Press Releases

Berkeley This Week

Friday September 16, 2005

FRIDAY, SEPT. 16 

City Commons Club Noon Luncheon with Andrew E. Barshay, PhD on “Japanese POWs in the Gulag,1945-56” Luncheon at 11:45 a.m. for $13.50, speech at 12:30 p.m., at the Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant St. 526-2925. 

“Redemption - The Stan ‘Tookie’ Williams Story” a special screening with Barbara Becnel, hosted by the Fr. Bill O’Donnell Social Justice Committee, at 7:30 p.m. at St. Joseph the Worker Church, 1640 Addison St. Donations accepted. 482-1062. 

Berkeley Folk Dancers begins a 13-week course of beginners’ lessons at 7:45 p.m. at Live Oak Park, 1301 Shattuck. Cost for the series is $40. 655-9332. www.berkeleyfolkdancers.org  

Spirit Walking Aqua Chi A gentle water exercise class at 10 a.m. at the Berkeley High Warm Pool. Cost is $3.50 per session. 526-0312. 

Environmental Science Activities for Children from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Whole Foods, Telegraph Ave. at Ashby. www.kidsforthebay.org 

Movement: Chi Gung to improve energy and health, at 1 p.m. at Elephant Pharmacy, 1607 Shattuck Ave. 549-9200. 

Scottish Country Dancing Enjoy the traditional social dances of Scotland at a free introductory party at 6:30 p.m. for youth, 8 p.m. for adults at Grace North Church, 2138 Cedar St. 234-8985. 

“The Power of Nightmares: The Rise of the Politics of Fear” a BBC docmentary at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Unitarian Universalists, 1924 Cedar St. 528-5403. 

“The Artist’s Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity” a workshop led by Mac Lingo, Fridays at 1:30 p.m. through Nov. 4 at Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley, 1 Lawson Rd., Kensington. Donation $30. To register call 525-1881.  

Berkeley Chess Club meets at 8 p.m. at the East Bay Chess Club, 1940 Virginia St. Players at all levels are welcome. 845-1041. 

Women in Black Vigil noon to 1 p.m. at UC Berkeley, Bancroft at Telegraph. 548-6310. 

SATURDAY, SEPT. 17 

California Coastal Cleanup Day in Berkeley, from 9 a.m. to noon. Meet behind the Seabreeze Market. Everyone needs to sign waivers. We give you trash /recycle bags, pencils, tally cards and a map of the areas we need to clean. There are seven sites, most within walking distance. There are also clean-up sites in Emeryville and Albany. 981-6720. www.ci.ber 

keley.ca.us/marina/marinaexp/cleanup.htm For Oakland venues call 238-7611. www.oaklandpw.com/creeks 

Cerrito Creek Coastal Cleanup Meet at at 10 a.m. at the south end of Yosemite St. (two blocks west of San Pablo Ave., south of Central Ave.) in El Cerrito. Bring your own picnic. Sponsored by Friends of Five Creeks. 848-358. www.fivecreeks.org 

Marina Bay Beach Cleanup Meet at 9 a.m. at Shimada Friendship Park in Richmond. Wear old clothes, sturdy shoes and work gloves. Followed by BBQ at noon. 374-3231. 

Discounted Bay-Friendly Car Wash from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Kaady Car Wash, 400 San Pablo Ave., Albany. 452-9261, ext. 130. www.savesfbay.org  

Berkeley Firefighters “Three-Alarm Barbeque” A fund-raiser for Berkeley Rep at 11:30 a.m. at 2015 Addison St. Tickets are $15-$25. Additional cost to see matinee of “Our Town.” 647-2949. www.berkeleyrep.org 

Back to School - Not War A day of workshops on peace and social justice at Laney College, Oakland, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. with an Anti-War Rally at 6 p.m. Tickets are $20-$40, $10 for students, includes breakfast and lunch. Sponsored by the Green Party of Alameda County. www.BackToSchoolNotWar.org 

String Band Contest and Crafts Fair from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Berkeley Farmers’ Market, Civic Center Park. 548-3333. www.ecologycenter.org 

Celebrate Berkeley’s New Rail Stop at University and 3rd St. from 1 to 4 p.m. with music, food, speeches, tours and the ribbon-cutting. Sponsored by Berkeley Redevelopment Agency. For more information, contact Marti Brown at 981-7418. 

Berkeley Historical Society Walking Tour of the Claremont - Elmwood to discover a variety of early 20th century houses, estates and paths, from 10 a.m. to noon. Cost is $10. 848-0181. www.cityofberkeley.info/histsoc/ 

“Hot Tips: A Fire Safety Program” from 10 a.m. to noon at the Tilden Nature Center. 981-5506. 

