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Articles by Jesse Arreguin
California’s commitment to immigrant children starts with CHIRP
Opinion by GREGG HART AND SENATOR JESSE ARREGUÍN posted 08.20.2026 Capitol Weekly welcomes Opinions on California public policy or politics. Please read our guidelines for opinion pieces before submitting an Op-Ed. Submissions that do not adhere to our guidelines will not be considered for publication. OPINION — California has long sought to lead the nation in protecting immigrant communities and advancing children’s well-being.
Opinion: Sophie Hahn is the best mayor for Berkeley
My love for Berkeley runs deep. Having the honor of serving in elected office for 20 years — 12 on the Rent Stabilization Board and City Council, and eight as your mayor — I could only run for State Senate if there was someone with the experience, dedication, love, care, and temperament to be our next mayor. That person is Sophie Hahn. Berkeleyside accepts submission of op-eds relating to election candidates and measures and publishes a balance of opinions at its discretion.
Opinion: Don’t be misled on housing — vote yes on Measure BB, no on Measure CC
We can all agree that the cost of living is out of control in the Bay Area. Evictions have increased across the state since the expiration of COVID-era moratoria. Corporate landlords have contributed to that problem by buying up housing in the Bay Area and raising rents. In California, just four companies own over 17,000 homes.
2024 Welcome from UC Berkeley Chancellor Rich Lyons and Berkeley Mayor Jesse Arreguín
We are pleased to welcome our new and returning Golden Bears! As you settle into Berkeley and the city’s neighboring communities, we hope you are excited for a year of learning, discovery and personal growth at the world’s best public university. Berkeley is a wonderfully diverse city, home to a rich history of political activism and an astounding array of intellectual, cultural and recreational activities.
Viewpoint: Majority rules? Not in California - San Francisco Business Times
As things stand, as few as one-third of voters can hold veto power over many local ballot measures. Voters can change that this November. A key principle of our democratic process is that the will of the people prevails. But right now, one-third of our voters can override the will of everyone else. Since the late 1970s, California’s Constitution has required that local bond measures for housing and infrastructure must win two-thirds approval to pass.
California Voice: To build more housing, ballot measure easing bond votes is crucial
In California, the will of the majority has historically been vetoed by the will of the minority, especially on issues that impact working-class families and people of color. Since the late 1970s, California’s Constitution has required that local bond measures for housing and infrastructure must meet a two-thirds voter threshold to pass.
If California wants to build more housing, the ballot measure easing bond votes is crucial Original
A key principle of our democratic process is that the will of the people prevails. But right now, one-third of our voters can override the will of everyone else. In California, the will of the majority has historically been vetoed by the will of the minority, especially on issues that impact working-class families and people of color. Since the late 1970s, California’s Constitution has required that local bond measures for housing and infrastructure must meet a two-thirds voter threshold to pass.
If California wants to build more housing, the ballot measure easing bond votes is crucial Original
This story is part of California Voices, a commentary forum aiming to broaden our understanding of the state and spotlight Californians directly impacted by policy or its absence. Learn more here. In November, California voters will decide the fate of Proposition 5, which would make it easier for local governments to borrow money for housing and various public infrastructure projects.
Opinion: Defending democracy in the face of incivility
The world watched in horror on Jan. 6, 2021, when the United States Capitol was attacked by those who refused to accept the democratic will of the people. We witnessed the disruption of democratic proceedings, death threats, harassment and abuse toward elected officials, violence against peace officers, and the destruction of property. It breaks my heart to see the same vitriol unfold right here in our community. Democracy can be messy.
2023 welcome from Chancellor Carol Christ, Mayor Jesse Arreguín
We welcome our new and returning Golden Bears as you settle into Berkeley and neighboring communities. We hope you are excited to embark on a year of learning, discovery and personal growth at the best public university in the world. Berkeley is a wonderfully diverse city home to a rich history of political activism and an astounding array of intellectual, cultural, artistic and recreational activities.
Opinion: Berkeley moving closer toward ferry service
Our beautiful city sits exactly opposite the Golden Gate Bridge, founded here for its unique position along the San Francisco Bay. Our gateway to the bay, the Berkeley Marina, has struggled for years with crumbling infrastructure and a deficient Marina Fund. But thanks to community advocacy, new investment from our City Council, and $15 million in state support, we have weathered the storm and are steadying the ship.
Opinion: Protecting our neighbors’ homes will keep Bay Area diverse
The Bay Area is at an enormous risk of losing our neighbors who make it such a diverse and vibrant region. Currently, 51% of Black households and 42% of Latino households are in danger of being priced out of their communities. Additionally, 60% of Black households and 55% of Latino households face rent burdens, meaning their housing costs exceed 30% of their income.
