FRIDAY, JULY 7 

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 

“Keep the A’s in Oakland” Tailgate Party from 5 to 7 p.m. at the B parking lot tailgate area on the Hegenberger side. Entertaintment and speeches from local leaders. chooseorlooseoakland@yahoo.com 

Stagebridge Story Workshop with local storytellers on Fridays in July from 10 a.m. to noon at Arts First Oakland Center, 2501 Harrison St., Oakland. Bring a bag lunch. Cost is $10 per workshop, or $25 for the series. 444-4755.  

Celebración: Food and Music of Peru at 6:30 p.m. at Crowden Center for Music, 1475 Rose St. Suggested donation $15. Please RSVP to 526-5194. 

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, JULY 8 

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 $6-$8. Registration required. 636-1684. 

Crown Beach Clean-up in the aftermath of the 4th from 9 a.m. to noon at Crown Beach, Alameda. Trash bags, gloves and other equipment provided by Save the Bay. 452-9261, ext. 109. www.saveSFbay.org 

Oakland Heritage Walking Tour of the F. M. “Borax” Smith Estate from 10 a.m. to noon. Meet at the redwood tree, corner of McKinley Ave. and Home Place East, one block off Park Blvd. Cost is $5-$15. 763-9218. www.oaklandheritage.org 

Walking Tour of Historic Oakland Churches and Temples Meet at 10 a.m. at the front of the First Presbyterian Church at 2619 Broadway. Tour lasts 90 minutes. Reservations can be made by calling 238-3234. www.oaklandnet.com/ 

walkingtours 

Produce Stand at Spiral Gardens Food Security Project from 1 to 6 p.m. at the corner of Sacramento and Oregon St. 

Guide Dogs for the Blind Meet a puppy in-training at 2 p.m. at the Kensington Library, 61 Arlington Ave. 524-3043. 

Sushi Basics Learn the natural and cultural history of sushi as you prepare and taste several different types. Fee is $25-$39. Registration required. 636-1684. 

Himalayan Cooking Class from 3 to 5 p.m. at Taste of the Himalayas. Cost is $50. Registration required. 849-4983. 

ChiRunning/ChiWalking A talk at 3 p.m. at Elephant Pharmacy, 1607 Shattuck Ave. 549-9200. 

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.  

Around the World Tour of Plants at 1:30 p.m., Thurs., Sat. and Sun. at UC Botanical Garden, 200 Centennial Drive. 643-2755. 

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, JULY 9 

Bay Area Labor Committee for Peace and Social Justice Picnic from noon on, at Emeryville Marina Park. Take Powell St. exit off I-80 all the away to the end. Bring your own choice of meat or veggies to grill or main dish, a side dish, salad or dessert to share. 436-6125. 

Toddler Nature Walk for two and three-year-olds to look for butterflies and other insects at 10:30 a.m. at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. 525-2233. 

Oakland Heritage Walking Tour of the Mountain View Cemetery from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Meet at Chapel of the Chimes, 4400 Peidmont Ave. Cost is $5-$15. 763-9218. www.oaklandheritage.org 

Green Sunday: Oakland’s Oak to Ninth Street Scandal Can we stop this massive give away of our waterfront? From 5 to 6:30 p.m. at Niebyl-Proctor Library, 6501 Telegraph Ave. at 65th in North Oakland. 

New Farmers’ Market Opens in Kensington, and will run year-round on Sun. from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the parking lot behind ACE Hardware at 303 Arlington Ave. at Amherst. 528-4346. 

Summer Sunday Forum: Wold Vision with Angela Mason at 9:30 a.m. at Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley, 1 Lawson Rd., Kensington. 525-0302, ext. 306. 

Free Hands-on Bicycle Clinic Learn how to keep your bike in excellent working condition through safety inspections, from 10 to 11 a.m. at REI, 1338 San Pablo Ave. 527-4140. 

Twilight Tour to Learn Botanical ABC’s at 5:30 p.m. at the UC Botanical Garden, 200 Centennial Drive. Cost is $8-$12. Registration required. 643-2755.  

Miksang Contemplative Photography A talk at noon at Elephant Pharmacy, 1607 Shattuck Ave. 549-9200. 

