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Woodleaf farm still at market despite wildfire damage

Woodleaf Farm focuses on harvesting a variety of fresh peaches. Photo by Alexis Suk

BERKELEY, Calif. —  Evacuations in Oroville, California, have left townspeople uprooted and disoriented for the past six months because of the widespread Butte County Wall Wildfire. At Woodleaf Farm, also known as Peach Jamboree, the fire took all but the crop itself.

Owner Danny Lazzarini bought the farm in the Sierra Mountains in 2016.  She and partner Drew Seidman planned to continue the farm’s current produce offerings; they have more than 2,000 fruit trees, according to the Ecology Center’s website, planted on eight acres.

They produce many varieties of peaches, including white, yellow and red peaches. Although they produce a variety of crops, they only have “three months of the year to make a living,” Lazzarini said in a recent interview.

Woodleaf Farm made one of their first appearances since the fire at the Berkeley Farmers’ Market on Saturday. Photo by Jordan Willis

The raging wildfire set the two back right in the middle of their short harvest season, only adding to the devastation. The fire took all three of their homes on the land, along with a cabin, barn, packing shed, personal possessions and all of their tools and equipment. But the fruit was spared. They were at the Berkeley Farmers’ Market on Saturday, one of their first public appearances since the fire.

“About 95 percent of the peaches are fine,” Woodleaf Farm employee Em Reaves said, explaining how the farm can survive for now but the future is unpredictable with all of their supplies destroyed.

“We’re trying to rebuild with no resources, and it’s really hard, but what else are you going to do?” Lazzarini said. She added that they are constantly being faced with new challenges on the farm but will continue to work through them. Despite the demolition, Woodleaf Farm does not plan on abandoning the land; instead, they are going to rebuild. They are focused on going to markets and asking for donations on GoFundMe.com.

“This is an incredibly shocking loss, but we are grateful to be alive and safe…This will be a true test of strength and willingness to carry on and recover,” Lazzarini said in a recent Instagram post.

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Why Berkeley?

Sproul Hall, home to many protests at the University of California Berkeley. Is now the undergraduate administration office. Photo by Jolie Ebadi

BERKELEY, Calif. — When visiting the campus of the University of California, Berkeley  one sees and hears a diverse and passionate culture.

The famous green-arch entrance at Sather Gate stands for new beginnings. Some are drawn here for academics or the eclectic laid-back city, but what else causes people to stay?

Viry Cabral, a 19-year-old local, said “Berkeley is a cool place to work in because it is interesting and diverse.” She attends community college in nearby San Pablo.

In informal interviews across campus, some students said that although the university is more affordable than a private college, there are underlying issues socially.

One described a racial dispute in the library; others were concerned about the recent housing crisis and lack of  affordable space for students.

Maritza Geronimo, a UCLA student, was visiting the campus for a symposium directed at research and scholarships. She said she didn’t think the campus was “welcoming for people of color,” but knows this is something students are working on. ( To read more about Racial issues at Berkeley, go to http://www.dailycal.org/2016/10/23/student-groups-block-sather-gate-latest-protest-relocation/ ) Her colleague, Christian Vasquez, also from UCLA, said he’s enjoying “a different culture than I am used to back home in Westwood. There are more food options for expressing ethnic communities in Berkeley, and more opportunity for all social classes financially and politically.”

Several students said they saw a renewed political activism and welcoming spirit and a general encouragement for artistic expression. One student’s favorite artistic piece was a car covered in chains that she saw around town often.  

Nicole Blake, associate director of the undergraduate admissions office, said the school has “an eye for diversity, not just how people look, but where they come from, making it very inviting for students and staff,” which is why she has stayed for 12 years.

“I would want other people to know that I know how young people feel,” she said. “I think they believe it’s about the GPA and the rigor, but I would say to them: Berkeley is for you.”

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A kite glides in Berkeley

Kites of all colors, shapes, and sizes, soar through the summer sky. Photo by Allie Anderson.

BERKELEY, Calif. — The last weekend of July brings a world of color down by the  Berkeley Marina, where children, families and friends have been going on for more than 30 years to the Berkeley Kite Festival.

The day begins at 10 a.m. with a few kites, and kite enthusiasts  finishing setting up. Within a couple of hours, the entire hill is covered with kite fliers and kite watchers. There are small kites, big kites and people of all ages enjoying the view.

“It really turns out here in Berkeley, like by noon everyone will have held a kit. Anyone can do it from 5 years old to over 80 years old,” John Barresi said, while continuing to fly and do tricks with his own kite.

He has been participating in the sport for more than 25 years, simply because “it’s relaxing.” He noted that when one is tense, the kite will be tense, too, but if the controller on the ground is relaxed, the kite flows more freely, which makes for a better time.

There are also kite ballets and competitions at the event for more organized entertainment. The festival brought thousands to Cesar E Chavez Park over two days. Remember to grab a kite and a sweater before you go next year.