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Articles by Sabrina Dong
Uncomfy Denty
Sabrina Dong · Follow 4 min read · -- “We’re going to the dentist” the most disappointing and tantrum inducing words for a child to hear. A phrase that holds more weight when followed by “Sorry kid, we’re out of candy” I was never such a kid. To my mother’s dismay, I was a kid who enjoyed going to the dentist. I savoured every minute I spent watching cartoons while a meditative hum vibrates from my mouth to skull.
I Tried Cleaning Like My Girlfriend, and It Nearly Destroyed Me
Sabrina Dong · Follow 3 min read · -- The day my partner moved in was the day I learned how to properly use a broom. Or better yet, discover I even had one. Her immutable presence in my space marked a glorious day of evolution for me from a college graduate who never picked up an interior design book (I graduated 3 years ago) to the reliable sink scrubber. First step to establishing a new habit starts with a change in mindset.
3rd annual United Against Hate Week kicks off virtually
The third annual United Against Hate Week kicked off Monday using social media and virtual meeting platforms. This continues the legacy of the campaign, which was started by Bay Area cities in response to white supremacist rallies in 2017. The week’s events include mindful movement yoga, film screenings, a TED Talk and several educational events and panels.
Survey finds students with disabilities disproportionately affected by pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately impacted students with disabilities who are enrolled at large public research universities, according to a survey by the Student Experience in the Research University, or SERU, Consortium. The survey was conducted by SERU, an academic and policy research partnership between UC Berkeley’s Center for Studies in Higher Education and other institutions, and was administered from May to July 2020, according to a SERU press release.
UC Berkeley student launches petition calling for pass/no pass grading option for all classes fall 2020
A petition to the UC Berkeley Division of Student Affairs calling for a pass/no pass, or P/NP, grading option for all classes and major requirements for fall 2020 has garnered 5,420 signatures as of publication time since its creation Monday. Campus junior Kaden Kim created the petition after seeing accounts of students struggling during online learning from virtual UC Berkeley student communities on platforms such as Reddit, LoopChat and Piazza.
Berkeley apartment building accepts applications from 'very low income' households
Jones Berkeley, a new 170-unit apartment building located at 1500 San Pablo Ave.,will be accepting lottery applications from “very low income” households for 16 of its apartment units, according to a city of Berkeley press release sent Monday. Applications, which will be due to the property manager by 5 p.m. on Oct. 13, will be placed into a lottery held on Oct. 22.
Koret Foundation gives $2M in scholarships for UC Berkeley students
The Koret Foundation will be providing $2 million in scholarships for first-generation, low-income and underrepresented minority UC Berkeley students who are struggling amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Announced in a press release from the foundation, the scholarships are part of nearly $10 million in scholarship funding being offered to nine Bay Area colleges and universities through the Koret Scholars Program.
'A brilliant and persistent advocate': Berkeley community activist Guy 'Mike' Lee dies at 64
Longtime activist Guy “Mike” Lee died at the age of 64. A passionate advocate for homeless rights, Lee was heavily involved in community activism for years. Notably, he participated in the occupation of People’s Park to protest UC Berkeley’s plan to build a volleyball court and ran for mayor on a platform focused on homelessness and housing affordability. Lee moved from Portland, Oregon, to the Bay Area to live with his uncle in Daly City at age 13.
Petition demanding justice for Seth Smith receives more than 2,900 signatures
A petition demanding justice for UC Berkeley junior Seth Smith, who was fatally wounded by gunfire June 15, has received 2,930 signatures as of press time. Smith, a double major in history and economics, was found unresponsive on the ground, bleeding on Dwight Way by Valley Street around 11:30 p.m. June 15. The city of Berkeley is currently offering a $50,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of all responsible suspects in his murder.
CA Sen. Nancy Skinner introduces 2 police reform bills
State Senator Nancy Skinner, D-Berkeley, introduced two bills regarding police reform Monday. One of the bills, SB 776, aims to expand police transparency and the other, SB 773, would reform California’s police system so that calls associated with mental health, homelessness, drug overdoses and other issues will not require police intervention.
Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos announces online portal for foreign gifts, contract reporting
U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos announced the creation of an online portal that will allow higher education institutions to more easily report foreign gifts and contracts valued at more than $250,000, according to a Monday press release from the U.S. Department of Education.
Secretary of education announces online portal for reporting foreign gifts
U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos announced the creation of an online portal that will allow higher education institutions to more easily report foreign gifts and contracts valued at more than $250,000, according to a Monday press release from the U.S. Department of Education.
Bay Area youth summer camps close amid COVID-19 pandemic
In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, several summer camps for Berkeley youth have either closed for the summer or continue to navigate possible plans of instruction. Three local youth summer camps have confirmed closure: Ecole Bilingue de Berkeley in Southwest Berkeley, Camp 510 and the Julia Morgan School for Girls in Oakland. The city of Berkeley said it is currently working on guidelines for camps.
After 35 years of operation, Lalime shuts down due to pandemic
Opened in late spring 1985, Berkeley’s Lalime restaurant on Gilman Street bid a sentimental goodbye through a statement to its customers on its website, declaring it would have to close due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “We would have liked to bid you Adieu in person, but the masks and the gloves are in the way,” wrote Lalime co-owner Haig Krikorian in the statement.
United Auto Workers locals call for increased federal research funding
A national coalition of United Auto Workers, or UAW, locals is lobbying for increased federal research funding and better worker protection amid the COVID-19 pandemic, as announced in a press release Monday.
Nurses union releases statement against N95 respirator decontamination guidelines
With the increased need for disposable N95 respirators, Bay Area hospitals have been trying to conserve equipment by decontaminating respirators for reuse — upsetting nurses on the front lines. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, disposable filtering facepiece respirators, or FFRs, are not approved for routine decontamination and reuse “as standard of care.” These procedures, however, may be considered to ensure facepiece availability as a crisis capacity strategy.
'Digitize and centralize': App designed for UC Berkeley events to launch in fall
Eventure, an app created by a group of UC Berkeley students, will officially launch during Golden Bear Orientation this fall. Designed as a platform to give exposure to campus events, the app will facilitate student club membership management and offer an event creation pipeline, according to Eventure co-founder Victor Li. The developers hope the app serves as a “dynamic hub” for students and various campus organizations.
Edible Schoolyard Project donates to Berkeley Food Network in light of school closures
With schools closed due to the shelter-in-place order, the Edible Schoolyard Project, which operates out of Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School, has been donating its harvests to the Berkeley Food Network, or BFN. The Edible Schoolyard Project was created in 1995 by Alice Waters, owner of Berkeley restaurant Chez Panisse. According to the project’s website, the program fosters edible education by offering community resources and training educators from all over the world.
CA Energy Commission to vote on funding Berkeley Lab fiber optic cable projects
The California Energy Commission, or CEC, will vote to fund two projects investigating the usefulness of fiber optic cables as scientific sensors for the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, or Berkeley Lab, on April 8, according to an email from CEC spokesperson Michael Ward. For both projects, Berkeley Lab is working with UC Berkeley, and the members of its natural gas project are also collaborating with PG&E, Schlumberger and C-FER Technologies to carry out tests associated with the project.
Labor stoppage to begin after UC Berkeley COLA General Assembly vote
The Berkeley Cost of Living Adjustment, or COLA, General Assembly passed two votes Monday regarding a potential wildcat strike in support of a COLA for all UC graduate students, according to Cal COLA organizer Jeremy Adams. The votes passed called for a labor stoppage in addition to a grading strike beginning March 16.
Community takes measures to prevent further spread of COVID-19
Communitywide preparations are underway after the first case of COVID-19, a coronavirus that has been spreading across the globe, has been confirmed in Berkeley, according to a Tuesday press release from the city. According to the release, the infected resident returned to Berkeley on Feb. 23 from one of the “growing number of countries with a COVID-19 outbreak,” and stayed at home in self-imposed isolation due to concerns of exposing others to the virus.
