The State - News from July 3, 1988

Berkeley officials report difficulties in complying with the 1986 voter-approved initiative that made the city a nuclear-free zone. Officials are having trouble complying with a provision that prohibits the city from granting a contract to any business engaging in nuclear weapons work unless “no reasonable alternative exists.” “The reality is that any large electronics outfit, major car manufacturer or any other major firm is involved in the nuclear business in one way or another,” said Assistant City Manager Phil Kamlarz. Investigating the background of various businesses, he added, is “a lot more staff work than anyone ever imagined.” The City Council waived the city’s anti-nuclear law this spring to buy six police radios and parts from General Electric and Motorola on an emergency basis after city staff warned that the equipment was needed to protect the lives of narcotics officers.