Press Releases
Berkeley This Week
FRIDAY, MARCH 4
Annual Seed Swap Bring and get locally saved seeds and learn about BASIL, the Bay Area Seed Interchange Library, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Ecology Center, 2530 San Pablo Ave. Free. 548-2220, ext. 233.
Outings on Fridays with Berkeley Architectural Heritage Association Tour of The Pardee House in Oakland’s City Center, at 11 a.m. Cost is $15. Reservations required. 841-2242. www.berkeleyheritage.com
City Commons Club Noon Luncheon with Steve Heminger, Exec. Dir., MTC on “Improving Traffic in the East Bay.” Luncheon at 11:45 a.m. for $13, speech at 12:30 p.m., at the Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant St. For reservations call 526-2925.
Trees for Haiti Benefit from 5 to 7 p.m. at What the Traveller Saw, 1880 Solano Ave. For reservations call 524-7989.
The Berkeley Forum “Reframing the Progressive Movement” with Prof. George Lakoff at 7 p.m. at Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley, One Lawson Rd., Kensington. Tickets are $12 in advance, $15 at the door. 525-0391, ext. 376. admin@berkeleyforum.org
“Understanding the Israel-Palestine Conflict in Historical Context” with Rosemary Radford Ruether, Prof. GTU, at 7:30 p.m. at St. Joseph the Worker School, 2125 Jefferson St., behind the church. Free. This location is not wheelchair accessible. 482-1062.
World Day of Prayer at 9:30 a.m. at McGee Avenue Baptist Church, 1640 Stuart St.
Womansong Circle, a monthly participatory singing evening for women, celebrates Women’s History Month at 7:15 p.m. at First Congregational Church, 2345 Channing Way. Donation $10-$15. 525-7082.
Alternative Lifelong Learning presents “Globalization and Its Impact on Iranian Culture,” with Maryam Javanshir at 1:30 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center.
SATURDAY, MARCH 5
Sick Plant Clinic UC plant pathologist 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.
Introduction to Herbs Learn simple herbal alternatives for the cold and allergy season, on a walk to identify the plants. At 1:30 p.m. at Tilden Nature Center. Cost is $5-$7, registration required. 525-2233.
“Waterwise Gardening with California Natives,” a slide lecture with Nathan Smith at 12:30 p.m. at UC Botanical Garden, 200 Centennial Drive. Cost is $20-$25, registration required. 643-2755.
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.
Healthy Gardening at 10 a.m. at Magic Gardens Nursery, 729 Heinz Ave. 644-2351. www.magicgardens.com
Origami with artist, teacher and storyteller Margo Wecksler from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave. Bring your own wrapping paper, or use paper provided. Free. 526-3720 ext 17.
Reports Back from the World Social Forum and the Women and Water Forum with Phoebe Sorgen and Laura Santina at 10 a.m. at Gray Panther Office, 1403 Addison St. 548-9696.
“Exhibitions of Expression” a conference and forum for Asian Americans in art, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Dwinelle Hall, UC Campus. 643-5497.
Free Garden Tours at Regional Parks Botanic Garden Sat. and Sun. at 2 pm. Regional Parks Botanic Garden, Tilden Park. Call to confirm. 841-8732.
Hands-on Cob Workshop Get your hands dirty and learn about building houses and other structures from earth, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Ecology Center, 2530 San Pablo Ave. Cost is $20-$30, registration required. 548-2220, ext. 233.
Progressive Democrats of America, East Bay Chapter, general meeting, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Temescal Library, 5205 Telegraph, Oakland. 526-4632.
Berkeley Forum Workshop: “Reframing Progressive Issues” from 2 to 5 p.m. at Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley, One Lawson Rd., Kensington. Cost is $10. 525-0391.
