THURSDAY, SEPT. 25 

“The Age of Warrior” with Robert Fisk on his new book of essays about the Middle East at 7 p.m. at Martin Luther King, Jr. Middle School, 1781 Rose St. Benefits the Middle East Children’s Alliance. Tickets are $20. 548-0542. www.mecaforpeace.org 

Berkeley Public Library Master Plan discussion at 6:30 p.m. at West Branch, 1125 Univesrsity. Plan available on-line at www.berkeleypubliclibaray.org 981-6195. 

Conscientious Projector Film Series “What a Way to Go: Living at the End of Empire” at 7:30 p.m. at Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists, 1924 Cedar at Bonita.  

“Pursuit of Equality” A documentary and discussion about marriage equality at 7:15 p.m. at Rialto Cinemas Elmwood, 2966 College Ave. at Ashby. Cost is $20. Benefit for No On 8 / NCLR Social Justice Fund. 433-9730. 

”Sicko” The documentary by Michael Moore, at 7 p.m. at Hillside Community Church, 1422 Navellier St. El Cerrito. 650-303-1176. 

Berkeley Community Gardening Collaborative Potluck with speakers and garden tour at 6 p.m. at Arts Magnet School, 1645 Milvia St. Enter playground off Virginia St. 883-9096. 

Easy Does It Board of Directors’ Meeting at 6:30 p.m. at EDI office, 1636 University Ave. 845-5513. www.easydoesitservices.org 

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

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 

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

FRIDAY, SEPT. 26 

City Commons Club Noon Luncheon with Lisa Margonelli on “Oil on the Brain: Petroleum’s Long, Strange Trip to Your Tank” 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. www.citycommonsclub.org 

“Pakistan, Afghanistan and American Power” with Tariq Ali at 8 p.m. at First Congregational Church of Berkeley, 2345 Channing Way. Cost is $12-$15. 848-3696. www.kpfa.org 

mio: made in oakland The launch of Unity Council’s social venture enterprise to bring sustainable sewing manufacturing to Oakland. Workshop from 3 to 5 p.m at 3301 East 12th St., suite 201. Launch party at 5:30 p.m. at 3411 East 12th St., Suite 90. 384-3146. 

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, SEPT. 27 

Berkeley Historical Society Walking Tour of Nut Hill in the heart of “Bernard Maybeck country” of North Berkeley, from 10 a.m. to noon. Cost is $8-$10. For reservations and starting point call 848-0181. 

Walking Tour of Oakland’s Walkway & Streetcar heritage A walking tour sponsored by Oakland Heritage Alliance trhough Trestle Glen to Grand Lake. Reservations required. Cost is $10-$15. 763-9218. www.oaklandheritage.org 

Spiders in September Discover orb weavers, jumping spiders, wolf spiders and more from 10:30 a.m. to noon at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. 525-2233. 

“Witness Against War: the Iraqi Refugee Crisis” with Kathy Kelly, founder of Voices for Creative Non-violence and Voices in the Wilderness at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Friends Church, Sacramento and Cedar Sts. Donation $5-$35, no one turned away. 

Electronic Waste Collection from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 1707 Gouldin Rd.,Oakland. We accept TVs, Monitors, Laptops, Cell Phones, Ink Jet Catridges. There is a $5 fee to recycle the following: CPUs, Telephones, Printers, Copiers, DVD Players, Fax Machines, VCRs, Stereos, Video Games. Proceeds benefit Berkeley-East Bay Humane Society. 925-570-1543. 

Northern California Family Center Foster Parent Orientation for individuals who are interested in becoming a foster parent from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Berkeley Public Library, 2090 Kittredge St. 925-370-1990. 

Make a Box Sculpture with Emily Kuenstler from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley, 1 Lawson Rd., Kensington. All ages welcome. Cost is $45. 525-0302, ext. 306. 

Introduction to Golf from 10:30 a.m. to noon at Tilden Golf Course. Golf balls and loaner clubs are provided. Cost is $50-$56. Participants will also receive a free $20 range card for use at the driving range and $20 off a future class at the golf course. Registration required 1-888-EBPARKS. 

Walk the Line & Connect to the Home Front Walk the line of history and the keel of a victory ship, and learn about the men and women who contributed to victory on the home front during World War II, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. followed by optional 45 min. Bay Trail stroll. Meet park ranger at memorial by main parking lot at Rosie the Riveter Memorial, Marina Bay Park, Melville and Regatta, Richmond. 232-5050. www.nps.gov/rori/ 

All Hands on Deck: Building the Ships that Kept Democracy Afloat Learn about the 747 ships built at the Kaiser shipyards and the people that built them, from 2 to 3 p.m. at Historic Shipyard No. 3, 1337 Canal Blvd., Berth 6A, Richmond. Park outside SS Red Oak Victory gate. 232-5050. Directions to shipyard 237-2933. www.ssredoakvictory.com/contact.htm 

Mooncake Festival at Habitot Children’s Museum with activities celebrating the Asian harvest festival from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 2065 Kittredge St. 647-1111. www.habitot.org 

Sushi for the More Adventurous from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Tilden Nature Center. Parent participation required for 8-10 year-olds. Cost is $25-$49. Registration required. 1-888-EBPARKS. 

Benefit for Girls Inc. of Alameda County from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Oakland Museum of California, 1000 Oak St., Oakland. Tickets are $75-$125. 357-5515, ext. 219. www.WomenofTaste.org 

Meditation Class at noon at 7th Heaven Yoga Studio, 2820 7th St. Free. 665-4300. 

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.  

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

SUNDAY, SEPT. 28 

“How Berkeley Can You Be?” and Art Car Parade at 11 a.m. at California and University, followed by festival in Civic Center Park. www.howberkeleycanyoube.com 

Taste of El Cerrito with food samples, silent auction and music from 5 to 9 p.m. at El Cerrito Community Center, 7007 Moeser Lane at Ashbury Ave. Cost is $10-$20. www.tasteofelcerrito.com 

Little Farm Open House Come grind some corn to feed the chickens, pet a bunny or groom a goat, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Little Farm at Tilden Park. 525-2233. 

Walden School 50th Anniversary Celebration Party at 1:30 p.m., performance at 3 p.m. at the Roda Theatre of the Berkeley Rep, 2025 Addison St. Tickets for performance are $15-$20. 548-9915. www.walden-school.net 

“A Spiritual Perspective on Government and Politics” with Ron Ballard at 2:30 p.m. at First Church of Christ Scientist, 2619 Dwight Way at Bowditch. 845-7199.  

Berkeley Partners for Parks Afternoon Fundraiser with food, drinks and music from 3 to 5:30 p.m. at Halcyon Commons, on Halcyon Ct between Webster and Prince. Suggested donation $30. 

Walking Tour of Richmond Blvd A walking tour sponsored by Oakland Heritage Alliance along Glen Echo Creek, a residential neighborhood built between 1895 and the 1920s. Meet at 10 a.m. at Pergola, Croxton Ave. and Richmond Blvd. Cost is $10-$15. 763-9218. www.oaklandheritage.org 

The Art of Solar Cooking Learn the use, design, and practical applications of solar cookers and solar water pasteurization, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Ecology Center, 2530 San Pablo Ave. Cost is $15 sliding scale, plus optional $5 materials fee. 548-2220, ext. 233. 

Medicine Take-Back Day Bring unwanted medication, in orginal containers with personal information marked out, for safe disposal between 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Jack London Square, 450 Water St. at Broadway. Sponsored by San Francisco Estuary Project and Teleosis Institute. 622-2452. 

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. 

UC Botanical Garden Fall Plant Sale from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 200 Centennial Drive. 643-2755. http://botanicalgarden.berkeley.edu 

“Iran (Is Not the Problem) Film and discussion with producer Aaron Newman at 6:30 p.m. at Revolution Books, 2425 Channing Way. 848-1196. 

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

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. 

Personal Theology Seminar with Rebecca Parker on “Saving Paradise: How Christianity Traded Love of this World for Crucifixion and Empire” at 10 a.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley, 1 Lawson Rd., Kensington. 525-0302, ext. 306. 

Tibetan Buddhism with Sylvia Gretchen on “Light of the Buddha and the Modern World” at 6 p.m. at the Tibetan Nyingma Institute, 1815 Highland Pl. 809-1000. www.nyingmainstitute.com 

Jewish High Holidays Pot-luck and Discussion at 6:15 on Sat. and Sun. at JGate, near the El Cerrito Bart Station. RSVP to rabbibridget@jewishgateways.org 

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, SEPT. 29 

Banned Books: Celebrating the Freedom to Read Readings from the Bible, Alice Walker’s “The Color Purple,” Philip Pullman’s “The Golden Compass,” and others, from 3:30 to 5 p.m. in the Library Plaza, 2090 Kittredge St. 981-6107. 

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, SEPT. 30 

New Deal Film Festival films from the 1930s-Work Projects Administration (WPA), National Recovery Administration (NRA). Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), at 1 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center, 1901 Hearst. Sponsored by the Berkeley Gray Panthers. 548-9696. 

“Women and Global Security” with Margot Wallström, Vice-President, European Commission at 2 p.m. at International House, Piedmont Ave. Sponsored by The Institute of European Studies. http://events.berkeley.edu 

“Physics for Future Presidents” A discussion with Warren William Chupp Distinguished Lecturer and UC Berkeley Physics Prof. Richard A. Muller at 5 p.m. at Lipman Room, Barrows Hall, UC campus. 642-5132. www.lawrencehallofscience.org 

Peace and Freedom Candidates Speak with Ralph Nader, Matt Gonzalez, Cindy Sheehan and local candidates speak at 7 pm at the Grand Lake Theater, Grand at Interstate 580, Oakland. Suggested donation $5-$10, no one turned away. 705-8864. 

Political Theater for Everyone A class in experimental political/street theater technique at 6 p.m. at Rock-Paper-Scissors Collective, Telegraph at 23rd St., Oakland. http://rpscollective.com/new.php 

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

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 

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. 

