarwani
1 year
43 homes are now fully occupied, with connections to services (mental, health & social services) for formerly chronically homeless people at Golden Bear Inn. Overnight security will begin tomorrow. Homekey model creates homes @ half the cost of new construction in ~6 months. ๐Ÿ‘
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@RashiKesarwani
Rashi Kesarwani
@RashiKesarwani
11 months
What I know for sure: a silent majority wants โœ…Homes at all income levels โœ…More cops โœ…Paved streets We should stop pandering to the loudest people with an unrealistic agenda.
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@RashiKesarwani
Rashi Kesarwani
@RashiKesarwani
1 year
Don't get distracted by bad takes when the real problem here is #CEQA , folks. We need a meaningful carveout of infill housing (an environmental benefit) from CEQA, if we are serious about creating homes for students and all others in need. Ball is in CA legislature's court.
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@RashiKesarwani
Rashi Kesarwani
@RashiKesarwani
4 years
๐ŸšจAlameda Co. Health Officer Dr. Nicholas Moss confirmed in a call today that gatherings w ppl outside of your household w/o masks & 6 ft of physical distance is leading to increasing cases.๐Ÿšจ Contact tracers are finding multiple cases from a single gathering. 1/
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@RashiKesarwani
Rashi Kesarwani
@RashiKesarwani
4 years
I want to lift up & celebrate the heroes among us: the ppl restocking our grocery stores, the cashiers, the pharmacists, the first responders, the school staff providing meals, our @CityofBerkeley staff, & most especially, our health care workers. I salute you. Stay safe. ๐Ÿงผโ™ฅ๏ธ
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@RashiKesarwani
Rashi Kesarwani
@RashiKesarwani
2 years
Wow, I am so proud that #berkmtg Council unanimously adopted our amendments that pave the way for wealthy corridors to build their fair share of housing. West Berkeley has waited +100 years for this. And everyone wins when more homes are available at all income levels. 1/
@berkeleyside
Berkeleyside
@berkeleyside
2 years
Councilmembers voted unanimously to include @RashiKesarwani 's amendment calling for upzoning Solano, College and North Shattuck They split 6-3 on the demolitions amendment, with Harrison, Hahn and Wengraf against That's it for tonight, #berkmtg is adjourned
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@RashiKesarwani
Rashi Kesarwani
@RashiKesarwani
2 years
We had a great time test-driving the e-bikes at the Harvest Festival! Let's keep fighting for safe streets for all.
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@RashiKesarwani
Rashi Kesarwani
@RashiKesarwani
10 months
Kesarwani's Accessory Dwelling Unit motion prevails 7-0-2 (Hahn, Wengraf abstain) โœ… Uniform 20-foot height standard citywide to enable 2 stories! This is huge!!! (Thx @RigelRobinson !) โœ…Follow state law on parking in hills (none required) โœ…Survey to understand affordability
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@RashiKesarwani
Rashi Kesarwani
@RashiKesarwani
4 years
On the 30th consecutive Spare the Air Day, it's worth asking the question - What are the real and imagined threats to our quality of life? Is it the shadow of a tall building? Or is it the toxic wildfire smoke driven by climate change?
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@RashiKesarwani
Rashi Kesarwani
@RashiKesarwani
5 months
We have a public safety emergency on our streets. Car convenience is not more important than the lives of our residents. We need safer streets now, and is our opportunity I also support IMMEDIATE efforts to address this intersection.
Home

Berkeley's crumbling pavement and dangerous traffic crashes are unacceptable. We can fix it.

www.berkeleysafestreets.com
@BerkeleyScanner
The Berkeley Scanner
@BerkeleyScanner
5 months
A driver struck a 53-year-old woman in West Berkeley, leaving her in critical condition with a serious head injury Wednesday afternoon. MORE:
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@RashiKesarwani
Rashi Kesarwani
@RashiKesarwani
3 years
Meditating on: Americans hesitating to get vaccinated While my relatives in India beg for a hospital bed Don't take your life for granted, my friends. Just get vaxxed.
