After slowly getting closer and closer to becoming one of the many homeless people all around Berkeley (because all my temp agencies dried up), I have suddenly become the most popular temp in California--or so it seems. This week two of them called me to work and I have more job offers than I can handle. I'm just sorry I can't take all the jobs. But it certainly feels good to be working again.
If some people knew how they looked they would think twice about roaming around any streets in their birthday suits, but they don't seem to care in Berkeley. Since the City Council passed the ban on nudity, there has been a coalition of nudists roaming around collecting signatures on a petition to overturn the ban. Fortunately, they have not yet approached me for my signature. I don't feel I could keep a straight face.
Berkeley police ride up and down Telegraph Avenue on bicycles dressed in the cutest shorts outfits and police bicycle helmets. It's really the only way they can get around Telegraph; the street is always so crowded with people and cars.
Everyone I talk to about Berkeley says it's not really on this planet. It has been given the nickname ``Ber-serke-ley.'' Some here are definitely ``Lost in Space.'' It may be a place that grows on you, but hopefully, not like their gardens.
The weather here is totally unpredictable. It's cold in the mornings, hot in the afternoons, then cold again in the evenings. I never know how to dress and am usually dressed for winter in 80 degree weather. And the most amazing daily phenomenon occurs on the highways and byways around here. Every morning I listen to the news (with traffic and weather) and the things that are spotted on the roads would not only furnish a house but build a garage and landscape the lot for you. They spot everything from baby cribs and highchairs to mattresses, cinder blocks and plate glass, suitcases and roof shingles. Every morning there are many new and exciting items lying on the highways and byways. Amazing? Or is it just that it's California!
Well, I suppose California, and especially Ber-serke-ley, did grow on me, because every year I am drawn back there. Until next year, my friend . . .
© 1996
