Press Releases

TUESDAY, FEB. 15 

Early Morning Bird Walk on the Albany Bulb meet at the end of Buchanan St. at 7:30 a.m. 525-2233.  

Bird Walk on the Martin Luther King Shoreline from 3 to 5 p.m. Dress for wind and rain. 525-2233. 

Berkeley Garden Club “Aesthetic Pruning of Trees and Shrubs” with Bill Castellon, Instructor at Merritt Horticulture Dept. Meeting at 1 p.m., program at 2 p.m. at Epworth MethodistChurch, 1953 Hopkins St. 524-4374. 

The Berkeley-East Bay Humane Society Low Cost Spay/Neuter Day, in recognition of the 11th annual Spay Day. Spay/neuter costs are $5-$10. 845-7735. www.berkeleyhumane.org 

“What’s Really Happening in Iraq” A report-back from the humanitarian aid mission that delivered over $650,000 in aid to Falluja refugees, at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Fellowship, 1924 Cedar St. at Bonita. Suggested donation $5. 415-255-7296. www.globalexchange.org 

Embracing Diversity Films “Not in our Town II” A documentary on positive community solutions to hate violence and the resurgence of Ku Klux Klan activity. At 7 p.m. at Albany High School, 603 Key Route Blvd. Enter through the main doors on Key Route Blvd., turn left and walk down the hall to Room 109 on the right. Please arrive early as space is limited. Admission is free, donations are welcome. Screening will be followed by a facilitated discussion. 527-1328. 

“Adventure in Alaska: Climbing Denali & More” with professional photographer Jeff Pfluger at 7 p.m. at REI, 1338 San Pablo Ave. 527-4140. 

American Red Cross Blood Services Volunteer Orientation from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at 6230 Claremont Ave., Oakland. Advance sign-up needed 594-5165. 

Black History Celebration with a showing of “Roots” at 1:30 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 

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

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

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 discusses “Love and Sex: A Valentine Special” from 7 to 9 p.m. at the BRJCC, 1414 Walnut St. Please bring snacks and soft drinks to share. No peanuts please. 601-6690. 

Teen Book Group meets to discuss “Speak” by Laurie Halse Anderson at 4 p.m. at the Berkeley Public Library, West Branch, 1125 University Ave. 981-6270. 

“Healthy Ways to Learn from Emotional Experiences” with Pete Walker, Marriage and Family Therapist, at 7 p.m. at the El Cerrito Library, 6510 Stockton Ave. 526-7512.  

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. 

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

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. 

St. John’s Prime Timers meets at 9:30 a.m. at St. John’s Presbyterian Church, 2727 College Ave. 845-6830. 

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 16 

Great Decisions 2005: “U.S. Intelligence” with Prof. Emeritus Marshall Windmiller, SF State, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant St. Cost is $5, $40 for the series. The Great Decisions program will meet for eight Wednesdays. Briefing booklets are available. For information and reservations call 526-2925. 

“Hands Off Social Security” with the Gray Panthers at 7 p.m. at 1403 Addison St. 548-9696. 

“Imaging the Voices of the Past” Using Physics to Restore Early Sound Recordings with Dr. Carl Haber, Senior Scientist, Berkeley Lab Physics Division at 5:30 p.m. at the Berkeley High School Library, Allston Way at Milvia St. 

“Making Governments Provide Better Safety and Accessibility for Bicycle Riders” A panel discussion with the directors of all the Bay Area bicycle coalitions at 8:15 p.m. at the Hillside Club, 2286 Cedar St. 527-0450.  

“In The Beginning Were Stories, Not Texts,” with Dr. Choan-Seng Song exploring the idea that life begins with stories and that God is both the “story-teller and story-listener” at 7:30 p.m. in the Richard S. Dinner Boardroom, GTU, Hewlett Library, 2400 Ridge Rd. 649-2420. 

