Events Listings

Berkeley This Week

Friday March 17, 2006

FRIDAY, MARCH 17 

City Commons Club Noon Luncheon with Pierre Miege on “Social Pressures in China.” Luncheon at 11:45 a.m. for $13.50, speech at 12:30 p.m., at the Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant St. 665-9020.  

“Transparency in Government” A workshop for citizens on the Brown Act and the California Public Records Act from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at San Lorenzo Community Hall, 377 Paseo Grande, San Lorenzo. Sponsored by the Leagues of Women Voters of Alameda County. Cost is $20-$25. For reservations call 538-9678. lwvsun@comcast.net 

“Darfur Diaries” Film and discussion with filmmaker Adam Shapiro at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Fellowship, 1924 Cedar St., at Bonita. Part of the Conscientious Projector film series. Donation $5 and up, no one turned away. 528-5403. 

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 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. 845-1143. 

SATURDAY, MARCH 18 

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. 

Restore Rare Coastal Prarie in Richmond Volunteers are needed to assist in this on-going effort to restore a portion of West Stege marsh, its surrounding uplands, and adjacent grassland, on the University of California’s Richmond Field Station. To register and for directions call 665-3689. www.thewatershedproject.org 

Bay-Friendly Gardening Basics This workshop provides an overview of design and maintenance considerations to help you make smart choices in the nursery. From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the South Berkeley Senior Center, 2939 Ellis St. Free, registration required. 444-7645. www.BayFriendly.org  

Berkeley Elementary School Resource Fair for parents at 10 a.m. at LeConte Elementary School, 2241 Russell St. Fair includes information about Berkeley summer camps, children’s sports leagues and financial aid, free consultations with lawyers and healthcare experts and information about Berkeley Special Education services. Spanish translation and refreshments provided. 883-5244. 

Shamrock Day at Habitot Children’s Museum Green art activities and a hunt for hidden pots of gold from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., with music at 3:30 p.m. at 2065 Kittredge St. 647-1111.  

“Tibet in Pictures” An educational presentation by Tamdin Wangdu of the Tibetan Village Project, at 3 p.m. at Tibet Books and Design, 1201C Solano Ave., Albany. Please RSVP as seating is limited. 525-1989. 

Lead-Safety for Remodeling, repair and painting of older homes. AHUD & EPA approved class held in Oakland from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. To register, call Alameda County Lead Poisoning Prevention Program 567-8280. www.ACLPPP.org 

East Bay Atheists meets to discuss “Fundamentalism and Communication” at 2 p.m. at the Berkeley Public Library, 2090 Kittredge St., 3rd floor meeting room. 222-7580. 

Vegetarian Cooking Class Journey to India from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the First Unitarian Church of Oakland, 685 14th St. at Castro. Cost is $45. Register in advance online at www.compassionatecooks.com 531-COOK. 

“Breastapalooza” A Breast Health Fair for young women from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Alta Bates Summit Health Education Center, 400 Hawthorne Rd., Oakland. To register call 1-800-870-8705. 

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 

“Real Estate Investing” A free seminar from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Berkeley Association of Relators, 1553 Martin Luther King Jr. Way. 

Berkeley Rep’s Teen Theater Conference from 1 to 5:45 p.m. at Berkeley Rep School of Theater, 2071 Addison St. 647-2971. www.berkeleyrep.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. 

Tibetan Buddhism with Lama Palznag and Pema Gellek on “Cutting Off Negative Thoughts” at 6 p.m. at the Tibetan Nyingma Institute, 1815 Highland Pl. 843-6812. www.nyingmainstitute.com 

SUNDAY, MARCH 19 

Brooks Island Boating Voyage Paddle the rising tides across the Richmond Harbor Channel to Brooks Island. For experienced boaters who can provide their own canoe or kayak, and safety gear. Parent participation required. Ages 14 and up. Cost is $20-$22. Registration required. 636-1684. 

Spring in the Garden Celebrate the season by preparing the garden for warmer weather and learn about local butterflies, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. 525-2233. 

Richmond Museum of History inaugurates a new museum on board the Red Oak Victory Ship at 2 p.m. at the end of Canal Blvd, Richmond. Reception and tour of the ship included. Coast is $5. 222-9200. 

Berkeley Cyber Salon with bloggers and podcasters, moderated by Andrew Keen, founder of the AfterTV.com podcast, at 5 p.m. at the Hillside Club, 2286 Cedar St. Donation of $10 requested. 559-9774. 

