On Second Thought, Berkeley is Not New York West

It appears that I was too glib in equating Berkeley with Gotham City. Sure, there are many cultural opportunities and abundant chances to display leftist credentials--those aspects feel just like home.

But the two cities diverge on a most crucial matter: jaywalking. 

Shockingly, people in Berkeley stand on the sidewalk (rather than at the edge of the street itself), and wait for the light to change before they cross the road.  Breaking this ex-New Yorker's heart, this is true even when no cars are in sight for either direction. Can you believe it?

Case in point: On Friday I volunteered for the Craig's List Foundation Non-Profit Boot Camp, which took place yesterday on the UC Berkeley campus. I was running a few minutes late to my shift, so I hustled down Telegraph Avenue to get to campus. When I arrived at Durant/Telegraph, the light was against me but no cars were in sight. So--obviously--it made sense to keep on walking.  I had somewhere to be!!

Halfway through this jaywalking experience, I looked up and saw that at least 10 people  were waiting  patiently on the opposite side of the street. Suddenly I felt self-conscious, and that's when I knew: we're not in Kansas anymore.

Comments

[Helen]

I asked a native Californian why she waits for the green light to cross the street even when no car is coming. She answered, "I don't know, I never thought about crossing when it's red." Weird breed.

[Roger]

Oh god.... not another "how weird Californians are" comment. Yes... we Californians are weird. We wait at red lights. Why? Because cops here will ticket you, that's why. And why not wait? What's the rush? Take life a bit slower.... you'll be happier. And it's safer, too.

And please... if you just moved to CA from somewhere else, I suggest you embrace your new home ASAP and get over "it sure isn't like this back in "Insert Locale Here." It's tired. You'll enjoy you new digs a lot sooner.

[Marcus]

Roger,

I'm enjoying my time in California very much. I intended this post to be a light-hearted look at differences between New York City and Berkeley, but clearly it missed the mark.

If you've visited New York, surely you've noticed the rampant jaywalking. We probably should slow down, but that fast pace gets in your bones. So it's just funny to observe something so different here--no harsh judgment intended. Sorry for offending you.

[Helen]

Roger,

I lived in five different cities before moving to Berkeley, and I never had trouble enjoying all my new digs. It is just fun to point out the differences--part of the embracing process you mentioned.