Iris Kwok

4 days ago | berkeleyside.org | Iris Kwok |Nico Savidge

The DoubleTree by Hilton hotel at the Berkeley Marina owes the city nearly $700,000 in rent — a loss of revenue that has led officials to cut security staff and delay repairs of a crumbling dock, and could worsen the city’s budget deficit, Berkeleyside has learned. The hotel, which has been losing money since October 2024, stopped paying the city $82,000 in monthly rent in January, according to Berkeley Parks Director Scott Ferris. It also owes $190,000 in rent from 2024, he said.

1 week ago | berkeleyside.org | Iris Kwok |Andrew Gilbert

Never miss local events! Sign up for Berkeleyside’s arts and culture newsletter, The Scene. And check out our roundup of affordable things to do anytime in Berkeley. 🎷 The Bay Area Jazz Society’s ongoing Thursday jam session at North Beach Pizza, designed to provide a space where junior high and high school musicians can sit in with seasoned pros, takes a Latin turn with a house combo that includes guitar master Ray Obiedo and percussionist Jon Benditch. Thursday, May 29, 6-9 p.m.North Beach Pizza.

2 weeks ago | berkeleyside.org | Iris Kwok |Andrew Gilbert

Never miss local events! Sign up for Berkeleyside’s arts and culture newsletter, The Scene. And check out our roundup of affordable things to do anytime in Berkeley. 🤼 Oasis Pro Wrestling is holding a “Have Mercy” live wrestling event. Highlights include a Pacific Seas Championship match between El Mago and El Fatal and a Four Way Fade with Midas Kreed, Samoan Reaper, Viagio Crescenzo and Olumide. (Read our story.) Sunday, May 25, doors open 12 p.m.. Gilman Brewing Company.

2 weeks ago | berkeleyside.org | Iris Kwok

Cesar Chavez Park will be fully closed for two days this week as Berkeley flies a drone over the landfill-turned-park to test if toxic gas is leaking into the air. The waterfront park will be closed on Tuesday, May 20, and Wednesday, May 21, “while a drone does a regulator-required aerial survey” of the former landfill, according to a one-sentence notice posted on the city’s website.

3 weeks ago | berkeleyside.org | Andrew Gilbert |Iris Kwok

Never miss local events! Sign up for Berkeleyside’s arts and culture newsletter, The Scene. And check out our roundup of affordable things to do anytime in Berkeley. 💃 The 42nd annual Himalayan Fair will feature Himalayan food, handcrafted items, a kids booth with games, and dance performances by Bay Area artists. Saturday, May 17 (10 a.m.–7 p.m.) and Sunday, May 18 (10 a.m.–5:30 p.m.), Live Oak Park.