Columns

Berkeley This Week

Friday October 22, 2004

FRIDAY, OCT. 22 

Job Fair from 3 to 5 p.m. at Berkeley Youth Alternatives, 1255 Allston Way. 647-0719. 

“So How’d You Become an Activist?” with Annie Pflager, Phil Pflager, George Johnson & Diane Rejman at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists, 1924 Cedar St. Donation $5. 528-5403. 

“Misery” The Stephen King film for teens only at 7 p.m. at the Community Meeting Room, Central Library, 2090 Kittredge St. 981-6121. www.berkeleypubliclibrary.org 

“Many Faiths, Many Forms: Dancing the Sacred Together” Workshops on Fri. and Sat. by the Sacred Dance Guild at the Pacific School of Religion, 1798 Scenic Ave. 849-0788. www.sacreddanceguild.org  

City Commons Club Noon Luncheon with Xuerang Sherry Zhang on “The Story of Falun Gong: Is Anyone Listening?” Luncheon at 11:45 a.m. for $12.50, speech at 12:30 p.m., at the Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant St. 526-2925.  

A Day of Remembrance for victims of domestic violence at 11:30 a.m. at the Alameda County Administration Building Plaza, 1221 Oak St. 272-6693. 

“Three Beats for Nothing” sings mostly 16th century harmony for fun and practice, At 10 a.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Free, drop-ins welcome. 655-8863, 843-7610. dann@netwiz.net  

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 

SATURDAY, OCT. 23 

Gill Tract Harvest Festival Food, music, games, speakers, demonstrations. Tour one of last urban farmlands and research areas. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the SW corner of Marin and San Pablo Aves, in Albany. Wheelchair accessible. Free. Sponsored by Urban Roots. 235-5519. www.gilltract.com  

Mini Farmers A farm exploration program for children accompanied by an adult. Wear boots and prepare to get dirty. From 2:30 to 4 p.m. at Tilden Nature Area, in Tilden Park. Cost is $3-$5, registration required. 525-2233. www.ebparks.org 

Tail Tales Explore the hind ends of animals to see what tales they tell. From 1 to 2:30 p.m. at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. 525-2233. 

Berkeley Historical Society Walking Tour “The New and Old Berkeley High School Campus,” at 10 a.m. Cost is $8-$10. 848-0181. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/histsoc/ 

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. For reservations call 238-3234. www.oaklandnet.com/ 

walkingtours 

Fall Fruit Tasting Discover the many varieties of apples and pears at the Farmers’ Market, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Center St. at MLK, Jr. Way. Cooking demonstrations at 11 a.m. 548-3333. www.ecologycenter.org  

Project Censored Book Release Celebration, highlighting this year’s censored news and to honor the investigative reporters who brought it forward, at 6:30 p.m. at King Middle School, 1781 Rose St. Catherine Austin Fitts, Founder/ 

President of Solari and whistleblowing former Assistant Secretary of HUD, will keynote the event. Cost is $15 sliding scale. 707-664-2500. 

Wilke Creek Clean-up from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Learn about the Dumping Abatement and Pollution Reduction Program as we remove harmful trash. Refreshments, tools, and gloves provided. Meet on Valley View across from Morninside Dr, near DeAnza High School, the El Sobrante Valley. Youth under 18 years need signed permission from a parent or guardian so please contact us for a waiver in advance. 231-9566. Elizabeth@thewatershedproject.org  

Plants for Small Spaces at 10 a.m. at Magic Gardens, 729 Heinz Ave. 644-2351. www.magicgardens.com 

Día de los Muertos Celebration at 12:30 to 2 p.m. at UC Botanical Garden, 200 Centennial Drive. Cost is $10-$23. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Registration required. Fees include Garden admission. 643-2755. http://botanicalgarden.berkeley.edu 

Nature Drawing with John Muir Laws using techniques from his book “Sierra Birds: A Hiker’s Guide” at 10 a.m. at the Oakland Zoo, 9777 Golf Links Road. For admission prices and information, call 632-9525. 

