Events Listings

Berkeley This Week

Tuesday March 20, 2007

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. 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. 

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. 

Fund-raiser for Ann Hershey's documentary-in-process “A Heart in Action” about San Francisco writer Tillie Olsen” at 7:30 p.m. at the Hillside Club, 2286 Cedar St. Donation $5-$500. 843-8714. 

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 t6:30 p.m. at the Berkeley BART Statioon. 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. 

“Is BP’s Biofuels Project Good for the Environment?” A forum sponsored by the Sierra Club of Northern Alameda County at 7:30 p.m. at the Hillside Club, 2286 Cedar St. Donation $5. 

“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 

“Raising Media Savvy Kids” A workshop for parents at 7 p.m. at Windrush School, Multipurpose Room, 1800 Elm St., El Cerrito. Free. 970-7580. http://windrush.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 

FRIDAY, MARCH 23 

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 Dr. Anna Barbara Moscicki on “Human Papilloma Virus Vaccine.” Luncheon at 11:45 a.m. for $14, speech at 12:30 p.m., at the Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant St. For reservations call 526-2925.  

“Hybridizing Irises” Larry Lauer will discuss his breeding program and new seedlings at the Sydney B. Mitchell Iris Society meeting at 7:30 p.m. at Lakeside Garden Center, 666 Bellevue Ave., Oakland. Free. 277-4200. 

“Impacts of War, Paths to Healing” Panel discussion with experts to help service members better manage their return from combat, at 7 p.m. at First Congregational Church of Berkeley, 2345 Channing Way. Free to veterans and their families, $10 suggested donation for others. Daylong workshop for veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan and their families follows on Sat. 415-387-0800. www.cominghomeproject.net 

“50 Years Is Enough” with Sameer Dossani speaking on the IMF, War, Class, and Migration in U.S. foreign policy at 7 p.m. at the Connie Barbour Room, upstairs at the Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists, 1606 Bonita. 525-5497. 

Film Festival for Diversity “That’s a Family” at 6:30 p.m. in the Longfellow Middle School Auditorium, 1500 Derby at Sacramento. Free, including dinner and child care. Presented by the Berkeley PTA Council. 644-6320. 

“Homeland” A film on the Native American struggle to preserve their resources at 7:30 p.m. at Humanist Hall, 390 27th St., Oakland. Donation $5. www.HumanistHall.net 

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

“Are We Winning the War Against Colorectal Cancer?” at 6:15 p.m. at Alta Bates Summit, 450 30th St., Room 2810, Oakland. Free, but RSVP requested. 869-8833. 

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 

Kol Hadash Humanistic Judaism Family Pot Luck at 6 p.m. at the Albany Community Center, 1249 Marin Ave. Please bring dinner food appropriate for children, and non-perishable food for the needy. 428-1492.  

SATURDAY, MARCH 24 

Open the Little Farm Join us to greet the animals in the morning and help the farmers with their chores at 9 a.m. at Tilden Nature Area, Tilden Park. 525-2233. 

Berkeley History Center Walking Tour “The Rise and Fall of Telegraph Ave” led by Steve Finacom at 10 a.m. Cost is $8-$10. For information on meeting place and to register call 848-0181. 

Spring Equinox Meditation Walk from 9 to 11 a.m. in Tilden Park. Meet at the Tilden Nature Area. 525-2233. 

Neighborhood Peace Rally from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at the corner of Acton and University, sponsored by Strawberry Creek Lodge Tenants Association. 841-4143. 

Spring in the Ponds Put on your rubber boots and come explore the underworld of the fresh water ponds, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at Tilden Nature Area, Tilden Park. 525-2233. 

“Cerrito Creek Work Party” Join Friends of Five Creeks to help remove invasive weeds to restore a creekside willow grove. Wear shoes with good traction and clothes that can get dirty. Meet at 10 a.m. at Creekside Park, south end of Santa Clara Ave., El Cerrito. 848-9358. www.fivecreeks.org  

Mt. Wanda Bird Walk Join a Park Ranger for a walk in the hills. Terrain is steep, wear walking shoes and bring water and binoculars. Rain cancels. Meet at 8:30 a.m. at the Cal-Trans Park and Ride lot at the corner of Alhambra Ave. and Franklin Canyon Rd., Martinez. 925-228-8860. 

Townhall Meeting with Congresswoman Barbara Lee Topics of discussion will include legislation to bring the troops home and end the war, efforts to stop a U.S. preemptive strike on Iran, and what you can do to end the war and work for peace, from 10 a.m. to noon at Grand Lake Theater, 3200 Grand Ave., Oakland. 452-3556. 