“Closing the Achievement Gap” a seminar for parents and educators, with David Berg, educational therapist, at 9 a.m. at Black Pine Circle Upper School, 2016 Seventh Ave. Pre-registration required. info@makingmathreal.org
Women in Leadership Conference “Reflecting Forward-Celebrating Progress and Inspiring the Future” from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Haas School of Business, UC Campus. www.wilconference.org
Osh, by Gosh! A party for Oakland Zoo’s young elephant from 9 a.m. to noon at the Oakland Zoo. Free with Zoo admission. 632-9525. www.oaklandzoo.org
Oakland Museum White Elephant Sale from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sun. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 333 Lancaster St., Oakland. 238-2200.
Dr. Seuss Birthday Party with games and stories at 11 a.m. at Kensington Library, 61 Arlington Ave. Tickets required. 524-3043.
“Write for Your Life: Unmasking Sorrow, Living Joy” A writing workshop with Beth Glick-Rieman from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley, One Lawson Rd., Kensington. Cost is $35. 524-2858.
“The Bhagavad Ghita - The Mystery of Human Soul and its Symbols” at 7:30 p.m. at the New Acropolis Cultural Center, 1700 Dwight Way. Tickets are $7-$10. 665-3740. www.acropolis.org
SUNDAY, MARCH 6
Breakfast with the Birds Bring your own beverage and we’ll share pastries and wander down to the lake to see who is nesting, flirting and feeding. Binoculars available for loan. Cost is $3, registration required. 525-2233.
Spinning Demonstration Watch the wool from the Little Farm’s sheep turn into yarn on our spinning wheel, from 10:30 a.m. to noon at the Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. 525-2233.
Work in the Garden We needs lots of help weeding, planting and preparing the garden for spring and the butterflies. At 4 p.m. at Tilden Nature Area, Tilden Park. 525-2233.
Strawberry Creek Work Party from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Strawberry Creek Lodge, 1320 Addison St. Please wear sturdy shoes and bring work gloves. RSVP to kateholum@yahoo.com
Sunset Walk with the Solo Sierrans through the Emeryville Marina with quiet views of San Francisco and the Golden Gate bridge. Paved trail, wheelchair accessible. Meet at 4 p.m. behind Chevy’s Restaurant at small parking lot. 234-8949.
Alan Rinzler’s Writer’s Workshop at 3 p.m. at Cody’s Books. Seating is first-come, first-served. 845-7852. www.codysbooks.com
Institute for World Religions Book Study Group meets at 2 p.m. at Vara Healing Arts, 850 Talbot at Solano. 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 Lama Amdo on “Entering the Bodhisattva Path” at 6 p.m. at the Tibetan Nyingma Institute, 1815 Highland Pl. 843-6812. www.nyingmainstitute.com
MONDAY, MARCH 7
“Returning the Tides” to Salt Ponds Briggs Nisbet, Restoration Campaigns Manager for Save the Bay, will speak on restoring nature to more than 16,000 acres of San Francisco Bay salt ponds at Friends of Five Creeks’ monthly meeting at 7 p.m. at Albany Community Center, 1249 Marin. 848-9358. f5creeks@aol.com
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.
Mercury in View The best views of the planet Mercury are during the next two weeks. Join us at Tilden’s Inspiration Point at 6:30 p.m. and we’ll walk down Nimitz Way. 525-2233.
Town Hall Meeting with Mayor Tom Bates and Councilmember Max Anderson at 7:30 p.m. at St. Paul A.M.E. Church, 2024 Ashby Ave. 981-7130.
National Organization for Women, Oakland/East Bay Chapter with Lucy Sells on “The Future of the Democratic Party” at 6 p.m. at the Oakland YWCA, 1515 Webster St. 287-8948.
Richard A. Walker, author of “The Conquest of Bread: 150 Years of Agribusiness in California,” will speak on agriculture in California at 7:30 p.m. at the Hillside Club, 2286 Cedar St.
“Critical Viewing” examines the craft of short film, TV drama, and commercials from 1 to 3:30 p.m. at the BRJCC, 1414 Walnut St. 848-0237. georgeporter@earthlink.net
TUESDAY, MARCH 8
International Women’s Day Proclamation at Berkeley City Council, 7 p.m. City Council Chambers. 981-6900. www.ci.
berkeley.ca.us/citycouncil
“Best Mountain Bike Rides in the Bay Area” A slide presentation with mountain bike racer Lorene Jackson at 7 p.m. at REI, 1338 San Pablo Ave. 527-4140.
