TUESDAY, FEB. 19 

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 Tilden Botanic GArden. Call for meeting place and if you need to borrow binoculars. 525-2233. 

“Hiking New Zealand” with Peter Potterfield at 7 p.m. at REI, 1338 San Pablo Ave. 527-4140. 

Berkeley Garden Club “Why Would You Want Bugs? Integrated Pest Management in the Home Garden” with Martha Berthelsen, Public Programs Manager, The Watershed Project, at 1:45 p.m. at Epworth United Methodist Church,1953 Hopkins St. Bring a plant to exchange. 845-4482. www.berkeleygardenclub.org  

Sustainable Peralta Film Festival Screenings of “The Story of Stuff,” “Straight Outta Hunter’s Point,” Black Gold” beginning at 3:30 p.m. at Laney College Theater. jlin@peralta.edu 

“The Corporation” Screening of Part 1 of the film at 7 p.m., followed by discussion, at Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists, 1924 Cedar St. Donations accepted. 495-5132. 

BAY-Peace Youth Workshop: The Military: It’s Not Just a Game A free event for youth from 4 to 6 p.m. at Oakland Public Library, Cesar Chavez Branch, 3301 E. 12th St., Ste. 271, Oakland. 809-7416. www.baypeace.org 

“The Struggle Against Racism and Repression” Commemorating Black History Month at 7 p.m. at La Peña, 3105 Shattuck Ave. Donation $3-$5. 

“Sacred Music, Sacred Space, Sacred Arts” Tea and talk with Don Frew and Jack Lundin at 7:30 p.m. at Berkeley Buddhist Monastery, 2304 McKinley Ave. 848-3440. 

Board Game Days at the Albany Library. Play Monopoly, Blokus, Connect 4, checkers, chess and much more from 1 to 4 p.m., Tues.-Thurs. at the Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave. For 4th through 8th graders. 526-3720, ext. 17. 

Berkeley PC Users Group meets at 7 p.m. at 1145 Walnut St., near Eunice. MelDancing@aol.com 

Business Training for Women Immigrants and Families offered by AnewAmerica. For information call 540-7786. www.anewamerica.org 

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 

Street Level Cycles Community Bike Program Come use our tools as well as receive help with performing repairs free of charge. Youth classes available. Tues., Thurs., and Sat. from 2 to 6 p.m. at at 84 Bolivar Dr., Aquatic Park. 644-2577. www.watersideworkshops.org 

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.  

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.  

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, FEB. 20 

“Blue Covenant: The Global Water Crisis and the Coming Battle for the Right to Water” with Maude Barlow at 7:30 p.m. at First Congregational Church of Berkeley, 2345 Channing Way. Tickets are $10-$13, available from Cody’s or www.kpfa.org 

“Amongst White Clouds” A documentary on the Buddhist Hermit Masters of China’s Zhongnan Mountains at 7:30 p.m. at Humanist Hall, 390 27th S., Oakland, between Telegraph and Broadway, below Pill Hill. Suggested donation $5. www.HumanistHall.org  

Sustainable Peralta Film Festival Screenings of “The Meatrix,” “Power of Community,” King Corn” beginning at 3:30 p.m. at Laney College Theater. jlin@peralta.edu 

Cycling Lecture with Jobst Brandt on “Cycling in the Alps” at 7 p.m. at Velo Sport Bicycles, 1615 University Ave., enter at 1989 California St. RSVP to 849-0437. 

Watch the Lunar Eclipse from 6 to 9 p.m. at Lawrence Hall of Science, Centennial Drive, below Grizzly Peak. Free. 642-5132. www.lawrencehallofscience.org 

Total Lunar Eclipse “Red Moon Rising” a guided hike of about 3 miles roundtrip, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Chabot Space and Science Center, 10000 Skyline Blvd., Oakland. Cost is $8-$10, advance purchase recommended. 336-7373.  

Writer Coach Connection Volunteers needed to help Berkeley students improve their writing and critical thinking skills from noon to 3 p.m. To register call 524-2319. www.writercoachconnection.org  

Jericho Deliverance Fellowship Open House Wed.-Fri, at Fresh Manna Christian Center, 3201 Shattuck Ave. 459-5559.  

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. 

Berkeley Peace Walk and Vigil at 6 p.m. at the Berkeley BART Station, corner of Shattuck and Center. www.geocities.com/vigil4peace/vigil 

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

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

After-School Program Homework help, drama and music for children ages 8 to 18, every Wed. from 4 to 7:15 p.m. at St. John’s Presbyterian Church, 2727 College Ave. Cost is $5 per week. 845-6830. 

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

THURSDAY, FEB. 21 

Tilden Tots Join a nature adventure program for 3 and 4 year olds, each accompanied by an adult (grandparents welcome)! We’ll learn about animal defenses, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. Cost is $6-$8. Registration required. 1-888-EBPARKS. 

