Events Listings

Community Calendar

Wednesday March 11, 2009 - 07:31:00 PM

THURSDAY, MARCH 12 

Blake Garden Walk for Age 50+ Tour the UC Berkeley Landscape Architecture Department’s 10-acre Kensington estate from 9 to 11 a.m. Meet at garden gate at 70 Rincon Rd., Kensington (AC Transit 7). Free but numbers limited; register at Albany Senior Center, 846 Masonic Ave., 524-9122, or Albany Community Center, 1249 Marin. 524-9283. For information contact walk leader Susan Schwartz, f5creeks@aol.com, 848-9358. 

Golden Gate Audubon Society Field Trip to the Berkeley Fishing Pier. Meet at 8 a.m. at the beginning of the pier, just south of Skates restaurant. 540-8749. www.goldengateaudubon.org 

Berkeley Housing Authority Annual Plan discussion at 2 p.m. at BHA, 1901 Fairview St. Plan is available at www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/bha 

Tilden Nature Area Docent Training from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fee. is $35. For an application or information call 544-3260. www.ebparks.org 

14th Collages des Cultures Africaines series of West African Dance & Drum Workshops taking place at the Malonga Casquelourd Center for the Arts, 1428 Alice St., Oakland, through Sun. For details contact 733-1077. www.DiamanoCoura.org 

Purim Carnival & Silent Auction from 12:30 to 3 p.m. at Temple Beth Hillel, 801 Park Central, Richmond. 223-2560. www.templebethhillelrichmond.org 

East Bay Mac Users Group meets to discuss UPEK, biometric fingerprint security solutions, at 7 p.m. at Expression College for Digital Arts, 6601 Shellmound St., Emeryville. http://ebmug.org 

Red Cross Blood Drive from 1 to 7 p.m. at 2106 Shattuck Ave. To schedule an appointment go to www.BeADonor.com  

Circle of Concern Vigil meets on West Lawn of UC campus across from Addison and Oxford, Thurs. at noon and Sun. at 1 p.m. to oppose UC weapons labs contracts. 848-8055. 

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. 

Free Meditation Class at 7 p.m. every Tues. and Thurs. at Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarians, 2nd flr. , 1606 Bonita Ave. at Cedar. 931-7742. 

Buddhist Class on Shikan Meditation at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists, Cedar at Bonita, through May 28. http://caltendai.org 

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, MARCH 13 

City Commons Club Noon Luncheon with Kiyolo Woodhouse, docent, Asian Art Museum, “Japanese Art and Its Context in Japanese Daily Life” Luncheon at 11:45 a.m. for $15, speech at 12:30 p.m., at the Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant St. For information and reservations call 524-7468. www.citycommonsclub.org 

Dafur Take Action Event with student-led workshops, discussion and plans for action from 6 p.m. to midnight in Room 159, Mulford Hall, UC campus. Donation $3. 972- 567-1605.  

“American Sandinista” A documentary about the life and execution of Ben Linder, a young American supporter of the Sandinista revolution in Nicaragua, at 7 p.m. at Berkeley City College Auditorium, 2050 Center St. Both the film-maker and the author of the investigation the film is based on will be present for questions after the film. Free. 

Conscientious Projector Film Series “9/11 Press for Truth” at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists, 1924 Cedar St. 841-4824. 

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. 

Berkeley Chess Club meets every Fri. at 7 p.m. at the Hillside School, 1581 Le Roy Ave. 843-0150. 

SATURDAY, MARCH 14 

Race Judicata: 10k Run/5k Run-Walk Fundraiser for UC Berkeley Environmental Law Summer Fellowship, from 10 a.m. to noon, registration starts at 9:15 a.m. at the Kroeber Fountain, corner of Bancroft Way and College Ave. Cost is $30. 619-992-9619. 

Disaster Preparedness Workshop with representatives from Albany Fire Department and Bay Area Seismic Retrofit, at 4 p.m. at Albany High School, 603 Key Route Blvd., Albany. 229-9651. http://albanytoday.org 

Improve AC Transit Line #51 Community Meeting at 10:30 a.m. at AC Transit General Offices, 1600 Franklin St. 891-4755. Report is avaiable at http://www2.actransit.org/planning_focus/details.wu?item_id=50 

Little Farm Poultry Pals Learn about the different breeds and their personalities at 2:30 p.m. at the Little Farm, Tilden Park. 525-2233. 