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 

Tibetan Buddhism with Sylvia Gretchen on “Visualization and Sacred Art” at 6 p.m. at the Tibetan Nyingma Institute, 1815 Highland Pl. 843-6812.  

MONDAY, JULY 10 

National Organization for Women Oakland/East Bay Chapter meets at 6 p.m. at the Oakland YWCA, 1515 Webster St. The speaker will be Yvonne Cooks, executive director of the CA Coalition for Women Prisoners. 287-8948. 

Center for Independent Living Relationship Workshop for disabled youth age 14-22 at 3 p.m. at 2539 Telegraph Ave. Registration required. 841-4776 ext. 128 or email movingon@cilberkeley.org 

Full Moon Walk at John Miur National Historic Site See nocturnal animal and plant life and walk the same trail John Muir walked with his daughters. For reservations and details of meeting time and location, call 925-228-8860. 

World Affairs/Politics Discussion Group for people 60+ years old meets at 10:15 a.m. at the Albany Senior Center, 846 Masonic Ave. Cost is $3. 524-9122.  

An Introduction to Meditation at 6:45 p.m. at Bay Zen Center, 315 Alcatraz near College Ave. Donation $10. Registration required. 596-3087. 

Stress Less Seminar at 7 p.m. at New Moon Opportunities, 378 Jayne Ave., Oakland. Free, but registration required. 465-2524. 

TUESDAY, JULY 11 

Tuesday is for the Birds A tranquil early morning walk through the park. Meet at 7 a.m. at Tilden Nature Center. Bring water, sunscreen binoculars and a snack. 525-2233. 

Moe’s Bookstore 47th Birthday Party Celebrate with this independent bookstore on Telegraph at noon at 2476 Telegraph Ave. 849-2087. 

Civil Liberties Fim Series “Religious Freedom” followed by a talk by Rev. Phil Lawson, Greater Richmond Interfaith Project, at 7 p.m. in the Richmond Public Library, 325 Civic Center Plaza. Free. 620-6561. 

Family Storytime at 7 p.m. at the Kensington Library, 61 Arlington Ave. 524-3043. 

“How to See Your Health: A talk on diagnostic techniques in Chinese medicine at 7:30 p.m. at Elephant Pharmacy, 1607 Shattuck Ave. 549-9200. 

Raging Grannies of the East Bay invites new folks to join us from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. to sing, or write outrageously political lyrics to old familiar tunes, and have fun at Berkeley Gray Panthers office, 1403 Addison St., in Andronico’s mall. 548-9696. 

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. 548-3991.  

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, JULY 12  

Walking Tour of Oakland City Center Meet at 10 a.m. in front Oakland City Hall at Frank Ogawa Plaza. Tour lasts 90 minutes. Reservations can be made by calling 238-3234. 

“Five Factories: Workers Control in Venezuela” a documentary at 7:30 p.m. at Humanist Hall, 390 27th St., Oakland. “Stories from an American Mill” will also be shown. Donations of $5 accepted. 

“Spirit of the Rainforest” An introduction to wild animals for children at 10 a.m. at the Martin Luther King Branch of the Oakland Public Library, 6833 International Blvd. 615-5728. 

“Uncommon Conifers” A twilight tour at 5:30 p.m. at UC Botanical Garden 200 Centennial Drive. Cost is $8-$12. Registration required. 643-2755.  

Poetry Writing Workshop with Alison Seevak at 7 p.m. at the Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave. 526-3720. 

Sleep Seminar at 7 p.m. at New Moon Opportunities, 378 Jayne Ave., Oakland. Free, but registration required. 465-2524. 

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. 548-9840. 

The Berkeley Lawn Bowling Club provides free instruction 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 

Berkeley Peace Walk and Vigil at 6:30 p.m. at the Berkeley BART Station, corner of Shattuck and Center. www.geo 

cities.com/vigil4peace/vigil 

THURSDAY, JULY 13 

Tilden Tots Join a nature adventure program for 3 and 4 year olds, each accompanied by an adult (grandparents welcome)! We’ll study butterflies from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park.Cost is $6-$8. Registration required. 636-1684. 

Insect Discovery Lab Learn to appreciate insects and nature by meeting giant millipedes, hissing cockroaches, whip scorpions and others at 2 p.m. at the Montclair Branch of the Oakland Public Library, 1687 Mountain Blvd. 482-7810. 

