Press Releases

Berkeley This Week

Tuesday February 01, 2005

TUESDAY, FEB. 1 

Mid-Day Meander to see early blooming schrubs and learn Groundhog Day lore at 2:30 p.m. at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. 525-2233.  

Bird Walk along the Martin Luther King Shoreline to see marsh birds at 3 p.m. For information call 525-2233. 

“New Era/New Politics” Walking Tour of Oakland 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. Tour is free and lasts about 90 minutes. 238-3234. www.oaklandnet.com/walkingtours 

“Getting Along with Your Adult Children” a participatory workshop at 7:30 p.m. at the BRJCC, 1414 Walnut St. Cost is $35-$40. 848-0327, ext. 110. www.brjcc.org 

“A Test of Will: A Climber’s Story of Survival” with Warren MacDonald at 7 p.m. at REI, 1338 San Pablo Ave. 527-4140. 

Sing-A-Long every Tues. from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. at the Albany Senior Center, 846 Masonic. All ages welcome. 524-9122. 

Tap Into It Jazz and Rhythm Tap classes at Montclair Recreation Center, 6300 Moraga Ave., Oakland. Experienced at 6:30 p.m., beginners at 7:30 p.m. 482-7812. 

Berkeley Salon Discussion Group meets to discuss “Political Predictions and the New Administration” from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Berkeley Richmond Jewish Community Center, 1414 Walnut St. Please bring snacks and soft drinks to share. No peanuts please. 601-6690. 

Organic Produce at low prices sold at the corner of Sacramento and Oregon Streets every Tuesday from 3 to 6 p.m. This is a project of Spiral Gardens. 843-1307. 

School Age Storytime for ages 5 and up at 7 p.m. at the Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave. 526-3720, ext.17. Ends March 1 

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

Brainstormer Weekly Pub Quiz every Tuesday from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Pyramid Alehouse Brewery, 901 Gilman St. 528-9880. 

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. 

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 2 

Groundhog Day Wildlife Walk in the Eastshore State Park to see ground squirrels, birds and talk about the ecosystem that supports so much wildlife. Meet at 10 a.m. at Sea Breeze Deli, University Avenue just west of I-80/580. Co-sponsored by Berkeley Path Wanderers, Friends of Five Creeks, Save the Bay, and the City of Berkeley’s Everybody Walks program. 848-9358. www.fivecreeks.org 

Berkeley High Beats Poetry Slam at 7 p.m. in Room G-210, Berkeley High School. Sign up at 6:30 p.m. Donation $1. rayers@berkeley.k12.ca.us 

AARP Free Tax Assistance for taxpayers with middle and low incomes, with special attention to those 60 years and older. From 12:15 to 4:15 p.m. at the Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave. This service will continue through April. Appointments must be made in advance. 526-3720, ext. 5. 

“Matrix of Evil” A documentary with footage from speeches and conversations with Cong. Ron Paul, Col. Craig Roberts, Cong. Cynthia McKinney, Frank Morales, and Alex Jones, at 7 p.m. at Humanist Hall, 390 27th St., Oakland. Free, $5 donations accepted. 393-5685. 

Berkeley Communicators Toastmasters meets the first and third Wednesdays of the month at 7:15 a.m. at Au Cocolait, 200 University Ave. at Milvia. For information call Robert Flammia 524-3765. 

Artify Ashby Muralist Group meets every Wed. from 5 to 8 p.m. at the South Berkeley Senior Center, to plan a new mural. New artists are welcome. Call Bonnie at 704-0803. 

American Red Cross Blood Services Volunteer Orientation from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at 6230 Claremont Ave., Oakland. Volunteers are needed to support the more than 40 blood drives held each month.  Advance sign-up needed 594-5165. 

Stitch ‘n Bitch Bring your knitting, crocheting and other handcrafts from 6 to 9 p.m. at Caffe Trieste, 2500 San Pablo Ave. 548-5198. 

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

Berkeley Peace Walk and Vigil at the Berkeley BART Station, corner of Shattuck and Center. Sing for Peace at 6:30 p.m. followed by Peace Walk at 7 p.m. www. 

geocities.com/vigil4peace/vigil 

THURSDAY, FEB. 3 

Early Morning Bird Walk in Tilden Park to look for winter residents. Meet at 7:30 a.m. at Tilden Nature Area. 525-2233. 

