Events Listings

Community Calendar

Thursday July 17, 2008 - 09:45:00 AM

THURSDAY, JULY 17 

Diabetes Screening Drop in anytime between 8:30 and 11:30 a.m. at Frances Albrier Center, San Pablo Park, 2800 Park St. Do not eat or drink anything for 8 hours, with the exception of water, before the test. 981-5367. 

Tilden Explorers An after-school nature adventure program for 5-7 year olds. We will capture and release butterflies from 3:15 to 4:15 p.m. Cost is $6-$8. Registration required. 1-888-327-2757. 

Electronic Recycling/Blood Drive from 9 a.m .to 3 p.m. at American Red Cross, 6230 Claremont Ave., Oakland. 670-1420. www.com-cycle.com 

Berkeley Communicators meets at 7:30 a.m. at Au Coquelet, 2000 University Ave. Rob.Flammia@gmail.com 

Three Beats for Nothing South Mostly ancient part music for fun and practice meets every Thurs. at 10 a.m. at the South Berkeley Senior Center, Ellis at Ashby. 655-8863. asiecker@sbcglobal 

“Dancing with Pain” A movement workshop with Loolwa Khazzoom on dealing with chronic pain at 7:30 p.m. at the JCC of the East Bay, 1414 Walnut St. Cost is $15-$20. 843-3131. 

Temescal Street Cinema “Touching Home” at 8:30 p.m. outdoors at 49th and Telegraph. Bring a chair. www.temescalstreetcolletive.org 

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

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

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

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, JULY 18 

“Dona Spring -Courage in Life and Politics” A film by Linsey Vurek and Valerie Trost on Berkeley’s councilmember and the progressive causes she champions, at 7:30 p.m. at Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists, Cedar at Bonita. Donation $10, no one turned away. 495-5132. www.bfuu.org 

Eco Access for the Blind or Visually Impaired Explore the bird life in varied habitat of the Point Pinole Regional Shoreline with a naturalist guide, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Registration required 1-888-EB-PARKS. 

Iraq Moratorium Day and Vigil to Protest the War from 2 to 4 p.m. at the corners of University & Acton. Sponsored by Strawberry Creek Lodge Tenant’s Assoc & Berkeley-East Bay Gray Panthers. 548-9696. 

LaborFest 2008 International Working Class Film and Video Festival “Eugene Debs & The American Movement” at 7 p.m. at Niebyl Proctor Marxist Library, 6501 Telegraph Ave. Donation requested. 

Center for Nonviolence Education “Teaching Hope: The Nonviolent Classroom” Workshops and speakers for educators, activists, and students, Fri. from 6 to 9 p.m. and Sat. from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Bishop O’Dowd High School, 9500 Stearns Ave., Oakland. Cost is $20-$125. www.efnv.org 

Maggidic Conference Jewish storytelling and ritual arts, from Wed. through Sun. at Chochmat HaLev, 2215 Prince St. Donation $5-$20 per event. For a complete schedule see www.maggidconference.org 

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. 

Three Beats for Nothing Mostly ancient part music for fun and practice meets every Fri. at 10 a.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center, Hearst at MLK. 655-8863. asiecker@sbcglobal 

SATURDAY, JULY 19 

Fresh Tracks: A Taste of Tilden Join naturalist David Zuckermann on a 2-mile hike to enjoy magnificent bay views and learn the history of the park, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., includes lunch. Cost is $38-$44. Registration required. 1-888-EB-PARKS. 

Family Fun at the Little Farm pet a rabbit, feed a goat, or grind some corn to feed the chickens, and play a scavenger game, from 10:30 a.m. to noon at the Little Farm, Tilden Park. 525-2233. 

Butterfly Basics We will look for, capture and release buckeyes, swallowtails, checkerspots and more, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. 525-2233. 

Walking Tour of Fruitvale sponsored by Oakland Heritage Alliance. Meet at 10 a.m. at the Fruitvale BART station to discovery the history of international food in this neighborhood. Cost is $10-$15. 763-9218. www.oaklandheritage.org 

Non-violent Civil Disobedience Training against the Light Brown Apple Moth Trapping & Eradication Program from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at 1924 Cedar St., at Bonita. 