Cajun/Zydeco Festival for Hurrican Relief with Tommy Michot & Edward Poullard, Lost Bayou Ramblers, Brian Jack and the Zydeco Gamblers and many more, plus Lousiana cuisine, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Ardenwood Historic Farm, Fremont. Tickets are $18 at the gate, children $1. Sponsored by the East Bay Regional Park District. 

Bay Area Rockin’ Solidarity Labor Heritage Chorus performs on behalf of the Berkeley Honda striking workers at 1 p.m. at Shattuck and Parker.  

Friends of the Albany Library Book Sale from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 1247 Marin Ave., Albany. Fiction, mysteries, children’s books, library discards, magazines and records. 536-3720, ext. 5. 

California Writers Club Berkeley Branch meets with Joshua Braff, author of “The Unthinkable Thoughts of Jacob Green” at 10 a.m. at Barnes & Noble, Jack London Square, Oakland. 482-0265.  

Untraining White Liberal Racism introductory workshop from 1to 5 p.m. at the Berkeley High School Library, 1980 Allston Way. Donation $10-$50, no one will be turned away for lack of funds. 

“Salud!” A Celebration of Latino Art, Health and Community from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Women’s Cancer Resource Center, 5741 Telegraph Ave. 420-7900. 

Klezmer and Yiddish Culture Festival at 7:30 p.m. at Berkeley Richmond Jewish Community Center, 1414 Walnut St. Tickets are $12-$15. 415-789-7679. 

Peace Corps Cultural Festival Learn about different cultures with Returned Volunteers. Displays, crafts, live performances and games. Bring a picnic. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Peacock Meadows, Golden Gate Park, SF. peacecorpsfestival@yahoo.com  

Walking Tour of Historic Oakland Churches and Temples Meet at 10 a.m. at the front of the First Presbyterian Church at 2619 Broadway. Tour lasts 90 minutes. For reservations call 238-3234. 

Luna Kids Dance Open House with free parent/child dance class at 11:30 a.m. at Grace North Church, 2138 Cedar St. 644-3629.  

Feng Shui for Home and Office at 10 a.m. at Elephant Pharmacy, 1607 Shattuck Ave. at Cedar. 549-9200. 

“Untold Stories: Baseball and the Multicultural Experience” at 7 p.m. at the Oakland Museum of California, 10th and Oak Sts. 238-2200. www.museumca.org 

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.  

“Making a Backyard Wildlife Garden” with Glen Schneider at 10 a.m. at Magic Gardens, 729 Heinz Ave. 644-2351. 

Oakland Outdoor Cinema “The Station Agent” at 8 p.m. on Washington St. between 9th and 10th Sts. Limited seating, bring chairs and blankets. 238-4734. www.filmoakland.com 

SUNDAY, SEPT. 18 

“Feed the Nation” Concert with Jennifer Johns. Support black farmers from the Mandela farmers’ market, at 10 a.m. at Splash Pad Park, Grand Ave. and Lakeshore Blvd., Oakland. 415-454-0174. www.mobetterfood.com 

Klezmer and Yiddish Culture Festival from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. at BRJCC, 1414 Walnut St. Tickets are $18-$20, teens and children free. 415-789-7679. 

Bike Tour of Oakland A leisurely-paced tour covering the history of Oakland. Meet at 10 a.m. at the 10th St. entrance of the Oakland Museum of California. Registration required, 238-3514. 

“Viva Chile!” Views and Voices, a slide show by photographer Thea Bellos at 6 p.m. at La Peña, 3105 Shattuck Ave. 849-2568. 

Omulu Capoeira Annual Children’s Batizado at 2 p.m. at the Malonga Casquelord Center for the Arts, 1428 Alice St., Oakland. Donation $5. 286-7999. www.omulu.org 

Family Exploration: Shadow Puppets at noon at the Oakland Museum of California, 10th and Oak Sts. 238-2200. 

Sycamore Japanese Church Bazaar from noon to 5 p.m. at 1111 Navellier St., between Schmidt and Moeser Aves., El Cerrito. Japanese food, baked goods, BBQ, handcrafts, door prizes and games for children. 525-0727. 

Berkeley Cybersalon with Jim Dolgonas, President and CEO of CENIC at 6 p.m. at The Hillside Club, 2286 Cedar St. Cost is $10-$20. whoisylvia@aol.com 

International Women’s Writing Guild with Jordan Tircuit at 3 p.m. at Cody’s Books on Fourth St. 559-9500. www.codysbooks.com 

Hands-on Bike Maintenance Learn how to do a bicycle safety inspection at 10 a.m. at REI, 1338 San Pablo Ave. Bring your bike and tools. 527-4140. 

