Fireside Meeting - September 2026

The Hillside Club Fireside meetings are held on the first Monday of most months (January, February, March, April, May, June, September, October, and November).

They are open to the public and admission is free to members, with a suggested donation for non-members. No one is turned away for lack of funds. The meetings begin with social time for members, a brief Club business meeting, followed by a featured speaker.

Monday, September 7th will feature:

6:30pm Member Social Time

7:00pm Club Business Meeting

7:30pm A public panel discussion, led by Marcus von Engel, with Berkeley Fire Chief David Sprague, Fire Chief Colin Arnold, and Berkeley District Six Councilmember Brent Blackaby.

As we enter the peak of our wildfire season, Hillside Club member Marcus von Engel — a volunteer leader with the Berkeley FireSafe Council — will chair a panel of Berkeley leaders to discuss wildfire safety principles and local initiatives designed to reduce fire threats. Panelists will include Berkeley Fire Chief David Sprague, Fire Chief Colin Arnold, and Berkeley District Six Councilmember Brent Blackaby. Our Fireside guests will discuss the various regulations, including those in the new “EMBER” ordinance, which govern many hillside homes. The evening promises to be an informative session with ample time for audience questions.

Members come early for social time at 6:30 p.m. and the Club business meeting at 7 p.m., followed by the Fireside presentation at 7:30 p.m. for what promises to be an engaging and insightful event.

After the presentation, refreshments and wine will be served.

Fireside Meetings are for civic engagement, a good way to see the club and get to know the members. Club members, our neighbors, and the general public are encouraged to attend.