Category: 2019

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. — Vivid bursts of color gliding through the air, the laughter of lively children racing down grassy hills and the aromatic smell of barbeque can all be found at the Berkeley Kite Festival, an event dating back more than 30 years. This year, the festival at the Berkeley Marina once again saw tens of thousands of people watching hundreds of kites of all different shapes and sizes soaring above. 

“We don’t have the biggest kite and we aren’t the best at kite-flying, but we are one thread in the tapestry of this beautiful festival,” Matthew Sater said as he stood on a windy hill, using one hand to block the unforgiving rays of the glowing sun.

Many others also enjoyed the powerful gusts of cool wind traveling through the spacious park, including one of Sater’s friends, Daniel Alvarado, who soon chimed in: “Why can’t life always be this good?” 

Across the park, more festival-goers were laying in the grass, watching a kite-flyer guide his four kites in a series of geometric formations.

“The Marina is a great place for this festival…it’s nice and windy,” Meghan Schofield said as she looked up at the vast, clear blue skies that extended infinitely, showcasing hundreds of eye-catching kites. Alongside the kites, an occasional hawk soared through the sky. Sitting next to her, Nathan Helm-Burger said that the couple had been attending the festival annually since they moved to Berkeley a few years ago from Washington, D.C. 

“I’ve liked them ever since I was a kid…I enjoy seeing so many kites in the air at once,” he said, glancing down to admire the kite he was holding. He wasn’t the only one reminiscing about his childhood. 

“I’ve been coming since I was a kid…my dad would bring me and my brother,” Carson Young said. This year, she brought along her friend Vaibhav Sawhney, who has been flying kites his whole life.

“Seeing so many kites flying in the air at the same time is very nostalgic for me…I competed in kite competitions when I was a kid in India,” he said. Sawhney then pointed out a man flying a triangular stunt kite decorated with blue and red stripes. 

“That kite is very similar to some of the kites I used to fly as a kid,” he said. 

The Berkeley Kite Festival not only reminds adults of simpler times but is also a place where children start making some of those same memories.

“It’s a great place to bring your kids,” Nathan Helm-Burger said.

BERKELEY, Calif. —  For more than 50 years, the Downtown Berkeley Farmers’ Market has led eco-friendly initiatives, including selling organic produce and striving to be waste-free. Vendors sell their food and products in glass jars, paper containers and paper bags and customers are encouraged to bring their own bags and containers.

Many of the farmers who vend at the market use natural or eco-friendly means of pest control or weeding. For example, Avalos Farm uses a vacuum system and beneficial insects. Other vendors, such as Four Sisters Farm, say that they do not need to use pesticides because their farm ecosystem is so healthy.

Rasa Dresser is the founder of Big Little Bowl, a company that promotes wellness through the practice of mindfulness and herbal traditions borrowed from Asian and European cultures. Hand-brewed teas and soups are Dresser’s main products and he uses his teas as a broth substitute in his soups, a unique combination that fuses the benefits of both products.

Dresser said he pursues a zero-waste initiative by selling his soups in glass jars and providing samples in mini ceramic bowls and cups. He also encourages his customers to clean and return their soup jars.

“Seeing my customers return the jars makes me happier than actually selling my soups,” he said.

Many customers at the Saturday market said they seek healthy and ethical produce created by local farmers and producers.

Coracao Confections creates variations of chocolates to accommodate those with dietary restrictions — products are vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free. They also remain organic by sourcing their ingredients from local producers, some of whom are represented in the market.

“We appreciate having fresh produce and supporting local farmers,” Ofra Fisher, an employee of Coracao Confections, said.

The Ecology Center itself, known for pledging to promote healthier living in the East Bay area, maintains a booth at each of the three weekly markets, and on a recent Saturday was giving away samples of different types of cucumbers to visitors. Staffers and volunteers pursue a weekly initiative to collect variations of the same product from the local farmers and have customers vote for their favorite. The top candidates are then bought from the farmers and sold to commercial grocery stores, an effort to connect and support the local producers to the community.

When you hear the words “Farmers’ Market,” you may automatically think organic, fresh and healthy. But the Berkeley Farmers’ Market — three times a week at various locations year-round — sells not only organic and pesticide-free produce but also soup, kettle corn, gelato and coffee. 

The Ecology Center has operated the markets since 1987. Theirs were the first in the country to ban methyl bromide, a toxic pesticide most commonly used on strawberries and a factor to the depleting ozone layer. According to the Ecology Center website, the use and sale of GMO products have also since been banned. 

Staffers at the Ecology Center’s booth also educate both customers and passersby about environmentally-friendly gardening and approaches for zero-waste. 

In addition, The Alameda County Master Gardeners, who regularly attend the Berkeley markets, help spread their knowledge by offering free pamphlets and act as garden consultants, with the goal of keeping the environment healthy.

They were trained by the University of California system “to encourage people to garden, grow their own foods, not use chemicals and the least invasive ways to keep their gardens fresh,” Kitty Mindel, an Alameda County Master Gardener, said.

