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FRIDAY, JAN. 30 

City Commons Club Noon Luncheon with Sekig N. Kaplan, Professor Emeritus, Nuclear Engineering, “Who Was Any Kochergin? The Saga of a Haida Carving” 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 reservations call 526-2925.  

Reception for Lynn Stewart at 7 p.m. at Middle East Children’s Alliance, 901 Parker at 7th. She will be interviewed on KPFA at 5 p.m. 548-0542. 

“Shanghai: The Evolution of a City” a panel discussion with Seymour Topping, Joan Chen, Thomas B. Gold, and Pamela Yatsko from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at the Graduate School of Journalism, 121 North Gate Hall, Euclid at Hearst. Sponsored by the Institute of East Asian Studies, UC Berkeley. 

Docent Training for Berkeley Historical Society, from 1 to 4 p.m. in the Veteran’s Memorial Building, 1931 Center St. 848-0181. 

The Bravest vs The Finest Basketball Contest The Berkeley Fire Dept., The Bravest, takes on the Berkeley Police Dept., The Finest, in a charity basketball game at Berkeley High’s Donahue Gym, at 7 p.m. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased at 2100 MLK, first floor window, or prior to the game at the BHS ticket window. All proceeds will go to City youth programs. 925-672-2544, 981-5506. 

Richmond’s Future: A Community Forum hosted by The Richmond Progressive Alliance, a coalition of progressive Democrats, Greens, and Independents, featuring guest speaker Matt Gonzalez, President of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, speaking on progressive unity. From noon to 4 p.m. at the Madeline F. Whittlesey Community Room, 325 Civic Center Plaza, in central Richmond, next to the Richmond Public Library, near Macdonald and 27th. Free admission with light refreshments served. Wheelchair accessible. For further information, contact the Richmond Progressive Alliance at 496-2722. 

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. 

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, JAN. 31 

Free Emergency Preparedness Class on Light Search and Rescue for anyone who lives or works in Berkeley, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. 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. 

Fabulous Fruits, an introduction to gardening with fruit trees at 10 a.m. at Magic Gardens, 729 Heinz Ave. 644-2351. 

Authors Dinner in support of the Berkeley Public Library Foundation at 7 p.m. at the Berkeley Public Library. 981-6115.  

Piedmont Children’s Choir Auditions for ages 7-10, between 9:30 a.m. and noon. Children with no experience are encouraged to apply. To arrange an appointment call 547-4441, ext. 2. 

Yoga for Seniors at the Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant St., on Saturdays from 10 to 11 a.m. Open to non-members of the club for $8 per class. 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, FEB. 1 

Geological Voyage Through Time The earth’s continents have moved in marvelous ways over the last billion years! After a slide show review, we'll make a flip-book of the supercontinent Pangaea breaking up to form today’s land masses. From 2 to 4 p.m. at Tilden Nature Area, in Tilden Park. Wheelchair accessible. Registration required. Cost is $5, non-residents $7. 525-2233. tnarea@ebparks.org  

“African American Women in California History” with Shirley Ann Wilson Moore, Professor of History at CSU, Sacramento, at 2 p.m. at the Oakland Museum of California, 10th and Oak Sts. 238-2200. www.museumca.org 

Tibetan Buddhism, Abbe Blum on “Balance, Insight and Relaxation,” at 6 p.m. at the Tibetan Nyingma Institute, 1815 Highland Pl. 843-6812. www.nyingmainstitute.com 

Eckhart Tolle Talks on Video, free gatherings at 6:30 p.m. to hear the words of the author of “The Power of Now” at the Feldenkrais Ctr., 830 Bancroft Way. 547-2024. EdScheuerlein@aol.com 

MONDAY, FEB. 2 

The Mayor’s Task Force on Permitting and Development will be discussed by former City Council members Polly Armstrong and Nancy Skinner and League of Women Voters member, Jean Safir who served on the Task Force. The report is scheduled to come before the City Council on Feb. 17. Sponsored by the League of Women Voters. The public is welcome. At 6:30 p.m. Berkeley Central Library, 2090 Kittredge St., 3rd floor meeting room. 843-8824. 

The Oakland/East Bay Chapter of the National Organization for Women will hold its monthly meeting at 6 p.m., at the Oakland YWCA, 1515 Webster St. Our treasurer will discuss the history of Oakland/ 

East Bay NOW. Then we will brainstorm what our chapter’s goals should be in 2004. For more information call 287-8948. 

