Events Listings

TUESDAY, JAN. 31 

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. 

West Berkeley Alliance for Clean Air and Safe Jobs Community Meeting on Pacific Steel Casting Company with representatives from Pacific Steel Casting, the Bay Area Air Quality Management District, and Berkeley City Council Member Linda Maio’s office. At 7 p.m. at the West Berkeley Senior Center, 1900 6th St. 558-8757. http://westberkeleyalliance.org 

“Eminent Domain: Abuse of Government Power?” with Steven Greenhut, author of “Abuse of Power” and Timothy Sanefur of the Pacific Legal Foundation, at 7 p.m. at the Independent Institute, 100 Swan Way, Oakland. Cost is $10-$15. 632-1366. 

Chinese New Year with author Rosemary Gong to say goodbye to the Year of the Rooster and hello to the Year of the Dog, at 7 p.m. at the El Cerrito Library, 6510 Stockton Ave. 526-7512.  

Yarn Divas Basic Knitting Come learn the basics of knitting, especially, but not exclusively, for women with cancer. Experienced participants are welcome. Learning materials provided. At 7:30 p.m. at the Women’s Cancer Resource Center, 5741 Telegraph Ave, Oakland. 420-7900, ext. 111.  

“Travel Photography: Pueblos & Canyons: The American Southwest” Oakland photographic adventure guide Don Lyon, at 7 p.m. at Chapel of the Chimes, 4499 Piedmont Ave., Oakland. 654-1548.  

“A Mile Down: Disaster at Sea” with author David Vann on his trip form Turkey to the Caribbean in a 90 ft. yacht at 7 p.m. at REI, 1338 San Pablo Ave. 527-4140. 

Red Cross Blood Drive from noon to 6 p.m. at UC Berkeley Unit 1, 2650 Durant Ave. To schedule an appointment call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE. 

Stress Less 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. 524-3043. 

Tuesday Tilden Walkers Meet at 9:30 a.m. in the parking lot near the Little Farm for an hour or two walk. In case of questionable weather, call around 8 a.m. 215-7672, 524-9992. 

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

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

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

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 1 

Kalimba Interactive Assembly with Carl Winters in the African thumb piano, in celebration of Black History Month at 10:30 a.m. at the Oakland Public Library, Elmhurst Branch, 1427 88th Ave. and at 3:30 p.m. at the Cesar Chavez Branch, 3301 East 12th St. All ages welcome. 615-5727. 

“Painful Deception” a film on the 9/11 destruction of the Twin Towers at 7 p.m. at Humanist Hall, 390 27th St., Oakland. Free, but $5 donations accepted. 704-0268. 

Bookmark Book Group meets to discuss “The Tipping Point” by Malcolm Gladwell at 6:30 p.m. at 721 Washington St., Oakland. The Bookmark is the bookstore for Friends of the Oakland Public Library. 444-0473. 

Berkeley School Volunteers Training workshop for volunteers interested in helping the public schools, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at 1835 Allston Way. 644-8833. 

Mozart’s Birthday Concert at 1:30 p.m. at the Albany Senior Center, 846 Masonic Ave., Albany. 524-9122. 

American Red Cross Blood Services Volunteer Orientation from 10 a.m. to noon at the Oakland office. We need your help with blood drives all over the East Bay. 594-5165. 

Small Business Seminar on taxes at 2 p.m. at 2129 Shattuck Ave. To register call 655-2041. 

Breema Open House with free body work session at 6 p.m. at 6201 Florio St., Oakland 428-1234. 

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.  

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. 

The Berkeley Lawn Bowling Club provides free instruction every Wed. and Sat. at 10:30 a.m. at 2270 Acton St. 841-2174.  

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. 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. 

Berkeley Peace Walk and Vigil at 6:30 p.m. followed by Peace Walk at 7 p.m. www.geocities. 

com/vigil4peace/vigil 

THURSDAY, FEB. 2 

Giving Women Power Over AIDS A four day conference and photo exhibit to encourage the development of a topical anti-HIV microbicide for women at International House, 2299 Piedmont Ave. Sponsored by the Hesperian Foundationand UCB School of Public Health. 845-1447, ext. 229. www.hesperian.org 

Kalimba Interactive Assembly with Carl Winters in the African thumb piano, in celebration of Black History Month at 10:30 a.m. at the Oakland Public Library, Dimond Branch, 3565 Fruitvale Ave. and at 3:30 p.m. at the Martin Luther King Branch, 6833 International Blvd. All ages welcome. 615-5727. 

“Locating Buddhist Nuns in the Urban and Cultural Landscape of Early North India” A colloquium at 5 p.m. at the IEAS Conference Room, 2223 Fulton St., 6th floor. 643-6492.  

St. Paul’s Episcopal School 30th Anniversary Celebration at 6 p.m. at Jack London Aquatic Center, 115 Embarcadero West, Oakland. Cost is $85. 285-9613. 

