Mayor Jesse Arreguin honored as he prepares to join state Senate

Berkeley Mayor Jesse Arreguin was the focus of extended tributes at the start of the Nov. 19 City Council meeting as colleagues, staff and visiting officials praised his more than 20 years of public service and wished him well as he prepares to join the California State Senate.

Vice Mayor (functional_label) called Arreguin “an incredible leader” with “20 years” of service; other council members and former colleagues credited him with steering Berkeley through homelessness reductions, pandemic response and long‑term housing projects. The mayor, repeatedly interrupted by applause and occasional audience disruptions, thanked staff and described his aim to continue coordinating with the council from Sacramento: “I will be visiting the city councils, once a year to update the city councils on the work I am doing in the legislature and to get input on budget and policy priorities,” he said.

The council also recognized outgoing Councilmember Susan Weingraff for 16 years on the council and long service as a legislative aide; the mayor read a proclamation honoring her work on wildfire safety and constituent services. Staff and community leaders — including a representative of the Berkeley Unified School District and an Oakland councilmember — offered remarks of thanks and support.

Mayor Arreguin closed the ceremonial portion by urging civility in public meetings and reiterating that his office would pursue regional partnerships on issues raised at the meeting. The council then moved into public comment and the consent calendar.