Workshop: Eat Local Learn about how to eat more from your local foodshed, by gleaning and foraging edible weeds, alternative food sources and food preservation. Includes a short walk. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Ecology Center, 2530 San Pablo Ave. Cost is $10-$15. Advanced registration required. 548-2220, ext. 233. 

Spring Equinox Compost and Cultivation at 10 a.m. at The Edible Schoolyard. To register, contact Kyle Cornforth, Program Coordinator kyle@chezpanissefoundation.org 

Rhododendron Walk through the Garden from 10 a.m. to noon at UC Botanical Gardens. Cost is $12-$15. Reservations required. 643-2755. botanicalgarden.berkeley.edu 

“The Tyranny of Oil: The World’s Most Powerful Industry—And What We Must Do To Stop It” with activist and author Antonia Juahsz, at 7 p.m. at the Alameda Free Library, 1550 Oak St., Alameda. Suggested donation $5; no one is turned away. 814-9592. 

Healthy Communities Financial Freedom Conference from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., registration at 9:30 a.m. at Richmond Auditorium, 403 Civic Center Plaza, Richmond. 568-5899. 

The Richmond Plunge: A Remarkable Look Inside” The public is invited to look at the restoration in progress from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Garrard Blvd at West Richmond Ave., Richmond. www.richmondplunge.org 

Strait Talk Symposium with student from China, Taiwan and the U.S. on their historic discussions at 10 a.m. at IEAS Conference Room, 6th flr., 2223 Fulton St.  

“Vietnam Journey” A report-back by members of the CCDS delegation at 10:30 a.m. at Savo Island Community Caenter, 2017 Stuart St. 841-0738. 

Annual Burma Human Rights Day Benefit Join us for a Burmese style dinner and Burma documentary film along with two speakers on Burma, Min Zin and Zoya Phan at 6 p.m. at Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists Hall, 1924 Cedar, at Bonita. Suggested donation of $15 benefits the Burmese American Democratic Alliance. 485-3751. www.badasf.org 

“Grow Your Own Salad” with Stefani Bittner, at 10 a.m. at Magic Gardens, 729 Heinz Ave. 644-2351. 

Family Yoga at 10:30 a.m. at Niroga Center for Healing, 1808 University Ave. between MLK Way and Grant St. All classes by donation. 704-1330. www.niroga.org 

“Keeping Cool in the Fire: Becoming More Skillful with Inner or Outer Conflict” A two-day training with Lawrence Ellis and Donald Rothberg, Sat. from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sun. from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at East Bay Meditation Center, 2147 Broadway, Oakland. Donations accepted. Register at www.eastbaymeditation.org/event/55 

The East Bay Chapter of The Great War Society meets to discuss “The Russians Are Coming To the Western Front” by Michael Hanlon at 10:30 a.m. at the Albany Veterans Hall, 1325 Portland Ave., Albany. 527-7718. 

Head Shaving Event to benefit Children's Hospital & Research Center Oakland from noon to 6 p.m. at Bay Street Plaza, Emeryville. 655-4002. www.baystreetemeryville.com 

American Red Cross Free CPR Training throughout the East Bay. Register today and learn lifesaving skills that will better prepare you and your family for emergencies. For a detailed list of other training sites and to pre-register, visit RedCrossCPRSaturday.org. Registration is also available by phone at 888-686-3600. 

Train Your House Rabbit Learn how to get your pet bunny to come when called and other tricks at 10 a.m. at RabbitEARS, 377 Colusa Ave., Kensington. 525-6155. 

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.  

Lawn Bowling on the green at the corner of Acton St. and Bancroft Way every Wed. and Sat. at 10 a.m. for ages 12 and up. Wear flat soled shoes, no heels. Free lessons. 841-2174.  

SUNDAY, MARCH 15 

“California’s Families” A family exploration day from 1 to 4 p.m. at Oakland Museum of California, 10th and Oak sts., Oakland. Cost is $5-$8. 238-2200. www.museumca.org 

“Compost 101” Learn the basics of composting and how to use this nutrient-rich material in your home garden, at 11 a.m. at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. 525-2233. 

