The scene at MLK Park in downtown Berkeley was quiet on Wednesday morning in sharp contrast to the demonstrations and tear gas that engulfed Oakland Tuesday night. Despite a recent directive by City Manager Phil Kamlarz that people should not spend the night in the park, there were approximately 25 tents in the park. Protestors said they had not been disturbed by the Berkeley police.

Tracey Taylor is co-founder of Berkeleyside and co-founder and editorial director of Cityside, the nonprofit parent to Berkeleyside and The Oaklandside. Before launching Berkeleyside, Tracey wrote for...