Author: Melia Marquez

BERKELEY, Calif. — For nearly 50 years, the United Lutheran Chapel has stood alongside Berkeley as a sanctuary for those facing difficulties because of their immigration status, providing them with assistance and support. Amid increased ICE deportations and changes in asylum-seeking qualifications, the church continues to advocate for these individuals’ rights.

Berkeley was the first declared American sanctuary city, writing and passing a resolution in 1971 initially to protect American soldiers protesting the Vietnam War. “The language that was in that document has not changed,” said Locke Schultz Jaeger, a parishioner and daughter of former ULC pastor, the Rev. Gus Schultz, who was key in the resolution’s formation.

Over the years, many individuals have sought refuge in the church. Dissenting American soldiers in the Vietnam era were the first; then asylum seekers against the first Persian Gulf War sought help. In 1982, the church took in Central American migrants, protesting against government limitations on assigning immigrant status.

“It wasn’t about making a big statement,” said Schultz Jaeger. “It was about people showing up and needing something… and (us) acting on our beliefs.”

Currently, the church coordinates with both the Interfaith Movement for Human Integrity and the East Bay Interfaith Immigration Coalition to assist undocumented immigrants and help or sometimes house someone until court cases are resolved. Parishioners accompany immigrants to their court hearings and contribute donations to help pay for food, legal fees and other necessities. 

Despite these available aids, several undocumented immigrants remain hesitant to take the church’s help, particularly its offer of staying in its apartment. That’s because in doing so, an immigrant is both announcing his or her whereabouts and also unable to leave the church apartment without potentially being detained.

“Every time (a migrant) leaves the space, they’re at risk,” congregation member Daniel Becker said. “Basically they’re reporting to the authorities where they are.”

While authorities can’t raid the chapel in violation of religious rights, they are still allowed to enter the building. In some instances, ICE agents have been more aggressive, recently using Oakland International Airport to deport and transport thousands of undocumented immigrants. This, despite Oakland’s own declaration of being a sanctuary city, which means its local police officers won’t cooperate with ICE agents.

The church operates in legal bounds and has a procedure if ICE were to come to its door, but the congregation is not entirely immune from government intervention.

“We want to offer a safe space,” Becker said, “provide a bed, a shower, a kitchen. But we’re not going to stop authorities from (entering).”

However, the congregants say they refuse to stay silent. The United Nations flag resides with gay and transgender pride flags above ULC’s entrance.

“(We’re) trying to make a statement,” Becker said, “showing who we support.”

Fellow parishioner Judy Timmel added that the chapel hosts letter-writing campaigns in which parishioners and community members alike write to government officials about national immigration policies.

The congregation of 70 may only have one apartment complex to spare, but it continues to offer all the help it can to undocumented immigrants. For Timmel, helping even one individual is the equivalent of doing God’s work.

“It’s about looking at why (someone) came and how we factor into that,” Schultz Jaeger added. “(Our congregation) seeks to be with someone, help them stay strong, and (offer) support.”

BERKELEY, Calif. — Every week, vendors, musicians and shoppers alike flock to the Saturday Downtown Berkeley Farmers’ Market, connecting over a love of fresh, organic produce, lively community culture and activities and vibrant displays of flowers, fruits and vegetables. And while many of the more than 50 vendors offer fresh produce, there are also stands with less of a farm focus offering treats and basics.

From customer to seller

For those with a sweet tooth, Coracao provides vegan and organic chocolate naturally sweetened with coconut sugar. The chocolatier’s stand displays handmade candy available in all shapes and sizes, including bars, cups and hearts. 

Customers choose from a variety of truffle and chocolate flavors such as the famous Berkeley Bar — a blend of nougat, cashew butter caramel and almonds —and the coconut and caramel-filled Golden Galleon, a staff favorite. 

All of Coracao’s products are made with naturally sourced ingredients.

“It’s about being aware of what you’re eating. It’s candy that’s guilt-free,” said Coracao employee Ofra Fisher, who started out as a customer of the chocolatier.

“I’ve been buying their chocolate for 10 years,” she said. “I was one of the people walking around spending a lot of money. Now, I’m behind the table.”

A new take on something old

Abrothacary, a relatively new addition to the market, offers a line of tasteful, holistic products. The business, founded by Lauren Gauthier in April of 2018,  specializes in bone and mineral broths. 

“We get the bones from impeccably raised animals,” said vendor Phil Minnick, “and most of the ingredients we buy from our neighbors at the farmers’ market.” 

Minnick added that the broths are a good source of fat-soluble Vitamins A, D, E  and K, which remain stored in the body for longer periods. 

Along with flavorful pistachio milk and sweet treats in the form of bliss bars, Abrothacary also offers a juice cleanse to encourage gut detoxification and help people get in shape. 

“The main goal of our company is health,” Minnick said.

Many flavors of almonds

    Chico-based brand Beber Almond Milk uses almonds from Baugher Ranch Organics, a Glenn County farm, to produce its products. Their range of beverages includes classics and specialty drinks made in collaboration with other Chico companies, such as a caffeine-boosted cold brew and seasonally inspired lavender and chai-almond milk.

For those who are curious or die-hard fans of the beverages, Beber employee David Love says that their products can be found in several Bay Area markets and stores, including the Berkeley Bowl.

Berkeley’s vendors continue to change as growing seasons start and end. The Saturday market is only one of three Berkeley farmers’ markets, each of which occur on different days in different parts of the city.

A Tuesday afternoon market is in South Berkeley from 2 to 6:30 p.m.,  and a Thursday afternoon market runs in North Berkeley from 3 to 7 p.m. All three markets accept food stamps and offer produce, sweet treats and basics for all.