Vegetarian Cooking Class “Greens, Greens, Glorious Greens” Learn to prepare Kale and Califlower Salad with Orange Cashew Cream, Swiss Chard with Caramelized Onions, Greens with Sesame Miso Dressing, Borscht and Orechiette Pasta with Dark Greens, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the First Unitarian Church of Oakland, 685 14th St. at Castro. Cost is $50 in advance, plus $5 materials fee. To register call 531-COOK. 

LaborFest 2008 “East Bay Schools, The New Deal & The Education Crisis Today” A presentation and walk. Meet at 9:30 p.m. at Berkeley High School Entrance on Milvia. 649-7395. 

“The Sandinistas and Nicaragua” A report-back from the recent delegation to Nicaragua, at 6:30 p.m. at Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists, 1924 Cedar at Bonita. Donation of $5-$10 benefits projects in Nicaragua. 415-924-3227. www.mitfamericas.org 

Cottontail Cafe and Bunny Adoption from 1 to 4 p.m. at RabbitEARS, 377 Colusa Ave, Kensington. 525-6155.  

Flap in The Breeze Create your own flag, pennant or banner, from 1 to 4 p.m. at The Museum of Children’s Art, 538 9th St., Oakland. Cost is $7. 465-8770. www.mocha.org 

Oakland Zoomobile for ages 3 and up at 2 p.m. at Kensington Library, 61 Arlington Ave. 524-3043.  

“Brain Boosters” Learn how to improve brain and neurological function through healthy eating at 10 a.m. at Elephant Pharm, 1607 Shattuck Ave. 549-9200. 

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.  

Around the World Tour of Plants at 1:30 p.m., Thurs., Sat. and Sun. at UC Botanical Garden, 200 Centennial Drive. 643-2755.  

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. 

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, JULY 20 

Bay to Barkers Dog Walk/Run and Festival from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Cesar Chavez Park in the Berkeley Marina, with dog Olympiad games, line dance, and “Do You Look LIke Your Dog” contest. Registration is $25-$30, benefits Berkeley Humane Society. www.berkeleyhumane.org 

Bruce Lee Memorial Martial Arts Show Honoring former Oakland resident Bruce Lee at 5 p.m. at Lincoln Square Gym, 10th and Harrison, Oakland. 

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

Oakland Fund for the Arts Sidewalk Sale from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at The Egghouse, 229 Harrison St. at Third, Oakland. 

The Art of Solar Cooking A workshop on the design and use of solar cookers from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at EcoHouse, 1305 Hopkins St., enter though garden on Peralta. Cost is $15 sliding scale, plus $5 materials fee. 548-2220, ext. 233. 

El Cerrito Historical Society meets at noon at Huber Park, 7711 Sea View Dr., El Cerrito. Please bring a salad, a main dish, or a dessert. The primary business on the agenda will be to discuss a recommendation regarding the Society’s project to name the creeks in El Cerrito. 526-7507. 

Sushi Basics Learn the natural and cultural history of this ancient cuisine and you prepare and taste seven different types of sushi. Parent participation required for children 8-10 years. Cost is $25-$39. Registration required. 1-888-EBPARKS. 

East Bay Atheists meets to watch the documentary “The Disappearance of Madalyn Murray O’Hair” at 1:30 p.m. at Berkeley Main Library, 3rd Floor Meeting Room, 2090 Kittredge St. 222-7580. 

Social Action Forum with Rev. Barbara Meyers on “Forming a Mental Health Community” at 10 a.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley, 1 Lawson Rd., Kensigton. 525-0302, ext. 306. 

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 Sandra Guimares and Roselene Costa on “Psychotherapy and the Buddhist Path” at 6 p.m. at the Tibetan Nyingma Institute, 1815 Highland Pl. 809-1000.  

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.  

