Page One

FRIDAY, JAN. 9 

Celebrate the Dream commemorating the 75th Birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., with Martin Luther King, III, son of the legendary civil rights leader, Allen Temple Men’s Choir, the Greater St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church’s mass choir, and Dorothy Morrison signing “Oh Happy Day,” from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Frank Ogawa Plaza in front of Oakland City Hall. www.oaklandnet.com/celebrations 

Shorinji Kempo Martial Arts Demonstration at 8 p.m. at Emeryville Taiko Dojo, 1601-A 63rd. St., Emeryville. 815-0607. www.emeryvilleshorinji.org 

City Commons Club Noon Luncheon with Peter Dumont, co-founder, Star Alliance, on “Comprehensive Approach to Peace.” Luncheon at 11:45 a.m. for $11.50 - $12.50, speech at 12:30 p.m., at the Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant St. For information and reservations call 526-2925 or 665-9020. 

Literary Friends meets at the North Berkeley Senior Center at 1:15 p.m. to discuss Vermeer’s art and times, and review “Girl in Hyacinth Blue” and “Girl with a Pearl Earring.” 232-1351. 

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. 

Berkeley Critical Mass Bike Ride meets at the Berkeley BART the second Friday of every month at 5:30 p.m. 

Berkeley Chess Club meets Fridays at 7:15 p.m. at the Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant Ave. Players at all levels are welcome. 652-5324. 

SATURDAY, JAN. 10 

Free Emergency Preparedness Class on Shelter Operations for anyone who lives or works in Berkeley, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Fire Department Training Center, 997 Cedar St. Register on-line at www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/fire/oes or by calling 981-5506. 

“T’ween and Teen Adolescent Girls: Where Do They They Fit In?” Workshop sponsored by Bay Area Children First, from 1 to 3 p.m. at 1400 Shattuck Ave., Suite 7. Fee is $25. For information call 883-9312. 

Cerrito Creek Work Party Help remove blackberries and plant trees on Cerrito Creek north of Albany Hill. Meet at 10 a.m. at the Pacific East Mall, 3288 Pierce St., El Cerrito. For more information, email f5creeks@aol.com 

Broom or Brush? Help us remove invasive species to encourage native plants to flourish. Learn to identify common plants in our study area. Parents of Garden Club kids particularly invited to participate. Call to reserve tools and gloves. From 2 to 4 p.m. in Tilden Nature Area, in Tilden Park. For information call 525-2233. tnarea@ebparks.org  

Kids Garden Club: Plant Protection It’s getting cold out there and the plants need our help. We'll learn about plant defenses, and revitalize our scarecrow. Registration required. From 2 to 4 p.m. in Tilden Nature Area, in Tilden Park. Cost is $3. For information call 525-2233. tnarea@ebparks.org 

Winter Pruning and Maintenance A class on the critical January tasks of tree and shrub pruning. At 10 a.m. at Magic Gardens, 729 Heinz Ave. 644-2351. 

Overeaters Anonymous will host a Newcomers Information Day from 1 to 3 p.m. at St. John’s Presbyterian Church, 2727 College Ave. For more information call 923-9491. 

Shamanic Journeying Meditation using earth’s power centers, plant and mineral energies, Native American medicines, and concepts and principles from different meditation traditions around the globe, at 9 a.m. Free. For information and directions call 525-1272. 

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. 

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. 

SUNDAY, JAN. 11 

Instant Run-Off Voting Instant Runoff Voting will be on the March 2004 primary election ballot in Berkeley. Come and learn more about what IRV is and the history of the struggle to modernize our elections. From 5 to 6:30 p.m. at Niebyl-Proctor Library, 6501 Telegraph Ave. at 65th in North Oakland. 841-8678.  

Tibetan Buddhism, Bob Byrne on “The Final Words of Longchenpa” at 6 p.m. at the Tibetan Nyingma Institute, 1815 Highland Pl. 843-6812. www.nyingmainstitute.com 

MONDAY, JAN. 12 

“Neighborhood Issues? Don’t Get Mad, Get Help!” with Taj Johns, Neighborhood Liason, City of Berkeley at 3 p.m. at the Berkeley Gray Panthers, 1403 Addison St. 548-9696. 