Branched Drain Greywater System Demonstration Learn how to recycle household waste water at 10 a.m. at Oakland Permaculture Institute, 2135 E. 28th St. Cost is $10-$15, no one turned away. Sponsored by the Ecology Center. 548-2220. www.ecologycenter.org 

Transgender Health Workshop from noon to 5 p.m. at the Pacific Center, 2712 Telegraph Ave. Registration required. 420-7900, ext. 111. 

“Many Faiths, Many Forms, Dancing the Sacred Together” a workshop in dance and movement inspired by religious traditions, at Pacific School of Religion, 1798 Scenic Ave., through Sun. 849-0788. http://www.sacreddanceguild.org 

Sprited Woman Workshop A self-inspiration workshop for women from 1 to 4 p.m. at Studio Rasa, 933 Parker St. Cost is $85, partial scholarships available. 888-428-1234. thespiritedwoman@aol.com 

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, OCT. 24 

United Nations Day Circle of Concern Silent vigil at 1 p.m., followed by speakers from the United Nations Center in Berkeley, at the west entrance to the UC Campus, at Oxford and University. 763-9326. 

Days of the Dead Community Celebration from noon to 4 p.m. at the Oakland Museum of California, 10th and Oak Sts. 238-2200. www.museumca.org 

Los Días de los Muertos Family Day at 1:30 p.m. at the Richmond Art Studio, 2540 Barrett Ave., Richmond. 620-6770. www.therichmondartcenter.org 

Feast of St. Demetrios Celebration at the Patriarch Athenagoras Orthodox Institute, 2311 Hearst Ave. 649-3450. 

Botanic Garden Gambol Tour California’s great variety of native plants at the Botanic Garden at the center of Tilden Park, from 10 a.m. to noon. 525-2233. 

“Botanizing California” A Workshop/Field Trip to Montara Mountain to see maritime chaparral, north coastal scrub, riparian woodland, and more with Dr. Glenn Keator, Field Botanist Regional Parks Botanic Garden, Tilden Park. Cost is $80-$95. To register call 845-4116. www.nativeplants.org 

Sneaky Snakes and Timid Turtles Learn about these creatures on the front lawn of the Nature Center at 11 a.m. at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. 525-2233. 

Poison Oak and Others You’ll learn about bad plants and their good relatives, and get tips on how to avoid “the itch” at 2 p.m. at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. 525-2233. 

Soap Making Explore the science of soap and learn to make olive oil soap in this hands-on workshop from 2 to 4 p.m. at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. Cost is $10-$12, registration required. 525-2233. 

The Austrian Bank Project with Gerald Feldman, head of the commission to examine the role of the Austrian banks in expropriation of Jewish property, at 2 p.m. at BRJCC, 1414 Walnut St. 848-0237, ext.110. 

East Bay School for Girls Raffle and Auction at 2 p.m. at 2727 College Ave. 849-9444. www.ebsg.org 

Berkeley City Club free tour from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sponsored by the Berkeley City Club and the Landmark Heritage Foundation. Donations welcome. 2315 Durant Ave. 848-7800. 

Artists for Change Fundraiser for John Kerry and MoveOn Pac Food, refreshments, entertainment and affordable art for sale, from 2 to 5 p.m. at 449 49th St. in the Temescal District of Oakland. Cost is $25. 524-5923. 

Improvisational Play Techniques with Masankho Banda of Interplay in a workshop for teens in 7th through 12th grades, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Arlington Community Church in Kensington. Free but registration required. 526-9146. 

“Religions and Politics: A Discussion with George Lakoff” at 7 p.m. at First Congregational Church of Berkeley, 2345 Channing Way. Suggested donation $10, no one turned away. www.spiritedaction.org 

“Theology in the Making: Our Responsibility for Action” with Bill Hamilton Holway at 9:30 a.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 1 Lawson Rd., Kensington. 525-0302.  

Tibetan Buddhism with Lama Palzang and Pema Gellek on “Healing through Mantra” at 6 p.m. at the Tibetan Nyingma Institute, 1815 Highland Pl. 843-6812. www.nyingmainstitute.com 

MONDAY, OCT. 25 

Domestic Violence Awareness with Gerald Chambers for the West Oakland Mental Health Center at 12:45 p.m. at Boalt Hall, Room 140, UC Campus. 409-0951. 

