Columns

FRIDAY, AUGUST 27 

Free Compost for Berkeley Residents from 8:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. Berkeley Marina Maintenance Yard, 201 University Ave., next to Adventure Playground. 644-6566.  

Young Adult Project Annual All Star Basketball Weekend Come support some of the best basketball players in Twilight Basketball from 7 to 10 p.m. Fri. and 4 to 10 p.m. Sat., at the Martin Luther King Jr. Youth Services Center, 1730 Oregon St. 981-6678. 

Tilden Tots A nature adventure program for 3 and 4 year olds each accompanied by an adult. We’ll explore the world of reptiles. From 10 to 11:30 a.m. in Tilden Nature Area, in Tilden Park. Cost is $6-$8, registration required. 525-2233. www.ebparks.org 

Caltopia 2004 at the Recreational Spots Facility and Evans Field, UC Campus. Fri. and Sat., 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The event is free to all Cal Students, staff, faculty and the community. 

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 28 

San Francisco Mime Troupe “Showdown at Crawford Gulch” at 2 p.m. at Willard Park, Hillegass and Derby. www.sfmt.org 

Berkeley Greens Endorsement Meeting at 2 p.m. at the Grass Roots House, rear meeting room 2022 Blake St., 1/2 block from Shattuck Ave. All Green Party members who reside in Berkeley are welcome. 

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. extended to Sept. 3. Tickets are $44-$79 available from 1-866-999-8111. www.cavalia.net 

Ancient Medicines A Tour of the Chinese Medicinal Herb Garden at 9:30 a.m. at UC Botanical Garden, 200 Centennial Drive. Cost is $12-$17. To register call 643-2755. http://botanicalgarden.berkeley.edu 

Rockin’ Solidarity Chorus meets to sing gospel, South African, folk, Broadway, Norteno from 12:30 to 4 p.m. at Laney College, 900 Fallon St., room G189. 415-648-3457. www.laborchorus.org 

Getting Started Garden Design Workshop An introduction to designing and building a green school garden from the ground up, including basic layout and elements of school garden planning,how to obtain and use recycled building materials in your garden; preparing and caring for your soil naturally and strategies for water conservation. Cost is $25. From 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Chabot Elementary School, Oakland. To register send a check for $25 to The Watershed Project, GSGD Registration, 1327 South 46th Street, Bldg. 155, Richmond, CA 94804. 231-9430. 

Herb Walk in Strawberry Canyon Learn to identify and use many edible and medicinal plants that grow wild in the Bay Area. Meet at noon at the Strawberry Canyon Fire Trail head, below the UC Berkeley Botanical Gardens on Centennial Drive. Walk lasts about two hours. Cost is $6 to $20 sliding scale, no one turned away for lack of funds. Offered by the Pacific School of Herbal Medicine. 845-4028. www.pshm.org  

Kathmandu Nite 2004: Unity in Diversity from 6 to 10 p.m. at Holy Name University, 3500 Mountain Blvd. Tickets are $15-$20. 487-6399, 223-4641. www.nepalassociation.org 

3-Hour Quit Smoking Workshop from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Alta Bates Medical Center, Ashby Campus, 2450 Ashby Ave. Option to use acupuncture. Follow-up class on Sept. 11 at 9:30 a.m. Sponsored by the City of Berkeley Tobacco Prevention Program. To register call 981-5330. 

Travel Careers Class at Vista Community College, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., 2020 Milvia. Cost is $9. To register call 981-2931. 

Bringing Spirituality and Activism Together with Rev. Dr. Eloise Oliver, Ericka Huggins, Sidda Yoga, and Keith Carson, Alameda County Supervisor, from 2 to 5 p.m. at East Bay Church of Religious Science 4130 Telegraph Ave. Oakland. 420-1003. 

Sistahs Steppin’ in Pride East Bay Dyke March and Festival. March begins at 10 a.m. at Grand and MacArthur to Snow Park for the festival which runs until 6 p.m. 551-8330. www.sistahssteppin.org 

“The Cup” a film about four young monks trying to watch the 1998 World Cup tournament, at 8:30 p.m. at the Long Haul Infoshop, 3124 Shattuck Ave. 540-0751. www.thelonghaul.org  

The Birds of Home Watch a slide show of East Bay birds, then go out and find them in the field. Binoculars available. From 9 a.m. to noon at Tilden Nature Center. 525-2233. 

