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Free Traveling Guides » States » California » Greater San Francisco
Berkeley
Located on the eastern shore of the San Francisco Bay in northern California, the city of Berkeley is a culturally diversified and vibrant city surrounded by Oakland and Emeryville to the south and Albany and Kensington to the north. Located in Alameda County, Berkeley has a total area of 17.7 square miles (45.8 sq. km.) and an overall population of 102,743 residents (as per 2000 census).
Named after Bishop Berkeley, who was an eighteenth century philosopher and poet, Berkeley has a vast history. People of the Huichin tribe were the earliest inhabitants in this region, which was later occupied by Spaniards and Mexicans. Incorporated into the California State Legislature in 1878, the town of Berkeley has the oldest campus of the University of California system, namely the University of California, Berkeley, better known simply as UC Berkeley or Cal. Economic development in this region started with the advent of transcontinental railroad during 1876.
The city of Berkeley has a moderate Mediterranean climate with temperatures ranging from 46°F to 70°F (8°C to 21°C). Berkeley has some interesting geographical features, including rolling sedimentary plains and the Berkeley Hills. Several creeks originate in these hills and flow into the city. Berkeley is located near the seismically active zone of the Hayward Fault.
Berkeley has an ethnically diverse population that includes Caucasians, Native Americans, African-Americans, Pacific Islanders and Asians. Rated as one of the safest cities in California, Berkeley has the highest rate of bicycle and pedestrian commuters in the U.S. In addition, major employers of the city including UC Berkeley and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory operate Amtrak, AC Transit, bus shuttles and BART for the convenience of people commuting to Berkeley.
There are several interesting places to visit inside Berkeley. While Shattuck Avenue and Telegraph Avenue are the main commercial centers of the city, Chez Panisse is considered the birthplace of California cuisine. Other interesting places include the Berkeley Repertory Theater, the University of California Botanical Garden, the Berkeley Rose Garden, the Pacific Film Archive, the Hearst Greek Theater, The Campanile or Sather Tower located inside UC Berkeley campus, The Claremont Resort, Berkeley Community Center and The Freight and Salvage, which is a folk, traditional and world music club located in West Berkeley.
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