Events Listings
Community Calendar
THURSDAY, OCT. 30
Berkeley Mayoral Candidates Debate Pacific Steel Issues and solutions to the plant’s pollution and health threats at 7 p.m. at the Building Education Center, 812 Page St. Sponsored by Global Community Monitor. www.gcmonitor.org
BUSD Community Meeting on Selling Hillside School and Playground at 7 p.m. in the large conference room, 1720 Oregon St. For information contact Cynthia Cowgill at 549-3435, or cacowgill@aim.com
“The 1868 Hayward Fault Earthquake” with Richard Schwartz at 7 p.m. at the Hillside Club, Cedar St. at Arch. Cost is $15. Sponsored by berkeley Architectural Heritage Assoc. 841-2242. www.berkeleyheritage.org
Berkeley’s Climate Action Plan A town hall discussion with councilmembers Laurie Capitelli (District 5) and Betty Olds (District 6) at 6:30 p.m. at Northbrae Community Church, Parlor Room, 941 The Alameda.
Berkeley School Volunteers Orientation from 3 to 4 p.m. at 1835 Allston Way. Come learn about volunteer opportunities. Bring photo ID and two references. 644-8833.
Hallowe’en Stories and creepy songs from 6 to 7 p.m. at Richmond Public Library, Children’s Room, 325 Civic Center Plaza, Richmond. 620-6557.
Baby & Toddler Storytime at 10:15 and 11:15 a.m. at Kensington Library, 61 Arlington Ave. 524-3043.
Bayswater Book Club Dinner meeting at 6:30 p.m. to discuss “Obama Nomics” by John R. Talbott. RSVP to 433-2911.
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.
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. 31
City Commons Club Noon Luncheon with Sherry Smith, League of Women Voters “State and Local Ballot Measures in the Nov. 2008 Elections” 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
Harvest Festival at James Kenney Community Center with carnival games, arts and crafts, a spooky maze and more from 3:30 to 5 p.m. at 1720 8th St., between Virginia and Delaware. 981-6551.
Halloween Costume Contest and Magic Show at 5 p.m. at Ray’s Pumpkin Patch, 1245 Solano Ave., Albany. Free. 527-5358.
“Not-Too-Spooky” Halloween for ages 6 and under from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Habitot, 2065 Kittredge St. Cost is $7-$8. 647-1111. www.habitot.org
“Farewell to the Thief” Celebrate the end of the Bush years with a concert at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists, 1924 Cedar St. Suggested donation $10. www.bfuu.org
Compost Give-away at Berkeley Marina Free compost giveaway self serve after 11:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. at Berkeley Marina Maintenance Yard, 201 University Ave. 981-6660.
Circle Dancing, simple folk dancing with instruction at 7:30 p.m. at Finnish Brotherhood Hall, 1970 Chestnut St at University. 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, NOV. 1
Watershed Environmental Poetry Festival Creek Walk Meet at 10 a.m. just inside UC campus at Oxford and Center St. Poetry Festival follows at noon at Civic Center Park. 526-9105. www.poetryflash.org
Berkeley Path Wanderers Albany Walk Explore history, preservation, and restoration on Albany Hill, University Village, and Cerrito and Codornices Creeks. Meet at 10 a.m. at Albany Peet’s on San Pablo. 848-9358. www.berkeleypaths.org
Reptile Rendevous Learn about the reptiles that live in Tilden Park, and meet some up close, from 2 to 3 p.m. at Tilden Nature Center. 525-2233.
Sick Plant Clinic Dr. Robert Raabe, plant pathologist, and Dr. Nick Mills, entomologist, will diagnose plant illnesses and recommend remedies. Bring a piece of the plant in a securely sealed container. A zipperlock bag is ideal. From 9 a.m. to noon at Botanical Garden, 200 Centennial Dr. 643-2755.
Close the Farm Help us close the Little Farm and tuck in the animals for the night, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. at Tilden Little Farm, Tilden Park. 525-2233.
Wine and Carrot Reception for Peter Matsukawa and the photographs of his rabbits, at 5 p.m. at RabbitEars, 377 Colusa, Ave., Kensington. 535-6155.
Human Rights in Chile A discussion on efforts to nullify the self-pardon law at 4 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. 849-2568. www.lapena.org
Lead-Safe Painting & Remodeling A free introductory class to learn about lead safe renovations for your older home, from 10 a.m. to noon at Dimond Branch Library, 3565 Fruitvale Ave., Oakland. Presented by Alameda County Lead Poisoning Prevention Program. 567-8280. www.ACLPPP.org
“Law School Admissions Workshop for People of Color” from 9:45 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Berkeley School of Law, Booth Auditorium. Open to all traditionally underrepresented groups such as people of color, people with disabilities, gays, lesbians, bisexuals, and transgender people, and those from a disadvantaged socio-economic background. Please RSVP to coalitionfordiversity@gmail.com
“The Joy of Writing” A workshop with Lynn Hammond from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley, 1 Lawson Rd., Kensington. Cost is $30. Bring a bag lunch. 525-0302, ext. 306.