Parent First Aid & Emergency Care for Babies at 4 p.m. at Bananas, 5232 Claremont Ave. Cost is $30, $50 for couples. To register call 658-7853. www.bananasinc.org 

“Illustrating Nature” A family workshop on biological illustrattions from the exhibition “The Art of Seeing: Nature Revealed Through Illustration” from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Oakland Museum of California, 10th and Oak Sts. 238-2200. www.museumca.org 

“Phenomenal Photography” A family workshop on creating a photo transfer inspired by the exhibition of Edward Weston’s photography from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Oakland Museum of California, 10th and Oak Sts. 238-2200. www.museumca.org 

Free Garden Tours at Regional Parks Botanic Garden in Tilden Park Sat. and Sun. at 2 p.m. Call to confirm. 841-8732.  

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 

“Spinoza, Maria and Excommunication” a reading of Rabbi Milton Matz’s play at Kol Hadash Sunday Brunch at 10 a.m. at Albany Community Center, 1249 Marin Ave. Donation of $5 requested. 

Alexander Technique for Pain Free Necks at 11:30 a.m. at 7:30 p.m. at Elephant Pharmacy, 1607 Shattuck Ave. 549-9200. 

Spring Into Wellness: A Healing Faire from 1 to 3 p.m. at Unity of Berkeley, 2075 Eunice St. 528-8844. unityberkeley.org 

Yoga and Meditation Every Sun. in March from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at Elephant Pharmacy, 1607 Shattuck Ave. 549-9200. 

MONDAY, MARCH 20 

Gold Star Mother Celeste Zappala from Philadelphia will speak at an Interfaith Service “Remembrance and Resistance: The Third Anniversary of the Iraq War” at 7 p.m. at First Congregational Church of Berkeley, 2345 Channing Way. 848-3696, ext 20. 

Spring Equinox Gathering at 5:45 to 6:45 p.m. at the Interim Solar Calendar, Cesar Chavez Park, Berkeley Marina. 

American Red Cross Blood Drive from noon to 6 p.m. at MLK Student Union, 5th Floor Tilden Room, UC Campus. To schedule an appointment call 1-800-GIVELIFE.  

“Using Nanoscale Tools, Can We Replicate the Sense of Smell?” with Dr. Arun Majumdar, Director, Berkeley Nanosciences & Nanoengineering Institute, at 5:30 p.m. at Florence Schwimley Little Theater, Berkeley High School, Allston Way between Milvia and MLK, Jr. Way. 486-7292.  

“How to Expand Your Mind- Body Connection” Bring your grocery receipts and learn how to phase in new eating habits at 5:30 pm. in the Rose Room at Mercy Retirement Center, 3431 Foothill Blvd., Oakland. Cos tis $30 or $120 for the entire series. 534-8547, ext. 666. 

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

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

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. 

TUESDAY, MARCH 21 

Berkeley Garden Club “Native Plants for the Home Garden” with Glenn Keator, author and teacher, at 1 p.m. at Epworth Methodist Church, 1953 Hopkins St. 527-5641. 

American Red Cross Blood Services is holding a volunteer orientation from 6 to 8 p.m. at its Oakland office.For more information, please call 594-5165.  

American Red Cross Blood Drive from noon to 6 p.m. at MLK Student Union, 5th Floor Tilden Room, UC Campus, and from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at St. Mary’s College, 1294 Albina Ave. To schedule an appointment call 1-800-GIVELIFE. www.BeADonor.com 

Berkeley Salon Discussion Group meets to discuss “Living Poor with Style” from 7 to 9 p.m. at the BRJCC, 1414 Walnut St. 601-6690. 

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. 

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

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

Stress Less Seminar at 6:30 p.m. at New Moon Opportunities, 378 Jayne Ave., Oakland Free, but registration required. 465-2524. 

“Hinduism: Yoga and Awareness of Divinity” with Swami Vedananda at 7:30 p.m. at Berkeley Buddhist Monastery, 2304 McKinley at Bancroft. 848-9788. 

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. 

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, MARCH 22  

Great Decisions Foreign Policy Association Lecture “Brazil” at 10 a.m. at the Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant Ave. Cost is $40 for the eight lecture series. 526-2925. 

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

“The Diablo Grand Loop” Learn the natural and cultural history of Mt. Diablo, including the rediscovery of Mt. Diablo buckwheat, presumed to be extinct, at 7 p.m. at REI, 1338 San Pablo Ave. 527-4140. 

