Community Calendar
THURSDAY, APRIL 16
Walkers age 50+ Discovering Albany and North Berkeley Small Gardens Meet at 9 a.m. at Albany Sneior Center, 843 Masonic. Free, but numbers limited. Register at Albany Senior Center. 524-9122.
Tilden Tots Join a nature adventure program for 3 and 4 year olds, each accompanied by an adult (grandparents welcome)! We’ll look for signs of spring, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. Cost is $6-$8. Registration required. 1-888-327-2757.
Community Meeting on Berkeley’s Housing Needs at 7 p.m. at the South Berkeley Senior Center, 2939 Ellis St. 981-7416.
“The Falcons of San Francisco and San Jose City Hall” with Glenn Stewart, conservation biologist, at 7 p.m. at Northbrae Community Church, 941 The Alameda. 843-2222.
Marine Mammals of the California Coast through Deep Time with Dr. Nick Pyenson at 12:30 p.m. at Oakland Museum of California, 1000 Oak at 10th, Oakland. Cost is $5-$8. 238-2200. www.museumca.org
“Jews, Arabs, and Government Officials: Power Relations Inside Israel Today” with Israeli author David Wesley at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists, Cedar and Bonita sts. 548-3048.
Take Back the Night Rally and reception with guest speakers, music, prose, poetry, and an open mic from 5 to 8 p.m. at Sproul Plaza, UC campus. geneq.berkeley.edu
Berkeley High School Red and Golden Girls Annual Reunion Luncheon at the Berkeley City Club. Women who graduated from BHS fifty or more years ago are eligible to attend. 526-3619.
8th Annual Master Hsuan Hua Memorial Lecture “In Search of an Authentic Buddhism: Voices from Ancient Texts, Calls from the Modern World” at 7 p.m. at the Graduate Theological Union’s Chapel of the Great Commission, 1798 Scenic Ave. Free and open to the public. 848-9788.
Circle of Concern Vigil meets on West Lawn of UC campus across from Addison and Oxford, at noon 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
Free Meditation Class Tues and Thurs. at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarians, 2nd flr., 1606 Bonita Ave. 931-7742.
FRIDAY, APRIL 17
City Commons Club Noon Luncheon with Brian Williams, Founder and CEO of the Red Panda Network on “In Search of the Red Panda” 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.
“Show and Tell” Bring a found object, a poem, a memory, or something you have created and share why it inspires you, at 6 p.m. at Mercury 20 Gallery, 25 Grand Ave. at Broadway, Oakland. mercurytwenty@gmail.com
Faith into Action Conference Empowering African American families and communities through community organizing, Fri. and Sat. at Beebe Memorial Church, 3900 Telegraph Ave., Oakland. Free, but registration required. 639-1444.
“Compassionate Violence, Torture and Warfare in the Bodhisattva Ideal” with Prof. Steve Jenkins, Humbolt State Univ., at 5 p.m. at Jodo Shinshu Center, 2140 Durant Ave. RSVP to 809-1444.
“Cinema Dreaming: In the Mood for Love” at 7 p.m. at The Dream Institute, 1672 University at McGee. Cost is $10. 845-1767. http://dream-institute.org
Demonstrate for Peace! Bring your signs and determination from 2 to 4 p.m. at Acton and University aves.
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 18
People’s Park 40th Anniversary “Acoustic Music and Park Action Day” from noon until dark, with performances by Little Boy Blue, Human Wine, Little B & J, Hungry Theater, Corey the Comedian, and others. 390-0830. www.peoplespark.org
Berkeley Historical Society Spring Walking Tour “The Radical Sixties and People’s Park” led by Dale Smith, from 10 a.m. to noon. Cost is $8-$10. For reservations and starting point call 848-0181.
