Council rejects Resolution Reinstating Tear Gas and Lifting OC Spray Moratorium (Item 1a), 4–5

Peace and Justice Commission Policy Recommendation (Item 1b)

9 yes, 0 no

Cecilia Lunaparra (yes), Brent Blackaby (yes), Shoshana O'Keefe (yes), Adena Ishii (yes), Mark Humbert (yes), Ben Bartlett (yes), Igor Tregub (yes), Rashi Kesarwani (yes), Terry Taplin (yes)

Resolution Reinstating Tear Gas and Lifting OC Spray Moratorium (Item 1a)

4 yes, 5 no

Rashi Kesarwani (yes), Terry Taplin (no), Igor Tregub (no), Mark Humbert (yes), Cecilia Lunaparra (no), Brent Blackaby (yes), Shoshana O'Keefe (yes), Adena Ishii (no), Ben Bartlett (no)

Resolution Reinstating Tear Gas and Chemical Weapons for BPD Special Response Team

4 yes, 5 no

Igor Tregub (no), Ben Bartlett (no), Rashi Kesarwani (yes), Terry Taplin (no), Brent Blackaby (yes), Shoshana O'Keefe (yes), Adena Ishii (no), Cecilia Lunaparra (no), Mark Humbert (yes)

Action on Peace and Justice Commission Item 1B (Social Justice Implications of Controlled Weapons)

9 yes, 0 no

Adoption of San Pablo Avenue Specific Plan and Zoning Amendments

9 yes, 0 no

Ashby Lofts Project

2909-2919 Ashby Street

Tax-exempt bond financing for a 54-unit affordable housing residential rental project.

approved (9-0) · still approved

Police Use of Chemical Weapons and Tear Gas

Residents and council members fiercely debated whether to allow the Berkeley Police Department's tactical unit to use tear gas and pepper spray in extreme emergencies. While proponents argued it provides a vital, less-lethal tool for hostage situations and barricaded suspects, opponents emphasized severe health risks, civil liberties concerns, and the city's history of banning such weapons.

What it means: Police officers on the Special Response Team seeking additional tactical options in high-risk barricade or hostage scenarios.

Reconsideration of Police Tear Gas and Chemical Weapon Restrictions

The City Council debated and ultimately rejected a proposal to lift the ban on tear gas, smoke, and pepper spray for the police department's special response team in critical incidents.

What it means: Police special response officers seeking additional tactical options in extreme high-risk encounters.

San Pablo Avenue Specific Plan Adoption

The council adopted a major new specific plan for San Pablo Avenue, creating a new zoning district, encouraging mixed-use housing, and establishing 7-story base heights.

What it means: Prospective residents, housing developers, and individuals seeking increased housing supply along transit corridors.