Press Releases

FRIDAY, APRIL 15 

Funeral Services for Margaret Breland, former Berkeley City Councilmember, at 11 a.m. at Liberty Hill Missionary Baptist Church, 997 University Ave. 

City Commons Club Noon Luncheon with Sidra Stich, “Enhancing Italian Art Appreication” 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 or 665-9020.  

Five Star Night Fundraiser for Alameda County Meals at 6:30 p.m. at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Ascension, 4700 Lincoln Ave., Oakland Tickets are $250 available from 577-3581. www.feedingseniors.org 

“Violence in the Americas” conference, Fri. and Sat. at Stephens Hall, UC Campus. Sponsored by the Center for Latin American Studies. 642-2088. www.clas.berkeley.edu 

World Space Summit and Party for Yuri’s Night at 6 p.m. at the Chabot Space and Science Center, 10000 Skyline Blvd., Oakland. Tickets are $10-$75. www.chabotspace.org 

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. 655-6169. www.bpf.org 

SATURDAY, APRIL 16 

Regional Parks Botanic Garden Annual Native Plant Sale from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Bring cardboard boxes to carry your purchases. Refreshments will be available. Located at Tilden Regional Park at intersection of Wildcat Canyon and South Park Drive. 841-8732. www.nativeplants.org. 

Annual California Wildflower Show, Sat. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sun. noon to 5 p.m. at the Oakland Museum of California, 10th and Oak Sts. Admission is $5-$8. 238-2200. www.museumca.org 

41st Annual Iris Show and Sale from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Lakeside Garden Center, 666 Bellevue Ave., Oakland. Sponsored by the Sydney B. Mitchell Iris Society. 277-4200. 

Compost Critters Learn which animals do the dirty work of turning leftovers into rich soil. For ages 5 and up at 11 a.m. at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. 525-2233. 

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. 

Learn to Grow Your Own Food from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the UC Berkeley Organic Garden, Walnut and Virginia. Cost is $10-$15. To register call 548-2220, ext. 233. 

Spring Blooming Perennials with Aerin Moore at 10 a.m. at Magic Gardens Nursery, 729 Heinz Ave. 644-2351. www.magicgardens.com 

Berkeley Historical Society Walking Tour of the Glass Block Buildings of West Berkeley led by Bill Goodell, from 10 a.m. to noon. Cost is $8-$10. 848-0181. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/histsoc/ 

Russian Festival from noon to 6 p.m. at 1821 Catalina Ave., corner of Colusa. Celebrating the 10th Anniversary of the Berkeley Russian School. 526-8892. 

Community Budget Workshop with City staff on the two-year City budget cycle which begins July 1, at 10 a.m. at the South Berkeley Senior Center. Co-sponsred by the League of Women Voters. 981-7004.  

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

Self Defense for Women from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Julia Morgan Center, 2640 College Ave. 845-8542, ext. 302. 

Astronomy Day with activities from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Chabot Space and Science Center, 10000 Skyline Blvd., Oakland. Cost is $9-$13. 336-7373. www.chabotspace.org 

Museum Exhibition Catalog Sale at the Oakland Museum of California, 10th and Oak Sts. Admission is $5-$8. 238-2200. www.museumca.org 

California Writers Club with Beth Proudfoot, Director, East of Eden Writers Conference, speaking on "Making the Most of Writers Conferences and Literary Contests” at 10 a.m. at Barnes & Noble, Jack London Square. www.berkeleywritersclub.org 

“Join Hands with Africa” Gala to raise funds for a village in Africa, with speakers, food and a fashion show, at 6:30 p.m. at the Richmond Civic Center, Macdonald Ave at 26th St. Tickets are $40. 691-2882. www.afrimmigrants.org 

East Bay Atheists meets from 2 to 5 p.m. with Richard Carrier, on “Ethicology: Proposing a New Science of Moral Imperatives” at Berkeley Public Library, 2090 Kittredge St., 3rd floor Meeting Room. 222-7580. eastbayatheists.org 

Free Emergency Preparedness Class in Basic Personal Preparedness from 9 to 11 a.m. at 2100 Martin Luther King Jr. Way. To sign up call 981-5605. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/ 

fire/oes.html 

“Chain Breakin” Workshops in Capoeira and Maculelê from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Studio Rasa, 933 Parker St. Cost is $12-$25. Hosted by BAKA Cultural Arts Center. 205-1799. 

Festival of Cultures with international dance, music, theater from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at International House, 2299 Piedmont Ave. Admission $3-$6. Children under 18 free. 642-9461. http://ihouse.berkeley.edu 

By the Light of the Moon Open mic and salon for women at 7:30 p.m. at Changemakers, 6536 Telegraph Ave. Sliding scale $3-$7. 482-1315. www. 

changemakersforwomen.com  

California College of Arts Spring Fair with ceramics, glass, jewelry, clothing, textiles, paintings and more. Proceeds go to individual artists. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 5212 Broadway at College Ave. 594-3666. 

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  

Sistaz N Motion Membership Drive and Mixer at noon at the Richmond Public Library, Community Room, 325 Civic Center Plaza, Richmond. 925-439-1612. 