Habitot Children's Museum to relocate, asks community for assistance
Berkeley’s Habitot Children’s Museum, which opened the doors of its first facility in 1998, is planning on relocating and is asking the community to assist in its journey, as first reported by Berkeleyside. The museum is an award-winning hands-on discovery museum for young children, according to the Habitot Children’s Museum website.
Cannabis dispensary opens, serves as educational resource for community
After over a decade of work, a dispensary called The Farmacy Berkeley has opened on Sacramento Street on Feb. 7, as first reported by Berkeleyside. Committed to offering high-quality, sustainable cannabis products, The Farmacy Berkeley is focused on educating seniors about the health and wellness benefits of cannabis. The dispensary also serves as a resource and a “non-judgemental” space to inform the community about cannabis use, according to The Farmacy Berkeley website.
UC Berkeley researchers conduct study on Washington Redskins' name
A UC Berkeley study to be published this month shows that out of more than 1,000 Native Americans surveyed, at least half are offended by the Washington Redskins’ name and Native mascots, according to a UC Berkeley press release. These results contradict a 2016 Washington Post survey that previously reported nine out of 10 Native Americans were not bothered by the team name.
2 UC Berkeley startups chosen to attend UC Startup Pitch Showcase
Five finalists have been selected to attend the fifth annual 2020 UC Startup Pitch Showcase in Monterey on Jan. 29 and 30, according to a UC press release. According to the press release, two of the five startups at the summit will be from UC Berkeley. The winner will be selected on Jan. 30, after the showcase.
BAMPFA Chief Curator Larry Rinder talks surrealism, style in ‘Strange’
Celebrating the 100th anniversary of the surrealist movement, the Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive’s “Strange” exhibition gives students and community members the opportunity to experience surrealism thematically.
The ‘Strange’, the funny, the grotesque - BAMPFA unveils surrealist exhibition
Pickles wedged between toes, a full leather mask and one Barack Obama bong – BAMPFA’s “Strange” exhibit will take visitors on an intriguing mental journey ranging from feelings of unease to whimsy. BAMPFA’s “Strange” exhibition stems from student feedback asking to see more surrealist art, said BAMPFA media relations manager A.J. Fox. According to Fox, while not all art in the exhibition can technically be classified as surrealism, all pieces have some thematic connection to the style of art.
UC issues statement on Trump administration's 'public charge' rule change
UC President Janet Napolitano issued a statement Aug. 12 asserting that the Donald Trump administration sent the international community a “detrimental message” in its decision to expand the definition of “public charge.” On Aug. 12, the Trump administration announced that it will be implementing a new rule effective Oct.
UCPD warn of strong arm robbery at Valley Life Science building
A strong arm robbery took place at the campus Valley Life Science building Wednesday night, according to a crime advisory Nixle alert from the UCPD. According to the alert, a female victim was was walking by the Valley Life Science building at around 8:17 p.m. when she was robbed of her cell phone. After a struggle with the victim, the suspect fled on foot. UCPD officers responded, locating the suspect walking near Spieker Plaza.
Investigation into catalytic converter thefts continue, after two arrests
Despite detectives arresting two suspects on Wednesday, the investigation into the series of catalytic converters thefts is continuing, according to a Nixle alert sent by the Berkeley Police Department, or BPD, Thursday afternoon. According to the alert, detectives identified a suspect vehicle and placed an alert for other law enforcement agencies to detain the vehicle if found. The vehicle was believed to be connected to a series of catalytic converter thefts city-wide that started in late July.
BART police look for suspect of alleged stabbing at Berkeley BART station
A man and a woman were hospitalized after they were attacked and stabbed early Tuesday morning while exiting the Downtown Berkeley BART station. According to BART spokesperson Chris Filippi in an email, the two victims, a 27-year-old man and a 36-year-old woman were attacked at 12:50 a.m. while riding up the escalator leading to the street level at Shattuck Avenue and Center Street. Filippi wrote in an email that they suffered non-life threatening injuries.
