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Berkeley, California

Located in Alameda County, California, Berkeley was established in 1866. UC Berkeley has produced more Nobel laureates than most countries. Two chemical elements — berkelium and californium — are named for the city and state.
Founded 1866 | Population 118,200 | Peak 118,200 (2024) | County Alameda County

Top 10 Most Important Events for Berkeley, California

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1868 UC Berkeley Founded: University of California's first campus.
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1942 Manhattan Project: Ernest Lawrence's cyclotron contributes to atomic bomb.
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1964 Free Speech Movement: Student protests launch modern campus activism.
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1969 People's Park Conflict: Clash over vacant lot becomes symbol of counterculture.
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2000 Tech Innovation Hub: UC Berkeley produces tech entrepreneurs and Nobel laureates.
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Latest News in Berkeley

Apr 11, 2026
Sexual Assault Probe and Staff Revolt Threaten to End Congressman’s California Gubernatorial Bid
Rep. Eric Swalwell’s once-promising campaign for California governor has unraveled with breathtaking speed. In little more than …
Apr 10, 2026
Pattern of Deaths and Disappearances Among U.S. Scientists Sparks Calls for Federal Scrutiny
The quiet death of a veteran NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory scientist in 2023 has resurfaced amid a string of unexplained fataliti…
Mar 22, 2026
Parolee with Prior Double-Murder Conviction Sentenced to Life Without Parole in Killing of South Los Angeles Woman
LOS ANGELES—A man previously convicted of two murders in 1998 was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole …
Mar 16, 2026
Study: Cannabis Ineffective for Most Mental Disorders
A major review of past studies has delivered a clear verdict on the role of cannabis-based medicines in treating mental health and…
Mar 16, 2026
Investigator Exposes $170M Fraud in California
Investigator Nick Shirley has brought to light a massive $170 million fraud scheme operating within California, representing a sig…
Mar 15, 2026
NYPD Captain Arrested for Assaulting Alleged Child Predator
NYPD Captain Kai Bowen is now facing serious legal repercussions following an off-duty incident that escalated into violence. Repo…

Complete Historical Timeline

1868 Culture
UC Berkeley Founded
1942 Science
Manhattan Project
1964 Politics
Free Speech Movement
1969 Politics
People's Park Conflict
2000 Science
Tech Innovation Hub

Did You Know?

1
UC Berkeley has produced more Nobel laureates than most countries.
2
Two chemical elements — berkelium and californium — are named for the city and state.
3
The Free Speech Movement at Berkeley in 1964 launched modern student activism.
4
Berkeley is located in Alameda County, California.
5
Berkeley was founded in 1866.

Famous People from Berkeley, California

BA
Ben Affleck
Screenwriter, Writer · Born Aug 15, 1972 · Age 53
UG
Ursula K. Le Guin
Screenwriter, Writer · Born Oct 21, 1929 · Died Jan 22, 2018 (age 88)
RR
Rebecca Romijn
Actor, Voice Actor · Born Nov 6, 1972 · Age 53
MD
Mike Dirnt
Singer, Bassist · Born May 4, 1972 · Age 53
GR
Gary Ruvkun
University Teacher, Geneticist · Born Mar 26, 1952 · Age 73

Other Cities in California

View all California cities →
LA
Los Angeles
Pop. 3,898,747
SD
San Diego
Pop. 1,386,932
SJ
San Jose
Pop. 1,013,240
SF
San Francisco
Pop. 873,965
F
Fresno
Pop. 542,107
S
Sacramento
Pop. 524,943
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