Free Internet Classes: Health and Medical Information from 10 to 11 El Cerrito Library, 6510 Stockton St., El Cerrito. 526-7512.
Math and Science Classes from the Lawrence Hall of Science for families with children in kindergarten through fifth grade from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at Richmond Public Library, 325 Civic Center Plaza, Richmond. Free. 620-6557.
Berkeley Property Owners Association Monthly meeting with Ted Levenson on “The Current Financial Melt-down and what it means to you and your investments” 10 a.m. at St. John’s Presbyterian Church, 2727 College Ave., Fireside Room. All welcome. bpoa@bpoa.org
“The Current Situation in Afghanistan” at 7 p.m. at Revolution Books, 2425 Channing Way. 848-1196.
Preschool Storytime, for ages 3-5, at 11 a.m. at Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave. 526-3720, ext. 17.
Free Garden Tours at Regional Parks Botanic Garden Sat. and Sun. at 2 pm. Regional Parks Botanic Garden, Tilden Park. Call to confirm. 841-8732. www.nativeplants.org
Around the World Tour of Plants at 1:30 p.m., Thurs., Sat. and Sun. at UC Botanical Garden, 200 Centennial Drive. 643-2755. http://botanicalgarden.berkeley.edu
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, NOV. 2
East Bay Sanctuary Covenant Annual Fundraising Dinner with a silent auction and reception at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m. at St. John’s Presbyterian Church, 2727 College Ave. Funds support EBSC’s mission to provide a safe-haven for indigenous refugees and immigrants, educate the public and foster leadership development and human rights advocacy. 540-5296. www.eastbaysanctuary.org
Art Hike “Sketching Through the Fog” Bring paper, pen or pencil and discover winter flora and fauna in the fog from 10:30 a.m. to noon at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. 525-2233.
Spinning a Yarn Storytelling Watch wool being spun and listen to a tale at 2 p.m. at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. 525-2233.
“Fall Harvest: Medicinal Roots, Barks, and Fruits of California” Learn identifying characteristics, medicinal uses, sustainable harvesting techniques, as well as various preparation methods from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Tilden Regional Parks Botanical Garden Visitor Center, Wildcat Canyon Road and South Park Drive. Cost is $45. Partial work trade possible in cases of financial hardship. Inquire when registering. 428-1810. www.nativeplants.org
EcoHouse Tour Learn about Berkeley’s first city-permitted wetland / greywater system, solar panels, on-demand water heater, water saving fixtures, natural and recycled building materials, water catchment strategies, ducks in the city, a living roof garden and more, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Registration required by Oct. 31. Cost is $10, sliding scale. 548-2220 ext. 242.
Mask Making Techniques with Diego Rios at 4 p.m. at Eclectix Gallery, 10082 San Pablo Ave. www.eclectixgallery.com
Berkeley Rep Family Series “Myths Come Alive” 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.
“Diwali: The Hindu Festival of Lights” with Asha Bajaj, at 10 a.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley, 1 Lawson Rd., Kensington. 525-0302, ext. 306.
Dia de los Muertos with crafts and story-telling for children ages 0-6 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Habitot Children’s Museum, 2065 Kittredge St. 647-1111.
African Diaspora Film Society “The Rise and Fall of Jim Crow” at 2 p.m. at Parkway Theater, 1834 Park Blvd., Oakland. Cost is $5. 814-2400.
Organic Gardening: The Magic of Sheet Mulching from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in North Oakland. Cost is $30-$50. 431-9016.
Tibetan Buddhism with Santosh Philip on “Easy Ways to Release Tension” at 6 p.m. at the Tibetan Nyingma Institute, 1815 Highland Pl. 809-1000. www.nyingmainstitute.com
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.
MONDAY, NOV. 3
“What Does It Take to Make a Jar of Jam?” A slide talk with June Taylor at 7:30 p.m. at the Hillside Club, 2286 Cedar St. at Arch. Free. 843-8724. www.hillsideclub.org
“What Do Turkeys, Wild Boar and Bullfrogs Have in Common? Answer: They Did Not Ask to Come Here” A talk by naturalist Jim Hale at 7:30 p.m. at Montclair Presbyterian Church, Family Room, 5701 Thornhill Rd., Oakland. Donation $5, children in grades K-12 free. www.close-to-home.org
“Racial Identity and the Census” with Michael Omi, Assoc. Prof. Ethnic Studies, UCB, at 12:15 p.m. at Room 150, University Hall, 2199 Addison St. Free for OLLI members, $5 others. 642-5254.
