During a recent city council meeting, residents and officials engaged in a heated discussion regarding the future of Berkeley Days, a beloved local event, amid safety concerns. The agenda included a resolution to ban carnivals, which sparked confusion and concern among community members who feared it would affect Berkeley Days.

Dom Luca, a lifelong resident and Navy veteran, emphasized the importance of Berkeley Days to the community, suggesting that instead of a permanent ban, the event could be put on hiatus until safety conditions improve. He called for a clearer definition of what constitutes a carnival, arguing that the council should not take extreme actions without fully understanding the implications.

Monique Luca echoed this sentiment, proposing a temporary ban of two years rather than a permanent one, and suggested implementing better safety measures, such as ID checks for attendees. Other residents, including Aubrey Roberts, pointed out that while the loss of Berkeley Days would be significant, it could also open opportunities for new community events.

Jennifer Hans shared her concerns about the changing atmosphere at recent events, noting that her family felt unsafe during their last visit to Berkeley Days. She advocated for reimagining the event to better reflect the community's values without the need for heightened security measures.

Council members acknowledged the need for a precise definition of a carnival to guide future decisions. Councilman Hennen highlighted the importance of understanding the common issues associated with problematic events, while Councilman Geinzer clarified that Berkeley Days is not inherently a carnival but has included carnival elements in the past.

The council ultimately passed the resolution, which will allow for further discussions on defining carnivals and updating community event policies. The meeting underscored the community's desire to preserve cherished traditions while addressing safety concerns, paving the way for potential reimagining of Berkeley Days in the future.