“Labor Unions and Worker-Managed Factories in Venezuela” with Luis Primo, a member of the Venezuelan National Union of Workers at 1 p.m. at 3335 Dwinelle Hall, office wing, level C, UC Campus. andeanproject@gmail.com 

World Social Forum Report “Another World is Possible” with Margot Smith and Bea Howard at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Gray Panthers, 1402 Addison St. 548-9696. 

“Rightful Resistance in Rural China” with Kevin J. O’Brien, Professor of Political Science, at 4:30 p.m. in the IEAS Conference Room, 2223 Fulton St., 6th Floor. http://ieas.berkeley.edu 

Basic First Aid for Pets at 7 p.m. at the Berkeley East Bay Humane Society, 2700 Ninth St. Donation of $10 requested. RSVP to 845-7735, ext. 22. www.berkeleyhumane.org 

“Sound and Fury” a film on one family’s struggle over whether or not to provide two deaf children with cochlear implants, devices that can stimulate hearing, at 7 p.m. in the Albany High School Library, 603 Key Route Blvd. in Albany. Free. Discussion follows the film. Sponsored by Embracing Diversity Films. 527-1328. embracingdiversityfilms.org 

Mind-Body-Spirit Causes of Chronic Fatigue A talk with Lisa Hartnett at 7:30 p.m. at Elephant Pharmacy, 1607 Shattuck Ave. 549-9200. 

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. 

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

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. 

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, MARCH 23 

The Writer in the Digital Age A workshop offered by the National and Local Writers Union at 7 p.m. at the School of Journalism, Northgate Hall, UC Campus. 839-1248. www.writersunion.org 

Ask a Union Mechanic every Thurs. from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at Parker and Shattuck, until the strike is settled. They will offer advice on all makes of car. 

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 

Historical & Current Times Book Group meets on Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Albany Library, 1249 Marin Ave. 548-4517. 

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 

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. 

Find a Loving Animal Companion at the Berkeley-East Bay Humane Society Adoption Center (open from 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday). 2700 Ninth St. 845-7735. www.berkeleyhumane.org  

Medical Care for Your Pet at the Berkeley East Bay Humane Society low-cost veterinary clinic. 2700 Ninth St. For appointments call 845-3633. www.berkeleyhumane.org  

CITY MEETINGS 

Berkeley Rent Stabilization Board meets Mon. Mar. 20 at 7 p.m. in City Council Chambers, Pam Wyche, 644-6128 ext. 113. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/rent 

Creeks Task Force meets Mon. Mar. 20, at 7 p.m. the North Berkeley Senior Center. Erin Dando, 981-7410. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/planning/landuse/Creeks/default.html 

City Council meets Tues., Mar. 21, at 7 p.m in City Council Chambers. 981-6900. www.ci. 

berkeley.ca.us/citycouncil 

Berkeley Housing Authority meets Tues., Mar. 21, at 6:30 p.m. in City Council Chambers. 981-6900. ww.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/housingauthority 

Civic Arts Commission meets Wed., Mar. 22, at 6:30 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Mary Ann Merker, 981-7533. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/ 

commissions/civicarts 

Energy Commission meets Wed., Mar. 22, at 6:30 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Neal De Snoo, 981-5434. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/energy 

Mental Health Commission meets Wed. Mar. 22, at 6:30 p.m. at 2640 MLK Jr. Way, at Derby. Harvey Turek, 981-5213. www.ci.erkeley.ca.us/ 

commissions/mentalhealth 

Planning Commission meets Wed., Mar. 22, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Janet Homrighausen, 981-7484. www.ci.berkeley. ca.us/commissions/planning 

Police Review Commission meets Wed., Mar. 22 , at 7:30 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-4950. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/policereview 

School Board meets Wed., March 22 at 7:30 p.m., in the City Council Chambers. Queen Graham 644-6147 or Mark Coplan 644-6320. 

Zoning Adjustments Board meets Thurs., Mar. 23, at 7 p.m., in City Council Chambers. Mark Rhoades, 981-7410. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/ 

commissions/zoning   

Parks and Recreation Commission meets Mon., Mar. 27, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Virginia Aiello, 981-5158. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/com 

missions/parksandrecreation 

Solid Waste Management Commission Mon., Mar. 27, at 7 p.m., at 1201 Second St. Tania Levy, 981-6368. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/solidwaste