Past TONA Meetings

October 17th, 2023

How to Start of Revitalize a Neighborhood Group

Wildfires, hurricanes, floods, mudslides, earthquakes, and pandemics. Disasters feel almost commonplace these days, and it can feel overwhelming, with fear paralyzing us into inaction. The mission of Berkeley Disaster Preparedness Neighborhood Network (BDPNN) is based on the fact that the best thing someone can do to save lives when preparing for a disaster is to get to know their neighbors. That simple act of connection means we’re more likely to be there for each other when a large-scale emergency hits, and also when we work to prepare for those events. There are many ways to form a neighborhood group, but there are hurdles that can feel like it’s not worth the effort. And when we succeed, often we find that after a while, as people come and go, the cohesiveness that we worked so hard to create has fizzled. Come be a part of a conversation about how BDPNN, an all-volunteer nonprofit, works to support individuals and neighborhoods to better connect and prepare for disasters using the positive tenets of mutual aid rather than the short-lived effects of fear. Bring your success stories as well as your hurdles and be part of making Thousand Oaks an even more resilient community.

March 16th, 2023

Recycling in Berkeley Demystified!

The inside scoop from three experts from Berkeley's Ecology Center on how to reduce, reuse, recycle. Links and resources provided in the video are at the end of this description. The Ecology Center (EC) has operated Berkeley’s Curbside Recycling Program since 1973. Under city contract, it operates a weekly collection of cans, bottles, newsprint, mixed paper, and cardboard and continues to serve as a global leader in the zero-waste movement. EC representatives provide clarity around Berkeley’s recycling processes, uncover curiosities, and answer long-standing questions about what really happens to your recyclables after they leave your curb. What makes something recyclable (or not!)? And how do your daily actions and choices play a role in our local zero-waste journey toward a truly sustainable economy? • What goes where? • Recycling best practices for the City of Berkeley's curbside recycling program • Problems with Plastics • Tips and strategies for reducing waste and working toward a zero-waste lifestyle Leonardo Mendoza is Recycling Education Program Coordinator with valuable knowledge and experience in the field from his work with Ecology Action in Santa Cruz and with the Center for the Development of Recycling at San Jose State University. He holds a BA in Environmental Studies and Sustainable Water Resources from San Jose State University. His passion for sustainability took root from his first-hand experiences with the inhumane conditions at landfills and with waste and water resource management in his homeland of Nicaragua. Today, he sees a way to alleviate abuses and work toward zero waste through recycling education and community engagement. Denaya Shorter is Community Engagement Program Director and oversees educational programming including the store, public resource center, and EcoHouse. She leads and supports programming focusing on Climate Action through our Berkeley Climate Action Coalition, and Zero Waste Education which supports our curbside recycling program. Denaya brings with her rich experience in education and engagement including having worked as the Recycling Education & Outreach Coordinator for Waste Management, Urban Food Systems Program Associate for the City of Seattle, Communications Journalist with National Audubon, and Wildlife Biologist with the U.S. Forest Service. She earned an M.A. Ed. in Urban Environmental Education from Antioch University Seattle and a B.S. in Biology and Ecology from CSU, Fresno. Denaya is passionate about environmental and social justice, education, and community building. A Bay Area native, she is excited to be back home serving her community and working together to build a sustainable, healthy, and just future for all.

 

October 18th, 2022

TONA hosted a forum hosted by TONA Board President David Peattie, with the candidates running for the Berkeley Unified School District Board. It was an informative discussion and great to hear the perspective of each candidate.

Candidates that attended the meeting via Zoom

Mike Chang

Tatiana Guerreiro Ramos

Norma Harrison

Reichi Lee

Jennifer Shanoski

Ka'Dija Brown was absent because of a School Board Meeting.

February 25th, 2022

Peralta Park

TONA hosted a Zoom meeting to discuss the upcoming improvements ($100K allotted) with City Council Representative Sophie Hahn (District 5), City Parks director Scott Ferris, and Groundworks Office urban designer Brennan Cox. Groundworks Office has been working with the Parks Director to envision the improvements on a pro bono basis and put this great presentation together for the evening. Link to presentation here..

Video from the evening for your watching pleasure.

October 28th, 2021

Be Wildfire Ready

July 28th, 2021

Water & Drought Webinar - A virtual discussion of Water & Drought in California and Berkeley.

 

Please join us for a Virtual Community Meeting to discuss water and drought. Speakers include Max Gomberg of the State Water Resources Control Board and Alice Towey, EBMUD Water Conservation Manager.

Learn about water management in California and the East Bay, how current drought conditions impact water supply, and how you can help.

 

May 20, 2021
Addressing the Climate Crisis in Your Own Home

 

The City of Berkeley prepared a Climate Action Plan in 2009 and declared a climate emergency in 2018. Asking for full community participation and support, The City recognizes that the residents of Berkeley will be integral to the mobilization effort. The impacts of global climate change are here, including extreme storm events, wildfires, heat waves, drought, and sea-level rise. 

Please join us to hear what Berkeley city officials have planned and also to learn from your neighbors how they have modified their homes to address the climate crisis. 

If you have questions, email tona.board@gmail.com before the meeting and we’ll try to get your questions answered. Or join us at the meeting and put your question into the Zoom chat.

Rebecca Milliken, Sustainability Outreach Coordinator, City of Berkeley

Brennan Cox, founding partner of Groundworks Office Landscape Architects, member of the Berkeley Parks and Waterfront Commission, and TONA board member

Sachu Constantine, clean energy advocate, Managing Director of Regulatory Issues at Vote Solar, member of Berkeley’s Public Works Commission and the Vision 2050 task force

 

October 5-7, 2020
TONA Berkeley Election Forum

School Board Candidates

Mayoral Forum

Discussing Berkeley Ballot Measures FF, HH & MM.

June 20, 2020
TONA General Meeting