Events Listings
Community Calendar
THURSDAY, MARCH 26
Eco-Access An exploratory nature adventure for people with developmental disabilities. Meet at 10 a.m. at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. 525-2233.
“Climate Change and Central Berkeley” a panel discussion hosted by Councilmember Jesse Arreguín at 7 p.m. at North Berkeley Senior Center, 1901 Hearst. 981-7140.
“Welcome to Yanayo” A documentary about an impoverished village in Bolivia at 7 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. With an art auction and entertainment. Donation $10. 849-2568. www.lapena.org
Cesar Chavez Commemoration Film “Immokalee USA” on a migrant farming community in Florida at 7 p.m. at the Ecology Center, 2530 San Pablo Ave. 548-2220, ext. 233.
“Immigration Reform: Issues & Implications for Our Community” An ACLU presentation at 7 p.m. at Richmond Public Library, Madeline F. Whittlesey Community Room, 325 Civic Center Plaza, Richmond. 620-6561. www.acluberkeley.org
“Big Boy Rules: America’s Mercenaries Fighting in Iraq” with Steve Fainaru, Washington Post correspondent at 7 p.m. at El Cerrito Library, 6510 Stockton Ave., El Cerrito. 526-7512.
“Rosie and the Railroaders” A celebration of trains for ages 3 and up at 3:30 p.m. at Berkeley Public Library, North Branch and 7 p.m. at West Branch. 981-6100.
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
East Bay Assoc. for Women in Science “Finding Work in Tough Times” with Toby Freedman at 7 p.m. at Novartis, Room 4.104, 4560 Horton St., Emeryville. All welcome. Cost is $5-$10.
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.
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
FRIDAY, MARCH 27
City Commons Club Noon Luncheon with Allan Solomonow, Jewish Pacifist, AFSC, “The Most Recent Violent Conflict of Israel vs Hamas in Gaza” 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
Berkeley Food and Housing Poject “Blues & Jazz Benefit” with dinner and entertainment at 6 pm. at Gaia Arts Center, 2120 Allston Way. Tickets are $30-$40. 649-4965, ext. 312.
“The New American Olive Oil” profiles of artisan producers with author Fran Gage at 5:30 p.m. at The Pasta Shop, 1786 Fourth St. 250-6004.
“27 Days of Change: Practice Period” Opening ceremony at 6:30 p.m. at Center for Transformative Change, 2548 Martin Luther King, Jr. Way. Register at www.27daysofchange.com
Jewish Humanist Forum Dr. Joel Crohn talks about “Tom, Dick, or Haim: Jewish Women and Intermarriage” at 8 p.m. at Albany Community Center, 1249 Marin Ave. at Masonic in Albany. Shabbat service at 7 p.m. 428-1492. www.kolhadash.org
“Jewish Life: Where Do I Fit?” at 6:15 p.m. at Jewish Gateways, 409 Liberty St., El Cerrito. Cost is potluck dish or $7. 559-8140.
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.
Berkeley Chess Club meets every Fri. at 7 p.m. at the Hillside School, 1581 Le Roy Ave. 843-0150.
SATURDAY, MARCH 28
Berkeley Historical Society Spring Walking Tour “Mme. Chaing Kai-Shek and her Claremont Elmwood Neighborhood” led by Burl Willis, from 10 a.m. to noon. Cost is $8-$10. For reservations and starting point call 848-0181.
Mini-Farmers in Tilden A farm exploration program, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. for ages 4-6 years, accompanied by an adult. We will explore the Little Farm, care for animals, do crafts and farm chores. Wear boots and dress to get dirty! Fee is $6-$8. Registration required. 1-888-EBPARKS.
Compost Give-Away from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Berkeley Farmers’ Market, Center St. at MLK. Bring your own container, two large buckets or large garbage bags. 543-3333.
Vegetarian Cooking Class: Demystifying Tofu and Tempeh from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at First Unitarian Church of Oakland, 685 14th St. at Castro. Cost is $55, plus $5 food and material fee. Advance registration required. 531-COOK. www.compassionatecooks.com
“What is Microfinance?” with Dana Whitaker with photographs and stories from her book, “Transforming Lives $40 at a Time,” and Gail Uilkema of the Lantern Project, and Hava Maloku, at 2 p.m. at the Rockridge Branch Library, 5366 College Ave., Oakland. Co-sponsored by AAUW Oakland-Piedmont Branch. Free. 531-4275.