Richmond Southeast Shoreline Area Community Advisory Group meets to discuss the cleanup at the Zeneca/Stauffer Cemical site, at 6:30 p.m. at the Bermuda Room, Richmond Convention Center, 403 Civic Center Plaza at Nevin and 25th Sts., Richmond. 540-3923. 

“Understanding Chinese Herbal Prescriptions” A talk at 7:30 p.m. at Elephant Pharmacy, 1607 Shattuck Ave. 549-9200. 

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. 

CITY MEETINGS 

Council Agenda Committee meets Mon. July 10 at 2:30 p.m., at 2180 Milvia St. 981-6900. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/ 

citycouncil/agenda-committee 

Peace and Justice Commission meets Mon., July 10, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Manuel Hector, 981-5510. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/ 

commissions/peaceandjustice 

City Council meets Tues., July 11, at 7 p.m in City Council Chambers. 981-6900. www. 

ci.berkeley.ca.us/citycouncil 

Commission on Disability meets Wed., July 12, at 6:30 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Don Brown, 981-6346. TDD: 981-6345. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/disability 

Homeless Commission meets Wed., July 12, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Jane Micallef, 981-5426. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/homeless 

Planning Commission meets Wed., July 12, 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., July 12, at the South Berkeley Senior Center. 981-4950. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/ 

commissions/policereview 

Commission on Early Childhood Education meets Thurs. July 13, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Angellique De Cloud, 981-5428. www.ci.berkeley. ca.us/commissions/earlychildhoodeducation  

Community Health Commission meets Thurs., July 13, at 6:45 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Kristin Tehrani, 981-5356. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/ 

commissions/health 

West Berkeley Project Area Commission meets Thurs., July 13, at 7 p.m., at the West Berkeley Senior Center. Iris Starr, 981-7520. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/westberkeley  

Zoning Adjustments Board meets Thurs., July 13, at 7 p.m., in City Council Chambers. Mark Rhoades, 981-7410. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/zoning  

FRIDAY, JULY 7 

THEATER 

Ambitious Theatre Company “As You Like It” Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m. and Sun. at 2 p.m. at Altarena Playhouse, Alameda. Tickets are $8-$15. 800-838-3006. www.altarena.org 

Aurora Theatre “Permanent Collection” Wed.-Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2 and 7 p.m. at 2081 Addison St., through July 23. Tickets are $28-$45. 843-4822. www.auroratheatere.org 

Central Works “The Inspector General” a new comedy, Thurs., Fri., and Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 5 p.m. at the Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant Ave., through July 30. Tickets are $9-$25. 558-1381. 

Contra Costa Civic Theater “Footloose” at 8 p.m. Fri. and Sat., and Sun. at 2 p.m. at Contra Costa Civic Theater, 951 Pomona Ave., El Cerrito, through August 5. Tickets are $12-$20. 524-9132.  

Crowded Fire Theater Company “We Are Not These Hands” a comedy about the friendship between two teenaged girls in a fictional third-world nation, Thurs.-Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 7 p.m. through July 16 at The Ashby Stage, 1901 Ashby Ave. Tickets are $10- $20. www.crowdedfire.org 

Kids Take the Stage “Annie” Fri. at 7:30 p.m., Sat. at 2 and 7:30 p.m., Sun. at 7:30 p.m. at Chabot College Arts Center, 25555 Hesperian Blvd., Hayward. Tickets are $10-$20. 864-7061. 

Masquers Playhouse “The Fantasticks” Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m. Sunday Matinees at 2:30 p.m. on July 9 and 16, at 105 Park Place, Point Richmond, through July 22. Tickets are $18. 232-4031.  

Pinole Community Players “Oliver!” the musical, Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m., selected Sun. at 2 p.m., at the Community Playhouse, 601 Tennent Ave., Pinole, through July 15. Tickets are $14-$17. 724-3669, 223-3598.  

Woodminster Summer Musicals “Ragtime” Fri.-Sun. at 8 p.m. at Woodminster Amphitheater in Joaquin Miller Park, 3300 Joaquin Miller Rd., through July 16. Tickets are $21.50-$34.50. 531-9597.  