The vendors at the Downtown Berkeley Farmers’ Market operate by the principle “everything we have here we grow ourselves,” said Marco Avalos of Avalos Farm. The Avalos Farm has been a family enterprise in Hollister, California, for over 20 years. Although they drive 90 minutes multiple times a week to attend Berkeley Farmers’ Markets, Avalos said, “People here appreciate that we don’t use pesticides and fertilizers.”

Avalos Farm is one of many pesticide-free vendors at the Berkeley markets. They also advocate for zero-waste, using the food that they don’t sell for other markets or for compost. Having regularly attended Berkeley markets and being an environmentally conscious vendor, Avalos Farm has built a relationship of trust with their patrons.

In addition to consumers, other vendors, such as Rasa Dresser, trust the produce offered at the Berkeley Farmers’ Market because it is environmentally sustained. 

Dresser owns and operates The Big Little Bowl of Soup. “Everything is handmade and 100 percent organic,” Dresser said. “I source all of the produce from either the Farmers’ Market or Berkeley Bowl and Monterey Market, two local produce stores.”

Another way Dresser advocates for no waste is by using Mason jars which customers can return them or reuse. However, his main “intention,” said Dresser, was to allow even the homeless and less fortunate to have access to good and fresh food. This is possible because Dresser leaves out a jar of money from which the homeless can take cash to buy a bowl of soup. 

“Originally, I started making soup for the homeless population, and my goal was to make a soup that was as nourishing as I could possibly make it,” Dresser said. “I wanted to make it plant-based; that’s important to me as well. It’s good for the environment and good for people’s health.” 

BERKELEY, Calif. ― The University Lutheran Chapel works with many immigration advocates, including the Interfaith Movement for Human Integrity Program, to create a safe, comforting environment for those enduring hardships because of their immigration status.

Congregation members Daniel Becker, Locke Schultz Jaeger and Judy Timmel talked with the Teen Observer staffers recently about the church’s as well as the city of Berkeley’s sanctuary history. 

“It’s difficult to make ends meet and live life as other folks have the luxury to do,” Becker said. “We had a few nibbles from people considering sanctuary, but weren’t sure.”

Today the church aids one person on-site and works with others through various social agencies and such initiatives as pack-the-court, in which congregants fill the courtroom when an immigrant’s case is heard — hoping to show the judge that person has support.

Berkeley was one of the first cities to declare itself a sanctuary, and the current document declaring so remains remarkably similar to the original draft written in 1971.

Around the time of the first declaration, the church was beginning its work as a sanctuary space for those drafted during the Vietnam War who were conscientious objectors. The church hosted these soldiers, some of whom were students, until their cases were resolved (although some were later court-martialed). The church also was a sanctuary during the first Persian Gulf War. Over the last four years, Becker said, the church has recommitted itself to the sanctuary mission.

“The church was re-stating our willing … to reaffirm we’re a safe space, we’re a sanctuary,” he said. The church has one small apartment with a bed, shower and kitchen, a temporary living space.

“It speaks to the power of making a statement… our community is not going to stay silent,” Becker said about the importance of taking a public stand.

The church focuses on “accompaniment,” which Becker defined as a system of support and stability for immigrants wavering in hope and spirit.

“You’re walking with them, being with them,” Schultz Jaeger added. “We are a safe space that supports our citizens.” She’s the daughter of the Rev. Gus Schultz, the chapel’s longtime pastor until his death in 2007.

Congregants might go with undocumented immigrants to the grocery store, for example, or accompany them to see other family members. They’ve done letter-writing campaigns and guided those in needs to other groups who can help find lawyers to take their cases.

The congregation is small (about 70 members), although it fluctuates with the beginning of each new academic year in this college town. The members work with a broad coalition of those in the faith community, Schultz Jaeger said, including the East Bay Interfaith Immigration Coalition.

As for their efforts to not work with Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, the church again directs its attention toward peacefully challenging ICE’s actions outwardly and raising awareness for immigrants on how to handle a potential raid or deportation effort.

According to internal ICE guidelines, Timmel said, churches, schools and hospitals are considered “sensitive locations” to be avoided as best as possible. However, it is not illegal for ICE agents to enter these spaces.

The church has posted directions on what to do in the case of an actual ICE raid, and Berkeley as a city has declared that it is a sanctuary, meaning local law enforcement does not cooperate with federal immigration agents.

University Lutheran Chapel also displays its pride in their actions with LGBTQ+ and United Nations Flags.

The church includes its entire community in their discussions as to the progression of their movements. The safety and well-being of their congregation is the utmost concern, and they work hand-in-hand to decide what comes next.

“In a legal situation,” Schultz Jaeger said. “We as a congregation have to think, are we ready to face the consequences?”

Would they ever consider expanding beyond their one small apartment in order to house those who are undocumented?