Opinion: Yes on Measure L
This November, Berkeley’s future is on the ballot. As current and former mayors, we know that residents have long ranked affordable housing, climate resiliency, and repairing our aging streets and infrastructure as top priorities. We’ve been listening, and Measure L is our response. While recent bonds have enabled the city to create affordable housing and improve parks, streets, and other public facilities, funds have been fully committed. We need Measure L to continue the progress.
Ranked choice voting is under threat in California
California, the biggest and most diverse state, is teeming with opportunity but also is facing incredible challenges, ranging from drought to homelessness. To effectively address these problems, we need more representative government at the city, county and state levels. Here in Berkeley and Oakland, one way we’ve made that happen since 2010 is through ranked choice voting.
Ranked choice voting is under threat
It works, it’s cost-effective, it makes for more representative government and voters like it. But Assembly Bill 2808 seeks to end a method for casting ballots that voters themselves have chosen. In summary It works, it’s cost-effective, it makes for more representative government and voters like it. But Assembly Bill 2808 seeks to end a method for casting ballots that voters themselves have chosen.
Welcome Message
We write to extend a warm welcome to all of our new and returning Golden Bears. We are so excited to welcome so many of you back to Berkeley and neighboring communities. You join us at a challenging moment in our nation’s history, and we hope you are excited to embark on a new year of learning, discovery and personal growth as students at the very best public university in the world.
The City of Berkeley--UC Berkeley Agreement
The City of Berkeley--UC Berkeley Agreement Mayor Jesse Arreguin Tuesday August 24, 2021 - 09:28:00 PM Last month, the City of Berkeley and University of California Board of Regents approved a settlement agreement on UC Berkeley’s 2021 Long Range Development Plan (LRDP) and lawsuits challenging UC’s enrollment increases and impacts on neighborhoods. The Berkeley City Council authorized execution of the settlement by an 8-1 vote.
Op-ed: New campus agreement is an $80 million win for the city
The relationship between town and gown here in Berkeley is a strenuous one, and for years it has been out of balance. However, now we have begun to make that right. In 2005, the city of Berkeley and UC Berkeley came to an agreement settling a lawsuit over the university’s Long Range Development Plan that established a $1.2 million annual payment from the campus to the city to account for the university’s use of city services. A woefully insufficient and inadequate number.
Reimagining public safety remains a priority for Berkeley City Council
Last year, the city of Berkeley took bold steps to transform its approach to public safety. That work continues with many concrete changes underway. I appreciate The Daily Californian’s editorial board for raising the issue of police funding in its recent editorial, but I must make some corrections.
Berkeley can reduce displacement by developing housing
California faces a crisis. Rents are sky high and homeownership in California is increasingly out of reach for the vast majority of us. Years of inaction have driven the displacement of predominantly marginalized communities while exacerbating epidemic levels of homelessness. The lack of effective action has also worsened our climate crisis, resulting in poor air quality, fire conditions, and rising sea levels. We must act now to protect our planet and the California dream.
Opinion: Jovanka Beckles is the leader we need on the AC Transit Board
The East Bay’s public bus system is in crisis. Workers have struggled to keep themselves and riders safe from COVID-19. Because of reduced revenue from the pandemic, the AC Transit Board is considering cuts of up to 30%. These cuts would be devastating for the system’s largely low-income and POC ridership. These cuts would especially hurt our society’s most vulnerable members — students, the elderly, and the disabled — who rely heavily on the bus.
Opinion: Why we support Berkeley Measure II for police accountability
We are pleased to support Measure II, on the November ballot, to provide greater accountability to the Berkeley police. Public safety is at the core of a thriving community, and it is vital to the administration of the city of Berkeley. The national upsurge in the movement for Black Lives and against police brutality reminds us that safety cannot be separated from the demand for justice in law enforcement. There truly cannot be peace without justice.
Chancellor Carol Christ, Mayor Jesse Arreguín welcome students on campus, online
We write to extend a warm welcome to all of our new and returning Golden Bears. Wherever you may be living during this challenging moment in our nation’s history, we hope you are excited to embark on a new year of learning, discovery and personal growth as students at the very best public university in the world.
Article Incorrectly Characterizes Traffic Proposal
Article Incorrectly Characterizes Traffic Proposal Mayor Jesse Arreguin Saturday July 11, 2020 - 11:11:00 AM The piece published in the linked article is inaccurate. The writer did not either read or understand the proposal being presented to the City Council on Tuesday (linked). I noticed that he published a similar post on Nextdoor. The Council item does not propose that we hire a private contractor for traffic and parking enforcement.