Berkeley Path Wanderers: Improved and Impassible Paths Theme Walk The walk will cover many paths improved in recent years by BPWA. We will also pass by and look at several not-yet-improved paths to show how much is involved in building the new paths. This walk is moderately strenuous, come prepared for a lot of ups and downs, interspersed with some flat stretches. Meet at 10 a.m. at the fountain across from new hills Fire Station #7, 3000 Shasta Rd., 1/2 block from Grizzly Peak Blvd. www.berkeleypaths.org
Native Plant Restoration from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Martin Luther King Jr. Shoreline, Oakland. Located near Arrowhead Marsh, this site is a great place to bird-gaze while getting your hands dirty. Enter the park from Swan Way and follow the road to the end parking lot. Then look for the wooden observation platform adjacent to Arrowhead Marsh. jrobinson@goldengateaudubon.org
Edith Coliver Festival of Cultures with dance, drama, food and exhibits, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at International House, 2299 Piedmont Ave. 642-9461.
Celebration of Children’s Literature with authors, illustrators, costumed characters, storytelling and activities from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Tolman Hall, UC campus. http://gse/berkeley.edu/childlit.html
Cal Day on the UC Berkeley Campus with tours, lectures, performances and more. For a schedule of activities see calday.berkeley.edu
Berkeley Alliance of Neighborhood Associations meets at 9:30 a.m. in the Calvin Room at First Presbyterian Church Berkeley, 2407 Dana St.
Home Front Youth Corps Celebration of the completion of a new video about the WWII home front produced by Richmond youth, at 5 p.m. at the Seaver Gallery, Richmond Museum of History, 400 Nevin Ave., Richmond. Free. 232-5050.
Spring Open House at The Crucible with an art show and information on classes in glassworking, bronze casting, ceramics, fire performance and the Youth Hyphy Bike class, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 1260 7th St., Oakland. www.thecrucible.org
Earth Day at Chabot with activities including solar cars, vacuum chambers, glitter globe and more from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Chabot Space & Science Center, 10000 Skyline Blvd., Oakland. Cost is $10.95-$14.95. www.chabotspace.org
Homebuyers Education from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at The HomeOwnership Center, 3301 East 12th St., Suite 201, Oakland. To register call 535-6943. homeownership@unitycouncil.org
California Writers Club “Yes, Grammar Can Be Fun” with Janis Bell, author of “Clean Well-Lighted Sentences” at 10 a.m. at Barnes & Noble, Jack London Square, 98 Brioadway, Oakland. 272-0120. www.berkeleywritersclub.com
Weekend with John Sherman Sat. from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. and Sun. from 1 to 5:30 p.m. at Grace North Church, 2138 Cedar St. Free, but registration required for Sun. workshop. www.riverganga.org
Beginning Internet Class “How to Google or Search the Web” at 10 a.m. at El Cerrito Library, 6510 Stockton Ave., El Cerrito. Free, but call to sign up 526-7512.
Small Animal Adoption Fair with Earth Day activities from 1 to 5 p.m. at RabbitEARS, 377 Colusa Ave., Kensington. 525-6155.
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.
Shortest Triathlon Ever Join a 100-yard swim, a 2.5 mile bike ride and a 2.1 mile run to benefit Emeryville School District’s Health and Fitness programs, at 6:30 a.m. at City Hall, 1333 Park Ave., Emeryville. Cost is $35-$55, $1 for Emeryville students. To register see www.sportsdrs.com
“Write for your Life: Victories and Defeats and How they Shaped my Life” A workshop with Beth Glick-Rieman from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley, 1 Lawson Rd., Kensington. Cost is $40, bring bag lunch. 525-0302, ext. 306.
Preschool Storytime, including crafts and finger plays at 11 a.m. at The Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave., Albany. 526-3720 ext. 16.
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
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 19
Golden Gate Audubon Bird Walk from 9 a.m. to noon at Martin Luther King, Jr. Shoreline, Arrowhead Marsh, Oakland to look for passerines and lingering over-wintering waterfowl and shorebirds, some coming into breeding plumage. www.goldengateaudubon.org
Nature Crafts for Early Educators Learn to make easy crafts that reinforce concepts in nature from noon to 3 p.m. at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. Bring a bag lunch. Cost is $20-$22. Registration required. 1-888-327-2757.
