Every time I've come here, the service has been fast and the people efficient and helpful. The building itself is clean and well maintained. Even the homeless people outside are friendlier than average. I know the bar is low for customer service at local government offices, but thumbs up anyway. I love Berkeley's municipal services and their employees, so I'll try to frame this positively: parking here is a ... fun brain tease and a great way to get rid of all your loose change. read more

They don't know the form requested and where it goes after telling them multiple times it's on the website 3 Rd floor.i actually pulled it off the wall after getting tired of answering questions and said here it is. They act like they don't know and stick their nose all in your form filled out to read it. Very odd since it's private info that goes to the place you turn it in to. The security guard looks like they are unwell and wearing an unhealthy face diaper on their chin. Hence the term chinjury. Odd ballish experience. The guard also put his nose all in my report instead of asking the name of the form and to see where it goes, then giving me the answer. Just dazed and confused staff or acting that way , to ask more questions and be nosey instead of giving prompt service. read more

I exited the BART downtown station and rounded the corner to catch the bus up the hill. When my fig tree is producing fruit it is an amazing site to see, I don't know anyone who can eat that many figs. So I bring them to a brilliant guy at work who entertains my questions while he eats them. On this particular day, I see a young gentleman asking for food. To Self "I bet he would really appreciate some fresh fruit. I'll give him this bag of figs instead of taking them up the hill." I hand him the bag of figs. He looks in ... Guy - "What are they?" Me - "They are fresh figs. It's a fruit, kinda sweet." Guy - "How do I eat them?" Me - "You can peel them or eat them whole." *Pause* Guy - "Are they organic?" ONLY in Berkley. read more

Berkeley City Hall - Make sure you are Nuclear Free.... - Public Services & Government Near Me - Berkeley, California

Here is what Nobel laureate Czeslaw Milosz said about moving to Berkeley: They heard of a land, empty and vast, Bordered by mountains. So they went, leaving behind crosses Of thorny wood and traces of campfires. As it happened, they spent winter in the snow of a mountain pass, And drew lots and boiled the bones of their companions; And so afterward a hot valley where indigo could be grown Seemed beautiful to them. And beyond, where fog Heaved into shoreline coves, the ocean labored. I don't know what it is about the City of Berkeley-- I'm not a leftist, not a hippie, and only a tiny bit crunchy-- but I always feel happy here. Even just a few minutes walking down Telegraph before ducking into a bookstore and then grabbing dinner reminded me that I should come here much more often than I do. Milosz wasn't a leftist, a hippie, or crunchy either, so maybe it's the influence of his ghost. read more

(Review #2 of a 10-review series) Today, waiting for my slice of pomodoro at Gioia, the bay area's best pizza crafter by far, I took a seat at the one unoccupied barstool in the small dine-in area. A few moments later a man retreated from the counter with his own slice and, standing, proceeded to wedge himself between me and his dining partner who was seated on the stool beside me. I quickly offered my stool, thinking I'd unintentionally swiped it from him. "I'm sorry, were you sitting here?" "No." The sour expression indicated he was irritated with me -- either for stealing his chair or for offering to return it -- and he remained wedged between me and his partner. He looked foolish and everyone was uncomfortable. He scoured his mental inventory of bumper stickers, hoping to produce one that accurately conveyed his nuanced position but could not. Consequently, he was at a loss for words. So I said, "Are you sure?", drawing out the "urrrrre?" in an inflection that poorly disguised my amusement. In typical passive aggressive Berkeleyan response he whirled around to face me via a clumsy maneuver which poorly demonstrated the stabilizing motor skills he thinks he's honed in his yoga classes over the last couple decades, and whined something about how yes, he was sure, and then he spun spun back around to confer with his partner about what had just transpired. They dialogued in muted albeit no less hysterical tones and I rolled my eyes at the backs of their bad haircuts. This is the best part, though. The deputy sheriff of Alameda County was a foot in front of me, taking it all in, waiting for his slice of pizza. When my slice was deposited onto a paper plate, onto the counter, he said to me, smiling genuinely, "Is that your slice?" I smiled back. "Yeah, thanks." His sly response, with a private laugh and the hint of a wink attached: "Are you sure?" I could've high fived that sheriff. And I'm terribly allergic to high fives. I tell you, when the only person in the pizza joint with a sense of humor; when the only person in the joint who gets it, is the sheriff, it's time to get the hell out of Dodge. Or do I mean, Volvo? read more