“Facing Death ... with open eyes” A film and discussion with Dr. Michelle Peticolas at 7 p.m. at Kensington Library, 61 Arlington Ave., Kensington. 524-3043.
Biodiesel 101 Presentation Learn about biodiesel emissions, homebrewing, types of vehicles and commercial availability at 7:30 p.m. at Biofuel Oasis, 2465 4th St., at Dwight Way. 665-5509. biofueloasis.com/bbc/
“Afghanistan: Hidden Treasures from the National Museum, Kabul” with Jo Anne Erickson, docent at SF Asian Art Museum will talk about the current exhibit at 12:30 p.m. at Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave. Brown bag lunch. 526-3720.
Berkeley School Volunteers Orientation from 3 to 4 p.m. at 1835 Allston Way. Come learn about volunteer opportunities. Bring photo ID and two references. 644-8833.
Clowning Class for Adults with Jeff Raz, Cirque du Soleil and Pickle Family Circus veteran. Learn classic routines, cool moves and silly tricks. Meets Mon. at 6:30 p.m. for six weeks, at Stagebridge Theatre, 2501 Harrison St., Oakland. Cost is $75. 444-4755.
East Bay Track Club for girls and boys ages 3-15 meets Mon. at 6 p.m. at Berkeley High School track field. Free. 776-7451.
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, NOV. 4
“Reclaiming Indigenous History, Memory, Education & Language in El Salvador” A film and discussion at 7:30 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $10. 849-2568. www.lapena.org
Music for Monotones An opportunity for non-singers to improve their skills at 7 p.m. at JCC of the East Bay, 1414 Walnut St. Cost is $10-$15. 528-6725.
Family Storytime at 7 p.m. at Kensington Library, 61 Arlington Ave. 524-3043.
Let’s Go Vote Day with activities for children ages 0-6 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Habitot Children’s Museum, 2065 Kittredge St. 647-1111.
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.
Caribbean Rhythms Dance Class begins at 5:30 p.m. at Redwood Gardens, 2951 Derby St., and meets every Tues. eve. Donations accepted for Community Rhythms Scholarship Fund. 548-9840.
Ceramics Class Learn hand building techniques to make decorative and functional items, Tues. at 9:30 a.m. at St. John's Senior Center, 2727 College Ave. Free, materials and firing charges only. 525-5497.
Yarn Wranglers Come knit and crochet at 6:30 p.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344. www.nomadcafe.net
WEDNESDAY, NOV. 5
Berkeley Path Wanderers A walk in the the Alvarado area of Wildcat Regional Park. Meet at 10 a.m. at the picnic area just past park office and just before the stone bridge. 528-3246. www.berkeleypaths.org
Native Plant Nursery Workday Volunteer in Save the Bay’s native plant nursery from 1 to 3 p.m. in Oakland and learn about local, native plants. No experience necessary, all ages welcome. Gloves, tools and all instruction are provided. Space is limited, RSVP to bayevents@saveSFbay.org
“Seeking Wisdom in Extremes: A year in Solitude on a Remote Island in Patagonia” with Robert Kull at 7 p.m. at REI, 1338 San Pablo Ave. 527-4140.
American Red Cross Blood Services Volunteer Orientation from 10 a.m. to noon at 6230 Claremont Ave., Oakland. RSVP to 594-5165.
Bonita Hollow Writers Salon meets at 7 p.m. at Bonita Hollow, 1631 Bonita Ave. 266-2069.
“Awakening Joy: Buddhism as a Path of Happiness” A lecture by James Baraz at 7:30 p.m. at Northbrae Community Church, 941 The Alameda. Optional pasta dinner at 6:30 p.m. for $6 for adults, children free. RSVP to 526-3805.
“Encountering the Sacred Feminine” A talk by Lana Nasser at 7 p.m. at The Dream Institute, 1672 University Ave.
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.
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
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, NOV. 6
“Greening Your Historic Building” A talk by Billi Romain, City of Berkeley Sustainability Coordinator, and Thomas Dufurrena, Principal at Page & Turnbull on preservation and sustainable design at 7 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center, 1901 Hearst. Sponsored by the City of Berkeley Landmarks Preservation Commission. RSVP to 981-7488.
