Events Listings
Berkeley This Week
FRIDAY, APRIL 25
“Saying No to Torture” with Fr. Louie Vitale, at 7:30 p.m. at First Congregational Church of Berkeley, 2345 Channing Way. Free, donations appreciated. Sponsored by Pace e Bene and Bay Area Religious Campaign Against Torture. 499-0537.
“On Our Watch: The Urban Small Schools Symposium” Fri. and Sat. at EXCEL High School, 2607 Myrtle St., Oakland. For information see www.bayces.org
Legacies of War and Center for Lao Studies Benefit performance of Refugee Nation and reception at 8 p.m. at La Pena Cultural Center, 3105 Shattuck Ave. 849-2568.
City Commons Club Noon Luncheon with Margaret Conkey, Prof. of Anthropology, on “The Human Engagement with Art: Going Back to the Caves.” 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.
“The Big Squeeze: Tough Times for the American Worker” with author Steven Greenhouse at noon at UC Berkeley Labor Center, 2521 Channing Way. 642-6371.
“The Narrow Path” A film on the lifestyle of non-violence of Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Jr., Dorothy Day, Thomas Merton and Oscar Romero at 7:30 p.m. at Berkeley Friends Church Sacramento & Cedar. www.berkeleyfriendschurch.org
“The Real Dirt on Farmer John” A film on Growing food in our neighborhoods at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists Hall, 1924 Cedar St at Bonita, a block east of MLK Jr Wy. Discussion follows. 540-1975 www.bfuu.org
“Waiting to Inhale” A documentary on marijuana, medicine and the law at 6:30 p.m. at Wheeler Hall, UC Campus.
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 26
Berkeley Historical Society Walking Tour “The Elmwood: or “I Ain’t Gona Work on Kelsey’s Farm No More” from 10 a.m. to noon. Cost is $8-$10. For reservations call 848-0181.
Berkeley Friends Church Annual Quaker Heritage Day “Quaker Testimonies in our Time Living the Quaker Question Now” from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Donation $15-$20. Reservations required. 524-4112. www.berkeleyfriendschurch.org
Cerrito Creek Restoration Help Friends of Five Creeks on their resotation project, from 9 a.m. to noon at Creekside Park, south end of Santa Clara Ave., El Cerrito. Wear clothes that can get dirty, and shoes with good traction. BBQ for volunteers follows. 848-9358.
Secret Garden Tour Benefit for the Park Day School, Oakland, on Sat. and Sun. For information call 653-6250.
Vegetarian Cooking Class on Hearty Homestyle Italian from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at First Unitarian Church of Oakland, 685 14th St. at Castro. Cost is $49 plus $5 materials fee. Wheelchair accessible. Regsisration required. 531-COOK. www.compassionatecooks.com
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.
Native Plant Garden Tour “Meet the Designers” A self-guided tour of gardens in Oakland and Berkeley, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Cost is $30. To register see www.bringinbackthenatives.net
Spanish Language CPR Training for Berkeley residents, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Berkeley Adult School auditorium, 1701 San Pablo Ave. Lunch and childcare will be provided. To register call 848-9092, ext. 314.
International Family Fair with a variety of live entertainment, games and activities for children, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at New School of Berkeley, Bonita St. at Cedar. 548-9165. newschoolofberkeley.org
Asian Food and Cultural Fair “Not an Asian Ghetto: More than Just Take Out” from noon to 3 p.m. on Telegraph Ave., between Channing and Durant. Sponsored by UC Berkeley Asian Pacific American Coalition and the Telegraph BID.
UC Botanical Garden Spring Plant Sale from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 200 Centennial Dr. 643-2755. http://botanicalgarden.berkeley.edu
Introduction to Homeopathy and Open House from 1 to 3 p.m. at Ohlone Herbal Center, 1654 University Ave. RSVP to health@homeopathy-academy.org
Casino Royale Nite Benefit for Mercy Retirement & Care Center, with live music performed by Jazz 4U, food, raffle prizes, and games of chance, from 7 to 11 p.m. at St. Paschal’s Parish, 3700 Dorisa Ave., Oakland. Cost is $60. 534-8540, ext. 322
Sparking Art with Soul: A Workshop for Arts Educators from noon to 4 p.m. at John F. Kennedy University Berkeley Campus, Berkeley Business Center, 2956 San Pablo Ave. Free, but registration required. www.jfku.edu
Liturgical Praise Celebration in Dance at 3 p.m. at St. Paul AME Church, 2024 Ashby Ave. 848-2050.
