Press Releases

Berkeley This Week

Friday January 13, 2006

FRIDAY, JAN. 13 

City Commons Club Noon Luncheon with Denis Kuby on “Pending Death Changes in California” Luncheon at 11:45 a.m. for $13.50, speech at 12:30 p.m., at the Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant St. For information and reservations call 526-2925 or 665-9020.  

Berkeley Critical Mass Bike Ride meets at the Berkeley BART the second Friday of every month at 5:30 p.m.  

Womansong Circle participatory singing and chants with Betsy Rose and Gael Acock at 7:15 p.m. at First Congregational Church of Berkeley, 2345 Channing Way. Donation $10-$20. 525-7082. 

Berkeley Chess School classes for students in grades 1-8 from 5 to 7 p.m. at 1581 LeRoy Ave., room 17. 843-0150. 

Berkeley Chess Club meets Fridays 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, from noon to 1 p.m. at UC Berkeley, Bancroft at Telegraph. wibberkeley@yahoo.com 548-6310, 845-1143. 

“Enlightened Vision: Seeing the Qualities of Buddha” a workshop from 7 to 9 p.m., and on Sat. at the Tibetan Nyingma Institute, 1815 Highland Pl. Cost is $95. 843-6812. www.nyingmainstitute.com 

SATURDAY, JAN. 14 

Free Emergency Preparedness Class on Basic Personal Preparedness from 10 a.m. to noon and also 1:30 to 3:30 at the Fireside Room, St. John’s Presbyterian Church, 2727 College Ave. To sign up call 981-5605. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/ 

fire/oes.html 

Richmond General Plan Community Meeting on the re-write of the city’s general plan which will affect shoreline, housing, business, neighborhood character and transportation. Richmond residents encouraged to attend at 1 p.m. in the Madeline F. Whittlesey Community Room, Richmond Public Library, 325 Civic Center Plaza. 672-1897. www.richmondgeneralplan.org 

Lead-Safe Work Practices Learn how to remedy lead hazards in older homes, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Oakland. Sponsored by the Alameda County Lead Poisoning Prevention Project. 567-8280. 

Wildcat Creek Watershed Hike Meet at 2 p.m. at the Tilden Nature Area for a 3-mile hike to learn how the creek has been protected for trout and newts. Bring a snack and water. 525-2233. 

Fossil Detectives A hands-on children’s workshop at 11 a.m. at Lawrence Hall of Science, Centennial Drive. Cost is $5.50-$9.50, plus $5 reservation fee. 642-5132. 

Down Home Martin Luther King Potluck Celebration at 6 p.m. at Inserstake Center, Mormon temple, 4780 Lincoln Blvd., Oakland. Bring your favorite dish from “back home” for four. 654-2592. 

Vegetarian Cooking Class from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at he First Unitarian Church of Oakland, 685 14th St. Cost is $45. Registration required. 531-COOK. www.compassionatecooks.com  

“Off Road to Athens” A documentary on the US Pro Mountain Bikers and discussion with Todd Wells at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Community Theater, 1930 Allston Way. For tickets and information call 352-6502. 

“Wal-Mart: The High Cost of a Low Price” the documentary at 9:30 a.m. at the Niebyl-Proctor Library, 6501 Telegraph Ave. Sponsored by Democratic Socialists of America. 415-789-8497. www.dsausa.org 

“Feng Shui for the Writer” from 8:30 a.m. to noon at Pyramid Alehouse, 901 Gilman St. Presented by the SF Chapter of Romance Writers of America. For reservations email dginny1942@cs.com 

By the Light of the Moon Open Mic and Salon for Women at 7:30 p.m. at Changemakers, 6536 Telegraph Ave. Donation $3-$7. To sign up call 482-1315. 

“Jewish Literature: Identity and Imagination” A reading and discussion at 2 p.m. at the Kensington Library, 61 Arlington Ave., Kensington. 524-3043. 