Paddle Demo Day at San Pablo Reservior at 10 a.m. for REI members and noon for the general public. For information see www.rei.com/paddledemo
Earth Day at the Oakland Zoo with activities for families including learning about animals, recycling, and environmental organizations, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 9777 Golf Links Rd., Oakland. Bring a used cell phone to recycle, and receive a free train ride. Cost is $5-$12. 632-9525.
“Constantine's Sword” James Carroll’s documentary on the history of Christianity and the U.S. government’s complicity in militarism and war, at 7:30 p.m. at Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists, 1924 Cedar St. at Bonita. Cost is $5-$10. 841-4824. www.bfuu.org
Personal Theology Seminars with Rabbi Harry Manhoff on “Little Known Facts and Other Trivia about the Passover” at 10 a.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley, 1 Lawson Rd., Kensington. 525-0302, ext. 306.
Beginning Meditation from 8 to 9:15 a.m. at 3654 Grand Ave., Oakland. 834-COZY.
Free Garden Tours at Regional Parks Botanic Garden in Tilden Park Sat. and Sun. at 2 p.m. Call to confirm. 841-8732.
Tibetan Buddhism with Olivia Hurd on “Meditations to Open the Heart” at 6 p.m. at the Tibetan Nyingma Institute, 1815 Highland Pl. 809-1000. www.nyingmainstitute.com
MONDAY, APRIL 20
“A New President Takes Office: 28th Panel on the Presidency” at 7:30 p.m. at 155 Dwinelle, UC campus. To reserve a space call 642-4111.
People’s Park 40th Anniversary A Celebration of Medical Marijuana at 4:20 p.m. in the Park. 390-0830. www.peoplespark.org
People’s Park 40th Anniversary “Visual History of People’s Park Film Fest” at 7 p.m. at Redwood Gardens, 2951 Derby St. See selected clips of Claire Burch’s new film “People’s Park, Then and Now,” Newsreel’s 1969 short, David Blackman slideshow and more. 390-0830. www.peoplespark.org
“Living Well with Parkinson’s Disease” from 10:30 a.m. to noon at Studio One, 365 45th St., Oakland. To register call 479-6119. info@pdactive.org
Week of the Young Child, with events for children and families, Mon. through Fri. Cost is $7-$8. For details see www.habitot.org
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.
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.
TUESDAY, APRIL 21
Earth Week Activities at Berkeley City College Author Raj Patel will discuss “Stuffed and Starved” at 12:15 p.m. in the BCC Auditorium, 2050 Center St. http://vistawww.peralta.edu
“Got Free Speech” panel and community discussion at 6 p.m. in Berkeley Public Library’s 3rd Floor meeting room, 2090 Kittredge St. Sponsored by the 40th Anniversary People’s Park Organizing Committee. 390-0830. www.peoplespark.org
“People’s Park Potluck & Folk Show” with Darryl Cherney and Carol Denney at 8 p.m. at Unitarian Fellowship, 1924 Cedar. 390-0830. www.peoplespark.org
Free Urban Bicycle Safety Class: Learn to Drive a Bike A 3.5-hour classroom course teaches the basics of safe cycling, riding in traffic, equipment, crash avoidance, rights and responsibilities. Must be 14 and over. No bike needed. From 6 to 9:30 p.m. at Berkeley City College, Conference Room 415. www.ebbc.org/safety
Foreclosure Survival Guide with Stephen Elias, the author of “Foreclosure Survival Guide” from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at Barnes & Noble, Jack London Square, Oakland. Presented by The Alameda County Law Library in conjunction with Nolo Press and Barnes & Noble. 208-4832.
Tilden Explorers An after-school nature adventure program for 5-7 year olds. We will learn about wildflowers from 3:15 to 4:15 p.m.. Cost is $6-$8, registration required. 1-888-EBPARKS.