EXHIBITIONS 

“The Overhung Award: Kyle Mock and Josh Keyes” Reception at 7 p.m. at Boontling Gallery, 4224 Telegraph Ave. Exhibition runs to July 30. www.boontlinggallery.com 

“Realities: Picture Stories of the Modern World” by Guy Colwell and Mural Drawings by Rocky Baird. Reception for the artists at 5 p.m. at Esteban Sabar Gallery, 480 23rd St., at Telegraph, Oakland. http://estebansabar.com/index.htm  

FILM 

Labor’s Love Lost: The Films of Vittorio de Seta “Bandits of Orgosolo” at 7 p.m. and “Half a Man” at 9 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $4-$8. 642-0808.  

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Anodea Judith with Dr. Leonard Shlain, Dawson Church and Allan Hardman on “Waking the Global Heart” at 7:30 p.m. at Black Oak Books. 486-0698.  

Marta Acosta reads from her novel “Happy Hour at Casa Dracula” at 7 p.m. at Cody’s Books on Fourth St. 559-9500. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

The David Thom Band, The Billy Boys at 5:30 p.m. at Park Place and Washington Ave., Pt. Richmond. 237-9375.  

Forrofiando from Brazil at 9 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $12. 849-2568.  

Eric Swinderman Sextet at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island. Cost is $10. 841-JAZZ.  

Lavay Smith & Her Red Hot Skillet Lickers, East Coast swing, at 9:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $11-$13. 525-5054.  

Walter Pope Trio at 8 p.m. at Caffe Trieste, 2500 San Pablo Ave., at Dwight. 548-5198.  

Audrey Auld Mezera & Nina Gerber at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $17.50-$18.50. 548-1761.  

Jim Grantham Trio at 9 p.m. at Downtown. 649-3810.  

Sleepytime Gorilla Museum at 8 p.m. at Oakland Metro, 201 Broadway. 763-1146.  

Wayblonde and Vanessa VerLee, singer-songwriters, at 7:30 p.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344.  

Bunny Numpkins and the Kill Blow-up Reaction, Anton Barbeau, Mandrake at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $6. 841-2082. 

Rogue Jazz Quartet at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 848-8277. 

The Phenomenauts, Onion Flavored Rings, Ghengis Khan at 8 p.m. at 924 Gilman St. Cost is $5. 525-9926. 

Outformation, Spindrift at 9:30 p.m. at Blakes on Telegraph. Cost is $10. 848-0886.  

Diane Schurr at 8 and 10 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square, through Sun. Cost is $22. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

SATURDAY, JULY 8 

CHILDREN  

Peruvian, Columbian & Mexican Music, an introduction to maracas, cajon and guitar music at noon at the Lakeview Branch of the Oakland Public Library, 550 El Embarcadero. 238-7344. 

Puppet Art Theater “Tommy’s Pirate Adventure” at 2 p.m. at the Montclair Branch of the Oakland Public Library, 1687 Mountain Blvd. 482-7810. 

EXHIBITIONS 

“Microcosm” Group exhibition of artists inspired by patterns in nature. Reception at 2 p.m. at Richmond Art Center, 240 Barrett Ave., entrance at 25th St. 620-6772.  

“And All That Jazz” Works by artists relocated from the Gulf Coast after Katrina. Reception at 6 p.m. at Expressions Gallery, 2035 Ashby Ave. Gallery hours are noon to 5 p.m., Wed.-Sat. Exhibition runs to July 27. 644-4930. 

“Creation Ground” Paintings by Diane Williams and Chuck Potter, and ceramic sculpture by Ari Lyckberg opens at the Community Art Gallery, Alta Bates Summit Medical Center, 2450 Ashby Ave. and runs through Sept. 8. 204-1667.  

Paintings From The Gaia Pelt Series by Audrey Wallace-Taylor on display in the student lounge, University YWCA on Bancroft at Bowditch, weekdays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through July. 848-6370. 

THEATER 

Everyday Theatre “Dreaming in a Firestorm” by Tim Barsky at 8 p.m. at 2232 MLK, Oakland. Tickets are $12-$20. 644-2204. www.everdaytheatre.org 

San Francisco Mime Troupe “Godfellas” Sat. and Sun. at 2 p.m. at Cedar Rose Park, 1300 Rose St. 415-285-1717. 