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@RashiKesarwani
Rashi Kesarwani
@RashiKesarwani
2 years
๐Ÿ“ขI wrote a comment letter on Berkeleyโ€™s Draft Housing Element (state required housing plan) for 2023-2031 earlier this month. TL;DR: The draft plan places 65% of housing sites in Central & West Berk (formerly redlined โ€˜hoods) & leaves highest-resourced NE Berk untouched. ๐Ÿงต
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@RashiKesarwani
Rashi Kesarwani
@RashiKesarwani
2 years
This is a HUGE win for District 1 and West Berkeley - we are a step closer to a safe route to school for children biking up Hopkins to Ruth Acty Elementary & King Middle School. And I hope more of us will enjoy biking to Monterey Market & all of the wonderful Hopkins shops. ๐Ÿšดโ€โ™€๏ธ
@berkeleyside
Berkeleyside
@berkeleyside
2 years
Hahn's motion passes 8-1, with CM Wengraf opposed. What it means for Hopkins: -New bike infrastructure approved from Gilman to Sutter -City will study extending lanes from Gilman to San Pablo, with final vote expected in October -New design proposed east of the Alameda #berkmtg
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@RashiKesarwani
Rashi Kesarwani
@RashiKesarwani
6 years
I'm proud to officially be sworn in as your Councilmember for Berkeley's District 1. This is an incredible honor, and I'm ready to get to work!
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@RashiKesarwani
Rashi Kesarwani
@RashiKesarwani
2 years
Some, including the court apparently, suggest building at an alternative site. But @UCBerkeley intends to build student housing on EVERY VIABLE SITE it has to meet student need. I support REAL & IMMEDIATE SOLUTIONS to our housing shortage. Enough! Homes over Encampments! 2/2
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@RashiKesarwani
Rashi Kesarwani
@RashiKesarwani
8 months
In March 2018, we began an ambitious effort for homes at N. Berkeley BART. I ran for office that year to be a champion for homes instead of a parking lot. On Tues 12/12 beginning at 3 pm, #berkmtg has its final vote to deliver on our vision. Join us:
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@RashiKesarwani
Rashi Kesarwani
@RashiKesarwani
1 year
I'm alarmed by the numerous reports I'm receiving from constituents about crime. Automated license plate readers are one simple step we are taking to address vehicle theft. "Berkeley officials approved ALPRs for police in July & city is now working to put them in place." ๐Ÿ‘‡
@BerkeleyScanner
The Berkeley Scanner
@BerkeleyScanner
1 year
JUST ANNOUNCED: Several men wanted after the carjacking of a UC Berkeley student outside a Cal fraternity this week are now in custody due in part to license plate cameras in Palo Alto that were just installed in late July, authorities report.
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@RashiKesarwani
Rashi Kesarwani
@RashiKesarwani
6 months
Great to see a big beautiful crowd of kids and caregivers for today's Kidical Mass bike ride, starting from James Kenney Park. Thx to Emeryville CM and Supervisor Candidate @JohnBauters for joining us. With ballots arriving, I'm proud to endorse John for Supervisor. 1/
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@RashiKesarwani
Rashi Kesarwani
@RashiKesarwani
1 year
My point is, we can't tell victims of violent crime that we need to solve poverty before we can invest in justice and accountability. We can invest in more than one approach.
@BerkeleyScanner
The Berkeley Scanner
@BerkeleyScanner
1 year
"People are asking us to look at the root cause of why somebody steals," says CM @RashiKesarwani . "Iโ€™m open to looking at root causes," she says, such as why people with guns robbed a group of UC Berkeley students filming a movie the other night. #berkmtg
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@RashiKesarwani
Rashi Kesarwani
@RashiKesarwani
3 years
With a Parking Benefit District, we can manage curb parking as valuable real estate & STOP SUBSIDIZING cars, congestion & pollution. Itโ€™s a simple concept: charge for curb parking & reinvest net revenue in public services like cleaning sidewalks, planting street trees & more.
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@RashiKesarwani
Rashi Kesarwani
@RashiKesarwani
1 year
I appreciate the concern for the unhoused during times of inclement weather. I respectfully request the same level of concern & support for policies that would make it easier to create affordable housing citywide. Don't at me.
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@RashiKesarwani
Rashi Kesarwani
@RashiKesarwani
2 years
Wow, not a single member of the legislature - Senate or Assembly, Democrat or Republican - registered a "No" vote on granting admission to all deserving @UCBerkeley students Great statement on California values!
