From Tibet, El Cerrito's "People Man"

Meet Thepo Tulku. And be prepared to lose any stereotypes you may have about Starbucks baristas.

Name: Thepo Tulku Age:  56 Occupation: Barista at Starbucks in the El Cerrito Plaza, one of the founders of Bay Area Friends of Tibet Often when I visit Starbucks in the El Cerrito Plaza, I notice a gentleman with smooth brown skin, short gray hair and a tranquil demeanor. He constantly seems to be at the center of a hub of people and camaraderie. When he isn’t working behind the counter at Starbucks, he is dressed in casual clothes. Sometimes he reads quietly in a leather armchair. Other times he talks with people of many cultures and backgrounds. After seeing his face again and again in the center of things, I became curious as to why he had chosen to work at a coffee shop in El Cerrito. He agreed to an interview, and as we talked, his …

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