Events Listings

Community Calendar

Thursday December 10, 2009 - 09:21:00 AM

THURSDAY, DEC. 10 

Walkers Age 50+ Waterfront Bird Walk meet at 9 a.m. at Sea Breeze Deli, 598 University Ave. Dress for all weather, bring binoculars if you have them. Pre-registration required. Call 524-9122. 

Berkeley Historical Society “A Bouquet of Boutique Hotels” Visit three local hotels all decorated for the holidays, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. For reservations and starting point call 848-0181. 

Berkeley School Volunteers, New Volunteer Orientation from 10 to 11 a.m. at 1835 Allston Way. Bring a photo ID and two references to the orientation. Returning volunteers do not need to attend. For further information 644-8833. 

East Bay Mac Users Group with Joe Bauder on holiday gift ideas at 7 p.m. at Expression College for Digital Arts, 6601 Shellmound St., Emeryville. ebmug.org 

Babies and Toddlers Storytime at 10:15 and 11:15 a.m. at the Kensington Library, 61 Arlington Ave., Kensington. 524-3043. 

“Thinking Grande!” a documentary about a Mexican immigrant with big dreams, at 7:30 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $10. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

Holiday Night Market from 5 to 10 p.m. at Jack London Square. www.jacklondonsquare.com 

Red Cross Blood Drive from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Oakland Federal Bldg., Conference room H, 1301 Clay St., Oakland. To schedule an appointment go to www.helpsavealife.org 

Community Yoga Class: Gentle Yoga, Thurs. at 10 a.m. at James Kenney Parks and Recreation Center, 8th St. and Virginia. Cost is $6. Mats provided. 207-4501. 

FRIDAY, DEC. 11 

City Commons Club Noon Luncheon with Ms. Janice King on “Mae West—Diamond Lill” 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 527-2173.  

Solstice Celebration in Song An evening of participatory singing, at 7:15 p.m. at First Congregational Church of Berkeley, small assembly room, 2345 Channing Way. All welcome. Suggested donation $15-$20. betsy@betsyrosemusic.org 

Climate Change Vigil Join us for a candlelight vigil and bike ride to demand action, not just words, at the UN Climate Conference in Copenhagen at 5:45 p.m. at the Downtown Berkeley BART, followed by bike ride through Berkeley at 6:15 p.m. www.350.org/node/13250 

West County Reads Bookraiser with Santa, Jean Paul the magician and Asheba in concert from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at 6927 Stockton Ave., El Cerrito. Bring a new or gently used book to donate to West County Reads. 528-5350. 

ACCI Holiday Arts Celebration and sale from 4 to 8 p.m. at 1652 Shattuck Ave. 843-2527. www.accigallery.com 

Holiday Night Market from 5 to 10 p.m. at Jack London Square. www.jacklondonsquare.com 

The Bubble Lady with bubble tricks for the whole family at 11 a.m. at Studio Grow, 1235 10th St. Cost is $9. 526-9888. 

Kol Hadash Chanukah Celebration Potluck at 6:30 p.m. at Albany Community Center, 1249 Marin Ave. For potluck assignments see www.kolhadash.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. 

Stand With Us Stand for Peace Stand with Israel vigil every Friday from noon to 1 p.m. at Bancroft and Telegraph. www.sfvoiceforisrael.org 

SATURDAY, DEC. 12 

Holiday Pancake Breakfast from 9 to 11 a.m. at El Cerrito Community Center, 7007 Moeser Lane, El Cerrito. Hosted by the Recreation Department and includes a visit from Santa and a holiday marionette show appropriate for all ages. Tickets are $8. Donation barrels will be available to support the El Cerrito/Richmond Fire and Police Holiday Toy Program. For tickets call 559-7000. 

“Folk Art Nativity Scenes” An exhibition of over 250 native folk art nativity scenes from North and South America, Africa, Asia and Europe. Sat. from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sun. from noon to 4 p.m. 843-2678. www.stclementsberkeley.org 

Berkeley Farmers’ Market Holiday Fair, with music, crafts and organic produce and lunches, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Civic Center Park, Center St. at Martin Luther King, Jr. Way. www.ecologycenter.org 

Telegraph Avenue Holiday Street Fair Sat. and Sun. from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., with music, street artists, merchants and community groups, on Telegraph between Bancroft and Dwight. 