FRIDAY, FEB. 3 

City Commons Club Noon Luncheon with The Hon. David Sterling, on “Issues Before the Pacific Legal Foundation” 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. 

Benefit for Berkeley Food and Housing with blues and jazz by The Soul Sisters Band, The Dave Mathews Blues Band & Denise Perrier and Anna De Leon from 6 to 11 p.m. at The Gaia Arts Center, 2120 Allston Way. Tickets are $25-$30. For reservations call 649-4965, ext. 304. 

“A Forgotten Resistance: The Mosque of Paris” A documentary by Derri Berkani with a discussion with Annete Herskovits, a Jewish woman who was protected by Muslims in Occupied France, at 7:30 p.m. at St. Joseph the Worker Church, 1640 Addison St. 

American Red Cross Blood Drive from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at MLK Student Union, 5th Floor Tilden Room, UC Campus. To schedule an appointment call 1-800-GIVELIFE.  

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. 

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

SATURDAY, FEB. 4 

“Francis Albrier and Social Change in South Berkeley” with local historian Donna Graves at 2 p.m. at the Frances Albrier Community Center in San Pablo Park. 981-7533. 

Progressive Democrats of America, East Bay Chapter, strategic planning meeting for the 2006 elections from 1 to 3 p.m. at Temescal Library, 5205 Telegraph, Oakland. All welcome. 524-4424. www.pdeastbay.org 

Redwood Park Mushroom Walk with the Berkeley Path Wanderers Association. Meet at 10 a.m. at the last parking lot, next to a meadow and well past the trout monument, on the road inside the Redwood Gate entrance. www.berkeleypaths.org  

Brooks Island Kayak and Walk with Save the Bay. All equipment and instruction is provided. Minimum age 16. Trip departs from Richmond Harbor at noon. Cost is $70. For information call 452-9261 ext. 109. www.savesfbay.org 

Sick Plant Clinic from 9 a.m. to noon at the UC Botanical Garden, 200 Centennial Dr. 643-2755.  

Volunteer on Cerrito Creek Join Friends of Five Creeks volunteers planting natives and removing invasives to restore habitat along the new Cerrito Creek walkway. Meet at Creekside Park, south end of Santa Clara St., El Cerrito at 10 a.m. Wear shoes with good traction and clothes that can get dirty. 848-9358. www.fivecreeks.org 

French Broom Removal Work Party at 9:30 a.m. at the Skyline Gate Staging Area, Skyline Blvd., Oakland. We walk to the work site so arriving on time is important. Please bring your own gloves. Weed wrenches and other tools will be provided. Rain cancels. 684-2473. californica@mac.com 

East Bay Atheists Glenn Branch of the National Center for Science Education will speak on “Who’s Winning the Evolution Wars?” at 2 p.m. at the Berkeley Public Library, 3rd floor, 2090 Kittredge St. 

Disaster Mental Health Workshop from 9 a.m. to noon at 997 Cedar St. Sponsored by the Office of Emergency Services. To register call 981-5506. 

Turn Stress into Success Workshop at 10 a.m. at Creating Harmony Institute, Atrium Plaza, 828 San Pablo Ave. Suite 115B, Albany. Free but registration required. 526-1559. 

“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. 

Mindful Drumming for Opening Minds and Healing Hearts in celebration of Black History Month at 7 p.m. at 3278 West St., Oakland. Cost is $20, scholarships available. 652-5530. 

Kids’ Night Out Party for ages 4.5 to 10 years at The Berkwood Hedge School in Berkeley. Cost is $25-$40. Proceeds benefit Monkey Business Camp’s scholarship fund. To register call 540-6025.  

“Careers in International Trade” workshop at Vista College, 2075 Allston Way. Cost is $13 for California residents. To register call 981-2913. 

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

Free Garden Tours at Regional Parks Botanic Garden Sat. and Sun. at 2 pm. Regional Parks Botanic Garden, Tilden Park. Call to confirm. 841-8732. www.nativeplants.org 

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. 

SUNDAY, FEB. 5 

Natural Wonders Explore nearby trails to discover what amazing offerings nature has for us. Meet at 10 a.m. at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. 525-2233. www.ebparks.org 

“Are You Good Enough to be Published” A symposium with Alan Rinzler at 3 p.m. at Cody’s Books. 845-7852. www.codysbooks.com 

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 Abbe Blum on “Freedom to Change” at 6 p.m. at the Tibetan Nyingma Institute, 1815 Highland Pl. 843-6812. www.nyingmainstitute.com 

MONDAY, FEB. 6 

National Read a Black Book Day A read-a-thon in celebration of Black History Month, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Merritt College Library, 12500 Campus Drive, Oakland. 436-2557. 

