BERKELEY, Calif – The weekly Berkeley’s farmers’ markets, headed by the nonprofit organization for eco-education, The Ecology Center, bring together all different aspects of the Berkeley community.
Organic, raw sauerkraut and vegan, chocolate ice-cream pop up among the many new innovative foods at the weekly Berkeley Farmers’ Market. But some stands are rich in history and tradition.
Artie Flores works at Kashiwase Farms, run by a third-generation Japanese-American family in Winton, California.
It is headed by Steven Kashiwase, who inherited the farm from his father in 1976. Originally, the farm grew basic fruits and nuts that were destined for canning and processing. However, he made the choice to slowly convert the farm into one that grew non-processed, organic fruits.
It was officially certified organic in 1983 by The California Certified Organic Farmers foundation. Kashiwase Farms’ most popular fruits are its vast varieties of Asian pears and peaches.
Flores doesn’t have a favorite. “The white varieties are sweeter. The yellows are a balance of sweet and tartness, but that’s what gives it the flavor,” he said.
Why do he and Kashiwase sell their peaches here every Saturday?
“Berkeley is nicknamed Berserkly, and for good reason,” said Flores. “Berkeley has the notoriety of being an eccentric community. It’s zany. I like that zaniness.”
Along with Flores, hundreds of people are attracted to the zany, colorful vibe the Berkeley farmers’ markets offer, including recent Berkeley journalism graduate and aspiring filmmaker, Mike Milano. “I come to take in sights, sounds, smells, feelings. All things important to write about,” said Milano.
Although he just graduated, Milano has been able to work with HBO and Netflix in Los Angeles and planned to film the presidential debate hosted in Cleveland recently. He premiered his own 27-minute short film, “The Blue Wall,” here in Berkeley on May 15th. “It’s a story about fear and violence in America,” said Milano “I am using that film as a pilot and trailer for a larger project in Cleveland to be shot over the coming year.”
Even after constant traveling, what is it that keeps this rising star coming back to the farmers’ market? “They have great coffee,” said Milano.
For Dante Kaleo, an ecology center youth assistant and Berkeley City College student, the draw is people.
“We just make each other laugh. It’s like a little family,” said Kaleo. After previously working a fast-food job, Kaleo knows the value of a positive, family-like feel, as well as being passionate about the work you pursue, he said. Kaleo learned more about the Ecology Center and the work it does to educate people on how to live healthier, happier lives by being proactive about their diet and environment. He then joined the Ecology Center team in 2011, working with the Youth Department.
Now, his jobs vary from training groups of teens to supporting the Ecology Center’s Farm Fresh Choice stands, which are low-cost community produce stands, to educating middle- and high-school students about the effects of climate change.
“I get a paycheck, but I feel like I’m giving back to my community. This is my community,” he said.