“The California Serengeti: A Tour of the Bay Area, 15,000 BCE” with Breck Parkman, senior state archeologist, California State Parks at 12:30 p.m. at Oakland Museum of California, 10th and Oak, Oakland. Cost is $5-$8. 238-2002. 

“The Corporation” Screening of Part 1 of the film at 7 p.m., followed by discussion with Jess Bell of the CA Food and Justice Coalition, at Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists, 1924 Cedar St. Donations accepted. 495-5132. 

Sustainable Peralta Film Festival Screenings of “The Story of Stuff,” “Homeland,” “Who Killed the Electric Car” beginning at 3:30 p.m. at Laney College Theater. jlin@peralta.edu 

Academy Awards Preview Night with Harry Chotiner at 7 p.m. at the College Preparatory School, 6100 Broadway, Oakland. Tickets are $12.50- $15, $5 for students. http://loiivetalk-chotiner.eventbrite.com 

“Rebuilding with Straw Bale in Earthquake Affected Pakistan” with Berkeley architect Martin Hammer who recently returned from Pakistan where he has been working to bring straw bale and other sustainable building practices to the mountainous region devastated by the 2005 earthquake, at 7 p.m. at the Ecology Center, 2530 San Pablo Ave., near Dwight Way. 548-2220, ext. 233. 

Berkeley School Volunteers Orientation from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. at 1835 Allston Way. Come learn about volunteer opportunities. 644-8833. 

Berkeley Stop the War Coalition meets at 7 p.m. at 258 Dwinelle, UC Campus. All are welcome. 

“Remedies to Reduce Depression: The Role of Vitamins, Hormones, Toxicity, and Acupuncture” at 7 p.m. at Piedmont Adult School, Oakland. Cost is $25. Sponsored by Foundation for Wellness Professionals. to register call 849-1176. 

Holistic Menopause & Intimacy at 7 p.m. at Elephant Pharmacy, 1607 Shattuck Ave. 549-9200. 

Fitness Class for 55+ at 9:15 a.m. at Jewish Community Center, 1414 Walnut St. 848-0237. 

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.  

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

FRIDAY, FEB. 22 

City Commons Club Noon Luncheon with Mel Lavine, former TV journalist on his new book “A Strange Breed of Folks.” Luncheon at 11:45 a.m. for $14.50, speech at 12:30 p.m., at the Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant St. For information and reservations call 526-2925.  

Golden Gate Audubon Society with Dr. Rauri Bowie on “The Importance of Habitat Association in the Diversification of African Birds” at 7 p.m. at Northbrae Community Church, 941 The Alameda. 843-2222. 

Benefit for Berkeley Food and Housing, North County Women’s Shelter with dinner at 6:30 and dancing from 7:30 on at the Gaia Arts Center. Tickets are $40-$50. 649-4965, ext. 304. 

Two-Day Photography Workshop with Ami Vitale on “Reaching Across Borders” organized by Fotovision. Information and enrollment at www.fotovision.org 

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

Berkeley Women in Black weekly vigil from noon to 1 p.m. at Bancroft and Telegraph. Our focus is human rights in Palestine. 548-6310. 

Circle Dancing, simple folk dancing with instruction at 8 p.m. at Hillside Community Church, 1422 Navellier St., El Cerrito. Pot luck at 7 p.m. Donation of $5 requested. 528-4253. www.circledancing.com 

SATURDAY, FEB. 23 

Mini-Farmers in Tilden A farm exploration program, from 10 to 11:30 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. 1-888-EBPARKS. 

Reptile Rendevous Learn about the reptiles that call the Tilden Nature Area home, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the Tilden Nature Area, Tilden Park. 525-2233. 

Bay Area Seed Interchange Library Seed Swap and pot luck at 6:30 p.m. at the Ecology Center, 2530 San Pablo Ave. Bring garden seed to share and a potluck dish or $10 for entrance. 658-9178. 

Golden Gate Audubon Society Field Trip “Lake Merritt and Lakeside Park” with Hilary Powers. Meet at 9:30 a.m. at the large spherical cage near Nature Center at Perkins and Bellevue to look at wintering birds. 843-2222. 

Retirement Party for Michele Lawrence Celebrating 35 Years in Public Education. Cocktails and dinner at 6 p.m. at Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant Ave. 472-3811. party@berkeley.k12.ca.us  

Billabong Ball Fundraiser for Young People’s Symphony Orchestra at 8 p.m. at the Crowden Music Center, 1475 Rose St. Tickets are $10-$75. www.ypsomusic.net 

Castlemont High School Annual General Membership Luncheon at 11 a.m. at Francesco’s Resturant, 8200 Pardee St., corner of Hegenberger Rd., Oakland. Cost is $30. 828-1481. www.castlemontalumni.org 

Vegetarian Cooking Class “The Joy of Vegan Baking” featuring currant scones, apple strudel, peanut butter chocolate bars, oat bran muffins and more, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at First Unitarian Church of Oakland, 685 14th St. at Castro. Cost is $49 plus $5 material fee. to register call 531-COOK. www.compassionatecooks.com 

“60th Annual Festival of the Oaks” International Folk Dancing Workshop from 9:30 a.m. to noon, dancing from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Live Oak Park, 1301 Shattuck Ave. No partners needed.Cost is $7-$12. 527-2177. meldancing@aol.com 

Spartacist Black History Month Forum: From Mumia Abu-Jamal to the Jena Six at 2 p.m. at Rockridge Library, 5366 College Ave., Oakland. 839-0851. slbayarea@sbcglobal.net 

Energy Efficient Homes A workshop from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at 1817 Second St. Sponsored by Truitt & White. Free, but registration required. 649-2674. 