“Allensworth: California’s African-American Town” A panel discussion with historians Susan Anderson and Guy Washington and authors Alice C. Royal, Mickey Ellinger and Scott Braley, at 2 p.m. at Oakland Museum of California, 10th and Oak sts., Oakland. Cost is $5-$8. 238-2200. www.museumca.org 

Trails Challenge: Kennedy Grove This hike explores the hills, early flowers and late winter wildlife. Bring a lunch. Meet at Fern Cottage, at 11 a.m. 525-2233. 

Solo Sierrans Wildflower Walk, Mitchell Canyon, Mount Diablo State Park, Clayton. Leisurely loop walk to enjoy spring wildflowers in a scenic canyon. Meet at 2 p.m. in Interpretive Center parking area at end of Mitchell Canyon Rd. $5 parking fee. Rain cancels. After hike, optional stop nearby for refreshments. 925-458-0860. 

Fiber & Dye Exhibit opens at the UC Botanical Gardens, and runs through April 5. Cost is $12-$15. 643-2755. botanicalgarden.berkeley.edu 

“Learning from the Absurd” lecture by South African artist William Kentridge and hosted by the Townsend Center for the Humanities, at 5 p.m. at Hertz Hall, UC campus. Free and open to the public. 643-9670. 

Red Cross Blood Drive from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Temple Beth Abraham, Social Hall, 327 MacArthur Blvd., Oakland. To schedule an appointment go to www.BeADonor.com  

Personal Theology Seminars with Helene Knox on “My Spiritual Odyssey as Embodied in my Poems” at 10 a.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley, 1 Lawson Rd., Kensington. 525-0302, ext. 306. 

East Bay Atheists meet to watch a video of Richard Dawkins at the 2007 Atheists Alliance International Convention, at 1:30 p.m. at Berkeley Main Library, 3rd Floor Meeting Room, 2090 Kittredge St. 222-7580. 

Tibetan Buddhism with Mark Henderson on “Sacred Art and Prayer Wheels: An Avenue to Light” at 6 p.m. at the Tibetan Nyingma Institute, 1815 Highland Pl. 809-1000.  

“Today’s Global Meltdown and the Dialectics of Organization and Philosophy” at 6:30 p.m. at Niebyl-Proctor Marxist Library, 6501 Telegraph Ave., Oakland. 658-1448. 

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 

Sew Your Own Open Studio Come learn to use our industrial and domestic machines, or work on your own projects, from 2 to 6 p.m. at 84 Bolivar Dr., Aquatic Park. Also on Thurs. from 2 to 6 p.m. Cost is $5 per hour. 644-2577.  

MONDAY, MARCH 16 

“Thinking Green: How Can Information Replace Energy and Finesse the Biosphere?” with Stewart Brand at 7:30 p.m. in Sibley Auditorium, Bechtel Engineering Center, UC campus. 642-0635. http://bcnm.berkeley.edu 

Mills College MBA Information Session with concentrations in socially responsible business, nonprofit management, global business, finance, and marketing at the Lorry I. Lokey Graduate School of Business at 7 - 8:30 p.m. in Reinhardt Hall, Mills College, 5000 MacArthur Blvd., Oakland. Please RSVP to mba@mills.edu www.mills.edu/mba/ 

“Rachel Corrie Rememberance” with a report back from Gaza by Darlene and Donna Wallack at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists, 1924 Cedar St. 841-4824. 

Red Cross Blood Drive from noon to 5 p.m. at the University Village Gymnasium, 1125 Jackson St., Albany. To schedule an appointment go to www.BeADonor.com 

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. 

Community Yoga Class 10 a.m. at James Kenney Parks and Rec. Center at Virginia and 8th. Seniors and beginners welcome. Cost is $6. 207-4501. 

Morning Meditation Every Mon., Wed., and Fri. at 7:45 a.m. at Rudramandir, 830 Bancroft Way at 6th. 486-8700. 

Small-Business Counseling Free one-hour one-on-one counseling to help you start and run your small business with a volunteer from Service Core of Retired Executives, Mon. evenings by appointment at Berkeley Public Library, 2090 Kittredge St. For appointment call 981-6148. www.eastbayscore.org 

ASUC Student Legal Clinic provides free legal research and case intake. Drop-in hours Mon.-Thurs. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. anfd Fri. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., UC campus. 642-9986. asuclegalclinic@gmail.com 

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 from 10 a.m. to noon and 1 to 5 p.m. at Berkeley Boathouse, 84 Bolivar Dr., Aquatic Park. Classes cover woodworking, boatbuilding, and boat repair. 644-2577. www.watersideworkshops.org 

TUESDAY, MARCH 17 

Tuesdays for the Birds Tranquil bird walks in local parklands, led by Bethany Facendini, from 7 to 9:30 a.m. Today we will visit Miller/Knox Regional Shoreline. Call for meeting place and if you need to borrow binoculars. 544-3265. 

