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TUESDAY, DEC. 2 

Downtown Development Planning Commission Subcommittee on the proposed UC Hotel/Conference Center meets from 2 to 4 p.m. in the Sitka Spruce Room, 2120 Milvia St. 981-7484. 

Writer’s Room needs volunteers to help students improve their writing and critical thinking skills. Volunteer trainings will take place from 7 to 9:30 p.m. tonight, and also on Dec. 9. please call Terry, 849-4134 or email Bloomburgh@sbcglobal.net to sign up.  

Holiday Plant Sale from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Botanical Garden, 200 Centennial Drive. 643-8155. www.mip.berkeley. 

edu/garden  

The Science Behind Genetically Engineered Plants A lecture with Dr. Andrew Gutierrez, Professor of Environmental Science, Policy, and Management, Graduate Theological Union, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at 2400 Ridge Rd. 649-2560. www.gtu.edu/studentgroups/trees 

Sustainable Development in Cuba Slide show and discussion based on ECOTECTURE Editor Philip S. Wenz’s trip to Cuba, at 7 p.m. at the Building Education Center, 812 Page St. Donation $10, no one turned away for lack of funds. Benefits the Building Education Center and Global Exchange Cuba Program. 525-7610.  

Dine Out for AIDS Advocacy at Unicorn Pan Asian Cuisine, 2533 Telegraph Ave. from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Benefits HealthGAP and ACT UP East Bay. Wheelchair accessible. Reservations are suggested. 841-4339. 

Tuesday Tilden Walkers We are a few slowpoke Seniors who walk between a mile or two each Tuesday, meeting at 9:30 a.m. in the Little Farm parking lot. To join us, call 215-7672.  

St. John’s Prime Timers meets at 9:30 a.m. at St. John’s Presbyterian Church, 2727 College Ave. Jackie Hetman will show slides of Northern Sweden and Lapland at 11 a.m. We offer ongoing classes in exercise and creative arts, and always welcome new members over 50. 845-6830. 

Berkeley Camera Club meets at 7:30 p.m., at the Northbrae Community Church, 941 The Alameda. Share your slides and prints and learn what other photographers are doing. Monthly field trips. 525-3565. www.berkeleycameraclub.org 

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 3 

Zapatistas Turn 20, a benefit celebration for the Chiapas Support Committee, at 7:30 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $5-$10 in advance, $12 at the door. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

Memorial for Jerry Sager, KPFA development guru, at 4 p.m. at the inland end of the Berkeley Pier, by the sundial at the foot of University Avenue. We will bring back memories of the mid-1970s and Berkeley’s “progressive media” folks.  

Meet Up for Howard Dean at three Berkeley locations: Au Coquelet, 2000 University Ave.; Raleigh’s (Generation Dean youth meeting), 2438 Telegraph Ave.; Sweet Basil Thai Restaurant, 1736 Solano Ave. Free. Wheelchair accessible. 843-8724. 

Dick Penniman’s Avalanche Safety, slide lecture and video presentation on the fundamentals: avalanche phenomena, meteorology, snowpack formation, route selection, stability evaluation and rescue techniques, at 6 p.m. at at REI, 1338 San Pablo Ave. Cost is $20. 527-4140. 

Berkeley Peace Walk and Vigil at the Berkeley BART Sta- 

tion, corner of Shattuck and Center. Vigil at 6:30 p.m. followed by Peace Walk at 7 p.m. www.geocities.com/vigil4peace/vigil 

Community Dances, traditional English and American dances, 8 p.m. every Wednesday, $9. 7 p.m. first Sunday, $10. Grace North Church, 2138 Cedar St. 233-5065. www.bacds.org 

Free Feldenkrais ATM Classes for adults 55 and older at 10:30 and 11:45 a.m. at the Jewish Community Center, 1414 Walnut at Rose. For information call 848-0237.  

Berkeley CopWatch open office hours 7 to 9 p.m. Drop in to file complaints, assistance available. 548-0425. 

Berkeley Communicators Toastmasters meets the first and third Wednesdays of the month at 7:15 a.m. at Hide-A-Way Café, 6430 Telegraph Ave. For information call Fred Garvey, 925-682-1111, ext. 164. 

