Tuesday, 27 October 2026, 7:55
The student editorial board of The Daily Californian has issued its endorsement for Berkeley City Council District 4, backing challenger Majdi Gaith over incumbent Igor Tregub. The decision follows a review of both candidates platforms and their approaches to pressing local issues like housing affordability, small business revitalization, and public safety.
Gaith, who owns Jaffa Coffee Roasters in Downtown Berkeley, emphasizes his firsthand experience running a local enterprise. His platform targets five key areas, including balanced budgets and green infrastructure. To help small businesses recover from rising rents and storefront vacancies, Gaith proposes creating a one-stop shop for fees, permits, grants, and licenses. This initiative aims to reduce bureaucratic hurdles and eliminate the need for expensive external consultants.
On housing, Gaith supports strengthening Berkeley's expiring vacancy tax on empty homes to incentivize lower rental prices. He also advocates for the city to acquire foreclosed properties and remodel them to preserve spaces for existing tenants.
Incumbent Tregub points to his legislative record, including passing a $135 million affordable housing bond measure in 2018 and spearheading a demolition ordinance to protect sitting renters. However, the editorial board noted that Tregub relied heavily on past accomplishments without outlining a concrete strategy for his upcoming term.
Both candidates acknowledge the importance of public safety, but they propose different solutions. Gaith calls for restoring the recently defunded Mobile Crisis Team to ensure unarmed intervention during crisis responses. He also emphasizes extensive police training to prevent catastrophic encounters and advocates for increased resource investments to address homelessness and halt inhumane encampment sweeps.
Tregub focused on infrastructure improvements during his tenure, advocating for better pedestrian and bicycle safety, as well as enhanced street lighting near campus and Downtown. While he lamented the shuttering of the Mobile Crisis Team, the board noted he could not provide further details due to closed-session discussions.
Berkeley continues to navigate significant economic shifts, with high-density housing and downtown commercial districts facing ongoing challenges related to affordability and retail stability. City council elections often serve as a barometer for how local leaders balance growth with community preservation.
District 4 borders nearly every other district in Berkeley and contains the highest density housing outside of university dormitories. It is home to Downtown Berkeley, making it a central hub for commerce and residential living within the city.
The editorial board concludes that while Tregub has proven himself as an effective administrator, Gaith brings the ambition and creativity necessary to tackle the district's mounting challenges head-on. Voters are encouraged to consider these platforms when casting their ballots for District 4.
