The Berkeley Scanner

09/05/2026

A CHP helicopter joined a search for an armed robbery suspect in Berkeley on Friday — until authorities realized they had the wrong car.

The call began with a brandishing report on the freeway.

09/04/2026

UPDATE: Berkeley Animal Care Services shared the following welcome update a few minutes ago: Berkeley's lost goat is now home safe with her owner.

Berkeley Animal Care Services picked up the goat this week on Hillcrest Court.

09/04/2026

A lost goat that has been roaming Berkeley streets for at least a week is now safe at the municipal animal shelter. But authorities are still working to reunite her with her owner.

Berkeley Animal Care Services picked up the goat Thursday from Hillcrest Court near Claremont Avenue.

09/04/2026

Lost Berkeley goat has been found! At the Berkeley animal shelter now. We've asked for details. Photo via Berkeley Animal Care Services. BKGD: https://www.berkeleyscanner.com/2026/09/02/community/runaway-goat-gives-berkeley-police-slip/

09/03/2026

Five rabid bats have been found in North and West Berkeley this year, up from two found annually since 2020.

Rabies is treatable when found early but "nearly always fatal once symptoms appear," the city said.

09/03/2026

A large neighborhood association has sued the city of Berkeley over a council decision to add protected bike lanes on Hopkins Street.

Plaintiffs say the bike lanes violate the 2026 Bicycle Plan and run contrary to Measure FF, a parcel tax to improve streets and sidewalks.

09/02/2026

A runaway goat has roamed Berkeley for days, eluding residents, animal control and, most recently, police.

Dozens of residents have now shared sightings and concerns about the goat on Nextdoor.

08/30/2026

California lawmakers are set to vote on $125 million in state funding to help turn Golden Gate Fields into a public park in Berkeley and Albany.

SB 113 would amend the state's 2026-27 budget if approved by lawmakers and signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom in the coming weeks.

08/29/2026

A man accused of abusing his ex-girlfriend bombarded her with hundreds of calls before confronting her in Berkeley despite a restraining order, police say.

Police arrested Derrick Sparks, 44, after Flock alerts in two cities.

08/29/2026

A woman standing on the sidewalk was groped by a teenager in downtown Berkeley on Friday, authorities report.

Someone called 911 to report the incident, which took place Friday shortly after 5 p.m.