THURSDAY, DEC. 4 

“In Conversation with Political Authors: In Search of Weapons of Mass Deception” Panelists include Ishmael Reed, Iris Chang, Daniel Ellsberg and Dori Maynard, moderated by Normon Solomon. At 6 p.m. at Twist Restaurant, 495 10th St. Oakland. Tickets are $35, dinner and panel, $10 panel only, available from 525-3948. www.penoakland.org 

Read the Night Sky! Beginners guide to finding planets and constellations using an astrological calendar, at 7:30 p.m. at Ancient Ways, 4075 Telegraph Ave, Oakland. Cost is $5-10. 658-9178.  

Snowcamping, an introduction at 7 pm, at REI, 1338 San Pablo Ave. 527-4140. 

Berkeley Venture Crew 24 Open House We are an inclusive Scout group for high schoolers-college boys and girls. Come see our scuba diving, backpacking or camping pictures, at 7:30 p.m. at Epworth United Methodist Church, 1953 Hopkins St. 525-6058. 

9/11 Truth Alliance Forum at 7 p.m. at The Fellowship of Humanity, 390 27th St., Oakland. 925-798-3698. 

UC Botanical Garden Docent Training at 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Fee and registration required. Call 643-1924 to sign up! 

Berkeley Liberation Radio 104.1 FM holds public meetings for all interested people first and third Thursdays, 7 p.m. at the Long Haul Info Shop, 3124 Shattuck Ave. 595-0190. 

St. John's Prime Timers Tap Dancing class meets on Thursday mornings at 9:15 a.m. at St. John's Presbyterian Church at 2717 Garber St. Class is free and open to anyone over 50. 527-0167. 

FRIDAY, DEC. 5 

“The Streets are Watching” a film by Jacob Crawford on police accountability through the eyes of three communities: Denver, Cincinnati and Berkeley. At 8 p.m. at Transparent Theater, 1901 Ashby Ave. at MLK Jr. Way. $5-20 sliding scale, no one turned away for lack of funds. A benefit for Berkeley Copwatch. For information contact 548-0425. 

“Follow the Star …” an exhibit of over 250 Crèches from 70 countries, from 5 to 8 p.m. at St. Clement’s Episcopal Church 2837 Claremont Blvd. Suggested donation $15, this is a fund-raiser to bring the church lighting up to code. Appetizers and beverages will be served. 843-2678. 

“Already Home in West Berkeley,” with author Barbara Gates, a moving memoir that explores the connections between local history, the environment, the body, and the spirit. At 7 p.m. at the Ecology Center, 2530 San Pablo Ave, near Dwight Way. Wheelchair accessible. 548-2220, ext. 233.  

Berkeley Youth Alternatives, Blue and Gold Basketball Tournament, 11 years and under Division, Dec. 5-7, at the BYA Gym, 1255 Allston Way. Team fee is $75, individual fee $15. For information call 845-9066. 

Women in Black Vigil, from noon to 1 p.m. at UC Berkeley, Bancroft at Telegraph. wibberkeley@yahoo.com 548-6310, 845-1143. 

Meditation, Peace Vigil and Dialogue, gather at noon on the grass close to the West Entrance to UC Berkeley, on Oxford St. near University Ave. People of all traditions are welcome to join us. Sponsored by the Buddhist Peace Fellowship. 655-6169. www.bpf.org 

Overeaters Anonymous meets every Friday at 1:30 p.m. at the Northbrae Church at Solano and The Alameda. Parking is free and is handicapped accessible. For information call Katherine, 525-5231. 

SATURDAY, DEC. 6 

Celebrate December with Chiquy Boom, South American clown extraordinaire, at 11 a.m. at the Library West Branch, 1125 University Ave. Free. Piñata and snacks follow performance. 981-6270. 

Artists with Heart, art show benefit from noon to 6 p.m. at 2033 and 2041 Center St. More than 50 artists and community members are donating their work to benefit the individuals and families served by BOSS (Building Opportunities for Self-Sufficiency). 649-1930. 

“Follow the Star …” an exhibit of over 250 crèches from 70 countries, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at St. Clement’s Episcopal Church, 2837 Claremont Blvd. Suggested donation $3-$5, this is a fund-raiser to bring the church lighting up to code. 843-2678. 

Breakfast with Santa from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Claremont Resort and Spa. Tickets are $30 for adults, $25 for children 3 and older, and $5 for children 2 years and under. Benefits Junior League of Oakland-East Bay community projects. To order tickets call 925-284-3740 or visit the Junior League website at www.jloeb.org 

Holiday Plant Sale and Wreath Making at 10:30 a.m. at the Botanical Garden, 200 Centennial Dr. 643-2755. http://botanicalgarden.Berkeley.edu  

Holiday Crafts Fair, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Saturday Berkeley Farmers’ Market, Center St. at MLK, Jr. Way. 548-3333.  

