Events Listings
Berkeley This Week
FRIDAY, JUNE 23
Reduced City Services Today Call ahead to ensure programs or services you desire will be available. 981-CITY. www.cityofberkeley.info
Impeachment Banner Fridays at 6:45 to 8 a.m. on the Berkeley Pedestrian bridge between Seabreeze Market and the Berkeley Aquatic Park, ongoing on Fridays until impeachment is realized. www. Impeachbush-cheney.com
City Commons Club Noon Luncheon with Andy Ross, owner of Cody’s Books, on “Can the Independent Local Bookstore Survive in Berkeley?” 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.
How’d You Become an Activist & What Now? with Pauline Wynter and Jacques Depelchin of the Democratic Republic of the Congo at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 1924 Cedar St. at Bonita. Donations appreciated. 528-5403.
Ecocity Report from New Orleans at 7 p.m. at the Ecology Center, 2530 San Pablo Ave., near Dwight Way. Cost is $10 but no one turned away for lack of funds. 548-2220.
East Bay Animal Advocates’ Dairy Documentary at 7:30 p.m. at Humanist Hall, 390 27th St., Oakland. Donations of $5 accepted.
Moving Mom and Dad with Donna Robins on finding the right retirement community at 7 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-5190.
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.
SATURDAY, JUNE 24
Open the Little Farm Feed the goats, collect some eggs, hold a bunny and meet our new calves at 9 a.m. at the Little Farm, Tilden Park. 525-2233.
Outdoor Art Learn how to make a natural mural at 11 a.m. at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. Cost is $3. 525-2233.
A Visit with a Guide Dog at 2 p.m. at Kensington Library, 61 Arlington Ave., Kensington. Sponsored by Guide Dogs for the Blind of Marin. 524-3043.
Spiral Gardens Food Security Project from 1 to 6 p.m. at the corner of Sacramento and Oregon St. Peaches, nectarines, cherries, root veges, garlic, onions, cabbage, and squash - with summer vegetables on the way!
Challenge Hike on Sobrante Ridge Explore a fragile ecosystem and a small forest of rare manzanita on this 3-mile hike with some hills. Meet at 10 a.m. at the staging are at the end of Coach Drive, El Sobrante. For ages 10 and up. 525-2233.
Send-Off for the 17th U.S.-Cuba Friendhipment Caravan with a film, music and food, at 6 p.m. at Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists Hall, 1924 Cedar St. at Bonita. Donation of $10-$15 requested, no one turned away. 650-367-9183.
Walking Tour of Old Oakland “New Era/New Politics” highlights African-American leaders who have made their mark on Oakland. Meet at 10 a.m. at the African American Museum and Library at 659 14th St. 238-3234.
Carribean American Heritage Commemoration at 10 a.m. at Frank Ogawa Plaza, 14th and Broadway, Oakland. 599-1645.
Re-Fresh Festival A community celebration of creative re-use and recycling from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 9235 San Leandro St., Oakland. 638-7600.
Family Origami Craft Day from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave. Free. 526-3720, ext. 17.
Buddhist Temple of Alameda Bazaar, Sat. from 4 to 9 p.m. and Sun. from noon to 8 p.m. at 2325 Pacific Avenue, Alameda.
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
Around the World Tour of Plants at 1:30 p.m., Thurs., Sat. and Sun. at UC Botanical Garden, 200 Centennial Drive. 643-2755. http://botanicalgarden.berkeley.edu
Car Wash Benefit for Options Recovery Services from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Lutheran Church, 1744 University Ave. 666-9552.
SUNDAY, JUNE 25
Brooks Island Voyage Paddle the rising tide across the Richmond Harbor Channel to Brooks Island from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. For experienced boaters who can provide their own canoe or kayak and safety gear. For ages 14 and up with parent participation. Cost is $20-$22. Registration required. 636-1684.
Free Sailboat Rides for ages 5 and up from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Cal Sailing Club in the Berkeley Marina. Bring change of clothes, windbreaker and sneakers. For more information and directions see cal-sailing.org
Berkeley CyberSalon “Blogging Mommies” with Grace Davis, Joan Blades, Mary Tsau, Jenny Lauck, and Lisa Brewer Canter at 5 p.m. at the Hillside Club, 2286 Cedar St. Cost is $5-$10. 527-0450.
Teach Your Dog to Walk Without Pulling from 3 to 4 p.m. at Grace North Church, 2128 Cedar St. To register call 849-9323. companyofdogs.com
Epic Arts BBQ and Open House from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 644-2204, ext. 12.