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@RashiKesarwani
Rashi Kesarwani
@RashiKesarwani
2 years
@UCBerkeley announcement of cutting 3k student seats & loss of $57M of revenue for financial aid & campus operations harms us all. Court's decision is sad outcome for students, #1 public university & our community. Hope it can be rectified soon.
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@RashiKesarwani
Rashi Kesarwani
@RashiKesarwani
10 months
This is why we push hard for homes of all kinds, at all income levels. Data show that more homes help the lowest income folks to maintain housing. And hey, let's stop fear-mongering about homes for "single homeless men." We all know that's a dog whistle, and it needs to stop.
@SteveRattner
Steven Rattner
@SteveRattner
10 months
More housing means more affordable housing. CC: @FT
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@RashiKesarwani
Rashi Kesarwani
@RashiKesarwani
3 years
Thank you to all of the firefighters from near and far protecting lives and property during another horrific fire season intensified by climate change. @BerkeleyFD crew at the City's Echo Lake Camp near the Lake Tahoe basin. ๐Ÿ‘‡
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@RashiKesarwani
Rashi Kesarwani
@RashiKesarwani
1 year
As of today, Berkeley has a COMPLIANT Housing Element! Now the critical work begins to get it done. A few of the programs on which I will continue to lead: โ˜‘๏ธRezoning Priority Development Areas & Commercial/Transit Corridors โ˜‘๏ธBART Station Planning โ˜‘๏ธAccessory Dwelling Units
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@RashiKesarwani
Rashi Kesarwani
@RashiKesarwani
4 years
ATTN Berkeley residents: Do you have unused n95 masks, surgical masks or medical gloves that you can donate? Pls msg me with your address so my aide Beth or myself can pick them up and donate them to local hospitals. We're all in this together. rkesarwani @cityofberkeley .info
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@RashiKesarwani
Rashi Kesarwani
@RashiKesarwani
3 years
We have to ask: Is free parking more important than providing better public services for everyone? Thank you to #berkmtg Council for unanimously approving my two items on 1/18 to explore Parking Benefit Districts for the Gilman & Lorin Commerical Districts...
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@RashiKesarwani
Rashi Kesarwani
@RashiKesarwani
1 year
๐Ÿ‘ Thank you, CEQA, for protecting us from the environmental harms of permanent supportive housing on an infill site. Sarcasm aside, ability of 1 person to sue using CEQA has disastrous consequences: excessive delay, โฌ†๏ธ costs. What a waste! Most projects can't withstand this.
@SupriyaYelimeli
Supriya Yelimeli
@SupriyaYelimeli
1 year
Breaking: Resources for Community Development is pulling out of UC Berkeleyโ€™s supportive housing project at Peopleโ€™s Park. Full story:
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@RashiKesarwani
Rashi Kesarwani
@RashiKesarwani
3 years
The great @DonaldShoup tells us: โ€œif cities charge the right price for curb parking - the lowest price that will produce 1 or 2 open parking spaces on each block - all drivers will have great parking karma & no one will need to circle for parking.โ€ More:
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@RashiKesarwani
Rashi Kesarwani
@RashiKesarwani
5 years
The #berkmtg Council just UNANIMOUSLY approved entering into an MOU w @SFBART to create homes at #Ashby & #NBerk stations (incl AT LEAST 35% BMR affordable homes). WOW!
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@RashiKesarwani
Rashi Kesarwani
@RashiKesarwani
2 years
Here's Berkeley Councilmember Lori Droste at 17!!! Incredible to watch her moral clarity & leadership this past week for the next generation of 17 year-olds who dream of their shot to go to @UCBerkeley Love ya, girl! ๐Ÿฅฐ
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@RashiKesarwani
Rashi Kesarwani
@RashiKesarwani
5 years
To the ones who rush off to organizing mtgs after putting their kids to bed, who stand in line to give public comment, who do the work w/o ever expecting credit, but who persist bc of the courage of their convictions. You've proven that you are the leaders & change-makers. ๐Ÿ‘‡
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@RashiKesarwani
Rashi Kesarwani
@RashiKesarwani
2 years
Oh Noooo! My office will reach out to @SFBART and City Public Works staff about what can be done here, and if more work (such as signage & red-curbing) is already planned. Pls stay tuned! @RebeccaForBART
@itsthelee
๐Ÿ…’๐Ÿ…—๐Ÿ…ก๐Ÿ…˜๐Ÿ…ข ๐Ÿซ ๐Ÿซ ๐Ÿซ ๐Ÿคฏ
@itsthelee
2 years
Nice new bike lanes we got here by North Berkeley BART
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@RashiKesarwani
Rashi Kesarwani
@RashiKesarwani
8 months
"You have to have political courage." Valuable #VisionZero lessons from Hoboken Mayor @RaviBhalla ๐Ÿ‘‡๐Ÿฝ
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The New Jersey Mayor With a Plan to End Traffic Deaths

In Hoboken, Mayor Ravi Bhalla has worked to redesign city intersections, install bike lanes and slow traffic. The result? Six-plus years of no pedestrian fatalities.