“The Gravel Pirates: Strip-Mining the Russian River Water Supply” with L. Martin Griffin, Jr., Founder, Friends of the Russian River, at 5:30 p.m. in 105 North Gate Hall, UC Campus. Sponsored by the Water Resources Center Archives. 642-2666.
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. www.writercoachconnection.org
Berkeley School Volunteers Training workshop for volunteers interested in helping in Berkeley Public schools at 3 p.m. at 1835 Allston Way. 644-8833.
International Women's Day Dance Party at 7 p.m. at Belladonna, 2436 Sacramento St. Cost is $10. Proceeds go to benefit Revolutionary Association of the Women of Afghanistan (RAWA) and a scholarship for the Belladonna Mystery Camp for Girls. 282-2486. www.belladonna.ws
Shivaratri - Night of Shiva A benefit for tsunami relief with yoga, rituals, food and music, from 4 to 10:30 p.m. at Yoga Mandala, 2807 Telegraph Ave. 486-1989.
Berkeley Camera Club meets at 7:30 p.m., at the Northbrae Community Church, 941 The Alameda. 548-3991.
St. John’s Prime Timers meets at 9:30 a.m. at St. John’s Presbyterian Church, 2727 College Ave. 845-6830.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9
Great Decisions 2005: “China” with Prof. Emeritus Joyce Kallgren, UC Davis, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant St. Cost is $5, $40 for the series. For information and reservations call 526-2925.
Information Night for BHS Class of 2009 at 7 p.m. at the BHS Community Theater and the C Building. Presentations on academic departments, the 9th grade curriculum, small schools, athletics and activities. 644-6320.
“Memorial Party for Judi Bari” a film screening at 7 p.m. at Humanist Hall, 390 27th St., Oakland.
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.
Home Buyer Assistance Information Session at 6 p.m. at 1504 Franklin St., Oakland. Sponsored by the Home Buyer Assistance Center. Reservations required. 832-6925, ext. 100. www.hbac.org
Poetry Writing Workshop with Alison Seevak at 7 p.m. at the Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave. 526-3720.
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.
“Does God Exist?” A talk on the Reconstructionist, Humanist and Other Jewish Views about God’s Existence with Rabbi Jane Litman at 11 a.m. at the BRJCC, 1414 Walnut St. Cost is $5. 848-0237, ext. 110.
“Faith and Politics” at 7:30 p.m. at All Souls Parish, 2220 Cedar St. Part of the Journey of Faith Lenten Series. 848-1755.
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. 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. Sponsored by the Ecology Center’s Farm Fresh Choice. 848-1704. www.ecologycenter.org
Berkeley Peace Walk and Vigil at the Berkeley BART Station. Vigil at 6:30 p.m. Peace Walk at 7 p.m. www.geocities.com/
vigil4peace/vigil
THURSDAY, MARCH 10
Bird Walk along the Martin Luther King Shoreline to see marsh birds at 3:30 p.m. for information call 525-2233.
Hidden Lodges of Berkeley An illustrated lecture on the Senior Men’s Hall and Senior Women’s Hall, with Harvey Helfand, Campus Planner, at 7:30 p.m. at Senior Hall, UC Campus. Cost is $10. For information contact Berkeley Architectural Heritage at 841-2241. www.berkeleyheritage.com
“Diet for a Dead Planet” with author Christopher Cook at 7 p.m. at the Ecology Center, 2530 San Pablo Ave. 548-2220.
“The Great Conspiracy: The 9-11 News Special You Never Saw” benefit screening with producer Barrie Zwicker, at 7:30 p.m. at The Grand Lake Theater Oakland. Tickets are $10, available at local bookstores. 452-3556.
“So How’d You Become an Activist?” with Carolyn Scarr and Dr. Marc Sapir at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists, 1924 Cedar St., at Bonita. Donation $5. 528-5403.
