Events Listings

FRIDAY, APRIL 18 

Oakland Street Retreat: Bearing Witness to Homelessness Participants will live on the streets without money, bedding, change of clothing, books or watches. Participants will eat in soup kitchens and beg for money or food at times when soup kitchens are closed. Retreat lasts from Fri.-Sun. Cost is $225 to benefit service providers of the Homeless & the New Dharma Scholarship Fund. Participants urged to beg to raise the funds. For information and to register call 549 3733 ext 2. www.newdharma.com 

City Commons Club Noon Luncheon with Dr. Harold Palmer on “Nuclear Non-Proliferation: Comparison of Democrat vs Republican Positions” 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 524-7468.  

Expo 50+ for Boomers and Beyond The public is invited to attend Expo 50+, featuring class exhibits and demonstrations, live entertainment, health screenings, vendors, musicians, a raffle and complimentary refreshments, hosted by Pleasant Valley Adult School. The Expo will be held from10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 4700 Lincoln Ave., Oakland. Admission is free. 879-4090. 

Iraq Moratorium Day and Vigil to Protest the War from 2 to 4 p.m. at the corners of Unvirsity and Acton. 548-9696. 

Friday Films for Teens at 3:30 pm. at the Berkeley Puplic Library, 2090 Kittredge St. For details call 981-6121. 

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. 

SATURDAY, APRIL 19 

Berkeley Historical Society Walking Tour “Berkeley and the Wars: A Look Back at Local Military Sites” from 10 a.m. to noon. Cost is $8-$10. For reservations call 848-0181. 

Berkeley Earth Day 2008 with demonstrations of biodiesel and electric cars, solar power, farmers’ market, food and craft booths, from noon to 5 p.m. Civic Center Park, MLK Jr. Blvd & Allston Way. 

“Clean It, Green It, Mean It!” Help out at Peralta Hacienda HIstorical Park to remove graffiti, pick up litter, clear the creek of invasive plants, and help plant some more native species, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 2465 34th Ave., Oakland. 532-9142. 

Oakland Earth Day 2008 Join your neighbors and friends on Earth Da y to make a difference in our Oakland communities. Participants will receive a free event T-shirt. For featured locations and a complete list of citywide project sites please visit www.oaklandearthday.com  

Earth Day Shoreline Clean-up from 9 a.m. to noon at Albany Waterfront Trail Head, end of Buchanan St. Wear sturdy shoes, a hat and sunscreen, and bring your own water bottle and gloves if you have them. Snacks provided. Children must be accompanied by an adult.665-3508. staff@thewatershedproject.org 

Hi-Tec Recycling electronics recycling from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 631 So 31st St., Richmond. 488-4564. 

Wildflower Walk Learn to identify wildflowers with linda Yemoto, naturalist, from 2 to 4 p.m. on the Big Spings Canyon Trail. Meet at the Big Springs Picnic Area. 525-2233. 

California Native Plant Sale with California shrubs, trees, perennials, and many plants that are not available in a nursery, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at The Botanic Garden, Tilden Park, Wildcat Canyon Rd., at South Park Dr. 841-8732. www.nativeplants.org 

The Sydney B. Mitchell Iris Society 44th Annual Iris Show and Potted Iris Sale Sat. from 1 to 5 p.m. and Sun. from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Lakeside Park Garden Center, 666 Bellevue Ave., Oakland. http://bayareairis.org  

STAND Oakland Candidates Forum / Earthday Event from 1 to 3 p.m. at Faith Presbyterian Church, 430 49th St. and Webster, Oakland, just off Telegraph. Sponsored by Standing Together for Accountable Neighborhood Development. www.standoakland.org 

California Wildflower Show Sat. and Sun. at the Oakland Museum of CA, 1000 Oak St., at 10th St., Oakland. Cost is $5-$8. 238-2200. 

“Lead-Safe Painting & Remodeling” Learn to detect and remedy lead hazards in the home to prevent lead poisoning, from 10 a.m. to noon at Berkeley Public Library, South Branch, 1901 Russell St., at MLK. Registration required. 567-8280. www.aclppp.org/homeown.htm 

Green Building Open House from noon to 5 p.m. at 2619 San Pablo Ave. www.ecohomeimprovment.com  

Brooks Island Trip Paddle across the Richmond Harbor Channel to Brooks Island to explore the rocky island, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For experience boaters who can provide their own canoe, kayak and safety gear. For ages 14 and up. Parent participation required. Cos t is $20-$22. To register call 1-888-EB-PARKS. 