www.bloomberg.com
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@RashiKesarwani
Rashi Kesarwani
@RashiKesarwani
10 months
Not only did the Council reject an unlawful attempt to require off-street parking for Accessory Dwelling Units in hills... Nearly 2 years after the flats were granted ability to build 2-story ADUs of up to 20 ft, hills will now enjoy this standard. Glad to finish the job! 1/
@berkeleyside
Berkeleyside
@berkeleyside
10 months
Berkeley drops plan to require parking for accessory units in hills
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@RashiKesarwani
Rashi Kesarwani
@RashiKesarwani
6 months
The first #berkmtg w/o @RigelRobinson was personally difficult for me. I am reflecting on how much civility and kindness Rigel brought to the Council. Everyday, he delivered a master class on how to disagree without being disagreeable and it will remain an inspiration.
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@RashiKesarwani
Rashi Kesarwani
@RashiKesarwani
4 years
I've received word that @TaplinTerry was officially sworn in as Councilmember for District 2 as of approximately 4:15 pm today. Councilmember Taplin has a nice ring to it. โœจ
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@RashiKesarwani
Rashi Kesarwani
@RashiKesarwani
3 years
I'm proud to be an Asian American. Unlike prior generations who often suffered in silence, the next gen is speaking up for their dignity & worth as Americans full stop. To the Asian American young women leaders who organized today's event, it's your time to lead! Keep going!!!
@loridroste
๐Ÿณ๏ธโ€๐ŸŒˆ Lori Droste
@loridroste
3 years
Councilmember @RashiKesarwani talks about her familyโ€™s experience with hate in America at the #StopAAPIHate rally
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@RashiKesarwani
Rashi Kesarwani
@RashiKesarwani
3 years
Oh, just checking up on @CityofBerkeley vaccination rate.... 95%!!!
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@RashiKesarwani
Rashi Kesarwani
@RashiKesarwani
1 year
Tonight at #berkmtg , I condemned the CA-sanctioned circular firing squad of: โœ…Awarding millions in state public funds to build student dorms & homeless housing โœ…Allowing state law #CEQA to delay & sabotage same state-funded housing Pls, let's end this wasteful insanity. 1/2
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@RashiKesarwani
Rashi Kesarwani
@RashiKesarwani
11 months
To those who argue it's drug use that causes homelessness: If that were true, we'd see the highest rates of homelessness in West Virginia. But we don't. California is 12% of the U.S. pop, but is home to 30% of the homeless population. It's the lack of homes, first & foremost.
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@RashiKesarwani
Rashi Kesarwani
@RashiKesarwani
1 year
@California_HCD don't play. Despite our best efforts to strengthen Berkeley's Housing Element, HCD says we have more work to do ๐Ÿ‘‡๐Ÿฝ Specifically, HCD tells Berkeley to fix our sites inventory & do more to affirmatively further fair housing. Gotta keep pushing!
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@RashiKesarwani
Rashi Kesarwani
@RashiKesarwani
5 years
Single-family home or 4-plex? I enjoyed mtg the Claremont Elmwood N'hood Assn last week to discuss our Missing Middle Housing Study. Answer: this is a 4-plex in Rockridge where my husband George used to live! It's a great example of Missing Middle in a single-family hood.
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@RashiKesarwani
Rashi Kesarwani
@RashiKesarwani
1 year
Nice! Standing room only this morning. I love @SFBART , and I love homes on top of BART stations even more!