MONDAY, JULY 21 

Berkeley Green Monday with Kirsten Schwind on “Local Action on Climate Change and Peak Oil” at 7:30 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. www.berkeleygreens.org 

“Leadership for Success for Young Enterprises” at 6:30 p.m. at Siemens Technology-To-Business Center, 1995 University Avenue, Suite 375. Cost is $15-$20. To register, contact mailto:info@ebig.org 

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, JULY 22 

Diabetes Screening Drop in anytime between 8:30 and 11:30 a.m. at James Kenney Park, 1700 8th St. Do not eat or drink anything for 8 hours, with the exception of water, before the test. 981-5367. 

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 Carquinez Strait Regional Shoreline. Call for meeting place and if you need to borrow binoculars. 525-2233. 

East Bay Vivarium’s Traveling Reptile Show Get a close-up look at tarantulas, scorpions, frogs, lizards and snakes, at 6:30 p.m. at Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave. 526-3720, ext. 17. 

“Natural History from the University of California Press” with the Science and Natural History Editor, Jenny Wapner, in conversation with William McClung at 5:30 p.m. at University Press Books, 2430 Bancroft Way. 548-0585. www.universitypressbooks.com 

El Cerrito Democratic Club will discuss November’s state and local ballot measures at 7:30 p.m. at El Cerrito United Methodist Church, 6830 Stockton St., near Richmond Ave. Soft-drinks and pizza at 7 p.m. for $4. On-site childcare for children ages 3-8 by reservation at 375-5647. www.ecdclub.org 

Eyewitness Cuba: Advancing in Times of Crisis with Bill Hackwell at 7 p.m. at 636 9th St. at MLK, Oakland 435-0844. www.ANSWERcoalition.org 

“Extraordinary Adventures for the Seasoned Traveler” Don Mankin describes the transformative power of travel at 7 p.m. at REI, 1338 San Pablo Ave. 527-4140. 

“Shifts and Faultlines in the World Economy And Great Power Rivalry: What is Happening and What It Might Mean” A talk by Raymond Lotta, at 7 p.m. at Revolution Books, 2425 Channing Way at Telegraph. 848-1196. 

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. 

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

Yarn Wranglers Come knit and crochet at 6:30 p.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344. www.nomadcafe.net 

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 

St. John’s Prime Timers meets at 9:30 a.m. at St. John’s Presbyterian Church, 2727 College Ave. We offer ongoing classes in exercise and creative arts, and always welcome new members over 50. 845-6830. 

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

WEDNESDAY, JULY 23 

Birding with the Golden Gate Audubon Society at Lake Merritt and Lakeside Park. Meet at 9:30 a.m. at the large spherical cage near the Nature Center at Perkins and Bellevie. 834-1066, 528-2093. 

Tilden Tots Join a nature adventure program for 3 and 4 year olds, each accompanied by an adult (grandparents welcome)! We will learn about butterflies from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. Cost is $6-$8. Registration required. 636-1684. 

Unlock your Family Treasures What not to keep and what to do with it, with Marilyn Ellis of Lighthouse Organizers at 1:30 p.m. at North Berkeley Senior Center, 1901 Hearst, Corner of MLK. Sponsored by the Berkeley Gray Panthers. 548-9696. 

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. 

Berkeley CopWatch Drop-in office hours from 6 to 8 p.m. at 2022 Blake St. 548-0425. 

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

THURSDAY, JULY 24 

Tilden Tots Join a nature adventure program for 3 and 4 year olds, each accompanied by an adult (grandparents welcome)! We will learn about butterflies from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. Cost is $6-$8. Registration required. 636-1684. 

“The California Deserts: An Ecological Rediscovery” with author Bruce Pavlik at 5:30 p.m. at University Press Books, 2430 Bancroft Way. 548-0585. www.universitypressbooks.com 

“Journey to Acceptance” with Geri Taekens on her struggle with losing her vision, at noon at Berkeley Public Library, 2090 Kittredge St. 981-6107.  