Lead-Safe Painting & Remodeling Free class to learn about lead safe renovations for your older home from 2 to 4 p.m. at Mark’s Paint Mart, 2317 Blanding Ave., Alameda. Presented by Alameda County Lead Poisoning Prevention Program. 567-8280. www.ACLPPP.org 

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.  

“Everybody Eats Lunch” Lunchbox recipes from around the world at 2:30 p.m. at Elephant Pharmacy, 1607 Shattuck Ave. 549-9200. 

“Exposed: The Toxic Chemistry of Everyday Products” with author Mark Schapiro at 4 p.m. at Elephant Pharmacy, 1607 Shattuck Ave. 549-9200. 

Teen Knitting Circle at 3 p.m. in the 4th flr Story Room, Central Library, 2090 Kittredge St. Bring your own knitting needles in size 8, sample yarns provided. 981-6107. 

Preschool Storytime, for ages 3-5, at 11 a.m. at Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave. 526-3720, ext. 17. 

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.  

Oakland Artisans Marketplace Sat. from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sun. from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Jack London Square. 238-4948. 

SUNDAY, FEB. 24 

Hike in Briones Join a leisurely 4-mile hike out to the Maricich and Sindicich Lagoons to see California newts. Meet at 10 a.m. at the Alhambra Creek Staging Area off of Reliz Valley Rd. Bring lunch and water. To register call 925-862-2601. 

“African-American Rhythms On and Off the Canvas” activities for the whole family from 1 to 4 p.m. at Oakland Museum of California, 10th and Oak, Oakland. Cost is $5-$8. 238-2002. 

“Aerial Pesticide Spraying in the Bay Area for the Apple Moth” A community information meeting at 5 p.m. at the Hillside Club, 2286 Cedar St. 524-5185. www.stopthespray.org 

Films for the Future: The Future of Food at 2 p.m. at the Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave. 526-3720, ext. 17. 

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. 

Kensington Farmers’ Market from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 303 Arlington Ave. at Amherst, Kensington. 525-6155. 

Free Garden Tours at Regional Parks Botanic Garden in Tilden Park Sat. and Sun. at 2 p.m. Call to confirm. 841-8732. www.nativeplants.org 

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 

Berkeley Chess Club meets every Sun. at 7 p.m. at the Hillside School, 1581 Le Roy Ave. 843-0150. 

"beat.sit.asana: urbanYOGA Soul Sunday Jam from from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Center for Urban Peace, 2584 Martin Luther King, Jr. Way. Free. 549-3733. ext. 1. 

Tibetan Buddhism with Sylvia Gretchen on “Path of Liberation” at 6 p.m. at the Tibetan Nyingma Institute, 1815 Highland Pl. 809-1000 www.nyingmainstitute.com 

Sew Your Own Open Studio Come learn to use our industrial and domestic machines, or work on your own projects, from 5 to 9 p.m. at 84 Bolivar Dr., Aquatic Park. Cost is $3 per hour. 644-2577. www.watersideworkshops.org 

MONDAY, FEB. 25 

“The History of African American Migrant Women During World War II” with Gretchen Lemke-Santangelo, at 10:30 a.m. at Oakland Museum of California, 10th and Oak, Oakland. Cost is $5-$8. 238-2002. 

New Soul Cooking with Tanya Holland of “Melting Pot Soul Kitchen” at 5:30 p.m. at the Elmhurst Branch of the Oakland Public Library, 1427 88th Ave., Oakland. 615-5869. 

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. 

Dragonboating Year round classes at the Berkeley Marina, Dock M. Meets Mon, Wed., Thurs. at 6 p.m. Sat. at 10:30 a.m. For details see www.dragonmax.org 

Free Boatbuilding Classes for Youth Mon.-Wed. from 3 to 7 p.m. at Berkeley Boathouse, 84 Bolivar Dr., Aquatic Park. Classes cover woodworking, boatbuilding, and boat repair. 644-2577. www.watersideworkshops.org 

CITY MEETINGS 

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

Citizens Humane Commission meets Wed., Feb. 20, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-6601. 

Design Review Committee meets Thurs., Feb. 21, at 7:30 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-7415.  

