Hi reader,

Over the years, I've been fortunate to receive recognition for my journalism and my business model. This weekend, I'll be honored for something else.

I'm excited to share that The Daily Californian has named me "Friend of the Year," part of its annual Hall of Fame event honoring distinguished alumni and other supporters. I fall into the latter camp.

"Raguso has been a role model for our newsroom, covering city hall meetings alongside Daily Cal reporters and launching an independent daily news outlet, while also being a steady supporter," organizers write.

As a grad student at the UC Berkeley journalism school (MJ, '06), I never wrote for The Daily Cal myself. But their reporters have been a fixture of my two decades reporting in Berkeley. I've always tried to bring a collaborative spirit to our interactions, whether we're sharing the media table or covering the same breaking news.

This honor came as a happy surprise, not least because I'll be sharing the stage with people who have made major contributions to the field, from Samin Nosrat (author/host of Salt Fat Acid Heat) to Tamara Keith (NPR’s senior white house correspondent).

Ticket info for the April 25 event appears at the foot of this email. Otherwise, I'll let you know how it goes!

Emilie Raguso

Founder, The Berkeley Scanner

P.S. Remember, you can always reply to the monthly recap to reach our team directly.

Photo of the month: Berkeley Hills fire — 'One of the scariest 30 minutes of my life'

Share your photos for a chance to be featured in TBS.

The fire broke out March 19 at Olympus Avenue and Fairlawn Drive. Noah Starr

Reader comments: Berkeley delays controversial Flock vote to June 2

TBS was the first to report the mayor's opposition to Flock cameras the day before a marathon City Council meeting. Here's how readers responded to our coverage.

TBS

"Probably a good choice since Flock is being heavily debated right now all over the country."

TBS

"Keeping Flock out of a city does not keep ICE out."

TBS

"Not extending the meeting seemed like stinky politics to me."

TBS

"Not voting was pure cowardice. It was strategized, they knew it was the most important item, and they pushed it to last on the agenda."

"We'll see what happens in June ... and in November."

"Take note folks. No one wants mass surveillance."

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Last month's poll results

In March, we asked readers whether they supported BPD's plan to acquire drones as first responders. Here are the results:

Yes

62.8%
I need more information

23.4%
No

9.6%
It's complicated

4.3%

Have a story for The Scanner? Here are three great ways to connect:

1. Our dedicated tips form

2. Email: tips@berkeleyscanner.com

3. Text, call or Signal: 510-459-8325

Reader poll: On the right track?

A recent city survey of likely Berkeley voters found that a growing percentage of respondents (56%) believes the city is heading in the right direction. That's up from 47% two years ago.

The city uses its community survey each election year to determine how to approach potential ballot measures. It's always an interesting read.

For our April poll, we're curious to know what the Scanner community thinks and how that compares to the survey overall.

Answer the poll question

🔽 Daily Cal 'Friend of the Year': Tickets

On Saturday, April 25, TBS founder Emilie Raguso will be honored as The Daily Californian's "Friend of the Year," part of its annual Hall of Fame event honoring distinguished alumni and other supporters. Learn more and purchase a ticket.

Opt out of the monthly recap

Photo of the month: Berkeley Hills fire — 'One of the scariest 30 minutes of my life'

Reader comments: Berkeley delays controversial Flock vote to June 2

Last month's poll results

Reader poll: On the right track?

Top 5 most-read stories of March

🔽 Daily Cal 'Friend of the Year': Tickets