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

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 1 

Berkeley Path Wanderers: Claremont/Uplands Walk Explore the curvy streets and historic paths of Berkeley’s first “private residence park.” Meet at 10 a.m. at the Landmark plaque at northeast corner of The Uplands and Claremont. 848-2944. www.berkeleypaths.org 

Berkeley Public Library Master Plan discussion at 6:30 p.m. at North Branch, 1170 The Alameda at Hopkins. Plan available on-line at www.berkeleypubliclibaray.org 981-6195. 

“A Food Agenda for the Next Administration” with Michael Dimock, President, Roots of Change; Michael Pollan, Journalism Professor and author; Judith Redmond, co-owner of Full Belly Farm and President of the Community Alliance with Family Farmers; and Mark Ritchie, Minnesota Secretary of State and co-founder of the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy at 7 p.m. at Wheeler Auditorium, UC campus. Tickets are $10. 642-9988. http://tickets.berkeley.edu 

“Immigration at the Golden Gate: Passenger Ships, Exclusion, and Angel Island” A talk by historian Bab Barde at 7:30 p.m. at the Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave. 526-3720. 

Birding Basics Wed. at 7 p.m. through Oct. 29, at Albany Adult School, 601 San Gabriel Ave., Albany. Sponsored by the Golden Gate Audubon Society. Register online at http://albany.k12.ca.us/adult/ or call 559-6580. 

Sudden Oak Death Preventative Treament Training Session Meet at 1 p.m. outside Tolman Hall at the oak tree, Hearst Ave. and Arch/Leconte, UC Campus for a two hour field session, rain or shine. Pre-registration required. SODtreatment@nature.berkeley.edu 

“‘Celebration’ in a Worship Context” with Rev. Barbara J. Essex, Minister and Director of Pastoral Services at Pacific School of Religion at 7:30 p.m. at Northbrae Community Church, 941 The Alameda. An optional pasta dinner served at 6:30 p.m. for $6, children free. For dinner reservations call 526-3805. 

Jump Start Entrepreneurs Network meets at 8 a.m. at Cuppa Tea, 3202 College Ave. at Alcactraz. Cost is $5-$6, includes breakfast. 899-8242. www.jumpstartten.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. Heavy rain cancels. 548-9840. 

Berkeley Peace Walk and Vigil at 6:30 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. 

Family Sing-Along for toddlers, pre-schoolers and their families at 4:30 p.m. at the Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave. 526-3720. 

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. 

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, OCT. 2 

Walkers 55+: Explore El Cerrito Hillside Gems Join a down-and-up loop explores little-known creekside paths and great views from El Cerrito’s Hillside Natural Area. Meet at Arlington Park, 1120 Arlington (AC Transit 7) at 9 a.m. Wear hiking shoes; bring sticks if you use them. Registration required, call Albany Senior Center 524-9122. 

Berkeley Public Library Master Plan discussion at 6:30 p.m. at South Branch, 1901 Russell at MLK Jr. Way. Plan available on-line at www.berkeleypubliclibaray.org 981-6195. 

“An Evening of Prose and Politics” with Susan Griffin and George Lakoff at 6 p.m. at Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave. 526-3720, ext. 18. 

Hecho in Califas Festival “Rise Up and Green Up!” An interactive town-hall meeting on strengthening our community through green initaitives, at 7 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $3-$10, no one turned away. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

Town Hall Meeting in Support of Marriage Equality with clergy from the African-American community and the cast from “Noah’s Arc” at 7 p.m. at First Congregational Church of Oakland, 2501 Harrison St. Cos tis $30. http://equalitytownhall.eventbrite.com 

“Seeds to Harvest” Enjoy locally produced snacks and goodies, and learn about Bay Area Community Services’ commitment to food security at 5 p.m. at the East Bay Community Foundation Conference Center, 365 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, Oakland. www.bayareacs.org 

A Beginner’s Guide to E-mail and the Internet Learn the basics without the technical jargon. Get a free e-mail account. From 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at North Oakland Senior Center, 5714 Martin Luther King, Jr. Way. Sponsored by RSVP of Alameda County. For more information call 452-0868. 

Opera Piccola 20th Anniversary Season Open House from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at its new East Oakland headquarters, 2946 MacArthur Blvd. RSVP to 482-2906. 

Seed Saving for the Home Gardener Learn the basics of pollination, selecting, harvesting, processing and storing seed, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Ecology Center, 2530 San Pablo Ave. Cost is $10-$15. 548-2220, ext. 233. www.ecologycenter.org 

Appreciating Diversity Film Series “Unnatural Causes: In Sickness and in Wealth” at 7 p.m. followed by facilitated discussion, at Ellen Driscoll Theater, Frank Havens School, 325 Highland Ave., Piedmont. 835-9227. diversityfilmseries.org 

“Pain Management” with Dr. Ernest Cheng at 1 p.m. at the Grand Avenue Seventh Day Adventist Church, 278 Grand Ave., Oakland. 653-8625. 

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 

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

Avatar Metaphysical Toastmasters Club at 6:45 p.m. 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. 

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, OCT. 3 

City Commons Club Noon Luncheon with Jim De Mersma on “Dunsmuir Historic Estate: An East Bay Architectural & Horticultural Treasure” 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. www.citycommonsclub.org 

George Lakoff in Conversation with Josh Kornbluth on “Why We Vote the Way We Do” at 7:30 p.m. at Northbrae Community Church, 941 The Alameda.  

“The Framing of Mumia Abu-Jamal” with J. Patrick O’Connor at 7:30 p.m. at Niebyl Proctor Library at 6501 Telegraph Avenue in Oakland. 763-2347. 

Berkeley School Volunteers Orientation from 10 to 11 a.m. at 1835 Allston Way. Come learn about volunteer opportunities. Bring photo ID and two references. 644-8833. 

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, OCT. 4 

North Oakland Neighbors: City Council At-Large Candidates Forum from 1 to 3 p.m. at Faith Presbyterian Church, 430 49th St., Oakland, just off Telegraph in the Temescal neighborhood. Meeting will include updates on proposed developments and rezoning in Temescal. www.standoakland.org 

“Green Gardening” Exhibits and Workshops on saving water and reducing waste from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at MLK Civic Center Park. 981-7432. 

Benefit to Close the School of the Americas with Francisco Herrera and Jon Fromer, singer/songwriters at 7 p.m. at St. Joseph the Worker Church, 1640 Addison St. 986-0168. 

Home Front Festival at Rosie the Riveter Park, with music, carnival rides, art and activities, at Marina Bay, Richmond. Free. For details see www.homefrontfeatival.com 232-0865. 

Compost and Worm Workshop Learn the basics of backyard composting; understand how to compost with garden waste and how to compost kitchen scraps using worms at 2 p.m. at Smith & Hawken, 1330 10th Street. Free. store803@smithandhawken.com 

The Political Affairs Readers’ Group of Berkeley “Financial Crisis and Class Struggles” A discussion of the present US financial crisis, its effects on the world economy and on workers’ struggles to improve their lives at 10 a.m. at Niebyl Proctor Library, 6501 Telegraph Ave., Oakland. 595-7417. 

Ready to Learn Fun Fair Meet Clifford “The Big Red Dog,” receive free books, get their faces painted, and play outdoor games from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Rosa Parks Elementary School. Free for families and children of all ages. 268-5376. www.acgov.org/board/district5. 

Global Peace and Justice Rally with music and speakers from noon to 4 p.m. at MLK Civic Center Park. 

“Love it Like a Fool” a film about Malvina Reynolds, Berkeley songwriter and political activist at 2 p.m. at Berkeley Public Library, 2090 Kittredge at Shattuck. 981-6241. 

Lakeshore Neighborhood Plant Exchange from noon to 4 p.m. at 3811 Lakeshore Ave., Oakland. Bring plants from cuttings up to full size, as well as gardening books and supplies. 866-8482. www.plantexchange.wordpress.com 

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

Free Internet Classes offered on Sat. from 10 to 11 a.m. at El Cerrito Library, 6510 Stockton St., El Cerrito. Today we will learn how to use Google or Search the Web. 526-7512. 

“Congregational Singing and Listening” at 10 a.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley, 1 Lawson Rd., Kensington. Suggested donation $10. 525-0302, ext. 306. 

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 

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, OCT. 5 

Hecho in Califas Festival “Books? or Bombs?” An interactive town-hall meeting on education and military recruitment, at 4 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $3-$10, no one turned away. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

“Taxi to the Dark Side” A film on the torture practices of the United States at 4 p.m. at Townsend Center for the Humanities, 220 Stephens Hall, UC campus. 642-0965. 

Home Front Festival at Rosie the Riveter Park, with music, carnival rides, art and activities, at Marina Bay, Richmond. Free. For details see www.homefrontfeatival.com 232-0865. 

“Banished” A film about African Americans expelled from counties in the US from 1860 to 1920, at 2 p.m. at Parkway Theater, 1834 Park Blvd., Oakland. Cost is $5. 665-7880. 

Berkeley Rep Family Series “Fairy Tales Come True” from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Nevo education Center, 2071 Addison St. Free, but bring a book to donate to a school library. 647-2973. 

Blessing of the Animals at 12:30 p.m. on the Terrace at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley, 1 Lawson Rd., Kensington. 525-0302, ext. 306. 

Dreaming Ritual Demonstration with Antero Alli at 8:30 p.m. at Finnish Brotherhood Hall, 1970 Chestnut St. Donation $5-$10. www.paratheatrical.com/demonstration.html 

“Journey to Tibet” with Karen Harris on her visit to Buddhist nunneries in remote eastern Tibet at 10 a.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley, 1 Lawson Rd., Kensington. 525-0302, ext. 306. 

Kids Cook in the Garden Learn how to create snakcs from garden foods from 2:30 to 4 p.m. at UC Botanical Garden, 200 Centennial Dr. For ages 7-12. Registration required. Cost is $15-$18. 643-2755, ext. 03. 

Drop-In Acupuncture from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Sarana Community Acupuncture. 968 San Pablo Ave. Albany. Free. 526-5056. 