Women’s Will “Twelfth Night” Sat. and Sun. at 1 p.m. at John Hinkle Park. Free. 420-0813.  

FILM 

Niles Essanay Silent Film Museum “The Little American” at 7:30 p.m. at 37417 Niles Blvd., Fremont. Cost $5. 494-1411. www.nilesfilmmuseum.org 

Rhythms on Screen “Mahaleo” at 6:30 p.m. and “Woman in the Dunes” at 8:40 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $4-$8. 642-0808.  

READINGS AND LECTURES 

William Talcott Memorial Reading at 7:30 p.m. at Moe’s Books, 2476 Telegraph Ave. 849-2087. 

Robin Meyers explains “Why the Christian Right is Wrong” at 7:30 p.m. at the First Congregational Church, 2345 Channing Way at Dana. Donation of $10 is suggested. 559-9500. 

Rhythm & Muse with Rashna Owen and The Winds of Mercy at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Art Center, 1275 Walnut St., between Eunice and Rose. 644-6893. 

Artemio Rodriguez, printmaker and author at 6 p.m. at Kala Art Institute, 1060 Heinz Ave. www.kala.org 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Alameda Civic Light Opera “Jesus Christ Superstar” at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2 p.m. at Kofman Auditorium, 2200 Central Ave., Alameda. Tickets are $27-$31. 864-2256. www.aclo.com 

Snake Trio and Leo Blanco Quartet at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $15. 841-JAZZ.  

A Celebration of Guinean Music and Dance at 9:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Dance lesson at 9 p.m. Cost is $15. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com  

José Roberts & Friends “América en Mi Sangre”at 8:30 p.m. at La Peña. Cost is $13-$15. 849-2568.  

Elizabeth August, Aireene Espiritu and Rick DiDia at 7:30 p.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344.  

John Keawe, Hawaiian music, at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $18.50-$19.50. 548-1761.  

Charmless, Pebble Theory, Kaura at 9 p.m. at the Uptown Nightclub, 1928 Telegraph, Oakland. Cost is $8. 451-8100.  

Carolyn Chung Jazz Trio at 9:30 p.m. at Albatross, 1822 San Pablo Ave. Cost is $3. 843-2473. www.albatrosspub.com 

Odori Simcha with Neal Cronin, at 7:30 p.m. at A Cuppa Tea, 3200 College Ave. 654-1904. 

Sleepytime Gorilla Museum at 8 p.m. at Oakland Metro, 201 Broadway. 763-1146.  

Green Lemon at 9:30 p.m. at Blakes on Telegraph. Cost is $10. 848-0886.  

Carl Sonny Leland Trio at 9 p.m. at Downtown. 649-3810. 

The Lost Cats, jazz and swing, at 8 p.m. at Spuds Pizza, 3290 Adeline St. All ages. Cost is $7-$10. 558-0881. 

Future Pilgrim, Famous Last Words, Rick DiDia, at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $6. 841-2082.  

Wil Blades Quartet at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 848-8277. 

Verbal Abuse, Decry, America’s Dirty Thirtys at 8 p.m. at 924 Gilman St. Cost is $6. 525-9926. 

SUNDAY, JULY 9 

CHILDREN 

Asheba, Caribbean music, at Ashkenaz at 3 p.m. Cost is $4-$6. 525-5054.  

EXHIBITIONS 

“Photographic Images of Migrant Women” By Saundra Sturdevant. Reception at 5 p.m. at La Peña. Exhibition runs through August 31. 849-2568.  

“Form and Light” Photographs by Eric Nurse. Reception at 2 p.m. at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. 525-2233. 

FILM 

Labor’s Love Lost: The Films of Vittorio de Seta “Diary of a Schoolmaster” at 3 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $4-$8. 642-0808.  

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Karen Shepard reads from her new novel “Don’t I Know You?” at 7 p.m. at Cody’s Books on Fourth St. 559-9500.  

Len and Aya Brackett on “Building the Japanese House Today” at 4 p.m. at Mrs. Dalloway’s Literary and Garden Arts, 2904 College Ave.  

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Eric Bibb, contemporary blues and gospel, at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $18.50- $19.50. 548-1761.  

Ben Stolerow Quartet at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island. Cost is $8. 841-JAZZ.  