Small Critter Adoption and Toy Making Fair Learn how to make toys for your pet bunny, guinea pig, hamster, rat or mouse, or for shelter animals, from 1 to 4 p.m. at RabbitEars, 377 Colusa Ave., Kensington. 525-6155. www.rabbitears.org 

Berkeley Artisans Open Studios Sat. and Sun. from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.. Fo map see www.berkeleyartisans.com 

Latke and Beer Fest with Jewish music and activities for children Sat. and Sun. from noon to 4 p.m. at Saul’s Deli, 1475 Shattuck Ave. 848-3354. 

Holidays at Dunsmuir Walk back in time through a beautifully decorated mansion, enjoy live holiday music, have breakfast with Father Christmas at 2960 Peralta Oaks Court, Oakland. Weekends though Dec. 20. For details see www.dunsmuir.org 

“Iu Mien at Peralta Hacienda” Exhibit Opening with the traditions of the Mien people and their gardens and embroidery from 2 to 4 p.m. at Oakland Antonio Peralta House, 2465 34th Ave., Oakland. www.peraltahacienda.org 

Jingletown Holiday Art Walk Sat. and Sun. from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. between the Park and Fruitvale Street bridges bordered by the estuary separating Oakland from the island of Alameda. www.jingletown.org 

Candy Cottages Family workshop from 1 to 3 p.m. at Museum of Children’s Art, 538 9th St., Oakland. Cost is $3-$7. 465-8770. www.mocha.org  

Santa on Solano Sat. and Sun. from noon to 4 p.m. at Albany Chamber of Commerce, 1108 Solano Ave. 527-5358. 

Friends of Faith Fancher Holiday Celebration with entertainment and silent auction, from 4 to 7 p.m. at 95 Castle Park Way, Oakland. Cost is $100. www.faithfancher.org 

Close the Farm Say goodnight to the animals from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the Little Farm, Tilden Park. 544-2233. 

West County Reads Bookraiser with Santa at 10 a.m. at 6927 Stockton Ave., El Cerrito. Bring a new or gently used book to donate to West County Reads. 528-5350. 

CPR/First Aid Class from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at El Cerrito Fire Station 72, 1520 Arlington Blvd. in El Cerrito. Space is limited & pre- registration is required. Fee $48. Priority registration is given to El Cerrito & Kensington residents. For more information, contact the El Cerrito Fire Department at 215-4450. 

The East Bay Chapter of The Great War Society meets to discuss “US Nurses in WWI” by Jolie Velazquez at 10:30 a.m. in the Albany Veterans Bldg, 1325 Portland Ave. Albany. All welcome. 527-7118. 

Public Option or Single Payer Health Care: Which is better for more people while saving money? Discussion at 2 p.m. at Sacramento Senior Homes Community Room, 1501 Blake St. at Sacramento. Free. 647-3624. 

“Who Killed the Electric Car?” A documentary film by Chris Paine, followed by discussion, at 10:30 a.m. at the Rialto Cerito Cinema, 10070 San Pablo Ave. 292-0853. 

Free Garden Tours at Regional Parks Botanic Garden Sat. at 2 p.m. and Sun. at 11 a.m. and 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.  

Fairytale Weekend at Playland-Not-At-The-Beach Sat. and Sun. from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 10979 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito. Cost is $10-$15. 932-8966. www.playland-not-at-the-beach.org 

SUNDAY, DEC. 13 

Joel ben Izzy Tells Chanukah Tales at 3 p.m. at Netivot Shalom, 1316 University Ave. Proceeds benefit Easy Does It Emergency Services which provides crucial assistance to the Berkeley disability community. Tickets are sliding scale children $7-$10 and adults $10-$18 available at the door or online www.brownpapertickets.com 

Holiday Decorations - Naturally Create wreaths, garlands and other seasonal decorations using natural materials, from noon to 3:30 pm. at Tilden Nature Center. Bring clippers, a large, flat box, and a bag lunch. Not appropriate for children under eight. Cost is $25-$51. Registration required. 1-888-327-2757. 