“The Universal Grammar of Religion” with Prof. Huston Smith at 7:30 p.m. at Memorial Chapel of the Pacific School of Religion, 1798 Scenic Ave. 848-9788.
“Awakening the Heart of Enlightenment” with Dr. Gaylon Ferguson, at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Shambhala Center, 2288 Fulton St. Donation $25. www.norcal.shambhala.org
ONGOING
Bringing Back the Natives Garden Tour The tour, on May 1, will showcase Alameda and Contra Costa County gardens that contain at least 30% native plants, don’t use synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, and provide habitat for wildlife. Admission is free, but tickets are required. Kathy@KathyKramerConsulting.net or 236-9558.
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
Domestic Violence Training for people interested in volunteering at Oakland’s battered women’s shelter, Sat. March 12 - April 9 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 986-8600, ext. 316.
“Half Pint Library” Book Drive Donate children’s books to benefit Children’s Hospital. Donations accepted at 1849 Solano Ave. through March 31.
Spring Break Program for Children offered by the City’s Recreational Division, March 28-April 1, for children ages 5-12, at the Frances Albrier Community Center, 2800 Park St. For information call 981-6640.
CITY MEETINGS
Berkeley Rent Stabilization Board meets Mon. Mar. 7, at 7 p.m. in City Council Chambers, Pam Wyche, 644-6128 ext. 113. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/rent
Council Agenda Committee meets Mon., Mar. 7, at 2:30 p.m., at 2180 Milvia St. 981-6900.
www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/citycouncil/agenda-committee
Creeks Task Force meets every Monday at 7 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center through April 4. Erin Dando, 981-7410. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/creeks
Landmarks Preservation Commission meets Mon., Mar. 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., Mar. 7, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Manuel Hector, 981-5510. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/peaceandjustice
Youth Commission meets Mon., Mar. 7, at 6:30 p.m., at 1730 Oregon St. Philip Harper-Cotton, 981-6670. www.ci.ber
keley.ca.us/commissions/youth
City Council meets Tues., Mar. 8, at 7 p.m in City Council Chambers. 981-6900. www.ci.
berkeley.ca.us/citycouncil
Commission on Disability meets Wed., Mar 9, at 6:30 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Don Brown, 981-6346. TDD: 981-6345. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/disability
Homeless Commission meets Wed., Mar. 9, Wed. Feb. 16, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Jane Micallef, 981-5426. www.ci.berkeley.
ca.us/commissions/homeless
Library Board of Trustees meets Thurs. Mar. 9, at 7 p.m. at 1901 Russell St., Jackie Y. Griffin, 981-6195. www.ci.ber
keley.ca.us/commissions/library
Planning Commission meets Wed., Mar. 9, Wed., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Janet Homrighausen, 981-7484. www.ci.berkeley. ca.us/commissions/planning
Police Review Commission meets Wed., Mar. 9 at the South Berkeley Senior Center, 981-4950. www.ci.berkeley.
ca.us/commissions/policereview
Waterfront Commission meets Wed., Mar. 9, at 7 p.m., at 201 University Ave. Cliff Marchetti, 644-6376 ext. 224. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/waterfront
Commission on Early Childhood Education meets Thurs., Mar. 10, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Angellique De Cloud, 981-5428. www.ci.berkeley. ca.us/commissions/earlychildhoodeducation
Community Health Commission meets Thurs, Mar. 10, at 6:45 p.m., at the South Berkeley Senior Center. William Rogers, 981-5344. www.ci.berkeley.
ca.us/commissions/health
Housing Advisory Commission meets Thurs. Mar. 10, at 7:30 p.m., at the South Berkeley Senior Center. Oscar Sung, 981-5400. www.ci.berkeley.ca.
us/commissions/housing
West Berkeley Project Area Commission meets Thurs., Mar. 10, at 7 p.m., at the West Berkeley Senior Center. Iris Starr, 981-7520. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/westberkeley
Zoning Adjustments Board meets Thurs., Mar. 10, at 7 p.m., in City Council Chambers. Mark Rhoades, 981-7410. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/zoning ™