Women’s Health Lecture on “Mood & Menopause” at 6:15 p.m. at the Claremont Resort, 41 Tunnel Rd. Cost is $10-$15. 527-3010. ww.afwh.org/about/ 

claremontlectures.htm 

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. Appointments must be made in advance. 526-3720, ext. 5. 

Berkeley Communicators Toastmasters meets at 7:15 a.m. at Au Cocolait, 200 University Ave. at Milvia. 524-3765. 

WriterCoach Connection Volunteer Training Help students improve their writing and critical thinking skills. Training session from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. To register call 524-2319. Other Trainings on Mar. 8, 15. www.writercoachconnection.org 

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. Heavy rain cancels. 548-9840. 

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 

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. 

Prospective Seminary Students Church Divinity School of the Pacific Open House Feb. 16-18 at 2451 Ridge Rd. To register call 204-0715. www.cdsp.edu 

Argosy University Information Sessions for degree programs in Psychology, Education and Business at 6 p.m. at 999-A Canal Blvd., Point Richmond. To RSVP or for directions to the school, call 215-0277. 

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. 

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

geocities.com/vigil4peace/vigil 

THURSDAY, FEB. 17 

Berkeley Path Wanderers Susan Schwartz, head of Friends of Five Creeks, shows slides of new and upcoming nature restorations you can explore on city walks, at Berkeley Path Wanderers’ meeting at 7 p.m. at Live Oak Park Recreation Center, 1301 Shattuck Ave. 848-9358. f5creeks@aol.com 

LeConte Neighborhood Association meets with Councilmember Max Anderson of District Three at 7:30 p.m. in the LeConte School Cafeteria. 843-2602. 

School Choices at Berkeley High An informational night on the school and program choices students have. Current 8th-10th graders and families invited. At 7 p.m. in the Berkeley High Community Theater. 644-6320. 

“Winemaker’s Dance” a lecture by David G. Howell on the influence of the earth in producing good wine at 12:30 p.m. at the Oakland Museum of California, 10th and Oak Sts., Oakland. 238-2200. www.museumca.org 

Golden Gate Audubon Society “Sights and Sounds of Kenya” Slides and sound recordings with Peter Headland at 7:30 p.m. at Northbrae Community Church, 941 The Alameda, between Marin and Solano. 843-2222. 

“Contemporary Brazilian Culture” with Gilberto Gil, Brazilian singer and composer at 7 p.m. at Wheeler Auditorium, UC Campus. Free, but tickets must be picked up at Wheeler box office beginning at 6 p.m. 642-2088. www.clas.berkeley.edu 

“Bridge to Babylon” Judeo-Arabic music in the Middle East at 7:30 p.m. at BRJCC, 1414 Walnut St. Cost is $20. 845-6420. 

FRIDAY, FEB. 18 

Berkeley Fire Dept. vs. Berkeley Police Dept. Charity Basketball Game at 7:30 p.m. at the Berkeley High School Donahue Gym. Tickets are $5, $2 for BHS students with i.d. Proceeds will go to scholarships and youth programs. 981-5506. 

City Commons Club Noon Luncheon with Edward Norse, Prof., UCB, on “The Promise of Fusion and Solar Power.” 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.  

“Judaism in Late Medieval and Early Modern Europe” with Johannes Heil, visiting scholar at the Erasmus Institute at the Univ. of Notre Dame at 4 p.m. at the Badè Museum, Pacific School of Religion, 1798 Scenic Ave. 415-451-2876. 

“Drought and Corruption in Northeastern Brazil” with Nicholas Arons discussing the impact of drought and the phenomenon of drought politics at 4 p.m. in the Geballe Room, 220 Stephens Hall, UC Campus. 642-2088. www.clas.berkeley.edu  

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. 