Berkeley stinks. I lived here for one year. that's all I'll give it. If they would stop being so against big business, maybe I could actually find things I was looking for in this town and not have to drive to SF to get them. too many bums, too many bummy students, too many bummy teachers with 80 thousand bumper stickers on their cars. Too many pedestrians that think that laws of the state will actually protect them from the laws of physics (try looking before you pop out of the shadows wearing black at night in front of a 5000lb car with no ABS). Instead of spending tax money on signs declaring yourself nuclear free, and horrible "traffic calming" measures like "roundabouts" in the middle of square intersections...maybe you could divert funds into PAVING THE ROADS! Also, why the extra E? read more

I lived in Berkeley for 4 years. Without a doubt in my mind, it's the worst place I've ever lived in. The city sucks ass. The school is great, but the city sucks donkey balls. Here's some things that pissed me off to no end: 1) Parking. If you need to drive to anywhere in Berkeley, you know to double the time Yahoo maps give you because of the traffic and one lane streets. You also know to add another half hour because parking is so fucking hard to find. 2) Bums. Before I came to Berkeley, I would say that I was rather sympathetic. Now everytime I walk down Telegraph avenue, I have to suppress the urge to yell "GET A FUCKING JOB!" to all the bums that do nothing but piss on the street and block my way. 3) Over zealous parking attendants. You know once you find a parking spot in Berkeley, it's only going to be a matter of time before your car gets a ticket on the windshield. In the four years I've lived there, I got 8, fucking EIGHT parking tickets. Get this, one time I got 2 at once! One for parking over my time limit, and one for a missing license plate in the front of my car. I didn't even know they had the authority to ticket you for that. 4) Housing. I had the luck to get a pretty nice apartment for the last two years there, but before that I had to deal with a leaking roof, a leaking window, a cracked window, ant-infested house, homeless people leering into my bedroom every night, a land lady who refused to fixed jack shit, human feces outside of my house, vomit outside of my house, gunshots, ugly neighbors and so much more. The moral of my rant: If you have to go to school here, congrats, and good luck. read more

It's been less than a month since I left Berkeley to move to NYC, and I miss Berkeley dearly. I miss the crazy homeless people who are friendly, I miss sitting on the patio of Jupiters on a warm evening, I miss stuffing my face in the Gourmet Ghetto, I miss the crazy Berkeley weather, I miss seeing the beautiful International House at the top of Bancroft, I miss Tuesday night trivia at Pyramid and their Apricotweizen, I miss driving down past Lawrence Hall of Science and the amazing views, I miss the Acme/Semifreddis bread, I miss College Ave, I miss North Berkeley, and I even miss places I was previously disgusted by, like Albatross and Spats. Tu me manques, Berkeley! read more

I used to live in the sketchy area where the borders of Berkeley, Oakland, and Emervyille overlapped every other block, and I spent many a day wandering around Berkeley, and many a night as well. I really enjoyed being in this area, there was so much to do! So much food to eat, and never enough money to spend. There are a lot of parks, and lots of beautiful hippies. Rowr! From the blusterous streets of Telegraph and Shattuck to quiet solstice of Indian Rock Park, I've had a lot of crazy adventures in this great city. However minus one star for the crazy crackhead hippies. But that's a given. read more