United-Front Protest to Free Mumia Abu-Jamal at 2:30 p.m. at 14th St. and Broadway, Oakland. Called by Partisan Defense Committee and Labor Black League for Social Defense. 839-0852. 

The War Comes Home: Campus Antiwar Network Western Regional Conference, from 1 to 6 p.m. at 200 Wheeler Hall, UC Campus. Cost is $5. For information contact katrina.yeaw@gmail.com 415-335-0953. 

California Writers Club “Welcome to SoMa” with author Kemble Scott at 10 a.m. at Barnes and Noble Event Loft, Jack London Square, Oakland. 272-0120. 

“Spring/Summer Veggies and the Edible Landscape” with Stephanie Bittner at 10 a.m. at Magic Gardens, 729 Heinz Ave., off Seventh St. 644-2351. 

Storytelling Workshop with Liz Mangual from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave., Albany. 526-3720, ext. 17. 

Teen Knitting Circle at 3 p.m. in the 4th Flr Story Room of the Berkeley Public Library, 2090 Kittredge St. Bring your own needles in size 8. 981-6107. 

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. 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, APRIL 20 

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

Mad Science for the Whole Family A introduction to chemistry from 10:30 a.m. to noon at Tilden Nature Area, Tilden Park. For ages 7 and up. Cost is $4, registration required. 1-888-EB-PARKS.  

East Bay Crop Walk A fundraiser for the Alamenda County Comunity Food Bank around Lake Merritt, Oakland. Registration at 1:30 p.m. at Lake Merritt United Methodist Church, 1330 Lakeshore Ave. Crop Walk begins at 2 p.m. For information call 635-3665, ext. 328. 

The Sydney B. Mitchell Iris Society 44th Annual Iris Show and Potted Iris Sale from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Lakeside Park Garden Center, 666 Bellevue Ave., Oakland. http://bayareairis.org.  

Spring Family Hike Join an easy walk around Jewel Lake from 1:30 to 3 p.m. with Meg Platt, naturalist. 525-2233. 

Waddle and Swaddle East Bay Baby Fair from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Kehilla Community Synagogue, 1300 Grand Ave., Piedmont. Free. 540-7210. www.eastbaybabyfair.com  

Pachamama Alliance “Awakening the Dreamer Symposium” from 1 to 4:30 p.m. at New Spirit Community Church at Pacific School of Religion, 1798 Scenic Ave. pachamama.org 

East Bay Atheists Berkeley Meets to discuss what to do when you find yourself in a situation where you are expected to join a religious ritual, at 1:30 p.m., 3rd flr. meeting room, Berkeley Public Library, 2090 Kittredge St. 222-7580. eastbayatheists.org 

SF AIDS Benefit Brunch at 10:30 a.m at T-Rex Barbeque, 1300 Tenth St. at Gilman. 

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. 

Tibetan Buddhism with Jack Petranker on “Experiments in Awareness: Making Friends with Experience” 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 4 to 8 p.m. at 84 Bolivar Dr., Aquatic Park. Also on Fri. from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cost is $5 per hour. 644-2577. www.watersideworkshops.org 

MONDAY, APRIL 21 

“Environmental Impact: Evolution of the Berkeley Landscape” with Chuck Wollenberg and Dave Weinstein at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Public Library, central meeting room, 2090 Kittredge.  

Berkeley Green Mondays Berkeley & Military Recruiting: What's All the Fuss? with Zanne Joi and Rae Abileah at 8 p.m. at Anna's Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. www.berkeleygreens.org 

“'The Two Faces of Breast Cancer with Genes and the Microenvironment” with Joe Gray, LBNL Life Science Director, Mina Bissel, LBNL Distiguished Scientist, Mary Helen Barcellos-Hoff, LBNL Senior Scientist, at Berkeley Lab Friends of Science, at 5:30 p.m. at Berkeley Repertory Theater, Thrust Stage, 2025 Addison St. www.lbl.gov/friendsofscience/  

World Affairs/Politics Discussion Group, for people 60 years and over, meets at 9:45 a.m. at Albany Senior Center, 846 Masonic Ave, Albany. Cost is $3.  