Brown Bag Lunch Practicum for Writers at 11 a.m. Sat. and Sun. in Berkeley. For details call the Creative Project Institute 415-816-5640. www.creativeprojectinstitute.com 

Remodeling Workshop for Homeowners from 9 a.m. to noon at Truitt and White Conference Center, 1817 2nd St. Cost is $25-$30. Registration required. 558-8030. 

“Lights, Camera Fashion” Charity fashion show by UC students at 4 and 8 p.m. in the Pauley Ballroom, UC Campus. Tickets are $5-$10 from http://fashion.berkeley.edu 

Quit Smoking Class from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. for six Saturdays at Alta Bates Medical Center, 2450 Ashby Ave., first floor auditorium. To register call 981-5330. quitnow@ci.berkeley.ca.us 

“Exploring the Awakening World” personal coaching with Leza Danly from 9:30 a.m. to noon at the Claremont, 41 Tunnel Rd. Cost is $5-$15. www.sfcoaches.com 

“Destination Studies: Nevada, So. CA, Arizona” from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Vista Community College. 2020 Milvia St. Cost is $13. RSVP to 981-2931. 

“How to Buy a Home in This Crazy Market” from 10 a.m. to noon at First American Title, 2089 Rose, near Shattuck. To RSVP call 981-3063. 

SUNDAY, APRIL 17 

Annual California Wildflower Show noon to 5 p.m. at the Oakland Museum of California, 10th and Oak Sts. Activities for children and families. Admission is $5-$8. 238-2200. www.museumca.org 

41st Annual Iris Show and Sale from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Lakeside Garden Center, 666 Bellevue Ave., Oakland. Sponsored by the Sydney B. Mitchell Iris Society. 277-4200. 

Spring Wildflower Hike Meet at 10 a.m. at the bulletin board at the Big Springs pullout on South Park Drive, Tilden Park. We’ll learn to recognize the eight major families of California wildflowers on this hike. Wear sturdy shoes for a rocky trail. 525-2233. 

The Pond is a Nursery Learn aquatic entomology for the larval point of view, see dragonfly babies, phantom midges and learn their history and future at 2 p.m. at Tilden Nature Center. 525-2233. 

Huckleberry-Sibley Scramble in the Oakland Hills with Greenbelt Alliance. Reservations required. 415-255-3233. www.greenbelt.org 

A Child’s Container Garden a family workshop from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at UC Botanical Garden, 200 Centennial Drive. Cost is $14-$18. Registration required. 643-2755. http://botanicalgarden.berkeley.edu 

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

Earth Day at the Oakland Zoo Learn how to support animals around the world with activities, performers, displays and more from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 632-9525, ext. 202. www.oaklandzoo.org 

Soap Making Workshop Learn the chemistry of soap as we use olive, coconut and palm oils to make natural soap. Bring a pair of rubber gloves. For ages 12 and up. Cost is $10-$12. Registration required. 525-2233. 

Hands-on Bicycle Clinic: Flat Repair at 10 a.m. at REI, 1338 San Pablo Ave. Free. 527-4140. 

Center for the Education of the Infant Deaf Walkathon Fundraiser at 9 p.m. at the Moraga Commons Park, Moraga. Registration is $100. For information call 848-4800, ext. 318. www.ceid.org 

The Peace Alliance Foundation East Bay Kickoff for the US Dept. of Peace at 7 p.m. at the First Church of Religious Science, 5000 Clarewood Dr, off Broadway Terrace, Oakland. 547-1979. www.ThePeaceAlliance.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 Sylvia Gretchen on “Joyful Mind” at 6 p.m. at the Tibetan Nyingma Institute, 1815 Highland Pl. 843-6812. www.nyingmainstitute.com 

MONDAY, APRIL 18 

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.  

Choke Saving Skills, with Hashim Anderson, EMT, at 11 a.m. at Habitot, 2065 Kittredge St. Cost is $5-$6. 647-1111. www.habitot.org 

“Bringing Biodiesel to Native America” A send off of the bus and bike tour at 3 p.m. at the Inter-Tribal Friendship House, 523 International Blvd., Oakland. 653-4274.  

Interfaith Weddings: What Are the Options? at 7:30 p.m. at the BRJCC, 1414 Walnut St. Cost is $15 per couple. 839-2900, ext. 347. 

Stress Less Seminar at 7:15 p.m. at the Upaya Center for Wellbeing, 478 Santa Clara Ave., Oakland. Cost is $40-$80. 465-2524. 

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. 

TUESDAY, APRIL 19 

Early Morning Bird Walk Meet at 7 a.m. at Inspiration Point, Tilden Park, to look for Seaview Trail species, including nuthatches, warblers and sparrows. 525-2233. 

Bird Walk along the Martin Luther King Shoreline to see marsh birds at 3:30 p.m. for information call 525-2233. 

Mini-Rangers at Tilden Park Join us for an afternoon of nature study, conservation and rambling through the woods and water. Dress to get dirty, and bring a healthy snack to share. For children age 8-12, unaccompanied by their partents. Cost is $6-$8. Registration required. 636-1684. 