Berkeley Garden Club Spring Tea and Floral Design Presentation with Kay Wolff on “Making Arrangements” 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 5:15 at Wurster Hall, UC campus. http://iurd.berkeley.edu
“On Developments in Nepal and the Stakes for the Communist Movement” at 7 p.m. at Revolution Books, 2425 Channing Way. 848-1196. www.revolutionbooks.org
“Ashram Diary in India with Bed e Griffiths” with Father Thomas Matus at 7:30 p.m. at Berkeley Buddhist Monastery, 2304 McKinley Ave. www.ahimsaberkeley.org
“How Our Thoughts Affect Our Health” with Irma Botvin and Larry Berkelhammer at 12:30 p.m. at Maffley Auditorium, Herrick Campus, Alta Bates Summit Medical Center, 2001 Dwight Way. 644-3273.
“Job Hunting 2.0” Learn about some of the new oneline tools available to help you find a new job at 7 p.m. at the Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave. 526-3720, ext. 20.
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. 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 always welcome new members over 50. 845-6830.
Bridge for beginners from 12:30 to 2:15 p.m., all others 12:30 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
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. www.niroga.org
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22
Earth Week Activities at Berkeley City College with Frank Snapp on “Water-Wise Urban Ecology” at 12:30 p.m. in the BCC auditorium, 2050 Center St. http://vistawww.peralta.edu/
Golden Gate Audubon Society Bird Walk at Lake Merritt and Lakeside Park Meet at 9:30 a.m. at the large spherical cage near Nature Center at Perkins and Bellevue. www.goldengateaudubon.org
Easy Does It Emergency Services Health Fair with blood pressure screenings, information on health and disability services, massages and more from 2 to 5 p.m. at People’s Park. 704-2179.
“Broke State? Will the May 19th Ballot fix it? Does the 2 / 3 Budget Vote Rule Hold the Legislature Hostage?” at the Berkeley-East Bay Gray Panthers meeting at 1:30 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center, 1901 Hearst, corner of MLK. 486-8010.
“From Fungi to Genetically Modified Organism (GMOs)” A presentation and discussion with UCB Prof. Ignacio Chapela at 7 p.m. at Revolution Books at 2425 Channing Way. 848-1196.
Earth Week Activities at Berkeley City College Laura Harnish from the Environmental Defense Fund will be speaking on “California’s Drought, Policy, and the California Delta” at 6:30 p.m. in the BCC Auditorium, 2050 Center St. http://vistawww.peralta.edu/
“The Intersection of Sustainability and Social Justice” with Jakada Imani of the Ella Baker Center at 7 p.m. on April 22 in the Windrush Library, Windrush School, 1800 Elm St., El Cerrito. 970-7580.
“Made in America” A documentary by Stacy Peralta on gang violence among young African Americans in South Los Angeles, at 6:30 p.m. at Oakland Museum of California, 1000 Oak at 10th, Oakland. Cost is $5-$8. 238-2200. www.museumca.org
Conservation Speaker Series “All About Bears” at 6:30 p.m. in the Marian Zimmer Auditorium, Oakland Zoo. Donation is $10-$20, $5 for high school students. www.oaklandzoo.org
“Green” Kids Day at Habitot Children’s Museum Activities for children ages 0-6 to celebrate Earth Day. Cost is $7-$8. www.habitot.org
Tour of the Berkeley City Club, designed by Julia Morgan, from 1 to 4 p.m. at 2315 Durant Ave. Sponsored by the Landmark Heritage Foundation. 848-7800.
“Walking Tours: Exploring Cities on Foot” with author Tom Downs at 6 p.m. at West Auditorium, Oakland Main Library, 125 14th St. at Oak. 238-3136.
Open House at Kehilla School A Jewish learning after-school Program in Piedmont for Grades 1-6. Come observe classes and learn about our educational philosophy, Wed. and Thurs. from 4 to 6 p.m. at Kehilla Community Synagogue, 1300 Grand Ave., Piedmont. RSVP to 547-2424 ext. 104. Rosh@KehillaSynagogue.org
Women of Color Resource Center Brown Bag Lunch with Frances M. Beale on gnder, race, and women’s liberation in the age of Obama at 12:30 p.m. at WCRC, 1611 Telegraph Ave., Suite #303, Oakland. RSVP to 444-2700, ext. 304.
