About

Friends of Adeline is a diverse group of caring South Berkeley residents working in partnership with local businesses, nonprofits, and others to affect change so that our neighborhood is an inclusive and just place for all people. Join us to build a more equitable South Berkeley and a better Berkeley for all!

Vision Statement

WE HOLD THAT: We Shall Determine Our Own Future – Development of and within this community must be inclusive, empowering and respectful of the diversity of the people of South Berkeley. It must recognize the historic and ongoing importance of Japanese-American, African-American, immigrant, and other communities of color in shaping and determining the growth and culture of this neighborhood.  Our actions will be guided by principles of social justice and solidarity. The issues of the people in our community who most need change are our issues.  We will work against those who wish to profit at our expense and challenge the powers that have disenfranchised and exploited our community.  We will use our power to hold the City and its partners accountable in their relations with our community.

WE AGREE THAT: Affordable Housing Is A Right – Affordable housing must be a priority for the City over new market-rate units.  Affordable housing should benefit very low- and low-income residents, seniors, families, youth and single adults. Existing affordable housing for tenants and homeowners must be preserved.  New affordable housing must be built including community land trusts, housing trusts, co-housing, cooperatives, public housing, rent-controlled properties, and beds for the homeless.

WE DEMAND THAT: Development Must Be Used To Increase The Health Of Our Community – We demand changes and improvements to the infrastructure that will increase the health and the safety of our community.  We demand that the police stop profiling people of color.  We want fewer liquor stores.  We seek changes to the built environment that encourage walking and bicycling and limit the cars that come through our neighborhoods.  We will promote the development of environmentally sustainable plans that will make our community more accessible to people with disabilities.  We insist on policies that do not promote displacement or accelerate gentrification.

WE BELIEVE THAT: South Berkeley Jobs, Businesses, and Nonprofits Should Benefit Existing Residents Of All Income Groups, Backgrounds, and Ages – Workers deserve living wages and the right to organize a union.  We value locally owned and existing businesses and will strive to keep dollars circulating within the community.  Services that prepare youth and adults for employment as well as strengthen vulnerable populations are vital to our community’s success and dignity. They should receive the support necessary to do their work.

WE KNOW THAT: The Arts Are Integral To Our Culture and History As A Community – Supporting, preserving, and encouraging more murals, community gardens, music and theater spaces for all ages uplifts our community and benefits our health and education.  Public common spaces – both indoors and green – must be accessible to all people for the purposes of gathering and the sharing of our community’s diversity, culture, history and art.  We recognize that improvements in public space and art must happen in concert with anti-displacement measures to prevent them from contributing to gentrification.