“Has the Press Failed in Iraq: War, Torture and Accountability” A conversation with Robert Silvers, co-editor, New York Review of Books; Michael Massing, author of “Now They Tell Us;” Mark Danner, journalist, professor and author of “Torture and Truth.” Moderated by Orville Schell, Dean, School of Journalism at 7:30 p.m. at Wheeler Auditorium, UC Campus. Tickets are $10. 642-9988. http://journalism.berkeley.edu 

“Unprecedented: The 2000 Presidential Election” video and discussion at 7 p.m. at Grand Lake Neighborhood Center, 530 Lake Park Ave, Oakland. Donation $1. Sponsored by East Bay Community Against the War. www.ebcaw.org 

“Voices of Dissent: Activism and American Democracy” documentary, at 6:30 p.m. at the Grand Lake Theater, 3200 Grand Ave., Oakland. Panel discussion following. Tickets are $10-$15.  

“Standing Up For Civil Liberties in an Election Year” A discussion of the USA Patriot Act and proposed amendments under HR 10, at 7:15 p.m. at the Rockridge Library, College Ave at Manila, Oakland. Sponsored by The Paul Robeson Chapter of the A.C.L.U. 290-3557. 

“Marijuana vs The Supreme Court” A panel discussion on upcoming legal challenges and related issues at 7:30 p.m. at Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists Church, corner of Cedar and Bonita. Sponsored by KPFA. 644-1937. 

Tea at Four Taste some of the finest teas from the Pacific Rim and South Asia and learn their natural and cultural history, followed by a short nature walk. At 4 p.m. at Tilden Nature Area, in Tilden Park. Cost is $5-$7, registration required. 525-2233. www.ebparks.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. 

Copwatch Class from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at 2022 Blake St., near Shattuck. Free and open to the public. 548-0425. 

TUESDAY, OCT. 26 

Morning Bird Walk Meet at 7 a.m. at the first pullout on Wildcat Canyon Rd. off Grizzly Peak Blvd. for a look at fall migrants and residents. Call for directions or to reserve binoculars. 525-2233.  

Day of Dialogue: Candidates and Propositions From 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Vista College, 2075 Allston Way.  

Domestic Violence Awareness Self-Defense Workshop for men and women at 12:45 p.m. at Boalt Hall, Room 140, UC Campus. 409-0951. 

“Global Climate Change: What Are The Facts?” with former U.S. Vice President Al Gore, in discussion with Orville Schell, Dean, School of Journalism at 7:30 p.m. at Wheeler Auditorium, UC Campus. Tickets are $10. 642-9988. http://journalism.berkeley.edu 

Raising the Bar An evening with Clif Bar’s Gary Erickson at 7 p.m. at REI, 1338 San Pablo Ave. 527-4140. 

An Evening with Senator Don Perata at 7:30 p.m. at the BRJCC, 1414 Walnut St. 848-0237.  

Berkeley PC Users Group Problem solving and beginners meeting at 7 p.m. at 1145 Walnut St. All welcome, no charge. 527-2177.  

“Adolescent Sexual Values in Africa” with Datius Rweyemamu of the Univ. of Dar es Salaam at 4 p.m. at 652 Barrows Hall. 642-8338. www.ias.berkeley.edu/africa 

Family Story Time at the Kensington Branch Library, Tues. evenings at 7 p.m. at 61 Arlington Ave. 524-3043. 

Organic Produce at low prices sold at the corner of Sacramento and Oregon Sts from 3 to 7 p.m. 843-1307. 

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. We offer ongoing classes in exercise and creative arts, and always welcome new members over 50. 845-6830. 

Acting and Storytelling Classes for Seniors offered by Stagebridge, at Arts First Oakland, 2501 Harrison St. Classes are held at 10 a.m. Tues.-Fri. For more information call 444-4755. www.stagebridge.org 

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 27 

Domestic Violence Awareness with Pablo Espinoza on violence in the LGBT community at 12:45 p.m. at Boalt Hall, Room 140, UC Campus. 409-0951. 

“Farenheit 9/11” at 7 p.m. at Humanist Hall, 390 27th St., Oakland. Donation $3-$5, no one turned away. Sponsored by the International Council for Humanity. 419-1405.  