Berkeley is the epicenter for progressives in the Bay Area... as well as some recent earthquakes. It's that kind of place. Berkeley has stayed weird, from the '60s on. It wears its weirdness proudly. New Spirit Community Church on the UC Berkeley campus offers a Taize service with some liturgical dancing. It's the home of Chez Panisse. KPFA http://www.kpfa.org is on the main drag. It's a progressive radio station with shows that cover the current Occupy Wall Street movement, the Herbal Highway with its soft-spoken host who discusses tinctures, the Visionary Activist show in which Caroline Casey talks astrology/democratic animism/Bioneers, Terra Verde (about environmentalism) as well as Democracy Now! with Amy Goodman. Cafe Gratitude http://www.cafegratitude.com It's a Bay Area vegan chain, recently opened a place in LA. They have a restaurant in the gourmet ghetto of Shattuck Avenue. Shattuck Avenue is kind of run down, despite its pretensions of being gourmet. The UC Berkeley campus is beautiful, overlooking the Bay, and there's the famous Campanile. At one of the freeway exits, there are massive bronze statues of protesting people- that sets the tone. Berkeley, like Cambridge on the other side of the US, has a daily protest. Berkeley helped spawn the modern civil rights movements (racial, feminism, LGBT), environmentalism, different forms of spirituality. It is DEFINITELY an epicenter.... not just because of the Hayward Fault. It's always rockin'. read more

I left my heart in SF... Berkeley, I just want to wash you out of my hair. Lived here for around 6 years. -You are in the minority or live in the hills if you haven't been ganked hard by the meter maids. -I take care of a 100% disabled person in Berkeley. The Berkeley Housing Authority just raised his rent from $118 to over $500/mo, screwed up the documentation and took almost 4 months to pay the landlord. Thanks Berkeley. -I have been ticketed for jaywalking...must have been over $130. I have seen the same cop giving jaywalking tickets on many occasions. Berkeley is becoming police state. -Extremely high rent. -Crap of a music scene. positives: -good food... This city is a pile of stinking crap and any hippy in their right mind moved out a long time ago. read more

I apologize for commuting through part of your fair city each day. If I were more Conscious, I'd have $1M to spend on a nice house near, say, College and Ashby so I could walk and bike everywhere and not use the freeway. I guess I blew all that cash at Chez Panisse and Cheeseboard, sadly. I lower my eyes when I pass street barricades. I shall not Cut Through. From the Berkeley Daily Planet (one of the last things I read, weekly, off sheets of paper): "Neighbors to Wear Tin Foil to Protest Verizon Suit By Riya Bhattacharjee (11-02-07) A group of South Berkeley neighbors will picket the Verizon Wireless store on 1109 University Ave. from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday to protest the company's plans to install cell-phone antennas atop the UC Storage building at 2721 Shattuck Ave. The protesters said they will be wrapped in tin foil." Berkeley may still have a sense of humor, but I'm guessing that it'll be grossly misinterpreted... read more

I feel like Berkeley at one time was a great city, now its dirty run down, with Oakland overflowing into it. Everything about this city is inconvenient, I long for the time where I can go to the bank, get my nails done (successfully) and go grocery shopping all within an hour. Here you pretty much have to waste so much time in traffic from point a to be, find parking, pay for parking then battle the herds of people to get where you need to go. When I was here I was pregnant, and even crossing the streets I didn't feel safe, people in cars did not care, they just saw pedestrians as an inconvenice. It was rare to find a nice, genuine person here. Also, my car got broken into, stolen GPS, this was on Fourth street which I THOUGHT was relateively safe. Also, the metered parking really is monitored until 6pm, I saw the ticketing lady out there ticketing people at 5:58pm, she also gave my friend who lives in France and didn't understand the parking rules a ticket. The trains that run here are SO LOUD, and LONG..also the Bart was down a few days while we were here which was super annoying for traffic. No matter what time or day the 80 is blocked up. We hated this place...no way we would ever raise our children here. It's turning into a dump. Sad... read more

+ It actually gets warm sometimes here - warm enough for the homeless to enjoy freely + people lean to the left - WAY too far to the left + Its not Oakland - It touches Oakland + Cal is an awesome school - Cal is too studious to attract a decent sports bar + Its a quick hop over the bridge to SF - A $3 quick hop + I live here - My mortgage is half my paycheck + Berkeley Bowl - Doesnt sell Coca Cola. read more

Five stars for good food and location. Berkeley has more veggie-friendly restaurants and grocery stores than just about anywhere. Plus, it is close to Oakland and SF and the Marina is a good place to fly kites. Pretty good deal. HOWEVER, minus two stars because there are too many cars in Berkeley and not enough bike lanes for cross-town travel. University Ave is like a freeway that cuts right through the middle of Berkeley. Shattuck and San Pablo are the same way. These roads have few if any bike lanes along them and there is no shoulder because parking spaces line most of the major routes. Minus another star for the astronomical cost of renting an apartment in Berkeley. read more