Appropriate Technology in Central America Learn about the work that Energia, Ambiente, y Salud (ENASA) does in Central America creating sustainable business models at 7 p.m. at Ecology Center, 2530 San Pablo Ave. Cost is $5 - $25. All proceeds benefit ENASA. 548-2220, ext. 233. erc@ecologycenter.org 

Women of Color Resource Center’s PeaceGAMES Community Launch Learn about the new education curriculum at 6 p.m. at East Side Arts Alliance, 2277 International Blvd, Oakland. 444-2700 ext. 305. 

Three Beats for Nothing South Mostly ancient part music for fun and practice meets every Thurs. at 10 a.m. at the South Berkeley Senior Center, Ellis at Ashby. 655-8863. asiecker@sbcglobal 

Expressive Arts Workshop Join AgeSong to learn how arts and music can help the quality of life for our elders at 5:30 p.m. at AgeSong at Lakeside Park, 486 Perkins St. RSVP to 444-4684. rsvp@agesong.com 

Assoc. for Women in Science meets to discuss “Work and Family: Achieving Balance” with Mary Ann Mason at 6:30 p.m. at Novartis, bldg. 4, room 104, 5300 Chiron Way, Emeryville. RSVP to www.ebawis.org 

Teen Book Cub meets to discuss magazines at 4 p.m. at the Claremont Branch Library, 2940 Benvenue at Ashby. 981-6107.  

Red Cross Blood Drive from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Kaiser Permaente Lobby, 300 Lakeside Drive, Oakland. To schedule an appointment go to www.BeADonor.com 

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FRIDAY, JULY 25 

The Sydney B. Mitchell Iris Society annual sale and auction of irises at 7:30 p.m. at Lakeside Park Garden Center, 666 Bellevue Ave., Oakland CA. Free. http://bayareairis.org 

LaborFest 2008 International Working Class Film and Video Festival “Un Poquito De Tanta Verdad” about control of the media in Oaxaca at 7 p.m. at Niebyl Proctor Marxist Library, 6501 Telegraph Ave. Donation requested. 

Summer Outdoor Movie Series “Big Night” at 8:30 p.m. at Charles Chocolates, 6529 Hollis St, Emeryville. Free. Bring a chair or blanket. 652-4412, ext. 311. 

Red Cross Blood Drive from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Kaiser Permaente Lobby, 300 Lakeside Drive, Oakland. To schedule an appointment go to www.BeADonor.com 

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

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. 

Three Beats for Nothing Mostly ancient part music for fun and practice meets every Fri. at 10 a.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center, Hearst at MLK. 655-8863. asiecker@sbcglobal 

SATURDAY, JULY 26 

Berkeley Kite Festival and West Coast Kite Championships Sat. and Sun. from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Cesar Chavez Park at the Berkeley Marina. HighlineKites.com/Berkeley_Kite_Festival 

Help Restore Cerrito Creek with Friends of Five Creeks. Meet at 10 a.m. at Creekside Park, south end of Santa Clara Ave., El Cerrito. 848-9358. www.fivecreeks.org 

Garden Classrooms & Spiral Gardens Walk, along the southern end of the Santa Fe Right of Way to the Spiral Gardens farm and gardening center, returning to Strawberry Creek Park for lunch. Bring a bag lunch or buy something from the nearby cafe. Meet at 10:30 a.m. on the paved portion of the Santa Fe Right of Way at Delaware, near McGee. 527-3773. 

Toddler Time on the Trails Bring your preschool-aged toddler to discover the wonders of nature from 10:30 a.m. to noon at Tilden Nature Area, Tilden Park. Cost is $6-$8. Registration required. 1-888-EB-PARKS. 

Bicycle Trip to the Eastshore State Park with the Golden Gate Audubon Society. Meet at 8:10 a.m. at the El Cerrito Del Norte BART station to bird along the Bay trail from Richmond to Emerville. Bring bicycle lock, lunch and liquids. Helmet required. 547-1233. 