Fall Equinox Goddess Circle from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Changemakers, 6536 Telegraph Ave. RSVP to 690-0467. 

Shamanic Journeying: Meeting Your Spirit Animal Allies at 1 p.m. at Rabbitears, 303 Arlington Ave., Kensington. Cost is $60. Registration required. 525-6155. 

Alternative Healing, using the Inner Dowsing Method, with Cea T. Hearth, at 2 p.m. at Changemakers, 6536 Telegraph Ave. Cost is $5. 415-282-2287. 

“Odessey: My Spiritual Quest and the Violin” with Donna Lerew at 9:30 a.m. at Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley, 1 Lawson Rd., Kensington. 525-0302, ext. 306. 

Kol Hadash Brunch Program Bernie Rosen on “Jewish Viewpoint in Medical Ethics” at 9:30 a.m. at Albany Community Center, 1249 Marin Ave. Donation of $5 requested. programs@kolhadash.org 

“Martin Buber’s A Land of Two Peoples” re-release party at 2 p.m. at Kehilla Community Synagogue, 1300 Grand Ave., Piedmont. 547-2424. 

MONDAY, SEPT. 19 

Berkeley Progressive Alliance meets at 7 p.m. at Unitarian Fellowship, Cedar and Bonita. Choose a work team: City Gov. Watch; Elections-precinct work; Labor Support; Religious Liason; Outreach. 540-1975.  

“What’s My Name, Fool?” Sports and Resistance in the United States with author Dave Zirin at 7 p.m. at Oakland Museum of California, 10th and Oak St. 238-2200. www.museumca.org 

Critical Viewing An ongoing group to examine short films and television productions and its effects on our daily lives, at 1 p.m. at the BRJCC, 1414 Walnut St. Free. 848-0237. georgeporter@earthlink.net 

Tibetan Qigong for People Living with Parkinson’s Disease at 10 a.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Everyone is welcome. 528-8853. 

TUESDAY, SEPT. 20 

Berkeley Garden Club “Great Vegetables for East Bay Gardens” with Pam Peirce, author of Golden Gate Gardening plus tomato tasting and produce exchange, at 1 p.m. at Epworth Methodist Church, 1953 Hopkins St. 527-5641. 

Breaking Trail: An Evening with Climber Arlene Blum at 7 p.m. at REI, 1338 San Pablo Ave. 527-4140. 

Maafa 2005: Hurrican Katrina Poetic Protest Fundraiser at 7 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center, 3105 Shattuck Ave. Suggested donation $5-$25. 849-2568. 

Berkeley Salon Discussion Group meets to discuss “Crossroads for Planet Earth” 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.  

“Race, Racialization and Colonialism” with Steve Martinot, Tues. at 7 p.m., through Oct. 3, at Unitarian Fellowship, Education Building, 1606 Bonita St. 528-5403. 

Introduction to Rosen Method to transform muscle tension at 7 p.m. at Elephant Pharmacy, 1607 Shattuck Ave. at Cedar. 549-9200. 

Free Prostate Cancer Screening for uninsured or low-income African-American and Hispanic men, at Alta Bates Summit Medical Center, Oakland. To make an appointment call 869-8833. 

Tuesday Tilden Walkers Join a few slowpoke seniors at 9:30 a.m. in the parking lot near the Little Farm for an hour or two walk. 215-7672, 524-9992. 

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

“Driving and Aging” at 4 p.m. at Center for Older Adult Services, 828 San Pablo Ave. To register call 558-7800. 

“Clinical Trials of Medications for Fibromyalgia” at noon at Maffly Auditorium, Herrick Campus, Alta Bates, 2001 Dwight Way. 644-3273. 

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

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 21 

International Day of Peace Activities and music from 4 to 7 p.m. at Civic Center Park, followed by Peace Walk at 7 p.m. 981-7170. 

“Peace One Day” a documentary about British actor/filmmaker Jeremy Gilley’s successful attempt to have the United Nations declare Sept. 21 an international day of cease fire. At 7:30 p.m. at the Hillside Club, 2286 Cedar, wheelchair accessible. Cost is $5. www.hillsideclub.org 

“Immigration Wars: Open or Closed Borders for America?” with Peter Laufer, author of “Wetback Nation: The Case for Opening the Mexican-American Border” at 7 p.m. at The Independent Institute, 100 Swan Way, Oakland. Cost is $10-$35. For reservations, call 632-1366. 