National Organization for Women, Oakland/East Bay Chapter meets at 6 p.m. at the Oakland YWCA, 1515 Webster St. The speaker will be Helen Isaacson, a member of Grandmothers’ Against the War who will discuss the group’s plan to enter Army Recruiting Offices on Valentines Day to attempt to enlist. 287-8948. 

“150 Years in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta: Where Do We Go From Here?” with Jeff Hart at 7 p.m. at the Albany Community Center, 1249 Marin Ave., at Masonic. 848-9358. www.fivecreeks.org 

Basic Balkan Singing Workshhop led by Janet Kutulas Monday evenings at 7:30 p.m. at KITKA/Children's Advocates, 1201 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, at 12th St., Oakland. Four-session series for $60. Individual class $20. 444-0323.  

Sing-A-Long from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Albany Senior Center, 846 Masonic Ave. 524-9122.  

Beginning Bridge Lessons at 11:10 a.m. at the Albany Senior Center, 846 Masonic Ave. Cost is $1. 524-9122. 

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

McGee Avenue Toastmasters meets on the first and third Mondays of the month at 7:30 p.m. at McGee Ave. Baptist Church, 1640 Stuart St. 501-7005. 

American Red Cross Blood Drive from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Pacific School of Religion, 1798 Scenic Ave. To schedule and appointment call 1-800-GIVELIFE. www.BeADonor.com 

“Healthy Eating Habits Seminar” at 6:30 p.m. at Lakeview Branch Library Meeting Room, 550 El Embarcadero. 238-7344. 

Free Business Loan and Business Plan Writing Boot Camp Mon. and Fri. from 9 a.m. to noon at 519 17th St., 2nd Floor, Ste. 200, Oakland, through March 31. 395-6003. 

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

TUESDAY, FEB. 7 

Kalimba Interactive Assembly with Carl Winters in the African thumb piano, in celebration of Black History Month at 10 a.m. at the Oakland Public Library, West Oakland Branch, 1801 Adeline St. and at 1 p.m. at the Temescal Branch, 5205 Telegraph Ave. All ages welcome. 238-7352. 

Berkeley School Volunteers Training workshop for volunteers interested in helping the public schools, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at 1835 Allston Way. 644-8833. 

“Sankofa” A showing of the Black independent film at 6 p.m. at Merritt College, Building A, Room 218.  

Introduction to Conscious Parenting If you have ever wondered about new ways of parenting, or struggled with things not going how you expected, come and find relief, community, and a host of new tools at 7:30 p.m. at Epic Arts, 1923 Ashby near Ashby BART. 415-312-1830,  

Turn Stress into Success Workshop at 7:30 p.m. at Creating Harmony Institute, Atrium Plaza, 828 San Pablo Ave. Suite 115B, Albany. Free but registration required. 526-1559. 

Paris & Provence with photographic adventure guide Don Lyon at 7 p.m. at Chapel of the Chimes, 4499 Piedmont Ave., Oakland. 654-1548.  

Berkeley Salon Discussion Group meets to discuss Love and Sex in the 21st Century from 7 to 9 p.m. at the BRJCC, 1414 Walnut St. 601-6690. 

California Shakespeare Summer Theater Camp Open House to meet with potential campers and their families from 7-8:30 p.m. at the Cal Shakes Rehearsal Hall, 701 Heinz Ave. 548-3422 ext. 127. 

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

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. 

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. 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. 845-6830. 

ONGOING 

“Sprout Hope” Half-Pint Library Book Drive to benefit the library at Children’s Hospital, Oakland, is looking to register schools in the book drive. To register see www.halfpricebooks.com 

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 contact Berkeley Youth Alternatives, 845-9066. www.byaonline.org 

Albany Library Free Drop-in Homework Help for students in third through fifth grades, Mon. - Thurs. from 3 to 5:30 p.m. Emphasis is placed on math and writing skills. No registration is required. 526-3720, ext. 17. 

CITY MEETINGS 

Community Environmental Advisory Commission meets Thurs., Feb. 2 at 7 p.m. at 2118 Milvia St. Nabil Al-Hadithy, 981-7460.  

Housing Advisory Commission meets Thurs., Feb. 2, at 7:30 p.m., at the South Berkeley Senior Center. Oscar Sung, 981-5400.  

Landmarks Preservation Commission meets Thurs. Feb. 2, at 7:30 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-7419.  

Public Works Commission meets Thurs., Feb. 2, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Jeff Egeberg, 981-6406.  

Creeks Task Force meets Mon. Feb. 6, at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Erin Dando, 981-7410.  

Peace and Justice Commission meets Mon., Feb. 6, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Manuel Hector, 981-5510.  

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

berkeley.ca.us/citycouncil 

Homeless Commission meets Wed., Feb. 8,, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Jane Micallef, 981-5426.  

Zoning Adjustments Board meets Thurs., Feb. 9, at 7 p.m., in City Council Chambers. Mark Rhoades, 981-7410. ›