TBS Today, March 10

Last month, Mary Bruns died after a fire in her Berkeley duplex. For years, she had struggled — her neighbors tried to help. But she was always a bit of a mystery, they told us.

Our frequent contributor Kate Darby Rauch set out to find out more.

One of our readers described this as a "beautiful and sensitive piece about someone with a complicated life." We couldn't agree more.

Don't miss today's deep dive. Plus two other stories we've been chasing.

Mary Bruns died in a Berkeley fire. Who was she?

Despite the scant initial information, a picture of Mary Bruns has emerged from conversations with relatives and neighbors, and public data.

The Berkeley ScannerKate Darby Rauch

Police: Berkeley High student arrested after bleach attack

Officers responded Monday to Berkeley High School on a report of a fight between two female students, BPD said.

The Berkeley ScannerEmilie Raguso

Police: Scooter driver had DUI warrants before major crash

Police identified the scooter operator as Irving Moreno-Reyes. He was arrested on suspicion of DUI causing injury, BPD said.

The Berkeley ScannerEmilie Raguso

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In other news: Berkeley City Council tonight

Several interesting items on tonight's council agenda. We may watch remotely due to other responsibilities, but we will be tuning in.

On the action calendar, council is set to vote on whether to reduce BPD's reporting requirements for pepper spray, which officers almost never use (see Item 17).

Meanwhile, the consent calendar has two items (8 and 11) related to guidelines for artificial intelligence use; Councilman Terry Taplin's plan to create an "entertainment zone" (Item 7); and a referral from Councilman Igor Tregub to step up rules for micromobility devices, particularly on sidewalks (Item 9).

There are also some interesting items related to land use and zoning, including a staff resolution that will let the city accept proposals for housing at Ashby BART (Item 3) and a proposal from Councilman Mark Humbert to "Increase Telegraph and Claremont Housing" (Item 13).

(Note/Update: Mayor Adena Ishii and Councilman Ben Bartlett are also authors of the Telegraph and Claremont housing item.)

As we type this email, council members are getting an update about the city's 2025 economic dashboards. We wish we could be there but it's been one of those days.

In case you missed it

Update: Scooter passenger critical after alleged DUI crash

The electric scooter operator was arrested on suspicion of driving it under the influence, BPD said. The roadway has reopened.

The Berkeley ScannerEmilie Raguso

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