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

“Extending Your Garden Season with Perennials” with Nicole Hackett at 2 p.m. at the United Methodist Church,1953 Hopkins St. 524-7296. 

“Growing Sustainability in a Low-Carbon World” Speaker series sponsored by Inst. for Urban and Regional Development at 6 p.m. at the UCB Faculty Club. http://iurd.berkeley.edu 

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute Open House from 10 a.m. to noon at the Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant at Ellsworth. RSVP to 642-9934. http://olli.berkeley.edu 

“Evolution: The First Four Billion Years” with Eugenie Scott and David Wake at 5:30 p.m. at University Press Books, 2430 Bancroft Way. 548-0585. www.universitypressbooks.com 

“If I Were You, I Wouldn't Start from Here: Understanding Oxford Through Its Past” Illustrated talk by Christopher Day, M.A., FSA, university lecturer and Fellow of Kellogg College at Oxford University at 4:30 p.m. at UC Berkeley Extension, 1995 University Ave. Call for reservations 642-4111. 

Habitot’s Shamrock Day For children ages 0-6. Irish music at 10:30 a.m. Interactive storytelling at 11:30 a.m. at 2065 Kittredge St. Cost is $7-$8. www.habitot.org 

“Adventures in East Africa: Kilimanjaro Climb and Safari” at 7 p.m. at REI, 1338 San Pablo Ave. 527-4140. 

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., Sat. and Sun. from 2 to 6 p.m. at at 84 Bolivar Dr., Aquatic Park. 644-2577. www.watersideworkshops.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. 

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. 

Bridge for beginners from 1 to 2:15 p.m., all others 1 to 4 p.m. Sing-A-Long at 2:30 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-5190. 

Rhythm Tap Exercise Class Tues. at 5 p.m. at Redwood Gardens, 2951 Derby St. Donation $2. 548-9840. 

Qi Gong Meditation 7:30 p.m. at 830 Bancroft Way, Lotus Room 114. Cost is $5-$10. 883-1920. tgif@tiangong.org 

Free Meditation Class at 7 p.m. every Tues. and Thurs. at Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarians, 2nd flr. , 1606 Bonita Ave. at Cedar. 931-7742. 

 

 

 

 

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18 

Tilden Mini-Rangers Hiking, conservation and nature-based activities for ages 8-12. Dress to ramble and get dirty. From 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. Cost is $6-$8, registration required. 1-888-EBPARKS. 

Berkeley Retired Teachers Association Annual Meeting with Jenefer Baune, founder of Elder Financial Protection Network at 12:30 p.m. at Northbrae Community Church, 941 Tha Alameda.  

Foreclosure Prevention Information Session at 6 p.m. at The HomeOwnership Center, 3301 East 12th St., Suite 201, Oakland. To register call 535-6943. homeownership@unitycouncil.org 

Alameda County History Day Competition for students in grades 4-12 at 3:30 p.m. at the Oakland Museum of California, 1000 Oak St., Oakland. To register call 670-4329. ablack@acoe.org 

Forum on the Death Penalty with Deldep Medina, California Crime Victims spokesperson, Delane Sims, ACLU-NC Outreach Coordinator, Judy Kerr, California Crime Victims spokesperson, Darryl Stallworth, Former Alameda County prosecutor, Aaron Owens, wrongfully convicted in Alameda County at 6 p.m. at Berkeley City College Auditorium, 2050 Center St. www.AlamedaDeathPenalty.org  

“Trashed” A doumentary on the garbage business at 7:30 p.m. at Humanist Hall, 390 27th St., Oakland. Donation $5. www.Humanist Hall.org 

“Eat To Live, Don't Live To Eat!” at 6:30 p.m. at the Gertonson Institute, 828 San Pablo Ave, Suite 115, Albany. 

Simplicty Forum on permaculture and rabbit raising with Dawn Pillsbury, at 6:30 p.m. at Claremont Branch Library, 2940 Benvenue Ave. 