“Changing Your Life in a Changing Economy” with presentations by real estate and financial planning advisors at 2:30 p.m. at Salem Lutheran Home, 2361 East 29th St., Oakland. Free. 434-2871.
Confused by Computers? Novice computer users can get one-on-one assistance from noon to 1:45 p.m. at the Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave., Albany. Sign up for an appointment at the reference desk or call 526-3720 ext. 5.
“Benefits of Meditation and Spiritual Lifestyle” with Jimi Bridges at 7:30 p.m. at Fireside Room, upstairs, Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists, 1606 Bonita Ave. 290-3013.
Problem Gambling Regional Summit to raise awareness about problem gambling from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in downtown Oakland. RSVP to 213-625-5795. nicoschc.org
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
Tibetan Buddhism with Sylvia Gretchen on “The Healing Power of Tibetan Art” at 8 p.m. at the Tibetan Nyingma Institute, 1815 Highland Pl. 809-1000. www.nyingmainstitute.com
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 23
Earth Week Activities at Berkeley City College Merrian Fuller and Timothy Burrows on Renewable Energy at 12:15 p.m. in the BCC Auditorium, 2050 Center St. http://vistawww.peralta.edu/
People’s Park 40th Anniversary “People’s Voice Poetry” with poets Al Young, Julia Vinograd, John Oliver Simon, Alta, HD Moe, Kirk Lumpkin, Paradise, Christian, Arnie Passman, and more, at 7 p.m. at Caffe Mediterraneum, 2475 Telegraph. 390-0830. www.peoplespark.org
Tilden Explorers An after-school nature adventure program for 5-7 year olds. We will learn about wildflowers from 3:15 to 4:15 p.m.. Cost is $6-$8, registration required. 1-888-EBPARKS.
“Prefab Green” with Michelle Kaufmann at 7:30 p.m. at Builder’s Booksource, 1817 Fourth St. 845-6874.
“What I Saw in Gaza” with Middle East Children’s Alliance Executive Director Barbara Lubin at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists Hall, 1924 Cedar at Bonita. Donation $5-$10. 526-2900. www.bfuu.org
“Straightlaced” A film with unscripted high school youth from around the country speaking candidly about harmful pressures caused by rigid gender roles and homophobia at 7 p.m. at Grand Lake Theater, 3200 Grand Ave. Oakland. Benefits MetWest High School and the Straightlaced educational campaign. Tickets are $10-$30 (sliding scale) and available online at www.groundspark.org
LiveTalk@CPS with Prof. Ron Hassner “Religion and Counterinsurgency” at 7 p.m. at College Prepatory School, Buttner Auditorium, 6100 Broadway. Tickets are $5-$15 at the door. www.college-prep.org/livetalk
“Project Joy: Healing and Strengthening our Children through Play” with a showing of the documentary “A Break in the Clouds” at 7 p.m. at the Greenlining Institute, 1918 University Ave., 2nd flr. www.projectjoy.com
College Admissions and Career Planning Information Sponsored by UC Berkeley Extension, at 5:30 p.m. at 1995 University Ave. To reserve a space call 642-4111.
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.
“Revolutionary Love and Martial Non-violence” with Buddhist leader Sulak Sivaraksa at 7:30 p.m. at Wheeler Auditorium, UC campus. Free.