Jason Armstrong and Joe Kenny at 11 a.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344.  

Carola Zertuche and Sara Ayala, flamenco, at 7:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $10. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Dick Conte Trio at 4:30 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $10. 845-5373.  

Americana Unplugged: Ragged But Right at 5 p.m. at Jupiter. 848-8277. 

Mister Loveless Monolaturs, The Tuesday Club at 5 p.m. at 924 Gilman St. Cost is $6. 525-9926. 

MONDAY, JULY 10 

CHILDREN 

Magic with Timothy James for all ages at 7 p.m. at the Piedmont Branch of the Oakland Public Library, 160 41st St. 597-5017. 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Dale Pendell reads from “Pharmako/Gnosis: Plant Teachers and the Poison Path” at 7:30 p.m. at Moe’s Books, 2476 Telegraph Ave. 849-2087. 

Randall Balmar examines “Thy Kingdom Come: How the Religious Right Distorts the Faith and Threatens America” at 7:30 p.m. at the First Congregational Church, 2345 Channing Way. Donation $10. 559-9500.  

Script Club Reading of “Art” by Yasmina Reza, at 7:30 p.m. at Aurora Theatre, 2081 Addison St. 843-4822. 

Actors Reading Writers “Critters,” stories by Isak Dinesen, Gerald Durrell, James Herriot and James Thurber, at 7:30 p.m. at Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant Ave. Free.  

Poetry Express with Judy Wells at 7 p.m., at Priya Restaurant, 2072 San Pablo Ave. 644-3977. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Dubconscious, reggae, at 11 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $7. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Parlor Tango at 7 p.m. at Caffe Trieste, 2500 San Pablo Ave., at Dwight. 548-5198.  

Blue Monday Jam at 7:30 p.m. at the Uptown Nightclub, 1928 Telegraph, Oakland. Cost is $5. 451-8100.  

Street to Nowhere, Audrye Sessions, Broken Dolls at 8 p.m. at Oakland Metro, 201 Broadway. 763-1146.  

Roomful of Blues at 8 and 10 p.m. at Yoshi’s. Cost is $10-$16. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

TUESDAY, JULY 11 

CHILDREN 

Prescott Circus Theater Stilts, juggling, and clowns at 7 p.m. at the Oakland Public Library, Rockridge, 5366 College Ave. 597-5017. 

Flute Sweets & Tickletoons A muscial introduction to the flute and classical music at 7 p.m. at the Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave. 526-3720, ext 17. 

FILM 

Screenagers: Documents from the Teenage Years “Rockaway” at 7:30 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $4-$8. 642-0808.  

READINGS AND LECTURES 

“Works In Progress” Women’s open mic at 7:30 p.m. at Montclair Women’s Cultural Center, 1650 Mountain Blvd., Oakland. Donation $5.  

Bay Area Writing Project Young Writers Group Reading at 6 p.m. at Mrs. Dalloway’s Literary and Garden Arts, 2904 College Ave.  

The Blue Candle, spoken word and open mic at 7 p.m. at Dorsey’s Locker Soul Food Cafe, 5817 Shattuck Ave., Oakland. 428-1935.  

Eric Davis, author, and Michael Rimar, photographer, present “Visionary State: A Journey Through California’s Spiritual Landscape” at 7:30 p.m. at Black Oak Books. 486-0698.  

Barbara Traub, photographer, introduces “Desert to Dream: A Decade of Burning Man Photography” 7 p.m. at Cody’s Books on Fourth St. 559-9500. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Swamp Coolers, cajun, western swing, at 8:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cajun dance lesson at 8 p.m. Cost is $9. 525-5054.  

Singers’ Open Mic with Ellen Hoffman at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. 841-JAZZ.  

Debbie Poryes & Friends at 7 p.m. at Caffe Trieste, 2500 San Pablo Ave. 548-5198.  

Jazz Jam with Michael Coleman Trio at 8:30 p.m. at the Uptown Nightclub, 1928 Telegraph, Oakland. Free, bring your instrument. 451-8100.  

André Bush at 8 and 10 p.m. at Yoshi’s. Cost is $10-$14. 238-9200.  

WEDNESDAY, JULY 12 

THEATER 

Berkeley Rep “Ennio” A comedy written and performed by Ennio Marchetto through July 21 at 2015 Addison St. Tickets are $20-$45. 647-2949.  