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 Mark Henderson on “The Buddhist Dharma Wheel” at 6 p.m. at the Tibetan Nyingma Institute, 1815 Highland Pl. 809-1000. www.nyingmainstitute.com 

Kol Hadash Tashlikh Service at 10 a.m. at Emeryville Marina. Especially for children. Bring-Your-Own picnic follows. 428-1492. www.kolhadash.org 

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 

CITY MEETINGS 

Mental Health Commission meets Thurs., Sept. 25, at 6:30 p.m. at 2640 MLK Jr. Way, at Derby. 981-5213. 

Zoning Adjustments Board meets Thurs., Sept. 25, at 7 p.m., in City Council Chambers. 981-7410.  

Community Environmental Advisory Commission meets Thurs., Oct. 2, at 7 p.m., at 2118 Milvia St. Nabil Al-Hadithy, 981-7461.  

Housing Advisory Commission meets Thurs., Oct. 2, at 7 p.m., at the South Berkeley Senior Center. 981-5400.  

Landmarks Preservation Commission meets Thurs., Oct. 2, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-7419. 

Public Works Commission meets Thurs., Oct. 2, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-6406.

THURSDAY, SEPT. 25 

EXHIBITIONS 

“Traje de la Vida” Maya textiles of Guatemala. Opening reception at 7 p.m. at The Phoebe Hearst Museum of Anthropology, Gallery and Patio, 103 Kroeber Hall. RSVP to 642-3682. http://hearstmuseum.berkeley.edu  

“Art for Humanity: United Nations Goals” Group show at Giorgi Gallery, 2911 Claremont Ave., through Sept. 28. 848-1228. 

FILM 

“Se’wer Ga’labe”/”Invisible Rider” Ethiopian film in Amharic with English subtitles at 5 and 8 p.m. at Grand Lake Theatre, Oakland. 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Robert Fisk reads from “The Age of Warrior” a collection of his essays on the Middle East and other topics at 7 p.m. at Martin Luther King, Jr. Middle School, 1781 Rose St. Benefits the Middle East Children’s Alliance. Tickets are $20. 548-0542. www.mecaforpeace.org. 

Cecile Pineda reads from “Redoubt” and “Bardo 99” as part of Ethnic Studies Department 40th Anniversary Author Series at 6 p.m. at 30 Stephens Hall, UC Campus. 642-3947. 

“Lucasville: The Untold Story of a Prison Uprising” A dramatic reading Thurs.-Sat. at 7:30 p.m. at the Justice and Witness Ministry, Plymouth United Church of Christ, 424 Monte Vista Ave., Oakland. Cost is $13 at the door. 654-5044. www.clarencedarrowgaryanderson.com/lucasville.html 

Sixteen Rivers Press 10th Anniversary Poetry Reading at 7:30 p.m. at Mrs. Dalloways, 2904 College Ave. 704-8222. 

Ai Weiwei and Uli Sigg Gallery Talk on “Mahjong: Contemporary Chinese Art from the Sigg Collection” at noon at Berkeley Art Museum, 2626 Bancroft. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Mark Morris Dance Group “Romeo & Juliet” through Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 3 p.m. at Zellerbach Hall, UC Campus. Tickets are $42-$94. 642-9988. www.calperformances.net 

Slaid Cleaves at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $18.50-$19.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

Jenny Farris presents Cy Coleman at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $10. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

Evie Ladin & Evil Diane at 7 p.m. at Caffe Trieste, 2500 San Pablo Ave., at Dwight. 548-5198.  

The Blind, Walty, The Soft White Sixties at 9 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $7. 841-2082 www.starryploughpub.com 

Speak the Music, beat boxing with Butterscotch, Soulati, Infinite, and others at 8 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $8. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

John Seabury at 10 p.m. at Beckett’s Irish Pub, 2271 Shattuck Ave. 647-1790. www.beckettsirishpub.com 

Ashkenaz Dead Night at 10 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $5. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

The Duhks at 8 p.m., through Sun. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $20. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

FRIDAY, SEPT. 26 

THEATER 

“A Visit with Julia Morgan” Miss Morgan appears with the assistance of architectural historian Betty Marvin at 7:30 p.m. at College Avenue Presbyterian Church, 5951 College Ave., Oakland. Minimum donation $10. Benefits the restoration of CAPC’s organ. 658-3665. 

Altarena Playhouse “Bat Boy: The Musical” Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2 p.m. at Altarena Playhouse, 1409 High St., Alameda, through Nov. 1. Tickets are $17-$20. 523-1553. www.altarena.org 

Aurora Theatre “The Best Man” Wed.-Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2 and 7 p.m. at 2081 Addison St. through Sept. 28. Tickets are $40-$42. 843-4822. www.auroratheatre.org 

Berkeley Rep “Yellowjackets” by Itamar Moses, a Berkeley resident, set at Berkeley High School, Tues.-Sun. at the Thrust Stage, 2025 Addison St., through Oct. 12. Tickets are $27-$71. 647-2949. berkeleyrep.org 

California Conservatory Theatre “They’re Playing Our Song” Thurs.-Sat. at 8 p.m., 2 p.m. on Sat. and Sun. at 999 East 14th St, San Leandro City Hall Complex, near BART, through Oct. 12. Tickets are $20-$22. 632-8850. www.cct-sl.org 

Contra Costa Civic Theater “Witness for the Prosecution” Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2 p.m. at 951 Pomona Ave., El Cerrito, through Oct. 19. 524-9132. www.ccct.org  

Impact Theatre “Ching Chong Chinaman” Thurs.-Sat at 8 p.m. at La Val’s Subterranean, to Oct. 11. Tickets are $10-$17. 464-4468. impacttheatre.com 

Masquers Playhouse “The Petrified Forest” Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2:30 p.m. at 105 Park Place, Point Richmond, through Sept. 27. Tickets are $18. 232-4031. www.masquers.org 

Oakland Public Theater, “Before the Dream: The mysterious death (and life) of Richard Wright” Thurs.-Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 5 p.m. at the Noodle Factory, 1255 26th St., corner of Union, Oakland, through Oct. 5. Tickets are $9-$20. 534-9529. www.brownpapertickets.com 

Shotgun Players “Vera Wilde” Thurs.-Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 5 p.m. at The Ashby Stage, 1901 Ashby Ave., through Oct. 19. Tickets are $17-$25. 841-6500. www.shotgunplayers.org 

FILM 

Berkeley Video & Film Festival Continuous screenings through Sun. at Landmark’s Shattuck Cinemas, 2230 Shattuck Ave. Program info 843-3699. Tickets 464-5980. 

“U-Carmen e Khayelitsha” with actor Pauline Malefane and novelist Ngugi wa Thiong’o in person, at 8:10 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $5.50-$9.50. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

EXHIBITIONS 

“And Thus ... Accordingly” Works from found materials by Robert Armstrong on display from 1 to 5 p.m. Fri.- Sun. at Garage Gallery, Berkeley Outlet, 3110 Wheeler St. near Ashby and Shattuck. 549-2896. 

WomensArt.com “real-time” Opening reception at 6:30 p.m. at 4148 MacArthur Blvd., Oakland. The show will be open Saturday and Sunday, September 27 & 28 from 1 to 4 p.m. 261-5323. 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

African and Afro-Caribbean Performance Conference Fri.-Sun., with speakers and performers including Gerard Aching, Pauline Malefane, Ngugi wa Thiong’o, and Tejumola Olaniyan. For details see www.berkeleytdps.org 

Walter Medeiros and S.G. Scott read from their new books at 7 p.m. at Regent Press Gallery, 4770 Telegraph Ave., Oakland.  

Tariq Ali discusses “Pakistan, Afghanistan and American Power” at 8 p.m. at First Congregational Church of Berkeley, 2345 Channing Way. Cost is $12-$15. 848-3696. www.kpfa.org 

“Lucasville: The Untold Story of a Prison Uprising” A dramatic reading Thurs.-Sat. at 7:30 p.m. at the Justice and Witness Ministry, Plymouth United Church of Christ, 424 Monte Vista Ave., Oakland. Cost is $13 at the door. 654-5044. www.clarencedarrowgaryanderson.com/lucasville.html 

Larry Nolan reads from his short story collection “Perpetual Care” at 7:30 p.m. at Moe’s Books, 2476 Telegraph Ave. 849-2087. 

Zahid Sardar and Marion Brenner introduce their new book “New Garden Design: Inspiring Private Paradises” at 7:30 p.m. at Mrs. Dalloways, 2904 College Ave. 704-8222. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

“The Jewish Violin” with Donna Lerew, violin and Skye Atman, piano, at 8 p.m. at First Unitarian Church of Berkeley, 1 Lawson Road, Kensington. 524-5203. www.uucb.org 

Point Richmond Summer Music with Resin 7 and Mucho Axe at 5:30 p.m. outdoors at Park Place in downtown Point Richmond. www.pointrichmond.com 

VidyA, jazz and South Indian, at 8 p.m. at the Hillside Club, 2286 Cedar St. Cost is $10-$15. 845-1350. www.hillsideclub.org 

Eduardo Peralta and Manual Sanchez, Chilean paya at 8 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $12-$15. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

Mark Morris Dance Group “Romeo & Juliet” through Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 3 p.m. at Zellerbach Hall, UC Campus. Tickets are $42-$94. 642-9988. www.calperformances.net 

Tiffany Joy at 8 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $12. 845-5373. www.jazzschool.com 

Carla Zilbersmith & Her Trio at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $14. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

Chiwoniso, contemporary Zimbabwean music, at 9:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $12-$15. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

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

Lucy Kaplansky at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $26.50-$27.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

Or the Whale, The Mumlers, The Porchsteps at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $10. 841-2082. www.starryploughpub.com 

3rd Date at 10 p.m. at Beckett’s Irish Pub, 2271 Shattuck Ave. 647-1790. www.beckettsirishpub.com 

Macabea at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 843-8277. 

Keyan WIlliams and Jasmine at 9 p.m. at Maxwell’s Restaurant and Lounge, 341 13th St., Oakland. Cost is $10. 839-6169. 

Dave Holland Sextet with Robin Eubanks, Eric Harland, Antonio Hart, Steve Nelson and Alex Sipiagin at 8 and 10 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square, through Sun. Cost is $16-$22. 238-9200.  

