California Magazine Archive

Books and art Top left: Lucy Stark. Bottom center: Eli Thorne. Bottom right: Michael Pollan, by Christopher Michel

Mixed Media

New works by Berkeley authors and artists

Cris Chu Courtesy Chris Chu

Accidental Album

By Emma Silvers

Musician Chris Chu discovered recordings he doesn't remember making.

quarterback Fernando Mendoza speaks at a podium during a press event Quarterback Fernando Mendoza during the 2024 ACC Football Kickoff in Charlotte, NC. © Scott Kinser/Cal Sport Media/Alamy Live News

Reader Response

We asked for your takes on college football’s new economy. You sent emails, lots of them.

Collage of music- and podcast-themed images

Mixed Media

By Editorial Staff

New works by Berkeley authors and artists

Noura Erakat smiles in front of bookshelves Photo by Barbara Monteiro

Q&A: Noura Erakat’s Long Fight

By Hussain Khan, M.J. ’25

The author and human rights attorney on Berkeley activism and what keeps her advocating for Palestinians.

Illustration of crowd holding playful protest signs like Illustration by Ryan Snook

The Calgorithm

By Jason Turbow

How Cal’s meme-crazed fan base vaulted the Bears into the spotlight

Oski mascot headpieces arranged on a table AP Photo/Dan Krauss

Oskie and Oski

By Pat Joseph

How two Berkeley students invented a bear who’s outlived them both

A Tudor-style building Photo by Marcus Hanschen ’01, M.A. ’04

From Vision to Venture

By Nathalia Alcantara

How Berkeley became a leading launchpad for startups

UC Berkeley store display Pat Joseph

Editor’s Note: Fall/Winter 2025

By Pat Joseph

“The remark I hear most often about this magazine is that it’s ‘different.’ My reaction? Of course it’s different! This is a magazine about Berkeley.”