Waterside Workshops Holiday Event and Toy-Making Workshop Come on down to our workshop for hands-on activities, make your own wooden toy, live local music, food, and fun for people of all ages, from 1 to 5 p.m. at 84 Bolivar Drive, in Berkeley’s Aquatic Park. Suggested donation $5. 644-2577. www.watersideworkshops.org 

Hanging Around Art Family workshop to make ornaments and decorations from 1 to 3 p.m. at Museum of Children’s Art, 538 9th St., Oakland. Cost is $3-$7. 465-8770. www.mocha.org  

Holiday Tree Trim with craft projects for chidren age 5 and up from 3 to 4:30 p.m. at Kensington Library, 61 Arlington Ave. 524-3043. 

Ornament Making and sing-along from 1 to 3 p.m. at Expressions Gallery, 2035 Ashby Ave. 644-4930. www.expressionsgallrey.org 

Chanukah Community Celebration Candle lighting, a Chanukah sing-along, and a feast of Jewish music ranging from Ladino to Hebrew to original compositions based on Jewish folk songs at 7:30 p.m. at Julia Morgan Theater, 2640 College Ave. Cost is $15. www.juliamorgan.org 

Community Celebration of Light: Making Hanukah Meaningful from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Jewish Community Center of the East Bay, 1414 Walnut St. 848-0237. prod.jcceastbay.org 

“The Magic Continues” Alameda Holiday Home Tour from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.   $30 in advance, $35 on day of tour. Benefit for Alameda Family Services. 629-6208. alamedaholidayhometour.info  

Community Menorah Lighting at 4 p.m. at the Bay Street Mall in Emeryville, at the Plaza, across from Barnes and Noble. Includes live music and activities for children. Sponsored by Chabad of the East Bay. 540-5824. www.chabadberkeley.org 

“Mountain Top Removal” A film and discussion on the coal industry in West Virginia at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Fellowship UU, 1924 Cedar at Bonita. Requested donation $5-$10. 841-4824.  

Fabulous Fungus Explore different ways to identify major mushroom families and learn what types of fungus grows in Tilden, from 2 to 3 p.m. at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. 544-2233. 

Old Time Radio East Bay Collectors and listeners gather to enjoy shows together at 4 p.m. at a private home in Berkeley. For more information please email DavidinBerkeley, at Yahoo. 

East Bay Atheists Annual Solstice Dinner at 1:30 p.m. at King Dong Chinese Restaurant, 2429 Shattuck Ave. 222-7580. eastbayatheists.org 

Personal Theology Seminars with Kendra Smith on “Cultivating Loving Kindness (Metta): a Traditional Buddhist Practice” at 10 a.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley, 1 Lawson Rd., Kensington. 525-0302, ext. 306. 

Super Second Sunday at the Cooperative Grocery, with tea, cider and cookies, from 5 to 7 p.m. at 1450 67th St., at Hollis. www.thecog.org 

Free Garden Tours at Regional Parks Botanic Garden in Tilden Park Sat. at 2 p.m. and Sun. at 11 a.m. and 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 Betty Cook on “Maps to Enlightenment” at 6 p.m. at the Tibetan Nyingma Institute, 1815 Highland Pl. 809-1000.  

MONDAY, DEC. 14 

“Living in Emergency: Stories of Doctors Without Borders” at 8 p.m. at Bay Street 16, 5614 Bay Street, Emeryville. Tickets are $12.50-$15. www.FathomEvents.com/ 

doctorswithoutborders 

Women on Common Ground: Holiday Decorations Help make decorations from natural materials for the Women’s Daytime Drop-in Center, and for yourself, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. Bring a small pair of hand clippers. for ages 18 and up. Cost is $15-$17. Registration required. 1-888-327-2757.  

Ohlone Greenway Safety Improvements Meeting at 6:30 p.m. at El Cerrito Community Center-Garden Room, 7007 Moeser Lane, El Cerrito. Staff from the Public Works and Police Departments, as well as a representative from ADT, will be available to answer questions about the surveillance camera system. 215-4322. 

Green Party Holiday Party at 7 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. acgreenaprty@yahoo.com 

“Fundraising in Challenging Times” A free class for nonprofit and community based organizations, from 10:30 a.m. to noon in the Richmond Main Library’s Madeline F. Whittlesey Community Room, 325 Civic Center Plaza, Richmond. Register through the Foundation Center 415-397-0902. 

Free Drop-in Knitting Group from 3:15 to 5:15 p.m. at the Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave., at Masonic. 526-3720. 

East Bay Track Club for ages 3-14 meets at 6 p.m. at the running track of Berkeley High School. For more information call Coach Walker at 776-7451. 

