Artists David Solnit and Jen Bloomer, who live in the neighborhood, designed the mural with direction from the community. Solnit said it celebrates Berkeley's status as a sanctuary city and is a call to protect our neighbors. Images of squash, corn and beans which are known as the three sister plants as they grow better when planted in close proximity than alone reinforce the idea that community is beneficial.
On Tuesday night, Berkeley City Council will vote on a contract with Flock Safety to operate fixed surveillance cameras throughout Berkeley. But given reports in the past month on Flock's illegal cooperation with ICE and the Trump administration, such a contract will put the Berkeley community in grave danger. The council must uphold our sanctuary city commitments and vote no on a new contract with Flock.
"Christhian Aybar-Berroa, is an illegal from the Dominican Republic. He entered the country illegally in 2022 under the Biden Administration and was ordered for final removed in 2023 by an immigration judge."
