Bay Area
Hyundai and Kia Vehicle Thefts Are on the Rise
Since December 2022, there has been a noticeable trend of Hyundai and KIA vehicles being stolen throughout the city. We believe that the increase may be in part because of a social media challenge that encourages the thefts. Since December, Hyundai and KIA vehicles have made up 38% of the total amount of vehicles stolen from Berkeley.
![According to a news release from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Hyundai and Kia have developed theft deterrent software for vehicles that lack an immobilizer that can be provided free of charge.](https://www.postnewsgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/hyundai-kia-thefts-featured-web.jpg)
Since December 2022, there has been a noticeable trend of Hyundai and KIA vehicles being stolen throughout the City.
Since December 2022, there has been a noticeable trend of Hyundai and KIA vehicles being stolen throughout the city. We believe that the increase may be in part because of a social media challenge that encourages the thefts. Since December, Hyundai and KIA vehicles have made up 38% of the total amount of vehicles stolen from Berkeley. The vehicles targeted include earlier model Hyundai and Kia vehicles that are not equipped with an engine immobilizer.
According to a news release from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Hyundai and Kia have developed theft deterrent software for vehicles that lack an immobilizer that can be provided free of charge.
The Department encourages owners of Hyundai and Kia vehicles to:
- Contact Kia or Hyundai to obtain their latest theft deterrent software,
- Consider using a steering wheel lock for your parked vehicle,
- If you cannot park in a garage, find the most well-travelled well-lit location to park your vehicle, and
- If you see someone who appears to be trying to steal a vehicle, report it as soon as possible.
For emergencies, dial 911. For non-emergencies dial (510) 981-5900.
Keep up with City of Berkeley news via our news page, email, or on Twitter @cityofberkeley
Activism
Oakland Post: Week of July 24 – 30, 2024
The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of July 24 – 30, 2024
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Activism
Oakland Post: Week of July 17 -23, 2024
The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of July 17 -23, 2024
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Bay Area
Op-Ed Senate Bill 966 Threatens Health Equity in East Bay
My East Bay community is struggling to get by. A proposed State Senate bill would set us back even further. Serving the East Bay community has been my life’s work and my greatest joy. After leaving the Bay Area to complete my seminary, I returned home to found The Community Church in Oakland. From the outset of my time as the church’s pastor, I have been guided by the belief that my service must extend beyond the pulpit, because the health and economic needs of my community are so great. Our church has organized free food banks, COVID-19 testing clinics, and a housing and re-entry program for those suffering from addiction.
![Rev. Dr. Lawrence E. VanHook.](https://www.postnewsgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/VanHook-featured-web.jpg)
By Rev. Dr. Lawrence E. VanHook
Special to the Post
My East Bay community is struggling to get by. A proposed State Senate bill would set us back even further.
Serving the East Bay community has been my life’s work and my greatest joy. After leaving the Bay Area to complete my seminary, I returned home to found The Community Church in Oakland.
From the outset of my time as the church’s pastor, I have been guided by the belief that my service must extend beyond the pulpit, because the health and economic needs of my community are so great. Our church has organized free food banks, COVID-19 testing clinics, and a housing and re-entry program for those suffering from addiction.
Through my service, I have seen the challenges that our community members are facing. Oakland, my hometown, has the third-highest rate of violent crime in the state. The local economy is strained. Oakland-based businesses are leaving our community because they’re struggling to get ahead.
Both East and West Oakland has disproportionately high rates of respiratory illness due to heavy air pollution. While our local efforts have brought some aid to those in need, we are also counting on our state elected officials to help us address the systemic health disparities afflicting the community.
Chief among the health concerns of community members is having reliable and affordable access to prescription drugs. Equitable access to medications gives us the peace of mind that we can keep ourselves and our families healthy and safe. Our community should not have to choose between paying rent or purchasing prescriptions.
Unfortunately, rather than taking action to combat soaring prescription drug prices, some California lawmakers are pushing legislation that could raise patient costs at the pharmacy counter.
The Legislature is currently considering SB 966, a bill backed by special interests that would undercut the few tools we have to keep prescription drug costs contained, letting big drug companies increase their prices, profiting on the backs of working families – some of whom already live paycheck to paycheck.
SB 966 would target the fundamental programs through which small businesses, unions, and government health programs are able to offer their employees and members quality and affordable healthcare. Millions of Californians rely on these plans to obtain essential medications at the lowest-possible cost.
The bill would make it illegal for employers and unions to incentivize the administrators of their prescription drug plans to negotiate for the lowest possible cost for prescriptions. Right now, small businesses and unions can choose to pay these administrators more for taking on big drug companies and securing discounts – a choice that will be outlawed under this bill.
As a result, employers will have no leverage to stop big drug companies from setting sky-high prices, disproportionately impacting working families.
As these health costs quickly add up, employers will have little choice but to pass the increases down to their employees. That means California patients will see higher healthcare costs and co-pays.
From my perspective, most concerning is that the bill would exacerbate the health disparities impacting my community and other underserved populations. If SB 966 becomes law, the most vulnerable may be forced to skip prescription doses, stop filling their prescriptions, and avoid essential care.
By rejecting this cash grab by big drug companies, our state elected officials can send a clear message that they stand with the community, patients, and working families.
We cannot afford SB 966.
Rev. Dr. VanHook is the founder and pastor of The Community Church in Oakland and the founder of The Charis House, a re-entry facility for men recovering from alcohol and drug abuse.
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