senatorsmith85, my sense is that they see the fellowships as a way to help students afford out-of-state tuition, before we become CA residents in our second year and our costs drop substantially. But I could be wrong.
Just got an email as well! Admission plus $10,000 departmental fellowship. I am unbelievably excited (and RELIEVED!). Hoping for the best for everyone else awaiting results.
2011's notifications were a bit different than previous years', according to the survey:
http://thegradcafe.com/survey/index.php?q=berkeley+%28%22goldman%22%7C%22MPP%22%7C%22public+policy%2C+masters%22%29%29&t=a&o=&pp=50
All rejections came through email, but some acceptances did as well.