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. Free bulk pick-up available. 638-7600. www.svdp-alameda.org 

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 

Donate the Excess Fruit from Your Fruit Trees I’ll gladly pick and deliver your fruit to community programs that feed school kids, the elderly, and the hungry. The fruit trees should be located in Berkeley and organic (no pesticides). This is a free volunteer/ 

grassroots thing so join in!! To scehdule and appointment call or email 812-3369. northberkeleyharvest@gmail.com

From my sixth-floor living room window I have a glorious panoramaic view of the Berkeley and Oakland hills. I never tire of this view, gazing out at the Campanile, International House, the Claremont Hotel and numerous campus buildings. When I pull my drapes apart in the early morning, it’s almost as though I were opening curtains to a stage. This comparison may sound a bit fanciful, but is it really? 

After all, when we go to the theater, we don’t know what we’ll be seeing. Similarly, when I pull my drapes apart in the early morning, I never know what sights will greet me. Will there be a gorgeous sunrise, with brilliant streaks of red in the sky? Will dozens of crows circle noisily outside my window and then perch on telephone wires, looking for all the world like Supreme Court Jjustices? Will this be a crystal-clear day where I can see the Lawrence Hall of Science, the Radiation Laboratory and practically the entire campus? 

Or will fog hang so thick and heavy I won’t even be able see houses across the street, much less read the clock on the Campanile? Not to worry—I love fog. 

From my living room window I’ve witnessed many unforgettable scenes, none so heart wrenching as the Oakland Hills Fire Storm in 1991. That day will forever be etched in my memory! With several neighbors joining me at my picture window, we watched nearly that entire day, in grief and disbelief, as hundreds of homes went up in flames. I didn’t know it at the time, but several of those homes belonged to good friends and colleagues at UC. To this day, whenever there’s a hot, dry wind, I shudder and pray to the Almighty that this tragedy will not be repeated. 

Another scene I’ve witnessed all too often is that of fire trucks and ambulances racing down Parker Street, sirens blaring, then turning the corner, pulling up to my apartment building. It’s a sound I’ve come to dread. I run to the window to see firemen and paramedics rushing into the lobby, first aid equipment in hand. I hurry out to the hall to see where the elevator has stopped, then stand at the window waiting to see who will be carried out. If the person carried out on a gurney is sitting up and talking, I breath a sigh of relief; perhaps it was only a nasty fall or minor heart attack. But when the firemen and paramedics remain in the building for a long period of time, then place someone in the ambulance and drive off slowly, no sirens blaring, I know that I’ve lost a friend and neighbor. Oh, yes, how I dread the sound of those sirens! 

But let me reassure you that not all the scenes I witness from my window are somber. Some are lighthearted, such as the group of Hare Krishnas parading down Telegraph Avenue in saffron robes, with shaved heads, chanting and beating their drums. On the eve of Big Game Day I’ve seen the Cal Marching Band also parading along Telegraph to the cheers of onlookers. Then, of course, there are the hundreds of UC students, backpacks and cell phones in tow, hurrying to their classes. I’m always gratified at the great diversity of Cal’s student body. 

By now you probably understand why I dearly love the view from my living room window, reflecting small human dramas and the exciting flavor of this wonderful university city.

TUESDAY, FEB. 19 

CHILDREN 

Clown Unique Derique performs for ages 3 and up at 6:30 p.m. at Kensington Library, 61 Arlington Ave. 524-3043. 

EXHIBITIONS 

“@60.art.israel.world” A survey of recent work by over 20 contemporary Israeli artists opens at the Judah L. Magnes Museum, 2911 Russell St. 549-6950. 

FILM 

Experimental Documentaries “Paper Tiger Reds Paper Tiger Television” at 7:30 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $5.50-$9.50. 642-0808.  

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Freight and Salvage Open Mic at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $4.50-$5.50. 548-1761.  

Neeli Cherkovski, Kelly Lydick at 7:30 p.m. at Moe's Books, 2476 Telegraph Ave. 849-2087. 

David Roche, humorist, actor, and speaker, discusses “The Church of 80% Sincerity” at 1 p.m. at Berkeley Public Library, 2090 Kittredge. 981-6107.  

Kevin Danaher discusses “Building the Green Economy: Success Stories from the Grassroots” with co-authors Shannon Biggs and Jason Mark at 7 p.m. at Cody’s Books. 559-9500. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Tom Rigney & Flambeau 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. Cost is $5. 841-JAZZ.  

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

Diablo Valley College Night Jazz Ensemble at 8 and 10 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $8-$12. 238-9200.  

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 20 

FILM 

History of Cinema “Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans” at 3 p.m. and “The Terrence Davies Trilogy” at 7:30 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $5.50-$9.50. 642-0808.  

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Dagoberto Gilb reads from his new novel “The Flowers” at 7 p.m. at Cody’s Books on Fourth St. 559-9500. 

Maude Barlow on “Blue Covenant: The Global Water Crisis and the Coming Battle for the Right to Water” at 7:30 p.m. at First Congregational Church of Berkeley, 2345 Channing Way. Tickets are $10-$13, available from Cody’s or www.kpfa.org 

Peace Symbol 50th Anniversary with Arnie Passman’s Peace Symbol history, Stoney Burke’s autobiography, folksingers Carol Denney, Hali Hammer, Brook Schoenfeld, Gary LaPow, at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Arts Festival Gallery, 2213 Shattuck Ave. Cost is $5. 845-5481. 

