Arts Listings

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. 526-2925. 

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 

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. Representatives from the Berkeley Police Dept will talk about protecting ourselves in a major disaster. www.berkeleycna.com  

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 

“California Native Plants for the Garden” with author David Fross at 3 p.m. at Mrs. Dalloway’s, 2904 College Ave. 704-8222. 

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. 

“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.  

“Blood on the Border: Memoir of the Contra War” with Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz at 6 p.m. at Berkeley Felloship, 1924 Cedar St. 495-5132. 

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. 

KPFA Town Hall Meeting from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Women’s Building, 3543 18th St., San Francisco. All listeners are invited to come and express your thoughts and opinions about your community needs and KPFA. 848-6767. 

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 

Downtown Berkeley BART Plaza Community Workshop on a new design plan at 7 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-7065. 

“Saving Antiquities” Matthew Bogdanos, author of “Thieves of Baghdad” and a colonel in the Marine reserve will describe his efforts to save irreplaceable antiquities looted from the Iraq Museum in 2003, at 7:30 p.m. at 145 Dwinelle Hall, UC Campus. www.savingantiquities.org 

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. 

Introduction to Meditation with Diane Eshin Rizzetto at 6:45 p.m. at Bay Zen Center, 315 Alcatraz near College Ave. $10 suggested donation, but no one turned away. Register in advance 596-3087. www.bayzen.org 

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

TUESDAY, JAN. 24 

Return of Over-the-Hills Gang Hiker 55 years and older who are interested in nature study, history, fitness and fun are invited to join us on a series of monthly excursions exploring our Regional Parks. This month we’ll visit Sobrante Ridge and see a stand of rare Alameda manzanita. For details call 525-2233. 

“Living with Lions” A reception and lecture by the Mountain Lion Foundation at 6:30 p.m. at the Oakland Zoo. Tickets are $10-$20. 632-9525, ext. 122. 

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

Winter Backcountry Travel: Safety and Survival Tips with Mike Kelly of the National Ski Patrol at 7 p.m. at REI, 1338 San Pablo Ave. 527-4140. 

“Nepal and Bhutan: Traditional Life” a photography slide show with Don Lyon at 7 p.m. at Chapel of the Chimes, 4499 Piedmont Ave. 654-1548. 

“Another Side of Peace” A documentary about Israeli and Palestinian parents who have lost their children at 7 p.m. in the Albany High School Library, 603 Key Route Blvd. Enter through the gymnasium doors on Thousand Oaks. Discussion follows. Presented by Embracing Diversity Films. 527-1328. 

“Insight and Inner Peace” a lecture on Buddhism by Joe Bobrow at 7:30 p.m. at Berkeley Buddhist Monastery, 2304 McKinley Ave. 527-2935. 

Clowning at the Library with Daffy Dave at 6:30 p.m. at Kensington Library, 61 Arlington Ave. Reservations required. 524-3043. 

Berkeley PC Users Group Problem solving and beginners meeting to answer, in simple English, users questions about Windows computers. At 7 p.m. at 1145 Walnut St. corner of Eunice. All welcome, no charge. 527-2177.  

Red Cross Blood Drive from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Argosy University, 999-A Canal Blvd., Point Richmond. To schedule an appointment call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE. 

Reverse Mortgage Seminar with Maggie O’Connell of Seattle Mortgage at 1 p.m. at the Oakland Zoo Auditorium. Free, but registration required. 800-489-0986. 

Healthy Eating Habits Seminar with hypnosis at 6:30 p.m. at New Moon Opportunities, 378 Jayne Ave. Free, but registration required. 465-2524. 

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. Share your digital images, slides and prints and learn what other photographers are doing. Monthly field trips. 548-3991. www.berkeleycameraclub.org 

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.  

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. 

“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. 

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 25  

Solar Richmond Project Community Meeting, on how to build solar energy in Richmond, hosted by Council member Gayle McLaughlin at 7 p.m. at Richmond Public Library, Whittlesey Room, 325 Civic Center Plaza. www.SolarRichmond.org 

Robert Burn’s Night at 6 p.m. at the Berkeley City Club. Bagpipes and traditional readings. Cost is $30 per person including dinner and a small glass of whiskey. Reservations required. 848-7800. 

