Bay Area
U.C. Berkeley No. 1 U.S. Public University in Times Higher Ed Rankings
This year the rankings, now in their 20th edition, were based on five criteria: teaching (the learning environment); research environment (volume, income and reputation); research quality (citation impact, research strength, research excellence and research influence); international outlook (staff, students and research); and industry (income and patents).
The 2024 report also ranked Berkeley the 9th best in the world overall.
By Ivan Natividad, UC Berkeley News
UC Berkeley is the No. 1 U.S. public university, the sixth-best among public and private universities nationally and the world’s ninth-best university overall, according to the Times Higher Education’s 2024 World University Rankings, released Wednesday.
The Times Higher Ed World University Rankings evaluated more than 1,900 universities across 99 countries and territories.
This year the rankings, now in their 20th edition, were based on five criteria: teaching (the learning environment); research environment (volume, income and reputation); research quality (citation impact, research strength, research excellence and research influence); international outlook (staff, students and research); and industry (income and patents).
In the overall global rankings, the United Kingdom’s University of Oxford ranked first among private and public universities worldwide, followed by Stanford University, MIT, Harvard University, the University of Cambridge, Princeton University, the California Institute of Technology, and Imperial College London. Berkeley and Yale University rounded out the Top 10.
When it came to the five best U.S. public universities, Berkeley topped the list. UCLA ranked second and took 18th place globally, followed by the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor (23rd); the University of Washington (25th) and UC San Diego (34th).
The top U.S. public and private universities included Stanford University (2nd), MIT (third), the California Institute of Technology (seventh), Berkeley (ninth), and Yale University (10th).
The top U.S. public and private universities included Stanford University (second), MIT (3rd), Harvard University (fourth), Princeton University (sixth), the California Institute of Technology (seventh), Berkeley (ninth), and Yale University (10th). Rounding out the Top 10 was the University of Chicago (13th), Johns Hopkins University (15th), and University of Pennsylvania (16th).
Overall, Berkeley ranked fourth in the world for research quality with a score of 99 points out of 100; fourth for research environment (98.8 points), 18th for teaching (87.2 points), 62nd for industry (99.4 points), and 171st for international outlook (86.8 points).
Activism
OCCUR Hosts “Faith Forward” Conference in Oakland
The conference featured Congresswoman-elect Lateefah Simon, who will begin her term representing California’s 12th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives in January.
Simon was honored with a special recognition from OCCUR for her civic and nonprofit leadership.
By Carla Thomas
The Oakland Citizens Committee for Urban Renewal (OCCUR) hosted its Faith Forward 2024 Conference on Nov. 8 at Resurrection Church in Oakland.
The conference featured Congresswoman-elect Lateefah Simon, who will begin her term representing California’s 12th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives in January.
Simon was honored with a special recognition from OCCUR for her civic and nonprofit leadership. During her remarks, She commended nonprofits making a difference, and shared how she looked forward to representing Oakland and surrounding areas.
Simon also encouraged attendees to continue fighting despite their concerns about the presidential election results. She also cautioned that there may be resources that are discontinued as a result.
“We know the assignment. We have many of the resources right within our own community, and we will be ok,” Simon assured the audience.
The conference led by OCCUR president, Dr. David B. Franklin, also featured panels on funding opportunities, case studies, economic development, sustainable housing solutions, and organizing for action.
“In order for organizations serving the community to thrive, everyone must collaborate, share resources, and not operate in silos,” said Franklin.
Speakers included San Francisco Foundation CEO, Fred Blackwell, San Francisco Foundation FAITHS Program Director Dr. Michelle Chambers, and Kingmakers of Oakland Founder, Chris Chatmon. Guests were briefed on how Kingmakers of Oakland has gone from a budget of zero to several million and is set to acquire 200 acres of property to expand their programs serving young boys. The leadership at the San Francisco Foundation encouraged nonprofits, churches, and community leaders to work together, especially when donations and funding numbers are lower.
Ben Bartlett of Berkeley City Council; Trevor Parham, CEO of Oakstop; and CEO of the Lao Family Community Development, Inc., Kathy Chao Rothberg, inspired attendees with stories about their journeys in the nonprofit sector.