Berkeley CopWatch organizational meeting at 8 p.m. at 2022 Blake St. Join us to work on current issues around police misconduct. Volunteers needed. For information call 548-0425. 

Women’s Cancer Resource Center, volunteer training, every second Monday of the month, from 6 to 8 p.m. at 5741 Telegraph Ave. To sign up call Emily at 601-4040, ext. 109. emily@wcrc.org 

TUESDAY, JAN. 13 

Death Penalty Vigil, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at the North Berkeley BART station. Sponsored by Berkeley Friends Meeting. 528-7784. 

East Bay Improv Comedy classes begin at the Albany Community Center, 1249 Marin Ave. For information call 964-0571. 

Writers’ Workshop Jack Foley, author, poet, and KPFA radio host will discuss oral presentation of your written work, at 7:30 p.m. at Barnes and Noble, 2352 Shattuck Ave. 644-3635. 

St. John’s Prime Timers meets at 9:30 a.m. at St. John’s Presbyterian Church, 2727 College Ave. Blood pressure checks at 10:30 a.m., and lecture on plants with Dr. Robert Raabi, botanist, at 11 a.m. We offer ongoing classes in exercise and creative arts, and always welcome new members over 50. 845-6830. 

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 for information or check our web page, http://home.comcast.net/~teachme99/tildenwalkers 

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. 234-4783. www.berkeleycameraclub.org 

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 14 

Community Forum on Police Canine Unit at 7 p.m. at the South Berkeley Senior Center. The Berkeley Police Review Commission is planning a series of Community Meetings to provide information and a forum to discuss the proposed Berkeley Police Department (BPD) canine program. Additional forums will be held Jan. 28 at 7 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center and Feb. 11 at the West Berkeley Senior Center. 

“Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow- The Evolution of the Jewish Community” with Ted Feldman, Executive Director, JFCs. Bring your own lunch; coffee and tea provided. From noon to 2 p.m. at the Berkeley Richmond Jewish Community Center, 1414 Walnut St. Cost is $5. 848-0237, ext. 112. 

Writers’ Room Coach Training is offered from 7 to 9:30 p.m. for volunteers who would like to help students improve their writing and critical thinking skills. To attend please call Terry Bloomburgh at 849-4134 or email Bloomburgh@sbcglobal.net 

Fun with Acting class meets at 11 a.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Free, all are welcome. 985-0373. 

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 

Free Marketing Workshops, sponsored by Sisters Headquarters, for women entrepreneurs, every Wed. from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at 643 17th St. Oakland. For information call 238-1100. 

Prose Writers Workshop We're a serious but lively bunch whose focus is on issues of craft. Novices welcome. Experienced facilitator. Community sponsored, no fee. Meets 7 to 9 p.m. at the Jewish Community Center, 1414 Walnut, at Rose. For information call 524-3034. 

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

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.  

THURSDAY, JAN. 15 

“So How’d You Become an Activist?” with Daniel Ellsberg and Sherry Glasser at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists, 1924 Cedar St., at Bonita. Suggested donation $5. For more information call 528-5403. 

LeConte Neighborhood Association meeting at 7:30 p.m. at LeConte School, 2241 Russell. Agenda includes the city budget, traffic circles, and new mixed use developments. For more information call 843-2602. 

East Bay Jewish Folk Chorus, led by Achi ben Shalom, meets on Thursdays from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Berkeley Richmond Jewish Community Center, 1414 Walnut St. Audition required. Cost is $120. For more information or to arrange an audition, email shalom@adamamusic.net or call 528-8872. 

Desert Hiking in All Seasons at 7 p.m. at REI, 1338 San Pablo Ave. 527-4140. 

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.  

ONGOING 

Freedom From Tobacco A free quit-smoking class offered by the City of Berkeley Tobacco Prevention Program on six Thursday evenings from 6 to 8 p.m., Jan. 22 to Feb. 26, at the Central Berkeley Public Library, 2090 Kittredge St. To enroll please call 981-5330 or e-mail at quitnow@ci.berkeley.ca.us.  You will receive a confirmation of your registration.   

