Berkeley's Telegraph Holiday Street Fair nearly canceled over new city fire code

As the Bay Area gears up for the holiday shopping rush, one tradition in Berkeley almost came to an end. The annual Telegraph Holiday Street Fair was nearly canceled for running afoul of a new city fire code. But in what feels to some like a Christmas miracle, the city has backed down.

The Telegraph Avenue Holiday Street Fair was gearing up for its 42nd year, offering homemade gifts and live music, when it got the bad news.

The city said the event would have to move because of a state fire code that requires 26 feet of clear roadway on streets with buildings over 30 feet high. That's to allow ladder trucks to utilize their stabilizing outriggers in case of a fire.

Berkeley resident Charles Siegel co-authored an op/ed piece appealing to the city's common sense.

"That doesn't really work