Events Listings

FRIDAY, MARCH 16 

Interfaith Candelight Prayer Vigil for the 4th Anniversary of the US occupation of Iraq at 5 p.m., at First Congregational Church lawn on Dana St. 

“Killowat Ours” a documentary on our use of electricity, and “The Vineyard Energy Project” at 7:30 p.m. at Humanist Hall, 390 27th St., midtown Oakland. Donation $5. www.HumanistHall.net 

“Blowin’ in the Wind” A documentary on depleted uranium by David Bradbury at 5 p.m. 215 Dwinelle Hall, UC Campus. 415-485-9528. http://ucnuclearfree.org 

“Golden Gulag: Prisons, Surplus, Crisis, and Opposition in Globalizing California” with author Ruth Wilson Gilmore at 6 p.m. at Uptown Body & Fender, 401 26th St., Oakland. 444-0484. 

Rakkasah West: Middle Eastern Folk Festival from 7 to 11 p.m. at the Richmond Auditorium, Richmond. Tickets are $12. Festival continues all day Sat. and Sun. www.rakkasah.com/west 

Seldom Seen Acting Company, a group of homeless actors who share their life stories through theater perform at 10:30 a.m. at The SVdP Downtown Services Center, 675 23rd St., Oakland. To RSVP call Christine at 636-4255.  

Free Diabetes Screening from 8:30 to 11 a.m. at the West Berkeley Senior Center. Do not eat or drink anything for 8 hours beforehand. 981-5332. 

City Commons Club Noon Luncheon with Fed Collignon on “Famous Berkelyans in the Arts” Luncheon at 11:45 a.m. for $14, speech at 12:30 p.m., at the Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant St. For information and reservations call 526-2925.  

“Who Killed the Electric Car?” a documentary followed by discussion at 6:30 p.m. at the Long Haul, 3124 Shattuck Ave. 540-0751. 

“Globalization in Africa: The Catholic Church’s Response” with Rev. Dr. Patrick Kalilombe from Malawi at 7 p.m. at JSTB, GTU, 1735 Leroy Ave. Followed by symposium on Sat. from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. 549-5028. 

Circle Dancing, simple folk dancing with instruction at 7:30 p.m. at Finnish Brotherhood Hall, 1970 Chestnut St at University. Donation of $5 requested. 528-4253. www.circledancing.com 

SATURDAY, MARCH 17 

Unclothed Oak Grove Photo Shoot with photographer Jack Gescheidt at 10 a.m. at the Memorial Oak Grove. All welcome. for more information on the photographer see www.treespirit.com www.saveoaks.com 

Berkeley Alliance of Neighborhood Associations (BANA) meets at 9:30 a.m. at St. John’s Presbyterian Church, Sproul Room, 2727 College Ave. All welcome.  

Discussion on Health Care Reform with Oakland Mayor Ron Dellums, Assemblymembers Loni Hancock, Fabian Nuñez, Sandre Swanson and others at 9:30 a.m. at Oakland City Hall, 1 Frank Ogawa Plaza. 

St. Patrick and the Snakes Learn the story of St. Patrick and meet our snake at 2 p.m. at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. 525-2233. 

Canoe at Arrowhead Marsh in Oakland with Save the Bay. From 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Cost is $30-$40. To register call 452-9261, ext. 109. 

Tinkers Workshop Spring Used Bike Sale at 84 Bolivar Drive, West Berkeley. All types of bikes available, and proceeds benefit Tinkers Workshop programs form youth. www.tinkersworkshop.org 

“Starve War, Feed Peace” Fourth Anniversary March and Rally Against the War, in Walnut Creek. Progressive Democrats of the East Bay will meet at 11 a.m. at the Walnut Creek BART and march to Civic Park, Civic and Broadway, for a noon rally. 925-933-7850. 

Mt. Wanda Wildflower Walk Join a Park Ranger for a walk in the hills where John Muir took his daughters. Terrain is steep, wear walking shoes and bring water. Rain cancels. Meet at 9 a.m. at the Cal-Trans Park and Ride lot at the corner of Alhambra Ave. and Franklin Canyon Rd., Martinez. 925-228-8860. 

