Press Releases

FRIDAY, JULY 30 

Free Compost for Berkeley Residents Open to the general public at 11:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. Berkeley Marina Maintenance Yard, 201 University Ave., next to Adventure Playground. 644-6566.  

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. 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. Sponsored by the Buddhist Peace Fellowship. 655-6169. www.bpf.org 

Overeaters Anonymous meets at 1:30 p.m. at the Northbrae Church at Solano and The Alameda. 525-5231. 

SATURDAY, JULY 31 

Fifth Annual Urban Sustainability Bike Tour We’ll tour several houses in the East Bay that demonstrate some aspect of lighter living in the city. Join us at the east side of the Ashby BART Station at 10 a.m. Please bring lunch and water with you. 548-2220, ext. 233. www.ecologycenter.org 

Sunset Walk in Emeryville Marina with Solo Sierrans. Meet for an hour’s walk on paved trail through the Emery- 

ville Marina with quiet views of San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge. Meet behind Chevy’s Restaurant at 5:30 p.m. 234-8949. 

United Nations Association 40th Anniversary Celebration, with music, dance and food, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 1403B Addison St. in the University Ave. Andronico’s parking lot. 849-1752. 

“Port Chicago,” a musical-theater performance commemorating the 60th anniversary of the worst home-front disaster in World War II, will be staged by the Marcus Shelby Jazz Orchestra from 3 to 5 p.m., at the African-American Museum and Library at Oakland, 659 14th St. 637-0200. www.oaklandlibrary.org  

Community Festival in Richmond from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. at 530 South 15th Street in Richmond. Wth BBQ Ribs, Gospel Bird Hot Links, Black Art Jewelry, craft items and much more. Sponsored by Ennis Chapel Church Of God In Christ. Proceeds from the Festival will benefit the “Gifts Of Love African Outreach Ministry” which will build a well for clean drinking water and a church building. 

Summer Pond Plunge With dip-nets and maginifiers we’ll search for backswimmers, dragonflies and more. For ages 4 and up. From 3 to 4:30 p.m. at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. 525-2233. 

Peace & Justice Community Summit Former Prisoners Organize to Fight Discrimination from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the First Unitarian Church, 685 14th Street in Oakland. Childcare and a community lunch will be provided. This Summit is being sponsored by All of Us or None, Keith Carson, District 5 representative on the Alameda County Board of Supervisors, and several community based organizations.  

Berkeley International Kite Festival at Cesar Chavez Park, Berkeley Marina. 235-5483. www.highlinekites.com  

Rockridge to the Hills Explore historic neighborhoods of Oakland and Berkeley, with beautiful old homes, gardens, and a creek. Ascend to Claremont Open Space for a picnic and views before returning to Rockridge. A challenging, seven mile hike with an elevation gain between 1,000 and 2,000 feet. From 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. 415- 543-6771, ext. 302. www.greenbelt.org 

Full Moon Peak Hike for youth and families to Wildcat Peak to see the moonrise. From 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. 525-2233. 

“Butterflies: Flying Flowers” from 1 to 4 p.m. at Regional Parks Botanic Garden, Tilden park. Cost is $30-$35. For reservations call 845-4116. www.nativeplants.org 

Oakland Heritage Alliance Walking Tour of Glenview From 10 a.m. to noon. Meet at Gleview Elementary School, corner of Hampel and La Cresta. Tour is limited to 20 persons. Cost is $5 for OHA members, $10 for nonmembers. For reservations call 763-9218. www.oaklandheritage.org 

Walking Tour of Jack London Waterfront Meet at 10 a.m. at the corner of Broadway and Embarcadero. For reservations call 238-3234. www.oaklandnet.com/wallkingtours 

The Bay Area Dry Climate Garden Learn what to plant in our winter-wet, summer-dry climate, choosing from plants from similar climates around the world. At 10 a.m. at Magic Gardens Nursery, 729 Heinz Ave. 644-2351. www.magicgardens.com 

Trivial Pursuit Booklover’s Edition Join this interactive event and test your knowledge of book and author trivia at 2 p.m. at Barnes and Noble, 2352 Shattuck Ave. 644-0861. 

Disaster First Aid Class from 9 a.m. to noon at the Fire Dept. Training Center, 997 Cedar St. Part of Berkeley Community Emergency Response Training series, open to anyone who lives or works in Berkeley. To register, call 981-5506. 

Yoga for Seniors at the Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant St., on Saturdays from 10 to 11 a.m. for $8. 848-7800. 

SUNDAY, AUGUST 1 

Guided Trails Challenge Hike in Kennedy Grove from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Registration required. 525-2233. 

Oakland Heritage Alliance Walking Tour of Fruitval Commercial from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Meet at the Pedestrian Plaza at East 12th St and 34th Ave. Cost is $5 for OHA members, $10 for nonmembers. For reservations call 763-9218. www.oaklandheritage.org 

Free Sailboat Rides between 1 and 4 p.m. at the Cal Sailing Club in the Berkeley Marina. Bring warm waterproof clothes. www.cal-sailing.org 

“Justice For All” with Colleen Patrick-Goudreau, organizer of the UUFETA, at 9:30 a.m. at Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley, 1 Lawson Road, Kensington. 525-0302.  

