Kate Darby Rauch

Kate Darby Rauch spent more than 10 years as a daily news reporter with the East Bay Times and has freelanced for many publications, including the Washington Post, San Francisco Chronicle and Newsday.

In Berkeley disasters, early evacuation is key: new study

"Early evacuation is the best course of action," said retired Councilwoman Susan Wengraf. "The longer you wait, the harder it's going to be."

Final Berkeley vote on strict new wildfire plan expected tonight

Update: Berkeley officials unanimously approved EMBER shortly after 11 p.m. following hours of public comment on both sides.

Berkeley approves strict wildfire plan for most vulnerable areas

The new standards are among the strictest in the state, based on a preliminary review by The Scanner.

Berkeley may ban plants close to buildings in top wildfire zones

UPDATE: Council approved the item unanimously at its special meeting Tuesday. Stay tuned for ongoing updates.

Remembering Elise Lusk: 'Always striving to get better'

The Berkeley native was a vivacious and caring woman who brought others together. She was also a cancer survivor and a lifelong swimmer.

Berkeley aims to up wildfire prevention rules after LA fires

"I'm under no illusion that this process will be easy," said D6 Councilman Brent Blackaby. "We're asking a lot of the community."

Remembering Robert Shadric, a longtime Berkeley presence

To some, he was Robert. To others, he was Jamal. He often slept outside the Cheeseboard and could also be found on Euclid Avenue.