TBS Today, May 22

Today we talked to yet another local business in northwest Berkeley that's been hard hit by crime this year.

The family-run auto shop was burglarized again last week for the second time in just three months, the shop told The Berkeley Scanner.

Commercial burglaries are up 32% compared to the same period last year, according to BPD data.

Read the full story on The Scanner.

Family-run Berkeley auto shop has been hit twice by thieves
The city has seen a spike in commercial burglaries this year: They are up 32% compared to the same time period last year.

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We also had an inquiry about smoke in northwest Berkeley this afternoon. BFD told us there was a small encampment fire that didn't cause much damage.

The incident was reported as a structure fire, hence all the sirens.

Around the same time, BFD also handled a three-car crash at Gilman and Sixth streets that sent two people to Highland.

2 taken to Highland after 3-car crash in northwest Berkeley
According to the preliminary investigation, a driver sped through the red light heading south and struck a car that was eastbound, police said.

Our story from Friday, about the man who was found guilty of lighting UC Berkeley students on fire at a boba shop and was recently released into a diversion program without prison time or probation, continues to get a lot of attention. Don't miss it.

Treatment program, no prison time for man who lit UC Berkeley students on fire at boba shop
Brandon McGlone was referred to Veterans Treatment Court. If he completes the program, the case against him will be dropped.

We don't mean to suggest that diversion programs aren't worthwhile. They absolutely can be. But this outcome was surprising given this particular person's history and the level of violence associated with his crimes.

We had a lovely visit with some members on Sunday at a neighborhood potluck. Many thanks to the Eunice-Glen-Arch neighbors for the invite and the hospitality!

If you'd like me to stop by your community event, please don't hesitate to let me know.

We also spent a good chunk of time over the weekend reviewing several recent meetings, one regarding the DA's office budget and another regarding plans for "reimagining dispatch" in Berkeley. Stay tuned for coverage.

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