“Terror Through the Looking Glass” a slide lecture with Simon Kendrick on the history behind western images of Islam in the aftermath of Sept. 11, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Middle East Children’s Alliance, 901 Parker St. Event is free, but RSVP’s requested to jos@unionbug.com 

Tibetan Buddhism, with Sylvia Gretchen on “Heroic Lives of Bodhisattvas” at 6 p.m. at the Tibetan Nyingma Institute, 1815 Highland Pl. 843-6812. www.nyingmainstitute.com 

Celebrating Recovery at New Spirit Community Church A special worship service honoring and celebrating the journey of recovery, at 11 a.m. at Pacific School of Religion Chapel, 1798 Scenic Ave. 704-7729. www.newspiritchurch.org 

MONDAY, AUGUST 2 

National Organization for Women Oakland/East Bay Chapter meets at 6 p.m. the first Monday of each month at the Oakland YWCA, 1515 Webster St. Our August speakers will be three lesbian authors who will discuss the similarities and differences gays and straights encounter in getting published. 287-8948.  

The Coalition for a democratic Pacifica looks at Russia at 7:30 p.m. at Unitarian Universalist Fellowship Hall, Cedar and Bonita.  

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

Iyengar Yoga on Mondays from from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. at the Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant Ave. Cost is $12. 528-9909. gay@yogagarden.org 

World Affairs/Politics Discussion Group for people 60 years and over meets Mondays at 10:15 a.m. at the Albany Senior Center, 846 Masonic Ave. Join at any time. 524-9122. 

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. 

A Celebration of Diversity in Families To explore both biblical and modern concepts of family for children from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through Aug 6. Sponsored by the Arlington Community Church. To register call 526-9146. 

TUESDAY, AUGUST 3 

Tomato Tastings at the Tuesday Farmers Market, Derby St. at MLK, Jr Way from 2 to 7 p.m. Sample about 35 tomato varieties. 548-3333. www.ecologycenter.org 

Mid-Day Meander Hike Rare manzanitas, cool mosses and delicious berries all in a compact park off Skyline Blvd., from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. registration required. 525-2233. 

Tales of Your Amazing Body at 2 p.m. at the Hall of Health, 2230 Shatuck Ave., lower level. For ages 3-10. Suggested donation $3. 549-1564. 

Bicycle Maintenance 101 Learn how to identify and fix your bike’s simple mechanical problems at 7 p.m. at REI, 1338 San Pablo Ave. 527-4140. 

American Red Cross Blood Services is holding a volunteer orientation from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at 6230 Claremont Ave. Volunteers are needed to support the more than 40 blood drives held each month. Advance sign-up needed. 594-5165. 

“There’s Something About W” takes a look at the state of our nation in light of the policies of the Bush Administration over the past 3 years. at 8 p.m. at the Roda Theater, 2015 Addison St. 

Organic Produce at low prices sold at the corner of Sacramento and Oregon Streets every Tuesday from 3 to 7 p.m. This is a project of Spiral Gardens. 843-1307. 

Phone Banking to ReDefeat Bush on Tuesdays from 6 to 9 p.m. at Cafe de la Paz, 1600 Shattuck Ave. Bring your cell phones. Please RSVP if you can join us. 415-336 8736. dan@redefeatbush.com 

Berkeley Camera Club meets at 7:30 p.m., at the Northbrae Community Church, 941 The Alameda. 548-3991. www.berkeleycameraclub.org 

St. John’s Prime Timers meets at 9:30 a.m. at St. John’s Presbyterian Church, 2727 College Ave. 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.  

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 4 

Twilight Tour “Latin America: The Least Grown and Least Known” A tour of Latin American plants that are typically under-represented in commercial nurseries, at 5:30 p.m. at the Botanical Garden, 200 Centennial Drive. Cost is $12-$17. Registration required. 643-2755. http://botanicalgarden.berkeley.edu 

Walk Berkeley for Seniors meets every Wednesday, rain or shine, at 9:30 a.m. at the Sea Breeze market, just west of the I-80 overpass. Everyone is welcome, wear comfortable shoes, sunscreen and a hat. 548-9840. 

Walking Tour of Old Oakland “New Era/New Politics” highlights African-American leaders who have made their mark on Oakland. Meet at 10 a.m. at the African American Museum and Library at 659 14th St. 238-3234. www.oaklandnet.com/wallkingtours 

Point Molate Restoration A presentation by the Naval Facilities Engineering Command at 6 p.m. at the Richmond Public Library, 325 Civic Center Plaza. 620-6561.  

“What the #$*! Do We Know?!” a film on the convergence of science and spiritality opens at UA Berkeley. www.whatthebleep.com 

Medicare Discount Prescription Drug Cards, a discussion with Alex Shulman from Medicare from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on a drop in basis at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-5190. 

