Hi reader,

April was a busy month. I'm still catching my breath. We held our spring fundraising campaign (thank you!) and also completed our pre-launch campaign for Albany Scanner, exceeding our goal.

Albany will be important to our work at TBS because it will allow us to grow, sharing costs and resources across both sites. This will give us more support in our reporting and help us connect to more freelancers. We'll also become more stable on the business side, creating a stronger base for our operations into the future.

Now, we're working on job postings so we can move ahead with hiring. We plan to launch Albany Scanner this summer.

We're also keeping a close eye on the Berkeley city budget, with a council vote expected June 23.

With gratitude,

Emilie Raguso

Founder, The Berkeley Scanner

Photo of the month: Native American remains found at UC Berkeley

Share your photos for a chance to be featured in the monthly recap.

Authorities investigate Native American remains found April 16 at UC Berkeley. The Berkeley Scanner was first to report this news. A reader (who asked not to be identified) shared this photograph.

Reader comments: Older pedestrian seriously injured in Berkeley crash

This April 29 story, about a crash at Hearst Avenue at Grant Street, got the most comments last month. Here are just a few.

TBS

"I used to ride my bike everywhere in town. Countless close calls later, I decided that I'd rather stay alive than bike in Berkeley."

TBS

"With the greenway park and playground on the north side, and no vehicle cross traffic, drivers get careless and reckless heading west on Hearst. Probably past time to install safety measures at the intersections."

Facebook

"I walk this route to the dog park often. It's perilous, with lots of pedestrians and fast drivers. Gotta be super cautious and more stop signs please!"

TBS

"Speeding and distracted driving has become completely normalized in Berkeley. Will drivers ever slow down?"

Facebook

"I see so many pedestrians on their phone or distracted. We all have to do our part."

Instagram

"That shopping basket and the entire accident breaks my heart! 💔"

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March poll results

Our March poll asked readers whether they thought the city of Berkeley was headed in the right direction. Here's what they said.

Wrong direction

77.6%

Right direction

16.3%

Don't know

6.1%

Compare this to a recent city survey of likely Berkeley voters that found 56% of respondents said the city is heading in the right direction, up from 47% two years ago.

Take our latest reader poll

In April, we opened comments to all TBS subscribers — not just paying members. The results for this one-month pilot were undeniable: We saw more comments, more subscribers and more engagement with our work.

As we consider next steps, we want your feedback: Should comments stay open?

Take the comments poll

Have a story idea for The Berkeley Scanner? Here are 3 ways to connect:

1. Our dedicated tips form

2. Email: tips@berkeleyscanner.com

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

🔽 ICYMI: 'Friend of the Year' award

In April, TBS founder Emilie Raguso was honored as the Daily Californian's "Friend of the Year" as part of its annual Hall of Fame event honoring distinguished alumni and supporters. Listen to her acceptance speech and see photos from the event.

Photo of the month: Native American remains found at UC Berkeley

Reader comments: Older pedestrian seriously injured in Berkeley crash

March poll results

Take our latest reader poll

Top 5 most-read stories of April

🔽 ICYMI: 'Friend of the Year' award