BERKELEY, Calif. — This college town is sometimes in the news for gang violence and homelessness. But as proven in
“It’s politically activated. There’s always something going on. I might not always agree with it, but it’s so nice to be in a town where people feel empowered to say what they want to say,” said Matthew Jervis, director of vitality for the Downtown Berkeley Association. He works to promote arts, entertainment and historic preservation.
The Downtown Berkeley Association advocates for the well-being of Berkeley, providing maps and pamphlets at the weekly markets and similar public outings that advertise safety and what Berkeley has to offer.
“Our main goal is to bring people to downtown Berkeley and coupons and maps are the way to do it,” Jervis said.
Shoppers and vendors alike said they are extremely involved in their hometown.
“This is just wonderful because it’s outdoors, and you get to meet vendors and you see your friends. It’s just wonderful,” Julie Dickey, a regular customer at the farmers market, said.
Dickey, a 20-year-resident, is not only a local at the farmers’ market, she is also a political activist.
“I’ve come here to do political stuff and be at a table and get people to sign things,” Dickey said.
She is putting her efforts toward Prop 13 reform, which would reassess commercial property — but not residential property, already reassessed whenever property is sold — in order to better fund education.
“This is money that is being cut off from public services, particularly in our schools, since it passed in 1978, so for 40 years,” Dickey said.
Berkeley is filled with such activists.
“It’s always being rejuvenated for people all over the world,” Jervis said. “Even after being here for 20 years, I keep finding cool things about it.”