Bipolar In Order Workshop with Tom Wootton, Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Alta Bates Herrick Campus. Registration required. 760-749-5719. www.bipolarinorder.org  

Fasting Made Easy A workshop at 11 a.m. at Elephant Pharmacy, 1607 Shattuck Ave. 549-9200. 

Preschool Storytime for 3-5 year olds at 11 a.m. at the Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave. 526-3720, ext. 17. 

SUNDAY, JAN. 15 

“Safe at Home: Oaklanders Who Changed the Game of Baseball” A tribute to the late George Pawles, McClymonds High School coach at 2 p.m. at Oakland Museum of California, 10th and Oak Sts. 238-3402. www.museumca.org 

Fireside Storytelling at 2 p.m. at the Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. 525-2233. 

Family Bird Walk Discover the bird life on the trails and at the marsh at 2:30 p.m. at the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge in Fremont. Recommended for children ages 5-10. Reservations required. 792-0222. 

Winter Flowers on the Ridge Explore the fragile ecosystem of Sobrante Ridge. Meet at 10 a.m. at the staging area at the end of Coach Drive, El Sobrante. Appropriate for age 10 and up, hike is 3 miles with some hills. 525-2233. 

Berkeley Gray Panthers MLK Jr. Birthday Celebration to honor local activists who went south to work on civil rights, at 2 p.m. at Redwood Gardens Community Room, 2951 Derby St. 548-9696. 

Berkeley CyberSalon with Jaron Lanier, who coined the word virtual reality and founded VPL Research at 5 p.m. at the Hillside Club, 2286 Cedar St. Donation is $10. www.hillsideclub.org 

Brainstormer Trivia Pub Quiz at 8:30 p.m. at Albatross, 1822 San Pablo Ave. 843-2473. www.albatrosspub.com 

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 at 3 p.m. at the colonnade at the NE end of the lake. 763-8712.  

Tibetan Buddhism with Sylvia Gretchen on “Transforming the Power of Pain into Well-Being” at 6 p.m. at the Tibetan Nyingma Institute, 1815 Highland Pl. 843-6812. www.nyingmainstitute.com 

MONDAY, JAN. 16 

Reduced City Services Today Call ahead to ensure programs or services you desire will be available. 981-CITY. www.cityofberkeley.info 

“A Day On, Not Off” Volunteer at the MLK Shoreline from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Arrowhead Marsh, at Doolittle Drive and Swan Way. Registration encouraged. 562-1373. 

“Make the Dream Real” Martin Luther King Celebration at 10 a.m. at Taylor Memorial Methodist Church, 1188 12th St. at Adeline, Oakland. 652-5530. 

McGee Avenue Toastmasters meets at 7:30 p.m. at the McGee Ave Baptist Church, 1640 Stuart St. 501-7005. 

STD Clinic Volunteer Training for Gay/Bi Men for the Gay Men’s Health Clinic at 7:30 p.m. at 2339 Durant Ave. 548-3007, ext. 6307. 

World Affairs Discussion Group for seniors at 10:15 a.m. at the Albany Senior Center. Cost is $2.50. 

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

TUESDAY, JAN. 17 

Ashby BART Development Community Meeting at 7 p.m. at the South Berkeley Senior Center, 2939 Ellis St., to discuss the development proposal and transit villages. 

Berkeley High School Site Council meets at 4:30 p.m. in the BHS Library. On the agenda are: Berkeley International High School Proposal-decision on a recommendation for the Board, review of lottery results and an update on the plan for the Master Schedule. 525-0124. 

Birdwalk on the MLK Shoreline from 3 to 5 p.m. to see the shorebirds here for the winter. Beginnners welcome, binoculars available for loan. 525-2233. 

Berkeley Garden Club “Saving San Francisco Bay for the Future” with David Lewis of Save the Bay at 1 p.m. at Epworth Methodist Church, 1953 Hopkins St. 527-5641. 

Berkeley Salon Discussion Group meets to discuss “Status Anxiety: What Me Worry?” from 7 to 9 p.m. at the BRJCC, 1414 Walnut St. 527-1022. 