“Three Beats for Nothing” meets at 10 a.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center to sing for fun and practice, mostly 16th century harmony. 655-8863, 843-7610. dann@netwiz.net 

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. 19 

Historical and Botanical Tour of Chapel of the Chimes, a Julia Morgan landmark, every third Sunday at 10 a.m. at 4499 Piedmont Ave. at Pleasant Valley. Reservations required 228-3207. www.chapelofthechimes.com 

Kids Garden Club For children 7-12 years old to explore the world of gardening. We plant, harvest, build, make crafts, cook and get dirty! From 2 to 4 p.m. at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. Cost is $5-$7, registration required. 525-2233. 

Sushi Workshop Learn the natural history and how to make seven types of sushi. From 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Tilden Nature Area, Tilden Park. Cost is $25-$40. Registration required. 636-1684. 

Help Bring Back the Wild Join the Bayshore Stewards as we restore a rare tidal marsh on the UC Richmond Field Station, near the Bay Trail in Richmond, from 9 a.m. to noon. We will provide tools, gloves, rain gear and refreshments. We will also provide some instruction on planting and an overview of the project. Heavy rain will cancel the event. For more information call Elizabeth 231-9566. 

Water is Life Workshop on water problems and solutions for a sustainable future, including water pollution in the Bay Area, creek restoration, and greywater systems. Sat. from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sun. from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Ecology Center, 2530 San Pablo Ave. Free.548-2220, ext. 233.  

Explore the Alternatives of Demanding, Thirsty Lawns with Gail Yelland on ecological and turf free ground coverings at 10 a.m. at Magic Gardens Nursery, 729 Heinz Ave. 644-2351. www.magicgardens.com 

“War and Fleece: How Economic Shock Therapy Backfired in Iraq” with journalist Naomi Klein, at 7:30 p.m. at the First Congregational Church of Oakland, 2501 Harrison St., in a benefit for the Middle East Children’s Alliance. Tickets are $20 or $50 including reception with Naomi. No one turned away. 548-0542. www.mecaforpeace.org 

New Parents and Babies Community Center Open House from 1 to 3 p.m. at the PRAM Fieldhouse, 110 E. Richmond Ave., Point Richmond. www.pram.net 

“The Mystery of the Heart” Community drumming and chanting at 7 p.m. at Unity of Berkeley, 2075 Eunice St. Donation $10-$20. 528-0304. www.unityofberkeley.org 

West Knitting Group for all levels and ages at 4 p.m. at the Berkeley Public Library, West Branch, 1125 University Ave. 981-6270. 

Intercollegiate Bhangra Competition at 6 p.m. at Berkeley Community Theater, 1930 Allston Way. Portions of the night’s proceeds will be donated to The American Red Cross to help the victims of the tsunami tragedy. For registration details and ticket information see www.dholdiawaz.com  

Emergency Response Training Class on “Fire Supression” from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Fire Dept. Training Center, 997 Cedar St. To register call 981-5606. www.ci. 

berkeley.ca.us/fire/oes.html 

California Writers Club with Madeline DiMaggio speaking on “Selling Your Story to Hollywood” at 10 a.m. at Barnes & Noble, Jack London Square, Oakland. www.berkeleywritersclub.org 

Pre-School Storytime for ages 3-5 at 11 a.m. at the Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave. 526-3720, ext.17.  

Berkeley Alliance of Neighborhood Associations meets at 9:15 a.m. at St. John’s Presbyterian Church, Sproul Conference Room, 1st Floor, 2727 College Ave. www.berkeleycna.com  

SUNDAY, FEB. 20 

Early Morning Bird Walk to look for early spring arrivals. Meet at 7:30 .m. at Tilden Nature Center. 525-2233. 

Glorious Mud For ages 7 to 11 to explore the soggy grounds, identify animal tracks. Come prepared to get dirty. From 9 to 10:30 a.m. at Tilden Nature Center. 525-2233. 