Walking Tour “Rail Meets Water: Then and Now” sponsored by Oakland Heritage Alliance. Meet at 10 a.m. in the parking lot of Middle Harbor Shoreline Park. Cost is $10-$15. 763-9218. www.oaklandheritage.org 

Peach and Other Stone Fruit Tasting from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Saturday Berkeley Farmers’ Market, Center St. at MLK, Jr. Way. 548-3333. www.ecologycenter.org 

The Sydney B. Mitchell Iris Society will hold its annual sidewalk sale of irises from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in front of the Downtown Oakland YMCA, 2350 Broadway, Oakland. http://bayareairis.org. 

Sidewalk Art Sale and Benefit of animal portraits and art cards Patricia Leslie to benefit the Animal Switchboard's Cora Fund, which provides short-term boarding funds for rescued dogs, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 2427 San Mateo St., Richmond Annex. the-tranquil-ctr@earthlink.net 

Wriggling Worms Discover the wonder of worms as you dig through compost, search under logs and rocks, and make worm homes, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at Tilden Nature Center. Tilden Park. 525-2233. 

LaborFest 2008 Oakland 1946 General Strike Walk Meet at 10 a.m. at Latham Square, Telegraph and Broadway, Oakland to revisit the sites of Oakland’s “Work Holiday.” 

LaborFest 2008 “Workers Power in the Present” An interactive presentation led by members of the Bay Area Branch of the Industrial Workers of the World at 7 p.m. at Niebyl Proctor Marxist Library, 6501 Telegraph Ave. Donation requested. 

Jewish Literature and Discussion Series meets to discuss “Portnoy’s Complaint” by Philip Roth at 2 p.m. at the Kensington Library, 61 Arlington Ave. 524-3043. 

Fundraiser for Berkeley High Tennis Teams Social Mixed Doubles and BBQ at 4:30 p.m. at the Berkeley Tennis Club, One Tunnel Rd. Cost is $25-$60. Registration required. 865-0935. 

Summer Board Game Days from 1 to 4 p.m. at the 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. 

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, JULY 27 

Walking Tour “West Lake Merritt to the Bandstand” sponsored by Oakland Heritage Alliance. Meet at 11 a.m. at the El Embarcadero pergola, across from Lakeview Library. Cost is $10-$15. 763-9218. www.oaklandheritage.org 

Drawing Reptiles & Amphibians A class with Carolynne Griffin from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Oakland Museum of California, 10th and Oak, Oakland. Cost is $45-$55. Registration required. 238-2365. www.museumca.org 

Mini-Gardeners Explore the world of gardens, dig in the soil, plant a plant, make a craft, sing songs, for ages 3-5 with a parent, from 10:30 a.m. to noon at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. 525-2233. 

Free Hands-on Bicycle Clinic Learn how to repair a flat, from 10 to 11 a.m. at REI, 1338 San Pablo Ave. Bring your bike and tools. 527-4140. 

Reptile Rendevous Learn about the reptiles that call the nature area home, from 2 to 3 p.m. at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. 525-2233. 

Rock Reborn Hunger Festival from 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Dunsmuir Hellman Historic Estate, 2960 Peralta Oaks Court, Oakland. Cost is 10 cans of food or $10. 875-5297. 

Social Action Forum with DeVone Boggan on “Neighborhood Safety in Richmond” at 10 a.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley, 1 Lawson Rd., Kensigton. 525-0302, ext. 306. 

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 Joleen Vries on “Mental Clarity through Meditation” 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 

ONGOING 

Summer Lunch For Kids & Teens from June 16 to August 15 Meal sites are located at various schools and community centers throughout Oakland and Alameda County. For information call 800-870-3663 for a meal site near you or visit www.summerlunch.org To make a donation see www.accfb.org  

Contra Costa Chorale is accepting new singers. Rehearsals begin August 25, at 7:15 p.m. at Hillside Community Church, 1422 Navallier Street, El Cerrito. 527-2026. www.ccchorale.org 

CITY MEETINGS 

Transportation Commission meets Thurs., July 17, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-7010.  

City Council meets Tues., July 22, at 7 p.m in City Council Chambers. 981-6900. www.ci. 

berkeley.ca.us/citycouncil 

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

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

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

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

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

Zoning Adjustments Board meets Thurs., July 24, at 7 p.m., in City Council Chambers. 981-7410.