“English Country Life” Travel photography with Don Lyon at 7 p.m. at Chapel of the Chimes, 4499 Piedmont Ave., Oakland. 654-1548.  

“Tax Saving Tips for the Small Business Owner” with Cathy Mu, C.P.A. at 6:30 p.m. at the El Cerrito Library, 6510 Stockton Ave., El Cerrito. Reservations recommended, call 925-646-5377.  

“Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plans” and other options with Florence Piliavin, Advocate with HICAP at noon at Maffly Auditorium at Alta Bates Herrick Campus, 2001 Dwight Way. 644-3273. 

“Spiritual Wickedness in High Places” a four-day course on the Christian Conscience, Dissent, and Public Policy in Contemporary American Society at the Pacific School of Religion, 1798 Scenic Ave. Fees for Continuing Education Credit are $150-$300. www.gtuss.org/psr 

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. 

American Red Cross Blood Services Volunteer Orientation at 6 p.m. at its headquarters in Oakland. Volunteers are needed to support the more than 40 blood drives held each month all over the East Bay. For more information, please call 594-5165. 

Sleep Soundly Seminar with hypnosis and relaxation skills at 6:30 p.m. at New Moon Opportunities, 378 Jayne Ave. Free, but registration required. 465-2524. 

Family Story Time at 7 p.m. at the Kensington Branch Library, 61 Arlington Ave., Kensington. Free, all ages welcome. 524-3043. 

Free Handbuilding Ceramics Class 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at St. John’s Senior Center, 2727 College Ave. Also, Mon. noon to 4 p.m. at the South Berkeley Senior Center. Materials and firing charges not included. 525-5497. 

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

Berkeley Camera Club meets at 7:30 p.m., at the Northbrae Community Church, 941 The Alameda. Share your digital images, slides and prints and learn what other photographers are doing. Monthly field trips. 548-3991. www.berkeleycameraclub.org 

Introduction to Buddhist Meditation at 7 p.m. at the Dzalandhara Buddhist Center in Berkeley. Cost is $7-$10. Call for directions. 559-8183. www.kadampas.org 

“Ask the Social Worker” free consultations for older adults and their families from 10 a.m. to noon at BRJCC, 1414 Walnut St. To schedule an appointment call 558-7800, ext. 716. 

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, JAN. 18 

Tilden Explorers An after-school nature adventure program for 5-7 year olds, who may be accompanied by an adult. We will learn about patterns in nature, from 3:15 to 4:45 p.m. at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. Cost is $6-$8, registration required. 636-1684. 

“What Makes a Great Downtown?” a symposium, sponsored by the City of Berkeley and University of California Downtown Planning Committees at 7 p.m. at 22 Warren Hall, UC Campus. 981-7487. 

Berkeley School Volunteers Training workshop for volunteers interested in helping the public schools, from 3 to 4:30 p.m. at 1835 Allston Way. 644-8833. 

“Medicare: How to Avoid Problems with Your Prescription Needs” with Michael Lyons of the California Alliance for Retired Americans at 7 p.m. at the Berkeley Gray Panthers, 1403 Addison St. 548-9696. 

“Animal Health Care: Eastern and Western Perspectives” at 7 p.m. at the Berkeley East-Bay Humane Society, 2700 Ninth St., at Carleton. Donation $10. Please RSVP to 845-7735, ext. 22. 

“Out of the Pit: Dog Fighting in Chicago” a film by Butch Campbell at 7 p.m. at Humanist Hall, 390 17th St., Oakland. Sponsored byt East Bay Animal Advocates. Donation $5. www.HumanistHall.net 

Green Health Care at 7 p.m. at the Teleosis Institute, 1521B Fifth St. 558-7285. 

Lead Funding Informational Meeting on financial assistance to reduce lead hazards, from 9 to 11 a.m. at Truitt and White conference room, 1817 Second St. Owners of pre-1978 rental housing with low-income tenants encouraged to attend. 567-8280. 

