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Berkeley This Week

Friday January 11, 2008

FRIDAY, JAN. 11 

International Day of Action to Shut Down Guantánamo Candlelight Vigil at 5:30 p.m. at downtown Berkeley BART. Please wear orange. Sponsored by Bay Area Religious Campaign Against Torture, the Fr. Bill O'Donnell Social Justice Committee of St. Joseph the Worker, the TEARS Ministry Team of FCCB. In San Francisco gather at 4 p.m. at the federal courthouse at 95 7th St., at Mission St., near Civic Center BART. Sponsored by Act Against Torture and others. www.actagainsttorture.org 

Teen Playreaders meets to read “Hamlet” and other plays based on the classic, at 4 p.m. at Claremont Branch Library, 2940 Benvenue at Ashby. 981-6121. 

City Commons Club Noon Luncheon with Robert David Tufft, M.D. on “Hyperbaric Medicine” Luncheon at 11:45 a.m. for $14.50, speech at 12:30 p.m., at the Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant. 526-2925.  

Potters Council “Explore the Surface” Ceramic Workshop Listen, watch and learn from David Hendley, Gerald and Kelly Hong, Willie Hulce, Julia Kirillova, Sam Chung and Virginia Cartwright and others. Opening reception at 6 p.m. at Leslie Ceramics Supply Co, Inc., 1212 San Pablo Ave. Workshop classes Sat. and Sun. from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at The Berkeley Potters Guild; 731 Jones St. Cost is $150-$380. 866-721-3322. www.potterscouncil.org/explorethesurface  

Circle Dancing in Berkeley Simple folk dancing in a circle, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Finnish Brotherhood Hall, 1970 Chestnut. Donation $5. 528-4253.  

Womansong Circle at 7:15 p.m. at First Congregational Church of Berkeley Small Assembly Room, 2345 Channing. Donation $15-$20. 525-7082.  

SATURDAY, JAN. 12 

First Annual Christmas Tree Mulching Bring your trees from your neighborhood to People’s Park between 2 p.m. Sat. and noon Sun. Please leave your trees behind the Free Speech Stage to be turned into nutritional soil for the People’s Park Community Garden. 658-9178. 

Weed Warriors on East Bay Shore Join Friends of Five Creeks and Building with Books removing invasive weeds and helping to establish native vegetation from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Eastshore State Park. Meet at Sea Breeze Delicatessen, south side of University Ave. Bring lunch if you plan to stay the full four hours, but come for as long as you like. Dress in layers; we will work in a drizzle but heavy rain cancels. 848-9358. www.fivecreeks.org 

“Breaking Down Big Oil: How the Industry Works and How to Stop It From Driving War, Destroying Our Planet, and Decimating Our Democracy” with Antonia Juhasz at 7 p.m. at the Alameda Free Library, Conference Room A, 1550 Oak St. at Lincoln, Alameda. www.alamedaforum.org 

“The Fine Art of Pruning” Pruning is needed to maintain plant health, control plant growth, and encourage flowering and fruiting. Learn pruning basics with Kelley Dunn at 10 a.m. at Magic Gardens, 729 Heinz Ave. 644-2351. 

The East Bay Chapter of the Great War Society meets to discuss “Refugees, Relief & Reconstruction- American Humanitarian Assistance” by Branden Little at 10:30 a.m. at the West Branch of the Berkeley Public Library, 1125 University Ave. 

Happy Hibernators Learn about the animals that hibernate during the winter to escape the cold at 10:30 a.m. at the Oakland Zoo, 9777 Golf Links Rd. Cost is $7.50-$10. Registration required. 632-9525. 

Kids Go Green Activities centered on ecology and climate change from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Chabot Space and Science Center, 10000 Skyline Blvd., Oakland. Cost is $9-$13. 336-7373.  

Potters Council “Explore the Surface” Ceramic Workshop classes Sat. and Sun. from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at The Berkeley Potters Guild; 731 Jones St. Cost is $150-$380. 866-721-3322.  

Yoga Benefit for Kristi Rudolph from 8:30 a.m. on at 7th Heaven Yoga Center, 2820 Seventh St. Donation $20-$50. 

Health Screenings including blood pressure, cholesterol and blood glucose from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at at Elephant Pharmacy, 1607 Shattuck Ave. 549-9200. 

“Be a Savvy Healthcare Consumer” with author Christine Larson at 3:30 p.m. at Elephant Pharmacy, 1607 Shattuck Ave. 549-9200. 

“Have I Got a Story to Tell” A storytelling circle with Diane Ferlatte at 2 p.m. at Peralta Hacienda Historical Park, 2465 34th Ave., Oakland. 532-9142. 

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

SUNDAY, JAN. 13 

Golden Gate Audubon Society Field Trip “Tilden Regional Park” with Della Dash. Meet at 9 a.m. at the parking lot at north end of Central Park Drive near the Little Farm for a 4 mile hike to look at wintering birds. 843-2222. 