Ancestral DNA Testing Workshop from noon to 3 p.m. at the College of Alameda. Follow-up workshop to discuss results on May 17. Cost is $150. To register call 748-2352.
The Berkeley Lawn Bowling Club provides free instruction every Wed. and Sat. at 10:30 a.m. at 2270 Acton St. 841-2174.
SUNDAY, APRIL 27
Berkeley City College Open House Noon to 5 p.m. at 2050 Center St., with games, tours, films, interactive workshops and more. 981-2852. www.berkeleycitycollege.edu
People’s Park 39th Anniversary Celebration from noon to 6 p.m. with music and poetry, clowns and activities for children. 658-9178.
“Berkeley and Military Recruiting: What is all the Fuss?” A town hall meeting at 4 p.m. at Redwood Gardens, 2951 Derby St. info@codepink.org
“Environmental Heroes: Past, Present, and Future” An afternoon fundraising cruise on the San Francisco Bay, from 2-6 p.m., departing from the Berkeley Marina. Benefit for Shorebird Nature Center. Tickets are $65 per person; $75 for one adult and one child; $100 for two adults. Sponsored by Berkeley Partners for Parks at www.bpfp.org
Meadow Meander Hike Join a five-mile hike to see the flowers, from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Inspiration Point, Tilden Park. Bring layers and lunch. 525-2233.
Bay-Friendly Garden Tour from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. throughout Alameda County. Tour is free, but registration is required. www.BayFriendly.org
Native Plant Garden Tour Meet designer Gary Schneider on a self-guided tour of gardens in Berkeley, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cost is $30. To register see www.bringinbackthenatives.net
The Friends of Sausal Creek Plant Sale from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Joaquin Miller Native Plant Nursery, with a demonstration garden of local native plants and a propagation talk at noon. 928-6675. www.sausalcreek.org
Berkeley Citizens Action Endorsement Meeting for candidates running for the 14th Assembly District and 9th Senate District. Also hear presentations on Props. 98 and 99. From 4 to 6 p.m. at North Berkeley Senior Center, MLK and Hearst.
El Cerrito Historical Society meets at 1 p.m. at the El Cerrito Senior Center, behind the El Cerrito Library, 6510 Stockton Ave. 526-7507. www.elcerritowire.com/history
“Boogie in the Books” meringue dance lessons with Gale Robinson followed by dancing, at 4 p.m. at Berkeley Public Library, 2090 Kittredge St. 981-6241.
Oakland Community for Imigrant Rights Meeting for businesses and community members to defend against criminalization at 3 p.m. at Cesar Chavez Educational Center, 2825 International Blvd., Oakland. 535-1909.
“Organic Gardening 101” Learn basics to get started growing your own food, herbs and flowers, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. in Oakland. Cost is $20-$25 sliding scale. www.sparkybeegirl.com/iuh.html
“Creating Your Ecological House” Learn about natural building materials, solar design and alternative construction methods, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Building Education Center, 812 Page St. Cost is $85. RSVP to 525-7610.
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.
Paddle Demonstration Day at the San Pablo Reservoir, from 10 a.m. to noon for REI members, noon to 3 p.m. for all. Free. Children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent/legal guardian. For information see www.rei.com/paddle
Free Hands-on Bicycle Class on safety inpsections at 10 a.m. at REI, 1338 San Pablo Ave. 527-4140.
4th Annual Circus for Arts in the Schools at 1 and 4 p.m. at Kofman Auditorium, 2200 Central Ave, Alameda. Tickets are $10-$15. 800-838-3006. www.circusforarts.org
“The Internet and the Truth” with salon.com writer Farhad Manjoo, Wikipedia Foundation general counsel Mike Godwin, and blogger Zo Spencer at 4 p.m. at the Hillside Club, 2286 Cedar St. Cost is $15. Sponsored by Berkeley Cybersalon. www.sylviapaull.com
“Women Philosophers: Nancy Cartwright” A lecture by H.D. Moe at 11 a.m. at Humanist Hall, 390 27th St., Oakland.