Community Policing in Oakland A program of the MGO Democratic Club with Deputy Chief Greg Lowe of the OPD, Claudia Albano of the City of Oakland’s Home Alert and Neighborhood Services Dept. and others, at 7 p.m. at the Piedmont Gardens, Oakland. 834-9198. 

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. 

Walk Berkeley for Seniors meet 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.  

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. 

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. followed by Peace Walk at 7 p.m. www.geocities.com/ 

vigil4peace/vigil 

THURSDAY, JAN. 19 

Golden Gate Audubon Society with Seth Brewer on “The Hunt for Brewer, Buckwheat and Bowerman” at 7 p.m. at the Northbrae Community Church, 941 The Alameda. www.goldengateaudubon.org 

Alaskan Rainforest Kayak Journey with Dan Kiely at 7 p.m. at the Ecology Center, 2530 San Pablo Ave. 548-2220, ext. 233. 

Benefit for Code Pink and the Campaign to Bring Home the National Guard with Famous Last Words and Robert Temple and his Soulfolk Ensemble at 9 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $6. 841-2082.  

LeConte Neighborhood Association meets at 7:30 p.m. at the LeConte School, Russell at Ellsworth. Agenda items will include: The Transit Village at Ashby Bart, the Black & White Liquor store, our annual election and other District concerns. For more information, please contact: KarlReeh@aol.com or 843-2602. 

Red Cross Blood Drive from noon to 6 p.m. at MLK Student Union, UC Campus, also on Fri. To schedule an appointment call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE.  

World of Plants Tours Thurs., Sat. and Sun. at 1:30 p.m. at the UC Botanical Garden, 200 Centennial Drive. Cost is $5. 643-2755. http://botanicalgarden.berkeley.edu 

FRIDAY, JAN. 20 

City Commons Club Noon Luncheon with Robert Flammia on “The Power of Touch” Luncheon at 11:45 a.m. for $13.50, speech at 12:30 p.m., at the Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant St. 526-292  

Berkeley Chess School classes for students in grades 1-8 from 5 to 7 p.m. at 1581 LeRoy Ave., room 17. 843-0150. 

Berkeley Chess Club meets Fridays 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, from noon to 1 p.m. at UC Berkeley, Bancroft at Telegraph. wibberkeley@yahoo.com 548-6310, 845-1143. 

ONGOING 

Free Tax Help—United Way’s Earn it! Keep It! Save It! program provides free filing assistance to households that earned less than $38,000 in 2005. To find a free tax site near you, call 800-358-8832 or visit www.EarnitKeepitSaveit.org 

CITY MEETINGS 

City Council meets Tues., Jan. 17, at 7 p.m in City Council Chambers. 981-6900. www.ci. 

berkeley.ca.us/citycouncil 

Board of Library Trustees meets Wed. Jan. 18, at 7 p.m. at the South Berkeley Senior Center. Jackie Y. Griffin, 981-6195. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/ 

commissions/library 

Citizens Humane Commission meets Wed. Jan. 18, at 7 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Kate O'Connor, 981-6601. www.ci.berkeley.ca. 

us/commissions/humane 

Commission on Aging meets Wed. Jan. 18, 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., Jan. 18, at 6:45 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Delfina M. Geiken, 981-7550. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/ 

commissions/labor 

Downtown Area Plan Committee meets Wed., Jan. 18, at 22 Warren Hall, just east of Oxford at University. Matt Taecker, 981-7487. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/dapac 

Human Welfare and Community Action Commission meets Wed. Jan. 18, at 7 p.m., at the South Berkeley Senior Center. Kristen Lee, 981-5427. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/welfare 

Berkeley Rent Stabilization Board meets Thurs., Jan. 19, at 7 p.m. in City Council Chambers, Pam Wyche, 644-6128 ext. 113. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/rent 

Design Review Committee meets Thurs., Jan. 19, at 7:30 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Anne Burns, 981-7415. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/ 

commissions/designreview  

Fair Campaign Practices Commission meets Thurs., Jan. 19, at 7:30 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Prasanna Rasaih, 981-6950. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/faircampaign