Berkeley Garden Club Spring Tea and “Natural Flower Arranging” at 1 p.m. at Epworth Methodist Church, 1953 Hopkins St. Cost is $8. 524-4374. 

Kayaking 101 Learn about safety and places to paddle at 7 p.m. at REI, 1338 San Pablo Ave. 527-4140. 

“Freeing a Superpower’s Slaves” The story of the first great human rights campaign with Adam Hochchild at 7:30 p.m. in Buttner Auditorium, College Prep School, 6100 Broadway. Cost is $5-$10. 658-5202. 

American Red Cross Blood Services Volunteer Orientation at 6 p.m. at 6230 Claremont Ave, Oakland. Advance sign-up needed. 594-5165. 

Berkeley Salon Discussion Group meets to discuss The Draft and the Military 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.     

Shakespeare’s Birthday Celebration “All About Hamlet” at 7 p.m. at the Northbrae Community Church, 941 The Alameda. For reservations call 843-6798. yogikuby@earthlink.net 

“Community Resources for Better Health” with Donna Schempp, LCSW, at 4 p.m. at Jewish Family & Children’s Services, 828 San Pablo Ave., Suite 104, Albany. To register call 558-7800. 

Clarity Breathwork with Maggie Ostara, Ph.D. and Susan Chettle at 7 p.m. at Belldonna, 2436 Sacramento St. Cost is $30-$35. 883-0600. www.belladonna.ws 

Vision Screening for Toddlers at 10 a.m. at Habitot, 2065 Kittredge St. Cost is $5-$6. 647-1111. www.habitot.org 

Introductory Buddhist Meditation Class at 7 p.m. at Dzalandhara Buddhist Center, in Berkeley. Suggested donation $7-$10. For directions call 559-8183.www.kadampas.org 

Raging Grannies meet to sing for peace and justice at 2 p.m. at Berkeley Gray Panthers, 1403 Addison St. 548-9696. 

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. Volunteer recognition luncheon at noon. 845-6830. 

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

Family Storytime at 7 p.m. at Kensington Library, 61 Arlington Ave. 524-3043. 

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20 

Tilden Explorers An after school nature adventure for 5-7 year olds who may be accompanied by an adult. No younger siblings please. We’ll learn about plant secrets. From 3:15 to 4:45 p.m. Cost is $6-$8. Registration required. 636-1684. 

“Concerned About Teacher Contract Negotiations?” Join the Berkeley Federation of Teachers in a community forum, at 7 p.m. at Longfellow School Auditorium, 1500 Derby St. Childcare provided. Wheelchair accessible,. Traduccíon al Español disponible. 549-2307. 

“Mountain Bike Racers in Berkeley?” Come meet the Berkeley High team and the founder of the NorCal Mountain Bike High School League at 8 p.m., at the Hillside Club, 2286 Cedar St. Sponsored by Grizzly Peak Cyclists and open to all. Wheelchair accessible. 527-0450. 

Direct from Chiapas with Gustavo Castro at 7:30 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center, 3105 Shattuck Ave. Cost is $5-$10 sliding scale. Benefit for Chiapas Support Committee. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

A Conversation with Alice Walker and Sue Hoya Sellars at 6 p.m. at Belladonna, 2436 Sacramento St. Tickets are $20. 883-0600. www.belladonna.ws 

“Saving Social Security” with Deb Androsa of Global Exchange at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Gray Panthers, 1403 Addison St. Light supper served. 548-9696. 

The Berkeley Lawn Bowling Club provides free instruction every Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. at 2270 Action St. 841-2174.  

Taoist Tai Chi Beginning Level Class at 7 p.m. in the Large Assembly Room of the First Congregational Church, 2345 Channing Way. Affordable monthly donation requested. 415-864-0899. www.taichicalifornia.org 

Walk Berkeley for Seniors meets at 9:30 a.m. at the Sea Breeze Market, just west of the I-80 overpass. Everyone is welcome. 548-9840. 

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. 

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 6:30 p.m. at the Berkeley BART Station.www.geocities.com/vigil4peace/vigil 

CITY MEETINGS 

Berkeley Rent Stabilization Board meets Mon. April 18 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., April 18 at 2:30 p.m., at 2180 Milvia St. 981-6900. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/ 

citycouncil/agenda-committee 

City Council meets Tues., April 19, at 7 p.m in City Council Chambers. 981-6900. www.ci. 

berkeley.ca.us/citycouncil 

Berkeley Housing Authority meets Tues., April 19 at 6:30 p.m. in City Council Chambers. 981-6900. ww.ci.berkeley.ca. 

us/commissions/housingauthority 

Citizens Humane Commission meets Wed., April 20, 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. April 20, 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., April 20, at 6:45 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Delfina M. Geiken, 981-7550. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/labor 

Human Welfare and Community Action Commission meets Wed., April 20, at 7 p.m., at the South Berkeley Senior Center. Kristen Lee, 981-5427. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/welfare 

Design Review Committee meets Thurs., April 21, at 7:30 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Anne Burns, 981-7415. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/designreview  

Transportation Commission meets Thurs., April 21, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Peter Hillier, 981-7000. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/transportation 

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