Westbrae, Berkeley, California facts for kids

Westbrae is a friendly neighborhood located in the northern part of Berkeley, California. It's part of the East Bay area within the larger San Francisco Bay Area. Westbrae is about 79 feet (24 meters) above sea level.

The neighborhood is mostly homes where people live, but it also has a small area with shops and restaurants. This commercial part is along Gilman Street, between Santa Fe Avenue and Tevlin Street. In the past, there were different kinds of shops, but now you can find small restaurants, a natural food store, bakeries, and a plant nursery. The elevated tracks for the BART Richmond train line run through Westbrae, crossing over Gilman Street in the shopping area. There's also a church called the Evangel Bible Church of Berkeley nearby, at the corner of Hopkins and Ordway.

Exploring Westbrae

Westbrae is a cool place to explore! It's known for its mix of homes and local businesses. The neighborhood has a relaxed feel, making it a nice spot for families and visitors.

Where is Westbrae Located?

Westbrae is in northern Berkeley. It's centered around the intersection of Santa Fe Avenue and Gilman Street. The neighborhood stretches out east, south, and west from this point. The city of Albany is just a short distance to the north.

What Can You Find in Westbrae?

Westbrae is mainly a residential area, meaning it has many houses where people live. However, it also has a small, lively commercial section. Here, you can find a variety of local businesses. These include cozy restaurants, places to buy natural foods, delicious bakeries, and even a plant nursery.

Westbrae's Transportation History

Westbrae has an interesting history connected to how people used to travel. Old train lines once ran through the area, which have now been turned into paths for walking and biking.

The Old Santa Fe Railroad

Until about 1979, the tracks of the Santa Fe railroad ran through Westbrae. These tracks were located right where the elevated and underground BART train lines are today.

The Ohlone Greenway Path

Now, the old Santa Fe railroad path has been transformed into the Ohlone Greenway. This is a popular path for bicycles and people walking. It's a great way to get around and enjoy the outdoors in Westbrae.

The Key System's Role

Another important part of Westbrae's history is the Key System. This was a public transportation system that used to have a trolley line called the "G-Westbrae line." This line ran next to the Santa Fe tracks. The "G" line ended at a small station near the city limits, close to Codornices Creek.

How Westbrae Got Its Name

The name "Westbrae" actually came from the Key System developers. They were part of a larger company that also dealt with real estate, meaning they bought and sold land. They named the area "Westbrae" and planned to extend the "G" line further north. However, this extension never happened. Today, the AC Transit bus system still uses "G" and "H" line names, carrying on the legacy of the old Key System.