The Social Security office provides an essential public service, and the staff demonstrate…read moreprofessionalism in handling complex and sensitive matters. The process requires patience, but the structure and order in place help ensure that requests are handled accurately and securely. I found the staff to be efficient and attentive, working steadily to move people through the process while still taking the time to answer questions clearly. Their effort to maintain organization in a busy environment was noticeable, and it helped create a sense that each case was being handled with care and responsibility. It's clear that the staff carry a significant workload, and their consistency and focus reflect a strong commitment to public service. Even under pressure, they maintained composure and professionalism, which made the experience more manageable. Overall, the office serves an important role in supporting the public, and the efficiency and effort demonstrated by the staff contribute meaningfully to providing reliable assistance.

Well, I had to return. A claim of mine was denied with a form letter that did not explain why…read more I wanted to know how to appeal. An hour later, I was seen my the guy that actually sent me the letter. Oh, now I get why. Okay.

The level of service here is unacceptable. The system logs users out roughly 20 minutes before…read moreclosing time--even if they are actively logged into personal accounts like email--creating a clear and serious security concern. When this issue was raised, the response was dismissive, limited to a simple apology with no accountability or solution. It is difficult to understand how a publicly funded facility can operate with such disregard for basic user security and service standards. Taxpayer resources are being used, yet there appears to be little urgency or responsibility from staff to address legitimate concerns. This incident occurred today, Friday, 4/4/2026, at the end of the day, and reflects a broader lack of responsiveness and professionalism. This location urgently needs more attentive, accountable, and customer-focused staff.

I'm at the library trying to read peacefully but I hear someone playing videos on their device --…read more What kind of rude patron would do this at a library? Oh it's an employee! The security guard!! Real professional!!!!

I really wanted to play nice. Even though payments are required by check, I managed it. Even though…read moreall communication is through postal mail, I dealt with it. When I moved, all my mail managed to find its way to my new address. Except for City of Berkeley Finance. And for that reason, I was charged $700 in late fees when *one* payment was late. I appealed the fee, explained the situation, accessed for a one time late fee waiver. No dice. Because as forgiving as the City of Berkeley Finance asks everyone to be of it, it is not willing to reciprocate. It's just another financial institution, no better than Chase or Citi.

Sure, this venue doesn't sound nearly as exciting as many others (ie: restaurants, bars, stores,…read moreetc), however, I must say, I had a pretty good experience here this week. I've been to many DMV's and government buildings before but never have I seen any until living in Berkeley, that function so well and have such friendly staff! Makes running errands at these establishment much more enjoyable! Although the place is packed, the wait can be quite lengthy, but it turned out to be much quicker to get called up than I had expected. Phew! Once I got up to the counter, the woman working there was super helpful, took care of my paperwork quickly, and we had a great conversation while she was going so. It was a good experience and I won't fret coming back in the future if/when I have to!

American Research Center in Egypt lecture 1/25/09…read more "Sex, Lies, and Ostraca: a New Look at the Foreman Paneb" Al Berens, Independent Scholar The Foreman Paneb is one of the most notorious characters currently known to us from ancient Egypt. A resident of the workman's village at Deir el Medina, he was one of the foreman responsible for building the tombs of Merenptah and Seti II of the 19th Dynasty. The main account of the 'crimes' of Paneb come to us from a papyrus placed in a private tomb in the Deir el Medina necropolis. The charges against Paneb are many: theft, assault, rape, bribery, tomb-robbery, and blasphemy, for example. Some of these crimes appear to be corroborated, some do not. Some are merely perks of his position - using his subordinates to construct his own tomb, for example. Others are common behavior throughout civilization, such as bribing an official to secure a promotion. And then there are the ones that seem to have been added for the sake of character assassination, such as the claim he violated 3 women - one of whom was a 5-year old girl. This seems highly doubtful; unlike the adult women, the girl is not named. Similar claims of adultery always state 3 women - often a woman and her own mother - so this seems to be a standard charge used to blacken an accused's reputation. By claiming Paneb had raped a child, the compiler of this account seems to have been determined to further demonize Paneb. The charges of assault - pelting passersby with stones from his perch atop a wall - seem legitimate, as do theft and tomb-robbery. The persons best placed to rob a tomb are the ones who built it, after all - or who guard it. The author of the papyrus may well have been a gentleman named Amennakht, whose appointment as Chief Workman had been usurped by Paneb. By tucking the papyrus into a tomb, he no doubt intended for the gods to bring Paneb to justice in the next world that he may have evaded in this one. Mr. Berens concluded that Paneb was very likely a bully and a petty criminal, mostly one of opportunity. A bad character to be sure, but one who had been slandered by someone with a severe grudge. The ancient Egyptians obviously liked a good gossip and scandal as much as anyone, and for all we know, that papyrus might as well be an equivalent to the 'National Enquirer'! This lecture was suprisingly under-attended, considering the juicy-sounding topic, but it was interesting and enjoyable.

I have heard a lot of hateful remarks being made about BPD and the people who work there and I…read morewanted to say that they have some of the nicest officers I have ever met. I also have heard a lot of hate recently about first responders around the nation recently, most of that hate being towards law enforcement.I want to remind people that if you have had a "bad interaction" with BPD or any other law enforcement agency than stop breaking the law! If your breaking the law and you get arrested or get in trouble with the police it is your fault. These people are just doing their jobs! First responders are humans with emotions just like you and me! That being said there are first responders out there who are racist and homophobic and mean spirited people, whose actions I do not condone one bit. It only takes one of those people to make a whole department look bad, Which is something really unfortunate, that happens way too much these days. I hope it will end soon. Anyways the point I'm trying to make is that you should really be hating crimes, not the police! Also thank you to all the men and woman across the country who protect and serve us every day. You matter and you will never be forgotten.

This place does a great job on campus. It may have some restrictions, but they can't help it. For…read moreinstance, anything that happens past Dwight is no longer their restriction. You have to contact City of Berkeley PD instead. I like how they drive around Prius'.

Now named SafeTREC. The Safe Transportation Research and Education Center. Whaddup, whaddup.read more

Great working environment staffed with cool people (me included). Location is close to campus. It…read moreis also close to People's Park, which can be a slight negative (unless you happen to LIKE People's Park). The kitchen table is always kinda sticky.

Great service. Always very helpful, friendly staff. I always get great…read moreservice at this post office. The managers are very helpful and they respond to any and all Service Request. The parking lot is small, but there's street metered parking all around.

Neither staff member working felt remotely burdened to move the long line along any faster than…read morethey wanted to at their unhurried pace, which meant a half hour wait for a 2 min. transaction with zombied staff on autopilot. When the "survey" popped up on the little screen asking about my experience, I booped on the sad face to which the staff member - who was clearly watching me select my answer to the survey - replied, "Oh. That's funny. Real funny." She voided the transaction (that had gone through) after I left the building and my parents' Christmas present was returned to my house the following day. In case you ever wondered who's that vindictive, she works at the Elmwood Post Office. One wonders what oversight management plays here.

This place has a few beautiful structures. There is hardly any parking. Can be troubling to walk…read moreuphill at this age.

Ok so the houses you see are cool but that's the thing...it's literally just like 2 pretty houses??…read moreDon't believe all the tiktoks/reels calling this one of the most beautiful/magical places because all it is is a house that looks really cool and unique so we def felt v awkward taking pics in front of it because people literally live in there?? Like if you wanna go for a quick Instagram pic go for it I guess?? But def don't expect to make a whole trip of it