Opinion: Mayor Jesse Arreguín: Do your part to address COVID-19 public health risk in Berkeley
Berkeley has a reputation for uniting against civil and human rights abuses, against wars and dictators, and so much more. Today, this community faces a new threat that requires us to stand together and provide a united response, a response that requires us to stand physically apart. COVID-19 has had an unprecedented impact on all of us, but in order to protect the integrity of our public health system, we must flatten the rate at which this virus is spreading.
Opinion: Berkeley mayor says, do your part to address public health risks — Berkeleyside
Berkeley has a reputation for uniting against civil and human rights abuses, against wars and dictators, and so much more. Today, this community faces a new threat that requires us to stand together and provide a united response, a response that requires us to stand physically apart. COVID-19 has had an unprecedented impact on all of us, but in order to protect the integrity of our public health system, we must flatten the rate at which this virus is spreading.
Responding to today’s challenges is essential for a better tomorrow
As we enter a new decade, we are faced with many important decisions that will impact the future of our city and the Bay Area for years to come. How do we reverse the trends of homelessness? How do we increase housing opportunities for people at all income levels? Can stronger regional collaboration help us address the issues that cities across the Bay Area are collectively facing?
Berkeley Councilmembers Endorse UC Plan for People's Park
Don't miss this. Arreguin, Droste, Robinson are endorsing UC's redevelopment plan for the site of People's Park in today's online Chronicle.
It’s time for a new People’s Park
In People’s Park’s 2.8 acres, there are countless stories. Stories that have shaped the history of Berkeley, and the progressive movement as we know it. And in People’s Park, there is also pain. The park was born in the face of callous government repression and abuse by Gov. Ronald Reagan’s National Guard, and today perhaps no other plot of land in Berkeley so visibly and viscerally exemplifies the housing crisis that we face as a city and a region.
Opinion: To combat climate change, end reliance on fossil fuels
Last month, 11,000 scientists signed onto a study that showed that not only is human-caused climate change real, but it has become a global emergency. Just reading the news shows a world being impacted daily by climate change. We’ve recently witnessed flooding in Venice and fires in Australia, while California underwent yet another red flag warning.
Opinion: To combat climate change, end reliance on fossil fuels
Last month, 11,000 scientists signed onto a study that showed that not only is human-caused climate change real, but it has become a global emergency. Just reading the news shows a world being impacted daily by climate change. We’ve recently witnessed flooding in Venice and fires in Australia, while California underwent yet another red flag warning.
Opinion: A community vision for the Ashby and North Berkeley BART stations
Where there is transit, housing will follow. This has been the mantra in Berkeley, even before its incorporation as a city. Much of the development of Berkeley in the mid-1800s took place along the waterfront after the development of a ferry terminal and railroad along the shoreline. Shortly after, development began in what is now the downtown area after a railroad was built to serve the newly-founded University of California.
To save lives, Alta Bates must be saved
Where would you go if you had a medical emergency? For an estimated 4,000 students a year, the answer is the Alta Bates Summit Medical Center. While the Tang Center provides important medical services, it is no replacement for a hospital. To compensate, the Tang Center has a strong partnership with Alta Bates, providing an estimated 1,500 emergency department referrals a year to the hospital, which ensures that students have access to the health care they need.
Opinion: 10 priorities to move Berkeley forward
Over the past year, I have met with residents throughout the city to gather ideas on how to address the challenges and opportunities facing our community. With the Council recently returning for our fall legislative session, I am pleased to share 10 initiatives my office is working on in the coming months. Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act In this housing crisis, we are looking for ways to keep residents in their homes and build equity and stability.
Berkeley community must work together to prepare for wildfires
Berkeley prides itself as a resilient city. But this resiliency, especially against natural disasters such as wildfires, requires a collaborative community effort to mitigate threats and prepare for emergencies. Wildfires are a major threat in California, fueled in part by the worsening climate crisis. The National Interagency Fire Center is expecting another above-average season this year, with the upcoming months being the most severe.
Chancellor Christ and Mayor Arreguín welcome new students
To our new Golden Bears: Welcome! We hope your summers have been relaxing and rejuvenating, and that you’re excited to take on a new year of learning, discovery and personal growth at the very best public university in the world.
Opinion: The I-80 corridor must have a full-service acute care hospital
Opinion: The I-80 corridor must have a full-service acute care hospital The closure of Alta Bates would be devastating. That’s why, on Dec. 11, the Berkeley City Council will vote to demand Sutter Health commit to either retrofitting Alta Bates or sell it to another hospital operator. With the recent wildfires impacting hundreds of communities and thousands of residents across California, disaster preparedness has become a frequent topic of conversation.