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@RashiKesarwani
Rashi Kesarwani
@RashiKesarwani
1 year
Great outcome last night - 187 homes close to Downtown BART approved w/in 5 meetings thanks to Sen. @NancySkinnerCA SB 330
@berkeleyside
Berkeleyside
@berkeleyside
1 year
Tonight's meeting was a testament to the impact the 2018 law SB330 has had on how housing gets approved in Berkeley The prior proposal for this site was subject to 37 city meetings over a 3-year approval process. It was never built #berkmtg
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@RashiKesarwani
Rashi Kesarwani
@RashiKesarwani
2 years
This theory doesn't work in practice bc any place that creates lots of good-paying jobs inevitably finds itself facing a shortage of affordable housing for working & middle-class folks. New jobs w/o proportionate new housing units leads to โฌ†๏ธhousing prices & โฌ†๏ธhomelessness. 1/2
@RoKhanna
Ro Khanna
@RoKhanna
2 years
@PEWilliams_ My point is we need more housing supply in the Bay Area and other regions. But the Bay Area is 12.5 jobs to a housing unit. National average is 1.5 jobs to housing unit. Decentralizing jobs can help create opportunities where property values are much lower.
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@RashiKesarwani
Rashi Kesarwani
@RashiKesarwani
1 year
You couldn't find a single woman to serve on your five-person panel about housing in the East Bay? Try again.
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@RashiKesarwani
Rashi Kesarwani
@RashiKesarwani
5 years
We are in a regional housing crisis, and the decisions to deny or delay housing in one city affect all of us. On Tues, 63 homes (incl 15 below-market-rate units!) just 0.5 mi from Civic Center @SFBART were unanimously rejected by the SF Board of Supes bc of a...shadow.(thread)
@LondonBreed
London Breed
@LondonBreed
5 years
You cannot claim to be pro-housing and then reject projects like this one. Low- and middle-income folks continue to be pushed out of our city. Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is ~$3,600. We. Need. More. Housing.
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@RashiKesarwani
Rashi Kesarwani
@RashiKesarwani
3 years
My full quote: "Iโ€™m disappointed that a Council that symbolically voted to end exclusionary zoning just last year could not agree to do the bare minimum when it comes to complying with state ADU law in the high-opportunity neighborhoods of the hills."
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Worried about wildfires, City Council limits number of ADUs in Berkeley Hills

Critics say the move won't make the Berkeley Hills safer during a fire, but will block new housing from wealthy neighborhoods.

www.berkeleyside.org
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@RashiKesarwani
Rashi Kesarwani
@RashiKesarwani
1 year
I just asked this private bus to move bc it was illegally parked in the red-curbed bike lane on Delaware. City is awaiting @SFBART installation of bike buffer here. Don't park in a bike lane, folks.
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@RashiKesarwani
Rashi Kesarwani
@RashiKesarwani
3 years
It appears Council colleagues Hahn & Harrison support allowing 2, 3 & 4-plexes. BUT *only for wealthier homeowners in historically single-family hoods.* So, lower-income homeowners in more diverse hoods DON'T get the same rights to create 4plexes. Let's have that debate. ๐Ÿ‘‡
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@RashiKesarwani
Rashi Kesarwani
@RashiKesarwani
2 years
๐Ÿ“ข BIG ANNOUNCEMENT ๐Ÿ‘‡
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@RashiKesarwani
Rashi Kesarwani
@RashiKesarwani
3 years
Great news! @AlamedaCTC plans to expand bus lanes & bike lanes on San Pablo Ave into South Berkeley as part of its Near-Term Improvements to corridor. Programs & Projects Committee will consider expansion + funding on Mon., 1/10 at 10 a.m.: (See Item 5.4)
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@RashiKesarwani
Rashi Kesarwani
@RashiKesarwani
3 years
I'm blown away by what #berkmtg accomplished last night. Council acted w resolve to dismantle policies that have a racist effect - in land use, policing & the treatment of workers. My colleagues provided a lesson for all policymakers on what it means to be an anti-racist. ๐Ÿงต
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@RashiKesarwani
Rashi Kesarwani
@RashiKesarwani
7 months
Thank you, Mayor, for speaking out. "This is not democracy. This is not free speech. This is not civil discourse. These actions go against the fundamental values that this community was built on." 1/
@JesseArreguin
Berkeley Mayor Jesse Arreguin
@JesseArreguin
7 months
As mayor, I want to make sure that our communityโ€™s diverse opinions are heard, and I feel obligated to speak out against the incivility that has recently plagued our city.