SATURDAY, SEPT. 27 

CHILDREN  

“Harvest at the Lake” Native American stories at 12:30 and 3:30 p.m. at Children’s Fairyland, 699 Bellevue Ave., Oakland. Cost is $6. 452-2259.  

FILM 

Berkeley Video & Film Festival Continuous screenings through Sun. at Landmark’s Shattuck Cinemas, 2230 Shattuck Ave. Program info 843-3699. Tickets 464-5980. 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

“Lucasville: The Untold Story of a Prison Uprising” A dramatic reading Thurs.-Sat. at 7:30 p.m. at the Justice and Witness Ministry, Plymouth United Church of Christ, 424 Monte Vista Ave., Oakland. Cost is $13 at the door. 654-5044. www.clarencedarrowgaryanderson.com/lucasville.html 

Rhythm & Muse spoken word and music open mic, featuring poets May Garsson and Alice Templeton at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Art Center, 1275 Walnut St behind Live Oak Park. 644-6893. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Mark Morris Dance Group “Romeo & Juliet” at 8 p.m., Sun. at 3 p.m. at Zellerbach Hall, UC Campus. Tickets are $42-$94. 642-9988.  

David Crosby & Graham Nash, Jackson Browne, Bonnie Raitt and others in a benefit for Seva Foundation at 8 p.m. at Oakland Paramount Theater. Tickets are $75-$125. 845-7382, ext. 332. www.seva.org 

San Francisco Early Music Society “An Evening with Bach: Music for Spirit, Heart, and Mind” at 7:30 p.m. at St. John’s Presbyterian Church, 2727 College at Garber. Tickets are $10-$25. 528-1725. www.sfems.org 

Liche Oseguera, Julio Domínguez, Los Camperos de Valles, Artemio Pasadas, Mexican son, at 8 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $12-$15. 849-2568.  

Kenny Washington & His Trio at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $15. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

Baba Ken & Kotoja at 9:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. African dance lesson at 9 p.m. Cost is $15. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Cabaret Night at 7 p.m. at First Unitarian Church of Oakland, 685 14th St. Tickets are $15. 893-6129. http://uuoakland.org  

House Jacks at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $20.50-$21.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

Karen Monté Group at 8 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $20. 845-5373. www.jazzschool.com 

David Jeffrey’s Jazz Fourtet at 9:30 p.m. at Albatross, 1822 San Pablo Ave. Cost is $3. 843-2473. www.albatrosspub.com 

Charlie Wilson’s War at 10 p.m. at Beckett’s Irish Pub, 2271 Shattuck Ave. 647-1790. www.beckettsirishpub.com 

The Revtones, Los High Tops at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $8. 841-2082. www.starryploughpub.com 

Wil Blades Quartet at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 843-8277. 

SUNDAY, SEPT. 28 

EXHIBITIONS 

“Atheon” Cosmology-based art by Jonathon Keats opens at Magnes Museum, 2222 Harold Way. www.magnes.org 

“No Boundaries” Art show and music from Sonic Safari from noon to 6 p.m. at Sculpture Garden, 3618 Peralta St., Emeryville. 655-7374. 

FILM 

Berkeley Video & Film Festival Continuous screenings from 1 p.m. at Landmark’s Shattuck Cinemas, 2230 Shattuck Ave. Program info 843-3699. Tickets 464-5980. 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Roundtable of Music and Discussion with Eduardo Peralta and Manuel Sanchez from Chile, and Liche Oseguera and Julio Dominguez from Mexico, and Fito Reinoso from Cuba, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at La Peña. 849-2568. 

“Gods Who Hear Prayers, Personal Piety in Ancient Egypt”with Cindy Ausec, PhD candidate, at 2:30 p.m. at Barrows Hall, Room 20, UC Campus. 415-664-4767. 

Katie Hafner will discuss her new book, “Romance on Three Legs” the story of Glenn Gould’s beloved Steinway, at 2 p.m. at the Hillside Club, 2286 Cedar St. Three young pianists will illustrate her talk with recitals of Bach. Free. www.hillsideclub.org 

Julia Morgan’s “Little Castle” The Berkeley City Club, docent led tour from 1 to 4 p.m. at 2315 Durant Ave. 848-7800. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

“Sweet Temptations” Highlights of Berkeley Opera’s upcoming 30th anniversary season at 7 p.m. at Chapel of the Chimes, 4499 Piedmont Ave. Tickets are $25-$50. 800-838-3006. www.brownpapertickets.com 

Clerestory “Explorations” men’s a cappella ensemble performs music of LeJeune, Gesualdo, Milhaud, Vaughan Williams and Bay Area composers at 5 p.m. at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, Bancroft at Ellsworth. Tickets are $10-$20. 415-331-5544. www.clerestory.org 

“hahn/huhn” performance by Tris Vonna-Michel, in conjunction with the exhibition “Bending the Word” at 3 p.m. at 3 p.m. at Berkeley Art Museum Theater, 2626 Bancroft Way. Admission is $3-$8. 642-0808. 

Martha Toledo, songs from Oaxaca, at 7:30 p.m. at La Peña. Cost is $16-$18. 849-2568. 

“Jazz Idiom” Al Young & Charles Robinson at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $12. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

Americana Unplugged at 5 p.m. at Jupiter. 843-8277. 

Flamenco Open Stage at 7:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $10. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Doug Beavers Rovira & Nine “Two Shades of Nude” at 4:30 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $20. 845-5373.  

Calvin Keys, Ricardo Eixoto and Friends, Brazilian jazz at 2 p.m., Tonette Jeanine at 7 p.m., at 33 Revolutions, 10086 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito. 898-1836. 

The Ravines at 3 p.m. at Spuds Pizza, 3290 Adeline St. 558-0881. 

MONDAY, SEPT. 29 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Poetry Express theme night on “barriers and bridges” at 7 p.m. at Priya Restaurant, 2072 San Pablo Ave. 644-3977. 

Banned Books: Celebrating the Freedom to Read Readings from the Bible, Alice Walker’s “The Color Purple,” Philip Pullman’s “The Golden Compass,” and others, from 3:30 to 5 p.m. in the Library Plaza, 2090 Kittredge St. 981-6107. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Trovatore, traditional Italian music, at 7 p.m. at Caffe Trieste, 2500 San Pablo Ave.548-5198.  

Classical at the Freight with Jean-Michel Fonteneau and Axel Strauss at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage Coffee House. Cost is $8.50-$9.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

George Cole, gypsy jazz, at 8 p.m. at 33 Revolutions, 10086 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito. 898-1836. 

Downtown Jam Session with Glen Pearson at 7 p.m. at Ed Kelly Hall, Oakland Public Conservatory of Music, 1616 Franklin St., Oakland. Cost is $5. www.opcmucsic.org 

TUESDAY, SEPT. 30 

EXHIBITIONS 

Berkeley Public Library Staff Art Show Works including paintings, collage, ceramics, quilting and knitting, on display through Oct. 27 at the Berkeley Public Library, 2090 Kittredge St. 981-6241. 

Neighborhood Public Arts Project and “External Influences” Works by Peter Foucault opens at the Richmond Art Center, 2540 Barrett Ave. at 25th St., Richmond, and runs through Oct. 31. 620-6772. www.therichmondartcenter.org 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Craig Perez, poet, reads from his new book “From Unincorporated Territory” at 5:30 p.m. at University Press Books, 2430 Bancroft Way. 548-0585. www.universitypressbooks.com 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Vols String Quartet, "Gems of the Classical Repertoire" at 8 p.m. at Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant Ave. Tickets are $10-$20. 525-5211. www.berkeleychamberperform.org 

Gerard Landry & the Lariats at 8:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Dance lesson at 8 p.m. Cost is $10. 525-5054.  

Singers’ Open Mic with Kelly Park at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $5. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

Ben Stolorow, jazz pianist, at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 843-8277. 

Randy Craig Trio at 7 p.m. at Caffe Trieste, 2500 San Pablo Ave., at Dwight. 548-5198.  

Johnny Nitro’s Blues Jam at 7 p.m. at 33 Revolutions, 10086 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito. 898-1836. 

Wayne Shorter Quartet at 8 and 10 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square, through Sun. Cost is $60. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

Jazzschool Tuesdays, a weekly showcase of up-and-coming ensembles from Berkeley Jazzschool at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 843-8277. 

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 1 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Alexander McCall Smith, author of “The Very Small Things of Life” at 8 p.m. at Zellerbach Hall, UC Campus. Tickets are $20-$32. 642-9988. www.calperformances.net 

Michelle Mansour, director of Root Division at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Art Center, 1275 Walnut St. in Live Oak Park. Cost is $8-$10. 644-6893. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Wednesday Noon Concert, with April Paik & Jessica Ling, violin, Kristine Pacheco & Tovah Keynton, viola, and Kevin Yu & Diana Lee, cello at Hertz Hall, UC Campus. Free. 642-4864. http://music.berkeley.edu 

Vive le Jazz! at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $10. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

Winstrong at 9 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $7. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

Kleptograss, with Eric Thompson, Scott Nygaard, Paul Shelasky, Tom Rozum, and Laurie Lewis, at 8 p.m. at Strings, 6320 San Pablo Ave., Emeryville. 653-5700. 

Tango Parlor at 9 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Tango dance lesson at 7:30 p.m. Cost is $10. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Mazacote at 9:30 p.m. at Shattuck Down Low, 2284 Shattuck Ave. Salsa dance lessons at 8:30 p.m. Cost is $5-$10. 548-1159.  

Cynthia Tarr, jazz vocalist at 8 p.m. at 33 Revolutions, 10086 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito. 898-1836. 