81st Annual Poets’ Dinner and Awards with Cheryl Dumesnil, at noon at Francesco’s in Oakland. Tickets are $26-$27. For reservations call 235-0361. 

“The Ground Truth” Iraq war documentary at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists, 1924 Cedar St. 528-5403. 

Lead-Safe Painting and Remodeling A free class on how to detect and remedy lead hazards in the home, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Ecology Center, 2530 San Pablo Ave. 548-2220, ext. 233. 

“Developing Livable Communities” A forum sponsored by Urbanists for a Livable Temescal Rockridge Area, The Ella Baker Center for Human Rights and The Sierra Club, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at North Oakland Senior Center, 5714 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, entrance at parking lot at 58th St., Oakland. Please bring a brown bag lunch. Pastries, drinks and other snacks will be provided. 925-376-0727. www.ultraoakland.org 

California Writers Club meets to discuss “A Celebration of Local Color” with Annalee Allen, at 10 a.m. at Barnes and Noble, Jack London Square. 272-0120. 

Rakkasah West: Middle Eastern Folk Festival from 11 a.m to 11 p.m, Sun. from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Richmond Auditorium, Richmond. Tickets are $15. www.rakkasah.com/west 

African Dance Class at 11 a.m. at Black Repertory Group, (Purple Bldg.), 3201 Adeline St. Open to all. Cost is $11. 368-2475. www. 

youmustdance.blogspot.com 

Celebrate Women’s History Month on the USS Hornet Events from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.. Tickets are $6 for children, $14 for adults. The Hornet is berthed at 707 W Hornet Ave., Pier 3, Alameda. 521-8448, ext. 237. 

Kids Garden Club for ages 6-9 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. 

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 

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

SUNDAY, MARCH 18 

Shoreline Discovery Walk along Lone Tree Point Regional Shoreline with Bethany Facendini, naturalist, from 3 to 4 p.m. Call for meeting place. 525-2233. 

First Signs of Spring A five mile hike in the Crockett Hills from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Meet at the Crockett Ranch Staging Area. Bring water and a lunch. 525-2233. 

“Open Garden” Join the Little Farm gardener for composting, planting, watering and reaping the rewards of our work, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Tilden Nature Area, Tilden Park. Cancelled only by heavy rain. 525-2233. www.ebparks.org 

Community Labyrinth Peace Walk at 3 p.m., Willard Middle School, Telegraph Ave. between Derby and Stuart. Everyone welcome. Wheelchair accessible. Rain cancels. 526-7377. 

“Dancing Through My Spiritual Journey” with Roger Dillahunty at 9:30 p.m. at Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley, 1 Lawson Rd., Kensington. 525-0302, ext. 306. 

Tibetan Buddhism with Jack van der Meulen on Tibetan yoga “Opening to Kum Nye” at 6 p.m. at the Tibetan Nyingma Institute, 1815 Highland Pl. 843-6812. www.nyingmainstitute.com 

MONDAY, MARCH 19 

Iraq War Anniversary Vigils at 5:30 p.m. at the Rockridge BART, at 6 p.m. at Live Oak Park, and at University and San Pablo, and at Shattuck and Cedar, and at 7 p.m. at The Alameda btwn Solano and Marin. 

Berkeley Partners for Parks presents a panel of local grant-givers to help aspiring activists start and fund community projects at 7 p.m. at the Berkeley Public Works Green Room, 1326 Allston (below Acton). 848-9358.  

Bill McKibben and Michael Pollan in Conversation on McKibben’s new book “Deep Economy: The Wealth of Communities and The Durable Future” at 7 p.m. at First Congregational Church, 2345 Channing Way. Tickets are $10-$12. 415-255-7296, ext. 253. www.globalexchange.org 

Women for Peace with Loulena Miles, staff attorney for TriValley CAREs at 10 a.m. at Redwood Gardens, 2951 Derby St. 

“The Story of Rosa Parks” video at 1 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-5190. 

Berkeley School Volunteers Training workshop for volunteers interested in helping the public schools, from 6 to 7 p.m. at 1835 Allston Way. 644-8833. 