Berkeley Historical Society Walking Tour of South of Campus Churches from 10 a.m. to noon. Cost is $8-$10. For reservations and starting point call 848-0181.
LiveTalk@CPS with Adair Lara, former SF Chronicle columnist, at 7 p.m. at College Prepatory School, Buttner Auditorium, 6100 Broadway. Tickets are $5-$15 at the door. www.college-prep.org/livetalk
Human Rights Fellows Conference with reports on work with non-governmental organizations in 14 countries from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Toll Room, Alumni House, UC campus. 642-0965.
Cheesemaking Learn how to make simple, healthy cheeses using organic goat and cow milks, at 7 p.m. at Women’s Cancer Resource Center, 5741 Telegraph Av., Oakland. Free, but registration required. 601-4040 ext. 111. www.wcrc.org
“Tupperware: Building an Empire Bowl by Bowl” a film on the tupperware parties and the women who hosted them, at 1:30 p.m. at Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave. 526-3720.
Away With All Gods Reading and discussion of the book by Bob Avakian at 6 p.m. at North Branch, Berkeley Public Library, 1170 the Alameda.
Straight2Screen Writers’ Group monthly meeting at 7 p.m. at Kensington Circus Pub, 389 Colusa Ave., Kensington. straight2screen@yahoo.com
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.
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
Toastmasters Berkeley Communicators meets at 7:30 a.m. at Au Coquelet, 2000 University Ave. Rob.Flammia@gmail.com
Avatar Metaphysical Toastmasters Club at 6:45 p.m. at Spud’s Pizza , 3290 Adeline at Alcatraz. namaste@avatar.freetoasthost.info
FRIDAY, NOV. 7
Golden Gate Audubon Society Walk at Jewel Lake in Tilden. Meet at 8:30 a.m. at the parking lot at the north end of Central Park Dr. for a one-mile, two-hour plus stroll through this lush riparian area. Berries are ripening and migrants are here. Sponsored by Golden Gate Audubon Society. 843-2222. ggas@goldengateaudubon.org
City Commons Club Noon Luncheon with Howard Maccabee, MD on “Natural Global Warming and its Positive Consequences for Our Health” 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
“Can Unarmed Civilians Break the Siege of Gaza?” with Paul Larudee of the Free Gaza Movement, Jewish Voice for Peace, Fr. Bill O'Donnell Social Justice Committee at 7 p.m. at St. Joseph the Worker Church, 1640 Addison St. Free, donations accepted. www.stjtwc.org
New Deal Film Festival The Dust Bowl Years “Grapes of Wrath” with Peter Fonda at 1 p.m. at North Oakland Senior Center, 5714 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Oakland. Sponsored by the Berkeley-East Bay Gray Panthers. 548-9696.
“Dare to Struggle, Dare to Win” A film about the strike at the Renault factory in France in May/June 1968 at 7 p.m. at Niebyl-Proctor Marxist Library, 6501 Telegraph Ave. 595-7417. www.marxistlibr.org
“Healing Ourselves, Making Connections” A weekend gathering for adoptees and foster care alums of African descent in downtown Oakland. For details email afaadinfo@gmail.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, NOV. 8
Wildlife Rescue Training and Recruitment To help strengthen a community’s response to wildlife casualties WildRescue is offering this training class designed for wildlife rehabilitators and their volunteers, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Shorebird Park Nature Center, 160 University Ave, at the Marina. Registration required. Cost is $30-$40. 831-869-6241. http://wildrescue.org
Quarry Lakes/Alameda Creek/Coyote Hills Bicycle Trip Meet at 8:20 on the east side of the Fremont BART Station in the parking lot. Trip lasts to 3 p.m. Sponsored by Golden Gate Audubon Society. 843-2222. ggas@goldengateaudubon.org
Greywater Workshop at 10 a.m. at Magic Gardens, 729 Heinz Ave. 644-2351. www.magicgardens.com
“Autumn in Asia” A tour of the Asian Area of the garden at 10 a.m. at UC Botanical Garden, 200 Centennial Drive. Registration required. Cost is $12-$15. 643-2755. http://botanicalgarden.berkeley.edu
“Mushrooms for Color” with dyer and artist Dorothy Beebee, learn how to identify mushrooms, extract dyes, and use them, from 1 to 4 p.m. at UC Botanical Garden, 200 Centennial Drive. Cost is $40-$45. Registration required. 643-2755. http://botanicalgarden.berkeley.edu
Orchid Society of California Show and sale. Sat and Sun. from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Lakeside Park Garden Center, Lake Merritt, 666 Bellevue, Oakland, just south of Children's Fairyland. Free.