Whiskey Brothers, old-time and bluegrass at 9 p.m. at Albatross, 1822 San Pablo Ave. 843-2473. www.albatrosspub.com 

Wayne Shorter Quartet featuring Brian Blade, John Patitucci and Danilo Perez at 8 and 10 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square, through Sun. Cost is $60-$70. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

THURSDAY, OCT. 2 

EXHIBITIONS 

“Walls” Paintings by Joel Isaacson on comtemporary social and political concerns. Reception at 5:30 p.m., artist talk at 6 p.m. at Flora Lamson Hewlett Library, 2400 Ridge Rd. Exhibition runs to Jan. 30. 649-2500. www.gtu.edu 

“Residency Projects, Part 4” Works by Adriane Colburn, Taraneh Hemami, and Leslie Shows, opens at Kala Art Institute, 1060 Heinz Ave., and runs through Nov. 22. 549-2977. www.kala.org 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Dunbar Ogden discusses his new book “My Father Said Yes: A White Pastor in Little Rock School Integration” at 5:30 p.m. at University Press Books, 2430 Bancroft Way. 548-0585. www.universitypressbooks.com 

“Punk, Presidential Politics and Art” A conversation between Vail and Jello Biafra in a benefit for the progressive Berkeley Rent Board slate at 7 p.m. at 924 Gilman St., an all-ages, member-run, no alcohol, no drugs, no violence club. Cost is $7-$10. 525-9926. 

“An Evening of Prose and Politics” with Susan Griffin and George Lakoff at 6 p.m. at Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave. 526-3720, ext. 18. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Roots Natty, Miosotis, Royal Family Show at 9:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $10. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Julian Smedly & Alison Odell at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $18.50-$19.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

Kelly Park & Friends at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $8. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

Space Heater, The Sonando Project at 9 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $8-$10. 841-2082. www.starryploughpub.com 

FRIDAY, OCT. 3 

THEATER 

Altarena Playhouse “Bat Boy: The Musical” Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2 p.m. at Altarena Playhouse, 1409 High St., Alameda, through Nov. 1. Tickets are $17-$20. 523-1553. www.altarena.org 

Berkeley Rep “Yellowjackets” by Itamar Moses, a Berkeley resident, set at Berkeley High School, Tues.-Sun. at the Thrust Stage, 2025 Addison St., through Oct. 12. Tickets are $27-$71. 647-2949. berkeleyrep.org 

California Conservatory Theatre “They’re Playing Our Song” Thurs.-Sat. at 8 p.m., 2 p.m. on Sat. and Sun. at 999 East 14th St, San Leandro City Hall Complex, near BART, through Oct. 12. Tickets are $20-$22. 632-8850. www.cct-sl.org 

Contra Costa Civic Theater “Witness for the Prosecution” Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2 p.m. at 951 Pomona Ave., El Cerrito, through Oct. 19. 524-9132. www.ccct.org  

Impact Theatre “Ching Chong Chinaman” Thurs.-Sat at 8 p.m. at La Val’s Subterranean, to Oct. 11. Tickets are $10-$17. 464-4468. impacttheatre.com 

Masquers Playhouse “Tally’s Folly” Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2:30 p.m. at 105 Park Place, Point Richmond. Tickets are $10. 232-3888. www.masquers.org 

Oakland Public Theater, “Before the Dream: The mysterious death (and life) of Richard Wright” Thurs.-Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 5 p.m. at the Noodle Factory, 1255 26th St., corner of Union, Oakland, through Oct. 5. Tickets are $9-$20. 534-9529. www.brownpapertickets.com 

Ragged Wing Ensemble “The History of the Devil” Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m. at Central Stage, 5221 Central Ave., Richmond, Through Nov. 1. Tickets are $10-$30. www.raggedwing.org 

Shotgun Players “Vera Wilde” Thurs.-Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 5 p.m. at The Ashby Stage, 1901 Ashby Ave., through Oct. 19. Tickets are $17-$25. 841-6500. www.shotgunplayers.org 

EXHIBITIONS 

“Lace Comes of Age” Tape Laces from the 17th to 20th Century. Opening reception at 6 p.m. at Lacis Museum of Lace and textiels, 3163 Adeline St. 843-7178. LacisMuseum.org 

“Look at me Looking at you” Works by Lauren Odell Usher and Heidi Forssell. Opening reception at 6 p.m. at Red Door Gallery and Collective, 416 26th Street, Oakland. 374-0444. 

“Strange Brew” Fantastic and strange art by strange artists, celebrating Halloween and El Dia de los Muertos. Opening reception at 7 p.m. at Eclectix, 10082 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito. www.eclectixgallery.com 

Eth6 Magazine Issue 3: Contributing Artist Exhibition Reception at 7 p.m. at blankspace, 6608 San Pablo Ave., Oakland. 547-6608. 

Emeryville Art Exhibition Opening reception at 6 p.m. at 5815 Shellmound Way, Emeryville. Exhibition runs to Oct. 26. www.emeryarts.org 

“New Work” Mixed media by JoAnn Biagini, paintings by Catherine Perillo. Opening reception at 6 p.m. at Mercury 20, 25 Grand Ave., Oakland. 701-4620. www.mercurytwenty.com 

“Phenomena of Essence” Works by Keira Kotler, Gretchen Jane Mentzer, Laura Paulini and Dianne Romaine. Opening reception at 6 p.m. at Chandra Cerrito Contemporary, 25 Grand Ave., upper level. Exhibition runs through Nov. 15. www.chandracerrito.com 

“Nature Word ~ Verbe Nature” Photographic silver sun prints by Susannah Hays. Artist reception at 6 p.m. at NoneSuch Space, 2865 Broadway at 29th St., 2nd flr., Oakland. 625-1600. 

“Strictfathermodel” Works by Joseph Essoe Paintings, photographs, sculpture and video. Reception at 7 p.m. at 21 Grand, 416 25th St. at Broadway, Oakland. www.21grand.org 

“Great Wall of Oakland” Illuminated Corridor The lighting of Kahn’s Alley, the entrance to City Hall Plaza bordered by the Oakland Art Gallery and the Rotunda Building, with art, music and film from 7 to 10 p.m. 533-1977. suki@illuminatedcorridor.com 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

La Voz de la Mujer with Dina Omar, a Palestinian-American, Mahina Movement, Las Bomberas de la Bajia at 8 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $10-$12. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

Mazacote at 5 p.m. at Oakland Museum of California, 1000 Oak St., Oakland. Cost is $5-$8. 238-2200. www.museumca.org 

Steve Smith’s Jazz Legacy at 8 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $20. 845-5373. www.jazzschool.com 

Falso Baiano CD release party at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $14. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

Rebecca Riots at 8 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $1-$13. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Roy Rogers & Norton Buffalo at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $24.50-$25.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

David Kent, Paul H. Taylor & the Montera Mountain Boys at 7:30 p.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344. www.nomadcafe.net 

The Royal Deuces, The Good Luck Thrift Store Outfit, Big Mistake at 9 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $8. 841-2082. www.starryploughpub.com 

Nekita Germaine at 9 p.m. at Maxwell’s Restaurant and Lounge, 341 13th St., Oakland. Cost is $15. 839-6169. 

Paul Baribeau, Good Luck, Fischer at 8 p.m. at 924 Gilman St., an all-ages, member-run, no alcohol, no drugs, no violence club. Cost is $5. 525-9926. 

Ben Stolorow at 8:30 p.m. at Jupiter. 843-8277. 

Jerry Kennedy, acoustic soul, at 7:30 p.m. at 33 Revolutions, 10086 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito. 898-1836. 

SATURDAY, OCT. 4 

CHILDREN  

Los Amiguitos de La Peña with Derique the clown at 10:30 a.m. at La Peña. Cost is $5 for adults, $4 for children. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

“The Girl Who Lost Her Smile” Performance based on Rumi’s poem Sat. and Sun. at 12:30 and 3:30 p.m. at Children’s Fairyland, 699 Bellevue Ave., Oakland. Cost is $6. 452-2259. www.fairyland.org 

THEATER 

Stone Soup Improv Comedy at 8 p.m. at Temescal Arts Center, 511 48th St. at Telegraph, Oakland. Cost is $6-$9. www.stonesoupimprov.com 

EXHIBITIONS 

“L.A. Paint” Current SoCal painting by eleven artists opens at Oakland Museum of California, 1000 Oak St., Oakland. Cost is $5-$8. 238-2200. www.museumca.org 

FILM 

“Love it Like a Fool” a film about Malvina Reynolds, Berkeley songwriter and political activist at 2 p.m. at Berkeley Public Library, 2090 Kittredge at Shattuck. 981-6241. 

Jewish Film Series “My Nose” and “Home on the Range: Jewish Chicken Farmers of Petaluma” at 7 p.m. at Temple Israel, 3183 Mecartney Rd., Alameda. Cost is $10. 522-9355. 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Bay Area Poets Coalition open reading from 3 to 5 pm. at Strawberry Creek Lodge, 1320 Addison St. Park on the street. 527-9905. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Francisco Herrera and Jon Fromer, singer/songwriters, in a benefit concert to close the School of the Americas at 7 p.m. at St. Joseph the Worker Church, 1640 Addison St. 986-0168. 

Eric Hamilton, classical guitar, at 8 p.m. at Trinity Chapel, 2320 Dana St. Tickets are $8-$12. 549-3864. www.trinitychamberconcerts.com 

Sandra Soderlund, organ music at 8 p.m. at Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley, One Lawson Road, Kensington. Suggested donation $10-$15. 525-0302. 

Nino Moschella, Melina Jones, Do Dat & Isis at 9 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $7-$10. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

Jazz Express at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $12. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

Dave Ridnell & Friends, Brazilian jazz, at 7:30 p.m. at 33 Revolutions, 10086 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito. 898-1836. 

Burlesque ‘n’ Brass, featuring Hot Pink Feathers & Blue Bone Express, Orleans-inspired jazz, at 9 p.m. at Café Van Kleef, 1621 Telegraph Ave., Oakland. Cost is $10. 763-7711. 

Sambada at 9 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $10-$13. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com  

Sotaque Baiano, Brazilian, at 9 p.m. at Shattuck Down Low, 2284 Shattuck Ave. Cost is $5-$10. 548-1159. www.shattuckdownlow.com 

Jessie Rubin, Sheila O’Toole at 7:30 p.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344. www.nomadcafe.net 

Cascada de Flores at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $18.50-$19.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

Howard Wiley: A Tribute to Dexter Gordon, Part Deux at 8 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $15-$18. 845-5373. www.jazzschool.com 

Gateswingers Jazz Band at 4 p.m. at 33 Revolutions, 10086 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito. 898-1836.  