Red Cross Blood Drive from noon to 6 p.m. at East Pauley Ballroom, MLK Student Union, UC Campus. To schedule an appointment go to www.BeADonor.com (code UCB) 

Berkeley CopWatch organizational meeting at 8 p.m. at 2022 Blake St. Join us to work on current issues around police misconduct. Volunteers needed. For information call 548-0425. 

TUESDAY, MARCH 20 

Tuesdays for the Birds Tranquil bird walks in local parklands, led by Bethany Facendini, from 7 to 9:30 a.m. Today we will visit Martin Luther King Regional Shoreline. Call for meeting place and if you need to borrow binoculars. 525-2233. 

Sunshine Ordinance for Berkeley Workshop on open government at 5 p.m. at City Council Chambers 2134 Martin Luther King, Jr. Way. The public will have time to comment. 981-7170. 

Traditional Ringing of the Berkeley Peace Bell at noon at City Hall. Bring your own bells! 

César Chavez Commemoration with a showing of “No Grapes” at 6:30 p.m. at the Berkeley Public Library, 2090 Kittredge St. 981-6100. 

Berkeley Garden Club “Brighten Your Garden with Birds” presented by local birding author Pat Bachetti at 2 p.m. at Epworth Methodist Church, 1953 Hopkins St. 845-4482. 

Spring Equinox Gathering at the Solar Calendar at 6:30 p.m. in Cesar Chavez Park, Berkeley Marina. www.solarcalendar.org 

“Slow Is Beautiful: New Visions of Community, Leisure, and Joie de Vivre” with author Cecile Andrews at 7:30 p.m. at the Hillside Club, 2286 Cedar St. www.hillsideclub.org 

“Food Safety in Oakland” A public hearing with the Food and Drug Administration on recent outbreaks of food-borne illnesses associated with microbial contamination of fresh produce, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Federal Building, 13th St., at Clay, Oakland. 202-314- 4713. isabelle_howes@grad.usda.gov 

“Not For Sale: the Return of the Global Slave Trade and How We Can Fight It” with author David Batstone at 7:30 p.m. at the First Congregational Church of Berkeley 2345 Channing Way. Suggested donation $10. 559-9500. 

“How Japanese Pop Culture has Invaded the US” at 4 p.m. at the IEAS Conference, 2223 Fulton St. 642-2809. 

Free Diabetes Screening from 8:30 to 11 a.m. at the West Berkeley Senior Center. Do not eat or drink anything for 8 hours beforehand. 981-5332. 

“Your Favorite Stress Busters” Discussion at noon at the Herrick Campus of Alta Bates Medical Center, 2001 Dwight Way, Mafly Auditorium. 644-3273.  

“Hiking the Camino de Santiago” Susan Alcorn will show slides of her 400-mile trek along Spain’s ancient pilgrimage route at 7 p.m. at REI, 1338 San Pablo Ave. 527-4140. 

Elder Co-Housing presentation at 1:15 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-5190. 

Red Cross Blood Services Volunteer Oreintation from 6 to 8 p.m. at 6230 Claremont Ave. Registration required. 594-5165. 

Discussion Salon on “Nucular” Deterrence at 7 p.m. at JCC, 1414 Walnut.  

ADD & Autism with Dr. Thauna Abrin of Defeat Autism Now at 7:30 p.m. at 828 San Pablo Ave. Ste 115C. RSVP to 282-2104. 

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. 

Fresh Produce Stand at San Pablo Park from 3 to 6 p.m. in the Frances Albrier Community Center. Sponsored by the Ecology Center’s Farm Fresh Choice. 848-1704. www.ecologycenter.org 

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 

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 21 

Teach-In and Vigil Against American Torture every Wed. at noon at Boalt Hall, Bancroft Way at College Ave.  

Tilden Explorers An after-school nature adventure program for 5-7 year olds, at 3:15 p.m. at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. Cost is $6-$8. Registration required. 636-1684. 

Walk, Talk, Buck the Fence What’s at stake in the Ecology of Berkeley’s Strawberry Canyon A walk at 5 p.m. every Wed. with Ignacio Chapela and expert guests to discuss what is at stake in the proposed steps for the filling of the Canyon by the UC-LBL Rad-Labs, and now British Petroleum. http://canyonwalks.blogspot.com  

Spring Hike in Briones from 1 to 4 p.m. to see wildflowers, lagoons, vistas and black oaks. Meet at the Bear Creek Staging Area. 525-2233. 