Additional speakers included Deka Dike, CEO of Omatachi; Landis Green, CEO of DGS Strategies; Sasha Werblin, Director of Economic Development, LISC Bay Area; Oakland City Councilmember Treva Reid; Faith and Justice Organizer of East Bay Housing Organizations, Ronnie Boyd; and Todd Bendon, Executive Director of Faith in Action East Bay; among others.
The event allowed community leaders, faith-based leaders, and nonprofits to gain Insight on how to strengthen their profits financially, and communally.
OCCUR has served the community for over 70 years supporting the wellbeing of historically marginalized communities with collaborative strategies. For more information visit occurnow.org
Bay Area
Richmond’s New Fire Chief Sworn In
“Chief Osorio rose up through the ranks in the Richmond Fire Department over the last 21 years before being elevated to chief,” noted Harpreet Sandhu, field representative for Congressmember John Garamendi,. “He joined the department in 2002 and has served in multiple roles including firefighter, engineer, captain, battalion chief, training director and deputy fire chief.”
By Mike Kinney
The Richmond Standard
Richmond Fire Chief Aaron Osorio was sworn into his new role in a well-attended ceremony at Richmond City Council Chambers on Friday, Nov. 15.
The crowd included Osorio’s family and friends, rank-and-file Richmond firefighters, fellow fire chiefs from Bay Area agencies, elected officials and community members.
Richmond City Manager Shasa Curl provided an introduction and acknowledged Chief Osorio’s “heroic service to Richmond.”
Harpreet Sandhu, field representative for Congressmember John Garamendi, presented the chief with a Congressional Commendation, citing his 23 years of serving in the fire service in Richmond in numerous positions.
“Chief Osorio rose up through the ranks in the Richmond Fire Department over the last 21 years before being elevated to chief,” Sandhu noted. “He joined the department in 2002 and has served in multiple roles including firefighter, engineer, captain, battalion chief, training director and deputy fire chief.”
The chief’s wife, Maria, and two sons Roman and Mateo helped perform the badge-pinning.
Richmond City Clerk Pamela Christian then conducted the swearing-in ceremony.
Chief Osorio thanked his family, colleagues, and city for their support, calling it “very humbling” to take on leadership of an “amazing organization.”
Once the ceremony was done, the chief stated, “I’m ready to get to work.”
Activism
Richmond Seniors Still Having a Ball After 25 Years
The Senior Winter Ball is a symbol of the Commission on Aging’s broader mission of providing enriching life experiences to the local senior community, particularly those in need of them. “Besides the social activities, we focus on issues such as housing, transportation and health,” said Michelle Hayes, the commission’s chairperson. “We get things done for our senior population.”
By Mike Kinney
The Richmond Standard
For a quarter century, seniors in the local community have had a prime location in the heart of the city to gather and celebrate the holidays.
That is courtesy of the annual Senior Winter Ball, which will mark a milestone this year when it takes place for the 25th time. The gala will run from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Richmond Memorial Auditorium.
The holiday tradition was started by the City of Richmond’s Commission on Aging in 1999 to entertain and celebrate seniors. The event also raises funds for local senior causes. Attendees wear their finest attire and enjoy dinner and dancing.
“It’s so exciting to see all of the gala attendees all dressed up and seeing their lifetime friends and making new friends as well,” said Bryan M. Harris, secretary for the Commission on Aging. “They will reminisce about old Winter Ball memories and at the same time create new ones.”
Richmond’s very own Chef Josephine Orozco of El Sol Catering will serve at this year’s anniversary dinner. The gala will also feature the band Top Shelf Classics, which plays hits from the 50s through the 80s and has been the gala’s annual performer for the last decade.
The Senior Winter Ball symbolizes the Commission on Aging’s broader mission of providing enriching life experiences to the local senior community, particularly those in need of them.
“Besides the social activities, we focus on issues such as housing, transportation and health,” said Michelle Hayes, the commission’s chairperson. “We get things done for our senior population.”
Myrtle Braxton, 97, has served on the commission for 17 years and is its current vice president. She says her goal is to increase the quality of life for seniors through safe social events.
“So many seniors are isolated and are sometimes forgotten by society,” Braxton said. “So, our commission is their advocate and makes sure they are not left behind.”
Tickets to the 25th Silver Anniversary Annual Senior Winter Ball are $45 per person or $360 for a table of eight. They are available in person via the Main Recreation office at 3230 Macdonald Ave., via email at csdregistration@ci.richmond.ca.us or by phone at 510-620-6793.
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