It's virtually impossible to learn how Sutter Health arrives at the community benefit spending figures it reports annually, underscoring how full of holes the community benefit reporting process is. #MHMarginVsMission #MHinDepth
Questions loom over Sutter Health's community benefit spending By Tara Bannow Jesse Arreguín, mayor of Berkeley, Calif. (AP Photo) Ever since Jesse Arreguín learned Sutter Health was considering closing its Berkeley hospital ahead of a 2030 deadline to meet California's seismic standards, the city's mayor has led a campaign to save the hospital.
InDepth: Questions loom over Sutter Health's community benefit spending
Ever since Jesse Arreguín learned Sutter Health was considering closing its Berkeley hospital ahead of a 2030 deadline to meet California's seismic standards, the city's mayor has led a campaign to save the hospital. The ordeal has raised a bigger question in Arreguín's mind: Is it time to rethink whether the massive, not-for-profit Northern California health system deserves its tax-exempt status?
Opinion: Berkeley’s new programs are getting the homeless rehoused. Vote 'yes' on Measure P to expand these initiatives
Measure P will replicate the successful soda tax to ensure funds are appropriately used. It places a 1% surcharge on high real estate transactions to help those in need regain housing and rebuild their lives. Many people think homelessness is a problem that cannot be solved. And it’s no wonder. Berkeley’s citizens are generous and compassionate, yet still the crisis deepens.
Opinion: Rigel Robinson is the progressive, consensus choice for City Council
We on Berkeley City Council disagree on a number of things. But, this year, the District 7 City Council race isn’t one of them. We all believe that Rigel Robinson would make an excellent District 7 Councilmember. In an unprecedented display of confidence, Rigel has been endorsed by every single member of the Council, including the Mayor.
Opinion: Berkeley Measures O and P offer compassion, innovation and will address the housing and homelessness crisis
The status quo is unsustainable and inhumane. Berkeley residents should support these measures to help those in need. Homelessness and the skyrocketing cost of housing have reached a crisis point. In Berkeley alone an estimated 1,000 people, or 1% of our population, are homeless. Many more residents are at risk of losing their homes, being displaced, or unfairly burdened by rapidly rising housing costs. The time to act is now.
A welcome to students from Mayor Arreguín and Chancellor Christ
To Golden Bears new and old, welcome — or welcome back — to UC Berkeley! We hope your summers have been restful and restorative, and we’re thrilled to have you here in what former chancellor Clark Kerr once called the “City of Intellect.” UC Berkeley is a wonderful place for many reasons, but one of the things that brings so much vitality to our institution is its location within the city of Berkeley — a diverse urban center with a legacy of political activism and a remarkable array of...
State incentives to build must also prevent displacement
State incentives to build must also prevent displacement We all agree: California is facing an unprecedented housing crisis, the result of insufficient residential construction for more than 30 years. But it’s specifically the lack of affordable housing that has made the situation so dire for hundreds of thousands of families, prompting many to leave the state or, worse, end up homeless on our streets. It is true that we need to incentivize our cities to build more housing.
Berkeley Lending a Hand in North Bay Fires
I want to thank all of the Berkeley police and fire personnel who have spent the past four days helping our neighbors in Santa Rosa, Sonoma, Napa and the surrounding areas. They have been going in rotating 12-person teams of police officers and a 3-person fire crews to help fight the fires directly. Staff from Emergency Services are also going out to help coordinate the massive undertaking of managing this large-scale disaster.
Berkeley Mayor and UC Berkeley Chancellor welcome new students | The Daily Californian
It is a great pleasure to welcome you to campus and to this extraordinary community of learning and discovery, where you will spend the next several years developing your mind and deepening your understanding of the world and those who inhabit it. In joining our campus community, you now also begin your relationship with the City of Berkeley — a diverse urban center with a legacy of progressive politics and its own remarkable array of intellectual, cultural, artistic and recreational activities.
Extra from The Berkeley Daily Planet
Chancellor Nicholas Dirks of the University of California, Berkeley, and Mayor Jesse Arreguín of the City of Berkeley today released the following joint statement: The values of openness, equity, diversity and freedom of speech are deeply enshrined in our community. Both the City of Berkeley and the University of California have been at the forefront of free speech and continue to do so to this day.
Tear gas should not choke our democracy
As I was monitoring the Black Lives Matter protests happening in the streets of Berkeley on the evening of Dec. 6, I was shocked to see police throwing tear gas into a largely nonviolent crowd. And as soon as police fired tear gas, chaos ensued. Rather than helping to calm an already tense situation, the tear gas inflamed the situation, and people who were trying to disperse were caught in the middle of it all in a scene that looked more like a war zone.
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