Armed robbery takes place on Durant Avenue; suspects drive away
An armed robbery took place in an off-street parking lot on the 2500 block of Durant Avenue, according to a Nixle community alert sent out by Berkeley Police Department and UCPD on Thursday morning. According to the alert, three suspects robbed a man while at the off-street parking lot at about 3:50 a.m. Thursday morning. One suspect took the man’s phone, wallet and money after pointing a handgun at him, and all three drove away in a light-colored vehicle.
Power outage effects Berkeley south of campus
A power outage hit Berkeley Wednesday night, effecting a large part of the city and parts of Oakland, especially areas north of 13th Street and near the south side of campus, according to PG&E spokesperson JD Guidi. According to Guidi, the outage effected 3,130 PG&E customers in Berkeley and 12 in Oakland. The cause of the outage is still under investigation. “We will work safely and quickly … until the cause is determined,” said Guidi.
Three cases of Chicken Pox confirmed in summer session students
Three UC Berkeley Summer Session students were recently identified as having Chicken Pox, or Varicella, according to a campus message emailed by vice chancellor for Student Affairs Stephen Sutton and assistant vice chancellor for University Health Services Guy Nicolette. Chicken Pox is a highly contagious viral infection, according to the email, and the university wanted to alert the campus community to be aware of symptoms in order to take any necessary actions.
Man arrested for assault with deadly weapon at Haas Business School
According to the UCPD crime log for Wednesday, a man was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon on the second floor of the Haas Business School and was taken to Santa Rita Jail. The man, 36-year-old Andrew Kushibiki, entered an open seating area at the business school a little bit before 1:39 p.m. on Wednesday, according to an email from UCPD spokesperson Sergeant Nicolas Hernandez.
Man arrested on suspicion of assault with deadly weapon at Haas school
According to the UCPD crime log for Wednesday, a man was arrested on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon on the second floor of the UC Berkeley Haas School of Business and was taken to Santa Rita Jail. The man, 36-year-old Andrew Kushibiki, entered an open seating area at the business school just before 1:39 p.m. Wednesday, according to an email from UCPD spokesperson Sgt. Nicolas Hernandez.
Berkeley Police Review Commission discusses surveillance policies
Berkeley’s Police Review Commission, or PRC, introduced a new member of the commission, learned that Commissioner Terry Roberts would be leaving the team at the end of July and discussed police surveillance policies at its regular Wednesday night meeting. After public comment, the meeting began with the introduction of the newest commissioner, Michael Chang, appointed by City Councilmember Sophie Hahn. According to Chang, he has served as a lecturer at UC Berkeley and a civil rights attorney.
Man pronounced dead during psychology class in Valley Life Science Building
A man was pronounced dead in room 2040 of the Valley Life Science Building, or VLSB, on May 28, according to an email from UCPD spokesperson Sergeant Nicolas Hernandez. According to the email, a security patrol officer and police officers responded to reports of an unresponsive male at VLSB. The man was pronounced deceased at the scene and the Alameda County Coroner’s Office is currently investigating the cause of death. UCPD currently has no evidence that the event was a homicide.
Commission discusses spit hood policy for Berkeley police
Discussion surrounding recommendations for Berkeley City Council and the city manager about police spit hood use policy dominated discussion at Wednesday night’s regular Police Review Commission, or PRC, meeting.
Gov. Gavin Newsom issues apology on behalf of state to Native Americans
Gov. Gavin Newsom issued an apology for historical mistreatment, violence and neglect on behalf of California to California Native American peoples through an executive order on Tuesday. According to a press release from the governor’s office released Tuesday, Newsom also announced the creation of a Truth and Healing Council, which will give Native Americans a way to share their own perspectives on their relationship and history with the state.
