Still making the scene

Ecological activism, the fight for workers' rights, and the campaign to end racial exploitation all go hand in hand with health-conscious living here. Thriving business collectives reflect a market-based commitment to environmental and social justice. From the organic smoothies at the Juice Collective on Vine Street to the fresh, creative pizzas at the Cheese Board on Shattuck Avenue, products are created in a hierarchy-free environment. The advantage for the businesses, says Lisa Bruzzone of the Cheese Board, is that workers are happier and more committed to quality service than in traditional businesses. "Because we're worker owned," Bruzzone elaborates, "we have very high worker satisfaction. I don't know anyone here who doesn't love coming to work." Customers sense this upbeat energy, she says, and enjoy their shopping experience. Thus the block-long lines to get in. Most local collectives are on Shattuck Avenue in North Berkeley, a neighborhood that is also home to an overwhelming choice of restaurants with delicious vegetarian cuisine. The landmark Vegi Foods on Vine Street, with its all-vegetarian Chinese menu, the Cafe de la Paz on Shattuck Avenue, with its cutting-edge Nuevo Latino cuisine, and the slew of Thai, Indian, Mexican, and Mediterranean restaurants puts the world at your fingertips -- minus the meat.

While strolling through the neighborhood, visit the Walk Shop, where sensible shoes are a fashion must. With an assortment of Ecco, Mephisto, and other international brands to choose from, orthopedic style never looked better.

Once your feet are sufficiently comfortable, trot around the corner to Elephant Pharmacy, where alternative medicine lives in harmony with the world of hard-core pharmaceuticals. Leading a drugstore revolution, Elephant sells prescription medication, detergent with bleach, and batteries under the same roof as homeopathic remedies, organic food, and yoga mats. In addition, the store offers daily workshops on topics ranging from "Reducing Your Cholesterol" to "Moving from Self-Hate to Self-Love," and it sponsors events from which proceeds go to the Ecology Center of Berkeley.