“Uncovered: The Whole Truth About the Iraq War,” video followed by discussion, at 7 p.m. at Walden Pond Books, 3316 Grand Avenue, Oakland. Note change in location. Donation $1. Sponsored by East Bay Community Against the War. 658-8994. www.ebcaw.org 

Tea at Four Enjoy some of the best teas from the other side of the Pacific Rim and learn their cultural and natural history. Then take a walk to see wintering birds and dormant ladybeetles, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at Tilden Nature Area, in Tilden Park. Registration required. Cost is $5 for residents, $7 for non-residents. Wheelchair accessible. 525-2233. 

“Invasive Species in the SF Bay” with Roger Buttermore who will tell us about voracious crustaceans, smothering seaweeds and other threats at 7 p.m. in the Edith Stone Room at Albany Community Center, 1249 Marin, Albany. 848-9358. www.fivecreeks.org 

Fitness for 55+ A total body workout including aerobics, stretching and strengthing at 1:15 p.m. at the South Berkeley Senior Center. 981-5170. 

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. 

TUESDAY, FEB. 3 

“Whales, Bears, Eagles and Icebergs: The Wonders of Alaska” with wildlife photographer Ron Sanford at 7 p.m. at REI, 1338 San Pablo Ave. 527-4140. 

“Conscience and the Constitution” a film about the incarceration of Japanese Americans during WW2, at 6 p.m. at Rockridge Branch Library, 5366 College Ave. Sponsored by Refuse and Resist. 704-5293. 

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 

“Taking Care of Your Elderly Parent” meets Tuesdays, Feb. 3 - 24 at 7 p.m. at the Berkeley Richmond Jewish Community Center, 1414 Walnut St. Fee is $40. 848-0327, ext. 112. 

Berkeley Ecological and Safe Trasportation (BEST) monthly meeting at 6 p.m. at the Berkeley Central Library, 2090 Kittredge St. 913-4682. 

“Judaism, What is it all About?” an interactive lecture series with Rabbi Judah Dardik, at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays at Beth Jacob Congregation, 3778 Park Blvd., Oakland. 482-1147. www.bethjacoboakland.org 

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. Paul Bendix, Transportation Advocate, will talk about Amtrak’s Coast Starlight and the future of Amtrak at 11 a.m. 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. 234-4783. www.berkeleycameraclub.org 

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 4 

Public Meeting/Workshop on West Street, formerly Santa Fe Railroad Right of Way, Improvement Project for Bikeway and Pedestrian Path that will run from Delaware St. to University Ave., at 7 p.m. at Ala Costa Center, 1300 Rose St. For information call Niran at 981-6396 or Michael at 981-2490. 

Lynne Stewart will speak at 6 p.m. at Boalt Law School, UC Campus. Sponsored by the National Laywers Guild. For more information call 684-8270. www.lynnstewart.org 

Want your country back? Join your neighbors at the next Meet-up for Democratic presidential Candidate Howard Dean. Learn more about Dr. Dean, and what you can do to make a difference, at 7 p.m. at three Berkeley locations: Au Coquelet, 2000 University Ave., Sweet Basil Thai, 1736 Solano Ave., and Raleigh's, 2438 Telegraph Ave. 843-8724. http://Dean2004.Meetup.com.  

Northbrae Community Church monthly dinner at 6 p.m. at 941 The Alameda. The Berkeley Camera Club will show slides on “Bhutan and Nepal.” Dinner cost is $7.50 for adults, $3.50 for children. For reservations call 526-3805.  

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

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. 

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. 

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 

Amnesty International Berkeley Community Group meets the first and third Wednesdays of the month at 7 p.m. at the Berkeley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 1606 Bonita Ave., at Cedar St. Join fellow human rights activists to help promote social justice one individual at a time. 872-0768. 

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

Community Dances, traditional English and American dances, at 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, FEB. 5 

Tuesday Morning Birdwalk at Tilden Nature Center from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. Call if you need to borrow binoculars. 525-2233. 

“Insurrection: Citizen Challenges to Corporate Power” with Kevin Danaher and Jason Mark from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Ecology Center, 2530 San Pablo Ave, near Dwight Way. 548-2220, ext. 233.  

Alameda County Measure A organizing committee to support the initiave which would raise the sales tax to support our county’s public health system from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m at District 5 headquarters, 2135 Broadway, Oakland.  

“The Bancroft Library: Past, Present, and Future” with Charles Faulhaber, Director of The Bancroft Library, at 6 p.m. at the Society of California Pioneers, 300 Fourth St. at Folsom in SF. 415-957-1849. www.californiapioneers.org 

“How the West was Made: Faults, Plates, and Other Geological Wonders” with Dr. Tanya Atwater, award-winning professor of geophysics at U.C. Santa Barbara, at 7:30 p.m. at The College Preparatory School, Buttner Auditorium, 6100 Broadway (north), Oakland. Cost is $5-$10. 658-5202.  