Golden Gate Audubon Society Field Trip “Albany Mudflats” with Oliver James. Meet at 8 a.m. at the raised platform located on the access road to the Albany Bulb to look at wintering birds. 843-2222. 

Friends of the Alameda Wildlife Refuge Workday Help prepare habitat for California Least Terns. Meet at 9 a.m. at main refuge gate, northwest corner of former Alameda Naval Air Station, Alameda. For more information and directions, contact Golden Gate Audubon volunteer coordinator, 843-2222. jrobinson@goldengateaudubon.org  

El Cerrito Historical Society meets to discuss “Images of America: Albany” with author Karen Sorenson at 1 p.m. at the El Cerrito Senior Center, behind the El Cerrito Library, 6510 Stockton Ave., El Cerrito. 526-7507. 

“Will Annapolis Lead to Israeli-Palestinian Peace?” with Marcia Freedman and Ruth Atkin at 2 p.m. at Cafe Leila, 1724 San Pablo Ave. Cost is $5-$15. RSVP to 524-1993, sf-bayarea@btvshalom.org 

“Who Killed the Electric Car?” Documentary showing at 1:15 p.m. at Parkway Theater, 1834 Park Blvd., Oakland. 834-7640 

Cool Schools Global Warming Campaign meets to discuss Transportation and Climate Change from 2 to 4 p.m. RSVP for location. 704-4030. chicory@earthteam.net  

Grandmothers for the Oaks Celebration Bring warm clothes to donate, hot food and songs of solidarity at 2 p.m. at Memorial Oak Grove, on Piedmont, just north of Bancroft. www.saveoaks.com 

Cheri Lovre, Director of Crisis Management Institute, Salem, Oregon at 11:20 a.m. at Arlington Community Church, 52 Arlington Ave., Kensington. 526-9146. 

Mantras of Henry Marshall, led by Marcia Emery, PhD. at 2 p.m. at Peralta Community Garden, Hopkins and Peralta. If by chance it rains, we will postpone until the following month. 526-5510. 

“Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement” with Shira Miller at 3 p.m. at Elephant Pharmacy, 1607 Shattuck Ave. 549-9200. 

MONDAY, JAN. 14 

Berkeley Green Mondays with Diane Beeson, PhD and Tina Stevens, PhD, Co-founders of Alliance for Humane Biotechnology on “The human egg trade, cloning, and market eugenics” at 7:30 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. 848-4681. www.berkeleygreens.org 

“Eat at Bill’s: Life in the Monterey Market” a film by Lisa Brenneis, followed by a discusssion with the market’s owner, Bill Fujimoto at 7 p.m. at Kensington Library, 61 Arlington Ave., Kensington. 524-3043. 

“Science of Evolution and the Myth of Creationism” A discussion of the book by Ardea Skybreak at 7 p.m. at Revolution Books, 2425 Channing Way. 848-1196. 

Berkeley School Volunteers Orientation from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at 1835 Allston Way. Come learn about volunteer opportunities. 644-8833. 

Kids Dance Program at Ashkenaz Creative Movement and Ballet for ages 3-8, Mon. and Wed. afternoons. Call for information. 233-5550. animamundi@jps.net 

TUESDAY, JAN. 15 

The Berkeley Garden Club meets at 1 p.m., at Epworth United Methodist Church, 1953 Hopkins St. The speaker will be Amy Meyer, Co-Chair, GGNRA, speaking on “The Creation of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and Its Ongoing Ecological Restoration.” Cost is $3, free for members. 845-4482.  

Solo Sierrans Hike in Tilden Park to explore watersheds, newts and winter topics, on a trail that might be muddy. Meet at 1:30 p.m. at Tilden Nature Area. Optional dinner follows. 234-8949. 

“Meeting Resistance” Molly Bingham and Steve Connors’ documentary on the the Iraq insurgency at 7:30 p.m. at Grand Lake Theater, 3200 Grand Ave., Oakland. Cost is $10. 452-3556. 

“The Short Life of José Antonio Gutierrez” Film screening followed by discussion of the impact of war and military recruiting on immigrant youth, at 4 p.m. at Oakland Public Library, Cesar Chavez Branch, 3301 E. 12th St., Ste. 271 Free for youth. 535-5620. 

Retirement Community Information Fair with representatives from 12 East Bay retirement communities and the Adult Day Network of Alameda County from 1 to 3 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center, 1901 Martin Luther King Way. 848-1960, ext. 246.  

“If These Walls Could Talk” Video at 7 p.m. at Revolution Books, 2425 Channing Way. 848-1196. 

“What is Everyday Creativity?” with Ruth Richards at 7:30 p.m. at Berkeley Buddhist Monastery, 2304 McKinley Ave. 848-3440. www.ahimsaberkeley.org 

The Café Literario, book discussion group in Spanish, meets to discuss “El Túnel” by Ernesto Sábato at 7 p.m. at the West Branch Library, 1125 University Ave. 981-6270. 

“Winter Mountaineering: Basic to Advanced” A slide presentation with Tim Keating at 7 p.m. at REI, 1338 San Pablo Ave. 527-4140. 

