Berkeley Celebrates 125th Birthday on April 1st
Citywide Events Planned to Mark the Anniversary of Berkeley's Incorporation as a City

Press Release:
Berkeley, California (Tuesday, March 18, 2003) – Community groups, local businesses, University officials, and City staff are joining in a series of events to honor Berkeley's 125th birthday. Festivities will be kicked off on April 1st - the official anniversary of the City's incorporation - with a number of lectures, tours, and other events planned throughout the month of April.

The Berkeley Birthday Committee - formed by the Berkeley Historical Society, the Berkeley Architectural Heritage Association, merchant groups, and other members of the community - is coordinating celebratory events throughout the City. "For a small city, Berkeley has had a large influence on the world," said Committee Chairperson Linda Keilch. "Our goal has been to bring together the entire Berkeley community to celebrate this wonderful and diverse heritage."

A Berkeley Community Photograph is scheduled Tuesday, April 1st, on the steps of Old City Hall, 2134 Martin Luther King, Jr. Way, at promptly 4:30 p.m. All Berkeley community members and City Staff are encouraged to participate. "This is not an April Fool's Day prank - we are really taking a Community Photo and hoping for a strong turnout of community members. There will be even be a special appearance by "Bishop Berkeley," jokes City Manager Weldon Rucker.

“I am honored to serve as Mayor during this historic anniversary. For generations, Berkeley has been a beacon of tolerance, freedom of expression, community involvement, and diversity,” said Mayor Bates. “I certainly hope that the entire community will take advantage of these events to enjoy themselves and learn a little about our history.”