Cafe Poetry hosted by Paradise at 7:30 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. 849-2568.  

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Music for the Spirit Celebrating Black History Month with music by Samuel Coleridge-Taylor and Florence Price at 12:15 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Oakland, 2619 Broadway. 444-3555. 

Wednesday Noon Concert Brazilian Jazz at Hertz Hall, UC Campus. Free. 642-4864.  

Kaspar/Sherman Quartet at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island. Cost is $6. 841-JAZZ.  

Whiskey Brothers at 9 p.m. at Albatross, 1822 San Pablo Ave. 843-2473.  

Ezra Gale Trio at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 843-8277. 

The Duhks at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $18.50-$19.50. 548-1761.  

Martin Luther Experience, and Urban Ledgeds of the Bay Area, at 8 and 10 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $10-$16. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

THURSDAY, FEB. 21 

EXHIBITIONS 

“Casual Labor” Sculpture and photography by Alex Clausen, Zachery Royer Scholz and Kirk Stoller. Opening reception at 6 p.m. at Kala Art Institute, 1060 Heinz Ave. 549-2977. 

“Opening Doors” An exhibit celebrating the contributions of African American surgeons to medicine and medical education opens at the African American Museum and Library, 659 14th St., Oakland. 637-0200. 

FILM 

Terence Davies “Distant Voices, Still Lives” at 7:30 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $5.50-$9.50. 642-0808.  

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Poetry for the People with Tyehimba Jess, Def Poet Rafael Casal at 7:30 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $7-$15. 849-2568. 

Cultural Connections: The Art of Living Black Conversations with the artists at 5 p.m. at the Craft & Cultural Arts Gallery, State of CA Office Building, 1515 Clay St., Oakland. 622-8190. 

Anne Elizabeth Moore reads from “Unmarketable: Brandalism, Copyfighting, Mocketing, and the Erosion of Integrity” at 7 p.m. at Pegasus Books, 2349 Shattuck Ave. 913-2447. 

Greil Marcus Examines Nathan Zuckerman, the protagonist in Philip Roth’s novels, at 7:30 p.m. at JCC of the East Bay, 1414 Walnut St. Tickets are $10-$12. 848-0237. 

“Insurgent Citizenship: Disjunctions of Democracy and Modernity in Brazil” with author JAmes Holston, in coversation with Paul Rabinow and Peter Evans at 5:30 p.m. at University Press Books, 2430 Bancroft Way. 548-0585. 

Sylvia Sellers-Garcia discusses her new novel “When the Ground Turns in Its Sleep” at 7 p.m. at Revolution Books, 2425 Channing Way. 848-1196. www.revolutionbooks.org 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Berkeley Symphony, Hugh Wolff, conductor, at 8 p.m. at Zellerbach Hall, UC Campus. Tickets are $20-$60. 841-2800.  

Anthony Smith’s Trunk Fulla Funk at 9 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $10. 525-5054.  

Gyan Riley at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $18.50-$19.50. 548-1761.  

Steve Carter Group with Kenneth Nash at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island. Cost is $12. 841-JAZZ.  

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

Ross Hammonds Teakayo Misson, Singularity, jazz, at 9 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $67 841-2082. 

Adrian Gormley Jazz Ensemble at 10 p.m. at Beckett’s Irish Pub, 2271 Shattuck Ave. 647-1790.  

FRIDAY, FEB. 22 

THEATER 

Aurora Theatre “Satellites” at 8 p.m. at 2081 Addison St. through March 2. Tickets are $40-$42. 843-4822.  

Berkeley Rep “”Wishful Drinking” with Carrie Fisher, at the Roda Theater, 2015 Addison St., through March 30. Tickets are $33-$69. 647-2949. 

Black Repertory Group Theatre “A Raisin In The Sun” Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2:30 p.m. at 3201 Adeline St. Tickets are $5-$25. 652-2120.  

Central Works “Wakefield; or Hello Sophia” Thurs.-Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 5 p.m. at Berkeley City CLub, 2315 Durant Ave., through March 23.Tickets are $14-$25. 558-1381. 

Contra Costa Civic Theatre “The Cocoanuts” Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m., some Sun. matinees at 2 p.m., at 951 Pomona Ave., at Moeser, El Cerrito, through March 2. Tickets are $15-$24. 524-9132. www.ccct.org 

Frank Oliver’s “Twisted Cabaret & Pandemonium Vaudeville Show” Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2 p.m. at Julia Morgan Center for the Arts, 2640 College Ave. Tickets are $15-$25. 1-800-838-3006. 

Impact Theatre “Jukebox Stories: The Case of the Creamy Foam” Thurs.-Sat. at 8 p.m. at La Val’s Subterranean, 1834 Euclid Ave., through March 22. Tickets are $10-$15. 464-4468. 