Rosie the Riveter/World War II Home Front National Historical Park General Management Plan discussion from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Richmond City Council Chambers, interim Richmond City Hall, 1401 Marina Way South. For information on the plan call 232-5050.  

Red Cross Blood Services Volunteer Orientation from 6 to 8 p.m. at 6230 Claremont Ave., Oakland. Registration required. 594-5165. 

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. 

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, MARCH 19 

“Tracking South Bay Birds” a talk by Stephanie Ellies of the San Francisco Bay Bird Observatory at 12:30 p.m. at Oakland Museum of California, 10th and Oak sts., Oakland. 238-2200. www.museumca.org 

“Common Murre Breeding Ground Restoration” with Peter Kappes of the UC Fish and Wildilfe Service, at 7:30 p.m. at Northbrae Community Churhc, 941 The Alameda. Sponsored by Golden Gate Audubon Society. 843-2222. www.goldengateaudubon.org 

Tilden Nature Area Docent Training from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fee. is $35. For an application or information call 544-3260. www.ebparks.org 

“Our Life in Gardens” with Joe Eck and Wayne Winterrowd at 2 p.m. at UC Botanical Gardens. Cost is $12-$15. Reservations required. 643-2755. botanicalgarden.berkeley.edu 

“Creating Affordable Homes: Challenges and Opportunities” a symposium at 7 p.m. at 112 Wurster Hall, UC campus. Sponsored by Resources for Community Development. 841-4410, ext. 10. 

Berkeley Entrepreneurs Forum “Surviving and Thriving during the Downturn” at 6:30 p.m. at Andersen Auditorium; Haas School of Business. UC campus. http://entrepreneurship.berkeley.edu 

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

Circle of Concern Vigil meets on West Lawn of UC campus across from Addison and Oxford, Thurs. at noon and Sun. at 1 p.m. to oppose UC weapons labs contracts. 848-8055. 

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. 

Free Meditation Class at 7 p.m. every Tues. and Thurs. at Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarians, 2nd flr. , 1606 Bonita Ave. at Cedar. 931-7742. 

Buddhist Class on Shikan Meditation at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists, Cedar at Bonita, through May 28. http://caltendai.org 

“Four Actions to Resolve Conflict Inside & Out” at 7:15 p.m. at Center for Transformative Change, 2584 Martin Luther King Jr Way. RSVP to register@transformativechange.org 

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, MARCH 20 

Tilden Tots Join a nature adventure program for 3 and 4 year olds, each accompanied by an adult (grandparents welcome)! We’ll learn about amphibians, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. Cost is $6-$8. Registration required. 1-888-327-2757. 

City Commons Club Noon Luncheon with Leigh Robinson on “Hiking to the Mount Everest Base Camp” Luncheon at 11:45 a.m. for $15, speech at 12:30 p.m., at the Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant St. For information and reservations call 524-7468. www.citycommonsclub.org 

Demonstrate for Peace! Bring your signs and determination, at 2 p.m. at Acton and University Ave. 

“Unleaded, Please!” Art auction to benefit West Oakland and the Environmental Movement for Clean Air, with art, documentary showing, live entertainment, and more, from 5 to 8:30 p.m. at Excel High School, 2607 Myrtle St., Oakland. Suggested donation $3-$20. RSVP to www.mobaganda.com/unleadedplease 

“Shutdown: The Rise and Fall of Direct Action to Stop the War” Film Screening at 7 p.m. at the AK Press Warehouse, 674-A 23rd St., Oakland. Free. 208-1700. akpress.org 

Free Yoga Classes with Sofia Diaz March 20-29 at Rudramandir, 830 Bancroft Way, at 6th. 486-8700. www.rudramandir.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 

Berkeley Chess Club meets every Fri. at 7 p.m. at the Hillside School, 1581 Le Roy Ave. 843-0150. 

SATURDAY, MARCH 21 

Golden Gate Audubon Society Field Trip to Arrowhead Marsh, Martin Luther King Jr. Shoreline. Meet at 9:30 a.m. at the last parking lot. 316-8932. www.goldenagteaudubon.org 

Help Restore the Berkeley Meadow with Friends of Five Creeks by removing invasives and restoring habitat. Meet at 10 a.m. at the north side of University Ave., opposite Sea Breeze market. Tools, gloves and snacks provided. Dress for all weather, in clothes that can get dirty. 848-9358. www.fivecreeks.org 

Lakeshore Neighborhood Plant Exchange from noon to 4 p.m. at 3811 Lakeshore Ave., Oakland. Recycle and trade your cuttings and divided plants. Other gardening accessories also available. Open to all. For information see www.plantexchange.wordpress.com 

Green Thumb Workshop for ages 8 and up from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the James Kenney Recreation Center garden, 1720 Eighth St. Bring a sack lunch and gardening gloves. 981-6650. 

