City of Berkeley

Doctors, nurses and therapists employed by LifeLong Medical Care walked off the job across the East Bay, disrupting care at the community health network's clinics. The strike affects facilities serving low-income and uninsured patients in Berkeley and neighboring cities. Details on the workers' specific demands and the duration of the walkout were not immediately available.

The Berkeley Homeless Union is asking a court to hold the city of Berkeley in contempt over its clearing of a homeless encampment on Harrison Street. The move suggests the union believes the sweep violated a prior court order or agreement protecting encampment residents, escalating a legal dispute between homeless advocates and the city over how Berkeley handles unsanctioned camps.

The 2026 Berkeley City Council elections are shaping up around two dominant issues: public safety and housing development. Candidates are staking out positions on policing levels and neighborhood growth as they compete for council seats in the California city. Local coverage highlights how these debates are dividing the field ahead of the vote.