Foreclosure Help, Information and Counselling for Contra Costa County homeowners from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Richmond Recreation Center, 323o Macdonald Ave. Bring your loan documents. For infromation see www.ci.richmond.ca.us/ForeclosureHelp
“9/11 Blueprint for Truth” with architect Richard Gage at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists, 1924 Cedar St. 841-4824.
Arts at St. Alban’s: Drama with Patrick Moore A multi-disciplinary series for children, ages 5 to 10, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at St. Alban's Episcopal Church, 1501 Washington Ave., Albany. Free, donations accepted. To register call 525-1716. info@st-albans-albany.org
Know Your Rights Training Do you know what your rights are if you're questioned by the police? Join Berkeley Copwatch for a free training from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 2022 Blake St. www.berkeleycopwatch.org
“Our Oakland: Eastside Stories” Community Storytelling Day from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the shared campus of ACORN Woodland Elementary School and EnCompass Academy, corner of Rusdale St. and 81st. Ave, East Oakland. Pre-registration required. adapinkston@gmail.com, 350-7492.
Super Smash Brothers Video Game Tournament benefit for Berkeley High students’ trip to Washington DC. at 6:30 p.m. at Eudemonia at 2154 University Ave.
“Rosie and the Railroaders” A celebration of trains for ages 3 and up at 10:30 a.m. at Berkeley Public Library, Claremont Branch. 981-6100.
“Bookmaking with Recycled Materials” Learn coptic binding for scrapbooks, blank books and journals. All materials provided. From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Ecology Center, 2530 San Pablo Ave. Cost is $10-$15. Advanced registration required. 548-2220, ext. 233.
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.
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 29
“Miya of the Quiet Strength” Screening of the documentary on the life of Miya Rodolfo-Sioson at 2 p.m. at El Cerrito Speakeasy, 10070 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito. Tickets are $6. miyafilm.com
Jewish Music Festival Family Day with activities and performances from 11 a.m., dance party at 4 p.m. at JCC East Bay, 1414 Walnut St. Tickets are $7-$20. 800-838-3006. www.jewishmusicfestival.org
Garden Chores for Children Lend a hand for some seeding and weeding in the Kids Garden. Each child will go home with a seedling to nurture. For ages 3 to 5 with a parent at 11 a.m. at Tilden Nature Center. 525-2233.
Point Pinole Potpourri A 3.5 mile stroll to search for early flowers and enjoy bay views, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Bring a lunch. For meeting place call 525-2233.
Berkeley Hiking Club: Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Meet at Shattuck Ave. and Berkeley Way at 8:30 a.m. for a 6.8 mile hike with 1500’ elevation gain. Rain cancels. Riders and drivers please call leader. 237-3206.
“Vivir” A documentary about young adults in Richmond/San Pablo who are brought together by their love of music at 7 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $5-$10, sliding scale. 849-2568. www.lapena.org
“Seder Made Simple” How to host a fun and festive Passover celebration from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Jewish Gateways, 409 Liberty St., El Cerrito. Free, but RSVP required. 559-8140. www.jewishgateways.org
Personal Theology Seminars with Natalie DaSilva on “Mindful Parenting: The Practice of Bringing a Mindful Presence to Parenting” at 10 a.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley, 1 Lawson Rd., Kensington. 525-0302, ext. 306.
“Sacred Text Revealed: The Oral Torah—Moral Evolution in the Talmud” taught by Rabbi Dean Kertesz, at 10:15 a.m. at Temple Beth Hillel, 801 Park Central, Richmond. 223-2560. www.templebethhillelrichmond.org
Tibetan Buddhism with Dave Abercrombie on “Achieving All Goals” 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
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
MONDAY, MARCH 30
Community Workshop for Grants from the UC Berkeley Chancellor’s Community Partnership Fund at 7 p.m. in Room B, North Berkeley Senior Center, 1901 Hearst. Please RSVP to calpartnershipfund@
berkeley.edu
“The Hidden Life of Bay Area Wildflowers” with Ken Lavin at at 10:30 a.m. at Oakland Museum of California, 10th and Oak sts., Oakland. 238-2200. www.museumca.org
Quit Smoking Class from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center, 1901 Hearst Ave. Free. Hypnosis available to assist in quitting smoking. Please pre-register. 981-5330. QuitNow@ci.berkeley.ca.us
“Where the Girls Are: Women Artists, Science, and Tech” with Marcia Tanner at 7:30 p.m. at 160 Kroeber Hall, UC campus. Sponsored by Berkeley Center for New Media/Art Techonology & Culture Colloquium. http://bcnm.berkeley.edu
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
Three Beats for Nothing South Mostly ancient part music for fun and practice meets every Mon. at 3 p.m. at the South Berkeley Senior Center, Ellis at Ashby. 655-8863.