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@RashiKesarwani
Rashi Kesarwani
@RashiKesarwani
1 year
Happy #EarthDay2023 ! ๐ŸŒŽ Dense housing close to public transit is climate action. Bike lanes are climate action. I believe every community, including ours, has to do its part. Anything less is climate denialism. Environmentalist @billmckibben is right:
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Yes in our backyards. No, really.

Itโ€™s time progressives like me learned to love the green building boom.

www.motherjones.com
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@RashiKesarwani
Rashi Kesarwani
@RashiKesarwani
3 years
This is an important symbolic act. But let's not forget: symbolism must be backed up by actual change to our zoning rules, so people of color really do have a chance to live in Berkeley. That's why I co-sponsored Vice Mayor @loridroste 's item to allow quadplexes Citywide.
@JesseArreguin
Berkeley Mayor Jesse Arreguin
@JesseArreguin
3 years
Itโ€™s official! Today we unveiled Kala Bagai Way, named after one of the first South Asians to immigrate to #Berkeley , only to find herself unwelcome due to her race. Over 100 years later, we make it clear that everyone is welcome and recognize the legacy of this important figure.
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@RashiKesarwani
Rashi Kesarwani
@RashiKesarwani
1 year
Attempting to water down our commitments before we even reach compliance is not a good look. Thankfully, we won and our commitments were kept. Thank you CMs @MarkHumbert @TaplinTerry @RigelRobinson & Wengraf. 4/4
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Rashi Kesarwani
@RashiKesarwani
5 months
So proud of the incredible North Berkeley Housing Partners team! Onward!!!
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Developers submit North Berkeley BART housing proposal

An application submitted this week details plans for the transit village atop the North Berkeley BART station's parking lot.

www.berkeleyside.org
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@RashiKesarwani
Rashi Kesarwani
@RashiKesarwani
3 years
IT'S OFFICIAL. I'm proud to report that #berkmtg UNANIMOUSLY adopted our ADU ordinance for the flats tonight: โœ…20 ft (2 stories) by-right โœ…Flexibility to convert legally-established accessory structures to full size (850 sq ft 1-bd, 1000 sq ft 2-bd) โœ…Tenant & neighbor notice
@berkeleyside
Berkeleyside
@berkeleyside
3 years
Mayor Arreguรญn says he remains concerned about by-right approval for 20-foot ADUs โ€” but concedes most of the council wants to keep that rule. The ADU regulations are approved unanimously (without major changes), and #berkmtg is adjourned. Good night!
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@RashiKesarwani
Rashi Kesarwani
@RashiKesarwani
1 year
In her 2018 paper, #CEQA expert Jennifer Hernandez reviews all CEQA lawsuits from 2013-2015 ๐Ÿ’ฏ% of Bay Area CEQA housing lawsuits & 98% of Los Angeles CEQA housing lawsuits target infill housing in existing communities. Infill housing is an environmental benefit, not harm. 2/2
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@RashiKesarwani
Rashi Kesarwani
@RashiKesarwani
1 year
One of my lesser known policy positions: I believe we have the right to get our party on. Public transit makes it possible for me to get to two happy hours in SF. Hopeful that #CALeg will act to save public transit. A sustainable future demands it!
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@RashiKesarwani
Rashi Kesarwani
@RashiKesarwani
1 year
At last night #berkmtg - before our Housing Element has been deemed compliant by @California_HCD - some on Council wanted to delay (for possibly 2+ years) our Housing Element commitment to facilitate middle housing w a sliding scale affordable housing fee structure A short๐Ÿงต
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@RashiKesarwani
Rashi Kesarwani
@RashiKesarwani
10 months
We've fought for 5 years for homes at N Berk BART. We're down to the last few public mtgs. Join TONITE's Planning Commission beginning at 5:30 for a special mtg to adopt Objective Design Standards (1901 Hearst Ave, in person only) Some TALK about homes. We have to BE about it.