Native Plant Restoration At Wildcat Creek, from 1 to 4 p.m. We will be installing creek-side plants from Native Here Nursery and the Regional Parks Botanic Garden. Call for directions. 558-8139.  

Fall Permaculture: Introduction to Permaculture Design Take some time during the rainy season to design your backyard, school or community garden. This workshop will cover ecological landscape design basics and will be held indoors at the Ecology Center from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. We’ll include a slideshow to illustrate design concepts. Bring paper, pencils, and ideas for working out a sketch for your garden and photographs if possible. The series is taught by Christopher Shein of Wildheart Gardens, an edible, native, medicinal and other useful plant permaculture nursery. Ecology Center, 2530 San Pablo Ave, near Dwight Way. Cost is $10 EC members, $15 others, no one turned away. 548-2220, ext. 233. erc@ecologycenter.org  

The First Flush: Canoe Outing with Save The Bay in Oakland What are the first of the winter rains carrying into our Bay? Join Save The Bay on a canoe paddle in the Oakland Estuary and learn about the impacts of the “first flush” of polluted runoff from our streets, parks, gardens and homes into the Bay. From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., $30 for Save The Bay members, $40 for non-members. To register or for more information call 452-9261. www.savesfbay.org.  

Holiday Plant Sale and Wreath Making from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Botanical Garden, 200 Centennial Dr. 643-2755. http://botan 

icalgarden.Berkeley.edu  

Winter Pruning and Maintenance, with Garth Jacober at 10 a.m. at Magic Gardens, 729 Heinz Ave. 644-2351. www.magicgardens.com 

Sunset Walk in the Emeryville Marina, sponsored by the Solo Sierrans. Meet at 3:30 p.m. on the west side of Chevy’s Restaurant at the Public Shore sign for an hour’s walk through the Emeryville Marina with views of San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge. Rain cancels. For more information, call Vera 234-8949. 

“Defending the Rights of the People in the Age of Ashcroft,” featuring Clark Kissinger, a member of the National Council of Refuse & Resist! At 7 p.m. at First Congregational Church of Oakland, 2501 Harrison St. 704-5293. 

Pet Adoptions, sponsored by Home at Last, from noon to 5 p.m., Hearst and 4th St. 548-9223. 

Car Wash Benefit for Options Recovery Services of Berkeley, held every Sat. from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Lutheran Church, 1744 University Ave. 666-9552. 

Yoga for Seniors at the Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant St., on Saturdays from 10 to 11 a.m. The class is taught by Rosie Linsky, who at age 72, has practiced yoga for over 40 years. Open to non-members of the club for $8 per class. For further information and to register, call Karen Ray at 848-7800. 

Flu Shots fromSutter VNA & Hospice Flu Prevention and Wellness Program. Flu vaccinations are $20 and pneumonia vaccinations are $25, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Pharmaca Integrative 1744 Solano Ave. 

“Your Money or Your Life! Why Not Both?” Led by Dody Donnelly, Ph.D. and Hank “Waablez” Adams, From 9:45 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Unitarian Church, 1 Lawson Rd., Kensington. Bring a bag of lunch, beverage provided. Suggested donation $30. Sponsored by the UU Center for Spiritual Development. Register with Joan Swift 724-6862. 

SUNDAY, DEC. 7 

Holiday Festival: Arts and Crafts Show and Sale Paintings, photography, crafts and greeting cards on view and on sale, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Free admission. Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley, 1 Lawson Road, Kensington. 525-0302. 

Chanukah Bazaar Food, gifts, and silent auction, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Congregation Beth El, 2301 Vine St.  

Artists with Heart, art show benefit from noon to 6 p.m. at 2033 and 2041 Center St. More than 50 artists and community members are donating their work to benefit the individuals and families served by BOSS (Building Opportunities for Self-Sufficiency). 649-1930. 

Pottery Show and Benefit for Bay Area Community Resources from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 871 Indian Rock Ave.  

“Follow the Star …” an exhibit of over 250 Crèches from 70 countries, from noon to 3 p.m. at St. Clement’s Episcopal Church 2837 Claremont Blvd. Suggested donation $3-$5, this is a fund-raiser to bring the church lighting up to code. 843-2678. 