Buddhist Class on Shikan Meditation at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists, Cedar at Bonita. http://caltendai.org
FRIDAY, APRIL 24
City Commons Club Noon Luncheon with Kevin Ambrogi, former volunteer, Nature Elephant Camp, Chiang Mai, Thailand, on “The Elephant in Thailand’s Culture: The Legend and the Reality.” 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
People’s Park 40th Anniversary “Founders Forum” with the Park’s original creators: Wendy Schlesinger, Michael Delacour, Frank Bardacke, Sim Van der Ryn and others, with poetry and music, at 5 p.m. at Ashkenaz, 1317 San Pablo Ave. Suggested donation $15. 390-0830. www.peoplespark.org
“How to Belive in God: Whether You Believe in Religion or Not” with author Clark Strand at 7 p.m. at the Jodo Shinshu Center, 2140 Durant Ave. Free, donation accepted. 809-1460. www.cbe-bca.org
Dance Around the Pacific School of Religion Campus, 1798 Scenic Ave. from noon to 12:30 p.m. in celebration of National Dance Week. Everyone is welcome to join.
Lunar Lounge Express A night of interactive exhibits, telescope viewing, and live music from 7 to 11 p.m. at Chabot Space & Science Center, 10000 Skyline Blvd., Oakland. Cost is $15-$20. www.chabotspace.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 25
Berkeley Earth Day with cultural performances, activities, community information booths, food and crafts, from noon to 5 p.m. at Civic Center Park, MLK and Allston.
Swap Your Old Floor Lamp for a new energy saving version, free at Berkeley Earth Day! Do you have a tall halogen floor lamp in your home? These lamps waste electricity, and are dangerous: they can overheat and start fires. Bring along your old 300-watt halogen floor lamp with your PG&E bill to Berkeley Earth Day, and Rising Sun Energy Center will give you a new fluorescent version of the same light quality and brightness, for free. For more information call 665-1501.
Community Clean-up and Barbeque Work on projects to beautify the James Kenney neighborhood, from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at James Kenney Recreation Center, 1720 Eighth St. 981-6650.
“How To Be An Informed Citizen” Informational displays on local water resources, food supply, energy needs and consumption the Atrium of Berkeley City College, 2050 Center St.
The New School of Berkeley International Family Fair and raffle with games and activities for children, live entertainment and food, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Bonita St. between Cedar and Virginia. 548-9165.
Contra Costa Civic Theatre in El Cerrito Preview Party to announce the shows for the 50th season, introduce their directors, and reveal further celebration plans. Tickets are $20. www.ccct.org
Women’s Multicultural Leadership Conference for women and multicultural communities, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at UCB’s Life Sciences Building, to activate and train women to become leaders in work, media, and politics. For admission and more information see www.engageher.org
Benjamin Jealous, National President of the NAACP speaks on his vision for the organization as it celebrates its 100th anniversary, at 6 p.m. at Oakland Museum of California, 1000 Oak at 10th, Oakland. 238-2200. www.museumca.org
Establishing a Home Culinary Herb Garden Learn how to cultivate, fertilize, plant and tend a productive annual herb garden and how to incorporate plantings of perennial herbs into your backyard landscape. Herb plants started by the students of King Middle School will be offered for sale to participants in this class. From 2 to 4 p.m. To register, contact Kyle Cornforth, Program Coordinator at kyle@chezpanissefoundation.org
Vegetarian Cooking Class: Hearty Homestyle Italian 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
“Flow: For Love of Water” Documentary by French filmmaker Irena Salinas on why corporations control our most precious resource and what is being done, what we can do, at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists, 1924 Cedar at Bonita. 495-5132. www.bfuu.org
“The Wisdom of Sustainability: Buddhist Ecnomics for the 21st Century” with Sulak Sivaraksa at 10:15 a.m. at Berkeley Zen Center, 1933 Russell St.
Golden Gate Sacred Harp Singing School from 1 to 4 p.m. at All Saints Episcopal Chapel, 2451 Ridge Rd. Donation $10 requested. 451-6299.
Oakland Free Dance Festival featuring 27 free introductory one hour social dance classes in four rooms from 1 to 7 p.m. at Oakland Veterans Hall, 200 Grand Ave., Oakland. www.bayareandw.org
Monthly Go Tournament Come play or watch the world’s oldest board game, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Oakland Asian Cultural Center, 388 Ninth St., Suite 290, Oakland. Registration opens at 9 a.m. www.bayareago.org
Preschool Storytime, including crafts and finger plays at 11 a.m. at The Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave., Albany. 526-3720 ext. 16.