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. 2315 Durant Ave. 848-7800 or 883-9710.
Sunday Summer Forum: Towards a More Just World with Dr. Theodore Rosak at 9:30 a.m. at Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley, 1 Lawson Rd., Kensington. 525-0302.
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 Panel on “Memories of the World Peace Ceremony” at 6 p.m. at the Tibetan Nyingma Institute, 1815 Highland Pl. 843-6812.
MONDAY, JUNE 26
Healthy Eating Habits Seminar at 7 p.m. at New Moon Opportunities, 378 Jayne Ave., Oakland. Free, but registration required. 465-2524.
Deeksha and Chanting at 7:30 p.m. at the Northbrae Church, 941 The Alameda. Donations accepted. 655-1425.
Berkeley CopWatch organizational meeting at 8 p.m. at 2022 Blake St. 548-0425.
TUESDAY, JUNE 27
Cancer Prevention and Survival Cooking Course A series of 8 classes at 6:30 p.m. at Keller Williams, 2nd floor, 4341 Piedmont Ave. Oakland. Free, but registration is required. 531-2665.
Raging Grannies of the East Bay invites new folks to come join us from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. to sing and have fun at Berkeley Gray Panthers office, 1403 Addison St., in Andronico’s mall. 548-9696.
Great Weekend Camping Trips A slide presentation with Matt Heid at 7 p.m. at REI, 1338 San Pablo Ave. 527-4140.
Red Cross Blood Drive from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. East Pauley Ballroom, MLK Student Union, 3rd floor, UC Campus. To make an appointment call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE. www.BeADonor.com
PC Users meets at 7 p.m. at 1145 Walnut St. near Eunice.
Stress Less Seminar at 7 p.m. at New Moon Opportunities, 378 Jayne Ave., Oakland. Free, but registration required. 465-2524.
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. We always welcome new members over 50. 845-6830.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 28
Walkin’ in Pride a 4-mile shoreline walk in Point Pinole at 6:30 p.m. in celebration of LGBT Pride Month. For information call 525-2233.
Trip to Audobon Canyon Ranch with the El Cerrito Senior Center, from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cost is $15, reservations required. 215-4340.
Walking Tour of Old Oakland around the restored 1870s business district. Meet at 10 a.m. in front of G.B. Ratto’s at 827 Washington St. Tour lasts 90 minutes. Reservations can be made by calling 238-3234.
“Ten Excellent Reasons Not to Join the Military” presented by Cindy Sheehan, Paul Rockwell, and Aimee Allison at 7:30 p.m. at Black Oak Books. 486-0698. www.blackoakbooks.com
“Bureaucracy vs The Environment: What Should Be Done?” with speakers Michael Shaw, Founder, Liberty Garden, Randy Simmons, Prof. of Political Science, Utah State Univ., Carl Close, Co-editor, Re-Thinking Green at 6:30 p.m. at The Independent Institute, 100 Swan Way, Oakland. Cost is $10-$15.
“Alameda County: Present and Future” with Keith Carson, Alameda County Supervisor at 1:30 p.m. at North Berkeley Senior Center, 1901 Hearst Ave. Sponsored by the Berkeley Gray Panthers. 548-9696.
“The Art of Placemaking: Transit-Oriented Development” A panel discussion on both the challenges and potential of making Transit-Oriented Development successful, at 5:30 p.m. at AIA East Bay, 1405 Clay St., Oakland. Cost is $10-$20, includes dinner. To register call 464-3600. www.aiaeb.org
Indigenous Permaculture with slides and music and information from El Salvador at 7 p.m. at Ecology Center, 2530 San Pablo Ave. Cost is $5-$50 sliding scale. 548-2220, ext. 233.
“McLibel” A documentary about two activists who take on MacDonalds in England, at 7:30 p.m. at Humanist Hall, 390 27th St., Oakland. Donations of $5 accepted.
“Girl, I’ve Been Through A Lot...” Poetry workshop for girls age 13 to 17 at 4 p.m. at Oakland Public Library, Room 219, 125 14th St. 238-3134.
Bayswater Book Club meets to discuss Rabbi Paul at 6:30 p.m. at Barnes and Noble, El Cerrito. Also organizing meeting to become a Democratic Central Committee Chartered Club. 433-2911.
Red Cross Blood Drive from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. East Pauley Ballroom, MLK Student Union, 3rd floor, UC Campus. To make an appointment call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE. www.BeADonor.com
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.
