There is no better place to live than Berkeley, Mayor Tom Bates told an audience yesterday.

Bates addressed approximately 75 people on Berkeley's economic well-being at an annual luncheon sponsored by the Berkeley Chamber of Commerce.

The mayor began his speech with a survey of the benefits of living in Berkeley. He cited the city's numerous entertainment venues, the UC Berkeley campus and the city's diverse community.

"Where is quality of life as good as it is right here?" Bates asked the audience.

As part of an overview of his initiatives, Bates stressed the importance of youth in driving economic development. He asked local employers to make an effort to hire youth in the community.

Bates said he hopes at least 100 Berkeley youth will be hired by local businesses this summer as part of a city program.

Despite the $4 billion state budget cuts, Bates said the city's budget is in good condition. Berkeley has the highest bond rating in the country, he said.

But Bates said that cuts could still come from the state legislature.

"Before it's all over they're going to come after us, come after cities," he told the group. "They're already obliterating city (health care) networks."

The mayor also discussed his plan to "catch this green wave" by developing a green corridor with the cities of Oakland, Richmond and Emeryville as well as the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and the UC Berkeley campus.

The plan seeks to develop and encourage local sustainable industries' growth.

"If we're going to be strong, we're going to be strong with our neighbors," Bates told the group.

Bates said he regretted the wording of a letter that called Marine Corps recruiters in Downtown Berkeley "uninvited and unwelcome intruders," even if he still does not support the war.

"I apologize for my mistake ... to go with that language, (but) I am not prepared to apologize to the Marines who are recruiting our kids to go into this war," Bates said.

Some guests said they appreciated Bates' efforts to address local concerns.

"The mayor spoke to a lot of points that individuals are interested in," said Monique Perkins, program manager for Rubicon Programs Inc., a local non-profit organization. "I think it was beneficial. I appreciate being here first hand and hearing the mayor's goals."

Tags: CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, MAYOR TOM BATES