Labyrinth Peace Walk at 3 p.m. at Willard Community Peace Labyrinth, on blacktop next to the gardens at Willard Middle School, Telegraph Ave. Enter by the dirt road on Derby. Free. Wheelchair accessible. Sponsored by the East Bay Labyrinth Project. 526-7377.  

“Parrot Care 101” A free class on the care, feeding and daily play needs of your parrots, at 1 p.m. at Pet Food Express, 6398 Telegraph Ave., Oakland. Please do not bring your bird to the class. Donations to the Oasis Exotic Bird Sanctuary accepted. www.squawkandhowl.com 

“African American Veterans: Voices from the Vietnam Experience” a panel discussion at 2 p.m. at the Oakland Museum of California, 10th and Oak Sts., Oakland. 238-2200. www.museumca.org 

“California African American Jazz” a family exploration afternoon from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Oakland Museum of California, 10th and Oak Sts., Oakland. 238-2200. www.museumca.org 

Celebrate Black History Month with African textile collage at Habitot, 2065 Kittredge St. Cost is $5-$6. 647-111. www.habitot.org 

Haiku and Renga: Poetry and Nature Walk around the park with stops for creative writing of Japanese-inspired poetry. From 2 to 4 p.m. at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. 525-2233. 

Berkeley Cybersalon “TV Goes Online” with panelists from LinkTV, INdTV, Google, Yahoo, and the Electronic Frontier Foundation at 6 p.m. at the Hillside Club, 2286 Cedar St. Cost is $10. 527-0450.  

Free Garden Tours at Regional Parks Botanic Garden in Tilden Park, Sat. and Sun. at 2 p.m. Call to confirm. 841-8732. www.nativeplants.org 

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 Petranker on “Milking the Painted Cow” a new book by Trathang Tulku, at 6 p.m. at the Tibetan Nyingma Institute, 1815 Highland Pl. 843-6812. www.nyingmainstitute.com 

MONDAY, FEB. 21 

World Affairs/Politics Discussion Group for people 60 years and over meets Mondays at 9:45 a.m. at the Albany Senior Center, 846 Masonic Ave. Join at any time. Cost is $2.50 with refreshments. 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. 

ONGOING 

Collect Cleats for All Feet Donate your cleats and other sports equipment to Sports4kids Swap Shop, which works to make sports equipment available to all children who want to play. Donation barrels for cleats at Elephant Pharmacy, 1607 Shattuck Ave. Other locations at www.sports4kids.org 

Beginning Tai Chi Class starts Feb. 16 at 7 p.m. in the Large Assembly Room of the First Congregational Church of Berkeley, 2345 Channing Way. 415-864-0899. www.taichicalifornia.org 

“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. 

CITY MEETINGS 

Berkeley Housing Authority meets Tues., Feb. 15, at 6:30 p.m. in City Council Chambers. 981-6900. ww.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/housingauthority 

City Council meets Tues., Feb. 15, at 7 p.m in City Council Chambers. 981-6900. www.ci. 

berkeley.ca.us/citycouncil 

Citizens Humane Commission meets Wed., Feb. 16, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Katherine O’Connor, 981-6601. www.ci.berkeley.ca. us/commissions/humane 

Commission on Aging meets Wed. Feb. 16, at 1:30 p.m., at the South Berkeley Senior Center. William Rogers, 981-5344. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/aging 

Commission on Labor meets Wed., Feb. 16, at 6:45 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Delfina M. Geiken, 981-7550. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/labor 

Homeless Commission meets Wed. Feb. 16, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Jane Micallef, 981-5426. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/homeless 

Human Welfare and Community Action Commission meets Wed. Feb. 16, at 7 p.m., at the South Berkeley Senior Center. Kristen Lee, 981-5427. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/welfare 

Fair Campaign Practices Commission meets Thurs., Feb. 17, at 7:30 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Prasanna Rasaih, 981-6950. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/faircampaign 

Transportation Commission meets Thurs., Feb. 17, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Peter Hillier, 981-7000. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/transportationÅ