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 31
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 Middle Harbor Regional Shoreline. Call for meeting place and if you need to borrow binoculars. 544-3265.
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.
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.
Conscientious Projector Film Series “Unrepentant” The story of Kevin Annett and Canadian indigenous human rights abuses at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists 1924 Cedar St. at Bonita. Kevin will be present. Suggested donation $10. 841-4824.
National Nutrition Month Cooking Demonstrations at 2:30 p.m. with Leif Hedendal and 4:30 p.m. with Christine Manoux at the Tuesday Farmers’ Market, Derby St. at MLK. 548-3333.
“Growing Sustainability in a Low-Carbon World” Speaker series sponsored by Inst. for Urban and Regional Development at 5:15 at Wurster Hall, UC campus. http://iurd.berkeley.edu
Hillside Club Book Lust Salon meets to discuss “Shakespeare’s Wife” with Germaine Greer at 7:30 p.m. at 2286 Cedar St. Non-member donation $5. 845-4870. www.hillsideclub.org/booklust
“Financial Fitness” A five-week series on Tues. from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at The HomeOwnership Center, 3301 East 12th St., Suite 201, Oakland. To register call 535-6943. homeownership@unitycouncil.org.
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
Improv Acting Class Play fun games that unleash your imagination, creativity, and confidence. Meets 6 p.m., Tues. at YWCA, 2600 Bancroft Way. Beginners welcome. Cost is $10. BerkeleyImprov.com
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.
Wheelchair Yoga at 4:30 p.m., Family Yoga on Sat. 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.
Berkeley Camera Club meets at 7:30 p.m., at the Northbrae Community Church, 941 The Alameda. 548-3991.
St. John’s Prime Timers meets at 9:30 a.m. at St. John’s Presbyterian Church, 2727 College Ave. We 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.
Rhythm Tap Exercise Class Tues. at 5 p.m. at Redwood Gardens, 2951 Derby St. Donation $2. 548-9840.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1
Berkeley Technology Academy Career Educational Fair with information on educational and career options other than the traditional four-year college and university route, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Berkeley Technology Academy, 2701 Martin Luther King Jr. Way. Free and open to all. 644-6159.
The 20th Anniversary Outstanding Woman of Berkeley Awards at 6 p.m. at the City of Berkeley’s Commission on the Status or Women meeting, North Berkeley Senior Center, 1901 Hearst Ave. 981-5347.
Berkeley Path Wanderers: Holy Hill Theme Walk As a thematic companion to her tour of churches in central Berkeley, Barbara Robben will lead this Easter exploration of the paths and institutions of Holy Hill. Meet at 10 a.m. at Scenic Ave. at the intersection of LeConte and Ridge. 528-3246.
“In An Age of Depoliticization” a lecture by Chinese political theorist Wang Hui and hosted by the Townsend Center for the Humanities, at 4 p.m. in the Geballe Room, 220 Stephens Hall, UC campus. Free. 643-9670.
Native Plant Nursery Workday from 1 to 3 p.m. at the MLK Jr. Shoreline, Oakland. Help plant 8,000 native seedlings at this shoreline park, including California poppy, western goldenrod, California bee plant and sticky monkey flower that will showcase beautiful flowers and provide habitat and food resources for pollinators and other animals. 452-9261 ext. 119.
UNA East Bay Chapter Book Club meets at noon to discuss “Chasing the Flame: Sergio de Mello and the Fight to Save the World” by Samantha Power at noon at United Nations Association East Bay Center, 1403B Addison St. Bring a bag lunch. 849-1752. unaeastbay@sbcglobal.net
Foreclosure Prevention A six-week class that meets Wed. at 6 p.m. at the The HomeOwnership Center, 3301 East 12th St., Suite 201, Oakland. To register call 535-6943. homeownership@unitycouncil.org.
“The Crash Course” Part 1. A documentary on the consequenses of having a monetary system that must grow tied to an energy system that can’t grow, at 7:30 p.m. at Humanist Hall, 390 27th St., Oakland. Donation $5. www.Humanist Hall.org
“Primitive Skills for Wilderness Survival” A presentation covering boatbuilding, fire-making and more at 7 p.m. at REI, 1338 San Pablo Ave. 527-4140.