Romance and relevés
Growing up half an hour away from Berkeley, the closest thing to a culture shock that I’d experienced when starting school here was realizing that the campus’s favorite Taco Bell location also serves alcohol. Nothing else about Berkeley really surprised me. I was surrounded by the same hills, the same climate, the same “hella” overused Bay Area slang. So when I walked into my first dance class at UC Berkeley, I wasn’t prepared for it to feel so alien.
Man arrested on suspicion of assault on a disabled adult, assault causing bodily injury
At 10:51 p.m. on Thursday Berkeley Police Department, or BPD, officers responded to a report of two men who were neighbors fighting on to the 1500 block of Oregon Street, according to an email from BPD spokesperson Officer Byron White. According to the email the officers recognized the two men from calls recieved earlier that evening that consisted of reports that the men were arguing and did not want police assistance.
Attempted robbery takes place on Hearst Avenue, Berkeley police report
A 26-year-old UC Berkeley student was walking on Hearst Avenue at about 11:15 p.m. on Sunday when a car stopped next to him and a male suspect got out, demanding the man’s money, according to an email from Berkeley Police Department, or BPD, spokesperson Officer Byron White. According to the email, the suspect threatened to have a gun, though no gun was scene. The suspect drove away empty handed when the student ran away and was last seen driving north on La Loma Avenue.
Roadside assist leads to arrest of suspect with stolen license plate
A roadside assist by a Berkeley Police Department, or BPD, officer lead to the arrest of a suspect with a stolen license plate on Sunday, according to an email by BPD spokesperson Officer Byron White. At 9:46 p.m. on Sunday, officers found a blue Honda Civic having engine trouble on the 1100 block of Delaware Street, according to the email. The officers determined that the vehicle was unable to shift into the “Drive” gear.
Two suspects arrested in connection to a stolen U-Haul van
Two suspects were arrested in connection to a stolen U-Haul van on Saturday, according to an email from Berkeley Police Department, or BPD, spokesperson Officer Byron White. According to the email, at 8:08 p.m. on Saturday, an officer spotted two men in a previously stolen U-Haul van in the parking lot of 1050 Gilman Street.
Privacy law conference opts to not seek support from Palantir Technologies
The program committee of the Privacy Law Scholars Conference, or PLSC, which took place on May 30 and 31, decided not to seek support from Palantir Technologies, a private American software company specializing in big data analytics, because a “significant minority” of participants in the conference were “uncomfortable” with the sponsorship, according to conference co-chair and UC Berkeley School of Law adjunct professor Chris Hoofnagle.
Young adults among most 'poverty-prone' groups, research finds
An issue brief from the Berkeley Institute for the Future of Young Americans, or BIFYA, showed that the number of young adults aged 18 to 24 experiencing poverty has increased over several decades, making young adults one of the most “poverty-prone” age groups since the Great Recession, according to a press release that the institute sent out Wednesday.
Berkeley City Council upholds sidewalk regulations at regular meeting
Talks surrounding the affirmation of a Zoning Adjustments Board, or ZAB, approval of an administrative use permit for a project on 1444 Fifth St. and a proposed moratorium of the “Shared Sidewalk” policy dominated discussion at Berkeley City Council’s regular meeting May 28. The meeting kicked off with several proclamations by the council, including the recognition of Berkeley green-certified businesses and the recognition of Berkeley World Music Festival weekend.
Berkeley school custodian files lawsuit against district alleging harassment
Berkeley Unified School District custodian Janet Helton filed a lawsuit against BUSD on May 7 in the Alameda County Superior Court, alleging defamation and violations of the California Fair Employment and Housing Act, or FEHA, including sexual harassment and failure to prevent discrimination, harassment or retaliation. Helton began working as a substitute custodian assigned to Berkeley Adult School in January 2014, and she secured a regular custodian I position in August 2014.
BART police begin deploying Narcan to combat opioid overdoses
Bay Area Rapid Transit police are beginning to deploy the opioid antidote naloxone, also known by the brand name Narcan, as a tool to combat overdoses, according to a May 24 BART press release. According to the press release, it is expected that all officers will carry Narcan by the end of May.
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