East Bay Sanctuary Covenant 25th Anniversary at 7 p.m. at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 2300 Bancroft Way. Free, but donation accepted. www.eastbaysanctuary.org 

“Impeachment How To” Presentation and Planning Session with Carol Wolman at at 6:15 p.m. at Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists, 1924 Cedar St. Suggested donation $10. 845-4154. 

“Brainiacs” Interactive neural anatomy lesson for children at Hall of Health, 2230 Shattuck Ave., lower level. Program for grades K-2 at 1 p.m., and for grades 3-6 at 2:10 p.m. Cost is $5. 705-8527. 

“Pirate Radio USA” a documentary about the underground world of illegal radio in America at 6 p.m. at the Long Haul Infshop, 3124 Shattuck. 540-0751. 

East Bay Baby Fair Information for new and expecting parents from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the JCCEB, 1414 Walnut St. 540-7210. 

Study Medicine in Cuba Information Fair from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Laney College, 900 Fallon St., Oakland, Room 401 A and B. 219-0092. 

“Karma & Dharma” with Dr. Toshikazu Arai of SOAI Univ., Japan, at 10 a.m. and again at 4 p.m. at the Jodo Shinshu Center, 2140 Durant at Fulton. 809-1460. 

Hopalong Animal Rescue Come meet your furry new best friend from noon to 3 p.m. at 2940 College Ave. 267-1915, ext. 500. www.hopalong.org  

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

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

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.  

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, MARCH 25 

Shoreline Discovery Walk along Wildcat Creek Regional Shoreline with Bethany Facendini, naturalist, from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Call for meeting place. 525-2233. 

Family Hike in Miller Knox to discover life on the rocky shore, from 10 a.m. to noon. Meet at Ferry Point. 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 

Garden Spring Start Day Help start the People’s Park Community Garde from noon to 4 p.m. Organic gardening demonstration at 2 p.m. 658-9178. 

Permaculture Bike Tour of gardens involoved in the Food and Environmental Justice movement in West Oakland, featuring examples of urban farming, remediation of toxic soil, green and natural building, graywater systems, neighbor cooperation, and community activism. Meet at 1 p.m. at the West Oakland BART Station. 295-2641. isisferal@yahoo.com 

Forum on the City Budget hosted by Berkeley Citizens Action with Mayor Tom Bates at 4 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center, 1901 Hearst. 549-0816. 

“Women’s Global Agenda: Peace-builders and Activists” A conference hosted by the United Nations Association - USA East Bay Chapter with Charlie Toledo, Chairman of the Women’s Intercultural Network at 2 p.m. at theCommunity Center at Harbor Bay Isle, 3195 Mecartney Road, Alameda. For more information visit www.unausaeastbay.org 

Spring Equinox Celebration at 2 p.m. at Dream Institute, 1672 University Ave. Cost is $10-$20. 845-1767. 

Berkeley City Club Tour of the “Little Castle” designed by Julia Morgan at 1:15, 2:15 and 3:15 p.m. at 2315 Durant Ave. 883-9710. 

Socially Responsible Shopping Habits and Business Practices with Richie Unterberger at 6 p.m. at Black Oak Books. 486-0698.  

Berkeley Cybersalon “Life After TV” with execs from Dabble, Brightcove, Fiber-to-the-Home Council, and MobiTV, at 5 p.m. at the Hillside Club, 2286 Cedar St.Cost is $10. www.hillsideclub.org 

“Rumi: Preposterous Paths to Joy, Service, and Facing Death Without Fear” with Victoria Lee at 9:30 p.m. at Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley, 1 Lawson Rd., Kensington. Community poetry reading at 1 p.m. 525-0302, ext. 306. 

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 Barr Rosenberg on “Longchenpa’s Teachings about the Bodhisattva Way” at 6 p.m. at the Tibetan Nyingma Institute, 1815 Highland Pl. 843-6812.  

“Symbolism of the Passover Seder Plate” with Rabbi Chaim Mahgel-Friedman at 11:30 a.m. at Afikomen Judaica, 3042 Claremont Ave.  

MONDAY, MARCH 26 

Women’s Health Issues Lecture and discussion at 1 p.m. at Laney College, Classroom B210, 900 Fallon St. Oakland. Part of Women HerStory Month http://laney.peralta.edu/womensherstorymonth 

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

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.  

CITY MEETINGS 

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. 981-5344.  

Commission on Labor meets Wed., March 21, at 6:45 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center.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 Branch Library, 1901 Russell St. 981-6195.  

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

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