East Bay Innovation Group meets to discuss financially informed agile software development at 6 p.m. at RHI, 1999 Harrison St., Suite 1100. Oakland. Cost is $10 for non-members. to register see www.ebig.org
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, APRIL 2
Toy Testing Clinic offered by the Center for Environmental Health which recently found high levels of lead in children’s jewelry and other products at stores such as Wal-Mart and Target. CEH is offering free testing to help parents in the Bay area know if their children’s toys are safe. New toys that test positive for lead at a clinic may be eligible for cash exchange, up to $25 for the first toy, $10 for second toy. From 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. at Kaiser Permanente Oakland Medical Center, Dept. of Pediatrics, 11th Floor Conference Room, 3505 Broadway, Oakland. 752-7397. www.ceh.org
Shorebird Migration A Thurs. evening class with Sun. field trips on the migration and reproduction strategies of shorebirds, reviews worldwide shorebird taxonomy, and identification issues of our local shorebirds. Held at the Oakland Museum of California. Cost is $70. Registration required. 843-2222. www.wingbeats.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
3rd “Not-A-Seder” Passover Cabaret at 7 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center, 3105 Shattuck Ave.Free. Hosted by the Progressive Jewish Alliance.
Red Cross Blood Drive from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Holy Names Univ., Brennan Lounge, 3500 Mountain Blvd., Oakland. To schedule an appointment go to www.BeADonor.com
Red Cross Blood Drive from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Kaiser Center Lobby, 300 Lakeside Dr., Oakland. To schedule an appointment go to www.BeADonor.com
Improv Acting Class Play fun games that unleash your imagination, creativity, and confidence. Meets 6:45 p.m., Thurs. at YWCA, 2600 Bancroft Way. Beginners welcome. Improv perfromance class at 8:15 p.m. Cost is $10. BerkeleyImprov.com
“High Power Laser Therapy: A New Advancement in the Treatment of Neuropathy” with Colle Hunt, Jr. at 1 p.m. at Seventh Day Adventist Church at 278 Grand Ave., Oakland. 653-8625.
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.
Fitness Class for 55+ at 9:15 a.m. at Jewish Community Center, 1414 Walnut St. 848-0237.
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, APRIL 3
Golden Gate Audubon Soicety Walk Around Jewel Lake in Tilden Park. 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. Breeding birds are returning, and we may be treated to some wonderful bird song. Heavy April showers cancels. www.goldengateaudubon.org
City Commons Club Noon Luncheon with Richard C. Boly, National Security Affairs Fellow, Hoover Institution, on “Promoting Entrepreneurship as US Foreign POlicy: Good for Business & and Our Image.” 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
Ferment Change A celebration of urban agriculture, food justice, fermented food and community. A benefit for City Slicker Farms in West Oakland, at 7:30 p.m. at Humanist Hall,390 27th St., Oakland. Cost is $10-$30, no on turned away. fermentchange.wordpress.com
“NASA 100 Hours of Astronomy” free viewing through the telescopes Fri. and Sat. from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. at Chabot Space & Science Center, 10000 Skyline Blvd., Oakland. www.chabotspace.org
Red Cross Blood Drive from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Waste Management, Large Training Room, 172 98th Ave., Oakland. To schedule an appointment go to www.BeADonor.com
April Fool’s Weekend At Playland-Not-At-The-Beach Celebrate April Fools with our crew of professional jokesters, play pranks and get them played on you from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fri. and Sat. at Playland-Not-At-The-Beach, 10979 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito. Cost is $5-$10. 592-3002. www.playland-not-at-the-beach.org
Berkeley Women in Black weekly vigil from noon to 1 p.m. at Bancroft and Telegraph. Our focus is human rights in Palestine. 548-6310.
Three Beats for Nothing Mostly ancient part music for fun and practice meets every Fri. at 10 a.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center, Hearst at MLK. 655-8863. asiecker@sbcglobal
Berkeley Chess Club meets every Fri. at 7 p.m. at the Hillside School, 1581 Le Roy Ave. 843-0150.
SATURDAY, APRIL 4
Sustainable Gardening Class for Children Have fun getting your hands dirty and come away with seeds & ideas for your garden. For ages 4-9 and their parents 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.