Red Cross Blood Drive from noon to 6 p.m. at Elephant Pharmacy, 1607 Shattuck Ave. 549-9200. 

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. 

End the Occupation Vigil every Tues. at noon at Oakland Federal Bldg., 1301 Clay St. www.epicalc.org 

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

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. We always welcome new members over 50. 845-6830. 

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 16 

“Caught in the Crossfire” A documentary on the plight of civilians in Fallujah and “Children of Abraham” at 7:30 p.m. at Humanist Hall, 390 27th St., Oakland. Donation $5. www.Humanist Hall.org 

Teen Chess Club from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the North Branch Library, 1170 The Alameda at Hopkins. 981-6133. 

War and Peace Book Group meets to discuss “A Very Long Engagement” by Sebastian Japrisot at 7 p.m. at Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave. 526-3720, ext. 16. 

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. 

Morning Meditation Every Mon., Wed., and Fri. at 7:45 a.m. at Rudramandir, 830 Bancroft Way at 6th. 486-8700. 

THURSDAY, JAN. 17 

Alan Alda in Conversation with Bob Osserman on Alda’s lifelong interest in science at 7 p.m. at The Roda Theater, 2015 Addison St. Tickets are $14-$22. 647-2949. www.msri.org 

Golden Gate Audubon Society “Antartica: An Unforgettable Journey” with Eleanor Briccetti at 7:30 p.m. at Northbrae Community Church, 941 The Alameda. 843-2222. 

“Workshop: Zen and the Art of Mushroom Hunting” Discover the world of mushrooms with Debbie Viess in an evening slide lecture (and a field trip on Sat. the 19th) at 7:30 p.m. at Oakland Museum of CA, 1000 Oak St., at 10th St., Oakland. Cost is $35. Registration required. 843-2222. www.museumca.org 

Berkeley Democratic Club General Membership Meeting with Prof. David Tabb, on “The Presidential Primary” at 7:30 p.m. at Northbrae Community Church, Parlor Room, 941 The Alameda. www.berkeleydemocraticclub.com 

LeConte Neighborhood Association meets at 7:30 p.m. at the LeConte School cafeteria. (Please use Russell St. entrance.) Agenda includes a discussion of ways to make our homes and streets safer. We will also have our Board election for 2008. karlreeh@aol.com 

Appreciating Diversity Film Series “Aging Out” about foster youth who “age out” of the system at 7 p.m., followed by discussion, at Ellen Driscoll Theater, 325 Highland Ave., Piedmont. Appropriate for children 12 and older. www.diversityfilmseries.org 

“Dissent: Voices of Conscience” Celebrate the release of Col. Wright’s new book at 7 p.m. at First Congregational Church of Oakland, 2501 Harrison St. Cost is $5-$10. 488-3559. 

Computer and Office Technology Classes begin at Berkeley City College, 2050 Center St. Enrollment open through Feb. 9. www.peralta.edu. 981-2800. 

“Sustainable Urbanism” with David Baker at 7 p.m. at the Ecology Center, 2530 San Pablo Ave. 548-2220, ext. 233. 

Berkeley School Volunteers Orientation from 4 to 5 p.m. at 1835 Allston Way. Come learn about volunteer opportunities. 644-8833. 

Small Business Panel and workshop for people thinking of starting, mamnaging and growing a small business at 7 p.m. at El Cerrito Library, 6510 Stockton Ave., El Cerrito. 526-7512.  

Babies & Toddlers Storytime at 10:15 and 11:15 a.m. at Kensington Library, 61 Arlington Ave. 524-3043.  

Avatar Metaphysical Toastmasters Club meets at 6:45 p.m. at Spud’s Pizza, 3290 Adeline. namaste@avatar.freetoasthost.info  

ONGOING 

E-Waste Recycling St. Vincent de Paul of Alameda County accepts electronic waste including computers, dvd players, cell phones, fax machines and many other ewaste products for disposal free of charge at many of its locations throughout Alameda County. Make a tax-deductible donation while disposing of your ewaste appropriately and helping those in need. Free bulk pick-up available. 638-7600. www.svdp-alameda.org 

Help a Newt Cross the Road Every year newts migrate across Hillside Drive to reach their breeding pools in Castro Creek. Volunteers prevent many of these creatures from being crushed by cars. We need volunteers every evening during January and February in El Sobrante. The newts are most active on rainy nights. annabelle11_3@yahoo.com 

Free Tax Help If your 2007 household income was less than $42,000, you are eligible for free tax preparation from United Way's Earn it! Keep It! Save It! Sites are open now through April 15 in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties. To find a site near you, call 800-358-8832. www.EarnItKeepItSaveIt.org 

CITY MEETINGS 

City Council meets Tues., Jan. 15, at 7 p.m in City Council Chambers. 981-6900. www.ci.erkeley.ca.us/citycouncil 

Fair Campaign Practices Commission meets Thurs., Jan. 17, at 7:30 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-6950.  

Housing Advisory Commission meets Thurs., Jan. 17, at 7 p.m., at the South Berkeley Senior Center. 981-5400.