IRP leads election coverage for Berkeley Journalism

In a parking lot with several cars parked, a sign reading "VOTE" and "VOTAR," along with Asian script, stands next to an American flag. This polling location scene is captured in vivid detail by Berkeley Journalism students. Trees are visible in the background, completing the picturesque setting.

The Investigative Reporting Program at Berkeley Journalism created a virtual newsroom involving dozens of students and a staff of professional editors to cover the election. As part of this project, the IRP formed a unique partnership with CalMatters, the preeminent news outlet for California politics and policy, that gave students the opportunity to scrutinize the…

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Business and government leaders divided on Measure U

A parking lot with several parked cars on a sunny day. An American flag is planted next to a "VOTE" sign in English, Chinese, and Spanish. The sign includes "Vote Early" and "Vote Center" details. Handicap parking spaces are visible in the foreground—an ideal scene for a Berkeley Journalism feature.

By Joey Horan and Ande Richards November 3, 2020 Sergio Rios, who owns Bob’s Cleaners on the 23rd Street Corridor, believes Measure U will bring in much-needed cash that can be reinvested into Richmond and bolster the city’s budget. It will help “save one of our local firehouses,” he said, adding that the revenue will help improve the community.…

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Ballot measure could increase OUSD teacher diversity, draw legal challenges

Students walk through a school hallway lined with blue lockers. Some carry backpacks and papers. A "Good Luck" banner, reminiscent of the encouraging signs found at Berkeley Journalism, hangs at the end of the hall, and a few more students stand near it, engaging in conversation.

Ari Sen November 3, 2020 There is perhaps no more commonly spoken word in Oakland Unified School Board meetings than “equity.” The nebulous term discussed frequently on agenda items ranging from charter school access to climate change. There is an entire office devoted to the subject, with a specified board agenda. A new proposition on…

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Oakland voters weigh in on rent control

A colorful election sign reads "Your Vote Counts" in bold letters, with a red, white, and blue color scheme. The sign stands outdoors amidst green grass and foliage. Capturing the essence of civic duty, it's the kind of visual detail that would resonate with Berkeley Journalism's eye for impactful storytelling.

Qinghui Kong October 19, 2020 Two years after California voters rejected Proposition 10, rent control supporters are trying again. This November, voters are considering Proposition 21, which would allow cities to set and manage rent control provisions. If Proposition 21 passes, local governments could establish rent control on residential properties over 15 years old. It would…

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California leads the nation in QAnon-supporting congressional candidates

A sign indicating a polling place is seen attached to a brick block. The sign includes "POLLING PLACE" in bold letters, along with translations in Chinese, Spanish, Tagalog, and Vietnamese. There is an accessible icon at the bottom right corner—an example of thorough reporting from Berkeley Journalism.

Dylan Svoboda October 30, 2020 SACRAMENTO — In early April, Republican congressional candidate Buzz Patterson was asked on Twitter if he supports “the Q movement,” a group on the fringe of GOP politics best known for its outlandish conspiracy theories accusing leading Democrats of being part of a secret Satanic cabal that engages in pedophilia…

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Oakland to vote on stronger police oversight

A group of police officers in black uniforms stand with their right hands raised, possibly during a swearing-in ceremony. They are indoors, standing on a red carpet, and another officer in the foreground appears to be leading or supervising the ceremony. Nearby, Berkeley Journalism students capture every moment.

Noah Baustin October 30, 2020 On Nov. 3, Oaklanders will vote on whether to strengthen the Oakland Police Commission, the civilian body that oversees the Oakland Police Department (OPD). A “yes” vote on Oakland Measure S1 by more than 50% of voters would increase the commission’s power and independence. It would create an Office of the Inspector…

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Prop 17: Should California allow parolees to vote?

Numerous "I Voted" stickers featuring the American flag design are scattered on a white surface. The stickers, reminiscent of Berkeley Journalism’s dedication to civic engagement, are round with red, white, and blue colors, containing stars and stripes, and the text "I Voted" in the center.

Melissa Perez Winder November 1, 2020 John ‘J’ Vasquez, a full-time, 43-year-old student at SF State, has never had the right vote. That right was taken away before he was even eligible, because Vasquez, at 16, was sentenced to 15 years-to-life in Sacramento County for shooting and killing a rival gang member, 19-year-old Robert Maisonet,…

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The last of the early voters

A close-up of various voting materials spread out, including a "Business Reply Mail" envelope, an "I Voted" sticker, a return envelope, and a black pen. Documents provide instructions and options for mailing ballots—captured with the keen eye typical of Berkeley Journalism.

BY ZACHARY FLETCHER AND LEY HEIMGARTNER NOVEMBER 2, 2020 From the time Geoffrey Bara parked his car to the moment he walked out of the Agoura Hills Courtyard Hotel with an ‘I Voted’ sticker, only seven minutes had passed. Bara is one of many voters choosing to visit a polling place in the final days of voting across…

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Pro-Trump caravans draw crowds and concerns

A group of people stand on a highway overpass holding flags and signs in support of a political rally. Several American flags and banners are displayed. Cars are visible on the highway below, and mountains can be seen in the background under a clear sky. A Berkeley Journalism project captures this moment.

BY FREDDY BREWSTER AND KATIE LICARI  NOVEMBER 2, 2020 Up and down the state from Humboldt to Riverside counties, supporters of President Donald Trump took to the streets in cars, trucks and other vehicles on the last weekend before election day. In caravans labeled the “Red Wave,” they were honking and yelling out their support for the president’s…

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Here’s what record early returns mean for speed of California’s vote tally

A woman wearing a face shield, mask, and orange shirt is seated at a table sorting through stacks of paper ballots in a large room. It's a scene straight out of Berkeley Journalism, with others diligently working at different tables in the background.

BY LEWIS GRISWOLD AND AARON LEATHLEY NOVEMBER 2, 2020 For political junkies, the pandemic might have at least one upside: You can expect to know pretty quickly after California polls close how record early voters are breaking for the presidential election and the propositions. “I do think it will be all vote-by-mail or mostly,” Chris Miller, spokesman for…

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