The level of service here is unacceptable. The system logs users out roughly 20 minutes before…read moreclosing time--even if they are actively logged into personal accounts like email--creating a clear and serious security concern. When this issue was raised, the response was dismissive, limited to a simple apology with no accountability or solution. It is difficult to understand how a publicly funded facility can operate with such disregard for basic user security and service standards. Taxpayer resources are being used, yet there appears to be little urgency or responsibility from staff to address legitimate concerns. This incident occurred today, Friday, 4/4/2026, at the end of the day, and reflects a broader lack of responsiveness and professionalism. This location urgently needs more attentive, accountable, and customer-focused staff.

I'm at the library trying to read peacefully but I hear someone playing videos on their device --…read more What kind of rude patron would do this at a library? Oh it's an employee! The security guard!! Real professional!!!!

Sure, this venue doesn't sound nearly as exciting as many others (ie: restaurants, bars, stores,…read moreetc), however, I must say, I had a pretty good experience here this week. I've been to many DMV's and government buildings before but never have I seen any until living in Berkeley, that function so well and have such friendly staff! Makes running errands at these establishment much more enjoyable! Although the place is packed, the wait can be quite lengthy, but it turned out to be much quicker to get called up than I had expected. Phew! Once I got up to the counter, the woman working there was super helpful, took care of my paperwork quickly, and we had a great conversation while she was going so. It was a good experience and I won't fret coming back in the future if/when I have to!

I was trying to make some payments online and the computer asked me to identify some objects. I had…read moreto click the squares containing crosswalks, which I am capable of. But then the squares refresh, so there are multiple rounds of crosswalk identification. After identifying roughly 200 sidewalks we moved onto bicycles, and then traffic lights. This process took over 10 minutes to make one payment. The images start appearing with a deep fried filter, maybe to add some sort of a challenge? I really can't fathom the purpose of this. I have nearly 50 separate payments to make to the city today. Altogether, this will take me a full days work, primarily identifying objects in little squares. The website times out after a few minutes, so I can't even take little focus breaks and watch youtube on my phone in between sets of identifying objects. The pictures aren't even taken in Berkeley / from Berkeley. When I go to the store, they let me pay without identifying any objects for the cashier. I don't get quizzed to pay for things normally. Likewise with any other online shopping or payment. Is there a problem with robots logging into the city of Berkeley websites and paying people's bills for them? I don't think this is functioning like a security feature, I think there is something nefarious behind this picture identifying ruse. Do they want us to make the payments? I am told these little tasks train the computers to take over for humanity and do these jobs. Well then let's do it already. I'd be happy for computers to run the city of Berkeley, they basically are already robots anyway. Going forward, I am going to pay each bill with hundreds of $1 checks, because my time is evidently worthless to them. When cities adopt inconvenient systems and place the burden of public service back onto the public, people feel frustrated - I am frustrated. It is radicalizing and I wish the admin wings of the city gave a damn about something besides adding more admin tasks.

American Research Center in Egypt lecture 1/25/09…read more "Sex, Lies, and Ostraca: a New Look at the Foreman Paneb" Al Berens, Independent Scholar The Foreman Paneb is one of the most notorious characters currently known to us from ancient Egypt. A resident of the workman's village at Deir el Medina, he was one of the foreman responsible for building the tombs of Merenptah and Seti II of the 19th Dynasty. The main account of the 'crimes' of Paneb come to us from a papyrus placed in a private tomb in the Deir el Medina necropolis. The charges against Paneb are many: theft, assault, rape, bribery, tomb-robbery, and blasphemy, for example. Some of these crimes appear to be corroborated, some do not. Some are merely perks of his position - using his subordinates to construct his own tomb, for example. Others are common behavior throughout civilization, such as bribing an official to secure a promotion. And then there are the ones that seem to have been added for the sake of character assassination, such as the claim he violated 3 women - one of whom was a 5-year old girl. This seems highly doubtful; unlike the adult women, the girl is not named. Similar claims of adultery always state 3 women - often a woman and her own mother - so this seems to be a standard charge used to blacken an accused's reputation. By claiming Paneb had raped a child, the compiler of this account seems to have been determined to further demonize Paneb. The charges of assault - pelting passersby with stones from his perch atop a wall - seem legitimate, as do theft and tomb-robbery. The persons best placed to rob a tomb are the ones who built it, after all - or who guard it. The author of the papyrus may well have been a gentleman named Amennakht, whose appointment as Chief Workman had been usurped by Paneb. By tucking the papyrus into a tomb, he no doubt intended for the gods to bring Paneb to justice in the next world that he may have evaded in this one. Mr. Berens concluded that Paneb was very likely a bully and a petty criminal, mostly one of opportunity. A bad character to be sure, but one who had been slandered by someone with a severe grudge. The ancient Egyptians obviously liked a good gossip and scandal as much as anyone, and for all we know, that papyrus might as well be an equivalent to the 'National Enquirer'! This lecture was suprisingly under-attended, considering the juicy-sounding topic, but it was interesting and enjoyable.

I have heard a lot of hateful remarks being made about BPD and the people who work there and I…read morewanted to say that they have some of the nicest officers I have ever met. I also have heard a lot of hate recently about first responders around the nation recently, most of that hate being towards law enforcement.I want to remind people that if you have had a "bad interaction" with BPD or any other law enforcement agency than stop breaking the law! If your breaking the law and you get arrested or get in trouble with the police it is your fault. These people are just doing their jobs! First responders are humans with emotions just like you and me! That being said there are first responders out there who are racist and homophobic and mean spirited people, whose actions I do not condone one bit. It only takes one of those people to make a whole department look bad, Which is something really unfortunate, that happens way too much these days. I hope it will end soon. Anyways the point I'm trying to make is that you should really be hating crimes, not the police! Also thank you to all the men and woman across the country who protect and serve us every day. You matter and you will never be forgotten.

This place does a great job on campus. It may have some restrictions, but they can't help it. For…read moreinstance, anything that happens past Dwight is no longer their restriction. You have to contact City of Berkeley PD instead. I like how they drive around Prius'.

Now named SafeTREC. The Safe Transportation Research and Education Center. Whaddup, whaddup.read more

Great working environment staffed with cool people (me included). Location is close to campus. It…read moreis also close to People's Park, which can be a slight negative (unless you happen to LIKE People's Park). The kitchen table is always kinda sticky.

Quick service, with no line. Not quite friendly, but I won't complain because it was very…read moreefficient. There are only seven parking spots and the parking lot is often full. Usually it turns over pretty quickly, but I doubt that everyone parked here is actually in the post office.

Great service. Always very helpful, friendly staff. I always get great…read moreservice at this post office. The managers are very helpful and they respond to any and all Service Request. The parking lot is small, but there's street metered parking all around.