Albany Berkeley Girls Softball League offers an exciting opportunity for East Bay girls in grades 1-8 to learn softball, make friends and have fun! Registration starts in January; the season runs March 6 through June 5. For information call 869-4277. www.abgsl.org 

Vista Community College Classes in Computer Software begins Jan. 15. Enrollment is open through Jan. 24. Register on-line at www.peralta.cc.ca.us or at 2020 Milvia St., or call 981-2863. 

Creating Economic Opportunities for Women offers training programs for immigrant and refugee women. Orientations held during January, at 655 International Blvd., 2nd flr. Call 879-2949. 

Acting and Storytelling Classes for Seniors, offered by Stagebridge. Wednesdays and Fridays, at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. at Arts First Oakland, 2501 Harrison St., close to BART and AC Transit. 444-4755. www.stagebridge.org 

Tae-Bo, a cardiovascular workout composed of kick punches and stretches will be offered at Frances Albrier Recreation Center, 2800 Park St., on Tuesdays & Thursdays, 6:30-7:30 p.m. , beginning Jan. 13.  Cost is $20 per month or $4 drop-in. Call 981-6640 for information. 

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 

Landmarks Preservation Commission Special Meeting Fri. Jan. 9, 8:30 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Gisele Sorensen, 981-7419. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/landmarks 

Council Agenda Committee meets Mon., Jan. 12, at 2:30 p.m., at 2180 Milvia St., Sherry M. Kelly, city clerk, 981-6900. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/citycouncil/agenda-committee 

Landmarks Preservation Commission meets Mon. Jan. 12, 7:30 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Gisele Sorensen, 981-7419. www.ci.berkeley.ca. 

us/commissions/landmarks 

Peace and Justice Commission meets Mon., Jan. 12, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Manuel Hector, 981-5510. www.ci.berkeley.ca. 

us/commissions/peaceandjustice 

City Council meets Tues., Jan. 13, at 7 p.m., in City Council Chambers, Sherry M. Kelly, city clerk, 981-6900. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/citycouncil 

Commission on Disability meets Wed., Jan. 14, at 6:30 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Paul Church, 981-6342. www.ci.berkeley. 

ca.us/commissions/disability 

Homeless Commission meets Wed., Jan. 14, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Jane Micallef, 981-5426. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/homeless 

Library Board of Trustees meets Wed., Jan. 14, at 7 p.m. at 2090 Kittredge. Jackie Y. Griffin, 981-6195. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/library 

Planning Commission meets Wed., Jan. 14, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Ruth Grimes, 981-7481. www.ci.berkeley. ca.us/commissions/planning 

Waterfront Commission meets Wed., Jan. 14, at 7 p.m., at 201 University Ave. Cliff Marchetti, 644-6376 ext. 224. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/waterfront 

Berkeley Rent Stabilization Board meets Thurs. Jan. 15,  

at 7 p.m., in City Council Chambers, Pam Wyche, 644-6128 ext. 113. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/rent 

Design Review Committee meets Thurs. Jan. 15, at 7:30 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Anne Burns, 981-7415. www.ci.berkeley. 

ca.us/commissions/designreview  

Fair Campaign Practices Commission meets Thurs., Jan. 15, at 7:30 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Prasanna Rasaih, 981-6950. www.ci. 

berkeley.ca.us/commissions/faircampaign 

Housing Advisory Commission meets Thurs., Jan. 15 at 7:30 p.m., at the South Berkeley Senior Center. Oscar Sung, 981-5400. www.ci.berkeley.ca. 

us/commissions/housing 

Transportation Commission meets Thurs., Jan. 15, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Peter Hillier, 981-7000. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/transportation 

Two-by-Two Meeting of elected City and School officials to dicuss common concerns, Thurs., Jan. 15, at 8:30 a.m., in the Redwood Room, 6th floor, 2180 Milvia St. 644-6147, 981-7000.