Masquers Playhouse “Angel Street” Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2:30 p.m. through Feb. 23 at 105 Park Place, Point Richmond. Tickets are $18. 232-4031. www.masquers.org 

Virago Theatre Company “Candide” the comic opera at 8 p.m. Fri and Sat., 7 p.m. Sun. at Rhythmix Cultural Works - 2513 Blanding Ave., Alameda, through Mar. 9. Tickets are $15-$25. 865-6237. 

EXHIBITIONS 

Ami Vitale “Photographs of Kashmir” Opening reception at 6 p.m., lecture by the photographer at 7 p.m. at UC Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism. www.fotovision.org 

“All That Jazz” The Art of Living Black Works by James Gayles, Nanette Harris, Leroy Parker and others. Reception at 7 p.m. at the Women’s Cancer Resource Center, 5741 Telegraph Ave. at 58th St., Oakland. 601-4040, ext. 111. 

FILM 

Terence Davies “The Long Day Closes” at 7 p.m. and “The Neon Bible” at 9:05 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $5.50-$9.50. 642-0808.  

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Charles Baxter reads from his new novel “The Soul Thief” at 7 p.m. at Cody’s Books. 559-9500.  

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Percy Lang, piano, at noon at Hertz Hall, UC Campus. Free. 642-4864.  

Oakland East Bay Symphony Works by Stravisnky, Adams, Tan Dun and Jon Jang at 8 p.m. at Paramount Theater, 2025 Broadway, Oakland. Pre-concert lecture at 7 p.m. 444-0801. www.oebs.org 

Dan Plonsey’s “Daniel Popsicle” at 8 p.m. at Berkeley Arts Festival, 2213 Shattuck Ave. Cost is $5-$10.  

The Dave Matthews BLUES Band in a fundraiser for Berkeley Food and Housing Project, at 7 p.m. at Gaia Arts Center, 2120 Allston Way. 649-4965. 

History and Harmony Black History Concert Series “Slab Town Convention: A Youth Drama” dramatization of the 1960s Baptist Convention at 7:30 p.m. at Allen Temple Baptist Church, 8501 International Blvd., Oakland. Tickets are $5-$10. 544-8924. 

The Mirage Ensemble perform a program of Americana at 8 p.m. at the Hillside CLub, 2286 Cedar St. Tickets are $15. www.hillsideclub.org 

Toshi Reagon at 8 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $16-$18. 849-2568.  

Dena DeRose at 8 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $18. 845-5373. 

Terry Disley Experience at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island. Cost is $14. 841-JAZZ.  

Gamelan X, Gamelan Jegog at 9 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $13. 525-5054.  

Judy Wexler at 8 p.m. at Caffe Trieste, 2500 San Pablo Ave., at Dwight. 548-5198.  

Country Joe McDonald’s “Tribute to Woody Guthrie” at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $18.50-$29.50. 548-1761.  

Ronnie Cto, Dave Lionelli at 7:30 p.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344.  

Joel Streeter, Brad Brooks, Walty, indie rock, at 9 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $10. 841-2082.  

Green Machine at 10 p.m. at Beckett’s Irish Pub, 2271 Shattuck Ave. 647-1790.  

Patrick Green Quartet at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 843-8277. 

Jennifer Johns, Kevin Choice, reggae, R&B, at 9 p.m. at Maxwell’s Lounge, 341 13th St., Oakland. Cost is $15-$20. 839-6169. 

SATURDAY, FEB. 23 

CHILDREN  

Music with Hanna Banana at 11 a.m. at Studio Grow, 1235 Tenth St. Cost is $7. 526-9888. 

EXHIBITIONS 

“Tilden Odyssey” Textured paintings, collages, and monotypes by Sheila Sondick on display at the Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park, through Feb. 28. 525-2233. 

“Double Vision: Artist Partners” Opening reception at 6 p.m. at Chandra Cerrito Contemporary, 25 Grand Ave., upper level, Oakland. Exhibition runs to March 15. www.chandracerrito.com 

“Yea We Said It, And No We’re Not Sorry” works by Malik and Milton Bowens for Black History Month. Opening reception at 5:30 p.m. at Joyce Gordon Gallery, 406 14th St., Oakland. Exhibit runs to Feb. 29. 465-8928. 

“Impressions on Paper” Works by six local printmakers opens at the Addison St. Windows Gallery, 2018 Addision St. 981-7546. 

FILM 

United Nations Assoc. Film Festival with films from Israel/Palestine and Haiti, at 7:30 p.m. at International House, 2299 Piedmont Ave. Free. www.unausaeastbay.org 

Terence Davies “Distant Voices, Still Lives” at 2:30 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $5.50-$9.50. 642-0808.  

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Rhythm & Muse with poet Jeanne Powell at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Art Center, 1275 Walnut St. 527-9753. 