Youth Spirit Artwork’s Tile Painting and Mosaic Making Day from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the east side of the intersection at Fairview and California sts. We’ll paint tiles on the topic of health and pledge ways to take better care of ourselves in 2009. Free. Rain cancels. 282-0396. 

Spring Equinox Gathering, with a mini-workshop on the seasons, at 6:30 p.m. at Chavez Memorial Solar Calendar at Sesar Chavez Park. Dress warmly. www.ecologycenter.org/chavez 

St. Mary’s High School Panther Pride Night Fundraiser with “The Magic of Music” by J’ LaChic, and sports memorabilia auction, at 5:30 p.m. at the high school. Tickets are $65, includes buffet. 521-3256. www.saintmaryschs.org 

Rosie the Riveter Trust Annual Fundraising Dinner in the historic Machine Shop at Shipyard No. 3, a building not usually open to the public. Tickets are $150. 235-1315. www.rosietheriveter.org 

East Bay Baby Fair An event for new and expecting parents from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Albany Veterans Memorial Building, 1325 Portland Ave., Albany. www.eastbaybabyfair.com 

Bees and Backyard Beekeeping with the Kenyan Top Bar System Learn about the life cycles and biology of the honey bee, basic management strategies and equipment needed to get started as a backyard beekeeper from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at The Institute of Urban Homesteading.Cos tis $50-$75. 927-3252. 

Super Smash Brothers Video Game Legacy Tournament benefit for Berkeley High students’ trip to Washington DC. at 6:30 p.m. at Eudemonia at 2154 University Ave. Cost is $10. 705-3193. 

Princess Project East Bay Dress Giveaway for deserving high school students, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 2201 Broadway, Oakland. CA school ID required. www.princessproject.org 

“How Not To Be Funny at Your Own Expense” with Charlotte Cook at the California Writers Club meeting at 10 a.m. at Barnes & Noble, Jack London Square, 98 Broadway, Oakland. 272-0120. www.berkeleywritersclub.org 

“Science Discovery Theatre: Brainiacs” An interactive neural anatomy lesson through performance at 1 p.m., followed by lecture at 2 p.m. at Hall of Health, 2230 Shattuck Ave. (lower level). www.hallofhealth.org 

Little Farm Rabbit Tales Enjoy some bunny-inspired stories, and learn what makes our fuzzy friends’ noses twitch, at 2:30 p.m. at the Little Farm, Tilden Park 525-2233. 

The Houdini Magic Weekend Mentalists, escape artists, sides show artists, ventriloquists and more perform Sat. and Sun. from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Playland-Not-at-the-Beach, 10979 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito. Cost is $10-$15. 592-3002. www.playland-not-at-the-beach.org 

Arroyo Viejo Creek Work Day Help clean up the creek at the Oakland Zoo, from 9 a.m. to noon. All ages welcome. 632-9525, ext. 207. 

“Introduction to Greywater Systems” at 10 a.m. at Magic Gardens, 729 Heinz Ave. 644-2351. 

Sustainable Gardening Class for Children ages 4-9 and their parents 3/21 and 4/4 from 10 a.m. to noon, rain or shine, at East Bay Waldorf School, 3800 Clark Rd., El Sobrante. Cost is $10 per family. Call to reserve a space, 223-3570, ext. 2101. 

Homebuyers Education Workshop from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at The HomeOwnership Center, 3301 East 12th Street, Suite 201, Oakland. To register call 535-6943. homeownership@unitycouncil.org. 

“Is Anybody Out There? Searching for ET with Help from 8 Million Volunteers” Lecture on the possibility of life in the universe, the search for radio and optical signals from other civilizations, and how you can help in the search for ET at 11 a.m. at Genetics and Plant Biology Building Rm 100, UC campus. Free. http://astro.berkeley.edu/~scroft/iya/  

Graphic Design for Middle School Students, six Sat. from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Ex'pression College for Digital Arts, 6601 Shellmound St., Emeryville. Free, but registration required. 289-1295. www.inneractproject.org 

ZooKids Art: Foil Embossing Explore different art techniques with inspiration from animals, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the Oakland Zoo. For ages 9-11. Cost is $20-$25. To register call 632-9525, ext. 200. 

