Press Releases

TUESDAY, JAN. 17 

Martin Luther King Day Celebration at noon in the Civic Center Lobby, 2180 Milvia St. 981-7000. 

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. 

Martin Luther King Day Celebration at noon in the Civic Center Lobby, 2180 Milvia St. 981-7000. 

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. 

Berkeley Drop-In Center Neighborhood Advisory meeting at 7 p.m. at 3234 Adeline St. This is an opportunity to find out how you can support the Drop-In Center, or to voice neighborhood concerns. Light refreshments. 653-3808, 652-5891. 

“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. 

Simplicity Forum on “What to Incorporate in Your Life this Year?” at 6:30 p.m. at the Claremont Branch of the Berkeley Public Library, 2940 Benvenue Ave. 549-3509. 

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. 548-6310, 845-1143. 

SATURDAY, JAN. 21 

Free Emergency Preparedness Class on Disaster First Aid from 9 to noon at 997 Cedar St., between 8th and 9th. To sign up call 981-5605.  

Mini-Farmers in Tilden A farm exploration program, from 10 to 11 a.m. for ages 4-6 years, accompanied by an adult. We will explore the Little Farm, care for animals, do crafts and farm chores. Wear boots and dress to get dirty! Fee is $5-$7. Registration required. 525-2233. 

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 $6-$8, registration required. 636-1684. 

Birds of Mystery A stroll to listen for the Great Horned Owls looking for mates. Meet at 2 p.m. at the Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. 525-2233. 

Wintertime Pruning and Tree Care A hands-on Workshop from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Berkeley. Cost is $10-$15. Registration required. 548-2220, 233. www.ecologycenter.org 

Mend a Marsh for the Birds Planting and restoration at 9 a.m. at The Watershed Project, 1327 South 46th St., Richmond Field Station, #155, Richmond, followed by naturalists talk at noon. To register call 665-3689. 

Volunteer for Cerrito Creek Wear shoes with good traction and clothes that can get dirty. Meet at 10 a.m. at Creekside Park, south end of Santa Clara St., El Cerrito. 848-9358. www.fivecreeks.org 

A Ghost Town in San Francisco Bay? Learn about the town of Drawbridge on Station Island in the salt marshes of South San Francisco at 3 p.m. at the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge in Fremont. 792-0222. 

“In the Company of Wild Butterflies” A new nature documentary by Bill Levinson at 6:30 p.m. at the Lindsay Wildlife Museum, 1931 First Ave. Walnut Creek. Donation $5-$8. 925-935-1978. 

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 

“Building the Progressive Movement in the East Bay” Kick-Off event with Congressman Ron Dellums and Alameda County Supervisor Keith Carson at 5 p.m. at First Congregational Church of Oakland, 2501 Harrison St. at 27th. 272-6060. 

“War Powers: How the Imperial Presidency Hijacked the Constitution” with Prof. Peter Irons, UCSD at 7 p.m. at Home of Truth Center, 1300 Grand Ave., Alameda. Sponsored by the Alameda Public Affairs Forum. www.alamedaforum.org 

“A Literary Lion at Your Side” with Peter Miller, literary agent at 10 a.m. at Barnes & Noble, Jack London Square, Oakland. 420-8775. www.berkeleywritersclub.org 

“I Have Been to the Mountaintop” Listen to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s last speech, followed by discussion with Demetrius Gins at 2:30 p.m. at Lakeview Branch Library, 550 El Embarcadero, Oakland. 238-7344. 

Bayshore Walk at Point Isabel with the Solo Sierrans. Meet at 3:30 p.m. in the parking lot off Rydin. Bring binoculars. Optional dinner follows. Rain cancels. 234-8949. 

Piedmont Choir Spring Tryouts for children ages 5 to 10 from 9:30 a.m. to noon in Piedmont and Alameda. To schedule an appointment call 547-4441. www.piedmontchoirs.org  

“New Era, New Politics Walking Tour” at 10 a.m. at the African American Museum, 659 14th St., at Jefferson, Oakland. A two-hour guided tour of the points of interest in African American history in Oakland. 238-3234. 

Workshop with Magician Norman Ng for 6th-8th graders at 2 p.m. at the Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave. 526-3720, ext. 17. 

“NeoPaganism in California: Visions of the Past and Memories of the Future” Films and panel discussion from 1 to 5:30 p.m. at the Chapel, Pacific School of Religion, 1798 Scenic Drive. Cost is $15-$25 sliding scale. www.thepaganalliance.org 

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

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

Car Wash Benefit for Options Recovery Services of Berkeley, held every Sat. from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Lutheran Church, 1744 University Ave. 666-9552. 

“Transforming Negative Emotions” a workshop from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Tibetan Nyingma Institute, 1815 Highland Pl. 843-6812. www.nyingmainstitute.com 

SUNDAY, JAN. 22 

Newt Walk Join the annual trek to Sindicich Lagoons, the breeding waters for the California newt. Hike is 5 miles, over the Briones Crest, some muddy trails. Sturdy young hikers eight and older are welcome. Bring lunch and liquids. 525-2233. 

From Fog to Stormdrains A complete tour of our watershed at 2 p.m. at the Environmental Education Center, Tilden Nature Area, Tilden Park. 525-2233. 

“The U.S. Sees the U.N.: A Media Analysis” with Larry Bensky of KPFA at 3:30 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship Hall, 1924 Cedar St. Sponsored by the United Nations Association.  

El Cerrito Historical Society meeting with Richard Tuck on his “Playland-Not-at-the-Beach” Musuem at 1 p.m. at the El Cerrito Senior Center, 6510 Stockton Ave. Pot-luck lunch. for details call 526-7507. 

Berkeley City Club free tour from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Tours are sponsored by the Berkeley City Club and the Landmark Heritage Foundation. Donations welcome. The Berkeley City Club is located at 2315 Durant Ave. 848-7800. 

Cottage Brunch . . . in French! Hosted by Leonard Pitt and Kimberly Vergez from 9:30 a.m. to noon at 1542 Grant St. at Cedar. Cost is $20, reservations required. 841-0686. 

“Interfaith Families and Anti-Semitism” from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Temple Sinai, 2800 Summit St., Oakland. 547-2250. 

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 “When it Rains, Does Space Get Wet?” at 6 p.m. at the Tibetan Nyingma Institute, 1815 Highland Pl. 843-6812. www.nyingmainstitute.com 

MONDAY, JAN. 23 

Berkeley School Volunteers Training workshop for volunteers interested in helping the public schools, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at 1835 Allston Way. 644-8833. 

Kensington Library Book Club meets to discuss William Saroyan’s novel, “The Human Comedy” at 7 p.m. at 61 Arlington Ave., Kensington. 524-3043. 

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

Free Small Business Counselling with SCORE, Service Core of Retired Executives at the Berkeley Public Library, 2090 Kittredge. To make an appointment call 981-6244. 

Medical Qigong Clinic at 5 p.m. at Acupuncture & Integrative Medicine College, 2550 Shattuck Ave. For an appointment call 666-8234. 

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

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 

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