Asiya Siddiqui

I’m Asiya Siddiqui, a writer passionate about telling stories that matter. Whether I’m covering social justice, economic equity, or public policy, I aim to spotlight the people and legislation shaping our world. With roots in community advocacy and a background shaped by diverse experiences, I write with empathy, curiosity, and a drive to spark change.

My goal is simple: to make complex issues accessible while leaving readers a little more informed and a little more inspired

Featured Work

The Daily Californian • 30th October 2025

Council passes BPD radio encryption amid concerns over transparency

The Berkeley City Council approved a proposal to encrypt the Berkeley Police Department’s radio communications after the item faced backlash from the public at Tuesday’s regular meeting.

Alliance for Citizen Engagement • 22nd October 2025

When Federal Websites Get Political: The Hatch Act In The Digital Age

As the federal government entered a shutdown on October 1st, a new controversy emerged over how federal agencies communicate during political standoffs. Pop-ups and banners appeared on agency websites blaming one side of Congress for the funding lapse, prompting questions about whether such messaging violated federal rules meant to keep government communications neutral.

The Daily Californian • 20th October 2025

Mayor Ishii to address Berkeley’s pressing issues in first State of the City Address

Mayor Adena Ishii plans to address what she considers to be the biggest issues impacting Berkeley at the State of the City Address on Wednesday. A year into her term, this will be Ishii’s first address. She plans to highlight community resilience, public safety and bold housing efforts as the city navigates a growing structural deficit and federal pressure.

Alliance for Citizen Engagement • 10th October 2025

Redefining Cooperation: New California Laws Target Federal Immigration Practices

On Sept. 20, 2025, two new immigration measures—Senate Bill 627 and Senate Bill 805—were signed into law by California Governor Gavin Newsom. Both were part of a broader package advanced in the final days of the legislative session aimed at redefining how California responds to federal immigration enforcement and public safety concerns.

Alliance for Citizen Engagement • 30th September 2025

The A.B. 715 Controversy: Examining Free Speech In California Classrooms

The California Antisemitism and Civil Rights Bill, or A.B. 715, was introduced in the California state legislature in February 2025 by Assemblymember Rick Zbur amid claims of rising antisemitism. A.B. 715 prohibits the use of “discriminatory instructional material” in public schools.

The Daily Californian • 11th September 2025

Berkeley City Council unanimously passes sanctuary city ordinance

In a unanimous vote Tuesday night, the Berkeley City Council passed a Sanctuary City Ordinance, formally strengthening Berkeley’s protections for undocumented residents.

The Daily Californian • 28th August 2025

Carrying forward UC Berkeley’s activist DNA

The streets were thick with people. My feet were moving with the tide of strangers, each step pulsing with a mix of urgency and electricity. The June sun burned against my shoulders, and sweat stuck my protest sign to my side, emitting the faint tang of marker ink. I was standing in the heart of San Francisco, wrapped in a crowd of tens of thousands, shouting together, “No kings, no crowns, we will not bow down!”

The Daily Californian • 31st July 2025

Federal loan caps may deter students from pursuing professional degrees

Caps on federal student loans contained in President Donald Trump’s “big, beautiful” bill could deter aspiring lawyers and doctors from earning professional degrees. Borrowers earning a professional degree — including medical or law degrees — may loan up to $50,000 annually and $200,000 over a lifetime.