TUESDAY, DEC. 15 

Tuesdays for the Birds Tranquil bird walks in local parklands, led by Bethany Facendini, from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. Today we will visit Tilden Nature Area. Bring water, field guides, binoculars or scopes. Call for meeting place and if you need to borrow binoculars. 544-3265. 

Open House Senior Center Holiday Party Older Adults are invited to come and enjoy holiday music, refreshments, excerpts from the Nutcracker performed by the El Cerrito Ballet Company, and a special visit from Santa & Mrs. Claus from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 6500 Stockton Ave. El Cerrito. Lunch reservations are required. Call 559-7677. 

Winter Computer Classes in Internet, Email, Word and PowerPoint Regisstration for the session beginning Jan. 11, at 10:30 a.m. at North Oakland Senior Center Computer Lab, 5714 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Oakland. Tuition is free. $5 materials fee. 597-5085. ovas.ousd.k12.ca.us 

“Unresolved Contradictions, Driving Forces For Revolution” new talk by Bob Avakian at 7p.m. at Revolution Books 2425 Channing Way. Free, donations appreciated. 848-1196.  

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. 

Homework Help at the Albany Library for students in grades 2 - 6, Tues. and Thurs. from 3:15 to 5:15 p.m. at the Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave. Emphasis on math and writing skills. No registration is required. For more information, call 526-3720. 

Homework Help Program at the Richmond Public Library Tues. and Thurs. from 3 to 5:30 p.m. at 325 Civic Center Plaza. For more information or to enroll, call 620-6557. 

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 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. 

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 16 

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

“Seasonal Seas” A documentary, part of the Blue Planet: Seas of Life series at 7:30 p.m. at Humanist Hall, 390 27th St., Oakland. Donation $5. www.Humanist Hall.org 

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

One-on-one Computer Training Sign up for a free 30 min session at the Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave., at Masonic. 526-3720, ext. 5. 

Family Sing Along at 4:40 p.m. at the Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave., at Masonic. 526-3720. 

Albany Adult Evening Book Group meet to discuss “The Life of Pi” at 7 p.m. at the Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave., at Masonic. 526-3720. 

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. 

Berkeley Peace Walk and Vigil Sing for Peace at 6:30 p.m. at the Berkeley BART station.www.geocities.com/vigil4peace/vigil 

THURSDAY, DEC. 17 

Berkeley Path Wanderers: StairMaster Without the Gym A vigorous pre-holiday calorie burner, fast paced with a lot of steps and great views. Includes the newly opened Northgate Path. Meet at 10 a.m. at Walnut St. adjacent to the Berryman Path. 520-3876. www.berkeleypaths.org 

Community Menorah Lighting with live music and activities for children at 5 p.m. at CB2, 1730 Fourth St. Sponsored by Chabad of the East Bay. 540-5824. www.chabadberkeley.org 

Climate Change, Agro-biodiversity and Food Security “The Value of Traditional Seeds in an Unstable World” at 7 p.m. at the Ecology Center, 2530 San Pablo Ave. Donations benefit the Center for Interdisciplinary Studies in West Bengal, India. 548-4915. 

GRIP Greater Richmond Interfaith Program Open House & Video Preview from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at 165 22nd St., Richmond. Holiday donations to end homelessness hunger during the recession can be made on-line at www.gripcommunity.org 

Babies and Toddlers Storytime at 10:15 and 11:15 a.m. at the Kensington Library, 61 Arlington Ave., Kensington. 524-3043. 

Simplicity Forum What did you learn in 2009 and what are you planning for 2010? At 6:30 p.m. at Claremont Branch Library, 2940 Benvenue at Ashby. 

Free Small Business Seminar “Successful Business Plans” from 2 to 5 p.m. at Berkeley Public Library, 2090 Kittredge. Register in advance at www.acsbdc.org 

Digestive Health at 5:30 p.m. at Whole Foods, Ashby at Telegraph aves. 512 -0448. 

Community Yoga Class: Gentle Yoga, Thurs. at 10 a.m. at James Kenney Parks and Recreation Center, 8th St. and Virginia. Cost is $6. Mats provided. 207-4501. 