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. For reservations call 238-3234. www.oaklandnet.com/wallkingtours 

District 6 Candidates Night with Betty Olds and Norine Smith. Opening comments by Mayor Tom Bates. 7:30 p.m. at The Hillside Club, 2286 Cedar St. http://groups.yahoo.com/ 

group/northside/ 

Community Workshop on Commercial Parking at the Planning Commission at 7 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-7429. 

“California State Propositions: A Progressive Approach” with Betty Brown, at 1:30 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Sponsored by the Berkeley Gray Panthers. 548-9696. 

“The Campaign: Strategy, Tactics and Rhetoric” with Mary Hughes, George Lakoff and Sean Walsh at 3 p.m. at 109 Moses Hall, UC Campus. http://politics.berkeley.edu 

“History of Free Medical Care in Berkeley” with Roberta Hector Ghertner of the Berkeley Clinic Auxiliary at 1 p.m. at the Northbrea Community Church, 941 The Alameda. jerrykey@earthlink.net 

The Knitting Hour at 6 p.m. at the Berkeley Public Library, West Branch, 1125 University at San Pablo. All are welcome. 981-6270. 

“Central do Brasil” a film of an emotional journey to Brazil’s remote Northeast at 7 p.m. at the CLAS Conference Room, 2334 Bowditch St. In Portuguese with English subtitles. 642-2088. www.clas.berkeley.edu 

Tradition and Change: Conservative Judaism 101 An exploration of the history and legal decisions of the Conservative Movement in America and its counterpart, the Masorti Movement around the world, at 7:30 p.m. at BRJCC, 1414 Walnut St. 848-0237, ext. 110.  

“Living and Writing in an Uncertain Reality” with Israeli author Orly Castel-Bloom, at 7:30 p.m. at BRJCC, 1414 Walnut St. 848-0237, ext. 110. 

The East Bay Children’s Theater Auditions for adults for the production “There’s no Business Like Shoe Business” at 9:30 a.m. at Piedmont Community Church, 400 Highland Ave, Piedmont. 537-9957.  

Acupuncture & Integrative Medicine College Open House from 6 to 8 p.m. at 2550 Shattuck Ave. Learn about how you can become a licensed acupuncturist. RSVP to 666-8248, ext. 106. 

Upfront Talk About Arrangements for Death and Dying with Betty Goren at 1 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-5190. 

Prose Writers’ Workshop An ongoing group focused on issues of craft, at 7 p.m. at the Berkeley Jewish Community Center, 1414 Walnut St. 524-3034. georgeporter@earthlink.net 

Bayswater Book Club meets to discuss “Rabbi Jesus” by Bruce Chilton at 6:30 p.m. at Barnes and Noble Coffee Shop in El Cerrito Plaza. 433-2911. 

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 

CITY MEETINGS 

Parks and Recreation Commission meets Mon., Oct. 25, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Deborah Chernin, 981-6715. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/parksandrecreation 

Solid Waste Management Commission Mon., Oct. 25, at 7 p.m., at 1201 Second St. Becky Dowdakin, 981-6357. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/solidwaste 

Citizens Budget Review Commission meets Wed., Oct. 27, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-7041. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/budget 

Civic Arts Commission meets Wed., Oct. 27, at 6:30 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Mary Ann Merker, 981-7533. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/civicarts 

Disaster Council meets Wed., Oct. 27, at 7 p.m., at the Emergency Operations Center, 997 Cedar St. Carol Lopes, 981-5514. www.ci.berkeley.ca. us/commissions/disaster 

Energy Commission meets Wed., Oct. 27, at 6:30 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Neal De Snoo, 981-5434. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/energy 

Mental Health Commission meets Wed., Oct. 27, at 6:30 p.m. at 2640 MLK Jr. Way, at Derby. Harvey Turek, 981-5213. www.ci.erkeley.ca.us/commissions/mentalhealth 

Planning Commission meets Wed., Oct. 27, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Ruth Grimes, 981-7481. www.ci.berkeley. ca.us/commissions/planning 

Police Review Commission meets Oct. 27, at 7:30 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Barbara Attard, 981-4950. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/policereview 

Zoning Adjustments Board meets Thurs., Oct. 28, at 7 p.m., in City Council Chambers. Mark Rhoades, 981-7410. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/zoning