Berkeley Communicators Toastmasters welcomes curious guests and new members at 7:15 a.m. at Au Coquelet Cafe, 2000 University Ave. at Milvia. 435-5863.  

Entrepreneurs Networking at 8 a.m. at A’Cuppa Tea, 3202 College Ave. at Alcatraz. Cost is $5. 562-9431.  

Walking Tour of Oakland Chinatown Meet at 10 a.m. at the courtyard fountain in the Pacific Renaissance Plaza at 388 Ninth St. Tour lasts 90 minutes. Reservations can be made by calling 238-3234. www.oaklandnet.com/walkingtours 

Grizzly Peak Cyclists meets at 7:30 p.m. at The Hillside Club, 2286 Cedar St. Gordon Wozniak will talk on bicycling in Berkeley. 527-0450.  

North Berkeley Senior Center Book Group will discuss “English Creek” by Ivan Doig, at 1 p.m. at the NBSC. All welcome. 558-7232. 

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

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, wear comfortable shoes and a warm hat. 548-9840. 

Sing your Way Home A free sing-a-long at 4:30 p.m. every Wed. at the Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave. 526-3720. 

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 

Prose Writer’s Workshop at 7 p.m. at BRJCC, 1414 Walnut St. 848-0237. georgeporter@earthlink.net 

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. 

THURSDAY, SEPT. 22 

Autumn Equinox Gathering at 6:15 p.m. at the Interim Solar Calendar, Cesar Chavez Park, Berkeley Marina. Bring your questions about the workings of sun, moon and earth. www.solarcalendar.org 

Oakland Car Free Day A Transportation and Smart Growth Festival from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Frank Ogawa Plaza, 14th and Broadway.  

WriterCoach Connection Training Sessions Thurs. Sept. 22 and 29 at 6:30 p.m. Help students improve their writing and critical thinking skills. To register call 524-2319. www.writercoachconnection.org  

Easy Does It Disability Assistance meets at 6:30 p.m. at 1744A University Ave.All Welcome. 845-5513. 

“The Mistresses of Zorro” A conversation with Isabel Allende and Sandy Curtis at 7:30 p.m. at International House, 2299 Piedmont Ave. Cost is $5. 642-9460.  

Center for Art and Public Life Open House from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the California College of the Arts, 5275 Broadway. 594-3763. 

Venezuela Update with Margaret Prescott at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Unitarian Universalists, 1924 Cedar St. 528-5403. 

The Revolutionary Communist 4 with Carl Dix, Joe Veale, Akil Bomani, and Clyde Young at 7 p.m. at Longfellow Middle School Auditorium, 1500 Derby St. Donations requested. 848-1196. 

“Does Religion Matter?” A conversation with Huston Smith and Katherine Gumbert at 7:30 p.m. at College Prep School, Buttner Auditorium, 6100 Broadway, Oakland. Cost is $5-$10. 339-7726.  

“Don’t Be Six-Feet Under Without a Plan” Learn about creating a Living Will, Powers of Attorney and making final arrangements at 6 p.m. at Chapel of the Chimes, 4499 Piedmont Ave. at Pleasant Valley Rd., Oakland. 562-9431. 

Communication for Caregivers An ongoing free Berkeley Adult School class at 1 p.m. at the South Berkeley Senior Center. 981-5170. 

“How To Prevent Falls” at 4 p.m. at Center for Older Adult Services, 828 San Pablo Ave. To register call 558-7800. 

Center for Buddhist Studies “What Mahayana Sutras Mean” with Jonathan Silk, Dept. of Asian Languages and Cultures, UCLA, at 5 p.m. at the IEAS Conference Room, 2223 Fulton St., 6th Flr. http://ieas.berkeley.edu 

CITY MEETINGS 

Creeks Task Force meets Mon. Sept. 19 at 7 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Erin Dando, 981-7410. www.ci. 

berkeley.ca.us/planning/landuse/Creeks/default.html 

City Council meets Tues., Sept. 20, at 7 p.m in City Council Chambers. 981-6900. www.ci. 

berkeley.ca.us/citycouncil 

Citizens Humane Commission meets Wed., Sept. 21, 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. Sept. 21, 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., Sept. 21, 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. Sept. 21, at 7 p.m., at the South Berkeley Senior Center. Kristen Lee, 981-5427. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/welfare 

Zoning Adjustments Board meets Thurs., Sept. 22, at 7 p.m., in City Council Chambers. Mark Rhoades, 981-7410. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/zoningÌ