Alan Greene, pediatrician, describes “Raising Baby Green: The Earth-Friendly Guide to Pregnancy, Childbirth and Baby Care” at 4 p.m. at Mrs. Dalloway’s, 2904 College Ave. 704-8222. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Dream Kitchen at 8 p.m. at JCC of the East Bay, 1414 Walnut St. tickets are $10-$12. 848-0237. 

“B-Free” with Bill Crossman, Jim Hrabetin, Dale Sophiea and others at 8 p.m. at Berkeley Arts Festival, 2213 Shattuck Ave. Cost is $5-$10.  

Artists’ Vocal Ensemble and The Whole Noyse “1508: Music for Renaissance Winds and Voices” at 8 p.m. at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 2300 Bancroft Way. Tickets are $10-$25. www.ave-music.org  

Orquesta La Moderna Tradición at 9 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $10-$12. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

Lloyd Gregory Quintet at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island. Cost is $14. 841-JAZZ.  

Hot Hot Hot Caribbean Nights at 9:05 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $12-$15. 525-5054. 

Jon Roniger, Jayde Blade at 7:30 p.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344.  

UpSurge at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $18.50-$19.50. 548-1761.  

Jean Fineberg & Saxophunk at 8 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $15-$18. 845-5373.  

John Calloway Trio at 9 p.m. at Downtown. 649-3810.  

George Cotsililos, jazz, at 9:30 p.m. at Albatross, 1822 San Pablo Ave. Cost is $3. 843-2473. 

Todd Shipley at 10 p.m. at Beckett’s Irish Pub, 2271 Shattuck Ave. 647-1790.  

Moment’s Notice with Harmony Gates and TraceyJoy Miller at 8 p.m. at Western Sky Studio, 2525 8th St. Tickets are $8-$15. 992-6295. 

Mars Arizona at 9 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $TBA. 841-2082.  

Martin Turkis Afro-Cuban Trio at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 843-8277. 

SUNDAY, FEB. 24 

CHILDREN 

“African-American Rhythms On and Off the Canvas” activities for the whole family from 1 to 4 p.m. at Oakland Museum of California, 10th and Oak, Oakland. Cost is $5-$8. 238-2002. 

EXHIBITIONS 

Capturing the Moment Jazz and photography with James Knox at 1:30 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $10. 845-5373.  

“2 Days with Allen Ginsberg” Photographs by Harold Adler from 2 to 6 p.m., readings at 3 p.m. at Regent Press Gallery, 4770 Telegraph Ave., Oakland. 845-1196. 

FILM 

United Nations Assoc. Film Festival with films from Kenya/Uganda and Cuba at 2 p.m. at International House, 2299 Piedmont Ave. Free. www.unausaeastbay.org 

Human Rights Film Festival “Lumo” at 2 p.m., “Enemies of Happiness” at 3:45 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $5.50-$9.50. 642-0808.  

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Margo Peller Feeley reads from “Cashing Out and Coming Back” her memoir of leaving Berkeley and returning, at 7:30 p.m. at Mrs. Dalloway’s, 2904 College Ave. 704-8222. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Joshua Bell, violin, and Jeremy Denk, piano, at 3 p.m. at Zellerbach Hall, UC Campus. Tickets are $34-$62. 642-9988.  

John Adams Young Composers Program Faculty Concert with The Ariel String Quartet premiering new works by Alexis Alrich, Molly Axtman, Alan Crossman, Arkadi Serper, Clark Suprynowicz, and Katy Wreede, at 8 p.m. at Crowden Music Center, 1475 Rose St., at Sacramento. Free. 559-2941.  

“Gospel Roots: A Musical Celebration of African-American History” at 8 p.m. at Hertz Hall, UC Campus. Tickets are $4-$12. 642-9988.  

Pat Wynne at 7:30 p.m. at La Peña. Cost is $12-$25. 849-2568.  

Parlor Tango at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $10. 841-JAZZ.  

Howard Wiley “A Tribute to Dexter Gordon” at 4:30 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $15-$18. 845-5373.  

Steve Gillette & Cindy Mangsen at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $18.50-$19.50. 548-1761.  

MONDAY, FEB. 25 

FILM 

United Nations Assoc. Film Festival with films from Sudan and Nigeria at 7:30 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $5.50-$9.50.  

READINGS AND LECTURES 

The History of African American Women During World War II with Gretchen Lemke-Santangelo at 10:30 a.m. at the Oakland Museum of California, 1000 Oak St. 238-2200. 

“Civil Rights Tales” with Stagebridge, at 6:30 p.m. at Golden Gate Branch Library, 5606 San Pablo Ave., Oakland. 597-5023. 

Ed Lin and Lisa Chen will celebrate Lunar New Year by reading from their works at 7:30 p.m. at Eastwind Books of Berkeley, 2066 University Ave. 548-2350. 

Aurora Theatre “Events with Life’s Leftovers” at 7:30 p.m. at 2081 Addison St. 843-4822.  

Philip Fradkin introduces “Wallace Stegner and the American West” at 7 p.m. at Cody’s Books on Fourth St. 559-9500. 