Berkeley Communicators Toastmasters meets at 7:15 a.m. at Mediterraneum Caffe, 2475 Telegraph Ave. For information call 524-3765. 

Fresh Produce Stand at San Pablo Park from 3 to 6:30 p.m. in the Frances Albrier Community Center. 848-1704. www.ecologycenter.org 

Fun with Acting Class every Wednesday at 11 a.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Free, all are welcome, no experience necessary.  

Berkeley Peace Walk and Vigil at the Berkeley BART Station, corner of Shattuck and Center. Vigil at 6:30 p.m. Peace Walk at 7 p.m. www.geocities.com/ 

vigil4peace/vigil 

THURSDAY, AUGUST 5 

Cavalia: A Magical Encounter Between Horse and Man under the big-top at Golden Gate Fields, Tues.-Fri. at 8 p.m. Sat. at 3 and 8 p.m., Sun. at 1 and 5 p.m. through August 15. Tickets are $44-$79 available from 1-866-999-8111. www.cavalia.net 

Berkeley Farmer’s Market with all organic produce at Elephant Pharmacy parking lot, 1607 Shattuck Ave., at Cedar from 3 to 7 p.m. 548-3333. www.ecologycenter.org 

Twilight Tour “A Celebration of Poetry in the Garden” Join us fro a slow meandering throught he worlds of words and nature, at 5:30 p.m. at the Botanical Garden, 200 Centennial Drive. Cost is $12-$17. Registration required. 643-2755. http://botanicalgarden.berkeley.edu 

Preparing for Your Remodeling Project A two evening class to demystify the design and construction process. Offered by Imagine General Contractors, Inc. Aug. 5 and 12, at 7 p.m. at the Albany Community Center, 1249 Marin Ave. Cost is $57-$67. To register call 524-9283. 

“The Coast Starlight” a PBS film on America’s scenic rail journeys at 1:30 p.m. at Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave. 526-3720. 

Tales of Your Amazing Body at 2 p.m. at the Hall of Health, 2230 Shatuck Ave., lower level. For ages 3-10. Suggested donation $3. 549-1564. 

Storytelling for Women, a step-by-step class at 6:30 p.m. at Changemakers, 6536 Telegraph Ave. Cost is $20. 655-2405. 

FRIDAY, AUGUST 6 

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, AUGUST 7 

Peace Lantern Ceremony from 6:30 to 9 p.m., at the North end of Acquatic Park at the base of Addison Street, near University Ave and I-80. Japanese-style floating lantern ceremony remembering the victims of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and all wars. Shade decoration and paper crane making begins at 6:30, lanterns to be floated at sunset. All ages welcome. Free. Wheelchair accessible. Volunteers needed. www.ProgressivePortal.org/lanterns 

Soul Food Cooking Demonstrations at 11 a.m. at the Saturday Farmers Market, Center St. and MLK, Jr. Way. 548-3333. www.ecologycenter.org 

Walking Tour of Old Oakland around Preservation Park to see Victorian architecture. Meet at 10 a.m. in front of Preservation Park at 13th St. and MLK, Jr. Way. Tour lasts 90 minutes. Reservations can be made by calling 238-3234. www.oaklandnet.com/wallkingtours 

Oakland Heritage Alliance Walking Tour of Lake Merritt Modern from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Meet at the Lakeview branch Library, 550 El Embarcadero. Cost is $5 for OHA members, $10 for nonmembers. For reservations call 763-9218. www.oaklandheritage.org 

Water Gardening for Various Environments with Karen Norman Boudeau at 10 a.m. at Magic Gardens Nursey, 729 Heinz Ave. 644-2351. www.magicgardens.com 

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. 

Max Dashu Slide Show on godesses and Women’s herstory at 7:30 p.m. at Changemakers, 6536 Telegraph Ave. Cost is $10-$15. 655-2405. 

ONGOING 

Free Summer Lunch Programs are offered to youth age 18 and under at various sites in Berkeley, including James Kenny Rec. Center, Frances Albrier Center, Strawberry Creek, Longfellow School, Rosa Parks School and Washington School, Mon. - Fri. 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. until Aug. 20. Sponsored by the City of Berkeley Health Dept. 981-5351.  

Bringing Back the Natives Garden Tour Seeks Host Gardens The tour, which will be held in the spring of 2005, will showcase Alameda and Contra Costa County gardens that contain at least 30% native plants, don’t use synthetic pesticides of fertilizers, and provide habitat for wildlife. The gardens featured in this tour will demonstrate that, from postage stamp sized yards to large lots, beautiful California native plant gardens are possible for anyone. This tour is sponsored by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Coastal Program, the Urban Creeks Council, and the National Wildlife Federation. To be added to the mailing list, or to receive a host application, contact Kathy Kramer at Kathy@KathyKramerConsulting.net or 236-9558.  

Radio Summer Camp, four day sessions from June 4 through Sept. 6. Learn how to build and operate a community radio station. Sponsored by Radio Free Berkeley. 625-0314. www.freeradio.org w