We have finally printed the first issue of Free Pile, the BSC Zine! Around 200 copies have been distributed among all the co-ops, so if you haven't seen one around your house or apartment common space, e-mail us and we can get you a copy or send you the PDF file.

During the November 17 Board meeting OpCom's proposal to eliminate rent sharing and gradually try to increase our occupancy for the summer was passed.

Attached is a policy detailing OpCom's plan for setting summer occupancy rates, and eliminating rent-sharing. As you might know, every summer we currently run a large deficit (on the order of $400,000) that is paid for out of the pockets of our Fall and Spring residents. The attached policy tries to remedy that. We want to increase the amount of available spaces in houses over summer (90% for small, 85 for medium, and 80 percent for large houses). Consequently, our current practice of guaranteeing everyone singles over summer would be abolished. Summer would be treated like fall and spring, where everyone pays the same regardless of what room they have.

New Summer Capacity and Operating Policy

Claire Evans, our Sustainability Coordinator, has updated our Sustainability Website.  Check it out for featured projects, energy audit information for each co-op, recycling info, news, workshops, and more.  sustainability.bsc.coop

The Peer Support Group Network is a collation of support groups each with an individual community focus such as Domestic Violence, Buddhist  Book Club, LGBTQI, and Body Image Issues. Join us!

We are currently recruiting BSC members who are interested in giving back to the community and facilitating a support group.

If your interested in getting involved please contact: Ashly Trapolsi This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Mission Statement
Our Goal is to connect other like -minded individuals with similar situations and give them a safe space to help find relief. We plan to do this by providing a brave and confidential space with in the BSC where members can congregate to share experiences and voice concerns. The Peer Support Groups will also aid in educating participants, preparing them to become advocates within the BSC and the larger community. We also want to improve safety and health within the BSC community by promoting self-care and communication. We believe that the individuals who practice self-care are better able to be active and contributing community members. The Support Groups will also facilitate inter-coop bonding as well as interdependence.

Facebook Page

The UN has designated next year as the International Year of Cooperatives, with activities planned to encourage the growth of co-ops and efforts to encourage governments to create co-op friendly policies. Read more about co-ops on the IYC Facebook Page and search for co-op events around the world!

We have lots of international students and members who have studied abroad amongst ourselves, if you are interested in organizing an event to bring everyone together and share experiences, please contact Alfred at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

BSC Facebook Pages

Find photos, events, and connect with your fellow co-opers on the BSC Facebook Page!

Just moved out?  Visit our Alumni Facebook Page:

Opportunities abound to serve on various city commissions, specifically in Districts 7 & 8 (that's us!) Check out the vacancies here. If you're interested in serving, contact Alex Ghenis, the VPEA at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information. Good luck!

Recycle EVERYTHING at Berkeley ACE Hardware

Whatever you cannot recycle at home, you can likely recycle at Berkeley ACE Hardware. Bring your batteries (includes automotive), light bulbs (all types), empty pressurized cans, cell phones and pda's, fluorescent ballasts and starters, fuses, circuit breakers, mercury thermostats, styrofoam packing peanuts, cardboard, xmas lights, electronic media (cd's, dvd's, vhs, tapes, zip discs, etc), all forms of clean plastics (cut up credit cards, grocery bags, clamshell packaging, plastic from toys, etc, but not Styrofoam blocks).

Some Items Benefit Charity
Recycling of xmas lights, sunglasses and reading glasses will benefit Lights for Life, Kiwanis Club, and Lyons Club.

Got Large Quantity?
If you have a large quantity to recycle, please call ahead so Ace can determine if they have the space to store it.

Got Large Items?
January 22 -- Electronic Waste (E-Waste) Recycling Event
Proceeds to benefit Children's Hospital in Oakland
On special event days, you can bring the following larger items. E-Waste (all types of electronics), household appliances (water heaters, sump pumps, fans, heaters, coolers, refrigerators, etc.). If you are in need of recycling these items at other times, call James Carpenter on Thursdays through Mondays to arrange for a special drop-off.

Need to Contact Ace?
2145 University Ave.
(510) 845-0410
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

The University has issued two important bulletins about safer partying:

Alcoholic Energy Drinks
Helping an Intoxicated Person/Party Host Checklist

If you're ever unsure about how to help someone, don't waste time--call 9-1-1 immediately.

We are proud to unveil a new listserv for people interested in keeping up to date about the activities of Board and the Committees. This listserv is open to everyone, not just those with a BSC email address, and you can join and leave at any time. Messages will go out periodically and have brief summaries of what Board and the committees are up to, the informational Board Pack, and occasional Board and BSC-related announcements.

Subscribe link: http://groups.google.com/group/boardFEED (and click on the "Join this group" link on the right)

Your VP of External Affairs, Hava Edelstein, has set up a similar listserv for Operations Committee, which develops the policy that governs our organization. For those of you interested in how BSC policy comes to be, this is for you.

Subscribe link: http://groups.google.com/group/opfeed (and click on the "Join this group" link on the right)