The Winter Veggie Garden with Novella Carpenter at 10 a.m. at Magic Gardens Nursey, 729 Heinz Ave. 644-2351. www.magicgardens.com 

Walking Tour of Old Oakland around the restored 1870s business district. Meet at 10 a.m. in front of G.B. Ratto’s at 827 Washington St. Tour lasts 90 minutes. Reservations can be made by calling 238-3234. www.oaklandnet.com/wallkingtours 

Oakland Heritage Alliance Walking Tour Broadway Meets the Water From 10 a.m. to noon. Meet at the C.L. Dellums statue in front of the Amtrack station, 2nd and Alice Sts. Cost is $5 for OHA members, $10 for nonmembers. 763-9218. www.oaklandheritage.org 

Gormet Hot Dog Adventure Annual hot dog, sausage, brat and others tasting from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Tilden Nature Center. Cost is $5-$7. Registration required. 525-2233. 

Family Festival sponsored for the NIA Collective from noon to 6 p.m. at the Big Rock area of Lake Temescal. 869-4403. www.NiaCollective.org 

Kathmandu Nite 04, “Unity in Diversity” at 6 p.m. at Holy Names University Auditorium, 3500 Mountain Blvd., Oakland. Cost is $15-$20. Sponsored by Nepal Association of Northern California. www.nepalassociation.org 

Berkeley Youth Orchestra Auditions from 8 a.m. to noon. To schedule an audition or to find out more about the orchestra see www.byoweb.org 

The San Francisco Girls Chorus Auditions for girls ages 7-12, at the Interstake Center of the Mormon Temple, 4780 Lincoln Ave. in Oakland by appointment only. For audition information or to schedule an appointment, please call 415-863-1752 ext. 327, or email info@sfgirlschorus.org 

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. 

SUNDAY, AUGUST 29 

San Francisco Mime Troupe “Showdown at Crawford Gulch” at 2 p.m. at Willard Park, Hillegass and Derby. www.sfmt.org 

Berkeley Architectural Heritage Association Tour of the Art Deco Harris House from 3 to 6 p.m. at 2300 Le Conte Ave. Tickets are $15, available from 841-2242 or 841-1055. www.berkeleyheritage.com/art_deco.html  

Picture Progress Silent Auction to benefit the League of Pissed Off Voters. Join us to help defeat Bush, promote democracy, and celebrate Bay Area artists, from 3 to 7 p.m. at 1306 3rd St., the old Trax Gallery space. Free admission. www.indyvoter.org 

SacredProfane Auditions from 2-4 p.m. at St Peter’s Church on Broadway and Lawton, Oakland and on Sun. from 7 to 9 p.m. Please call Rebecca Seeman at 415-602-2492 or email seeman@usfca.edu  

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 

History of the Earth, a slide show at 10 a.m. at Tilden Nature Center. 525-2233. 

Kingdoms of Life, nature exploration from 2 to 4:30 p.m. at Tilden Nature Center. 525-2233. 

Oakland Heritage Alliance Walking Tour of McClymonds-Clawson from 1 to 3 p.m. Meet at Chestnut Court, West Grand Ave. and Linden St. Cost is $5 for OHA members, $10 for nonmembers. 763-9218. www.oaklandheritage.org 

“Gay Marriages” with Robert Cromey, social activist and retired Episcopal priest, at 9:30 a.m. at Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley, 1 Lawson Road, Kensington. 525-0302.  

Get Ready for the Breast Cancer 3-Day Learn about footwear and apparel at 10 a.m. at REI, 1338 San Pablo Ave. 527-4140. For more information on the Breast Cancer 3-Day go to www.The3Day.org or call 800-996-3DAY. 

Tibetan Buddhism with Sylvia Gretchen on “Tibetan Teachings on Death and Dying” at 6 p.m. at the Tibetan Nyingma Institute, 1815 Highland Pl. 843-6812. www.nyingmainstitute.com 

MONDAY, AUGUST 30 

“Decriminalization of Prostitution: Paid Sexual Exploitation” a conference from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Julia Morgan Theater, 2640 College Ave. Pre-registration required. 415-922-4555. conference@ 

prostitutionresearch.com 

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. 

The Committee to Elect Karen Hemphill for Berkeley School Board Kickoff Party/Fundraiser at 6:30 p.m. at La Peña, 3105 Shattuck Ave. 467-3049. 

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. 

Soli Deo Gloria will hold auditions and first rehearsal for experienced choral singers at Trinity Lutheran Church in Alameda, 1323 Central & Morton. To schedule an audition time with Artistic Director, Allen Simon, call 650-424-1242. www.sdgloria.org 

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, AUGUST 31 

“Climbing Yosemite’s Big Walls: Fast & Light” a slide show with Speed Climbing World Champion Hans Florine, at 7 p.m. at REI, 1338 San Pablo Ave. 527-4140. 

