TBS Today, March 12

Flying back from the East Coast today, so TBS will be back full time Wednesday (tomorrow).

Unfortunately, I'm still sick (since March 1, arg!), so that's getting in the way of things.

ICYMI, we had a short story Monday about a house fire on Benvenue.

Then today we posted an update about arson charges in connection with the fire.

Man charged with arson after Berkeley house fire

Berkeley police officers recognized Tony Weems from surveillance video and a witness photograph, BPD said.

The Berkeley ScannerEmilie Raguso

Berkeley house fire at Benvenue, Derby under investigation

“The owner was always somewhat of a mystery to most neighbors,” one community member told The Scanner.

The Berkeley ScannerEmilie Raguso

May 28: D4 election for downtown Berkeley council seat

Some news on the Berkeley election front: The election for the downtown Berkeley City Council seat vacated by Kate Harrison is set for May 28.

Berkeley District 4 Special Election on May 28, 2024

Those interested in filling a vacant City Council seat representing the downtown and central Berkeley area have until March 29 to file nomination papers. Eligible voters for the special election should register by May 13. Eligible voters in District 4, which covers downtown and central Berkeley, have quick timelines to get on the ballot to run for Council or to register to vote in a May special election. Start by using the City’s council district lookup tool to see whether you are within District 4.

City of Berkeley

Two candidates announced their intentions to run on X this week (which remains the most active place for this kind of news): Rubén Hernández Story (Terry Taplin's chief of staff) and Igor Tregub, who has been involved in Berkeley politics for many years.

Local activist Elana Auerbach is also listed on the candidate roster but she hasn't made any recent announcements on her X account.

District 4 (downtown) candidates have until March 29 to file their nomination papers.