Berkeley can be many other things but its soul is anchored on its landmark institution,
the University of California, Berkeley. From its legendary founding to its economic
challenges, the school has defined the city in more ways than one. Located east of the
San Francisco Bay, in Alameda County, California, Berkeley is now a modern city that
can trace its eccentric culture to the hippie movement in the 60s. It now boasts of being
a place of academic achievements, scientific advancement, center of arts and a culinary
standout.
History
The place that has now become Berkeley was once home to Ohlone American Indians,
until European settlers dislodged them. Very little archaeological artifacts of their culture
was preserved.
The name Berkeley is taken from the Anglo-Irsih Christian Philosopher Bishop George
Berkeley. According to some chronicles found at the University, it was some College of
California men, particularly someone called Frederick Billings, who thought the idea for
remembering the line ‘westward the course of empire takes its way’ as they survey the
area for possible new location of the College’s new campus. The line was from the poet
philosopher himself and thus was the name. A marker is even erected at that spot today
now popularly called Founders’ Rock.
Largely unscathed by the great San Francisco Earthquate of 1906, Berkeley became
a host to many refugees, many of which became permanent residents of the city. So
bad was the damage of the rest of the state that a referendum was held suggesting
that the state capital be transferred to Berkeley, perhaps due to the fact that it is little
damaged. Though narrowly defeated, that period has been remembered with pride by
Berkeleyans.
Arts
Perhaps its history with the hippie movement has instilled in the city a spirit for the
counter-culture. A focal point during the civil rights movement, Berkeley has developed
an environment of free expression that perhaps became a magnet for creative minds,
ushering in an art scene that has been vibrantly flourishing. From performing arts to
the visual and even to the culinary, Berkeley is making a streak. An area called the
Downtown Arts District is transforming a commercial center into the city’s arts and
entertainment hub.
Food
Berkeleyans are passionate about their food. The city is virtually pelted with restaurants
and food stores that showcases fresh, local and organic food of the city. Each of which
are magical in the way they present their cuisine to their customers, visitors and locals
alike. This is no less visible at the majestic influential restaurants and food shops – they
are ingenuity and innovation par excellence.
The Outdoors
Perhaps a conscious effort to balance their worldly indulgences into arts and food,
Berkeley is remarkable in the way they maintain and continue to develop the great
outdoors. They take positive advantage of their parcel of the scenic San Francisco Bay,
setting up trails for hikers and bikers up to the forested coastal range unto the relaxing
regional parks. You can also go skateboarding, wind surfing, kayaking, or rock climbing,
or just enjoy the serenity of playing golf – Berkeley’s outdoor choices can be truly
overwhelming.
A Home
The array of beautiful features found in Berkeley from nature to the arts to food to
scenic treats and even to its wonderful people, Berkeley is to say the least an ideal
place to call home. It’s almost irresistible seductions can leave you wanting if you are
just in for the passing.
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