“Inner and Outer Peace Through Meditation” with Marshall Zaslove at 7:30 p.m. at Barnes and Noble,2352 Shattuck Ave. 644-0861. 

Creating Economic Opportunites for Women Free orientation meetings for training programs for immigrant and refugee women in english, finance and computer skills. Also on Sept. 2, 7 and 9. 655 International Blvd., at 7th Ave., 2nd floor. To register call 879-2949. 

Kurukula Self Defense Class for Girls at 6:15 p.m. in Albany. Drop in for $15. 847-2400. www.albanykarateforkids.com  

Argosy University Open House for those interested in learning about degree programs in the fields of psychology, education or business, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at 999-A Canal Blvd. in Point Richmond. Event is free. 215-0277. www.argosyu.edu 

Cantabile Chorale Auditions from 7 to 10 p.m. at All Souls Episcopal Church, 2220 Cedar St. To schedule at time call 650-424-1410. 

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. 233-2144. dan@redefeatbush.com 

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. 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. 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.html or email teachme99@comcast.net 

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 1 

WriterCoach Connection (formerly Writers’ Room) seeks volunteers for this coming academic year for Berkeley schools For information on training sessions please contact Lynn Mueller at 524-2319 or writercoachconnect@yahoo.com www.writercoachconnection.org 

Tilden Tots A nature adventure program for 3 and 4 year olds each accompanied by an adult. We’ll look for fall spiders. From 10 to 11:30 a.m. in Tilden Nature Area, in Tilden Park. Cost is $6-$8, registration required. 525-2233. www.ebparks.org 

“The Future of Food” a film at 7 p.m. at Humanist Hall, 390 27th St., Oakland. Admission is free. Part of the GMOs and Food series sponsored by GMO Free Alameda County. 527-9898. www.gmofreeac.org 

Auditions for the new Arlington Children’s Choir will be held between 4 and 6 p.m. at 52 Arlington Ave. in Kensington. Also on Sept. 8. Children, between the ages 8 and 14, who enjoy singing and performing, are invited to participate. For information and audition time call Shanti at 843-7745. 

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 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/walkingtours 

Workin’ It Awards Ceremony for the Bay Area’s working women at 6 p.m. at YWCA, 1515 Webster St., at 15th, Oakland. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door. www.workinit.org 

Berkeley Communicators Toastmasters meets the first and third Wednesdays of the month at 7:15 a.m. at Mediterraneum Caffe, 2475 Telegraph Ave. For information call Robert Flammia 524-3765. 

Fresh Produce Stand at San Pablo Park from 3 to 6:30 p.m. in the Frances Albrier Community Center. Sponsored by the Ecology Center’s Farm Fresh Choice. 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. followed by Peace Walk at 7 p.m. www.geocities.com/vigil4peace/vigil 

THURSDAY, SEPT. 2 

Tilden Tots A nature adventure program for 3 and 4 year olds each accompanied by an adult. We’ll look for fall spiders. From 10 to 11:30 a.m. in Tilden Nature Area, in Tilden Park. Cost is $6-$8, registration required. 525-2233. www.ebparks.org 

Tilden Explorers A nature adventure program for 5-7 year olds who may be accompanied by an adult, no younger siblings, please. We’ll learn about spiders and their biology. From 3:15 to 4:45 p.m. at Tilden Nature Area, in Tilden Park. Cost is $6-$8, registration required. 525-2233. www.ebparks.org 

Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory Environmental Restoration Program Community Update at 5:30 p.m. at the City of Berkeley Planning Dept., 2118 Milvia St., 1st flr. conference room. www.lbl.gov/community/ 

East Bay Mobile Blood Drive from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Alta Bates Herrick Campus, 2001 Dwight Way. 1-800-GIVE-LIFE.  

Berkeley Farmer’s Market Shattuck at Rose, from 3 to 7 p.m. 548-3333. www.ecologycenter.org 

Kairos Youth Choir Auditions for boys and girls age 7-15. For information call 414-1991, info@kairoschoir.org www.kairoschoir.org 

CITY MEETINGS 

Commission on the Status of Women meets Wed., Sept. 1, 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., Sept. 1, at 7:30 p.m. at the Public Safety Building, 2100 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, 2nd floor. David Orth, 981-5502. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/firesafety 

Community Environmental Advisory Commission meets Thurs., Sept. 2, 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., Sept. 2, 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., Sept. 2, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Jeff Egeberg, 981-6406. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/publicworks