Creating Year-Round Edible Gardens Learn how to garden care, reducing chores and using as few resources, from water to fertilizer, as possible. This hands-on workshop will offer vegetable gardening basics including: soil preparation, when and what to plant for our local climate, companion planting and pest control, plus creative ways to use your bountiful harvest. Seeds, catalogs, regional food source information, and other handouts will be provided. From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Ploughshares Nursery, 2701 Main St., at the old naval base, Alameda. Register online. www.stopwaste.org/home/index.asp?page=625
“Spring Blooming Perennials and Shrubs” a talk by Aerin Moore, at 10 a.m. at Magic Gardens, 729 Heinz Ave. 644-2351. www.magicgardens.com
“Afghanistan: What is A Progressive Solution?” discussion led by Conn Hallinan at 10 a.m. at Niebyl-Proctor Library, 6501 Telegraph Ave. between Alcatraz and 66th, Oakland. 595-7417.
Wildcat Summer Camp Open House A preview of games and activities from the summer from 1 to 4 p.m. at East Bay Waldorf School, 3800 Clark Rd., El Sobrante. 223-3570. www.eastbaywaldorf.org
Artists’ Marketing Workshop “How To Find and Keep Collectors” from 10:30 a.m. to noon at Frank Bette Center for the Arts, 1601 Paru St., Alameda. Cost is $15 members, $25 non-members. 523-6957. info@frankbettecenter.org
Arts at St. Alban’s Storytelling and Music with Joyce Parry Moore and Jack Hayes, a multi-disciplinary series for children, ages 5-10. Parents invited. From 10 to 11:30 a.m. at St. Alban’s Episcopal Church, 1501 Washington Ave., Albany. Free, donations accepted. To register call 525-1716. info@st-albans-albany.org
“David Ramadanoff, This is Your YPSO Life” A night at the movies celebrating David’s 20 years as music director, at 7:30 p.m. at Auctions by the Bay Theater, 2700 Saratoga St., Alameda. Tickets are $10-$15. RSVP to 849-9776.
Preschool Storytime, including crafts and finger plays at 11 a.m. at The Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave., Albany. 526-3720 ext. 16.
Passover Celebration for Young Children at 10:30 a.m. at Jewish Gateways, 409 Liberty St., El Cerrito. Free. 559-8140. www.jewishgateways.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, APRIL 5
A Peak Hike Join a vigorous 3-mile nature hike to Wildcat Peak for a view of the Bay and beyond, from 10 a.m. to noon. Bring water and snack. Call for meeting place. 525-2233.
Spring Spiders Learn about the life of a spider, then explore the meadow for wolf spiders, jumping spiders, crab spiders and more, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at Tilden Nature Area, Tilden Park. 525-2233.
East Bay Tracking Club meets every first Sunday of the month in the East Bay to share tracking, survival, wilderness, nature awareness and naturalist skills from 8:30 a.m. to noon at Seabreeze Market, University Ave. and Frontage Rd. To subscribe to the group email eastbaytrackers-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Berkeley Hiking Club goes to Muir Woods Meet at Shattuck Ave. and Berkeley Way at 8:30 a.m. or meet at Mountain Home at 9:30 a.m. We will hike a variety of trails at a moderate pace for approx 7-8 miles. Rain cancels. 654-3148.
Eggstravaganza: The Wonder of Eggs A family exploration event from 1 to 4 p.m. at Oakland Museum of California, 1000 Oak at 10th, Oakland. Cost is $5-$8. 238-2200. www.museumca.org
“Naturally-Dyed Easter Eggs” A workshop to introduce children to natural dyes from 1 to 2 p.m. at UC Botnical Garden. Cost is $15-$20. Registreation required. 643-2755.
Berkeley Rep Family Series “Fools, Clowns and Jesters” 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.
“Pesach for Preschoolers” for children ages 2-5 and their grown-ups from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at . Kehilla Community Synagogue, 1300 Grand Ave., Piedmont. Learn with your child about the joy and meaning of the Passover holiday and enjoy an age-appropriate model seder. Cost is $18 per family. Pre-registration required. 547-2424, ext. 100. www.KehillaSynagogue.org
Personal Theology Seminars with Beth Glick-Rieman on “The Scared Scriptures and How they Shaped my Life” 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
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
Mental Health Commission meets Thurs., March 26, at 5 p.m. at 2640 MLK Jr. Way, at Derby. 981-5217.
Zoning Adjustments Board meets Thurs., March 26, at 7 p.m., in City Council Chambers. 981-7430.
Disaster and Fire Safety Commission meets Wed., April 1,at 7 p.m., at the Emergency Operations Center, 997 Cedar St. 981-5502.
Landmarks Preservation Commission meets Thurs., April 2, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-7429.
Community Environmental Advisory Commission meets Thurs., April 2, at 7 p.m., at 2118 Milvia St. Nabil Al-Hadithy, 981-7460.