Film Series on Animal Agony, the California egg industry amd Wegman’s cruelty, at 7 p.m. at Humanist Hall, 390 27th St., Oakland. Donation of $5 suggested. www.east 

bayanimaladvocates.org 

“Confessions of an Economic Hit Man” with John Perkins, Kevin Danaher and Anuradha Mittal at 7:30 p.m. at the King Middle School Auditorium, 1781 Rose St. Tickets are $12-$15. Benefit for KPFA and Global Exchange. 415-255-7296, ext. 200. 

“Looting the World’s Archaeological Heritage: Whose Fault?” with Lord Colin Renfrew, Disney Professor of Archaeology, University of Cambridge and Director, McDonald Institute for Archaeological Research, at 5 p.m. at the Archaeological Research Facility, 2251 College Building, UC Campus. 

“Strange Weather: Global Warming and Its Effects” with Tom and Jane Kelly of Kyoto-USA at 1:30 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Sponsored by the Gray Panthers. 548-9696. 

Walk Berkeley for Seniors meets every Wednesday 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. 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 

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. 

Prose Writer’s Workshop An ongoing group made up of friendly writers who are serious about our craft. All levels welcome. At 7 p.m. at BRJCC, 1414 Walnut St. 848-0237. georgeporter@earthlink.net 

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. 26 

“California Faience of Berkeley: A Family Perspective” with Kirby William Brown at 8 p.m. at the Hillside Club, 2286 Cedar St. Cost is $8-$12. 843-8982. 

Martin Luther King. Jr. Community Banquet at 7 p.m. at the Rotunda Building, 300 Frank Ogawa Plaza, Oakland. Cost is $150. Presented by the YMCA of the East Bay. 451-8039, ext. 777.  

Community Meeting on the Albany Shoreline and an alternative to the mall project at 7 p.m. at the Albany High School multipurpose room on Key Route Blvd in Albany. Sponsored by Citizens for the Albany Shoreline (CAS) in cooperation with Citizens for East Shore Parks (CESP) and the Sierra Club. 526-0073. www.albanyshoreline.org 

“A Crisis Call to Action” with Sgt. Delacy Davis, founder of Black Cops Against Police Brutality at 7 p.m. at South Berkeley Community Church, 1805 Fairview St. Donations accepted. 548-0425. 

“Housetraining your Puppy” at 7:30 p.m. at dogTec, 5221 Central Ave., #1, on the border of El Cerrito and Richmond. Free, but donations appreciated. 644-0729. www.openpaw.org 

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 

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 

Pee Wee Basketball for ages 6-8 begins Feb. 4, and All Net Basketball for ages 9-11 begins Feb. 23. For further information cantact Berkeley Youth Alternatives, 845-9066. www.byaonline.org 

CITY MEETINGS 

Creeks Task Force meets Mon. Jan. 23, at 7 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Erin Dando, 981-7410. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/planning/landuse/Creeks/default.html 

Parks and Recreation Commission meets Mon., Jan. 23, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Virginia Aiello, 981-5158. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/parksandrecreation 

Disaster Council meets Wed., Jan. 25, at 7 p.m., at the Emergency Operations Center, 997 Cedar St. William Greulich, 981-5502. www.ci.berkeley.ca. us/commissions/disaster 

Energy Commission meets Wed., Jan. 25, at 6:30 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Neal De Snoo, 981-5434. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/energy 

Fire Safety Commission meets Wed., Jan. 25, at 7:30 p.m. at 997 Cedar St. David Orth, 981-5502. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/firesafety 

Planning Commission meets Wed., Jan. 25, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Janet Homrighausen, 981-7484. www.ci.berkeley. ca.us/commissions/planning 

Zoning Adjustments Board meets Thurs., Jan. 26, at 7 p.m., in City Council Chambers. Mark Rhoades, 981-7410. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/zoning  ?