Painted Dog Project A discussion of the efforts to save these rare canids in Zimbabwe at 7 p.m. in the Marian Zimmer Auditorium, The Oakland Zoo. Cost is $20. 632-9525, ext. 142. www.oaklandzoo.org 

“World Religions and Ecology” with Dr. Mary Evelyn Tucker and Dr. John Grim, both of Bucknell University, at 7 p.m. at the Richard S. Dinner Boardroom, Graduate Theological Union, Hewlett Library, 2400 Ridge Rd. 649-2560. 

“Nonviolent Resistance to U.S. Militarization in Okinawa” A presentation by Suzuyo Takazato, a cofounder and co-coordinator of Okinawan Women Act Against Military Violence at 7 p.m. in Mudd 100, Pacific School of Religion, 1798 Scenic Ave. 849-8244. 

“Brother Outsider: The Life of Bayard Rustin” at 6:30 p.m. at the Ellen Driscoll Theater, Frank Havens School, 325 Highland Ave., Piedmont. Sponsored by the Piedmont Appreciating Diversity Film Series. www.diversityworks.org 

“Kingdom of the West” A video tour by air of Yellowstone, Yosemite & Glacier National Parks at 1:30 p.m. at the Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave., Albany. 526-3720. 

Berkeley School Volunteers Training workshop for volunteers interested in helping in Berkeley Public Schools at 4:30 p.m. at 1835 Allston Way. 644-8833. 

FRIDAY, FEB. 4 

City Commons Club Noon Luncheon with Debra Pryor, Chief of the Berkeley Fire Dept. Luncheon at 11:45 a.m. for $13, speech at 12:30 p.m., at the Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant St. For information and reservations call 526-2925 or 665-9020. 

Outings on Fridays with Berkeley Architectural Heritage Association Tour of the Hearst Memorial Mining Building, UC Campus at 11 a.m. Cost is $15. Reservations required. 841-2242. www.berkeleyheritage.com 

“From Chiapas to California” with Ramon Penate Diaz and Miguel Pickard from Chiapas, in an evening of spoken word and music at 8 p.m. at Humanist Hall, 390 27th St., Oakland. Cost is $10-$15. 654-9587. 

“Dancin’ in the Street: The Influence of Black Music of the Vietnam Era” from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. at the Oakland Museum of California, 10th and Oak Sts., Oakland. Cost is $15-$20. 238-2200. www.museumca.org 

“The Thursday Club” screening of a new documentary by George Csicery about Oakland police officers and the Black Panthers at 7 p.m. at the Oakland Museum of California, 10th and Oak Sts., Oakland. 238-2200. www.museumca.org 

“Life and Debt” Stephanie Black’s award winning documentary examines the devastating effects of globalization upon local agriculture and industry in Jamaica. Part of the First Fridays series at 7:30 p.m. at St. Joseph the Worker Church, 1640 Addison St. Free. 482-1062. 

Literacy & Beyond! Lunar New Year Celebration at 7 p.m. at the Berkeley YMCA, 2001 Allston Way. Free. 665-3271. 

Berkeley Chess Club meets Fridays at 7:15 p.m. at the East Bay Chess Club, 1940 Virginia St. Players at all levels are welcome. 845-1041. 

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, FEB. 5 

Sick Plant Clinic UC plant apthologist Dr. Robert Raabe, UC entomologist Dr. Nick Mills, and their team of experts will diagnose what ails your plants from 9 a.m. to noon at the Botanical Garden, 200 Centennial Dr. 643-2755.  

“Pinguicula and Utricularia in the Cloud Forests of Ecuador” hosted by Geoff Wong of the Carnivorous Plant Society, from noon to 4 p.m. at the Botanical Garden, 200 Centennial Dr. 643-2755.  

“New Era/New Politics” Walking Tour of Oakland 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. Tour is free and lasts about 90 minutes. 238-3234. www.oaklandnet.com/walkingtours 

Waterfalls of Berkeley Discover the little-known waterfalls of urban Berkeley on the moderately challenging walk. Find three stepped waterfalls tucked away in parks and neighborhoods, and see gardens and historic homes. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Reservations required. For details call 415-255-3233. www.greenbelt.org 

Mushroom Walk in The Redwoods Join Berkeley Path Wanderers for an easy walk in Redwood Regional Park in Oakland, looking for showy mushrooms, enjoying birds, and pondering the lives and histories of redwoods. Meet at the Canyon Meadow Staging Area, the main parking lot farthest into the park from Redwood Gate, the main park entrance on Redwood Rd at 10 a.m. For information contact Robert Mackler, walk leader 799-6756.  