Art, Technology and Culture Colloquium “Attention Depiction Disorders” with Naut Humon and V. Vale at 7:30 p.m. at 160 Kroeber Hall, UC Campus. 643-9565.  

Frank Portman reads from “King Dork” at 7:30 p.m. at Moe’s Books, 2476 Telegraph Ave. 849-2087. 

Poetry Express Open mic theme night on “rights” at 7 p.m. at Priya Restaurant, 2072 San Pablo Ave. 644-3977. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Berkeley Arts Festival Jerry Kuderna Monday Lunch Piano Concert from noon to 1 p.m. at 2213 Shattuck Ave. Free.  

Valerie Bach Girl Talk Band at 7 p.m. at Le Bateau Ivre, 2629 Telegraph Ave. 849-1100. 

Musica ha Disconnesso, piano and mandolins at 7 p.m. at Caffe Trieste, 2500 San Pablo Ave., at Dwight. 548-5198.  

A Korean-American architect and her African-American husband move with their baby daughter into a fixer-upper Brooklyn brownstone—holes in the plaster, boxes everywhere, a makeshift architect’s office—when a black neighbor, who seems to have been the original kid-on-the-corner, drops by repeatedly offering one deal after another, and the husband’s ne’er-do-well adoptive brother blows in from an Asian getaway, wanting to move in and start a business with his bro’—and the new Korean nanny inadvertently starts pushing a new mother’s buttons. Then a brick comes crashing through the window. 

Diana Son’s new play, Satellites, in a well-acted, well-directed production at the Aurora, brings up a lot of issues—what “race” has morphed into, the welter of contradictions a young professional couple (and new parents) find themselves in, the sometimes hidden anguish of the locals trying to swing with gentrification (and the perceptions and misperceptions of their new neighbors), the dilemmas of an immigrant woman who’s been sidelined by her own family—and, opposite number to the professional mother, the realizations of her middle-aging collaborator in an architectural competition that she doesn’t have all she expected in life by her 40th birthday. 

There are particularly good performances by Michael Asberry as Reggie, the aging homeboy, the street corner entrepreneur, viewed with suspicion (even secretly monitored on video) by his new neighbor, and by Lisa Kang as the well-meaning Mrs. Chae, caught in the middle as she adopts a family that’s hired her to take care of a multiracial, multicultural baby. 

Darren Bridgett as the loose, fly-by-night adoptive brother, demonstrates again why he’s in demand around the Bay as a comic character actor, all insouciant charm and bright reassurances as he swaggers through the fixer-upper after landing and getting mugged, rolling up his pants legs to show the plastic-wrapped Asian currency taped to his skin, swag from his Third World-hopping scams—and come-on capital for a flakey partnership. And Ayla Yarkut gracefully takes the part of Kit, a kind of stock type in film and on stage, not so much fleshing out her slender frame as giving her character, in every sense, vying with her own desires and anguish. 

As husband Miles, Michael Gene Sullivan (well-known as a longtime Mime Troupe regular) also shows a magnanimous presence, communicating the recently laid-off, rebuffed (or so he feels) husband and father’s sense of being adrift more with body language and discreet glances than with dialogue. 

Miles was raised by a white suburban family, and his racial cause is taken up more vigorously by his Korean-American wife, Nina, than by himself. Conversely, Nina supposes her nanny—and others—are judging her baby racially, even as she’s conflicted that her daughter be an American girl, yet learn Korean, all the while remembering going back to the neighborhood where she grew up, and getting shouted at, to go back where she came from. 

Julie Oda’s a fine character actor, but outside of a few, rare quiet moments and their opposite, complete hysteria when Nina loses it in her pursuit to satisfy all her ambitions at once, it’s difficult for her to take Nina, as written, out of (to coin another contradiction) her cloying shrillness. It’s the crux of an interesting, committed play’s problems—its most complex character and centerpiece becomes understandable, but never quite sympathetic, only slightly sentimentalized instead—still too much a type. 

With all the play’s aspirations to social drama, there’s a few too many merely conceptual constructions and too-quick TV-style resolutions (Son wrote for “The West Wing” and produces for “Law & Order: Criminal Intent”). But there’re moments when a dramatic necessity tugs undertow, and fine passages, like Reggie ecstatically enumerating the constellations he could see during the great New York blackout—saying acerbically, when he gets to Hercules in his recitation of astral myth, that they could’ve used a hero like that in the social mayhem that followed. 

The cast and Kent Nicholson’s steady directorial hand add much tone to a rather monochromatic sketch at times, one which lays claim to being a mural of a society of dislocated individuals, crossing signals as they try to come together as family, neighbors, coworkers, friends. That many of the situations and vignettes work, if sometimes in isolation (like their characters that play them out), and that the playwright seems as insouciantly ambitious as her fraught female lead, may mean Son’s next one will really tell the story. 

SATELLITES 

Through March 2 at the Aurora Theatre.  

$40-$42. 2081 Addison St. 843-4822.