FILM 

Global Rhythms on Screen “A Tickle in the Heart” at 7:30 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $4-$8. 642-0808.  

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Café Poetry hosted by Kira Allen at 7:30 p.m. at La Peña. Donation $2. 849-2568.  

Caroline Paul will read from her new novel “East Wind, Rain” at 7:30 p.m. at Black Oak Books. 486-0698.  

MUSIC AND DANCE 

The Desert Arts Preview, fire arts, from 7 to 11 p.m. at The Crucible, 1260 7th St., Oakland. Free. 444-0919.  

Roy Zimmerman in “Faulty Intelligence” satirical songs, Wed.-Fri. at 8 p.m. at The Marsh Berkeley, 2118 Allston Way. 800-838-3006.  

Dani Thompson at 8:30 p.m. at the Uptown Nightclub, 1928 Telegraph, Oakland. Cost is $5. 451-8100.  

Daby Touré, African, at 9:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $16. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Pepe y Su Orchestra, salsa, at 9:30 p.m. at Shattuck Down Low, 2284 Shattuck Ave. Cost is $5-$10. 548-1159.  

Houston Jones at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $17.50-$18.50. 548-1761.  

Bag of Toys at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 848-8277. 

Patrice Bushen Benefit for the Young Musician’s Project at 8 p.m. at Yoshi’s. Cost is $30. 238-9200.  

THURSDAY, JULY 13 

EXHIBITIONS 

“The Bay in Bloom” A Group Show by the artists of The Artful Steps Program. Reception at 4 p.m. at the LunchStop Cafe, MetroCenter, 101 Eighth St., Oakland. 817-5773. 

FILM 

Beyond Bollywood “John & Jane Toll-Free” at 7:30 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $4-$8. 642-0808. 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

“Edge of Desire: Recent Art in India” Guided tour at 12:15 p.m. at Berkeley Art Museum, 2626 Bancroft Way. Cost is $4-$8. 642-0808. 

Hans Kemp, photographer, introduces his tribute to the motorcycles of Vietnam, “Bikes of Burden” at 7:30 p.m. at Black Oak Books. 486-0698.  

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Summer Noon Concert with Times 4 at the Downtown Berkeley BART station. Free.  

The Crucible Fire Arts Festival “Fire and Light” Benefit at 7 p.m. at 1260 7th St., Oakland. Cost is $100-$125. 444-0919. www.thecrucible.org 

Ancient Vision reggae showcase, at 9:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $10. 525-5054.  

Anne Feeney, Dave Lippman, and George Shrub at 8 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $10-$15. 849-2568.  

Kitka & Davka “Old and New World Jewish Music” at 7:30 p.m. at Temple Sinai, 2808 Summit St., Oakland. 848-0237. 

Jazz Function at 9 p.m. at Albatross, 1822 San Pablo Ave. Cost is $3. 843-2473.  

Rory Block, country blues, at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $18.50-$19.50. 548-1761.  

Steve Gannon’s Monday Blues Band at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island. Cost is $7. 841-JAZZ.  

Blurred Entities, Dream Nefra at 10 p.m. at The Ivy Room, 858 San Pablo Ave. Cost is $7. 524-9220.  

Joe Paquin, swing blues guitar and vocals, at 7 p.m. at Caffe Trieste, 2500 San Pablo Ave. 548-5198.  

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Fuse at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $6. 841-2082.  

Hiroshima at 8 and 10 p.m., through Sun. at Yoshi’s, through Sun. Cost is $20-24. 238-9200.

Last month’s San Francisco International Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Film Festival screened more than 250 films, an overwhelming bounty featuring a wide array of topics and genres, from documentaries about adoption and AIDS to narratives about love, loss and life. Nearly every facet of sexual and gender politics was explored in a month’s worth of presentations. 

It wasn’t always this way of course. The growth of the festival, which celebrated its 30th anniversary this year, reflects mainstream America’s gradual awakening to the realities of gay life, a process reflected in film since the medium’s origins at the turn of the last century. 

Granted this is the Bay Area, and there are few, if any, communities more open to gays. But the success of the festival, paired with the success of last year’s Brokeback Mountain, provide an opportunity to take a look at how far the movies have come, and a great place to start is the 1995 documentary The Celluloid Closet. 

