> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.berkeleyscanner.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # TBS Today, May 12 - URL: https://www.berkeleyscanner.com/2025/05/12/newsletters/tbs-today-may-12-2025/ - Published: 2025-05-12T23:33:30.000Z - Updated: 2025-05-12T23:33:30.000Z - Description: Guest essay on sanctioned encampments: Another take. - Author: Editor's desk - Tags: Newsletters, #newsletters Today's post is an op-ed about the need for a new sanctioned homeless encampment in Berkeley. The writer, Amber Whitson, explains why she supports the idea. Her piece has already generated some discussion. [A new sanctioned encampment isn’t a pipe dream: Op-ed“Sweeps are expensive, cruel and ultimately useless, merely shifting the rousted population to elsewhere in Berkeley,” Amber Whitson argues.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/8e/3b/8e3bb516-9b88-46c2-aa85-566ed9c3647c/content/images/icon/The-Berkeley-Scanner_Icon_Color-1-734.jpg)The Berkeley ScannerGuest Essay![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/8e/3b/8e3bb516-9b88-46c2-aa85-566ed9c3647c/content/images/thumbnail/1000002360.jpg)](https://www.berkeleyscanner.com/2025/05/12/community/op-ed-amber-whitson-sanctioned-encampment-berkeley/) The Scanner will periodically publish [guest essays](https://www.berkeleyscanner.com/author/guest-essays/) from community members on issues of interest or concern. We hope to feature a range of views from community members with different backgrounds and perspectives. NB: Authors who are not already TBS members will receive a complimentary membership if we publish your piece. Submit [your ideas](https://www.berkeleyscanner.com/tips/) to TBS. ### In other news If you live in the Berkeley Hills or North Berkeley, you may have wondered about a car crash on your morning commute. It involved two drivers and a parked vehicle. BPD said it turned out to be a minor injury collision with one person taken to the hospital for a complaint of pain (no visible injuries). Photographer Ariel Nava said the crash backed up traffic into The Circle. He shared this photograph. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/8e/3b/8e3bb516-9b88-46c2-aa85-566ed9c3647c/content/images/2025/05/PXL_20250512_155157877.jpg) We're also looking into an apparent fight involving pepper spray that took place on Shattuck Avenue near Chez Panisse this afternoon. Details TBD. Stay tuned. ### Now, for something different Did you know it's Mental Health Awareness Month, with a free event hosted by the city Tuesday evening? [Learn more](https://berkeleyca.gov/community-recreation/events/mental-health-awareness-month-event?ref=berkeleyscanner.com) on the city website. Or that the city's rec department is offering a [free gardening and cooking class](https://berkeleyca.gov/community-recreation/events/free-gardening-and-cooking-class-series-6?ref=berkeleyscanner.com) series? It takes place Wednesdays from 5:30-7 p.m. from May 7 to June 25. Also, this Wednesday night, the waterfront commission will discuss new details about the ongoing [ferry-pier project](https://berkeleyca.gov/sites/default/files/legislative-body-meeting-agendas/PRW%20Agenda%202025-05-14.pdf?ref=berkeleyscanner.com) — and highlight some upcoming special events for residents and other community members. The [agenda packet](https://berkeleyca.gov/sites/default/files/legislative-body-meeting-agendas/PRW%20Agenda%202025-05-14.pdf?ref=berkeleyscanner.com) has all the details. ### In case you missed it [Driver found guilty in vehicular manslaughter of Julia ElkinThe crash that killed Elkin, on Feb. 12, 2024, was one of several fatal pedestrian collisions in Berkeley involving elderly drivers.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/8e/3b/8e3bb516-9b88-46c2-aa85-566ed9c3647c/content/images/icon/The-Berkeley-Scanner_Icon_Color-1-735.jpg)The Berkeley ScannerEmilie Raguso![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/8e/3b/8e3bb516-9b88-46c2-aa85-566ed9c3647c/content/images/thumbnail/julia-elkin-snow-1.jpg)](https://www.berkeleyscanner.com/2025/05/08/traffic-safety/berkeley-driver-buldan-seka-guilty-vehicular-manslaughter-julia-elkin/) [Albany, CA, group wants to ‘bring local news back’ to townIf you live or work in Albany, California, and have thoughts about your local news needs, consider filling out this short survey.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/8e/3b/8e3bb516-9b88-46c2-aa85-566ed9c3647c/content/images/icon/The-Berkeley-Scanner_Icon_Color-1-737.jpg)The Berkeley ScannerEditor’s desk![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/8e/3b/8e3bb516-9b88-46c2-aa85-566ed9c3647c/content/images/thumbnail/IMG_3466-2.jpg)](https://www.berkeleyscanner.com/2025/05/06/community/albany-news-survey/) **Read [ more stories](https://www.berkeleyscanner.com/archive/) • Learn [about TBS](https://www.berkeleyscanner.com/about/) • 👋 Follow us on [social media](https://www.berkeleyscanner.com/2024/11/25/editors-desk/follow-berkeley-scanner-social-media/)** --- Did someone forward you this email? 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