Tilden Toddlers For ages 2-3 to explore the Nature Area and look for amphibian friends. From 2 to 3 p.m. at Tilden Nature Area. 525-2233. 

Kid’s Garden Club for ages 7-12 to explore the world of gardening, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Tilden Nature Area, Tilden Park. Cost is $5-$7, registration required. 525-2233. 

Magnificent Magnolias and Other Early Blooming Trees at 10 a.m. at Magic Gardens Nursery, 729 Heinz Ave. 644-2351. www.magicgardens.com 

Celebrate Black History Month with Bambara Mud Cloth painting at Habitot, 2065 Kittredge St. Cost is $5-$6. 647-111. www,habitot.org 

“Democracy Matters: Winning the Fight Against Imperialism” with Dr. Cornel West at 1 p.m. at Calvin Simmons Theater, 10 Tenth St., Oakland. Free, donations welcomed. Sponsored by Laney College. 

“Evidence for Global Warming: A Scientific Perspective” from 8:15 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Oakland Museum of California, 10th and Oak Sts., Oakland. 238-2200. www.museumca.org 

Progressive Democrats of America organizational meeting to form an East Bay Chapter, at 1 p.m. at Temescal Oakland Library, 5205 Telegraph Ave., Oakland. 

Emergency Response Training Class on “Disaster First Aid” from 9 a.m. to noon at the Fire Dept. Training Center, 997 Cedar St. To register call 981-5606. www.ci. 

berkeley.ca.us/fire/oes.html 

“Rumi’s Teachings on Global Peace and Harmony” with Dr. Majid Naini at 7:30 p.m. at the Islamic Cultural Center, 1433 Madicon St., Oakland. Tickets are $10-$15. 832-7600. 

Valentine Making from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave. Fee and all supplies will be provided. 526-3720, ext. 17. 

Free Garden Tours at Regional Parks Botanic Garden Sat. and Sun. at 2 pm. Regional Parks Botanic Garden, Tilden Park. Call to confirm. 845-4116. www.nativeplants.org 

SUNDAY, FEB. 6 

Conifers of California from 10 a.m. to noon at the Regional Parks Botanic Garden, Tilden Park. 525-2233. 

Early Bloomers Look for currant leatherwood and trillium from 2 to 4 p.m. at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. 525-2233. 

Mythical Owls Learn about owls and separate fact from fiction at 3 p.m. at Tilden Nature Area, Tilden Park. 525-2233. 

Healthy Gardening Workshop Learn about basic integrated pest management to keep both garden and gardener healthy with Contra Costa Master Gardener, Jeanine Sidran, from 1 to 3 p.m. at UC Botanical Garden, 200 Centennial Dr. Registration required. 643-2755. 

Alan Rinzler’s Writer’s Workshop at 3 p.m. at Cody’s Books on Telegraph Ave. Seating is first-come, first-served. 845-7852. www.codysbooks.com 

Oakland Tet Festival A celebration of the Vietnamese New Year with music, dance and food, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Clinton Park, 1230 6th Ave., by International/14th St., Oakland  

Institute for World Religions Book Study Group on “Dimensions of Unity” and “Religion East & West” at 2 p.m. at Vara Healing Arts, 850 Talbot at Solano Ave. Albany. 548-4517. 

Lake Merritt Neighbors Organized for Peace Peace walk around the lake every Sun. Meet at 3 p.m. at the colonnade at the NE end of the lake. 763-8712. lmno4p.org 

Tibetan Buddhism with Jack ven der Meulen on Tibetan Yoga “Listening to the Heart” at 6 p.m. at the Tibetan Nyingma Institute, 1815 Highland Pl. 843-6812. www.nyingmainstitute.com 

MONDAY, FEB. 7 

Tea and Hike 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 

Help Find Frogs Learn how to help with Friends of Five Creeks’ every-other-year frog survey at 7 p.m. at the Albany Community Center, 1249 Marin, Albany. Volunteers learn at the meeting to recognize frog calls and then listen at likely spots after sundown. Focus is on East Bay from Berkeley to Richmond, but others welcome. 548-3787. www.fivecreeks.org  

Winter’s Sky at New Moon Time Meet at 6:30 p.m. at Tilden’s Inspiration Point and dress warmly for the evening’s star study. 525-2233. 