The great thing I love about Berkeley is how accessible everything is by foot or by mass transit. While having a car is useful, it's a bitch to find anywhere to park. It really is better to just walk everywhere. But that's where my praises end. Downtown Berkeley is dirty. For years I never understood why people vomited on the streets. And then only recently did I realize that drunk college students were spewing out last night's dinner in the bars throughout the city. (I realize this is no different than any other college town.) And then there are the homeless everywhere, sitting in front of businesses you were intending to visit. If you've lived in Berkeley long enough, you already know how to turn down every request for change (or pot). And yet, you still have to deal with the stench of urine or walk over the homeless sleeping in doorways. When I lived in Berkeley throughout the 90s, I always shook my head at the extreme progressive politics. I think at its heart the ideals are admirable (e.g., no styrofoam packaging allowed by restaurants). But when you get people who picket military recruitment centers or openly wear "Fuck the Police" T-shirts, then you start wondering if this city is for you. Up in the hills, you get nice houses; in the downtown area, I thought many of the places were run-down dumps. Even the streets near campus (Telegraph) used to be vibrant and colorful. On a recent visit, it was depressingly overrun by merchants who only cater to tourists looking for a Bezerkeley vibe. When I have people visit me and they want to visit Berkeley, I usually limit the tours to the prettier Berkeley campus. It's only if they're adventurous and insistent enough do I accompany them through the city. read more

Watch the movie, pack your things and move out to a city of industry, if the industry was contradiction and friendship bracelets. A beautiful city from the air and on paper but stagnant in practice. The city is deaf from yelling stories at itself. read more

I am updating my review from five stars to four. Five stars for police behavior: (just Berkeley not the whole bay area) Berkeley is the only major population center I know where the cops are not allowed to use their screaming sirens unless absolutely necessary, or harass people for no reason. Recently people have been criticizing the police chief for, why don't you guess. Was it - running a crime/prostitution/gambling ring? Beating people? Using drugs on the job? No - it was for being 'too self involved.' Seriously. Three stars, down from five, for food: This area has been famous for the gourmet quality of the food, however most of the best is gone. Lots of the take out is very average now, and the service has gone down significantly in the last ten years. Five stars for being smart about pets/dogs: it's ok to own and rescue pit bulls and there are tons of them around. They're owned by professors, rappers, homeless people, families, single women and so on - trouble caused by pit bulls? None. Five stars for weather: You will hear about fog, I have no idea what the big deal is. Here's what the fog does - it sits around in the early morning just long enough so that instead of having horrible summer heat we never do. This last summer, while everybody in the US baked, the temp in Berkeley was 70 degrees almost every day for months. If you like real wind, extreme heat, lightening, fierce downpours, freezing, and general yuckiness go east young man. Four stars, down from five, for the amount of political/social truth floating around: People are way down in social awareness these days. There's a group dominating now that corresponds to the people about whom we used to say 'Don't trust anyone over 30.' Only now it's, 'don't trust anyone over 70.' Believe me, they are not cool. I went to a 'senior's tea' at the YMCA, and it was the most stultifying and unfriendly group of people I've been with in 50 years. Ugh. But there are still great people around who do know what's up. Three stars down from four for the driving: You have to be here for awhile to realize drivers here are more polite here than most places, but recently I see younger drivers racing down smaller streets, and more drivers who do not act quickly enough at stoplights for very many people to get through the light. Also - and this is the main thing - pedestrians are awful. Really selfish about forcing drivers to wait for them, and sometimes very reckless in walking in front of moving traffic. Four stars for parking. Don't judge the whole city by just the university and its environs - all universities have parking problems. In general it's simply a small town atmosphere with enough space for all, including your parked car. read more