“If I were to expand,” she said, “it wouldn’t be building another apartment. It would be to make it so they didn’t need one.” 

BERKELEY, Calif. — From Arrous Lambert Douglas, who sells the Street Spirit newspaper for $2, to Priscilla Lucero, who sells strawberries and tomatoes from her family farm, to Eli Deyoe, who plays guitar for the people perusing the market’s many offerings, the Berkeley Saturday Farmers’ Market attracts “all walks of life,” said Marcel Ramos, who was staffing the Ecology Center’s table on a recent morning.

They gather, along with more than 50 vendors and hundreds of customers, on the corner of Center Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Way to buy, sell, entertain — and eat.

James Zealous, who says he’s a weekly shopper with a passion for supporting local businesses, buys a copy of the paper Street Spirit when he attends the market. Zealous said that the “uncomfortably true articles that you are not going to find on national media” are what draw him to purchase the paper on a weekly basis. The paper covers homelessness and poverty and gives about 100 homeless vendors an opportunity to make money without panhandling.

At the city’s Saturday Market, Douglas sells the print edition, as he has for 40 years, and says that the customers are what makes it worth returning weekly. 

“These people are so friendly,” Douglas said. “They treat you so well. You just got to be honest and all that. Just be yourself,” he added.

In contrast to Douglas and Zealous, this is Ramos’ first summer experiencing the farmers’ market while working with the Ecology Center. His favorite aspect of his job is “the amount of diversity” he gets to experience on a daily basis. 

“Being able to work with the ecology center has made {diversity} so apparent and has made it something I just really, really want to be apart of,” he said. 

Ramos’ ideals align with the Berkeley Farmers’ Market Code of Conduct, which states that “all are welcome here. Hate is not.” Signs throughout the street highlight the goal that the market is a safe place for all to gather and share what they have to offer.

A short walk around the market, next to a park and city hall, reveals a festive atmosphere: Children are laughing with ice cream dripping down their chins and adults are engaging in friendly conversations with vendors and other customers.

The market has a high standard for products sold, and the quality of produce is a reason why customers, such as Zealous, say they continue to shop there.

“This is California! Why the hell would we have to import produce?” he said.

One vendor, Priscilla Lucero and Lucero Organic Farms, has been attending the Berkeley Market since the 1990s. An important factor for the Lucero family when deciding which markets to participate in are the customers. 

“All the customers are really friendly and appreciate you,” she said. Her husband, Curtis, “chooses to do the markets that have the people who are really interested in the organic,” she added. Lucero noted that their organic long-stem strawberries are what they are most known for and have a consistent clientele. 

Across from the white Lucero canopy tent and through the crowd of chatty customers, Eli Deyoe, a 14-year-old, plays his guitar for shoppers, as he has been since he was 8. 

“I guess that this is like my summer job, instead of getting an actual job,” he said.

He is covering his favorite artists, including Ed Sheeran and the Plain White Tees. Deyoe also said he is working on writing his own music, and while he is reluctant to share it, the market provides the perfect space for him to experiment.

More than anything, the Berkeley Market creates a sense of community. It brings together everyone from families with strollers to elderly couples with walkers to Berkeley students enjoying their Saturday with friends. People who attend often create connections with others, and say that is what brings them back week after week.

As Deyoe, whose high school is nearby, said between songs, “Everyone is here, so I guess it’s a good place to be.”

BERKELEY, Calif. — “I come every week, rain or shine,” says Willy Halmon, a regular at the Berkeley Farmers’ Market. Riverdog Farm and Blue Heron Farms are frequent stops of his, and they are among Halmon’s favorite stands.

Halmon, now retired, has spent the last 20 years in North Berkeley enjoying the city and the market. Though people know his face, Halmon says he isn’t on a first-name basis with any of the vendors. He is just one of many people thankful for the market. 

The Big Little Bowl of Soup is relatively new to the market, having only been there for about nine months, but Rasa Dresser says he hopes he’s having an impact in the lives of those who buy from him.

“I really just wanted to make a difference in the community, and to nourish the people who are making positive changes in the planet,” he said. 

Dresser makes his soups using what he calls “intuitive cooking.” Thinking and feeling what he wants this particular batch to convey, he will buy ingredients and cook them in the way he feels will get his message across.

The soup he makes is a limited edition, unique to the feeling he wants to get across. What is sold one week likely not be sold again. This makes it difficult to nail down a bestseller or a pattern of any kind, but none of his soups use any animal products, making them vegetarian and vegan safe.

“My favorite part of working here is the people I get to talk to,” Anna Kate, a worker at Frog Hollow Farm, says.

Kate is an environmental science and food systems major hoping to work in agriculture after college. She said she looks forward to seeing the “regulars” and talking to them when she’s at the market.

“I started working here first off because I love this specific farm’s mission,” she said. “… We’re a zero-waste farm.”

The Ecology Center, which runs all three weekly markets in Berkely, refers to the markets as “The heart of the community’s alternative food system.”