The Celluloid Closet (1995) is based on the book of the same title by Vito Russo. However, the book, like many books on the history of film, can be tough going if you haven’t seen the hundreds of films discussed; brief descriptions never quite do a scene justice. The documentary version then is a good place to start, with the book as a companion piece, providing in-depth discussion of topics and films of particular interest.  

The earliest celluloid image featured in the film is Dickson Experimental Sound Film, an 1895 production by W. L. Dickson, an employee of Thomas Edison and one of the seminal figures in the history of the medium. In his attempt to meld music and pictures to create the first sound film, Dickson played violin while two assistants danced to the music, thereby making it easier to later synchronize sound and image by timing the music to the movements of the dancers. 

The film is erroneously identified in Russo’s book as The Gay Brothers when in reality the film had nothing at all to do with homosexuality, and in fact was not even a commercial release; it was a simple in-house experiment, never intended for public consumption. But the film provides a compelling metaphoric image for the documentary as it becomes a sort of gentle and ghostly refrain, with two men dancing blissfully to a song played just for them—a private performance in a dreamlike environment, just dancers and musician against a black backdrop, a moment captured forever but never meant to see the light of day. 

From there the documentary moves chronologically through the 20th century, tracking the depictions of gays from the silent era through the early ’90s. The earliest images in silent film were stereotypes of the fairy, the effeminate gay man, usually employed merely for comic relief. 

But as the medium matured the depictions of gays likewise matured, with both men and women openly showing affection for members of the same sex, portrayals that were often sensitive and meaningful. Stereotypes still abounded of course, especially in the comedies, but as film came into its own as an art form, reaching a creative peak in the mid to late ’20s, so too did its depiction of homosexuality, be it in the compassionate and loving exchanges between two World War I pilots in Wings (1927) or in Marlene Dietrich’s seductive performance in top hot and tails in Morocco (1930). 

The sound era arrived in 1929, and a few years later the Production Code came into effect, clamping down on material deemed immoral, including depictions of homosexuality. But gays did not vanish from Hollywood; they simply went underground.  

This era of repression gave rise to a series of stunted versions of homosexuals in the movies. The first was the sissy, dandified and limp-wristed, usually featured as a foil for the leading man, reinforcing the masculinity of the hero. And then things took an even darker turn as gays began to be represented by creepcases, by strange, perverse figures, menacing in tone but ultimately proven impotent and harmless. 

The Maltese Falcon (1941) provides an excellent example, with Peter Lorre as the sleepy-voiced Joel Cairo, who enters the office of Humphrey Bogart’s Detective Sam Spade and promptly begins suggestively fondling his walking stick. Later Cairo’s threats are ridiculed by Spade, who easily overpowers the smaller man and slaps him around, leading to one of Bogart’s most famous lines: “You’ll take it and like it!” 

The stifled celluloid homosexual had emerged as a grotesque, as a twisted, two-dimensional caricature. But this was just the beginning.  

Later incarnations became increasingly absurd. For years they were portrayed as self-destructive, suicidal figures, often with the implication that their grisly fates were well deserved. And this in turn gave rise to the gay as aggressor, with any number of films depicting homicidal gay men and vampire lesbians, dangerous derelicts luring wholesome heteros to their deaths, Basic Instinct providing perhaps the most well-known recent example along these lines. 

The Celluloid Closet closes on an optimistic note with Philadelphia (1993), starring Tom Hanks as a man dying of AIDS. However, this was really just a gentle nudge for the mainstream audience, as the filmmakers declined to depict a physical relationship between the Hanks character and his lover, the rationale being that such graphic content would hinder the effort to preach beyond the choir. 

Last year’s Brokeback Mountain can then be seen as the next step in a long and ongoing process, having reintroduced sympathetic, humanistic gay love to mainstream Hollywood filmmaking. But it also contains traces of the influence of the repression of the early 1930s, for the process that stunted the gay character and transformed him from a simple human being to, by turns, a grotesque, a coward, a suicide and a psychopath, has pushed him toward overcompensation, rendering him now as that most masculine and macho of Hollywood archetypes, the cowboy.  

Sure, the movies have come a long way, but they’ve still got a ways to go.