Hoe, The Shelley Doty X-Tet at 9 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $9. 841-2082. www.starryploughpub.com 

Endless Demise, Parasytic, Untill the Fall at 8 p.m. at 924 Gilman St., an all-ages, member-run, no alcohol, no drugs, no violence club. Cost is $5. 525-9926. 

Wayne Shorter Quartet featuring Brian Blade, John Patitucci and Danilo Perez at 8 and 10 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square, through Sun. Cost is $60-$70. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

SUNDAY, OCT. 5 

CHILDREN 

Active Arts Theatre for Young Audiences “How I Became a Pirate” at 2 and 4 p.m. at Julia Morgan Center for the Arts, 2640 College Ave. Tickets are $14-$18. www.activeartstheatre.org 

FILM 

Talk Cinema Berkeley Preview of new independent films with dscussion afterwards at 10 a.m. at Albany Twin Theater, 1115 Solano Ave., Albany. Cost is $20. http://talkcinema.com 

“Taxi to the Dark Side” A film on the torture practices of the United States at 4 p.m. at Townsend Center for the Humanities, 220 Stephens Hall, UC campus. 642-0965. 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Poetry Flash with Ellen Bass and Jane Hirshfield at 3 p.m. at Diesel, A Bookstore, 5433 College Ave., Oakland. 653-9965. www.dieselbookstore.com 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Richard Goode, piano, at 3 p.m. at Zellerbach Hall, UC Campus. Tickets are $34-$62. 642-9988. www.calperformances.net 

Afiara String Quartet at 4 p.m. at Crowden Music Center, 1475 Rose St. Cost is $12. Free for under 18. 559-2941. concerts@crowden.org 

Sugarspun, indie rock, at 2 p.m. at 33 Revolutions, 10086 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito. 898-1836. 

Phil Hawkins CD release party at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $12. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

Trick Kernan Combo at 11 a.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344. www.nomadcafe.net 

Eono Kane, Hawaiian music, at 3:30 p.m. at Temple Bar Tiki Bar & Grill, 984 University Ave. Cost is $12. Reservations recommended. 524-6403. 

Fasmania at 4:30 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $18. 845-5373. www.jazzschool.com 

Time and time again we’ve seen the word “independent” co-opted by the very corporate forces the independents claim independence from: “indie” record labels engulfed by a corporate parent; “indie” film festivals that draw Hollywood’s A-List roster to remote Western boomtowns. 

Well, there’s at least one independent film festival that has not only retained its true indie character, but prides itself on a “celebrity-free” environment. 

East Bay Media Center’s 17th annual Berkeley Video and Film Festival starts Saturday at Landmark’s Shattuck Cinemas in downtown Berkeley, running Friday through Sunday and screening more than 50 films. Shows start at 7:30 p.m. Friday and at 1 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, and continue to nearly midnight each night. 

This year’s program features the usual eclectic blend of wide-ranging fare, from student films to experimental short subjects to feature-length films with a high-gloss sheen—all of them truly independent and all of them unlike anything showing at your local megaplex. 

Things get off to an offbeat start Friday with Emma Strebel’s 45-second Self Portrait, an art project she says developed from “a radical intervention to remedy my head lice.” Get your popcorn early. 

Next up is Eli Akira Kaufman’s California King, a surprisingly moving tale of a mattress salesman who uses his lofty position to bed his more attractive female customers. That is, until he meets one that stirs more than his libido. Like a minimalist short story, the 22-minute California King manages to convey much about its characters with little or no background information; we know their states of mind without needing to know the details. It’s a pared-down love story, with no frills and really no surprises; it simply tells a simple story well. 

Another short subject, Attila Szasz’s Now You See Me, Now You Don’t (30 minutes), takes us in another direction entirely with a story that employs a touch of science fiction in a sort of dark parable of marriage and parenthood. When a work-a-holic scientist uses a formula to make his son invisible, he widens the rift between father and mother and child with tragic results. 

Screening between those two short films are two even shorter films, together adding up to just five minutes, but which open up a brand new world of filmmaking. George Aguilar, who created one of the best films in last year’s festival (The Diary of Niclas Gheiler), returns with two examples from his series of virtual films. Aguilar has immersed himself in the online world of Second Life and has used his avatar, an artist-borg by the name of Cecil Hirvi, to create a series of cinematic poems. The first film, Virtual Starry Night, shows Hirvi stepping into a 3-D world constructed by Second Life users based on the paintings of Vincent Van Gogh. The second film, First Love of a Borg, consists of camera movements that sensually trace the contours of a metallic sculpture of a ballerina on display in a virtual museum. 

Festival director Mel Vapour may have to put an asterisk behind his “celebrity-free” claim this year when poet Michael McClure makes an appearance Friday night. McClure will be on hand to answer questions following a screening of Rebel Roar: The Sound of Michael McClure, a 34-minute film that features that Beat Generation poet reading his own work and offering perspectives on his contemporaries. 

The festival’s opening night concludes with Fix (93 minutes), a feature by Tao Ruspoli. Shawn Andrews carries the film with a charismatic performance and a devilish grin that conveys love and arrogance and dissipation all at once. The film’s conceit—a cinephile films every aspect of his life, even as he ventures to Los Angeles to bail his drug-addict brother out of jail and get him into rehab—wears thin after a while, as the device of the first-person camera requires that much screen time be spent defending and justifying it. And the technique lends far less sympathy to the characterizations than Ruspoli probably hoped for. But when it works it strikes an almost voyeuristic tone that makes some scenes come to life. 

Saturday’s screenings include two documentaries. The first, Road to Bonneville (60 minutes), follows two hot-rod builders as they trek across the country in their homemade vintage race cars to the salt flats of Utah, spouting homespun, geeked-out hot rod jargon all the way. Documentaries can bring us into close contact with subcultures we might never otherwise encounter, and Road to Bonneville does just that, giving us a glimpse of a unique and highly specialized world. 

Stop the Presses (80 minutes) is another kind of documentary, giving us an extensive cataloging of a vexing societal problem, in this case the slow-motion death spiral of the newspaper industry. Mark Birnbaum and Manny Mendoza traveled the country and conducted more than 100 interviews to produce this examination of the shifting American media landscape and what it portends for the future, for an informed citizenry, and for the First Amendment. It’s hardly news to news industry insiders of course, but it elucidates for the uninformed the ramifications for democracy once the watchdogs have been put down. 

Tate Taylor’s feature Pretty Ugly People (100 minutes) closes out the festival’s second night. An animated prologue introduces us to Lucy, an overweight woman who undergoes gastric bypass surgery and stages a dramatic reunion to surprise her friends with her new body. But while attempting to enjoy the good and svelte life with them on an extended camping trip, a series of encounters with each friend’s dark side shows her that life isn’t necessarily all that better for the trim and fit. 

Also included in this year’s program are two Chilean features. Just to make things confusing, Sabado screens on Domingo, depicting a real-time drama of a marriage that falls apart just as it is about to begin. The film, with the exception of a single edit, appears to be shot in real time, using its 63 minutes to follow a would-be bride as she discovers her fiancé’s secret, confronts him with it, and then concocts a plan for moving forward, documenting it all with the help of a student cameraman. As with Fix, the first-person camera can be trying at times, and again the script and actors are called upon to continually justify its presence, but it adds up to a fun little experiment in cinema verite. 

The best feature film of the festival is also the strangest. Malta con Huevo is another Chilean entry and it’s quirky from the start as Vladimir, a sketchy cad-about-town, wakes up to find that he has somehow jumped ahead in time a few weeks. Yet when he sleeps and wakes again, he’s back where he began, and no one seems to know what he’s blathering about. We suspect early enough that his signature beverage of malt beer and raw eggs is playing tricks on his mind, but soon enough the film takes a stark left turn as a more nefarious and absurd comic-horror plot reveals itself. 

BERKELEY VIDEO AND FILM FESTIVAL 

One-day passes ($13, $10 for students and seniors) are available starting Friday at the Shattuck Cinemas box office, 2230 Shattuck Ave. 464-5980. One-day and three-day passes ($30) are available in advance at East Bay Media Center, 1939 Addison St. 843-3699. www.berkeleyvideofilmfest.org. 

Singer Martha Toledo from southern Oaxaca, Mexico, aptly described as “radiant” and “dazzling,” will perform songs celebrating her native region with guitarists Jose Roberto and Manuel Constancio, with “un flor, un canto y una poesia” by Nancy and Elizabeth Esteva, at “Pura Fiesta!” at La Peña on Shattuck Avenue, on Sunday, Sept. 28, at 7:30 p.m. 

Toledo will also appear at Brava! Theater in San Francisco’s Mission District Thursday at 7 p.m., with a showing of Berkeley filmmaker Maureen Gosling’s Blossoms of Fire, about Toledo’s hometown of Juchitan, and then again on Friday at 8 p.m., as part of “Mexico Norte y Sur,” singing with her accompanists on a bill that includes rare female Nortena conjunto accordionist Rene Pena-Gove and Her Family Band, as well as the Estevas.  

Toledo’s appearances are presented by Accion Latina and Mario A. Munguia, working with Intrepidas Productions, Maureen Gosling’s film production company.  

Gosling, who formerly collaborated with filmmaker Les Blank for 20 years, first met Toledo in 1994 while making Blossoms of Fire with Ellen Osbourne, their celebrated film on the women of Juchitan.  

“Martha was the owner, for more than 17 years, of Bar Jardin, a restaurant we ate at a lot, where we would have a beer with the crew and friends at the end of the day,” Gosling recalled. “Her husband, who ran the ecology center, helped us a lot with arrangements, meeting people ... I really liked Martha, but didn’t know she sang. Then an Italian filmmaker, Claudio Zangarini, was finishing his super low budget feature in San Francisco and, by coincidence, he’d shot it down there—and here was Martha in the film, singing a cappella in the shower and enchanting the main character.” 