Small Critter Adoption Fair with mice, rats, hamsters, guinea pigs and rabbits from 1 to 4 p.m. at Rabbit Ears, 377 Colusa Ave, Kensington. 525-6155. 

Persian New Year with painting “tokhme-morgh” eggs and planting “sabzeh” wheatgrass, and story-telling, from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Habitot at 2065 Kittredge St. Cost is $7-$8. www.habitot.org 

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 

Lawn Bowling on the green at the corner of Acton St. and Bancroft Way every Wed. and Sat. at 10 a.m. for ages 12 and up. Wear flat soled shoes, no heels. Free lessons. 841-2174.  

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, MARCH 22 

Eco-House Tour A tour of the Ecology Center’s environmental demonstration site to learn about simple improvements you can make to green your home, from 10 a.m. or 1 p.m. Cost is $10-$15. Registration required. 548-2220, ext. 242.  

Golden Gate Audubon Society Field Trip to Berkeley Waterfront to see the last of winter ducks and shorebirds. Meet at 9 a.m. in the last parking lot on the right before University Ave. 549-2839. www.goldenagteaudubon.org 

“Pond, James Pond” Hear aquatic tales of intrigue and use nets to spy on this dymanic habitat, from 10:30 a.m. to noon at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. 525-2233. 

Gone Trackin’ Study tracks, scat and other signs left behind by critters to learn who is doing what, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. 525-2233. 

“Black Passenger, Yellow Cabs” Jamaican author Stefhen Bryan will read from his memoir of life in Japan at 3 p.m. at Jamaican Soul Café, 2057 San Pablo Ave., at Addison. 260-4647. www.blackpassenger.com 

“People’s Park Then and Now” A film by Claire Burch in a benefit for Food Not Bombs at 6 p.m. at Unitarian fellowship, 1924 Cedar St. 841-4824. 

“Total Denial” A documentary about Burmese jungle villagers suing an oil company for human rights abuses at 7 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $12-$25. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

Super Smash Brothers Video Game Legacy Tournament benefit for Berkeley High students’ trip to Washington DC. at 3:30 p.m. at Eudemonia at 2154 University Ave. Cost is $10. 705-3193. 

Citizen Tribunal: The Murder of Oscar Grant and the Epidemic of Police Brutality from 2 to 6 p.m. at Calvin Simmons Middle School Cafeteria, 2101 35th Ave, Oakland. 725-8754. bayarearevolutionclub@gmail.com 

Tour of the Berkeley City Club, designed by Julia Morgan, from 1 to 4 p.m. at 2315 Durant Ave. 848-7800. 

Michael Harris of San Francisco Voice for Israel at a Temple Beth Hillel Bagel Brunch at 10:15 a.m. at Temple Beth Hillel, 801 Park Central, located off Hilltop Drive at I-80, Richmond. 223-2560. www.templebethhillelrichmond.org 

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

Seminar on Estate Jewelry with Elizabeth D’Mitrova from 1 to 3 p.m. at Christensen Heller Gallery, 5829 College Ave., Oakland. 655-5952. 

Personal Theology Seminars with Lynn Gardner on “Transformation Thoughts from a Seminarian: When in doubt, laugh, love and eat chocolate” at 10 a.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley, 1 Lawson Rd., Kensington. 525-0302, ext. 306. 

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

Lake Merritt Neighbors Organized for Peace Peace walk around the lake every Sun. Meet at 3 p.m. at the colonnade at the NE end of the lake. 763-8712. lmno4p.org 

Tibetan Buddhism with Sylvia Gretchen on “Teachings on Death and Change” at 6 p.m. at the Tibetan Nyingma Institute, 1815 Highland Pl. 809-1000. www.nyingmainstitute.com 

Sew Your Own Open Studio Come learn to use our industrial and domestic machines, or work on your own projects, from 2 to 6 p.m. at 84 Bolivar Dr., Aquatic Park. Also on Thurs. from 2 to 6 p.m. Cost is $5 per hour. 644-2577. www.watersideworkshops.org 

CITY MEETINGS 

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