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 Meet at 3 p.m. at the colonnade at the NE end of the lake. 763-8712.
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: Going Deeper than Our Stories” at 6 p.m. at the Tibetan Nyingma Institute, 1815 Highland Pl. 809-1000.
MONDAY, APRIL 28
“Environmental Impact: The New Deal and Berkeley’s Environment” with Gray Brechin at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Public Library, central meeting room, 2090 Kittredge.
Kensington Library Book Club meets to discuss “Blindness” by Jose Saramago at 7 p.m. at the Kensington Library, 61 Arlington Ave. 524-3043.
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. 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. www.dragonmax.org.
TUESDAY, APRIL 29
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 Arrowhead Marsh at the Martin Luther King Regional Shoreline. Call for meeting place and if you need to borrow binoculars. 525-2233.
“Berkeley, A City of Firsts” Opening reception at 3 p.m. at Berkeley History Center, 1931 Center St. 848-0181. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/histsoc/
“The Meaning of Worship in Islam” with Dr. Mahmoud Mustafa Ayoub, retired professor of Islamic studies and comparative religion at Temple University at 11:10 a.m. at Pacific School of Religion Chapel, 1798 Scenic Ave.
“Living into Leadership” A lecture by author Buzz McCoy at 4:30 p.m. at Pacific School of Religion, 1798 Scenic Ave. For information call 849-8253.
CalPERS Retirement Planning Fair from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at California State University East Bay Oakland Center, 1000 Broadway, Oakland. 916-795-3991.
“Fibromyalgia: Holistic Approach to Chronic Pain and Fatigue” at 7 p.m. at Piedmont Adult School, 800 Magnolia St. Cost is $23. Registration required. 594-2655.
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. 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.
Sing-A-Long Group from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Albany Senior Center, 846 Masoni Ave., Albany. 524-9122.
Family Storytime at 7 p.m. at Kensington Library, 61 Arlington Ave. 524-3043.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30
State Legislature Candidates Forum with candidates for the 14th Assembly District and 9th State Sentate District at 5:30 p.m. at Spengers Fresh Fish Grotto, 1919 Fourth St. Sponsored by the Berkeley, Emeryville and Richmond Chambers of Commerce. Cost is $10. Register on line at www.berkeleychamber.com
“A History of Misunderstandings?” with Wen-hsin Yeh, Prof. of History, U.C. Berkeley in a keynote talk for the May 1 seminar on "A Beijing Olympics Primer: Place, Performance, and Performative Space" at 6 p.m. at 150 University Hall, UC Campus. Cost is $10. 642-2809. ieas.berkeley.edu
“No End in Sight” A documentary on failed US policies, at 7:30 p.m. at Humanist Hall, 390 27th St., Oakland. Donation $5. www.Humanist Hall.org
“Julia Robinson and Hilbert’s Tenth Problem” A film by George Csicsery at 7 p.m. at the Chan Shun Auditorium in Rm. 2050 Valley Life Sciences Building, UC Campus. 642-0143. www.msri.org
“Sex and the Single Savior: Gender and Sexuality in Biblical Interpretation” with Prof. Dale Martin, Yale Univ. at 6:30 p.m. at the Badé Museum, Pacific School of Religion, 1798 Scenic Ave. For information call 849-8253.
Small Business Loan Application Night Information from Lenders for Community Development which provides loans and business consulting to low-income business owners who cannot qualify for bank loans at 5:30 p.m. at Beckett’s Irish Pub, 2271 Shattuck Ave. 1-866-299-8173. www.L4CD.com
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.
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.
CITY MEETINGS
Council Agenda Committee meets Mon., April 14, April 28, at 2:30 p.m., at 2180 Milvia St. 981-6900.
Parks and Recreation Commission meets Mon., April 28, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-5158.