FRIDAY, DEC. 18 

City Commons Club Noon Luncheon with Doug Long, Chief Curator of Natural Sciences, Oakland Museum on “The Fascinating World of Evolutionary Biology: Oakland Museum’s New Hotspot California” 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 527-2173. www.citycommonsclub.org 

Say NO to War! Bring our troops home now! Come Rally for Peace! From 2 to 3 p.m. at the corner of Action and University. 841-4143. 

Not Jewish Enough? Hanukah Sheds New Light on This Question at 6:15 p.m. at Jewish Gateways, 409 Liberty St., El Cerrito. First-time participants, potluck contribution or $7, RSVP required. www.jewishgateways.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. 

Stand With Us Stand for Peace Stand with Israel vigil every Friday from noon to 1 p.m. at Bancroft and Telegraph. www.sfvoiceforisrael.org 

SATURDAY, DEC. 19 

2020 Vision for Berkeley’s Children and Youth Initiative Community Meeting at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Technology Academy auditorium, 2701 Martin Luther King Jr. Way. Childcare provided. 845-7103. www.berkeleyalliance.org. 

Berkeley Farmers’ Market Holiday Fair, with music, crafts and organic produce and lunches, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Civic Center Park, Center St. at Martin Luther King, Jr. Way. www.ecologycenter.org 

Telegraph Avenue Holiday Street Fair Sat. and Sun. from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., with music, street artists, merchants and community groups, on Telegraph between Bancroft and Dwight. 

Santa on Solano Sat. and Sun. from noon to 4 p.m. at Albany Chamber of Commerce, 1108 Solano Ave. 527-5358. albanychamer.org 

Hanukah Celebration for Young Children at 10:30 a.m. at Jewish Gateways, 409 Liberty St., El Cerrito. Free for first-time participants, RSVP required. www.jewishgateways.org 

Berkeley Artisans Open Studios Sat. and Sun. from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.. Fo map see www.berkeleyartisans.com 

Holidays at Dunsmuir Walk back in time through a beautifully decorated mansion, enjoy live holiday music, have breakfast with Father Christmas at 2960 Peralta Oaks Court, Oakland. Weekends though Dec. 20. For details see www.dunsmuir.org 

Box It, Bag It, Wrap It Family workshop to make gift bags and wrapping paper, Sat. and Sun. from 1 to 3 p.m. at Museum of Children’s Art, 538 9th St., Oakland. Cost is $3-$7. 465-8770. www.mocha.org  

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. 

Red Cross Blood Drive from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Alameda Farmers’ market, Haight Ave. and Webster St., Alameda. To schedule an appointment go to www.helpsavealife.org 

Origami Workshop Learn how to make a variety of holiday stars, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave., at Masonic. 526-3720. 

Free Garden Tours at Regional Parks Botanic Garden Sat. at 2 p.m. and Sun. at 11 a.m. and 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.  

Twas the Night Before Chirstmas Celebration at Playland-Not-At-The-Beach Sat. and Sun. from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 10979 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito. Cost is $10-$15. 932-8966. www.playland-not-at-the-beach.org 

SUNDAY, DEC. 20 

Women on Common Ground Winter Solstice Walk Join a hike to Wildcat Peak, returning to the Tiden Nature Center to a warm fire and hot cider, from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. For information call 544-2233. 

Winter Solstice Gathering Rain or shine at 4:05 p.m. at Cesar Chavez Park, Interim Solar Calendar, Berkeley Marina. www.solarcalendar.org 

Singing through the Dark A winter solstice ritual for women at 8 p.m. at Finnish Brotherhood Hall, 1970 Chestnut. Donstion $10. 464-4640. 

Art of the Winter-Tide for Young Children with crafts and a story at 11 a.m. at Kehilla Community Synagogue, 1300 Grand Ave., Piedmont. 705-2849. 

Personal Theology Seminars with Jeremy Taylor on “Social Class, Dreams, and the Nature of Paradox” 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. at 2 p.m. and Sun. at 11 a.m. and 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 

ONGOING 

Food Donations for the Homeless and Hungry From Dec. 14 to Dec. 23 please drop off food donations to Berkeley Food & Housing Project at 2362 Bancroft Way. Please, first contact Wanda Williams at 649-4965, ext. 506. wwilliams@bfhp.org 

Richmond/El Cerrito Fire and Police Holiday Toy Program New, unwrapped toys for all age groups will be collected through Dec. 14 at any El Cerrito, Kensington or Richmond Fire Station. For information call 215-4457.