Just a few miles north of Oakland and a few miles east of San Francisco lies Berkeley, a city that’s distant enough from both to have its own storied history and community vibe. You might know that it’s home to a world-renowned college, UC Berkeley, or that hippies once made up a large portion of the population, but there’s plenty more to this city in the hills. Read on to discover more about Berkeley and what makes it so unique.
1. Country’s Largest Chilean-American Cultural Center
Berkeley is home to a massive Chilean-American community center, La Peña Cultural Center. Opened in 1975, La Peña is an internationally recognized performing arts center. It offers community dance classes, cultural workshops, and hosts over 200 events ranging from public dialogue to art exhibits, spoken-word poetry readings to dance performances. The cultural center has been an integral part of the Berkeley community for over 40 years, and it brings together people of all backgrounds to celebrate social justice, intercultural understanding, and the arts.
2. Site of the Free Speech Movement Protests and Bloody Thursday
Events in Berkeley during the 1960s set off what we now call the Free Speech Movement, but a 1969 clash between President Ronald Reagan and Berkeley activists is considered to be the pinnacle of the Vietnam War protest. Leading up to the clash, President Reagan had called Berkeley a breeding grounds for “sexual deviants, communist sympathizers, and protesters,” so he ordered California Highway Patrol and Berkeley Police officers to fence off People’s Park, an abandoned lot that anti-war protesters had turned into a volunteers grounds.
When those in Berkeley saw People’s Park blocked off, a riot broke out, with protesters chanting, “We want the park!” The riot turned violent when more than 800 police and National Guard officers began shooting tear gas canisters in the backs of protestors, beating people with nightsticks, and shooting (both pellets and bullets) into the crowd. All in all, 58 people were treated for injuries, 30 were hit by gunshots, and 12 were admitted to hospitals. The People’s Park Riots became known as Bloody Thursday.
3. Its Food Scene Stacks Up Against the Best
It may be well known for its vegan-friendly fare, but Berkeley happens to have a burgeoning restaurant scene for all types of food critics. Head down Shattuck and Vine Avenues and you’ll be treated to what locals lovingly call the “Gourmet Ghetto”. Chez Panisee put Berkley on the map when it opened its doors in 1971, and this spot in the Gourmet Ghetto places emphasis on the farm-to-table experience.
Just down the street, The Cheese Board Collective offers a huge array of cheese varieties for purchase in its storefront, and, in the back of the shop, a pizzeria that serves only one kind of pizza daily. Try French potato puffs–the garlic and parsley flavor is a crowd pleaser– at Grégoire and, after a long night of drinking, do like the locals and check out Top Dog.
4. Oldest School in the University of California System
The crown jewel of the city, UC Berkeley, was the first school in the University of California system. The system, which now boasts ten world-renowned institutions, all began temporarily in Oakland in 1868, finding its permanent home in Berkeley in 1873. It’s no wonder the school generally goes simply by “Cal” as it truly was the first in the University of California system.
UC Berkeley consistently ranks in the top 3 public universities in the country, often earning the number one spot. In addition, faculty and researchers have racked up more Nobel Prizes than any other UC, earning a whopping 104 to date, and ranks third in the world for institutions with the most awards. Although not an Ivy League school, UC Berkeley continues to excel and earn top accolades every year. In fact, as of 2016, UC researchers and faculty have been responsible for the creation of over 900 startups, more than 1,700 inventions, and control over 12,000 active patents.
5. The Naked Run
Few things are as entertaining as this UC Berkeley tradition that’s been taking place every year during “Dead Week”, the week before final exams when students are given time off to study. Students cramming for tests in Moffitt and Doe libraries get quite a show when a mob of naked students streak through the stacks, chanting, shouting, and causing a commotion for a good 20 minutes. The Naked Run origins can be traced back to the Lothlorien House, a UC Berkeley co-op that organizes the run every year, and is meant to be an entertaining stress reliever for those cramming for upcoming finals.
6. Home to the Original Peet’s Coffee
Are you a coffee-lover? Ever heard of Peet’s? Well, the national coffee shop got its start right here in Berkeley when Alfred Peet opened the original Peet’s Coffee in 1966 on the corner of Walnut and Vine Streets. Originally from Holland, Peet had been involved in the coffee industry before moving to America after WWII. American coffee drinkers were impressed by the small batches, fresh beans, and high quality of coffee that Peet’s boasted, and the shop became an instant hit.
It gained so many fans and followers that people began flocking to the storefront just to have a cup of joe and socialize. Eventually, customers began spilling over into nearby shops and restaurant, creating the area now affectionately known as the “Gourmet Ghetto”. Grab a cup at the original store before heading to Cheese Board Collective.
For a city with a population of just over 120,000, Berkeley is packed with things to do, history to soak in, and places to see. Think you’re ready to take on the city? Take a look at our apartments for rent in Berkeley and make it your new home.
*Featured image courtesy of Wikimedia.
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