Beginning Internet Class “All About Email” at 10 a.m. at El Cerrito Library, 6510 Stockton Ave., El Cerrito. Free, but call to sign up 526-7512.
Volunteer training for Circle of Care, a program of the East Bay Agency for Children in Oakland. For more information email Shoshana at Shoshana@ebac.org wwww.ebac.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
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 26
People’s Park 40th Anniversary “People’s Park 40th Anniversary Concert” noon till dusk in People’s Park with performances by Jonathan Richman, Terry Garthwaite and Family, Shelley Doty, Country Joe, Wavy Gravy, Phoenix, All Nations Singers, Nefer Tem Belly Dance, Carol Denney, “IS” from Berkeley High and more! Also children’s activities and food. 390-0830. www.peoplespark.org
Save Strawberry Canyon 5 Mile Fun Run at 9 a.m. in Strawberry Canyon. Participation donation is $15. For informarion email savestrawberrycanyon@gmail.com
Albany Spring Art & Music Festival from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Memorial Park on 1325 Portland Ave. There will be music by Jimbo Trout and the FishPeople, puppet shows, art and craft booths, poetry, food, low cost bike tune ups, chalk art and much more.
Help Restore the Berkeley Meadow with Friends of Five Creeks by removing invasives and resotring 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
Secret Gardens of the East Bay A self-guided tour from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. to benefit Park Day School. Tickets are $45. A Village Marketplace will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Park Day School, 370 43rd St., at Shafter, Oakland. To register for the tour call 653-0317, ext. 103. www.SecretGardenTour.org
A Tribute to Rev: Celebrating the Life of Ron Stallings at 7:30 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center, 3105 Shattuck Ave. Cost is $12 at the door. 849-2568.
“Four Legends of Feminism: Gloria Steinem, Dolores Huerta, Aileen Hernandez, and Yuri Kochiyama” interviewed as part of Engage Her’s Multicultural Women’s Leadership Conference at 7 p.m. in the Life Sciences Auditorium, UC campus. Tickets are $25. www.engageher.org
Salsa Dancing in the Stacks Celebrate National Dance Week with salsa lesson from Gale Robinson, from 3:30 to 5 p.m. in the Historic Lobby, 2nd flr of the Berkeley Public Library, 2090 Kittredge St. All skill levels welcome. 981-6241.
Medicinal Plants of the Bay Area: A Bioregional Exploration from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Huckleberry Botanical Preserve, Skyline Blvd., Oakland. Make sure to bring water, snacks/lunch, hat/sunscreen, a notebook, and a camera. Cost is $25. To register call 428-1810.
Mad Hot Klezmer Dance Party Lessons at 7 p.m., dance party at 8 pm. at JCC East Bay, 1414 Walnut St. Tickets are $5-$20. 848-0237. www.klezcalifornia.org
Oakland Aviation Museum Open Cockpit Day with docent guided tours of the Short Solent Flying Boat featured in the movie Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark are available all day from noon to 4 p.m. at 8252 Earhart Rd., Bldg. 621, Historic North Field, Oakland Intl. Airport. Cost is $5-$9. 638-7100. www.oaklandaviationmuseum.org
Free Hands-on Bicycle Clinic Learn how to maintain your bike in excellent working condition, from 11 a.m. to noon at REI, 1338 San Pablo Ave. Bring your bike and tools. 527-4140.
Free Sailboat Rides from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Cal Sailing Club, Berkeley Marina. Wear warm, waterproof clothing and bring a change of clothes in case you get wet. Children 5 and over welcome with parent or guardian. www.cal-sailing.org
“An Eco-Materialist Critique of Historical Materialism” with Craig Collins from 10 a.m. to noon at the Niebyl Proctor Library, 6501 Telegraph Ave. Oakland. 595-7417.
Personal Theology Seminars with John McNally on “How Studying Near Death Experiences Has Benefitted and Informed my Spiritual Life” at 10 a.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley,