Over the years Gosling kept in touch with Juchitan and with Toledo, returning to premiere the film in 2001. (It would premiere in the United States at the San Francisco Film Festival and the Pacific Film Archive in Berkeley.) “There were more opportunities to get to know Martha. And Claudio would bring back news of her and of the community.” 

In 2005, Toledo attended the Congress of Matriarchal Studies at the University of Texas.  

“Not only anthropologists were invited, but also women from the countries studied, to talk about their lives,” Gosling said. “I thought, ‘If she’s in the U.S., I’d love to bring her to the Bay Area.”  

Gosling coordinated Toledo’s visit with screenings of her film, where Toledo answered questions and sang. “I’m not a concert promoter, but I learned a lot through film distribution, and I had my e-mail list.” 

Gosling paired Toledo with a well-known local group, Cascada de Flores, and with guitarist Jose Roberto—a native of Tabasco, who studied guitar in Juchitan and knew Toledo’s repetoire—for successful shows at La Peña and the Mission Cultural Center. Toledo also sang at a folk festival in Fresno and a gallery in Newport, Ore., where a friend belonged to a group of women artists. 

Toledo, who began her singing career late, nevertheless has sung all her life, first accompanying her father at home and casually in neighbors’ homes and at parties, for about 12 years, before moving to her mother’s hometown nearby. “When my father would come home from work, he’d play the guitar,” she said. “He wasn’t really a musician. He’d play by ear. Singing with him was a special relationship between us.” 

After high school, where she had studied with a drama teacher, Toledo wanted to become an actress and study singing. But she married at 17. While she was a restaurateur, she always had strolling musicians, a traditional thing, and sometimes sang informally. A regional record producer, Delfino Ordaz, heard her and offered to record a CD, but Toledo declined. “I wanted to do it,” she said, “but to do it in the right way”—through preparation and voice lessons.  

After the death of her husband, Toledo journeyed back and forth to the city of Oaxaca, where she moved in 2002, studying with an Italian photographer. The two now collaborate on photographic projects, and also have a child together. “She’s a great photograper,” Gosling said. “We hope to have her pictures in the lobby at Brava!”  

Six years ago, after meeting Delfino Ordaz again, “I was ready,” she said. 

Toledo began recording her first CD, “Teca Huiini.” After a long germination, it was released two years ago. It took so long “because I was never happy with it!” Her uncle “gave me a hard time about it, so I decided after two years I had to accept it, like a child with all its defects. If I hadn’t let it go, I’d still be working on it!” 

She now has a second CD and is working on a third, all with Trio Monte Alban, Ordaz’s house band. 

In 2003, Toledo sang for the first time in public, with a slide show she gave in Vera Cruz, pictures for a book she plans to put together on the coming of age and life cycle of women, singing a song about life, “The Last Word,” sung just before burials. Her singing has been featured on two anthologies, “Rain of Dreams” and “Songs of Life and Death,” both of indigenous women singers from around Mexico. She’s playing more shows in Mexico and embarks on a 23-venue tour of Germany in November.  

“Before you do art,” Toledo said, “you have to have something to say. I started with photography, became a singer, and sometimes combine the two. And I like to write, and to experiment with different forms ... to touch the heart of the people. It’s like a gift, something they can keep in their hearts and their spirits, to help them be happier, to light up their day. If I succeed at that, I’m happy.” 

Events info: http://moiicaarts.com/ 

postcard/091208. 

Martha Toledo music video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=pBDeK-9MeBA. 

Link for “Blossoms of Fire” video:  

www.maureengosling.com. 

“Pura Fiesta!”  

Martha Toledo and guitarists Jose Roberto and Manuel Constancio, with “un flor, un canto y una poesia” by Nancy and Elizabeth Esteva. La Peña on Shattuck Ave. Sunday, Sept. 28 at 7:30 p.m.

Vera Wilde is a fable about the way society eats its heroes,” Shotgun Players founder Patrick Dooley quoted director Maya Gurantz’s anthropophagic line when introducing Chris Jeffries’ heady musical on opening night.  

Gurantz, founder of Temescal Labs (nee Ten Red Hen) and director of The 99-Cent Miss Saigon and Clown Bible, amplified the analysis in her program notes: “More precisely, how people who lead the fight against society’s restrictions are simultaneously celebrated and destroyed by the people they attempt to change.” 

This cannibalistic fable is deliciously laid out on the Ashby Stage, backed by the angular, vertiginous London row houses—windows like vacant, staring eyes—stylized and etched in black and white by Lisa Clark, who designed the sets for Shotgun’s Love Is a Dream House in Lorin and Bullrusher.  

Like a musical—and humorous—chain letter, Vera Wilde’s predicated on another play, Oscar Wilde’s forgotten maiden run, Vera, or the Nihilists, inspired by the 1878 trial of Vera Zasulich, dubbed “the Mother of Terrorism,” despite her later protests of violent means, who shot Czarist General Trepov and was acquitted of a charge of attempted murder, setting off a spate of reforms—and further acts of provocation. (Zasulich later collaborated on the revolutionary newspaper The Spark with Lenin while in Swiss exile. She followed the Mensheviks in the split with the Bolsheviks, returning to Russia during the 1905 Revolution, dying in 1919.)  

Vera Wilde takes off in a succession of scenes that parallels the lives of these two seekers after scandal, who refitted obloquy as a means for social critique, only to be permanently branded with the stereotype of the headlines. Clever songs and quick production numbers, featuring Brittany Brown Ceres’ spot-on choreography, rise out of and burlesque the storytelling, as when a pained, fur-coated Oscar (played by deft, deliciously arch Sean Owen) looks on while a New York husband-and-wife vaudeville team (Edward Brauer and Danielle Levin), who have bought the rights to Vera, crank it out as a tear-jerker in old melodrama style, while happily trouping through a musical number about their revisions to Wilde’s text. (Vera closed after three days in New York, its only staging.) 

Like a screwy musical docu-drama that parodies its subject, Vera Wilde then jumps the tracks, confabulating its protagonists’ otherwise distinct lives: Oscar steps in as Vera’s defense attorney (Alexandra Creighton as Vera), comparing her to Judith beheading Holofernes in a song and dance: “It’s written in the Bible, but so’s ‘Thou Shalt Not Kill’/ This proved that Judith’s act accorded with a higher will”—while at his own trial for immoral behavior, Oscar sees himself, like Vera, as Joan of Arc but with wit, not visions and voices. (His wry shafts bounce off the armor of relentless prosecutor Carson, played by Tyler Kent.)  

This self-deprecatory boisterousness finds its avatar in Gurantz’s ever-active staging and her cast of five troupers’ constant ability to turn on a dime and change character. Dave Malloy’s raggy orchestrations are put across swingingly by a little combo that bubbles along. 

It’s one of the most interesting, exciting shows ever on the Ashby Stage, though Jeffries’ funny, speculative script passively reverts at times to the kind of storytelling it mostly burlesques: A Methuselah of a Lenin (Tyler Kent again) stands for the usual caricature of the opportunist revolutionary, absorbing trite images of other historical figures—and Wilde is regarded too much as the effete dandy of legend, mistaking the mask for the man, merely a gadfly spouting absurdities to cover what he “really wanted to say.” His family background in Irish nationalism is never mentioned, nor how Nonsense proved a via negativa contra the Anglo-Saxon positivism of the British Empire, as nihilism’s denial countered the absolutism of Victoria’s cousin, the Czar. 

Vera Wilde is exhilarating when its players are set loose, becoming theatrical figures more than characters or caricatures—personae, able to give voice and embody (and show the humor of) whole complexes, problems, historical situations greater than self-involved individuals. A perfect mode to show what happens to the willing or unwilling martyr, the person in the news who carries it “too far” and becomes a symbol.  

As Wilde said shortly before his death to André Gide, gently criticizing Gide’s own early self-mythologizing lyric prose, “Promise me that you’ll never, ever say ‘I’ again—because in a work of art, there is no first person.” 

VERA WILDE 

8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday and 5 p.m. Sunday through Oct. 19 at the Ashby Stage, 1901 Ashby Ave. $17-$25. 841-6500. www.shotgunplayers.com.

IT CAME FROM BERKELEY 

By Dave Weinstein. Published by Gibb Smith. $24.99.  

Berkeley’s history is not a joke, but that’s no reason not to have fun telling it.  

Dave Weinstein accomplishes that in his new book, It Came From Berkeley: How Berkeley Changed The World, just out from Gibbs Smith.  

In around 200 pages of article-length essays, each title beginning with “How Berkeley…” Weinstein turns the soil of local history and hits pay dirt—or, perhaps, this being Berkeley, rich, organic, literary compost.  

There are 57 short chapters, telling stories that stand-alone and intermingle. “How Berkeley Went Socialist” (in 1911, that is), “How Berkeley Got Good Taste,” “How Berkeley Invented the Bomb,” “How Berkeley Women Grew Uppity,” “How Berkeley Got Religion,” and so on. 

On Sunday, Oct. 19, Weinstein will give a talk about the book at the Berkeley Historical Society (see sidebar for details, and other local events). 

Although the book ranges from the mid-19th century to 2008, he doesn’t set out to record all of Berkeley history. Rather, he extracts from the past illuminating examples of how Berkeley’s culture, politics, and predilections evolved, and also had a genuine impact on the region, nation, and world.  

He also brings back to public notice some of Berkeley’s more unjustly overlooked historical figures, like William Frederick Badè —Divine, and Biblical archaeologist—and our first African-American legislator, William Byron Rumford. 

Berkeley has indeed had an impact, sometimes even extending beyond the imagination of its proudest citizens. It was the first large American city to voluntarily de-segregate its schools and the wellspring of “scientific policing,” “free speech,” and the wetsuit. The Jacuzzi and the atomic bomb alike had their birth here. 

It’s a rich past: the origins of the disabled rights and independent living movements; conservation and environmental efforts, including the role of Berkeleyans in the Sierra Club, pioneering regional parks, and saving bays and estuaries; listener-sponsored radio, and a multitude of cooperative movements; “Wonder Teams” and world saving religious endeavors.  