Presentations and Public Dialogue on 9/11, Demolishing Pretexts For The “War On Terror” at 6:30 p.m. at 1924 Cedar St. at Bonita. Sponsored by the Social Justice Committee of the Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists. Suggested donation $5. 527-7543.  

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 

KPFA Candidate Forums for Local Station Board will be aired on Berkeley Community Media Channel 33, at 6 a.m. and 8 p.m. through Feb. 1. More information available at www.kpfa.org 

Young People’s Symphony Orchestra misses its alums! As our nation’s second oldest youth orchestra, based in Berkeley, YPSO is in possession of a treasure trove of memorabilia dating as far back as 1936. To preserve and share these photographs, letters, programs and other interesting materials YPSO is creating a Digital Online Museum. If you participated in the Young People’s Symphony Orchestra please contact David Davis at davisde@yogashorts.com or 543-4054. 

Did Your Family Live in Berkeley from 1890 to1925? This spring the Berkeley Historical Society is opening an exhibit on early Berkeley Bohemians, artists, poets, writers, musicians, photographers and other creative folks who lived in our city 1890-1925. If your family was here then, check your photo albums and other records to see if you have any photos or personal accounts of these activities. If so, we would like to try to include this information in our exhibit. If you can help, please contact Ed Herny, co-curator for this exhibit at 415-725-4674 or by e-mail at edphemra@pacbell.net  

Support the Berkeley Public Library On-line Auction Visit www.bplf.org and bid to name a character in a work by Michael Chabon, have dinner with Elizabeth Farnsworth and Khaled Hosseini, let Bill Schechner tell your story, work with Adair Lara on a memoir, hear Maxine Hong Kingston at your book club, and much more. 981-6115. 

Vocal Jazz Workshops on Saturdays for teenagers and adults, beginners and intermediate, begin Feb. 7 and run to April 10, at the Albany Community Center, 1249 Marin Ave. Cost is $122 for Albany residents, $132 for others. 524-9283. 

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. Cost is $20 per month or $4 drop-in. For information call 981-6640.  

Voice Technique Classes for Adults begin Feb. 11. Cost is $290 for 8 wks. Ongoing classes for children and teens. Verna Winter Studio, 1312 Bonita Ave. 524-1601. 

Valentine Day Weddings The Alameda County Clerk-Recorder’s Office is pleased to announce that the office will be open Valentine’s Day, Sat., Feb. 14 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. to issue marriage licenses and perform wedding ceremonies. The office is located at 1106 Madison Street, in Oakland. The fee for a marriage license is $79, which includes one certified copy. The fee for a ceremony is $50 (cash or checks accepted). Interested parties should make an appointment. 272-6362.  

CITY MEETINGS 

Council Agenda Committee meets Mon., Feb. 2, Mon. 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. Feb. 2, 7:30 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Gisele Sorensen, 981-7419. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/landmarks 

Berkeley Rent Stabilization Board meets Mon., Feb. 2,  

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

Peace and Justice Commission meets Mon., Feb. 2, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Manuel Hector, 981-5510. www.ci.berkeley.ca. 

us/commissions/peaceandjustice 

Youth Commission meets Mon., Feb. 2, at 6:30 p.m., at 1730 Oregon St. Philip Harper-Cotton, 981-6670. www.ci. 

berkeley.ca.us/commissions/youth 

Commission on the Status of Women meets Wed., Feb. 4, 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., Feb. 4, at 7:30 p.m. at the Emergency Operations Center, 997 Cedar St. David Orth, 981-5502. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/firesafety 

Community Environmental Advisory Commission meets Thurs., Feb. 5, at 7 p.m., at 2118 Milvia St. Nabil Al-Hadithy, 981-7461. www.ci. 

berkeley.ca.us/commissions/environmentaladvisory 

Housing Advisory Commission meets Thurs. Feb. 5 at 7:30 p.m., at the South Berkeley Senior Center. Oscar Sung, 981-5400. www.ci.berkeley.ca. 

us/commissions/housing 

Public Works Commission meets Thurs., Feb. 5, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Jeff Egeberg, 981-6406. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/publicworks 

West Berkeley Project Area Commission meets Thurs. Feb. 5, at 7 p.m., at the West Berkeley Senior Center. 981-7520. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/westberkeley