“Media Bias in the Middle East” with Khaled Abu Toameh, a Jerusalem Post writer, who also wrote for the Palestinian newspaper, at 7:30 p.m. at 60 Evans Hall, UC Campus. 818-419-6500. 

Free Diabetes Screening from 9 to 11 a.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Do not eat or drink anything for 8 hours beforehand. 981-5332. 

Albany Library Evening Book Club meets to discuss “Tortilla Curtain” by T. Coraghessan Boyle at 7 p.m. at The Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave. 526-3720, ext. 16. 

New to DVD: “Casino Royale” at 7 p.m. at JCCEB, 1414 Walnut St. Discussion follows. 848-0237. 

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. 

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 

Stitch ‘n Bitch at 6:30 p.m. at Caffe Trieste, 2500 San Pablo Ave., at Dwight. 548-5198.  

THURSDAY, MARCH 22 

Dedication of the Maudelle Shirek Building at 4:30 p.m. at Old City Hall, 2134 Martin Luther King, Jr. Way. 981-7008. 

“Stopping the Destruction of Our Sierra Nevada Forests” at 7 p.m. at the Ecology Center, 2530 San Pablo Ave. 548-2220, ext. 233. 

Banff Mountain Film Festival Thurs. and Fri. at 7 p.m. at Wheeler Auditorium, UC Campus. Tickets are $13-$15 available from REI, 1338 San Pablo Ave. 527-4140. 

Women’s History Month “Legacy of Visionaries” a lecture on the women who helped form the East By Regional Park, Save Mount Diablo and Save the Bay at 3:30 p.m. at Tilden Nature Center. Registration required. 636-1684. 

“Homelands: Women’s Journeys Across Race, Place and Time” with Patricia Tumang and Jenesha de Rivera at 6 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

Easy Does It Emergency Services Board of Directors Meeting at 6:30 p.m. at 1636 University Ave. 845-5513. 

Great Books Discussion Group meets to discuss “Billards at Half-Past Nine” by Heinrich Boll at 1:30 p.m. at the Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave. 526-3700, ext. 16. 

Family Story Time for children ages 3-7 at 7 p.m. at the Berkeley Public Library, North Branch, 1170 The Alameda, at Hopkins. 981-6107. 

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 

Tax Help at the Berkeley Public Library Sat. from 11:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the South Branch. Call for appointment. 981-6260. Also every Tues. and Thurs. at the West Branch from 12:15 to 3:15 p.m. Call for appointment. 981-6270. 

Berkeley Youth Alternatives Girls Basketball Age 15 and under league begins April 11 and 18 and under begins April 13. From 5:30 to 8:30 at Emery High School, 1100 47th St. Emeryville. Cost is $175 per team. 845-9066. www.byaonline.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 

Council Agenda Committee meets Mon. March 19, at 2:30 p.m., at 2180 Milvia St. 981-6900. 

www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/citycouncil/agenda-committee 

Homeless Commission meets Mon. March 19, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Jane Micallef, 981-5426.  

Berkeley Rent Stabilization Board meets Mon. March 19, at 7 p.m. in City Council Chambers, Pam Wyche, 644-6128 ext. 113. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/rent 

Citizens Humane Commission meets Wed., March 21, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-6601.  

Commission on Aging meets Wed., March 21, at 1:30 p.m., at the South Berkeley Senior Center. William Rogers, 981-5344.  

Commission on Labor meets Wed., March 21, at 6:45 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Delfina M. Geiken, 981-7550. 

Downtown Area Plan Advisory Commission meets Wed. March 21, at 7 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-7487. 

Human Welfare and Community Action Commission meets Wed., March 21, at 7 p.m., at the South Berkeley Senior Center. 981-5427.  

Library Board of Trustees meets Wed., March 21, at 7 p.m. at South Berkeley Senior Center. 981-6195.  

Mental Health Commission meets Thurs., March 22, at 6:30 p.m. at 2640 MLK Jr. Way, at Derby. Harvey Turek, 981-5213.  

Zoning Adjustments Board meets Thurs., March 22, at 7 p.m., in City Council Chambers. Mark Rhoades, 981-7410.