I really don't know what to think of Berkeley. On one hand, it totally reminds me of the town where I went to college. But then again, it's a college town itself, so big fucking surprise there. It's damn good for people-watching. You think there are freaky weirdos in SF? Okay, yes there are. But there's a difference between the SF freaky weirdos and the Berkeley freaky weirdos -- the Berkeley ones don't make you fear for your life when you're in their general proximity. At least in daylight, anyway. I could do without the stink of patchouli, B.O., and weed that seems to build a perpetual miasma around all the public areas here. And for the last time, NO I do not have any fucking spare change!!!! Jesus! There are some cool shops, bars, and restaurants to visit. And the Greek theatre (I think that's what it's called, the open-air one that makes your butt fall asleep if you sit too long at a concert?). But....all in all....I'm really glad I don't live here and given the option, I'd rather not spend too much time here if I can help it. I come to town when I need to get my car worked on (the best BMW mechanic on the planet is here....let me know if you want a recommendation!) but that's pretty much it. read more

Ah come on Tim C. Have YOU been to a movie? While I am a science graduate student, and thus not really up on social trends, I think most people go at night, when parking is not regulated. Also, finding a parking spot downtown is hard enough as it is, it would be much worse if people were hogging spots for two hours during movies in the middle of the day! Anyway, I like Berkeley. Even though I'm sure there are certain aspects of life here that could get old, I couldn't imagine living anywhere else in the bay area. Rebecca R. is right, we really do have it all. read more

At first I didn't like my 3.5 years in Berkeley. But now in retrospect, I really do like the place. Weird characters, awesome places to eat, and the atmosphere is awesome. Not many places like it. And I honestly prefer the weather in NorCal to SoCal even though I'm from SD. However, the city is kinda noisy, dirty, and there are a lot of homeless people. So be prepared for that. read more

Oh Berkeley, what to say? Hippies, hipsters and homeless. I love your variety of restaurants, marina, great views from the hills, and active nightlife. You feel safer than Oakland, but I wouldn't want to live there. Downtown is a mass of pedestrians and cyclists, and a busy place to drive though (which unfortunately I usually have to). You feel dark at night time, and there's some great housing. But whatever hipness you might once have had is now owned by your southern neighborhood Oakland. Your Berkeley Bowls are great, but too great - everyone wants to go there. Your marina rocks - everyone wants to go there too, and it's cool. Berkeley, you are a strange city. Oh Berkeley. read more

I love Berkeley. It is my home and has been for twenty-one years. I love most everything about it, even the annoying things. And there are a lot of annoying things. We have everything here. Nature, views, good food, good schools, interesting people, cool shops, a government that actually cares about its people and the nicest police force you'll ever find. Really. Weird, I know. We've got history, too. Being the center of the free speech movement has allowed for a lot of interesting happenings in the confines of our fair city. The university has also given Berkeley a vibrant and international flavor that I love. Its location near the water and beautiful neighborhoods (well...some) make it a gorgeous city to walk around, too. I feel blessed to live here, in my rent controlled unit...heehee. I love you, Berkeley, truly I do (because I learned how to use parking garages a long time ago)! read more

For the most part the City of Berkeley is very cool. Sometimes though they really need to work on not getting to crazy about PC issues. Not that we shouldn't strive for a more progressive world, but the excecution is a bit poor. Also, please please work on the police response time. read more

Residents of Berkeley can sleep soundly tonight for your city's finest are handing out missing front plate citations. Pay no mind to those men on Fifth St. who were throwing full Bud Lights at each other. Boys will be boys. And really what can go wrong with all the parked cars, houses with windows, and people around? They will run out of those two 18 packs in no time! Before my annoying citation I wasn't really a Berkeley fan. It's kinda looks like it should smell, parking is difficult, it's a college town, and pedestrians seem to think that they are impervious to the impact a car can have on their mushy bodies. Good thing my breaks work well! read more

They do have tons of interesting people but I love culture differences and really easy to get around. Have good places to eat. I live here for almost 7 years and i love it. I feel homey in this city I think because it is very accessible. Most of people avoid Telegraph ave. but I love to walk on Telegraph because I love people watching and see interesting people. Tip: if you want to be save please walk in a group even in the afternoon. I have friend who get hit and mug by a crazy people (but this is very seldom) read more