“The American Economy After the Elections: What Are the Causes of this Crisis and What Can We Expect from the New Administration?” A panel discussion at 7 p.m. at Alameda Free Library, Conference Room A, 1550 Oak St. at Lincoln, Alameda. Suggested donation $5. www.alamedapublicaffairsforum.org
“The Elections: What Happened and What Now” A discussion with the Political Affairs Readers Group of the Communist Party at 10 a.m. at the Niebyl-Proctor Library, 6501 Telegraph Ave. 595-7417. www.marxistlibr.org
NAACP Berkeley Branch meets at 1 p.m. at 2108 Russell St. Officers will be elected. 845-7416.
Math and Science Classes from the Lawrence Hall of Science for families with children in kindergarten through fifth grade from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at Richmond Public Library, 325 Civic Center Plaza, Richmond. Free. 620-6557.
Berkeley Lab Job Fair from noon to 4 p.m. at Berkeley Lab Cafeteria, 1 Cyclotron Rd. Job openings fro drivers, electricians, facilities managers, admin staff and others. Bring several copies of your resume. 486-5627.
Red Cross: Alameda County Heros Awards Gala at 6 p.m. at Hilton Oakland Airport Hotel. Tickets are $150. 595-4460.
“Ancient Tools for Successful Living” Workshops from 11:30 a.m. on, at Ausar Auset Society, 2811 Adeline St., Oakland. For details call 536-5934.
Preschool Storytime, for ages 3-5, at 11 a.m. at Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave. 526-3720, ext. 17.
Free Garden Tours at Regional Parks Botanic Garden Sat. and Sun. at 2 pm. Regional Parks Botanic Garden, Tilden Park. Call to confirm. 841-8732. www.nativeplants.org
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, NOV. 9
Honoring Veterans Day 2008 from 3 to 6 p.m. at Chapel of the Chimes, 4499 Piedmont Ave. Oakland. 228-3207.
Friends of the Alameda Wildlife Refuge Workday Help us prepare habitat for California Least Terns. Meet at 9 a.m. at the main refuge gate at the northwest corner of former Alameda Naval Air Station, Alameda. Sponsored by Golden Gate Audubon Society. 843-2222. ggas@goldengateaudubon.org
Little Farm Goat Hike Join a short hike with the Little Farm goats as we explore the historic connections between humans and our ungulate friends. For ages 6 and up, at 10:30 a.m. at Tielden Little Farm, Tilden Park 525-2233.
Little Farm Open House Come grind some corn to feed the chickens, pet a bunny or groom a goat, from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at the Little Farm at Tilden Park. 525-2233.
Purr-casso Art and Craft Sale with decorative, wearable and functional art pieces celebrating our feline friends from noon to 4 p.m. at Hollis Street Project, 5900 Hollis St., Emeryville. Benefits the Berkeley-East Bay Humane Society. 845-7735, ext. 13. www.berkeleyhumane.org
“The Middle East in the Post Olmert/Bush Era” with Yakov Katz of the Jerusalem Post, at 7 p.m. at Congregation Netivot Shalom, 1316 University Ave. Donation $10. 525-3582.
“Odessey: My Journey from Childhood Faith to a Universalist, Eclectic Spirituality” with Martha Helming at 10 a.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley, 1 Lawson Rd., Kensington. 525-0302, ext. 306.
“May-June 1968: An Occasion Lacking in Workers’ Autonomy” A discussion with personal accounts at 1 p.m. at Niebyl-Proctor Marxist Library, 6501 Telegraph Ave. 595-7417. www.marxistlibr.org
Red Cross Blood Drive from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at United Methodist Church, 1188 12th St., Oakland. To schedule an appointment go to www.BeADonor.com
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 Erika Rosenberg on “Relaxing the Mind” at 6 p.m. at the Tibetan Nyingma Institute, 1815 Highland Pl. 809-1000. www.nyingmainstitute.com
Kol Hadash Community Reception Sunday, November 9, 2PM - 4PM at the Albany Community Center, 1249 MarinAvenue. Suggestion donation $5. To register, or for more info, email: info@kolhadash.org or call 510-428-1492.
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
Planning Commission meets Wed., Nov. 5,, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-7484.
Community Environmental Advisory Commission meets Thurs., Nov. 6, at 7 p.m., at 2118 Milvia St. 981-7461.
Housing Advisory Commission meets Thurs., Nov. 6, at 7 p.m., at the South Berkeley Senior Center. 981-5400.
Landmarks Preservation Commission meets Thurs., Nov. 6, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-7419.
Public Works Commission meets Thurs., Nov. 6, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-6406.