Bike Afrika Bring a bike in good working condition or requiring minor parts/repairs and we'll donate it to AIDS doctors in Africa. Free food, music, fun, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Smokey Joe’s Restaurant, corner of Cedar and Shattuck. For more information email brooxbuffy@yahoo.com. 472-3983. 

Women for Peace Anniversary Luncheon with Minoo Moallem, Ph.D., Department of Women’s Studies, SF State, at 12:30 p.m. at Venezia Restaurant, 1799 University Ave. Cost is $37, and reservations required. 849-3020. 

Decorate the Lorax Way You can help conserve nature’s tallest plants by re-using and recycling their products. “Speak for the trees” while you make holiday wrapping paper, gift tags and decorations from recycycled products, from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Tilden Nature Area, in Tilden Park. 525-2233.  

Plant Families Meet and learn to recognize common plant families, with naturalist and gardener Terri Compost. Meet at 1 p.m. in the West End Community Garden of People’s Park. Heavy rain cancels. 658-9178.  

Solar Electricity for Your Home Now you can produce your own electricity and “sell” the excess back to PG&E, running your meter backwards! Plus you can receive thousands of rebate dollars from the State at the same time. Learn how to size, specify and design your own solar electrical generator. A short field trip to a functioning house/system in Berkeley and current catalog of available equipment are also included. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Building Education Center, 812 Page St. Cost is $75. 525-7610.  

“Intelligence & Empire” with Marshall Windmiller, retired professor of International Relations at San Francisco State Univ. at 7 p.m. at Epworth United Methodist Church, 1953 Hopkins St. Preceeded by vegetarian dinner at 6 p.m. Donation for dinner and program $15 and up, no one turned away for lack of funds. Please RSVP to 548-4141. 

Eckhart Tolle Talks on Video Free gathering at 7:30 p.m. to hear the words of the author of “The Power of Now” at the Feldenkrais Ctr., 830 Bancroft Way. 547-2024.  

ONGOING 

Holiday Food Drive Help the Alameda County Community Food Bank help people in need. Offer to run a food drive, or donate healthy nonperishable food at Safeway stores, Berkeley Bowl and Bay Street Emeryville. For more information call 834-3663. www.accfb.org 

City of Berkeley Commissioners Sought If you are interested in serving on a commission, applications can be downloaded from www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/ 

commissions/general.htm#applications or contact the City Clerk, 981-6900.  

The Online Civilian Conservation Corps Museum is seeking the stories about the CCCs, CCC Enrollees, Staff, or Technical Advisors for publication to this online historical resource. If you would like to participate please send your stories, with name company number and location if known, to CCC Collection, PO Box 5, Woodbury NJ 08096 or email to JFJmuseum@aol.com 

Free Smoke Detectors for City residents and UC Berkeley students who live off-campus. Applications are available from the Environment, Health & Safety office of UC Berkeley, at any Berkeley Fire Station, or at the Fire Admin. Office located at 2100 MLK, Jr. Way. 981-5585.  

Free Energy Bill Payment Assistance The City of Berkeley has money to help low-income households pay their gas and electric bills. For applications contact the Energy Office at 644-8544. TDD: 981-6903. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/energy 

CITY MEETINGS  

Commission on the Status of Women meets Wed., Dec. 3, at 7:30 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Ruby Primus, 981-5106. www.ci.berkeley.ca. 

us/commissions/women 

Fire Safety Commission meets Wed., Dec. 3, at 7:30 p.m. at the Emergency Operations Center, 997 Cedar St. David Orth, 981-5502. www.ci.berkeley.ca. 

us/commissions/firesafety 

Housing Advisory Commission meets Thurs., Dec. 4 at 7:30 p.m., at the South Berkeley Senior Center. Oscar Sung, 981-5410. www.ci.berkeley. 

ca.us/commissions/housing 

Public Works Commission meets Thurs., Dec. 4, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Jeff Egeberg, 981-6406. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/publicworks 

Community Environmental Advisory Commission meets Fri., Dec. 5, at 7 p.m., at 2118 Milvia St. Nabil Al-Hadithy, 981-7461. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/environmentaladvisory 

Landmarks Preservation Commission meets Mon., Dec. 8, 7:30 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Gisele Sorensen, 981-7419. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/landmarks