National Organization for Women Oakland/East Bay Chapter meets at 6 p.m. at the Oakland YWCA, 1515 Webster St. The speaker will be Claudette Begin, union activist and former candidate for mayor of San Jose on the Socialist Workers Party ticket. 287-8948. 

“Mesopotamia Endangered: Witnessing the Loss of History” with Joanne Farchakh, Lebanese journalist, at 5:30 p.m. at 370 Dwinelle Hall, UC Campus. Sponsored by The Archaeological Institute of America, San Francisco Society, The Dept. of Near Eastern Studies, UCB. 

Home Buyer Assistance Information Session for first-time homebuyers at 6 p.m. at 1504 Franklin St., Suite 100, Oakland. Free, but call to reserve a seat. 832-6925, ext. 100. 

Berkeley CopWatch organizational meeting at 8 p.m. at 2022 Blake St. 548-0425. 

ONGOING 

Pee Wee Basketball for boys and girls ages 6 to 8, begins Sat. Feb. 5, from 10 a.m. to noon, and runs for six weeks. Fee is $25-$35. For information call Berkeley Youth Alternatives, 845-9066. sports@byaonline.org 

Albany Berkeley Girls Softball League is looking for girls in grades 1-8 to play girls softball. Season runs March 5-June 4. Scholarships available. To register call 869-4277.  

All Net Basketball for boys and girls ages 9 to 11, begins Tues. Mar. 8, from 4:30 to 6 p.m., and runs for five weeks. Fee is $10-$15. For information call Berkeley Youth Alternatives, 845-9066. sports@byaonline.org 

Docent Training for the Magnes Museum for those interested in Jewish culture, history and art. Classes will be held on Thurs. evenings starting Feb. 3, at the Museum, 2911 Russell St. For more information contact Faith Powell at 549-6933. 

“Half Pint Library” Book Drive Donate children’s books to benefit Children’s Hospital and Research Center Oakland. Donations accepted at 1849 Solano Ave. through March 31. 

Taoist Tai Chi Society Beginning Level Class starts Feb. 16 at 7 p.m. at the First Congregational Church of Berkeley, 2345 Channing Way. New students may register at any time. 415-864-0899 www.taichicalifornia.org 

Berkeley Rhino Rugby Club is seeking new high school age players for the Spring 2005 season. No experience required. Practices are Tues. and Thurs. 5 to 7 p.m. at San Pablo Park. 466-5113. 

CITY MEETINGS 

Commission on the Status of Women meets Wed., Feb. 2, at 7:30 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Tasha Tervelon, 981-5347. www.ci.berkeley. 

ca.us/commissions/women 

Fire Safety Commission meets Wed., Feb. 2, at 7:30 p.m. at 997 Cedar St. David Orth, 981-5502. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/firesafety 

Human Welfare and Community Action Commission meets Wed., Feb. 2, at 7 p.m., at the South Berkeley Senior Center. Marianne Graham, 981-5416. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/ 

commissions/welfare 

Commission on Early Childhood Education meets Thurs., Feb. 3, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Angellique De Cloud, 981-5428. www.ci.berkeley. ca.us/commissions/earlychildhoodeducation  

Housing Advisory Commission meets Thurs., Feb. 3, 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. 3, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Jeff Egeberg, 981-6406. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/publicworks 

Council Agenda Committee meets Mon., Feb. 7, at 2:30 p.m., at 2180 Milvia St. 981-6900. 

www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/ 

citycouncil/agenda-committee 

Berkeley Rent Stabilization Board meets Mon. Feb. 7, at 7 p.m. in City Council Chambers, Pam Wyche, 644-6128 ext. 113. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/rent 

Landmarks Preservation Commission meets Mon., Feb. 7, at 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., Feb. 7, 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., Feb. 8, at 7 p.m in City Council Chambers. 981-6900. www. ci.berkeley.ca.us/citycouncil