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
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, JUNE 29
Ecological Sanitation in Haiti, Compost Toilet Project with Sasha Kramer on the work of Sustainable Organic Integrated Livelihoods at 7 p.m. at the Ecology Center, 2530 San Pablo Ave. Free. 548-2220, ext. 233.
A UPB Conversation on how we can live with strong ecological values locally with Ernest Callenbach, author of “Ecotopia” and “Ecology: A Pocket Guide,” from 5:30 to 7 p.m. At University Press Books/Berkeley, 2430 Bancroft Way. 548-0585.
Teen Science Fiction/Fantasy Book Club with guest speaker Tom Whitmore on “The Other Change of Hobbit” at 4 p.m. at Claremont Branch Library, 2940 Benvenue. 981-6133.
Free Skin Cancer Screening Clinic at Markstein Cancer Education Center, Summit Campus, Oakland. Free, but appointments required. 869-8833.
Women’s Initiative “Develop a Business Action Plan” A free seminar for women entrepreneurs from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at 519 17 St. at Telegraph. 415-641-3463. www.womensinitiative.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
CITY MEETINGS
Parks and Recreation Commission meets Mon., June 26, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Virginia Aiello, 981-5158. www.ci.berkeley.ca.
us/commissions/parksandrecreation
Zero Waste Commission Mon., June 26, at 7 p.m., at 1201 Second St. Tania Levy, 981-6368. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/
commissions/solidwaste
City Council meets Tues., June 27, at 7 p.m in City Council Chambers. 981-6900. www.ci.
berkeley.ca.us/citycouncil
Civic Arts Commission meets Wed., June 28, at 6:30 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Mary Ann Merker, 981-7533. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/
commissions/civicarts
Disaster and Fire Safety Commission meets Wed., June 28, at 7 p.m., at the Emergency Operations Center, 997 Cedar St. 981-5502. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/
commissions/disaster
Energy Commission meets Wed., June 28, 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., June 28, 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., June 28, 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., June 28 , at 7:30 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-4950. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/policereview
School Board meets Wed. June 28, at 7:30 p.m., in the City Council Chambers. Mark Coplan 644-6320.
By Judith Scherr
The sign Ramzi Obeid carried Tuesday afternoon at the downtown Berkeley BART station demonstration read: “Killing and destruction in Gaza—paid for by our taxes.”
The demonstration that attracted about 100 protesters and a dozen counter-demonstrators was aimed at making the public aware of the recent killings in the Gaza strip, Palestine, and was organized by the Berkeley-based Middle East Children’s Alliance and the American Arab Anti-discrimination Committee.
Obeid—a Palestinian-American who says he cannot go to the family home his mother left in 1948 in Jaffa, Israel-Palestine, because “I am not Jewish”—condemns the Israeli shelling of Palestinians in Gaza.
Standing on a pick-up truck south of the BART station, Middle East Children’s Alliance Executive Director Barbara Lubin described the June 9 incident on a beach in Gaza when eight members of one family, including a six-month old infant, were killed while picnicking, allegedly a result of Israeli shelling.
Lubin read a statement from Mona Elfarra, a physician working in Gaza: “An Israeli gunship suddenly fired at random against the beach while army tanks fired artillery shells and Apache helicopters crossed the sky; 40 civilians were injured, 10 killed.” The picnickers were among them.
Counter-demonstrators flew Israeli flags and sported placards such as “Pro-Israel/Pro-Peace.” When Lubin addressed the rally from the truck, several pro-Israeli demonstrators moved from the north side of the BART station close to the demonstration, where picketers were circling as they listened to Lubin.
“You’re lying Barbara, you’re lying,” yelled a counter-demonstrator through a bullhorn as he approached the truck with several others carrying Israeli flags.
Lubin encouraged protesters to keep marching and ignore the other protestors as Berkeley police moved in to keep the pro-Israel group away from the pro-Palestine rally.
Sanne DeWitt, a spokesperson for the pro-Israel demonstrators from Stand With Us, San Francisco Voice for Israel and Israel Action Committee of the East Bay, told the Daily Planet: “A lot of lies have been told.”
Speaking to the protesters, Lubin contended that Palestinian functionaries have not been paid for months; the Israelis collect taxes and refuse to turn them over to the Palestinian Authority. “There’s no money to feed the children,” she said.
DeWitt defended the Israeli government’s refusal to relinquish the Palistinian funds. “I’m concerned that Hamas [the ruling party] will use the funds to buy weapons and fight,” she said.
After a few short speeches the protesters took their march to University Avenue down to Sacramento Street then back up to the BART station.