Huge fan of Berkeley. Moved here earlier this summer and it's great! There are some great spots to eat, parks to hang out in, stores to shop in, bars to drink in....always a good variety of things to do. The UC Berkeley campus is beautiful, great place to explore, or go to school in. Telegraph and Shattuck are lined with great spots to check out, highly recommend wandering around those streets. If you're traveling in to Berkeley from a surrounding area, the BART stop is right downtown on Shattuck in a very convenient location, close to many of Berkeley's best spots. One thing about Berkeley that may not be so great for everyone visiting is that there are a fair amount of transients that linger around, but you kind of get to know them over time and it's not so much of a bother. Some are super friendly, such as the newspaper selling guys, and giving them your change from time to time is good karma points. Berkeley is a safe place day and night time, so don't fret! Parking isn't too bad at all, but there aren't very many free spots in the area. You either need to move your car a lot, pay every couple of hours, or get a parking pass (daily or annual). I usually don't have trouble parking but if you find a lot (so you don't have to pay/move it often), that may be a better option if you don't come in on train or by foot. Enjoy all that Berkeley has to offer, it's really a great place to live or enjoy for visit! read more

Berkeley, like your best friend - not perfect, but what IS? Soooo much to love, lots to irritate, parts you just want to pretend don't ~even~ exist. Wonderful foodie stuff, restaurants, coffeeshops, farmers markets, other foodies, food toolshops (Hida Tool, Ichiban Kan), Berkeley Bowl, Monterey Market, Tokyo Fish, Natural Grocery Company, ethnic markets, food collectives, etc. But, most of all, a place where you can be you? read more

Berkeley City Hall - Weather.... whether ? !!! - Public Services & Government Near Me - Berkeley, California

Berkeley's a great place in a lot of ways...good restaurants, a very scenic setting with nice bay views, nice neighborhoods towards the hills, the presence of the world's greatest public university... All of the above deserves five stars, but the laughingstock city government deserves zero. I'm convinced they're intentionally keeping the city grungy and business-unfriendly (not to mention handing out tons of parking tickets) to prevent yuppies from wanting to move here and gentrify the place. They actually spent $200K of their taxpayers' money on this: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/10/17/MN2V13HP1T.DTL read more

For a utopia it leaves a lot to be desired. Rents despite rent control are some of the highest in the bay area. The limosine liberals dominate the housing market, especially in the hills above CAL. The streets themselves are in severe need of repair, even some streetlights don't work. Traffic is insane and don't even try to go anywhere on Friday after 3 p.m. A lot of vacant business buildings. Tons of homeless, mostly on Telegraph or by the BART stations. Parking is near impossible. 1 way streets that lead to dead ends and make it hard to get around. I recommend a motorcycle or copy all the other wannabee euros and get a Vespa to get around Berkeley or a tiny car. Get a prius to fit right in or a Mercedes/BMW. A lot of pretention along College avenue, especially by the Rockridge BART. Crowded, expensive, dirty in some places areas-streets, self-righteous and PC would be the 5 best words to describe Berkeley in a nutshell. The bookstores and theaters really give you the feel of what the city is all about - pretention, activism and the illusion of being "in the know". read more

Yes it is grungy but it is still home. There are some things that you just can't get elsewhere. Co-ops of every kind, wonderful small restaurants. The random theft is a bit of a downer, but not enough to detract from the overall experience. read more

The City of Berkeley is the owner of a great conundrum... Berkeley is one of the great cities to be in WHEN THE STUDENTS AREN'T THERE!!! But then again, the city wouldn't be what it is without the students... Oh well, guess i'll enjoy spring, winter and summer breaks. There's so much to explore and to do! Good food, fun places to hang out (although it does need more bars, and Raleigh's needs to be rebuilt!) Truly one of the unique places on the planet read more