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@RashiKesarwani
Rashi Kesarwani
@RashiKesarwani
8 months
In April 2017, 69-year-old Seon O'Neill succumbed to her injuries after she was struck by a driver at this crosswalk at Hopkins & Monterey. I think of her every time I'm here. It takes political courage to engineer safer streets. #VisionZero
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@RashiKesarwani
Rashi Kesarwani
@RashiKesarwani
9 months
UNANIMOUS approval of San Pablo Corridor Project! Thx @AlamedaCTC โœ…Enhanced safety for all (bus bulbs, lighting, signals, ADA ramps, flashing beacons & more) โœ…Improved comfort & quality of trips โœ… Allows efficient growth along corridor โœ… Equitable transportation & design
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@RashiKesarwani
Rashi Kesarwani
@RashiKesarwani
6 months
A hero walks among us. Principled leadership always wins over vitriol. Also, just a cool thing to see during the Sunday long run. Physically strong and mentally fit to push forward with positivity, love & kindness. That's how we do.
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@RashiKesarwani
Rashi Kesarwani
@RashiKesarwani
3 years
and at the Marina. Just look at all the free curb parking on a recent weekend & think of the infrastructure improvements we could make with a Waterfront Parking Benefit District.
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@RashiKesarwani
Rashi Kesarwani
@RashiKesarwani
3 years
If you are young, healthy & working from home, then you need to check your privilege (and your ethics) if you are trying to jump the vaccine line ahead of folks who are older, high risk and/or working outside the home. Wait your turn. You could save someone's life.
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@RashiKesarwani
Rashi Kesarwani
@RashiKesarwani
5 months
Tonight's #berkmtg will adjourn in memory of Julia Elkin. I offer my deepest condolences to Julia's family, friends and neighbors. I pledge to redouble my efforts to realize our Vision Zero goal. Julia, an environmentalist who was just 37, should still be with us.
@BerkeleyScanner
The Berkeley Scanner
@BerkeleyScanner
5 months
Julia Elkin, who was hit by a driver on Marin Avenue in the Berkeley Hills earlier this month has succumbed to her injuries. She was just 37 years old. MORE:
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@RashiKesarwani
Rashi Kesarwani
@RashiKesarwani
3 years
If we're serious about mitigating fire risk, then we need to move aggressively to: โœ…Red-curb narrow streets (or establish limited # of paid parking permits) โœ…Require vegetation management plans w building permits & at time of sale Banning a handful of ADUs is ineffective, IMHO
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@RashiKesarwani
Rashi Kesarwani
@RashiKesarwani
3 years
I got to take a quick tour of our North Alameda Co. mass vax site today. 10 lanes for drive-thru doses + a walk-up/bike-up lane. Incredible partnership w @Dare2BWell , Cities of Albany & Berkeley, & Golden Gate Fields. We're on track to do 1,100 doses today! ๐Ÿ’‰
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@RashiKesarwani
Rashi Kesarwani
@RashiKesarwani
1 year
Berkeley approved 180 backyard cottages (aka Accessory Dwelling Units, ADUs) in 2022, a 53% increase over 2021. We also gave homeowners greater flexibility to create ADUs in February 2022 with amendments I authored - one of my proudest housing wins. Love to see progress! ๐Ÿ˜๏ธ
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@RashiKesarwani
Rashi Kesarwani
@RashiKesarwani
5 years
I had a great morning knocking on doors around the N Berk @SFBART station, talking to neighbors about creating homes at the site & our Special Council Mtg on 5/9, 6 pm, @ Longfellow M.S. My goals are to solicit community input, ensure affordability, & enhance livability of theโ€ฆ
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@RashiKesarwani
Rashi Kesarwani
@RashiKesarwani
8 months
About last night: Iโ€™m asking us to do a little more than we originally thought we could, so that somebody else can have what we already have. What I know for sure, we cannot keep what is good about our neighborhood unless we share it.
@RebeccaForEC
Rebecca Saltzman
@RebeccaForEC
8 months
Tonight Berkeley City Council approved objective design standards for North Berkeley BART which is more exciting than it might sound. This was Councilโ€™s final vote allowing housing development to happen! Soon 750 homes - 50% affordable- will replace parking lots at N Berk BART!
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@RashiKesarwani
Rashi Kesarwani
@RashiKesarwani
11 months
Great to see @SFBART making progress on widening the Ohlone Greenway from the N Berkeley BART Station to Virginia Gardens - to a luxurious 18 ft (6 ft for pedestrians and 12 ft for two-way cycle traffic). Good stuff! ๐Ÿšถโ€โ™€๏ธ๐Ÿšดโ€โ™€๏ธ
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