We all bring our own perspectives to Berkeley. A few residents can't get over the 60's. Some are here to be part of the foment of ideas centered at the campus. Many came to Berkeley because the City tolerates, and encourages, folks who are freaks in their own home town. Many are here because they have always been here and can't imagine living anywhere else.
Most just want to live in a nice neighborhood, have a few friends and go about their business with as little hassle as possible.
I moved to Berkeley in 1973. I graduated from Berkeley High School in 1977 and from UCB in 1984. I have two kids in the Berkeley public shool system and serve on the City's Human Welfare commission. Most of my best friends went to BHS. I now work in Emeryville and live in N. Berkeley. I am a townie with a good education, a beautiful wife and a good job.
However, the changes in Berkeley have not been as kind to everyone. As much as the good people of Berkeley are fighting the changes in the world around us, the poor are being forced out of Berkeley. Further, the low-income residents are marginalized by their limited funds to access the bounty of Berkeley in the new millenium. There is plenty of blame and responsibility for everyone.
The struggle to do the right thing, and the consequent competition of ideas, is what makes Berkeley wonderful. The answer isn't always found, but the effort is often made.
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