Today I fell for the Citizens of Berkeley, I can say they are the most amazing and honest people I have come across so far in my day, Friday I received bad news from my doctor that he can't operate just yet since he doesn't know where the pain is coming from, my C2-C3 vertebrae has narrow room for my nerve, my C4- C5 had a fusion 10 years ago and my C6-C7 is bad also. So Saturday decided to leave for a drive on Highway 1 tours Point Reyes to have a coffee or Sándwich but needed to get out to think about my life and forget about my everyday pain, in the way over I stoped to take pictures some how I dropped my wallet in one of the stops. With over $300 cash credit cards and everything else, I don't have lots of money, I had that to pay phone bill and car insurance, so Russ from Fransisco street found my wallet and he called my city police station to see if they could help me wish of course the San Mateo PD refuse to help, he called my banks no luck, he call my daughters work cause I had her business card on it no luck, called my health insurance, he got them to help, they both were helpful to coordinate so I could get my wallet back, I tried to give him money he refuse, he told me to pay it forward wish I intend to do. God bless you on having people like Russ in your city, he changed my perspective about people this days, god bless you guys in Berkeley and stay safe Juan E. Pérez Sn Mateo Ca. read more

Love it... i lived in Berkeley for three of my four school years, and it's one of the best places in the world as far as I'm concerned. * great academic experience - got my BA in psychology with a minor in spanish * i made more friends than ever before or after (so far) there... * the most mind-expanding experiences also took place there, casa z and the rose gardens in particular. * somewhat related to he previous point, late night adventures on campus - does the alien landing site mean anything to anyone?? * great shopping - vintage clothing, restaurants, music, smoking accessories, books, collectibles, groceries. yes, it's true, there's no parking in Berkeley.. and if you think you found a place, chances are there's a sign somewhere close by saying, 2-hour parking without a permit - so be sure to look around. Or you can always use public transportation - that's what i do read more

I made the mistake of moving away from Berkeley my third year of law school. Exploring San Francisco satiated my Bay Area wanderlust, but still, I always missed the comforts of Berkeley. There was something about being surrounded by granola intellectuals that warmed my heart. I actually miss the sight of Tevas. And what Berkeley lacks in the way of a social scene (ie: no viable bars around a college campus?! And don't even suggest Kip's, Henry's or Blake's because they all lick ass), it makes up for with the beautiful environs and rich cuisine. If you're a foodie, Berkeley and the Bay Area generally offers more great restaurants at all price ranges than any other town which makes sense since it's the birthplace of Alice Water's California cuisine. I'm suddenly misty eyed for the Bay. Tear. read more

My mission: Purchase visitor parking passes, which require proof of address. The Good: I went yesterday (12pm) and today (1pm), and was pleasantly surprised that I had to wait less than 5 minutes for my number to be called both times. The Bad: Yesterday, I had a copy of my rental bill (regrettably not my contract), health care statement, and another piece of mail. This was inadequate. I offered to show the lady my bank statement & housing contract on my lap top (which I had with me). She said it had to be paper. I asked if she needed to keep the piece of paper. She said yes (which raises some security concerns). Today, I returned with my printed bank statement. The (new) lady handed it right back to me ... but confirmed it needed to be paper. So, they would trust a photo-shopped print-out more than a real-time look at my bank account while I am logged into it, evidently. Question: In what decade will the City use the internets to sell parking passes online through the mail? Are they worried that parking passes will be fraudulently purchased and then stolen from mailboxes? PS. Daylight savings was three days ago. It might be time to update the clock in the main customer service room. read more

The city can be kind of sketch at times. I've gotten almost mugged once. Never let go of my purse though. But that was only once the whole 4 years I've been here. It also happened nearby People's Park (a place hoodlums and homeless people like to hang at). So I guess I was asking for it. But this place is also home to UC Berkeley. A great institution. It also has many great ethnic restaurants. I had Indian, Thai, Mediterranean, Ethiopian, and Japanese for the first time here. This place is home to many kinds of people. Just stay away form People's Park at night and you should be fine. read more

Oh, Berkeley. You are dirty and swarming with shady characters but are redeemed by your shops and restaurants. You're caught between suburbs and urbs. Berkeley, oh Berkeley, one day we shall part. I won't miss you much but I will miss the access to gourmet cheeses and produce from around the world. I won't miss the hippies or the homeless or the guy on the corner or that other guy yelling at the hydrant but I will miss casual carpool and my landlord. read more

I absolutely love Berkeley! It is my type of city no question about it. The city should work on better bicycle ways so drivers don't have to compete with cyclist that don't follow the rules. read more

I was hoping to love this place but found the "THINK LIKE US OR YOU ARE ONE OF THEM" atmosphere rather...shit-like.