Berkeley’s experience with the internment of Japanese Americans in 1942 and checkered history of racial relations, both with Asian immigrants, and African Americans, receive considerable attention as well as the complex controversies and conflicts of the 1960s and ’70s. 

The book is also infused with a very important message to Berkeley’s detractors. No matter how strange and bizarre and out of the mainstream Berkeley seems, a lot has started here that has later resonated, and improved life, elsewhere.  

And Berkeleyans through the generations, Weinstein argues, have struggled for the same things most people, whatever their political persuasion, cherish: good homes, jobs, schools, neighborhoods and neighbors, workable government, a spiritual and meaningful life, a community to belong to. 

“Do Americans believe in individualism, living the good life, and participatory democracy? That’s what Berkeley is all about … This book suggests that, rather than existing outside of America, Berkeley exists at its heart.” 

Those fighting today to once again protect Berkeley’s residential neighborhoods will particularly appreciate Weinstein’s analysis of “How Berkeley Preserved Its Neighborhoods.”  

He writes, “One of Berkeley’s greatest contributions to America is its promotion of neighborhood preservation. The city’s efforts to preserve its neighborhoods through rezoning, traffic-calming, and historic preservation have been much emulated elsewhere.” 

The 1960s exerted such a powerful influence on the image of Berkeley—and lured so many people here—that they are a demarcating line in history that often blinds contemporary locals to the lessons and experiences of Berkeley’s past before the Free Speech Movement. 

Weinstein works expertly on both sides of that divide, as does historian Charles Wollenberg in his Berkeley: A City in History, also published this year. 

A recurrent theme among the essays is that much of what happens in Berkeley now has precedents and parallels in early Berkeley history.  

For example, do Berkeley’s current cultural mavens feel smug that they created a nationally recognized regional theater and are planning for a new Berkeley Art Museum downtown?  

Berkeley’s been there, done that, and before they were born. Cal alumnus and theatrical impresario Samuel Hume and others established a well regarded community theater and art museum here in the 1920s, although they eventually expired in the Depression. 

Do locals pride themselves on how Berkeley became a leader in equal rights in the 1960s and later? They have reason to be proud, but, Weinstein reminds us that, in 1902, there was “a club of 200 suffragists going over in Berkeley,” reportedly the largest such organization for women’s suffrage on the West Coast.  

However, Weinstein is also careful to document the demographic and political changes that have indeed changed the town and distinguish recent eras from the more distant past. From a self-satisfied, and fairly successful, semi-suburban, largely Republican, community, leavened with freethinkers, Berkeley had morphed, by the 1970s, into what everyone understands today as Berkeley. 

This is a transition aptly summed up on the back cover by juxtaposing the popular early 20th century motto of Berkeley, “Athens of the West,” with the current sobriquet, “People’s Republic.” 

“Anyone watching Berkeley, from within or without, understood that it had become Berkeley,” Weinstein writes of the 1970s. “The people it attracted, the people it retained, decided in advance that they were Berkeley people. They were a self-selected bunch. Victims of fate.” 

This is a fun book, but not a shallow one. Weinstein, a professional journalist and skilled writer, has also established himself as a solid local historian. He drew his material from numerous archives and sources, and includes a dozen pages of detailed footnotes. 

Much of what he includes has been written about before, but he presents the material in a fresh and illuminating way. He also respectfully credits other writers and local historians in the text, a welcome difference from those who tend to rewrite history as if they completely discovered it themselves. 

Weinstein has a wry turn of phrase. After describing how the wife of the University of California’s president watched, appalled, as dump trucks poured garbage into San Francisco Bay, and was spurred to organize the Save The Bay movement, he observes, “By 1961, Kay Kerr had seen her fill.” 

And his summing up of the way Berkeley’s most noted eccentric bohemians also tended to be upstanding, hardworking citizens: “in Berkeley, la vie Bohemè kept its voice down.” 

He also has the good journalist’s eye for highlighting the inadvertently odd event, such as the night in 1968 when locals could choose between hearing Timothy Leary speak at the Community Theater or Billy Graham at the Greek Theater. 

The graphics are a bit goofy (that’s typically the work of the publisher, not the author), taking their cue from the cover illustration, a modified 1960s postcard showing Sather Tower surrounded by orange and blue psychedelic swirls. Fonts erupt steroidally, text joggles around captions, illustrations, and small boxes entitled “Places” contain a sentence apiece on where to find or see some surviving aspect of Berkeley history.  

Although I had an opportunity to see an early version of the text, I was surprised and delighted with many of the photographs in the final product, and how they support the written narrative. Unless you’re an archivist (and even then) there may not be many pictures in this book that you’ve seen before. Even familiar sights are illustrated with little-used images.  

There are lots of photos from mid-century through the present, from multi-sport 1940s Cal athlete Jackie Jenson lounging on the beach at Lake Anza, to war worker training at Berkeley High School in 1942, scenes of the defunct Berkeley Co-op, still-thriving KPFA, Berkeley’s second socialist mayor, Gus Newport, leading a protest rally in the 1980s and, yes, Stadium oak grove tree-sitters this year. 

Weinstein has also extracted from older writings, and otherwise garnered, a whole sheaf of great quotes about Berkeley that could almost make up a stand-alone narrative on their own.  

“Some of the residents of the town are frequently annoyed by the impossibility of sleep during the time which the caroling bands (of UC students) spend in their vicinity…” (a Berkeley newspaper in 1879). 

“If Cosmic Religion societies are organized, they will be required to receive their charters from the Berkeley headquarters” (Charles Keeler, poet, activist, failed prophet, and manager of the Berkeley Chamber of Commerce). 

“This (1960s Berkeley public school de-segregation) was brought about by the largest master plan committee in the world, I guess…” (School Superintendent Neil Sullivan, unconsciously presaging every Berkeley community planning effort since). 

“In two years the political body unique in the nation, the Berkeley City Council, will have choked its producing citizens to death, just as Vesuvius spewed ash and dust upon the people of Pompeii.” (City Councilmember John DeBonis, 1973.) 

“A pinch-in was also planned for last Saturday on Telegraph Avenue. Just letting the guys know how it feels. Keep alert for news of a ‘pee-in’ planned for coming weeks to protest pay toilets for women.” (East Bay Feminist Newsletter, 1970s). 

I’ll leave you to read the book to discover more. 

This would be a good book to have not only in your home library but in your lavatory. I mean that seriously, not slightingly. Long-time locals and their houseguests alike would benefit from regularly reading in the restroom something edifying, intelligent, and light-hearted. A chapter of “It Came From Berkeley” during each sitting would be a good start. 

Sunday, Oct. 19, Weinstein will give a talk on his new book at the Berkeley Historical Society. 2-4 p.m. Free, with refreshments. Veteran’s Memorial Building, 1931 Center St. 

Friday, Oct. 17, Weinstein will talk at Mrs. Dalloway’s Literary and Garden Arts, 7:30 p.m. 2904 College Ave. 

Weinstein also has a website, www.davidsweinstein.com, with more details about the book, where it can be purchased, and promotional events in and beyond Berkeley. 

Steven Finacom writes periodically for the Planet on local history and feature topics. 

THE TRANSITION HANDBOOK: FROM OIL DEPENDENCY TO LOCAL RESILIENCE 

By Rob Hopkins. Foxhole, Dartington, Totnes, Devon: Green Books. 240 pages. $24.95. 

With the rise of oil prices, the movement for sustainability has new wind in its sails. Farmers markets make ever more sense, alternative energy networks scour the territory for small-scale solutions, and even in red states, city councils set up peak oil committees. 

For communities where transformational breezes are stirring, Rob Hopkins’ The Transition Handbook: From Oil Dependency to Local Resilience offers useful advice. 

Based on his own experience as a motivator of “transition towns” in Ireland and England, Hopkins presents strategies for nudging communities to action through a democratic consciousness-changing process. A staged plan for the community’s future emerges from months of conversations, speeches, films, and group discussions on topics from waste to transportation. 

The goal is not isolation but resilience—the ability to survive shocks without going under. “The UK truck drivers’ dispute of 2000 offers a valuable lesson here,” Hopkins writes. “Within the space of three days, the UK economy was brought to the brink, as it became clear that the country was about a day away from food rationing and civil unrest.” 

If more communities could at least feed themselves in a pinch, a country as a whole would be less vulnerable to disaster in a world where insufficient oil supplies twinned with global warming are undermining the global economy. 

While Hopkins joins others in the peak oil movement in believing there is not much time left to make the needed turn, he reminds readers of how quickly British communities learned to feed themselves during World War II. What’s required, above all, is a conviction that things must change. 

The strategies he offers for bringing about that conviction—above all, many guided discussions by many citizens—may seem less likely to succeed in a city like Berkeley than in smaller towns like those Hopkins has worked with. He himself suggests the ideal candidate for a transition initiative would be “market town” of, say, about 5,000. But larger cities can try organizing themselves into networked “villages.” 

Will this really work? Can grassroots efforts like this successfully challenge entrenched power inside and outside the community? Can they get around laws that restrict what they can do without the approval of higher authority? Can they defeat economic interests that stand to lose ground? 

Hopkins can’t promise success-the strategies he puts forth have only been tried in the short term. The first transition town, Kinsale, Ireland, launched its movement just three years ago. The Transition Towns WIKI (transitiontowns.org) even offers a disclaimer: “We really don’t know if this will work. Transition is a social experiment on a massive scale.” Or, in Hopkins’ words, it is “a collective adventure.” 

There are not yet many Transition Towns, as such, in the United States, but California communities have started coordinated transition efforts under other names. In fact, a speaker from Willits Economic Localization (WELL) presented a workshop at Kinsale, and Richard Heinberg, a senior fellow from Sebastopol’s Post Carbon Institute (which has a Relocalization Network) has spoken in English transition towns.  

Author of his own books on the world after cheap oil, Heinberg contributed a foreword to “The Transition Handbook,” pronouncing it “accessible, clear, and upbeat.” He has that right. Hopkins has written is a reader-friendly, optimistic guide to building a local movement, and if its ideas are not helpful in all circumstances, it is still well worth a read. 

Carol Polsgrove is an emeritus professor at Indiana University.