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  

TUESDAY, APRIL 22 

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 Inspiration Point in Tilden Regional Park. Call for meeting place and if you need to borrow binoculars. 525-2233. 

“The Costs of War: The U.S. in Iraq” with Prof. Samera Esmeir, Porf. Ramon Grosfoguel, at 6 p.m. at 145 Dwinelle, UC Campus. costofwar@gmail.com 

“Texts We Wish Were Not In the Bible” with Aaron Brody, associate professor of Bible and archaeology and director of Badé Museum, at 11:10 a.m. at Pacific School of Religion Chapel, 1798 Scenic Ave. 

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. 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 

Teen Playreaders meets to read and discuss plays at 4:30 p.m. at Claremont Branch Library, 2940 Benvenue. 981-6121. 

St. John’s Prime Timers meets at 9:30 a.m. at St. John’s Presbyterian Church, 2727 College Ave. 845-6830. 

Sing-A-Long Group from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Albany Senior Center, 846 Masonic Ave., Albany. 524-9122. 

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

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23 

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

“Waking from the California Dream: How Our History Affects Your Future” with Gray Brechin and Jan Spencer at 6:30 p.m. at Cocina Poblana, Jack London Square, Oakland. to register see www.EWcoNowUSA.org 

Berkeley Gray Panthers with Jim Soper of the Voting Rights Task Force on electronic voting and Julia Cato on Prop. 98 at 1:30 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center, 1901 Hearst, corner MLK. 

“The Art of Being Present” A lecture and demonstration with Denise Berezonsky at 7 p.m. at Three Stone Hearth, 1 Bolivar Drive at Addison. Threestoneheath.com 

“With God on Our Side” A documentary tracing the roots of the Christian Right movement at 7:30 p.m. at Humanist Hall, 390 27th St., Oakland. Donation $5. www.Humanist Hall.org 

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. 

Theraputic Recreation at the Berkeley Warm Pool, Wed. at 3:30 p.m. and Sat. at 10 a.m. at the Berkeley Warm Pool, 2245 Milvia St. Cost is $4-$5. Bring a towel. 632-9369. 

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 

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, APRIL 24 

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

Tilden Explorers An after-school nature adventure program for 5-7 year olds. We will learn about plants from 3:15 to 4:15 p.m.. Cost is $6-$8, registration required. 1-888-EBPARKS. 

Are Peace and Impeachment Possible? Strategies to end the war, stop war on Iran, save our constitution and economy with David Swanson of afterdowningstreet.org; Daniel Ellsberg; Cindy Sheehan; Medea Benjamin, and others at 7 p.m. at Grand Lake Theater, 3200 Grand Ave., Oakland. Tickets are $8-$10 at independent bookstores.  

“Grandmothers Against the War” book party at 6 p.m. at North Branch, Berkeley Public Library. 981-6250. 

“Darfur Now” documentary screening at 6 p.m. at VLSB 2050, UC Campus. For more information see www.Darfurnowtour.com 

“American Earth: Environmental Writing Since Thoreau” with Paul Hawken at 7:30 p.m. at 2121 Bonar St., Studio A. RSVP required. 540-4800. 

Creative Movement and Sign Language for ages 5-10 at 3:30 p.. at Elephant, 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. http://botanicalgarden.berkeley.edu 

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.  

CITY MEETINGS 

Berkeley Rent Stabilization Board meets Mon., April 21, at 7 p.m. in City Council Chambers. 981-7368.  

City Council meets Tues., April 22, at 7 p.m in City Council Chambers. 981-6900. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/citycouncil 

Civic Arts Commission meets Wed., April 23, at 6:30 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Mary Ann Merker, 981-7533.  

Energy Commission meets Wed., April 23, at 6:30 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-5434.  

Planning Commission meets Wed., April 23, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-7484. 

Police Review Commission meets Wed., April 23, at the South Berkeley Senior Center. 981-4950.  

Mental Health Commission meets Wed., April 24, at 6:30 p.m. at 2640 MLK Jr. Way, at Derby. 981-5213.